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IN PEQUEÑO
3 family members, househelp stabbed to death
MASSACRE. The body of one of the four massacre victims is being brought out from their house in Residencia del Rio Phase 4, Barangay Catalunan Pequeno, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA
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OUR persons were found dead in an aparent massacre inside their dwelling in Residencia del Rio, Catalunan Pequeño on Wednesday morning. Authorities identified the fatalities as Ceasar Ann Sacro Omila, 12, student of Holy Child of Mintal; Philip Sacro, 17, student of Catalunan Pequeño National High School; Virginia Sacro, 58; and
househelp Liezel Burongan from Bobon, Mati City, Davao Oriental, 12. According to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz, the four victims were found lifeless inside their residence. The victims suffered multiple stab wounds. What was believed to be the murder weapon was found embeded at the chest of Philip
Sacro. Two victims were found inside the room while the other two were found on the kitchen and at the living room. Driz said that a certain Ramon Curray, 41, stepfather of Omila, has been tagged this early as the prime suspect of the killings although further investigation is still being conducted by police. Curray is the live-in part-
ner of Vijealyn Sacro Omila, 31, who is currently working in Japan. According to report, Curray arrived at their house around 6 a.m. and saw the four victims already lifeless. He immediately asked help of a certain alias “Chris”. “Since si Curray ang first naka kita, siya ang nahimong person of interest. And so far
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INSIDE EDGE WARRIORS TAKE GAME 1 OVER ROCKETS
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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
SUSPECT. A handcuffed Ramon Curray, the alleged suspect in the Catalunan Pequeño massacre, is taken by the authorities for further investigation. Lean Daval Jr.
House panel OKs BBL draft T
HE House ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) yesterday approved the substitute bill and the committee report on the proposed law. Voting 48-18 with one abstention, the approval came after a 13-hour marathon hearing on Tuesday in which the lawmakers deliberated and introduced minor amendments to the BBL. Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the ad hoc committee, described the 50 hearings par-
ticipated by 91 lawmakers as unprecedented in the history of the House of Representatives. Rodriguez is expected to report out the proposed measure to the plenary next week. Malacañang thanked the House ad hoc committee for approving the draft of the BBL. “We would like to thank the House committee for approving the draft BBL,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a text message to Malacañang media.
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Sec. De Lima denies receiving allowance from Mangudadatu
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EPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Wednesday vehemently denied an allegation that she was receiving a monthly allowance from Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. The allegation was made by the woman who recanted her accusation of bribery in the Maguindanao massacre case. ”Rubbish! That woman has done so much harm already to the institution. We will find out who exactly this woman is, what is she up to and who is/ are behind her,” De Lima said. ”I will not allow anyone or anything to destroy our institution and the Maguindanao massacre case,” De Lima added.
The massacre claimed the lives of 58 civilians, including 15 women and 32 media practitioners in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009. The name of De Lima is now being dragged into the controversial Maguindanao massacre case. In the new four-page sworn-affidavit executed by Jerramy Joson dated May 15, 2015, she claimed that it has been the words of Atty. Nena Santos that they have De Lima as an ally at the DOJ because she is her bestfriend. According to Joson, Santos frequently said that De Lima has been receiving a monthly allowance of Php5 million
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Rody slams HRW By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte snapped back at United States-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) for asking the national government to investigate his possible role on the killings in the city for the past decade. “What?! US- based human rights want me investigated?!.... You are all hypocrites,” Duterte said in a text message through his executive assistant Christopher Lawrence Go. Duterte slammed HRW for having the guts to call for an investigation against him but the group cannot even protect the human rights of their country, the Ameri-
can-Africans and other minorities, not to mention the inutility in dealing with the genocide going on in Africa and other countries. “To all bleeding hearts of US-based crime watch: You want a taste of justice, my style? Come to Davao City, Philippines, and do drugs in my city. I will execute you in public,”Duterte said. He said that he offers no excuses nor he apologized for the things he said in public on his crime prevention in the city by eliminating illegal drugs. HRW deputy Asia director PhelimKine earlier said the Philippine government “should investigate Duterte
for his possible involvement on the killings in the city over the past decade.” “Duterte has continued to espouse the killing of criminal suspects to combat crime in a city that has long had high numbers of apparent ‘death squad’ killings – more than 1,000 since the late 1990s,” Kine said. “(Duterte) said in a speech on May 15, 2015 that his approach to crime fighting depended on the killing of suspected criminals. ‘We’re the ninth safest city. How do you think I did it? How did I reach that title among the world’s safest cities? Kill them all (criminals),’” he added. Kine said the government
“should take a zero-tolerance approach to any public official who publicly endorses extrajudicial killings as an acceptable means of crime control… Duterte’s public support for the extrajudicial killings of suspected criminals should prompt a long overdue investigation into Duterte’s possible role in those deaths,” Kine said. 1BAP Party-List Rep. Silvestre H. Bello III said the HRW’s call is “black propaganda” against Duterte since the election is nearing. Bello said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) had conducted investigations in the past but found no ev-
and between DA Regional Field Office (RFO) 11 and the City Government of Davao for the establishment of Agri-Pinoy Trading Center - Davao (APTC-Davao) located in Daliao, Toril,” was approved on first reading. The item has been forwarded to city council’s committee on agriculture and food headed by councilor Marissa P. Salvador-Abellla. DA Secretary Proceso Al-
cala said earlier the food terminal will “revolutionize” the agricultural sector in the city. Alcala said the facility could change the lives of the farmers because they can sell the products without the intervention of middlemen. Earlier, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte had said he did not accept the project because he does not want to handle money. He said he just wanted the DA to give the facility to the
city.
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City closes in on food terminal project T
HE Davao City moved a few steps closer to owning a food terminal which will benefit the farmers after the city council passed the agreement between the city and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the establishment of the much-awaited project. In last Tuesday’s regular session, item 1301 titled as “Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be entered into by
Duterte said he accepted the project but on the condition that teams from the city government and the DA will monitor it. The MOA stated both parties shall be working closely as to the establishment of the center to ensure viability of the parties’ intentions to pursue its goals and objectives. “Parties recognize that
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
NEWS 3
EDGEDAVAO
Davao’s most wanted criminal falls By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA
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AVAO Region’s most wanted criminal who escaped from prison in 2012 was apprehended by authorities in Butuan City on Friday evening. Operatives from Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 11 and 13 together with the composite team of Police Regional Office (PRO) 11, Regional Investigation Division (RID) 11 and other security forces apprehended Roger Paglinawan Dantes. Dantes is a wanted escapee of Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DAPECOL) on December 29, 2012. He was convicted for the crimes of seven counts of murder and two counts of frustrated murder with criminal cases number 3709 and 3729, from Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 3, Iligan City on March 9, 1995. RID Chief, Police Senior Superintendent Joseph Sepulchre said that even though
the crimes of Dantes were committed outside the area of responsibility of PRO 11, his jailbreak from DAPECOL made him the number 1 most wanted person in the region. “After 3 months of manhunt operation by tracker teams from different PNP units, Dantes was apprehended,”Sepulchre said. Dantes was involved in an ambush on September 17, 2991 at the vicinity of Sitio Tower, Poblacion Kauswagan, Lanao del Sur. He was with Corporal Jesus Ednildo ad Diosdado Dekilbo who were both armed with M203 and M14 rifle when they ambushed an approaching Armak Jeep vehicle. On board of the said vehicles were nine persons who were reported to be members of Demakota Clan. Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the
HE city government will expand starting next month its testing services for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) to the barangay level. Dr. Mely Lastimoso, coordinator of the City Health Office’s (CHO) Social Hygiene Clinic, said Wednesday they
will develop the city’s 10 rural health units (RHU) as alternate testing centers for residents of the area’s 26 barangays. She said each RHU, which caters two to three cluster barangays, are now equipped to handle basic screening or testing for various diseases, including HIV/AIDS. “We have a doctor and medical technologist as-
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SIGNING UP. A parent jots down her name at the attendance sheet for volunteers and participants of Brigada Eskwela 2015 at the Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Elementary School in Davao City during the third day of the Department of Education’s annual clean-up program. Lean Daval Jr.
announces GenSan expands HIV/AIDS testing services DCWD water interruptions T D signed in each RHU and we have health workers who are trained to initiate the testing,” she said. Under the scheme, Lastimoso said the Social Hygiene Clinic will serve as the main HIV/AIDS screening facility for the city. She said the RHUs will be allowed to collect blood samples from residents who
BIRD CALL. A hawker tries to lure passersby to buy his customized flutes which can create different bird sounds that he sells for P60 each. Lean Daval Jr.
will volunteer for the test and submit them to the clinic for screening. Samples that will turn out positive for the disease will then be endorsed by the clinic for confirmatory tests to the Department of Health’s (DOH) Sexually-Transmitted Diseases/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory in Manila.
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AVAO City Water District has scheduled three sets of water interruption to give way to several service improvement projects. First set is from 8:00 PM of May 23 until 2:00 AM of May 24 affecting some areas in Bangkal particularly the entire SM Village, Alzate Compound and immediate environs. This
water cut is needed for the installation of gate valves and bypass pipe for the proposed pressure regulating valve at SM Village. Said project once completed will help reduce non-revenue water. Second set is on May 24 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Affected are some areas in Maa
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EDGEDAVAO
4 SUBURBIA
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
MORE SHELTERS. Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon of Davao Oriental Province awards a Certificate of Occupancy to a recipient of Modified Shelter Assistance Program in Cateel. Additional permanent shelters were turned over on May 15 to 977 families in Boston, Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental. To date, a total of 15,858 units have been completed in the province. Also in photo is Gemma D. Dela Cruz, DSWD Team Leader for Davao NEW OWNERS. New owners of permanent homes in Davao Oriental show off their Certificate of Occupancy. Oriental and other local officials. (DSWD)
PAGASA modifies Public Storm Warning System
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HE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) launched on Wednesday the modified Public Storm Warning System (PSWS). “Typhoons as strong as Super Typhoons with more than 220 kilometres per hour (kph) of sustained winds in the country is becoming more frequent,” said PAGASA Acting Director Dr. Vicente Malano during the launching held at the PAGASA Science Garden, Quezon City. Finding the four-level PSWS inadequate, PAGASA adopted the Super Typhoon category and this is based on the Typhoon Damage Scale from the study of former PAGASA Director Dr. Leoncio Amadore. Malano said the tropical cyclone categories are: Tropi-
cal Depression (TD) with 3060 kph winds; Tropical Storm (TS) with 61-120 kph winds; Severe Tropical Storm (STS) with 121-170 kph winds; Typhoon (TY) with 171-220 kph winds; and Super Typhoon (STY) with more than 220 kph winds. “Through the prefixes before the name of the tropical cyclone, we would know how strong it will be,” PAGASA weather division chief Dr. Esperanza Cayanan explained. Also, the modified PSWS features 5 warning signals: Signal # 1 may cause no damage to very light damage; Signal # 2 may cause light to moderate damage; Signal # 3 may cause moderate to heavy damage; Signal # 4 may cause heavy to very heavy damage and Signal # 5 may cause Very heavy to
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Damage to crops in SoCot due to dry spell now P340M T
HE damaged agriculture crops in South Cotabato province as a result of the continuing dry spell has increased to P340.7 million in estimated worth despite the occurrence of occasional rains in the area. Justina Navarrete, acting head of the South Cotabato Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said Wednesday their monitoring showed that the farm areas affected by the dry weather have continued to expand in the last several weeks. Hardest hit were farms planted with corn and palay crops in both upland and lowland areas in the province, she said. “Around 5,406 farmers in
Foreign, local investors still see ARMM as investment destination - official
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OCAL and international investors consider the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as investment destination ahead of the coming of new political entity that will being about economic and political stability in the region and in Mindanao, officials said. During the first semester of 2015, the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) reported the entry of a PHP686.74 million worth of biomass plant project in Sultan Kudarat, a new addition to the growing list of investments in the region that so far registered around PHP1.5 billion.
The biomass project of Lamsan Power Corporation is set to generate 5.5 MW additional capacity for Mindanao. The project was approved in May. Another multimillion power generation project and nickel mining project will also be established in Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi. As this developed, the Promotion of Investment Sustainability Organization (PISO) is alarmed over investment sustainability in the region once the BBL turns out diluted or watered-down. The group is composed of RBOI-registered firms in
ARMM. In a statement, the group said Congress must ensure that it will pass a BBL that is faithful to the promise of full autonomy for the Bangsamoro as it is the essence of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Currently, investors have the convenience of securing permits, licenses, approvals, administrative consents and regulatory framework from the regional government without having to go to Manila or regional administrative offices. (PNA)
O prepare the Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DepEd-ARMM) for the coming of new political entity in Mindanao called Bangsamoro government, the region conducted on Tuesday the first Education Summit for Education Communities. This is to help improve the quality and to professionalize the system of education in the region, Lawyer Jamar Kulayan, ARMM education secretary. Kulayan said the summit brought together more than 200 district supervisors, secondary
principals, and members of local school boards, officials of the department, local government units and schools from the Maguindanao II Division. It highlighted innovations and best practices as well as addressed pressing needs of the region’s education sector. “The Education Summit for Education Communities seeks to solve the problems coming from our Iranun communities. Dito nasasabi nila ‘yung mga problema sa schools nila (They can tell us problems in their schools through this event),” Kulayan said.
Problems on teachers’ appointments, lack of school buildings and the schools’ maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) were raised by the participants. “We advised them to follow the proper protocol like the Teachers Assessment and Competency Exam for appointments to evaluate teaching proficiency and boost quality education in the region,” Kulayan said. Kulayan said the requirements for the construction of school buildings like lot dona-
ARMM prepares education sector ahead of BBL
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FARMM, 10
the entire province were so far affected by the dry spell,” Navarrete said. The official said corn posted the biggest damage at P273.6 million, with a total of 6,548 hectares of farmlands directly affected. She said the dry spell, which was triggered by the mild El Nino Phenomenon, affected corn areas in 141 of the province’s 199 barangays. In Sto. Nino town, she said six corn-producing barangays were directly affected by the
calamity that left a damage of P55.5 million. For palay or rice, Navarette said the total damage has so far reached a total value of P67.13 million covering a total area of 1,287 hectares. She said some 1,433 farmers in 70 barangays were directly affected by the dry spell, which started in January. The official said the worst hit is the municipality of Banga, which posted a total crop damage as of Wednesday of
around P24.8 million. The damaged area reached 362 hectares and affected some 216 farmers, she said. As a result of the dry spell, the local governments of Tboli, Surallah and Koronadal City earlier declared their areas under the state of calamity. But South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes decided to set aside the calamity declaration for the province due to the onset of the rains in early May. (PNA)
5 ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
BIR 11 padlocks 6 establishments By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 11 padlocked on Wednesday six motor parts supply establishments in Davao City for violation of the Tax Code. BIR 11 director Glen A. Geraldino said some of the establishments have under-declaration while others failed to issue official receipt. “Definitely, they have violations under the Tax Code,” Geraldino said during the Oplan Kandado operation launched yesterday. Geraldino warned the public and other business establishments to be compliant and pay their tax dues to avoid temporary closure that may last up to five days. The establishments that were temporarily closed were mostly located along Bangoy St., including the Lkk Motor Parts &Suppy owned by Yuri Cellona, Davao Unirich Motorcycle Parts of Dennis Melanio Tai, Davao Unisun Motorcycle Parts of Aileen Ong Lim. Padlocked Kim Hong Motorcycle Parts of Teresa Salocot is located at Monteverde St. and the GTC Cycle Center
owned by Romeo SyGan is at Lapu-lapu St. Host and Revenue District Officer for East Davao Ricardo B. Espiritu said the Kim Hong Motorcycle Parts owned by Salocot recorded the biggest percentage of under declaration which reached 97 percent of its 2014 income or a total of P10.2 million and has a Value Added Tax (VAT) due of P1.2 million. The Lkk Motor Parts & Supply owner Cellona under-declared 88 percent of its income last year amounting a total of P4.9 million and has a VAT due of P588,069.64. Lim, owner of the Davao Uni-Sun Motorcycle Parts, had under-declaration of 68 percent of its income last year amounting to P2.57 million and a VAT due of P309,245.64. Davao Unirich Motorcycle Parts owner Tai has an under-declaration of 63 percent of its income amounting P1.94 million and VAT due of 232,769.64. He said that he will immediately pay his obligation in order to be back in operation.
PADLOCKED. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 11 director Glen A. Geraldino (right) and one of his personnel close down Uni-Sun Motorcycle Parts along Bangoy St. Wednesday, The BIR 11 temporarily closed down five more establishments. CHENEEN R. CAPON Espiritu said 39 percent of its 2014 revenue or P 978,202.05 of the GTC Cycle Center was under-declared. Owner Tai has a VAT due of P117,384.25. “We’re planning to close more establishments this year,” Espiritu said.
However, his revenue district office is faced with the dilemma of having only a handful of inspectors. “There are a lot of business establishments in my area, but I don’t have enough manpower,” Espiritu said. “We’re only a total of 45 per-
sonnel in our district office. He said only 2,000 of the estimated 8,000 establishments in his area were inspected last year. Earlier, the BIR 11 also padlocked the main Jaltan Food Centrum and its branches in Davao City and
Tagum due to under-declaration of income and failure to issue permits. The Oplan Kandado is a regular program of the revenue bureau which is used by BIR 11 to close down erring business establishments and to increase its tax collection.
6 THE ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
High Sasa Port cost a blow to consumers By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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ORT users and consumers stand to suffer from the controversial P17 billion Davao Sasa Port modernization, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) warned. DCCCII president Antonio dela Cruz, speaking in yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao, said the gargantuan cost of the project will automatically result to high fees in port services.
“It has been said that stevedoring, arrastre and rental fees are expected to increase by 80 percent as these would be provided by the private company that would modernize and operate the port,” the DCCCII said in its position paper where the business group expressed its opposition to the project. “There will be a terrible domino effect on such 80 percent price hike,” the Chamber said, noting that port users and consumers are depen-
LGUS told to make risk reduction plans A
S the effect of El Niño worsens, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 and the United Nations- Food and Agriculture Organization are urging all local government units to include the agriculture aspects in making disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans. “We have already piloted in some areas of Davao Oriental for Davao Region,” UNFAO national project coordinator and DRR and climate change specialist Dr. Roberto C. Sandoval Jr said during the Climate-Forum Agriculture at the Ritz Oasis Garden Hotel yesterday. The forum was attended by different regional, provincial, and municipal agriculturists who will help DA and FAO in dissemination climate information management in DRR at the local level.
Sandoval said being able to disseminate climate information to affected sectors effectively can minimize the negative impacts of disasters like the long drought season which caused P120 million damage to the agriculture sector already. Sandoval said the local government units of some municipalities on the eastern seaboards of Davao Oriental are already being trained since last March to be capacitated in making DRR plans for agriculture. “It’s is very important for each LGUs to have its own respective DRR plans that has an agriculture aspect,” he said. “With a plan, LGUs will be able to rehabilitate faster what has been affected by disasters in the agriculture sector.”
dent of Sasa Port in exporting and importing good and other products. “Normally, a petition to increase rates takes many years for approval at the Philippine Port Authority. With public– private partnership (PPP), the new rate is arbitrary as it will not require public hearings and other consultations with the affected shippers and consumers,” DCCCII added. The projected price increase of 80 percent is also too much as PPA only granted
increase in the past of about 5 percent to 10 percent, and PPA did not allow increase in Sasa Port in the past few years fearing shippers would transfer to other ports, according to the business group. Dela Cruz said when this happens, port users might resort to ransferring to other ports like the Davao Integrated Container Terminal in Panabo City and Hijo Port in Madaum, Tagum City that might offer lower rate. At present, Sasa port
OPPOSITION. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president
serves to containers, bulks and passengers. DCCCII believes that that if the new rate will be implemented, this will be also applicable to other sea ports like General Santos, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Dapitan, Cagayan de Oro and the Mindanao Cargo Terminal at Tagaloan, even if these ports did not introduce new development. “We are not against the modernization of Davao Sasa Port. We just want the gov-
ernment to delay the awarding to the project to the winning contractor and study it thoroughly,” Dela Cruz said. He said their position paper will be submitted to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., and the Investment Ombudsman window of the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao. The DCCCII will also tap consultants and experts who can assess whether the project cost of the modernization projects is justifiable.
strong opposition in the planned P18.9 billion Davao Sasa Port modernization project
FLGUS, 10 Antonio dela Cruz (left) and corporate secretary lawyer Enrique Diola express their during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.
HB5161 surprises ARBs in Mindanao S
TADECO Hospital inside the banana plantationfor their workers and families
OME Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the banana industry in Mindanao were surprised by the proposed House Bill 5161 authored by Ifugao Representative Teddy Brawner Baguilat. These ARBs were not consulted and yet they were lumped together with Hijo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (HARBCO), a cooperative of the Lapanday Foods in Davao del Norte, which had a “contract growing” agribusiness ventures arrangement (AVA) with the company, HARBCO reportedly incurred P290 million in debts
WEARBEMPCO coop members enjoying their 2 storey air conditioned office building
with Lapanday owing to controversial provisions in their AVA with Lapanday. HB5161 is a proposed act to regulate the establishment and implementation of AVAs in land reform areas. “We are inviting Congressman Baguilat to come down to Mindanao and talk to many of us so he will be able to see the real situation,” said Helmer Malacao, chairman of Wadecor Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative (WEARBEMPCO). According to the ARBs, contract growing, without the right supervision from the company will not be managed properly by a farmers’ cooperative. It will probably be mishandled right from the start when the company turns over the control of the land to the ARBs. Without the company’s supervision, the ARBs can divert both cash advances and farm inputs to other purposes other than what are really needed for the farm’s productivity. Sometimes, fertilizers from the company are not used properly on their crops, reducing the productivity of the land. Thus, they cannot deliver the bananas according to the “contract growing” scheme signed with the company. They can also resort into pole vaulting. Pole-vaulting is the illegal act of selling farm produce to traders or buyers other than to the company, which they have
signed AVAs with. Pole-vaulting has become a serious problem not only in the banana industry but also in other agribusiness-related contracts. Those are the disadvantages of “contract growing” as opposed to “lease-back contracts,” said Zosima Agustin, vice-chairman of Central Tadeco Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative (CTARBEMPCO). FULL SUPPORT “In our lease back contracts, the company provides all out support. We were like freshly hatched chicks which were raised until we’re full grown chickens. Since we became landowners, we enjoyed continuous backing and support from the company,” said Romeo Manuel, CTARBEMPCO chairman. “In our lease back contracts, we enjoy sick and vacation leaves. We have health care and hospitalization services. We have scholarship programs and car pools to pick up and drop off our kids to and from school. We even have retirement relief funds,” said Agustin of CTARBEMPCO. “Lease back” is a business transaction, where one sells an asset (in this case, land) and leases it back for the long-term; therefore, the seller continues to be able to use and manage the land although he no longer owns it. “If Congress would really like to support the farmers, they
should provide a support system for the ARBs. After the land was awarded to us, we’ve never received any support from the government, ” said Felipe Pagaduan of WEARBEMPCO. “Our cooperatives are flourishing. We have other businesses other than our AVAs with our company. We operate stores selling consumer goods, we provide housing loans to our members (‘with the lands donated by our company’), we have a gasoline station, rubber plantations, tilapia growing livelihood and lending businesses. We are contented with our contracts with our company,” members of the cooperatives proudly said. “Instead of interfering in purely private transactions between small landowners and banana growers, government should help educate the ARBs on values formation,” said Malacao of WEARBEMPCO. He explained that values formation is really needed by some members of the cooperatives so that they will not divert the resources intended for the plantations to other purposes. “Government should just assume the problem of HARBCO but do not interfere with the rest of the AVAs because most of the provisions in the HB5161 do not apply to us. We do not have that kind of problem,” said Renato Vismanos, chairman of Nest Farm Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Cooperative (NEARBECO).
INdulge!
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
EVENT
Souped up and snapping at Story and photos by LEAN DAVAL JR. IT’S barely six o’clock in the morning but me and my colleagues in the media had hit the road fast and hard. Our destination? Gumasa beach in the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province. We were grinding this seemingly unending path leading to a wellknown summer party haven on the invitation of San Miguel Corporation through the firm’s bubbly PR person Meggy Macion-Santos to cover Sarangani Bay Festival-one of the most popular summer ferstivals in the country. My thoughts were telling me that this day will turn out great as I will have that rare chance to capture the sights and sounds of the muchtalked-about SarBay. This coverage gives me a fresh, new experience of what it’s like to be with a highly-charged crowd. Actually, this place is not new to me having been here three times in the past. But I always wanted to go back since the last time I’ve been here a few years ago and back then I have already fallen in love with its picturesque view, powdery white sand and pristine waters. It’s been a long time coming but my longing was finally realized. Sarangani Bay Festival promised to have a grandiose event on its 10th edition this year. The fes-
tival has become one of popular beach festivals with its beach parties and sports activities which aimed to raise awareness of the need to protect the province’s environment. As expected, tens of thousands of sports enthusiasts, beach and partygoers from just about every corner in the country came to experience and witness the festivities hyped as the summer’s biggest beach party in Mindanao. At the break of dawn, participants gatheredat the beach front eager to outdo and outsmart each other in beach volleyball, beach football and jet ski competition. But the highlight of the day’s event was the iconic bancarera-- a special event staged in honor of the province’s fisher folks. At dusk, bright lights shone beneath the skies of Gumasa Beach signalling the start of an all-night party made possible by the festival’s major sponsor, the San Miguel Corporation. Merrymakers and party animals frolicked to EDM beats while local bands and party DJs played this generation’s anthemic songs. Energy
SarBay Fest
level went sky-high as tropical scented bubbles bathed partyphiles in the much awaited foam party. After hours of partying and downing bottles of chilled SanMig Lite, our group decided to call it a night and went back to our hotel in General Santos City where we stayed for the night. We left SarBay sapped of our party adrenalin but judging from the smiles on our faces, we would definitely love to do it again next year.
EDGEDAVAO
A2 INdulge!
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
EVENT
An afternoon of fun Instax D.I.Y. projects
THE activity area of Robinson’s Abreeza was filled with D.I.Y. and Instax fanaticos last May 16 as Fujifilm Instax brought to Davao the latest iteration of their Instax D.I.Y Day. This year’s DIY event showcased various creative ways to use the instant photo prints of Instax. From keychains to keep your friends and family closer to building your own great wall of memories, the event allowed guests to discover the beauty and creativity of Instax photography. Speakers for the event included Moira Estrada who showcased the use of photos as keychains. “The photo keychains allow me to keep memories of my friends and my family just within easy reach,”
says Moira “the project is also easy to do.” Tyrine Silva, a certified Instax fanatic shared her unique way of organising her Instax photos. “I got the idea of making a great
wall of memories using my Instax,” says Tyrine “all I needed were my Instax photos, a wall, and some adhesive tape.” Dabawenyo graphic designer, crafter and
barista, April San Pedro also shared her own creative project. Calling it lampstax, the DIY lamps used translucent paper, markers, twine and Instax photos to make every
happy memory glow. “I love how Instax allows me to instantly see the photos I take,” beams April “the custom feel of the fim really makes each lamp unique”
The event ended with giveaways from Fujifilm Instax as well as a raffle draw that saw two lucky participants going home with their own Instax camera.
Parties cap 2015 Visit Davao Fun Sale To culminate the Visit Davao Fun Sale tourism sale program organized by the Department of Tourism-11, Davao City Tourism Office and in partnership with private tourism stakeholders of Davao, two electronic dance music parties were held simultaneously, Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Matina Town Square (MTS) and at Club Echelon, The Peak, Gaisano Mall of Davao. The event, dubbed as “Visit Davao Fun Sale Summer End Parties”, featured renowned DJ Clyde Martin Pulgar for MTS and DJ Clyde Harris for Club Echelon. Local DJs such as DJ Nikki Rose, DJ Brylle, DJ Ronn Mirage, MC Klawn, and MC Lemuel also heat up the night of fun and dancing. An estimated number of 1,000 youngsters attended the black light party at MTS called Heat Wave, while there were about 350 who joined the “Party at the Peak” at Club Echelon. Guests enjoyed in-event promotions such as freebies, “lady and gentleman of the night” contest and airline raffle contests courtesy of VDFS major
sponsors. Preliminary activities were also held prior to the parties. For MTS, officers and members of the Mindanao Mountaineers Community took their oath of membership to the organization. A culminating activity of the Visit Davao Food Trip, another Visit Davao Fun Sale activity, was held at the Club
Echelon as a prelude to the event proper. The Visit Davao Fun Sale is a six-week, 7 weekends sale and events extravaganza held from April 3 to May 17, 2015. It featured discounts and special promos coming from over 200 establishments around the city to make Davao City a mustexperience tourism destination for the summer.
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
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ENTERTAINMENT
Taken by Cars to perform live at SM Lanang Premier
THE Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier has been the key venue for many exciting musical gigs and parties in metro Davao. On May 23, at 6pm, it comes alive once again with an ode to summer’s end through an entrancing performance of Filipino indie rock band, Taken by Cars. Taken by Cars, also known as TbC, has captivated audiences around Metro Manila and beyond with its infectious mixture of electro, shoegazing and new wave sounds. The band performed several shows abroad, including one at Singapore’s Baybeas Music Festival, and was named by Time Magazine as one of the five new bands to watch out for in 2011. Fronted by Sarah Marco on vocals, Bryce Zialcita on lead guitar,
of The Fountain Court restaurants from May 21 to May 23 and present the said receipt at the Global Pinoy Center at the Lower Ground Level to redeem the tickets. Two hundred (200) seat tickets are reserved on a first-come, first-
Derek Chua on rhythm guitar, Isa Garcia on bass guitar and Bryan Kong on drums and sampler, the band’s first single, “A Weeknight Memoir” received heavy radio airplay and reached the
top spot of NU 107’s daily countdown in 2007. Its follow-up releases and records were also well received by critics and fans. The public can get the chance to watch TbC
play live at The Fountain Court grounds on Saturday. To avail of 2 free seat tickets, shoppers only need to get P1,000 worth of single or accumulated purchase receipt from any
ing her since the beginning of her career. As the country’s newest fashion muse, she expressed her excitement on being the cover girl of Preview magazine this May. “Preview is my first solo cover for a fashion magazine. And super saya nito kasi dream ko
talagang mag-cover sa Preview. Siguro parang isa siya doon sa mga bagay na dream lang ng lahat ng babae or like when you were a little girl, ‘di ba?” Despite this achievement, the GMA Artist Center star remained humble and acknowledged the team that worked hard in supporting her during the photo shoot. Janine reveals, “Maswerte ako kasi yung team na kasama ko kapag pictorial, sila-sila palagi. Sobrang gaan nila katrabaho, at kilalang-kilala na nila ako. Sila talaga yung reason kung bakit lumalabas na maganda yung mga shoot. I really can’t take any credit for it kasi ‘di ba, kapag shoot maraming pre-prod. May concept, may styling, eh dadating ka lang naman, so parang ako na yung least na pwedeng magtake credit para doon.”
served basis. So hurry, dine at The Fountain Court and watch Taken by Cars for free. For inquiries, contact 285-0943 to 45. Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news and event updates.
Janine Gutierrez thankful for a dream come true WITH a growing number of covers on some of the country’s most prestigious fashion magazines, Janine Gutierrez celebrated this milestone by hosting a thanksgiving event that took place last May 7 at Green Sun’s SOMA. The name Janine Gutierrez has been evident all over magazine spreads and online publications, and after successfully concluding her primetime soap last March, she continues to prove that she is more than just an actress and a pretty face. She has impressed the publications that she worked with and received remarks for being unique, classy, and professional. She delivered mesmerizing photos in magazines and answered interview questions with downright brilliance. Being
part of a family with showbiz royalty, Janine has set her mind on making a name for herself. At the event, Janine received her guests with a warm smile and took the opportunity to give thanks to the people who have been support-
May 21, 2015
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult R16
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
PITCH PERFECT 2 Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson PG
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
PARA SA HOPELESS ROMANTIC Nadine Lustre, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Inigo Pascual PG
R-16
12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS
SPY Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham R13
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
EDGEDAVAO
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
FOOD
Seda Chef Exchange Program brings Nuvali’s exec sous chef to Davao Chef Danny Gallardo comes to Seda Abreeza to showcase his expertise in Japanese cuisine SEDA ABREEZA offers a new taste as Seda Nuvali’s Executive Sous Chef Danny Gallardo shares his Japanese cuisine expertise to Davaoenos. Chef Danny comes over to Seda Abreeza on May 25 to 30, 2015 for the Japanese Food Festival. This event is part of the urban lifestyle hotel chain’s Seda Chef Exchange Program which enables the Head Chef of each Seda Hotel to visit another of its own and share their expertise in the food industry. For the last week of May, Seda Abreeza’s Misto will have a special Japanese lunch and dinner menu for its guests. The Japanese set menu serves choices among pork, beef, chicken, seafood, or vegetables along with tuna or salmon sashimi, miso soup, Japanese rice and fruit platter
for Php 780 nett. Ala carte meals are also available starting at Php 300 nett. By May 29, Japanese food lovers may indulge in a Japanese Dinner Buffet at Php 980 nett for adults and Php 680 nett for kids. The buffet showcases Japanese favorites from appetizers down to desserts. The event aims to give guests a complete Japanese dining experience as Seda Abreeza incorporates a Japanese-themed vibe, from decorations to costumes and service quality. Chef Danny has spent about 26 splendid years of his life creating numerous dishes for countless 5-star hotels and restaurants. He associates his expertise in the Japanese cuisine back on his first stint in a Japanese restaurant. He was widely surrounded by Japanese chefs, which stirred his interest. His skills in Japanese cuisine and buffet took him places as Saipan, Dubai, Ukraine, and India. The week-long festivity also includes the Seda Rewards Members Japanese Dinner Party on May 28th. Members will know easy but fun ways of creating Japanese food favorites through a cooking demo by Chef Danny Gallardo. This is Seda Abreeza’s way of giving back to its loyal bookers. Neil Llanes, Talentadong Pinoy defending champion whose Asia’s Got Talent audition video hit a million in YouTube, will grace both the Seda Rewards event and the Japanese Dinner Buffet. After Chef Danny, it is Seda BGC Executive Chef Romualdo “Pepe” Cas-
tillo‘s turn to visit Seda Abreeza and cook his Old Manila and Spanish dishes. Last month, Seda Abreeza’s very own Chef
Giovanna “Bang” Flores went to Seda Nuvali to introduce to them various Mindanawon and Davao dishes and was dubbed as Kadayawan Food Fest.
BIGGER PICTURE 7
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
For the love of numbers Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
H
OW far is the sun from the planet earth? How many days will it take for man to reach the moon? How many hours is the flight from Tokyo, Japan to New York, United States? How many seconds will it take for a coconut once it falls to hit the ground? How will you divide a pizza pie equally to nine children? How long is the Great Wall of China? How many people live in the Philippines today? How will you know that there are more people who like a certain product over other product? Can a survey be a precursor of the result of an election? How high is the world’s tallest building today? Had it not been for mathematics, we would never know the answers to these questions. Mathematics (which comes from the Greek word, mathema, which means “knowledge, study, learning”) is the study of topics such as quantity (numbers), structure, space, and change. Aristotle defined mathematics as “the science of quantity,” and this definition pre-
Ian Rowe showing his physique
The mathematician loves to read
vailed until the 18th century. It wasn’t until in the 19th century that the study of mathematics increased in rigor and began to address abstract topics such as group theory and projective geometry, which have no clearcut relation to quantity and measurement. However, a great many professional mathematicians take no interest in a definition of mathematics, or consider it undefinable. Some just say, “Mathematics is what mathematicians do.” Most students consider mathematics as “the hardest subject.” In fact, there are those who are not able to graduate because of getting a failure in the subject. And there are students who hate it -- even just by hearing the professor of the subject. This school year, students will again be perplexed as they undergo another initiation of various numbers in mathematics, problem solving, and getting the right answer. There’s a saying that the more you hate, the more you love. If can’t lick them, join them, goes another saying. That was what Ian Rowe S. Giron did. After graduating from Alabel National Science High School in 2006, he enrolled at the Mindanao State University in General Santos City as a scholar of Sarangani Province. Although he hated mathematics when he was still in high
school, he took Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering. At first, it was alright. He was already on his third year in college when he failed in some of the subjects. He seemed to be out of focus in his studies. “I joined modeling at male pageants,” he said of the reason. “I was distracted by doing those extra-curricular activities and I mismanaged my time.” Despite this, he really wanted to finish college. So, it was then that he shifted to Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. “Both courses were closely related,” he said. “Similarly, both courses are also very hard.” He said now. “It’s just fulfilling to overcome math challenges when, in fact, I didn’t really like the subject when I was still in high school.” When asked why mathematics is such a hard subject, Giron explained: “Mathematics is hard because it is about figures, computations, and solving problems. Most people don’t want to have problems so that’s why they despise mathematics. But seriously speaking, math is about logic, finding different solutions to solve a certain case problem. Math is logical and figurative, and so does life. And that is the reason why math is really applicable to our day-to-day activities.” After graduating from college in 2011, he did some menial jobs. It was not until he joined a bank company that he finally found a better job. “Being part of the bank was the best thing I will always remember and be thankful for,” he said. “It was a dream that came true. I salute all the bankers because their job is very risky, the workload is very heavy and high pressure is put on them.” Currently, Giron works for a government agency, where he is at home as he is using numbers and what he learned when he was still in college. He is looking forward to more fruitful years in government service. Giron may never be like Albert Einstein, his favorite mathematician, but he is inspired by him. “Einstein was weak and rejected and was dismissed as failure,” he said. “But he fought back for his passion.” He even quoted this statement from the master: “Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong; it is character.” He gave this idea as the interpretation of the above quote: “No matter how educated and skillful a person is, the character will always be the core of every success.” On why he joined male pag-
eants and did some stints as a model, Giron replied: “It was really all right to make yourself busy doing the things you love. But the only thing was that I sacrificed my priority which was my studies. I think we need to balance everything in life.” At one time, he won the Ginoong Alabel 2009. He also had an opportunity of working with some modeling agencies. “I started ramp modeling in General Santos City when I was in college,” he recalled. “I know there is always a better looking person than me. This is something that motivates me to become humble all the more and work hard to improve myself.” Now in his mid-20s, Giron doesn’t consider ramp modeling as a profession. “It is just stuff that I love and it’s fun for me,” he said. “I always go for a stable job and a promising
Ian Rowe as a model business career.” But if he had his way, he wants to do his first love: acting (and dancing). “Being an actor is the wildest dream I want to pursue if given an opportunity,” he said, adding that people are always affected when they watch a movie. “That’s what I want to do: Giving an impact to the lives of the viewers through acting.” Even if he is no longer joining male pageants, Giron still maintains his physique. “I started doing workouts when I joined male pageants. I don’t
do diet since it’s too hard to absorb, so I would say, balanced lifestyle is my secret. Not too much junk food, soft drinks, and alcohol. If possible, don’t smoke. Drink a lot of water. Make fruits and vegetables a part of your meal every day.” Now going back to mathematics, do you know the answers of those asked in the first two paragraphs of this feature? If you don’t, then try to google for the answers. Of course, Giron knows the answers. Right, Ian?
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EDITORIAL Tempest over port project
T
HE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), Mindanao’s premier business grouping, has come out swinging against the P17-billion plus Sasa Port Modernization Project, calling its recent bidding “hurried and clouded.” “As the voice of the business sector, DCCCII sees the revised PPP project cost of P17 billion as absurd and very alarming,” Chamber president Antonio T. dela Cruz said. The Chamber is asking the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to explain how the project cost ballooned from the original P4-billion estimate in a 2013 study by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to P17 billion. A thorough explanation has to be made, and a thorough consultation with the business sector and stakeholders is a must,” Dela Cruz said. It appears that the DoTC disregarded the PPA study and adopted the one done by the Development Bank of the Philippines and
EDGEDAVAO
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International Finance Corp. (IFC) which placed the cost at a whopping P17 billion. “The immense increase is mind-boggling,” dela Cruz said, adding that Sasa Port will compete with the private ports already in place in Davao City and Davao del Norte and the planned Hijo Port in Tagum City.” He said Hijo Port in Tagum City will occupy three times the area of Sasa Port, but it only costs P5.7 billion. The tempest over the Sasa port project springs from the usual failure of Manila-based proponents, in this case, the national government (DOTC and DBP) and a foreign partner, to consult local stakeholders. If the proponents only consulted the locals, they should found that the Sasa project is a duplication of similar private sector multi-billion projects located in Davao City and Davao del Norte. As it is, there are already ugly talks that the controversial project is a scheme by some wise guys to raise campaign funds for the approaching national elections.
AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation
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Just because we’re from Davao (Part 2)
HAT makes Mayor Duterte’s speeches inspiring for commentators is not the language but the words and the message they contain. It’s a straightforward, clear message, unequivocal and strong. Most Dabawenyos don’t use too many words and are thus able to speak their truths more clearly in a manner full of respect and courtesy. Dabawenyos try to keep speech short and sweet perhaps to prevent themselves from being misunderstood and to prevent conflict from erupting. What is even more interesting is that people in Davao may speak different languages yet understand each other. It is not uncommon to go to market and speak to the storekeepers in Tagalog and be replied to in Cebuano. Of course, non-Dabawenyos will find this odd, but here it’s perfectly normal. What is language anyway but a means of communication and a way by which community solidarity and a measure of cultural homogeneity are achieved? As long as understanding is achieved, then the language, no matter how imperfect, serves its purpose. People communicate and achieve an understanding. That’s what matters. Beyond this, they are able to build a community that loves itself. We eschew excessive luxury and choose to be simple Dabawenyos in Manila, no matter how rich they may be, don’t mind taking cabs. Dabawenyos in Davao also don’t mind riding cabs. If they do own cars, they don’t opt for luxury vehi-
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HILE I was browsing one of the recent issues of Edge Davao, I came across a picture taken by Lean Daval, Jr. It had Madronie D. Cruz, senior sales executive of the Anakata Renewables, Inc., who was explaining “the features of a state-of-the-art wind turbine” which was displayed at the company’s booth during the Philippine Building and Construction Exposition Davao at SM Lanang’s Premier’s SMX Convention Center. The photo was simply titled “Wind Power.” Industry experts predict that if the pace of growth on renewable sources of energy continues, “by 2050 the answer to one third of the world’s electricity needs will be found blowing in the wind,” according to the National Geographic. “Across the developing world, countries are beginning to see the way the wind is blowing,” said Klaus Toepfer, former executive director of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “Once it was believed that only one percent of their area was suitable for wind power.” Not anymore. “The serious development of wind power in modern times began in 1973 after the oil crisis shook the confidence of the developed world that oil was there for the asking. Today, wind power is the fastest growing energy source in several regions of Europe, with the United States and India following behind in total installed capacity. And the potential is enormous,” notes Dr. Leon Freris, a visiting professor of renewable energy at the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology in Loughborough University in England. In Denmark, for instance, wind energy now contributes 13 per cent of national energy consumption, the highest proportion of any country in the world. When the wind blows strongly, wind energy supplies more than half the electricity in the western half of the country. Lester Brown, of the Washington-based Earth Policy Institute, said more than 70 countries are now developing wind resources. “Between 2000 and 2010, world wind electric generating capacity increased at a frenetic pace
cles. Function MY TWO CENTS’ matters more than looks, and that’s why Asian Utility Vehicles and pick up trucks are preferred to enable them to visit farms and deal with flashfloods and John Tria the occasional rough road. ecisouth@gmail.com Noteworthy is the fact that a BMW dealership has been actively selling their expensive German cars for almost a decade in Cagayan de Oro but have yet to open a branch in Davao. It is reasonable to assume that being more than twice the population of Cagayan, the market for luxury cars is larger in Davao should be much bigger. But I guess buying behaviors of Davao folk are a bit different from those in C de O. Even more pleasantly surprising is that rich Dabawenyos and businesspeople don’t change cars as frequently as their Manila counterparts. Ten-year-old cars are common, unlike Manila counterparts who sell their vehicles off as soon as final amortization payments are made within 24 or 36 months. Many retailers of luxury clothing and footwear note that sales of their items
are good only when they go on sale, and that higher end models and variants don’t sell as well as they do elsewhere. Business attire in Davao is a polo shirt and slacks. Polo barongs are for lawyers and government personnel. A highly successful yet very simple Davao businessman I asked explained this phenomenon in one sentence: “Sino naman ang popormahan natin dito? “ We eat Davao-sized meals and cannot survive without fresh fruit Davao meal sizing can be reduced to a simple definition. What’s good for three is actually good for five according to Manila standards. Because food is 30 percent cheaper than it is in Manila, serving portions are larger and have better quality ingredients. For example, Davao chop suey must have broccoli and cauliflower, unlike similar dishes in Metro Manila and other areas. Our lunch and dinner buffest feature a wide variety of food and contain cake desserts apart from fresh fruit. We need fruit apart from dessert. We are proud of where we come from and don’t mind coming back More than any other place in the Philippines, Davao has more than its usual share of successful balikbayans, expatriates, and internal migrants. They don’t just come here to retire, but do business. Dabawenyos in Manila and elsewhere pine for the greenery, freshness, and low cost of living they are accustomed to in
Davao. It’s not surprising to find Davao folk going to Manila to find jobs that expose them to top grade professionals in their respective fields. But after several years, they often go back to Davao, whether on frequent short term visits or longer term stays. In both instances, they come to do some work or practice. Many lawyers, doctors, and architects fall into this category. All with Manila or international work experience, yet eventually establishing a practice in Davao. I know of a few top rate Davao born surgeons who come to Davao annually to treat several cases, and that forms part of a successful global practice spanning several countries. In their hearts they never left Davao, and they take pride in being part of the city’s rise as a great Southeast Asian metropolis. Perhaps that’s the future of the Dabawenyo Jose in the introduction to this article, who braves a little discrimination while seeking a job in Manila. He will eventually land a good position in an accounting firm and gain needed exposure and professional experience, before eventually coming back to Davao, either for a few months in a year, or for good. Just because he is from Davao, he has a clear idea of who he is, is not scared to think, feel or perceive truth, beauty, and the rest of the world in his unique Dabawenyo way, expressing himself in his thoughts with a mixed language and is unafraid of the prejudice, or the fact that he may be different from his Manila peers.
from 17,000 THINK ON THESE! megawatts to nearly 200,000 megawatts,” he wrote in “Harnessing Wind, Solar, and Geothermal Energy,” a chapter which appeared in the book, World on the Edge: How to Prevent Environ- Henrylito D. Tacio mental and Eco- henrytacio@gmail.com nomic Collapse. The Philippines, home to more than 7,000 islands, is following suit. In fact, wind power now makes up a small percentage of the total energy output of the country. Before the Burgos Wind Project, there were the Bangui Wind Farm in Bangui in Ilocos Norte and the Wind Energy Power System (WEPS) in Puerto Galera in Mindoro Oriental. The Bangui Wind Farm, the very first largescale wind power plant in the country, cost 50 million dollars to build. The windmills were built by Northwind Power Development Corporation, a private firm headed by a Danish engineer. It became operational in June 2005. According to Northwind, the wind farm supplies up to 40 per cent of the electricity requirement of Ilocos Norte. It also sells the supply to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative at a discounted rate. “Power supply is more reliable nowadays and that’s because of the windmills,” Elinao Ramiento, a barangay councillor in Taguiporo, one of the barangays being energized by the 25-megawatt wind power plant, told journalist Girlie Linao Mar. Ramiento recalled that when a typhoon cut off power supply to the barangay one time, it didn’t take long for the service to return after the deluge. “The windmills apparently made it easier to get power back to us,” he surmised.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are more than 1,000 wind sites in the northern and central Philippines, with a potential capacity of at least 7,400 megawatts - enough to power 19 million homes. “Wind is the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure,” the National Geographic explains. “In fact, wind exists because the sun unevenly heats the surface of the Earth. As hot air rises, cooler air moves in to fill the void. As long as the sun shines, the wind will blow. And as long as the wind blows, people will harness it to power their lives.” Today, people are realizing that wind power “is one of the most promising new energy sources” that can serve as an alternative to fossil fuel-generated electricity. Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electrical power, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships. Actually, societies have taken advantage of wind power for thousands of years. The first known use was in 5000 BC when people used sails to navigate the Nile River. Persians had already been using windmills for 400 years by 900 AD in order to pump water and grind grain. Windmills may have even been developed in China before 1 AD, but the earliest written documentation comes from 1219. Cretans were using “literally hundreds of sail-rotor windmills (to) pump water for crops and livestock.” The Dutch were responsible for many refinements of the windmill, primarily for pumping excess water off land that was flooded. The windmill was further refined in the late 19th century in the United States; some designs from that period are still in use today. The first large windmill to produce electricity was the “American multi-blade design,” built in 1888. Its 12-kilowatt capabilities were later superseded by modern 70-100 kilowatt wind turbines. “Wind turbines for electricity generation are essentially simple devices, though their design requires deep understanding of the prop-
erties of wind, aerodynamics as well as mechanical and electrical engineering,” explains Dr. Freris. The kinetic energy in the wind is intercepted by three or two rotating, slender blades. The action of these blades is to extract energy from the wind by slowing it down. This extracted energy first appears as mechanical energy on the turbine shaft and then as electrical energy from a generator coupled to the shaft through a gearbox. “The power in the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, hence doubling of the wind speed results in an eight-fold increase in electrical power generated,” informs. Dr. Freris. “Wind turbines are designed to stop if the wind speed becomes excessive and do not rotate if the wind speed is too low for useful energy extraction.” Wind turbines are usually congregated in wind farms, consisting of few or as many as 100 machines. By installing several machines on a site the costs of connection to the electricity grid and the operation and maintenance costs are reduced. Aside from wind power being environment-friendly, it is also cheaper. “If a household used wind power for 25 percent of its needs, it would spend only $4 or $5 dollars per month for it and the price is still dropping,” contends alterenergy.org. “Compare this to 4.8 to 5.5 cents per kilowatt per hour (kWh) for coal or 11.1 to 14.5 cents per kWh for nuclear power.” But of course, wind power should not be the only source of electricity. Generally, hydroelectricity complements wind power very well. When the wind is blowing strongly, nearby hydroelectric plants can temporarily hold back their water, and when the wind drops they can rapidly increase production again giving a very even power supply. The answer is not only blowing in the wind but the future is based on it. As singer Peter Frampton wrote: “The future’s in the air, I can feel it everywhere; blowing with the wind of change…”
Power from the wind
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
MASSACRE... FROM 1 sa investigation, no sign of forced entry inside the house,” Driz said. The suspect works as a call center agent in a company along Jacinto Extension in this city. Driz said that Curray is now under the custody of DCPO while investigation is still ongoing. She said that there were some inconsistencies on the statement of Curray during the interrogation, a scratch was also seen on his right arm. Authorities were looking for financial, crime of passion or personal grudge as possible
motive of the killings. “May report kami na natanggap na hindi na nag bibigay yung live-in partner ni Curray ng pera sa kanya, diritso na sa nanay o anak yung padala ng pera,” Driz said. Driz clarified though that the police were not focusing their investigation of Curray alone. She said that they are also considering other persons involved. As of this writing, operatives of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) are still conducting their investigation on the incident.
idence found to pin down Duterte as the alleged mastermind in the summary killings in the city. For his part, City Council committee on peace and order and public safety chair councilor NiloAbellera Jr. said that HRW’s call is “redundant.” Abellera said Duterte has been investigated by the CHR during the time of now Justice Secretary Leila Delima and the office proved nothing. He also agreed with Bello that the call for investigation cropped up since there are only a few months before the 2016 presidential election. Councilor Leah Librado-Yap, in an interview, said
the issue is due to the higher rating of Duterte in the last Social Weather Station (SWS) Survey for possible presidential candidates. “I think it is politically motivated because this issue is redundant since the previous investigation of CHR has already been settled,” Librado-Yap said. She said the people have accepted Duterte’s style of governance prioritizing the peace and order of his city. The lady councilor added that when it comes to the issue of killings, the mayor knows what is legal and illegal since he is a lawyer and a former prosecutor himself.
Lastimoso reiterated that the tests in the alternate facilities will be offered free of any charge and conducted in confidential. She said they will immediately subject the infected residents to counselling and endorse them to the DOH for antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. ARV drug treatment mainly stops the multiplication of the infected person’s viral load and eventually prevents them from further spreading the disease. In some countries, the use of ARV drugs has helped effectively lower the incidence of HIV infection to about one percent and eventually stabilized the detected cases. The DOH has designated the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City as the area’s treatment hub for HIV/ AIDS. The official said they decided to expand their testing services so then can reach out to more residents, especially the potential HIV carriers. “The awareness about HIV/AIDS and the need for individuals to undergo proper testing has been increasing and we want to complement that,” she said.
Lastimoso specifically cited the “overwhelming” response from local residents to the HIV testing activities that they conducted last week as part of the National HIV Testing Week. She said a total of 770 individuals volunteered to undergo the test at their mobile testing facility inside the Robinsons Mall here. As of Wednesday, she said they already found a positive case out of the initial samples that they subjected to initial screening. A CHO report said the number of confirmed HIV/ AIDS cases in the city has already reached 206, with the latest involving a 23 year-old pregnant mother. Since January, it said seven AIDS patients in the area have died due to various disease complications. Most of the confirmed HIV/AIDS cases in the city were found among male professionals in the 22 to 25 age bracket who were engaged in “risky sexual behaviors.” They include gays, bisexuals, men who have sex with men or MSMs, and others who engage in unprotected sex and with multiple partners.(PNA)
tion and funding must be complied with and made available first before any actions are taken. “For MOOE of schools, it will undergo inspection and will be based on the ratio of number of teachers and students enrolled,” Kulayan said. “It is our way to showcase how far we have reached and furnished the needs of our Iranun community,” Kulayan added. The activity also showcased the Alternative Delivery Model
(ADM) as a benchmark for innovation in the region. Synergeia, “a coalition of individuals, institutions, and organizations working to improve the quality of basic education,” facilitated the activity. In ARMM, Synergeia has continually linked with the regional government and different local government units to strengthen and improve communication and relationships between parties for positive change in the region’s education sector. (PNA)
Rody... FROM 2 CRIME SCENE. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. inspects the house in Residencia del Rio Phase 4, Barangay Catalunan Pequeno, Davao City where four family members were stabbed to death yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
City... FROM 2
establishing the APTC-Davao located at Daliao, Toril as the preferred strategic site to capture products coming from agricultural production areas of the city and the nearby provinces is vital in providing mar-
ket support to the farmers,” the MOA said. The MOA will identify the roles of the both parties on the establishment of APTC worth P70 million in the city. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.
Lacierda said the passage of the BBL at the committee level of the House of Representatives brought the government closer to transforming Mindanao as new economic hub of the country. “It brings us closer to transforming Muslim Mindanao from a permanent potential into a reality where peace and prosperity abide,” Lacierda said. In the Senate, the committee on local government
chaired by Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos will conduct another hearing for the Sultanates and indigenous people (IPs). Marcos said he is not thinking of the June 11 deadline but on how they could come out with a BBL version that is constitutional and inclusive. The second regular session of the present 16th Congress will adjourn on June 11. (PNA)
ambushed was motivated by grudges of land ownership dispute in the area. Ednildo died in an encounter while serving military duty while Dekilbo died inside DAPECOL. Deputy Chief of RID Police Superintendent Alden Delvo said that when Dantes escaped DAPECOL he regrouped with other fugitives and long time companions involved in illegal drug trades, gun-for-hire and extortions in CARAGA region and Peripheral provinces. Meanwhile, the no. 8 most wanted person in the region was killed by the authorities on Sunday afternoon in a fire fight at Purok Onigo, Barangay Pinamuno, San Isidro, Davao del Norte. Suspect was identified
as Julieto G. Canoy who faces who has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of of Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunitions issued on March 17, 2015 by Hon. Judge Ma. Susana Baua and Murder issued on September 29, 2014 by Hon. Judge Rowena Apao Adlawan of RTC Branch 30 of Tagum City. San Isidro Municipal Police Station personnel responded to an alleged threat complaint, upon arrival Canoy and his cohort who was identified as Edwin Solibio engaged the police in a firefight that resulted to the death of Canoy. Solibio was able to escape after firefight. A 16 year old civilian was accidentally hit by a stray bullet on her right underarm during the incident.
widespread damage. Aside from the expected sea condition, damages to structures and vegetation, the modified PSWS also included storm surge advisories. “We are also adjusting to the needs of our people,” Cayanan said, “It may be redundant, but it’s better to give too much
warning than to give less,” she added. Cayanan also said the new categories of tropical cyclones and warning system of the modified PSWS took effect in May 6 and 18, respectively and has been applied during the height of Typhoon “Dodong”. (PNA) lgi/CLTC/Charmaine A. Tadalan (OJT)
House... FROM 2
Davao’s... FROM 3
PAGASA... FROM 4
De Lima... FROM 2 from Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. Joson was a witness in the Maguindanao Massacre trial who divulged about the alleged bribery in the case, but recanted such allegation last month and said that she was merely ordered by Santos, Mangudadatu and Atty. Gemma Oquendo to besmirch the reputation of DOJ Undersecretary Francisco “Toti” Baraan III and other DOJ prosecutors. The new information stat-
ed by Joson was part of her sworn-affidavit in the complaint for serious illegal detention she filed against Mangudadatu, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu and other members of the Mangudadatu family, namely Ebrahim Jong, Freddie, King Jhazzer and Khadafeh. Joson also named respondents in the complaint Atty. Nena Santos, Atty. Prima Quinsayas and Atty. Gemma Oquendo. (PNA)
particularly Woodridge Park I to IV, South Villa Heights I, Woodlane Subd., Ma-a Riverfront Phases 1 and 2, Sitio Camamara, Slaughterhouse and City Pound Building, Lower Dampa in Magtuod and a portion of Ma-a Road (from corner Diversion Road to the entrance of Woodridge I). DCWD crew will tap and install the 100mm diameter gate valve to the existing 150mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride pipeline for the new service connection of Davao Christian High School along Diversion Road. Third set is from 8:00 PM of May 26 until 4:00 AM of May 27 affecting some areas in Mintal particularly New Loon, Adelfa Street, Tapay and Purok 20. Said water cut will give way to preventive maintenance work particularly the installation of 250mm isolation gate valve, replacement of defective 200mm mechanical production meter and revision
of discharge line assembly of Tugbok Production Well No. 4. DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado advises would-be affected customers to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions. He also asks for their understanding and cooperation. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)
Sandoval said FAO are using the strategies formulated by Bicol and Caraga Region which are prone to disasters like typhoons. Aside from capacity building of LGUs through extending technical assistance, he said the partnership also disseminate options ofgood agricultural practiceswhich farmer cooperators and organization can adopt to make their farming more resilient especially during disaster. “We have identified varieties of crops that that resilient to different disasters.
We just started to distribute the seedlings to volunteer farmer cooperators,” Sandoval added. Sustainable and resilient agriculture leads to better food security, he said. The DA 11 and FAO have been conducting demonstrations to encourage more farmers to adopt good farming practices. Salvador said the partnership program will end by December with the aim to make LGUs’s agriculture more resilient to the climate change. CHENEEN R. CAPON
DCWD... FROM 3
LGUS... FROM 6
GenSan... FROM 3
ARMM... FROM 4
ICT HUB 11 Cyber-attacks to infiltrate South China Sea nations F EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
ROM setting up spying infrastructure within a country’s borders for real-time connections and data mining, to spying tools with 48 commands, a new report by IT security firm Kaspersky Lab shows how the threat actor Naikon has spent the last five years successfully infiltrating national organizations around the South China Sea. Experts have discovered that Naikon attackers appear to be Chinese-speaking and that their primary targets are top-level government agencies and civil and military organizations in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, and Nepal. • Kaspersky Lab has identified the following hallmarks of Naikon operations: • Each target country has a designated human operator, whose job it is to take advantage of cultural aspects of the country, such as a tendency to use personal email accounts for work; • The placing of infrastructure (a proxy server) within the country’s borders to
provide daily support for real-time connections and data exfiltration; • At least five years of high volume, high profile, geo-political attack activity; • Platform-independent code, and the ability to intercept the entire network traffic; • 48 commands in the repertoire of the remote administration utility, including commands for taking a complete inventory, downloading and uploading data, installing add-on modules, or working with the command line. The Naikon cyberespionage threat actor was first mentioned by Kaspersky Lab in its recent report, “The Chronicles of the Hellsing APT: the Empire Strikes Back” where the actor played a pivotal role in what turned out to be a unique story about payback in the world of advanced persistent threats. Hellsing is another threat actor who decided to take revenge when hit by Naikon. “The criminals behind the Naikon attacks managed to devise a very flexible infrastructure that can be set up in any target country, with infor-
mation tunneling from victim systems to the command center. If the attackers then decide to hunt down another target in another country, they could simply set up a new connection. Having dedicated operators focused on their own particular set of targets also makes things easy for the
Naikon espionage group,” said Kurt Baumgartner, Principal Security Researcher, the GReAT at Kaspersky Lab. Naikon’s targets are hit using traditional spear-phishing techniques, with emails carrying attachments designed to be of interest to the potential victim. This attach-
and type “n------ house” into the search bar, the map takes you to the White House. It also associates that search with Nairobi, Kenya. “Some inappropriate re-
sults are surfacing in Google Maps that should not be, and we apologize for any offense this may have caused,” a Google spokesperson said. “Our teams are working to fix this
issue quickly.” It’s unclear how this happened. People can suggest changes to Google Maps with its Map Maker software, which the company offers to users to
CYBER-ATTACK. Kaspersky Lab says the attackers appeared to be Chinese-speaking and targeted mainly top-level government agencies and civil and military organizations in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, and Nepal.
White House racial slur vandalism his Google Maps
G
OOGLE Maps was recently hit with racism. The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that if you surf to Google Maps, focus it on a map of Washington, D.C.
ment might look like a Word document, but is in fact an executable file with a double extension. Kaspersky Lab advises organizations to protect themselves against Naikon as follows: • Don’t open attachments and links from people you
don’t know. • Use an advanced anti-malware solution. • If you are unsure about the attachment, try to open it in a sandbox. • Make sure you have an up-to-date version of your operating system with all patches installed.
Google Maps search of ‘N-word House’ brings up White House help it keep maps up to date. But because of a number of recent acts of vandalism, the search giant earlier this month decided to suspend use of the software while it makes the moderation features “more robust.” Google said it would give an update to the status of the software by May 27. Last week, people discovered a portion of a map in Pakistan was manipulated to show an Android robot – the mascot for Google’s mobile operating system – urinating on an Apple logo, all depicted with the map’s various land-
mark coloring features. Another prankster labeled the White House as NSA leaker Edward Snowden’s lair. Google Maps isn’t the only product to draw this type of attention. Google’s other products have been used as the platforms for pranks and political protest as well. In 2003, after then-Sen. Rick Santorum made some anti-gay comments, sex blogger Dan Savage held a contest to see who could create the best fictional definition for the word “Santorum.” The sexually explicit definition rose to the top of Google searches.
12 CLASSIFIED
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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE
GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE
Director of Sales
Marketing Specialist
JOCELYN S. PANES
Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601
EDMUND P. RENDON
General Santos City
Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844
MANILA MARKETING OFFICE
ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
NEWS
EDGEDAVAO
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Hugpong Serbisyo Festival
T
HE number of beneficiaries of the second installment of the city’s medical and social services
festival aptly dubbed as “Operation Hugpong Serbisyo para sa Tagumenyos Festival” increased by leaps and
bounds, shattering last year’s record of beneficiaries. The local government led-festival served a total of
20, 931 individuals from the 23 barangays of Tagum during the course of its month-long run, offering wide array of free
medical and social services in every barangay of Tagum. This year’s number of beneficiaries is notably higher compared to 2013, which only catered a total of 8, 437 beneficiaries during its one-month run. Mayor Allan L. Rellon, who conceptualized the Hugpong to be a full-blown month-long festival, extended his gratitude to all the volunteers from the local government’s organic team as well as the volunteers from private sectors that took part in the conduct of the program. As what the festival’s name implied, Hugpong Festival is a convergence of health and social services offered by both the local government and private institutions. The beneficiaries, mostly consisting of those living below the poverty threshold, were treated to free services that include minor surgeries,
dental services, circumcision, therapeutic massage, haircut, cosmetology and optical services. Other services that were also offered during the festival include legal consultation, COMELEC registration, civil registration, mini jobs fair, referrals for NSO, DFA and scholarships, random blood sugar test, FBS, ID registration for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, PhilHealth registration for senior citizens, application for social pension and solo parent and anti-rabies dog vaccination. Executive Assistant IV to the City Mayor Jalmaida Jamiri-Morales, who heads the organizing committee of the festival, said they are now preparing for a more extensive Hugpong Festival next year which they hope can benefit more than what it catered for 2015. Louie Lapat/ CIO Tagum
NOTICE OF LOSS
Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 3509 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10161057-1 issued to ROXANNE G. SACRAMENTO CASH SURRENDER VALUE: 0001-17197, OFFICIAL RECEIPT C0-01313375, C0-01363799, C001460282 issued to TERESITA F.ERAMIS were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 5/7/14/21
EDGEDAVAO
14 COMPETITIVE EDGE
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
Huawei rolls out brand building plans for SE Asia
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NBA ON GLOBE. File photo of Globe Telecom’s announcement of a multiyear partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA). From left, Globe Retail Transformation and Management Head of Joe Caliro; Globe Senior Vice President for Broadband Business Gilbert Simpao; NBA Senior Director and
Country Manager for the Philippines Carlo Singson; Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu; Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business of Dan Horan; Globe Chief Operating Advisor Peter Bithos; and Globe SVP for Consumer Mobile Marketing Issa Cabreira.
NBA action anytime, anywhere with Globe N
EVER miss out on your favorite NBA games as the Playoffs heats up with an NBA League Pass only from Globe Telecom, the official wireless and broadband services partner of the NBA in the Philippines. With the NBA League Pass, NBA fans get instant access to live and on-demand NBA games on their phones, tablets, and PCs. You don’t need to be at home or at your basketball buddy’s to get your NBA fix. Get the NBA League Pass for only P499 for 30 days and watch the NBA Playoffs anytime, anywhere.
Customers can also enjoy crystal clear HD video, multigame viewing modes, and integrated game stats module. All games previously played during the current and prior NBA season will also be available through the game archives with the NBA League Pass. “As one of NBA’s major partners in the Philippines, we want to give customers the best NBA experience wherever they are through the NBA League Pass. As the leading provider of digital services to Filipinos, Globe is committed in bringing about globally-in-
Vivere Hotels & Resorts’ Father’s Day offerings
V
IVERE Hotel & Resorts treats all Fathers on their special day with room and dining offers that are perfect not just for Dads but for the whole family as well. The Nest Dining in the Sky located at the 31st floor of Vivere Hotel & Resorts presents “Oh my Daddy! : a Father’s Day Lunch Buffet” on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Relish this wondrous occasion by matching Dad’s big appetite with the wide selection of comfort food prepared by their talented chefs. As a way of paying tribute to the man of the house, Vivere Hotel & Resorts also prepared exciting activities for the family and treats to all dads at the Picasso Function Room. All of these for only P1, 200 nett per adult and P600 nett per kid. For the ultimate Dad’s day gift, Vivere Hotel & Resorts of-
fers “My Dad, My Hero” room package. Experience one of its luxurious rooms starting P7, 500 nett for an Executive Suite with two revitalizing foot spa for two adults, or an overnight accommodation in a Premiere Suite with one pampering Swedish massage and one foot spa for P7, 500++. All room offerings include buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids, chocolate truffles, access to Lama Pool, unlimited use of wi-fi, and Dads get to choose from a fitness workout program or physical therapy with a gym instructor. Vivere Hotel & Resorts is located at 5102 Bridgeway Avenue, Filinvest Ciy, Alabang Muntinlupa City 1781 Philippines. Log on to www.viverehotel.com.ph or call 771-7777, for inquiries and reservations; Like and Follow @VivereHotel for regular updates.
novative partnerships such as with NBA to further enhance our offerings as well as the experience of our customers,” said Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan. In 2014, Globe Telecom and NBA signed a comprehensive, multiyear partnership that involves offering customers exciting NBA-related promotions and premium services. These include the introduction of the NBA League Pass which allows postpaid, prepaid, TM, and Tattoo Onthe-Go customers get live and on-demand HD access to all
games played during the NBA regular season, playoffs, Finals, All Star Weekend, and most of the pre-season on the tablet, mobile, or desktop. Register to the NBA League Pass by texting NBA499 to 2662 to register. Other available NBA League Pass variants are NBA50 for 1 promo code which gives users 1 NBA League Pass valid for 24 hours for only P50, and NBA299 for 7 24-hour promo codes for only P299. To register, text NBA50 or NBA299 to 2662. Visit www.globe.com.ph/nba to know more about the NBA League Pass from Globe.
EO of Huawei Consumer Business Group Richard Yu said Huawei recognizes Southeast Asia as a high-potential market, and the company is planning to beef up its investment in brand building activities in this region. “The brand building budget will be doubled for the Southeast Asian markets since there’s a strong possibility of growth in market share. Our products have good quality, so we have no doubt that we will reach our aims,” said Yu. As an example of Huawei’s impressive performance in Southeast Asia, Yu demonstrated that Huawei’s market share in Myanmar is 50 percent because the products meet the demands of the consumers, and the sales increase by words of mouth. Huawei will add about 1,500 customer service centers worldwide, and more than 100 will be in Thailand, which is Huawei’s regional hub for the Southeast Asian region. According to Yu, Thailand will be the focus of Huawei’s investment in the region, as apparent in the decision to host a regional press launch for Huawei P8 and its wearable devices in Bangkok on May 28. “Our revenue is very good in Myanmar, India, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Thailand is also a big market with a lot of potential, so we are now focusing on it,” said Yu. “ Thailand is admittedly a complicated market, but also an attractive one, so Huawei is willing to enter this market. Although it takes time, we are determined to succeed here. We are ready to invest all year round.”
Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, holds the new Huawei P8 at his recent visit in Bangkok.
According to an IPSOS Global Research report covering 32 countries, Huawei’s brand awareness rose from 52 percent in 2013 to 65 percent in 2014, representing a year-on year increase of 25 percent. As an Asian brand, it is impressive that Huawei’s brand awareness in the global market easily rivals other Western brands. In Western Europe, Huawei recorded significant year-on-year growth last year in terms of brand awareness: Netherlands (61 percent), Spain (60 percent), German (57 percent), Italy (54 percent) and Russia (41 percent). In terms of brand momentum growth, Huawei ranked third and stood out among second-camp brands, and Huawei has become the first Chinese company to successfully enter Interbrand’s Top 100 Global Brands of 2014 list, taking on the 94th position. Huawei started out so small almost 30 years ago, and has grown into a multinational telecommunication giant today. Founded in 1987, the China -based company is now known as the world’s third largest smartphone vendor, following Apple and Samsung. Huawei has been very active in improving its global brand influence over the past decade, and has succeeded in doing so. Last year, its global brand increased by 65 percent and exceeded 80 percent in five countries - Burma (100 percent), China (90 percent), Guatemala (88 percent), Costa Rica (88 percent), and South Africa (84 percent). PRNewswire
VOL. 8 ISSUE 35 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015
PH eyes 50 golds in‘15 SEA Games T
HE Philippines’ chef de mission to the Southeast Asian Games believes the Filipino athletes can bag a total of 50 gold medals in the multi-sport showpiece next month in Singapore. The country won only 29 gold medals in the 2013 meet in Myanmar but Julian Camacho, also the Philippine Olympics Committee treasurer, predicts a much better showing in the meet set June 5 to 16. “We are thinking of around 50 or 50 plus,” said Camacho. “We will do our best.” The Philippines last won more than 50 gold medals in the SEA Games back in 2005 when the country was the host, winning a total of 113 to capture the overall championship. Camacho says the Phil-
ippines’ strongest bets in the SEA Games are aquatics, archery, athletics, basketball, billiards and snooker, boxing, cycling, golf, gymnastics, petanque, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, softball, taekwondo, tennis, traditional boat race, triathlon, and wushu. A total of 466 Filipino athletes — 277 men and 189 women — will compete in the Singapore SEA Games. Also in the delegation are 189 coaches and managers for athletes and teams competing in 35 of the 36 sports calendared. “Everything is set,” said Camacho, who will leave this week for Singapore for the delegation registration meeting. A send-off party for the Filipino athletes bound for the SEA Games will be held on May 27 at the Philsports Arena.
Wolves pick first, Lakers 2nd
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he Minnesota Timberwolves won the NBA draft lottery Tuesday, becoming the first team with the worst record to be awarded the top overall pick since the Orlando Magic in 2004. The Los Angeles Lakers moved into the top three and will pick second. The Philadelphia 76ers stayed put at number three, the New York Knicks get the fourth pick and the Orlando Magic round out the top five. It marks the first time in team history Minnesota will pick first. “We have a very young team, and we will add one outstanding young player,” Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said. “We just want
a young man with a great heart and a great mind.” The top draft prospects include power forward Karl-Anthony Towns of Kentucky and centre Jahlil Okafor of Duke University. Minnesota’s first pick will join forward Andrew Wiggins who was recently named the NBA’s rookie of the year. The Sacramento Kings will pick sixth, the Denver Nuggets seventh, the Detroit Pistons eighth, the Charlotte Hornets ninth, the Heat 10th, the Indiana Pacers 11th, the Utah Jazz 12th, the Phoenix Suns 13th and the Oklahoma City Thunder 14th. The entry draft will be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center arena on June 25.
EDGEDAVAO
SPORTS 15
Fil-Am Clarkson named to All-Rookie team C
ANADA’S Andrew Wiggins, the 201415 NBA Rookie of the Year, and Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson headline this season’s NBA all-rookie team, the league announced Monday. Wiggins, last year’s first overall draft pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, was the lone unanimous choice totalling 130 first-team votes. T h e
HALF-PINOY Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson made it to the NBA All-Rookie team this year.
2.03 metre (6-foot-8) shooting guard, averaged 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds, while playing all 82 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Toronto native was the top pick by Cleveland last June and then traded to Minnesota as part of the three-team deal last August that also saw forward Kevin Love go from the Timberwolves to the Cavaliers. Clarkson, meanwhile, was the only second-rounder who made it to the team. He was a
46th pick in last year’s draft and was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in a draft day deal. He averaged 11.9
FRAUD OF THE CENTURY
points, 3.5 assists and 3.2 r e bounds a game this season. He played as a starter for the depleted Lakers backcourt and posted averages of 15.8 points, five assists and 4.2
rebounds in 38 games. Chicago Bull’s Nikola Mirotic, Philadelphia 76er’s Nerlens Noel and Orlando Magic’s Elfrid Payton rounded out the all-rookie team.
Manny faces legal battle with 32 class suits B
CLASS SUIT. Pinoy boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will be facing at least 32 class actions in the United States.
OXING fans across the country and their lawyers are calling the hyped-up fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. a fraud and want their money back, and then some. At least 32 class action lawsuits across the country allege Pacquiao should have disclosed a shoulder injury to boxing fans before the fight, which Mayweather won in a unanimous decision after 12 lackluster rounds that most fans thought didn’t live up to the hype. Fight of the century? More like fraud of the century, the lawsuits contend. “The fight was not great, not entertaining, not electrifying. It was boring, slow and lackluster,” according to a lawsuit filed in Texas alleging racketeering, a claim usually reserved for organized crime.
A lawsuit filed on behalf of Flights Beer Bar near LAX airport in California said Pacquiao and his promoter’s actions were, “nothing but a cash-grab.” The bar paid US$2,600 to broadcast the fight. As for that grabbed cash, the fighters are each expected to earn more than $100 million, Mayweather more than Pacquiao, and HBO and Showtime broke records raking in more than $400 million from 4.4 million paying to watch the pay-per-view broadcast. Those 4.4 million paid up to $100 each to watch the fight, and the lawsuits are seeking their money back. It isn’t as easy as showing a receipt and demanding a refund, though. A federal panel of judges will likely first need to decide if the cases from multiple states and Puerto Rico should be consolidated into one case. From there, a judge
would have to decide whether to certify them as class actions or not. What’s sought in each is the same: a jury trial and at least $5 million in damages, the threshold for federal class actions. But the defendants differ. All include Pacquiao and his promotions team but some add Mayweather and his representatives along with HBO, Showtime and cable companies. Representatives for Pacquiao and Top Rank Promotions, HBO and Showtime had no comment to offer on the lawsuits and Mayweather Promotions did not return multiple phone messages. Exhibit A for most of the lawsuits is a Nevada Athletic Commission medical questionnaire that Pacquiao signed days before the fight. When asked if he had any injuries
including to his shoulder he replied “no.” In fact, his shoulder was injured enough to warrant surgery shortly after the fight. In a twist reserved for who-done-its, Pacquiao revealed for the first time in a post-fight press conference that he had torn his rotator cuff weeks before. The Nevada Athletic Commission denied him a pain reliever a mere hours before the fight when regulators first learned of the injury. Conspiracy theories abound as to how many people knew about the injury and when, including claims in a few of the lawsuits that Mayweather had a spy in Pacquiao’s camp and the boxer targeted Pacquiao’s right shoulder during the fight. Experts in resolving legal disputes doubt disgruntled boxing fans will be able to claim victory.
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE35 35••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,MAY MAY21, 21,2015 2015
WHO’S THE REAL MVP? Curry outshines Harden in Game 1
I’M THE ONE. Steph Curry of Goklden State seems to be telling James Harden who the MVP is during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
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TEPHEN C u r r y won his personal duel with James Harden as the Golden State Warriors overcame an early deficit and survived a late scare to edge the Houston Rockets 110-106 in Game One of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday. Curry poured in 34 points, six rebounds and five assists and added key buckets in the closing stages to give the top-seeded Warriors a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series in front of a raucous home
crowd. The Golden State fans were nervous early, however, when their team fell 16 points behind in the second quarter but the Warriors responded with a 16-2 run to seize control by halftime. Harden, who finished runner-up to Curry for the regular season MVP award, nearly delivered a triple-double with 28 points 11 rebounds and nine assists, and caught fire in the second half to rally the Rockets. Houston have already proven capable of come-
backs in overcoming a 3-1 deficit to oust the Los Angeles Clippers in the last round and used a late 7-0 run to pull within 108-106 with 14 seconds remaining. Curry, however, settled the nerves by making two free throws to seal things for Golden State, who got 18 points off the bench from Shaun Livingston. Houston center Dwight Howard suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, returned for a while but left for good in the fourth. Golden State will host Game Two on Thursday.