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THE JOURNEY OF JHUNAX
2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
THE JOURNEY OF JHUNAX By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net
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HE PalarongPambansa 20015 is more than two weeks over, but for Jhunax L. Superlativo, the quest for the gold medal still continues.
This seven-year-old gymnast from Sinawilan Elementary School in Matanao, Davao del Sur, may be the youngest among the athletes of the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DavRAA), but he showed that getting a gold medal is not only about pride and glory, it is also for family. This young athlete is not the typical child who just wants to have new clothes and toys. Jhunax wanted to win the gold to buy rice, kitchen utensils, a new television set, and steel sheet roof for their house. His coach, Primitiva Lumen, narrated the experience of Jhunax before he qualified for the biggest national sporting event in the country. She said last year her husband Venancio discovered the gymnastic skills of Jhunax in Sinawilan where this kid imitated the athletes of her husband. Her husband was the first coach of Jhunax since they are in the same school, but this changed when the DavRAA assigned her as the official coach in the PalarongPambansa. “Nakitaniyanahilig man ni mag tumbling-tumbling ningbataa. Mao to while nagrest angiyang athletes gipapuliniya... mao to ni tumbling siya (Jhunax), mao to nakitaniyanaflxible man ningbataa(My husband saw that Jhunax used to tumble every time they had training. While his athletes were resting, he gave this kid a try... Jhunax did some tumbling and my husband saw how flexible he was),” she said.
Lumen said her husband asked Jhunaxto be part of the gymnastics team of the school, which the boy readily accepted. Jhunax trained for only six months but because of his skill and talent, he already qualified for PalarongPambansa. Jhunax’s father has no permanent job and sometimes drives a single motorcycle for passengers. He also helps in a mango farm their area during harvest season. His mother has no job and is now pregnant with their sixth child. Lumen said Jhunaxsometimes skipped classes in the afternoon because he had no lunch in their house. To address this, she prepared lunch for two persons for her husband to bring so that he could share with Jhunax. She also said there were times Jhunax would skip practice because he had no shorts and briefs to wear because he and his brothers took turns wearing the same set. Jhunax was determined, however, and did not let his poverty prevent him from training. He religiously attended training after classes. “Sometimes, I doubted that at his age he could memorize the gymnastics routines. Butif you show him a routine even only twice, he can immediately memorize it,” she said. Jhunax first competed in the cluster one (7-9 years old) Men Artistic Gymnastics (MAG) in its division meet in Davao del Sur where he won and qualified for the regional meet. Last March, Jhunax won five gold medals, enough for him for a slot in the PalarongPambansa which was hosted by Davao del Norte. It also earned him an incen-
tive of almost P50,000 from the Davao del Sur government. Lumen said that upon learning it, Jhunax asked if he could buy rice, television, utensils,and steel sheets. The boy explained that their TV was broken and that they had no utensils – using only used cup noodles for meals. If Jhunax continues his training, he could well become one of the country’s top athletes and be able to take care of his family’s needs.
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
US renews travel warning on Mindanao BY JON JOAQUIN jon@egdedavao.net
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HE US government has renewed its warning to US citizens against traveling to some areas in Mindanao and Sulu due to “terrorist and insurgent” threats. This despite its own admission that there have been “no reports of US citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality.” In its latest update on May 20, 2015, the US Department of State warned US citizens of the “risks of travel to the Philippines,” in particular to the Sulu Archipelago, certain regions and cities of the island of Mindanao, and the southern Sulu Sea area. The latest travel warning replaces an earlier one issued on November 20, 2014 “and reflects continuing threats in those areas due to terrorist and insurgent activities.” “US citizens should continue to defer non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago, due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there,” the warning said. “Based on a history of kidnappings and attempted
kidnappings of foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province of Malaysia and in the southern Sulu Sea area by terrorist or insurgent groups based in the Sulu Archipelago, US citizens should continue to exercise extreme caution if considering travel in the southern Sulu Sea region from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao,” it added. As for other areas in Mindanao, the State Department advised US citizens to exercise “extreme caution” if traveling to certain regions and cities of the island. “Separatist and terrorist groups continue to conduct bombings, kidnappings, and attacks against civilians, political leaders, and Philippine security forces. In particular, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) remain active in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, where the government maintains a state of emergency and a greater police presence,” it said. The State Department,
however, said there have been “no recent reported terrorist threats or incidents within the Davao City or Surigao city limits.” There have also been no reports of US citizens in Min-
danao targeted specifically for their nationality. “However, general threats to US citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern,” it added. The State Department
said officials and staff members of the US Embassy itself travel to Mindanao for official business without incident, but the embassy has imposed a strict restriction on all but the most essential travel to
the area. “Embassy employees must receive special authorization from Embassy security officials to travel to any location in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago,” it added.
INCONVENIENCE. The ongoing drainage system and road construction along Lanang creates monstrous traffic jams and inconvenience to motorists and the riding public plying the Sasa-downtown route during peak hours. Lean Daval Jr.
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AS RUNNINGMATE
Binay VP `cheap gimmick’ By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY
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ORE than 5,000 individuals hit the road Saturday morning to join the “Run Duterte Run,” a physical fitness activity aimed at convincing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to seek the presidency in the 2016 elections. People from all walks of life—most of whom coming from Davao City, the neighboring Mindanao places and even localities in Luzon and Visayas—gathered in an early morning fun run, chanting and displaying tarpaulins bearing messages that have become a common sight all over the land. The activity started in Magsaysay Park and ended at Rizal Park, but this was not actually the kind of route people want Duterte to negotiate, but rather the long road from City Hall to Malacañang come 2016. “Although it was only a fun run and to foster physical fitness, the message of the people was loud and clear,” said Peter T. Laviña, an ally and supporter of the mayor. “They
want Duterte to run in 2016.” “RUN DUTERTE RUN FOR PRESIDENT 2016,” read the banner displayed by residents of Barangay Indangan, Buhangin District. “PEOPLE’S FOR PRESIDENT RODY DUTERTE,” was the message in the streamer of the city’s Kagan tribe, which also took part in the activity. Laviña said similar fun run activities and even a motorcade were simultaneously staged yesterday morning in Butuan, Pasay, Paranaque and Cebu. The activity in Davao City was organized by barangay officials led by Isla Verde barangay captain Wating Usman, a staunch Duterte supporter. Duterte had time and again denied he is seeking the country’s highest position in next year’s elections despite mounting calls for him to run. Recent surveys also listed Duterte as a presidential contender, the only local official in the list of preferred presidential bets that include Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe, Interior
MEDIA ATTENTION. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte chats with GMA Manila reporter Tricia Zafra outside the Davao City Recreation Center on Friday evening. Duterte continues to attract attention from national media outfits after he was considered one of the leading presidentiables for the 2016 elections. Lean Daval Jr. and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. Meanwhile, Laviña described Binay’s offer for Duterte to become his running mate in the 2016 elections as
“cheap gimmick.” Binay made the offer while he was in Davao, Duterte’s bailiwick. This means he was playing for the gallery where Duterte is so popular he was polling as much as
80 percent support to run as President,” Laviña said. “It is obvious Binay wants Duterte out of the way as a rival for the presidency. Binay also made the gesture after Senator Grace Poe rejected
the same offer,” added Laviña, a former city councilor. Duterte is a formidable teammate in the 2016 elections, but not as vice presidential candidate, according
FBINAY, 10
Anflocor to invest P4 billion to hike Panabo port capacity By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
ORT operator San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc., which is managed by Davao-based Anflocor Group, is investing P4 billion to increase the capacity of the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) in Panabo
City to 850,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) by next year. “We’re doubling or capacity by next year. We’re planning to rehabilitate one of our old berths,” ANFLOCOR president and chief executive office Alexander N. Valoria told re-
porters in an interview. He said the eight-hectare terminal has an existing capacity of 300,000 to 400,000 TEU but will be increased before the year ends by an additional of 250,000 TEU. Last year’s port operation generat-
mayor told his audience at the Maasin City Hall when he was given a royal welcome. Duterte was guest of honor during the 4th Roa Clan Reunion in Barangay Laboon, Maasin City. However, the local governments of Southern Leyte and Maasin City rolled out the red carpet for the mayor when they learned about his arrival. Southern Leyte Gov. Roger Mercado explained why the province and the city are throwing out a lavish welcome for Duterte. “We welcome him for two reasons: first, because Mayor
Duterte openly admits that he is from Maasin, unlike others who disown it when they are already popular,” the governor noted. The second reason is surprising. “(Mayor Duterte) was with us when we were devastated by Yolanda. He personally came to express his sympathy and handed out a check for P3-million,” Gov. Mercado revealed. Duterte’s silent but concrete manifestation of help to Southern Leyte and the whole island has not been lost to the governor. “He was with us in
FANFLOCOR, 10
Duterte could be Leyte’s first president
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VERYBODY knows Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as the undisputed leader of Davao City. He is on his 23rd year as the head of the country’s biggest city and now the longest-serving city mayor in the post-1986 Edsa Revolution era. But it was only recently that people became aware of Duterte’s Leyte connection. The eldest son of former Gov. Vicente Duterte and Soledad Roa-Duterte was born in Maasin, Southern Leyte. “My father was a soldier who was with the Jago (Judge Advocate General’s Office),” the
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6 ECONOMY
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
Old airport eyed for cultural village By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has proposed to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for the rehabilitation of the old Sasa airport and making this into a cultural village and museum that will showcase Mindanao distinct culture.
“We’re still looking at the request. We are supporting MinDA’s project for the old airport. Anyway, we don’t use it anymore,” DOTC Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco said at the MinDA office Thursday last week. MinDA executive director Janet Lopoz said the project will be a promotions center
for Mindanao and will be funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Civil Authority and Aviation of the Philippines (CAAP) and MinDA. The rehabilitation and development of the old airport has is projected to cost P179.34 million.
The first phase of the project alone which involves the structural retrofitting to the old structure and rehabilitation costs P93.5 million. “The construction will commence this year,” Lopoz said, adding that the Tieza has already bidded out the project. Three bidders from Ma-
nila took part in the bidding. Lopoz said the second phase of the project will soon follow. “We projected that the whole project will be completed in six months’ time,” she said. Known as the Francisco Bangoy International Airport or Sasa Airport, the facility
CTO rejects plantation claims envi tax is ‘’unconstitutional’’
T INDUCTION. Leaders of the Asian Confederaton of Credit Union and officers of the Tagum Cooperative Sister Society during the induction rites last May 22. They are (from left) Rosalina S. Argent, Fe J. Adlawan, Norma R. Pereyras,
Ranjith Hettiarachchi, Monica L. Salido, Miriam R. Baloyo, Evelia R. Sator, Elenita San Roque and Andrew So.
Asian credit union executives induct local members of global women net
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EADERS of the Asian Confederation of Credit Union (ACCU) on Firday inducted into office the officers and members of Tagum Cooperative Sister Society organized as one of the local chapters of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN). ACCU founding president Andrew So, ACCU chief technical advisor Ranjith Hettiarachchi and ACCU Chief Executive Officer Elenita San Roque came to grace the occasion, which gathered about 50 Tagum Cooperative women members of various professions. Tagum Cooperative Sister Society officials sworn into office were Norma R. Pereyras, president; Monica Salido, vice president; Fe Adlawan, secretary; Angelina Collis, treasurer; Gertrudes Yap, auditor. Also inducted as officers were Arlene Adlawan-king, Leslie Canuto and Kate Antoinette Umayam as public information officers; Venus Tabanao, Kathryn Ann Salazar, Clygene Dairo, Joan Almendras and Ann Nieves Malingin as members of the secretariat. In his message, So shared his views on leadership saying to “lead is to serve.” Citing such definition of leadership, So challenged
members of Tagum Cooperative Sister Society to “lead for others,” and to make a difference as “women for and with others.” So also expressed confidence that Tagum Cooperative Sister Society members can live up to expectations for them to do their best for others given the enthusiasm that they’ve shown.” Meanwhile, Hettiarachchi, during the same event, pitched similar challenge for the local Sister Society members pointing out the importance of “making a difference in the lives of cooperative members,” which he viewed as more important than just raking in income. On the other hand, San Roque revealed that the Tagum Cooperative Sister Society is the fourth organized in Asia and the second in the Philippines next to Paglaum Multi Purpose Cooperative based in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental. Paglaum MPC Sister Society was the first organized in Asia; second was in Nepal and third in Thailand, she said . San Roque explained that Sister Societies represent the local chapters of the Global Women’s Leadership Network, organized to “create local impact.”
“It’s purpose is for personal and professional development as well as for cooperative development,” she said. Created by the World Council of Credit Union (WOCCU) in 2009, the Global Women’s Leadership Network links 820 women in 53 countries, she said. On the other hand, Tagum Cooperative Chairperson Norma Pereyras was optimistic that women in Tagum Cooperative would become more empowered “now that we are linked with the global network of women.” “This works to our advantage because we will be able to expand our network of good opportunities in the world,” she said. Davao del Norte Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, who was present during the event, viewed the Tagum Cooperative Sister Society as “catalyst of empowering more our women in Tagum City and in Davao del Norte.” Also gracing the occasion, City of Tagum Mayor Allan Rellon congratulated Tagum Cooperative for pushing through the organization of Sister Society and that he banked on the home-grown billionaire cooperative to continue bringing successes for Tagum City. (Tagum Cooperative)
began operation in the 1940s catering to domestic and international flights. Airport operations, however, were stopped after the opening of the new terminal in 2003. In 2008, there were proposals to convert the old airport area into a business process outsourcing (BPO) hub.
HE City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) is determined to push through with implementing the Watershed Code’s environmental tax despite protests from plantations that the tax is “unconstitutional.” During the monthly Watershed Management Council (WMC) meeting last April, the CTO’s Adhoc Paralegal Officer Catalino Bolo, Jr said CTO rejected claims that the environmental tax is tantamount to double taxation, saying that its collection is valid as it is mandated in the city’s Watershed Ordinance. The Davao Agricultural Ventures Corporation (DAVCO), which has previously paid its environmental tax of P2,630,235 under protest, had submitted a motion to the
Court of Tax Appeals, questioning the legal basis of CTO’s rejection of their protest. According to DAVCO, the tax imposition is premature because the city has yet to finish the delineation of the watersheds. But civil society representative to the WMC Chinkie Pelino said the watershed delineation will not impact on the issue of envi tax implementation. “The delineation project aims to address the buffer zones and protection of critical areas in the watershed. The environment tax imposition is a different matter since it is based on the size of the plantations,” Peino said. “All plantations with an area of 50 hectares or more,
FCTO, 10
INdulge!
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
STYLE
Stylish and chic at
APARTMENT EIGHT By Kenneth Irving Ong
Get young and flirty with this black and wite geometric dress.
FINDING the perfect dress for any occasion can be difficult especially when one is looking for the perfect look without breaking the bank. Although there are places where dresses can be bought for a lower price, oftentimes the quality as well as the styling suffers.
This difficulty of finding the right balance of style and quality for a good price is especially difficult in Durianburg as choices are limited. Luckily, Dabawenyas have one more place to shop for fashionable yet affordable dresses. Already making waves in Manila, Apartment Eight recently opened at the second floor of SM City Davao. What started out as a make-believe clothing company became a reality when the sisters Sheiralyn So-
Stylish A4
Make your day brighter with this peach-coloured halter dress.
A2 INdulge!
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
EVENT
Alaska brings World Milk Day to Davao World Milk Day (WMD) is celebrated annually every 1st of June in many countries worldwide, providing an opportunity to focus attention on milk as a global food central to health and well-being across cultures and nations, and to highlight the contributions connected with milk and the overall dairy industry. In the Philippines, Alaska spearheads the celebration of World Milk Day for the third time this May 31, 2015 and second year in a row in Davao City. This year, the celebration of WMD is going to be bigger by having simultaneous Family Run and Zumba events in Manila,
Baguio, Cebu, and Davao. For every participant, Alaska will be donating an equivalent number 1.8 kg can to Children’s Hour. Here are the event details: ACTIVITY: Press Briefing DATE: May 29, 2015 VENUE: to follow but probably Marco Polo, Davao ACTIVITY: Alaska celebrates World Milk Day event DATE: May 31, 2015 VENUE: Open Parking B, SM City Davao (Ecoland) For more details on the event, like the Facebook page https:// w w w.facebook.com/WorldMilkDayPH.
UP AND ABOUT
Carlson Rezidor offers splendid deals with accommodation discounts of up to 40% WHETHER it is diving or island hopping in Cebu or partying the night away in Bangkok, there is no better time than now to take that much needed vacation and rediscover the unique sights and sounds that make Southeast Asia incredible. Carlson Rezidor unveils a full slate of Splendid Deals that offer generous discounts on accommodations across Asia Pacific, including China, India, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Fiji and Australia. Besides discounts of up to 40 percent off the best available rates, guests can also earn triple Club Carlson loyalty program Gold Points® from now until June 28, 2015, while enjoying their holidays. “Our Splendid Deals cover all our hotel brands and all the top holiday hotspots in Asia Pacific. The discounted room rates
and special perks, including dining privileges at participating hotels, make this a great time to book weekend getaways, resort vacations and city-hopping tours,” said Sandy Russell, vice president, Commercial, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza hotels in Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei are offering up to 30 percent off accommodations with the Splendid Holiday Deal. Booking period is from now until May 31, 2015, for stays between now and December 20,
2015. Splendid Weekend Deal offers guests up to 40 per cent off the best available rates for weekend stays at Radisson Blu and Park Plaza hotels in China, perfect for staycations and quick getaways. And guests who stay the weekend at Radisson Blu, Radisson, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites and Park Plaza hotels in India will enjoy up to 30 percent off the best available rates. Guests who are planning a relaxing resort holiday can choose from participating Radisson Blu and Radisson hotels in China, India, Thailand and Fiji. With the Splendid Resort Deal, guests will enjoy discounts on the best available rates as well as special dining privileges. And Carlson Rezidor
hotels in Australia are welcoming the milder fall weather with the Splendid Autumn Deal. For a minimum two-night stay, guests can enjoy up to 20 percent off accommodations at Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne and 15 per cent off at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney and Radisson Hotel and Suites Sydney. For inquiries and reservations, email reservations.davao@parkinn.com. To book a room and earn points, please visit www. parkinn.com/hotel-davao. Visit our website at www. parkinn.com/hotel-davao for the best online deals. Keep up-to-date with the hotel’s latest offerings by joining us on Facebook (facebook.com/parkinndavao) and Twitter / Instagram (@ parkinndavao).
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
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ENTERTAINMENT
Julie Anne San Jose spends birthday with fans GMA Artist Center star Julie Anne San Jose wore her smile from ear to ear as she held a mini-birthday concert for her fans last Saturday, May 16, at the Studio 1 of GMA Network Center.
Glowing in her blue off-shoulder top and showing off her slim physique, Julie Anne was unstoppable from giving her all in the intimate get-together that she prepared for her fans. She showed her gratitude by performing their most requested songs and a series of medleys from foreign artists such as Beyonce and Nicki Minaj. The stage was starting to heat up when she balanced the mood by singing her mellow songs such as Tulad Mo, Right Where You Belong, and
the latest single from her Deeper album, Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang. Later in the program, a surprise visit from her co-GMA Artist Center
talent Ken Alfonso left the fans swooning. Ken dedicated a sweet rendition of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin to Julie Anne and garnished his harana
act with a rose that he gave to the birthday celebrant. Julie Anne felt the warm support that she gets from her fans, but on top of the list she wanted to thank was her Mommy Marivic. Tearyeyed, the Kapuso singer sat down with her guitar, expressed her love for her mother, and gave a smooth interpretation of the song Coming Home. After the performance, she left the stage to hug her mother and shared to the audience that it was her mother’s support that motivated Julie Anne through the years. “I want to thank all of you. Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo. Hindi kayo nagsasawang suportahan ako, kaya hinding-hindi rin ako magsasawa to be here for you,” said Julie Anne.
Indie dramas ‘Barber’s Tales’ and ‘Dagitab’ lead this year’s Gawad Urian nominees Nora Aunor is Natatanging Gawad Urian awardee INDIE drama films dominate this year’s 38th Gawad Urian with Dagitab by Giancarlo Abrahan and Barber’s Tales by Juna Lana leading the nominees with 11 nominations including Best Picture and Best Direction.
Dagitab, which stars Noni Buencamino and Eula Valdez are in a cut throat competition with the Eugene Domingo-helmed film, Barber’s Tales. Both are also nominated for Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Actor, and Best Actress categories, among others. Dagitab and Barber’s Tales are followed closely by Bwaya (Francis Xavier Pasion) and Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon (Lav Diaz) with 10 nominations each. The four films are also in the race for Best Picture. Aside from awarding the best in Philippine cinema, the 38th Gawad Urian also recognizes Filipino icons who contributed in shaping the film industry. This year, Nora Aunor is the recipient of the Natatanging Gawad Urian. Her performance
in Dementia also led her to bag a nomination for Best Actress along with Angeli Bayani (Bwaya), Ai Ai De las Alas (Ronda), Eugene Domingo (Barber’s Tales), Eula Valdez (Dagitab), Nova Villa (1st ko si 3rd), Angelica Panganiban (That Thing Called Tadhana), and
Hazel Orencio (Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon). On the awards night, there will also be a tribute to National Arist Lamberto Avellana and to Nora Aunor, the Natatanging Gawad Urian awardee for their contributions in the film industry. The 2014 films
cited by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) will also be given special recognition. The 38th Gawad Urian will be hosted by Angelica Panganiban, Robi Domingo, and Butch Francisco. The Gawad Urian Awards is the most esteemed film awards in the Philiippines. The nominees and the winners are chosen by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) who are composed of reputable pillars in Philippine cinema. The MPP members are Rolando Tolentino, Grace Javier Alfonso, Butch Francisco, Mario Hernando, Bienvenido Lumbera, Miguel Rapatan, Benilda Santos, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Tito Genova Valiente and Lito Zulueta. The 38th Gawad Urian will be held on June 16, 2015 and will be aired live in Cinema One. For more information, visit Cinema One’s official Facebook page (w w w.facebook .com/ Cinema1channel) and the official website of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (www.manunuri. com).
May 22-26, 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
TOMORROWLAND George Clooney, Britt Robertson PG
R-16
1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS
SPY Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham R13
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
EDGEDAVAO
A4 INdulge! STYLE Get cool and stylish with this printed dress.
Stylish A1
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
Jazz up your evening with this modern and elegant dress.
Lim and Stephanie So finally decided to create and market their own brand using their expertise and experience in their family’s garnet manufacturing and export business. “Our family has been making and designing clothes for other brands both locally and intentionally, but after my sister graduated college in the US we finally decided to create our own brand,” says Stephanie “our first store opened in Greenhills less than ten years ago and the Davao store is our first one outside of Metro Manila.” “We also design our clothes in-house using in-house designers as well as the latest fabrics.” added Stephanie “Our latest collection utilises neoprene textile which adds comfort to the wearer and also helps maintain a nice looking silhouette.” Apartment Eight’s latest collection also features geometric and structured dresses as well as tops, pants and skirts. “We also have floral prints that are in this season as well as our Black and White collection which is a staple ever since Apartment Eight started.” says Apartment Eight’s senior designer Ernest Lingad.
Sibling entrepreneurs Sheiralyn So-Lim, Stephanie So, and Kenneth So.
7 AGRITRENDS
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
The other side of tobacco
By HENRYLITO D. TACIO and ARMANDO A. MORTEJO
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ARCELA R. Madaje, who now resides in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, was only 12 when she started smoking tobacco. This was when her family still lived in Antequera, Bohol before World War II. “My grandparents and parents had a piece of land where they cultivated tobacco to earn a living,” she recalled. “They were selling it to traders in the public market. The income sustained the family.” Three years ago, she went back to Bohol and visited some relatives. There, she asked for some tobacco seeds when she planted in one of her empty flower pots when she returned home. She took care of the plants and before long it was already producing tobacco leaves. She dried the leaves outside -- in an area where they were hung and won’t get wet when there is rain. “I don’t sell them,” she said. “They are for my own consumption only. As for the seeds she collected, she scattered them in her backyard. Some of the growing plants are transferred to areas where they could grow nicely. “These plants helped us when I was still growing up in Bohol,” she said. Today, there are 30 tobacco plants that are growing in her backyard. “This has become my hobby now,” said the 85-yearold grandmother. “I also use the leaves to treat some wounds.” In some ways, tobacco can help fight some diseases. “Tobacco, divine, rare superexcellent tobacco, which goes far beyond all panaceas, potable gold and philosopher’s stones, a sovereign remedy to all diseases,” Robert Burton, an author and physician, once said. There were some records of missionaries, soldiers, travelers, and scholars who had written about the use of tobacco by indigenous peoples of the Americas since it was first encountered by Christopher Columbus’s expedition of 1492. From those records, it was found that tobacco had multipurpose uses: socially, in friendship and war; and spiritually, to incur trance spirit, consultation,
Marcela R. Madaje collecting some matured tobacco leaves (Photo by Armando Mortejo)
magical curing, and medicine. When taken in small doses, tobacco can stimulate as well as depress hunger and thirst, but in large doses, it can produce visions and trances. Experts claim tobacco leaves and the smoke generated when they are burned contain over four thousand chemicals. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, those who suffer from mental disorders such attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia and the like may experience positive effects from smoking. Apparently, doses of nicotine have a short term normalization effect on the EEG (electrical activity in the brain). “Nicotine has long been a useful tool for researchers interested in probing the nervous system,” said Dr. Ovid Pomerleau, director of the Behavioral Medicine Program of the University of Michigan. Nicotine, found in tobacco, is one of the most studied of all drugs. At the beginning of the century, the earliest research into neurotransmitters involved the effects of nicotine. The first neurotransmitter receptor identified was the nicotine receptor. Nicotine, it is said, mimics the actions of acetylcholine and has been shown to modulate many neurotransmitters. Some considerable researches have been made as to the role of nicotine receptors in the central nervous system in human cognitive functioning. Initial investigations of the effect of nicotinic agents in both normal and diseased individuals have confirmed the importance of the integrity of these systems for normal cognitive functioning, Dr. Pomerleau said. In agriculture, tobacco can also help fight crop diseases. Thirty-five-year-old Serapion of Makilala, North Cotabato has been growing corn for almost a decade now. Like other crops he used to plant before, corn is susceptible to attacks of insects and diseases. One of the problems he encountered lately is the common stalk borer. Corn plants from 2 to 24 inches tall may be attacked. Damage to corn caused by the pest is characterized by wilting and/or dying of the upper leaves or by ragged irregular holes chewed in the newly unrolled leaves. The characteristic “dead heart,” experts say, is caused by the insect boring into the stalk at the soil level and tunneling upward. The insect may also climb up the plant and tunnel downward into the whorl, creating the ragged holes. A considerable amount of sawdust-like borer feces can be seen in the whorl or coming out of the borer’s entry hole in the stalk. In the past, he used chemical pesticides to destroy the insects that attacked his crops. But after
Preparing tobacco for distribution (Photo by Mauricio Victa)
Marcela R. Madaje taking care of her tobacco plants. (Photo by Armando Mortejo) attending two-day training on organic agriculture at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in barangay Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, he found out that there’s a better way of getting rid of the insects. “One of the best ways to eradicate the insects is by using tobacco spray,” Serapion said. Here’s what he did. He boiled 250 grams of dried tobacco leaves and stems in four liters of water for 20 minutes. After that, he allowed the water to cool and then filtered it through layered cotton cloth. He added four more liters of water to the solution and 50 grams of bar soap. He then poured the solution into corn funnels to kill stalk borer. According to MBRLC technicians, the tobacco solution can also be applied as a soil drench around plants to kill cutworms. It can be used to spray beans to prevent rust disease and also to control aphids, beetles, cabbage worms, caterpillars, grain weevils, leaf miners, mites, stem borers and thrips. The tobacco solution, MBRLC technicians claimed, is especially effective against biting or sucking insects. When applied weekly with a brush, it is effective against ticks and fleas in cattle. “For centuries, gardeners have used home-made mixtures of tobacco and water as a natural pesticide to kill insect pests,” the Science Daily reported. The Florida-based Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) has developed another kind of tobacco spray. One kilogram of crushed or bruised tobacco stalks and leaves are soaked in 15 liters of water for 24 hours. The solution is then filtered; and three to five tablespoon of liquid soap is added. It is sprayed immediately to plants. “Use tobacco sprays in the evening to allow them to work in the night,” the ECHO reminds. “And in general, do not spray potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant or any plant in the Solanaceae family in order to prevent the spread of viruses.” Another warning: “Do not let people or animals drink the solution, and when spraying, wear protective clothing – especially a mask, or apply solutions with a watering can only. Do not eat vegetables within four days of application and wash them carefully when you do.” The National Tobacco Administration (NTA), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said tobacco is grown in 23 provinces, covering approximately 30,352 hectares. “Different tobacco types are grown in the different tobacco producing province,” the NTA reports. Virginia tobacco, the most dominant tobacco type and con-
stitutes 58% of the tobacco area in the country, is grown in Region I, particularly, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union. Burley tobacco, which constitutes 18% of the total tobacco area, is also grown in Region I in Pangasinan, La Union and Abra. It is also planted in three other regions; Isabela and Cagayan in Region II; Tarlac in Region III; and Occidental Mindoro in Region IV. The Native/Dark tobacco accounts for 24% of the total area planted to tobacco. It is commercially grown in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Capiz, Cebu, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sarangani, Bukidnon and Davao del Sur. A report from NTA showed
Yes, she’s 85 years old now, but she still smokes (Photo by Armando Mortejo) for the 2013-14, the average net income across all types of tobacco increased by 14%: from P55,672 per hectare in 2012-13 to P63,281 per hectare in 2013-14. The increase reportedly came from the farmers who planted Native tobacco whose net income increased by 106%.Last year, a total of 65,167,178.49 kilos of locally grown leaf tobacco were produced. It has a farm-gate value of PhP4,630,680,330.22, the NTA reports. According to NTA, the to-
bacco industry provides direct and primary source of livelihood to 43,960 farmers and about 300,000 other members of their families. In addition, it provides about 1.56-million other industry workers and dependents. There are always two sides of everything -- and that includes tobacco. “Good food, good sex, good digestion, and good sleep,” Mignon McLaughlin once said. “To these basic animal pleasures, man has added nothing but the good cigarette.”
8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
EDITORIAL
W
Think twice
HILE no one was looking, the House of Representatives passed on third and final reading the Filipino Identification System Act, a law that would, among others, require every Filipino citizen to possess a standard and unified identification card that integrates all other government-issued IDs into one. House Bill 5060 (Filipino Identification System Act) aims to “streamline government transactions and help promote a progressive society through an efficient delivery of basic services.” The goal is fine and even admirable. After all, anything that will help simplify the labyrinthine processes that Philippine government and bureaucracy are known for are welcome. If the same ID can be used to transact with, say, the Social Security System, City Hall, the National Statistics Office, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, then things can conceivably be speeded up since one’s records would be contained in one
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card that is tied to one account. There is, however, no assurance that this can be achieved in the foreseeable future. Indeed, a number of agencies that have undertaken “modernization” and “digitization” are still at it years after they started. And it actually sounds funny that government would want to issue an ID to all 100 million Filipinos when the Land Transportation Office (LTO) can’t even keep up with the demand for driver’s licenses. And then there is the issue of privacy; as Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares has said, the bill is a violation of the rights of citizens to privacy and “might be used for a martial law type of surveillance.” A country that suffered through two decades of dictatorship does not take such threats easily, and the people do not particularly cherish having their privacy so easily violated by the authorities. Government must think twice about this law. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief
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Of awards and recognition
AWARDS and recognition,” Shannon L. Alder once said, “are not the purpose of life and not the goal of an activist. The heart of an activist usually redonates the money, or uses the accolades as a foot in the door for more activism and awareness. A plaque on the wall won’t change the world; it only shows your devotion.” Edge Davao, one of the newest daily papers in the city, is no stranger to awards. Just recently, it won three (out of the four nominations it received) awards of the six categories given during the 2014 Civic Journalism Awards managed by the Philippine Press Institute. Aside from winning the Best Edited Paper (which it also won the previous year), Edge Davao was also recognized Best in Environmental Reporting (“for actively dedicating regular coverage of environmental reports through news, features, columns and editorials that help promote high degree of environmental consciousness among the public”) and Best in Culture, Arts and History Reporting (“precisely exercised its excellence in a community-oriented culture, arts and history articles. It really focused on the preservation, protection and promotion of the cultural practices, local artists and presented to the readers the impact of arts and culture on community life”). Just recently, I got a news that Hedcor also received three citations during the 20th Kapatiran sa Industriya (KAPATID) Awards. The awards are given every two years by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP). Just like Edge Davao, Hedcor also clinched three out of the four citations. These were for Social Accountability, Industrial Peace and Harmony, and Strategic Visioning and Partnering for Business Growth and Job Generation. “We are happy to be recognized by these awards. We operate with the balance of three P’s -- People, Planet and Profit, always keeping the mindset that we can do well by doing good,” said Rene Ronquillo, Hedcor president and chief operations officer. Hedcor, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation. It is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the
E
LECTIONS are fast approaching and the talk of who to pick for the various positions is starting to heat up. Debates on the relative merits of experience, integrity, honesty and a host of other virtues (not to mention vices) now fill the news cycles and drive the chatter in social media. In all of this, one thing that might be useful to remember is that candidates are just like specialist doctors, you pick the one that fits your specific disease. If you have cancer, you go to an oncologist. If you’re pregnant, a gynecologist. And if you break your leg, you see someone trained in orthopedics. A bad choice can easily lead to misdiagnosis, improper treatment, maybe even death. So following the same logic, choosing a candidate should be a two step process. First, a voter needs to identify what the biggest problem the country is facing. Is there a breakdown of law and order, are we being threatened by an external enemy, do we need to get more investments coming into the economy? In other words, what is the country “sick” of. And second, basing on the answer to the first question, who is the most qualified to solve the problem and “cure the sickness.” In the book “The Marketing of the President,” which offers many excellent insights into the emergence and growth of the use of marketing principles in political campaigns, author Bruce Newman argues that a candidate is not just a bar of soap to be sold to unwitting voters. Rather he is a “service provider and offers a service to his consumers, the voters... By taking note that the can-
Philippines. THINK ON THESE! Today, Hedcor has 21 run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, Davao, Ilocos Sur, and Mountain Province with a total capacity of 185 megawatts (MW) of Cleanenergy, the company’s brand for Henrylito D. Tacio clean and renew- henrytacio@gmail.com able energy. “These hydropower plants provide the country with reliable and reasonable power supply with the least possible adverse effects on the environment and communities,” said Hedcor in a statement. During the inauguration of the Sabangan Hydropower in Sabangan, Mountain Province, Antonio R. Moraza, Aboitiz Power president and COO, said: “Electricity is more than just a commodity. It is the lifeblood of our country. It fuels both the economy and individual opportunity.” Hedcor, by the way, is also an International Standard Organization (ISO) certified for quality. As such, it operates with international standards while promoting harmony to its employees. In addition, Hedcor reportedly has a Labor Management Council called the ‘Kabisig Council’ that tackles issues between the company and its employees. “We are proud to be part of a world-class company that has heart for its people,” said members of the Hedcor Employees Union. Among the finalists of the recent Kapatid Awards were Avon Philippines, Bank of the Philippine Island, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Franklin Baker-Davao, Globe Telecom, Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Nestle Philippines, The Medical City and Toshiba. In 2011, Hedcor was a finalist and in 2013 Hedcor emerged as a winner for Industrial Peace and Harmony of the Kapatid Awards. Hedcor was also conferred with the Gawad Ka-
ligtasan and Kalusugan Awards for both Institutional and Individual categories in 2010. Launched in 1995, the Kapatid Awards is a biennial awards conceived by ECOP Chairman Miguel B. Varela and bestowed by ECOP in recognition of companies that exemplify good business practices in the areas of industrial relations, quality and productivity, social accountability, and strategic visioning. The awards are open to small, medium, and large companies. Speaking of awards, the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards is now accepting submission for the annual competition. “The Bright Leaf Awards honors the most outstanding and relevant agriculture stories that were published or aired on radio and television,” said the press statement. “It will also celebrate the work of photojournalists who successfully capture, in one snapshot, the essence and the heart of the agriculture industry in the country.” All in all, there are nine categories. However, only there are four major awards (in which winners will receive cash prize, Ipad Mini, and trophy): Agriculture Story of the Year, Tobacco Story of the Year, Agriculture Photo of the Year, and Tobacco Photo of the Year. The minor awards (winners receive cash prize and trophy) are Best Agriculture TV Program/Segment, Best Agriculture Radio Program/Segment, Best Agriculture News Story (National and Regional levels), and Best Feature Story (National and Regional levels). In this year’s competition, only those articles and features in print category and programs and segments in television and radio that are published and broadcast between September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015 are allowed for competition. The deadline for submission is September 4. It’s high time to be recognized for your work. “A trophy isn’t about the hardware, the gold-painted statue mounted on marble, it’s about the recognition of excellence,” wrote Jarod Kintz in This Book is Not FOR SALE. “A trophy is a physical representation of the abstract concepts of hard work and dedication.”
didate is really a service provider, the distinction between campaigning and governing becomes clearer. The actual delivery of a service that a candidate offers to the voter does not occur until he begins to govern.” This clarification of what a candidate truly represents is especially important in the Philippine setting where politicians routinely get elected based on promises that they have absolutely no intention of fulfilling. It has become so bad that it’s really only a matter of time (and an ambitious lawyer) before Filipino voters file a class action lawsuit for false advertising against these elected officials. Going back to the analogy of candidates as doctors, at the rate they are going, all of our political leaders would be liable for malpractice. Imagine going to a dentist’s clinic expecting to have your tooth pulled and coming out with a new pair of eyeglasses. It is simply unimaginable how such a large and prominent group of people, so-called leaders no less, can routinely lie to so many people and not only get away with it, but get rich while they doing so.
But then again there are always at least two sides to every issue. In this case, not all the blame can be placed with the candidate. After all, one cannot fault the crocodile for biting your hand off if you were stupid enough to put it in its mouth. People who blindly accept everything that oozes out of the mouth of crooked candidates have to bear their fair share of the blame for making our political system the mess that it is today. Looking towards the 2016 elections, we can see that choosing the right candidate really requires an understanding of the many complex problems that needs to be solved. Corruption, despite the best efforts of this administration, continues to exist. China is literally camping at our doorsteps. Millions of poor Filipinos still face the direst choices every day. And for us in Mindanao, there is the added complication of searching for the right leader who would be able to rightly place us in our proper context within the larger national picture. A candidate who would fix the country while at the same time reminding the war-mongers and carpet-baggers in the capital that Mindanawons are just as good, if not better, than they are. This is not going to be easy. Nothing worth doing is. Sadly not everyone with the desire to vote wisely is equipped with the intellect to do so. Those who do therefore have the bigger task of educating the rest that the Philippines is like a patient afflicted with many ailments and most the doctors claiming they can cure it are quacks. The trick is to know which one isn’t.
Doctor who?
VANTAGE POINTS
9
The port of the matter (Part 1)
W
ITH MY TWO CENTS’ the Chinese Navy telling the US military Poseidon plane to GO AWAY, the tensions surrounding the West Philippine Sea have reached John Tria a new depth. ecisouth@gmail.com With those two words, it seems that China now regards the US military in the same way it looks at the different smaller ASEAN countries – essentially, telling all of us to back off from what it is trying to do in those waters. This is no empty boast, given that all of the Southeast Asian countries involved in the border issues have significant trade relations with China, and the United States by itself has incurred significant debt to China. These installations being reclaimed and built do more than affect coral beds but also extend the Chinese military’s reach into the heart of Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s Natuna Archipelago, the Riau chain, the island nation of Singapore, and the coasts of Borneo covering Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak, even Brunei all stand to be within easy surveillance of Chinese radar and the reach of the 3,200 aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air force, its formidable air assets comprising what is reputed to be the world’s largest air force. The South China Morning Post also reported last May 21 that the Chinese air force has conducted “training Missions” with bomber aircraft in the Miyako strait near the Senkaku islands it is disputing with Japan. All these point to a larger “muscle flex” by the Chinese forces to project its power over the waters it claims. Disruptions for almost half of world trade What this means for all of us moving forward is that these international concerns have the capability of disrupting what is basically 40 percent of all global maritime trade, since ships carrying these goods pass through the West Philippine Sea en route to the Straits of Malacca and onwards to Europe and the rest of Asia from the large trading nations of Japan, South Korea, and China.
Luzon ports stand to be affected most The Luzon ports led by the Port of Manila currently holds more than half of our Twenty foot Equivalent Units (TEU) capacity at 3.64 million units (2014) and therefore is the key to trade and distribution of goods throughout the archipelago. Everything goes through this port, and the congestion it experienced late last year is the call to decongest this artery by developing other ports in the country to receive and export goods. Much of our raw materials for our growing manufacturing sector come from these three countries. Without these, the growth of our important manufacturing capability is threatened, with much of it also located in the greater Manila and CALABARZON areas, making everything from electronic parts to our own laundry and bath soap. The threat to us in Mindanao is that even these essential commodities made in Luzon may cost us more. Davao Gulf as an alternative port and manufacturing hub It is more than worthy at this point to examine the possibilities inherent in the Davao Gulf. Essentially outside the radar of these tensions, it is a safe harbor facing the pacific ocean, putting it within easy reach of Australia and New Zealand, the United States and even Japan and South Korea. There are three major international ports open for use by the public, the Hijo port with a capacity of 2 million TEUs, the Davao International Container Terminal in Panabo at about almost 300,000 TEUs, and even the Sasa Port, currently at 550,000 TEUs, which can expand to 1.2 million TEUs with the proposed 17 billion peso Public-Private Partnership upgrade. Already the combined existing TEU capacity of these three major Gulf ports at almost 3 million TEUs can very well take in three fourths of the Luzon ports’ capacity. Of course, the Hijo and DICT ports are privately owned, which may cost a little more to use than the governments Sasa port. The advantage, however, is the speed of transactions due to the modern handling facilities, and the capacity to roll over income to easily expand capacities when necessary. (To be continued)
10 NEWS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
Binay... FROM 4
to him. “It is very clear Binay is the only presidentiable who has been offering every Pedro,
Maria and Juan to be his VP. And every Pedro, Maria and Juan has rejected his overtures,” Laviña said.
Ginsaugon (a village in the town of St. Bernard). I know he also helped in Ormoc (the 1991 flash flood left 4,922 deaths and more than 3,000 missing),” Gov. Mercado further said. Aside from Gov. Mercado, Rep. Damian Mercado and Maasin Mayor Maloney Samaco all committed to support Duterte “whatever his political plans will be”. It is easy to understand why Maasin, Southern Leyte and even the whole region will be intrigued by a Duterte presidency. First of all, he is one of their own. Aside from being born in Maasin, Duterte actually went to school for a year at the Laboon Elementary School. Four of his former classmates: Constancia Magaran-Ortega, Magdalena Antoc-Francisco, Leonila Faelnar and Paterno Jacobe welcomed Duterte with leis when he stopped briefly at the school grounds. Along with Filipinas Leonor-Tagra who is now bed-ridden, Roberto Espere who is Manila-based, and Duterte, they are the only surviving members of the second batch of pupils who went to school at Laboon Elementary School. Like what the governor said, Duterte has never denied his Maasin roots and continues to do so until now. This is the reason why, in spite of his hectic schedule, Duterte made sure he attended the Roa clan in Laboon. There was no way he will miss the reunion of his mother’s kin on Mother’s Day. The welcome streamers for Duterte said it best: “Wel-
come Home” and “Garbo sa Leyte (Leyte’s pride).” Secondly, Duterte has shown his special concern for Leyte. The Davao mayor was the first local executive outside Visayas to arrive at ground zero in Tacloban after “Yolanda” exited. As always, Duterte arrived unannounced. But his response could not be kept secret for long. The presence of Davao’s 911 emergency response team which took the long route to Tacloban on Duterte’s explicit instruction was too comforting to deny. That Duterte is one of their own and had been with them in their times of sorrow are enough reasons for Leyte and Eastern Visayas to support him. Western Visayas produced Pres. Manuel Roxas while Central Visayas contributed Presidents Sergio Osmena Sr. and Carlos P. Garcia. This leaves only Eastern Visayas without a contribution to the roll of presidents in the country. The closest that the region got was former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos. She did her share to draw attention to the region during the incumbency of her husband but it ended there. In fact, it became a “disadvantage” at the height of Yolanda because Secretary Mar Roxas brought it up in his now infamous exchange with Tacloban Mayor Ferdinand Romualdez, Imelda’s nephew. Duterte, of course, offers more than just being a son of Maasin and Leyte island. He has been credited for turning Davao City around from a vir-
Duterte... FROM 4
GROUND CONCRETING. The ground level concrete is being poured on the 33-level Aeon Towers as workers work round the clock for the signature project of local developer FTC Group of Companies. The Aeon Towers is reputed to be the tallest in Mindanao when completed in 2016. tual basket case in the early 80s to the top 5 economies among cities in the country. Davao has become synonymous with “no smoking”, firecracker ban and speed limit among others. It is considered drug-free and crime-free which attracts investors and migrants. Only recently, Davao was given recognition as the most child-friendly city in the country and the 9th safest city in the world. “If he can duplicate what he did in Davao in the entire country, we will be up there – instead of down here,” said Gov. Mercado. He was not the first to say that and – no doubt – won’t be the last. Will Duterte become Leyte’s first president? We will know when the time comes.
Anflocor... FROM 4 ed P1.3 billion in revenue. “The construction is expected to start by June this year,” Valoria said. “We already ordered two Panamax-size quay cranes and five additional rubber-tyred gantry crane (RTG cranes).” “Panamax” refers to for the size limit for ships traveling through the Panama Canal. The DICT, which started its operation in 2013, is designed to be Mindanao’s most modern container terminal with state-of-the-art equipment. Valoria said aside from a container terminal, the company is planning to build the
COLOR MANILA. Justine Cordero (left) and Jay Em explain the participation of quality printer maker Brother in the much-anticipated debut of Color Manila Run in Davao City during Fast Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.
Anflocor industrial estate just beside the port. “Many local and foreign companies are planning to put up their export operation on our industrial area because it will be closer to the DICT,” he said. Valoria, who has been opposing the P17-billion modernization of Sasa Davao port, said DICT will have the same capacity as Sasa port’s in the next 30 years for only two years’ development. “Our project will only cost an estimated of P4 billion will almost the same capacity of Sasa port in the next 30 years under the public-private partnership project,” he added.
Valoria said the Sasa modernization project was not justifiable. He also said the government should not compete with existing private sector interests. “The role of government is to open new fields of investment opportunity for the private sector that leads to further economic development and upliftment,” he said. He said the PPP project for Sasa port “is not only a redundant waste of valuable resources but also seriously discourages further investments in the Philippines and thus is counterproductive to economic development.”
which are operating in the watershed shall pay the tax, regardless of whether the delineation is finished or not.”, she added. The Local Government Code, Pelino said, gives local government units the authority to enact local tax measures. “This environment tax is no less different from the environment user fees being implemented by other cities like Palawan and the Island Garden City of Samal. The money goes to funding the WMC’s watershed rehabilitation and management programs.,” she added. Section 129 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states that “each local government unit shall exercise its power to create its own sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges sub-
ject to the provisions herein, consistent with basic policy of local autonomy. Such taxes and fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local government units.” The Watershed Code of Davao mandates that any plantation with an area of 50 hectares or more is subject to an environmental tax amounting to P2,500 per hectare per year. As of May 2015, no other plantation has complied with the envi tax payment. Earlier, SUMIFRU committed its intention to pay but requested an extension, which was granted by the CTO. Confident that the Court of Tax Appeals will issue a resolution favoring the Envi Tax implementation, the CTO has also begun resending notices to the plantations urging them to comply.
CTO... FROM 6
11 MOTORING
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 37 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MAY 24 - 25, 2015
2016 Chevrolet Camaro revives muscle car wars T
HE muscle car battle is now hitting a renaissance as Chevrolet dropped the bomb on the all-new, sixth-generation Camaro. It promises to have higher levels of performance, technology, and refinement thanks to a top-down change. It starts with a leaner, stiffer platform that’s actually dimensionally smaller than the model it replaces. It’s also significantly lighter: 90 kilograms lighter in terms of curb weight while having higher structural rigidity (up 28 percent) than before. The weight reduction is thanks to an aluminum instrument panel frame, aluminum front suspension links, and steel rear suspension links with lightening holes. The front suspension uses a MacPherson Strut with a dou-
ble-pivot design for more precise control and a more linear, communicative steering. At the back, a new five-link rear independent suspension reduces squat during acceleration while providing outstanding wheel control. GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (active suspension) is available for the Camaro SS model. All Camaros offer Brembo brakes as available equipment while Goodyear tires are standard across the line (Eagle Sport all-seasons or Eagle F1 Asymmetric all-season run-flat tires). The Camaro SS moves up to Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires. Rim sizes are either 18 or 20 inches. Under the hood, the Camaro has a choice between three powertrains. The base engine
is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 275 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. For power on demand, it offers a wide power band with 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,100 to 3,000 rpm. An all-new 3.6-liter V6 engine serves as the mid-range en-
gine with 335 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque. This engine incorporates direct-injection, variable-valve timing, and for the first time, cylinder deactivation. The most powerful Camaro (the SS) runs on the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine also found in the
Corvette Stingray. It has 455 horsepower and 617 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful Camaro SS ever. All engines come with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The sleeker, tauter Camaro features a more driver-fo-
cused interior that continues the tradition of the dual cockpit design. However, the parking brake has been notably changed to an electric-type allowing for repositioned cup holders. The interior also features an LED ambient lighting system.
Ford PH reveals the new 2015 Everest Isuzu PH posts 54% growth I F ORD Philippines has finally unveiled the Philippine specifications, model variants, and pricing of the all-new 2015 Everest at its dynamic launch. After its global reveal in Beijing, its regional launch at the Bangkok International Motor Show and MIAS, you think you have everything you need to know about the Ford Everest. Except for the price. So, allow us to enlighten you. Read on. Cutting to the chase, it comes with six variants (officially, five with the final one being an optional Premium package): Ambiente 2.2 4x2 M/T: P 1,339,000 Ambiente 2.2 4x2 A/T: P 1,399,000 Trend 2.2 4x2 A/T: P
1,539,000 Titanium 2.2 4x2 A/T: P 1,639,000 Titanium 3.2 4x4 A/T: P 1,899,000 Titanium Premium 3.2 4x4 A/T: P 1,999,000 The optional Premium package contains the following additional equipment: HID projector-type headlamps with auto-leveling and headlamp washer LED daytime running lights 8-way power adjustable passenger seat Power Fold third-row seat Power Liftgate 240-volt inverter Panoramic Moonroof Heads-up Display Adaptive Cruise Control Lane Keeping Aid Collision Mitigation
Active Park Assist
From this alone, it’s clear that Ford Philippines is undercutting the recently revealed Thailand market pricing, a great strategy given we have a more robust lineup of SUVs from the EcoSport, Escape, Explorer, and Expedition. With this pricing, the Everest comfortably sits in-between the North American-sourced Escape and Explorer. With a design led by Ford’s Asia-Pacific region design and product development teams, the Everest rides on the nameplate’s reputation for being a tough and rugged go-anywhere SUV. Now, it adds refinement, smart features, and unparalleled safety to make it the new benchmark in midsized SUVs. It features 225-mm ground clearance and 800mm water wading depth allowing it to tackle even the most challenging terrain. In addition, it comes with an intelligent four-wheel drive system
with an integrated Terrain Management System (TMS) and Torque on Demand (via an Active Transfer Case). It also has traction control and hill descent control as well. Furthermore, it has an Electronic Locking Rear Differential. Inside, SYNC comes as standard equipment (SYNC 2 on the higher-end models and SYNC 1 on the base Ambiente) with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Models with SYNC 2 come with an 8-inch touchscreen and a first-in-its-class 10-speaker sound system. It also comes with Active Noise Cancellation. Under the hood, the Everest comes with either the 2.2-liter Duratorq 4-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque or the 3.2-liter Duratorq 5-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque. All gearboxes, whether manual or automatic, feature six forward gears. Ford dealerships nationwide are ready to take your orders (hurry up, as waiting lists are growing as high as 100 units per dealership). Deliveries start in September. It’s available in seven colors: Cool White, Black Mica, Sunset Red, True Red, Metropolitan Gray, Blue Reflex, and Aluminum Metallic.
SUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC) continues its growth with a 54 percent increase in the first four months as it reached 6,369 units compared to the 4,154 units in the same period last year – in spite of a 25 percent decline in April. In a joint report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers’ of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers’ Association Inc. (TMA), it showed that in April IPC sold 1,439 units or 32.5% higher than the 1,086 units in April 2014. However, on a monthly basis April failed to maintain the 1,917 units in March posting a 24.9 percent decrease with only 1,439 units. Despite that, the company still manages to achieve a year to date growth of 54 percent which is due to the outstanding sales of its SUV model. With a total of 2,971 units at the end of April, the Isuzu mu-X now claims to be the bestselling model in IPC’s LCV line-up. Another major contributor to this remarkable increase is the robust sales of its Category V trucks and buses which from 7 units in January-April last year to 28 units this year. This improvement can be attributed to the left and right infrastructure projects coming both from the public and private sector, increasing the purchase of heavy trucks used as payload by contractors. Likewise, the light and medium-duty trucks enjoins this trend recording a 36 percent increase or 908 units for the Category III and 53 percent
increase or 334 units for the Category IV trucks and buses; coming from 668 (Category III) and 219 (Category IV) units last year. “Our SUV and truck sales are what give us the advantage in the first four months of the year. We are continuously putting effort to make sure that our supply will be able to meet the demand specially for these two segments.” said IPC President Hajime Koso. However, the same cannot be said for the Crosswind AUV as it only managed to sell 1,230 units from January - April falling short of the 1,810 units in the same period in 2014. Noticeably, Crosswind’s first two months was sluggish but the model was able to recover in March with the introduction of its 2015 edition. The D-MAX also can’t keep up with the phase specially when the competitors started introducing the latest models of their pick-up. The D-MAX only sold a total of 925 units compared to the 1,292 units last year or a negative 28.4 percent growth. With the introduction of its 2015 model, IPC is hopeful that it will be able to gain in sales in the following months. “Generally April is a slow month not just IPC but for the industry. Looking at the bigger picture our sales are more than 50-percent compared to 2014 – which is a great achievement.” says Koso “With the rate we are going, it is not far that we will reach the 18,000-unit target even earlier than scheduled.” added Koso.
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HERE COMES ALYSSA UAAP champs see action in Davao May 29
By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net
T
HE hottest news in sports this side of the country is that volleyball star Alyssa Valdez will see action in Davao City on May 29. The not so cool news is that only 300 tickets of the 7,000 printed remain on sale. Yes, Alyssa Valdez will lead the two-time UAAP champion Lady Eagles in an exhibition match at the USEP Gym against Davao Lady Agilas dubbed as “Heartstrong: A Charity Game.” “The entire Lady Eagles team except for those who have graduated will be here for the charity game and that includes Alyssa Valdez. That is confirmed,” said Noli Ayo, athletic director of Ateneo de Davao University, during the FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Other than Valdez, two Dabawenyas in the roster of the Eagles are coming--Mae Tajima of Ateneo de Davao University and Maggy Madayag of Davao Christian High School.
Gametime is set at 5:00 pm and tickets are available at the Athletics Office of ADDU Matina Campus and at Roxas Entrance Gate of ADDU Jacinto Campus. A preliminary game is set at 3:00 pm as curtain raiser. Ayo said half of the tickets have been sold out as of three daus after the tickets went on sale. However, a report on Saturday bared that only 300 tickets are left for the much-awaited charity game. Ayo said proceeds of the event will go to the Gawad Kalinga project and to the Coaches for Peace in Mindanao project. There will be meet and greet on May 28 at the Davao Crocodile Park and on May 29 at the Abreeza Mall. Fans who bring in used sneakers can get photos with the Lady Eagles. The used sports shoes will be distributed to indigent athletes in Davao City under the Generous Soles program which was authored by Ateneo stars Valdez and Kiefer Ravena.
HEARTSTRONG. Ateneo de Davao University athletic director Noli Ayo announces the Heartstrong Charity Game featuring the Ateneo Lady Eagles led by Alyssa Valdez (right) during the FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr. The Davao Agilas will be bannered by a selection of Davao City collegiate volleyball players. The Lady Eagles are the
reigning women’s volleyball champions after beating De La Salle University for the title in the 76th and 77th seasons of the UAAP.
der girls kata and the mixed team kata of JP Ponce, Jam Ramirez and Darlene Maramara. The Davao bets also won three silvers and two bronzes. The mixed kata trophy was retained by AAK Davao despite the absence of top karatekas Gabriel Quiñonez and Ella Estarija. The two could not join the team due to their studies. Guesting at FAST Fridays
were PJ Bacayo who lost the gold medal by the skin of his teeth in the finals, Sofia Agullo, Ponce, Maramara and Tan. “This is not our A Team but still we were able to deliver. The kids fought really hard,” said Tan. The team was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission through Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., executive director, and the AAK Davao parents. (Neil Bravo)
Davao karatekas finish 8th overall in Malaysia
A
SSOCIATION for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK Davao) finished 8th overall out of 61 teams in the 16th Milo Malaysian Open Karatedo Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently. AAK Davao head coach Rommel Tan told journalists covering the FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier of
the impressive stint by the Dabawenyo karatekas who represented the Philippines in the annual event. “We are proud to finih 8th overall in Malaysia and that is a good showing considering the level of competition has really gone up. It’s a lot tougher now compared to the previous years,” Tan said. AAK Davao won two golds through Atsuko Kaiyel Tan in the 5 years and un-
ATSUKO KAIYEL TAN
N
AAK DAVAO. Members of the AAK Davao karatedo team led by coach Rommel Tan (extreme right) present the trophies and medals won during the 16th Milo Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur during the FAST Fridays media
forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. The other team members are (l-r) PJ Bacayo, Sofia Agullo, JP Ponce, Darlene Maramara and Atsuko Kaiyel Tan. Lean Daval Jr.
Wonder Kid Kaiyel eyes Thailand stint
OT any ordinary five-year old kid would face a battery of journalists in a grilling press conference. Not for Atsuko Kaiyel Tan. The five-year old karatedo wonder sat at the panel, posed for photographers, showed off her medals, and even walked up to the floor to reenact her kata routine. When the press conference was over, Tan was not done. She called up this writer and surprisingly said: “Why didn’t you ask me questions?” Her remark elicited a loud laughter from the group of reporters attending the weekly FAST Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta. “You want more questions?” asked Prix Banzon of Philippine News Agency. “Yes,” was Kaiyel’s quick response. What happened next was an exclusive interview with this young karatedo sensation who won a gold medal in the girls 5
years and under kata and a silver medal in the girls 6 years and under kata in the 16th Milo-Malaysian Open Karatedo Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week. Executing to near perfection the difficult Jion Kata routine, Kaiyel bested entries from Thailand, Malaysia, India and Singapore to win the gold medal. “Mas mahirap na kata ang ginawa ni Kaiyel kaya naimpress ang mga judges sa kaniya,” said father-coach Rommel Tan who admitted he was the one who got nervous when the competition started. He asked one of his senior players PJ Bacayo to assist him in coaching Kaiyel. “Hindi po ako natakot. Sabi ko mananalo ako ng medal,” Kaiyel said. Kaiyel’s gold in Malaysia is her first in two international stints. She won a silver in the 2015 Adidas Cup last January in SM Mall of Asia. She is up next to compete in Thailand late this year. (Neil Bravo)
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GOLFER OF THE WEEK
JUN SERADO: Taking golf seriously By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Photos by BOY LIM Editor’s Note: When EDGE Davao first went off the press as a weekly business paper, one of the regular features of its pages is GOLFER OF THE WEEK which appears on the Sports Page. Then sports editor Moses Billacura delivered a weekly feature of the finest gentlemen and women on the local golf scene. Beginning this issue, we are bringing back this regular feature to devote a space for our sports personalities from the greens. TRUE mark of a serious golfer is one who makes the sport not just a pastime but a lifestyle. Eusebio Obeso Serado, Jr. or Jun to
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ILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s comeback fight, following a shoulder injury he suffered in his fight against American Floyd Mayweather, could be held in the Philippines early next year. Filipino religious leader Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, who has thrown his support to Filipino boxers by establishing the Sonshine Sports Manage-
his peers is one who you may rightfully call a serious golfer. He owns two proprietory memberships with Apo Golf and Country Club and with Rancho Palos Verdes--proof enough that he is well enmeshed and ‘owned’ by the sport. He began swinging clubs in 2005 and now totes a respectable 27 handicap. He captained the Apo Golf and Country Club team in the annual Philippine Airlines Interclub Golf Tournament in 2013 and 2014 in Cebu City and Bacolod City. Despite his busy schedule, Jun finds time to be in the golf course four times a week. He is a faithful of Japanese-made Hon-
ma Beres clubs, the same brand used by top Asian golfers Liang Wen Chong and our very own Juvic Pagunsan. Off the tee, Jun hits a IS03 Beres driver and his two other woods are of Honma Beres series. Same goes with his irons. In bunkers, he relies on an IS02 and on the green, he pulls out a Titleist putter. His choice of golf ball is Titleist PROVIX. He drives around the course on a Yamaha electric-powerd cart. Jun is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Matina, elected member of the Board of Directors of Apo Golf and Country Club in 2009, and Eagle Masters member since 2009.
JUN SERADO Golf History: Started: May 2005 Current Handicap: 27 Golf Club affiliations: - Apo Golf and Country Club 2005 – 2007 Proprietary Member - Rancho Palos Verdes 2007 – Present Proprietary Member Past President Rotary Club of Matina Elected Member, Board of Directors Apo Golf and Country Club 2009 Eagle Masters Member – 2009 Regular Playing Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sundays Afternoon Player What’s in his bag? Driver: Honma Beres IS03 3 wood: Honma Beres 5 wood: Honma Beres 19 Loft Rescue - Honma Beres Irons: #- 6,7,8,9,10,11 Honma Beres Brand IS02 Sandwedge: IS02 Putter : Titleist Golf Ball: Titleist PROVIX red/black Golf Cart: Yamaha Electric Club Tournament Experience- PAL Interclub, Team Apo Golf and Country Club -Team Captain – Apo Golf Club team 2013 – 2014
Pacquiao vs Amir Khan in Davao?
ment, has earlier indicated that he would like to see his friend, Pacquiao, stage one of his last few fights in his home country. “My dream really is to have Manny fight in his home country before he retires,” said Quiboloy whose congregation, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is building the King Dome, a 65-seat capacity religious worship and sports
centre in Davao City. Former North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol, who has partnered with Pastor Quiboloy in the boxing undertaking and has been designated Chief Executive Officer of Sonshine Sports Management, said that there were already direct talks with Manny Pacquiao regarding a Philippine fight but these were superseded by the sudden
announcement of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. “I was already given the go-signal by Pastor Quiboloy to talk with Manny regarding the fight. In fact, we held two meetings shortly after the Chris Algieri fight,” the former Governor said. He said the talks were suspended when Mayweather suddenly announced that he was willing to face Pacquiao and
scheduled the fight for May 2 this year. The names of Amir Khan and American fighter Pauli Malinaggi were mentioned during the negotiations, Piñol said. “Since the King Dome may not yet be ready for an early 2016 fight, the proposed Pacquiao-Khan or Pacquiao-Malinaggi bout could be held in a bigger venue in Metro Manila,” he said.
Pastor Quiboloy, who is a die-hard boxing fan, is very excited about the prospect of allowing Filipinos to see Manny Pacquiao in action live in the Philippines, the former Governor said. “We will restart the talks soon so that we might be able to come up with something right after the doctors would allow Manny to fight again,” Piñol said.
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