Edge Davao 8 Issue 43 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

INSIDE EDGE

The BIG NEWS P2

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SEPARATION ANXIETY. A father comforts his crying daughter who is experiencing separation anxiety on the first day of classes at the Vicente Hizon Sr. Elementary School in Bo. Pampanga, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

52 Pinoy fishermen to be turned over in Panacan today The BIG NEWS P2

THE DECISION Mayor Duterte to make announcement ‘soon’ By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

Battle of MVPs in NBA Finals Sports P16

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has only three more places to visit in his “listening tour” onfederalism before he declares that he will run for President – or not. In a press conference

on Sunday afternoon in Matanao, Davao del Sur, reporters had asked the mayor for his time frame on when he would declare if he is going to run for President or not. He responded by saying he still has three more

places to go to before he proclaims his final stand on the Presidential election. He did not say, however, when his listening tour will end. “Time frame? May tatlo pa akong pupuntah-

an na lugar. Punta akong Pampanga kay nakasaad na ko didto, tapos punta ako sa Lucena groups of lawyers ang puntahan ko at isa pang lugar sa Lucena. Pagkahuman ana mu-undang na ko (I still

FTHE DECISION, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

REOPEN THE CASE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte talks to Vijealyn Sacro Omila (right), Ramon Curray (second from right), and other members of the Sacro family who requested the mayor to order the reopening of the Catalunan Pequeño massacre case which was declared case closed by the Davao City Police operatives. Duterte met the family over the weekend at Grand Men Seng Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte admits Kin of Pequeño massacre voicing TV ad victims ask for new probe By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has admitted being the voice behind the teaser advertisement that has already aired in major television stations. “Ako nga ang nag voiceover pero matagal na yun (I was the one who did the voiceover but it was a long time ago),” Duterte said in an interview with reporters last Saturday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. He said he recorded the voiceover upon the request of

a group of Chinese businessman who wanted to release the advertisement. Duterte also denied being the one who paid for the advertisement, saying he has no money to buy airtime. “Yung mga gumagastos sa mga ganyan sabi nila na Mayor pagbigyan mo lang kami, huwag mo lang kaming parahin kasi nasa sa iyo yan kung tatakbo ka o hindi (The people who paid for the advertisement

FDUTERTE, 10

Ortiz leaving political fate to Hugpong leadership BY CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

AVAO City Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz is leaving it to the leadership of local administration party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod to decide on her political fate come 2016. Ortiz said she has not decided what path to take the moment her third term as councilor ends in June next year, but is not shutting down the door for any higher position, including a seat in Con-

gress. “I still believe in destiny,” Ortiz said during the regular Kapehan sa Dabaw forum at SM City Annex Monday. Ortiz added that becoming a councilor in the third district of Davao City was itself a destiny for her. As of now, Ortiz would not say whether to seek the third district Congressional seat with Rep. Isidro T. Ungab also

FORTIZ, 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

HE families of the victims of last month’s Catalunan Pequeño massacre asked Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to reinvestigate the case, claiming that some neighborhood children had seen one other person in the house before the crime was committed. Last Saturday afternoon, Vijealyn Sacro Omila, the 31-year-old mother of victim Ceasar Ann Sacro Omila, 12, and daughter of victim Virginia Sacro, 58, met with

the mayor at the Grand Men Seng Hotel along with Omila’s common-law partner Ramon Curray. Also present was the grandmother of another victim, 12-year-old Liezel Borongan. The three asked Duterte to have the case reopened since the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) had declared it “case closed” after finding a suicide note written by Philip Sacro Salazar. Police had found that the

handwriting was consistent with that on Salazar’s notebooks and test papers. Police established that Salazar killed the three victims before stabbing himself. His body still had the knife embedded on the chest. Police also established that Salazar had molested Borongan. Curray had initially been tagged as a “person of interest” but was set free after Salazar was tagged in the apparent murder-suicide.

But in the meeting with Duterte, Curray said some children in the neighborhood told him they had seen one other person in side the house before the murders. Curray said the police did not take this seriously since the children could have been making up stories. Curray, however, said the victims’ families did not believe only one person could have committed the crime. “Ang sa amin po, nanini-

nesia will arrive on board BRP Cebu at 7:45 a.m. “These Filipino fishermen ages 19 to 50 years old were apprehended by Indonesian authorities for illegal fishing and illegal entry in the territorial sea of Indonesia,” Caber said. Caber did not give the names and origin of the fishermen.

He said the Indonesian government destroyed most of the fishing boats seized during the arrest. Caber said officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Bureau of Immigration, and the Bureau of Quarantine will witness the turnover ceremony. The Department of For-

eign Affairs (DFA) said since January 2015, the department has repatriated 139 Filipino fishermen from Indonesia for entering Indonesian waters without proper documentation and permission. Last May, the DFA repatriated 17 Filipino fishermen who were arrested in groups for illegally fishing in Indone-

52 arrested Filipino fishermen return from Indonesia today T

HE 52 Filipino fishermen who were arrested in Indonesia last April will be turned over today (Tuesday) at the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) headquarters in Panacan, Davao City. In a text message, Eastmincom public information officer Captain Alberto Caber said the repatriates from Indo-

FKIN, 10

F52 ARRESTED, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Councilors press approval of bill on GSIS membership extension

BACK TO SCHOOL. Parents and students walk by the Sasa Police Station’s “Balik Eskwela” streamer at the entrance gate of the Vicente Hizon Sr. Elementary School yesterday. Millions of students trooped to the country’s public schools during the opening of classes yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

AVAO City councilor Myrna Ortiz is pushing for the approval of the proposed House Bill that will extend the membership of councilors with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) even after the nine-year maximum of public service in the government. “We want our membership with GSIS to be extended even after out three-year term,” Ortiz said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday. She said the current GSIS rules and regulation limit the membership of councilors and other local government officials to within their tenure of public service. Ortiz said the bill that

was filed last year will hopefully be discussed in the 2nd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board (NEO-NB) meeting and the second series of 2015 Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) on June 10 to 12 at the SMX Lanang Convention Center. “I expect that the update of the bill will be presented in the meeting organized by the Philippine Councilors League,” she said. “The PCL might produce a resolution pushing for the approval of the bill and will be submitted to the House of Congress.” Ortiz said around 3,000 councilors from all over the country will convene in the event with the theme “So-

FCOUNCILORS, 10

Mayor Rody to help Comelec remind voters on biometrics

1,700 Lumad kids’ education disrupted in schools’ closure M

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE education of some 1,700 Lumad students from almost 80 indigenous schools in the municipalities of Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte is in danger of being disrupted as the division of Department of Education (DepEd) in the province has called for their closure. “This is a clear violation to the constitutional right of our Lumad brothers to have access to education,” Salugpongan Tatanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTICLC), Inc. principal Ronie Garcia said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex. In a letter dated May 12,

2015, Davao del Norte division superintendent Dr. Josephine L. Fadul asked DepEd 11 regional director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte for permission to close the STTICLC and its 35 branches for being infiltrated by the New People’s Army (NPA). In the same letter, Fadul said the temporary closure of the indigenous schools was based on the order of the Talaingod Municipal Council of Tribal Leaders “and the reinvestigation, reinspection, and reevaluation of the said school in terms of performance in providing efficient, quality and relevant educational services consistent with DepEd and National

Education policies, plans and standard.” She also allegedly recommended the creation of a public high school in Butay, Talaingod utilizing military personnel as “para-teachers” which she said was discussed in her meeting with the “Regional Intelligence Committee at NEAP last April 23, 2015.” Garcia said the request was “immediately” granted by the regional office as well as the permit to close the MISFI Academy in Kapalong and its 39 other branches. “DepEd never even bothered to communicate with us. Ginatago nila sa amo ang ilang order kay bisan sa

panahon nga nakigdialogue mi mismo kay atty. Escobarte wala man lang sila nagpahibalo sa amo aron unta makadepensa mi sa among eskwelahan,” he said. Garcia said the allegations that the schools were NPA-infiltrated were “unjust and baseless.” Garcia also said there were no due process because of the lack of consultation and the “order” from the council of tribal leaders was “probably not true” given that the Saluggpungan Ta’tanu Igkanogon is a member of the council. “We didn’t receive any information that such order

F1,700, 10

VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte said that he will tap the Liga ng mga Barangay to remind the 179,967 voters who have not yet accomplished their biometrics with the Commission on Election (Comelec). The Comelec had earlier said it was alarmed at the big number of voters without biometrics in Davao City. Under Republic Act 10367 or the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act of 2013, voters who lack biometrics records in the Comelec will not be allowed to vote in the 2016 national election. Duterte said he will see what he can do to help the Comelec. “We’ll try to ask how we can help. If not I’ll call the attention of the Liga ng mga Barangay,” he said. Last Thursday, Comelec 11 assistant regional director Marlon Casquejo told the me-

dia that at least 300 people per day must accomplish their biometrics data before the deadline in October in order to complete the 179,967 voters. From January to March this year, only a little over 2,000 voters completed their biometrics data. Casquejo said the Comelec has sent notices to voters without biometrics to tell them to complete it before the deadline. “Every week we send 5,000 letters, but out of that only 20 respond,” he said. Satellite registration sites were also put up in every barangay in the 2nd and 3rd district to accommodate those who are living far from the Comelec office. Davao City has a total of 888,442 registered voters. Casquejo said those who were registered before 2004 have no biometrics.

4 Panabo residents jailed in Malaysia

HE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is helping four victims of human trafficking from Panabo City, Davao del Norte who have been jailed in Malaysia since early this year for illegally working there. OWWA OIC regional director Eduardo Bellido said the victims were promised work as domestic workers in Malaysia but ended up in night clubs and bars. Belliod said the four victims, all residents of the port area in Panabo, were recruited by a relative who has a neighbor working in Malaysia. He said the four rode a bus to the Davao City Overland

Transport Terminal (DCOTT) and travelled to Cagayan de Oro. From there they travelled to Zamboanga City and rode a plane to Sandakan, Malaysia. “The cases of the four victims of human trafficking from Panabo City were already brought to the DOJ (Department of Justice), the national section of the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), and a representative of an NGO (non-governmental organization) which has a branch in Malaysia,” Bellido said. He said OWWA is currently working hand in hand with the three agencies to help the victims.

F4 PANABO, 10

OFW AID. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officer in charge Eduardo Bellido (right) tells reporters that his office is helping four victims of human trafficking from Panabo City, Davao del Norte who have been jailed in

Malaysia since early this year for illegally working there. Bellido and Philippine Science High School South Mindanao director Delia Legaspino (left) graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

Losing biodiversity Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO “A few decades ago, the wildlife of Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence.” -- Dr. Lee Talbot, former director of Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources *** “More than 11,000 spe- life-forms estimated to be 30 logical problems, Dr. Raven cies of animals and plants million species of which only stressed, the crisis is comare known to be threatened about 1.4 million have so far pletely irreversible. “Extincwith extinction, about a third been discovered. It is no won- tion is forever,” declared the of all coral reefs are expected der why there are new species Washington-based World Reto vanish in the next 30 years still being discovered. sources Institute. and about 15 million hectares Ecosystem diversity, The Philippines, with of forest are being razed annu- meanwhile, is the variety of more than 7,000 islands, is ally.” biotic communities, habitat considered by many respected That was what the week- types and the ecological pro- scientists as one of the counly American magazine Time cesses in the various hemi- tries with the highest degree wrote in its special report dat- spheres of the planet. Exam- of biodiversity in the world. ed September 2, 2002. ples include grassland, forest, The Philippines is home At that time, Harvard bi- marine, and freshwater eco- to about 170,000 faunal speologist Edward O. Wilson has systems. cies, most of which are insects just published his book, The Unfortunately, most of the and are mostly unidentified, Future of Life. He wrote of his biodiversity we know now are according to the Department worries that unless people on fast disappearing at nothing of Environment and Natural this planet change their ways, less than mind-boggling. “Dif- Resources (DENR). Twelve “half of all species could disap- ficult as it is to accept, mass thousand plant species and pear by the end of this centu- extinction has already begun,” 960 animal species are found ry.” Dr. Wilson deplored. in the country’s forests. Of the As early as 1993, the Food The Harvard biologist es- identified animal species, over and Agriculture Organization timates that, at a minimum, 500 are birds and 167 are (FAO) sounded the alarm. “We 50,000 invertebrates species mammals. are losing biological diversi- per year -- nearly 140 each Out of the 500 known corty at an unprecedented rate,” day -- are condemned to ex- al species in worldwide, about deplored the United Nations tinction. 488 coral species in 78 genera agency during the World Food “Some people will argue are found in the Philippines. Day celebration. that if we lost a number of There are only about 50 speBiological diversity -- or insects yesterday, and the sun cies of seagrasses in the world. biodiversity for short -- is still came up today, does it A total of 16 species can be made up of all species of plants truly matter?” asked Prof. Nor- found in the country, and this and animals, their genetic ma- man Myers, authors of several is the second highest diversity terial and the ecosystems of books and has served as a con- that exists in one country; only which they are a part. Species sultant to several UN agencies. Western Australia has more -diversity refers to the variety Here’s what Time has said: with 17 species. At least 2,000 of species within a given area. “The damage being done is fish species are found in the Samuel R. Peñafiel, in an more than aesthetic. Many Philippines. article which appeared in Can- vanishing species provide Almost 100 mammal speopy International, explained humans with both food and cies are endemic to the Philipthat there are three different medicine. What’s more, once pines. In recent years, experts levels by which biodiversity you start tearing out swaths have discovered more than a can be viewed: genetic diver- of ecosystem, you upset the dozen species of mammals in sity, species diversity and eco- existing balance in ways that the country seen nowhere else system diversity. harm even areas you didn’t in- on the planet. Genetic diversity pertains tend to touch.” “The number compares to the variability in genes Dr. Peter Raven, another with other countries like Brawithin a species, variety, sub- noted American biologist, is zil,” noted Philippine fauna species or breed. “Each organ- very much concerned with specialist Dr. Laurence Heaney ism is a repository of immense the fast disappearance of the of the Field Museum of Natnumber of genetic informa- world’s biodiversity. “Of all the ural History in Chicago. “But tion which can be as much as global problems that confront compare their sizes. For such 1,000 genes in single-cell or- us, species extinction is the a small area, the Philippine ganisms to more than 400,000 one that is moving the most rockets ahead.” in animals and flowering rapidly and the one that will Brazil has a total land area plants,” Peñafiel pointed out. have the most serious conse- of 3,286,488 square kilomeOn the other hand, species quences,” he contends. ters while the Philippines diversity covers the variety of Unlike other global eco- has a total land area of only

Endangered Philippine eagle

Different species of butterflies and insects

Different kinds of vegetables

Mount Apo, home to Philippine eagle and other biological diversity

115,800 square kilometers. On the other hand, Indonesia -- another biodiversity-rich country, has a total land area of 741,101 square kilometers. While its biodiversity is among the highest, the Philippines’ ecosystems are among the most threatened. In fact, the US National Cancer Institute lists the entire Philippine archipelago as among the five biogeographical areas in the world considered to be the “hot-

test of the hot spots,” a hot spot being an area whose high biodiversity is gravely threatened. Although no endemic species yet in the country are reported to have been extinct, several made it to the list of rare, threatened and endangered species compiled by the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), of which the country is a signatory. To name a few: tamaraw,

Philippine tarsier, pangolin, Philippines palm civet, Philippine eagle, Nicobar pigeon, Koch’s pitta, falcons, Peregrine falcon, Palawan peacock pheasant, Pygmy curlew, Sander’s alocasia, pitcher plant, some species of orchids, and pitogo, “Once these species are gone, they are gone forever, leaving behind an imbalance in ecology and beauty difficult to determine and restore,” a Filipino environmentalist observed.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

1K farmers get free crop insurance By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of 1,000 small rice and corn farmers from Davao Region will be insured for free in the next three years with the implementation of a pilot crop insurance project in Mindanao. The project will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). “Farmers that will be listed in the Registry for System of Basic Agriculture (RSBA) will be able to receive an insurance of P20,000 per hectare of rice and P30,000 per hectare of corn area,” PCIC regional manager Bonifacio Pales said in a press conference for the launching of the $1 million insurance project at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Farmers who will automatically qualify for this testing project known as the Weather Index Insurance (WIBI) are those who have production area within the 15 kilometer radius of Pag-Asa’s rain gauge facility, which has a capacity of testing the amount of rainfall which will be the index of the insurance. The project will be piloted in areas where Pag-Asa has a 30-year rainfall. Among the

areas in Davao City that will be within the 15 kilometer radius are Calinan, Callawa, Paquibato District, Tagum City and Panabo City. Other project sites will be in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. “Unlike the losses under the traditional crop insurance scheme, the insurer does not need to visit the farmer’s field,” Pales said. “The payment is based on the amount of rainfall, it iis below or above the set thresh hold.” The WIBI, Pales said, is an innovative insurance product that has the advantages of fast settlement and lower administrative cost. It is first implemented in India where it originated. The amount of claims each farmer will receive will differ on the stage of cropping. Farmers of crops that attain damage near the harvesting season will receive bigger compared to those are on the vegetative stage. “At the vegetative stage, farmers will receive 60 percent of the claims. As the stage of cropping advances, so with the amount claims,” Pales said, adding that a farmer has an average production cost of P25,000. Aside from Davao, the Caraga Region will be also

piloted with the insurance project. UNDP national project coordinator Israel dela Cruz said the project will be also implemented in the rice and corn production areas of Bukidnon, Misamis Occiden-

tal, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin. This project will also benefit another 1,000 small farmers. “The $1 million crop insurance project is one way of strengthening farmers and their livelihoods against the

climate change,” Dela Cruz said. Other component of the climate change resiliency project are policy advocacy amid the community-based customized adaptation learning and measures where

farmers and producers organizations and other local stakeholders will be able to analyze climate risk and develop and implement adaptation practices to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.

GADGET GIVE-AWAY. SM City Davao assistant mall manager engineer Nick D. Santos announces the “Gadget Give-away” promotion in which shoppers have a chance to win the hottest gadgets in the monthly raffle set on June 1 to September 30. Santos was a guest in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

Business top agenda on Noy’s Japan trip E

NCOURAGING more businessmen to come to the Philippines as well as security issues would be President Aquino’s top agenda when he visits Japan next week, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said. Valte said that apart from the bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other

high-ranking Japanese officials including the Emperor, President Aquino is scheduled to meet Japanese businessmen. “The President has a long line of meetings with captains of industry of either Japanese businessmen, who already have investments here in the Philippines, and those who are... because of our economy now, are look-

CSC to expand DavNor office

HE Civil Service Commission (CSC) unveiled earlier today the expansion project for their Davao del Norte Field Office located in the Capitol Compound, Mankilam, Tagum City. Leading the unveiling ceremony, CSC 11 Regional Director Annabelle Rosell declared that the event signalled the start of a bigger and better field office in the province. “The expansion will include a bigger record room that will contain all personnel files of government employees in Davao del Norte” Regional Dir. Rosell said. Rosell added that aside from a bigger space for the staff to comfortably provide services, there will be an additional examination and training room in the building. “In the future, we can conduct training programs for small groups here in the

office and hopefully provide a space for the computerized examination that we are planning to hold in every field office,” she stated. Dir. Rosell bared that the commission allocated P3-million for the expansion, while the provincial government will shoulder the labor expenses for the construction and some other expenses necessary for the project that will not be covered by the CSC’s budget. “The provincial government will be undertaking the project; and as what I’ve heard, they are now in the process of purchasing the materials. Hopefully, by the middle of June, the materials will be delivered and they will commence with construction,” she said. She hoped that the project will finish within two months after its commencement. “We would just like to

ing to expand or are looking to put in more investments in the country,” Valte said. “Every time the President goes out, he always makes it a point as much as possible to touch base with the captains of industry to really tell them what has been happening to country, and so far, you see that this is bearing fruit.” The foreign direct invest-

ments are up and the number of foreign businesses that come to the Philippines are also increasing, she noted. Those already operating in the country have also shown quick expansions of their operations, she added. With more than a year in office, the president will continue to push for the business agenda whenever he travels overseas, she added.

MOA SIGNING. Department of Trade and Industry provincial director Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo, DTI 11 director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Antonio T. dela Cruz and DCCCII chairman of the board John Y. Gaisano Jr. (from left) during

Security issue is also a top agenda for the President, Valte said. This is in the midsts of the ongoing reclamation activities of China in the West Philippine Sea. Japan also has conflicting claims with China in the East Sea. “The reclamation activity is a current issue, and it’s a shared issue between our country and as well as

one of our strategic partners, which is Japan—mapag-uusapan at mapag-uusapan; ngunit hindi natin masasabi kung saan pupunta ang usapan,” Valte said.

Aside from China and Philippines, other claimants in the contested territory include Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. (PCOO News Release)

the signing of the memorandum of agreement on the shared service facility - business resource center last May 29 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. DTI also turned oversome P500,000 worth of IT equipment and furnitures & fixtures to the Small Business Development Center.

Study on Naga City power plant Toyota replaces defective completed in October: Cebu firm FCSC, 10

RAV4 driver airbags: DTI

OYOTA Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) has issued a special service campaign for the Toyota RAV4 Driver Airbag. In a letter to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba dated May 12, 2015, lawyer Rommel Gutierrez, TMPC’s First Vice President for Government and Industry Affairs of its Corporate Affairs Group, said the particular Driver Airbags of Toyota RAV4 were produced from July 2003 until July 2005 at their Japan Manufacturing Plant. Gutierrez said the special service campaign covers 2,651 RAV4 vehicles officially sold in the Philippines. “The Driver Airbag Inflator Modules may have increased potential for moisture intrusion over time, which could potentially make the inflator assembly susceptible in the event of

an airbag deployment. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking and may cause serious injuries,” he said “As a preventive measure, we will replace the Airag Inflator Module Assembly with a new one, at no cost to our customers,” he added. Gutierrez said TMPC has committed to contact the affected customers through notification letters and invite them to bring their vehicles to authorized Toyota dealers for vehicle servicing. DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said Dabawenyos who bought a RAV4 may also contact the nearest DTI office should they have clarifications or some other concerns related to the advisory. In Davao City, DTI office is located at 2F Mintrade Realty Building, Monteverde Avenue corner Sales Street. They can be reached at (082) 224-0511.DTI11/NCL/jmm

FFICIALS of the SPC Power Corp. said the feasibility study of the City Naga power complex in southern Cebu is in full swing and is expected to be completed in October this year. SPC chairman Alfredo Henares said the Naga power complex will house two units of 150 megawatt (MW) circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) coal-fired power plant, or a total of 300MW. The new power plants will replace the plant’s existing old coal thermal power plant 1 and 2.

“Once the comprehensive feasibility study is done by October we will immediately start the construction of the power plant next year. We expect the project to be operational by 2019,” Henares said during the firm’s annual stockholders meeting at the City Sports Club Cebu. “It will be a source of a stable, clean and cheap electricity for consumers in the Visayas region,” he said. Demolition of the plant’s existing old coal thermal plant 1 and 2 is slated in July.

SPC is expected to spend USD579 million to construct the power plant. With the plant’s new addition Kepco-SPC Power Corp. (KSPC) will soon have a total power capacity of 500 MW. KSPC is a subsidiary of SPC, which currently has total power capacity of 200 MW. SPC acquired through public bidding the Naga power plant complex from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (Psalm) on Sept. 2014

and had already paid Psalm in full the purchase price amounting to about P1.4 billion. “This is one of the projects we are currently looking forward to,” Henares said. SPC is also the parent company of SPC Island Power Corp., SPC Malaya Power Corp., Bohol Light Co. Inc. (BLCI) and Mactan Electric Co. Inc. The firm ended 2014 with a consolidated net income of P1.5 billion, up by 51.6 percent from P996.8 million in 2013. (PNA)

do at sa World Health Organization (WHO) sa paggunita ngayong araw ng ‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) sa ilalim ng temang “Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products,” said Coloma. According to WHO, tobacco is the cause of death of 6 million smokers

around the world, and is responsible for the mortality of some 600,000 non-smokers due to secondhand smoking. This year’s ‘World No Tobacco Day’ highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies

to reduce tobacco consumption. “From many angles, the illicit trade of tobacco products is a major global concern, including health, legal and economic, governance and corruption,” said the WHO. (PCOO News Release)

Phl joins call to end illicit trade of tobacco products

HE Philippines joins other countries to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products, said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. “Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa buong mun-

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

The lure of

INTRAMUROS

ADMIT IT! Every time you visit Manila, you look at spending time in the metro’s many shopping malls with their rows of stores and restaurants as a travel experience. Although it is true that many of the capital’s malls are virtual cities with their own look, feel, and attractions, I feel that travellers going to Manila should try to get off the beaten path to find places that are more exciting beyond the mall’s air-conditioned spaces. One such exciting place in Manila is the walled city of Intramuros. What is the oldest district in Manila, Intramuros was the Spanish seat of government in the Philippines and is where one can find many architectural as well as historic gems in the big city. A tour of Intramuros starts with a visit to the Manila Cathedral. Located at Plaza de Roma. the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica as it is officially called is the seat of power of the Archdiocese of Manila. The church was closed for two years to undergo repairs as well as earthquake retro-fitting and is just recently opened to the public. Just a short walk northwards from the Manila Cathedral is Fort Santiago. Established, in then, the mouth of the Pasig River, Fort Santiago is a stone fortress which forms part of the defences of Intramuros. It was also where Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal was incarcerated just before his execution in 1896. Walking on the walls and ramparts of the fort, one is treated to a view of the Pasig River and of the Chinese district of Binondo. Retracing back Southwards, through Plaza de Roma, one can pass by Bahay Tsinoy. A museum run by the Kaisa Foundation, it features the contribution of the Chinese immigrants to the con-

The view from the rooftop of the Bayleaf Hotel is second to none.

struction of Intramuros as well as the community’s contribution to Philippine nation building. A little further down the road from Bahay Tsinoy is the San Agustin Church with its Chinese stone lions guarding its door. The Baroque designed San Agustin Church is also home to a museum which was once the church’s adjacent monastery. After all that walking, it is best to end the day with some pizza and drinks at the rooftop of the Bayleaf Hotel which is located at the Eastern quadrant of Intramuros. The view from the rooftop of the Bayleaf offers an unobstructed view of the walls of Intramuros, its golf course, the Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall, the National Art Gallery, the port of Manila, as well as fiery Manila Bay. AirAsia flies three times daily between Davao and Manila. For the best deals, check their website at www. airasia.com or download their app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

The main gate of Fort Santiago. The original structure was severly damaged after World War II.

Inside San Agustin Church with its gaudily painted walls and ceiling.

The Manila Cathedral’s imposing facade.

Learn about the shared history of Chinese immigrants and the Filipino people at Bahay Tsinoy.

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EVENT

Moms are the stars at Abreeza M

MOMPRENEUR FA MOMS and their families enjoyed an extended Mother’s Day celebration at Abreeza Mall with the MOMpreneur Fair, a four-day festival at the mall’s Activity Center which showcased products by Davao’s enterprising moms and featured informative talks on motherhood and baby care.

On May 7, the MOMpreneur Fair formally opened, with Department of Trade and IndustryXI Regional Director Ma. Belenda Ambi gracing the launch. Now on its second year, the MOMpreneur Fair continues to honor and celebrate moms who make a living on their own terms by bringing together a fantastic selection of products by Davao’s mompreneurs, among them baby items, organic treats, food and desserts, bags and accessories, crafts and home décor, giveaways and novelty items, and assorted services. The MOMpreneur Fair ran until May 10, Mother’s Day. On May 8, TV personality, book author, and mom Amanda Griffin-Jacob graced the Activity Center to speak about being a mother and sign copies of Project Mom: Our Natural Approach to Motherhood, a book she co-wrote with fellow celebrity mom Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. Through Project Mom, Amanda and Bianca seek to guide mothers going through pregnancy up to their baby’s first birthday.

Rochelle Venuti and daughter Cassy sing onstage at the MOMpreneur Fair.

Amanda Griffin-Jacob is accompanied by her son onstage. Abreeza Mall also partnered with LATCH Davao, the local counterpart of the Manila-based non-profit organization LATCH (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help), to educate moms on nursing and caring for their babies. From May 9 to 10, Mommy Talk took over the Activity Center stage with lectures on babywearing, cloth dia-

LATCH Davao member moms.

pering, and the truths and myths about breastfeeding. To further promote its breastfeeding advocacy, LATCH Davao teamed up with Abreeza Mall for the Yes to Breastfeeding! Photo Exhibit, which is on display until May 31 at the 2nd Floor Hallway. The exhibit seeks to inspire women to breastfeed by educating them on the health benefits of breastmilk

and sharing photos and stories of real breastfeeding moms. These events are all part of Mompowerment May, a monthlong campaign by Abreeza Mall that aims to celebrate and empower all the moms who make great things happen for themselves and their families in various ways. Another component activity of the campaign is the

Thank You, Mom Photo Exhibit, a touching tribute to the mothers of eight Davao personalities which runs at the Ground Floor Hallway until May 31. And in keeping with the Mompowerment May theme, this year’s staging of the annual Style Origin fashion show on May 22 featured celebrity mom Andi Eigenmann and daughter Ellie along with

UP AND ABOUT

The Body Shop celebrates 19 years in the Phil THE BODY SHOP celebrates 19 years in the Philippines with a new store concept and exciting beauty deals for its customers. It also celebrates its being part of the SM Retail Group. It will be remembered that Dame Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick in Littlehampton, England. The beauty brand pioneered corporate activism and was built on a philosophy that business can be a force for good. With its brand expression, Beauty with Heart, the company continues to be focused on five core values; Against Animal Testing, Support Community Fair Trade, Activate Self Esteem, Defend Human Rights, and Protect the Planet. All products are created using the finest ingredients sourced from the four corners of the globe, which are not tested on animals, and are 100% vegetarian, hence its being known for cruelty free beauty. As it celebrates 19 years in the Philippines with over 55 stores strategically located nationwide, The Body Shop has expanded its reach by opening its

first-ever Shop-in-Shop concept store in the newly renovated The SM Store Makati, making it more accessible to all beauty enthusiasts. The brand is housed in a 22.5 sqm space, that showcases the latest Pulse Shop-in-Shop concept for easy shopping. Its lighting is conducive for

browsing products, and its spacious layout makes it convenient to shop for the best skincare and beauty favorites. With accessible bays for product varieties, each highlights bestseller items and cult favorites from bath and body, down to make-up, skincare, & fragrance.

The Pulse Shop-in-Shop concept aims to provide consumers not just a unique, interactive and memorable over-all beauty experience, but at the same time allows the shoppers to experience the brand values and products that are derived from the finest natural ingredients around the world,

lected The vantag redem pass in tionwi the Gr Davao

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EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Mall’s Lucky SKY subscribers can watch

AIR

LATCH Davao’s Alexandria Hao delves into the truths about breastfeeding.

LATCH Davao’s Ella Misa talks about cloth diapering. other mother-and-child tandems in Davao. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall’s Mompowerment May events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @ iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

lippines

making every shopper feel good about themselves. This Shop-in-Shop concept may also be found at a 15.4 sqm space at the SM Store at the SM Mall of Asia As it celebrates 19 years in the Philippines, The Body Shop is treating everyone with exciting deals until June 3, 2015. Everybody can enjoy The Body Shop’s Big Sizes and Fruity Deals at 40%, as well as Sed Gifts at 50% off. e Body Shop now accepts SM Adge Card for points earning and mption, SM and Sodexo premium n all The Body Shop stores naide. The Body Shop is located at round Floor, Main Mall of SM City o.

WWE Divas Live in Singapore WWE fans can now get a glimpse of what happens outside the ring. With Total Divas, viewers have an exclusive look into the lives of professional wrestling’s best female fighters. A hit show from WWE and E! channel, it focuses on the daily ups and downs of fan favorites like Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Natalya Naomi, Eva Marie, Alicia Fox, and Paige. Catch interesting stories on their lives covering heartache, joy, and hope as they balance their time between family and a very demanding athletic career. Thanks to E!, one SKYcable and one Destiny Cable digital subscriber will get a chance to watch the Divas up-close and personal. Winners will get an all-expense paid 3 days / 2 nights trip package for two to witness a special WWE Match highlighting the Divas.Select WWE Superstars and the best WWE Divas will headline the event taking place at the Singapore Stadium on July 2. To get a chance to win this fantastic trip, SKYcable and Destiny Cable

Calamba and Binan, Laguna, 02-520-8560 for San Pedro, Laguna, 044693-5877 for Bulacan, 032-421-1818 for Cebu, 082-305-5456 for Davao, 074-442-4841 for Baguio, 034-432 0051 for Bacolod, 033-300-1210 for Iloilo, 035-225-1010 for Dumaguete, and 083301-3134 for Gen. Santos

subscribers need to stay tuned every Wednesdays starting 10PM to watch Total Divas on E!. Subscribers in Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan can watch the E! on Ch. 57 (SD) and Ch. 207 (HD). Those in other regions can catch E! on Ch. 608 (SD) and Ch. 744 (HD). On each Total Divas episode, a special contest question will be flashed on-screen. Aspiring winners would have to compile their answers and fill-out an online form in the SKYcable or Destiny Cable website on or before June 19. A raffle draw will be held on June 23 to determine the winners. Only SKY and its channel partners like E! offer its subscribers the best digital cable TV experi-

City. Enjoy 95 channels in clear digital signal for only P550 per month with Destiny Cable. For inquiries about the services and promos of Destiny Cable call 418-0000. You may also contact Destiny Cable via their email address, weserve@ destinycable.com.ph.

ence while providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet the stars that they adore. SKYcable provides quality home entertainment with the widest range of standard and high definition channels and other top-of-the-line services such as flexible subscription options via SELECT; iRECORD that records, pauses, and rewinds live TV; as well as real-time coverage of live concerts and sporting events via FREE VIEW and PAY-PER-VIEW. To subscribe and to know more about SKYcable, E! , and Total Divas, log on to www. mysky.com.ph, or call the 24-hour customer service hotlines at 02381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, and Rizal, 046-484-4701 for Cavite, 049-534-1555 for

Enzo Pineda and Barbie Forteza are new ambassadors of Haribon Foundation

May 28 – June 2, 2015

GMA Artist Center stars Enzo Pineda and Barbie Forteza formalize their commitment as ambassadors of Haribon Foundation in a contract signing held on May 26 at the 17th floor Executive Lounge of the GMA Network. Present in the con-

tract signing were Haribon Foundation Chief Operating Officer Maria Belinda de la Paz (leftmost) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Philip Lesaca (third from left), GMA Network’s Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer (second from right) and Senior Talent Manager Vic del

Rosario Jr. (rightmost). Enzo and Barbie’s addition to the esteemed roster of Haribon ambassadors aims to inspire more people to take action on environmental conservation and encourage others to do their share in caring for the environment in order to leave a lasting impact for future generations.

YOU'RE STILL THE ONE Maja Salvador, Dennis Trillo PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 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

SAN ANDREAS Alexandra Daddario, Dwayne Johnson PG

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

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EVENT

PEF Exec. Dir Dennis Salvador, MPD Gen. Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin and Camera Club of Davao President Anthony Serafin together with other guests officially open the photo exhibit at the Marco Polo Davao Lobby.

Marco Polo Davao launches PEF website

MARCO POLO DAVAO launched the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s (PEF) website with a photo exhibit. The exhibit will be showing a walkthrough video of the website as well as photos of the Philippine Eagle from the Camera Club of Davao. The exhibit will also feature eagle toys dressed by Rene Salud. Marco Polo Hotels in the Philippines continue their support to the Philippine Eagle Foundation through the Adopt a #phileagle Stuffed Toy campaign. Eagle toys are now available at the Marco Polo Davao Business Center and at the Marco Polo Hotels in Ortigas and Cebu. At the Marco Polo Davao, guests can adopt an eagle stuffed toy for only Php565. Each toy comes with a 50%-discount coupon on the Eagle’s Flight Cocktail available at all food and beverage outlets of the hotel. The exhibit’s ribboncutting was attended by the PEF team headed by Mr. Dennis Salvador, Marco Polo Davao General Manager, Ms. Dottie Wurgler-Cronin and associated and invited friends from the media.

Fujifilm Philippines representative, Joel Bagas poses with Ms. Cronin and Mr. Salvador.

Dennis Salvador of Philippine Eagle Foundation welcomes the guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Camera Club of Davao members: (L-R) Michael Balgos, Michael Li, Rene Lumawag, Will Chin, Anthony Serafin, William Pedraza, and Chiaw Yap.

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7 CULTURE & ARTS

The T’nalak dreamweaving continues… By HANNAH JOY N. BENTO

HE first time I met Lang Dulay in person was in June 2014. I had heard many things about Lang Dulay before, but nothing replaces a personal encounter for a deeper connection, awe, and high admiration for our homegrown National Living Treasure. She was a gem of our people. But unfortunately, the next time I met her, she was peacefully lying inside her coffin, decked by white flowers with adornments befitting a National Living Treasure, after almost two months struggling with mild-stroke until she breathed her last on April 30. It was 10 o’clock in the morning of May 28, 2015 – a beautiful Thursday. There was a long line of mourners and government functionaries. Many of them were wearing the kimu T’boli, our traditional cultural attire. The silent procession was only broken by the suppressed sobbing of the women and the tinkling of the brass bells worn as belts. She was finally laid to rest near her weaving center at Sitio T’bong, Barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Lang Dulay was one of the few National Living Treasures in the country. Since 1993, there were only 13 known living treasures the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) acknowledged. The title was conferred on her in 1998 by virtue of presidential Proclamation No. 1189 through NCCA. She was awarded by then President Fidel V. Ramos in Malacañang. The award, officially called the Gawad Manlilikhang Bayan, is pursuant to Republic Act No. 7355, which provides recognition for a National Living Treasures who is citizen or a group of citizens

engaged in any traditional art that is uniquely Filipino and whose distinctive skills have reached a high level of technical and artistic excellence. Her outstanding creations have remained faithful to the T’boli tradition as manifested in the complexity of her designs, fineness of workmanship and quality of its finish, as the presidential citation reads. T’nalak dreamweaving is an age-old tradition among the T’boli people in the mountains of South Cotabato, notably in T’boli and Lake Sebu towns. It is an intricate and tedious process usually lasting six months or so using locally available materials, such as the abaca-ikat fabric as fine as hair and natural dyes from plants like kenalum, among others. The patterns are based on natural images found in nature and are dreamt of by the weavers, hence the name “dreamweavers.” Only the females are allowed to weave during which they abstain from being intimate with their spouses. Lang Dulay started weaving when she was just 12 years old. She knew hundreds of designs, including the bankiring (hair bangs), bulinglangit (clouds), and the k’bangi (butterfly). Each pattern is accompanied by a story people tell. Through her great artwork, she brought the T’boli culture and tradition on the pedestal for the whole world to see, acknowledge, and admire. Yes, her death is indeed a great loss for all of us. Thanks to her, she ensured the continuation of the dreamweaving tradition by securing her legacy through her children, her grandchildren, and even her neighbors. Many of them stayed with her at her weaving center, learning the craft

The author, a pure T’boli, dressed in her traditional culture attire, with Uwang Ahadas, a Yakan National Living Treasure for music from Lamitan, Basilan.

and artistry of the Master dreamweaver. It is said that Lang Dulay was one of only five known dreamweavers in Lake Sebu, although hers were of excellent artistry, hence the award. There are still four more surviving dreamweavers living in a weaving community found in the upper part of Barangay Lamdalag. Unfortunately, there is no significant government support for them as of this writing. And this is what saddens me the most. All focus had been made to Lang Dulay, with respect to her, while the four other weavers are left to survive a hand-tomouth existence. Our whole tribe, joined by a grateful nation, still mourns this loss. She may be gone but not her great contributions to our indigenous community and to our country. No amount of money can ever pay her dedication and commitment for preserving abaca-ikat weaving at a time when such art was about to become lost due to neglect and lack of support. Undoubtedly, she did her best to keep our tradition alive. This coming July, the whole province will be celebrating the 16th T’nalak Festival, the primary tourism event of the province. It is an authentic, cultural celebration depicting the rich tradition and heritage of the T’boli people. And the dreamweaving tradition continues…

Lang Dulay receives the Presidential citation as the National Living Treasure for T’nalak dreamweaving from then-President Fidel V. Ramos in Malacañang.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

In the balance

HE opening of school this week all over the country is a source of joy for most. On the symbolic level, it tells us that life goes on and that the future is secure; as long as our children troop to school to learn, the next generations will turn out all right and will be able to take care of themselves and those who come after them. To be sure there are numerous problems that the education system faces, and government is hard-pressed to address all of them. But what cannot be taken away from our national consciousness right now is the feeling of optimism as we see our children heading for school and learning how to build a nation through knowledge. But for an estimated 1,700 Lumad students in Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte, the future is getting dimmer by the day. And ironically, it is the government agency that is tasked with helping them learn that is derailing their education. According to reports, Davao del Norte division superintendent Dr. Josephine L. Fadul has asked DepEd 11 regional director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte for permission to close a total of 80 schools in the two areas for being infiltrated by the New People’s Army (NPA). In a letter dated

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May 12, 2015, Fadul said the temporary closure of the indigenous schools was based on the order of the Talaingod Municipal Council of Tribal Leaders “and the reinvestigation, reinspection, and reevaluation of the said school in terms of performance in providing efficient, quality and relevant educational services consistent with DepEd and National Education policies, plans and standard.” That the schools are actually “NPA-infiltrated” is of course up for debate, but the point is made moot and academic because the DepEd also wants the creation of a public high school in Butay, Talaingod that would utilize military personnel as “para-teachers.” Even if the NPA tag is true, nothing is going to be accomplished by replacing one armed group with another. We certainly have high respects for our soldiers, but ultimately they are exactly that, soldiers, trained in the art of war and not in teaching. We must ask: What possible rationalization the DepEd has for tapping those with guns to replace those whose weapons are chalk and books? Government must step into this sad state of affairs before it is too late; the future of Lumad children is in the balance. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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Organominerals to the rescue

“

EQUIP yourselves with more knowledge… (and) strengthen your belief that science and technology would make a huge difference to improve the lives of every Filipino.” That was Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) urging the students who hold a scholarship from the department during a conference held in Pasay City recently. According to Montejo, science and technology remain the important engine of the country. Science and technology drive industry competitiveness, accelerate the delivery of government services, and enhance the country’s capacity in emerging technologies, he said. “With the developing challenges of globalization and tough competition in the marketplace, science and technology innovation and research should be a priority to ensure our nation’s global competitiveness,” Montejo stressed. I can say that it is very true, indeed. In fact, it is technology funded by the science department that helps deodorize the wastewater of Boracay. But that’s going ahead of the story. Boracay is a small island two kilometers off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region. Its fine white sand beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies. In 2012, the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure named it as “the best island in the world.” Apart from its white sand beaches, Boracay is also famous for being one of the world’s top destinations for relaxation. It is also emerging among the top destinations for tranquility and nightlife. It’s no wonder why some of the country’s top celebrities -- from stars to

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politicians, and THINK ON THESE! even businessmen -- troop to the island during holidays. But like most islands in the country which have become tourist destinations, Boracay Island Henrylito D. Tacio is not spared henrytacio@gmail.com from several problems. In fact, it has long been the subject of issues regarding wastewater, drainage systems, and residual solid waste that fill the air with noxious odor. “While there are regulations governing waste treatment in the island, the problem persists due to an inadequate treatment system especially with the continuous influx of tourists to the island,” a press release from the DOST said. Boracay, the press statement said, may have found the solution to the island’s problem through Eco-Sep, an organomineral treatment used in a self-sustaining and portable wastewater treatment system. Organominerals, according to my source, are minerals that are affected by organics, mostly life-related, but not directly produced by living cells. In other words, they are mineral products that are formed by interaction of organic matter. “The Eco-Sep is a low-cost and deployable method for immediate installation of domestic wastewater clean-up anywhere in

the country,” the DOST explained. “Being enhanced with organominerals makes the EcoSep appropriate in disaster-stricken areas.” Another good thing about Eco-Sep: “Among others, it may be used in condominiums, housing projects, hotels and areas where wastewater treatment is a problem.” It was Dr. Merlinda Palencia of Adamson University who developed Eco-Sep. Her research was funded by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), a DOST line agency. Tacloban, following the disastrous effects of Typhoons Yolanda and Ruby, was chosen as the initial demonstration area for the EcoSep. Three Eco-Sep systems were installed for 522 residents in temporary shelters in Palo, Leyte with 61 latrines and 30 bathing cubicles. The demonstration showed positive results. This prompted Mayor Remedios Petilla of Palo, Leyte to recommend that the Eco-Sep must be incorporated in the engineering design for the rehabilitation projects in Leyte. Inspired by these results, some DOST officials thought that the Eco-Sep technology might be able to help Boracay solve its wastewater problem. So, a team from DOST (Dr. Palencia who served as the project leader and Ninaliza Escorial, Laarni Piloton, and Candy Ilaw, all staff from PCIEERD) worked with the municipal environment office and the local government of Boracay. They applied the organomineral treatment in selected materials recovery facilities (MRF) and some hotels within the beach area. For the past two weeks, the team checked

on the number and volume of septic tanks in the selected hotels for the computation of the dosage for the treatment. The team has also collected samples of raw wastewater. In two facilities in barangay Balabag (where seven trucks of residual waste are generated) and barangay Manoc-Manoc, the team sprayed organominerals to reduce odor from the heavy loads of garbage in the areas. “Spraying was concentrated in biodegradable and some residuals that produce bad odor,” said DOST in a press dispatch. And the result: “The use of the Eco-Sep system with organominerals in Boracay showed significant reduction of odor both in the selected hotels and especially in the MRFs where results were almost experienced instantly.” It has been reported that one hotel which agreed for the study spend about P20,000.00 on commercially available chemical spray for the odor. “Now, it found the organomineral technology as a cheaper substitute,” the DOST dispatch said. In the jar test conducted by Dr. Palencia in a pumping station in Boracay, the caretaker reported that after organomineral application, the wastewater isolated for the jar test changed color and eliminated the bad odor. “With the positive results shown in the jar test, the organomineral treatment was finally used on-site, resulting in a cleaner wastewater compared with raw wastewater,” the dispatch said. I think it’s also viable for those hotels, restaurants, housing projects, and condominiums in Davao City and resorts located in Island Garden City of Samal to apply the Eco-Sep technology.

chief of staff) as the party’s secretary general. (Should civilian party leaders be known for their aliases?) In other words, this is not one’s standard idea of a political party. The interlocking directorates of the Party and the MILF’s “Islamic Armed Forces” suggest that, except for the titles—presumably, one to be used for civilian affairs, another for belligerent affairs—it is geared for contingency of an insurgent nature. ***** It would help to publish the UBJP’s Constitution and By-laws, to clarify the thrusts of its vision, mission, objectives, and strategies. For example, it helps to know how the Party is structured, who constitute its members and officers, how decisions or staff selections take place, and what activities it undertakes. Will the party seek to empower everyone—not just those already in power like the present leaders, spokesmen, and commanders? Will it be inclusive, encouraging vertical or horizontal mobility among the rank and file? Will it level the political playing field within and without through open and free elections? ***** The rest of the country should also be

made aware of its platform, its main advocacy, its candidates, and related matters. Care should be taken that none of the notorious issues of the past gets a reprise, among them: dead men voting (names picked out from the cemetery); birds and bees too on ballots as if real persons. And there should be no more of the foolishness whereby the head of family does the voting for everyone. No more instances of manufactured votes, altered election results, hijacked ballot boxes, and dagdag bawas. And make sure that “Hello Garci…” characters including Lintang Bedol aren’t on board at any level of the elections in the Bangsamoro areas. There are many more issues to address if we are to normalize the confidence level of Mindanaons and the peoples of the Visayas and Luzon regarding the Bangsamoro scheme. About which, more later on…. (Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. An author of books on governance, he is chairman/convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@ gmail.com)

Party politics, elections under MILF

T’S unfortunate that many of the most deplorable abuses that figured in elections past were perpetrated in Muslim-dominated areas of Mindanao including the Ampatuan massacre of the Mangudadatu contingent and dozens of media people in 2009. Such lurid happenings gave the people in the so-called Bangsamoro areas a reputation for being corrupt, dishonest, and opportunistic—which remains, clouding the public’s perception on their trustworthiness. It is understandable therefore that many people look askance at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s initiative in forming a political party: the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). In view of this, for their own good and for everyone’s information, the party should now announce and disseminate as widely as possible the UBJP’s vision, mission, and platform of government. ***** The public needs assurance that in vying for regional positions during the 2016 election, the UBJP can be counted on to respect the democratic process, behave democratically, and avoid acts that conjure abuses of the past and exacerbate present biases. It is especially important that Mindanaons be now informed of its scope, governing principles, and organizational processes; we

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW BY MANNY VALDEHUESA have an immediate stake in all this. It was good to see photos of the leading personalities registering for formal membership, paying their P20 membership fees, and waving their identification cards. But the irony of announcing or introducing them as the new party’s leaders—making statements before the formal filing of membership but without stating whether they were duly elected by the assembly— has raised eyebrows. A “new” party with “old style” leaders! ***** One notices, for instance, that the way the party is organized is no different from the MILF’s chain of command—with the same cast of characters, and configured the same as the insurgent force. This is reinforced by the spectacle of fatigue-uniformed, arms-bearing members ringing the gathered assembly—projecting an army formation rather than a party convention or congregation. Then we see is the assumption to the party presidency of Mr. Al Haj Murad who is also the MILF’s chair, and Mr. Sammy Al Mansoor (billed as Islamic Armed Forces

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COUNCILORS’ MEET. Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz announces the holding of the upcoming Philippine Councilors League (PCL) National Executive Officer and National Board Meeting slated on June 10 to 12 at SM Lanang

Premier’s SMX Convention Center which 3,000 councilors from all-over the country are expected to attend. Ortiz was a guest in the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

THE DECISION... FROM 1 have three places to go to. I will go to Pampanga because I already promised I would go there. Then I will go to Lucena to talk to a group of lawyers, and then another place in Lucena. After that I will end my listening tour),” Duterte said. Duterte began his listening tour on federalism early this year ostensibly to promote federalism. Observers, however, have said it is the mayor’s way of feeling the pulse of the people to see if he has a chance to become President. Duterte, however, has repeatedly denied eying the presidency, saying he has no

interest in running and he has no funds to do it. Last week, however, Duterte said he might run for President if critics like Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Etta Rosales continue to lambaste him. And last Sunday, Duterte told the people of Matanao that if he becomes President they can expect the same kind of progress Davao City has enjoyed under his leadership. “Pag ako nahimong Presidente, tan-awa na lang ninyo ang (nahitabo sa) Davao City,” he said.

sian waters. A report from the DFA stated that the 17 were not in possession of passports or travel documents when they entered

Indonesian waters. Of the 17, two were boat captains who served sentence after being arrested in 2012. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

on his third and final term, but rumors have circulated she is among those interested in the position City Administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain, Hugpong secretary general, mentioned the name of Ortiz when asked who among their members have shown interest to succeed Ungab. Aside from Ortiz, Quitain also named councilors Bernard Al-ag and Karlo Bello and Engr. Alberto Ungab, Rep. Ungab’s younger brother, as

possible candidates for the post. Bello is also a last-termer councilor while Al-Ag is only in his second term as councilor. Quitain, however, said these individuals have yet to formally inform the party of their desire to run for the post. Hugpong, he added, also has to meet on the matter and that he is only awaiting instructions from the party head, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, to call a meeting in preparation for the 2016 presidential elections.

wala po kami... na parang hindi po magawa ng isang tao lang ang krimen na yon,” he told Duterte. Duterte responded by saying Curray should not speculate on the matter since there is no evidence to support his claim. “We should not specu-

late especially on crimes. We might be arresting the wrong person. The police already said that it is a closed case,” Duterte said. “If you want, bring to me the person who saw it so that I will order the reopening of the case. I am a lawyer. I must be convinced (first),” he said.

cial Protection and Security towards a sustainable program for Filipino’s Rights to Survival, Development, Protection and Participation” to discuss relevant issues to the board. Ortiz said this is the third time that Davao City will host the event. The first was in June 2011 and the second in February 2013. She said participants of the three-day activity will also discuss the best practices of different local government units across the country. “Best practices will be adapted by other LGUs. For Davao City, we will present our best ordinance that the city is known for like ordinances of Anti-smoking and

liquor ban.” The first councilors’ assembly was organized by the Metro Manila Councilors League in July 15, 1989. It led to the creation of regional and provincial federations of councilors. The PCL obtained its official status as a local government association when it was accredited by the then Department of Local Government on September 1990 and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the same month. “The convention aims to make city and municipal councilors more effective and efficient local legislators,” Ortiz said. CHENEEN R. CAPON

52 arrested... FROM 2 Ortiz... FROM 2

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Region 12: no shortage in classrooms T

HE Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 is not expecting any shortage in the region this year in terms of classrooms and related facilities. Dr. Allan Farnazo, DepEd Region 12 director, said they have already filled the classroom requirements of all public elementary and public school in the region based on their targeted enrolment of 1.3 million pupils and students for school year 200152016. He said this figure is around 177,000 higher than the region’s enrolment record of 1.123 million in the previous school year. Farnazo did not cite the number of available classrooms in the area but assured that they are enough

to meet the standard classroom-to-student ratio of 1:45. He said they were able to fill the gap with the construction of 959 classrooms in various parts of Region 12 during school year 2014-2015. They have also completed during the Brigada Eskwela or national school maintenance week the repair and rehabilitation of the dilapidated classrooms, specifically those built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, he said “As of now we have sufficient classrooms to accommodate our enrolees and we’re ready to welcome them all for the opening of classes,” he said in a radio interview. The national government released a total of P960.8 million in the previous school year for the construction of

929 additional classrooms in the region. The new classrooms were intended to fill the region’s backlog of 277 classrooms last year and address the need for the junior and senior high school classes of the K to 12 education program. The K to 12 program, which was first implemented by DepEd in 2012, provided an additional two years to the country’s basic education program. It covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education, comprising six years of primary education, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school. “Right we have additional classrooms being constructed but they are for the implementation of the senior high

school program in 2016,” Farnazo said. In terms of teachers, he said the region earlier received a hiring quota of 1,872 for this school year. He said they are targeting to fill the initial slots by next week, in time for the formal opening of classes. Owing to this, Farnazo said they expect a turnout of 95 percent for the enrolled pupils and students during the opening of classes on Monday, June 1. He urged parents and guardians of the school children to send them to school on the opening day. “We will have our lesson one on day one so we want all our pupils and students to report on June 1,” he added. (MindaNews)

exists,” he said, adding that the council was responsible for the establishment of the learning institution which is receiving support from groups like the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines. Garcia said the order from Fadul “seems to be a product of some sectors who intend to harass and question the legitimacy” of the school which was formed with the purpose of helping

indigenous children with their education…which is seriously lagging for universal education.” Tribal Council member Datu Kailo Bontulan said the closure of the schools means harder access to education. “There’s a huge possibility that members of the Manobo tribe won’t be able to send their children to school because it would be costly and inaccessible,” he added.

As this developed, Bellido said the DFA has recorded 89 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs currently on death row in various countries. Of

these, 34 are in Malaysia. Most of the cases of the Filipinos on death row are murder and illegal drugs, he said.

inform our clients for the inconvenience that the construction may cause but they will still be open and the staff will still be in the same room providing services,” she said. Rosell also disclosed that the Davao del Norte field

office was the third one in the region to have been improved by the commission. “The first one was our field office in Compostela Valley and the second was the one in Davao Oriental,” she said. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

asked me not to prevent them from airing the advertisement since it is still up to me to decide if I will run for President or not),” he said. Duterte said if he does decided to run for the post, the group will support him by way of campaign finances. The advertisement began to air last week after being leaked in social networking sites. The 34-second video was posted on YouTube on May 27 by Mugstoria, a Cebu-based social news website. It began airing on national TV the following day. In the video, a helmeted Duterte rides through Davao City on a motorcycle and interacts with a number of people, including children. A voice that sounds like Duterte says the following: “Hindi sikreto kung paano umunlad ang Davao. Kailangan lang ng kaunting tapang; tapang para ituwid ang mga mapagsamantala, mga lumalabag sa batas, at nang-aapi sa walang laban. May katahimi-

kan sa Davao. Kailangan lang ng disiplina at determinasyon. Dumami ang trabaho, nakapag-aral ang mga bata, sumaya ang bawat pamilya. Pwedeng magkaganito ang buong Pilipinas. Kailangan lang ng tapang at malasakit.” (It’s no secret how Davao became progressive. It just needs a little fearlessness; fearlessness to straighten the opportunists, those who break the law, and those who maltreat the helpless. There is peace in Davao. It just needs discipline and determination. The number of jobs increased, the youth are able to study, every family is happy. This can be true for the entire country. All we need is fearlessness and compassion.) The video ends with Duterte posing with the words “Tapang at Malasakit” (fearlessness and compassion) in the background and the voices of a group of children shouting, “Duterte!” and the words. The video closes with the words, “This is a paid advertisement.”

1,700... FROM 3

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ICT HUB 11

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Globe drives Phl as‘Digital Lifestyle Capital of the World’

(Photo from the Hackademy Facebook page)

Hackademy: Teaching programming to HS students, out-of-school youth By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

DAVAO City-based web and mobile development agency is embarking on an initiative to help prepare high school students and out-of-school youth succeed in the digital world. Ingenuity Global Consulting, Inc. soft-launched its program dubbed Hackademy, a fun, accessible, and affordable way to learn and acquire programming skills. The launch was held in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw held at SM City Davao. “We believe that everyone and not just a lucky few should be given opportunity to learn computer science, particularly programming, which enhances the individual’s problem-solving and thinking skills,” Ingenuity’s Chief Executive Officer John Naranjo said. “Even if a high school student will not pursue a programming career later on, the skills acquired such as logic and analysis have broader uses. Essentially life skills,” he added. Among the first activities of Hackademy is a free twoweek web programming boot camp on June 8 to 19, 2015 with students from

the Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) at the Ingenuity training center. Eleven Grades 9 and 10 students will be mentored by software engineers from Ingenuity to develop websites and web applications. Naranjo said Hackademy’s main approach to learning is creating opportunities to interact with trainers and mentors who are some of the best engineers in the industry. He said the students will be mentored by Ingenuity members who specialize in programming, including computer engineers Jeffrey Mamacus and Nap Joseph Calub. In the two-week boot camp, students will be given an introduction to web development using HTML or CSS, basic Python programming, and web developing.

“The trainees are required to finish an output which is a system that will be helpful for their school,” he said. Naranjo said his company is also planning to offer the free skills training to students of other public secondary schools in the next six months. “ We ’ r e prioritizing the public schools because this would update their learnings on programming and web development,” he said. “Most of the teachings in the public school are already outdated.” He also said the firm might partner with the Department of Education (DepEd) in the long term to institutionalize the training program and eventually become an academy that will offer the program to even grade school students, outof-school youth, and the un-

We believe that everyone and not just a lucky few should be given opportunity to learn computer science

derprivileged. “We hope to have the academy in three yearstime,” he said. Naranjo said while there are high schools in the Philippines already including computer science subjects in their curriculum, these are “largely introductory.” “There’s also the challenge in availability of teachers properly trained to teach such subjects. Hackademy is Ingenuity’s contribution to address this gap and it will collaborate with high schools, government agencies, and private organizations to have courses more accessible. Ingenuity will also pursue a technology platform for Hackademy to broaden its reach,” he said. “Through Hackademy, we hope to help build tomorrow, one line of code at a time,” he added. Ingenuity was founded in 2010 to help businesses succeed by crafting well-engineered web and mobile applications and providing value-added services, including strategic consulting. It has been collaborating with startups to enterprises in various countries in realizing their vision.

HACKADEMY. Ingenuity Global Consulting Inc. CEO John Naranjo talks the reporters during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw where he talked about Hackademy. (Photo courtesy of Ingenuity Global Consulting, Inc.)

LOBE Telecom is leading the drive towards positioning the country as the “Digital Lifestyle Capital of the World” through fast and easy data access as well as highly-affordable content and apps. This was noted in a story carried by highly-influential American online news aggregator Huffington Post entitled “Philippines: A Digital Lifestyle Capital in the Making?” The article talks about the local Digital Lifestyle landscape which it defines as “one’s reality powered by apps, sites, and gadgets that compliment one’s physical lifestyle.” “Mobile operators along with local mobile phone brands drive smartphone and mobile internet penetration in the Philippines. Globe Telecom, the leading network for smartphones covering data traffic of 87,000 terabytes with an increase of 270% year on year (compared to its main competitor, PLDT Group 48,000 terabytes of data with 167%

growth) has strongly influenced the digital lifestyle of Filipinos,” it stated. As of March 2015, Globe mobile data revenues significantly grew by 58% from previous year’s P2.8 billion and by 8% from previous quarter’s P4.1 billion. Meanwhile, combined mobile Internet revenues of Smart and Sun rose by 19 percent to P2.2 billion from P1.9 billion in the same three months of last year. Propelling the growth of the company’s mobile data business were its partnerships with global content providers such as Google, Facebook, Viber, Spotify, NBA, HOOQ, and WhatsApp to enrich the customer experience. “The surge in mobile data services was spurred by the impact of our data adoption strategies from the Free Facebook and Free Viber campaigns, as well as the growing smartphone and mobile browsing adoption among Globe customers. This also reflects on the phenomenal growth of our mobile data business which in turn, secures our position as the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle,” said Dan Horan, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business at Globe. He added: “We believe that this is the most appropriate path for us to meet the changing needs of our customers as the world of data becomes more pervasive in their lives. With the growing adoption to more connected devices, Globe expects its mobile data business to create deep revenue streams for the company in both the near and long-term period.”

For instance, the Philippines became one of Facebook’s first successful test beds for the concept of free Facebook through the relationship with Globe in 2013. The service, which was initially offered for three months, paved the way for Globe to double its mobile data user base and increase its mobile browsing and other data revenues by 42% by end-2013 as compared to the previous year. Likewise, Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming service, reveals that the Philippines is its second fastest-growing market globally as well as its biggest market in the Asia-Pacific region. An exclusive partner of Globe, the music streaming service celebrated a record-breaking 2.5 billion music streams from music fans across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – the highest number of streams garnered from any Asian market a year from launch. At the same time, online entertainment service HOOQ continues to gain traction among entertainment-loving Pinoys through the team-up with Globe, enabling access o v e r 10,000 international and local movies and TV series across multiple devices. A joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, HOOQ has surpassed the 1 million mark in streaming minutes viewed since it launched in February this year. The HOOQ app has also generated over 30,000 downloads from iTunes and Google Play store. The Filipinos’ love for apps and content encouraged Globe to introduce the innovative service called new myLifestyle Plan. According to the article, “Globe automatically throws in what used to be its core services, the regular calls and texts, as a basic unlimited service for about US$14, then gives its Filipino users the option of various data allocations and lifestyle bundles.” The new myLifestyle Plan provides Globe customers access to paid content and apps as add on offers in postpaid plans. Such strategy enables more Filipinos to follow the NBA Playoffs, enjoy the freedom to select songs at ease via Spotify, choose amongst the widest set of movies and TV shows through HOOQ without worrying about data cost, and continuously keep in touch with friends, among other things. With this, they can use their data allocation for other Internet services and focus more on adding to the steadfast climb of social media data produced in the country. Globe Telecom’s impressive performance was also a result of better network experience with 100% 3G and 4G HSPA+ nationwide coverage as well as the increasing pervasiveness of its LTE network around the country.

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

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Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

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Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

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P3.4 Million anti-smoking fines to be used for the cancer patients M AYOR Rodrigo Duterte revealed that the Expanded Anti-Smoking Ordinance which commemorated its full implementation in May 30 raised a total of P3.2-Million from June 2013 to March 2015. He mulled of using the funds to support the cancer patients particularly the children at the Southern Phillippines Medical Center. “I’ll make use of the fines in taking medical care to cancer patients, particularly children,”

Duterte said. The City Anti-Smoking Ordinance have been implemented 13 years ago. Duterte underscored that 10 Filipinos die due to tobacco-related diseases every hour every day. He said the Anti-Smoking Ordinance is aimed primarily in promoting public health, by addressing passive smoking that impacts on pregnant women and children. Duterte also bared that a total of 4,613 violators had

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND PARTITION OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late FERNANDO LOPEZ has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among his heirs per Doc. No.116; Page No.24; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC JOSE M. BALINGIT JR. 5/19,26,6/2

been apprehended and fined for smoking in public as of 2014. The expanded anti-smoking law, or Ordinance No. 0367-12, effectively repeals Ordinance No. 043-02 or The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City approved in 2002 that prohibited smoking in public places, enclosed spaces, buildings and establishments, public motor vehicles and in government facilities. The new law will ban

smoking in all establishments, and smoking areas will be limited to outdoors with the corresponding sign to alert the public. Smoking areas in buildings will be prohibited. The new law also expanded the prohibition to electronic cigarettes and shisha or waterpipe. Violators will be fined 1,000 for the first offense, 2,500 for second offense and 5,000 for third and subsequent infractions. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF DONATION AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late BENIGNO FRANCISCO PABLO has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with deed of donation and waiver of rights executed among his heirs per Doc. No.245; Page No.49; Book No. VIII; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FRANC EVAN L. DANDOY II.

5/19,26/6/2

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Monster Jam goes to PH

HEN it comes to motorsport competitions, nothing can get bigger and livelier than Monster Jam. Witness four-meter tall, five-ton monster trucks wreak havoc in the special race track set up only for them. Monster Jam trucks will face off in two major competitions. The first one is the traditional bracket racing. The first truck to cross the finish line will be declared the winner, but it won’t be as easy. The race track is planted with metal boulders, crash vans and more. The second competition gives the drivers and their monster trucks a chance to show-off their astonishing stunts, twists and jumps in the freestyle competition. No other competition will have your heart pumping as hard. These monster superstars are out to give their fans a show they won’t forget. It truly brings sports, entertainment, showmanship and the ultimate fan experience in one action-packed show. They give more than 350 performances each year all over the globe, filling stadiums and arenas with excited fans. Join in with the madness as they come to Manila for the first time. Six of the best Monster Jam trucks will hit the race tracks from June 20 to 21. See Grave Digger, Max-D, El Toro Loco, Zombie, Dragon

and Son-Uva Digger perform absurd cyclones, donuts and flips. Each monster truck will not go down without a fight, so this will surely be a dynamic run. All of them are set to win in the first ever Monster Jam show in Manila. Collectively, they will blaze through the tracks at the MOA Arena for a surely frenzied show. For die-hard fans of the show, you will even have a chance to meet the greatest drivers in Monster Jam history through the world-famous Party in the Pits. This is a rare opportunity to get to know them and have your official merchandise autographed. The Monster Jam truck drivers won’t leave the arena until the very last item has been signed. Are you going to miss out on this shot to live it up with these daredevil drivers? Ticket prices start at P 850 only. Secure tickets before they run out by calling SM Tickets +632-470-2222 or by visiting www.smtickets.com. For more information about Monster Jam show in Manila, visit www.monsterjam.com.ph today. Buckle your seatbelts. Monster Jam is here to blow up the motorsport scene in the country.

Subaru XV gets a price adjustment

UBARU is now offering its XV compact crossover at a more attractive price point. Starting today, the XV can be yours for just P 1,198,000—that’s a savings of P 100,000 over the previous price of P 1,298,000. Motor Image Pilipinas, the distributor of Subaru vehicles in the country, believes that its XV can easily compete with compact sedans/hatchbacks and is aggressively re-pricing its offering as such. More importantly though, it gives the Subaru XV much needed breathing room over

the Forester; it must be remembered that the pricing matrix of the XV and Forester prior to the price adjustment was flawed given the overlapping pricing structure. Hopefully, this re-pricing fixes that rather unfortunate decision. Despite the price reduction, the Subaru XV gets all of the tech and none of the short cuts. It’s still offered with the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine with 150 horsepower and 198 Nm of torque mated to a fuel-efficient Lineartronic CVT transmission. Furthermore, it comes with

220 mm of ground clearance and of course, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System. Safety doesn’t take a back seat either as the even the price-adjusted Subaru XV comes with 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control all as standard equipment. Finally, in case you’re wondering, the 2.0i-Premium (the offending model that overlaps its price with the Forester) also gets a price reduction. The new price is P 1,378,000. That’s P 20,000 cheaper than even the Forest-

er 2.0i-L. Now, it’s all making sense. Here’s the catch: the new pricing is only applicable if you PAY IN CASH; if you’re getting that Subaru XV of yours via financing, tough luck. Still, it’s the thought that counts, right? Still fancy a Subaru XV? Head over to any of Subaru’s dealerships nationwide: Greenhills, Global City, Alabang, and Manila Bay for Metro Manila; Batangas and Santa Rosa for Luzon; Cebu for Visayas; Cagayan de Oro and Davao for Mindanao.

Isuzu Philippines rewards 100,000th Crosswind owner

N May 12, 2015, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) officially awarded the winner of the P100,000 cash rebate for the 100,000th unit owner of the Isuzu Crosswind - the winner, a lucky family man from Cagayan De Oro City, Mr. Nestor A. Bagaporo, who together with his family received the award at IPC’s local dealership in CDO. Present during the awarding is IPC Vice President for Sales, Mr. Daisuke Inaba, Isuzu CDO President and General Manager, Mr. Frank Rolida and Isuzu CDO Asst. General Manager and Sales Manager, Mr. George Ongchua. “The Crosswind is now more than 100,000 units strong and in such momentous event like this, we would like to show our appreciation to our customers.” said Mr. Inaba. “The Philippines is among the few countries worldwide that sell this model and we are proud it is well received by the Filipinos.” added Inaba. It all came as surprise for the 59 year old Bagaporo, as there was no official announcement that IPC will be giving away cash rebate to the lucky owner of the 100,000th unit. A retired security per-

sonnel, Mr. Bagaporo worked hard early in his life and now manages his own security agency operating in CDO. He himself is admitted that he does not know how to drive a 4-wheel vehicle and that he hires a personal driver to drive his family around the city. Accustomed only with his motorcycle, Mr. Bagaporo has always dreamt of owning his own 4-wheel vehicle someday. And when the time comes that he can finally afford to buy one, he chose want he think is the best for his family, the 2015 Isuzu Crosswind. “I prefer the Crosswind because of its over-all appearance. I also like that you can easily fit in the whole family – its spacious and very convenient.” said Bagaporo. “The cash rebate that we received today will be added to the family’s savings. Our heartfelt thanks to Isuzu Philippines and Isuzu Cagayan De Oro for this surprise blessing.” he added. Aside from the cash rebate, IPC also gifted OFW and graduating student buyers with a P10,000 worth of Gerry’s grill gift certificates last month which is on top of the on-going outright P75,000 cash discount upon purchase.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 43 • TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015

EDGEDAVAO SEA GAMES PREVIEW

SPORTS15

PH five seek defense of SEA Games cage title A

LTHOUGH the Philippines is the overwhelming favorite, head coach Tab Baldwin doesn’t want to take any chances and is risk embarrassment for the Gilas cadets in the Southeast Asian Games. Winners of the SEA Games basketball competition 11 out of the 12 times, Gilas is heavily favored to improve that mark. The Philippines’ strength in the Southeast Asian region was once again re-affirmed earlier this month when the country captured the 11th Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) Championship title by a winning margin of 68.4 points. But Baldwin said they simply can’t take things lightly in the SEA Games. “It only takes a very poor performance on our part, and the opponent having a great game. Then, all of a sudden, you’re embarrassed,” said Baldwin in an interview with Sports

Radio 918. The Philippines begins its campaign in the men’s basketball competition on June 10 against Indonesia in Group A play. They will also play Malaysia and Timor Leste with the top two teams in each group advancing to the semifinals. Baldwin said he sees Seaba

runner-up Malaysia, Singapore, and possibly Indonesia as the teams that could give the Philippines a tough time in the SEA Games. “Malaysia and Singapore, those two teams probably represent the upper tier along with us. Depending on how they will strengthen their roster, Indonesia could also lift be at their level,” said Baldwin. The Philippines recently had to make a minor change to the squad, inserting Baser Amer and Prince Rivero for Bobby Ray Parks and Arnold Van Opstal. They will be joined by some of the finest amateur players in the country in Kiefer Ravena, Scottie Thompson, Mac Belo, Troy Rosario, Jiovani Jalalon, Almond Vosotros, Norbert Torres, Kevin Ferrer, and Glenn Khobuntin. Just for good measure, naturalized player Marcus Douthit has also been lined up for the SEA Games.

tially a decision that faced opposition from many, including the Philippines Olympic Committee, the choice has since been accepted. The Association of Boxing Alliances is confident that their replacements are more than adequate to defend Philippines’ title at the SEA Games, and that this move will allow their best boxers to scale greater heights. Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar wait in line Fellow heavyweight Thailand will look to capitalize on the absences of Suarez and Barriga, in order to improve on their seven-gold haul from the last Games. Thai fans still hold fond memories from the 2007 SEA Games, when their boxing team swept home all but one of the gold medals up for grabs.

Thailand will expect competition from Indonesia, whose exponents did well enough to make the quarterfinals cut in the AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championships recently. Meanwhile, fighters from Myanmar will look to build on the two gold medals they nicked from 27th SEA Games held on home soil. Odds stacked against Singapore and Timor Leste Host nation Singapore’s quest for a gold medal in boxing will fall largely on 26-year old Muhammad Ridhwan Ahmad. Both Ridhawn and compatriot Muhammad Solihin Nordin managed to clinch bronze medals in the Men’s Lightweight and Featherweight categories respectively at the 2013 SEA Games. However, Singapore has not won a gold medal since 1985.

Boxing: Absence of Barriga, Suarez affect PH chances PLDT star Alyssa Valdez hits a spike in this bit of action in the Shakey’s V League Finals last Sunday. Valdez flew back to Manila after playing in a charity match in Davao last Friday to suit up for PLDT in the finals.

Alyssa keys PLDT title win P

ERSISTENCE paid off for Alyssa Valdez and the young PLDT squad, turning back league power Army, 25-22, 18-25, 24-26, 28-26, 15-13, to lift the V-League Open Conference crown on Sunday at The Arena in San Juan. Never allowing frustration to set in when it seemed the tough Army defense had them figured out, Gretcel Soltones and Jaja Santiago came up with the huge hits for PLDT as Valdez was temporarily shut down. Valdez did manage to get her power spikes across in the early goings, but sporadically, as Army constantly threw three blockers at her. Even when facing just two blockers, the league MVP quite a few times had to settle for offspeed shots, which the Lady Troopers also seemed to have solved. Then Valdez came out firing when Army seemed to forget about her, the league MVP chalking up the final two points

of the fourth set before the Ultra Fast Hitters recovered from a 0-3 fifth-set deficit to capture the crown. Tied at 13 in the fifth set, Suzanne Roces scored on a quick set before Santiago finished off the match on a tip, setting off the frenzied celebration on court as spectators threw cardboard fans that were given away at the start of the match. Santiago’s patience and smart play also did not go unnoticed, and she was named MVP of the finals. It was a disappointing end to the campaign of Philippine Army, which won the opener only tro drop the next two matches of the best-of-three series. The Lady Troopers were also one set away from a backto-back Open Conference title after winning the third set, 2624, averting a comeback try by the Ultra Fast Hitters. Philippine Army was also leading 21-19 in the fourth set.

ILIPINO challenger Milan Melindo failed in his bid to wrest the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title after losing a sixth round technical decision against reigning champion Javier Mendoza Sunday (Manila time) in Baja California, Mexico. The 12-round bout went to the scorecards after the 24-year-old champion was deemed not fit to continue fighting after suffering a cut from an alleged accidental headbutt. Mendoza led in all of the judges’ cards when the fight

came to a stop, 59-53, 60-52, 60-52. It was another heartbreaker for the 27-year-old Melindo, who also lost in his first attempt at a world championship in 2013 by dropping a unanimous decision against Juan Francisco Estrada for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight title. The Filipino fell to 32-2, with 12 KOs. Mendoza successfully retained his belt in his first defense of the title he won over Ramon Garcia Hirales. He improved his record to 24-2-1, with 19 KOs.

Valdez, however, bounced back from a flat fourth set, scoring two points on kills following a 26-26 tie to send the game into the fifth set to the delight of the PLDT fans although the celebration turned a bit ugly as they threw the cardboard giveways to centercourt. After a hot start in the fifth set, Philippine Army committed costly errors that allowed PLDT Home Ultera to close in before another Valdez hit put them ahead 13-10.

ESPITE not being named in the initial list of sports for SEA Games 2015, boxing was eventually inducted into the final 36. It certainly would have been disappointing to many had boxing been left out, given its history as one of the original sports from the inaugural SEAP Games in 1959. Barriga and Suarez opt out Fans of reigning Southeast Asian champions Mark Anthony Barriga (light flyweight) and Charly Suarez (lightweight) from the Philippines will have to wait till the next edition of the Games to catch the duo, as both have voluntarily relinquished their positions for a greater goal: to participate in the AIBA Pro Boxing League and increase their chances of qualifying for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Ini-

Melindo loses title bid F

LIMBERING UP. Jia Morado of the Ateneo Lady Eagles limbers up prior to the Heartstrong Charity game at the USEP Gym last Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE43 43••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,JUNE JUNE2,2,2015 2015

THE MATCH UP

A position-by-position look at the NBA Finals

PROVING GROUND E

The NBA Finals: Battle of two MVPs

VERYBODY’S chasing something as the 2015 NBA Finals approach. LeBron James is chasing Michael Jordan, judging by the barroom debates, along with a better Finals W-L record -- the Cleveland Cavaliers star is 2-3 at the moment -- and a legacy that might suit him better than “most polarizing player in the NBA today.” LeBron’s bigger accomplishment: 2007 or 2015? Is taking the current Cavs roster to the NBA Finals a bigger accomplishment than taking the ‘07 Cavs there? Stephen Curry is chasing James, not just in terms of Most Valuable Player awards -- the Golden State Warriors guard trails, 4-1, after capturing the 2014-15 honor -- but as a leader and a champion, someone who can reach this stage time and time again and know in advance what needs to be done. Multiple Cleveland defenders, of course, will be chasing Curry, crowding and pressuring one of the quickest releases and deadliest shots in league history. And at least as many Golden State players will be chasing James, or banging with him down low, giving up their bodies in hopes of thwarting one of his locomotive drives or pestering him as he shoots into a momentary lapse in concentration, hard as that might be to come by. GAMETIME: DEFENDING LEBRON Kyrie Irving gives an update on his status for Game 1 and the GameTime crew breakdown what the Warriors will need to do in defending LeBron James. James and Curry are so different as players, it’s hard to believe the MVP award is elastic

BATTLE OF MVPs. Lebron James (left) of Cleveland and Stephen Curry (right) of Golden State.

enough to stretch and fit both of them. Every time James has won it, he has been the NBA’s best player -- but then, most years he hasn’t won it, he’s been the best player too. Curry isn’t nearly as big or as strong, and looks overmatched at times just trying to guard the other fellows who play his position; James can guard all five spots when needed. But Curry had the hot hand and the hot narrative this season -- best player on the best team, pretty much wire to wire -- and that was enough. That’s why he won the award for the first time, while James -- who has finished in the top 10 in balloting all 12 seasons of his pro career, top 5 the past 10 years -- wound up third behind Houston’s James Harden. Different as they are in size and style, James did find some common ground with Curry -besides both of them being born in Akron, Ohio -- when asked how Cleveland might cope with the elusive Warrior. “The same way you slow me down,” James said, his expression deadpan after the Cavaliers’ workout Friday. “You can’t.” One’s a brick house, the other is more rubber band man -how else could Curry have survived his nasty spill over Trevor Ariza in Game 4 of the West finals? -- but they’re both MVPs. Two of the 31 men who have won the NBA award a total of 60 times. A dozen of them a r e

multiple winners like James, accounting for 41 trophies. The other 19, like Curry so far, won once. What we’ll see played out over four to seven games beginning with Game 1 Thursday (9 p.m. ET, ABC) -- past or current MVP winners squaring off in the Finals -- isn’t all that rare. It happened the first time it possibly could, with 1956 MVP Bob Pettit taking on 1957 winner Bob Cousy in the ‘57 Finals between Boston and St. Louis. All those Bill Russell-Wilt Chamberlain head-bangings, those bouts of Larry Bird-Magic Johnson one-upsmanship in past Finals were MVP showcases, too. There was a dry spell for a while early in this millennium, with Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson (the 2001 winner) vs. Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal (2000) in the 2001 Finals as the only such clash from 1999 through 2007. But since 2008, the Finals have featured dueling MVPs six times, including this year. James vs. Curry (2015 Finals), Tim Duncan (2013, 2014) or Dirk Nowitzki (2011), or Kobe Bryant vs. Kevin Garnett (2008, 2010). So what does James think of the MVPs won by himself and Curry? “It all depends how you want to define what an MVP is,” the Cavs star said. “I’ve been fortunate to win the trophy four times, but I’ve been MVP of my team for a long time. Because of the way I lead and the way I approach the game, as far as being professional off the floor. So for me, I’m honored, I’m blessed to be able to have four trophies, but I don’t need to have a trophy to understand what being an MVP really

means.” That said, James thinks Curry was a deserving winner. More than that, he agreed with the suggestion that the Warriors guard, who was the top vote getter for this year’s All-Star Game, is an emerging face of the league. “Steph is great for our league,” James said. “The way he approaches, not only on the floor but off the floor. A beautiful family and everything. That wouldn’t be bad at all for our league if they want to model it behind him.” James has been an admirer of Curry since the younger man was fresh out of high school and headed for Davidson College, modest roots for an NBA MVP. James saw Curry play in a few tournament games, loved his “motor” and his ability to shoot the ball equally well on catches or off the dribble. “I’m very good at noticing talent,” James said. “I thought he was special then. Obviously he is now still.” The thing is, so is James. He’s unwilling to yield anything to Curry or his teammates, and he definitely isn’t inclined to defer in their chase of the Bill Russell Award, which gets presented to the MVP of the Finals. James holds a 2-0 edge on Curry on that one, claiming it along with his rings in 2012 and 2013.

POSITION-by-position look at the matchups in the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers: CENTER: Andrew Bogut vs. Timofey Mozgov. Mozgov, who could become the first Russian to win an NBA title, made his Cavs debut in a Jan. 9 loss to Golden State, and his acquisition from Denver was one of the catalysts for Cleveland’s turnaround. He provides valuable defense and rebounding, as does Bogut, the former No. 1 overall pick from Australia who has had to tangle with Marc Gasol and Dwight Howard in the last two rounds. Edge: Even. POWER FORWARD: Draymond Green vs. Tristan Thompson. The versatile Green was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, is averaging 14 points and 10.8 rebounds in the postseason, and can be a frequent option to defend LeBron James. But if the Warriors do that they would need to figure out what to do against Thompson, who stepped in when Kevin Love was lost to a shoulder injury and has been a force on the offensive boards while shooting 59 percent. Edge: Warriors. SMALL FORWARD: Harrison Barnes vs. LeBron James. Four wins from delivering a long-awaited title for his home team, James nearly averaged a triple-double in the conference finals and has stepped up his game with Love out and Kyrie Irving hurting. He’s shooting just 17.6 percent from 3-point range, but he tied his season best with four 3-pointers when he scored a season-high 42 points against the Warriors on Feb. 26. Barnes, one of multiple options the Warriors have to defend James, scored 24 points in the Game Five clincher against Houston in the West finals. Edge: Cavaliers. SHOOTING GUARD: Klay Thompson vs. Iman Shumpert. Thompson was diagnosed with a concussion after getting kneed

in the head in Game Five against the Rockets and will have to pass through the NBA’s concussion protocol before the All-Star guard can be cleared to return. Shumpert, who has played well since stepping into the lineup when J.R. Smith was suspended to start the second round, is a solid defender who could get plenty of turns against Stephen Curry. Edge: Warriors. POINT GUARD: Stephen Curry vs. Kyrie Irving. Curry has followed his MVP season by averaging 29.2 points in the playoffs while shooting 43.7 percent from 3-point range. He started in the US backcourt at last year’s Basketball World Cup alongside Irving, who was MVP of that tournament and the 2014 All-Star Game. He arrives at the NBA Finals hoping to overcome knee and foot injuries that sidelined him for two games in the conference finals, and if he can, this is an electric matchup. Don’t forget, Irving had the NBA’s two highest-scoring games this season, with 57 and 55 points. Edge: Warriors. RESERVES: Andre Iguodala, Festus Ezeli, Leandro Barbosa and Shaun Livingston vs. J.R. Smith, Matthew Dellavedova and James Jones. The Warriors probably have the deepest and most versatile bench in the league, with a quality backup at nearly every position. Smith and Dellavedova have been big for Cleveland, but the Cavs don’t go much further than that. Advantage: Warriors. COACHES: Steve Kerr vs. David Blatt. The rookie coaches nearly ended up working together, with Blatt headed to a role as Kerr’s assistant before landing the Cleveland job. A highly successful coach overseas, Blatt has been under scrutiny seemingly from the moment he was hired. It’s been mostly a season-long joy ride for Kerr right into the first matchup of first-year coaches since the very first championship series. Edge: Warriors.