Edge Davao 8 Issue 47

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

HOME IS SCHOOL

Education takes more forms Alyssa thanPicking just the regular K to 12

Valdez’s mind

INSIDE EDGE

Duterte sings another tune: I will retire next year The BIG NEWS P4 Matina Enclaves sustains aggressive push COMPETITIVE EDGE P11

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

HOME IS SCHOOL

By JON JOAQUIN

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ITH the battle between the government and various sectors (including a large number of educators themselves) over the K-12 system reaching fever pitch, it’s easy to forget that education takes more forms than just the regular Kinder to 12th grade (or fourth year high school, in case the Supreme Court orders a TRO on K-12). Indeed, not many realize that education can take place outside the four walls of a classroom — and not just the proverbial “under the mango tree” classes many teachers are forced to hold because of a lack of classrooms.

We’re talking about homeschooling, or as many are calling it in this digital age, “hackschooling.” “Homeschooling” is the general term used to refer to parents teaching their children, but often the instruction is not done inside the home — and that’s the beauty of it.

It’s different from home study in which a child’s education is done at home supervised by a school teacher or tutor. As the dictionary puts it, homeschooling is “the education of children at home by their parents.”

Schools of thought But just as there are different styles of classroom education, there are different schools of thought within the homeschooling movement.

On one end of the spectrum is the highly structured form in which the classroom is simulated in the home, complete with desk, chalkboard, and even school uniform and ID. On the other end is the loosely structured form in which there are no rules and the “curriculum” is based on the interests of the children.

Most homeschoolers are in the middle, and many parents do appreciate providing some structure for their children. One program is School of Tomorrow (SOT), which Rizza Gustilo Francisco follows for her two boys. “We tried a num-

jon@edgedavao.net

ber of curricula and methodologies,” she says. “When we were starting, the kids were enrolled in a DepEd-accredited homeschool provider, The Master’s Academy (TMA).

Then we tried unit study, Charlotte Mason, eclectic, and some child-led learning — all done independently, meaning, the kids were not enrolled in an umbrella school and materials were sourced out from “anywhere.” She enrolled the kids with SOT as they progressed in learning “and we felt that they were ready for the structured learning environment.”

For Rizza, one of the biggest draws of homeschooling is the opportunity to impart their faith to their children.

“We wanted to be in the frontline of teaching them about Jesus Christ and the Bible, learn with them, and be the person God designed them to be through discipline and modeling,” she says. “Kids grow up very fast, and before they venture into the world, we hoped to have spent quality and quantity time with them.

I just wanted to be with my kids most of the time because I know they will be living their own lives in their own terms soon. I desired to know each of them intimately, touch their hearts, and let them know the humanity that encompasses their parents… We go through life together as a family.”

Hackschool Another way to homeschool is to throw caution to the wind, so to speak, and “hack” education to fit the needs, talents, inclinations, and temperaments of the children. The word “hack” used to have a negative connotation, but in this digital age it has now come to mean “to break in and break down; to cut to the core; to chop roughly; to subvert” — in a positive way.

Alex Hao and her four children practice this, although Alex herself does not call it hackschooling. “I am not into pedagogy,” she says.

GAME TIME. Alex Hao’s oldest and youngest children start a day of learning with a board game. (Photo courtesy of Alex Hao)

An interested learner will hack the materials with gusto and will retain the information far more than a learner who is forced into facts even when given incentives

FUN WHILE LEARNING. Rizza Francisco’s two boys have fun while learning. (Photo courtesy of Rizza Francisco)

“I wouldn’t know what exactly to call our approach or the way I teach. Some say it’s called independent homeschooling or unschooling. I am comfortable with those so far.

The children are out of school but they are not palaboy sa lansangan (bums in the streets).

They learn academics, economics, environmental issues, sports (swimming, soccer, tae kwon-do, badminton) pilates, yoga, ballet, piano, violin, etc. just like kids in school but at a different pace.” Since she can’t teach some these activities herself, Alex says she has the children attend classes for their interests.

For academics, Alex buys materials with the kids based on how they want to fill up their time. “Usually the materials gel with them since we buy them together in the bookstore, toy shop, or online. They have an idea of how the materials will be like when they arrive or we buy them or look for them because they want it for a project or as an academic subject.”

“I buy materials based on my children’s current interest because it is effective and I get my money’s worth. An interested learner will hack the materials with gusto and will retain the information far more than a learner who is forced into facts even when given incentives,” she adds.

Results For both Rizza and Alex, homeschooling is worth the trouble because of the results they see in their children. “I

had my eldest start preschool at an early age so I could bring him with me to work and so he entered primary younger than most of his classmates,” Rizza says. “He was one of those in the bottom rank whenever diagnostic test results from an independent assessment provider came. I was even advised to have him tested for learning disability. The first year of homeschool was a test if we were in the right path. The result of his diagnostic test from the same assessment provider a year after homeschooling served as the green light to go all the way. He tested above average in most subjects and superior in some. I cried buckets when we got his results. We thank God that we found this path!”

As for Alex, she says she is happy that her two older children can express opinions that are different from what she has. “I can see that they have a different take on things and they respond differently from me when challenged. This also makes me melancholic and a bit relieved that they now can tell my limitations.”

“I like how we are doing it since the children’s academics, extracurricular and family life are all integrated and we own our time,” she adds. “We do not have to follow the school calendar. I accept that my children are missing out on what school kids are up to just as much as my kids will be missing out on what they are enjoying and appreciating had we sent them to school. I am very comfortable that what they do for academ-

ics are based on their interest or some identified need.”

Not for everyone Neither Rizza nor Alex, however, would force homeschooling on everyone. “Often, I go overboard with my biases on the pros of homeschooling.

But let it be known that it is not the only way to educate one’s child or children. I will gladly recommend homeschooling to everyone being the staunch advocate that I am. Still, parents often go for conventional schools and for me there is nothing wrong with that. They know what’s best for their children.”

“Just like school is not for everybody, homeschooling is not for everybody,” says Alex.

“There should be no coercion, fear, or shaming when sifting through one’s choices about educating or parenting one’s children. Parents are the children’s main educators and family is the smallest and most fundamental unit of our society. How a parent chooses to educate and orient his or her child is vital to the society as a whole and meaningful to the child. So to recommend one approach over all others is naive and narrow minded.

We don’t look alike or sound the same, but we are people and part of the larger sea of humanity wether you were educated at home informally or in an institution with records and awards. We don’t all fit in the same mold, and that is the beauty, strength, and potential pitfall of it all.”

(Cover photo from freeimages.com)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

WEAPON OF CHOICE. SPO3 Rommel Jumawan of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) demonstrates how to use impact weapons such as newspapers, ballpoint pens, and ATM cards against attackers and bad elements during the media safety and security training organized by the DCPO and AFP-PNP Press Corps on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

ARMM mayors ask solons to pass BBL

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OST of the local government executives in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are asking members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to review and approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The town mayors of ARMM wanted their voice to be heard as the Senate and the House were deliberating on the draft bill that will substitute the current autonomous region.

Thirteen mayors from Maguindanao, 26 from Lanao del Sur, seven from Sulu, 12 from Basilan, and eight from Tawi-Tawi manifested their sup-

port for the passage of the BBL saying it is a step in fulfilling a lasting peace in Mindanao.

On Friday, 66 mayors prepared and signed a statement of support pointing out that the BBL will help resolve the issues affecting Mindanao.

Currently, the ARMM is composed of five provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, two cities and 118 municipalities.

The mayors who signed the statement said the BBL will open opportunities to their constituents. Both the regional government and the local government units, they

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CENRO wants waste shredders for markets

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HE Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) will request the City Economic Enterprise (CEE) to purchase a waste shredder to minimize the dumping of wastes in the sanitary landfill in Barangay New Carmen, Tugbok district.

In an interview, CENRO head engineer Elisa Madrazo said the shredders will be placed in the major public markets in the city located in Bankerohan, Calinan, Toril, Mintal, and Agdao.

“Every market bilinan gyud og shredder kay para ang mga vendors sa gulay... ihatod nila

ang ilang mga sobra nga gulay didto para ma-shred siya para mao na lang na among hakuton padulong sa landfill (Every market should have shredder for the vegetable vendors.

They will place all their waste vegetables and shred them, and that is what we will take to the landfill),” she said.

Madrazo said each waste shredder costs P400,000.

She said anyone who has farm or garden can get the shredded vegetables at the sanitary landfill for free.

Madrazo had earlier said CENRO itself will procure

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Duterte: I will retire next year

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

ILL he or won’t he?

This question has arisen as Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte again brushed aside speculation that he will run for President next year and said he is going to retire from politics if his daughter Sara runs for mayor.

“I’m good. If she (Sara) will run I will retire,” Duterte said in an interview last Friday during the Agriculture and

Livestock Expo at SMX Convention Center.

His latest statement came in the heels of a political advertisement showing him touting the progress of Davao City and saying it can happen in the rest of the country, too.

Last Friday, however, Duterte repeated a statement he has been giving for months now: that he will not run for President since he does not have the billions of pesos re-

quired to mount a campaign.

He also said if he becomes President, he would be too old at 70 and would not be able to do anything.

However, he said he will reveal his plans for 2016 once his last four trips to Luzon for his federalism “listening tour” ends this month.

He said he will visit some places in Pampanga and Laguna arranged by his colleagues in the Integrated Bar of the

Philippines (IBP).

“After this wala na ko (I’m done). Wala na ko’y travel and di na pud ko (I have no more travel plans and I don’t want to travel anymore),” he said.

In his speech at the Agriculture and Livestock Expo, the mayor said God would cry for joy if he becomes President.

“Ayoko. Pero kung ilagay ako na presidente ng Diyos?

After topnotch television reporters went scurrying for Duterte in Davao City just to have an interview several days back, newspapers took turns in giving him space, the latest of which was the Business Mirror which ran an editorial short of endorsing the mayor as the rightful leader who must be elected into Malacañang and succeed President Aquino.

The paper was all praises to Duterte in its June 2 editorial, saying he will prevail in the fight against corruption on a national level.

“It will be an epic battle but Rodrigo R. Duterte, if he remains unbending in mind, body and soul, steeled by the physical and moral support of the people, will win,” was the Business Mirror’s concluding paragraph in the editorial titled “Rodrigo R. Duterte and the national challenge.”

The paper believes that Duterte’s good showing in the surveys is attributed to the growing discontent of the public on the present government’s stand against criminality and corruption.

“The reason the name of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte resonates so loud and clear in recent surveys is obviously that the people think that only a person like him can put a stop to the criminality taking place in our country and bring the country to the levels of prosperity that the people are yearning for,” the Business Mirror said.

The paper went on to say that Duterte’s iron-hand policy against criminality has even led people to accuse him of

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Manila paper says Rody will win fight vs corruption

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ITH his popularity growing by the day, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is getting more and more media exposure specially in the national scene where virtually every news broadcast or newspaper issue has a story on the man being encouraged to seek the presidency next year.

That’s how popular Duterte is nowadays, so admired by the people that he has become a serious presidential contender with the elections just around the corner.

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Pinoy climber rescued after strong quake

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LINEUP. SM Lanang Premier marketing officer Arianne Pompo (left) and public relations manager Acey Puno-Reyes announce the mall’s lineup activities and events for this month during FAST Fridays at Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

ALAYSIAN authorities have rescued a Filipino climber on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah after a magnitude-6.0 earthquake left him and 129 others trapped on the Malaysian mountain, GMA's "Balitanghali reported on Saturday.

Malaysian authorities identified the climber as Michael William in a report to the Philippine embassy.

Foreign and local tourists were stuck on the 4,095-meter (13,435 feet) Mount Kinabalu when the magnitude six quake struck Friday morning some 54 km (33 miles) away from the capital of Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah Fire and Rescue department public relations

officer Mohd Affendy Ramin said on Friday that 52 climbers have made it down safely since the incident.

A landslide caused rescue efforts for the remaining climbers to slow down. Those still trapped include Malaysians, Singaporeans, Americans, Dutch, British, French, and Australians.

Tourists from Belgium, Thailand, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, India, New Zealand, South Korea, Denmark, and China were also on the mountian at the time of the quake.

Citing Malaysian officials, an Agence France-Presse report said 11 people have been reported dead and eight others remain missing.

respond to the need of Muslims in the South.”

He said federalism could provide balance and equality between the local and national government.

“We would like to assure the honorable Mayor Duterte that the ULP continuously supports and rallies behind you in your quest to devel-

op more the socio-economic and political condition of the entire Filipino people by running for president in this 2016 presidential national election,” the manifesto said.

The manifesto was signed after a day-long consultative meeting of ULP officers, advisors, and members from Davao Region

Ulama league backs Duterte’s candidacy

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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HE Davao Region chapter of the Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP) publicly announced its support for the candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte for President in next year’s national election.

In a manifesto signed

by Aleem Mahmod Mala L.

Adilao, the group said it supports Duterte’s candidacy because of his commitment to bringing unity and cooperation among the residents of Davao City regardless of political affiliation, religion, tribe, or group.

Adilao said the “excellent administration leadership of Mayor Duterte... protects

and promotes the general welfare of all the minorities and other tribes’’ living here.

“I can say that 100 percent of Muslim communities in Davao and even Mindanao are supportive of Mayor Duterte,” he said.

Adilao also said cited the mayor’s policies and regulations that keep the city an in-

ENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has reminded that violence only begets violence and peace can only be achieved through peaceful means.

Marcos aired the warning even as he appealed to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to refrain from issuing threats or hints of war in Mindanao if the Malacañang-proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL)) will not be passed or “diluted.”

“Statements that war will be renewed or to that effect are uncalled for if the BBL is not passed in its present form or diluted. Any effort to achieve peace could only be realized under an atmosphere of calm, cooperation and understanding. We have come this close to

realizing the aspiration of our Muslim and Christian brothers. We should not let this opportunity slip our hands,” he said in a statement.

Even President Benigno Aquino III in March reportedly warned of “body bags” if the BBL is not passed.

“Who’s diluting the BBL in the first place? Not me. What I’m trying to do is come up with an improved measure.

My intention is neither dilute nor water down the BBL but to come up with an acceptable and implementable one. That’s why I am conducting hearings so that all stakeholders are heard,” he said.

Marcos, chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government, has conducted public hearings and consulted with

stakeholders who were left out by the government and the MILF in the peace negotiation, like the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, Indigenous People or the lumads, Moro National Liberation Front, local government units and other groups.

He has rejected the BBL in its present form because of its obvious constitutional infirmities and other substantial flaws.

“Mr. President, I repeat I am for peace…Kinausap ko ang lahat ng stakeholders. IIsa ang kanilang hatol: Hindi ito magbibigay ng kapayapaan.

Mr. President, I cannot support the BBL in its present form.

May ihinahanda akong kapalit nito na makabubuti sa lahat,” he said in a privilege speech.

B

“China’s actions now are really detestable as well as Pres. Aquino’s further sell out of our sovereignty by suggesting a VFA with Japan. As it is though there is now an urgent need for Filipinos to get our acts together and decisively act to exert pressure and

counter China’s moves. This would mean a broad alliance of Filipinos and friends here and abroad that would assert Philippine sovereignty from China, the US and any country that would trample our rights.

This should be a people’s alli-

Marcos says threats if BBL is not passed is uncalled for S

Rep. Colmenares condemns China’s attack on fishermen

AYAN Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares denounced China’s action of firing flares at Filipino fishermen near Mabini Reef. He added that China’s aggressive actions should be countered by a broad alliance of patriots to protect Philippine interests.

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vestment hub in Mindanao, the safest city in the country, and a city that is against discrimination.

Adilao said the ULP also supports Duterte’s active advocacy on federalism, saying he has offered “the best alternative-solution...in case the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) fails and doesn’t

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Franjo and Jev nuptial:

A journey from Facebook to Church LAST May 30, young couple Franjo Milo and Jev Valdez entered the covenant of sacramental marriage at San Pablo Parish in Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City—the church which played an instrumental role in cultivating their relationship.

Jev has been an active church worker at the parish. She is a lector or religious reader of Scripture readings used in the liturgical book during the mass.

Their journey of love started when a fellow

Franjo and Jev A4

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Get the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge green emerald first from Globe GLOBE TELECOM has acquired first dibs to offer the much-covered Samsung Galaxy S6 edge green emerald to Filipino customers starting June 2015, staying true to its commitment of being one step ahead in giving customers access to the latest smartphone devices and best-inclass postpaid plans.

“We are excited to welcome the S6 edge green emerald in our device line-up to give our customers a variety of choices in choosing the smartphone that best fits their personality and style. With the myLifestyle Plan, they can also get a postpaid plan that is made for the way they live today with access to built-in unlimited calls and texts, as well as a wide array of lifestyle packs that cater to their digital lifestyle,” said Erli Valdez, Vice President for Postpaid Business at Globe.

With its stunning glass-metal finish and coated with a unique hue of vibrant green, the S6 edge green emerald was a certified hit worldwide, with elegance from the phone’s color which creates a visually-arresting appeal by reflecting natural light resembling that of an emerald gemstone.

Apart from its eye-catching

color, the S6 edge green emerald also oozes with more allure with its glass body that features the signature Sleek Edge Screen. This screen is what enables the S6 edge to offer users with a new, seamless multitasking experience.

And while its glass finish adds to the visual impact, the glass body also delivers in function with the Corning® Gorilla Glass® 4 screen,

the toughest made to date.

Taking stunning photos also becomes effortless with the S6 edge’s 16MP rear and 5MP front cameras, which both boast of F1.9 lenses and high resolution sensors that ensure superior quality of images. It also runs on the world’s first 14nm mobile processor, new LPDDR4 memory system, and UFS 2.0 flash memo-

Wine and Cheese treats for Dads at Seda Abreeza SEDA ABREEZA gives Dads a chill and relaxing celebration for Father’s Day. Misto, the hotel’s 3-in-1 restaurant (coffee shop, bar, and lounge) provides the men of the season a breather from a busy day or a hangout place by night, along with exquisite array of drinks to choose from. The “Father’s Day Cocktail Treats” is a two-weekend occasion and will run on June 12-14 and June 20-21, 2015. It offers a wine buffet, drink-all-you-can mojito and sangria, and cheese platters – available all day.

The wine buffet is available at Php 680 nett per person, where guests can enjoy wines of their choosing for 2 hours. The wine choices come from new world countries as Spain, Italy, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and USA, with varieties as Shiva, Monastrell,

Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, among others.

Dads may opt to avail “Drink-all-you-can Mojito and Sangria” at Php 580 nett per person for 2 hours as well. Seda Abreeza’s mojito is composed of mint leaves with rum and lime juice, and the sangria consists of house wine, brandy, bourbon, tropical fruit juice, float with pomelo pulp and apple.

To match the wine or

cocktail drinks, guests can have a cheese platter for Php 480 nett. The plate has blue cheese, brie or French cheese (soft cow’s milk cheese), emmental cheese (yellow, mediumhard cheese) and gruyère cheese (hard yellow cheese). In support of the local industry, some of the cheeses come from Malagos.

For further details and inquiries, please call (082) 322 8888 or email dvo@sedahotels.com.

ry giving optimum performance with enhanced speed at lower power consumption. Charging also becomes a cinch with the smartphone’s ultra-fast charging battery which gives the user 4 hours’ worth of power after only a charging time of 10 minutes.

The S6 edge green emerald is available to Platinum customers for free at Platinum Lifestyle Plan 4999, which comes with unlimited calls and texts to all networks, worry-free surfing, worldwide roaming services, and exclusive Platinum perks and privileges such as Personal Relationship Managers, priority in Globe stores, and 24/7 concierge and dedicated hotline services.

Globe myLifestyle Plan customers can also avail of the S6 edge green emerald at myLifestyle Plan 1499 with P850 monthly cashout for 24 months, which comes with unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM, GoSURF999 (5GB mobile internet), all-youwant Chat and Facebook plus free Spotify Premium or HOOQ for 3 months, free Gadget Care and Navigation Bundle for 1 month, and free 1GB of Globe Cloud.

For more information on the offers, visit www.globe.com.ph/galaxys6 or visit a Globe store nearest you.

Celebrate Independence Day at SM Supermalls PINOY PRIDE takes center stage as SM Mindanao Malls celebrate the 117th Independence Day with a series of activities.

On June 12, SM City Davao, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City General Santos and SM Lanang Premier will simultaneously participate in the hoisting of the Philippine flag at 8-9:30 am.

To add to the patriotic celebration, SM City Davao shoppers will enjoy the Musikademy at 2pm, Independence Day Zumba with Dance Station’s Lei Valle at 6pm and the Mutya ng Pilipinas Regional Search with Fabio Ide and Rene Salud on July 13, 1pm at the Annex Event Center.

Meanwhile, SM Lanang Premier will feature the amazing live performance of young Singapore-based Filipino crooner Miguel Antonio at the Atrium on June 12, 6pm.

Celebrating Independence Day on June 12 has never been this exciting as SM City General Santos brings you a short tribute to our national living treasure “Lang Dulay” at 10am and a Kalayaan Job Fair with Industry Academe Forum initiated by DOLE at Trade Halls 1 and 2 while SM City Cagayan de Oro will be unveiling the Independence Day centerpiece featuring the 2014 Paskorela winner.

What’s more? Catch the biggest Pinoy Fun Sale and avail up to 70% off on great selections mall wide on June 12 at all SM malls nationwide. Plus, SM City Cagayan de Oro will be having the Himugso Sale on June 13 to 15.

Mallgoers are also in for exclusive dining deals at SM Lanang Premier’s proudly Pinoy restaurants – Bistro Selera, Archipelago 7107, Mesa, Marina Tuna, and Hukad to name a few – from June 6 to 14.

All these and more only at SM Supermalls!

Getting

MULTI-PLATINUM Kapus recording artist Julie Ann San Jose is making wave both on radio with her a well as on her hosting stin on GMA NewsTV’s Day Off Also new to her repertoir is an acting role on GMA upcoming TV series Buen Familia. Here are some ex cepts from an interview during her contract singin with Motortrade last June 2

How was your San Francisco trip It was fun. Plus hindi lang San Fran cisco ‘yung pinuntahan ko, I als flew in to New York. I had so muc fun kasi aside sa mismong vacatio trip, I also gained some friends had a show at Fort McKinley in Sa Francisco last May 22 and sobran saya talaga nung show. Walan nakaupo, lahat ng tao nakatay at nakiki-jamming talaga sila. So brang natutuwa po ako kasi mar mi akong nakitang mga Kapuso kapwa Pilipino natin doon.

And you also shot three mus videos there, right?

Yes. After the show, I shot two mus videos in San Francisco (titles: Tid Wave and Not Impressed) and on in New York (title: Forever). ‘Yun Tidal Wave, kaka-release lang tw weeks ago sa iTunes. ‘Yung Not Im pressed naman, medyo heavy at R hanna-ish ang attack. The messag is like you don’t need a man to liv The one I shot in New York, ‘yun

The real scor Matsunaga DANIEL MATSUNAGA and Erich Gonzales finally admitted that they are officially a couple in the episode of hit game show “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal” that aired last June 3 on ABS-CBN.

Host Luis Manzano was prodding the pair about the real score between them when Daniel let it slip and said the words “noong naging kami” while explaining why they call each other Spartan and Spartan baby.

Luis quickly interrupted Daniel and said that it’s already the end of the conversation because he was already able to squeeze out what he needed to know from them.

“Yes, she is already my girlfriend,” Daniel reiterated to Luis and the studio audience.

When asked how she felt that Daniel is so proud of their relationship, Erich shortly quipped “Me too.”

Rumors about their romance started when they posted very sweet

pho Hon very betw in t Dan adm are ship sod A lar lai

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g to know more of Julie Ann San Jose

so ne es as nt ff. re A’s na xw ng 2.

p? anso ch on s. I an ng ng yo Soraat

sic

sic dal ne ng wo mRige ve. ng

Can you share to us what’s on your playlist?

Iba-iba. Kapag pumipili ako ng music, sobrang random lang. Kung ano ‘yung makita ko at the moment, ilalagay ko sa playlist ko. Saka kahit ‘yung hindi kilalang music or mga urban ang tunog, pinakikinggan ko.

Can you tell us something about your role in the upcoming series Buena Familia?

Sa Buena Familia po, ako si Darling Buena, 19 years old. Hindi siya mahinhin at hindi siya pa-cute. Mahilig siyang mag-shopping tapos very artistic siya. Mahilig siyang kumanta at mag-play ng instruments. Hindi siya brat, pero spoiled kid siya.

Forever, ang concept ay about relationship. May partner ako dito na super possessive. He loved me too much na ayaw niya akong pakawalan. Kumbaga umabot sa sakitan or abuse. Nagkaroon nga ako ng mga pasa dahil sa intense scenes.

How was it working with the Mac House Productions?

Sobrang thankful po ako na nabigyan ako ng ganitong klaseng opportunity to work with a great team. Focused talaga sila sa trabahong ginagawa namin. Sobrang babait din nila. It was a great experience for me and I’m looking for-

ward na makatrabaho sila ulit.

If you will be given the chance to produce your own album, what genre will you feature?

Gusto kong i-feature ‘yung mga kantang ginawa ko. Though hindi pa naman ako madalas na nagcocompose, pero from time to time nagsusulat talaga ako. First, nagsusulat ako ng poetry, and then kapag may time ako nilalapatan ko ng melody. Iba-iba ‘yung theme.

Lately, most of my songs are hugot songs. Kasi for me, that’s one way to connect to people and catch everyone’s hearts.

naman ako.

If you will be asked to choose between singing, acting, and hosting, what will you select?

Singing. Kasi ever since I was two and a half years old, singing talaga ‘yung unang-unang nasa puso ko. Doon ako unang nakitaan ng potential ni Mom para ipasok sa ganitong klaseng field.

God-given talaga and

I’m really blessed kasi nabigyan ako ng ability to sing.

If there’s a song that will best describe you, what would it be?

May isang kanta si Christina Perri, ‘yung Human.

Meron pang isa, The Voice Within ni Christina Aguillera. Lahat kasi ng pinagdaanan, ’yung ups and downs, at ’yung experiences sa buhay sa lahat ng aspeto nandoon.

How do you juggle your time?

Time management lang po. For me, as long as you love what you’re doing and as long as you’re passionate about your craft, hindinghindi ka mapapagod. Hindi ko iniisip ‘yung pagod kasi happy naman ako sa ginagawa ko, love ko ‘yung ginagawa ko at love ko ‘yung trabaho ko.

Do you have any regrets in life?

Siguro noong teenager ako na hindi ako masyadong nakakaspend time with friends or hindi ako masyadong nakaka-hangout.

Na-miss ko ‘yun. Pero hindi pa naman tapos ang lahat, marami pa ring darating na mga experience sa buhay, nasa learning process pa

re between Daniel Alden Richards joins and Erich Gonzales 117th Phl Indie Day celebration in the US

otos of them while in ng Kong. Despite the y special connection ween them evident their Instagram posts, niel and Erich had never mitted directly that they officially in a relationp, until yesterday’s epide of ‘Deal.’

Aside from the popuDanRich tandem, MeCantiveros and Jason

AFTER a successful back-toback 10th anniversary celebration of GMA Pinoy TV in Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver and Anaheim, Kapuso actor Alden Richards is gearing up for another series of fun-filled, patriotic events to be held in California and Washington in celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day.

Francisco, Yeng Constantino and Robi Domingo, and Jake Cuenca and Arci Munoz are also slated to bargain with the banker in hopes of winning the jackpot prize this week. Will one of these three pairs go home as millionaires?

Who among the returning batch one to four Lucky Stars hold the winning briefcase?

Alden Richards, who portrayed the role of Jose Rizal in the Philippines’ first ever bayaniserye Ilustrado, says he is excited to be joining his kababayans in the United States.

“I’m very excited to re-unite with our kababayans abroad and celebrate such an important milestone in Philippine history with them,” shares Alden as he counts down the days before the celebration.

Despite the fact that Alden’s real surname is Faulkerson, his heritage is undoubtedly Filipino - his father being a Laguna native, and his mother, a Pampanga native.

Alden will be joining the celebration on June 6 (Saturday) at the Veterans Park in

Los Angeles, California and on June 7 (Sunday) at the Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival 2015 in Seattle, Washington, where he will hold a meet and greet session for his excited kababayans.

For updates on GMA Network’s international channels and events, visit the website www.gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www.facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/ gmalifetv, and www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, Twitter pages @gmapinoytv, @gma_lifetv, and @ gmanewstvintl and Instagram account @gmapinoytv.

June 5 – 9, 2015

LAST KNIGHTS / *SWORD OF VENGEANCE Clive Owen, Morgan Freeman / *Stanley Weber, Edward Akrout R13/ *R16

12:00 | 2:10 | 4:20 LFS / * 6:30 | 8:15 | 10:00 LFS

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott PG

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

PITCH PERFECT 2 / *TOMORROWLAND Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson / *George Clooney, Britt Robertson PG/ *PG

R-16

12:00 | 2:20 LFS / * 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

SAN ANDREAS Alexandra Daddario, Dwayne Johnson PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENT Franjo and Jev A1 lector introduced her to Franjo, who was then working in the Middle East, via Facebook. From simple chats, their constant online communication turned into a serious courtship when they eventually met in person.

Their special bond finally blossomed into a romantic relationship.

They got engaged last year and last May 30, their union became a lifetime commitment.

The families of Franjo and Jev are both active members of the church in their respective parishes. In fact, the officiating priest of the wedding ceremony is the groom’s younger brother, Fr. Boboy Milo, who concelebrated the mass with two other priests.

Most Rev. George B. Rimando, the auxiliary

bishop of the Archdiocese of Davao, was the main celebrant.

Complementing the insightful homily of Bishop Rimando, the parents, godparents, siblings, and relatives of Franjo and Jev showered the couple not only with material gifts but also with words of wishes and wisdom.

One practical advice which amused the members of both families and guests at the reception party came from the groom’s highly esteemed mother Mamerta, a long-time principal in a Catholicrun high school in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur where she is now serving as the town’s vice mayor.

“To Boyet (as Franjo is fondly called by family members and friends),

remember in marriage, there is no return, no exchange. To Jev, as we wholeheartedly welcome you as part of our family, please always keep in mind that whatever happens, you must never retreat or surrender,” she quipped.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

7 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

Nissan unveils NP300 Navara

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

N

crc@edgedavao.net

ISSAN Philippines, Inc. (NPI) invades Mindanao with the unveiling of its latest NP300 Navara via a long test drive for 15 straight days.

Nissan Davao (Davao Unicar Corporation) general manager Maybelle Joyce T. Cua said the test drive and ride event will start on June 8 and ends on June 22.

“We will be using five units of NP300 for the event where drivers could ride them and experience their tougher core and smarter features,” Cua said in an interview at a downtown restaurant Friday.

Cua said the test drive will give the drivers a glimpse of the scenic view

from Bukidnon all the way to Davao City, Tagum City in north and Mati City in the southern end of the Davao Region using NP300 Navara.

The drive will also proceed to as far as General Santos, where test drivers will use NP300.

In between the test drives, there will be an event at the racetrack for 4x4 vehicles during the celebration of Independence Day on June 12.

There will be also a search for the first Filipino race car driver as Nissan brings the Nissan GT Academy Philippines to Davao.

“The challengers have a chance to transform from just a gamer to a real race car

driver,” Cua said.

The Nissan GT Academy Philippines will be holding the National Finals for the top 20 finalist from different live events held in Manila, Cagayan de Oro and Davao City.

Finalists are expected to hurdle different challenges that will test their driving skills, physical, mental, and tactical skills.

“Any other car dealer will just give you a ticket to watch the race car in Dubai by just sitting and watching it. But, Nissan is giving the gamers the opportunity to become the drivers,” Cua said.

The winner will then proceed to Race Camp Week in Silverstone, UK this August.

adding that HB1 has already operation as far as Pantukan, Compostela Valley for the northern part of the region and in Digos City for the southern area.

He said HB1 has a total of 50 branches in the region.

“We targeted to establish a total of 100 HB1 stores in 2007 for the next 15 years,” Erfe said.

The company has already achieved 50 percent of the 100 stores target after eight years, according to him.

The expansion of HB1 for the next seven years will concentrate on developing

areas outside Davao City that requires an all-in-one convenience store.

When asked if the company is threatened by the arrival of foreign-based convenience stores, Erfe said there will always be a competition.

“But, what separates HB1 from other convenience stores is that we have a builtin pharmacy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Erfe also announced the staging of the HB1 Neon Night Fun Run on July 4 starting at 5:00 p.m.

“We expect about 2,500 participants in this 5-kilometer fun run event,” he said.

ucts, said they are vying to have their sealed products halal-certified to penetrate a wider market in the Muslim world.

“This is why we joined the expo and wanted to be certified Halal. As how we see it, there is future now of exporting halal certified products recognized by legitimate government entities,” she said.

Another manufacturer with a display booth is Resta Enterprise, of Makilala town in North Cotabato, selling coco sugar.

With Resta’s natural, low glycemic, all-natural byproduct from coconut sap, the company aims to get Halal-certified too so their products can be introduced to Muslim consumers around the world.

“If that will happen, we expect to increase production, especially if buyers will give importance to our

healthy, organic sugar,” according to Aster Kakilala, one of the local exhibitors.

Resta Enterprise is helping members of the Bagobo indigenous group, especially the unemployed couples. The husbands now serve as coconut tappers while the wives are tasked to cook the sugar.

Helping entrepreneurs break into the halal market has been the dream of the Department of Science and Technology in Region 12 (DOST-12), when it first established the halal laboratory in Cotabato City in early 2007 to help generate jobs for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

DOST-12, which has the first and only halal laboratory in the country, aims to serve as the clearing house for all halal products coming out of the country so manufacturers can establish credibility.

Dr. Zenaida Laidan, re-

NUMBER ONE. Nissan Davao (Davao Unicar Corporation) president Jose Cua (second from left), general manager Maybelle Joyce T. Cua (second from right), supervisor Felipe Torre Jr. (leftmost), and sales and

NCCC HB1 to open 5 more stores H

OMEGROWN NCCC HB1 will open five more branches in different areas of the Davao Region this year.

“Of our target nine stores for this year, we’ve already accomplished four with the near opening of NCCC HB1 Tagum City branch,” HB1 marketing supervisor Dino Erfe said on Friday.

Erfe said the homegrown convenience store is expanding outside Davao City, where majority of its HB1 stores are operating.

“We wanted to explore the untapped market of the Davao Region,” Erfe said,

Mindanao SMEs join int’l halal event

I

N just two hours since they started the display of fresh tuna products from General Santos City during the Philippine Halal Assembly expo that started Wednesday, all of VL Food Products’ items were gone as buyers came in droves.

Thus, on the second day, VL Food Products’ display booth at the Marriott Grand Ballroom was empty, and its staff had to call their main office in General Santos for a resupply.

Sashimi and other tuna products are among those aggressively being sold to halal consumers who attended the assembly.

Prominent Halal stakeholders all over the world gathered here for a three-day international conference and expo aiming to synergize efforts in halal development.

Chennie Rose Estanislao, the accounting sales representative of VL Food Prod-

FMINDANAO, 10

A night-out party with disc jockey Patty Tiu will be held after the run.

The registration is P400 inclusive of a singlet, race bib, finisher’s kit, a certificate and glow bracelet. Cheneen R. Capon

marketing staff Angeline Cinco flash the number one sign during a press briefing for the Mindanao unveiling of the latest NP300 Navara in Davao City on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Inflation dips to its lowest level in 20 years

A

MPLE supply of key food items and lower electricity and fuel prices pulled down inflation to its lowest level in 20 years, as headline inflation rate eased further to 1.6 percent in May

2015 from 2.2 percent in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“Using the current base year 2006, the May 2015 infla-

FINFLATION, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

’

Cover your ears

TIS the season for politics — and for political incorrectness, apparently. With the 2016 national election less than a year away, it is natural for possible contenders to begin attacking each other in any way they can. The Philippines is peculiar in that virtually all candidates stand for the same thing, and so there is really no difference between bets as far as their platforms of government are concerned. What candidate does not claim the slogan “makaDiyos, makabayan, makatao” (pro-God, pro-country, pro-people)?

Add to that the highly popular “makakalikasan” (pro-environment) and the voters get a mix of generalisms and motherhood statements that does not differentiate one candidate from another, at least on the ideological level.

Because of this, candidates tend to attack each other on a personal level, seeking out weaknesses in character, habits, and even the circumstances of their birth or their skin color. This happened in 2010 when detractors of then-candidate Benigno Aquino III played the “mental disorder” card and pulled out one report after the other supposedly attesting to his psychological problems back in school.

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The reports and records were proven to be fake, and the attackers succeeded in branding themselves as bigots for insinuating that those with such problems are not fit to do anything for the country.

Unfortunately people never learn, and today we have the spectacle of politicians falling all over themselves accusing others of various faults. Many of these are valid, of course, but a number are disturbing because the nature of the attacks label the recipients as having “defects” simply because they are different. Senator Grace Poe has been called a foundling, and while the word itself may have legal basis, it is distasteful because it suggests that the senator has a shady background and is not worthy of respect. On the other hand, Vice President Jejomar Binay is often derided for his skin color and his height — a racist attitude that really has no place in this time and age.

We still dream of the day when political campaigns in the Philippines would be based on programs and platforms, not on personal attacks. Until then, we may have no recourse but to cover our ears and hope it all passes soon.

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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EDGEDAVAO

I

For politicians, our ignorance is bliss

S it just me or are the ads for feminine wash becoming more and more aggressive in promoting their products? The one I saw last night had a bunch of girls doing slow-motion cartwheels in a graphic demonstration how “fresh,” “clean,” and – lest we forget – “white” their “bikini areas” are.

I can imagine that those high-level creative discussions during the making of the ad might have gone something like this, “OK, so how do we make the viewers understand in 30 seconds that this product cleans, freshens, whitens, AND empowers women?” “Oh I know, let’s just have them spread their legs.” Great job guys, really classy.

---Now moving on to more substantial issues, the other day our Editorial quoted Sen. Miriam “The Cat Lady” Santiago as saying that politicians are afraid of intelligent voters – which of course isn’t to say that voters shouldn’t be even more afraid of stupid politicians, but that’s another matter for another time.

Back to the insight shared by the good Senator from inner Mandaluyong, this practice isn’t exactly new. It has been the bread and butter for all oppressive classes for centuries. Used liberally by kings and queens, popes and presidents, dictators and despots to keep their subjects, constituents, and believers alike under firm control.

By denying people knowledge, you make them helpless, hapless, and subservient.

There are many examples of how this intellectual whip has been used throughout history.

Mostly it had to do with language and its use (or misuse) in limiting the spread of ideas by compartmentalizing information within a particular social class. The Spaniards practiced this with much success in the Philippines where the ability to speak Spanish was at first externally re-

A

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

MONG adults, there are two ways of transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the microorganism that causes the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The first one is through sexual contact. It is said that during sex with an infected person, the mucous membrane lining the mouth, vagina, penis, or rectum of the other individual is exposed to contaminated body fluids.

The other way of acquiring HIV is via injection. Infection occurs with blood transfusions, the sharing of needles among drug addicts, or an accidental prick from an HIV-contaminated needle.

In recent years, some Filipinos are infected with HIV not because of sex but because of sharing syringes among drug users. In Cebu City, for instance, the HIV/AIDS Registry indicates that the primary cause of HIV transmission in the city has shifted from sexual transmission in 2008 to injecting drug use starting 2010.

A briefing paper prepared by the World Health Organization, the Department of Health and the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) in 2014 called Cebu’s HIV epidemic “explosive,” saying it was time for “urgent action.” Intravenous drug use has overtaken sexual contact as Cebu City’s main mode of HIV transmission.

According to the Philippine National AIDS Council’s 2014 annual report, a staggering 52.3 percent of people who inject drugs in that city are infected with HIV in 2013, up from 0.4 percent in 2007.

Kamagayan is one of the identified barangays where illegal use of drugs is rampant. In order to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, the CCHD wants to distribute needles and injectable instruments to drugs addicts in the aforementioned barangay.

But when Senator Vicente Sotto III learned of the plan, he lambasted the initiator of the project.

“We have a problem,” Sotto was quoted as saying. “It is as if it is exempted from the operation of our criminal laws on drugs.”

What the actor-turned-senator had done made the Human Rights Watch (HRW) to deride his actions.

Carlos H. Conde, HRW researcher in Manila, issued this statement to the media: “Philippine

stricted, but then later on evolved to become in itself a gate-keeper to upward social mobility.

In this kind of society, fluency no longer has a direct relation with the ability to communicate ideas, but rather it was used to project a particular image or reputation for the speaker. One that gave them power over others.

This created a sort of meta-language among Filipinos where what you say and how you say it now carry two distinct, and not always compatible, messages. For example, when a Senator – say from Iloilo – talks about a particular law in rambling but otherwise fluent and well-constructed English, two things are being communicated. The first and obvious is that the senator wants you to understand the law – that is the exposition. But behind it, perhaps hidden in the subconscious, is a demonstration of superiority ‘evidenced’ by the ability to speak English very well.

This is why we ridicule people who talk in “carabao” English and those who have difficulty with their fees and eps, ees and ehs, os and oos.

This is a uniquely Filipino trait in that while the French, Japanese, and other non-English speaking peoples may ostracize their countrymen for not speaking their native tongue, they do not make fun of them for not being able to talk fluently in a second language.

But while language is the easiest barrier used

by those in power to keep the masses from rising up and pushing them out, it is by no means the only weapon in their arsenal. Among Filipino politicians in particular, the basketball court has been used to great effect for this purpose.

What is it that they say about one-eyed kings ruling over a nation of blind people? In the Philippines, in a practice that can only be described as vote farming, ethically-impaired politicians deliberately under-deliver services in an effort to keep the people just happy enough to vote for them, but not sufficient to help them rise to the next level. Where they may wise up and, God forbid, want to go further in life. Which is why we have a surplus of basketball courts all over the countryside, but not enough grain dryers, day care centers, and classrooms.

Keep them happy but keep them stupid is the mantra of politicians of all stripe and color. And it doesn’t help that many of us are blindly, if not willingly, helping them perpetuate this practice.

Especially here in the Philippines where election after election the middle class would complain about the “stupidity” of the masa voter, yet balk at the idea of actually going out to where the masa are to talk to them about their supposedly ill-informed choices.

The adage “If not us, who? If not now, when?” has never echoed stronger than in these few months leading up to the 2016 elections. While for many voters the scales may have fallen from their eyes and the issues are finally clear, there are still many who are in bondage to the old political system built on patronage and pander.

And much as it pains me to agree with Senator “I Was Just Kidding” Santiago, we know have a very good opportunity to scare the bejesus out of those candidates who think they can have their cake and steal it too.

Senator Vicente THINK ON THESE! Sotto III may have his way in scuttling a study on needle exchange, which is designed to reverse the rise of HIV infection among people who inject drugs.

Giving clean needles to intravenous drug users, Henrylito D. Tacio he argued in the Senate, is like henrytacio@gmail.com giving murderers clean knives in place of their rusty ones so that they can kill people without infecting them with tetanus.

“Tragically, his Senate colleagues seem to agree with him and have asked the Department of Health to suspend the study, which was sanctioned by the government, funded by the World Bank, and supported by local and international health-oriented nongovernmental organizations.”

According to Conde, there is “compelling evidence” that reducing the sharing of infected needles by providing clean needles helps to combat AIDS. “Access to clean syringes also helps prevent overdose and provide a gateway for drug treatment programs,” he pointed out. He cited the HRW 2013 report, “In Harm’s Way,” which examined drug users and HIV in the US city of New Orleans, as a case in point.

“Providing clean needles, experts and advocates agree, would be a key step in the right direction,” Conde said.

In Asia, the needle and syringe exchange programs have been implemented already in China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Thailand. China first implemented needle and syringe exchange in 1999 and overall millions of needles and syringes have been exchanged in thousands of sites. A recent meta-analysis found that these programs reduced risk of HIV infection by one-third.

“But for Sotto, whose anti-drug campaign has increased his popularity, the needle exchange program promotes drug dependency,” Conde deplored.

Conde believed that the suspension of the study, which now seems likely, would be a step backwards for the Philippines.

“Adopting needle exchanges is not only cost-effective and good for the health outcomes of people who use drugs, it is also good for their families and the communities in which they live,” Conde reiterated.

Actually, HIV is a very fragile virus outside of the body. The HIV virus needs the human body as its host. The life span of HIV outside of the body has not been determined. However, we know that HIV needs its host cell (a human), the body temperature, and the chemistry of the blood to survive. Out of the body, HIV is out of its environment. As the blood dries, the HIV will die.

A study conducted by the Yale University showed that the HIV virus remains alive in syringes containing infected blood for at least 42 days when stored in near-freezing temperatures.

Conversely, when stored above room temperature, the likelihood of encountering syringes with viable HIV after one week decreases to less than 1%, said the study which was published in the journal Substance Use and Misuse.

“The practical implications of these findings are that when people do not have access to clean syringes, storing used syringes in warmer temperatures decreases the likelihood of HIV transmission,” says Dr. Robert Heimer, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at the School of Medicine.

“Depending on the temperature, you can decrease from weeks to just one day the period of time for which syringes can spread the virus,” Dr. Heimer added.

In a recent workshop, Davao City was singled out as one of the six major cities in the country with alarming rise of HIV cases. Based on data from 2013, the city had a prevalence rate at five percent, lower than those compared with Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, and Cebu, but higher than Cagayan de Oro.

The rise of AIDS

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Continuity and the auto roadmap

Y

ES, in MY TWO CENTS’ spite o f rather disappointing 1st quarter GDP numbers, our national economy has nonetheless been John Tria growing at ecisouth@gmail.com a fast clip, averaging at around 5-6% over the last three or four years. This is no mean feat, considering that we were often referred to as the sick man of asia, with considerable human and natural resources that countries like Japan and Korea do not have, yet with massive unemployment and poor economic growth (once standing at mere 1-2%, even negative to 1 in the 80s).

As we have written before, locally generated money is outpacing foreign remittances as a share of total Gross National Product, and the manufacturing sector is slowly rising. Qualitatively, signs bode well for a strong, sustained growth in the economy. Recently, the government released its auto industry roadmap that outlines additional incentives for automotive manufacturers able to meet certain production targets.

Of course, not a few car manufacturers are wondering, since the 200,000 annual unit production benchmark the roadmap requires in order to qualify for incentives is not something even the largest auto manufacturer can achieve (Toyota can produce a little over a hundred thousand units ), then who can meet that target? Perhaps the goal is to encourage production for export, but then again the question remains valid.

I guess the wisdom in setting the target lies in achieving scale. For every car manufactured, several jobs are created not only from within the car assembly plant, but from contractors and subcontractors, the makers of seatbelts, wiring harnesses, glass windows, radios, air conditioning, mufflers, tires and batteries, and so on.

As car assembly and manufacturing increases, locally generated income creates more spending on locally made products, which in turn, fuel more locally generated jobs. Overseas income from OFW remittances is important, but will necessarily have to give way to developing local sources. Unlike in the upbeat 90’s the fears of a jobless growth may no longer be as pervasive, since the earnings are plowed into better hard investments that generate more jobs, such as new businesses.

But poverty continues to afflict a third of our population. Getting them out of poverty and being part of the growth is what inclusive growth means. Letting them be part of the economy means they also earn and that what they in turn spend contributes to helping the livelihood of other people and their families. The multiplier effect thus proceeds and the economy keeps growing.

This is why former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad was adamant to start up the car manufacturing program for Malaysia in the 1980s, with the Proton brand. Every car made resulted in a family of subcontractors, creating many jobs for every car made.

As the 2016 elections near, many businessmen and investors fear that a change in national leadership will affect the country’s growth momentum, the growth in manufacturing especially. The car roadmap is a good push for manufacturing but whether it actually bears fruit will depend on PNOYs successor. How well he or she will drive it, with all the power he or she will wield will show us where it will go, or end up.

10 NEWS Duterte... FROM 4 Ang unang iiyak ang Diyos mismo... totoo, sa tuwa (I do not want to run. But if God will make me president, the first who will cry is God... it is true,

but out of joy),” he said.

He also said if he becomes President he will eliminate not just criminals but corrupt officials as well.

said, will also be strengthened.

However, they noted that this can be achieved through a structurally superior Bangsamoro region that is better than the current ARMM set up.

The LGU executives said that the BBL is a “leap forward” after decades of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and that it is “indubitably has the stamp of the Moro aspirations for peace, justice, genuine autonomy and self-determination.”

The ARMM government has been consistent in signifying its support to the BBL and the Mindanao peace agenda with no less than Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman even urged his constituents to support the call of the region

for its passage.

On May 18, the 75 members of the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro headed

by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez voted to approve the measure formalizing the creation of a new political entity – the Bangsamoro region.

Since June 1, the House of Representatives have been debating at the plenary level House Bill 5811 or an act creating the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BL-BAR).”

On June 11, the House in plenary is set to vote, hoping it will be passed on third reading before the 16th Congress adjourns sine die.

Of the 33 lawmakers listed to raise inquiries on HB 5811, only five have so far took the floor. (PNA)

its own shredding machine, pulverizing machine, and chipping machine to convert wastes to useful substances that can in turn be made into hollow block mix and other materials.

She said her office has already allocated P2 million for the three machines which will be placed in the sanitary landfill. She said she will assign personnel who will segregate plastics to be placed in the machines.

She said the procurement

is now in the hands of General Services Office (GSO) for bidding.

Madrazo said the landfill, which was designed to last up to 15 years, is almost full in just a span of five years. The city opened the 3.5-hectare sanitary landfill in 2010 and it was supposed to last until 2020 or 2025.

Madrazo said CENRO collects an average of 500 tons of garbage per day, shortening the life span of the site.

ARMM... FROM 4

CENRO... FROM 4

Mindanao... FROM 7 gional director of DOST-12 and the lead convenor of the international halal assembly, said the move is to ensure world-wide acceptance of local halal products and boost consumer confidence and satisfaction, even those outside the Muslim world.

The DOST halal laboratory is working on its accreditation for global halal standards adopting the Organization of Islamic Conference’s Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries (OICSMIIC). The latter handed its standard guidelines to DOST12 during the conference.

As support, a memorandum of agreement was signed between DOST and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to further strengthen the mandate of protecting the halal industry in the Phiilippines.

Hundreds of foreign delegates and product exhibitors came here to showcase their products, share inputs, and to synergize efforts to the development of the halal industry and tackle global concerns.

Among the key halal speakers came from Saudi Arabia, United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Switzerland, Singapore, China, Bosnia, and Egypt, among others.

Topics raised during the plenary sessions include Halal Accreditation on Unified Standards and solution to harmonize global bodies, including the halal standards for manufacturers and exporters.

The activity is being hosted by DOST-12 and the DOST national office, and supported by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), which joined in the launching of the halal laboratory logo.

Halal food is a fast-growing industry with a three-trillion-dollar global market.

Halal foods are permissible foods for Muslims that are free from pork, blood, alcoholic drinks and maltreatment to animal meat. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)

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Manila... FROM 4

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Rep... FROM 6

tolerating death squads to liquidate suspected criminals in his city.

“The criticism forgets that, when Duterte was elected mayor for the first time in 1988, Davao City was a hotbed of criminality, with communist rebels spreading their ideology on the one hand and the government-organized Alsa Masa vigilante group trying to neutralize them on the other. In between there were the bands of thieves, drug pushers, kidnappers on the rampage spreading fear and panic among the people,” the paper said.

“Duterte neutralized them all,” it added.

But the Business Mirror said Duterte’s acid test will be in the fight against corruption.

“Perhaps, what will test Duterter’s mettle at the pres-

idency will be the challenge posed not by street-level crimes, but by the large-scale bribery and plunder taking place at the highest levels of government. Wrongdoing here in brazen, shameless and absolutely without compunction,” the paper said.

“But Duterte seems ready for the challenge,” it added.

Peter T. Laviña, a known Duterte supporter, said the Business Mirror’s editorial was like an endorsement for Duterte towards the presidency.

The editorial comes in the wake of wide media exposure as of late for Duterte, whose supporters are growing in number and whose popularity is undoubtedly soaring across the land.

And Duterte has not even declared yet that he is seeking the country’s highest post.

tion rate is the lowest, covering the monthly inflation series from 1995 to May 2015. It was also below the market expectation of 2.0 percent,” said NEDA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan.

He added that year-todate, headline inflation ending May 2015 averaged at 2.2 percent, comfortably within the inflation target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent set by the government for 2015.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation in the food subgroup eased in May 2015 (3.2% from 4.0%) following slower price adjustments in rice, meat, fish, and fruits.

“Rice prices have normalized, as total rice stocks inventory grew by 16.5 percent year-on-year as of April 2015. With favorable weather conditions, the supply of fish has been steady and sufficient and the volume of in-season fruits in the market stable,” the NEDA official said.

“Inflation in the meat index was also curbed, following the Department of Trade and Industry’s imposition of lower suggested retail price,” Tungpalan added.

Non-food inflation also

moderated in May 2015 (0.3% from 0.8%) resulting from the sustained decline in the prices of electricity, gas, and other fuels.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy prices, slid further to 2.2 percent from 2.5 percent in April 2015 and 3.1 percent in May 2014. Core inflation in the first five months of 2015 averaged at 2.5 percent.

Also, the slowdown of inflation in May 2015 appears to be geographically broadbased as the price index in the National Capital Region (NCR) slid to 0.7 percent in May 2015 from 1.5 percent in April 2015 and 3.8 percent in the same period a year ago.

Likewise, all regions except Region X (Northern Mindanao) registered slower yearon-year price increases, thus, resulting in a tempered overall inflation of 1.8 percent in May 2015 for areas outside NCR, from 2.3 percent in April 2015 and 4.7 percent in May 2014.

“Inflation remained low and stable in the first five months of 2015 in line with expectations over the policy horizon. This bodes well for household consumption,” he said.

Inflation... FROM 7

ance here and in other countries that would condemn and challenge China’s aggressive actions,” said Senior Deputy Minority Leader Colmenares.

“China has already reclaimed at least 7 reefs such as the Panganiban (Mischief), Mabini (Johnson South), Gavin (Gaven), Calderon (Cuarteron), Hughes (Kennan), Malvar (Eldad) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reefs, that are clearly within Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone but hardly anything has been done to address it. Furthermore, based on the recent presentation of the “US Maritime Security Policies and the Philippine Claims,” made

by Fulbright scholar Prof.dr.

Jay L. Batongbacal, we have concluded that the US is only interested in ensuring its unhindered passage in the West Philippine Sea, and with this interest ensured, will not hinder China’s actions,” said the progressive solon “As long as the interest of the US is satisfied, it will just mouth motherhood statements on defending the Philippines but will not act at to counter China. The US and China connive and compete with one another to impose their dominance over the region. This situation demands a united and visible response from our people. Ordinary citizens need to be involved in defending our land and seas and in pursuing a truly independent foreign policy that neither bows to China's bullying nor kowtows to US impositions,” said Rep. Colmenares.

“Of course help from the

international community is welcome but there should be no strings attached. VFAs or other military pacts should not be demanded. Now the proposed Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and Japan would only lead to our further dependence on other countries. There is already a standing VFA between the Philippines and the US as well as Australia and it has done nothing to modernize the AFP let alone deter China from its aggressive actions. As things stand almost all our former colonizers already have a VFA with the Philippines,” he added.

As for his part Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said that “Pres. Aquino is militarizing further our foreign policy by entering in VFA arrangement with Japan. Our meagre but ever growing deficit-spending budget is better to be used for social services than in the purchase of arms. The least the outgoing president should do is not to further drag our country in another arms race and another Cold War era like situation between warring and rivalling giants as in the case now between the US and its partner Japan versus China,” “Furthermore with another VFA or any other military pact with other countries the Philippines would become a bigger magnet for attacks of these countries’ enemies. We would become the theatre of war of countries that are only here because of their vested economic, political and military interests,” ended Rep. Colmenares.

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1003265 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 31467-6 issued to MONTANA, LILIA C. Reinstatement papers: 2401-106509, 2401106513-514, 2401-91170, 2401-77468, 240195493, 2401-95500-503, 2401-95516, 2401-95524, 2401-73056, 2401-95524, 2401-95544 issued to TERESITA F.ERAMIS were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

6/8,15,22

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MAIN ENTRANCE. The Matina Enclaves main entrance gate is a masterpiece of architectural design.

Esdevco’s Matina Enclaves sustains aggressive push T

HERE’S a reason to be excited about Escandor Development Corporation’s signature project Matina Enclaves.

Construction for the first medium-rise condominium building called The Enclaves Residences is pushing forward ahead of schedule in a sustained and determined bid to put the building above ground.

The homegrown reat estate firm owned by the Escandors of Davao City is now

Aeon Towers announces June activities

focusing on the construction of Condominium 1 with the conduct of Pile Dynamic Load Test or PDA which is aimed to test the integrity and load capacity of the piles that have been installed.

According to project head Gerald Garces, 114 piles have been installed for the first building of The Enclaves Residences as of end of May 2015.

“This represents 70 percent of the total piles to be installed.

These piles form an integral part of the total foundation

plan of the building. This on-going piling works are conducted by PileconGeotechnic Inc. and is targeted to be completed on May 23, 2015,” Garces said.

Esdevco held a pre-bid conferencelast April 2015 with three credible Davaobased contractors invited for the structural works of Condominium 1 of The Enclaves Residence. While ongoing piling works are conducted, prospective contractors are still given until May 27, 2015

A

S development for the 33-level Aeon Towers moves on above ground level, developer FTC Group of Companies is embarking on an aggressive sales push this month.

Aeon Towers marketing head Genefer Marchan said the company has scheduled a series of marketing activities for the month beginning with the training and recruitment for new members of the sales team in Mati City on June 6.

An Investors Night will likewise be held on June 18 in Mati City as marketing reaches out to neighboring cities of Davao.

Another Investors Night will be held on June 20 in Gen. Santos City. Venues for both events are yet to be finalized, according to Marchan.

Meantime, construction of the Aeon Towers project has moved up with the pouring of concrete on ground level as of end of May. Reputed to be the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao, the Aeon Towers is expected to be completed in 2016.

Construction works of the Aeon Towers have gone above the ground level.

to submit their bids. Final negotiation and awarding is on June 8 and mobilization of the construction works is targeted to commence on June 15.

“We are chiefly focused on puttinng the building on vertical development and no less than our CEO, Mr. Glenn Escandor, is making sure that it moves precisely as programmed,” Garces said.

“The sales are doing good but we expect it to go on an upswing once we see the develiopment rising up,” Garces

added.

Strategically couched along Quimpo Boulevard adjacent to the Davao Golf Course, Matina Enclaves prides itself with a location that’s within the epicenter of Davao’s business district.

Since the groundbreaking and series of pocket inaugurations for its Main Gate, Clubhouse, and The Plains, guests are greeted with its modern contemporary entrance gates.

Once inside, one can’t help but notice the Clubhouse--an ar-

chitectural masterpiece that combines sophistication with functionality.

The clubhouse is built to be an amenity for the whole family to enjoy complete with a fitness gym, kids’ playroom, billiard area and rentable meeting and function hall, which can accommodate huge groups. Within the year, the clubhouse’ 25-meter fourlane swimming pool and a kiddie splash pool will be added to the amenities already in place.

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14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

LOSING KYRIE

Cavs will live without Irving the rest of the way T

HE Cleveland Cavaliers’ title hopes were dealt a severe blow on Friday when their All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving was ruled out for the rest of the NBA Finals with a fractured knee.

Irving, 23, was on crutches when he left the team’s hotel to be evaluated earlier in the day and a subsequent MRI revealed a fracture in his left knee cap.

“He will have surgery to repair the knee in the coming days at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland by Cavaliers head team physician Dr. Richard Parker,” the Cavaliers said in a statement.

“His recovery time is projected to be three to four months and his status will be updated as appropriate.”

Irving, who has been bothered with tendinitis for the past six weeks, re-injured his left knee with two minutes remaining in Cleveland’s

overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the best-of-seven NBA Finals on Thursday.

“Our main concern right now is just Kyrie’s health, that’s all,” Cavaliers head coach David Blatt told reporters earlier on Friday. “Every game is a new day, and if we have to make adjustments we will.”

Irving limped off the court on Thursday after an awkward fall and was clearly favoring his knee. He threw his Cavaliers jersey to the ground in frustration and was later sitting at his locker with a towel over his head and ice on his knee.

He had 23 points in the game along with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocked shots.

His stunning block from behind on Stephen Curry late in

the fourth quarter helped the Cavs force overtime.

Irving missed two games during Cleveland’s previous playoff series because of tendinitis in his left knee and the team won both games.

Cleveland did not miss a beat after losing All-Star forward Kevin Love to a season-ending shoulder injury in the opening round of the

playo f fs , but the popular opinion seems to be that the loss of Irving could be too much for them to overcome.

But four-time NBA most

Valuable Player LeBron James, w h o had a

game-high 44 points in a losing effort on Thursday, felt his team was deep enough to persevere.

“The good thing about it, we’ve been in this position before,” said James. “It’s something that’s not new to us. So next man up, and guys will be ready for the challenge.”

Game Two is Sunday in Oakland.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 47 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 7 - 8, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Golfer of the week ATTY. RAMON EDISON BATACAN:

The golfing lawyer

CURRENT HANDICAP: 12 CLUB AFFILIATION/HOME COURSE: Rancho Palos Verdes, Davao City Golf Club WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? Woods: Honma Beres driver, 3, 5 wood

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

L

Irons: Beres

AWYWER Ramon Edison Batacan works six days a week in his law firm and on Sundays, he plays golf. Not a bad idea for a stress-killer.

That is, if one goes to the golf course to kill stress.

Make Atty. Batacan an exemption. He goes to the golf course not to de-stress but to compete. This golfing lawyer takes golf, being a very challenging sport filled with complex factors, like building up a case in court. And that includes making all his appearances in the fairways as colorful as can be.

He walks into the first tee mound clad in the most eye-catching hues. Obviously, a lot of influence from his favorite golfer Ricky Fowler, is put into the day’s kit from caps to shirst and pants and to his golf shoes. From a powder blue and white ensemble one day, to bursting orange on another. He can also go old school with checkered

Sandwedge to 5 irons Putter: Beres Ball: FAVORITE GOLF ATTIRE AND COLOR/S: Ricky Fowler golf get up FAVORITE GOLF PLAYER: Ricky Fowler WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING GOLF? 2000 YOUR FIRST GOLF PRO/ INSTRUCTOR? Beriong Bisera TOURNAMENT WINS, IF ANY? 2012 PAL Mabuhay Golf Tournament, Champion Class B 2012 Phoenix Golf Tournament, Class B Champion 2013 IBP National Golf Tournament, Overall Champ

T

pants or go easy with slick denim-cut garb.

The look itself tells you that he takes time before going to the golf course to pick his weekend pair like taking to suits or barong before a court appearance.

But Atty. Batacan, who carries a 12-handicap, is not just a dashing in-fashion looker in the course. He packs a mean drive and a killer touch with his putter you would wish it is illegal for lawyers like him to kill putts.

The senior partner of the Batacan, Montejo and Vincencio Law Firm, he is a member of Rancho Palos Verdes and Davao City Golf Club. He started playing in 2000 under the watchful eyes of golf pro Beriong Bisera, stopped for 2 years in 2003, and another year in 2011. Played again in 2012. He also honed his swing with Dodong Casas.

His memorable win was the 2012 Pal Mabuhay Golf Tournament where he won the Class

B title. He also pocketed the same division crown in the 2012 Phoenix Golf Tournament.

The crowning glory was winning the 2013 IBP National Golf Tournament as Overall Champion which gives him the bragging rights as the top golfing lawyer in the country.

“My most memorable

shot was the only ace I made in 2012. Par 3 hole 7, matina golf,” he told Edge Davao.

His regular golf buddies, among others, are the members of Crocs team composed of Dr Ed Guevarra, Dr Chinchin Lim, Dr Garry Batiller, Lindo Lo, Eugene Chiong, Ronald Lu, Tata Haw, Bobby Go, Mon Cua and Rodrigo Sy.

bird National All-Star 5-Cock Derby and the Thunderbird Mindanao All-Star 5-Cock Derby.

Another addition to this year’s Thunderbird Davao Challenge are several medi-

cal missions, as Thunderbird Cares, in cooperation with Mr. Jun Bacolod conduct medical, dental and optical services in Panabo, in Bgy. Mattina Aplaya, Davao City and in Bgy. Makato, Makilala, North Cotabato.

Top breeders show wares in Thunderbird Davao Challenge

HE country’s finest gamefowl breeders took Davao City by storm as they showcased their worldclass breeds in the recent 6th Annual Thunderbird Challenge, the biggest annual cockfighting event in the Philippines.

National endorsers of leading gamefowl feeds brand Thunderbird were flown in by the organizing Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company for the four-day event which also included outreach programs to beneficiary communityies and institutions as well as capability building seminars.

“It’s the biggest event for the country’s gamefowl breeders and Davao City is in the epicenter of this mega event,” said Mark Anthony Lagmay, Thunderbird team leader for Southern Mindanao.

The cocking greats who took part in the Thunderbird National All-Star 5-cock Derby include Engr. Sonny Lagon, Nene Abello, Lancey dela Torre, Pol Estrellado, Rey Briones, Nestor Vendivil, Mayor Bobby Clemente, Cong. Lawrence Wacnang, Joey Sy, Pao

Malvar, Mayor Jesry Palmares, Bebot Monsanto, Bernie Tacoy, Winnie Codilla, Mayor Baba Yap, former Gov. Baham Mitra, Joe Laureno, Engr. Sonnie Magtibay, Tol Mariano, Lino Mariano, Jun, Bobot and Bong Tan, Bugsky Ngsuy, Bentoy Sy, Manny Dalipe and Bebot Uy. Not to be outdone, the Thunderbird Mindanao AllStar 5-Cock Derby also had the most prolific and successful gamefowl breeders of Mindanao such as Gov. Eddiebong Plaza, Gov. Claude Baustista, Alex Macariola, Dorie Du, Balong Espinosa, Tata Sala, Kap. Romeo Baquirel, Mario Bantilan, Christian Saldivar, Lyndon Tabuada, Bryan Blanco, Herman Cantuba, Maning Eva, James Fuentes, Jojie Tiu, Jun Bacolod, Isidoro “B1” Uy, Larry Rubinos/Greg de Carlos, Boy Oncada, Sammy Uy, Mayor Roel Paras, Juanito Nasser, Manny Ibanez, Dr. Alfonso Bitoy, Jr., Marny Fuentes, Boy Digal, and Jun Lao. First staged in 2010, the Thunderbird Challenge is an annual 4-cock derby among Thunderbird Power Feeds & Thunderbird Powervet’s elite endorsers which aims to promote cockfighting and local

tourism, thus it has been held in the country’s most popular travel destinations : Boracay in 2010, Palawan in 2011, Dakak, Dapitan in 2012, Bohol in 2013 and Ilocos Region in 2014.

Last Saturday, the first ever

Thunderbird Davao Challenge “double derby” was staged at the Davao Matina Gallera wherein two 5-cock derbies will be held within each other.

The exciting two-pronged derby featured the Thunder-

Albert Uy (right) of the organizing Thunderbird welcomes the participants of the Thunderbird Davao Challenge during the welcome ceremonies at the Pearl Farm Resort. Boy Lim

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