Edge Davao 8 Issue 50 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 50 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015

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Sara: Ireadies don’t Senate want him to probe Sasa BIG NEWS P2 run Theon port project TensionTheover BIG NEWS P2 rooms mars Buy-bust yields councilors’ P1M in drugs The BIG NEWS P2 meet The BIG NEWS P2

NEXT BEST THING. A delegate of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) 2nd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting takes a selfie with a replica image of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo(Comelec) R. Duterte at SM Lanang WARNING. Davao City third district Commission of Election officer Monalisa Mamukid Premier’s Convention Center yesterday. Daval camJr. shows the logo “No Bio, No Boto” from herSMX tablet. Mamukid said the logo is part ofLean Comelec’s paign urging voters to have their biometrics done on or before October 31. Voters who fail to do so cannot vote in next year’s national election. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

CONVINCE ME TO RUN, SON ‘If Pulong can convince me, then I will run’ DAVAO CITY MAYOR Rodrigo Duterte to his son Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte has challenged his son, Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, to convince him to run for President in 2016. This after the younger Duterte posted a picture of

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA and ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

himself and his father on his Facebook account with the caption, “Enjoying genuine Kapampangan Cuisine at the Provincial Capitol with my President.” The photo was taken

in Pampanga during Mayor Duterte’s listening tour on federalism. It was the first time Paolo joined his father in the tour, which included Legazpi and Taytay in Rizal. “Sinabi niya? Hayaan mo

siya (He said that? Just let him be),” Duterte said in an interview at the Grand Regal Hotel on Tuesday night He said he will talk to his son to see if Paolo can con-

FCONVINCE, 10

Fastest man Cray breaks SEA Games record in 400m

Sports P16

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 50 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015

CULTURE SHOWCASE. Local artists perform a tribal dance during the opening ceremony of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) 2nd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting at the SMX Convention Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao del Norte to be cited insurgency-free By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

RMED forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to declare Davao del Norte as a peaceful and development-ready province. In yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference, 103rd Brigade Deputy commander Colonel Ricardo Nepomuceno said the declaration will be made on June 19. Nepomuceno said they based their assessment on the declaration of the barangay captains who said their areas are already peaceful and the number of New People’s Army (NPA) supporters has already decreased.

He said all three cities and eight municipalities in Davao del Norte will be declared peaceful and development-ready areas. Nepomuceno said the communities, especially the tribal leaders, have declared they will no longer support the NPA. “The barangay captains attested that their areas are already peaceful, even the tribal leaders expressed that they won’t help the NPAs anymore,” he said. “The tribal leaders told us that if the NPA will enter again

FDAVAO, 10

ARMM exec urges House to speed up BBL passage

HE Department of Interior and Local Government in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (DILG-ARMM) has urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to hasten the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law Bill (BBL). In an interview with reporters yesterday after his presentation at the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) assembly at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City, DILG-ARMM Secretary

Anwar A. Malang said based on the national newspaper accounts, it is impossible for the House to follow the June 11 deadline for the BBL’s passage. “Sad to say mabagal at hindi nila yata mahabol nila yung June 11 na deadline (the proceedings are too slow and they cannot beat the June 11 deadline),” Malang said. He said even if the House passes the BBL on time, it will have to undergo a stringent discussion in Senate.

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Sara doesn’t want pa to run for President By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

ORMER Davao City Mayor Sara Z. DuterteCarpio does not want her father, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, to run for President in 2016. In an interview yesterday at the sidelines during the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) assembly, Sara said her father is already 70 years old and she does not want him to face the huge problems the

country has. “I don’t think na mag edad siya og 70 ing-ana na ka dako na magnitude na problema ang iyang atubangon (I don’t think that at his age of 70 he can face the magnitude of the problems of the country),” she said. “Personally, ako dili ko gusto na modagan siya as President kay mura ra kag gakuhag bato og gipokpok

sa ulo (Personally, I do not want him to run because it is like getting a rock and hitting your own head with it),” she added. She said her father should retire or just continue being mayor. Sara, however, said she would give her “100 percent support” to her father if he decides to run for President. She said she has not

talked to her father about his political plans in 2016. With her father being groomed as possible candidate for President, Sara herself is also being consideredn as a likely successor to her father--an idea which she has turned down saying earlier that anyone thinking about her returning to politics should consider others first.

the designated hotels. But the councilors, who were not from Davao City or Davao Region, insisted that there is a memorandum that allows for a live-out arrangement. Fernandez told them that live-out stay will be only allowed if there are no hotel rooms available. When the councilors pushed the matter, Fernandez raised her voice. Reporters tried to get the statement of Fernandez but were told she was not yet available for interview since

the presentations of different local government units were still ongoing. After the presentations, however, Fernandez left the convention center. Reporters sought PCL Davao City chapter president Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz to shed light on the issue. Dalodo-Ortiz said some councilor want to stay in other places in order to save money. She said the PCL memorandum on conventions stipulates that live-out is allowed only if there are no more hotel rooms available.

She said the organizers expect around 3000 delegates to come. As of 2 p.m. yesterday around 2,105 delegates were registered. “Wala pa kaming nadeclare na kulang ang mga rooms (We have not yet declared that there are no more rooms), she said. Accommodations committee head councilor Leah Librado-Yap said there are 1,243 rooms in 16 hotels, and there are 850 reserved rooms once it will run out of billeting rooms. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Tension over rooms mars councilors’meet

ENSION arose in yesterday’s Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board (NEO-NB) Meeting when some councilors asked if they could have a live-out arrangement. The problem started when the councilors approached PCL national president Maybelene Fernandez during lunch time to ask her to consider their request. Fernandez said it would not be granted since there were still rooms available at

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Rainy season almost here, ITCZ to bring rains over Davao

HE Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains in most parts of Mindanao on Wednesday, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada said the ITCZ is now affecting southern Mindanao. He said the ITCZ, which is the thick clouds coming from south Asia, is considered a breeding ground for low-pressure areas (LPAs) or potential cyclones. Cada said the ITCZ will induce cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms over regions of Northern Mindanao, ARMM, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN and Zamboanga Peninsula. Cada noted the rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have fair weather but isolated thunderstorms are possible mostly in the afternoon or evening. The convective activity brought about by intense heat triggers the formation of more cumulonimbus clouds or dark clouds associated with thunderstorms that brings rains. He said with the presence of ITCZ it signals the start of the rainy season.

However, Cada said the ITCZ cannot move upward due to the presence of a ridge of high pressure area. “Pag ganitong month of June umaangat na yun ITCZ but nandiyan pa rin yung HPA and isa pa hindi pa rin natin nararamdaman yung southwest monsoon o hanging habagat na dominanteng weather system this rainy season,” Cada told PNA. He said this year’s rainy season is expected to commence by second or third week of June He added the wind pattern prevailing in country will be light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast and the coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. He said the agency expects the southwesterly wind flow to set in, which is associated with the wet or southwest monsoon season. Cada noted that the onset of the rainy season is characterized by southwesterly winds. He said PAGASA have yet to declare the onset of rainy season as there are “conditions” that have to be met. Aside from the presence of the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat,” he said an-

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ALL IN A ROW. Former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (center) poses with Philippine Councilors League (PCL) national chair Alma Moreno (left) and national president Maybelyn dela Cruz-Fernandez during the opening

ceremony of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) 2nd Quarterly National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting at the SMX Convention Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Light customer services open on June 12

DSWD to list more 4Ps beneficiaries

AVAO Light and Power Company’s frontline customer services will be available for the public on June 12, Friday, a regular non-working holiday to mark the Independence Day celebration Payment and customer services in the full service centers in SM Lanang Premier and in SM City Davao in Ecoland will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Meanwhile, Panabo branch will accept payments from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for customer services. Toril and Calinan payment offices will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. However, Sto. Tomas payment office will be closed on the said day. Emergency service will remain available 24 hours through 229-DLPC (3572).

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

HE listing of additional beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Davao City will start this month soon after the arrival of 500 computer tablets. “We are just waiting for the arrival of tablets that will be used in the enumeration,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 regional director Priscilla Ra-

zon said in an interview at the sidelines of the celebration of the World Day Against Child Labour at the Abreeza Ayala Mall yesterday. She said the listing will be done directly on the tablet so that the encoded data will be directly saved in a server. Razon said there are “pockets of poverty” that have not yet been saturated by the 4Ps. These are the districts of

Marilog, Calinan, Toril, Bahangin, Lanang, and the poblacion. “We are targeting 793,000 for the whole of the region, of which only 15 to 20 percent will come from Davao City while the rest will come from rural areas of Davao del Sur which has a high poverty rate, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley,” she said.

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DCWD announces June 13 water service interruptions

HEAVY FISH. A fish dealership worker weighs a 5-kilogram tuna in front of a fish trader at the Bagsakan area in Bankerohan yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

She said many of the poor families in Davao del Sur, which has 50 municipalities, will be covered after the listing of the possible 4Ps beneficiaries. “Our highest target is for Davao del Sur, followed by Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Norte,” she said. Razon said more than 1,000 personnel were de-

WATER service interruption on June 13 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM will affect these Matina areas: Shrine Hills, Royal Pines and Pluto Street in GSIS Subd. and these Ma-a areas: Brgy. Langub, Diversion Road, Green Meadows, Green Valley, Laud Quarry and Gap Farming Resort. Said water cut is needed to give way to the transfer of fire hydrant at Shrine Hills Road in Matina due to the road widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Davao City Water District general manager Edwin V. Regalado advises would-be affected customers to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interrup-

tion and asks for their understanding and cooperation. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

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Davao City health office needs more personnel

HE City Health Office needs to double its current number of personnel to cope with a bigger population and give each barangay access to community-level healthcare, the head of the department said. In an interview Tuesday, CHO chief Josephine Villafuerte said there was a need to ask for more plantilla positions as the population in the city was already approaching 1.5 million. “When those positions were created in 1996, the city only had 800,000 population,” Villafuerte said. She added there were 450 plantilla positions distributed in the city’s 182 barangays. Ideally, there should be one doctor per district, one midwife per 5,000 people and 1 nurse per 20,000 people, she explained. According to the City Investment Plan for Health, each of the city’s midwives is in charge of 15,000 people, while there is one nurse per 19,000 people. The Department of Health, meanwhile, has augmented the city’s nurses with 60 more from its Nursing Development Program

(NDP). Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte said the DOH has informed her of the augmentation. However, the NDP nurses would only serve until the end of the current administration. the reorganization might require more funding for the agency, which would require more plantilla positions. “We need plantilla personnel, because you will have trouble if you hire job orders,” CHO’s Villafuerte said. “You will spend for training them. Sayang lang (It would be a waste).” Councilor Rachel Zozobrado told reporters on Monday that the city council committee on reorganization would have to rely on the justification by the executive department regarding any restructuring in the city’s departments before making any approvals. Zozobrado, who heads the committee, cited the case of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which was immediately approved as the mandate came from the Department of Interior and Local Government. (MindaNews)

USeP, SU, PCU host online poverty reduction course

HE University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) partnered with the Silliman University and Central Philippine University in the online course “Localizing Poverty Reduction Target” with the World Bank Group through the Knowledge for Development Centers (KDCs). The course is an initiative of KDC of which the three universities are active members. It is done with the support of the World Bank. The free online course runs from June 9 to July 1, 2015. Successful participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by the three universities at the end of the program. Participants came from the local government units (LGU), academe, and civil society (leaders and advocates). The course draws on the experiences of LGUs and civil society on how they are localizing and achieving poverty reduction targets outlined in the national agenda. The course focuses on best practices, challenges and local initiatives driven towards improving the quality of life

in three cities in the country, namely Dumaguete, Iloilo, and Davao. The poverty reduction course encompasses six areas including employment, livelihood, food sustainability, healthcare, climate resiliency, and education. On June 9, an orientation on poverty with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), House of Representatives, and World Bank was scheduled. The discussion on localizing poverty reduction targets in Dumaguete follows on June 15. USeP is scheduled to host the online course on June 22, while the discussion in Iloilo City will follow on June 25.Reaction papers are required to be submitted after each session. In general, the World Bank Group, through their KDCs, continued to pursue its goal in reducing poverty by tapping available resources and using technology to bring experts together and share their best practices to come up with a good solution.

FLAGS FOR SALE. A vendor sells miniature flags to motorists in the streets of Davao City ahead of the celebration of Independence Day tomorrow, June 12. These miniature flags are sold on the streets for P35 to P50 each. Mindanews Photo by Keith Bacongco

2015 Watershed Summit to review impact of reforestation efforts

HIS year’s Watershed Summit will highlight various reforestation initiatives in Davao City, from the uplands down to the coastal areas. “Over the years, there have been a lot of reforestation activities conducted by government, schools, and private organizations along the watersheds. Now, its time for us to view how far we’ve reached in terms of whether we have been able to reforest our uplands in order to protect our water sources,” said Watershed Management Council (WMC) member and IDIS executive director Ann Fuertes. Around 150 stakeholders will attend the summit, which will be hosted by the Universi-

ty of Mindanao, on June 26 and 27, 2015. Fuertes said this year’s emphasis on the impact of local reforestation efforts is aimed at providing the Watershed Management Council a consolidated overview of the watershed rehabilitation areas as well as a venue to share ideas and lessons on forest restoration among stakeholders. “We are aiming to present a GIS (graphic information system) map which will plot the size and extent of reforestation areas in the watersheds. With this map, WMC will be able to facilitate better leveraging of resources and promote more effective watershed rehabilitation and

management efforts among stakeholders,” she said. The summit presentations will include the city’s National Greening Program (NGP) areas, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)’s reforested areas and the public sector-initiated reforestation sites which include the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and IDIS project areas. “The map will also present an accurate picture of areas where there is still a need for rehabilitation which we can turn into potential sites for collaboration among stakeholders. This way, we avoid duplication of efforts,” Fuertes said. Summit organizers are

also planning to include an ocular visit to selected watershed reforestation sites for summit participants to showcase various efforts by barangays in order to help rehabilitate the watershed. “Since the WMC is adopting a ridge to reef strategy in watershed rehabilitation, participants will visit an upland reforestation site, a riverbank reforestation area, and a coastal tree planting site on the second day, ” she said. The 3rd Watershed Stakeholders Summit is organized by the Watershed Management Council in partnership with the University of Mindanao and other government agencies and non-government organizations.

gram Cristie S. Angeles and DSWD Director Priscilla N. Razon. According to Razon, some 150 families who are Pantawid and non-Pantawid recipients will gain extra opportunities to improve their life under this public-private partnership on high-value crop production, “They have been taught basic skills in organic farming which they can readily apply and earn from it on top of providing fresh produce for their family,” she said. Razon said previous recipients were 154 typhoon Pablo survivors of Monkayo who maintain their organic farm in Barangay Olaycon, while some have also ventured in cultivating their own

backyard garden. Participants grow vegetables and fruits like cucumber, tomato, squash, ampalaya, bell pepper, honeydew, and gourd. HarBest Agribusiness Corp. conducted the lectures and hands on sessions on Nursery Preparation, Seed Sowing, Land Preparation, Caring & Nursing of Seedling, Pruning, Trellis Preparation, Fruit Selection and Fruit Thinning, Pest and Disease Control, Irrigation & Drainage, and Postharvest Technology. Integrated in the training course was an orientation on the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) focused on Community Driven Enterprise Development approach which covers Self Awareness,

Time Management, Financial Literacy, Product Management, Participatory Livelihood Issue Analysis, and Value Chain Analysis. DSWD and DA also taught participants Cost Analysis and Return of Investment Analysis. Director Razon added that to date, 36 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Davao Region have committed to work with DSWD to further assist recipients of Pantawid Pamilya. “We continue to collaborate with CSOs and non-government organizations like SM Foundation to provide additional opportunities to our Pantawid families and enable them to move up and lead a better life.” (DSWD/Carmela C. Duron)

SM, DSWD: Partners in pro-poor initiatives

HE essence of public-private partnership was demonstrated anew through organic farming for poor families here. On Friday, officials of Barangay Madaum, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), SM Davao, Harbest Agri-business Corporation, Davao Del Norte Provincial Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), and program participants of Pantawid Pamilya began the planting season for SMFI’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program at a demonstration farm in Barangay Madaum. Leading the event were SMFI Assistant Vice President for Livelihood Outreach Pro-

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 50 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015

DOLE: Davao employment rate stable By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

HE employment rate of Davao Region remained stable at 94 percent in April 2015, data from the Department of

Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 showed. “We have maintained a 94 percent employment rate in Davao Region. We re-

corded the same rate in January of this year,” DOLE 11 director Joffrey Suyao told reporters at the sidelines of the celebration of World Day

Against Child Labor at the Abreeza Ayala Mall yesterday. Suyao said the different employment facilitation pro-

CHECKING JOBS. College students Jorina E. Leyva (right) and Dithel P. Olasinan (left) check for available local and overseas jobs Wednesday afternoon at the Davao City field office of first district Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles. Cheneen R. Capon

grams of DOLE 11 like various job fairs held in different parts of the region helped employment status of Davao to remain stable in the past few months. However, this year’s employment rate in April was lower compared with to the 95 percent recorded in the same period last year. Based on the comparative employment status of the Davao Region for 2014 and 2015, employed Dabawenyos reached 1,914 million of the 2,036 million total labor force. This was lower compared to the 1,971 million employed out of the P2,036 million labor force in April 2014. DOLE 11 information officer Sherwin Manual said majority of the employed Dabawenyos are working in the agriculture sector, service sector and industry sector. Unemployment remained at 6 percent, the report revealed. While both the unemployment and employment in the region remained stable, Suyao said the underemployment rate has decreased from 19.3 percent in January to 16.6 percent in April.

The data also bared that the 16.6 percent unemployment rate was the lowest rate recorded from January last year. It was even lower than the 19.5 percent underemployment rate recorded on the same period last year. “This is a positive development in the employment status of the region. It means that the quality of work here is getting better and the number of employed people either working as part-time or looking for another job to increase their salary is getting low,” Suyao said. He expects employment status of the region will further improve in the next few months because of different employment facilitation programs like DOLE 11’s job fairs in different parts of the region. After the Labor Day job fair last May 1, DOLE 11 will be conducting simultaneous job fairs in Davao City, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte. For Davao City, more than 15,000 local and overseas jobs will be made available in a one day job fair at NCCC Mall of Davao on June 12 where around 3,500 applicants are expected to join.

6 THE ECONOMY

NUMBER ONE. Nissan Davao (Davao Unicar Corporation) general manager Maybelle Joyce T. Cua (sixth from right), supervisor Felipe Torre Jr. (second from right), Nissan Davao staff members and media practitioners flash the number one sign during the launching of “Ride and Drive with the Media” in Valencia City , Bukidnon on Monday. The event

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aimed to have members of local media get the feel of the new NP300 Navara by riding into the four pick-up trucks from Valencia City to Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Mining confab opens at Watefront By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

ROUND 300 mining engineers from different parts of the country will participate in the 21st Annual Mining Symposium and Exhibit at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao in Lanang starting today until Saturday. Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11 regional director Edilberto L. Arreza said the three-day event was organized by the Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers, Inc. (MAEM) in coordination with and Philippine Society of Min-

ing Engineers (PSEM) and the bureau. “The theme for the symposium this year, recognizing the need to address pressing problems on energy and mining, is “Overcoming adversities in energy and mineral development through responsible mining,” Arreza said. The activities set for the today include tree planting at the Davao City airport, golf tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes, eco tour in Tamayong Prayer Mountain and cocktails

night at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. Some of the speakers invited for the symposium are from the Department of Energy (DOE), who will discuss topics on the Mindanao Power Situation, Policies Governing Renewable Energy Resource Development in the Philippines and Coal Operating contract, Responsible mining in the Philippines, geotechnical Hazards, Best Available Technology for Trailing Management and High Pressure Acid Leaching

Process for Nickel Ore. Other speakers are from the MGB Central Office, who will talk on Responsible Mining in the Philippines: New Regulatory Requirements and Ground Implementation of Executive Order 079 to be delivered by Elmer Billedo, assistant director of MGB. Other topics to be discussed in the second day are Application of Rock Bolting in Open Pit Mine-Laos Copper Mine, Best Available Technology for Tailings Management: A

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is pushing for the Mindanao branding of the first batch of cacao beans that will be produced under the P1.2 billion cacao double-up program first semester of next year. MinDA executive director Janet Lopoz said MinDA is also planning to put the Mindanao branding which will be equivalent to quality on coffee produced in the island region. Lopoz said MinDA and other government agencies are planning to develop the

protocol for the guidelines of who can use the Mindanao branding which was earlier approved by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). “A foreign support agency will us develop the protocol. The development of the guidelines is supposed to start this month,” Lopoz said at Marco Polo Davao. She said MinDA will hold public consultation among stakeholders for one month to ask them what will be the value added of the Mindanao branding and what possible processes are needed to

secure the branding. “Offhand, we are thinking that possible requirements (to have the branding will be) that they are compliant with the basic standards required and environmental standard. That’s the basic,” Lopoz said. It is already important to have the Mindanao branding which will mean that a branded product has high quality and passed high standard requirements, according to Lopoz. “Unlike in the past where the battle really is the price, there is price war,

whichever the cheapest wins,” she said. “But, now the market character has changed. Their preference now is more that the cost.” She said consumers “can even pay for premium even at a higher cost as long as they comply with a high standard like their health requirement, among others.” “This is where we can create a niche, and Mindanao products are ready for that because we are more focused on producing qualityproducts,” Lopoz said. CHENEEN R. CAPON

ency and Reforms, held at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar heritage park and hotel in Bagac, Bataan province. Citing the Philippines’ strong domestic expansion in recent years, Beltran said the country’s economic experiences and achievements will be used as part of its contribution to the push for reforms to sustain the region’s economic expansion. “Given this, we have included in our Cebu Action

Plan the central agenda and our proposed roadmap for the APEC FMP (Finance Ministers’ Process), the initiatives on fiscal transparency, and policy reform towards sustained and inclusive economic growth,” he said. The topics to be covered during the workshop include Open Data Initiatives as a means for fiscal transparency and various reforms on taxation, such as Sin Taxes for Social Health Financing, Fiscal

Incentives Rationalization, Subsidy Targeting, Exchange of Information (EoI), and Automatic EoI and Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS). Beltran noted that “with fiscal transparency, we foster good governance because the wide availability of government data increases public scrutiny and participation.” It also ensures that government funds are conserved and used properly, he added. (PNA/PCOO News Release)

Move to Dry Stacking, Harmonizing Mine Development and Environmental Enhancement and others. Prominent invited guest for the main event is Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. who will deliver a speech on the status of the mining industry, the environment and the involvement of the mining industry to economic development of the country. Highlight of the event will focus on discussions about the proposed revision of the Re-

public Act 274 or Mining Engineering Law of the Philippines “Currently, the mining engineering law is still composed of other disciplines, like geology and metallurgy. It became obsolete because it was never been amended since it has been enacted into law in 1965,” Arreza said. The consolidated draft will be presented during the 21st Annual Mining Symposium at the Waterfront Hotel Davao on June 11-13, he said in a press conference on Monday.

HILIPPINE merchandise exports declined by 4.1 percent in April 2015 following a modest rebound of 2.1 percent in the previous month, due to lower revenues from petroleum, mineral and agro-based products, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the total value of outward shipments fell to US$4.4 billion in April 2015 from US$4.6 billion in the same period last year. “The decline is partly reflective of fragile global economic conditions, as most trade-oriented economies in East and Southeast Asia also registered negative export performance in April 2015, with only Vietnam in positive territory. Weaker demand conditions in some of our major trading partners, particularly China, were seen,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. The country’s outbound shipment of petroleum products amounted to US$2.7 million in April 2015, a sharp decline of 94.8 percent from US$52.0 million recorded in April 2014. “Falling crude oil prices

in the international market continue to partly affect the country’s exports as reflected in the year-on-year declines in the volume of petroleum exports to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia,” the Cabinet official said. Similarly, exports of mineral products decreased by 18.2 percent in April 2015 to US$260.3 million from US$318.0 million in April 2014 due to lower earnings from copper concentrates and iron ore agglomerates. Also, total exports revenue from agro-based products dropped by 33.1 percent to US$231.0 million in April 2015 from US$345.0 million in April 2014 as sharp contractions were recorded in fruits & vegetables. “The production of agrobased commodities will continue to feel the impact of prolonged drought in tandem with the occurrence of stronger and erratic typhoons. This will ultimately affect production,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. He stressed the need for government to fast-track and to strengthen initiatives like infrastructure support, hybrid seeds and advanced weather sensing facilities to lessen the

Branding for cacao beans produce pushed Fragile global demand pulls down April exports T P APEC policymakers, government officials discuss fiscal transparency, policy reforms

ISCUSSIONS on fiscal transparency and policy reforms aimed at ensuring inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region, began on Tuesday among representatives of member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran welcomed APEC delegates attending the twoday workshop on Fiscal Management Through Transpar-

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FOOD

Beating homesickness at Tatang’s Halo-Halo

WHAT is the best way to beat homesickness? EAT – a satisfyingly sinful hobby that makes me smile from ear to ear. For one, I always crave for food finds within my comfort zone. Munching on familiar taste is something that elevates my happy hormones to astounding levels.

Nowadays, my best place to be? Tatang’s Halo-Halo. I have never been one to finish a bowl of halo-halo but here, I can. Truly, this place is a food haven that does not intimidate the hungry you. It speaks of food and gives you food like you have

never tasted before. The simplicity of the place makes it easy for the soul to be at ease. Their menu? It’s not as extensive as you would expect it to be but mind you, everything (on their menu) is spot on delicious. Despite the limited food choices, you’d still have a hard time. So, most of the time (I mean, all the time!) you’d end up with everything they have. Halo-Halo Nothing says happiness than a bowl of this. The distinct sweet taste of pastillas makes the whole ice sweet experience a cut above the rest. With ice cream or not, you’d still be treated to a sweet palate explosion. Here’s a tip: Eat immediately! Mais con Hielo Ice, corn kernels, milk and pastillas – if that is not enough to make you drool with hunger, then you surely have a bad case of dead taste buds! Order one and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Pancit Lug-Lug (Palabok) I am a picky palabok

Kambing.

Steak Cooked nicely, their steak is soft, tender and juicy. The sauce creates a nutty coat of the meat that makes for a good food flavour combination. Oh and it’s always on buy-1-take-1!

Sininang Kambing A delicious traditional Muslim dish taken into the hustle and bustle of the city. Their sininang kambing is juicy, tender and spicy – everything you need for a sinina. You just have to have a taste of this to understand that this dish deserves the same stars like that of in the sky. Super delicious! Aside from their delicious and easy on the budget dishes, Tatang’s Halo-Halo is certified HALAL hence perfect for my Muslim brothers and sisters who are always on the lookout for a Halal restaurant in the city. More so, we are days away from the celebration of the Holy month of Ramadan.

Grilled Chicken BBQ It’s native but it’s very tender and juicy. You’d think of it as not native. This is perfect with their pastil and or their Sininang

*** Ramadan Trivia Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is witnessed worldwide. According to

The simplicity of the place makes it easy for the soul to be at ease. eater but with a plate of this from Tatang’s, I am always satisfied. I personally love the texture and mixture of the sauce. It’s thick and savoury and makes for a better coating. Entirely, their pancit palabok is packed and simply, delicious! Try one now. Chicken and Tuna Pastil Pastil is wrapped rice with flaked tuna or chicken. Their take on this traditional Muslim dish tastes like home. Yes! It’s comfort wrapped in banana leaves.

Take a bite and fall in love – certainly.

Islamic beliefs, this month long of fasting is celebrated to honour the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Shape up your soul: Prepare yourself spiritually. Wake up earlier than usual. Detox your body: Stop the urge to snack all throughout the day – especially when you’re bored. Drink a lot of water and if you can, avoid coffee and tea. At night, eat lots of fruit, vegetables and salad. Free your mind: Have a more colourful outlook in life! Visit Tatang’s Halo-Halo at CJ Building, Eco-west Drive, Ecoland, Davao City. For the latest food news, like and browse their facebook fanpage https:// www.facebook.com/pages/ Tatangs-Halo-halo. Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram @herroyalheiress for your delicious food finds!

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A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Hair pampering days for Dad this June at Rocky’s THE MAN of the house gets to sit on the Rocky’s throne not just for a day. At Davao’s reliable homegrown barbershop, there’s something special for all Dads on all the days of June. It’s hair pampering days

for him with Rocky’s month-long Father’s Day Special. For every custom color hair service availed, Rocky’s will give a Hair Spa treatment of his choice for FREE! The Custom Color and Hair Spa are the newest additions to the Rocky’s menu of services, and Rocky’s would like for Dads to enjoy both. Dad can opt for his preferred shade of hair dye, but if he wants to work on another tone, he can choose from the wide color range offered by the L’Oreal collection. For his free Hair Spa Treatment, Dad can choose one from the Hair Therapy menu all designed to target a specific need of men’s hair: the Hydrating Therapy (nourishes dry scalp), Purifying Therapy (with anti-dandruff action) and Stimulating Therapy (anti-hair fall). These

therapies, when applied on a regular basis, can rejuvenate, protect and preserve men’s crowning glory. You can rely on your favorite barber for skillful and relaxing treatments. The Rocky’s team underwent hair coloring and hair spa training supervised by the L’Oreal professional team. Take Dad to Rocky’s on any day this June, or if you want to let him have his hair pampering treat at his most convenient time, gift him with the Rocky’s Gift Card. It comes in the P500 and P1000 denominations, which will be honored at all Rocky’s Barbershop. Rocky’s Father’s Day Special will run until June 30. VIsit Rocky’s Victoria Plaza, Rocky’s G Mall, Rocky’s Abreeza, Rocky’s SM Lanang Primier, Rocky’s SM Ecoland for dad’s hair pampering treat.

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Taekwondo classes for kids continue at Holiday Gym &Spa

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinem

Animated, TAEKWONDO LES- dren as they face everyday SONS continue at Holi- life in their young age. The classes are under the tituday Gym & Spa Summer is over but the good thing is, the sports camp continues at Holiday Gym and Spa. While it’s arguably summer that is the time when most children enroll in worthwhile activities to keep them busy and at the same time learn new things that interest them, there is more reason to continue what kids have started. Taekwondo is one of the popular clases that parents enroll their children in, because of the discipline and the skills that may help their chil-

lage of Coach Ryan Cordero. As a perfect ending to the summer classes, the group had a demo or recital done at Abreeza Ayala mall last May 28 nd a friendly competition was also held at Matina Town Square last May 30. After the succesful summer clinic, Holiday is extending the taekwondo classes for children and teenagers who wish to continue their training once a week at Holiday Gym every Saturdays 1 pm to 3 pm. For more information, please call Holiday Gym at 222-3041.

A PROMISING and divers line-up which features te stories on comedy, dram romantic comedy, and an mation have made the cu for this year’s Cinema On Originals finalists, comin from a pool of veteran an up-and-coming film mak ers who are allocated wit P2 million each to show case their films in Novem ber for the annual film fest

Raymond Red, the only Filipin who has won the coveted Palm D’Or in the short film category the Cannes Film Festival is back the film competition scene wi his Cinema One Originals 2015 e try, “Mga Rebeldeng May Kaso a youth drama film revolving o the aftermath of the 1986 Peop Power Revolution which spawns group of young dreamers who im merse themselves in the culture independent and alternative ci ema. Red’s fellow veteran indie film maker Loy Arcenas debuts his fir Cinema One Originals film this ye with “Mirador,” a heavy drama st ry that showcases a widow’s ob session with her dead husband illegitimate son. Arcenas is th director of the Special Jury Priz back-to-back winning films “Nino and “Requieme!” in the Cinemal

SM City GanSan features Indie centerpiece inspired by national treasure- Lang Dulay Eight Marco Polo GMA’s Pag Hotels inducted wins best into TripAdvisor’s in AIBD W ‘Hall of Fame’

ENTHUSED by the very own iconic cloth in Region XII, SM City General Santos exceptionally celebrates the 117th Philippine Independence by featuring the T’nalak Abaca Fiber inspired by the colors of the Philippine Flag – red, blue and yellow – as the centerpiece at The Event Center. The concept of looming with the T’nalak Abaca Fiber aims to pay tribute to the Tboli tribe’s iconic figure and great ambassadress of the art of cultural T’nalak Weaving, Lang Dulay, who just died last April 30, 2015. T’nalak is a traditional handwoven cloth made of Abaca fibers. It is a heritage that the intricate and creative patterns of the T’nalak are seen through the dreams of the Tboli people. Among the Tboli people is the legendary Dreamweaver Lang Dulay who was awarded by the National Commission for the Culture and Arts (NCCA) the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan

(MAKABA)” award in 1998. Her ability and expertise in T’nalak gave her the opportunity to serve the country for 17 years as a National Living Treasure. Lang Dulay – being a highlyrespected Tboli princess known as “Region XII’s Dreamweaver” – kept her people’s tradition alive. The Independence Day Iconic Centerpiece is alongside the T’nalak Cloth Collection signed and originally designed by the Master Weaver Lang Dulay and pooled by the Artistic Director, Leonardo Rey Salazar “Bing” Cariño who will also

feature the “Philippine Head Adornment” Exhibit showing more than 40 headdresses from different places in the Philippines. These headdresses are made from natural materials endemic to the place of origin which are important Filipino ornaments for visual identity. The Centerpiece and Exhibit will be opened on June 12, 10:00 am at The Event Center and will be made visible to the public until June 14, 2015. For updates and inquiries, check out SM City General Santos (Official) on Facebook, or call (083) 878-0667.

TRIPADVISOR has recently announced its “Hall of Fame” inductees. This special designation is awarded to businesses that have earned a “Certificate of Excellence” for five consecutive years. Hotels that have continually delivered a superior customer experience for its guests are awarded with the Certificate of Excellence. To receive this distinction five years in a row is no small feat: the Hall of Fame inductees consist of only 2% of the more than 4.9 million businesses listed on TripAdvisor. The eight proud winners of the Marco Polo hotel group are Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Prince Hotel, Gateway Hong Kong, Marco Polo Xiamen, Marco Polo

Shenzhen, Marco Polo Wuhan, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Marco Polo Davao. Eric Waldburger, President of Marco Polo Hotels was delighted that eight of the group’s hotels won the award: “Nine of our fourteen Marco Polo properties have been operating for at least five years - for eight to receive this honour is an example of the commitment our group makes in providing our guests with superior service. Our Red Ring Philosophy that is applied across each of our hotels provides leadership, innovation, vision and experiences for our guests and demonstrates our objective to develop opportunities for the long term sustainability of the company.”

GMA Network adds another feather to its cap with “Pagbangon” – a GMA News and Public Affairs documentary on the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda – winning the Best TV Documentary in Dealing with Natural Disasters in the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) World Television Awards. This serves as the first time a Philippine broadcasting company was recognized by the AIBD World TV Awards. The awarding was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the Asia Media Summit (AMS), a global gathering of broadcasters, last May 26. Hosted by GMA News pillar Jessica Soho, with reports from Jiggy Manicad and Micaela Papa, “Pagbangon” tackled the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the survivors a year after Yolanda ravaged the Visayas region. The documentary revisited the devastation left

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ma One Originals finalists bared

, comedy, drama, horror, rom-com stories among list

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ya Festival. Filmmaker and award-winning actor Bor Ocampo proves his mettle once more in “Dayang Asu,” an action drama about a son who tries to show to his father that he can survive in a dog-eat-dog world despite legalized corruption. Ocampo is a Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor nominee and the brains behind the critically acclaimed short film, “Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas.” After four years, Sari Dalena makes a comeback to Cinema One Originals with “Dahlin’ Nick,” a docu-drama that explores the life and works of National Artist for Literature, Nick Joaquin. Dalena directed the 2011 Cinema One Originals, “Ka Oryang.”

Another filmmaker that makes a comeback to Cinema One Originals is Ara Chawdhury, the assistant director of “My Paranormal Romance” and production designer of “Aberya,” two Cinema One Originals films. This year, Ara is set to direct “Miss Bulalacao,” a small town drama that chronicles the story of Dodong, a young drag queen who joins a gay pageant in the hopes of gaining acceptance in his father’s community. “My Paranormal Romance” director Victor Villanueva enters the competition once more with “Ricky Boy: The Wonder Boy,” a comedy story about a famous child faith healer who suddenly loses his powers, but meets someone who prompts him to go on

a journey with friends to get his healing powers back. Writer director Joel Ferrer showcases the lone romantic comedy story among the list with “Baka Siguro Yata,” a film on intertwined stories of a dysfunctional extended family showing different views of love in each generation. Newcomer Ivan Andrew Payawal adds an interesting addition to the lineup with “The Comeback,” a story that follows a 32-year-old former famous actress who loses everything in her life and decides to commit suicide. On the day she decides to kill herself, she receives a package containing four letters and a dead man’s ashes. Aspiring filmmaker and software engineer Carl Joseph Papa’s animation entry, “Manang Biring” tells the moving tale of a terminally ill but feisty old lady who learns to accept that she will soon pass away. One day, she receives a letter from her long estranged daughter saying that she will be home for Christmas. Knowing that she will not make it, Biring will go to great lengths to prolong her life just to give her daughter a happy Christmas. Meanwhile, the horror entry, “Bukod Kang Pinagpala” by Sheron Dayoc features a mother-daughter tandem who lives in an old house

replete with images of Catholic icons and symbols. As the daughter struggles with the demented religious fanaticism of her mother, she seeks help for her mother’s behavior that makes their relationship turn horrific. Cinema One Originals

is now on its 11th year and is home to critically acclaimed films including the highest grossing indie film, “That Thing Called Tadhana.” For more information, visit Cinema One’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ Cinema1channel)

sa Kusina gbangon docu Idol reveals secrets to t TV documentary restaurant favorites World TV Awards

by Yolanda and honored the tories of heroism in the midst of tragedy. “Pagbangon” also examined the lessons from this disaster in the hope that more ives will be saved in future typhoon scenarios. “More than anything this award reminds us to keep tellng stories that promote the welfare of those who experience such calamities. We remember the thousands of lives ost and honor their memory. We dedicate this to the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda who are still fighting for recovery today,” says Angeli Atienza, pro-

gram manager and creative director of Pagbangon. Atienza, together with select production members of Pagbangon, attended the World TV Awards awarding ceremony. Initiated in 2004, World TV Awards aims to recognize the crucial role played by media in promoting awareness on major issues such as cultural diversity, religious understanding, tolerance and peace, according to AIBD’s website . It is open to all broadcasters in Asia, Pacific, Europe, Africa, and North & South America from public, private sector and freelance producers.

WANT to learn the secret recipes behind some of the favorite restaurant and fast food meals? Tune in to this Sunday’s episode of Idol sa Kusina (ISK) and let Chef Boy Logro and Bettinna Carlos share the howtos of whipping up favorite restaurant dishes at home!

Budding Kapuso leading man Miguel Tanfelix is joining in on the fun as he discovers how to prepare some yummy Pepper Tofu, a light meal popular among milk tea lovers. Queuing for the irresistible Korean Style Fried Chicken can now be kissed goodbye as the kitchen idols reveal its recipe with an added twist—Spicy Coleslaw! Those who enjoy pizza nights with a serving of Spicy Chicken Pasta can now strike it out of their order list thanks to ISK’s easy cook-it-yourself recipe! And who said those famous Banoffee Pies can’t be prepared at home? Bettina’s own version of this cafe favorite is up for serving, too! Truly, there’s no need to neither fall in line nor wait for dial-up deliveries anymore when craving for restaurant favorites because Idol sa Kusina serves them all this Sunday, 7:15PM on GMA News TV.

June 10 – 16, 2015

JURASSIC WORLD Chris Pratt, Judy Greer PG

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

JURASSIC WORLD 3D Chris Pratt, Judy Greer PG

12:30 | 3:20 | 6:10 | 9:00 LFS

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott PG

R-16

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

All about the meat Binagoongan Baboy and Kalderobo.

FATHER’S DAY is just around the corner and as they all say, the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So here are a few dining suggestions which I believe would ensure that the man of the house will feel loved and appreciated. Going Pinoy If your man loves the homey feel of Filipino comfort food, then a visit to Rekado might be a good option. The restaurant’s menu features many Filipino favourites that are re-imagined and modernised. For starters I would

recommend ordering their Bagnet Salad. A delicious starter made of salad greens and braised Pork belly that is cooked in the oven until tender and then fried to crisp and paired with the restaurant’s homemade, “tuyo”-infused dressing, it is a surefire way to celebrate dad’s day. Meaty main dishes also include Pork Binagoongan, Boneless Crispy Pata, and (if you feel like staying away from pork) Kalderobo which is a cross between kaldereta and adobo. To The Grill Should all the fried meat be not to your liking, maybe a visit to TGI Fridays Abreeza with their new American BBQ Plates is the answer. Bursting with flavour and with a unique smoky aroma, Friday’s BBQ Plates are perfect for a Father’s Day meal. Meaty platters to choose from include Spice Rub Chicken that is served with a creamy side of cheddar cheese mashed potatoes and an aioli sriracha sauce, tender fall-off-the-bone Memphis Style Pork Belly served with Friday’s home-made barbecue sauce, and their BBQ Burger. I personally loved the BBQ Burger which was thick and juicy and smothered with Colby cheese. An added spicy punch is

Cellar de Boca’s Boca Steak.

TGI Friday’s Memphis Style Pork Belly. thanks to the Cajun-battered crispy-fried onion rings. Steak it to the heart When you talk about carnivores, the steak is the pinnacle of meat eating and for the purist Dad who loves meat, there is no other better place in Durianburg than Cellar de Boca. Located at the second level of SM Lannag Premier’s Fountain Court, Cellar de Boca offers various tapas and Spanish-Filipino dishes such as shrimp

ceviche and salpicao are always a delight to eat. For dad however, I would recommend an order of Cellar de Boca’s Boca Steak. Tender, fatty, juicy and full of meaty goodness, the Boca steak is best paired with Lagarde wines which can also be purchased by the glass or by the bottle at the restaurant. Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

7 PROPERTY

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Esdevco embarks on sales blitz

SCANDOR Development Corporation (Esdevco) is putting its sales team on the road as it moves aggressively in promoting its signature project Matina Enclaves. A series of activities have been lined up by Esdevco from June to August for its clients and wouldbe clients. On June 17, Esdevco will stage its first Investors Night in nearby Tagum City at Mico’s Brew from 4 pm to 9 pm. This will be followed by an Investors Wine Night on June 18 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. The Investors Wine

Night is exclusive for existing clients only. Aside from the two Investors Night activities, Esdevco will also open its gates for an Open House on June 19 back to back with a Family Fun Day. “It’s an event for everyone interested of buying a unit or lot at Matina Enclaves,” said project head Gerald Garces. “We welcome everyone who wish to get a personal walk through of the project.” A Sellers Awarding Night is also scheduled in August at The Royal Mandaya Hotel to give recognition to highest-selling agents.

Meantime, micropiling of ground level is already being undertaken. Road rehabilitation is also underway. The construction update was released recently in order to apprise all buyers of the progress of the project. Envisioned as Davao City’s first multi-family, mixed-use contemporary community. Matina Enclaves is a self-contained development offering diverse residential options to families, professionals and entrepreneurs, so that they can choose the property that best suits their needs. The three components of Matina Enclaves

are premium enclave lots at the Plains, upscale townhomes at The Courtyard, and medium-rise residential condominiums. Complementing the high-end residential clusters are first-rate amenities for leisure, recreation and sports. The proposed Arcadia Sports and Leisure Complex across the main complex will serve as the community’s convergence point, providing facilities for the residents’ leisure, sports and recreational requirements. Neighborhood commercial and retail devel-

opments will feature convenience and specialty stores as well as destination dining choices. Future development include a Boutique hotel and Condotel.

THE PLAINS Build the ideal home for your family on premium lots within a luxurious natural environment. Your dream sanctuary is part of an intimate, low density neighborhood of only “32 premium lots”, allowing you to relax in 200 to 250 sq.m of residential space you can call your own. Among its facilities and amenities are cluster

ESDEVCO project head for Matina Enclaves Gerald Garces (left photo) during the pre-bid conference for Building 2. Right, micropiling activities now underway for Building 2.

entry and security, cabana and park, barbeque and kiddie play areas, well-lighted tree-lined walkways and a perimeter fence.

THE COURTYARD The Courtyard is an upscale cluster of townhomes where living is relaxed, convenient and secure. Here, one can live in a low density neighborhood where each block offers spacious two- or three-storey units, ranging from 90 to 160 sq.m. Three-bedroom units are complemented by generous front and backyards, giving you more room to breathe.

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VANTAGE

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EDITORIAL Experience in what?

SEASONED politician was recently quoted as saying that one thing wrong with a lady potential candidate for president in the 2016 elections is that she lacks the experience. What experience is he talking about? Experience in what? We believe experience is a non-issue when it comes to candidates for President in the Philippines. To start with, there is no school or anything akin to an academy that trains people on how to become president in the future in the way the Philippine Military Academy or the Philippine National Police Academy trains cadets to become leaders in the military or the police. Besides, if one examines the country’s history with our leaders, past Presidents included, the most remarkable kind of ex-

EDGEDAVAO

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AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Economic ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUAAnalysts: • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

perience that we can talk about non-stop is the sad experience of many if not most of our leaders stealing the people’s money. We can therefore say that there is no need for experience in becoming President of the Philippines. Given our long experience with corrupt leaders, what we need today, in 2016 and for a long time to come, is an honest President. A record of honesty should be the most important qualification of an aspirant for President, starting with the one we will elect in 2016. Of course, aside from being honest, he or she would have the guts to jail dishonest high officials in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the government, including, and especially, those who belong to his political, official and personal circles.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0930-669-3018 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

Poverty of Filipino electoral politics

NE reason the parliamentary form of government will not succeed in the Philippines is the absence of real party politics. Politicians do not mind transferring from one party to another for as long as they find it convenient and expedient. It was the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos who popularly set the trend when he transferred from one party to another after he failed to get the party nomination for the presidency. Political butterflies, hopping from one flower to another in search of sweeter nectar, are uncommon in countries with steady party systems, such as Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada. Even the United States, with its federal republican setup, has strong partisan tradition. It is as rare as the blue moon to see a GOP becoming a Democrat or vice versa. It is different in the Philippines, however. One day, one is a Nacionalista, the next day, he metamorphoses into a Liberal. Overnight, a founding member of the Lakas-NUCD becomes an ardent Partido ng Masang Pilipino follower. Arguably, parties with the least number of political chameleons are the Nacionalista Party, Liberal Party, and Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban. When it is not wise

VANTAGE POINTS

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RECENTLY read an article in forbes. com written by one of their contributing bloggers, Jean-Paul Lehman, and in it, he criticized President Aquino for comparing China’s land grab in the Spratly Islands with the creeping invasion practiced by Nazi Germany just before the start of World War II. For those unfamiliar with the relevant history, the arguments presented by Mr. Lehman gives us a good way to revisit the past to see how it affects both the present and the future. The war in Europe officially started on September 1, 1939 when the panzers of the German Wehrmacht blitzkrieged their way into the heart of Poland. But this obvert act of aggression was actually preceded by numerous instances of German belligerence, all of which were appeased by the leaders of the France and Great Britain because they were hoping to avoid a war. Among the most blatant, and which is the incident being referenced by Aquino in relation to China’s current expansionist posturing, was the 1938 Nazi annexation of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia. While that occupation would have been an act of war in any other context, because of the pacifist mood prevailing so soon after the end of First World War, European leaders led by British PM Neville “Peace in Our Time” Chamberlain coerced the Czechs to give in to Hitler’s demands for the sake of peace. And we all know how well that particular pipe dream turned for all concerned.

to transfer RANDOM THOUGHTS to another party, politicians opt to create their own or establish alliances, such as the United Nationalist Alliance. Nowhere in Jonallier M. Perez UNA’s platform of government, if there is anything seriously published anyway, tackles nationalist aspirations for the country and its people. It is like the Holy Roman Empire, which was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire. In fact, in a media forum he attended last June 10, 2015 in Manila, Vice President Binay said he is amenable to amending the Constitution in order to eliminate the 60-40 limitation on foreign ownership in strategic industries imbued with national interest. Relative to the utter lack of real party politics is the absence of genuine and working party platform of government. In most cases, elections are personality-based. It is a popularity contest where

voters seek entertain on stage during rallies and money thereafter. The more popular one is, the better is one’s prospect of getting elected. Of the four leading presidentiables, only Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Davao City Rody Duterte have clearly defined political philosophy and vision statements. Roxas is riding on the popular wave of the sitting President and party mate, bent on nurturing and increasing the gains of the “Daang Matuwid” of the Aquino administration. A more robust economy and successive campaign against corruption are just some of them. To date, Roxas has never been directly linked to any anomaly or corrupt activity. Essentially, he is clean, like Senator Grace Poe, another potential Malacañang contender. His problem lies in his faulty personal brand and skewed brand communication strategies. He is perceived as lackluster with uninspiring personality. He belongs to the super rich Araneta clan, previous owner of Cubao in Quezon City; he is a Wharton economic graduate and worked in Wall Street before joining the government. His PR team needs to finetune its strategies, particularly in his attempt to be identified with the masses. It is argued that his “Mr. Palengke” campaign was second-rate.

Duterte is a bit different. He is more popular among Class C, D, and E, and even in the upper segment, particularly those who are getting tired with systemic corruption and breakdown of order. He is perceived to be strong and a strict disciplinarian -- two essential ingredients sociologists believe are needed in a Third World environment such as in the Philippines. He is known to have transformed an insurgent- and criminal-infested Davao City into the world’s number 9 safest city, Asia’s most child-friendly city, and a leading economic giant in southern Philippines. Duterte, a mere local leader technically without an automatic national audience, unlike a Cabinet Secretary or senator, is surprisingly becoming more popular not just in Mindanao but in other parts of the country, notably Central Visayas and some parts of Luzon. My only apprehensions are his rather radical pronouncements lately, such as the abolition of Congress and the establishment of a revolutionary government. If Duterte wishes to run for President, he needs to sound more presidential. One does not wage a revolution through the ballots. We instead use arms and cannons, not the PCOS machine. But, who knows? Electoral politics is very fluid in the Philippines anyway.

That was then, this is now. And though the geography is vastly different, the question of whether or not we should learn from history seems lost to Mr. Lehman as he strongly advices Aquino to “cease making his inappropriate, irresponsible and inflammatory remarks and drawing totally misleading historical parallels.” In reading Mr. Lehman’s commentaries, I must say that I really do not have any beef with him if he feels that President Aquino is wrong in comparing China with Nazi Germany. That is after all his opinion, and as far as I’m concerned everyone has a right to that no matter how idiotic it may appear to the rest of the world. But in the same liberal vein, he should also allow other people to express theirs without telling them to “shut up.” Now other than the trivial matter of the author’s inability to accept opinions contrary to his own, what I do find to be troubling is that he repeatedly ignores China’s equally dangerous decision to occupy, expand, and militarize the very same area that Mr. Lehman himself admits to being particularly explosive. If he can say that Aquino’s words are “inap-

propriate, irresponsible and inflammatory,” how can China’s actions be any less so? This obvious blind spot, which I am generously presuming has nothing to do with his being a senior fellow at the Fung Global Institute based in Hong Kong, is extremely unfortunate especially for someone who is as well-regarded and respected as he is, particularly since other people might actually take his half-assed musings for fact. But going back to Aquino’s comments, let us remember that rhetoric aside, the Philippine government has consistently shown that it will try its level best to keep the situation within the boundaries of diplomacy. This may be in large part because it also knows that it lacks the military and economic muscle to compete mano-a-mano with China’s sand kicking, but then again, there aren’t that many countries in the world that can. However, this does not excuse Lehman or any other Chinese apologist from assuming that simply because we are weaker we will step aside and blindly accept that China has purely peaceful intentions “as it rises to become a great global power in the 21st century, (and) is now seeking to ensure stability and control in its backyard, including by transforming the South China Sea into a Chinese lake.” Mr. Lehman and all his other fellow mouthpieces can howl all they want about Aquino’s supposed lack of political correctness, but as far as Filipinos are

concerned, our President is doing right by making sure our country does not become the punchline of that old, but still relevant Mel Brooks joke about Hitler only wanting peace... a peace of France, a peace of Russia, a peace of England... I do agree with one aspect of what he wrote though — the Philippines should get its act together if we are going to present a credible opposition to China or any other country that would encroach on our territory. On this point, Lehman is absolutely correct in his assessment that the Philippines is an extreme example of a nation with “very high promise... and abysmal performance.” This, however, is is beside the point. Bullying, whether practiced by an individual or by the state, in the playground, inside a classroom, or in the high seas, is in-ex-cus-able. And no amount of online chatter can change this. China, for all its posturing and highstakes brinksmanship, is painting itself into a corner. One of these days its claims of sovereignty over that crucial body of water will be challenged, perhaps not by the Philippines, but by some other nation or even a group of nations that do not want a repeat of the past. When that time comes, it will then be China’s turn to put up or shut up, and this time it won’t just be some blogger with a case of the keyboard shits that will be prodding them. My only hope is that their leaders would have the same clear grasp of history that Aquino has, and they would remember what happens to imperialists.

History lessons

10 NEWS

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 50 • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015

CONVINCE... FROM 1 vince him to run for President. “I have to talk to him, baka makumbinsi niya talaga ako. If he can convince me then I will run, but I have to talk to him,” he said. Earlier this month, Duterte said he will give his final decision on the presidency after his Luzon trip.He said his tour will end next week after his talk before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in Catanduanes. The mayor have been consistently saying he will not run in the 2016 presidential election, but in his speeches he has been presenting what sounds like his platform of govern-

ment should he become President. As this developed, Duterte urged those who are mounting the “dollar for the presidency” campaign for him in the US to suspend it. “Ayaw na, ihold lang sa na (Not that, put that on hold first),” he said without elaborating. The “dollar for the presidency” was launched a few weeks ago by Duterte supporters in the United States. It was inspired by the “Piso para sa Presidente” campaign initiated by Moro groups in Cotabato City late last month.

other criteria before PAGASA can declare the beginning of the wet season includes the amount of rainfall, which must register a total of 25 millimeters or more, for five consecutive days in five major weather stations. “Sa ngayon, meron ilan istasyon na nakaka-meet ng criteria,” he noted. Cada said that the criteria is with the presence of southwest winds and the amount of rainfall in at least five weather bureau stations across the country was reached 25 millimeters in volume in five straight days. Last year, PAGASA officially declared the start of the wet season on June 10.

Highest temperature in Metro Manila on Tuesday was at 33.8 degrees Celsius recorded around 9:50 a.m. at the Science Garden in Quezon City. Temperature on Wednesday in Metro Manila will range between 24-35 degrees Celsius while the heat index will be 29-39 degrees Celsius. The heat index are human discomfort index that gives the “apparent” temperature or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body. High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices. Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 9°C. (PNA)

ployed in these areas three weeks ago. DSWD 11 is targeting to complete the listing in two months’ time. “We are expecting to start the validation and posting of the lists of evaluated possible 4Ps beneficiaries in the strategic locations in each barangay by August,” she said. She said the clean list of poor families will come out by August. However, she said the validating of members of different communities may take longer than two months. Razon said it is still uncertain when the second batch of 4Ps beneficiaries will start re-

ceiving the monetary support from the government. Under the program, the government gives poor families P300 per child per month for education and P500 per child per month for health. Razon said a total of 230,000 individual families in the region have been receiving cash grants since 2009.

Rainy... FROM 3 NORTH AND SOUTH. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and officials of the Liga ng Barangay Ilocos Norte exchange pleasantries during their brief meeting at the Grand Regal Hotel on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

10,000 vacancies in GenSan job fair A

ROUND 10,000 job vacancies will be up for grabs for jobseekers here and the neighboring areas during the Independence Day or “Kalayaan” jobs fair slated on Friday, June 12. Ofelia Domingo, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 12 director, said Wednesday a total of 90 employers have confirmed participation in the job fair that will be conducted at the SM City General Santos Trade Hall. She said 70 companies and recruitment agencies will offer local job placements and 20 for overseas deployments. She said based on the job orders received by the agency, a total of 8,000 overseas and

2,000 local job vacancies will be available during the fair. “We have more overseas job vacancies than local placements this time and some of the participating employers will be doing direct and immediate hiring,” she said. Among available overseas jobs are for salesmen, clerks, janitors, laborers, restaurant service crew, tellers, nurses, cook, technicians, heavy equipment operators, laboratory technicians, domestic helpers, waiters and beauticians. For local placements, a range of vacancies will be available for professional and skilled job seekers. The local companies that are joining the fair includes

their area they will declare a pangayaw,” he added. Nepomuceno, however, admitted that there are still two areas in Davao del Norte that have a few NPA members. These are Talaingod and Gupitan in Kapalong. He said the military is cur-

rently working for the peace and development on these areas. Last February, the AFP declared Camiguin Island an insurgency-free island. Davao Oriental, on the other hand, has been insurgency-free since April of 2013.

“Sayang kung hindi pa matatapos yung BBL. We hope kung sino man yung senator or congressman na may panukala (It will be wasted if the BBL will not be passed on time. We hope the senator or congressman who proposed the bill )... they should do it immediately ,” he said. Malang said if the BBL is passed it could somehow solve the insurgency problem in Mindanao since it will address the problems of the present ARMM government. “We are the only country in Southeast Asia that has an insurgency problem and with that the growth of the country slows down,” he said. He said if the BBL is delayed, the problems of the ARMM will continue. “We do hope that lahat ng kakulangan sa ARMM mapunan ng BBL. Ibig sabihin yung structure mismo maay-

os (We do hope that inadequacies of the ARMM will be filled by the BBL. It means that the structure itself will be fixed),” he said. Malang said with the present system, the ARMM has no Department of Budget and Management (DBM) office where the region can get its internal revenue allotment (IRA). He said the ARMM usually gets their IRA from the DBM office in Region 12 or Region 9. Malang said the ARMM also has no Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) which appoints the regional, provincial, city, and municipal treasurer. He said most of the LGUs in the ARMM are still below the benchmark, which means they are still to measure up in terms of government efficiency. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Davao... FROM 2

ARMM... FROM 2

those engaged in construction, aquaculture and fishing, information technology, ship building, resort and restaurant, oil refinery, automobile dealership, cargo forwarding, land development, tuna canning and industrial packaging. The Kalayaan jobs fair is among the major fairs organized by DOLE-12 annually in the region in coordination with local government units and private institutions. Last May 1, the agency conducted two major job fairs in this city in connection with the Labor Day celebration. A total of 1,434 job seekers in the area were hired on-thespot in the Labor Day job fairs, which were held at the KCC

Mall Events and Convention Center and the SM Trade Hall. The hired job applicants comprise 51.97 percent of the 2,759 individuals who qualified for the job vacancies that were opened during the fairs, which was joined by around 200 employers. Meantime, aside from the jobs fair, DOLE-12 will also hold the 5th Regional Industry Academe Forum at the same venue. Domingo said the event will be participated in by students; officials and heads of colleges, universities and technical-vocational institutions; and, executives and representatives of companies from various industries in the region. (PNA)

impact of extreme weather conditions on agriculture. “These initiatives, if undertaken, will help stabilize supply of exported agrobased commodities and provide steady income for workers in agriculture,” said Balisacan. He emphasized that the country’s export sector remains vulnerable to declining demand from major trading partners. The softening of economic activity in China as

well as the still fragile economic growth of Japan remains a downside risk for the Philippine export sector. “To counter the weak demand from our major markets, the government should maximize existing trade agreements, especially with emerging economies benefitting from the low oil price environment. Also, this shows the importance of restoring traction in government spending,” said Balisacan.

Fragile... FROM 6

DSWD... FROM 3

The largest chunk of the beneficiaries is in the province of Davao del Sur with more than 10,000, followed by Davao Oriental. Razon said Davao Region has received a total of 4.5 billion for the 4Ps program.

11 SCIENCE

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Saving the Tamaraw and Philippine deer

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

HE Philippines is home to some of the rarest animals. In fact, some of them can only be found in the country — like the endangered tamaraw (known in the science world as Bubalus mindorensis). In the past, the tamaraw has been classified as a subspecies of the local carabao or the common water buffalo. But recent studies have found out that it is not. In contrast to the carabao, tamaraw has a number of distinguishing characteristics: it is slightly hairier, has light markings on its face, is not gregarious, and has shorter horns that are somewhat shaped like a V. Tamaraw is the country’s largest native terrestrial mammal and the only endemic bovine found in the Philippines. Today, it can be found only in Mindoro although it is believed to have once also thrived in other parts of Luzon. The tamaraw was first documented in 1888 on the mountains of Mindoro. Before 1900, most people avoided settling on Mindoro due to a virulent strain of malaria. But as anti-malarial medicine was developed, more people settled on the island. As the population of people increased, the number of tamaraw in the island decreased. In the early 1900s, about 10,000 animals were roaming around the island. Less than fifty years later, in 1949, the population dwindled to just around 1,000. By 1953, fewer than 250 animals existed. It was not until in 1969, when the International Union for the Conservation of Nature published (IUCN) its Red Data Book that the population was placed at 100 heads. As a result of the alarming state, the government did something to save the tamaraw from extinction. The head count rose to 120 animals in 1975. In the mid-2000s , the population continued to grow to as much 300. According to Gregg Yan, a local spokesperson for the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the government and private sector’s Tamaraw Conservation Program aims to double the current population to 600 by 2020. “The tamaraw is the flagship species of the Philippines. It is our moral obligation and international commitment to preserve them,” forest ranger Rodel Boyles, who heads the joint conservation effort, was quoted as saying by Agence France-Presse. “If they are not protected, the species might get wiped out in five years,” he said. Although not yet a critically threatened species, the Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) is native to the forests and grasslands on most larger islands of the Philippines. The only major islands where it is not distributed are Negros, Panay, Palawan,

Tamaraw by Gregg Yan (from Wikipedia)

Philippine carabao (Henrylito D. Tacio)

Philippine deer by Gregg Yan (from Wikipedia)

Sulu, and the Babuyan and Batanes island groups. Also known as the Philippine sambar or the Philippine brown deer, the IUCN has already classified it as vulnerable “due to its increasingly fragmented populations as a result of habitat loss and hunting.” The Philippine deer is generally much smaller than its cousin, the Sambar deer. It is mostly even brown in color, with the exception of the underside of the tail, which is white.

Those found in Mindanao, the deer’s coat has been reported to be a pale, sandy grey color. The antlers of the male are quite small, usually having a length of 20 to 40 centimeters. The tamaraw and Philippine deer are two of the identified native wildlife species that are considered for cryoconservation, according to Dr. Lerma C. Ocampo during the recent National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) roundtable dis-

cussion on animal genetic resource management and cryobanking. Science says cryoconservation is a process where cells, whole tissues, or any other substances susceptible to damage caused by chemical reactivity or time are preserved by cooling to sub-zero temperatures. At low enough temperatures, any enzymatic or chemical activity which might cause damage to the material in question is effectively stopped.

“Cryoconservation methods seek to reach low temperatures without causing additional damage caused by the formation of ice during freezing,” a scientist pointed out. Dr. Ocampo, senior science research specialist at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), explained that the tamaraw, Philippine deer, and small ruminants are believed to be disease-resistant. In addition, they survive climate change and thrive in local

feed resources around them. Currently, carabao, cattle and goat are being used for cryoconservation activities in the Philippines with a facility located inside the PCC complex in Nueva Ecija. Dr. Ocampo said that several countries have been prompted to draw up an animal genetic resources conservation program to help ensure the continuous availability of food for their citizens due to population growth, urbanization, and weather disturbances “which could eliminate animal populations at any given time.” But there are some problems to be clarified first like those involving local ordinances. These “have hindered the inclusion of these wildlife species into the Philippines’ cryoconservation initiatives,” said a statement from the Department of Science and Technology, which convened the roundtable discussion. “One approach to address such constraint is to optimize a recovery method for testicular sperm from post mortem testes,” Dr. Ocampo suggested. Another approach, she added, is to “revisit and propose the use of electro ejaculator machine to collect sperm from live animals for future semen collection preservation.” Cryobanking capitalizes on cryopreservation technologies such as conventional slow freezing techniques, vitrification or quick freezing technology for egg cells and embryos, and liquid nitrogen storage The Nueva Ecija cryobank facility for livestock and endangered indigenous animals, which was established in 2012, stores locally processed semen from various breeds of water buffalo, goats, and cattle. Semen production laboratories like the Nueva Ecija stock farm and the PCC at the Central Luzon State University and University of the Philippines at Los Baños serve as the repository and source of frozen sperm from commercially active livestock. Currently, six cryobank units called cryotanks for the storage of frozen germ plasm are housed within the facility. These cryotanks are supplied with liquid nitrogen from a liquid nitrogen depot. Dr. David Steane, honorary adviser on genetics and biodiversity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Thailand, however, reminded during the NAST discussion that cryoconservation needs clear regulations, specifically on health and ownership among others. Meanwhile, the population of the tamaraw has grown to its largest since efforts to save them from extinction started. “We are hopeful that their numbers will continue increasing,” Boyles said.

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NEWS

Palace loses hope BBL can be passed before Congress adjourns

ALACAÑANG lost all hope on Tuesday that Congress will still be able to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before it adjourns on June11. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said Malacañang is setting a new target for the BBL to be enacted when Congress reconvenes in July after the State of the Nation Address by President Benigno Aquino in July. Coloma said Malacañang is respecting and welcomed the decision of the leaders of Congress to continue working on the BBL beyond the current session because it provides a period of continuing dialogue. “Through continuing dialogue, differing viewpoints maybe harmonized in crafting the law that, we hope, may be enacted shortly after Congress reconvenes in July,” Coloma said in a statement. The Senate public hearings for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law ended on Tuesday with Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who chairs the committee on local government deliberating on the draft BBL, hinting the proposed bill he is drafting could be presented to the plenary by August. At the House of the Representatives, the plenary

session on the draft BBL is plagued by lack of quorum despite assurances from Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd Dist., Cagayan de Oro) that they can enact the measure before June 11. Rodriguez, chair of the House ad hoc committee, is the principal sponsor of the proposed bill now known as “The Basic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.” Marcos ended the public hearing Tuesday after the testimonies from government revenue officials and resource speakers on taxation and Lake Lanao, the second largest lake in the country. Marcos took time to grill government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer on the proposed fiscal body that would be created by the draft BBL. “I would like to clarify what, how and what is the process within the intergovernment Fiscal Policy Board,” Marcos said. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares and the Department of Finance asked the Senate to amend some wordings in the draft BBL that cover tax incentives, taxing powers, assessment and collection of taxes, contracts and obligations, Overseas Devel-

opment Assistance (ODA), shares of local government units, and share of indigenous communities. Drieza Liningding, of the Bangsamoro National Movement on Peace and Development, also weighed in on Lake Lanao telling the Senate Committee to be careful on the issue because of the presence of vested interest groups from the power industry. “Everyone from the power sector, including the government, wants to control Lake Lanao because of its potential profits,” Liningding said. Marcos said one option he is thinking when he will be crafting a new BBL draft is by simply amending the Organic Act of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “I think there are systemic weaknesses in the ARMM system. So what do we do? We fix it. There is no need to throw out the baby with the bath water, as they say. We look at the system, see where the failings are, the weaknesses are, and fix those,” Marcos said. “We have amended already the organic law of ARMM once. That was a step in the right direction. So let’s make more steps in the right direction,” he added. Froilan Gallardo

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

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DBP selects India-Phl group to transform core operations

Phl-made recycled fishing nets primed to go global I

NTERFACE, the world’s leading carpet tile manufacturer, along with conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), yesterday said Net-Works in the Philippines is primed for global expansion. Funded in part by United Kingdom government’s Darwin Initiative, the Net-Works program is the first inclusive business model of its kind to combine the conservation and livelihood expertise of ZSL and the business know-how of Interface to integrate fishing communities in the Philippines into the global carpet company’s supply chain as a source of recycled nylon. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear – including nets – makes up about 10 percent of marine waste globally. Net-Works has shown that it is possible not only to effectively tackle this growing environmental problem but to also empower some of the most disadvantaged communities in the Philippines to join a global

supply chain by taking care of their local environment. Collected fishing nets are turned into carpet tiles, supporting Interface’s Mission Zero goal to source 100 percent recycled material. Since 2012, the Net-Works program’s impact has included 66,860 kilos of nets collected, by residents in 14 collection sites in Danajon Bank and the Bantayan Islands. It has also achieved 508 memberships in community banks, with the opportunity to earn supplemental income through the sale of nets, as well as access to financial infrastructure via locally-established CoMSCAs (Community Managed Credit and Savings Associations) or local microfinance initiatives. Following the successful pilot of the net collection hubs established in Danajon Bank and the Bantayan Islands in the Philippines, Net-Works has announced both local and global expansion, with a third collection hub activated in Northern Iloilo and a hub currently being established in the Lake Ossa region of Cameroon,

where nets used for freshwater fishing create a similar environmental challenge. “The Philippines has been the perfect place to trial NetWorks,” said Dr. Nick Hill, Conservation for Communities Technical Specialist for ZSL. “The ZSL Philippines team, together with the local communities who have been incredibly receptive and supportive of Net-Works, have been able to develop an effective model that not only removes this damaging waste from the marine environment but also brings socio-economic benefits. What we have achieved so far shows that Net-Works was ‘made in the Philippines’ and is now ready for export,” Hill said. ZSL and Interface are partnered with yarn supplier Aquafil , as well as with Philippine-based partners Southern Partners and Fair Trade Corporation and Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, to build a model for inclusive business that is closing the loop on marine plastics, providing the opportunity to earn supplemental income for some of the world’s most dis-

advantaged people, and creating an innovative pipeline to allow Interface to reach its goal of sustainable manufacturing. “Within Interface, sustainability goes beyond reducing the environmental impact of our products,” said Rob Coombs, president of Interface Asia-Pacific. “It is about creating a new way of doing business that is more sensitive, inclusive, and ultimately, more successful.” “Net-Works is a unique and commendable project supported by the Darwin Initiative which draws fully on British expertise in the field of biodiversity,” said Trevor Lewis, Charge d’Affaires at the British Embassy in Manila. “It delivers a highly collaborative initiative, fostering partnerships with local communities and organizations in the Philippines. We congratulate the Zoological Society of London, Interface and Philippine-based partners in the inspiring success of NetWorks, and we wish the best of luck in its global expansion,” Lewis said. PRNewswire

partnering with organizations such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation. “Sharing the larger vision of Globe Telecom as an environmentally-responsible telecommunications company, we are committed to promote conservation and sustainability,” said Globe Senior Vice President for Enterprise Group Nikko Acosta. “We accomplish this by reducing the impact of our business operations to the environment and help our employees, business partners and clients achieve this promise. With robust systems in place, we are able to manage our environmental impact and integrate them into our Corporate Social Responsibility management,” Acosta added. For the past years, Globe Business has likewise been working closely with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a nonprofit organi-

zation dedicated to save the Philippine Eagle and its habitats, one of which is in the Arakan Valley in North Cotabato in east central Mindanao. The collaboration has benefited agroforestry projects of the Forest Corridor Development Program, community-based initiatives program and empowering communities through solar energy, among others, in that particular area. Project 1 Phone of Globe Telecom, one of the biggest campaigns mounted in the country which heeds the call for environmental sustainability, continues to expand its reach by leading the promotion of proper disposal and recycling of electronic wastes (e-wastes). Acosta confirmed that by engaging Globe Business customers as well as Globe customers as a whole, e-waste collection increased by 111 percent. As of May 14, 2015, total e-waste collected from

the program has reached 958.4 kilograms, or about 1 ton, from 3,850 mobile phones collected and recycled. This is equivalent to .4 cubic meters of space saved as landfill, translating into 7,563.23 carbon dioxide emission or CO2e reduction. Entire proceeds from the collected e-wastes were donated to Habitat for Humanity to build classrooms in Aklan which were affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Funds raised through the program were channeled to build 46 classrooms in Aklan, seven of which were adopted and recently inaugurated by the Platinum segment of Globe. Globe Business was also instrumental in involving enterprise clients and other organizations to join the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s Earth Hour last March and help heighten awareness on the widespread effects of climate change. It also re-

HE Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has chosen a joint Indian-Filipino initiative to implement a program to transform its core banking operations. In a statement, DBP said it has tapped Polaris Kaisa, a joint initiative between India-based Polaris Consulting & Services Ltd. and Philippines-based Kaisa Consulting, to implement its Intellect Digital Core (Core Banking Solution). DBP is one of the largest Government Financial Institutions (GFI) in the Philippines while Polaris is a leader in digital transformation solutions and services. DBP president and CEO Gil Buenaventura said as a development financial institution, DBP “strives to assist in the building of productive communities and in promoting developmental activities taken up by individuals and organizations in the country.” “Polaris’ proven domain expertise and its Core Banking solution will help us in achieving our agenda. I also believe that the solution would also provide us with the flexibility and robust scalability required to support our growth plans,” he said. DBP has chosen the solution packaged with an integrated set of products from the Digital-ready Intellect suite of products such as Digital Core (Core Banking Solution), Loans Origination & Loans Man-

agement System and endto-end Trade Finance. The solutions will drive operational, technological implementation and support excellence at a very low Total Cost Ownership (TCO) for the Bank. The Digital Core solution, based on a powerful technology platform, coupled with a superior software design, will help DBP become the primary bank of every customer by redefining the overall customer experience. Kaisa Consulting managing director Carlos R. Villegas Jr., for his part, said the company is honored to provide the infrastructure, the expertise and the technology “to support DBP’s noble mission of becoming a financial institution that serves as a catalyst for a progressive and more prosperous Philippines.” “We assure DBP and its customers that Kaisa will do its utmost to make the project a success,” he said. Polaris Consulting & Services CEO and executive director Jitin Goyal said his company is pleased that the DBP “has chosen us and our Digital Core banking solution to assist them in their development agenda.” “This technology partnership with DBP comes at an opportune time as, in the current global economic scenario, banks worldwide are focusing on Digital Transformation for more stable annuity revenue with lower risks,” he said.

Globe Business furthers commitment to uplift state of PHL environment

AKING ON a significant role in promoting sustainability and conservation, Globe Business has been at the helm of collective efforts to champion the cause of the environment, inspiring large companies and organizations to make their businesses better and greener. For the past years, the enterprise ICT arm of Globe Telecom has actively implemented a “green blueprint,” working closely with corporate clientele which share its advocacy on various fronts. These include creating greater scale and impact for the telco’s programs on solid waste management via its large-scale initiative “Project 1 Phone,” energy conservation with its commitment to the Earth Hour and Earth Day celebrations, carbon offsetting through the successful stagings of the Cordillera (Cordi) Challenge, as well as biodiversity and habitat protection by

SET TO TAKE FLIGHT Philippine Eagle “Pamana” will fly to freedom on Independence Day to its natural habitat, thanks to the efforts of Globe Business and the PEF newed its support to the cause by working hand-in-hand with the entire Globe organization in switching off at least 90 percent of LED-powered office lights during the Earth Hour around the country. The

enterprise ICT segment of Globe encouraged the telco’s employees and customers to shut off lights in their respective residences as well as pledge the number of watts they will save.

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SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Gabuco claims gold, Petecio silver By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

HE Philippines went only one of three in the women’s final bouts in boxing, with the crafty Josie Gabuco producing the only bright moment for the country in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore Wednesday. The 28-year-old Gabuco showed too much class in beating Raksat Chuthamat of Thailand in their light flyweight clash, 3-0, and claiming the gold at the Singapore Expo Hall. With her latest triumph, Gabuco earned her fourth gold in the biennial meet. Two of Gabuco’s compatriots, Irish Magno and Nesthy Petecio, lost their final matches in close decisions to settle for the silver. Magno started strong, but faded away in the last two rounds to absorb a 1-2 defeat

at the hands of Thi Yen Nguyen of Vietnam in their flyweight showdown. Petecio, who hails from Davao del Sur, also suffered a painful 1-2 loss to Thi Bang Le also of Vietnam in the bantamweight category. Later Wednesday afternoon, Rogen Ladon of the Philippines went down to Langu Kornelis of Indonesia by a close decision, 1-2, to settle for the silver medal in the light flyweight class. Eight Filipino boxers have actually reached the gold-medal bouts, with the other four men finalists competing for the championship as of press time. In women’s volleyball, the Philippines bowed to Indonesia in straight sets, 22-25, 2520, 14-25. The women’s team is spearheaded by Jovelyn Gonzaga and Alyssa Valdez.

FOURTH GOLD. Josie Gabuco salvaged what could have been a bad day for the Philippines in boxing.

PH cagers maul Indons 81-52 T

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team had to buck a sloppy start before routing Indonesia, 81-52, in their opening assignment in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at the OCBC Arena Hall 1 in Singapore. Kiefer Ravena led the way with 16 points for the Gilas cadets, which improved to 1-0 in the SEA Games, a tournament they are expected to dominate. Troy Rosario added 15 points and a team-high 11 rebounds while Almon Vosotros scored 14 for the Philippines. Naturalized player Marcus Douthit finished with six points, nine rebounds and three blocks while playing the most minutes of any Gilas cadet player, logging in 22 min-

utes and 27 seconds. The Philippines seemed to be in for an easy night after allowing Indonesia only four points in the entire first quarter. The team did not concede a point until the 2:19 mark of the quarter and led by 10 points after the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter, though, the Indonesians put up a fight, surprising the Filipinos with an 8-0 run that kept them within single digits. The teams entered the half with the margin only at 11 points, 35-24. Indonesia then scored back-to-back baskets to open the third to come to within seven, 35-28, and Douthit suffered an injury scare that forced him to come out of the game, although he would later

return. That seemed to light a fire under the Gilas cadets, though, who went small and began to dominate the game with its speed and pressure. The Filipinos closed the third on a 25-6 run with Ravena scoring seven points in the rally. They scored the last nine, capped by a three-pointer from Vosotros that made it, 60-34, in the Philippines’ favor heading into the final period. Kevin Ferrer and Ravena then combined to score nine of the first 12 points of the fourth quarter as they gave the Philippines a whopping 32-point lead, 69-37, with 6:49 remaining. The Philippines struggled to get their offense going early but made up for it by getting to

the charity stripe, where they shot 27-for-40 (68%). Indonesia only had 16 free throw attempts. The Filipinos also outrebounded their foes, 48-31, with Norbert Torres (8) and Glenn Khobuntin (7) helping the cause. The scores: Gilas cadets (81) – Ravena 16, Rosario 15, Vosotros 14, Torres 8, Ferrer 8, Douthit 6, Khobuntin 5, Belo 5, Thompson 4, Amer 0, Rivero 0, Jalalon 0. Indonesia (52) – Sanjaya 9, Enguio 8, R Gunawan 8, Santosa 6, Dhyaksa 6, Wisnu 3, Kurniawan 3, Indrawan 3, Wuysang 2, Putra 2, Sitepu 2, G Gunawan 0. Quarterscores: 14-4, 3524, 60-34, 81-52.

Cavs take Game 3 96-91, lead series 2-1

BIG GAME. Matthew Dellavedova of Cleveland tries to sprint past Klay Thompson of Golden State in Game 3.

EBRON James had 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 96-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors and a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time). The Warriors trimmed a 20-point deficit down to one with about 2-1/2 minutes left, but Matthew Dellavedova converted a three-point play, James made a 3-pointer and Tristan Thompson added a free throw for an 88-80 advantage with 1:31 to play. Stephen Curry’s 3-pointer later trimmed it to 94-91 before James hit two free throws to finish it. Dellavedova finished with 20 points for the Cavs, who host Game Four on Thursday. Curry rebounded from a slow start to finish with 27 points for the Warriors.

James had another huge game, and addressed what many Cleveland fans are wondering: Can he keep it up. “I don’t know if I can continue to put up these type of numbers but I know I’ll continue to lead these guys every single night,” James said after the game. But on Tuesday, he got some help from a suddenly well-known Matthew Dellavedova. “If there’s a ball on the ground, he’s going to be the first guy on the ground,” James said of Dellavedova. “He showed up multiple times tonight. He’s huge. He’s huge for our team. “He gives us that grit, that grit that we need. He gives us everything until that tank is empty, and he has a small little reserve tank that he continues to work through.”

SEA GAMES ROUNDUP

Blu Boys win 19th gold overall

OFTBALL: The Philippines Men’s Softball Team or the RP Blu Boys won the 19th Gold Medal of Team Philippines. The Blu boys defeat Indonesia 4-5 in the Men’s Team Finals. The Philippines Women’s Softball Team or The Blu Girls earlier won the 15th Gold Medal of Team Philippines. The RP Blu girls defeated Thailand 3-0 in the Women’s Team Finals. BOXING: Mario Bautista for winning the 18th Gold Medal of Team Philippines by defeating Tanes Ongjunta of Thailand via TKO in round 2 of the Men’s Bantamweight (56kg) Finals. Clark Bautista took the 16th Gold Medal of Team Philippines by winning over Mohamed Amid of Singapore in the Men’s Flyweight (52kg) Finals. Earlier, Josie Gabuco won the 14th Gold Medal of Team Philippines. She defeated Raksan Chuthamat of Thailand 3-0 in the Women’s Light Flyweight (45-48kg) Finals. Rogen Ladon lost to Kornelius Langu of Indonesia 1-2 in the Men’s Light Flyweight (45-49kg) Finals. Ladon settled for the Silver Medal. Nesthy Petecio also bowed down to Bang Thi Le of Vietnam 1-2 in the Women’s Bantamweight (56kg) Finals and settled for the silver. Irish Magno likewise bowed down to Yen Thi Nguyen of Vietnam 2-1 in the Women’s Flyweight (51kg) Finals. ATHLETICS: The Fastest Man in SEA Eric Shaun Cray bagged the 17th Gold Medal of Team Philippines in the Men’s 400m Hurdles Finals in a New South East Asian Record of 49.40. BILLIARDS AND SNOOKER: Dennis Orcollo took the lucky 13th Gold Medal of Team Philippines.

He defeated Maung Maung of Myanmar 4-9 in the Men’s 9-ball Pool Singles Finals. WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL: Indonesia dealt the Philippines a reality check in its return to the Southeast Asian Games women’s volleyball competitions after a decade-long absence, winning in straight sets on Wednesday behind the heroics of controversial star April Manganang. Cleared to play hours before the game by organizers after a Philippine protest seeking a gender test was junked, Manganang proceeded to star for the Indonesian team in an emphatic 25-23, 25-20, 25-15 win before a predominantly pro-Philippines crowd at the OCBC Arena Hall 2 of the Singapore National Stadium. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Still licking the wound of its painful setback to twotime defending champion Thailand, the Philippine national women’s basketball team bounced back strong with a smashing performance in ripping Vietnam, 100-55, on Wednesday in the women’s basketball event of the Southeast Asian Games at the OCBC Arena. Perlas Pilipinas bucked injuries to key players Sofia Roman and Ambie Almazan with an all-out effort in the second half to turn a close game into a rout to barge into the win column with a 1-1 record. Allana Lim led the way with 17 points while Afril Bernardino added 10 points. Three other players – Camille Sambile, Cindy Resultay and Raiza Palmera – contributed nine apiece. After leading by just seven points in the first half, the Filipinas outscored their opponents, 64-26, over the last two periods.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Eric Cray earned the Philippines another gold medal in athletics. Photo by Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee/Action Images via Reuters

FASTEST DUO

KAYLA RICHARDSON. Fastest Woman since Elma Muros and Lydia de Vega.

AKE no mistake about it, Southeast Asia’s fastest man and woman both come from the Philippines. Eric Cray and Kayla Richardson swept the gold medals in the century dash of the 28th Southeast Asian Games in a glorious moment for Philippine athletics. Cray won the men’s 100-meter run with a time of 10.25 seconds, winning the gold by .2 of a second over Yaspi Boby of Indonesia in a thrilling race at the National Stadium. Richardson, meanwhile, beat Tassaporn Wannakit of Thailand in a photo finish with a clocking of 11.76 seconds, winning the country’s first gold medal in the women’s 100m in 20 years. The gold medals are one for the books.

Although no records are immediately available, the win of the 26-year-old Cray is believed to be the first for the Philippines in the men’s 100m run since the country started participating in the SEA Games in 1977. On the other hand, the 17-yearold Richardson became the first Filipina gold medalist in the century dash since the great Elma Muros in the 1995 SEA Games in Chang Mai, Thailand. “The gold medal in the men’s and women’s 100-meter dash is the crown jewel of Philippine athletics,” said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico in a statement.

Cray rips 400m record

RIC Shauwn Cray added to his many accomplishments by breaking the Southeast Asian Games record for the men’s 400-meters hurdles competition at the National Stadium in Singapore on Wednes-

day.

Cray finished with a time of 49.40 seconds, beating Cong Lich Quach of Vietnam’s 50.29 output to also win the Philippines their 19th gold medal in the SEA Games, which puts them in 5th place overall. Andrian

of Indonesia, which drops to 6th place, came in at third with a time of 51.36. The previous record, set by Thailand’s Chanon Keanchan in 1995, was 49.76. Cray, a 26-year-old, 3-time All-American who is born in Olangapo but based

in Texas, also won the men’s 100-meter competition yesterday with a time of 10.25 seconds. In previous years, Cray became the first Filipino to reach the 400-meter hurdles finals at the Asian Games since 1982.

ERIC CRAY. First Filipino to be SEA’s fastest.