Edge Davao 8 Issue 52

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

INSIDE EDGE

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Kill plot vs Rody?

GOLFER OF THE WEEK

Zeus Sara: Too young and too good

The BIG NEWS P4

SPORTS P15

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ALVIN REDOLUSA became the first person with Down Syndrome ever to scale the country’s highest peak.

HOPE FOR PERSONS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

ALVIN REDOLUSA: Superhero with an extra chromosome

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

“IF people could see that beauty is on the inside then most of the models in the world would have Down syndrome” -- Rosanna Stuart, mother of Maddy Stuart, Australian teen fashion model who has Down Syndrome

L

IKE a typical kid growing up, Alvin Redolusa wants to be a superhero.

Alvin’s idea of a superhero was molded out of his admiration for comic book hero Superman--strong, skillful and swift. All that superheroes do,

Alvin wished he could. Only that a genetic condition has prevented him to be just that.

Alvin was born with a Down Syndrome, a disease that has afflicted one of every 800 babies born in the Philippines. Every four hours,

one baby with the genetic abnormality is born. Everyone knows that it is hard for people who have Down syndrome to perform at the same level as others. Much more become a superhero--strong,

FALVIN REDOLUSA, 2

Alvin with coach Allan Vergara and Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines consultant Lani Vergara.

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE52 52••SUNDAY SUNDAY--MONDAY, MONDAY,JUNE JUNE14 14--15, 15,2015 2015

ALVIN’S WITNESSES. Former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (third from right) personally witnessed Alvin’s ascent to Mt. Apo along with the rest of the DSAP team including his coach Allan Vergara (third from left) and Lani Vergara (fourth from left). DSAP photo

ALVIN REDOLUSA... pg1 skillful, and swift.

Those with Down syndrome may work at a slower pace, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable. Just like Alvin, who thinks that his extra chromosome is not his kryptonite but his source of superpowers.

Emerging as an inspiration to others with similar condition, the 24-year old Alvin is determined to make a difference-- chasing his dream of doing what persons with Down Syndrome have not done before as he endeavors to shed light on a disability he does not treat as an obstacle but a gift.

When Alvin was born on November 22, 1990 in R. Castillo Street in Agdao, his mother Pacita could hardly accept it. Being mother to a child with such a condition was not easy. She admitted questioning God for her fate.

“Dili lalim pero ako na

lang gidawat kay mao ma’y akong kapalaran (It was not easy But I have to accept it because it is my fate),” Pacita told EDGE Davao.

Alvin was born to a relatively huge family of six, above the average for most Filipinos. He has five sisters and a brother. He was only 10 years old when his father died of recurring illness and young Alvin was left with only his mother, plain housewife, to take care of him.

Instead of sulking over her misfortunes, Pacita became even more determined to not just survive but give Alvin a “chance at life.” She has always made it a point of telling him every day how amazing, funny, smart, beautiful, wonderful he is. It was in 2004 when a friend convinced Pacita and Alvin to join the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAP) Davao Chapter who are on a mission to change the way people define beauty and superheroes.

Alvin took the trek to Mt. Apo like a veteran climber--calculating and cautious.

All thats do, roe superheished he Alvin w nly that a could. O condition genetic ented him v has pre just that. to be Alvin and Pacita’s journey towards recognition and community immersion turned a different direction when they met couple Allan and Lani Vergara who had just came home from Japan and the United States in 2010 for her postgradute studies. Lani, now DSAP consultant, actually met Alvin in 2004 but she was then about to leave for Japan for her postgraduate studies. The second meeting paved the way for Lani to take a closer look at Alvin.

Lani and her husband who is a mountain climbing enthusiast, had dreamed of training a member of DSAP to become the first ever person with Down Syndrome to scale the country’s highest peak Mt. Apo. They had scouted a “candidate” earlier but the plan fizzled out after the latter was found to have a heart condition. Enter Alvin, who had shown impressive endurance and enthusiasm during sports activities conducted by DSAP. The couple decided to make Alvin as their new “candidate” after convincing Pacita that they believe Alvin can overcome the challenges and become the new face of persons with Down Syndrome in Davao.

Alvin trained for four months doing regular morning jogs and stair climbs, and his progress imnpressed Allan and Lani. The final test was scaling the Mt. Puting Bato in the Island Garden City of Samal which Alvin succesfully summited.

Alvin, according to his climbmates, was “very inspired.” For the rest of persons with Down Syndrome, he is an inspiration.

‘In the beginning Alvin struggled. I gave him a lot of support and in about two months he was getting accustomed to climbing,’ Allan said.

On May 28, began his trek to the peak of the 9,692 feet above sea level Mt. Apo. Alvin joined a group of climbers from DSAP which also included former Davao City mayor Sara Duterte who walked step by step with Alvin throughout the trek and witnessed for herself the young man’s determination to overcome his condition. Alvin would take just a minute of breaks when he got tired and would soon resume his journey. On May 29, Alvin was on top of Mt. Apo--the first ever for a person with Down Syndrome to make it to the top.

Alvin’s conquest of Mt. Apo is more than just a personal victory. “It is a statement. “People with Down syndrome can do anything, they just do it at their own pace. Give them a chance and you will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations,” Lani said.

In the Philippines, one in every 800 babies born has Down syndrome or around 1,875 cases a year in a population of 1.5-million live births.

More than 100,000 families in the country are living with a

person with Down syndrome.

The DSAP said it has around 1,000 members in Mindanao, 500 of which are in Davao City.

According to the World Health Organization, Down syndrome is a type of mental retardation caused by extra genetic material in chromosome 21. This can be due to a process called non-disjunction in which genetic materials fail to separate during a crucial part of the formation resulting in extra chromosome called trisomy 21. This leads to Down syndrome, which results in developmental delays and physical features typical of the disorder.

The cause of the non-disjunction is still unknown although it has been linked to a woman’s age as studies have shown that the chances of having a child with Down syndrome increases as a woman gets older especially after the age of 35. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status.

“It is genereally genetic and rarely, freak of nature,” Lani said. She added that in the Philippines, it is difficult to have early detection of this condition because there are no mandatory pre-natal screening (PNS) which could determine if a fetus has Down

Syndrome unlike in many advanced countries.

Lani said that DSAP Davao, which thrives on private support, is passionate about giving individuals like Alvin an opportunity to do something they dream of because they want the world to know that having Down syndrome is a blessing, rather than a disadvantage.

At the moment, Alvin is now training his sights on a new mission. When asked if he still wanted to climb Mt. Apo again, he flatly said: “No.” Mt. Everest? Alvin, undaunted with the idea of scaling the world’s tallest at 29,035 feet, readily said” “Yes.” Indeed, there is no stopping Alvin from dreaming.

Like any typical person, he wanted to surpass his accomplishments and out himself to the test. Alvin and Allan are currently training for their next assignment. No, it’s not Everest. It’s crossing the channel between Davao City and Island Garden City of Samal.

If he succeds, Alvin will be the first person with Down Syndrome ever to accomplish the feat--a feat not every normal person can achieve.

That’s what superheroes do. In the case of Alvin, a Superman with an extra chromosome.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

FREE AT LAST. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte asks Private First Calss (Pfc) Khen Subere why he went AWOL in his captivity last April. Subere explained that when he was declared AWOL by his officials he was already captured by the New People’s Army. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Setting Pamana free on Independence Day

T

HE flight of Philippine Eagle Pamana on Friday, Philippine Independence Day , meant a lot of things to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and its partners.

As it spread its wings to glide, it reignited national pride, accentuating its namesake: heritage.

The critically endangered Philippine Eagle is found nowhere else in the world except in only four islands of our country. PEF estimates that there are only 400 pairs remaining in the wild. Deforestation and shooting and trapping – all are human induced activities – are the

looming threats to the eagles’ survival.

“Our national bird, the Philippine Eagle, is every inch a Filipino as each citizen of the archipelago,” Jayson Ibanez, PEF research and conservation, director said in his speech during the release event here Friday.

“A life of freedom is fundamental to the wellbeing of wildlife too,” he said.

The estimated 30,000 hectare forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be home to Pamana as she claims her freedom and independence again after being under the care of PEF. The

FSETTING, 10

Army, PNP hunt rebels in North Cot ambush

P

OLICE and military authorities here have launched a manhunt against suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who allegedly ambushed two unarmed soldiers on Friday morning.

A statement from the 57th Infantry Battalion said joint operations were still ongoing in the hinterlands of Barangay Noa and nearby villages.

The two soldiers, Corporal Nuran Rajabuayan and Private First Class Wilfredo Ligsay of the 57th IB “Charlie” Company, were on board a motorbike heading back to the company base at past 10 a.m. when

members of the NPA opened fire at them.

The 57th IB statement said the two soldiers in civilian clothes were both unarmed since they had just conducted a peace and development outreach program (PDOP) in the village of Noa. Both were rushed to the Kidapawan City Medical Specialist Center. Rajabuayan was hit in his legs and arms while Ligsay was in critical condition due to injuries on his lower back.

The Army statement condemning the attack said the soldiers were on a peace mis-

FARMY, 10

Kill plot vs Rody?

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

T

HE country’s big drug syndicates are reportedly forming an alliance to prevent Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte from becoming President, with one of the strategies being hatched by the group allegedly to assassinate the local chief executive.

Manny Piñol, one of Duterte’s staunch supporters, made the claim in an article he wrote and which he posted on Facebook.

Quoting “raw but reliable” intelligence reports relayed to

the Duterte camp, Piñol said the big drug lords based in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have banded together to put up a united front against a Duterte presidency.

“Information gathered showed that there are three strategies to be employed in neutralizing Duterte,” Piñol quoted a member of the Duterte camp as saying.

Based on intelligence information, the first option would be to assassinate Duterte before he could even decide

to run for the Presidency. The second option reportedly is to launch a negative media campaign and black propaganda against the mayor, while the third would be the use of drug money during the campaign period to ensure the defeat of Duterte.

Because of these developments, Duterte was reportedly advised to beef up security starting Friday night.

“Security analysts said while the intelligence report still has to undergo validation,

a concerted effort by the drug syndicates against a Presidential prospect who could work against the drug operations in the country is highly probable,” Piñol posted on Facebook.

When asked to comment yesterday afternoon about the report, Peter T. Laviña, an ally of Duterte and a volunteer in his nationwide campaign on federalism, said he has yet to verify the information.

But Piñol’s story immediately drew hundreds of

the area of responsibility of it front committee. He said the group decided to release the soldier after finding he committed no violation of human rights in the community.

Ka Dindo said the group tried to coordinate with the South Cotabato government for Subere’s release but instead of collaborating, it responded by mounting a military offensive.

Ka Dindo lashed out at officials of 27th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division for immediately declaring Subere AWOL (absent without leave) without conducting an investigation on

the soldier.

During his release, Subere explained that on the day he was abducted he had asked his squad leader for permission to visit a relative in Tiboli.

“Sa kabahin nako mao siguro na gi-declare ko Nolan AWOL kay wala direct naka-report nila (I was declared AWOL because I did not report back them after being abducted),” he said.

His sister Khlaunden said the family only learned that he had been abducted on June 2 after she read a statement by the NPA confirming the abduction.

FKILL, 10

NPA releases soldier to Duterte

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte fetched a captive soldier from the New People’s Army (NPA) last Saturday in the town of Kiamaba, Sarangani Province.

Duterte arrived at around 3 p.m. on June 13 in Barangay Tamadang in Kiamba where the NPA freed Private First Class (PFC) Khan Subere in front of the community.

Subere was captured by the Mt. Daguma Sub-Regional Command-Far South Mindanao Region of NPA last April 13 in Barangay Tabudtud in the Municipality of T’boli, South Cotabato.

“Pasalamat ko sa mga

NPA nga gitagaan ko nilag higayong na makahangyo na makuha naoko si Subere (I thank the NPA for giving me the chance to get Subere),” Duterte said.

A physician, Dr. Eduardo Samdig, said the Subere was in good health based on his check-up at 11 a.m. last Saturday.

Mt. Daguma Sub-Regional Command of NPA spokesperson Ka Dindo told reporters that the group turned over Subere to Duterte because the NPA’s higher command trusted him.

Ka Dindo said the group captured Subere while inside

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

NEWS 5

EDGEDAVAO

Mother believes daughter’s death in Malaysia intentional

T

DETAINED. Philippine Councilors League (PCL) national chair Alma Moreno and PCL Davao chapter president Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz talk to Sergio Batistis Jr., a councilor from Albuera, Leyte who was arrested for allegedly selling fake official receipts and certificates of appearance, at the Sta. Ana Police Station on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

Solon pushes DOH to screen South Korean tourists for MERS V

ALENZUELA City Rep. Win Gatchalian has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to implement stringent screening measures in air and sea ports after more than a thousand people in South Korea have been put in quarantine for being sick with MERS. This developed as the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday strongly advised South Korea to ban all people suspected of being infected with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or having contact with the MERS infectees from going abroad.

Keiji Fukuda, assistant director-general for health security at the WHO, recommended this in the administrative city of Sejong during the televised press conference

‘Musmos’

after ending a five-day epidemiological study of the MERS spread in South Korea.

South Korea’s MERS infections increased to 138 Saturday as 12 more cases were discovered. One more death was reported, bringing the total death toll to 14 and the fatality rate to 10.1 percent. South Korea became the world’s most MERS-contagious outside of the Middle East.

The 16-member joint mission comprising experts from the WHO and South Korea, co-headed by Fukuda and Lee Jong-koo, chief of JW LEE Center for Global Medicine under Seoul National University College of Medicine, staged the joint study of confirmed cases and infection control for five days from Tuesday.

Fukuda urged South Korea to completely figure out

who had contact with the MERS infectees, to quarantine and monitor all the potential carriers of the corona virus, and to completely carry out infection prevention and control in all medical facilities.

The WHO official stressed that whoever had contact with the infectees and all potential carriers should not travel, especially should not be allowed international travels during the incubation period, adding that South Korea has established a system to trace, quarantine and monitor the potential carriers.

For his part, Gatchalian said the DOH “should be on top of this emergency situation. We cannot allow MERS to enter our gates so as to protect our citizens from this very infectious disease.”

He also noted that the

DOH should learn from its poor screening of passengers last year against the spread of Ebola.

Gatchalian recalled that at the height of the Ebola scare last year, the DOH only made passengers fill out a small, colored yellow one-page questionnaire regarding how they feel and if they have symptoms.

He said airport screeners did not even wear protective equipment and did not have a temperature-measuring device. There was even a notable absence of medical professionals in the receiving area.

Changes in protocol were only implemented later, according to Gatchalian.

“This time, the DOH cannot be lax in doing its job. After all, it is their responsibility to

FSOLON, 10

HE mother of a Filipina worker in Malaysia who died in a fire in Johor Bahru on June 3 believes the death was intentional.

Virgilia Lloren, mother of Overseas Filipino Worker Rubelyn, told Radyo Bida Koronadal she was convinced her daughter’s husband had something to do with her death.

“On many instances, my daughter would call, in tears, telling us she was harmed by her husband,” she said.

“She also told us that she was locked up in the room when the husband gets jealous,” she added.

Virginia said she was not certain whether the husband was really a Malaysian trader or not.

According to Virginia, her daughter’s husband sent money to the Philippines using the name Noorafie Bin Arrifin, although he was known to the family as Rols.

The mother said her daughter was three months pregnant at the time of her death.

Rachel, Rubelyn’s sister who also works in Kuwait, has returned home to work for the repatriation of her sister’s remains.

Virginia also said they received information that Rubelyn’s live-in-partner was a Malaysian police investigator and not a businessman.

“We seek justice,” Rachel said.

The Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur has sought a full investigation on Rubelyn’s death.

A native of Polomolok, South Cotabato, Rubelyn perished when her house was burned allegedly by a robber who entered her home on Tuesday, killing her in the process.

“The embassy, through its Police Attaché, has asked Malaysian police authorities for a full investigation of the tragic incident, particularly how and why Ms. Lloren was ‘trapped’ inside the burning house,” an embassy statement said.

News of Lloren’s death was relayed to her family by her Malaysian husband in the afternoon of the same day.

Lloren’s husband was said to be not at home when the incident happened, the embassy said.

Lloren had been living in Malaysia with her husband for seven years and was working in a fast-food chain. She had a nine-year-old daughter. (PNA)

DOLE beefs up campaign against child labor in R11

T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 11 has beefed up its HELP ME Convergence Program and advocacy drive against child labor.

HELP ME, which is an acronym for Health services and medical assistance, Education and training, Livelihood opportunities for families of child laborers, Prevention, protection, and prosecution and for Monitoring and Evaluation, is aimed at implementing sustainable, responsive, focused and synchronized strategies to effectively address the child labor problem.

DOLE 11 regional director

Joffrey Suyao said the program is in line with the government’s vision of a Child Labor-Free Philippines in partnership with by communities through “Child Labor Friendly Barangay.”

Suyao said in last year’s survey dubbed Profiling of Vulnerable Works, there were 256 profiled child laborers in the region mostly in the agricultural sector. Suyao, however, pointed out the survey did not cover all barangays in the region as there were only 25 barangays surveyed and that excluded Mt. Diwata where most small scale mining oper-

FDOLE, 10

An open letter to South Cotabato Governor Daisy P. Avance Fuentes

By Amir Mawallil (Editor’s note: Amir Mawallil is the executive director of the Bureau of Public Information of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.)

ISTENING to you call the Bangsamoro ‘ musmos’ or children during the Senate hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law made me realize how badly we are misunderstood as a people.

The implication that we are immature in the field of governance is an apparent proof of how patronizingly other people can become toward the Moro as they mistrust us. It was a scathing remark that exposed how some Mindanao leaders continue to undervalue the capacity of the Moro people to determine

L

their future and write their own fate.

For your information, Gov. Fuentes, ARMM has recently passed the national government’s Good Governance Conditions under the Results-Based Performance Management System.

In case you didn’t know, this system monitors the performance of government agencies following six sets of criteria: Performance-based Bonus Targets, Transparency Seal, Philippine General Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Posting, Liquidation of All Cash Advances, Citizen’s Charter, and Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. Miguel Antonio, a Singapore-based Filipino singer and songwriter who was discovered by Apl.de.Ap and world-renowned producer

FMUSMOS, 10 David Foster, talks about his humble beginnings during FAST Fridays media forum at Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

Tagum focuses on values enhancement

T

HE City Government of Tagum pegs on values enhancement in preparing its constituents from the adverse social impact of huge investments entering the city.

In a press conference last June 10, Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon highly placed importance on values enhancement to encourage Tagumenyos to still choose “the good life” despite the entry of investments on malls

and hotels.

Started in schools, the city government of Tagum has spread values enhancement to the sector motorcycle drivers who eventually earned good reputation during the 2015 Palarong Pambansa having undergone the values enhancement.

“Sa values natudluan ang mga drivers nga dili maayo ang mamintaha (With values enhancement, drivers were taught that it is not good to

take advantage),” Rellon said.

The values program is now being geared towards educating the vendors in the city to adopt the right values in their trade, Rellon revealed.

“We are preparing them for that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rellon also banked on the strengthened program for children to shield the sector from the social downside of economic boom that usually happens to

fast-growing urban areas.

“In fact, we are recognized as a child-friendly city,” he said referring to the recognition given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to local government units which showed significant accomplishment to protect and develop children.

He also bared support of the city government to institutions which look after the welfare of children in conflict

TATE think-tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) hosted a policy dialogue for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) last May 18. The resource speaker was UNESCAP Economic Affairs Officer Steve Loris Gui-Diby, who expounded on the role of measuring growth inclusiveness to determine the best policies for achieving sustainable development.

UNESCAP had recently developed a new inclusiveness Index. The index ranks a country’s level of inclusive growth over a long period of time, and incorporates the social, environmental, and economic components of a country’s performance into its criteria.

Led by PIDs President Gil-

berto Llanto, a panel of fellows and senior management officers discussed with Gui-Diby potential policy areas to address challenges and obstacles to inclusive growth. The dialogue included a discussion about job creation, financial inclusion and financial literacy, and the overall state of the country’s business environment.

According to UNESCAP’s Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2015, the Philippines ranks 10 out of 16 countries in the inclusiveness of growth index for the period 2002-2012.

The report shows various components of growth and development and discusses the country’s performance in comparison to other Asia-Pacific countries.

These components include an index for social opportunities in select countries, where the Philippines ranks 14 out of 23 countries in the same period, down from 10 in the 1990-1999 period; access to electricity, where the index shows stark difference between rural and urban electrification. One data index shows the Philippines having one of the highest rates of unemployment in a certain set of countries that includes many of its Southeast neighbors, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Lao, all of which rank lower.

The PIDS panel commented that the Philippines has made many attempts to foster job creation but the efforts have yielded few satisfactory results.

Gui-Diby suggested that the Philippines can start by reflecting, investigating, and understanding the dynamics affecting their young people’s career mindset. Llanto said that despite the recent spate of entrepreneurial courses burgeoning across the country’s top universities, the sense of entrepreneurship remains at a “non-poor level”. The upper income group is more likely to start a business because they can afford to and they are willing to take the risk. But there is no support system for those in the poorer bracket to comparably afford the same risks.

Gui-Diby recommended that the country focus on enabling a good business environment and improving the elements of infrastructure,

with the law (CICL) and the rehabilitation of child-victims of substance abuse such as vulcaseal use.

On the other hand, Mayor Rellon bared that the city has attracted investments Robinsons Mall, SM and City Mall among others boosting the city’s positioned to become a destination of MICE (meetings, investments, conferences and events) next to Davao City.

He counted the invest-

ments on a shooting range of international standards, and on a bowling lane sports project of the provincial government of Davao del Norte as among the economic boost factors of Tagum City.

He also expected investments on the Tagum City Hall completion and the P750-million worth waste-to-energy project as factors to further spur the economic development of the city. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)

Survey shows Phl economy lacks inclusiveness UP residential project groundbreaking slated S

FSURVEY, 10

A

MONG the first movers in the Clark Green City project of the stateowned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) set their groundbreaking next year.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer ArnelPaciano D. Casanova said University of the Philippines (UP) will have groundbreaking on its 50-hectare land in Clark Green City.

Casanova noted that presence of educational institutions in Clark Green City will play significant role in the project as it will ensure investors that there is quality education and workforce in the

area.

Aside from UP, BCDA and Home Development Mutual Fund (PagIBIG Fund) also set groundbreaking and construction of 2,000 housing units in Clark Green City.

Recently, the two government offices forged partnership to develop affordable housing units in the Clark Green City which can cater to 85,000 individuals particularly to workers in the new central business district.

This week, BCDA held a pre-bid conference for the first parcel of land in Clark Green City with a total area of 288 hectares.

FUP, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

EDGE Davao managing editor Neil Bravo points to the crowd at the finish. Inset, Bravo receiving his prize from Lanang Bizpark’s Apple and Cherry.

Raceday for media at Lanang Business Park Text and photos by LEAN DAVAL JR.

LANANG BUSINESS PARK, a mixed use property owned by Dominc and Sons Realty and Development Corporation (DSRDC), celebrated its first anniversary last Friday, June 12, with twin events that provided members of the media well-needed stress-killers.

The first event dubbed as “Time Attack: The Ultimate Motorsports Media Challenge” held in partnership with 5th Gear Motorsports, staged the Go Kart and ATV

races for media and family/associates. The best times submitted by media affiliates were from Russel Manglipot of Bombo Radyo (30.74 seconds), Paolo Iñigo, (son of of SCOOP Davao member Tommy Iñigo) and Kelvin Geonzon, son of UMBN manager Roy Geonzon while the best times for practicing media are from EDGE Davao managing editor Neil Bravo (33.53), Robinson Ninal of Mindanao Daily Mirror (33.57) and Roy Geonzon of UMBN (33.86).

In the ATV cetegory,

EDGE Davao reporter Armando Fenequito negotiates a sharp curve.

EDGE Davao affiliate Paula Pang-Bravo revs up.

Racing Line’s Jong Uy briefs the participating drivers in the go-kart competition.

Raminto Devenosa of TV5 submitted the fastest time of 1 minute 26.28 seconds, followed by EDGE Davao reporter Armando Fenequito (1:32.00) and Mindanao Daily Mirror’s Robinson Ninal (1:36.28).

The anniversary celebration was capped by the “Music All Night” party featuring two top bands from the local music scene. The event was organized by Lanang BizPark’s property management and administrative services manager John Irene del Campo.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

STYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

Life in the Vogue lane Cinema THIS BOOK about one of the world’s premiere fashion titles had me in its grasp as soon as I read that its editors used to create entire backstories around its photo shoots which included taking in local literature and making sense out of why a fifties glamour girl would traipse the Suez Canal in this particular outfit. Did that mean that there was now proof that the chic individuals behind the brand actually cared about context? Gasp. There was really no other choice but to grab a copy.

Kirstie Clements is a self-effacing Australian lady who rose to the editorship of Vogue Australia and retells her adventures during her tenure there in The Vogue Factor.

She knew that even if she belonged to one the lower ranking Vogues as compared to US Vogue and Vogue Italia, she prided herself for never cutting corners when it came to her work and having the pleasure of working among the most impeccably dressed and mannered women. Many things marked her career at the masthead of Vogue and she had the canny ability to correctly identify the most important ones in her memoir.

This isn’t the first book about Vogue and its personalities that I’ve devoured. However, it is the first one I’ve read where the author keeps her thoughts above largely conflict-ridden or scandalous levels. It is very respectable for a tell-all and Clements remains an editor till the very end. Her manner never reduces to being whiny or petulant.

Her understanding of her role within her organization informs how she

This isn’t the first book about Vogue and its personalities that I’ve devoured.

However, it is the first one I’ve read where the author keeps her thoughts above largely conflict-ridden or scandalous levels.

chooses to recount her colorful tenure at the world’s most respected fashion magazine title. And although the introduction of her book tells her readers that she was unceremoniously sacked, she is a true believer in what she says about how her exit matters even more than her conduct while she was still onboard. She is unsparing in her praise of all the opportunities that being part of Vogue Australia has afforded her, but also describes truthfully its pitfalls and setbacks.

Clements’ story spans the 80’s up until the present and she artfully recounts the differences of the times. The most glaring and most rampant comparisons she makes

lie in how the editorial team at Vogue got the job done. Enter circa-80’s practices when store pullouts and canned articles were non-existent versus today’s stories that seem signed, sealed and delivered by the company’s PR. The question that is habitually in her mind has to do with how she can maintain her editorial integrity in the face of changing mediums, managements and egos.

She understood that putting out the best shoots and issues had much to do with how she got along with the people around her and some of her best anecdotes are about the photographers and models she had the pleasure or ire to work with.

The book is marketed as a tell-all and there is plenty of juice to be had.

Clements never feels truly at home in the attentiongrabbing world of fashion and she repeatedly points out that she would rather in the sidelines and behind bylines than front and center. That being said, even if the stories recounted occurred decades past, you can still feel her sense of wonder and incredulousness at being amidst the things she was privy to. Lush events put together by cosmetics giants topped her list of most unforgettable along with meeting and working with icons such as Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. It never stopped feeling like wonderland for her and she never stopped appreciating the fresh perspective that fashion’s fantastical worlds gave her.

Clements turns introspective at the end of her book and her roots as a writer makes her story a valuable manifesto for the written word. She was from an era where things did not come easy and it was on these pioneering grounds that she, along with the colleagues she revered, built their work ethic. Her love for Vogue would never diminish and she throws the thought to the fashion cosmos that the content of the magazine – the product of minds informed by art, literature and culture – should always be championed. Such is life for a Vogue girl, always aiming for the fabulous.

Georgina Wilson on hosting Asia’s Next Top Model TAKING OVER the hosting duties of Asia’s Next Top Model presented an entirely different challenge for Georgina Wilson. Still, the Filipino-British supermodel was very vocal in saying she had a good time hosting the 2015 season and third cycle of the show.

“It’s such a great experience and opportunity because I’m finally able to put all my teachings and knowledge into... I reflected on it and I actually realized that I’ve learned so much and it was such a great experience to share that with girls who wanna become top models too,” she said in an interview on Wednesday, June 10.

Georgina, who has been in the industry for ten years already, revealed the contestants initially felt intimidated of her but after a while, friendships began to blos-

som. She also shared that the hardest part was to actually tell somebody she has to let her go.

“It was a hard balance of am I your friend or am I your mentor, and I think the hardest was for me because I had to, every week, tell somebody that ‘Your journey ends here,’” explained Georgina.

“It’s a very emotional thing.

They didn’t show it, but every week I cried. I would just have to turn away, but in the next few episodes, the girls really saw me crying na and it’s really difficult because when you look at them, you never think that somebody’s journey is over, that’s why I always tell them when I let them go ‘Your journey in this competition is over, but that doesn’t mean your modeling journey is completely over,’” she added.

Meanwhile, Georgina said that the third cycle of Asia’s Next Top

Model has been blessed with the best bunch of girls and that people have been tweeting her nonstop about this season’s top four.

“I’m just so pleased, I’m so happy because the girls are so special to me,” she enthused.

When asked what the chances are for Filipina contender Monika Sta Maria to make it on top, Georgina replied: “Well, Monika is in the top four, so as of now there’s a 25 percent chance. At least may Pinay sa top four, sobrang proud ako.”

Further, Georgina explained that upon joining the competition, she made sure that she was there as a non-biased host to find the model who would best represent Asia. “I couldn’t go there being biased towards Filipinos.

But of course I’m always gonna be Filipino and I’m so proud to be Filipino,” she said.

Gawad night liv

Benjami ties with WELL-ROUNDED actor Benjamin Alves remains a Kapuso as he signed yesterday (June 9) an exclusive contract with GMA Network.

Present in the contractsigning were GMA Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Entertainment Marivin T. Arayata, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer, and co-manager Jonas Gaffud.

In his four years as a Kapuso, Ben has been blessed with numerous projects and he feels grateful for his relationship with the network.

With all smiles, he promises to work harder and to stay focused on learning more about his craft. “You just keep on doing workshops and things like that. You continue to grow, so when work comes in—and it does come in a lot—you’re ready. The hard work gets rewarded, so I’m glad I’m here and I’m glad that I’m going to be here for three more years.”

The network warmly acknowledges Ben’s hard work

a a h a v h n s th w h c

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

a One airs Urian awards ve on June 16

EDGEDAVAO

CINEMA ONE is bringing to television screens the live airing of the 38th Gawad Urian where the brightest and most talented artists from Philippine cinema come together in celebration of the best performances and movies of the previous year this Tuesday (June 16) at 8PM.

Filipino veteran and up-and-coming artists Jed Madela, Darren Espanto, Kyla, and Gwyneth Dorado will unite on the Gawad Urian stage to perform a special tribute dedicated to this year’s Natatanging Gawad Urian recipient, Nora Aunor.

The 38th Gawad Urian also gets bigger as “Asia’s Got Talent” grand winner El Gamma Penumbra graces the awards night to showcase a phenomenal song and dance number.

Aside from stun-

ning performances, viewers will get to witness which among indie drama films “Dagitab,” “Barber’s Tales,” “Bwaya,” and “Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon” will be the big winner as the following films have led this year’s nominations.

The race is tight as well in the major categories including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress since the nominees have received rave reviews for their notable performances.

Hosted by Angelica Panganiban, Robi Domingo, and Butch Francisco, the 38th Gawad Urian will also feature Nova Villa, Angeli Bayani, and Sandino Martin as presenters of the show.

The Gawad Urian Awards is the most esteemed film awards in the Philippines The nominees and the winners are chosen by the Manunuri ng Peli-

INdulge! A3 kulang Pilipino (MPP) who are composed of reputable pillars in Philippine cinema.

“There is no distinction here between the mainstream and indie filmmakers. The MPP is evaluating the performances and achievements according to the highest standards in their particular fields. During show, the Manunuri also explains its criteria and why certain awardees have been chosen,” Mario Hernando, one of the members of the MPP said.

Aside from Hernando, the MPP members are Rolando Tolentino, Grace Javier Alfonso, Butch Francisco, Bienvenido Lumbera, Miguel Rapatan, Benilda Santos, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Tito Genova Valiente, and Lito Zulueta.

For more information, visit Cinema One’s official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/Cinema1channel) and the official website of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (www. manunuri.com).

Villania is new in Alves renews Iya Chika Minute host h GMA Network

and they have seen his talent as an actor. Rasonable shares her plans to hone him more as a dramatic artist, “We’re very happy that Benjamin has renewed his ties with the network. This is where he started his acting career, and he fact that he’s renewing with us and we are renewing his contract means that both camps are happy with each

other.”

Rasonable further reveals his upcoming projects, “Now he’s doing Beautiful Strangers with Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, Rocco Nacino, Christopher De Leon, and Dina Bonnevie, among others. It’s going to be a primetime program that we’re very excited about because of the powerhouse cast.”

GMA News welcomes Kapuso artist Iya Villania as the new host of primetime newscast 24Oras’ showbiz segment Chika Minute.

Beginning June 15, Iya Villania joins the formidable triumvirate of Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez and Vicky Morales in the nightly newscast.

“Iya injects new energy to Chika Minute with her fresh and sassy news delivery. She also brings her active lifestyle to the show, and her star power as she brings us closer to the biggest showbiz personalities,” says Assistant Vice President for News and Special Programs Michelle Seva.

Currently, Iya co-hosts the weekly lifestyle program Taste Buddies on GMA News TV and is part of the musical-variety program Sunday All Stars on GMA7.

Asked about her new assignment, Iya shares “I feel honored na sa dinami-rami ng may gusto ng position na ito, sa akin ito napunta. I’m glad that I was chosen.”

Catch Iya Villania on 24Oras weeknights, 6:30pm, on GMA7.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

EVENT

Park Inn by Radisson Davao celebrates Independence Day LEFT: Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s managers and associates release balloons in the hotel’s signature colors during the Independence Day celebration.

THE leadership team of Park Inn

by Radisson Davao celebrated Independence Day with a simple ceremony in front of the hotel.

Headed by Security Manager, John Pamposa, the program started with the Entrance of Colors, singing of the Philippine National Anthem, employee recognition and the releasing of balloons.

Recognition was awarded to one of the hotel’s detachment commander, SO Benedicto G. Sala Jr. for his heroic act and guest service.

“Freedom of your thoughts, freedom of how you want to work, freedom to choose your career, that’s what freedom is all about, that’s what we’re celebrating on this Independence

BOTTOM LEFT: Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s general manager Pavan Kakar gives an award to the hotel’s detachment commander, SO Benedicto G. Sala Jr. for his heroic act and guest service.

day.” says Pavan Kakar, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao. “It’s my first Independence Day in the Philippines and the spirit of celebration is just so overwhelming.

I’m really looking forward to a great stay here in the country.”

MEN’S SHOE SALE AT THE SM STORE. Stride on to The SM Store and check out Men’s Shoes Sale happening from June 12 to 30. Get exclusive discounts of up to 50% off on your favorite brand of formal and casual shoes, running and basketball shoes, sneakers and many more! It’s the Men’s Shoes Sale at The SM Store happening from June 12 to June 30.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 7

DTI turns over cash assistance to IGaCoS D EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte Provincial Director Romeo L. Castanaga turned-over the check amounting to P740,000 pesos of the Yaman Pinoy -Product & Human Development Project to City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan as financial assistance from Bottom-Up Budgeting Program during the officials and employeesMonday Convocation at Samal Gym on June 8.

The funding support aims to improve the City’s living condition through a viable and sustainable economy mobilizing local resources through training, product development and marketing of project beneficiaries which will be implemented by the City Investment and Tourism Office.

The project is consistent with the local government’s effort to reduce poverty and the Philippine Development Plan’s goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction and promoting good governance at the local level.

Target beneficiaries of the project are the organized groups of Hugpong Manggagama sa Isla (Humal), Building Art Weavers Network of IGaCoS (BaNIg), group of handicraft makers and service providers like masseurs, hairdresser, manicurist and pedicurist.

On the other hand, the local government of Samal also provides funding counterpart amounting to P296,000 as share for the project implementation. (MTA Samal Info)

FREEDOM DAY. SM Lanang Premier mall manager engineer Mary Therese Lapeña-Manalo (5th from left) and assistant mall manager Jerome Yeo (leftmost) lead the release of doves during the commemoration of the 117th Independence Day on Friday at the mall’s parking area. Lean Daval Jr.

PCCI welcomes Competition Act ratification T

HE country’s largest business organization, Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), has welcomed the bicameral ratification of Philippine Competition Act or the Fair Trade Act noting that it will support the growth of the national economy.

PCCI said, as the Competition Act will nearly be enacted into a law, it will encourage more firms to improve the quality of goods and services as well as pricing in the market.

“This law will push businesses to engage in a healthy rivalry so that they will gain more consumers.

It gives us the incentive to be more efficient, and to offer the public better quality products and services,” PCCI President Alfredo M. Yao said.

The Competition Act prohibits unfair agreements, mergers or acquisitions of businesses that will substantially restrict com-

opment issues is the opportunity for regional cooperation.

Llanto added that EADN plays a “crucial role” in enabling the creation of well-informed policymaking. PIDS board member Atty. Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla delivered a timely keynote address to demonstrate the value of research in various development areas.

In particular, Lotilla highlighted the need to cooperate for the sustainable development of the seas of East Asia, with opportunities ranging from management, exploration, and exploitation of resources; preservation of the environment, and coordination regarding science and research. Majority of the public discourse focuses on the political aspects and territorial disputes, specifically when it comes to the South China Sea. But it is undeniable that everyone benefits from addressing its challenges, whether they may be environmental, social, or economic.

He said that the level of trust within the reason must be raised. To answer the sustainable needs of the people in the region, policymakers, aided by policy research institutes and networks like PIDS and EADN, must help identify

areas of concern and opportunities for cooperation.

Fisheries and trade is one ideal area for cooperation.

Depletion due to overfishing, destruction of habitat, and pollution threatens to damage the industry and contribute to the long-term breakdown of the ecosystem. A potential security issue could as well arise in the event that a plunge in fish and revenues for traditional fishermen pushes them to enter piracy or human trafficking chains. Coastal governments on an individual level, Lotilla warned, may not be able to address this alone. Everyone has a stake in protecting and promoting sustainable development of marine resources in the region.

The profile of research studies presented at the forum evoked the theme of Lotilla’s speech, with each one looking into development policy areas critical to the respective countries of the researchers.

Each researcher was assigned a discussant to mentor them and provide guidance to mold their approach, improve their methodologies, and whittle the scope.

The EADN country coordinators included Dr. Sun

EADN forum focuses on reg’l cooperation T

HE East Asian Development Network (EADN) held its annual forum on May 28 and 29, giving the podium to its young research grantees to elaborate on the progress of their individual work. Since 1998, the network has sought to develop the research capacity of participating institutions and individuals by providing the resources to carry out development-focused and policy-relevant research. The Philippines, on its fifth year as EADN Secretariat, welcomed research grantees and mentors from all over Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, China, and Malaysia.

The focus of the research studies at the EADN forum this year spanned diverse development issues, among them agriculture, migration, human capital formation, and finance. This diversity, according to the welcome remarks of Philippine Institute for Development Studies President (PIDS) and EADN Chairman and Regional Coordinator Gilberto Llanto, “proves that there is still much to be explored in the field of development”.

At the threshold of regional economic integration, what cuts across these devel-

FEADN, 10

petition and abuse of dominant position.

“When it becomes law, the Fair Trade Act allows even small firms entry into the market with the expectation that rules will be applied equally to all, he said.

When businesses engage in unfair practices just because they can, because they do

not have anyone competing with them for consumers, it is really the consumer who suffers through high prices and limited choices,” Yao noted.

Once enacted into law, the Philippines will be a compliant in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint where a

competition law is a commitment of the 10 members of ASEAN. “We have long held that anti-competitive behavior is injurious to a strong economy because an uneven playing field contributes to inefficiency and the misallocation of resources,” the PCCI president said. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

EDITORIAL Sad state of Philippine sports

W

HEN a pair of Filipino divers created a splash in more ways than one after footage of their botched dives at the SEA Games caused such a stir, sports fans and authorities alike immediately jumped on the issue and demanded answers.

Uploaded footage of John Elmerson Fabriga and John David Pahoyo has gone viral after both athletes, on their fourth dive in the men’s 3m springboard, landed nearly horizontal, scoring zero points. The duo has earned the moniker “Splash Brothers” (an offshoot from the same tag given to NBA stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of NBA finalist Golden State), with some Internet users poking fun and others calling for restraint.

The performance of the divers has led to Philippine Sport Commission chairman Richie Garcia seeking an explanation from aquatics chief Mark Joseph who in turn

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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

lamented the lack of support the government agency has given.

This blame game is nothing new. Each time we participate and get home beaten badly in international competitions, we come home pointing accusing fingers.

It appears that the sad state of Philippine sports is very much evident as ever. Take the case of diving which is under the umbreall association of swimming. The leadership of this NSA has not changed in several years despite not having produced performances worthy of note. A lot of our sports leaders are either overstaying, or recycled. Reason why we dive flat on our backs in international competitions.

The horrible dives deserve not our ridiculous comments because they are just a reflection of a failed, nosediving, zero-achieving sports leadership.

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

P

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

9

Chaos pretending to be a ‘party system’

OLITICS is on full throttle now, with lots of grandstanding all over the place and lots of maneuvering between and among the traditional politicos—trapos—and assorted wannabes.

Vying for attention, name recall, and popularity ratings, the race is clearly on, along with the continued and unchecked bastardization of the political “system.”

Up and down the vertical and horizontal levels of government, self-appointed “leaders”—misleaders really—are indulging in gimmicks and unseemly displays of vanity, bravado, and greed.

Election fever is afflicting even those who pretend they’re not running even as they’re already galloping. Think of Davao’s Rodrigo Duterte and Panfilo Lacson.

Even the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is getting into the act, positioning itself for the 2016 elections by launching its United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). ***** It’s unclear, however, if the UBJP will operate like a regular political party— meaning, civilian, non-violent, democratic. Its fatigue uniforms and displays of

“

VANTAGE POINTS

WELCOME to Davao City!” the flight attendant said upon landing at the Davao International Airport. “We want to remind our passengers that smoking is strictly prohibited in public places in the city, including the airport and its premises.”

Yes, no one is allowed to smoke cigarettes in Davao City. You won’t see people puffing cigarettes while striding along the sidewalks.

You won’t see children selling cigarettes in heavily traffic streets. Even inside the public utilities, cinemas, malls, restaurants, and bars.

A friend of mine who came to Davao to attend a workshop readily complained, “Davao City is not smoker-friendly.”

Davao City is one of the cities in the country where smoking is strictly banned. It implements City Ordinance 0367-12, otherwise known as the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City.

Aside from those mentioned earlier, people are also strictly prohibited from smoking in public gatherings like concerts, rallies, and parades. Even in the cemetery, markets, terminals and public places, smoking is strictly prohibited.

Now, if he becomes the next president, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will enforce the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9211) throughout the country, according to former councilor Peter Laviña.

Right now, the Tobacco Regulation Act is not strictly observed in most parts of the country. After all, it’s too hard to implement.

The Act “bans smoking in public places such as schools and recreational facilities, eleva-

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA high-powered weaponry during its gatherings are sending an ominous message.

Does the party renounce violence or armed struggle in pursuing its political goals? Does it pledge allegiance to the Philippine Constitution and the Philippine Republic in contesting regional elections?

Better clarify that now.

For that matter, the Liberal Party, supposedly the “ruling party,” is no help in making people understand and appreciate what a political party is all about. It’s not even clear what its hierarchy is or who constitutes its rank and file.

They say President B.S. Aquino is its “titular head”—whatever that means. It’s laughable the way he peddles Mar Roxas as his choice for 2016 but keeps on chasing after Grace Poe who’s not even a member. ***** The other so-called parties are just as

unruly. Nacionalista. United Nationalist Alliance. Nationalist Citizens Coalition. Puwersa ng Masa. PDP-LABAN. All they have are “talking heads” and alleged spokespersons but without a body of members propping up the head. Do they even have committees or chapters?

We don’t see them holding caucuses, or organizing chapters. As far as one can tell, they have no “party stand” or position that they forge collectively “as a party.”

Whatever the talking head says, that’s it!

Such dysfunctional, make-shift parties are a disservice to our society’s need for political education. Pedantic and pretentious, they mock our democracy, betraying its immaturity through its indeterminate processes.

They sport party labels that are basically meaningless. It’s not really a party system. It’s an alphabet soup with acronyms floating around, with nothing to meaningfully distinguish one from another. And ponder the mish-mash of “party list” groups: they’re neither parties nor lists prepared by parties. *****

All the fakery covers up the reality that they’re merely a bunch of self-proclaimed (mis)leaders and power-greedy conspirators with no real followers that one can refer to as the party faithful.

What they consist of are sycophants, backers, and financiers with vested interests that have nothing to do with society’s interests or the common good.

Let’s hope the United Bangsamoro Justice Party knows better and performs well.

This newcomer—and yes—the newly formed Centrist Democrat Party financed

by Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation—may be the only pair that will come to resemble a real political party in due time.

(Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. Author of books on governance, he is chairman/convenor of the Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

No smoking please

tors and stair- THINK ON THESE! wells, hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, public conveyances and public facilities such as airports and ship terminals, train and bus stations, Henrylito D. Tacio r e s t a u r a n t s henrytacio@gmail.com and conference halls, with the exception of separate smoking rooms.”

Damn, smokers may say. But wait, in Davao City, there are some places where you can smoke to your heart’s content. These are in your own residence or in someone’s, in private vehicles, and designated outdoor smoking areas.

No one is above the law in Davao City, especially when it comes to the anti-smoking ordinance. Even President Benigno Aquino III knows this well. At one time, local journalist Edith Regalado saw the president puffing a stick of cigarette under a tree marked as a designated smoking area.

“Look, I’m a law-abiding citizen,” the President was quoted as saying.

Why so much ado about cigarette smoking? For the uninformed, it is responsible for 85 to 90 percent of lung cancers, medical experts claim. The more cigarettes a person smokes, the greater the chances of this fellow having a lung cancer. As early as 1964, the US Surgeon General’s office issued the link be-

tween smoking and lung cancer.

“Lung cancer is almost exclusively found in smokers,” the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research based in Rochester, Minnesota explains. “Men who smoke are 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who don’t smoke. Women who smoke are 12 times more likely to develop lung cancer than women who don’t smoke.”

Cigarette and cigar smoke contains more than 40 cancer-causing chemicals or carcinogens. Among these most noted carcinogens are tar, cyanide, formaldehyde, methanol, ammonia, acetone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide.

When it comes to smoking, it is usually those who quit that emerge winners. Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of several health books and active consultant in cardiology at the Manila Doctors Hospital and Makati Medical Center, said a person who quits smoking will immediately get his rewards instantly.

Citing a study done by the American Lung Association, Dr. Ong said the health benefits of quitting will “begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease, and the oxygen content of your body will increase.”

After the first day of quitting, a previous smoker’s risk of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. On the second day, his nerve endings will start to heal and his ability to smell and taste will improve. Between 2 weeks and 3 months after quitting, his blood circulation will improve. His cough will be lessened and walking will become easier. Soon, his lung function will improve dramatically.

“By the time you reach 15 years of never touching a cigarette, your risk of dying will be the same as a non-smoker,” Dr. Ong pointed out. “This just goes to show that the ill effects of smoking are serious and deadly.

Quit early and quit now. Quit while you are still young to obtain the full health benefits from quitting.”

In 2002, the Philippines was listed as the 15th largest consumer of cigarettes in the world. Among Asian countries, the country has one of the highest smoking rates in the region. Small wonder, the UN health agency estimates that 10 Filipinos die every hour due to cancer, stroke, lung and heart diseases brought on by cigarette smoking.

Because of these reasons, health advocates are urging Filipinos to quit smoking.

“Some people can quit smoking just like that and suffer no side effects,” Dr. Ong noted. “However, for others, it can be a difficult process.”

Dr. Ong cited three factors responsible for the difficulty in quitting. “Knowing these factors will help you prepare yourself for the quitting process,” he said.

The factors were: (1) the number of cigarettes being smoked each day, (2) the people who smoke around the person who want to quit, and (3) the real reason on why the person smokes. “It could be due to peer pressure or for weight control,” Dr. Ong said of the latter.

“If you really want to quit smoking, you must identify the situations that trigger you to smoke, and do your best to avoid them,” Dr. Ong suggested.

10 NEWS Kill... FROM 4

comments from netizens who urged Duterte to run for president next year. The post also had over 1,000 shares as of Saturday afternoon.

“LORD GOD PLEASE PROTECT & BLESS DUTERTE IN JESUS NAME... VOTE DUTERTE FOR PRESIDENT we need him for a real change,” Evangeline Magnetico said.

“God bless Duterte.....and keep him safe....,” another netizen, John Roy Dayalo Daulong, said.

Duterte is known for his iron-hand policy against criminality in Davao City, especially

against those involved in illegal drugs. Several years ago, Duterte ordered a raid on a shabu laboratory in the southern part of the city that resulted in the killing of seven foreign members of a drug syndicate.

The 70-year-old mayor has been going around the country advocating a shift to a federal form of government in the country. Everywhere he goes, however, people have been urging him to run for President.

Duterte, however, has maintained he is not interested in running for President.

area was chosen because of quality of habitat.

The flight of Pamana also signified the continuing success of the science behind her rehabilitation in the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Davao since she was rescued from the mountains of Gabunan Range in Iligan City. She arrived in the center in April 2012.

According to PEC curator Anna Sumaya, she was found by a local perched on a tree near a creek, appearing weak and docile; it was later found out that she had a gunshot on her left breast and on her left wing.

“As one of a few hundred birds living in Mindanao island, her release would not only mean ending a life in captivity and human dependence. Her survival and eventual breeding will also reduce the extinction chances of her kind,” said Ibanez.

Ibanez also said that survival and breeding of every individual bird is important to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle; likewise, maintaining connectivity and inter breeding between groups living in different forests are also key to the species’ survival.

Pamana is predicted to connect the existing eagles together and re-establish gene flow among them.

Pamana bears the bloodline of eagles in Lanao del Norte region, 245 km northwest of Hamiguitan. “If Pamana survives and breeds with a resident bird, bloodlines would mix. This is generally good for the eagle population as wildlife genetics would predict,” said Ibanex.

Pamana’s release also reflects good use of technology for the environment; people who are looking after her are constantly being given information about her plight through the GPS satellite tag and a radio transmitter.

These devices allow for remote monitoring and location tracking. Technology use for the Philippine Eagle expands to the community too: for example, a telco brand has a mobile service that allows its subscribers to donate to PEF via an electronic wallet through text messaging.

As Pamana took flight, a everyone is reminded of their own responsibility to take care of the environment.

She strongly represents conservation and biodiversity – things about the environment that we are reminded to be concerned about as responsible citizens.

As she soared from the branch where she was perching on for about 10 minutes, everyone was also given a sense of security – that she will be safe in her new home.

Dennis Salvador, executive director of PEF, is expecting a high survival chance for Pamana because Mt. Hamiguitan is a protected area.

This gives a better level of enforcement and awareness among the communities and stakeholders alike.

Having Pamana in the wild, according to Department of Tourism region 11 director Roberto Alabado III, means being able to strengthen efforts to turn Davao Region into an ecotourism destination. Tourists will be drawn to visit – but what’s more important is that the collective effort to protect the environment should be maintained. The area won’t be open to mass tourism. Protection of the environment remains to be at the core of this tourism effort so that people will actually have something to enjoy.

All these – and perhaps more – are why Pamana and the rest of the Philippine Eagles matter to the community. As the eagles soar, pride and a sense of awareness for the environment is reignited among all of us. (MindaNews)

The BCDA has attracted 16 firms for the development of the first parcel of land in Clark Green City after it relaxed the Terms of Reference for the project.

BCDA slashed the PHP500-million minimum bid for the 55-percent stake in the joint venture to a minimum of PHP160 million.

The joint venture will be

55-45 sharing, in favor of the winning bid. The joint venture deal will have a period of 50 years which is renewable for another 50 years.

Meanwhile, the Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare land in Central Luzon which is envisioned to be the country’s first smart, green, and disaster-resilient metropolis. (PNA) JBP/KMC

Setting... FROM 4

UP... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

UNDERSTANDING DOWN SYNDROME. Lani Vergara of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Davao Branch answers queries from media practitioners during FAST Fridays media forum at Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Army... FROM 4

Musmos... FROM 5

sion when attacked, “an indication the NPA does not want peace and development.”

“They were not bringing their firearms when they went to the community which clearly shows both were not in war mode,” said the 57th IB statement.

It was the second NPA-perpetrated violence this month in North Cotabato.

Last week, five rebels executed in public in President Roxas, North Cotabato a former comrade who returned to the folds of the law and lived normal lives since then. (PNA)

look after the health of their ‘bosses.’ There is no excuse in not doing their duty to the public. Imagine what would happen if an outbreak affects workers and professionals; it would ultimately disrupt the economy,” Gatchalian said.

He said as of 2013, statistics of South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade recorded the number of Koreans in the Philippines at 88,102 , with Metro Manila area having the largest Korean population in the country with 33,267. The areas of highest concentration are Quezon City (6,655), Manila proper (6,104), and Makati (5,643).

Gatchalian said the majority of Korean tourists in the Philippines are students who

study in short-term courses in English language schools to cope with South Korea’s growing demand for English proficiency. As of March 2011, 26,823 Korean students held special study permits to enroll in short term courses. According to the Philippine-Korean Cultural Center in Seoul, over 1,500 Koreans under 20 years old arrive in the Philippines every month to study English.

“The large numbers of South Koreans coming to the Philippines as tourists and as students should be reason enough for the government to adapt stringent measures to prevent MERS from infecting our people,” Gatchalian said.

(With reports from PNA/Xinhua)

ations are located.

According to Suyao, the types of work engaged in by the children are farm labor in agricultural areas while others engage in scavenging and domestic works in urban areas.

Meanwhile, he said as reported by the Municipal Social Welfare Development officer of Monkayo, Compostela Valley province, there were 174 child laborers identified in barangay Diwata in small-scale mining industry.

Since the last survey, Suyao said government program has

been initiated to address child labor issues such as the Sagip Batanga Manggagawa in 2013 when three minors were rescued in a plastic recycling factory; the Project Angel Tree which assisted 1,064 children; and, in collaboration with six organizations the associations of parents of child laborers were provided livelihood assistance.

Suyao said that in October five barangays in the Davao Region will be conferred as Child Labor-Free Barangay.

(PNA)

investor protection, financial development, and competitiveness. He also pointed the importance of improving the rural sector’s access to basic services.

It has been proven that the level of productivity in the ru-

ral areas is parallel to the level of access. Policies should help and encourage small and medium enterprises to foster creation of quality employment to mitigate poverty and truly accomplish more inclusive development.

Solon... FROM 5

DOLE... FROM 5

Survey... FROM 6

These were all satisfactorily accomplished by the regional government and all local government units under its wings – satisfactorily accomplished despite the imperfections and limitations hounding the regional government, despite all doubts.

Maybe, we are still musmos, Gov. Fuentes. But did you know that this “immature” government has just generated P5.5 million port revenue for the first semester of 2015, and surpassed the P1.5 billion worth of registered investments in the second quarter of 2015?

If we were not mature enough to implement change and promote peace in the region, there would be no P77.336 million of various infrastructure projects in the town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao.

The Gross Regional Development Product of the region, headed by Gov. Mujiv Hataman, a Yakan, a Moro, has been tremendously improving since 2011’s 0.3 percent, to 1.2 percent in 2012, to 3.6 percent in 2013.

The region has also addressed the problem of maternal and child mortalities. In 2013, the number of maternal mortality decreased to only 51 for every 100,000 live births and 32 infant mortalities for every 1,000 live births, a far cry from the 245 maternal mortalities and 55 child mortalities in 2008.

In 2014, the Bangsamoro-dominated ARMM was recognized as the most improved region in terms of reduced cases of maternal and child mortalities under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Because of the reforms that the regional government initiated, the back wages for the 283 elementary and secondary Maguindanao teachers -- amounting P60.146 million -- were distributed.

And to address the lingering problem of lack of schools

and classrooms for our students, the Department of Education-ARMM will be building a P560 million school project in Basilan.

To help our farmers, the Department of Agriculture-ARMM has proposed the inclusion of P833 million worth of projects in the budget of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

Only a few days ago, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said the ARMM posted the lowest in unemployment rate at 3.2 percent among the 13 out of the 17 regions outside the National Capitol Region.

This list could go on and on and on.

That the Bangsamoro is immature states that we are unable to govern ourselves effectively.

That statement reeks of discrimination, Gov. Fuentes.

It was an insult to a race that governed Mindanao for many decades, even before the word ‘government’ was introduced to our consciousness. This is also the race that valiantly fought for the island against all colonizers.

The statement betrays the truth that some Mindanao leaders need to relearn history and to educate themselves about the new Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and how the Moro leaders have proven that the Moro people can govern themselves But thank you very much for giving us another opportunity to correct all the wrongs said about the Bangsamoro.

But don’t take our word for it, Gov. Fuentes. Let me take this opportunity to invite you to visit us at the regional government and see for yourself what we Bangsamoro have done so far for the people of the region.

You need to see for yourself what these “musmos” have done for our people, within the working government of the ARMM. Thank you.

Xuegong, Dr. Carunia Firdausy, and Dr. Siew Yean Tham. Dr. Mohamed Ariff , EADN representative to the Global Development Board of Directors, was also in attendance.

The cross-national dis-

cussion and exchange of expertise and insight ensured that each study received recommendations that encouraged the author to meet international standards and incorporate regional perspectives.

EADN... FROM 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

11 ENVIRONMENT

Saving the ‘World’s noblest flier’

Philippine eagle

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Philippine eagle up close.

I

F the endangered Philippine eagle could only speak, these are the words the bird would be telling us: “I have watched forests disappear, rivers dry up, floods ravage the soil, droughts spawn uncontrolled fires, hundreds of my forest friends vanish forever and men leave the land because it was no longer productive. I am witness to the earth becoming arid. I know all life will eventually suffer and die if this onslaught continues.”

Are you listening? Like those “forest friends” that vanished forever, the Philippine eagle may soon join them. In 2010, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Bird Life International listed this species as critically endangered. Today, only about 180 to 500 birds survive.

Massive deforestation has turned the Philippine eagle into an endangered species, deplored Dennis Joseph I. Salvador, the executive director of the Davao-based Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a non-profit, non-stock organization acknowledged to be the leader in raptor and wildlife management in the country today.

The Philippine eagle lives in dipterocarp and mid-montane forests, particularly in steep areas. Its elevation rang-

e s from the lowlands to mountains of over 5,900 feet. Only an estimated 9,220 square kilometers of old-growth forest remain in the bird’s range.

However, its total estimated range is about 146,000 square kilometers.

“Tropical forest raptors like the Philippine eagle have been greatly impacted by habitat destruction. Reduced territory size, declining numbers of prey animals, and disappearance of large nesting trees all have contributed to the eagle’s decline,” noted Craig Kasnoff, a journalist who promotes the plight of endangered species and the efforts to save them.

“By using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, we are, in the process, saving wildlife and their habitat,” said Salvador of PEF, which has embarked on a captive breeding program since the 1980s, succeeding in January 1992 with the birth of Pag-asa.

Pag-asa is the first tropical eagle born in captivity.

“Pag-asa connotes hope for the continued survival of the Philippine eagle, hope that if people get together for the cause of the Philippine eagle, it shall not be doomed to die,” Salvador said.

Although PEF’s conservation breeding program con-

tinues to improve and succeed, it is “only a scanty step in the long process of restocking eagle population” for it is necessary to renew the forest habitat before artificially-bred eagles can be released in the wild.

“If time will come that we have enough stocks, where shall we release them?” Salvador asked. “And how will the eagles sighted in the wild survive if factors which threaten their lives continue to haunt them?”

During the Independence Day celebration last June 12, an eagle named Pamana which underwent rehabilitation in Malagos, was released inside the Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage site in Davao Oriental.

“Pamana was rehabilitated by the PEF for three years after suffering from gunshot wounds in Mt. Gabunan, Iligan,” wrote Jon Joaquin, Edge Davao’s managing editor. “Its reintroduction to Mt. Hamiguitan is expected to contribute to the increase and improvement of the eagle population once it finds a mate and breeds.”

The Philippine eagle is second only to the Madagascar sea eagle in rarity. In size, it beats the American bald eagle; it is the world’s second largest -- after the Harpy eagle of Central and South America.

This bird of prey was first discovered in 1896 by English naturalist John Whitehead in Samar. He first called it the monkey-eating eagle because he thought it fed primarily on monkeys and gave it the scientific name, “Pithecophaga

jefferyi.” The scientific name came from two Greek words: “pitekos” (monkey) and “phagien” (to eat). Jefferyi was the discoverer’s tribute to his father, Jeffrey, who funded his expedition.

In 1978, the old name was dropped and given its present name through Presidential Decree No. 1732 after it was learned that monkeys comprise an insignificant portion of the bird’s diet, which consists mostly of flying lemurs, civet cats, bats, rodents, and snakes.

A majestic bird, the Philippine eagle stands a meter high, weighs anywhere from four to seven kilograms and has a grip three times the strength

Philippine eagle in a cage.

of the strongest man on earth, according to PEF. With a wingspan of nearly seven feet and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the Philippine eagle can gracefully swoop down on an unsuspecting prey and carry it off without breaking flight.

Unlike men, Philippine eagles are monogamous. Once it has selected a partner, it is for keeps forever. “Once an eagle reaches sexual maturity -- at around five years for males -- it is bound for life with its mate.

They can be seen soaring in pairs in the skies,” PEF states.

According to PEF, the breeding season ranges as early as July to as late as February.

During the breeding season,

the eagles do aerial courtship and mate in the nest or near it.

The eagle’s nest is approximately 80 feet above the ground (usually on tall trees) in prominent mountain peaks overlooking a river or stream to give a good view of its territory.

The female eagle lays only one egg every two years, PEF informs. Both parents alternately incubate the egg for about 60 days, although the female spends more time incubating while the male hunts.

Upon hatching, the eaglet remains in the nest for about 5.5 months. Once it fledges, the parents will continue to look after the young eagle for as long as 17-18 months teaching it how to fly, hunt, and to survive on its own. The young eagle matures in about six years.

“Our data suggests more than 90% of juvenile eagles die before they reach maturity,” discloses Salvador. “A large part of this is caused by humans. Eagles were shot, trapped, and hunted.”

Because of its rarity and size, the Philippine eagle was once a collector item among bird hunters. “The Philippine eagle became a desirable acquisition for zoos and private collectors, beginning in the 1960s. Collectors stole young eagles from nests for sale to the highest bidder,” Kasnoff wrote.

Efforts to save the Philippine eagles started in 1965 by Jesus A. Alvarez, then director of the autonomous Parks and Wildlife Office, and Dioscoro S. Rabor, another founding father of Philippine Conservation efforts.

American aviator Charles Lindberg, who described Philippine eagle as “the world’s noblest flier,” spearheaded a drive to save the bird from 1969 to 1972. Within this time frame, several helpful laws were passed.

The Philippine eagle was officially declared the country’s bird icon on July 4, 1995 by then President Fidel V. Ramos under Proclamation No. 615. Under Philippine law, killing a Philippine eagle is punishable by 12 years in jail and heavy fines.

The Philippine eagle is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao (where the largest number of eagles reside). It can be found in Northern Sierra Madre National Park on Luzon and Mount Apo, Mount Malindang and Mount Kitanglad National Parks on Mindanao.

Salvador -- a Spanish family name which means “savior” -- urges Filipinos to help save the endangered bird from extinction. “When the last eagle dies, it shall be the sign of the worst yet to come: The death of our environment,” he warned.

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

2GO switches to MS Office 365 2

APEC Family Photo by the Bridge

Sustainable and inclusive growth in APEC economies within reach

APEC SFOM Wraps Up with Broad-based Support on Cebu Action Plan

T

HE Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Finance Officials’ Meeting (SFOM) closed on Friday with a firmer Cebu Action Plan (CAP) on the back of broadbased support from economies across the region on the CAP’s 4 pillars: financial integration, fiscal transparency and reforms, financial resiliency, and infrastructure development and financing.

Senior finance officials from across the Asia Pacific refined the CAP throughout the 2-day meeting, drawing on insights provided by international financial institutions on the global economic outlook. With the second and last day of the SFOM covering financial resiliency and infrastructure development and financing, APEC economies found each pillar of the CAP attuned to areas that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable, inclusive growth.

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “As we celebrate our 117th year of independence here in the Philippines, the conclusion of the Senior Finance Officials’ Meeting in Bagac, Bataan marks our commitment to forge a freer future for our people, in terms of building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies across the region.

It is perhaps fitting that one of CAP’s milestones lies in a place where freedom has been fought for ever so bravely.”

Thanking the senior finance officials’ collaborative spirit throughout the meeting, Purisima added, “I look forward to the Finance Ministerial Meeting in September. The Cebu Action Plan is both a strategic response to current opportunities and challenges and a lasting vision for the future.”

With complex forces like falling oil prices and changes in monetary policies shaping the

region’s outlook, Odd Per Brekk of the International Monetary Fund reported that there is rising demand to support the growth and recovery efforts among economies in the Asia Pacific by boosting infrastructure investments and undertaking structural reform to boost potential economic output.

Arjun Goswami of the ADB underscored how improving financial inclusion by lowering the cost of sending remittances is important as developing APEC economies received $135 billion remittances annually in the past 5 years. To this end, the Cebu Action Plan was commended for its proactive approach to remittance cost reduction.

The CAP’s emphasis on developing capital markets to enhance financial resiliency was affirmed by the ADB as a way to address the region’s vulnerabilities to sudden reversals

of capital flows and disasters.

With a disaster-prone region with cost of damages reaching $1.2 trillion over the last decade, the CAP is a robust response to enable member economies to absorb shocks better, through strengthening regional safety nets, cooperating in disaster management and risk financing, and building deeper financial markets.

The CAP’s pillar on infrastructure development and financing has a focus on urban development and regional connectivity, apt for the future of a growing region. The ADB says urban populations in APEC are projected to increase rapidly from 1.8 billion in 2013 to 2.4 billion people by 2050.

Meanwhile, the ADB has earlier projected a $1 trillion per year infrastructure financing gap for 2010-2020, in which the private sector is expected to contribute 40%.

far-reaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) program which encouraged customers of the telco as well as its enterprise ICT segment Globe Business to take part in a wide-scale electronic waste (e-waste) recycling movement. The idea of donating old mobile phone units into useful materials for building schools in Aklan resonated well among stakeholders and concretized the concept of a viable environmental sustainability drive.

With over 50 enterprise clients pitching in, Project 1 Phone has helped reduce greenhouse gases by about 207 million kilograms. Online, the promotional video material has so far garnered more than 471,000 YouTube views, while total digital efforts accounted for 37.2 million impressions. Most importantly, the proceeds have reached more than US$189,000 or P8 million for the construction of Aklan-based schools.

Globe also won an award for its #ProjectWonderful integrated corporate campaign.

It sparked genuine customer

centricity and innate care for its customers, especially for Typhoon Haiyan survivors as the telco’s response to nation-building in the aftermath of the calamity. It contributed to donation and fund-generation as well as triggered volunteerism to build 100 homes in Leyte and Aklan. Media mileage also reached more than US$2

million from the PR executions’ global buzz online brought about by American actor Gabriel Macht’s involvement, and also through traditional broadcast channels. #ProjectWonderful also redounded on the telco’s business by positively affecting its financial performance during the campaign period.

Globe advocacies honored at 2015 PANAta Awards

F

OR exhibiting excellence in advocacy programs and internal communications initiatives, Globe Telecom earned citations from local marketing luminaries as it captured multiple accolades across various platforms at the recently-held 2015 PANAta Marketing Effectiveness Awards.

Among 59 awardees and top Philippine companies with multiple wins, Globe captured distinctions in all of the categories it entered into. These include advocacy marketing as well as brand and internal communications.

“To be bestowed with these PANAta awards is an affirmation from local advertising industry stalwarts that our advocacies and communication programs transcend their purpose. They can serve as effective marketing tools to deliver a ‘Globe of good’ to a wider public as we continue to be a model corporate citizen of the Philippines,” said Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto.

Globe received an award for its Project 1 Phone, the

Receiving the four PANAta Awards trophies on behalf of Globe are (left and right) Corporate Social Responsibility Experts Abelyn Evangelista and Carmela David, as well as (center) Corporate Brand Management Director Roland Jonas Ferrer.

GO Group Inc, the largest, premier logistics provider in the Philippines, has switched to another cloudbased solution, Microsoft Office 365.

To date, 2GO is Globe Business’ biggest Microsoft Office 365 client with almost 3,000 licenses. As the world’s leading productivity application, Microsoft Office 365 provides enterprise-grade tools that brings together familiar Microsoft Office desktop applications that lets its users get things done easier and faster.

Gabriel David, CIO of 2GO Group had this to say: “Our email prior to O365 was a hosted MS Exchange provided by a local vendor. The main reason why we transferred from our old provider to O365 is reliability, plus the fact that O365 offers bigger storage and better collaboration tools. Because of the frequent issues and non-commitment by the local vendor to improve their

infra and technology, we decided to look for other alternatives. We did an in-depth study of O365 and other email solutions that could offer the same services.

For us, O365 came up the strongest due to its technology, functionality and ease of use.”

David also said O365 deployment was “reasonably easy,” taking them around only one month to deploy almost 3,000 emails. There were a few challenges with the migration but with the help of Globe, issues were immediately addressed.

“We wanted a single point of contact for the email, and when we found out Globe was a Cloud Service Provider of Microsoft, we were confident enough to work with them as majority of our infrastructure for our Data Center and Back-up-as-a-Service (BaaS) is with Globe. Our core services such as Direct Internet, MPLS and Wireless Mobile are also with Globe Business.”

NOTICE OF LOSS

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

6/8,15,22

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

CLASSIFIED 13

14 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

PH bets still far from target T

HE Philippines remained mired in sixth place in the overall medal tally with only a few events left in the 28th Southeast Asian Games.

Where the golds trickled slowly last week, Christopher Ulboc and the men’s poomsae team of Dustin Jacob Mella, Rodolfo Reyes Jr., and Raphael Enrico Mella contributed to the gold harvest of the Philippines.

Indonesia remains far ahead of the Philippines in the overall tally.

That means the Philippines is more or less assured of finishing no lower than sixth spot after Myanmar failed to win a single gold medal on Friday, but it needs five more gold medals in the following days just to match its output in the Myanmar Games two years ago.

As the medal-rich sport of athletics came to a close on Friday at the National Stadium, Ulboc ruled the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of eight minutes, 59.07 seconds for the athletic team’s fifth gold - well below the eight to 12 gold medal target heralded by its leaders.

Prior to the Games, Phil-

ippine officials have predicted anywhere from 40 to 60 gold medals which, by now, looked unreachable for the 700-plus contingent heading to the final stretch.

After the race, Ulboc offered the gold to the Philippines as it celebrated the country’s 117th year of independence.

Taekwondo began its campaign with the Mella siblings and Reyes winning gold in the men’s poomsae team event beating Vietnam and Indonesia.

The country’s two silver medals for the day also came from taekwondo with Rinna Bibanto taking second in the women’s individual poomsae event and Irene Bermejo bowing to a Vietnam opponent, 19-7, in the women’s Under 46-kg division final.

Edgardo Alejan Jr. finished third in the men’s 400m run while Fil-Americans Donovant Arriola and Jessica Barnard settled for the men’s long jump and women’s 3,000m steeplechase bronze medals, respectively. Narcisa Atienza also placed third in the women’s hepthatlon.

Veterans Liza Clutario and Liza Del Rosario combined forces with youngsters

OUT OF THE RUNNING. The celebrated Philippine women’s volleyball squad is out of the medal race after a loss to Vietnam.

Lara Posadas, Marie Alexis Sy, Maria Arles, and Krizziah Tabora to win the bronze in the women’s team of five event in bowling on 5,776 pinfalls.

In shooting, the men’s trap team of 2008 Olympian

Golfer of the week Started playing golf: February 2012 What’s in his bag?

Woods: Mizuno Irons: Mizuno Ball: Titleist Prov 1 Gloves: Fit39 Golf get-up: Footjoy and Uniqlo golf shirts Shoes: Footjoy Most memorable wins: * 2012 Golfer of the Year at Frankie Miñoza Cup held at Del Monte (Bukidnon) and Alta Vista Golf and Country Club (Cebu) * Qualifier, 2015 Junior World Championships in San Diego, California on July 12-14, 2015 * Qualifier, 2015 US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina on August 1-4, 2015

Eric Ang, Hagen Alexander Topacio, and Miguel David Laperal took the bronze.

Katharina Lehnert and Jeson Patrombon lost in the women’s and men’s singles semifinals in tennis, respectively, while Jenar Torillos

also captured a bronze in the men’s under 54kg in taekwondo.

In waterskiing, Mark Howard Griffin and Maiquel Jawn Selga won the bronze in the men’s and women’s wakeboard events.

The Philippine men’s basketball team formally entered the semifinals with a 125-21 win over Timor Leste even as the women’s squad lost to Indonesia, 61-56, dampening its hopes of a gold medal in the biennial event.

ZEUS SARA: Too young and too good

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

M

AKE no mistake about it. When it comes to the local junior golf scene, one name stands out like a young demigod.

Meet Zeus Sara, an eight year-old golfing wonder, who can rip that drive to 220 yards. If that is not amazing, what is?

Zeus just picked golf three years ago but immediately he made an impact by winning golfer of the year in Frankie Miñoza’s junior golf tournament circuit in Del Monte, Bukidnon and in Alta Vista in Cebu City. Zeus dominated the local

jungolf scene in just about every tournament. As if that was not enough, he conquered the national jungolf ranks and made it to this year’s Junior World Championships in San Diego, California and in the US Kids World Championships in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Zeus carries a Mizuno golf set inside his bag and his usual get up is a combo of Footjoys or Uniqlos.

Like every golfing kid, he mixes and matches colors but that is just secondary to his game. What really turns heads when he’s on the fairways

are his monster drives and his precise short game.

He is set to leave for San Diego, California on June 29 for the world’s biggest junior golf tournament.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

L

LEBRON JAMES: Time for everyone to contribute.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 52 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JUNE 14 - 15, 2015

TIME TO USE RESERVES

Lebron admits he needs help from teammates

EBRON James says the weary Cleveland Cavaliers could use more playing time for reserves who have seldom seen playoff action now that the NBA Finals are at a crucial stage.

The best-of-seven series against Golden State is level at 2-2 with game five on Sunday at Oakland, where the Cavaliers dealt the Warriors only their fourth home defeat of the season and playoffs in game two.

Cavaliers coach Dave Blatt has mainly used only two players off the bench, leaving five others to sit and watch as four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James and other starters wear down, fighting cramping and fatigue late in games.

“That’s the coach’s decision if he decides he wants to go deeper in the bench.

We haven’t played many

guys throughout this playoff run,” James said.

“I think it would help some of the guys that are playing some high minutes for sure, just give guys a couple minutes here, a couple minutes there. But I think the coaching staff will try to do what’s best to help us be physically and mentally prepared for Sunday.”

Shawn Marion, a 37-year-old forward, helped Dallas to a 2011 title by beating a James-led Miami team in the finals. Brendan Haywood is a 35-year-old center. And 35-year-old swingman Mike Miller has struggled with his shot much of the season.

But in short stints, they could offer a few minutes of vital rest without allowing Golden State to score at will.

For a Cavaliers team that lost All-Star forward Kevin Love to a separated left shoulder in the first playoff round and All-Star guard Kyrie Irving to a fractured left kneecap in the finals opener, any help could be crucial.

“We don’t have many options as far as lineups we can go to, but we can make adjust-

ments,” James said. “That’s what you do throughout a series.

“We’ll get to the film and make the necessary adjustments coming into game five.

But as far as lineup changes, we don’t have many different lineup changes we can actually go to.”

Golden State coach Steve Kerr knows he has superior depth, telling his team of smaller players to “weather the storm. They are going to wear down,” after falling behind early in game four, counting on the fatigue a faster pace would bring to Cleveland.

“You want to be out there, but you want to be effective while you’re out there too,” James said.

James was notably stuck on the bench at the 2004 Athens Olympics where he watched the US team settle for bronze, kept on the bench much of the time in favor of more veteran players, never able to know if he could have made a difference in USA Basketball’s most humbling episode.

Blatt stays with winners

What Blatt is doing is sticking with the rotation that turned around the team’s season after a 19-20 start. Yet with Love and Irving gone, the load is being carried by aching shoulders that have endured a playoff run of nearly two months.

Blatt says that when James gets his few minutes of rest each night, he must get more from those on the floor.

“When he is out, everyone else has got to step up and give a little bit more,” Blatt said. “We’re thinner now than we were, but that’s not an excuse. We’ve just all got to pick it up.”

Russian center Mozgov says it’s not his place to ask for more time for reserves.

“We play like seven guys but it’s all that we have and we can’t ask for something different,” he said. “It’s a lot of work to see how we can be better, both in energy and game plan for everyone.”

And James does not want to see reserves like J.R. Smith, who went 2-for-12 shooting and 0-for-8 in 3-pointers in game four, facing too much pressure.