Edge Davao 8 Issue 55 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

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Majority of Dabawenyos want Rody to run The BIG NEWS P2

Delayed BBL passage means delayed decommissioning The BIG NEWSP3

NEW CONDO. Construction workers install the iron braces Wednesday for the foundation of a high rise condominium building being constructed along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

SARA TOPS ADDU SURVEY 7 of 10 Dabawenyos want Sara over brother Paolo By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

ORMER Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte - Carpio topped on the recent survey conducted by the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) as the preferred choice for the mayoralty if his father Mayor

Rodrigo R. Duterte will run as president in 2016. In yesterday’s presentation of the third city-wide Social Survey of ADDU-Social Research Training and Development Office, Duterte-Carpio got 70.2 percent

of the 628 respondents in the three districts of the city. Duterte-Carpio was followed by his brother incumbent vice-mayor Paolo Z. Duterte with 13.7 percent and first district congressman Karlo Alexei B.

Nograles with 7.8 percent. There are 2.9 percent of the respondents who are undecided while there are 2.4 percent who voted other possible candidates such as former Vice Mayor Luis

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Warriors win first NBA title in 40 years Sports P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

PROTEST. Lumad leaders and some students stage a protest rally in front of the Department of Education (DepEd) 11 office in F. Torres Street to demand for the permit to operate of Lumad schools in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. The group set up a makeshift tent outside the DepEd 11 office and vowed to continue their protest until they get their demands. Lean Daval Jr.

Hugpong members seeking Duterte’s blessing for 2016

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said he will ask the majority of his local political party Hugpong saTawong Lungsod who will be the official candidates in the elections next year. “I’ll throw it to the body to finally decide,” Duterte said even as he revealed that there are other candidates who are asking his blessing for them to become official candidates of the party. He said Rep, Isidro T. Ungab of the third district had solicited his endorsement for the candidacy of his younger brother, Engr. Alberto Ungab. The older Ungab is now on serving his third and final term as congressman of

the third district. Duterte also said that 1BAP party-list congressman Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III has asked him if his son, incumbent councilor Karlo S. Bello, will be endorsed by the party as third district congressman in 2016. “Bebot is my friend. May pinagsamahan kami niyan kasi pareho kami (We have been together since we have similarities),” he said. The mayor said he and Bello have been together since college days. He said that they have same principles in governance. Duterte, however, said that he will not yet select any candidates as of the moment

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Dabawenyos support Rody’s presidential bid By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

AJORITY of the people of Davao City are throwing their support to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in his possible presidential bid next year. A city-wide survey of the Ateneo de Davao University-Social Research Training Development Office showed that most of the 628 respondents in the three congressional districts have agreed on

Duterte’s possible presidential bid in 2016. Social Research and Training and Development officer-in-charge Dr. Christine S. Diaz said there were 210 respondents from the first district and 209 each in the second and third districts. The survey was conducted last May 11 to 17. “We ask the respondents, do you agree or disagree of

Mayor Duterte in case he will run as president in 2016 elections,” Diaz said in yesterday’s presentation of the survey. Based on their recent data, 81 percent of the respondents in the first district agreed of Duterte’s presidential candidacy while 17.6 percent have disagreed and 1.5 percent undecided. In the second district, 78 percent agreed that Duterte

should to run in 2016 while 21.5 percent of the respondents are disagreeable and 0.5 percent undecided. In the third district, 87 percent are agreeable for Duterte to seek the country’s highest post, with 9.1 of them have disagreed and 2.3 percent undecided. “Others refused to answer since it is the right of

Año said that they do not have any report that Subere was helt captive on April 12. Instead, their information had it that Subere was captured on the latter part of May. “April 11, nag AWOL na siya. April 12 tinawagan siya pero sabi niya wala na siyang interest na bumalik sa serbisyo,” Año said. Año also said that they are suspecting that the rebel group used Subere to get information or use him to infiltrate government forces. He cau-

tioned, however, that all their speculations will will only be verified after the conduct of an in-depth investigation. Base on the report, Subere was captured on April 12 at Brgy. New Dumangas, T’boli, South Cotabato. On June 2, the Subere family confirmed that he was captured by the NPA. The Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted aggressive operation in an attempt to rescue Subere which prompted the NPA to transfer him to Kiamba in Sarangani Province.

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DILG to step up fight NPA abduction could be scripted: Año against illegal drugs By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

EPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II ordered the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to step up the fight against illegal drugs. In a speech in the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs summit in Koronadal City, on Tuesday, Roxas encouraged the police to win the battle against illegal drug and the syndicates behind it. “Let us show our peo-

ple actions not words. Let us show them operations not memos. Let us show them arrests not excuses. We should not let our people down. Let us not allow illegal drugs to win in our country,” said Roxas, Roxas personally issued the directive before the local government executives, civil society organizations, and PNP officials including acting PNP Chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.

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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday said it has suspicions the capture of Private First Class Khen Subere of 27th Infantry Battalion was scripted. Major General Eduardo Año, 10th Infantry Division Commander, said that they suspected that Subere and the New People’s Army (NPA) have links which paved the way for a scripted capture. Ano said that the girlfriend of Subere is a member of a militant group.

“Sa aming inisyal na imbestigasyon, nakita na ang kanyang girlfriend ay member ng militanteng grupo at naghihinala kami na ang pagkuha sa kanya ay isang script na ginawa ng kalaban,” he said. Año revealed that Subere was absent without leave (AWOL) when he was captured by the NPA. He explained further that based on their data, Subere went AWOL on April 11, 2015. He was reportedly captured by the rebel group on April 12, 2015.

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

LEGITIMATE ENCOUNTER. Philippine Army 10th Infantry Agila division commander Major General Eduardo Año insists that incident in Paquibato where three people were killed was a legitimate encounter between the military INVASION TOUR. Kaz Onozawa (left) of Spectrum and Royd Og of Frolic Fox promote the Invasion Tour in Davao City, a and the alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA). Año reiterated this during the AFP-PNP press corps media joint project of the production outfit, in time for the celebration of the Kadayawan sa Davao. The two gentlemen graced yesterday’s AFP-PNP press corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr. forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Scholarship portal for HS students set S

OCIAL enterprise startup Edukasyon.ph has launched an online portal where high school students can find courses, schools, and scholarships on one site for free. “We want to make it easier for students to find the different educational options available for them in the Philippines. Through our online portal, students can now explore all the college and technical-vocational courses offered in our country,” said Edukasyon.ph Chief Executive Officer Linartes Viloria. As of 2014, there are a total of 7.2 million high school students and only 3.6 million of them are pursuing college, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). “Limited career orienta-

tion, expensive tuition fees, and lack of knowledge on where to search for educational opportunities are some of the key problems that high school students and individuals seeking to expand their education and professional development are encountering in choosing the right course and university. Students need help in finding the educational opportunity that will fit their interests, budget, and desired location,” said Viloria. Currently on beta, the website boasts of more than 3,000 schools, 30,000 courses, and 2,000 scholarships which are offered all over the Philippines. “There are so many opportunities for education out there that a lot of our students are unaware of. And these include

FSCHOLARSHIP, 10

‘Massacre’victims armed, SOCO says By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE three fatalities on the alleged legitimate Military operation in Paquibato District were found positive with gun powder burns. Based on the forensic examination result conducted by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), the three victims, Datu Ruben Enlog, Randy Carnasa and OlogarioQuimbo were positive on the gun powder burns. 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Ano said that based on the SOCO result it cannot be denied that the three were armed during the encounter. Año said that they were about to serve a warrant of arrest to a certain Nestor Angoy alias “kaOpaw” who was reportedly with leoncioPitao alias “Parago” and the three fatalities on the house of Aida Seisa. However, an exchange of fire happened resulting to the

death of Enlog, Carnasa and Quimbo. Año said that the Military suspects that the three sacrificed their lives in order to let parago and KaOpaw escaped. According to Felipe, son of Randy Carnasa, his father was just attending a birthday party at the house of Seisa. On the other hand, the City council will call for a committee hearing for the investigation of the Paquibato incident. The Military though welcomed the said investigation of the city Council. “City Council’s move is very welcome so that we can show to them how the NPA used innocent people for their own good,” Año said. 3rd District councilor, Karlo Bello, chair of the committee on human rights said that the city council will create a fact finding mission on the place of incident on Friday to Saturday to find out what really happened.

Delayed BBL passage means delayed decommissioning T

HE continued delay in the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is affecting the timetable not only of the establishment of the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) but also the process of decommissioning firearms and combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Tuesday’s ceremonial turnover of 55 high-powered and 20 crew-served weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDP) in the presence of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and the decommissioning of 145 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the MILF’s armed wing, is only the first of four phases agreed upon by the Philippine government (GPH) and the MILF under the Annex on Normalization signed on January 25 last year. The first phase involves

only a small number of weapons and forces decommissioned – “bonus” as MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told reporters before the program started Tuesday morning – but the second phase, which ends with the ratification of the BBL, involves the decommissioning of thousands of weapons and combatants. The Annex provides that when the BBL is ratified, 30% of the forces and weapons would be decommissioned, 35% more in the third phase and the last 35% in the fourth phase. The MILF’s BIAF has an estimated 10,000-strong armed force. Compliant with Peace agreements In his speech, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim reiterated their publicly pronounced position on the BBL: “We will only accept a BBL that is in compliance with the letter and spirit of the FAB and CAB and its annexes.” President Aquino said he

SURVEY RESULT. Ateneo de Davao University-Social Research Training Development Officeofficer-in-charge Dr. Christine S. Diaz bares the results of the third series of city-wide social survey on Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s

was personally investing his time and effort for the BBL, spending a whole day until the wee hours of morning in a meeting with members of Congress, to “eventually finish reviewing and scrutinizing the draft BBL.” He said the MILF had already shown proof of their sincerity through the ceremonial handover of firearms and decommissioning of combatants even if there is uncertainty in the passage of the BBL. Apparently addressing legislators who are opposing the BBL, the President said in Filipino: “If there are ten steps between us, steps we must take to become closer to one another, and they have already taken nine and a half steps—would you still deprive them of that last half-step? If you look at yourself in a mirror, would your conscience not haunt you? If, in obstructing the best solution, you arrive at the point in which your family is affected, would you be able to face them and say, ‘Sorry, this happened because I kept

us from realizing peace?’” “Remember this day” “To those crafting the law, and to those who will vote, when the time comes, in the plebiscite on the BBL: Remember this day. We who did not do our duty by them, we who put forth the wrong solutions, we who failed to do our utmost to protest and put a stop to the abuses committed against them—are we also going to seize from them the chance to live dignified and peaceful lives? Are we going to cling to baseless fears? Do we want to fall back on solutions that have already failed to rectify the problem, and which instead gave rise to more divisions and deepened the wounds caused by a lack of trust?” Aquino asked. The equivalent of opposing the BBL, he said, is “as if you have willfully deprived them of what should be theirs—ensuring that they have no opportunity to uplift themselves; guaranteeing that they will never lay down their arms and leave

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possible presidential bid. Diaz said the survey covered three congressional districts with 628 respondents and was conducted last May 11 to 17. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

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Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim and President Benigno Aquino III inspect the firearms during a ceremonial turnover to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) at the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat on June 16, 2015. The MILF turned over a total of 75 weapons as an initial step toward decommissioning. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

President witnesses decommissioning rite

Government Peace Panel chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer inspects decommissioned firearms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front during a ceremony at the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat town on June 16, 2015. Seventy five firearms are being turned over to the Independent Decommissioning Body by the MILF. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

MILF’s turnover of arms vital confidence-building

HE turnover of weapons and the decommissioning of combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday is an important confidence-building measure that shows that both sides are committed to achieve enduring peace in Mindanao, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said. The decommissioning is important to attain peace in Mindanao, and it is part of the normalization annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), Secretary Coloma said. The CAB serves as the basis for the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),

which is still in Congress. Secretary Coloma was reacting to some lawmakers’ comments that despite the decommissioning, the BBL will still face scrutiny in Congress. "Mahirap namang paghiwalayin ang pagkilala na ang decommissioning na inumpisahan na sa araw na ito ay isang mahalagang confidence and trust building process," he said. "Talaga namang ito ay maiuugnay doon sa pagsulong sa prosesong pangkapayapaan na bahagi pa rin nito ay ang pagkakaroon ng isang enabling act, ang Bangsamoro Basic Law." Coloma also addressed

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RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday (June 16) witnessed the historic turnover of 75 firearms by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) and the decommissioning of 145 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces at the Old Capitol, in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindnanao province. "Heto ang pruweba ng kanilang katapatan sa ating harapan. Kusang-loob pong inilatag ng ating mga kapatid ang kanilang armas. Ginagawa nga nila ito kahit nakabitin pa ang Bangsamoro Basic Law, at mangyayari pa lang ang Bangsamoro Transition Authority," the President said during the event held at the Old Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao province. "Ito po ay napakatibay

na patunay ng buo at busilak na pakikiisa ng MILF sa ating usaping pangkapayapaan, at sa kanilang kahandaang talikuran ang landas ng hidwaan. Iniaabot nila ngayon ang kanilang palad bilang imbitasyon patungo sa higit na pagtitiwala at pagtutulungan," he said. The 55 high-powered firearms and 20 crew-serve weapons that were turned over, as well as the returnees, were registered by the IDB, which was formed in 2014 and mandated to oversee the decommissioning of the MILF’s forces and weapons. The IDB is composed of chairman Turkish Ambassador Haydar Berk, a former Turkish representative to the North Atlantic Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and members Major Muhammad Aiman Syazwi Bin Abdul Rahim of the Royal Brunei Land Force; retired

Norwegian Brigadier General Jan Erik Wilhemsen, who served in the United Nations peacekeeping forces to Honduras, El Salvador, Central Sudan, Nigeria and Nepal; Professor Mario Aguja; retired Lieutenant General Rey Ardo, who served as Commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Von Al Haq, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces; and Isah Bato. The decommissioning program for the MILF forces was inspired by the different peace processes done in Nepal, Northern Ireland, and Aceh, Indonesia. Moro returnees can avail of any of the socio-economic programs deemed suitable for them, such as the livelihood package, where former combatants may undergo training through the Technical Educa-

tion and Skills Development Authority or a literacy program through the Department of Education; and a college study or high school grant, both of which are provided with allowances to enable them to start schooling. All returnees will be given immediate assistance and health insurance as part of the socio-economic package. For his part, MILF Central Committee Chair Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim thanked President Aquino for pushing peace and development in Mindanao. "We cannot thank President Aquino enough for his unwavering commitment in our partnership to build a truly democratic, peaceful and safe society in the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said in his message during the ceremony. “Today, we begin the long

3 (SPO3) Diosdado Maturan, a resident of Davao Empress Subdivision, Sasa, Davao City. Maturan was formerly assigned as first sergeant of base camp PNP Regional Office XI. In an affidavit-complaint, PO2 Antonio Corona declared that he has been the PNP XI administrative and supply officer since 2003, and on Oct. 19, 2006, he had issued two M-16 armalite rifles and two magazines to then SPO3 Ma-

turan. But in 2007, Maturan had retired from the police service, but he failed to return the firearms and its accessories. Corona claimed he exerted “untiring” efforts to demand from Maturan to return the government-issued firearms but to no avail prompting him to seek legal action against the retired policeman. Records showed that

Maturan failed to return such government properties amounting to Php 65, 140, for two M-16 armalite rifles and two magazines. In indicting Maturan to the crime of malversation of public property, Castaños ruled that Maturan failed to return the government properties and instead “willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously misappropriated and malversed the same.” (PNA)

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Retired Davao cop sued for failing to return firearms

53-YEAR-OLD retired police non-commissioned officer (PNCO) is facing malversation charges in court for his failure to return two armalite rifles issued to him by the government during his stint in the police force. In a resolution, government prosecutor Carlos Castaños, Jr. ruled that sufficient evidence existed against retired Senior Police Officer

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Esdevco awards contract for Building 1 E

SCANDOR Development Corporation (ESDEVCO) has awarded the contract for the construction of the first condominium building for its signature project Matina Enclaves. Riezl Landcare and Construction recently won the bidding among three invited firms to handle Building 1 of The Enclaves Residences. “ESDEVCO recently held a momentous event as a developer having awarded the general contract for the first Condominium Building in The Enclaves Residences to Riezl Landcare and Construction,” said Gerald Garces, project head of Matina Enclaves. The contract signing was presided by no less than ESDEVCO President Glenn Y. Escandor and Engr. Mendrado L. Canusa, Sr., Riezl Landcare president. Witnessing the signing were ESDEVCO Project Director Gerald M. Garces, Engr. Edmundo Abella and Arch. James Magdadaro of AGM Consultants, Esdevco Project Manager Engr. Norwin Serrano, Riezl Project Manager Engr. Nino Canusa VI, and Esdevco Admin Supervisor Neil Baquiran.

Riezl Landcare possess a reputable track record as a contractor being in the construction industry for 42-years. Classified as one of the best local contractors, their portfolio of completed and on-going projects include expansion facilities of SPMC, Davao Central Chemical Building, Notre Dame School in Gensan among others. The contract duration is for 450-calendar days, which commences on June 23, 2015. Matina Enclaves is a mixed-use upscale community project under home-grown property firm Escandor Development Corp. (ESDEVCO). It is 500 meters away from SM City Davao in the Ecoland district, 15 minutes away from the Davao city hall and less than a kilometer from major establishments such as the NCCC shopping mall and S&R Davao. The project covers 5.7 hectares of land just outside this city’s central business district and will have four clusters: the Plains, a residential community; Madison Courtyard, a townhouse complex; a medium-rise residential condominium; and a commercial building.

CONTRACT SIGNING. The contract signing between ESDEVCO and Riezl Landcare was presided by no less than ESDEVCO President Glenn Y. Escandor (second from right, seated) and Engr. Mendrado L. Canusa, Sr., (third from right) president of Riezl Landcare. Also in the event were Esdevco Project Director Gerald M. Garces, Engr. Edmundo Abella and Arch. James Magdadaro of AGM Consultants, Esdevco Project Manager Engr. Norwin Serrano, Riezl Project Manager Engr. Nino Canusa VI, and Esdevco Admin Supervisor Neil Baquiran.

Escandor (right) and Canusa (left) seal their deal with a handshake.

6 THE ECONOMY

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Culinary festival at SM Lanang By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of 130 chefs and culinary students from different parts of Mindanao will compete in the 12th Mindanao Culinary Festival (MCF) slated June 25 to 26 at the Atrium of SM. Lanang Premier. Organized by the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) in partnership with the Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC), the three-day event is the island-region’s biggest culinary competition with no less than the country’s top 14 chefs who are all accredited by the World Association of Chef Societies acting as judges. “The MCF aims to provide a venue for friendly competition and learning opportunities for those who want to excel in their career in hotel and restaurant management,” said DATA president Salome D. San Jose, proprietor of Davaobased Chippens restaurant. San Jose, speaking at the Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday, said the festival provides an avenue for the local chefs and

culinary students can showcase their talents and skills in culinary. Participants will be competing in different categories including the Filipino Cuisine Challenge for professional chefs and apprentices and Young Chef’s Team Challenge for students and apprentices, both for the team competition. For the individual competition, registered participants will compete at the categories of local fish and seafood, pasta, quick fire salad, plated desserts, wedding cakes, and dress the cake. Manila-based chef judge James Antolin, Les Toques Blanches (LTB) treasurer and vice president for Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, said this is the first time that PCC partnered with DATA to bring the competition here. “Other cities like Cebu and Iloilo had tried to partner with us but we chose Davao because we see a lot of potential here,” Antolin said, adding

NEW TV. Sony Bravia marketing officer CJ Deacosta shows the features of the company’s latest line of smart and innovative televisions, the new 4K and Full HD TVs which support Google’s Android television operating system 5.0 or lollipop during yesterday’s product presentation at Sony Centre Abreeza. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao group wants amendment Customs collections to ’obsolete’mining engineering law up 2.6%, Jan. -April FCULINARY, 10

By JON JOAQUIN

jon@edgedavao.net

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday reported that its total collections for the first four months of 2015 reached P120.384 billion, an increase of P3.118 billion or P2.6 percent over the P117.266 billion collected from January to April of 2014. In a statement, the BOC said collections from non-oil grew by 5 percent year-onyear from P21.623 billion in April 2014 to P22.699 billion in April 2015. It said this was driven by the increase in both its volume and value of imports by 12 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively.

The BOC said despite an increase in collections of nonoil imports, it posted a total collection of P28.141 billion in April, 8.5 percent lower than the P30.764 billion collected in April 2014. And it said despite a 6.7% increase in the volume of oil imports, collection on oil imports — which was 30 percent of total collections in April last year — fell to P5.441 billion from 9.141 billion in 2014. The BOC said this was due to a 45 percent drop in the weighted average values of crude oil and petroleum products.

EMBERS of the Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers (MAEM) are pushing for the approval of the proposed bill that will amend some provisions in the “obsolete” mining engineering law or the Republic Act 4274. “We are hoping that this will be passed by the Congress this year,” MAEM president Alexis F. Baligod told Edge Davao in a recent interview. Baligod said the proposed amendments were presented to the members on the third day of the Annual Mining Symposium at the Waterfront Insular Hotel last week for ratification. Once ratified, the proposal will be submitted to Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, who is the author of the senate bill 994 which shall be known as the “New Mining Engineering

Act of 2012”. “The amendment of the law will be for the safety and protection and welfare of Filipino mining engineers,” Baligod said, adding that some of the firms here are importing foreign mining engineers and mining experts instead. MAEM board of trustees and chairman of the welfare committee Donald G. Estrella said one of the provisions of the proposed amendment include the expansion of the coverage of practices of mining engineers here. “There were certain practices that only mining engineers have the expertise but some companies and firm resort on hiring civil engineers, among other to do our jobs,” Estrella said, adding that mining engineers have the expertise anything about rocks. Another amendment pro-

posed in the working draft is the expansion of the meaning of “mine.” According to the draft, mine “shall mean all kinds pf excavations and/or extractions aimed at extracting minerals, ores, subterranean or groundwater reserves, quarry resources and or energy reserves, regardless of manner and scale as well as the intrinsic value of the material excavated or extracted for beneficial usage in the context of responsible mining and sustainable development.” Estrella said the current definition of mine under the law is limited to excavation or extraction of mineral limited to five, namely, silver, copper, nickel, chromite, and gold. In the draft, the association also requested that only licensed mining engineers should be allowed in making

reports on the preparation of the implementation of final and progressive and partial mine rehabilitation and decommissioning programs and implementation of Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs (EPEP). He also said it was included in the draft the license of mining engineers should be revoke if he is proven to be involved in any illegal mining operation with his consent and knowledge. The members of the mining engineers nationwide called for the amendment of the law because they said it is already timely with the Asean integration where they expect there will be free flow of skilled workers and investment especially in Mindanao where there’s huge deposits of minerals. CHENEEN R. CAPON

gaining prominence as the country’s major producer of quality cacao beans,” HVCDP regional coordinator Melani Provido said. “While visiting Ralfe Gourmet, a renown processor, in Cebu last month I chanced upon asking where are they getting their supply of cacao beans and they simply replied: in Calinan, Davao City. This only shows that Calinan cacao beans are now becoming famous among leading processors in the country,” she said. Recently, Davao-made chocolate product had been conferred Bronze Award by

The Academy of Chocolate for the best unflavored drinking chocolate. This recognition also proves that Davao chocolate product is at par with leading chocolates in the world. Provido said that such recognition could provide great opportunity to cacao farmers and demand for Calinan-produced cacao is expected to increase. This P500,000 worth of sorting and grading facility which is strategically located along Davao-Bukidnon National Highway makes the delivery and buying of cacao beans accessible and con-

venient to both farmers and buyers,” Provido said. DA will not limit MACOFED to engage into sorting and grading only but could also use the facility as buying station not only of cacao beans but other agricultural commodities such as vegetables, corn, and coconut including rice as the area is surrounded by rice paddies,” she added. She said government›s reforms such as transparency in its budget enabled farmers to learn how to access funds not only from regular government programs but also from foreign-assisted projects such as

BSP assures enough Facility to make cacao trading more accessible to farmers supply of bank notes

N official of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday discounted shortage of paper bills and coins in the country even as the central bank is set to demonitize old bank notes. Grace Malic, Deputy Director of the central bank’s Currency Issue and Integrity Office (CIIO), said it has been a long time since a shortage happened in an area she did not disclose but pointed out that the problem was caused by shipping schedule. “It was only due to suspension of the operations of

the shipping company and not because of printing or minting issues. We never had a problem with supply,” she told PNA in an interview. Malic said that for one, there are about 2.8 billion notes currently in circulation and only about 19 percent of these are old notes or those belonging to the New Design Series (NDS), which are issued since 1985. She reiterated the central bank’s stance that pulling these old notes out of circulation is easy.

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ACAO trading will now be more accessible to both farmers and buyers in Calinan, Davao City. This, after the Department of Agriculture - High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) recently turned over a cacao sorting and grading facility to Macabatug Cooperative Federation (MACOFED). The federation has strength of 19 primary cooperatives and catering to at least 780 hectares of cacao farms. “This is another boost to the cacao farming communities here in Calinan especially that the area is now slowly

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INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT QUICK here, what’s the next favorite karaoke song after “My Way”?

If you answer “Just Once” in your list, you are a certified karaoke addict. Throw in that list too “Somewhere Out There”, “One Hundred Ways”, “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” and “I Don’t Have a Heart.” If you know your karaoke popular list, you must’ve known James Ingram. Or your Dad must have sung one of those songs for your mom. Music icon, multi Grammy award-winner and back-to-back Oscar nominee James Ingram inspires and touches the hearts of millions of listeners worldwide through his abundant gifts as a singer, performer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer. That’s how Ingram is aptly described. From funk to soul to R&B to pop to adult contemporary to inspirational, James Ingram’s multi-faceted talents have dazzled the American music scene since the early ‘80s. The Akron, Ohio, native went from playing

JAMES INGRAM: JUST ONCE, DAVAO By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

local bars with Revelation Funk to Los Angeles, where he landed the types of gigs that most aspiring musicians only dream about: singing background vocals and playing piano for Ray Charles’ recording studio sessions; recording studio sessions and playing key-

boards behind the Coasters for Dick Clark; and recording background vocals for his mentor, Marvin Gaye. Ingram’s talents as a songwriter and performer were tapped by some of the most celebrated artists of the era, most prominent was his “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young

formed by Ingram and Patti Austin - was featured in Best Friends (1982) and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group as well as an Academy Award nomination in the Original Song category. Other important contributions to feature films include “Don’t Make Me No Never Mind,” co-written with Quincy Jones and Roy Gaines for Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple (1985), and Ingram’s duet with Anita Baker, “When You Love Someone,” by Bryan Adams, for Forget Paris (1995). “Somewhere Out There,” performed by Ingram and Linda Ronstadt for Steven Spielberg’s animated American Tail (1986) also received a Grammy for Song of the Year. Then 1993 and 1994 brought Ingram back-to-back Academy Award nominations. His duets with Dolly Parton, “The Day I Fall in Love,” featured in Beethoven 2 (1993),

Thing)” for Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982), which sold more than 50 million units,. He performed “Baby Come To Me,” with Patti Austin (1984) on her debut album, which went on This Ju 3, to become a No. 1 Pop James Ingly record. Other chartperforms rham topping, Top 10 colgreatest hit is laborations include SMX Conves at the “The Secret Garden,” Center in D ntion the No.1 hit with Barry avao White, Al B. Sure and El Debarge on Quincy Jones’ multi-platinum Back on the Block album, (1990). James, as a song writer is timeless and Anita Baker, “Look he received Grammy recog- What Love Has Done,” the nition for his participation theme song from Junior on the song entitled “Good (1994), were songwriting Life”, in the “Best Rap collaborations with Carole Song” category, performed Bayer Sager and recognized by Kanye West (featuring in Oscar’s Original Song T-Pain) in 2007. category. Ingram also became a Worldwide acclaim has favorite of Holliwood. His led to concert tours in the wide-ranging songwrit- U.S. and abroad, where ing and vocal abilities and h e continseveral hit singles for blockues to buster motion and animated pictures followed. “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” - a songwriting collaboration between Michel Legrand and Marilyn and Alan Bergman, per-

play before sold-out stadiums in The Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, Brunei, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Fans at home have been able to see Ingram perform live everywhere from Compton to The White House. In addition to all his corporate performances and activity as a recording artist, James travels world wide and has been constantly busy with trips to South East Asia: in The Philippines, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia, he’s one of the most popular U. S. Artists, performing and playing before sold out audiences, year in and year out. “Music is an important part of my life, Ingram notes, “but it’s not all of my life…my family’s my life. I never confuse who I am with what I do.” On July 3, Ovation Productions and Red Stone Productions conspire to bring Ingram for a rare performance in Davao City dubbed as the James Ingarm Greatest Hits Tour at the SMX Convention Center. “It happens just once, so if you want to get that chance to listen to James Inbgram in the flesh, this is your one and only chance,” said Vincent Tupas of Ovation Productions. Fortunately for one and all, James Ingram’s ‘extended’ family includes his many admirers throughout the world. This July 3, James Ingram performs his greatest hits at the SMX Convention Center in Davao. Sponsored by Air 21, Max’s Fried Chicken, Boiling Crabs and Shrimps, Ad and Promo Management, Wild 92.3 FM, 95.5 Hit Radio, Edge Davao. Tickets are available at The SM Store Customer Service Counter of SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier, Customer Service of Gaisano Mall of Davao or at Mount Olive Trading at the corner of Mabini and Circumferential Road near the entrance of Marfori Subdivision beside Mercury Drugstore. For more info call 09162867088 and 0932-6376185.

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UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

It’s a muffin love after all Will Chik

I’M a self-confessed muffin lover. Yes, I’m a picky cake eater. I’m not one to patronize an overly decorated cupcake and muffin and a sweeter than life icing. I want my cupcakes and muffins simple and moist. I want them flavourful and pleasant to the bite. I want them full and popped. Yes, I am still not the pastry chef my peers expect me to be but I am learning to be one. With nothing but a handful of flour and my imagination to help me, I have embarked on a new delicious journey – a muffin journey. So, here are some of my favourite muffin recipes that have made me happy after a baking session. They’re basic recipes I have tweaked and adjusted to my preference. Hence, you can always adjust them to your taste. Banana Muffin I love Banana’s hence this is not a surprise to have on my list. I love how the banana fills my senses even before I bake them. • Preheat oven at 325 degrees F. Prepare muffin/cupcake pan with liners. Set aside. • In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp baking powder. Set aside. • In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups granulated

“NO. As of now, ‘yun pa rin naman ‘yung plano namin ni Drew na next year pa (magkaka-baby),” said Kapuso star Iya Villania during a recent press interview.

“At saka, I mean, hindi naman talaga halata ‘yung belly ng mom kapag four to five months ‘di ba? Feeling ko I’ll be able to get away with it for a while pa. Kapag hindi na ako sumaside view, alam na! Pero next year pa naman. That’s

sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 3 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gently stir in mashed 4 ripe bananas. • Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Fold until well blended. • Fill prepared muffin pan. Bake until tops are golden brown and a toothpick tester comes out clean. Vanilla Muffin This is my go-to basic muffin recipe when I want to experiment. You can absolutely anything. • Preheat oven at 400 degrees F . Prepare muffin/cupcake pan with liners. Set aside. • In a large bowl, combine 4 cups all purpose flour, 2 cups

GMA Ne throws party fo

granulated sugar and 1 tbsp + 2 tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt until blended. • In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, 2 eggs, 8 tbsp melted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract. • Mix dry and wet ingredients gradually. • Spoon into prepared tins and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Blueberry Muffins This is my go-to sweet muffin. I love that I can substitute the blueberries with any other berries and fillings I want. Just don’t have it too runny or it’ll turn your muffins into sponge.

• Preheat oven at 350 degrees F. Prepare muffin/cupcake pan with liners. Set aside. • In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt. Combine until well mixed. • In another bowl, whisk together 1 egg until lightcoloured – about 20 seconds or so. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar until mixture turns thick. Add 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter in 2 or 3 additions – whisking to combine after each addition. Add 1 ¼ cups sour cream in

GMA Network welcomes home Kapuso Basketball Heartthrob Kobe Paras last Thursday, June 11, at the Executive Lounge 2 additions. • Add 1 ½ cups of frozen or of GMA Network Cenfresh berries (you can choose ter. Kobe brings pride to any)to the dry ingredients the Philippines for once and gently toss. Do not again winning the 2015 mash. Add the sour cream FIBA 3x3 under 18 Slam Championship mixture and fold. Do not Dunk held recently in Hungaovermix. • Spoon over prepared tins. ry. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes – rotate the pan for an even top. • Serve while hot. Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram @herroyalheiress for your delicious food finds!

The country’s top chefs to grace Mindanao Culinary Festival at SM Lanang Premier FOURTEEN celebrity chefs, who are members and officers of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Les Toques Blanches (LTB) Philippines, and Pastry Alliance of the Philippines (PAP) are coming to Davao to be part of the biggest and much awaited culinary competition in the region – the Mindanao Culinary Festival (MCF) to be held simultaneously with the World Food Expo (WOFEX) on June 25-27 at SM Lanang Premier. Now on its 12th run, the Mindanao Culinary Festival, a project of the Davao Tour-

ism Association, will raise the bar in the culinary competition as it will be aligned with the standards and mechanics of the prestigious Philippine Culinary Cup, providing even more prestige to this culinary competition. With the vision of providing the Filipino chefs an internationally-recognized platform to hone their skills and showcase their talents in the culinary field, the MCF will provide a venue for friendly

the T Iya jug tap TV pro we day 24O Ch “ ran aya ko Iya Pia

competition and learning opportunities for those who want to excel in their career in hotel and restaurant management. It will be participated by Chefs, Apprentices, HRM and Culinary schools, Restaurant owners, Hotel and Resort Managers, as well as the general public from Davao and beyond. This exciting event is presented by the Davao Tourism Association (DATA), in partnership with the Philippine Culinary

Cup (PCC) and in cooperation with the SM Lanang Premier. The presence of the country’s top Chefs namely: Chef J Gamboa , Chef James Antolin, Chef Fernando Aracama, Chef Buddy Trinidad, Chef Norbert Gandler, Chef Reggie Aspiras, Chef Jerome Valencia, Chef Penk Ching, Chef Jackie Ang Po, Chef Dan Basilio, Chef Mike Yap, Chef Brando Santos, Chef Jem Raymundo and Chef Carlo Miguel will surely give a blissful experience to the culinary industry. For more details, contact 0922-8630832, 0939-8065383, 0918-9141047 or send an email to mcf2015coordinator@gmail. com. You can also check MindanaoCulinaryFest Facebook page for updates.

During the homecoming ceremony, the GMA Artist Center contract artist was awarded with a plaque of appreciation for his exemplary achievement in the field of basketball and for being a positive influence to the youth. Present in the celebration were Kobe’s father Benjie Paras and brother Andre Paras as well as network officers led by GMA Network’s Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., EVP and COO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films President Annette Gozon – Abrogar, SVP for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable, SVP for Finance and ICT Ronaldo P. Mastrili, VP for Entertainment Marivin T. Arayata, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, VP for Corporate Communications Angela J. Cruz, SAVP for Alternative Productions Gigi S. Lara, AVP for Entertainment Darling P. De Jesus, AVP for Entertainment Janine P. Nacar and AVP for Drama Cheryl C. Sy. Kobe feels honoured and overwhelmed with the warm welcome given by the Kapuso Network. “It’s really an honor that GMA did this for me. I feel so loved and I just

w t m t w w c

VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

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ka Minute affect Iya and Drew’s family plans?

e plan,” she added. These are busy days for a. She will now have to ggle her time between ping for GMA News ’s Taste Buddies, doing oduction numbers on eekend variety show Suny All Stars, and hosting Oras’ showbiz segment hika Minute. “Gusto kong isipin na pang guest pa lang ako kasi aw ko ‘yung kaba, ayaw ‘yung pressure,” shared a, who officially replaced a Guanio as Chika Minute

host beginning June 15, Monday. Iya said she feels glad that GMA News chose her and embraced her quirkiness. “Gusto kong umiyak. Nakakakilig, nakakatuwa. I mean, it really is a pleasant surprise. I wouldn’t say na I was deserving, for me, it’s really God’s will. If it’s not for you, then it’s not for you. If it’s for you, mapupunta ‘yan sa iyo. So kung hindi napunta sa akin, I would have been okay rin naman,” she shared.

etwork welcome or Kobe Paras

want to say thank you. This tournament wasn’t easy for me, even if my daddy was there, it was so difficult. I wouldn’t have done this without my teammates especially my coach John, so I just

Though it would admittedly be a challenge for Iya to speak fluently in Filipino, she promised she would give it her best shot to properly deliver the news. “They (viewers) will get to see me try my best sa wikang Filipino. Yes, sa Filipino talaga. But I never give up and I always put everything that I can into whatever it is that I do, so I will definitely do my best na i-deliver ng tama ‘yung news,” she explained. Being the bubbly person

that she is, Iya considers toning down her energy as the biggest challenge of all. “Depende sa level na required sa akin. Of course, it would also depend din sa news. Kasi kung medyo sad ‘yung news, hindi naman pwede. So maga-adjust naman ako. I will be appropriate,” she said. Catch Iya Villania on 24Oras, together with veteran broadcasters Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales, airing weeknights at 6:30PM, on GMA-7.

John Lloyd saves dog’s life in ‘Home Sweetie Home’

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ (Romeo) becomes heroic in the latest episode of the hit Kapamilya sitcom, “Home Sweetie Home” as he rushes to save a dog that almost got hit by his tricycle this Saturday (June 20).

While on the way home, the tricycle that Romeo is riding almost collided with another vehicle. As he was about to leave the scene unscathed, Romeo rescues a pomeranian that almost got run over by the tricycle and decides to bring it home. At Romeo’s house, Rence (Clarence Delgado) quickly develops a bond with the pomeranian, which he named Hero. But unknown to Romeo and Rence, Hero’s owner, the English speaking kid, Jessica (Xia Vigor) is searching for her beloved pet. Meanwhile at work, Romeo suggests that their load allowance be cut off in the meantime in order for the office to purchase a fire extinguisher as part of their disaster preparedness plans. At first, Romeo’s officemates were against his initiative, but when a socket at the office sparks that causes a minor fire, things change. How will Romeo, Rence, and Jessica handle the situation with the lost dog? Will Romeo’s officemates realize the importance of sacrificing their load allowance for a valuable investment for their office? Find out in this Saturday’s episode of “Home appreciate the fact that you Sweetie Home!” guys did this for me and I’m Catch the Kapamilya comedy shows and make really proud to be a Kapuso weekends complete with “Banana Split: Extra because this really means a Scoop,” “LUV U,” and “Goin’ Bulilit.” Catch up on lot and no matter what hap- full episodes and past episodes of “Home Sweetie pens, I’m happy na meron Home” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more infordin akong pamilya dito.” mation, please go to www.abscbnmobile.com.

June 17 – 23, 2015

JURASSIC WORLD Chris Pratt, Judy Greer PG

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

ENTOURAGE Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly R16

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

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano G

R-16

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

SAN ANDREAS / * INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 Alexandra Daddario, Dwayne Johnson/ *Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott PG/*PG

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

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FOOD

A fusion of food choices for dad at the Marco Polo

Fried Squid with Salted Egg.

Tuna with Red Pepper Sauce.

DADS love a good meal on Father’s Day and the Marco Polo Davao has their sights on their palate with great offerings at the Cafe Marco and Lotus Court this coming June 21. Going international, Cafe Marco’s Fathers Day spread will feature international dishes with various salads, tapas such as Baked Scallops in White Wine Sauce, Chicken Wings with Tomato Dressing, Miniature Pork Brochettes, and Patatas Bravas with Pan-fried Green Chili. A standout dish for me was the Tuna with Red Pepper Sauce. The tuna was grilled to perfection while the Red Pepper Sauce complimented the meaty tuna by adding a punch of flavour to the meaty fish. On the same day, The Lotus Court will offer a Cantonese lunch buffet featuring the best dishes created by Chef Sunny Cheng of the Marco Polo Ortigas. Highlights include Mushrooms with Home-made Tofu, Fried Squid with Salted Egg, and Stir-fried Seafood.

Tuna Nicoise Salad.

Mushrooms with Home-made Tofu. The International Father’s Day buffet at the Cafe Marco is at Php1,200 nett for lunch and Php1,300 nett for dinner while the Father’s Day Cantonese

lunch buffet at the Lotus Court is at Php1,200 nett. Dads will also receive a surprise giveaway. For reservations, you may call the Marco Polo

Davao at +63.82.2210888. Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

RBG offers a buffet fit for a king on Father’s Day! THIS FATHER’S DAY, Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s RBG (Restaurant, Bar & Grill) invites you to its Special Supersize buffet on June 21. The hotel’s famous Supersize Meal will be set on a buffet. Indulge in a buffet spread of salads, soup, main course, vegetables, pasta, appetizers clusive selection of and desserts. One meat and seafood of the main high- for grilling. light at the carvLunch is priced at ing station is the Php680.00net per perall-time favorite son with free flowLechon plus an ex- ing assorted juices or

Php1000.00net per person with unlimited beer or selected cocktail. Dinner is priced at Php750.00net per person with free flowing assorted juices or

Php1000.00net per person with unlimited beer or selected cocktail. Kids ages 6-12 get 50% discount. All Dads will have a chance to join the fun games and win exciting prizes. To make the event extra special, enjoy the live band during dinner. RBG (Restaurant, Bar & Grill) is located at the ground level of Park Inn by Radisson Davao For reservations, please call 272 7600, Email us at fb.manager@ parkinn.com or message us at www.facebook. com/parkinndavao.

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

The Ayop farm.

Organically-grown tomatoes.

Portrait of an accidental farmer Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E is known as one of the finest media personalities in Davao City. Most television viewers know him as the man who reports on crimes (murders, rapes, and robberies) and vehicular accidents. But most people don’t know that he is also a loving husband, a doting father to his three sons, and a farmer. Even Elric Ayop himself has never imagined of being a farmer. “I am not what most people think of as a green thumb,” he says. “When I was still a kid, I used to plant in our home and even in school. More often than not, those I planted died.” So much so that when he told his children to go with him to their farm in barangay Kapatagan in Digos City, Davao del Sur, they wondered. “What are we going to do there?” they asked. “We will be planting vegetables,” he replied. His answer surprised them all the more. “But you are a journalist and not a farmer,” the children told him. Well, he answered them in a low voice, as if he was whispering to them: “You can call me an accidental farmer.” The good thing about it is that his beautiful wife, Maria Fe (nee Baguio), is very much supportive of his endeavor as a farmer. “The two of us travel from Davao City to our farm in Kapatagan every week,” he reveals. “Sometimes, we travel even twice a week.” His farm, without name as of this writing, is located some 23 kilometers from the national highway. The road is cemented although there are some portions that are still to be fixed, especially those as you approach the barangay proper. The almost three-hectare farm is surrounded by banana plantations, which could be dangerous to the organic veg-

etables he is planting. “When I started the project, almost all people told me that I would fail,” he says. “Once the banana farmers will spray bananas with pesticides, those pests will convene in my farm. But I have proven them wrong.” The good thing about the farm is that it has a spring. “I was thinking of having a resort here,” he says. “But I think for the moment, it is good for farming. The soil is still fertile and the place is cooler.” Although Ayop is still new in this kind of endeavor, he seems to be successful. Last February 16, he planted some 7,000 tomatoes in the farm. “Sixty days after planting, we enjoyed our first harvest,” he says. “As I remembered it, we harvested 30 crates and we sold our organically-grown tomatoes at P25 per kilo. The following week, we harvested 15 crates again.” Ayop finds planting tomatoes more challenging than any other vegetables. “Some people say the lifespan of a tomato is up to three months or good for three harvests only,” he says. “That is true if you plant tomato and apply synthetic fertilizers. But we found out that it is not true when it comes to those grown organically.” Tomatoes are actually vines and can grow to as high as 10 feet, depending on how a farmer prunes them. “Organic tomatoes can produce 100 fruits or more per hill and continue to bear fruits up to six years or more,” he says. “The crop may start to bear fruits within two months after planting and will continue to bear fruits all year round.” Instead of using commercial fertilizer, Ayop enriched the soil with horse manure. “Actually, there is no overdose or underdose when it comes to manure; the more manure

Horse manure. the better,” he says. For 100 sacks of horse manure, he paid P7,000. “I have not fully used all of them yet. In fact, I still have some horse manure in the farm.” Like other crops for planting, Ayop prepared the lot where the tomatoes would be grown. In doing land preparation, he applied Organic Humus. This is a super compost material that converts soil from acidic/alkaline into having a normal pH level. One tablespoon of Organic Humus is mixed with 16 liters of water. “By using Organic Humus, all 60 natural micronutrients in the soil (which are beneficial to crops) are activated,” Ayop explains. “We used it one month before planting and continued spraying every other week. Humus is foliar so you can spray it all over the crops.” At growing period, Ayop used the “enhanced” Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). It’s a Korean organic bacterial technology that eliminates all forms of bacteria that attack crops, thus leaving the vegetable healthy and strong. In addition, OHN has growth hormones so the crops grow taller than those being applied with synthetic fertilizers. During the flowering period, an organic fungicide and germicide called Boron Humate is sprayed to hold the flowers so they can grow further to become fruits. “By using organic born, you can expect more tomatoes to bear fruits,” Ayop says. According to Ayop, tomatoes can stand well during sunny days. But it’s a different story when it comes to rainy season. “You will encounter different kinds of diseases like early blight and blossom end rot,” he says. To check the above diseases, he asked his caretaker to cut the infected leaves and

Elric Ayop, the accidental farmer.

Maria Fe Ayop, the supportive wife. fruits and sprayed the crops with baking soda mixed with water. “With baking soda, the pH level of the leaves will be reduced to normal and cure itself. In a matter of days, new buds will come out.” As for the pests like aphids, worms, and grasshopper, Ayop sprays the crops with canola oil. It is mixed with dishwashing liquid and water and once it is sprayed to the crops, the pests would go away thus leaving them clean and healthy. “With proper cultivation, good organic pesticides, the plants can stand against diseases and pests,” Ayop be-

lieves. “Just like human beings, plants also have their so-called ‘antibodies’ which can fight diseases.” Aside from tomatoes, you can also find other vegetables in the farm: cucumber, eggplant, sweet pepper, and okra. “There are other benefits of growing crops organically,” he says. “If there’s a glut in the market, farmers may opt not to sell them immediately. This is because crops grown organically don’t rot right away. As such, farmers can wait for the right price for their produce.” In addition, organically-grown crops have their specified market. “Rich fami-

lies who are more health conscious are some of our clients,” Ayop says. “Organic vegetables are best to prevent premature aging.” Organic vegetables can also get rid of those diseases that usually attack when eating pesticide-laden vegetables. In the northern part of Japan, old people are enjoying life because most of them are eating organic vegetables and drinking tea. “We can also achieve a healthy and long life by eating properly and especially if those you put into your mouth are not loaded with chemicals,” Ayop concludes.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

EDITORIAL Addressing a big problem

PO AGUA INFRASTRUCTURA, INC., the company formed by Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and JVA Construction Company, to build the P10-billion Davao Bulk Water Project, presented the project to members of the Davao City Council at the Marco Polo Hotel Tuesday noon. The presentation assisted by technical experts of the Davao City Water District showed great promise that the age-old problem of lack of potable water supply in the city’s Second District will be solved at last. Apo Agua will tap the surface of Tamugan River in the Third District and bring the bulk water to a total of eight huge reservoirs, from where DCWD will get the water it will supply its customers mostly to unserved and underserved households in the Second District. The project will however also supply communities in the Third District along the way. Apo Agua will need to build a network of 60 kilometers of pipes from its Tamugan source to the DCWD reservoirs. From these reservoirs, DCWD will deliver water to its customers through a piping system of 70 kilometers long which will be constructed at the cost of P2 billion. This is apart from the P10 billion that Apo Agua

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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

will spend on its own network. There is no doubt that this huge project is a big boost to the booming economy of the city, wherein water is a primordial need. There are some salutary effects of this project. One is that it would enable the DCWD to suspend operation of most of its 57 pumping stations. With this, the Dumoy aquifers will be rested, also giving time to its watershed source in the mountains to be recharged. This will enable the district to save hundreds of millions of pesos in electricity expenses needed to power the pumping stations. The officials of the DCWD also promised that the multi-billion project will not result in a spike in the city’s water rates, which are currently the lowest of all the leading cities in Mindanao and the Visayas. It is also hoped that all the waste water that can be generated by this additional water production can be contained in a comprehensive sewerage system that government must build posthaste and not wait for street flooding to worsen. And yes, aside from a sewerage system, our city definitely needs a sewage system in order to protect Dabawenyos from pollution and diseases.

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

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S a footnote to Deuteronomy 34:9, someone wrote: “Moses trained Joshua to take his place, so that Moses might become dispensable. So did Jesus train His disciples before His ascension. So should all leaders train others to take their place. Success without a successor is failure.” In their book, Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge, Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus found out over 850 different definitions of leadership. “Leadership is one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth,” asserts book author James MacGregor Burns. “Leadership is the process of persuasion or example by which an individual (or leadership team) induces a group to pursue objectives held by a leader or shared by the leader and his or her followers,” writes John W. Gardner, author of On Leadership. “Leadership is influence, the ability of one person to influence others,” Oswald Sanders, another book author. “One of the most common failures of leaders is that they spend little time or effort preparing their organization for their departure,” noted Henry and Richard Blackaby in their book, Spiritual Leadership. “Many leaders work extremely hard at their jobs and they may enjoy remarkable success during their term as leader. But one test of great leaders is how well their organizations do after they leave.” When Franklin Roosevelt won his fourth term as American president in 1944, many suspected he would not live to finish his term and that the presidency would inevitably fall to the vice president, Harry S Truman. Many thought he would brief Truman. But he did not. In fact, Roosevelt met

HE nation celebrates today the 117th anniversary of our forebears’ declaration of independence from Spain. That is 117 long years of remembering. Yet, come to think of it, have we really done something of significance to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for us in the altar of freedom? Nothing much, I suppose, that we can collectively be proud of at the moment. We have not, in fact, accomplished enough to deserve the title we coveted as the Pearl of the Orient. For some time the Philippines was even called the sick man in Asia. It now appears that the struggle for independence is a continuing enterprise. Our struggle from absolute foreign domination though had made two historical high marks – our independence from 350 years of slavery under Spain and 50 years of US manipulative rule. True, the former invaders are no longer physically in our shores. Yet in some other ways we have remained under their control. Consider this, our long prostration under the Spanish conquistadors rubbed on us certain undesirable attitudes, manners and traits that have undermined our character as a people. Our preference for white collar jobs and distaste for manual work, our manaña habit (postponing an import-

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Following footsteps briefly with THINK ON THESE! Truman only twice during the 86 days of his vice presidency. So, when Roosevelt died, the unprepared Truman became the president. One commentator Henrylito D. Tacio said, “Roosevelt failed to devel- henrytacio@gmail.com op his successor and, in this respect, he failed as a leader.” It has been said that Napoleon Bonaparte’s greatest failure at the Battle of Waterloo was not having trained his generals to think independently of him. When victory hung in the balance and Napoleon was counting on General Grouchy, with 34,000 men and 108 guns, to engage the enemy. Grouchy remained immobilized. “Lacking initiative, authority and energy,” wrote Felix Markham, Napoleon’s biographer, “Grouchy took refuge in a literal obedience to orders. But the orders he received from Napoleon were lacking in precision and too late.” Markham suggested, “Napoleon frequently criticized his Generals’ mistakes, but he never made any systematic attempt to teach them his methods. He relied entirely on himself.” From the Bible, Samuel’s life comes to mind. He was one of the most godly leaders Israel ever had. At the time of his “retirement,” no one with whom he had worked could find any fault with him (I Samuel 12:15). Nevertheless, he ultimately failed as a

leader, for he did not prepare a successor. A Chinese proverb says, “If you are planning for one year, grow rice. If you are planning for twenty years, grow trees. If you are planning for centuries, grow men.” Or women. In one of her best-selling books, author Laurie Beth Jones shared this story: “Florence Littauer is an amazing woman who has written over thirteen books, one of which, Personality Plus, has sold over 300,000 copies. I attended one of her seminars and was surprised when she came on stage with about twenty-six other authors – each of whom she had helped to write their own books. “She stood there with all those authors and said, ‘If you think I am proudest of my books, you are wrong. I am most proud of the people I have helped to become writers themselves.’ She didn’t define her success in terms of her products, but in terms of the people she had trained. Had she been an insecure author, she might have tried to lessen the competition. But in fact, she was busy training her replacements.” Speaking of writing and training, I was reminded of a story written by Howard Hendricks with Chip MacGregor. It goes this way: In 1919, a man recovering from injuries suffered in the Great War in Europe rented a small apartment in Chicago. He chose the location for its proximity to the home of the famous author Sherwood Anderson (of Winesburg, Ohio distinction). The two men became fast friends and spent nearly every day together for two years. They shared meals, took long walks, and discussed the craft of writing late into the night. The younger man often brought samples of his work to Anderson, and the veteran author

responded by giving brutally honest critiques. Yet the younger writer was never deterred. Each time, he would listen, take careful notes, and then return to his typewriter to improve his material. He didn’t try to defend himself, for, as he put it later, “I didn’t know how to write until I met Sherwood Anderson.” One of the most helpful things Anderson did for his young protégé was to introduce him to his network of associates in the publishing world. Soon, the younger man was writing on his own. In 1926, he published his first novel, which met with critical acclaim. Its title was The Sun Also Rises, and the author’s name was Ernest Hemingway. However, the story doesn’t end there. After Hemingway left Chicago, Anderson moved to New Orleans. There, he met another young wordsmith, a poet with insatiable drive to improve his skills. Andersons put him through the same paces he had put Hemingway – writing, critiquing, discussing, encouraging – and always more writing. A year later, Anderson helped this man publish his first novel, Soldier Pay. Three years later, this bright new talent, William Faulkner, produced The Sound and the Fury, and it quickly became an American masterpiece. When Anderson went to California, he spent several years working with playwright Thomas Wolfe and a young man named John Steinbeck, among others. All told, three of Anderson’s protégés earned Nobel Prizes and four Pulitzer Prizes for literature. The famous literary critic Malcolm Cowley said that Anderson was “the only writer of his generation to have his mark on the style and vision of the next generation.” Now, the question is: Have you ever train someone to follow your footsteps?

structures, principles and philosophy, materials and knowledge system and other things that could respond with relevance to our needs, nature and circumstances as a people. This national goal requires a clear vision, collective and united effort and such level of determination and perseverance that brought the tiny island state of Singapore to where it is now. However, the most urgent of fights we are facing at the moment is against the interacting and reinforcing evils of poverty and corruption which spawn such life-threatening problems like illegal drugs, deteriorating peace and order, and resource and environmental degradation among others. It is pointless to rely solely on the government to meet all our needs and solve all our problems. It is also wrong to blame it for all the blemishes in our landscape and the tragedies and misfortunes, man-made or otherwise, which we are endlessly experiencing. The government is only as good as the people we elected to represent and work for us, and the elected are only as good as the people who elected them. Thus, we do not have to look far and away for the enemy that causes most of the pains and debilitating suffering of this nation. The enemy is us. We are our own enemy.

If we receive money and goods in exchange for our votes to put someone in a government post, we have lost the moral ascendancy to complain about his inefficiency, thieving and corrupting while in office. By trading votes with money, goods or favor, we ignobly become part of the vicious cycle of corruption. Corruption results in inefficient and wasteful government services; products of inferior quality; non-delivery of project outcomes; and the degradation of our natural resources and environment. To become a truly functional democracy demands that we look for an effective way to put an end to this anomaly and immorality in our electoral system. On the other hand, while a functional and responsive government may help reduce the impact of socio- economic and political woes on us, the greatest of help is to come from us, from within each one of us. Poverty is a choice not a destiny. No matter how difficult our circumstances in life may be, we can always change them if we want to. We need only to appraise our situation objectively, define the options and do something to get us out of the rut. If we succumb to so-called fate and do nothing as a result, we are doomed to remain abjectly poor and miserable through life.

117 years and still fighting

TURNING POINT BY WILLIAM R. ADAN ant task or activity in favor of something immediately pleasurable), extended siesta, expensive fiesta and family celebrations, blind submission to authority and many others, all came and developed from our experience and blind imitation of our former Spanish colonial master. This character flaw impacts adversely on our work ethic, pulls down the quality of our performance and stymies our development as a nation. Our liberation from this socio-psychological bondage remains imperative today. Moreover, to this day we continue to suffer from colonial mentality. We believe, accept, and swallow hook, line and sinker everything America dishes out to us, believing that anything made or coming from the US of A is good, superior and beneficial to us. This explains our obsession with American political beliefs, governance system, language, music, movies, TV series, basketball and what have you. All this has also to change. If only to move forward, we must continuously endeavor to develop our own systems and

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Bonguyan, incumbent third district congressman Isidro T. Ungab and first district councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta. Social Research and Training and Development officer-in-charge Dr. Christine S. Diaz the survey was conducted last May 11 to 17 with 628 respondents in the three congressional districts. Diaz said there were 210 respondents from the first district and 209 each in the second and third districts. Duterte-Carpio had already said she has no plans to return to politics in 2016.

She said she might support her older brother, Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte, if the latter pursues his mayoralty bid next year. Duterte-Carpio said she can be a reserve if nobody favorable by the people runs. She urged Dabawenyos to look for another candidate who can do the job. She said she could also support a non-member of the family but qualified that the person must have the capacity to lead and has the heart to serve the people of the city.

“The threat of Illegal drugs is more than a corrosive chemical, it eats at the very soul of its victims and I know, how hard we tried beat it in the past,” Roxas said. The DILG chief also assured the people that the department and the PNP will hunt down drug syndicates and no one will be spared from the campaign. “Sa hanay ng DILG at ng PNP, I commit to you these men that they will produce results. Magsumbong kayo, ire-raid namin kahit sino pa ‘yan. Wala kaming sisinuhin, wala kaming sasantuhin. Hindi kami magpipikit-mata dito sa laban sa illegal drugs,” Roxas said. “Mga kababayan naming sibilyan, these are the men in blue, nandito sila ngayon nagre-recommit ang bawat isa sa kanila at kung meron kayong reklamo na hindi nila ginagawa ang kanilang traba-

ho ay magsumbong lang po kayo sa akin. I will give you the number to call or text para malaman namin kung nagtatrabaho o hindi ang ating mga pulis sa inyong lugar,” he added. “I will expect results, I will expect arrests... and I will expect quality arrests hindi ‘yung kulang sa ebidensya na kung isasampa sa husgado ang kaso ay madi-dismiss lamang agad. Let us show our people we mean business. ‘Yan po ang aming ambag sa inyo: our full good-faith effort na ipakita sa inyo na karapat-dapat kami sa pagtitiwala na ipinagkakaloob ninyo sa amin,” Roxas said. “Now, let us start our intensified anti-drugs efforts here in SOCCSKSARGEN with all of you joining together and we need results because we want to show the drug syndicates that we mean business,” he added. (PNA)

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Hugpong... FROM 2 since both are members of the party. But, in an interview last Saturday, Duterte said that will endorse the younger Bello to succeed Ungab since he had an agreement with Bebot Bello before. “I told him before to give way and allow Ungab to run first,” Duterte said during the release of Private First Class (PFC) KhenSubere in Kiamba, Saranggani Province. Duterte said that the party has not yet planned a meeting for the 2016 election since it too early. If his daughter, former mayor Sara Z. DuterteCarpio, will decide to run as mayor in 2016, Duterte said he will leave her fate to the party.

Earlier, Councilor Rachel P. Zozobrado-Nagayo said that based on her information, Hugoong will meet at the end of June. Zozobrado-Nagayo said many members of the party have already expressed their intention to run for different local positions. She said the intention of some members, especially those serving their third and last terms and now seeking higher positions, will depend on the decision of the party. Second district councilor Louie John Bonguyan had earlier said he is open to run for vice mayor if no member of the Duterte family will run for the position in 2016. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

scholarships they can avail of in the different universities. We want to share this information to help more students get the education that they deserve,” said Viloria. Students can easily find schools and scholarships that match their interests and needs just by logging on at www.edukasyon.ph and registering to get a listing of Philippine universities and courses, as well as scholarship updates. “We are excited to share with students of Davao educational possibilities offered across the country and the world. By giving students a complete picture of what is

available for them, we believe that we are able to help them find the education that can get the jobs that they dream of. We want to give them opportunities, empower them with choices, and help them achieve success for the careers they aspire for,” said Viloria. Edukasyon.ph was established by French-Filipino Henry Motte-Muñoz in 2013. A graduate of the London School of Economics and Harvard Business School, MotteMuñoz was inspired to launch an education website in the Philippines because of the poor source of information on academic opportunities in the country and overseas. isa sa nagtalumpati kaninang umaga," he noted. The decommissioning body, which has been tasked to verify and make inventories of the weapons to be turned over by the MILF, consists of members from Norway and Brunei Darussalam, as well as four people nominated by the government and the MILF, Coloma said, adding that there will be a verifiable process in the accounting of weapons to ensure that the normalization annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is followed, with regards to the decommissioning process. (PNA) to secure special exchange arrangement. Filipinos overseas are also given from October to end-December this year to register with the central bank to be able to exchange their NDS holdings. Demonitization of the NDS will be made after the central bank issued New Generation Currency (NGC) in December 2010. The BSP said the NGCs have better security features than NDS to better protect the public from counterfeiters. (PNA)

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that the region is abundant not only with talents but also with the fresh culinary materials like seafoods, among others. Antolin said thegroup also decided to bring the culinary competition here to elevate the standards of HRM schools and culinary schools here and at the same time give new ideas from Davao that can be introduced by the Manila-based chef to their respective markets. “There is growth in the culinary industry of Davao. It

is evolving,” he said. San Jose said this year’s MCF will raise the bar in the culinary competitions as it will be aligned with the standards and mechanics of the PCC. Winners in the team category will earn the right to compete in the national competition of PCC in Manila on August. The three-day MCF will be held simultaneously with the World Food Expo (WOFEX) at the SM Lanang premier on June 25 to 28.

public concerns on how the government would account for the weapons turned over by the MILF, saying these firearms will be the responsibility of an international monitoring body. He explained that based on the normalization annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, there are concrete guidelines on the decommissioning of the weapons of the MILF. Nagtatag na ng International Decommissioning Body na ang tagapangulo o chairman ay ang ambassador ng Turkey, His Excellency Ambassador (Haydar) Berk,

the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). PRDP is a special project with funding assistance from the World Bank. It aims to promote market-oriented agriculture sector of which cacao had been identified as one of its priority commodities. Part of its investment portfolio is to address needed interventions along cacao value -chain. These include provisions of rural infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, postharvest equipment, and processing facility. MACOFED chairman Benjamin Abando also express

his optimism that the facility will help sustain their federation’s operations and plans to expand into value-adding activities such as processing of chocolate blocks or tablea, choco liquor, and choco nibs. We have government agencies that like DA wiling to help us. Another agency will provide us almost P1 million processing equipment. I urged our member cooperatives to continue in supply us quality and reliable volume of cacao beans to meet the growing demands of cacao buyers,” Abando said. (Noel T. Provido/DA11)

The BSP is set to demonitize NDS, which will only have monetary value until December 31, 2015 but the public can still exchange the said notes through the authorized agent banks and the central bank’s Cash Department from January 1-December 31, 2016. Government offices that have NDS after end-December this year due to several reasons like using these for litigation purposes are allowed to exchange these currencies but only after submitting a formal request to the central bank’s Cash Department to be able

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Dabawenyos... FROM 2 the respondents and some said that they do not know because they were still undecided,” Diaz said. Majority of the people who agreed of a Duterte presidential bid cited good governance and his iron-hand leadership which will make the colorful mayor one of the possible presidential candidates next year. Daiz said those who disagreed cited apprehension over the fact that who will lead the city if Duterte will becomes president. Others also said that he is too old and not fit for the post. Diaz said after asking if the respondents agree or disagree on Duterte’s possible presidential bid in 2016, the research team also asked who are their top five presi-

dential candidates. She said each respondent gave the team their top five candidates from their own choice since the researchers did not give them the names. Diaz said the top five possible candidates were Duterte, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero. Among the five presidential candidates, Duterte topped with 72.2 percent, followed by Poe with 48.4 percent, Binay with 42.1 percent, Roxas with 24.3 percent and Escudero with 8.1 percent. “The result on the top five is based on the frequency of the names given to us,” Diaz said.

conflict and struggle behind.” He said those who say they are for peace but make the passage of the BBL difficult act as if they are “still not content with making the law pass through the eyes of nine needles, that you will add a tenth and an eleventh.” “It is as if you have no other goal than to ensure that there is no space for peace,” he said. He spoke about the visible and invisible costs of war. “If you will not side with peace, how many more will lose their loved ones? How many more communities will find themselves trapped in the crossfire, lacking security? How many who are already suffering will suffer even more? How long before conflict knocks on your door, and involves even your family?” Obstacle race In a statement, Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the BBL, which he described as “the rock on which lasting peace and eventual economic progress in Mindanao can be built,” has “suffered much” in the hands of those who have studied it, as well as those who have not, “but it has been passed by the House Ad Hoc Committee, though it is now going through what might be called an obstacle race in the Senate.” “We pray that this race will soon end and the BBL be hailed as victorious,” Hataman said, adding the peace panels have done their part, the Bangsamoro will continue to do what is necessary, including the decommissioning, “to make our dreams of lasting

peace a reality.” Hataman said he hopes the President, who has been championing the cause of the Bangsamoro, “will do everything that is possible for the BBL to come to its fruition.” Cardinal Orlando B. Quevedo, the Archbishop of Cotabato and lead convenor of Friends of Peace, told reporters in his residence on Tuesday afternoon that it is important the BBL reflects what has been agreed upon by the government and MILF peace panels. He said he hopes the BBL that would be passed would not be “less than the ARMM” but one that would respect the Bangsamoro’s long struggle for self-determination, and honor what has been agreed upon in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a product of 17 years of peace negotiations. “If the CAB cannot be recognized anymore from the versions of the (Houses of Congress), if they (MILF) cannot see their work in the CAB in these versions, they will reject it. In other words, even if Congress passes it, the MILF will reject it, and if rejected, there will be a problem about decommissioning because decommissioning depends on the implementation of (political milestones) in the CAB,” he said. Normalization does not involve only the decommissioning of the MILF combatants and weapons but also the redeployment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (see other story). (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

walk towards transformation, not surrender, to a higher struggle, the start of the transformation of the MILF from a revolutionary organization to a political organization ready to govern and serve the Bangsamoro people," he added. Present during the ceremony were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Governor Mujiv Hataman, Maguindanao Governor Ismael Mangudadatu, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Central Committee Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., and Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo. (PCOO News Release)

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11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

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PRODUCT PRESENTATION. Metro Plaza president Ruben Bangayan (second from right), general manager Cathy Bangayan (center), manager Michele Bangayan (second from left), Sony Philippines, Inc. president and managing director Nobuyoshi Otake (rightmost) and marketing officer CJ Deacosta pose for a photograph during yesterday’s product presentation at Sony Centre Abreeza. Lean Daval Jr.

Tuna canner expands operation

ABOR and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz lauded one of the country’s biggest tuna fish canners and exporters, General Tuna Corporation, for expanding operation—an indication of its growing confidence in the economy—and spending P15 million in noncash benefits for its over 6,000 workers. “Six thousand tuna fish canning workers of General Tuna Corporation will receive non-cash benefits in the form

of uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE), and annual medical examination services, all for free starting this year. This is because the company is expanding its global operation and so it has to comply with general labor standards. I am glad it is voluntarily doing this to its workers. It is good business. It is good corporate citizenship,” said Baldoz. DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo reported that General Tuna Corporation

plant manager Ricardo Magnayon said the workers’ uniforms and PPE provision is in compliance with government regulatory requirements and for its planned international market expansion. “With our plan to expand our international operation, we need to comply with these requirements for our workers as part of our social responsibility,” Domingo quoted Magnayon as saying. “We will cover the cost of medical examination of each

worker. We will make the main production area fully air-conditioned to provide them better working conditions,” Magnayon said. Baldoz, noting this is the first for the company and also for General Santos City, expressed the hope that other canneries in the region will follow suit and replicate the good practice of General Tuna Corporation to ensure their workers’ safety in their respective workplaces, as well as their general well-being.

iconic governance center last June 12, 2015. The project will be undertaken by administration, since previous biddings conducted by the local government failed. It can be recalled that the initial plan of the Rellon Administration is to finish what it coined as “the mother of all infrastructure projects of Tagum” through a turn-key scheme, where the winning firm will finance the project within the agreed timeframe and budget, and shall only be paid after the official turnover and acceptance by the local government. A total budget of 158 million pesos was allocated to finish the construction, 90 million pesos of which will be used for the first and second floors of the seven year old-project starting on the second week of June 2015.

This period will be the first phase of the construction according to the project management board. The scope of work involved in the Phase 1 of the resumption of construction work include roofing, tile works, the mezzanine, drywall partitions, glass works, railings, mechanical work and electrification while the manpower that necessitates filling include that of site engineers, masons, welders, carpenters and laborer. Notably, the second phase of the construction, which entails the final completion of the 3rd and 4thfloors, will commence after the preparation of the necessary bidding documents on the procurement of materials for the last two floors of the building. The budget is sourced from the still-unutilized loan

from the Development Bank of the Philippines by the local government for the same purpose, which was not immediately used pending the audit investigation of the Commission on Audit. The project management board estimates that the city hall will be finished by the first quarter of 2016. The spanking New City Hall of Tagum sits in a sprawling site donated by the Ayala Family in Barangay Apokon where once completed, the edifice will become the hub of the city government’s administrative functions which shall provide not only a conducive space for every department to discharge its duties and functions efficiently and effectively but also convenience and pride of taxpayers and the Tagumenyo public in general. (Richi D. Gulle/CIO Tagum)

She said the fishing and fish canning sector in the South is facing fresh challenges from the workers who have been complaining of substandard pay and substandard working conditions which have caught the government’s attention. “Employers in the fishing and fish canning sector should realize that workers are their greatest resource, not the fish or their machinery, so we need to take good care of them in terms of complying with general labor standards and oc-

cupational safety and health standards,” Baldoz said. General Tuna Corporation is the export arm of Century Pacific Food, Inc., the company that manufactures private label canned, pouched, and frozen tuna products. The company maintains a worldclass facility in General Santos City, which is adjacent to the world’s tuna fishing grounds in the Western Pacific Ocean and the waters between Southern Philippines and Indonesia. (DOLE)

Tagum resumes construction to finish new city hall bldg UP Mindanao to hold 18th Commencement June 24

HE City Government of Tagum is slated to complete the first two floors of the new City Hall Building on December 2015. Mayor Allan L. Rellon stated in his message that everyone, from members of the Technical Working Group, the Project Management Board and all the City Officials who are involved in the legislation and policy aspect of the project, is serious in making sure that the New City Hall will be completed. The timeline of the completion of the project is set at six months based on a day and night schedule of work, with two or three shifts in a row, according to Engr. Roosevelt Corporal, head of the Project Management Board in his speech during the prayer offering to mark the resumption of the construction completion of the city’s

HE University of the Philippines Mindanao will be holding its 18th Commencement Exercises on Wednesday, 24 June 2015 at 6:45 AM. The ceremonies will be held at the UP Mindanao Atrium, Mintal, Davao City. The event is UP Mindanao’s first commencement exercises to be held on the month of June after the UP System changed its academic calendar last August 2014. The University will be graduating a total of 205 students this year: 90 from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, 78 from the College of Science and Mathematics, and 37 from the School of Management. The Class of 2015 will be led by two students graduating magna cum laude and 32 students graduating cum laude. Mr. Randy Halasan, the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Emergent Leadership, will grace the event as

this year’s Commencement Speaker. Through his services as teacher at the Pegalongan Elementary School in Sitio Pegalongan, Malamba, Marilog District, Halasan helped the Matigsalog community gain access to education and sustainable livelihood. Halasan, who was assigned as Pegalongan Elementary School’s first teacher in 2007, has since helped the Matigsalog community establish a farmer’s association, procure a corn and rice mill, build a cattle farm and a seed bank, and forge a forest rehabilitation program with the local government. Halasan is a graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) and is now the head teacher of Pegalongan Elementary School. He is also the recipient of the Bato Balani Foundation of Teachers Award. His work with the Matigsalog community was featured in GMA 7’s I Witness TV program. (By John Bengan)

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

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

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General Santos City

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

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13 6th ID turns over mosque in time for Rahmadan T VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

HE Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division announced that it has turned over a newly-constructed mosque to Tukanalipao town Tuesday, well in time for the month-long Rahmadan observance which starts June 17. The military unit was aided in this construction project by the Maguindanao provincial government and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“The construction of the mosque was jointly ventured by the three agencies who worked day and night in order to finish the project before the Rahmadan starts,” 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay said. ARMM Gov. Mujiv S. Hataman was pleased to be a part of a program which he believes is the start of the influx of infrastructure projects in the area.

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While Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu expressed gratitude for the opportunity of becoming part of this worthwhile initiative. He said that it is always his priority to support and fund projects that will benefit

the people. And 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Edmundo R. Pangilinan was also pleased with the successful completion of the mosque. He pledged to continue working for peace and prog-

NEWS

ress in the region in partnership with other stakeholders. It was indeed a very promising day which brought new light to the lives of the people from Tukanalipao. “It is hoped that the scars of the wounds created by an

unfortunate incident that occurred in the area five months ago will totally be healed so that the people of Tukanalipao can celebrate Rahmadan more meaningful and peacefully,” Petinglay concluded. (PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANNIE T. ARANJUEZ has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SALE executed among her heirs per Doc. No.321; Page No.65; Book No. 105; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 6/18.25.7/02

RODY ON TOP. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte emerges on top among the five presidential candidates in the third city-wide Social Survey of Ateneo de Davao University-Social Research Training Development Office presented yesterday. The survey was conducted last May 11 to 17 with 628 respondents in the three congressional districts.

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14 MOTORING

VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

Cars your father may have driven in his youth F

ATHER’S Day is fast approaching and you may not know what to do to show your appreciation to your beloved dad. If your old man is a car lover, find out what ride he was driving when he was younger and take him on a trip down memory lane. Below is a list of cars that your father may have driven in his youth. Some of these cars are also in Carmudi’s inventory: Volkswagen Beetle Orange Volkswagen Beetle The beetle was dubbed the “people’s car” in European markets because it was an affordable car that could be owned by many. In the Philippines, however, car enthusiasts called it a variety of names- pagong (turtle), pendong (bald) and kuba (humpback) because of its curved body frame. This car was very prominent during the 1970s and 1980s, and it is considered one of the bestselling car models in the world with more than 23.5 million units sold since it was released in 1938. Today’s average price: Php 80,000

Mitsubishi Lancer Box Type White and Red Mitsubishi Lancer cars The Mitsubishi Lancer Box Type is now one of the most restored car models in the country. This car was a popular choice during the onset of the 1980s as the Corolla and the Ford Laser, two of the most popular sedans during that time, were discontinued. The only other option was an Owner Type Jeep. The Lancer Box Type’s very simple mechanics makes it very affordable to maintain. However, its car parts are very rare today. Today’s average price: Php 70,000 Mazda 323 Familia Red Mazda 323 Familia Philippines The Mazda 323 Familia was positioned to be a family car as early as the 1960s. This discontinued model comes in a

105,000

sedan and wagon variant. Other nameplates used on the 323 Familia were the Lantis, Astina and 323 (popular taxi during that day). It ceased production in 1998, but owners who want to maintain or fix their 323 Famila can take parts from the Ford Lynx as they share the same platform. Today’s average price: Php

Toyota Crown White Toyota Crown Philippines This mid-size luxury car was the leader of the pack for Toyota cars and went headto-head with the Benzes and BMWs of its time. Much like the Camry, the Crown easily captivated the early 1990s car market as Mitsubishi and Nissan were not able to release their own models in that segment.

During its time, this affordable car already offered rear climate control, power seats and beverage coolers. The late president Cory Aquino owned this car. Today’s average price: Php 120,000 Daihatsu Feroza Yellow Daihatsu Feroza © piyesta.com This 5-seater mini-SUV was a status symbol during the 1990s, looking much like the Honda CR-V only smaller. If your dad is into off-roading, he is likely to have driven one of these. This car can transform into an open top roader from its ordinary two-door SUV façade. This compact off-roader can easily traverse any unpaved roads and a number of harsh terrains easily. Today’s average price: Php 140,000

Mitsubishi Minica White Mitsubishi Minica Remember the tongue twister: “Minikaniko ni Moniko and makina ng Minica ni Monica?” There is a car thereit’s the Mitsubishi Minica, which was a 2-door, 4-seater kei (small car) popular during the 70s and 80s. They were also used as public utility taxis during the day despite their small cabins, especially in Davao city . Today’s average price: Php 150,000

These cars are just some of the vehicles that can bring back those forgotten memories this Father’s day. Here is the good news- a used car today only costs at around Php 120,000 or less.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Increase of Unit to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service

Case No.2010-XI-00382 (10-2869)

ROLANDO C. MARIANO, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of TH FREIGHT TRUCK service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY and from said place to any point in the Island of MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of FIVE (5) units, which Certificate will expire on November 30, 2015. In the petition filed on May 27, 2014, petitioner requests authority to EXTEND the validity of said certificate as well as to INCREASE his present authorized units by THREE (3) more to operate along the same route.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JUNE 30, 2015 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 27th day of May 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

VOL. 8 ISSUE 55 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS Warriors win first ever NBA title in 40 years

N emotional Golden State Warriors squad captured its first NBA title in 40 years, holding off the Cleveland Cavaliers 105-97 to win the NBA Finals. NBA regular season Most Valuable Player Steph Curry and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Andre Iguodala on Tuesday each scored 25 points as the Warriors took the best-ofseven series four games to two to claim their first crown since 1975 and fourth overall. “World champions,” Curry said. “This is something special. This is a special group. From the start of the season this is what we envisioned. We’re going to remember this for a long time.” Iguodala spent 758 games as a starter before being consigned to a reserve role this season, only to become a starter for Golden State in the final three games. The move produced a faster lineup that sparked the Warriors to wins in each game to subdue the stubborn Cavaliers. “This is awesome,” Iguodala said. “This is what we talked

about, staying strong, staying with it. They kept fighting. This is unreal.” Iguodala saved his scoring season-high for the trophy-clinching game while Draymond Green added 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists f o r Golde n State in the decider. “This is great,” Iguodala said. “We’re going to remember this for a long time.” C u r ry joined Magic Johnson and Bob Cousy as the only point guards to win the regular-season NBA MVP award and capture the league title in the same season, a thrill he shared with his father Dell, a former NBA standout who never claimed the crown. “He played 16 years and

Dapudong eyes knockout win, wants rematch with Marquez

ORMER International Boxing Organization (IBO) world super flyweight champion Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong is eyeing for a knockout win against former Pan Asia Boxing Association (PABA) flyweight ruler Richard Garcia in their 10-rounder fight in the main event of the Boxing Revolution III set June 26 at the Almendras gym. “Hindi ko masisiguro kung ma-knockout ko siya pero paningkamutan nako (I’m not sure if I can knockout him but I will just try),” said Dapudong at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday. The 28-year old Dapudong has a record of 30 wins with 18 knockouts against six loses while Garcia, 31, has 25 wins (7 KOs), 21 defeats and one draw. If Dapudong wins, he will push for a rematch with Mexican Hernan Marquez, who beat him via a 3rd round knockout during their world title-fight for the WBA flyweight crown last July 2, 2011 in Mexico. “Depende yan kina Gov. Manny Pinol at Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy sa Sonshine Sports Management Inc.,” said Dapudong, a native of M’lang now based in Davao City under the Sonshine Sports. He previously stopped Thailand’s Wisanlek Sithsai in the 5th round last October 11, 2014 at the Almendras gym. Also present at the weekly public service sports program sponsored by The Royal Mandaya Hotel were three other boxers under SSMI – Rolando “Smooth Operator” Magbanua, Romel “Little Assasin” Asenjo and undefeated Roskie “Ka-

pre” Cristobal – who were accompanied by trainers Bruce Lerio and Rex Penalosa and SSMI representative Aaron Vergara. All of the other boxers also want to win by knockouts but could not predict on what round they can do it. They also said that they will just have to try and do their best. “The boxers are all now ready since we have prepared long for this promotion,” said Lerio. Proceeds of the event dubbed as “No Guts, No Glory” will be used for the scholarship program of the Jose Maria College. Magbanua, a former WBO Oriental bantamweight title-holder with a record of 25 wins, 17 Kos, 2 loses, takes on former Philippine Boxing Federation champion Jimmy “Xcon Tirador” Aducal (8 wins, 6 Kos, 5 loses, 2 draws) for 10 rounds while ex-WBO Oriental mini-flyweight king Asenjo (26 wins, 20 KOs, 4 loses) fights Michael “Matibay” Rodriguez of Baguio in another tenner. The 26-year old Asenjo[E1] (26 wins, 20 KOs, 4 loses), previously fought but lost by a 3rd round TKO to Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBA super world flyweight and WBO world flyweight crown last March 28 in Yucatan, Mexico. “Lumaban kasi ako sa mas mabigat na timbang na flyweight (115 lbs),” said Asenjo, who is only a minifly (108 lbs.). The corner of Asenjo threw the towel after Asenjo’s right eye was already swollen with only 43 seconds left in the third round.

never got the chance to enjoy this,” Curry said. “He can enjoy this through me and the whole team. Unimaginable feeling.” Cleveland’s LeBron James scored 32 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and passed out nine assists to lead the Cavaliers, who could not bring Cleveland

its first sports title since 1964. James fell to 2-4 in NBA Finals appearance, a far cry from the 6-0 mark prior NBA superstar Michael Jordan had in the finals. - No experience necessary - Golden State became the first team since the 1991

Chicago Bulls to win a title with no players having prior NBA Finals experience and Steve Kerr became the first rookie coach to capture the crown since Pat Riley with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1982. “It’s a great feeling,” Kerr

said. “From the beginning we were in it to win it.” James, 30, became the youngest by a year to join the 5,000 career NBA playoff points club alongside Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Rodrigo Duterte, drained seven triples to finish with game high 36 points as the City Hall dribblers pulled away with a hardearned win against the gritty Policemen. Ricky Sumagang chipped in 12 baskets for the CMO which got 9 from businessman-sportsman Glenn Escandor and 8 from Lawyer Michael Peloton.

Marlon Cabanog paced the PNP Selection with 26 points. It was a tight contest right from the tipoff as CMO and PNP Selection traded couple of runs that made the friendly game more exciting. The City Hall dribblers got off to a rousing start behind the hot-shooting of Go who shot admirably from all angles.

But the Policemen managed to keep pace answering back with their up tempo style of play behind Cabanog and Emerson Rosales who had 17 points. The Policemen pushed hard in the final stretch led by Marlon Cabanog and Emerson Rosales frightening to dictate the match. But Go came to the rescue for the CMO with timely baskets.

the gap between the Americans and the rest of the world constricted through the years. The average 40-plus winning margin of the 92 Dream Team slowly became close wins, and even some losses before US Basketball rehabilitated its program. Gone are the days when we easily beat Indonesia and the rest of our ASEAN neighbors. The gap has come so close now and who knows? Anytime that gap could be gone. The domination of the pool is also down the drain now. The era of Eric Buhain, Akiko Thomson and Ryan Papa is gone and we have become the whipping boys of the pool. Add to the misfortunes is the diving malfunction of Pahoyo and Fabriga which was a result of being forced to

take part in an event they only practiced for a few sessions. The bright side of the SEA Games in Singapore were provided by the gritty Rugby team, another new sport we are starting to fall in love with, the conquest of the men’s and women’s softball teams known as the Blu Boys and Blu Girls, a five-gold explosion in boxing, and the rise of the next generation of Pinoy athletes— young pool phenom Chezka Centeno, gymnast Reynald Capellan, and Fil-Americans Eric Cray, Kayla Richardson and Caleb Stuart. The country’s 29-gold medal output matched the lowest finish we have in 2013 in Myanmar. From 113 golds when we won the overall title in 2005, the country has since went on a steady decline beginning with 41 in Thailand

(6th overall) in 2007, 38 in Laos (5th) in 2009, 36 in Indonesia (6th) in 2011, and 29 in Myanmar (7th) in 2013. Like we used to everytime there’s a debacle in international competitions, our athletes come home with the meager harvest they have-beaten but unbowed--as officials of the different sports associations start the blame game, pinting fingers at anyone but themselves. Truly, this is the biggest parody in Philippine sports. There’s a joke in here and we know it. But where the joke lies, a sports leader--take the case of swimming head Mark Joseph whose association it is where the decision to field those divers belong--is sitting on his throne stubbornly despite all the misses, misdives and yes, nosedives.

Go lifts CMO past PNP Selection

HE City Mayors Office rode on the splendid performance of Christopher “Bong” Go to hack out a 79 – 75 victory over Philippine National Police (PNP) Selection in their exhibition game on Tuesday night at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Go, the sweet-shooting executive assistant of Mayor

IT’S BACK, 16 for the U-23 squad. With a strong U-23 squad, the Philippines can start its football growth by winning a regional title—a target more doable than a World Cup stint. Another eye-opener should be the basketball event. The men’s squad finished with the gold medal and the women’s squad settled for the bronze. Are we happy with that? Imagine this, it took us the final seconds of the semifinals against Thailand and in the finals against Indonesia. Those two scrambling wins were uncharacteristically Filipino basketball in the SEA Games. It reminds us of the United States team’s decline from the Dream Team in 1992 to the Redeem Team of 2012 where

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE55 55••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,JUNE JUNE18, 18,2015 2015

IT’S BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD Breaking down the Philippines’SEA Games stint By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

HE Beegees’ song “I started a joke” comes back to mind just when John David Pahoyo and John Fabriga’s wayward dives in the Southeast Asian Games became viral. Oh, if we had only seen, the joke was on us. Pahoyo and Fabriga are but symbols of the state of Philippine sports—nosediving and laying eggs in scorecards. Kiefer Ravena’s booming triple in the dying seconds of the semifinals and his steal

and breakaway dunk in the finals provided the highlight reels of what is to be the most important gold medal battle for us in the Games. Was it totally entertaining? For those who have followed the dominating exploits of Filipino cagers in men’s basketball in the SEA Games, Ravena’s desperate endgame heroics weren’t that necessary at all. Gone is the fear we sow in enemy’s eyes even before the first whistle.

For a sport (diving) we had some success in the past, we sent two ill-prepared athletes and scoff at their mishap. For a sport (basketball) we dominated like a superpower, we almost sputtered in two games and still rejoiced at our victory. And what about our newfound love for football? We were licked by everyone and yet concentrate on the impossible. The impossible means our insane concentration to our buildup of the Azkals and hallucinating that we can barge into the World Cup. Here is a regional meet where we have the chance to dominate and yet we put up an Under-23

squad that’s hardly as intense as the Azkals recruitment. What we are saying here is that the Philippines has a chance in regional competitions like the SEA Games. This is where we could have concentrated on our recruitment. Again, this is where we have a chance. Not at the World Cup. We need a reality check here. Yesterday, FIFA granted former England U-18 player Luke Woodland the clearance to play for the Azkals in the World Cup qualifiers. Well and good. But Woodland, being 19, can be called to ply for the U-23 squad first. The Philippine Football Federation can scout around the world to look for half Pinoys who can play

FIT’S BACK, 15