Edge Davao 8 Issue 60 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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INSIDE EDGE

Rody causes buzz on social network P2 Monteverde quits committee P2

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE. Young students from Sta. Ana Central Elementary School huddle under a single umbrella as they leave the school amidst the gloomy weather that hit Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

RODY’S REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY Analyst says Mayor Duterte’s denials aimed at drawing more support By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s continuous denial that he will run for President is part of his strategy to earn more support from the voters, political analysts said yesterday. In an interview aired by ANC Headstart yesterday

before Duterte’s appearance as guest in the program Hot Copy, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) political science professor Ramon Beleno III said the mayor is using “reverse psychology.” “He says he will not run but he shows what he is ca-

pable of,” Beleno said. Beleno also said the mayor is keeping his political plans on hold to avoid political attacks that can derail his possible presidential bid in 2016. He said aside from the human rights issues that

had been thrown at him in the past years, the mayor is also facing issues from the Commission on Audit (COA) which is questioning the expenditures of the city. Beleno said more issues will be thrown at Duterte,

FRODY’S, 10

James Ingram ‘Just Once’ in Davao Competitive Edge P14

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

Rody causes buzz on social network

DOWNTIME. Fisherfolk take advantage of the gloomy weather yesterday to repair their fishing boat since they cannot put out to sea in Davao Gulf. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte to police chiefs: Solve drug problem or else

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered police station commanders in the city to solve the drug problem in their respective areas of responsibility or be relieved of their posts. “I want a report on that, otherwise storya ta kung angay ka pa ba diha o dili (we will discuss if you are still capable of holding the position or not),” Duterte said during a command conference with police and military officials Monday night. “The rule here is very simple. I do not want drugs, period. It will depend now on how you interpret it,” he added. Duterte said he knows that illegal drug problem in the city is everywhere because Davao City is “porous.” He said every area in the city has drug runners who are involved in the drug trade. “I’m ready to fund your intelligence and operations, just tell me. In exchange, I really do not want drugs in the city,” he said. Duterte said that the police should also place minors who

WHAT THE?

are involved in the drug trade under their custody. He also told the police that if they rescue minors, the records should not indicate the word “arrest.” “It should be he or she has taken into custody by law for of his own protection,” he said. Duterte also said the police should not let the minors out of their custody because they might commit the same offense. The mayor said he does not care what the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will say about this. “We shouldn’t just arrest them and then immediately release them because they will be back in the streets again destroying the lives of other children and innocent people,” he said. Duterte said there are minors who have no sense of accountability and actually fight back against the authorities. “(Commission on) Human Rights, how do you solve a problem like that?” he said. He said the police should

FDUTERTE, 10

NTERVIEWED by Anthony Taberna in yesterday’s Umagang Kay Ganda program at ABS-CBN, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was asked to give a description of personalities whose photos were flashed before him. Here’s how he gave description of some personalities: LEILA DELIMA: Pretty ETTA ROSALES: Talented MAR ROXAS: OK VP BINAY: OK GRACE POE: OK KRIS AQUINO: Friend BOY ABUNDA: Friend PRESIDENT AQUINO: I supported him RAMON BAUTISTA: Sino itong buang na ‘to? SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO: Maldita

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s guesting in ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC)’s Headstart yesterday got the attention of netizens in social media. In the Facebook page of ANC 24/7, netizens had different reactions to the answers of Duterteon some issues, especially oin his refusal to run for the presidency. During the program, Duterte said his wife and children do not want him to run for president. There is a time for everything, he added. The mayor also said many people have offered their financial help “but I said no.”

A certain Leslie Ocampo posted this comment: “Duterte, the one and only hope of Philippines.” Titser Badet said: “Duterte kami or wag na lang boboto(We are for Duterte or we’d rather not vote).“ Emy Lozano Yuson said: “So, the famed Digong Duterte of Davao city won’t run for the 2016 presidency? It will cause a lot of disappointment coming from the Filipino people who are expecting him to go head on against (Vice President Jejomar) Binay or (Senator Grace) Poe.” When asked for his reaction on the recent Pulse Asia

survey which placed him third among the preferences of respondents for President, Duterte said, “Ratings do not bother me.” To this, Robert Pasion said:“Ratings are the works of paid idiots.” Reacting to the entire interview, Arfe Gavilanes said Duterte’s answers were “simple, straightforward, nothing fancy.” “I cannot imagine the pressure he is having right now since he really doesn’t want to run!” he said. Here are other comments from netizens, both good and bad:

“Ito na ang inaantay ng marami. Kailangan na tayong mag umpisa at mag bayanihan para kinabukasan hindi sa sarili natin kundi para sa buong bansa tungo sa tunay na pagbabago… #Duterte2016 all the way solid support. The mayor he needs us and also our prayers for the hope of this sick country from corruption.” – Lhiv Romero “Duterte for president. A man of few words yet powerful in action and implementation.” – KyrillosTampus “I lost my appetite for the mayor upon watching d interview. Pro-BBL, anti-US, at may

portation is a major committee in the Council. “We are looking forward to selecting a chairman who could lead the committee,” he said. Al-ag said committee vice chair councilor Leonardo Avila III has temporarily taken leadership but the latter is also handling the committee on environment which is also a major committee. “It will be difficult for a councilor to handle two major committees,” hesaid. Al-ag said Monteverde

submitted his resignation last week to vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte. “The reason of his resignation is personal,” he said. Al-ag, however, said Monteverde can still be a member of other committees in the Council. He said Monteverde has been on leave for several months now and has missed around 20 regular sessions already. “Based on the records, his status was always on leave in every session,” he said. Al-ag said he is “assuming

he has health problems” because majority of the leaves of absence Monteverde has filed were sick leaves. He clarified that Monteverde cannot be reprimanded since he is entitled to leaves of absence credits which he can use any time as a councilor. Al-ag said a councilor can be only sanctioned by the committee on ethics and good governance if he or she commits three consecutive absences without filing a leave. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

FRODY CAUSES, 10

Monteverde quits committee; Council looking for replacement

HE Davao City Council is looking for another councilor to lead the committee on transportation and communication after councilor Tomas J. Monteverde IV resigned as its chair last week. In an interview, City Council majority floor leader Bernard Al-ag told reporters the Council will be nominating some members next week to replace Monteverde. Al-ag said there is a need to immediately place a chair since the committee on trans-

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Cases filed vs Tagum police chief, 3 others By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

ASES have already been filed against four members of the Tagum City Police Office over the escape of four detainees from the detention cell before dawn on June 9. Facing administrative charges are Tagum City Police Office Chief Superintendent Solomon de Castilla, Police Officer (PO)3 Gaudencio Ortega Jr. who was the duty desk officer at the time of the incident, and Senior Police Officer (SPO4) Emmanuel Balio who was the officer of the day. The duty jail guard, SPO2 Antonio Zafra, is facing both criminal and administrative cases for serious negligence of duty. The cases were filed on June 11 before the Regional

Internal Affairs Service (RIAS). Based on the written explanation letter of Zafra, he was detailed as the station duty guard in the absence of PO3 Sebastian Laurino. He said he did not notice anything suspicious when he checked the detainees. Ortega, who was the duty desk officer, explained that he had a stomachache at the time of the incident and frequently had to go to a toilet located several ,meters away from the station since the station’s restroom was out of order at that time. Balio, the Officer of the Day (OD) at that time, said he inspected the office on June 8 and 9 and made sure all police officers were in their post and

STOP CHILD LABOR. Kaugmaon for Children’s Concerns executive director Florienay Tacang (left), parent leader Nenita Jostol (center), and peer educator Romelyn Cabanes reiterate their call to stop child labor during yesterday’s

Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. The group will conduct a multi-sectoral forum on child labor on June 29 at Redemptorist Parish. Lean Daval Jr.

Listen to the demands Karlo: Senate, not House, should probe Wang Bo of Lumad kids, Dinky told FCASES, 10

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City First District Rep. Karlo B. Nograles yesterday said it is the Senate and not the House of Representatives that should conduct an inquiry on allegations that some Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials and some congressmen received bribes from alleged Chinese crime lord Wang Bo. The alleged bribes to lawmakers were supposedly in exchange for a favorable vote on the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). In a statement, Nograles said while he does not doubt the integrity and credibility of his peers in conducting the legislative probe, “it would be better if the investigation

is handled by a neutral body like the Senate to remove suspicions of whitewash and media bullying.” “I have no doubt on the integrity of the House and the good intentions of the representatives pushing for this probe. But I think that the House is not the proper venue considering that it is the House of Representatives that is the subject of investigation,” he said. “How can the subject of investigation be the investigator itself?” he added. Nograles said the Senate is in the best position to conduct the investigation in aid of legislation on the Wang

FKARLO, 10

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Save Our Schools (SOS) Network yesterday criticized Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman for her remarks on the presence of Indigenous People (IP) children at a protest rally in front of the Department of Education (DepEd) 11 office “Dapat nasa eskwela ‘yang mga bata na ‘yan (Those children should be in school),” Soliman had said. SOS Network spokesperson Rius Valle in a statement said instead of making such remarks, Soliman should listen to the children’s demands and send letters to the military to spare the schools and

IP communities from military operation. ”I will no longer rebut Dinky’s irresponsible remarks regarding the term ‘use’ of children since she doesn’t even care to listen to the calls of the IP children on education,” he said Valle said despite DepEd’s declaration that the Salugpongan School and MISFI Academy in Davao del Norte may continue to operate as permits were handed over by DepEd – Indigenous People’s Education Office (IPsEO) last week, soldiers of 67th Infantry Battalion in Cateel, Davao Oriental, have been reported to have continued their attacks on schools unabated.

STILL AT WORK. A welder works on the metal structure of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) pipe bridge between the Governor Generoso bridges in Bankerohan yesterday. Contractors promised to complete the project on July 27. Lean Daval Jr.

“We challenge Soliman to issue a clarificatory statement or order regarding the threats of stopping the 4P’s cash assistance to IPs beneficiaries to intimidate and prevent IP students and their parents from availing themselves of Salupongan’s IP charity education which, if Soliman is not aware, is a clear violation of children’s right to development,” he added. He said the children’s calls are legitimate and it is clear that the soldiers “have been using DSWD’s 4Ps program to threaten parents and children not to enroll in MISFI and Salugpongan Schools.” Valle said children only want education and they are

entitled to be heard by the government which is being paid by the people’s taxes to serve and protect all Filipino People. In a report from InterAksyon.com, Soliman said the kids in the picket are getting wet under the rain and they do not eat on time. “It is not right to bring the children to rallies,” she was quoted as saying. On June 8, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago filed a resolution directing the proper Senate committee “to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the report that some 3,000 would be affected by the shutdown of lumad schools.”

IFTEEN more residents of South Cotabato province have tested positive of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since last month, bringing the total incidence in the area to 269. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) chief, said the new HIV cases were detected from among the 800 local residents who volunteered during the National HIV Testing Week last May 11 to 15. He said 15 of the residents who volunteered to undergo the tests initially turned out reactive of the virus. They eventually turned

out positive of HIV based on the confirmatory tests conducted by the Department of Health’s Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (STD/ AIDS) Cooperative Central Laboratory in Manila, he said. “Most of the new HIV cases involve males,” Aturdido said in a media forum in Koronadal City. Prior to the National HIV Testing Week, the IPHO already recorded a total of 254 HIV cases in the area. Most of the confirmed local cases of HIV, which causes the deadly AIDS disease, were found among males who were

15 new HIV cases detected in SoCot F

F15 NEW, 10

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY. Yoga enthusiasts join the inaugural International Yoga Day at the People’s Park in Davao City on June 21, 2015. International Yoga Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

Datu Bago Awards A nominations start

Koronadal flooding: 1,000 families affected

HE Datu Bago Awardees Organization is opening the season for its annual search of outstanding citizens. Datu Bago Awards 2016 bestows honor to an individual who has contributed to the development of the City of Davao with exemplary competence and dedication. The awardee best serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration the residents of Davao.

The organization is inviting the public to nominate individuals who possesses the qualifications. Nomination forms are available at the Museo Dabawenyo c/o Ms. Julieta Torres, executive director of the Datu Bago Awardees Organization. Deadline for the submission of nominations is on November 27, 2015. Qualified nominees are

open to persons of any nationality living or deceased, born in Davao or have been residents in Davao City for at least 10 years. For a living nominee, he or she must accept the nomination. Previous nominees can be nominated again. The relevant criteria for evaluation include substantial contributions to the growth and development of the city of Davao, exemplary services

rendered to the community in any field or endeavor, work related accomplishments must merit national or international recognition placing the city in the map, must be law-abiding, of good moral character and integrity and has a good reputation in the community. Last year’s Datu Bago Awards were given to eight distinguished individuals (PIA/RG Alama)

in the area still prevails. BFAR 11 regional director Fatma Idris said consumers might be poisoned by eating shellfish from an area contaminated with red tide. Red tide is a common

name for a phenomenon known as large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms that produce natural toxins and is detrimental to living things which might take it for food. It is usually found in coastal areas.

“Eating shellfish and other fishes from Balete Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental is banned. It is one area of the country where a red tide alert has been issued,” she said. Idris said shellfish and crabs are bottom-dwellers and are prone to consume or filter-eaters of red tide organisms. She said paralysis is the immediate impact of red tide intake to humans. Idris said the shellfish bulletin relative to red tide is currently an inter-agency effort. She said the occurrence of red tide in the area is positive, so residents must be wary of avoiding the consumption of shellfish there. Idris explained that since January, a red tide bulletin has been issued in the markets and with the assistance of the local government unit in the area. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Red tide alert still up in Balete Bay A

N official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Davao Region has warned against the eating of shellfish harvested from Balete Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental as the red tide alert

Tausug dancers present Pangalay, one of the attractions at the “ARMM Village” in Cotabato City which showcases culture in the region to make Ramadan nights festive and colorful (June 20, 2015). MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

N overnight light to moderate downpour submerged at least three villages here, damaging one major bridge and threatening other bridges and forcing the suspension of classes on Wednesday. Mayor Peter Miguel announced the suspension as rain continued Wednesday morning and public works workers rushed to affected bridges. “Classes in all levels in the city are suspended,” Miguel told teachers and students. Miguel said the road leading to Barangay Concepcion was cut after a major bridge collapsed at dawn Wednesday as the Concepcion river overflowed.

At past 1 a.m. Wednesday, a tricycle driven by Mr. Mangesel fell as the Concepcion bridge collapsed while the vehicle was passing through. Responding villagers rescued Mangisel and rushed him to the provincial hospital. Miguel said at least 1,000 families have been affected by the flood. Low lying villages in towns around the city were also flooded. In nearby Banga town, at least 700 families were affected in four villages, and several houses were destroyed. South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes said the overnight rain also flooded low lying villages of the towns of Banga, Norala and Tupi. (PNA)

HE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Regional Welfare Office XI awarded the death and burial benefits to the family of the late Helen Riobuya Sarocam, a household service worker in Kuwait who died after she fell from the 5th floor of her foreign recruitment agency accommodation last May 22, 2015. Aileen Villodres, branch manager of MMML Recruitment Services, Inc., also awarded insurance claims to the family on June 17, 2015 at the Regional Welfare Office. OWWA-XI through regional director Eduardo E. Bellido awarded to the family death and burial benefits worth P120,000.00, livelihood assistance of P15,000.00, and an educational assistance of P8,000.00 for her son Carlon Jan Sarocam. Carlon Jan availed himself

of the scholarship grant under the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP). The family of OFW Helen received a total of P442,000 as part of their insurance claims from MMML Recruitment Services, Inc. Her husband Rolando received P294,666.67 as primary beneficiary, while eldest daughter Charlene got P147,333.33. On the same day, Bellido subjected the family to one-onone counseling to find out out their individual plans, livelihood projects, and other family relation concerns to better guide them in the proper management of the money they received. The family assured the agency that they will manage the funds prudently and wisely. The husband assured OWWA that he will see to it that the children will finish their studies. (OWWA-XI)

OWWA-11 awards benefits to OFW kin T

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

Housing aid goes on for Pablo survivors T

HE provincial and municipal local government along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) held another series of housing unit turn-over ceremonies in the five hard hit municipalities of Typhoon Pablo. Under the DSWD’s Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP), the families that were left homeless and whose land sites are safe for reconstruction were given permanent houses. On June 15, these “on-site shelters” were turned over to 1,172 families in Montevista with a program held at the Poblacion Gym. Together with the local and DSWD officials, the group went to Barangays Linoan and San Jose to see the houses built for the beneficiaries. Among those whose houses were totally damaged are married couple Alex and Consolacion Palec

who lived in Linoan, Montevista for 25 years. Alex works as a carpenter and could hardly support his family with two kids even before the onslaught of the typhoon. “Daku kaayo amoang problema unsaun pagsugod kay di namu kaya ug magtukod ug bag-ong balay, daku kaayo ang gasto. Maayo nalang apil mi ani (MSAP) sa programa sa gobyerno,” he said as he is given the certificate of occupancy during the program. The awarding of the certificates of occupancy as highlight of the program was also held in other towns: 840 houses completed and turned over in Monkayo on June 16; 713 houses turned over in New Bataan on June 18 and 635 houses given in Laak on June 19. Compostela is set to hold its ceremonial turnover of 1,000 on-site shelters on June 24 with site visit in barangay Panan-

salan. The construction of each house costs about P100,000 with DSWD providing for the necessary funding of the project while the provincial government handles the site development, land preparation, and engineering operations. As of June 15, the Provincial Engineering Office reported that more than 6,500 on-site shelters were already completed and turned-over in the five hard hit municipalities. Other units are expected to be completed soon as construction of houses continue in Comval. (Fe Maestre / ids comval)

STEPPING UP. Davao City First District Rep. Karlo B. Nograles speaks during the recent graduation ceremonies for successful participants of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) from Barangays 22C and 26C. STEP is a community-based

SUBURBIA 5

training program that seeks to address specific needs of the communities and promote employment, particularly through entrepreneurial, self-employment, and serviceoriented activities. Scholars receive starter tool kits and a daily allowance during the duration of the program.

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6 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

The Kingdome: A boost to tourism By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council has passed on first reading the request for the endorsement of The Kingdome of ACQ-Solomonic Builders Inc., to be a Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ). In last Tuesday’s Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong, majority floor leader Bernard Al-ag said “The Kingdome’ ask for an endorsement since the 26 hectares is not only in-

tended for the dome but also for tourism complex. “Abi gan inako una kay for religious purposes dili diay (I thought at first that it is intended for religious purposes but I was wrong). This is really for tourism infrastructure,” he said. Al-ag said the said complex will give a huge impact to the city’s economy in terms of revenue and employment.

Cyberoam launches free network security course

YBEROAM, a leading global network security company, is inviting universities and colleges in the Philippines to join its free security course under its training arm, the Cyberoam Academy. The Cyberoam Academy is offering its short network security course called Novice to Professional that will provide high quality cybersecurity training for Filipino students. With this course, Cyberoam Academy hopes to bridge the existing network security skills demand and supply gap in the Philippines and help prepare Filipino students become industry-ready network security professionals. A recent IDC report said the country has the largest network security skills gap of 60% in the Asia Pacific region and this supply gap is expected to continue until 2016. As the first and only industry-academia alliance to help build one-of-its kind network security career program, Cyberoam Academy aims to ensure high student employability and narrow the widening network security skill gap in the Philippines. “Cyberoam Academy is collaborating with educators in the Philippines with a three-pronged agenda, ensuring industry-ready careers for youth, bridging skills-gap in cyber-security and ensuring availability of globally renowned courseware, certifications and state-of-the-art training labs for educational institutions in Philippines,” said Ajay Nawani, chief of Cyberoam Academy. The short course with industry-focused curriculum and hands-on training offers students real-world exposure in complex areas like VPN security, malware prevention, application controls, and forensic analysis. Cyberoam Academy’s Novice to Professional course is open to all education institutions, colleges and universities in the Philippines teaching computer science or computer technology. College students in their

final year with basic computer skills are eligible to join the 56-hour program. The course offers step-by-step learning tools to help students manage enterprise network security challenges. The short program also grants access to Cyberoam eConnect, an online portal for academy instructors and students that offers a one-stop platform to share learning activities. Upon course completion, students who have successfully passed the exam will get the Cyberoam Certified Network & Security Professional (CCNSP) certificate. Cyberoam will also provide trainings for instructors of the partner universities and give assistance for building up a computer lab for the course if needed. This collaborative initiative aims to provide enterprises, small businesses and government establishments in Philippines with skilled cyber security workforce against the growing menace of cyber attacks and cybercrime. Having collaborated with leading universities and training institutions across Africa, Middle East, Europe and America, Cyberoam Academy now looks for like-minded academic partners in emerging APAC markets like the Philippines. “As disruptive technologies like cloud computing, social media and proliferation of mobile devices invade into Philippine’s network infrastructures, businesses are becoming more sophisticated and vulnerable at the same time. This makes interdisciplinary education for network and cyber security essential,” said Nawani. “Cyberoam Academy is committed to proactively address this challenge, by partnering with educators to encourage higher levels of cyber-security skill development,” he added. The move will also help ensure that Philippine ICT industry, which is poised to deliver $50 billion worth of revenues by 2016, and employs a huge workforce, has the right

FCYBEROAM, 10

He said the ACQ-Solomonic Builders Inc. wants the tourism complex as TEZ due to the incentives from the Department of Tourism (DOT). “I am hoping that by next month it will be passed on the floor,” Al-ag said. He said the item was referred to the committee on tourism under councilor Al Ryan Alejandre for discus-

sion. The 26-hectare complex has different facilities distributed to the seven cluster areas, according to Al-ag. The complex has a stadium with a maximum capacity of 75, 000 and boasts of a state-of-the art technology. It will also have a condominium with 150 units. Aside from this, there will also be a hotel and mu-

seum with 120 rooms that will meet a world-class standard and to cater the upper class market. The project will also showcase the rich and interesting information and artifacts. The Kingdome also has a hangar which will cater to small and medium aircrafts and for the operation of air taxi services. A water park for family and children activ-

ities will also be erected. The project will also have a commercial center, shops carrying imported brands, business centers and restaurants. The administration complex will have personnel residence and dormitories, storage areas, communication centers, human resource and development training centers and motor pool.

ASSISTANCE. Department of Agriculture 11 regional director Remelyn R. Recoter (left) hands over the different interventions of the DA 11 to the IP representatives during the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) XI Serbisyo Caravan in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. (Ronell Tangonan/DA 11)

DA 11 extends aid to Talaingod IPs T

HE Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11)provided assistance to AtaManuvu tribe during the recent serbisyo caravan held in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Over P323,950 worth of industrial fruit seedlings, vegetable seeds and livestock biologics were provided by DA 11to hundreds of Indigenous People (IP). Industrial seedlings distributed include 3,000 coffee seedlings, 4,000 cacao seedlings, 1,000 durian seedlings, 60 packs OPV corn seeds, 20

packs mungo seeds, 700 packs vegetable seeds, 2,500 camote cuttings, 100 cassava bundles and biologics. The two-day activity which was initiated by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) XI aimed to extend government services to the town’s remote communities to help residents improve their livelihood which is basically farming. About ¾ of Talaingod’s population were composed of the Ata Manuvu Tribe. During the caravan’s dialogue, tribal leaders ventilate their need for

access roads to facilitate transport their produce. Tribal leaders also expressed their volatile peace and order situation have greatly affected their livelihood. They are hopeful that if more investments will be poured in the area their lethargic communities will be dynamic and peace and order will improve. DatuLuganya-an Sigan-a , tribal leader of the Ata Manuvu said that he is thankful for the support that was given by the government agencies especially to the agriculture sector. “Ako nalipay ug nagapas-

alamat na natagaan ko ug seeds kay aron ako makatanom kay sa muadto pa ta sa ubos ug mamalit ug gulayon (I am very happy and thankful that I received the vegetable seeds for I will no longer buy it in town), Sigan-a added. Other agencies gave conditional cash transfer, distributed 6 kilos of rice, canned goods, noodles, mosquito nets, fingerlings, constructed school buildings, roads, deployed nurses, doctors, teachers, etc. Ma.FebeOrbe, DA 11 assistant regional director for op-

of the local BPO industry. Mercado said it will be easier for the Philippines to expand services that will require other ASEAN languages such as Bahasa and Thai, among others as the AEC offers free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor. He added that multinational companies that servicing Southeast Asian countries can locate in the Philippines and easily get other ASEAN language-speaking agents to work in the country.

“That is the value of ASEAN integration. It will make easier for companies to get in some talents from other countries to work in the Philippines,” he said. In attracting investments from global BPO companies, Mercado mentioned that the Philippines is banking on its reputation as one of the BPO leaders globally. “What the clients want to take advantage of [the Philippines] is the expertise and the reputation that the Philip-

pines already has in terms of operating contact centers,” he stressed. “We are already known as call center of the world,” he added. “With ASEAN integration, we’re getting lot of inquiries now across the ASEAN region,” said Mercado. Meanwhile, the IBPAP official mentioned that the country continues to attract investments from the United States market but huge growth po-

FDA 11, 10

Phl’s BPO services can be expanded through AEC

HE country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector can further expand services it offers as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) takes effect by the end of this year. Information Technology Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) President Jose Mari Mercado told reporters at the sidelines of Teleperformance SM Aura office opening on Tuesday that the ASEAN integration will play a major role in the growth

FPHL’S, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Seda Abreeza features international flavors

IN ITALIAN, the word “misto” literally means mixed, and for the award-winning Seda Hotel chain, Misto refers to the unique allday-dining restaurant that is present throughout all its properties. Where most hotels are just content with keeping the status quo when it comes to food, Seda was mixing things up with their Seda Chef Exchange program where each Seda Hotel’s executive chef tours around the other properties. After a successful Japanese Food Festival featuring Seda Nuvali Chef Danny Gallardo last May, Seda Abreeza now features Executive Chef Romualdo “Pepe” Castillo of Seda’s flagship Bonifacio Global City hotel and with this Misto’s International Flavors food promotion. With his over 30 years in the culinary industry, Executive Chef Romualdo

Castillo, or “Chef Pepe” as he is fondly called, has prepared and cooked delectable dishes for countless numbers of guests locally and internationally. Initially taking up an engineering course, he realized he was meant for something different and concentrated on what he really enjoys – being in

the kitchen. Such interest is not new for Chef Pepe’s bloodline is inclined and exposed to the same industry. It was back in the 80s when he started to pursue this career. According to him, it is the ever-changing trends, innovativeness, and different styles of cooking by various experts that made him stick to the culinary industry. With all his experience, Chef Pepe has earned not only great reviews by guests but also top honors in prestigious industry competitions as “Best Dessert” in the Manila Black Box Culinary Challenge, “Award of Excellence” in the Cold Meat

Chef Pepe’s Paella Valenciana. Platter category of Chefs on Parade and “Breadbaking Champion” in an activity sponsored by the Les Toques Blanches Philippines chefs association. “The key,” he says, “is precise timing, plus the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.” “This is how we give our dishes that personal touch,” he explains. “We stay true to the original recipe, then leave our own imprint by modifying its appearance to enhance its aesthetic appeal.” Seda Abreeza’s International Flavors which is now ongoing and will last

until June 26 will present dishes such as Osso bucco lamb shanks, Angus beef ribs, grilled cedar plank salmon, baked New Zealand mussel, Norwegian salmon skewer, and many other main courses. The week-long food showcase includes set lunch and dinner, a la carte items, and an international dinner buffet. The set lunch and dinner meals are available at Php 780 nett. Each set includes soup, a main course, and dessert that will sure satisfy the guests. The International Dinner Buffet on June 26

Various cheeses will also be part of the International buffet. which is the highlight of the food festival shall start from 6:00 PM onwards and features dishes such as Paella Valenciana, Baked New eland Mussel, Crunchy Fish Finger, Norwegian Salmon Skewer, Prawns Thermidor, and Free-range Buffalo Chicken with Blue Cheese Dip. The buffet is available at Php 980 nett for adults and Php 680 nett for kids. Chef Pepe has prepared a wide-ranging menu, not compromising any of the dishes. The dinner buffet will also feature live entertainment for guests to enjoy.

Chef Pepe (right) together with the Seda culinary team.

Free-range Buffalo Chicken Wings with Light and fluffy Sweet Milk Chocolate Mascarpone Tiramisu and Blue Cheese Dip. Assorted Panna Cotta.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

DATA stages 12th Lifesty Mindanao Culinary Fest AFTER almost four years of hiatus, the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) led by its dynamic President Culinary Chef/Entrepreneur Sally San Jose, owner of Chippens Restaurant and Catering Services, will conduct the region’s biggest culinary competition event – the 3-day 12th Mindanao Culinary Festival (MCF) – this coming June 25 to 27, 2015 at SM Lanang Premier Atrium as part of DATA’S project in 2015. As bared by Ms. San Jose, “this MCF event will be in partnership with the Philippine Culinary Cup (Les Touques Blanches-LTB Phils) led by Celebrity Chef Jose Gamboa and will be staged simultaneously with the World Food Expo (WOFEX). The MCF event will certainly give a delightful experience to the culinary industry, particularly in Mindanao, as it elevates the segment in the culinary competition and as it aligns with the standards and mechanics of the prestigious Philippine Culinary Cup. This will definitely provide more prestige to this culinary competition as top Celebrity Chefs from Manila will grace the occasion and will come to judge the big event to happen in Davao this half part of the year. The MCF event will likewise

THE 69th Tony Awards, which was held earlier this June in celebration of Broadway’s best artists and performances, will be coming to Philippine cable television via Lifestyle Network this Saturday (June 27) at 10PM for Filipino Broadway fans to witness the ceremony’s winning musical productions.

Hosted by Tony winners Kristen Chenoweth and Alan Cumming, the 69th Tony Awards were dominated by “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” and “Fun Home” which collected five awards, respectively. Fol-

provide a venue for learning opportunities for those who want to excel in their career in hotel and restaurant management. Armed with the PCC’s vision in providing the Filipino chefs with internationally-recognized platform, where it can hone their skills and showcase their talents in the culinary field, the MCF event will be participated in by Chefs, Apprentices, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary schools, Restaurant owners, Hotel and Resort Managers as well as the general public from Davao and all over Mindanao. Chef James Antonin, the overall Culinary event Competition in charge, has arranged for the country’s top chefs namely: Celebrity Chefs Jose Gamboa, Fernando Aracama, Carlo Miguel,

Reggie Aspiras, Salvador Trinidad, Jose Raymundo, Penk Cheng Tan, Jackie Ang Po, Michael Yap, Brando Santos, Jerome Valencia, Dan Basilio and Norbert Gandler to act as judges to the 8 different categories that will be competed in by the participants coming from different parts of Mindanao. The Chefs’ presence will surely boost the Culinary experts and be inspired and encouraged to showcase their best culinary craft as well. The 12th Mindanao Culinary Festival (MCF) is also in partnership with the WORLD FOOD EXPO (WOFEX) Mindanao, which is going to happen at the same time at the SMX Convention Center. Likewise, the MCF event is copresented by SM Lanang Premier,

lo re a w

m s h K P T it R e Y

n in li n o a

MJD Global Solutions Corp and UNOX, LTB Philippines Chefs Association, PAP (Pastry Alliance of the Philippines), City Tourism of Davao and the Department of Tourism Region XI. Major sponsors include Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Marco Polo Hotel and Seda Hotel. Minor sponsors are Malagos Agri-Ventures, Ajinomoto, Allegro Coffee, Kent Photography and LCD Projector Rentals and Invex Exhibit Systems and Services. For more information, contact the MCF Secretariat care of En at 0922-8630832, 0939-8065383 or look for Lilli at 0918-9141047, 0922-8630831, with email add: mcf2015coordinator@gmail.com. You may also check the Facebook page (MindanaoCulinaryFest) for more MCF updates.

Stockinger to return for Slipstream 2.0

#BilisNgPinoy: Stockinger is sole Philippine representative for premier one-make racing championship GP2’s eleventh season in Austria

FILIPINO-SWISS Jr. F1 racing driver Marlon Stockinger will return to the Philippines today (June 25) in time for Slipstream 2.0 which is happening on the 27th.

Slipstream 2.0 is a one-day event for the public, particularly motoring aficionados, where Stockinger is set to drive his Lotus World Series racecar around the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The event will be a sequel to last year’s exhibition of fast cars and fancy vehicles which attracted thousands of enthusiasts and their families who saw history in the making by witnessing a World Series car burn rubber on the streets of Manila. This comes in the heels of the 2015 Status Grand Prix (GP2) season in Austria which Stockinger had joined. Twenty-six drivers representing 13 teams racing over 10 rounds participated in the event. Entering the Austria event, GP 2 has already completed three rounds, which started last April in Bahrain. Stockinger, 24, is joined by New Zealand’s 23-year-old driver Richie Stanaway for Status Grand Prix this year. According to Stockinger’s mother Egin, her son has been adjusting well in this GP2 series,

noting that he is still in his rookie year as a GP2 participant. “It’s very challenging because the car he now uses is heavier, and this series is different from where he used to race. But overall as a rookie driver in a series of GP2, he is doing very well,” she

said. “I talked to him four days ago. He is confident and hopeful that he will earn points in this series. Of course, it will be tough but he is doing everything he can.” The GP2 Season is considered as the support series for the 2015

Formula One World Championship. Marlon Stockinger is a junior driver of F1 team Lotus. The lone Filipino F1 bet got his maiden victory during the 2012 GP3 Series in Monte Carlo while racing for Status Grand Prix.

THE MUCH-AWAITED MARKS & SPENCER IS FINALLY HERE! Get up to 50% off on selected items from June 25 to August 9, 2015. Loyalty members get additional 5% off on sale items until July 2, 2015.

Mayohan, B SATURDAY NIGHTS get viewers glued to their TV sets as Indie Kalibre is down to its final two Philippine independent film features on GMA News TV. Mayohan by Dan Villegas takes the spotlight this Saturday, June 27. Set in Infanta, Quezon where an annual tradition of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary is observed, the film takes off on how a teenage boy who is mourning the loss of his parents and a beauteous young lady from the province cross paths. Their story of getting to know each other, themselves even, and in the process

dis the ab reli orf han

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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yle Network airs 69th Tony Awards

owing closely were the 2015 evival of “The King and I” and “An American in Paris” which won four Tony’s each. The awards night ceremony was also packed with stunning performances from hit musicals such as “The King and I,” “An American in Paris,” “On the Town,” “On the Twentieth Century,” “The Vist,” “Fun Home,” “Something Rotten,” “Gigi,” “Finding Neverland,” and “It Shoulda Been You.” Saturday night will definitely be about appreciatng and loving Broadway ife as televiewers will witness a star-studded lineup of Hollywood personalities as presenters, such as for-

mer Tony Awards host Neil Patrick Harris, “American Idol” judges Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr., Sting, Bryan Cranston, Josh Groban, Amanda Seyfried, Bradley Cooper, Jim Parsons, and Nick Jonas, among others. Lifestyle Network will also air replays of the 69th Tony Awards on June 28 at 1PM, July 4 at 1AM, and July 8 at 3PM. Lifestyle Network is available on Sky Cable channel 52. For more updates, go to Lifestyle Network’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/ LifestyleNetwork) and follow Lifestyle Network on Twitter (@Lifestyle52) and Instagram (@LifestyleNetwork).

Tom Rodriguez on playing the role of Sergio: ‘It felt so unreal’ KAPUSO prime leading man Tom Rodriguez is more than ready to thrill the viewers as he expresses excitement on doing the role of Sergio in GMA’s upcoming primetime series Mari Mar.

“I was very surprised, very honored and excited, it felt so unreal. I knew right away when I first heard about it that it was going to be a big project. Nakakapressure pero at the same time I’m very excited ‘cause I know I’m going to learn a lot on this project,” shares the

Kapuso actor in an interview during the story conference of Mari Mar yesterday. Making Tom more delighted about the project is the opportunity to work with Miss World 2013 Megan Young, “I really feel blessed. Mas nakakabawas ng kaba at takot kasi I’ve worked with her before. At least we already have a great working relationship.” Aside from Megan, Tom is likewise excited to collaborate again with director Dominic Zapata whom he first worked with in My Husband’s Lover. Expect as well power-

ful performances to be delivered by Jaclyn Jose, Ricardo Cepeda, Carmi Martin, Jaya, Cris Villanueva, Candy Pangilinan, and Lauren Young. There will also be portrayals by

Frank Magalona, Maricris Garcia, and Dion Ignacio. There’s definitely more artists to be revealed as Mari Mar airs this August in GMA Telebabad.

Bwakaw on GMA News TV’s Indie Kalibre

scovering and exploring eir feelings, unfolds over backdrop of the various igious practices and colful activities the Mayon is known for. Kapuso

premier actress Lovi Poe plays the female lead character. Indie Kalibre culminates with the critically acclaimed Eddie Garcia-star-

rer Bwakaw directed by Jun Lana on July 4. Garcia portrays the role of Rene, an old man who embraced his homosexuality at the age of 70. With no one to

keep him company and take care of him, Rene has since convinced himself that he will die a lonely, old man. Turning his life around was Bwakaw, a stray dog that unwittingly taught him the importance of life and living it while it lasts. Earlier this month, film buffs were treated to Jeffrey Jeturian’s Kubrador with veteran actress Gina Pareno as its lead star; Alvin Yapan’s Sayaw ng Dalawang Paa top billed by Rocco Nacino, Paolo Avelino, and Jean Garcia; and Condo directed by Martin Cabrera and starring Coco Martin. INDIE KALIBRE airs every Saturday night at 10:15PM only on GMA News TV.

June 25 – 30, 2015

JURASSIC WORLD Chris Pratt, Judy Greer PG

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

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano G

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

POLTERGEIST Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt PG

R-16

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

MAX Josh Wiggins, Thomas Haden Church G

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

FOOD

One, two,

TEA

FOR those of us who are always in work mode frenzy, a cup of tea is our perfect answer. Well, for some, that is. Ever since I gave it a sip, I have fallen in love with its many flavours and effects in my body. Not to mention the kick of adrenaline I get before I hit my mat. Yes, I take a cup before I do my weekly yoga routine. Aside from it being a thirst-quenching drink, tea functions in more ways than one. When it comes to our health, tea plays a big role in assuring us of a bright future. Here are 10 things we should know about TEA! TEA FIGHTS FREE RADICALS Tea is believed to contain high anti-oxidants that wage war on “free radicals” present in our bodies. What they do is prevent our bodies from harming our healthy cells. TEA UPS OUR IMMUNITY The moment you feel a cold, cough or flu kicking in, grab a cup. An amino acid present in tea (theanine) activates our cells’ first line of defense, in the process lessening our risk of infection. Perfect, right? TEA IS ANTIIMFLAMMATORY It is believed that tea lessens the development of bone injuries and arthritis in our body. It reduces the swelling and possible inflammation. TEA KEEPS OUR HEART HEALTHY Teas lower our risk of heart diseases. Mainly, it improves the function of our blood cells. Not only do you savour the flavours of the earth but more so, help our body be in tip top shape.

TEA KEEPS US HYDRATED If you cannot keep up with the number of glasses you need in a day, why not drink at least 2 or 3 cups of tea a day to help you satisfy your daily water intake. What are you waiting for?

When it comes to our health, tea plays a big role in assuring us of a bright future.

TEA HELPS FIGHT THE BIG C Studies show that tea fights the big C. The present anti-oxidants keep cells healthy hence disallowing the growth of cancer cells. TEA MAKES THE BONES HEALTHY Like calcium, the flavonoids in teas increases bone mineral densities. TEA HAS THAT KICK Just like how I feel when I’m on my mat, teas increase alertness and improves focus and concentration. Also, teas bring more oxygen to the brain. TEA KEEPS US SLIM I have to take this in mind. If you want to shed off some pounds – just like me!- teas might do the trick. It helps burn fat and increase metabolism. Thank God for teas.. just like what I’m having one.

TEA MAKES TEETH STRONG Did you know that teas contain fluoride that benefits your teeth. How? By killing bacteria and plaque formation. More so, teas help reduce the risk of bad breath. Now, talk about a healthy new you! Want to make the most out of a party with your friends? Take it a notch higher with a TEA Party! Discover a new lifestyle with your tea! Keep a couple of mixes and experiment. Personalize your cup with fruit slices, honey or even a pinch of cinnamon powder. Want to be bold? Add your favourite milk (mine is almond/soy milk!) and make your own milk tea at home. You’ll never know what flavour you’ll discover. So, what’s your favourite tea flavour? Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram @herroyalheiress for your delicious food finds!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 7

Tourism to be studied in Sasa port project By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is looking at the possibility of including a tourism component in the proposed modernization of the controversial Davao Sasa Port. “We are going to look into that since it is one of the important components,” DOTC assistant secretary Fortunado A. Caringal told EDGE Davao yesterday at the sideline of the quarterly meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC). Caringal said the modernization of Sasa port was initially focused on developing the port to be a container terminal which will have a capacity of up to 1.2 million twenty foot-equivalent unit (TEUs). “We will see if there still room for the development for tourism,” he said. The proposal was lobbied during the meeting where stakeholders lobbied their concerns and issues regarding the port development that will be implemented under a public-private partnership scheme. Filipinas Port Services Inc president Henry Lopez-Chua, private sector rep-

resentative, said that it is impossible to not consider the tourism potential of the port as area where large domestic and international cruise ships can dock. Chua said international cruise tourism has an annual growth of 25 percent annually. “The Davao Sasa port has no equipment to cater to visiting cruise ships,” Chua said, adding that there were already cruise ships that docked in the port since last year. Although it is not opposing the project, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Davao expressed concern over the possible traffic congestion that will arise once port operations start by 2018. Eden David of DOT 11 said cited the DPWH explanation that it will be impossible to expand existing road networks in the Sasa area and that it will be more expensive to expatriate the right of way. But, Caringal assured that DPWH has sets of project like the construction of the bypass road that were already in the pipeline that is expected to address the foreseen traffic congestion.

...but Tagum LGU joins calls opposing project

HE local government unit of Tagum City in Davao del Norte has joined calls opposing the controversial P17-billion Davao Sasa Port modernization project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). Tagum Mayor Allan L. Rellon, speaking before the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) at their quarterly meeting yesterday, said the city is one of the affected areas by the modernization project that is expected to operate by 2018. Among the reasons Rellon cited during the meeting was that Tagum has already included the development of the 58 hectare-Hijo International Port Services (HIPS) located at Barangay Madaum in its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2011-2025. Rellon said they have already formulated the project proposal for development of infrastructures that will be conduit with the HIPS development. Eyed to be the region’s center for regional commerce, finance trade and public-private services, the development of the port might defy the region’s current physical development plan, according to Rellon. The private sector feared that the modernization of

Davao Sasa Port and increasing its current annual capacity of 550,000 TEU to up to 1.2 million TEUs will only compete with other privately-owned ports like the HIPS that will have a capacity of one to two million TEUs. Hijo Resources Corporation vice president for industrial port services Jacobo C. Mantecon earlier said that the first phase of the P9-billion development will commence this year. Mantecon said the development is expected to bring HIPS a capacity of one million TEUs that will be available for the next two years. But, contrary to the fear of the private sector, DOTC assistant secretary Fortunato A. Caringal said the modernization project aims to “complement with other port operation not to compete” with other private ports operating in the region. “We support fair and full competition to ensure a level playing field,” Caringal said, adding that the project doesn’t aim to monopolize the port operation in the region. He said there will be enough competition among port operators since it is expected that cargo will grow in the next few years. CHENEEN R. CAPON

STEM CELL. Dr. Mario Ramirez explains to members of the media the latest development and new technologies of the controversial stem cell therapy during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Chamber indorses bulk water project T

HE board of trustees of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) Tuesday night approved a resolution indorsing the P12-billion Davao City Bulk Water Project which will eventually produce 300 million liters of water daily, once operational in 2019. The resolution by the board headed by President Antonio dela Cruz came after more than an hour of project presentation by officials of the Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and a barrage of more than 20 questions asked by the trustees on various aspects of the project. The multi-billion bulk water project is comprised of two parts – Part A involving the construction by the Apo Agua of the plant in Tamugan

River and a network of 60 kilometers of pipes which will carry the water up to the points where eight huge reservoirs will be built by the DCWD to receive the water supply and Part B involving the construction of the reservoirs and a network of pipes 70 kilometers long to carry the bulk water to consumers, including currently unserved and underserved areas in the northern part of the city within the Second Congressional District. Apo Agua will spend P10 billion for the project, while DCWD’s own network will cost P2 billion. DCWD director Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. described it a “mega project because it cost billions of pesos,” adding that the project will define the future of the city in terms of potable water supply. Aboitiz Power first vice

president Manuel M. Orig, concurrently board member of Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) said the bulk water project will give Davao City an adequate, reliable, cost effective for the long term. “The project is not only important but critical to whatever type of business chamber members are engaged in,” Orig said. The technical aspects of the project were presented by Ronald A. Munoz, DCWD planning and design division manager. Munoz explained that Tamugan River was chosen as the source of the bulk water supply after a study found it most suitable in terms of sufficient quantity, acceptable quality, viable and suitable drinking water and other aspects compared to Lipadas River, Talomo River, Davao

River. Tagolaya River and Sibulan River. Munoz said the project will enable the DCWD to mothball most of its present 57 production wells, save some P400 million worth of electric power to make them run and allow the recharge areas of the Dumoy aquifers to be rehabilitated. He said that once the bulk water project is fully operational, DCWD will need only 10 production wells to service old areas The questions were answered by Apo Agua officials Orig, AAII general manager Jay Fernandez and lawyer Farah Lombatan, head of AAII legal department and DCWD officials Ledesma, Munoz, DCWD assistant general manager for administration Mildred Aviles, and spokesman Bernardo De-

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has released an initial P20.67 million for the implementation of a cassava granules production and marketing project under the flagship Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) in Polomolok town in South Cotabato. Amalia Jayag-Datukan, DA Region 12 executive director, turned over the funds to the Polo Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SNMPC) in a simple ceremony held last Monday at the South Cotabato provincial capitol in Koronadal City.

The official said the funds represent the first and second tranches of the cooperative’s P39 million project, which involves the production, processing and marketing of cassava granules. The cassava project was the first-ever initiative that was approved under the enterprise development or Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agriculture Productivity component of the PRDP, which is supported by the World Bank. “The whole nation is looking at this project and rooting for its success,” Datukan said.

She noted that the project has tremendous potentials due to opportunities in the area’s thriving livestock sector. Several commercial feed mills based in the area, among them San Miguel Corporation’s subsidiary B-MEG Philippines, have already forged purchase agreements with the cooperative. Karen Daguro, Polo SNMPC manager, assured that they will properly utilize and take care of the funds granted to them by the government. She said they will share its benefits with four other local cooperatives that have

signed up for the project. These are the Topland Multipurpose Cooperative in Koronadal City and Tantangan town; Pobusilla MPC in Tampakan and Tupi towns; San Jose MPC in Banga and Norala; and, Self Reliant MPC in Surallah, T’boli, Lake Sebu and Sto. Nino towns. Daguro said the six-year project will mainly benefit around 5,000 farmers and farm laborers in various parts of the province. South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes expressed her gratitude to the DA-12 for facilitating the implementa-

FCHAMBER, 10

P20.67M for cassava project in SoCot T

FP20.67M, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

Self-serving

NE of the problems of having multiple tasks is that often, these duties get in conflict with each other. This is the case for the country’s legislative branch, which is supposed to be creating laws but is also authorized to engage in investigations “in aid of legislation.” It is these probes that are more attractive to the public, and the legislators, knowing this full well, jump on each opportunity to hold investigations since they are opportunities to put their names and faces in the public eye. However, this task becomes a conflict of interest when the subjects of the investigation are the members of the august chambers themselves. In cases like this, the people cannot be blamed for thinking that the entire proceedings are a sham and that the results have already been cooked – luto, in local parlance – in favor of the legislators in question. Which is why Davao City First District Rep. Karlo B. Nograles should be supported in his suggestion that the House of Representatives, to which he belongs, should turn over to the Senate the inquiry on allegations that some members of Congress as well as some officials of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) received bribes from alleged Chinese crime lord Wang Bo. The alleged bribes were supposedly in

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exchange for a favorable vote on the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) – an admittedly outlandish allegation that nevertheless needs to be looked into. But the body that is geared to do the probe – the Lower House itself – is in a crisis of sorts because any conclusion it makes will almost certainly be self-serving. Proof of this is the fact that some members of Congress are bullying the reporter who made the story on the alleged bribery. They want to know who the reporter’s source is and are practically forcing her to reveal the name or names. This in spite of the fact that journalists are protected by Republic Act 53, or the Sotto Law, from being forced to reveal their sources. As it is, Congress is already signaling its adversarial position on the matter, betraying the fact that its intention is not to investigate itself but to absolve its members of any wrongdoing. Nograles says he does not doubt the integrity and credibility of his peers in conducting the legislative probe, but adds: “It would be better if the investigation is handled by a neutral body like the Senate to remove suspicions of whitewash and media bullying.” We hope Congress takes the suggestion. 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

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

A tale of two departments: DOTC and DPWH (Part 1)

VER the last five years I have travelled the country from Ilocos to the tip of the Zamboanga peninsula doing development projects and environmental assessments, and the occasional family road trips which my wife and son enjoy immensely. As such, my travels force me to fly, sail, and take the high and low roads. Sometimes rough and sometimes smooth. This summer alone saw me driving almost 5,000 kilometers through the Philippine highway system, through toll roads and free highways, bridges and RoRo ferries, all over Luzon, the Visayan Islands, and Mindanao. Knowing this gives me the chance to compare what travel was ten years ago to the travel of today.

DOTC, air traffic congestion, and airport woes While it has improved a bit on the roll-onroll off ship transport system especially in the Visayas, its failure to fix the air traffic congestion in Manila’s airport has made my flight experience often (50%) difficult. Every time a plane has to come from Manila it often carries with it the irritating caveat that it’s late and because of that, I have to leave Davao City late and arrive late. Moreover, if a plane does arrive on time, it is instructed to leave later than scheduled to arrive in Manila later. This often means I have to fly in the night before and possibly spend a little more for a hotel and breakfast to make my late morning appointment in Manila. Flying in and out of Manila within the same day is risky, in the same way expecting a visiting speaker to arrive in Davao for a lunch meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for example, can cause the meeting to start late because of the flight delay. Cebu is a bit easier. So long as I fly early from Davao, I often get there ahead of schedule. Add to this the management and maintenance issues in many of our regional airports. For one, the four Manila airport terminals do not enjoy the seamless access between them that is needed to make connecting flights efficient. One has to depend on the free buses for which you have to fall in line, baggage in tow to make your

flight in the next MY TWO CENTS’ terminal. You cannot take metered taxis from the airport and instead have to depend on the yellow airport cabs that charge more. Travel time between terminals 1 and John Tria 3 can take 45 minutes. This ecisouth@gmail.com you need to add to your itinerary if you wish to connect through Manila’s airport. In the Davao airport there is a lack of baggage carts such that when several flights arrive simultaneously, one has to wait for carts to be made available. This, sadly, has been the case since the new airport terminal opened in 2004. Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro airports have more baggage carts for incoming passengers. Davao’s saving grace is the easy availability of ordinary taxi cabs for arriving passengers. Nonetheless, this is embarrassing to our visitors.

Lack of adequate heavy and Light Railway systems Burgeoning metropolises often require railway systems to allow residents an easy and affordable commute to and from work and living spaces. Most modern cities have a system in place, even those located in the former socialist states. No matter how old and perhaps dingy, the systems are generally reliable and affordable, creating routine life situations of travel to and fro common start and ending points with ease. Our national government has had a poor record in setting up and maintaining railway systems. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) was once the mainstay of travel throughout Northern and Southern Luzon, and parts of Panay Island. It, however, has been allowed to rot, prompting the closure of the northern line.

The hobbled Manila MRT is another example, prompting our Mayor Duterte to comment on how insensitive the national government has become to common Metro Manila residents who have hoped for affordable safe and comfortable means of travel to and from work. Worse, the local governments in Metro Manila have barely said or done anything to help their own residents. Hence, Metro Manila residents just have to make do with the insensitivity and lack of action. What positive developments the DOTC was hoping for with the arrival of new coaches were dashed by a court order barring the transaction. This makes living and working in Metro Manila an expensive proposition.

The verdict DOTC ought to be a planning agency with the foresight to build the systems early in anticipating the traffic in passengers of all types, rather than burden the bursting multitude as they navigate through difficult terminals and systems. The current DOTC Secretary is a gentleman from Cavite who perhaps has never had to travel the length of this country on a regular basis. Hence, his exposure to the common travails of Visayans and Mindanaoans who have to do so may be understandably limited. The archipelago that we are requires that travel between regions be effective, efficient, and affordable. Thus, only the national government has the necessary resources and mandate to make this happen. Unlike Malaysia and Thailand which are concentrated land masses that are connected via road systems, Filipinos have to traverse sea and mountain to trade and travel. By itself, the costs of transporting and transacting within the country ought to be lowered to enable business and economic activity, especially tourism, to be a kickstarter for the inclusive economic growth this administration aspires for. Lowering the cost and effort involved in navigating the tedious and expensive transport infrastructure is the national government’s job. Whatever small efforts and successes claimed are not enough. It has thus far not succeeded.

Revitalizing Today’s Youth: 1st Mindanao Youth Congress in Focus

HIS coming Saturday, June 27, 2015, I will be speaking before a hundred delegates to the 3-day 1st Mindanao Youth Congress in General Santos City. It is organized by the Mindanao Youth Council, National Youth Commission and the Working Youth Club of Alabel (Sarangani Province). I am expected to share best practices in youth initiatives, particularly on corporate social responsibility in areas beset by poverty and disaster and the nearing 2016 elections. Our 2013 Typhoon Yolanda relief operations conducted in Guiuan, Eastern Samar and Palo and Sta. Fe towns in Leyte were particularly striking. It was an initiative aimed at making contributions to the ongoing relief operations in areas neglected or were inadvertently kept out of the loop because apparently all attention were on Tacloban City, thanks to sometimes skewed mainstream media reporting. We partnered with the German Society for International Aid – INTERHELP which funded the entire operations. The following months of February and March 2014, we conducted rehabilitation efforts in Sta. Fe, Leyte and Lemery, Iloilo, lasting a little more than a month. There were many lessons learned and we were delighted when several international aid agencies, including those of the United Nations, asked for our inputs that will be used in other parts of the world in the future should similar disasters strike again. During our Guiuan operations, we focused on post-traumatic stress debriefing, which was primarily handled by our volunteers from the Ateneo de Davao University-Center of Psychological and Extension Research Services. I was glad I finally found better use for my other baccalaureate degree in Psychology, which

has largely RANDOM THOUGHTS found limited use to counseling heartbroken friends and stubborn younger minds. Most of the frontliners were young people. One was a young Spanish lady Jonallier M. Perez who flew all the way from Europe to volunteer with the Germans; another was a young lad from Germany who recently volunteered in Afghanistan. Most of our volunteers from Davao City were young professionals who partnered with equally young emergency medical technicians from Mandaluyong City. Our cook was the most famous surfer in the whole of Samar provinces. He is young too. The nearing 2016 elections bring to the fore again the critical role the youth plays in choosing our elective leaders, including the President. According to the latest census, young voters (legally defined as those aging 18 years up to 35 years of age) constitute almost half of the entire voting population of the country. Reckoning from the total votes garnered by incumbent President Noynoy Aquino, theoretically, the entire youth vote alone will be enough to elect the next president. Forget about poll surveys, cherrypickings by public relations practitioners, analysts and pseudo-analysts. Forget about all those studies

on voting preferences of today’s voters by country’s leading thinktanks and pseudo-thinktanks. Just rally the youth and muster their full support and you get the presidency or whatever post one wishes to grab. Of course, it is easier said than done. The nearest to this was the 1992 presidential elections when the Miriam phenomenon almost catapulted now Sen. Defensor-Santiago to the palace – thanks largely to the youth vote. I vividly recall my experience in one province in Mindanao during the 2013 midterm elections, during which I served as a political strategist of a major political party I am a loyal member of. This province is known for massive vote buying and it is something the people – the poor people, particularly – look forward to every three years. It was an uphill battle; most of the candidates in the provincial and municipal levels were underfinanced, despite the party being the administration party. Majority of the volunteers were young people desirous of bringing genuine change in their province. And given our material limitations, it was no easy task to convince them to support our advocacies. It was so difficult that we had to deconstruct a heavy concept, such as vote buying being likened to selling their future, into something they can easily understand. And the formula was something like this: If an individual vote is bought, on the average, at P1,000 by the politician who has done practically nothing good before, and given that one single term lasts for three years, then each sacred vote was essentially less than P1 each (P1,000 divided by 365 days x 3 years).

VANTAGE POINTS

Brace for Grace, the new Cory

WISE-

CRACK who dabbles as a humor philosopher wants all Filipinos to know that the first two letters in BBL do not necessarily stand for BaBoy. But with the way the BBL is being butchered in the Sen. Bongbong Marcos local government committee in the Senate, it may end up as a special course (lechon) on the dining table. ------000-------

Somebody must have done something extraordinary, or unusual, or out of turn, or out of fear, or out of desperation, or out of panic which caused VP Binay’s trust rating to shoot up by seven points despite those corruption allegations against him. Aaahh, politics, “how many crimes have been committed in thy name?” ------000-------

VP Binay, at long last, left the Aquino cabinet early this week. It was long in coming. He should have gone on the very first day he was linked to corruption. He could have earned statesmanship points. Quick, fast action always merits commendation. Binay has done nothing noteworthy other than issue denial statements. And his trust rating goes up. It’s crazy, anomalous. It is high time that Binay cut the political umbilical cord that ties him to Cory. Sometime and somehow gratitude has to end. He stuck to her to the very end. He served her well. He must escape from Cory’s long shadow – now. As for Noynoy, Binay owes him no gratitude – politically. Noynoy is not Cory. That’s the bottom line. ------000-------

The Vice President camp insists that Binay will pursue his dream of capturing Malacañang “come hell or high water”. My guess is that Binay hopes the voters would acquit him of corruption charges. That won’t happen. Votes are not pieces of evidence, and voters are not witnesses for the defense. Voters cannot acquit corrupt politicians, only the court. ------000-------

GRACE POE – The New Cory Grace Poe should be graceful enough to reject calls for her to seek the presidency. The presidential shoes are too big for her. She doesn’t possess enough wisdom to rule a nation of 100 million people and a thousand and one problems. The presidential responsibilities are too awesome for a total political greenhorn, a “babe in the woods.” If Grace thinks honesty is enough to run a country, she’s wrong. If that were the case, we might as well ask Cardinal Tagle to preside over our nation. Grace will be another Cory who was a “following” leader, not a “directing” leader. She followed the wishes of her subordinates instead of the subordinates following hers. Grace Poe will end up like Cory – a failure as Chief Executive – a political handicap.

10 NEWS

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SHIELD. Two Grade 4 students from Sta. Ana Central Elementary School use a streamer to shield themselves from rains that hit Davao City yesterday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

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including political dynasties since his son Paolo is the vice mayor while his daughter Sara, who was mayor in 2010 to 2013, is being groomed to run for the same position in 2016. Beleno, however, said the issues thrown at Duterte are not considered big unless a case is filed against him that will result in suspension.

Duterte has consistently said he is not running for President in 2016 because he does not have the funds to mount a campaign. In an earlier interview with Anthony Taberna in ABSCBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda program, Duterte placed the probability of him running for President in 2016 is still at 40 percent.

also work with the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) for intervention. Duterte said that he will

also hire 10 retired teachers who will handle the interventions for young lawbreakers. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

sympathy sa China at pro political dynasty.” – Robin Gallardo “Duterte is a straight talker not like Binay who skirts away from issues confronting him. Which would you prefer?” – Rey Flores

“Pag hindi sya tatakbo… hindi na ako magvote... wala nang saysay at hope itong Pinas... Might as well accept the job abroad.” – Fesanmie Dolotina Amarillo

the detainees were in the detention area. De Castilla, for his part, said he had already detailed his personnel to man every section of the station prior to the incident. Following the incident, de Castilla immediately created a tracker team to locate the

escapees. A detainee said that around 2 a.m. on June 9, she noticed that there was someone cutting the chain of the cell in the male section while Zafra was lying on a bench beside his table. The escapees have since been apprehended.

tential is observed in markets of Australia and New Zealand. The country’s IT-BPO industry is one of the bullish sector in the Philippines and supports the national economy. The industry had a reve-

nue of USD18 billion in 2014 and is growing by double digit or at least 15 percent annually. As of end-2014, the ITBPO industry created a total of 1.03 million jobs nationwide. (PNA)

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Bo controversy and the alleged payoff and bribery of government officials “being a co-equal body in the same branch of government.” “I don’t believe that the bribery happened but nonetheless, a neutral and more independent panel like the Senate should conduct the probe. Being a co-equal body in the same branch of government, the Senate must be the one to continue the congressional inquiry on the reported acts of bribery committed by Wang Bo so as to ferret out the truth as soon as possible,” Nograles said.

Noting that the probe has become too emotional in the House of Representatives, Nograles believes the Senate will be more successful in getting the witnesses to talk. “Understandably, the House inquiry has become too emotional since the institution is at the receiving end of these accusations so much so that the witnesses have refused to talk. I suggest that the Senate invite the witnesses to speak to them in executive session. Maybe then we can really get to the bottom of this,” Nograles said.

engaged in “risky sexual behaviors.” They include gays, bisexuals, men who have sex with men or MSMs and others who engage in unprotected sex and with multiple partners. Aturdido said they expect the number of HIV cases in the area to increase in the coming weeks as they have yet to include in their database those who were tested outside the province that turned out positive. He said these results will be updated through the DOH’s National HIV/AIDS Registry. The official said the 15 new HIV patients are now undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ARV) at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City. He said they were able to arrange with the DOH to allow the treatment of the patients in the area instead of going to the

Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. “We already requested the DOH to establish a treatment hub in the region due to the increasing HIV cases in the province and the neighboring areas,” he said. At the provincial hospital, he said the subsidized HIV testing costs P3,000 but the ARV treatment is given for free. “It’s free as of now but we fear that it might not be the case in the future,” Aturdido said. The ARV mainly stops the multiplication of the infected person’s viral load and eventually prevents them from further spreading the disease. In some countries, the use of antiretroviral drugs has helped effectively lower the incidence of HIV infection to about one percent and eventually stabilized the detected cases.(PNA)

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skills in network & cyber security to grow and keep the nation safe online. Colleges and universities interested to be a Cyberoam Academy partner can apply through answering the form published in the academy’s website or through sending an email at academy@cyberoam.com.

The Academy Manager will respond and call the universities within two working days upon receiving the application. A webinar will also be set to discuss more details about the course. As a non-profit initiative by Cyberoam, there will be no direct costs incurred to become a Cyberoam Academy.

erations said that the Serbisyo Caravan has become a whole Nation Initiative (WNI) as part of the peace process. “Eventually, the economic development will spur in the area as the national and local governments are working together for the completion of road access, health & wellness, livelihood, employment and eco-tourism projects,” she

added. The Serbisyo Caravan is a quarterly activity of national government agencies since 2011 which gives one-stop government services to rural folks in far-flung areas who are not able to normally receive immediate healthcare, legal, and agricultural services.(ChePalicte/Nitt Marie Lantaya DA11)

lima Jr., also a lawyer. Also present were DCWD directors Ma. Luisa Jacinto and lawyer Charmalou Aldevera. During the question and answer portion, the DCCCII officers constituted a panel led by president Dela Cruz, with past presidents Sofronio Jucutan, Daniel Lim and Bonifacio Tan and chamber

trustees Dicky Puyod, Enrique M.O. Diola, Annie E. Veloso, Arturo M. Milan and Antonio M. Ajero, asking several questions about the project. The DCCCII board of trustees approved the indorsement resolution minutes after the DCWD and Apo-Agua officers had left the board room. AMA

tion of the project. “We’re happy that we are getting this attention from DA. This is a manifestation that the national government is really determined to bring its services down to the local

communities,” she said. The governor added that the local government will make sure that the project will be properly implemented and turn in quality results. (PNA)

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11 AGRITRENDS

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Rediscovering the potentials of Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

bangus

LTHOUGH tilapia is popular among Filipinos , the sleek and silvery bangus (or milk fish) is still the most favorite fish. After all, it is not considered the country’s fish icon for nothing. The popularity of bangus even extends to other countries. The Philippines has been exporting bangus to the United States, Middle East, England, Canada, and Japan. “We export bangus to countries where there are a lot ase of its mild, sweet flesh, and its melt-in-themouth belly fat. The popularity of bangus can be gleaned in such recipes as bangus en tocho (fried bangus served with a sauce of any of the following: tahure, tokwa, or tausi), bulanglang na bangus (with eggplants, ampalaya, sitao, malunggay, onion, tomatoes, rice washing and bagoong), rellenong bangus (formerly a party dish; now available even in school cafeterias and malls), and bangus lumpia. For a very long time, the Philippine aquaculture industry was virtually synonymous with bangus culture. The introduction of marine cages has greatly expanded the range of culture systems under which bangus is now being produced: brackishwater ponds, fishpens in freshwater lakes, fishpens in shallow bays, lake-based cages whether fixed or floating, and sea-based cages. Perhaps no other aquaculture species has wider range of environment and culture systems under which it is being produced. Bangus is one of the most important fish species being cultured in the Philippines. “Bangus has always been the most important species cultured in the Philippines in terms of area and production,” said Dr. Guerrero. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture, said that about 98% of bangus production comes from aquaculture; only a small amount comes from marine fisheries. Bangus is farmed in brackishwater, freshwater, and marine water. Bangus can be raised anywhere in the country. However, the top bangus producing regions are Regions 6, 3, 1 and 4A, while top producing provinces are Capiz, Iloilo, Bulacan, Negros Occidental, Pangasinan, and Quezon. The BAS reported that from 2002 to 2011, production of bangus from aquaculture grew at an average rate of 2.62 percent. Average production during the ten-year period was 312,666 metric tons. In 2011, aquaculture production was valued at PhP30.6 million with an annual growth rate of 9.21

Fresh bangus

Bangus can be raised in floating cages percent. Bangus (scientific name: Chanos chanos) is most closely related to carps and catfishes. It occurs in the Indian Ocean and across the Pacific Ocean, tending to school around coasts and islands with reefs. A warm water species, it prefers water temperatures between 20-33 degrees Centigrade. Bangus is one of the most studied fish in the world. Scientists have found that they spawn only in fully saline water. Females spawn up to 7 million eggs, which hatch in about 24 hours. Spawning and fertilization take place at night. The frequency of spawning per year is still unknown. Eggs and larvae are pelagic up to two to three weeks. In nature, the larvae seek out clear coastal and estuarine waters warmer than 23°C with 10-32 parts per thousand salinity and abundant phytoplankton. Incubating eggs and newly hatched larvae are transported to the shore by currents where they are gathered by people in brackish waters such as shallow sandy areas, mouths of rivers, and lagoons. Older larvae migrate onshore and settle in coastal wetlands (mangroves, estuaries) during the juvenile stage, or occasionally enter freshwater lakes. Under natural conditions, larvae and fry migrate to tidal pools and settle in them for one month until they be-

come juveniles, then migrate into lagoons, lakes and shallow waters until they reach adolescence before returning to the sea for further grown and sexual maturation. In the past, bangus fry abounded in the country. In recent years, however, the number collected has been dwindling due to the destruction of natural habitats brought about by the extensive conversion of mangrove areas to fishponds, destructive fishing methods (like dynamite fishing) and environmental degradation (deforestation and siltation), among others. Consequently, with the decrease in seed supply, the cost of fry and fingerlings has increased significantly over the years. As a result, the Philippines has to import fry from Indonesia and Taiwan since both have lower prices compared to those sold in the country, according to Dr. Guerrero. Normally, bangus fry appear in different places and various seasonal peaks. Areas like Southern Leyte, Western Samar, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Antique, and Iloilo have two peak seasons: March to July and October to November. Provinces like Cotabato and Zamboanga del Sur have fry available year-round. Livelihood Options for Coastal Communities, published by the Silang-based International Institute of Ru-

ral Reconstruction, says peak gathering days occur during high tides after two or three days following a new moon or a full moon. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) or peak-spawning season of bangus starts in March to June and drops in August to September. During the breeding season, the rising GSI value coincides with rising seawater temperature. Spawning regularly occurs among five- to seven-year-old female breeder (sabalo) in the wild. Fertility is about 300,000 to one million eggs per kilogram weight of sabalo. Several bangus fry collection methods are practiced in the Philippines. This includes fry barriers or fences, seine nets and “bulldozer” nets. The collected bangus fry are placed in well-ventilated containers, preferably wooden vats or big earthen jars filled with clean brackishwater. The containers are kept on cool areas. Overexposure to sunlight is avoided or the fry die. Also, the fry are brought to the conces-

sionaires’ buying stations without delay. The lack of fry was cited as one of the many problems that beset bangus production in the country. Bangus growers need to worry anymore about where to get their fry. The Finfish Hatcheries, Inc. (FHI) has been selling bangus fry since 1997. FHI, the first and largest commercial fry hatchery in the country, is part of the business integration program of the Agribusiness Unit of the Alcantara Group. It now supplies more than 50% of the national requirements for bangus fry. Its hatchery is in barangay Lun Masla of Malapatan in Sarangani Province. Here, more than 10,000 breeders are maintained and managed to produce bangus eggs on a daily basis throughout the year. The eggs are collected, cleaned and hatched. The hatchlings are grown to the marketable sizes in 18-21 days in larval ponds. During the growing period, they are fed with a mixture of planktons and commercial feeds. The breeders are 50% males and 50% females. Sexing is a tedious work as male and females have to be chosen carefully and tagged. Some breeders have already reached the age of 25 and yet they are still breeding in groups. It takes 5 years for a bangus to mature sexually. FHI selects breeders for commercial production only when they are 8 years old. A sabalo can produce seven kilos of eggs in one year. And one kilo consists of 750,000 eggs.

Bangus spawns in ponds in frenzy at night. The sabalo release the eggs while the males discharge the milt. Fertilization happens externally in the pond water. There is no need for hormone induction for mature breeders. The eggs are collected in nets in the early morning. They are cleaned and placed in the larval ponds immediately. The bangus eggs hatch in the ponds within 24 hours. The hatchlings feed on the yolk sac for about 2-3 days. They undergo morphological transformations. As first feeds, the larva are supplied natural food in a mixture of zoo- and phyto-planktons. Commercial feeds are provided in the last quarter of the production.” According to FHI, more Filipino farmers are now seeding their ponds and cages with bangus fry being sold by FHI, which has major dealers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It maintains sales offices in Makati, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Alabel, Sarangani, its head office. For further details, readers can visit its website: www.saranganifry.com. “Aquaculture in the Philippines will continue to improve as needs for food and livelihood opportunities are enhanced by the growing population,” FHI said in a statement. “The base of any aquaculture is the ability of the country to complete the production cycle in culture. Any seafood production system that relies on wild stocks cannot be sustainable. FHI is at the forefront of this service in the Philippines.”

Ready to eat bangus

Bangus with vegetable

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

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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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DepEd teachers, personnel to receive one-month PEI T HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PhP14 billion for the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) to the Department of Education (DepEd). Eligible DepEd employees shall receive a one-time PEI equivalent to one month basic salary, pursuant to Executive Order 181, s. 2015. DepEd has complied with all the conditions stipulated under Section 4 of EO 181, s. 2015. DBM recently issued

the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to cover the release of funds for the grant of the PEI for fiscal year 2015. The said funds are being downloaded to DepEd regional offices. DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro FSC has directed its field offices to prepare the payroll of the qualified employees. As stated in EO 181, s. 2015, qualified employees refer to those who have: (1) rendered at least a total or

an aggregate of four months of service as of May 31, 2015, including leaves of absence with pay, and who are still in the service as of May 31, 2015; and (2) obtained at least a satisfactory performance rating. Employees who have rendered less than four months of satisfactory service as of May 31, 2015 may still be paid the full amount of the PEI upon completion of the four months and satisfactory service rating requirements before the end of FY 2015. (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

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

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PLDT HOME, Smart launch iflix partnership

A James Ingram ‘Just Once’ concert Dabawenyos can’t afford to miss

OT many people can claim to be back-toback Academy Award nominees, but singer James Ingram is among that select company. One of the truly superb voices in contemporary music. he earned the best song Oscar nomination for “ Look What Love has Done,” the enchanting love theme from the movie Junior, a song he co-wrote with Carole Bayer Sager and James Newton Howard. A native of Akron, Ohio, Mr. Ingram has earned three Grammy Awards, and 17 nominations over the years. He first drew widespread attention in the early 1980s for his memorable performances of “One Hundred Ways” and “Just Once,” two smash hit singles that helped make Quincy Jones’ The Dude the most Grammy nominated album in history to date. Mr. Ingram also immortalized “Somewhere Out There,” a duet he sang with Linda Ronstadt in

Steven Spielberg’s animated feature An American Tail, and his duet with Patti Austin, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing,” was an Oscar-nominated song from the movie Best Friends. As a songwriter, Mr. Ingram co-wrote with Michael McDonald, and won a Grammy award for “Yah-Mo Be There”. In 1993 he teamed up with Carole Bayer Sager and Clif Magness to co-write “The Day I Fall in Love,” from the movie Beethoven’ Second. Sung as a duet between himself and Dolly Parton, it went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for best song in 1994. Thom Bell, (Producer) provided James with his first solo number one pop hit: “I Don’t Have The Heart” paving the way for more acclaim and recognition for the powerhouse vocalist. In 1990, James was also featured on “The Secret Garden,” the No. 1 R &B hit from Quincy Jones’

Globe, Zalora Phl beef up partnership

LOBE Telecom remains the preferred partner of the world’s biggest content brands with its partnership with Zalora Philippines, further growing the e-commerce industry in the country. With the collaboration, customers get easy and hassle-free access to the online shopping portal across mobile devices to fully empower the Filipino digital lifestyle experience with the Shopping Bundle, avail-

able to mobile and Tattoo postpaid customers for only P299 a month. Zalora recently opened its first digital pop-up store in the country at the EDSA Shangri-la Mall, where all transactions will be done online using tablets, phones and laptops that will be displayed throughout the space. As an exclusive offer, Globe customers can enjoy a 20-percent discount for purchases at the pop-up store.

multi platinum album, “Back On The Block”. James Ingram’s other hits include “Whatever We Imagine”, “Baby Come To Me”, “There’s No Easy Way”, among others. 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. At home he’s also currently working with choreographer /producer Debbie Allen on a musical entitled “The Legend” in development. The essential quality that is apparent in James’ music is the downon-the-ground realness and authenticity that James Ingram brings to every song he writes, sings or produces. That honest approach to mu-

sic stems the balance James maintains between his career and his home life. “ ‘I never confuse who I am, with what I do”. 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 0916-2867088 and 09326376185

DIGITAL STORE. Present during the launch of Zalora’s first digital pop-up store are (from left) Samsung Philippines Head of Content and Services Cris Concepcion, Zalora Philippines CEO & Co-Founder Paulo Campos III, Globe

HE country’s biggest multimedia networks PLDT HOME and Smart Communications, Inc. deliver entertainment everywhere in the Philippines with the launch of its pioneering exclusive partnership with iflix, Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service. The partnership with the PLDT Group in the Philippines, the first among a series of launches for iflix in the region, will let families and individuals enjoy more than 11,000 hours of TV and movie entertainment from the best content providers around the world— including top Hollywood, European, Asian, and even local studios—in just a few clicks. This means users can now enjoy unlimited entertainment wherever they are across the broadest range of devices – from smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and even TV screens – at a very low price starting at P99 per month, exclusive to PLDT HOME and Smart subscribers nationwide. “Whether you’re spending the weekend at home with your family, commuting to work on a Monday morning, or leaving for an out-of-town trip with friends during the summer, you can now enjoy entertainment everywhere with iflix in partnership with PLDT HOME and Smart,” said Ariel P. Fermin, PLDT EVP and Group Head of Consumer Business. “With the convergence of the services from the number one home broadband provider and the largest mobile network in the country, our customers may conveniently access our most compelling entertainment content whether at home or outside of home. We are definitely looking forward to letting our subscribers in on a bigger and better entertainment experience everywhere with the help of iflix,” Fermin added. “We are extremely proud to have come together with the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines and, indeed, one of the region’s leading companies, to offer iflix to PLDT’s enormous customer base. With well over 75 million Filipinos communi-

cating and being entertained using PLDT Group services, they are the absolute perfect partner for iflix in the Philippines,” said iflix chairman Patrick Grove. “In PLDT we have found a like-minded partner who is committed to changing the way entertainment content is consumed in the region. We look forward to building an extraordinary business in the Philippines together.” iflix Home to the World’s Best Entertainment Content iflix, Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service, has struck turnkey deals with Hollywood’s top studios, including The Walt Disney Company,Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution (Fox), BBC Worldwide (BBC), and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (Warner Bros.), and many more, to bring only the most captivating TV and movie content to Filipino users. This means users can enjoy breakout TV hits such as “Sherlock,” “Doctor Who,” “Homeland,” and “The Big Bang Theory,” as well as action-packed superhero flicks that include “Star Trek,” “Batman Begins,” and “Green Lantern,” among thousands of other titles. Entertainment everywhere PLDT HOME users can enjoy a buffet of iflix content at home. Existing users of PLDT HOME DSL, and PLDT HOME Ultera can enjoy iflix as an add-on option on top of their monthly fees, for only P99 per month. Fibr Plan customers can enjoy iflix for free as part of their subscription. Further, HOME customers who will upgrade to a TVolution or Telpad plan will have unlimited access to iflix at no additional fee. Smart subscribers, meanwhile, will be able to enjoy endless entertainment on the go also for P99 a month, charged to their prepaid loads or on top of their postpaid accounts. To get started with iflix, simply register an account via www.iflix.com and receive a 14-day trial of the service. Once the trial expires, PLDT HOME and Smart users will be able to subscribe iflix for only P99 per month.

President and CEO Ernest Cu, Zalora Philippines Managing Director Constantin Robertz, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan, and Samsung Philippines Head of Accessories Erik Sulit.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

Khan open to fighting Pacquiao

MIR Khan says he is willing to take on his former gym-mate Manny Pacquiao if Floyd Mayweather opts against fighting him. Khan said Pacquiao turned down the opportunity to face him in the past and insists a fight can happen if the Filipino wants to face him. The Olympic silver medalist’s hopes of securing his dream clash with Mayweather took several blows last week, with Keith Thurman and Kell Brook championing each other’s claims before ‘Money’ himself suggested the race was between Karim Mayfield and Andre Berto. “You’ve been doing your homework,” Mayweather said. “There are two names out there that I’m going to

fight. I’m either going to fight Karim Mayfield or Andre Berto in September.” Khan still holds out hope of a Mayweather U-turn and was keen to distance himself and his camp from comments attributed to Bob Arum’s Top Rank promotions suggesting a fight with Pacquiao in Dubai could be soon announced. “It’s all rumours and speculation, I’ve not spoken to Manny about a fight in Dubai and neither did our camps, so it’s untrue,” Khan told The National. “Look, if Manny wants to fight, we can do it, I’ve offered him and his team in the past, but they turned us down. “If Manny mans up and wants to take the fight then it will happen, but the only fight I am interested in right now is

Floyd Mayweather. “Everywhere I go fans ask me only one question: When are you fighting Floyd? I was at the Boxing Hall of Fame the other week and everyone kept asking me the same question. “There is nothing more from their camp, Floyd is clearly avoiding me; that’s the fight I want, I’ve proved myself in the welterweight division, so I don’t know what more to do. “He fought Pacquiao now when he is over the hill. If he had fought him five years ago, Manny would’ve beaten him. I hear he wants an easy fight for his 49th and final fight; he has been mentioning names like Andre Berto and Karim Mayfield. Why not take the fight with me, if he thinks I am that easy?”

ESPN, De La Hoya said should he return the fight “should be worthy of my time. But this is serious, plus I have to sure of fighting against the very best.” The Golden Boy made it clear he “won’t go back for money issues or glamor” and emphasized that “the factor which would make me return is that I’ve missed fighting against the best.” While claiming that chances of a return are 5050 De La Hoya maintained “at the moment I’m feeling in pretty good shape. I feel great emotionally and mentally as I haven’t drunk alcohol in a

long time. I’m training well ad I’m feeling awesome.” De La Hoya has won 10 world titles in 6 different weight divisions from lightweight to middleweight and earned millions of dollars during his career fighting the best of his era including undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr to whom he lost by a split decision; a seventh round mauling in a catch-weight showdown with eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao and fights against DShane Mosley, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whittaker and Bernard Hopkins.

SPORTS 15

WBC says ODH serious about comeback

HE World Boxing Council claims that “The Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya who is now 43 years old is “thinking seriously” about returning to the ring so much so that “he’s even assessing possible rivals.“ It should be noted age is not necessarily a factor since heavyweight champion George Foreman came out of retirement and at the age of 45 regained the world title by knocking out 27 year old Michael Moorer in November 1994 while Bernard Hopkins last fought in November 2014 at the age of 49. In an interview with

Ferrari to take ‘holistic’view of Raikkonen F

ERRARI will take a ‘holistic’ view in deciding whether Kimi Raikkonen stays with the Formula One team next season, according to principal Maurizio Arrivabene. The 2007 world champion, still Ferrari’s most recent, crashed spectacularly in Sunday’s Austrian Formula One Grand Prix when he lost control on the opening

WILL HE BE BACK IN RED? Kimi Raikkonen’s future with Ferrari will be up for a second look.

SLAM. Purefoods’ Star Hotshots’ Alex Mallari slams one home against Blackwater Elite defenders in the PBA the other night.

lap after starting in 14th place. Ferrari have an option on the Finn, who is out of contract at the end of the year, but there has also been speculation that he could be replaced. Compatriot Valtteri Bottas, now at Williams, and Force India’s Le Mans winner Nico Hulkenberg have both been touted as possible candidates. Arrivabene told reporters that Ferrari had a deadline they were working towards and a decision would be taken at the “appropriate time for him (Raikkonen) and for us.” “I’m not going to tell you when the deadline is but it’s an overall view

that is conducting our decision,” he said. “I am talking about performance. Performance means a kind of holistic approach. How is the feeling with the engineers, how is working with the engineers, getting points, podiums, how quick?...many, many things. “And now it’s early to tell him something or to decide something,” added the Italian. Arrivabene, who has suggested previously he would use a “carrot and stick” approach with the Finn, said some might think he was too protective of Raikkonen but the season had not yet reached the halfway point.

“Try to be in my position and go to Kimi and say you are out or in. I want the guys to be concentrated on what they are doing today and to give us the maximum,” he explained. Ferrari are currently second overall in the championship after closing the performance gap with Mercedes since last season. Raikkonen finished second in Bahrain while team mate and fourtimes champion Sebastian Vettel, brought in from Red Bull at the end of last season, won in Malaysia. Raikkonen dismissed speculation about his future last week, responding angrily to speculation that he night have to take a pay cut to stay on.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

MEETING EYE TO EYE Dapudong, Garcia staredown to highlight today’s weigh-in

Former International Boxing Organization (IBO) world super flyweight champion Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong (second from left) will banner today’s weigh-in of Boxing Revolution III. Also in photo is Sonshine Sports Management Inc. president Manny Piñol (extreme right).

VOL. 8 ISSUE 60 • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

ORMER International Boxing Organization (IBO) world super flyweight champion Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong will finally meet his rival former Pan Asia Boxing Association (PABA) flyweight king Richard Garcia today (June 25) in the official weigh-in and press conference of the Boxing Revolution III at 10 a.m. at the NCCC Mall activity area in Maa. The Games and Amusements Board Davao field office headed by OIC Arlene Olondriz and sports and games officer John Kenneth Improso will handle the weigh-in. Dapudong and Garcia will fight for 10 rounds and 115-pounds only. 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 wants 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. Also seeing action in the Boxing Revolution III slated tomorrow Friday at 6 p.m. at the Almendras Gym are the other fighters from SSMI – former WBO Orien-

tal featherweight Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva, ex-WBO Oriental bantamweight title-holder Rolando “Smooth Operator” Magbanua, ex-WBO Oriental mini-flyweight king Romel “Little Assasin” Asenjo and undefeated Roskie “Kapre” Cristobal. The 29-year old Villanueva (28 wins, 24 KOs, 1 loss) fights ex-Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight champion Rey Las Pinas in 10 rounds for 130 lbs. Magbanua (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 Asenjo (26 wins, 20 KOs, 4 loses) fights Michael “Matibay” Rodriguez of Baguio in another tenner. The undefeated Cristobal (10 wins, 8 Kos) will face veteran JR Mendoza of Cavite in an 8-rounder 135 lbs. match. Also featured in the undercard are Jose Ocampo vs. Jaime Barcelona (8 rds.130 lbs.); Vergil Deluma vs. Freden dela Cruz (6 rds.118 lbs.); Arnold Garde vs. Rez Padrogane (6 rds.-130 lbs.); Alvin Lagumbay vs. Joe Tesones (6 rds.-130 lbs.); Gerald Alvarez vs. Prince Canonero (4 rds.-105 lbs.). Proceeds of the event dubbed as “No Guts, No Glory” will be used for the scholarship program of the Jose Maria College. Tickets for are pegged at P1,500 (red carpet), P1,000 (lower box), P300 and P200 (admission). Tickets are available at Toby’s Sports in Abreeza Mall, Marianos Sports Market in Victoria Plaza and Holiday Gym.