Edge Davao 8 Issue 61

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

INSIDE EDGE

3 drown, 800 displaced in SC, S. Kudarat floods P2 DCCCII: Stop port bidding P5

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ONE ON ONE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte goes one on one with CNN Philippines’ television host Pia Hontiveros on Wednesday night. Duterte explained his television sorties are meant to explain to his supporters that he is not interested in the presidency. FB photo by Roldan Gorgonio

RODY SAYS HE CAN’T REFUSE

Mayor Duterte reveals TV sorties meant to explain why he is not running

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Will Bobby Parks Jr. be D drafted in the NBA today? abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte just can’t let people down.

After a string of television guesitngs put him on the radar of the presidential race, Mayor Duterte clarified that the TV rounds in major Philippine networks on Wednesday

were intended to explain why he will not run for President in 2016.

In his appearance in the show news.ph in CNN Philippines on Wednesday night, host Pia Hontiveros asked Duterte if he grants “left and right” interviews just to ex-

plain his side.

“Yes... kasi mahiya naman ako magtanggi (Yes... because I can’t keep saying no),” Duterte quickly responded to Hontiveros’ question.

On Wednesday, Duterte was in three primetime news programs on national televi-

sion. He started his day at Umagang Kay Ganda over ABSCBN and was interviewed by hard-hitting anchor Anthony Taberna, Headstart with Karen Davila at ANC hosted

by Nancy Irlanda, and late Wednesday night at CNN Phil-

FRODY, 10

Sports 15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

WORLD FOOD EXPO. City Tourism Office head Lisette Marques (third from left), Davao Tourism Association (DATA) president Sally San Jose (fourth from left), Davao Regional Tourism Council (DRTC) head Mary Ann Montemayor (leftmost), Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir (center) of Malaysia, Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 chief

3 drown, 800 displaced in SC, S. Kudarat floods

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HREE people have died while around 800 residents were displaced in parts of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces as flashfloods and landslides hit the area early Wednesday.

Reports from local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices said the floods and landslides occurred following the almost non-stop heavy to moderate rains that started on Tuesday evening.

In South Cotabato, severe flooding were reported in the municipalities of Banga, Norala, Tantangan, Tupi and Koronadal City due to the swelling of several rivers and tributaries.

Landslides were also reported in Barangays Bunao

WHAT THE?

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and Lunen in Tupi after a portion of a mountain collapsed at the height of heavy rains early Wednesday.

Ira Aguinaldo, staff member of the Tupi Municipal DRRM Office (MDRRMO), said three casualties were reported in the landslide that hit a portion of Purok Tinago, Sitio Akmaon in Barangay Bunao.

Two of the casualties were identified as couple Nonoy and Monita Ga, who were both 74 years old.

“Our search and rescue team is currently in the area to retrieve the bodies of the casualties and assess the situation there,” she told MindaNews in a telephone interview.

Aguinaldo said flashfloods were also recorded in three

Y

F3 DROWN, 10

ESTERDAY, our headline read “RODY’S REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY.” Just what reverse psychology means?

Reverse psychology: a persuasion technique involving the false advocacy of a belief or behavior contrary to the belief or behavior which is actually being advocated. This technique relies on the psychological phenomenon of reactance, in which a person has a negative emotional response in reaction to being persuaded, and thus chooses the option which is being advocated against.

tourism operations officer Eden Josephine L. David (rightmost), and other officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the World Food Expo (WOFEX) at SMX Convention Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Unit strengthens action against street vendors

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Demolition Unit is strengthening its demolition operations in the sidewalks of the city – doing it even on Sundays and holidays.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum, Demolition Unit head Yusop Jimlani said his group will demolish sidewalk stores violating the “one-third, twothird” policy in which vendors are allowed to occupy only a third of the sidewalk.

Jimlani said his unit de-

molished stalls at the Agdao Public Market last Sunday.

He said the vendors had been warned to vacate the area on Friday and Saturday but they did not heed this, prompting the Demolition Unit to operate on Sunday.

“The vendors went to my office asking me why my group was operating even on Sundays and I answered them that we are really operating 24 hours (a day),” he said.

He said his demolition

team first informs the vendors that their stalls would be demolished. No time is given on the operation, however, Jimlani said the unit’s operations increased this year. As of May this year, the unit has an average of 75.8 operations per month.

Last year the unit had an average of only 23.83 operations a month.

Jimlani said even with the intensive operations, there are still vendors who

do not follow the rule.

“We have a problem with the behavior of our brothers and sisters,” he said.

Jimlani said there are still many vendors in Bankerohan despite the frequent operations of the demolition unit there.

He said Bankerohan is considered a dangerous area for his team since some of the members have been attacked with stones and one was even shot and killed.

said the firm should present the project before the Watershed Management Council because it will be needing its endorsement.

Fuertes’ statement echoed that of City Council majority floor leader Bernard Al-ag’s, who earlier this week said APO

Agua needs to explain the project further to the City Council.

APO Agua, a joint venture of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and JV Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC), has signed an agreement with the Davao City Water District

Watershed Council also wants details on bulk water project

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

PO Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (APO Agua), developer of the P10-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply, was asked to present the project proposal before the Davao City Watershed Management Council during the celebration of Eco-Fest Davao.

The Eco-Fest Davao started yesterday and will have series of events and activities like summits and forums. The event will culminate on June 30.

Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Mary Ann Fuertes

FWATERSHED, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

tthe firs s i s i h T l ry hote u x u l r eve o City. in Dava ming ai We are worlder to deliv ard and and class st ices serv

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Photos by LEAN DAVAL JR.

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HE hotel industry in Davao City rises to a whole new level with the Dusit Thani Residences and Hotel, the first-ever luxury hotel in this part of the country.

To be developed by Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation in partnership with the Asian hospitality brand Dusit International, Dusit Thani Residences and Hotel is a luxury residential hub that is poised to become a spectacular landmark right at the heart of downtown Davao.

“This is the first-ever luxury hotel in Davao City. We are aiming to deliver world-class standard and services,” says Andrew David Sparrow, project head of the Blue Development Corporation.

Dusit Thani Residences and Hotel features 168 full-serviced residence units and stands in a complex that offers owners and guests prime city and ocean views as it is just facing the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).

Guests and homeowners of Dusit Thani will enjoy superior lifestyle amenities such as spa and wellness center, swimming pool, specialty restaurants, business centers, meeting rooms and conference facilities, among others.

Sparrow said top international chefs and luxury experts of the Philippines will be hired to provide great food to owners and guests, including the delectable Thai cuisine.

“We will put up a restaurant buffet that offers several Asian cuisine and also Eastern and Western cuisine. The main thing that describe us, we offer personalized service,” Sparrow said.

“There will be lots of amenities that will enable the customer to experience world-class services,” he added.

The developer started constructing Dusit Thani Hotel and Residences in the last quarter of last year, with

workers already completing the bored piling. The residential project is due for opening in 2018.

Dusit Thani Hotel Residences and Hotel along Maryknoll Drive in Barangay Pampanga, Sasa District is a residential project that will rise at Siam 8000, Torre Lorenzo’s master planned luxury residential community.

Siam 8000 will emerge to expand the development portfolio of Torre Lorenzo and mark the beginning of a new era for luxury living in the city.

Aside from Dusit Thani Residences and Hotel, Torre Lorenzo is also developing the Lubi Plantation Resort. These projects will cater to the discriminating tastes of local and international travellers who want to experience Davao’s rare kind of hospitality.

The company views the properties as solid opportunities to realty investors, citing the current sustained growth in the Philippine property sector. The Board of Investments (BOI) recently reported that P17.4 billion worth of investments are expected in 2015 for the Davao Region, mostly in real estate development and agriculture.

“With an array of benefits for different levels of investment, Davao offers the best value in terms of doing business,” Torre Lorenzo president Tomas P. Lorenzo said. “As the Davao economy picks up, its property sector will strengthen and we will continue to grow in upward trajectory. Now is the best time to capitalize on its real estate market given such favorable conditions.”

Lorenzo said that they are also anticipating the recreational needs of a growing affluent and sophisticated market. “Torre Lorenzo’s first leisure community, Lubi Plantation Resort, will provide that one-of-a-kind adven-

3

ture and experience.”

The Lubi Plantation Resort, easily accessible by a 30-minute private speedboat transfer, is a 37-hectare island paradise that will offer unparalleled accommodations and amenities of a private membership club.

Torre Lorenzo’s confidence in Davao as a property investment haven is well-founded. Davao is among the highest economic contributors in the Philippines, and it also takes pride in being ranked as among the world’s safest cities.

According to Lorenzo, Torre Lorenzo’s goal is to initially start with Dusit Thani Residences, dusitD2 Hotel and Lubi Plantation Resort, then eventually embark on more development projects in the long run.

“We believe that the local audience will be excited for this kind of development projects in Davao, putting the region in the international traveler’s map and making it their first destination of choice,” Lorenzo said.

4 NEWS

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

LBC: No service interruption Explains dispute with union

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BC SEM (Davao), an LBC Express subsidiary, yesterday assured LBC customers that there will no interruption of services arising from its current controversy with its labor union.

In a statement send to Edge Davao, the firm management bared that it had been at the CBA negotiation table with the Davao Employee Union for the past few months to discuss and determine the most mutually-beneficial agreement between the two parties. Unfortunately, negotiations reached a deadlock and the union filed for a notice of strike and subsequently gathered an affirmative strike vote, it said.

However despite arising this situation, “our branches in Davao will continue to serve your needs with excellence and the same commitment that has made LBC the house-

hold name that it is today, and for the last 63 years,” the press statement said.

The firm likewise enumerated some facts in answer to the demands and arguments being raised by the employees union.

“All of our union-member associates are enjoying salaries and benefits above those mandated by the government, with an average salary approximately 25% above minimum wage and hazard pay. The union is negotiating for an across-the-board application of any mandatory wage increase, on top of the CBA-negotiated increase, and without a wage distortion formula application,” it said.

According to the press statement, “current union-member associates also enjoy other benefits above and beyond government-man-

dated benefits and industry standards,” adding that LBC associates are entitled to hospitalization loans, should their needs exceed the coverage of the provided HMO and PhilHealth, as well as annual individual medicine allowance, on top of a per team medicine allowance.

“Those who are also of retirement age have access to attractive retirement packages that are above the usual given by the industry,” the firm said.

It added “sick leaves, vacation leaves, and bonuses provided by the company are also above industry standards. “ It also said that “all economic provisions concerns in the current CBA have been agreed upon, consistently, for more than a decade,” adding that “this is the first time the union is launching a strike, af-

for the last five years as his Cabinet member. ”At siguro kung tatanungin mo, ano ang pakiramdam ko?

Pangkaraniwan naman siguro sa Pilipino, kayo na lumagay sa posisyon ko, paano ko ba siya tinirato ng mali at tapos ito ang isinukli? Kaya thank you na rin sa kanya,” President Aquino said.

President Aquino said he never denied Binay the opportunity to serve the people who voted the latter as vice president in 2010. ”Iyong pinagkasunduan namin, iyung assignment niya na housing, hinirit niyang idagdag ‘yung OFW, at lahat ito ‘yung ipinagkaloob natin sa kanya, ‘yung pagkakataon na manatili ‘yung kanyang popularity ratings,” the President said. ”Bagama’t hindi natin siya kaalyado ‘nung tumakbo sa eleksyon, bagama’t ‘nung 2013 e nandun siya sa kabilang gru-

po, hindi natin siya parang pinigilan na ‘yung magkaroon naman ng pagkakataon na marecognize ‘yung kanyang trabaho,” he added.

Last Monday, Binay resigned as Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipinos Workers Concerns and as Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

President Aquino said his statement that Binay might not be endorsed by the President in 2016 has prompted the Vice President to step down and attack his government. ”Siguro ganyan talaga ang pulitika sa ating bansa. Baka naman napag-isip niyang hindi siya ang ma-e-endorso natin, so kailangan ipakita niyang hindi niya kailangan ‘yung endorsement o may mas maganda siyang kayang magawa,” the President said.

The President admit-

FLBC, 10

PNoy vows to answer Binay’s criticisms

P

OUR MAN. 2015 Miss Earth Philippines-Air Chanel Olive Thomas (left) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) head engineer Elisa Madrazo flash the thumbs-up sign while posing beside an im-

age of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte during the opening of EcoFest Davao, a week-long environment exhibit, at People’s Park on Wednesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Comelec in big trouble if millions are barred to vote

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) may face legal problems and public anger if millions of registered voters will be barred from voting in the 2016 elections.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. predicted trouble for the Comelec, which is persuading over 4 million registered voters to have their biometrics taken as a requirement for voting in the 2016 election.

“Imagine, more than 4 million will be disqualified from voting in the 2016 presidential and local elections because of the lack of biometrics? This

invites trouble. How will the Comelec be able to convince the people that this is right? I hope the people will not get mad. But I’m afraid they surely will,” Marcos said in a statement.

Biometrics data, which includes a voter’s photograph, fingerprint and signature, is mandated by the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act of 2013 as a requisite for voting.

The poll body has started sending letters to encourage registered voters to have their biometrics taken, under threat of being delisted from the voters’ roster.

“We all know how pas-

sionate the Filipinos are about the elections. I wouldn’t be surprised if those who would be disqualified from voting will give the Comelec nightmares like cases in courts or social actions,” Marcos said.

Marcos echoed the Comelec’s appeal for the electorate to have their biometrics taken and even urged local government units to boost the poll body’s effort.

“I think local officials can help a lot because their constituents look up to them. Kapag sinabi nila sa kanilang nasasakupan na magpa-biometrics kayo, palagay ko susunod sila,” he said.

RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday he will answer “point-by-point” the criticisms hurled against his administration by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who resigned from the Cabinet last Monday. ”Well, sasagutin ko at sasagutin ng Gabinete point-bypoint lahat itong mga isinumbat niya kahapon,” the President said in a media interview after the opening rites of the Livestock Philippines 2015 Expo and Conference at the SMS Convention Center in Pasay City. ”Pero palagay ko ‘yung record will support my case na number one, hinalal siya ng taumbayan, ibinigay ko sa kanya ang lahat ng pagkakataon na hindi siya maging spare tire,” he added.

The President deplored how Binay, a family friend, openly attacked his administration after being treated well

FEWER VIOLATIONS. Quick Response Team for Children’s Concern (QRTCC) head Minda A. Silvano says there are fewer children violating the curfew on minors. Sil-

FPNOY, 10

vano said this year the QRTCC only receive five children a day, compared with about 20 last year. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

DCCCII wants port bidding stopped Biz group: Suspension will pave way for exhaustive review of project

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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HE business sector in Davao City is calling for the suspension of the bidding process of the controversial P17-billion Davao Sasa Port Modernization Project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) asked for the suspension of the bidding during the quarterly meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) National Development Economic Authority (NEDA) regional office Tuesday, The cessation of the bidding process will “give way to a more exhaustive review of the project proposal,” DCCCII said in a statement signed by its president Antonio dela Cruz.

In the same statement, the DCCCII expressed its strong opposition to the modernization project, which will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.

DOTC had earlier described the project as essential to the development of logistics and the maritime industry of the Davao Region.

In rejecting the project,

DCCCII not only questioned the gargantuan project cost-which ballooned from P4 billion to P17 billion--but also the bid policies.

The business group believed that the bidding process being conducted by the national government agency is tainted with irregularities and do not promote transparency.

Dela Cruz explained that bidding rules and policies for the modernization only allow firms who acquire the P300,000 bidding document to throw questions regarding the project.

The Chamber said aside from this, there was no consultation conducted among affected stakeholders like local government units, exporters, importers, labor sector and business sector should be consulted prior to the undertaking of the national government.

The improper implementation of the project will have a negative domino effect to the different industries in the region as it is believed that the project will directly or indirectly adversely affect all stakeholders here, according to the DCCCII. Dela Cruz also feared that

Terminal fee to increase every 5 years, says DOTC

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ERMINAL fee at the Davao International Airport is expected to increase by 10 percent in every five years once the development of the P40.57-billion airport is completed by 2045.

Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) assistant secretary Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal told members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in their quarterly meeting last Tuesday that the increase will be implemented by the winning bidder, who will also be the concessionaire for 30 to 35 years.

At present, the DIA is charging each passenger with P200 domestic terminal fee.

Caringal, in his presentation, said the development of the airport is necessary to cater to the increasing volume of airport passengers. DIA is the third busiest airports in the country.

DOTC recorded that the DIA, which has a design capacity of 3.2 million passengers, has an 11 percent compounded traffic growth for the last 10 years.

“The DIA has already breached its current capacity. We are projecting that the compounded traffic growth in DIA will reach 8.44 percent in

the next four years,” Caringal said.

The development projectt, to be implemented under the develop-operate- maintenance and transfer scheme, will include the improvement of the runaway, expansion of passenger terminal building that has a current area of 22,683 square meter to up to 90,400 square meter, expansion of the apron up to 180,000 square meter from the current 74,250 square meter.

DOTC projected that the design capacity of the DIA will reach up to 6.7 passengers by 2025; 10.9 million passengers by 2035; and 17.9 million passengers by 2045.

The huge chunk of the design cost will go to the expansion of passenger terminal that will have total cost of 19.26 billion while the development of airside infrastructure will cost P3.50 billion and other landside facilities will cost P1.52 billion, according to the DOTC. The cost of insurance, interest, taxes and finance cost is also projected to reach 6.52 billion, while professional services, contingencies and miscellaneous costs will be P5.69 billion until the project is turned-over to the government. CHENEEN R. CAPON

the implementation of the project under a 30-year concession will only cause monopoly in the maritime industry here.

The huge cost of the project will also lead to an increase of the shipping cost.

The DOTC had projected there will be an increase in the tariff in Sasa port but that this will be at same level with the Davao Integrated Container Terminal in Panabo City by 2018. The DOTC also put a 80 percent cap for the possible increase.

FDCCCII, 10

NEW FLAGSHIP. LG product marketing manager for mobile Faith Mijares explains the features and the specifications of the new LG G4 Android smartphone during a

press briefing yesterday. G4 is the successor to the company’s G3 flagship which will appeal to budding photographers for its improved camera features. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

Capital, consumer goods remain afloat

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ESPITE the 12.8-percent year-on-year decline in total merchandise imports in April 2015, domestic demand for capital and consumer goods remains strong, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest report indicates that merchandise imports significantly decreased to US$4.7 billion in April 2015 from US$5.4 billion in April last year.

The sharp decline in imported mineral fuels and lubricants (-53.9%), and raw materials and intermediate goods (12.8%) in April 2015 caused the significant overall decrease in imports. However, double-digit increases were recorded in the importation of consumer (30.3 %) and capital goods (13.0%).

“Figures on capital and consumer goods reflect the upbeat outlook of consumer spending and is a positive indication of healthy demand-driven activities at the household and industry level,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Consumer goods expanded mainly on the back of robust growth in both durable goods (17.1%) and non-durable goods (43.4%). Increased purchases of passenger cars & motorized cycles (15.9%), miscellaneous manufactures (18.7%) and home appliances

(17.1%) supported growth in imported durable goods.

As for non-durable goods, significant growth in the importation of rice (1,655.5%), other food & live animals (25.7%) and fruits & vegetables (53.5%) was seen.

“The higher import volume of rice recorded as part of consumer goods reflects government’s effort to maintain a sufficient buffer stock of rice ahead of the lean harvest season,” the Cabinet official said.

The National Food Authority approved the shipment of 500,000 metric tons of rice from Vietnam and Thailand, which started to arrive in March 2015. For April, the share of rice purchases from these countries represented about 70.6 percent and 29.0 percent of the country’s total imports of rice.

In terms of country sources, reduced value of imports from the People’s Republic of China, Japan and Taiwan largely contributed to the overall decline in imports during the period.

Almost all of the East and Southeast Asian region recorded a drop in merchandise imports in April 2015, except for Vietnam.

“Given an uncertain external environment, it is crucial for the government to ensure that the growth momentum is sustained. While the healthy importation of capital

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INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

The pomp and pagentry of the Rigodon de Honor.

History, culture and camaraderie at the

Hijos de Davao Ball IT is the time of year again when the descendants of Davao’s original settlers come together for the annual Hijos de Davao Ball organised by the Hijos de Davao Foundation with president Jacqueline Garcia-Dizon at the helm.

Celebrated every 29th of June to coincide of the Feast of St. Peter, the patron saint of Davao, the Hijos de Davao Ball is more than just a gathering of old friends and acquaintances but has evolved into an event where Davao’s traditions are maintained.

“The Hijos de Davao Foundation provides scholarships for members of the Mandaya and Bagobo tribes to prevent the art of weaving for getting lost,” said Dizon.

This year is the 51st iteration of the ball and as always, the fashion pundits and fashionistas of Davao will be on the lookout for the best-dressed ladies in handcrafted ternos which

are traditional Filipino formal gowns.

Aside from the pomp and pageantry of the ball and its traditional Rigodon de Honor, the 51st anniversary ball will also see the launch of the muchawaited Hijos de Davao coffee table book which features the colourful stories of Davao’s old families and their forebears.

The highlight of the ball is the crowning of the Hijos de Davao’s muse. This year’s muse is 17-year old Margarita Rafaella Jocson Ong who is currently doing her pre-university level in the Garden International British School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Proficient in music and the arts, Margarita will be the latest in a long line of illustrious muses.

The 51st Hijos de Davao Ball will be held at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier on Monday, June 29.

See you at the ball!

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more stories in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

This year’s muse, Margarita Rafaella “Meg” Jocson Ong.

Hijos de Davao president Jacqueline Garcia-Dizon.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

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UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Globe Telecom brings back F1 rush with Slipstream 2.0 GLOBE Telecom brings the Formula One rush to the Philippines once again as it presents Slipstream 2.0, an event celebrating the journey of Marlon Stockinger as the first and only Filipino to make his way into the competitive world of Formula One racing.

Slipstream 2.0 opens the world of the Prince of Speed, Marlon Stockinger, to Filipinos, and how he lives his life in the fast lane. “This sport may not be as common as boxing and basketball in the country, but with Slipstream 2.0, we can bring Marlon’s journey and the F1 experience closer to the Filipinos,”said Dan Horan, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business. “This year, Slipstream evolves into a family entertainment event. People will not only witness Marlon’s driving skills but there are many activities to enjoy.

We want this event to be an unforgettable digital lifestyle experience for the families attending by giving them wonderful moments that they can share,” Horan said.

Slipstream 2.0 is happening this Saturday, June 27, at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. From 12NN to 5PM, the public can enjoy driving exhibitions, motorcycle stunts, and car parade and exhibit. Marlon’s famous Lotus-Gravity Charouz Re-

nault 3.5 car will also be on display for public viewing and photo opportunities.

Marlon will be at the event to show his amazing driving skills, as well as to meet and greet the lucky winners of the Slipstream contest.

Apart from the event day’s activities, there will be pre-event gimmicks lined up for Marlon and everyone to enjoy. Marlon lives a fastpaced, highly connected digital lifestyle. And for someone who is always on the go like him, where else can he best spend some quality time with his fans, but in the digital space.

For this, Marlon will take on Twitter on June 24, at 4PM to tweet with his followers and give them his undivided attention. Marlon will give his fans a chance to ask him about anything under the sun, and learn more about him.

He will also take on Viber the following day at 5PM to chat with his fans who want to know more about this fastrising F1 star. Those who will want to chat with the Prince of Speed must join the Enjoy Globe Viber public chat.

A set of podcast sessions will also be released starting June 26 where Marlon will talk about his passion for racing, how he keeps in touch with his family, friends, and fans even if he’s always on the go.. A by-invitation din-

ner with Globe executives, ambassadors, partners and media friends will follow at 7PM at Le Jardin, before the final day on the 27th.

Special guests Aside from activities for Marlon fans and both car and non-car enthusiasts, in the afternoon, there will be special guests from Anima Christi Center in Muntin-

lupa City. Anima Christi is a special school for children with learning challenges.

Before the actual event opens, students from the school will be able to meet and greet Marlon, as well as spend some time with him playing parlor games and sharing meals. The children will also be given special access to the pit garage and Marlon’s car.

Megan the ne

Road closure To give way to the exhibitions at the event, some roads will be closed from 12NN to 5PM. Roads included are the following: Rizal Drive, 3rd Avenue, 4th Avenue cor 28th Street, 4th Avenue cor 30th Street, 5th Avenue, 27th Street cor 3rd Avenue, and 31st Street cor 3rd Avenue.

Fantastic food experiences at SM Lanang Premier

A NUMBER of awe-inspiring foodie events you’d never want to miss are all set this June at SM Lanang Premier.

Whether you’re in the mood for a food trip, a culinary match or a grand showcase of foodstuff, Mindanao’s leading lifestyle mall has it all and more.

Food-tography Tour with Jojie Alcantara First off the list is SM Lanang Premier’s Food-tography Tour with Davao’s multi-awarded photographer, Jojie Alcantara. Made possible in partnership with Fujifilm, the event allowed participants to go on a guided tour of 6 participating restaurants – Bulgogi Brothers, Cellar de Boca, French Baker, Banana Leaf, Giardino Gelato, and Blugre, get tricks and tips on food photography at a minimal fee and grab a chance to win exciting prizes. If you were not able to join the first run, check out the Food-tography Tour as it returns for a second run in the 3rd quarter of the year.

14 top chefs. Among these include celebrity chefs J. Gamboa, James Antolin, Fernando Aracama, Buddy Trinidad, Norbert Gandler, Reggie Aspiras, Jerome Valencia, Penk Ching, Jackie Ang Po, Dan Basilio, Mike Yap, Brando Santos, Jem Raymundo and Carlo Miguel.

Lanang Weekend Market Open every Fridays to Sundays, 4pm to 9pm, the Lanang Weekend Market is the newest mustvisit place in Davao City. It makes accessible healthful produce and other unique goods at the 2nd Level of the alluring alfresco area of The Fountain Court. Must-try flavorsome products include Green Bounty’s Kitchen’s fresh lumpia stuffed with organic ingredients and Jammin’ with Marta’s variety of fruit jams in watermelon, wild guava, calamansi and marang cin-

namon flavors.

Philippine Grand Barista Cup Discover how baristas brew and concoct the most irresistible cup of coffee and beverages ever. Watch the 9th Philippine Grand Barista Cup to be held on June 26 at the Atrium. Event is organized by Allegro Beverage Corporation.

Mindanao Culinary Festival Witness an epic battle of the best chefs in the region with the 12th Mindanao Culinary Festival (MCF) on June 25-27 at the Atrium. Presented by the Davao Tourism Association, in partnership with the Philippine Culinary Cup and in cooperation with SM Lanang Premier, the MCF will be held in conjunction with the World Food Expo and will raise the bar for the culinary competition with the presence of the country’s

World Food Expo (WOFEX) Head to the biggest food show in the country, the World Food Expo, at SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level of SM Lanang Premier on June 25 to 27. Discover a wide array of products and services by major F&B suppliers, first-time exhibitors and new industry players.

For inquiries, contact 285-0943 loc.

136-138. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event and promo updates.

Julie Anne San ASIA’S Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose adds another milestone to her career as she recently concluded filming three music videos in San Francisco and New York in collaboration with a Los Angeles-based company VIM Entertainment Inc. and will be distributed worldwide

by GMA Records.

One of the music videos she shot in the United States is for her single Tidal Wave which was arranged

by Sidney Brown, better known as Omen, an American music producer from Harlem who has produced for artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and Ludacris.

Last June 21, her supporters got an exclusive treat from Asia’s Pop

Sw inu she mu wo

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

n Young is Tessa Prieto and Dennis Valdes love story on Wagas ew Mari Mar “KINILIG AKO, siyempre it’s a big project,” reveals the multi-talented Kapuso actress Megan Young when asked about her reaction when she found out that she’s going to breathe new life to the well-loved character of Mari Mar.

Despite feeling nervous, the Kapuso actress doesn’t let the nerves get to her and instead turns it into an excitement which she can use in preparing for the role, “Acting wise, nagwo-workshop na kami nila Tom [Rodriguez] and Lauren [Young]. May dance and diving lessons din para siyempre mas magawa natin ng tama. Excited lang talaga ko, sine-set aside ko na lang ang kaba.”

Megan also admitted that she can relate to the character of Mari Mar. In an interview, Megan recalls her experience before she was hailed as Miss World 2013, “Si Mari Mar kasi she’s like any other Pinay who strive for the best.

Isa siyang hardworker, gagawin niya ang lahat para makuha ang mga pangarap niya. Ganoon din ako, kahit sinabi ng iba dati na baka matalo ako sa pageant…I put that aside kasi ito ang gusto ko. Manalo, matalo at least nagawa ko. Si Mari Mar ganoon din na kahit mag-fail siya, in the end she’ll make sure na ‘yung failure na ‘yun ay magiging encouragement sa kanya to strive for the better.”

Under the helm of Dominic Zapata, Mari Mar is set to thrill the viewers this August in GMA Telebabad.

WITNESS the colorful love story of fashion-forward interior designer and socialite Tessa Prieto and businessman Dennis Valdes come to life in the upcoming episode of Wagas airing this Saturday on GMA News TV. Portraying their characters are Kapuso stars Jackie Rice and TJ Trinidad.

Despite being a single mother, Tessa continued to search for “true love,” albeit unsuccessfully. Together with her brother whom she considers as her best friend, Tessa went to the US in the hopes of starting anew.

Sadly, Tessa experienced a crushing heart-

break returning to the Philippines caused by her brother’s death. This was a turning point in her life that led her to dress herself in a flamboyant manner. For Tessa, her out-of-the-box style of dressing up is a daily ‘celebration of life’ because she believes that life is short.

It was in a diving activity where Tessa and Dennis first met each other.

Both were from different worlds with Tessa being a sociable, loud, lifeof-the-party type and Dennis the serious, quiet businessman.

Still, love managed to find its way to bring them together. Dennis accepted everything about Tessa—from her

being a single mother to her extravagant fashion sense. Underneath it all, Tessa is this simple, beautiful woman for Dennis.

Quiet as he is, Dennis has his ways to sweep Tessa off her feet: in another diving activity, Dennis asked Tessa to be his wife through an un-

derwater proposal.

The two were married in a grand, medievalthemed wedding that signaled the beginning of Tessa and Dennis’ happy ever after.

Do not miss another fun and feel good love story in Wagas this Saturday, 7PM on GMA News TV.

n Jose launches ‘Tidal Wave’ on Sunday All Stars

weetheart and multi-platum recording artist as e launched her newest usic video in GMA Netork’s musical variety pro-

gram Sunday All Stars.

Julie exudes a great amount of excitement as she talks about her experience in filming Tidal Wave,

“I got to skateboard. Inaral ko siya before the shoot.

Syempre malamig dun, tapos naka-jeans at crop top lang ako, kaya lamig

na lamig talaga ako. Pero masaya kasi I got to work with a lot of people in great teams, tapos they were so nice to me. Sobrang accommodating nila.”

As it promises to highlight a different side of Julie, the singer-actress further claims that she was able to get in touch with her different personas while filming the music videos. In Tidal Wave, she is reminded of how it feels to have butterflies in the stomach, and the usual teenage crush spectacular.

“Nag-enjoy akong i-film yung music videos, and since Tidal Wave is very light, more on kilig, I’m sure maraming makaka-relate sa song.”

Meanwhile, Julie’s other two music videos are set to premiere in the following months.

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

STYLE

Preview X Happy Skin lippies IMAGINE if a beauty catastrophe strikes and you can only choose two lippies inside your burning arsenal. Which colors would you rather save?

If you ask the editors of Preview, that scenario could spell an utter disaster for a makeup junkie.

But if such an unfortunate event ever occurs, we at least hope you have the limited edition Preview x Happy Skin lippies safely stashed because, trust us, it’s all you need to turn that horrible nightmare into sweet dreams.

Featuring one hot red and one cool nude, cult-favorite makeup brand Happy Skin collaborates with Preview,

the Philippines’ authority on fashion and beauty, to bring you a limited edition Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie Collection.

“You either play up the lip, or you tone down the lip to play up the eyes,” says Preview editor-in-chief Pauline Suaco-Juan.

“We have a classic red that’s a ‘classic’ in a fashion sense. It’s a little more sophisticated and more toned down, because we wanted the quiet elegance to the red,” shares Pauline.

“On the flipside, we didn’t want a nude that looked like you weren’t

Featuring one hot red and one cool nude, Happy Skin collaborates with Preview to bring you a limited edition Lippie Collection.

wearing anything, so we came up with a nude that’s very fashionable, but still looks good on different skin tones.”

Priced for only P1,099 bucks for a set of two rich, velvety matte lipsticks, this also comes in a chic book-inspired, gold-stamped case that’s cute enough to wear as a clutch. Now that’s a total steal!

The #PreviewXHappySkin limited edition is exclusively available in Chimes Specialty Boutiques with branches in Gov. Sales, Ayala Abreeza Mall and the new Felcris Centrale Mall on Quimpo Boulevard.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

7 BIGGER PICTURE

Where learning is taught by doing

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E

VERY year, some 6,000 people come to the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur to the center to observe, see, and adopt the technologies which the center has developed through its years of existence.

Almost one-third of those who come to the center opt to immerse themselves in the training programs the center offers. “Most of those who undergo training are farmers,” said Ian Ogatis, the center’s training coordinator. “But we also train technicians, teachers, students, and even participants sent to us by government agencies.”

Among the government agencies that utilize MBRLC as their partner in countryside development are the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Education (DepEd).

The MBRLC is a non-government organization located 86 kilometers away from Davao City (the travel time from the Ecoland bus terminal is about two hours). It nestles at the rolling foothills of Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. It was first opened to the public in 1971.

At its 19-hectare farm are various farming technologies which most people can adapt and follow in their respective farms. As one British who came to the center wrote in his report: “This relatively small operation is the most self-sufficient of all of the projects seen on this trip, and has had an influence throughout the Philippines and elsewhere far out of proportion to its size.”

Actually, the center was a product of the masteral thesis of its founder, the Rev. Harold Ray Watson, an agriculturist from Brooklyn, Mississippi. “When I was doing my research, I found out that most training programs on farming from all over the world have facilities but not actual demonstration farms,” he said in an interview some years back. “So, I decided to put up this training center where farmers can actually see and learn what they are hearing from the lectures.”

This what makes the MBRLC truly unique in its training programs. “Unlike other training centers which don’t have their own signature technologies, MBRLC has founded, tested and popularized the systems it has been doing,” said Ogatis.

He cites the case of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) and its modifications.

“In terms of authenticity,” she explained, “the center has all the rights and authority to training people because all the models can be found and all the data are available for all to see.”

The MBRLC has a “farmer-oriented philosophy.” As Watson puts it, “Our philosophy is, if you have something that works, go ahead with it. It doesn’t need to be perfect, since people won’t copy systems perfectly anyway.”

Which is why its technologies are catered to the needs of the poorest of the poor. “Our aim is to promote projects and systems that would enable rural people to improve their standard of living,” said Roy C. Alimoane, the current director of the center.

Aside from SALT, the MBRLC is also known for Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), Sustainable Agroforest land Technology (SALT 3), Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT 4), and Food Always In The Home (FAITH) gardening.

It also offers trainings on plant propagation (grafting, budding and seed production) and nursery management, livestock raising (goats, pigs, chicken, and rabbits), and aquaculture (particularly tilapia raising).

Its most recent technologies include vermicomposting (composting with earthworms), natural pig raising (using the Korean method), and natural fertilizer and pesticides formulation.

For community development, MBRLC offers training on extension techniques and strategies. It also conducts training on water development. There is also a resident program for young people called Baptist Outside Of Training (BOOST), where the trainees are taught how to become family assets instead of liabilities.

“Our training programs are designed to help and equip the trainees,” Ogatis said. “We conduct our training in a way that only 25 percent are allotted to lecture while the remaining 75 percent are spent in doing something.”

MBRLC calls this method as “hands on experience.” For instance, in SALT training, the participants must learn how to use the A-frame in locating the contour lines of a slope.

They must also know how to propagate hedgerow species like Flemingia macrophylla and Desmodium rensonii and how to plant them in the located contour lines of the farm. In raising goats, they have to practice how to milk and disbud goats.

Since its humble beginnings in 1971, MBRLC has become one of the most-often visited places in Mindanao. To date, over 300,000 people have

Sustainable vegetable gardening

Goat raising

Raising ducks paid a visit to the farm. People from other countries also come to the center. Among the countries represented were Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, El Salvador, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and

Vietnam.

Zacarias B. Sarian, the Agriculture editor who visited the training center in 1998, commented: “It is not surprising therefore by MBRLC is a favorite destination of people from here and abroad looking for a model of upland farming.”

MBRLC has received various citations and awards from different award-giving bodies.

In 1991, the regional office of the Food and Agriculture Or-

ganization bestowed the Food Day Silver Medal for “its contribution to mobilizing people’s participation in tree planting and sustainable forest resources management.” Previous to that, in 1989, it received a presidential citation from then-president Corazon C. Aquino.

Its former director, Rev. Watson, was also honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 for peace and international understand-

ing “for encouraging international utilization of SALT” and other farming technologies.

Although Watson is no longer with the MBRLC, his legacy continues. The MBRLC is still serving the needs of those who come to the center. “We will be here as long as we are needed,” Alimoane said. “We can help and teach them how, but they must do them themselves. Outsiders can help, but insiders must do the job.”

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

Premature

T’S an age old issue, a problem that has been bothering us for the past three decades ever since democracy was restored in the Philippines and we could vote freely for any candidate we want. Every cycle of three years we are subjected to paid advertisements put out by various personalities about themselves and their accomplishments and, at least on the surface, nothing more. They are, of course, thinly veiled campaign ads, but they skirt election laws against premature campaigning simply by not mentioning that they are running for any elective post. In this sense no law is violated, and they are actually free to air or print as many ads as they can.

That, of course, is one of the practice’s biggest problems. In most cases these personalities are already serving in some official government capacity, either as elected politicians or appointed officials, and the question that needs to be asked is where the funds for the advertisements come from. A government official has access to the people’s taxes, and the ads can be easily charged to “information campaign,” “communications strategy,” or some

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such official-sounding terminology. Legally, there is nothing we can do against them. We cannot even force them to resign -- again because they are not actually breaking any law.

Even the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has sided with these officials, saying they need not resign until they file their certificate of candidacy (COC) in October. Then and only then will they be subject to the ban on early campaigning. It is a loophole that is so easily exploited by anyone with an eye for elective office, but it has to be addressed if we are to prevent the misuse of public funds. If the people have no recourse in the Comelec, then we will have to do it ourselves by calling out these officials and telling them their advertisements -- infomercials, as they like calling them -- are not welcome.

It may be argued that political infomercials are protected by freedom of speech, and that is correct. However, when public funds are involved, we must speak out against them and force the issue. There is enough corruption in government; let’s not add to that through premature campaigning.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

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W

A tale of two departments: DOTC and DPWH (Part 2)

HAT was once known as the Bureau of Public Highways (Obras publicas) in the mid- to late-1800s evolved into what is now the Department of Public Works And Highways (DPWH). Long considered a hotbed of institutionalized corruption, criticisms about the performance and quality of its work and the performance of the infrastructure it builds are the butt of many jokes among many, not just in the engineering profession. Horror stories among those involved in infrastructure planning point to the award of contracts to flyby-night contractors, often related or connected to DPWH officials. Alas, the roads built by these errant entities wear down in a matter of years, prompting another contract. The rest, as they say, is part of a natural mediocre cycle of greed, corruption, and incompetence. Nonetheless, in the delivery of large scale critical infrastructure, the DPWH is able to marshal the best talents in the profession.

Thus, in my travels on our highway system a decade ago I would often see dangerous curves and damaged portions that go unrepaired for an indefinite period. To add to that, the contractors working on these portions often do not bother to place safety signs and barriers to warn motorists, raising the safety risk to drivers and passengers especially when driving at high speeds at night.

I would wonder at how diligently the DPWH is implementing its maintenance programs and the type of construction firms taking on these jobs. A closer look revealed that many were of dubious reputation, evident in the fact that their workers barely wear safety gear and don’t work consistently. Such contractors tend to leave their contracts unfinished, and are often unable to secure private sector construction contracts, apparently relying on government contracts to keep them afloat. This already serves as a warning on the quality of their work. If the market can’t trust them, then why should the taxpayer?

M

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

Change is noMY TWO CENTS’ ticed Over the past few years, however, I noticed a slight change in the way DPWH under the helm of Secretary Rogelio Singson has, in my own observations, John Tria done a better job in fulfilling ecisouth@gmail.com its mandate.

More reputable contractors were awarded the contracts, enabling them to finish the job with reasonably better quality than previous contractors and within the allotted number of calendar days. Many portions of the Maharlika Highway, which starts at the Cagayan Valley, driving through Central Luzon, the Bicol Region, the Samar and Leyte Islands all the way to Mindanao ending in Zamboanga City, saw a good number of road-widening and improvement initiatives by these contractors. Davao to Surigao is a smooth, leisurely six-hour drive within the 80 km/h limit.

Davao-Butuan is about 4.5 hours. Even connecting highways such as the Sayre Highway linking Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato, the Buda Road, and the Davao-Mati road have improved. They are wider and smoother than before.

Tamugan Sections of the BUDA road. They were engineered to allow water to pass through properly. These have been problematic portions for as long as I have been travelling to Bukidnon. Often, these were the rough portions perhaps owing to frequent movement below ground that would render any simple road rough within a year. Two years since the completion of the repairs, and the reconstructed portions are intact.

Reputable contractors will protect their reputation and complete unfinished work, compared with dubious contractors who will fold up even before their contracts are through, to escape scrutiny and possible violations.

“Contractor, at his own expense, is implementing remedial measures to complete the work” For the first time in memory, I have seen remedial works with such a sign that gives hope that higher quality work is given in exchange for taxpayer money. Portions unfinished or with certain issues are addressed, and contractors withdraw their personnel from the site only after full completion. Consider the Katipunan and

We hope ISO 9000 Certification is sustained even after Singson’s term A milestone that caps the achievements of the agency is the ISO 9000 certification attesting to the presence of an internationally compliant quality management system. This requires that good quality work is implemented, and is consistently expected over time. Over the next few years, surveillance audits by the certifying body will determine whether the management systems established in the agency remain in place.

We retain the hope that these systems are reliable even after Singson’s term.

It is only through consistent implementation that good governance can be achieved. When the bureaucracy gets used to the politics of performance and consistent quality of work, the system will change and improve against the temptation of backsliding into the old ways. Likewise, choosing a Secretary that embodies credibility, consistency, transparency, and fairness will ensure that the system remains intact over time.

Much good will be said in the future about the term of Rogelio Singson as DPWH Secretary.

Having implemented a good system requires that taxpayers like us be vigilant in demanding that good performance is sustained well into the future.

what happens, THINK ON THESE! the couple must stay together.

These should be their words together: “If things get better for us, I will love you. If things get worse, I will love you. If we get rich beyond our wildest dreams, I will love Henrylito D. Tacio you. If we grow henrytacio@gmail.com poorer and don’t own much, I will love you. If you get sick, I will love you. If you remain healthy, I will love you.” Till death do us part!

Should there be conflict, don’t let anger and madness maneuver each of you. Marriage counselors Dr. James and Shirley Dobson share six steps for handling conflict. Change what can be altered. Explain what can be understood. Teach what can be learned. Revised what can be improved. Negotiate what is open to compromise.

Accept the rest.

A poet penned these words of wisdom: “To keep a marriage brimming with love in the loving cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it. Whenever you’re right, shut up!” Yes, as easy as that!

Some years ago, I came across the Beatitudes for Married Couples. Allow me to share them with you: “Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, considerate and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.

“Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they

are to their friends.

“Blessed are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber.

“Blessed are the married couples who abstain from alcoholic beverages.

“Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to each other.

“Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set aside some time each day for the reading of the Bible and prayer.

“Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.

“Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to each other and who make their home a place ‘where seldom is heard a discouraging word.’

“Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church.

“Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out their problems of adjustment without interference from parents, siblings, and relatives.

“Blessed is the couple who have a complete understanding about financial matters and who have worked out perfect partnership with all the money under control of both.”

There are several reasons a person gets married. Unknown to many, happily (I have italicized this for emphasis!) married people live longer than do the unmarried or singles. According to George Crane, one essential reason for this is that married couple can talk out their inner tensions to each other, so their blood pressure goes down.

What God hath put together

ARRIAGE was divinely established in the Garden of Eden by our creator Himself. Genesis 2:24 stated, “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”

In a way, marriage is a union of three beings: God, man, and woman. If only man and woman exist, the marriage is bound to fail. But add God to the relationship and it will lead to a blissful, lasting marriage.

As a couple, these should be their vows together: “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you will stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die and there I will be buried” (Ruth 1:16-17).

Yes, there are marriages made in heaven. My parents have been married for more than half a century now and their marriage is still strong as ever. Of course, they are always ups and downs but they have stayed together.

The secret of their marriage can be found in the Holy Bible. “Wives,” Saint Paul urges, “submit to your husbands.” Not just in one instances or some occasions, but “wives should submit to their husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:24).

In like manner, husbands should love their wives. “Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it” (Ephesians 5:28-29).

Husbands and wives are just like other people. They will face trials, troubles, and temptations. All these would happen to test their love for each other. Gary and Barbara Rosberg, authors of Serving Love, suggest that no matter

I

Jurassic World and education

9

K N O W THIRD WORLD I’ve been writing about homeschooling for quite some time now but I received so many responses from enthusiastic homeschooling parents that I still Jon Joaquin have more information to share. This one is from Edric Mendoza, whom you know as lead anchor of On The Money on the ABS-CBN News Channel but who is also the chair of the Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI) (an association of homeschool services providers) as well as president of The Master’s Academy (TMA) Homeschool.

I asked him for his thoughts on homeschooling and I got a wealth of information. For starters, he says there are an estimated 10,000 children who are being homeschooled in the Philippines, an extremely small minority of the total number of students in the country. Of the 10,000, approximately 6,500 are under private Home Education Programs (HEPs), 2,000 under private Home Study Programs (HSPs), and 1,500 independents (not enrolled in any private HEP or HSP).

But while the number is small, Mendoza says homeschooling has been growing at approximately 12 percent per year in the last seven years. “More and more people are becoming aware that it is NOT a last resort for children with special needs, illness, showbiz careers, or families with financial problems,” he shares. “Go online and you will see it in a fast-growing Facebook group called ‘Homeschoolers of the Philippines,’ for example.”

“The Philippine landscape has close to 15 HEP and eight HSP providers, and continues to grow as more people choose this. Our program, TMA Homeschool, is an HEP that has helped pioneer homeschooling in the Philippines. We are growing at double the industry rate, or 24 percent in the past seven years. These indicators show that homeschooling is growing quite well,” he adds.

“There are still many questions and misconceptions, so we continue to do what we do, informing the general public of what it really entails.

We are, in fact, also helping provide best practices to DepEd in order that their systems might also evolve to address the homeschooler needs today.”

-oOoThe classic question, of course, is what the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling are. Mendoza gives three advantages: 1. Customized learning. A parent can tailor-fit the learning materials, pace, and environment for the child. Due to the individualized approach, good parents who know their children like dinosaurs can take them to watch the latest Jurassic World movie, go online to research more information, and walk them through the academic subjects of Science, Reading, Language, History, Math, and even the Bible (which we highly recommend), using dinosaurs.

2. Family bonding. This doesn’t need much explanation, given the amount of time parent and child can spend together.

3. Influence. The value system of our children will ultimately shape their choices and their future success. Those that have greater influence will naturally affect their value system. So the simple question is who has more time to build relationships with our kids in order to influence them better?

-oOoAs for disadvantages, Mendoza gives only one: School infrastructure. “In general, schools will have a wider variety of equipment and facilities compared to a typical family home. However, given the world we live in today, there are ways to find these equipment and facilities in various places (including online). What’s better is you can pick and choose the facilities you want. Still, limitations may be cost, and ease of access, compared to these being all-in in a school.”

-oOoDoes he recommend homeschooling for everyone? “I used to. But now I realize it is a privilege. Not everyone can. Not everyone has time.

Not everyone is resourceful enough. Not everyone has a home suitable for homeschooling. But for those who can, they should, for all the benefits, including those mentioned above.” Mendoza, however, also believes that homeschooling is “a viable solution to the problems our public (and even private) education system is facing.” Things like lack of teachers, classrooms, books, materials, facilities, and more have been bugging our schools for so long, and Mendoza feels that homeschooling can help ease the burden on the Department of Education. If more families homeschool their kids, DepEd would have fewer students to care for.

“The key is that families must be able and willing to do so,” he adds.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

NOT PWD-FRIENDLY. City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) – Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Affairs Bong Comiling informs reporters that sidewalks in Ramon Magsaysay Avenue are not suitable for PWDs who

use wheelchairs and crutches. He said the slope of the ramp there is too high for PWDs, forcing them to walk on the street. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

RODY... FROM 1

Watershed... FROM 2

ippines.

When Hontiveros asked him if his surging survey ratings are enough to convince him to run for President, Duterte said surveys mean nothing to him.

“Simply, I’m not into it,” he said.

However, Duterte showed a glimpse of the possibility of him throwing his hat on the presidential race when he went to the lengths of explaining his earlier statement that he is not closing the doors to a presidential run in 2016, saying he made the statement because of close friends who are insistent in campaigning for him even though he has already refused.

“Others also already spent

money and the only thing they asked of me is to let them do their business promoting my candidacy,” he said.

He reiterated that the presidency does not appeal to him since he is already old and has no money to fund the campaign. He also said his family does not want him to run.

Despite his denials, Duterte’s surging popularity is beginning to be noticed. Photos of Duterte with members of the CNN news team were posted on social media showing the Davao City mayor in a number of selfies and groupfies.

“People are interested about him. They wanted to see the man they thought was tough in person,” said one supporter.

goods and consumer durables shows that the country is still on track towards a relatively strong economic expansion, a catch-up in government spending could still further boost domestic demand,” he said.

Balisacan added that the El Niño phenomenon, albeit weak, brings risks and the

immediate effect will be felt in the agriculture and industrial sectors.

“The government could also fast track programs to counter the effects of extreme weather condition especially on the agricultural and industrial sectors, which are vulnerable to such in the Philippines,” he said.

Capital... FROM 6

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473 NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All unredeemed items pawned during the month of February 2015,if not redeemed/renewed on June 30, 2015 will be put on Auction Sale July 1, 2015 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan Pebrero 2015,kung dili malukat sa Hunyo 30, 2015 isubasta sa bulan sa Hulyo 1, 2015 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION Davao City: 252 San Pedro St., 167 San Pedro St., CVA Bldg., C. M. Recto St., G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., 2nd Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Ave., Centerpoint Plaza Matina Fronting San Pedro College Guerrero St., Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St., Agdao NCCC Mall Matina Saavedra St., Toril Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre

St., Km. 11 Sasa Km. 13 Panacan Boulevard Buhangin Cabantian Bankerohan Calinan Davao del Norte Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Norte Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Purok Marilag 11, Quezon St.,Tagum City Davao del Sur Gaisano Grand Mall of Digos, Quezon St., Digos City

(DCWD) for the bulk water supply project in Tamugan River, an identified protected area under the Davao City Watershed Code.

APO Agua is asking the City Council for exemption from provisions of the Watershed Code to allow it to put up the facilities in the area.

Fuertes, whose organization is part of the Watershed Management Council, said the celebration of the Eco-Fest is one of the best venues where APO Agua can clarify the concerns expressed by environment groups.

Fuertes said the Watershed Management Council recognizes the growing demand for water in Davao City but added this should not be addressed at the expense of the environment and the community that lives near Tamugan River.

Eco-Fest Among the events of EcoFest Davao is the annual Watershed Stakeholders Summit to be held today (Friday) at the University of Mindanao.

“This year’s summit will highlight the state of Davao’s watersheds after years of multi-sectoral reforestation initiatives,” a statement from the organizers said.

Summit participants will undergo an Eco-Tour on June 27 to visit model rainforestation sites from the uplands down to the coast. Along with the Summit and Eco-Tour is the organic fair at people’s park.

On June 25 and 29, the People’s Park will host the Lunhaw Conversations, an open-air public forum on environment issues.

On June 27 and 28, various local personalities and academic organizations will participate in story-telling sessions and coloring activities, aimed at instilling environmental values in children.

To cap the celebrations, SAMADHI will hold a Harana sa Kinaiyahan on the evening of June 30th at the park. The live concert will be open to the public and will feature songs about the environment.

ted that he was surprised by Binay’s resignation and by the Vice President’s “unexpected” announcement he will lead the opposition.

Binay has repeatedly expressed his intention to run for president, vowing not to back out amid allegations of corruption against him. (PNA)

The DCCCII said that the transport agency should explain and justify the cost of the price.

DOTC assistant secretary Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal clarified in the same meeting that the P17-billion cost is just indicative and can be altered depending on the proposal of the winning bidder.

Caringal said there are six firms who purchased the P300,000 Invitation Documents. These are San Miguel Corporation, Anflocor, Asian Terminals Inc., Singaporean firm Portek, France-based

Bollore and The Netherlands-based APMT. The deadline for the submission of prequalification document is set on July 29, 2015 while the awarding of the project is on the December.

DOTC targets to have the signing of concession agreement on the first quarter of next year, while the start of the first phase of construction is expected to commence on the first quarter of 2017.

Operation of the modernized port is targeted to commence in the second quarter of 2018.

PNoy... FROM 4

DCCCII... FROM 5

3 drown... FROM 2 other barangays but no immediate evacuations and casualties were reported.

In Banga town, the MDRRMO reported that some 280 families composed of 600 individuals have evacuated due to the flashfloods that affected eight barangays.

An initial 117 hectares of palay farmlands were damaged as a result of the floods in Barangays Yangco, Malaya, Cabuling, Reyes Punong Grande, Rizal, Rang-ay and Cinco.

Arman Palomar, Yangco barangay chairman, said 280 families were forced to leave their homes as early as 2 a.m. after huge volumes of floodwaters from nearby Banga River swept their area.

He said some 75 houses sustained various damages due to the floods that reached about four feet.

The floodwaters swelled towards three riverside communities following the collapse of a spur dike along the Banga River, he said.

He said the offices of South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez and Mayor Albert Palencia already delivered food and other relief goods to the affected residents.

In Koronadal City, city administrator Cyrus Urbano said three major bridges sustained some damages due to a series of flashfloods along the Marbel River.

He said a bridge in Barangay Namnama was “cut into

half” while another in Barangay Sto. Nino sustained some cracks.

The approach of the main bridge connecting the city and Barangay Concepcion was also damaged, he said.

Urbano said City Mayor Peter Miguel suspended classes in all levels at around 6 a.m. as precaution.

Meantime, in Sultan Kudarat, around 200 individuals have also evacuated in Barangay Rajah Muda in Tacurong City due to flashfloods along a major river.

Allan Freno, Tacurong City information officer, said residents of three puroks were forced to leave their homes due to the swelling of a river tributary traversing the village early Wednesday.

“The floodwaters reportedly rose to about five feet in communities situated near the river,” he said in an interview over dxMC Bombo Radyo.

Classes in three schools – Rajah Muda Elementary School, Rajah Muda National High School and Lourdes Pama Elementary School – were suspended as a result of the floods.

Freno said City Mayor Lina Montilla ordered the immediate delivery of food and relief goods to the affected residents.

He said the local government mobilized personnel from the City DRRM Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Health Office and the city police to assist in the relief operations. (MindaNews)

ter many years of an agreeable and fair arrangement.”

“LBC and its subsidiaries consider manpower as its greatest asset. We are driven to ensure that our workforce is well-compensated, satisfied, and valued. Once again, we encourage the Davao Employee Union to return to negotiations, as we remain optimistic that through continued rational negotiations, we will be able to arrive at an ideal conclusion for all our stakeholders,” the company said. LBC SEM (Davao), an LBC Express subsidiary, yesterday assured LBC customers that there will no interruption of services arising from its current controversy with its labor union.

In a statement send to Edge Davao, the firm management bared that it had been at the CBA negotiation table with the Davao Employee Union for the past few months to discuss and determine the most mutually-beneficial agreement between the two parties. Unfortunately, negotiations reached a deadlock and the union filed for a notice of strike and subsequently gathered an affirmative strike vote, it said.

However despite arising this situation, “our branches in Davao will continue to serve your needs with excellence and the same commitment that has made LBC the household name that it is today, and for the last 63 years,” the press statement said.

The firm likewise enumerated some facts in answer to the demands and arguments being raised by the employees union.

“All of our union-member associates are enjoying salaries and benefits above those mandated by the government, with an average salary approximately 25% above

minimum wage and hazard pay. The union is negotiating for an across-the-board application of any mandatory wage increase, on top of the CBA-negotiated increase, and without a wage distortion formula application,” it said.

According to the press statement, “current union-member associates also enjoy other benefits above and beyond government-mandated benefits and industry standards,” adding that LBC associates are entitled to hospitalization loans, should their needs exceed the coverage of the provided HMO and PhilHealth, as well as annual individual medicine allowance, on top of a per team medicine allowance.

“Those who are also of retirement age have access to attractive retirement packages that are above the usual given by the industry,” the firm said.

It added “sick leaves, vacation leaves, and bonuses provided by the company are also above industry standards. “ It also said that “all economic provisions concerns in the current CBA have been agreed upon, consistently, for more than a decade,” adding that “this is the first time the union is launching a strike, after many years of an agreeable and fair arrangement.”

“LBC and its subsidiaries consider manpower as its greatest asset. We are driven to ensure that our workforce is well-compensated, satisfied, and valued. Once again, we encourage the Davao Employee Union to return to negotiations, as we remain optimistic that through continued rational negotiations, we will be able to arrive at an ideal conclusion for all our stakeholders,” the company said.

LBC... FROM 4

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

Foundation launches Globe launches Direct Carrier Billing SM farmers’training in Tagum for Windows Mobile Store in Phl S G

LOBE Telecom continues to lead the country’s digital revolution as it recently expanded its Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) service to include customers on Microsoft Lumia smartphones running on the Windows operating system (OS).

With Globe being the first telco to bring the service to the Philippines, the new Windows Mobile Store direct carrier billing service gives Microsoft Lumia and Windows phone users an easy, convenient, and secure channel to download and purchase their choice of mobile applications and inapp content without the need for a credit card.

Rolling out starting June 18, 2015, the service will allow all Globe Postpaid, Prepaid, and TM customers to charge their Windows Mobile Store purchases straight to their postpaid bill or prepaid load.

“This new innovation that will benefit our customers using handsets running on Windows OS is another testament to our thrust to bring the country to the global digital landscape,” said Griselda Go, Vice President for content at Globe.

“The expansion of our direct billing service to cater to purchases via the Windows Mobile Store now presents a truly hassle-free and content-rich mobile experience to all our customers using Windows phone devices,” she added.

The Windows Mobile Store app comes pre-installed on all supported Windows phone devices with OS 7.5 and above, and is pinned to the Start screen within the App List. Premium content available for download and purchase includes games, ingame items and goods, virtual currency and points, virtual goods from social networks, subscriptions for granted access for games, and even E-books.

To access the Windows Mobile Store, users must first set up their device’s location to determine which Windows Mobile Store catalog and payment options will be made available on the device. The app will automatically recognize Globe as the mobile phone’s carrier and will determine it as one of the payment methods available.

Once phone setup is complete, users can login using a Microsoft account (formerly Windows Live ID) and must accept the Windows Mobile Store Terms of Use and Privacy Agreement. Users can then open the Windows Mobile Store, select the app they wish to purchase, await purchase

verification, and confirm their mobile phone account or Globe account as their chosen method of payment.

Go pointed out that the Globe direct carrier billing service for the Windows Mobile Store forms part of the company’s initiatives that will cater to the

country’s ever-growing digital landscape. Other initiatives in the pipeline include the launch of Single Bill service which will expand direct carrier billing beyond mobile applications by allowing customers to purchase applications and in-app items for Desktop/PC and Xbox.

AdDU hosts forum on agriculture competitiveness in ASEAN Market T HE Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) in partnership with ACES Polytechnic Colleges will host a conversation on the Competitiveness of Agriculture and Agribusiness in Mindanao in the ASEAN Market on June 26, 2015. The lead discussant will be Dr. Francisco P. dela Peña Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of ACES Polytechnic Colleges and Chair of the ACES Natural Farming Institute.

“The Philippine agriculture sector is expected to benefit from the upcoming ASEAN economic community integration provided that the government and the agriculture sector players have sufficient preparations,” dela Peña said.

The country’s agricul-

ture sector is currently not competitive compared to the markets of Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. Poor farmto-market linkages, failure to modernize and specialize make the Philippines’ agricultural industry unable to cope with the ASEAN free market.

Under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), a single regional common market of ASEAN countries will be created by 2015. The regional integration’s objective is to create a competitive market of over 600 million people in ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. There will be free flow of goods, services, investment capital and skilled

labor following this liberalization. It will include tariff reductions and streamlining of certain administrative procedures. Many businesses have begun preparing themselves three years ahead of time to meet the challenges and opportunities of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

This conversation will highlight the assessment on agriculture and the agribusiness sector in Mindanao from the point of view of a farmer-educator and also sharing the initiative by his family-owned academic institution in supporting the government agricultural and agribusiness development including Organic Agriculture programs to boost its competitiveness in the ASEAN Region.

Talking Points will include: (a) A private sector assessment on the State of Readiness of local agriculture and agribusiness sector in Mindanao for ASEAN integration; (b) Initiatives in supporting government agricultural & agribusiness development programs; and (c) Potential of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming Technology Systems.

Interested participants may contact Uwe Panimdim of the ADDU Office of the President at 2212411 local 8201. We can only accommodate 50 persons. The conversation will be held in the Pakighinabi Room, 3rd Floor, Community Center of the First Companions at 3:40-5:40 PM, 26 June 2015, Friday.

M Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the City Government of Tagum launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ training in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte last June 5.

The project is part of SM Foundation’s livelihood programs. Over 100 local farmers and approximately 50 DSWD 4Ps recipients will participate in a 12-week training program where they will be taught modern farming techniques.

“The program started in 2008. The Madaum project will be the 92nd batch nationwide and 10th in Mindanao.

In Davao, we also had runs in Marilog, SM City Davao, Tigatto and Monkayo. The Monkayo project was done in support of DSWD’s recovery program for communities affected by typhoon Pablo,” SMFI assistant vice president for livelihood and outreach Cristie Angeles shares. There are also success-

ful KSK programs in the cities of General Santos and Cagayan de Oro. According to SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez, the participants will be taught sustainable farming practices and will be planting high value crops in the new demo farm in Madaum. They will also be oriented with basic business accounting to equip them with enough business acumen to start an enterprise out of their farming activities.

Some agriculture technical officers of nearby barangays and municipalities will also participate so they can impart their learnings to their respective areas.

Also gracing the formal launch last Friday were DSWD Regional Director Priscilla Razon, Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crop Development program Coordinator Melanie Provido and SM Lanang Premier mall manager Therese Manalo.

The program is expected to be concluded with a harvest festival and a graduation ceremony early in September.

ELP Inc., the company that connects consumers with local businesses, yesterday announced the launch of Yelp Philippines (http://www.yelp.com.ph).

People across the Philippines can now read reviews about great local businesses and create accounts on Yelp. com.ph to share their opinions.

Yelp’s free iPhone and Android apps will be available as well as its free suite of business owner tools: Yelp for Business Owners (http://biz.yelp.com. ph).

The Philippines is the 32nd international market to join the Yelp community. Yelp in the Philippines is available in both English and Filipino, the 18th language available on Yelp.

The Philippines is one of the most modern countries in Asia and the sixth largest English-speaking nation in the world, with English widely spoken as a second language.

It is also culturally diverse and internet savvy, with Filipinos sending more than 1 billion text messages per day.

“Filipinos are so well-connected online and offline that we know they will love using Yelp to find and connect with great local businesses,” says Miriam Warren, Yelp Vice President of New Markets. “We will be working hard to make sure Yelp is the most useful

and relevant local resource for every Pinoy.”

Yelp will kick off its community building efforts in Manila and soon bring together Yelpers online and offline to experience the best of Manila.

Yelp will also be available across the entire country, so everyone, everywhere in the Philippines with access to the Internet on a desktop computer or a smartphone, now has the ability to share their opinions on what is great (and not-so great) about local businesses in the Philippines.

Consumers can find thousands of ways to stay cool by logging on to Yelp.com.ph or downloading Yelp’s mobile app to explore all the Philippines has to offer.

Business owners can get in on the action too at biz.yelp. com.ph by claiming their Yelp Business Page for free.

To learn more and see pictures of Yelp.com.ph and our iPhone and Android applications, visit the Yelp Official Blog (http://officialblog.yelp. com).

Yelp was founded in San Francisco in July 2004. Since then, Yelp communities have taken root in major metropolitan areas across 32 international markets. Yelp had a monthly average of approximately 142 million unique visitors in the first quarter of 2015.

Yelp says Mabuhay!

Launches in the Philippines to expand Asia Presence Y

12

EDGEDAVAO

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

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Director of Sales

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

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

12 RDC seeking Stop deception, derailing Region intervention on HIV cases peace efforts, Alejano told T

A

UTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv S. Hataman today called out Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano who said that the P27-billion proposed Bangsamoro block grant from the national government might be used instead to purchase arms.

Hataman said that the funds will go to the operation and programs of the new Bangsamoro government similar to the funds received by the ARMM at present, contrary to insinuations of that the P27-billion block grant will go to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Alejano, vice-chairman of the House national defense committee, alleged that the proposed annual block grant

for the Bangsamoro might be used by the MILF for purchasing firearms and weapons.

According to Hataman, the annual block grant will be used to provide better public services to the residents of the autonomous region.

“Gagamitin iyan para sa pagbili ng gamot para sa mga ospital, pagsasaayos ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, pambayad sa ating mga guro, at iba pa. Kapalit lang ho iyan ng kasalukuyang budget ng ARMM na kinukuha mula sa GAA (That fund will be used to buy medicines for hospitals, to improve medical services, to pay the wages of teachers, and others. That is just a replacement of the current ARMM budget from the GAA).”

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21014842 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10162268-1 issued to TADURAN, MARY MAGDALENE A. Reinstatement papers: 2401-52391, 2401-54421, 2401-68120, 2401-72907, 2401-73051-52, 240173063, 2401-95522, 2401-101193, 2401-106459, 2401-106462, 2401-106464 issued to TERESITA F.ERAMIS were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

6/12/19/26

Hataman also expressed dismay over the seemingly uninformed comments by the BBL critics. “Hindi po ito ang unang pagkakataon na nagbitiw ang isang kongresista ng maling impormasyon tungkol sa Bangsamoro. Sana ho kritikal at nagsusuri ang ating mga kasama sa gobyerno, kung gusto talaga nila ng kaunlaran at kapayapaan dito sa rehiyon (This is not the first time that a congressman misinformed the people about the Bangsamoro.

I hope those in government will be more mindful of their statements and practice due diligence if they really want development and peace in the region).”

“Halimbawa, ngayon, sana ho inaalam kung para saan nga ba ang pera bago sila nagsasalita ng kung ano-ano, mali-mali naman at walang basehan (For example, in this case, I hope the critics tried to actually know how the money will be spent before they make any assumptions and try to pass them off as facts),” Hataman said.

“Hindi talaga namin maintindihan bakit paulit-ulit na lang ang issue na baka gamitin ang P27 billion block grant para ibili ng MILF ng armas. Hindi naman ho iyan mapupunta sa MILF. Didiretso ang pera na yan sa

kaban ng Bangsamoro (We really cannot understand why they keep echoing the issue that the P27 Billion block grant will be used by the MILF to purchase weapons.

That money will not go to the MILF. It will go directly to the coffers of the Bangsamoro),” explained Hataman.

“Saka paano ‘yan mapupunta sa MILF kung ‘di pa nga natin nasisiguro kung sila nga o ang kanilang partido ay mananalo sa eleksyon (Besides, how would that money go to the MILF, when we are not yet even sure if their political party will win in the election),” added Hataman.

Similar to other government agencies, the ARMM budget is included in the General Appropriations Act that needs to be defended annually. However, under the new Bangsamoro setup, the regional government will receive an automatic allocation that is akin to the Internal Revenue Allocations (IRA) of local government units.

The formula for computing the annual block grant is 4% of the 60% of the total national revenue three fiscal years prior. For 2016, that amount would total P27 billion. The ARMM’s budget for 2015 is just a little more than P25 billion.

HE Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 is seeking the national government’s intervention over the rising incidence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually-transmitted infections in the region.

In a resolution, the council’s Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) specifically called for support and appropriate actions over the matter from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Social Development Committee (SDC).

Arturo Valero, RDC-12 acting chairperson, said they elevated the matter to the NEDA Board to generate support from various government agencies in addressing the problem.

He mainly cited the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Budget and Management and other concerned agencies at the national level.

“We’re raising this concern considering that preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is one of the Millennium Development Goals that our country is hoping to achieve,” he said in a statement.

The NEDA Board’s SDC is one of its committees that meet semi-annually to deliberate and address social development issues that need the support or action by national

line agencies and departments.

In terms of the region’s HIV/AIDS situation, the council is specifically concerned with the increasing cases in South Cotabato province.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) chief, said they already recorded a total of 254 HIV/ AIDS cases in the area as of the first quarter of the year.

“Males having sex with other males is the predominant mode of transmission of the infections and a few are caused by needle sharing among injecting drug users,” he said.

He said the detection rate in the province has been increasing due to the rising awareness about the disease among local residents.

The official said it is important for HIV/AIDS to be detected early to facilitate earlier treatments.

“As the IPHO continues in its detection drive or case finding, it is expected that the number of recorded cases in the province will increase in the next few months,” he said.

Aturdido said there’s a need for the DOH to establish a treatment hub in the region to facilitate the immediate treatment of confirmed HIV/ AIDS cases.

HIV/AIDS patients in the region currently receive treatment at the DOH-run Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

14 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO

Matina Enclaves building 1 construction underway C ONSTRUCTION of building 1 of the Matina Enclaves, the signature project of homegrown developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdev-

co), is underway and moving ahead of schedule.

Matina Enclaves project manager Gerald Garces said the construction went full swing after the recent

MOBILIZATION COMMENCED. Riezl Landcare & Construction has mobilized, board up the area of the bldg.

Preparing for the fabrication area of the pre-cast walls.

awarding of the bidding for the construction of the said building. The first condominium building is part of the sprawling mixed use development of the property located in Quimpo Boulevard, right next to the Davao City Golf Club.

Handling the construction is Riezl Landcare and Construction company which won the bid for the building project.

Aside from the ongoing construction, Matina Enclaves will also hold an Open House today. Last Monday, Esdevco held an Investors Night in Tagum City for interested provincial-based clients.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

1. Minnesota Timberwolves — 2. Los Angeles Lakers — Jahlil Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C Okafor, C

7. Denver Nuggets — Mario Hezonja, G/F

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

3. Philadelphia 76ers — D’Angelo Russell, G

4. New York Knicks — Kristaps Porzingis, F

8. Detroit Pistons — Stanley Johnson, F

5. Orlando Magic — Justise Winslow, G/F

6. Sacramento Kings — Emmanuel Mudiay, G

9. Charlotte Hornets — Devin Booker, G

10. Miami Heat — Myles Turner, C

Experts’pick: How the NBA Draft could go

T

HIS is how consensus experts see the NBA Draft will go today. Of course, this is just the experts’ mock draft. The real story of this year’s draft should be made by the teams who will be picking according to their needs and the available talent.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves — Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C Experts: 9 of 9 School: Kentucky Other possibilities: None Key expert quote: Givony: “The gap between Towns and Jahlil Okafor has widened significantly in recent months, to the point that it feels like a foregone conclusion that Towns will be going #1.”

2. Los Angeles Lakers — Jahlil Okafor, C ASPIRANT. Bobby Parks Jr. has attended the camps of Dallas, Boston and Utah and hopes to get drafted today. However, if he fails, he said he is ready to accept his fate.

Experts: 9 of 9 School: Duke Other possibilities: None Key expert quote: Bodner: “In the end, the ability to run an offense through Okafor may be too much to pass up.”

3. Philadelphia 76ers — D’Angelo Russell, G Experts: 7 of 9 School: Ohio State Other possibilities: Kristaps Porzingis (2) Key expert quote: Mannix: “It’s hard to believe the Sixers would take Kristaps Porzingis, not with a gaping hole at point guard and Russell, who is well liked in the organization, on the board.”

4. New York Knicks — Kristaps Porzingis, F Experts: 4 of 9 School: None (Latvia)

Other possibilities: D’Angelo Russell (2), Justise Winslow (2), Emmanuel Mudiay (1) Key expert quote: Givony: “With center Greg Monroe reportedly a top target of the Knicks in free agency, power forward could very well be the next position the team looks to fill with Triangle friendly players, especially if D’Angelo Russell (who is a lock to get picked here is available) is indeed off the board.”

5. Orlando Magic — Justise Winslow, G/F Experts: 5 of 9 School: Duke Other possibilities: Kristaps Porzingis (3), Mario Hezonja (1) Key expert quote: Parrish: “Label me intrigued by a 1-2-3

combination of Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and Winslow in Orlando.”

6. Sacramento Kings — Emmanuel Mudiay, G Experts: 7 of 9 School: None (China) Other possibilities: Justise Winslow (1), Mario Hezonja (1) Key expert quote: Ford: “The Kings have needed an elite point guard for some time and I think if Mudiay is on the board, it’s going to be hard for them to pass.”

7. Denver Nuggets — Mario Hezonja, G/F Experts: 6 of 9 School: None (Croatia) Other possibilities: Justise Winslow (1), Willie Cauley-Stein (1), Emmanuel Mudiay (1)

Key expert quote: Mannix: “The Nuggets have done extensive research on Hezonja, a flashy two-guard with a solid all-around offensive game.”

8. Detroit Pistons — Stanley Johnson, F Experts: 5 of 9 School: Arizona Other possibilities: Mario Hezonja (1), Willie Cauley-Stein (1), Devin Booker (1), Sam Dekker (1) Key expert quote: Harper: “If Stan Van Gundy believes Johnson can be a shooter at the NBA level, he’ll be the guy here and fit in perfectly.”

9. Charlotte Hornets — Devin Booker, G Experts: 4 of 9 School: Kentucky Other possibilities: Willie Cauley-Stein (2), Myles Turner

(1), Stanley Johnson (1), Cameron Payne (1) Key expert quote: Parrish: “Booker’s natural shooting ability was evident in one season at Kentucky and will allow him to stick in the NBA for at least a decade (barring injury).”

10. Miami Heat — Myles Turner, C Experts: 4 of 9 School: Texas Other possibilities: Frank Kaminsky (2), Stanley Johnson (1), Sam Dekker (1), Kelly Oubre (1) Key expert quote: Howard-Cooper: “Turner can play inside on offense or defense, with the potential to become an impact shot blocker, and a shooting touch on a jumper with range.”

MOMENT OF TRUTH Parks tries luck with NBA Draft today N

BA hopeful Ray Parks capped off his series of pre-draft workouts this week with the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics.

“Past few days, I’ve been traveling like crazy but it is such a blessing to

be able to have the opportunity to workout in front of these teams.

Dallas is such a great organization, had a great workout, and a great city. Definitely one for the books,” Parks wrote in an Instagram post.

“Truly so much history that goes into the Boston Celtics franchise. Thank you for the opportunity,” he wrote in a separate post.

Parks earlier attended workouts with the Utah Jazz and the Brooklyn Nets in the hope of impressing scouts and getting selected in the 2015 NBA Draft on

Thursday (Friday morning Philippine time).

But the 6’4″ Parks admitted in an interview that he will “completely understand” if he goes undrafted as he is aware that his stock is not that high compared to other more-known prospects who spent college basketball in the United States.

This year marks his second attempt of giving his NBA dream a shot after getting denied last year due to eligibility issues.

Parks was once a highly re-

garded high school player from Memphis, committing to play for US NCAA Division One school Georgia Tech in 2011. But he decided to take his talents to the Philippines to be with his ailing father, PBA legendary import Bobby Ray Sr., who died of cancer in 2012.

The younger Parks went on to play for the National University in the UAAP where he won two MVP awards and suit up for the national team in a couple of international tournaments.

Highly touted Latvian Porzingis out to break stereotype

K

RISTAPS Porzingis has the height and shooting touch that makes NBA scouts drool, and the slender Latvian is determined to show he has the passion and toughness to thrive in the world’s top league.

The 19-year-old Latvian, who has been playing professionally in Spain, is expected to be one of the top picks in Thursday’s NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Porzingis has been brought along gradually by Cajasol Seville in Spain’s ACB, averaging

8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds over two and a half seasons with them.

The 7-foot-1 (2.16 m) forward said he hopes to shatter an NBA stereotype.

“I’m conscious that there’s a stereotype about white, European big men who are skilled,” the slender Porzingis told reporters during a roundtable session on Wednesday about a perception that they play too soft for the NBA. “But the thing about me is the love I have for the game and

the passion. I can be in the gym three hours straight shooting by myself.

“I think that will help me in the long run as my career goes on. I’ll keep my mentality the same, my work ethic the same.”

Porzingis said his passion for the game came from a basketball family where his father, mother and two brothers all played, and that he was not worried about the physical demands of the NBA. “I played with professionals for two and a half years,” he said.

“Definitely I’m skinny, but I can use my length as an advantage on defense.

“I need to put some weight on. I’ll be working in the weight room a lot. That’s definitely one of the things I have to work at, getting stronger. I think in the long run I won’t have a problem with that.”

Porzingis, who developed quickness and ball-handling skills playing guard as a youngster, said there was a difference between being strong and being tough.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 61 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 26 - 27, 2015

EYES ON WORLD TITLE Dapudong looks beyond fight against Garcia tonight

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

F

njb@edgedavao.net

ORMER International Boxing Organization (IBO) world super flyweight champion Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong is eyeing another world title shot at

the 118-lb. division before considering moving up in weight at 122.

But first, Edrin has to get past a tough opponent in Richard Garcia tonight in the

main offering of Boxing Revolution III “No Guts No Glory” at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym).

Dapudong will take on Garcia, the former Pan Asia

Boxing Association (PABA) flyweight king, before thinking of a a rematch with Mexican Hernan Marquez, who beat him via a 3rd round knockout during their world

BOXING REVOLUTION III. Edrin “The Sting” Dapudong (third from left) strike a fighting pose with opponent Richard Garcia during yesterday’s weigh-in at the NCCC Mall. Flanking them are Sonshine Sports roundgirls Armina Paraiso, Laarnie Villanueva and Arnee Caminade. Lean Daval Jr.

title-fight for the WBA flyweight crown last July 2, 2011 in Mexico.

Dapudong weighed 118 pounds in yesterday’s weigh in at the NCCC Mall supervised by Games and Amusements Board Davao field office through sports and games officer John Kenneth Improso. Garcia, who vowed to knockout Dapudong if he gets careless, was three pounds over the limit in his first attempt and was given two hours to make the limit.

Dapudong and Garcia will fight for 10 rounds at 115-pounds.

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.

Also seeing action in the Boxing Revolution III on Friday night at the Almendras Gym are the other fighters from SSMI – former WBO Oriental featherweight Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva, exWBO Oriental bantamweight title-holder Rolando “Smooth Operator” Magbanua, exWBO 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 late replacement Hagibis Quiñones in 10 rounds for 130 lbs. while Magbanua (25 wins, 17 Kos, 2 loses) takes on ex-Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight champion Rey Las Pinas at 125 lbs.

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.