Edge Davao 8 Issue 63

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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INSIDE EDGE

Who is Leoncio Pitao? P2

Businessmen remain hopeful Duterte will run P3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ICONIC LEADER. Leoncio Pitao, aka Kumander Parago, was killed in a clash with government forces. The military said it expects the New People’s Army to launch retaliatory attacks. Photo from the web

BRACING FOR RETALIATION AFP: Expect NPA to launch attacks after Parago’s death

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday said the military expects the New People’s Army (NPA) to launch a series of attacks on military targets in retaliation for the killing of Pulang Bagani

Command (PBC) 1 Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC) leader Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año, however, said

the military is ready to face the attacks. He also said the death of Parago will result in a decrease in the number of NPA members and an increase in the number of rebels surrendering to the government.

Parago was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Purok 9, Barangay Pañalom, Paquibato District last Sunday.

In a press conference yesterday, Año said the mil-

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Meet the gold medal winning Boys of Davao Sports 16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

Duterte: Kumander Parago was my friend

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

“

HE was my friend. And he accepted me as a friend.”

This was Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s reaction to the death of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 1 Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC) leader Leoncio Pitao alias Kumander Parago, who was killed in an encounter

with soldiers in Purok 9, Barangay Pañalom, Paquibato District last Sunday.

“He was a warrior, a fighter, and to that we should concede. There is always a time to die and probably yesterday (Sunday) was his time to die,” he added.

“He was really the most

wanted man here in so many fronts. The only thing I can say is that he was my friend I used to visit him over their Prisoners of War,” he said.

Duterte said he is willing to help the family of Parago with his burial expenses and promised to visit the slain rebel leader’s wake.

Duterte said he does not know who would take over Parago’s place in the PBC, but he warned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to “be ready” for retaliatory attacks.

The mayor, however, said the death of Parago will not affect the peace and order of the city.

LEONCIO PITAO:

Legendary rebel leader

By JEFF M. TUPAS

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SECURITY TALK. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte talks to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. and Task Force Davao commander Colonel Macairog Alberto during the turn -over ceremony of vehicles yesterday along Magallanes Street. Lean Daval Jr.

Civilian tipster to get P5.6M

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CIVILIAN tipster will get the P5.6-million reward following the killing of top New People’s Army (NPA) leader Leoncio Pitao, popularly known as Commander Parago Sandoval, on June 28 in Paquibato District, the military said.

Major General Eduardo

WHAT THE?

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Año, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said a civilian tipster who provided vital information in tracking the location of Pitao will get the reward money.

Pitao, chief of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command 1, had several standing warrants of arrests for murder, robbery

A post from social media after news of Kumander Parago’s death broke out:

Its a very rare occasion to see a group of people in a formal conference clap their hands in applause upon hearing the news of the death of someone.

and multiple frustrated murder.

Año said the recent encounters in Paquibato have been a factor in tracking the movement of the band of about 50 rebels.

Año told reporters that they formed “Task Force Minion” several months ago to capture or neutralize Pitao.

“As much as we wanted to get him alive, he chose to fight it out with our soldiers,” Año disclosed, adding that the Task Force Minion was composed of highly-experienced government troopers.

The combined elements of the 69th Infantry Battalion and 6th Scout Ranger Company that neutralized Pitao relentlessly pursued the NPAs, the military official said.

“Twenty-four-seven yan,” Año added.

The 57-year-old rebel

leader was on the limelight when he led the abduction of Brig. Gen Victor Obillo and Capt. Alex Montealto in 1998.

Aside from Pitao, a female fighter, believed to be a medic, was also killed in the 20-minute firefight.

Año said government troops recovered from the encounter site were two M16 Rifles, three backpacks and several rounds of rifle grenades.

Before the rebel leader’s death, the military had claimed several times Pitao had been killed in encounters.

“Now we are 101 percent sure that we got him based on the dentures and some body marks,” Año said.

Simon Santiago, NPA’s spokesperson in the Davao Region, confirmed that it was indeed Pitao and his medic who were killed in the encounter.

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HE death of Leoncio Pitao on Sunday came a shocker for many of those who know the most elusive rebel leader in Southern Mindanao.

The military lauded his death — with a top military official declaring that this is the start of peace in Davao City Paquibato District.

Major Gen. Eduardo Ano, commander of the 10 th Infantry Division, said Parago’s death is hoped to spark “true and lasting peace” in Paquibato District.

He credited the death of the long-time leader of First Pulang Bagani Company of the Merardo Arce Command of the New People’s Army to some villages who “have been fed up with the group’s banditry and terrorism.”

But for some, Parago is far from terrorist or bandit.

“He is the community’s defender, the head of the family — our tatay, our father,” said a woman who requested not to be named.

And the 57-year-old Parago is known in Paquibato as ‘Tatay’.

Parago is a soft-spoken, almost shy, rebel leader. He joined the movement in 1978. He was arrested in 1999 while he was visiting his family in Davao. He was released in 2002 and shortly after, he joined his comrades in the mountains of Paquibato once again.

He was never captured again since. He gained the ‘notoriety’ of being an elusive rebel leader in Southern Mindanao. Many said this was primarily because of his charisma. He, too, has earned the respect and admiration of the masses.

“He is a defender of the poor people of Paquibato.

He will always be remembered as the rebel leader who always made sure that the rights of the people are protected,” a farmer said.

On March 5, 2009, Parago’s daughter, Rebelyn, disappeared after taken by suspected agents of the military.

Her body was later found with signs of sexual abuse and torture. The 22-yearold Rebelyn was a volunteer teacher.

In his grief, Pitao continued to serve the “revolution of the poor”. He constantly stood for the people and against anti-poor programs and projects.

He has been vocal against the entry of large-scale mining in Davao communities and warned that mining trucks and equipment will be torched down by the rebels in Paquibato.

“These projects, these companies, can only expect punitive actions from us,” he told journalists once.

Online, people expressed their shock over the death.

Then came the expressions of grief.

“You are a respected person because of your principles and goodness to the masses” said Eric de Guzman Agdon.

A Muslim, Rappa Nui, said “I salute you because you are real revolutionarian.”

The death of Parago came only two weeks after the government said it is ready to open negotiations with the National Democractic Front of the Philippines, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Human rights lawyer Angela Librado-Trinidad scored the military celebration over Parago’s death, saying it showed how the government views the insurgency problem in the Philippines.

“There is something innately wrong here. It is obvious that the government is not serious in dealing with this problem. It is wrong when only see this as a numbers game. There has never

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

Council to discuss MOA for P70-M food terminal

NEWS 3

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council is set to discuss in plenary today the establishment of a P70-million food terminal in the city.

Scheduled in today’s regular session for second reading is the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be entered into by and between DA Regional Field Office (RFO) 11 and the City Government of Davao for the establishment of the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center-Davao (APTC-Davao) located in Daliao, Toril.”

City Council committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances chair councilor Bernard E. Al-ag said the MOA on the project will have “a big impact” on the city.

Al-ag said if the APTCDavao is pursued, all local farmers will be enabled to sell their food products in a five-hectare facility in Daliao,

Toril.

“Mura ni siya’g bagsakan para nay mga area na i-centralize ang system sa pag-deliver sa mga food og gulay ngadto sa atong mga palengke (It is an area where we can centralize the system of delivering our food and other products to our markets),” he said.

The MOA states that both parties will be working closely for the establishment of the center to ensure it viability.

“Parties recognize that establishing the APTC-Davao located in Daliao, Toril as the preferred strategic site to capture products coming from agricultural production areas of the city and the nearby provinces is vital in providing market support to the farmers,” the MOA says.

The MOA will identify the roles of the both parties on the

PEDIATRIC AMBULANCE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte carries a simulation doll inside the new pediatric ambulance which was purchased by the city government of Davao for Central 911 and were turned over yesterday along Magallanes Street. Duterte also turned over police vehicles to Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Lean Daval Jr.

Businessmen remain hopeful Avila pushes implementation Duterte will run for President of waste-to-energy project

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AVAO City councilor Leonardo Avila III wants to implement the waste-to-energy project to reduce the dumping of garbage in the city’s sanitary landfill.

In an interview, Avila, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, said the landfill in Barangay New Carmen, Tugbok District is almost full in a span of just five years, three years short of its supposed eightyear life span.

“We spent almost P300 million for that. Are going to spend another P300 million for another landfill if we can make use of the waste?” he said.

Avila said a company, whom he did not identify, expressed intention to bid on a

FCOUNCIL, 10

waste-to-energy project.

He said the concept of the project is to reuse waste and turn them into useful materials such as substance mix for construction purposes.

He said construction companies are interested in availing themselves of such products.

City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) head engineer Elisa Madrazo had earlier said the CENRO collects an average of 500 tons of garbage a day.

Madrazo said the city government has no plan yet to procure another landfill.

She said the CENRO will procure a shredding machine, pulverizing machine, and chipping machine to convert wastes to useful substances.

Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Rody: Good governance is good business

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte may have disappointed them for declaring that he is not interested in seeking the presidency, but businessmen attending the recent Asia CEO Forum in Makati remained hopeful the charismatic local chief executive will reconsider his decision and ultimately run in the 2016 presidential race.

William “Butch” Ramirez said this was the common sentiment of the top business executives immediately after the mayor delivered his speech during the country’s largest gathering of chief executive of-

ficers (CEOs) at the Makati Diamond Residences Thursday last week.

“This is the guy who can defend us. This is the guy who can lead us. He is brilliant, he is tough,” Ramirez quoted one businessman as saying at the end of Duterte’s one-hour speech that was highly applauded.

Ramirez was among a handful of Duterte supporters present at the gathering inside hotel’s second floor function room, and recalled how the mayor captivated the audience with his wit and eloquence.

He said Duterte received

TRAFFIC WORK. An enforcer mans traffic along Magallanes Street after it got congested due to the large number of people who flocked to San Pedro Cathedral Parish to celebrate its 167th Fiesta yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

a warm welcome upon entering the hotel lobby and got a standing ovation before and after delivering his speech. The local chief executive was also interrupted five times with a rousing applause during his address.

“I am not running. It (presidency) does not excite me,” Duterte told the crowd of the luncheon gathering spearheaded by Asia CEO Forum and which was also attended by representatives from the Belgium, Singapore, American and British embassies.

But Ramirez said Duterte, although disappointing ev-

eryone who came to hear him finally make the long-awaited declaration that he is seeking the country’s highest post, had elicited more support with his brilliance and sincerity.

“While he was denying that is running, he was making policy statements,” Ramirez said.

During his speech, and in the open forum and press conference that followed, Duterte not only enumerated the accomplishments of Davao City and took pride of its landmark legislations but also walked the crowd through the policies

HE Davao City Traffic Management Center (TMC) is now officially called the City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) after Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed an executive order giving it much broader powers and responsibilities.

Duterte issued Executive Order (EO) No. 18 series of 2015, or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of City Ordinance No.0334-12, series of 2012 known as the traffic code in which the CTTMO would have a broader scope in managing not just the traffic flow of thee city but also the transportation system of the city.

Under rule no. 2, section 8, the CTTMO will formulate,

coordinate, and monitor policies, standards and programs relating to transport and traffic management.

The office will also rationalize the existing transport operations and administer all traffic engineering services, traffic enforcement operations, traffic and transport planning, regulations and franchising, transport facilities management, and traffic management program.

CTTMO will also institute a “no-physical contact apprehension” policy on violators with the use of technology.

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TMC given broader powers as CTTMO T

Six divisions Under section 9 of rule 2, CTTMO will have six divisions.

The Traffic Engineering

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EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

BAYANIHAN. A wonderful show of contemporary Bayanihan spirit along the national highway of Davao Occidental, traversing Jose Abad Santos town on Friday, June 26. The van from Balangonan was bound for the town of Glan in Sarangani province when it got stuck in the mud. Drivers and helpers of various trucks came forward to assist. MindaNews photo by Karl Gaspar, CSsR

Maguindanao floods W displace 40k villagers

14 new patrol jeeps turned over to Davao Sur, Davao Occidental

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T least 40,000 persons in 15 villages of Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao province have been displaced by floods as water level in some communities reached as high as neck deep, officials said.

Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Ramdatu Angas said the local government has placed the entire town under state of calamity as flood water from Ala River continues to rise brought about by torrential rain in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

Rasol Angas, a resident of Barangay Barurao, one of the hardest hit villages, said the characteristics of flood water remain unpredictable as it recedes and suddenly rises although Maguindanao experiences no rain.

“It could be raining up there in the mountains of South Cotabato and Sultan

Kudarat,” he opined, pointing at Daguma ranges south of Sultan Kudarat province.

Zenaida Sandig, 28, a resident of Barangay Paidung, said water level in her village was at its highest late Saturday afternoon, reaching as high as five feet.

Sultan sa Barongis, a town situated in the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, was at the direct path of Ala river, a major tributary emanating from South Cotabato.

“Floods here come and go but this is the worst so far,” Mayor Angas told reporters in Filipino. “We are at the forefront of the flood catch basin,” he added.

Aside from Sultan sa Barongis, also flooded were the towns of Datu Paglas, Mangudadatu, Datu Paglas, Pandag, Paglat, Rajah Buayan, Buluan and Datu Salibo, displacing about 15,000 individuals, so-

cial welfare officials said.

It was the third calamity to hit Maguindanao province this year. In late January, Maguindanao was hit by man-made calamity when mass evacuation triggered by government action against lawless elements and the fivemonth dry spell.

“Kaya pa naman (We can still handle this),” Mangudadatu said of the floods that hit nine of Maguindanao’s 36 municipalities. He said the province has enough calamity fund to use until year end.

But the governor admitted the situation was “very difficult for our people” because of Ramadhan where Muslims abstain from food and water at day time.

He said nobody has died due to floods but admitted receiving report about a woman who died after a tree fell on her in Kabuntalan town during last Wednesday’s

heavy down pour.

He alerted local executives of towns around the Maguindanao marshland of possible sudden rise of water as unfavourable weather continue in nearby provinces.

Mayor Angas blamed a flood control dike constructed by a banana plantation company. He said the firm put up a dike to save its farm site but the flood water from Ala river was diverted to his town.

Last week, four persons were killed in separate landslides triggered by moderate to heavy downpour in South Cotabato, Sarangani and Koronadal City.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-12) reported that at least 40 houses were totally damaged by rampaging flood waters, five flood control dikes destroyed and nine bridges totally and partially damaged in 10 towns, a city and 43 villages. (PNA)

ITH the turn-over of 14 multi-purpose patrol jeeps to PNP Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said police can now be properly address the threats to the social and cultural development of the indigenous people in the aeaas.

“Matindi ang pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin dito. Makakatulong sa kanila itong mga patrol vehicles in anti-criminality; multi-purpose para sa evacuations at delivery ng relief goods,” Roxas said as he pointed out that rampant crime and vulnerability to calamities hinder the progress of the ethnic groups in Davao del Sur. According to Roxas, the additional patrol vehicles will greatly help the people in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental, many of whom belong to the ethnic groups living in remote areas of the provinces.

He also assured the indigenous folk of Mindanao that all policemen, firefighters, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) officials,

and public servants like himself are ready to serve and protect them.

“Ang ating mga kapulisan, bumbero, mga manggagawa sa DILG, at ang mga nanunungkulan lokal na pamahalaan ay narito at minarapat na magsilbi sa atin sa kahit anong paraan—inaalay ang kanilang buhay para sa inyong kaligtasan,” he said.

The procurement of multi-purpose patrol jeeps is part of the national government’s efforts to address the concerns of indigenous people in combating crime and disaster preparedness.

Roxas said indigenous people are usually the hardest hit during disasters. They also have to bear the brunt of peace and order setbacks in Mindanao.

In addition, they have the least access to government services.

“Nagpapatunay na ang Daang Matuwid na pinamumunuan ng ating pangulo ay walang pinipili: Walang naiiwan, lahat pinagseserbisyuhan. Sa lahat makakarating ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan,” Roxas said. (PNA)

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) does not only assess the performance of police officers. Even the K-9 dogs are also tested if they are really capable of sniffing and identify bombs and explosives thereby saving the lives of Filipinos.

This developed as 30 K-9 teams from various police offices in Mindanao went into evaluation test and training held at Davao City Police Office (DCPO). They graduated on Saturday from the crash course that started on June 16.

Senior Superintendent Dominador Tubon, chief of Security, Canine Management

Division of the PNP Supervisory Office of Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA), said that prior to the evaluation, the K-9 handlers were given K-9 handling crash course that started June 16 and ended on June 24 as requirement for the issuance of a certificate of training.

The evaluation would test the proficiency and capability of the dog as well as the handler to detect explosives and its components.

Tabon said the dogs with their handlers can only get certificates if they can really detect bombs and explosives. Most of

German NGO, Maguindanao launch health, sanitation project T A

GERMAN benefactor and the provincial government of Maguindanao have launched over the weekend a health and sanitation project in the town of Mangudadatu, benefiting hundreds of elementary pupils.

During the launching of sanitation project in Daladagan Elementary School, about 200 school children washed their hands along with Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and representatives of the Deut-

sche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, known as GIZ, (German Corporation for International Cooperation), using antibacterial soap and safe water.

Also supported by Department of Education in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP), it aims to maximize dissemination to pupils the importance of health and sanitation to ensure good physical and mental condition.

It will involve pupils in 158 public elementary schools in Maguindanao’s 36 municipalities.

At least 10 schools in Mangudadatu town participated in the launching. Eventually it will expand to other towns within this school year, according to Dr. John Magno, DepEd-ARMM regional secretary.

Alim Sainodin, a grade 4 pupil, said it was only now that he learned how important washing of hands to his

health.

“Now I know that I can easily get sick if I don’t wash hands before eating, after eating and after using the comfort rooms,” Sainodin said in Filipino.

After welcoming the project initiated by the German’s GIZ, Mangudadatu said sanitation and hygiene must be taught to Maguindanaon children extensively for them to stay healthy as they study from elementary through col-

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Bomb-sniffing dogs undergo performance evaluation

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5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

SMEs products in exporters meet

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

NTEGRATING products of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mindanao with the global value chain will be the focus of the Mindanao Exporters Congress and Trade Expo 2015 slated July 23 to 25 at the SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier.

Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) Davao president Ferdinand Y. Marañon, speaking in yesterday’s regular Kapehan sa Dabaw forum at SM City Annex, said products of the Mindanao SMEs have huge potential in the global export market.

Five chapters of the Philippine Exporters Confederation in Mindanao will hold the three-day congress which focuses on empowering SMEs and Mindanao’s export products like banana, coconut, high value crops like cacao and coffee, and other processed products from mango.

These crops have huge potential in the global market, but that there’s still gap between the supply and demand that should be addressed by both the public and private sector, according to Marañon.

He added that Mindanao’s banana and coconut sectors are both threatened by pest and diseases.

The congress will hold a plenary where issues on focused export products will be discussed with invited guest speakers from national government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) To be staged this year with the theme “Integrating the Mindanao SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the Global Value Chain,” the event aims to bring potential export products of SMEs in Mindanao closer the global market.

Marañon said there will be break-out business matching session between investors and SMEs during the three-day congress.

Aside from business matching session, another highlight of the congress is an exhibit with 100 participants.

“Exhibitors will be showcasing different Mindanao export products and the latest technology and innovations in packaging and food processing, among others,” Marañon

said.

The new technological advancement in processing products for possible export will

help in bridging the gap between the supply and demand, he explained.

This year’s congress is be-

UPSWING. Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) director Rene Dalayon (left) says the banana industry is on the upswing due to the current big demand for Mindanao-produced bananas in the Middle East. Dalayon and PhilExport president Ferdinand Marañon (right) graced yesterday’s Kapehan

ing organized by Philexport chapters in Davao, General Santos City and Zamboanga, among others.

Around 300 exporter members of the Philexport chapters in Mindanao will join the three-day event.

sa Dabaw at the annex of SM City Davao to promote the upcoming Mindanao Exporters Congress and Trade Expo 2015 slated July 23 to 25 at the SMX Convention Center which will focus on the integration of products of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mindanao with the global value chain. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

First organic fungicide vs Black Sigatoka OKd

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HE Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards has approved the full registration of the first organic product that can be used against the Black Sigatoka disease which has been affecting banana plantations in Davao Region for years now.

The announcement was made yesterday in a statement

by Stockton-Agrimor Philippines, Inc., a member of the Stockton Group (STK).

“Growers in the Philippines will now have an effective organic fungicide for the control of Black Sigatoka in conventional and organic production of banana and plantain. Timorex Gold is an excellent rotational tool for effective resistance management,” STK said.

“By incorporating it regularly, Timorex Gold helps to reduce the overall chemical load and harmful residue levels in the plant. The product is an eco-friendly biofungicide.

It leaves no residue in the soil, water or air,” the company added.

Stockton-Agrimor Philippines country manager Arturo

A. Alejar Jr. said this is “an important breakthrough for the Philippines.”

“In the Philippines, Timorex Gold is the 1st organic fungicide for Black Sigatoka registered in pursuant of Republic Act 10068 otherwise known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010,” Alejar said.

He said the product was also certified to be in compliance with the organic standards by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP). The certificate of registration is valid for three years until June 2018.

The company said during field trials, Timorex Gold “demonstrated multiple sites of action and powerful prophylactic and curative efficacy against Black Sigatoka with exceptional performance in the most intense disease pressure conditions. It offers a unique advantage under stress conditions caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis in its different infectious stages.”

STK said it will be launching Timorex Gold in Davao City on July 30. CHENEEN R. CAPON

DTI-Davao recognizes social entreps’role in nation building

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region is fully recognizing the role of social entrepreneurs in nation building.

Social entrepreneurs are defined as individuals who utilize and maximize their expertise in finding solutions to some of society’s pressing concerns. Thus, they use their business ventures as their platform to address social concerns like poverty.

Considering the fact that Davao Region is home to a number of social entrepreneurs, DTI is optimistic about helping more individuals in the community where they are operating.

DTI-Davao City Field Office Director Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo said that social entrepreneurship is an innovative solution to address social problems and help achieve inclusive growth, an economic growth felt by everyone.

“We know for a fact that some private corporations focus on profit while non-government organizations (NGOs) focus solely on social impact.

As you can see, these two are in the extremes when it comes to the spectrum of social entrepreneurship. Social enterprises, on the other hand, operate at the middle whereby their performance is measured still based on profit but they take into account a positive return to society,” he said.

Meanwhile, in recognition

of the social entrepreneurs’ contribution towards uplifting the lives of many Filipinos, BPI Foundation, in partnership with the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSEnt), recently launched its new project called “BPI Sinag”.

As explained by the bank, “BPI Sinag” is a business plan competition that is aimed at empowering entrepreneurs with a social mission.

Social entrepreneurs from 18 to 35 years old who have business ideas or existing enterprises that address social issues may join the competition. Entries must be submitted not later than July 20, 2015. Aside from winning cash prizes, the top entries to “BPI Sinag” will also have access to workshops, mentorship, and financing. Five finalists will receiveP200,000 each , sixmonth mentoring, and access to Ateneo business incubation center.

With this opportunity at hand, Banquerigo has urged social entrepreneurs in the area to participate in the “BPI Sinag” search.

“This will surely be of great help to them considering that they will not only enjoy monetary benefits but as well as technical assistance,” he said.

Interested social entrepreneurs may visit www.sinag. bpifoundation.org for more information. They can also check their social pages (Facebook and Twitter) for updates.

DTI11/JenMendoza

DECKED OUT CAKES. Mall goers check the wedding cakes displayed at the atrium of SM Lanang Premier where the 12th Mindanao Culinary Festival was held. Lean Daval Jr.

Group welcomes port modernization, but…

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) Davao welcomed the P17-billion modernization of Davao Sasa Port, but threatened to locate to other nearby private ports if the winning bidder will impose high opening tariff rates.

“We can always go to other ports if Davao Sasa Port will impose high rates,” Philexport-Davao chapter president Ferdinand Y. Marañon said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Marañon, an exporter himself of microwavable cardava banana, said exporters in the region can always resort to private ports some part of Davao City and in Panabo City.

He also said that the controversial modernization of Sasa does not have direct impact yet to exporters until the implementation of high tariff rates.

Other members of the business sector in Davao region feared that due to high cost of the project, the winning bidder will have no choice but to implement high tariff rates within its 30-year concession period to recoup its investment.

Marañon said that the modernization project to be undertaken by a private sector is very crucial in improving the logistics sector of the region.

“The modernization of the Sasa port is already long overdue,” he said, adding that the port was already in-

efficient as a result of damages in the facility like big holes that are large enough to engulf small cargos.

It is necessary to rehabilitate the port to make it more efficient and effective in providing shipping services to both importers and small exporters here, according to Marañon.

“This development is a welcome development.

This will be good to the business community of the city especially the small exporters who don’t have the capacity to build their own private ports,” he said.

He added that small exporters from the southern part of the region have no choice but to utilize the Sasa Port once it is completed.

“Exporters from Davao

del Sur, for instance, will resort in utilizing the Sasa port because it will be much more costly if they will choose to ship their products through other private port in Panabo City and Tagum City,” Marañon said. “Those exporters from north still have the choice to choose prots nearer to them to lessen transport cost.”

The P17-billion project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will implemented under the build, operate and transfer scheme by a private sector.

Currently still under the bidding process, the winning bidder will modernize and operate the port for 30year concession period.

ities which are otherwise not readily affordable for small entrepreneurs.

The CWA, assisted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC) currently produces bottled bangus in corn oil, boneless bangus and bangus belly.

Apart from these, they also sell lumpia and empanada made from bangus which is now gaining acceptance in the province and other places in the Davao Region. The equipment consists of two pressure cookers, a vacuum sealer machine, two chesttype freezers and one stainless

fish processing deboning table with a total cost amounting to P300,000.00. These machineries are deemed essential for the improvement on the quantity and quality of processed bangus products being produced by association.

DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya, DTI-XI Officer in-Charge Maria BelendaAmbi, BFAR-NMC and LGU Panabo graced the turn-over and launching ceremony of the said SSF last June 24 at the Fish Processing Training and Demonstration Center in PanaboMariculture Park, Cagangohan, Panabo City.

In her message, Maglaya emphasized the impact of these Shared Service Facilities to the families of fishermen in Cagangohan which is estimated to double or even triple the amount of their earnings. She also said that with this venture, the women of the community can now assist their husbands in providing food on the table and the education of their children with the income they will derive from bangus processing.

DTI–Davao del Norte targets at least 18 CWA members who are mostly fisherfolk housewives to benefit from this project.

DTI turns over bangus processing equipment to Panabo fisherfolks T

HE Department of Trade and Industry-Davao del Norte Provincial Office recently provided fisherfolks from the Cagangohan Women’s Association (CWA) of Panabo City, Inc. set of equipment for bangus processing in a bid to improve their product quality and production capacity through the BFAR National Mariculture Center (NMC), the project proponent.

This is made possible through the agency’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Program which aims to eliminate bottlenecks in the production process of MSMEs by providing necessary tools and facil-

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GENSAN

Going for the bullseye at MR. BIGSHOT THE SPORT of archery is now one of the hottest hobbies and where else can one find an archery range in General Santos City but at Mr. Bigshot Indoor Badminton Courts.

Not only is Mr. Bigshot an indoor sports centre, it also features a restaurant, a KTV room and badminton courts. My friends from SoX Bloggers and I were so lucky to be invited to experience what new and exciting stuff Mr. Bigshot has to offer.

For P350 per head an hour, within 6pm-12mn you get to channel your inner Legolas or Katniss by trying out their archery range, with this you will also be guided by an archery coach. How awesome is that? Well, I gave it a shot, three shots to be exact, and my gosh, to my surprise I was able to hit the center which got my co-bloggers speculating

that it wasn’t my first time and that I was already there practicing the whole afternoon.

The Katniss feels drained our batteries so we headed to their restaurant to recharge. New dishes like Crocoback Ribs and Croco sisig (yes, made from crocodile meat) with the meat is exceptionally tender and juicy, and not to mention it is low in fat and cholesterol, but very high in protein. Ospaghetti (Ostrich meat) that kinda tastes like chicken but doesn’t taste like chicken, I can’t quite describe it. Diliskagwapo (Dilis, Gwava, Pomelo) salad, a combination that I never knew that I would enjoy, but after trying, I most certainly did. Our bellies filled with exotic goodness, we can’t barley stand up.

And we thought our night would end there, but no, we were led to the KTV room, for just P750 an hour, you can sing your

heart out and indulge on the menu for that P750 is consumable, perfect for an evening out with the gang.

So when in Gensan, drop by Mr. Bigshot and try these awesome stuff for yourself. Located at NCCC Compound, Na-

tional Highway, General Santos City.

I enjoyed it, truly. I hope you will too.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

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UP AND ABOUT

SM rolls out Green Film Festival anew

ENTERTAINMENT

Jean Gar

SM Supermalls will once again offer a free screening of environmentthemed films for elementary and high school students in SM and Waltermart Cinemas nationwide. The project dubbed as Green Film Festival will be re-launched on July 7 and will continue on every 3rd Tuesday of the month until March 2016.

Every month, a theatre will be dedicated to operate to accommodate screening for students. The project is initiated by SM Cares for the Environment in cooperation with SMLEI, Waltermart, the Department of Education, MTRB and Outpost Media.

The SM Green Film Festival (GFF) project aims to raise awareness among the Filipino youth of the plight of earth today. It is a visual information campaign for eco-awareness. The GFF will be held every third Tuesday of the month, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM in 57 cinemas of the SM Supermalls and Waltermart.

The project aims to reach 1 million grade school and high school students.

The film festival will feature “Ground Zero” and “Pagbangon”. The former features natural disasters here and abroad while the latter is an award-winning documentary on the effect of Super Typhoon Yolanda on survivors. The Climate Change Commission has also contributed a 5-min info video on the Top 15 Ways to LEDS (Low Emission Development Strategies).

SM’s project partner GMA 7 has agreed to provide the initial materials.

SM Prime Holdings President, Mr. Hans T. Sy, is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and has committed to furthering disaster awareness locally, in SM’s places of operation as well as its tenants and customers which SM considers stakeholders in the company.

SM Prime Holdings created the SM Cares

program which consolidates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ranging from environmental conservation, assistance to persons with disabilities and special needs, elderly and nursing mothers, as well as care for children, women and OFWs. The SM Environment Committee is just one of the groups under SM Cares and it specifically aims to promote environmental sustainability through, mall, tenant and community endeavors while simultaneously combining “going green” with good business. We highlight our award-winning projects that include, among others the

Trash to Cash recycling market held in the malls every first Friday and Saturday of the month, the Green Retail Agenda forum for mall tenants, contractors, and suppliers and of course, the SM Supermalls Green Bag. The SM Environment Committee aims to involve education as a primary way to cultivate the love of the earth.

For inquiries and bookings, interested parties may call SM City Davao at (082) 297-6998, SM Lanang Premier at (082) 285-0943, SM City General Santos at (083) 878-0667 and SM City Cagayan de Oro at (088) 8592884-88.

ASUS Philippines officially opens its online store ASUS Philippines announces its online store to further reach the Philippine market. The ecommerce site includes the ASUS zenfones and tablets while the accessories are soon to be available.

With payment options through

credit card or cashon delivery, consumers will now get the chance to have the latest ASUS mobile and tablets in a more convenient and easier way.

ASUS offers free shipping and it will take 3 working business days to deliver the ordered

units. People who recently bought devices from the online store will have their order information sent on their email to keep them updated. For the first 50 buyers on the online store, they will receive a free 32GB microSD card for additional storage on their ASUS mobile and tablets!

Great big deals are coming your way at the Baby Company Baby Sale from July 1 to 31, 2015. Get up to 50% off on your favorite baby brands and on a wide selection of baby items like strollers, cribs, play pens, feeding and nursing, linen, toys and more! And exclusive to Mom Card members, get a Free Thermos Flask to keep your drinks hot or cold when you’re out on your baby’s date out. For just a minimum singlereceipt purchase of P3,000 of any Baby Company items. So hurry! Come and visit us at any Baby Company store nearest you.

Ruru Mad Garcia wh

KAPUSO homegrown talent Ruru Madrid said he is willing to wait for two more years before courting his on-screen partner Gabbi Garcia.

In an interview with the young actor, he easily denied speculations that they are already a couple. “Hindi pa po. Kapag naging kami na, aaminin ko po agad.

Pero matagal-tagal pa po kasi siyempre 16 (years old) pa lang si Gab, tapos ako 17 (years old) pa lang po. Hihintayin ko po siyang mag-18,” shared Ruru.

Sought for comment on Ruru’s statement, Gabbi said chuckling: “Talaga? Tignan natin.” In the event that this

re w th a p s le

w th m m p

s e in ti g b fa a

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rcia excited for daughter Jennica’s firstborn ANYTIME soon, celebrity couple Jennica Garcia and Alwyn Uytingco will welcome a baby girl into the world and if there’s one person who shares the same excitement the couple has about their firstborn, it’s the soon to be grandmother, Kapuso actress Jean Garcia.

“Madaragdagan na kami ng bagong member sa aming pamilya.

I’m very excited and happy. Kabuwanan na ni Jennica and anytime, manganganak na siya.

We’re all praying na sana makapanganak siya nang maayos, na maging okay ang lahat. She’s very excited. We are all excited,” Jean said during a recent interview.

While Jean is eager to meet her granddaughter, she revealed that she’s not yet ready to be called ‘lola’ by her apo.

“Hindi ko alam. Sabi ko nga kay Jennica, ‘Sige pumili ka na kung ano ba’ng itatawag sa ’yo ng baby mo, kung mommy or mama.’ Sabi ko, ‘yung matitira, ‘yun na lang ang sa akin. Huwag lang grandma or lola,” she shared with a laugh.

Jean also mentioned that she never fails to remind her daughter to maintain a regular exercise routine throughout her pregnancy. “Sabi ko maglakad-lakad siya, stretching, yoga, ‘yung mga ganyan. Gusto niya kasing normal ‘yung delivery. Ayaw niya ng caesarean so sana naman maging maayos.”

When asked for a

message to her daughter, Jean said: “I’m very proud of you and Alwyn.

Na-prove ninyo sa akin na hindi kayo nagkamali sa desisyon ninyong magpakasal. I’m proud of both of you dahil ang sentro ng inyong pamilya ay ang Panginoon.

Sobra akong blessed to have both of you in my life at madaragdagan na tayo ng isang pang baby. I will always pray na palagi tayong matibay, palagi tayong magkakasama, walang iwanan.”

Meanwhile, Jean, who is part of the number one afternoon drama show The Half Sisters, shared that Kapuso viewers could expect more revelations and twists in the series. “Marami pang pasabog si Ryan Eigenmann (Alfred Alcantara).

Siya ay magbabalik at pahihirapan na naman ang pamilyang Valdicañas. At marami pang characters, mga bagong artista na papasok.”

Early this year, veteran actress Eula Valdes joined the cast of The Half Sisters. On being reunited with her good friend on screen, Jean remarked, “We are very thankful na makasama siya sa show. Saka parang balik-tambalan na

rin namin ito. Marami pa talagang mangyayaring kaabang-abang, hindi lang sa part namin ni Eula, pero sa part din ng mga bata, nina Barbie and Thea.”

Aside from The Half Sisters, which airs weekdays after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime, Jean can also be regularly seen in Love Hotline every Monday to Friday after Healing Hearts on GMA-7.

de Amor’ drid to court Gabbi ‘Pasion airs director’s cut hen she turns 18 exclusively on ABS-

eally happens in the future, will her parents approve of heir relationship? “Parang ang deal po namin is siyempre kailangan po focus muna sa career tapos magka-colege pa po ako,” she added.

For his part, Ruru said he will do everything to make hings work, “Basta legal naman po. Ipapaalam ko po muna sa parents niya kung pwede po.”

Currently, the two young stars are simply enjoying each other’s company durng tapings for their primeime show Let The Love Begin. Just recently, Ruru has been added to the cast of amily drama series Instadad as Gabbi’s love interest.

How does it feel to be

working with Ruru on the set of Instadad? “Siyempre po masaya kasi kasama ko si Ruru at finally nagkaroon ng love interest ‘yung role ko na si Marikit. Kasi ‘di ba nga boyish siya,” shared Gabbi.

Meanwhile, Ruru couldn’t be happier with the way his career is going. “Siyempre po masaya kasi pinangarap ko lang naman po ito, pinangarap ko na magkaroon ng maraming trabaho. Talagang everyday nananalangin ako na sana lalo pa akong bigyan ng trabaho,” he said.

Catch more of Ruru and Gabbi via Let The Love Begin airing weekdays after Pari ‘Koy on GMA Telebabad and in Instadad which airs after Sunday All Stars on GMA-7.

CBNmobile and TFC.TV

WATCH the director’s cut of the talked about adaptation of worldwide telenovela sensation “Pasion De Amor” anytime, anywhere via ABS-CBNmobile and TFC’s IPTV.

Get to see Jake Cuenca, Ejay Falcon, Joseph Marco, Arci Munoz, Ellen Adarna, and Coleen Garcia and know the Samontes and Elizondos more with extended scenes exclusively available via the IWantTV app on ABS-CBNmobile. Using your smartphones, open the app and find “Pasion De Amor Extended” under the ABS-CBNmobile Presents category.

For Kapamilyas outside the Philippines, enjoy the Director’s Cut by subscribing to TFC’s TFC.tv and IPTV service. This premium offering is available in all territories except Mexico.

From an extended viewing experience, ABS-CBN TVplus, meanwhile, gives viewers a digital clear experience as CineMo channel airs “Pasion De Amor Rewind.”

Catch up on episodes you missed weeknights at 11 PM. Since “Pasion De Amor” started airing this month, viewers all over the country and even around the world have been captivated by the bold and daring plot of the TV adaptation. It has consistently dominated its time slot in the ratings game and has been a regular trending topic on Twitter.

Keep watching “Pasion De Amor” weeknights before “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. Para sa updates i-follow ang @pasiondeamor_tv sa Twitter at @ pasiondeamor.abscbn sa Instagram o i-like ang Pasiondeamor.TV sa Facebook.

June 25 – 30, 2015

JURASSIC WORLD Chris Pratt, Judy Greer PG

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

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano G

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

POLTERGEIST Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt PG

R-16

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

MAX Josh Wiggins, Thomas Haden Church G

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

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EVENT

Cocktail night for VIPs at Park Inn Davao PARK INN BY R A D I S S O N DAVAO held a cocktail evening for their VIPs last June 23 at the hotel’s RGB Restaurant Bar and Grill.

The cocktail party also allowed Park Inn by Radisson Davao to introduce Carlson Asia Pacific’s VP for Commercial, Ms. Sandy Russel who was

Pavan Kakar - GM of Park Inn Davao, Anne Olalo-DOSM of Radisson Blu, Sandy Russel-VP for Commercial of Carlson Asia Pacific, and Emelyn Mauhay-DOSM of Park Inn Davao. visiting Durianburg for the first time, to Park Inn’s VIPs, clients as well as friends in the media.

Always jolly, Park Inn

by Radisson Davao’s general manager Mr. Pavan Kakar made sure that guests were entertained and were able to taste the sumptuous cocktail buffet spread prepared for the evening.

Also at the party was Radisson Blu Cebu’s director of sales and marketing Ms. Anne Olalo whom I was able to meet on a quick sojourn in Cebu, and Ms. Emelyn Mauhay who returns to Davao and is now the director of sales and marketing of the Park Inn Davao.

Pavan Kakar (right) with Timothy Mead- Global Consultant of Tebow Cure Hospital and his Daughter.

Anne Olalo-DOSM Radisson Blu, Emelyn Mauhay DOSM-Park Inn, Earle Ferrer and Bambie Capulong of NGCP, together with Park Inn sales manager, Thea Dimaano.

From right: Mr.Kakar with Sherly Maglaque,Catherine Pavan Kakar together with Steel Asia’ Adrian Navacilla, Angelica Elises, Edelyn Banghal of DAI-Engage Yao, and Mr. and Mrs. John Jaylo of MIASCOR. USAID.

Paul Alquiza- Officer of Rotary Club East, Mia EcheveriaSales Manager of Park Inn, and Ronnie Go- Vice Gov. of Director of the Consular office of Japan in Davao, Tomoko Dodo and Pavan Kakar.

Rotary Club East.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

7 CULTURE & ARTS

It takes all kinds of wheels

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Bangka

“What makes the Philippines truly unique as a country is not only because of its people, its destinations, and its food. It is even more captivating because of its mode of transportation.” -- Quoted ***

Most foreigners who come to the Philippines usually ask: “What kind of vehicle should we take to go there?”

When you are in other countries, particularly in industrialized nations like United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, or Great Britain, the mode of transportations are any of all of the following: planes, taxis, trains, or private cars.

In the Philippines, we have all those, too, but only in the big cities. But when your destinations are in far flung places, it’s a different story. You may never see a taxi at all. Private vehicles are too few.

“Getting around the country is a major element in the Philippines adventure,” notes Lindsay Bennett, author of the globetrotter island guide called Philippines. “Millions of people rely on public transport for all their travel needs, and solutions reflect the natural exuberance of the people.”

Let’s start with jeepneys, the most popular means of public transportation in the country. They are known for their crowded seating and colorful decorations. As a matter of fact, jeepneys have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture and art.

Actually, jeepneys were originally made from U.S. military jeeps left over from Second World War. Wikipedia informed: “When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of surplus jeeps were sold or given to the Filipinos. The jeeps were stripped down and altered locally: metal roofs were added for shade; and the vehicles decorated in vibrant colors with chrome-plated ornaments on the sides and hood. The back saloon was reconfigured with two long parallel benches with passengers facing each other to accommodate more passengers.

The size, length and passenger capacity has increased as it evolved through the years.”

Tricycle The word jeepney is a portmanteau word; some sources consider it a combination of “jeep” and “jitney,” while other sources say it actually came from “jeep” and “knee,” because the passengers sit in very close proximity to each other.

Once you reach your destination, there are motorcycles that are used as a kind of taxi. You can call them what you want but they are commonly known as tricycles. In my hometown, they are called “pdcabs.”

In her book, Bennett observed: “These small motorcycles with cabs welded to the side are the wheels of the masses in the Philippine countryside, where passenger traffic isn’t dense enough to make a jeepney profitable.

“For just a few pesos one to six people can be transported in relative style trundling along at around 15 kilometers per hour, and be dropped off at their doorsteps; though it’s no fun in rainy weather, despite the ingenious devices employed by drivers in an effort to keep passengers dry.”

“Motorized tricycles are an indigenous form of the auto-rickshaw and are a common means of public transportation in the Philippines,” the Wikipedia points out. “These public utility vehicles either ply a set route or are for-hire, like taxis.”

But in places where tricycles are not applicable, particularly when climbing mountain and those with rugged terrain, the most viable form of transportation is the skylab.

If you don’t know what a skylab is, it’s “a single

Overloaded vehicle

Skylab motorcycle with added contraptions that looks like the wings of an airplane.” Some skylabs have “a roof above to protect the passenger from the drops of rain or the scorching heat of the sun.”

Another form of a skylab has “two rows of elevated cubicles balancing both at the motorcycle’s sides to enclose passengers’ feet that are always left hanging while on the road in the usu-

al designs.”

And believe it or not, a skylab can carry up to ten passengers.

For island hopping, the most economical to hire is the bangka (outriggers).

These are a common sight along seashores and in places where there are small islands. Rappler notes: “Boats connect islands, spread culture, and allow people to harvest the sea’s bounty. A boat for a fisherman is what a carabao is for a farmer – a beast of burden, a source of income, a ride home – and so has it been for thousands of years.”

Bennett has this to say: “The bangka is in many respects the jeepney of the seas. A long, slim canoe with bamboo or wooden outriggers and a huge sail, these craft are ideal for inland waters, zipping across the surface. Bangkas are used as tour boats, short-distance ferries and cargo vessels and they’re an ubiquitous sight in holiday beach scenes.”

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

EDITORIAL The enigma of Parago

T

HERE are two distinct sides to the death of Leoncio Pitao, the head of the head of the New People’s Army (NPA)’s Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 1 Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC) better known by his nom de guerre Kumander Parago who was killed on Sunday afternoon in an encounter with soldiers in Purok 9, Barangay Pañalom, Paquibato District. On the one hand, the military and government celebrate the fall of the cunning and ruthless leader, the man with a P5.7-million bounty on his head and 17 criminal cases filed against him. He was so notorious that an entire task force -- dubbed Minion -was formed by the Intelligence Unit of 10th ID, 69th Infantry Battalion, and other military units specifically to get him dead or alive. Parago has directly or indirectly caused the deaths of dozens of soldiers, and so the military’s single-minded intent to “neutralize” him was understandable.

That Parago finally met his match in Paquibato is a cause for rejoicing for those who have been at the other end of the barrel of his gun.

Among many Dabawenyos, however, Parago was something of an enigma, and residents here have never been sure what to make of him.

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On the one hand, he was a rebel leader, head of a branch of the NPA that has been blamed for countless deaths and other atrocities. On the other hand, he was a friend of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s, and in many matters the two agreed especially in relation to the plight of the poor people in the hinterlands. A number of people even saw him as a protector, a Robin Hood-type character who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. In a city as free in its thinking as Davao, such a narrative was entirely believable.

The problem now, as both Duterte and the military have intimated, are the possible retaliatory attacks the NPA could launch against military targets. With no leader – at least none as known and as commanding as Parago – the remaining rebels could be at a tactical disadvantage and might even succumb to mistakes and missteps that could endanger civilian populations. The military will certainly have its hands full trying to control the powder keg of a situation, and the hope is that the NPA would honor Parago not by going on a rampage but by continuing to uphold his ideals of serving the people.

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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EDGEDAVAO

“

VASECTOMY is a safe and highly effective method of birth control accepted by many couples throughout the world,” assured the Atlanta-based US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A form of permanent contraception, it “can prevent pregnancy by blocking the transport of sperm out of the testes.”

While it is common in the United States – where almost half a million of vasectomy procedures are performed each year – vasectomy is unpopular in the Philippines. Most Filipinos, according to a study done by the Department of Health (DOH) confused vasectomy with castration, which is the surgical removal of the testicle(s).

There are those who believe that once a man goes through with vasectomy, he would become effeminate and gentle. Others think that the procedure will make a man not to enjoy sex anymore as he used to.

Vasectomy is the most effective permanent form of birth control available to men. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization. During the procedure, the tube (vas deferens) of a man are severed, and then tied/ sealed in a manner so that the sperms are prevented from entering into the seminal stream (ejaculate).

A vasectomy is usually performed in a physician’s office or medical clinic. “My vasectomy was a piece of cake,” said Noel, a 35-year-old businessman who had undergone the procedure. “I was as nervous as anyone about it.

The worst part of the whole thing was thinking about it for a month after I made the appointment. It really was no worse than getting Dear Atty. Zen, Under the Family Code, how much is a man required to give as support to a child he has sired out of wedlock? Is there a system of computation? Who’ll determine the amount of child support. Thanks.

Maning

Dear Maning,

-oOo-

The amount of support to give to an illegitimate child has always been a ticklish issue.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to give you a categorical answer but can only provide you the general guidelines in determining the amount of support. Before, the difficult question to answer was the recognition of a child since paternity is proven through witness accounts, pictures, and other extrinsic evidences. Since the Supreme Court has allowed DNA testing to be used to determine whether a child was indeed sired by the alleged father, recognition of the child has become easier now since the answer to the question can now be literally derived at a press of a button.

This is not the case in determining the

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Fatherhood interrupted a filling at the THINK ON THESE! dentist. I had no pain to speak of afterwards, and no swelling.”

Here’s an explanation why a man can no longer get a woman pregnant once he Henrylito D. Tacio undergoes vahenrytacio@gmail.com sectomy frommedicinenet. com: “Sperm are made in the two testicles, which are inside the scrotum. Sperm is stored in a tube attached to each testicle called the epididymis. When a man ejaculates, the sperm travel from the epididymis, through the vas deferens, and then mix with seminal fluid to form semen. The semen then travels through the urethra and out the penis. Before a vasectomy, semen contains sperm and seminal fluid. After a vasectomy, sperm are no longer in the semen. The man’s testicles will make less sperm over time, and his body will absorb any sperm that are made.”

Getting a vasectomy does not immediately make a man sterile. “It usually takes several months after a vasectomy for all remaining sperm to be ejaculated or reabsorbed,” WebMd.com says. “You must use another method of birth control until you have a semen sample tested and it shows a zero sperm count. Otherwise, you can still get your partner pregnant.”

In fact, there is still a small risk that the vasectomy will fail, which can lead to unin-

tended pregnancy. According to medicinenet. com, among 1,000 vasectomies, 11 will likely fail over 2 years; and half of these failures will occur within the first 3 months after surgery.

The risk of failure depends on a number of factors. For example, some surgical techniques are more likely to fail than others. In addition, there is a very small risk that the two ends of the vas deferens will grow back together. If this happens, sperm may be able to enter the semen and make pregnancy possible.

While it is true that vasectomy is safe and highly effective, there are some problems that could occur after surgery and over time, according to medicinenet.com.

“After surgery, most men have discomfort, bruising, and some swelling, all of which usually go away within two weeks,” the website points out. “Problems that can occur after surgery and need to be checked by a health care provider include hematoma (bleeding under the skin that can lead to painful swelling) and infection (with fever and scrotal redness and tenderness as signs).”

Now regarding whether vasectomy will affect a man’s sex life, medicinenet.com has this answer: “Vasectomy will not affect your sex life. It does not decrease your sex drive because it does not affect the production of the male hormone testosterone. It also does not affect your ability to get an erection or ejaculate semen. Because the sperm make up a very small amount of the semen, you will not notice a difference in the amount of semen you ejaculate.”

There are men who don’t want to undergo vasectomy procedure because some studies

showed it will increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. In an article which appeared in What Doctors Don’t Tell You, it was noted that “the risk of developing prostate cancer after vasectomy jumps from seven per 1000 men per year to 11 per 1000 men per year - an increase of more than 60 per cent. The researchers confidently concluded that there was a genuine connection between prostate cancer and vasectomy, as the odds of these two findings being chance results were thousands to one against.”

However, several studies later contradicted that study. In 1994, a very large-scale Danish report on every vasectomy case in Denmark over a 12-year period (nearly 75,000 men) compared their prostate cancer risk with the rest of the Danish male population – “and found no connection at all.”

The most recent study comes from New Zealand, a country with the highest rate of vasectomy in the world – and apparently meticulous cancer records. It compared more than 900 men with prostate cancer with about 1200 healthy men, and found no difference in prostate cancer rates.

Now, the inevitable question: Can vasectomy be reversed? Yes, it can! WebMd.com has this information: “Surgery to reconnect the vas deferens is available. But the reversal procedure is difficult. Sometimes a doctor can remove sperm from the testicle in men who have had a vasectomy or a reversal that didn’t work. The sperm can then be used for in vitro fertilization. Both vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval can be expensive and may not always work.”

amount of supZENSIBILITIES port to be given to a child since the answer heavily depends on the evidence presented by the parties.

The Family Code only provides that the amount Emily Zen Chua of support given must be able to answer the basic needs of the child. Article 194 of the Family Code defines support as one that “comprises everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transportation, in keeping with the financial capacity of the family.

The education of the person entitled to be supported referred to in the preceding paragraph shall include his schooling or training for some profession, trade or vocation, even beyond the age of majority. Transportation shall include expenses in going to and from school, or to and from place of work.”

There are two parameters in determining the amount of support. The first one is the

available resources of the giver and the second one is that both parents are obligated to equally support the child.

Articles 201 of the Family Code states that “The amount of support, in the cases referred to in Articles 195 and 196, shall be in proportion to the resources or means of the giver and to the necessities of the recipient (underlining mine).” As such, the amount of support not only considers the needs of the child but also the capacity of the giver to provide said amount.

In addition, the couple who sired the child are both required by law to support the child.

This is found in Article 200 of the Family Code which states that “When the obligation to give support falls upon two or more persons, the payment of the same shall be divided between them in proportion to the resources of each...” Of course, if one of the parent has no capacity to provide for the child, as provided by the first parameter, then the obligation will devolve on the parent who has the capacity to provide for the child.

Based on the above legal provisions, the amount of support you will give to a child sired outside of wedlock heavily depends on the circumstances of both the giver and the recipient. Evidences you present in the case

will thus matter.

Please note though that unlike other judgments where the decision in the case cannot change once the judgment becomes final; the amount granted under a judgment giving support to a child, on the other hand, can be changed from time to time. This is based on Article 202 of the Family Code which provides that “Support in the cases referred to in the preceding article shall be reduced or increased proportionately, according to the reduction or increase of the necessities of the recipient and the resources or means of the person obliged to furnish the same.”

The judge of the court where your case is being heard will determine the amount of support that you will give the child. Of course, the judge can ask the help of an expert to give his or her advice on the matter, like an accountant or economist to analyze and summarize the evidence presented by both parties.

Supporting junior

-oOo-

The opinion rendered by the author does not constitute a lawyer-client relationship.

Please send your comments and questions to EmilyZen@ezlawdavao.com.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

BRACING... FROM 1 itary was “100-percent sure” the man killed in an encounter with soldiers on Sunday afternoon was Parago. An armed female companion, whom the military said was Parago’s medical aide, was also killed.

He said this is based on the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) report on the incident which occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on June 28 in Purok 9, Barangay Pañalom, Paquibato District.

“There is no doubt that the neutralized rebel was really Parago,” Año said, alluding to several instances in the past in which Pitao had been wrongly reported dead.

Año said Pitao, 57, was “neutralized” in an encounter between the rebel group and the Task Force Minion composed of the Intelligence Unit of 10th ID, 69th Infantry Battalion and other military units.

Task Force Minion was created specifically to get Pitao dead or alive.

“Yung percentage na siya si Leoncio Pitao is 101 percent.

Para sigurado, he has been identified by former rebels, he has been identified by the people of Paquibato District,” he said.

“We have checked the identifying marks like yung peklat sa kanyang left shoulder ay positive, yung dentures niya at most especially yung mukha niya, unique lang kasi ang mukha niya dito sa Mindanao,” he added.

Pitao has a P5.6-million bounty for the 17 cases filed against him since the 1980s.

Año said the bounty will be given to a civilian tipster who gave the information on the whereabouts of Pitao. He refused to give further details on the tipster.

A press release from the 10th Infantry Division said recovered from the encounter site were two M16 Rifles, three backpacks, and several rounds of rifle grenades.

Parago had been a commander of the NPA since the 1980s and had several standing warrants of arrests for murder, robbery, and multiple

frustrated murder, the most recent filed this month.

Two weeks ago, police filed a complaint for murder and frustrated murder against Parago and 11 other suspected members of the NPA who clashed with Army troops in Sitio Isilid, Barangay Daladag in Calinan district on May 6. Four soldiers were killed and eight others were injured in that clash.

Sunday’s encounter, the 10th ID report said, came barely two weeks after Parago’s group clashed with government troops in Purok 7 Brgy Paradise Embac where three of his security elements were killed.

“Two more NPA rebels were also killed after pursuing troops caught up with Parago’s group in Purok Mangga of same village,” the report added.

The report quoted Año as saying that information from residents in the area “started pouring in which allowed us to track down enemy movement and activities particularly that of the group of Parago.”

“Apparently, the people are tired of CPP-NPA banditry and terrorism,” Año said.

The report added that with Parago’s death, the NPA in Southern Mindanao “is expected to be further plunged in a serious leadership crisis following the neutralization of other top NPA leaders early this year.”

Before Sunday’s encounter, Parago had been reported killed several times.

Parago played a key role in several releases of soldiers held captive by the NPA. He was head of the custodial force that carried out the safe and orderly release of Brigadier General Victor Obillo and Captain Eduardo Montealto in February 1999.

Parago was arrested in late 1999 and released in 2001 as part of the confidence and goodwill building measures for the resumption of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front. (With a report from MindaNews)

the K-9 teams were owned by different security agencies that were employed by the business establishments all over Mindanao.

It is one way also to help the business establishment in ensuring that they hire a K-9 team that is really useful, he

said.

In the past, some of the K-9 did not even know how to detect explosives prompting PNP to conduct the training and evaluation.

Tubon said the K-9 training is the very first in Mindanao. (PNA)

lege.

He admitted that health concerns, including malnutrition, are among the reasons why many elementary pupils stay away from school or perform poorly in class.

A service oriented orga-

nization that specializes in international development and humanitarian activities, the entity (German Corporation for International Cooperation), operates in many developing countries around the globe. (PNA)

Bomb-sniffing... FROM 4

German... FROM 4

PARISH FIESTA. Catholic devotees troop to San Pedro Cathedral to celebrate the parish’s 167th Fiesta yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Civilian... FROM 2 Santiago disclosed that Pitao had been suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

“This is not a secret in the community, the masses are aware of his condition,” he said.

He added that many of their colleagues had advised Pitao to seek medical attention

but he refused.

“His health condition did not undermine his courage and determination to pursue the revolution and server the poor and the oppressed,” Santiago said in a text message to MindaNews. Keith Bagongco/MindaNews

been a single mention about proceeding with talks to prevent further deaths of combatants and civilians,” she said.

This is dangerous, she said.

“When the government

sees revolutionarians like Parago as TV personalities, and not an opportunity to campaign for peace, the Filipino people are doomed,” she said. | JMT, NewsDesk

establishment of APTC worth P70 million.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala had said earlier the food terminal will “revolutionize” the agricultural sector in the

city.

he will impose under his leadership.

Aside from exempting workers with a P25,000 monthly salary from taxes, Duterte said he will also increase the wages of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and teachers.

The mayor said he will also declare a revolutionary government if his dream of a federal form of government is not put in place, do away with government infrastructure projects and instead focus on building educational facilities and resort to mass transportation projects.

“The mayor said he will not allow schoolchildren and poor people in the streets to be drenched by rain while waiting for vehicles,” Ramirez said.

With regards to the country’s territorial dispute with China, Duterte is willing to talk to the Chinese government to settle the conflict as he does not believe the United States is willing to help the Philippines over the issue.

In his speech, Duterte reiterated his hard-line stand against all forms of criminality.

“Davao City is a haven to law-abiding individuals, but a hell hole to criminals,” Duterte said.

He also told the gathering what the biggest problem the country facing today is.

“I believe that the most serious problem that bedevils this country of ours is the erosion of the people’s trust and faith in our government. This erosion of trust and faith, if not checked, will tear this country apart. This is what we have to grapple with. Let us then hope for the best, but prepare for the worst if we do not act to stop this erosion,” Duterte said.

The mayor ended his speech with a message to the businessmen.

“To the businessmen who are here, I have one parting word to you all. This may capture the totality of my message for you today,” Duterte said.

“Good governance is good business.”

Leoncio... FROM 2

Council... FROM 3

Alcala said the facility could change the lives of the farmers because they can sell the products without the intervention of middlemen.

Businessmen... FROM 3

TMC... FROM 3

and Infrastructure Division (TEID) will identify traffic bottleneck points and establish priorities in implementing remedial measures. It will also formulate traffic engineering schemes such as banning of turning movements, creation of one-way streets, prohibition if parking, designation of loading and unloading zones, installation of traffic signage, regulating speed, and similar measures in accordance with its approved priority list.

The Traffic Enforcement and Street Management Division (TSMD) will assign personnel to manage the traffic flow on the intersections and other locations that need intervention. It will also execute the enforcement component of any traffic schemes devised or considered by TEID. The TSMD will be the one to enforce traffic rules and laws, including the apprehensions and issuance of citation tickets and penal summons to drivers found violating the traffic laws. It will also assist the Davao City Police Office-Traffic Group (DCPO-TG) in conducting investigations of any vehicular incident within the city.

The TSMD will also initiate the towing of vehicles obstructing the traffic of the city including illegally parked cars and abandoned cars. It will be the one to remove obstructions on the pedestrian sidewalks, alleys, streets and main thoroughfares.

The TSMD will dispose of objects found hampering pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the event that no one admits ownership of the objects.

It will be also the one to file complaints against violators who refuse to obey or admit citation tickets. It will secure the issuance of warrant of arrest in coordination with DCPO. The Transport Planning and Management Division (TPMD) will provide inputs for the preparation and updating of the City’s Land Use Plan for long-term road network plan of the city. It will also conduct studies and re-

searches in both transport and traffic administration appropriate to the local setting.

The TPMD will also update and analyze the public transport routes and services covering motorized tricycles, buses, jeepneys and other public vehicles.

The Facilities Management and Operations Division (FMOD) will establish, operate and maintain transport terminals, public parking facilities, wharfs, bicycle paths, including collection of user fees and charges through City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).

The FMOD will also operate towing services using approved gadgets with accredited private towing services.

It will also take custody of vehicles and any object found in the sidewalks such as stocks, and impound and release until the owner will claim it, or dispose it in accordance with the ordinance.

The Administrative and Support Division (ASD) will provide administrative and logistical support and services to all divisions of CTTMO. It is also tasked to maintain data base through management and information services, including the update of all records such as inventory of roads and traffic control devices and other data that would enhance the planning operations of CTTMO. It will handle the documentation attendant to enforcement such as processing of citation tickets and ordinance violation receipt.

The Motorized Vehicle Franchising and Regulatory Division (MVFRD) will be the one to manage the operations and registrations of motorized tricycle for hire. It will be the one to issue and revoke Motorized Tricycle Operating Permit (MTOP) and hear and decide uncontested MTOP application.

The MVFRD will also conduct investigations and hearings of complaints on violations of the ordinance and other traffic laws. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

High-rise condos like Aeon Towers safe: MGB T

HE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11 has given assurance that Davao City is safe for construction of mid to high-rise infrastructures like condominiums, including the 33-level skyscraper project of FTC Group of Companies known as the Aeon Towers.

In a recent forum here in Davao City, MGB 11 regional director Edilberto Arreza said investors and residents in Davao City “should not worry that the city is not suitable for high-rise infrastructures because we always factor in the hazard when approving clearances.”

“That should put to rest the growing concerns of people who consider condominium homes,” said Aeon Towers president Ian Cruz.

“It is just unfair that some people are so irresponsible in reporting that Davao is not ideal for high-rise construction.”

In the forum held at SM City Davao on June 9, Arreza said the MGB 11 is closely monitoring and updating the status of Davao City area for its control map, which is the bureau’s reliable source for the status of the area here.

“As soon as we know that there is a fault in an area, we immediately inform the applicant,” he said.

Arreza said the MGB 11 has already completed the mapping of hazard maps for the whole country which has a scale of 1:10,000.

“The hazard maps which has a scale of 1:10,000 is more precise that the maps we earlier made which has a scale of 1:50,000,” he said.

Davao City was earlier cited by the National Competitive Council as the top performing city in the country because of the robust construction of different structures here, either for

commercial, commercial, or industrial.

Meantime, construction of the iconic Aeon Towers has moved from ground level up after the completion of the four levels of underground construction.

“We offer what would embody the future’s high standard quality of condominium living in Davao City,” Cruz said. “Aeon Towers will improve people’s perception of high end condominium urban living. It will provide a peek of what the twenty-first century condominium living in Davao City will look like.”

Reputed to be a unique masterpiece of real estate, Aeon Towers is a luxurious condominium and a luxury hotel in one roof. To those who will have an opportunity of getting a unit in Aeon Towers, Cruz offers this assurance: “Amidst the advance technology or stateof-the-art features of the condominium, the essence of home is never forgotten in every corner of the designs.

It must still remain a home that is ‘close to the heart’ so there is also the promise of fond memories and unforgettable experiences if people choose to stay in Aeon Towers.”

Despite promising to be a towering figure of modern living, Aeon Towers is envisioned to be environment-friendly. Consider the following: ultraviolet protective tint for sun rays, sound proof glasses, open space in the middle for ventilation (no “inner units”), and rain water harvesting (which reuses rain water for cleaning and watering of landscapes found at the common areas).

More importantly, the building is equipped with a lightning transistor.

Projected time of turnover will be in December 2016.

Globe boosts GoSURF data plan G

LOBE Telecom continues to enrich the customer experience as it now offers its GoSURF consumable data plan with free access to Facebook, allowing its mobile customers to access the social networking site without data charges.

Globe is the only telco in the country to offer free access to Facebook with a complete browsing experience by registering to any GoSURF data plan. The full experience includes viewing of photos, streaming of videos uploaded on Facebook, as well as posting, liking, sharing and making comments on the social networking site. Access to the Messenger app, excluding calls, is also free.

Available to Globe Prepaid and TM customers with a GoSURF subscription starting June 25, 2015 and to Globe Postpaid customers who will opt-in to the free Facebook promo starting June 27, 2015, free access to Facebook works on any mobile platform, including the Facebook Android and iOS app and browsers (via m. facebook.com), without any maintaining balance.

Postpaid customers can access Facebook for free without any purchase requirement while Prepaid and TM customers will automatically get access upon purchase of any GoSURF promo. The validity of the free access to Facebook offer is the same as the subscribed GoSURF promo. Customers who have successfully registered on GoSURF will receive a text message notifying the availability of the free access

to Facebook service, and will also see the “No Data Charges” banner at the top of the mobile site or app once the free access to Facebook promo is activated.

“We continue to move towards cementing our authority in the digital space with the return of our free access to Facebook promo.

We have been working very closely with Facebook to bring the best and the fullest Facebook experience for free to Filipinos, photos and video streaming included. With this full experience, our customers can definitely enjoy Facebook the best way possible without additional data charges for as long as they are registered to a GoSURF data plan. Our customers can look forward to more exciting and wonderful Facebook innovations from Globe soon,” says Jil Go, Vice President for Content at Globe Telecom.

Globe was first to launch a partnership with Facebook in November 2013, allowing its customers to have free access to the social networking site using the Globe data network. The company shared its technological capabilities and modernized network infrastructure to drive the ambitious commercial offer, which was aimed at increasing mobile browsing adoption in the country.

For the past two years, Globe has achieved success working closely with Facebook to increase internet usage in the Philippines with free access to Facebook.

This key partnership has led Globe to become the leader in creating a digital lifestyle for Filipinos, evidenced by a

64% revenue market share in the Philippine mobile data market in 2014.

Globe Telecom has maintained its dominance in mobile data business in the first quarter of the year after posting mobile data revenues of P4.4 billion, double the combined revenues of its competitors at P2.2 billion. As of March 2015, Globe mobile data revenues significantly grew by 58% from previous year’s P2.8 billion and by 8%

from previous quarter’s P4.1 billion.

Free access to Facebook will be available to all Globe Prepaid and TM customers starting June 25 while Globe Postpaid customers can begin opting-in starting June 27 by texting FREE FB ON to 8888. To know more information, text FREE FB to 8888. To inquire about the promo, text FREE FB HELP to 8888. To check status, text FREE FB STATUS to 8888.

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0930-669-3018 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509 DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

GO BOLD

GO COLOUR

• All text • Telephone Number (bigger point size) • Bold Header

• Background • Text

Price: 100.00

Price: 175.00

ADD-ON • Pictures/Logos • Graphic Elements Price: 230.00

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF PARTITION OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSEFINA P. HORCERA has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE executed among her heirs per Doc. No.739; Page No.148; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2008, of the NOTARY PUBLIC NAPOLEON F. SANGO

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARCELO ABLAS SR. and PAULINA PLAZA has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among their heirs per Doc. No.416; Page No.85; Book No. XXXVIII; Series of 1992, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ARTURO T. PINEDA

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ASUNCION P. ABLAS-HERMOSURA has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER ATTORNEY executed among her heirs per Doc. No.533; Page No.08; Book No. XXX; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FREDERIC VOLTAIRE Y. TAN

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VICENTE P. ABLAS, SR. has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER ATTORNEY executed among his heirs per Doc. No.535; Page No.08; Book No. XXX; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FREDERIC VOLTAIRE Y. TAN

6/16.23.30

6/16.23.30

13

EDGEDAVAO

6/16.23.30

6/16.23.30

ITCZ rains may trigger flashfloods in Mindanao

F

LASH floods and landslides threaten most parts of Mindanao due to heavy rains brought by Intertropical Convergenze Zone (ITCZ) affecting the area, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday.

The ITCZ, which is the thick clouds coming from the south of Asia, is considered a breeding ground for low-pressure areas (LPAs) or potential cyclones.

In its Monday forecast, PAGASA said Mindanao

will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flash floods and landslides.

It added light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will prevail over Visayas while partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over the rest of Luzon including Metro Manila.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over the whole archipelago with slight to moderate seas. (PNA)

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1003838 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 299131-4 / NNN400273674 issued to JOSE CLEMENTE F. MENDEZ was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

6/16,23,30

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

Meet the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze A

FTER showing off a not-so pretty version of the Cruze at Auto China in Beijing last year, Chevrolet showed off a proper all-new 2016 model of its compact Cruze that is marked for sale to more than 40 global markets (hopefully including the Philippines). It will be for sale first in North America in early 2016 before sales will follow in other markets.

The all-new Cruze rides on a new platform that’s bigger but leaner. Shedding some 113 kilograms in weight, Chevrolet says it can do a standing start to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds when equipped with the proper drivetrain combination. This drivetrain is a 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower and 240 Nm. Aside from providing ample thrust, this engine should enable the Cruze to achieve 17 km/L on the highway when equipped with a sixspeed automatic. The Cruze also comes with an idle start/stop system.

Additional engine variants have yet to be revealed, although Chevrolet did confirm that a diesel-powered version will arrive in 2017.

Leveraging their experience in developing the Volt extended-range electric vehicle, the all-new Cruze sports a slippery body with 0.29 co-efficient of drag.

First Drive: Honda Mobilio 1.5 CVT N

OTHING spells summer than Katy Perry’s videos on constant loop. Whether you’re into her songs or not, the catchy lyrics and upbeat tunes is the only way to pass the two-hour journey to Mindoro. Either that or your adolescent eyes are trying to spot something in the umm…pink clouds. But the 42-degree heat, constant desire for Gatorade, and bubbly tunes on the radio make for the perfect backdrop for a summer road trip. And since it’s the first week of May, it could very well have been LaBoracay. Only it’s not.

This is LaPuertoGalera aboard the LaMobilio.

There’s no underscoring the Mobilio’s importance in Honda’s conquest plans for the Philippines.

It’s their first properly-designed 7-seater that tops out below the one million mark (no, the 10-seater CR-V doesn’t count). It’s for the man who needs the extended family space once a month while having to drive it alone to work for the rest of the 29 days. A huge chunk of Filipinos love that—just look at

the latest CAMPI sales report. So how does Honda plan to persuade Mr. Family Van to their side? They could have relied on frou-frou, but instead, they stick to what they do best: engineering.

Competing in the small or entry-level MPV segment (formally known as the AUV segment), Honda refuses to call the Mobilio an AUV; and for good reason: it doesn’t look or behave like one.

Although social media has developed a distaste for the frontend, what can you expect given it’s developed from the Brio/Brio Amaze platform? Also, it’s in much better shape than other choices out there, so zip it. The profile is more station wagon with the teardrop shape peppered with the usual Honda styling cues. It’s refreshing like Katy Perry before the fourth video or Russell Brand. Plus, unlike the videos on perpetual loop, there’s the RS variant sitting atop the range too with sportier bumpers, side sill garnish, alloy wheels, and spoiler to keep things interesting.

So while you’re still figuring

out whether you can see naughty bits in the pink clouds for the nth time, let’s get to the Mobilio’s own naughty bits. Fitted with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and Earth Dreams CVT from the Jazz/City, it’s the most powerful one in its class with 120 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. But this isn’t power for the sake of power. The decision is made purely because Honda engineers didn’t want to sacrifice performance even when fully loaded.

They could’ve fitted a 1.3-liter engine and call it a day, but that won’t work. It’ll just make the driving experience suffer.

As it is, the Mobilio’s engaging to drive. Loaded with four people aboard plus luggage, there’s enough grunt to make it feel lithe.

From Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, the convoy made its way to the South Luzon Expressway and STAR Tollway. Though there’s usable power down low, the drivetrain truly comes alive when the engine goes past 4,000 rpm. The CVT adjusts quickly, shuffling its infinite ratios to keep things interest-

ing.

It’s refined with low wind, road, and tire noise.

That said, with the convoy traveling consistently at high speeds meant the CVT had to keep the revs up resulting in a drone-like exhaust note. It’s not overbearing, but you know it’s there. Honda says it can do 16.6 km/L based on their tests. On this occasion, it does 9.2 km/L in the city and 14.4 km/L on the highway—not bad considering the omission of ECON mode.

Just as surprising is how the Mobilio actually feels like a proper car. Not a car on stilts, but a proper

Proportionally, it’s been stretched some 68 mm longer while having a 25-mm reduction in height. This gives the Cruze a longer but leaner appearance. The highest trim model, the RS, gets a unique treatment to its grille, fog lamps, front splitter, and of course, rocks 18-inch alloy wheels.

Underneath, the Cruze is constructed of about 8 percent in hot-stamped/ high-strength steel which contributes to a 27-percent stiffer body structure but remains lighter than the current Cruze. It has a long 2,700-mm wheelbase with wide tracks. At the front, it has a proven MacPherson Strut suspension while at the back, it has a Torsion Beam axle on the L, LS, and LT models and an enhanced Z-link design on the Premier.

Inside, careful consideration has been made to improve perceived spaciousness. The resulting re-design also boosts the Cruze’s rear leg room space to 917 mm— larger than both the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra according to Chevrolet. Like all other Chevrolets, it has the dual cockpit design but thoroughly modernized with a mixture of piano black and matte black finishes. It also has available rear heated leather seating and wireless phone charging.

The Cruze also integrates Apple CarPlay in the

car with a proper sense of balance and center of gravity. On the straightaways heading to the Batangas Port, it feels tight and stable. There’s no need to do minute steering corrections like in the Brio and Brio Amaze. It still gets affected by crosswinds, but only to a very minor degree. After the ferry ride, the roads to Puerto Galera from Calapan turn twisty. There, it shows good agility. The steering is quick; enough to keep up with the left-right-left transitions and the body roll is very controlled. On the

MyLink audio system. CarPlay allows users to access various phone functions such as call and messaging, maps, music all via the touchscreen or via Siri voice command. In addition, it also provides Android Auto support and can access applications like Google Maps, Google Now, WhatsApp, Spotify, and more.

In terms of safety, it’s available with a wide array of safety features such as 10 airbags, Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and more.

Key Specification Engine: 1.4-liter DOHC 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder Power: 153 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm Torque: 240 Nm @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT Front Suspension: MacPherson Struts Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle (L, LS, LT), Z-Link (Premier) Front Brakes: 276-mm vented single-piston Rear Brakes: 264-mm solid single-piston Wheel Size: 195/65R15, 215/60R16, 225/45R17, 225/40R18 Wheelbase: 2,700 mm Overall Length: 4,666 mm Overall Width: 1,795mm Overall Height: 1,458 mm Front Track: 1,544 mm Rear Track: 1,557 mm

tighter parts, the non-independent rear suspension does rear its ugly head with tremendous amounts of understeer, but at least the tires didn’t squeal even once.

The brakes too, although offering good pedal modulation, don’t bite as well in the initial pedal stroke.

In terms of riding comfort, there’s nothing to criticize here. It absorbs ruts and the occasional road cuts very well. Clearly, it’s the best AUV…err…MUV to bring through a mountain pass. And it’s a bonus that the passengers won’t complain.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

EASY AND BREEZY

Djokovic, Serena, Sharapova march through first round

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FOURTH SEED. Maria Sharapova, seen at the practice courts of the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, south-west London.

OVAK Djokovic, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova take centre stage as Wimbledon gets underway on Monday while Lleyton Hewitt hopes for a long goodbye on his 17th and final appearance at the All England Club.

World number one, top seed and defending champion Djokovic plays his first tournament since Stan Wawrinka ended his latest bid to win a French Open and complete a career Grand Slam in Paris three weeks ago.

The Serb, who was also Wimbledon champion in 2011, has never lost in the first round at the tournament but he faces a tough opener against world

FREE AGENT Lebron now a free agent, not leaving Cleveland

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BA superstar LeBron James has opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers to become an unrestricted free agent come July 1.

According to several US reports, James did not exercise his $21.6 million option on his two-year contract next season.

But he reportedly has no plans of leaving Cleveland and still intends to re-sign. The move will allow him to ink a more lucrative two-year deal and possibly rake in more money when the salary cap rises in 2017 due to the league’s new TV network deal.

When James last became a free agent in Cleveland, it turned out ugly. He spurned his

hometown to join the Miami Heat in 2010 in an infamous move that left Cavaliers fans condemning the superstar.

But James rejoined Cleveland last year, leading the squad to a run to the NBA finals where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.

That despite the decimated Cavaliers roster, with stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love unable to play due to injuries.

Apart from James, the Cavaliers also have

to negotiate with free agents Love, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert who are all vital cogs of the squad.

Go fires 13 treys as CMO outlast MP Cops

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HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go was on fire from behind the arc and put up an impressive fourth quarter showing to lead the City Mayors Office to a 81 – 75 victory against the MP (PNP) Cops in their tune up game at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym on Sunday.

Go, the sweet-shooting executive assistant of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, nailed 13 triples to scatter 44 points as the City Hall dribblers completed a remarkable fight back to pull away with the win.

The Policemen were leading 68 – 57 midway of the fourth period that put kept the City Hall dribblers in the brink of defeat.

But Go threw a charge when his team needed it most hitting crucial shots that enabled the City Hall dribblers got back in the contest.

CMO unleashed an 11 – 0 run to tie the count at 67-all, built around two three pointers from Go, en route to improbable come from behind victory.

Jerry Tugade paced the MP

Cops with 14 points.

Go was unfazed by the limited support he got from his struggling teammates as he seemingly carried the loads of scoring all throughout.

It was a tight contest in the entire first half with both teams showing impressive offensive proficiencies The Policemen surged with a double digit lead in the early going of the final period.

But the City Hall dribblers answered back with a go ahead rally for the close win.

(Rico Biliran)

number 33 Philipp Kohlschreiber who made the quarter-finals in 2012.

Djokovic holds a 6-1 career advantage over the 31-year-old German.

Kohlschreiber’s only victory against Djokovic came at the 2009 French Open and the Serb has won the last five on the spin, including a straight sets victory in the US Open fourth round last year.

But the champion is wary of the potential pitfalls as he opens play on Centre Court at 1200GMT. “When you see Kohlschreiber in the first round, you don’t look any further in the draw,” said eight-time major winner Djokovic.

A victory for the Serb could give him a second round match-up against 2002 champion Hewitt, the last man outside of the big four of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to win the Wimbledon title.

Hewitt, 34, will be playing the All England Club for the final time before retirement after next year’s Australian

Open.

The former world number one, who made his All England Club debut back in 1998, starts against 33-yearold Finn Jarkko Nieminen, a quarter-finalist nine years ago.

Women’s top seed Serena Williams, the five time champion and bidding for a calendar Grand Slam, gets her 16th Wimbledon started on Court One against Russia’s Magarita Gasparyan, the world number 113.

Moscow native Gasparyan has only appeared in the main draw of a Grand Slam once -losing in the first round at the French Open this year. She has also yet to win a match on the main WTA Tour in four years as a professional.

Williams has swept to Australian and French Open triumphs over the last six months and the world number one returns to the All England Club within two major titles of becoming the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1988 to claim the four top titles in one year.

The 33-year-old American also won the US Open to end

2014 on a high and is heavy favourite to continue that dominant run by taking the Wimbledon title for the sixth time.

“Personally it doesn’t make it feel any different, which I think is a good thing because I don’t feel any pressure to win all four,” said Williams.

Sharapova, the 2004 champion, has only got beyond the fourth round once in the last eight years.

The fourth seeded Russian is second-up on Centre Court against Britain’s Australian-born Johanna Konta, the world number 146.

The 24-year-old Konta, who showed her grass-court credentials with a run to the quarter-finals in Eastbourne last week, has played three first rounds at Wimbledon, losing on all three occasions.

Wawrinka, fresh from his French Open win, completes play on Centre Court by facing Portugal’s Joao Sousa.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the fifth seed, plays Italy’s Simone Bolelli while Australian 26th seed Nick Kyrgios, who knocked out Nadal 12 months ago, opens play on Court Two against Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.

Gilas in a good draw for FIBA Asia

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GOOD draw.

That’s how former Philippine national men’s basketball team coach Chot Reyes described the Group B bracket where the Philippines will be joined by Palestine and Kuwait and another team from East Asia in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championships.

“Yes, this is a good draw for us,” Reyes wrote in a text message to InterAksyon.com.

Palestine, which qualified for the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship for the first time, placed third in the WABA tournament. The team will be

coached by American mentor Jerry Steele and will be composed by a young squad bannered by 26-year-old, 6-foot-9 center Sani Sakakini, who applied for the 2010 NBA Rookie Draft.

In an article posted on fiba. com, Rajko Toroman, the former head coach of the initial Gilas Pilipinas squad, believes Palestine will have a decent chance to be competitive in the FIBA Asia tilt, especially if they get Omar Krayem, who plays for GlobalPort in the PBA. “If they get Omar Krayem, who is playing in the Philippines, if they add him, they will

be a very respectable team at the Asia Championship.”

Kuwait finished 10th at the Asian Games basketball last year.

Two years ago, the Philippines placed runner-up in the FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila, which allowed the team to qualify for the FIBA World Cup for the first time since the 1978 edition, which it also hosted.

This time, the Philippines is looking to secure a spot in the Olympics for the first time since 1972, but to do that, the country needs to win the FIBA Asia Championship.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 63 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015

BOYS OF DAVAO NCAA stars Amer, Thompson join Smart Elite N

Scottie Thompson (left) and Baser Amer

CAA basketball stars Baser Amer of San Beda College and Earl Scottie Thompson of University of Perpetual Help have several things in common. They were both raised in Mindanao, recruited by Metro Manila colleges for their basketball program, and named most valuable player by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Amer was the finals MVP in season 88 and contributed to the Red Lions’ “5-peat” string of championships for the past four years. Thompson was last year’s MVP, averaging 26.5 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Altas.

Together with the rest of Sinag Pilipinas, the two also helped the country win its 17th gold medal for men’s basketball at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Singapore. Amer and Thompson’s outstanding skills and passion for the sport led mobile leader Smart Communications to include them in its roster of sports ambassadors, known as the Smart Elite.

From grassroots basketball

to the international stage “Amer and Thompson have very inspiring stories. Both are sons of Mindanao who did so well in their respective hometowns that the big Manila colleges couldn’t help but notice,” said Smart Sports senior manager Epok Quimpo.

Amer attracted the attention of college basketball scouts after his high school, Holy Child of Davao, played against San Beda in a tournament. Meanwhile, Thompson gained notice when he represented Davao del Sur at the Palarong Pambansa.

“Their experiences reinforce our commitment to promote sports development from the grassroots levels, with the goal of seeing local athletes excel in the international arena,” Quimpo said.

Smart has been a staunch supporter of sports development in the Philippines. It is a major sponsor in this year’s NCAA, and has backed national teams like Gilas Pilipinas, Sinag Pilipinas, and the Azkals, as well as the activities of various sports organizations.

Smart Elite live the Smart Life Despite their success at the NCAA and SEA Games, Amer and Thompson remain humble, both saying that teams – not star athletes – win championships.

“My teammates and I always help each other. Walang selfish sa amin. That’s the secret to our 5-peat victory. We have a strong brotherhood,” Amer said.

“We treat each other like brothers,” Thompson said about his Altas teammates. “We’re very close to each other, and we do everything we can in every game.”

Amer had nothing but good words for the Red Lions, saying “maraming magaling sa San Beda.”

“That’s why I was so surprised when Smart chose me to be an ambassador. I’m really thankful for it, and it’s extra meaningful for me because I am a Smart subscriber,” he said.

Amer said he uses his Smart-powered mobile phone to check out basketball videos on YouTube, especially those featuring his idols Stephen Curry and Jimmy Alapag. Thompson does the same thing, frequently using YouTube to catch videos of Kobe Bryant.

“I use messaging apps to communicate with my parents in the province. I also use my phone to listen to hiphop music. I do this before trainings and games to help myself relax,” he said.

“Whatever your lifestyle is, Smart has digital services that will fit it perfectly. You will no longer be limited by time or your location, from doing what you love most,” said Smart executive vice president and consumer business head Ariel Fermin.

He added that like Amer and Thompson, Filipinos could live the “Smart Life” by using digital innovations that enable them to enjoy their passions more.