Edge Davao 8 Issue 8 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

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BABY DOG. A pet owner cuddles her dog inside a tricycle traveling along R. Castillo Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

INDIAN’S COHORTS TOLD TO SURRENDER INSIDE EDGE

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Police Office (DCPO) director urged Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. urged the six other cohorts of an Indian national who allegedly masterminded the abduction of a fellow Indian last week to surrender to the police. “I advise these guys to surrender. Kung ikaw yung least participant baka pwede pa kitang gawing witness (If you are the least guilty I can probably make you a witness),” Danao told reporters in

interview. Danao withheld the identities of the six cohorts as the police are still conducting their operation. “We have already identified the location some of the six cohorts,” he said. Danao said the six were the drivers and “errand boys” of the group hired by Jerry Singh to abduct Jaspar Singh Malih last week. Danao also requested the public to report to the police if they notice any suspicious

people hiding in their place. “Kung alam niyong may illegal diyan (If you notice anything illegal), you report it immediately,” he said. Meanwhile, the victim told reporters that he still fears for his life even though Singh is already in jail because the latter’s cohorts might harm him. Malih, however, said his money lending business will continue despite the possible threat from the suspects who are still at large. The DCPO yesterday filed

kidnapping and serious illegal detention cases against Singh and his cohorts Josephine Onas, who is his live-in partner, and brothers Noel and Bobby Onin for allegedly abducting Malih. The suspects were submitted for inquest procedure before the City Prosecution Office. The suspects were arrested by joint forces of the DCPO, Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), and Task Force Davao (TFD) on April 10.

EDGE DAVAO, ZION’S DOUBLE CELEBRATION INdulge! A1

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

RIGHTS CASES. Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 11 director Emiliano Cajes (leftmost) gives a rundown on the cases of human rights violations in Region 11 from January 2014 to March this year. Cajes was joined by (from right) Regional Investigation Division and Development of the Police Regional Office (PRO) head Senior Superintendent Joseph Sepulchre, Amnesty International Philippines campaigner Wilnor Papa, and Lt.

Col. Norman S. Zuniega, commander of the 10th Civil-Military Operation Battalion of the 10th Infantry Agila Division of Eastern Mindanao Command during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday where they promoted the state of the World’s Human Rights Report 2014/2015 rolling launch leg in Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

City gov’t has no budget yet for Isla Verde road network

HE Davao City government has no budget yet for the road network to be built in Isla Verde, Barangay 23-C which was hit by fire last April 1. In an interview yesterday, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) officer-in-charge Marcelino Escalada Jr. told reporters that he is working with the Disaster Management Office to see if the latter can lend the funds for the proposed pathway in the area. “Kung wala gyud, ang mahitabo ana is in kind na lang na whatever is the available nga mga kahoy-kahoy (If there is no really money for it, we will

take materials like wood for the pathway),” Escalada said. The barangay was hit by a huge fire on April 4 last year, but unlike that incident when the city government gave a P10 million allocation for road network, no funds have been made available this year. Escalada said the settlers returned to the area last Friday after the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) finished the allocation of space for the pathway. “The same policy ang among gihimo last time during the Isla Verde fire April 4 of 2014 na gitagaan namo sila’g tig 30 square meters ang sa

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MILF: We won’t renegotiate BBL By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

ORO Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee Vice Chair Ghazali Jaafar said the group does not intend to renegotiate with the government regarding the provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). This after Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the House of Representative will delete at least eight provisions of the BBL which Congress saw as unconstitutional. In a press conference, Sunday afternoon at Waterfront

Insular Hotel, Jaafar said the negotiations of the MILF and the Government of the Philippines had already been made through the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro. He also said Malacañang has also approved the agreement. “We have already signed an agreement, and the negotiation is already finished. We do not intend to renegotiate what we have negotiated for many many years,” Jaafar said. Rodriguez, who chairs the

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Council to approve P464-M SB2 today By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council is set to approve today (Tuesday) on third and final reading the proposed P463.8 million Supplemental Budget (SB) No. 2. Set to be approved in today’s regular session agenda is item 1210 titled “An Ordinance Granting Legislative Authority to Supplemental Budget No. 2 of the City Government of Davao for Calendar Year 2015, Consisting of the Budget under

the General Fund and Economic Enterprises in the total amount P463.819 million as amended.” Of the total budget, P216.866 million is allocated for the general fund while P203.326 million is allocated for the development fund of the city. Of the total general fund allocation, the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) still tops the list with the highest share of

P97.463 million. Of the total CMO budget, P56.96 million goes to the peace and order program which is 58.4 percent of its allocation. P24.9 million or 25.6 percent goes to the Lingap Program or the health and hospitalization assistance program. Next in line after the CMO is the lump sum appropriation at P97.402 million. P50 million of the lump sum appropriation is set aside

for the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) Incentives in which the 2,500 regular employees of the city government will be given P20,000 each. The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is allocated P27.65 million which is intended for the payment of the prior year’s obligation and augmentation budget for this year. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office

Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. Based on the law, indigent senior citizens or those 60 years old and above are entitled to monthly pension. Due to limited government resources, however, only those 77 and above were covered by the law up to 2014. This year, DSWD’s proposal to lower the age of qualification to 65 was approved by Congress and the Senate and has been included in the

General Appropriations Act of 2015. In a press statement, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano- Soliman said with the lower age requirement, more economically disadvantaged senior citizens can have additional cash to spend for their basic needs such as medicines and nutritious food to support their well-being. For 2015, the government has allocated P5.962 billion to benefit some 939,609 in-

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DSWD lowers ‘pension age’to 65 By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

ORE indigent senior citizens in Davao Region will receive a P500 monthly pension as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) lowered the age qualification from 77 to 65. “Starting this year, indigent senior citizens aged 65 and above will now receive the Social Pension. Originally, only senior citizens aged 77 and above received the pension,” DSWD 11 public information officer Carmela Duron

told Edge Davao. Duron said a total of 58,195 qualified indigent senior citizens ages 65 and above in Davao Region have already received P1,500 social pension for the first quarter of the year. Of the total indigent senior citizens on DSWD 11’s list, 8,225 are from Davao City. DSWD lowered the age qualification of indigent senior citizens who can receive the P500 monthly social pension as provided for by

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

CHR records 84 human rights violation cases since 2014 By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional office recorded 84 cases of human rights violation from January 2014 up to March this year, most of them allegedly perpetrated by the police and the military. According to CHR11 chief investigator Emiliano Cajes, 43 or more than half of the cases were killings in various forms. Cajes said the complaints his office received were mostly against the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). For its part, Amnesty International Philippines (AIP) urged Davao City to lead efforts towards curbing human

rights violations. AIP campaigner Wilmor Papa said the city can lead these efforts in Mindanao since it is one of the stronger cities in Southern Philippines. “Rights-based approach to crime prevention, poverty alleviation and conflict resolution will ultimately bring peace and Davao can play a major role in that,” Papa said. Papa also rejected Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s statement calling for the return of the death penalty, saying it is the “ultimate violation of human rights.” He said AIP believes the death penalty will not solve criminality in the country. For his part, 10th Infantry

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Duterte to hold RPOC meet in DavNor to secure Palaro

O fully secure the 2015 Palarong Pambansa to start on May 3, Regional Peace and Order chairman, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be holding a meeting with the military and the police in the Davao Region. In his weekend television program, Serbisyo para sa Masa, Duterte revealed that this meeting set in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, was an offshoot of his talk with Davao del Norte Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario who told him that the physical features of the sports complex “are okey except for the peace and order”. “So I will go to Tagum and preside over a meeting there in my capacity as chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council,” he said during his weekly TV program without revealing the date. Noting that large bulk of the Palaro delegates will be

coming in by plane, Duterte said “there will be security along the way,” and that he insisted on installing checkpoints in all routes going north and south of Tagum City where all the Palaro playing venues are located. Meanwhile, Palarong Pambansa Secretariat head Sofonias Gabonada during the Kapihan sa NCCC in Davao City, assured the public of fully secured hosting of the Palaro by Davao del Norte. Security teams composed of military elements, police personnel and members of the force multipliers will be deployed in all billeting areas and playing venues, he said. On the other hand, Davao del Norte Provincial Sports Coordinator Giovanne Gulanes in the same forum revealed that perimeter fences in schools used as billeting areas of athletes were intentionally raised

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PASSING THROUGH. A man maneuvers his improvised tricycle loaded with used cans and containers through the traffic at the junction of Tionko and E. Quirino Avenues in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Ungab: MOU will pave way for sports complex By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

HE implementation of the proposed Davao City Sports Complex on a 20-hectare lot inside the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) in Mintal, Tugbok will commence as soon as the City Government of Davao and UPMin sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) for the project. Davao Third District Rep. Isidro T. Ungab said the MOU will pave the way for the construction of the long-awaited sports facility. Ungab said the funds for the project have been incorporated in the 2015 General

Appropriations Act (GAA) and that the P200 million budget for the first phase is already with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Another P50 million for the track and field oval is now with UPMin, according to Ungab. The first phase includes P100 million for auditorium, P50 million for indoor gym and multi-purpose building, and P50 million for the road leading to the sports complex. “The MOU will ensure that both the city government and UPMin will jointly manage the

sports complex,” Unhgab said. The MOU, he added, will also ensure relocation for the settlers inside the 20-hectare sports facility. The proposed sports complex was the subject of a heated discussion during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) last week after claimants in the area expressed their dismay over the planned construction of the project. Upon learning that claimants will be affected, Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte immediately expressed his apprehension over the project

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38th nat’l encampment of GSP opens in Davao City

CHARGED. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has filed kidnapping case against Jerry Singh Balbir, Josephine Onas, Bobby Onin, Noel Onin, Alex Layugan, Rico Daplin and two “John Does” at the Benigno Aquino Hall of Justice in Davao City yesterday for the abduction of Jaspar Singh Malih last week in Tugbok. Lean Daval Jr.

and said he wanted this built somewhere else where there are no settlers who will be affected. This also prompted the SP to refer back the proposed MOU to the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances chaired by Councilor Bernard Al-ag for further scrutiny. The SP members also cited a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and UP president Emil Javier in 1998 for the construction of a proposed sports complex

OME 1,300 Girl Scouts and adult leaders from various Girl Scouts councils nationwide waved red, blue, yellow and pink flaglets as they converged at the ground of Alano Regional Program and Training Center during the opening last Saturday of the 38th National Encampment of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP). Grouped according to sub-camp names: Agila, Mt. Apo, Durian and Waling-waling, they came marching, waving flaglets while singing with all their hearts the “Girl Scout Ignite”, a song which delivers the message of friendship, discovery and pursuit of a dream to make a difference in this world. The 38th National En-

campment coincides with Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP’s) 75th Anniversary which will fall on May 26, bringing in more exciting events for the girls to experience, have fun, make friends as well as develop their potential. Bannering the theme, “I Imagine. I Achieve. I Serve.”, this year’s encampment takes the participants outside of Camp Alano for offsite adventures dubbed as “A Walk through my World” which features their visit to SM Lanang Premiere Science Discovery Center. “They will also be performing Dance Mob and watch Imax 3D movie at SM Lanang,”GSP National Presi-

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EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

DOLE to fix job mismatch By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 is planning to update the region’s Human Resource Development (HRD) plan this year to address the looming issue on jobs mismatch. DOLE 11 OIC regional director Atty. Jason P. Balais said they will be working with different higher education institutions like state colleges and universities here to work on updating

the courses and curriculums. “Based on DOLE 11’s skills mapping for the region, it turned out that our colleges and universities here are producing graduates that are not industry level,” Balais said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex. “Graduates either lack organizational skills or technical skills needed by the specific industry,” he added.

DA extends assistance in `Serbisyo Caravan’

VER P500,000 worth of seedlings and vegetable seeds were provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11to more than a thousand rural farmers at New Leyte, here, during the recent 13th Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) 11 Serbisyo Caravan,. The two-day activity aimed to give interventions to the far-flung or remote areas in Davao region wherein the residents can feel the services given by the government. The assistance also aimed to help alleviate the living condition of the people in the area. DA provided 439 packs of vegetable seeds, 5, 580 cacao seedlings, 344 durian seedling, 300 coffee seedlings, 100 bundles of cassava stalks, and 100 bags of corn seeds. Compostela Valley Provincial AgriculturistDr. Rolando Simenesaid that the intervention will help improve the livelihood of the farmersand give them additional income by doing backyard gardening.

Furthermore, Dr. Simene stressed that, “these seedlings which we provided, although in a minimal scale, can still go far as long as our farmers will strive hard so that this will give them added income.” Meanwhile, Dr. Simene points out that those farmers who were not around during the Serbisyo Caravan can still avail the program by going to their respective municipal and provincial agriculture office andgive their requests. “We are thankful that DA is helping the people here in the different barangays of Comval, and hopefully the provisions of seedlings will continue so that we will have additional livelihood,” Alfredo Enggay, one of the farmer-recipients said. The ARENA XI Serbisyo Caravan is a quarterly activity of national government agencies since 2011 which gives one-stop government services to rural folks in far-flung areas who are not able to normally receive immediate healthcare, legal, and agricultural services. (Nitt Marie Lantaya/DA 11)

PHL economy to expand 6.5% in ‘15 -- World Bank

HE World Bank has projected the gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines at 6.5 percent at end-2015. World Bank’s growth forecast for the country this year was trimmed from the 6.7-percent GDP growth projection in October 2014. In its East Asia and Pacific Economic Update released Monday, the World Bank said economic growth of developing countries -- including the Philippines -- in the region will slightly ease despite benefiting from lower oil prices and recovery of developed countries. For 2016, the World Bank sees the Philippines’ GDP growth at 6.5 percent and 6.3 percent in 2017.

For the whole East Asia and Pacific region, GDP growth is stable at 6.0 percent from 2015 to 2017 while developing East Asia and Pacific countries’ growth is expected at 6.7 percent in 2015 and 2016 and at 6.6 percent in 2017. “East Asia Pacific has thrived despite an unsteady global recovery from the financial crisis, but many risks remain for the region, both in the short and long run,” said World Bank East Asia and Pacific Region Chief Economist Sudhir Shetty. The East Asia and Pacific Economic Update is World Bank’s comprehensive review of the region’s economies is published twice yearly. (PNA) JBP/KMC

Balais said the incidence of jobs mismatch in the region is not increasing but still needed to be solved. “Mismatch happens either because of the student’s choice or because of the choice of the parents. This is the reason why it is important that there is a career orientation for student of Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12,” Balais said. Job mismatch is either reflected in the region unem-

ployment and underemployment rate, according to him. He also said job mismatch is always present during job fairs because of low rate of hired on the spot applicants. Every job fair, DOLE is only targeting 15 percent. Last 2014 Labor Day job fair, only 1,005 of the 18,000 job applicants were hired on the spot. Meanwhile, labor employment officer Loriele P. Arce said the department is

conducting skills mapping to identify available skills in the region since the last quarter of 2014. The initial result of their skills mapping, which will be finished by April 27 after the 14 industries are evaluated, initially bared that graduate students both lack soft and hard skills necessary to be hired by a company. Among the industries were wholesale and retail, banking and financing, ho-

tel, restaurant and tourism, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, real estate, information and communication technology-business process outsourcing (ICTBPO) and four other emerging industries: creative, power and utilities, renewable, and diversified fisheries and aquatic resources. Arcena said DOLE is eyeing to produce industry-ready graduates and address job mismatch by 2020.

ASSISTANCE. DA-RFO XI and PAGRO Compostela Valley staff unloads the cacao seedlings for distribution during the recent 13th ARENA Serbisyo Caravan in New Leyte, Maco Compostela Valley. (Nitt Marie Lantaya/ DA 11)

Phl auto industry breaches 60-K mark in Q1

HE country’s automotive industry has breached the 60,000unit sales for the first quarter period this 2015, the first time for the local industry. Chamber of Automobile Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported on Monday that auto sales for Q1 2015 went up by 21.6 percent to 62,882 units from the same period in 2014 at 51,722 unit sales. Sales of all vehicle segments, except Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV), grew double-digit in the first three months of the year. Sales for the month of March alone, which increased by 22.6 percent to

23,557 units, also pushed the figures to breach the 60,000-mark in Q1 2015. Commercial vehicles led the number of sales in Q1 2015 with 37,831 units, up by 12.6 percent from a year ago’s 33,595 units. Passenger cars had the second largest sales with 25,051 units in Q1 2015 from 18,127 units in Q1 2014, perking up by 38.2 percent. “As projected during the industry planning session conducted for 2015, demand from the BPO market has boosted the sale of the sub-compact segment. Industry continues to respond with the right product mix and very attractive financing package to meet this

demand,” said CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez. Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales for the same period was at 24,915 units this year higher by 15.4 percent in 2014 at 21,586 units. AUV sales, on the other hand, grew slightly by 4.3 percent to 11,088 units in Q1 2015 from 10,629 units in Q1 last year. On the other note, sales of truck segments were likewise robust in January-March 2015 period. Light truck sales increased by 16.8 percent to 1,122 units in Q1 this year from last year’s 961 units. Trucks and buses category IV jumped its sales by 53.8 percent to 466 units

while its category V surged by 106.9 percent to 240 units in Q1 2015. “With this performance, the industry is confident that it will reach its 310,000 sales volume target for the entire year as sales is expected to peak up in the coming months,” the industry stressed. Meanwhile, market leaders for the Q1 2015 were Toyota Motors Philippines Corporation with 44.2 percent market share, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines with 18.8 percent share, Ford Group Philippines with 8.4 percent share, Isuzu Philippines Corporation with 7.9 percent, and Honda Cars Philippines with 6.3 percent share. (PNA)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 5

10K jobs available on Labor Day By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

ORE than 10,000 local and overseas jobs will be up for grabs in the 2015 Labor Day job fair at three major malls in Davao Region. Department of Labor and Employment 11 officer-in-charge director Jason P. Balais, speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex, said this will be the second year that the annual job fair will be staged in three venues, namely Gaisano Mall of Davao, SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall of Tagum. Balais said 3,300 combined local and overseas jobs from a total of 62 establishments were initially solicited by the DOLE 11 as of April 10. “The DOLE 11 solicited an initial of 1,050 local job vacancies and 2,250 for overseas,” Balais said. These jobs came from 37 local and 25 overseas agencies. Balais said the labor agency expects that the number of participating agencies will go up to 100 before the job fair on May 1.

The top five most number of jobs solicited for both local and overseas were call center agents, customer service representatives, construction workers, sales representatives, and office staff and admin clerk. Balais said more than 10,000 job applicants from Davao Region and nearby provinces are expected to join the one-day job fair. DOLE 11 is targeting to have 15 percent of the total job applicants hired on the spot (HOTS) during the event. Last year, DOLE 11 recorded almost 13,000 registered and walk-in job applicants, while more than 2000 were hired and 1,005 HOTS. Aside from job fair, there will be also a one-stop shop at SM City from April 24-30. Among participating agencies are Social Security System (SSS), Philhealth, Pag-ibig, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), National Statistics Office (NSO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and

MOA SIGNING. Adroel Alcober of ABS-CBN represented by Vina Araneta-Pilapil (rightmost), Gaisano Mall of Davao marketing head Dondi Alentajan (second from right), SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez (second from left), GMA Davao program manager Darios Relatado (leftmost) sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the upcoming 2015 Labor

Day job fair at three major malls in Davao City. The MOA signing was witnessed by the Department of Labor and Employment 11 officer-in-charge Jason P. Balais and representatives from participating agencies and private entities during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). There will also be a mini job fair at Gaisano Mall of Davao and SM City and a pre-registration and

represented by marketing manager Dondi Alentajan and SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez, and two partner media outfits: ABS-CBN represented

Phil-JobNet online registration prior to May 1 job fair. Meanwhile, DOLE 11 sealed a memorandum of agreement with the managements of Gaisano Mall

by Vina Araneta- Pilapil and GMA Davao Channel 7 represented by news and public affairs program manager Darius P. Relatado.

EDGEDAVAO

6 PROPERTY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Northpoint opens new studio units

Northpoint’s pinefilled environment is perfect for unwinding after a grueling day at work.

ITH increasing demand for its coveted studios, Northpoint announces the availability of new studio units in this landmark condominium development by Vista Residences, the vertical marketing arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land.

Located at Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, Northpoint’s studio units are the desired home of those who want to reside in an expedient home in the best location in the city. This includes young professionals, urbanites, out-of-towner students, businesspeople, even newlyweds. It is also an attractive property investment option for veteran and rookie investors who look forward to the steady rental income and promising capital gain in the future. Having a premium address makes studios in Northpoint a most attractive home to many, making it easy for owner-investors to find tenants. Studios offer a hassle-free lifestyle that gives unit owners the freedom to do what they want regardless of their pursuits, whether they are students, businesspeople, or office workers. A studio is a smart choice for a living space as it allows them to strike a good balance between live, work, and play. Maintaining a studio does not require a lot of time and effort. With a compact space, it is easy to clean as you go. Everything will be within fast and easy reach, whether it is the kitchen, living area or the sleeping area. Studio owners only need to tend their own units as the upkeep of Northpoint is taken care of by a professional property management team that oversees the maintenance of the whole condominium property. This management team is also on top of security and homeowners affairs, taking the stress and hassle away from the hands of unit owners. Parents of students from out of Davao will be assured their children are safe living in their studios in Northpoint. The verdant and idyllic setting of Northpoint’s pine-filled environment

is perfect for studying and unwinding after a grueling day at the university. Businesspeople will find it a breeze to take off from their studio home and jump from one business meeting to another in the city. Northpoint’s central location within the growth area of north Davao makes it strategically near to business and commercial places. Young professionals will bask in the prestige of owning a Northpoint studio unit. A British colonial themed condominium community, Northpoint is a masterplanned development equipped with top-of-the-line facilities and amenities. Calling it home gives yuppies a great sense of accomplishment as owning a Northpoint studio shows their level of achievement early in their career. This also goes for successful businesspeople and young couples who want only the best living experience. Newlyweds who want an intimate space they can call their first home will find a Northpoint studio to their liking. Apart from the deluxe amenities and the prestige of owning a Vista Residence home, its strategic location makes living easy and

stress-free. Just a stone’s throw away are modern office buildings, food chains, stores, supermarkets, banks, malls, hospitals, shops, restaurants, and public utilities. It is almost effortless to shop, buy groceries and food items, pay their bills, or even to get a medical checkup. What makes studio living in Northpoint more special is its unique living proposition. It is a modern condominium community at the heart of north Davao’s growth area, yet its surroundings are so verdant, it gives off a refreshing and relaxing ambiance. Northpoint’s grounds are planted with imported Caribbean pine trees now about fifty feet tall. There are preserved olden Acacia trees, a thick carpet of grass, and abundant plant life. It is a relaxing haven to come home to at the end of a busy day, yet it is just a few minutes away from the exciting vibrancy of Davao City. All these are a perfect backdrop for studio living. For more information on Northpoint studios, call 226-3100 or visit the Camella offices at Delgar Bldg. (fronting Northpoint), JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City.

Northpoint’s clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, houses a fitness gym, multi-purpose hall, cabanas and grill pits, a kiddie pool, and a wellness pool with salinated water.

Parents of students from out of Davao will be assured their children are safe living in their studios in Northpoint.

Northpoint’s premium address makes it a most attractive property investment for veteran and rookie investors.

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

Children beneficiaries flash a thumbs up sign with Ronald McDonald during the free kiddie crew workshop at Bahay Pasilungan held in partnership between Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint and McDonald’s.

Double celebration

Edge Davao, Zion Accuprint celebrate milestones Edge Davao is seven years old and its parent company Zion Accuprint is eight. The double celebration was commemorated last Friday (April 10) at the Edge Davao and Zion offices with the employees and officers of the fast-rising firms making the celebration more meaningful with an outreach program at the Balay Pasilungan in Bangkerohan. The outreach feeding program was staged in partnership with McDonald’s where 26 kids from Balay Pasilungan also experienced the food chain’s Kiddie Crew Workshop. The seventh anniversary activities actually began on April 1 with the April Fool’s Day costumeto-work contest with the theme “Insanely Different.”

Rover Kaye Hamoy of Production Department won the contest with Everly Filipinas of Administrative Department coming in at second place and Mary Jane Caro of Marketing Department finishing third. The winners received their cash prizes from Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. general manager Olivia D. Velasco and finance head Lani Maratas. This year’s awardee, Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. prepress supervisor Jake Dupay also received a token from ODV and human resources officer Ella Tingzon. The traditional anniversary dinner capped the celebration. This year’s theme is “Soar at 7.”

This year’s awardee, Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. prepress supervisor Jake Dupay receives a token from Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. general manager Olivia D. Velasco and human resources officer Ella Tingzon.

Rover Kaye Hamoy of production department receives his cash prize from Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. general manager Olivia D. Velasco and finance head Lani Maratas for winning the “Insanely Different” get-up contest; second placer Everly Filipinas of administrative department; third placer Mary Jane Caro of marketing department; and runners-up.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

TRAVEL

ENTERTAINMENT

Mahin Beach Fest The Ha numbe welcomes the drama #PerfectSummer GMA NETWORK’S The Half Sisters is undoubtedly the number one daytime drama show nationwide as the Afternoon Prime series continues its phenomenal ratings success, according to data from the industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

SUMMER 2015 is now upon us and as each day unfolds, the people of Soccksargen are very much excited for the the much awaited “Welcome to Summer” of Sarangani’s most famous tourist destination, the white sand beaches of Glan. We are talking about Glan’s 5th Mahin Beach Festival 2015 that transpires this weekend of April 17 to 19, 2015 at the white sand beach strip of Barangay Gumasa, about 10 minutes away from the center of the 100-year old municipality. The term “MAHIN” is the B’laan term for Beach, Ocean, Sea. The Mahin Beach Festival, now on its fifth year is Glan’s way of saying hello to summer. The municipal government of Glan which celebrated its highly fruitful 100th Foundation Anniversary in October 2014 is ensuring that their beach festival will give tourists and visitors more than enough reasons to come and enjoy their awesome white sand beaches during this month of April, aside from the iconicSarBay Fest that will be held

much later in May 15-17, 2015. In other words, the Mahin 2015 Beach Festival is Sarangani’s welcome to Summer as it complements the now decade-old SarBay Fest 2015’s Ode to Summer. Both festivals confirms Glan’s reputation as the Summer Beach Capital of South Central Mindanao and Top Tourism Draw. The 5th Mahin Beach Festival is three happy days of festivities right in Gumasa, Glan, the same

activity area ofSarBay Fest. The Honorable Glan Mayor James “Tata” Yap, has committed a beach festival on a much grander scale this year, promising a #PerfectSummer for everyone. Check out the highlights of the Calendar of Activities of this 3-Day Beach Festival include Beach Zumba, Men Of Summer Bodybuilding Competition,Concert By The Bay & Foam Party

on April 17, a Concert At The Bay featuring 6 Cycle Mind and a Grand Fireworks Display on April 18, and for April 19 a horse race and fight, a jetski competition, as well as the Palupad Tabanog kite-flying contest. With all these, expect a fantabulous summer weekend for the whole family. You may join in these events or just swim in the blue crystal clear waters of Gumasa,

or at night party like no other. It’s truly the #PerfectSummer from sunup to sundown in the place where people say, #SummerStartsHere. For more information and to join their weekly social media contests, please LIKE Mahin Beach Festival’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MahinFestival/ and follow it on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MahinFestival

R.O.X. opens in Abreeza Mall

THE PHILIPPINES’ top outdoor retail store, Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.), will open its 7th store in Davao City on April 22 at Abreeza Mall’s ground floor, Expansion Wing.

The store has earned a reputation in the retail industry as a pioneer in outdoor advocacy by linking commerce and community into a solid partnership, where business and people grow in harmony. Its aim is basically to build a community of outdoor enthusiasts, advocating environmental conservation. It remains at the forefront of the trade. To ensure the ultimate worry-free outdoor experience, R.O.X. offers a variety of outdoor gears for camping, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, watersports, adventure travel and wellness. Each item bought spawns a cycle of giving back to communities. All your favourite out-

door brands are available in this one-stop outdoor shop. Brands like The North Face, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Salomon, Eddie Bauer, Sea to Summit, Osprey, Go Pro, O’Neill, Lagalag, Lakambini, Spyder, Kovea, Dahon, Specialized, and more. R.O.X. is also located in Bonifacio High Street (Taguig City), Ayala Center Cebu, Marquee Mall (Angeles,Pampanga), Ayala Techno Hub

(Camp John Hay, Baguio), Ayala Centrio (Cagayan De Oro), and The District North Point (Bacolod City). These stores carry unique product lines that defy limitations. R.O.X. is a member of the Primer Group of Companies. Like us on Facebook (R.O.X. Philippines) or follow us on twitter and instagram @ ROX_Philippines, e-mail us at rox.cs@primergrp. com.

Based on National Urban Philippines data for March 1-31 (March 22-31 based on overnight data), The Half Sisters registered a household rating of 17.6 percent, leading ABS-CBN’s Flordeliza’s 10.3 percent by 7.3 points. In Urban Luzon, which comprises 77 percent of the total urban TV households nationwide, The Half Sisters posted 19.9 percent household ratings, 11 points higher than Flordeliza’s 8.9 percent. The Afternoon Prime series likewise led in Mega Manila, which represents 59 percent of the total urban TV households in the country, with 21.1 percent household ratings, leading Flordeliza’s 7.9 percent by 13.2 points.

Sis so vo no wi re ep

Summer f ‘Happy Ka TV5, the Philippines’ Happy Network, is making waves among both television viewers and netizens with the launch of its much-awaited Summer Station ID today, Sunday, April 12.

Dubbed as “Happy Ka Dito This Summer”, TV5’s Summer Station ID encapsulates what TV5 stands for as a network -- creating happy meaningful connections amongst its viewers through delivering a different kind of viewing experience that is central to the lives of Filipinos. TV5 President and CEO Noel C. Lorenzana shares, “The Station ID is carried

o D la o fr o a m c s F n fo n a b

S t p a t s c

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alf Sisters is the er 1 daytime a show nationwide

Avid viewers of The Half sters will have more reaon to stay glued to their faorite drama series as it will ow air up to June this year ith more plot twists to be evealed in the succeeding pisodes. The cast composed of

Barbie Forteza, Thea Tolentino, Derrick Monasterio and Andre Paras, together with Ms. Gloria Romero, Jean Garcia, Eula Valdez, Jomari Yllana, Mel Martinez, and Ryan Eigenmann, could not be any happier as they continue to reap praises

from viewers and positive feedbacks from netizens for their great performances. Expect more revelations and twists as the drama continues in The Half Sisters, directed by Mark Reyes, weekdays after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.

INdulge! A3

Alex Gonzaga shares how she feels about sister’s wedding ALEX GONZAGA tearfully confesses her hidden feelings about big sister Toni G onz aga’s step to married life in a few months in an exclusive interview for Starstudio’s 15th anniversary special.

The “Inday Bote” star turns emotional as she reveals to Starstudio that the Gonzaga home will now be missing Toni when she becomes Mrs. Paul Soriano and how the adjustment period will be like for her especially that she and Toni are known to be very close siblings. Alex shares that Toni’s marriage will mark a big change in her life since she and Toni have always lived and spent each time together. She also discusses with Starstudio her flourishing career that include a new show, a new album, and a solo concert at the big dome. Alex also takes Starstudio readers in a tour of her girly room that is connected to Toni’s bedroom that shows their special sister bond. Starstudio’s 15-year milestone issue also fea-

tures newlyweds rock star Yeng Constantino and musician Yan Asuncion who dish out more exclusive details about

how they met and fell in love. Starstudio readers will also get to see more beautiful photos of Yeng and Yan’s fun wedding. Starstudio’s 15th anniversary issue is now available at newsstands today and is published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. Can’t find this issue of Starstudio magazine? Head over to www.abs-cbnstore.com for ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc’s magazine titles. Nationwide

fun begins with the launch of TV5’s a Dito This Summer’ Station ID

over from our Happy Ka Dito campaign launched ast year which signaled our decision to veer away rom the norm and focus on producing a mix of light and meaningful entertainment programs, worldclass and action-packed sports programs that bring Filipinos together as one nation, and news and inormation programs that not only deliver news but also contribute to nationbuilding.” “Happy Ka Dito This Summer” Station ID features Kapatid stars and prominent TV5 personalities who have come together to further intensify TV5’s mission to spread cheer and happiness to

every Filipino in time for the summer season. The Station ID is accompanied by TV5’s Network Anthem “Sama-Sama Sa Ligaya” performed by Urbandub’s Gab Alipe and multi-awarded FilipinoAmerican hip-hop duo QYork. The same song became the anthem of TV5’s Happy Sa 2015: Philippine New Year Countdown, the world-renowned Philippine New Year celebration that caught the attention of various international media organizations around the world. Countless red balls literally become the catalyst of happiness as they magically turn the hot summer day into a big summer party.

The Station ID also features various iconic locations where Filipinos usually celebrate and nurture happiness during the summer season – from the historic parks of Luneta and Quezon Memorial Circle to the pristine beaches of Subic. TV5 is also going all out to make sure that every Filipino will experience the fun and happiness brought about by their Station ID. In fact, the launch of the Station ID is only the beginning of an extensive summer campaign of the Network. Also starting April 12, the theme “Sama-Sama Sa Ligaya” will be heard on Radyo5 and various radio stations nationwide. Giant red balloons will also be

scattered around the metro to literally bring forth the summer fun. The whole campaign is spearheaded by Media5, the sales and marketing arm of TV5, with TV5 Creative Services Department, TV5 Entertainment Group, TV5 Talent Center, Sports5, News5 and the Alagang Kapatid Foundation. The Station ID is produced and directed by UNITEL. The Network Anthem “SamaSama Sa Ligaya” is written by the OPM icon Jungee Marcelo (Composer and Musical Director). The 3-minute Station ID signs-on and –off TV5’s programming beginning April 6 and is also available online via tv5.com.ph.

April 9-14, 2015

YOU'RE MY BOSS Toni Gonzaga, Coco Martin PG

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

FURIOUS 7 Vin Diesel, Paul Walker PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER / * FURIOUS 7 Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke / * Vin Diesel, Paul Walker

G/*PG

R-16

11:25 | 1:25 | 3:25 LFS / * 5:30 | 8:30 LFS

HOME / * FURIOUS 7 Rihanna, Jim Parsons / * Vin Diesel, Paul Walker

G/*PG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / * 6:15 | 9:15 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

ANNIVERSARY. Doy, En-En and Jane’s ‘Insanely Different” get-ups; McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop, Edge Davao and Zion personnel during the anniversary dinner; and Ms. Olivia D. Velasco delivering her anniversary message.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

BIGGER PICTURE 7

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Avoiding road mishaps By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Bus accident (From the net)

“

(ROAD accidents) are not random acts of God. They’re predictable, and therefore they’re preventable.” -- Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Due to the alarming steady increase in traffic accidents on the highways, thoroughfares, streets, and roads in recent years, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Executive Order No. 39, which set the speed limits for all kinds of motor vehicles within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City. The order, which was implemented starting October 28, 2013, sets a 30 kilometer per hour (kph) speed limit within the downtown area. A speed limit of 40 kph is set for these areas: from Panacan Crossing to JP Laurel Avenue, from Ulas to Bolton Bridge, and from Ma-a Road to McArthur Highway. A 60 kph maximum speed is set from Sirawan to Ulas Crossing, from Lasang to Panacan, from Calinan to Ulas Crossing, and from CP Garcia Highway-McArthur Highway to Panacan. Violators can either be fined or arrested, if warranted, and their vehicle impounded under the provisions of Republic Act 4136 (the governing traffic law of the Philippines) and the city’s traffic ordinance. As a result of the implementation of EO 39, there was a significant drop in road crashes in the city from January to December in 2014. In a report released by the state-owned Philippine News Agency, more than 20 percent decrease in the number of minor road incidents were noted last year. In addition, there was more than 60 percent drop in fatal road crashes as well. This was bared by Gomer Dy, the regional director of the Land Transportation Office, during a recent Kapehan sa Dabaw. “Vehicular accidents are

***

the biggest man-made killers in the Philippines,” wrote Cai Ordinario in an article published in Business Mirror. Quoting data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), he reported that some 532 vehicular accidents nationwide caused the death of 1,240 Filipinos between 2003 and 2013. “That means annually, 53 vehicle accidents kill an average of 124 people a year,” Ordinario surmised, adding that with such high stakes in vehicular accidents, those commonly perceived “killers” such as structural fires and sea mishaps “pale in comparison.” The PSA data showed there were 662 Filipinos who died in structural fires and another 635 people perished in sea mishaps during the same 10-year period. “Road injuries in the country have been consistently among the leading causes of premature deaths among Filipinos from 15-44 years of age,” wrote Gelyka Ruth R. Dumaraos in The DOH Files of the Department of Health.

Consider the following: • On May 21, 1991, award-winning film director Lino Brocka (known for his thought-provoking movies like Santiago and Insiang) met his sudden death in a car crash in Quezon City. At the time of his death, he was filming Sa Kabila ng Lahat. • On September 6, 1998 at around 12:15 p.m., on a Sunday, Filipino Italian-American recording artist Ric Segreto was riding his motorcycle from his home in Makati. The singer was killed in an accident on the Maka-

ti-Buendia Flyover, when he ran into or was hit by debris, possibly caused by workers on a construction project. • Another singer, Eddie Peregrina, was a leading matinee idol of the 1970s. He died at the age of 32 after a freak car accident. His Mustang car collided with a trailer truck in EDSA Shaw underpass in 1977. He died a month and a week later – on April 30, 1977 – at Polymedic Hospital due to internal hemorrhage. His early and tragic death shocked his millions of fans nationwide. • Dulce Saguisag was killed in a serious car accident on November 8, 2007. According to reports, the Toyota that Dulce was riding in, which was traveling on Pasay Road, was struck by a dump truck at the corner of the President Osmeña Highway in Makati City at about 2 A.M. The dump truck had

Car accident (From the net) reportedly been speeding when it ran a traffic light and struck the left side of the Saguisags’ van, killing Dulce. Vehicular accident is now the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines. Most hospital records reveal that vehicular accidents contribute about 40 percent of all types of accidents. “There’s no accurate figure on the number of deaths caused by vehicular accidents in the Philippines,” writes Atty. Romeo Pefianco in a national daily. “We only read the usual death count repeated after a television or radio report.” By 2020, vehicular accident “might become the main cause of mortality,” foresees Dante Lantin, assistant secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). The year 2020 is the conclusion of the Decade of Action

Overloaded vehicle (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

for Road Safety, sponsored by the United Nations in 2010. A study done by the Asian Development Bank found out that driver error (25.72 percent), speeding (17.71 percent), and overtaking (12.44 percent) were the major causes of road accidents in the country. Drunk driving was a measly 0.57 percent while mechanical defects scored 12.20 percent. Other causes cited: turning (9.40 percent), overloading (7.15 percent), self-accidents (4.91 percent), road defects (4.77 percent), hit and run (4.10 percent), and using cellular phones (0.29 percent). The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) said road crashes kill more than 1.2 million people and seriously injure or disable as many as 50 million world-

wide every year. And the situation is getting worse. “If significant steps are not taken, the crash death rate in low- and middle-income countries – which already experience more than 85 percent of road deaths and injuries – will increase by 80 percent by 2020,” the UN health agency warns. Globally, it is estimated that there are now roughly 100 million families coping with the deaths or disabilities of family members who were injured in a road traffic collision, recently or in the past. “They are coping with grief for the dead and care for the disabled,” the UN health agency said. “Often, they are also living with reduced incomes, increased expenses and the burden of dealing with police, courts, insurers, medical systems, and other bureaucracies.”

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VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

EDITORIAL On the use of aliases What’s in a name? In the eyes of the Senate, a lot, particularly in the case of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal. The latter’s use of a nom de guerre has been a prickly point for some time now, enough to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to pry his real name from him during yesterday’s hearing at the Senate on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Iqbal steadfastly refused to reveal his name to the senators, but pointed out that the government actually knows it. “‘’The government has known everything about me,” he said. “I’ve been engaging the government for 42 years. Nothing can be hidden from the government, they know it (my real name).” But why use an alias in the first place? This is something many Filipinos do not understand, but it reflects a reality that many Mindanaoans have faced for decades now. “When we started our revolutionary struggle,” Iqbal said, “the situation was very hard. Many of my relatives were arrested, incarcerated. That gave enough reason for anyone…really to adopt measures that would ensure that their secu-

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rity is not compromised.” In other words, an alias for the MILF was a necessity, something that literally meant life or death not just for them but for their families. Think “Spider-Man” or any other comic book superhero, those who wear masks to protect not themselves but their loved ones. One more thing to remember is that, as Iqbal has pointed out time and again, the MILF is still a revolutionary group. What has been signed between it and the government is effectively a ceasefire, but the group’s status has not changed. It will only be transformed once a final peace agreement has been signed, and this is hinged precisely on the fate of the BBL which legislators are apparently holding hostage in light of the Mamasapano incident that saw the deaths of 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF). Since the MILF is a rebel group, it stands to reason that Iqbal and his colleagues must still hold their cards – and their identities – close to their chests. There is no point in forcing them to reveal their names, especially since it is fast becoming a derailing factor for the BBL. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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ECORDS from the Department of Health show at least one Filipino dies each hour from kidney failure, which is considered the ninth leading cause of death in the country. Some 10,000 Filipinos need kidney transplants from donors every year. The situation is likely to get worse. As people live longer, organ diseases and health problems like diabetes – one of the main causes of kidney failure – are expected to rise, creating even greater demand for organ donations. The good thing is: there are reputable doctors in the country who can perform transplantation. “We have the expertise to save more lives, but many patients die because of lack of available donor organs,” says Dr. Antonio Cayco, nephrology chief at the Makati Medical Center. “It is a tragedy for everyone.” One major reason for the shortage of transplantable organs is that the relatives of people who have died simply haven’t been asked. “Doctors and other health professionals are reluctant to bring the subject of donation to the bereaved family,” said Dr. Enrique Ona when he was still the chief transplant surgeon at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). “In some instances, they do not think of organ donation when brain death occurs in their patients.” Another reason is fear. “There is a fear among the living that organ donation (kidney, for instance) might make them weak, shorten their lives, and affect their sexuality or child-bearing,” pointed out Dr. Ona. There are also those who are mortified by operation or even death. In the Philippines, for instance, some people consider organ donation as a death wish. This despite the fact that the Philippines passed the Organ Donation Act of 1991, which authorizes “the legacy or donation of all or part of a human body after death for specified purposes.” Despite all the laws, there is still low turnout of organ donation. “While medical technology and skills have developed at a rapid pace, the attitudes of society towards organ donation have not changed quite so fast,” points out Associate Professor K. Prabhakaran, director of the Liver Transplant Program at National Univer-

“

PHIL to rise from past anomalies” – PNoy. The problem with this guy is that he only recognizes the anomalies of his predecessors. He conveniently refuses to see and acknowledge anomalies in his administration. He insists on blaming presidents before him for his cavalier failure to arrest problems under his watch. Some opposition wisecracks describe him as not just a lame duck politician, but a blame duck president. I’m certain that communications guru Sonny Coloma can readily dismiss this as nothing but a bad play of words. • “FBI confirms Marwan killed in police raid” So, what is there to complain about? One international terrorist has been erased from the face of the earth – thanks to General Napenas and his SAF commandos. We should be happy. • “CHR report to tackle US role in Mamasapano”. That’s a waste of time and effort. It won’t

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

A second chance at life

sity Hospital in THINK ON THESE! Singapore. More often than not, people who are very close to the dying patient oftentimes turn down request of organ donation. “Public education is probably Henrylito D. Tacio the most imhenrytacio@gmail.com portant factor in ensuring organ donation,” believes Dr. Prema Raj Jeyaraj, the surgical director of the liver transplant program in the Singapore General Hospital. Proper education, it seems, is the key. Perhaps Filipino doctors can learn something from Dr. Ramayee Sinnasamy, senior heart transplant coordinator of the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. Every time he gives a talk on organ donation, he asks the audience: “When we are alive and in good health, we donate blood as many times as we want. But why aren’t we donating our organs when we are dead and gone? When those organs are not of any use to us anymore?” Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa agrees. “Organ donation saves lives and it is very important that every person has the power to save a life by becoming an organ, tissue or eye donor,” he says. “It is a noble gift because you can give someone a second chance at life.” Several myths about organ donation need debunking. Although many people believe their religion will not allow organ donations, virtually all major religions support it as a humanitarian act. In the Philippines, “the Catholic church allows it,” informs Dr. Cayco. There are those who believe that organ donation will disfigure a dead person and delay his funeral. One doctor offers this explanation: “The organs are removed in a sterile operation undertaken by skilled surgeons. The donor is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. When the procedure is finished, the wound is closed, just as in any other operation. The entire process

is done quickly to preserve the organs and will therefore not delay a funeral.” For the uninformed, transplant doctors do not become involved until all efforts have been made to save a patient’s life, the patient has been declared brain-dead, and consent for organ and tissue donation has been confirmed. “For a patient to be an organ donor, he has to be confirmed brain-dead by two medical specialists,” informs Dr. Ona. Confusion about brain death among the families of potential donors, doctors and hospital administrators is another hindrance of donation of organs. To grieving loved ones, the person looks alive. “People think there might be a miracle, so they hold on,” one doctor contends. For potential donors, there is no upper age limit. NKTI’s Human Organ Preservation Effort (HOPE) shares this information: “Organs may be donated from someone as young as a newborn. Age limits for organ donation no longer exist; however, the general age limit for tissue donation is 70.” If most Filipinos are not aware of organ and tissue donation, the more they never heard of HOPE’s of organ donation card. It is the “equivalent of a legal consent document” allowing an individual to donate any of his body organ or organs shortly after his death. But “before a person can become a cadaver donor, he or she must be certified as brain dead,” HOPE said in statement. Once tagged as brain dead, among the organs that can be harvested from the donor include kidneys, the liver, bone marrow, pancreas, lungs, corneas and the heart. “But signing a donation card isn’t enough,” stressed Dr. Ona. “Potential donors have to tell their families of their wishes.” Doing so takes much of the pressure off both the family and the hospital’s transplant coordinator at a very difficult time. In addition, unless a donor’s family agrees with their loved one’s wishes, surgeons will not perform the process. “Even if the brain-dead patient had signed a donation card before, we still ask the consent of the nearest of kin before harvesting the organs,” Dr. Ona said. There was this case of an overseas contract worker in the Middle East, who was in comatose

accomplish anything beneficial to the dead SAF 44. It is obvious that the US had a positive role in the incident. The killing of Marwan was a joint project of the US intelligence agency and the Philippine government. It was a team effort. Kudos to both Uncle Sam and Juan dela Cruz. The CHR is a useless agency. It has accomplished nothing of significance as far as protecting human rights is concerned. Etta Rosales is just trying to show that she is doing something to justify the agency’s budget. The country can do very well without the CHR. Like Marwan, it must go.

Bureau of Internal Revenue Chief Kim Henares should have thought of it a long long time ago instead of going after Manny Pacquiao’s billions. Let’s give our disabled countrymen this much needed break NOW NA!

Talk of the town headlines

• “Tax break eyed for the disabled.”

• “K-to-12 opponents urged to be more vocal” No need. K-12 proponents should be urged to give up their cause. Actually, the program died before it was born. It’s only DepEd Chief Armin Luistro who insists on ramming the program down our throats. Don’t forget that Luistro is an educator with an elitist mindset having been president of the De La Salle University. He is ignorant about the public school system. Luistro is one of Aquino’s major mistakes that should have been corrected right after his appointment. He is a square peg in a round hole. He must be replaced before he does more damage to our educational system. • “DSWD to start feeding program in Davao Madrasahs”

VANTAGE POINTS

condition. But before it happened, she told her friends that if something bad would happen to her, she wanted to donate her organs.

But it didn’t occur. Her family in the Philippines changed their location site. By the time, the hospital found them – in order to ask for their consent – it was already too late. The patient died few days before the hospital traced where her family was living. Until more people agree to donate, and doctors become more consistent about asking families for a loved one’s organs, seriously ill people will continue to die unnecessarily. “We may be the cure for the problems these people are facing,” says Marianne, who donated one of her kidneys to her brother. “Organ donation plus God’s intervention equals life extension.” Donating ones’ organs is one of the best things a person can give to another human being, according to Elisa. In 1995, her kidneys started to deteriorate as a result of the disease she had since she was still a teenager. By 2004, she had a chronic kidney failure and was into a program of dialysis three times a week. Since dialysis treatment is a long process, she explored of getting a kidney transplant. “My husband tried to donate his other kidney, but it was incompatible with mine,” Elisa recalls. Her brother offered his kidney, too, but she was crushed when the doctor told her that her brother’s kidney does match with her, too. Since she could not find any donor, she went to another province and eventually found one. On September 30, 2004, she had her kidney transplantation. “My body has very strong resistance towards foreign organs,” Elisa laments. “It went into acute rejection on the fifth day of the transplant while I was still in the hospital.” She was flown back to her hometown. Her surgeon administered high dosage of drugs and after two days, the new kidney was activated. “Thank God, I was discharged after one week,” she says. Elisa is also grateful for that person who donated his organ to her. “I had a new lease of life because someone did that for me before he died,” she says. “Whoever he is, I will always be thankful of him.” Perhaps the program will have a greater impact if we let the MILF warriors undergo the program themselves for their own kind. It would be a spectacular sight seeing MILF warriors holding spoons and forks instead of guns and grenades.

• “COA: DepEd wasted P600M for books due to K-to-12” A report revealed that more than 16,000,000 textbooks were bought by the DepEd for school year 2011-12, replenishment project under the old curriculum have become obsolete because of the shift to K-to-12 program. This is one anomaly in the Aquino government. Secretary Luistro should explain satisfactorily. The amount is too big to be treated lightly. • “Don’t let anger, fear prevail – Pnoy” Anger will subside if the families of the SAF 44 will receive aid and benefits they deserve, and fear will disappear only when the BBL is massacred the way the MILF massacred the 44 SAF commandos.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

A PESO FOR FOOTWEAR. Knights of Online Marketers (KOM) founder and chief executive officer Ronald Ramboanga announces the upcoming Rated K.O.M.’s Piso Mo, Tsinelas Ko, an advocacy-based project of KOM and the

Philippine Society of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Virtual Assistants, for 100 children of Barangay Bago Gallera during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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(CENRO) has a proposed appropriation of P16.023 million. Of this, P14.560 million goes to the payment of hauling services for the months of November and December last year. P710,419 is allocated for the payment of gasoline consumption during the month of December 2014. The development fund got a total allocation of P203.326 million which is funded from the reversion of this year’s P154.1 million and from the

last year’s P9.3 million appropriation. The city also transferred P39.895 million from general fund to development fund as requested by the barangay officials and various offices and departments. The source of funds came from the P248.931 million saving from general fund and economic enterprise as well as P215.315 million reversions from the various appropriations of this year and last year.

digent senior citizens aged 65 and above nationwide including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). This 2015 budget for the program is P2.853-billion higher from last year’s allocation of P3.108 billion. Qualified to receive the P500 monthly stipend are senior citizens who are frail, sickly, or have disabilities; are not receiving pension

from Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or Veterans Pension; and do not have a permanent source of income or regular support from family or relatives. The pension is distributed every quarter through cash payment by DSWD Field Offices or city/municipal social welfare and development offices.

Division Civil Military office (CMO) head Lieutenant Colonel Norman Zuniega admitted receiving complaints of human rights violations. Zuniega said the AFP itself also investigates the complaints to find out the truth. “Sometimes the complaints against our troops are pure allegations and the information is incomplete,” he said.

On the part of the PNP, Regional Investigation Division and Development head Superintendent Joseph Sepulchre said all branches of the PNP have their own human rights office. He also said that the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 always inspects all police offices in the region to ensure that no torture is being done against detainees.

inside the school premises. UPMin, however, said the MOA was never approved by the Board of Regents at that time. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte,

meanwhile, insisted that the sports complex will rise in the UPMin, even threatening to personally lead the demolition of settlers should they refuse to vacate the area.

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likod (We followed the same policy we did during the last year’s Isla Verde fire on April 4, 2014 when we gave 30 square meters each house owner),” he said. Escalada said the space of the establishments along the road area are still the same as ordered by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Last week, Duterte led the distribution of the total P974,000 financial assistance to the 195 fire victims at Barangay 23-C. Among the structures that were burned down was the

iconic Luz Kinilaw Place. Based on the report of City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO), a total of 39 houses were destroyed while five were damaged. There were 24 sharers, 53 renters, and 72 boarders. The house owners whose houses where destroyed received P10,000 assistance while owners whose houses where damaged received P5,000 assistance. The renters and sharers received P5,000 while the boarders received P3,000. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

high to ward off thieves and to trap them, making it hard for them to scape. Gulanes assured the public of high security standards that Davao del Norte had set as “we’ve passed the PRISAA and

DAVRAA games with no problems on security,” he said referring to the Private Schools Athletic Association Meet and the Davao Region Athletic Association Meet. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

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dent Salud Bagalso revealed in a statement. The “Eden Nature’s Park Experience” and the “Race Around the Park” are other off-site activities that participants will be undertaking to explore nature and have fun while developing teamwork. Bagalso also revealed that the 38th Encampment includes activities to prepare the girls for disaster occurrence through the “Rope Challenges DRRM Training” which is an in-camp training designed to prepare for adverse global effects of climate change. Meanwhile, Bagalso said that the “Free Being Me” global partnership project with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) will also be launched in this year’s encampment “for the girls to

fully develop their self-esteem and body confidence”. Through such activity, the girls will learn that body confidence and self-esteem can be developed through “valuing their bodies, standing up to social pressures and supporting others to be more confident”. Participants of this year’s GS encampment come from 79 councils of the 96 Girl Scouts councils from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Davao del Norte Girl Scout Council in cooperation with Eastern Mindanao Region plays host to this year’s 38th GS National Encampment supported by the provincial governments of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley and the city governments of Tagum and Davao. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

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75-member ad hoc committee scrutinizing the draft BBL, said in a television interview last Saturday that eight provisions in the BBL are “unconstitutional.” “Eight of these provisions are against the Constitution, while the ninth is not acceptable to most members from Mindanao,” Rodriguez said. He said among the provisions that Congress finds unconstitutional is the creation of a separate Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Civil Service Commission, Commission on Human Rights, and Office of the Ombudsman for the Bangsamoro. Rodriguez said that the provisions are unconstitutional because Congress cannot pass a law that will interfere with the functions and operations of independent consti-

tutional commissions like the COA, Comelec, and the Ombudsman. Jaafar, however, said the function of the House of Representative is to pass laws and not to identify whether a law is unconstitutional or not. He said Congress should let the Supreme Court decide whether the BBL is constitutional or not. He said the MILF’s opinion is that Congress should legislate or enact the BBL into law “and let the Supreme Court decide whether there is unconstitutionality there.” Jaafar also said if the nation’s leaders do not want the BBL to pass, they should find an alternative solution to stop the war in Mindanao. “Logically speaking, if the war in Mindanao would not be given solution, the war would not stop,” he said.

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service

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

Case No.2015-XI-00230 (2010-XI-00989) RODEL C. ACUSAR, Petitioner-Vendor

MANUEL L. DURAN, JR., Petitioner-Vendee

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by RODEL C. ACUSAR in favor of MANUEL L. DURAN, JR. of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route TORIL and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on October 18, 2016. In the same petition filed on March 27, 2015, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 27, 2015 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 27th day of March 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

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

Case No.2002-XI-00714 TERESITA G. BACUS, Petitioner

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NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: SASA VIA CABAGUIO AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on March 15, 2016. In the petition filed on March 27, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 27, 2015 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 27th day of March 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Tune Labs to benefit aspiring, experienced entrepreneurs S

ERIAL entrepreneurs Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Lim Kian Onn (collectively “the Founders”) have announced the launch of their latest venture, Tune Labs, a Kuala Lumpur-based start-up incubator and accelerator program that seeks to identify, mentor and fund entrepreneurs across the Asean region. Tune Labs will formalize a partnership between the Founders which has nurtured and brought to market disruptive businesses such as AirAsia, Tune Hotels, Tune Insurance, and Tune Money. Going forward, the Founders – through Tune Labs – will support aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their visions of creating market-leading, innovative businesses with a particular focus on the travel, payments, and retail verticals. Tune Labs offers two distinct paths for applicants to develop and cultivate their ideas: · An incubator program that will be conducted thrice yearly, a 12-week long start-up boot camp for applicants with unvalidated, early-stage ideas. Successful applicants will be offered the opportunity to work closely with the Founders and their partners to develop and validate their ideas and establish viable, commercial propositions with a view to showcasing their products at a

demonstration day at the end of the program. · An accelerator program which takes validated ideas and business plans – which may also include graduates from the incubator program – and expedites entry into the market through access to capital and partnerships sourced and introduced by the Founders. All participants will have access to partnerships developed over the years by the Founders, the established infrastructure and support system of Tune Group and the ability to leverage in-house technical and software development capabilities for both the incubator and accelerator programs. The investment team at Tune Labs will be helmed by Arun Verma and Gareth Lim, experienced members of the Tune Group and AirAsia, with a significant track record in developing and delivering innovative new ventures. “It has always been a personal goal of mine to promote and grow the start-up scene in Asean,” Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said. “There is a lot of talent in the region which, to date, has lacked the access and opportunities that are readily available to budding entrepreneurs in the West. Through Tune Labs, my partners and I seek to provide the guidance and mentorship that we found hard to come by in the early days of build-

Mobile money gains in Phl, GCash customers grow 25%

-XCHANGE Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom that operates mobile money service GCash, continues to drive mobile money usage in the country with a 25 percent upturn in its customer base. The emergent shift to a digital economy has allowed GXI to broaden its services and reach a wider customer base to include online shoppers, retailers, and entrepreneurs. “GCash’s innovative services have paved the way for more Filipinos to experience the convenience of mobile money,” G-Xchange, Inc. President & CEO Xavier Marzan said. “Whether for send money services such as bills payment or remittance, to using it to shop for goods and items online, GCash has become a driving force in the industry as it continues to cater to various market segments to serve different needs,” he added. From a regular remittance service back in 2004, GCash has evolved into a total mobile money solution that carries a wide portfolio of payment options for its customers. To keep the momentum, GCash continues to improve its existing portfolio of services and introduce groundbreaking services to extend reach to a bigger segment of cus-

tomers. In 2014, GCash launched Globe Charge, a mobile pointof-sale (mPOS) service that has equipped over 1,500 entrepreneurs and SMEs to accept credit card payments to date. A mobile card reader that can be easily attached and detached from any smartphone or tablet, Globe Charge allows business owners to accept card payments from their customers. Payments are then settled in their corresponding GCash wallets as early as the next business day. GCash also ventured into collaborative partnerships with American Express and MasterCard in response to Filipinos’ rapid adoption to the online shopping trend, paving the way for the mobile money service to introduce the GCash American Express® Virtual Pay, one of the most innovative payment solutions to date. With the GCash American Express® Virtual Pay, customers can purchase digital goods and shop in international sites. The account also has a personalized US address which customers can use as their shipping address for their goods to be delivered directly in their own homes. One’s GCash American Express® Virtual Pay is also directly linked to their GCash account.

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chairman of Tune Labs (center), announces the launch of Tune Labs, together with Arun Verma (left) and Gareth Lim (right). ing AirAsia and envisage a structured environment to encourage, validate and ultimately implement exciting, new ideas that will hopefully revolutionize and change the way we go about our everyday lives.”For his part, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said a key obstacle to many new businesses is the difficulty or inability to raise capital in order to access markets and achieve growth. “As such, my partners and I are committed

to seed, nurture and develop the initial opportunities that will be housed under the venture. Our comprehensive network of partners and investors cultivated over the years and supported by our track record will also allow Tune Labs’ participants easier access to further funds to catalyze growth.” Lim Kian Onn said Tune Labs “allows aspiring entrepreneurs to concentrate solely on developing and grow-

ing their ideas. The ability to utilize the wider Group’s assets coupled with essentials like office space, finance and legal – will significantly reduce costs and improve management focus. Furthermore, Tune Labs’ advisory panel will consist of experts from various backgrounds to provide guidance across diverse fields. It is a fundamental objective of Tune Labs to aid entrepreneurs to reduce the time and costs needed in

bringing to market an innovative new product.” Further information on Tune Labs and how to apply for entry into the incubator and accelerator programs are available atwww.thetunelabs. com. Applications from committed and passionate entrepreneurs are welcome from across the growth spectrum – be it early stage seed or growth capital. The initial cohort is expected to commence in the second half of this year.

friends to the much-anticipated Labor Day weekend in Boracay, where Smart is putting together an unbeatable beach festival experience with sunset parties, all-night raves, as well as exclusive perks and discounts for subscribers. Also up for grabs are three other Barkada Getaways, Instax cameras, GoPro HERO4 cameras, Bluetooth Speakers, as well as tickets to Katy Perry’s May 7 concert at the Philippine Arena. Share your Summer Story with Smart Prepaid “Summer is well celebrated in our islands, that’s why Smart Prepaid is pulling out all the stops to give everyone an amazing time under the sun,” said Joel Lumanlan, Smart Prepaid Head. “These great moments are meant to be shared, so

you can rely on the country’s largest and most advanced network to deliver the best call, text and mobile Internet services that allow you to share your summer story instantly with friends and loved ones, making them more fun and memorable– from planning with friends on your social networking sites and chat apps, surfing online for the best summer deals, to using navigation, music and video streaming apps for your adventures,” he said,” he added. Register and load up to earn entries All Smart Prepaid subscribers may join the ‘Live All Out’ Summer promo through a one-time registration by sending REG<NAME, ADDRESS> to 316 for free. New Smart Prepaid subscribers may earn electronic raffle entries by simply activating any Smart Prepaid

SIM. On the other hand, existing subscribers may earn electronic raffle entries for every registration to Unli Call and Text 30; Jump All Out 50; or Big Bytes 50. Smart Prepaid subscribers may accumulate entries for the April, May and June draws. Moreover, all non-winning electronic raffle entries will still be eligible for the succeeding draws. Aside from the ‘Live All Out’ Summer promo, Smart Prepaid subscribers stand a chance to take home exclusive premium items and other exciting prizes for every top-up at designated ‘Live All Out’ booths scattered across the country’s leading summer destinations. For more information and updates, check out smart.com.ph/liveallout and follow @SMARTCares on Twitter and Instagram.

Smart Prepaid kicks off biggest ‘Live All Out’Summer promo S

MART Communications, Inc. (Smart) is turning up the heat this summer season with the biggest ‘Live All Out’ Summer promo of Smart Prepaid, offering over P2 million worth of Barkada Getaways to Boracay, cool gadgets, and other exciting prizes, guaranteed to make this season one for the books. Running from April to June, the ‘Live All Out’ Summer promo is part of Smart Prepaid’s big celebration of everyone’s unique Summer Story, which is made more awesome when shared with friends through its reliable call, text and mobile data offers well-suited for today’s connected lifestyle. For its first salvo, the ‘Live All Out’ Summer promo gives three lucky Smart Prepaid subscribers the ultimate getaway with their

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

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Director of Sales

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JOCELYN S. PANES

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

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

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

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ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

Army, PNP arrest Maguindanao’s big time illegal drug dealer G

OVERNMENT forces on Sunday jointly arrested a suspected illegal drug dealer operating in Maguindanao during a raid conducted by Army and police in Maguindanao, the Army here said Monday. Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division, said elements of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog, supported the conduct of a law enforcement operation against a suspected drug dealer Norodin Kasan Sangki, alias Datu Nouri Sangki, at his residence at Sitio Bilibiran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Petinglay said the soldiers backed the agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in serving the search warrant with number 2015016 issued by 12th Judicial Region executive judge Bansawan Z. Ibrahim of RTC Branch 13 in Cotabato City against the suspect, considered to be a high value target at the break of

dawn. “The PDEA-ARMM coordinated with our ground troops and the raid was successful,” Petinglay said, adding that coordination was vital in any police or military operations against lawless elements. Found in the residence of Sangki were four pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be a methamphetamine hydrochloride known as “shabu” which weighed around 150 grams with an estimated street value of Php 700,000. Petinglay said the raiding team also seized one Armalite rifle with one magazine assembly, two cal. 45 pistols and one piece 40mm ammunition for M-203 rifle grenade. Sangki was arrested with his wife and two other companions from their residence and were brought to PDEA headquarters in PC Hill, Cotabato City for proper disposition. “The joint operation

A child paddles a wooden canoe across Baug river along the fishing village in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte on April 10, 2015. MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas was successful because of the timely and accurate collaboration of the concerned government agencies in order to help go after crim-

inals and lawless elements in the area of operations of 6ID,” the Army spokesperson said. Major Gen. Edmundo R.

Pangilinan, the 6ID Commander, expressed his sincere support to future operations that will help solve security issues within his

area of responsibility. Sangki is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

14 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Seda celebrates with CSR events S

EDA Abreeza has a month-long celebration of its 2nd anniversary including events as the Media Blitz, PamahawugPagtabang: BreakfastforaCauseYear2, Little Chefs Summer Workshop, andSanipaan Mangrove Tree Planting. Seda Abreeza started on April 2, 2013 and is the first urban lifestyle hotel in the heart of Davao City. On April 10, Seda Abreeza Hotel Manager Kennedy Kapulong paid visits to the members of the print press in Davao in appreciation for their continued support to the hotel for the past two years. PamahawugPagtabang is a breakfast for a cause event which endeavors to help the displaced families in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Guests may avail a breakfast buffet in Seda Abreeza’sMisto from 6:00AM to 10:00AM for a discounted rate: 480.00/nett for adults and 280.00/nett for children.

The breakfast for a cause is scheduled on the 12th and 19th (two Sundays) of April, 2015.Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. gave his support in the event and endorsed it to the catholic churches all over the city. TalentadongPinoy Champion and beatboxer Neil Llanes is set to perform as well. Proceeds shall be turned over to the Office of the Governor of Maguindanao. Last year, this event was dedicated for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Seda Abreeza also made a recreational activity for the kids through the Little Chefs Summer Workshops scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays of April and May from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. SedaAbreeza’s Sous Chef Giovanna “Bang” Flores shares enjoyable and creative cooking and baking basics for the little culinary aspirants. It kicks off on April 18 to 20, 2015. Chef Bang took up Pastry Courses and Workshops at Enderum

UP Mindanao alumnus wins 1st prize in int’l poetry contest

P Mindanao alumnus Arian Tejano (BA English 2010) was awarded First Prize in “The Other Side” international poetry contest for his poem, “When a Ladyboy Loves a Foreign Man.” The contest was sponsored by Cha, an Asian literary journal based in Hong Kong, for its March 2015 issue. The first line of the poem reads, “The art of seduction begins in the language of the lips.” In the contest notes, judge Vinita Agrawal wrote, “It was easy to award this poem the first prize. The ex-

pressions in this piece are incredibly original and refreshing.” The winning poems and those of the finalists may be read at www.asiancha.com. In his own notes, the poet said, “This poem was born out of a brave modern promise: love knows no country, culture, gender, language, and time zone.” The poem was first read in public on February 18 at the LitOrgy 6 poetry reading event in Davao City. The poet was also a fellow of the Davao Writers Workshop 2011.

Colleges in Manila, and was a former instructor in a culinary school here in Davao. She was also a guest chef for Intercontinental Manila’s

“Davao Food Festival” last year. Staying true to Ayala’s vision of going green, theSanipaan Mangrove Tree Plant-

ing continues on its third year. Seda Abreeza employees take a trip toBarangay Tambo, Vanishing Island,Babak, Island Garden City of

Samal on April 18 to plant mangroves which serves as habitat for marine life. Five hundred mangrove trees will be planted on the 18th.

Dadai Joaquin’s Art Kamp draws 31 participants

ART KAMPERS. Artist Bong Nombrado teaches drawing to some of the students participating in Dadai Joaquin’s Art Kamp 2015 held at The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge.

TOTAL of 31 students joined this year’s Art Kamp, the regular art workshop of Dabawenya artist Dadai Joaquin. Held at The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge on April 8 to 11, Art Kamp 2015 was the fifth and biggest workshop yet for

Joaquin. She started her Art Kamp series in 2011. This year’s students ranged in age from six to their 40s. Most were students while a few were professionals, doctors, and business owners. The students used acrylic as medium, painting various

subjects on canvas over the four-day workshop. Helping Joaquin were artists Bong Nombrado and Noel Dapit and assistants Kaye Alvarez and Lia Gaabucayan. Joaquin expressed elation at the turnout, saying it only goes to show that there

is a huge interest in the arts in Davao City. “This is one of my ways of contributing to the promotion of the arts in Davao. I want to teach young people and professionals that they have what it takes to express themselves through art,” she said.

SPORTS 15

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Former Olympians, ex-Azkal in Palaro opening A

PAIR of iconic sports figures and a young footballer have been tapped to provide inspiration to thousands of young athletes who will showcase their talent in the biggest multi-event sports conclave in the country—the Palarong Pambansa. Olympians Eric Buhain and Elma Muros Posadas— two of the most bemedalled athletes both on the local and global arena—and football star Yannick Tuason will be on hand to help mold the young athletes in the Palaro. Davao del Norte is hosting the 2015 edition of the school-based games supported by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. (TADECO), Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation (DPC), Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. (DICT) and Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Competitions will be held from May 3 to 9 at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City. “They are three of the most inspiring faces in Philippine sports and the Palarong Pambansa is the best plat-

form where their iconic status would boost the dedication and skills of the student athletes in the Palarong Pambansa,” Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said. Buhain is an accomplished swimmer, having named Best Athlete of the 1991 Manila Southeast Asian Games and went on to become a former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission. He has remained as an athlete and has embraced the now popular endurance sport of triathlon. Who would not recognize Muros Posadas, the former long jump queen and hurdles champion also of the Sea Games and like Buhain, a former Athlete of the Year awardee? Muros Posadas has not left the sport she loves most and remains an accomplished track and field coach. Tuason, on the other hand, was and is always an Azkal. Tuason was on that Azkals team that amazingly revived the Filipinos love for football in the 2010 AFC Suzuki Cup. And what do all three have in common? Buhain,

Muros Posadas and Tuason all kicked off their sports careers in the Palarong Pambansa. “I can never forget my Palarong Pambansa experience. It was in the Palaro where I got to compete in a big stage, with athletes who were as strong or stronger than I was,” said Buhain, who got into swimming at an early age to combat asthma. “It was a different feeling competing in the Palaro and it was very inspiring.” Muros Posadas had her taste of Palaro in as much the same way as Buhain. “It’s in the Palaro where I learned to strive harder and always do my best during training and competition,” Muros Posadas said. Tuason belongs to a welloff family but could not discount the lessons in life he earned from his Palaro experience. “The Palaro is and will always be a level playing field. And it is in the Palaro where you compete with the best and the brightest, no matter where you come from,” Tuason said.

right now. “It all happened quickly. Sometimes it feels like a long time ago and sometimes it feels like yesterday.” Since taking PGA Tour rookie of the year honours in 2013, Spieth has been on a meteoric rise up the golf rankings. His Augusta win will see him move up to number two on Monday, one step closer to his goal of being the best. “The ultimate goal that I have mentioned each week is try to become the number one player in the world,” said Spieth, who recently signed a 10-year endorsement deal with sportswear giant Under Armour. “I’m still chasing that goal. It’s going to be very difficult

but to be a large step closer is huge.” Spieth becomes only the fifth man and first since Raymond Floyd in 1976 to post a wire-to-wire Masters victory. In the process he set 36 and 54 hole records for the tournament while his 28 birdies over four rounds smashed Phil Mickelson’s 2001 mark of 25. With a birdie at the 15th he became the first ever to reach 19-under before a bogey at the last left him on 18-under 270. The total matched the lowest ever Masters winning score and made him the second youngest behind Tiger Woods to wear the green jacket. In his Masters debut last year the young Texan played in the final pairing and finished

Spieth: New face of golf J

ORDAN Spieth was crowned Masters champion on Sunday and immediately hailed as the new face of golf after completing a wire-to-wire win at Augusta National. With a winning game and winning personality, the humble 21-year-old American won over fans around the world with a fearless and clinical display of golf, rewriting the Masters record book on his way to the first of what is predicted to be many major victories. “This was arguably the greatest day of my life,” Spieth told reporters. “To join the club that is the green jackets and to join Masters history and put my name on that trophy and to have this jacket forever, it something that I can’t fathom

AKE no mistake about it, Jordan Spieth is the new face of golf. The 21-year old American made my prediction true from Day One to the finish when he won the 2015 US Masters title wearing the Under Armour kit from top to bottom. How is that, pareng Chito Malabanan? Anyways, before I lose my breath with Spieth’s masterful win, lemme state a discovery I learned lately--people breathe an average of 26,000 times a day. You think that’s true? You think that’s enough? Wrong. That’s too much. Most of us actually overbreathe. Meaning, we breath more than the optimal breath-

PALARO ROLE MODELS. Former Olympians Eric Buhain (left) and Elma Muros-Posadas (right) will be in the opening of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa in Davao del Norte.

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early pressure. “Jordan is just so comfortable with the lead. Awesome composure, every time I thought maybe there was a chink in the armor, he’d come out and hole an eightfoot putt.” GRAND SLAM BID Northern Ireland’s world number one Rory McIlroy, who had been on the brink of missing the cut midway through the second round, finished alone in fourth at 12 under after shooting a 66. “I played well,” said McIl-

tied for second behind winner Bubba Watson. He has played a total of eight competitive rounds at Augusta and at the end of each, he was in the top five, the most important coming on Sunday when he signed for a two-under 70 for a four-shot victory over major winners Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose. Even more impressive was the manner of Spieth’s win. He began the final round with four shot cushion and ended it the same way, withstanding an all-out assault from some golf’s biggest names. Rose, playing in the final pairing with Spieth, came out determined to put pressure on his young opponent with birdies on the opening two holes.

roy, who had been bidding for a career grand slam of the four majors. “Obviously very happy with how the weekend went.... “Jordan obviously started off fantastically well, and has just kept his foot down, really impressive. It’s great for the game, and I’m sure he’ll win many more (majors).” Four-times champion Woods, on his return to competition after a two-month absence to retool his game, tied for 17th at five under

Getting to know Buteyko

ing level. Well, that’s if we ask a practitioner of alternative health medication. I don’t want to sound like an expert here but there’s a technology called Buteyko that everyone should be interedted about. Especially if you have some problems like asthma, sleep apnea or snoring. Buteyko is the name of the Russian doctor who developed this method. HIs name is Dr. Konstantin Buteyko, a respiratory hysician who discovered that the stresses of modern living have resulted in most of us chronically overbreathing. I first heard of Buteyko from a friend in the PR business Kelly Austria who went

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo through the sessions herself. Kelly introduced Jac Vidgen to me and last Friday, Jac was at Fast Friday’s at SM Lanang Premier straight from the airport to share the method with members of the media. Jac is an Australian who brought

the method to the Philippines and Hongkong. He learned the Buteyko method in Australia and for the past 20 years have been lecturing on phenomenal practice. Jac has been working with the method since 1993. He was trained by a leading protege of Dr. Buteyko, Alexander Salmatski who himself was featured in the BBC TV documentary about the method. Jac’s works earned for him a feature story on CNN on September 1999 and Star World’s Focus Asia on March 2004. Let’s go back to the method. According to Dr. Buteyko, overbreathing creates imbalances in oxygen/carbon dioxide levels causing reduced oxygen supply to the cells, and

symptoms such as asthma, rhinitis and excess mucous, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, Hay fever, couhing and stress. The asthmatics, according to Buteyko’s trials, were found to be bretahing three times the normal volume per minute. I asked Jac about the longterm benefits of Buteyko and he said the benefits are enormous. One of these would be being no longer dependent on medicines. That should be bad news for doctors and pharmaceuticals. Jac jokingly said: “They have earned enough. They’re rich. You have pharmaceutical stores sprouting on every corner like Starbucks and Seven

with a 73. Spieth, who led by four strokes overnight, never allowed his challengers to get any closer than three shots as he relied on his trusty putter and ice-cool composure to rebound from any stumble on the firming, severely contoured greens. Out in one-under 35 with a five-stroke cushion, he drained a 20-footer for birdie at the 10th to briefly forge six ahead before he faltered with a three-putt bogey at the tricky par-three 12th.

Elevens.” But it’s interesting to note that Jac’s brother is himself a docto who believes in Buteyko. Anyways, I am not going to be talking a lot about this because I also have to find it out myself in five workshops. Those interested may hook up with Jac at 09196356060 or check out www.buteykoasia.com and facebook.com/ buteykoasia for details. Jac is in Davao City for a five-day workshop beginning tonight at 6 to 8 pm at Bahay Ni Tuding Inn and Resto along San Pedro Street. Jac told me that it’s a life-changing experience worth getting into. If it’s for our well-being, it must be worth a try.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 • TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Expect the best Pacquiao ever T

FOCUS. Concentration is written all over the face of Manny Pacquiao in training for the Floyd Mayweather fight on May 2 (May 3 (PHL Time).

HE best of Manny Pacquiao in his 20-year- boxing career. That’s how chief trainer Freddie Roach and his training staff have been preparing the 36-year-old Filipino boxing superstar for his coming historic, biggest and richest fight with undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. The World Boxing Organization welterweight belt-holder and the World Boxing Council/World Boxing Association 147-pound titlist collide on May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena in the city of vices of Las Vegas in Nevada for the bragging right of being recognized as the Greatest Fighter in this era or of all-time. Pacquiao himself assured that he will be at his finest in their 12-round encounter with the owner of the immaculate 47-0 win-loss slate, which happens to be his first outing in celebration of his 20-year-anniversasry as a prizefighter. “I am fighting a man considered by many as the best fighter today and it follows that I should be in my finest when we meet to prove to all and sundry that I deserve more than a second fiddle billing,” Pacquiao told this writer during the temptation night of the weight-loss competition he is sponsoring among his and Sarangani Vice Gov. Jinkee’s employees, member of Team Pacquiao,

ICE COOL

friends and supporters held Saturday in Glendale, California. “The whole of the boxing community, in general, and the boxing world, in particular, have been eagerly awaiting this fight to materialize after years of uncertainty and I believe they, too, deserve the best from both of us protagonists,” Pacquiao reasoned out. “To attain the bests fighting form requires the bests training program and I want to thank Freddie, my conditioning consultant Justin Fortune and members of the training team (Buboy Fernandez, Nonoy Neri, Roger “Haplas” Fernandez and Marvin Somodio for bearing with me in this long, hard but fruitful training camp. To prepare himself for what he said could be the most critical phase of his build up program, the holder of 10 championship belts in eight weight divisions, did away anew with the scheduled sparring session for that same day. “Starting Monday, training regimen will include that tactical side of preparations,” the Sarangani fighting Congressman said. “We started this phase already late this week, and we will continue the same procedure next week. Pacquiao was referring his watching the tapes of all of Mayweather’s significant fights and de-

Spieth completes wire-to-wire finish to win US Masters

OUNG gun Jordan Spieth, evoking memories of Tiger Woods at Augusta National 18 years ago, added his name to golf’s record books with a stunning wire-to-wire victory by four shots at the Masters on Sunday. Ice-cool whenever he faced adversity, the 21-year-old American who is known for his brilliant putting closed with a two-under-par 70 to match Woods’ tournament record low of 18-under 270 for 72 holes. Woods achieved the mark when he clinched his maiden major title at the 1997 Masters, also aged 21. “It was very nerve wracking today,” Spieth, the second youngest Masters winner after Woods, said before being helped into the coveted green jacket by last year’s Masters champion, American Bubba Watson. “I thought today might be a little easier than yesterday, having played with the lead, but it wasn’t. I didn’t sleep well last night. “It’s the most incredible week of my life,” added Spieth, who effectively turned the year’s opening major into a one-man show when he fired a 64 in the first round. “This is as great as it gets in our sport. This is a dream come true for me.” Spieth’s playing partner Justin Rose of England, the 2013 U.S. Open champion, signed off with a 70 to share second place with threetimes Masters winner Phil Mickelson, who carded a 69. “I was really happy with the way I felt today on the golf course, how composed I was and how in control of my emotions I was,” said Rose, who birdied the first two holes to apply WALK TO REMEMBER. Jordan Spieth of the U.S. walks off the 18th green after winning the MasFICE COOL, 15 ters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia April 12, 2015.

sign counter-acting with flaws they found. “I do not usually watch tapes of my rivals, but in this fight I had to according to Freddie I did and to my surprise, marami akong natutunan,” he quipped. The cancellation of Saturday’s sparring was one of the rare times that the training staff did it third straight days, surprising many. Roach, likewise, did away with the routine Tuesday and Thursday. As a substitute to sparring, Pacquiao went into another punishing 23-round routine at the Wild Card Gym that included 13-rounds of pounding the mitts with Roach plus 10 more with the balls and floor exercises, which, according to assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez was part of getting Pacquiao ready short (via knockout) and long (12-round) fight. “We’ve been really preparing Manny for a KO win at kung hindi man mangyari dahil alam naman nating magaling tumakbo si Mayweather, manalo siya sa puntos,” explained Buboy. “Twelve round ang limit ng laban, pero as of now, Manny is ready to fight for 20 rounds or more,” ganoon namin siya ihinahanda. “EverytHing happens in boxing, di ba. Iba na siyempre ang nakasisiguro.”