Edge Davao 8 Issue 88

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

www.edgedavao.net

TOO EARLY TO RELY ON Laviña says on presidential surveys

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Former city councilor Peter Laviña

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

INSIDE EDGE

Census goes hi-tech P2 Rody: It’s likely Mar vs. Grace P2

NEW ATTRACTION. A kindergarten student tries to catch pigeons at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday. Pigeons are fast becoming an attraction in Rizal and Quezon Parks which the birds frequent for food. Lean Daval Jr.

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

T

HE political surveys to be conducted earlier than October, 2015 are not yet a reliable gauge of the real popularity of perceived presidential aspirants among voters.

This was opined by former Davao City Councilor Peter T. Laviña, when asked about the implication of last week’s anointment by President Benigno S. Aquino III of

Secretary Mar Roxas as his candidate for President in 2016.

Whatever gains or losses Secretary Roxas will have in a survey to be conducted sometime this month and even in September cannot be relied upon as gauge of Mar’s popularity or lack of it, Laviña said during yesterday’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao City annex.

This is so because, the other possible presidential aspirants like Senator Grace Poe, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and others like former Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago have not yet declared their intention to run for the country’s highest position.

He said the political sur-

veys that will count are those conducted after October, 2015, the deadline set by law for filing of the certificates of candidacy, because people would know who are the candidates by that time.

Arguing that declaring one’s candidacy is not really bad for an aspirant, Laviña recalled the case of President Noynoy Aquino whose can-

FTOO EARLY, 10

EDGEDAVAO Sports Ateneo wins Matina Enclaves title Page 16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

PRIMER. A media practitioner reads a primer on women’s rights distributed by staff members of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), an agency under the Office of the President, at SM City Davao yesterday. The booklet aims to spread awareness against the increasing cases of violence against women. Lean Daval Jr.

Census goes high-tech

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) 11 will be using tablet computers and GPS technology in this year’s conduct of the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN) from August 10 to September 6.

“This year’s census will be high-tech,” PSA-Davao del Sur interim provincial manager Randolph Gales said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

He said the GPS-enabled tablets will allow PSA to monitor the performance of supervisors in their designated areas.

Gales said supervisors and hired enumerators for this year’s census will be using mobile tablets with GPS so they can send directly gathered data to a central database at the PSA central office.

Data gathered by enumerators can be sent to the central database system as long as their tablets have signal.

The PSA 11 will be mobilizing a total of 1,800 personnel, of whom 1,600 are enumerators who will be conducting the house-to-house survey, he added.

Enumerators will be visit-

FCENSUS, 10

Rody Duterte says it’s likely Binay vs Grace

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte says he does not see himself as a candidate in the 2016 Presidential elections due to financial constraints and “winnability” in what he believes will eventually be a two-way race between Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Grace Poe. But the race could be three-way, he said, if Local Governments Secretary Mar Roxas catches up.

“I see only two individuals, Grace (Poe) and Binay.

Three persons if Mar (Roxas) can catch up because Binay is spinning out of the loop,” Duterte told a gathering of judges, lawyers who gave him a testimonial dinner at the N Hotel

here Saturday.

Duterte, mayor of Davao City from1988 (except from 1998 to 2001 when he served as Davao City 1st district representative to Congress and 2010 to 2013 when he served as vice mayor to his daughter-mayor, Sara), said he would retire from politics after completing his term on June 30, 2016.

“I do not see myself as of now as a candidate,” Duterte told reporters in Cagayan de Oro. Duterte said he has second thoughts about running for President, citing financial constraints and “winnability” against the other contenders.

He said a recent survey

FRODY, 10

Police downplays raps over UCCP Haran fracas

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 downplayed the charges filed by against it and other people involved in the July 23 commotion at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran compound in Davao City, saying it was a “desperate act” to save face after the “failed evacuation drama.”

In a statement sent to EDGE Davao, PRO11 spokesperson Senior Superintendent Antonio Rivera said the filing

charges against law enforcers was “a frantic move to weaken the will of the government to implement its mandate that is to save and protect the lives of the exploited lumads.”

The charges of usurpation of authority or official function, physical injuries inflicted in a tumultuous affray, serious physical injuries, qualified trespass to dwelling, grave threats, grave coercion, and malicious mischief were filed before the City Prosecution Office last Friday by UCCP Haran,

tribal chieftains, and members of militant groups.

The charges were filed against PRO 11 Regional Intelligence Office head Senior Superintendent Filmore Escobal, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Deputy City Director Senior Superintendent Marvin Pepino, Colonel Jake Obligado of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Commission on the Indigenous People (NCIP),

paramilitary group Alamara, and North Cotabato 2nd District Representative Nancy Catamco.

Police had tried to enter the UCCP-Haran Compound on July 23 in an attempt to “rescue” more than 1,000 indigenous peoples allegedly being held by IP officials and militant groups.

The IPs, however, have claimed they had left their homes because of military harassment.

dors also park their vehicles and carts on the inner lane and leave them there until the following morning.

“It leaves us no room for parking as they occupy all spaces meant for us and for our client,” the group said in the letter.

The group also complained of the garbage buildup since plastic bags and cups are thrown everywhere, even in the sewer.

The group also said hy-

giene is a main concern since male customers urinate on the sides of the road.

“We have not complained earlier as we thought that their stay is only temporary, but as our businesses have already suffered, we cannot keep our grievances anymore. We have already lost a great amount of supposed income since their relocation,” the group said.

“It is now time to consider our plight and look into the matters concerning the

display and location of these ukay-ukay and street vendors,” the group added.

A certain James T. Tan, general manager of one of the establishments in the area, expressed similar concerns in letters addressed to city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain, saying vendors and massage therapists urinate and sometimes defecate within his property.

“I ordered our guards to

Business owners complain over Roxas Avenue vendors A

GROUP of business owners along Roxas Avenue in Davao City is complaining that the presence of street vendors at the night market is affecting their operations.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, the group said the vendors’ stalls occupy more than one lane on each side of the road, causing traffic jams in the area at nighttime.

The group said the ven-

FPOLICE, 10

FBUSINESS, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

HIGH-TECH CENSUS. Philippine Statistical Authority-Davao del Sur interim provincial statistical officer Randolf Anthony Gales (left) announces that the agency will be using GPS-enabled tablets in this year’s conduct of the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN) from August 10 to September 6. He said the tablets will allow them to monitor the UNDER OBSERVATION. Davao City Water District (DCWD) spokesman lawyer Bernardo Delima says the pipe bridge performance of their supervisors in their designated areas. Gales and former Councilor Peter Laviña (right) were guests in Bankerohan is currently under observation but will be opened and inaugurated in time for the Kadayawan Festival of the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. 2015. Delima graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte lays down agriculture agenda P

RESIDENTIAL prospect and Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte shared his vision for Philippine agriculture during his visit to the rural town of M’lang, North Cotabato, which celebrated farmers’ week and foundation day on Sunday.

Duterte, the only Presidential hopeful who is considered to have a deep understanding of agriculture, has been advocating for greater government intervention in food production, including the marketing of farmers’ produce.

Duterte’s proposal that irrigation services should be provided free to the country’s rice farmers to encourage them to produce reverberated in M’lang with 8,000 hectares of rice fields and the source of much of the organically grown rice being exported by the Philippines now.

Rice farmers in M’lang and other rice producing towns of North Cotabato pay irrigation fees to the National Irrigation Administration in the form of 100 kilos of palay during the rainy season

and 150 kilos during the dry season.

Sixty percent of the irrigation fees is turned over to the NIA to pay for the salaries of its workers and finance its operations cost.

“Where in the world could you find a situation where it is the farmers to finance the operation of an irrigation agency when it should be government which should support the farmers?,” Duterte asked during a recent visit to the farming town of Sibalom in Antique where he also met with farmer-leaders.

Duterte said the Number 1 agenda of the next President of the country is to ensure “Available and Affordable Food” for the Filipinos.

“More than anything else, the next President must make sure that there is Available and Affordable Food for his people.

Everything else is secondary,” he said.

Duterte said government planners should provide a scientific study on the quantity and the kind of food the Filipi-

HE Davao City Health Office (CHO) is set to issue Mayor’s Identification Cards for street food vendors and food handlers on Wednesday and Thursday Speaking in an interview yesterday, CHO environmental and sanitation head Robert Oconer said his office, along with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), will issue the IDs to around 5,000 food vendors who attended the Food Safety Handling seminar last month.

Oconer said the distribution will be done at Almendras Gym where his office and CPDO will have a one-stop shop.

“After they receive their certificate of attendance, they can proceed to the City Planning booth for the IDs,” he said.

Oconer said the schedule on Wednesday will be for first district vendors who attended the seminar. Second and third districts vendors are sched-

uled on Thursday.

Oconer said aside from the ID from the City Mayor’s Office, the vendors are also required to have a health certificate and personal protective equipment before they are allowed to sell food.

He said vendors who were not able to attend the seminar last month can still join the second round on the last week of August.

Oconer said his office will strictly implement food safety handling rules among vendors on the second week of September.

“By second week of September, bawal ng magtinda na walang Mayor’s ID (they will be prohibited from selling without Mayor’s IDs),” he said.

Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier required all street food vendors and food handlers to undergo food safety handling seminar to ensure food safety in the city. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

FDUTERTE, 10

Street vendors to get Mayor’s ID this week T

CHOelatedbycity’shiring of 20 sanitary inspectors

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Health Office (CHO) welcomed the announcement made

by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte last Sunday that 20 additional sanitary inspectors would be hired.

In an interview yesterday, CHO Environment and Sanitation Division head Robert

Oconer said the additional sanitary inspectors will be a big boost to the CHO’s daily operations.

“That is a relief. I have been craving that for many years,” Oconer said. “We will clean Davao City more, we can now function well,” he added.

Duterte had said in his

weekly program Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa that he wants to hire registered nursing graduate as sanitary inspectors to improve food safety measures in the city.

Oconer said while most people think the CHO’s functions cover only food establishments, it actually also

covers many areas, including street food vendors and houses without septic tanks.

He said his office also conducts water samplings and inspects nuisances such as the noise of roosters and sound systems.

“I was waiting for that

7 students,” Montejo said, adding the region has allocated a total of P9 million for the school-based immunization program.

Montejo said the DOH has chosen Grade 1 and Grade 7 because these are the most appropriate age of students to be given booster shots of MRTD

vaccines.

The vaccination activity will be administered by trained health workers with the assistance of teachers.

“We have already briefed the teachers that the vaccine shots should be given after recess,” she said.

FCHO, 10

DOH 11 to give MRTD vaccine to 200K students

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Health (DOH) 11 yesterday is targeting to immunize more than 200,000 Grade 1 and 7 students in all elementary and secondary public schools in the Davao Region this month.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City

Annex, DOH 11 medical officer IV Dr. Raquel Montejo said the school-based immunization program will be giving students booster shots of measles, rubella, tetanus-diphtheria (MRTD).

“We are giving MRTD vaccine shots to 86,022 Grade 1 students and 115,300 Grade

FDOH, 10

ROLL CALL. Davao City Administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain conducts a surprise roll call of the administrative officers of different offices in the city to check if these officers attend the flag raising ceremony. Seven administrative officers were not present and were ordered to submit an explanation letter within 24 hours. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Davao as fresh milk production area

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE National Dairy Authority (NDA) in Northern Mindanao is eyeing Davao Region as the next raising area for imported milk-producing cows.

“We saw the big potential of Davao Region for fresh milk production,” NDA Northern Mindanao department manager Marilyn Mabale said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Mabale said it is for this reason they are opening their field office here in the region next month.

The existing production

areas in Davao are located in Calinan District in Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Davao del Sur, and Compostela Valley. Meanwhile, cooperative-led processing house are located in Malagos, New Corella and Samal.

“Davao Region has now a current production of 3,000 liters of fresh milk per day but the daily local demand rangers from 6,000 to 7,000 liters,” Mabale said, adding that only 1,300 heads are now here in the region.

The bulk of the production areas in Mindanao are now in

3 Negosyo Centers launched in Davao

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-XI launched three separate Negosyo Centers in Davao Region within second week of July.

Last July 6, the Negosyo Center in Davao Oriental opened while in July 9, similar facilities were launched in Davao del Sur and Davao City.

Negosyo Center is a onestop shop for services intended to support existing and start – up small businesses. Its establishment is provided for in Republic Act No. 10644 (Go Negosyo Act) authored by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, and was signed into law in July 15, 2014.

Negosyo Center provides an array of services categorized into three major classifications, as follows: a) business registration assistance; b) business advisory; and, c) business information and advocacy.

For business registration, start-up businesses will be assisted in terms of information and facilitation of their registration documents and procedures for business name registration, business licensing and other regulatory permits.

The Center will also be accepting and processing application for Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) certificate, as soon as procedures and guidelines are finalized.

Business advisory consist of counseling services to guide MSMEs especially in the areas of financing access and financial management, product development, market promotion, and, investment promotion, among others.

Under Business Information and Advocacy, the Center will provide rele-

vant business information such as economic, technical, market and investments-related info data and materials and facilitate related info campaigns in the form of trainings, seminars, briefings, and, dialogues.

DTI 11 OIC - Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the Negosyo Centers will also leverage on the collaboration of government agencies, local government units, financing institutions and business support organizations to consolidate and make accessible support programs and services to the MSMEs. “Since the Negosyo Center is envisioned to be a one-stop-shop for micro and small entrepreneurs, it should be able manifest the convergence of programs and projects of all support institutions, both government and private.

While the Center may not be able to host all these services, at least information will be made available and MSMEs will be guide,” she said.

In Davao Oriental, the Negosyo Center is located at the DTI-DO Provincial Office, 2F valles Building, Rizal Street, Mati City. In Davao del Sur, it is hosted by the Cor Jesu College of Digos, located at its main campus along Sacred Heart Avenue, Digos City.

In Davao City, the Negosyo Center is hosted by the City Government of Davao and is located at the DCIPC, Door 7, Magsaysay Park Complex, R. Magsaysay Avenue.

Davao del Norte will launch its own Negosyo Center in August, while Compostela Valley will be

by September 18. (DTI11/ JMM)

Northern Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and Lanao area, according to her.

The Philippines is a heavy importer of fresh milk from milk producing countries like Australia and New Zealand, but Mindanao is only contributing 10 percent of the total national demand for ready-todrink milk.

The country imports as much as US$70 billion of fresh milk annually just to meet the national demand of 20 million liters of fresh milk.

“Only 3 percent of the national demand is being sup-

plied by the local fresh milk production,” Mabale said.

She added that the lack of dairy cows is one of the challenges the dairy industry face at present.

“We haven’t created our own breed of milking cows,” Mabale said. “We are still importing cross breed cows from New Zealand and Australia.”

The Philippines imported a total of 1,400 heads of Holstein cross breed with Sahiwal last year, 900 of which went to Luzon, 494 went to Mindanao, while the rest went to Visayas.

Next year, the country plans to import another batch of 800 cross-breed cows.

Mabale said the Philippines has a long way to go before it can develop its own breed.

The NDA instead encourages farmers to engage in dairy cow raising and value-adding activities because of the huge demand in the local market, according to her.

Instead of importing fresh milk abroad, local farmers can seize the huge opportunity post by the high demand for fresh milk in the local market,

she added.

NDA has partnered with the Land Bank of the Philippines loan programs that will be utilized in helping farmers.

It also provided technical assistance to farmers engaged in raising milk-producing cows.

The NDA, an office under the Department of Agriculture, targeted that the country will be able to supply demand for ready-to-drink milk by 2020.

The establishment of the field office in Southern Mindanao will be the second for the island-region.

INFO UPDATE DRIVE. The UCPB launches recently its Customer Information Update Drive.

UCPB launches Customer Info Update Drive U

CPB has launched a Customer Information Update Drive to encourage clients to update their customer information with the bank. This is to ensure that they receive all bank communication materials in a timely manner, including customer advisories, product and promo announcements and other important infor-

mation concerning their accounts with UCPB. Clients who update their customer information records from August 1 to October 31, 2015 will get a chance to win a 16-GB iPad Mini.

To qualify in the promo, UCPB Deposit, Loan, Treasury and Trust accountholders must completely fill out the Customer Information

Sheet (CIS) at any UCPB branch, Consumer Finance Business Center or Trust and Treasury desk nationwide.

Upon verification of the filled-up CIS, clients will receive an acknowledgment email containing the electronic raffle entry number within seven banking days upon submission of the form.

There will be one winner

from each of the 12 branch groupings.

The 12 winners will be selected through an electronic raffle draw on November 12, 2015 to be conducted by the UCPB Marketing Group at the 14F UCPB Corporate Offices in Makati Avenue, Makati City. For more promo details, please visit the UCPB website at www.ucpb.com.

posts and dangling all around the city will be buried underground, and will be hidden from plain sight. The operation will be finished next month, in time for the start of the Kadayawan Festival on the third week of August.

So just like in the US, all cables or wires hanging in wooden or cement posts will be a thing of the past and will never be an obstruction anymore.

The project is presently being undertaken only within the vicinity of the Davao City

Hall which serves as a mere pilot area, but will eventually be spread all over the city.

Observers say Davao City is a mere pilot area of things in store for the whole country, and that once Duterte runs and wins the presidency, the same projects will be carried out for the whole country.

In an Executive Order signed by Mayor Duterte, the Davao City Wires and Cable (WAC) technical team was created to oversee and manage the underground cable project to coordinate with the Davao

Light Power Co. (Davao Light) a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Power Corp. (Aboitiz Power).

The WAC technical team is comprised of members of the applicable government agencies concerned, private corporations affected by the project and other private entities.

In a recent media interview, Arturo M. Milan, executive vice-president of the Davao Light said that the project was immediately implemented upon the approval of their application by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Davao shows way to attain world-class status

Y

OU want a world-class Philippines?

Here’s what you should do.

Look at what Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte is doing with his city, urge him to run, and then vote for him.

In its further bid to turn the City of Davao into worldclass status, the implementation of the P108M underground utility cables system is going full swing.

Under the project, all utility cables and wires for telecommunications, electricity and other lines hanging in

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

DATE organizer eyes P300-M sales

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) is eyeing to raise a P300-million sales in the Davao Trade Expo (DATE 2015) on September 25 to 27 at the SMX Convention Center.

“The last time we conducted DATE with the same focused industry was in 2012, which raised around P100 million revenue,” DATE 2015 vice chairman Jonathan Suy

said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

DCCCII is the lead organizer of the 17th DATE, which will focus on the livestock, poultry, game fowl and aquaculture sectors under the theme “Building Local Products for the Global Community.”

Suy said the three-day event will feature business matching, networking night, break-out sessions and agri-

trade exhibit, which is expected to draw 170 participants from the different sections of the value chain.

“More than 130 participants have already confirmed their participation in the three-day exhibit,” said Suy, who is also in the poultry business.

The event will be a venue for private and public sectors to discuss issues in the sectors of livestock, poultry,

gamefowl, and aquaculture, according to him. It will be also a venue where the best technology for each featured industry will be showcased.

Four international attaches as well as experts from each industry have been invited to conduct free trainings, forum and sessions during the event which will be open to the public.

“We are expecting around 10,000 participants for this

year’s trade expo,” Suy said.

A lechon-eating event that will be for free is an added highlight during the DATE 2015.

The 17th DATE is organized by the DCCCII in partnership with the City Government of Davao, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Hog Farmers Association.

The DCCCII also part-

nered with the Davao Association of Veterinary Technical Representatives, Inc., Mindanao Alliance of Dairy Industry Stakeholders Association, Goat and Sheep Raisers Association of Region 11, Southern Philippines Egg Producers Association, Mindanao Integrated Aquaculture Association, Davao United Game Fowl Breeders Association, and Mindanao Game Fowl Breeders Association.

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12 is targeting to start before yearend the shipment of cut pork meat products from General Santos City to various markets in the Middle East.

John Pascual, DA-12 livestock coordinator, said they are currently finalizing arrangements with the Philippine embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the entry of “pork-in-a-box” products from the region in its key cities.

He said the pork products will be mainly marketed to the estimated one million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are currently deployed in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities of the UAE. “I’m scheduled to go to Dubai in November and hopefully I’ll be bringing with me the first shipment,” he told MindaNews.

Pascual said they have yet to determine the volume of the pork exports as it will

depend on the capacity of local producers.

He said the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has initially certified eight companies in the region for the planned shipments in November.

The eight pork producers and processors were among the 50 in the area that the BAI subjected to stringent evaluation for compliance with the required standards in the production of export-quality “pork-in-a-box” products, he said.

The official said six of these companies are based in this city while the two others are located in nearby South Cotabato.

Last week, Pascual said Gil Herico, the agriculture attaché of the Philippine embassy in the UAE, visited anew the region to set the shipment arrangements.

He said Herico came last April to explore local products that could be exported to the UAE. The agriculture attaché

has already enlisted 35 importers that were maintaining outlets in Dubai as initial consignees of the “pork-in-abox” products.

Dubai has an estimated 850,000 Filipino population composed mainly of OFWs while Abu Dhabi has around 150,000.

Region 12 is presently the country’s leading producer of “pork-in-a-box” producers.

Data from the DA Region 12’s Veterinary Quarantine Services showed that the region produces around 120,00 heads of excess hogs annually that were valued at around P1.09 billion.

In terms of pork, the area produced around 12,000 metric tons a year that were valued at P1.97 billion.

About 28 percent of the area’s hog produce ends up at the Matutum Meat Packing Corp. based in Polomolok town in South Cotabato, 26 percent to Metro Manila and 13 percent to Cebu. (MindaNews)

continue the reforms if you want to keep the [economic] growth growing,” he added.

Luz stressed that the next administration should also be capable of accelerating the reforms started by President Aquino, including public-private partnership projects, infrastructure programs, and K to 12 program.

“From the very beginning, they (investors) like the reforms of President Aquino,” the NCC executive added.

“A lot of our work in NCC is how we make these reforms permanent. They must be institutionalized, they must be deeply embedded. And important is people must support good reforms and must speak out against the reversal of reforms,” he noted.

The current administration has claimed that the economic gains earned by the Philippines in the past five

years are backed by pushing accountability and transparency in the bureaucracy as well as its good governance.

President Aquino noted in his sixth and final State-ofthe-Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 that good governance has transformed the Philippines to being Asia’s “Rising Tiger,” “Rising Star,” and “Bright Spot,” thus, attracting investments from domestic and foreign firms.

The Chief Executive mentioned that net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2014 surged to USD 6.2 billion from USD 1.07 billion in 2010, an increase of almost 500 percent.

Investments from local sources were upbeat during the current administration with the total amounting to PhP 2.09 trillion from the third quarter of 2010 to end2014 from PhP 1.24 trillion in 2003 to 2010 period. (PNA)

Pork products from Region 12 to enter Middle East market T

Business community wants next admin Villar Group spending P30.5 billion to continue, accelerate Aquino’s reforms WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? An elderly man browses the menu of a popular restaurant at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

to expand mall, retailing businesses A

T

HE Villar Group is spending around P30.5 billion to expand its shopping malls and retailing segments in the next three years, in line with plans to publicly list these businesses.

“We haven’t discussed the details yet but we’re really preparing for an offering for Starmalls next year to fund our expansion. So we will be raising some cash,” Starmalls Inc. chairman Manuel B. Villar told reporters.

Villar said they will open three new Starmall branches in Taguig, Bataan and Sta. Rosa this year; and another five in 2016 to be located in Visayas region particularly in Cebu and Iloilo City.

The investment for each mall is about Php1.5 billion to Php2 billion, he said.

Villar said the company

aims to establish five new malls every year until 2017.

He noted the Starmalls expansion complements the expansion of its group’s new retail businesses which now includes All Home construction supply and home furnishings store, All Day convenience stores, as well as a new supermarket chain. ”All my companies are in the expansion mode. So even our All Day, even our Golden Haven memorial park, we expected increases last year, this year and next year.

(These are in preparation) for public listings in the next few years,” he added.

Villar, also the chairman of retail holding company All Value Holdings Corp., said the firm will put up three more AllHome appliance and furnishings stores in 2015 and another 12 next year. It

recently opened its ninth AllHome store in Las Piñas.

He said the initial batch of the 12 one-stop shops for home furnishings to be established in 2016 are located in Cebu City, Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City.

The firm will spend around Php300 million to build one larger-format AllHome appliance and furnishings store which will have 8,000 to 20,000 square meters, he added.

Despite its aggressive expansion, Villar still expects to list home-retailing arm that operates the AllHome stores possibly by 2017. ”It’s too early. There are still (a lot of) opportunities, its growth trajectory is high…

Next year, Starmall (maybe listed), then AllHome a year after next,” he noted. (PNA)

S the country gets busy with the elections and transition of leadership next year, the business community wants the next administration to continue and accelerate the reforms started by President Benigno S. Aquino III. National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Co-Chair for Private Sector Guillermo M. Luz said one of the concerns of investors in the leadership transition next year would be the sustainability of reforms and programs done by the current administration.

“It’s not actually the question of who will be the next president. The question for the investors is how can we sustain economic growth?”

Luz said.

“We must sustain reforms... If they (next administration) reverse the reforms, the country will feel the negative impact. They must

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Still in love with the

LION CITY

ASK any Filipino what their favourite destination is and chances are that Singapore ranks high on the list. The Lion City, which is currently celebrating its golden jubilee, has always been the top destination when it comes to travel with friends and family. I myself love Singapore for its accessibility as well as its varied attractions and features, making every visit to it an adventure.

Here is a short list on why I love Singapore and why you should consider visiting Singapore soon.

Vibrant festivals Singapore may be small but its festivals are always a one-of-a-kid-experience.

The Merlion

Urbanissimo A2

Chicken Rice at Maxwell Hawker Centre.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

Haji Lane is filled with many local shops.

Urbanissimo A1 Motorheads as well as music fans will want to drop by for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, the worlds only city street circuit run at night. Aside from catching the excitement of fast running cars, international artists will also be present for grand performances.

There is also the MidAutumn Festival which happens in September.

One of the loveliest festivals, the city is decked out in Chinese lanterns with moon-viewing parties happening all over the Singapore. Mooncakes are also exchanged during the festivities.

Those who love tennis may want to visit Singapore in time for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) finals from the 23rd of October all the way to November 1 to catch WTA celebrities in action.

Besides the top ranked players, witness tennis legends and promising young talent in action with the WTA Legends Classic, WTA Rising Stars Invitational and WTA Future Stars competition.

Outstanding cuisine There is no other place in the world with a more

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Mid-Autumn Festival means mookcakes.

SilkAir flies direct from Davao to Singapore daily using the newest 737.

Orchard Road is a shopaholic’s paradise.

vibrant food scene than Singapore. With various cultures coming together, the Lion City’s cuisine is a heady mix of Malay, Chi-

Enjoying the Marina Bay Sand’s free light show.

nese, Indian, as well as western influences.

To try the local fare, visit the nearby hawker centre such as those at Newton,

Chalk gathers 15 of the hottest and brightest student finalists for Bright Young Manila search FIFTEEN of the hottest and brightest students from top schools in the metro made the cut for Chalk’s Bright Young Manila: Campus Hotties Edition 2015, the longest running annual search to become Chalk’s ambassadors to push the ideals and talents of today’s Filipino youth.

In celebration of Chalk’s 15th anniversary, the 15 finalists who hail from different colleges and universities in Metro Manila sashayed down the runway in their bright young outfits styled

by Metro’s creative director and styleList, Inc. head Rex Atienza last Saturday at the #ChalkLiveMore party where they were officially introduced.

Among the crop of this year’s Bright Young Manila finalists is Charlene Dimalanta, the Sweet Spiker of UST, a volleyball player and aspiring model. She says she looks up to Ateneo’s Alyssa Valdez for remaining down to earth, despite the fame.

Another student athlete is Josh Torralba, the Baller Next Door of DLSU. The 6-foot-2 Green Archer guard who was once a member of the 16-Under National Team of Texas has been part of all-star basketball camps. But aside from his basketball skills, Josh is also a religious guy who credits God in his career.

Dale Corpus, the Ultimate Fighter of FEU, is fascinated in combat sports and practices mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu.

Dale says his mom, who works as an OFW in the States is his inspiration to work hard in school and in his fights in small com-

mercial bouts.

Another athlete finalist is Jules Aquino, the Incredible Hunk of UP Diliman, who plays varsity track and field for UP. Aside from his interest in sports, Jules is also a fan of outdoor activities and dreams to camp overnight at Mt. Pulag or Pinatubo.

Award-winning Ateneo Blue Tanker David Mendoza, the Fitness Buff of Ateneo is an advocate of healthy living. As a former chubby kid, David says he owes his transformation to sports which instilled in him good values such as self-discipline.

Chalk’s Bright Young Manila is also packed with student model finalists. Akiko Abad, the next top model of San Beda, looks like a Filipina version of Cara Delevingne because of her killer brows. Aside from doing modeling on the side, Akiko aspires to become a lawyer.

Sharing the law student dream with Akiko is Sofia Fajardo, the Stylish Jetsetter of UP Diliman who hopes to finish her accountancy degree and become a CPA lawyer. Whenever Sofia is not traveling or modeling, she is doing her duties as an active member of the UP Junior Marketing Association.

Another student finalist pursuing a business degree is Andrea Gonzalo, the Fierce Fashionista of Miriam College.

Andrea who is a voracious reader of Vogue dreams of walking the runway like her life peg, Georgina Wilson.

Joining in the diverse mix of finalists is Christian Padilla, the ‘It’ boy of PUP. Christian is the

resident pageant winner among the finalists, having won the Mr. Engineering crown where he represented his school’s Mechanical Engineering department.

Meanwhile, Zoe Vinluan, the Swag Queen of Trinity University of Asia is a dancer and a medical technologist in the making.

When she passes her board exams, Zoe hopes to continue in the medical field by becoming a doctor.

Also part of Chalk’s circle of finalists are promising stars.

Ganiel Krishnan, the Rising Star of FEU has made TV stints in top-rating shows. Her most recent was her appearance in ABS-CBN’s noontime serye, “Oh My G.” Ganiel is also part of Star Magic, but still keeps her eye on finishing school.

The Sultry Singer of San Sebastian, Maricris Soriano is not shy when it comes to showcasing her powerful vocals. She uses her Instagram to post videos of her singing and is now pursuing a solo singing career after being a former vocalist of an acoustic band.

Three student artists completes this year’s Bright Young Manila finalists. Tammy de Roca, the Artsy Gal of UP loves sketching and illustrating. She has done freelance illustrations for magazines, while pursuing a degree in Studio Arts.

The second student artist is Mike Gella, the Scene Stealer of CSB. As a photography student, Mike aspires to become one of the top photographers in the country like Mark Nicdao and BJ Pascual.

Maxwell, and Lau Pa Sat where one can order the famous chicken rice, satay, cereal prawn, char kwei tiao, as well as other delicious dishes.

For those who are aiming for stars of the Michelin kind, many celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Savoy and Daniel Boulud have already taken root in Singapore. There are also more affordable Michelin-stared restaurants that have opened too, such as Din Tai Fung and Tim Ho Wan. Colourful art scene Although a small citystate, Singapore’s size does not mean it is not without its artistic spaces as it has one of the most colourful art scenes in the world with a colourful brew of local and international works exhibited in its plethora of museums and galleries.

Must visits include the ArtScience Museum, a lotus flower-like structure designed by Moshe Safdie

at the Marina Bay Sands.

The Asian Civilisations Museum, a museum that is the first in the region to present a broad perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilizations. And the MAD Museum of Art & Design situated along Tanglin Road, amidst the vibrant Orchard shopping district, and features extraordinary pieces of contemporary art.

Great fun Aside from the food and the arts, Singapore has one of the most vibrant shopping experiences in the region with shopping spots ranging from luxury boutiques in fancy malls to community street-side markets such as those at Haji Lane where local designers set up their shops.

For those who are looking for fun with the family, then a visit to Sentosa Island and Universal Studies might be your thing. With hundreds of new attractions and rides to choose from, the excitement never

ends.

Easy access Of course one of the most important reasons why I love SIngapore is its accessibility thanks to direct daily flights out of Davao to Singapore on SilkAir, the Regional Wing of Singapore Airlines. Aside from delicious inflight meals and SilkAir Studio, the airline’s complimentary wireless inflight entertainment which you can stream direct to your mobile devices, every flight with SilkAir comes with a generous free baggage allowance of 30kgs, allowing you to shop with peace of mind.

For more information on great deals in Singapore you can visit YourSingapore.com/goldenjubilee for the latest Golden Jubilee offers.

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Network stages successful Fans Day in Mall of Asia Arena GMA Network staged a successful and fun-filled Fans Day in Mall of Asia Arena last Sunday, July 26, as part of its 65th anniversary celebration.

GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong showed support by gracing the fans day.

Also in attendance were other GMA executives and program managers.

The cast members of the top-rating Afternoon Prime series The Half Sisters Barbie Forteza, Thea Tolentino, Vaness del Moral and Winwyn Marquez were the first to go on stage and displayed their dancing prowess with “Juicy Wiggle” that drew loud cheers from the fans.

Kristoffer Martin, Joyce Ching and Krystal Reyes of Healing Hearts were called in next and performed a dance number with “Calling All Hearts.” Thunderous roars filled the air when Mark Herras, Alden Richards, Rodjun Cruz, Enzo Pineda, Rochelle Pangilinan, Kris Bernal, Louise delos Reyes and Iya Villania of Sunday All Stars showed off their effortless moves with the dance craze “Watch Me Nae Nae” and “Twerk it Like Miley.” Iya and Alden egged on the audience to join them in the Nae Nae dance tutorial.

Meanwhile, Elmo Magalona and Janine Gutierrez greeted their Kapuso fans and joined the stars of The Half Sisters including Barbie, Thea, Winwyn, Vaness and Andre Paras; Healing Hearts with Kristoffer, Joyce and Krystal; and Sunday All Stars’ Mark, Alden, Rodjun, Enzo, Rochelle, Kris and Louise onstage as they expressed their gratitude to all their devoted fans and supporters.

Cooking Diva and Asia’s Songbird Regine Ve las qu e z-Alc asid was greeted with earsplitting cheers from the crowd when she serenaded them with a medley of some of the hit songs of Eraserheads.

Kapuso Network’s

off their feet with their special performance.

The fans day became doubly memorable when Kapuso leading man Tom Rodriguez and Ms. World 2013 Megan Young impressed fans with their singing and dancing skills. They both gamely posed for

favorite divas and balladeers Jaya, Aicelle Santos, Maricris Garcia, Frencheska Farr, Rita Daniella, Katherine Castillo, Kai Atienza, Hannah Precillas and Kris Lawrence captivated the fans when they belted out a medley of Aegis’ hit songs.

The crowd went ecstatic when the lead stars of the primetime series The Rich Man’s Daughter Rhian Ramos, Luis Alandy and Glaiza de Castro shared the stage for a song number. They were later on joined by TJ Trinidad, Mike Tan, Sheena Halili and Chynna Ortaleza as they thanked the crowd for their support and appreciation on the drama series.

The cast of Yagit led

by Yasmien Kurdi, LJ Reyes, Zymic Jaranilla, Jemuell Ventinilla, Judie Dela Cruz and Chlaui Malayao charmed the fans as they performed a song and dance number.

Ismol Family’s Ryan Agoncillo and Carla Abellana thanked the Kapuso fans for their continued support for the family sitcom. Carmi

Martin, Kevin Santos, Mike Pekto Nacua, Yakki, Krippy, Dianne, Jackie, Boobay, Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali joined them onstage.

The crowd roared with excitement when Philippine Comedy Queen AiAi delas Alas showed up and took the centerstage. The crowd went even crazier when AiAi called the fast-rising loveteam of Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia onstage who serenaded the crowd with the song “Let the Love Begin.” They were later joined by the other cast members of the primetime series including Donita Rose, Sancho delas Alas, Abel Estanislao, Nomer Limatog, Rita and Phytos Ramirez.

My Mother’s Secret’s Christian Bautista serenaded the fans with the song “Photograph” while Gwen and Diva Montelaba danced.

They were joined by Kiko Estrada and Kim Rodriguez.

The new talents of GMA Artist Center wowed the crowd with their special dance number. While, the whole gang of Walang

Tulugan with the Master Showman headlined by the ultimate star builder German “Kuya Germs” Moreno thanked the crowd for their relentless support for their show all these years. He was joined by John Nite, Jake, Buboy Villar, Ken Chan, Hiro Peralta, Renz Valerio, and other WTWMS mainstays.

Primetime King Dingdong Dantes led the cast of Pari’Koy as he gave an all-out performance singing along with the audience. He was joined onstage by Gabby Eigenmann, David Remo, Jillian Ward, Jeric Gonzales, JC Tiuseco, Hiro, Lindsay de Vera and Sunshine Dizon.

Dingdong also invited the crowd to support the upcoming season of Starstruck.

Kapuso fans present during the event had the opportunity to see first the sneak peek of the Network’s forthcoming programs that will hit the airwaves this second half of the year.

First off was the upcoming comedy-variety show Sunday PinaSaya with hosts AiAi, Alden, Julie Anne San Jose, Valeen Montenegro and Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

Kylie Padilla, Julie Anne, Martin del Rosario, Jake, Mayton Eugenio and Julian Trono of the latest Afternoon Prime series Buena Familia added stellar glitz to the fans day.

The cast of the primetime series Beautiful Strangers Lovi Poe, Rocco Nacino, Benjamin Alves and Christopher de Leon swept their fans

pictures with their excited supporters and invited them to support Marimar on GMA Telebabad.

The fans day not only cemented the star power of the Kapuso stars but made everyone’s Sunday an event to remember.

July 30 – August 4, 2015

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5 Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner PG

12:20 | 3:00 | 5:40 | 8:20 LFS

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5 Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner PG

2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

PAPER TOWNS Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, Halston Sage

R-16

PG

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

ANT-MAN Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas PG

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

#NoFilter ENTERTAINMENT

In-depth understanding of this generation’s resounding voices, beyond the hashtags and hugot THINK of your childhood, no matter which generation you belong, and try to remember how your parents or grandparents would measure up your teens from their own experience. Try this as your guide: “You guys have it easy these days. Back in our time, we (fill in the blank).”

I have high respect for those who have walked the path before our generation did --- they managed to survive the complexities of life without the aid and comfort of today’s devices and online tools. I’d like to think every generation has its own pros and woes. The problems of the past might mean little to those who live and breathe through the tech age with ease and devotion. Looking at the other side, our own parents also had advantages of their time as compared to that of our grandpar-

ents. I’ve yet to see how my daughter would fare over me when she hits her teens.

It’s a mystery that has yet to unfold.

It seems that millennials are a hot topic nowadays

regardless of office space or social scenes. I’ve heard of one who refers to this group as the Generation “Why.” Millennials have been called many things—

selfish, spoiled, entitled, narcissistic, among other insults and half-truths.

They can engage in a good, old-fashioned catfight or we can call it even and give these millennials a break.

There’s more to millennials that what meets the eye --- beyond the diaspora of the voices that speak of ambiguous messages with hashtags as prefix or resemblances to “Dear Diary” in the form of online bios. Despite the “rawness” or “impulses” of this generation, some people still do not see that they also have the very same cautiousness and unsettling emotions and issues that we all went through during adolescence. The prevailing difference between generation gaps is the environment that surrounds us all that creates for us a certain label and branding.

The Sandbox Collective addresses all these issues through its first Blueprint Original called, No Filter: Let’s Talk About ME, a play by millennials for millennials about millennials.

Starring Jasmine CurtisSmith, Lauren Young, Cai Cortez, Saab MagalonaBacarro, Sarah Facuri, Khalil Kaimo, Micah Mu-

It seems that millennials ar hot topic nowa e a d regardless of o ays space or socia ffice ls I’ve heard of o cenes. ne refers to this g who ro as the Genera up tion “Why.”

ñoz and Mikael Daez, this witty and cool set takes the stage to give voice to their generation and experience. Featuring a series of monologues and multimedia performances, the production explored anything and everything millennial—from the evolution of social media, life after college, the woes of work and finding a job, pursuing one’s passions, Tinder, dating (online and off), finding love, success and happiness, among other issues.

“There’s a certain perception of us,” shares director and executive producer Toff de Venecia, “millennials being known for our excessiveness, entitlement, and narcissism.”

He adds, “What we are doing through the show, in

essence, is demystifying the millennial, and moving the conversation, warts and all, from page to stage.”

If you’re in Manila this weekend, make sure to catch any of the last three shows at the RCBC Theater. No Filter is definitely an insightful, honest, funny and engaging production you need to see, whether you’re a Baby Boomer or a Gen X-er. It’s like a giant groufie in motion, a picture of what lies beneath 140 characters and any kind of insta-fix.

For tickets call The Sandbox Collective at 5856909 or 0917-8996680. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for a complete list of shows and other updates.

EDGEDAVAO

7 HEALTH

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Can you hear me now?

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

W

HEN it comes to predicting someone’s age, you may be better off checking their hearing instead of counting their gray hairs. That’s because by age 60, nearly everyone suffers from some hearing loss, and after age 70, they continue to lose hearing steadily.

But there’s at least one factor that ensures hearing loss long before age-related problems set in. And that’s continued exposure to loud noise.

“Noise damage is caused by both the intensity of the sound and the duration of the exposure,” explains Dr. Charles Kimmelman, professor of otolaryngology at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. “But because the effect of noise damage is cumulative, hearing loss from noise adds to the hearing loss you’ll get from aging.”

Noise – unwanted or harmful sound – is a pervasive pollution in society. It enters our ears as powerful waves of mechanical energy.

Scientists measure sound intensity in decibels (db), with each doubling of energy adding three decibels.

Ordinary conversation measures about 60 db; a child’s scream hits around 90 db. On this logarithmic scale, the scream is potentially 1000 times more powerful.

High-fidelity amplified music – be it rock or classical – from a sound box can pound as high as 110 db.

In the Philippines, the standard threshold of noise allowed is 85 dB for eight working hours. “This standard isn’t ideal, because noise affects individuals differently,” says Dr. William Clark of Washington University’s Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Missouri. “In theory, the standard should protect

the lifetime hearing of 90 percent of workers. However, it assumes that a worker’s ears will have 16 hours of quiet each day during which to recover – an unlikely assumption for most people.”

Our organ of hearing and balance consists of the outer, middle, and inner ear.

The outer ear consists of the external part of the ear and the ear canal. The middle ear consists of the eardrum and a small air-filled chamber containing a chain of three tiny bones that connect the eardrum to the inner ear. The inner ear is a complex structure consisting of two major parts: the cochlea, the organ of hearing; and the semicircular canals, the organ of balance.

That which we perceive as sound is in reality changes in air pressure. In order for the human ear to hear a sound it must change air pressure at least 40 times per second (this means 20 cycles

Hearing loss symbol (from Wikipedia)

per second – there are two changes in air pressure for each cycle). If, however, the air pressure changes more than 40 thousand times per second (20,000 cycles per second), the sound is too high for the human ear to hear.

“Past the bones of the middle ear (the smallest bones in the human body) are thousand of hair cells,” writes Massie K. Santos. “When the bones in the middle ear vibrate due to sound, the hair cells pick up the movements and convert them into electrical impulses that nerves send to the brain for processing and identification.”

According to Santos, although the hair cells are extremely resilient, they can be damaged. “Unfortunately, like brain cells, hair cells are never replaced when they die,” she pointed out in her article, ‘The Cost of Living Too Loud.’

Many people believe that weaker hearing is an inevitable part of aging. But studies show that those who live in low-noise environments tend to have very little hearing loss in old age.

Repeated exposure to high-decibel noise – like jet engines, gunshots, or sternum-thumping rap music – actually deadens the sensitive nerve in the eardrums that help a person hears.

In some instances, hearing problems among teenagers may not only be caused by loud sound but from their exposure to second-hand smoke. According to Dr. Anil Lalwani, professor of otolaryngology, pediatrics and physiology and neurosci-

ence at New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City, said that, on average, 12- to 19-year-olds who had been exposed to second-hand smoke are nearly twice as likely as other teenagers to suffer irreversible sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in their teen years – even though that kind of hearing loss typically tends to occur among older adults.

Whether teenager or adult, a person with ruptured eardrum can experience temporary hearing loss, says Dr. Clough Shelton, an associate clinical professor of otolaryngology at the University of California, Los Angeles. A number of things can rupture the eardrum, including severe ear infections and sports that cause pressure changes in the ear – scuba diving, parachuting, and lifting heavy weights.

Certain diseases can also cause hearing loss. Among them are rheumatoid arthritis, syphilis, Meniere’s disease and otosclerosis. Meniere’s disease is a somewhat rare ailment that attacks the inner ear, causing dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ear). Otosclerosis, which affects mostly young adults and twice as many women as men, is a disease that causes the growth of calcium in the inner ear. People who have otosclerosis may feel as if one ear is plugged or they’re listening to the world from inside a barrel.

The combination of noise and certain common drugs can increase hearing damage. For instance, as few as 12 aspirins tablets a day – a low

dose taken by many with arthritis – can cause tinnitus under intense sound conditions.

As few as eight a day can aggravate the damage done by loud noise, and chronic aspirin use has the potential to make hearing impairments permanent. (The low dose used to help prevent heart attacks is not a problem.)

People who mix alcohol and noise can suffer lifelong hearing damage. Deep inside the ear, loud noise will trigger an acoustic reflex similar to the squinting of the eyes.

Muscles tighten to reduce the transmission of sound intensity through the tiny bones of the middle ear by up to 20 dB. What happens when a person gets drunk? Research

by Martin Robinette, head of audiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Montana, shows that the amount of noise needed to trigger the acoustic reflex rises by an average five db and many jump as much as 13 dB. This means the ears of drinkers do not defend themselves until noise grows more than four times the usual energy for triggering the reflex.

“Hearing loss usually occurs very slowly,” informs Dr. Christine Gerhardt, certified American audiologist for the Family Hearing Center in Colorado, “and we are often very unaware of it as it progresses.

Once you have hearing loss, there’s no way we know of how to regenerate the destroyed nerve cells.”

Regardless of age, people who must endure loud environments may risk more than their ears. Studies show

they can suffer elevated levels of cholesterol and more stomach and intestinal ulcers, higher blood pressure and more heartbeat abnormalities than people who live and work in quieter environments.

“Loud noise triggers the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response – a rise in the level of adrenalin, and a subsequent increase in blood pressure, a dilation of the pupils, and contraction of muscles,” explains Lowell Ponte in an article which appeared inReader’s Digest. “For our distant ancestors, noise often signalled danger, and biologically these responses helped them cope with emergencies.”

In recent years, when incessant noise prompts the reactions hour after hour, the result is stress, fatigue, labored breathing, impaired sleep and the health damage these can cause. When rhesus monkeys were subjected to prolonged noise, their blood pressure rose by 23 percent and remained elevated even long after the noise was turned off.

Helen Keller once remarked that vision loss separates an individual from mere things, but hearing loss separates that person from the community. “Loneliness is a huge problem when one becomes older,” says Dr. Gary J. Glascoe, associate professor of communicative disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. “Why would someone willingly jeopardize the one sense that forms connections with other people?”

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

EDITORIAL Give the street back

I

T’S about time someone complained about the presence of hundreds of street vendors along Roxas Avenue who have staked their claim on what is being quaintly called a “night market” but which is really nothing but a huge sidewalk vending operation. Indeed, the wonder about the letter of complaint written by business owners along Roxas Avenue to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is that it was sent only now, one-and-a-half years after the night market was first put up. It must have taken a lot of patience for the affected people – not just business owners but residents and other denizens – to put up with the nightly intrusion that shows not the best of Davao City but its worst.

To recall, the night market was put up as the city government’s response to the proliferation of vendors who have been taking up more than their allowed space on the sidewalks. City Hall had been having a hard time controlling the vendors who were openly violating the “one-third, two-thirds” rule under which they were supposed to have the smaller share of the sidewalks; the problem had been so grave that even members of the demolition team were be-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • B. EDCER C. SR., ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA •ANGELO GREGORIO G. DELIGERO BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO AGUSTIN • EMILY • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDA MIAEconomic S. VALVERDE • Economic “GICO” G.• DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Analyst: ENRICO Analysts: “GICO” G.ENRICO DAYANGIRANG JONALLIER M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

ing attacked when they dared remove offending stalls. Because the city could not control them, they were given Roxas Avenue as an alternative location. At the time it was being discussed it sounded like a good idea. The vendors would be allowed one lane in which to sell from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., after which they would fold up their stalls and leave the area clean. As the months wore on, however, it became obvious that it was not as simple as that.

For one thing, it has been difficult to control the space the vendors occupied. The one lane often turns into two, making it difficult for motorists to pass through. Add to that the large number of people who flock to the area and spill over into the remaining road and you have a recipe for a bottleneck. Making things worse is the fact that any place where people congregate in the Philippines usually degenerates into a huge garbage pile as people throw plastic bags, cups, and other piece of trash. All in all, the night market has miserably failed to live up to its promise.

It’s time to rethink this experiment and give the street back to the people.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

9

Europe-ASEAN: Natural partners

I

WOULD like to share with you some highlights of a brochure with the above title published by the EU Delegation in Jakarta. It clearly outlines that ASEAN and the EU are natural partners, as they have a common DNA: • The EU and ASEAN share the same goals for their citizens – peace, stability and prosperity; • The EU is ASEAN’s 3rd largest trading partner; • In the ASEAN Regional Forum together with other partners, ASEAN and the EU address regional and international security issues of common interest and concern.

The two regions have been intertwined for centuries, demonstrating a strong joint history. Within the context of deepening relations for the next decade, the main objectives are • Strengthening EU-ASEAN trade and investments by building on strong commercial ties; the aim is to reach agreement on bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) that will become stepping stones for a region-to-region agreement; the Philippines and the EU are working towards a FTA but this will still take some time;

S

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

• E x EUROPE BIZ pandi n g development cooperation b e tween AS EA N and the Henry J. Schumacher EU by sharing experiences and contributing to prosperity; and • Supporting the creation of the ASEAN community in terms of support for the political-security community, the economic community and the socio-cultural community.

c. Socio-Cultural Community – education, biodiversity, relief and disaster management, media, climate change, science and technology.

Looking at those areas, we can see the involvement of the EU / EU Delegation in many of them in the Philippines. In our discussions with the leadership of the EU Delegation in the Philippines it is obvious how determined the EU Delegation players are to make the support relevant to Philippine citizens as incoming ASEAN citizens.

• •

and Trade initiative aims to improve sustainability and legality in the forest sector; Regional health hazard programs: cooperation in combating highly pathogenic diseases; Good governance: support for a network of 32 cities in five ASEAN member stat4es, aiming to share knowledge and best practices on good local government for improving living conditions – ECCP and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation are running a new project, co-funded by the EU Delegation – called Integrity for Jobs (I4J) which involves one province, one city and municipalities in Mindanao; Humanitarian support to respond to disasters: the Philippines got its share of disasters, from Pablo to Yolanda and Glenda, and the earthquakes in Bohol and Cebu; the EU Delegation got immediately involved in support; Aid to uprooted people in the region; and Cooperation in the area of science and innovation.

a. Political-Security Community – border management, confidence building, international peace and mediation, parliamentary diplomacy, asymmetric risks; b. Economic Community – internal markets, customs, standards, statistics, trade liberalization, energy;

ASEAN also benefits from other regional, thematic and humanitarian EU programs in the following areas: • Higher education exchange: about 250 students and scholars from ASEAN are awarded Erasmus Mundus scholarships for studies in Europe each year; • Environment and climate change: cooperation to promote sustainable development and protect biodiversity. A major initiative in this area is Switch-Asia, which is promoting sustainable consumption and production; the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is involved in a number of SwitchAsia projects; • The Forest Law enforcement Governance

Let me repeat what has been said at the beginning: EU and ASEAN have a common DNA and the ASEAN-EU relations are based on a strong history. There is no question that the cooperation will continue to flourish.

Negrense roots, has his bailiwick in the Visayas. Mindanao is of course solidly behind Duterte. While the forces of hell are reportedly pulling out all the stops for its native son, Vice President Jejomar “The Philippines is Mine” Binay.

---With the lineup of presidential contenders rapidly firming up, the search for running mates has also kicked into high gear. For Sec. Roxas and the Liberal Party, the names being floated include Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, Rep. Leni Robredo, and even Sen. Poe (in the event that she is disinclined to run for the top post herself).

However, if she does choose to run, Escudero already has the inside track since this to her VP is precisely why he’s insisting that she run in the first place. And while there are no names yet being associated with Mayor Duterte, given his immense popularity and unorthodox campaign style, it’s entirely possible that he may just run solo. Which is the complete opposite of Vice President Jejomar “Mr. Popularity” Binay, who at this point can’t seem to buy a running mate

for all the cakes in Makati. Maybe if he asks Atty.

Pamatong nicely?

---Which brings us to the question of, what the f$&k is wrong with the Binay campaign? From being the frontrunner a few months ago, the once seemingly unstoppable Binay machinery has lost its steam, its direction, and its mind. Not content with attacking Grace Poe for being an orphan, they have also so far endorsed the lifting of term limits for crooked politicians, cozied up to Chinese land grabbers in the Spratly Island disputes, became best buds with disgraced former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and alienated the last few people that could have swayed Aquino to his side. What’s next, legalized abortion?

---And now there’s Binay’s ridiculous assertion that Aquino’s endorsement will allow Mar to use the government’s resources to get an undue advantage. Really? This from a guy who’s done nothing but angle for the presidency the whole time he’s been sitting as vice president?

The same guy who’s been plastering his face on relief goods being distributed by his office? The same guy who’s been going around on government funds for the past five years to every city, town, barangay, and purok spreading the gospel of his coming in 2016?

---Still, despite the almost certainty that it will

backfire on his boss, Binay’s spokesman for political affairs, Atty. Rico Quicho, has the gall to say that “this political inbreeding has at least been exposed to the public. But if this isn’t using government machinery to give undue advantage to its preferred candidate, we don’t know what is.” Well attorney, it would seem that this isn’t the only thing you don’t know anything about – the e’s also honesty, good governance, decency, common sense, and when to shut up.

---Also in the news last week was President Aquino’s valedictory State of the Nation Address that of course the militants rejected as being utterly false and without merit. Which isn’t at all surprising since they’ve basically said the same for every other SONA since anyone can remember.

---Arroyo apologists also took the President to task for once again talking about the corruption of the past administration. While I can see their point on how it must be hard for them to be the constantly reminded of their sins to Filipino people, to suggest that we should simply “move on” like this was just some bad teenage breakup is plainly stupid. PNoy ran and won on an anti-corruption platform, and so he is not only justified, but is even obligated to remind the people of we got here. Here’s a thought, before we talk of moving on, how about we get these Arroyoyos to move out first?

Let’s look at the areas of EU support to the ASEAN community:

•

• •

Oras na ni Roxas and other curiosities

O it’s finally final. Ending months of speculation and faux suspense, President Aquino has announced that Secretary Mar Roxas is his choice to succeed him after his term ends in 2016. This of course comes as no surprise since Roxas, among those who were rumored as being considered, remained the most consistently pro-Aquino and has shown that he is serious about continuing on the daan that this administration has set. As to whether or not that particular daan leads to Malacañang is yet another matter.

---As for Vice President Jejomar “Viagra Man” Binay, Aquino’s announcement finally shuts the door on his dreams of getting the presidential blessing. Asked how he feels about Roxas getting the nod, the spurned Binay says that the endorsement will only highlight the difference between him and Mar. Which is true, yet I don’t see how this can be a cause for celebration on his part. If the worst people can say about Roxas is that he isn’t masa enough, then he is clearly the better choice between the two.

---And with the NPC and NP’s decision to support Sen. Grace Poe if she listens to her handler, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and runs for president, the battle lines for 2016 are starting to become clearer. The lady senator holds Luzon with the help of Cojuangco in the north, Escudero in the south, and Villar in between them. Mar, with his

10 NEWS TOO EARLY... FROM 1 didacy for President in 2010 was not known until September 2009.

He also reminded reporters that the candidacy of Fidel V. Ramos was not indorsed by the late President Corazon C. Aquino until February, 1992, barely three months before

Election Day. As of now, Laviña said, only Vice President Jejomar Binay and Secretary Roxas are sure to be candidates for President, while Senator Poe and Mayor Duterte still have to officially announce their intention to run for the position.

The incident resulted in the injuring of two policemen and 10 Lumads.

In his statement yesterday, Rivera said the incident in Haran “exposed the truth about the deplorable condition of the lumads being imprisoned by the support groups.”

“There is a continuing crime being committed inside based on the report of tribal leaders that needs urgent action by the interagency body headed by DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), together with the NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples), PNPWCPD (Philippine National Police-Women and Children’s Protection Desk) and DOH (Department of Health),” Rivera said.

“The fact that a 4-year-old child was saved from sub-human condition justifies the action of the rescue operation otherwise the situation in the compound will remain hidden from the public’s knowledge,” he added.

Rivera said militant leaders behind lumad detention were covering four death incidents and human rights violations inside UCCP Haran.

He a thorough investigation is also being conducted to

shed light on the death of Lito Lundia, an IP who was reported to have committed suicide inside the compound, and three others.

“The resistance of the militants to the entry of government agencies was orchestrated to contain information and witnesses confirming the death of three more unidentified lumads while being held inside Haran,” Rivera said.

Rivera said cases have already been filed for violation of Article 267 (Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention) of the Revised Penal Code and RA 9298 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) on May 14, 2015 against Rev. Jurie Jaime, Sheena Duazo, Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Laniba, Tony Salubre, Jimboy Marciano, Mary Ann Sapar, Jaja Necosio, Pedro Arnado, Kerlan Fanagel, Sr. Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Kharlo Manano, and Riuz Valle.

He said these cases are in relation to the filed complaints executed by seven members of the Manobo-Matigsalog tribe who said they were “deceived and deprived of their freedom of locomotion and against their will while at UCCP Haran compound from February 3-25, 2015.”

showed his ratings drop against other presidential candidates from 15 percent to five percent.

“My chances for winning now is only one percent and a half percent after my ratings drop from 15 percent to five percent,” Duterte said.

Duterte did not say which group conducted the survey and when. But he ranked third among 10 possible Presidential candidates in the Asia Pulse survey from May 30 to June 5, and fourth in the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of June 5 to 8, with only one per cent difference, against Roxas.

Duterte said he cannot expect financial help from his political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, which he described as “cash-strapped with no big financial backers.”

Catch up He said Roxas can catch up with Poe and Binay with President Aquino’s endorsement last Friday. “Roxas can now go campaign around the country saying he has the backing of President Aquino. That is a big deal,” Duterte said.

Roxas was supposed to have run for President in 2010 but slid down to the Vice Presidency in favor of Aquino, who was then seen as a “winnable” Presidential candidate, following the death of his mother, Corazon, President of the post-Marcos dictatorship, from 1986 go 1992.

Roxas lost the Vice Presi-

dency to Binay in 2010.

Won’t endorse Duterte said he will not endorse any of these Presidential candidates if he won’t run for President because “all of them are my friends.”

Even as he has sounded indecisive on running for the Presidency, Duterte has continued moving around the country for his so-called “listening tour” on federalism and as special guest in major occasions.

From Cagayan de Oro on Saturday night he moved over to Camiguin on Sunday and is scheduled to be in M’lang, North Cotabato on Monday, August 3.

In his testimonial dinner on Saturday, he shared with the audience his vision of how he would run the government if he were elected President.

“After six years, I’m going to give you a new government and a new order,” he said.

Duterte said he will have to contend with a corrupt-ridden bureaucracy and “a Congress that serves its own interests.”

In his earlier pronouncements, he said he’d work for the abolition of Congress.

“How do you deal with police who are into criminality?

By what stretch of imagination can you really define due process if you want to reform this government,” he asked.

“If anyone of you can answer that maybe I will reconsider and run for the Presidency,” he said.

Police... FROM 2

Rody... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

Census... FROM 2

ing homes and will be asking basic information such as age, sex, marital status, education, and usual occupation. The interview will take 15 to 30 minutes for each household.

The enumeration for POPCEN 2015 aims to provide inventory of the total household in the country and provide updated data of population counts or household members.

Gales said the census data will be used as basis for the determination of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), creation of new local government units (LGUs), and the conversion of some existing LGUs to higher level such as municipalities to component cities and component cities to highly urbanized cities.

According to the PSA website, census results are also useful for determining sites for establishing businesses. These data are utilized to determine consumer demands and supply of labor for the production

of various goods and services.

Gales said the population count by province, city, municipality, and barangay will be submitted to the Office of the President for proclamation as official census counts in January 2016.

Other detailed data will be released on staggered basis starting last quarter of 2016, the PSA website added.

This effort of PSA is in accordance to the Republic Act No. 10625 or the Philippine Statistics Act of 2013 which mandated the PSA to conduct and prepare all national censuses, surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of administrative recording system and compilation of national accounts.

The law also mandates the PSA to prepare and conduct periodic censuses on population, housing, agriculture, fisheries, business, industry, and other sectors of the economy.

CRC

(hiring of additional sanitary inspectors) and I did not expect his pronouncement,” Oconer said.

Oconer said as soon as the additional 20 inspectors are hired he can deploy sanitary inspectors in the districts in Paquibato and Marilog since there are no inspectors in these areas.

He said his office just sends assigned inspectors from other health district of-

fices to these areas.

Oconer said he can now assign at least three inspectors in the 17 health districts depending on the population.

He said his office currently has 24 inspectors assigned to the different health districts in the city.

In a separate interview, CHO head Josephine Villafuerte said there are six vacancies but the other 14 can be still hired as job orders.

nos would consume so that the intervention to be provided to the different food producing sectors could be planned as well.

“There is really no need to import food items like chicken, pork, vegetables, rice and even beef because Filipino farmers could produce these with gov-

ernment’s support,” he said.

Duterte’s concern for greater government support for the agriculture sector is part of his advocacy for rural development and Federalism.

“Agriculture does not only produce food. It also creates jobs in the countryside,” he said.

Save more time by choosing from a wide array of money transfer services that lets you send and receive money when you need it the most. Have your money sent right at your doorstep through LBC’s Doorto-Door Delivery through an unmatched network of over 2,500 on-foot couriers.

Skip all the extra steps in sending money through the Remit to Account service where you can send money straight to a specific bank account. No middle man needed. For shopaholics, cashless shopping is made possible by LBC’s Send and Swipe Card.

Powered by Visa, this card lets you swipe to shop or withdraw money from any Bancnet ATM nationwide.

“If there is one thing Filipinos are recognized for, it’s their will to help loved ones as soon as they can,” said Mantecon.

Responding to urgent financial needs is now within reach. Just visit the nearest LBC branch and avail of its instant branch pick-up service or choose to send money through TXT Remit using only a prepaid phone card. TXT Remit cards are available at 7-11 stores nation-

wide.

Bills payment made easier Avoid long queues and pay your credit card and utility bills and other government service fees, such as SSS, PhilHealth, and PAG-IBIG at the LBC branch nearest you. With over 100 partner merchants and in partnership with Bayad Center, Bills Xpress allows you to settle your accounts earlier and faster.

The services are available with LBC’s Plus Card, an upcoming loyalty and reward program where customers can enjoy offers, discounts, and other promos. It also works as a cash card, where they can withdraw money, and a customer card, where the customer’s information is stored for future transactions.

“We have observed how fast-paced everything is nowadays - from sending money to paying your bills. People hate falling in line and waiting for their turn. With LBC branches in strategic locations, customers can now save more time with no added cost,” shared Mantecon. http://www.lbcexpress.com

CHO... FROM 4

Duterte... FROM 4

LBC... FROM 12

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Business... FROM 2

stop people from urinating within our property but last June 25, there was an altercation between my guards and one of the massage attendants,” Tan said.

Tan said the city must look into this matter before any untoward incident happens since his guards are duty-bound to implement orders.

“I do not want anybody get hurt because of these,” he said.

Tan also urged the city government to provide more

portalets and advised the vendors to observe proper hygiene and sanitation.

The complaint of the group will be included in the first reading in today’s regular City Council session.

The night market opened in January 2014 as a means to address the presence of street vendors who have occupied many areas in the city. Under the plan, vendors would be allowed to sell along Roxas Avenue from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

She said some of the possible normal effects of the vaccine shots were fainting, fever, swelling, and rashes.

Montejo said some public schools in the region have already started immunization early this month.

The school-based immunization program is in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), and partners from other concerned agencies and organizations.

DOH... FROM 4

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

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK service

Case No.2015-XI-00604

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular service

Case No.2010-XI-00259

LUZVIMINDA A. MAHILUM, Petitioner

LUZVIMINDA A. MAHILUM, Petitioner

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE for the transportation of freight on the route. WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC AND VICE VERSA with the use of FOUR (4) units.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: BUHANGIN JP LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on May 10, 2016. In the petition filed on July 16, 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.

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

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on AUGUST 18, 2015 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 9th day of July 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

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

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on AUGUST 17, 2015 at 09:40 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 16th day of July 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO

11 PROPERTY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Three unique features only Northpoint can claim WHEN it comes to owning unique features, only Northpoint can lay claim to three features that cannot be found all together in a single condo development in the region.

Caribbean pine trees.

Where else in Davao can you see imported Caribbean pine trees growing beautifully tall? Only in Northpoint. This British colonial themed condominium development is planted with these hardy evergreens that dot its grounds and provide a refreshing vista of lushness.

Many of the pines are now over 20 feet tall, creating a forest-like look and ambiance inside the condo community, and providing fresh air and a mild whiff of pine scent every day. Northpoint residents thrive in the refreshing ambiance that reinvigorates them each time they come home.

The pines also protect the land from topsoil erosion and support the mini ecosystem of plant life and small animals like birds that thrive in this verdant environment. The girth and height of the trees also protect the condominium buildings from harsh sunlight and strong winds, and blocks off the din of traffic and other city noise.

Built on solid bedrock.

There’s nothing more secure than knowing your condo home is on stable ground. Northpoint is safely built on solid bedrock, enabling it to stand tall, proud, and secure on undulating land at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada.

Standing on bedrock makes the buildings safer from ground movement such as an earthquake, as the solid, compacted nature of bedrock vibrates much less than loose soil or gravel. Those living at the top floors of North-

point’s condominiums have nothing to fear.

While building on swampy or other forms of wetlands may be possible with recent innovations in construction, the cost of fortifying the structure’s foundation to make it stable will eventually add up to the cost of the project, making it too pricey for homebuyers.

Wellness is the norm.

Where can you live where a lifestyle of wellness is the norm? Northpoint not only provides a stylish condo home set amidst a backdrop of world-class facilities and a beautiful, nature-filled surrounding, it also promotes healthy living for its unit owners.

The clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, has a wellness pool with salinated water where unit owners can take laps early in the morning for an invigorating exercise, or in the late afternoon to swim the day’s stresses away. After swimming in the pool, they can come home refreshed with a better mood and a healthier body.

A quick run around the jogging trail in the morning can get them physically and mentally ready to face the rigors of the day, while a brisk walk upon coming home can help them de-stress. A leisurely stroll in the early evening with family allows them to reconnect with loved ones, nourishing their spiritual and emotional state of mind.

To make Northpoint your home and enjoy all its unique features, visit the Camella offices at Delgar Bldg., (fronting Northpoint) at JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City or call 226-3011.

12 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

Public-private partnership peace forum held in Tagum

A

FOOD EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL KIDS. As a culminating activity for Nutrition Month, the Catanihan Foundation in partnership with Hedcor and the Assumptionestas Graduate had a nutrition awareness drive and feeding program for the grade one underweight-pupils of Catalunan

Grande Elementary School. Hedcor and the Aboitiz Foundation support the Catanihan Foundation in their advocacy this school-year as a manifestation of the Aboitiz mindset of doing well by doing good. 90 kids will be benefiting from this program.

PEACE forum under the auspices of the public and private sectors was held last week in Tagum City.

The peace forum, dubbed “Enhanced Peace and Security Forum II,” was the second in two years and was attended by some 100 officials and representatives from the city government, national government agencies, police, military, priests and pastors, media, and private and civil society organizations.

During the forum, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon vowed to continually safeguard the peace and order situation in his city and augment funding support to the police and peacekeeping civilian force multipliers and to peace and order programs in his city.

He also said he would purchase more patrol cars for the police.

At the same time, Rellon

called for more community involvement in keeping the city’s peace and order.

City police chief Superintendent Lito Patay told participants that crime incidence has decreased in the past two years, from 8 percent decrease in 2014 and 6 percent as of June this year.

Forum participants shared views on peace and security problems and constraints as well as proposals to a range of issues relating peace and order such as crimes and criminals, illegal drugs, illegal gambling, traffic congestion, police visibility and deployment, children in conflict with law, bura-bura motorcycles, community participation, local media reporting and others.

The day-long forum ended with the participants’ signing of a manifesto of commitment for peaceful Tagum City. Cha Monforte, Correspondent

BC Express, the leading courier service provider in the Philippines, reinforces its commitment to serve Filipinos by connecting them with their loved ones worldwide.

With branches and partners in Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Saipan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, LBC offers three key services that make life easier for customers: bills payment, money transfer, and cargo delivery.

At the forefront of these services are clear, certain, and onvenient — concepts which LBC uses to move Filipinos from all over the world closer to each other. “With over 70 years of being in the cargo delivery business, we have been servicing Filipinos with top-ofthe-line offers that make sending and receiving love easier and faster,” said Javier C. Mantecon, Chief Marketing Officer

of LBC. Reliable delivery anytime, anywhere With LBC Express, your packages don’t just get sent; they are also handed to your loved ones with utmost care and protection through LBC’s Express Delivery. Choose from a variety of customized packagings and have your items sent on time.

For big, heavy, or multiple items, durable boxes are the perfect go-to delivery service.

Need to send important documents and items but worried about their security? Worry no more. LBC can deliver your documents such as birth and marriage certificates to destinations anywhere in the Philippines and abroad.

LBC can also ship passports, cellphones, gadgets and other similar items. To send goods for business to anywhere in the Philippines, LBC’s air and sea cargo are reliable partners to ensure efficient and reliable delivery.

Hassle-free money transfer

Renewed development plan LBC presses commitment to move lives of Filipinos of Davao Oriental commended L T

HE Provincial Government of Davao Oriental received praises from the Regional Development Council 11 for achieving major feats in development that significantly improved the lives of its people.

During the recent roadshow conducted here by the Regional Development Council 11, NEDA Regional Director and RDC 11 vice chair Maria Lourdes D. Lim cited Davao Oriental as the region’s most improved province owing to its huge drop in poverty incidence rate by 6 percentage points— the highest poverty reduction in the entire region.

Lim also listed several provincial government-initiatives that significantly contributed to the province’s socio-economic growth. These include the big-ticket Cateel Irrigation Project, which is geared towards addressing food sufficiency, as well as other initiatives aiming at generating investments, creating job opportunities, and increasing income.

She also highlighted the inscription of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary to the UNESCO World Heritage which is testament to its advocacy towards environment protection.

She also credited the province’s huge contribution in boosting the region’s tourism industry, attributed by the provincial government’s effort in making Davao Oriental a new beehive of eco-tourism through initiating development of eco-tourism sites and parks which sets the foundation for world-class development standards of tourism-related projects.

Bent on sustaining these gains, Lim urged local officials, partners and stakeholders

to support the realization of the Updated Regional Development Plan to pursue the continuing efforts that aim to attain inclusive growth, create massive employment, reduce poverty among Filipinos and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

“Our Plan is a living document that affirms the RDC 11’s commitment to coordinate all efforts in the pursuit of Davao Region’s development agenda through the judicious utilization of natural resources and the strong collaboration of government, both at the national and local governments and its citizens,” said Lim. “The RDC crafted our updated development plan that is people-oriented as it aims to achieve inclusive growth – a growth that is shared by all Dabawenyos and leaves no one behind.”

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon signified her support to the council’s renewed plan, emphasizing its significant role in steering the region’s developmental di-

rectives, more particularly in ushering Davao Oriental to its long-desired development.

“Concretely, we see here, in this plan, the dynamic beauty of complementation of efforts – the commitment and support of the national and local governments, including our partners in the private sector, to bring this region to the realization of its goals and visions,” said the governor.

The governor further pointed out the province’s laid out development agenda which aligns to the region’s vision. Davao Oriental’s development agenda include defeating poverty, safeguarding the environment, expanding access to infrastructure, utilities and social services, sustaining public order and security and strengthening effective governance.

“As part of this region, we continue to receive full support and assistance from the regional agencies, relative to our local development initiatives, in gradually gaining a more se-

cure footing in the wake of natural calamities that have beset us, towards the socio-economic development of the province, as a whole,” she added, noting the collaborative efforts of the local and national governmentsin the rehabilitation of the typhoon Pablo-hit towns in her province.

NEDA disclosed that around P 6 billion worth of infrastructures, facilities, and livelihood projects were infused in Davao Oriental which consist of the repair, rehabilitation and construction of local and national roads and bridges, school buildings, health facilities, public buildings, resettlement sites and debris management as part of its efforts in rehabilitating typhoon Pablo-hit towns here.

NEDA further urged the involvement of top officials and common citizens to help push this plan which bids to improve the quality of life of the people in Davao Region, most particularly the people of Davao Oriental. PIO

FLBC, 10

APPRECIATION. Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon awards a Certificate of Appreciation to NEDA Regional Director and RDC 11 vice chair Maria Lourdes D. Lim for the agency’s technical support and The Updated Regional Development Plan (UPRD) Roadshow was conducted by the Regional Development Council XI guidance that helped Davao Oriental chart its plan for development. in Davao Oriental on July 23, 2015.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

Chiz to agencies: Explain, itemize budget requests I

TEMIZE, itemize, itemize. And keep the budget errors to a minimum.

Sen. Chiz Escudero’s first tip is for department heads who will go on their annual pilgrimage to Congress to ask for funds, and the second is for the Department of Budget and Management, which consolidates all proposals into

one national budget bill.

Escudero, who vacated the chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday out of delicadeza, said his “unsolicited advice springs from my experience in the finance panel and the mood of my colleagues.”

“The sentiment in the House of Representatives is to ask for a bill of par-

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VIRGINIA DONEZA PASAJE has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SALE executed among her heirs per Doc. No.291; Page No.59; Book No. XLVII; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN 7/21,28,8/4

ticulars for every block grant. The second is to call for a zero-error budget or at least keep the mistakes low,” he said.

“The budget is in the details,” Escudero said, as he warned agencies “to come prepared because we will be asking you to justify the major items in your proposal.” This will include presenting the formula used in coming up with the budget request.

“Kung humihingi ka ng P10 milyon para sa gasolina, ipakita mo sa amin kung ilan ang sasakyan mo at gaano ang konsumo ng bawat sasakyan kada araw at ilang araw sa isang taon ito gagamitin,” he said.

And if department heads are asking for a budget to hire more people, they must pinpoint where they will be assigned, Escudero added.

According to the lawmaker, government agencies seeking increase in spending program will be required to break down all the allocations, especially if these are lump sum requests.

NEWS 13

From L-R: Nino Mendoza, Sales Head for CloudFone; Enrique Gil and Celine Lopez – Buendia, Marketing Manager for CloudFone. Enrique Gil is the latest star to join CloudFone’s roster of celebrity endorsers.

Cloudfone PHL-wide mall tour, a success

I

N CELEBRATION of its third year in the business, mobile tech giant CloudFone launched a lineup of activities as a way of giving thanks to its loyal consumers and retailers.

The homegrown brand held a mall tour which covered 113 CloudFone branches in 30 malls

in 19 cities (which includes Baguio, Tarlac, Clark, Manila, Quezon City, Bohol, Lucena, Albay, Naga, Bulacan, Laguna, Marikina, General Santos, Tacloban, Cebu, Dagupan, Batangas, Davao, and Mandaluyong) and unveiled its newest brand ambassador. The mall tour was

headlined by CloudFone endorser Xian Lim and other celebrities like Jason Abalos. The stars entertained the brand’s supporters and gave away CloudFone premium items. The tour was capped off by Enrique Gil, the latest celebrity tapped by the brand to be its ambassador.

14 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 88 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2015

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Big name players prevented to join Gilas by clubs Ateneo...

C

OACH Tab Baldwin will not have 26 but 16 players in his disposal who will comprise the training pool of Gilas Pilipinas team bound for the FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship in Changsha, China.

More or less the current players who showed up during the start of practice last Wednesday at the Meralco gym are the ones expected to make the pool, with the addition of Alaska stalwart Calvin Ab u eva a n d naturali z e d playe r An-

dray Blatche, set to arrive Sunday night in the country.

This developed as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is reportedly trying to get additional pieces for the national team by persuading PBA team owners and executives for another round of meeting and possibly, lend some of their players at the last minute for national cause, according to sources.

Baldwin sources said, is still looking for a legitimate big man and a reliable point guard to rein-

force the team seeking to clinch the lone Asian berth to the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics.

Blatche and Abueva are the among the last additions to the team as the two will appear and join the pool during its Monday night practice also at the Meralco gym.

Currently attending the training Baldwin is supervising are Jimmy Alapag, Asi Taulava, Terrence Romeo, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros, JC Intal, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Aldrech Ramos, Gabe Norwood, and incoming P B A rookie Troy Rosario.

No less than SBP president and Smart big boss Manny V. Pangilinan will personally meet with the Gilas pool in a closed door meeting at 5 p.m.

Monday at the Meralco office in Ortigas, where the national team’s practice facility is also located.

“Dun natin malalaman lahat if there will be additions and what boss MVP will tell these players and the whole team,” said the source.

“But basically, halos yan na yun!”

Rain or Shine top gunner Paul Lee will be arriving in the country on Monday, but his representative Lawrence Chongson

isn’t hopeful the playmaker out of University of the East will be given the green light by his mother ballclub to join Gilas.

“Sa akin lang gustong-gusto kong makasama sa national team si Paul. Gusto rin ni Paul, kasi bandila natin yan eh,” said Chongson.

“Kaso alangan namang talikuran ni Paul ang gusto ng nasa itaas. Dun siya sumusweldo,” he added.

The outspoken Tanduay coach also regretted not having done one major thing when he was negotiating for Lee’s new c o n t ra c t with Rain or Shine.

GILAS CRISIS. Amont those who could be out of Gilas 3 are Junmar Fajarco (12), Marc Pingris, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio (not in photo).

A GOOD DAY OF GOLF

FROM 16

count at 38-all. Taculin then drove for a floater, dished off to Francsico for a three and then hit a three of his own for an 8-2 rampage as Ateneo turned a 3538 deficit into a 46-38 lead with 6:50 to go. From then on Ateneo held on to the driver’s seat.

After a split by Doromal, Alagao fired another booming triple to shove Ateneo further up 49-42, 4:10 remaining. Francisco, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Finals, capped his heroics with a drive for what seemed like an insurmountable 51-42 lead.

Dom Cane’s twinner and Alagao’s free throws off an unsortsmanlike foul

by Miggy De Loyola closed out the scoring.

Francisco led Ateneo with 13 points, eight of them coming in the crucial fourth quarter. Alagao had 11 while Taculin and Cane added eight apiece.

Doromal paced ACD with 20 while Chris Vistal added 13 in a losing effort.

Holy Child College of Davao earlier won the Mini Division woth a 102-53 shellacking of Philippine Women’s College.

Winning individual awards in the tournament sponsored by Matina Enclaves, the signature project of Escandor Development Coorporation (Esdevco) and supported by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte and the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region 11. NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

Tiger Woods optimistic after bounce back in final round

T

IGER Woods bounced back from an erratic third round to close with a three-under 68 at the Quicken Loans National and predicted he would eventually get back to winning golf tournaments.

“Today was good, five-under through 10.

Striping it,” Woods told CBS TV after his round at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. “Good day.”

Woods, who has been struggling mightily to regain his form after back surgery and another swing change, hit another bump in the road with three bogeys in four holes from the 11th, but added a birdie at 17 for 68 and an eight-under total of 276.

Overall, Sunday’s performance was more in keeping with his opening two rounds, which produced an encouraging 68 and 66, than his thirdround 74 which dropped him out of contention in the tournament that he hosts.

He hit 11 of 14 fairways and missed only three greens.

The 14-times major winner, who prefers to look at the positives, even found reason for optimism in Saturday’s round in which he was wild both left and right off the tee.

“Did I slap it all over the place? Yes I did for the first seven holes and I was even par. That’s what I used to do,” said the former world number one, who

spun further out of control starting from the eighth to mar his Saturday round.

Woods, whose world ranking has plummeted to 266th, had recorded three missed cuts, a withdrawal and just one top-25 finish in eight starts on the 201415 PGA Tour coming into this event.

But the former world number one remains optimistic about recapturing his winning form.

“It’s a process. It’s a process of just putting one foot in front of the other and building and building,” he said.

“Eventually I’ll get there, where I’m in contention week in and week out and eventually I’ll start winning golf tournaments again.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

I’LL BE BACK

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE88 88••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,AUGUST AUGUST4,4,2015 2015

Ella vows to get better for next year’s Worlds

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

F

OR Davao golfing sensation Alessandra Christine “Ella” Nagayo, the dreaded Southern Pines course where she succumbed to the tight fairways and sloping greens at Pinehurst will bring good memories instead of nightmares.

Never mind the 88th place finish out of a field of 116 best players around the world in her first ever US Kids Golf World Championships, the experience will make her a better golfer.

After sinking her final putt for a bogey 5 on the par 4 300-yard 18th, Ella looked ahead to next year as memories of the final 18 holes where she scored her best round 11 over par 83 of the tournament were etched on her scorecard, there to stay for the record, in the annals of one of the world’s most prestigious junior golf championships held at the cradle of American golf.

“Next year na naman, Neil.

Dako gyud diperensya sa ato

GOLF WONDER. Ella Nagayo finished 88th in her first World Championship stint. Danny Nagayo

greens dinha (sa) Davao including the sloping uphill fairways. Naluya ako player,” Ella’s father and caddy for the tournament, Danny, told Edge Davao in an online interview.

All told, Ella pieced together rounds of 90, 90 and 83 for a 54hole total of 263, 47 strokes over par at the 109-year old Southern Pines whose narrow fairways and sleek rolling greens took their toll on the 11-year old standout of the Apo Golf and Country Club.

“Again, Ella keeps missing the tight fairways ang greens,” said Danny.

Ella actually did not fare bad as she hit 11 of 14 fairways and reached the greens in regulation seven times on the frontnine and four times coming home. It was her touch at the putting surface that deserted her. She has 33 putts all throughout the 18 holes punctuated by a three-putt 6 on the par 5 no. 6.

Ella started strong in the final round with five straight pars--her best start in the tournament. Then came the three putts on no. 6 after reaching the green in three. She matched par on the par 3 7th then bogeyed the par 4 8th before closing out her tour of the frontside with a par on the 9th.

The backnine was a different story though. Ella limped with back-toback bogeys on 10 and 11 before earnign her only par at the back on the par 4 12th. Then she went down again in the finishing holes--the same woes she had in the first two rounds. She bogeyed

13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 and doubled on the par 3 14th, the course’s second shortest hole.

Mexico’s Alejandra Ferrer completed a wire-to-wire finish to win the Girls 11 title with an impressive seven under par 209.

The United States’ Leon Takagi of Brooklyn, New York finished second with a 214 while compatriot Kynadie Adams of Gallatin, Tennesee wound up third one shot back at 215. Kokoro Ouchi of Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia became the top Asian finisher at fourth with a 217.

“The USKids 2015 is finally over, Ella is thankful for all your support and prayers. She might not have been able to shake off her nerves resulting to a shaky game, she is still happy and honored to have been given the opportunity to play in the International arena,” said Ella’s mother councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo.

Councilor Nagayo said Ella is excited to come back home and do more practice. She said her daughter has been invited to join the Apo Golf Team in the 2015 Ladies PAL Inter-Club Tournament in Bacolod City this October.

“Although she had a very shaky game sa USKids, we are still very proud of her. She will learn from that experience and definitely she will devote a huge chunk of her practice time into honing her pitching and putting, kay yan gyud ang weakness nya. All is well that ends well,” councilor Nagayo said.

Ella and Danny will be arriving on August 6.

Ateneo wins Matina Enclaves juniors title D ESPERATE times call for desperate measures.

Sweat was starting to flow on coach Miggy Solitaria’s head like the rain outside the Davao City Recreation Center at the third quarter mark of the finals when he decided to push the panic button. To his liking, it turned out to be the right button.

Ateneo de Davao University came back to life after that desperate gambit which turned out to be the turning point of the 2015 Matina Enclaves Inter-School Basketball junior division finals. The Blue Knights turned back Assumption College of Davao, 55-46, in one of the biggest comebacks in local school cagedom championship history.

The Blue Knights trailed the Warriors through the first three quarters as they succumbed to poor shooting and a spate of turnovers.

The prolific Dom Cane crashed hard going to the hoop in the first period and was never the same again after that. Shooters Raphael Francisco, Ion Angeles and Dariel Manliguez failed to find their mark while bigs Francis Gabriel Escandor and Vande Goor Alagao were contained inside the paint.

With all offensive options not clicking, Solitaria told his boys to just get down on de-

fense and wait for their shots.

“I told them to just play good defense. Let the game come to you and not you forcing things,” Solitaria told Edge Davao after the game.

It was Ateneo’s defense that kept them in the ballgame forcing ACD’s top gun Axel Doromal and Chris Royo to tire out and reliable frontline Khriz Penion and BJ Sumagat committing errors after errors.

Then it was time to pull out his big game gambit--putting in the sweet-shooting Jethro Taculin to man the backcourt with the speedy Francisco.

“I know Jethro does not have good defensive skills but with no one hitting their shots, I have to take the risk,” Solitaria said.

At the start of the fourth, Alagao hit a triple to tie the

FATENEO, 15

HIGH FLYER. Ateneo’s Ion Angeles soars high for a drive against Khriz Penion of Assumption College of Davao. Left, Ateneo coach Miggy Solitaria receives the trophy from matina Enclaves marketing communications officer Kim Fancobilla.

Lean Daval.