VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
www.edgedavao.net
ABDUCTED BY NPA?
P 15.00 • 20 PAGES
4 tribal leaders taken by rebels, Zarate hits PNP for malicious statement INSIDE EDGE
OFW shot dead P2 ADDU-HS is Asean eco-school awardee P2
WHAT’S UP? A young boy peeks between his legs as he hears thunderous sounds created by the huge monsoon waves hitting the seawall of Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society
EDGEDAVAO Sports
By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA and JON JOAQUIN
P
OLICE have accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of abducting four tribal leaders who had filed an affidavit last May against organizers of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) evacuees at the UCCP-Haran compound. In a statement, Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Senior Superintendent Antonio Rivera said the four tribal chieftains were report-
ed missing since August 1, 2015 and were “allegedly abducted by the… NPA.” Rivera identified the four as Datu Danilo Angcomog, Datu Laris Landakay, Datu Jovanie Angcomog, and Datu Kalompot Dalon, all of San Jose, San Fernando, Bukidnon. “They went to Sitio Bulo, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte to settle maghat (tribal case) about the
Sapunan Baylonan Case but have not returned since then,” Rivera said. Rivera said the abduction happened after various charges, including illegal detention, were filed against members of “militant” groups “who blocked the rescue operation in the attempt of an inter-agency body to save detained IP’s inside UCCP Haran last month.”
Rivera was apparently referring to charges filed on May 12 by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) against various progressive groups for alleged trafficking in person, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention allegedly based on statements made by Indigenous People (IP) leaders. “They (tribal leaders) are
FABDUCTED, 10
Lebron James coming to Manila on August 19 Page 16
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
SHADOW SHOW. Asia’s Got Talent grand prize winner El Gamma Penumbra performs during the launch of Damosa Land Inc. (DLI)’s Seawind condominium at Damosa Gateway on Saturday night. Lean Daval Jr.
DCPO still to receive Felonia transfer order
T
HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has not yet received a court order on the transfer of detention of former Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 11 Superintendent Leonardo Felonia to Quezon City. In an interview yesterday, DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz said the DCPO is still waiting for the order of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 16 Judge Emmanuel Carpio implementing the Supreme Court (SC) ruling on Felonia’s transfer of trial to Quezon City. “If they alleged that there is a threat on Felonia, the maximum security on him will continue,” Driz said. Felonia’s counsel lawyer Caesar Europa said the SC partially granted the motion on the change of venue of the trial due to the threats on his client.
Europa said Carpio told him the arraignment and presentation will be transferred to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. “Mao gi-ingon ni judge nga i-suspend niya ang proceedings hangtod makaabot ang official copy sa iyaha (Judge Carpio said he will suspend the proceedings until he receives the official copy of the ruling),” he said. Carpio suspended the arraignment last week due to the pending SC motion of Felonia. Last June, Europa questioned the detention of his client at the DCPO even though the court had already recognized the security risk. Felonia was indicted for allegedly masterminding the killing of Cebu-based hotelier Richard Lim King in Davao City in June last year. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.
Ex-OFW shot dead Victim allegedly involved in drugs: police By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
A
FORMER Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who police said was allegedly involved in illegal drugs was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Hillside Subdivision, Bajada, Davao City early morning yesterday. Sasa Police Station identified the victim as Jeffrey C. Acaso, 41, a resident of San Jose, Carmelite, Bajada. He had worked as a warehouseman in Angola. Police said the victim had brought his siblings and son outside at around 5:48 a.m.
yesterday to get a cab going to school. After the cab left, Acaso went back home alone. While he was on his way a man wearing a red jacket stopped the victim and shot him. Wounded, the victim tried to run back in the main road but another man, who was wearing a black shirt, shot him dead. The killers fled the area on board two motorcycles with no plate numbers. Investigators found six empty shells of a .45 pistol at the crime scene.
Police said according to witnesses, the gunman wearing a red jacket stood about 5’7” and was medium built, while the suspect wearing a black shirt stood 5’8” height and was slim built. In an interview, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Senior Inspector MilgraceDriz said investigators believe the killing was drug-related. Driz said the victim had a cosmetic business in the city but was allegedly also involved in illegal drugs. She said based on the
police spot report on the incident, the neighbors of the victim who refused to divulge their identities revealed Acaso’sinvolvement in illegal drugs. The spot report said a drug user in Barangay Aliongto gave police a list of drug personalities and Acaso’s name was indicated as a “drug lord.” Driz said another witness told police the victim opted not to go back in Angola because of his involvement in illegal drugs whichhe allegedly made his career.
CAB driver was found dead inside a compound in Sapphire Street, Matina Aplaya, Davao City after allegedly being robbed before dawn yesterday. Talomo Police Station identified the victim Rommel S. Parreño, 36, a driver of XANNA ISSA Taxi. Police said they received a report at around 2:35 a.m. on August 10 from a resident that someone had entered their compound. When the police went to
the area to verify the report, operatives found the bloodied victim lying dead. Police said Parreño sustained three stab wounds and had a slash wound on his throat, causing his death. Police said the driver was stabbed inside his cab. He then alighted to seek help but died inside the compound. His cab was parked a few meters away from the compound. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) found a call cap and rubber gloves inside the unit.
Investigators are looking at the angle of robbery since the victim’s wallet and earnings were missing from inside the cab. In an interview, DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. said the suspects could be minors because of the cap left in the cab. He also said there were probably three attackers. “We are tracking the suspects and probably the suspects are minors... May ebidensya na naiwan sa loob ng taxi, may sombrero naiwan
doon and it is small pag isinuot ng adult na katulad ko, hindi magkasya yun (There was evidence left inside the taxi, a cap which was a small one and could not fit an adult like me),” he said. He said the gloves were bought from Mercury Drug Store prior to the incident. “Before it happened they bought gloves. So, what is the purpose of the gloves, to hide something?” he said. Danao said the stab wounds of the victim were an
Cabbie robbed, stabbed dead
ASEAN names AdDU HS as Eco-School awardee A
T
HE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) named the Ateneo de Davao University High School (ADDU-HS) as one of 10 recipients of the 2nd ASEAN Eco-School Award. The awarding is part of the celebration of the ASEAN Environment Year (AEY) 2015. Held every three years, the AEY celebration showcases the ASEAN commitment to environmental protection and environmental education.
“I think ASEAN is recognizing the school for taking our green initiatives to the next level when we launched the greening program called Ecoteneo in 2011,” Fr. Michael Pineda, SJ, ADDU-HS Principal, said. Pineda represented the school to the awarding ceremonies in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on July 29 to 30, a press release from the ADDU said. ADDU-HS is the only sec-
FASEAN, 10
abf@edgedavao.net
FCABBIE, 10
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
NEWS 3
EDGEDAVAO
KADAYAWAN ACTIVITIES. SM City Davao assistant mall manager Engr. Nick Santos announces the mall’s scheduled activities for the MASSACRE PROBE. Councilor Bernard Al-ag shares updates of the “Paquibato massacre” committee Kadayawan 2015 celebration at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Santos was joined by Christine Munda hearing of the City Council during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. He (center) of the Fashion Institute of Design and Arts and Mindanao Federation of Cut Flower and Ornamental Growers and Floriculture also promoted the Toril Padyak 2015 slated October 4. Lean Daval Jr. Industry of Davao, Inc. (FIDI) president Vicky Jimenez. Lean Daval Jr.
DOTC postpones deadline for airport bidders anew Y
Youth urged to take part in protecting IP rights
By CHENEEN R. CAPON
T
crc@edgedavao.net
HE submission for the qualification documents for the P108.19-billion bundled maintenance project for five regional airports, which includes the P40.47 billion development and maintenance of the Davao International Airport (DIA), was moved to August 17. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Undersecretary Rene K. Limcaoco made the announcement through General Bulletin No.09-2015. Limcaoco, who is also the chairman of the prequalification, bids, and awards committee, did not cite any reason of the rescheduling. This will give prospective bidders one more week to prepare their qual-
ification documents for the bundled project, which will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. This is the second postponement of the submission of qualification documents. The DOTC originally set the submission of qualification documents last July 27 but the deadline was moved to August 10 (yesterday) as requested by prospective bidders. The development, operation, and maintenance of the DIA is included in Bundle 2 of the two bundles to be bid out by the DOTC. Along with DIA in the Bundle2 are the development and operation of the Laguindingan airport worth P14.66 billion and the New Bohol (Panglao) airport worth P2.34 billion. The airports included in
the Bundle 1 will consist of the development and operation of Bacolod-Silay Airport amounting to P20.26 billion and Iloilo Airport totaling to P30.40 billion. The PPP Center earlier disclosed that the project attracted six firms to pre-qualify and bid: GMR-Megawide, Metro Pacific-JG Summit Consortium, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Skylanders Inc., and Union Equity. For the DIA or the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the winning bidder is tasked with the expansion of the passenger terminal building from 65,000 to 125,000 square meters and the cargo terminal building from 13,000 to 27,000 sqm. as well as the construction of a full parallel taxiway. DOTC Assistant Secre-
the village of Polacion and went to Carmen, also in North Cotabato Sunday when they decided to take “pastil,” a Muslim delicacy, in Kabacan. Hours later, they complained of stomach pain and vomited. They were rushed to a private hospital. The victims suspected the “pastil” was spoiled. Also on Sunday, a family of four were hospitalized at Cruzado Medical Clinic in Poblacion Pikit, after eating dinner. Police report said the fam-
ily of Panuga were rushed to the clinic after complaining of severe stomach disorders. Citing statement from the victims, Karim said they cooked a rice bought by a relative from the town public market and dined. Hours later, they suffered stomach pain and vomited. The police said investigation was still on going and the town health office had conducted laboratory tests of samples taken from the victims. (PNA)
tary Jaime Fortunato Caringal earlier said there is a need to modernize the DIA to address the increasing capacity. Caringal said being the third busiest airport in the country, the traffic in the DIA has been growing at an average annual rate of 10.56 percent over the last five years and is expected to continue to grow. “In 2013, it handled approximately 2.795,251 passengers and is expected to breach its estimated design capacity in the next few years,” Caringal said during the recent Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting.
OUTH leaders in Southern Mindanao on Saturday underscored the need for the youth to take an active role in protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) or Lumads, as they condemned the alleged militarization that they said displaced Lumads from their communities. “We are against the actions of the military that affected our Lumad brothers and sisters. They (Lumads) are the first who protect our nature, if destroyed will affect us all. We are here to support their struggle,” Fritz Vegas, convenor of Rise for Education Alliance-University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) said Saturday during the torch march from the Freedom Park to the United Church of Christ of the Philippines’ Haran where some 700 Lumads had taken shelter for months now. Representatives from student councils, school publications, and youth-based organizations participated in the torch march held on the eve of the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, celebrated
every August 9. It also marked the start of the “Pangiyak Ki!” (Shout Out!) Mindanao Youth Summit on August 9 to 10 where 500 young individuals gathered to discuss the role of the youth on alleged militarization in Lumad communities and alleged environmental plunder. A total of 25 American youth leaders from the Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network (KBKN) US, who came to Mindanao for immersion in Lumad communities from August 3 to 7, also participated in the gathering. He said these foreign youth leaders were integrated in Lumad communities in the Davao region, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and Region 12 or Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and the cities therein), where there is military presence. “The young leaders shared their insights realizing that many calamities occurring around the world, especially in the Philippines, are actually man-made. As they expressed solidarity to the Mindanawon
FYOUTH, 10
‘Pastil’downs 9 in North Cotabato
C
ONTAMINATED “pastil” (steamed rice with minced chicken) reportedly downed a family of five from Pikit, North Cotabato after eating in a carenderia in Kabacan, North Cotabato, police said. Another family of four were also downed by cooked riced believed to be contaminated, Senior Insp. Sindatu Karim, Pikit police chief, said. Citing report from villagers, Karim said the family who he did not identify were from
HERBAL SUMMIT. Philippine Society of Traditional and Herbal Medicine Inc. (PSTAMI ) Board of Directors member Virgilio Sangutan promotes the upcoming 1st Mindanao Herbal Summit set on October 22-23 during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.
EDGEDAVAO
4 SUBURBIA
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
Half a million to walk for scholars on Aug 16
O
TOURISM SITE TOUR. Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur officials in a group photo at the Aliwagwag Eco Park in Cateel, Davao Oriental with the majestic Aliwagwag Falls serving as the backdrop.
N August 16, 2015 at exactly 4:30 a.m., more than half a million members and supporters of lay Catholic group Couples for Christ in more than 30 countries will walk simultaneously to support high school and college level scholars. This was bared by Irwin Pagdalian, provincial area head of Couples for Christ (CFC) in Davao City, who explained the objectives and mechanics of their Davao members participation in the said event, which is a core thrust of the groups Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) social ministry. “In a simultaneous walk with others around the world, our members will converge at the Matina Town Square and walk for a total of 5 kilometers, passing through Tulip Drive, Quimpo Boulevard, and returning to MTS via Sandawa Road. We are expecting round 2,000 individuals from Davao
City,” Pagdalian said. He said the event, called the ANCOP Global Walk, is aimed at raising funds for the needs of some 3,000 scholars in the Philippines around the world, about 30 of which are from Davao City. “Education and learning are God’s gifts, and to nurture them with our humble efforts we can make a difference in the lives of thousands of families who need this support to enable their children to finish school. Learning strengthens families,” he said. The ANCOP Global walk is an annual event that began in 2011 by CFC, and over the last four years has raised millions to support scholars all over the Philippines. Those interested to join can contact Edz Surigao at 2975505. Registration fee is P300. For further information, contact Edz Surigao or Rito Opao at 2975505.
AGUM Cooperative officers and staff went to Sabangan Elementary School (SES) in San Isidro, Davao del Norte on August 4, 2015 to formally launch its School-based Hot Lunch Plus Program, a supplementary feeding program of the Cooperative created to benefit wasted and severely wasted pupils. The team traveled 45 kilometers for more than an hour from Tagum City before finally reaching the school located atop a hill. Teachers, students, and parents of Sabangan ES led by their head teacher, Christopher B. Gonzales welcomed the guests through a program and various presentations. The school had identified 40 Grade I to Grade VI recipients who would benefit from the program every school day
for 120 days. Aspiring to improve the attendance and performance of the identified students, Gonzales recalled how the sponsorship of the program came into reality from a simple conversation with officials of Department of Education (DepEd) Davao del Norte. On behalf of chairperson Norma R. Pereyras, members of Tagum Cooperative Board of Directors (BOD) namely Fe J. Adlawan, Evelia R. Sator, Edgardo T. Silagan, and Nenita R. Malbas graced the occasion along with the Ethics Committee chairperson, Dr. Eduard Amoguis. Adlawan, in her message, highlighted the activity as a return of blessings received by the Cooperative and telling everyone that “life is not life itself unless it is shared.”
Provinces partner to boost tourism T S
Young students in distant barangay served hot lunch
EVERAL months after settling boundary disputes, the neighboring provinces of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur are now seeking to “break the borders” as they bid to enhance bilateral cooperation that would boost both their tourism sector. Sharing the same tourism highway called Davao Oriental-Surigao del Sur Highway Tourism Belt, officials of both provinces believe that by adopting common actions and by complementing each other’s efforts and resources, the aim for tourism growth and competitiveness for both areas can easily be pushed. Surigao del Sur Vice Governor Manuel O. Alameda Sr. said linking both provinces can be a great advantage, particularly in widespread promotion which the two provinces are progressively working on.
Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon expressed her support to the proposed linking strategy, saying both provinces should become united in efforts of establishing this tourism corridor. She pinpointed both territories’ unique attractions as well as the good connectivity as additional advantages to this joint endeavor. With Surigao del Sur taking the first move on this linking strategy, its officials had crafted a resolution for the creation of the Davao Oriental –Surigao del Sur Tourism Highway. They listed several potential strategies and schemes that can be adopted by both provinces, thus, serving mutual interests. These include submitting a request to the Department of Tourism to officially establish this tourism highway and to facilitate extensive promotional efforts through the conduct of
Agri support for local farmers and fisherfolks
A
BOUT P50 million worth of support interventions on agriculture and fishery were turned over by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to farmers and fisherfolks association here in the province last Monday, August 3, at Provincial Agriculture Compound in the City of Mati. Among the support interventions provided were corn seeds, fertilizers, cruiser insecticides, and vermi composts. The aid aims at helping local small farmers produce high-quality crops, particularly corn, rice, banana and hot chili – crops which are now being aggressively promoted by the provincial government as its mainstay crops. Funded under Typhoon Pablo Rehabilitation Program, the turnover featured a strong convergence of efforts among local and national agencies in
providing livelihood, raising income and developing agri-entrepreneurial endeavors and opportunities to small farmers and fisherfolks who were severely affected by the typhoon Pablo devastation in 2012. In terms of fisheries, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed several units of motorized and non-motorized bancas, assorted fishing gears, fish shelters, and bangus fingerlings to different fisherfolks’ associations in different towns. Under the Agri-Pinoy banner programs, laminated sacks, wheelbarrows, and shovels were also given to farmers and rice producers’ associations. Bulb onions, plastic crates, power sprayer, peanut grinder and assorted vegetables seed were also distributed under High Value Crops Development Program.
exhibits and production of promotional materials. The proposal also entails requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways for the establishment of rest areas along the national highway between the two provinces, production of road signage detailing distances of tourist destinations, and street lighting along the highway. While both government units are bounded by law to limit expenditure, Surigao del Sur officials urged their counterparts in Davao Oriental to also pass a similar resolution which would tap and secure funding support from national agencies, particularly the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for possible tourism infrastructures for both areas. She emphasized setting the standards to attract the private
sector to invest, thus, increasing economic enterprise of the provinces. “While we want to continue to attract more visitors, we need our provinces to create a kind of development that our people can truly patronize and at the same time continue to provide a good experience for the growing numbers of tourists.” Anchored to this belief, the provincial government of Davao Oriental initiates development of eco-tourism sites and parks, setting the foundation for world-class development standards of tourism-related projects. These include Subangan Provincial Museum in Mati City, Pintatagan Welcome Park and Dalan sa Cruz Shrine in Banay-banay, Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park and Riverview Park in Cateel, Sunrise Boulevard in Baganga, Pacific View Park in
FPROVINCES, 10
NO FISHING TODAY. Small fishing boats are docked near the sea shore in Barangay Leon Garcia, Agdao as fishermen are forced to suspend their fishing activities due to the current monsoon which brought giant waves in Davao Gulf. Lean Daval Jr.
5 ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
Supersize boodle fight at Park Inn By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY
T
INOLANG manok. Grilled tuna belly. Chicken inasal. These mouth-watering dishes are just part of a sumptuous meal that will satisfy everyone’s cravings for food in the supersize boodle fight being offered by Park Inn by Radisson Davao in celebration of Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival this year. The menu include grilled vegetable salad with chevre cheese, grilled squid, fried crablets, grilled shrimp, grilled tilapia, crispy pork belly, lumpia shanghai, pancit, special Davao cake and fresh fruits for only P1,999 net and good for six to seven persons. “As part of the Kadayawan celebration, we are adding a twist to our supersize family meal offering by making it a boodle fight style,” Park Inn general manager Pavan Kakar said in a statement. “Daily for two weeks, the sumptuous dishes created by our chefs are surely going to excite all Dabawenyos and
visiting tourists alike,” Kakar added. The boodle fight offering comes, of course, with plain and garlic rice plus a pitcher of drink and is served daily for lunch and dinner at the RGB Bar and Grill from August 15 to 31. Park Inn also has come up with an added fun activity in the two-week offering by partnering with Fujifilm Instax PH. Every group availing of the boodle fight meal will get one complimentary Instax photo printout as a souvenir. Another picture will be posted in the restaurant’s photo wall called “Wall of Memories” as entry for a chance to win a raffle. The gift certificate announcement of winner will be on September 3. Park Inn launched the supersize boodle fight offering Monday and invited tourism officials and members of the press, who were treated to one delectable dining experience. “Let the boodle fight begin,” Kakar said.
KADAYAWAN BOODDLE FIGHT. Park Inn by Radisson Davao general manager Pavan Kakar (center) and the hotel’s marketing and communications manager Patty Basa-Tan (right) treat tourism officials and members of the press to sumptuous meal during the launch of the Kadayawan boodle fight offering Monday. Lean Daval Jr.
TAMA revision up in herbal summit By Vanessa Kate F. Madrazo, ADDU Intern
T
HE revision of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 will be one of the issues to be discussed during the first-ever Mindanao Herbal Summit from October 23 to 25 in Davao City.
The law encourages research and development on traditional and alternative healthcare systems that have direct impact on public health care and to promote and advocate the use of these methods as long as they are proven safe,
effective, cost-effective and consistent with government standards on medical practice. But, Virgilio Sangutan, vic president of the Philippine Traditional and Alternative Herbal Medicine and Cosmetic Association Inc. (PHILTAH-
MCA) said one of the current issues they are facing today is the pace by which currently known herbal supplements transition to herbal medicine. As of now, there are only ten herbal medicines in the
FTAMA, 10
6 THE ECONOMY
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
Camella Davao eyes P4-B net income By LEAN DAVAL JR.
C
AMELLA, the leading developer in Davao City, is eyeing a 100 percent increase in net income from P2 billion last year to P4 billion by the end of 2015. Camella Davao general manager Marlon Niño Escalicas said the last seven months were very successful for the company as it almost tripled its sales compared to the same period last year both in horizontal and vertical projects. “Anchored by our two existing projects--Northpoint and Communal housing development--and new projects in the pipeline, the company expects to hit its year-end target,” Escalicas said. “Camella Davao continues to remain firmly on an upward growth path. Demand for housing in the city continued to be robust, particularly in the condominium segment which the company is the market leader,” he added. The Communal project, whose development is already
in full blast, is now 60 to 70 percent sold and expected to be sold out in a year or less, according to Escalicas. “We are planning to open a seven-hectare expansion area in the Communal project in the next six months,” he said. Escalicas said there’s no such thing as oversupply in housing industry especially in Davao City because there’s an existing market which is a continuing market and that the company’s plan to expand remained unchanged despite the entrance of other developers from Manila. “We know our market, we know how to compete and we already have the track record. We are confident that buyers will still buy us,” the Camella Davao general manager said. Camella, which is now on expansion mode, promises of upcoming big projects that investors should look forward to such as in Toril, Ma-a and an inner city master plan which will be realized in the next few years.
Durian festival set N
INE durian growers and producers from Davao City will be showcasing the fruit’s varieties in this year’s Kadayawan Durian Festival at the fountain area of the SM Lanang Premier from August 14 to September 20. “All nine durian producers will be coming from the three congressional districts of the city,” Davao City Durian Council chairman Larry Miculob said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday. Miculob said the city has a total of 3,000 hectares planted with different varieties of durian varying from the native varieties to hybrid varieties like Thailand’s Chanee relatives puyat and arancillo. Most of the durian plantations here are located in the upland area of Calinan, Toril, and Baguio Districts. Featured as one of the side events of the 30th Kadayawan Festival, the month-long durian festivity will allow the industry to focus on increasing the production and marketing
of the durian fruit. Miculob said durian trees start to produce its fruits starting Kadayawan Festival and will peak by September. Davao Region is contributing 78 percent of total durian supply in the country, of which half are attributed to Davao City. Other production areas in Mindanao are Caraga, Saranggani, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Earlier, Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 regional director Remelyn Recoter said the durian industry is targeting to increase its production to be able to compete with durian producing country like Thailand. Miculob said the industry is targeting to increase production of 10 to 12 tons yield per hectare. But most of the producers here are only producing and average of 4.6 tons per hectare at a current buying price of P30 to P40 during peak season. The industry is targeting to meet the 1,000 kilogram-demand of Singapore by 2017. CHENEEN R. CAPON
Inventors’exhibit at SMX
A
ROUND 60 to 80 student and profession investors from different parts of the country will showcase their inventions in the Regional Inventors Contest and Exhibit on October 1 to 3. “We’re still finalizing the venue of the event,” Davao Investors Association president Virgilio Sangutan said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex. The three-day event is hosted by DIA in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11 and Technological and
DOST- Technological Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI). Sangutan said students from different levels will compete with each other in showcasing their inventions. He said there will be also professional investors coming from Cebu and Rizal in Luzon who will participate in the event. The event will be a venue for inventors and concerned government agencies to discuss the concerns of the industry as well as mechanism
FINVENTORS’, 10
MESSAGE. Camella Davao general manager Marlon Niño Escalicas delivers a message during the company’s channel assembly on Thursday night. Lean Daval Jr.
ICTSI 1H net income declines By CHENEEN R. CAPON
T
crc@edgedavao.net
HE International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) posted a net income attributable to equity holders of US$100.4 million in the first half of 2015, down by one percent over the US$101.7 million earned in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share for the period were likewise lower by one percent to US$0.042 from US$0.043 in 2014, ICSTI reported in its unaudited consolidated financial results for the first half of 2015. ICTSI said its revenue from port operations was US$552.1 million, which represents an increase of eight percent over the US$510.3 million reported for the same period last year. The company’s reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax-
es, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) of US$237.4 million was 12 percent higher than the US$212.2 million generated in the first six months of 2014. ICTSI said in the first half of 2014, the company recognized gains on the sale of a non-operating subsidiary in Cebu, Philippines at US$13.2 million. It also gained from the termination of the management contract in Kattupalli, India, at US$1.9 million and the settlement of the insurance claims in Guayaquil, Ecuador at US$1.5 million. In the same period, the company also recognized non-recurring items such as the US$0.3 million gain on the sale of the terminal in
Naha, Japan; the recognition of a US$1.3 million wealth tax on its equity in the project in Aguadulce, Colombia; and a US$0.6 million one-time super tax recognized at the terminal in Karachi, Pakistan. Excluding these one-time gains and charges, recurring net income surged 20 percent in the first half of 2015. For the quarter ending June 30, 2015, revenue from port operations decreased by two percent, from US$261.4 million to US$256 million. EBITDA was one percent higher at US$109.8 million, from US$108.6 million. Net income attributable to equity holders declined six percent, from US$49.3 million to US$46.4 million for the same period in 2014.
“Excluding the non-recurring gains recognized and one-time tax expenses at the terminals in Karachi, Pakistan and Aguadulce, Colombia, recurring net income would have increased five percent,” ICTSI said in a statement. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter decreased from US$0.021 in 2014 to US$0.019 in 2015. ICTSI said it handled consolidated volume of 3,888,130 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first six months of 2015, nine percent more than the 3,566,023 TEUs handled in the same period in 2014. Excluding the volume generated by the new terminal in Iraq, organic volume growth
“A lot of durian trees in the region produced flowers, but most of it did not turn into fruit,” he added. Davao has a total of 3,000 hectares planted with durian, with most durian plantations in the city are located in the upland areas of Toril, Calinan and Baguio District. This is 70 percent of the 99 percent’s Mindanao share in durian production. The region, meanwhile, has a total area planted with durian of 10,000 hectares. These are mostly located in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Sur. Miculob estimated that
most farmers yield an average of 4.6 tons per hectare, far from the industry target of 10 to 12 tons. Durian producing country like Thailand, a competitor of the Philippines in exporting durian, has already achieved a 12 tons yield per hectare, according to him. The drop in production paralyzed the region’s capacity to export to its global market like Singapore and Hongkong. “International clients for our durian fruits like Singapore are just waiting for our production to increase for them to be able to import durian from us,” Miculob said.
Singapore almost has a daily importation of durian from Davao Region. Durian’s international market Hongkong also suffered due to the long drought season. “Hongkong used to be a weekly importer of our durian fruit,” Miculob said. But, in spite of the crisis experienced by durian exporters, Miculob said his farm will be exporting frozen seedless durian products to Japan this week. “We will be sending 50 packs of frozen seedless durian products to Japan within this week,” he said, adding
FICTSI, 10
Durian production to suffer drop D
URIAN production in the Davao Region is expected to drop by 25 percent towards the end of year as a result of the long drought season or the El Nino phenomenon. Davao Durian Industry Council chairman Larry Miculob said a lot of durian growers were not able to prepare the long drought season, especially on the months of March and April. “We’re expecting a drop of 100 metric tons (MT) by the end of this year from the 500MT durian produced in 2014,” Miculob said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.
FDURIAN, 10
INdulge!
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
FOOD
A meaningful Kadayawan Feast at Seda Abreeza
THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL is here again and Seda Abreeza, Davao City’s urban lifestyle hotel, together with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) will bring a new Kadayawan experience to travellers and locals alike, spreading the beauty of Kadayawan while sharing in the conservation mission of the PEF. One of the treats of the season is Seda Abreeza’s Flavors of Mindanao which will be held at the hotel’s Misto all-day-dining restaurant. Special lunch and dinner set menus featuring local produce such as beef short ribs and grilled seafood on skewers will be available from August 1 to 31. Each set also comes with its own appetiser, dessert, and drink. For those who want to eat all they can, Seda will be offering a Kadayawan Dinner Buffet on the 20th of August which will feature much-loved dishes from Davao as well as Mindanao. I was able to preview some of the dishes last week and I can say that I am genuinely looking forward to the full buffet spread. Dishes from the buffet are a veritable surf-andturf celebration with dishes that include classic lechon biik, slow-cooked and tender roast beef short plate, grilled squid paella, grilled tuna tail, and pineapple pork ribs. The slow-cooked roast beef and the baked New Zealand mussels with Malagos cheese were some of my favourites thanks to the creativity and skill of Seda Abreeza’s sous chef Giovanna “Bangs” Garcia. A deeper meaning to a festive occasion For the month of August, a preserved eagle named “Diola” graces Seda Abreeza’s lobby. As part of Seda Abreeza and Philippine Eagle’s partnership, the exhibit aims to raise awareness and learning for guests who visit or stay at the hotel. The centerpiece is designed with festive flower arrangements and fruit decorations, defining more of Davao’s best products. “We hope that our partnership with the Philip-
Seafood Sinigang in Guava.
pine Eagle Foundation can help inform guests who visit Seda about the plight as well as raise much needed funds for our national bird,” said Seda Abreeza’s general manager Kennedy Kapulong. There is also a special drink offered for the month which will benefit the foundation. Called “Ascend,” the cocktail drink is dedicated to Fighter, a 3-year old rehabilitated male eagle who’s been a victim of a gunshot which led to the amputation of part of his left wing. This serves as a great reminder that eagles should be soaring freely, but are now endangered due to human activities. Part of the sales of Ascend will go to the foundation. There is also a “Kadayawan Holiday Stay” room package where guests who will avail themselves of the promo will receive souvenir items from the Philippine Eagle Center, per stay. Seda Abreeza partners with the foundation on the souvenir items for the benefit of the indigenous community who created them. One of the items is the plush toy which serves as a keychain as well. The plush toys are hand sewn and made by the ManoboTinananon women of Arakan, North Cotabato. Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.
Grilled Tuna Tail. Baked New Zealand Mussels with Malagos Cheese.
Seda Abreeza’s general manager Kennedy Kapulong and Philippine Eagle Foundation Inc. representative Andi Baldonado.
Seda Abreeza’s staff in costume together with Diola.
Tableya chocolate cake.
Tableya Mousse and Pomelo Panna Cotta.
EDGEDAVAO
A2 INdulge!
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
EVENT
Filipino travelers seventh most generous in the world AGODA.COM, one of the world’s leading accommodation sites and part of Nasdaqlisted Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), recently announced the results of its most recent Travel Smarts survey, which shows the nationalities that give the best – and worst – hotel review scores on average. Russians emerged as the most generous, while travelers from the UAE are the most demanding.
Filipino travelers placed in the top 10, coming in seventh. The survey, conducted in July 2015, analyzed over seven million Agoda.com hotel reviews from travelers all over the world to see which nationalities tended to rate hotels higher or lower than average. Agoda.com travelers can submit reviews for hotels after every stay by scoring hotels on a scale of 0 to 10 in six categories. A hotel’s review score is an average of those numbers. The global average review score among Agoda.com travelers is 8.52 out of 10.
PINOY TRAVELLERS SEVENTH MOST GENEROUS IN THE WORLD WITH RUSSIANS TOPPING THE LIST. Travellers from countries around the world make their voices heard by sharing their experiences in the form of hotel reviews with Russian travellers giving a 0.56 higher reviews than average. Filipino travellers give ratings that are 0.29 higher than the world average.
Russian travelers tend to give average. Egyptian, Irish and the highest scores. As a group, Polish travelers also give signifithey give hotel scores .56 review cantly higher scores. points higher than the global The toughest reviewers are
travelers from the UAE, who give scores .32 review points lower than average. Japanese, Omani and Indian travelers also
give hotel review scores significantly lower than the norm. “Travelers from different countries tend to have different review rating standards depending on their travel patterns, spending power, and just general likes and dislikes,” says John Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Agoda.com. “Our customers are from all over the world so our ratings will reflect the average. On our website and mobile app you can also read detailed reviews and even see which country each traveler is from,” he adds. Travelers from Spain, Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Bahrain, Taiwan and South Korea submit reviews with scores closest to the global average. Their scores fall within .04 points of the norm.
UP AND ABOUT
A new vibe at SM Lanang Premier
KADAYAWAN CELEBRATION
A new festival vibe activates at SM Lanang Premier this Kadayawan as the region’s lifestyle and shopping destination celebrate with the city with a Kadayawan Sale on August 14 to 23.
Beginning August 14, feast on a wide variety of durians and the king of fruits take center stage at the Durian Festival happening at the Fountaincourt Grounds. Discover the city’s best eats at The Davao Gourmet Collective Kadayawan Food & Music Fair on August 2123, 4PM onwards and enjoy live performances from Up Dharma Down, Skymarines, Techy Romantics and BP Valenzuela. Delight your senses with foodie finds from Cellar de Boca, La Bodeguita, Don
Durian, Classio Pizzza, Crazy Cook, Kushiya, Alibaba Shawarma, Backyard Burger, Café El Gato, JR Pastry, Carmela’s, Osvaldo’s Cakes and Manilabased purveyors Jam Foods and Stellina’s Lemonades. On August 21, meet and greet SM Youth ambassadors Tommy Esguerra, Janna Tee and LA Aguinaldo at the SM X Kadayawan, 4PM, The Atrium. Catch Ballet Philippines’ Masterpieces on August 22 at 6PM. Also, have your books signed by Georgina Wilson and Solenn Heussaff at the Besties Book Signing event on August 23, 2PM. Get into a new vibe. Celebrate Kadayawan at SM Lanang Premier. Enjoy extended shopping hours until 10PM on August 14-16 & 2223, and shop until midnight in August 21.
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
INdulge! A3
ENTERTAINMENT
Julie Anne San Jose is Preview magazine’s August cover girl ONE of Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose’s dreams is to be a cover girl of a fashion magazine. That finally came true as she was launched on Preview’s August issue.
“Bilang isang celebrity, isa sa mga talagang nilu-look forward [ko] ay ang makapag-cover sa isang fashion magazine, and I’m really happy and honored that I was given the opportunity na ako ‘yung mag-cover, and sa Preview pa. Sobrang sarap ng feeling!” the Kapuso singer-actress gushed in an interview with GMANetwork.com. She’s also thankful to show another side of her through the magazine cover, “Ibang Julie Anne ang makikita nila dito kasi from the cover itself pa lang, makikita na nila ‘yung transformation, so mas edgy and sophisticated ‘yung look ko dito.” According to Preview Magazine’s Fashion Director Daryl Chang, “The reason why we got Julie Anne is because we always want to put unexpected girls on the cover, [and] we want our readers to be surprised.” The Preview Team
her remixed music video was also launched in the event held at Chaos, City of Dreams last July 31st. It’s an entirely new milestone for the Sunday Pinasaya host, and she is proud to share it with her loyal supporters. “I want to thank of course all my fans and
also wanted their covers to translate into music videos so they tapped the “Tidal Wave” singer when they heard she was coming up with a
new album. Daryl added, “It was coincidental. It was just all good timing, [and] that everything happened and fell into
supporters sa everlasting support nila. Thank you kasi nandiyan sila palagi for me at saka kahit anong endeavor man at kahit anong aspeto ng buhay ko sa showbiz, andito pa rin talaga sila. I’m really lucky and blessed to have them all,” Julie concluded.
place. We [also] got the opportunity to make the video for her remix of ‘Tidal Wave’.” Along with the actress’ magazine cover,
Jessica Sanchez saddened by ‘American Idol’ coming to an end UPON hearing that American Idol will air its final season after over a decade, its former contestant Jessica Sanchez was surprised.
“It’s kinda sad because [it was] my home, my platform... I was shocked because the show has been going on for such a long time, but I know that their last season is gonna be a great one,” she said. The season eleven finalist who was only seventeen years old when she competed considers the American singing competition as the training ground that gave her the tools to help her make it into the
music industry. “It was like boot camp for me. [We were literally up [for] 24/7 for like three months on that show, just like working working working... I’ve made a lot of memories during that experience, being on that show, [I] made a lot of friends [and] learned a lot,” she added. Being part of American Idol was the experience of a lifetime for her, and she’s certain that she will be looking back at the journey fondly.
“I’m gonna miss the staff that works there, the judges, the contestants. [I will always treasure] all the lessons [I have learned] there. It [was] awesome and I’m gonna miss the show,” she declared. The Los Angelesbased singer is in Manila for the weekend to perform in the pilot episode of Sunday PinaSaya at noon tomorrow, August 9 and to hold a concert in Chaos, City of Dreams later that evening.
August 7 – 11, 2015
FANTASTIC 4 Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan PG
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5 Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner 11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS
PG
PAPER TOWNS / * OUIJA RESURRECTION Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, Halston Sage / *Swisyzinna, Shanon Snedden PG/*R13
R-16
11:30 | 1:50 | 4:10 LFS / *6:30 | 8:15 | 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 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
TRAVEL
The Wizard of Oz remembered Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
Kids have fun at the Judy Garland Museum.
THE YEAR was 1939 and the month was August. The Wizard of Oz -- which took five directors and 14 writers to bring it to the big screen -- was previewed in three test markets: at Kenosha, Wisconsin and Cape Cod, Massachusetts on August 11 and at the Strand Theatre in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin the following day. It was not until on August 15 that it had its Hollywood premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The New York City premiere was held at Loew’s Capitol Theatre on August 17. However, the movie was opened for public viewing all over the United States on August 25. The Victor Fleming movie received critical acclaim upon release. Frank Nugent considered the film a “delightful piece of wonder-working which had the youngsters’ eyes
shining and brought a quietly amused gleam to the wiser ones of the oldsters.” He also wrote: “Not since Disney’s Snow White has anything quite so fantastic succeeded half so well.” American film critic Roger Ebert considered it as one of his great films. He wrote: “The Wizard of Oz has a wonderful surface of comedy and music, special effects and excitement, but we still watch it six decades later because its underlying story pene-
trates straight to the deepest insecurities of childhood, stirs them and then reassures them.” A few years ago, I had the opportunity of visiting the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota (where singeractress grew up). There were lots of memorabilia
Judy Garland’s memorabilia.
The author with Judy Garland’s dress and red shoes used in the movie.
displayed in the museum, which used to be a school. To commemorate the 76th year of the movie, which, according to the US Library of Congress, “the most watched movie in history,” here are some facts -- fascinating, trivial, and otherwise -- you need to know about it. These were culled from various sources: All of the featured actors and actresses - Judy Garland, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, Margaret Hamilton, Frank Morgan, Billie Burke, Charley Grapewin and Clara Blandick - had successful, long film careers before
and after the film, but this film is the one all of them have become best known for, and in some cases, the only film they are remembered for. Judy Garland’s career was overshadowed by the film, despite appearing in many classic films and musicals, including those for which she received Oscar nominations (A Star is Born in 1954 and Judgment in Nuremberg in 1961). This was the sole film for which she received an Oscar, albeit an honorary special award for her “outstanding performance as a screen juvenile.”
Box office draw Shirley Temple, who was then 11-years-olds, was a frontrunner for the part of Dorothy. The producers didn’t think she had the vocal chops to cut it plus there was also a contract quibble. Judy Garland had to wear a corset in order to appear more childlike for her role as Dorothy. She was 16 years old when she made the movie. The popular film was brilliantly adapted from L. Frank Baum’s venerated children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (written in 1899 and published in 1900) by three credited writers Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson, and E.A. Woolf, and a team of many uncredited scriptwriters (including Arthur Freed, Herman Mankiewicz, Sid Silvers, and Ogden Nash). Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) paid L. Frank Baum a whopping $75,000 for the film rights to his book, which was big money in those days. The movie was a box office disappointment on its initial release, earning only $3,017,000 on a $2,777,000 budget, despite receiving largely positive reviews. Fortunately, it received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture but lost to Gone with the Wind. The motion picture, however, won two Oscar awards, including Best Original Song for “Over the Rainbow,” which was almost cut from the movie, because execs thought it made the movie too long. The song was ranked first in two lists: the American Film Institute’s “100 Years...100 Songs” and the Recording Industry Association of America’s “365 Songs of the Century.” In L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s slippers were silver. They were changed to “ruby” in order to take advantage of the Technicolor wow factor. Multiple sets were created for the film. Because of their iconic stature, the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland are now among the most treasured and valuable film memorabilia in movie history.
EDGEDAVAO
7 HEALTH
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
Eggs are good for your health By HENRYLITO D. TACIO
C
OMPARED with neighboring Asian countries, the per capita egg consumption in the Philippines is much lower. The country’s annual consumption is pegged at 94 eggs per person, which is way below of what is being eaten in Malaysia (305 eggs for each person per year) or Thailand (where an individual eats 145 eggs per year). The low demand for eggs in the local market is very surprising in a country where balut, penoy, and kwek kwek are street food delicacies. In some department stores, itlog na maalat are readily available. One triggering factor for lower consumption is the health issues often associated with eggs. The fear of excessive cholesterol from daily consumption of eggs has often limited the demand for it, as Filipinos have opted to go “safe” and go for substitutes to supplement their diet. “Eggs are high in cholesterol, and a diet high in cholesterol can contribute to elevated blood cholesterol levels,” explains American physician Thomas Behrenbeck. “However, the extent to which dietary cholesterol raises blood cholesterol levels isn’t clear. Many scientists believe that saturated fats and trans fats have a greater impact than dietary cholesterol does in raising blood cholesterol.” On the other hand, the American Heart Association recently acknowledged that as long as you limit dietary cholesterol from other sources, it may be possible to include a daily egg in a healthy diet. (In the United States, the per capita egg consumption is 257.) So, what’s the real score? Here’s what Dr. Behrenbeck shares: “One large egg has about 213 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol — all of which is found in the yolk. If you are healthy, it’s recommended that you limit your dietary cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg a day. If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or high LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, you should limit your dietary cholesterol intake to less than 200 mg a day. Therefore, if you eat an egg on a given day, it’s important to limit or avoid other sources of cholesterol for the rest of that day.” Despite what is being said about cholesterol, not too many know that cholesterol also helps to maintain the flexibility and permeability of cell membranes and is also a raw material for the fatty lubricants that help to keep the skin supple. Cholesterol is likewise essential for the production of sex hormones, cortisol, vitamin D and bile salts. Eggs also contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. “Egg protein – the most nutritious protein known – is the standard by which other proteins
are compared,” wrote Dr. Lorenzo David T. Guzman in an article which appeared in Greenfields. “All the essential amino acids or building blocks of protein are present in such generous quantities in an egg.” Although protein is more concentrated around the yolk, there is in fact more protein in the albumen. Also known as egg white, albumen accounts for most of an egg’s liquid weight, about 67 percent. Albumen contains more than half the egg’s total protein, niacin, riboflavin, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur. “Eggs are also rich in other nutrients and vitamins, except vitamin C,” Dr. Guzman informed. The egg is a source of all the B vitamins. It is a particularly rich source of vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin) and a useful source of folate. The egg is also a good source of the fat-soluble vitamins A and D and provides some vitamin E. Likewise, eggs contain many of the minerals that the human body requires for health. In particular eggs are an excellent source of iodine, required to make the thyroid hormone, and phosphorus, required for bone health. The egg is a significant source of selenium, an important antioxidant and provides some zinc, important for wound healing, growth and fighting infection. Eggs also contain iron, the vital ingredient of red blood cells, although the availability of this iron to the body is still under investigation. “Even with these nutrients, 100 grams of egg have only 144 calories compared to ham’s 374, cheddar cheese’s 398, hamburger’s 377, and salmon’s 203,” Dr. Guzman pointed out. “Eggs are, therefore, good for weight-watchers and convalescents who must eat light but nutritious food. Eggs are usually one of the first solid foods that mothers feed to infants. Eggs also aid in the rapid growth of children and teenagers and are served as a quick, easily prepared meal for adults and elderly.” Oftentimes, people who travel eat hard-boiled eggs. Partly, such practice helps. According to experts, a medium egg has an energy value of 78 k i l o c a l o ri e s (324 kilojoules). The consumption of one egg daily would c o n t r i b u te around three percent of the average energy requirement of an adult man (or four percent for an adult woman). Chicken eggs are widely used in many types of dishes, both sweet
and savory. Eggs can be pickled, hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, fried and refrigerated. They can also be eaten raw, though this is not recommended for people who may be especially susceptible to salmonella, such as the elderly and pregnant women. Eggs, as well as flour, are the structural ingredients in baking. Eggs provide leavening; add color, texture, flavor and richness to the batter. They are very important in helping to bind all the other ingredients together. Beaten eggs are a leavening agent as they incorporate air into the batter, which will expand in the oven and cause the cake to rise. Some cakes use beaten eggs as their only source of leavening. Eggs are also used as a thickener in custards and creams, and to glaze pastries and breads. Egg whites are used to make meringues. Some consumers prefer brown eggs to white, or vice versa. Health experts claim egg color is largely a cosmetic issue and it has no effect on egg quality or taste. But this doesn’t stop Costa Rica Ireland and the United Kingdom to prefer brown eggs. In Brazil and Poland, white eggs are generally regarded as industrial, and brown or reddish ones are preferred. The New York Times reported that during the Second World War housewives in Boston preferred brown eggs and those in New York preferred white eggs. In February 1976, the British New Scientist magazine, in discussing issues of chicken egg color, stated: “Housewives are particularly fussy about the colour of their eggs, preferring even to pay more for brown eggs although white eggs are just as good.” In the past, eggs had various uses. In ancient Rome, eggs were preserved using a number of methods, and meals often started with an egg course. The Romans crushed the shell in their plate to prevent
Chicken eggs
Salted eggs evil spirits from hiding there. In the Middle Ages, eggs were forbidden during Lent because of their richness. Eggs scrambled with acidic fruit juices were popular in France in the 17th century; this may have been the origin of lemon curd. A popular Easter tradition in some parts of the world is
the decoration of hard-boiled eggs (usually by dyeing, but often by spray-painting). Adults often hide the eggs for children to find, an activity known as an Easter egg hunt. The tradition of a dancing egg is held during the feast of Corpus Christi in Barcelona and other Catalan cities since the 16th century. It consists of an
emptied egg, positioned over the water jet from a fountain, which starts turning without falling. Now, which comes first: the egg or the chicken? Most scientists say, the chicken. Those who argue that it’s the egg say it has something to do with Adam being created first. But that is another story...
EDGEDAVAO
8 VANTAGE
EDITORIAL
T
That Red tag
HE Philippine National Police (PNP)’s insinuation that progressive groups – which it still insists on calling “militant” – were behind the alleged abduction of four tribal leaders is uncalled for and places the leaders and members of these groups in real peril. The actual press statement, unpretentiously titled “IP leaders abducted after exposing truth behind militant’s deceit,” says the four, identified as Datu Danilo Angcomog, Datu Laris Landakay, Datu Jovanie Angcomog, and Datu Kalompot Dalon, were abducted by the New People’s Army (NPA) on August 1, but it’s not hard to see the connection that the police are trying to make between the rebel group and the progressives. After all, the four tribal leaders were among those who filed an affidavit last May against organizers of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) evacuees at the UCCP-Haran compound. The affidavit was apparently one of the bases for the filing by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of cases of trafficking in person, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention against the support
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
groups of the evacuees in Haran. Put two and two together and the progressive groups are behind their disappearance. In the same breath, however, the PNP also says the investigation is still ongoing. This was pointed out by Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate, who said the PNP it should be careful with what it says because it has already indicted progressive groups even in the absence of solid proof. The PNP’s statement literally places the progressive groups’ members’ safety on the line because of the “Red tag” that has been reinforced on them. Not that it makes much difference since the label has always been there, but this case is related to an abduction of four people, and there is no way of knowing how parties on various sides will react to the insinuation that certain Red-tagged groups are behind the four men’s disappearance. The police must certainly know that due process requires them to confirm first before accusing anyone; in this case, however, it looks like it threw due process out the window. 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
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
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
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
9
Let’s develop our dairy industry
T
OO bad I wasn’t able to attend the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex a few weeks back where Marilyn Mabale, the Mindanao department manager of the National Dairy Authority (NDA), talked about setting the Davao Region as “the next raising area for imported milk-producing cows,” to quote the report of our reporter Cheneen R. Capon. “We saw the big potential of Davao Region for fresh milk production,” Mabale was quoted as saying. Currently, the region produces 3,000 liters of fresh milk per day. However, “the daily local demand ranges from 6,000 to 7,000 liters.” In Davao City, the existing production area is in Calinan District. There are also milk producers in Davao del Norte (particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal), Davao del Sur, and Compostela Valley. Talking about the whole island of Mindanao, the bulk of production comes from Northern Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and the Lanao area. The Philippine dairy industry -- although considered a vital component of the country’s economic and nutritional development -- has remained badly underdeveloped. Although the Philippine Dairy Corporation is making some headway, the government is still far behind its target of 20-percent national sufficiency in milk. The Philippines still depends on imports for at least 99 percent of its dairy food requirements. “With domestic milk production able to supply only 1 percent of the country’s dairy needs,” reports the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “the Philippine will continue to rely on imports to meet the requirements
O
VANTAGE POINTS
of its growing THINK ON THESE! domestic and export markets.” New Zealand is the country’s top source of dairy products. The Philippines also import milk products from China because Henrylito D. Tacio they are cheap- henrytacio@gmail.com er. For the United States, the Philippines is the largest Southeast Asian market for its dairy products. “Dairy products are the country’s second largest agricultural import after wheat,” the USDA reports. Despite this, the annual per-capita consumption of dairy products in the Philippines is just 16 kilograms or roughly half of the recommended daily allowance. “At present, dairy production in the Philippines is heavily dependent on imports. There is a need for the industry to accelerate and increase the local production to lessen our dependency from import,” Mabale pointed out. There are three chief sources of milk in the Philippines: cattle, carabao and goat. Of these three animals, the goat is the least expensive to raise and its milk is the best for infants and children. “Studies conducted in the United States and other countries showed that goat’s milk is comparable to that of mother’s milk,” says Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the Bansalan-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center Foundation
Inc.
The fat globules of goat’s milk are small in size, friable and the curd is light in comparison to that of milk from cows and carabaos. “These factors make it easily digestible and explain why goat’s milk is commonly prescribed for infants,” explains Alimoane, who is an animal science specialist. “I let my two children drink goat’s milk when they were still kids,” said Rodolfo Dedeles, a father of two children. “When they were growing up, I observed that unlike other children, they didn’t much health problems.” A study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology showed that goat’s milk as per 200-milligram serving can provide 20 percent of the daily requirements for calcium, 4 percent for vitamin A, and 8 percent for iron. The fat and protein of goat’s milk are finely divided, which makes it more easily digestible. “Goat’s milk can be digested within 20 minutes compared to cow’s milk which takes at least two to three hours to be digested,” said Alimoane, who is a livestock specialist. Whereas cow’s milk is acid in reaction, goat’s milk is distinctly alkaline, thereby making it useful in cases of hyperacidity. For those who are lactose intolerant, goat’s milk would be a good alternative. There are many other health benefits from drinking goat’s milk. Goat’s milk has long been used and recommended as an aid in the treatment of ulcers due to its more effective acid buffering capacity. Children on goat’s milk have been observed to sleep through the night and remain more satisfied between meals.
“Indeed, I find among the writers, that the milk of the goat is next in estimation to a woman; for it help the stomach, remove oppilations and stoppings of the liver and loose the belly.” This startling testimonial from 16th-century William Harrison echoes the opinion of 2,000 years of medical writing. Hippocrates, touted to be the father of medicine, commended the virtues of goat’s milk. “Why don’t we develop our dairy industry by raising goats?” Alimoane asked. “If all farmers in the Philippines will raise goats in their farms, we can help the country by saving our dollars in importing those milk and milk products from other countries.” Low milk consumption is especially pronounced in rural areas where products that need refrigeration are considered a luxury. Metropolitan Manila and nearby provinces in Luzon, which accommodate about a quarter of the population, account for 45 percent of the total dairy expenditure. Milk consumption in Metro Manila is estimated at four times the national average, while less-developed areas generally have lower-than-average consumption. As such, Alimoane bats for the raising of goats to combat malnutrition, which is prevalent among rural areas. “If farmers can raise their own source of fresh milk, they don’t need to have refrigerators,” he said. Although a goat is small, she can produce as much as four liters of milk everyday—if she is purebred and is given a ration to meet all of her nutritional requirements. “With fresh goat’s milk, you can be sure that the milk your child is taking is free from harmful chemicals,” Alimoane says.
Cooperatives: Dreaming big, why not?
NCE a journalist, you will always have that itch to write. I have not stopped writing since joining government, yes, the bureaucracy, some four months ago, but not this kind of writing. With the work load I am having now, I could have dealt with the itch to write my column or a news story for next time, until my mentor in journalism Carolyn Arguillas, editor and founder of Mindanao News and Information Service Cooperative Center (MindaNews) suggested I write about cooperatives. There are a lot of things happening in the cooperative movement which is celebrating its centennial year. These things are from the current campaign for cooperatives to acquire, operate and manage the Agus Pulangi Hydro Electric Power Plants to the upcoming launching of the KoopTV Federation, the KooperatiBalita magazine, to converting electric cooperatives into genuine, consumer-owned cooperatives, so on and so forth. The newly appointed chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Orlando R. Ravanera has been known for his environmental activism. He is an astute community development worker, writer, activist and more importantly dreamer. He is one of the believers that the current socioeconomic system of the world is collaps-
FASTLANES BY BENCYRUS G. ELLORIN ing, and that the tipping point has been reached. But unlike doomsayers, he is optimistic there is hope – through cooperativism. Be believes that the intrinsic design of the cooperative or its ‘DNA’ sort of, is the anti-thesis to the growth-at-all-cost, consumerist throwaway system that has resulted in gross social inequities. That cooperativism which is anchored on the principles of member ownership; value-based and sustainability can be a potent anti-thesis to the failed neo-liberal economic system. I had asked many cooperative leaders and prime movers if indeed the cooperative movement in the country is ready for an ideological discourse of this sort. Some say the movement is indeed ready; others say it should be pursued, first by firming up the movement’s identity and taking stock of its contribution to nation-building. Currently, there are 24,652 registered cooperatives nationwide. According to the CDA, cooperatives directly employed 520,758 Filipinos and indirectly employed 1,923,047 others as of December 2014. Their combined assets are over
P600 billion. Compared to the country’s macro economy, these may be small figures, but placed in the right context that these figures came from 13,000 million ordinary Filipinos who have decided to embrace cooperativism, this is a huge number. More importantly, it shames the culture of mendicancy which has seeped into the veins of our state systems. Successful cooperatives have shown that it is possible for ordinary people to pool their resources and grow their enterprises big and play in the big league. As an acknowledgment of the successes of cooperatives, Ravanera sees the potential for cooperatives to even grow bigger, not to accumulate more wealth, but to reach out to more people and contribute more to the betterment of society. At first when the idea of cooperatives acquiring, operating and managing the Agus-Pulangi hydro complex emerged, many took it as a joke. But when around 5,000 people from all over Mindanao gathered in Cagayan de Oro last June 8 for the Mindanao Cooperative Energy Summit and launching of the 1Mindanao Energy Cooperative (1MIECOOP) federation, energy stakeholders started taking the bid seriously. Mindanao-based cooperatives and large cooperatives from the Visayas and Luzon can
raise the capital to acquire, manage and operate the privatization-bound power facilities which could supply up to 60 percent of Mindanao’s power needs. Former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla himself admitted that if the Agus-Pulangi goes to the cooperatives, the bigger winner will be the power consumers who will enjoy more of the island’s cheaper power rates. He even said that if the cooperatives can sustain their bid, eventually banks will knock on their doorsteps and offer financial services. “Eh ganun din naman mangyari if big private companies bid for the Agus-Pulangi, they will just raise the equity and loan from the banks the rest of the capital,” he said. The only difference is that if ordinary people invest in their cooperative for the Agus-Pulangi venture, it is not like capitalists venturing to gain profit but rather democratizing the power sector and protecting their interests to have reliable and cheap electricity. It is literally putting power in the hands of the people. 1MIECOOP started as a dream. It may not have become a reality as yet, but it has proven to be a doable venture. (The writer, a Mindanawon, works in the Office of Chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority. Comments can be sent to bency.ellorin@gmail.com)
10 NEWS ABDUCTED... FROM 1 witnesses to the human trafficking incident orchestrated by militant groups to support claim of ‘militarization’ in the area,” Rivera said. He said the abduction was initiated “purposely to conceal the truth behind the crimes committed inside Haran compound.” “Right now, investigation is ongoing and we have coordinated with the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR), together with the town’s chieftains, to ensure the safe release of the four victims,” he added. Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate, however, called Rivera’s statements “malicious” and designed to malign the progressive groups supporting the evacuees at the Haran compound. “We are questioning Superintendent Rivera’s malicious statements. He is saying they are still investigating the alleged abduction but he has
already indicted progressive groups,” he said. He also said Rivera’s statements were based on “hearsay.” “We strongly caution Rivera from issuing this wild accusation. Magdahan-dahan siya. He is maligning organizations that are providing support to the Lumads who have evacuated to Haran,” he said. In a separate interview, Major Harold Cabunoc, Special Project Officer of Civil Relation Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) said the four were kidnapped by members of the NPA under a certain Commander Jose. “We will help the police to locate and rescue the, There are many ways to resolve this. The NPA has them but we believe they are still alive,” Cabunoc said. Cabunoc also said they already leads to the whereabouts of the victims.
ondary school in the Philippines to be given the award. Dubinan Elementary School of Santiago City, Isabela is among the primary school awardees. The 2nd ASEAN Ecoschools Award recognizes the exemplary efforts of 10 primary and secondary schools from ASEAN member-states in inculcating environmental awareness in all aspects of education to students and surrounding communities. According to the ASEAN website on the Environment, the selection of the eco-schools was based on national criteria and the ASEAN Guidelines on Eco-schools adopted by the ASEAN Environment Ministers in 2011. “The Guidelines serves as a reference and regional standard for environmentally friendly model schools in the region. The event also provided an opportunity for government officials and school principals from ASEAN Member States to exchange information on environmental education policies and best practices on eco-school initiatives/activities,” the ASEAN said. As part of the Ateneo formation into men and women for others, students are taught to properly segregate waste, understand the workings of the environment, and respect God’s creation, the ADDU press release said. Launched in 2011, Ecoteneo began by implementing the school’s own Ecological Solid Waste Management plan in accordance with Republic Act 9003. The ASEAN website listed the 10 winners in the secondary school category and primary school category of the 2nd
ASEAN Eco-schools Awards: Secondary School Category Sekolah Menengah Muda Hashim, Brunei Darussalam Preah Sisowath High School, Cambodia SMA Negeri 2 Temanggung, Indonesia Saysetha Secondary School, Lao PDR Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Aman Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia. Basic High School Chanmyatharzi Township, Myanmar Ateneo De Davao University High School, Philippines Woodgrove Secondary School, Singapore Mattayomsuwitserianusn School, Thailand Foreign Language Specialised School, Ha Noi, Viet Nam Primary School Category Jerudong Primary School, Brunei Darussalam Wat Bo Primary School, Cambodia SMPN 4 Martapura, Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesia Thongkang Primary School, Lao PDR Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Baru, Melaka, Malaysia Basic Primary School Ywarthitsu. Myanmar Dubinan Elementary School, Philippines East View Primary School, Singapore Bannammin School, Thailand Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, Viet Nam ADDU-HS was also one of the national champions in the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools organized by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (MindaNews)
was at seven percent, the company said.
ed throughput was five percent higher at 1,905,357 TEUs compared to 1,808,928 TEUs in 2014. The Group’s eight key terminal operations in Manila, Brazil, Poland, Madagascar, China, Ecuador, Pakistan and Honduras, which accounted for 82 percent of the Group’s consolidated revenues in the first six months of 2015, grew nine percent compared to the same period last year.
ASEAN... FROM 2
ICTSI... FROM 6
The company’s eight key terminal operations in Manila, Brazil, Poland, Madagascar, China, Ecuador, Pakistan, and Honduras, which accounted for 77 percent of the Group’s consolidated volume in the first half of 2015, grew six percent compared to the same period last year. For the quarter ending June 30, 2015, total consolidat-
EDGEDAVAO
Cabbie... FROM 2
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
indication that the suspects are addicted to illegal drugs. “With the evidence found, it will lead to the solution of the case. Hopefully, we can
solve the case immediately,” he said. He said he has already asked for the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) video re-
cords of Mercury Drug to find out who bought the gloves. “We gave them (pharmacy) the request this morning (yesterday),” he said.
Danao gave assurance that incident was an isolated case and not perpetrated by an organized robbery group. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.
youth who are continuously fighting for land, culture, education, and especially for genuine freedom in the hinterlands, they called on the youth around the world to also stand up and take action,” he said in a text message Sunday afternoon. In a statement, Vegas’ cousin, Juno, also surnamed Vegas, convenor of Rise for Education Alliance-Southern Mindanao Region, said the Filipino tradition of “Kapit-Bisig” signifies the youth’s collective solidarity around the world in bringing a decisive action to defend Mindanao’s environment from plunder and militarization. “Our advocacy has gained international support from the Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network US (KBKN), echoing our calls in the international level to save our schools, our environment, and its people – to save Mindanao,” Jeremy Alvarado De Nieva, a KBKN representative, added the activity exposed him to the social realities that he did not
know before. Among the concerns that government must act on, he said, are “massive human rights violations caused by militarization of communities, the plunder of resources through largescale multinational mining, attacks on community learning schools for indigenous peoples and poor farmers, insufficient delivery of relief and rehabilitation programs to survivors of natural disasters, and the general lack of food security.” Vennel Chenfoo, spokesperson for Kabataan partylist, blamed the continuous military encampments in Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon for the displacement of the Lumads. An interagency group composed of representatives from the Commission on Human Rights, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Davao City Police Office, went to Haran on July 23 purportedly to fetch the Lumads and bring them back
to their villages in the other parts of Davao and Bukidnon. Officers of the 10th Infantry Division who were invited to the session of the City Council on August 4 to explain their side on the alleged militarization and creation of the Alamara Group that allegedy led to the displacement of the Lumads. Col. Jake Obligado, commander of 10ID’s Civil Military Operations, said the military did not violate the customary laws of Lumads, as they always pay a courtesy call on tribal leaders before conducting operations. He said the New People’s Army (NPA) penetrated Talaingod and Kapalong after Typhoon Pablo which struck in December 2012, destroyed their bases in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. In a press release, Col. Eduardo Gubat, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said the Lumads inside the UCCP Haran are “not evacuees but victims
of trafficking.” The press release also quoted Eastmincom chief Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad as saying the presence of the military in the area is because of the presence of the NPA harassing the tribal community. “Kaya may military kasi may NPA sa area, the AFP mandate is to protect the people,” Baladad was quoted as saying. On the alleged human rights abuses of the military against the Lumads, Baladad said the military will not tolerate any abuse. “We do not tolerate, we investigate, we punish,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
Boston, Mt. Hamiguitan EcoPark in San Isidro, Pusan Point in Caraga, and Cape San Agustin Eco Park in Governor Generoso. In March 2015, the neighboring provinces of Davao
Oriental and Surigao del Sur signed a Compromise Agreement signifying the closure of the long standing boundary dispute involving some barangays on the borders of the two provinces. The inking of this
agreement was led by Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon and Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. By Karen Lou Deloso/ Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan
Philippines that are approved by the Department of Health (DOH) including garlic, lagundi, ampalaya, tsaanggubat, and guava, but even then, there’s a lack of patronage for these medicine and other potentially valuable herbs. According to Sangutan, the requirement for an herb to be recognized as medicine is for its effectivity to be documented for 50 years without any harmful effects. This length for documentation delays the procedures for further clinical and laboratory testing, and the development of these herbal products. He is pushing for a five-
year period instead of a 50year documentation period. Sangutan also said that the mentality that imported medicines are better must be removed. “We need to patronize our own for the local sphere to develop,” he said. He made comparisons with China and India, both countries that are self-sufficient even in the medicine industry. India, specifically, cultivates and utilizes their own natural resources as sources of health care products which is also where our country imports some of our medicine. PHILTAHMCA is looking
forward to accelerate the development of these herbal products to strengthen the local industry and utilize the valuable herbs that there is especially in Mindanao. Sangutan said without the adjustments that they are pushing, many herbs will remain only as food supplements without any therapeutic claims because its potential won’t be extracted at an ideal pace. Around 700 to 1,000 food supplement mafucaturers and distributiors are expectd to participate in the Summit at a venue that is yet to be determined.
that their Japanese partner company is exploring on the possibility of introducing the durian shake to the Japanese market. The industry, however, is still in need to processing facilities like cold storage and other processing equipments to make durian prod-
ucts more competitive in the global market. Miculob said durian growers and producers in the region should collaborate together for the consolidation of durian produce that can be sent outside the country. The international mar-
ket, he added, has change its taste preference jumping from the taste of native durian to hybrid durian varieties like Thailand’s Chanee-relative “puyat.” Miculob said durian trees will start to recover by the third quarter of 2016. CHENEEN R. CAPON
to make the country’s science and technology at par with other Asean countries. Based on the World Innovation Index, the country ranked 100th in terms of competitiveness in science and technology. “We are far behind our neighbor countries,” Sangutan said. “Vietnam is even ahead of us.” He said there’s a need to
strengthen the capacities of investors here to be at par with other Asean countries. There should also be focus on the intellectual property (IP) rights of inventors to avoid infringement, according to him. Earlier, DOST Secretary Mario Montejo cited science and technology as key to competitiveness. At present, the DOST is implementing initiatives to
improve and harness the country’s technology and innovation for the advancement of sectors like agriculture, industry, disaster preparedness, transportation, health, and government services. Aside from the contest and exhibition, there will be also lectures and discussions on copyright, patenting and technology development. CHENEEN R. CAPON
Youth... FROM 3
Provinces... FROM 4 TAMA... FROM 5
Durian... FROM 6
Inventors’... FROM 6
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.2001-XI-01373 RONALD D. MONUNGOLH, Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x
NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 8 with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on June 27, 2016. In the petition filed on July 23, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on AUGUST 24, 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 23rd day of July 2015 at Davao City.
TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer
11 COMPETITIVE EDGE
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
Phoenix Petroleum supports Kadayawan D
AVAO City-based independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines is presenting exciting events to celebrate this year’s 30th Kadayawan Festival. On August 15, Saturday, Davao City’s top DJs
will play the latest beats in a night of electronic dance music at the Phoenix Mega Station in Lanang. The “Phoenix Mega Music” party will start at 7 p.m. and is open to all partygoers. The event is in partnership with Manic Nightnings Pro-
Globe approves cash dividend following record 1H earnings
G
LOBE Telecom’s board has approved the third quarterly distribution of cash dividends of P20.75 per share following a record financial performance in the first half of 2015. The dividend will be paid to shareholders on record as of August 17, 2015, with payment date on September 2, 2015. “Together with the previously declared cash dividends in the first half of the year, aggregate dividends to date is at P62.25 per share, which is consistent with our prescribed dividend policy and in line with our commitment to a sustainable and competitive dividend distribution,” Globe Chief Finance Officer Alberto De Larrazabal said in a statement. According to Larrazabal, Globe dividend yield is estimated at 3.2 percent based on the closing share price of P2,572 as of July 30 while total shareholder return is estimated at 51.9 percent.“The company’s dividend yield is quite competitive compared to the yield of other listed companies and government securities in the country,” he said. Globe Telecom generated fresh record revenues of P53.8 billion in the first six months of the year, a 13 percent rise from P47.7 billion a
year earlier, driven by robust gains from its mobile and broadband businesses amid strong customer uptake. The company booked a net profit of P8.7 billion in the first half of the year, an impressive 27 percent jump from P6.8 billion a year earlier while core net profit rose 14 percent to P8.6 billion from P7.6 billion in the first half of 2014. Recently, Globe Telecom earned a much-coveted recognition from the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines as Company of the Year for its remarkable financial performance based on its growth in consolidated revenues, EBITDA and core net income. The citation was based on votes gathered from FMAP member-institutions on their view of various Asian companies. The company was also cited recently by FinanceAsia Magazine’s annual poll of Best Managed Companies for its commitment to a strong dividend policy. Last year, Globe also gained a recognition from regional publication Alpha Southeast Asia Magazine as one of the Philippine companies with the most consistent dividend policy on their 3rd annual Southeast Asia Institutional Investor Corporate Awards.
USTAINABILITY is the beat and the beat is loud at Aeon Towers. As construction workers move massive tons of steel and lay down piles of concrete, project engineers of the much-anticipated Aeon Towers project is putting premium on its sustainability. The 33-level skyscraper that’s bound to lord it over the skies of Davao and Mindanao is now moving on its third level while strengthening its very core foundation. “Our engineers are highly attentive at every detail of this project and this is very much evident when you take a look at the site,” said Aeon Towers marketing manager Gen Marchan. The Aeon Towers is a mixed use high-rise development which is the signature project of homegrown firm FTC Group of Companies. It is a 33-level modern con-
dominium located along J.P. Laurel Avenue which will also
ductions, the team behind Carte Blanche in Davao City in 2014. On August 22 and 23, Phoenix Petroleum, with the Davao Classic Sports Car Club, will present the Kadayawan Hot August Races 10, the biggest and most
exciting legal drag race of the year, at the Speed City Race Track, Ma-a, Diversion Road. Another big motocross event, the Kadayawan Cyclomax Motocross, will be held on August 23, 2015 at Kauswagan, Brgy. Langub,
in partnership with Moto-X Davao. Phoenix Petroleum is a silver sponsor of the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw celebration. Phoenix Premium 98 fuel cards will be awarded to the winners of Hiyas ng
Kadayawan, Indak-indak sa Kadalanan, and Parada Pamulak as special prizes. Phoenix Petroleum is the number one independent and fastest growing oil company today with an expanding network of operations nationwide.
DOT 11 holds tourism workshop in IGACOS T HE Department of Tourism Region (DOT) 11 conducted a workshop titled Revisiting Samal and Talikud Tour Packages and Davao-Samal Tourism Partnership Program last July 31 at Camp Holiday Resort and Recreation Area in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). The event was aimed to effectively promote the Island Garden City of Samal as
part of Region 11 and to build stronger foundation in tourism with neighboring Davao City. The workshop was done in collaboration with LGSP-LED- Canada, DOT 11, and the local government units of IGACOS, Province of Davao del Norte, and Davao City. It aimed to merge the private sector which plays a vital role in the tourism industry. DOT 11 planned the
Davao-Samal Program Partnership to promote Davao-Samal tourism industry along with the private sector such as owners of beach resorts and other tourist destinations owned privately in the island. The barangays all over the island were encouraged as well to participate through agri-eco-tourism which also could contribute to the tourism industry.
“The Department of Tourism is undertaking steps to level up the quality of visitor’s experience and tourist’s holistic adventure in our tourist destinations especially in Island Garden City of Samal which is known to be the Jewel of Davao Gulf. Many fall in love with this island so together let us push this,” regional tourism director Roberto Alabado said. MLA Samal
feature a luxury hotel, BPO center, shops, fitness gym,
restaurants and a state-of-theart roofdeck with infinity pool
which reminds of the Marina Bay Sands of Singapore.
The Aeon Towers is set to be completed by end of 2016.
Aeon Towers engineers putting premium on sustainability S
12 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 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
EDGEDAVAO
NEWS 13
COMELEC, Gaisano Grand Malls team up for “No Bio. No Boto” campaign
T
HE Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is forging partnership with one of the largest chains of malls in the Visayas and Mindanao to help voters register their biometric data. In a signing of the Memorandum of Agreement over the weekend, the COMELEC formally sealed the partnership with the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies to provide voters biometrics satellite registration booths in all its 27 malls located in different areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. According to Juan Andres Bautista, Comelec Chair-
man, the idea of bringing the biometrics registration and validation inside the malls will provide convenience and accessibility to individuals who have not yet registered for the 2016 elections. “Marami na ang malls na tumutulong sa atin dito sa Metro Manila at sa Luzon, pero sa Visayas at sa Mindanao kailangan pa natin nang tulong. Kaya’t kami ay natutuwa na ang Gaisano Grand Group ay sumali na rin,” Chairman Bautista said. “We want the convenience of malls in the registration, not just to be felt by people in the cities but also in the
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
SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT. The Commission on Elections and the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies forged a partnership for biometrics registration inside the Gaisano Grand Malls, the first in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Present during the signing were (from left to
right): Genevieve Gaisano-Go, Exec. Vice President; Geraldine Gaisano-Anggala, President; Chairman Juan Andres Bautista; and James Arthur Jimenez, Director of Education and Information.
outskirts. So we are very happy with this partnership and we will continue to provide other services for the voters,” Bautista further explained. This is the first partnership the Commission on Elections is forging in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Voters who still do not have biometrics data can now go to any Gaisano Grand Mall in different parts of the Visayas and Mindanao for registration and validation. “With our malls in
in the expansion of our electoral system of registration. It is an honor to be of service to our country, and we join the Philippines in striving and moving forward,”she added. Biometrics refers to the automated identification of an individual, which include his picture, fingerprint, and signature. According to the poll body, voters are required to register their biometrics data. Those who fail to submit their biometrics will be deactivated
multiple locations in the Visayas and MIndanao, we will be able to provide accessibility and convenience to those who wish to register. By bringing the biometric registration inside our malls, we can help reach out to more people in the remote areas,” Geraldine Gaisano-Anggala, President of the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies, said. “We thank the Commission on Elections and Chairman Bautista for giving us this opportunity to help
from the list of qualified voters and will not be eligible to vote in the 2016 elections. The Management of the Gaisano Grand Malls is encouraging those who have not registered to visit the nearest Gaisano Grand Mall where the satellite registration booths are set up for the updates and schedule of their respective district. For more details, one may call at telephone number (082)2240811.
14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
Are green cars at the green light?
T
ODAY, motorists are shifting to sustainable mobility. Their main focus is to achieve the best mileage of their car as well as preserved the environment. Globally, ecco-friendly cars are well-recognized because of its use in the environment. Carmudi analyzed millions of listings on the company’s car classifieds website and the data shows that auto demand worldwide, including Philippines, are shifting towards greener rides. Carmudi found out that countries in the Middle East such as UAE and Qatar are still in love with their SUVs. The number of eco-friendly car listings in the country stand at 5.8% and 1.88% respectively, but green cars are slowly becoming a more attractive option for car buyers. In Pakistan, green cars have also gained traction in recent years with the number of hybrid cars listed online growing 85 percent in the past two years, alongside a 17.48 percent slump in listings for petrol-fueled cars in the country. This trend goes hand in hand with governmental policies to improve the country’s air quality and cut carbon commissions in the coming decade. In Sri Lanka, 43.5 percent of cars listed for sale are eco-friendly cars, and out of those, 93 percent consist of hybrid cars. The hybrid car market in Sri Lanka is monopolized by the likes of Honda’s Insight Hybrid model and Toyota’s Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive models. Carmudi Sri Lanka also saw growth in the number of electric car listings, which
grew four percent in the past 12 months. In the Philippines, although the number in the listings is not as big as its neighboring countries with only 2%, the country is gearing towards sustainable mobility with the arrival of some eco-friendly transport such as E-jeepneys and E-trikes that runs on batteries. Subir Lohani, managing director of Carmudi Philippines, said, “Seeing a lot of eco-friendly cars is a great sign that now motorists knows the importance of being conscious in the environment. The worsening air quality is due to increase number of vehicles that not properly maintain.” “With some eco-cars now available in our doorstep, this would be a good opportunity to combat the effect of climate change,” adds Lohani. Despite the apparent shift towards green rides in Asia and Middle East, countries in Africa have yet to jump on the bandwagon. Carmudi saw low percentages of eco-friendly cars listed for sale on the platform from West African countries such as Senegal (0.79%), Ghana (0.55%), Nigeria (0.37%), and Ivory
Coast (0.26%). The slow adaptation can also be seen in East and Central African countries such as Cameroon (0.97%) and Tanzania (0.70%). So will the emerging markets continue to grow more fond of environmentally-friendly cars? Carmudi predicts that motorheads in Africa will stick with gas-guzzling petrol-powered cars. In the Middle East, the eco-friendly trend will pick up in the coming years as many federal institutions across the region have begun to adopt electric or hybrid cars while motorists in Asia will most likely switch to greener and more economical rides in the near future. About Carmudi Carmudi was founded in 2013 and is currently available in Bangladesh, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Zambia. The vehicle marketplace offers buyers, sellers and car dealers the ideal platform to find cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
SPORTS 15
EDGEDAVAO
GOLF PRINCESS Princess Superal eyes US Amateurs title
T
OP Filipina amateur Princess Superal and eight other USGA winners battle it out for top honors against s o m e of the
TOP PINAY GOLFER. Princess Superal looks to score her second USGA title after topping last year’s US Girls Junior Championship.
world’s best female shotmakers in the US Women’s Amateur in Oregon Monday at the Portland Golf Club (Tuesday in Manila). Former Junior World champion Daniella Uy is also in the 156-player field that will play 36 holes of stroke play with the top 64 advancing to the match play phase. The 36-hole finale is set on Sunday in Portland. Superal, who nipped now pro Marijosse Navarro of Mexico on the 37th hole to capture the US Girls’ Junior title in Arizona last year, drew a midday start with Emmy Martin of Florida and local bet Monica Vaughn in the No. 10. “She’s confident
and in high spirits,” said Team ICTSI-The Country Club coach Bong Lopez on the eve of the event which features nine USGA winners. “But she really must be on point with her long irons and rescue clubs.” Superal saw action in a number of tournaments before heading for Portland, including a runaway win in San Francisco two weeks ago, but faces a formidable task in this week’s event given the depth of the competing field. The Filipina ace, according to Lopez, has also been focusing on physical training to keep her in competitive form in a regular basis and in
shape on long courses. Defending champion Kristen Giliman banners the cast, the 17-year-old Texan set to start early with Haley Moore of California and Lauren Greenlief of Virginia. Moore, 16, earned low amateur honors in the ANA Inspiration, one of five women’s pro majors, in March. Uy will start with Australia’s Keh Wenyung and Britanny Kwon of the US. Other USGA winners vying in the event are six-time champion Ellen Port and Eun Jeong Seong, 15, who succeeded Superal as the US Girls’ champion with a dominant performance in Oklahoma last month.
Kei Nishikori avenges US Open Favorites rule Shell Active Chess elims loss, reaches Washington final
T
OP favorites John Ray Batucan and sisters Irish and Dhona Yngayo topped their respective divisions in the 23rd Shell National Youth Active Chess Championship Southern Mindanao leg over the weekend at the SM City Davao Atrium. The veteran Batucan, a standout of the University of Mindanao, emerged champion in the Seniors division with Kenneth Norman Honculada of Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University placing
S
second. The elder Yngayo, another UM stalwart, won the female side. Her younger sister Irish of Davao Central College topped the female class of the Kiddies division. Ronald Canino of Little Me Academy won the Kiddies title with Chris Joshua Sanchez of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School placing second. In the juniors division, Adrian Othniel Patricio Yulo of Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University was crowned
champion with Bhing Joel Gimony of Jose Maria College in second place. Frince Exra Vanjo Ocliasa of Mati School of Arts and Trade was the top female winner. The awarding program was graced by Shell Social Investment manager Melanie Buluran, project coordinator Maria Villanueva, Shell Sasa Terminal operations administrator Romulo Agoto Jr., and Commercial Fuels Account manager for Southern Mindanao Ingrid Vargas. (NJB)
J
APAN’S Kei Nishikori avenged his loss to Marin Cilic in last year’s US Open final, defeating the Croatian 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 Saturday to reach the ATP and WTA Washington Open final. The 25-year-old Asian number one rallied to oust the reigning US Open champion and advanced to Sunday’s title match against US eighth seed John Isner, who fired 31 aces and saved three match points to edge American Steve Johnson 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (11/9). Fifth-ranked Nishikori improved to 6-3 all-time against Cilic in their first meeting since he missed a chance to become the first Asian man to win a Grand Slam title by losing last year’s Flushing Meadows final. “It’s great to have revenge,” Nishikori said. “Today I was playing very much bet-
ter against Cilic. It was important to play well. Hopefully I will keep it going.” Isner beat Nishikori four months ago in a Miami quarter-final in their only prior meeting. “Everything sort of clicked for me that day,” Isner said. “I played extremely well. That was my best match of the year. I’m probably going to have to bring that again tomorrow.” Isner seeks his 11th career ATP title after winning last week in Atlanta while Nishikori seeks his 10th career title after crowns at Memphis and Barcelona this year. “It was a great win for me,” Nishikori said. “Overall, I’m playing well, very aggressive. The last two sets I was very happy with my tennis.”
The Duel: North vs. South unwraps at Wack Wack
OUTH seeks repeat over North stars as Philippine Golf Tour’s The Duel unwraps at Wack Wack Angelo Que heads the North stars against the Tony Lascuna-led South squad. THE Philippine Golf Tour takes a break from individual competition as it holds The Duel – North vs South 4 which starting on Tuesday at Wack Wack Golf and Country’s Club’s East Course in Mandaluyong. The Southerners played solid unit last year to fashion out a runaway 20-8 victory at the Cebu Country Club and regain the crown they won in the event’s inaugurals in 2012.
The top 24 players in the current ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour money rankings see action in the three-day tournament with foursomes (alternate shot) matches on opening day. Play shifts to four-ball (best ball) on Wednesday, with 12 singles matches set on Thursday. Tony Lascuña and three-time ADT champion Elmer Salvador head Team South featuring some of the best golfers in Visayas and Mindanao. They are Charles Hong, Cassius Casas, Jay Bayron, Rufino Bayron, Marvin Dumandan, Arnold Villacencio, Orlan Sumcad, Clyde Mondilla, Ferdie Aunzo and Jhonnel Ababa.
“Our chance to score a repeat is very strong,” said Jerome Delariarte, the man at the helm of Team South with Zanieboy Gialon as assistant. “We have to keep the tee shots in play and stay patient on this tricky layout.” But Team North, under coach Artemio Murakami with Solomon Gines as assistant, is out to even things up on a squad built around Angelo Que and Miguel Tabuena, both winners of two legs in this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Backing up the duo are Mars Pucay, Joenard Rates, Benjie Magada, Randy Garalde, Mike Bibat, Keanu Jahns, James Ryan Lam, Miguel Ochoa,
Gerald Rosales and Jun Bernis. “I think it will boil down to putting since talent-wise, both teams
are almost even. They’ve been playing for so long that these players already know each other’s strength
and skills,” said Murakami. “But of course, both teams will go for a good start.”
SOUTHERN REPRISE? South seeks repeat over North stars as Philippine Golf Tour’s The Duel unwraps at Wack Wack Angelo Que heads the North stars against the Tony Lascuna-led South squad.
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
VOL. 8 ISSUE 94 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015
LOOK WHO’S COMING BACK TO MANILA? Lebron arriving on August 19 for Nike Rise
N
BA superstar LeBron James is set to return to Manila next week for a longer visit that will be highlighted by his appearance as mentor
of the Nike Rise team in a game against UAAP players. The Cleveland Cavaliers star is set to arrive on August 19 (Wednesday) and is set to stay for a couple of days, unlike his first visit where he stayed just a day as part of a whirlwind, multi-city tour. The former NBA MVP will hold a press conference the next day (August 20) and is set to act as mentor when the finalists of Nike Rise - a reality documentary program that put street ballers from around the country in a rigorous training program - play a UAAP selection, either on August 21 or 22. If LeBron’s schedule permits, an out-of-town trip is also scheduled for one of the most dominant players to ever play. James will be the second NBA star to act as Nike Rise guest coach after Paul George, the Indiana Pacers forward who arrived last July 19 and spent a few days with the aspirants.
NBA superstar LeBron James is set to return to Manila next week as mentor of the Nike Rise team in a game against UAAP players.
TOR-DYAK 2015 1st Toril Padyak bikefest wheels off on October 4
By PRINCE SIMON CANDA, ADDU Intern
S
VETERAN cyclist Boy Ladra (in file photo) of Davao City says the race is also a fund-raiser and advocacy for health and wellness.
OME 400 bikers will be joining in the first Toril Padyak 2015 set on October 4 organized by the St. Peter’s College of Toril Alumni Association High School Batch 1992 in cooperation with the Toril Proper Barangay Council. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Dabaw, Hon. Councilor Al-ag said that Toril Padyak is a Mountain Bike Competition that aims to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of environment friendly transportation. “Toril is the second growth area of Davao city and we would like to promote and advertise the area by organizing a mountain bike competition,” Hon. Al-ag said. Bikers will be expecting a 25- kilo-
meter route of combined pavements, off-road single track, uphill, downhill, and mini obstacles or known as cross country trail. The competition will commence in the Toril District Hall grounds and will traverse thru foothills of Barangay Bangkas Heights, Barangay Mulig, Barangay Bato and Barangay Bayabas. “Bikers will pass mostly rough roads and it’s expected that it will be a tough ride for them. So it’s recommended for them to use mountain bikes with gears,” Bel Olaño said. Toril Padyak has a registration fee of 350 pesos inclusive of shirt and packed lunch. Part of the proceeds of the competition will benefit the St. Peter’s College of Toril adopted communities and educational assistance for underprivileged students of the community. “This competition is open to all mountain bike enthusiasts from Davao City and families could enjoy this event,” Boy Ladra said. The mountain bike competition is not just about the race but it also upholds healthy lifestyle thru cycling. Registration will start at 6 am and the race proper will begin at 9 am.