VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016 PEACE ADVOCATE. A Lumad woman stands at the center of the crowd as she listens to the speeches being delivered by various tribal and progressive leaders during a gathering of indigenous peoples (IP), progressive groups and farmers from different parts of Mindanao at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday to express their support for the resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Lean Daval Jr.
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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society
NO BAIL FOR 15 ACTIVISTS EDGE By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA
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HE spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) believes that there are people spoiling the upcoming peace negotiation between the Philippine Government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (NDFP). This after Judge Retrina Fuentes of Regional Trial Court branch 10 issued a warrant of arrest (WA) dated May 13, 2016 against 15 activist in Davao City for alleged kidnapping and serious illegal detention docketed as Criminal Case
No. R-DVO-15-01984-CR. Named accused in the case are Rev. Jurie Jaime, Hanimay Suazo, Ryan Laniba, Tony Salubre, Jimboy Marciano, Mary Ann Sapar, Jaja Encisio, Pedro Arnado, Kerlan Fanagel, Sr., Stella Matutina, Sr. Restita Miles, Isidro Andao, Kharlo Manano, Rius Valle and Sheena Duazo. NDFP spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili said he is speculating that the current administration is running after those activists who are fighting for the rights of the indigenous
peoples. “Why are they issuing a warrant of arrest now? Maybe the Aquino regime is running after it, well that is just my speculation,” Agcaoili stressed. When reached by EDGE Davao, some of the accused said they were surprised upon knowing that a WA was already signed and issued against them last May 13. They only knew the presence of the WA on Tuesday, June 28 after hearing the same from a report of a local TV station.
Agcaoili said it is not far from reality that there will be spoilers to the upcoming peace talks. He made mention of the United States government and the military as possible spoilers to the peace process. Meanwhile, Rius Valleys, one of the accused, denied allegations of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of over 700 lumad evacuees in UCCP Haran. Valles said that the case filed against them is aimed to
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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
DOST mulls revival of science centrum
168TH ANNUAL FIESTA. Thousand of Catholic faithful are expected to troop to San Pedro Cathedral today as the oldest parish in Davao City celebrates its 168th fiesta. Lean Daval Jr.
PCSO welcomes partners needing funds for charity
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HE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has invited individuals and organizations with corporate social responsibility (CSR) of helping others to partner with the agency in the project dubbed ‘Partners Tayo-Mini-Sweepstakes Fund Raiser.’ Eric Imson, marketing officer of the PCSCO explained the partnership program is a vehicle to raise funds for charitable works. He said it is a product of the gaming sector of the PCSO to raise funds for charity. “The PCSO as a government agency limits its charitable works to health concerns,
though,” Imson said. He said the project is being offered to local government units, alumni associations, socio-civic organizations and any group, which needs funds for the promotion of their corporate social responsibility. Imson said the project offers partners profit, a certain amount that can be used by the organization for itself and for charity. “It is practically selling sweepstakes ticket with your organization guaranteed a profit that will truly give assistance to others and to the group in itself,” he said.
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1,500 families evacuate as flashfloods hit N. Cotabato
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LOSE to 1,500 families in two towns of North Cotabato were forced to flee their homes after torrential rains brought by tropical depression “Ambo” hit the province on Tuesday dawn. The rains caused rivers and other waterways to overflow toward residential and vast agricultural areas in the low -lying villages of Kabacan and Matalam towns. In Kabacan, hundreds of farmlands planted with palay were inundated in Barangays Kuyapon, Malamote, Upper Paatan and Bangilan. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) officer David Saure
said about 800 families from the flooded villages were temporarily evacuated to high grounds by local rescue units. In Matalam, the floods alos affected some 600 families in Barangays Poblacion, Lower Malamote, New Pandan, and Taculen based on the MDRRMC initial report. Authorities confirmed that no one was hurt or missing due to the flooding. Both Kabacan and Matalam town governments are conducting validation to determine the exact number of families affected and damage to infrastructure and agri-crops. Relief operations are underway.
By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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HE Department of Science and Technology in Davao region (DOST-11) eyes the revival of the mothballed Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum (MSTC) in Mintal, Davao City in a bid to bring back the science and technology literacy among the young Dabawenyos. But, Mirasol G. Domingo, assistant regional director for technical support service of DOST 11, said the agency is still looking for an institution which can manage the Centrum. One of the target institu-
tions that can sustain the operation is the Davao City Government that can finance its operation, Domingo said. “We would like to ask for assistance from the Davao City government to help us in operating the center,” Domingo said in yesterday’s Davao Business Forum at Dermpath, SM City Davao. The proposal will be lobbied to returnee councilor Pilar Braga who was once part of the managing foundation, she added. Domingo said local government units can assist the
agency in promoting science literacy in the grassroots level, a mandate made by the President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte. The Centrum is already closed for almost seven years now. She stressed that the facility was known as the preferred destinations of schools field trips before as it housed science exhibits presented in intelligible approaches that made theories easier to comprehend especially for the school children. Once managed by the Regional Council for Research
and Development Foundation, Inc. (RECORD Foundation), the MSTC was closed in 2009 due to financial problem on sustaining its operation. Domingo pointed out that aside from the city government other alliances of private groups are also being eyed to manage the Centrum. Groups interested to manage the Centrum will receive technical assistance from the DOST-11, she assured. “We’ve learned how to run a centrum through the benchmarking in other countries,” she added.
els to be attended by 68 residents of DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY). For school year 20162017, classes will be conducted Mondays to Fridays with Elementary Level conducted in the morning (from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) and Secondary Level in the afternoon (1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.),” informed Ma. Lita Montalban, school president. Under the MOA, EMAR
Human and Environmental College will (1) provide two teachers to assist the in-house Instructional Manager (IM) in the conduct of daily classes; (2) conduct regular monitoring and supervision on the implementation of Regular Education Program in RRCY thus ensuring the quality of education provided to the learners; (3) provide technical assistance in the form of trainings/ seminars/fora to upgrade the
knowledge, attitude, values, skills of the Instructional Manager; (4) provide a copy of the available modules for reproduction to be used in the conduct of classes; (5) facilitate the conduct of the national test registration and administration; and (6) confirm passers by conducting recognition with approval from Department of Education (DepEd). “The RRCY, on the other
DSWD, Davao school sign MOA for children in conflict with law T
HE EMAR Human and Environmental College, Inc. signed on Monday a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao City, providing for the education program of children in conflict with the law (CICL) currently under DSWD custody. “EMAR shall assist in the implementation of the formal education in multi-grade lev-
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NEWS 3
EDGEDAVAO
DavNor winners sworn into office N
EWLY-ELECTED officials of Davao del Norte took their oath of office Monday, June 27, at the RDR Gym in Tagum City. Taking their oaths are incoming Davao del Norte Representatives Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr. (2nd District) and Pantaleon Alvarez (1st District), Governor Anthony del Rosario and Vice Governor Allan Dujali. Newly-elected members of the Provincial Board also took their oath during the event. The officials took their
oath before Executive Judge Virginia Ang of the Davao del Norte Regional Trial Court. Outgoing Governor Rodolfo del Rosario also gave his farewell speech outlining his accomplishments and at the same time giving his last message to the incoming officials as to the priorities needed to be implemented for the good of the province. Del Rosario have been a public servant for the past 36 years handling various positions from Assemblyman to Governor of the province. Majority of the elected
officials in the 2016 elections are partymates of the Floirendos and the del Rosarios under the local political party Kusog Baryohanon headed by Floirendo. Aside from their elective positions, Reps. Alvarez and Floirendo are also expected to be given other positions of national prominence. Alvarez is expected to be the next House Speaker while Floirendo would be PDP-Laban’s national officer. PDP-Laban is the political party of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. By Ben O. Tesiorna
the concerned personalities mainly surfaced and vowed to lead transformed lives, and shun from illegal activities. He said 2,490 of them are from South Cotabato, 1,342 from Sultan Kudarat, 114 from this city and 12 from North Cotabato. On Monday, over a thousand drug pushers and users gave up in Sultan Kudarat in
a ceremony held at the provincial gymnasium in Isulan town. The activity was witnessed by incoming Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno. The PRO-12 earlier urged drug personalities in the region to surface or surface voluntarily to local police units.
Local health officials have collected water samples in the village for laboratory test. Authorities believe that the source of drinking water in the area may have been contaminated due to heavy rains the past several days across the province. Gonzaga ordered the Barangay Water Service Authority and village officials to submit samples from their water
sources to ensure the safety of their respective constituents. “Foremost, this initiative is for villages relying on deep wells foe their water source,” the mayor said. He said the town government would pay for the laboratory examination of the water sample. On Monday, most villagers from Don Panaca experienced loose bowel movement; stom-
4,000 drug personalities yield in central Mindanao N
EARLY 4,000 illegal drug pushers and users in Region 12 have surrendered voluntarily in the past several weeks in line with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., public information officer of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, said Tuesday said
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INTRIUGED. An elderly woman, accompanied by her daughter, seems very intrigued of the photograph of former bitter political rivals incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte and then Davao City 1st District Rep. Prospero
Diarrhea outbreak under control in NorCot village
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HE diarrhea outbreak at Barangay Don Panaca here, which downed Monday 85 people, is now under control. Magpet Mayor Florenito Gonzaga said all those affected by the occurrence were given medical attention while health personnel were deployed in the area to observe and respond to any crisis that might arise.
ach pain and vomiting that confined them at the rural health center. Village officials immediately reported the incident to the municipal health center, prompting health personnel to rush to the area. Don Panaca is an identified indigenous tribal community situated at the foot of Mt. Apo and some two-hour ride from the town center.
CANADA DAY. Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder stands beside a Canadian flag-shaped cake during the celebration of Canada Day at Seda Abreeza Hotel over the weekend. Local businessmen and other dignitaries joined Reeder in the event. Lean Daval Jr.
Nograles as she reads the caption while browsing the iconic photographs of Mr. Duterte by veteran photojournalist Rene Lumawag in his ongoing exhibit dubbed Rody Duterte, Through the Years at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.
WB country director optimistic with agri plans of Duterte admin
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HE new country director of World Bank is hopeful that the proposed reforms new administration for agriculture development would help farmers improve their lives. Joining the two-day Davao Business Forum held here dubbed as Sulong Pilipinas WB country director Mara K. Warwick said that the new administration has given her high hopes for the improvement of Philippine agriculture and the farmers. “Incoming Secretary Emmanuel Piñol of the Department of Agriculture has emphasized the importance of agriculture, the support to agribusiness and making sure that the reforms of the new administration will be able to assist people, improve livelihood and their lives in general,” Warwick emphasized. Aside from her participation to the Sulong Pilipinas, Warwick and her team also visited the P26-million cacao production and dry fermented bean project in Davao City. The said project is being under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project
(DA-PRDP). DA-PRDP is a six-year rural development project worth P27.5 billion through a loan from World Bank worth P20.56 billion, and P7-billion counterpart from the Government of the Philippines (GOP) and Local Government Units (LGUs). “World Bank and been a long time partner of the Philippine government I can assure you that from the World Bank side we will continue to support you strongly,” she pointed out. Sulong Pilipinas was a business workshop that assembled more than 300 businessmen at SMX Convention Center. The activity convened by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s economic team with the aim to gather recommendations from businessmen on his 10-point socioeconomic agenda. The World Bank team who joined the forum include PRDP task team leader and WB Senior rural development economist Frauke Jungbluth, lead economist Aleksandara Posarac and senior communications officer Dave Llorito. (Sherwin B. Manual/PRDPMindanao)
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
500 Caballero seedlings planted in Little Panay I
N ACCORDANCE to Philippine Environment Month celebration with a theme “Go Wild for life, Combat Biodiversity Loss”, Five Hundred (500) Caballero seedlings with a scientific name “Caesalpinia pulcherrima” were planted alongside the high-
way of Purok 4, Barangay Little Panay last June 17, 2016 at around 7am. The activity is an initiative of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Panabo headed by City Mayor James G. Gamao thru its City Environment and Natural Resources Office
(CENRO). Mayor Gamao personally participated in the said event and led the ceremonial planting of the trees. Brgy. Workers, LGU Employees and Volunteer Residents spent their time to participate in this tree planting activity, as well as the
Department Heads of LGU Panabo, namely: Engr. Felix Jonases P. Senajon of CENRO, Dennis V. Devilleres, City Civil Registrar’s Office, and Henry M. Esparagoza, City Human Resource Management Office. Renel Balsabas – CIO Panabo
Aida Cascato: Foster DPWH conducts environmental, care champion social impact assessment training L T
OOKING after children who are not your own is one of the most self-sacrificing acts a mother can do. It elicits as well ample blessings from above as it exemplifies unconditional compassion and generosity. Such is the case of foster parent Aida Cascato, 54, who for 21 years has made it her vocation to care for abandoned and neglected children whose parent/s gave up on them or have been extremely incapacitated to take care of them. Aida and her late husband started to foster children since 1995 when they were granted a license by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). From then on, the couple had lovingly and unselfishly nurtured a total of 16 foster children on top of their three biological daughters. Aida recalled the whole family was interested to become a foster family. “My husband and my children were eager and were looking forward to having other children live with us even if it’s just temporary.” Fostering Aida once dreamed to have a baby boy but God gave her three daughters instead. All three have been very supportive as foster sisters to all the children that came along and left for permanent placement. “Nag duha-duha gyud ko sauna kay gina-isip nako kung makaya ba gyud nako buhion ang usa pa ka bata, pero akoang gidayon kay gusto pud ko tagaan og pamilya ang usa ka bata nga gi-abandona (At first, I was really hesitant because I was also thinking if I
could still raise one more child, but I pursued the plan since I wanted to provide a family to an abandoned child),” Aida admitted. For her first foster child, DSWD granted her a boy named Junniad. He came to Aida’s family when he was two months old and was legally adopted seven years after. Foster family care is the provision of a planned temporary substitute parental care to a child by a foster parent duly licensed by DSWD. In foster care cases, the child’s biological, adoptive parents or legal guardians, temporarily give up legal custody of the child. “Tanan nga akoang gi-foster kay nagdugay sa akoa before nga ma-adopt. Lipay pud ko labina napulo sa ilaha kabalo ko nga na-adopt sa inter-country ug ang ilang adoptive parents kay makahatag sa ila og maayong kinabuhi (All children stayed with us long before they got placed out for legal adoption. I am very pleased especially that ten of them were placed out through inter-country adoption wherein their adoptive parents could provide a good future for them),” Aida happily shared. “I do not have the world to offer them because if I had, I would adopt them myself so that they won’t have to leave us.” Aida’s secret is having a good relationship with God. Further, she nurtured every child given her with good values and provided what is best for them based on her family’s capacity. A foster child is allotted a monthly subsidy by the government to support his/her needs. The subsidy may be in a form of financial aid, goods or
HE Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao region (DPWH-11) together with the Planning Service-ESSD (Environmental and Social Safeguards Division) FROM DPWH Central Office recently conducted a seminar-workshop on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Social Safeguards for its infrastructure projects and programs.
The EIA is a process aimed to protect the environment by conserving the natural resources. It also requires proponents of development projects such as the Unified Project Management Offices (UPMOs), Bureaus, Services, Regional and District Engineering Offices of the DPWH to forecast the environmental impacts of all projects, to address their negative effects to the environment and to deter-
mine and implement the appropriate preventive or mitigating measures. Conscious of the potential social impacts that can also arise during project implementation, the Department has also created a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process to review the effects of its infrastructure projects and other development interventions to affected communities. Among the objectives of
the training was for participants to formulate environmental impact management and monitoring plans; increase their awareness on post ECC requirements; and understand and apply the basic principles of social impact assessment. The four-day training slated last June 21 to 24 was participated in by engineers from the regional and district offices of DPWH RO 11.
other support services. Aida owns a boarding house and an internet cafe. She earns enough to support their family needs. “I treated every child as my own that is why I always provide the best for them and support them in every way I can.”
to share her home with homeless, disadvantaged children. “Lisod ang pagpadako og bata, gibuhos nako sa ila, gipaskwela nako, hatod ug sundo pero ang kahadlok sa akong kasing-kasing ang pag let go. Dili tungod sa pagsuporta ug pagpadako nimo sa bata pero ang imong relasyon sa ilaha. Mura ko pirmi namatyan pag kuhaon na sila (It’s hard to raise a child, I gave my all, sent them to school, fetched them but the fear in my heart is that of letting go. Not because of the effort from raising them but more on your relationship with them. The moment social workers come to fetch them, I
always feel like someone close dies on me).” When her husband passed away in 2015, Aida took a break from fostering. However, after just a few months she became active again because she knew that there are still children that need her genuine parental care.
is able to provide a familial atmosphere for the child; must have a healthy and harmonious relationship with each family member living with him/ her; of good moral character; physically and mentally capable and emotionally mature; must have sufficient resources to be able to provide for the family’s needs; willing to further hone or be trained on knowledge, attitudes and skills in caring for a child; and must not already have the maximum number of foster children under his/ her at the time of application or award. To date, there are 84 li-
Some challenges Many of the children that came along had illnesses like asthma and allergies while some were underweight. Being compassionate, Aida never rejected any. She accepted all. She is one of the best licensed foster parents of DSWD. She offered 21 years
Requirements Under the law, those who wish to become a foster parent must be of legal age; at least sixteen (16) years older than the child unless the foster parent is a relative; must have a genuine interest, capacity and commitment in parenting and
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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
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Rody eyes P1-B easy access loan to farmers, fisherfolks By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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ARMERS and fishermen having problems on accessing loans from conventional financing institutions will soon find relief under the new administration. Incoming agriculture secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol said President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte promised to allocate P1-billion easy access financing program to farmers and fishermen in all regions. “For so long, farmers and fishers had a hard time in accessing loan because of the stringent requirements in
banks and other lending institutions, ”Piñol said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex on Monday. He pointed out that the terms and conditions of the credit program are still being finalized. “We’re looking on the possibility of offering it through installment or through the plant now, pay later scheme,” he added. Piñol stressed that farmers should be given access to financing programs to help them improve their income
and move out of poverty. He said the program will help the government in attaining its goal of food security, while bringing back the glory of the agriculture sector. Described as “sector of ironies”, he said, the Philippine agriculture sector faces so much challenges like lack of irrigation system, lack of enough farm inputs like fertilizer and seedling. He emphasized that the agency should go back to its original mandate of ensuring
side program during the declaration of Lake Sebu as “Labor Laws Compliant Tourist Destination.” Logong said with the DOLE livelihood assistance, the beneficiaries are optimistic to bounce back after directly affected by the recent dry spell. “Our farmers are expressing their gratitude to Secretary Baldoz for coming over to Lake Sebu and bringing some good news, we assure her that the starter kits will be utilized
properly by farmers to help their families,” DOLE-12 quoted Logong as saying. The DOLE funding assistance will be utilized to procure farm inputs which include fertilizer, herbicide, sprayer, farm boots, gloves, and raw materials. Albert Gutib, DOLE-12 regional director, said the direct beneficiaries of the livelihood assistance are from four sitios (sub-villages) of Barangay
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DOLE grants Lake Sebu farmers with P5-M‘Kabuhayan Starter Kit’
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ARMERS affected by the long dry spell in a remote town in South Cotabato on Monday received PHP500,000 “Kabuhayan” Starter Kit to help them recover from the calamity through livelihood assistance. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz personally handed over the PHP500,000 check to Leah M. Logong, chairperson of Barangay Lamfugon, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, who represented 100 farmers as
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
Davao City to host int’l coco confab By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
O BRIDGE gaps in the value chain, three experts from India and Philippines who are into the multi-billion coconut industry will speak in Davao City for the International Coconut Conference 2016 on July 27 to 29 at SMX Lanang Convention Center. The organizers adopted the theme “CocoLink: bridging industries” which will gather hundreds of stakeholders
and players in the coconut industry from different coconut-producing nations. Davao Regional Coconut Industry Cluster Inc. chair Reynaldo Go said the local industry is facing various issues prohibiting from achieving its optimum growth like low production and low buying price. “Farmers here have stopped fertilizing their coconut plantations. They just wait for their trees to start bearing
ROUND P3.9 million worth of tilapia were destroyed in another major fish kill in lakes Seloton and Sebu in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato. Justina Navarrete, chief of the South Cotabato Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), said Tuesday the fish kill occurred in portions of the two critical lakes in the last three weeks, with the onset of almost daily rains in the area. She said it affected five fish cage operators situated in Sitio Lamsufo in Lake Sebu and one in Lake Seloton. The fish kill, which is the fourth in Lake Sebu this year, destroyed around 4,000 kilos of tilapia in Lake Sebu and 320 kilos in Lake Seloton, she said. “It was mainly caused by the sudden change of the weather in the area,” Navarrete said. She was referring to “kamahong,” a phenomenon caused by the sudden rise in the water’s temperature. “Kamahong,” which usually occurs during the rainy
season, triggers the rise of sulfuric acid in the lake’s waters that eventually caused the massive fish kill. Rex Vargas, OPAG’s fishery coordinator, said the phenomenon occurs when cold rainwater, which is heavier than warm water, settles at the abyssal zone of the lake. “This causes the upturn or upwelling of warm water carrying silts, sediments and gases such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, sulphur and methane gas produced by the decomposing organic matter such as fish feeds,” he explained. Vargas said such situation results in the reduction of dissolved oxygen in the water, “forcing fishes to take in oxygen directly from the atmosphere and eventually die.” In April and May, around 10,800 kilos of tilapia were destroyed in a series of fish kills blamed on “kamahong” in lakes Sebu and Seloton. The municipal government reported the first fish kill in January.
P3.9-M tilapia dead in Lake Sebu fish kill A
Sen. Villar bares smugglers use‘cold stores’in illicit trade
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ENATOR Cynthia A. Villar bared that smugglers are using ‘cold stores’ in their illicit trade as she called on the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) “to police their own ranks.” While going around the country to inquire on agricultural smuggling, Villar said they found out that smugglers were paying cold stores in the provinces to reject for storage the crops or harvest of farmers or farmers’ groups and cooperatives. “Once local produce were rotten, the imported ones, including those smuggled, would be saleable,” she said. Villar said they earlier got reports about this nefarious practice of smugglers that adversely affected our farmers and the agriculture sector. She said they found out the cold stores were empty although they were earlier informed they’re full. “I pointed this out because I do not want CCAP and its
members to be dragged in the smuggling issue,” said Villar. “I know that like any legitimate and upstanding organizations, you can police your ranks. You also represent their individual and collective interests in policymaking, standards-setting and industry development,” further stated Villar. She also acknowledged that the concerted efforts of the two industries– agriculture and cold chain companies will surely result to more business and economic gains.” Speaking during the 14th annual general membership meeting and training conference of CCAP, Villar lauded the importance of the services provided by cold chain companies to the agriculture sector. “I cannot overemphasize that your role in the supply, storage and distribution of both chilled and/or frozen food products is very crucial,”
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nuts,” Go said during Monday’s regular Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex. In Davao Region, average yield per tree annually is 67 nuts, which higher than the 47 nuts per tree per year national average. “The region remains to be on the top of the list when it comes to productivity. It is followed by the Quezon province,” Go said, adding the region has around 200,000
hectares of areas planted to coconut to date. However, the Philippines is lagging behind other coconut-producing countries like Thailand which is capable of producing 80 nuts per tree. The long drought also caused coconut production dropped by 30 percent, Go pointed out, adding that productivity is expected to further decrease next year as late effect of El Niño.
COLD ICE CREAM SELLING LIKE HOT CAKE. A vendor enjoys an unexpected increase in profit as his ice cream is selling like hotcakes due to the gathering of a large number of people at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday expressing
The low buying price also discourages farmers, he added. The average buying price per nuts in the market is P7.50. For her part, Delia M. Ayano from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said farmers should learn how to value-add their produce to increase their income. “There are so many products that can be drawn from coconut aside from copra like coco coir, coco sugar or virgin
coconut oil,” she said. She also encouraged coconut growers to enter into contract with processors and exporters to ensure sustainability in the value chain. Intercropping with other high-value crops, such as cacao is also a good alternative for coconut farmers to improve their income, Ayano added. “It is both beneficial for the cacao and coconut,” she said.
their support to the resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Lean Daval Jr.
SSS, DA sign agreement for coverage of over 300 job order and piece workers T
HE Social Security System (SSS) Davao Branch and the Department of Agriculture in Davao region (DA-11) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the coverage of 316 job order and piece workers under the KaltaSSS-Collect or e-AlkanSSSya Program. The workers, who fall outside the mandatory coverage of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) can
now remit contributions as self-employed or voluntary members under the SSS-DA agreement. The MOA was signed by DA-11 regional director Remelyn R. Recoter and SSS Vice President for Southern Mindanao 1 Emmanuel R. Palma. In their respective messages, Director Recoter and VP Palma emphasized the importance of SSS coverage to receive social protection during
times of contingencies like sickness, maternity, disability, retirement and death, including privileges like salary loan and securing of Unified Multipurpose Identification System (UMID) cards. VP Palma reiterated that being new SSS members marks the beginning of renewed hope and a better life for the DA contractual personnel. Director Recoter said that
the SSS launch is one of the remaining activities of the department before the start of the new administration under President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte. She also expressed optimism that that more sub-agencies will enroll under the program in the future. SSS Davao is presently serving over 41,000 employers and about 160,000 members. (SSS)
Development. FREE briefing sessions/ workshops on the said dates will be conducted from 8:00AM-5:00PM at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. The two-day event offers at least 40 skills and mana-
gerial training sessions. Topics include starting, growing or sustaining a business and various business ideas. This activity intends to enhance the operational capabilities of MSMEs, expose them to current business trends, and increase their skills to compete in local and global markets.
Training topics will be published in leading newspapers. For inquiries, you may contact DTI-Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development at (02)751- 5059, 5076/ 8904968, look for Ms. Mhel Gabriel, Ms. Nilda Catalan, Ms. Susan Salonga, or Ms. Ellen Pia Bacosa. (DTI)
DTI leads celebration of MSME week O
N 1-2 July 2016, we will be celebrating the 2016 MSME Development (MSMED) Week. This year’s MSMED Week with the theme “Developing Innovative and Resilient MSMEs” will be spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Small Medium Enterprise
7 SCIENCE
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
Biotech to the rescue Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO (First of Two Parts)
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ETWEEN now and 2020, the world’s population is likely to increase by about 40 per cent to 8 billion. In Asia, the world’s largest continent, the number of people will rise by 1.5 billion. Population growth, rapid urbanization, income increases and dietary changes will all result in an increasing demand for food. In the Philippines, the current population is 102,094,992, based on the latest United Nations estimates. The figure is equivalent to 1.37% of the total world population. If no intervention is being implemented and the “business as usual” scenario keeps on, the population forecast will be 108,435,788 by 2020. It will balloon to 148,260,478 by 2050. The total land area of the Philippines is 298,192 square kilometers (115,133 square miles). Given the current figure of Filipinos, the population density is about 343 per square kilometer or 888 people per square mile. How will the demands for more food be met? Given that in most places significantly expanding the cultivated area would not be economically or environmentally sound, it will have to be done by using the land already under cultivation more efficiently. The central challenges will be to develop food in an environmentally sustainable manner and to increase the country’s capacity to produce it, thereby generating income and employment through agricultural growth, rather than simply augmenting the food supplies. Agriculture employs, on average, one-third of the total labor force in the country. “It is precisely this reason that agriculture still plays an indispensable role in the Philippine economy,” said Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano of the Department of Agriculture. “It remains to be a main pillar of the Philippine economic growth and a crucial sector for reducing poverty.” So how the problem of the forthcoming food insecurity can be addressed? Some experts believe it could
be done through biotechnology. It encompasses an array of tools and applications that allow scientists to manipulate the genetic materials of plants, microbes, and animals. These methods provide ways to modify the characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next. “Biotechnology represents one of the most exciting advances in the biological sciences in this century,” Reuben Olembo, of the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP), told agricultural journalists from the region in a workshop convened by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangkok, Thailand. “It will become a driving economic force in the next one, helping to provide practical solutions to global problems of food supply, health care, energy, waste treatment, and industrial regeneration.” Former World Bank Vice-President Ismail Serageldin sees biotechnology playing a crucial part of agriculture in the 21st century. “All possible tools that can help promote sustainable agriculture for food security must be marshalled, and biotechnology, safely developed, could be a tremendous help,” he said. Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug has the same idea. “Global food insecurity will not disappear without effective application of new technology,” he pointed out. “To ignore this reality will make future solutions to food security all the more difficult to achieve.” FAO defines food security as “ensuring all people at all times have access to the food they need for a healthy, active life.” It comes about when food is available throughout the year at prices affordable to everyone.
Double helix Biotechnology has existed since ancient times. Spirulina, one of the oldest forms of life on earth, is believed to be what the ancient Israelites of the Old Testament called “manna from heaven.” The modern era of biotechnology, however, had its origin in 1953 when American biochemist James Watson and British biophysicist Francis Crick presented their “double
helix” molecular model of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Both received a Nobel Prize for their collaborative work in 1962. DNA, the genetic material of all cellular organisms and most viruses, carries the information needed to direct so-called “protein synthesis” and “replication.” Protein synthesis is the production of the proteins needed by the cell or virus for its activities and development. Replication is the process by which DNA copies itself for each descendant cell or virus, passing on the information needed for protein synthesis. In the 1960s, Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber discovered special enzymes, called restriction enzymes, in bacteria. These enzymes cut the DNA strands of any organism at precise points. In 1973, geneticist Stanley Cohen and biochemist Herbert Boyer - both Americans - removed a specific gene (a piece of the genetic material that determines the inheritance of a particular characteristics, or group of characteristics) from one bacterium and inserted it into another bacterium using restriction enzymes. This event marked the beginning of recombinant DNA technology, commonly known as genetic engineering. Also known as genetic modifica-
tion or bioengineering, it is the alteration of an organism’s genetic, or hereditary, material to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to produce desirable new ones. In its wider sense, biotechnology also includes biological processes used in the food industry. Some of these have been used for centuries, like yeasts to help bread rise and convert sugar into alcohol in brewing, and bacteria to digest sugars and add flavor in cheese
making. But these techniques all use naturally-occurring organisms. Genetic engineering creates viruses, bacteria, yeasts, plants and animals which have never occurred in nature. “Today, our growing ability to directly alter an organism’s genetic makeup is having a major impact worldwide on agriculture and animal husbandry,” maintains Denise K. Casey, a science writer and educator with the US Department of Energy’s Human Genome Management Information System at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “A number of ongoing projects aim to decipher and manipulate the genomes of such economically important organisms as rice, corn, wheat, soy, cotton, sheep, goats, cows, pigs, and fish.” Dr. Channapatna Prakash, who came to the Philippines to enlighten Filipinos about the benefits of biotechnology, claimed that biotechnology “can be a tool for Philippine agriculture to tackle critical problems such as improving the safety and quality of its food and enhancing the environment by lowering the use of agricultural chemicals.” Verna Dalusong, a research specialist with the Crop Biotechnology Center of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, pointed out in a recent seminar
held in Davao City that, based on various studies, “biotechnology will enhance farm productivity.” “Our population is growing but we are also losing hectares of agricultural lands to other commercial purposes. Our food security is being threatened,” she said, adding that biotechnology has a huge potential to answer the threats of food shortage in the country as it will not only increase production but also protect farm products.
Commercial application As early as 1982, the first commercial application of biotechnology was used to develop human insulin for diabetes treatment. In 1990, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved chymosin the first product of recombinant DNA technique - for food use. By 2000, more than 50 per cent of all cheeses produced around the world make use of chymosin. In 1994, food manufacturer Calgene obtained the first approval to commercialize a genetically modified food product in the United States when it marketed its Flavr Savr delayed-ripening tomato. As much as 70% of the foods on US grocery store shelves may contain ingredients derived from genetically-modified (GM) corn, soybeans, potatoes and other crops, in everything from cereal to salad dressing to potato chips. “No effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of GM foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved,” said the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). The American Medical Association, the premier medical group in the United States, concluded: “Bioengineered foods have been consumed for close to 20 years and during that time, no overt conse-
quences to human health have been reported and/or are substantiated in the peer-reviewed literature. There is no scientific justification for special labeling of genetically modified foods.”
Risks and dangers All is not rosy, however. While “there is much euphoria about developments in biotechnology and about the benefits they promise to bring to society, there are also risks and dangers associated with this technology,” warned UNEP’s Olembo. “But there are also risks and dangers associated with this technology.” “I believe that this kind of genetic modification takes mankind into realms that belong to God, and to God alone,” deplored Prince Charles in 1998. Dr. Peter Wills, a theoretical biologist at Auckland University, agrees: “By transferring genes across species barriers which have existed for eons, we risk breaching natural thresholds against unexpected biological processes.” “Any politician or scientist who tells you GM products are safe is either very stupid or lying,” wrote David Suzuki in an article which appeared in “Canadian Media Star.” In a statement released to media, Greenpeace decried: “It’s now possible to do stuff that only writers could imagine before and build up completely new life forms. The argument that we need genetically-modified food to feed the world is complete bull.” At a time of rapid advances in modern science and technology, the persistence of hunger and extreme poverty is indefensible. And one possible solution to the problem is, as stated earlier, biotechnology. One sage puts it in perspective: “A man who has enough food has several problems. A man without food has only one problem.” (To be concluded)
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8 VANTAGE
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
EDITORIAL
The prez and the press
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EGRETTABLY, the conversation between President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and the news media has turned sharp and shrill. All but lost in the noise is the two parties’ common duty in law and tradition to serve and to inform the Filipino people on issues, events and policies that affect their interest and welfare. A president—all at once the chief executive, fount of foreign policy, manager of the national household, guardian of peace and order, commander of the uniformed services, and arbiter of policy conflicts—is the most important pivot of news and policy in the land. The President is mandated by law to lead the nation and to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance. But the Constitution also upholds the citizens’ rights to free speech, free press, free expression, and peaceable assembly. It guarantees as well their right to due process, equality before the law, access to information, justice, and life. As “the people’s private eye in the public arena,” the news media serve as custodian and gatekeeper of some of these rights. It’s a task that must be accomplished, and the President-elect’s predecessors as well as the nation’s journey from democracy to dictatorship and back illustrate why and how we must inquire into, inveigh against, and investigate questionable public officials and agencies, on the citizens’ behalf. Thus, despite his vexation with those he calls the “lowlifes” and the “mouthpieces” in the news media, we must at all times cover him, his actions, and his statements. In truth, the news media must report more—and better—about him, his policies and his actions, with our reports guided by the best standards of accuracy, fairness and context. This we must do even as we note at least two disturbing “messages” from the President-elect. First, by saying that “corrupt journalists ... vultures of journalism can die for all I care [because] you’re asking for it,” he mocks the memory of 172 journalists (at latest count) killed in the line of duty since democracy’s rebirth in 1986. The last report filed by a majority of those slain journalists precisely exposed crime and corruption, the same social ills that he says he wants to curb. Sadly, not a single mastermind or principal suspect in these murders, including state agents, local warlords, and criminal elements, have been held to
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account. Second, whether intended or not, his volcanic language has dampened, indeed chilled, the daily reportage, so that journalists with valid, if testy, questions are seemingly forced to eat expletives by way of a response. To be sure, corruption in the news media is as real as the 16-million vote that secured the victory of the President-elect. To be sure, corruption afflicts both individuals and agencies in the news media, and has evolved into a subculture with a language all its own. As anywhere else, however, corruption in the news media is a supply-demand chain. One solution offers a key role for the incoming administration: Slay it at the source. The government’s own media agents, as well as politicians and corporate PRs who offer more than stories to get favorable coverage or to spike bad news, must, in the President-elect’s words, “stop it.” Another solution calls for quick action from media managers: Provide better pay and protection for journalists. But here’s the thing: The institutional capture of the news media by politicians has begun in some parts of the country. Local politicians and their families have acquired ownership and control of print and broadcast media agencies, and certain local government units have bought block-time segments using public funds. The corruption of the news media thus also involves partisan political interests driving editorial processes—as the President-elect knows full well. Yet for all the supposed differences, the news media and the President-elect have complete agreement on one factor: the urgency of a Freedom of Information Law. The issuance of an FOI executive order on Day One of his presidency should prevent the 17th Congress from tarrying in its task. An FOI Law will provide the necessary institutional and legal framework for full and true functional links between transparency and accountability in government, and for the right of all Filipinos to access information in order to take part in nation-building. We in the news media wish the incoming administration success in all its endeavors. As journalists and as citizens, we commit not only to do journalism right and better, but also to uphold and defend free speech, free press, free expression, and the people’s right to know.
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
VANTAGE POINTS
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Completing the ‘Mindanao dream’
OR over a century, Mindanao has always been considered as Manila’s second priority, a fact that has created an impression among residents in Southern Philippines that the country’s second largest island is nothing but a ‘promised land’ but not necessarily a ‘land of promise.’ And for so long, the ‘Mindanao dream’ of being represented in the country’s highest and most revered positions remained just that, a dream. In the annals of history, Mindanao has always been relegated to the backburner. Aside from a dozen or so senators who represented Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago in the Legislature, Southern Philippines never had a President and Chief Justice among its illustrious sons and daughters. Palace aspiration In fact, the closest Mindanaoan who got to Malacañan Palace was in 1961 when Sen. Emmanuel Neri Pelaez, a native of Medina, Misamis Oriental and the 1938 Bar topnotcher was elected vice president. He served under the administration of President Diosdado Pangan Macapagal. Fifty years later, Sen. Teofisto Tayko Guingona Jr., the son of a former acting governor of the Mindanao and Sulu region, was appointed vice president by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. First elected to the Senate in 1987, he was later elected Senate President pro tempore in 1987 and Majority leader three years later.
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UESTION: How do you solve a problem like terrorism? Answer: Erase the terrorist from the face of the earth. Now, it’s not that easy and simple. There is an essential for devising a perfect plan which can be realized only by faultless execution of its components and minutest details. But that is exactly what US Pres. Barack Obama did when he sent a select band of elite commandos to Pakistan to capture Al Qaedas mystic leader Osama bin Laden who was hiding in a quiet residential area. Bin Laden was killed and his body thrown into the sea as a special meal for the sharks. I have a trivia question. Who is the world’s first terrorist? If you don’t know, so do I. But I have in mind a man from the Old Testament who could very well be the first person to sow terror in the history of mankind – Cain, who was the eldest son of Adam and Eve. Cain terrorized his parents by killing his younger brother Abel out of jealousy. He could not accept that God looked with favour at Abel because he was a good son and tiller of the soil. --- 000 --Here’s a glimpse of terrorism from the ancient to the modern times.
In 1992, FAST BACKWARD Sen. Aquilino Quilinging Pimentel, Jr. launched his vice presidential bid under the Liberal Party with Sen. Jovito Salonga as presidential Antonio V. Figueroa bet. But the attempt proved futile because both of them lost. Pimentel landed fifth among the vice presidential candidates. Eight years later, in 2004, Davao-born Irene Morada-Santiago, a 2005 Nobel Prize nominee, accepted the challenge of Sen. Raul S. Roco to run as his vice president under the Aksyon Demokratiko Party. Though their tandem was not expected to win in the political challenge, Morada’s advocacy for women empowerment finally got its proper national exposure. Another Mindanaoan, Perfector Yasay, Jr. also ran as vice president in tandem with presidential bet Eddie Villanueva under the “Bangon Pilipinas” political party in 2010 election. Yasay, who was born Kidapawan City, North Cotabato and studied high school in Davao City lost to Vice President Jejomar Binay during said election.
Eyeing Senate In the Legislature, Mindanao needed more than 90 years before its leadership skills in
law-making got the nod of the Senate, the upper chamber in the bicameral Congress. Sen. Aquilino Quilinging Pimentel, Jr., elected in 1987 and is regarded as the father of the ‘Local Government Code of 1991’ (RA 7160), was installed as the first Mindanaoan Senate President on Nov. 12, 2000. He served the position until June 30, 2001. Fifteen years later, Pimentel’s namesake and son, Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III, who heads the PDP-Laban party which pushed the presidential bid of then Davao City mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was installed on July 25, 2016 as head of the ‘supermajority’ in the Upper House, in the process becoming Mindanao’s only second Senate President. That also makes the Pimentels as the first father-and-son senators to lead the Senate. Congress On the other hand, in the lower chamber, so far only two congressmen from Mindanao, both from Davao region, have become Speakers of the House. On Feb. 5, 2008, majority of Congress declared all committees in the House vacant and threw their full support behind Rep. Prospero Castillo Nograles as Speaker of the House, the first from Mindanao in the 100-year history of the Legislature. He served the position until June 30, 2010, the end of his third term as lawmaker from the first district of Davao City. Six years later, following the ascendancy of President Duterte, Rep. Pantaleon D. Alvarez of the first district of Davao del Norte, only in his
Terrorism through the ages
Terrorism is not an exclusive phenomenon of modern times. Various types of terrorists have sprung from one continent to another, and each employed different methods of terror.
THE PIRATES These were the pirates who attacked and robbed ships at sea. The earliest pirates surfaced in Ancient Mediterranean – Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Sicilians and Greeks. The Scandinavian seafarers terrorized Northern and Western Europe for 200 years. (8th –10thcentury). In 75 B.C., pirates kidnapped Julius Caesar, then 25 years old and demanded ransom money. THE MONGOLIANS In The 11th Century A.D., the Mongols from Mongolia terrorized most of Europe and part of Asia. They ravaged nations and enslaved people. From them came the terror barbarian.
THE ROMANS The Roman emperors were the terrorists of ancient civilization. They have absolutely no respect for human lives. Killings were just a game as they threw slaves to the lions for entertainment. They executed criminals by hanging them on wooden crosses. THE HIJACKERS In the first two decades of the 20th century, it was the turn of the hijackers to spread terrorism. They seized transport vehicles on land, in the air and at sea. Today, in this Third Millennium the terrorists are the suicide bombers who kill innocent people to gain eternal reward in the afterlife. --- 000 ---
History’s TOP Terrorists Osama bin Laden was not the most evil of terrorists. There were other before him who were more brutal, more depraved and debasing. They committed monstrous carnage and inflicted unimaginable psychological devastation on their fellow humans. In the 13th Century, Mongol ruler Genghis Khan butchered Asia and Europe, applying death as a form of discipline and looting as a
second term and a come-backing legislator, was installed on June 25, 2016 as Senate President with the backing of the new national leadership. He becomes the second Speaker from Davao and Mindanao.
Chief justice So far, only three post-war associate justices from Mindanao have made it to the Supreme Court, namely Leo D. Medialdea (1988-92), Abdulwahid A. Bidin (1987-95), and Antonio Tirol Carpio (2001-present), a senior associate justice. In which case, Southern Philippines has yet to have a Mindanao-born magistrate to head the high tribunal. The closest a Mindanaoan has come to becoming SC chief was on May 29, 2012 when Davao-born Justice Carpio was appointed Acting Chief Justice until a new chief justice was appointed by the President. As senior associate justice, he assumed the position after his predecessor, Renato Corona, was convicted by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court. The present lady chief justice, Maria Lourdes A. Sereño, however, may be considered as Mindanao’s first high magistrate. His father, Margarito Aranal, was a native of Siasi, Sulu, while her husband, Mario Jose E. Sereño, with whom she has two kids, hails from Davao City. With the election of Duterte as first president from Mindanao and as first mayor to become president without first being elected as senator or vice president, Southern Philippines can now lay claim to having been represented in the four highest positions in government.
reward. In the next century, a man from Samarland, Uzbekistan called Tamarlane slaughtered 70,000 people and piled their heads in the form of pyramid. Six centuries later, came Adolf Hitler, the German Fuhrer who killed people “not for what they did, but for who they were”. Bin Laden killed in God’s name. Hitler thought he was God, and killed in the name of his housemate Eva Braun. Hitler killed millions of Jews because he believed they belonged to an inferior race, and therefore had no right to live. Then there was Pol Pot of Cambodia who killed 1.7 million of his people. The internationally known terrorist groups today are Al Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyah and Islamic State. The Abu Sayyaf is a homegrown terrorist group that has converted kidnap-for-ransom into a multimillion business and specializes in beheading of their hostages, mainly foreigners. --- 000 --Terrorists are inhuman humans. They don’t value human life. They have no conscience, no pity, no mercy, no remorse and absolutely insensitive to human sufferings. They belong to the animal race.
10 NEWS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
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sabotage the upcoming peace talks. “It is so clear that they are doing this to sabotage the efforts of peace between Net and the Philippine Government in the incoming (Rodrigo) Duterte administration,” Valleys said.
“This is like the Aquino admin wanted to finish all of us leaders who would like to defend the lumads and their education,” he added. The court recommended no bail for the criminal case filed against them.
According to Imson, the ticket sweepstakes is a flagship project of the PCSO that needs to be sustained. He cited the Philippine National Police, the local government units of Kapalong, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley Province as recipients of the partnership program in the recently. Imson said that as a partner agency, the PSCO will provide cash, convenience, advertising, security and assistance. Roger Ramirez, manager of the products and services division of the PCSO said par-
ticipating organizations need to comply a letter of intent, memorandum of agreement, payment, with the options to pay a down payment with five post-dated checks with the last check maturing a week before the draw date; or down payment and surety bond. He suggested a three month-selling period prior to the draw date which is done either Saturday or Sunday. “All tickets are considered sold,” Ramirez said. He said payment to the organization will be given 15 days after the draw date.
hand, shall (1) ensure that resident learners have adequate school uniforms, necessary school supplies/materials including reproduction of modules; (2) provide a venue equipped with fixtures to facilitate a better learning experience; (3) provide library for research; (4) provide a monthly honorarium to the IM at P 2,500/month per teacher for an entire school year; (5) provide venue for the national examination being identified as extension Testing Center of DepEd-Davao City Division; and (6) teacher/trainer assigned at the center shall collaboratively coordinate with the person in charge at EMAR,” explained DSWD XI Regional
Director Mercedita Jabagat. RRCY residents are cared for under a structured therapeutic environment to help them become socially functioning individuals with the end goal of their reintegration to their family and community. The participation of the youth residents in practical skills and productivity projects such as cooking, vegetable production, goat raising, consumer electronics servicing, masonry, dream catcher making, welding, landscaping, among others will prepare them for independent living. The RRCY children are also actively involved in sports and socio-cultural activities at the center.
Lamfugon, particularly from Sitio Upper Lemfenek, Lower Lemfenek, Lambadak, and Kolonbong. It can be remembered that at least 100 families of Sitio Upper Lemfenek Barangay Lamfugon were also beneficiaries of the 82nd DOLE Anniversary “Let’s Groove and Zumba for a
Cause” and “Barangay Mo, Serbisyuhan Ko.” They were the hardest hit sector when the dry spell hit the country since November last year. Most of the beneficiaries were corn farmers whose produce were severely affected by the long dry spell.
worth of coverage. Customers have the choice to choose between ‘Worldwide Coverage’ and ‘Worldwide Coverage excluding USA.’ Moreover, customers can avail of a family package that covers their spouses and children with the same Global Health Access plan to enjoy a 15% reduction on their total premiums, provided a minimum of four (4) eligible members are enrolled. “In today’s busy and stressful world, we often work hard to leave a grand legacy for our loved ones, so that they get to enjoy the best in life. But getting and expecting the best in life shouldn’t be limited to just business or leisure --- it should also include the best healthcare available,” concludes Hora. “With AXA’s Global Health Access, you deserve no less.”
About AXA Philippines AXA Philippines is one of the leading and fastest-growing life insurance companies in the Philippines. It was borne out of the formidable synergy between Metrobank, one of the foremost financial institutions in the Philippines, and AXA, a global leader in insurance and asset management serving 103 million customers in 64 countries. At present, AXA Philippines has more than 811,000 lives insured and covered by individual policies and group life insurance. AXA Philippines has more than 2,700 financial advisers in 32 branches and 700 financial executives in over 919 Metrobank and PSBank branches nationwide. In 2016, AXA Philippines entered the non-life insurance business with the acquisition of Charter Ping An, the 5th largest general insurer in the country.
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DSWD... FROM 2
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SUPPORT PEACE TALKS. Incoming Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) undersecretary Joel Maglunsod (rightmost), National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Randall Echanis (2nd from right) and leaders
of various progressive and Lumad groups lead protest rally at Rizal Park in Davao City yesterday to express their support for the resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and NDFP. Lean Daval Jr.
Cagayan de Oro has 2 mayors T
HIS city has two mayors — again. The Padayon Pilipino-dominated city council, in a special session Tuesday night, named Vice Mayor Ian Acenas mayor and Councilor Lourdes Candy Darimbang vice mayor. Aside from naming Acenas and Darimbang, the city council also sent advisory notes to all depository banks to withhold all disbursements by the administration of Mayor Oscar Moreno. Exempted by the withholding order are the payments for salaries of city hall employees, bank interests and other operational expenses of the local government. This developed after the
Office of the Ombudsman ruled to deny the motion of reconsideration filed by Mayor Oscar Moreno to dismiss the case filed by Taglimao barangay chair William Guialani over the Ajinomoto taxation case. The Ombudsman’s ruling was dated Feb. 15, 2016 but was only transmitted last weekend. More policemen were immediately deployed around the city hall Tuesday afternoon to prevent any untoward incident between followers of Moreno and former mayor Vicente Emano. Emano, Padayon Pilipino founder, lost to Moreno in 2013 and again in the elections on May 9 this year.
The move is in support to President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte’s calls to personalities involved in illegal drug activities who wanted to change to submit themselves to authorities. Those who will surrender would be given proper assistance to ensure that they stay completely away from illegal drugs and related activities. “This campaign is part of our enhanced illegal drug reduction efforts,” Galgo said in a statement. He clarified that drug personalities who have pending warrants of arrest and would submit themselves to authori-
ties will be considered to have surrendered voluntarily. The official said those would want to undergo drug rehabilitation will be assisted by PRO-12 in coordination with local stakeholders. He said they will also link up with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority and concerned local government units for the provision of livelihood assistance for those who would surrender. “We will provide them the necessary assistance to ensure their proper reintegration in our communities,” Galgo added.
she said. Villar said CCAP also aims to achieve effective handling, storage and distribution of products with the consumer in mind. “Let us continue to dialogue and form linkages since we have a common goal of ensuring food security in the country. To achieve that goal, all of us should be stakeholders. On the matter of food se-
curity, we should be helping each other. With our concerted efforts and coordinated actions, nothing is impossible,” said Villar. She likewise said agricultural stakeholders are upbeat the industry will receive the much-needed boost under the Duterte administration with Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol as agriculture secretary. (Senate)
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Acenas lost to Moreno’s running mate, Raineir Joaquin Uy in this year’s polls. “We hope they (Padayon Pilipino) will exercise prudence and patience because we will also protect the rights of Mayor Moreno,” lawyer Dale Bryan Mordeno, counsel of Moreno told reporters. Officials loyal to Moreno immediately closed all doors of the city hall on Tuesday after they reportedly received information that supporters of Padayon Pilipino will occupy the building. City Administrative Officer Dionnie Gersana said the closure was only precautionary to prevent any untoward incident. “City hall is still open for business but we will be strictly monitor who will be coming inside,” he said. In a letter to the Department of Interior and Local Government on Tuesday, Acenas said he will “forcedly [sic] assume the duties and
responsibilities as Local Chief Executive of Cagayan de Oro effective today, June 28, 2016,” citing that he had already taken his oath of office as city mayor last year. Mordeno said the Court of Appeals has already ruled against Acenas taking over as city mayor last year. “The CA order was clear. Mayor Moreno still has the right to seek redress from this ruling,” Mordeno said, adding they have yet to receive a copy of the recent Ombudsman ruling. In a ruling dated Feb. 15 this year, the Ombudsman said Moreno only presented a photo copy of “his purported counter affidavit” filed with the Office of the Ombudsman Mindanao regional office in Cagayan de Oro on April 20, 2025. “The burden of proving that a counter affidavit was indeed filed lies on Moreno,” the Ombudsman said. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
censed foster parents in Davao Region while 74 foster children are under foster family care. “Foster family care is better than institutional care or growing up in a center or an institution without a mother and father figure. That is why we are encouraging more cou-
ples or qualified individuals to become foster parents,” DSWD Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat stressed. “I hope all of them will have a good life. And when we meet again, they would be the persons that I always wanted them to be,” Aida added. (DSWD)
food security. “The DA has so many programs. What we need is implementation of existing laws related to agriculture,” Piñol said. The former North Cotabato governor shared his experience on implementing the same program in his province years ago which helped small farmers and fishermen in procuring necessary equipment for production. However, he said the program will not be imple-
mented by the officials of the local government units. “We cannot trust all government officials to handle the lending,” he said, adding it can be source of corruption. Piñol received a marching order from President Duterte to eliminate the corruption inside the Department of Agriculture and all red tapes. Instead, the program could be coursed through authorized farmers and fisher folk’s cooperative or organization.
Aida... FROM 4
Rody... FROM 5
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EVENT
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PHRDC holds awards night
HOMEGROWN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER PRESTIGE HOMES & REALTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (PHRDC) recently held their fellowship and awards night last June 25 at the SMX Convention Center Davao.
The evening serves as the company’s gift to the brokers and sellers who have generated growth in sales of the company’s Granville III subdivision located at Sitio Walog, Brgy. Catalunan Pequeño, Tugbok District, Davao City. “Tonight we celebrate your sales achievement for Granville,” said PHRDC president Bernard V. Bernardino, “Phase 3 is completely sold out on record time and this event is to recognise all of you for your sales achievement.” Aside from recognising all the agents and brokers, sales achievement awards were also given to agents who met their sales goals. Prizes included all expense paid trips to Europe, appliance showcases, three units of Mitsubishi Mirage, one Toyota Innova, and two Toyota Fortuners. The evening ended with a surprise announcement by PHRDC general manager and owner Miraluna I. Cerbo who announced the launch of PHRDC’s latest development, Granville Crest which shall be the PHRDC’s fourth project. “We hope to give more premium value for our clients with this project and we hope to achieve more growth thanks to the addition of this new project.” said Cerbo.
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ENTERTAINMENT
9 Works stages ‘American Idiot’ Where the best of Filipino rock and theatre converge 9 WORKS THEATRICAL AND GLOBE TELECOM are proud to bring you the best of Filipino rock music and musical theater together on stage to bring to life the Tony award winning rock opera American Idiot, a musical featuring music by Grammy Award winning band Green Day. This production will set the stage to introduce the dynamic and innovative space that is the Globe Iconic Store as a theatrical and entertainment venue with unlimited possibilities. American Idiot follows the story of three friends stuck in suburbia, disillusioned and disenchanted with the world. They decide to take a trip through post 9/11 America and instead, face the harsh realities of life after war. The play is sung-through, much like an opera, using the music of rock giants, Green Day to tell the story. With its themes of youth in revolt and the songs written from a rock perspective, 9 Works Theatrical decided to position
rock stars alongside theater veterans to properly embody this story. Leading the cast are Jason Fernandez (as Johnny), Miggy Chavez (as Will) and Nel Gomez (as Tunny). Jason Fernandez was the lead vocalist of Rivermaya from 2007 to 2011, and the Season 2 Finalist for The Voice. He recently released a solo album and has appeared in television shows like ASAP20, Doble Kara and Maalaala Mo Kaya. Miggy Chavez is the lead singer of Chicosci and had his film debut in the movie Segunda Mano. Nel Gomez has nine years of experience as a professional actor with 18 productions under his belt,
including 9 Works Theatrical’s award-winning production of Grease, The Glass Menagerie, Romeo & Juliet, among others. Philippine Rock icon Basti Artadi of Wolfgang, also joins the cast as the sinister St. Jimmy, while two-time Aliw award nominee for Best Actress in a musical, Yanah Laurel, will play Whatsername, a mysterious woman who captures the imagination of Johnny. Playing Will’s girlfriend Heather is Alex Godinez, who has
spent six years as a working actor in Hollywood and whose Philippine theater resume includes High School Musical and 9WT’s Grease. Playing the role of Extraordinary Girl is Ela Lisondra, a Disney Paris, Disney Hong Kong, and Miss Saigon alumnus, who won the 2013 World Championship in the World Salsa Championship. Rounding up the cast are Norby David (former Rivermaya lead vocalist), Kai Atienza (GMA 7 artist), Ariel Reonal (seasoned thespian, Hong Kong Disney and Miss Saigon alumnus), Gian Gloria (Euro Pop Berliner Perle finalist, Marco Polo
musical), Mako Alonso (La Cage aux Folles, Rivalry), Sarah Facuri (Grease, No Filter), Chesko Rodriguez (La Cage aux Folles,
Universal Studios Singapore), Shalee Vicencio (Disney’s Camp Rock, Alice in Wonderland), Mark Tayag (Rent, The Wedding
Singer, Grease) and Kendrick Ibasco (Pinocchio, Rivalry). American Idiot is directed by Robbie Guevara, together with Sab Jose as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director for instrumentation, Onyl Torres as musical director for vocals, PJ Rebullida as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, GA Fallarme as video and projection designer, Mickey Hirai as costume designer and stylist, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Dong Calingacion as Technical Director, Philleep Masaquel and Randy Salvador as
technical supervisors, JC Inocian as photographer, and Maine Manalansan as graphic and creative manager. Heading the production team are executive producers Santi Santamaria (9 Works Theatrical) and Joe Caliro (Globe Telecom), Globe Gen 3 Head Leah De Guzman, Globe Gen 3 Director for Events & Production Denise Seva, with 9 Works Theatrical’s Anna Santamaria as company manager, Toff de Venecia as PR director, Jonjon Martin and Issa Tuason as PR managers, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager. American Idiot will be shown on June 24, 25, 26, July 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 & 10, 2016 at 8:00pm, at Globe Iconic Store, Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. AMERICAN IDIOT is brought to you by 9 Works Theatrical & Globe Telecom, presented by MasterCard, co-presented by FOX, StarWorld, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City, with LG, MAC Cosmetics as the official makeup sponsor, Jing Monis Salon as official salon with Wella Professionals, Preview & Stylebible.ph, Pulp Magazine and Spot.ph. AMERICAN IDIOT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
EDGEDAVAO
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ENTERTAINMENT
Alden Richards reveals the time he wants to go back to DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE OF ALDEN RICHARDS for TechnoMarine last June 21, he was asked by a member of the audience which part of his life he would like to go back to.
The Kapuso actor then swiftly answered that he would like to go back to a time when his mother, Rosario Faulkerson, was still with them. “[I want to go back] when she was alive para masabi ko lang na ‘Ma, this is it, this is what happened to my life after you left.’ I just want her to see it kasi she’s the one naman who has been dreaming of this for me. Gusto niya talaga akong mag-artista [laughs]. I just want her to see that we’re doing okay and I want her to know that I’m doing this for her,” he said. Alden also remembered the times when their family was
struggling financially, everything that has happening to my life, she’s the one who imparted it to me. I really didn’t want any of this w h e n I was starting. M y
“This, been
plans were to graduate college kahit na mahirap kasi ‘di naman kami mayaman so we were really struggling to pay the tuition fees and there were times talaga na we have to choose who would go first to college.” As a follow-up question, he was also asked where he would go if he could fast forward to the future. According to Alden, “Siguro if I could fast forward everything I would want it to be like this pa din; kumbaga a stable job, I’m able to provide for everyone, and be able to establish good relationships with different charitable institutions. Number one talaga sa akin ‘yung need to share, the blessings that I’m getting are not worth it if I’m not able to share it. God placed us in a certain position for us to share something kasi He knows that we have the capacity to share so He will bless those people.”
Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio on ‘Tonight with Arnold Clavio’ THE HOSTS OF GMA NEWS TV’S “MOMMY MANUAL” Cheska Garcia-Kramer and Rica PeralejoBonifacio guest on “Tonight with Arnold Clavio” this Wednesday (June 29). Igan Arnold will find out if the celebrity moms are strict when it comes to their kids. Rica will share why they do not have television at home. Cheska, on the other hand, will reveal something about her children’s showbiz plans. The two moms are also in for a more difficult challenge in “Nasubukan n’yo na ba?” segment. Rica will also showcase her angelic voice in a song number. Cheska makes her own rendition of the song, too. Speaking of songs, the newest Kapuso boy band from the reality talent search “To The Top” will also join in the fun. Miko Manguba, Mico Cruz, Louie Pedroso, Joshua Jacobe, and Adrian Pascual— collectively known as T.O.P.—sing their latest single “Paggising” from their top-selling, self-titled album. Watch Tonight with Arnold Clavio this Wednesday (June 29), 10:15 p.m. on GMA News TV.
Cinema One Originals’ ‘Hamog’ wins at 19th Shanghai International Film Fest CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS has once again bagged another award as Ralston Jover’s “Hamog” won the Outstanding Artistic Achievement award at the 19th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) held recently in Shanghai Grand Theater. Juror and Canadian master filmmaker Atom Egoyan commended the Filipino film which narrates the story of street children. Egoyan said that he liked “the way the story was structured and the intention was carefully decided and made clear.” He also praised the actors for being “real and natural.” “It is a film I won’t forget,” added African film master Abderrahmane Sissako. Teri Malvar and coactor Zaijian Jaranilla were also nominated as Best Actress and Best Actor respectively at the festival. Ralston Jover’s indie film “Hamog” is a story
on the lives of four street children who suddenly get caught in a web of consecutive and unforeseen
tragedies. The film also reaped four recognition including Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, and the
coveted Jury Award in the 2015 Cinema One Originals awards night. “Hamog” is also being screened at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) with Erik Matti’s “Honor Thy Father” and “Apocalypse Child” by Mario Cornejo. One of the biggest festivals in Asia, the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) is the only competitive film festival in China approved by International Federation of Film Producers Associations. The nine-day festival screened nearly 600 films, attracted more than 300,000 viewers and created a new box-office record of approximately €2.6 million – the highest yet for the festival. Cinema One is on Skycable channel 56, Destiny Cable Analog 37 and Digital 57. For more information and updates, like Cinema1channel on Facebook ( facebook. com/Cinema1channel).
June 29, 2016
THE ACHY BREAKY HEART Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Yap, Ian Veneracion Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only
PG
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Maika Monroe Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only
PG
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
YOUNG MESSIAH / *ME BEFORE YOU Adam Greaves-Neal, Sean Bean/ *Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only
PG/ *PG
12:30 | 2:50 LFS / * 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
FINDING DORY/ *THE CONJURING 2 Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks/ *Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only
G/*R13
1:00 | 3:00 LFS / * 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
UP AND ABOUT
Globe offers new generation Chromecast
WITH THE PROMISE FOR A CONNECTED LIFE FOR THE HOME, Globe in collaboration with Google now offers the new generation Chromecast. Broadband subscribers can now avail the new and improved Chromecast for an affordable add-on of only Php99 per month. Customers today are no longer just tied in using their smartphones and PC’s at home for personal consumption, they also demand better content to share and experience on a bigger screen. The new Chromecast offers the solution to “cast” content from their personal device such as movies, shows, music, games to a bigger screen TV using their HDMI connection. The new Chromecast is now equipped with better connectivity with the latest 802.11ac dual band Wi-Fi and three antenna structure for a more faster, stable and less buffering streaming using the latest mobile devices. Aside from being a better hardware, the new Chromecast is also fully compatible to cast with the latest entertainment apps including Globe exclusive digital content partners such as HOOQ,
NBA and Spotify. “With our continuous partnership with Google, we stay true in providing new and meaningful innovations to fully maximize the digital lifestyle of our customers. The latest installment in this is the new Chromecast, now with better features and compatibility to our content partners such as Spotify, HOOQ, NBA to a more immersive casting experience. ” says – Senior Vice President for Broadband Business, Martha Sazon. Last Q1 2016, Globe Broadband achieved a significant growth of 51% in revenue and additional subscribers of 41% resulting to a total broadband revenue of Php3.5 billion as of end-March 2016. The impressive growth in revenues was driven by the increasing demand for data connectiv-
ity, as well as the positive response to various home broadband offerings bundled
with entertainment-related contents such as Spotify, NBA League Pass, and HOOQ. Globe Broadband customers with any plan can now get the new Chromecast for Php99 add-on monthly in a 24 month period. Subscribers can avail by calling 02-730-1010, browsing online at www.globe.com.ph/ broadband#chromecast or visiting Globe Stores nationwide. Offer will be available until November 18, 2016.
SALE ALERT! Head over to Baby Company’s Baby Sale and enjoy big discounts and freebies. Save up to 50% off on the widest selection of your favorite brands! Use your Mom Card when shopping and get a free Double Space Saver Caddy and/or avail the 3-in-1 Portable Fan for only P399.75 See posters for details.
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11 MOTORING
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
Mazda makes maps CX-3 to arrive by end of 2016 available for local units
M
AZDA Philippines has confirmed that it will sell the CX-3 subcompact crossover for the Philippine market before the end of 2016. This is positive news for those in the market for a sporty subcompact crossover after Mazda Philippines initially said it would be difficult to get any allocation from Japan. Now,
it says it has secured inventory, albeit severely limited. “Production capacity remains constrained in Japan, and Mazda Philippines has previously informed that the CX-3 will not be available until next year [2017]. It now appears Japan recognized the need to keep the Mazda business momentum in the Philippines moving ahead, and had allocated some of
its oversubscribed production of CX3 to the Philippines customers,” says Mr. Steven Tan, President of Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda in the Philippines. Mr. Tan refuses to give more details on the time table and ballpark pricing of the CX-3 for the Philip-
pine market, saying they will be revealed in due time. However, it’s worth noting that if the CX-3 is positioned against the Subaru XV and Honda HR-V, then it will likely come with a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed automatic in both front- and all wheel drive configurations. It will also come with the latest technol-
ogies including the Mazda Connect infotainment system. Philippine market CX-3 units will be imported CBU from Japan. This is unlike in Thailand where it is locally assembled solely for the Thai market to avoid high import tariff. Mazda Philip-
pines cannot source its CX-3 from Thailand because it does not meet the local content required to be included in the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement or AFTA. There are no plans to assemble the CX-3 in the Philippines.
T
HERE’S more good news from Mazda Philippines. After confirming the arrival of the CX-3 subcompact crossover sooner rather than later, Berjaya Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, is also rectifying the single and glaring missing thing on its vehicles equipped with the Mazda Connection infotainment system: GPS navigation. Yes, Mazda owners, you can now activate turn-by-turn navigation. A scroll through the Mazda Connect’s menu reveals the obvious: the vehicle is already equipped with GPS antennas and the only thing missing is the map. Now, owners of units equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system (Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, CX5, and MX-5) can head over to their nearest dealership and have the maps installed for free. In order to get the turn-byturn navigation system fully functional, it requires three steps: First, the Mazda Connect’s operating system must be updated by your authorized Mazda dealer. They can also determine if your car can accommodate the GPS navigation system through its VIN or
Vehicle Identification Number. Second, just pay for the cost of the 32GB SD card (worth P 3,000) and the dealer will give you the map already pre-installed in it. And before you ask, you cannot bring your SD card nor can you simply copy the file from one SD card to another (there is built-in security). Finally, enjoy your fully working navigation system. Mazda Philippines has invested a lot to make turn-byturn navigation available on their cars. It’s accurate but still not perfect. It’s for this reason that Mazda Philippines has decided to give the maps for free. Dealers are already undergoing training and will be able to install the maps in two weeks time (middle of July). Owners taking delivery of their brand-new vehicles are even luckier. Starting today, all vehicles equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system are shipped with fully working maps already installed.
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EDGE DAVAO is in need of 3 reporters for immediate hiring. * College degree holder (Communication Arts graduate preferred, but not required) * Capable of writing English news and feature stories on business and governance * Has potentials of becoming editor
Submit application letter and curriculum vitae to: Antonio M. Ajero Editor-in-Chief Edge Davao ajero_antonio@yahoo.com 09274733467
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Family history exhibit to open in Abreeza T
HE Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints announced the conduct of a two-day Family History Exhibit that will be held at the 2nd floor activity center of the Abreeza Mall from July 1 to 2. Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga will grace the ribbon cutting ceremony that will be held on the opening day of the exhibit. Family Search service will also be provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the activity. The service is the church’s commitment to help people connect with their ancestors and is rooted in the Mormon’s belief that families are meant to be central to our lives and that family relationships are intended to continue beyond this life. Because interest in family history is not limited by culture, ethnicity, or religious faith, Family
Search resources are available to everyone who wants to discover more about their family and their heritage, from church records in Europe to oral histories in Africa. During the 20th century, extensive negotiations were conducted with governments and custodians of public records to preserve birth, marriage and death records by microfilming them. More recently, microfilming has given way to digital technology. As a non-profit organization, Family Search relies on the support of volunteers throughout the world. These volunteers help index records, provide personal assistance, and share their knowledge about genealogy research. Family Search provides personal assistance for both experienced family historians and those who are just beginning their ge-
nealogy journey. The church has established over 4,918 family history centers in 153 countries, with access to many of the resources at the main library in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of the most popular genealogical services of the internet free of charge is at www.familysearch.org. The site contains a billion names from over 110 countries and territories including the 1880 United States Census, the 1881 Canadian Census, the 1881 British Census, the Ellis Island database and the Freedman’s Bank Records. However, most of the Church’s vast collection of genealogical resources is yet to come online. The church is undertaking a massive digitization project to bring most of the additional collection of the Family History Library online over the next few years.
Dalawang Awit and Education on Child Care and Development (ECCD) best practices. It was judged by Ms. Sivera Libres, a retired teacher and former executive secretary of the late Mayor Jose L. Silvosa, Sr., Ms. Johna Mamaril, teacher and music coordinator, Jaime Carlom, ECCD supervisor of Department of Education (DepEd). The winner of Kilos Awit was the North District; for Masining na Pagkukwento, South District; for Dalawang Awit, North District and for ECCD Best Practices was the Central District.
Mayor James G. Gamao attended the event as their guest of honor. In his speech, he announced the increase of honorarium from Php 4,500 to Php 5,000 of Day Care Teachers was on 3rd reading. Also in attendance were Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Arlene M. Semblante, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Jeannette L. Lamoste, OIC-Dept. Head, and Brgy. Capt. Valentin I. Belmoro, Jr. of Brgy. Waterfall. Renel Balsabas – CIO Panabo
Panabo City celebrates Day Care Workers Day
S
ING, Dance and Audio Visual Presentations (AVP) embodied the 5th Day Care Workers Day City Level celebration held on June 17, 2016 in Madonna Hometel at Panabo City. It is an annual event of Day Care Teachers to reunite and strengthen camaraderie their fellow teachers from different Barangays. The said event included talent show by clustered district Day Care Workers who competed in the following categories: Kilos Awit, Masining na Pagkukwento,
14 COMPETITIVE EDGE Phils offers global Grind supports Go Skate Davao AXA access to best healthcare EDGEDAVAO
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G
RIND with Supra supported the annual Go Skateboarding celebration in Davao last June 21 which gathered more than 200 pro-skaters in the city. Organized by Joey Betita of Endless Skate, the event was hosted to create an avenue of all Davao skaters --- young, not-so-young, students, yuppies, male, female ---- to reunite for the love of this action sport. Betita said he feels it his obligation as one of the pioneering skaters in Davao to create this avenue for the younger ones to gather and show off their skills and bravado for this challenging action sport. The event commenced in
Freedom park as the skaters cruised thru the busy streets of Acacia and Uyanguren wheeling side-to-side with the jeepneys and private vehicles. It ended at Magsaysay park where the skaters competed for the Best Ledge, Best Ramp and Best High Jump categories. Aside from the bragging rights, the winners took home Supra shoes and signature Grind caps and shirts as prizes. “As a spectator and being a mother, I cringe everytime the competitors would crash in various forms but to my awe, they just brush off the dust and the pain and do the stunt again…. And again… and again… until they do it
perfectly,” said Mae Sanchez of Prime, the country distributor of Grind. “From an outsider, they might be seen as a nuisance in the streets but the Go Skateboarding day collaboration gave me a glimpse into their world of adrenaline, speed, bruises and pain. It’s all about them, coming from all walks of life, rolling-out to enjoy the exhilarating experience of being on the board and the camaraderie of fun-loving, care-free friends,” Sanchez added. Go Skateboard-
ing Day is an annual event which is celebrated all over the world in key cities celebrated every 21st of June. Grind shop is named after the skate trick “grinding” the board against the ledge. Visit us at the 2nd floor of Abreeza M a l l . (PR)
A
XA Philippines, one of the country’s largest and fastest growing life insurance companies, continues to offer Filipinos the best in healthcare coverage plans as the company launches Global Health Access (GHA), its latest health product positioned to address the health care needs of individuals anytime, anywhere they may be around the globe. “When it comes to health, we all want to get access to the best possible doctors, treatments, medicine, and medical facilities, even if it means going abroad,” says Rahul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines. “With Global Heath Access, we make it possible for Filipinos with its comprehensive features and benefits and its worldwide coverage.” Global Health Access is a worldwide comprehensive health coverage plan, which allows consumers to avail the best healthcare anywhere in the Philippines or abroad. The plan gives a P100-million worth of annual healthcare coverage for one’s use both in the country, and abroad, whether one is travelling, or looking for diagnosis or treatment from medical specialists or experts abroad. The coverage includes both in-patient and select out-patient procedures, including treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and kidney dialysis. Apart from access to healthcare coverage around the world, Global Health Access gives Filipinos access to AXA’s global network of top-rated hospitals, medical practitioners, and emergency responders. But unlike most health plans that limit cus-
tomers to their network of hospitals, Global Health Access allows policyowners to consult with their own doctors or specialists even if they’re outside of AXA’s network, giving them peace of mind. Another benefit of Global Health Access is that customers have the option to do cashless transactions for in- patient treatments through AXA’s global network of hospitals, even when one is in another country, providing utmost convenience. One simply needs to show their Global Health Access card and the hospital will contact AXA to arrange for the eligible treatment to be settled by AXA directly with the medical provider. Better yet, for planned treatments, if AXA is given advance notice, AXA can arrange for the direct settlement even before the customer arrives at the hospital, allowing for smoother admission. This way, policyowners need not worry about having to settle hospital bills and just focus on getting better. Customers may also seek round-the-clock medical advice from healthcare experts through the ‘24/7 Health Support’ of AXA, a first of its kind in the Philippines, allowing insured Filipinos to easily get in touch with the AXA’s global team of nurses, pharmacists, counselors, and midwives. Flexible coverage options Global Health Access is available for individuals (Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike) primarily residing in the Philippines who are between 15 days old to 70 years old. Annual premiums for a 35-year old individual can be as low as only P49,920 for P100 million
F AXA, 10
‘Back to school’open house at Matina Enclaves I
T’S a common notion that when the school season sets in, all family expenditures are centered on one pipeline and that is school expenses. Well, it used to be. With the new generattion of Filipino families learning the importance of financial liquidity even during the school season opening, there is no break for property
hunters and for sales agents as well. As the new school season formally opened recently in most of Davao City’s learning institutions, the Matina Enclaves themed its monthly Open House with the trimmings of the academe. The regular Open House was held last June 17 at the Matina Enclaves Showroom and Marketing Center.
The well-attended event was spearheaded by the Matina Enclaves project head Gerald Kent Garces along with the sales team and agents of Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco), the project’s developer. The Open House was highlighted with back to back promo discounts, freebies and sweet treats exclusively for clients of Matina Enclaves.
The initial real estate development venture of Esdevco has opened sales for Building 4 of The Residences, the condominium sector of the mixed use project located along Quimpo Boulevard in Ecoland. Matina Enclaves’ first three buildings have been fully sold out and the fourth one is likewise seen to sell briskly. (NJB)
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
SPORTS 15
EDGEDAVAO
Only, Durant, Melo returning for Team USA K
YRIE IRVING took one last shot on the flight home from the NBA Finals, hoping LeBron James would play in the Olympics. James isn’t going to Rio, and neither are many more of basketball’s best players. The Americans think they’ll be just fine with who they have. “We should be heavily favored,” Golden State’s Klay Thompson said. “I mean, 12 NBA stars, very unselfish guys, very versatile team, we definitely should be favored. It’s a disappointment if we don’t win gold.” The US selected the roster, led by Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, it hopes can do that for the third straight time. Durant and Anthony are the only players with Olympic experience after a number of stars, including James, decided to skip Rio. Also chosen were Golden State’s Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes; Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan; Indiana’s Paul George; Chicago’s Jimmy Butler; Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins and the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan. Irving was the MVP of the 2014 Basketball World Cup on a US team that included Thompson, Cousins and DeRozan and easily won gold.
The Americans should roll into Rio as the favorites. Yet they won’t look as imposing as expected after the withdrawals of NBA MVP Stephen Curry and All-Stars such as Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul and James Harden. “As far as the talent goes and the level of play, I’m pretty sure that that’s still going to be the same,” Anthony said. “We don’t have as many of the bigname guys that we’ve had before, but I think so far this is a great group of guys and they’re hungry. They want to play.” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said having a national team pool, which he began in 2005, always has the Americans ready for player losses. There were 31 players in this year’s and he had to go deep into it — and eventually even beyond it — to find 12 as the usual factors that can knock p l aye r s out were joined by the Zika virus and other concerns in Brazil. A n -
thony said he talked to doctors and people who have been to Brazil about the risks of the mosquito-borne virus. “Prior to this year, in the past we dealt with things like free agency, injuries, personal issues that might prevent someone from moving forward. This year it was exacerbated by circumstances beyond anyone’s control, and that was the reality, the speculation and the circumstance in Rio,” Colangelo said. “So somewhat more challenging,
NE of the most important annual tournaments in professional tennis started this morning in London, sparking a less important but just as predictable rush of search queries on the word “Wimbledon.” The Grand Slam event is expected to have plenty in store for Canadian sports fans this year with homegrown stars (and Wimbledon vets) like Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard in the mix, as well as some high-stakes matchups between international greats. Will Novak Djokovic accomplish a coveted Golden Slam? Will Roger Federer’s performance be hindered by recent injuries? Will Serena Williams finally tie Steffi Graf’s record for most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era. Interesting questions, but let’s instead look at how much skin some of the female athletes are showing on court — because
that’s what the internet seems to care most about right now. Nike has reportedly asked 20 of its sponsored players at the tournament to return a particular style of tennis dress for alterations following some backlash over the garment’s “skimpy” design. First seen on athletes during qualifier rounds for Wimbledon last week, the NikeCourt Premier Slam Women’s Tennis Dress is described on Nike’s website as “ideal for layering over shorts or tights” with “an elongated back hem” that “provides more coverage.” Product photos of the white dress are about as tame as its description, showing a high-cut neck, a racer back and a flowy, pleated body. Aside from being short (like almost every other professional tennis uniform) the garment’s silhouette doesn’t exactly scream
scandal as it’s shown on a Nike model. Many have even likened it to a woman’s nightgown (among other things.) The problem is how the dress moves when worn by a high-performance athlete on the court. Apparently the “light, airy” material touted by Nike is a bit too light and airy — to the point where it floats above a player’s waistline when she jumps, volleys or otherwise does her job. Controversy started brewing last week after several athletes were spotted wearing modified versions of the dress, which was said to have been approved under Wimbledon’s notoriously strict all-white dress code. Britain’s Katie Boulter secured her dress with a long white hairband while competing at a qualifying event on Wednesday, effectively preventing the skirt from rising up and getting in the
but at the end of the day, and this is important: This is not about who isn’t here, this is about who is here.” Anthony becomes the first US men’s basketball player to appear in four Olympics. Durant set a US record by averaging 19.5 points in London and also was the MVP when the US won the 2 0 1 0 world championship. “Shoot, when you’re playing with the best players i n the
world, it makes it easy,” Durant said. “I’m just going out there and playing my game. They take all the pressure off of me.” Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski will coach the Americans for the third and final time, tying Henry Iba’s team record. He will lead a team with strong NBA credentials — nine were All-Stars this season — but a little short on international experience after the withdrawals. James would have joined Anthony with a fourth selection. He
pulled out last week after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA championship. Irving said winning a gold medal would be even sweeter, and he attempted to convince James to chase it with him. “Hey, I tried,” Irving said. “I tried to get him to come and after we won the championship told him — I was kind of nudging him on the plane, I was like, ‘So are going to play USA?’ He just didn’t know at the time and I gave him a lot of space because, I mean, he’s been playing basketball every single year for a long length of time.”
VETERANS. Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony are the only returning Olympic basketball members for Team USA.
Wardrobe malfunction for Nike stars in Wimby England coach resigns after Euro Cup exit O G way of her swing. And Sabine Lisicki of Germany, who holds the record for fastest serve on the WTA tour at 211 km/h, flat-out skipped the dress in favour of a skirt and top. “I tried it on but didn’t feel comfortable showing that much,” she said of the choice, according to the Daily Mail. “For me, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and not to think about anything, and with this I feel great.” The Daily Mail is reporting that Nike’s sports marketing team emailed players who’d been given the dresses, as well as their representatives, a few days ago before the tournament began. Players were reportedly asked to bring their dresses to an on-site Nike venue for minor alterations “per Wimbledon rules.” Nike told Yahoo Style on Monday that, contrary to some reports, the dress had not been recalled.
Nike-sponsored Canadian athlete Genie Bouchard poses in a campaign for the brand’s new Wimbledon-themed collection of tennis whites. This dress was slated to be worn on the court by several players during the tournament before a design flaw was noted. (Nike)
ARY Cahill was lying face down on the field in disbelief. Dele Alli was squatting on the turf with his head in his hands. It was utter humiliation for England. First-time finalist Iceland embarrassed the inept stars of the Premier League on Monday, dumping them out of the European Championship in the round of 16. And the man who presided over yet another night of English ignominy immediately quit. Roy Hodgson had little choice. The coach’s four-year contract was due to expire after Euro 2016 but he accepted immediately after the 2-1 loss to Iceland that there was no way he could stay in the job. “I would have loved to stay on another two years. However, I’m pragmatic and know that we’re in the results business,” Hodgson said. “My contract was always up after the Euros, so now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young, hungry and extremely talented group of players.” Those players will probably now have this mortifying night in Nice to contend with for the rest of their careers. The final score read 2-1 but, in the heat of the French Riviera, England melted away against Iceland, lacking creativity and technically deficient. Center forward Daniel Sturridge was jettisoned to the right, while Raheem Sterling was bereft of ideas and confidence on the left flank. Harry Kane, the Premier League’s top scorer last sea-
son, leaves France without a single goal. Wayne Rooney, England’s all-time leading scorer, was sloppily conceding possession with poor passes — but the captain did convert his team’s fourth-minute penalty on Monday. What a perfect start it was, the launch pad for an exhilarating night of attacking football. Or not. The lead was gone in 34 seconds. England couldn’t defend a long throw-in and defender Kyle Walker was badly exposed when Ragnar Sigurdsson was left in space to equalize. And the errors continued. Goalkeeper Joe Hart blundered in the 18th minute, allowing Kolbeinn Sigthorsson’s shot to squirm past him. “The standards I set haven’t been met in this tournament so I’m going to hold my hands up for that,” Hart said. “From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry.” The pampered and cossetted players won’t find much sympathy back home. “We have to get over this,” Rooney said. “But tonight we are devastated.” The scale of Iceland’s achievement, as the smallest country to ever qualify for a major tournament, is incredible. Without any professional clubs in their domestic league and with a population of only 330,000, the Icelanders managed to upset the country which hosts the world richest and most popular soccer competition and where 1.8 million people play the game every week.
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
VOL. 9 ISSUE 88 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016
STILL SHOCKED
Alaska teammates shocked at Abueva cut
INSTANT ENERGY. Abueva’s boundless energy that can spell a huge difference in international matches.
G
ILAS Pilipinas’ loss is Alaska’s gain. That’s the general sentiment from the Alaska camp after Aces star Calvin Abueva missed the cut along with LA Tenorio for the Final 12 of the Gilas team that will fly the flag in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next month. “Good for us sa Alaska kasi he doesn’t have to rest,” Dondon Hontiveros, a former Gilas captain, told online sports network SPIN.ph after
practice on Monday. “He can start right after the tournament, unlike sa amin (last year) na pinapahinga pa kami ni coach for a week.” Still, Aces assistant coach Louie Alas rued the absence of Abueva in the national team that is On an ambitious quest to get the Philippines back to the Olympics. “We never expected it (the decision), pero baka may nakikita sila na hindi natin nakikita,” said Alas, who has been running Alaska practice
in lieu of head coach and Gilas assistant Alex Compton. Hontiveros agreed, particularly mentioning Abueva’s boundless energy that can spell a huge difference in international matches, but conceded to the national coaching staff’s decision. “They know better,” the Gilas 3.0 skipper said. “It’s hard for us looking from the outside kung ano ang plano nila, ano yung sa tingin nila na best lineup that would compete.”
“Of course, yung energy ni Calvin is a difference-maker kasi in a forty-minute international game, yung mga two-minute run can really dictate the game,” he added. “Pero mahirap yung trabaho ng coach … Nakita na nga ng mga fans (kung ano laro niya) … at sa Fiba pa nga, inaano na si Calvin as shoo-in of making the twelve. But they know better than us mga fans.” Asked if he has an idea how Baldwin came to his decision, having played for him
in the Gilas team during last year’s Fiba Asia Championship, Hontiveros feels the national coach could be giving other players chances to provide what Abueva brings. “Ang maibigay lang ni Calvin talaga yung spark, energy and I guess he’s (Baldwin’s) hoping from the other guys na mailabas din yun,” Hontiveros said. “It might be Japeth (Aguilar) playing the four because his length and athleticism kailangan sa international,” he
added. “Or it might be Parks, it might be Bobby Ray’s growth or breakout performance like what happened with Terrence (Romeo) and Calvin the last time.” Alas agreed. “Kahit sino naman i-line up mo, magagawa naman nila ang pinapagawa,” the Aces’ top deputy said. “Kaya nga cream of the crop yan sila.” “May makakagawa naman ng mga nagagawa ni Calvin,” he added. “So kahit anong mangyari, support pa rin tayo.”