Edge Davao 6 Issue 118 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

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Serving a seamless society

COLORFUL NUMBER. SPA students perform a gymnastics-inspired dance routine during the opening ceremonies of Batang Pinoy 2013 Mindanao Qualifying Leg at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

P216M for ‘Lingap’, garbage ‘WELCOME TO OUR PLAYGROUND.’ Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte gives Philippine Sports Commission chair Ricardo R. Garcia a walkthrough of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex before the opening rites of Batang Pinoy 2013 Mindanao Qualifying Leg in Tagum City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

greg@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City government moved to infuse additional budget for health care assistance program and garbage collection amounting to P216.26 million. The City Council yesterday afternoon conducted committee hearing on the Supplemental Budget No. 2 submitted by the executive department covering P100 million for Lingap Para sa Mahirap program and P16 million

FP216M,10

Trader shot dead

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

Chinese businessman was shot dead by an unidentified assailant Monday night in Panacan, Davao City, reportedly over a disagreement involving illegal drugs transaction. The victim, one Jack Marvin Lim Tan, died instantly from two bullets in the head, according to the Sasa po-

INSIDE:

FTRADER,10

Surge of VAWC cases 2 means more reports Palace exec: PNoy still 4 enjoys public’s trust 18 golds at stake 14 today

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

3 international agencies link efforts vs disaster

HE United World Food Programme (WFP), the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Plan International (Plan) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to link their programs to improve disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. In a forum dubbed Synergizing Efforts for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, representatives of WFP, CRS, and Plan met yesterday at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Davao City, and agreed to each have its own respective level to focus on and coordinate

closely to enhance disaster management abilities of local government units in these provinces. Plan Country Director Carin van de Hor said the program requires a $10-million budget, $6 million of which they have raised so far. She called on concerned people to help them out by raising the $4 million more needed for the program. WFP country director Praveen Agrawal said they would focus on working with local government at the provincial and municipal level in ComVal and DavOr, including youth outreach activities at the municipal and village level and F3 INTERNATIONAL, 10

MOU-SIGNING. Country directors and representatives of three international aid agencies sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental synergize efforts for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. From right, Carin van der Hor, country director of Plan International; Joseph Curry, country representative of Catholic Relief Services; and Praveen Agrawal, representative and country director of World Food Programme. Also in photo are Benjamin

Hemingway, regional advisor for East Asia and the Pacific, Office of the US Foreign Disaster Assistance of USAID, and celebrity Boy Abunda, who is Plan ambassador. The program held yesterday at The Pinnacle was also attended by representatives of Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon and ComVal Gov. Arturo T. Uy, some mayors and local officials and Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Lean Daval Jr.

Surge of VAWC cases means more reports Guard shoots worker A

security guard will be facing a charge of frustrated murder after he shot a worker during an altercation inside a packaging plant in Dumoy in Davao City morning of Monday (August 26). PO3 Harold Delima , investigator of Talomo police station, reported that upon the arrival of Jorge Loyola, 29, a factory worker at the Joe Marie Pal Packaging Plant at about 7:45 a.m., the guard, Norman Fuentes, 36, allegedly would not al-

low him to enter. This resulted to a heated argument between the two, followed by the sound of a gunshot when the guard fired his shotgun at Loyola, hitting the latter’s right thigh. Witnesses brought him to the Davao Doctors Hospital immediately for treatment of his wound. Police recovered a cartridge belt from the guard containing 10 rounds of ammunition. Fuentes is presently detained at the Talomo police station. EPC

By Emilord P. Castromayor

HE surge in cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) reported to the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) in Davao City is “not alarming.” Instead, it shows that an increasing number of women today has become more empowered to report them, an official said. “It only means that our trainings conducted in different barangays are effective and

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 for 1ST Quarter also shows that our women have become more empowered,”

No. of cases 107 120 399 363 497 611 526 634 1015 245 said Janice Pinky Aragon, Development Monitoring Officer II in

SASA FIRE AID

IGDD said. According to the city government’s Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD), the number of cases are increasing every year based on the data. There were 4,517 VAWC cases reported from 2004 to 2013’s first quarter, 94 of which were committed by men in uniform. However, a “culture of silence” still exists, particularly in women who are economical-

FSURGE, 10

Tito Boy, ikaw na! By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

MOBILE MEAL. After arriving from a long journey, a boy eats his lunch while his father watches him at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ejf@edgedavao.net

OPULAR television talk show host Boy Abunda donated 127 packs of dry goods yesterday to 300 families whose houses were burned down during the August 22 fire in Km. 11, Sasa in Davao City. “I came from nothing,” he said of his background, adding that sympathizing with people who are in great need comes easy for him. City Social Service

and Development Office (CSSDO)’s Juliet Vigil, secretary of department head Maria Luisa Bermudo, told Edge Davao that the 127 packs contained dry goods, especially products for personal hygiene, which she said are the basic needs of fire victims, besides food. Abunda later attended the forum dubbed Synergizing Efforts for Disaster

FTITO BOY, 10

3 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

TAGUM CITY

4Ps beneficiaries to become entrepreneurs A

“fresh start” was how 40-year old Elvira Aballe of Barangay Liboganon described the financial aid of 6,000 pesos she received as one of the beneficiaries in this city of the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as financed by Security Bank. “We are very thankful to the government and Security Bank for coming up with a program that will help us,” Elvira told CIO Tagum during the distribution of cash assistance last August 23, 2013 in Barangay Liboganon. Elvira is among the 75 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Barangay Pagsabangan (28) and Barangay Liboganon (47) in Tagum who were identified by the City So-

cial Welfare and Development Office headed by its chief Mrs. Nora Lupiba to avail of the SEA-K program of the department. Lupiba said this is a way of capacitating the 4Ps beneficiaries to engage in a profitable venture to support their respective families by engaging in an entrepreneurial activity. Elvira said she will be using the money she received for her fish-vending business, just like her other colleagues who will use the money as additional capital in retail stores or Mayor Allan Rellon, on the other hand, extended his full support to this program as it is in line with his EAGLE WINGS agenda on governance, specifically on social services and livelihood development. Each beneficiary is entitled to a 6,500 pesos cash assistance, 500

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

CASH ASSISTANCE. Recipients of the cash assistance by the Security Bank under DSWD’s Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program in Barangay Liboganon received P6,000 each to be used for their business ventures. [Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum] pesos of which will be contributed to their barangay-based SEA-K associations that will also be used for their group’s business venture. The funding was made possible through the support of Security Bank through its corporate social responsibility program,

which earmarked one million pesos for this program. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman identified Tagum and a Municipality in Benguet to make use of Security Bank’s assistance. Prior to this, the identified 4Ps beneficiaries

underwent a rigorous training on financial management and bookkeeping facilitated by DSWD XI. The said office will also conduct regular individual and group monitoring to ensure that the cash assistance will not go into waste. The SEA-K Program

MATI CITY

is a livelihood and capability building program aimed at enhancing the socio-economic skills of poor families towards establishing and managing sustainable community-based credit organizations for entrepreneurial development. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

Success-In-Career Summit 2013 slated DTI capacitates repair shops T

HE Next Big Thing Summit 2013: SUCCESS-IN-CAREER Edition, which will be happening on Friday, August 30, 2013, 1pm-6pm at 3rd Level Trade Hall SM City General Santos, will surely inspire young professionals and college students on how to successfully achieve ones goal. For as low as Php 199, inclusive of Conference Kit and Certificate of Appreciation, yuppies will have the chance to

MAGUINDANAO

learn from 3 successful personalities who will share their secrets, humble beginnings, and how they ultimately reached success doing exactly what they want. Don’t miss the opportunity to know how Jen Diaz, CEO of SNOE Inc., made a popular local beauty brand she started by herself global by 3 years. Another learning will be on how founder and CEO Ralph Manalo Wunsch of Metrodeal. com played against the

giants from its humble beginnings and how they became the number one group buying site in the Philippines being started in a local Mcdo joint in Manila by the founder himself. Renowned Artist, Sculptor and Designer Leeroy New will also share his expertise on how he created his own brand of design as young as he is from heavyweight stints of winning the Grand Prize for Sculpture at the Metro-

bank Art Awards to the most recently getting one of his creations, a rubber-cast bustier chosen, by Lady Gaga as her outfit for one of her music videos. Boost your knowledge and buy your tickets now! Tickets are available at Ranchero Nuevo, Macho Mucho and ticket booth beside the carousel only at SM City General Santos. For inquiries, call SM City General Santos at (083) 878-0667.

Mag-Peace scholarship program strengthened

OVERNOR Esmael Mangudadatu has inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signifying the provincial government’s continued support to its Mag-Peace Scholarship Program aimed at producing educated human resources to sustain progress in the area. Mag-Peace aptly stands for Maguindanao Program on Educational Assistance and Community Empowerment. Thousands of scholars from the province’s 36 municipalities witnessed Monday the MOA signing at the municipal gymna-

sium here made blissful by various song and dance presentations rendered by scholars coming from 18 public school-beneficiaries. “The number of scholars rose to 3,877 from over 2,000 in 2010,” Lynette Estandarte, provincial budget officer and chair on special projects, said. With the new MOA adoption, Mangudadatu said he expects the number of reach some 5,000 in the coming months. The governor said he earlier proposed a P1-billion omnibus loan before the Sangguniang Pan-

lalawigan (SP), P300-miilion of which is allotted for educational programs in the province. “I expect the SP to consider my proposal before the end of this month,” the governor said. Mangudadatu said included in the proposed loan were allotments of P200-M for a palm oil processing plant; and P100-M for a dredging machine needed in flood-prone areas of the province. The Mag-Peace program specifically targets the grassroots in where scholars specialize in the field of agriculture, health service and education.

College-level scholars currently receive a stipend of P6,000 per semester while high school scholars receive P3,000 over an agreed period of time. Scholars at both college and high school levels are required to maintain a general average of 82 percent to remain in the program. “I am really happy that our provincial government has focused much on the educational prospect of young people like us in search for a bright future,” said Masla Samama, a high school scholar currently studying at Mindanao Sate University-Maguindanao. [PNA]

IXTY repair shop owners and technicians in Davao Oriental have undergone capacity building seminars to further equip them with the necessary knowledge in running such business. With participants coming from Mati City and the municipalities of Lupon, Manay, Baganga and Cateel, the province-wide Forum on Competency and Guidelines for Service and Repair Shops was conducted in August here. The activity was done in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mati City. DTI-DO provincial director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said the activity was mainly aimed at creating awareness on the required competencies of service and repair shop technicians as well as its regulatory requirements for repair shop operation. “It is our mandate to also protect the welfare of consumers, in this case the custom-

ers of repair shops, not just purely to promote business,” she said. During the seminar, TESDA presented and discussed their “Sertipikadong Pinoy” Competency Assessment and Certification Program highlighting the Philippine TVET Qualifications Framework (PTQF). The said program is a nationally promulgated framework of competency classification and recognition for middle-level skilled workers. This covers the different certification levels available to these technical workers. “With this briefing, DTI anticipates the participating repair shops to have their workers and technicians trained and certified by TESDA to deliver appropriate services to clients,” Ambi said. Other related topics discussed were the Repair Shop Accreditation Law, Business Permit and Licensing Regulations and some other concerns that can enhance these businessmen’s entrepreneurial skills to cope with the prescribed standard of quality services. [DTI-DO]

4 NATION EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)workers rush the drainage improvement along Kamias road in Quezon City on Tuesday,August 27,2013 to minimize the flooding to this area every rainy season.[PNA photos by Gil S. Calinga]

MANILA

Bayan Muna airs doubts on COA inclusion in IAGCC B

AYAN Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares aired his doubts on the inclusion of the Commission on Audit (COA) as one of the agencies who will investigate and prosecute public officials on the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council (IAGCC) for the so-called pork barrel scam saying that it is now susceptible to questions not only of propriety but also of constitutionality. “While the COA has

the official expertise and capacity to make sense of the expenditures and moneys of the government, it has no prosecutorial powers unlike the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Ombudsman. Rather, COA should act as the complainant who will testify on its findings of anomalies and graft and corruption,” the progressive solon said. “The inter-agency council will be acting beyond its jurisdiction if

it will allow COA to participate in the evaluation of evidence and eventual finding of probable cause against respondents. The resulting resolution will be susceptible to challenges of nullity because the respondents may question COA’s prosecutorial powers thereby prolonging the investigation of the case and if they get a favourable decision would therefore render the efforts of the government without force and

effect,” he added “At the same time, COA itself should be included in those agencies to be investigated considering that it would be impossible for the scammers and grafters to execute their evil ends without the complicity of those who will audit them eventually. The pork barrel scam has been ongoing for 10 years and it would be impossible to pull off without accomplices from COA,” the lawmaker said.

HE Palace is confident Pres. Benigno Aquino III still enjoys the public’s trust amid calls for the total abolition of the priority development assistance fund or ‘pork barrel’ funds. Saying the Aquino administration is “on the same side” with the public on the pork barrel funds issue, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace does not see any problem with mounting protest actions for the scrapping of pork barrel. “The protest actions...

it’s part of the democracy that we’re in... So far, andun pa din ang tiwala ng tao sa pangulo.[So far, the public still has confidence and trust in the president],” Valte told a media briefing. Two days before Monday’s protest action in Luneta calling for the total abolition of pork barrel, Aquino announced the abolition of PDAF and the creation of a new mechanism to replace it. But despite Aquino’s announcement, the social media-driven mass action pushed through and attended by thou-

sands of Filipino taxpayers expressing their outrage over the misuse and abuse of public funds. The protest, dubbed the Million People March, was seen as the biggest mass action so far during Aquino’s term. Several analysts observed that Aquino have not abolished the ‘pork’ but merely replaced it with a new system that still works the same as PDAF - a move that drew criticisms from the public. “Dun sa mga reaction kahapon, iba-iba din naman sila pero the shared outrage is misuse

of funds. Sinabi na din ni pangulo na bakit naman kami matatakot eh lahat tayo nagulat at nainis sa mga nakitang rebelasyon nung mga nakaraang linggo,” Valte said. Valte said the government welcomed proposals from civil society organizations as Budget Sec. Florencio Abad drafts the new mechanism to channel public funds for government projects. “We’ve been engaging citizens what their counterproposals are. Tuloy ang dialogue, we’re just trying to find a schedule,” Valte said. [PNA]

MANILA

“As I proposed weeks ago, it would be better if we just have the DOJ and the Ombudsman do a joint investigation with the COA submitting the needed evidence and documents for the case. The DOJ and Ombudsman should immediately conduct the preliminary investigation phase in accordance with ordinary rules of procedure to save time (which necessarily include a fact-finding aspect), in-

stead of the proposed fact-finding investigation conducted by the Ombudsman, COA and DOJ which would then submit its findings to either DOJ or Ombudsman for “further preliminary investigation”. It is in the interest of the Filipino people that the pork barrel scam issue be resolved at the soonest time possible and all those involved should be punished without delay,” ended Rep. Colmenares.

ENATE President Franklin Drilon has vowed to exercise tight scrutiny of the 2014 budget, amid public anger over the alleged misuse of funds. “We cannot ignore the sentiments of our people,” Drilon said at the Senate budget hearing Tuesday, a day after a massive pork barrel protest. “No Filipino will be left behind,” the Senate President said, noting that it is the Senate’s constitutional duty to manage the spending of public funds. “We will be remiss in our duties if we do not exercise our Constitutional duty to review closely the budget,” Drilon said further. His statement comes at the height of public sentiment over the alleged P10-billion pork-barrel scam involving businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles. The scandal accused dozens of lawmakers of diverting Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to ques-

tionable groups led by Napoles. On Monday, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos trooped to Luneta Park to call for the abolition of the PDAF and other discretionary funds. “This is the first time we are opening the budget debate in an environment of mistrust, and even anger…” the Senate President said. Drilon has earlier supported President Benigno Aquino III’s call to scrap the PDAF and introduce a new system of allocating funds for localities. “We are one with them in denouncing corruption in government. We will take into serious account what our people say,” Drilon said. The 2014 budget, he noted, “the missing link” between economic growth, on the one hand, and the goal of inclusive growth on the other. “Finally, we commit to finish and approve the 2014 national budget by December 2014 to prevent a re-enacted budget,” he added.

MANILA

Palace exec: PNoy still enjoys public’s trust Senate feels people’s anger, Drilon admits T S MANILA

LTO to start issuing new license plates by September

TARTING next week, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be issuing the modern and more secured license plates to new vehicle-registrants, without any additional fees. Jayson Salvador, spokesman of the LTO, said that the agency, in compliance with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), will start issuing the newly-designed license plates on

September 1. ”We are happy to inform the public that by September, we will be starting with the new license plates standardization program,” Salvador said during an interview. ”Our directive from the DOTC is that beginning September 1, we will be issuing the new modern license plates,” he added. Initially, Salvador said that only the new vehi-

cle-registrants will be issued the new license plates, which will have three-letter and four numerical combinations for the fourwheeled vehicles compared to the present three letter and three number combinations. ”There were additional security features in the new, modern plates...they come with plate locks so that they cannot be easily removed. They have corresponding

windshield sticker that has the plate number on it to make verification easily,” said Salvador. ”There will be no increase in the fees in spite of the new modern license plates,” he added. Salvador explained that the LTO will also be introducing the added security features to those who will renew their registration or those with old plates but not this year. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 •WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

EDITORIAL

Forgetting to remember

NE day after a massive protest march involving hundreds of thousands that culminated at the Rizal Park in Manila and on Mendiola Bridge against the unmitigated misuse of public funds through the so-called “pork barrel” system, a somber Senate President Franklin Drilon vowed at a Senate budget hearing on Tuesday to exercise tight scrutiny of the 2014 national budget. “We cannot ignore the sentiments of our people,” he said, apparently the protesters’ angry voices still ringing in his ears. He cited the Senate’s constitutional duty to judiciously manage the spending of public funds, so that “no Filipino would be left behind!” His statement came at the height of public sentiment triggered by the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam involving businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and dozens of lawmakers diverting Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to questionable nongovernment organizations led by Napoles. Drilon, who earlier expressed support for President Aquino’s call to scrap the PDAF and replace it with a new system of allocating funds for localities, noting that the 2014 budget would be “the missing link” between economic growth, on one hand, and the avowed goal of inclusive growth, on the other. That so-called Million People March was downplayed by

EDGEDAVAO

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certain quarters, for obvious reasons of their own, as an exercise in futility, a failure, given that those who joined it numbered much less than a million. These instant critics miss the point. Millions upon millions of their countrymen watched the proceeding on television, wishing they were physically there, but for certain constraints like distance, earning their daily bread, being old and infirm perhaps. But the thousands who were there was a cross-section of the population – students, professionals, celebrities rubbing elbows with the faceless nobodies, the rich, the poor, the in-between, the high and the mighty as well as the ordinary, common tao, you name them—all Filipinos caught up in the drama of the moment. Each and everyone having a stake in the fate of their country. Just watch – in the coming days, weeks and months as the investigation into the pork barrel shenanigans plays out and names will be named, ghost NGOs that received millions of taxpayers exposed and hopefully the guilty ending up behind bars. However, before we get carried away by the euphoria of the moment, our emotions, our anger, perhaps it would be better if we remind ourselves of where we are. We had this same feeling in Edsa I, too, remember? Could this feeling be another case of déjà vu? We’ve been here before, remember?

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

EJ DOMINIC C. FERNANDEZ Reporter

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 •WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

Fund-shaking reforms

OVERNMENT CANNOT MAKE JUST COSMETIC CHANGES – As it is, no breakthroughs are likely until after the Aquino administration pierced the last nail into the “coffin” of the highly controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), otherwise known scandalously as “pork-barrel” funds. People who flocked in hordes and joined the “Million People March” at the Luneta Park and elsewhere across the country to strongly denounce the pork barrel funds as a major source of corruption linking some enterprising and cash-oriented members of Congress have kept to its hard line stance. “Confidence in government will improve only when higher authorities, President Benigno Aquino III above all, totally abolish the pork barrel funds for members of Congress and the executive branch altogether,” say the irate and aghast public. A reputation for bold action and strong words, so unlike the typical Filipino politicians, has made President PNoy seem a more likely agent of reform than most of his peers. People always have high expectations of the President, therefore he has to be circumspect in making decisions and make true his earlier assurance to totally abolish the PDAF otherwise the disgusted people will soon go back in the streets to launch another protest action perhaps even bigger and with more intensity. This time the government cannot make just cosmetic changes. The people were extremely angry and they need immediate response to their demand for fund-shaking reforms. After the successful protest march, there is no change in the disenchanted people’s basic position and they would continue to pressure the Aquino leadership to come up with concrete plans

VANTAGE POINTS

concerning the complete abolition of the pork barrel funds. Real change, fund-shaking reforms, of g o ve r n m e n t fund distribution and project implementing system look set to be a long, tough process but it has to be done – at all cost. Standing up to mounting public uprising suggests that President PNoy has the measure of three crucial challenges facing his leadership: rising crime rate, extreme poverty and pervasive corruption enmeshing pork-hungry lawmakers. Political analysts and economic experts argue that the President should base policies on realities. Moves to absolutely scrap the pork barrel have become more and more urgent. But the big question is, “how fast will the President move on abolishing the PDAF without substituting it with another fund distribution scheme bearing a different name, and how long will it take for the directive to produce results?” For now, President PNoy is expected to bide his time while the vigilant public patiently wait from the sidelines preparing to stage another upheaval once the leadership failed to deliver the soonest possible time what is has promised. What is the best strategy to fight corruption? We should draw a line and give emphasis on meaningful change because corruption is really a major problem in our country. The pork barrel funds supposedly should be a tool for development rather than to promote interests in politics and personal busi-

ness. There are just too many instances in the PDAF budget where there can be no transparency, no openness, no efficient allocation and utilization of resources for legitimate projects. About 30to 35% of the budget is wasted or goes indirectly to the deep pockets of enterprising and cash-oriented officials and not accounted for by results. There ought to be a government system such as a zero-based backed budgeting. Systematically, higher authorities should look at an office or to be precise an implementing agency, what role that office should have, determine its mandate and find out the financial requirements. Government budget and financial managers would simply decide either to increase or decrease the budget for a certain project by 10 to 20%. While it may be true that not a single centavo from the PDAF funds passes through the hands of lawmakers, there are hundred ways to exact “grease money” from its beneficiaries – bogus foundations and non-government organizations (NGOs). Right now, the only corruption people see is what happens on the pork barrel funds. Still, public action against pork barrel is not a lost cause because majority of our people see in President PNoy a leader who could push real change. He is seen as a decisive leader willing to take necessary action and conservative with a very detailed policy expertise deeply rooted in the triangle of bureaucracy, business and politics – the sort of person who would compromise rather than make decisions and radical departures from policy. Indeed, others see in him a pragmatist who knows the value of getting things done. The President may be able to do more that put a smiling face on the prevailing critical situation. Chop the pork posthaste, Sir!

Let the great economy spin

HESE signs of improvement do not mean that Italy’s era of stagnant living standards and economic underperformance is over. The problems that range from political chaos to the costs of euro membership have by no means been resolved. But it does seem that Italy has stabilized and found a way of living with the Eurozone – and this also seems to be true of Spain, Ireland and Portugal. Maybe even Greece. Which brings me back to my encounter with Galileo. Despite all the unresolved problems, the world economy keeps revolving because civilized societies have an astonishing capacity to dodge problems, instead of properly solving them. This capacity is often under-estimated by ideologues and experts, who demand clear answers and tough, decisive actions, rather than “muddling through.” History shows that muddling

COMMENTARY BY ANATOLE KALETSKY

(Conclusion) through is usually a successful solution and the odds are overwhelming against collapse (whatever “collapse” may mean). But should we see this social resilience as reassuring? Most economists and politicians now seem to believe that for countries such as Italy and much of Europe, the only alternative to outright “collapse” or radical reform is long-term decline. This sounds profoundly worrying, but what exactly does it mean? As I rounded off my Italian holiday this week, I recalled a remark once made to me by Giulio Tremonti, the former Italian finance minister and longtime consigliere to Silvio Berlusconi. “I

was often told at G7 meetings and European Councils, that Italy was in decline and that we had to do something about it,” he said. “My answer was that people have been telling Italy that it is in decline for 2,000 years — since the death of Julius Caesar in fact.Maybe they were right. Yet look at Italy today. After 2,000 years of decline, we still enjoy life, maybe more than any other nation!” But apart from la Dolce Vita, what has Italy got to show for its centuries of decline and under-performance? Well, since the fall of the Roman empire, Italy has created the Catholic church, built the world’s most beautiful cities, developed modern scientific method, as well as painting and music, even invented banking and accounting – and then, of course, there’s cappuccino and pizza. Crises come and go, but the world keeps moving.

How fix broken faith, confidence, self-respect? WORM’S EYEVIEW BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

OW sad, how saddening, to contemplate the turn of events in our society… thievery, opportunism… betrayal of public trust... high officials indulging in shameless corruption, flawed offspring they let loose in our society seeding the next generation. Behold an actor-senator with spouse in congress, their offspring in league and partnership with offspring of scammer into business deals of their own. With reckless impunity they erode faith in public servants, confidence in government, and respect for public institutions. Goodwill that should inhere in a community of sovereign citizens is breached… the well is poisoned! Janet Napoles we can understand… sapagkat siya’y tao lamang (?!) But how about husband James Napoles, reputed to be a Marine Corps official. An Officer and a Gentleman? Did he abet, does he condone, his wife’s conspiracy—betraying honor, integrity in the process? Is honesty integral to the duty of an officer and a gentleman? Can we still entrust him with honor, integrity, or life itself? Janet, Ping: what’s the difference? Janet Lim-Napoles is now in hiding. So was Panfilo Lacson in hiding—for a whole year while still an incumbent senator! Lawmaker, Police General, Former chief law enforcer no less: he defied and flouted the law and got away with it. What did he get? Not a reprimand nor a reproach from any authority, executive, legislative, or judicial. To the society he swore to serve and protect— which in turn bestowed him generous honor, perks and livelihood—Lacson offered no apology nor a gesture of goodwill, nor even remorse. Now PNoy is thinking of him as his pork-related crime buster. Can he be trusted? Will he find Janet and deliver her to justice? How do we know he won’t help her hide from the law instead—just like he did, and more effectively? People are skeptical. The effect of broken trust. Are military/security forces our allies and protectors? How do military families of our society view these goings-on? How do they deal with the stain of wayward generals that belittle instead of uphold the law, which they swear to do at the cost of their lives if necessary? Where’s Jovito Palparan? Is he doing a Panfilo Lacson? Does the military brotherhood tolerate scofflaws, allowing the recalcitrant to hide and bide until the threat of arrest expires? There’s Carlos Garcia, in jail for plunder and theft of AFP funds, but expecting special consideration to indulge in a new hobby in a preferred prison location. There’s Jacinto Ligot after him. How have they managed to turn plunderer from protector of the nation that the Constitution meant them to be? Why have they become despoilers of our common wealth and perverters of our values and ideals. We need to trust the brotherhood of the military and defense and security establishments. They’re supposed to be our protectors. But do their comrades-at-arms feel offended or betrayed when they act otherwise? They should help us apprehend malefactors and miscreants and bring them to justice. They should help restore our trust and confidence in a role that was meant to be heroic. Betrayal is a terrible thing to recover from. It is dispiriting. It wounds society and culture. It requires redress. *Lifestyle-checks are in order* As distasteful as it may sound, a lifestyle check among congress-persons is in order. Too many have violated the code of honor. Too many have made light of their duty. They have cracked the mold; it now needs fixing. A cleansing is needed and it must start with them and the culture of impunity they thoughtlessly helped to bring about. Check them out. Charge the guilty. Exonerate the innocent. Penalize impunity. And impeach the undesirable. Then we can start anew. Unless this is done, the Pork scandal and the wound it has inflicted will not heal. It has already cost our society considerable loss of self-respect and of things that make it worth sacrificing and dying in service of fellow Filipino. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Manny Valdehuesa writes from Cagayan de Oro and is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. He can be reached at valdehuesa@gmail.com.]

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 •WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

P216M.. FFROM 1

for garbage collection. Lingap para sa Mahirap is a program by the City Government of Davao which provide varieties of health assistance such as hospital financial assistance, funeral and burial assistance, and pharmaceutical assistance. The proposed budget was passed on first reading during the council’s regular session in the morning. The committee on finance, ways and means chaired by Danilo Dayanghirang called for an immediate hearing in the afternoon to expedite the measure’s approval. The committee invited members of the finance committee to explain the details of the items in proposed budget. Under the pro-

posed SB 2, the city government is in need to allocate resources for its Lingap sa Mahirap Program to address the health concerns of indigent patients whose families queue up almost daily at the city hall to seek assistance from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. “We need the money to help our indigent residents,” Dayanghirang said, adding that the city government had already incurred P100 million in accounts payable to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for medicines and medical services provided to indigent patients. Another account payable is the P800,000 outstanding electricity bill from the

Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) for power used in various city-owned and rented buildings and street lights. Dayanghirang said the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) also needs around P16 million for its garbage collection operations. “We have to immediately pass this measure as we really need to have the resources, especially because we spent a big amount for this month’s Kadayawan celebration,” he said. Dayanghirang said the source of funding for the proposed SB 2 would mostly come from the reversion of budgets in the preceding fiscal years.

lice station. The gunman was identified only as a certain alias “Ibra”. Initial investigation indicated that Lim Tan was standing alone in-

front of a restaurant when the gunman, wearing a black t-shirt and denim shorts, approached him and without a word shot the victim in the head

and fled into the night aboard a motorcycle. This is the first killing in the city involving a disagreement over a transaction in illegal drugs.

will be implementing the project in Baganga, Boston, Cateel and 12 schools in Davao Oriental. The activities these agencies will support include improving the capacity of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC), which means they will assist LGUs in incorporating disaster risk reduction into their provincial, municipal

and barangay development plans. This will also include the creation of early warning systems, building vital infrastructure, enhancement of preparedness and raising awareness in communities and schools. The agencies will also be providing modest emergency equipment, and implement small scale DRR projects designed to

reduce vulnerabilities in ComVal and DavOr. Plan Ambassador and celebrity, Boy Abunda, graced the forum saying that each citizen has the responsibility to help others. “Now, we are our brother’s keepers,” the famous talk show host said, adding that people do not have to wait for catastrophes to happen before they take care of one another. EJF

ly dependent on their husband, Aragon said. In fact, economic abuse reached 58.78%, which is the highest percentage among the nature of cases, and physical abuse was at 31%, followed by marital infidelity at 8.16% and threat, psychological abuse, rape, sexual harassment and other cases, according to their data. Lawyer Marlisa Gallo, acting administrative officer of the City Legal Office, said they recorded VAWC cases as highest number of walk-in clients, however, they could not provide data as yet. “Everyday I handle

10 cases, five of them are VAWC,” she said. Aragon said that in order to promote awareness, they constantly monitor the 182 barangays of the city for the implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) budget policy adopted under the term of former President Fidel V. Ramos. The policy provides that all instrumentalities of government shall allocate a minimum of five percent of their total budget for gender and development, especially in the implementation of policies, programs, projects and activities that

will improve the status of women in accordance with the Women in Development and Nation Building Act (RA 7192). Aragon said the 182 barangays must first submit their gender and development plan to the city before the release of their budget, and this is also the policy of the Commission on Audit (CoA) to make certain its implementation. “Before, they used the 5-percent budget for cash gifts and realign it with other activities that are not intended for gender and development purposes,” Aragon said.

Trader.. FFROM 1

3 International.. FFROM 2

Surge.. FFROM 2

EXORCISM? No, this is a healing ritual of a self-proclaimed herbal medicine expert as she demonstrates the process on how to liquefy “Pito-pito” powder which she claims to be effective medication for various ill-

nesses along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. A man behind him meantime grimaces in pain. Lean Daval Jr.

P10-B PDAF scam could help ‘Pablo’ victims 10 times over By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

ejf@edgedavao.net

F the P10-billion priority development assistance fund (PDAF) which allegedly went to bogus non-government organizations and corrupt government officials, could have helped 233,354 families who fell victims to typhoon “Pablo” 10 times over. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 director Priscilla N. Razon, in Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw SM Annex, Ecoland, bared that the total

amount for interventions in response and recovery for the Pablo victims have so far amounted to P1,609,268,289 for 233,354 families. She said the P10 billion lost in the pork barrel scam could have helped a lot more people, not just the Pablo victims. Razon said, “it could have helped in developing roads, producing electricity, and given resettlement to families living in the gutters of Manila, which is

the main reason for the floods they are experiencing now.” However, she added, the abolition of the PDAF will not affect their assistance to Pablo victims and other calamity-stricken areas because the budgets for these programs are not from the PDAF. “This is drawn from calamity funds which constitute a quick response fund, and a special fund from Task Force Pablo fund,” she said.

Risk Reduction in the Provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites where the United World Food Programme (WFP), the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Plan International (Plan) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to link their programs to improve disaster risk reduction. Abunda, also an ambassador of the Plan, said he comes from Samar where typhoons

are a normal part of their lives, which is why he wants to help victims of Typhoon ‘Pablo.. “Now, we are our brother’s keeper,” he said, adding that people do not have to wait for catastrophes to happen before they take care of one another. He said that even in disasters, people need to know their rights. “We have the right to protect ourselves from disasters by increasing our capacity to protect

ourselves,” he said. “We have the right to information to know what is happening, because information is key,” he said, adding that “we should equip ourselves with the right tools to protect ourselves from disasters.” “We have the right to listen to each other,” he said. “We have the right to protect each other.” “The best time to prepare for disasters is when there are no disasters yet,” he said.

Tito Boy.. FFROM 2

11 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

Stat Watch 1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 3,741 million Feb 2013 USD 4,708 million Feb 2013 USD -967 million Feb 2013 USD -640 million Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 million Feb 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

2.4 % Mar 2013 P113,609 million Mar 2013 P 5,281 billion Mar 2013

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-April 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

LGU officials, CSOs to improve governance in mining industry

EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY. Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and Bantay Kita, a national coalition of civil society organizations, gathered some 80 local government officials and organizations from Mindanao and neighboring countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and

OME 80 local government officials and civil society organizations from Mindanao and from neighboring countries of Indonesia Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia gathered in Eden Resort in Davao City last August 22-23, 2013 to discuss how we can improve transparency and accountability in the extractive industry. Organized by the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, in coordination with the different government local government leagues and Bantay Kita, a national coalition of civil society organizations advocating for transparency and accountability in the extractive industry, the event fo-

cused on how Compostela Valley province and the state of Bojonegoro, Indonesia are implementing the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) at the subnational level. EITI is an anti-corruption initiative that sets global standards on disclosure of critical information regarding the extractive industry. The implementation is overseen by representatives of the government, industry and civil society. At the minimum, companies disclose the taxes and fees they are paying the government at the national and local level and the national and local government discloses how much they are re-

Cambodia in Eden Resort, Davao City on August 22-23, 2013 to be discuss how Comval Province and the state of Bojonegoro, Indonesia implement the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) at the subnational level. ceiving from the industries. Not only should the number match, they should be correct according to the laws governing the industry. Companies and governments should also report social spending related to mining, oil and gas activities which in the Philippines mean tracking the Social Development Management Plan (SDMP) of mining companies and the Malampaya Fund. EITI also encourages the disclosure of contracts and licenses of mining companies. The disclosed information will be verified by an independent auditing firm and the results will be reported to the public. The Philippines, through Exec-

utive No. 79 of President Aquino, committed to implement EITI in the country. Initial requirements for application to EITI have been completed and the country has been accepted as a candidate country last May 25, 2013. EITI standard requires that the Philippines come up with its first report be May 2014. The country is expected to produce annual reports after that. Prior to the commitment of the executive government to implement EITI, the province of Compostela Valley has already started implementing mechanisms to improve the governance of large scale and small scale mining industries in the province.

SSS widens network of service offices

HE Social Security System (SSS) has opened 15 additional Service Offices (SOs) so far in 2013 in selected malls nationwide, bringing the total SOs to 22. The first batch of mallbased SOs were simultaneously opened in six Robinsons Malls on May 16 last year, and another one was launched on June 6, for a total of 7 SOs for 2012. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said that the opening of SOs is a way of reaching out to more members and allowing them to avail of SSS services even beyond office hours and during weekends. “Our SOs help decongest the number of people transacting in SSS branches since members now have another venue for their SSS transactions. SOs are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aside from

SSS, members can also transact with other government agencies that have satellite offices next to our Service Offices,” de Quiros noted. The fast growth in the number of SOs is a testament to the soundness of this strategic move towards more partnerships with mall operators. The spaces for SOs are provided to SSS rentfree by mall operators who also benefit from the increased foot traffic from transacting members. In July 2013 alone, six SOs were opened in Robinsons Place in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Ali Mall in Cubao, Quezon City; Star Mall in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; Robinsons Place in Calasiao, Pangasinan; Robinsons Place in Angeles City, Pampanga; and KCC Mall in Lagao, General Santos City.

BY THE NUMBERS Merchandise im ports declined 4.8% to

$4.860 billion in June from

$5.103 billion in the same m onth last year. SOURCE: NSO

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

12 CLASSIFIEDS There’s a better way to get attention.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 â&#x20AC;˘WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 13

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

18 golds at stake today H

OSTILITIES in the Mindanao qualifying leg of the 2013 Batang Pinoy Games will begin today with over 1,700 athletes from the region aspiring for slots in the national team. A total of 18 gold medals are at stake in track and field while chess, badminton, softball, gymnastics and the qualifying heats in swimming are also set to get off the ground in the week-long meet organized by the Philippine Sports Commission for athletes 15 years old and below. PSC chair Richie Garcia and Davao del Norte governor Rodolfo del Rosario graced yesterday’s colorful parade of athletes from 40 local government units all over Mindanao during the opening ceremony at

BATANG PINOY MINDANAO DAVAO DEL NORTE

the newly-built Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Center. ``We have here today some 1,700 athletes from all over Mindanao and I think we will exceed the 2,000 mark when the games official begin tomor-

row (today),’’ said Del Rosario, whose province will bid for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa after hosting the national Prisaa next year. ``This is a record as far as the Mindanao leg participation is concerned. It will have a big impact in the sense that this will really put Mindanao in the forefront of sports,’’ he added. As of yesterday, participants in 22 sports were still trickling in, making it the biggest participation since the 2011 Mindanao leg in Zamboanga City (415 athletes) and 2012 Dapitan City (635). ``We just let the children play and hopefully the talents will be identified by the NSAs (national sports association),’’ said Garcia. ``If you perform well here, chances are you will

BATANG PINOY MINDANAO LEG. Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo Garcia (second from right) answers the questions from the media during the press conference ahead of the opening of the 2013 Bagang Pinoy Mindanao Leg at the Davao del Norte Sports

and Tourism Center. Others in the panel are (right to left) Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez, and Department of Education division supervisor Rebecca Sagot. Lean Daval Jr.

be identified by the NSAs and put you in the pool of athletes that will eventually compete in the Asian Youth Games and even in the Youth Olympic Games,’’ added Garcia. The winner of the boys’ 5,000-meter run will clinch the first gold medal of the tournament while the finals of the girls’ long jump, boys’ shot put and high jump, and 2,000m walk for girls will also be held today. Gold medals in the boys’ long jump, girls’ shot put and high jump, and 110m hurdles, 100m hurdles, 100m dash, 400m, 1500m and 4x100m relay for both boys and girls will be awarded in the afternoon. ``We feature sports not in the Palaro calendar

so these sports will have grassroots representation. But unlike the Palaro, the Batang Pinoy is open to all that even those children from the mountains and out-of-school kids can join,’’ said PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez. Other disciplines on tap are arnis, beach volleyball, boxing, dancesport, futsal, judo, karatedo, lawn tennis, pencak silat, sepak takraw, soft tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling. Gomez added the Batang Pinoy serves as a link to sustain the competitive fire of Palaro athletes who played in the elementary level and are now preparing to compete in the high school division. TRACY MCGRADY. It’s over.

T-Mac retires S

AN ANTONIO – Twotime league scoring champion Tracy McGrady, a member of the playoff runner-up San Antonio Spurs last season, announced his retirement from the National Basketball Association on Monday. The seven-time all-star McGrady also played in the Chinese Basketball Association last season for the Qingdao Eagles. “Thank all of you who have supported me over

16 NBA seasons, seven all-stars, and countless exciting moments. Retiring from NBA,” McGrady said. In April, McGrady left China and signed with the San Antonio Spurs. He appeared in six playoff games for the Spurs who lost in the NBA finals to the Miami Heat. The 34-year-old McGrady was the ninth overall pick in the 1997 draft out of high school. In 2001, he was named the NBA’s most improved player.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

Absolutely breathtaking! The world premiere of Agnes Locsin’s SANGA: Ang Ika-Apat na Galaw

“I

have this great love for trees. I was deeply hurt when I saw a number of beautiful trees being cut down just around our neighborhood. Now, I want to create my own forest --- a real forest. As an artist, I felt that before I could do that, I need to build it first on stage to get the message through… To make people see

the beauty and importance of trees,” said choreographer Agnes Locsin as she welcomed the audience to her dance concert, SANGA: Ika-Apat Na Galaw.

www. brokenshire.org ; brcc_frontdesk@yahoo.com Tel No. : (082) 227-9610 Brokenshire Heights, Madapo, Davao City

Agnes Locsin is a multiawarded choreographer and the pioneering force behind the Philippine neoethnic dance movement. Her choreography usually demands a lot from dancers, requiring the strength of a classical ballet back-

ground, yet a willingness to break its stringent rules, blended with a great imagination and a theatricality to bring life to its nationalistic, environmental and gender themes. Her works are poetry in motion, with movements derived from poetry, paintings, and other art forms. Her fourth installment to her Alay Sa Puno Performance Series had its world premiere in Davao last weekend at the Locsin Dance Studio, and was attended by dance and theater enthusiasts. The dance series began in 2010 with UGAT: Unang Galaw which featured Biag Gaongen as the performer in a solo dance concert about the plight of trees in the Philippines. The series was triggered by Agnes’s concern about the disappear-

FABSOLUTELY, A4

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Smart, Sun, Voyager announce partnership with Waze SMART COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Smart), Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (Digitel) through its mobile brand Sun Cellular (Sun), and Smart subsidiary Voyager Innovations, Inc. (Voyager) announced a strategic partnership with Waze (waze.com) to expand local awareness of the crowdsourced navigation app and help Philippines drivers save time on every drive. The wireless services companies, part of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) [NYSE:PHI], will be the first Philippine mobile operator partners of the social navigation pioneer. Waze combines GPS navigation technology with social networking, enabling users to swiftly identify the fastest and most efficient map routes. Millions of Waze drivers enable the service to adjust its reports in real time, based on constantly changing road conditions such as heavy traffic or accidents. Through this partnership, the companies will encourage further expansion of Waze usage in the Philippines through a marketing, promotion and distribution agreement to Smart and Sun’s more than 73.4 million subscribers. In addition to special promotions, Smart and Sun will pre-install the Waze application on smartphones bundled under its commercial postpaid and prepaid offerings. The Waze Philippines map will display Smart- and Sun-branded retail pins to help extend both companies’ customer service. Voyager will serve as a critical partner, working with Waze for technology integration and exchange of map data for both Smart and Sun. “Waze is one of the most innovative and fast-rising mobile apps in the world and we’re proud to make this available to our subscribers. With our fast-growing smartphone subscriber base, Waze is an exciting addition to the growing number of Smart and Sun’s leading global mobile apps partners,” said Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor, Smartand president of Digitel. “Waze provides real-time and community-based information to make navigating traffic easier, allowing users to better make use of their time to live more. It is especially useful in the high-traffic areas of the country’s major cities and has a growing user base in the Philippines. This partnership is mutually beneficial to all parties – with our subscribers enjoying a world-class mobile app and with Waze having access to the biggest share of the Philippine mobile services market.” said Charles A. Lim, EVP and Head, Consumer Wireless Business Group for Smart and Sun. “Voyager is bringing Waze, a leading crowd-sourced mapping and traffic information app experience to the Philippines. By downloading the app, users can gain access to a rich navigation experience thru the mobile phone - no need for another gadget. It is just the beginning-- we are bringing more of these innovative services to enrich everyday life,” said Jose Benjamin S. Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer, Voyager. Early this year, Waze was recognized as Best Overall App at the Global Mobile Awards 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. With the Philippines as one of the fast-growing smartphone markets in Southeast Asia, mobile apps and data usage is on the rise. This process is further enabled by the availability of affordable mobile Internet rates and deployment of supercharged networks of Smart and Sun LTE (long-term evolution), the fastest available wireless connectivity to date.

A|X ARMANI EXCHANGE – Color Flash Collection A|X Armani Exchange was launched in 1991, aimed at a new generation of fast-fashion consumers through an accessible collection offering urban, individual style. A|X Armani Exchange announces the launch of the special edition Color Flash watch collection in neon colors. The A|X Color Flash collection is unisex and combines sleek, vibrant and stylish details with a feminine and masculine color mix of neon and grey. The Color Flash watches come in a bold color combination. It’s all about the bold accent. Don’t miss this Color Pop rendition in grey with a pop of neon yellow, green and orange. With a nylon case and silicone strap in bold tonal shades or subtle accents, Color Pop is a vibrant addition to the A|X range. The A|X Armani Exchange Color Flash collection is available at SM Accessories - SM Store SM Lanang Premier.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

HEALTH

‘Workaholism’ takes toll on workers’ physical and mental well-being

EVERYONE has that one friend or co-worker that’s always getting to work at nine in the morning and leaving at 12 at night — or working even longer. Being a workaholic isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but according to a new study, people who work long hours are less likely to report feeling a sense of well-being both physically and mentally. Sarah Asebedo, a doctoral student of personal finance planning and conflict resolution at Kansas State University, wanted to explore the link between well-being and workaholism, especially in people who are aware that working long hours is detrimental to their health. Researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort, which interviewed a total of 12,686 young men and women annually from 1979 until 1994, and bianually after. The researchers found workaholics, defined as

working more than 50 hours a week, were less likely to report a sense of physical well-being, determined by how often they skipped meals, and mental well being, measured through a depression scale based on self-reports. Still, many of these people continued to work long hours knowing that they were suffering for it. Based on a theory known as Allocation of Time, which is a mathematical analysis for choice measuring the cost of time, the researchers look at the “cost of time as if it were a market good.” “This theory suggests

that the more money you make, the more likely you are to work more,” Asebedo said in a statement. “If you are not engaged in work-related activities, then there is a cost to the alternative way in which time is spent.” The cost of not working becomes greater the longer someone isn’t working. Although working more leaves less time for spending money during leisure time, workaholism can be a very serious problem. Just last week, a 21-year-old intern with Bank of America was found dead after work-

ing three consecutive allnighters. London bankers call the practice “the magic roundabout,” because the taxi will take a person home, wait for them while they shower, then drive them back to work. He had apparently suffered a seizure. Workaholism has been associated with insomnia, anxiety, and heart disease, according to Forbes. Unfortunately for many, breaking out of a habit can be difficult for people once they’ve become accustomed to it. Asebedo says it’s important to be aware of workaholism from a financial planning and counseling perspective. “It helps me understand what can be the cause of my clients’ stress. It’s just a reminder that you may want to dig a bit deeper into clients’ work lives. Sometimes you might find that they don’t like what they are doing and they want to make a change, yet financially, they don’t know how to accomplish that.” The study, “Workahoism and Well-Being” will appear in the journal Financial Services Review. Yahoo! Health

Globe Telecom cell sites are radiation-safety certified by DOH GLOBE Telecom cell sites have been issued radiation-safety certificates by the Department of Health, another indication that radio frequency signals coming from such facilities do not pose any adverse health impact. “The radiation-safety certificates for every cell site that we have in the country are a proof that concerns over potential health hazard coming from base stations are without basis,” said Emmanuel Estrada, Globe Head of Network Technologies Strategy. The radiation-safety certificates issued by the health department are based on guidelines issued by the International Commission

on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) on maximum human exposures to radio frequency fields. “Radio signals follow the so called ‘inverse-square law of physics’. This means that the signal level from a cell is radically reduced as the distance from the antenna increases. Thus the radiation at ground level is substantially lower compared to radiation levels emitted by the two-way radio of security personnel or a cell phone,” Estrada emphasized. He also said latest technology provides a capability called “dynamic power control” wherein both the

cell site base station and the subscribers handset dynamically reduce their power output to just about the right level necessary to provide service. This is effective in reducing radio frequency radiation levels as well as power consumption of the base station equipment in the cell site and saving battery life of handsets. Surveys have also indicated that radio frequency exposures from base stations in publicly accessible areas, such as malls, schools and hospitals, are well within the international standards for radiation safety, he said. By comparison, radio frequency exposures from base stations are a thousand times lower compared

with radio frequency exposures to radio and television broadcast transmitters, he added, stressing that the strength of radio frequency fields is greatest at its source and diminishes quickly with distance because of the inverse-square law. Radio frequency signals coming from cell sites are classified as non-ionizing. Other low frequency devices that emit non-ionizing radio signals include transistor radios, microwave ovens and baby monitors, two-way walkie-talkies. On the other hand, ionizing radiations are those that have higher risk of adverse health risks that include x-rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, which can break the chemical bonds in DNA.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

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ENTERTAINMENT

72 Celebrity look-alikes battle for ultimate kalokalike title in “It’s Showtime” SEVENTY-TWO lookalikes of local and international celebrities will come together and battle in the grandest and brightest tournament of Kalokalikes in ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime” beginning August 26. “Kalokalike Level Up Face 2” features the contestants at their best, wildest, and most improved impersonation of stars, and will be held over a course of four weeks from August 26 to September 20. Each day, a group of Kalokalikes will face off to get a slot in the much-awaited grand finals on September 28 and will have the chance to be crowned as the Ultimate Kalokalike to win P300,000. The first runner-up and second runner-up will bring home P200,000 and P100,000, respectively, while two additional runners-up will also be given

It’s Showtime hosts Kalokalikes---Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Jhong Hilario, Karylle, Billy Crawford, Coleen Garcia, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, and Ryan Bang cash prizes. Other stand-out contestants will also be given special awards. The look-alike contest of “It’s Showtime” became so popular among viewers and netizens that “Kalokalike Face 2” was launched immediately after its first run, which hailed Christopher De Leon look-alike Jonathan Garcia as the Ultimate Kalokalike last May. Stay tuned to “It’s Showtime,” hosted by Anne Curtis,

Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Karylle, Kuya Kim Atienza, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Coleen Garcia, at Eric ‘Eruption’ Tai, at 12:30 PM and on Saturdays at 12NN on ABS-CBN. For updates on the program, follow @ItsShowtimena on Twitter or like www.facebook.com/itsShowtimena. To watch previous “Kalokalike” episodes, visit showtime.abs-cbn.com.

Unang Hirit Barkada welcomes back Susan Enriquez KAPUSO mornings are set to become brighter and sunnier with the return of everyone’s favorite kumare, Susan Enriquez, on the longrunning morning show Unang Hirit (UH). The multiawarded broadcast journalist makes her much-awaited comeback as a regular host starting Monday, August 26. Enriquez, who is known for her sharp reporting and likeable personality, is tagged as television’s “Boses ng Masa.” She is the go-to person of ordinary Filipinos particularly housewives when it comes to consumer problems, domestic concerns and barangay issues. With her mix of practical knowledge and approachable style, viewers would instantly see a champion in Susan, prompting the battle cry “Kapag may hinaing o saloobin, kay Susan tayo.” Enriquez says that she’s excited to be part again of the fun UH Barkada. She reunites with UH cohosts Arnold Clavio, Rhea Santos-Guzman, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Lyn ChingPascual,Connie Sison, Pia Arcanghel,Ivan Mayrina, Drew Arellano, Love Anover, Lhar Santiago, Monica Verallo, Tonipet Gaba and Luane Dy. For her comeback, she is

set to appear in a new segment with Igan wherein the two respected broadcast journalists will share their respective views on current and social issues. Clavio and Enriquez first met in radio broadcasting as fledgeling reporters. Now friends for over two decades, Clavio and Enriquez lend their witty banter, insightful commentaries, and good sense of humor in Unang Hirit. Enriquez started her career as a broadcaster on GMA Network’s flagship radio station DZBB in 1981 as one of the

voices on Newscoop. In 1990, she joined the hourly newscast GMA News Live as a field reporter, which ushered in a luminous career highlighted by fearless reports and prestigious recognitions. Her first Public Affairs TV program came in 2003 when she was tapped by the Network to host the informative and highly-entertaining lifestyle show, Kay Susan Tayo. She eventually joined Unang Hirit in 2010, being tasked to cover the biggest remote stories and news events. Enriquez is currently seen on television as a senior reporter for GMA News and a co-host on GMA News TV’s multi-awarded Filipino cultural program IJuander. She is also heard on the radio via DZBB. Join Mareng Susan Enriquez as she takes part in substantial and informative discussions every weekday morning in Unang Hirit starting 5 a.m. on GMA-7.

THE CONJURING 2D Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson R 13

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

PLANES 2D Dane Cook, Stacy Keach GP

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

MORTAL INSTRUMENTS CITY OF BONES 2D Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower PG 13

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

R-16 R.I.P.D. 2D Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds PG 13

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

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EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

Absolutely.. FFROM A1

ance of trees in the country, causing flash floods that have taken so many innocent lives. UGAT was followed by DAHON: Ikalawang Galaw (with Georgette Sanchez), and PUNO: Pangatlong Galaw (with Gaye Galiluyo and Georgette Sanchez). SANGA starred seasoned dancers Sonny Locsin and Kris-belle Paclibar, who both started training under Agnes’s mother, the late Carmen D. Locsin. “For me, this concert is very personal and special because both dancers first set their foot in the field of dancing here, in this studio.” Biag Gaongen, the featured choreographer for this piece, calls his mentor Nanang as he also considers her as his second mother, after being maternally

orphaned at the age of 15. The show proved to be a visual and aural treat. Poet and academician Ricardo De Ungria stepped in as narrator, his own compositions as overture to each act. Kris-belle and Sonny showed dancing prowess with seemingly effortless leg extensions, flexibility, precise and challenging movements, and muscle control. The 60-minute production ended with a welldeserved standing ovation. At curtain call, Agnes was surprised by the alumni and dancers of Ballet Philippines with their simple yet touching tribute. Each took turn to give her a hug and a flower, which moved the choreographer and audience to tears… Me, her former student, included.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 •WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

BIG WIN. Rafael Nadal, the second-seeded 2010 champion cruised to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over America’s Ryan Harrison.

WIN EASY

Rafa, Serena cruise to opener wins

WE ARE THE CHAMPS. ACER Computer general manager Manuel Wong (standing, 2nd from left) with the Columbia Football Club headed by team owner Edward “Chaya” Lam (standing, extreme left) and coach Albert Ryan Lim (3rd from left) showing their trophy and medals after winning the 2013

ACER Cup Invitational Men’s Football tournament last Aug. 25 at the Tionko grounds. CFC, composed mostly of players from the Rizal Memorial Colleges beat the Philippine National Police, 4-1 in the last day to earn P30,000 with a trophy and medals. (Photo by BOY LIM)

S Open favorites Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, with 28 Grand Slam titles between them, cruised into the US Open but 17-time major winner Roger Federer was thwarted by rain. Nadal, the second-seeded 2010 champion who watched the 2012 US Open from his home in Spain as he endured a seven-month injury layoff, cruised to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win over America’s Ryan Harrison on Monday to record a 16th win on hard courts this year. The 27-year-old Spaniard has captured nine trophies since his return from injury in February, building up a 54-3 record in the process, and came

into New York having won back-to-back Masters titles at Montreal and Cincinnati, comfortably erasing his shock first-round exit at Wimbledon. “It’s a special emotion to be back in New York. It’s a special atmosphere,” said Nadal, who next tackles either Canada’s Vasek Pospisil or Brazilian qualifier Rogerio Dutra Silva. “I was nervous before the start, but I hope to have these nerves again in the future if it means I win.” The top seed fired 13 winners and broke the former French Open champion six times on her way to a second round match-up against Kazakhstan’s Galina Voskoboeva.

good years on tour, loved every minute of it, and I definitely couldn’t have asked for a better career.’’ As Blake continued with his opening statement, discussing why he decided to leave the tour after the U.S. Open, he explained: ‘’There are so many athletes that say they can never replace that feeling of having that adrenaline rush, but I get more of an adrenaline rush now seeing my daughter wake up in the morning. That’s something that I’m truly look-

ing forward to - being able to spend more time with my wife and daughter.’’ And with that, his voice got caught on the words and his eyes reddened. Blake reached with his left hand to wipe away tears, until someone in the audience tossed him a white towel to dab at his eyes. ‘’Despite the tears, I’m actually really happy about this,’’ Blake said. ‘’I can do it on my own terms. Always wanted to do that. I thought about it a ton this year.’’

Blake to retire after US Open ONE LAST RUN N

JAMES BLAKE. Final run in the US Open.

EW YORK (AP) -James Blake rested his white baseball hat on the table at the front of the U.S. Open’s main interview room, smiled, and began speaking Monday about his impending retirement from tennis. The former top-five player was relaxed, composed and matter-of-fact. ‘’No real surprise here. This is my last tournament,’’ the 33-year-old American said on Day 1 of the year’s last Grand Slam. ‘’I have had 14 pretty darn

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 118 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

Batang Pinoy opens in DavNor By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

BATANG PINOY MINDANAO

njb@edgedavao.net

DAVAO DEL NORTE

AVAO del Norte’s readiness for big ticket sports competitions will be tested with yet another major event this time with the staging of the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg which opened yesterday with some 2,300 athletes and counting. Count one major positive impression from no less than the country’s sports czar, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo Garcia who described the sprawling Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Center as “wonderful” and the atmosphere “friendly.” “We are happy that we have a wonderful venue like this here in Davao del Norte, this is a world class facility and we hope we can do something to bring in bigger events here not just the Batang Pinoy,” Garcia said during the press conference ahead of the opening of the five-day sports conclave for athletes aged 15 years old and below. Garcia’s impression was quickly echoed by PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez, who is the commissioner-in-charge of Batang Pinoy. “You proba-

ALL’S NOT EQUAL. Young athletes carrying three banners paraded for Davao City in the Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg opening yesterday in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The first two rows are the “official” Davao City contingent while the third row came in representing Barangay 21-C. That’s bly have one of the nicest venues. You have everything here, facilities and the right people,” Gomez said who bared that the BPG is the dry run for local government units bicdingmto host the Palarong Pambansa. “You are already one step to that goal,” Gomez said. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for bringing the BP Mind-

anao Leg go the province which is poised to become the region’s sports capital. Del Rosario did not hide his bigger agenda of hosting the 2015 Palarong Pambansa when the turn of Mindanao to host the nstional sports conclave comes. As of yesterday, there were already 2,300 athletes accredited by the Games--the biggest so far for a qualifying leg in the history of the Games. Atty.

the outcome when confusion mars the selection of representatives for the Davao City delegation. Lean Daval, Jr.

Jay Alano, project director of the BPG 2013, said they are still accepting registration until the start of the event. Yesterday’s colorful native-inspired opening ceremonies was also one of the most impressive and creatively-choreographed opening for a sports event of this magnitude. The traditional torch lighting rites was lit up from scratch in the manner lumads create fire in the highlands with

three of the province’s past BPG winners passing on the light to the Games and host province officials led by Chairman Garcia, Gov. Del Rosario, Commissioner Gomez, Philippine Olympic Committee representative Romeo Magat, Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony del Rosario and Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon. Thd younger Del Rosario, who is also the chairman of the House Commit-

tee on Youth and Sports, extolled the athletes to compete for excellence and commit to ensure the future of the country’s sports. At dusk, the skies lit up in blazing colors as a 15-minute fireworks display capped the Games’ grand welcome ceremonies. Hostilities formally go full swing starting today with most events held at the DNSTC.