Edge Davao 6 Issue 102

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GREEN BIRD. This rare green parrot is one of the attractions in the ongoing Kadayawan Agri-trade Fair at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

DA: Sid’s pork liquidated Zarate: present proof there was no irregularity

AT A GLANCE P3 million fully liquidated, beneficiary is accredited NGO P13 million returned to DA central office

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

By ANTONIO M. AJERO ama@edgedavao.net

T

HE acting regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) yesterday clarified the role of Rep. Isidro T. Ungab in the implementation of certain projects of the department through the allocation of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to farmers needing assistance in Davao City’s third congressional district.

Remelyn Recoter, acting regional director of DA 11 based in Davao City, made the clarification on the PDAF during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM Annex atrium yesterday.

RECOTER Recoter explained to reporters how the DA implements projects with funds downloaded from the Central Office to regional field offices and additional funds through the local government units and congressional offices.

“I’d like to inform the group that sometime in 2011, P3 million was received by the regional office for Agri-Economic Foundation, which na-liquidate naman and they passed the requirements for accreditation,” Recoter said, referring to the PDAF of Rep. Ungab.

“There was also an advice of sub-allotment (ASA) that was given to the regional office -- P8 million and P5 million, or a total of P13 million, but these two ASAs were negated, kumbaga bina-

FDA,10

B

njb@edgedavao.net

AYAN Muna Party List Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said yesterday the proposed resolution calling for an allout investigation on the pork barrel scam is gaining ground and is expected to be passed today.

In a telephone interview last night during a break in session, Zarate told Edge Davao that the resolution is being passed around the members of the House of Represen-

INSIDE:

ZARATE tatives. The resolution is initiated by the Makabayan bloc, the House minority.

“We are passing the resolution at

FZARATE,10

P7.6M to produce more durian Minbizcon tackles ASEAN integration Ateneo drubs Ford in RMH Cup opener

2 6 16

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

Boncato predicts a boom in accommodation rooms

T

HE rise in hotel business investments in Davao City shows no sign of decline anytime soon, and Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Art Boncato expects the current number of 7,014 accommodation rooms available in the city to increase in the next few years.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw, Boncato said he had a talk with a hotel executive whose hotel will soon be erected across the way from SM Lanang, having 311 rooms.

“If that becomes a reality, that will be the biggest hotel in Davao City, which is why we are helping them, and encouraging them to follow the standards, and so far, they are very cooperative,” he said, without divulging the hotel’s name for the moment.

He also announced that Tune Hotel would be opening in October with 115 rooms, adding that DOT 11 has been supporting promos for smaller hotels under the Davao Rooms Madness program where 14 mem-

FBONCATO, 10

TOP PERFORMER. Regional executive director Remelyn R. Recoter (right) bares that Davao region is the country’s leading producer of agricultural products according to the data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. With her is acting City Agriculturist Rocelio Tabay. Lean Daval Jr.

P7.6M to produce more durian Report on 114k child

workers shocks Suyao

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net

T

HE durian Industry in Region 11 would need a P7.6 million budget from different stakeholders to increase production volume to 100,000 metric tons with a yield of 10 tons per hectare from 4.4 tons by year 2017.

Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 executive director Remelyn Recoter in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex, Ecoland said, her office along with provincial government offices, Davao City government, and the Durian Industry Council of Davao City met last August 2 to address the value chain of the durian commodity by developing a road map .

Those involved in the meeting came up with an initial budget of P7.680 million for production support, research and development, post harvest facilities, extension or capability development enhancement program for the different stakeholders, and market linkages.

Recoter said, “durian is the number one commodity in the Davao region, along with coconut, and we are the leading region in the country in terms of production, which is why it should be maintained by stakeholders.”

She said, the stakeholders came up with a skeletal framework to address durian industry concerns,

and will meet again to finalize the durian industry road map.

The road map includes increasing the area from the present 6,000 hectares after typhoon Pablo to 10,000 hectares by 2017.

Next is the budgetary support for capacity building, package of technology training, organizational development and other productivity and quality enhancement, as well as the budget support for nursery development, strengthening and regulation.

The Road Map also includes continuing research and development programs, budget for local and international trade fairs and promotions, and

public partnership in major investment of Fruit Processing Plants.

Recoter said, a Singaporean mission two months ago visited the Davao region for potential collaboration in exporting fruits to Singapore.

“They could order 1-5 metric tons a day, or 1,000 – 5,000 kilos a day, however, we can’t provide that volume at present, which is why we have to expand our area,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Durian Industry Council of Davao City, in celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw, will hold its Kadayawan Durian Festival this August 10 to 25 at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court.

D

E PA R T M E N T of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 director Joffrey Suyao can’t believe that there are 114,000 child laborers in the Davao region.

“I ordered my people to go look for these 114,000 child laborers because that number is just too much,” Suyao told Edge Davao in an interview.

He said the National Statistics Office had released a survey data back in July of 2011 stating that there were at the time some114,000 child laborers in the Davao region out of the 2.993 million in the entire country, which ranks Region 11 as number 14 of the total 17 regions.

He said the search for those child laborers starts in Davao City with the help of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) for a “child labor free barangay.”

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 had approached them for assistance on the transition of the graduating Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries.

“We will identify which household is at high risk for child labor, and give the parents livelihood,” said Suyao, adding that they started with Matina Pangi, Bucana, Crossing Bayabas, and

FREPORT, 10

Davao in dire need of more roads, DOT

D

WHAT WAR BRINGS. A mall-goer checks out photographs which show people’s sufferings brought by war in a photo exhibition of the International

Committee of the Red Cross dubbed “Our world at war” at the second floor of SM City Davao’s Annex. Lean Daval Jr.

AVAO City had a 12 percent increase in registered vehicles from the 120,017 in 2011 to 136,000 in 2012, hence the need for new roads, says the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11.

DOT 11 director Art Boncato, in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM Annex, Ecoland said, there should be major strides made, such as expanding the city’s road network to ac-

commodate the increase.

Traffic Management Center (TMC) head Dionisio Abude who was present bared that there were 11,473 private vehicles, 29,714 private utility vehicles, 73,643 private motorcycles, 2,275 taxis, 7,197 public utility vehicles, 289 buses, 2,788 tricycles and 8,621 trucks with a total of 136,000 vehicles in the city as

FDAVAO 10

EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

TAGUM CITY

3

LGU gives food packages to Muslim communities N

EARLY 2,000 families across the city received food packages from Tagum City local government as a show of support as they celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan.

No less than Tagum Mayor Allan Rellon spearheaded the distribution of the said food assistance to various Muslim communities in the city where he was able to meet with local leaders, datus and imams.

During this outreach activity, the mayor knew firsthand their plights and needs, as he himself said the Muslim community is important to his administration.

Directly attached to his office is the Office on Muslim Affairs which will plan, formulate and oversee the local government’s programs and projects that are designed to cater their needs. Fur-

thermore, Mayor Rellon also assigned Miss Xylee Labastida as Project Development Officer II who will serve as the link between the Muslim and Indigenous Peoples to the local chief executive himself.

“This is in line with Mayor Rellon’s 10-point EAGLE WINGS Program particularly that of Social Services through the delivery of adequate basic services to the people of Tagum and that of Cultural Development through the protection, preservation, recognition and promotion of the Tagum Cultural Communities, of which the Muslim community is a part of,” Miss Labastida said.

The mayor’s team was warmly welcomed by the respective communities, saying that this is the first time that the local government has embarked on a food package distribution to the Muslim community.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

FOOD PACKAGES. Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon intends to establish a new tradition in the local government through the distribution of food packages

to Muslim families in the city during the Holy Month of Ramadan. [Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum]

The mayor intends to make this a tradition during his leadership as Mayor.

During their talks, the local chief executive relayed his ad-

acquiring knowledge on Arabic reading and writing.

Mayor Rellon encouraged the community’s leaders to identify one ustadz who

ministration’s plan to strengthen the Madrasah education for young Muslims as a vital step in preserving their customs and traditions as well as

Dengue invades Sarangani Province T

HE provincial government of Sarangani has declared a dengue alert in all barangays and households in the province due to the rising cases of the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon said he has directed health personnel in the province to intensify their campaign against the disease, which already reached a total of 1,038 confirmed cases and 11 deaths as of July 29.

Such directive was specifically issued to Provincial

Health Office (PHO) personnel, sanitary inspectors of the province’s seven municipalities and barangay officials. The PHO’s epidemiology and surveillance unit said the recorded dengue cases in the province from January to July this year has increased by about 687 percent when compared to the same period last year.

It said that in the first seven months of 2012, the province only recorded a total of 166 confirmed dengue cases and three deaths.

Of the 11 dengue deaths in

LIBUNGAN, NORTH COTABATO

the province this year, PHO records showed that three cases each were recorded in the municipalities of Alabel and Maasim, two in Glan and one each in Kiamba, Malapatan and Malungon.

Two dengue deaths were recorded in Barangay Alegria in Alabel town in late June to early July due to an outbreak of the disease in the area. But the disease incidence in the area has so far eased due to intensive interventions by the PHO and the Alabel municipal health office, said Dr. Arvin Alejandro,

Sarangani health officer. He said they have not recorded a single dengue case so far within the area in the last two weeks.

In Maasim town, the PHO said the three dengue deaths there were recorded from July 18 to 27 in Barangay Kablacan.

Alejandro attributed the significant rise in dengue incidence in the province to the prompt surveillance, validation and investigation by concerned offices of the reported cases. [Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews]

Cops hunt down suspect in murder of Arabic teachers

P

OLICE have launched a manhunt against two men who ambushed and killed three Cotabato City-based Arabic teachers along a national highway Libungan, North Cotabato last Sunday afternoon, police said yesterday.

Chief Inspector Bernard Tayong, Libungan police director, said witnesses have identified

the gunmen who are now the subject of manhunt.

Tayong identified the victims as Ustadz Usman Badtingo, Ustadz Usman Abdulla and Ustadz Abdulla Guiamel, all residents of Campo Muslim, Cotabato City.

Abdurakman al-Taib, also an Arabic school teacher, who survived the ambush unscathed, told police investigators that he and his compan-

ions were on board two separate motorbikes heading for the town of Pikit, North Cotabato when two men on separate motorbikes opened fire at around 3:00 p.m.

Al-Taib said he has no idea why they were ambushed since he and the victims have no known enemies.

Tayong said the three died on the spot due to multiple gunshot

wounds. Al-Taib said they were to attend an Islamic symposium on peace process in Pikit when the ambush occurred.

Tayong said the gunmen believed to have tailed the victims from Cotabato City. Initial investigation showed that the motive could be personal grudge but probers are also looking at other angles. [PNA]

will conduct weekend classes in the communities and whose honorarium will be shouldered by the local government. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Nearly half of PHL’s premium rice exports from Region 12

R

EGION 12 or the Soccsksargen Region has shipped 52.8 metric tons of premium rice in the last three months to various markets abroad through the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) rice export program.

Amalia Jayag-Datukan, DA-12 regional executive director, said Friday the region’s total rice shipments comprise nearly half of the country’s premium rice exports since May that reached 106.55 metric tons (MT).

“These comprised colored, long grain and aromatic rice that were produced by our farmers in the region,” she said.

Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Last July 22, the Koronadal City-based Firmus Farm Services Providers’ Cooperative (FFSPSC) contributed 32 MT to the 45 MT of premium rice exported by the country to Singapore.

The shipment from the region comprised 15 MT of

long grain rice produced by the group in South Cotabato’s upper valley area and 17 MT of Dinorado or aromatic rice from a farmers’ cooperative based in Banisilan and Arakan towns in North Cotabato.

On May 15 and June 16, the Don Bosco Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DBMPC) based in M’lang, North Cotabato shipped P5.8 MT of black, brown and red rice to Hong Kong.

The cooperative also exported 15 tons of organic black rice to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 6.

Datukan credited the DBMPC and FFSPSC for working closely with the agency’s rice export program.

“We’re happy that Region 12 has played a big part of the country’s successful rice exportation.

We hope that more rice exports will come from our region,” she said in a statement.

The DA central office is currently targeting to export an additional 97 MT of premium rice before the end of the year to Russia, Italy, Middle East and the United States. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

4

EDGEDAVAO

NATION/WORLD

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

Petron, Shell, Chevron implement mixed fuel adjustment Tuesday T

HE country’s biggest oil companies announced on Monday that will follow up last week’s rollback on gasoline products with a mixed price adjustment effective at 12:01 a.m.

Tuesday.

This week’s movement on pump will include a price rollback on gasoline products worth P0.35 per liter and increases of P0.25 per liter on kerosene.

The uniform adjustments will be implemented Tuesday by oil giants Petron Corp, Shell Pilipinas and Chevron Philipines (formerly Caltex).

The so called ‘Big 3” oil companies also said that there is no movement in diesel.

Petron, in its price advisory sent to the Philippines News Agency (PNA), said the price adjustment “reflects movements in the international oil market.”

Other oil companies have yet to announce their price adjustment as of press time.

Last July 27, oil companies implemented a price adjustment which included a price rollback on gasoline products by P1.70 per liter, and diesel

by P0.25.

Based on the Dept. of Energy schedule, in Metro Manila the average price of diesel as of July 30 stood at P43.35 per liter while that of gasoline was pegged at P53.30 per liter.

[PNA]

SUPPORTIVE RELATIVES. Thousands who aspire to enter the state-run University of the Philippines try their luck Saturday through the UP College Admissions Test -- their relatives anxiously waiting for them outside the UP

Bill to decriminalize libel filed F

ORMER journalist and now Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate and his party-mate Neri Colmenares have filed a bill decriminalizing libel, saying that while a free press acts as the watchdog for the governed, the libel law has been “increasingly used by public officials as a tool to cow and muzzle an independent press.” In their two-page explanatory note, the Bayan Muna representatives said the libel law has been “increasingly used to stifle press freedom and inhibit media criticism of government officials and their acts and decisions.”

“Journalists critical of government officials or government acts and decisions speak or write under the threat of criminal prosecution. The net effect of this abuse of the libel law by the powers-

that-be is the gagging of media practitioners, the suppression of the truth from becoming public, and the resulting inability of the people to gain a meaningful understanding of the various public issues that are of paramount concern,” the explanatory note said.

Zarate and Colmenares said Congress “must immediately work to repeal the law on libel in order for the press to enjoy the free exercise of its duties and function, and as a corollary, for the people to have an unfettered access to information involving matters of public concern.”

Before he became a lawyer, Zarate was a journalist. He wrote for the Media Mindanao News Service and Malaya. In 2001, he became one of the columnists for the Philippine Daily

Inquirer’s Kris-Crossing Mindanao The two representatives said a free press is essential in democracy because it “ferrets out graft and corruption wherever it may occur and exposes its perpetrators, reveals dishonest and inept administration, contributes to the exchange of ideas, and advances communication between the governed and those who govern.”

Decriminalizing libel is “step in favor of freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press” as it will “remove much of its potency as an instrument to intimidate and harass” and allow journalists to do their work without fear of being jailed because of criminal complaints by those who are offended by their reporting.

The Bayan Muna representatives explained

TOURIST ATTRACTION. Among Manila’s tourist attractions is a World War II Japanese artillery gun in the perimeter of the old walled city of Intramuros, with the Manila City Hall serving as some backdrop. Intramuros started its de-

that a person who feels aggrieved can seek redress for the wrong done against him or act to enforce his right by filing an action for damages based on the Civil Code of the Philippines, “A media practitioner may be held civilly liable for damages if he/she violates Article 19 of the Civil Code which enjoins him/her to act with justice and to observe honesty and good faith when exercising his/her rights and while performing his/ her duties,” the bill’s explanatory note added.

It added that Article 26 of the Civil Code “should remind the media of their duty to respect the dignity, personality, privacy, and peace of mind of others, otherwise, they may be held civilly liable for damages for violations thereof.” (MindaNews)

College of Medicine near the corner of Pedro Gil and Taft Avenue in Manila.

(PNA photo: Oliver Marquez)

MANILA

Palace not seeking control of Judiciary Dev’t Fund

M

ALACAÑANG is not seeking to control the fund of the judiciary department, a co-equal branch of government, a Palace official said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda clarified at a media briefing that the Palace respects the fiscal autonomy of the judiciary and emphasized that the Supreme Court has the sole control of the judiciary’s budget.

“We’re not trying to assert control. This is under the control of the Supreme Court and is pursuant to their fiscal autonomy,” he said.

Several lawmakers said they would study the Palace-proposed special provisions to see if there was legal basis for stripping the High Court of its control

over the P7 billion Judiciary Development Fund.

They assailed the alleged plan requiring the SC to submit quarterly reports to the President on the status and use of the JDF and other funds.

Lacierda said the special provision is not a new provision but a “word for word” adoption of Presidential Decree 1949 [establishing a Judiciary Development Fund] enacted by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1984.

“This special provision for the judiciary fund... this is not a new provision.

This is a law which was enacted during the time of [former President] Mr. [Ferdinand] Marcos or the Presidential Decree 1949 establishing a judiciary development fund and other purposes,” Lacierda said. [PNA]

cline, after he Spaniards left, after nearly 370 years of colonial rule, when US forces shelled Japanese troops hiding inside the walls. (PNA photos: Avito C. Dalan)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

5

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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

It figures

1

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

Mindanao business conference tackles ASEAN integration I

S Mindanao ready for the ASEAN business integration in 2015? Ricardo Juliano, MinBizCon 2013 conference chair told MindaNews the business sector will present on August 8 at the opening of the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) an eight-point Mindanao business policy agenda for President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and his Cabinet secretaries to attend to, in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. The 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) will be held on August 8 to 10 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, with the President delivering the keynote address on August 8. Fourteen Cabinet secretaries are expected to discuss issues with Mindanao’s business executives.

The eight-point agenda is based on the five regional consultations the MinBizCon 2013 organizers conducted a few months ago, John Gaisano, conference director of the host city of Davao, told MindaNews on July 29.

The issues raised in the business agenda are Agriculture, Power, Tourism, Transport and logistics, Skills development, Small and Medium Enterprises, Information and Communications Technology, and Mining.

Juliano, also PCCI vice president for Mindanao, said the conference will help Mindanao prepare for a bigger market and opportunities that will arise as a result of the integration of ASEAN economies.

According to the ASEAN website, the ASEAN Econom-

ic Community (AEC) that will integrate the economies of the 10-member states will “transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and freer flow of capital.” The member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Juliano explained that “in simple terms, the ASEAN will become one big single market and production base.” The inte-

gration also seeks to make the ASEAN “a highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic development and a region fully integrated into the global economy.”

The AEC areas of cooperation include human resources development and capacity building; recognition of professional qualifications; closer consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies; trade financing measures; enhanced infrastructure and communications connectivity; development of electronic transactions through e-ASEAN; integrating industries across the region to promote re-

gional sourcing; and enhancing private sector involvement for the building of the AEC. “The ASEAN economic integration is an opportunity to be a lot better and for Mindanao particularly, it is an opportunity to shine,” Juliano said. He recalled that in olden times, Mindanao “was the front door of the country” in terms of trading because of the island’s proximity with neighboring Muslim-dominated countries, particularly citing the Royal Sultanates in mainland Mindanao back then as effective political and economic power houses. [Bong S. Sarmiento/ MindaNews]

N initial budget of P7.6 million is being eyed by the Department of Agriculture (DA 11) for the implementation of the Davao Region’s Durian Industry Roadmap.

“Maliit nga ito but since it is dynamic then it will depend on what the industry needs,” DA 11 regional director Remelyn Recoter said during the Kapihan held at SM City Davao Annex Monday.

“Now that the Durian Industry Roadmap has been crafted then we can provide the necessary financial support for the industry,” she said.

Recoter, who said that any financial support from mem-

bers of the House of Representatives will be welcome, said the Roadmap will help achieve the industry targets.

This includes an increase in the area planted to durian from the present 6,000 hectares after the devastation of Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 to 10,000 hectares in 2017.

“The budget will be used for capacity building, package of technology training, organizational development and other productivity and quality enhancement,” she said.

Durian Industry Council chair Larry Miculob said they already formulated a Durian Industry Roadmap.

However, he said, it did not push through because of budget problems.

“The Roadmap became more of a statement for the industry and it did not take off,” he said.

But this time, he said, they will ask funding from the DA to achieve the 10 tons per hectare production and the 10,000 hectare planted to durian target by 2017.

Miculob said it is an exciting year for the city’s durian industry because of the many doors opened for them as a result of the recent International Food Expo at SMEX Manila where they got favorable reaction from the export market.

“We got inquiries from markets outside Asia including the United States, Canada and South Korea,” he said.

While they were not able to meet the vacuum-packed durian ordered by Singapore because it was already after the peak of the harvest season, this has opened new opportunities for them, he added.

The Council will also hold the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Durian Festival on August 10 to 25 at the SM Premier in Lanang.

Aside from the different durian varieties that will be on display during the Festival, they will also schedule farm tours for a fee. [PNA]

FESTIVAL. Davao City Durian Industry Council Chairman, Larry Miculob (left) and committee on Durian Festival chair Manuel Villanueva discuss the upcoming Kadayawan Durian Festival slated on

August 10-25, 2013 at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court during yesterday’s Kapehan Sa Dabaw at SM City Davao’s Annex. Lean Daval Jr.

DA 11 eyes P7.6 million for durian industry roadmap A

st

Rank of Palawan as the best island for international travelers based on a recent survey conducted by New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine. Boracay is in second place with a score of 93.58.

20

billion pesos

Amount the Aquino administration has earmarked for infrastructure and marketing projects to help the country achieve its target of 6.8 million tourist arrivals next year.

6.9

percent

The revised 2013 Philippine growth forecast of debt watcher Standard & Poor’s (S&P). In a report titled “Credit Conditions: Increased China Downside Risk Dampens Asia’s Growth,” S&P said that it now expected the country to grow by 6.9% this year from 6.5% previously.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

7

FPA stops spread of adulterated fertilizers R

EACTING to reports that corn growers have been calling on the Department of Agriculture to stop the alleged proliferation of adulterated fertilizer in various provinces nationwide, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) said that it has already acted and continue to take initiatives to address these concerns.

FPA Executive Director Norlito Gicana said the agency has already initiated actions against those suspected of adulterating fertilizers.

These actions, he said, led to the arrest of spouses Edgar and Merlyn Calledo in Davao as well as two Taiwanese nationals in Pampanga and the subsequent filing of cases against them.

The FPA said that P37 million worth of suspected adulterated farm inputs were confiscated during the raid in Pampanga.

The apprehensions were made in cooperation with the Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police.

“Seven other distributors of farm inputs were issued warrants of ar-

rests, and two of the parties are now facing cases in courts for various violations including against the intellectual property code among others,” Gicana said.

“The actions we initiated in cooperation with the PNP, DOJ and the NBI showed that the FPA is not sitting on this matter,” he stressed.

Just recently, the Philippine Maize Federation (PhilMaize) called on the DA to stop the alleged adulteration and underweighing of fertilizer bags in various provinces.

In a letter dated July 4 addressed to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Philmaize said the proliferation of adulterated fertilizers defeats the hard work of farmers.

The group asked the DA to create a task force through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to monitor the fertilizer industry and make sure that charges would be filed against unscrupulous traders.

PhilMaize had also asked the DA to delist and ban unscrupulous fertilizer dealers and manufacturers from doing business.

Meanwhile, the FPA

official assured that the agency is taking various initiatives to address the problem.

Gicana said that he had also asked the Department of Agrarian Reform to advise all agrarian reform beneficiaries to purchase farm inputs only from distributors

who are licensed by the agency.

Furthermore, Gicana said he had also wrote a letter to PhilMaize President Roger Navarro dated July 22, 2013 detailing to him the actions made by the FPA on the matter and asking the organization to give him addi-

SIDE from aiding traffic congestion, the Southwest Interim Transport Terminal (SITT) in Parañaque City will eventually help lessen air pollution along Metro Manila s roadways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino on Sunday said.

“This could help reduce air pollution along EDSA, especially in areas where they have existing terminals today like EDSA-Taft in Pasay, which is the most polluted place in the country,” Tolentino explained.

He cited a study of the Department of the

Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) showing that the vicinity around EDSA-Taft is the most polluted area in the country.

The DENR recorded 257 micrograms per normal cubic meter of the total suspended particulates (TSP) or the amount of dust and other particulates in the air in the vicinity of EDSA-Taft.

The MMDA Chief said air pollution will be lessened since all Cavite and Batangas-bound buses will no longer be allowed to ply the roadways beyond the integrated terminal located at the Uniwide reclamation area once it formally opens on

August 6.

“If we can reduce the terminals in EDSA because we already have the integrated terminal, the level of air pollution will definitely be lessened,” he said.

Tolentino added that with the fewer number of buses plying EDSA and other roadways, travel speed would be improved, resulting to reduction in pollution level.

“If your increase the travel speed from 15 kilometers per hour to 30 kilometers per hour this is equivalent to a 40 percent reduction in air pollution,” said Tolentino adding that at present, the average travel speed

along EDSA is 15 kph.

The SITT can accommodate at least 955 buses and 326 other utility vehicles and the first such facility to be put up with the aim of decongesting Metro Manila’s thoroughfares.

Two other facilities— one near the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City and at the Filinvest area in Alabang—would also be put up.

The MMDA also maintained that the establishment of such facilities with its biometric technology to verify the identities of bus drivers will put an end to the operation of colorum buses.

(PNA)

N order to effectively implement enforcement of environmental laws, a party list solon filed a bill that prohibits courts from issuing restraining orders and injunctions against the acts of an administrative official involving the country’s natural resources.

House Bill No. 845 limits the actions of the government on concessions, licenses, permits, patents, or public grants of any kind in connection with the disposition, exploita-

tion, utilization, exploration, and/or development of the natural resources of the Philippines.

The issuance of the prohibited restraining orders and injunctions in violation of the proposed law renders the order void and subjects the issuing judge to a penalty of suspension of 60 days without pay.

Ako Bicol party list Rep. Rodel Batocabe said he was alarmed over the practice of seeking restraining orders and in-

junctions against the government which creates an opportunity to exploit our resources.

He said that the protection and preservation of the environment for the present and future generation is of the highest national interest and paramount concern of the State which shall always take precedence over and above private rights and interest.

When these resources are allowed to be exploited, even for a short period,

the damage that it may cause is irreversible as most of our resources are irreplaceable and non-renewable.

Furthermore, the courts should defer to the technical expertise of administrative agencies, led by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, its bureaus and attached agencies, which are primarily responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of our natural resources. (PNA)

NEW TERMINAL. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will formally open today (August 6), the operation of the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport Terminal located along the coastal road in Paranaque

City that aims to decongest traffic and stamp out colorum buses plying along EDSA. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan) tional names and information of those allegedly involved in adulterating fertilizers.

Up to now, the FPA official said that they are still waiting on PhilMaize to furnish them additional names and addresses of distributors and importers of farm inputs

who are allegedly into adulterating fertilizers.

“We are acting on the matter, but we also need the cooperation of the private sector by reporting to FPA those involved in adulterating fertilizers so that appropriate actions can be done,” Gicana said. (PNA)

Integrated bus terminal to help lessen air pollution Renewable energy

A

New measure to strengthen environmental laws I

a major PH program F

AR from neglecting renewable energy sources, the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III significantly advanced the country’s clean and sustainable energy program.

Climate Change Commission (CCC) Commissioner and former senator Heherson Alvarez gave such clarification in response to Greenpeace’s statement expressing grave disappointment over the President’s statement on coal-driven energy during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Alvarez said the PNoy administration is in fact pursuing a twotrack energy program – first, an expedient program based on coal and fossil fuels to sustain high economic growth rate and, second, a strategy of developing clean energy sources that could ultimately displace fossil fuels.

He said the Philippines is the leading user of renewable energy in

Asia.

“While our power plant base loads are still reliant on hydrocarbons, renewable energy in the country’s diversified energy mix is registering a significant and growing share,” he noted.

Stressing that increasingly broader reliance on renewable energy is the goal, Alvarez said economic realities dictate the expedient use of hydrocarbons for power generation as the Philippines strives for stability and growth.

“Without a measured shift to alternative energy, the Philippine economy would definitely be set back since green technologies cannot yet compete with fossil fuel prices which do not reflect the heavy costs of pollution and environmental destruction,” he said.

Alvarez cited key programs mandated by the President, as chair of CCC, through three resolutions issued recently to the agency.

(PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

Misused and abused

URING the last two weeks, the nation’s attention was riveted on two issues –the P10-billion alleged scam in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), derisively called “pork barrel,” and the failure of the government to rid the controversial Bureau of Customs of scalawags.

The alleged multi-billion peso “pork” scam which reportedly unduly enriched a certain Janet Lim-Napoles has resurrected cries from many quarters for the abolition of the pork barrel system which is widely believed to be the source of corruption among politicians and their accomplices like contractors and government engineers,.

The failure of Customs Commission RuffyBiazon to clean up the BOC of corrupt collectors and employees has been blamed (by Ruffy and his deputies) on the existence of the so-called “padrino” system that protects crooked “untouchables” within the bureau during any reshuffle.

Aside from lawmakers calling for the abolition of the PDAF, many of whom had been enjoying huge releases of pork barrel funds in the past, here comes Senator Miriam Santiago opting to get rid of the PDAF, but on a gradual basis.

Yesterday’s papers also bannered yet again another proposal from madame Miriam, this time outlawing the practice of politicians endorsing the appointment of government officials and employees. Obviously, the lady’s proposal would make appointed officials and employees in government from becoming untouch-

EDGEDAVAO

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able like the corrupt customs people.

We do not know if madame Miriam’s proposal includes outlawing of the practice of influential churches or religious leaders endorsing their church members to juicy positions in government.

The prerogative to identify projects for funding by members of the House and the Senate, through the PDAF system, is good.

Not all the projects can be identified by the national agencies of the government. These agencies would need the lawmakers who by the way approve national budgets and appropriations for special projects defined by the laws they craft. If our lawmakers are stripped of this prerogative and the system would allow only officials of national agencies and local government unit (LGU) leaders to wield this power, our lawmakers would in effect become emasculated. In local politics, congressmen would have a no chance to win over their rivals who are holding the reins of the LGU. On the other hand, there is merit in political leaders endorsing persons to appointive positions in the government, may they be executive or judicial offices.

However, we agree that these powers and prerogatives have been abused by many of those who wield them. Something has got to be done. However, must it be outlawing the practice of endorsing aspirants for appointment or total abolition of the PDAF? ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions 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 Reporters

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

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

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

S

A customary awful practice

CAM AFTER SCAM UNVEILS LURID TALES OF CORRUPTION – The country’s economic mood isn’t helped by more bad news about widespread corruption in most if not all government departments and line agencies. Talk about a tall order. As scam after scam unfolded, media reported shocking examples of venalities in the bureaucracy. The frenzy began with the disclosure of unabated corruption at the Bureau of Customs (BoC), the government’s second biggest source of revenue and then followed by another equally startling revelation about the P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam or anomalously known as “pork barrel” funds involving some enterprising senators and congressmen.

To reiterate, corruption will never stop unless there is a systematic change in the bureaucracy. The discretion that allows bureaucrats to exact government funds should be stopped.

More than that, the Aquino administration should set the example and go after the “big fishes,” and not just the “small creepy-crawlies.” Some popular economists and political experts, and long-time critics of enterprising bureaucrats noted that income-generating branches of government are controlled by people without a minimal sense of morality.

The upsetting revelation is perhaps a testimony about a deep-rooted culture of corruption involving thickfaced ranking BoC officials and some cash-oriented members of the legislature. It is an established practice that unscrupulous businessmen notably some exporters and importers would bestow favors on corrupt and greedy Customs officials – including pre-inspection procedures, procurement of documents and smooth passage of goods jumbled with contrabands – in return for top-end entertainment and lavish gifts or outright bribery involv-

T

VANTAGE POINTS

ing thousands or even million. Such arrangement, however, is not new in the Philippines.

The same is true with the highly controversial PDAF resources. The money spent in various projects of several members of Congress is justified by channeling it through non-government organizations (NGOs), which are proven lately that many of them were either bogus or non-existing. Lawmakers allegedly linked in the PDAF scam vehemently denied the accusation and insist that all their transactions are legitimate – processed above board and within legal bounds. Others dismissed the accusation as nothing but pure political smear tactics. Certainly, public sentiment favors a total revamp of the BoC hierarchy and a no-nonsense investigation surrounding the anomalous distribution of “pork barrel” funds. The public’s plea comes in the midst of corruption scandals that has engulfed the Customs bureau and PDAF of Congress, and sparked a furor.

The scandals put pressure on the Aquino leadership to proceed quickly with its proposed complete revamp and radical reform, part of which is to strip many ranking Customs officials of some of their powers or effect a reshuffling. But the idea, to the public mind, is nothing but some sort of rigodon.

Corruption is so entrenched at the BoC that any reform other than a total overhaul would not solve the shameful but highly profitable money-making venture inside the agency. Reassigned or reshuffled port collectors and sub-port collectors would merely take a brief respite, and in a matter of few days, all

will be back as usual to their voracious “customs and tradition.”

Meanwhile, legislators must be reminded that their role is to enact laws in gorgeous foundation and to see to it that laws are obeyed in a way that is best for society. Just leave the infrastructure and agricultural development and basic social services programs to concerned agencies. But their purpose to dip their fingers directly in PDAF, for insufficient reasons, continued to be doubtful. “Pork” is bad for your health, honorable gentlemen and ladies. Remember, if taken in large quantity, its effect is like that of a cholesterol-spiked steak that merely clogs your arteries sometimes resulting to death, and worse, twists the value of our society.

It still comes as the best option to completely cleanse the BoC and rid it of its “rotten tomatoes” that are continuously lurking in the dark corners of the bureau. The institution can only restore its tainted image, register improvements in efficiency and improve collections by totally stamping out all forms of corruption. On the other hand, the proposal to gradually phase out the PDAF, and would no longer be available in 2016 seems to be the most appropriate move to do. Sure, PDAF provides a venue for manipulation and corruption. Say what top officials and lawmakers well, but that’s the truth. Government supposedly should not operate on complicated logic. Perhaps what it takes is the application of common sense in the small details of government procedures, and it won’t hurt.

The public is sick of the endless shocking stories of widespread corruption perpetrated by people who play-act like hungry leeches and a pack of starving hyenas looking for rotten carcasses, and desperately cling on to power for dear life as if there is no life after the government.

Fixing the Middle East’s problems

HE key lies in the mistaken belief that the Israel-Palestinian conflict remains the linchpin of a dysfunctional Middle East. As the thinking goes, without fixing this issue, nothing else of deep substance can be solved. Today, this is patently untrue. Peace between the Israelis and Palestinians would not unwind the Iranian nuclear program, mend Syria’s sectarian hellscape, or put Egypt back together again. It wouldn’t keep Iraq from drifting perilously closer to civil war. The Middle East is now filled with relatively independent crises, and few of them have to do with Israel (even if Israel is subject to their effects).

A more cynical possibility? It’s

COMMENTARY

BY IAN BREMMER

(Conclusion) more politically palatable to fail on Israel-Palestine than on anything else. As opposed to Egypt, where the United States is torn between the security benefits and secularism of the military versus the democratically-elected status of the Muslim Brotherhood, Israel-Palestine is a clearer brokerage deal where, at the least, the United States’ good intentions can’t be questioned. If Obama’s learned anything over the last two terms, it’s that low expectations are

a president’s best friend — they provide room to surprise, or, if things go poorly, room to scapegoat. And there is a long and prestigious list of those who have failed on Israel-Palestine before this administration decided to attempt the feat.

In getting the Israelis and Palestinians to the table — something that was a complete non-starter at the beginning of the year — John Kerry has demonstrated his remarkable savvy as a diplomat. That’s all the more reason it’s a pity that the talks are unlikely to gain traction — and even if they did, a breakthrough deal still wouldn’t douse the conflicts that would burn on throughout the region.

9

Customary Filipino serenade fading out SPECIAL FEATURE

BY HONOR BLANCO CABIE

(Conclusion)

T

HAT only means, even while the men and the woman being serenaded knew it was not true, that the men had come from a distant place, the town of Santa Fe in far Nueva Vizcaya across the imposing Caraballo mountains.

Among those that evoke poignant memories is the Tagalog harana, popular in Bulacan and Laguna and other surrounding provinces of Metro Manila, particularly the one being sung today, “O Ilaw (Oh Light)” where the man compares his beloved to a star in pitch dark sky.

The song lyrics particularly asks the woman to open her window and look out at the man, who is dishing out his heart and affection.

But the modern Harana of Parokya ni Edgar can be a bit facetious.

Notice the lyrics: ” Uso pa ba ang harana? Marahil ikaw ay nagtataka/Sino ba ‘tong mukhang gago, nagkandarapa sa pagkanta... at nasisintunado sa kaba. Meron pang dalang mga rosas. Suot nama’y maong na kupas at nariyan pa ang barkada...

Its loose translation: “Is serenade still the trend to date? Perhaps it makes you meditate. Who is this looking like a fool alone, singing p[iteously out of tune. And he has a rose in his hand. What he’s wearing are denims old in the company of friends so bold.”

Singing the harana, in provinces near the metropolis or those in the far-flung countryside, had its origins during the Spanish colonial period that started in 1521.

That was the year Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator sailing under the flag of Spain, brought the Catholic Cross to these far eastern islands, 141 years after Arabian missionary Sheik Karim ul-Makhdum established the first Muslim mosque in Simunul in Tawi Tawi.

Today, with modern gadgets easily available and convenient – without having to learn the lyrics of an appropriate ballad or love song -- a loved one may just be a text away.

Or the loved one may just be an email away, in an email protected by the account holder’s password none of even his closest friends may know.

And the wonder of it all is the text message may no longer come from just one direction.

If there is mutual understanding – or MU in the language of the 21st century generation of Filipinos – the text messages can clog the two-way street.

Every day, every week of the year. or, in the language of the now generation, “24/7.” [PNA]

10

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

DA.. FFROM 1

Boncato.. FFROM 2

lik siya, it’s because the non-government organization (NGO) that was supposed to be provided with this PDAF fund did not pass accreditationrequirements.

“So, only P3 million was received by the regional office in 2011, but this has been properly liquidated,” she said, reiterating that “the P13 million that was mentioned was negated, giba-

lik sa central office because the requirements were not properly complied with by the NGO concerned.”

The DA official reported that for more than seven months now, since her assignment to Region 11, her office has not received any PDAF money.

Fa r m - to - m a rke t roads Recoter also reported that of the

P1.2-billion budget of the DA regional office for the year, 60 percent goes to farm-tomarket roads, the rest to post-harvest facilities, like equipment and machinery.

“Yes, we are now implementing infrastructure projects together with the provincial governments, the congressional districts and the municipal governments,” she said.

the moment and by tomorrow morning it should be passed on the floor,” Zarate said regarding the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam that has shaken the Aquino Administration.

At the Senate on Monday, senators agreed to delay its probe on the alleged “pork barrel” scam until other government agencies finish their respective investigations on the matter.

Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairperson of the Senate blue ribbon committee, said in a report that “almost all” senators present in a caucus on Monday afternoon decided not to pre-empt ongoing probes on the alleged anomaly.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has earlier started a fact-finding investigation within the agency after reports linked the multi-million pork

barrel scam to the department. According to reports, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, a recent Davao City visitor, has initiated a probe on the allegations “relative to the use of NGOs and the pork barrel of legislators” in connection to the department.

The regional Department of Agriculture on Monday clarified reports involving some P13 million from the PDAF of Davao City third district Rep. Isidro T. Ungab saying only P3 million was used by a certain Agri Economic Foundation and was properly liquidated (see separate report).

It could not be ascertained, however, if the amount referred to by DA 11 regional director Remelyn Recoter refers to the same funds channeled to a non-government organization Kaupdan para sa Mangunguma Founda-

tion.

Recoter said Rep. Ungab has liquidated his PDAF-funded project with the DA. Zarate said those who are holding documents who can prove the allegations wrong should come out during the probe in the House of Representatives.

“It’s better that they come out with their documents during the probe and not speak prematurely,” Zarate said.

The Dabawenyo solon also said they are strongly pushing for the abolition of the pork barrel fund which he said is the source of widespread corruption in government.

“No matter what they say, whether they say only safeguards should be put in place is not the issue,” he said citing that there have been safeguards in place but there is still corruption for as long as there is PDAF.

New Carmen.

The child laborers they will find will undergo the HELP ME Convergence Program on Child Labor.

HELP ME stands for Health, Education, Livelihood, and Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution, Monitoring and Evaluation.

This is a program of President Benigno Aquino’s administration conceived earlier this year to contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goal of the country to eradicate poverty, especially among children.

Suyao said the components of HELP ME are different gov-

ernment agencies involved in the program to help child laborers and impoverished families.

He said the”health” portion involves the Deparment of Health (DOH) for the health and nutrition of child laborers.

The, “education” portion involves the Department of Education (DepEd) in making sure that the children are getting proper education by monitoring if these children are still attending elementary and high school institutions.

For the “livelihood” segment, DOLE, DSWD, the Depart-

ment of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG) are involved to help parents of child laborers through livelihood programs, because most child laborers work to help their parents who are not working or not earning enough.

Meanwhile, the “P,” stands for Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution involving the DOLE, DSWD, DILG, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) while “M” and “E” stand for monitoring and evaluating where the information collected from the field work are used as basis for action. EJF

Zarate..FFROM 1

Report.. FFROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

bers of the Small Hotels Association of Davao City have allocated rooms at P500 per person a night on twin sharing, which means each room will cost P1,000 for two people.

“I think, this is the most attractive rate there is in the region today, and this is for all markets, domestic or international,” he

said, adding that people can log on to shadphil.com to look for promo details.

He said the 7,014 rooms in Davao City alone, ranging from inns, dormitories, hotels and hostels, “will definitely grow the next few years.”

“That is the target of DOT as we implement the National Tourism Develop-

ment Plan, which is to have more investments in the hotel sector, especially in this part of the country, because our goal is for Davao to become, not only a domestic Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination, but eventually regional and international,” he said. EJF

of 2012, compared to 2011’s 120,917.

Meanwhile, there is a 20-percent increase with 136,000 in 2012 from 112,871 in 2008. While there were 123,103 vehicles in 2009 and there were 123,563 in 2010.

Abude said, to learn the capacity of the city with regards to this increase, the TMC should coordinate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and with the Department of Public

Works and Highways (DPWH), depending on the number of vehicles.

Boncato, on the other hand, said, “in general, we always talk about the density, because density is always a major issue in growing tourism destinations such as Davao City.”

“Tourists come here because they say the air is clean and there is no traffic congestion, and if we will not take major strides,

we might wake up realizing this is not true anymore,” he said.

In yesterday’s issue of Edge Davao, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said it is planning to create the Davao City Bypass project, which will be a 12.13-kilometer Second Diversion Road, which will include a two-kilometer tunnel, from the fishport near Panacan to Matina with a budget of P3.88 billion. EJF

Davao.. FFROM 2

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

Sto. Tomas student is new Enviro-Quiz wizard F

OURTH year high school student Larry James Arenga of Sto. Tomas National High School is the grand champion of the recently-concluded Search for Enviro-Quiz Wizard 2013 held at the NCCC Mall Activity Area, Tagum City, Davao del Norte last July 27, 2013.

Ruena Nicole Tutor of Panabo National High School bags the 1st place while Thea Caryl Villa Abrille of UM Tagum College-High School Department is the 2nd placer.

This said province-wide environmental quiz competition, which is on its second season, is organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Tagum in full partnership with the NCCC Mall of Tagum.

PENR Officer Orly T. Cariazo said that the competition is open to all public and private high schools in Davao del Norte which aims to instill public awareness on environmental management, conservation and protection especially to the youth sector.

“This Environmental Quiz competition is just

one strategy to promote the various environmental programs and projects of the government as well as let these young students be aware of the importance of taking good care of our Mother Earth,” Cariazo emphasized.

Cariazo also said that a tree planting activity was conducted before the Enviro-Quiz competition commenced. The activity was held at the San Agustin Botanical Park in Tagum wherein a total of 300 Bitanghol and 100 imported specie seedlings were planted by students and teachers from the participating schools and some employees of PENR Office Tagum.

There were a total number of 20 schools who participated during the elimination round which was held at the NCCC Mall Activity Area last July 20, 2013. Those schools which came out as the Top 10 during the elimination round were the 10 finalists during the Championship round.

The Enviro-Quiz was of Multiple Choice and Identification type.

The Champion for the Enviro-Quiz Wizard 2013 will get PhP 5,000.00, Plaques of Recognition for the student, coach and school, a gold

medal and freebies. On the other hand, the Second placer will get PhP 3,000.00, Plaques of Recognition for the student, coach and school, a silver medal and freebies while the Third placer will get PhP 2,000.00, Plaques of Recognition for the stu-

In his “Notes on the Second Printing,” Tiu, now Research Director of the Philippine Women’s College, said the catch phrase in the Mindanao studies circle is “to theorize.” “I have been trying to do that for some time.

To be sure, I continue to evaluate the theories I have advanced. Perhaps in the future I can write about the theories that appear sensible as well as the theories that I have throwin into the Davao River. For that is how we advance in knowledge and in understanding ourselves as a people and as a nation.”

“Alampat: An Introduction to Art Appreciation,” is co-authored by Prof. Teody Boylie R. Perez of the University of the Philippines - Mindanao, Rogelito Cayas of University of Mindanao, and Norman Narciso of Ateneo de Davao University.

A press statement from UP Mindanao quoted

Prof. Perez as saying the publication is designed to be a text book for students, with a focus on visual arts and that what makes the book unique, is that the examples used as illustrations are art works of Mindanao artists.

Prof. Perez, or “Bong” to friends, is a faculty member of the UP Dept. of Humanities who earned his degree of Doctor of Fine Arts in Plastic Expression from Kyushu Sangyo University (Japan) and his Master of Arts Education from Saga University (Japan), and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Ford Academy of the Arts. Rogelito “Jun” Cayas is also a graduate of Ford Academy’s Fine Arts program, while Norman “Nonoy” Narciso earned his MA in Education from University of Southeastern Philippines. The book is published by Blue Patriarch.

Enviro-Quiz Wizard 2013. Larry James Arenga of Sto. Tomas National High school together with his coach Lilia R. Ganade, gets their Plaques of Recognition being the Champion of the Enviro-Quiz Wizard 2013 competition held at NCCC Mall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. With them are (L-R) NCCC dent, coach and school, a bronze medal and freebies.

The other 7 finalists will also get PhP 500,00 and a certificate of commendation as finalists while the rest of the participants will get freebies and a certificate of partic-

Mall Marketing Officer Christopher Cuizon, Miss Enviro-Mall 2012 Niña Grace Sartagoda, NCCC Mall Marketing Supervisor Jimmy Cabal, Jose Salvador of PENRO Tagum, PENR Officer-Tagum Orly T. Cariazo and Regional Technical Director for Forestry Lourdes C. Wagan. (DENR Photo File) ipation.

The top 10 finalists were students from: Tagum City National High School, Panabo National High School, St. Mary’s College of Tagum, Kapalong National High School, Luna National High School, Sto. Niño

National High School of Talaingod, Sto. Tomas National High School, Tagum City National Comprehensive High School, UM Tagum College-High School Department and Southern Davao National High School. (jei agas/ DENR-XI PR)

Two Davao books launched Davao Light-sponsored trainees

T

WO book launches, three days apart.

The second printing of Dr. Macario D. Tiu’s “Davao: Reconstructing History from Text and Memory,” National Book Awards winner for 2005, was launched at the Museo Dabawenyo along Pichon (formerly Magallanes) in Davao City at 10 a.m. at August 2 while “Alampat: An Introduction to Art Appreciation,” will be launched at 4 p.m.

August 5, at the same venue.

The demand for copies of Tiu’s book, published in 2005 by the Ateneo De Davao University (ADDU) Research and Publication Office for the Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs (Mincode) has continued but the copies printed in 2005 had all been sold, prompting this second printing in 2013 by the ADDU’s University Publication Office, with the concurrence of Mincode.

pass TESDA trade test; get NC II F

IFTEEN (15) out of 16 youth sponsored by Davao Light & Power Co. and the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI) for a 3-month Basic Electrician’s Skills training passed the National Certification (NC II) examination given by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently.

The trade test is conducted by TESDA to gauge the trainees’ level of absorption of the electrician’s skills imparted on them during the three months that they were undergoing the extensive training inside the agency’s regional facility in Buhisan, Bunawan District, Davao City.

The electrician’s basic

skills development program was conducted for Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation by TESDA. It ran during the period March 11 to June 21. with provision for onthe-job exposure that ran until middle of last month.

The new NC II passers are: Lester Mark D. Quibing, Prisco Job T. Narit, Joemar D. Lamatan, Rafael S. Pagdato Jr., Jeg Anthony Abian, Jerry A. Alvarando, Marvin P. Binas, Sanny Jhon R. Dagoc. Bonifaciuo S. Entera; Reyden S. Namolata, Jan Yari G. Pama, Gerald Bacalso, Jessie Reginio, Kenneth John A. Banate, and Ferdinand Iconas Molo.

A trainee, Aldre Rommel Ruiz, was not

allowed to take the trade test as he was unable to comply with certain requirements after he missed the last two weeks of the training because of illness.

Right after getting their NC II results seven (7) of the passers were hired by the contractor of a mall in Toril, Davao City to help in the installation of the store’s electrical connections.

The training of outof-school youth on basic electrician’s skills is a joint project of Davao Light’s Community Relations and the Retail Services Group’s Metering Departments. It’s implementation is in coordination with AFI, the social development arm of all companies under the Aboitiz Group.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Moonbeem captures Phoenix 36+ hoops P

CHAMPS. The Moonbeem squad pose after winning the Phoenix Petroleum Above 36 basketball tournament. (lower photo) First runner-up Goldstar Hardware.

OWERHOUSE Moonbeem bucked a depleted line-up in Game 2 to hack out a 90-88 tightrope win against rival Goldstar Hardware to win the Phoenix Petroleum Above 36 basketball title at the Davao City Recreation Center recently.

Moonbeem, playing with only seven players, went to veteran Sonny Monciller, Balung Ramos and Lindy Dawal who conspired for a three-pronged attack netting 79 points to carry the load for the short-handed Property Developers.

Former collegiate standout turned-coach Jigger Saniel led the Hardwaremen with 15 markers but he could not spark the needed rally to push his team to the driver’s seat in the endgame. Hercules Arellano added 11 markers for the Hard-

waremen.

It was the second straight win for Moonbeem over Goldstar giving the former a sweep of the best-of-three series in the tournament sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum for players aged 36 and above.

Moonbeem received P15,000 as champion while Goldstar got P10,000 for finishing second. Oro East finished third with P7,500 and VMO bagged fourth good for P5,000. Monciller was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Moonbeem 90-Monciller 33, Ramos 26, Dawal 20, Marata 8, Caballero 3, Barrios 0, Rubi 0 Goldstar 88-- Saniel 15, Soco 14, Arellano 11, Pasiola 10, Liston 8, Ho 5, Mejorada 4, Rabino 3, Celis 3, Alison 3, Young 2, Lucero 1,Cagoco 0, Pansacala 0

Big names in Kadayawan Age-Group netfest

S

OME of the country’s big names in age group tennis will be hitting town for the Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte Kadayawan Festival Age Group Tennis Championships is slated on August 9-11, 2013 at GSIS Heights Tennis Courts in Matina, this city.

“It is a PHILTA sanctioned Group 2 event with no registration fee,” said organizer Juanito “Titong” Cansino Jr., PHILTA Regional Vice-President for Region XI. The categories in the singles event are the 10 years and under unisex,12, 14, 16 and 18 under boys and girls singles category while the doubles event will have 10 unisex,14and 18 under boys and girls category on a free registration.

The even, hosted by GSIS Heights Tennis Club headed by its president Emmanuel Nartatez, is backed up by the City Sports Development Division and Slazenger balls.

“Since it is a Level 2, there will be many players coming outside Davao,”

Cansino said.

Two of the early confirmed entries from Manila are Maia Balce and Mic Balce.

Maia is a three-time member of the RP World Juniors Tennis from 20102012 and Junior Federation Cup 2013. She is currently ranked No. 2 in the country in the 16 under girls category and her highest ITF ranking is 886.

Also confirmed players from Manila are Justin and Stefan Suarez, son of former Davis Cupper Raymond ”Boom-Boom” Suarez, who are arriving on August 8.

The local bets confirmed are headed by top junior Dunlop sponsored players Jeleardo Amazona of Mati City, Jenni Dizon and Stephen Tubbs of Davao City, Carlyn Bless Guarde of Sultan Kudarat, Rogelio Estanio Jr. of Maguindanao, John David and Patricia Velez, Jaffary and Abdul Hanan Cariga, Janus and Mikko Ringia of South Cotabato ,John Vincent and John Eric Commendador of North Cotabato and Trina Factora of Cotabato City.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Travelling the world with the AA Group of Companies Photos by Kenneth Hao TRAVELLING to various countries around the world can be a daunting task and can take months to prepare and plan, from travel schedules, to booking airline tickets and making hotel reservations, so imagine my delight when I was invited to be a judge in the AA Group of Company’s annual associate’s party. Gathering together all of the different divisions of the AA Group of Company for one grand time in fun competitions, I would say that judging for the competition is always a fun endeavour.

Choosing countries as major themes such as Puerto Rico, Korea, Japan, and Brazil among others, each group comprising of teams from Paragon, Max’s Abreeza, Max’s Lanang, Antonio’s SM Davao, Antonio’s Gensan and the Comissary had to perform and compete in a series of performance competitions all the time staying true to their chosen country.

From the colourful and funny search for Macho Gay, to the breath-taking and oftentimes nail-biting performances of the Show Girls. Each performance also showed off the character and costumes that speak of their country theme and each performance was really taken seriously and all at perfor-

FTRAVELLING, A4

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UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

TRAVEL

Shop Ayala Malls, Travel Asia

IN the robust islands of the Philippines, many long to hop on a plane and go on an adventure. When faced with the challenge of enumerating Bucket List items, people can always be counted on to have a line that says “See the world.”

It’s an amazing thing to see how the Filipino has evolved through the decades. A culture that was once content to bloom where it was planted is now comprised of major movers and shakers of the world.

As the Philippines continues to build its bridges, more and more Pinoys are being bitten by the travel bug. Whether it’s a weekend trip to the beach or a full-blown vacation abroad, Filipinos are definitely down with a major case of Wanderlust.

THE AYALA MALLS ADVENTURE Seeing the nation’s fascination with travel and its natural connection to shopping, the Ayala Malls decided it was high time to reward loyal shoppers with the ultimate adventure.

The eleven premiere lifestyle hubs led by Glorietta, Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Market! Market!, Bonifacio High Street, Serendra, TriNoma, Marquee Mall, Abreeza Mall, Harbor Point and Centrio Mall partnered with industry leaders, Philippine Airlines, Visa and Bank of the Philippine Islands; and the Department of Tourism along with best in the hospitality business, Seda Hotels, El Nido Resorts, Cebu City Marriott Hotel and Intercontinental Hotels Group’s InterContinental Manila, ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Phuket Holiday Inn Resort, Kuala Lumpur Holiday Inn, Guangzhou Crowne Plaza to create the Travel Ayala Malls, See Asia promo.

All-expense paid trips with travel allowance from BPI More Fun Prepaid Visa Card await the winners who shall be packing their bags for one of four top Philippine destinations (Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Palawan,) and seven Asian countries (Japan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket).

Ayala Malls regulars will be glad to know that all they have to do for a chance to win is to shop, collect and present receipts dated July 1-September 30, 2013 in each mall’s Concierge where the purchase was made, awarding one contest entry for every P500 in single or accumulated receipts. Shoppers may also double their entries by using their BPI Ayala Malls Amore Visa Credit Card.

Every month, each mall will be giving out a trip for two to the local destinations. The grand winners of trips for four to the Asian destinations will be announced at the contest finale in September.

WELCOME TO THE NEW AGE Gone are the days when shoppers had to stuff their wallets with little paper stubs and raffle coupons. The Ayala Malls have revolutionized the rusty old coupon system and taken the promo into the Digital Age. When contest participants register online via www.ayalamalls.com.ph or register and present their receipts to the Concierge, points are automatically logged into and stored in their Travel Ayala Malls, See Asia account. No paper stubs, no coupons, easy... Great for the environment too!

THE BIG PICTURE Aside from the purpose of rewarding their customers, the Ayala Malls, hand-in-hand with the Department of Tourism have hatched even greater plans for the future of Philippine tourism. The two giants have joined forces to further promote that it is indeed More Fun in the Philippines by launching an entire viral campaign featuring the rich cultural experience that is our country. At the rate they’re going, it won’t be long before the Bucket Lists of the world include a new item: “See the Philippines.”

CDO’s Water Overdrive

By Potpot Pinili

WHITE water rafting is perhaps the most iconic image when one speaks about Cagayan de Oro City. This aqua-adventure along the overstretched and wild Cagayan River has gained popularity over the years and has taken CDO to a significant spot in the national tourism circuit.

Barangay Mambuaya is set as the jump-off point for this flowing overdrive fun. Getting there is already a treat. The panoramic view of the City on the right and a sneak peek of the river on the left partly hidden by the thick foliage of trees welcome every visitor with anticipating excitement.

After donning the life vests and learning the rafting safety measures, everyone is ready to get wet. From frightened to bold, from anxious to excited, the riders start to transform the place into a huge playground! The river’s crystal water that runs riotous through the massive boulders and hemmed-in by a thick canopy of greens separates the provinces of Misamis Oriental & Bukidnon. Its seemingly unpredictable gushes provide that fearful surprise. Decibel-breaking screams are unleashed as the inflatables fly over the rush of powerful rapids. Its thrilling water torrents bring out the cheerful beasts from its fearless

wave riders.

But Cagayan is not at all an unforgiving river. After surpassing several heartpounding rapids are placid pools of clean water. Float and feel the soft rays of the sun on your face and hear the thumping of your heart reverberating in its deafening silence. The paddling & screaming continues until you reach Barangay Kabula where a hearty lunch

awaits.

From basic to advance, from 14 to 20 swollen Class 3 and Class 4+ rapids, CDO will always cater to whatever your rafting fancies are. Now that airfares go on maddening sale every so often, many domestic tourists fly down

south to join the exciting weekend rafting trail. For first time rafters, it is best to arrange ahead with local rafting guides to maximize every opportunity of fun.

Paddle and swim. Speed and swim. Experience CDO’s unbeatable water overdrive!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Meet the faces worth your second look CESCA LITTON, Patti Grandidge, Aly Borromeo and Ivan Henares all share one thing in common. They may not be today’s largerthan-life superstars, but their confidence, wit, and sense of perseverance in everything they do are worth everybody’s attention and second glance.

Like Cesca, Patti, Aly, and Ivan, leading device manufacturer Huawei has unveiled its newest top quality smartphones that deserve a second look. Slim and flawless, crystal-clear and longlasting, the Huawei Ascend P6 and Huawei Ascend Mate are the latest handsets from Huawei packed with exciting features and superb functionality for a differentiated smartphone experience.

The Huawei Ascend P6 is the world’s thinnest smartphone at 6.88mm, and is designed with precision and flawless beauty to perfectly fit one’s hand.

Effortlessly turn snapshots into flawless portraits with its amazing 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The Huawei Ascend Mate combines best-in-class features across the board including a giant crystal-clear 6.1” HD screen and an unparalleled 48-hour battery life via its massive 4050mAh battery.

The Huawei Ascend P6 is available at Globe Best-Ever MySuperPlan for as low as P999 monthly at Plan 499 with P500 monthly cashout for a 24-month contract period or at Plan 999 with P200 monthly cashout also for a 24-month contract period. The Huawei Ascend Mate is free at Plan 999 and is also available at Plan 499 with a P200 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period.

Meet the Globe Huawei Ascend ambassadors One of the country’s favorite TV hosts juggling entertainment, lifestyle, and sports news, Cesca Litton is a superwoman who has always considered animals and children her top priority. So when she devoted herself to help in this cause, she went all the way to South Africa to lend a hand.

Cesca is not just a pretty face, she’s an enigma on her own. That’s why people really take a second look at her beauty, grace, and allure.

Cesca says, “I’ve always believed in travelling my way: learning the culture and bringing to life my ad-

The Globe Huawei Ascend Ambassadors (from left) entertainment and sports host Cesca Litton, football athlete Aly Borromeo, travel blogger Ivan Henares, and model-entrepreneur Patti Grandidge. vocacy. I always believe that it’s the small things that count, and the best pasalubong are photos, because what better way to keep a memory of your travel than with a captured moment.

The Huawei Ascend P6 is perfect for me since I can take quick pro-snapshots with its 5MP front-facing camera and share on Instagram via my Globe unlimited surfing plan.”

Don’t be fooled by her sweet façade, as host-model Patti Grandidge is one tough cookie. Not only is she a certified fashion maven, she is also an entrepreneur. She specializes in baking, and is known for her sinfully Sweet Patti Cakes. Her passion for the delish is evident on her food blog http://pattispalette.blogspot.com. You have to look twice because this femme fatale is one of Manila’s multi-faceted personas.

“I’ve always been passionate about food and fashion, and it has been my habit to share this passion to everyone. With my fast-paced lifestyle, I need a device that can keep up with me.

Thanks to the Ascend P6, I get the thinnest Android phone out there, a device that doesn’t weigh me down. I can also wear this stylish phone with my favorite skinny jeans without a phone embossed on my leg as I strut down the runway and through my meetings. And with my Best-Ever MySuperPlan, I get to stay in touch with my contacts worry-free,” shares Patti.

Aly Borromeo is known to be an aggressive player on the field as captain of the Philippine Azkals. Add that to his intimidating and strong physique, it’s hard not to be intimidated by him. However, behind his fierce aura lies a sweet, shy and mellow guy who enjoys staying home and watching movies and sports clips during his free time. With

his busy lifestyle, it’s very hard for him to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures such as these.

“Because of my hectic schedule, I always miss out on my favorite movies and live sports broadcasts. That’s why I need a device that fills in this gap. With the Huawei Ascend Mate, I get a 6.1” screen, the biggest smartphone display screen today.

This device lets me catch my favorite shows and sports clips via video streaming while on the go, thanks to my Globe unlimited surfing plan. The big screen is perfect for a big guy like me,” showcases Aly. An Outstanding Young Men Awardee for Heritage Conservation, Ivan Henares is considered as one of the country’s top and most influential travel bloggers, visiting over 79 provinces in the Philippines. On the sideline, Ivan is a writer and magazine editor, a TV host and lecturer at the UP Asian Institute of Tourism.

Traveling is his passion, and he shares this passion to the world through his blog “Ivan About Town.”

Ivan explains, “When it comes to gadgets, I put battery life first and foremost, because I need a device that lasts longer while I travel around the country and the world. When you’re travelling, you don’t get the luxury of having a socket beside you all the time to charge your device. Huawei Ascend Mate comes in handy with this need. With the device’s long-lasting battery, I can take pictures and play music while I’m discovering places around the world. I get to upload my travel photos instantly without worrying about my battery, thanks to my Globe consumable surfing plan.”

So the next time you come across Cesca, Patti, Aly or Ivan, make sure you give them the second look they rightfully deserve.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

Travelling.. FFROM A1

mance levels that would shame even some professional dancers. Mind you the teams are composed of real everyday people doing the cooking or at the front of the restaurant taking your orders and serving food. What was even more amazing was that everybody was having a good time and truly competing in the spirit of camaraderie and friendship.

I guess that was the main goal of the group’s CEO Anthony Ang. In fact, you can say he was the instigator by providing a budget to make sure that the teams were able to train and perform to their best abilities.

And as the Modern Dance, Rockista and Pasiklaban performances later in the evening showed, there was true team spirit with a go-get attitude within and even between teams and it was this that I love the most.

Even though ultimately there had to be a winning team, but I won’t consider the other team losers though, as each team

had shining moments and there is always next year.

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

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

IMMOVABLE FORCE. Hamed Hadadi of Iran muscles his way against Amritpal Singh of India. Iran won this one to stay unbeaten.

FIBA ASIA STANDINGS

GUN SHY GARY WILL THE REAL GARY DAVID PLEASE STAND UP? The Philippines’ top gun Gary David has fired blank bullets in three outings thus far.

HARD FOUL. Lu Cheng-Ju of Chinese Taipei (light) gets a hard foul from LI Kim Wong of Hongkong in their second round FIBA Asia Championships duel yesterday at the MOA Arena.

Group E (Teams from Group A and B) • Qatar 75, Jordan 61 • Chinese Taipei 75, Hong Kong 61

PHL and JPN still playing as of presstime Team Qatar Chinese Taipei *Japan *Philippines Jordan Hong Kong

Points 6 6 3 3 3 3

Group F (Teams from Group C and D) • Iran 102, Hong Kong 58 Team Iran Kazakhstan South Korea Bahrain India China

Points 3 2 1 1 0 0

6 4 3 3 3 2

FIBA ASIA ROUNDUP Hayes leads Qatar past Jordan

Is ‘El Granada’ afraid of the big stage?

Former NBA first round pick Jarvis Hayes scored 15 points to lead five players in double-figures in Qatar’s 7561 victory over Jordan on Monday to beging the second round of the FIBA Asia Championship.

After a tied first quarter at 23-all, Qatar used its superior depth to slowly break away. The Gulf team ended the third period with an 8-2 blast to take a 61-52 advantage heading into the final period.

Qatar then posted a 9-4 run to begin the fourth quarter to open up a 71-56 lead that it nursed until the end of the match.

With the victory, Qatar remains undefeated atop Group E ahead of its showdown on Tuesday against host Philippines.

Mohammad Hadrab and Wesam Al-Sous scored 16 and 14 points, respectively, for Jordan, which lost its third assignment. Its naturalized swingman

I

N his first three games in the FIBA Asia Championship, Gary David, the reigning PBA scoring champion has been on a shooting slump, averaging just two points and going scoreless in his last two matches.

He is shooting a miserable 11 percent from the field and has missed all seven of his three-point shots so far.

But his Gilas Pilipinas teammates have not lost faith on the GlobalPort hotshot.

“I think it’s only a matter of time,” Jeff Chan told a television network.

“Dadating naman yan dahil alam naming lahat kung ano kayang gawin ni Gary. Kailangan lang huwag siyang manggigil at dapat nasa sistema pa rin yung gagawin niya.”

Chinese-Taipei remains perfect

David and Chan are expected to provide the perimeter firepower for Gilas along with Larry Fonacier, who also believes that the Philippine basketball’s “El Granada” is due for an explosion.

“We all know what Gary can do. We have faith in his capability.

It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” said Fonacier.

Chan and Fonacier have both had their moments in the tournament.

Chan top-scored in the win over Jordan with 17 points of Friday, while Fonacier sizzled for 21 in the team’s heartbreaking

loss to Chinese Taipei on Saturday.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes hopes David is next in line.

“Si ‘Granada’ na lang,” Reyes said. “Ako rin inaantay ko rin yung pag-explode niya. I hope it’s only a matter of time.

That’s why he’s here.”

Chinese Taipei remained perfect in the FIBA Asia Championship after an easy 94-55 triumph over Hong Kong in their second round showdown on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Coming off an emotional victory last Saturday against host Philippines, Chinese Taipei started out flat, ending the first quarter with the game tied at 19-all But guard Chen Shih-Chieh came in to spark the Taiwanese in the second quarter, helping his team to an 19-6 burst to open up a 38-25 lead.

Chinese Taipei never looked back, scoring 31 points while allowing just 11 in the third quarter to take a commanding 74-43 advantage.

Chen led six players with at least nine points for Chinese Taipei, which will battle Japan on Tuesday for its next assignment in the second round.

Shing Yee Fong scored 13 points as the lone player in double-figures for Hong Kong, which will take on Jordan on Tuesday as well.

16

VOL. 6 ISSUE 102 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2013

JUMPBALL. Gerome Escandor (center) presides over the ceremonial jump during the opening of the Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup Season 4 basketball tournament at the DCRC on Sunday. Looking on are RMH manager Benjie Banzon (partly hidden), RMH president Glen Escandor, city sports coordinator Butch Ramirez and LTO assistant regional director

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Bong Gonzaga. Jumping at center are Francis Gabriel Escandor of Ateneo and Leo Austria of Ford Academy. Right, action is heated in the fourth quarter but Ateneo went on to win pulling away 67-37. Lean Daval Jr.

Ateneo drubs Ford in RMH Cup opener A

TENEO de Davao University introduced itself as a formidable force for this year’s title after it made a minnow out of defending champion Ford Academy 67-37 at the start of the Royal Mandaya Hotel Season 4 on Sunday.

The weekend crowd at the Davao City Recreation Center was predominantly pro-Ateneo and the shrieking did not end even when

the result was already apparent after three quarters of basketball.

Ateneo was never threatened in the game, jumping the gun on Ford 17-2 right from the getgo. It did not help that this was merely a shadow of the champion squad that Ford built last year and with its core players no longer around, there was no way they could match the Blue

Knights’ firepower and game-long intensity.

Dariel Manliguez, Lex Blanco, JJ Beldua, Francis Gabriel Escandor, and Vander Alagao conspired for a balanced Ateneo attack while Ayon Angeles and Raprap Francisco controlled the flow of the offensive.

Ford was relegated to a two-man army with burly Leo Austria and do-it-all

guard JM Buhian left fighting for the embattled crew of coach Bambi Santtander.

“We were quite disappointed with the way calls were made and that affected our defense early on. Good thing the referees kind of adjusted their calls,” said Ateneo coach Miggy Solitaria. “It’s a good start.”

The tournament formally opened with 16

teams taking part in the fourth edition of this tournament sponsored by The Royal Mandaya Hotel. RMH President Glen Escandor, Gerome Escandor, hotel manager Benjie Banzon and tournament director Jek Melendres were on hand during the opening program with special guests City Sports coordinator Butch Ramirez and LTO assistant regional di-

rector Bong Gonzaga.

ATENEO 67 – Manliguez 9, Blanco 8, Beldua 7, Escandor 6, Alagao 6, Angeles 5, Francisco 5, Martinez 5, Barrientos 5, Carr 4, Bacalso 2, Taculin 2, Trasmil 1, Weill 0, FORD 37—Austria 22, Buhian 6, Anonuevo 6, Amora 4, Niepes 2, Halili 1, Garcia 0, Requillo 0, Martiez 0, Ahon 0, Sumicad 0, Davino 0, Pumig 0, Davis 0.