Edge Davao 6 Issue 109

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

KADAYAWAN MASKS. A tourist checks out an array of Kadayawan Festival souvenir masks on display along Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DESPITE SLOWDOWN IN INCOME

CTO: City meets targets

By GrEGorio G. DEliGEro

D

greg@edgedavao.net

ESPITE a slowdown in revenues coupled by high spending, the city government has achieved its income targets.

During the first six months of the year, the Davao City local government has met more than half of the P4.5 billion total targeted income for 2013 even as revenue collection slowed down dramatically in

the second quarter.

Assistant city treasurer for operation Bella Linda Tangili said the total targeted income includes other sources of income other than local taxes

FCTO,10

Transport group hits terminal’s policy

By EJ Dominic FErnanDEz

O

ejf@edgedavao.net

PERATORS and drivers of the Southern Mindanao Transport Terminal, Inc. based at SM City Davao. Ecoland Davao City are not complaining against high terminal fees, but the

priority listing guidelines, also called “Powerlines.”

Maria Fe Quiamco, a van operator, told Edge Davao Tuesday that they have nothing against

DAGMAY WEAVING. A Mandaya weaver displays her Dagmay weaving skills at the lobby of the Apo View Hotel as part of the hotel’s

FTRANSPORT,10 Kadayawan Festival activity. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

P500 M allotted for renovation of 2 high-end hotels in Davao

C

LOSE to half a billion pesos are being earmarked for the renovation of two decade-old hotels in Davao City in a bid to stay competitive in the hotel industry which presently has a total of 7,100 rooms.

Renovation of Escandor-owned Royal Mandaya Hotel on the corner of Palma Gil and P. Reyes (Bangoy) streets in the downtown area is going on, according to Benjamin J. Banzon Jr., Mandaya general manager.

Banzon said renovation work on the seventh and eighth floors has been completed, with 40 rooms already upgraded.

On top of improving its internet connectivity, he said the hotel will also equip its lighting system with light emitting diode (LED) and

make its airconditioning system compliant with international standards to make it the “the first green hotel in the region.”

Another Davao hotel firm, which operates a number of hotels in the Visayas, is planning to start its own renovation work. However, the source would not for the moment divulge details of the project beyond saying that the renovation could cost up to P450 million. The amount itself may give one a clue to the identity of the hotel. Any guess?

The upgrading of certain hotels is a must for them to remain competitive at a time when the boom in the industry shows no letting up to keep in step with Davao City’s rapid economic development. AMA

MOA SIGNING. Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon (center), who acts as one of the witnesses, is shown with Bureau of Customs (BOC) officer in charge Edward James Dy Buco (left) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 11 director Marianito D. Mendoza who signed the Mem-

More private wharves to up customs revenues: DyBuco P200 million worth of improvement projects of Sasa wharf By antonio m. aJEro

A

ama@edgedavao.net

CTING Davao District Port Collector James Edward DyBuco of the Bureau of Customs said the establishment and improvement of private-owned wharves in the Davao region is a factor that would trigger an increase in customs revenues and that of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

DyBuco said that ex-

pansion of existing and construction of additional wharves would solve congestion in the public ports in Sasa, the region’s premier port.

The customs official agreed with PPA district port manager Christian Santillan who said that the opening of new private wharves is along the line of public-private partnership as mandated by law.

He said there are more

than 20 private wharves complimenting the public wharves.

In fact, Santillan said, the government will bid out the operations of Sasa wharf next year.

He said several private firms have already expressed interest in operating the wharf which is even now undergoing improvement.

Santillan bared that seven projects are ongoing

at the Sasa wharf worth about P200 million.

DyBuco said that congestion adversely affects the operation of the government wharf.

On the other hand, when that problem is finally solved, shipping companies would welcome it because their turn around time will be shorter and mean more profit for them, the customs official said.

COME HIGH WATER. These men transport and deliver bamboo trees aboard a bamboo raft called “balsa” at the Davao River. Lean Daval Jr.

orandum of Agreement office space sharing between Marina and the BOC in the building owned by the Philippine Ports Authority for its extension office in Mati, Davao Oriental yesterday at the BOC 11 office in Sasa, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Businessman says being 4th ‘safest’city not enough basis

By EJ Dominic FErnanDEz

B

ejf@edgedavao.net

EING rated as the fourth safest place in the world will not be the basis for businesses to come investing in Davao City, according to businessman John Gaisano.

Appearing as guest in yesterday’s Club 888 forum at The Marco Polo Davao, 22nd Minbizcon conference director Gaisano said, businessmen “very often”

don’t respond to what is posted in the internet.

“Just because it is posted in the internet does not make it true nor un-true,” he said, referring to the ratings posted on Numbeo.com that out of 349 entries Davao City is the fourth safest in the world with a crime index of 13.27 and a safety index of 86.73.

FBUSINESSMAN, 10

14T job openings at Aug 22 job fair

S

OME 14, 780 jobs await job seekers in Davao City this August 22 at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Jobs Fair 2013 at the NCCC Mall here.

TESDA Region 11 director Gaspar Gayona in yesterday’s Club 888 at The Marco Polo Davao said, the job fair is for fresh graduates of its Technical Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) program, but invites all job seekers to attend.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Southern Mindanao Assistant Director Venerando Sebrano said that as of August 13, there are a total of 14, 542 overseas jobs available from 31 different companies and 1,238 local job openings from 50 companies during the job fair.

The top five in demand jobs for the local

employment are call center agents, customer support, laborer, salesladies, and accounting staff.

On the other hand, the top five in demand jobs for overseas are general construction worker, female and male cleaner, factory worker, staff nurse, and restaurant crew.

There will also be a pre-registration scheduled on August 19 to 21 at NCCC Mall with five local employers participating.

Gayona said they are targeting 62,000 graduates from the TVET program this year, while 58,000 graduated last year.

He said, out of the 58,000 that graduated, 85percent were already assessed, 65percent were certified, and 60percent out of the 65 percent that were certified are now employed. EJF

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO

NATION

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

MANILA

Weather to improve in most parts of PHL T

HE weather has started to improve in most parts of the country except in the western section of Luzon which will continue to experience cloudy skies with light rains due to southwest monsoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Admin-

istration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday.

Weather forecaster Samuel Duran said the weather is expected to improve but with isolated rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms.

Duran added they have not seen any weather disturbance to develop near the country but the

agency will continue its monitoring.

In its advisory, PAGASA said the regions of Ilocos and Cordillera and the provinces of Cagayan, Zambales, Bataan, Batanes and Babuyan group of islands will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms.

It added that the rest of country, including Metro Manila, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possible passing rains due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA also said that moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section

SUPPORT. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Gilberto G.B.Asuque, pledges to support the conservation of the Philippine Coral Reef,during the Launching Wednesday of Sustainable Coral Reef Eccosystem Management Program (SCREMP)at Intercontinental Hotel,Makati City.[PNA photo by Gil S.Calinga]

MANILA

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using small sea crafts are still not advised to venture out to the western seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves due to strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of southwest monsoon.

[PNA]

President Aquino is going on a one-day trip to China on Sept. 3 in what is seen as an effort to end strained relations with China triggered by the standoff in Bajo de Masinloc in April last year.

The President has accepted China’s invitation to attend the 10th ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO) to be held in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from Sept. 3 to 6, Malacañang and Department of Foreign Affairs sources said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will receive Aquino and the special envoys of the other nine ASEAN countries. Aquino will also attend a forum with Chinese businessmen.

The Philippines is the “country of honor” at this year’s Expo. It is a tradition that the president of that country attends the international trade fair.

Last year, when Myanmar was the country of honor, the Philippines was represented by Interior and Local Government

Secretary Mar Roxas. He was received by then Vice President Xi Jinping, who is now president.

This year’s CAEXPO was originally set on Sept.

20-24 but was moved to accommodate Premier Li’s schedule.

Aquino first last visited China in 2011 where he met with outgoing Chinese President Hu Jintao on August 31 and former Premier Wen Jiabao September 1.

A bilateral meeting with President Xi was sought in the sidelines of APEC last year in Vladivostok, but it never took place. Since Xi became China’s president in March, he has met with all Asian leaders except Aquino.

Once robust relations between the Philippines and China took a dip with the arrest by a Philippine Navy warship of Chinese fishermen in eight fishing boats in Bajo de Masinloc known internationally as Scarborough Shoal which is also being claimed by China. [VERA Files]

ly provide the country the much needed time to modernize its defensive capabilities.

He added that US presence in the Philippines can also serve as a deterrent for China’s expansionist ambitions in Asia which obviously target resource-rich territories that already belong to its neighbors.

“I think that there is nothing wrong if we allow this rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines. This would dramatically increase our capability to deter more Chinese incursions in areas claimed by the Philippines as we strive to modernize our armed forces, particularly our navy and airforce,” Sarmiento said.

Davao City Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles also does not see anything that is Con-

stitutionally infirm on the increased presence of US forces in the Philippines so long as there will be no agreement that would allow a permanent US base or the establishment of any military facility that is not bound by the country’s existing laws.

“As long as it is not violative of our Constitution and is not a transgression of our sovereign rights then a formal deal must be struck. If we lose nothing yet gain an edge in combating internal and external threats and aggressors, it is to our best interests that such be reduced in writing. But make sure we retain oversight functions to review its actual implementation so that no abuses will ever go unchecked.,”Nograles, a lawyer, said.

Aquino to visit China Sept. 3

Solons back increased US presence in PHL

No parliamentary immunity A for lawmakers in PDAF scam

HERE will be no parliamentary immunity for four congressmen are being implicated in the P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, 1-BAP party list Rep. Silvestre Bello 111 said on Wednesday.

Bello said the hands of Congress are tied to help congressmen implicated in the P10 billion scam after they put some of their PDAF to bogus NGOs most of them owned by Janet Lim Napoles, the controversial businesswoman.

“Congress cannot help them if the case they are facing is punishable by more than six years. Congress can only protect any member of Congress if they are facing a criminal case with an imprisonment of six years and below,” Bello said in a weekly press conference of the

of Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southeast to south with slight to moderate seas.

The state weather agency also warned fishermen, especially those

minority bloc headed by Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora.

He said the case congressmen involved might face at the very least is graft and worst, plunder which is equivalent to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.

However, he said that the least they can do and had done by many government officials to avoid behind bars is to claim they need to be hospitalized because of their sickness.

“Hospital arrest is the least they can do,” Bello pointed out referring to then President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo who are now confined at the Veterans Memorial and Medical Center and St. Luke’s Medical Center respec-

tively.

Zamora challenged Justice Leila de Lima to name the four members of the House and other lawmakers involved to give them the time to explain and clear their names.

But when reporters asked if they met Napoles or introduced to them by any means in any occasions, only Bello responded that he had seen the controversial businesswoman once in the halls of the new executive building in Malacanang during the time of Arroyo.

Bello was a former presidential adviser for peace process during Arroyo’s time and also a former justice secretary during President Cory Aquino and was appointed solicitor general by then President Fidel Ramos.[PNA]

group of congressmen yesterday said that there is no reason to fear any Constitutional backlash on the plan to increase the rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines because Congress has more than enough oversight powers to ensure that all the terms and conditions set by the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 (MDT) are strictly observed and respected by American military personnel.

Samar Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento said this looming arrangement between the Philippines and the US for an increased military presence in the Philippines particularly in the West Philippine sea and the South China Sea would definite-

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Consumer lending increases C

ONSUMER loans (CLs) by universal, commercial (U/KBs) and thrift

banks (TBs) reached P647.1 billion in March 2013, posting 14.8 percent higher than

P563.8 billion recorded a year earlier.

In addition, the q u a r te r - o n - q u a r te r

growth of the total CLs of U/KBs and TBs stood at 2.8 percent in endMarch which is con-

ATTRACTIVE. A beauty and wellness firm molds its soap products like cakes to make it more interesting and attractive for mall-goers visiting the Mindanao Trade Expo 2013 at the activity center of Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

sistent with the longer term trend of a general increase in consumer lending.

The rise in CLs was matched by a marginal decline in the ratio of soured CLs to total CLs. As of March 2013, the non-performing CLs ratio has decreased to 6.2 percent from 6.8 percent posted during the same month last year.

These figures sustain the general rise in CLs vis-à-vis the gradual decline in non-performing CLs since 2009 which contributes to the improvement of the CL quality of U/KBs and TBs. The increase in consumer lending to auto, residential real estate and other CLs in March this year can be attributed to favorable macroeconomic condition and continued inflow of dollar remittances.

Moreover, industry figures indicate that U/KBs and TBs have

adequate safety nets against credit risks arising from consumer lending as they set aside 68.7 percent of loan loss reserves to non-performing CLs in end-March. Non-performing CLs account for just one percent of the banks’ total loan portfolio (TLP).

Meanwhile, the percentage of bank CLs to TLP in the Philippines is lower compared to the country’s Southeast Asian peers. The Philippines’ 16.5 percent CL exposure is less than Malaysia’s 54.1 percent; Indonesia’s 30.1 percent; and Singapore’s 26.7 percent.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas keenly monitors banks’ CL portfolio in line with efforts to keep credit standards at high levels amid a low interest rate environment.

Maintaining high credit standards is key to mitigating systemic risks and to maintaining financial stability. [PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY 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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Minbizcon

‘State of Mindanao Address’ – Gaisano

By EJ Dominic FErnanDEz ejf@edgedavao.net

T

HE 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) held last August 8 to 10 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier was a State of Mindanao Address, according to its conference director, John Gaisano.

Speaking in yesterday’s Club 888 forum at The Marco Polo Davao, Gaisano said that the 12 cabinet secretaries who addressed the participants during the confab were actually making their own State of Mindanao Address (SOMA).

Instead of going through middlemen, such as congressmen and senators, before reaching the people like President Benigno Aquino’s recent SONA, the SOMA was addressed directly to the people.

Gaisano said, 250 Mindanao businessmen crafted policy agenda through a series of consultations for long-term and immediate solutions to economic issues and concerns of Mindanao.

“We raised the questions, the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) conference director Address (SOMA) during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at the Marcabinet members addressed each John Gaisano brands President Aquino’s speech before business peo- co Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr. issue in full details in line with ple, government officials and policy makers as his State of Mindanao the President’s vision,” Gaisano said, adding, “a SONA is a venue bers for the first time in 22 years reliable, and clean energy to sup- port costs from Mindanao to where the President tells the peo- is one of the signs of success; but port Mindanao’s industry needs; the rest of the world; putting in ple what he has fulfilled from the real success would be when true improving access to financing place the policy framework for platforms he enunciated during change and prosperity will hap- for micro small and medium responsible and sustainable minenterprises (MSMEs) and agri- ing practices; improving tourism his campaign for the presidency, pen in Mindanao.”

They (cabinet members) ad- cultural smallholders; enhanc- infrastructure and regulation of what he is currently doing, and what he is planning for the fu- dressed the issues, now we (busi- ing infrastructure and logistics adventure-tourism activities; adture, this is exactly what the cab- nessmen in Mindanao) need to support in key production areas dressing the job-skills mismatch; inet secretaries said during the monitor when they will execute to improve connectivity within amendment of tariff and customs it, but I believe they were sincere Mindanao and between Mind- code of the Philippines (TCCP), Minbizcon.” anao and the rest of the country and finally (ninth agenda) is Gaisano added, “Never in it what they said.

There were nine points in and between Mindanao and the supporting the development of the history of Mindanao has this (SOMA) happened. Having the the agenda they endorsed to the rest of the world; repealing the Mindanao Growth Corridors and President and 14 cabinet mem- President--ensuring sufficient, Cabotage Law to reduce trans- export gateways.

PHL exports among few positive growths in Asia

T

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the Philippines is one of the few Asian economies to register positive growth in exports in June this year, with value of outward shipments growing by 4.1 percent from last year.

This statement came after the National Statistics Office reported that the value of exported goods and services reached US$4.49 billion in June 2013, which is higher than the US$4.31 billion in June 2012.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan noted that most Asian economies registered contractions for the said period, including Japan (-12.4%), Malaysia (-6.0%), Indonesia (-4.1%), Thailand (-3.4%), China (-3.1%), Singapore (-1.5%) and Korea (-1.0%).

On the other hand, Balisacan cited Viet Nam (13.3%), Taiwan (8.6%) and Hong Kong (4.9%) as among few major trade-oriented Asian economies that recorded positive increases, apart from the Philippines.

Export growth was driven by higher earnings from agro-based products, mineral products, and petroleum which contributed significantly to the recovery of exports.

“The rebound of the export sector shows that despite the subdued global economic outlook, the country’s prospects for sustaining good economic performance in the coming months are good,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

The Cabinet official also expects continued increase in banana exports in succeeding months.

“Based on pronouncements made by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), demand from continental US, Japan, Korea, and Middle East countries will likely increase shipments of bananas in the nearterm,” he said.

According to NSO, growth in the value of exported bananas surged by 73.4 percent in June 2013 compared to 12 months ago.

This buoyed the growth of total agro-based exports in June 2013 to 7.6 percent.

by the numbers Davao City prod uces

48,461 metric tons of durian per ye ar with

P1.05 billion total productio n value.

Source: cAo

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

7 Forum highlights Coral Triangle success stories EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

conservation at work: Fish yields rise, mangroves increase local incomes

T

HE Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) Philippines Forum was held at the Hotel InterContinental in Makati City on 14 August. It was organized by the CTI-Philippines National Coordinating Committee (NCC), cochaired by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The US government, through the coordinated efforts of USAID, the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, Department of State and other agencies collectively known as the USCTI Support Program provided technical and financial assistance to the six CTI country governments through the Coral Triangle Support Partnership.

The five-year CTSP is US government funded and implemented through Conservation International (CI), the World Wide Fund for Nature / World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

US Embassy Manila’s USAID Mission Director for the Philippines Gloria Steele says, “CTSP promotes community participation in the protection and management of their marine and coastal resources, as well as private sector involvement to ensure long-term and sustainable use. This supports the shared vision of the Philippines and the United States to achieve broad-based and inclusive growth for Filipinos.”

Attended by more than 200 representatives from the public and private sectors, including

local government leaders and community groups in CTSP sites Palawan, Tawi-Tawi and the Verde Island Passage in Batangas, the event highlighted the contributions of various partners in achieving the goals of the CTI-Philippines National Plan of Action.

The Coral Triangle is scientifically defined as the marine region encompassing the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje explains, “Though it covers just 1% of the Earth’s surface, the region hosts 30% of the world’s coral reefs, 76% of its reef-building coral species, plus vital spawning grounds for fish, birds and sea turtles.”

In the Philippines, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducts various fisheries resource conservation and protection programs in support of the CTI. “We are highly aware of the benefits that coral reefs contribute to the country’s food security and we are taking keen measures to ensure our reefs’ sustainability,” says DA Secretary Proceso Alcala.

According to a 2009 WWF report, coral reefs may disappear from the Coral Triangle by the end of the century and the ability of the region’s coastal environments to feed people might decline by 80% if no effective conservation measures are implemented.

Says World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) Vice-chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, “Local communities are the delivery systems

SUSTAINABLE. In an offshore grow-out cage in Palawan, an adult Leopard Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus) is held aloft prior to shipping. WWF and its allies are currently working with local communities and allies to pro-

CONSERVATION AREA. A signpost is erected by the Balibago community organization inside the mangrove conservation area in Calatagan. The Calatagan mangrove rehabilitation program is part of the climate change adaption plan being developed throughout Batangas with the help of Conservation

International and its partners. The mangroves have also become a source of income for families in the form of an eco-park (Ang Pulo), and by selling nursery seedlings for USD.35 or PHP15. [Conservation International]

of conservation. By delivering bottom-line results that not only provide livelihood, but create wealth, we exert a profound influence on sustainably transforming systems and practices. Going beyond science, beyond policy, beyond plans and pilots, our collective goal should be to give our stakeholders and allies a future where they can reap strong, sustainable benefits. In a climate defined future, this is conservation at work.”

Protecting Palawan’s marine resources Federico and Nida Illut, fisherfolk from the municipality of Araceli in Palawan, finally upgraded

tainable fishing practices once threatened to destroy the Live Reef Fish Trade (LRFT) in the area.

“Overharvesting was a problem. Fishers were catching five times more than what could be sustained. Spawning grounds for fishes were targeted, severely depleting natural brood-stock. Fortunately, local government units and stakeholders started to support conservation efforts – and it is paying off,” explains WWF-Philippines CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan. In 2011, WWF and its allies commissioned science-based studies to guide Palawan fisheries officers on how to identify, establish and manage Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). A concept pioneered by Filipino scientists in 1974, MPAs are areas of marine habitats which enjoy varying levels of protection – from no-take to limited-use classifications. Over a thousand MPAs are now spread across the archipelago.

Two years after declaring new MPAs and protecting fish spawning areas, fisherfolk in the area are reporting good news. “We can already see improvements in fish yields and coral cover within and outside the protected zones,” testifies Taytay Municipal Administrator Robinson Morales. “Things have steadily improved since we established the MPAs.” mangrove reforestation in Batangas Thee entire west coast of Calatagan in Batangas is exposed to waves from

their flimsy bahay kubo to a two-bedroom concrete house – the direct result of rising grouper or lapulapu yields.

Palawan, which is home to over 40 % of the country’s reefs and diverse fish species, generates 55% of all Philippine seafood including the highly valued suno or red grouper. Exported to Hongkong, Singapore, mainland China and other seafood hubs, this colorful fish species contributes over Php1 Billion to the country’s annual revenues and supports the livelihoods of 100,000 people in Palawan alone.

Decades of unsus-

tect grouper spawning grounds and ensure the trade remains sustainable. In Hong Kong, Singapore and mainland China, a single red grouper can be sold for as much as USD150 or PHP6000. [WWF / Gregg Yan]

the West Philippine Sea. The area is highly vulnerable to storm surge effects, coastal erosion and flooding – further aggravated by the impacts of climate change. A one-meter rise in sea level will flood about 4700 hectares of coastal plain.

As an adaptation strategy, coastal villages in Calatagan have ventured into mangrove (bakawan) reforestation and protection – with community members understanding the critical function of these forests as buffers against climate hazards.

An alliance of fishing families in the village of Balibago established a mangrove nursery for 10,000 seedlings in a 10-hectare mangrove conservation area with the aid of the Coral Triangle Support Partnership (CTSP) through Conservation International and strong support from the local government. Apart from supplying mangrove seedlings to nearby towns to widen the mangrove belt in Calatagan, the nursery also became an added source of income for families in the area. Residents now sell 5000 mangroves saplings yearly and earn additional income from waste recycling while patrolling or harvesting shellfish.

In the nearby village of Quilitisan, a mangrove island known as Ang Pulo (The Island) was developed as an ecotourism site for camping, birdwatching and picnics on rafts. The site is now fully-managed by a community of fishers, farmers and women.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Number 4

A

NOTHER accolade Davao City notched this year is it being ranked the Number 4 safest city in the world.

The ranking is the result of a survey conducted by numbeo.com among 349 cities worldwide.

The latest honor, despite being seemingly ignored by the national media so far, should be another source of pride for Dabawenyos.

Just what is numbeo, the entity that listed the safest cities in the world?

According to its website, numbeo is “the world’s largest database of user contributed about cities and countries worldwide.” Numbeo provides “current and timely information on world living conditions, including cost of living, housing indicators, health , traffic, crime and pollution.”

The Number 1 safest city is Abu Dhabi in the

EDGEDAVAO

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

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

United Arab Emirates with a safety index of 90.47, followed by Lugano, Switzerland with 90.16, Marbella, Spain with 88.78, Davao 86.73, Taipei, Taiwan 86.26, Munich, Germany 86.06, Quebec City, Canada 85.55, Hong Kong 85.51, Seoul, South Korea 84.28 and Bern, Switzerland 84.24. No other city in the Philippines is included in the 10 safest cities in the world.

It appears that the accolade is not baseless.

The publication comes at a time, when the city is in the middle of the Kadawayan Festival, wherein safety is the most primordial consideration.

As it is, while the honor of being tagged the Number 4 safety city in the world gives Dabawenyos and their leaders so much pride, it carries with it the tremendous responsibility of maintaining the honor.

That’s the challenge.

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

KRISTINE D. BORJA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Marketing Specialist Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 109•THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

S

VANTAGE POINTS

Underground economy

IGNS BEARING JI HALLMARK – It is becoming tougher for police probers, intelligence networks and security services to connect the dots surrounding the spate of deadly bomb attacks in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato. Government security experts said the teams of investigators were continuing to work on all fronts, referring to the possibility that a local clone of Jemaah Islamiah (JI) extremists bandwith links to the global terror group Al-Qaeda may have been behind the attacks, although the reports open an important new avenue of investigation.

Intelligence sources are more emphatic, saying there was a possibility that the dreaded rebel breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIF) and the notorious kidnap-for-ransom gang Abu Sayyaf had connections to the local JI tentacles believed to have perpetrated those bomb attacks.

Nobody has a better sense of that potential for destruction than the JI operatives. The fanatical group has very accomplished foreign-trained bomb experts and the deadly explosions showed JI hallmark.

Indeed, with seasoned radical operatives like the JI network, snooty BIFF and a ragtag band of infamous kidnappers Abu Sayyaf still freely roaming the region, the fear that stoked the people’s mind hasn’t subside a bit. It does mean we cannot relax right now and think that everything is safe.

Not on our life.

“CAT AND MOUSE” BUSINESS STRATEGY - The primary reason why sidewalk and ambulant vendors proliferate in the bustling metropolis and other urban centers is unemployment. The big cities are drowned in density. Job opportunity is scarce therefore many of our countrymen turn to other income-generating ventures in order to survive. Most often you will hear vendors say,

“mabuti na lang ang magtinda sa bangketa kahit bawal ayon sa batas kaysa m a g n a k a w.” First, let us look closely at the economic situation. There might be radical shift in our economic development, but it is not enough to improve the lot of our people. You see, there is a very deep infirmity in a society where illegal sidewalk peddling is more desirable than going home to the province to start a new, progressive life.

For the past couple of years, the enduring problem having become global in scope becomes even bigger and in fact more serious in developing countries such as the Philippines. Again, the root cause of the problemtriggered by sidewalk vendors and street hawkers is unemployment that ultimately resulted to extreme poverty. Economists estimate that more than one in three of the nation’s population is living below the poverty level. As a result, many of the unemployed resort to sidewalk vending, which is the fastest way to earn instant money.

Well, we have seen the phenomenalrise of sidewalk vendors and street peddlers particularly in Davao City. Even top city officials admit that it is not that easy to regulate the sidewalk vending trade, and even more difficult to adopt measures to clear the sidewalks of vendors and ambulant peddlers. Right now, the most basic question is not whether tolerating sidewalk vendors to conduct their trade with impunity is legal or not. But is it wise to do so, it might be asked?Sidewalk vendors are mostly con-

centrated in the urban centers and bustling metropolis and for many years sustained their struggles and sacrifices – often risked life and limb to protect their only means of livelihood.

Vendors are wary that their business undertakingis totally illegal however they also have the right to survive.The city government adopts a maximum flexibility in dealing with the problems posed by sidewalk vendors and ambulant street peddlers. This includes implementing a 1/3-2/3 policy in the use of sidewalks and giving directives to various law enforcement agencies to exert maximum tolerance in treating illegal vendors during clearing-up operations for “humanitarian considerations.” Unfortunately, the government’s considerate gestures prodded many vendors to become abusive and arrogant even to the extent of defying lawful orders. These street smarts have somehow weathered the so-called “cat-andmouse” business strategy.

But perhaps, the most important thing people ought to know is that sidewalk trading business no matter how illegitimate it is contributes to the country’s “underground economy.” We always have to bear in mind that small-size and low-budget business venture, regulated or otherwise, play a direct role to keep the country’s economy afloat. It is high time for the government to articulate a clear policy on sidewalk vending and street peddling. Davao City’s streets and sidewalks arealready suffering from over population, swarming with vendors and hawkers of all colors and stripes in a highly uneven and cut-throat business competition. Government supposedly should have a flexible business mechanism patterned in other countries where streets are vendors-free instead of providing violators with “unlimited” considerations.

cion-Britania Road, also in Surigao, which are currently under evaluation by the Regional TWG. These are in direct response to the business community’s call for improving tourism infrastructure.

I had been to this part of Surigao last month and found road conditions going to tourism destinations very challenging.

The only thing that made up for the really bad roads is the breath-taking tourist sites at its end. But when you take your leave once again, it’s another bumpy, rough ride back. Not good for my back.

The infra budget for Surigao and other parts of Mindanao will be money well spent. Just imagine the influx of tourists to these destinations once good roads are up. That means tourism will thrive, potentially creating more jobs and provid-

ing opportunities for local enterprises to grow.

An increase in income could mean healthier and adequate food for the family, or better medical services, or higher spending power for their most practical needs. With more resources in their hands, they are able to live better lives. This would be good news for communities surrounding tourism sites in Surigao del Sur. Now that the MinBizCon has come and gone, what’s next for the business community of Mindanao? The grind is just starting. With nine policy recommendations submitted to the government, they have their work cut out for them.

Kudos to the conference organizers and their partners for staging a successful 22nd MinBizCon. It’s going to be a tough act to follow for the next host, the General Santos Chamber. But as they espouse the concept of a One Mindanao - as symbolized by their logo and tagline “One. Global.

Mindanao.” - the spirit of camaraderie is hopefully strong enough for them to work together for another successful conference next year.

Why were these Abu Sayyaf bombers released from jail?

T

HE Mindanao Business Conference that concluded last Friday had a lot of firsts. According to one of the speakers, it was the first time in the past ten years that the president of the republic graced the event in the past decade.

It was also the first time in the 22year history of Minbizcon that 14 cabinet members came, 12 of them as guest speakers. What a powerhouse roster of speakers it was, certainly lending an air of excitement to the event.

Minbizcon started with a high note, with no less than the president opening the conference. It also ended with a high note, with cabinet members baring their department’s plans and programs in response to issues raised by the business community.

I took special note of DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez’s presentation of his department’s response to policy recommendations of last year’s MinBizCon. He bared the concreting of Dugmanon-Enhanted River-Baculin Road in Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, is included in the DOT-DPWH Convergence Program.

Also in the convergence program are the Cumawas-Tinuy-an Road and Salva-

9

Barangay elections can civilize community WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

(Conclusion)

B

AD voting habits cause corruption, crime People should be made to see the connection between their voting habits and the occurrence of crime and corruption. For example, the billions of pork barrel allocations that end up in the accounts of bogus NGOs are made possible by congressmen and senators who win elections because they are supported by the wrong barangay officials. They can afford to pay huge allowances to barangay leaders and produce expensive campaign materials to flood the neighborhoods because of the huge kickbacks they receive from bogus NGOs and the gamblers, vice lords, and smugglers they protect.

By paying unscrupulous barangay officials to be their vote-dealers and precinct manipulators, they are able to corner the votes of the community. No one should forget that every voter in our republic lives in a barangay and every vote is cast in its precincts.

Straightening out politics If the professionals and other leading citizens of the barangay would only take the trouble and devote a fraction of their time, they can spearhead political reform in their own community—and succeed as no other group can. They are the credible stockholders of the barangay as a corporation and as an economy in its own right.

They are the community’s large taxpayers and influential role-models, and are often the employers of the working class. Along with the church, civil society, and educational institutions, they are in a position to make the masses listen to good sense and sound electoral choices.

With improved visibility in their community and a voice in its affairs, they can prevent corrupt practices and reform politics. They can help provide proper criteria for political decisions, explain how everyone especially the poor would benefit from honest politics and public administration, and thereby bring about solidarity and political will against corruption in the grassroots community.

Leading citizens should lead!

Everyone should look to the forthcoming barangay elections as an opportunity to straighten out the politics of the community. With a coordinated drive, the neighborhoods can keep politics and campaigning within the bounds of legality, decency, and propriety. The accent should be on applying the standards of good governance in choosing our community leaders.

Reminders to keep the campaign non-partisan in accordance with Section 38 of the Omnibus Election Code would help. Insistent admonition that candidates be on the side of the Common Good, not the personalities, not their selfish motives, nor their ambitions. No vote-buying.

No hakot. No pork barrel supporters. No political dynasty adherents. Let dynasties step aside and give way to fresh leadership. Restore equal opportunity for all. Let democracy flourish again! And that’s one way to civilize the community effectively.

[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.]

10

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

CTO..FFROM 1 and permits and licenses handled directly by the city treasurer’s Office (CTO).

A statement of income and expenses obtained from the office of the city accountant showed that as of June 2013, the city’s gross income already reached P2.7 billion or 60 percent of the total targeted income.

Tangili said the CTO set its collection target on an annual basis and not per quarter. She said that tax collection in the second quarter is expected to be lower than the first three months of the year which is the period when business establishments renew or file new business permits.

While tax payments are required every quarter, she said some business owners pay their taxes for the entire year during the first month while others settle their obligations when the year nearly ends.

“We still have six months for us to meet our collection target,”

she said.

Except for the interest income, Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and income from city-owned economic enterprises, most sources of local revenues posted negative performance during the second quarter of 2013.

Overall, the city’s gross income decreased by 21.90 percent from P1.54 billion in the first three months to P1.20 billion in the second quarter.

Specifically, income from permits and licenses dropped by 71.59 percent from P88.51 million in the first quarter to P25.14 million in the second quarter. Also posting a decrease of 66.90 percent is the service income from clearance and certification fees, garbage fees, inspection fees, library fees, medical, dental and laboratory fees.

Collections from local taxes declined by 40.75 percent from P699.54 million in the first quarter to P414.45

million in the succeeding quarter. Local taxes include the amusement tax, business tax, community tax, franchise tax, printing and publication tax, property transfer tax, real property tax, tax on delivery, trucks and vans, tax on sand and gravel and fines and penalties.

Income from professional tax also declined by a whopping 88.34 percent from P2.28 million in the preceding quarter to only P267, 000 in the second quarter.

The sources of income which posted positive performance are the interest income which increased by 70.33 percent and the IRA which increased by 7.77 percent.

Income from cityowned economic enterprises also posted an increase of 36.78 percent during the second quarter with P36.52 million income from the operation of cemeteries, public markets, slaughterhouse, parking areas and overland terminal.

the monthly dues, but are merely asking for the regulation of Powerline guidelines which they claim cannot be applicable to all and are deemed unfair to other drivers.

Earlier that day, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte went to the terminal to mediate between the van operators and Ramesh Purswani, owner of the terminal, who were at loggerheads over the terminal’s queueing policy.

Powerline guidelines can give drivers and their vans priority to be directly first in line right after arriving at the terminal, as long as they comply with certain conditions, Quiamco said, adding that this is the main issue, and not the high terminal fees.

One condition required, for example, is if a driver buys oil that the terminal is selling, then that driver and his van will get a Powerline note, or a priority note that enables

him to cut through the line and be ahead of the others.

“Not everyone can benefit from this, since not everyone buys oil from the terminal, which is why we ask for the regulation, or better yet, the abolition of the Poweline guidelines,” said Quiamco.

She added that the operators had a meeting with Purswani two or three weeks ago regarding the Powerline issue, but to their surprise, Purswani merely changed the regulation on monthly fees instead of the Powerline guidelines.

Purswani told Edge Davao that he had stopped accepting members in his terminal because he does not want an association or federation terminal, but a passenger-oriented terminal.

He said, the membership fee is P40,000 and there are 200 applicants for this year, but because he stopped accepting

new members, he would lose that income, which is about P8 million for the year.

He also removed the 850 monthly fee for operators, but instead he added 7 percent more to the existing 10 percent fee per travel.

Quiamco cited an example that if one of her vans travels from Davao to Kidapawan with 14 passengers at P170 each, she would earn a gross of 2,380.

Less the P75 terminal fee, P700 for gasoline, P200 for the driver’s meal allowance, and 20 percent for the driver’s pay which is about 476, the operator would earn only a net of 691 for that trip.

Now, with the additional 7 percent, which is about P116 of the total gross of P2,380, she would earn only P575 for one trip, and that van would wait at most another week to travel again.

The mayor said, he would send a lawyer to find out what the root of the issue is, and that he would come back on Friday for a possible solution.

He told the two parties that in Davao City the motto is “live and let live,” which means there should be fairness among everyone to avoid trouble.

Transport.. FFROM 1

noticE oF loSS

Notice is hereby given by loYola PlanS conSoliDatED inc. that cErtiFicatE oF FUll PaYmEnt No.(s) 1004392 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) UUU 130003403 issued to narciSo ra GraFilo Jr. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

8/15,22,29

FASHION STATEMENT. A tribal chieftain didn’t mind wearing his tribe’s ethnic attire while roaming around a mall attracting curious stares from mall-goers. Lean Daval Jr.

Roxas sees Kadayawan security put in place

D

EPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas reiterated the Aquino administration’s “hardening” policy versus groups that are out to sow terror in the country.

Roxas, who said he has conferred with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday night, said Wednesday he was in the city to make sure that all the security preparations for the Kadayawan sa Dabaw are in place.

“The Aquino administration continues to take the target hardening stance to discourage those who are attempting to sow fear,” he said.

Roxas, along with Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, were also in the city yesterday, August 14, to meet with the mayors and governors of the various areas covered by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

“Dabawenyos should be alert dahil mas madaming mata na nag-oobserve at nagrereport ng strangers, strange movement and strange actions mas ma-

He said, businessmen always check with reliable sources, including their friends, business partners, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) and others.

Businessmen will not easily bite information posted on the internet, and businessmen who will be influenced by this online posting are probably “not very bright,” Gaisano said.

However, Gaisano believes that Davao City is really safe, and this is a confidence that businessmen here get from the leadership of the City’s mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Numbeo is a website that claims being “the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide.

It “provides current and timely information on world living conditions, including cost of

living, housing indicators, health care, traffic, crime and pollution.”

It also provides a toll to see, share and compare information about cost of living worldwide, by providing online software, which provides a reader of a website prices for free; uses wisdom of the crowd to get as much reliable data as possible; provides a system for systematic research on cost of living and property markets; calculates derived indices such as consumer price index, domestic purchasing power, etc.; and provides a system for other systematic economical research on huge data set with worldwide data.

The information it posted ranking Davao City as the world’s fourth safest place became controversial because of the timing when Mindanao experienced bombings and bomb threats.

Businessman.. FFROM 2

dali para sa kapulisan na gawin ang responsibilidad nila (the easier for the police to do their jobs),” he said. [PNA] Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications lanD tranSPortation FrancHiSinG anD rEGUlatorY BoarD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for approval of Sale and transfer of a certificate of Public convenience to operate a ScHool tranSPort Service.

JoSE c. arEValo, Petitioner-Vendor

case no.2013-Xi-00460 (2006-Xi-00188)

EVElYn D. triPUlca, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x noticE HEarinG

Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by JoSE c. arEValo in favor of EVElYn D. triPUlca of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a ScHool tranSPort service exclusively for the transportation of Students/Pupils from their respective residences to University of the Immaculate Conception, Bajada, Davao City with the use of onE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to November 15, 2016. noticE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on aUGUSt 27, 2013 at 09:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BEnJamin a. Go, cESo V, Regional Director, this 30th day of July 2013 at Davao City. tErESita DEla PEÑa-YÑiGUEz Chief Transport Development Officer

11 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

IGACOS

Resort owners ask for leniency on beach easements requirement R

LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE. Melecia Abregana, President of Matigsalog Coco Handicraft and Furniture SKG (MCHFSKG) receives the P70,000.00 livelihood assistance from DSWD Director Priscilla N. Razon during the celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9. Organized as a Family Enterprise, MCHFSKG members underwent Basic

Business Management Training and Community Driven Enterprise Development through the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program. The group now produces and sells various accessories and furniture made of coconut shells and lumber. Also in photo is family head Nole Abregana. [DSWD]

ESORTS owners in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) are asking the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office to be lenient in enforcing the law mandating public access to shorelines.

“Let us not be technical with the law,” says engineer Pastor Lozada Jr. president of the IGaCoS Chamber of Commerce and a resort owner on the moves of the DENR to implement Article 51 of the Water Code of the Philippines (Presidential Decree 1067) which mandates easements in banks of rivers and streams and shorelines in seas and lakes in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage.

Lozada said that resort owners are worried about the impact to security and privacy if ever the easements on beaches will be enforced. He said some resorts are allowing the public to pass by the beaches and some resorts are strict with the privacy of their property as a selling point of their resorts.

Lozada said that Samal is very different from Boracay which is used as a model for public access to its beaches.

“Boracay is Boracay and Samal Island is Samal Island.”

Araceli Ayuste, a resort owner and the vice-president of the Samal City Resort Owners Association (SCROA) said that the main difference between the two islands is that Samal has no long stretch of white sand beaches as some of its coasts are actually small cliffs that stretches out to the sea and many resorts utilize jetties for docking of boats that ferry visitors to the area.

These jetties have enclosed the beaches which prevents access on its beaches and which the DENR is eyeing to demolish particularly in the foreshore areas.

Lozada said the lack of good roads had prompted resort owners to build these jetties so that visitors can access their places from the sea. [PIA 11/RG Alama]

our coordinated response in the past eight months and be able to focus in the next steps in recovery and rehabilitation especially in the provision of social services,” said Priscilla N. Razon, DSWD director.

“If we have the funds and materials, we assure you we will build the houses fast. In Gawad Kalinga, we build houses in eight days. With a comprehensive and doable plan for shelter construction, we can build the houses,” emphasized Gov. Arturo T. Uy following his presentation on the provincial response.

Taking up the challenge to construct 6380 permanent shelters in his province by December this

year and 7464 in 2014, he pointed out, “Sec. Dinky Soliman was there always in the frontline. DSWD workers did their part, we all agree. On our part, we will try our best to deliver. We assure you walang perang masasayang (no funds will be wasted).”

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon said, “We cannot start talking about other things with the affected families unless we provide homes first. Talking about other matters will not make sense to them….. hence I need to finish my commitment this year… I admit DSWD work is excellent. As I said even before, I salute them.” [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

Planning workshop for ‘Pablo’rehab

T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently organized a planning workshop on Typhoon Pablo Rehabilitation with the provincial clusters of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley to review what has been accomplished so far and plan out for the activities that need to be achieved in the remaining months of 2013 and what must be delivered in 2014.

“We have invited the two governors, the mayors, the local social workers and engineers of hardest-hit towns as well as the provincial/municipal focals on shelter and food assistance for us to review

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Backpacks banned for 2013 Tuna Festival

A

S part of the intensified security measures for the annual Tuna Festival and the city’s 45th foundation anniversary, the General Santos City government announced Wednesday a ban on backpacks in response to the bomb attacks that recently hit parts of Mindanao.

At a press conference here, city hall and security officials appealed to the public and visitors who

will join the festivities to cooperate with the security measures being put in place to ensure the safety of merrymakers.

Mayor Ronnel Rivera said that individuals carrying backpacks will not be allowed inside the oval plaza, where major highlights of the festivities are slated to be held.

Davao City earlier banned the carrying of backpacks inside concert

venues for the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival on August 16.

Authorities said that backpacks can be used to carry bombs.

Rivera said that security was among the major issues being addressed by the city government as the 15th Tuna Festival and the 45th Charter Anniversary of the city draw near.

[Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews]

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

EDGEDavao Davao Partners Tel No. (083) 553-2211 / (083) 877-0019 / (083) 878-0308

Realty FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the National Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City. 11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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noticE oF loSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No(s) under LOYOLA PLAN issued to the following planholders, to wit; PH NAME

CFP NO.

CONTRACT NO.

1. MANZO, MARILYN Y. 21040175 192832-3/UUU400423566 2. MANZO, MARILYN Y. 21040176 192833-4/UUU400423570 were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

8/ 8, 15, 22

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 109•THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

LOT FOR SALE CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

PRIME LOCATIONS: Lot 2 Lot 7 FS Catanico

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– 28,206sqm – 32,662sqm – 3,013sqm – 25,201sqm

Perfect for Development Contact Mobile No.: 09269128630;09061005776

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Email Address: rvinme@sbcglobal.net

CLASSIFIEDS

13

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOR THREE! RMH-CMO ready to defend title

TANDEM. CMO executive assistant Bong Go (18) will be sitting as team manager with Royal Mandaya Hotel president Glen Escandor (inset) as team owner for the defending champion Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO in the forthcoming Kadayawan Basketball Tournament. Lean Daval Jr.

F

OR a change, sweet-shooting basketball player-executive assistant Bong Go will go for a different three—instead of a three point shot, he will gun for a third straight basketball title not as a player but as a team manager.

Go, one of the most feared three-point shooters in local executive leagues in Davao City, will be sitting on a different chair for the defending champion Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office in the

2013 Kadayawan Basketball Tournament gets going on Saturday.

“Yes, all set na. We will try to defend our crown with the full support of our team owner Gen (Escandor). Since the tie up of RMH-VMO, we won two titles thus far, hopefully another,” said Go in a text message.

The RMH-VMO partnership has won the 2012 Kadayawan and 2013 Araw ng Dabaw titles.

Go’s partner in the team, team owner Glen Escandor, echoed Go’s statement saying he wants to personally witness winning the Kadayawan title, one of only two major basket-

RUSSIAN FAIRYTALE CLEARING THE BAR. Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva clears the bar for the pole vault gold. Photo: AP

ball tournaments in the city each year.

I was not around last year when we won. This time, I would like to experience it personally, Escandor told sportswriters yesterday at the hotel s Kamayo Café restaurant.

The RMH-CMO squad boasts of practically the same team that won the Araw ng Dabaw 2013 title last March and the recent exhibition matches with a bible-preaching American squad last July.

“It’s the same core we are bringing back. Sanay na sila sa system naming and these players want to win the title back,” said Escandor.

Isinbayeva’s fairy-tale return upstages even Usain Bolt in Moscow U

SAIN who? The one superstar which these world championships really needed to adorn the party duly came to the Luzhniki, soared and conquered as Russia paid a fond farewell salute to its most glorious athletics heroine Yelena Isinbayeva.

Yelena Isinbayeva World Athletics Championship 2013: Yelena Isinbayeva’s fairy-tale return upstages even Usain Bolt The once-invincible ice queen of the pole vault, reprising her diva best after five years without a global title, milked every moment of a fairytale comeback, winning a third title to quite bring the championships to life in a way even Mr Bolt would have envied.

On the best-attended night of the championships, 40,000 were treated to the 31-year-old at her theatrical finest; entreating the crowd to make more noise, flirting with knowing, mischievous gestures to the camera before finally celebrating victory with all her old extravagant gymnast’s cartwheeling elan.

Oh yes, and in between, she deigned to remind us of why she is one of history’s virtuoso athletes, defeating the challenge of American Olympic champion Jenn Suhr — the night even had a touch of the old Cold War feel as the crowd whooped with delight at US failure — and being the only vaulter to clear 4.89m.

At the first attempt too.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

A burger fight at the Bite Club THERE are many things in life that are delicious in their own way. The fatty nutty fois gras, the salty and creamy salted egg custard buns, the briny goodness of uni, the tender fatty goodness of a properly grilled steak; each one has their own way of stimulating the palate and egging one on for one more bite but nothing can be as filling or as all encompassing as the pedestrian burger.

Scared or happy?

So while trouncing about the maze-like corridors and alleys of Boracay’s D’mall me and my friends decided to grab a burger at one of Boracay’s more famous burger spots called Bite Club.

Located at a busy corner of D’mall, the restaurant was full of diners busily muting away at their burgers. Since our group was nine persons strong, it took a while before we

Bite Club at Boracay’s D’Mall.

Patties on the grill from 1/3 pound patties all the way to the full pound Triple X monster.

were able to get seated.

FA BURGER, A4

Burger with potato wedges.

Cutting up a Triple X.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Exclusive Kadayawan offer to Globe subscribers C E L E BRATING its strong presence in the region, G l o b e Telecom is extending a special and exclusive offer to its subscribers in Davao as part of the Kadayawan Fe s t i v a l , D a v a o ’s biggest annual festival that celebrates life, culture and thanksgiving.

From August 1 to 15, 2013, all Davaoenos who avail of a Cloudfone 352g and Cloudpad bundle FREE at Plan 499 with the Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN will get a chance to win an exclusive Meet and Greet session with one of today’s hottest heartthrobs and Cloudfone endorser Xian Lim. Apart from the phone and tablet bundle, subscribers can choose from other Cloudfone handsets bundled with a Globe postpaid plan. All a subscriber needs to do is to go to any of the participating Globe Davao Stores in Ayala Abreeza, SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier or Gaisano Mall Davao, apply for a Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN with a Cloudfone of his/her choice, and wait for the approval of the postpaid plan application.

Each approved postpaid application will allow the subscriber to pick a prize such as the Meet and Greet Session with Xian Lim as grand prize, Xian Lim’s autographed “It’s So You” CDs as major prizes, and Globe premium items as minor prizes.

Eighty grand prize winners or twenty winners per participating Globe Store will have the privilege to meet Xian up close and personal. Meanwhile, there will be forty winners of the limited edition autographed CDs and one hundred winners of Globe premium items.

The popular actor, singer and model will fly to Davao on August 18, 2013 to celebrate the Kadayawan Festival with Davaoenos and will visit the four participating Globe Stores in the region to meet the lucky winners of the promo.

“Davao will always be an important market for Globe so we’re very excited to offer this exclusive promo to our subscribers in the region in celebration of the Kadayawan Festival,” said Raul Macatangay, Head of Globe Postpaid. “We invite all Davaoenos to take advantage of this special offer and avail of the Cloudfone bundle or any Cloudfone handset with the Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN, and get the chance to meet Xian Lim up close and personal or bring home premium items from Globe.”

Globe Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN is a next-generation postpaid plan with fully-customizable plan components, a plan value almost twice the value of prepaid load, and more contract periods to choose from, ranging from 6, 12, 18, to 24 months. With the Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN, subscribers get the ultimate flexibility in creating a postpaid plan that best fits their needs, lifestyle, and budget. To know more about the Best-Ever mySUPERPLAN, visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid or call 730-1010.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EVENT

Uraya Land Development Inc. celebrates Kadayawan 2013

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto IMAGINE heaven on earth. Yes, literally. The Villa de Mercedes by Uraya Land Development is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of Davao. Situated into the depths of Brgy.

Catigan in Toril, it boasts of an enigmatic scenery that transports you into ecstasy.

Kicking off the Kadayawan festivities, last August 10, they enthralled the attendees with an event that got everyone on their feet. The simplicity of the event highlighted what they have thus making the experience more intense.

It was an afternoon of fun, laughter and ‘kilig’ moments as a roster of fantabulous guests made their way into the make shift stage and in the hearts of those in attendance.

Surely, the atmosphere turned a notch higher as singers Monica Sacay (Runner-up,Starpower) and Stephanie serenaded the crowd with their mystifying voices.On the other hand, Saicy Aguila (former PBB hosemate) sizzled with her dance moves that ignited the place. Three lucky males from the audience even got the chance to dance

Villa de Mercedes guests artists with Davao Media

Saicy Aguila with Merci Duduaco and Nieva Mae Daniel Matsunaga with Merci Duduaco and Nieva Asis.

Mae Asis. with her. Talk about luck! sunaga D: I would choose acring But what really amA model, actor and muna. Modeling I did for 9 plified the event was the a football player, that is years, football I did for 24 presence of Brapanese who Daniel is to most of years na.. so acting is somehunk, Daniel Matsunaga, us. Despite his popularity, thing new for me and I am who beboped with songs there is still more to him learning a lot. that made the afternoon that meets our eyes. Get to hotter than it already was. know the hunk behind the L: Did you ever tried out Ladies armed with their megawatt smile. for the Football National gadgets lined the stage to Team (Azkals)? get close with him. Much L: What keeps you busy D: I want to but because to their delight, he acco- aside from Misibis I am not Filipino, I need modated each and all with Bay(TV5) and football?

5 years of residency before his bezzalled megawatt D: I think that is enough. I I can. I have been here for smile. practice, trian and go to the 4 1/2 years.. so, yes. I am A gastronomical feast gym for 4 1/2 hours daily part of Stallion FC (1st Diof scrumptious food and then there’s the Misibis Bay vision, UFL) and im playa meet and greet followed taping plus the guestings ing fot Musang (Futsal). I the event. then the mall shows and enjoy the experience. out of town events.

L: What do you like Daniel Matsunaga meets Uraya A Quick Chat with BrapLand Dev’t., Inc. Chairman anese Hunk Daniel Mat- L: So, no time for a love about Davao?

Debin A. Uraya. life?

D: I have been here more D: Well, meron pero wala than once and I love the akong love life for now. people here. I love the food Focus muna ako sa career, here. (Durian?) Not so, sa trabaho. It’s been more I prefer pomelo. Mangothan a year and a half...I steen.. i also like.. especially am enjoying single life with the candies. my family and friends.

Go follow Daniel Matsunaga on Instagram (@ L: Given the chance, dandanmatsunaga) and what would you get to know him a little Villa de Mercedes Kadayawan Open House guests enjoying durian choose,acting,modeling more than the usual. from Uraya Farms. or sports?

Happy Kadayawan!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Pauleen Luna at GMA Kapuso Night at SM Davao, August 16!

LAUGH until you drop with you favorite Dabarkads at the GMA Kapuso Night on August 16, 6PM at SM City Davavo Annex.

Adding color to the Kadayawan weekend are Ruby Rodriguez, Pauleen Luna and the hilarious duo Jose & Wally, who are set to entertain Davaoenos on Saturday.

The celebration gets better as SM City Davao treats Davaoeños and its guests to a week-long Kadayawan Sale on August 12-18! Amazing discounts await everyone, as much as 70% off on great selections mall-wide.

Plus, to give its valued shoppers more time to shop, SM City Davao is extending its mall hours until 10 PM on August 16(Friday)

and until midnight on August 17(Saturday) for the Kadayawan Sale.

Spectacular events, exciting exhibits, fun activities and great discounts are all at SM City Davao this Kaday-

awan season!

For inquiries, please call 297.6998 local 126. Like SM City Davao on Facebook and follow @smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

Ate Vi’s ‘Ekstra’ to premiere at Toronto International Film Fest STAR CINEMA and Quantum Films’ Cinemalaya award-winning comedy-drama, “Ekstra,” will hold its international premiere as part of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The Jeffrey Jeturiandirected film, which hits cinemas nationwide beginning today (August 14), is part of TIFF’s Contemporary World Cinema program and is scheduled to be shown on some theaters in Toronto, Canada on September 8 and 10.

Aside from its world premiere, “Ekstra” recently added another feather to its cap as it gained unanimous grade of “A” from the Cinema Evalution Board (CEB).

Early this month, “Ekstra”

reaped major honors at the Director’s Showcase category of Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2013. It received the audience choice award, jury prize, netpac, best screenplay for Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone and Direk Jeffrey, best supporting actress for Ruby Ruiz,

and best actress for Vilma.

“Ekstra” is a touching drama-comedy film that revolves around the life of Loida Malabanan (played

by Vilma), a hardworking single mother who passionately works as as bit player for television and movies.

Part of Star Cinema’s 20th anniversary in the movie industry, “Ekstra” also features Ruby, Tart Carlos of “Be Careful With My Heart,” Cherie gil, Pilar Pilapil, Nico Antonio, Tom Rodriguez, Direk Marlon Rivera, Vince de Jesus and many more.

Also part of Vilma’s milestone movie is the special participation of Richard ‘Ser Chief’ Yap, Marian Rivera, and Piolo Pascual.

BAKIT HINDI KA CRUSH NG CRUSH MO? 2D Kim Chiu, Xian Lim PG 13

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

THE SMURFS 2 2D Hank Azaria Neil, Patrick Harris GP

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

PERCY JACKSON SEA OF MONSTERS 2D Logan Lerman, Brandon Jackson PG 13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 RED 2 / *THE WOLVERINE 2D Bruce Willis/ *Hugh Jackman R13/ *PG13

12:00 | 2:20 / * 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

A burger.. FFROM A1

The Bombarella (front) dwarfs the Funky wall art adorn Bite Burgeralla (back).

Club’s walls.

The Boracay gang.

Luckily the service was snappy and friendly and suggested that we make our orders ahead so that we won’t want too long for our food to arrive.

Bite Club’s menu was simple and straightforward with their trademark grilled burgers taking the centre stage. There are three sizes of burgers ranging from the 1/3 pound Club Burger (Burgerella if you add cheese), the half pound The Bomb (Bomberella if you have it with cheese) and the gut-busting one pound Triple X which sounds more like an adult flick than a burger.

Looking around, I can see families ordering not just medium sized Burgerellas, but Triple Xes as well. Erring on the side of caution though, I opted for a Bomberella with potato wedges (you can also choose fries) and a can of zero calorie cola (as if it helps).

After a few minutes we were finally seated and in a few minutes after we were finally served our burgers, hot and fresh off the grill.

The Burgerella was about the size of my hand in diameter, and given that I have huge paddle-like hands, it was one big burger indeed.

Personally, there is only one way to eat a burger, and that is with your hands, and I indented to do that with the Burgerella, only of course since it was a hefty burger, I decided to half it instead to make it more manageable and less messy when I bite into it.

On first bite, the juicy beefy goodness of the burger literally melts in the mouth, the creaminess of the mozzarella stuffed inside the patty added a hint of creaminess to each bite. Although I do admit I was looking for the gooey chewiness of the mozzarella which was missing from the burger. I also wish that there was a little bit more spice to add some bite for a savoury finish but I guess that was just my preference to heat.

On the whole though, I would say the bite clubs burgers deserve the queues of people lining up to grab a bite of their burgers which I would recommend to pedestrian burger lovers everywhere.

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

All smiles with a Bombarella in my hand.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 109•THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Sharapova bows to Stephens M

ASON, Ohio (AP) -- Maria Sharapova’s return to WTA tournament play after more than a month away was short-lived following an upset loss to 17thranked American Sloane Stephens 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the second round of the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday.

In a match that lasted 2 hours, 22 minutes, Stephens overcame losing the first set and the first two games of the second and double faults on two match points to pick up her first victory over Sharapova in four meetings. ‘’It definitely started out rough,’’ Stephens said. ‘’A set and 0-2, she was killing it. I’m glad I was able to turn it around and start playing good tennis.’’

Sharapova, the 2011 W&S champion and a 2010 finalist, showed no traces of the hip injury that had

kept her sidelined since a second-round loss at Wimbledon. ‘’I thought I started the match off pretty well, but when you put yourself in a really good position, you can’t let it go,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’That’s what I did tonight. I didn’t continue what I was doing well for the first set and a half, and that hurt me. ‘’You know, I stopped being patient. I started making a lot more errors, especially off the first ball just errors that I shouldn’t make. Obviously I haven’t played in a long time, but I can’t make that excuse for myself because I’ve got to be ready from the first match. So it’s obviously disappointing, but that’s the way it goes in this game.’’

Jimmy Connors, who won the tournament 41 years ago, watched from the stands in his first match as Sharapova’s

coach. She hired Connors, the 1972 champion and a 1986 finalist, in mid-July.

Fourteenth-seeded Jelena Jankovic, the 2009 champion and 2011 runner-up, advanced to the second round with a 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-2 win over Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisiski.

Defending men’s champion and fifth-seeded Roger Federer advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 7-6 (7) win over 29th-ranked Philipp Kohlschreiber. ‘’It was just really important to play somewhat of a clean match,’’ said Federer, who already has won a record five W&S championships and improved to 7-0 in his career against Kohlschreiber. ‘’Straight sets is always a good match. It’s a good win for me.’’

In earlier action, second-ranked Victoria Az-

arenka held off an upset bid by qualifier Vania King to pull out a 6-1, 7-6 (6) win and advance to the third round.

Azarenka rallied from a 3-0 hole in the second set to EARLY EXIT. Maria Sharapova of Russia serves in her match against Sloane Stephens. force the tiebreaker against the 140th-ranked American.

Azarenka, who has been bothered by a lower back injury, won her first match since losing to Samantha Stosur in the finals of the Southern California Open two weeks ago.

Sports consultative workshop underway T

HE first-ever Davao City Sports Consultative Workshop will be held today with some 200 stakeholders coming from the different sectors converging at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) building for a full day activity in an effort to chart an honest-to-goodness sports program.

City Sports Development Office (CSDO) officer-in-charge William “Butch” Ramirez is leaving no stones unturned in his preparation for the significant event that will pave the way for the crafting of a comprehensive sports program he has long desired to realize for the city and its people.

The organizing CSDO has invited top City Hall officials led by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to grace today’s assembly which starts at 7 a.m. Also invited to give their messages were Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, Acting City Administrator Jhopee Avancena-Agustin and City Planning and Development Coordinator Mario Luis Jacinto.

“We have invited all the stakeholders for this con-

sultative workshop. This is a gathering of people from the cross-section of society as we are one in our goal of realizing a comprehensive sports program for our beloved Davao City,” Ramirez said. “I expect a lively discussion among our participants and hope that at the end of the day, we can already set the tone towards the realization of our dream.”

Attending the event are city councilors, barangay captains, officials and representatives from the local and government agencies, national sports associations, the media, indigenous and Muslim leaders, academe and private sports organizations like the Prisaa and Dacs.

Facilitator will be Dr. Sergio V. Opena while Bishop Romulo G. Valles will lead the prayer. A short presentation from Jessie R. Labor of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) is also one of the highlights of the sports consultative workshop.

The program will culminate with the presentation of issues and signing ritual.

16

VOL. 6 ISSUE 109• THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

EDGEDAVAO