Edge Davao 6 Issue 112

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NO STEM CELL PERMIT

NEW WEAPON? Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte seems to be teaching boxing superstar Rep. Manny Pacquiao a new boxing weapon. Pacquiao suited up for The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office (TRMH-CMO) in the Kadayawan basketball tournament Sunday night where he displays his footspeed against 6-7 import JR Wade of Goldstar Hardware to the delight of the crowd. Lean Daval Jr.

No hospital, clinic in Davao may use stem cell treatment

By Antonio M. Ajero

T

ama@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not issued any hospital or clinic in Davao City and neighboring areas authority to engage in the controversial stem cell treatment.

This was categorically stated by Alex Daba, regulation officer of the DOH regional office. Daba was sent by Dr. Abdullah Dumuma, DOPH 11 regional director, to represent the regional office in yesterday’s presentation of Kapehansa Dabaw at the atrium of SM Annex in Matina.

Daba said that while all hospitals, especially those in the tertiary level, have DOH permits to operate, they have to have a separate special permit to engage in human stem cell treatment from the DOH and the FDA. This holds true for clinics.

Daba said in no case would the DOH and FDA allow stem cell treatment

FNO STEM,10

INSIDE:

DANECO may suffer 2 power disconnection Flooding displaces 4 832 families Pacquiao plays 15 for TRMH-CMO

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

US drone controversy, just ‘a misconception’ By ej DoMinic FernAnDez

CELEBRITIES IN KADAYAWAN. The cast of upcoming GMA Network show “Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas” led by lead stars Cesar Montano (center) and Lovi Poe (2nd front left) together with co-stars Rocco Nacino (left), Charrie Pine-

da (2nd from right) and Solenn Heusaff join the “Pamulak sa Kadayawan” grand float parade on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

Electric coop owes PSALM P275.2 M

N

EWS of the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 using US-operated spy drones is “merely a misconception,” according to its regional executive director, Joselin Marcus E. Fragada.

Fragada told Edge Davao yesterday that DENR 11 has nothing to do with the US military, and that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will merely be used for monitoring illegal-logging activities in the region.

He said, “perhaps, they heard the word ‘drone’ and connected it with US spy drones, which sparked the controversy.”

Fragada said that a newsman’s query at a previous Kapehan last July 15 “is there a possibility that the UAVs will be used by the military for spying on rebel forces in the hinterlands of the region” may have sparked the misconception.

“I was shocked when I

AVAO City Archbishop Romulo Valles yesterday told Edge Davao he would not comment on the alleged involvement of some members of the church who reportedly have been receiving monetary donations from the controversial Janet Lim-Napoles who is linked to the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

Valles told Edge Davao yesterday that, he “needs to read and know more about the issue” before he can comment on it one way or the other.

Former-Davao City Archbishop Fernando Capalla said, “Sorry, I prefer not to say anything on the issue about

Napoles.”

Recently, a national daily bared the names of seven priests and retired Infanta Bishop Julio Labayen as having allegedly received donations from the corporation owned by Napoles.

The newspaper reported that Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) former head, retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, had urged those involved to return the money because it came from “evil sources.”

The Napoles pork barrel scam involves a diversionary strategy to use the Priority De-

By Antonio M. Ajero

F

ama@edgedavao.net

is left with an outstanding power account to the Power Sectors Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM) in the amount of P275.2 million.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) are urging the 160,601 DANECO consumers in Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Tagum City, and Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) to pay their bills to the

Power plants, private ports are helping BOC hit quota

D

UTIES paid by power plants to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) 11 as well as privately-owned wharves are help the agency hit their target collections every month, along with petrolium products which top the list of imported goods contributing to BOC’s monthly collection.

BOC 11 district collector Edward James Dy Buco told Edge Davao yesterday that the creation of new power plants in Mindanao have contributed to BOC’s collection by

importing construction equipment and materials needed for the power plants.

Lawyer Dy Buco cited power plants in Mindanao, like the Aboitiz Power Corporation’s Therma South Inc. located somewhere between Toril, Davao City and Sta Cruz. Davao del Sur. It is a coal-fired power plant providing 300 megawatts to the region that started construction last year and is planning to upgrade into providing 600 MW, Dy Buco said.

FPOWER, 10

cooperative’s legitimate management in order to avert the specter of disconnection.

For sometime now, there has been an ongoing dispute between the so-called DANECO-NEA management and DANECO-CDA (Cooperative Development Authority) management as to who should manage the electric cooperative. The raging conflict which has reached the courts, has confused consumers as

FUS, 10

Davao City’s bishops mum on Napoles case

DANECO may suffer power disconnection D OR failure to pay hundreds of millions of pesos worth in power consumption, the troubled Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DANECO) faces the prospect of disconnection and leaving two provinces, two cities and more than a dozen municipalities into darkness and without power.

For failure of its consumers to pay their electric bills, DANECO

ejf@edgedavao.net

to which management they should pay their electric bills. For that matter, a good number of consumers have opted not to pay to either cooperative pending the result of the court battle.

A confused IGaCos Vice Mayor Al David T. Uy told a recent tourism meeting that he himself would pay his bills to one DANECO management this month and to the other management

FDANECO, 10

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Police personnel arrest a photographer who brought a backpack while covering the “Pamulak sa Kadayawan” in San Pedro Street, Davao City on Sunday. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO)

FDAVAO CITY’S, 10

already informed the public that backpacks and big bags are not allowed during the celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

3 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE

Another 50 graduated from farmers’ field school program T

HE Compostela Valley Province has produced another 50 farmer-graduates from its 4-month season long training on vegetable production, starting April 12 to August 13, 2013 conducted in New Bataan under the Farmers’ Field School Program.

A harvest festival was the highlight during their graduation. They were mostly typhoon victims who were encouraged and assisted also by Fr. Edgar Tuling, Parish Priest of San Antonio de Padua Parish, who hosted in his place the graduation ceremony.

Water melon and vegetables like eggplant, squash, ampalaya, were among other vegetables planted as part of the season long training. The

KIDAPAWAN CITY

Provincial Agriculturist’s Office headed by Dr. Rolando Simene has sent Donna Mae Narciso and Erwin Mesias- vegetable program coordinator to facilitate the training.

Under the public-private-partnership, the East West Seed Company has been supporting the province on its agricultural endeavors. They provide vegetable seeds for free to be used in the implementation of the program.

The season long training is a continuous program given in series every year to the province’s farmers.

Vegetable production is one potential area developed and supported by Governor Arturo T. Uy in his advocacy on food security. [Grace Almedilla, IDS-Comval]

NADECOR AGM. NADECOR Chairman Roberto R. Romulo (second from left) and President Conrado T. Calalang (third from left) welcome St. Augustine CEO Andrew J. Russell (fourth from left) at NADECOR’s 2013 Annual General Meeting. Toronto-listed St. Augustine recently invested $43.5 million in

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Jail officer held hostage by inmates C

OMPLAINING of limited food supplies and “very” strict security measures,” inmates of the North Cotabato District Jail here briefly held hostage an Inmate Welfare Development Officer early Monday morning, authorities said.

Senior Jail Officer 3 Samuel Sunico was hogtied and prevented from leaving the inmates quarters at 6:15 a.m. He was released

TAGUM CITY

unharmed after three hours, according to Inspector Diosdado Inso, NCDJ deputy warden, said.

Sunico was to start his daily routine of leading the inmates to an early morning “dance therapy” when he was forced by inmates to one of their quarters, hogtied and ordered to sit down.

Among the complaints aired by the inmates whose

leaders were not identified was the very strict implementation of security measures.

“Halos mahubuan na ang among parente kung mubisita namo (our visiting relatives are frisked that they almost told to undress),” one inmate said.

They also complained of lack of food supplies reaching them and some were spoiled.

The district jail located in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City has a capacity of 350 inmates but is currently housing more than 600 detainees.

Nobody was hurt in the three-hour hostage taking.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza has ordered an investigation and vowed to address the complaints of the inmates.

[PNA]

All set for Tagum City’sUgmad Festival

A

LL preparations are set for Tagum City’s Ugmad Festival.

The “Ugmad Festival”, (“Uma Gamiton, Mag-uuma Atong Dayegon,”) is a farmers’ festival celebrating a holiday for the farmers and acknowledging their noble contribution of being the backbone of the society.

It is a month long convergence not limited to the farmers sec-

tor but also includes the fisherfolks and the livestock caretakers as well. The date of the activity shall be slated every fourth week of August until the third week of September in the major event areas of Tagum City.

The events that will be undertaken in this festival are focused on three major fields - crops, fishery and livestock.

It is a showcase

mining firm NADECOR. Also in photo are (standing L-R) NADECOR directors Kee Ming Chi, John Engle, Kevin Belmonte,(seated on left) NADECOR COO Leocadio Nitorreda, and (seated on right) St. Augustine COO, Tom Henderson.

of the products produced through trade fair, competitions, cooking demos and technology presentation. It will commence with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration and culminate with recognition and awarding ceremony.

It highlights the Carroza y Pintados de Carabao parade within the center thoroughfares of the city. Along the month stretched festivity will

be an enriching input of fora and caucus series, farming technical demos and product presentations, sampling and giving away of farm supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, cropping aids and freebies.

What makes it more exciting is the pampering and relaxation session intended solely for the farmers and their families.

[Tagum City Tourism Office]

Socoteco I seeks 10-MW power supply deal as shortage looms

D

ISTRIBUTION utility South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco I) is negotiating with power producer Mapalad Power Corp.

(MPC) for a 10-megawatt (MW) supply deal to help offset another looming power shortage in the area.

Santiago Tudio, Socoteco I general manager, said Monday they are working for the signing of a power sales agreement with the MPC before its three-year supply contract with the National Power Corporation (NPC) expires on August 25.

He said the Alcantara-controlled firm, which operates the 100MW Iligan diesel power plant, initially agreed to provide 10 MW of power to Socoteco I starting September 1.

Socoteco I serves Koronadal City, seven towns in South Cotabato province and the municipality of Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat.

“As I understand, its (MPC) 100 MW was already contracted out earlier to the other cooperatives but it agreed to find a way to come up with our requested supplies,” he said in a radio interview.

Tudio said the Socoteco I board pushed for the signing of a power deal with the MPC to avert a major power shortage that might trigger anew long daily rotational brownouts in the area.

He earlier projected that the area’s power supplies will be reduced by about half with the expiration of its 20 MW-supply contract with the NPC. The power supply cut from the NPC could result to daily rotating brownouts of around seven hours, he said.

NPC started reducing its allocation to electric cooperatives in Mindanao last year due to the declining capacity of its hydropower plants in Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte.

The electric cooperative’s daily peak demand reaches around 32 MW, the bulk of which is supplied by the NPC. It has a standby supply of 4 MW from the Aboitiz-owned Therma Marine Inc. Tudio said the cooperative has leased around 12 MW of modular generator sets but their installation, which was slated earlier this month, is facing some delays. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

4 NATION EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

ON A RAINY MONDAY. Roxas Boulevard near the United States embassy during a lull of heavy monsoon rains on Monday, August 19, 2013. [PNA photo by Oliver Marquez]

MANILA

Joint DOJ-Ombudsman ‘pork’ scam probe proposed B

Says it will make a faster and transparent pork barrel scam investigation

AyAN Muna Representative Neri Colmenares yesterday urged the government to hasten its investigation in light of the growing list of parties involved in the pork barrel scam by having a joint Department of Justice (DOJ)-Ombudsman investigation. He also proposed conducting the DOJ-Ombudsman hearings in public, similar to congressional investigations and urged citizens to actively participate in the investigation to avoid chances of a whitewash.

“The number of NGOs and legislators reportedly involved in the pork barrel scam suddenly ballooned after the recent COA report. This means it will take some time for the DOJ to in-

MANILA

vestigate these parties after which they will file the complaint with the Ombudsman. I propose a joint DOJ- Ombudsman investigation since the DOJ will ultimately have to file this with the Ombudsman anyway. This will not only hasten investigation but also lessen suspicions that the DOJ investigation will attempt to exonerate allies of Malacanang” said Rep. Colmenares.

“Otherwise, the investigation process will be repeated by the Ombudsman after the DOJ files its complaint before it once their investigation is completed. Considering that even the Sandiganbayan is not fully organized yet, it will take years before we see the end of this issue if we

don’t hasten the investigation. The pork barrel scam could go the way of the Ampatuan trial,” the progressive solon added.

Colmenares also demanded the investigations to be public and urged citizens to take active part in the investigation and monitor its actions in order to ensure a fair and objective result.

“The joint DOJ-Ombudsman investigation must be public and transparent because of the huge national interest involved and, to avoid fueling suspicion that it will absolve allies of Malacanang.

That investigation is of course without prejudice to the impending congressional investigation, by nature a public proceeding, which is not intended for

MANILA

day and Nangka; (Manila) 68 families from the Baseco area; (Quezon City) 65 families; (Makati) 80 families from Barangays Bangkal, Palanan and Rizal; (Mandaluyong) 125 families from Barangays Addition Hills, Daang Bakal, Mabini, and Poblacion; (San Juan) 58 families from Barangays Salapan, Kabayanan and Balong Bato.

MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez said that as compared to last year when monsoon rains also caused many parts of Metro Manila to be flooded, the agency is better prepared now.

Jimenez said that the MMDA has better coordination now with the

various local government units.

She added that as compared to last year, the Metro’s LGUs are also now better prepared to deal with flooding in their respective areas.

According to Jimenez, it was only the city of Las Pinas who had requested rescue boats and sandbags from the MMDA. “We were monitoring the flooding, the usual areas, especially when the rains intensified on Sunday evening. I’m surprised that some areas like Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) did not ask for assistance for evacuation until Monday morning,” she said. [PNA]

WO Visayan lawmakers today appealed to former Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari not to bungle this great opportunity for peace to reign in Mindanao, ruined by decades of fighting between brother-Filipinos.

Iloilo City Congressman Jerry Trenas said that Misuari’s declaration that the MNLF is reverting to its secessionist past is very unfortunate especially now that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is close to signing a permanent peace agreement which would pave the way for the cre-

criminal prosecution but in aid of legislation. This way the public remains well informed.” said Rep. Colmenares.

“The people should form abolition of pork barrel networks which should monitor the proceedings. We are happy that the UP faculty has formed its anti-pork group, and we encourage more sectors and peoples organizations to do the same,” he added.

“Based on the reports coming out, it is clear that the pork barrel system is inherently anomalous and no amount of regulation will cure that.

Many regulations have been invented including the latest mechanism of limiting pork projects to a list of menus but to no avail. The Napoles scam

was exposed because of the greedy means with which the funds were stolen—100% non delivery of supplies through fake NGOs and beneficiaries.

And yet it took ten years to expose this simple and outrageously blatant robbery. Had they actually established these NGOs and delivered at least half of the projects to real beneficiaries they would still have earned billions and not get caught,” said Rep. Colmenares.

“Blacklisting NGOs is useless because all that a corrupt official will do is to organize another NGO. More importantly, even if pork barrel is not used in corruption, it is still anomalous because it is used in patronage politics and favoring allies of the pork holder.

The pork barrel system is inherently anomalous and it has to be abolished.

Legislators were not elected by the people to build basketball courts, or waiting sheds or deodorize trash.

We were elected to pass laws that will benefit the people as a whole.

We can abolish pork and deliver the funds directly to medical and educational needs of the people. The difference is they can access it directly without asking permission from a senator or a congressman. After all, these are the peoples’ funds anyway, and they have the right to access it directly without asking for our blessings,” concluded Rep. Colmenares.

ation of a Bangsamoro political entity.

Trenas pointed out that Misuari had his chance to prove to the world his worth as a leader of the Bangsamoro people but blew it largely because of his failure to unite his own people.

“He had his chance, more than enough time, to lead the country’s Muslim region through the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao. It’s time for him to let his brothers share the burden of leadership,” Trenas stressed.

“It is clear that his declaration of independence, which in any language would mean an open declaration of rebellion against the republic, is

clearly a desperate effort to derail the expected peace agreement between the MILF and the Aquino government,” the Ilonggo lawmaker added.

Trenas also appealed to the MNLF leader not so sacrifice his followers to destroy the road to permanent peace.

“Misuari and his followers can play very important roles under the anticipated peace accord with the MILF if only they are willing to let national interest reign over personal motives. I cannot help but conclude that what Misuari is now insisting is just to mend and feed his broken ego and hide the truth that he failed his own people,” Nograles said.,” Trenas pointed out.

Flooding displaces 832 families Visayan lawmakers ask Misuari to drop bid M

ORE than 800 families or almost 4,000 persons were reported rescued and currently staying in evacuation centers due to flooded areas in the cities of Manila, Quezon, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan and Marikina, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

MMDA has reported rescuing and evacuating total of 832 families or about 3,922 individuals from flooded Metro Manila due to rains brought by southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm Maring.

According to the MMDA, in Marikina, 436 families were evacuated from barangays Concepcion, Malan-

T

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

5

Aeon Towers celebrates Seller’s Day

(Top) Ian Campbelle of Campbelle and Associates gives his construction timeline.

(Left) Aeon Towers marketing manager Genefel Marchan (extreme left) and consultant Andrew Bautista (third from right) award the prizes for agents.

T

hey are the men and women who aim high and reach high—much in sync with the product they are selling which happens to be the city’s highest skyscraper project.

Aeon Towers, the 33-storey signature project of home-grown real estate developer FTC Group of Companies, threw a party on August 9 at the Apo View hotel’s Grand Ballroom for its frontline sales force and at the same time geared them up for the project’s new marketing push.

Dubbed as Seller’s Day, Aeon’s sales team took a day to get a fresh perspective of the project’s marketing thrusts with the triumvirate of FTC Group of Companies, Philippine Business Bank and Campbelle and Associates presenting development plans and strategies.

Aeon Towers project consultant Mr. Andrew Bautista welcomed the sales team and guests to the Seller’s Day followed by back-to-back technical presentations by Mr. Ian Campbelle of Campbelle and Associates and Mr. German yap of the Philippine Business Bank. Mr. Campbelle gave a timeline flow of

the construction phase of the project. Mr. yap, for his part, briefed the sales force of the partnership, the services offered by PBB as well as the privileges accorded to Aeon Towers clients.

Mr. Marc Lopez, sales and training head of Aeon Towers, presented the sales update from the perspective of the sales team. Mr. Lopez also presented a new payment scheme and the 2013 sales promo.

The marketing update was provided by Ms. Genefel L. Marchan, marketing manager of Aeon Towers. Ms. Marchan also gave a walk through of new marketing materials, mall exhibit schedules, sponsorships, Kadayawan 2013 activities, local media plan and provincial networking.

The Seller’s Day was also an occasion for the installation of new accredited sales agencies and the renewal of existing agencies. Recognition awards were given out to the agencies with complete attendance and special awards for the early birds.

The event is envisaged to further boost the performance of the sales and marketing force of the prime mixed use development project in this part of the country. (NJB)

Special prize for early birds during the Seller’s Day.

More prizes for agents with marketing manager Genefel Marchan and consultant Andrew Bautista.

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

Stat Watch

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

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

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

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

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

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

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

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

TREASURY BONDS. The Bureau of Treasury listed with the Philippine Dealing Exchange Corp.

(PDEX) its 10-year Retail Treasury Bonds worth P150 billion maturing in August 2023, a special offering program of the government intended for retail investors, especially individual savers. Standing left to right: LBP Executive Vice-President Rabboni Francis B. Arjonillo, Se-

curity Bank President and CEO Alberto S. Villarosa, DBP President and CEO Gil Buenaventura, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon, SEC Chair Teresita Herbosa, PDex Chairman and CEO Vicente Castillo and PDex President and COO Cesar Crisol.

P150B Treasury Bonds issued

T

HE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) successfully issued last August 15, 2013, PhP150 billion worth of 10-year retail Treasury bonds (RTB). The RTBs, which are set to mature on August 2023 and carry a coupon rate of 3.25% per annum, were simultaneously listed on the same date at the Philippine Dealing Exchange Corporation (PDEx),marking the commencement of secondary trading for the bonds across all segments of the market, including retail and individual investors.

The BTr auctioned the RTBslast July 30, 2013, accepting an aggregate amount of PhP100

billion from submitted total tenders amounting to PhP271.59 billion, fetching a heftyninetimes (9X) bid-cover ratio based on the original offer amount of PhP30 billion.BTr subsequently allocated an additional PhP50 billion during the 8-day public offer periodwhich ended on August 12, 2013.Preliminary results of the primary offer period indicate an aggregate sale to retail investors of around 65% and to individual investors of around 49%.

Selling agents were required and directed by the BTr to sell down to retail investors at least 50% of their holdings and further sell down to individual investors

at least 20% of their allocation.

Thesenew features of the offering are geared towards achieving the BTr’sobjective to make the RTB moreaccessible to truly retail/individual savers.

Treasurer of the PhilippinesRosalia De Leon reiterated the government’s staunch commitment to develop the local capital markets and create investors out of the ordinary retail investors through the RTB issuance program. “This RTB offering gives ordinary Filipinos the investment opportunity to participate in the debt market and raise their savings and investment consciousness,” De Leon further added.

The RTB is a special offering program of the government intended for retail investors, especially individual savers. The bonds pay a quarterly coupon and may be subscribed to by the public in minimum denominations of PhP5,000.

The Land Bank of the Philippineswas designated as the Lead Issue Manager for the transaction.Joining Land Bank as Issue Managers were BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, BPI Capital Corporation, the Development Bank of the Philippines, First Metro Investment Corporation and SB Capital Investment Corporation.

Zest Air losing P70M a day due to suspension S

INCE being handed an indefinite suspension on Friday, Zest Air claimed Sunday, August 18, it has been losing P70 million a day in revenues.

Aside from stalled operations, Zest Air Director Josephine Joy Caneba told DZBB refunds and flight transfers for passengers are contributing to the losses.

“Of course, our passengers are our main concern that is why we immediately undertook measures to minimize their inconvenience,” Caneba said. “We had to book them on other airlines and make arrangements for special chartered flights just to make sure they reach their destination. Our ground staff and personnel are on the job 24/7 to make sure all concerns are met.”

Zest Air has been offering full refunds or flight transfers for over 7,000 passengers daily since the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) suspended the airline on Friday over safety concerns.

CAPP said Zest Air violated, among others, the rule requiring airlines to have an “accountable

manager” who will ensure that operations are financed and at par with safety standards.

In a statement on Saturday, Zest Air decried the decision and maintained that its 11 aircraft are “safe and airworthy.” The airline also insisted it has an accountable manager – its president and CEO Ambassador Alfredo yao.”

Caneba said Zest Air was “shocked” and “surprised” by the sudden suspension, especially since it was handed on a Friday, giving them little room to adjust.

Zest Air to appeal suspension In a separate ANC report, Zest Air said it is set to file an appeal before the CAAP to lift the suspension order.

Should their appeal not be granted, the airline said it would take the matter to the court and file a petition for a temporary restraining order.

On August 2, CAAP placed Zest Air under “heightened” surveillance following a series of flight cancellations brought about by mechanical problems. [Rappler. com]

by the numbers A nationwide su rvey showed

4.9 million families or

22.7%

of responde claimed they experiennts ced going hungry during the period April to June 2013.

Source: SWS

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

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

7

‘I remember that morning’ By jose Ma. Lorenzo tan WWF-Philippines Vice-chair and CEO

I

remember that morning, as if it were yesterday. We woke up to the sound of slaps and splashes on the surface of a slick summer sea.

In less than 15 minutes, we were underwater, swimming with mantas, above the endless drop offs of Tubbataha Reef, in the Central Sulu Sea. At the time, I described it as a submarine Serengeti.

That happened more than 30 years ago. Last month, a string of WWF trips visited Tubbataha as part of our multi-year pledge to the province of Palawan to help make sure that this special place remains special.

And yes, the mantas were still there.

As were turtles, sharks, rays, mollusks, dolphins and fish – large fish, schooling and swirling around us, in the hundreds. Nesting, hunting, feeding throughout this 100,000-hectare park, that has few comparisons anywhere in the world.

People have said that this marine park stands head and shoulders above most because it boasts ‘a full range of biodiversity.’

For me, Tubbataha has always defined the meaning of that phrase.

Not just little reef fish, coral species, or miniature life forms, but also

everything you expect to find in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Tubbataha, you expect to encounter megafauna. And, you will.

Every dive. Every day.

Lorenzo tAn It remains the standard against which all marine parks are judged.

Tubbataha Reef’s exceptional fauna are not confined to the sea. The thousands of seabirds that breed, nest and feed off this giant larder of life give this park an enthralling dimension that have thrilled the most seasoned of birdwatchers.

I remember strolling along the Lighthouse Islet’s beach in 1978.

Terns rose in the air, as we walked past, furiously fighting us off their turf.

There were so many of them nesting there, that a nest with an egg occupied every square foot of space.

Great-crested terns in Tubbataha [JML Tan] Small sharks cruised the knee-deep shallows, waiting for a meal. It was as if we had stepped into the pages of the National Geographic Magazine.

After more than three decades since I first slipped into Tubbataha’s warm embrace, it is gratifying to see how well she is today.

It has not been easy.

There have been many challenges from

illegal fishing boats and shell gatherers, from El Nino and Crown-ofThorns outbreaks, from a seaweed farm, from several ships that ran aground and from financial challenges that the people of Palawan have somehow managed to overcome, time and time again. This gives us hope to press on doggedly, and we will.

Last month, at the

Delsan wreck, I espied a very large aggregation of white and yellow parrotfish, descending.

Flanking them were packs of white-tip reef sharks accompanied by several pairs of giant trevally. This was a hunting expedition and I was hypnotized by the dynamic tension that filled the water. The scene reminded me of lions and hyenas nipping at the

heels of wildebeest as they thundered across the green savannah.

This is what living reefs are all about - a robust, thriving synergy that dramatically spirals beyond taxonomy and track lines. It is the world as it should be. This is the image that will constantly fill my thoughts and reassure me that, truly, my submarine Serengeti is alive.

of the 10th ID/PA spearheaded the said meeting attended by all DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officers, staff of the Forest Resources Conservation Division, some PA officers and a Philippine National Police representative

PSupt. Federico Dulay, Sr. Aside from the discussions on issues and concerns, each DENR provincial officers presented their anti-illegal logging accomplishments in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

In his message to the

participants, Gen. Bernardo stressed that the partnership between the DENR and the PA in Region XI should go beyond just partnership thus action and necessary interventions have to be done to reach the common goal of totally eliminating illegal logging activities.

Bernardo further said that the AFP is here “to fully support because we know that this effort can eventually help us all abate the effects of climate change. We need to do some actions to have outputs,” he added.

On the other hand, Director Fragada encouraged all DENR field officers to be very vigilant and closely coordinate with the PA. He mentioned that illegal loggers and timber poachers are now using some desperate measures to skip the forestry law enforcers by citing the incident last July 2013 where a Bus with plate number LXA-651 was utilized to transport 111 pieces lumber with a total volume of 3.30 cu.m. in Maniki, Kapalong,

Davao del Norte.

“It is imperative that we use our knowledge as well as experiences and modify our tactics to effectively stop forest destruction in the region.

Let us make everyone know that our position is unassailable”, Fragada said.

The creation of the RAILTF is spelled out under Executive Order No. 23 (E.O. 23) or the Moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of trees in the natural and residual forests.

Through E.O. 23 and Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force Resolution No. 2012-005, the anti-illegal logging efforts on Mindanao was converted from civilian operations into an active military operation. The Department of National Defense (DND) through the AFP, will lead the anti-illegal logging operations in Mindanao, including but not limited to confiscation of illegally-cut logs/lumber and apprehension of violators. [Bing Cordova/ DENR 11]

DENR 11, Army collaborate against illegal logging

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 11) and the Philippine Army (PA) discussed some strategies to totally eliminate illegal logging/ cutting of trees and to finalize schedules to operate in the identified hot

spots for illegal logging in the region during yesterday’s (august 7, 2013) monthly meeting of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (RAILTF).

DENR 11 Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada and Major General Ariel Bernardo

DENR Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada (middle) together with Major General Ariel Bernardo of the 10th ID/PA (right) and Regional Technical Director for Forestry Lourdes Wagan (left) discuss some strategies to elim-

inate illegal logging activities in Region XI during the monthly meeting of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force held at DENR Regional Office.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

Irresponsible

HE case of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DANECO) having two groups trying to control the power coop may yet come out as a classic example of official irresponsibility among the squabbling personalities. The victims, as expected, are the hapless consumers numbering more than 100,000 in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

The two squabbling groups are DANECO-NEA and DANECO-CDA. The first is the group that argues that the cooperative should remain under the National Electrification Administration (NEA) while the second claims that DANECO should be under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) which should have jurisdiction over all cooperatives, including power cooperatives.

The group that wins the battle will be deemed the legitimate DANECO board of directors, while the vanquished will be the losing pretenders. Of course, this will still be determined by the courts or the powers-that-be, whose final decision seems to drag on till kingdom come.

Long before the ugly war between the two groups, DANECO was among the most well-managed electric coops in the country. Under the late lawyer Jose Amacio as first

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general manager, DANECO received awards almost every year.

Now, the dispute is about to explode in the faces of the quarrelsome groups. The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) is threatening to disconnect the power supply to DANECO which will surely throw the areas it is servicing back to the dark ages, so to speak--meaning total blackout that is--unless DANECO is able to pay the outstanding account to PSALM in the amount of P275 million.

This indebtedness piled up due to the confusion caused by the squabble. In their utter confusion, the consumers have not been paying their electric bills not knowing which of the two groups is the rightful management.

Through no fault of theirs, DANECO consumers in the affected areas will suffer the consequences of disconnection in the form, of stunted development of the two provinces, and the cities and towns therein.

In which case, the culpability lies with the squabbling personalities and the way justice seems to grind oh so slowly in determining who they are so that appropriate criminal charges could be filed against them.

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

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

I

NCRIDIBLE TURNAROUND - There was a startling development during the past few days that it seems would ignite another delay in the peace accord between the government (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the realization of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) supreme leader Nur Misuari recently opened his scathing speeches during a crucial gathering in his home turf with the same lines about where he stands and what he thinks about the new peace deal entered into between the GRP and MILF. What was even more stunning is his plan to declare an independent status to the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan, Palawan and Zamboanga Peninsula including North Borneo or Sabah.

He wanted to declare independence and create a separate state, decide their own fate because of his belief that they have been left behind and totally discarded in the new rounds of peace talks. Touring various areas in Mindanao last year, Misuari explained to chuckling audiences that the new peace deal is an apparent disregard for the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).Truly, the topmost MNLF chieftain still commands tremendous support, especially among the people from the southwest part of the island as clearly shown during the 17th MNLF General Summit Gathering held in Davao City last year. Loyal and committed supporters and followers flocked in hordes to the city – crowed-pressed and braved the scorching heat just to get a glimpse and listen intently to their revered chieftain.

Crowds gathered along the roadside, attracted by the roar of vehicles and escort sirens. Misuari was in his element, walking among his people, shaking hands and telling stories. However, crowd estimates vary – organizers placed it at 10,000 while others have it at 5,000.

Misuari is in his usual self – talking for hours without tiring, details in staccato-style, blasts like from a verbal machine gun. All this

O

ne of the policy agenda the 22nd MinBizCon presented to government was “enhancing infrastructure and logistics support in key production areas to improve connectivity within Mindanao, between Mindanao and the rest of the country, and between Mindanao and the rest of the world”.

Sounds like a tall order, right? Maybe not.

After all, infrastructure development is what we clamour for in Mindanao. Not only do we need more farm to market roads, we also need more municipal roads, national highways, and bridges to connect the island-region.

This will make it easier, faster, and more convenient for people to travel and transport goods and commodities, thereby making our local enterprises and industries more competitive and efficient.

Of the infra projects of DPWH in Mindanao, I found their priority projects in ARMM interesting, because it identified three road projects that have been started in 2006 but whose construction were mothballed for various reasons.

These are part of the P 2.852 billion infra budget for Regions IX, X, and XII, as presented by DPWH Sec. Singson in the 22nd MinBizCon last August 8-9, 2013. Touted as among the poorest and most underdeveloped regions in the country, ARMM could stand to get more infra budget than what it has been getting of late.

I couldn’t help but remember how dismayed I was with the road conditions in Mindanao in one of my sojourns in the country-

VANTAGE POINTS

A long way to go may explain some of the enthusiasm during the so-called “summit” where he is divulging plans and steps of what to do to strongly oppose the formation of a new autonomous political entity. At times he loses himself in flights of rhetoric – or pure political boosterism. “But don’t count him out yet,” cautions an insider and former close pal who is privy on the Mindanao peace process.

“He’s got an enormous stock of goodwill despite his previous excesses and trespasses and brushes with the law,” he further added. But the many years of political hiatus has clearly weighed in on the man. Keen observers say he has grown old and tired. Things are entirely different now. Although he hasn’t changed in terms of his devotion to the cause, he is not just dealing with the GRP-MILF Framework Agreement, but society as a whole – politicians, professionals, academe, labor sector and people from all walks of life.

Now that a new peace pact is “rightly in place” and at a time when he was groping in the dark, Misuari is trying whatever means he can to get what he can for his people even probably to the extent of filing a protest before the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). That quest began even before the ink gets dry during the signing of the new peace accord. Nonetheless, Misuari appeared from view after years of political “hibernation.” His timing, as always, was remarkable. Months later, the GRP-MILF negotiating panels finally signed the peace deal aimed at establishing the FAB. The sad thing is that the peace pact is keep out of reach from the old revolutionary.

Meanwhile political experts noted that Misu-

ari seems to hold strong cards, in particular, an outstanding connection in the influential OIC. Time and again, he says he is not advocating that his MNLF faction should adopt either the use of force or violence to forestall the establishment of a new autonomous political entity. But he is singing a different tune this time as to what the GRP-MILF had done – in his opinion – hastily and unwisely. Reacting to critics of Misuari’s actions, some political analysts categorically say that the issue is plain and simple: it is whether or not to form a new autonomous region to replace ARMM in order to determine the public sentiment on the questions of the future of the Bangsamoro people. But this is the most remarkable turnaround at the moment: aside from his legion of committed supporters and sympathizers, still many friends and accomplices stick up for their old friend, defending the former revolutionary and ARMM regional governor. They say he has also a good heart and grand intentions. Misuari has lots of these, but is suffering from the growing pains that afflict any politicians, let alone for one who lived outside the system for quite some time.

Critics aren’t kind, though, saying that they are disenchanted by Misuari’s leadership and management style and isn’t even able to run ARMM appropriately during his term.

Well, largesse is politics as usual. People of the Bangsamoro land will expect more from whoever leads the new autonomous region or a leader who devotes his life shaking the old system. Of course, tearing things down is much easier than building them up. After all the battles and sufferings, Muslim Mindanao begs for a new, bright start, not another politician. They want progress and development.

Whether lasting peace will follow prosperity after the much-hyped Bangsamoro formation is another question. It’s still a long way to go even more so now with Misuari’s ambitious proposal.

side for a research study many years back.

On our way to Kidapawan from a remote barangay in Arakan, North Cotabato, we took the first jeepney that roared by the dirt road, already full of passengers and sacks of agri products. We had no choice but to make ‘sabit’ at the back of the jeepney.

What made the ride an ordeal was the road (or the lack of it). For each hump and bump, I had to hold on for dear life, and grimaced a little bit inside as the wet, stinky sack of raw rubber slapped against my side.

I arrived at our destination a little worse for wear, and more odoriferous.

That experience made an impact on me as a young adult, so that when I travel around Mindanao, I can’t help but take note of the poor state of our roads, or the lack of it. Hence, when Sec. Singson presented their road projects in Mindanao, I couldn’t help but feel glad for the people who stand to benefit.

The project includes the Basilan Circumferential Road which, once completed, will allow the people of Basilan to reduce to only two hours their usual travel time of almost

four hours for the entire 133-km stretch.

There is also the Lake Lanao Circumferential Road and its adjacent roads, expected to reduce travel time for the entire stretch from three hours to only an hour and 45 minutes.

The Cotabato City East Diversion Road will also be constructed to serve as by-pass road to reduce travel time from 50 minutes to only 25 minutes, and to decongest the city’s main roads that are known to be perennially choked.

DPWH is also constructing three bridges along the Sanga-Sanga-Bato-Bato-LapidLapid National Road in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi—a total of 1,120 lineal meters—that will greatly reduce travel time from Bongao to mainland Tawi-Tawi from two and a half hours by sea, to only 30 minutes by land if passing through these three bridges.

If all these vital infrastructure are completed, what a great difference that would be for the people of Basilan, Lanao, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City. The enhanced connectivity will not only ease travel and transport in these agri-production areas, but also improve the daily lives of the people. It will also open these areas to more business activities and investment opportunities.

Well, now that you know about these infrastructure development plans for the ARMM region, there are more eyes that will be on the lookout for the actual completion of these roads. The government is not only accountable to deliver what they have promised; we, as citizens, are also accountable to keep tabs on those promises.

Roads for ARMM

9

World leaders who are actually leading COMMENTARY

By Ian Bremmer

(1st of two parts)

E

ARLIER this summer, as I watched the Pope attract millions as he toured Brazil, I noticed how rare the scene was. Here was a man in control of an embattled institution, and he had somehow rallied his troops. By going back to the basics of Catholic belief—embracing humility, supporting the downtrodden, asking for sacrifice— as well as pushing the envelope (with his more progressive stance on homosexuality, for example), Pope Francis had begun to rehabilitate the church. It was viable leadership: the kind that motivates, inspires, and unites.

This is becoming increasingly rare.

We live in a world where no single country or group of countries can provide dominant, sustainable global leadership—G-Zero, as I call it—and that’s in large part because so many countries lack solid leadership at home. As I look around the world, I see only three leaders of major countries that, like the pope, are managing to squelch opposition, carve out a more impactful role for themselves, and undertake difficult reforms, all while leveraging their popularity and consolidating their strength.

In Japan, Shinzo Abe, the country’s former and also new prime minister, has enjoyed extraordinary popularity since reemerging as a national leader last year. Abe, who had a disappointing stint as prime minister in 2006-2007, has come back with force, promoting a namesake economics plan that has Japan shedding its “lost decades” and inspiring Japanese citizens. So far, “Abenomics” is producing some impressive results. Profits among major Japanese companies in the 2nd quarter of this year were double the figure a year ago.

Private consumption in the same period increased 3.8 percent on an annualized basis. The Nikkei stock average is up over 30 percent this year.

He’s young, charismatic, and his administration’s approval rating has hovered in the 60 percent range throughout most of his term (though it has declined over time). His leadership was given a further vote of confidence in an upper house election this summer when his ruling coalition scored a landslide victory and consolidated its party. For now, Japanese see Abe and his policies as the best shot Japan has had in a long time at getting its mojo back.

Likewise for Xi Jinping, China’s President. I’ve covered his popularity in another column, including his aspirational “Chinese Dream” speeches, the apocryphal urban legend of Xi taking cab rides to talk to commoners, and his charming improvisation with world leaders. Xi’s latest legend-burnishing photo op is of him holding his own umbrella with his pant legs rolled up. It’s an innocent gesture, with deeper bureaucracy-shaking undertones for his Chinese constituents. With the help of a centralized government, he has the hold of his people through a mix of accessibility and charisma.

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

No stem.. FFROM 1 in hotels, as was done in Manila by some foreign stem cell treatment practitioners.

The DOH regulation officer explained some of the contents of a 15-page administrative order (No. 2013-0012) issued by DOH Secretary Enrique T. Ona as early as March 18.

The AO listed the “Rules and Regulations Governing the Accreditation of Health Facilities Engaging in Human Stem Cell and Cell-Based or Cellular Therapies in the Philippines.”

In the AO, Secretary Ona explained that stem cells science and technology is considered the future of medicine. Along this line, Ona said the government encourages various stakeholder(s) to participate in the development of the science of stem cell therapy.

The AO said that “stem cells are unspecified cells capable of renewing themselves and differentiating into other cell types, even after long periods of inactivity. Under certain physiologic or experimental condi-

tions, they can be induced to become tissueor organ-specific cells with special functions.”

It added “in some organs such as the gut and bone marrow, stem cells regularly divide to repair and replace worn-out or damaged tissues.”

On the other hand, it said “cell-based therapies have existed for the past four decades. There are stem cell-based therapies which have been proven to be effective in some medical conditions such as some forms of “blood dyscracias.”

In a related development, Dr. Anthony Leachon, vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), resigned last week as DOH consultant over his disagreement with Secretary Ona’s stand that patients of experimental stem cell therapy should be asked to pay, saying it was “unacceptable.”

Leachon was a lecturer in Davao City when he emailed his resignation to Ona. Meanwhile, former

press secretary and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Peace Process (OPAP) chief Jesus G. Dureza and wife Beth, shared with friends positive developments in their stem cell treatment during a dinner they hosted in their home last night. Dureza is now the publisher of the Mindanao Times daily and current chairman and president of the Philippine Press Institute.

Nilo Claudio, who once headed PPI, said the Dureza couple talked about their personal experience and benefits after undergoing stem cell therapy in Germany, to friends ‘called “Nanding Boys”, referring to close friends of retired Archbishop of Davao Msgr.

Fernando Capalla.

Daba said that at least two tertiary hospitals in the city are now applying for a DOH-FDA permit to administer stem cell therapy. He said the applicants will be given a permit after complying with a number of conditions listed in the AO 2013-0012.

the next month.

Before the management conflict erupted, DANECO was one of the country’s most outstanding electric cooperatives.

The impending electric disconnection has worried governors Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte and Arthur T. Uy of Compostela.

Uy told Edge Davao that he was hopeful the impasse would be settled soon.

“Actually, there was

a series of consultations initiated by no less than Secretary (Carlos Jerico L.) Petilla of DOE on the problem,” Uy said, adding, “in fact his team will be here next Friday to finally settle the issue between DANECO-NEA and DANECO-CDA.” It was also learned that Davao del Norte Gov. del Rosario had instructed his staff and fellow officials to study the possible moves that the province would have to make in case of

a disconnection.

One city and four towns of del Rosario’s province do not have problems with power as they are not serviced by DANECO. They are Panabo City and the towns of Sto. Tomas, Braulio Dujali, Carmen and Sto. Tomas. The people of these localities had opted in a referendum decades back to be serviced by the Davao City-based Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC).

“Despite the fact that they are registered with the BOI and exempted from payment of duties to the BOC, they still have to pay the EVAT because they are bringing in capital equipment. The EVAT at 10 percent is collected by the BOC,” Dy Buco said.

Another example is the San Miguel Corporation-owned coalfired power plant in Malita that started construction last month, which will be providing 320 MW. The power plant of the Alcantara Group of Companies in Maasim, Sarangani also contributes to the collection of BOC 11 for importing

construction equipment and materials.

Dy Buco said, “it will take 2 to 3 years before construction of the power plants is completed and will be importing coal, which will help BOC for a lifetime.”

Lawyer Dy Buco said that privately-owned ports are a big help to BOC by decongesting government ports and inviting more investors.

“It cannot be denied that the Sasa pier is already congested because of the volume of exports and imports and is not capable of handling the flow of products anymore, which is why privately-owned piers are a

very big help to the BOC.” Some of these wharves are the Terminal Facilities and Services Corporation (Tefasco) wharf, the Floirendo-owned San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc., Sumifru Philippines Corporation, and a wharf in Madaum operated by the group of Enrique Razon.

Dy Buco said the top products being imported through BOC 11 are petroleum products from “our very own,” Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., followed by Insular Oil Corporation Davao for 2013, as well as last year. EJF

DANECO.. FFROM 2

Power.. FFROM 2

MOBBED. Balladeer Erik Santos reaches out to throngs of adoring fans at his Anniversary Show held at SM Lanang Premier on Saturday, August 17.

‘Maring’ floods wide areas of Luzon, classes suspended

T

ROPICAL storm Maring (international name Trami) lashed a wide area of northern Philippines, flooding large areas including agricultural tracts, forcing the suspension of classes in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

In Metro Manila, where low lying streets including those around the University belt are submerged in knee-deep waters, at least 5,000 people have been evacuated to higher grounds.

At least two were reported killed and three missing, according to rescue officials.

Weathermen say Maring, the 13th weather disturbance to enter the Philippines this year, will enhance the inclement

weather over the country’s main island of Luzon, which was still reeling from the effects of Labuyo which exited the area a few days earlier.

Weathermen said the inclement weather would continue until Wednesday due to the rain-driving southwest monsoon, even as relief and rescuer operations shifted to higher gear in towns around the national capital due to the rampaging floodwaters.

Laguna province itself has been placed under a state of calamity Monday after Maring brought heavy flooding and torrential rains to most parts of the province.

Laguna Gov. Emilio Ramon Ejercito said in a radio interview the calamity

wrought by the monsoon rains in the province is “Ondoy and Habagat combined.”

Ejercito appealed to the Dept. of National Defense and the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development to send amphibious trucks and relief assistance, both food and non-food items.

At least one town, Santa Rosa, had 15 of its 18 barangays submerged by heavy flooding.

In Manila, President Benigno Aquino III said government agencies and local government units are prepared to respond to disasters even before the onslaught of the enhanced monsoon being pulled by Maring which resulted in strong rains and heavy flooding in Luzon. [PNA]

read the news that DENR would be using US spy drones based at the old Davao airport,” he said, adding that the UAVs that they will use are very small and do not need a flight zone that big.

He said he already talked to Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s personal assistant, Lawrence “Bong” Go, to clarify the issue, and hopes that the mayor would understand.

The mayor, in recent news, has been very

adamant in his stand against the use of US spy drones in the city.

DENR 11 will be the first in the country to use the AUV in monitoring 66 illegal logging hotspots in the region which are mostly in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, and a few in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur, according to Fragada in the Kapehan sa Dabaw last July 15.

He said he already had talks with Sky Eye, a

UAV service provider in the Philippines, and that he himself requested the national DENR for the use of UAVs. He said, “having UAVs would be a good augmentation, since it can definitely see illegal logging activities, and the drone will not lie.”

He still has no idea how much this project would cost, and will inform the public accordingly when it becomes operational, probably within this year.

velopment Assistance Fund (PDAF) of some lawmakers in favor of non-government organizations (NGO) for non-existing projects these past years.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, who is also the incoming president of the CBCP, issued a pastoral letter posted in the official website of CBCP, which states, “the pork barrel has become like a ‘discretionary fund’ of elected Repre-

sentatives.”

Adding, “In theory, it is for the development of the poor, but in reality, it has served to strengthen the clutch of politicians to power.”

However, he said in the pastoral letter, “before we rush to pass judgment on our legislators who avail of the pork barrel, it would be opportune for us citizens to search our souls and ask, what have I done to contribute to this?”

For the Church, he said, “We in Church can contribute to the corruption by grabbing a piece of the pie through our solicitations from government officials—from candles to basketball uniforms, to bags of cement, to government bulldozers.”

He added, “we tempt the public officials to get money from jueteng or the pork barrel in order to accommodate us.

Walang hihingi!” EJF

US.. FFROM 2

Davao City’s.. FFROM 2

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

COMMUNITY SENSE

11

DSWD signs MoA with LGUs for social pension fund transfer T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently signed a Memorandum

of Agreement with the local government units of Davao Region for the transfer of social pension funds to the latter

SOCIAL PENSION FUNDS. Municipal mayors of Davao Oriental Province and Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Transfer of Social Pension Funds to the local government units.

to fast track the distribution of stipend to the beneficiaries.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Cit-

izens Program addresses the clamor for social protection to the most vulnerable older persons as well as backs the

Mayors of Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur and Compostela Valley also signed the MOA last Friday at Royal Mandaya Hotel. DSWD

full implementation of RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. The monthly stipend of P500 which took effect January 2011, augments the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens.

Potential recipients of the Social Pension Program or RA 9995 are non-pensioners who are 77 years old and up, with no regular support from the family, said Rebecca A. Santamaria, DSWD Chief of Protective Service Unit. “As of second quarter in 2013, Region XI has 13,251 total beneficiaries. We will have additional 1384 new pensioners this coming third quarter of 2013, she said.”

Following the MOA Signing, the LGUs shall prepare and submit a quarterly updated list of eligible senior citizens.

DSWD will then transfer the annual allocation to the LGUs on a quarterly basis subject to the approved quarterly updated list of eligible senior

citizens and liquidation of previously transferred fund.

Santamaria said DSWD will continue to monitor and provide technical assistance to the LGUs through the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) and conduct orientation, advocacy activities and meetings with the LGU Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), Federation of the Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FSCAP), and barangay senior citizens associations.

The LGU City/Municipal Treasurer shall take full responsibility in the proper disposition/disbursement of funds for the implementation of the program in accordance with the existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations and shall liquidate the transfer of funds in accordance with Commission on Audit Circular No. 94-013.

[DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

HE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) together with some technical vocational institutions (TVIs) recently looked at how the training sector can contribute to the realization of the development agenda of Davao Oriental.

In the committee meeting of TVI administrators with Provincial Governor Corazon Malanyaon at the Provincial Capitol, TESDA OIC Provincial Director El Cid H. Castillo pointed out the need to align vocational programs and trainings with the development thrusts of the provincial government.

Aware of the on-going rebuilding operation after Typhoon Pablo, TESDA committed to train more workers in support of the provincial government’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts dubbed as Building Back Better Program.

Castillo called attention of TVIs on the need to produce more graduates to serve the manpower requirement especially for the construction of housing units which

the provincial government targets to complete before the yearend.

“If we want to respond to the needs of the province, the region, and our nation in terms of manpower skills development, we need to develop more competent trainers who will be our vehicle in meeting all these needs,” he said urging the institutions to invest not only on their programs but also on their personnel.

Castillo also encouraged the establishment of mobile van training—a facility that can bring skills development programs closer to the farthest sitios to deliver community-based training.

He urged TVIs to become more responsive to the development thrust of the provincial government as defined in the Provincial Development Investment Plan which is also anchored on five major development themes, namely, Poverty, Environment, Access to Infra-Utilities and Services, Public Order and Security and Governance. [Karen Lou Deloso, PIO DavOr/Jeanevive D. Abangan PIA 11]

TVIs seek to contribute Holcim Foundation calls for entries in TESDA, to gov’t development agenda $2-M sustainable construction contest T T

HE search is on for the best ideas on how the construction industry can contribute to sustainability, with the launch of the 4th International Holcim Awards on Sustainable Construction, one of the most significant competitions on its field with $2 million in prize money at stake.

The main category is open to projects in architecture, building and civil engineering, landscape and urban

design that show how incorporating sustainability principles construction can address environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues. Projects must have reached an advanced stage of design, have a high probability of execution, and may not have started construction before July 1, 2013.

The competition also seeks visionary projects and bold ideas for the next generation cat-

egory, which is open to young professionals and students between 18 and 30 years old. Only projects that have not started construction before July 1, 2013 may be entered.

Entries must be submitted online at www. holcimawards.org by March 24, 2014. The entries will be screened by an independent panel of experts from renowned technical universities around the world.

The Holcim Awards

will be locally launched on Aug. 30 at the SMX Convention Center during the 10th Green Forum by the Green Architecture Advocates of the Philippines.

Since its launch 10 years ago, the contest has generated a number winning entries that showed the construction industry can help contribute to sustainability through innovative designs and structures address a host of challenges.

force the Accessibility Law or the Batas Pambansa 344 created in 1983 (check the latest version of this law).

Creation of such body at the local level was among the major agenda discussed during the recently held meeting of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs, Sub-Committee on Accessibility during which a consultation was also held that tackled “inclusive

and non-handicapping environment for persons with disabilities.”

Tacujan revealed that the district team would also serve as “pressure group at town levels” as she noted a number business establishments including malls which failed to comply with accessibility features of their building.

Spearheaded by the persons with disability

sector, the District Access Monitoring Team will be composed of representatives from the District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), social workers of the local Social Welfare Office, the local building official or the Provincial Engineering Office, and others identified by the core group. [PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

Monitoring team created to closely watch accessibility law compliance T

HE National Council on Disability Affair (NCDA) recently facilitated the creation of District Access Monitoring Team in Davao City to closely check enforcement of accessibility to persons with disabilities.

In an interview, NCDA Regional Coordinator Ruth Tacujan said the District Access Monitoring Team seeks to implement and en-

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Meralco wins V-League opener M

DEBUT. Meralco made its debut in the Shakey’s V-League against PNP.

ERALCO churned out enough power in the decider to outlast Philippine National Police and hack out a 2517, 17-25, 21-25, 25-15, 15-9 victory in its maiden campaign in the Shakey’s V-League Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Skipper Maureen Penetrante-Ouano spewed 19 hits, including 12 kills, while three other turned in double-digit outputs to help steer the Power Spikers to the scrambling win in the one-hour, 48-minute encounter kicking off the Second Conference of the league’s 10th season.

Maica Morada and guest player Ivy Remulla blasted away 15 hits apiece while former La Salle mainstay Stephanie Mercado unleashed a 12-kill performance as the Power Spikers put to naught Frances Molina and Janine Marciano’s combined 44-point effort for PNP. “Our more experienced

players stepped up in this match,” said Meralco coach Oliver Almadro in Filipino, referring to Ouano, a former league MVP, Remulla and Maica Morada.

“We’ve only practiced for two weeks and it’s only just a week that we have been practicing as a complete team because most of my players are working,” added Almadro.

Molina and Marciano uncorked 22 hits apiece for the Lady Patrolers, including a combined 38-attack production but couldn’t pull it off in the last two sets, enabling the Power Spikers to bounce back and launch their first-ever stint in the Shakey’s-sponsored league on a winning note.

Meralco charged back from a 1-2 set deficit with a fiery performance in the fourth set to force the decider, which appeared headed to a down-to-thewire finish until the Power Spikers racked up four straight points to break a 5-5 count.

Fairlanes rule SBC Kadayawan bowlfest F

AIRLANES beat top qualifier Adventurers-2 twice to capture the team title in the Sunday Bowlers Club 28th Kadayawan Open Bowlfest last Saturday at the Fairlanes Bowling Center.

Fairlanes climbed to the top of the step-theladder format by first whipping the Adventurers-2, 558-547 in their first championship match.

Fairlanes continued to wax hot in their second and final encounter via a smashing 70-pinfall victo-

ry, 638-568 The Thursday Group Bowlers crushed Petronas, 586-558 to settle for third place.

Boy Fuentes of beat top qualifier Joel Pamaran of Adventurers-2, 117100 and 134-90 to cop the Masters’ title.

Pamaran, however, took the highest individual double score (292) and individual highest average (126.4). His team posted the highest single (649) and double score (1252).

DARING DRIVE. LA Tenorio of Ginebra drives against Elijah Millsap of Petron during the Ginebra-Petron

tussle in the PBA Governor’s Cup last Sunday. Nuki Sabio

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

Bruce Lee:

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

The man, the legend I remember a time before the advent of lavish computer effects, when actual stunt crews and rigs made kung fu moves feel more real and exciting. The action and kung-fu movies of Hong Kong were so much different from what Hollywood produced, and this was in partly thanks to the vision of one Bruce Lee.

A larger than life statue of Bruce Lee dominates the museum’s lobby.

A peek into the main exhibition area.

Bruce Lee’s iconic yellow jumpsuit from Game of Death.

Bruce Lee toys from the 1990’s. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

Hong Kong is full of international stars, from Andy Lau, Chow Yun Fat and Jackie Chan, but Bruce Lee was the trail blazer of the lot and I was lucky enough to catch the Bruce Lee: Kung Fu, Art, Life exhibit organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong and the Bruce Lee Foundation at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum located a short walk from Hong Kong’s Che Kung Station.

I love to travel but travelling is not all about the shopping and the eating, in fact, I love visiting museums to get a slice of culture and history of the place I am visiting and this time was no exception.

The exhibit delved into the life of the legendary actor who was responsible in bringing martial arts to movies as well as Hong Kong movie making and movie magic to western film. Upon entering the exhibition hall, I was immediately greeted by a mirror wall that harken back to the fight scenes of Bruce Lee’s movie, Game of Death.

Every aspect of his life was masterfully curated

and put on display for everyone to appreciate. Who would have known that this kung fu master was also masterful in the art of dancing the cha-cha? Also of note was that Bruce attended Catholic school, both in Xavier and LaSalle.

I was also amazed at how the artefacts were lovingly preserved, from the handwritten notes he would make to his workout regimen, to his Gucci Bag that has a B.L. monogram emblazoned on it to the iconic yellow jumpsuit. And who would have known that Bruce loved to read and collected philosophy books as well as books on martial arts? In fact, the exhibit had a replica of his study and the hundreds of books he would collect

FBRUCE LEE, A4

Part of Bruce Lee’s book collection. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

A portrait Bruce Lee’s portrait.

A portrait of Bruce Lee at the entryway of his memorabellia and toy collection.

Green Hornet lunchbox and thermos from 1967.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AnD ABOUT

Embrace gadget technology responsibly UnLEss you are an Amish, life without gadgets is now unimaginable. Much more, the fast paced development of technology has been leaving us undeniably excited and enthusiastic, albeit reliant in extended virtual lifestyles. While these behavioral effects can just be taken lightly on the individual scale, they can get problematic when still made apparent on the set-up of a social group or within a community. now that we are at the prime of multitasking smartphones and tablets, sensitivities have sky-rocketed and it has become all the more imperative to observe social graces, as we have been trained back in the day. Below are simple tips to responsibly use and experience gadget technology: MOnITOR YOUR sPEAKInG VOLUME When using the phone in public, it always helps to be sensitive of the volume of your voice. You would not want to bother a fervent moment in the church, distract the concentration of your colleagues or even bother other people by letting them overhear the details of your personal conversation. As long as the person from the other line can already hear you clearly, then there’s no reason for you to go overboard.

FOCUs On THE TAsK AT HAnD Whether you are driving, preparing your report for work, attending church service, taking an exam or doing things which require heavy concentration, it doesn’t help to let these gadgets get in the way. Unless it is an alert for a lifeand-death situation, never lose your focus on doing important things and do not let let virtual distractions hinder you from giving your 100%.

THInK BEFORE YOU CLICK

Beyond system technicalities and security reasons, this is most applicable for people who are active in social media through their smartphones and gadgets. Always remember that whatever you post online can easily be copied, taken out of context, and shared to an unintended audience which might take offense or use it for illicit purposes. While social media can be a means of expression, it is always best to be responsible with what you post and be an advocate of positivity among your fellow netizens.

LIVE In THE MOMEnT. It is always in life’s best moments that people get the urge to go online and share to the world how much in awe they are. While it is nice to take pictures of scrumptious-looking food, tweet about the last few minutes of a game or take a video of a child’s first steps, it would be a shame to be caught up in the virtual bubble and just let these moments pass you by. so when a good thing happens, you should know when to drop your smartphone. Indulge and live in the moment.

After all, and as they say, the human sight and memory are still the best camera and storage there is.

And of course, these tips would come in handy when you have the least of mobile service concerns to worry about. On top of being an active advocate of responsible gadget usage, mobile network operator sun Cellular offers an amazing array of best-value gadget plans through the sunDroid Rush.

For as low as P1,799 per month, one can get both a samsung Galaxy Grand smartphone and a samsung Galaxy note 8.0 tablet. This already comes with unlimited mobile internet, unlimited texts to all networks and 100 minutes sun calls.

To know more about the gadget plans and smartphone offerings of sun Cellular, visit the nearest branch of The sun shop or call 200 through a sun Cellular mobile phone. You may also visit www.facebook.com/suncellularph or follow sun on Twitter at www.twitter.com/suncelltweets for product and promo updates. sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT Group.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

Globe Telecom and PUSOD, Inc. bring light to residents of Taal Volcano island

F o r t Y- E I G H t year old boatman redentor Bahadia has been living without electricity all his life. Not because he cannot afford to pay for it. It so happened that the entire taal Volcano island where about 5,000 people reside remains unconnected to the national electric transmission grid.

to make matters worse, reden has to shell out over P100 a day or more than P3,000 a month for the two liters of gasoline needed to keep his generator going for 12 hours. The amount is much higher than the electric consumption of an average household in Metro Manila.

At night, when he takes the 30-minute journey from the island to the mainland, reden has to rely on his battery-operated flashlight to provide illumination along the lake, thus, spending a couple of pesos more for disposable batteries. reden is not alone in this predicament. other residents of the volcano island who use kerosene for their lamps like 28-year old Lenie de Villa also have to spend P30 a day per bottle or P900 a month, making a huge dent in the meager income that they get. on top of it, they also pay P5 just to charge their cellular phones.

“Kailangan pa naming lumabas at bumili ng gaas para sa gasera. Ang hirap lalo na pag gumagawa ng assignment ang mga bata.

Saka pag may kalamidad gaya ng bagyo o lindol tapos wala kaming ilaw (We need to go out and buy

A 30-minute boat ride to Brgy. Calauit, Balete, Batangas.

Boatman Redentor Bahadia, one of the solar lamp recipients kerosene for our lamp. It’s telecom together with so difficult especially when PUSoD, Inc., a nonthe kids are doing their government organization homework. And it’s also spearheading the taal Voldifficult not to have any cano Protected Landscape light when there’s a calam- project, decided to address ity like a typhoon or earth- the situation by providing quake),” Lenie said. solar lamps initially to 80 Thus, it was of great families of boatmen and relief to the people of Ba- tour guides under PUrangay Calawit, Balete, SoD. Batangas when Globe recipients only have to

Some of the boatmen, tour guides and their families who receive the solar lamps from Globe.

pay P250 per month for 12 months for the portable solar lamps and P310 a month for two years for those intended for home installation. The amount paid will then be used as seed money to buy additional lamps for the other196 households in the barangay. Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines provides technical support to ensure longevity of the lamps which is covered by a two-year warranty.

The solar lamps work from four hours of continuous use under maximum setting to as long as 100 hours under bedtime setting. They can also be used to charge mobile phones.

“We would like to help uplift the lives of the people of Batangas which is one of our communities of practice. With the solar lamp distribution, we are able to assist the community further by allowing them to be more productive even in the evening, generate more savings, and be free from health and environmental hazards brought about by the use of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum,” said Fernando Esguerra, oIC, Globe Corporate Social responsibility.

Globe is also currently doing its part in livelihood provision as well as in environmental protection and conservation of taal Lake and its environs in partnership with PUSoD. At the same time, it also assists the barangay through the Sagot Ka ni Kap empowerment program for barangay leaders.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Daniel Padilla sings the theme song of ABS-CBN’s newest Korean drama

Fall in love with “The Love Story of Kang Chi” on ABS-CBN

ABs-CBn tells the eternal love story between halfhuman, half-gumiho Kang Chi and mortal Yeo Wool beginning Monday (Aug 19) as the first and true home of Asianovelas premieres its newest afternoon Korean drama “The Love story of Kang Chi.” Lee seunggi of “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho” and Bae suzy of “Dream High” return on Philippine television as star-crossed lovers who will challenge fate and fight for a love that Kang Chi’s parents failed to fight for in the past.

Fate was once defied by gumiho and Kang Chi’s biological father, Wol-Ryung, when he fell in love with mortal seo-Hwa. WolRyung hid his true self from seo-Hwa and the two were happy in each other arms.

When seo-Hwa learned about her husband’s guise, she betrayed him causing his death. Little did she know that she was already carrying their baby. she then gave birth to a boy named Kang Chi and abandoned him on the river.

Years passed and Kang Chi grew up to be a brave and kind-hearted young man as raised by his adoptive father. He will cross paths with mortal Yeo Wool and the two will fall in love.

This is where the past repeats itself as another half human, half gumiho and a mortal fight for their forbidden love.

What awaits Kang Chi and Yeo Wool? Will Kang Chi also fail the way his parents

did or will he go against all the odds and win over what is destined to happen?

Feel their love story even more with Daniel Padilla as his single “sabay natin” from his album serves the series’ theme song.

Entertainment press writers race against time in ‘Minute to Win It’ InsTEAD of beating deadlines, entertainment press reporters Glen sibonga and Demai Granali raced against time to outdo their opposing team in ABs-CBn’s toprating game show “Minute to Win It” this week.

Glen, a columnist for tabloid “Ang Bagong Tiktik” and a contributor for PEP. ph, and his partner Demai, one of PEP.ph’s section editors, experienced firsthand the nerve-fraying mood in the studio while playing the show’s challenges.

The press duo gamely dueled against M.O.R. 101.9 DJ’s Popoy and Eva Ronda in the first part of the game show’s Head to Head Challenge where they aimed to score four points first. Glen and Demai, however, lost to the DJs and failed to play for the P1 million jackpot prize.

Demai, on a blog post on PEP.ph, wrote about her ”Minute to Win It” experience and said that what looked deceptively easy on TV was actually harder to do in real life and in the actual

EKSTRA 2D game. not even a healthy amount of preparation and practice will determine the outcome of the game, she said.

“We think it’s so simple when we watch it on TV, but once you’re inside the 60-minute circle, it’s different. What other contestants say is true – nervousness, excitement, enjoyment, desire to win, and everything else get muddled when you’re playing the game.

And the conditions—the cheering crowd, dancing lights—make it even harder for you to concentrate,” she wrote.

“nonetheless, I enjoyed every minute of the game. It was as if I was a child again,” Demai added.

Glen, for his part, described it as a “once-in-alifetime” experience and an instant bonding moment with his partner Demai.

“It was a great privilege for me to join. Even if we lost, I felt that I was still a winner because I knew I could go through the challenges and share the experience with my family in the studio,” he said.

Watch “Minute to Win It” from Mondays to Fridays at 11AM on ABS-CBN.

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A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

TRAVEL

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Bruce Lee.. FFROM A1

The toy and memorabillia section of the exhibit.

Some photos of Bruce Lee and his cha-cha notes. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Heritage Museum. and read, annotations and quirky sketches included. one of the best treats of the exhibit was a recreation of Bruce Lee’s gym and a 3D hologram of Bruce swinging away with his nunchucks which was the next best thing to having the legend being actually there in the room.

Another wing of the museum featured Bruce Lee and his stint as Kato of the American tV show The Green Hornet. on exhibit were toys, merchandise, cereal boxes and a plethora of magazine covers which featured Bruce. I was amazed at the sheer number of

Me aping Bruce Lee’s flying kick.

magazine covers he was on during his lifetime.

I would honestly say that even though I was not able to experience his magic first-hand since he passed away in 1973 at the age of 32. His legacy can be seen and experienced today with the introduction of Chinese kung fu and kung fu moves onto modern big budget action movies.

Bruce Lee was indeed a legend with a softer and real human core.

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

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013 THE TALL AND SHORT OF IT. 7-foot slotman Greg Slaughter (right) of The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO slams one in against Goldstar Hardware while his superstar teammate Manny Pacquiao (left) goes up for a layup in limited action for the Hoteliers. Lean Daval Jr.

Nadal, Azarenka win

C

MANNY KNOWS HOOPS

INCINNATI (AP) -Rafael Nadal extended his sizzling summer with a first-time title.

One set away from her own breakthrough, No. 1 Serena Williams wilted.

Nadal took advantage of the few openings he got against John Isner on Sunday, grinding out a 7-6 (8), 7-6 (3) win at the Western & Southern Open that added yet another title to his sensational summer.

The 27-year-old Spaniard won the championship in Montreal a week ago and has back-to-back hard-court championships for the first time in his illustrious career. He’d never even reached the finals in Cincinnati.

When his backhand down the line finished it

off, Nadal flopped on his back and screamed. ‘’It means a lot winning two straight titles on hard (courts),’’ Nadal said. ‘’It’s just amazing for me. I never did something like this in my career. ‘’So it was an emotional moment.’’

Williams had never won a Cincinnati title, either. Like Nadal, she was trying for her second championship in two weeks, fresh off her championship in Toronto.

She dominated the first set, then fell apart, giving No. 2 Victoria Azarenka a chance to rally for a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) win that ended Williams’ 14-match winning streak. Williams committed 58 unforced errors that turned the momentum.

EAM Philippines notched two straight victories to close its campaign in the 2013 Homeless World Cup last Sunday at Lake Malta in Poznan, Poland.

The Filipinos lost to Croatia, 8-3, in the quarterfinals of the Ministry of Labour Cup, one of the trophies given in the tournament. But they bounced back after beating Greece, 6-5, and India, 2-2, in penalty to end the competition.

With the performance, Team Philippines finished fifth place in the Labour Cup and ranked 28th overall in the tournament.

Brazil won the Homeless World Cup after edging Mexico, 3-3, in penalty.

But Mexico brought home the Women’s Cup after prevailing over Chile, 4-1, in the finals.

Team Philippines has had success in the past editions of the Homeless World Cup that helped the squad rank 15th out of 75 countries heading into the tournament.

Established in 2003, the Homeless World Cup gathers poor people from around the world to participate in a street soccer tournament, aiming to bring change to their lives through sports.

Pacquiao plays for TRMH-CMO, bows to Goldstar PHL ends Homeless World B Cup stint with two wins T RANDISHING their “secret weapon” in boxing star-congressman Manny Pacquiao, defending champion The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office won the crowd’s support but lost the match against rival Goldstar Hardware 5675 on Sunday night in the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte – 28th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament.

The Hoteliers almost brought the house down inside the packed Davao City Recreation Center when it paraded its starting point guard donning the number 3 jersey. As soon as he walked on the court to warm up, the crowd exploded in applause.

Never mind that the

Hoteliers lost to the gritty Hardwaremen and the former world champion getting blocked in one daring drive against JR Wade.

Pacquiao scored 4 points in that losing cause.

Earlier on Saturday, The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO bucked an awful start to begin its title defense with a sluggish win over Montana Pawnshop, 77 – 70, in the opener of the annual Kadayawan tournament.

The Hoteliers of brothers Glenn and Gerome Escandor with team manager Bong Go of the City Mayor’s Office simply put Jamelle Cornley on a show down the stretch and the former PBA best import aptly lived up to his prime billing, piloting TRMH-CMO pivotal attack in the second half.

Cornley, who helped

Rain or Shine won its first PBA title last year, scored nine of his total 30 points in the pay off period, including back-to-back jumper that gave TRMHCMO, 71 – 63 , lead under three minutes of play.

Montana managed to stay within the striking distance but poor shot selection and turnover hounded the Nick Serafica’s boys in the homestretch.

Mark Andaya and Ian Sangalang chipped in 10 points each for the Hoteliers, who were down by 10, 8 – 18, after the first canto.

Jun Dizon paced Montana with 13 points while import Arnold Noah and Jonathan Fernandez had 10 baskets each.

It was the fourth

straight loss of Montana at the hands of the TRMHCMO dating back last year’s Kadayawan cagefest and the Araw ng Dabaw Open title match in March.

After a poor first period, TRMH-CMO slowly bounced back in the second canto, pulling down the gap to 4, 33 – 37, at the half.

The Hoteliers came out strong in the third period behind Cornley, Sangalang and timely baskets of Chris Calaguio, JR Guerilla and Ramsey Williams to turn the table and take a 60 – 56 lead entering the pay off period.

Cornley took the reins the rest of the way as the Hoteliers kept its third straight championship bid alive and kicking. (Rico Biliran)

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 112 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2013

EDGEDAVAO