Edge Davao 6 Issue 127

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

True ba itech?

MARDI GRAS. A participant clad in peacock-inspired costume parades in the ramp during the Mardi Gras competition of The Royal Mandaya Hotel marking its 15th anniversary. Lean Daval Jr.

ZAMBO SHUT DOWN Rogue MNLF group attacks Zamboanga City, 20 hostaged AT A GLANCE: • 20 civilians hostaged • Misurari supporters try to plant flag in City Hall

M CONSTRUCTION BOOM. Another evident sign of the current construction boom in Davao City is the Matina Enclaves township project of the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) which broke ground on Sunday to start the 6-hectare mixed use development. Esdevco president Glenn Escandor (6th from left) is joined by (l-

r) daughter Irena, wife Mic-Mic, son Francis Gabriel, mother Violeta, Fr. Art Abarca, Gerome Escandor, Engr. Ludwig Van Ledesma, Arch. Joe Alvarado and Noel Quiap.

Lean Daval Jr.

ANILA, Philippines -- Heavy firefight erupted in Zamboanga City between the military and around 400 followers of separatist leader Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Monday morning. While the shooting has stopped, the group led by a rogue faction of the MNLF is said to be holding some 20 civilians hostage.

Agence France-Presse quoted Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar as saying that the firefight has effectively shut down the city, as she ordered all schools and offices to remain closed.

The mayor said a district official had told her members of the rebel forces were holding 20 civilians hostage inside a mosque. MNLF rebels had taken over at least four barangays, she said.

FZAMBO,10

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Davao City to resist Zambo type attack

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

A

HANDBOOK. Niklas Reese, one of the editors of the book Handbook Philippines, believes that the book will greatly benefit the civic organizations abroad who are trying to provide assistance to the Philippines during yesterday’s press briefing at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

ejf@edgedavao.net

NY Zamboanga City-type attack on Davao City by an armed group would be met with fierce resistance by local security forces, according to Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) chief Francisco Villaroman.

A 400-member armed force of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attacked Zamboanga City at dawn yesterday, Monday, taking 20 civilians hostage. As of this

writing the situation in that city remained unclear, although there were reports that the rebel group was poised to march on city hall where they would raise their own flag of independence.

“We are ready,” he said, when asked if the city’s peace keepers could handle a similar situation.

“We have an integrated security plan which assigns all government agencies, es-

pecially the security forces, their respective tasks,” he said. “We meet frequently in my office.”

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar had ordered the shutdown of all schools and offices as a precautionary measure until further notice.

The MNLF reportedly took over four barangays, although there were no further report of fighting or casualties.

Six men rob radio station, shoot caretaler

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

radio station was robbed by six armed men who carted away a transmitter and UHF repeater costing about P1 million after shooting the caretaker.

The radio station tower is located in Purok Mahogany, Barangay Soong, Digos City at noon last Sunday at the height of the Araw ng Digos celebration.

The caretaker of radio station MUES 97.5, Roy Beronas Y Carmeletos, 37, who was shot at three times but was

hit only once, in the right arm, remains in stable condition at the Digos Doctors Hospital.

P/Superintendent Quirobin Manalang, officer-in-charge at the Digos police station, said aliber pistolsonly sustained a lone gunshot on his right arm, is confined at Digos Doctors hospital.

Manalang said that Beronas had just come in from inspecting the station’s tower area when the three men who had earlier positioned themselves in the vicinity without

warning fired at the caretaker who immediately rolled down the mountain slope.

“Yung kawatan expert dahil hindi pinutol yung mga wires at parang alam na alam kung paano tanggalin yung transmitter at repeater,” he said The robbers fled aboard three motorcycles.

“We cannot yet establish the motive, but the station is known for allowing political figures to air their propaganda,” Manalang said.

Handbook Philippines provides in-depth info about the country

A

book about the Philippines could bring in assistance from benevolent organizations in foreign countries through giving more detailed information about the country’s society, culture, politics and economy.

One of the editors of the book Handbook Philippines, Niklas Reese, on Monday told members of local media that the book will be a great help to foreign organizations which want to provide assistance to the Philippines.

He said that one of the Filipino editors of the book learned a lot about the Philippines while reading.

“This means that not only foreigners should read the book but Filipinos, too, to learn more about their own country,” he said.

FHANDBOOK,10

DANECO factions ink pact

By LAN DAVAL

A

NEW HEROES. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte hands over certificate of commendation to one of the Central 911 personnel who saved seven people during Saturday’s fire, at Quezon Park along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been finally signed between the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative– NEA and Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative–CDA aimed at easing out the tension among the two parties that directly affected the power consumers in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.

The pact was brokered through the initiative of Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla.

Acting on Petilla’s recommendations as provided in the MOU, a “Confirmatory Referendum” shall be conducted by the member-consumers of DANECO on January 11, 2014 to set-

tle once and for all the legal dispute between the two groups that has been going on for quite some time. Upon the validity of the MOU, DANECO-NEA shall be the collecting agency of DANECO pending the results of the referendum.

With the intervention of the DOE Secretary together with the local officials of the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte, both parties agreed that DANECO-CDA will temporarily give to DANECO-NEA the right to collect electric bills of DANECO for purposes of immediate payment of the power firm’s outstanding obligations to its suppliers.

DANECO has outstanding financial obliga-

FDANECO,10

THE BIG NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 •TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

MNLF-Sema wing affirms loyalty to 1996 GPH-MNLF final peace accord C

OTABATO CITY-Followers of the Moro National Liberation Front–Executive Council of 15 (MNLF-EC15) chaired

by Muslimin Sema is upholding the 1996 final peace agreement it forged with the government, and nixed any violent actions to overstate their sentiments before the public.

The Sema faction’s stand came on Monday amid the continuing street gun battle between government troopers and MNLF forces loyal to Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City that has so far killed three and wounded 10 others.

“We continue to stand our commitment by the government-MNLF 1996 final peace agreement as we would also like to

stress that we have nothing to do with the attack in Zamboanga launched by our comrades loyal to Chairman Nur,” said Romy Sema, head of the MNLF– EC15 secretariat.

The MNLF EC15 was formed in 2001 by a group of MNLF leaders who turned away from Misuari, whose term as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) following the 1996 peace pact was riddled with graft and corruption.

Misuari, thereafter, led a short-lived rebellion against the government and was arrested for illegal entry in neighboring Malaysia some two months after.

Misuari was extradited back to the Philippines where he faced the rebel-

‘Zambo incident involving MNLF won’t affect GPH-MILF peace talks’

K lion charges against him.

During the period, the MNLF-EC15 took over the MNLF leadership as Misuari was made political prisoner under the former administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The pro-Misuari MNLF faction laid low from 2001 until his comeback in 2010 where he once more assembled his loyal forces in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi until his separatist declaration of independence late last month. (PNA)

district where he noticed that he was being trailed by the unidentified men aboard a single motorcycle. When he arrived home, Pague immediately disembarked from his motorcycle and his house, according to Pague’s driver, Melencio Lora.

On September 7, the day of the incident, Pague chose to ride a motorcycle with a sidecar instead of his own motorcycle where his driver, Lora, was waiting for him.

“Unusual kaayo ngano mas gipili niya magsakay sa sidecar...didto siya napatay,” he said.

The suspects have no previous criminal record and police are still confirming what their names ate.

Police have three leads: (1) vendetta for having allegedly killef a Muslim; (2) politics for reportedly planning to run for barangay captain, and (3) he was executed by NPA hitmen, after the police retrieved a piece of paper at the scene on which was written in the vernacular (Editor’s note: unedited): “Font 54 NPA, gisilutan siya sa sala nga mooltipol morder, ikaduha delir ug cyabo, ikatulo huldaper, ika upat ug uban pa na mga kaso.

MRKES.”

Artist’s sketch of gunmen out

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

P

OLICE have released an artist’s sketch of three gunmen who shot dead a barangay kagawad of Tagakpan, Tugbok district last Thursday. However, witnesses at the scene of the crime could identify only two of them as the third had his head down.

Major Ariel Acala, station commander of Tugbok police station, said the first suspect was described as a bit chubby, 5’4 in height, 40-45 years old, st least 75 kilos in weight and crosseyed. The second suspect was of medium build, 40-45 years old, 5’6 tall weighing about 60-65 kilos. However,

they could not get the artist sketch of the third suspect as sketches are based only on witnesses’ description who happen to be both minors.

“The crossed eyed suspect was easiest to identify among the three gunmen,” Acala said.

The victim, Ruel Catigan Pague, 43, of Purok Crossing, sustained several wounds in his body when shoe at about 12:00 noon while he was on his way home from the barangay hall.

Acala said that the day before the incident, the victim attended a fiesta in barangay Gumalang, Baguio

All involved should join Napoles in jail -- survey

O R O N A D A L CITY— The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remained optimistic on the prospects of signing a final peace deal with the government as Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) elements clashed with government troops in Zamboanga City, an MILF official said on Monday.

MNLF forces loyal to Nur Misuari, MNLF founding chairman, have held hostage scores of civilians after clashing with soldiers. The MNLF members reportedly started arriving in Zamboanga City Sunday evening as part of the advance party of Misuari, who openly voiced opposition to the ongoing GPH-MILF talks.

MILF spokesperson Von Al Haq said the development in Zamboanga City “would have no bearing whatsoever with the ongoing peace talks involving the government and the MILF.” “We are very confident that our peace talks is unstoppable as what the GPH (government) peace panel said before. Tuloy-tuloy na ito,” Al Haq said in a text message.

He also stressed that MILF troops have remained loyal to their chain of command and have not defected to the MNLF. Late last month, the government and the MILF concluded the 39th round of formal exploratory talks on a

positive note, resolving several issues on the two remaining annexes on power sharing and normalization.

In a joint statement, the parties said they have achieved “substantial progress in the discussions towards finalizing the Annexes on Power Sharing and Normalization to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).”

Both sides earlier agreed on the annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities and on Revenue Generation and Wealth-Sharing.

The government and the MILF peace panels hope to sign the comprehensive peace agreement within the year.

Under the FAB, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be replaced by the Bangsamoro government, targeted to happen in 2016.

In the face of the siege launched by the MNLF in Zamboanga City, ARMM executive secretary Laisa Masuhud Alamia said the regional government is on security alert status.

ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman has advised authorities and local government units in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to heighten security in their respective areas and help guard against the movement of suspicious groups, she said in a statement. (Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews)

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

J

ejf@edgedavao.net

ANET Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the P10 billion pork barel scam, should not be the only one put behind bars, but also all others involved.

Edge Davao conducted a survey Saturday, asking certain personalities whether Napoles is receiving special treatment in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and should other people involved be detained as well. Here are the re-

sults: 1BAP Party List Rep. Silvestre “Bebot” Bello said, “She (Napoles) is certainly getting very special treatment and all those involved in the scam should be charged and, hopefully, placed in jail---not in a military camp, not in a hospital and not Sto. Domingo.”

Caucus of Development Non- Government Organizations (CODENGO) Region 11 coordinator Glenn Bais said,

FALL,10

BONDING MOMENT. A mother and daughter spend bonding moments during the weekend at SM City Davao at the Annex. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

DAVAO DEL NORTE

Capitol staff learn life-saving skills E

STRESSING IMPORTANCE. Davao del Norte OIC-Provincial Administrator Norma Lumain stresses the importance of having first responders who act quickly in the event of any emergency in every department of the Capitol. [PHRMO]

MPLOYEES of the provincial government learned the skills on providing basic life support for life-threatening injuries in the workplace.

The two-day training on first aid and basic life-saving – cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLSCPR) equipped the Capitol staff with the knowledge and skills in providing immediate care for an injured person.

The personnel also learned how to perform external cardiac massage and artificial respiration, as first treatment for a person who collapsed with no pulse and has stopped breathing, while activating emergency medical response.

They were also given orientation on the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and some skills on controlling bleeding and dealing with a choking person.

OIC-Provincial Administrator Norma Lumain stressed the importance

of having first responders who act quickly in the event of an emergency in each department of the Capitol.

She said helping the employees prepare for and respond to emergencies is vital to the attainment of the expanded P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, which now mainstreams disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the next three years.

“It is important for our employees to prepare for emergencies, do first-aid treatment and respond effectively when a tragedy strikes,” she said.

Lumain hinted the employees can use the training in their official work stations, at home or in any emergency.

“You’ll never know when the time comes for you to use it and save someone’s life,” she said.

The activity is in line with the provincial celebration of the 113th anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

DAVAO ORIENTAL

DSWD 12 readies for national poverty survey

LGUs ink land titling deal with DENR

T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 is set to deploy some 2,649 field workers in various parts of the region for the implementation of the second National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) assessment.

Jackiya Lao, DSWD Region 12’s NHTS-PR unit head, said they are now finalizing the region’s pool of field workers for the scheduled launching of the second round of the NHTS-PR survey later this month.

Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

She said the agency has been closely coordinating with the National Statistics Office (NSO)-12, National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)12 and local colleges and universities for the hiring of the survey or assessment workers.

While DSWD-12 con-

ducts the final assessment for the field workers, the shortlists are recommended by the NSO, NCIP and the academe, she said.

Lao said they are making sure that they hire the most qualified workers as the completeness and accuracy of the assessment database of the poor households depend mainly on how well the field personnel perform their roles and functions.

“Choosing the right field workers is just as important as training them as we want to ensure the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the NHTS-PR database,” she said in a statement.

Lao said that out of the 2,649 field workers that they are targeting to hire, 1,615 will be assigned as enumerators, 323 as area supervisors, 65 as area coordinators, 323 as encoders and 323 as verifiers.

She said the field personnel that will be hired will undergo a week of intensive training before their deployment.

She said the region’s unit personnel were recently sent to Manila for a training-orientation for trainers. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

T

HE municipalities of Boston and Baganga, Davao Oriental and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 11) recently signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) to expedite public land titling activities specifically in the said two municipalities.

Both municipal mayors, Rebecco B. Rosit, Sr. of Boston and Arturo

Monday of Baganga, lauded the DENR specifically the Lands Management Service (LMS) for coming up with such agreement that can better help them serve their constituents as far as land matters is concerned.

DENR 11 Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada said that this agreement is in consonance with Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2011-

06 which prescribes the guidelines for the implementation of public land titling in partnership with the local government units.

Fragada also stressed that this partnership with the LGUs will serve as a check and balance mechanism on how the DENR, particularly the Lands Management Service (LMS), fares in terms of land titling. Generally, this MOPA is beneficial

to the DENR, the LGUs as well as to the constituents of Boston and Baganga.

Under the MOPA, the municipalities of Boston and Baganga shall provide a Land Management Office; assign official and personnel required under the partnership; appoint a permanent focal person that shall act as liason between the municipality and the DENR, among others.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) for Davao Oriental Chamberlain Babiera and Boston Municipal Mayor Rebecco B. Rosit, Sr. sign a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) to expedite public land titling in the municipality of Boston, Davao Oriental. [DENR Photo File]

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Esdevco breaks ground for Matina Enclaves

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

MATINA ENCLAVES. Escandor Development Corporation president Glenn Escandor (third from left) with (l-r) Violeta Escandor, Fr. Art Abarca, Gerome Escandor, Engr. Ludwig Van Ledesma, Arch. Joe Alvarado and Noel Quiap during the groundbreaking rites on Sunday of the Matina Enclaves township project. Lean Daval Jr. HE Escandor De- security services. velopment CorpoBut Escandor noted ration (Esdevco) that his father, the late formally broke ground Colonel Emilio Escandor, on Sunday its 6-hectare also had a passion for real mixed use development estate development. project in Quimpo BouleThe father-son team vard, Davao City. pursued this passion by Esdevco president diligently acquiring straGlenn Escandor led the tegic properties with high groundbreaking and development potentials blessing ceremonies of all over Davao. Under the the Matina Enclaves proj- leadership of the Escanect in Quimpo Boulevard dor visionary, they grantin what he calls “the start ed a total of about 150 of a new urban living life- hectares of land located in style in Davao City.”

Matina, Tigatto and Toril.

Escandor was joined Today, these properby his family led by the Es- ties are ripe for developcandor matriarch, Violeta, ment and Esdevco is all wife Mic-Mic, children the more committed toFrancis Gabriel and Irena ward creating innovative Glenn, brother Gerome, concepts for new commuarchitect Joe Alvarado nities that Davaoeños can and Noel Quiap of the JD be proud of. It is a fitting Alvarado Architects and tribute to the dream startEngr. Ludwig Van Ledes- ed by Col. Escandor, who ma. may not have lived to see Ledesma will handle its fruition but whose vithe horizontal construc- sion continues to inspire tion component of the Esdevco and focus its aim township project. to build modern, secure, “This is a very mem- master-planned developorable day for us. We are ments. celebrating the 15th year The signature project of our hotel business and Matina Enclaves is powe are starting a new en- sitioned as Davao City’s deavor this time with the first multi-family, mixedMatina Enclaves,” Escan- use, self-contained condor said. temporary community.

“This project will start A quick 10-minute a new lifestyle in urban drive from the city core, living in Davao City. Those just off Quimpo Boulewho wish to invest in this vard and tucked away on project should find peace Matina Golf Drive, Matiof mind at having invest- na Enclaves carries the ed their money right,” he exclusive appeal of subadded. urban luxury right in the ESDEVCO AND ITS city.

VISION The 6-hectare develEsdevco, a Davao City- opment enjoys a strategic based conglomerate, has location as well as a rebarged into the real es- freshingly breezy, natural tate limelight after years environment. Set against of quietly and judiciously this lush backdrop, it will investing in various prop- feature four distinct cluserties in Davao Region. ters that offer diverse resEsdevco’s reputation idential options for new for financial strength and and growing families of management expertise emerging successful prois primarily based on its fessionals and entreprewell-known track record neurs. in leisure and hospitaliMatina Enclaves will ty, commercial property establish the benchmark development, retail, and

T

Available @

FESDEVCO,10

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

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

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

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

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

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

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

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Coops, partner-institutions receive SSS special awards T

HE Social Security System (SSS) conferred the first-ever “Miyembro, Bilib Kami Sa’Yo” Special Awards to four cooperatives and five informal sector groups (ISGs) for their pioneering partnerships with SSS that have paved the way for social protection and active SSS membership of workers in their respective sectors during ceremonies on September 9.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the SSS also honored five retail corporations for their role in making SSS services accessible to the mall-going public during the awarding ceremonies, which was part of the Anniversary Program held at the SSS Building in Quezon City.

“With the support of ISGs, cooperatives and other partner institutions, the SSS has been able to establish innovative ways of reaching out to millions of Filipino workers, especially those in the informal sector.

We commend the awardees for being the first in their sectors to embrace new possibilities in bringing the SSS closer to their members and clients,” he added.

The new SSS awards pro-

gram is inspired by the 56th SSS anniversary theme “Nagpupugay sa Miyembro, Bilib Kami Sa’Yo!” De Quiros, Social Security Commission Chairman Juan Santos and SSS Executive Vice President Edgar Solilapsi presented the trophy to the representatives of the 14 awardees, some of whom have traveled from areas as far as Legaspi and General Santos cities.

The awarded cooperatives were Deep Well Sumulong Irrigators Association, Inc. as the first SSS servicing partner agent (PA) and subsidy provider; Dao Multi-Purpose Cooperative as first SSS collecting cooperative; Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, Inc. as first SSS servicing PA; and Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Inc. as first SSS servicing PA with a nationwide scope.

De Quiros said the ISGawardees were TS Cruz Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TSC-TODA) and the United Vendors of New Las Piñas Public Market, both from Las Piñas City; QC Female Dormitory Working Inmates and Payatas Alliance Recycling Exchange Multi-Purpose Cooperative, both from Quezon City; and Samahan ng mga Caddies sa Calatagan Golf Club, Inc.

from Batangas province.

“These five ISGs showed exemplary initiative in enabling their respective memberships to become active SSS members through our microsavings program called the ‘AlkanSSSya’,” de

Quiros noted. “They were also the first to join the AlkanSSSya Program among the various associations nationwide for transport workers, market vendors, golf club workers, waste recyclers and jail inmates.”

Light & Power Co. and the electric utility’s service contractors signed a Memorandum of Under-

standing (MOU) under DOLE’s Kapatiran Wise-TAV (KWT) program last August 20 at the DOLE

11 regional office.

The KWT program is in line with DOLE’s campaign to foster voluntary compliance with labor laws and standards through strengthened public-private partnerships in the region.

And through this MOU signing, “big brothers” or large companies like Davao Light will help DOLE in guiding and monitoring the small brothers or those small companies to become fully compliant of the labor laws and the occupational safety and health standards of DOLE. Moreover, this program will not only enhance labor compliance but will also promote growth to the small brothers through the sharing of best practices from the participating big brothers.

“We in Davao Light will give our best efforts to ensure full compliance and safe and productive office environment for all.

And in doing so, we will contribute in building the nation.” said Arturo M. Milan, EVP and COO of Davao Light.

BY THE NUMBERS PHL posted a b udget deficit of

P53.2 billion in July, bringin g the total for the firs t7 months to

P104.5 billion as expenditure s grew faster than rev enues.

SOURCE: DOF

DOLE 11, Davao Light contractors sign MOU under Kapatiran Wise-TAV program T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 11, Davao

AXA opens new GenSan branch. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing life insurance companies, recently inaugurated its new branch office in General Santos City. Leading

the ribbon-cutting ceremonies were Rahul Hora, Chief Agency Officer of AXA Philippines (right) and Elizabeth Bagonoc, General Santos City Councilor (left).

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

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Legarda echoes EU’s call for greater climate action S

ENATOR Loren Legarda echoed the call of the European Union’s Climate Commission for greater climate change action, particularly significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, expressed her commitment to further push her advocacy on climate change adaptation and mitigation during the courtesy call of the EU delegation led

by EU Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard.

“In support of Commissioner Hedegaard’s mission to seek commitment for more climate change action, we will continue to encourage the commitment of more local governments, government agencies and other organiza-

tions in working for a climate-resilient nation.

I will also engage other Asian parliamentarians as well as state leaders to heed the call for climate change action. I am willing to help the EU Climate Commission in my capacity as UN Representative for Asia,” said Legarda, who is the UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

The EU aims to reduce its carbon emissions from transport by six per cent, with intermediate indicative targets of two per cent by 2014 and four per cent by 2017. Through Commissioner Hedegaard, the EU explores further cooperation to address the challenge of keeping the global temperature from further rising.

“Like the EU, our

CATEEL, DAVAO ORIENTAL

hope is for world leaders to lead their nation in cutting down on pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing fossil fuel consumption, promoting the use of renewable energy, and assisting developing nations that are most vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation and climate change,” said Legarda.

“World leaders must not allow people to continuously suffer from floods, hunger, displacement, and economic setbacks. The past disasters that have depressed many nations should remind world leaders of their great responsibility to lead people out of the crises and uncertainties brought about by unsustainable development, worsening disasters and climate change,” Legarda concluded.***

SOLICITING SUPPORT. Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, welcomes European Union Commissioner on Climate Action Connie Hedegaard, who visited the Philippines to elicit support for the EU position on emission reduction. Legarda said

Villagers urged to help sustain disaster preparedness program

A

visiting executive of Plan International has urged communities to help the organization sustain its disaster risk reduction program.

Frank Manfredi, Plan International USA Disaster Risk Management Director, said there is a need for the communities to “build resilience” so they could survive calamities like typhoon Pablo which devastated the municipality and two others in the province.

Manfredi said the communities will be the ones to “do the real work” as the organization will

only build their capacities in facing disaster.

“We are humbled by the work that you here and the communities will do,” he told those who attended the launching of the program at the municipal hall that the typhoon did not spare.

Plan International is implementing the program as its way of helping the communities in this town and in the nearby Baganga and Boston prepare for calamities.

Program Manager Angelo Hernan E. Melencio pointed out that the program will help the people

prepare themselves in times of disaster.

Melencio explained that the program will not only for the adults but also for children “since they are among the most vulnerable to disasters”.

Department of Education Schools Division Supt. Feliciano Tamondong also vowed to rally all the schools in supporting the program. He even suggested that programs like this must be incorporated in school curricula.

The one-year long program will help the communities, includ-

ing school children by preparing them face calamities. The capacity of schools in responding to disasters will also be enhanced with the implementation of the program.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development Office of U.S./Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA), the program aims to increase resilience against impacts of natural disasters through capacity building and awareness raising activities. Plan/Leslie Lao-Francisco

recently the European Investment Bank, it is time for other major institutions to follow their lead.

“The need to act is great and the time to act is now.

We are calling on financial institutions – both public and private – to commit US$40 billion in new investments into renewable energy by June 2104, and to phase out investments in fossil fuels through a just transition,” said Smith.

“The risk of ignoring what the science is telling us is huge. The longer we delay real action, the more expensive addressing climate change will get. That’s why solutions that are available today in the form of renewable energy should be rapidly scaled up,” said Smith.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and

Development is also currently considering its policy position on investments in all energy types, including coal.

“We call on EBRD to go fossil free and end coal financing. EBRD must increase its investments in sustainable, renewable energy because, as the leaders of the five countries and the US said in their statement, climate change is one of the foremost challenges for our future economic growth and well-being,” said Smith.

“WWF also calls on the Nordic countries themselves to make the change in their national investments, which are substantial,” added Smith.

The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund is the world’s largest, and has investments in coal and oil with emissions equivalent

to more than 108 times the emissions of Norway.

WWF is calling on the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund to move away from coal and tar Sands financing and to allocate 5% of its portfolio to renewable energy. WWF said countries like Sweden must make the same shift within its state pension funds (AP-fonderna), where a large majority of energy investments today go to coal, oil and gas.

The announcement from these countries also signals a possible change in political will at the international climate negotiations, which next meet in November in Poland.

“It will be vital to make concrete progress at the next UN climate negotiations meeting as we near the tipping point in climate change,” said Smith.

WWF: More countries join movement away from coal

T

HE announcement last Friday that five Nordic countries will stand with the US in ending public finance for new coal-fired power plants overseas, except in rare circumstances, is significant and builds on the growing movement away from coal, the most polluting energy source, says WWF. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have joined the US in adopting this public position, further strengthening a growing trend among major financiers and donors to switching investments from fossil fuels via a transition to clean, renewable energy.

Samantha Smith, WWF’s Global Climate & Energy Initiative leader, says with the leadership seen from these countries, the World Bank and more

that, like the EU, she hopes that all countries will engage in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, including cutting down on pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and using renewable energy, among others.

Constructors asked to reduce carbon footprint

T

HE Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) has challenged Davao constructors to reduce their carbon footprints by adopting innovative and environment-friendly technologies.

“The construction industry is encouraged to shift to designs and operations that are responsive to climate change adaptation,” DCIPC officer-in-charge Ivan Chin Cortes said.

He said the construction sector can do so much not only for the economy but also for the environment by using energy-efficient materials.

Davao City is already feeling the negative effects of climate change with floods occurring in most parts of the city even with minimal rainwater volume.

Cortes said it is time to start looking into going back to the basics like floating houses and villages in order to adjust to climate change and the flooding problem in the city. Houses with stilt design and standby life-saving floaters will reduce problems

related to flooding in the city.

He said it is worthwhile to consider the inclusion of water-catchment facilities and working with the natural terrain of the city in every construction project. He said Davao planners envision a city with inter-connected green parks, boulevards that are free from informal settlers and roads and walkways for bikes and pedestrians.

Ramon Allado, event chair of the 4th PhilConstruct Show held at SMX Convention Center over the weekend, said this year’s construction show featured many innovative products that are environment-friendly.

He made mention of air conditioning products that are energy-efficient and come with solar power options.

Cortes said Davao City provides up to five years tax incentives to investments that involve green projects, generate new sources of energy and agriculture projects that make use of organic and environment-friendly technologies.[PNA]

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

EDITORIAL

A

A culture of legal awareness

S important as knowing one’s rights as a journalist, it is likewise imperative that journalists know the basics of our laws including the processes and procedures in order to better understand the complexities of this profession.

This is every journalist’s concern. It is not the length of years one has devoted to the profession.

Even the so-called veterans commit mistakes. It’s no assurance that you have been around and you will not make mistakes. What matters is that one understands that there are provisions of law that govern our conduct and one cannot play blind to such.

With the libel issue resurrected amidst the recent conviction of Davao journalists of a 10-year old libel case promulgated only recently, the need for education of the legal implications of the journalism profession must be addressed. One cannot be very complacent of a case that has dragged on for years with the thought that the crime has prescribed or that

EDGEDAVAO

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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there is a failure to prosecute.

One cannot also safely assume that a case is already dismissed just because the court has not continued with the hearing of the case. Instead, the journalist should act on the apparent inaction from the prosecution and exercise the legal reliefs available to respondents in a libel case. Criminal cases take years to be decided in our jurisdiction, notwithstanding the basic judicial tenet of “justice delayed is justice denied.”

While we pursue amendments to the libel law, making it partake of a different nature like one of civil action for damages instead of a criminal action, not all journalists breathe and live under the codes of conduct of journalism.

Hence, as imperative as the legislature revisiting the libel provisions of the Revised Penal Code, it is also equally important that journalists engulf a culture of legal awareness.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

EJ DOMINIC C. FERNANDEZ Reporter

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 •TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

I

Spur for reform and rethinking

NCREASING IMPATIENCE OF THE PEOPLE – At this juncture the executive and legislative branches of government have many problems on their plates. And this period has been a difficult one for our country and for all of us. It has been an enormous deal more thorough than it had been in the past. Even so, the wary public does not think government has accomplished enough. Public money still is far from being used as efficiently and effectively as the people should want.

The irate and disgusted people feel that the time has come for Congress – for the whole of government, for that matter – to face up to a problem it has put off for so long: the job of doing something about the unabated corruption in the bureaucracy. Today, public funds worth several billions – that portion allocated to the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel funds to members of Congress – more than half goes down the drain or simply put, surreptitiously make its way into the deep pockets of some erring legislators and their equally corrupt cohorts.

It is true we’ve been at the thick of a very difficult period but what counts the most is that our countrymen stood by their constitutional duty and faced up to the threats to their well-being. Unfortunately, the multi-billion pork barrel funds intended for the so-called “hard and soft” projects of the government, many of which are pro-poor developments are being squandered by some wicked and corrupt officials using bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) and fake foundations.

But the concerted public effort to raise a howl over the financial scam makes it all the more precious – worth defending, no matter what the cost.

The P10 billion PDAF scandal orchestrated by Janet Lim-Napoles is just the “tip of the

P

VANTAGE POINTS

iceberg,” so to speak. In fact, government probers firmly believe that plenty of such funds and even of bigger scale haven’t been unearthed yet.

As a result, government simply does not have enough capital resources to keep up even its basic social services continuously and efficiently. The problem on corruption will become more and more acute – unless government would soon raise the political will and determination to do something sensible about it. Top officials, President Benigno Aquino III above all, have to make up their minds on what to do about government programs that were badly affected by the latest financial scandal.

A number of projects aimed at easing out massive unemployment, abject poverty and stirring up countryside development that are crying out for immediate attention are now stalled. The root cause of all the mess is the misuse and abuse in the distribution of pork barrel funds – a serious matter which has been complicated by the strong public opinion it has attracted, and which seems to have distorted the previous wholesome public opinion on Congress as a whole. After the investigations are completed, certainly, severe punishment should be meted out to whom it is due. But the big question is, how long will it take for the government to provide convincing results?

The people feel responsibility should also be accepted where failures have oc-

curred and where neglect have allowed immense corruption to flourish and to remain unabated. Perhaps the brewing financial scam has served some purpose if it awakens our present leaders to the realization that time is running out on the country, that the impatience of our people grows day by day – and that those in positions of responsibility should shape up or make way for better people. Top officials should use the shameful pork barrel issue as the occasion for taking stock of where they are, where they’ve fallen short and where they need to do better.

We think it’s about time for the Aquino administration to make hard decisions it has postponed for so long – fulfillment of a campaign promise and priority political agenda to totally stamp out corruption. It is time for government to strike out new directions – if it is to heal the divisions in society and restore to our lawmakers their sense of selflessness. They should use the prevailing situation as the spur for reform and rethinking. The urgency of their work is underlined for them by the increasing impatience of our people – and the growing pessimism about their prospects and the future of our country.

If they do not pull this off, they risk turning the country into a banana republic torn apart by endemic political conflict. And now is the time to do it. The “spilling of the can of beans” surrounding the pork barrel fund scam embroiling several members of Congress has given the Aquino leadership a breathing spell, therefore they cannot take their responsibilities lightly. And members of Congress cannot command loyalty to the representative system it stands for unless they can prove to the people, over and over again, that they have their interest at heart.

Reforms in government must be an endless process.

For Obama, a contradiction too many

resident Barack Obama will have to deliver one of the finest speeches of his presidency next Tuesday if he hopes to win Congressional support for a strike against Syria. Out of nowhere, the Syria vote has emerged as one of the defining moments of Obama’s second term.

With three years remaining in office, the vote will either revive his presidency or leave Obama severely weakened at home and abroad.

There are legitimate criticisms of Obama’s initial response to the Syrian government’s barbaric August 21st gas attack outside Damascus. The president should have demanded that Congress be called back from recess immediately. He should also have immediately made a far more personal and passionate case for strikes.

But what may doom the president’s effort, in the end, is not his short-term tactics. It is years of contradictory policies and unfulfilled promises by Obama himself.

As Charles Blow noted in the New York Times this week, this is the “Era of Disbelief,” where Americans don’t trust their president or Congress. Blow rightly cited Iraq as the primary cause. But a litany of other government half-truths have pushed the public’s trust in its government to record lows.

“According to Gallup, only 10 percent of Americans now have a ‘great deal’ or

COMMENTARY

BY DAVID ROHDE

(1st of two parts) ‘quite a lot’ of confidence in Congress, a record low since Gallup started tracking the measure in 1973,” Blow wrote. “Only 36 percent have the same level of confidence in the presidency.”

Obama’s primary sin has been contradiction. On many issues related to the war on terror, he has broken campaign promises or adopted inconsistent positions. Obama is now asking Americans to trust him on Syria. But they do not.

For the last six years, Obama has told Americans that the United States needs to extricate itself from the Middle East.

He proclaimed a “pivot to Asia” — and declared that region far more important to America’s future than the Middle East.

Iraq and then Afghanistan were countries that the United States should get out of, Obama declared. And never look back.

For two years, a similar message was conveyed about Syria: stay out at all cost.

Now, Obama is telling Americans that attacking Syria is vital. Voters respond with a simple question: Why now? The chemical weapons attack was horrific,

skeptics argue, but they say the administration has not explained why Syria now represents a national security threat to the United States.

In a development that must deeply worry the White House, support for a strike from the Israeli government and the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee has so far failed to dramatically increase support in Congress. Conservative Republicans who normally shower support on Israel say sweeping opposition from constituents compels them to vote no.

Distrust of Obama on the right, of course, is nothing new. Conservatives have reviled him for years. What threatens Obama is a lack of trust from his liberal base.

Since he won re-election, liberals have expressed growing frustration with Obama’s national security policies.

Hopes that he might change some of his positions in his second term have been dashed.

Obama has made only a tepid effort to close Guantanamo Bay; insisted on cloaking drone strikes in secrecy, and strongly defended sweeping National Security Agency surveillance. The candidate that liberals thought would return the rule of law to the struggle against terror continues to embrace many of President George W. Bush’s practices.

9

Making PHL’s navy more flexible SPECIAL FEATURE

BY PRIAM NEPOMUNCENO

W

ITH the Dept. of National Defense nearing the completion of the P4-billion “strategic sealift vessel” (SSVs) contract, the Philippine Navy announced that having such ships in the fleet will make the service more flexible.

“The SSV is an integral part of the PN’s Service Force (logistic) and is needed to accomplish the Navy’s missions in different areas,” PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr.

Gregory Fabic said.

The ships are estimated to weigh around 7,300 gross register tons. The SSVs will be also used to improve the PN’s transport and lift capabilities.

These missions are needed especially in times of natural disaster of which the Navy is one of the responders.

The ships are capable of acting as mini-helicopter carriers as it is capable of carrying two helicopters at it flight deck and another at its enclosed hangar area. “(SSVs must have) helideck capacity for two 10-ton helicopters (based on Sikorsky Black Hawk) (while) enclosed hangar for another 10-ton helicopter (also based on the Black Hawk),” a DND supplemental bulletin on the SSVs stated.

With the capability to carry three helicopters, the SSVs has the capacity to conduct long range patrol and conduct rescue work.

The DND supplemental bid bulletin also said that the two ships must have a beam of 21 meters and a propulsion system consisting of two diesel engines coupled to two controllable pitch propellers giving it a minimum speed of 13 knots and a maximum of 16 knots.

It should also have a cruising range of 7,500 nautical miles and a crew of 100 to 130 officers and men.

The SSVs must be also capable of carrying two landing craft mechanized/utility at floodable well decks, two RHIB or LCVP on boat davits It must also have room or space to carry 500 fully equipped soldiers.

The SSVs must be also equipped with navigation, surface and air search radars, electronic warfare suite, electro-optical fire control system and combat management systems It must be armed with one main gun between 40mm to 127mm in caliber and two 30 mm automated cannons and between four to six light machine guns.

DND bidding and awards chair Undersecretary Efren Q. Fernandez earlier said the ships have an approved budget contract of P4-billion.

The money will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund. The SSVs program is expected to be completed within two years time. [PNA]

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Zambo... FFROM 1 In a radio interview with radio station dzBB, an Army colonel said the group is led by Haber Malik. “Their target is the City Hall. They want to raise their flag of independence at city hall,” the mayor told dzBB in a separate interview. She said a negotiator had been sent to the area to try to free them.

At least one soldier had been killed in the fighting so far, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said. “About 100 MNLF fighters were intercepted by troops on the coast of Zamboanga before dawn,” triggering the fighting, he said.

Six unidentified people injured, according to a report from dzRH radio.

IN THE WEE HOURS The hostilities, which broke out in the city’s Barangay Rio Hondo, started at around 3 a.m. Hundreds of residents have fled the area. The city remained largely deserted as people stayed home while gunshots rang out in different areas.

A decades-old insurgency by Muslim rebels in the south of the mainly Catholic country has claimed 150,000 lives.

FLIGHTS CANCELLED Cebu Pacific announced the cancellation of flights to Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga due to the situation. Philippine Airlines has also announced cancellation of Zamboanga City flights.

MAYOR SUSPENDS WORK, CLASSES Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has suspended classes and works in both public and private schools and offic-

es as hostilities broke out in this city after armed followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding-leader Nur Misuari landed at the shores of this city early Monday.

“Due to the present situation, Mayor Salazar in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) is suspending classes in all levels, private and public in Zamboanga City today (Sept.

9),” City Hall information officer Sheila Covarrubias said in a text message.

“Authorities are collaborating efforts to resolve the situation. The public is advised to remain calm and sober but alert and vigilant and report anything unusual to the police at (062)99156-56 or you nearest police station,” Covarrubias added.

Salazar has convened a Crisis Management Committee meeting together with local police and military officials to assess the situation.

So far, three people -- a policeman and two civilians -- were reported killed on two separate locations. The policeman was killed by sniper fire in Barangay Sta. Barbara, 0.35 kilometers east of this city, while the civilians in Barangay Talon-Talon, five kilometers east of this city.

An MNLF follower was killed in the firefight near the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company headquarters in Barangay Sta. Barbara.

Aside from Sta. Barbara, on-and-off skirmish is also taking place just outside the government-run Zamboanga City Medical

Center (ZCMC) along Dr. Evangelista Street in Barangay Sta. Catalina.

MNLF Secretary-General Abdul Sahrin said over RMN-Zamboanga that he received information that some 50 followers of Misuari arrive Sunday in Barangay Rio Hondo, 0.92 kilometers east of city hall.

tions from its suppliers namely: PSALM, NGCP and TMI which should be immediately settled to prevent disconnection of power supply.

However, the MOU does not constitute a waiver on the part of DANECO-CDA to seek legal remedies with respect to the cases pending before the Court of Appeals (CA) and to resume collecting and billing in the future. Moreover, the MOU shall cease and be of no force and effect in case of any violation.

Aside from DANECO-NEA conducting the meter reading and collection of payment after the reconciliation of consumers’ account recognizing the validity of all payments made to DANECO-CDA, the former

also has the right to effect disconnection of electric services of delinquent consumers in accordance with the DANECO and ERC rules.

DANECO-CDA shall be furnished with all records pertaining to meter reading and collection by DANECO-NEA. Other salient points included in the MOU are the utilization by DANECO-NEA of all existing personnel and security guards of DANECO-CDA except those personnel to be retained by the latter in the performance of its mandated functions, duties and responsibilities as a duly registered electric cooperative under RA 9520.

Both parties also agreed that prior to the

referendum and effectivity of the MOU, DANECO-NEA has to honor all contracts and obligations entered into by the Board of Directors of DANECO-CDA, and all communications, documents, signage’s and the like shall only bear DANECO, minus NEA or CDA. The two groups are advice to cease throwing black propaganda against each other.

Representatives of both parties signed the MOU in the presence of ComVal Governor Arthur T. Uy who persistently acted as mediator to iron out the differences and threw full support in resolving the dispute to end the confusion confronting the power consumers in the two provinces. (LBD)

DANECO... FFROM 2

Sahrin disclosed that further information states a group of 400 rebels were mobilized Sunday by Ustadz Haber Malik in Barangay Candiis, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

Malik, who is based in Panamao, Sulu, is one of the loyal rebel leaders of Misuari.

Sahrin disclosed that Misuari is now acting on his own.

There were also reports that unidentified gunmen were seen to have landed Monday morning at the shores of Barangay Talon-Talon.

Meanwhile, the group led by Commander Hussin Hasimin, one of the leaders of the Misuari group, is holding hostage at least 28 people, including women and children, in Barangay Sta. Catalina, 1.76 kilometers east of this city.

Hasimin said over RMN-Zamboanga that their mission is to march towards downtown to raise the MNLF flag at the flagpole of City Hall.

His group together with the hostages is holed up in the boundary of Sta. Catalina and Barangay Kasanyangan and cannott march to the city proper as government forces are stationed in the barangay hall of Sta. Catalina. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

27 minors nabbed for petty crimes

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

WENTY seven minors who allegedly committed petty crimes during a weeklong celebration of the Araw ng Digos on Sept. 2-8 were nabbed but were released for being minors, an official said.

P/Superintendent Querobin Manalang, officer-in-charge of the Digos police station said, that most of the minors were from neighboring places like Hagonoy, Gensan, Matanao who went in Digos as opportunity to commit crimes like snatching. However, they were released

because of the Juvenile law which does not allow detention of minors who commit crimes.

“Maraming bata dito ang dayo na inaresto dahil sa snatching pero pinalabas namin dahil bawal sampahan sila ng kaso,”he said.

Despite bomb threats, the events were peaceful and successful because of the joint efforts of law enforcers, Manalang said.

Based on records obtained from Digos City Women’s and Children’s Desk

(DCWCD ) most of the 27 minors were boys for attempted theft, mauling and using vulcaseal, a solvent that gives its user a “high.”

“May dalawang bata kaming giturn over sa DSWD pero yung iba din kinuha ng kanilang magulang,” PO1 Kristel Joy Narzabal, in-charge at DCWCD said.

The number of petty crimes committed by minors increased during the main events on Sept. 7-8 that attracted large crowds of people joining the celebration.

The three major features of the book are (1) a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, and cultural situation in the Philippines, (2) it is more focused on social issues and transcends what people might learn from travel guides, it has a bottom-up people’s perspective of the country.

The book is a major project of Philippinebüro, an indepen-

dent, socioeconomic and political information center based in Germany whose mission is to inform and raise awareness in the German public about the Philippines.

The book, which was launched last Saturday in Davao City, is an English version of a German book written in 2012 which sold over 1,000 copies in that country. It is an upgrade of another Ger-

man book written in 2006, which sold over 5,000 copies there.

Handbook Philippines is sold at P500 a copy and will be discounted at P400 per copy if one buys four books and may ordered at handbook.philippines@gmail.com with a shipping fee of P150, or it may be purchased at certain bookstores in Metro Manila, Davao, Cebu, Dumaguete, and General Santos. EJF

“Napoles gets special treatment, because she Is a high profile person and can be instrument to unveil more cases.

“She is just an accomplice, we need to identify the principals and tried in court.”

Rendell Ryan Cagula of Youth for Accountability and Truth Now (Youth ACT Now) said, “All implicated congressmen and senators should be investigated

and prosecuted together with Napoles. “We chide the special treatment as we see another wheelchair strategy like former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo’s,” he added.

Davao businessman Sonny Dizon said, “Everyone involved in the scam should be punished. I think she’s getting reasonable treatment because she can’t be mixed with other

prisoners or else her life would be endangered.”

Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) chair Vicente Lao said, “What she (Napoles) did was morally wrong.

Imagine the number of schools that could have been built and the number of families that could have been helped with such a huge amount that was squandered away.”

for exclusivity, security, and convenience, where residents will enjoy first-rate amenities such as upscale commercial and retail developments.

It will also set the stage for Arcadia Sports and Leisure Complex, a signature development that will complement the relaxed and healthy vibe within the community.

It promises to be the most modern sports and recreation facility

in Davao, suited to the evolving cosmopolitan lifestyle in the city. Future developments include provisions for a boutique hotel and condotel. Matina Enclaves is definitely poised to redefine lifestyle options and property development concepts in the region.

Esdevco devoted a year of planning and preparation before unveiling its signature project to enthusiastic

reception at an exclusive event last May. Matina Enclaves is also the product of careful consultation between Esdevco and Ingenue Property Concepts & Marketing Corporation, a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team that provides professional services in real estate planning and development, project management, and marketing.

Handbook... FFROM 2

All... FFROM 3

Esdevco... FFROM 5

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Brokenshire acquires cutting edge ultrasound

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ ejf@edgedavao.net

T

HE first of its kind in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Siemens Acuson S3000 Premium Ultrasound Machine is now available at the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital.

The ACUSON S3000™ ultrasound system is the ultra-premium system that provides high resolution image quality, Merge CT or MRI 3D data volumes with real-time ultrasound, Utilize 3D real-time ultrasound navigational guidance supporting biopsies and ablation procedures, import and view historic ultrasound, CT, MR, or Mammography for split screen com-

parison with real-time Ultrasound, advanced elastography, and it has the fusion technology where x-ray and ultrasound can be seen in one monitor.

Brokenshire radiology head Susan Gaspar, said this is very beneficial to their patients since it has cutting edge technology that can detect certain health conditions clearer, faster, and more convenient.

“This offers better service to our patients,” she said, adding that this can be used on patients, from their head to their toes, at a very competitive price.

Department of Health (DOH) 11 Food and Drug Administra-

Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMI)’s Dr. Ruben L. Dela Cruz, 3rd from right, chief executive officer, Radiology Department chair Dr. Susan Gaspar-Mateo, 3rd from left, and medical director Dr. Edgar B. Rami-

terre, 2nd from right, lead the unveiling of the new Siemens Acuson S3000 Premium Ultrasound Machine. Lean Daval Jr.

The Siemens Acuson S3000 Premium Ultrasound Machine which is now available at the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, 2nd from left, and Department of Health (DOH) 11 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation officer Arnold Alindada, 2nd from right, grace the inauguration of BIHMI’s new Siemens Acuson S3000 Premium Ultrasound Machine. Lean Daval Jr.

tion (FDA) regulation officer Arnold Alindada said at the blessing ceremony of the new ultrasound machine Friday representing DOH 11 head Abdullah Dumama Jr., “DOH is of the breakthrough of Brokenshire with their new machine.”

“When we hear of breakthroughs in any health facility, we are very proud and happy, when we attend national conventions where we brag of our facilities here in Davao,” he said, adding that DOH 11 hopes to see more breakthroughs in Brokenshire hospitals.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, who chairs the committee on health, congratulated Brokenshire for their new ultrasound machine which can serve not only Davao City but even the entire Mindanao.

In the official website of Siemens it is stated that the ACUSON S3000™ ultrasound system also has high density transducers, including the 8C3 HD transducer with an expanded field-of-view and excellent resolution at depth even on third trimester patients and multi-modality re-

view to view previous exams alongside real-time ultrasound for more accurate follow up examinations.

It is also more practical workflow for routine clinical use, reduces examination time from auto-alignment, and reduces expenditures from other image modality follow ups.

“ACUSON S3000 system offers the most complete portfolio of advanced elastography and shear wave applications using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) clinical applications,” according to the website.

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

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CLASSIFIEDS 13

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Agro shocks Ateneo in Sante Barley hoops T

BIG GAME JAMES. James Yap of SMC tries to wiggle his way against Ginebra’s Chris Ellis in Sunday’s SMC win over Ginebra in the PBA Governor’s Cup.

EDGEDAVAO

HE Agro Industrial Foundation College Sea Horse defeated Ateneo de Davao University Junior Blue Knights, 58 – 50, in the battle of the Group A heavyweights at the resumption of the Sante Barley Inter-School Juniors Basketball Tournament at the GS Skygym on Sunday.

Agro got off to a slow start before pulling it through in the final half to grab its second win in as many games and boost their Final Four hopes Archie Escalante, Rex Tahanlangit, and Bernard Gutierez took turns down the stretch after a sluggish start to lead the Sea Horse who now topped Group A with 2-0 slate.

They were account-

ed 24 of the 34 second half points of Agro that seized the upper hand entering the fourth period, 39 – 37 after trailing 13-12 in the opening canto and 23-22 at the half.

Escalante top scored for Agro, last year’s runner-up to Assumption College of Davao, with 15 points as Tahanlagit added 12 markers.

Ateneo absorbed its first defeat in the tournament supported by Nike Athletic Club less than twenty four hours after the Junior Blue Knights captured the DACS 2013 title.

Frenz Kato had 10 points for Ateneo.

Ford Academy of the Arts extended its win

streak to three games following a 71 – 57 win over Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School.

Rald Barrera provided the spark and Ezequel Austria continue to play better as Ford marched at the top of Group with 3-0 card. Barrera canned 14 points while Austria had 10.

DRANHS remained win-less in four outings despite superb showing of Kinitchi Rendon who made 16 baskets in the losing cause. Emar College edged Assumption College of Davao, 70 – 66, in the other match.

The tournament is organized by Duterte Basketball League and sanctioned by SBP Region XI. (Rico Biliran)

ENNETH John Tabada and Carl Zirex Sato their third straight wins to share the lead in the 20-Under boys division of the on-going Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte Kadayawan Age-Group Chess tournament at the NCCC Mall.

Tabada crushed Cedric John Petalcorin while Sato downed Tahseen Saludsong in the third round to tie for the lead with identical 3.0 points.

Meanwhile, Batang Pinoy Mindanao Qualifying leg girls’ chess triple gold medalist, Ella Grace Moulic, who is campaigning in the boys division is tied with Gino Angelo Asuncion in second place with 2.5 points. Moulic had a draw with Franklin Libaton while Asuncion beat Raymondwil Mirantes.

Libaton now totes 2.0 and is tied in third with Petalcorin, Saludsong, Bhing Joel Gimony, John Gerald Acedo, Daniel Borinaga, Manuelito Belar-

ma, Johua Noel Tiagan and Andrian John Yap. In the girls’ division, Joerlz Gimony and Mariane Jasmine Infiesto also made their third straight wins to share the lead with similar 3.0 points.

Gimony beat Erna Liwanan while Infiesto outclassed Janine Chanelle Fune. Bunched in second place with 2.0 points are Liwanan, Fune, Jane Hitfield Caingles, Angel Davao and Mara Ostique.

In the boys’ 14 under, Gerald Casivo, Eric Yngayo Jr., James Sumatra, Kuth John Placencia and Kryz Lord Metran are tied with identical 3.0 points while leading in the distaff side also with 3.0 points are Lorraine Yngayo, Honey Grace Buenafe and Frinze Ezra Odiasa.

The leaders in the boys 10 under are Irish Yngayo, Sumyla Sekak and Queen Peralta with 3.0 points while in the girls’ division are Billy Joel Sarno and Kyle Patryk Metran with 3.0 pts.

Tabada, Sato share lead in Kadayawan chess K

UM, RMC enter finals D

EFENDING champion University of Mindanao and last year’s runner-up Rizal Memorial Colleges beat their separate rivals in the semi-finals to arrange their title-showdown in this year’s Davao Football Association-Columbia Computer Inter-Collegiate Football tournament at the Tionko grounds Sunday.

UM blanked Philippine Women’s College, 8-0 while RMC routed Philippine College of Technology, 7-1 to enter the championship set next week.

UM’s Marlon Demapanag (3’, 25’), Bal Angelo Morata (9’, 19) and Jerard Bierniza (17’, 23’) all scored two goals while the

other goals were made by Roland Manabit (1’) and Juven Benitez (28’).

RMC, on the other hand, relied on Jeric Tamay, who exploded with five markers. Tamay gave the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead with goals in the 11th and 35th before PCT playing coach Ramonito Carreon found the net in the 40th, 2-1.

But the Bulldogs showed too much firepower as Warren Ravanes (45’) and Al Dinn Tiboron (49’) added two more markers for a 4-1 lead.

Tamay then made his hat trick in the final half with goals in the 58th, 67th and 85th to complete the rout.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

24 hours on the sands of Boracay

The beachlife is definitely at Boracay.

THE BRIGHT SUN on my skin, the sound of the waves in my ears, the crystal blue sea on the horizon, and the powdery white sand on my feet. This is what the world-renowned island of Boracay is all about. People have been talking about it and raving about it for years yet before this year I was a bonafide Boracay virgin.

You heard that right, I was a Boracay virgin!

Blame it on my love for big cities and mass transit, but the very thought of trouncing about the beach with my belly, nor the fact that Boracay used to be such

a pain to travel to never really appealed to me. So imagine the amount of planning and thought I had to go through to say yes to a Boracay getaway with my insistent Manila friends.

Walking is the best way to go around the beach.

Lucky for me, times have changed and Cebu Pacific now has a direct flight from Davao to Kalibo, taking away the much dreaded hassle of domestic connecting flights. Although Kalibo was still a ways from Boracay, the shuttle services provided a hassle-free way to get to and from the island.

Upon arrival, I can instantly feel why so many of my friends and tourists fell in love with Boracay.

The beach stretched for kilometres on end without any barriers that impede walking. One can literally spend sunup to sundown exploring the island and its many facets which I did.

Morning peace Mornings on the beach are quiet and leisurely with the occasional joggers and people doing yoga. This is also the time when you will see the locals get ready for the daily grind as well as see divers prepare their boats and equipment for a quick dip in the deep blue.

The cool and pristine sand makes walking a treat that is more like meditation rather than just a means of going from one boat station to another.

Riding a paraw to catch the famous Boracay sunset.

Mid-day vibe Come around noontime is when the island starts to stir again with activity. The stores at D’Mall chime with the sound of many languages from people from all over the world mingling with each other.

I would say that the island, although not a city, pulses

F24 HOURS,A4

Walking on Boracay’s beach with my Havaianas.

Sunset at Boracay’s Station 2.

Caipirinha at the Juice Bar.

Firedancers on the beach.

Partying at Club Paraw

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Seda Abreeza September sizzlers AS we are now in the “Ber”months, feasting mode is just around the corner for Dabawenyos. What better place to indulge than at Misto, Seda Abreeza’s cozy 3 in 1 all – day dining restaurant located at the hotel’s lobby area? Sample culinary favorites lined up this month of September with your family and friends.

Start off your weekends with Misto’s Weekend Power Pinoy Breakfast Buffet every Saturday and Sunday for only Php 500 nett per person. A tempting breakfast spread is available from 6:00 am to 10:00 am every Saturday & Sunday.

Misto offers daily lunch and dinner executive set menus fit for a king at Php 550 nett per person.

Sample Misto’s tasty carvings of baby back ribs and other flavorful surprises coupled with a glass of complimentary red or white wine. Help yourself to a sultry and healthy salad bar and finish off your dinner with [piquant desserts for that perfect meal. Only Php 699 nett per person, available every Friday and Saturday.

Great discounts for Metrobank Card holders CALLING all Metrobank Card Holders! Get 40% Off on Samsonite, American Tourister, Wenger, Compass Backpack/ Suitcase & Technopack for a minimum single-charge of Php 7,500.00 at the SM Store Aura, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Clark, Cubao, Davao, Iloilo, Las Pinas, Makati, Mall of Asia, Manila, Marilao, Masinag, Megamall, North EDSA, Pampanga, Rosales, San Lazaro, Sta. Mesa, Sta. Rosa and Tarlac.

SHOE AND BAG SALE AT THE SM STORE. Looking for great Shoes and Bags find? Then head on to the Shoes and Bags Sale at the SM Store from August 30 to September 15 to get discounts of up to 50% on the greatest selection of your favorite shoes, bags and luggage. See you there!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

The Mindanao Trade Expo finds a ‘prestigious home’ in Abreeza Mall WHEN artist Ann Pamintuan was commissioned by the Ayala Malls to create a sculptural art piece best representing Davao for Abreeza, the first premier mall in the city, she fashioned a triple pyramid out of metal inspired by the country’s tallest peak, the Mt. Apo, a Davao landmark. This assignment didn’t only pave the way for this acclaimed artist to showcase her artistry but also find a home for her other passion—the Mindanao Trade Expo, where she presides as the president of the foundation.

Since 1995, the Mindanao Trade Expo has been the forerunner in the exposure of the best crafts the Mindanao artisans have produced. From Zamboanga to Cotabato, Davao to Surigao, the most successful of the handmade wonders have landed the pages of international glossies, the homes of celebrities and won accolades from the most respected awardgiving bodies in the world of design.

This is why MTE President, Ann Pamintuan, the Davao-based pioneering member of the Movement 8 design alliance and the only Asian woman designer to be included in the prestigious International Design Yearbook, is impassioned with the idea that, like her, the rest of the Mindanao designers and manufacturers, with solid mentoring and continuous product development, can also break through the national and international market.

The MTE exhibit transpires during the Kadayawan Festival season. Its first show was held at the Central Bank Convention Center and the address became its prestigious home for years, until the venue had to be renovated.

In the past two years, Abreeza Mall played host

to this highly regarded exhibition. “Abreeza is a venue that can equate with Central Bank in terms of prestige,” stated Pamintuan, and added, “it’s the perfect venue to showcase the products of the participants to the market Abreeza caters to. I am glad that MTE has found a partner in Abreeza who shares the same vision for Mindanao.”

Echoing the MTE’s perspective in her welcome note, Ms. Rowena Tomeldan, Ayala Land’s VicePresident and Head for Operations and Support Services for Commercial Business Group, said, “We are indeed happy to see the thriving export industries of Mindanao in this trade expo. The products that you have are truly something that every Filipino can be proud of. This expo is definitely a good venue to proudly showcase the region’s finest. We, at Ayala Malls are in full support as we inspire producers and manufacturers to continue to create products that are truly world class.”

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Yeng Constantino at SM City Davao, Sept 14 MULTI-AWARDED Filipina rock star song writer Yeng Constantino will introduce her latest album to her Davao fans on September 14 at SM City Davao.

Yeng’s recent album Metamorphosis was officially launched early this year under Star Records after the success of her first three studio albums Salamat (2007), Journey (2008), Lapit (2009) and her first compilation album Yeng Versions Live.

Metamorphosis, Constantino’s come back, is a 10-track album which represents the evolution of her music.

Grab a copy of the album at Odyssey or Astrovision located at the Ground Floor of the Main Mall, SM City Davao.

Everything is here at SM City Davao! Catch Yeng Constantino live,

5pm at the Annex Event Center on September 14.

For inquiries, call 297.6998. Like SM City

Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

Is Galema willing to sacrifice everything for her family?

HOW FAR will an extraordinary lady go to win the love of her family and earn the respect of the people around her?

This is the struggle that Kapamilya actress Andi Eigenmann’s character, Galema, faces in the highly anticipated TV remake of one of the most-loved Pinoy komiks characters-”Galema: Anak ni Zuma.”

Born with twin snakes attached to her neck, Galema (Andi) is just like ordinary kids who seek for the love and acceptance of their families.

This September, in continuing celebration of 60 years of Philippine TV, ABSCBN will bring back the journey of a good-hearted young lady who inherited the curse of her beastly father Zuma (Derick Hubalde).

“Galema: Anak ni Zuma” is based on the hit serialized

ABOUT TIME 2D (sneak preview) Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams PG 13

Pinoy komiks tale of Jim Fernandez that was popularized on the big screen in 1985 in the movie starred by actress Snooky Serna.

Is there a chance for someone extraordinary like Galema to live an ‘ordinary’ life? How important is a family’s love for a girl who seeks for nothing but the acceptance of the world where she lives in?

Joining Andi in “Galema:

Anak ni Zuma” are Matteo Guidicelli, Meg Imperial, Sunshine Cruz, Sheryl Cruz, Carlos Morales, Divina Valencia, Lito Legaspi, and introducing Derick Hubalde as Zuma. “Galema: Anak ni Zuma” is directed by awardwinning and box-office director Wenn V. Deramas.

Discover the captivating beauty of “Galema: Anak ni Zuma” this September in ABS-CBN.

University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, is accompanied by Office of Student Affairs staff led

by Director Ma. Theresa S. Eliab at the start of the 65th Anniversary fiesta of the Ateneo de Davao University. The Sunday parade wove its way through Palma Gil and C.M. Recto streets as it started from People’s Park and ended in the ADDU Jacinto Campus at Roxas Avenue. (ADDU IPO)

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

THE BUTLER 2D Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey PG 13

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

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS CITY OF BONES 2D / *OTJ 2D

R-16

PG 13/ *R16

Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower / * Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson 12:00 | 2:30 LFS / *5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

ELYSIUM 2D Matt Damon, Jodie Foster PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

TRAVEL

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

24 hours... FFROM A1

Wind barricades that look like art installations are a common sight during the rainy season.

One of the many quirky signs on the beach. with a cosmopolitan vibe that is far from what the island used to be a two decades ago.

I was hard for me to imagine older friends telling me that the island used to be so idyllic and laidback with all the buzz and people now on the beach.

Sunset worship Being an island in the middle of the sea makes Boracay the perfect place to experience both sunrise and sunset, and come late afternoon, you can actually see people making their way to the beach, some renting paraws (outrigger boats) to catch the sun turn into a fiery red ball that slowly sinks into the horizon. The spectacle actually reminds me of the time I was at the sunset temple at Siam Reap which

was a sight to behold.

As the sun disappeared, the clubs and bars slowly awaken, each beat adding energy to the island. This is where the island’s life goes overtime. With so many places to choose from, one is hard pressed not to have a good time. In fact, there is now a Boracay Pub Crawl tour which allows one to literally party all night through some of the best places to have a good time on the island. And since there is no liquor curfew here, the drinking and dancing lasts all through sunrise where the cycle starts again. In quiet relaxation and serenity.

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

You can buy almost anything at D’Mall.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 127 •TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2013 ECSTATIC. Serena Williams celebrates after her US Open win over Victoria Azarenka.

UNDENIABLE

Serena Williams wins fifth U.S. Open title N

EW YORK, -- World number one Serena Williams of the United States won her fifth U.S. Open title after beating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 7-5, 6-7 (8-6), 6-1 on Sunday.

The defending champion collected her second Grand Slam crown after winning the French Open earlier this year. It was the 17th overall Grand Slam title for the 31-yearold tennis legend.

Williams outperformed her seven-year-younger opponent in serving. She powered as many as nine aces throughout the match, and the highest serving speed stayed at 126 miles per hour, which was even faster than Rafael Nadal’s 123 in his semi-final

meeting with Richard Gazquet.

Williams entered Sunday’s final without losing a single set.

The seven-time U.S. Open finalist had won 24 consecutive games before losing one to fifth seed Li Na in the second set of semi-final, and dropped only sixteen games in six matches.

However, Azarenka proved she was Williams’ biggest challenge at the tournament.

The 24-year-old Belarusian broke Williams after losing her own in the first set, and tied with the world number one until 5-5.

Azarenka didn’t hold serve in the eleventh game, seeing Williams serve out the first set 7-5.

The second set started with a 4-1 lead for Serena, but Azarenka decided to fight back. The Australian Open champion broke twice to level the score 5-5, and broke another game to force a tiebreak.

The world number two got

two set points in hand when the tiebreak score came to 6-4. Williams save both to catch up until 6-6, only to see Azarenka win two consecutive points to end the tiebreak 8-6.

Both players seemed to be tired after the 1-hour-10-minute second set, and Williams turned out to be the more energetic one.

The big server made another 4-1 lead in the final set, and she refused to let go any chance, winning the next two games to end the 2-hour-45-minute match 6-1.

Azarenka missed the chance to collect a second Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open. It was her eighth meeting with Williams at Grand Slams, and she lost all of them.

“The game overall, there are things could have been better,” said Azarenka. “But you know, I gave my heart. I fought as hard as I could.” (PNA/Xinhua)

TIGHT GUARDING. Peter June Simon of San Mig Coffee appiles tight defense on Mark Caguioa of Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Governors Cup on Sunday night. SMC won this one.

Davao’s Lascuna keeps ICTSI crown C ARMONA, Cavite-Tony Lascuna of Davao City warded off Miguel Tabuena and Jhonnel Ababa’s day-long charge with superb shots and clutch birdies – the last on No. 17 that finished off his rivals and sealed his three-stroke romp in the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship at Southwoods’ Legends course here Saturday.

Despite the five-shot lead he brought into the final round of the P2.5 million event, the Apo Golf ad Country Club-honed Lascuna still needed to dish out a flawless four-under 68 to frustrate Tabuena, who fired a 66, and Ababa, who shot a 65, and retain the crown he won over Angelo Que last year with a 72-hole aggregate of 21-under 267.

“I didn’t lose compo-

sure when they threatened within two but I told myself not to commit any mistakes,” said Lascuna in Pilipino.

He did – knocking down big shots and putts, including a birdie on the ninth that restored a threeshot cushion and on the 17th that put him beyond reach again.

Tabuena did better Lascuna’s 68 with a solid six-under 66, finishing without a bogey in the last 51 holes. But the ace teener, who won the kickoff leg of this year’s tour at ICTSI Sherwood, still finished three strokes behind at 270.

“I gave him a scare in the first five holes but it was Tony I’m up against with.

If it was a different guy, he would have folded up,” said Tabuena. “You can’t expect Tony to make many mis-

takes.”

Tabuena pressed his bid early with three birdies in the first four holes, moving within two, so did Ababa in a flight ahead, who battled from six shots down with a stirring four-birdie string from No. 2.

But Tabuena cooled down midway through and Ababa, out to snap a twoyear title drought, fumbled with a bogey on the par-3 12th to reel back.

Ababa, however, regained his bearing and made three birdies in the last six holes to turn in the day’s best 65 and forge a runner-up finish at 270, his best since placing solo second to Lascuna at ICTSI Calatagan last May. “It’s really tough to chase a player like Tony. I really tried my best by he (Tony) also played a good round,” said Ababa. (PNA)

10th Gaisano Grand Cup hoops set

N

EW rules will be implemented for the new season of the Gaisano Grand Cup that will formally kick off next month at the Gaisano Grand Citimall Sky gym.

“It will be our 10th year and we will be having a new format,” said Karla Giorgia Corcino, Ad and Promo Department Head.

The board is composed of Judge Emilio Dayanghirang and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Direc-

tor Francis Calatrava. Also present were SBP Mindanao Cluster B head Regino “Boy” Cua and tournament director Rico Biliran to discuss their initial plans.

“Tentatively we will start on the first or second week of October,” said Corcino.

Last year’s league had more than 70 teams in the six separate divisions where Jose Maria College and University of Mindanao ruled the men’s Division 1 and wom-

en’s collegiate categories, respectively.

The other defending champions are the Assumption College of Davao (Junior Boys), Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (Junior Girls), Holy Child College of Davao (Cadet) and Ateneo de Davao University (Mini).

“We will still have to finalize the format,” said Corcino, who will be sending the invitations to the different schools.

(PNA)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE127 127• TUESDAY, • TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER10, 10,2013 2013

DavNor hosts PFF club qualifiers

T

AGUM CITY, Davao del Norte--The PFF-Smart Club Championships Mindanao qualifiers get going at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex on October 2-6

with the top provincial clubs from the emerging from the qualifying stages battling for a spot to the National finals.

The Davao qualifiers will be a toss-up among defending champion

Hooligans FC, Medvil FC, Columbia FC, and KMMPC on September 16-21 at the Tionko Field.

Other eliminations will also be disputed by clubs from Davao

del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Compotela Valley, according to Davao Football Federation secretary-general Erwin Protacio.

Davao del Norte will be hosting the Mindan-

ANOTHER WIN. Davao’s Tony Lascuna added the ITCSI Southwoods title to his collection of trophies. (Story on page 14)

ao Finals according to Renato Cosmod of the Davao Norte Football Association.

In Central Mindanao, the CMOFA qualifiers for the national club tournament will be held on September 7,8 and 14, 2013 at the Pelaez Sports Complex.

The short-listed participating clubs (CMOFA members) are A. Montecarlo Football Club (MCFC), Hillsiders

Football Club (HSFC), Magis Football Club (MFC) and Xavier University Football Club (XUFC).

In Visayas, the qualifiers for Group E will take place in Leyte Development Sports Center from October 2 to 6. Competing for the Visayas leg are Leyte FA , Cebu FA , Bohol FA (Tagbilaran Fc) , Calbayog FA and Northern Samar. (NJB)