Edge Davao 6 Issue 128

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

WINNING THE HEARTS OF DABAWENYOS. American music icon Patti Austin electrifies the crowd with her performance in her concert Monday night in Davao at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. Ms. Auston braved the recent skirmishes in Zamboanga City to honor her concert engagement organized

by Ovation Productions in Davao City where she said, “I want to relocate here.” Lean Daval Jr.

Walang kupas

SECURITY ALERT Davao City placed on heightened alert

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

UTHORITIES are on heightened security alert city despite the assurance of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that they won’t create untoward incidents amidst the Monday attack of rogue MNLF men in Zamboanga City.

The directive was issued by the Davao City Police Office after a faction of MNLF chairman Nur Misua r i of the Muslim separatist

insurgent movement attacked Zamboanga City and held hostage 20 more civilians, bringing to 180 the number of hostages. At least six people have been reported dead as of Tuesday.

City police director Ronald dela Rosa said that they are monitoring the movements of members of the MNLF in the city as a preemptive measure while there is an ongoing encounter FSECURITY,10

DAVAO PRIDE. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte pumps his fist in approval as he congratulates the Davao City delegates for the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Qualifying Leg after bagging the overall championship at Quezon Park along San Pedro Street Monday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Quitain assumes post; Agustin is new assessor

By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

R

greg@edgedavao.net

ESIGNED Davao City Councilor J. Melchor V. Quitain yesterday assumed as city administrator while his predecessor, lawyer Jhopee Av a n c e ñ a - A g u s t i n , who vacated the post last Monday, took over as officer-in-charge of the City Assessor’s Office, also effective yesterday.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte

relieved from his post effective September 9, 2013 City Assessor Cesar Dataya and instructed him to report directly to the mayor “in discharging your official duties and functions and for special assignments.”

Last July, Duterte relieved Jose Elmario P. Guintadcan from his post as chief of the Davao City Econom-

FQUITAIN,10

NPA hitman killed kagawad—Alcala Davao Muslim community

RELOCATING. Newly-installed city administrator Atty. Melchor Quitain shows his collection of rare paintings which relocated with him at his new office at the Davao City Hall yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

member of the New People’s Army has been identified as the gunman in the killing of a barangay kagawad of Tugbok district, according to the police.

Maj. Ariel Acala, station commander of Tugbok distric, said on Tuesday that it was an alleged member of the New People’s Army who shot dead Barangay Kagawad Ruel Paque last Thursday in Purok Crossing, Barangay Tugbok.

A certain Roberto Castillote, alias Marvin Marquez, will be facing a murder charge for killing Paque. Castillote was identified as the crosseyed suspect based on the description of two witnesses to the crime.

“We will ask Pague’s wife to file a criminal

charge against Castillote suspect, otherwise the PNP can be the complainant,” Acala said.

Castillote is a member of Front Committee 54 of the NPA under the leadership of a certain Kumander Bobby. Two other suspects remain to be identified.

The police earlier said they found a piece of paper at the crime scene on which was written in the vernacular the reason for Pague’s execution: “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.” “We will only consider this case closed after we shall have filed a case against the suspects,” Acala added.

saddened by Zambo attack

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

T

ejf@edgedavao.net

HE Muslim vommunity in Davao City deplores the attack by rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Zamboanga City Monday morning.

Davao City Office on Muslim Affairs officer-in-charge Nurhaida Lumaan told Edge Davao yesterday that they the incident saddened them and that they are pushing for a dialogue to resolve by peaceful means wbatevcr triggered the attack.

According to the latest Yahoo news reports, six persons died and 24 were wounded in clashes between government

forces and the attackers and 1,747 evacuees have sought shelter away from the scene of fighting.while 170 civilians were taken hostage by the MNLF. Lumaan said, “let us help each other in achieving peace, and let’s not say we are Muslims, Christians or Lumads anymore, let’s get together for the greater good.”

She pointed to power struggle within the rbel group as “perhaps” among the main reasons why MNLF attacked Zamboanga City.

“In Davao we have no problems, because it is peaceful here, especially with the leadership of

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte,” she said.

At the city hall Monday, Duterte said he had earlier warned the Philippine National Government to make sure they talk to the MNLF as well, and not just the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) regarding Zamboanga City .

The national government is “really stupid (bogo gyud),” Duterte said, adding that the national government should talk to both these sectors when engaging in dialogues and agreements.

“It is better to have a thousand years of dialogues than to have one

Proposed DIAA gains support

T

EXTRA SERVICE. A security personnel of SM City Davao extends a helping hand to an elderly woman t at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

day at war,” said the mayor who invited Monday afternoon members of the MNLF Davao City chapter for a talk regarding the Zamboanga City incident.

Meanwhile, Lumaan said, 111 Muslims from Davao are set to fly from Manila September 21 to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, 28 of whose travel are sponsored by the local government.

She said that those in the pilgrimage will definitely be praying for a peaceful resolution to the issues of Mindanao, as well as international peace, because that’s what Muslims want.

HE proposed Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA) is gaining support after the Davao City Council passed on first reading yesterday a resolution supporting the bill which seeks the creation of a DIAA. The council was furnished with a copy of a resolution earlier passed by the board of trustees of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) which also supports the proposed House Bill 6993- An Act Creating the DIAA which will directly manage, control and supervise the Francisco Bangoy International

Airport (FBIA).

DCCCII’s resolution was referred to the city council committees on tourism and transportation.

In a privileged speech, transportation committee chair Leonardo Avila stressed the importance of the airport in the promotion of Davao City as the country’s prime tourist destination and in attracting foreign and local investors.

Pres. Benigno C. Aquino III has designated the FBIA as a regional hub for tourism covered by the “open sky policy” with direct foreign flights. FBIA

FPROPOSED,10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

THE BIG NEWS 3 OPAPP bares GPH-MNLF peace process status

By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

T ANOTHER AWARD FOR DAVAO. Assistant city administrator Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo presents to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte the 2013 National Literacy Conference Hall of Fame award for being Outstanding Local Gov-

ernment Unit in Highly Urbanized City category won by the city, at Quezon Park along San Pedro Street Monday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

ejf@edgedavao.net

HE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) bares real deal of the GPH-MNLF peace process status Oppap also condemns the armed aggression lead by some leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and also its malicious campaign to mislead the public and their members into thinking that the Phillippine Government has terminated the Final Peace Agreement (FPA)

that the MNLF led by Nur Misuari signed with the GPH in 1996.

In a statement dated September 10, OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles bared facts on the real status of the GPH-MNLF peace process, disproving the allegations of the MNLF-Misuari group.

First is tha The Philippine Government did not terminate the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreemen, instead, what the government intended was

FOPAPP,10

2 men shot dead Fund allocation sought

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

WO men were killed on the spot in separate incidents by gunmen riding in tandem on motorcycle last Monday.

The first victim, identified as WIllerman Selgas, 29, resident of Brgy. 22-A , Piapi ,Boulevard, sustained two gunshots wounds in the head and another on the right arm.

According to a police report, Selgas was being chased by the gunmen on a motorcycle along Quezon Bou-

levard when he stumbled and was finished off where he fell.

In the other incident, Rey Eviota, 25, a construction worker, was also shot dead in Brgy. Hizon, Sasa by gunmen aboard a motorcycle at about 7:00 p.m. while he was walking on the street on his way to buy food for dinner.

Officers of the Sta Ana and Sasa police stations are still trying to identify the suspects and determine the motive foe the killing.

HOULD Malacanang approve it, Digos City will have a 30-hectare export processing zone (EPZ) near the Nakayama Corporation area, an industrial area set aside by the city for export and large industries.

Mayor Joseph R. Penas of Digos City told Edge Davao that the city government, after careful study, has submitted to the President the proposal “because we want our city to prepare itself for large investors”.

The growth of Digos City is inevitable, Penas told the Edge Davao, as he underscored the great potentials of the city in terms of natural resources and tourism, citing among others the areas of Kapatagan for tourism.

Right now he said cementing the Digos City-Kapatagan road is on-going and “under my watch, more roads will be constructed to prepare the city for more investors.

Penas lauded the efforts of Yamaha and Motorjoy Depot for believing in Digos City as he welcomed the most modern Yamaha motorcycle store along the main streets of Aurora and Rizal Avenue near the San Isidro Catholic church.

The mayor also cited the coming of Puregold and Gaisano Grand Mall, adding that he had already talked to investors who plan to put up their business in Digos City.

“We welcome them, he said, “as long as they conform to the rules we have set for investments. The city has also set investment incentives for businesses to be established in the city.

Area manager Randy Balolong of the Motortrde Depot in this part of Davao said the full support of the mayor is a big factor in ensuring that business will thrive in Digos City and in this part of Davao del Sur. EDF

Digos to have 30 hectare export processing zone S

for heirs of Sr. citizens

By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

G

greg@edgedavao.net

OOD news for families of senior citizens.

The Davao City Council yesterday passed on first reading a resolution seeking the allocation of funds from the national government for death benefit assistance of P2,000 for the surviving heirs of senior citizens.

Introduced by councilors Danilo C. Dayanghirang and Victorio U. Advincula Jr., the resolution asked for the intercession of third

fistrict Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, chair of the committee on appropriations, ways and means of the House of Representatives, in the allocation of funds “for the effective implementation of the death benefit assistance.”

Dayanghirang cited a provision in Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 which grants a minimum of P2,000 to the nearest surviving relatives of deceased senior citizens. He said the amount is subject

HE SLEEPS, SHE SPEAKS. Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta expresses her dismay over the conviction of two Davao City journalists for a criminal case of libel during her privilege speech in yesterday’s regular session of the City

to adjustments due to inflation in accordance with guidelines to be issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Davao City has 86,703 inhabitants aged 60 years old and over based on the last census conducted in 2010. More than half or 53.90 percent of the senior citizens are female.

Last year, the number of deaths involving senior citizens reached 5,194, according to records released

by the Office of the City Civil Registrar.

With that number of deaths, Dayanghirang said the city government has to shell out P10.38 million for the death benefit assistance to the surviving heirs of the senior citizens.

“If we could have enough funds, maybe we could adjust the amount taking into consideration the level of inflation since the enactment of the (R.A. 9994) law until now,” he said.

Council at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Her strong message however did not help to keep colleague Boni Militar (left) from napping. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

NABUNTURAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY

SSF project to improve jewelry production T

HE Shared Service Facility (SSF) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is expected to boost a group’s jewelry

production, not just in volume but also in quality.

The SSF is a common service facility or production center for certain processes to give micro,

small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access to a better technology and more sophisticated equipment to accelerate their bid for competitive-

ness and help them graduate to a next level where they could tap a better and wider market and be integrated in the global supply chain.

TUNAFEST JETSKI. Children enjoy a dip in the water while watching one of the competitors pass towards the finish line during the 1st Tunafest Jetski Invitational Challenge at the Queen Tuna Park in General Santos City September 7, 2013.[ MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas]

DAVAO DEL NORTE

GEN. SANTOS CITY

Region 12 eyed as leading producer of native banana

B

ANANA Industry stakeholders in Region 12 yesterday vowed to maintain the region as Mindanao’s leading producer of lakatan banana sold mostly in local markets.

These products are sold mostly in Metro Manila and Cebu, according to Department of Agriculture 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan.

In a recent banana Congress in Gen. Santos City, some 300 banana growers in Mindanao vowed to push for the advancement of banana industry in the region.

The business sector-led event aimed to bolster massive support from partners and other stakeholders as well as present various issues and concerns currently faced by the industry.

They all come from SOCCSKSARGEN region which is composed of the provinces of North and South Cotabato, Saranggani, Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.

Datukan lauded the efforts of the banana industry sector for standing united to beat the odds that affect them.

Datukan described banana as one of the priority commercial crops of the department’s high value crop development program (HVCDP) poised to help “support countryside development and achieve inclusive growth.”

SOCCSKSARGEN is the third largest producer of banana in the country accounting for some 15 percent of the entire Mindanao’s banana produce, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

North Cotabato province has the highest number of hectares planted to banana with 15,367 hectares and 644 metric tons production.

South Cotabato comes next with 8,680 hectares and 261,972 MT while Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat settled for third and fourth with 3,670 ha and 219,067 MT and 2,234 hectares and 29,521 MT, respectively.

“Presently, Soccsksargen produces substantial volumes for other banana varieties such as cardaba which is being processed into banana chips and exported to major foreign markets,” DA-12 corn program coordinator Zaldy Boloron, said speaking for Datukan. [PNA]

The almost half a million worth of jewelry-making equipment and tools will benefit the ComVal Gold and Silver Jewellery Producers, Incorporated, an association of jewelry-makers and traders in the province.

Among the equipment and tools awarded to them recently are casting machine, wax injector, chain maker machine, magnetic tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner machine, air compressor, and engraving machine.

DTI-ComVal program manager Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said that although the provincial government has provided these small jewelry makers with a Jewelry Making Skills Training cum Enterprise Center located in Monkayo, the basic tools and equipment housed in the said hub are not

enough.

“Since everything is done manually, the production volume is really very low and they also lack the capacity to produce fine jewelry pieces,” he said adding that the casting machine, for instance, is only capable of producing one ring per day.

With the SSF project, the casting machine provided to them can produce 200 rings on a daily production.

“We hope that this project can really help our local jewelry makers,” he said.

Apart from this particular SSF, DTI has also awarded other SSF projects for the province’s coconut industry development.

The DTI has allocated P34 million for the SSF projects in the region this year. [DTI 11]

Globe, PLDT activate landline interconnection G LOBE Telecom said the local interconnection in Davao del Norte between its landline service, Globelines, and the Philippine Long Distance Co. has been commercially activated, allowing subscribers of both service providers to call each other without additional charges.

The development will allow landline customers of both Globe and PLDT to realize substantial savings as they no longer have to pay for long distance charges when calling one another.

Prior to the commercial activation of the interconnection, landline cus-

KIDAPAWAN CITY

tomers of both Globelines and PLDT were charged with long distance rate amounting to P5.00 per minute.

With the commercial availability of the interconnection, Globe subscribers can simply dial the seven-digit telephone number to connect with PLDT and vice-versa.

“We are delighted to announce that through collaboration and cooperation with competition, the company’s subscribers will have greater access to telecommunications and vice-versa.

We are hoping that we will able to establish the same kind of collaboration in other areas of

the country,” said Atty.

Froilan Castelo, Head of Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group.

Such cooperation between the two companies is in line with the compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers under Republic Act 7925 which aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers.

Globe and PLDT are also working on similar arrangements in Pan-

gasinan, Zambales and Davao del Sur, Misamis Occidental and Ilocos Norte.

So far, the two companies have existing interconnection in Metro Manila, Cavite, Iloilo, Capiz, Batangas, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Leyte, Davao City, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zamboanga, Laguna, Quezon, La Union, Nueva Ecija, and Benguet, GenSan/South Cotabato and Tarlac.

Castelo added that the company is open for discussions with other local exchange carriers as part of its goal of providing cost-effective services to its customers.

N. Cot traders, LGUs decry long brownouts S ectional brownouts currently carried out in North Cotabato province have caused big losses to commerce and operations of local government units.

For one, Mayor Joseph Evangelista here said daily power outages lasting for six hours have caused delays in transactions of various offices of

the city government, especially the finance division.

Evangelista earlier wrote a letter to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), through the Committee on Energy, requesting that he be given authority to purchase four generator sets for the city government.

The council approved the request

with the procurement set to take place early next year.

Prior to the approval, the SP has invited Cotelco general manager Godofredo Homez to shed light on the power situation of North Cotabato.

Homez told the council the load curtailment is being imposed by the National

Grid Corporation of the Philippines, based on the available capacity of the existing hydroelectric, geothermal, coal-fired, and diesel-fed power plants located in several areas in Mindanao.

Homez said the Cotelco has no choice but to abide by the schedule to avoid penalty. [PNA]

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

64% rise in PHL tuna exports seen next year T

HE country’s canned tuna exports to the European Union (EU) are seen to increase by about 64 percent by next year once it gains duty-free access to the 28-nation trade bloc under the enhanced Generalized Scheme of Preferences or GSP Plus program.

Francisco Buencamino, executive director of the Tuna Canners Association of the Philippines (TCAP), said the projected increase in canned tuna’s export volume to the EU is equivalent to around 2 million cases based on last year’s total shipments of 3.202 million cases.

In 2012, he said the country generated around US$ 123.3 million in total receipts from the canned tuna exports to the EU markets despite being slapped with a 24-percent tariff.

The EU is presently the country’s biggest export market for canned tuna, which is mainly produced by six canneries based in this city.

“Once we get into the GSP Plus program, our export prices (for canned tuna) will become more

competitive, mainly because of the removal of the 24 percent duty. So it is imperative that we get into the GSP Plus by all means,” he said at the 15th National Tuna Congress in General Santos City.

The national government, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is presently finalizing its application to the EU’s GSP Plus Program, an incentive scheme that grants the full removal of tariffs for a range of export products, including tuna.

A program briefer said EU-GSP Plus is an enhanced preferences scheme that took off from the standard GSP, which offers to developing countries a partial or entire removal of tariffs on two thirds of qualified product categories that are exported to the EU. Under the EU-GSP Plus program, product categories covered by the standard GSP are granted the “full removal of tariffs.”

These are granted to countries which ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labor rights, environment and good

governance.

Under the standard GSP, Buencamino said a duty of 20.5 percent is levied on all local canned tuna exports to the EU. “EU importers, therefore, discount their buying prices from the Philippines by this cost of duty to make our canned tuna competitive in the EU mar-

ket with all other imports from other tuna sources,” he said.

Citing TCAP’s estimates, he said the country’s canned tuna export receipts would improve “at the very least” by 24 percent once it is included in the GSP Plus scheme.

By then, he said exporters “will not need to adjust

prices, as we have been compelled to do to remain globally competitive, to accommodate the burdensome duty imposed on EU imports of canned tuna from the Philippines.”

With the improved competitive stance under the GSP Plus program, Buencamino said they expect tuna factory em-

ployment to increase by an industry average of 70 percent while manning in fishing fleets will likely increase by around 50 percent.

He added that such scenario was seen to trigger a projected increase in the volume of raw material catch by an average of 64 percent. [MindaNews]

STATE-OF-THE-ART. Exhibitors operate a state-of-the-art embroidery machine for demonstration during the final day of the Philconstruct Mindanao 2013 and the 7th Manufacturing Technology Davao at the exhibit area of SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. Lean Daval Jr.

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

It figures

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

NGCP developing website for Mindanao market players W

ITH two weeks before the start of the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM), the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is fast-tracking the development of a website to help grid customers in the energy market’s operation.

Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson, said the website, http://imem.ngcp. ph, will be used to upload and download generators’ and load customers’ capacity nomination data and schedules for the use of all players in the electricity market in Mindanao.

She said the website development is in support of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to stabilize the Mindanao power situation.

In its Department Circular No. DC2013-01-0001 dated January 9, 2013, the DOE ordered the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to develop and implement an interim electricity market specifically designed for the Mindanao grid, which has been experiencing brownouts due to a power supply deficit.

The commercial operation of the IMEM is scheduled to commence on September 26.

Trial operation has been ongoing since August 26.

“NGCP remains supportive of the initiatives of DOE and PEMC and is very much willing to assist in finding solutions to the electric power concerns in Mindanao. IMEM is the first step to ensure free and fair competition and public accountability,”

Alabanza said in a statement.

Ermelindo Bugaoisan Jr., NGCP’s Systems and Standards Head of the Technical Services Department, said the electricity market in Mindanao will focus on filling-up the power deficiency in the grid.

“NGCP will be in a better position to balance the available capacities with the demand and manage constraints if the relevant data from all generators and load customers are submitted and accounted for. This is how crucial the infrastructure of the web-based program is to the operation of the IMEM,” he said.

DOE is said to be in talks with embedded generators for the installation of Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) devices that are compliant with the require-

DAILY GRIND. For this employee, the daily grind at work means delivering water more than what a container cart can take at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ments of the IMEM. Embedded generators are end-users or entities whose generating units are indirectly connected to the grid through the distribution utility’s lines and may also refer to generation facilities of large industrial customers, within the distribution utility’s network, that are synchronized to the grid.

For its part, aside from developing the online program for the submission and management of generators-load customers’ capacity nomination, generation scheduling and data provision, NGCP is also expediting the installation of WESM-compliant revenue metering facilities among its directly connected grid customers.

Among its 15 grid-connected generator customers with 36 metering points, NGCP already installed 26 IMEM-ready metering facilities.

“The biggest challenge is in Agus 6 complex where five metering facilities still need to be installed,” said Emmanuel Sotomil, NGCP’s Metering Services Head.

He explained that in this case, large instrument transformers will have to be hauled, mounted on pedestals, then tapped to high-voltage overhead lines. NGCP has been coordinating with the power plant owner-operator, National Power Corporation (NPC), because the lines should be de-energized and some of the plant generating units should be shut down for the installation to be completed.

Among its 53 grid-connected load customers, which include distribution utilities and non-distribution utilities, with 184 metering points, NGCP already installed 180 IMEM-ready metering facilities. [PNA]

DA proposes P84.6M for “Saba”bananas in Davao Region

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 has finalized the roadmap for 2014 with a total proposed budget of P84.635 million.

During the Saba Roadmap Workshop conducted recently at DA regional office, the proposed fund will prioritized; production, research and development amounting to P74.320 million; postharvest and marketing amounting to P2.350 million and regional banana extension and institutional development amounting to P5.965 million.

According to Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), 41

59

th

Rank of the Philippines, out of 148 countries, in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. This was an improvement from the country’s 65th place last year. The Philippines’ best improvements were in “innovation”—up 25 places to 69th—and in “institutions,” rising 15 places to 79th.

percent of the total area planted with saba in national level is located in Mindanao. In terms of volume production, 61 percent of saba is produced in Mindanao and based on Medium and Small Scale Industries Coordinated Action Program (MASICAP) report, 35 percent of the total saba produce in Mindanao is processed into banana chips.

Agriculture Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Operations, Bernadette San Juan who headed the activity said although export quantity of saba shows a rather decreasing trend, its Freight on Board (FOB) value is suggesting and

7

%

Economic growth forecast of Singapore-based bank DBS for the Philippines, up from its initial forecast of 6.4%. DBS has raised their full-year growth forecast for the Philippine economy this year following the “better-than-expected” second quarter expansion.

increasing from 2009 to 2011.

“Export value has continuously expanded by 15 percent per year from 2009 to US dollars 50 million in 2011. This implies a competitive price for our saba exports and an indicator of opportunity for our saba in the export market and consequently indicates an opportunity for our local farmers to plant and produce more saba intended for export”, ARD San Juan added.

San Juan said that to constantly support the export milestone of Saba banana, Davao region in terms of production, will be targeting about 1.86 million hectares in 2014

28

million

Foreign tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2013, which is 11% higher than the same period in the previous year. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. noted that international tourists who visited the country last July alone reached a record 418,000, from 377,000 a year ago.

which would develop 11, 155 hectares in expansion of which DavOr needs to expand its areas to 6,000 hectares, DavSur to 2,000 hectares, DavNor to 1, 280 hectares, ComVal to 1,000 hectares and Davao City to about 875 hectares to be developed.

The roadmap workshop was attended by industry stakeholders that include Local Government Unit (LGU) representatives in the region, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), private sectors and saba growers. [llbocado-Aggie Media Service]

62.6

billion pesos

Proposed budget of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for 2014, a significant increase from the 2013 4Ps budget of P44 billion.

This is in support of the Aquino administration’s bid to expand the 4Ps program and lower the dropout rate among the country’s poorest high school students.

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

World’s largest volcano discovered beneath Pacific S

CIENTISTS say that they have discovered the single largest volcano in the world, a dead colossus deep beneath the Pacific waves.

A team writing in the journal Nature Geoscience says the 310,000 sq km (119,000 sq mi) Tamu Massif is comparable in size to Mars’ vast Olympus Mons volcano - the largest in the Solar System.

The structure topples the previous largest on Earth, Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

The massif lies some 2km below the sea.

It is located on an underwater plateau known as the Shatsky Rise, about 1,600km east of Japan.

It was formed about 145 million years ago when massive lava flows erupted from the centre of the volcano to form a broad, shield-like feature.

The researchers

doubted the submerged volcano’s peak ever rose above sea level during its lifetime and say it is unlikely to erupt again.

“The bottom line is that we think that Tamu Massif was built in a short (geologically speaking) time of one to several million years and it has been extinct since,” co-author William Sager, from the University of Houston, US, told the AFP news agency.

“One interesting angle is that there were lots of oceanic plateaus (that) erupted during the Cretaceous Period (145-65 million years ago) but we don’t see them since.

Scientists would like to know why.”

Prof Sager began studying the structure two decades ago, but it had been unclear whether the massif was one single volcano or many - a kind that exists in dozens of locations around the planet.

While Olympus Mons on Mars has relatively shallow roots, the Tamu Massif extends some 30 km (18 miles) into the Earth’s crust.

And other volcanic behemoths could be lurk-

ing among the dozen or so large oceanic plateaux around the world, he thought.

“We don’t have the data to see inside them and know their structure, but it would not surprise

HERE could be at least 320,000 viruses awaiting discovery that are circulating in animals, a study suggests.

Researchers say that identifying these viral diseases, especially those that can spread to humans, could help to prevent future pandemics.

The team estimates that this could cost more than £4bn ($6bn), but says this is a fraction of the cost of dealing with a major pandemic.

The research is published in the journal mBio.

Prof Ian Lipkin, director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in the US, said: “What we’re really talking about is defining the full range of diversity of viruses within mammals, and our intent is that as we get more information we will be able to understand the principles that underlie determinants of risks.”

Flying fox Nearly 70% of viruses that infect humans, such

as HIV, Ebola and the new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers), originate in wildlife.

But until now, the scale of the problem has been difficult to assess. o investigate, researchers in the US and Bangladesh looked at a species of bat called the flying fox.

This animal carries the Nipah virus, which if it spreads to humans can kill.

By studying 1,897 samples collected from the bats, scientists were able to assess how many other

pathogens the animal carried.

They found nearly 60 different types of viruses, most of which had never been seen before.

The team then extrapolated this figure to all known mammals, and concluded there were at least 320,000 viruses that have not yet been detected.

The researchers said that identifying all of these would be crucial to keeping one step ahead of diseases that could become a threat to human health. [BBC]

The Tamu massif is comparable in size to Olympus Mons on Mars

me to find out that there are more like Tamu out there,” said Dr Sager.

“Indeed, the biggest oceanic plateau is Ontong Java plateau, near the equator in the Pacific, east of the Solomon Islands. It

MANILA

is much bigger than Tamu - it’s the size of France.”

The name Tamu comes from Texas A&M University, where Prof Sager previously taught before moving to the University of Houston.

N V I R O N M E N TA L Management Bureau set spearheading this month, in Cebu province and Metro Manila, seminars on registering dealers of ozone-depleting substances which damage the ozone layer that protects Earth from the sun’s harmful ultra-violet rays.

Philippine Ozone Desk noted the move aims to orient unregistered ODS dealers on enlisting with EMB regional offices where their operations are, enabling the agency to better track, control and phase out the materials they’re trading.

“Government is gradually phasing out ODS and will allow these in the country until 2040 only,” said POD planing and monitoring officer Bellrose Buraga.

Government created POD through EMB to facilitate and coordinate ODS phase-out projects and policies nationwide.

The Philippines and other countries continue phasing out ODS following the Montreal Protocol which commits countries to undertake measures for protecting the ozone layer through freezing, reducing or ending production and consumption of controlled substances.

According POD, the seminars are among activities for this year’s cele-

bration marking the Philippines’ 25th anniversary on signing the Montreal Protocol.

The country became a signatory to the Protocol on Sept. 14, 1988.

Government also designated September as Philippine Ozone Month.

Every year on Sept. 16, the world likewise observes International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

In Cebu, the seminar scheduled from Sept. 9 to 11 covers Chemical Control Order and government’s hydroclourofluorocarbon (HCFC) phase-out management plan.

Both topics will be covered also during the seminar scheduled on Sept. 20 in Metro Manila.

POD said the CCO for ODS was established in 2000.

HCFCs are among ODS that are controlled under the Montreal Protocol.

POD said government already freezed, starting Jan. 1, 2013 and at 20092010 importation levels, Philippine inbound shipments of HCFCs nationwide.

Government will begin implementing two years later a 10 percent reduction in the country’s HCFC importation, POD noted.

[PNA]

Animals harbor at least 320,000 new viruses Gov’t to pursue registration T of ozone-depleting substances E The flying fox is one of many mammals that carry viruses that spread to humans

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDITORIAL

A

Even Patti Austin feels safe in Davao

MERICAN singing legend Patti Austin blew into town for her Monday night concert in Davao City.

Ms. Austin’s arrival came at the height of the attack by rogue Moro National Liberation Front Group (MNLF) in Zamboanga. For an American icon like her, the visit to Davao City is a testament of confidence in the city’s state of security and peace and order.

Remember that the American Embassy had issued a travel advisory for their diplomatic officials to refrain from travelling to Mindanao, including Davao City due to threats of terrorism. There is practically no one in the American diplomatic corps as huge as Patti Austin.

The reference may be exaggerated but for what it’s worth, Ms. Austin’s arrival here should be

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a statement. She did mention she wants to relocate here to the delight of the Dabawenyo crowd who gave Ms. Austin a welcome she would refer to as “warmest ever.”

The 2008 Grammy Award winner may have regaled the crowed with her powerful and gorgeous voice. At 63, she still has that rare talent of singing various genre. But what is endearing is her faith that she is safe in Davao.

Patti was in Manila when news of the attack in Zamboanga broke out. We are pretty sure the embassy did not miss the news and so is the rest of the world. Ms. Austin had all the time in the world to back out and not risk it.

Amidst all that, Patti Austin—the global music icon and American treasure--came, saw, and yes, conquered us.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

EJ DOMINIC C. FERNANDEZ Reporter

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

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

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made worse by the way high-level officials are chosen and the way voters elect political leaders.

Most of our g ove r n m e n t managers come from the backgrounds in big businesses or the elite professions. They are educated in a small number of elite schools. Like the mandarinates of the Chinese empire, they are socially distant from the masses of Filipinos. And, naturally, they tend to serve and protect not the masses of their countrymen but their own kind.

The same goes true with elective officials. They don’t want to give up their prerogatives, perks and absolute power despite being embroiled in enormous financial scandals and ultimately will be facing appropriate charges.

This kind of elitist rule and the voters’ method of electing people who cannot give good government promote the needs and wants of the vast minority over the broad and larger complicated concerns of the larger society.

Interest-groups like the professionals, academe, farmers, workers and student groups not to mention militant and left-leaning organizations have no other resort except mass protest action which oftentimes ended up in trouble with authorities to express their grievances and demands. Clearly, government must find a mechanism to institutionalize and civilize these often violent and destructive schemes for expressing sectoral gripes and requests.

There is much to be said for the constitutional wisdom that reminds

us the Constitution seems to recognize the need when it prescribes that Congress should respect the role of independent people’s organizations; and the rights of these groups to effective and reasonable participation at all levels of social, political and economic decision-making. While officials notably legislators do hold every now and then “consultations with the people,” these conferences actually are more form than substance. Unless people’s organizations are on the verge of disrupting the social order, public officials elective or otherwise pay them no attention.

The P10 billion pork barrel fund scam proved to be a test case for the Aquino administration. One answer to this problem of imposing public accountability on both elective and appointive officials lies in the setting up of, say, people’s commission or oversight committee appointed by the President which can act like directors of government departments – setting policies, performance target and operating guidelines. For example, a commission for agriculture – which is representing federation of rice, corn and coconut farmers, fishermen’s and agribusiness organizations – can set agricultural policies, review and monitor budget in agriculture to avoid misuse and abuse of funds.

Most importantly, it can demand from the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) a program of action that would eliminate the need to import rice and corn; a program that would increase agriculture incomes, diversify crops and increase farm yields without relying on the highly-anomalous PDAF funds, which are of course, directly channeled stealthily into the big pockets of corrupt officials and their equally crooked cronies.

For Obama, a contradiction too many

BAMA has also contradicted himself on executive power. After steadily expanding the power of the presidency for the last six years, he abruptly decided to seek Congressional support for an attack on Syria.

Again, Obama’s position is inconsistent. He is requesting congressional support for a Tomahawk missile strike in Syria but continues to argue he has the authority to maintain a “kill list” of people — Americans included — whom the president can target in drone missile strikes worldwide. There is no public review of the “kill list,” the legal rational behind it or standards of evidence used to determine who will die.

While Obama kept his promise to pull US troops out of Iraq, he has disappointed his liberal base in Afghanistan. Instead of withdrawing American troops from the country in his first term, he carried out a surge of U.S. troops. In his second term, he

COMMENTARY

BY DAVID ROHDE

(Conclusion) continues to promise a pullout but talk of maintaining as many as 15,000 soldiers in Afghanistan as a “residual force” continues to circulate.

Lastly, Obama’s response to the widespread NSA eavesdropping revealed by Edward J. Snowden has also disappointed many liberals. Obama said he “welcomed a debate” on surveillance — but then declined to reveal the extent of the programs or open them to public review.

A similar disappointment exists overseas. Europeans who expected sweeping reforms of American anti-terror efforts are disappointed. The Snowden leaks have

been even more devastating abroad than they have been at home. From Germany to Mexico, the NSA has been secretly eavesdropping on foreign leaders while insisting it was doing nothing of the sort.

There is a chance that Obama will somehow win support from Congress. As I’ve written before, lawmakers should approve his request if it is part of a broader strategy to work toward a political settlement in Syria.

The draft Senate resolution bars American ground troops from deploying in Syria and places a ninety day limit on how long any attack can last. And Obama himself has repeatedly said that he will not allow the US to be drawn into a prolonged conflict.

In short, Obama is asking the American public to trust him. In a rare moment of unity, Americans on the right and left are saying they do not. The president has engaged in one contradiction too many.

9

Conviction rate of smuggling cases a crying shame

More form than substance

HE LACK OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY – Having recently experienced political disorder sparked by the multi-billion pork barrel fund controversy, I think government really cannot afford to institute meaningful reforms while the country is under such a tumultuous situation.

Political infighting is not the best strategy for long-term development. Reform as I’ve stated previously must be a continuing, endless process. It must constantly present a spectrum of people’s interests to the urgent attention of government.

The Constitution as many of our people know defines public office as a public trust, and demands that officials be accountable, at all times, to the people. But this idealist concept seldom materializes in real life – a glaring example is the PDAF fund scandal enmeshing some members of Congress.

The way people look at it there are no teeth to this constitutional provision.

Furthermore, Cabinet secretaries and other high officials appointed by the President owe allegiance only to the appointing authority – and to no one else.

And this is the reason people perhaps recognize the concern about the rising threat of nepotism and cronyism that eventually lead to widespread corruption and the urgency of involving both the elderly and the young among our countrymen to assert their rights and constitutional duty. In a word, it is an agenda serious and determine in its intent and wide-ranging in its concept.

People have to work on it to divulge corruption in its worst form. Today’s question therefore is no longer whether people should cooperate and unite with one another but how far cooperation and unity among them should go.

This lack of public accountability is

O

VANTAGE POINTS

SPECIAL FEATURE

BY JORGE B. OSIT

T

HE conviction rate of smuggling cases filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) with the Department of Justice stands out in sharp relief compared to our neighboring Indonesia’s 100 percent conviction rate of graft and bribery cases involving government funds.

For its highly successful decade-long campaign against systemic corruption in post-Suharto Indonesia, the anti-graft agency Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi ( KPK or Corruption Eradication Commission) was recently honored by the Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2013 for “its fiercely independent and successful campaign against corruption in Indonesia.”

Established in 2003, KPK has locked up top government officials and prominent politicians and continues to draw support from a public that has grown disillusioned with a corrupt judiciary, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) and the national police.

Zeroing in on the 142 smuggling cases filed by the BOC under the watch of Commissioner Ruffy Biazon since his appointment in September 2011 as customs chief, the rate of conviction is a crying shame: ZERO as in nothing.

Almost twice a month the customs legal officers file appropriate charges against persons caught violating various provisions of the country’s Customs and Tariff Code.

Invariably, all of the accused share a common motive which is nothing short of defrauding the government of lawful tax payments in millions of pesos -- substantial enough to help bankroll basic services such as education, health and housing.

Viewed against this backdrop, Commissioner Biazon was once asked if it was possible to simply blacklist traders and brokers who often figure in smuggling cases.

His reply betrayed a sense of helplessness: traders have a right to do business even if smuggling charges are filed against them and, more importantly, they cannot do anything about the zero conviction rate of smuggling cases because the judiciary is outside their jurisdiction and mandate.

Overall, for an anti-corruption campaign to succeed like what they did in Indonesia, the whole picture must be taken into account and the pivotal role of the judiciary must not be ignored. [PNA]

‘

His reply betrayed a sense of helplessness: traders have a right to do business even if smuggling charges are filed against them

‘

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Security... FFROM 1 between Philippine military and the MNLF continues in Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City.

“We urge the public to be more vigilant against people who might exploit the situation. Please report to the police at once,” Dela Rosa said, “We are prepared to protect the city, just relax and don’t panic. We got assurance from the MNLF leadership that they won’t create trouble in Davao City.”

A television report on Tuesday said that Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had a closeddoor meeting with MNLF leader Abdul Aziz “Monk” Olamit in his office on Monday afternoon at the height of the Zamboanga attack. The same report also said that Duterte talked with Nur Misuari on the phone and got assurance that no MNLF members will make any trouble in the region.

Major Jake Obligado, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said in a text message to Edge Davao that based on their monitoring in the Davao region and some areas in the

province of Sarangani no untoward incidents done by the MNLF as of this moment.

“There is no imminent threat or danger monitored. Everybody wants peace in the region,” Obligado said.

The Army spokesperson also reported that provincial governors Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley and Corazon Malayaon of Davao Oriental were in close coordination with MNLF leaders in their areas.

“The situation is normal,” Obligado described the situation in the two provinces.

As of yesterday, some 7,000 persons have been displaced from 10 barangays in Zamboanga City, while 44 others were injured in the encounter. Six hostages from Barangay Talon-Talon have been released.

“They have affinity with the place and they are peace loving,” she added.

In the province of Sarangani, a dialogue between MNLF leaders, local chief executives, the military and PNP is scheduled today at 9:00 am to tackle the same agenda.

is currently under the control of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

DCCCII said that being in the forefront and as a “site of first impression” for the rest of the world, FBIA is expected to live up to the standards of a worldclass international airport with the facilities, equipment, personnel and management “that such standards require.”

“Sadly, it would appear that the airport has failed to live up to its name and designation as a world-class international airport,” it said.

Avila reiterated the observation of the DCCCII that the airport has sufficient revenues from operations through terminal fees, concessionaire rentals for its operations requirements.

“From the terminal fees alone the airport earned P227 million in 2010 which increased to P284 million in 2012,” he said.

In her explanatory

note, second district Rep. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano said the proposed centralized body clothed with corporate personality will focus on adopting policies to exploit the potential of the FBIA to be a first class airport.

She said the proposed DIAA will also implement new technologies and efficient methodologies to improve its competitiveness to provide a safe and more efficient air transport service “which is an essential element of any growing economy.”

“The creation of DIAA will have a positive effect on the economic development of Davao City and Davao region. It will substantially contribute to the quest of the region to emerge as the premier socio-economic tourism center not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia-Pacific region. It will also spur further economic growth of the surrounding provinces in Mindanao,” Albano said. GGD

Proposed... FFROM 2

DABAWENYA SINGER. Crizelle Valdez (right), a Dabawenya talent, duets with Joe Pizzulo in the curtain-raiser of the Patti Austin concert at the SMX Convention Center on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.

OPAPP... FFROM 3

the completion of the almost six-year Tripartite Review Process on the implementation of the 1996 FPA, to pave the way for the Agreement’s full implementation.

Second, the Aquino Administration has continuously engaged the MNLF through the GPH-MNLF-Office of Islamic Conference (OIC) Tripartite Review Process, since the Administration’s start last July, 2010.

In the statement, the process has been moving with one formal Tripartite meeting, two Ad Hoc High-Level Group meetings, several informal technical meetings and consultations since the start of this Administration and in all these meetings, Nur Misuari personally attended and participated in the process that led to the GPH-MNLF’s 42 consensus points on amendmends to RA 9054.

Third, Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP) has

already scheduled the convening of the 5th Meeting of the GPHMNLF-OIC Tripartite Review on the Implementation of the 1996 FPA on Monday, 16 September 2013 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

In Deles’ statement, she said, it is for this that the Chair of the OIC-PCSP, Indonesian Ambassador Hassan Kleib visited the country last week for top-level consultations with the GPH in Manila on 5 September 2013, and the MNLF groups in Davao City on 6 September 2013, in preparation for the meeting.

Fourth, the proposed completion of the Tripartite Review Process was thoroughly discussed and clearly understood by the OIC-PCSP as shown by the letter to the OIC Secretary General of Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr. Marty Natalegawa, which the Indonesian Ministry shared with us, which states that “the GPH conveyed its assurances that in the case of the closure of the

Tripartite Implementation Review Process, GPH will continue to engage relevant parties of the MNLF, through existing mechanism, to find a just and comprehensive political solution for the issue of the Southern Philippines.”

Fifth, on the development aspect, the Philippine Government has been engaging the MNLF under the PAMANA program that covered former MNLF bases that were transformed into Peace and Development Communities as beneficiaries, and provided assistance for community infrastructure needs.

Sisth, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Government on the other hand, has likewise signed an agreement with the MNLF through ARMM-MNLF Cooperation for Peace and Development on 8 November 2012, which was personally witnessed by Nur Misuari.

The MOA provides for delivery of development projects and

programs to benefit their communities.

More than 50 senior MNLF leaders signed a resolution of commitment on 1 September 2013, as partner of the regional government of the ARMM to help alleviate the economic status and welfare of the MNLF communities through socio-economic projects in Mindanao and affirming their continued support to the 1996 FPA. In Deles’ statement, she said, “clearly, the armed group that staged these violent attacks in Zamboanga City had genuine peace farthest from their minds.”

“We call on Chairman Misuari to reign in his followers, and listen to the clamor of the Bangsamoro people for the advancement of a comprehensive peace agreement and the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, to which the Philippine government remains committed to achieve just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” she said.

ic Enterprises office which runs city-owned income generating operations like public markets, cemeteries, slaughterhouse and the overland transport terminal.

Agustin, whose position is Legal Officer IV at the City Legal Office, now heads the two offices in concurrent capacity.

For his part, Quitain said he would meet the chiefs of offices

and department heads at City Hall to get updates on, and status of, their operations.

“I will ask them to tell me their problems and we will take off from there,” He said.

Quitain said he would review the existing work flow to improve and hasten the processing of voluminous documents passing through his office daily, including vouchers and other

financial transactions.

“There will be no total overhaul. We will just improve the

system whatever results we may come up after the review,” he said.

Quitain... FFROM 2

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21087747 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 186797-6 issued to CENIZA, MANUEL M. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

9/4,11,18

11 NATION

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

MANILA

BI agents nab American wanted for murder I

MMIGRATION agents arrested a 71-yearold American wanted for murdering a woman in the United States 21 years ago in what authorities there described as a crime of passion.

BI Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison said Santiago Pedroso is now detained at the BI Detention Center in Bicutan, Taguig following his arrest last Sept. 9 in front of the US Embassy along Roxas Blvd., Manila.

He had just gone to the embassy to renew his expired US passport when he was collared by operatives from the bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).

“He will be deported for being an undocumented and undesirable alien,” Mison said, adding that the fugitive will be blacklisted to prevent him from re-entering the country.

“Good guys in, bad guys out. That is our rallying cry,” the immigration chief declared as he vowed that there will be no let-up in the BI’s campaign against foreign fu-

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gitives.

Atty. Jose Carlitos Licas, BI Acting Intelligence Chief, said that Pedroso was captured after hiding in the country for more than 16 years to evade prosecution and punishment for his crime.

Licas said the fugitive admitted he entered the country via the backdoor sometime in December 1996 when he absconded from a cruise ship that arrived in Mindanao.

US Embassy officials said Pedroso is wanted for the June 21, 1992 killing of Delores Alvarez, who was shot while dining in a crowded restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Alvarez was allegedly shot five times by Pedroso who approached the victim while the latter was dining with his former wife.

Police alleged that the suspect committed the crime in a fit of jealous rage because his estranged wife, from whom he had bitterly separated, was living with the victim. [PNA]

THE CHILD’S BEST MEDITATION. An unidentified child, comfortable in an improvised net hammock, gets his dose of needed sleep and winds softly blowing from Manila’s shoreline, while his elders go about their daily chores

Tuesday near Del Pan Bridge in Manila, with a Catholic church belfry serving as backdrop. [PNA photo Avito C. Dalan]

MANILA

July 2013 exports up on electronics recovery We need to get OFWs out of Syria – Recto M

ERCHANDISE exports grew for the second consecutive month, after electronics posted a turnaround due to increased demand, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

This statement came after the National Statistics Office reported that total export earnings reached $4.8 billion in July 2013, higher by 2.3 percent than last year’s level.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the increase is attributed to robust elec-

MANILA

tronics demand from trading partners, coupled with expansion in exports of minerals, petroleum, total agrobased products, and forest products.

“Exports of electronic products posted its first positive growth for this year due to increased demand from major trading partners such as China, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and the US,” he said.

Electronics exports went up by 11.2 percent to $1.9 billion in July 2013, a reversal from last year’s decline of almost 25 percent. This growth moderated the

5.4-percent contraction in manufactured exports, as electronics comprised almost half of the total value of exported manufactured goods worth US$3.8 billion.

The growth in electronics is supported by higher exports of mineral products (68.6%), petroleum (3,356.8%), total agrobased products (4.0%), and forest products (2.4%).

“The lackluster performance of manufactured exports mirrored the sluggish growth in global manufacturing, specifically in the Asian region. Fortunately, demands for other com-

modities buoyed merchandise exports in July,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

For the first seven months of 2013, export earnings were down by 3.4 percent to $30.4 billion from $31.5 billion in the same period in 2012.

Japan remained as the top exports destination of the Philippines in July 2013, accounting for 19.8 percent of the country’s total export receipts. This was followed by China (13.2%), US (12.6%), Hong Kong (8.5%), and Singapore (6.8%).

[Neda]

PHL mulls removal Chinese concrete blocks in Panatag

P

HILIPPINE Navy flag-officer-incharge Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano Tuesday said the government is studying plans to remove the 75 concrete blocks China has placed on Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) which lies 137 miles from Zambales.

Discovery of these

was only made public last week but aerial reconnaissance flights which spotted these suggest they were placed last Aug. 31 and Sept. 2.

The concrete blocks were placed in a 2-sq-km area in the northern portion of Panatag Shoal.

“That’s being discussed as to how to…but

I do not like to preempt what will (be) the decision,” Alano stressed.

He said that this matter was also discussed by the National Security Council.

The PN chief said that there is no new development in Panatag Shoal but stressed that the area is under close surveillance.

“The situation is still being monitored there, but this is now under the National Security Council,” Alano emphasized.

With the discovery of the concrete blocks last week, the Philippine government announced it is planning to file a diplomatic protest against China. [PNA]

A

MID United States preparations for strikes against Syria, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said that although the Philippines is an ally, it was best to concentrate on pulling out Filipinos from Syria and not to intervene.

“Think your size.

Hindi tayo dapat makialam diyan, kahit kaalyado natin (sila),” Recto said, in an interview. “We have to first think how to get our citizens out from there, let’s not think of anything to add to that.”

“We need to know how many OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) are in jail because they are among those who cannot return home,” he added.

Recto said that, as early as now, it was a good move for the government to address im-

plications on the country and its citizens.

“The situation there is very big. I think that if the US will eventually target Syria, there will be a wider regional conflict,” he further said.

“The implication is that oil prices will go up, consumers will get affected. It will affect the balance of payments and when that is affected then the peso will depreciate,” he added.

He also said that at an appropriate time, the senate will eventually seek briefings with involved agencies.

“There are schedules with departments, if the appropriate department is on deck, we will ask questions later on,” he said, adding that he will also welcome resolutions filed by senators if there are any. [PNA]

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

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- Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Orcullo survives as PHL bets crash P

SURVIVOR. Dennis Orcullo of the Philippines survived the siege of the ranks of Pinoys in the World 9-Ball Championship.

INOY bets competing in the World 9-Ball Championship in Doha, Qatar held sway as Dennis Orcullo, Antonio Gabica, and virtual unknown Marlon Villamor crashed the last-64 while a bunch of big names, including former world champions Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, had to fight to stay in the hunt.

WPA Player of the Year Orcullo ripped Tomasz Kaplan of Poland, 9-4.

Gabica, a gold medalist in the 2006 Asian Games who is now based in Doha, kept his composure in outlasting German counterpart Dominic Jentsch, 9-7.

Villamor also made it to the next stage as he swept Nick Ekonomopoulos of Greece.

But the bulk of Filipino campaigners will have to earn it the hard way going into the next round as they

battle for survival in their next games.

Reyes, Bustamante, and several others are now in a must-win situation after falling into the loser’s bracket following defeats in their previous matches.

Reyes, a two-time world champion and Hall of Famer, faces Joeng Young of Korea.

Bustamante, who won the World 9-Ball championship in 2010, faces an acid test in meeting another former world champion in Germany’s Thorsten Hohmann.

Also in the loser’s bracket are Lee Van Corteza, Marlon Manalo, Carlo Biado, Jeff de Luna, Ramil Gallego, Mark Antony, and Raymond Faraon.

Corteza, the runner-up in the World Ten Ball Championship in Manila in 2009, meets Salah Al Rimawi in Kuwait.

Rodman plans to bring NBA players to N. Korea

N

EW YORK (AP) -Dennis Rodman is going back to North Korea, and plans to bring a team of former NBA players with him.

Days after returning from his second trip to visit Kim Jong Un - in which he said he became the first foreigner to hold the leader’s newborn daughter - Rodman announced plans Monday to stage two exhibition games in North Korea in January.

The first will be Jan. 8 - Kim’s birthday - with another to follow two days later.

Rodman’s friendship with the autocratic leader has been criticized - and led to a couple of testy exchanges during his Manhattan news conference.

But Rodman insists Kim is a good person, wants to have better relations with the United States and that he’s the one who can help make it happen with his plan for ‘’basketball diplomacy.’’ ‘’Why North Korea? It’ll open doors,’’ Rodman said.

Touting his friendship with Kim and taunting President Barack Obama for not talking to him, Rodman said he will go back to North Korea for a week in December to help select local players for the game. He hopes to have stars such as former Chicago teammate Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone. ‘’Michael Jordan, he won’t do it, because he’s Michael Jordan,’’ Rodman said.

Rodman, holding a cigar and wearing the shirt of a vodka company and a

hat of a betting company that is funding the event, said Kim has asked him to train his players to compete in the 2016 Olympics and offered to allow the Hall of Famer to write a book about him.

Though looking like a billboard, Rodman said he’s not doing the event for money. He said the Irish betting company Paddy Power would put up $3.5 million. Power later said finances hadn’t been determined.

And Rodman, who joked that he hadn’t drawn such a crowd in New York since he wore a wedding dress to a book signing, was adamant that this venture was serious - ‘’groundbreaking,’’ in Rodman’s words. ‘’People think this is a gimmick. I would love to make this a gimmick ... but it’s not about the money,’’ he said.

He rarely referred to Kim by name, frequently calling him ‘’the marshal.’’

Rodman first met Kim, a basketball fan, when traveling to North Korea in February for a film project.

Though saying he didn’t want to discuss politics, Rodman raised his voice when answering a questioner about Kim’s human rights record and portrayed himself as the person who could make outsiders see the young leader as different than his father and grandfather. ‘’He has to do his job but he’s a very good guy,’’ Rodman said. ‘’If he wanted to bomb anybody in the world, he would have done it.’’

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

High contrast PORTRAIT photography is quite different from other types of photography. Its objective is to capture the natural side and character of your subject.

While portraiture is made more convenient and easier with the advent of digital cameras and Photoshop, no amount of onetouch devices will make your photos look good unless you pay close attention to the details and factors around you during the actual shoot itself. Sometimes it only takes a small object to ruin a perfect picture. It can be wisps of hair, a chair in the background, or an inconsiderate “photobomber”. It helps if your eyes are quick to spot any spec that’s out of place and your imagination wild enough to make wonderful possibilities happen in each frame.

Any literature on photography can teach you the basics of capturing images, but the best way to learn the ropes of photography is to get some hands on training. You have to get

out in the field and put those theories and techniques into practice. Some would find themselves bending rules, playing with filters, and defying trends --- eventually finding and creating their own style and identity.

While some prefer to exercise their skills on their own, there are also those who enjoy learning the craft through workshops and group activities. Collabortive efforts not only create camaraderie among each learner

Makeup artist Melody Ross Tinoy-McMahon.

/ photographer, but also spring up ideas and techniques which you do not always find in books.

It is this sharing of “trade secrets” that inspired photographers Paul Borromeo and Marlon Advincula to introduce their Lyrical Light workshop series just a few years back. They believe ideas are also best learned when shared. This cycle of learning and sharing is what keeps the imagination alive. As Albert Einstein once said, “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.”

The highly successful Lyrical Light series gathered both the learned and the newbies in outdoor shoots organized by the 2 dedicated shutterbugs. For all these shoots, Paul and Marlon partnered with seasoned professionals in the local fashion and beauty industry to help them put together themes they had in mind.

More than a year has passed since the last Lyrical Light. Paul and Marlon, who are always in search of creative ways to use whatever idle time they have, tossed ideas to each other with the intention of adding a twist to their group workshops. This time around, they decided to make their activity more comprehensive in terms of imagery and visuals.

Dubbed as “High Contrast,” this new workshop series focuses on both photography and post processing. From the

Stylist Ayie Hernandez.

Photographer Paul Borromeo

Makeup artist Tiny Pinili. title itself, it aims to nurture and develop individuality among participants, and, at the same time, appreciate art in many different ways. The whole outdoor venue becomes each photographer’s own studio, with models and setup styled by generous talents such as designer Junnie Artajo, makeup art-

Fashion designer Junnie Artajo. ists Tiny Pinili and Melody followed by a full day trainRoss Tinoy, fashion styl- ing on post-processing usist Ayie Hernandez, plus ing Adobe Photoshop. a few more collaborators The P5,000 workshop fee from LeadFoto Studios. already covers snacks and The 2-day workshop lunch. For inquiries and is set to happen on Sep- reservations, please call tember 21 and 22 (Sat- 0917-7785-433 or 0923urday and Sunday) at 4411-171. You may also Casa Munda in Juna Sub- email marlonadvincula@ division. The photo shoot gmail.com or paul@leadtakes place on the first day, foto.net.

Photographer Marlon Advincula.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Tattoo first to bring LTE technology to households GLOBE TELECOM expands its Long Term Evolution (LTE) footprint as Tattoo Home Broadband, its home broadband brand, brings the latest internet technology to households, allowing subscribers to surf the internet at ultrafast speeds within the comfort of their homes, effectively bringing the telco’s LTE coverage of close to 1,000 sites nationwide, matching the LTE coverage of competition.

With home broadband LTE, households will now have access to high-speed internet ideal for watching highdefinition videos, downloading and uploading large files, seamless video and music streaming, and voice-overinternet-protocol or VOIP calling with clear quality. This LTE service is backed by the largest 4G network in the country deployed by Globe.

Head of Tattoo Home Broadband Jurist Gamban said that, “Tattoo Home Broadband once again leads the industry as the first to offer the most advanced wireless broadband technology that is LTE for the home broadband market. With this latest offering, we are able to reach more households around the country who initially did not have access to highspeed broadband. Now with the power of our largest 4G network, we can bring great value broadband services powered by the latest technologies to more people.”

Using the fastest broadband technologies, Filipino families now have access to blazing internet speeds that are easy on the pocket. Unlimited broadband bundles with free calls to Globe and TM may be availed of starting at Plan 1099 at 1 Mbps, Plan 1299 at 2 Mbps, Plan 1599 at 3 Mbps, Plan 2299 at 5 Mbps, Plan 3999 at 10 Mbps and Plan 4999 at 15 Mbps. Meanwhile, internet-only plans that connect at 3 and 5 Mbps are available at Plan 999 and 1999 respectively, both with unlimited web access.

This development comes at the heels of Tattoo’s enhanced Home Broadband bundles early this year. All bundles come with high-speed internet, free landline, and free unlimited landline to mobile (Globe and TM) calls. Touted as the “biggest deal in home broadband,” the unlimited calls feature is also available on the Tattoo Home Broadband LTE Plans.

Tattoo Home Broadband powered by Globe 4G LTE is available in key areas in Metro Manila and select cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. For more information, log on to tattoo.globe.com.ph, call (02) 730-1010, visit the nearest Globe store or get in touch with authorized Globe Sales Agents.

GREAT NEWS FOR THE PLATTERS TICKET HOLDERS! Get a chance to meet & greet Las Vegas’ Elvis Presley impersonator Johnny “Elvis” Thompson on September 12, 2013, 4PM at SM City Davao’s Annex Event Center. For updates on upcoming events: Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/smcitydavao Follow us on Twitter – @smcitydavao

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

Ateneo de Davao High School Batch ‘88 to hold photo exhibit

TO celebrate Ateneo de Davao High School batch ‘88’s (AMDG’88) silver jubilee, AMDG’88 together with Globe, HP and SM City Davao, will be holding a photo exhibit at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center this coming September 13 to 22.

Entitled “Ateneo Snapshots” the exhibit features a rare glimpse of events, personalities and places from Ateneo de Davao through the years. A tribute to the Ateneo de Davao high school batch of 1963 who will be celebrating their golden jubilee in this year’s grand homecoming, Ateneo Snapshots shall pave the way for Ateneans to walk through memory lane, creating for themselves their own flashbacks while creating a need to reconnect with Ateneo de Davao and with old friends and classmates.

AMDG’88 hopes the project will invoke positive emotional responses from the viewing public and all Ateneo de Davao alumni while enticing fellow Ateneans to take a more active role in organizing reunions and gatherings of their respective high school batches.

“We want the photo exhibit to extract emotions of longing and create their personal flashbacks of the times they spent at the Ateneo de Davao, as well as establish a venue for people

Old AdDU college bulding.

AdDU basketball team.

to reconnect.” says homecoming Chairman, Mr. Bobby Antepuesto , “This will be the start of many more activities leading up to the Ateneo de Davao Grand Alumni Homecoming where the Ateneo alumni community can

Fr. Emeterio Barcelon, former university president of AdDU. come together and recon- Grand Alumni Homecomnect with friends and class- ing to be held on December mates.”

30, 2013 at the SMX ConThe Ateneo Snapshots vention Center in SM Laphoto exhibit will serve nang Premier. as the launch of a series of Alumni may also stay events leading up to Ateneo updated on Facebook on Flashback 2013, the up- https://www.facebook. coming Ateneo de Davao com/ateneoflashback2013.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Alden and Louise rekindle love in Kagay-an Festival EVEN BEFORE the telecast of the highly-anticipated and heart-rending conclusion of GMA Telebabad’s top-rating series Mundo Mo’y Akin bannered by Alden Richards and Louise de los Reyes, the Kagay-anons became first-hand witnesses to the love team’s undeniable charm a week prior to the said beautiful finale in this year’s Kagay-An Festival.

Fans from the City of Golden Friendship made their way to the Atrium of Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro (CdeO) City on August 27 where Alden and Louise reignited their on-screen chemistry in a Kapuso Mall Show. They were also joined by Sunday All Stars regular Jonalyn Viray who belted out her hit single “Help Me Get Over,” theme music of phenomenal series My Husband’s Lover.

Alden could not help but be amazed by the warm welcome extended to them by the Kagayanons and shared, “It was an overwhelming reception that we received from the crowd during our mall show where we truly felt how strongly they support Mundo Mo’y Akin. With that, I can say that I definitely would love to be back in Cagayan de Oro.” His leading lady, Louise, also expressed her heartfelt thanks and said “Sobrang masaya po ako at nakakataba po ng puso na hindi pa rin po

nagbabago ang init ng pagtanggap ng mga Kapuso nating taga-CDeO tuwing pumupunta kami roon. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa patuloy nilang pagsuporta sa akin at siyempre sa Mundo Mo’y Akin.”

It was a celebration the Kagay-anons will surely remember as a number of Kapuso stars and personalities also joined in the festivities. Maghihintay Pa Rin’s JC Tiuseco participated in the Kagay-an float parade on the morning of August 27. The same parade was carried over a live coverage made possible by GMA TV CdeO’s News and Public Affairs.

Yet another crowddrawer was the Kapuso Mall Show featuring the stars of morning series With A Smile which took place on August 28 at SM City CdeO. Triumvirate Christian Bautista, Andrea Torres, and Mikael Daez made a lot of faces

break into smiles with their performances. Earlier that day, Christian, Mikael, and Andrea visited Brgy. Balulang Covered Court for a Kapuso Barangayan.

“Kagay-an was fun.

Ilang beses na akong nakabisita dun and everytime I do, I can say that all my experiences in CDeO were memorable because of the place and the people of course,” recalled Mikael.

Meanwhile, Gabby Eigenmann and host Anna Maris Igpit were present during the Miss Cagayan de Oro Coronation Night which commenced in the Atrium of Limketkai Center on August 24.

The PE Rhythmic Dance Festival at the Pelaez Sports Center was also enjoyed by the Kagay-anons as they were joined by sexy actress Michelle Madrigal and Pyra Babaeng Apoy’s Jeric Gonzales on August 26.

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KIRAY STARS IN “MMK,” MEETS HER MATCH IN ARJO. Young comedienne Kiray Celis will make TV viewers cry this Saturday (September 14) in “Maalaala Mo Kaya” as she portrays the role of Brenda, an insecure but talented lady who wants to prove to everyone that her short stature is not a hindrance to success. In the upcoming episode, Kiray Celis will be paired with “Dugong Buhay” lead actor Arjo Atayde. How hard is it to earn other’s love and respect when you, yourself, are questioning your self-worth? Together with Kiray and Arjo in the upcoming “MMK” episode are Tetchie Agbayani, Ronnie Lazaro, Aaliyah Belmoro, Gilleth Sandico, Marnie Lapuz, Raquel Villavicencio, Young JV, Bianca Casado, EJ Jallorina, Marie Joy Dalo and Alec Dungo. It was researched by Akeem Jordan Del Rosario, written by Mary Rose Colindres, and directed by Garry Fernando. Don’t miss “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK), Saturday nighs, after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.mmk.abs-cbn.com, follow MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” www.facebook.com/MMKOfficial.

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A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

FOOD

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Pretzel perfect at Auntie Anne’s THE perfect pretzel brand founded by Ann Beiler in 1971 in Maryland, Pennsylvania is now serving the same delightful pretzels in SM City Davao.

The famous pretzel house redefines pretzels by offering fresh, sweet taste coupled with a light bread-like texture snack which comes in a variety of flavors.

Classic products are original, cinnamon sugar, almond, sour cream and onion, and garlic pretzels along with the pretzel dog. One can elevate the experience with the choice of caramel, chocolate, cheddar and cream cheese dips.

Complementing its classic line is its much-adored oldfashioned, freshly squeezed lemonade.

Auntie Anne’s continues to bring to everyone its world-class snacks according to its three-fold philosophy of producing “fresh, hot, golden-brown soft pretzels,” with a friendly and courteous service crew trained in food preparation, customer service and store maintenance.

Don’t miss out on this gastronomic delight! Grab your perfect pretzels at Auntie Anne’s located at the Ground Floor of SM City Davao Main Mall and SM Lanang Premier.

Bulgogi Brothers offers new premium beef combos

BULGOGI BROTHERS knows you love beef, that is why Bulgogi Brothers now offers Premium Beef Combinations. For only Php995, you and your friend can have a taste of perfectly tender premium beef cuts prepared and cooked the way that only Bulgogi Brothers knows how.

Sink your teeth into delicious Beef Tenderloin and Premium Boneless Short Ribs, juicy Beef Tenderloin and L.A. Style Short Ribs, or succulent Beef Tenderloin and Boneless Beef Ribs. Each combination comes with six side dishes on the house for the complete Bulgogi Brothers experience.

Bulgogi Brothers is located at the 2nd floor, Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 128 •WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

ANOTHER TITLE. Rafael Nadal celebrates his US Open win over rival Novak Djokovic in a lung-busting duel.

RAFA RULES Nadal wins lung-busting duel with Djokovic

N

EW YORK – Rafael Nadal claimed his second US Open title and 13th Grand Slam crown on Monday when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a lung-busting final.

Nadal, 27, added the 2013 trophy to his 2010 triumph, when he completed a career Grand Slam, and capped a year that has seen him claim 10 titles and stretch his season record to 60 wins and just three losses.

Monday’s win also earned him a total of $3.6 million, which takes his career earnings through the $60 million mark, and also edged him closer to Roger Federer’s record of 17 majors and put him one behind Pete Sampras.

In the pair’s record-setting 37th meeting, world number two Nadal, who only returned to the tour in February following a seven-month injury layoff, took his lead over Djokovic to 2215 as he added the US Open crown to the eighth

French Open he claimed in June.

“It’s very emotional.

All my team knows what this means to me,” said Nadal, who now has 60 career titles and only returned to the sport in February after a seven-month injury absence.

“Novak always brings my game to the limit. He is an amazing player. He will go down as one of the greatest in the sport.”

For Djokovic, playing in a fourth successive final in New York, it was a devastating defeat in a year which started with a fourth Australian Open title but was followed by a semi-final loss at the French Open to Nadal and a Wimbledon final mauling by Andy Murray.

For the neutrals, it was a memorable contest which showcased thrilling athleticism, delicate touch and exhausting, brutal rallies, one of which was fought out over 54 strokes.

Djokovic lost 11 of the last 13 games with his challenge fatally un-

WOMEN’S TENNIS

WTA rankings on Monday (Last week’s positions in brackets): 1. (1) Serena Williams (United States) 12,260 2. (2) Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) 9,505 3. (3) Maria Sharapova (Russia) 7,866 4. (4) Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 6,335 5. (6) Li Na (China) 5,565 6. (5) Sara Errani (Italy) 4,325 7. (7) Marion Bartoli (France) 3,746 8. (8) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 3,645 9. (9) Angelique Kerber (Germany) 3,420 10. (12) Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) 3,245

11. (10) Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 3,170 12 (13) Roberta Vinci (Italy) 3,065 13. (16) Sloane Stephens (United States) 3,045 14. (14) Kirsten Flipkens (Belgium) 2,806 15. (20) Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 2,775 16. (18) Sabine Lisicki (Germany) 2,770 17. (15) Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) 2,720 18. (11) Samantha Stosur (Australia) 2,715 19. (19) Simona Halep (Romania) 2,630 20. (17) Maria Kirilenko (Russia) 2,620

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE128 128• WEDNESDAY, • WEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER11, 11,2013 2013

THE PACMAN PLAN No more boxing by 2016, next step up is the Senate

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

G

EN. SANTOS CITY-Boxing superstar and lawmaker Manny Pacquiao does not see himself fighting in the ring by 2016.

For the first time, the 34year old global boxing icon has set a definite timeline for what he calls the end of a colorful boxing career—perhaps the most storied sports era in the history of Philippine sports and maybe even that of world boxing.

Interviewed by this writer at his home in Gen. Santos City, Pacquiao said he will be doing different things by 2016, one of which is possibly running for a seat in the Philippine Congress’ upper chamber—the Senate, considered by political experts as the last block to the Presidency.

The Presidency could be what Pacquiao’s camp may refer to as “The Plan.”

Pacquiao did not hide his plans to go up the political ladder. He was once quoted to be eyeing the Presidency but

when a deluge of remarks rained on “The Plan” especially from the battle-scarred old warriors in politics, the eighttime world champion backpedalled.

Now he is more realistic of “The Plan.”

“Kung may plano man ako, baka Senador,” Pacquiao said as his guests around him, basketball players from Cebu and Davao City, nodded in approval.

“Pwede rin tapusin ko muna ang term ko bilang congressman dahil may isang term pa naman ako,” he added.

When asked if he will still be boxing by 2016, he had a definite answer. “Hindi na. Sa panahon na yan tapos na ako sa boxing.”

That was about the first time Pacquiao set a timeline for his boxing career. He has a

fight coming up in Macau this November against American Brandon Rios— his first after going down to a crushi n g defeat to rival Juan Manuel M a r quez last year.

Pacq u i a o has began a week of training in his Wildcard Gym here although he revealed he is just doing light workouts for now just to keep him in shape.

He said he will be

training in his home city with trainer Freddie Roach before leaving for Macau a week before the fight.

“Dito lang ako magtraining, hanggang isang lingo bago ang laban,” he said.

Pacquiao has a professional record of 54 wins (38 knockouts, 16 decisions), 5 losses (3 knockouts, 2 decisions) and 2 draws. He has had a string of two straight losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez last year.

Against Rios, Pacquiao said he knows how to beat the 27-year old former world lightweight champion.

“Napag-aralan ko na ang style niya, Mas mabilis tayo at mas may experience at yan ang gagamitin natin. Magbabalik ang dati kong speed, yan ang pinaghahandaan ko,” said Pacquiao who vowed to come out in the same form as he was when he fought Oscar dela Hoya on December 6, 2008.

“Hindi pa namin napag-usapan ang strategy naming pero alam ko na kung ano ang dapat kong gawin,” said Pacquiao who plays basketball as part of his conditioning regimen.

MANNY PACQUIAO. “I’m done with boxing by 2016.” Lean Daval Jr.