Edge Davao 6 Issue 15

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 4-5, 2013 www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

RELIC. Devotees pay respect to the relic of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face at the Sacred Heart Parish in N. Torres St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

INdulge

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Lights out for Earth Hour Sports

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St. Therese, heal us.

Mall execs post bail

By EJ Dominic Fernadnez

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wo officials of the Gaisano Mall Davao, accused of refusing a deaf mute city government employee from serving as movie ticket checker, have reportedly posted bail on wednesday.

The Municipal Trial Court Branch 3, through its clerk of court, confirmed that respondents Jessica Canasa, Gaisano Mall cinema supervisor, and mall comptroller Joe Choa-Shi have paid the P12,000-bail bond for charges of violating Republic Act No. 7277 known as FMALL EXECS POST BAIL, 12

Blue Knights hoops

‘ISLAND’ BARRIERS. A worker from the City Environment and Natural Resources paints the newly-installed road “island” steel barrier along E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS

Foreign observers to monitor May polls

A

group of foreign observers from at least eight countries will visit the country to monitor the May 13 mid-term polls.

Mon Casiple, lead convenor of the institute of Political and electoral Reforms, said so far, 25 foreign observers from eight countries have confirmed their participation.

The foreign observers and local guides will be deployed according to their interest, expertise and election monitoring experience, said the group Compact for Peaceful and Democratic elections (Compact).

Compact was designed by a group of non-government organizations and civil society groups led by the Active Citizenship Foundation(ACF) to address electoral fraud and violence.

it began during the 2004 national and local elections as a reaction to the growing incidence of election-related violence. iPeR is one of the convenors of Compact.

Casiple said foreign observers will come from Australia, Burma, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda and the United States.

He said they will be deployed in Manila, and in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Nueva ecija, Pampanga, Samar and Dinagat islands.

After the elections, the observers will submit a report to the Commission on elections and will focus on the Precinct Count optical Scan machine, the voters’ list, reforms to strengthen political parties, measures to prevent vote buying and reduction of election violence. [PNA]

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

DONATION TO FIRE BRIGADES. Uy Ching Siong, president of Asaje Realty Corp. (second from right) together with grandchildren Johnson (left) and Samantha (second from left), hands over checks worth P500,000 each to Filipino-Chinese Firefighters-Davao fire station chief Santiago Tan (right)

EDGEDAVAO

and Davao Fire Brigade station fire chief Severino Herrera Jr. at My Hotel along San Pedro Street Wednesday night. The donation was a gift from Mr. Siong to the firefighters after they helped save the former’s property when it was razed by fire last February. Lean Daval Jr.

P1.5-M budget

Casiño on his TV ads:

Davao City to put up organic trading post

‘I spent P3.77M’ T

By Che Palicte

S

eNAToRiAl bet Teddy Casiño said the Makabayan Coalition Party spent P3.77 million for his 15.5-minute TV ads composed of 8 spots in national and 23 spots in provincial TV stations.

Casiño said in a press statement that he released his TV ad spending report “for the sake of transparency” as he called on the Commission on elections (Comelec) to release the advertisement logs of all senatorial candidates.

He pointed out that there is a “a large dispari-

ty in cost and reach” of TV ads between national and provincial television.

For instance, “a 30-second national ad in ABS-CBN, which simultaneously airs in 36 provincial TV stations, is worth P538,592 while a 30-second ad airing in only one of its local stations is only worth P24,138, or 4.5 percent of the cost of a national TV ad spot,” he explained. it is with such disparity that Casiño urged the Comelec to revise its “disproportionate” TV ad monitoring as he was

identified as among the “big spenders.” “i urge the Comelec to revise their monitoring method and to implement a weight system on the basis of the huge disparity (of cost and reach) between national and provincial TV ads,” he said. “in all honesty, i am surprised by reports that say i am among the top 5 candidates who have the longest TV airtime, leaving the impression that i am a big TV ad spender.

That is farthest from the truth,” Casiño said. in an article published

in abs-cbnnews.com last Tuesday, Casino was preceded by only a few senatorial candidates in terms of TV ads spending – JV ejercito (26 minutes TV ads), loren legarda (44 minutes radio ads), Richard Gordon and ernesto Maceda (both 23 minutes TV ads), and Miguel Zubiri (19.25 minutes TV ads).

Stated in Comelec Resolution 9615, national candidates are allowed a total of 120 minutes airtime for TV ads and 180 minutes for radio ads. (lorie Ann A. Cascaro / MindaNews)

He city government of Davao has allocated P1.5 million for organic Trading Post (oTP) project aimed at increasing production of organic farm inputs and food products.

Assistant city agriculturist Rocelio Tabay, said during the iSpeak forum yesterday that of the total budget, P1 million is intended to construct a building for the city’s oTP; P300,000 for purchasing of organic farming equipment; and P200,000 for initial capital necessary for the operation of the oTP. “Right now we are just waiting for the bidding in order to start the project,” Tabay said.

He added that the project will cater to farmers who are ready to produce organic crops but lack the venue for trading

their organic products.

The oTP will be serving as the trading center for organic inputs and outputs aside from offering technical consultations related to organic farming. it will be managed by a team to be created by the city government.

The oTP is envisioned to ensure availability and accessibility of certified or registered organic inputs and organic food for farmers, producers, manufacturers and stakeholders interested in adopting organic agricultural practices; promote and showcase the farmers’ organic inputs and products; and provide an outlet for selling organic food products. “our stakeholders are farmers, fisher folks, NGos, Pos, Academe, lGAs and NGAs,” he added.

British consultants to conduct city public transport planning

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KISS OF FAITH. An elderly Catholic devotee kisses the encased relic of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face during a public viewing

at the Sacred Heart Parish in N. Torres St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

team of consultants from the United Kingdom will be conducting a nine-month transport planning for Davao City.

The project, which seeks to develop a sustainable urban public transport system in the the city, will be funded

by Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction in cooperation with Asian Development Bank (ADB), Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC), City of Davao and embassy

of Japan.

The project will cost $1 million.

City Planning officer in charge Roberto Alabado iii bared this yesterday dring the iSpeak forum that the amount will be used to fund the commissioning of British consultants. “our benchmarking for Davao City is international already, so our consultants came from an international group also,” he explained.

Alabado said the city was chosen be-

FBRITISH, 12

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Karlo says anti-corruption measures keyed foreign credit upgrade H

oUSe assistant majority leader Karlo Nograles said government transparency and the unrelenting fight against graft and corruption boosted investor confidence towards the Philippines, leading to an upgrade of the country’s international credit ratings.

With the credit ratings upgrade in the bag,

Nograles said the next challenge is to make everyone enjoy its economic benefits. He vowed to introduce more livelihood opportunities in Davao City First District, his home base, for people to reap the fruits of the growing economy. “everything started with the government’s drive for transparent government,” Nograles point-

ed out. “Now we all have to be part of a sustained cleansing process and win the war against graft and corruption in all levels of the bureaucracy,” said Nograles, one of the principal backers of a Freedom on information (Foi) bill in the House of Representatives.

Nograles’s statement came after the Philippines achieved investment

grade for the first time from Fitch Ratings late March. A respected international credit ratings agency, Fitch has upgraded the nation’s long-term foreign currency-denominated credit standing from BBB- to BB+, or “investment grade.”

The outlook on the rating is “stable,” Fitch said. it is expected to boost capital inflows to the Philippines.

“Funds are already pouring into the Philippines and an investment grade is a further endorsement,” eugene leow, a Singapore-based economist at DBS Group Holdings ltd.

Nograles said that the latest Fitch credit ratings upgrade should already end all skepticism on President Aquino’s ability to run the country’s economy and encourage

the people, rich or poor, to rally behind his administration’s bid to defeat poverty through a sustained war against graft and corruption.

Nograles urged vigilance to win the war against wrongdoings in government. “We have to push government transparency to discourage graft and corruption,” he said.

drugs do not only destroy individuals but also families, which he said are the core of every society. The former congressman for the 2nd district of Davao del Sur also said that the proliferation of drugs also equate to the proliferation of crime, thus preventing business and progress to thrive in the area.

Reliable sources also claim that high ranking officials in Davao del Sur are engaged in illegal drugs, some are even suspected to be users. Sources add that Davao del Sur

has the highest incidence of drugs in the region.

“Hatagi ko ninyo ug unom ka bulan aron undangon ang drugs diri sa atong probinsya (Give me six months to clean the province from illegal drugs),” Bautista said.

“Sa mga pusher, pangita namo ug inyong kabalhinan (To all drug pushers, you better start looking for places to transfer to).”

“Ako mismo ang mugukod kaninyo (drug pushers),” Bautista added.

Bautista vows to purge Davao del Sur from drugs

By Carlo P. Mallo

D

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. Davao City Second district Congresswoman Mylene Garcia with councilor Tomasing Monteverde and former councilors Danny Dayanghirang and Gerald Bangoy turn-over a 2-classroom 1 storey high school building to Pandaitan Brgy. Capt. Lorenzo

Verzano and school Principal Felix Abello. Also present during for the ceremonies held in barangay Pandaitan, Paquibato district were councilors Louie John Bonguyan and April Dayap.

AVAo del Sur gubernatorial aspirant Claude P. Bautista vowed to purge the province of Davao del Sur from illegal drugs should he be elected into office in the midterm elections this May. Speaking before a massive crowd in Digos City Wednesday night during the kick off campaign, Bautista, said that the future of the province can go down the drain if illegal drugs will continue to proliferate in the province. He added that illegal

Q

uips

FBAUTISTA, 12

‘The Comelec should check their figures and see how they computed them. There’s something wrong with their system. This is really impossible because from the start, one of the major problems of my campaign is that I lack funds for TV ads.’

– Senatorial candidate Teddy Casino, reacting to the Comelec report that is the 5th biggest spender of TV ads.

ELECTIoN 101 (No. 4 of a series)

S

Davao 1st 2nd 3rd Davao del Sur Davao del Norte Compostela Valley Davao Oriental Total

City

1 3 1 6

Municipality

14 8 11 10 43

Barangay 54 46 82 337 223 237 183 1,162

Voters 415,882 297,930 254,132 523,862 493,178 370,620 304,552 2,660,156

eCTioN 23. Removal, Confiscation, or Destruction of Prohibited Propaganda Materials. - Any prohibited form of election propaganda shall be summarily stopped, confiscated, removed, destroyed, or torn down by the representatives of the Commission, at the expense of the candidate, parties or person for whose apparent benefit the prohibited election

propaganda materials have been produced, displayed, and disseminated. eleCTioN TRiViA According to www.sulit.com, the cheapest biodegradable plastic election poster costs P3.50 per piece.

CoMeleC ReSoUTioN 9615, SeCTioN 5 (a) pro-

vides that the authorized expense of candidates is three pesos (P3.00) for every voter currently registered in the constituency where the candidate filed his certificate of candidacy.

A piece of plastic poster therefore exceeds the limit for expenses per voter by 50 centavos.

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

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

5.4 4th Qtr 2012

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

6.8 4th Qtr 2012

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

USD 3,969.51 million Dec 2012 USD 5,135.46 million Nov 2012 USD -1,585 million Nov 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 5,171,689 million Dec 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

3.6 % Jan 2013 P155,308 million Nov 2012 P 5,381 billion Nov 2012

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

P 40.67 Feb 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,242.7 Jan 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.4 Feb 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.8 Feb 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

352,438 Nov 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2013

P18.7M export revenues from coco coir

Davao by the nuMbers

By Greg G. Deligero

T

He coco coir industry is on the upswing in Davao Region, producing export revenues amounting to P18.7 Million in the first two months of 2013 alone.

Records from the Port of Davao showed that from January to February 2013, the Davao Region shipped out 1.7 million kilograms of coco coir to China, Japan and Korea amounting to US$455,350 (P18,694,740.32). last year, the region exported 16.39 million kilograms of the product amounting to US$ 4.54 million (P186,393,150.40). other foreign markets are Australia, Canada, Taiwan and United States.

Coco coir now ranked number 15 in the Top 20 export products released by the Port of Davao.

Teolulo T. Pasawa, director of the Department of Trade and industry Davao City Field office said the industry is flourishing not only in traditional coconut-producing provinces like Davao oriental and Davao del Sur but also in other parts of the region like Davao City. “it’s getting popular because of the huge investment potential,” said Pasawa, who also heads the Center Director National economic Research & Business Assistance Center

(NeRBAC).

“The by-product of coconut is now a promising business,” he said. Coco coir is processed from coconut husks usually generated after copra production.

in 2012, Davao City produced 247,031.60 metric tons of coconut from the 32,443.00 hectares of production area mostly found in Toril and Calinan The total production comprised 9.37% of the 2,635,866.63 metric tons produced in the entire Davao Region during the same year.

According to the website of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), coconut coir is the only natural fiber resistant to salt water, highly resistant to abrasion and strong and nearly impervious to the weather.

Coco coir is being used to make nets for shellfish harvesting, ropes for marine applications, durable floor mats and brushes. Coir is also becoming a popular choice for making geotextiles usually used in mining sites and infrastructure projects because of its durability, eventual biodegradability, ability to hold water, and hairy texture which helps it cling to seeds and soil.

Pasawa said the DTi is now

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-February 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

30

The Davao Light and Power Company has

p rov i d i n g S h a re d Service Facility (SSF) for the coco coir producers who cannot afford to purchase production equipment. of whom are from residential.

S S F is DTi’s flagship program Source: DlPc for SMe development that the Philippines as one of the provides facilities shared by a world’s top 3 exporters of coco number of beneficiaries, such coir by 2016. as cooperatives, institutions According to the PCA, the and communities, to help mi- Philippines lags behind in cro and small enterprises to terms of coconut production be competitive in the local and and volume of coir product exglobal markets. ports compared coconut proThe DTi recently award- ducing countries like Sri lanka, ed, through the SSF, a coco india, Thailand, and indonesia coir twining production fa- in 2011. cility to the Talomo Riverside The Philippines produces Multi-Purpose Cooperative only 6,037 metric tons (MT) of (TARiMCo) which will benefit coco coir products for export more than 50 coco coir twine from the 15.245B nuts harvestproducers, mostly housewives ed from its 3.562M hectares and members of the TARiMCo. of land. on the other hand, Sri The facility can help a per- lanka produces 120,616 MT of son produce an average of 100 coco coir export products out coco twine hanks per day. of 0.395M hectares of land that The DTi intends to make produces 2.707B nuts.

301,000

total number of customers

93 percent

Camella to launch new development in north

C CASHING IN ON THE CROWD. A Catholic faithful checks out religious items sold outside the Sacred Heart Parish where devotees came for the public viewing for the relic of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face was held yesterday at N. Torres St., Bo. Obrero, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

About one in every three liters of gasoline or diesel sold in the country is smuggled, resulting in P30 billion to P40 billion in yearly foregone revenue on the part of the government, according to Ramon S. Ang, chair and chief executive officer of Petron Corp., the country’s biggest oil refiner.

PhiliPPine Daily inquirer, aPril 2, 2013.

5

81

DESPITE the persistence of high poverty rates in the Philippines, at least four in every five adult Filipinos, or 81 percent, said they were satisfied with their life in December last year, according to a survey of the Social Weather Stations conducted December 8 to 10.

PhiliPPine Daily inquirer, aPril 2, 2013.

AMellA’S newest project in Davao will be unveiled in a grand launch this Saturday at six in the evening at SMX Convention Center Hall 3, SM lanang Premier.

A self-contained masterplanned subdivision, this development will be named Camella Davao, located in Communal, Buhangin across the Davao international Airport along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway or Diversion Road.

Sprawled over 27 hectares of prime property with a relatively rolling terrain, Camella Davao is another landmark development that will elevate the livability factor of Davao as it offers charming and vibrant living within Camella’s many communities in the city.

Camella has an impressive roster of masterplanned develop-

2

THE CASH circulating in the Philippines’ financial system may continue to swell as th funds parked with the BangkoSentralngPilipinas’ special deposit accounts (SDAs) inch closer to P2 trillion to mark a new historic high. -PhiliPPine Daily inquirer, aPril 1, 2013

ments all over Southern Mindanao, such as Solariega in Talomo, Toscana in Puan, Cerritos in Mintal, Camella Northpoint in Bajada, all in Davao, and Camella Tagum and Camella General Santos. it will also build another community in Marbel, South Cotabato soon.

Camella Davao will appeal to an extensive range of homebuyers as it has the most diverse package Camella has offered so far in Southern Mindanao—from exquisite, high-end homes situated within enclaves to affordable stylish and functional homes.

“We are very proud and excited to launch Camella Davao because it is another landmark development that will not only have world-class facilities and amenities, but a village center as well,” said Marlon B. escalicas, Camella

FCAMELLA, 12

40

ONLY one out of four households in the Philippines has savings, and 40 percent of the households with savings keep their extra money at home rather than deposit them in banks.

PhiliPPine Daily inquirer, aPril 1, 2013

6 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

The enduring cliches of North Korea coverage ANAlYSIS

By Jack Shafer

Y

EDITORIAL

Last shot

T

HeRe are 95 pending cases of party-list disqualifications the Comelec is facing. With a little over a month left before the May 13 elections, how do you expect the Comelec could dispense with that?

So yesterday, the Comelec did the most practical thing—maintain the disqualification of the party-list groups involved unless the Supreme Court makes a ruling.

The Supreme Court two days ago threw the cases to the hands of the Comelec, electing not to dip its fingers on the cases where the poll body holds jurisdiction to. That, in a way, passed the headache to the Comelec.

That also simply means, the high court cannot micromanage for the affairs of the Comelec.

Before it passed the problem to the Comelec, the Supreme Court made sure they have some analgesic for the poll body in the form of accreditation guidelines. it seemed like the Comelec need not take the pill as it made a quick pronouncement—no SC ruling, no decision. it’s basketball time. The ball swinging from one side to another. No one wants to take the last shot.

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Party list indeed has transformed into a rather convenient route to Congress.

There’s now a mixed bag of party list groups claiming to belong to the marginalized sectors of our society and even their names are too funny to deserve a serious second look. Pardon, but judgment should not be based on nomenclatures. However, where even the names do not sound serious and are obviously done just to meet a desired acronym or to place it on the first few spots in the alphabetical order of listing, doubt is but natural.

And where there is an iota of doubt that the party list is real or imaginary, the arms of justice quite understandably do not swing in its favor.

We have had our lessons before. A millionaire son of a former president once claimed to be a security guard and got away with it. This time there’s more, ranging from loan associations to nanny groups, “local athletes”, fraternal orders, and alliance of associations, networks and organizations (?). everything from the absurd to the ridiculous.

The Comelec and the electorate have had enough of these antics.

Hopefully, sincerely, mercifully.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

EJ DOMINIC C. FERNANDEZ • CHERRY MAE D. PALICTE Reporters

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Staff Writer

Columnists: MA. TERESA TERESA L.L.UNGSON UNGSON• •EDCER EDCERC.C. ESCUDERO ESCUDERO • AURELIO • AURELIO A. PEñA A. PEñA • ZHAUN • ZHAUN ORTEGA ORTEGA • BERNADETTE • MARY ANN “ADDIE” “ADI” C. B. QUISIDO BORBON • MARY LEANDRO ANNB.“ADI” DAVAL C. QUISIDO SR., • NIKKI • LEANDRO GOTIANSE-TAN B. DAVAL • NICASIO SR., • NIKKI ANGELO GOTIANSE-TAN AGUSTIN • •Economic NICASIO Analysts: ANGELOENRICO AGUSTIN “GICO” • EMILY G. DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUA • CARLOS • JONALLIER MUNDAM. Economic PEREZ Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

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(Conclusion)

eT dismounting from this perpetual news wheel to provide this context proves tough for most foreign correspondents. like sportswriters, political reporters, financial news staffers, reporters on the police beat, and other breaking-news artists, foreign correspondents must tell their story with economy and describe what has happened as opposed to why something happened. “Typical Mindbending $#*! By the North Koreans” may accurately describe the latest provocation or retreat by Pyongyang, but it’s not the way breaking news generally gets framed.

Nobody better understood the reliance of beat reporters on boilerplate language when composing against a deadline than Alexander Cockburn. in a May 1976 [More] magazine essay titled “How to earn Your Trench Coat,” he curated the best (or the worst) of foreign correspondent clichés: Singapore is a fast growing economic center; peasants experience the timeless rhythms of the countryside; Hong Kong is a time bomb and a listening post; Germany has either exorcised the nightmare of Hitler or is displaying a new interest in Hitler; long democratic traditions have been reluctantly abandoned; a newly affluent middle class has appeared; island nations are tiny, yet strategically vital, hotly disputed by giant neighbors, lying athwart crucial waterways or threatened by volcanoes/ideal waves/nuclear fallout; and so on.

A brief survey of North Korea news clips reveals a spate of clichés unremarked upon by Cockburn. Pyongyang reliably remains defiant; talks have resumed or been proposed, canceled, or stalled, while a U.S. envoy seeks to lure the North back to those talks to restart the dialog; North Korea is bluffing, blustering, or is engaging in brinksmanship; tensions are grim, rising, or growing—but rarely reduced, probably because when tensions go down it doesn’t qualify for coverage; North Korea seeks recognition, respect, or improved or restored relations, or to rejoin the international community, or increased ties to the West that will lead to understanding; deals with North Korea are sought; North Korea feels insulted and is isolated by but threatens the West; the Japanese consider the North Koreans “untrustworthy“; the West seeks positive signs or signals or messages in North Korean conduct but worries about its intentions; diplomats seek to resolve, solve, respond to, overcome, defuse, the brewing, serious, real crisis; the escalating confrontation remains dangerous; the stakes are high, but the standoff endures.

The reliance on stock phrases indicates a lack of imagination on the part of foreign correspondents (and their editors), who if they are serving old wine they should find some new bottles from which to decant it. But it also confirms Shafer’s First law of Journalistic Thermodynamics, which states, “Copy can be cannot be created or destroyed, it can only change form.” North Korea coverage reiterates itself in language that as pale as dead coral because, of course, the North Koreans insist on echoing themselves, even when acquiring new weapons, such as nuclear bombs and missiles. We’re in no position to ask the North Koreans to speak their minds more articulately (or honestly) but we’re within our rights to ask our favorite hacks to dump the hackneyed.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

“G

Poverty and renunciation

o into the street, and give one man a lecture on morality, and another a shilling, and see which will respect you most.” Samuel Johnson said that in the 18th century, but the general preference for money over preaching is sufficiently strong and timeless that his wry quip remains pertinent. Most economists take Johnson’s sentiment too seriously. They assume that people always want more shillings and always resist wealth-denying morality. That is a serious error.

Consider, for example, the enthusiastic response from around the world to the material renunciations of Pope Francis. The crowds cheered when the new leader of the Catholic Church said he wanted a “poor Church for the poor”. His decision to stay in simple lodgings and wear simple clothes amounted to turning down shillings for the sake of giving a morality lecture, but few observers were bothered. on the contrary, it was welcomed as a pertinent comment on the excessively materialist values of modern society.

The need to be “for the poor” is eternal and universal. in every society there will always be people who cannot thrive without help from others. Despite Dr Johnson’s comment, the need for conscience-pricking discourses on the topic, papal and otherwise, is equally timeless.

Otherwise, it would be too easy to find plausible but ultimately selfish reasons not to help out. in the modern world, the challenge of being pro-poor is particularly difficult, because there are two distinct types of poverty: of the seriously poor and of the relatively rich. in poorer countries, including Francis’s native Argentina, poverty is often absolute: not enough to eat, squalid housing, no access to education. The poor there need Dr Johnson’s

R

VANTAGE POINTS

OPINION By edward hadaS shillings. in rich countries, material poverty is only relative. Those called poor generally all have life’s necessities, but fewer comforts and luxuries than most of their compatriots. As Francis’s papal predecessors often suggested, this relative material deprivation is less significant than more intangible shortages: of opportunity and noble aspirations. The socially and spiritually deprived could benefit from something like Dr. Johnson’s “lectures on morality”. involuntary poverty, whether material or intangible, is a bad thing, but Francis said he wanted a “poor church”.

He must believe that voluntary poverty can sometimes be virtuous.

Two virtues spring to mind. The first is solidarity. There is something selfish about having much more than is necessary when so many people are forced to go without. Renunciation by the rich can redress that injustice.

As Francis’s wish suggests, the Catholic Church has much to renounce before it can be considered poor alongside the world’s poor. it has too often amassed fortunes and its leaders have been too close to the privileged classes, especially if they express the right pious sentiments. The lack of economic solidarity, though, is a global phenomenon.

A New York family pays thousands of dollars for surgery on a pet cat. Parents in the slums of Buenos Aires cannot raise the hundreds of dollars needed for surgery on their child. There may be no direct relationship between the two, but there is something distasteful about the conjunction, because the Americans and Argentines live in the same world.

Solidarity is much more appealing. The New Yorkers could foreswear surgery as a sort of memorial of the plight of the poor, or better yet, donate the unspent money to a children’s medical charity.

The second virtue of voluntary poverty is the detachment it brings from what the pope’s namesake, Francis of Assisi, called the “dung” of “earthly things”.

The 13th century saint loved “lady Poverty” because in her presence it was easier to taste “the honeyed crumbs which fall from the table of the Holy Angels”. in less poetic words, we may think that we own our houses, cars or yachts, but they often own us, by taking precedence over more important concerns. When higher GDP is considered the paramount sign of national success, people have become subservient to things.

The Catholic Church canonised Francis of Assisi, “the little poor man”, but its numerous ecclesial palaces and luxurious monasteries suggest an excessive attachment to material things.

Pope Francis seems to think his detachment from the Church’s fortune can set an example for the Church. it could also inspire residents of rich economies. Detachment from material things is particularly valuable when there are so many material things to be detached from, and when so much of society, from family life to education, seems to be organised primarily to serve the satisfaction of material whims. in choosing a relatively simple wardrobe and housing, the new pope is not necessary criticising the view, widespread among Catholics, that elegant clothing, beautiful buildings and fine art bear witness to the glory of God. But in a world where there is both too much poverty and too much wealth, the renunciation of riches can speak more persuasively than luxury.

Are US drones ethical?

eCeNTlY, concerns about how the US government manages and deploys its fleet of around 7,000 drones have become especially prominent. Drones have become a hot-button issue for a surprisingly diverse set of political actors, but opposition has coalesced around questions of law and procedure, including the constitutional rights of US citizens (those who might be targeted by drone attacks on foreign soil and those whose privacy rights might be violated by surveillance drones over US soil), and the need for greater transparency and regulation.

Some have even raised concerns about the potential use of armed drones by law enforcement in the US. Many companies are now marketing small, armed drones to law enforcement agencies, and some experts see their eventual implementation as “inevitable” – a source of great concern for many.

There is, however, a worrisome void in this debate about US drone policy – the lack of focus on the ethicsof drones, whether used domestically or abroad. This neglect puts the United States out of step with the debates that are happening in the areas of the world most affected by drones. Whether or not drones should be employed in the US is the wrong question. Americans should be asking: “is it ethical to use drones anywhere?” in researching media coverage of drones over the past 12 years, i have found striking differences in what is reported in the US press relative to Arab media. US news outlets largely ignore pressing ethical questions about drones as a way to wage

COMMENTArY

By Jack L. amoureux war and instead fixate on the technological and strategic innovations of drones, their multiple uses, diplomatic intrigue over downed drones in “unfriendly” countries, and whether drone strikes are legal. in contrast, Arab media tend to focus on the loss of life among families and communities, the multifaceted costs of drones as weapons, and US disregard for other nations’ sovereignty. in covering the Middle east, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, news sources such as Al Jazeera andAsharq Al-Awsat depict individuals who speak of the psychological terror from the daily presence of drones. They share stories of people constantly wondering which patterns of behavior drone controllers find suspicious.

They also reveal a sense of inferiority and embarrassment when a large, powerful country arrives on (over) their soil to make decisions about who will live and die, how much civilian death is acceptable, and how a “militant” will be defined (loosely, it turns out). Citizens in these countries worry that all of these drones are creating even more extremism and terror at home. And they incredulously ask whether drones are not themselves a form of terror.

The American public is not debating these issues and engaging in dialogue with those most affected by US drone policies. if Americans elicited those voices, we could

ask: Are we creating acute conditions of insecurity in other countries when individuals constantly live in fear of death falling from the sky? is it fair to search for security for ourselves at the expense of perpetual insecurity for others? Are drones really the best alternative for the welfare of everyone, both in the short term and long term?

Domestic and international legal questions about drones reflect deeply held American values, but legal discussions fail to make sense of how these values might be reconciled in the face of specific ethical dilemmas. Nor do they recognize and grapple with the values and anxieties of other communities. And both the Bush and obama administrations have demonstrated that it is easy to provide legal justification for controversial policies. Legal debates can distract us from urgent ethical questions.

Relationships that feature intense violence and vulnerability deserve deep reflection and deliberation. Indeed, if there are to be “new rules” in a continuing and more expansive war against terror (what the obama administration calls its overseas Contingency operation), America should listen to those who are most impacted by those “new rules.”

Perhaps the prospect of armed drones hovering above Americans is ultimately a productive step for taking these ethical questions seriously if it leads us to imagine how whole populations feel about the continuous possibility that right now, in the company of friends and in their own homes, they could be in the crosshairs of a drone.

7

Guava bounteous in backyard Filipino homes SPECIAl FEATurE By honor BLanco caBie

e

(1st of two parts)

VeRY other morning, Jeanie waters the plants, including a robust guava tree, in the garden of the couple she lives with in a middle income subdivision on the eastern bed of the metropolis.

She has been particularly soft for the nearly 8-meter tall tropical plant guava (Psidium guajava linn.), called “bayawas” by ilocanos and “bayabas” by Tagalogs as well as Hiligaynons and Cebuanos, appreciated for its edible fruit that grows, mostly, in some backyard or in open spaces.

Jeanie’s guava tree has started bearing fruits -- light green with pink, juicy flesh and a strong, sweet aroma, which has daily excited birds making a stealthy dives in mid mornings before flying back to the taller crowns of rain trees nearby.

Jeanie has begun covering the nearly round-shaped fruits -- for members of the household from the oldest, a senior citizen, to the youngest, a three-year-old boy who had started to like the taste of the fruit.

The tropical tree -– variously bearing fruit from about a meter tall to eight meters tall -- is popular in many areas because of its many uses as fruit and as a traditional remedy to treat different ailments.

The variety abundant in the woods of lubang island in occidental Mindoro, where two Japanese stragglers hid for 32 years after the war, were only about a meter tall but were literally covered by the aromatic fruits.

Research studies have shown that practically all parts of the plant have medicinal qualities and value, earning a notch for itself as among the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines.

A hairy tree that reaches 8 meters in full height, its young branches are 4-angled, its dark green leaves are opposite, oblong to elliptic, and 5 to 10 centimeters long, the apex being pointed, and the base usually rounded.

Peduncles are 1- to 3-flowered, with the flowers white, 3 to 3.5 centimeters across, with incurved petals, coming out solitary or two to three in the leaf axils.

Several stamens form the attractive part of the flower, the inferior ovaries developing into round or obovoid green fruits 4 to 9 centimeters long, turning yellow when ripe and have edible, aromatic, seedy pulp.

Guava is common in all localities of this Southeast Asian archipelago, a sight popular in country backyards and settled areas, in thickets and secondary forests at low altitudes, ascending to at least 1,500 meters.

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Mati City fetes farmer organizations F

ARMeRS in Mati City, Davao oriental who are into cattle production, vegetables, and high value crops gathered for a celebration that honors them.

Some 350 farmers gathered in the first-ever Peoples’ organization congress hosted recently by the Mati City local government to fete their best agricultural practices. “i am the mother of the city. if this were a graduation, i would be the proudest mother,” said Mayor Michelle N. Rabat when she referred to the contributions of farmers in improving Mati City with their various agribased enterprises.

“My father, our former Mayor always reminds us, ‘love your land and it will love you back; take care of your land and it will take care of you; he is able to say this because he himself is the number one farmer of this place,” she said.

The event aimed to recognized outstanding performance of the people’s organization that invested in agriculture and partnered with the lGU implementing agri-based livelihood projects under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).

Rabat said that Mati City before was a sleeping town, now it’s very alive.

OUTSTANDING FARMER. Julieta Pialan of Brgy. Libudon (4th from left) accepts the plaque of recognition from Mayor Michelle Rabat recognizing the former’s organization as Best in Community-Based Monitoring and Eval-

uation Group. Also in photo are (L-R) MRDP CFAD Head Sheila M. Siago, DA RFU11 Director Remelyn R. Recoter and Mati City Planning and Development Officer Ariel C. Mosquera. [MRDP]

The city depends mostly in agriculture and the assistance of the DA which totals approximately P41 million in various projects spread throughout the 26 barangays has enliven agriculture and economic activities of the leading city of Davao oriental. of the P41 million, MRDP has contributed P7.5 million for infrastructure and livelihoods that benefited a total of 22 farmers and fisherfolk organizations in 20 ba-

rangays.

DA regional field office 11 director Remeleyn Recoter for her part congratulated the local leaders and the farmers for partnering and believing in DA. “Alone we can only do so much, but if we work together we can do more,” Recoter said.

Recoter added that more assistance from the DA wouldn’t be farfetched if the town and its people would continue

to work hard and develop more of its agricultural potentials.

Rabat said that the local government invest so much in agriculture and supports the programs of Secretary Proceso Alcala as the city strengthens its efforts to rehabilitate and develop idle lands, empower peoples organization farmers and increasing incomes and economic activities of the people.

Among the awardees were the Kaluparan

Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (Karbenco) of Brgy. Don enrique lopez as the best in cattle production whose herd of cattle has produced at least 6 calves after a year and has expanded their farming activities with the aid of the cattle they nurse.

While the libudon Farmers for environmental Development Association was awardee for best in Community-Based Monitoring and evalu-

ation Group (CBMeG).

Their Chairman Julieta Pialan said they strictly impose the agreed policies of the association to ensure that their goat project will sustain.

“We have learned from our past project that without proper monitoring and evolution the project will just die down,” Pialan said.

“We are thankful that MRDP has prepared and organized us to be good at monitoring and evaluating our own livelihood project,” she added.

While the Best High Value Production was awarded to Nagkahiusang Katilingban sa Bahandi sa Kinaiyahan (NAKABAKA). The group is engaged on coco twine-making as alternative livelihood as they nurture a mangrove rehabilitation site.

The project has drastically increased incomes of the members that even their children have been encouraged to do coco twining.

The Best Vegetable Production was awarded to Mati-lapayan Cooperative (MAlACo); Best Small Scale Fishery Production was given to Mayo Small Fisherfolk Association;while the best goat production was awarded to Sanghay Upland Barangay Association. [Sherwin B. Manual/DAMRDP]

a good source of silk grade fiber which currently has a huge demand in Japan as high as five tons per month. `“Since we have steady income as banana fruit contract growers, we dis-

regard the use of its trunk [pseudostem] and just allow it to rot in our plantation,” said Avito Magdalaga, chairman of Marsman Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Marbco).

elmer Degorio, municipal agriculture officer said they had long been convincing the MARBCo officials to venture into banana fiber but it was a “hard sell” as the co-op had been complacent given

their steady income in fruit production. “it would be a gamble on our part to invest on another economic activity especially that we lack both the equipment and the technical know-how,” Magdalaga said.

The “better safe than sorry” attitude of banana farmers however changed when China has tightened requirements for the entry of banana fruits due to quarantine issues in 2012.

“We have to look for alternatives like diversifying markets and making new products to make the industry less vulnerable to shocks,” said Melani Provido of the Department of Agriculture – High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP).

The DA-HVCDP and the MAo’s office then convinced the co-op to look for other alternative income.

“We sent them on field exposure to a banana cooperative in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province where they were able

to appreciate and gain basic knowledge on banana fiber production,” Provido said.

“After the exposure, we wanted to start the production at once but lack of equipment hindered our plan,” Magdalaga said.

The co-op however was bent to go into banana fiber production as assistance keeps on coming. one of them is Renato Amistad who volunteered to give not only technical assistance but also entrusted to them two decorticator machines (for stripping fiber) and brusher machine (for enhancing fiber’s quality). learning the ropes “The production of fiber did not come easy at first as most of our produce turned out to have low quality. This was attributed to the lack of grading of raw materials as our strippers then just insert any kind of psuedostem,” said Marbco board of director Andrew Amido. [Noel T. Provido]

Banana fiber is another dollar–earning enterprise for Davao del Norte farmers W

HAT is commonly regarded as farm waste is yielding huge income for banana farmers in the town of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

Banana stalk or in particular the psuedostem is

EXPORT WINNER. Agricultural technician Joy Gonzaga and Marbco officials Andrew Amida (center) and Avito Magdalaga inspect bundles of banana fi-

ber to be exported to Japan as raw materials for textile production. [Noel Provido]

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SuBurBIA 11

DA worried over dry spell in Region 12 T

He Department of Agriculture (DA) in Southwestern Mindanao is keeping a close watch on the region’s agricultural production areas due to a prevailing dry spell affecting some parts of the area.

Zaldy Boloron, officer-in-charge of DA Region 12’s operations division, said they are regularly monitoring the farm areas that were affected by the unusually intense summer weather to facilitate the necessary interventions in case the situation worsens.

But he said there were no reports so far of any damage or severe impact to farm crops in any part of the region as a result of the intense weather condition.

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

“We have not yet received any report regarding crop damages or if there are farm areas that already started to dry up,” Boloron said.

The official said that based on their monitoring,

there are areas that have been experiencing occasional rains these past weeks.

But this city and parts of nearby Sarangani and South Cotabato provinces have been experiencing severe dry weather since early March, with field temperatures reaching as high as 36 degrees Celsius.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration station here earlier said the rising temperature was mainly due to the onset of the summer season, which was expected to intensify until next month.

Boloron said they expect drier conditions by next month but noted that they have already prepared some interventions to counter its impact on farm crops in the area.

“When that happens, local government units may request for the conduct of cloud seeding operations,” he said. in early 2010, DA central office stationed personnel from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in the region to coordinate the conduct of cloud seeding operations in areas that were hit then by a mild dry spell or el Nino Phenomenon.

ESCAPE FROM THE SUMMER HEAT (AND BROWNOUTS). Residents and tourists escape from the summer heat and the brownouts by taking a dip

at the Bongolanon Falls in Magpet, North Cotabato. [MindaNews/Geonarri Solmerano]

Cloud seeding is the process of manually spreading either dry ice or salt into the upper part of the clouds to help stimulate the precipitation process and form rain.

The operations are conducted by BSWM personnel through aircrafts commissioned by the agency.

Reynaldo legaste, South Cotabato provincial

agriculturist, said they are prepared to launch cloud-seeding operations in case the area’s weather condition will worsen in the coming weeks.

But he said their evaluation showed that there’s no need yet to conduct cloud-seeding as the dry spell has not yet affected most of the standing crops in the area due to substantial irrigation supplies.

legaste said the prevailing dry period has been beneficial to local fruit producers since it falls on the flowering stage of the fruit trees, especially of mangoes. legaste said they are hoping that the area will go without any rain for another week to complete the critical 35-day flowering stage of mangoes.

He said the Pro-

vincial environment Management office is currently assisting them in monitoring the impact and intensity of the dry spell using the planted bamboos in the area as indicator.

He said they agreed to launch the cloud-seeding activities if 10 percent of the standing bamboos in the province are already affected. [Allen V. estabillo / MindaNews]

pala dapat umasa na lang sa mga bigay, dahil darating ang panahon na matitigil din yun. Tinuruan kaming mag-bayanihan lalo sa pagpapatag ng tatanimang lupa (We are grateful as this project taught us that it is wrong to just wait for goods provided to us. The project taught us to help each other, especially in cultivating the available land),” added Rosita Camafranca, leader of the Garden of love Group.

Nuñez said DSWD will also assist in project monitoring particularly to those participants who are bunkhouse occupants and Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. “in its Family Development Sessions for Pantawid Pamilya grantees, DSWD likewise underscores topics on Value Formation, Household Management, Food Sufficiency and the like which would greatly contribute in project management and sustainability for ‘Pamayanihan.’ in this project, DSWD has also tapped the involvement of the youth in the area,” Nuñez added. [DSWD 11]

He Transition Commission (TC), the body mandated to draft the Bangsamoro Basic law, is set to undertake consultations in all communities that will be covered by the law. “if possible the last man, last woman will be consulted. Para ang resulta niyan (So that) they will own the process; they will own the basic law,” said Mohagher iqbal, chair of the TC and head of the Moro islamic liberation Front (MilF) peace panel, during a press conference held after the ceremonial opening of the Commission’s first en banc meeting held on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City.

“The people must own it. The people in Mindanao, everybody,” he added.

“This is for peace. Peace for our people, peace for Mindanao and peace for the Philippines…so i don’t see any reason why people will reject that (Basic law) or why Congress will reject that,” he added.

Johaira Wahab, former head of the legal team of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel and the youngest member of the TC, explained that the is-

land provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, as part of the Bangsamoro core territory are included in those consultations. “of course the work of the TransCom will not happen in a vacuum, it will not take place in a social or political vacuum.” She stressed that the work of the TC will not ignore realities on the ground, in answer to question from the media on whether the TC will address the issue on Sabah.

Despite the fact that the Sabah issue is not within the Commission’s “primary mandate,” its members have been doing ways in their individual capacities to reach out to several government bodies, civil society organizations and affected communities.

Fatmawati Salapuddin, a Tausug member of the TC and former official in the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos, said that the Commission is also concerned about the Sabah issue “We are of different ethnic groups.

All of us are concerned.

We will surely look at how peaceful means will be pursued, but it is not a primary function of TransCom.” [oPAPP]

to undertake consultations DSWD supports ‘Pamayanihan’ TC in areas covered by Basic Law Project in New Bataan, ComVal T

T

He Department of Social Welfare and Development committed to support the ‘Pamayanihan’ Project for victims of Typhoon Pablo recently launched by operation Compassion international inc., in New Bataan, Compostela Valley.

The event was spearheaded by operation Compassion Chairperson Cielito F. Habito and graced

by New Bataan Mayor lorenzo Balbin; Assistant Secretary Rolando l. Cucio, office for Political Affairs of the office of the President; and Richard Año, Department of Agriculture (DA) Fo Xi’s focal person for the Support to emergency and livelihood Assistance Program (SelAP).

Family-victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ in New Bataan were represented by their community leaders in witnessing the launching.

The ‘Pamayanihan’ project is a food sufficiency program intended to help typhoon ‘Pablo’ victims in their journey towards building a climate resilient rural community

and securing food. Under the project, beneficiaryfamilies are taught how to plant vegetables and other crops so they could have a year round harvest for their daily food needs.

More than 200 families will benefit from this project, including those families currently residing in the DSWD bunkhouses.

Raquel e. Nuñez, DSWD Disaster operations Focal Person for Comval, said that the 72 families living in the bunkhouses located at the DSWD Temporary Shelter Site in Barangay Cabinuangan, New Bataan are initial beneficiaries of the project.

She added “the families will be taught in crops-planting and will be provided with seedlings to help them start their backyard garden.”

According to Dr. Habito, ‘Pamayanihan,’ even though the project is initiated in New Bataan, operation Compassion plans to eventually reach other disaster-stricken areas as well.

Año also expressed his

support for the project and provided 50 bags of various vegetable and fruit seedlings to the beneficiaries. The fruit seedlings like the mangosteen and durian will be planted near riverbanks. in his message, Melencio ilajas, Chairperson of the DSWD New Bataan Survivor Community Garden Group, said, “Nagpapasalamat kami at narito ang iba’t-ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno upang tumulong sa amin. Dahil sa proyekto, marami kaming natutunan na bagong pamamaraan sa pagtatanim na simple at naaayon sa kasalukuyan naming kapaligiran (We are thankful as the different government agencies are here to help us. Through this project, we learned new and simple ways to plant which are suitable to our environment).”

He added that they are now able to cultivate even rocky plots and plant vegetables in improvised pots like kawayan. “lubos ang aming pasasalamat kasi naturuan din kami ng proyekto na hindi

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Mall execs post bail...

FFROM 1

the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability filed by one Grace Sarion, 30, a resident of Matina Crossing in Davao City.

The case was assigned to the sala of Judge Silverio Mandalupe of Municipal Trial Court 11th Judicial Region Branch 3.

The clerk of court, who refused to be identified, said the court has set the initial hearing of the case on June 28.

However, unconfirmed reports surfaced late yesterday that the camp of complainant Sarion, who is employed at the City Treasurers office and now assigned as movie ticket checker at NCCC Mall, might drop the charges.

Sources said Sarion is reportedly preparing to file an affidavit of desistance. According to the same report, she was expected to personally submit the

British...

affidavit yesterday afternoon but she was nowhere to be seen until 5 o’clock pm. edge Davao tried to confirm this with Sarion, but messages to her were not returned as of presstime. earlier yesterday, Sarion was invited for a meeting at the Vice Mayor’s office for reasons which were not divulged by the said office. A staff of Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte confirmed that Sarion was in the office at around 12:00 noon.

Meantime, Redendo Martinez, president of the Association of Differently-Able Persons (ADAP), wondered why he was not notified about the meeting.

Martinez said his office, is handling the case.

ADAP is an accredited non-government organization representing the differently-abled sector holding office at the ground

floor of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The Vice Mayor’s office is at the second level of the same building.

He said he has no idea what was discussed in the meeting at the Vice Mayor’s office with Sarion and expressed concern for the complainant.

This developed even as there were reports that the mall officials did not receive summons or notifications about the case from the City Prosecutor’s office prior to receiving the copy of the case docketed as Municipal Trial Court Criminal Case No. 145.721-20 dated April 01, 2013.

However, the resolution made by city prosecutor Marte Melchor Velasco dated February 20, 2013 that, “a notice was sent at the given address of the respondent, but no counter-affidavit was filed.”

which accounts for 80 percent of trips which is increasing up to now.

He added that Davao City is starting to experience rapid increases in traffic congestion, higher transportation costs, deteriorating air quality, and reduced road safety.

“With this initiative we will be able to enhance our public transportation sys-

tem,” Alabado said.

Alabado assured that the project will create an enabling environment for a modern, efficient, and affordable public transportation system in Davao and that the plans and franchising mechanisms to improve the integration of the public transport system to widen its coverage area and services will be prepared.

dugo, ka mamataytao. Karon dayon, mu-withdraw ko sa akong kandidatura.

Dili ko mutindog diri sa inyong atubangan na dili ligdong ang akong pagkatawo,” Bautista said, which the crowd applauded and cheered on.

Bautista was joined by his runningmate, vice gubernatorial aspirant, Aileen Almendras, his board members and other political allies. Almendras is the niece of Bautista’s archrival, incum-

bent governor Douglas Ra. Cagas.

“Wala na sila’y laing masulti kundi kana nga issue ka yang akong pag serbisyo kaninyo sugod tung ako nag mayor hangtud pagka congressman kay matinudanon ug matarong,” Bautista said.

The entire province of Davao del Sur has been declared as an election ‘hotspot’ by the Commission on elections due to the high tension in the area.

FFROM 2

cause it is considered as the most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines and the country’s largest city in terms of land area.

“This is the first time in the Philippines and we are fortunate that Davao City was chosen,” Alabado said.

Davao’s current public transport system is primarily composed of jeepneys, tricycles and multi-cabs

Bautista...

FFROM 4

Bautista, who is now on his third attempt for the gubernatorial seat of Davao del Sur is pitted against incumbent Davao del Sur 1st district congressman Marc Cagas.

Bautista also challenged his detractors to prove their allegations that he was involved in the murder of isidro Sarmiento, Sr. in the 2007 polls.

“Ako mu-withdraw sa akong dagan pagka gubernador kung ilang mapatunayan na ako usa ka ber-

EDGEDAVAO

Sabah crisis hounds TransCom presscon T

He moderator of the press conference had to butt in to remind reporters that the press conference was not about Sabah but about the Transition Commission (TransCom).

But reporters attending the press conference of what was touted to be the “first en banc meeting” of the GPH-MilF’s (Philippine government and Moro islamic liberation Front) TransCom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City on Wednesday noon, pressed on, with more than half of the 43-minute press briefing spent on questions about the Sabah crisis and Malaysia, the third party facilitator of the GPH-MilF peace talks since 2001. in fact, the press conference, aired live over ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) started and ended with questions on Sabah, even as MilF peace panel chair and concurrent TransCom chair Mohagher iqbal had repeatedly said it is “not part of the agenda” of the GPH-MilF peace process but a “bilateral issue between the Philippine government and Malaysia.”

Reporters wanted to know, among others, if Malaysia, the third party facilitator in the GPH-MilF peace talks, would have a role in the TransCom, the body created to craft the Bangsamoro Basic law or if the Sabah issue would be addressed in the Basic law. iqbal explained that Malaysia, which has been facilitating and hosting the GPH-MilF peace negotiations in Kuala lumpur since 2001, facilitates the peace negotiations but has no role in the TransCom. “As to whether the Sultanate of Sulu has valid claim (over Sabah), what we propose, what we suggest, what we would like to appeal to all parties is to settle the issue peacefully,” he said. iqbal said he does not

Camella...

see a conflict of interest in Malaysia’s role as facilitator amid questions on alleged human rights abuses against Filipinos in Sabah, particularly the orang Suluk, as Tausugs are referred to in Sabah. Tausugs are part of the Bangsamoro.

Describing the question as “very delicate,” iqbal pointed out that since the standoff in lahad Datu between the “Royal Security Forces of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo” led by Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and Malaysian authorities happened, the Malaysian government and President Aquino had been saying it would not affect the GPHMilF peace process. “Ganon rin po ang paninindigan ng MilF” (That is also the stand of the MilF).

He said postponing the talks or changing venue would be a double loss: an unresolved Sabah problem and the peace talks as casualty.

“As far as we are concerned, the facilitation of Malaysia not a question because facilitation is already an institution and it was established way back in 2001,” iqbal said, adding, “Ganon ang paniniwala namin at ganon ang paninindigan ng MilF. Hindi ho nadungisan yung position ng Malaysia as facilitator. Kasi matagal na po ito at saka institution ito” (This is our belief and this is our stand. Malaysia’s position as facilitator has not been tainted. it’s an institution).

Asked how they would address the reported human rights violations experienced by the Bangsamoro people in Sabah, iqbal said, “hindi ko po sinasabi na walang katotohanan yun (i am not saying these are not true) but it still remains an allegation. So since the issue of the current conflict in Sabah is a bilateral issue between the Philippines and Malaysia,

they should talk it out.”

Another reporter asked if Sabah “or some mention about Sabah or how to settle it” would be part of the Bangsamoro Basic law.

TransCom member Maulana “Bobby” Alonto, also an MilF peace panel member, replied: “That’s a very difficult question to answer. But we have not yet crafted the basic law. So far as Sabah is concerned…. it is not an issue in the peace negotiation. it is a matter that involves bilateral negotiations between the Philippine government and the Malaysian government but is not an issue in the peace negotiation.”

“But will it be in the Basic law,” the reporter asked.

Alonto replied: “We will cross the bridge when we get there.” iqbal added that Sabah has never been a subject in the negotiation, not by the GPH-MilF, not even by the GPH-MNlF in the 1976 and 1996 peace agreements.

“Nowhere in the provisions of both agreements will you find the issue of Sabah so it has never been an issue in the negotiation. i am not saying walang karapatan, i’m not saying that but it has never been an issue.” “if Sabah is not an issue,” a reporter asked, what assistance can the Bangsamoro political entity extend to the Bangsamoro reportedly facing abuses in Sabah.

Former Sulu Representative Asani Tammang, GPH representative to the TransCom, said that while the Sultanate of Sulu believes that Sabah belongs to them, “they should pursue the resolution in a legal and peaceful manner” given that the Sultanate and the people of Sabah are both Muslims “and therefore they should settle this through legal and peaceful means, not through violence.” [Carolyn o. Arguillas/MindaNews]

kiddie playground, community facilities, parks, pathways, pocket gardens, recreational areas, wide open spaces, and a well-appointed clubhouse.

What will set Camella Davao apart from the rest is its own village center that is envisioned to house coffee shops, a grocery or supermarket, retail shops, clinics, terminal, among others.

For more details on Camella’s newest development, visit their offices at Delgar Bldg. (in front of Camella Northpoint) or call 2220963. More information, news, events and announcements on Camella are available at http://www. camella.com.ph/, like “Camella official” on Facebook and follow “@Camellaofficial” on Twitter. #

FFROM 5

SouthMin Area GM.

Camella Davao will be a Caribbean-inspired community bearing a mix of european and Western influences that will make the look, design, and colors of this subdivision unique and interesting.

As a Camella community, it will have deluxe facilities and amenities such as a swimming pool, entrance plaza, basketball court,

EDGEDAVAO

SPOrTS 13

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

Kapamilya Run set Sunday

T

He ABS-CBN Kapamilya Run Mindanao hits the road on Sunday with some 1,000 runners expected to take part.

Randy Canedo of the organizing ABSCBN Davao announced the third staging of the annual footrace which will begin and end at the SM City Davao carpark in ecoland during yesterday’s weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at Dexter’s Pizza Stadium.

“We are inviting everyone to join us this Sunday’s race,” said Canedo of the race that will also coincide with simultaneous staging

in Cagayan de oro and Gen. Santos City.

The event is set for 10-K and 5-K with registration fee of P400 and P300, respectively. Race kits come with every registered participant.

Registration centers are at ABS CBN Davao station and SM City Davao.

The event is for the benefit of House of Hope, Matina Pangi Rehabilitation, Pablo victims and Bantay Bata 163.

Canedo bared that as of yesterday there were some 300 registrants. organizers are expecting more registrants by Friday and Saturday.

KAPAMILYA RUN. ABS-CBN radio anchor Randy Canedo announces the staging of the ABS CBN Kapamilya Run Mindanao during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Dexter’s Pizza Stadium yesterday.

INTO THE PLAYOFFS. Jeff Green (8) of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday (Phl Time) at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

Celtics make it to playoffs B

oSToN (AP) -- Ray Allen left as a free agent. Rajon Rondo is out for the season. Kevin Garnett is recuperating from an ankle injury.

With the core of the Celtics team that won the franchise’s 17th NBA title in 2008 otherwise occupied, Jeff Green led Boston back into the playoffs.

The Celtics swingman scored 34 points, including a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left to snap a two-minute scoring drought, to help Boston beat the Detroit Pistons 98-93 on Wednesday night and clinch the team’s sixth consecutive playoff berth. ‘’We knew we were a playoff team before the season started, despite the injuries and everything,’’ said Paul Pierce, the only holdover from the team that won it all in 2008 and returned to the NBA finals two years later. ‘’The playoffs is a totally different game; it’s nothing like the regular season.

At least these guys will go out there and get their feet wet, see some shots go in, rebound the ball and get some experience.’’

Pierce and Brandon Bass scored 17 apiece, and Bass added seven rebounds for the Celtics, who had lost two in a row and seven of their previous nine.

The victory, coupled with Philadelphia’s 8883 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, left Boston 8 1/2 games ahead of the 76ers with eight games to play. it’s the sixth consecutive season Boston has

reached the playoffs since the New Big Three was assembled in the summer of 2007. even with Allen gone and Garnett missing seven straight games with an injured left ankle, the Celtics are back in the postseason.

Boston is seventh in the eastern Conference, two games behind sixth-place Chicago and 2 1/2 ahead of eighth-place Milwaukee. ‘’There was never any doubt in my mind or anybody in the locker room that we wouldn’t be in the playoffs,’’ said Jason Terry, who had 10 points and five rebounds.

Green came to Boston in the 2011 trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to oklahoma City, but he missed all of last season after heart surgery.

Now he looks like the Celtics’ best hope of making a postseason run. ‘’Jeff’s a very, very good player, and i think (that’s) what you’ve seen,’’ Pistons coach lawrence Frank said. ‘’He got off to a tough start this year and obviously he had major, major, life-threatening surgery last year. ... i didn’t like to see him do well tonight, but by and large every other game you pull for him, especially with what he went through.’’

Green scored 13 points in the fourth quarter and added six rebounds and four blocked shots in the game. He has become one of the players the Celtics look to for big plays as the clock runs down, sharing the role that Pierce had occupied for more than a decade.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

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INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

A little girl pens her pledge on the “I Will If You Will” wall, which urges everyone to play a part in saving our environment.

Members of Team Davao Runners brighten up the night with their lighted candles and glow sticks.

SM Lanang Premier goes lights out for Earth Hour On Saturday, March 23, at 8:30 pm, darkness filled SM Lanang Premier as it marked Earth Hour, the largest worldwide campaign against climate change. It was the first ever 60-minute lights-out event of the newly opened shopping and lifestyle mall.

Together with all the SM Supermalls nationwide and in China, SM Lanang Premier turned off its lights in a symbolic show of support for the

planet. Its Earth Hour celebration was held at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court and graced by Arturo Boncato, Regional Director for the Depart-

Fire dancers entertain the crowd as the lights were turned off.

ment of Tourism (DOT)– Region XI. Around 500 Dabawenyos turned up for the event.

“I am pleased to note that the private sector led

by SM Supermalls is at the frontline of this initiative, supporting our government’s efforts toward environmental sustainability,” says Boncato.

‘I Will if You Will,’ a challenge-based platform that urges individuals to create their own challenges towards saving Mother Earth, was also promoted during the event.

SM Lanang Premier’s Earth Hour 2013 celebration helped increase awareness on what everyone can do to curb climate change. It was supported

by DOT–Region XI, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc., Team Titans Davao, Team Davao Runners, Davao Photographers for Peace, Hog’s Breath Cafe, Bistro Selera, Marina Tuna and Park Inn

by Raddison.

Debby Go, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Operations, Mindanao, shares about SM’s environmental programs and sustainable efforts.

DOT-Region XI Regional Director Arturo Boncato, Jr. addresses the audience at the Earth Hour celebration held at SM Lanang Premier.

Park Inn by Raddison representatives join in the purposeful one hour of darkness at the Fountain Court.

The 60+ icon at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court Miss Earth Philippines-Air 2005 Nadia Shami sends a strong message for everyone to go beyond hosts SM Lanang Premier’s Earth Hour Representatives from Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. and Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc. the hour. celebration. show their support for the Earth Hour.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

CEB set to launch direct Cebu-Taipei flights

ThE Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) will launch direct flights between the island of Cebu and Taipei, Taiwan on July 5, 2013. This strengthens the airline’s Cebu hub with a total of seven international routes.

“CEB believes this new route will open up tourism and trade opportunities between the Philippines and Taiwan, and provide tourists with the lowest fare alternative on the most extensive network in the Philippines,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Taiwan is one of Asia’s most unique destinations, with top attractions including the Sun Moon Lake, the Alishan National Scenic Area, and the National Palace Museum.

CEB’s Cebu-Taipei twice weekly service will be every Monday and Friday. It will depart Cebu at 7:40pm and arrive in Taipei at 10:20pm. The return flight will depart Taipei at 11:05pm, and arrive in Cebu at 1:45am.

To introduce its newest route, CEB holds a PhP699 Cebu-Taipei seat sale from April 4 to 5, 2013 or until seats last. This is valid for travel from July 5 to September 30, 2013. After the seat sale, lowest year-round fares from Cebu to Taipei start at P2,399.

Aside from Taipei, CEB flies direct from Cebu to hong Kong, Singapore, Pusan, Incheon, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and 22 domestic destinations.

CEB is also scheduled to start direct flights from Cebu to Camiguin (April 15) and Masbate (June 1). It will also launch its first long-haul destination, Dubai, with direct daily services from Manila starting October 7, 2013.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www. cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages. Quoted fares are exclusive of check-in baggage allowance, taxes, fuel surcharges and admin fees.

Those still booking flights may also sign up to be a CEB Club member through the Cebu Pacific website, for seat sale alerts, easy management of flights and travel funds, and a faster booking process.

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 25 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 43 aircraft is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world.

Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 17 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013.

ANIME TREAT AT SM. SM Cinema will launch another exclusive with the screening of Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie this April 10.

Dubbed in Japanese with English subtitles, this movie is a must see for every anime fan. Visit www.smcinema.com for screening schedules.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

MOVIES

Cinematheque Davao presents Spanish films CInEMATHEquE Davao presents four highly acclaimed films from Spain from April 2-10, 2013. The films are No Habra Paz para los Malvados (No Rest for the Wicked), Pa Negre (Black Bread), Un Cuento Chino (Chinese Take Out), and Silencio En la Nieve (Frozen Silence). All have English subtitles.

The screening of the films is through the courtesy of the Embassy of Spain under the Film Cultural Exchange Program of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

No Habra Paz para los Malvados (2011) is directed by Enrique urbizu and stars José Coronado, Helena Miquel, and Rodolfo Sancho. A thriller, it has Coronado playing Santos Trinidad, a crooked cop who kills three people in a drunken binge. The cop sets out after a sole witness to his crime even as a judge and the police conduct an investigation into the murders. What they are up against is beyond their imagination.

(Running time: 109 mins.)

Pa Negre (2010) is directed by Agustí Villaronga from his own screenplay.The film won in the 2010 San Sebastian Festival (Best Actress), the 2010 Goya (nine awards, including Best Film, Director, and Best Actress), and the 2010 Gaudi (14 awards, including Best Film in Catalan Language, Director, and Best Actress). The film is about Andreu, a son of Republican parents who discovers the bodies of a father and a son in a rural zone in Cataloña. The authorities begin to put the blame on his father and to avoid his father’s being incriminated in the murders, Andreu sets out to find the real killers for himself.

He soon discovers an unknown and darker side of himself. (Running time: 108 mins.)

Un Cuento Chino (2011) is an Argentina-Spain coproduction directed by Sebastián Borensztein. A drama-comedy, it stars Ricardo Darin as Roberto, a cranky loner. His methodical routine takes

him from breakfast to his hardware store next-door to his house, to cooking dinner alone, to his collection of bizarre news stories from around the world.

He goes to sleep exactly at eleven o’clock every night, treats his customers and purveyors with disdain, and avoids yielding to the well meaning advances of Mari (played by Muriel Santa Ana). One Saturday, after his usual visit to the cemeteryto bring flowers to his parents, Roberto

crosses paths with Jun (played by Huang Sheng Huan), a Chinese migrant and Ricardo’s life is never the same again. (Running time: 93 mins.)

Silencio en la Nieveis set in the winter of 1943 in the Russian front. A battalion of the Spanish Blue Division runs into a desolate landscape where a corpse lays on the ice, his throat slit. Written in blood on his shoulder is “Watch out, God is watching you.”

(Running time: 107 mins.)

For more information, and screening schedules, please call Cinematheque Davao at 282-4579.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Malawi education minister says Madonna is building classrooms, not schools

MARCH 14, 2013

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MAyBE Madonna she [Madonna] has built taught in classrooms as needs some vocab classrooms. These are not opposed to sitting under lessons? schools from our side and the shade of the trees.

After changing her original plan to build a multimillion-dollar allgirls school in Malawi to instead creating 10 primary school and continuing to face obstacles, it turns out Madge didn’t build any schools at all—just classrooms.

“She has built classrooms at existing schools...really it’s a difference in terminology,” Education Minister, Eunice Kazembe, told the BBC. “They have said they have built 10 schools in Malawi and on our side, what we know is that

really that’s the essence of the difference between her side and the Malawi government,” Kazembe added. however, Trevor Neilson, president of the Global Philanthropy Group which is now managing the star’s Raising Malawi projects, argued that regardless of what exactly the singer has funded, it’s still making an impact for Malawi children.

Neilson said that $400,000 had been spent on building the 10 school blocks, allowing some 4,000 children to be

It’s not that Kazembe is not grateful for Madonna’s contributions, she just states that “protocol must be observed.”

“She promised an academy and we agreed on standards but she just changed her mind on the project without consulting us,” Kazembe said.

“We’d like them to work with us so that they can be absorbed into the strategy of Malawi’s education and that goes not just for Madonna—any group that comes to Malawi to assist us in education.”

Chris Pine covers for Esquire UK WELL, hello there, Chris Pine.

The hunky hollywood actor shows off his handsome mug as he covers the latest issue of Esquire U.K. The actor talks to the magazine about his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, and how it “terrified” him to reinvent such a popular character.

“Star Trek scared me a lot. It terrified me, really,” Pine told the mag. “Because of the scale, the responsibility, the fact that it was this iconic character. It was the bigger challenge. So I had to take it.”

But that doesn’t mean he was necessarily excited about the opportunity when it first came up. In fact, it was the last thing he wanted to do. (yeah, seriously!).

“I wasn’t a fan of Star Trek. It didn’t excite me,” the star admitted. “All I wanted at that time was a part that I really connected to and when my agent said ‘Star Trek’ I said, ‘No! have you not been hearing anything I’ve said?

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Star Trek is the furthest thing from what I want to do.’”

Clearly, Pine had a change of heart along the way—and boy are we thankful for that— but now he’s lacking love from the fans. At least, that’s what he told Es-

quire. “When I went to Japan for Star Trek, the fans were at the airport waiting. But they didn’t scream until Benedict [Cumberbatch] got off the plane. And I was, like, f--k man: what about me?”

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A4 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

Camella to launch new development in north Davao

CAMELLA’S newest project in Davao will be unveiled in a grand launch this Saturday at six in the evening at SMX Convention Center Hall 3, SM Lanang Premier.

A self-contained masterplanned subdivision, this development will be named Camella Davao, located in Communal, Buhangin across the Davao International Airport along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway or Diversion Road.

Sprawled over 27 hectares of prime property with a relatively rolling terrain, Camella Davao is another landmark development that will elevate the livability factor of Davao as it offers charming and vibrant living within Camella’s many communities in the city.

Camella has an impressive roster of masterplanned developments all over Southern Mindanao, such as Solariega in Talomo, Toscana in Puan, Cerritos in Mintal, Camella northpoint in Bajada, all in Davao, and Camella Tagum and Camella General Santos. It will also build another community in Marbel, South Cotabato soon.

Camella Davao will appeal to an extensive range of homebuyers as it has the most diverse package Camella has offered so far in Southern Mindanao— from exquisite, high-end homes situated within enclaves to affordable stylish and functional homes.

“We are very proud and excited to launch Camella Davao because it is another landmark development that will not only have world-class facilities and amenities, but a village center as well,” said Marlon B. Escalicas, Camella SouthMin Area GM. Camella Davao will be a Caribbean-inspired community bearing a mix of European and Western influences that will make the look, design, and colors

of this subdivision unique and interesting.

As a Camella community, it will have deluxe facilities and amenities such as a swimming pool, entrance plaza, basketball court, kiddie playground, community facilities, parks, pathways, pocket gardens, recreational areas, wide

open spaces, and a wellappointed clubhouse.

What will set Camella Davao apart from the rest is its own village center that is envisioned to house coffee shops, a grocery or supermarket, retail shops, clinics, terminal, among others.

For more details on Camel-

la’s newest development, visit their offices at Delgar Bldg. (in front of Camella Northpoint) or call 2220963. More information, news, events and announcements on Camella are available at http://www. camella.com.ph/, like “Camella Official” on Facebook and follow “@CamellaOfficial” on Twitter.

Indonesian craft show and workshop coming to SM Lanang Premier

A

RT and craft lovers would enjoy a trip down to SM Lanang Premier this April 5-7, Friday to Sunday, as The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia holds its Batik Workshop and Indocraft 2013.

Organized in partnership with the Batik house Indonesia, the 3-day program will showcase the quality design of Indonesian handicraft. A workshop and activity on making Batik and an Indonesian handicraft Exhibit will be held at the SMX Convention Center and the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier.

The Batik Tulis or handwritten Batik, the traditional Indonesian art of decorating cloth using wax and dye and designated by the UNESCO in 2009 for being a ‘Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural heritage of humanity,’ will be brought into the spotlight during the event.

Dabawenyos are invited

Intricately designed Batik masks can be seen up close at the Indonesian Handicraft Exhibit.

to participate in this program and discover the rich and unique culture of their South East Asian neighbors.

They can join the presentation and workshop on Batik, which will run from 10:00am5:00pm, to stimulate their

creativity and improve their knowledge and skill in producing this craft. An enticing treat also awaits all workshop participants as they can get the chance to win a tour package for two (2) to yogyakarta, Indonesia.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

Sales Representatives (2) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

- 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

SPOrTS 15

16 SPOrTS

BKBL opens April 7 T

He Blue Knight Basketball league (BKBl) opens its 5th Conference on April 7 at the Ateneo de Davao University Sports Complex.

A huge cast of 42 teams will be taking part in the tri-divisional league for Ateneo de Davao University alumni and parents.

“The league is growing and getting to be more competitive,” said Mike Alquiza of BKBl during the weekly DSA Forum at Dexter’s Pizza Stadium.

“We are excited with the opening of our new conference,” added Milton Cua. Alquiza and Cua thanked Ateneo de Davao University president Fr. Joel Tabora and athletic director William “Butch” Ramirez, and the Samahang Basketball sa Pilipinas (SBP) Region 11 for the support.

Up for grabs are titles in the open category, 36-below, and Seniors (Above 36).

Tournament format calls for a double

round robin eliminations with the top 4 teams playing in a best-of-three semifinals. The championship will also be a best-of-three affair.

Defending champions Davao’s Finest (open) and Chicken

VOL. 6 ISSUE 15 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 5-6, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Tsunami (36 below) will be back to defend their crowns.

The tournament, set on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, is held in coordination with JCi Davao Jaycees and Ateneo de Davao University.

BLUE KNIGHTS. Blue Knights Basketball League and JCI Davao officials Milton Cua and Mike Alquiza formally presented the league’s 5th Conference during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Dexter’s Pizza Stadium yesterday.

WILL SHE PLAY IN THE NBA? Baylor star Brittany Griner has caught the fancy of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban prompting him to be interested at drafting the US Women’s NCAA cager in the next NBA Draft.