Edge Davao 6 Issue 29

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

Dapat pusong bato!

Rody raps Joji SLIP AND SHOOT. A girl slips into a mall signage and poses before her mother for a photograph at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

e-Season

Page 4

Shocked Alan

Quit if you can’t take the heat Sports

Page 15

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

V

ice Mayor Rody Duterte lashed back at second district congressional bet Joji ilagan-Bian asking her to quit and get out if she can’t take the heat in the kitchen.

in a press release from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Duterte said to Bian, “if you enter politics, expect everything about you to come out, and don’t ask for sympathy just because your husband, engr. George Bian, is

FRODY RAPS JOJI, 10

Heat up 2-0

SUDDEN DOWNPOUR. Heavy downpour caught everyone by surprise yesterday afternoon after an extremely hot temperature for most part of the day in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS

Malanyaon--‘Rice is not for Vice’

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

T

HAT rice is not for Vice.

This is becoming the refrain from Davao Oriental governor corazon Malanyaon on accusations she used the rice allocation for typhoon Pablo victims to support the candidacy of Mati vice mayor carlo Rabat.

Rabat is seeking the mayoralty post against cousin and incumbent mayor Michelle Rabat.

“Of course not, that was explained by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” Malanyaon

told edge Davao yesterday.

Malanyaon was accused by some militant groups who staged a rally in downtown Mati city and at the entrance going to the provincial capitol of Davao Oriental Tuesday.

The protesters accuse Malanyaon of using rice intended for “Pablo” victims to aid the campaign of Vice Mayor Rabat.

Some 300 members of Barug Katawhan and Balsa Mindanao staged a rally near Mati city Hall

FMALANYAON, 10

NEW LANDMARK. A motorist passes by the newly-constructed landmark in Toril, Davao City yesterday welcoming travelers and visitors from the provinces south of Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.

Church, Gabriela counter views on women leaders

Sara thanks co-workers T for child-friendly award

A

grateful Mayor Sara Duterte-carpio credited fellow workers in the city government as well as those in collaborating agencies for the signal achievement of Davao in being proclaimed the country’s“most child-friendly local government unit” for the third time last

year.

Davao city bested other LGUs in the “highly-urbanized city category” in the annual search conducted by the council for the Welfare of children (cWc), a body supported by national government agencies, including the Philippine National Police, which are

mandated to look after the welfare of Filipino children. The other national agencies are the department of interior and local government (DiLG), department of social welfare and development (DSWD), and department of education (Deped).

DSWD Secretary corazon “Dinky” J. Soli-

man is the cWc chairman. in a text message to edge Davao, Mayor Sara said that the city government “got a lot of help from DiLG, Deped, council for welfare of children, cSSDO (city social services and development office), and other offices

FMAYOR INDAY, 10

He catholic church and militant women’s advocate groups are looking at separate directions on Pope Francis’ plans to appoint more women to key positions in the Vatican.

Pope Francis’ proposal has been interpreted as supporting more women around the world to hold public office.

According to former Davao city Archbishop Fernando capalla, there is nothing new with this notion, however, according to Gabriela party list representative Luz ilagan, “this is a fresh wind of change.”

This is a good implication, ilagan said. “We have even been advocating for women priests for a very long time.”

“More women in the top echelon of the church will feminize or humanize the church practices abolishing the patriarchal and feudal characteristics in the church,” she said. contrary to this, Bishop capalla said, “even in the

Philippines there are many women lay and religious who are working in high offices of the church, and there is even a commission on Women in the catholic Bishops conference of the Philippines (cBcP)” He said, this notion is not even new in politics, since there are past women presidents, Supreme court judges, senators, representatives and Local Government Unit (LGU) officials. in international online news, cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras said he will be appointing more women in important positions in the Holy See, and this comment was backed up by Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi. cardinal Maradiaga is appointed by Pope Francis to lead a task force that has eight cardinals from all over the world to reform Roman curia as it is allegedly a hotbed for different controversies and corruption. (eJF)

Cora prays for ‘smooth’ polls

G THE EDGE. ALA Promotions patron Antonio Lopez Aldeguer (left) shows popular sports broadcaster Ronnie Nathanielsz a copy of Edge Davao newspaper before the boxing outfit’s recent promotional venture in Davao City.

ALA Promotions, producer of Pinoy Pride boxing series, promised to bring to Davao more fight cards that will put Davao on the professional boxing map. Lean Daval Jr.

overnor cora Malanyaon is hopeful that Davao Oriental will have a “smooth” and peaceful election on May 13 despite being faced with impending low voter turnout, power shortage and treats of political violence.

Possible outages on election day is one of the major challenges of the province, however, Malanyaon told this reporter yesterday

that the commission on election (comelec) regional office has reassured her that it (comelec) has contingency plans as they have anticipated and prepared for brownouts on that day. comelec Region 11 director Wilfred Jay Balisado told this reporter that they have made an appeal to the electric cooperatives to consider brownouts

FCORA PRAYS, 10

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 •THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

3

44,523 ‘Pablo’ families assisted through ‘Cash For Work’ program A

total of 44,523 family heads affected

by Typhoon Pablo participated in the cash For Work Program implemented by DSWD, DOLe, international Labor Or-

ganization (iLO), catholic Relief Services, UNDP, Oxfam, DA, and Food and Agriculture Organization.

“Of the 44,523 individuals, 37,453 or 84% worked through the DSWD

cash For Work scheme, 1775 through DOLe, 492 through cRS/UNDP/FAO, 3576 through Oxfam/iLO and 1227 through DA,” explained Nori T. Palarca of iLO and TS Pablo Liveli-

hood cluster.

According to Palarca, the beneficiaries concentrated on debris clearing which involves segregation, reduction of debris volume on site, recycling

4th MUSABAQAH OPENING. The 4th Provincial Musabaqah with the OlymPeace 2013 as highlight opens with a parade Tuesday, April 23, at the Sarangani Capitol grounds.

[Jake T. Narte/Sarangani]

Tesda to hold skills training for poorest of the poor in Region 12

T

He Technical education and Skills Development Authority (TeSDA) in Southwestern Mindanao is set to launch next month a series of skills trainings for beneficiaries of the national government’s conditional cash transfer program in the region.

Zeus Ampuyas, TeSDA Region 12 director, said Wednesday they have identified five municipalities in three provinces in the region as beneficiaries of the skills trainings, which is dubbed cash-fortraining program or c4TP. He said the program mainly aims to provide more livelihood opportunities and eventually improve the socio-eco-

Q

uips

nomic status of the region’s “poorest of the poor” households that are supported by the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps. Region 12 comprises the provinces of South cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North cotabato as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and cotabato.

TeSDA earlier launched the program as part of the government’s convergence initiatives for beneficiaries of the 4Ps, which is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). [Allen V. estabillo / MindaNews]

‘In the coming years, the economy of Mindanao is set for explosive growth. You all know that we are working steadily with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to move forward a peace agreement that will lead to both peace and prosperity in the region. When that happens, we can fully expect that more investors will turn to Mindanao.’

- President Aquino at the ceremonial signing of PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority and FDC Utilities Inc., April 17, 2013

and reusing debris, and restoring affected infrastructure and production areas.

Men and women, 18 years old and above and even senior citizens who are still able to perform manual labor were involved in the cash For Work program.

“We recommend though in the cluster for an assessment of the typhoon’s impact on livelihood for a better understanding of appropriate actions to take towards sustainable livelihood development and recovery. We are also looking into mobilization and organization of communities and preparing them for their active participation,” Palarca added.

Meanwhile, the TS Pablo Shelter cluster has established and provided 127 bunkhouses, 8874 repair kits, and 60,429 emergency shelter kits in Typhoon Pablo-affected towns in Davao Region.

Other ongoing and upcoming interventions for

emergency shelter support are 100 shelter units from Filchi, 250 units Debris to Shelter (D2S) from iOM (international Organization for Migration), 100 permanent shelter units from Holcim, 2500 shelter repair kits from Oxfam, 5 duplex units from the Diocese of Tagum, 1000 permanent shelter units from San Miguel corporation, 4881 shelter kits from DSWD, and 780 permanent shelter units from DSWD. Mariano V. Nava of iOM and TS Pablo Shelter cluster said their cluster has proposed that future cash For Work activities should be organized around shelter construction (e.g. cutting of lumber, site clearing, etc.) thus providing livelihood and shelter assistance in the same activity. consequently, the second round DSWD cash For Work will be geared towards shelter construction which aptly responds to the proposal of the Shelter cluster. [DSWD/carmela cadigal-Duron]

from chaos they once staged in compostela Valley.

Barug sa Katawhan organized a rally along the national highway in the Municipality of Montevista compostela Valley early this year, barricading the intersection going to Butuan city, and to compostela and New Bataan towns.

701st infantry Brigade commander col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero confirmed origin of rally participants saying most of them were coming from compostela Valley while others were from Bukidnon and South cotabato, confirmed through checking the plate number of vehicles used.

Aside from diversion of donated rice distribution, the militants also alleged militarization had been happening in Davao Oriental, Guerrero said.

He, however, brushed aside the issue saying his command made substantial accomplishments in implementing the Peace and Development Program (PDOP) in Davao Oriental which 183 barangays were recently cleared by the eastern Mindanao Mindanao command of New People’s Army influence. (PiA Xi/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

MiLF urges followers to participate in May 13 polls DAVAO ciTY, April 24 (PiA) The Moro islamic Liberation Front (MiLF) has appealed to all its constituents to participate in the forthcoming electoral exercise on May 13.

Speaking to reporters during the signing of the mutual understanding for ceasefire-related functions for the May 2013 national and local elections between the heads of the coordinating committee on the cessation of Hostilities of the government and the MiLF with the international Monitoring Team of Malaysia at the Waterfront insular Hotel, Mohaqher iqbal, chair of the MiLF peace-panel explained that their group normally does not issue an appeal on the people regarding elections.

He said they have to issue an appeal now since the elections will have an impact on the ongoing peace talks between their group and the government. iqbal said the MiLF prefers to convey its concern for the people to vote wisely on a personal conversation and not through a large group discussion to avoid problems. [PiA 11/ Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

Malanyaon assures proper rice donation

D

AVAO Oriental Gov. corazon Malanyaon assures the public that distribution of relief goods for Typhoon Pablo victims has been properly monitored. in a statement, Malanyaon said that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Food Organization (WFO) are accounting and monitoring the distribution of relief goods to Pablo victims in hard-hit towns of Baganga, Boston and cateel in the province of Davao Oriental.

“How can i divert rice distribution?,” she raised the question in reaction to accusations hurled against her by militant protesters Barug sa Katawhan and Balsa Mindanao.

Some 300 members of such militant groups staging a protest rally in Mati city Tuesday, alleged that Malanyaon used the rice donation for Typhoon Pablo victims “to help the political campaign” of Mati city candidates whom she’s supporting. in a separate interview, DSWD Regional Director Priscilla Razon said DSWD has not been coursing any donation through the provincial government since March 27 at the start of the election Period.

She explained that DSWD no longer stores any relief goods or donated materials at any facility of the provincial government but now packs donations at the Davao city depot of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“We deliver goods directly to target areas,” she said while also revealing that DSWD lately had no rice distribution in Mati city which was not badly-hit by Typhoon Pablo.

Razon also said that she has not received any formal complaint, except hearsays, regarding the alleged diversion of donated rice supplies to non-Typhoon Pablo victims.

She asked Mati and Davao Oriental residents to file a complaint against any DSWD staff helping rice distribution of any political candidate.

On the other hand, Malanyaon said “no one” from her province participated the protest rally led by Barug sa Katawhan, but they reportedly were coming from from compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Davao city and Butuan city.”

She revealed having received text messages from Mati city residents asking the militant groups to spare Mati city

4

S

eNATOR Alan cayetano could not hide his shock at the state of the power crisis in Mindanao as he met with members of the Zamboanga city electric cooperative (Zamcelco) in his Listening Tour visit to Zamboanga city last Saturday.

“We read about the Mindanao power crisis in the news in Manila but until you set foot in Mindanao and walk among the locals, you don’t really grasp the gravity of the situation,” cayetano admitted. cayetano said that the Department of energy (DOe) needs to explore other alternatives to its current proposal that cooperatives acquire their own diesel-fired generators as a means to address the power crisis temporarily. The proposal could increase electric charges by P1.80 resulting in charge of P4 per kilowatt-hour.

“When the National

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Cayetano shocked at gravity of power crisis electric Authority (NeA) loans P4 billion that it will later pass on to cooperatives, why do we have to limit the amortization to 5 years? Why can’t Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) step in to make it 15-20 years to bring down the cost?” he said. cayetano warned against the negative effect of increased power rates on the livelihood of Filipino families living in the region. “consumers shouldn’t be made to carry this burden. Higher electric prices would mean higher prices of all basic services and commodities. The bottom line is this means less income for the families in the area. Their ability to support themselves will be reduced even further,” he said. cayetano said that the Senate could intervene on this issue once session resumes. “The Senate can intervene on the issue. A

Comelec to youth:

LET THERE BE LIGHT. In his PTK (presyo, trabaho, kita) listening tour in Zamboanga, Sen. Alan Cayetano talked to the members of Zamboanga City

Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) and pushed for government intervention to ease the burden of power crisis on the Filipino people.

senator’s primary task is to represent the people and Mindanao’s biggest

posed that the government step in to remedy the situation and make

issue is the power crisis,” he said as he recalled how in the past he has pro-

Responsibility doesn’t end in voting

Y

OUR responsibility does not end in voting.

This is what the

EDGEDAVAO

commission on elections (comelec) reminded the students of Ateneo de Manila Uni-

Graphics by: www.rappler.com

versity (AdMU) who promised to go out and vote in the upcoming May 13 polls.

“Go out and vote because this is the only right that we have that cannot be taken away from us… pero yung obligasyon natin, hindi nagtatapos sa pagboto,” comelec information officer Leo Lim said.

During the Yahoo!

Purple Thumb senatorial forum, Lim encouraged students to remain vigilant and take the lead in reporting violations come poll day.

“Magmasid at magulat. Tulad sa ating mga kandidato, alam nila kung ano ang pwede at hindi di nila dapat gawin at tingnan po natin ang mangyayari sa araw ng eleksyon,” Lim said.

“Kung mayroon po tayong violations na makikita sa araw ng eleksyon, mag-ulat,” he noted.

Zambales Rep. Maria Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay, former Senator ernesto Maceda, and former Manila councilor Greco Belgica attended the senatorial debate held at escaler Hall on Monday.

the burden of electric costs easier on Filipino consumers.

Casiño lambasts gov’t for failing the poor

M

Says poverty survey is the only survey that matters

AKABAYAN senatorial bet Teddy casiño yesterday blamed the Aquino administration’s futile efforts at anti-poverty programs resulting in nothing but stagnant and widespread poverty in the country.

The National Statistical coordination Board (NScB) revealed on Tuesday that the poverty incidence in the country remain unchanged since 2006. “if we follow the logic of the President’s tag line and the recent survey, it would mean, kung maraming mahirap, marami ding korap,” casiño said.

The three-term congressman explained that the government’s adherence to previous administrations’ ineffective anti-poverty programs is to blame for the unchanging poverty incidence.

“The NScB survey only confirmed what we already know. Nothing substantial is being done to address poverty. Ano ba ang ginagawa ng National Anti-Poverty commission (NAPc) at ibang ahensya na may responsibilidad dito?

Napaka-unimaginative naman ng mga ahensya natin. Tinuloy lang naman nila ang mga proyekto ni Arroyo at binihisan ng bagong packaging. We might as well abolish NAPc,” casiño said.

“The ccT, which has been implemented since 2008 under Arroyo, does not work as the Philippines’ main anti-poverty program. Artificially increasing the income of people does not work. What the government should do is to strengthen agriculture and industries and grant higher wages. That way, we are not only uplifting the lives of the people, we are also boosting the economy since higher incomes result in increased demand for local products and services,” casiño said.

The progressive solon pointed out that the administration has been heralding supposed growth but at the same time excluding the workers and other common folk from living a decent life.

“Para saan ang sinasabing pag-unlad na ito kung hindi para sa karaniwang tao?” casiño said. “if the President is really concerned with inclusive growth, then his administration should look into improving the lives of our farmers and workers. The point is, the poverty survey is the only survey that really matters. Unfortunately, the President seems more concerned with non-inclusive economic ratings such as the Fitch Ratings and his Liberal Party’s senatorial survey standing,” he said.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

More business deals eyed in three-country trade mission

By Greg G. Deligero

M

ORe business agreements are projected in the three-country trade mission on May 17-31 in Singapore, Malaysia and indonesia to be spearheaded by the Davao city

chamber of commerce and industry, inc. (Dcccii).

As a followthrough of the trade mission in Singapore last year organized by the Davao city investment Promotion

OPENING SOON. Construction workers apply paint on walls of the front building of an almost finished

center (DcPic), businessmen joining this year’s mission are expected to ink partnership with their counterparts.

“We hope that this time there will be agreements that will be final-

Gaisano Grand Mall of Toril in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

ized between companies,” said Dcccii executive director Mary Anne Abundo, adding that since the trade mission last year, which was more of an exploratory, business companies from Singapore are in constant communication with Davao city businessmen.

Joining the trade mission are at least 70 delegates coming from various industry sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, food processing, real estate, government agencies and academe.

As of this writing, the Manila-based Association of Franchisers has confirmed participation with at least 10 delegates including the owners of AquaBest, Bioessence, Julies Bakeshop and Fiorgelato.

Aside from Singapore, the trade mission target areas are Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya in Malaysia and Batam city in Riau islands province of indonesia.

Abundo said the participation of the academe is new in the composition of the mission delegates.

The sector, she said, will be interested in studying the certification and accreditation system of academic institutions in Singapore.

The academe will also study the SiJORi Growth Triangle, which combines the competitive strengths of Singapore, Johor (in Malaysia) and the Riau islands (indonesia) to make the subregion more attractive to regional and international investors.

Batam is the first Special economic Zone (SeZ) opened in indonesia and includes islands of Batam, Tonton, Setokok, Nipah, Rempang Galang and Galang Baru and lies on one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes between Sumatra and Singapore.

Under the growth triangle framework, Batam, along with other parts of Riau islands, are a part of a Special economic Zone.

This zone eliminates tar-

iffs and value-added taxes for goods shipped within the growth area.

Abundo said delegates from the academe will look into the possibility of replicating the study the SiJORi Growth Triangle in Davao-General Santos, Manado (indonesia) and Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia).

“We will find ways how we can foster trading with in these shipping routes and even with Thailand and Vietnam,” she said. in Singapore, Abundo the trade mission will focus on how to attract investors in manufacturing and real estate or construction sectors and how Davao city-based producers can penetrate the Singaporean market. in Malaysia, she said, the mission will “look at the best practices and sharing of technologies” in rubber and palm oil production and follow up proposals for a Kuala Lumpur-Davao city direct flight by a Malaysian airline company.

6 THE ECONOMY 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

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

15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Thai-backed palm oil mill to rise in NorthCot c

ARMeN, North cotabato Mayor Rogelio Taliño led groundbreaking rites Monday for the construction of a $10-million Thai-backed palm oil crushing mill.

The mayor said the yearlong construction of the mill that will serve planters in North cotabato and neighboring provinces will start this month.

The Univanich carmen Palm Oil corporation (UcPOc) behind the milling plant is backed by the Univanich Palm Oil Public company of Thailand.

Univanich-Thailand chairman Apirag Vanich, together with his wife charntip Vanich, graced the occasion. established in 1969, Univanich pioneered the planting of oil palm in Thailand. it operates a palm oil exporting facility at the port of Laemphong in Krabi province.

Univanich also operates Thailand’s first laboratory for oil palm tissue culture that produces high yielding clones in support to its breeding pro-

GROUND BREAKING. The province of North Cotabato will embark on an aggressive agriculture production program with palm oil as it chief byproduct. Recently, the province broke ground for its crude palm oil crushing mill in Brgy. Tacupan, Carmen. The event gram.

“This is a dream-come true project of my father,” said North cotabato Governor emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, the

was graced by North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and Apirag Univanich, chairman of Palm Oil Public Company Thailand.

Lean Daval Jr.

mayor’s daughter.

She encouraged farmers to plant oil palm to augment their income.

The governor claimed that

the recent entry of new investments in the province is proof to the stable political, economic and socio-cultural conditions in the area. [MindaNews]

Globe sustains leadership among PHL telcos in international roaming service

G

LOBe Telecom sustains leadership in international LTe roaming service as it strengthens partnership with SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile operator to further expand its LTe international data roaming service coverage.

With this service, tourists coming to the Philippines will enjoy seamless connectivity, empowering them with efficient multi-tasking and rich content data applications in Globe LTe-covered areas in the country. This means ultrafast browsing and multimedia streaming on their mobile phones, allowing them faster and more seamless connectivity when they use social networking sites to connect with their friends and relatives in South Korea, do video calls, and other web-based mobile activities.

“Globe was the first to introduce LTe international data roaming in the Philippines partnering with the biggest carriers abroad such as china Mobile Hong Kong company Limited and now with SK Telecom to provide travelers to the Philippines superior browsing experience and seamless connectivity” explains Rizza Maniego- eala, Group Head for Globe’s international Business.

Globe first launched its

WORTH of jewelry collection of Rep. Imelda R. Marcos, former first lady of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, which the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) plans to be put on display this year.

4

partnership with china Mobile Hong Kong company Limited in October last year.

As of April 2013, the Globe LTe network has quickly expanded to cover more areas nationwide. Aside from Makati, Globe LTe coverage is now available in select areas in Manila, Pasig, Quezon city, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, cebu city, Davao city, and Boracay. The Globe LTe rollout focuses on large, contiguous areas instead of sporadic distribution in the form of pocket activations or hot spots to ensure greater and more stable coverage.

For its part, SK Telecom Senior Vice President and Head of the Operators collaboration Marketing Office Kim YoungSup said: “The commercialization of LTe auto-roaming services with Globe and SingTel follows a consensus among members of the Bridge Alliance (BA) that LTe data roaming takes an important role in the future direction of next generation services, thus calling for strategic partnerships between carriers around the world.”

The strengthening of the partnership between Globe and SK Telecom is a further boost to the already robust South Korean visitors market which is the largest tourism

THE Supreme Court has dismissed four Cebu City judges and several Court administrative personnel accused of involvement in civil marriage solemnization rackets and irregularities. Dismissed were judges Anatalio Necessario, Gil Acosta, Rosabella Tormis and Edgemelio Rosales of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branches 2, 3, 4 and 8.

Davao by the numbeRs Davao Region is the country’s top producer of coconut contributing

22 percent of Philippine total and

39 percent of Mindanao Source: NeDA

market in the Philippines for 2012.

Of the total 4.3-million tourist arrivals in the Philippines last year, 24.13% or more than one million tourists were from South Korea, a jump of 9% from the figures in 2011.

“We are very pleased with our strengthened partnerships with SK Telecom and china

9,743

HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) on Thursday said it is recalling 9,743 units of Honda Civic 2001 to 2002, and CR-V 2002 models because of a faulty inflation device for the front passenger airbag. BusinessMirror, April 12-13, 2013

Mobile Hong Kong company Limited. Now, more tourists can continue to enjoy high speed LTe connection when they are in the Philippines,” Maniego-eala said.

Moving forward, Globe is heavily expanding its LTe roaming service with operators from Australia, Singapore, US, Japan, canada and the Middle east.

49.8

MISS KRIS AQUINO, youngest sister of President Noynoy Aquino, paid P49.8 million in income tax, making her the No.1 top individual taxpayer in the country, as against the richest Filipino businessmen listed in Forbes magazine.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 •THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

Green spaces boost wellbeing of urban dwellers – study P

ARKS, gardens and green space in urban areas can improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people living there, says a University of exeter study.

Using data from 5,000 UK households over 17 years, researchers found that living in a greener area had a significant pos-

itive effect.

The findings could help to inform urban planners and have an impact on society at large, they said.

The study is published in the journal Psychological Science.

The research team examined data from a national survey that fol-

lowed more than 5,000 UK households and 10,000 adults between 1991 and 2008 as they moved house around the country.

They asked participants to report on their own psychological health during that time to estimate the “green space effect”.

Dr Mathew White and colleagues at the european centre for the environment and Human Health found that individuals reported less mental distress and higher life satisfaction when they were living in greener areas.

This was true even after the researchers accounted for changes over

time in participants’ income, employment, marital status, physical health and housing type.

Benefits for society Dr White compared the scale of the effects of living in a greener area to “big-hitting” life events such as marriage.

“We’ve found that living in an urban area with relatively high levels of green space can have a significantly positive impact on wellbeing, roughly equal to a third of the impact of being married.”

The effect was also found to be equivalent to a tenth of the impact of being employed, as opposed to unemployed. even when stacked up against other factors that contribute to life satisfaction, living in a greener area had a significant effect, the study said.

“These kinds of comparisons are important for policymakers when trying to decide how to invest scarce public resources, such as for park development or upkeep, and figuring out what bang they’ll get for their buck,” said Dr White.

While the effect for an

individual might be small, he pointed out that the potential positive effects of green space for society at large might be substantial.

“This research could be important for psychologists, public health officials and urban planners who are interested in learning about the effects that urbanisation and city planning can have on population health and wellbeing.”

Beth Murphy, information manager at the mental health charity Mind, said: “For people living busy lifestyles in densely populated areas, being able to get outdoors and access green space is a great way to escape the stresses of day-to-day life.

“Our research has shown that 94% of people who took part in outdoors ‘green exercise’ said it benefited their mental health and can have huge impacts on physical health.

“We believe this is food for thought for any policymaker involved in urban planning, or local authority developing its public health strategy.”

[BBc]

cause a rise in the body temperature. The characteristic symptoms are chapped lips, high pulse rate, headache and dizziness. There might be difficulty in understanding things ,” said the DMO. She added that one must get hospitalised immediately as a heat stroke can damage internal organs.

“After a heatstroke is experienced, it is necessary to hydrate the body by introducing fluids. Avoid caffeinated, hot or alcoholic drinks. A cool bath or shower is also recommended,” said the DMO. Similarly, one should

also be wary of heat exhaustion. “Heat exhaustion is not as grave as a heat stroke. The symptoms are almost similar to that of a heat stroke. if experienced heat exhaustion, one should stop all activity and rest. Moving towards a cooler place is needed. And, drink cool water,” Dr Haseena said Keeping kids cool The vengeful sun may dampen the enthusiasm of children who were looking forward to enjoy outdoor games. experts say it is important that kids keep indoor from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Environmental advocates push Beat the heat in a healthy way Ecological Solid Waste Mgmt Act

A

stricter implementation of the ecological Solid Waste management Act (R.A. 9003) will be pushed by environmental advocates.

According to the environmental watchdog, ecoWaste coalition, this will be done following the collapse of the Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill last Friday which was feared to have buried four employees.

Waste prevention and reduction, specifically, will be pushed by the group to

Q

uips

ensure the safety of operation of sanitary landfills.

The Office of The environmental Ombudsman together with the NGAs, LGUs and non-government organizations recently launched the Solid Waste Management compliance Program last Monday to celebrate earth Day. According to the OeO, this partnership seeks to inform the public on the critical need of implementing the provisions of the act and hold concerned government officials and

‘While we continue to receive recognitions from global organizations and publications, the challenge for all of us in the tourism sector is to ensure that the promise of FUN is complemented on the ground with competitive physical and social infrastructure: from our products to the cost of doing business and human resources. This gesture of the government of Canada and the ADB is a recognition of the role of tourism as a key driver of economic development in the country.’

- Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez Jr. during the launch of ADB-CIDA (Asian Development Bank - Canadian International Development Agency) Technical Assistance on Improving Competitiveness in Tourism

personnel accountable for its implementation.

Acting National coordinator, ecoWaste coalition, Aileen Lucero said that 13 years has passed since the enactment of this law and until now, it has not been fully implemented yet. “it is high time that we address the government’s feeble implementation of the law on a national scale,” Lucero said.

“The recent tragedy in a sanitary landfill in the province of Rizal could have been prevented had the government instituted such reforms much earlier,” she added.

An estimated 300,000 metric tons of trash reportedly collapsed last April 19 from the fivemonth inactive portion of the landfill that buried backhoe operator Gary Balahibo and maintenance personnel Pablito esto, Rovidico Olog, and eddie Malano.

National Solid Waste Management commission and co-chair of the ecoWaste coalition’s Task Force Dumps and incinerators, Romeo Hidalgo said that this was not the first time that it happened. [PNA]

W

iTH the temperature soaring, the days have turned scorching, humid and sticky. There seems to be no respite to the heat waves as even the downpour did nothing to tame the summertime blues. instances of heat strokes and heat exhaustion have become common and the working population out there are struggling to keep themselves cool. Reports pour in about instances where people suffering from heat stroke even in Kerala where the temperature was not very extreme until recently.

And, experts feel that it is necessary to keep a check on one’s health as the chances to get a heat stroke this summer are very high.

According to Dr Haseena, the District Medical Officer (DMO), ernakulam, one must seek an immediate medical attention in case of a heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when a person has to spend long hours or undertakes extreme physical activity under the sun.

“Heat stroke occurs when the body’s ability to control body temperature fails. This will

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Getting It All Wrong

COMMENTARY

By Patricio P. Diaz

P

EDITORIAL

i

Electioneering by government employees

N case people in the government service forget, Section 55, chapter 7, Title i, Book V of the Administrative code of 1987 provides: “No officer or employee in the civil Service including members of the Armed Forces, shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any election except to vote nor shall he use his official authority or influence to coerce the political activity of any other person or body.”

Likewise, the Omnibus election code penalizes civil service officers and employees who engage in any partisan political activity except to vote. Section 261 (i) of the Omnibus election code states: “The following shall be guilty of an election offense: Any officer or employee in the civil service, except those holding political offices; any officer, employee, or member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or any police force, special forces, home defense forces, barangay self-defense units and all other para-military units that now exist or which may hereafter be organized who, directly or indirectly, intervenes in any election campaign or

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engages in any partisan political activity, except to vote or to preserve public order, if he is a peace officer.” it is not surprising to see some public employees and officials falling within the coverage of both the Administrative code of 1987 and the Omnibus election code involved in some partisan election activities.

Despite the existence of these provisions in the law against involvement in partisan political activities, there are still government employees who engage in the election-related prohibited acts to ensure victory for their so-called bosses and political patrons.

There are even reports of employees in government offices with public information functions pitching for some candidates during this campaign period. in the interest of integrity in public service, government employees should steer clear of being caught up in the web of politics. For their own good and that of their families, it is better to just simply go about their usual work and think of partisanship only when the time comes they cast their votes.

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(1st of three parts)

OSTeD in the website of OPAPP (Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) on Sunday, April 21, is “Gov’t on diligent review of GPH-MiLF annexes; urges public to be patient”, the report on the message of Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, OPAPP head, to the Rotary international District 3870 in conference in iligan city last Saturday, April 20.

As the report title states, the speech read by OPAPP Undersecretary Jose Lorena, “urges [the] public to be patient” while Government is reviewing diligently the Annexes to the GPH-MiLF Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) – an assurance that all will be well despite the delay in signing the Annexes. What the Rotarians asked during the open forum and how Lorena fielded them for his boss must have been interesting but the report does not mention of any.

The perceived impatience should have been addressed to the Moro islamic Liberation Front leaders and members.

The urgent impatience with menacing undertones is from them as manifested in several reports of Luwaran, the official website of MiLF central committee on information. is the general public really impatient? criticisms in the media express concern on the implications and dire consequences of the delay; they should not be mistaken for impatience – much less as impatience of the general public.

Quoted portions of the speech provoke some hard questions.

President is the Reason MiLF Panel chair Mohagher iqbal said that while MiLF is ready to sign the Annexes, Government is not. Deles confirms it: “While we move forward in this final stretch, we need to remain cautious of the intricacies involved in the crafting of the annexes.” iqbal implies that the negotiation on the Technical Working Group level of the Annexes (except that of normalization) is over; the MiLF central committee has approved them. That Government “has been on diligent study of the intricacies” for more than two months now, it may be asked: Were the government TWGs instructed on what and what not to commit and cautioned on the intricacies?

The reason is the President: “The three remaining annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization are now going through due diligence review because our President wants to make sure that the whole government, not just the peace panel, has the full grasp of all the implications of what we are going to sign.” That the President is prudent should be admired.

However, “Our President has reiterated time and again that this government will not sign any agreement that it cannot implement” reiterates, policy-wise, another statement attributed to the President, “This government can commit only what we can give”. This is a policy statement crucial to the finale of the GovernmentMiLF peace negotiation. core Question This brings up a core question: Will Bangsamoro, the “new autonomous political entity” that the Aquino iii government will grant, fully satisfy “How to solve the Bangsamoro Problem” that MiLF proposed as the only talking point and which the Parties approved on the first day of the GRP-MiLF negotiation on January 7, 1997?

Prudence must temper but not weaken political will. it is not a matter of giving what can be expediently given; rather, it’s a matter of giving despite the odds what must be given to solve the Moro Problem. The first may be appreciated as prudence; the second is political will.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 •THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

S

ernment resources and its huge political machinery.

Almost always, p u b l i c opinion polls are designed primarily to influence the election. experts say survey results would create a “bandwagon effect” or draw additional supporters to candidates who are far ahead in the political race.

Strong showing in a series of surveys is known to help candidates because it would involve campaign donations and guaranteed media coverage of candidates. it is as essential to also keep in mind that political groups do have motives whenever they prematurely release or conceal results of public opinion polls, which are distinct and separate from the commissioned poll surveys.

Now that the latest survey result indicated Team PNoy’s senate bets are leading the pact, the opposite political camp, naturally, would issue disapproving statements. They’re short in saying that poll survey results are known to leak and twist findings for varying reasons or promptly charged the result was rigged to promote a positive image that candidates of the dominant party were able to establish satisfactory rankings in public opinion polls. Whatever their reasons may be, political strategists and campaign managers should examine closely the

result because very Filipino voters consider poll surveys as mostly right on the mark.

Other political analysts noted that some popular candidates have already reached their plateau in their ratings midway through the campaign period so rankings are not necessarily what they seem. As they diligently observed, survey scores are not votes simply because results vary depending on sample size, methodology and questionnaires, all dependent on users’ requests and objectives. Although they firmly believe that a political team “cannot depend on just the survey results for their image projections,” they do have to consider the fact that varied sample sizes can accurately reflect the views of the country’s population.

Despite the advent of modern iT technology and cyberspace campaigning, interest groups like candidates and political parties still hired the services of survey organizations because they know full well that newspaper readers, TV viewers and radio listeners are showing greater confidence in pollsters who predict election results. However, other contending parties may balk at the scenario therefore survey results need to be scrupulously examined to determine its validity. Oftentimes the overhyped support for a certain political group described as “broad-based, secure and unbeatable” may not actually be there. We always have to bear in mind that some poll surveys are crafted to confuse the opponent.

Remember politics Philippine style, whether we like it or not, is the art of deception.

In defense of journalistic error

UcH has been made this week — and during breaking-news episodes in Tucson, Newtown,Abbottabad, Mumbai and elsewhere, where many errors were filed and published — of how modern technology places unprecedented pressures on reporters and their employers to be first to report some important news. But a light reading of journalistic history refutes the notion that the gathering of breaking news in the pre-Web, pre-mobile-phone era was a leisurely affair. in 1935, Associated Press reporters covering the trial of the alleged kidnapper of the Lindbergh baby famously sent the wrong verdict in a “flash” to its subscribers. The AP report was aired on radio before its retraction, and was even printed in the Washington Post, although that edition did not make it onto the streets. Last week, Politico cited other examples of botched breaking stories you can’t blame on the Web, including the “death” of President George H.W. Bush in Japan in 1992 and the reported death of White House Press Secretary James Brady during the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. More egre-

OPINION

By Jack Shafer

(Conclusion) gious breaking news errors were made after the 9/11 attacks by established news organizations, including a car bombing at the State Department(AP), reports of explosives on the George Washington Bridge (cBS News) and news that a second wave of terrorists at Kennedy and LaGuardia airports had been intercepted (ABc News).

The news landscape has changed, of course. “News gathering and dissemination are now simultaneous,” says christopher Daly, a professor of journalism at Boston University and a former reporter at the Associated Press and the Washington Post. He concurs with the view that the technological tools that make instant reporting so easy and seductive also expand a reporter’s power to verify stories via email, mobile phone calls, text, chat, database searchers and more. Those

news tools also make recalling a fallacious story easier than ever. it’s much to cNN’s disgrace, as David carr and others have commented, that the network didn’t rely on those tools to make a greater effort to publicly acknowledge its bogus arrested report instead of “rowing it back.” cNN could have, for example, placed “retraction” flags on its websites and run chyrons directing views to the Web for corrections of John King‘s now-famous reportorial error.

The news landscape has also been altered by readers and viewers who’ve adopted the new technologies. No longer passive recipients of the news, they talk back to the press as never before, putting additional pressure on the press corps to get it right and to untangle the news pretzel they’ve baked. And that’s wonderful.

As the Washington Post’s former publisher, Philip L. Graham, was fond of repeating, journalism is the first rough draft of history. Tough readers who demand more and better from journalists help drive errors down and correction rates up, helping improve the second rough draft of history.

9

Muzzling the online vigilantes

Public opinion polls

URVeYS ARe NOT ReLiABLe FOR cANDiDATeS’ iMAGe PROJecTiON – How seriously should poll surveys be taken? Political organizations have seen it fit to commission survey firms during elections to gauge their candidates’ popularity and the image they project. Survey groups have been a permanent fixture of Philippine politics since 1986 and have become much sought after by the government, politicians and private sector as well.

For whatever its flaunted political machinery is worth, even the dominant party can rely on poll surveys for “mind-conditioning and targeting” purposes. But how accurate really are public opinion polls? it precisely depend on how much – is the budget – or how little – is said about the surveys. Political analysts, thoughtful observers, press people included, say the less that is disclosed about the surveys, the most distrustful and doubtful the electorate should be. Poll surveys have been resurrected just in time to serve as “barometer” for the May midterm elections. in a latest survey result released by the most reputable survey group in the country, the Social Weather Station (SWS), Liberal Party’s (LP) Team PNoy solidifies hold on the senate posts with 9 of its candidates joining the “Magic 12” while 3 from the United Nationalist Alliance’s (UNA) Tatak Binay group concluding the remaining senate slates. So far, SWS insists that no specific political team commissioned them to conduct the latest survey. if the result is accurate, Team PNoy’s lead is significant given that the LP can count on considerable gov-

M

VANTAGE POINTS

ANAlYSIS

By Michael Maiello

T

(1st of two parts)

HeRe is a new justice being administered online by well-meaning and not so well-meaning people who have learned to use the internet as a tool for investigation and retribution against perceived or suspected wrongdoers. it seems to have started within the last two years with the online bulletin board 4chan and within the hackers loosely assembled under the name Anonymous. it has since migrated to community sites such as Reddit. Sometimes, the target is a cad suspected of bullying somebody. Recently, amateur sleuths tried to figure out who was behind the Boston Marathon bombings. it’s well past time to put on the brakes. Uncontrolled online mob vigilantism can potentially wreck lives as enthusiastic dilettantes investigate people in public and rush to inaccurate conclusions.

Last week an informal group of self-deputized online activists communicating on a Reddit board called “/r/ findbostonbombers” identified Sunil Tripathi, a 22-year-old Brown University student who has been missing since mid-March, as perpetrator of the Boston bombing. Tripathi’s family, still trying to find their kin, was gracious in their response. But the implication was libelous. Those who perpetuated it should face consequences.

Reddit has since apologized, as did the moderator of the “FindBostonBombers” page. The moderator referenced the site’s “no personal information until confirmation” rule, which is meant to prevent this type of error.

The rule failed. if Reddit wants to prevent something like this from happening again, it should ban the use of its forums for investigating crimes. There is no reason to believe that the Reddit community can effectively police itself. enabled by mass-produced technology, the United States is fast becoming a society of snoops and tattletales. While this has obvious advantages for law enforcement, it threatens the health of civil society, which depends on trust among its members. Michael Mandelbaum, director of the American Foreign Policy program at Johns Hopkins University, argued in his 2007 book,Democracy’s Good Name: The Rise and Risks of the World’s Most Popular Form of Government,that trust is the basis of a functioning democracy. He cited, for example, the difficulties that iraq’s people face as the country moves from a society dominated by informants to Saddam Hussein’s secret police toward a collaborative democracy. We don’t yet know what happens to an established democracy when its citizens become willing and enthusiastic informants to the police.

People seem overly forgiving of online activists after the Boston bombings because, despite mistakes, the activists were genuinely trying to help law enforcement officials. The Reddit investigation seemed to be something of an extension of the “if you see something, say something” post-9/11 security ethos.

10 NEWS

Rody raps Joji...

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

FFROM 1

sick, because having a sick husband will not make you a qualified congresswoman.”

Duterte’s statement came after Bian’s appeal to her rivals to spare her sick husband during a press conference on Tuesday. Bian questioned the accuracy of facts in Duterte’s statements about her husband in a newspaper report.

“You cannot get votes by telling everyone a family member is sick. it was Joji who said her husband is sick; the Vice Mayor never said that. Bian is now using her husband to get sympathy votes,” according to a press release from Hugpong.

Duterte revealed, Bian’s husband attempted to bid for the multi-million garbage bin project of the city before but lost. Bian, according to Duterte, became a staunch critic of the Duterte administration after they lost in the said bidding.

in 2004 and 2007, Bian collaborated with then congressman and Speaker Prospero Nograles, ran and lost against the congressional candidate of Hugpong in the 2nd congressional District.

Duterte alleged that Bian, through the graces of then congressman Nograles, became the beneficiary of countless Tesda projects despite the fact that Bian does not have the requirements to accept Tesda-accredited courses.

“You were given Tesda projects by Boy Nograles and you subcontracted them to other institutions because you are not recognized by Tesda.

This is what i have been saying all along, your interests are all motivated by your business,” Duterte charged.

Bian earlier said that she will not be surprised if Hugpong will detonate another

“bombshell” against her in the days to come. “This is politics, anything and everything is possible.”

She said, “the compilation of alleged documents used against me was done hurriedly; unfortunately, they (Hugpong) pulled out random information and neglected to verify both legitimacy and accuracy.”

Bian said during her press conference that her camp was informed by reliable sources in the Hall of Justice “that operatives of my opponent have been and are still fishing for cases against me and my family at this very moment.”

When she filed for her candidacy, Bian knows that she would someday be seated in a hot seat and be subject to curse and admiration by friends and foes alike, according to her statement in the presscon.

after they were given a permit to rally by Mayor Rabat.

Reports said the protesters are the same militant groups who staged rallies in Montevista compostela Valley and the DSWD 11 regional office in Davao city. in a press release emailed to this paper, Malanyaon gave four reasons why she does not need to commit an indiscretion on rice distribution.

Her first reason is

that she is running for the same position unopposed. The second reason is that DSWD and World Food Program did not give rice to Mati city since these agencies allocate, account and monitor the distribution of relief gods to Pablo victims in the towns of Baganga, Boston and cateel.

Third, all rice said to be consistently distributed by DSWD and World Food are of NFA variety and no NFA rice

were distributed by Malanyaon’s anointed candidates, contrary to the allegation of Mayor Rabat.

The fourth reason is that, according to Malanyaon, people in Davao Oriental know that she does not give NFA variety rice since she only gives “class A rice to beneficiaries over the years.”

Malanyaon dared “i will resign as Governor if you can prove your allegations.”

Malanyaon...

FFROM 2

Mayor Inday... in city Hall, barangays thru their barangay councils headed by barangay captains during the assessment of our projects.” “it was uphill and a long shot considering that Davao has not been shortlisted for several years,” Mayor inday said, adding that “Mandaluyong was gunning for the hall of fame, but we did come out on top of the heap.”

The lady mayor described the accolade as “another Davao achievement on the national stage.”

“We hope it would be sustained in the coming years,” she

EDGEDAVAO

FFROM 2

said.

During the ceremony early this week, 21 finalists were recognized.

However, five LGUs stood out as “most child-friendly.” Aside from Davao city, they are: Santiago city, independent component city category; Tubigon, Bohol (which won its first award in the 1st-3rd class municipality category); Villaverde, Nueva Viscaya, most child-friendly 4th-6th class municipality and Tagaytay city as most child-friendly component city. each of the five received a presidential

trophy and cash award of P 300,000 from secretaries Soliman of DSWD, Mar Roxas of DiLG and Armin Luistro of Deped.

The winning LGUs were chosen for their sustained promotion of children’s rights to survival, development protection and participation as well as in ensuring child-friendly governance.

Secretary Soliman said the cWc holds the annual awards to recognize and inspire LGUs which sustain their efforts to make the society a better place for children to live in. AMA

SHOWING OFF. A young boy shows off his diving skills for some loose coins from passengers of a motorized

boat bound for Island Garden City of Samal in Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Diarrhea downs 38 Palaro delegates T

HiRTY eight members of the Region 12 or the cotabato Regional Athletic Association (cRAA) delegation competing in the ongoing 2013 Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete city are sick since Tuesday due to suspected diarrhea.

Dr. Sylvia Galang, chief of cRAA’s medical team, said Wednesday the sick delegates are currently undergoing treatment for various diarrheal symptoms that include loose bowel movement and severe stomachache.

She said among those ill are coaches, chaperones and athletes competing in athletics, chess, basketball, swimming, badminton and softball.

“None of them required hospital admission and some even made it to their scheduled games despite their condition,” Galang said.

Dan Dela cruz, coach of cRAA’s athletics boys-sec-

ondary team, said his affected wards still competed but can not concentrate much on their events due to their health condition.

“While many records fell on day 2 in athletics, we did not score big since most of our athletes were suffering from stomachache. We only got one bronze medal from Kenneth corpuz in the 400 meters (m) hurdle event,” he said.

Marilin Salanga, coach of chess girls-elementary team, said her players lost their board 1 and 2 games as they were bothered by their ailing stomach.

Galang said they provided the ailing athletes with Loperamide and Oresol to ease their condition and prevent possible dehydration.

She said they are closely watching the conditions of the other members of the delegation to prevent a possible outbreak as what happened earlier to the eastern Visayas delegation.

Cora prays... and prepare generator sets on the election Day, and comelec has also made an appeal to the people of Davao Oriental to minimize the use of electricity on that day. it is more of a self imposition and regulation, according to Balisado.

Another challenge the province is facing is having less voters, since plenty of the people transferred to other places after their houses were destroyed by Typhoon “Pablo.”

Malanyaon said most of the people who transferred live with

On Sunday, 168 delegates from eastern Visayas were downed by severe diarrhea. eleven of its athletes were brought to a local hospital due to dehydration. cRAA delegation officials suspect that the water earlier provided to them by local organizers were contaminated.

Host province Negros Oriental provides 15 gallons of drinking water every day to the cRAA delegation.

Belen Fajemolin, cRAA mess hall supervisor, said they decided to instead use locally-purchased purified drinking water to ensure the safety of their delegation.

She said the cRAA delegation consumes around 60 gallons of purified drinking water daily.

She added that they already submitted the suspected contaminated drinking water for laboratory testing.(PNA)

FFROM 2

their relatives in Mati city, Lupon and other municipalities close by and will be coming back as soon as their houses are fixed.

Balisado said, the voters who transferred out of Davao Oriental should still vote in their designated area, which means the province will still meet voter turnout.

Another challenge is the so-called guns and goons politics as there are candidates who carry guns or who have armed men as guards.

She said that she has already alerted the

authorities, like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the military on this issue.

Regarding cases of political violence, the governor said, “there are only unverified reports, and there are none verified so far.”

“There are some political candidates who are inclined to guns and having armed men, it goes with the candidate, but i have made an appeal to them that we should have a tradition of non-violence,” Malanyaon said, but did not bare identities of the said local candidates.

NATION/WORlD11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 •THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Japan vows force if Chinese land on disputed islands J

APAN’S prime minister has vowed to “expel by force” any chinese landing on islands at the centre of a territorial row, after eight chinese government vessels sailed into the disputed waters.

The latest clash over the archipelago upped the stakes in a tense diplomatic battle as nearly 170 Japanese lawmakers visited the controversial Yasukuni war shrine in central Tokyo, seen as a potent symbol of Japan’s imperialist past, riling its neighbours china and South Korea.

Tokyo summoned the chinese ambassador to Japan after the stateowned chinese ships entered its territorial waters while Beijing called the shrine visit an “attempt to deny Japan’s history of aggression”.

The flotilla is the biggest to sail into the disputed waters in a single day since Tokyo nationalised part of the island chain in September.

The islands are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and are believed to harbour vast natural resources below the seabed.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to “expel by force” any chinese landing on the islands in the east china Sea, and promised “decisive action”.

“We would never al-

low a landing,” Abe told parliament in response to questions from lawmakers, adding: “it would be natural for us to expel by force if (the chinese) were to make a landing,” he said. chinese ships have frequently sailed around the five Tokyo-controlled islands in recent months sparking diplomatic clashes.

The chinese maritime surveillance ships entered the 12-nautical-mile zone off the islands, which china calls Diaoyu and Japan calls the Senkaku, around 8:00 am (2300 GMT Monday), the Japan coast Guard said.

The eight vessels left by about 7:15 pm, Jiji Press news agency reported, quoting the regional coast guard headquarters. “it is extremely deplorable and unacceptable that chinese government ships are repeatedly entering Japanese territorial waters,” Japan’s chief cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said.

A group of Japanese nationalists said it had sent nine ships to the area around the islands, which are also claimed by Taiwan.

The United States, which has a military alliance with Japan, called for calm.

“We do urge all par-

REMEMBERING THE DEAD. A Shinto priest leads a group of Japanese lawmakers after they offered prayers for the country’s war dead at the controver-

sial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, April 23, 2013. Beijing called the shrine visit an “attempt to deny Japan’s history of aggression”.

ties to avoid actions that could raise tensions or result in miscalculations that would undermine peace, security and economic growth in that vital part of the world,” State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said. in a separate territorial row, relations between Tokyo and South Korea have also been strained by a dispute over a

Seoul-controlled chain of islets in the Sea of Japan (east Sea).

Seoul on Monday shelved a planned trip

by Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se to Tokyo after two Japanese cabinet ministers visited the shrine over the weekend.

The shrine is seen by Japan’s neighbours as a symbol of its wartime aggression as it honours 2.5

million war dead, including 14 leading war criminals.

Beijing also protested the visits.

“No matter in what capacity or form Japanese leaders visit Yasukuni Shrine, in essence it is an attempt to deny Japan’s history of aggression through militarism,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua chunying told re-

porters on Tuesday.

“How Japan views history and deals with the Yasakuni Shrine is an important benchmark for its Asian neighbours and the international community to observe and understand what role Japan will play in the future.”

South Korea meanwhile pressed Tokyo to “think hard” about the shrine visits. [AFP]

He French parliament defied months of angry protests by approving a bill that is to make France the 14th country worldwide to legalise same-sex marriages.

But opponents to the law vowed to fight on, quickly filing a constitutional challenge and promising more demonstrations to pressure President Francois Hollande into backing down from signing the bill. in its second and final reading, the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, voted 331 to 225 to adopt the bill allowing homosexual marriages and adoptions by gay couples.

Justice Minister christiane Taubira hailed the adoption of the bill as a “historic” moment. “it grants new rights, stands firmly against discrimination (and) testifies to our country’s respect for the institution of marriage,” she said in a statement shortly after the vote.

“This is a victory for equality, for democracy and for coexistence,”

said Nicolas Gougain, a spokesman for inter-LGBT, France’s leading gay rights group.

“This law takes no rights away from anyone, it only grants rights to others. This is liberation after years of fighting for equality.”

Shortly after the vote, lawmakers from rightwing parties said they had already filed a legal challenge with the constitu-

tional council.

Senators from the main opposition UMP and other right-wing parties said “the definition of marriage, a fundamental principle... cannot be modified by a simple law”.

They also said provisions allowing adoption by gay couples violate “fundamental principles” of France, including “the principle of human dignity and equality”. [Yahoo!]

French parliament adopts landmark gay marriage law

Most Pinoys want massive gun control T A

n overwhelming majority of Filipinos think the widespread use of guns causes crime and should thus be controlled, new poll results released Tuesday showed.

Three out of four Filipinos support gun control policies, Pulse Asia claimed, based on a Mar. 16-21 survey of 1,800 adults nationwide.

Although the figures showed strong support for gun control in the Philippines, this still registered a drop from 82 percent in an October 2000 survey.

The number of Filipinos who were not in favor of gun control, meanwhile, remained unchanged at 7 percent in the latest survey.

Those who are undecided about their position on gun control rose to 18 percent in 2013 from 10 percent in 2000.

More Filipinos (78 percent) prefer a law that

allows only law enforcers and licensed security guards to carry firearms in public places.

A law which allows all licensed holders to carry guns anywhere they like is meanwhile favored by 22 percent of respondents.

The survey was conducted during a period when news about violence and crimes involving the use og guns, among others “preoccupied Filipinos,” Pulse Asia said.

These include the standoff between Malaysian and Filipino forces in Sabah, and the filing of cases against 14 police officers involved in the Atimonan bloodbath.

Meanwhile, the ratio of respondents who agree that “guns and their proliferation are a major cause of crime and violence in the country” rose to 67 percent from 64 percent in October 2000.

A smaller ratio of respondents--13 percent versus 19 percent previously--don’t think guns cause crime and violence.

Those who are undecided, on the other hand, rose to 21 percent from 18 percent in 2000.

Support for gun control was echoed by Pinoys across all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes.

Metro Manila posted the highest support rate of 87 percent but even Mindanao respondents, who were least inclined to support gun control showed a majority score of 66 percent.

Broken down by socioeconomic status, support for gun control was highest among higher-income classes ABc (68 percent). class D respondents showed 76 percent support and class e respondents, 72 percent. [Yahoo!]

Q

uips

‘The President is confident that in assuming their new positions as Commissioners, they will demonstrate integrity, probity, and independence in the conduct of their duties and further strengthen COMELEC in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.’

- Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on the appointment of COMELEC Commissioners Louie Tito F. Guia and Al A. Parreño

12 ClASSIFIEDS ADS

There’s a better way to get attention.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

EDGEDAVAO

Health and Wellness

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

Advertise with EDGEDAVAO ClASSIFIEDS

EDGEDavao Partners Establishment

We offer Pasta, Pizza and all Filipino foods and international cuisine

South Osmeña, General Santos City Cell No. 09999923588 Tel. No. (083) 552-3297

Realty

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road.

3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the National Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City.

11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing.

If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21079610 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s)10158196-1 issued to Gregorio R. Gador Jr. was lost.

Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/11,18,25

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 •THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 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

COMMUNITY SENSE13 Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service ROGELIO C. APALE, Petitioner Case No.2010-XI-00467 x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service on the route: SASA VIA CABAGUIO AVENUE ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on December 31, 2013. In the petition filed on March 19, 2013, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 20th day of March 2013 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

Ateneo Language Center offers foreign, Philippine language courses

A

TeNeO de Davao University is ready to roll out language certificate courses through its Language center, which opens in May 2013.

Open the door to other cultures and learn basic French, Spanish, or Nihonggo this summer. Basic, intermediate and advanced language courses shall be offered during regular semesters beginning this June.

Foreign students can prepare for academic work with intensive english classes or integrate better with the local community by studying Bisaya language and culture.

“We also offer language learning modules for those preparing to work abroad,” says Prof. Maricar Gay V. Panda, chair of the Department of Languages.

The registration period is May 2-4, 2013. classes begin on May 6.

For inquiries and reservations, contact 221.2411 to 14 local 8314 or 8316.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

PNoy nephew keeps low profile D

PRESIDENTIAL NEPHEW. Jaime Ignacio Aquino, nephew of President Aquino, in action in boys baseball event during the 2013 Palarong Pambansa. (PP FB)

UMAGUeTe ciTY-With the game knotted at 0-0 and eastern Visayas poised to pull off an upset over the NcR baseball team, pitcher Jaime ignacio Guingona cojuangco, nephew of President Benigno Aquino iii, went to the bench for a short breather.

One of the team’s assistant coaches said, “What do you want? Water or Gatorade?”

The lanky lad simply answered, “Anything, coach, i’ll take what’s available.”

The surname “cojuangco” strikes awe as it refers to the powerful clan from Tarlac, but this young gun has chosen to keep his feet firmly on the ground and even considers himself as an ordinary baseball player blessed to be showcasing his prowess in the Palaro.

cojuangco, whose father Martin is Aquino’s cousin, fell in love with baseball when his family was still residing in Tarlac.

“My cousins and i used to always play baseball back then,” said the 18-year-old La Salle Green Hills alumnus. “Baseball is really my sport, because it’s not common unlike basketball and football.”

People often misconstrue baseball as a sport for the rich. But for cojuangco, who has blood of national icons running through his veins, baseball is for everyone.

“Anyone can play baseball if you put your heart into it,” he added.

“You know i’ve seen people play with rubber balls, rubber bands and kartons. it’s for everyone.”

No special treatment So it’s no surprise that

cojuangco, whose mother is the niece of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, believes he shouldn’t be given special treatment while competing here in Dumaguete.

“We’re all treated the same and are expected to come up with the same output,” quipped the incoming Ateneo freshman.

That output is winning -- championships, if you may -- and cojuangco has shown he’s a born winner, with two Palaro titles tucked under his belt.

And now that he is bidding goodbye to the annual sports spectacle, he vows to give it all to give NcR yet another baseball crown. “it’s very special to me,” cojuangco said. “i’m trying to make the most out of it and it’s something that i will really treasure.” - Rappler.com

Warriors level with Nuggets

D

eNVeR – Stephen curry scored 30 points and added 13 assists on Tuesday to power the hot-shooting Golden State Warriors over the Denver Nuggets 131-117 to even their NBA opening-round playoff series.

Jarrett Jack netted 26 points, Harrison Barnes added 24 points and Klay Thompson contributed 21 points on 5-of-6 shooting from 3-point range for the Warriors, now level at 1-1 in the best-of-seven Western conference matchup.

“Just an outstanding performance by that entire group,” Warriors coach Mark Jackson said.

The Warriors connected on 51-of-79 shots from the field, 64.6 percent, to set a club single-game playoff record for shooting accuracy, shattering the old mark of 57.9 percent set against Phoenix in 1994.

Not since 1991 had an NBA team shot so well in a playoff game.

And Golden State’s sharpshooting performance came in the first game without David Lee, the standout

forward who suffered a season-ending torn right hip flexor in game one, where the Nuggets edged the Warriors 9795 last Saturday.

“We needed this win,” curry said. “For everybody to get involved, without D-Lee, that’s what we’re going to have to do, have everybody get touches.

We’re resilient. We’ve been that way all season.

Golden State will host games three and four on Friday and Sunday at Oakland, california, before the series returns to Denver for game five next Tuesday.

“Now we have to go protect our home court,” curry said.

Australian big man Andrew Bogut added six points and a gamehigh eight rebounds plus two steals, an assist and a blocked shot for the Warriors.

Denver was led by 19 points from Ty Lawson and reserve corey Brewer and 18 from Andre iguodala and reserve Andre Miller, but the Nuggets saw a 24-game home win streak snapped, losing at home for the first time since January 18.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Tasting a world of wines in a night Wines are made all over the world with each wine tasting different from each other even though they all come from the ubiquitous grape. in fact, even the wines from different areas of a country or province can taste different from each other.

Factor in the changing weather, climate and landscape of where the grapes are grown and you have a complicated bag to choose your favourite wine. That is why wine cellars hold special wine tasting events to give their loyal patrons and even wine newbies a chance to sample, discover, select and buy the wine they like, and to just basically have a good time. This was the premise of Fourth and Tay as they held their first wine tasting together with Barcino Corporation at Fourth and Tay Damosa last April 17.

A mind-blowing 35 different wines ranging from spanish and italian wines to Australian reserves were up for tasting as Forth and Tay filled up with guests and friends. The event promptly started at 5:30 in the afternoon with guests casually trickling in as the minutes passed and the wine bottles started stacking up.

The vibe was casual and fun as every wine tasting in Davao is (believe me, wine tasting is not a snooty event, it is just the movies that portray them as such). so after starting with white wines and then later on moving to rich reds, a few wines such as the Vallformosa Cava Musa Brut, and the new Age White started to stand out for me with their crisp taste and refreshing finish. For reds, i loved the Terrapura Carmenere and Terrapura Cabernet sauvignon with

wine tasting is not a snooty event, it is just the movies that portray them as such their delicious berry and chocolate notes with a rich and bold taste. it also helped that the cocktails served (truffle honey, caviar and truffle cheese courtesy of the Crazy Cook) paired deliciously well with the wines being served. i would have wanted to taste more but that evening’s tasting was actually quite a task since i had to go through as much of the 35 different labels that need to be tasted without getting tipsy, but at least i got to somehow try everything (i think).

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! uP AND ABOuT

Win a 3-night stay with Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s photo competition PArK INN by radisson Davao, the newly opened 204-room hotel in Davao City, invites everyone to join their online photo contest entitled, “How does the Philippines add color to your life?”

Park Inn by radisson is Carlson rezidor Hotel Group’s segment-leading hotel brand with 128 properties operating across the uS, Canada, europe, and the middle east, and has a 26-year track record of delivering a quality guest experience. Designed for the global Gen Y, Park Inn by radisson is a friendly, fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated brand that focuses on delivering the modern essentials of a great hotel experience.

In recognition of the Philippines as the location of the first “next generation” mid-scale Park Inn brand to be established in Asia Pacific, this photo competition highlights the colorful Filipino culture and various destinations from around the country.

This media initiative, which uses Facebook as a platform, is adapted from the hotel’s Adding Color to Life brand service philosophy, in conjunction with the strong more Fun in the Philippines tourism campaign.

“We strive to add color to life by creating valued experience for all guests. We’re translating that positioning into a broader perspective by showcasing the colors, flavors, and traditions of the Philippines. With this photo contest, we encourage everyone to send us photos which best describes how the Philippines add color to their life. The image can be a destination, a cultural or family experience, or maybe an outdoor activity. I’m sure there’s a lot to choose from. This is a perfect opportunity for all Filipinos to show the world why it’s more fun in the Philippines,” explains General manager Geir Sikko.

To join, contestants will simply have to click the link found in the Facebook page of Park Inn by radisson Davao. After hitting the LIKe button, they can then upload a picture or select a picture from their own Facebook albums. All contestants need to include a caption (in 25 words or less) explaining how the picture demonstrates their answer. They also have to fill in the particulars indicated in the entry fields, including their email address.

All qualified entries will be shared in the “Adding Color to Life” Gallery.

A total of six winners will be chosen. The grand winner will be entitled to a 3 night stay in a Junior Suite at Park Inn by radisson Davao, inclusive of buffet breakfast for 2, transfers from and to Davao International Airport, and dinner for two (to the value of P1,000 per person) at rBG. entries will be judged on a range of criteria, including creativity, originality and the extent to which the photos and the written description reflect the values of the Park Inn brand. Winners will be notified through email and an official announcement will also be posted online.

The contest, which runs until June 11, 2013, is also accessible through mobile phones, with a dedicated mobile optimized version which allows a better navigation on all smartphones. This is also open to all legal residents of Australia, Fiji, China, Thailand, Philippines, India, Brunei, French Polynesia, Japan, Nepal, Bangladesh, malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and New Zealand who are over the age of 18.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ parkinndavao.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Globe launches first online telco community GloBe TeleCoM recently launched the first comprehensive online telco community in the Philippines that will enable both Globe and non-Globe users to explore, answer, and learn about its products and services.

Powered by lithium Technologies, the world leader in social Customer experience, the Globe Community (community.globe.com.ph) is a social portal uniquely designed to encourage knowledge-sharing of Globe products and services with other users on various topics like accountrelated concerns, service-usage tips, and other topics about its products and services.

“At Globe, providing superior customer experience is at the core of everything we do. nowadays people turn to online channels to search for help on problems and concerns any time of the day or night. That is why we have come up with a dedicated forum that will be an avenue for Globe customers or potential customers to interact, discuss, and resolve Globe related concerns and topics,” said Globe President and Chief executive officer ernest Cu. To register, a user can go to community.globe.com.ph, click on either the ‘Register’ or ‘Connect to Facebook’ from the top-right section of the website. once registered simply click on ‘Join the Conversation’ to login.

Globe has also tapped the services of lithium social Web in order to quickly respond to various enquiries and posts regarding Globe on various social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, forums, and other online social sites. lithium social Web is the industry’s most comprehensive solution for social customer care. Designed from the ground up to meet the specialized needs of customer service teams, lithium social Web automatically identifies, categorizes, and prioritizes social posts on customer care and routes them to the right set of resources, maximizing agent efficiency.

“Because of the power of social media, consumers are more empowered than ever before—using social media to convey their comments and enquiries with unprecedented reach and speed. it’s critical we provide support

through any channel our customers wish to engage that is why we have the services of lithium social Web. lithium’s platform streamlines the workflow from the social web, allowing our online specialists to quickly and efficiently handle our customers various concerns,” said Cu. “our partnership with lithium, a trusted partner of some of the world’s most iconic brands, is a bold statement of our commitment to innovation in providing the highest quality support and service experience for our customers. What Globe has launched is a pioneer game changing social customer response in the Philippines and Asia Pacific,” Cu added.

“To succeed in today’s social reality; organizations must meet their

customers wherever and however they choose to engage with the brand.

Globe is an innovation leader and this is a game changer in how they are able to take customer response to a new level,” said lithium President and Chief executive officer Rob Tarkoff. “i am incredibly proud that Globe has chosen lithium as its social business partner.” lithium senior Vice President, APAC, Charles Hough said, “Globe is a pioneer in the Philippines and the broader APAC region in the evolution of the social customer experience. We are honored to partner with Globe and thrilled to have delivered the first major milestone in this social transformation initiative.”

Globe joins a strong roster of lithium clients in the APAC region including indosat, starhub, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra and Vodafone Australia. lithium has a proven track record across global industries, including serving four out of five of the world’s largest telecommunications companies.

SM City Davao 3-Day Sale, May 3!

Summer gets hotter with Sm City Davao’s 3 Day Sale on may 3, 4 and 5. enjoy up to 70% off on great selections mall-wide.

Sm Advantage, Prestige/BDO rewards and mom card holders may also avail of additional discounts when using their cards at Sm Store, ACe Hardware, Surplus and Levi’s during the much

anticipated SmAC Sale 2 Hour Special happening 10Am-12NN on Friday.

Plus, catch the Luvu teen stars Kiray Celis, CJ

Navato and rhap Salazar on may 3, Friday. On Saturday (may 4), meet and greet Be Careful with my Heart’s sir Luke Jerome

Ponce and be swooned

by Brapanese model-actor Daniel matsunaga on Sunday.

Sm Davao 3 Day Sale runs may 3-5 with extended mall hours up to 12 mN on Friday and Saturday.

For inquiries, call 2976998 local 126. Like Sm City Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

eNTerTAINmeNT

Halle Berry as Storm in X Men: Days of the Future PreGNANT Halle Berry wasn’t lying when she said “mama cannot take time off!”

The expectant star is currently filming X men: Days of the Future Past where she’ll reprise her role as Storm in the highly-successful franchise, and director Bryan Singer took to Twitter today to share a shot of the star on set.

“Storm watch #HalleBerry #Xmen #DaysofFuturePast,” he captioned the pic of Halle in her all-black costume ensemble, rocking silver hair for the role.

Berry’s burgeoning bump is buckled into her action outfit and the soon-to-be mother of two is ready to fly in the on-set snap.

This isn’t the first time Singer has taken to Twitter to tease on set pics (although this is the first

APRIL 25, 2013

1 2 : 6 + 2 : , 1 *

11:45 2:45 5:45 8:45

IRON MAN 3 2D (GP)

11:30 2:40 5:50 9:00

IRON MAN 3 2D (GP)

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IRON MAN 3 2D (GP)

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photo of Halle in costume).

He recently shared a shot of Nicholas Hoult, as well as pics of Patrick Stewart and Shawn Ashmore.

The marvel comic’s starstudded cast also includes

12:15 3:15 6:15 9:15

IRON MAN 3 2D (GP)

IRON MAN 3 2D (GP)

IRON MAN 3 3D (GP)

Hugh Jackman, Ian mcKellen, James mcAvory, Jennifer Lawrence, michael Fassbender and Anna Paquin.

X men: Days of the Future Past is set to hit theaters in July 2014.

Jude Law urges continued ban of seal fur, pens PETA letter to WTO JuDe Law’s animal instincts are impelling him to take action.

The Anna Karenina star is using his considerable celebrity to advocate for animal welfare, joining forces with PeTA to rally for the continued ban on seal fur.

The 40-year-old actor has written a letter on behalf of the animal-advocacy group addressed to the World Trade Organization, PeTA announced on its website.

In it, the actor reportedly

urges the trade-governing body to keep in place its ban on commercial seal products amid a bid by the Canadian government to dispute the trade agreement.

“I’m writing to urge the panel to uphold this ban, which is in line with the wishes of compassionate people all around the world, including the majority of european citizens,” he writes in the letter.

The ban was instituted by the european union in 2010,

and a hearing is scheduled for later this month to revisit the debate Law is the latest celeb to partner with PeTA to raise awareness of animal-rights issues.

In February, Joaquin Phoenix starred in a provocative TV spot that promoted veganism by depicting a fish’s last dying moments.

And last week, Dancing With the Stars hoofer Kym Johnson posed naked in a campaign to fight animal testing.

Backstreet Boys get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame BACKSTreeT’S back, all right, and after selling more than 130 million albums worldwide, they’ve been immortalized in Hollywood.

The five members of the Backstreet Boys received the 2,485th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today, located between Boyz II men and The Osmonds, and with screaming fans continuing to support the boys-turnedmen during this special occasion, the guys couldn’t hide their emotions.

“I love you guys. And aside from my wedding day and the birth of my daughter, this is hands-down the best day of my life,” a choked-up A.J. mcLean said.

IRON MAN 3 Robert Downey, Jr. , Gwyneth Paltrow GP

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IRON MAN 3 -3D Robert Downey, Jr. , Gwyneth Paltrow GP

A teary-eyed Nick Carter also told the crowd, “I never ever imagined in a million years that we would be a part of this.” meanwhile, Howie Dorough said, “I will one day be able to bring my family here. my kids will be able to bring their kids here and still be able to see the legacy that

the Backstreet Boys have carried on for many years,” while Brian Littrell joked,”I worked my entire life to never be walked on, but I’m OK with this one.”

Kevin richardson summed it up with, “What a beautiful day. What another beautiful way to celebrate 20 years together.”

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

IRON MAN 3 Robert Downey, Jr. , Gwyneth Paltrow GP

01:40 | 4:10 | 6:40 | 09:10 LFS

R-16 IRON MAN 3 Robert Downey, Jr. , Gwyneth Paltrow GP

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Color your world with vegetables

WHo said vegetables are just for kids?

Come on, that has got to be the most annoying description of vegetables ever coined by the human brain. i ’d be a real deal ipokrita if i say that i have not once ignored, disregarded and neglected the vegetables.

Well, that was the past and since, i have not walked the same path. Thank you Mama for making me eat them hehe Today’s dishes are inspired by the many staples we have. Yes, i am talking about or dear vegetables.

Fresh, canned, dried or what have you, vegetables are still the best when it comes to making us strong and sakit-free. Cook with them and have them outshine your dainty plates as often as possible. Besides, they add color to your dishes! indulge yourself with two of my favorite vegetables dishes and try them at home. You’ll never know who you’d convert and become a Veggie lover!

Vegetable Fried Rice i am in love with this dish. Just because i am not allowed to eat that infamous bulad rice does not mean i cannot make use of other fried rice varieties. Yes, i am one of those unfortunate enough to not enjoy the many surprises of life but i am also one of the fortunate enough who knows how to turn all that i have into something majestic. ingredients: 2 tablespoon olive oil 1/3 cup white onion, chopped 1 cup cooked day old rice 2 cups beef stock (1 liter water + 1 beef bouillon cube; dissolved and boiled) ¼ cup green peas, drained ¼ cup carrots, cubed (store bought) ½ cup cabbage, shredded and soaked in ice water, ice cubes and a bit of vinegar Vegetables of your choice salt Pepper Garlic Powder

Procedure: Heat oil in a pan over low heat. sauté onion and cook gently for 5 minutes.

Add garlic and brown but not brunt. stir.

Add day old rice and season according to taste.

Add stock gradually. Continue stirring while stock is poured. Cook until the rice has absorbed the water and is basically dry. Continue stirring.

Add your vegetables towards the end. You do not want them overcooked.

Drain cabbage minutes before cooking. The idea behind the ice bath is that we want the vegetable to be crispy despite the heat. season accordingly and serve as it is or paired with your favorite breakfast dishes. sautéed Vegetables and seafood Being the most prevalent dish in every gathering, this has been the easiest for me to cook whenever i have people over. Funny how they would whine about the dish but end up finishing it. Add some meat into it and have them feast in no

time. ingredients: Vegetable oil 1 white onion, chopped 2 pieces garlic, minced 2 pieces carrots, peeled and chopped 1 cup cauliflower 1 cup young corn, sliced 2 pieces red bell pepper, deseeded and quartered 1 cup seafood pieces, mixed (fish cubes, squid, shrimps) ½ cup oyster sauce ½ cup string beans, chopped ½ cup button mushroom, sliced slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) 1 piece shrimp bouillon cube salt Pepper Procedure: in a pan over low heat, sauté onion until wilted.

Add garlic and cook accordingly. Add bouillon cube and dissolve. season with salt and pepper.

Add seafood mixes and cook. stir. Add a cup or

two of tepid water and let simmer. once bubbling, add oyster sauce and stir profusely. Reduce by half.

Add your vegetables and mushroom pieces and cook. Do not overcook.

Add slurry and mix well. season as you go. serve hot with or over rice.

Congratulations to my ever ganda TAUMU 2005b batchmate, Ruby Ann Calizo, my year long professor and forever substitute for a mother, Dr. Cherrylyn D. Cabrera and my infinite sister from another mother (belated happy bday, Tita Rose) Freah Ramos, CPA, MBA. And to all those who have donned their ‘hood’, congratulations! spell P-A-R-T-e-Y! Ta-ta for now!

Do you want to be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit? send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. if you are interested, then email me at leebai@chefroyale.com or visit www. chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 •THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

DSA Forum at Calle 5 today

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OTO sports and bowling will be the main dish today as the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum resumes at 10 a.m. at calle cinco Restobar along J.P. Laurel Avenue.

Suzuki Philippines motorcycle supervisor Mariane dela cruz and Phoenix cyclomax brand and marketing officer Von Oro who will talk about the upcoming Raider Breed

Wars in Tagum city along with Sunday Bowlers club president emie Orteza.

Suzuki and Phoenix will be presenting the annual moto sports event to be staged in nearby Taggum city while Orteza will brief DSA members on the annual bowlfest.

The DSA Forum is supported by Dexter’s Pizza Stadium, calle 5 Resto-Bar and Nccc Mall.

made it 77-65, and James found Norris cole for a 3-pointer that capped the flurry and made it 80-65.

Just like that, it was over, even to Miami’s surprise. ‘’They were doing some things that had us spinning around a little bit defensively, got us on our heels, and offensively we never got into a rhythm,’’ Spoelstra said. ‘’So we figured we were just going to have to find a way to grind in the fourth quarter, figuring it was going to be a close game.’’

The Heat have raved about their depth all season, so they had no qualms about sending James out to start the fourth with cole, Andersen, Battier and Ray Allen.

By the time starters like Wade and Bosh got back onto the court, the

task was merely protecting the lead, which the Heat did with relative ease. ‘’We felt pretty good about the position we were in, giving ourselves an opportunity on the road with 12 minutes to go,’’ Bucks coach Jim Boylan said. ‘’You feel good about that. Then they come out, go on a 12-0 run and it changes the complexion of the game. Playing catch-up is very hard to do against a high-quality team like Miami.’’

Jennings and ellis combined for 48 points in Game 1, and the Bucks got blown out. So in the first half of Game 2, they combined for one point, were held to five shots that all missed ... and the Bucks were within 47-43 at halftime.

Heat survive Bucks, up 2-0 BETWEEN THE LEGS. Lebron James catches the ball in midair then passes between his legs against the Bucks in Game 2.

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iAMi (AP) -- everyone in the Miami huddle was bracing for a grind to the finish. On the other end, the sense around the Milwaukee bench was that an upset was there for the taking.

Then the Heat landed a swift knockout punch.

Dwyane Wade scored 21 points, LeBron James finished with 19 and the Heat used a frantic start to the fourth quarter to pull away and beat the Bucks 98-86 in Game 2 of the teams’ eastern conference first-round series on Tuesday night. it was 68-65 entering the fourth. With James and four backups on the court, the Heat needed only 2 minutes, 22 seconds to outscore Milwaukee 12-0 and stretch the lead to 8065 - ensuring the reigning

NBA champions would take a 2-0 series lead into Game 3 on Thursday night. ‘’We held court,’’ Heat coach erik Spoelstra said. ‘’We protected it for two games. We did what we’re supposed to do. And that’s it.’’ chris Bosh, Shane Battier and chris Andersen all scored 10 points for the Heat. James’ postseason streaks of 22 straight games with at least 20 points, and 16 straight games of at least 25 points, both came to an end.

Ultimately, none of that mattered. ‘’We didn’t get into our game like we wanted to in that third quarter,’’ James said. ‘’But we went into the fourth with a (threepoint) lead and we were able to jump on them.’’ ersan ilyasova scored 21 points for Milwaukee,

Knicks take 2-0 lead

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eW YORK (AP) -- The New York Knicks are heading to Boston, then perhaps finally back to the second round.

The once-mighty celtics don’t seem capable of stopping them. carmelo Anthony scored 34 points, Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith added 19, and New York opened a 2-0 lead over Boston with another dominant second half in an 87-71 victory on Tuesday night.

Raymond Felton added 16 points for the Knicks, who used a 27-4 run spanning halftime to blow it open and move halfway to their first series victory since the 2000 eastern conference semifinals.

This is their first 2-0 lead since sweeping Toronto in the first round that year. ‘’For us, we know what type of team we are,’’ Anthony said. ‘’We know when we really buckle

down on the defensive end, it’s been hard for teams.’’ it’s been brutally difficult for Boston.

Paul Pierce scored 18 points for the celtics, who will host Game 3 on Friday in their first home game since the Boston Marathon bombings.

They will have to be much sharper to avoid their first opening-round elimination since 2005, before they became one of the NBA’s power teams again. ‘’We have to figure out the offensive side of the ball and not be so stagnated,’’ Boston’s Kevin Garnett said. ‘’Figure out ways to score more often.’’

Garnett had 12 points and 11 rebounds, but battled foul trouble and spent too much time walking back to the bench with a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd finally experiencing playoff success again hounding him every step of the way.

which got 16 from Mike Dunleavy and 14 from Larry Sanders. The Bucks’ starting guards, Brandon Jennings and Monta ellis, combined for only 15 points - after teaming up to score 48 in Game 1. ‘’it’s a series,’’ said Sanders, who had a sore right ankle after he collided with Battier in the fourth quarter. ‘’We made progress this game.’’

They’ll need to make more, and do it quickly.

James has never lost in 10 previous series where his team takes a 2-0 lead, and Wade is 8-0 in that same situation.

‘’in the playoffs you’ve got to find different ways to win,’’ Wade said. ‘’No matter what everybody says on the outside, (Milwaukee) is a good team.

They played us very well.’’

For about 46 minutes, the Bucks played them even. it was that 12-0 run that was the difference - in what finished as a 12-point game.

Andersen started it with a three-point play, James had a layup not long afterward and the Heat were starting to roll. Another basket by Andersen off a pass from Ray Allen

UP AND DOWN THE WATER. Athletes competing in the boys’ steeplechase event of the 2013 Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete City go over the water obstacle. (PP FB)

16

VOL. 6 ISSUE 29 • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Sports

AIRBORNE. An athlete from the Davao Region leaps high in the girls long jump competition of the 2013 Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete City yesterday. The Davao athletes are way behind in the standings with 1 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronzes after Day 3. (PP FB photo)

Davao way behind WV surges in 2013 Palaro

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AVAO Region finished Day 3 with a total haul of one gold, one silver and two bronzes and way behind in the standings in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete city, Negros Oriental.

Davao won a silver medal in athletics and a bronze in lawn tennis on a day Western Visayas amassed two more gold medals in the ongoing athletics competition.

Davao Region bagged the silver medal in the elementary boys triple jump courtesy of Jay Paul Arpon who leaped to a distance of 12.01 meters to finish second behind iloilo’s Mark ian Bautista who measured 12.31 meters. Gericho Sasi of Western Visayas won the bronze medal (11.75 meters).

Davao also shared the bronze with NcR in the boys secondary lawn tennis.

in the overall standings, NcR showed the way with 33 golds, 20 silvers and 11 bronzes to vault ahead of the field.

Western Visayas is second with 10-9-9 gold-silver-bronze harvest followed by central Luzon with 9-5-4. central Visayas is at fourth with 4-6-11 record, caraga is fifth with 4-6-5, and ilocos at no. 6 with 4-1-4.

The first two winners from Western Visayas were Renz John Gemolaga of Aklan in shot put and Jerremae Rubias of iloilo in javelin throw.

Mary Anthony Diesto also won in triple jump (11.61 meters), a show of revenge after finishing fourth in last year’s competition.

Diesto broke the record of Yra Perlita of National capital Region (11.28 meters) last year but fall short of Maribel Sibug’ of Southern Min-

danao (12.02 meters) in 2002.

Berna Luz Talaron of iloilo and Jil iron Tabuena of Aklan added two more gold medals after winning in long jump and discus throw, respectively.

Their Kent Dormido of Batan of Aklan settled for silver in discus throw (30.32 meters).

Gemolaga also settled for bronze medal in secondary boys javelin throw (55.1 meters).

The event was dominated by central Luzon’s Bryan Jay Pacheco (57.81 meters), while Joshua Patalud of National capital Region went for silver (56.75).

Western Visayas got two more gold medals and a bronze in arnis, while three more final events were being contested late Tuesday afternoon. in arnis, Jennifer Mañas took the gold medal in elementary girls’ in-

dividual single weapon; crystal AJ Bartonico in secondary girls’ individual single weapon; and Federick Lanz Bonetillo settled for bronze medal in elementary boys’ individual single weapon.

Western Visayas took the bronze medal in elementary girls’ tennis team competition in the ongoing 2013 Palarong

Pambansa in Dumaguete city, Negros Oriental.

The region share the title with MiMAROPA while cALABARZON settled for silver in the event dominated by Northern Mindanao.

National capital Region (NcR) won the title in the secondary girls’ division.

Northern Mindanao,

on the other hand, landed in the second place, while MiMAROPA and cotabato Region tied at third place. central Visayas claimed the gold in secondary boys; cALABARZON settled for silver, while National capital Region and Davao Region (Region 11) shared the bronze medal. (PNA)