Edge Davao 6 Issue 3

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

www.edgedavao.net

Congrats, mga kids!

MIXED EMOTIONS. Different expressions can be seen from the faces of the students of Davao Special School during their graduation ceremonies at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. The graduation season formally kicked off this week in most Davao schools. Lean Daval Jr.

‘No Permit, No Exam’

Indulge

Page A1

Davao schools also follow UP rule

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

Time to play Sports

Page 14

Too much Heat

“N

o permit, no exam,” the school policy that led to the suicide of Kristel Pilar Mariz Tejada, is also being implemented in most Davao City colleges.

Tejada, a 16-year-old Behavioral Sciences freshman of the University of the Philippines Manila, committed suicide last Friday after she was forced to go on leave of absence for not being able to pay her tuition.

Most of the major colleges in Davao City are implementing the “no permit, no exam” policy as this week marks the start of the final examinations.

The Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao University, one of the biggest universities in the city, said that students are not permitted to take the exams if their fees are not fully paid. However, the university’s finance office said some professors, exercising their discretion, allow students without permit to take the exams on the condition that their grades will not be released if the balance is not paid.

At the city’s biggest university, students are also required to comply with the “no permit, no exam” policy of the University of Mindanao (UM). The Torres-owned university, however, said professors can let students without permit take the exam,

Teen motocross rider killed in ‘Araw’ tragedy A

young motocross rider died after a bad fall while doing practice laps during the Araw ng Dabaw Motocross Challenge on Sunday at the Crocodile Park Complex in Ma-a, this city.

Renato “Atong” Mangosong, 18, of Davao

brought after the freak accident, a little past 12 noon.

According to race officials, Mangosong was practicing at the race track in the early morning at around

FTEEN MOTOCROSS, 11

died due to internal hemorrhage at the Davao Doctor’s Hospital where he was

FNO PERMIT, NO EXAM, 11

By Che Palicte Photo by Lean Daval Jr.

EAT MY DUST. Top-ranked rider Donark Yuzon (6) of Iloilo and Kimboy Pineda (10) of Tagum City, during the finals of the tragedy-ridden Araw ng Dabaw Cyclomax Motocross.

(Contributed photo by Tommy Iñigo)

2 THEBIGNEWS

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

DOLE: Implement Kasambahay Law

EDGEDAVAO

By Che Palicte

T

He Department of Labor and employment (DoLe) named the business process outsourcing (BPo) industry, tourism industry and agri-business industry as the leading employment generators in the next five years.

Lawyer Joffrey Suyao, regional director of DoLe 11, bared yesterday in the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex that the three industries were identified despite the on-going consultation for guide careers intended for region 11.

“These three will be our guide as to what jobs are needed in these industries,” the lawyer said.

Suyao said a lot of graduates are being produced, but a lot of them

Davao City

do not get employed because of the unavailability of job vacancies.

“I guess we need to provide information to the students to help them acquire a job after schooling,” he explained, adding that there is a technical working group sitting down and finalizing the results of the consultations.

“There are still a number of investors that we have to consult to,” he added.

He mentioned DoLe keeps providing jobs for students and out of school youth aged 15 to 25 in their Special Program for employment of Students (SPeS).

“We will continue to provide more jobs for our youth to help them attain their needs,” the lawyer said.

6 dead from 11 fire incidents in March

T

He major difference between the previous years and this year’s Fire Prevention Month celebration are the six fatalities from the eleven fire incidents that happened this month.

According to Davao City central fire station commander, Arthur Joseph Urquiza, activities for this year’s fire prevention month are more or less the same from the past celebrations, the only problem are the fatalities.

So far, Davao City Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) recorded 11fire incidents for the month of March, seven of which are residential, one from places of assembly, two from motoring vehicles and the latest was

from Legaspi oil Copra processing plant, sasa just last Friday. Compared with 2012, there were 24 fire incidents and 13 in 2011.

“I hope this year, fire incidents will decrease, but fire is inevitable, which is why we target the congested residential places this year,” Urquiza said.

He said, “we have coordinated with all the 11 fire stations in Davao to raise fire prevention awareness among congested residential areas in the city, this activity is called the “barangay Ugnayan” program.”

Fire stations will give letters to barangay tanods to gather the residents of

FSIX DEAD, 11

THE ‘HANG’ IN TOK-HANG. Davao City Police chief Ronald dela Rosa asks a suspected drug pusher to stop his illegal activities during another round of “Oplan Tok-Hang” in Brgy. 21-C, Piapi Boulevard, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Rehab of city hall will make it safer

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

T

He 86-year old Davao city hall building needs rehabilitation to make it fire-safe.

This was the recommendation made by assistant city administrator erwin Alparaque after the regional office of the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) classified the building as fire-prone.

Alparaque told edge Davao that interior rehabilitation of the city hall will be made within the next quarter of the year after the exterior development is completed this month.

He said, “exterior development was made first

to make city hall look more presentable during the Araw ng Dabaw celebration.”

According to Alparaque, interior rehabilitation will include recommendations made by the BFP on electric wiring.

“We created a task force which includes BFP, city environment and natural resources office (Cenro), the city engineer’s office and our architects will address the issue concerning electrical wires and even sewerage systems of the building,” he said.

“We have coordinated with telecommunications

companies, such as PLDT and Davao Light Power and Co. to help us fix electrical lines of city hall and the Sanguniang Panglungsod,” he said.

Another project of the city administration he emphasized is the construction of the city hall annex along Magallanes Street where the old city agriculture and city veterinarian offices are presently located.

“Demolition of these old offices will be done next week and, I can’t say exactly when, but the city hall annex will be completed within this year,” he said.

Davao students to conduct vigil for UP Manila martyr

A

TEARS OF JOY. A student of the Davao City Special School breaks into tears during the school’s graduation rites at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Alparaque also said that the Davao City Social Services and Development office (CSSDo) and the City Health office will be transferred in the city hall annex.

“These developments are being done considering the fact that most of the government buildings in the city are old and dilapidated,” he said, adding, “This will make the buildings safer and more convenient for the public,” he said.

Alparaque clarified that the project will be done “without spending too much of the city budget.”

vigil and condemnation protest will be held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao campus this Friday as outrage intensified over the fate of a 16-year old student who committed suicide in UP Manila last Friday for not being able to pay her tuition.

League of Filipino Students (LFS) Davao spokesperson, Rendell Cagula told edge Davao that aside from the vigil, students in the city will also hold localized protest actions this week in their respective schools to mourn the death of Kristel Pilar Mariz Tejada, the UP Manila Behavioral Sciences freshman who killed herself after being

forced to go on leave of absence for unpaid tuition fee.

“There are no exact figures yet, but the entire UP community is expected to join the vigil, as well as students from the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) will also be present,” he said, adding, “what happened to Tejada was not suicide, but ‘murder’.”

“The present system of education is taking its toll on the “iskolars ng bayan” as state abandonment pushes state universities and colleges (SUCs) and other higher education institutions (HeIs) to

FDAVAO STUDENTS, 11

EDGEDAVAO

SUBURBIA

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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New Bataan ‘Pablo’ victims get shelter aid V

ICTIMS of typhoon “Pablo” in the 16 barangays of New Bataan, Compostela Valley are getting shelter assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government unit (LGU), non-government

organizations (NGos) and humanitarian agencies, according to Beverly Jane dela Pena, Municipal Social Welfare and Development officer of New Bataan.

“We are getting shelter materials and tools worth P5,000 per fami-

PARENTING SEMINAR. City Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy delivers his message during the Enhanced Parents Effectiveness Service (EPES) Seminar towards promoting responsible and effective parenthood. The EPES Seminar

ly for partially damaged houses while the International organization for Migration (IoM) is giving core houses to 50 families. Aside from these, 72 families whose houses were totally damaged have already transferred to the nine bunk houses

built by DSWD in Barangay Poblacion, said dela Pena.

“Dili nako ma explain akong gibati kay ingon man gud nila nga ang mga namuyo sa tent city ra ang maka avail. Wala koy regalo nadawat karon pero pasalamat lang gihapon

was held last March 8, 2013 at the Brgy. Visayan Village Gym with more than 100 parent-participants. (PIO Tagum City)

ko sa Ginoo nga buhi ming tanan ug kining balay (bunkhouse) nga usa mi sa mga napili (I cannot explain what I feel because they told us that only those who live in the tent city will be able to get a unit. I did not receive any gift for my birthday today but I am still very thankful to God that we are all alive and that we are one of those who were chosen to stay in the bunkhouse),” happily admits edna Palma Gil of Poblacion New Bataan.

Carmelita Mamalyas of Purok, 4-B Poblacion, with her four children, expressed her gratitude to the government for including her in the list of the beneficiaries. “Ang pagpili sa mga mamuyo diri, ginasurvey nila ang mga na washout nga mga balay dayon wala nay kabalayan pud nga lote. Ang among lote naapil man og kaanod, sapa na siya karon. Dili na pwede kabalayan (The government did a survey and prioritized all houses that were washed out and those that have no more lots to build on. out lot was among those washed out, it is

now a river. We cannot build there anymore).”

Among the other agencies providing shelter assistance in New Bataan are the National Housing Authority, Humanitarian Relief Consortium (HRC), Habitat for Humanity, Chinese Baptist Church, Red Cross , Holcim and Davao Medical Center.

According to Ms. Dela Pena, they are thankful for the many government and non-government agencies which have been helping New Bataan since the start of the disaster operations for typhoon Pablo.

“The Department of Agriculture has also distributed vegetable seeds and other farm implements to farmers. Many of our people have started planting corn but we can only expect the harvest by June or July,” shared Ms. Dela Pena.

A total of 11,327 families or 45,308 individuals were affected by “Pablo” in New Bataan. Most of them are small farmers or working in one of the bigger farms also affected by the typhoon.

[DSWD]

ated. other families from Sitio Makupa and from Tubod evacuated as well,” he said.

Charlito Rabadan, a farmer from Sitio Kabayawa, said he was out in the field when it all happened and immediately hurried back home.

“All six of us, including my wife and children, immediately came down from our home in the hills.

We saw other families rush to the town proper, too.

Loud automatic gunfire from the mango plantation where the encounter took place echoed across the hills,” said Rabadan. one of the teachers in the elementary school in Sitio Kabayawa who requested anonymity revealed how she and other teachers immediately guided the school children out the school.

“The children cried and shouted as they panicked.

We tried to keep them calm while moving out of the school down towards the town proper,” said the teacher.

Rabadan confirmed what the teachers did, saying it was heroic. Some of the teachers, he added, were even crying as they guided the children. on the other side of the encounter area in Sitio Campo Uno, Barangay Ro-

jales residents also heard the exchange of gunfire but only few evacuated.

Raymond obejero, a motorcycle driver, said a mountain separates their village from the clash site, and so most of the residents felt safe. But he did not bother taking the chance, so he and his family left and headed towards the poblacion.

1Lt Nestor endozo Jr., Alpha Company commander of the 58IB, explained that the encounter took place after they pinpointed the NPA’s location in the valley.

The soldiers recovered unexploded landmines, ammunitions, 20 pieces of uniforms, 20 pieces of food containers and other materials and paraphernalia used by the NPA, endozo said.

Residents reported that gunfire was last heard 7 a.m. Saturday. Most of the residents of Sitio Kabayawa still have not returned to their houses and managed to stay with relatives and friends in the town proper as military operations in the area continued until Sunday.

In January 2009, the town’s municipal hall and the police station were attacked by NPA rebels, killing a police officer. [erwin Mascariñas / MindaNews]

60 families flee as Army, NPA clash in Agusan Norte

S

oMe 60 families from two villages in Carmen, Agusan del Norte left their homes after soldiers of the 58 Infantry Battalion traded fire with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last March 15.

Gripped in fear, villagers quickly packed what their hands could carry as the sound of gunfire and explosions echoed across the mountain side near the town center of Carmen which started at around 3:30 Friday afternoon. ernesto Palatulon, chairman of Sitio Kabayawa, Barangay Poblacion expressed how thankful he was that no one in his family nor among the villagers got hurt.

“I was not in the sitio that time but we heard it as far from here in the town proper. I was so afraid for my family that I immediately hurried towards my house in the hills. Thankfully my children and their families were also on their way out of the village when I arrived, thankfully no one got hurt,” said Palatulon.

He explained that even though the local government did not order any evacuation, the people were so frightened that they left their houses in a hurry.

“Just in Sitio Kabayawa alone 47 families evacu-

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VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

Legarda launches barangay program

A

IMING to address unemployment and underemployment in the country, Senator Loren Legarda yesterday launched LoReN sa Bawat Barangay in Baguio City.

LoReN, which means Livelihood opportunities to Raise employment Nationwide, will be the implementation of Legarda’s four laws on livelihood and employment—the Public employment Service office (PeSo) Act, the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMe), the Barangay Kabuhayan Act, and the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act. “LoReN sa Bawat Barangay will be a consultation with various sectors of society and concerned local government agencies on how to raise employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

This is a program I did during my first term in the Senate and we will have it in every region in the country,” Legarda said.

LoReN sa Bawat Barangay will be composed of the following elements:

implementation of the PeSo Law, MSMe Law, Barangay Kabuhayan Act, and Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act; conduct of jobs fair; and, disaster risk reduction (DRR) education and information campaign.

“We want to ensure that the livelihood laws we have made are implemented to fully benefit our people. We also want to secure the gains of our people and so it is important to make our communities disaster-resilient, which is why our DRR education and information campaign will be part of the LoReN sa Bawat Barangay,” Legarda explained.

Through the PeSo Law, job seekers, including new graduates, are given information on available employment opportunities and services in their city or municipality. PeSo officers should also offer job seekers with employment opportunities that are matched with their skills.

The MSMe Law provides more assistance to entrepreneurs by requiring lending institutions

JOB TRAINING & LIVELIHOOD. Second district Representative Mylene Garcia and barangay Buhangin officials led by Brgy. Captain Jimmy Salvador, kagawads Lowell Tatap and Gladys Manit receive equipment for the Community Technology Based Training from (DOLE) Dept. of Labor & Employment.

The job training workshop was participated by 90 residents of the barangay.

Photo (inset) also show some of the 30 women who took part in the livelihood training program.

to allocate at least eight percent (8%) of their total loan portfolio to micro and small businesses.

It also provides access to new technologies and regular entrepreneurship training programs for workers to ensure the viability and growth of MSMes in the country.

coordinated and implemented at the municipal level.

The Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act provides support to farmers and fisherfolk by requiring banks to allocate 25 percent of their loanable funds to the agriculture sector to finance the acquisition of

The Barangay Kabuhayan Act requires the establishment of livelihood and skills training centers in 4th, 5th and 6th class municipalities for employment generation. It ensures that all livelihood and skills training centers offered by the national government are properly

Casiño calls for inquiry on SUC tuition, loan policies

M

Urges government to re-direct funds to benefit students

A K A B AyA N senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño yesterday announced that he filed House Resolution 3044 calling for an inquiry on the various tuition and loan policies of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

“Government should direct concerned agencies and bodies to immediately review existing policies and rules of state universities and colleges (SUCs) in relation to tuition, loan grants and other payment schemes. While SUCs are

granted relative autonomy, government should have a set of minimum guidelines prioritizing the right of students to education over the generation of revenues,” the three-term congressman said.

His announcement came after news of the death of a first-year UP student attributed to her family’s inability to pay tuition and the university’s forced leave of absence policy.

Casiño, the senior vice chairperson of the Congressional Committee

on Higher and Technical education, also urged the re-directing of funds for SUCs. Last year, the progressive solon lobbied for the reinstatement of the P54 billion budget requested

by SUCs as the Department of Budget and Management slashed it to just P37.1 billion.

“The sad part is that of the P37.1 billion budget, at least P27 billion will go to employees’ salaries and benefits alone. This leaves around P6 billion only for operations and a mere P3 billion as capital

outlay for new facilities and equipment. This is ridiculously small considering it will be divided among 110 schools servicing more than two million students,” he said at the time.

Casiño has long been advocating for substantial increases in the education budget. He is the primary author of bills regulation tuition fees and protecting the right of students to take their exams even without permit, to choose on whether or not to attend a review center, among others.

a constraint on our children’s right to education,” Villar, whose term as senator will end on June 2013, said.

Villar filed Senate Bill 2992 or the ‘Anti- No Permit, No exam Act’ on october 11, 2011. Its counterpart measure passed third reading in the House of Representatives on August 3, 2011. Las Pinas Rep. Mark Villar is

one of the authors of the lower house’s consolidated version.

“This is one of the bills I urge my wife, Cynthia, if ever she wins, to pursue vigorously in the Senate,” Villar said.

Villar was guest of honor during the homecoming parade of the University of the Philippines Vanguard, Inc. last Saturday (March

16), where he cited the efforts of UP President Alfredo Pascual to make UP education more accessible to poor students following the death of 16-year-old Kristel Tejada.

He said it is unfortunate that a UP student had to die just to show how serious this problem is in the country’s premier state university.

Villar urges senatoriables to support law against ‘No Permit, No Exam’ policy

S

EDGEDAVAO

eN. Manny Villar yesterday said a law against the “No Permit, No exam,” policy should be enacted to prevent school administrators from implementing a regulation that goes against the right to education.

“We have said it before, the ‘No Permit, No exam’ policy of some schools is not just. It is

equipment for farm production.

“This program will be a collaboration among government agencies to address unemployment and underemployment, and to provide not just jobs but also better earnings to the growing labor force,” Legarda said.

Madrigal wants Comelec to lift ‘donations’ ban during poll season

T

He Commission on elections (Comelec) has been asked to suspend an election rule that prohibits candidates from giving away donations during the campaign period.

Senate hopeful Maria Anna Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal, who was earlier criticized for her iPad contest, believes that lifting the ban on donations from candidates will help Filipinos who want to return to the country from Sabah.

Madrigal admits thinking about a fund drive that would assist Tausugs, who had been displaced due to an ongoing crackdown against followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. “Since we are campaigning, the Comelec might think its vote buying if we helped there. This may lead to disqualification,” Madrigal told a press briefing.

“I hope Comelec will help us or other candi-

dates who want assist returnees from Sabah,” she added.

Madrigal added that in the United States, re-electionist U.S. President Barack obama was allowed to extend assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy last year.

She emphasized obama’s gesture did not result to any electoral offense even though the donations were made a few days before the U.S. polls.

The administration bet also said fellow senatorial candidates from rival United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) may also want to extend assistance to Filipinos being affected by dispute over Sabah.

Madrigal noted that proceeds from private fund drives would boost Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s efforts in immediately helping Filipino Muslims who had no means of living to return to in Sulu. [yahoo!]

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

THE ECONOMY

5

Northpoint ups the ante with lifestyle center W

ITH a premier location, worldclass facilities and amenities, and an unmatched living proposition, Camella Northpoint has all the desirable points of condo living.

But this landmark condo development is not stopping there: Camella is creating a charming lifestyle center less than five minutes’ walk from the condominiums.

Northpoint’s lifestyle center will be developed on top of the hill where the White Mansion is located. The White Mansion currently hosts an Asian fusion fine dining restaurant and wine cellar, offering a taste of what’s to come in the lifestyle center Situated at the heart of the growth area in north Davao, Northpoint’s lifestyle center will attract urbanites that prefer to hold events or simply hang out in a hip and happening hot spot within city limits. Its central location does not only make is easily accessible, but also quite proximate to all other major locators and utilities in town.

Camella is exploring the best mix of locators for Northpoint’s lifestyle center, such as top brand coffee shops and restaurants, high-end retail and

specialty stores, boutique hotel, a premier supermarket, among others.

The final mix is guaranteed to appeal to the sophisticated crowd and upscale consumers, offering discriminating dining experience, retail functions, and leisure amenities that give a complete and satisfying l i fe s t yl e experience.

Camella Northpoint’s modern lifestyle center will provide charmed living for its condo unit owners.

What makes this commercial center unique is that it is a modern development with a landscaped, park-like environment, built within the a verdant surrounding of trees, a green carpet of grass, and imported Caribbean pine trees that emit a fresh fragrance and create a cool, crisp ambiance.

It is a huge leap from other lifestyle centers that are mere restaurant rows with no other locators that can pro-

vide more excitement. or one that is purely concrete structures and devoid of any green environment that can make the lifestyle experience relaxing, pleasurable, and healthful.

Northpoint residents will find it comforting to know they can do their lifestyle activities just a few steps away from their condo homes. Going on a family food trip will no longer entail a drive to the nearest restaurant, saving time, fuel, and ef-

fort.Coffee lovers can have their caffeine fix and even a tasty snack at one of the popular-brand coffee shops.

Northpoint’s lifestyle center will complement nearby malls and shopping hubs, and offer a better alternative for those looking for exclusivity and privacy such as businessmen, executives, expats, and those who simply want a more relaxing yet exciting spot for intimate family events, social gatherings, and other lifestyle activities.

As it brings condo living a notch higher than the rest, this lifestyle center will also pull up Northpoint’s value which has consistently been appreciating for the past three years since it was first launched--a boon to unit owners and investors alike.

Camella caters to the mid-market segment of the country’s premier homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, which came out the leader in Philippine residential real estate development in a

2011 study by Colliers International Research. Vista Land has over 18,422 houses, houses and lots, and condominiums sold out in that year alone.

Find out more about Camella Northpoint at 222-0963, Delgar Bldg. (fronting Camella Northpoint) JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, and get latest Camella news at http:// www.camella.com.ph/, like “Camella official” on Facebook, and follow”@ Camellaofficial” on Twitter.

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THEECONOMY

Stat Watch

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

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

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

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

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

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

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

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

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

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

IT Figures

6,212

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

NEDA bats for agri programs T

He National economic and Development Authority (NeDA) is advocating an evidence-based program in agriculture for a sustained improvement in productivity and farm incomes, especially for small farmers, said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

“We also want the National Food Authority (NFA) to be strong in rice buffer stocking for emergency purposes and to focus its interventions and programs in areas that would enhance efficiency in the production, marketing, and trade of rice,” said Balisacan, who is also NeDA Director-General.

He added that NeDA has never advocated a policy change that runs contrary to efficiency and poverty reduction objectives in agriculture.

“We recognize that the agricultural sector is a major challenge in Philippine economic development as its potential as a growth driver and source of poverty reduction is not being maximized,” the Cabinet official said.

He further said that the government needs to substantially improve productivity and raise farm incomes, especially among small farmers and landless workers, to make a big dent on poverty in rural areas where two of every three poor persons in our country are located.

“This will require investment in long-term sources of growth, such as rural road infrastructure, irrigation, research and development, security of land rights and tenure, as well improving the access of farmers to credit and the global or national supply chains,” Balisacan said.

He added that NeDA is focused on developing an enabling environment for food security.

“Food security is not just guaranteeing availability of food at the national level but, more importantly, ensuring that food is accessible for all through low prices and improved purchasing power of buyers, including millions of small farmers who are net buyers of food,” said Balisacan.

Also, he stressed that investment in infrastructure is a crucial area, particularly roads and bridges, fit in the picture because this improves mobility of people, goods, and services, thereby reducing the cost of doing business in rural areas.

“We must also increase the sector’s resilience to climate change risk, and enhance the policy environment and governance through convergence of rural development agencies and through public-private partnerships in infrastructure and value chain development,” said Balisacan.

KASAMBAHAY LAW. Regional director Joffrey Suyao of the Department of Labor and Employment discusses details of the recentl- signed Domestic Workers Act or better known as “Batas Kasambahay” during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Book on ‘shadow’ economy of Mindanao to be launched

“o

UT of the Shadows: Violent Conflict and the Real economy of Mindanao,” a book on a study into the linkages between violent conflict and the informal or “shadow” economy in Mindanao, will be launched today at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City.

According to a formal invitation extended by the Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM) and International Alert, the book launch will be done at the end of a 5-hour presentation and discussion of the study, funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid).

“The research sheds light on a number of economic activities: the trade of illicit firearms, kidnap-

The total number of Hacienda Luisita qualified farmer-beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension with Reforms (CARPer) who are asked by Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes to sign the “Application to Purchase” and “Farmers’ Undertaking” to fast-track the land-distribution process.

ping for ransom, informal land markets, illicit cross-border trade, the traditional credit system and illicit drug markets,” according to a briefer issued on the event.

“Although shadow economies are an important feature of the economy in Mindanao, they have largely been overlooked in the analysis of Mindanao’s conflict dynamics,” the briefer said. “As a result, little is understood about their impact on armed violence and governance in the region.

It said that the study addresses a number of questions: “What explains the resilience and thriving nature of shadow economies. How do these economies affect the prospects for peacebuilding, development and democrat-

210

The number of hectarage of commercial tree plantations that the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) is planning to establish in Davao del Norte in partnership with firms operating wood-processing plants in the province. The DeNR recently formalized partnerships with 18 firms, which agreed to fund seedling production in support of the National Greening Program (NGP).

ic change in the region?

What are the implications of this for policy?”

The research findings will be shared and discussed with shareholder in government, civil society, the business sector and internationalby the following personalities: --Introduction by Wilfredo F. Rodriguez, AFRIM chairperson of the board; -Introduction of the study by Steven Schools; --Shadow economy or Shadow State? The Illicit Gun Trade in Conflict-Affected Mindanao by eddie L. Quitoriano; --Cross-Border Illicit Trade in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi: The Coexistence of economic Agendas and Violent Conflict by Starjoan D. Villanueva; --Deadly Cocktail? Illicit Drugs, Politics, and Violent

Conflicts in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao by Rufa Cagoco-Guiam; --Informal Land Markets and Conflict in Maguindanao by Judy T. Gulane; --Conclusions by Francisco L. Jara Jr. Former Davao City Councilor Peter T. Lavina, AFRIM member of the board, will act as moderator of the book launch at 5:00 p.m.

A press conference will be conducted earlier at 11 a.m. Lara, Nikki Phillinedela Rosa of International Alert-UK, Quitoriano of RiskAsia Consulting, Villanueva of AFRIM, Prof.

Cagoco-Guiam of the Center for Peace and Development Studies of MSU-General Santos and Gulane of BusinesssWorld will field questions from members of the media invited. AMA

2.8 million

7.5 percent

The estimated number of Filipinos in the labor force who are without jobs as the country’s unemployment rate stays at a relatively high 7 percent, according to the state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The average annual economic growth that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said his country must maintain through 2020, as the Chinese government seeks to double per-capita income this decade.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

Dabawenyos beware:

7

Hotter days ahead

By Che Palicte

I

F you are already complaining of the hot weather these days, brace yourself for the worse. Hotter days are yet to come.

With the onset of summer, temperature in the city has reached as high as 34 degrees last Friday but that is typical summer heat. Weather watchers say it can get hotter in the coming days. Blame it not on summer heat alone.

It’s part of climate change.

Weather observer Al Lumaad of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Davao City said climate change was noted

as the main reason why Davao City residents are experiencing extremely hot weather nowadays.

Lumaad told edge Davao that the city reached as high as 34 degrees temperature last Friday, indicating typical summer heat.

“As of March 1 to 16 we have recorded an average of 32.4 degrees temperature. Climate change has really affected our weather and there is that possibility that it will increase or even decrease,” Lumaad explained.

The weather could be more unpredictable too.

Lumaad cited that the weather bureau forecast-

ed partly cloudy skies with brief rains in Metro Davao from March 15 to 19, but on the contrary, the city experienced extreme hot temperature since last Friday.

“That’s the reason why weather cannot be predicted. The forecast might be different to the actual situation of the city’s weather,” he said.

Lumaad also said that Dabawenyos should be observant especially during the sudden change of the weather.

“We have to take note that this is unsafe for the elders because ‘heat stroke’ might hit them,” he added.

IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE. From umbrella to headwear, people resort to whatever means to cover themselves from the scorching heat of an afternoon summer sun as the city continues to experience extremely hot weather these days.

Lean Daval Jr. He said that disorders from the typical sun burns to the dreaded skin cancer are a threat if one

is constantly exposed to the extremely hot weather.

“The best thing that

we should do is to stay at home if we don’t have important matters to be done outside,” he added.

Suburban life gets hot, hot, hotter CO2 rules ‘will

F

Effects of climate change more noticeable in sprawling suburbs

oR many reasons, suburban living has been identified as a less green choice than city life, but here’s a new one: a recent article in the Atlanta Business Chronicle suggests these suburban communities are feeling the effects of climate change more sharply than their metropolitan neighbors.

According to the article, a study conducted at Georgia Tech

found that the suburbs experience a higher number of “very hot days” per year when compared to compact cities nearby, regardless of “climate zone, population size, or rate of growth.”

The average number of very hot days increased by about 15 days per year in the most sprawling areas and by about six days per year in the suburbs in which houses and

businesses are closer together. The article quotes the study’s lead author, Brian Stone, saying that the temperature differences could pose a “significant health threat” to humans since “severe heat kills more people on average per year than other type of dangerous weather.”

Stone says areas such as Atlanta, Tampa, Fla.; or Grand Rapids, Mich., would be

most at risk, because of rapid deforestation to accommodate new dwellings or a dramatic, rapid loss of “vegetative cover.” others have suggested that planned green communities might be a solution to the sprawling suburbs because these living arrangements put places of business and recreation within walking distance of people’s homes.

HOT BOX: The clusters of condominiums sprawling outside our cities are experiencing hotter days than their urban counterparts. (Photo: doratagold/Flickr)

save drivers cash’

D

RIVeRS will save £3,300 (€3,800) over the lifetime of their cars if the eU imposes strict new standards on manufacturers, a report claims.

It says if Co2 emissions from the average car were limited to 95g per km, fuel use would be cut by a quarter.

The innovations to the vehicle would add about £860 (€1,000) to the price of the average car in 2020.

But that extra cost would be offset in less than three years through fuel savings of around £350 (€400) per year.

The joint report from consultancies Cambridge econometrics and Ricardo-AeA says that once all eU cars and vans meet the standard, europe’s vehicle fleet will be €35bn cheaper to run each year.

The report is timed to coincide with the first of a series of votes in the european Parliament on car standards.

The 95g limit is proposed by the Commission.

It argues that strict standards are essential to sustain the competitiveness of europe’s car makers and help the eU meet its targets of reducing transport Co2 emissions 60% by 2050.

Price point The technology is available: cars like the Ford Focus eConetic are already achieving the proposed 2020 standard.

The plans may be contentious in Parliament, though, with some German MePs fearing their impact on manufacturers

building bigger, heavier cars.

Monday’s report was commissioned by a group of organisations which believe that europe’s car makers need to ratchet up efficiency to compete with US manufacturers facing President obama’s demand of 93g/km in 2025 – a demanding target for US car makers starting from a low base.

The new report estimates that increased spending on vehicle technology will create 350,000-450,000 net additional jobs if the 95g limit is imposed in europe.

This figure will doubtless be contested.

The study was funded by a group including Nissan, the european Association of Automotive Suppliers, Ge, the union body IndustriAll and the european Climate Foundation. It focuses only on traditional-engine cars.

Improvements are likely to come from many innovations, including building cars from aluminium – much lighter than steel – and installing universal stop-start technology which turns off the engine at traffic lights.

Volkswagen has already committed itself to the 95g target.

In the run-up to the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen’s Martin Winterkorn said the firm intended to become the world’s most environmentally sustainable car maker: “This is a Herculean task calling for the best efforts of all our 40,000 developers. We can do it.”

8 VANTAGEPOINTS

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Abrazos para Papa Francisco (1st of three parts)

A SOJOURNER’S VIEW

By Karl M. GaSpar CSSr

W

EDITORIAL

T

Some dreams are no longer free

He fate that befell University of the Philippines’ student Kristel Tejada is not an isolated case.

In Davao schools, the stringent policy of “No Permit, No exam” is also being strictly implemented. We do not know how many went through the same ordeal as Ms Tejada, but it will not be surprising if indeed there are such cases in Davao campuses these final days of the school year.

There are any number of ways that this obnoxious policy is driving poor students to the ends of despair.

Some have had to quit their studies like Ms Tejada. Some have been forced to find other means of settling their long overdue accounts with their schools, like borrowing from loan sharks, friends or relatives, pawn personal belongings such as jewelry, cell phones, laptops, and other valuables. In extreme cases, and this is no myth, some even have had to resort to another form of ‘underground economy’--prostitution-- and are referred to euphemistically as ‘tuition girls’. yes, times are hard. And school policies on tuition fees are making it even harder. If a state institution—touted as having the most affordable access to a college education—can be as tough to poor students like Ms Tejada, how else can poor

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students deal with the rigid policy of private schools?

We checked on Davao colleges after the UP student took her life on Saturday for having been not allowed to take her final exams and forced to go on a leave of absence for failing to pay for her school fees in the state-run university. We found out this policy is common among all private schools which enjoy autonomy from the Commission on Higher education for as long as they follow the procedural requirements.

In essence, there is unfortunately no control over that school policy to strictly require students to pay matriculation fees before being allowed to take final exams.

Despite the right to education as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, that democratic right is more honored in the breach than in compliance under the mercy of this “No Permit, No exam” rule.

It used to be that dreams for a better life hinged on education and that education was about the only legacy a poor man like Christopher Tejada (Kristel’s father) could leave to his children. Now, even that is no assurance.

In this age of runaway commercialization of education, even dreams are no longer free. Some die on the altar of greed..

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HeN I woke up on Wednesday morning of 13 March, there were a number of texts waiting to be read in my cell phone. I learned immediately that while I was snoring in my sleep the white smoke at the Vatican sparked the roar of happy voices in the St. Peter’s Square. The new Holy Father, Pope Francis, was just elevated to the chair of Peter.

Quickly after going through the morning rituals, I went to our common room and joined my confreres watching cable TV so I could have a glimpse of how Pope Francis looked and to start getting to know him.

The basic information started to pile up: he was formerly Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio of Buenos Aires (finally, a Pope from outside europe!), 76 years old (Chito Cardinal Tagle’s age proved to be a liability!), asked the people to bless him (so cool!) and a Jesuit (a white Pope! So what happens to the black one?).

And he took on the name of Francis, the mystic saint who renounced his family’s wealth and lived humbly among and served the poor. It was clear immediately that – with the combination of Francis, Jesuit and Argentinian – this new Pope would surprise the world.

Watching his face and his overall demeanour, I was immediately reminded of a few of the Jesuits who taught me at the Ateneo de Davao College in 1963-67. Pope Francis’ face echoed the facial features of some of those beloved teachers. I then assumed that he belongs to that generation of Jesuits who taught their students to be critical thinkers while deepening their compassion for the disadvantaged and marginalized.

In the following days there would be more coverage on Pope Francis in both mainstream and social media.

Friends and associates forwarded emails and blog entries and before the week was over, the lights and shadows surrounding the life of the new Holy Father surfaced in a manner that was not possible during the era between John XXIII to Benedict XVI. Within a few days it was very clear that dramatic changes have taken place in the manner that “the world” – especially media, the world’s “watchful eyes” – would view the entry of a new Pope. In the epoch when the Roman Catholic Church was untainted with all sorts of scandals – from the sexual abuses to the corruption in its bureaucracy – there was universal acclamation when a new Pope got elected. No one dared write anything about the Pope’s past that would spoil the celebratory mood!

Not so with Pope Francis! With both the radical changes in the construct of media in the post-digital age spawned by the widespread use of the internet and the alliance between secular media and advocacy movements exposing those abuses and corruption charges, the sacred office of the Holy Father is no longer spared from media scrutiny and ensuing critique. As there were voices criticizing how Benedict XVI handled the sexual abuses when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger, so now voices have arisen taking the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires to task for how he dealt with the repressive junta of Argentina during its tragic “Dirty Wars” period (1976-1983).

EDGEDAVAO

W

VANTAGEPOINTS

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

A sublime paradox

Do we care?

OPINION

By Menardo WenCeSlao

THE WORM’S-EYE VIEW

e can only hope that the gains achieved in the peace process involving the conflict-areas in Mindanao will not be derailed by the revival of the proprietary claims on Sabah by the Sultanate of Sulu.

The perceptible migration of the loyal followers of Sultan Kiram in Lahad Datu is ill-timed. While we believed that he has proprietary rights on the vast expanse of Sabah, the “excursion” has fueled not only armed confrontation with Malaysian troops it also stirred speculation that they are being left out in the talks between the MILF and government agenda of putting the finishing touches on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro land.

This apprehension however is not quite accurate as the initial public discussions on FAB were in fact held in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. All the sectors then were invited during the town hall

meetings. If the Sultanate opted to isolate itself then it has only its own leaders to blame. Nevertheless it is farfetched to even think that the forum organizers will sideline them. on the other hand the absence of Sultan Kiram and his subalterns has something to do with the fact that he is undergoing medical intervention in Manila which required him to take up residence in the national capital.

The oddity of this Sabah imbroglio is that Malaysia is brokering peace between the Philippine government and the secessionist front. odd because the superior military might of Malaysia is pummeling not only the ill-equipped ragtag forces of the sultanate and, as we were made to believe, also helpless

unarmed Muslim migrants from Southern Philippines.

As if this is not enough, the cat is out of the bag: that Malaysia trained and equipped the Moro national Liberation Front in its secessionist struggle!

The political dynamics surrounding Sabah issue is difficult to comprehend. Filipinos, mostly Muslims, who considered Sabah their ancestral land are systematically flushed out from their homes. As they set foot in Sulu or Tawi-Tawi moreover, they are apprehended by Philippine authorities to face trial and possible incarceration.

Amidst all these confusion and infamy is the affirmation that Malaysia will continue with its role as peace mediator between the MILF and the government. There lies the sublime paradox and in our yearning for peace we ask the penultimate question of the peace negotiation: At what price?

New Pope, same problems, new hope

T

he election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Buenos Aires, Argentina to the Papacy – becoming Pope Francis – has stirred new hope that the new pope would put an end to the same problems that Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II had failed to put away and do more. He has, obviously, the qualities to meet the old and new challenges and inspire the new hope.

As the Vatican noted author Alberto Melloni sees it, with Pope Francis’ papacy, “The reign of the doctors is over, and this is the kingdom of pastors, a move away from theologian pope,” alluding to Pope Benedict XVI and the doctors of the Church with him and before him. Pope Francis has spent his entire priesthood as a pastor and with the pastors of the Church in Argentina.

What are the challenges and expectations?

Like his last two predecessors, he will still be dogged by sex scandal involving priests. How much cleansing has been done is clouded by the ugly shadow of the decades-long scandal that has morally shaken the Church. Can he drive away the scandal and erase the stigma?

While he affirms the Church teaching of compassion for homosexuals, he opposes same-sex marriage and the adoption of children by homosexuals.

As more and more countries, including Argentina, have legalized and are legalizing same-sex marriage, how his papacy will deal with the rising tide of pro-homosexual policies and laws is interesting to watch.

MIND DA NEWS By patriCio p. diaz He is staunchly opposed to abortion, euthanasia and the use of contraceptives except when used to prevent the spread of diseases. As the world’s governments intensify their pro-choice programs to control population growth and purportedly improve the quality of life, how will Pope Francis let the teachings of the Church prevail in tandem with the noble intentions of the programs? As in same-sex marriage, the pro-choice issue is essentially liberalism challenging the conservative Church for a constructive response.

Because of the crisis of communications, relations with the Muslims, Anglicans and Jews that Pope John Paul II welded suffered a setback under Pope Benedict XVI. Known as a good communicator, Pope Francis is expected to repair the damage and strengthen these relations.

The Church has been and still is beset by the shortage of priests. yet, the Church rejects the call to admit women into the priesthood.

This shortage must be one of the factors that abet the inroad of evangelicals into the Catholic laity. As seen by Austen Ivereigh, a Catholic commentator, the immediate challenge to Pope Francis is “to ensure that those within the pews (the faithful Catholics) – and those who lead them (the priests) – are well supported”.

There has been a clamor, especially from many liberal Catholic bishops, for Rome to give more decision-making power to local bishops’ conferences to help respond to the needs of the faithful. Can Pope Francis grant more autonomy to the local bishops?

As seen by many, the Number one challenge to Pope Francis is governing the Church and the Vatican. The Curia or central government of the Church has to be reformed. As the noted Vatican author Melloni says, to reform the Roman Curia “get rid of the spoil system” and “it will take five minutes” only to do this “for someone who has the strength”.

Can Pope Francis do what his predecessors could not?

Does Pope Francis have the strength, leadership and other qualities to meet these challenges and expectations? As seen in the media reports, the majority of the 115 cardinals in the conclave believe he has.

But he has two handicaps. First, at 76, he is only one year younger than Pope Benedict XVI when elected to the papacy. of the nine popes before Pope Benedict XVI, five died in their 80s – three at the age of 82, two others at 81 and 85; two at 66 and 68; one at 79; and one, Pope Leo XIII, at 93. Second, he has had one lung since his teens. Can he stand the rigors of the papacy on one lung?

Will Pope Francis be blessed with the years and physical strength to meet successfully his challenges and fulfill expectations? [MindaNews]

9

(1st of three parts)

Manny ValdehueSa

P

LeASe be patient and read on. If you think this makes sense, share it with your neighbors, then broadcast it to all cyber denizens and networks so it will reach as many as possible of the leading citizens of the 42,000+ barangays of our republic. every one of us lives in a barangay; we are part of the grassroots.

But we habitually surrender barangay affairs to others. Because we don’t participate in its governing processes, traditional politicos (trapos) freely call the shots and dominate our community. So our neighborhoods fall prey to political predators who turn public service into self-service, politics into a livelihood, and public offices into a family enterprise. They control society, flooding our democratic space with patronage and wrong-headed values, then overwhelm our precincts with the votes of our neighbors who don’t pay taxes, don’t value their vote, don’t really care who’s in charge as long as they get something for their vote. This careless attitude is influenced no little by their impression that we don’t care either!

IF We CARe...

If we care, goes their reasoning, we would be seen in the barangay hall, even if just occasionally, and maybe take part in meetings there. We would help identify or define the community’s problems, maybe also suggest solutions. We would share knowledge, technology, or expertise for the common good. Maybe we would also help prioritize our community’s needs, offer support for them, or even create programs for alleviating poverty in needy neighborhoods. Then who knows, perhaps new opportunities will open, productivity will improve, and the gross barangay product (GBP) will contribute more to the gross national product (GNP).

At the least, goes their thinking, we would help explain why good governance in the barangay (primary level) is essential for upper-level governance. But that’s only if we care.

The core problem is our absence and non-participation in oUR oWN community. We’re rarely present or involved in the barangay commons.

If ever, we’re there only if we need a clearance or a permit, or file a complaint. our absence, our invisibility to barangay folks, reinforces the impression that we don’t care. And let’s face it, Do We CARe? CASe IN PoINT For example, on March 30, Saturday, our Barangay Assembly is scheduled to meet. It’s in accordance with a DILG circular directing that it should convene, nationwide, and take up a specified agenda. Barangay officials comply with it, of course, which is not a bad thing. But it doesn’t strike anyone that the business of this Barangay Assembly—our community’s legislative governing body, a parliament except in name—is and should be our concern primarily. It is ours, we are its members, “members of parliament” in small letters, so to speak. This being so, its agenda ought to be centered on our concerns, problems or priorities, and the frequency of its meetings should be based on our need or desire to congregate—not just twice yearly as the DILG ordains but as often as we need to or want.

Does your Barangay Assembly ever meet at its own behest, with an agenda dictated by your community’s interests and priorities? Chances are it doesn’t! It convenes only (as it will on March 30) if it so ordered from on high.

10

NATION/WORLD

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

UP: Student’s death an ‘isolated case’ Militants call for ‘student strike’ across all UP campuses

o

FFICIALS of the University of the Philippines on Monday claimed the death of a student linked to strict tuition payment rules is an “isolated case,” prodding student groups to respond that “one death is one to many.”

The famed oblation statue outside the premier state university’s Quezon Hall was draped with a black cloth as UP President Alfredo Pascual and UP Manila Chancellor Manuel Agulto spoke to media and some student representatives inside.

“This is a very isolated and unfortunate case,” an emotional Agulto said, lamenting how UP officials have been portrayed as “cold-hearted and ruthless.”

He was referring to the reported death of Kristel Tejada who took her own life Mar. 15, two days after filing for leave of absence due to her inability to pay her tuition.

Agulto noted that most students with cases similar to Tejada’s are given assistance through UP Manila’s student and academic affairs offices.

Agulto said that in fact, 79 appeals for late payment have been granted in

the second semester.

That number, however, did not include that of Tejada’s whose parents Agulto said filed an appeal only on Jan. 23, “well beyond the last day for payment.”

Tejada filed for leave of absence on Mar. 13, and took her own life two days later. emotions flared in the room usually used for meetings of the UP Board of Regents, as students slammed policies which they said “deprive young Filipinos of quality education.”

UP student and Anakbayan national vice-chairperson Anton Dulce in the press conference announced a call for a student strike across all UP campuses on Wednesday.

The strike, Dulce said, will continue until UP holds accountable officials involved in the Tejada’s case and implements an acrossthe-board tuition rollback.

Student representatives also asked Agulto, as well as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Marie Josephine De Luna, several times during the press conference if the case will prod their resignations.

Tejada’s suicide, though isolated, warrants a re-

Russia says

The famed oblation statue outside the premier state university’s Quezon Hall was draped with a black cloth, following the suicide of a UP Manila student. think of the “no late payment” policy, as well as mechanisms to assist poor students in paying for a UP education, UP Manila Student Council Councilor Adrian Sampang said.

He added: “one death is one to many. Dahil po ba iisa lang siya hindi na natin bibigyang pansin (Shall we

discount the gravity of the case due to its singularity)?”

Tejada had been in bracket D of UP’s Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program, which adjusts tuition according to students’ capacity to pay.

This means that Tejada has to pay P300 per unit,

means it will not go through with the fourth phase of its missile defence deployments in europe under which interceptors trained on Iran were due to have been placed in Poland.

Hagel said the decision was part of an overall restructuring of how Washington viewed missile defence and international threats.

Russia has long argued that the european missile shield was aimed against its own nuclear deterrent and has held

up negotiations on other disarmament agreements as a result.

Ryabkov said that Russia believed that extra US interceptors in Alaska “significantly expand US capabilities in the area of missile defence.”

“We are not experiencing any euphoria about this,” he added.

Kommersant said that Ryabkov was due to meet Tuesday in Geneva with US Assistant Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller to discuss the issue further. [AFP]

‘No concession’ in US missile move

R

USSIA said on Monday it saw “no concession” in the US decision to abandon the final phase of its missile shield for europe while deploying new interceptors against a possible attack from North Korea.

“This is not a concession to Russia and we do not see it as such,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Kommersant business daily. “our objections remain.”

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday

that 14 more interceptors would be stationed in Alaska -- increasing by almost half the 30 already deployed along the western coastline. The aim is to have them in place by 2017.

North Korea has threatened to unleash a second Korean War -backed by nuclear weapons -- in response to UN sanctions imposed after its third atomic test in February and joint South Korea-US military manoeuvres.

The US decision

INTERCEPTOR. Handout image provided by the US Department of Defense(DoD) shows a Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) interceptor missile being launched from Omelek Island in October, 2012. Russia said on Monday it saw “no concession”

in the US decision to abandon the final phase of its missile shield for Europe while deploying new interceptors against a possible attack from North Korea. [AFP]

less than half of the base rate of P1000 a unit.

She had filed an appeal for reconsideration into bracket e last September, which would have entitled her to free tuition and a monthly stipend.

Tejada “unfortunately was not able to submit the supporting documents,”

Sabahaftermath

Agulto said, even as he admitted that the STFAP system tends to be long and complicated.

This sentiment was echoed by students who urged UP to scrap the STFAP system, which they said “shows a skewed bias toward the capacity of high-income families.”

One-stop processing shop for returning Pinoys urged

T

He putting up of a one-stop processing center in Taganak in the Turtle Islands emerged Sunday as a solution to help returning undocumented Filipinos to legally enter back Sabah, Malaysia expeditiously.

This developed as many undocumented Filipinos already there await shipment back home for fear of getting arrested and imprisoned as Malaysian security forces continue to implement stricter security measures while going after Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and his armed followers who landed there last month supposedly to assert the claims of the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu over Sabah.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman told reporters she would propose to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III the establishment of a one-stop processing center in Taganak to facilitate the papers of Filipinos who want to return to Sabah.

“The feedback we’re receiving from our team in Malaysia is that many of our countrymen would like to return to our country. These are the undocumented Filipinos who fear they will

be caught and jailed as Malaysian authorities continue their search for the [Filipino] armed men,” she said.

Soliman said the onestop shop in Taganak would help the returning Filipinos to easily obtain documents should they want to go back to Sabah.

Taganak is the nearest Philippine soil to Sabah and would be convenient than going to the existing one-stop shop in Zamboanga City to get the necessary documents, she noted.

From Taganak to Sabah, where an estimated 800,000 undocumented Filipinos have been staying, it would reportedly just take less than an hour by speedboat.

Soliman, who arrived here on a chartered plane, said the number of evacuees processed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao now stands at 2,416, including those from Region 9 or Western Mindanao, since the first wave of arrival on March 4.

“We are expecting more will be coming home,” she added. [Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews]

EDGEDAVAO

11

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

No Permit, No Exam...

FFROM 1

but they will receive

grades of 7.1 if they are not able to pay their balance.

UM final examinations will be on March 21-22.

At the Diocese-owned Holy Cross of Davao College, the finance office said they also follow the “no permit, no exam” rule and promissory notes are not accepted.

Like Ateneo and UM, HCDC professors, however, my choose to let their students

take their exams on condition that their grades will not be released if the balance due is not paid.

The Religious of the Virgin Mary-run University of the Immaculate Conception also implements the “no permit, no exam” policy. Unlike other colleges, UIC extends considerations such as promissory notes on condition that a minimal amount of the tuition fee should first be paid.

UP Mindanao,

Teen motocross...

however, does not implement the “no permit, no exam” policy because all the payments are included in the enrollment fee.

It clarified that every UP campus has its own policy.

Tejada’s UP campus is UP Manila which implemented the rigid policy although it clarified in a television interview that it had lifted the policy a day before Tejada committed suicide.

Mangosong of the South oil team tried to make the triple jump but failed to land safely as his brand new Kawasaki KXF 250 hit the third hump. Mangosong suffered a bad fall with his motorcycle thrown several meters away.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital upon the advice of a doctor, who was at the race track.

“Nakapagsalita pa si Atong at gusto pa nga nya huwag siyang dalhin sa ospital,” said organizer Bok Mata of Moto-X Davao.

Mangosong is the younger brother of the more illustrious Bornok who was racing in Iligan City on that same day. The elder Mangosong was scheduled to fly to Davao late Sunday night.

6 dead...

Mata said Mangosong signed the required waiver for all participants in the race. He said that contrary to earlier reports, the promising Davao rider was wearing safety gear when the incident happened.

Mangosong’s family has accepted the fate of the young rider.

His father. Ruel Matias Mangosong. said that the remains of his son would be brought to their hometown in Pangasinan after two nights at St. Peter’s funeral parlor in Panacan.

“We’re truly saddened by this unfortunate incident. We are willing to give any assistance to the family,” said Mata, who decided to cancel the postrace victory party.

Some of the riders had also decided not

to continue racing in sympathy for their fellow rider. It was the first time that a rider was killed at the Moto-X race track in Maa. In the 1990s, veteran Beng-Beng Salinas of Davao City also died during a race when he was hit by another motorcycle on the face while trying to stand up after a spill in General Santos City.

In 2011, Myco Boncho was killed in another accident during a race held in Manila.

“Talagang kasama itong disgrasya sa laro namin. Ingat na lang talaga sa mga kapwa kong riders,” said Donark yuzon of Team Phoenix, who ruled both the Pro and expert categories on Saturday in the two-day race at the Crocodile Park. [PNA with a report from Che Palicte]

BFP is focusing on other activities for the fire prevention celebration such as the inter-barangay fire combat challenge.

March is chosen as fire prevention month not only because of the warm climate, but also because the children are on vacation.

“When the children are on vacation, they may play with fire in their homes or they will be using a lot of appliances which may cause overload on the electrical wirings of the house leading to fire,” Urquiza said.

“Which is why parents should be extra responsible in watching over their

children because negligence is one of the main cause of fire, followed by apathy and arson,” he said.

Just last March four, BFP region 11 chief, Nestor Jimenez announced that there is a 19 percent increase in fire incidents in the region with 462 in 2012 compared to 387 in 2011.

Jimenez said 50 to 60 percent of fire incidents are caused by short-circuits in the electrical system of houses and establishment and that the best remedy for this is inspection and maintenance on the wires everyday from competent electricians.

FFROM 2 fire prone houses and educate them on how to avoid fire incidents.

Fire prone houses are those that are made out of light materials such as wood, those with unsafe kitchen areas where wood is needed for cooking, those with no electrical wiring and only use candles and those houses that connects their electricity from a certain source which are the home owners houses in front of the street with electric connection straight from the Davao Light and Power Co. posts.

This activity will be implemented net week as next week while now;

In 2012

Fish port calls in Davao rose almost 100 percent

By Che Palicte

FFROM 1 8 a.m.

FISH TALK. Davao Fish Port manager Mario M. Malinao says that the fish port is only 70 percent utilized because it is highly dependent on fish landing during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

T

He Davao Fish Port recorded an increase in the number of port calls done by local and foreign fishing vessels in the past year.

Mario Malinao, port manager of the Davao Fish Port Complex, said yesterday at the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw that the port was able to record a total of 4,143 calls in 2012 compared to the 2,136 calls in 2011.

He added that the port recorded a total of 327 calls by foreign fishing vessels compared to 316 in 2011 or a slight increase of 3.48 percent.

“Despite the increase in port calls, the volume

unloaded at the port decreased from 568 metric tons in 2011 down to 537 metric tons in 2012,” Malinao said.

The decrease was due to climate change experienced in the Pacific areas and weather disturbances.

Malinao said Davao port was designated as an alternative transshipment port for long-line or foreign fishing vessels.

“Some sectors in the tuna industry discovered that the Davao port is a suitable alternative transshipment point for sashimi-grade tuna was being exported,” Malinao added.

“Those that are considered sashimi-grade tuna are directly exported to markets in Japan and to other countries while those that are considered non-sashimi grade are delivered to processing plants in Davao and General Santos for value-adding processing for tuna steak and other products,” he explained, adding that prices for processed tuna are much higher when exported compared to local market prices.

Local fishing vessels also engage in tuna fishing to supply the local markets in Davao and other parts of Mindanao.

DACS sad over UP student’s suicide

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

T

He Davao Association of Catholic schools (DACS) expressed sadness over the suicide of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila student, Kristel Pilar Mariz Tejada, for not being able to pay her tuition.

DACS executive director, Jimmie Loe dela Vega, told edge Davao, “We are extending our sympathy to the family of Tejada and to all students, especially in the Davao region, who are having a hard time coping with their educational finances.”

The DACS is an organization of Catho-

lic schools in the region with 15 member-schools.

“There are no statements that can represent a consensus of the Catholic schools in Region 11 yet, but according to the usual practices of our schools, a suicide of a student due to failing to pay tuition is the last thing that we would like to happen,” he said.

Dela Vega said it would be unfair if the facts are one-sided as there is a need to consider schools’ needs to get their fair share through justified fees so that they can continue providing quality edu-

cation.

Dela Vega clarified that, “if you apply at a private school, you should know your obligation as the fees are announced to everyone upon enrollment.” “one should be willing to pay the fees which are justified with the kind of education students can get from Catholic schools,” he said.

“We assure you that private Catholic schools are trying to find ways to effectively collect fees but also consider the needs of the students,” he said. “For a long time, we have been very conscious of the needs of students.”

come a privilege that only the rich can avail of,” he said.

Tejada’s suicide came on the heels of another round of tuition fee increases

sought by most colleges and universities in Davao City. Most schools here follow the strict “no permit, no exam” policy.

Davao students...

FFROM 2 lose their democratic character, narrowing the access of the majority of the youth to quality and affordable education,” he said. “education has be-

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VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

SPORTS

13

RMH-VMO owner to keep team

By Neil Bravo

N

ewly-crowned Araw ng Dabaw basketball champion Royal Mandaya Hotel-VMo will be back to defend its crown in the next major hoop event in the city—the 2013 Kadayawan tournament in August.

RMH-VMo team owner Glen escandor said his team will be playing its next tournament in the Kadayawan cagefest yet despite several invitations for the club to play in several regional tournaments in Davao and Mindanao.

“We are keeping the team but for only two tournaments a year only. We cannot sustain keeping it unless there is a regular league in Davao,” escandor told sportswriters during the victory celebration of the Hoteliers after annexing the Araw ng Dabaw title at the

expense of defending champion Montana Pawnshop.

The Hoteliers will be defending their Kadayawan title—a crown escandor missed witnessing as he was in Manila attending to his ailing father.

“I hope to be around this time when we go for a back-to-back,” the basketball-loving escandor said.

Team coordinator Jekjek Melendres said a number of RMHVMo mainstays have signified intention of coming back to play in August.

Cris Calaguio, instrumental for the title run last year and in this year’s AnD championship is eager to return.

“It will always be a privilege to join a team with a very supportive

boss and a warm crowd,” Calauio, a former PBA standout, said.

Another possible holdover is veteran Kiko Adriano who thanked escandor and the coaching staff for the support and confidence.

RMH-VMo rookie winning coach Miggy Solitaria said he hopes to coach the team again and given another chance, he will be making some major changes.

“There are some positions we need to strengthen like the four position. We do not have a back up power forward,” Solitaria said.

Solitaria said they plan to keep big man Mark Andaya but will have to find a replacement for Cedric Happi who will be back in the NCAA by August.

CHEERS. Team owner Glen Escandor (center) of Royal Mandaya Hotel-VMO offers a victory toast to his players and coaching staff. (Right) Cris Calaguio says he wants to come back and defend the Kadayawan title. (Boy Lim)

EDGEDAVAO 14 SPORTS Six North Luzon teeners make it to Jr. NBA Camp VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

S

IX kids emerged as best players in the first selection camp of the sixth consecutive Jr. NBA program to be held in the country.

Three more Regional Selection Camps will follow in Davao (April 1-2), Lucena (April 6-7) and Manila (April 13 -14) leading up to the high point of the program, the National Training Camp on April 26-28.

Some 169 youth basketeers from Northern and Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog areas joined the Dagupan Regional Selection Camp presented by Alaska at the CSI Stadia in Lancao, Dagupan City March 16 and 17.

These are : Justine Dupo from Calasiao, Pangasinan; Pawan Singh and Mark Adrian Mallari from Angeles, Pampanga; Ren Bistudio and Alfredo Philippe Camara from Dagupan City and Herald Jairo Barbiran from Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

The six boys will be part of the 50-strong National Training Camp pool culled from the four regional camps in four key cities and the Alaska Power Camp. They got the nod of the Jr. NBA evaluation committee headed by Jr. NBA coach Greg Stolt, Senior Director of Basketball operations in NBA China and PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa of the Alaska Power Camp because of their all-around basketball skills and how they exhibited the Jr. NBA’s core S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, (a positive) Attitude and Respect. “every kid here has great basketball potential. I was amazed at how so many of them have good ball handling skills,” remarked Jojo Lastimosa. one of the PBA’s Top 25 Best Players of all time. Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, who hosted the Jr. NBA event in Dagupan, was at the event to congratulate the kids from her region.

Miami Heat’s LeBron James scores on Toronto Raptors’ Amir Johnson during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto on Sunday (Monday PHL Time). (AP Photo/ THE CANADIAN PRESS,Chris Young)

No Kobe, no problem

L

oS ANGeLeS (AP) -- Kobe Bryant never even emerged from the Los Angeles Lakers’ locker room, slowed by his sprained ankle and leveled by an apparent case of the flu.

The Lakers didn’t seem to miss him much while they rolled to another win in what’s turning into an awfully interesting second half of the season.

Antawn Jamison scored 27 points, Metta World Peace added 22, and the Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 113102 Sunday night for their sixth victory in seven games.

With Bryant missing his first game of the season to rest his sprained left ankle, the Lakers tightened their resolve and their rotation. Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni used just seven players, but Jamison and fellow reserve Steve Blake took charge in the second half as the Lakers (36-32)

pulled away in the fourth quarter, keeping their one-game lead over Utah (34-32) for eighth place in the Western Conference and moving within a halfgame of Houston (36-31) for seventh. ‘’We’re just not making any excuses,’’ Jamison said. ‘’We just looked ourselves in the mirror and said, ‘It’s up to us to turn this thing around.’ And I think we’ve been doing that since the All-Star break. We’re finally playing the way we’re capable of playing.’’

Two days after beating Indiana for one of their most impressive road victories of the year, the Lakers persevered with nearly 57-percent shooting and balanced scoring in Bryant’s absence. The fifth-leading scorer in NBA history was hurt in the waning seconds of Los Angeles’ loss last Wednesday in Atlanta, and he played only the first quarter at Indiana.

MVP. Jojo Tangkay of Royal Mandaya Hotel-VMO receives his MVP trophy after leading the Hoteliers to the 76th Araw ng Dabaw basketball title. (Boy Lim)

INdulge!

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

Time to play

Photos by Aidx Paredes and Kayode Agayan Dela Cruz

WE Dabawenyos are a hard-working lot. Blame it on our pioneering spirit, or on the fact that we love being efficient. Thankfully though there are holidays that allow us to let our hair down, grab a drink or two (or three) and party like there is no tomorrow. This truly was the case for one of the biggest party events held for Araw ng Dabaw, Party Animal Production’s Playground.

Held last March 15 at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Davao, the event was a grand event to kick-start the Araw ng Dabaw weekend and in true Durianburg fashion, the party started early, with the party crowd arriving and filling the party venue as early as 10:30 in the evening.

The ballroom was jampacked by 11 in the evening and thanks to Manila DJs Deuce Manila and Ace Ramos, together with local DJ Big opening the event, the crowd was up and jumping and pumping fists in the air, ready to play at the playground and having one hell of a good time.

I have to say that I was impressed with the turn out with many Dabawenyos truly coming in full force. Heck, even I took to the stage to “unwind” but those photos will have to wait for some other time to be published (enter wicked laugh).

A big congratulations to the Party Animal Productions team for a spectacular event.

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

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UP AND ABOUT

Pepper Lunch opens 12th Phl store in Davao “FINE Steak, Great Value!”, that is Pepper Lunch’s promise to the people. It is the only restaurant that provides mouth watering steaks and pepper rice at an affordable price!

The original from Japan has landed to the Philippines and offers a unique dining experience where guests could cook their food the way they want it.

It was incorporated in 2007 with the opening of the first store located in Powerplant mall (Rockwell) last May 0f 2008. Due to insistent public demand, the second store opened at Edsa Shangrila Mall (Garden Court) seven months after. On July of the following year, Pepper Lunch Alabang Town Center opened its doors to a more discriminating crowd of Alabang and other neighbouring town residents. Pepper Lunch in Greenbelt 5, the 5th store, was opened on December 2010.

The growth continues with the opening of the sub franchised stores in 2011, namely: Robinson-Ermita (June 2011), Megamall and Mall of Asia (both opened on August 2011).

For the Year 2012, we have opened at TriNoma, Robinsons Magnolia, Gateway, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Glorietta 4, Subic, and Davao. More stores are to be opened as the main goal is to expand, that is, to reach more locations and to spread brand awareness.

For this year, Pepper Lunch has served more than 1,000,000 guests for all stores. The signature dish - Beef Pepper Rice, always wins the taste buds of our guests and make them come back for more.

Visit Pepper Lunch at The Peak of Gaisano Mall of Davao today!

SUMMER STROLL WITH MILANOS SHOES. Summer won’t be complete without a retreat to your favorite destination whether a joyride to the beach or a trip to the mall, Milanos Shoes are your perfect shoe companion. From trendy boat shoes to colored loafers, these shoes are comfortable and affordable on-trend travel buddies. Find your perfect pair at SM Department Stores nationwide. Like us on Facebook: www. Facebook. com/MilanosShoes or follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ SMMilanosShoes and on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ SMMilanosShoes.

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

Launches Camera Juan: Pelikulang Bubuuin ng Mamamayan HOW many videos have you clicked on or shared today?

These days, anyone can log on to Facebook or Twitter to get in on the newest viral video everyone is talking about. The video-sharing giant YouTube estimates that up to four billion hours of video are watched each month on the website. And with so many clips shot with personal devices being viewed online, it seems someone is always filming, recording daily events with a simple handheld camera. In fact, any ordinary Juan need only point, shoot and upload to earn his 15 minutes of fame. It can be anything from a cover of a famous song to a parody of the latest dance craze, or even an amusing pet moment caught on video.

But sometimes, the camera captures more.

In a remote village, the lens focuses on children gathering drinking water from a dirty well. In another town, a hospital worker records on her cell phone a father’s struggle to find a syringe for his child in the ER. And in yet another corner of the country, a government authority negotiates a bribe as the camera rolls. These images of real life events are filmed not by professional journalists but by ordinary citizens. Indeed, the advent of the personal camera has extended the power and the responsibility of video journalism to every citizen

with access to a cell phone, tablet or digicam.

This power is at the heart of GMA’s groundbreaking election project, Camera Juan. An ambitious undertaking that hopes to demonstrate the might of a watchful citizenry, Camera Juan will be a collective film woven from various video contributions from ordinary Filipinos. By capturing scenes of wrongdoing, social struggles, and acts of modern-day heroism, the film hopes to tell the real story of the Philippines through the eyes of citizens.

“When we started the project, we were apprehensive that we may not receive enough contributions to produce a full-length special,” shares Assistant VicePresident of Public Affairs Clyde Mercado. “We are pleased to share, however, that since our initial callout, we already received hundreds of video contributions from all over the Philippines and even from our countrymen overseas.”

To provide visual direc-

tion and to weave the story into one powerful motion picture is renowned Filipino filmmaker and Cannes Award-winning Director Brillante Mendoza. “As filmmakers, we need to immerse in the issues to fully understand them. Sa Camera Juan we went to far-flung towns to dig deeper into these issues (presented by video contributors). Sana ang maliit at simple naming paraan sa paglalahad ng mga bagay na ito ay mabigyan din ng pansin ng mga susunod na mamumuno,” shares Direk Brillante.

“We are honored to have Direk Brillante on board for Camera Juan,” says Executive Producer Richelle Figueroa. “Direk Brillante’s insight into how a film can communicate a social message, the public’s effort through their video contributions, and the editorial experience of the GMA team are what make this project a truly unique and collaborative effort.”

The film, which is being put together by the same

team that brought to life landmark specials such as Oras Na and Planet Philippines, will be another first on Philippine television.

“What Camera Juan wants to show Filipinos is that they have a voice in the upcoming elections. We’ve seen a lot of inspiring contributions so far and we feel this is proof that ordinary citizens know the issues and can become filmmakers for a worthwhile cause.

We hope that more and more people will make use of this opportunity to show leaders what citizens really need from government,” explains program manager Angeli Atienza.

At a time when vigilance is needed from the citizenry, each Filipino is called upon to be watchful, and to harness the power of everyday devices to do what is right.

Camera Juan: Pelikulang Bubuuin ng Mamamayan hits TV screens this April, on GMA. (Video contributions may be sent via www. gmanews.tv/camerajuan until March 31.)

THE Mindanao Trade Expo (MTEFI) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry - Philippines (DTI) through Product Development & Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) will conduct a symposium entitled “Industrial Design Processes” on March 20, 2013, 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Garden Pavilion A, Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

The symposium aims to enable MSMEs to understand better and appreciate the importance of product or merchandise development to improve their businesses, and for students to have better awareness of design processes.

For inquiries, please contact Marian or Elsie at tel. no. 222-7015, telefax no. 2218779, mobile no. 09195372568. You can also email them at mtefoundation@gmail.com.

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals miscarriage with third child GWYNETH Paltrow has experienced a heartbreaking loss, and now she’s willing to talk about it.

The actress opened up with the Daily Mail for a very candid interview on Sunday’s You magazine today, where Paltrow reveals that she suffered a miscarriage during the pregnancy of her third child.

“My children ask me to have a baby all the time.

And you never know, I could squeeze one more in. I am missing my third.

I’m thinking about it,” Pal-

trow said. “But I had a really bad experience when I was pregnant with my third. It didn’t work out and I nearly died. So I am like, ‘Are we good here or should we go back and try again?’”

The 40-year-old celeb didn’t discuss when this all happened, but she did share that one famous Hollywood couple (and new parents) in particular have inspired her to reconsider having another baby—Beyoncé and JayZ (who have also been through a miscarriage).

“Their baby Blue Ivy is totally delish,” she

gushed. “She’s made me very broody.”

Regardless, Gwyneth is proud that throughout all of this, she has chosen “the best father” for her two children, daughter Apple, 8, and son Moses, 6, with husband and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. “[Chris] is so good to the children and to know that you had kids with such a good man is a real weight off you,” she said.

“We are committed coparents, we make all the decisions together and lean on each other for support.”

portantly I know how to scout for boys. So, I think I should be allowed to be a Boy Scout and they should change their stupid rules.

When the 52-yearold pop star finished her rant, she presented Cooper with his award, saying he has the most “beautiful blue eyes” she had ever seen.

“You are a bad a-mother f—ker,” Madonna

went on. “You are brave and the world needs more people like you.”

Madonna gave Cooper a big kiss when he took the stage, calling him a “gorgeous” freedom fighter.

The Vito Russo Award is presented to one openly LGBT media professional each year who has made a difference promoting equality for the LGBT community.

Madonna dons scout garb to give Anderson Cooper GLAAD Award MADONNA has had enough of the Boy Scouts of America and their gay ban.

The superstar singer dressed up in a Cub Scout uniform to present Anderson Cooper with the Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Awards Sunday evening in New York City, and snubbed the scouts organization, also addressing homophobia and bullying in her nearly 12-minute long speech.

“I wanted to be a Boy Scout, but they wouldn’t let me join,” Madonna joked. “I think that’s f-ked up. I can build a fire. I know how to pitch a tent.

I have a very good sense of direction. I can rescue kittens from trees.”

“I want to do good for the community,” Madonna continued. “Most im-

INdulge! A3

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TRAVEL

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

Damosa Fairlane:

Housing with bigger houses

By Che Palicte

Rev. Leif Simbajon blessed the entrance complex of Damosa Fairlane.

The ANFLOCOR (Antonio Floirendo Corportion) Group of Companies through its property development arm DAMOSA LAND INCORPORATED (DLI) offers bigger houses in their first housing project and the newest urban residential community in Davao City, the Damosa Fairlane located on Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City.

Ricardo Floirendo, senior vice president of ANFLO-

COR spearheaded the opening of the entrance complex of the residential area and was blessed by Rev. Leif Simbajon yesterday.

“This is just the start of our residential developments; we plan to have three more,” Floirendo said.

With the positive turnout of the selling of the house and lot units, Damosa Fairlane widened the selection by adding enhancements on the homeowners dream haven.

Edgardo Villaver, vicepresident and general manager of DLI, bared

DAMOSA FAIRLANE. The newly blessed entrance complex – complete with landscaped foliage – is perfect to set a relaxing atmosphere for the future residents of Damosa Fairlane. The background are model houses Lincoln, Cortina and Marquis (inward, hidden). (L-R) New THINK! Executive Director Mike Reyes, ANFLOCOR’s AVP for IT & Management Services Giovanni Pimentel, VP for Finance Alfred Samson, FVP for

that they will propose bigger house simulations with gross floor areas of 170-250 square meters.

“In phase one, we only sell 120-140 square meter of houses with Lincoln, Cortina and Marquis as the model houses amounting to five to seven million pesos each. With the proposed bigger houses, that would probably cost eight to twelve million pesos each,” he explained.

He said that almost 130 lots of phase one was sold.

“That’s about 80 percent and we will start the construction of these houses

in April this year,” he added.

Villaver also said that they will be building the residential houses in batches of 10, and when it’s done they will turn them over to the owners.

“Usually, our clients come from middle to high class, foreigners who are married to locals here and also expatriates,” Villaver bared, adding they would be able to finish phase one and the clubhouse early next year and right now they are pre-selling available houses and lots in phase two.

Industrial Group Jesse Chiongson, VP for Damosa Land, Inc. Ed Villaver, VP for Tourism & Hospitality Group PaciencioRosalem, Rev. LeifSimbajon, VP for Cash and Bank Susan Matus, President Alexander Valoria, SVP Ricardo Floirendo, and CFO Oscar Grapa take a pose at this inviting scenery.

EDGEDAVAO

I

RafaspellShara

NDIAN WeLLS, California (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal added another triumphant chapter to his remarkable comeback when he came from a set down to beat Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the BNP Paribas open final on Sunday.

The Spanish left-hander, who was sidelined for seven months last year with a left knee injury, overcame a gritty challenge from the hard-hitting Argentine to win his 53rd ATP singles title.

Nadal broke Del Potro in the third game of the final set and, after his opponent had saved three match points in the ninth, served out to seal victory after an absorbing final that lasted two hours 29 minutes.

The match ended with a mistimed forehand from Del Potro which floated wide and the Spaniard immediately dropped to the ground on his back in celebration.

It was Nadal’s third ATP title of the year after appearing in four successive finals, and his first on a hardcourt surface since Tokyo in 2010.

It was a case of so near and yet so far for Juan Martin Del Potro after he was denied a first ATP Masters 1000 title.

The Argentine was a set and 2-0 up on Nadal before the Spaniard came storming back to win a pulsating match that lasted just under two-and-a-half hours and featured seven breaks of serve.

Del Potro had been bidding to beat Nadal for only the fourth time in 11 career meetings but fell short as the Spanish world number five played near-perfect tennis in the latter stages.

“Rafa deserves to win,” Del Potro told reporters. “He plays unbelievable for like an hour there. The last hour of the match he didn’t make errors. He played

so solid and put me so far to the baseline and make winners from there.

“Rafa played really well to-

day in the second and third sets. He broke me early in the third and playing against him when the score is down is tougher, you know.”

Del Potro had upset world number three Andy Murray in the quarter-finals and top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the last four to get to the final.

Asked whether he felt fatigued in the final after winning his two previous matches at Indian Wells in three sets, world number seven Del Potro replied: “yeah, I played three sets against Murray then three sets Djokovic.

“But the finals are finals. They are special, and you get the energy from everywhere to play the finals. Rafa plays yesterday, also, so the conditions are the same for both players.

Bradley fall twice in ugly win

C

SPORTS 15

VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

ARSoN, Calif. (AP) -- Timothy Bradley went down in the first round and again in the last, getting battered in every corner of the chilly outdoor ring by an unheralded Russian opponent with none of Manny Pacquiao’s reputation or esteem.

Bradley absorbed every shot and countered nearly every blow with punishment of his own, fighting on wobbly legs to a victory that should boost his reputation and career in a way that beating Pacquiao never did.

Bradley overcame an early round thrashing and a last-minute knockdown to win a narrow unanimous decision over

Ruslan Provodnikov on Saturday night, defending his WBo welterweight belt in dramatic style.

With steam rising from his shaved head on a frigid Southern California night, Bradley (30-0) barely survived a thriller with the Freddie Roachtrained Provodnikov (22-2) in the champion’s first bout since winning a much-debated split decision over Pacquiao last June.

Few fans believed that verdict - but nobody could doubt Bradley’s heart now. ‘’I gave it everything I had,’’ Bradley said. ‘’every ounce I had, I gave.’’

Bradley appeared

to be out on his feet at times the opening two rounds against his Russian challenger, even tumbling to the canvas in a first-round fall that was ruled an accidental slip.

Bradley then was forced to take a knee with 10 seconds left in the 12th round after one last barrage from Provodnikov.

But Bradley also punished Provodnikov with multiple shots all night, causing huge cuts and swelling on the face of the ‘’Siberian Rocky,’’ who excelled in the biggest fight of his career.

Judges Marty Denkin and Jerry Cantu scored the bout 114-113 for Bradley, and Raul Caiz Sr. favored Bradley 115-112.

I

N D I A N WeLLS, Calif. (AP) -- - Maria Sharapova defeated Caroline Wozniacki

6-2, 6-2 t o w i n h e r first title of the year at the BNP Paribas open on Sunday in a final between two former top-ranked players.

Sharapova dictated from the opening game, when she broke Wozniacki at love with groundstrokes that had the Dane running from side to side. Sharapova faced just two break points on her serve in the nearly 1 1/2-hour match. ‘’I always felt like I was always a foot ahead, especially with the breaks,’’ she said. ‘’I was able to serve well today, and that helped me.’’

It was Sharapova’s second career title at Indian Wells, where she first won in 2006. Wozniacki won here in 2011. The women met in a final for the first time; their six other matches came in earlier rounds. ‘’I don’t think I have gray hairs yet, but as the years go by, I’m still very lucky that

I’m here and that I’m still doing it and that I still love it and have the passion to do it,’’ Sharapova said.

The Russian is projected to rise one spot in the WTA Tour rankings to No. 2 on Monday, dropping Victoria Azarenka to third.

Wozniacki will move up one spot to No. 9.

The victory, worth $1 million, gave Sharapova at least one title for 11 straight years dating to 2003.

Sharapova led 2-1 when Wozniacki brought her coachdad Piotr out during a break. But she couldn’t get untracked, and was broken again in the seventh game. Sharapova fought off two break points to take the first set in 38 minutes. ‘’She was putting pressure on me from the start. She was serving very well,’’ Wozniacki said. ‘’I felt like everything that she wanted to do today was going in. She was making very few errors, and if she did, then it was really at the times where it didn’t really matter.’’

Sharapova broke to open the second set when Wozniacki double-faulted the game away. She converted her fourth break point on Wozniacki’s backhand error to take a 5-3 lead. Sharapova was aggressive in her approach, using her forehand to push Wozniacki around and then coming in on short balls to easily put them away. ‘’I thought I was being aggressive, but I was doing the right things and being patient enough and looking for the right shot when I wanted to move in a little bit,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’She’s someone that if she has time she can make you hit so many balls, and that’s not really the way that I want to be and not the way I want to control the points. It was really important to try to take away that time that she likes to have.’’

Timothy Bradley, right, is knocked down by Ruslan Provodnikov, of Russia, in the first round of a WBO welterweight title boxing match in Carson, Calif., Saturday (Sunday in Manila). (AP) The Associated Press also scored it 114-113 for Bradley on the strength of his middle-round

dominance. ‘’He’s much more powerful than Pacquiao,’’ Bradley said. ‘’He hits

harder, and has shorter punches. He’s a great puncher, and I take my hat off to him.’’

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EDGEDAVAO Sports VOL.6 ISSUE 3 • TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

YOUNG DAREDEVIL. Sixteen year old Abu Mata of Team Phoenix is airborne as he drew raves from the crowd during the Araw ng Dabaw Cyclomax Motocross, the first leg of the Phoenix Mindanao Moto-X Series, held Sunday at the Crocodile Park in Maa. Mata, son of organizer Bok, won both the 250cc and Rookie divisions. (Contributed photo by Tommy Iñigo)

TKS PETRON UNITY KARATE CUP

AAK Davao bets rule D

AVAo City’s Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) captured 11 gold medals to dominate the TKS Petron Unity Karate Cup on Sunday at the Gaisano Grand Citimall.

AAK-Davao also added 13 silvers and seven bronze medals.

AAK-University of Immaculate Concepcion finished second over-all with seven golds, five silvers and two bronze medals followed by Comatcom Tagum with 3-4-7 goldsilver-bronze medal haul.

Fourth place was the Panabo Traditional Karate Cub with 3 golds, 3 silvers and 1 bronze, followed by Shorei Kan Karate Club of Bukidnon (31-4), Comatcom Shorin Chi (0-1-5), Comatcom Toril (0-0-3) and Comatcom Shorin Jin (0-0-1).

Arthur “Chino” Lao III, a freshman IT student of Ateneo de Davao University, won two golds in the boy’s 16-17 kata and – 67 kg. men’s kumite and a silver medal in the 1617 boy’s kumite for AAK Davao.

Carmela Marie estarija and oona ysabel Barnes also won two golds each for AAK Davao. estarija, a 3rd year high school of Stella Maris Academy, twice beat her own teammate Kassandra Barnes for the gold in the 16-17 girls kumite and kata events.

The promising Barnes, a Grade 5 pupil of Davao Christian High School, took the golds in the 1011 girls kata and kumite.

The other gold medalists

of AAK Davao were Rick David Aquino (6-7 boys kata), Gabriel Quinones (14-15 boys kata), Tristan Sy (6-7 boys kumite), Manuel Sy (12-13 boys kumite) and Alexa Barnes (6-7 girls kata).

AAK UIC, on the other hand, relied on the impressive performance of Pavel Jervis Bacayo, who won two golds and one silver. Bacayo, 17, scored an upset against Lao in the finals of the 16-17 boys kumite and defeated veteran Teodoro Belisario of Shorin Chi in the men’s openweight kumite.

The six-footer Bacayo, however, settled for the silver in the 1617 boys kata to Lao. The other double gold medalists of AAK UIC were Vivian Cortez (1213 girls kata and kumite)

and Angelica Noro (1617 girls kata and kumite) while the other gold was courtesy of Roman Rivera (14-15 boys kumite).

A total of 92 players saw action including senior players from Mindanao Polytechnic College of Gen. Santos City. The one-day event was presented by TKS Petron Service Station and TKS Builders of engr. Michael Te and esther Te. The event was backed up

by Vantage Sports, Zimmons Industries, Gaisano Grand Citimall, Benjade Construction, Rick’s Car Wash, Charlie and Gloria estarija, Hector and Shella Barnes, edgar Ponce, Glenn and Ruby Chua, Living Power International Corp., Cherifer, Benjie Lim, Marcelo Ayala, engr.

Celso Manois and AAK Davao.