Edge Davao 6 Issue 32

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

Serving a seamless society

THE BLUR. Rider Johnnel Mandapat hits top speed to pull away to the finish of the Underbone 115cc category of 2013 Suzuki Raider Breed Wars at the New City Hall of Tagum Sunday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

INdulge

Page A1

A feel of Hawaii

Phoenix Petroleum on smuggling raps:

Charges are false Basta no. 1 initan!

Sports

Page 15

By EJ Dominic Fenandez

Davao bets rule

L

eading independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines maintained its stance claiming its president dennis ang Uy is innocent of the charges filed against him by the department of Justice (dOJ) for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, according to an official statement.

UNAFFECTED. It’s business as usual at Phoenix gas stations despite the charges of oil smuggling filed against its president Dennis Ang Uy.

“What is absolutely clear and unequivocal is the innocence of Phoenix Petroleum, the Phoenix family and our president of these false and unsubstantiated allegations,” according to the statement.

The statement pertains to the april 24 Resolution of the department of Justice (dOJ) finding probable cause to file charges against Uy, which is a reversal of the earlier resolution dated november 6, 2012 that dismissed the charges against the respondents.

Uy was charged on allegations of unlawful and fraudulent imports of gas oil, unleaded gasoline and petroleum products at the Port of davao and Sub-

FPHOENIX PETROLEUM, 10

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

A wheelchair for each PWD P

eRSOnS with disability (PWd) in davao will all soon have their own wheelchair.

The american Wheelchair Mission (aWM) showed great interest in bringing more aid for PWds in the davao region after initially distributing 75 mobility devices for the first time in the city at the ateneo de davao University (addU) yesterday. (aWM) president Christopher Lewis said they are looking at this advocacy as a long term event since they saw that addU is a great asset in helping them distribute wheelchairs, crutches, canes and walkers for PWds. The mission distributed a total of 280 wheelchairs, 104 crutches, 102 canes, and 50 walkers.

each wheelchair costs $500 and is evidently lighter and more convenient compared to the traditional wheelchair seen in the medical facilities in davao.

Knights of Colombus California (the donor) gave the idea to aWM (the fund raiser) that they should donate mobility devices to davao since, according to Lewis, “a lot of people in davao City need wheelchairs.”

The recipients were determined by the department of Social Welfare and development (dSWd), City Social Service and development Office (CSSdO), and different non-government organizations (ngOs). according to dr. Luchi aportadera, a physiatrist of the Stroke Society Phil-

FA WHEELCHAIR, 10

EDGEDAVAO

YOUNG BENEFICIARY. A young beneficiary, surrounded by members of the Knights of Columbus, sits innocently on wheelchair she received from the group during KOC’s Global Wheelchair Mission at the Ateneo De Davao University yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BIR Davao targets P11B for 2013 Poll hotspots now 88

By Che Palicte

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

T

he Bureau of internal Revenue (BiR) bared a 13 percent growth rate in collection for year 2011 to 2012 and its P11.8 billion target for 2013 during the davao City Chamber of Commerce and industry inc. (dCCCii) monthly meeting at the Seda abreeza hotel, Friday.

Representing BiR regional director glen geraldino was BiR chief of the assessment division Lita Maria Chin. according to Chin’s report, the actual collection performance of Revenue Region 19-davao City for 2012 was P9.197 billion from P8.104 billion in 2011, showing a 13 percent growth rate. her report also showed a 5 percent

growth in collection from 2010 to 2011, with P8.104 billion in 2011 from P7.742 billion in 2010.

The target collection of davao City for 2013 is P11.749 billion, which is .94 percent of the national target of P1.253 trillion.

Chin presented the programs and projects of BiR for 2013 to achieve this goal, including the invigorated Run after Tax evaders (RaTe), Oplan Kandado, increase in Taxpayers database, Mobile Revenue Collection Officers System (MRCOS), Re-engineering of other business processes, and the e-electronic Certificate authorizing Registration (e-CaR).

For the invigorated RaTe, the BiR-national

office has filed 152 cases as of February 28, 2013 with five convictions.

For Oplan Kandado BiR davao was able to close one establishment in april, which reopened after paying BiR P835,000.

For the increase in taxpayers database, BiR tax compliance will monitor top taxpayers, self-employed and professionals, hospitals and clinics, and non-VaT taxpayers who have reached for VaT registration. it will also monitor the summary list of sales and purchases (SLS/ SLP) of taxpayers.

The MRCOS is a webbased system that can encode tax filing and payment information, as well as printing the corresponding Revenue Official

Receipt (ROR), Official Receipt (OR) and the acknowledgement Receipt (aR) for no-payment through the use of mobile handled devices by Revenue Collection Officers.

To make tax compliance or payment easier for taxpayers, BiR re-engineered other core business processes, such as registration, filing and payment, audit, collection, enforcement, legal enforcement, taxpayer service and support processes. e-CaR is a web-based system that automates the generation of barcoded Certificate authorizing Registration that will reduce revenue losses arising from fake CaRs for all kinds of One-Timetransaction.

T

he armed Forces of the Philippines (aFP) has placed 88 villages in the entire davao region under the so-called election watchlist areas (eWas) due to the presence of new Peoples’ army (nPa).

Major general ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th infantry “agila” division, bared this during the Kapihan sa Philippine information agency (Pia) at the abreeza Mall. Bernardo said the armed threat groups can be utilized to intimidate electorates and rival candidates to ensure favorable outcome for their favored candidates.

Bernardo added that of the 88 eWas, 12 are located in davao City particularly in Paquibato district; 45 in Compostela Valley Province; 15 in davao del norte; and 16 in davao del Sur. among the areas named, the town of Maco and Montevista in Compostela Valley province have the most number of villages included in the list with 13.

“This rebel group is really in full force all throughout the election time, they will really enforce their permit to campaign and permit to win to the politicians,” he said. he added that davao Oriental is no longer included in the eWas because the aFP and Philippine national Police (PnP) were able to neutralize the areas of the rebel groups. he added that aFP and PnP is involved in a joint mission to stop the extortion activities of the rebel group.

“This undermines the election process, we should not allow that,” Bernardo stressed. he also said that aFP is in proactive stance and the deployment of their troop is increasing in all areas where nPas are present.

“We would like them (nPa) to know that we’re on full combat mode, not just on the coming election but also after the election,” he said.

Chinese consular office in Davao a possibility

“d ABSENTEE VOTING. Department of Education-Davao City division administrative officer Gerard S. Pil explains to teachers important details before

they cast their votes in the absentee voting for teachers at Kapt. Tomas Monteverde Sr. Elementary School yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

O not forget your roots.”

This was the philosophy of davao City Chamber of Commerce and industry inc. (dCCCii) chairman of the board and honorary Life chair, Sebastian angliongto’s father. angliongto, who is of Chinese descent, hopes that the People’s Republic of China will have a consular office here soon. he said ambassador of China to the Philippines Ma Keqing showed “great interest” in having a consular office in davao

during the ambassador’s visit here last april 5.

“We turned over the Taiwanese consular office, which is located along Sta. ana St. corner Lapu-Lapu, to the People’s Republic of China, and we (dCCCii) are awaiting their (China) go signal,” he said. according to angliongto, this will be beneficial to the businessmen of the city, especially the Chinese community, considering that there are 35,000 Filipino-Chinese and “mestizos” in davao City alone, and over

FCHINESE, 10

SUBURBIA 3

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

Tagum Coop eyes to sustain high fiscal performance h

OMegROWn billionaire Tagum Cooperative will work its way towards sustaining its exceptional financial performance while empowering its members to achieve economic upliftment. newly installed chairperson of the Board

of directors, Miriam R. Baloyo sets this direction that Tagum Cooperative will be taking during its 46th year in operation this calendar year 2013 to 2014. in her acceptance speech during the recent turning-over ceremony, Baloyo stressed the importance of ensuring

that members achieve “economic growth in the same pace as Tagum Cooperative grows.”

She gladly noted that the Savings and Credit with education (SCWe) “Partner sa Kabuhayan” store set up in February at Tagum City Public Market, heaped a sale of P52,000 in just 17

days, citing such performance as a manifestation that Tagum Cooperative “can become an agent of income generation.”

“That we can help the marginalized and disadvantaged sector of our society. We can develop products and services that will empower them, as well as

MOTORCYCLE IS KING. In many of Mindanao’s remote areas with rough roads, like this one in Barangay Dado in Alamada, North Cotabato taken 27 April 2013, motorcycles are the only affordable means of transportation. [MindaNews/Bobby Timonera]

promote self-reliance and self-improvement,” she said.

Meanwhile, Baloyo hoped to equal or to surpass the 2012 performance of Tagum Cooperative while expressing high confidence that its culture of excellence can still result in “higher bar of achievement.” in the previous calendar year, Tagum Cooperative expanded its general membership by 24.45% from 66,868 to 83,378 in 2012. its assets ballooned by 25.3% from P1.4 billion to P1.8 billion; share capital swelled by 37.23% from P455 million to P618 million; deposits grew by 21.71% from P708 million to P862 million; loan portfolio increased by 26.92% from P1.1 billion to P1.4 billion; and its net surplus remarkably soared by 65.61% from P102 million to P168 million while its delinquency rate sustained a downward trend of 8.3% from 8.38%.

Last year, Tagum Cooperative also heightened savings consciousness among children and youth members through expanding the aflatoun Program

to 16 new sites, bringing to a total of 29 aflatoun accredited schools in the davao Region, with a total membership of 10,148 as of december, 2012. in tie up with the department of education (deped) Xi, Tagum Cooperative has rolled out the aflatoun Program in seven public elementary schools under Tagum City Schools division; nine under davao del norte Schools division; seven under Compostela Valley Schools division; and six under davao City Schools division.

Tagum Cooperative also strengthened its youth program through opening the Youth development and Succession Center (YdSC) at its main building in Tagum City, designed to handle the Youth Laboratory Cooperative aside from the aflatoun Program.

Tagum Cooperative put importance on its youth savers group as it clustered 30,855 members that made up 37 percent of the general membership, contributing a substantial savings share of P35.49 million as of end of 2012.

around 3:30 p.m. Sunday. after 45 minutes, the 40-man rebel group later let go of the governor and his party but fled with SPO1 allan Pansoy. gov. Uy said he was on his way down to the capital town of nabunturan from a campaign rally in the hinterland Barangay Lantapan in Mabini when his convoy was stopped by the rebels who inspected their vehicles apparently for guns.

With Uy were his candidates for the Provincial Board.

“When the rebels found nothing, they asked that my companions show their identification Cards (ids),” the governor said.

The rebels said they had to keep Pansoy after the policeman showed his police id, said Uy when interviewed Monday morning in a local radio station. [Pna]

South Cotabato eyes opening NPAs abduct governor’s police of new hospital by November escort in Compostela Valley town

T

he provincial government of South Cotabato is targeting the full completion and opening before yearend of its P148-million provincial hospital annex in Surallah town.

South Cotabato gov. arthur Pingoy Jr. said Monday the initial phase of the new hospital’s main building worth around P58 million is due for completion in the last week of May, about eight months after the project was launched in Barangay dajay in Surallah. he said they will immediately proceed with the acquisition of the required equipment and development of the structure’s other major components, among them its emergency and ward facilities.

“We’re doubling our efforts to facilitate the full completion of the project in time for its targeted opening in november,” the governor said.

The facility, which was named allah Valley Community hospital, sits on a five-hectare property donated by the

municipal government of Surallah.

Pingoy said the initial funding for the development of the hospital was put up by the local government through commitments from the department of health (dOh) and business conglomerate San Miguel Corporation.

Once completed, he said the facility will initially open with 40 beds and will have an estimated budget of P30 million for personnel services and maintenance and other operating expenses during its first year of operation. “it will primarily expand our health services and decongest our main provincial hospital,” the governor said.

The South Cotabato Provincial hospital in Koronadal City has a capacity of 150 beds but serves an average of 300 patients on a daily basis.

Pingoy said about 24 percent of the main hospital’s clients come from five of the six municipalities within the province’s upper valley area. he specifically cited

the towns of Surallah, Sto. nino, T’boli, Lake Sebu and Banga. norala town was not included among the hospital’s primary coverage since it hosts a district hospital.

Meantime, the governor said international religious group Bethesda Ministries has signified to provide a service vehicle for the new hospital as well as a dialysis machine.

Bethesda Ministries, through its director Rev. donald Soriano, launched last year a massive feeding program for poor children within the province in coordination with the provincial government. earlier this year, the group donated around P98 million worth medicines to the local government.

Pingoy said the local government is currently negotiating with various government and non-government entities for additional contributions for the project, which was estimated to cost P145 million when finally completed.[Pna]

n

eW People’s army (nPa) rebels abducted a policeman escorting the convoy of governor arturo Uy in a hinterland barangay of Mabini municipality, Compostela Valley, on Sunday afternoon.

The rebels flagged the eight-vehicle convoy bearing governor Uy, partymates and supporters, at a rebel checkpoint at the boundary of Maco and Mabini municipalities

4

T

he Commission on elections in the region is all set for the May 13 mid term national and local elections, said Comelec regional director

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

Comelec 11 all set for May 13 polls atty. Jay Balisado.

Comparing to the 2010 polls, Balisado said they are “practically ahead of the timeline” in preparation for the upcoming elections.

he cited the schedule of the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines slated on May 6 at the polling precincts.

in distant areas though, the FTS will be done at a later date or within three days before the elections, he told the media during Friday’s (april 26) Kapihan sa Pia

11 at abreeza Mall. in cases where the PCOS will have to be transported by an aircraft to some farflung areas, the FTS will be performed first before delivery “to ensure na gagana ang mga machines (to ensure that the machines are working),” Balisado bared. he said the official ballots are arriving each day, though he clarified that its distribution is on May 13 yet. however, he enlightened that a Comelec resolution allows early distribution of the official ballots, not more than 24 hours before election day in remote polling centers.

Balisado assured of Comelec’s readiness for any glitch that could happen on May 13.

“Rain could most likely affect the election. The PCOS machines should be free of water kasi baka masira,” he said, adding “pag may ulan, we can defer the election for a while, then we can extend voting hours to compensate for the lost time.” along with Comelec, the armed Forces of the Phil-

ippines and the Philippine national Police have also assured of their preparedness for keeping a Secure and Fair election (SaFe). aFP 10th infantry division commander Major general ariel Bernardo said they have enough forces from their ranks and from their multipliers such as the Cafgus and civilian groups to help secure the election.

Bernardo raised the need for the Comelec to link up with volunteers and election watchdogs as early as now “so that we could prepare for the coordination.”

Meanwhile, davao del Sur assistant provincial election supervisor edgardo Sadili said the official ballots have arrived for distribution on election day in 723 clustered precincts in the province. instead of april 26 as earlier scheduled, the PCOS machines will be delivered to the polling centers starting May 1 to distant municipalities first such as don Marcelino, Jose abad Santos and Sarangani island, Sadili bared. Pia 11/Carina L. Cayon]

on other “equally compelling issues that face the nation.”

“Wag sanang pakiputin ng Simbahan ang batayan ng pagboto sa isang senador. Kapag susundin sila, maski corrupt at abusadong kandidato iboboto ng mga Katoliko dahil lang sila ay anti-Rh.

Yun ba ang gusto nila?”

Casiño said.

Concerned that the elections is being reduced to a battle between opponents and supporters of the Rh law, Casiño urged the Church to “teach the faithful to be more discerning” in setting standards for leg-

islators.

“Why choose a candidate on the basis of (opposition to the) Rh law when a senator has a lot of other things to do in the Senate? Sana naman eh mas malawak na kaisipan sa mga botante ang ating ipalaganap,” Casiño said.

jammers near polling centers during the May election can delay the transmission of election returns. deputy Presidential Spokesperson abigail Valte said the Comelec and the department of the interior and Local government made the public aware about the effects of signal jammers on the automated election especially during the transmission of results. “now everybody is aware and everybody is on the lookout for these devices. ang lahat ng kampanya, ang kakampi talaga ng

pamahalaan ay ang ating mga kababayan,” Valte said. “ngayong alam na ng marami na merong mga ganitong device at puwede itong gamitin sa ganitong paraan, ini-encourage natin ang ating mga botante na mag-report ng mga ganitong suspicious devices to the police para maaksyunan agad ng ating kapulisan at ng Comelec.”

Brillantes said the use of signal jammers near polling centers is an act of interfering with the transmission process of votes and it is a criminal offense

punishable with eight to 12 years of imprisonment.

The Comelec eyes to finish the transmission of election results at the local level in 48 hours. The use of jammers would delay the transmission and might affect the credibility of the polls, Brillantes said.

The national Telecommunications Commission said signal jammers are considered smuggled items and the agency clarified that it didn’t issue any permit for the sale of these gadgets in the country. [Pna]

CAMPAIGN MATERIAL. A printing machine operator checks a copy of a senatorial candidate’s leaflet at a printing press along E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Police, military in Davao gear up to secure polls

T

he police and the military in davao Region intensified their security measures to avert any election-related violence, officials said on Friday.

Though no election-related violence has been reported yet in the region, police and military officials said they have prepared rapid deployment forces to secure the May 13 polls.

Chief Supt. Jaime Morente, head of Police Regional Office 11, told reporters that some companies of the Regional Public Safety Battalion have been designated as rapid deployment forces.

Morente added that 90 percent of the police force in the region have been mobilized to beef up security measures as the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines are already sent out to municipal precincts.

Like the police, the army has also organized quick reaction forces (QRFs) in every battalion, according to Major gen. ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th infantry division. every battalion has a platoon-sized QRF while a brigade has company-sized, he added.

EDGEDAVAO

The QRFs, the military official said, are highly mobile units that can respond to any untoward situations in the field. aside from the QRFs, Bernardo added that the military has already started its clearing operations in preparation for the elections.

“We are currently conducting area security, especially in critical areas in the region so that the PCOS machines will be transported safely,” he said.

This movement of troops, he revealed, resulted in encounters, among them the clash with new People’s army (nPa) rebels in Barangay Katipunan, nabunturan, Compostela Valley province last Thursday.

The clash left an nPa rebel dead and another wounded, who was captured by elements of the army’s 66th infantry Battalion.

Moreover, Bernardo said that 80 percent of the 10id’s troops, or around 5,000 soldiers, have already been deployed in different areas to help secure the elections. This includes the division’s newly graduated soldiers, he added. [Keith Bacongco/ Mindanews]

Casiño to Catholic Church:

‘Don’t reduce senatorial race into a single issue contest’ M aKaBaYan senatorial bet Teddy Casiño urged leaders of the Catholic Church not to reduce the senatorial elections into a single issue contest, saying that while one’s stand on the Rh bill was important, candidates should also be measured

Government, public must work together to ensure credible may polls, Palace says

C

LOSe cooperation between government agencies and the public is the most effective way to thwart any plan by groups or individuals wanting to sabotage the May 13 polls, a Palace official said. authorities warned the public this week that using signal jammers aimed at disrupting the May 13 midterm elections next month is a criminal offense and punishable by law.

Commission on elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the use of signal

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

5

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch P27-B DA program gets NEDA-ICC nod EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

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

5.4 4th Qtr 2012

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

6.8 4th Qtr 2012

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

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

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

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

P 40.67 Feb 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,242.7 Jan 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.4 Feb 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.4 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.8 Feb 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

352,438 Nov 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

T

he investment body of the government stamps its approval to the P27.54 billion special program of the department of agriculture (da).

The national economic and development authority - investment Coordination Committee (neda-iCC) Cabinet Committee and Technical Board (TB) jointly approved early this month the da’s Philippine Rural development Program (PRdP) said Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning arsenio Balisacan in a letter to agriculture Secretary Processo J. alcala.

Balisacan also noted that the approved total project cost for PRdP is P27.535 billion consisting of P20.553 billion loan from the World Bank; P3.579 billion as national government counterpart; P3.118 billion equity of the Local government Units, and P287 million grant from the global environment Facility (geF).

The neda iCC reviews the fiscal, monetary and balance of payments implications of major capital projects and recommends to the President the timetable of the implementation of these projects.

PRdP draws from the innovations introduced by the ongoing Mindanao Rural development Program (MRdP). it will cover all

of the country’s 80 provinces in 16 regions.

The iCC-approved project will be implemented over six years as da’s platform for inclusive growth, value-chain oriented and climate-resilient agri-fisheries sector. it will cover all of the country’s 80 provinces in 16 regions.

“With PRdP, we want to create a chain of economic opportunities to bring farmers’ produce to higher levels of the value-chain and allow them to participate in the gains of value creation beyond the farm gate,” agriculture undersecretary Joel S. Rudinas said.

Value chain refers to the full range of activities that are required to bring a produce or services through the different phases of production, including physical transformation and the inputs of various producer services and response to the consumer demand, explained World Bank Marketing Specialist Flordeliza Lantican.

“The program will engage local government units, farmer groups and other private sector players as partners in infrastructure development that support priority commodities. it will also pursue the direction of the government for increased inter-agency collaboration to ensure that programs truly address inclusive

growth,” said Rudinas, adding: “as noted by Sec. (edwin) Lacierda, the bulk of population especially in the rural areas is still into agriculture. We need to create opportunities and generate employ-

ment in the field.” da expects the neda Board, chaired by President aquino, approval next month and the implementation of the PRdP to commence by last quarter of the year.

[Sherwin B. Manual/da]

P

or darlene antonino-Custodio disclosed over the weekend that the local government has facilitated the signing of new power sales contracts that would allow local distribution utility South Cotabato ii electric Cooperative (Socoteco ii) to access around 15 megawatts

(MW) of additional power supplies starting May 3.

She said the additional power supplies were projected to effectively cut down by half the area’s continuing seven-hour daily rotating outages.

“Starting May 3, all these contracts will take effect and

we expect them to bring down our rotating brownouts by half or possibly even more,” the mayor announced during the grand rally on Saturday of the city’s Liberal Party-achievers with integrity Movement (LPaiM) at the city gymnasium in Barangay Lagao.

The rally coincided with the scheduled meeting of President Benigno S. aquino iii with “local leaders and the community.”

Custodio, who is seeking reelection under the LP-aiM slate, said the city government and the Mindanao development authority have initiated negotiations in the past several weeks with various power producers for the augmentation of the Socoteco ii’s power supplies, which is currently short by around 40 MW. Socoteco ii, which lists an average daily peak demand of 112 MW, serves this city, the entire Sarangani Province and the municipalities of Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato.

The national Power Corporation (napocor) is only supplying around 43 MW of power to Socoteco ii out of their 52 MW contract for this year due to the reduced capacity of its hydroelectric plants in Bukidnon and Lanao del norte. [allen V. estabillo/Mindanews]

Davao by the numbers The total industrial area in Davao City in 2013reached

2,972 hectares which will increase by

7.3 percent in the 2016 projected land requirement.

Source: cPDo

Shorter brownouts expected in Socoteco II areas OWeR consumers in general Santos City and in the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato are finally getting relief this week from the prolonged daily rotating brownouts that has plagued the area in the last two months. general Santos City May-

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

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

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

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

It figures

15

JOBS FAIR. Regional director Jeoffrey Suyao of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11, left, discusses the details of the 2013 Labor Day Job Fair set on May 1, 2013 at SM City Davao, Gaisano Mall Davao and Gaisano Mall Tagum during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. At right is Fran-

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

4

cis Malalis, marketing officer of Jobs Academy, who talked about the company’s partnership with the Philippine Long Distance Telecommunications and the Department of Education-Davao City in intensifying their summer job program. Lean Daval Jr.

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

9,743

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

49.8

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

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT 7

Hybrid grass could reduce flooding impact

HYBRID. The plots of the hybrid grass were planted on clay-rich soil, which is prone to run-off

a

hybrid farmland grass, developed by a team of UK researchers, could help reduce flooding, a study has shown. a team of plant and soil scientists said tests showed the new cultivar reduced run-off by 51%, compared with a variety widely used to feed livestock.

They added that rapid growth and well developed root systems meant that more moisture was retained within the soil rather than running into river systems.

The findings appear in the journal Scientific Reports.

The novel grass is a hybrid of perennial ryegrass (Lollium perenne)

- which is widely planted by farmers for grazing livestock - and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis), which has environmental stress-resistant characteristics. greener grass Co-author Kit Macleod, senior research scientist at the James hutton institute based in aberdeen, said a long-term

project had been developing novel forage grasses but their environmental benefits had not really been tested.

“So i had the idea to... set up an experiment to look at how these novel grasses could be good for not only production from a farmer’s perspective but also reducing run-off,” he told BBC news.

“There is a lot of interest in how we manage agricultural landscapes to produce multiple benefits - particularly in relation to environmental stresses, such as changing precipitation and temperature patterns.”

Over a two-year period at the Rothamsted Research site in north devon, the team found that

the hybrid grass reduced run-off by up to 51% compared with perennial ryegrass and by 43% compared with meadow fescue.

“We think that how [the runoff was reduced] was to do with changes in the soil structure, and how this grass changed that,” dr Macleod explained. [BBC]

number of children’s backpacks were found laden with brain-damaging chemicals, according to an environmental group on Sunday.

The ecoWaste Coaliton said these bags and other back-to-school necessities come into sight in divisoria, the nation’s bargain shopping hub.

The group bought 25 samples of bags for children, costing P50 to P280 each, from bargain stores and sidewalk vendors in Juan Luna St. and Recto ave. in divisoria and Rizal ave. in Sta. Cruz, Manila Using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, ecoWaste researchers screened the samples for lead, a potent brain and nervous system poison, and other chemicals linked to serious health and environmental problems. in the absence of a specific standard for lead in children’s bags, the group used as reference the 90 parts per million (ppm) limit for lead in consumer paints and surface coatings under the US Consumer Product Safety improvement act.

Out of 25 samples, 23 (92 percent) were found to contain lead up to 5,752 ppm in excess of the 90 ppm threshold. none of the samples had proper product labels.

acting national Coordinator of the ecoWaste Coalition, aileen Lucero said that parents should be concerned with toxins in bags that can impair brain development, causing shorter attention span, learning disabilities and decrease in iQ score.

“This is why it is crucial to get rid of childhood lead exposure at its source such as lead-added paints, lead-containing consumer products, and lead-contaminated dust and waste,” Lucero added.

The “Risk Management Strategy for Lead” published by health Canada in February 2013 said that “research suggests that an incremental increase in blood lead levels of one microgram per deciliter is associated with approximately a one iQ point deficit,” the ecoWaste Coalition pointed out.

Meanwhile, the european Food Safety authority, US environmental Protection authority, World health Organization (WhO) and other health and science bodies have not identified a safe level of exposure to lead which no adverse health effects can be observed.

Main routes of exposure to lead are through ingestion, inhalation and, in minimal cases, via dermal contact or skin absorption. [Pna]

poison Coal investors told to diversify Brain-harming found in children’s bags before carbon bubble bursts a C OaL investors could suffer heavy losses in the future as carbon assets are frozen by regulators to achieve global warming targets, a new research report has found.

The report, “Unburnable Carbon: australia’s carbon bubble,” launched jointly Monday by the Carbon Tracker initiative and the Climate institute, claims that australian coal companies are irresponsibly investing large amounts in developing coal reserves that will ultimately have to go unburnt if the nation is to achieve

its carbon reduction commitments.

“Much of our reserves of potential resources rest on a speculative bubble of climate denial, indifference or dreaming,” said John Connor, CeO of the Climate institute, an independent australian research organization. “in australia, coal-related companies spent more than 6 billion aU dollars last year expanding those reserves and infrastructure. it’s clear from this report they are being gambled on a world that may not and should

not exist,” said Connor.

The report follows Carbon Tracker’s recent global analysis which stated that for there to be an 80 percent chance of achieving internationally agreed targets of limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius, only 20 percent to 40 percent of existing coal, gas and oil reserves can be burnt.

Taking australia as a case study, the new report found that the 51 gigatons of carbon pollution in australian coal companies’ reserves represents about 25 percent of a global car-

bon budget for coal. australian coal exports only represent 11 percent of the global market.

“There is a clear unbalance between the current level of australia’s coal production and their share of a global coal budget. To us, this says that australian coal companies are planning for a five to six degree future.

We feel this is a really risky assumption which is fundamental to the future financial value of these companies,” said principle author Luke Sussams.

[Pna/Xinhua]

cies and environmental groups to ensure the success of the program,” denR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said, as he congratulated Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales on the successful launch of the “Solid Waste Management Compliance Program” on earth day, april 22. during the launch, deputy Ombudsman for Luzon and environmental Ombudsman gerard Mosquera said the three-year program deviates from the usual approach of investi-

gation and prosecution as its primary purpose is to measure compliance and recognize the best performing LgUs in terms of conformity with the law on solid waste management.

Republic act no. 9003, otherwise known as the ecological Solid Waste Management act of 2000, provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that ensure protection of

public health and the environment. it seeks the creation of mechanisms and incentives to pursue an effective solid waste management at the local government levels.

The law calls for mandatory segregation of solid wastes; establishment of LgU materials recovery facility; prohibition against the use of open dumpsites, littering in public places, open burning of solid waste, squatting in open dumps and landfills; among others. [Pna]

DENR backs Ombudsman project to monitor solid waste compliance

T

he department of environment and natural Resources (denR) is throwing its full support to an initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman to monitor the compliance of local government units (LgUs) with the ecological solid waste management law.

“The denR commits to lend its technical expertise to the Office of the Ombudsman in monitoring LgUs’ compliance with the law, and cooperate with other government agen-

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO Austerity debate misses half the point

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

COMMENTARY

By Hugo Dixon

T

EDITORIAL

V

What’s the real score on Dado?

iCe Mayor Rody duterte, running unopposed for mayor of davao City in the 2013 elections, could not have said it more aptly when he told second district congressional aspirant Joji ilagan-Bian: “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” it’s classic election 101 lesson businesswoman Joji is getting from the veteran politico in Rody.

Their heated exchange notwithstanding, it’s really not easy being in the heat of politics. it may be a coincidence that Joji is running a culinary school and for that she may be used to the heat in the kitchen, but politics is an entirely different kitchen and one must be able to adapt to the varying changes in boiling point.

That’s true to both figurative and literal interpretation. add to that, the heat of political rivalry in the scorching summer heat that only gets our politicians’ heads reaching boiling point faster than usual.

The exchanges swing back and forth in the midst of the heated congressional race in the city’s district 2 between Joji

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and Rody’s anointed candidate, reelectionist Rep. Mylene garcia.

The latest chapter of that ‘electionovela’ had Joji breaking down in tears in her press conference and Rody laughing the antics off and telling her to quit if she can’t take the heat.

That for sure would not be the last.

The plot thickened when Rody’s party hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod reportedly kicked out one of its members—dado Mahipus—who is returning for another stint in the city council. dado said he remains loyal to the party and to Rody and the latter is keeping true to his words that anyone in the party committing an act of disloyalty is expendable.

The issue is not even settled clearly as it has some implications in the scheme of things in the election as far as the party’s entitlements vis-a-vis that of dado’s (if ever he was indeed expelled from the party) are concerned.

This does not involve merely words thrown in the air in the heat of this election battle. The public should get a clear answer. We deserve to know the real score.

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(1st of two parts)

he austerity debate misses half the point. it is true that governments, especially in the euro zone, shouldn’t chase an austerity spiral ever downwards.

But they can’t just sit on their hands. They must drive even harder for structural reforms.

The last few weeks have witnessed a sea-change in the debate over fiscal austerity. a seminal academic paper by Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff, which purported to show that economic growth was impaired if government debt levels exceeded 90 percent of gdP, has been discredited.

Meanwhile, the european Commission has softened its line on the merits of further deep budget cuts in peripheral economies.

Spain, for example, looks like it will get until 2016 to bring its deficit down below the european Union’s magic number of 3 percent of gdP. Portugal, greece, italy and France are also being shown greater leniency by Brussels. One of the first things enrico Letta, italy’s new prime minister, said last week was that country needed to focus on growth not austerity.

The change in attitude didn’t all happen in the past few weeks.

The international Monetary Fund, which in the old days used to be considered the high priest of austerity, has been advocating looser policies for a good year. and, as more countries have got sucked into the austerity spiral – slamming on the brakes, which crushes the economy, making it harder to hit budget targets – the folly of continuing with the same policies has been hard to ignore. it is astonishing to think that it was only in december 2011 that virtually the entire eU, including most countries outside the euro zone, signed up to the germaninspired “fiscal compact” – a misguided treaty which hardwires austerity into governments’ constitutions. it will be interesting to see whether this has any residual role or, like the euro zone’s original growth and stability pact, is viewed as a piece of waste paper.

But there are dangers in the new consensus too. The so-called austerians do have a point that excessive debt acts as a brake on an economy, even if there is no discontinuity at 90 percent of gdP. There is also the small matter of how rising debt – italy’s is heading to 130 percent of gdP and Spain’s to over 100 percent – is going to be funded. at the moment, the markets don’t seem worried. The eCB’s pledge to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro is keeping governments’ borrowing costs down. One of the most dramatic examples of this is Portugal, whose 10-year bonds now yield 5.9 percent down from 11.4 percent before the eCB’s jawboning.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

T

Not asking for the moon

he May 2013 mid-term elections are barely two weeks away and i am calling on my fellow World War 2 veterans to rally behind, and support, senatorial candidates who we believe can help our just cause. This is in reference to the Philippine government’s failure to address the billions of pesos it owes Filipino was veterans in unpaid differential arrears and pension adjustments.

The end of World War 2 saw some 240,000 Filipino veterans mustered out of the service---regular army personnel as well as guerrillas who were inducted into, and served, under the United States Forces in the Philippines (USFiP). in my case i was given the army serial number (aSn ) 230154, a number which nobody else who served in the USFiP owns.

With that many entitled to benefits that could have cost the government a staggering billions of pesos which it could ill afford, considering the devastation wrought by the

a

VANTAGE POINTS

war on the country, it seemed at the time like an impossible dream that would only find realization far in the future, if at all.

Well, that future is here and war veterans who are still extant are resurrecting their dream.

The dilemma we veterans face these days leading to the polls is knowing who among the many candidates for senator are really willing to speak up for veterans’ rights under the law and work for benefits we are entitled to. not that we had such benefits in our minds when we volunteered to join the fight against the Japanese invaders. That never entered our thoughts. not when we were still in our teens and 20s.

it had been reported about three years ago that only some 18,000 of us were still alive and that an average of ten die every day of various causes brought about by old age.

Considering that the war ended over 68 years ago, you can hardly come across any of us these days who is not in his late 80s or 90s.

That average of ten dying everyday may have accelerated considering our advanced age. By the year 2025 or thereabouts, i wonder if any of us will still be around---much less “kicking”. hence, it is with a sense of urgency that we address our plaint for understanding so that our lawmakers would right a wrong. Certainly, when there are only less than a thousand of us left, we don’t think our government would go bankrupt if it shells out a few more millions to right a wrong.

We aRe nOT aSKing FOR The MOOn (although we sometimes sound like we are “barking” at the moon out of frustration).

engage in an extensive besmirch campaign aimed at informing people that the country’s bright economic outlook and accelerating growth rate is only good in paper not so in procedures.

That leaves the aquino leadership to face the challenges and parry all the blows that will confront them in the days ahead. admittedly, a successful jobs creation and poverty alleviation programs cannot be done overnight, not even by the most advanced economies despite an astonishing economic growth rate.

The negative position engendered by the undignified claim about “inclusive and jobless growth” will not last forever or extend to all the corners of society. discussions on pressing issues related to the allege failure to deliver basic social services to the poor, jobs generation and poverty mitigation will continue and they should be debated where they belong – in public forums and the halls of Congress.

One wonders if some of those scheming senatorial pretenders, detractors and faceless critics who act like loose cannons with runaway mouths got carried away by the praise heaped on them every time they open their big loud mouths and have become complacent or, worse arrogant.

Talk about tall order. it is therefore significant to ask them this question: “Who among President Benigno aquino iii’s predecessors able to successfully solve unemployment and totally eradicate abject poverty in the country? Who is in far

better shape than it was after strongman and autocrat Ferdinand Marcos hightailed out of the country in 1986 or when it reached economic rock bottom under Cory aquino, amid coup attempts and power cuts?

Moreover, Fidel Ramos fared better, stimulated the economy and has accomplished much during his term, but failed in one area that he is expected to excel – crime solution. in short his best was not enough to solve joblessness and grinding poverty. The country had neither the credit rating nor the economic boom to sign up billions in private foreign debt and plow it into speculative assets under erap estrada. it was a leadership marred by scandals infamous among them is cronyism, nepotism, bribery and worse, gambling payola that forcefully led his disgraceful ouster. Being an economist didn’t help gloria Macapagal-arroyo either, instead there has been mounting sense of public discontent due to accumulation of crisis both big and small.

These have included economic slump – stock, infrastructure and property market crash, corruption and highly publicized cases of big-time bribery. To sum it all, all of them failed dismally to solve the country’s massive unemployment problem and worsening poverty situation.

We could hardly understand why those blabber-mouthed detractors and faultfinders would have to worry about their own government pulling through the previous economic rough patch and stretching that fine quality. To erase your doubts gentlemen, better compare notes with your breed or further conduct more studies and research to see the difference. diverse and “way- off- the- mark” computations about the current economic trend formulated by self-proclaimed financial experts only muddled the country’s factual economic state.

Talk about tall order

ShOWCaSe OF eCOnOMiC ReSURgenCe – The effort of the government to get the economy back into shape has to include hard work, determination and continuance that would make it world-beating. Take long hours of work and comprehensive planning, credited for the country’s increasing savings rates, strengthening of the currency, bull run in the stock market posting substantial points, not to mention the upgrading of credit ratings and investment grade.

Say what the critics and detractors will but the Philippines right now is a showcase of economic resurgence, even as some of its neighbors in the aSean region are hitting the economic skids. The country is one of the members that have fared relatively well during the economic turmoil. Over the past months, however, more and more political adversaries and disparagers of different colors and stripes dismissed the aquino administration’s statistics about the surging economic growth rate as nothing but pure hype. a question that keeps lingering on their minds: “What is there to brag about when the economic gains have not trickled down to the masses of the people amid the much-vaunted growth rate with gross domestic Product (gdP) attaining 6.6% and stock market ramming the 7,000 mark? What we have instead is inclusive and jobless growth.”

Most disturbing of all is the damage that may be done to the tireless effort being exerted – just when improving the economic condition is becoming increasingly important to the country’s success and well-being. Those do-nothing members of the political opposition and other bunch of salivating fools who have nothing good to do except to find fault and have sinister motives behind their every moves make them look like more lowly paid factotums of a highly ambitious political pretender.

These people will almost certainly try to

9

Abu Sayyaf, a group murderers and kidnappers OPINION

By MenarDo WenceSlao

d

eSPiTe the number of casualties that suffered from pursuing government forces, the abu Sayaff terrorists have persisted in their kidnap-for-ransom operations. What is alarming here is that they have victimized health workers and teachers who have braved the untenable and hazardous conditions in the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan to serve the Muslim communities there. as their number dwindles, the terrorists become desperate and in their desperation they hold hostage anyone whom they think can cough out money regardless of amount. Of course they go for the big fish but with the way things are going for the worse, the big fishes have avoided Sulu and Basilan where the abu Sayyaf still manage to exist. anyway you look at it, the abu Sayyaf band is a paragon of everything that is un-islamic. it is this group and the members of Jemaah islamiyah that had brought untold misery and hopelessness in this group of pristine island provinces west of Mindanao that was once a vibrant region where Filipino Muslims and Christians trade and barter with our southern neighbors. it is where domestic and international tourists relish the rustic and peaceful environment and the richness of diverse cultures like no other. investors have once looked southward and had partnered with the locals. not anymore. When the secessionist fronts planted the seeds of rebellion and terrorist organizations took advantage of the whipped up discontent fanned by radicalism and extremism the entire vista of hope and prospects for the new generation of Filipino Muslims faded quickly into misery and endless conflict.

The land of hope and tranquility became the arena of war that gave rise to divisiveness and lawlessness. it is this specter that made it a veritable sanctuary of al Qaeda terrorists that spawned the vicious Jemaah islamiyah which in turn turned abu Sayyaf into monstrous murderers and kidnappers victimizing Muslims and Christians alike. in the land where majority of the dwellers are Muslim Filipinos only they can best address this crisis. if it is of any consolation, however, there seems to be a new awakening in them in that our peacekeeping forces have engaged and neutralized dozens of terrorists and kidnap-for-ransom syndicates. if only this can be sustained there is a big possibility that the vibrant trade and commerce, unity amid diversity, hope and prospects for Muslims and Christians youths can be restored as quickly as when these faded. This time they can nurture these to rebuild a shattered dream of a peaceful and contented life.

10

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

In Davao City

Pneumonia is top killer disease

By Che Palicte

T TEARS OF JOY. A person with disability (PWD) cries after receiving a wheelchair from the Knights of Columbus during the group’s Global Wheelchair Mission

at the Ateneo De Davao University yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Phoenix Petroleum...

Port of Bauan, Batangas in June to november in 2010, January to March 2011 and June 2010 to april 2011.

“We assure you that we are taking action to ensure that we will be exonerated from these false and malicious accusations,” the statement said. according to Phoenix, the allegations were unsubstantiated and are troubling to the company, considering that Phoenix is regularly honored as one of the Philippine’s highest taxpayers as recognized by the Bureau of internal Revenue (BiR) and Bureau of Customs

(BOC).

Phoenix was also cited one of the top 7 importers during the 111th celebration of BOC last February 6 with P4.7 billion taxes paid to the national government.

“We will continue to do what we have always done and continue to be an indispensable partner in the lives of the ones we touch,” according to the statement.

Phoenix external affairs vice president, lawyer Raymond Zorilla earlier told edge davao via text message that the april 24 decision of the department of Justice’s (dOJ) decision

A wheelchair...

ippines Southern Mindanao Chapter, as one of the ngOs that help determine the recipients, “we chose stroke and spinal cord injury patients who have difficulty walking because half their bodies are paralyzed.”

She said, “we are very grateful that aWM gave these mobility devices since a lot of PWds in davao City have difficulty getting wheelchairs due to lack of funds.” aWM has been donating wheelchairs in Manila and naga City, and it is the first time that they donated in davao City. aWM also gives mobility devices for PWds in 6 major locations all over the world every year, including Vietnam, Mexico, haiti, the holy Land, the United States, and the Philippines.

They have donated 8,000

FFROM 1 to file charges against high ranking officials of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines violates the law and jurisprudence.

Zorilla said that the reversal of the original decision “is a clear violation of established rules and jurisprudence for it contravenes due process and fair play.” he said that they (Phoenix) have not yet received a copy of the purported resolution and that they are “extremely” surprised by the reversal of the original decision that absolved Uy from the “unsubstantiated” charges filed earlier by the BOC.

FFROM 2

mobility devices in 150 different countries in the past four years. addU assistant to the president Jeremy “Bong” eliab said, Lewis showed great interest in partnering up with them (addU) so that they (aWM) will be able to provide more mobility devices for PWds in Mindanao. it takes five to six months to ship the devices from america to the Philippines while the mobility devices distributed yesterday were transported from america since november last year, this means, if they (aWM) will bring more aid, it will probably arrive by next year.

University Community engagement and advocacy Council (UCeaC) chair lawyer Romeo Cabarde Jr. said Lewis initially said that

they engaged addu for a long term basis and they (aWM) will be coming back every year to address PWds who were not able to receive mobility devices. groups, organizations and individuals who wish to avail of the mobility devices may call their office at 221 2411, local 8262, according to Cabarde. They will prioritize indigent PWds who can’t afford wheelchairs or other mobility devices. eliab said that there are spare parts for the mobility devices that will be left by aWM with addU to repair broken wheelchairs.

Yesterday, aWM also visited four communities with PWds to see how the wheelchairs help the PWd and their families, according to eliab. (eJF)

he department of health (dOh) reported that pneumonia has been the no. 1 killer disease in davao City from 2010 to 2013 with a total of 2,291 deaths out of 8,258 cases.

Mary divine hilario, officer-in-charge of the dOh’s health advocacy and Promotion Cluster, told edge davao that pneumonia is caused by liquid or pus in the air sacs of the lung, which interferes with the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen to the blood.

“Pneumonia rarely causes serious complications for healthy people less than 65 years old. People who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases or who have compromised immune

systems are generally at greater risk for developing pneumonia,” she explained. hilario added that bacteria and viruses are the primary causes of pneumonia, and persons with low immune system are susceptible to the entry of the organisms that settle in small air sacs called alveoli and continue multiplying. “as the body sends white blood cells to attack the infection, the sacs become filled with fluid and pus resulting to pneumonia,” she said, adding that people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPd), smokers and alcoholics are the common recipients of pneumonia.

The dOh also notes that acute respiratory infection is also a common disease among dabawenyos with 8,108 cases, followed by dengue (7,425 cases) third on the list.

Other diseases common in the city are: acute respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, tuberculosis, hypertension, heart disease, urinary tract infection, and malnutrition. in order to prevent pneumonia, hilario suggests the following steps: stop smoking; avoid people who have infections; stay away from people who have colds, flu, or other respiratory tract infections; avoid people with measles or chickenpox; and wash hands often.

as i said in my caucuses, i don’t have the right to hamper the decision of any barangay or municipality in north Cotabato whether they should include themselves in the Bangsamoro territory if they want to,” he said. however, Piñol, just as much as he won’t be a blunder to the decisions of the north Cotabato barangays and municipalities, emphasized that no one either holds the right to coerce local officials and residents to join in the Bangsamoro government. “i mean, let us respect the rights of our people to decide if they would like to be part of Bangsamoro government,” he added.

Repeatedly, Piñol supports FaB publicly as the new form of political entity to take over autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (aRMM). he stressed it should remain people-centered through upholding the right to choice and decision-making of north Cotabato constituents.

“Peace in Bangsamoro will mean also peace for

north Cotabato,” he added.

Bangsamoro refers to Muslim-dominated communities in Mindanao and its people.

“Kung magiging maganda ang buhay ng mga tao sa Bangsamoro naturally ang north Cotabato will also be peaceful, magiging tahimik kami, hindi na kami magkakagulo at matigil na yung away, magkakaroon din kami ng pagkakataon na mapaunlad ang buhay ng mga tao namin (if the life of Bangsamoro people improves, naturally the lives of Cotabatenios will also improve, people will no longer fight and development follows),” Pinol explained. “in fact, i think, everybody should even go out of their way to assist the new Bangsamoro government para yung ating mga kapatid na Bangsamoro doon sa Bangsamoro territory ay matikman din nila ang masaganang buhay at tahimik na pamumuhay because the success of the Bangsamoro territory will also mean peace and prosperity for the neighboring areas,” he explained.

Piñol also said empha-

Piñol vows support to FAB

M

agPeT, north Cotabato -- north Cotabato gubernatorial candidate emmanuel “Manny” Piñol reiterated his support to the Framework agreement on Bangsamoro (FaB) as has been evident in a series of the caucuses he conducted. “i have faith in the President (Benigno aquino iii); naniniwala ako na ang Pangulo ay maganda ang kaniyang layunin- na matapos ang kaguluhan sa Mindanao,” (i believe that President aquino has good intentions to put an end to Mindanao conflict),” he said. however, he said it doesn’t end with that after making it clear that there is still one stand he believes.

For Piñol, the FaB, as the new pact made between the gPh-MiLF directed towards achievement of peace, shall respect the rights of the people to choose whether they should be part of the Bangsamoro government or not.

“My stand on this issue is very simple. number 1,

Chinese...

FFROM 2

50,000 in Mindanao. according to dCCCii president daniel Lim, “this will be an advantage to the businessmen of davao since it will be easier for them to get visas making it easier for

them to import or export goods and products to China.”

Lim said, if there are enough commitments from businessmen in davao City to fly to China and put on paper,

then having a Chinese consular office in davao City will be “very” possible. “i will bring this matter up with the dCCCii in our meeting this coming april 30,” he said. (eJF)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

NATION/WORLD11

PHL says communist peace talks have failed T

he Philippines says that peace talks with communist rebels have collapsed and a target of ending the decades-long insurgency

by 2016 is impossible to achieve.

Philippine President Benigno aquino’s administration is looking for a “new approach” following

nearly three years of failed negotiations and a fresh surge in deadly violence, chief government negotiator alex Padilla told aFP. “We are at an impasse

now. Whether we talk or not, the same violence continues, nothing has changed. So why will we force ourselves to talk?”

Padilla said.

COLLAPSED. Communist rebels stand in formation on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on December 26, 2010. The Philippines says that peace talks with communist rebels have collapsed and a target of ending the decades-long insurgency by 2016 is impossible to achieve.

aquino had said he wanted to seal a peace deal to end the 44-year insurgency, which has claimed an estimated 30,000 lives, before his term ended in 2016.

When asked about the timeframe, Padilla said: “That is gone.”

The government and the rebels had initially raised hopes in early 2011 that they were on the right track when they announced after top-level talks in norway that both sides were committed to signing a peace deal by June 2012.

But negotiations barely progressed after that.

Padilla blamed the netherlands-based communist leadership, the national democratic Front, for the failure, accusing it of setting new and impossible conditions for talks such as the release of captured senior rebels. he said this had been a tactic of the rebels in more than two decades of peace talks with previous administrations, and questioned their sincerity in seeking peace.

Padilla said the govern-

ment had not yet decided on its “new approach” for dealing with the rebels but it did want to re-open negotiations at some point.

The military estimates the rebels have only about 4,000 fighters nationwide, down from more than 26,000 at their peak in the 1980s. however, they remain a danger, particularly in rural areas where they can count on support from local populations who endure the worst of the country’s savage richpoor divide.

The rebels have become more active ahead of next month’s mid-term elections when thousands of local positions will be contested.

They killed two aides to a politician on april 20, and the military has accused them of extorting millions of dollars from many candidates in return for allowing them to campaign freely.

The military said in February that the rebels killed 164 soldiers, policemen, security forces and civilians in 2012. [aFP]

images were from after the attack or not.

Mazzeh is an upscale neighbourhood in western damascus, home to a number of senior regime figures. halqi was appointed prime minister in august 2012 after his predecessor Riad hijab defected to the opposition.

The last major attack in damascus was on april 9, when a massive blast killed at least 15 people in the

centre of the capital.

Some of the groups fighting with the opposition to President Bashar al-assad’s regime have resorted increasingly to the use of car and suicide bombs to target senior government figures. in July 2012, a suicide bomb attack killed Syria’s defence minister and deputy defence minister and left the country’s interior minister seriously wounded. [aFP]

Syrian PM survives assassination bid

S

YRian Prime Minister Wael al-halqi escaped an assassination bid on Monday, surviving a blast that targeted his convoy in damascus, Syrian state television reported.

One of his bodyguards was killed in the attack which left a second bodyguard and his driver seriously injured, the Syrian Observatory for human Rights watchdog said.

“The terrorist explosion in Mazzeh was an attempt

to target the prime minister’s convoy and dr. Wael alhalqi was unharmed,” state television reported.

The Observatory reported that a car bomb targeted halqi’s convoy as it passed through the Mazzeh district of damascus. director Rami abdel Rahman told aFP that the bomb appeared to have been detonated from a distance.

State television said the explosion happened near a

public garden and a school in the neighbourhood, a well-secured district that is home to embassies, government buildings, intelligence facilities and several political figures. “i was walking in the street when suddenly there was a very powerful explosion and i saw a car burning and people running,” a young man told aFP at the scene. “i heard glass shattering,” he added, saying he

had tried to hide for fear a second explosion would follow. an aFP photographer at the scene said several vehicles were destroyed in the blast, including a bus burned out by the explosion. The windshields of other cars nearby were also blown out.

State television al-ikhbariya broadcast footage of halqi attending a government meeting, but without indicating whether the

TARGETED. A pro-government Syrian soldier mans a check point in Damascus as a car bomb that exploded in the Damascus neighbourhood of Mazzeh on Monday targeted the car of Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi. [AFP]

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

COMMUNITY SENSE13

Globe Telecom stays committed to corporate sustainability

R

eCOgniZing the impact of environmental and social issues concerns on the global economy, globe Telecom has reiterated its commitment in integrating sustainability in its core operations at the 2013 aSean Corporate Sustainability Summit held recently in Manila. “globe Telecom is adding its voice to the clamor for green initiatives and sustainability,” said Yoly Crisanto, globe Telecom’s Corporate Communications head, acknowledging that the telecommuni-

cations industry is a huge canvass for various sustainability efforts because of its scale of operations.

The aSean Corporate Sustainability Summit, held recently, provided a venue for top corporations in the aSean region on to share their experiences in mainstreaming sustainability into organizational thinking and practice.

The forum was aimed at shedding light on how companies could move beyond corporate social responsibility and take into account sustainability in their strategy, finances

and operations.

Speaking at the forum, Ms. Crisanto noted that in all operational aspects, from transportation to energy consumption, there are potential risks to the community and its surrounding ecosystem. “Fully recognizing its impact, globe Telecom has committed to make a difference in this part of the world by taking up the challenges of sustainability,” Ms. Crisanto emphasized. in fact, the company’s $700 million network modernization, once com-

pleted, will enable the company to become the first green mobile network in the country. in support of its sustainability initiatives, the company also spends vast resources in environment protection and reduction of carbon use, she said.

The company’s sustainability efforts seem to be paying off as the company achieved two consecutive years of strong financial growth despite intense competition. “globe Telecom, being a public utility company, can best serve the Filipino

nation by ensuring that as we transform the lives of our people with technology and mobile solutions, we also do our share in protecting this viable ecosystem we are in,” Ms. Crisanto said.

“We are a responsible corporate advocate and in so doing, we create a globe of good and make our world safe and green for this generation of Filipinos and the next,” she added. globe Telecom was also a major sponsor of the event, which featured delegates from the South-

east asian region from industry, government, regulatory bodies, multilateral agencies and the academe. globe Telecom’s 2012 annual and Sustainability Report was given a B+ rating by TUV Rheiland under the global Reporting initiative (gRi) g 3.1. The g 3.1 framework is the most accepted international reporting framework applicable to corporations of any size, type or location. it sets the standard on which organizations shall measure their economic, environmental, and social performance.

Kakao Eskwela on TV

By Che Palicte

a

gRiCULTURaL Cooperative development international and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative assistance (aCdi/VOCa) takes to a new level the information drive of cacao industry program with ‘Kakao eskwela’ which will be aired in the television (TV) on May 6.

Training and extension coordinator of aCdi/ VOCa Janoz Laquihon, bared at the weekly Kapehan sa dabaw in SM annex on Moday that the unique agricultural tv program will be aired in gMa and cable channel 32, 4:30 am to 5:00 am every Mondays to Fridays.

“This project is one of the multimedia efforts of the Cocoa, Coconut, and Palayamanan (Cocopal) and the program will be targeting investors, distributors, buyers, growers and farmers as the main audience,” he explained.

Laquihon is positive

that the program can help in informing and raising awareness on the shortage of quality cocoa beans worldwide. “The Philippines can fill this supply on the global market if we are fully aware on how to develop our cacao industry” he added. “if we push for proper education and information dissemination, it will boost the value chain and will result to over-all industry development,” he explained. he also added that the aCdi/VOCa developed streamlined mass media informational drives that encourage, train and empower the cacao farmers and would-be cacao farmers and growers.

“This way, skill transfer is faster, easier and available on a larger scale,” he said.

Kakao eskwela tv program was funded by the United States department of agriculture (USda).

LAqUIHON

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

3RD MT. APO BOulDER FACE ChAllENGE

EDGEDAVAO

Davao runners shine T

he tandem of marathon specialists Ronald dagaang and Mario ecalner of People’s Park Runners Club of davao-Titan’s davao used their advantage in the running stage to rule the third international Mt. apo Boulder Race Face Challenge on Sunday at the Sta. Cruz in davao del Sur. dagaang and ecalner, both employees of the davao Security and intelligence agency (dasia) finished the 113.3 kilometer race in a total of 12 hours, 22 minutes and 58 seconds to win the top purse of P150,000. They also finished first at the transition area or check point no. 16 located at hedcor power house 2

in Sibulan with a time of 4:20:37. dagaang, 28, a former amateur boxer-turned ultra-marathoner, and ecalner, 40, managed to grab the lead from biking specialists dexter nonato and april John Maniyog of Team dOTa-Columbia from the trails stage. “naiwanan kami sa biking kaya noong paakyat palang kami sa boulders ng Mt. apo, pabalik na sila pababa,” said dagaang, who also won the TdR 80-kilomer ultramarathon in davao recently. nonato, 28 and Maniyog, 20, who previously topped the Columbia Trail Run in Samal island, however, lost their 30-minute lead to the

runners during the trail run and crossed the finish line in front of the Sta. Cruz Municipal hall at 12:32.21 and won the P100,000 second prize. dagaang, a security guard and ecalner, an armored car driver, kept their advantage after they were released the following day at 5:30 a.m. for the white water tubing at Sibulan River.

Last year, dagaang finished second place in a team-up with policeman Jonathan Pido, who settled for fourth place together with fellow policeman Juny Rex Carreon for PnP davao Oriental.

PnP-davao Oriental, actually finished ahead against Team Franklin

Baker’s dioscoro genunsalao Jr. and Romeo Mascardo Jr. But they only finished sixth during the transition area to end up over-all sixth place also based on the accumulated time.

Franklin Baker placed over-all third at 12:46:51 followed by hedcor’s elmer Bartolo and angelito Sibayan (13:30:57) and White Peak Outdoor Shop’s Marcial Catanggi and gerald daraydo (13:43:40) as fourth and fifth, respectively.

Seventh place went to Flying V Philippines’ Charlito esparar and Mark anthony Rance (14:35:17) and Team PORBO’s noel Oyson and ireezbone Barrientos (14:39:34). (Pna)

TOUGH AS NAILS. Ronald Dagaang (right) and Mario Ecalner ((left) of People’s Park Runners Club of Davao-Titans Davao pose at the finish line after topping the 3rd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge last April 28 in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur (Photo by LITO DELOS REYES/PNA)

Jordan on ‘air’ with ex-model M

iChaeL Jordan got married over the weekend, with Tiger Woods, Spike Lee and Patrick ewing among those attending the nBa hall of Famer’s wedding in Palm Beach, Fla. Jordan married 35-year-old former model Yvette Prieto on Saturday, manager estee Portnoy

told The associated Press on Sunday.

The 50-year-old Jordan owns the Charlotte Bobcats. nearly 500 guests were present as they exchanged vows. The reception took place at a private golf club in Jupiter designed by Jack nicklaus. Jordan owns a home near the course.

JORDAN TAKES A BRIDE. NBA legend Michael Jordan marries long-time girlfriend Yvette Prieto.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Seda BGC An experience that is smooth as silk Bonifacio Global city in Taguig is truly a wonderful place to visit for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of work. it is an urban centre where there is a right balance of business, shopping, art and lifestyle.

Unfortunately, the area seems to have limited choices when it came to hotels, especially for the business and family set.

Located at 30th Street corner 11th avenue, Seda BGc is a brand new boutique business hotel owned by ayala Land. Built directly on Bonifacio Global city’s High Street and sitting right across Serendra, Seda BGc is centrally positioned for life and leisure at the heart of the Global city, and many thanks to Seda Davao’s nel Ruiz, i was able to experience the property up close and personally.

The trip to BGc was a quick and effortless one coming from ninoy aquino international airport’s Terminal 3. Upon arrival, i felt a sense of homeyness, maybe its because of the filipino feel of the hotel’s lobby, or maybe it is because of the many art pieces that were done by Dabawenyo metal-craft artist ann Pamintuan. checking in was a breeze thanks to Seda’s paperless system where tablets are employed instead of using paper, which is ecologically friendlier. all the rooms of Seda BGc (including the ones at cagayan de oro and Davao) are furnished with top-class amenities, like a 40-inch LED HDTV with USB, a/V, and HDMi connectivity via a convenient media panel. a fast Wi-fi connection ensures executives are in touch with their emails while families can stay in touch and share their vacation as soon as they return to the hotel. i love the idea of having an upholstered bench besides the window of

SEDA BGC by night from High Street.

my room, not only does it maximise the floor area of the room, but it creates more space to relax and lounge about. i also loved the king-size bed which was soft but provided enough support for a good night’s rest.

Dining at Seda BGc is delightful courtesy of Misto, the hotel’s 3-in-1 concept restaurant that serves as an all-day dining, lounge and business centre in one. of course being located right where all the action is, Seda BGc is just a short walk away from the many international and local restaurants that are located right on the High Street as well as areas immediately around it.

Shopping is also fun and easy as everything is located right on and around the property’s doorstep, from the international clothing choices at High Street all the way to more affordable options a short stroll away at Market!Market! and the soon to open SM aura Premier mall. for the evening-set, the hotel also offers a roof top bar called Straight Up where one can chill out and relax with cocktails while taking in the dazzling lights and architec-

Misto.

ture of the Bonifafio Global city.

My stay at the Seda BGc was one that reminded me of my trips to Hong Kong, where experiencing the vibe of the city is as easy as stepping out of the front door of the hotel, eliminating the hassles of commuting and ensuring a wonderful experience that is smooth as silk. and with Seda soon opening their Davao hotel, one can be sure the city life experience will be here as well.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @kennethkingong for more food and travel finds from in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

SEDA’S driveway.

Works by Ann Pamintuan.

iPod dock and media panel.

Seda BGC’s spacious room.

Straight Up’s outdoor area.

Straight Up.

The lobby using Filipino designed furniture. Seda’s e-lounge.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Cotton On opens first VISMIN store at SM Lanang Premier WORLD-RENOWNED Australian clothing brand Cotton On opens its first store in Davao and in Mindanao at SM Lanang Premier on Sunday, April 21.

C o t ton On is known for its fastp a c e d, cuttingedge and affordable designs for style-savvy girls and boys. From the runway to the shop floor, it is the fashion destination for on-trend basics and headturning ensembles.

The Aussie retail giant opened its first store in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia in September last year.

Now, as it launches its first Davao branch at the Upper Ground Floor of SM Lanang Premier, all Dabawenyos are invited to join the celebration.

Like SM Lanang Premier on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @SMLanangPremier for news and event updates.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

FOOD

Beat the heat!

By Carlo P. Mallo

SUMMER just got better. The heat hitting a high of 39 degrees celsius (*real feel) the other day could only mean one thing – more ice cream.

ice cream comes in many sizes and forms these days. Gone are the days when ice cream was either in a tub or on a sugar cone. from boxes, aluminum wraps, plastic cups, tin cans, and yes, fresh out of the machine ones.

The summer heat has given me the opportunity to get reacquainted with the ice cream that we have in the market right now. Here’s a shortlist of ice cream brands that you should try while the sun is hot, lest you throw away a perfect season to indulge in these coolers: S&R brands – ThE Terranova collection, with its vision of a There’s quite a numworld which is young and fresh, street and ber of them at your metropolitan and banking on showing a style favorite S&R store, which is easy to live, wear and buy, opens its which i’m sure you shop in second store in like crazy whenever you’re Davao City. Locatin Manila or cebu. With ed at the ground the Davao store opening floor near the soon, we can now all enjoy Atrium, Terranova Ben and Jerry’s, Starbucks, aims to capture and Haagen Dazs. the hearts of aAling Foping’s Hamany fashion-forlo-halo – nothing ward ladies and beats this good old men in the north favorite. from my of the city. days in high school until One of the trenditoday, a hot summer day est fashion brands can be survived by a cup of with competitive aling foping’s Halo-halo. prices and the highand yes, you have to eat it est number of flagunder the shade of the trees ship stores in the at the park of Matina Town world. Terranova inSquare.

Carmen’s Best – if troduces easy-to-wear clothes that are easy-to-buy there is one reason thanks to its even more affordable prices andeasy-tofor you to visit the live for the incredible feeling of freedom. weekend markets The Italian bohemian look has never been this chic, easy-on-the pocket, and lovable. Visit Terranova at its of Makati, this has to be it. newest store today or at its first store at the ground There’s nothing like homemade ice cream on a hot floor of the Abreeza Mall. summer day. it’s actually so good that i doubt it would last a day in your fridge.

Milo Mix-ins – Sundaes are no longer the same.

Recently, Jollibee launched the new batch of Milo Mix-ins – Milo Blast with Pretzel Krunch and Milo Blast with cookie Berry. i actually like the Pretzel Krunch and the surprise crunch that you get in every spoonful. and at only P38 per cup, how can you say no to that?

Fudgie Sensation – Bigby’s fudgie Sensation is so good you’d actually EL RITMO MONDO: SUMMER PARTY SERIES at the Fountain Court SM City Gensan Kicks Off with a first ever Full Moon Party this forget the humidity of the coming April 26 and 27 with DJs, fire dancers and drum beaters. night. considering that it’s

Terranova opens second Davao store at SM Lanang Premier

1 2 3 4 5

vanilla ice cream and warm brownie in a cup, you can never go wrong with that to wrap up a night of binge eating.

Tiramisu – The extreme heat of the summer is supposed to make sleeping inconvenient for us but the heat zaps the energy out of us. The tiramisu from Swiss Deli is just the best there is in town. and oh, it cools you down and perks you up for the day.

These products may not change the temperature of our warming world, but it can definitely make each scorching day more bearable. Bon appétit!

6

VOL. 6 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Prince Harry makes scheduled appearance, crowd holds tribute for Boston bombings DESPITE the tragedy that struck the Boston marathon less than a week ago, runners continued with their plans to race in London, and Prince harry was there to award them just as planned.

The young royal appeared at today’s London Marathon to support the 36,000 runners heading toward the finish line. harry told BBC News that missing the event was “never an option as far as I was concerned,” and continued to note that, “Everyone that was planning on coming is still here. No one’s changed any plans.” however, those who attended the London marathon paid tribute to Boston with a 30-second

moment of silence in honor of those who didn’t finish their race, according to CNN. “The way that Boston has dealt with it has been absolutely remarkable,” Prince harry told the BBC. “It’s never going to get anyone down here... everyone comes togeth-

er.”

Kate Middleton’s brother-in-law and Sir Richard Branson posed with women’s champion Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya and men’s champion Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia and their trophies after winning their respective races.

Reese Witherspoon denies telling police “Do you know my name?” during arrest NEWS of Reese Witherspoon getting arrested was shocking, but what may have surprised fans even more was what the sweet, Southern mom of three reportedly said to police officers.

According to the police report, “Mrs. Witherspoon asked, ‘Do you know my name?’ I answered, ‘No, I don’t need to know your name.’ I then added, ‘Right now.’ Mrs. Witherspoon stated, ‘You’re about to find out who I am’.”

But a source tells E! News that the star insists it didn’t go down like that.

“It wasn’t like that,” the source said, and explained that when the officer was handcuffing her, Witherspoon simply asked, “Don’t you need to know my name?”

The source also added that there was no scream-

ing or any sort of physical altercation between Witherspoon and the officer. “She was being protective of her husband and was fearful of the situation,” they tell us.

Witherspoon and husband Jim Toth were arrested and jailed early Friday morning in Atlanta for an alleged DUI and disorderly conduct, after getting pulled over under suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Around 3:30

a.m. the same day, the couple were released on bond. A court date has been scheduled for Monday at 8 a.m. in Atlanta Municipal Court.

But you wouldn’t know the duo had any trouble this weekend by looking at them. The couple seemed more than fine, as witnessed by this photograph of them leaving their New York City hotel earlier today to attend Reese’s premiere for Mud.

Kate Middleton stuns at review of Queen’s Scouts KATE Middleton is a vision in mint.

The 31-year-old royal mom-to-be looked stunning as she honored the achievements of hundreds of Scouts at Windsor Castle Sunday, showing off her bump in a mint green cotton Mulberry coat, a Whiteley fascinator and nude LK Bennett heels.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who is a trained

scout volunteer, also chatted with young Brits who received the Queen’s Scout Award, the high-

est honor a scout can achieve, according to the BBC. The award is given to scouts between the ages of 16 and 25 for achievements including participating in regular community service for a year.

Since Middleton joined the scouts in 2012, more than 2,800 new adult volunteers have joined the organization, the second biggest rise since 1986.

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 27 • TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

An Epic Summer at Resorts World Manila

By Kenneth Irving Ong

SUMMER is all about partying and having a grand old time with friends wether in Davao city or via any destination that is easily accessible via cebu Pacific’s affordable and fun flights.

The hottest Summer destination for 2013 though would be Resorts World Manila, Manila’s only fully integrated entertainment and lifestyle hub that is located just across ninoy aquino airport’s Terminal 3.

Resorts World recently launched its season offerings at an exclusive by-invitation-only sunset party held at the Maxim’s pool.

Titled Epic Summer Sundown Sounds and launched at the Maxim’s pool through an exclusive, by-invitation-only sunset party hosted by Kc Montero and issa Litton. With the help of international DJs nigelik, the crowd was up and dancing with a vibe similar to that of a Las Vegas pool party. aside from the bikinis, hot bodies and throbbing beats, there was an endless supply of Magnum ice cream bars to keep everyone cool and comfortable. of course this is just the tip of Resorts World’s Epic Summer Sundown Sounds as many of the hottest filipino bands like Sandwich, Pupil, Up Dharma Down, Pupil, franco, The itchyworms, The Dawn, Spongecola, Urbandub, Rocksteddy, Tanya Markova, indio i, Tropical Depression, Kitchie nadal, Moonstar 88, Join the club and many more fill the newport Mall Plaza with summer’s hottest music all the way until the end of arpil. other enticing promos and attractions complement Resorts World Manila’s Epic Summer, including the “Millionaire’s Month” promo with over P21 million in prizes held at the casino area, hotel promos from Resorts World Manila signature hotels Remington Hotel and Maxims Hotel, enticing dining offers including filipino-themed resto Mercado’s P188 buffet and cantonese fine dining res-

Synima and Mr. Marcus. taurant Passion’s all-youcan-eat dimsum at P750. culturephiles and families can also experience the wonder of Roger and

Hammerstein’s The King and i at the newport Performing arts Theater on its extended run until the end of May.

Visit www.rwmanila.com or call the tourist/visitors’ hotline (02) 908-8833 for more on Resorts World Manila’s Epic Summer.

DJ Ngelik from Spain.

Mermaids at the Epic Summer pool party.

DJ Jules Savard and friends.

Kitchie Nadal and Barbie Almabis TV 5’s Boracay bodies. with friends.

Tristan Besa Jr., Bobby Yan, Issa Litton, RWM’s mentalist Zlwin Kitchie Nadal and RWM’s Martin Ron Pecho, Sheryl Songsong, and Paz. Chew Kenneth del Rosario

Franco and RWM’s Joy KC Montero, RWM’s Martin Paz Krista Miller, Wendy Valdez, Andrade. and Bobby Yan. Phoemela Baranda and Brent Javier.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 •TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

Davao bets rule Nat’l karatefest

GOLDEN FORM. John Paul Ponce of AAK Davao doing his kata routine that won the gold in the GOLDEN DOUBLE. Jamaica Quiben of AAK Davao delivers a jodan geri (head kick) to opponent Tanya Marshburn of SKKC Bukidnon on her boys 9-11 years old kata competition in the SM Super Karate Kids National Age Group karatedo way to winning the gold medal in the girls 10-11 kumite. tournament at SM City Davao last Sunday.

By Neil Bravo

T

he grizzled warriors from davao’s association for the advancement of Karatedo (aaK) regaled the weekend crowd at SM City davao on Sunday amassing 14 gold medals to rule the SM Super Karate Kids national age group Championships. alexa Barnes, Jamaica

Quiben,gabriel Quinones and arthur Lao won two golds each for aaK davao who also added 11 silvers and 13 bronze medals.

Barnes made up for the loss of sister Oona Barnes in the girls 12-13 kumite by winning the 9 years old and below girls kata and the 8-9 years kumite.

Oona, aaK-davao’s best

bet in the girls side of the tournament, settled for the bronze in the 12-13 kumite. She took the gold in the 12-14 girls kata for blue and purple belts.

Quinones won golds in the 12-14 boys kumite and the 14 and below kata while the veteran Lao topped the 16-17 boys kumite and the 16 and above

kata. a total of 70 karatekas competed from La Salle greenhills, aaK-SM Megamall, aSKa-Cavite, SKKC Bukidnon, aSSeT-Cagayan de Oro, COMaTCOM davao and aaK davao. aaK chairman Manuel Veguillas and chief referee Ricky Lim graced the tournament which serves

heat finish off Bucks

M

iLWaUKee (aP) -- LeBron James can cross another item off his to-do list.

James scored 30 points, Ray allen had another big game against his old team and the Miami heat got their first playoff sweep in the Big Three era, advancing to the eastern Conference semifinals with an 88-77 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on

Sunday. ‘’it was our next big step as far as our growth,’’ James said. ‘’it’s so hard to win on the road in the playoffs, in someone’s building - especially when someone is playing for their last life. it’s a big step for us.’’ and now the heat have some much-needed time to rest. dwyane Wade sat out Sunday’s game, only the second postseason game he’s missed in his ca-

reer, because of his aching right knee. But with Miami not playing until next Saturday, at the earliest, he’ll have plenty of time to treat the three bone bruises that caused him to miss six games near the end of the regular season.

Miami plays the winner of the Brooklyn-Chicago series. The Bulls lead that series 3-1, with game 5 on Monday night in new York.

tournament TKS Petron, Tomas electrical Supplies, engr. alex Lao, emcor, Benjade Construction, Mr. Benjie Lim, Charlie and gloria estarija, SM City davao, aaK davao, LPiC (Living Power international Corporation), Raysabs Machine Shop exclusive distributor of Raimol Oil” Tan said.

End of the road L

FORLORN. The look in Lakers stars Metta World Peace and Pau Gasol tells all the frustration of an injury-plagued season which ended with a sweeping defeat to the San Antonio Spurs.

as the national preparatory event for the upcoming 21st KOi Karate World Cup in Manila in aaugust to be hosted by aaK. aaK davao Branch chief Rommel Tan said he is grateful to private sponsors for heling fund the tournament. “i would like to thank our sponosrs for the said

OS angeLeS (aP) -- For four straight games, the San antonio Spurs showed off all the teamwork and tenacity that the Los angeles Lakers lacked all season long. and when the Lakers’ tumultuous season finally collapsed Sunday night, the smooth Spurs rolled right past them to the second round.

Tony Parker scored 23 points, and San antonio completed its firstround sweep of the injury-plagued Lakers with a 103-82 victory in game 4.

Tim duncan had 11 points and six rebounds for the second-seeded Spurs, who will face the winner of denver’s series with golden State in the second round. They’ll get plenty of rest after flattening the Lakers, who staggered through backto-back blowout losses at home without three regular starters in their first opening-round exit since 2007. ‘’Obviously, it wasn’t a fair fight,’’ Spurs coach gregg Popovich said.

San antonio never trailed in the clincher, leading by 25 points in one more businesslike effort against the seventh-seeded Lakers, who provided their usual drama. in his final game before unrestricted free agency, dwight howardscored seven points before getting ejected early in the third quarter for arguing.

Pau gasol had 16 points for the Lakers, who were swept from the postseason for the second time in three years despite a late courtside appearance

by Kobe Bryant on crutches. howard said the season was ‘’like a nightmare. it’s like a bad dream, and we just couldn’t wake up from it. That’s what it felt like.’’

The Los angeles Lakers gave away thousands of white towels to their fans Sunday, and they acquired an unfortunate symbolism: in the final game of

a season that began with championship aspirations, the Lakers couldn’t keep up without injured starters Bryant, Steve nash and Metta World Peace. They had just nine available players in uniform for the final minutes. ‘’i’m proud of them, because they fought,’’ Lakers coach Mike d’antoni said. ‘’it was kind of a year that was all upside-down, but i appreciate the effort to get us into the playoffs. We just didn’t have it.’’ after duncan led the Spurs’ blowout in game 3, Parker took the lead in the clincher, scoring 15 points in the first half while exploiting the Lakers’ hastily assembled backcourt. Los angeles’ top four guards are out with injuries, including backups Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks, and Parker was merciless against third-stringers. ‘’What i was pleased about our team is the way we focused every night,’’ Popovich said. ‘’Sometimes that’s hard to do when your opponent is wounded.’’

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 32 • TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013

Sharapova wins Porsche title

sway on clay

S

TUTTgaRT, germany (aP) -- Maria Sharapova beat Li na 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday to successfully defend her WTa Porsche grand Prix title in a final between the last two French Open champions.

The top-seeded Russian swept to her second title of the year after winning in indian Wells, Calif. She became the first player to retain the Stuttgart title since Lindsey davenport in 2005. ‘’i thought it’d be the toughest match of the tournament, but i played my best tennis today,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’i was able to step it up.’’

This was her 29th career title and 16th consecutive win on clay, dating to Rome last year.

Since Stuttgart last year, she is 23-1 on clay. her only loss was to Serena Williams in Madrid.

Sharapova, ranked no. 2, was using the Stuttgart tournament for her clay-court debut this season, as she did last year when she went on to capture the French Open.

The second-seeded Li had a double-fault on match point, with another one earlier in the final

game. ‘’i was under pressure on her return,’’ Li said. ‘’She was aggressive.’’

Sharapova had to fight through three long three-setters to get to the championship match, but there was little drama in the final.

The Russian opened with a break and went up 4-1 before Li could pull back one break. But that was not enough, and Sharapova closed the set with a service winner. ‘’i tried to put it together from the start,’’ Sharapova said.

Li, who became the first Chinese player to win a grand Slam title with her victory at Roland garros in 2011, simply didn’t have enough consistency to threaten.

Sharapova gained the key break in the seventh game of the second when Li sent a volley wide.

Sharapova holds a 9-5 career edge over Li, who beat her in the semifinals of the australian Open, the year’s first grand Slam. ‘’i’m a little sad to lose,’’ Li said. ‘’But it’s a pretty good start to my clay-court season.’’

MARIA WINS ANEW. Maria Sharapova from Russia celebrates after defeating Li Na from China with 6-4 and 6-3 during the final of the WTA tennis Porsche GP in Stuttgart, Germany, Sunday (Monday PHL Time), April 28, 2013. Lower photo shows Sharapova with a blue Porsche sports car during the awarding ceremonies. (AP)

EDGEDAVAO Sports