Edge Davao 6 Issue 50

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

‘We’ll be there to stop you’ P12-M smuggled rice, cars seized

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he Bureau of Customs yesterday presented tons of smuggled rice worth P12 million and three imported cars of undetermined value seized recently at the Port of Davao.

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon led Customs officials in inspecting the smuggled contraband and dished off a stern warning to smugglers: “No matter how often they

try to smuggle rice into the country, our operatives will always be there to stop them.”

Biazon inspected 22 container vans of rice and one forty-container van with one (1) unit used Daewoo Rezzo, one (1) unit Kia Carens and one (1) unit hyundai Sonata of seized at the Port of Davao by Customs Intelligence Group operatives under Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lim for violation of Section 2503 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP).

EDGEDAVAO FWELL BE THERE, 10

Serving a seamless society

2 pushers arrested

By Che Palicte

A

month of surveillance paid off with the arrest of two suspected bigtime drug pushers Wednesday afternoon on Tulip Drive by agents of the Philippine Drug enforcement Agency (PDeA) during a buy-bust operation in front of the Delongtes Restaurant.

The suspects were identified as: Krap Buisan, 20, of Brgy. Malagapas, Cotabato City and Yasser Nandang, 61, of Brgy. Tukananas, Cotabato City.

PDeA 11 information officer Noli Nephi Dimaandal told edge Davao the suspects had been involved in the illegal drug trade deals in the city.

The buy-bust operation was spearheaded by PDeA 11 regional director emerson Rosales together with the 305th Air Intelligence and Security Group led by

F2 PUSHERS ARRESTED, 10

Wa na ta’y pamugas ani!

HOT RICE. Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon (left) and Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim show Vietnamese Fragrant White rice seized by Customs operatives at Sasa Wharf in Davao City during yesterday’s presentation to media. Lean Daval Jr.

INSIDE:

2 ex-rebs receive P50-T ‘seed money’

2 Pope Francis may visit PHL in 2016 -- CBCP 3 Lebron saves Heat in Game 1

15

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

DepEd urges schools to request for fogging

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ANTI-SMOKING TICKET. Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force chair Dr. Domilyn Villareiz explains the details of violation citation ticket which will be issued to offenders of City Ordinance 0367-12 otherwise known as the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Davao City set to be im-

plemented starting May 31, 2013 during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at the Davao City Hall. At right is City Building Office (CBO) of Davao chief Engr. Jaime Adalin. Lean Daval Jr.

N preparation for school year 20132014, the Department of education (Deped) 11 advised both private and public schools to request for anti--dengue fogging by the City health Office before classes open on June 3.

The Department of health (DOh) warns the public not to be complacent about dengue as the disease is always present, even in summer, and had already killed seven students in the first quarter of the year.

Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson of Deped 11, told edge Davao that anti-dengue fogging should be an important initiative of schools, not only during the ‘Brigada eskwela’ activity but during the entire prepa-

ration for the opening of classes.

“Since it is for free, it is best for schools to request for fogging to prevent dengue,” Atillo said.

“Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are esent in our surroundings regardless of the weather, we must be vigilant and continually conduct cleaning activities not only in schools but also inside and outside our homes,” he said Atillo said the Brigada eskwela had moved up to a different level of awareness and maturity among parents who participated. “We are happy with the turnout in the Brigada eskwela because we saw a lot of parents joining the activity. They really want a healthy environment for their children,” he added. CMP

hILexPORT 11 Davao, a non-stock, non-profit business support organization under the umbrella organization Philippine exporters Confederation, Inc. mandated to strengthen the export industry in the country will launch its groundbreaking event entitled “Mindanao exporters Congress” (MeC) on Aug 1-3, 2013.

The congress will be held at the SMx Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Lanang Davao City. With its theme “export Value Chain Integration and Innovation Technology”, the event highlights the symbiotic relationships of the different industries with-

in the Mindanao export value chain and today’s modern technology contribution to the export industry’s overall growth by bridging the supply and demand gap.

Activities include booth exhibition, showcasing local and foreign products, services, technology innovations, plenary, break out and business matching sessions.

Guests from various chambers of commerce, foreign consuls, LGU officials of the various provinces in Davao Region, Philexport National and regional chapters, government agency partners and delegates from the Association of South east Asia (ASeAN) are all expected to come. PR

2 NPA rebels given P50-T ‘seed money’ P

Mindanao Exporters Congress 2013 set

By Che Palicte

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WO former members of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda, Guerilla Front 34, Southern Mindanao Regional Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) received P50,000 each yesterday at the provincial governor’s office in Tagum City.

A press statement sent to media by Capt.

Nathaniel Morales, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 1003rd Brigade, said Gov.

Rodolfo del Rosario turned over the checks to former rebels Dante Miranda and Jessie Casium as “seed money” to start their livelihood projects.

Morales said Casium and Miranda surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion (IB) in February 2011 aand August 2011, respectively, and were turned over to the Davao del Norte provincial government to to avail of the Comprehensive

NCCC to open 10 stores, 2 more malls this year

Local Integration Program (CLIP).

The CLIP is a national program which aims to give a customized package and means of livelihood to communist rebels who decide to surrender and start a new life. he added that the P50,000 livelihood assistance is the product of profiling facilitated by the provincial government, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) that was finally completed under the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPPs) CLIP program.

“Staff from the Davao del Norte provincial government and members of the 60th IB assisted the former rebels in the encashment of their checks at the because the two have no valid identification cards,” Morales said.

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

N

eW City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) will put up 10 stores and two more malls this year.

Darry Gallego, NCCC’s corporate legal council, told members of media yesterday in a press forum at the Royal Mandaya hotel that the company is targeting two more malls in Buhangin, Davao City and Panabo, Davao del Norte.

“We are still complying with the requirements before we start building the malls in those areas,” he said, adding, “The mall in Buhangin will be erected on a rectangular area in front of a private market at Crossing Tigatto and Cabantian, with four floors on a 8,200 square meter lot.”

In June this year, another hB1 store will be erected on a 438 square meter lot at Crossing Bayabas Toril.

In the third quarter of 2013, the NCCC will also put up six stores at the Oroderm Plaza, CM Recto Avenue, namely, hB1, Choice store, a department store, hardwaremaxx, Breadfactory, and Munchies.

Gallego said the closed hB1 store at the foot of the Ateneo de Davao University will be reopened ln the Jacinto side of the school in the third quarter of this year.

Also in the third quarter of this year, two NCCC Choice stores will be set up in Catalunan Grande and Nova Tierra, according to Gallego.

BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE. These days, you don’t need a television to watch a telenovela. These two men’s busy world had to stop to make way

for their favorite noontime telenovela through a smartphone at a restaurant in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

NATION/WORLD

3

Pope Francis may visit PHL in 2016 -- CBCP T

he country is hoping that Pope Francis will vsit the Philippines in 2016.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Jose Palma said he is optimistic that the holy Father will visit the country after they received a request from the Vatican to move the International eucharistic Congress (IeC) to an earlier date.

“Two weeks ago, we received a letter from Archbishop Piero Marini asking us if we could move the event to the second preferred date because the Pope has another schedule in May,” he said in an article posted on the CBCP news website.

Originally, the event was scheduled on May 23 to 29, 2016, but has been reset to January 25 to 31, or four months earlier, to be held in Cebu City.

“We told them that January is fine because our suggestion was to make the Pope’s visit to the Philippines a priority,” he said.

Marini is the president of the Pontifical Committee on the International eucharistic Congress.

On the other hand, the Cebu Archbishop asked Filipinos to continue praying that the visit of the pontiff will push through.

“We know that the Pope continues to inspire us and his visit will have an enormous impact on our faith and our Christian life,” said Palma. held every four years, the 51st International eucharistic Congress 2016 will reflect on the theme “Christ in You: Our hope of Glory,” which is expected to draw thousands of participants including laity and Church leaders from other countries.

If the papal visit pushes through, Francis will be the third pope to visit the Philippines. Pope Paul VI was in the country in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995.

The Congress aims to promote awareness of the eucharist in the life and mission of the Church, to improve understanding and celebration of the liturgy, and to draw to the social dimension of the eucharist.

It was in 1937 when the Philippines last hosted IeC during the time of Pope Pius xI. (PNA)

115TH ANNIVERSARY. President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, troops the line during the 115th anniversary of the Philippine Navy (PN) at the Commodore Posadas Wharf in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San

DSWD staff, boat captain abducted in Basilan

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UNMeN suspected to be Abu Sayyaf bandits seized a social worker in Basilan Wednesday, a day after the abduction of a fishing boat skipper, a police official disclosed Wednesday.

Senior Supt. Mario Dapilloza, Basilan police director, identified the abducted social worker as Jenelyn entera, who is in charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang

Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the municipality of Ungkaya Pukan.

Dapilloza said entera was inspecting some of the 4Ps beneficiaries when four gunmen suspected to be Abu Sayyaf bandits seized her around 9 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Ulitan in Ungkaya Pukan.

The suspects, armed with caliber .45 pistols, forced entera to board one of the two motorcycles without registration plates and sped towards the mu-

nicipality of Sumisip, Dapiloza said.

Policemen, in coordination with the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade, were deployed to track down the whereabouts of the abducted DSWD staff, he disclosed. entera’s abduction came a day after a group of unidentified gunmen abducted Lucio Gonzales, the skipper of F/B Albert of the Zamboanga City-based SMR fishing firm.

Gonzales was abducted by 15 gunmen

around 8 a.m. Tuesday in the vicinity of Mataha in the municipality of Lantawan, Dapilloza said.

F/B Albert was on fishing venture when 15 gunmen aboard two small boats locally known as “jungkung” arrived and at gunpoint took Gonzales, he said.

The gunmen fled towards the direction of Sulu province, leaving behind the rest of the fishing boat crew unharmed, Dapilloza added. (MindaNews)

Gazmin said the presence of the frigate, a ship similar to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) but more heavily-armed, further highlights the Chinese intrusion in Philippine maritime territory.

Ayungin Shoal is roughly 105 to 110 nautical miles away from Rizal, Palawan and well within the country’s exclusive economic zone while the nearest Chinese landmass, which is

hainan, is around 500 nautical miles.

The DND chief said the country is a adopting a “jurist approach” in resolving the matter.

Gazmin said this is being done through the Dept. of Foreign Affairs which earlier filed a diplomatic protest at the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) against the Chinese incursion.

“At the moment, this the Philippines

will do and hopefully the UNCLOS will rule on this dispute soon,” he added.

But Gazmin clarified that despite this stance, the Philippine military is constantly monitoring the situation off Ayungin Shoal since this is an integral part of the country’s territory.

“Monitoring will be done by aerial patrols and civilian ships passing through the area,” he added.(PNA)

DND: Presence of Chinese frigate off Ayungin Shoal ‘unusual’

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eFeNSe Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Thursday called the presence of a Chinese frigate, along with a group of fishing vessels off Ayungin Shoal, highly “unusual”.

The frigate, with two Chinese Maritime Surveillance ships, was spotted by a Philippine aerial patrol 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Three steel-hulled fishing ships and around 10 dinghies were also seen.

Felipe, Cavite City on Tuesday (May 21, 2013). At present, the Philippine Navy is a force of 26,000 personnel composed of sailors, marines and civilian employees. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau/PNA)

25 party-list leaders bared W

INNeRS in the party-list race have yet to be announced eight days after the May 13 elections, but a poll commissioner has bared 25 groups leading the count so far.

The Commission on elections has already canvassed about 95 percent of the total votes cast during the midterm elections, Commissioner Grace Padaca said.

Groups need 2 percent of the total party-list votes cast to secure one seat in the house of Representatives. A maximum of three seats may be allotted to each group.

“Based on our initial computations with 95 percent of the total party-list votes, 2 percent will not be lower than 200,000, “ Padaca said via Facebook.

Leading the race so far are the following groups: 1. BUhAY 1,255,734 2. A TeACheR 1,033,873 3. BAYAN MUNA 945,639 4. 1 CARe 931,303 5. AKBAYAN 820,351 6. AKO BICOL 761,115 7. ABONO 753,161 8. OFW FAMILY 735,854 9. GABRIeLA 706,194 10. SeNIOR CITIZeNS 671,916 11. COOP-NATCCO 640,180 12. AGAP 588,095

13. CIBAC 578,320 14. MAGDALO 561,613 15. AN WARAY 540,210 16. ABAMIN 465,192 17. ACT TeACheRS 449,710 18. BUTIL 437,084 19. ACT-CIS 371,309 20. AMIN 370,351 21. LPGMA 369,989 22. KALINGA 367,839 23. TUCP 365,299 24. YACAP 364,278 25. AGRI 363,204

Padaca, however, noted that a formula will be followed in determining the number of seats that will be given to the groups.

Votes reaching 400,000 will not automatically entitle a group to two seats, or 600,000, three seats, Padaca explained.

The Comelec en banc, sitting as the National Board of Canvassers, expects a partial proclamation of winning groups by Thursday or Wednesday.

The protracted party-list count was again suspended Wednesday with 68 certificates of canvassed still uncounted.

The poll body began counting party-list votes only on Monday, after suspending it a day after the polls amid questions raised over disqualified groups.

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

NBI witness in priest’s killing forced to sign affidavit T

he National Bureau of Investigation’s witness to the killing of Italian missionary Fausto “Pops” Tentorio, who was parish priest of Arakan, North Cotabato at the time of his death, did not witness the incident at all, but was forced to say so only out of fear.

Dominador Damlayon, who the NBI said earlier signed a sworn statement attesting he saw the killing on Oct. 17, 2011, said during the three-day inquiry made by the Commission on human Rights IN Davao City starting yesterday that he was afraid he could no longer go home if he didn’t sign the affidavit implicating Jimmy and Robert Ato, Jose Sultan Sampulna and Dima Maligudan Sampulna as primary suspects. he also revealed that he was given P500 after signing the sworn statement at the NBI office in Cagayan de Oro City February last year, aside from another P500 for his and a relative’s fare going back to Arakan.

Lawyer Gregorio Andolana, one of the legal counsels of the Diocese of Kidapawan which has jurisdiction over the church in Arakan, told MindaNews that Damlayon, a Manobo from Barangay Malibatuan in Arakan, was apparently “manipulated” in signing the affidavit. he added that somebody

already prepared the affidavit for Damlayon.

But lawyer Angelito Magno, acting director for the NBI in Region 12, said during the inquiry that Damlayon admitted in his presence and other NBI investigators in their Cagayan de Oro office that he personally saw the Atos and the Sampulnas inside the compound when the shooting happened.

The NBI lawyer denied that Damlayon was forced or under threat when he signed the sworn statement. “he was a credible witness at that time. he told us that he saw the gunmen shoot Fr. Tentorio,” he told the panel headed by ChR Chair Loretta Ann Rosales.

Damlayon said during the inquiry that he eventually retracted his testimony three months later, saying he was not in the compound when the shooting happened.

“Wala ko didto pagkahitabo pero gitudluan lang ko didto sa NBI. Didto lang kami sa balay,” he said during the inquiry. (I wasn’t at the scene when it happened but they only told me what to say at the NBI. I was at the house when it happened.)

Damlayon’s presence at the ChR inquiry was his first public appearance. Tentorio was gunned down while about to board his vehicle inside the Our Mother of Per-

INQUIRY. Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Loretta Ann Rosales and Commissioner Manuel Mamauag listen to Fr. Peter Geremia Wednesday 22

May 2013 in Davao City at the start of the three-day public inquiry on the killing of Fr. Fausto “Pops” Tentorio. [Mindanews/Keith Bacongco]

petual parish compound on October 17, 2011. he was supposed to drive to the bishop’s residence in Kidapawan City, 52 kilometers away, for the diocese’s monthly meeting.

Damlayon said at the ChR inquiry that sometime February last year, his relative Roberto Mabilao asked him that they will meet another relative in Marilog District in Davao City.

From Marilog, they then left for Cagayan de Oro around 7 p.m. While

at the NBI office in Cagayan de Oro, Damlayon said he was coached by a certain Loloy what to answer when NBI agents would start asking questions. he said it was the first time he met Loloy, who claimed to be from Davao City. Damlayon had no idea as to Loloy’s identity.

When the ChR panel asked him if he understood the content of the affidavit he signed, Damlayon replied: “Wala ko nakasabot kay english man.” (I understood noth-

ing because it was written in english.) he added that he signed the he affidavit because he was afraid that he could not go out of the room. “Nahadlok pud ko basi di ko kauli.” (I was also worried that I could not go home anymore.)

Damlayon recounted that the questioning started around 1 p.m. and finished five hours later.

Before leaving Cagayan de Oro City, he added that Loloy gave him and Mabilao P500 each. “Pampalit

daw bugas ug uban pang kinahanglan sa among pamilya.” (We were told to use the money to buy rice and other needs of our families.)

They were given P500 more for their fare going back to Arakan, he said.

The ChR inquiry aims to dig deeper into the murder of the Italian missionary, Rosales said. She added that the inquiry hopes to gather more information that could help resolve the case. [Keith Bacongco / MindaNews]

fungicide versus fusarium wilt.

Silvosa also asked the City Legal Office to process the patenting of Tabsing’s organic fungicide.

The only son of Julie T. Tabsing and edilita A. Tabsing, the Panaboan ISeF participant passed the rigors of science fair competitions at district schools and regional levels, and then landed top ten during the National Science and Technology Fair held in Las Pinas City on Nov. 28, 2012, organized by the Department of education (Deped).

In last year’s National Science and Technology Fair, he landed top 3 in Life Science Category, Cluster II (Science Schools), and grabbed the international science special award called Ricoh Sustainable Development Award. [PIA 11I/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

he Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region xI celebrates its 62ndFounding Anniversary on May 24 with the theme, DSWD @ 62: Sama-Samang husay Tungo sa Tagumpay. highlighting the event are Thanksgiving Mass and Awards Ceremonies.

“In recognizing the allout support of our development partners, we shall be honouring them in this activity. Without their continuing support , we would not have undertaken our tasks successfully, ” said DSWD OIC Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon.

The DSWD xI “Panata Ko Sa Bayan Awardees” are Atty. Atty. Alro S. Paglinawan; Dr. Calixto S. esparagosa; Dr. Phillip Lim, Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc.; Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur; Magsaysay Association of Person’s with Disabilities, Davao del Sur; Federation of Senior Citizens Association Calinan District, Davao City; Sunstar Davao; GMA Network Davao; DxRP-Radyo

ng Bayan; Municipality of Compostela; Ma. Fe Aliño of DxRP-Radyo ng Bayan; and San Antonio Mountaineer SeA-K Association, Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur. Director Razon said the DSWD will also give due appreciation to its partners and supporters in the Tropical Storm Pablo Disaster Relief Operations like the Government of Malaysia, Republic of Indonesia, Office for the Coordination of humanitarian Affairs (OChA), United Nations high Commissioner for Refugees (UNhCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICeF), International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), 10th Infantry Division of Philippine Army, Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh), Regional Police Office xI and Davao City Police Office. DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron

DavNor public HS grad shines in int’l science fair T

P

ANABO National high School graduate Judel Jay A. Tabsing brought home an honor as the 4th Grand Prize Winner in Plant Science Category during the International Science and engineering Fair (ISeF) held in Phoenix Convention Center, Arizona U.S.A. from May 12 to May 17.

Tabsing was the only one among the Filipino contingent to the ISeF 2013, who grabbed a prize during such event organized by Intel International. Other winners were from New York (1st prize), hawaii (2nd prize) and Minnesota, (3rd prize).

Other Filipino students sent to ISeF 2013 were from Oriental Mindoro (two students), La Union (three students), and from Taguig (one student).

Tabsing gained the merits of qualifying for the Intel ISeF 2013 through

his research study entitled “Impatiens Balsamina (Kamantigue) Leaf extract as Potential Organic-based Fungicide against Fusarium Oxysporum (FSP) Cubense Tropical Race 4 Causing Fusarium Wilt of Banana.”

At Intel ISeF 203, he defended his research study before scientists and academe experts who examined the veracity of his study, and who dug into the methods and procedures of his experiment Tabsing revealed having conducted his study at TADeCO Plant Pathology Laboratory based in Panabo City, where he found out that Kamantigue’s anti-microbial properties and chemicals such as flavonoids, steroids and phenolic compounds have the potential to eradicate fusarium wilt in bananas. he was driven to conduct a research study on

eradicating fusarium wilt at the time when such fungus infected some banana plantations in nearby municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. he had known in doing his background of his study that fusarium wilt especially the fungal strain called “tropical race four”, is the most devastating disease as it attacks nearly all known banana variety including the Cavendish commonly grown for exports, in Davao del Norte and nearby provinces.

“Right now I want to commercialize my product so I can finally help the banana industry,” he said.

This morning, Tabsing went to pay a courtesy call Panabo City Mayor Jose Silvosa Sr. who promised him to sponsor his college education, and that the mayor assured him of support to his study on the commercialization of his organic

DSWD honors partners on 62nd anniversary

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

NCCC Mall, EC Pay, GATE broaden reach of e-commerce partnership

By Neil Bravo

N

CCC Mall has broadened its partnership with two major electronic commerce pro-

viders in what could be a trail-blazing shift to pioneer electronic transactions in the region.

E-PAYMENT PARTNERSHIP. Executives and officials of NCCC and ECPay led

by Ramon Miguel S. Estrella, GATE Distribution Enterprise, Inc. president (leftmost, seated), Raymund Jude G. Aguilar, Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc. president (2nd from left, seated), Jojo Canda, NCCC mall manager

The Davao-based mall company yesterday formally announced its partnership with electronic

Commerce Payments Inc. and GATe Distribution enterprise Inc. although the triumvirate has already started op-

who represented NCCC Supermarket, Choice and HB1 president Javey A. Lim (2nd from right, seated) and Jennifer F. Ang, NCCC Department Store president flash thumb up during the launching of the two companies partnership at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

erations of the e-commerce transactions for over a year.

NCCC Mall Director Jojo Canda, representing chief executive officer Javey Lim, said they welcome the partnership whose prime objective is to provide convenience to customers and make shopping easier.

“The objective of this partnership is in line with our vision,” Canda said during yesterday’s press briefing at the Royal Mandaya hotel.

Raymund Jude Aguilar, president of eC Pay, said their firm’s commitment is to continue to provide services like payment transactions on sales and services with its merchant network of over 3,000 sites located in convenience stores, service stations, supermarkets,

department stores, pawnshops, and other retail outlets. eC Pay accepts payments for utilities, airline bookings, mobile phone top up and loading, online shopping payments, bills payment services and electronic credits and e-wallet loading, among others.

The partnership covers the electronic services to be provided by eC Pay in all NCCC Mall outlets, hB1 stores, NCCC Department Store, and Choice Supermarket.

Since its partnership in 2011, eC Pay has serviced 48 NCCC stores, Choice Supermarkets, health and Beauty in 1 (hB1), NCCC Department store and NCCC Supermarkets. eC Pay is the largest network of e-pay-

FNCCC MALL, 10

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Davao businessmen appeal for extension of validity of BIR regulations on receipts

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USINeSS groups in Davao City have issued a joint appeal to Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim henares to extend the validity of the implementation of Section 5 of the Revenue Regulation No. 18-2012 from June 30 to December 30 of this year. early this year, the BIR released Revenue Regulation 18-2012 “Requiring the Accreditation of Printers as a Prerequisite to their Printing Services of Official Receipts, Sales Invoices and Other Commercial Receipts and/ or Invoices and regarding Processing of Authority to Print (ATP)

Official Receipts, Sales Invoices, and other Commercial Invoices using the On-Line ATP Systems and Providing for the Additional Requirements in the Printing thereof” for implementation. Following this, all unused or unissued receipts and invoices which were printed prior to January 18, 2013 shall be deemed valid only until June 30, 2013.

In the appeal filed by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc, Davao Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Davao Filipino-Chinese Cultural Foundation, Mindanao Taiwan Chamber of Commerce

and Industry, Inc., the Filipino Chinese Youth, Inc Davao Chapter and the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc, they are cognizant of the fact on the need to implement the law being an important aspect of improving productivity as well as in the full computerization of BIR transactions.

“We believe that there is merit to this law and that the purpose is good, and we support the BIR and the national government on the said initiative. What we are asking is a little extension on its validity, shared

by Davao City Chamber President Daniel Lim.

“Many of the members of the business community ordered their receipts for a minimum of six months up to one year because volume orders save on costs.

Most of this receipts and invoices are programmed for use up to the end of the year, hence we fervently request the BIR Commissioner to take heed on this call for consideration” President Daniel Lim said.

Local chambers of commerce and business organization in Cebu and in Manila have also expressed their sentiment on the soon to be implemented law.

duction, availability of high quality seeds and access to technology,” Boloron said.

Land planted to corn last year in Region 12, also called the Soccsksargen region, was 429,319 hectares (ha), he noted.

Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

For 2011, the value of corn produced in Region, at P13 per kilo average price, would have amounted to P15.22 billion.

Region 12’s corn pro-

duction in 2012 makes it the third biggest corn producer in the country, after Cagayan Valley’s 7.4 million MT and Northern Mindanao’s 1.23 million MT. Four of Mindanao’s six regions—Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula—were among the top 10 corn producing regions in the country last year.

In Region 12, South Cotabato was the largest corn producer with 435,981 in 2012 followed by North Cotabato with 385,428, Sultan Kudarat with 234,393 and

Sarangani with 145,479.

In 2011, they respectively produced 428,718, 379,947, 226,940 and 134,949.

The average yield per hectare in the region was pegged at 2.8 MT last year.

South Cotabato has at least 144,200 ha for corn production; North Cotabato, 129,908; Sultan Kudarat, 84,328; and Sarangani, 70,883.

Corn from Region 12 is traded to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Manila, Boloron said.

For this year, the DA regional office targets corn production to reach 1.24 million MT and 1.29 million in 2014. [Bong S. Sarmiento/MindaNews]

Region 12 corn production valued at P15.6B

T

he value of corn produced in Region 12 last year reached a staggering P15.6 billion, a regional Department of Agriculture (DA) official said.

Zaldy Boloron, DA-12 corn program coordinator, said in the 130-page “Regional Corn Roadmap CY (Calendar Year) 2012 to 2017” presentation that corn production volume in the four-province, five-city region last year was 1.20 million metric tons (MT), up 2.63 percent from 2011’s 1.2 million MT. “[The strong corn production performance] was due to the wide area suitable for corn pro-

Hungry “Brigada Eskwela” volunteers buy fish balls for their snack from a street hawker after a long day of school cleanup outside Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

by the numbers

As of February this year, the country’s trade balance reached

US$ 967 million or an increase of

70.84 percent from the figures posted during the same period last year.

Source: NSCB

Task force on ease of doing business in PHL formed

I

N a bid to boost the country’s competitiveness ranking in the world and improve the business climate in the country, President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed an administrative order for the creation of an inter-agency task force that will implement reforms making it easier to do business in the Philippines. executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said President Aquino signed Administrative Order No. 38 for the creation of Task Force on ease of Doing Business (eODB Task Force) in order to implement an action plan, which was drafted by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), to enhance the business competitiveness of the country.

“The eODB Task Force is seen to significantly help improve our ranking in the survey since it is tasked to ensure the full implementation of the Gameplan for Competitiveness designed by the NCC and endorsed by the economic Development Cluster,” Ochoa said.

Currently the Philippines ranks 138th out of 185 countries in the world, and is 8th out of the 10-member Association of South east Asian Nations (ASeAN) in the Doing Business Survey (DBS) of the World Bank International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The Gameplan for Competitiveness is a strategy which sets reform targets for concerned government agencies based on 10 indicators that determine the country’s

world ranking in the DBS. It also identifies key areas for public and private sector participation to boost the global business competitiveness ranking of the Philippines.

The business survey of the IFC measures and tracks business regulations across 10 indicators, namely: starting businesses, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

Under AO No. 38, the task force will be led by the Secretary of Trade and Industry (DTI). Its members include representatives of the NCC; the Departments of Finance (DOF), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Justice (DOJ); Bureaus of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Customs (BoC); Land Registration Authority (LRA); Credit Information Corp. (CIC); Securities and exchange Commission (SeC); Social Security System (SSS); home Development Mutual Fund (hDMF); and the Philippine health Insurance Corp. (PhIC).

President Aquino calls for the participation and assistance of concerned local government units, as well private and public institutions, including government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), in the implementation and accomplishment of targets provided in the Gameplan for Competitiveness. [PIA]

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

UNEP launches cooperation platform for sustainability

The sustainable rice platform is just one initiative already shared on the global clearinghouse.

I

N the face of economic crises, increasing environmental degradation and the menace of climate change, the global community needs to do more and better with a more-efficient use of the earth’s natural resources.

In order to advise on the necessary actions that will usher in a more sustainable future, the United Nations environment Programme (UNeP), which serves as the Secretariat of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP), launched last Wednesday The Global SCP Clearinghouse.

Policymakers and practitioners across the globe have developed initiatives and tools to contribute to Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) down the years, but the existing information is fragmented and bridges to connect people are missing.

The Clearinghouse uses social networking principles to bring together the global SCP community and create a one-stop hub for SCP knowledge and cooperation. It provides a unique place to browse a diverse range of regional and thematic communities, from sustainable public procurement and cities and buildings, to sustainable production, lifestyles and education.

It seeks to inspire governments, the business sector, researchers, civil society and all SCP practitioners or other interested parties to share initiatives, news, ideas, best practices and tools to create a living worldwide database, create a network of experts,

and foster and strengthen partnerships through a cooperation marketplace, working groups and forums.

“Sustainable consumption and production is not just about consuming less; it is also about doing more and better with less, about increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles, and contributing to poverty alleviation,” said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNeP executive Director.

“By bringing everyone together to create a pool of knowledge and a cooperative marketplace, UNeP hopes to hasten the switch to more sustainable lifestyles, and to assist in making these lifestyles available to people in developing countries,” he added.

The science showing that humanity’s current lifestyles are unsustainable is overwhelming. The world’s population of seven billion people currently needs the resources of one-and-a-half planets to feed itself. If current consumption trends continue, by 2050 - when the population is expected to reach nine billion - resources equivalent to those provided by three earths will be needed.

Adding to these pressures is rapidly accelerating urbanization. Though cities occupy just three per cent of the earth’s land surface, they consume 75 per cent of natural resources, produce 50 per cent of global waste and account for 60-80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Urbanization is only going to further skew the

disproportionate rates of consumption.

SCP can help the world’s poor by creating new markets, green and decent jobs, (for example, organic food, fair trade, sustainable housing, renewable energy, sustainable transport and tourism) as well as more efficient, and equitable, management of natural resources.

It also offers the possibility for developing countries to “leapfrog” to more resource-efficient, environmentally sound and competitive technologies, bypassing inefficient and polluting phases of development.

When heads of State gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the Rio+20 summit last year, they recognized the need for change and agreed to implement the 10YFP, a global framework for action that enhances international cooperation to develop, replicate and scale-up SCP and resource-efficiency initiatives at national and regional levels.

Within days of its prelaunch at the UNeP Governing Council meeting in February, the Global SCP Clearinghouse recorded nearly 800 new members, from more than 500 organizations based in about 100 different countries.

Initiatives already submitted to the Clearinghouse include: • A project to mainstream education for sustainable consumption in Chile, Indonesia and Tanzania, conducted with the support of national ministries of both education and environment; [UNeP]

7

DENR to provide P55 M to fund coffee, bamboo plantations in military camps

T

he Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) will provide P55 million to the Department of National Defense (DND) to finance the establishment of coffee and bamboo plantations covering some 4,000 hectares of land inside two military camps.

This forms part of the agreement entered into by the DeNR and three other government agencies comprising the Aquino administration’s enhanced National Convergence Initiative (NCI) – the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – with the DND for the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP).

NCI is among the strategies of the present administration for poverty reduction by way of ensuring countryside development through the promotion of a framework of sustainable agriculture and rural progress.

“This signing is an excellent affirmation of NGP’s centrality to the core mandates of every key national agency like the DND,” said DeNR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, one of the signatories to the agreement.

Other signatories include Defense Secretary

Voltaire Gazmin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes, Agriculture Undersecretary emerson Palad and Local Government Assistant Secretary Rolando Acosta.

The agreement, dubbed as “DA, DAR, DeNR and DILG National Convergence Initiative in Partnership with DND,” formalizes the inclusion of the national defense department in the implementation of the Aquino government’s flagship reforestation program.

NGP seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide within a period of six years ending in 2016. It aims to address poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Under NCI-DND accord, the DeNR will provide a seed fund of P5 million intended to support the coffee plantation pilot project covering 200 hectares in Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon province.

The DeNR will also support the remaining 800 hectares that will comprise the 1,000-hectare coffee plantation.

The environment department will also release P50 million to the DND to fund the 3,000-hectare bamboo plantation project at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva ecija.

Among its other responsibilities, the DeNR will provide necessary technical assistance to ensure the success of the project, conduct regular monitoring and evaluation, and jointly identify with the DND suitable areas for development under the NGP, including vulnerable and hazard-prone areas within military reservations.

For its part, the DND will establish in selected military reservations nurseries and plantation sites for the production of quality food crops, seedlings and planting of native tree species.

For military reservations that can be developed into agricultural land, DA shall be the lead agency to boost farmers’ income and reduce poverty in the rural sector.

To protect the environment, DeNR has the jurisdiction and mandate on the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources pursuant to executive Order No. 192 and to select certain plant species that preserve the environment.

The DAR shall be the lead agency in providing central direction and coordination to the national agrarian reform program.

[DeNR]

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Another feather on the cap

D

AVAO CITY is once again identified as one of the country’s outstanding BPO (business process outsourcing) destinations.

The city is included in the list of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as among the “Top 10 Next Wave Cities (NWC) in the information technology and business-process management (ITBPM) sector.” The rest of the cited cities are Baguio, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Lipa, Metro Bulacan, Metro Cavite, Metro Laguna, Metro Naga and Metro Rizal.

The 10 were picked by the DOST’s Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) and the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) for their potential on talent, infrastructure, cost and business environment, and risk management.

Science Secretary Mario G. Montejo lauded the ITBPO sector for its contribution to the economy of the country.

This latest accolade is another feather on the city’s cap. It may be noted the city currently hosts some

EDGEDAVAO

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20 contact centers. These do not include the other IT-based sectors, such as medical transcription, software development, animation and other fields which are also showing vibrant growth and expansion.

While this trend is encouraging, if not awe-inspiring, IT industry leaders and government authorities should not allow themselves to be lulled into complacency.

There are a number of challenges being faced by the IT industry that must not be ignored. An example is the health and well-being of the young men and women who are working in contact centers.

While it is definitely high-paying and stable, the job of a call center agent is exacting and requires one to work during abnormal and lonely hours of the night. This is one reason there is a fast turnover of agents in call centers. This and other challenges faced by BPO workers must be addressed by authorities, including the tendency to fall victim to such addictive vices as drugs, liquor--even illicit sex.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Staff Writer

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

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

On election conspiracy theories “I would therefore suggest that UNA should now issue a formal statement conceding the election to Team PNoy because they have not questioned the result of 9-3 so we can move forward, work on a common agenda for the benefit of our people.”

--Sen. Franklin Drilon

“Mind your own business. You don’t have a right to tell UNA (United Nationalist Alliance) what do to.”

--UNA campaign manager Toby Tiangco

Reviving interest on Charter Change

A

MATTeR OF NeCeSSITY IN The ATTAINMeNT OF NATIONAL GOALS – There are some pretty crucial issues confronting the Aquino administration and the most noticeable in the long list is the idea of restoring the interest on Charter Change or Chacha. News stories about reviving Chacha continue to brew nowadays. Despite war on words, a number of political parties have resumed advocacy on charter change. even during the previous administrations the different opposition groups similarly view Cha-cha as a matter of necessity in the attainment of national goals.

I could still vividly remember that the precipitating factor behind a Church-led public outburst during the term of President Fidel Ramos was the move to amend the Constitution, which over-bearing church leaders alleged would effectively allow the sitting president to serve a second term. Currently, the president and even the vice president are limited only to a single term of six years. The controversial Cha-cha issue has been on the boil for quite some time with both supporters and opponents loudly making their cases heard in the streets. Though Ramos has consistently stated that the amendments are extremely necessary to remove defects in the constitution and that he personally does not want a second term, his severe critics and detractors thought otherwise.

Ramos was under constant pressure and the amendment process failed to materialize during his tenure. hate,

distrust and animosity could not dispel a common objective that ironically puts the administration of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo and the opposition on the same side of the fence – the desire to change the constitution. Party leaders then proposed the revision of the fundamental laws of the land, not only to eliminate defects, but to make it more responsive to the changing needs of the country’s fast-growing population.

Moreover, the leaders of different political inclinations agreed on amending the constitution so that the government will no longer be changed at the will or whim of the military and mob rule. They say the move is well within the rights of the leaders and the people to do so. But then again the proposal to amend the Charter during Arroyo’s term suffered a similar fate.

Notwithstanding the number of hurdles, party leaders previously believe that the amendments have a good chance of passage. however, Cha-cha Resolution No. 40, which seeks to turn Congress into a constituent assembly or ConAss – a necessary prerequisite for constitutional amendments, enabling legislators to consider nine proposed changes to the Constitution became

the center of controversy. Critics and detractors insist that none of the proposals specifically deals with lifting the term limits or allowing the president to run for re-election. Furthermore, more anti-Chacha groups pointed out that one consequence of the proposal would be a de facto term extension for the sitting president because once a constituent assembly comes into being, there would be no stopping it from introducing further amendments and doing away with term limits altogether.

Cha-cha advocates as always have a built-in formidable opponent – church leaders and their blinded allies. But despite the adamant opposition, various sectors in society remained optimistic the amendment process ensures that the proposed changes are not a foregone conclusion. This is precisely the reason news stories are spreading around that there’s now a move to “resurrect” the Cha-cha agenda. Calls to revise or amend the constitution at this stage seem gaining ground even within the ranks of the business sector. Nonetheless, this early, the Palace occupant is somewhat reluctant with change in the type of government and seems not open to the idea of holding charter revision during his tenure. his action and body language revealed his true sentiment on Cha-cha. Lastly, we firmly believe a collective decision is the most important basis for constitutional amendments. In our subsequent column articles, we could probably enumerate the nine proposed changes to the fundamental laws of the land.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Are we really the Boss or are they pulling our leg?

WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

(2nd of three parts)

W

e believe that your doing so will fulfill the unfinished agenda of eDSA I which your mother, our beloved President Cory, could only dream of, namely: energize national development from the grassroots up. The masses, poor as they are, cannot induce real development by themselves. Solidarity within the community is essential. All sectors in the 42,000+ barangays that are the wellsprings of productivity and progress need to be involved.

All must learn to reach out across economic classes, occupations and professions and collaborate in the tasks of community development. especially critical is the involvement of the resource-rich and better-educated in every community. It is bad that, thinking their barangay too small, its funds too little, they ignore its governing processes, rarely participating in its programs.

They deprive the community, in its striving for development, of their ideas, resources, technology, and work ethic. Challenged by the task of redeploying funds from Pork for their community, their interest will perk up and move them to join hands with the rest to assure better management and greater productivity. Their involvement will give impetus to the flowering of developmental initiative at the grassroots. `Make communities more productive. As the corporate functions of local governments, especially the barangays, gain appreciation and attention from the community’s professionals and institutions, more productive enterprises will arise. Then the land, labor, and capital of LGUs will be better utilized. Production-marketing activities will be more efficient. The local economy will expand. The Gross Barangay Product will then assume importance as it gains credence as a gauge of local development and a booster of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. engage more Filipinos in nation-building. With progressive residents (the passive factor at grassroots level today) mobilized and involved—democracy will become inclusive and vibrant, providing a framework for consensus building, collaboration, solidarity—a strong, community based political will. It will be reflected in politically-stable, relatively crime-free communities: the result of a citizenry fired by an assertive brand of sovereignty that demands/contributes to a better quality of life, high standards of performance, improved health and sanitation, orderly neighborhoods, political stability, and so on.

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

Well be there..FFROM 1 According to Biazon the rice shipment were stuffed in 20footer container vans consigned to three (3) different Davao traders.

Mactech Industrial Machines and Supply’s 10 container vans of illegally imported rice from Singapore which arrived at the Port of Davao on March 22, 2013 and worth PhP 5 million were misdeclared as stone slabs, while Berthand enterprises’ 10 container vans of Singapore rice worth P5 million arrived at the Port of Davao on March 23, 2013 and misdeclared as Cellulose fiber.

Another two container vans of rice from Vietnam were also consigned to All Systems Logistics.

The three vehicles which came from Korea were consigned to a forwarding company named Philippine Genesis Freight Unlimited Inc.

“The consignees of these 20 container vans illegally imported rice deliberately misdeclared their shipment to avoid the required rice import permit from the National Food Authority.” Biazon said.

“If we have to seize smuggled rice each day, we will do it, if only to show how serious is the BOC’s campaign against smuggling.”

Biazon added, even as he recalled the recent apprehension of over 1,000 container vans of illegally imported rice at the Port of Cebu.

Biazon reiterated his warning to smugglers to watch out. “Aabutan namin kayo” (We will catch up with you) Biazon said while assuring the nation that the BOC will aggressively pursue charges against the perpetrators of illegal activities in the BOC. On the other hand, Lim explained that the Davao smuggled rice seizure was just

part of several other smuggled rice seizures

by IG operatives all over the country, even as he thanked the people who are helping the BOC on its antismuggling campaign.

“We are happy and thankful for the support we are getting from private individuals in our campaign against smuggling. The BOC is happy that our antismuggling efforts are being recognized by the people through the support we are getting from them.”

Lim said, adding that, “No one will be spared by our anti-smuggling campaign.”

Lim’s IG group has been credited for the apprehension of several other smuggled rice seizures like the 1,000 container by our anti at the Port of Cebu before the mid-term election this year and the 94, 000 bags of rice that were seized at the Port Legazpi in March, also this year.

Major Jefferson Tecson of the Philippine Air Force.

Dimaandal said that the suspects were arrested while in possession of two big packs of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) weighing more or less fifty grams each/ worth P190, 000.

“The P190,000 is their selling price, but if

the drugs are sold in the streets, they would fetch as much as P1 million,” he added.

The two suspects are being held at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) detention facility while the illegal drugs were submitted to the PDeA regional office for examination.

The two are facing a

case for violation of Section 26 in relation to Section 5 and Section 11 Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Dimaandal said.

ment channels in the country. Among its merchant partners are 7-11 stores which comprise 60 percent of its service sites. It manages an average of P21.6 million transactions with an annual worth of P6 billion.

Aguilar said eCPay is an accredited facility that receives payments for 4 telecommunication companies and over 50 water utility companies, on-line shopping merchants, credit cards, airline tickets, loans and domestic fund transfer and remittance. exPANSION SeRVICeS There’s more to expect from the partnership. “We hope to bring in remittance services and ticketing (buses and shipping),” Aguilar said citing eC Pay presently covers bookings with flag carrier Phil-

ippine Airlines (PAL).

For its part, GATe Distribution serves as the provider of various prepaid products and cellular phones, gaming and internet services. It has by far established itself as the leading provider in Metro Manila and key cities nationwide through traditional and non-traditional channels.

“As part of this partnership, it also makes available prepaid products from GATe Distribution enterprise, Inc. for landline and mobile phone loading, prepaid internet, airtime gaming cards, electronic credits for cable TV subscriptions, and mobile e-wallet loading services,” says Ariel Adamos, eCPay Corporate Sales head.

DAILY DeSTINATION

With over 35 years of retail shopping experience, NCCC, is a commuter’s daily destination for groceries (Choice and NCCC Supermarket), medicines and convenience items (hB1), and household items (NCCC Department Store).

It aims to bring convenient bill payment services to shoppers who frequent other domestic locations within the country. eCPay terminals at NCCC stores are located at the customer service counters at all Choice, hB1 and NCCC Supermarkets, including hB1’s newest store in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. SFor NCCC Department Store shoppers, the facility is available in Main Magsaysay, Mall, Davao, Tagum, Puerto Princesa, Centerpoint and Calinan.

2 pushers arrested.. FFROM 1

NCCC Mall.. FFROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

Nograles calls for hard work

By Che Palicte

F

IRST district congressman Karlo A. Nograles is calling on newly elected officials of the city to work hard for a better Davao City.

In a text message sent to edge Davao, Nograles said that he had seen the support of Dabawenyos in many ways as shown in the last May 13 elections.

“Like the other winners, I draw my strength from the people and I will be more passionate in the service that they expect from me,” he said. he added that he

would extend the hand of friendship and cooperation to all persons and sectors in the community.

“I believe that the people elected us to perform service for the community and that must begin right now, with us united in our common cause to serve,” he explained.

Nograles said that there is still much to be done and a lot of challenges ahead for them to face, but they could be resolved if the newly elected officials would work together.

“With clarity of

purpose, an indomitable spirit and dedicated hard work, I know without a doubt we can overcome what comes our way,” he said.

Meanwhile, 2nd district newly elected councilor Leo Avila said Dabawenyos can expect a more focused service by his office.

“My years of experience will help define how my office will undertake relevant programs for the people,” he explained, adding that a strategic plan is a good way to start for newly elected officials.

MPACT Concert”, a free, life changing event will be held on Friday, May the 24 at 6:30 pm at Matina Town Square.

The concert features a live band, dramatic productions, multimedia presentations, games, and prizes.

Organizers said the concert’s audience will experience a night they will never forget.

Impact Concert is an impacting presentation presented by the students of Global Impact’s 2013 Catalyst Leadership Academy and it represents the culmination of all they have learned and experienced over the last five weeks.

Along with running Catalyst Leadership Academy, Global Impact, a Davaobased foundation, also does a variety of other services for the community. Global Impact works with schools and families in Davao to prevent human trafficking, runs weekly feeding outreach programs

and safe homes, gives education sponsorships, and participates in cleft-lip surgical missions and a variety of other programs. The mission of Global Impact is to equip people to grow, develop and flourish in all aspects of life and to empower

potential in others.

To find out more about Global Impact Phils Foundation visit https://www.facebook.com/myglobal, www.myglobal.org or call 082-244-0252.

The office is located at 40 Garnet St, Gem Village Maa, Davao City.

‘Impact Concert’ at MTS Friday “I

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

NATION/WORLD 11

Grounded ship is PHL’s last line of defense A

handful of marines living on a World War II-era ship that is grounded on a remote, tiny reef is the Philippines’ last line of defense against China’s efforts to control most of the South China Sea. The soldiers are stationed on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands aboard a former US tank-landing vessel that was deliberately abandoned there to serve as a base, according to their former commander, Juancho Sabban.

“Their lives are very hard... but they are marines. They are used to that kind of thing,” said the retired general, former head of military forces in

the western Philippines that has jurisdiction over the area.

“There is no ground, they live on a grounded ship. They depend only on supplies that are delivered to them on logistics runs.”

The shoal and the lives of the troops guarding it were thrust into the global spotlight this week after the Philippines said a Chinese warship was “illegally and provocatively” circling the area.

It was the latest in a series of aggressive steps

by China in recent years to assert its claim over the South China Sea that have rattled the Philippines, with others including the Chinese occupation of another Filipino-claimed

shoal.

China says it has sovereign rights over nearly all of the South China Sea, even waters far away from its main landmass and approaching the coasts of Southeast Asian countries.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of the sea, and the area has for decades been regarded as a potential trigger for major military conflict in the region.

Dozens of Vietnamese soldiers died in losing battles in 1974 and 1988 with Chinese forces for control of islands in the sea, which are believed to sit atop reserves of oil and gas worth billions of dollars.

The Spratlys archipela-

go, which has hundreds of islands, reefs and atolls, is one of the most hotly contested areas of the sea.

All claimants, except Brunei, station troops on various sized islands and atolls in the Spratlys to back their claims.

The Philippines occupies nine of the Spratlys, including Thitu island, the second-largest in the area.

Second Thomas Shoal is a tiny group of islets and reefs about 200 kilometres (120 miles) northwest of the Philippine island of Palawan, the nearest major landmass.

Resupply ships take between 36 and 40 hours to reach it depending on the weather.

The island of Kalayaan, which means “Freedom” in Filipino, that was created in 1978 mainly to assert the Philippines’ claim to the disputed territory in the Spratlys, a chain of islets in the South China Sea.

eugenio Bito-onon, mayor of the region that oversees the Philippine-held Spratlys, described the shoal as an eight-kilometre-long, oblong-shaped coral reef that barely rises above the water.

“It sinks at high tide,” Bito-onon told AFP. The BRP Sierra Madre, a 100-metre (328-foot) amphibious vessel built for the United States in 1944 and acquired by the Filipino navy in 1976, was deliberately grounded in the late 1990s to shelter the garrison, according to Bito-onon. he said each of the Philippine-held islands were manned by “at most” a dozen marines or navy personnel.

Neither Sabban nor defence department spokesman Peter Galvez would confirm to AFP the troops’ exact numbers, nor their weaponry. however Galvez said the grounded vessel produced its own electricity generated from its fuel-powered engine, giving the shoal garrison access to indoor entertainment, including movies and video games.

“It’s still a functioning ship. It’s just considered a ship in distress,” Galvez told AFP. Satellite phones also keep them in contact with their families during tours of duty, which last between three and six months, according to Sabban.

The nearest manned rock is Mischief Reef, about 40 kilometres away, but the neighbours are not considered friendly.

Mischief Reef is claimed by the Philip-

pines as part of its territory because, like Second Thomas Shoal, it is within the country’s internationally recognised exclusive economic zone.

But in 1995 Chinese forces moved onto the then-unoccupied reef, building fortifications that China initially described as harmless fishermen’s shelters. Chinese forces have been stationed there ever since.

After the Philippines announced on Tuesday it had lodged a formal protest about the Chinese warship and the fishing vessels, China responded by insisting again it owned the area and that all other parties were there illegally.

“China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha islands and their adjacent waters,” foreign ministry spokesman hong Lei said in Beijing, referring to the Spratlys by its Chinese name.

“Patrols by Chinese official ships in the waters are justified,” hong added.

Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, said the presence of the warship showed China was prepared to use its growing military power to protect its far-roaming fishing vessels.

“It’s a fairly strong signal that, increasingly, China is going to provide naval as well as civilian assets to protect its fishing fleets,” he told AFP. “Of course, there’s always a danger in this kind of situation where either through miscommunication or mis-perception an accidental clash takes place.” [AFP]

Armed Forces,” said Quijano, who said he owes a lot to the Philippine government. he also believes other

young Filipinos can succeed like him, as he modestly said he was only “at the right place at the right time.” [Yahoo!]

Pinoy to graduate with honors from U.S. Air Force Academy

W

hile others let go of burdens in an attempt to fly, it was by taking on more challenges that a young Filipino cadet soared from the shadow he had been under.

Once content with watching planes from the airport near his Dipolog City home, Theodore Karl Quijano is set to fly planes himself as he graduates next week from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“It wasn’t part of the plan,” Quijano said of his application at the U.S. military school where he will be only the 16th Filipino to graduate since 1956.

“An opportunity presented itself. So I grabbed it,” he added in an online interview with Yahoo!

Southeast Asia.

Quijano, the eldest of seven siblings, had earlier spent three years as a chemical engineering student at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City. he left the state uni-

versity and eventually enrolled at the Philippine Military Academy, where he had the assurance of free tuition and a stipend. he was in his second year when he learned about exams for the U.S. Service Academies.

“Initially, I hesitated to go to the Air Force Academy. But I was told that I would be an ambassador for the Philipinnes, and would represent the country, “ Quijano said.

Quijano will graduate as part of the Superintendent’s List, which signifies academic, military and athletic distinctions. he was also Wing Chief of Standardization and evaluation, the highest position ever held by a cadet coming from the Philippines. earlier, he had been selected by the Academy’s Commandant as first of 1,300 fourthclass cadets for military excellence.

The first Dipolognon Westpointer will also get a Parachutist Badge, Glider Pilot Wings, Powered

Flight Wings and Space Wings (for completing a program where he was trained to operate U.S. space satellites).

It wasn’t easy hurdling the program, Quijano admitted, noting that distance from his family seemed to have made the rigorous military training more difficult.

“Being out of your comfort zone is always uncomfortable and, at times, painful. But I knew I was doing it for them,” Quijano said.

There was also pressure to perform, being the only Filipino in his class. “I had to keep in mind that I represent a nation,” Quijano said.

“I needed to prove that we are the greatest people on earth. We are. We just need to learn to do our part and do it right,” Quijano added.

Asked about his plans after graduation, Quijano, who will serve as second lieutenant in the Philippine Air Force, said he is

leaving it all up to his seniors.

“It’s not about what I plan. It’s about what they want to do with me in the

WITH HONORS. Theodore Karl Quijano, who was born and raised in Dipolog City, will graduate with high distinction from the U.S. Air Force Academy. [Photo from Quijano’s Facebook page]

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14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Pagara goes for knockout C

PINOY PRIDE XX. Jason Pagara and Aaron Herrera pose with WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo Jr and Cobra girls during Thursday’s presscon at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.

eBU CITY – The adversaries for the 20th edition of the ‘Pinoy Pride’ series had their final round of sabre rattling today during the final press conference held at the Waterfront Cebu City hotel.

Jason “el Niño” Pagara (30-2, 19KO’s) of the ALA Gym, who will defend his WBO International light welterweight title against Mexico’s Aaron “La hoya” herrera (25-1, 17 KO’s) said that the Mexican challenger’s style is easy to solve.

“Simpol ra kaayo ni siya pildihon.” Pagara said when asked to comment about herrera’s fight videos. “I will not promise anything but you will see a knockout.” herrera for his part said that he is 200 percent prepared. “I will beat Pagara because this is the first time that he will face a good fighter.”

Trainer edmund Villamor said that Pagara is in better shape even compared to his condiitoning during the Rosbel Montoya rematch. This will be the second time that Pagara will headline a Pinoy Pride card. They will trade punches this Saturday inside the Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City hotel and Casino.

Jimrex “executioner” Jaca (37-6-3, 21 KO’s) will go for the vacant WBO Oriental lt.welterweight title and a world ranking when he fights with Mexico’s Jose emilio Perea (29-2, 20KO’s).

Jaca, who is known for his gallant loss against Juan Manuel Marquez, said that he is in better shape now and is only a pound over 140.

WBO VP for Asia Pacific Leon Panoncillo emphasized the importance of the International and regional belts and said that many world champions of the World Boxing Organization were once holders of the International title.

Jaca, who is trained by

Jimrex Jaca and Jose Emilio Perea.

Franklin Albia, looks forward to the opportunity to face Marquez again. \ Undefeated Genesis “Azukal” Servania (19-0, 7 KO’s) will face Isaac Junior of Indonesia (20-32, 8 KO’s)in a ten round non-title contest. Servania is in a must situation because he is already penned for a fight in Macau this July.

A special feature in this card will be the pro debut of Jessel Magsayo of the ALA Gym, who will face Melton Sandal of Zamboanga del Norte in a four rounder. Magsayo is a former amateur standout and caught the attention of Philboxing editor Dong Secuya, who together with this writer, watched him spar against Servania.

Magsayo, who hails from Tagbilaran City, was already spotted by this writer three years ago when he represented the BTC Boxing Club and was chosen as the Best Boxer of the Tournament during the amateur finals of the Mayor Jonas Cortes Cup in Mandaue City.

Also set to see action are Ralph Lulu vs Junnie Salogaol (8 rounds), Roland Servania vs Andrew Palas (4 rounds), elmo Traya vs Jonie Villacrusis (4 rounds), Richard Barrios vs Lauro Balweg (4 rounds) and Kazuma ejiri of Japan vs Jonas Sultan (4 rounds).

ALA Promotions VP Dennis Cañete thanked the media together with WBO VP Leon Panoncillo and ABS-CBN for their support.The Pinoy Pride series has shot to double digit ratings nationwide.

The last Pinoy Pride event in Davao City, which saw Rey Bautista losing to Jose Ramirez of Mexico, registered 30.4 percent in rural Mindanao and a 17 percent national rating.

The official weigh-in for Pinoy Pride xx: Laban kung Laban will be on noontime Friday May 24 at SM Cebu events Centre.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

An artistic rendezvous at Taboan

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

M

y friend and fellow rap battle enthusiast, CJ Andea, asked me if I was sure. I nodded my head and gave him my 24 Karat smile.

He was not a happy camper as he knew how I am with people -- a crowd full of people, at that. Nonetheless, we made our way and walked the catwalk of MTS that fateful evening of May 19.

It was the TM RAPublika Battle Season 2 at the Taboan. Artists from all walks of life rallied their way to the venue and patiently waited for the event to start. Hiphop enthusiasts and some of Davao’s prime battle mc’s (Snob, Psykadelik, to name a few) were present to witness the unveiling of undiscovered talents that night. With them was Paw, who kept me in-sync within the hiphop realm all throughout the night.

Jam-packed would have to be an understatement.

The place was spilling with onlookers and you can feel the brewing of talents in every corner. 37 contenders spilled their heart and soul in front of premier hiphop man, Mike Swift, and Death Threat Rapper, DCoy, who were the judges of the event. With “bakit ka astig?” as the premier question, each of them wowed the crowd and, of course, the judges to make it into the next round.

From 37, it was trimmed to ten then to five and finally to one who will represent Davao in the Manila face-off. At the end, it was Mackoy, with

his fluid like technique and smooth flow of thoughts that paved the way for his win. Good Luck Mackoy and Davao represent!

No, the event did not end there. It was just the beginning.

The concert began with hiphop artist and premier magician, Jeff Tam, and Dcoy singing on stage.

Wow. Everybody was on their feet, singing along with them.

By the time, Abra, Loonie and Dello disembarked from the van, the crowd was already on their feet and chanting. yes, three of the most sought after battle Mc’s and hiphop artists in the country are

Paw, CJ, Abra and me.

all in one roof. In the city.

Certainly, you cannot ask for more.

Rebuttal King himself, Dello, came out first.

Singing “Darating” with his band, you could just hear the symphony from the crowd. It was smooth and just right to make the crowd up and about. In between, he gamely tossed his merchandise that got the crowd rowdier than ever.

After his set, I thought I was already deaf. The crowd went wild as Mr. Tao Lang, Loonie, took the stage. With his chillax mode, he was such a sight to see up on the stage --right where he truly belongs. He urged a fan to take the mic and sing with him. Oh how I wish I do not stutter --I would have left my post and sang with him. Seriously!

By the time the first note of ‘Tao Lang’ came blasting from the speakers, I was already jumping from my seat. With Loonie was Reg

Rubio, Greyhoundz front man whom I was able to share some thoughts with before their performance, gave a showstopper performance. I must say, it

was one helluva of a performance – kung wala ka pang mali, wala ka pang nagagawa!

So, yeah, my deafness escalated into an infinite note as the Makatang Hibang, Abra, came out and started talking to the crowd. I was lost, literally, as I cannot see him from where I was standing. All I can hear was the crowd, going ballistic as he performed his latest single “Ilusyon” for the attendees.

Though I was not able to grasp his every note, I was happy to have hummed and bopped my head along with the beat.

Like the rest, I was waiting for him to sing “Gayuma”. Oh boy, was it a sight to see – and hear.

The whole of Taboan sang with him and you could see him smiling all the way from where I was – which was not far from the stage.

Indeed, an undeniably unwritten anthem in the hearts of those who know how to appreciate a good song!

After him, Mike Swift,

Dello and Loonie took the stage and gave a stellar freestyle performance to the delight of the crowd. A superb end to an awesome night, I must say.

Oh, my mor-night did not end there. Let’s just say, I was fortunate enough to get close and personal with Abra. yes, Abra!

Quick Interview with ABRA L: Congratulations on your new song (Ilusyon). I saw it on youTube.

A: Thank you. Salamat at napanood mo na.

L: your song “Gayuma” got million views compared to your latest one.

A: ‘Di ko pa napopromote ang ‘Ilusyon’.

L: Was “Gayuma” your first single as a solo artist?

A: Meron akong isa pa.. ‘yung Abrakadara..ginawa ko lang ‘yun para masubukan kung pano gumawa ng solo track. Then after nun.. papalitan ko nga dapa yun pero surprise na lang..Nung na-gets ko na pano maging

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

UP AND ABOUT

Meet the Justice League at SM Lanang Premier

New Lenovo reality game with Kobe puts the ball in your court

LENOVO Mobile brings the excitement of the court to tech fans with a cool new augmented reality game featuring its endorser, NBA CALLiNg all kids and toon fans! As one final superstar Kobe Brytreat this summer, SM Cartoon Fest presents ant. the world’s legendary comic book superheWith game standees roes, the Justice League, live at SM Lanang deployed across Lenovo Premier on May 25, Saturday. retail outlets nationwide, A Meet and greet with the DC Comics’ Justice League team – Batman, green Arrow and Aquaman – will be held at the mall’s Atrium at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Kids and Justice League fans of all ages can get a chance to interact with these iconic characters with a minimum spend of PHp300 worth of Justice League merchandise from the SM Store.

During the activity, children can enjoy free drawing activities and shoppers can avail of exclusive promos and special discounts on all Justice League/DC Comics products.

See your much admired toon characters come alive at the SM Cartoon Fest in SM Lanang Premier! For inquiries, call 285-0943 local 135-138.

The SM Cartoon Fest is the biggest cartoon festival being held nationwide in SM Supermalls, including SM City Davao and SM City general Santos till May 31. it is supported by Bates/Nickelodeon, Richprime, Pacific Licensing, Honeybarn, Solar, Click Licensing and Astroplus/Magnavision.

A New LuSCiouSNeSS just for summer for BonChon’s Ko-Yo, (Korean Yogurt) with the new Mango Sans Rival Ko-Yo. Savor a wonderfully summery cup of alternating layers of cool, creamy Ko-Yo and homemade graham pie crust, topped with juicy mango preserves and toasted cashews in the limited edition BonChon Mango Sans Rival Ko-Yo. or enjoy the classic Banoffee Pie and Blueberry Torte Ko-Yos, or have an icy, bubbly moment with the Ko-Yo Soda Floats in orange or Rootbeer, also available in Cola and Lemon Lime.

customers will have the opportunity to test their mettle in this exciting shooting game where they must score five baskets to get a photo with Bryant himself and the chance to win a new Lenovo K900.

It only takes three easy steps to start shooting some hoops and possibly win a K900. Get ready to play by first downloading the free Zapper app, then catching any of Kobe Bryant’s Augmented Reality standees at Lenovo outlets. Go to your app, tap Zapcode, and scan the code on the basketball to bring the ball to life and begin the game. Score five baskets by simply following the instructions on screen.

When the game is done, players get to pose for a quick snapshot with Kobe Bryant and share their photos through Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #Walangiwanan, #NeverFallBehind, #Leno-

voMobilePhilippines, or through Facebook by tagging www.facebook.com/ LenovoMobilePhilippines. Tag the images under these three categories: Elegant, Powerful, and Everything Flow, and get the chance to be part of the monthly raffle where a Lenovo K900 will be given away to the lucky winner.

The slimmest among Lenovo’s latest lineup of smartphones at only

6.99mm and weighing a scant 162 grams, the K900 boasts of a front-and-rear camera and the world’s first 5.5-inch full-HD 400+ PPI screen.

The K900 also packs an Intel Atom Z2580 2GHz dual-core processor which assures uninterrupted performance of its all-around functions – just like Kobe Bryant who is unstoppable and always moving and hustling on court.

Walang Iwanan! Turn up the hardcourt heat with Lenovo’s augmented reality game that combines power, performance, and entertainment.

Kobe Bryant Augmented Reality standees are now at Lenovo outlets in Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and other urban locations across the Greater Manila Area, Luzon, and the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

GMA Network cites outstanding 2013 graduates with excellence award

“WE are driven by our Passion for Excellence,” so goes one of the corporate values of GMA Network.

It is in this spirit that the Kapuso Network recognizes the achievements of graduates from select universities who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, technical skill, and academic performance through its CSR program called the GMA Network Excellence Award.

Formerly known as the GMA President’s Medal, the GMA Network Excellence Award is a symbol of excellence that embodies the Network’s values and ideals – integrity, leadership, public service, and responsibility – and is given to outstanding graduates of broadcast-related courses including electronics communications engineering.

According to GMA Network’s Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs Ma. Teresa L. Pacis, “The Network hopes to serve as a motivational influence to all graduates to always strive for excellence and challenge them to

do outstanding work when they practice their craft.”

From its inception until 2012, the GMA Network Excellence Award has cited a total of 31 students from partner universities namely University of the Philippines (Diliman, Cebu, and Mindanao), Don Bosco Technical College (Mandaluyong), and Angeles University Foundation (Pampanga). GMA Network Excellence Awardees each receive the GMA Excellence Award plaque and P10,000 cash prize.

This year, seven students, all with Latin honors, are added to this roster: Igai Jada P. Andres (Journalism), Trizia S. Terada (Broadcast Communications),

and Jestine Mari Sanchez (Communication Research) from UP-Diliman, Cheska Micaela B. Kabiling (Mass Communication) from AUF, Jessica Camille G. Mamaril (Electronics Communications Engineering) from Don Bosco, King Anthony V. Perez (Mass Communication) from UP-Cebu, and Alethea Louise D. Gamalong (Communication Arts) from UP-Mindanao.

The GMA Network Excellence Award has been conferred to deserving graduates in Manila since 2001. In school year 20092010, the Award was introduced in the Visayas Region through UP-Cebu. In 2011, a merit award

was then given to a graduate of the Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan. Last year, a special edition of the Award was also given to a student of Adamson University, in commemoration of its 80th Foundation Day. This 2013, the Award was launched in the Mindanao region through UP-Mindanao.

The Award has also been extended to the finalists of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) – NCR since 2012. This year’s recipient of the GMA Network Excellence Award Special Edition is Gianina Joy Nathania L. Napo a Mass Communication graduate of the Far Eastern University.

Spearheaded by the RFM Foundation, TOSP is a formation program that seeks graduating college students who have excelled academically, manifested exemplary leadership, and dedicated themselves in the service of their communities throughout their college life, all founded on strong moral values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service.

The awardees of the GMA Network Excellence Award underwent a panel interview with select GMA Network personalities and officers and are chosen based on scholastic achievement, relevance of related works, and leadership skills.

Some awardees and finalists are now working in GMA Network, in various capacities.

Among them are GMA News reporters Dano Tingcungco, Jam Sesante, Micaela Papa, GMA News Online reporter Kimberly Jane Tan, Saksi segment producer Sophia Balod, and GMA Cebu sales producer Rachel Sindo.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 40 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAiNMENT

Abercrombie & Fitch ads remade as “Attractive & Fat” after Ceo reportedly slams plus-size shoppers ABERCROMBiE & Fitch became famous for their cheeky ad campaigns (cheeky as in butt cheeks, what sells jeans better than not including them in the ad!) but became infamous after CEO Mike Jeffries reportedly claimed he only “wants thin and beautiful people” wearing A&F. Jeffries has since released a statement claiming that his company is “completely opposed to any discrimination...based on body type” but that it does “target its marketing at a particular segment of customers.” in the midst of the controversy, blogger Jes, aka The Militant Baker, has penned an open letter to Jeffries and posted an accompanying photo shoot reimagining the ads as “Attractive & Fat.” Jes prefaces her letter by admitting Jeffries’ “opinion isn’t shocking; millions share the same sentiment” but goes on to say that it, “reinforce[s] the unoriginal concept that fat women are social failures, valueless and undesirable.”

MAY 22, 2013

NOW

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And Jes wasn’t going to take that lying down: “You have also created an incredible opportunity for social change.”

For the shoot, she donned A&F apparel and posed with a model more traditional to the Fitch brand, noting, “The juxtaposition of uncommonly paired bodies is visually jarring...This is largely attributed to companies like yours that perpetuate the thought that fat women are not beautiful. This is inaccurate.” “i was inspired by the opportunity to show that i am secure in my skin and to flaunt this by using the controversial platform that you

created,” she continued. “i challenge the separation of attractive and fat, and i assert that they are compatible regardless of what you believe.”

Jes, who writes that she did not set out to prove that Jeffries is “an ostentatious dick,” has a challenge for him, “You are more than welcome to prove me wrong by posing shirtless with a hot fat chick.”

Which he might actually do. Just as long as the fat chick isn’t wearing two A&F polos with both collars popped (naturally) and jeans that were already ripped when she bought them.

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Fast & Furious 6 premiere up in smoke: “I’m Getting High,” Jokes Michelle Rodriguez

The Fast & Furious 6 pre- smell weed.” miere last night at UniShe laughed, “i’m getting versal City Walk in L.A. high. it’s going in my mouth.” was smokin’.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez adLiterally.

The scent of, um, funny cigarettes could be smelled throughout the red carpet area as clouds of smoke billowed above the fans who came out for a free prescreening concert featuring Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, Ludacris and Tyrese gibson. “i smell pot,” FF6 star Michelle Rodriguez told us.

“Don’t you smell pot?”

We certainly did.

“You guys are smoking!”

Rodriguez said to the fans. “is Snoop in there somewhere? Where’s Snoop? i

mitted to being a fast driver in real life. “But i drive a Prius and the cops don’t care,” she added, Fast & Furious bravado intact.

Her costar Luke Evans isn’t as lucky—he has one speeding ticket on his record. “i got it while i was doing this movie!” the British hottie said. “i blame Fast & Furious completely for it.”

But his moving violation was anything but fast and furious—Evans got busted for doing 38 in a 30.

He said, “i try to abide by the rules most of the time.”

BROMANCE

Janet Jackson hits billionaire status!

WOW, now that’s some serious money in the bank!

Janet Jackson has officially joined the billion-dollar club, according to Variety.

The mag credits her incredibly successful career over many decades for the singer’s lofty financial status.

She reportedly earned $458 million thanks to concert tours, $304 million in acting gigs like The Nutty Professor and For Colored girls, $260 million in album sales (“Rhythm Nation, anyone?) and more than $81

million from sponsorships.

But Jackson isn’t the only billionaire in her family. Her hubby Wissam Al Mana already reached that elite tax bracket after making his fortune in investments in the Middle East.

The “Escapade” singer joins the billionaire entertainer ranks of Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and author J.K. Rowling.

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

Newly opened Park Inn by Radisson:

Another first for Davao DAVAO CITy, the forerunner in business, tourism and investment in the southern Philippines, marks another milestone with the opening the first Park Inn hotel in Asia Pacific.

Park Inn by Radisson is Carlson Rezidor’s internationally successful midscale limited service concept. It is a segment-leading brand with a 26 year track record of delivering quality guest experience, focusing on the modern essentials of today’s savvy travelers.

With over 140 hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and North America, Park Inn

by Radisson is now gearing towards expansion in Asia. Its development in

the region begins in Davao City, adjudged as one of the cleanest, safest, and most livable cities in the Philippines. The vibrant cosmopolitan city resonates the hotel brand’s fun, friendly and hassle-free service philosophy, aptly titled as Adding Color to Life.

Park Inn by Radisson

Davao is situated right next to the SM Lanang Premier Mall and SMX Convention Center, just 15 minutes away from the international airport. The 204-room hotel has a recreation hub on the second floor, which houses leisure facilities such as the swimming pool, fitness center and pool bar. RBG (Restaurant, Bar, and Grill) is the hotel’s hip all-day dining outlet,

serving Mediterranean cuisines, grilled meats and fish, and local favorites.

All areas showcase vibrant and innovative design elements, making Park Inn the most colorful addition to Davao City’s hospitality industry.

For more information or booking inquiries, please visit: www.parkinn.com/ hotel-davao or call +63 82 272 7600.

rendezvous from A1 L: Exactly, some people do not get that.

A: Yeah, some people don’t.

It takes time to understand.

solo artists, nilabas ko ang Gayuma.

L: What can you say about your success?

A: Masaya. Nakakapagod pero masaya. Yun yung pinakamasarap na pagod…Parang yung work ko, yun rin ang passion ko.

Kaya ‘di ko nararamdaman ang pagod. . Parang nahihirapan sumuko yung katawan ko dahil masaya.. masaya ginagawa ko.

L: you had a battle last May 17(FlipTop Zoning) then you came over here, how do you manage your days? Like, do you even rest?

A: Yes, katatapos lang ng zoning. Saya ‘non…

Downtime naman namin as MC’s, sulat. Talagang hindi nagpapahinga yung utak.

L: you are still with LDP (Lyrically Deranged Poet; Rjay, Abra and ALex), right?

A: Yeah, oo naman. Intact parin ang LDP. Meron kaming ginagawang project as a group and as solo art-

Abra and me after the interview. ists. Si Rjaynaglabas ng mix tape nya (11-11-11) and then may solo album din sya. Ako ganon rin.

Patapos na ang solo album ko. In the next few months, ilalabas ko na. Atsaka ang LDP Album, malapit na.

Abangan nyo.

L: What can you say about people branding you as “mainstream”?

A: Well…di naman siguro..

Mahirap i-stereotype kami na ‘mainstream’… ‘Di naman naming ginawa ‘to para magpasikat. DI naman kami nag-rrap para kumuha ng atensyon o magbenta ng mga kung anu-ano. Kasi nag-rrap kami dahil yun yung sin-

igaw ng puso namin, yun yung passion namin. Nagkataon lang na nagustohan sya ng mga tao at parang biglang nag-shift yung preference ng generation. Bigla .. Ang daming hiphop fans at nakikinig ng hiphop.

Natutuwa sila sa battle scene, na nag-compliment naman sa music. So, ayun, naging (quote and quote) ‘mainstream’ which is di naman tlaga importante kung mainstream sya o hindi kasi we keep it underground pero nakakakuha kami ng mainstream attention which is a good formula kasi still legit pero mabenta. Hindi porke’t mabenta, sell out na.

L: So, what is next for Abra?

A: Hmm… yung album ko at ila-launch ko sa first major concert this year…

Manila.. invited naman lahat.. Baka August.. Isa sa pinakamalupit na event this year.

L: Thank you, Abra.

A: Thank you, Thank you.

Indeed, talent is everywhere. you just need to believe that you are innately talented to be one.

Hence, To be is To do. Do what you must and Be who you want to be. Let the distractions take you into the realm of your success. Haters? No, jealous maybe. Learn to embrace the negativity and discover the beauty of a life with distractions. Be your own critique and let your mistakes take you higher than the empire state. Over and above, appreciate and love what you have.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

THAT’S WHAT MVP’s DO

SPORTS 15

Lebron saves Heat in Game 1 M

IAMI (AP) -- LeBron James caught the inbounds pass, changed direction and immediately attacked the rim.

There was no one in his way.

There was no stopping him, either.

James made a layup as time expired in overtime, capping a 30-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist effort as the Miami heat found a way to outlast the Indiana Pacers 103-102 in a wildly back-and-forth Game 1 of the eastern Conference finals Wednesday night.

There were 18 ties and 17 lead changes, the last two of those coming in the final 2.2 seconds. ‘’Two teams fought hard,’’ James said. ‘’We were able to make one more play.’’

If this is how this series is going to go, then get ready for a classic between teams that absolutely wanted to face the other with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

Paul George saved the Pacers at the end of regulation with a 32-footer with 0.7 seconds left, and then made three free throws with 2.2 ticks left in overtime to give Indiana a one-point lead. George pumped his fist gently af-

ter the third free throw, then extended his index finger skyward as the teams retreated to their benches to get ready for the final play. he just left James too much time, and the Pacers left their best shot-blocking option on the bench. Roy hibbert wasn’t on the floor for the final play, and without a 7-foot2 barrier to contest him, James made the winner look easy. ‘’Two great teams just throwing punch for punch,’’ Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. ‘’Our spirit is very high, very confident. We know we can play with this basketball team.’’

Vogel said he left hibbert off the floor for the final play out of concern of what defending champion Miami would do with Chris Bosh in that scenario. Afterward, he acknowledged he might have different thinking next time. ‘’I would say we would probably have him in next time,’’ Vogel said.

Game 2 is Friday night in Miami.

Officials reviewed James’ play at the end, though it was clear he beat the clock, and the Pacers walked slowly toward

their locker room, lamenting one that got away - by no fault of George’s. ‘’Gut-wrenching,’’ hibbert said.

George was fouled

by Dwyane Wade on the play where the Pacers had to think they had stolen the series opener. Referee Jason Phillips said Wade hit George, and the Pacers’ star made all three free throws for the 16th lead change of the night.

The final lead change came moments later. ‘’Welcome to the eastern Conference finals,’’ heat coach erik Spoelstra said. ‘’Back and forth the whole way.’’

Wade scored 19 points, Bosh had 17 and Chris Andersen had 16 on 7-for-7 shooting for Miami.

George scored 27 for the Pacers, who got 26 from David West and 19 from hibbert. The Pacers have won only two series in NBA franchise history after dropping a Game 1. ‘’It just felt like everything was in our favor,’’ George said.

The final few seconds of regulation were stunning, with Ray Allen - the sixth-best free-throw shooter in NBA history missing one that proved big, and George making a miracle happen.

HANGTIME MOVE. VMO spitfire Bong Go punctures the lane for a layup in this bit of action between VMO and BLBE in the ongoing Phoenix Petroleum 36 Above Tournament at the DCRC. VMO trounced BLBE 107-80 as Go scorched the hoops with 50 points including 13 triples. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 50 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MAY 24-25, 2013

EDGEDAVAO