Edge Davao 7 Issue 05

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

SUDDEN RAIN. Workers on their way home cover themselves with cardboard boxes against the sudden downpour brought by the low pressure area affecting Davao City and nearby provinces in Mindanao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

RODY DEFENDS TSI EXPANSION Coal is still the cheaper alternative--Duterte

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte last Wednesday defended the approval on second reading by the city council of the request of Therma South Inc. (TSI) to expand its generating capacity in Barangay Binugao. Toril from 300 megawatts (MW) to 645 MW.

BACK TO BACK TITLE. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte awards the championship trophy to The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office team owner Glenn Escandor after his team crushed Rep. Manny Pacquiao’s MP Pacman War-

riors in the finals of the Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament.

Also in photo are Duterte’s executive assistant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and City Sports Office head Willaim Ramirez. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte told reporters at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym) that the city would benefit from the expansion as Mindanao is already experiencing a power shortage.

“Pila ka adlaw – mga 10 ka tuig gikan karon, totally wala na ta’y energy (one of these days, about 10 years from today we will lose energy totally),” Duterte said, adding that all means should be utilized to meet the power demand.

He said that coal is the cheaper and more accessible source of power that could satisfy the demand of the city.

“Kay mahal kaayo ang gasoline og krudo ( Unya kanang geothermal sa Mt.

Apo, we expect something 100 percent na mo buto para magpasaka sa turbine, we are only generatinjh less than 30 percent (of energy). So, wala ta’y makuha diha,” Duterte said.

The mayor also answered the worry of environmentalists that the operation of the coal fired-power plant would harm the ecology and the health of communities arpund it the plant.

“Ako mayor gud ko, mosugot kaha ko na madaot ang kalawasan sa mga tao? Am I stupid na mosugot ko’g ing-ana” Duterte stressed.

He said that he really needs to balance it because he doesn’t want the people

FRODY, 10

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Caltex brings to Davao five benefits of Caltex with Techron

I

N a discussion with Davaobased media, Caltex recently showed how engines that are fed with low quality fuels become dirty in no time. In contrast, the same test showed pictures of how an engine that regularly uses Caltex with Techron is kept clean and operating at optimum levels.

Using a boroscope to take videos and photos inside cars’ engines, car owners were able to see the build-up of unburned and harmful deposits in piston tops and intake

valves in their car engines.

Only cars that were fed with Caltex with Techron showed internal engine parts almost as clean as brand new. The boroscope tests involved 35 cars with at least 25,000 kilometers on the odometer or at least 3 years old. Caltex with Techron is marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI).

Jude Porras, Product Engineering Specialist, CPI, said, “Over time, deposits can accumulate in your car’s combus-

FCALTEX, 10

More stalls coming up at night market

5 BENEFITS. Chevron Phils., Inc. Product Engineering Specialist Jude Porras discusses the five benefits of Caltex with Techron additive during a presentation of Caltex the 5 star fuel technology update in yesterday’s press briefing held at the Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

M

ORE stalls for sidewalk vendors will be available at the Tiangge sa Katawhan Night Market on Roxas Avenue in Davao City.

City Mayor’s Drainage Management Unit (CMODMU) chief Ret. Col. Yusop Jimlani announced last Monday there will be 104 more available stalls added to the existing 503.

“We will get another block near the boulevard for expansion,”Jimalani said, adding that there were 418 occupied stalls during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw.

“We recorded the highest number of consumers last Sunday,” he said. “The night market is stariting to become effective.

Most ‘hot meat’ come from outside markets CADAC to partner

FMORE STALLS, 10

WAR AGAINST DRUGS

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

M

crc@edgedavao.net

OST of “hot meat”confiscated in Davao Ciry are in talipapas, an official of the City Veterinarian’s Office said.

Dr. Cerelyn B. Pinili, CVO head said that their monitoring team usually confiscates hot meat outside public markets. “Dira kasagaran sa mga nagadisplay-display ra sa gawas sa palengke..”

She said that it is seldom that her team find

“double-dead meat” inside the market.

“Once na musulod sa palengke iniaagi jud na ng inspeksyon,” Pinili said, adding that meat in public markets come from authorized abattoirs in the city.

Currently, Nenita’s Stock Farm and Slaughter House is the only abattoir accredited by NMIS, while the rest are accredited by the City Government of Davao.

Last year, the CVO was

DESPITE ANGRY OWNERS

CVOintensifies dog nabbing

T

HE animal control center of the Davao City veterinarian’s office (CVO) is intensifying its dog nabbing operation in city streets to prevent the spread of rabies.

Dr. Cerelyn B. Pinili, CVO’s head, told reporters in yesterday’s ‘I-Speak media forum’ at the conference room of city hall that the unit is averaging 50 dogs a day.

Uy “Actually, gipa intensify gyud nako kay naa man gu’y directive si mayor (Rodrigo R. Duterte) ato na at least 40 -50

(dogs daily) so, naningkamot gyud ang team na matuman ang order ni mayor,” Pinili said, adding that their unit is doubling its efforts snd was able to meet their daily quota.

Pinili said that they already impounded 1,237 dogs from January to March and that . of the 1,237 dogs impounded; only 35 percent were claimed by the owners and the rest will undergo euthanasia if no one would claim them.

The intensified cam-

FCVO, 10

able to confiscate1,129 kilos (kls) of illegally slaughtered meat in the city . This was lower than the 7,000 kilos confiscated the previous year (2012).

The team was able to seize 531.13 kls in the first quarter of the 2013; 879.22 kls in second quarter; 1,089.75kls in rhethird ;and 629kls in the last quarter of 2013.

The total confiscated “hot meat” last year was lower than their 4,000 kls

2013 target and was lower than the 7,000 kilos seized in 2012.

Earlier, Dr. Esther Cherry Rayos, assistant city veterinarian said that “the number of violators decreased because they fear that they will be jailed,” citing the Republic Act 9296 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines. Violation of RA 9296 will lead to imprisonment of not less than one day

FMOST, 10

with private sector

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) has asked the private sector to partner with their program in the fight against iillegal drugs.

William Ramirez, chairman of CADAC told reporters in a chance in-

terview at the city hall yesterday that in order to fulfill their goal they need partners to work with.

“Government projects cannot succeed without support from the private sector,” said Ramirez.

This year, Ramirez said

FWAR, 10

CHAMPIONSHIP. A spectator watches the championship match of the Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte-VM Pulong Duterte Cup 77th Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament between Davao-based The Royal Mandaya Hotel and General Santos’ MP Pacman Warriors in between the metal barriers Wednesday night at the Davao City Recreation Center. Lean Daval Jr.

3 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA launched in Kapalong T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) paved its way to another milestone in empowering poor communities as it launched Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) peace-promoting community projects in Kapalong, Davao Del Norte.

The launch was led

by Mayor Edgardo Timbol, Regional Director of DSWD Priscilla N. Razon, together with the Local Government Officials, Davao del Norte provincial representatives, volunteers and project beneficiaries.

Conducted with the launch was the Municipal Orientation with 10 participants from the town’s 14 barangays who were oriented on the process, implementing policies, management of sub-projects, community structures to be organized, among others.

As Kalahi-CIDSS [now known as National Community-Driven Development Program] sets off a new cycle in Kapalong, aside from its primary goal in alleviating poverty and improving local governance, it also focuses on peace and development in the commu-

nity specifically in conflict affected barangays (CABs).

In her message, Director Razon stressed, “KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA aims for peace and development. We want to live in a community where there is peace and tranquillity, to have a peaceful mind, especially children, when they go to sleep at night.”

She also challenged barangay beneficiaries to really make this project sustainable and really meet its goal in 2014.

Elki Mae L. Ubanan, 15, who benefitted from the program earlier, admitted that the Kalahi-CIDSS project empowered those students who were deprived of education.

Now, they have a school in Barangay Florida through the initiative of Kalahi-CIDSS with the support of the community. The sub-project called “1 unit, 3 High School Classroom Building” was conceived to provide decent classroom to the students.

She is very delighted that other youths like her who live in far-flung and conflict-affected barangays would also enjoy the same privilege she had.

Adding that, “Lingaw gyud mag eskwela kay

Beneficiary of Kalahi-CIDSS High School Classroom Elki Mae L. Ubanan relates how the community sub-project enabled her and her fellow students attend school in their own village without having to hike far. daghan matun-an, ug nalipay pud gyud ko kay tanan bata nga pareho nako mahatagan na og hapsay nga panghuna- huna, ug wala nay kahadlok tungod sa paghatag og tagad sa kalinaw ani nga bag-ong proyekto (I really enjoy attending school because I learn a lot.

I am glad that children like me will have peace of mind

because of this new project [PAMANA] that promotes peace).”

Following the MOA signing, the barangay captains, councilors, community volunteers and purok leaders also took part in “Panaad sa Pagsuporta”, a symbolic act wherein participants pledged their commitment for the proj-

ect.

Shortly after the pledge, all participants from the LGU and DSWD signed the Manifesto of Support to signify their dedication to work together for peace and development.

Among the projects DSWD has brought in the town are Pantawid Pami-

lya, Social Pension for Senior Citizens, Sustainable Livelihood and Supplementary Feeding.

The successful projects of DSWD in the past are indicative of Kapalong’s capability to implement social protection programs for its less fortunate sector.

[DSWD/Julie Ace Brandon F. Ramos]

Louis Berger staff offer relief assistance FOR ALAGA KA PROGRAM to children impacted by Typhoon Haiyan PhilHealth taps DSWD Listahanan

E

MPLOYEES in The Louis Berger Group, Inc.’s(Louis Berger) Davao, Philippines, office recently spent an afternoon with children from the Tacloban Streetlight Foundation whose orphanage in the Leyte province was wiped out by Typhoon Haiyan last November.

Louis Berger donated US$2,800 in school supplies, books, tables, chairs, food and other relief assistance to the foundation.

The staff also enjoyed sponsoring an afternoon of food and games for the children during an event held at theJireh Mission Foundation in

Davao del Norte, Mindanao, where the children have been staying since the orphanage was destroyed.

Louis Berger has been closely allied with Mindanao’s development, having executed donor-funded economic growth, governance and poverty alleviation programs in the region since 1995 through its work for the Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Through Louis Berger’s 2013 Give Back campaign, the company’s annual employee-corporate giving

program, Louis Berger also gave more than US$35,000 in employee donations and company-matched contributions to the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Typhoon Appeal in support of Typhoon Haiyan relief.

“Louis Berger has been working with communities in the Philippines since 1972,” said Tom Lewis, Louis Berger Group president.

“It is our hope that these contributions will go a long way in helping the people and communities we have worked with and had a connection to for decades recover from this tragic event.”

NerrenHomeres (center), Streetlight Foundation sponsor relation officer, accepts a donation of $2,800 in school supplies, books, furniture and food from the GEM program team. To her right is Mie Shen Reyes,GEM deputy chief of party for logistics, and to her left is Marites Doral, GEM administrative manager.

C

ONSISTENT with its commitment of delivering healthcare for all, specifically for the poor and the marginalized, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will join forces with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as it delivers its new Alaga Ka Program.

Alaga Ka Program is an integrated marketing scheme aimed at keeping the members informed of their PhilHealth coverage, benefits and other public health programs of the Department of Health (DOH).

In collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),

Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP), Association of Municipal Health Officers, and other Non-Government Organizations, the Alaga Ka Program aims to advocate the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) to poor families identified in the DSWD Listahanan throughout the country.

The Alaga Ka Program will be launched on March 24 in 17 regions nationwide.

The regional launch is slated at the National Comprehensive High School Covered Court, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Expected to attend are 4,408 Listahanan-identified

poor families.

Lined-up activities for the launch include Members’ Orientation on Tamang Serbisyo Kalusugang Pampamilya (TseKap), Maternity Package and No Balance Billing, Amendment/Updating of Listahanan Member’s Record, Profiling and Enlistment of Members to TseKap, and Provision of Point Care Benefits.

A Help Desk will also be put up to respond to inquiries and complaints from members.

Currently, involved agencies are meeting up to ensure smooth implementation of this latest health care program. [DSWD/Florame B. Espada]

FULL SUBSIDY OF FARMERS’ SSS CONTRIBUTIONS. The Social Security System (SSS) signed an agreement with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the full subsidy of monthly SSS contributions for an initial batch of 100 selected farmers all over the country during ceremonies held at the DA Main Office along the Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City on March 14. The agreement will pave the way for the social protection of thousands of farmers nationwide who are qualified Community Extension Workers or members of Rural Based Organizations assisted by the DA Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). The subsidies will be based on a minimum monthly salary credit of P3,000, for a monthly SSS contribution of at least P330 per self-employed farmer. Photo shows SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (center) and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (3rd from right) shaking hands during the signing, with both SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management Judy Frances See (3rd from left) and DA-ATI Director Asterio Saliot (2nd from right) serving as witnesses. Also present were (from left) SSS Officer-in-Charge for Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department Honorato Carranza Jr., SSS Special Assistant to the PCEO Ma. Lourdes Mendoza, and DA-ATI Extension Program and Partnership Division Chief Engr. Renato dela Cruz.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

New public high school to rise A

NEW government-funded high school is set to rise in General Santos City.

This is after the city government donated a 1.3-hectare land at Barangay Calumpang to the Department of Education (DepEd) -GenSan to be the site for a new public high school in the city.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signed the deed of donation on March 12.

Witnessing the event were DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mario Bermudez, DepEd GenSan division supervisors and City Housing and Land Management Office head Mary Ann Bacar Also present to witness the signing were Barangay Calumpang Chairman Reynaldo Salubre and students, faculty and staff of General Santos City National High School (GSCNHS).

The new school will be constructed at Opring Village, Barangay Calumpang in a land formerly owned by the Cahilsot family and has been purchased by the

SARANGANI

city government for P4.9 million.

The new school will be named as the Calumpang National High School, an annex of GSCNHS ASDS Bermudez disclosed that the DepEd has allocated P9.5 million for the construction of twostorey building in the said area. One building will be consisting of four classrooms.

Bermudez said that the DepEd GenSan is just waiting for a resolution coming from the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) that authorizes Mayor Rivera to donate the land before they begin the immediate construction of the school buildings.

Bermudez said that the new school’s target is to accommodate as much as 1,000 students.

During the event, Mayor Rivera bared his educational programs such as the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Development Initiative (ECCDI) to daycare centers; the Community Teach of Alay sa Kabataang Generals Lahat ng Alaga at Talino (AK-

SOON THEY SHALL FALL. The sight of two golden shower trees festooned with yellow leaves provides a stark contrast to the overcast skies above Malaybalay City in this photo taken on Wednesday afternoon, 19 March 2014. [MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno] LAT) Office; the incoming Project 100 which will aim to erect 152 classrooms in the city; the launching of the Special Program for the Employment of Students

(SPES) Jobs Fair in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); the collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development

Council for the Entrepreneurship Program for high school students; and his own PTA and Armchair Donation programs.

SDS Gildo Mosqueda

said “it will be great help for the DepEd GenSan in investing in quality learning system in the public schools of the city.” [GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John M. Lagare]

SOUTH COTABATO

LGU intensifies sanitation drive A

P190M infra projects completed

I

N a bid to prevent the occurrence of hygiene-related disease outbreaks, the provincial government of Sarangani has stepped up its efforts to improve sanitation standards in local communities.

Dr. Arvin Alejandro, officer-in-charge of the Sarangani Provincial Health Office, said the local government has created a special task force to oversee the implementation of sanitation programs in the province and spearhead its promotion and advocacy.

He said the activation of the task force was personally endorsed by Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon as a strategy to improve public health standards in the province’s 140 barangays.

“The provincial task force will mainly pursue efforts to achieve zero open defecation status in all seven municipalities of the province,” he said in a statement.

The official said the creation of the task force will complement with the

commencement in the province this year of the World Bank-administered Water and Sanitation Program (WSP).

He said the agency earlier selected the province as a pilot area for the WSP along with the provinces of Quezon and Negros Oriental.

The WSP, which will begin this year, mainly aims to end the open defecation practice in the area within the next three years or by 2016.

The World Bank launched the program to cope with global efforts to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goal on sanitation of cutting by half the proportion of people without universal access to improved hygiene by 2015.

A program briefer said it “supports poor people in obtaining affordable, safe and sustainable access to water and sanitation services” in coordination with the national government, local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector.

Leo de Castro, WSP project coordinator, said in a statement that the program will work to scale up sanitary conditions in the selected pilot areas.

He said they consider such task as quite challenging as a significant percentage of the population in these areas still practice open defection.

Such situation is prevalent among poor households situated in remote or outskirt areas, he said.

Alejandro said government estimates showed that around 6.1 million of the country’s population have remained without access to proper sanitation facilities.

He said an “absolute number of people living in rural areas are using unimproved toilets and defecating in the open.”

The official said 24.8 percent of these are in Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region and with Sarangani Province accounting for 18.5 percent.

“These poor families mostly reside in geographically isolated and marginalized barangays.

They don’t have sanitary toilets, hence open defecation is widely practiced,” Alejandro said.

Most of these residents are considered as among the province’s poorest of the poor and beneficiaries of the national government’s conditional cash transfer or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Alejandro said the open defecation practices in the area have triggered “high rates of under five years-old morbidity as evidenced by the prevalence of food and water-borne diseases.”

From 2007 to 2013, he said acute gastroenteritis turned out as among the leading cause of admissions in local government-run hospitals in the province.

To help address the problem, Alejandro said the provincial government has tapped some non-government organizations and the private sector for the provision of low-cost sanitary facilities to poor households in the province. [MindaNews]

ROUND P190 million worth of infrastructure projects funded by the national government and the provincial government of South Cotabato have been completed in the area in the last 14 months.

Marnilo Aperocho, South Cotabato Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) chief, said Thursday the completed infrastructure projects represent about 63 percent of around P300.2 million worth of projects that were funded and implemented by the provincial government and other government agencies since January last year.

He said the implementation of the remaining P110.69 million worth of projects is still ongoing in various parts of the province’s 10 towns and in Koronadal City, the provincial capital.

The completed and ongoing projects, which totaled 159 components, are comprised of 108 buildings, 19 roads, nine drainage and lined canals, six flood-control structures, five box culverts and five secondary structures, four bridges and three

water systems, Aperocho said.

Some of these projects were partly funded by national government agencies, among them the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Aperocho said the completed projects include 68 buildings, 17 roads, six drainage and lined canals, five flood control structures, three box culverts, three bridges, two water systems and five secondary structures.

“We’re targeting to complete all the remaining projects before the end of the year,” he said.

Aside from these projects, Aperocho said several other major infrastructure initiatives are in the pipeline for implementation in the province this year.

He said these include the completion of the provincial hospital annex or the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah town and the three-story U-shape building at the provincial capitol in Koronadal City. [MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

DTI alerts Filipinos abroad on bogus freight forwarders T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is reminding Filipinos abroad to patronize reputable and reliable freight forwarders as the department continues to receive complaints of undelivered cargoes.

DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) named freight forwarders allegedly involved in bogus activities include Philbox Direct Ltd. in the United Kingdom and Springer International; Al Rodah Marine Cargo in United Arab Emirates and D’ Winner Logistics Phils., Inc.; Kabalen Fowarders in Saudi Arabia; and a person named Alexander D. Cunanan who is affiliated with ADC Spedition Services. ”We have received numerous complaints against them for not delivering cargoes to their rightful owners. We found out that two of them operating illegally as freight forwarders and have not been delivering the ‘balikbayan’ boxes to

their consignees,” DTI-CPG Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said. ”Springer International and Winner Logistics Phils., Inc. are now facing revocation of accreditation with DTI,” added Dimagiba.

Further, DTI-Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (PSB) has warned overseas Filipinos particularly in Germany to stop sending “balikbayan” boxes through Alexander D. Cunanan who is associated with ADC Spedition Services. ”Based on complaints received, the DTI-PSB dispatched a monitoring team last March 6, 2014 to verify the known addresses of Mr. Cunanan including that in Barangay San Bartolome, Sta. Ana, Pampanga. Based on the information provided by the household helper in the said address, the particular residence belongs to Ms. Merlita Cunanan, sister of Mr. Alexander Cunanan, who is currently in an undisclosed place in Metro Manila,” DTI said. [PNA]

PROMOS. Representatives of leading cellular phone companies show fliers of their upcoming promos for the 14th anniversary of Davao-based cellular phone and gadgets dealer Wiltelcom in time for the electronics and gadgets sale which is part of the month-long Big Davao Fun Sale. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep 2013 Apr 2013

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate

2.5

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

DOE gets $1-B financing from US Ex-Im Bank for LNG and RE T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) and the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today for $1-billion worth of financing guarantees to further facilitate renewable energy (RE) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries in the Philippines.

“The signing of the MOU is an important venue to cultivate partnerships and cooperation between the Philippine Government and the American private sector,” said Energy Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos, adding that it can support the realization of energy projects in the country.

Under the said MOU, DOE and Ex-Im Bank will exchange information on trade and business opportunities and explore options for utilizing up to $1 Billion in Ex-Im Bank medium and long term loan guarantees and/ or direct dollar loans to finance U.S. exports in support of selected energy projects in the Philippines.

In particular, the DOE and Ex-Im will work together in promoting business development opportunities on renewable

energy and LNG facilities including port, receiving terminals, regasification facilities, pipelines and other transportation infrastructures.

DOE Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos and Ex-Im Bank Board of Director Patricia M. Loui signed the MOU in the presence of newly-designated Philippine Senior Official on Energy Leader DOE

Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson, DOE Undersecretary Ramon Allan V. Oca, DOE- Energy Policy and Planning Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang, and US Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary Holly Vineyard at the Audio Visual Room of the DOE in Taguig City.

UDGET carrier Cebu Pacific Inc. (CEB) and Tigerair Philippines have started adopting a common booking channel as part of their strategic alliance.

Cebu Pacific told the local bourse it launched on Tuesday the initial stage of the strategic alliance following the signing of an agreement for purchase of 100 percent of the Philippine affiliate of Singapore-based lowcost airline Tigerair.

“Cebu Pacific has completed purchase of shares, including the 40-percent stake of Tiger Airways Holdings Limited, in Tigerair Philippines. Cebu Air Inc has

secured the approval of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and is now in the process of seeking congressional approval,” it said.

Tigerair Philippines flights can now be booked through the Cebu Pacific website www.cebupacificair.com and other CEB booking channels.

Tigerair Philippines flights will continue to be operated out of the NAIA Terminal 4, while Cebu Pacific flights will remain to be at NAIA Terminal 3.

“The strength of the alliance lies in our ability to offer our trademark lowest fares to the largest low cost network

A mother and child strip kadyos ( Pigeon Peas) in Aleosan market, North Cotabato. Kadyos is sold at P25 per cup and is commonly found in Ilonggo-dominated areas. [MindaNews photo by Keith Bacongco]

Likewise, members of the DOE Management

Committee, delegates from Ex-Im Bank, heads of Philippine National Oil Company and its subsidiaries, and heads of key industry player associations such as Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Petroleum Association of the Philippines, Biomass Alliance of the Philippines and officials from the Department of

Foreign Affairs-Office of American Affairs attended the event.

Currently, the DOE is formulating a fuel mix policy that would encourage energy diversification that is cleaner and sustainable including RE and LNG. By 2030, the DOE also targets 9,930 megawatts increase in the country’s RE capacity.

to, from, and within the Philippines. The alliance gives us an opportunity to serve new markets, like India and Australia, as we expand our route network with Tigerair,” said Cebu Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Gokongwei.

“We are excited to be part of the Cebu Pacific family. We are committed to do our part to contribute to the growth of our business: upholding the highest standard of excellence for performance and customer service thereby creating for our company a reputation beyond par in the Philippine aviation

industry,” said Tigerair Philippines President and CEO Olive Ramos.

Upon full implementation of the alliance, the Cebu Pacific and Tigerair websites will be used as sales and distribution platforms to market all routes operated by both airlines. The carriers also expect to collaborate on other common destinations in Asia.

Cebu Pacific currently operates over 2,200 flights per week with 50 aircraft to 24 international and 33 Philippine cities in its network.

Tigerair Philippines, on the other hand, operates about 118 flights per week with five air-

craft to 11 domestic and international destinations, from its bases in Manila and Clark.

By combining their resources, Cebu Pacific will be able to provide services to high growth markets including Australia, Myanmar and India.

Tigerair will be able to fly more passengers to additional cities in Cebu Pacific’s extensive network in the Philippines and North Asia.

Both airlines will be providing low cost airline services to over 100 million potential passengers from different points in the alliance network. [PNA]

Cebu Pacific, Tigerair adopt common booking channel B

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

EDGEDAVAO VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE55••FRIDAY FRIDAY- -SATURDAY, SATURDAY,MARCH MARCH21-22, 21-22,2014 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

7

WATER: SOON TO BE AN ELUSIVE COMMODITY?

TEXT and PHOTO By GERRY T. ESTRERA

I

N which country where diarrhea remains a leading killer of children, where water-borne diseases are more common than sanitary toilets, and where farmers cannot water their own crops?

The answer: the Philippines.

In the 1950s, the Philippines had as much as 9,600 cubic meters of clean water per person, according to Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, former head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. Four decades later, Filipinos must make do with little more than a third for that volume – 3,300 cubic meters per capita.

Today, the Philippines ranks second from the lowest among Southeast Asian countries in terms of per capita water availability per year with only 1,907 cubic meters. Thailand is at the bottom, with 1,854 cubic meters. Vietnamese have more than twice what Filipinos get: 4,591 cubic meters.

“The image of a water-rich Philippines is a mirage,” Gregory C. Ira, former head of the water equity in the lifescape and landscape study (WELLS) of the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, once pointed out. “There is a water crisis in the Philippines, one of the wettest countries of Southeast Asia.”

A World Bank report said that areas where the per capita water supply drops below 1,700 cubic meters per year experience water stress while areas with per capita water supply below 1,000 cubic meters per year are already suffering from water scarcity. Four river basins that are undergoing the latter category are Pampanga, Agno, Pasig-Laguna, and the island of Cebu.

The water crisis is more transparent in Metro Manila, home to more than 10 million people. “For many residents in Metro Manila, coping with a ‘water supply crisis’ has been part of their daily woes for years,” says

the databank and research center of the IBON Foundation Inc. Metro Manila was one of the nine major cities listed as “water-critical areas” in a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 1991. The other eight cities were Metro Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Angeles, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.

“Metro Manila is currently experiencing water deficits,” the World Bank report states. “Although for some cities like Baguio, which have no shortfall considering current demand, it is know that major water shortages do occur during the summer.”

At least 17 million Filipinos today have no access to adequate and safe drinking water. “(About) 31 percent of illnesses in the country are water-related due to lack of clean drinking water supply and efficient sanitary facilities,” said Rep. Bernadette R. Herrera-Dy of Bagong Henerasyon Party List.

In 24 provinces, one of every five residents quaffs water from dubious sources, the Philippine Human Development Report says. These provinces are : Sulu, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan,Masbate, Zamboanga del Norte and Sur, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Leyte, Misamis Occidental, Apayao, Quezon, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Iloilo, Guimaras, Agusan del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Ilocos Norte and Benguet.

Several factors contribute to water shortage, including variability in climate, demographic patterns, and unsustainable water-use patterns. In some urban centers of the Philippines where water is available, 50 per cent never reaches the designated consumers due to leakage, theft and poor management.

These identified problems are compounded by the degradation of water resource base. For instance, many of the country’s larg-

est cities are located in watersheds (also called drainage basin) where all available water is being used.

“Land use and vegetative cover in the watershed are very important because they affect water flow and water quality,” explains Patrick Durst, senior forestry officer of the regional office of theFood and Agriculture Organization in Bangkok, Thailand.

One indicator of a good watershed is a healthy forest. “This is because forests can help to relegate the flow of water,” explains Durst. A recent report released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that 90 percent of the 99 watershed areas in the country are “hydrologically critical” due to their degraded physical condition as a result of loss of forest cover.

“One of the most formidable environmental challenges the Philippines faces today is its diminishing forest cover,” the World Bank report claims. “Of the country’s total forestland area of 15.88 million hectares, only 5.4 million

hectares are covered with forests and fewer than a million hectares of these are left with old growth forests.”

River pollution also contributes to the country’s current water woes.

A report released by the Asian Development Bank said that 16 rivers are now considered “biologically dead” during dry months. Some 48 per cent of water pollution come from domestic waste, 37 per cent from agricultural waste, and 15 per cent from industrial waste.

Many major coastal cities in the country are encountering saltwater intrusion problems in their groundwater resources due to over extraction of fresh water. Take the case of Cebu which “can always become the country’s salt capital,” to quote the words of veteran journalist Juan Mercado.

Cebu reportedly pumps 275,000 cubic meters daily. Its coastal aquifer can recharge less than half.

Demand from population and industry will more than double by 2030. This

“over-mining” permits salt water to seep in. The damage is irreversible. It takes 500 years or so to flush tainted underground reservoirs.

“The saline water edge has already penetrated three kilometers inland,” noted the March 1995 Cebu Water Resources Potential study. “It is moving at a rate of 100 to 150 meters per year.”

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” says Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project. Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

Postel believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.

But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Water covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface and is a major force in controlling the climate by storing vast quantities of heat. About 97.5 percent of all water is found in the ocean and only the remaining 2.5 percent is considered fresh water. Unfortunately, 99.7 percent of that fresh water is unavailable, trapped in glaciers, ice sheets, and mountainous areas.

Water is drawn in two fundamental ways: from wells, tapping underground sources of water called aquifers; or from surface flows - that is, from lakes, rivers, and manmade reservoirs. Water is drawn in two fundamental ways: from wells, tapping underground sources of water called aquifers; or from surface flows - that is, from lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs.

“Water, water everywhere,” wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “but not a drop to drink.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Good news

P

15 billion in investments which will generate 20,000 jobs in five to seven years. The harbinger of the good news is property development giant Megaworld Corporation when it announced Wednesday it is building an 11-hectare township, its 10th in the country.

The mixed-use project will be called “Davao Park District”to be located in a property along the Santiago P.Dakudao Loop in Lanang, in an area which was once a sprawling golf and country club.

“Davao Park District” is just another of the big-ticket projects that are forthcoming, unmistakable indicators of the booming economy of Davao City. This about to rise central business district (CBD) is also a precursor of close to a dozen international BPO (business process outsourcing) companies in Manila who would locate in “The Park” once the office buildings are in place.

Of course, Dabawenyos are elated to be informed of such a positive development, but they owe it to themselves and their leaders that the city has become a magnet for big-time investors such as Megaworld, which owns the phenomenal Eastwood City and other highly

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successful township projects in Manila and elsewhere in the country. These are projects that have generated more than a hundred thousand jobs and – counting.

“Davao City is the economic center of Mindanao.

This is the best place to build our very first township in Southern Philippines, which we envision to be Mindanao’s new central business district.” That quote comes from Dr. Andrew L. Tan, chairman and chief executive of Megaworld, no less. Concerned Dabawenyos, including old-time moneyed or landed gentry who have been hesitant to invest in their own backyard, so to speak, , certainly hope that this city of 2 to 3 million will prove to be deserving of such confidence from a big-time investor.

Expectedly, the city’s perceived economic boom will entice residents of neighboring provinces to gravitate to the city and add to the social pressures of progress. To be sure there will be challenges as a result of in-migration, but they are what we euphemistically call “pleasant problems” that can be matched with creative solutions by the more visionary among our city fathers.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

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Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

A

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Stiff tourism competition

MBITIOUS GOAL IN PENNY-PINCHING TIMES – The Dabawenyos’ euphoric mood and positive feelings, and the remarkable success of the recently concluded 77th Araw ng Dabaw historical and ethnic-inspired celebration has started to simmer down. Better still, city and top regional tourism executives should refrain from inundating the news desks and airwaves with hyperbolic plans and promotions for next year’s festivity. It’s too early to get enthusiastic.

Instead of thinking about new ideas and strategies how to make the celebration far better next year, city and regional tourism planners should better emulate other city and provincial tourism offices in improving the tourism market in their areas. They always have to bear in mind that competition is the single-most-important pattern for driving productivity higher in the tourism business.

Many stakeholders in the local tourism industry say that major players should map out new strategies for the next leap forward – more work, good ideas, better coordination and proper planning certainly because creativity and originality is what it take to entice frequent travelers, local, and foreign tourists.

They must forget about demonstrating their knacks for evolving post-festival observations and heaving praises and accolades for the success of the Araw festivity. They should instead carry out with increasing intensity the objective that always worked so well: emphasis on high-glitz promotional campaign through the gathering of public and private tourism representa-

A

tives to discuss and formulate scheme that would stimulate tourism.

This may be a grandiose goal in these penny-pinching times but it’s just appropriate.

City and tourism officials should at least adopt a more fundamental approach in promoting tourism because stiff competition is the name of the game and has intensified dramatically. One case in point is that other regions in Mindanao with vast tourism potentials have snapped out from slumber and the adjacent areas likewise have proven that they can match Davao City and the region as the ultimate destination for both business and leisure in this part of the island.

FORTHRIGHT POLITICAL BURSTS – In time of impending predicaments the present administration must strengthen our democratic institutions – the executive, legislative and judiciary. It should likewise include the fourth estate, police and military establishments.

The pork barrel must and should finally go and widespread corruption should be minimized if not totally eliminated. Our free press ought to be independent to become the watchdog of society. We must also ensure the integrity of our electoral processes aimed at electing rightful and deserving public servants.

Regrettably, we as a people have all too often been fragmented into factions each chasing after its self-interest without regard for the common good. Perhaps this is the reason why we are persistently confronted with life-and-death threats – a magnitude of complex problems and government neglect.

Both elected and appointed officials must lead by example. They must be advocates of integrity, decency and morality.

They should set their lives and service commitments as an example: a life that is leash with strict adherence to transparency, honesty, equality and moral values. They should enhance their code of right and wrong, and their sense of discipline and obligations to help the citizenry especially those who are in dire needs.

We must therefore look deeper into the situation of our national policies in which we cannot institute long-term and meaningful reforms when we are constantly under political pressures. For example, secretaries and top-level officials appointed by the President, as a matter of fact, owe allegiance only to the appointing authority – and to one else.

By all indications, they came from influential political clans, big businesses or the elite profession, and naturally they tend to serve and protect the interests not of the masses of their countrymen, but their own kind. It’s only too late that the people learn and realized that most if not all elected and appointed officials have not taken up the cudgels for crucial issues and other priority concerns, and were seen as feckless and clueless bureaucrats.

How to fix higher education

MERICA’S elite higher education institutions are the envy of the world. Foreign students flock to the oldest and wealthiest U.S. research universities to take advantage of resources that are unparalleled, thanks to the deep pockets of many centuries’ worth of captains of industry.

Yet when we consider the post-secondary institutions that educate the typical American high school grad, we see a very different picture. While the share of Americans who enroll in higher education has grown substantially in recent decades, graduation rates have been stagnant.

Community colleges promise an affordable education to millions of students, but they often fail to offer the courses students need to complete a degree in a reasonable amount of time.

Public colleges and universities churn out graduates who are forced to take jobs that don’t actually require a fouryear post-secondary education. Most private non-profits do the same, and they’re also notorious for charging obscene tuition that their graduates can scarcely afford. And private for-profits, which have grown enormously by taking on some of the hardest-to-accommodate students, stand accused of loading up their students with debt without offering them marketable skills.

It is hard not to sympathize with the Obama administration, which last week launched a new effort to ensure that career training programs are meeting the needs of their students.

ANALYSIS

BY REIHAN SALAM

Part 1 of 2 The problem with the new White House push, however, is that it focuses on a too-narrow aspect of America’s higher education crisis: about 8,000 vocational programs at community colleges, state universities, and for-profit colleges, which train students in subjects like business administration, nursing and automotive repair.

The basic problem that the Obama administration hopes to tackle is that while a large and growing number of students enroll in vocational post-secondary schools, most of whom make use of federal grant aid and subsidized loans to meet the cost of tuition, an alarmingly high share of them are failing to find well-paying jobs. And students who can’t find well-paying jobs struggle to meet the cost of servicing their loans, let alone pay them off.

The Department of Education plans to identify vocational programs that leave their average graduate paying a high share of their earnings in loan payments (8 percent or more of total earnings, 20 percent or more of discretionary earnings) as well as those with a high average loan default rate (of 30 percent or more). Programs that cross these red lines in two out of three years will lose the right to offer their

students federal financial aid.

Curbing the abuses of this sector could do some good. But career training programs represent a small subset of the higher education universe. If we take a somewhat wider view, it seems pretty puzzling that, say, business or engineering majors at four-year colleges and universities aren’t being treated as enrollees in vocational programs.

Why not? Given the epidemic of underemployment among recent college graduates, it might make sense to apply the same standard to all post-secondary institutions, not just those that are explicitly labeled career training colleges.

Steve Gunderson, president of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, the trade association that represents the for-profit higher education sector, observes in a tart press release that “if the regulation were applied to all of higher education, programs like a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, a law degree from George Washington University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University, would all be penalized.”

My reply to Gunderson would be that, well, yes, let’s penalize these programs too. It makes perfect sense to establish a regulatory floor to protect consumers from the least effective post-secondary programs, whether they’re at vocational schools or standard-issue colleges and universities.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Our parliament in waiting WORM’S EYEVIEW:

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

T

(Conclusion)

HIS is a parliament with an all-inclusive membership. It should set the barangay’s direction, policies, priorities, budget, and service standards—a generally unfulfilled role. We should pass resolutions on these. Then they won’t take us or the others for granted anymore.

It is only this Assembly that can hold the chairman, the sanggunian, or their appointees accountable for their performance. You are a sovereign member of this Assembly. As such, you are also an official of the barangay government and a stakeholder/stockholder of it as a public corporation.

The Barangay Assembly’s role is similar to the stockholders’ meeting of a corporation, its highest authority. The sanggunian is the board of directors acting on behalf of the stockholders/stakeholders—managing day to day affairs of the barangay corporation, making decisions when the stockholders are not in session.

The law requires members of the Assembly to meet at least twice yearly in order “to hear and pass upon the activities and finances of the barangay” (Section 398, R.A. 7160, the Local Government Code). This means it may convene not just twice yearly, as is the current practice, but as often as necessary. Only by doing so can people their government’s operations regularly. And only through it can they ensure that the officials know and respect the popular will. And if the officials are unwilling, the people can convene it themselves.

People Power What Filipinos still don’t know—their officials included—is how powerful this grassroots parliament called Barangay Assembly is; that it can remove or replace officials for loss of confidence (through Recall); and that this is official People Power. It’s time everyone knows and appreciates this.

Time also to know that apart from casting a vote, it is only through this Assembly that a Filipino can act and speak as a sovereign citizen—making known his sentiments or suggestions to government. Without this Assembly, he remains powerless—just as individual congressmen are powerless when Congress is not in session, or just as individuals do not constitute People Power unless joined by many more individuals assembled in one place.

No less important: unless this Assembly formally deliberates as a body, the community cannot form a consensus or decision on any issue that concerns it or the nation, nor can popular will be crystallized.

Harmonize In a democracy, exchange of views or ideas is essential to forging consensus or popular will (usually capped by a resolution, statement, or declaration). “Deliberative conversations” they call it. Consensus forms the base of community solidarity.

Opinion polls do not produce consensus, nor express solidarity; only formal deliberation or exchange. Consensus flows from agreement or from a convergence of minds resulting to harmony and unity. People miss this point when they complain about divisive politics at community level, the grassroots.

It’s because no one bothers to explain the non-partisan nature of the barangay or that it’s supposed to be a parliamentary government and that parliamentary rules of order enable people to process their differences soberly, not violently.

But because the Barangay Assembly is never convened properly, even barangay officials do not take up issues or deliberate on them like civilized citizens do. They can hardly reach consensus or agree without knocking heads or decapitating dissenters!

Let the Barangay Assembly observe parliamentary practice. Let it follow parliamentary rules of order. Let our people will mature politically. Then they will learn to govern themselves!

[Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at development academy of Philippines, vice chair of Local Government Academy, member of the Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPIUNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@gmail.com]

10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Most...FFROM 2

INNOVATORS. Inventors Ruel Benedicto (right) and John Inocensio Raman give details of their latest feeds concoction during this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao which will enable farm animals to produce more milk. Lean Daval Jr.

TO PRODUCE AMINO ACID

2 local inventors need funding

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

D

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO inventors say that they can extract amino acid from various plants if they have funding.

Customized formula for hogs and other livestock and hogs developed by inventors John Inocencio Raman and Ruel Benedicto said that the locality has an abundant source of amino acid, like corn, however, they dont have the equipment aurh which to produce it.

“We sti+ll import our ingredients from other countries instead of using synthetic materials,” Raman said.

Raman is a mechanical engineer who was able to practice his profession on a farm in Los Angeles,California, United States of America (USA) for two years. He worked in the nutrition department of the farm where he obtained his experienclear he said. Inocencsio said that their invention is

capable of decreasing feedstock consumption by hogs and chickens up to 30 percent.

Their invention is now used on farms in Davao del Sur. “We customize the formula depending on the needs of the animal,” Benedicto said, adding that their products are research-based.

Currently , the inventors have their own concept store in Digos City.

The two inventors are developing a formula that will increase milk production of cows in Davao del Sur. The organic formula, according to Raman, is added to the feedstock of cows.

“We have tested it on 17 cows. From 51 liters extracted from cows in the morning and 30 in the afternoon, with our formula, it increased to 90 liters in the morning and 87 liters in the afternoon.”

to suffer the darkness and could be waterless since the Davao City Water District uses power to distribute water.

“Either, ngit-ngit ta aning kalibutana, manimaho ta, o naa tay gamay na power but we have to control it.

The control process is ‘state of the art anti-pollutants,’ ” he said.

The city council approved on second reading last Tuesday the resolution “endorsing the request of TSI to raisetheir generation capacity expansion.

The resolution states that TSI they should follow terms and conditions such as: a) Compliance of TSI to the conditions stipulated in the approval of the 300 MW project, as outlined in

Davao City Ordinance No. 200-11, Series of 2011 b) The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) is mandated to monitor closely the compliance by TSI with the provisions and mandates of all applicable national and local environmental laws. c) The Multipartite Monitoring Team is also requested to submit to the local government, through the Office of the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, a semi-annual report of its findings on TSI’s compliance with conditions stipulated in its ECC on the 300 MW project and on the ECC that is yet to be issued on the project expansion. d) TSI is also requested to double its Carbon Sink Management Pro-

gram (CSMP) commitment and plant an additional One Million (1,000,000) trees in its expansion project to be grown in close coordination with the CENRO. The company is also encouraged to provide mechanisms so that the CSMP implementation will not just serve as a means of people’s participation in environmental protection but also serve as a form of community livelihood project with the aim of generating income for project beneficiaries.

Some members of the council added additional terms to be included inthe amended resolution.

Councilor Marissa S.Abella added that TSI should submit an ecological landscape plan for the power

plant from its approval up to December 2014.

On the other hand, councilor Maria Belen S.Acosta wants TSI that, even if they already complied with the 2 million trees, should still conduct annual tree planting projects. The number of trees would be determined by the Multipartite Monitoring Team.

Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte also added the provision that TSI should refrain from selling ‘fly-ash’ to any private or government cement plant pending examination of its substance.

Manuel M. Orig, first vice president of TSI said that they would follow the specific conditions laid down by the city council.

that the council approved a resolution asling for additional Guidance Counseling rooms and additional personnel such as guidance counselors, researchers and 12 lecturers to boost

the anti-drugs campaign among the youth.

He said that the council’s campaign in public schools and for out-ofschool youth in the city teaches the bad effects of

addiction to illegal drugs.

“So, dako pa mig trabahoon,” he said, adding that aside from hiring additional manpower, they will also send their staff for training to other countries to learn

their strategies in the fight against illegal drugs.

Ramirez said that mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is focused on the campaign of saving the youth from the bad effects of illegal drugs.

paign operation has also to contend with the problem of owners catching up

with th team tyo demand the release if their dogs which the yeam refuses to

do.

dogs and not let them roam the streets. [ABF]

Rody...FFROM 1

War...FFROM 2

CVO... FFROM 2

Pinili urges owners to be responsible with their

up to six years and fines of P50,000 to P100,000.

Reports also bared that of the total confiscated “hot meat” 2,402 kilos “were unfit for human consumption and were disposed to a condeming pit in Ma-a, Davao City. The remaining 910 kilos fit for human consumption were given to charitable institutions.”

Pinili said the public should be extra caereful about the meat they buy and consume, as hot meat can cause diseases.

“Dili ni sa sulod sa palengke makuha, once na musulod sa palengke iniaagi jud na ng inspeksyon” CVO Dr. Cerelyn B. Pinili said in an interview yesterday that Sa gawas sa palengke kay kung naa na sa sulod

Nakadisplay sa talipapa intercept namo Walang ordinance once nag adopt may budget sa daming Gidiscourage andg adoption kasi astrya although may monitoring kinukunan ng examin brain so far wala pa Last year isa Ipapaadot at risk kasi hindi lalabas ang sympton Aabot 6 month Three day eutanize na First day 250 Second Add 50 Add 50 Dog pound sa maa Isang mobile lowered bite case Info drive and result of vaccination about 70 k expect pa na bababa

There were 74 stalls occupied by vendors selling assorted apparel, 76 catered shoes, 25 bags and 61 temporary apparel stalls which were occupied for the Araw ng Dabaw event, 64 are selling accessories, 113 were stalls for food, and 35 are temporary food and beverages stalls.

The unit is also planning to put insrtall 3 x 5 x 4.27 meters covered stalls for ting vendors in preparation for the rainy season.

“Kung hindi natin sila uunahan baka bumalik nanaman sila sa mga prohibited areas,” he said.

Also, Jimlani said that they are coming up with the night market name.

The experimental night mrket is due on April 22.

Jimlani said that a thesis containing the evaluation

of the night market will be formulated for 90 days then will be presented to the City Council.

If the night market will be successful it will be replicate dto other areas in the city.

Earlier, Traffic Management Center chief Dionesio Abude identified the areas were it will be implemented once approved. Areas chosen for night market are Ilustre St. Extension from the underpass of Bangkerohan Bridge to the corner of Ilustre and Pichon Sts., Duterte to General Luna Sts., both sides of Roxas Ave. particularly beside the drainage canal from corner of Father Faura and Pag-asa Sts., Bangoy to Alvarez Sts. in Magsaysay Avenue, and Bangoy St. towards the flyover bridge in Agdao. [CRC]

tion chambers. These deposits can cause knocking or pinging, run-on or reduced performance, particularly if your car has driven over 25,000 kilometers. Deposits on carburettors, fuel injectors and intake valves can cause your car to produce higher emissions, may begin to hesitate and stutter during acceleration, knock or lose power.”

In contrast, included in the test was an eight year old car with 107,000 kilometers of mileage consistently using Caltex scored a near perfect 9.8 in intake valve deposit (IVD) cleanliness scale of 1-10 based on rating from the Coordinating Research Council (CRC) in the US. During the tests, cars with engines that showed valves, spark plugs and combustion chambers with heavy deposits were fueled with Caltex with Techron for five days. Boroscope tests were then again conducted afterwards and showed significant gains in engine cleanliness. A car with a clean fuel system is more responsive than a car that is choked up with deposits. Fewer deposits mean less chance of deposit-related engine problems.

Only Caltex has Techron, a powerful fuel additive based on the unique compound

called polyetheramine (PEA) that works at the molecular level to prevent and clean deposits left behind by other fuel brands. Other deposit control additives may clean the engine’s intake system but contribute to combustion chamber deposits. These deposits can cause an engine to need a higher octane fuel to avoid knocking and run-on, or loss in performance. In contrast, Techron is not only effective in fuel system deposit control, it also minimizes build-up of combustion chamber deposits.

Caltex with Techron gives motorists five benefits. First, is maximized power. Test bench data shows that deposit build up in critical engine parts due to the use of inferior fuel can result to about six percent power loss. The Techron in Caltex helps clean up these deposits resulting to restoration of lost power.

Second, improved fuel economy because Techron removes performance-robbing deposits. Cars perform best when vital engine parts are kept clean. Fuel economy is restored when deposits are removed from the fuel system.

A clean engine burns fuel more completely, getting more energy from every drop of fuel, resulting in longer distances travelled.

More stalls...FFROM 2

Caltex... FFROM 2

11 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE55••FRIDAY FRIDAY--SATURDAY, SATURDAY,MARCH MARCH21-22, 21-22,2014 2014

WHERE HAVE ALL

OUR FORESTS GONE?

TEXT and PHOTOS By GERRY T. ESTRERA

L

OGGING – whether legal or illegal – is one of the primary culprits of the fast disappearance of the country’s forest resources.

“Logging is most ecologically destructive in the mountains,” wrote multi-awarded science journalist Alan Robles in an article circulated by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ). “It is next to impossible to replant trees on rocky mountainsides once their thin skin of topsoil has been washed away.”

The tragedy that happened in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro a few years back was a proof of the havoc caused by excessive mountain logging.

Floods and landslides buried more than 1,000 people and a thousand more missing.

Sean McDonagh, a priest who worked in the area, believed deforestation magnified the threat, since large surfaces of rainforest in the upper portions have been converted into pineapple plantations.

“The deforestation was literally criminal,” McDough decried. “If the rainforest in the area had been left intact, even 12 hours of continuous rain would not cause the devastation.”

Cutting and processing of the logs cut from the forest constitute a big industry. But it creates an environmental hazard in areas where it is done. “The destructive of logging stems from its unsustainable nature,” Robles explained. “It is an extractive industry that destroys forest resources at a much faster pace than they can be replaced by nature’s regenerative capacity.”

In his article, Robles further wrote: “Even reforestation (which most loggers don’t bother to do after they have mowed down their concessions) doesn’t restore

the ecological balance and diversity because the process of logging itself destroys so much. Loggers bulldoze roads by cutting a swath through the jungles. And when the trees are cut, they are dragged across the fragile undergrowth, destroying saplings and other vegetation.”

Logging is just one of the culprits. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said other causes of deforestation in the country include forest fires, natural calamities (like earthquake and volcano eruption), as well as conversion to agricultural lands, human settlements and other land uses brought about by urbanization and increasing population pressure.

“An increase in population density, whether due to natural increase or migration, heightens the probability of deforestation in any given area,” writes Jonathan Nash in a briefing paper.

Additional threats to Philippine forests come from mining operations, collection of fuelwood, and slashand-burn farming practiced by kaingineros. “These migrant farmers attack virgin forest lands to cultivate the rich soil, which they quickly deplete,” said Harold R. Watson, recipient of the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding. “Then, they move on, looking for more.

One day, there is no more (areas to look for).”

These are the main reasons why the Philippines is now almost completely devoid of its forests. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 25.7 percent or about 7,665,000 hectares of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares is forested. Of this, only 11.2 percent (861,000) hectares) is classified as pri-

mary forest.

Between 1990 and 2010, the Philippines lost an average of 54,750 hectares or 0.83 percent per year. “Most of the (Philippines’) once rich forest are gone,” said the FAO publication, Sustainable Forest Management. “Forest recovery, through natural and artificial means, never coped with the destruction rate.”

In February 2011, President Benigno C. Aquino III, signed Executive Order 23, which declared a moratorium on “the cutting and harvesting of timber in all natural and residual forests” throughout the country.

More often than not, deforestation is often equated with calamities like landslides and flash floods. In its editorial, Philippine Daily Inquirer deplored: “In just one decade, 2000 to 2010, 27 floods and 17 landslides occurred, affecting about 1.6 million people each year and destroying crops and infrastructure worth tens of million pesos a year. In all these floods and landslides, deforestation was a major factor. Bald mountains, depleted forests and barren watersheds caused rainwater to flow down and flood the plains.”

But there’s more to deforestation than just flash floods and landslides. Deforestation also results to declining crop yields, loss of vital soil nutrients, and degradation of surrounding ecosystems.

“Trees serve as barriers to soil erosion and ensure that vital nutrients are naturally returned to the soil,” explains Nash. “In many tropical areas, valuable soil erodes and crop yields can quickly decline when trees are cleared to make way for agriculture or livestock.

Eroded soil often ends up in steams and rivers, leading to siltation, contamination, and

stagnation. These processes, in turn, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, often killing fish and other aquatic organisms.”

In their collaborative book, Soil Erosion: Quiet Crisis in the World Economy, authors Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf contend: “The loss of topsoil affects the ability to grow food in two ways. It reduces the inherent productivity of land, both through the loss of nutrients and degradation of the physical structure. It also increases the costs of food production.”

If forests are continued to be cut, sources of future medicine would be in jeopardy. “As forests are destroyed, degraded, or fragmented, many of the valuable species of plants and animals – any number o which contain precious genetic resources that could lead to new pharmaceuticals or provide important traditional medicine – are threatened or lost forever,” Nash claims.

Deforestation also means spreading of tropical diseases and reduced quantities of safe water. The spread of some potentially fatal tropical diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and cholera often follows paths of deforestation. As some forest animal species such as birds and bats disappear, insect populations swell, facilitating the transmission of disease.

Watersheds that are deforested lose their ability to provide adequate amounts of water consistently. “If the forest perishes, so will the life of people,” said Diomedes Demit, one of the farmers from Bukidnon who joined the socalled ‘Fast for the Forests’ in Manila some decades ago.

“The trees are our source of life. Without trees, there will be no water. If there is no water, there will be no life.”

Deforestation exacerbates climate change. For-

ests reportedly contain 40 percent of all stored carbon, more than any other terrestrial ecosystem, and thus help buffer against global warming. Land-use change – of which tropical deforestation is the most significant component – was responsible for roughly 20 percent of human-induced carbon emissions during the 1990s.

“If left unchecked, global warming could melt polar ice caps, raising sea levels by several feet and threatening low-lying countries,” Nash warns. “Such a development would be devastating for many countries.” And that includes the Philippines, which is composed of 7,100 islands.

Ex-Senator Heherson Alvarez, who was formerly head of the environment department, once commented that if deforestation is not soon curbed, time would come that “we will be traveling to Manila and around

Central Luzon by bancas (outriggers).”

In 1990s, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines warned against an ecological debacle in the country should deforestation continued unabated.

No one listened; it was business as usual.

Ben Malayang III, president of Silliman State University, commented: “That the forest, the foundations of our forests, or whatever forests remain in the country, is not a matter of technical forestry, but rather a symptom, or an indication, or a measure, of the failure of our political and social systems.”

The signs are now written on the wall! “The Aquino administration has to muster the political will and undertake as soon as possible a massive reforestation program covering all the severely deforested areas in the country,” the Inquirer editorial urged.

12 CLASSIFIED EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

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INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

SPECIAL FEATURE

Vibrant and colorful A look back at Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s first year

DAVAO CITY’S hotel accommodation and tourism infrastructure capacity continues to grow with the coming of big corporate players and global brands. Its country charm, busy seaport, bustling commercial centers, and progressive economic policies made Davao an anchor destination for business in the Philippines, attracting investments in facilities which cater to corporate needs.

Service with a smile at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s all-day dining restaurant RBG.

One of the established players that have taken notice of Davao’s rise as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Events/Exhibitions) hub is Park Inn by Radisson, a hotel brand with an existing portfolio of 129 hotels across Europe, North America, Canada, and the Middle East.

Davao City, the forerunner in business, tourism and investment in the southern Philippines, made another milestone with the opening the first Park Inn hotel in Asia Pacific.

Park Inn by Radisson is Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s internationally successful mid-scale 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 business and leisure travelers. The brand has expanded its global presence in Asia Pacific, beginning with the formal opening of Park Inn

by Radisson Davao last

March 22, 2013.

For the property in the Philippines, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group partnered with SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation --- a subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation.

The company operates four hotels and two convention centers across the Philippines, and one fullservice beach and country club in Luzon.

Adding Color to Life Park Inn by Radisson Davao opened for business in time for the city’s hosting of the 2013 MICE Convention. The hotel was one of the leading partnerhotels for the said venture and served as venue for some key activities.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao has 165 Standard Rooms, 33 Superior Rooms and 6 Junior Suites which all feature modern and vibrant décor. Situated right next to SMX Convention Center and SM Lanang Premier Mall, the hotel is the most ideal choice for business and leisure travellers who are looking for convenient, trendy, and affordable accommodation. The facilities and values take

FVIBRANT, A4

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s colorful and modern lobby.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s meeting room.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

‘Art MADE Public’ at SM Lanang Premier on March 20 to 22 SM LANANG PREMIER and Metrobank Foundation, in partnership with the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Committee on Architecture and Design, will present an exhibit of winning artworks at the Lower Ground Level, SM Lanang Premier from March 20 to 22, 2014.

Called ‘Art MADE Public,’ the exhibit will showcase the winning entries of selected former winners of Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) National Competitions since 1989. The exhibit will also involve the participation of persons with disabilities by showcasing their works of art. More than 30 paintings will be put on display during the 3-day exhibit.

Set up by Metrobank Foundation in 1984, MADE is a competition in painting, sculpture, architecture and interior design that aims to promote Philippine art and help launch the careers of its winners.

‘Art MADE Public’ will be officially launched on March 20 at 6:00 pm. MADE artists, guests from the government, SM and Metrobank executives are expected to attend the launch.

Alongside the exhibit, a lecture series for students will be held on March 21 from 1:00pm to 4:30pm. Among the topics to be discussed include Visual Arts, Sculpture, Interior Design, Architecture and a special topic on present day issues on tourism and heritage and the benefits of community participation in conservation and cultural tourism.

On the last day of the exhibit, March 22, a ‘HeArt for Healing Art Workshop for Children with Autism’ will be conducted by Dr. Grace Evangelista from 1:30pm-5:00pm. It is a project in collaboration with Autism Society of the Philippines and MADE N.O.W. To appeal to a broader audience, the exhibit was earlier held at SM Aura Premier, SM The Block, SM City Iloilo and SM City Cagayan de Oro, and will have its final run at SM Lanang Premier.

For inquiries about MADE, lectures and workshop, contact MADE Secretariat at (02)898-8856 or email Louise.calicdan@ metrobank.com.ph. You may also visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates.

ASUS to showcase tablets in Big Blowout in Davao City ASUS showcases their tablets in Davao City’s Big Blowout event in Gaisano Mall from March 24 – 31, 2014. Endusers can experience ASUS Tablets such as the MeMO Pad HD7 and Fonepad 7 Dual SIM. Buyers can also get freebies such as 4GB memory card if they purchase an ASUS MeMO Pad HD7 and 8GB memory card if they purchase ASUS Fonepad 7 dual SIM and other ASUS freebies during the event.

ASUS will also hold fun games and activities on March 28, 2014 where game participants get a chance to take home a brand new ASUS Tablet. Endusers who visit the ASUS booth during this day can also enjoy free 1-minute international long distance calls to their loved ones using the ASUS Fonepad 7 dual SIM. Fonepad 7 ME175CG Dual SIM The Fonepad 7 is a 7-inch phablet with built-in 3G connectivity and Dual SIM phone functionality that delivers best value for a mobile device. Fonepad 7 features an HD IPS display for a sharp, vivid picture and a high-performance Intel Atom Z2520 1.2GHz processor to ensure a responsive and smooth experience. Its 3G connectivity further enhances performance and makes web browsing, social networking, and video calls fast and fluid. The Fonepad 7 Dual SIM is available at Php8,995.

ASUS MeMO Pad™ HD 7 The ASUS MeMO Pad™ HD 7 has a quad-core processor and 1GB RAM for smooth social networking and web browsing.

The 7-inch display has a 1280 x 800 native resolution for crisp text and images, and IPS technology for accurate, vibrant colors with 170-degree wide viewing angles. MeMO Pad™ HD 7 also features enhanced sound, courtesy of ASUS SonicMaster audio technology. The MeMO Pad HD7 is available for Php6,995.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA stars shine in Araw ng Dabaw

DAVAO experienced premium entertainment as GMA’s A-listers Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, and Regine Velasquez lead a star-studded entourage and make their way to the Crown Jewel of Mindanao for its annual Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Last March 14, Friday, Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi, and Ervic Vijandre from the primetime series Rhodora X invaded Gaisano Mall of Toril and Gaisano Mall of Davao. GMA Primetime King Dingdong Dantes joined them in the Gaisano Mall of Davao for a Kapuso Fans Day after coming from an outreach activity in Zonta Elementary School, Isla Verde, Sta. Ana District, Davao City.

The next day, March 15, the unparalled singing prowess of Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez conquered the Activity Area of the Abreeza Mall as she takes on her first ever Kapuso Fans’ Day for all for her Dabawenyo.

The Songbird belted out her most popular hits as well as hosted a Sing-a-laRegine competition where audience members sang Regine’s hits to win prizes.

Regine’s show was followed by another Kapuso Mall Show at the NCCC Mall that afternoon featuring Marian Rivera and her leading man in the GMA Primetime series Carmela Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw, Alden Richards. Anak Ko ‘Yan

finalist James Wright, who sang the theme song of the series Sana’y Ikaw, also performed at the event which was hosted by

comedian-impersonator Boobay.

Marian and Alden also led stars in Sunday’s float parade along with other Kapuso stars. Present in the float parade are The Borrowed Wife’’s Camille Prats and Rafael Rosell; Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw’s Kim Rodriguez and Kristoffer Martin; Innamorata’s Max Collins and Luis Alandy; and Villa Quinatana’s Janine Gutierrez, Sunshine Dizon, and Lucho Ayala.

Back-to-back Kapuso mall shows followed with Camille, Rafael, Kim, Kristoffer, Dennis Trillo and Lauren Young at SM City Davao; and with Janine, Sunshine, Max, Luis, and Lucho at Gaisano Grand Citimall Davao.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Hot or Not? I couldn’t refuse ‘Dyesebel’ Anne Curtis: AFTER playing “Dyosa,” national sweetheart Anne Curtis resolved she wouldn’t do another fantaserye. But “Dyesebel” changed her mind.

“I wasn’t sure I could still do another fantaserye after Dyosa. Fantaseryes are challenging because of the costume changes and the prosthetics,” explains Anne in “Tapatan Ni Tunying” airing this Thursday (Mar 20).

“But Dyesebel is an iconic character. It is a huge part of Philippine literature. So I took back what I said and agreed to do the project, because it’s Dyesebel,” she says.

Anne, who has been in showbiz for 17 years, believes her hard work has paid off after she got one of her dream roles.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lito Lapid insists in a separate interview that he prefers to make movies than to engage in debates with his fellow senators.

“I like doing movies. I prefer to be dragged by horses and do stunts. And people will not doubt my earnings

Beyonce was spotted wearing a fancy football mini dress. Although the singer can wear almost anything you throw at her, it may seem the look is lost and confused. Did she nail sport-meetsclub-wear with this Tom Ford top or is it way too Vegasmeets-Green-Bay?

from doing movies,” the senator and former actor explains.

Sen. Lito also answers issues about his wealth. When asked about his controver-

sial 50-hectare land property in Porac, Pampanga, he quips, “I was once a superstar, right?”

Don’t miss “Tapatan ni Tunying” (TNT) this Thursday

(Mar 20), 4:45 PM on ABSCBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For updates, follow @TNTunying on Twitter and Instagram, or like its Facebook page www. facebook.com/TNTunying.

‘Listed’ takes life to new heights with the launch of its fourth season FOR three years in a row, “Listed,” has been the Philippines’ premiere lifestyle authority—but starting this March 25, the show will be taking things to whole new levels and daring viewers to take on the high road in and beyond the Metro through a bigger, better, and bolder fourth season.

Returning as hosts of “Listed’s” fourth season are lifestylistas Karen Pamintuan and Walter Demesa who are set to present exciting scenes, steals, and experiences.

Going into their fourth season, Karen and Walter also have a different zest for making things interesting on set. With more spontaneity this season, the two are more than eager to get started.

Walter particularly expressed how what’s coming up is something fun that he looks forward to. “It wakes you up, because you’re laughing so much,” he said.

“Especially this season, because there’s no script.”

Karen, who has been with the program since the start,

is also still very happy to be working on the new season.

“It’s not hard to keep your energy up, because it’s so much fun,” she said.

The duo will be taking on the booming lifestyle scene in Manila and celebrating the finer things in life, going into daring adventures through brand new segments that are sure to offer the audience an in-depth and intriguing look into how to live it up.

The show’s new season will also be bringing back the “Bucket List,” this time more inte r a c ti ve and more exciting. In this se gment, Karen a n d

ter will be completing items on netizens’ and their own bucket lists, jumping into the all s o r t s o f funny situ-

ations.

Get a chance to meet the “Listed’s” hosts Karen and Walter at the third and final leg of the Oscars Big Quiz Night happening at Aracama, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig this Friday. Join in the fun and put your film expertise to the test through three trivia rounds designed for groups of three to five people. To participate, simply register at the venue entrance before the games start at 7:30pm.

All this and more will be coming up as “Listed’s” brand new season takes off. Don’t miss out on the pilot episode of the fourth season this March 25 at 9:00pm on the Lifestyle Network (SkyCable channel 52).

For updates, visit and like the Lifestyle Network’s official Facebook page (www.facebook. com/LifestyleNetwork).

NEED FOR SPEED 2D Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper PG 13

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MAKE YOUR MOVE 2D BoA Kwon, Derek Hough PG 13

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DEVIL'S DUE 2D Allison Miller, Zach Gilford R 13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE 2D Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green

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A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

SPECIAL FEATURE

Vibrant...FFROM A1

after the Adding Color to Life brand philosophy of a fun, friendly and hasslefree guest experience.

The hotel has 4 event spaces for formal and informal functions. The colorful interiors, free high speed internet access, smart services and menu options are designed to make meetings more dynamic.

RBG (short for Restaurant, Bar & Grill) is the hotel’s all-day dining outlet that can also accommodate social events or formal gatherings. This bold new bar and grill concept delivers buzz and ambience, great food and friendly service in a modern setting. The vibrant décor add life and energy to the casual scenery, while the cozy ambiance encourages social interaction among guests. The glass patio doors open to the al fresco area, allowing diners to enjoy the fresh air and garden.

Destination Campaign In recognition of the Philippines as the location of the first “next generation” mid-scale Park Inn brand to be established in Asia Pacific, the hotel launched an online photo contest entitled, “How does the Philippines add

color to your life?” The photo competition, which ran from April to June 2013, was aimed at generating buzz about the sights and sounds around the destination by gathering colorful pictures of the Philippines. This social media initiative, which used Facebook as a platform, was adapted from the hotel’s Adding Color to Life brand service philosophy, in conjunction with the strong More Fun in the Philippines tourism campaign.

“We wanted to encourage Filipinos and travelers to show the world why it’s more fun in the Philippines,” shares General Manager Arun Arora.

Rising Star of the Year Now a year in operation, Park Inn by Radisson Davao maintains its placement within the top 3 of their primary competitors set. The property also ranks as one of the top 5 hotels in the city on TripAdvisor.

One of the highlights from last year is the hotel’s recognition from Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as the Rising Star of the Year. This award recognizes an exceptional hotel that is newly opened, and has achieved excellent re-

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s Standard Room with its king-sized bed.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s pool.

Great food and friendly service in a modern setting at RBG. sults since its opening. The award was given in the General Managers Conference in Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.

Responsible Business Part of the hotel’s brand commitment is to take the lead in being a responsible business taking care of the safety and well-being of employees, guests, community and the environment.

This year, Park Inn by

Radisson Davao’s participation began with the Children at Risk Program of the Carlson Rezidor Asia Pacific Region.

For the entire month of September, Park Inn by Radisson Davao focused their efforts on helping the children from the House of Hope, a shelter for kids with cancer. The staff not only shared preloved clothes and toys, but also raised funds through the “My Age, My Pledge”

drive. The children were also invited for hotel immersion, followed by a colorful party hosted by the staff.

“In lieu of the traditional office parties, our team chose to gather and celebrate Christmas at the House of Hope to bring cheer and joy to the kids.

After all, Christmas is, first and foremost, for the children,” says Mr. Arora

Making Their Mark

Collaboration is the key.

“The hotel has already made several milestones during its first year.

We are grateful to all our guests, clients, friends from the media and the entire community for their support and trust.

Aside from that, it was also through each staff’s contribution that we were able to make our mark and reach this far in terms of business and operations,” Mr. Arora concludes.

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

Silicon Valley entrepreneur works with Cebu team on startup project S

ILICON Valley entrepreneur Bowei Gai has emerged with a new project, the World Startup Wiki, after being holed up with his team since December 2013 in Cebu, Philippines. The World Startup Wiki that seeks to build startup databases on all countries first focuses

on the Philippines and has gone live in Moscow during the opening of the Global Entrepreneur Congress last March 17, 2014.

Entrepreneurs can look up list of incubators, notable startups, available talent to costs or everything one needs to know before building a startup in the

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROBERT TONGSON GALLANO has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed by his heirs per Doc. No.377; Page No. 76; Book No. X; Series of 2014 of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARIANO L. APAO, JR. 3/14,21,28

Philippines. Aside from data on the country and its startups, Gai’s project allows entrepreneurs to look up potential investors and vice versa.

The 28-year-old came from Silicon Valley where he sold his company for millions of dollars to LinkedIn. Gai visited the Philippines after globetrotting for his World Startup Report in 2013 that he first presented during the Geeks on a Beach conference in Boracay.

“We helped him setup a small team of volunteers and consultants in Cebu for his WSW project,” said Cebu-based Tina Amper of TechTalks.ph who pointed to the experience as an example of collaboration between experienced entrepreneurs and sharp local talents who are eager to learn and can meet fastpaced, world-class type of business practices.

“We look forward to more of such collaboration,” Amper said, because this allows Filipinos to experience Silicon Valley practices without leaving Cebu. This organic process has become like our own homegrown version of the

From left to right: Tina Amper, organizer Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), Bowei Gai, founder World Startup Report and World Startup Wiki.

“Startup Chile” program where foreigners are enticed to visit Chile to set-up businesses.

“Our visitors like Bowei also experience the richness of Filipino culture -- the food, laughter and endless celebrations.”

In Cebu, observed Amper, “the normally hardcharging 24-hour working Gai finds occasions to stop and celebrate birthdays and work in exotic places as the beach and beach-front restaurants.”

This awesome work-

play environment comes with the lower cost of building startups and foreigner-friendly culture, something attractive to entrepreneurs from the Silicon Valley and other more mature startup communities in the United States and Europe.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Yapparcon rules Araw motocross

A

MBO Yapparcon of Puerto Princesa, Palawan ruled the Expert and Pro-Open divisions in the 77th Araw ng Dabaw Cyclomax Motocross competition held March 16 at the MotoX Davao race track at the Davao Crocodile Park in Ma-a.

Yapparcon beat Jeven Lagrada of Loreto, Agusan Sur in both championship races while Dondon Capilitan of Digos City finished third in both exciting events witnessed by thousands of fans.

Malaybalay’s Glenn Lapuz and Juven Lagrada placed fourth and fifth, respectively in the Pro Open while Mlang’s Toby Buenaflor and Juven Lagrada finished fourth and fifth in the Expert.

Local bet Abu Mata of Team Phoenix Davao shared the limelight by winning both the Novice Lites and Novice Open races. Mata, son of Motox Davao organizer Bok, outclassed Timoy Olmoguez of Bansalan and Michael Tapic of Davao in the finals of the Novice Open.

Olmoguez and Tapic finished second and third, respectively. Mata also bested Tapic in the finals of the Novice Lites with Jaspher Banot of Don Marcelino, Davao del Sur taking third place.

Mlang’s Toby Buenaflor and Juven settled for fourth and fifth in the Novice Open while Digos’ Jeff Razonable and Davao’s AJ Bubuli placed fourth and fifth in Novice Lites.

Mata also topped the KLX150 Novice race by outracing Davao’s Tristan Galan-

to, Eric Leynes, Cyrus Ian Ristor and Dondon Awa in the finals. Galanto finished second, Leynes third, Ristor fourth and Awa fifth.

The other results: PEWEE50 – 1. Charlie Pascua (Kabacan) 2. Kakay dela Piedra (Malaybalay) 3.

Susie Magarang (Digos) 4.

Elced Maningo (Gensan) 5.

Ivan Roble (Bukidnon) PEWEE65 – 1. Bilog Cabaya (Aleosan) 2. Nino Manacap (DC) 3. Joshua Velarde (Digos) 4. Stephen Gibon (Lurogan) 5. Charles Diano (Panabo) MINI85 – 1. Terrence Napat (Mlang) 2. Joshua Velarde (Digos) 3. Vincent Calamungay (DC) 4. Nino Manacap (DC) 5. Tots Lumapaz (DC) INTERMEDIATE – 1. Doydoy Bandigan (Mati) 2. Michael Tapic (DC) 3. Abu Mata (DC) 4. Juven Lagrada (Loreto) 5. Angelo Pogosa (Mati) PANTRA – 1. Felson Baculpo (Bukidnon) 2. Burds Jamio (Tampakan) 3. Wender Pangan (Kabacan) 4. Jungle Cabuco (Bukidnon) 5. Duds Herman (Matanao) ENDURO – 1. Glenn Lapuz (Bukidnon) 2. Tonton Fernandez (Midsayap) 3.

Briliant Patricio (Kabacan) 4. Jed Luna (Tandag) 5. Eric Cordova (Digos) KLX150 BEGINNER – 1.

Eric Cordova (Digos) 2. Eric Leyens (DC) 3. Dondon Awa (DC) 4. Billy Rashmunda (DC) 5. Cryrus Ian Ristor (DC) The one-day event was sponsored by the city government of Davao and Phoenix Petroleum Phils. – LITO DELOS REYES

OVER THE TOP. Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, of Spain, puts up a shot as San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday (Thursday PHL Time), March 19, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

NO CONTROL. Boston Celtics center Kris Humphries (43) cannot control a rebound against Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston Wednesday (Thursday PHL Time), March 19, 2014. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Celts melt Lebron-less Heat

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OSTON (AP) -- The word came shortly before tipoff: LeBron James wouldn’t be playing.

Big 4th pushes C’s past LeBron-less Heat, 101-96 Comcast SportsNet New England Good news for Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens.

But not as good as the news his team delivered down the stretch.

Jeff Green’s 3-pointer broke a 94-94 tie with 2:32 left and Rajon Rondo hit two running baseline shots in the last two minutes as the Celtics broke a fivegame losing streak with a 101-96 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Stevens had prepared to face James, who scored 43 points in a 100-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers the previous night. But when he learned that James would sit out with back spasms, ‘’you just move on to what’s next,’’ he said.

What came next for the Celtics was a poor first quarter in which they made 9 of 27 shots, a better second quarter and a second half in which they outscored the Heat 48-37. ‘’We were down 12’’ after the first quarter, Stevens said. ‘’And then we hit 60 percent of our shots the rest of the way and that’s why we won.’’

That and the Heat’s second-half shooting problems. They sank 40 percent of their attempts in that half after hitting 56.5 percent. In the second half, Chris Bosh made 1 of 6 shots and Dwyane Wade hit 2 of 9. ‘’I was just off,’’ Wade said as James sat in the opposite corner of the locker room dressed in jeans, a gray T-shirt and dark green ski cap while eating pasta. ‘’I had opportunities,’’ Wade said with a smile. ‘’I just couldn’t go my normal 60 percent shooting self.’’

Rondo made his shots when the Celtics needed them, continuing to regain his skills since returning Jan. 17, almost a year after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. ‘’That’s the most frustrating part of my game that hasn’t come back,’’ he said of sinking floaters near the basket. ‘’I expected it to be there. I made two tonight and have to continue to work on it.’’

He finished with nine points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds. Avery Bradley led Boston with 23 points and career highs of six 3-pointers and nine 3-point attempts. Brandon Bass added 18 points. ‘’I just have that confidence in my shot,’’ Bradley said. ‘’We didn’t only execute at the end of this game but we played great defense.’’

The Heat, who had

won their previous two games after losing five of six, were led by Wade with 17 points, Chris Andersen with 16, and Ray Allen and UdonisHaslem with 14 each. ‘’We aren’t used to playing so unstable,’’ Bosh said. ‘’We need to pick it up.’’

Miami remained in second place in the Eastern Conference, three games behind Indiana, which lost to the New York Knicks.

The Heat would have had a much better chance to gain on the Pacers had James played. But coach Eric Spoelstra kept him out against one of the NBA’s worst teams because of the back problem. ‘’It was sore in the walkthrough today, but he was able to go through it so I didn’t really think much of it,’’ Spoelstra said. ‘’Then it didn’t get much better by game time so it was a pretty easy decision.’’

City by two games atop the Western Conference.

Pau Gasol had 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Los Angeles.

Xavier Henry scored 24 points in the Lakers’ sixth loss in seven games.

Los Angeles has lost 20 of 26.

San Antonio held off a decent challenge from the miserable Lakers with strong shooting down the stretch and 14 second-half points from Leonard.

Green and Manu Ginobili hit three 3-pointers apiece for the Spurs, who opened a three-game California road trip by calmly matching their longest winning streak of the season.

Kent Bazemore scored

13 points and hit three 3-pointers for the Lakers, who hadn’t played since their 34-point loss at San Antonio five days earlier.

That win was the biggest in this long-standing rivalry for the Spurs, who have followed up last spring’s four-game playoff sweep of Los Angeles with three straight wins this season.

Kobe Bryant has played against the Spurs just four times in the clubs’ last 12 meetings.

Green hit five of the Spurs’ 13 3-pointers in last week’s blowout, but the Lakers largely kept up with powerful San Antonio in the rematch. Los Angeles led for stretches of the third quarter be-

fore San Antonio scored 18 points in roughly 3 1/2 minutes with big baskets from Parker and Leonard.

San Antonio matched its largest lead of the night at 108-97 on Duncan’s jumper with 6:03 left.

Marco Belinelli and Parker contributed big shots down the stretch as the Spurs pulled away.

The Lakers yielded 100 points for the 12th consecutive game and gave up 110 for the seventh straight game. Los Angeles is the Western Conference’s worst defensive team.

Robert Sacre had seven points and a career-high 11 rebounds for Los Angeles.

Spurs notch 11th straight win

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OS ANGELES (AP) -Tony Parker scored 25 points, Kawhi Leonard added 22 points and 10 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs pulled away from the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, winning 125-109 for their 11th consecutive victory.

Danny Green scored 16 points and Tim Duncan had 12 points and 16 rebounds for the NBA-leading Spurs, who haven’t lost since Feb. 21 while winning 14 of 15.

With their seventh straight victory over the Lakers dating to last season’s playoffs, the Spurs opened a 1 1/2-game lead over Indiana for the league’s best record. San Antonio leads Oklahoma

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

PFF saddened by brawl in Cebu

T Devon Sullivan of The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office muscles his away against an MP Pacman Warriors defender. Lean Daval Jr.

Farenas foe barely makes weight

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ichael “Hammer Fist” Farenas (374-4, 29 knockouts) of the Philippines and Hector Velazquez (56-20-3, 38 KOs) of Mexico both made the 130 pounds limit for their super featherweight clash at the Fil Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan. The two combatants took two different routes to get there but the fight for the vacant WBC ABCO title will go on as planned.

Farenas was the first fighter to weigh in during the event held at the Lancaster Hotel in Shaw Boulevard. He tipped the scales at 130.5 pounds, and then dropped his boxers to get inside the 130 pounds limit.

Velazquez on the other hand weighed in at 135 pounds, which was already

in the lightweight division.

Before the proceedings, his handler was already telling people that the fighter will not make weight as he weighed differently with the Games and Amusements Board’s scale.

The Mexican also stripped completely naked, only covered by the Mexican flag, but the scale refused to be his friend.

Velazquez, who once fought Manny Pacquiao, quickly left the area and proceeded directly to the hotel’s sauna in an attempt to drop pounds fast. If not, he would have been penalized 10% of his purse and required to wear 10 ounce gloves while the power punching Farenas would wear 8 ounce gloves.

Velazquez made his

way back to the weighing area after an hour, his brow dripping with sweat.

He weighed in again but it still was not enough as he tipped the scales at 132 pounds. Dejected, he once against packed his bag to sweat out some more.

On his third try, two hours after the initial weigh in, Velazquez finally made the 130 pound limit.

While his opponent was struggling to make weight, Farenas was already inside his room, taking in fluids and resting for their upcoming fight. Velazquez took the bout against Farenas in short notice so it would have been understandable if he weighed in one or two pounds overweight. However, five pounds over the limit simply meant that

Velazquez did not cut back on food or water intake prior to the weigh in.

Shedding five pounds that quick means that he had a lot of fluids inside his body.

Even if the Mexican spent extra two hours to drop the weight, Velazquez said he’s going to give Farenas a tough fight.

“I still want to continue fighting,” Velazquez said through a translator. “My dream is to have one more shot at a world title before I retire from boxing and to do that, I have to beat Farenas.”

The fight card presented by MAG PACMAN Boxing International Promotions will be aired on GMA 7 on March 22 right after Eat Bulaga.

E Tour de Filipinas returns in April with another highlight stage that would challenge the speed-riding skills and endurance on flat and wellpaved roads of 75 foreign and local riders seeing action in the fifth edition of the four-day International Cycling Union event on the Asia Tour calendar.

To be called the “Triple-X Stage” that will serve as a signature race for new Le Tour de Filipinas organizer Jerry Jara, the cyclists from 15 teams will take off from Subic and will tackle three of the country’s finest and most modern highways—Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the brand new Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX)—on their way to the finish in Cabanatuan City.

The stretch covering 182.5 kilometers will be the second stage of the Le Tour that for its 2014 edition has forged principal partnerships with Air 21, SCTEX, NLEX, TPLEX, SMART and Victory Liner.

“It’s green and go for

the Fifth Le Tour de Filipinas. Preparations are in place and we are all excited with how the complexion of the race would be this time with the Triple-X Stage,” said Jara, the Air 21 president who was designated by cycling godfather Alberto Lina to organize this year’s Le Tour which will cover a total of 616 kilometers.

From the northern tip of Luzon in the two previous editions, the 2014 Le Tour goes down to Central Luzon for its kickoff stage, a 152.9 kilometers ride from Clark in Pampanga to Olongapo City on April 21. Stage Two marks history through the Olongapo City to Cabanatuan City route via SCTEX and TPLEX. Stage Three on April 23 will be from Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, one of the hotbeds of cycling in the country, over the foothills of the Sierra Madre on to Dalton Pass to the Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya, finish covering 146.6 kms.

And then the stage the Le Tour is known for — the “Northern Alps” Stage Four from Bayombong to Baguio City over a 132.7-km

roller-coaster ride on the Cordillera’s through Kayapa Highway and Ambuklao Dam. Competing in the 2014 Le Tour are foreign teams Satalyst Giant Racing Team (Australia), CCN Cycling Team (Brunei), Pegasus Continental Team (Indonesia), TSR Continental Team (Iran), Polygon Sweet Nice (Ireland), Aisan Racing Team (Japan), Team Ukyo (Japan), Track Team Astana (Kazakhstan), Terengganu Pro Asia Cycling Team (Malaysia), Attila Cycling Club (Mongolia), OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team (Singapore), and UAE Cycling Team (UAE). The local challenge will be led by 7-Eleven Road Bike Philippines and Standard Insurance Cycling Team composed of Philippine Navy.

Le Tour de Filipinas is presented by Air 21 in partnership with SMART and Victory Liner; road partners North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Haima, Chevrolet, Jinbei, Terry Larrazabal Bike Fes-

tival; fuel partner Petron; drink partner Gatorade and Maynilad; insurance provider Prudential Guarantee; hotel partners Microtel Cabanatuan and Fontana Leisure Parks; retail partner Air 21 Stores; sanitation by Integrated Waste Management, Inc.; apparel by 188 Import & Export; medical support by the Philippine National Red Cross; host communities Clark Development Corporation, Angeles City, Olongapo City, Cabanatuan, and Baguio City. Media partners are Canon, OrangeFix, SignMedia, Rappler.com, Yahoo! Sports, Aeroeye Asia, TV 5, Living Asia Channel, Dream Satellite TV, Panahon TV, CLTV 36, Business Mirror, Hola! Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Sports Digest, The Philippine Star, DWIZ 882, DZXL 558 and RW 95.1. Le Tour de Filipinas is co-organized by UBE Media.

To send off the Le Tour, a side event, the Air 21 Executive Cycling Race will be flagged off also on April 21 on an 88-km road race from Clark to Subic.

All systems go for Le Tour de Filipinas L

HE Philippine Football Federation was saddened by a fight that broke out between parents and players during a youth football tournament in Cebu last Sunday.

“Like any football lover, I am just sad that something like this can happen especially involving the youth,” PFF President Mariano Araneta told InterAksyon. com.

“Spectators should never be inside the football field during a match much more to be involved in the melee.”

Alcoy FC and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu were playing in an Under-18 football match last Sunday in the 16th Aboitiz Cup when a brawl happened in the middle of the game which was allegedly sparked by some parents of SHS-AdC players.

Photos of Sun.Star Cebu, which first reported the incident, showed

that one man, known as parent of one of the SHSAdC players, entered the pitch to attack the Alcoy goalkeeper.

Three players of Alcoy who got hurt during the fight are reportedly preparing to file child abuse charges against those who attacked them.

Araneta said that the PFF will also review the incident for possible further sanctions after the investigation done by the Cebu Footbal Association.

“Cebu FA are doing the investigation since its under their jurisdiction. They will give us their report once its finished,” Araneta said.

The CFA has reportedly disqualified the two squads from the tournament while six-month bans were also slapped against the coaches and players involved in the brawl. Sanctions against those who ignited the brawl will also be given.

Aboitiz Foundation expresses dismay

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HE Aboitiz Foundation has expressed its dismay over a brawl that broke out during a youth football tournament it organized in Cebu last weekend.

“We are very concerned about the incident that happened during a football game in the Aboitiz Cup last Sunday and will not condone this unacceptable behavior,” the company wrote in a statement on its official Facebook page.

“The Cebu Football Association (CFA), the organizer and implementer of the Football Cup, is currently investigating the matter and will send us their report once it is complete.

Sun.Star Cebu first reported the brawl which involved parents and players during an Under-18 football match between Alcoy FC and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu. Three players of Alcoy were hurt during the fight which was allegedly sparked by the furious parents of the SHS-AdC players. Photos of the incident spread on social media last Tuesday.

“Meanwhile, we wish for the speedy recovery of those who were hurt, especially the children, during the incident,” the Aboitiz statement continued.

“We trust that the CFA will take the right and immediate measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.”

“The Aboitiz Football Cup was created 16 years ago to promote the values of teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and even education itself, among the youth and hope that these values will continue to be upheld.”

The CFA has reportedly disqualified the two squads in the tournament while six-month bans were also slapped against the coaches and players involved in the brawl. It will also forward the sanctions to the Philippine Football Federation, which could impose a nationwide ban against the conc Members of Alcoy who were hurt in the incident will also reportedly file child abuse charges against the parents who attacked them.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 5 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, MARCH 21-22, 2014

HOW SWEEP IT IS TRMH-CMO sweeps Araw hoops, takes back-to-back cage titles

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

DARING DRIVE. Eman Calo of The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office sneaks in a twinner against bewildered MP Pacman Warriors defenders.

Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

That said, is how The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO authored another historic win in local hoopdom after winning its second straight Arawng Davao basketball title 76-63 over MP Pacman Warriors before a frenzied crowd at the Davao City Recreation Center on Wednesday night.

Coach RonelLeuterio went to his veterans when it looked like his gang of devil-may-care young turks were not up to the task and just like that, the game drastically changed complexion handing the Hoteliers a come-from-behind victory in the winner-take-all finale.

After erecting a 13-6 lead, TRMH-CMO succumbed to the Warriors’ attack mode anchored by Louie Medalla and Big Boy Clavel as the backcourt crew of EmanCalo and Darwin Cordero lapsed into a maze of errors.

Leuterio then sued for time and used a veteran-laden crew of John Ferriols, JojoTangkay, Nino Gelig, Celino Cruz and Hafer Mondragon.

That combination changed the tempo of the ballgame into a deliberate halfcourt set. More importantly, it doused cold water to the searing Warriors run led by Clavel, Medalla and 6-5 beanpole Rene Pacquiao.

The 6-4 Ferriols, on loan from his pro team in the PBA, played solid basketball all game long firing 21 points, hauling 9 rebounds and dishing off 4 assists aside from blocking three shots in an allaround game that netted him the tournament’s MVP honors.

From a 17-23 deficit after the first quarter, Ferriols had six points in a crucial second quarter run that shoved the Hoteliers to the driver’s seat 37-32 with a little over 4 minutes left before the lemontime break which ended with the Hoteliers on top at 50-41.

In the third, Pacquiao was limited to only 2 points and he got baited to his third foul by Dennis Daa. Ferriols conspired with import Devon Sullivan to finish the thrd quarter 1ith a huge 14-point margin, 64-50.

Ferriols was not done until the fourth period where he continued to score inside the paint as Tangkay hit his stride from the perimeter.

It was the second straight Arawng Davao title for the Hoteliers who were cheered on lustily by the pro-TRMH crowd.

No less than Mayor Rodrigo Duterte awarded the trophy to TRMH owner Glenn Escandor who thanked his boys for showing a big heart.

“This is a very sweet victory for us. We feel that we are vindicated. We could have won two titles last year if not for some glitches. I thank the boys for trying so hard to win this one for us,” said Escandor.

Leuterio praised his wards for the gallant stand. He admitted he had to switch styles in midstream to turn back the Warriors. “Nagkagulonaangmgaguwardya naming, so I needed a player who can control the tempo and that was Celino Cruz,” he said.

Cruz did not score and missed all four tries but it was his leadership that counted most in the end.

MVP. The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office’s John Ferriols goes up for a shot against an MP Pacman Warriors defender. Ferriols scored 21 points and hauled down 9 rebounds to earn MVP honors.Lean Daval Jr.