Edge Davao 7 Issue 101

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

49 CHINESE WORKERS T RELEASED

Arrested foreign nationals of coal plant project post bail

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

hE 49 Chinese workers of a foreign contractor working on the coal power plant project of Therma South Inc. have been temporarily released by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) after posting bail.

COAL PLANT PROJECT. This file photo of the Aboitiz-owned Therma South coal plant project shows the sprawling complex that is expected to boost power supply for the Davao Region. Construction of the 300-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant is facing delays after 52 foreign workers from one of the project’s subcontractors were detained by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for not having valid working permits. All 49 foreign workers have been released on bail as of August 1. Lean Daval Jr.

insiDe eDGe

Meet the worlD’s Prettiest sPiKer SPORTS page 15 Davao 10th best city in the worlD THE BIG NEWS page 2

An officer from the intelligence division of BI who refused to be named confirmed to Edge yesterday that the 49 who were apprehended for lack of working permits have been allowed by the national office to post P55,000 bail bond last August 1.

“Their employers all the way from China arrived,” the officer adding that they were the ones who paid the total bail.

The officer said that they were allowed to be freed temporarily release since the detention facility cannot accommodate them.

“In the meantime na on-going pa yung deportation proceedings nila,” the officer said.

The BI said that their deportation is still to be determined by their national office through series of hearings.

She said that the bail guarantees the agency that the 49 will attend the hearings and the national office has already confiscated their passports.

F49 CHINESE, 10

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Climate Justice advocate says power crisis ‘manufactured’

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

he power crisis in Mindanao is allegedly “manufactured” by the government, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PCMJ) national coordinator Gerry Arances said.

“Fabricated... kasi this brought up hindi natural kasi... may plano ang gobyerno, may policies put in place,”Arances told reporters yesterday in a press briefing during the ‘Reclaim Power! National People’s Conference on Coal and Renewable energy at Ateneo De Davao University.

Arances said that the problem has already been laid out just to brought up the value of Agus-Pulangi hydro power plants in Mindanao.

By VANNAh S. ANg

‘Digital nomads’ rank Davao th 10 best city in the world

By ChENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

“D

coaches, transcriptionists, and web marketers.

Of the 61 entries from all over the world, only Davao City made it to the top 10 among the cities in the Philippines.

Manila ranked 43rd and Cebu at 45th.

The ranking of the cities was based on the cost of living, internet speed, safety, waether, and availability of co-working space and its fees.

According to the website, the monthly estimated cost to live and work in Davao City is $ 1,061 or P45,987 while the co-working space fee is only $92 or P4,000 for one month of unlimited access. The internet speed is 5MBPS. “Given that cost of living has so much weight in the criteria, it is ex-

FCLIMATE, 10

TreeVolution aims to break tree-planting world record

DON’T FOLLOW THIS DRIVER. On a busy Monday morning along Bacaca Road, this vehicle cut on the way of two vehicles and counterflowed. The car owner has been identified based on Land Transportation Office records and reported to authorities. If you experience and/or witness road misconduct, Edge Davao welcomes photo contributions with details. Email us at edgedavao_editorial@yahoo.com or edgedavao@ gmail.com.

IGITAL NOMADS” have rated Davao as the 10th best city in the world, according to website nomadlist.io. www.wisegeek.com. defines digital nomad as “a person who works from a location of his choice and often sets his own schedule.”

“These kind of people generally rely on a variety of tools and devices to do their work, such as computer laptops, cell phones, wireless Internet services, Web-conferencing tools, and e-book readers,” the website said.

The types of workers who commonly fit into this category are writers, photographers, software developers, graphic designers, business consultants, executive

he said that the passage of Republic Act 9136 or “energy Power Industry Reform Act” (ePIRA) did not just increase the power rates but also facilitating the power crisis.

“Dahil sa hindi ma rehabilitate ang Agus-Pulangi,” Arances stressed. he said that government should rehabilitate the Agus-Pulangi plants since there is a revenue that could suffice the expenses of the rehabilitation project.

“Kung sinunod ng gobyerno ang kagustuhan ng Mindanaoans na i exclude ang Agus-Pulangi sa privitzation at i rehabilitate... wala sanang power crisi ngayon ang Mindanao,” Arances stressed.

pected that Davao City will be up in the list... for the same reason why we always topped some similar surveys in the recent past,” Davao City Investment and Promotion Center officer-in-charge Ivan C. Cortez told edge Davao in a phone message yesterday.

The website also gave a five-star rating on the level of safety in the city , four-star for the WiFi availability and threestar for coffee place with WiFi density.

Davao City also got a two five-star ratings for being friendly to foreigners and for being capable of using english as a language for communication.

The Cube, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII)’s newly-inaugurated

a co-working space also got favorable recommendation from the site.

Other cities included in the top 10 list are Chian Mai, Thailand; Taipei, Taiwan; Sofia, Bulgaria; Kosice, Slovakia; Belgrade, Serbia; Bangkok, Thailand; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Budapest, hungary; and Timisoara, Romania.

The website of nomadlist.io. is one of the”12 startups in 12 months project” of Pieter Levels of Levels.io. he is featured in an online technology media company based across Asia and US. The article on Levels can be found in website,www.techinasia.com/12-startupsin-12-months-how-thisdigital-nomad-doing-it published on1:39 p.m. of July 29.

A

vsa@edgedavao.net

region-wide tree planting program, dubbed as TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW, will attempt to break the Guinness world record for “the most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations” on September 26.

The current world record for the most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations was achieved in India on August 15, 2011, setting the record of 1,945,535 trees planted by 304,200 participants across 408 locations.

According to Joselin

Marcus Fragada, regional director of the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) in Region 11, TreeVolution is a world record-breaking event that will mobilize 185,440 people targeting to plant 4,636,000 trees in one hour at 228 sites covering a total area of 9,200 hectares within Mindanao.

“We do feel that with the entire mobilization of Mindanao, we would be able to reach this target,” he said.

The organizers plan to assign 25 planters to

FTREEVOLUTION, 10

DAP didn’t deprive employees of gov’t of salaries, bonuses

T

he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday clarified that government employees were not deprived of their salaries, bonuses, or pensions, because of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), correcting statements made by COURAGe President Ferdinand Gaite.

DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad advised Gaite and COURAGe to be careful with their statements and analyze their sources of information carefully, as they are

clearly untrue. This is because salaries and benefits of all existing employees are released comprehensively or one hundred percent at the start of the year under the agencies’ specific budgets.

The Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF)—the savings from which partly supported DAP-funded projects—are by design provisions mainly allocated for unfilled and new positions in the bureaucracy.

These funds clearly do not form part of the salaries

FDAP, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Dabawenyos nix, undecided on school calendar change

O

NLY six of every 10 Dabawenyos know that there is a proposal to change the opening of classes from June to September. Of the six, 39 percent do not have any opinion about the proposal, 34 percent oppose it and only 27 percent approve of it.

This was finding of the Institute of Popular Opinion, a research agency of the University of Mindanao, which conducted a survey on the issue last May. Some Dabawenyos said the proposal of the Commission on higher education (CheD) to change the school calendar from June to September will only “increase the expenses of education”.

Dr. Adrian Tamayo, IPO specialist for economics, politics and development, said other Dabawenyos do not approve the calendar shift “because it will alter the

studies of their children”.

For those who approved, Tamayo said that parents considered the “inconvenience of the rainy months, June to August, that hamper and even put harm to their children’s going to school knowing that children might be subject to the troubles of flooding”.

“They [parents surveyed] observed that there is an increase in the occurrence of typhoons during these months,” he said.

Some parents also said that changing the school calendar will effectively lengthen the vacation of their students.

There were also parents who believed that the change in the school calendar will make the education system competitive and at par with other countries.

The survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents. CRC

Comelec studies Internet voting for OFWs in 2016

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he Commission on elections (Comelec) is considering to introduce the Internet voting for the overseas absentee voting (OAV) in the 2016 elections.

Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, chairman of the Comelec – Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) said they are looking at pilot testing the technology some areas in the Americas, Middle east, as well as hong Kong and Singapore.

“We are looking at these areas for pilot testing in 2016. They have

the adequate technology, Internet connection, and large overseas Filipino concentration that are needed for the pilot testing,” he said in an interview.

Tagle added they have already conducted the study to identify the technology for internet voting as provided by the Republic Act 10590 or the amended Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2013.

Section 28 of RA 10590 provides that the commission “may explore other more efficient, re-

FCOMELEC, 10

UNENDING SACRIFICE. Martial law human rights victims from the different regions in Mindanao form a queue under the scorching afternoon heat to file

their compensation applications at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Dabawenyos aware but misinformed about HIV

By ChENEEN R. CAPON

e

crc@edgedavao.net

IGhT of every 10 Dabawenyos are aware of the existence of hIV-AIDS, but appear to have some misconceptions about it. This was one of the findings of a survey of the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao.

Most Dabawenyos believe that young females, usually sex workers, are the common and active carrier of human immunodeficiency virus (hIV)

which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

This is contrary to the data of the City health Office which states that there was an “epidemic shift from male to female to male to male as a result of increased risk behavior among men having sex with men (MSM).”

“This just show na kulang ang information campaign na ginagawa ng mga in-charge health agencies and offices,” Dr.

Ma. Linda Arquiza, IPO executive director, said.

This perception is an important finding that ought to be considered by authorities while tackling policy direction, according to Dr. Arquiza during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

The survey revealed that “a great majority believe that hIV-AIDS is generally contracted disease from having sex

with female commercial sex workers. But health authorities reveal that female sex workers avail the government’ s program to reduce risk of AIDS, compared to MSM who just engaged the government’s services very recently.”

“There’s a need to step up the information campaign of the involved agencies to correct misconception of the public on the disease,” Arquiza

FDABAWENYOS, 10

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The Philippines with Duterte as President

h TREEVOLUTION. Joselin Marcus Fragada (left), regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11, and Janet Lopoz, executive director of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), announce during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao the upcoming Treevolution: Greening Mindanao, a National Greening

Program activity, when various government agencies try to break a Guinness World Records for most trees planted simultaneously in multiple areas in one hour. The agencies are targeting to plant 4.6 million trees in 9,200 hectares of land all over Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.

e would padlock Congress and declare a revolutionary government to give way to real reforms in the Philippines.

The country can expect the above and many more stunning things to happen if Rodrigo Roa Duterte becomes President of the Philippines in 2016.

The only problem is that Duterte, who is currently mayor of Davao City, is not interested in running for President.

Duterte revealed his “vision” when pressed many times by lawyer Geraldine Tiu, his co-anchor in the “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” Sunday program over ABS-

CBN to comment on the snowballing clamor for him to run for President.

Duterte explained his oft-repeated self-assessment that he is “not qualified” to run for the highest position of the land.

“Di ko interesado, di ko ganahan, ug wa koy kwarta. (I’m not interested, I do not like it and I have no money),” he replied to insistent questionings by co-anchor Geraldine in view of the 10 million signatures gathered by a group pushing Duterte to run for President.

The mayor said running for President requires funding of between P10 billion to P15

FWHAT’S LIKE, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Investing in human capital

DavNor Capitol academy holds 1st graduation rites

By NOEl BAgUIO

D

AVAO del Norte , August 4, 2014 – Thirty graduates of the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI) savored the sweet taste of success when they received their diploma in the specialized degree of Bachelor of Public Administration.

The grads exuded a great sense of pride and joy as they walked down the aisles accompanied by their loved ones, amid the thunderous applause of thousands of fellow workers during the local academy’s 1st Commencement

exercises held at the RDR Gymnasium in Tagum City on Monday.

In his keynote address, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario generously praised the graduates for their perseverance to become the first fruits of the DNLI. The governor launched the institute over a year ago to raise the academic qualification of Capitol personnel, who are undergraduates, vocational-technical graduates or high school graduates to earn or finish their college degrees.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario says the Davao del Norte Learning Institute is a tool for achieving an enabling environment conducive for growth and sustainable development in the province. noel baguio/ davnor pio

It was further established basically to serve as a learning facility for public employees, barangay functionaries, and out-of-school youths, in line with the local chief executive’s P.e.O.P.L.e. development agenda. he said DNLI facilitated the upgrade of knowledge, moral fitness, probity, efficiency and capability among the successful scholars.

Del Rosario added the province continues to invest in human capital to achieve a more effective workforce in attaining

good governance, besides keeping up with the socio-economic, political and cultural demands of the people.

“DNLI has become more imperative as the provincial government transcended from simply being a service provider to an enabler – one that makes an enabling environment conducive for growth and sustainable development,” he said.

Dr. Jonathan Bayogan, President of the Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), conferred the BPA degrees to the grad-

uates, who finished their BPA degree within one year and six months.

DNLI has chosen DNSC as its partner institution in granting specialized degrees that credited the combined trainings and seminars attended, relevant work experience and placement examination of the scholars.

Buoyed by the success of the first batch of DNLI scholars, Bayogan revealed the college is upgrading its training facilities to expand their innovative baccalaureate program.

In line with del Rosario’s thrust of institutionalizing good governance, the DNLI will add new courses for continuing studies and other off-campus programs to bridge development gaps in the local communities.

The modular academic programs will be lodged with the DNSC’s Institute of Governance, Management and Continuing Studies, which will in turn constitute the program-based DNLI-DNSC Center for Continuing Studies for Local Development.

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

More locations available for BPOs

By VANNAh S. ANg vsa@edgedavao.net

M

ORe spaces will be made available for business process outsourcing (BPO) locators as new IT parks venture into the city, including the Matina IT Park, Lanang Business Park, the Sy-owned SM Group, and homegrown conglomerate Felcris.

According to Samuel Matunog, president of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Davao, an additional 30,000 square meters (sqm) of space will be available for BPO locators by the first quarter of 2015. This will add up to the 7,500 square meters of currently available space in Davao. The total available space is expected to generate around 9,000 jobs.

Matunog believes that there will be no issues in finding locators to occupy these spaces as several IT-BPO companies are eyeing Davao City as an alternative location to establish another network for business continuity. however, he thinks

that the region doesn’t have enough supply of competent labor force to meet the demand of the rising IT-BPO industry. In order to address this issue, Matunog said there is a need to increase the frequency of total graduates.

“We have about 20,000 graduates in the Davao Region every year, he said.

In Davao, there are currently around 20,000 full-time employees under IT-BPO. These employees are composed of voice, non-voice, and knowledge workers.

“We’re only looking for 9000 in the next two years. We need to address the lack of applicants and the challenge of why schools are not graduating employable workers,” he said.

Some problems that need to be addressed in the IT-BPO industry are low english language proficiency, the wrong impression of graduates that BPOs do not promote the right values and culture to employees, and the strug-

KADAYAWAN ACTIVITIES. Kaye San Juan, marketing manager of SM City Davao, gives the details of the mall’s activities for the 2014 Kadayawan Fes-

tival during this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

gle of working in different time zones.

“Fortunately, there is so much opportunity available, and Technical education and Skills Development Authority (TeSDA) and the local government are investing in scholarships and training,” Matunog said.

JoBS Academy, in part-

Call Center Agents (FCCCA) that can produce graduates that can fit the qualifications of BPOs. According to Belinda Laya-Torres, JoBS Academy president, graduates need to be taught and oriented about the needs of the IT-BPO industry to be capable of becoming competent and employable

nership with the City Government of Davao, ICT Davao, educational Benefits Systems Unit (eSBU), and TeSDA will provide P5,400,000 worth of scholarships aimed to address this issue.

These scholarships will cover the courses of Software Development and Finishing Course for

individuals.

“Talking to the owners of BPOs themselves, and putting into the curriculum is what they need.

In the academy, students build up their own portfolio, which they can show to their clients. We also teach them how to fish for jobs, including those online,” she said.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Davao, NC growers of durian, pomelo plan to export more

By VANNAh S. ANg

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vsa@edgedavao.net

he Durian Industry Council of Davao and the Davao Pummelo Stakeholder’s Association plans to further penetrate the international fruit market.

In September 2013, the Durian Industry Council of Davao has succesfully penetrated the Singaporean market with an initial shipment of 500 kilograms of fresh Puyat durian variety from Calinan, Davao City.

According to Larry Miculob, president of the Durian Industry Council of Davao, they are now exporting a total of two tons of durian weekly to meet Singapore’s demand. exported durian currently costs 3 U.S. dollars per kilogram.

“Singapore’s reception seems quite promising. At first, they only requested for 500 kilograms of durian weekly. Then, they eventually requested for 1000 kilograms. Now, they request us to ship twice a week with 1 ton of durian per shipment,” he said.

The Durian Industry Council of Davao sees the possiblity of a gradually increasing demand for durian and targets to ship an additional 10 percent of produce to Singapore an-

nually.

Miculob believes that the durian industry in Davao has great potential in other foreign markets.

They plan to penetrate the Japanese market next.

“Our negotiation with Japan is still ongoing but we target to export minimally processed products like frozen durian instead of fresh export,” he said.

As of now, the Durian Industry Council of Davao is concentrating on improving their productivity as they face minor issues regarding the quality of their products.

Davao has also succesfully penetrated the Middle eastern market with fresh banana export and plans to introduce pummelo next. The Davao Pummelo Stakeholder’s Association plans to initially ship a total of 20 boxes of fresh pummelo next month.

According to Nestor Sepe, member of the Davao Pummelo Stakeholder’s Association, the initial shipment will serve as a trial for their foreign clients to try out pummelo from Davao.

“We’ll be expecting the results from the pummelo samples next month,” he said.

Sepe sees this as an opportunity for the Middle eastern market to tap Davao as a regular supplier for fresh pummelo export.

“Pummelo is currently priced at P1150 per 15 kilograms here, but we plan to sell it for around P1300 if ever we push through with the Middle east,” he said.

In terms of quality, they are ready to export pummelo to foreign markets as they follow international standards for fruit products.

“We are very strict with quality when it comes to export, our products have zero defects,” he said.

The Durian Industry Council of Davao and the Davao Pummelo Stakeholder’s Association will also be participating in the second Durian Festival Atbp at the Fountain Court of SMX Lanang Premiere from August 8 to September 9.

It is a month-long showcase of various varieties of Durian and processed Durian products.

Aside from Durian, other high value fruits will aslo be showcased and sold at reasonable prices even lower than in the market.

which remains FMD-free.

Dr. Zhang Zhonqui of China Animal Disease Control Center validated the report saying FMD virus infected a piggery farm located in Lianghong Company, Sihong, Suquian, Jiangsu, China.

Zhonqui said the FMD Virus Serotype A outbreak was confirmed in Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, the Office International des epizooties (OIe) reference laboratory thru eLISA and virus isolation.

BAI-Quarantine Service, meanwhile, said no accredited Chinese hog product importers yet at present mainly due to FMD, hence no import permits could be issued for the commodity.

BAI Assistant Director Dr. Simeon Amurao said the ban is in addition to the existing ban on the importation of fresh, fro-

zen and processed meat and live animals susceptible to FMD from China due the presence of the disease in other parts of China.

As to the order to quarantine officers at all ports, Amurao said, all frozen meat and susceptible live animals from China will be confiscated for immediate disposal or destruction. he noted that even if the outbreak has been controlled, the import ban is not automatically lifted.

The Philippines takes pride as the only FMDfree country in Southeast Asia.

Alcala earlier challenged the local hog producers to prepare for and take advantage of our quality status on the upcoming ASeAN free trade come 2015. (PNA)

DA chief bans hog products from South China province

A

GRICULTURe Secretary Proceso Alcala ordered a temporary ban on the importation of hog products from Jiangsu, China following a confirmed report of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Zhoutang village in Yingtan.

Under the Memorandum Order No. 13, Series of 2014, Alcala directed the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of applications and issuance of import permits for hog products.

DA veterinary quarantine officers/inspectors in all major ports were also directed to confiscate and stop FMD-prone animals from Jiangsu and their by-products from entering the country.

The restriction serves as proactive measure to protect the health of the local livestock population

DURIAN FEST. Larry Miculob of Mindanao Fruit Council promotes during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday the 2nd Durian Festival slated on

August 8 to September 7 at SM Lanang Premier fountain court. Lean Daval Jr.

LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project awarding moved again to next week --DOTC

T

he awarding of the P64.9-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite extension Project has been postponed to next week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said on Monday.

The DOTC had said earlier that the awarding of the project to the Light Rail Manila Consortium (LRMC) would be held this week.

LRMC is the project’s lone bidder com-

posed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Ayala Corp. and Macquire Infrastructure holdings Philippines Pte. Ltd. It can be recalled that last July 25, the LRTA Board approved the awarding of the LRT 1 Cavite extension Project to the LRMC. DOTC spokesperson Migs Sagcal said that the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Board has not yet completed its principal signatures necessary for the

award.

Meanwhile, DOTC Secretary Joseph emilio Abaya said the DOTC is still awaiting two more signatures and an opinion from the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) before the award is presented to the consortium.

The current 20.7-kilometer LRT l will be given an extension of approximately 11.7 km from Baclaran in Pasay City to Bacoor City in Cavite. (PNA)

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE101 101••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,AUGUST AUGUST5,5,2014 2014

WITHOUT TREES Text and Photos by ARMANDO A. MORTEJO First of Two parts

“W

hAT now remains compared with what then existed is like the skeleton of a sick man, all fat and soft earth having wasted away, and only the bare framework of the land being left… there are some mountains which have nothing but food for bees, but they had trees not very long ago, and the rafters from those felled there to roof the largest buildings are still sound.”

-- From Critias by Plato *** “Where have all our forests gone?” environmentalists deplore.

To glimpse the magnitude of what’s been lost, a Worldwatch Institute report recommends, imagine a time-lapse video -- set on fast-forward -- of earth taken from space. history passes in minutes; centuries race by in seconds. Yet human settlement and industry barely make a dent on the world’s forests -- until the 19th century.

When Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan “rediscovered” the Philippines on March 16, 1592, 92% (27.5 million hectares), the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares was covered with

forests. This went down to 70% (27.5 million) in 1863. By 1920, it dipped to 64% (18.9 million hectares) and finally to 36.3% (10.9 million hectares) in 1970.

Mindanao, the country’s second largest island, was not spared from denudation. In 1963, 67% (6,638,719 hectares) of its total land area of 9,868,260 hectares was covered with forests. But a report released by the Central Mindanao Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium in 1995 showed that only 18% of the island’s forest cover remained.

“But what’s even more alarming is that the island is losing its remaining forest cover at the rate of one hectare every three minutes,” the report said. Ideally, ecologists claim the island should have 54% forest cover to regenerate itself and be considered ecologically sound.

In 2011, during the third board meeting of the Mindanao Development Authority, members raised an alarm on the vast deforestation in Mindanao. “There is only six percent of forestry left in Mindanao. We from Mindanao must do something.

And we have encouraged the local government unit to plant trees,” Luwalhati Antonino, who was then the chairperson of the said board meeting, was quoted as saying. even before deforestation became a huge problem in Mindanao, harold R. Watson was already sounding the alarm. “At that time when I was telling the Filipinos that they must do something before the forests were devoid of their trees, they just laughed at me,” recalled Watson, who was the former director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “I was told, ‘We’re never going to run out of trees!”

But today, people who laughed at Watson would agree with him now. “The Philippine isles were once almost totally covered by tropical forest, leading us proudly proclaim to the whole world what while our country may not have much financial resources, we are a rich nation because of our abundant natural resources,” a former lawmaker pointed out. “But now, we’re down to 3.0% forest cover.”

In the past, forest re-

sources helped fuel the economy of the Philippines. In the 1970s, the country was touted the prima donna among world timber exporters.

Today, it is considered “a wood-pauper,” to quote the words of multi-awarded journalist Juan Mercado.

Ecological disaster To many experts, this spells ecological disaster.

In 2011, Typhoon Sendong brought 12 hours of continuous rain to Mindanao Island.

Tragedy took place after that. The rivers flooded and people were crushed by logs or drowned. The government declared it “a national disaster” with the storm affecting 338,000 people in 13 provinces.

Sean McDonagh, a priest who worked in the area, said decades of deforestation in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby provinces was to blame for the scale of the disaster. Much of the region was converted from rainforest into pineapple plantations.

“The deforestation was literally criminal,” he told “The Universe Catholic Weekly.” “If the rainforest in the area had been left intact, even 12 hours of

continuous rain would not cause this devastation. The rainforest canopy would stop the torrential rain from hitting the ground directly. Trees would also absorb the water.”

Who should be blamed for the rapid disappearance of the country’s forest cover? There’s no single individual can be considered the culprit but there’s a group of them. For one, loggers are on the top of the list.

The Rev. Peter Walpole, executive director of the Ateneo de Manila University’s environmental Science for Social Change, said the Philippines “trusted” logging companies to cut down trees and manage the forest. “But they did a very bad job,” he decried.

“That started the problem that we have now.”

Logging became rampant during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. “As the timber boom gained momentum, the government was unable to supervise concessions effectively or enforce logging regulations,” wrote Robert Repetto, author of “The Forest for the Trees? Government Policies and the Misuse of Forest Resources.” “Links between timber companies and politicians further

eroded government control.”

In 1989, the government imposed a lumber export ban in an effort to save the country’s forests from uncontrolled illegal logging.

The following year, the ban was quietly lifted, but was reinstated after loud criticism.

Other culprits In recent years, forest fires have been cited as another cause of deforestation in the country. From 1978 to 1996, forest fires destroyed approximately 304,345 hectares -- or an average of 16,000 hectares per year. From 1992 to 1996, fire damage was estimated at P465 million.

Other causes of deforestation in the Philippines are “kaingin” farming (slash-and-burn agriculture) and mining operations. Volcanic eruptions and strong typhoons have also devastated some of the country’s tropical rainforests.

Most of the remaining forest covers are located in ecologically-fragile uplands. And these areas are not spared from denudation. As population continues to grow in the lowlands, people are now migrating to the uplands.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Good move

T

he CLOSURe of Davao Gulf to commercial fishing for at least three months a year will result in the increase of production of small pelagic fishes by 33 percent. This was the assurance of lawyer Asis Perez, national director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), who said that the increase was experienced in the seas of Zamboanga Peninsula and Visayas bay which are also closed during spawning season.

Some small pelagic fishes found in the gulf include the variety of mackerel locally known as karabalyas, kabalyas, hasa-hasa, buraw, anduhaw, kapisnon, lumahan and anduhan; variety of roundscad species also known as galonggong”, moro-moro, borot, alumahan, budburon, burot-burot; and the variety of big eye scad species locally known as matang baka, atulay, matambaka, tamrong and budlatan.

The closure period for Davao Gulf (June to August) is an offshoot of a six-year study conducted by BFAR 11 on the declining fish production in the gulf.

Perez said that the annual closure should have start-

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ed last June but was moved to July because of delay in publication in national newspapers. Commercial fishing vessels using bag nets and ring net are not allowed to fish inside the gulf.

The seasonal closure has the imprimatur of some stakeholders, specifically Barog sa Katawhan sa Governor Generoso Multipurpose Cooperative led by Jerry V. Dela Cerna whose members indorse the closure after experiencing low yield themselves.

BFAR 11 regional director Fatma Idris said that the effect of the closure cannot be felt immediately but she assured that the temporary fishing ban will be beneficial to both fishermen and consumers.

Ms Idris has basis. One argument in favor of seasonal closure are the numerous fish sanctuaries established in some small parts of the gulf. Like fishing grounds temporarily closed to commercial fishing, the fish sanctuaries also resulted in increased production.

The resultant effect/s of the Gulf’s fishing ban to commercial fishing will actually be known a few days from now.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Photography Contributing Photographer Creative Solutions ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. AQUILES Z. ZONIO ARLENE D. PASAJE CHENEEN R. CAPON / VANNAH S. ANG Correspondent Cartoons Reporters

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Sleight of hand

P

eRSISTeNT POLITICAL BUZZeS – Faced with mounting brickbats over rising crime, poor delivery of basic social services, escalating prices of essential commodities, widespread corruption, unabated smuggling, and high-level spending scams like the PDAF (Priority Deelopment Assistance Fund) and DAP (Disbursement Acceleration Program) scandals, President Aquino may have to seek posthaste the services of notable problem-solution experts with extensive experience in handling political glitches.

The sole purpose is to ease the tension swirling around his scandal-marred administration. With the presidential elections scheduled for May 2016, seasoned observers are saying that treating the crucial issues with cold shoulder can badly affect the winning chances of the ruling party coalition candidates. President Aquino and his trusted political strategists should work overtime to cushion the impact of the devastating issues against his administration. however, doubters noted solidarity

F

in the Liberal Party (LP) ranks may be an impossible task given the gravity of the issues raised by opposition die-hards and progressive factors. Nevertheless, party chiefs claim they have dodged the political “low blows” emanating from different directions and have put on a unified front that augurs well for the administration’s probable candidates in the upcoming polls.

As the next presidential election draws near public dissatisfaction has risen with the impression that the Aquino administration has been unable to tackle, in particular, issues of utmost concern such as the PDAF and DAP financial anomalies. Avid detractors think the cycle of severe criticisms even have eaten into the approval ratings of the

President. Persistent tittle-tattles hint a possible sophisticate sleight of hand has something to do with the issues confronting the Aquino leadership.

Some observers insist there is a driving force behind the “war of nerves,” stealthily fanning the issues against the administration. however, at this early stage, administration party strategists seem to believe that taking the verbal attack in stride is less strenuous and less risky in clarifying crucial issues.

Maybe, the most important question of the pre-election campaign period is: Do voters believe that a certain vested interest group is pulling and delivering its punches because it wants to derail the political aspiration of a leading political hopeful of the administration? Is the said political figure a real treat to the ambition of another wily and power-obsessed politician?

Political foes of the Aquino administration and its likely candidates probably have done this early an effective demolition job – a prelude to the 2016 poll campaign.

Cursing the darkness

OR a while there, PNoy seemed testy and irritable, impatient perhaps about not getting things moving as he wishes, or upset at criticism he feels unwarranted—particularly on his claim of good faith in unleashing the disbursement acceleration program or DAP to improve government performance and energize the economy.

Fortunately, he had the good sense to chuck what was getting to be de rigueur in his annual state of the nation addresses (SONA), namely, carping about Gloria or other pet peeve.

Still, his manner (body language? the language of his alter egos?) rebukes critics for undue fault-finding. how can anyone ascribe bad faith to my acts, seems his message, stop cursing the darkness, you guys!

Well, he should do a little discerning so he’ll snap to and realize that criticism, or cursing, isn’t always bad. Like his claim of good faith about DAP, criticism and cursing can also spring from good intentions. ***** In mid- to late 1950s, one of the major youth groups in the country was the Student Catholic Action (SCA). Joe Concepcion of National Movement for Free elections (NAMFReL) fame was its prime mover. SCA’s motto was: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”

It was a great motto; still is. Students and student councils nationwide responded to it, fired up—especially after President Magsaysay’s plane crashed in Cebu in 1957 and fears about a dark future loomed in the minds of many.

Among the campus vanguards of that movement were Raul Roco of Ateneo de Naga, later senator; Art Panganiban of Far eastern University, later Supreme Court chief justice; Louie Lagdameo at U.P., later Christian Democrat ideologue; and quite a few in schools throughout Mindanao and Visayas including the Mindanao Ateneos of Cagayan, Davao and Zamboanga.

Lots of candles were lighted in those years, illuminating many hearts and minds, multiplying through the 1960s as teach-ins became the vogue in campuses and youth hangouts, then gaining urgency

WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MannY ValdehueSa as Ferdinand and Imelda emerged on the scene, which caused dire forebodings of the future. ***** The movement gained momentum as that decade wore on, leading to the conflagration known as the First Quarter Storm (January 1970) when it became clear that Marcos had stolen the elections two months before. even PMA graduates joined the Student Catholic Action movement and joined hands to add heft to the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) right up to the take-over of Malacañang.

It was a glorious event for that generation—which included Raul Manglapus and his Christian Social Movement and ed Olaguer with his Light a Fire Movement.

There was a Pentecostal outpouring as activists discovered how mighty is people power if enough citizens would only light a candle for reforms even in their own way.

But most other Filipinos weren’t clear on what reforms to push and simply went along with whatever wind was blowing, neither cursing the looming darkness nor lighting a candle. ***** The first term of the Marcos presidency had got them used to the twilight illumination of political patronage, causing them to act like sheep as they were led

by Marcosian operatives serving as their shepherds.

Naturally, the Filipinos-turned-sheep were fair game to the self-styled shepherds (greedy trapos and posturing martinets actually) who kept them in darkness till they were herded to election precincts for his second term.

Alarmed, the candle-lighters tried to wake the masses from their sheep-like trance, explaining that their docility was emboldening master sheepherder Ferdinand to stampede them into the corral called Martial Law.

Ninoy Aquino, Jose Diokno, Raul Manglapus, Lorenzo Tanada, Jose Concepcion, Luis Jose, the Jesuit “mafia” of Frs. Pacifico A. Ortiz and Jose Blanco, ed de la Torre and ed Garcia, evelio Javier, Gaston Ortigas, Ramon Tagle, Bonifacio Gillego, Alfredo Salanga, and many others including myself sounded alarms at the gathering clouds that were closing in. ***** But the sheep—a.k.a. docile Pinoys who neither cursed nor lighted a candle— didn’t listen. In fact by a twist of irony, they perverted the very motto that produced modern heroes and dismissed the candle-lighters by saying: “Stop cursing the darkness; join us!” They didn’t see that to protest against the Forces of Darkness was to light a candle.

So it came to pass that early on Saturday, 23 September 1972, the Filipino people woke to the strains of Martial Law, signed and proclaimed the night before, while all the candle-lighters were hauled off to military camps or killing fields.

The moral of this story? Learn to distinguish between the darkness and the Forces of Darkness!

Protesting and criticizing malignant Forces is the candle you light to hold back the actual darkness, to warn its instigators that they can’t sneak up on you. ***** But many Filipinos still miss the point, the Malacañang occupant included. They think criticizing corruption is cursing the darkness. They’re wrong.

The darkness is the squalor, the misery, and the injustices caused by the Forces of Darkness—at City hall, in the Capitol, in Malacañang, in Congress—where those who manage our society’s affairs and finances cause the maldistribution of resources that leave so many poor, needy, and victimized citizens out in the cold.

Let’s be clear about this: There’s really no point in cursing the darkness; instead, rage against the Forces of Darkness! That’s the way you light a candle. Light one and make it difficult for the Forces of Darkness to sneak up on you like Marcos and Juan Ponce enrile did the night Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

COUP-COUP-ROOCOUP-COUP

R

eBeL B o y cries wolf, but where’s the wolf?

Antonio Trillanes IV wallows in self-righteousness. he still clings to the rebellious notion that sowing intrigues or suspicions is service to country.

Right after P-Noy delivered his emotion-twisted 5th SONA, the sophomore senator characteristically told the nation that former military generals identified with former President Gloria Arroyo are plotting to overthrow the Aquino government. he said that the group has been soliciting support from active military officials to bring down the Aquino regime since Year One of P-Noy’s term.

Trillanes’s re-election in 2012 has obviously hypnotized him into thinking that he is a force to reckon with. he even dared to hint at seeking a higher office in 2016 probably, the vice presidency. The guy really thinks highly of himself.

But everytime he opens his mouth, which is infrequent, he exposes his IQ. his views and comments on sensitive issues are sophomoric, shallow, and off-tangent.

The government is wasting money keeping him in the Senate. Like Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla Jr., Gringo honasan, Loren Legarda, he is just a political cymbal – “all sound and fury, signifying nothing.” ooo The Senate Finance committee hearing last July 24th was a hearing alright. Mr. Aquino’s allies were all ears to budget chief Florendo Abad.

In fact, they – especially Frank Drilon, aided Abad defend the creation and implementation of the DAP, and make it sound palatable.

But the hearing was not in aid of legislation, but in aid of Florencio Abad.

Well done, Aquino lapdogs! You succeeded in making people believe that DAP is good, not Abad idea.

Critics say that the senators were too kind and soft to Abad as they seemingly asked scripted or rehearsed questions that helped strengthen the use of the DAP. This observation drew sharp arrogant reaction from committee chairman Chiz escudero who said that nobody could tell the senators what questions to ask during the hearing.

Well, well … Chiz boy, who do think you senators are --- Lord of the Rings, or Master of the Universe? have you forgotten who put you where you are, and what you are now? Well, you are first and foremost, servants of the people. Pride and arrogance have no place in public service. A high official is not a license to behave like an intellectual bully. humility and refined demeanor will not diminish your stature as senator of the Republic.

Keep this in mind, Your honor: Great men are humble creatures. oo

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 TreeVolution...FFROM 2

49 Chinese... FFROM 1 The officer said that there will be no risk of escape from them since the passports are in the custody of the legal department in BI national office.

Another officer said also clarified that even if they have their temporary liberty, it does not mean that they can resume to their work.

The 49 Chinese nationals were apprehended in Therma South Inc. (TSI), coal fired-power plant for working without working permit.

In a statement, TSI the process of securing their working permit is ongoing so that they can resume to their work started by their employers True North Inc. and Nantong Dragon.

TSI said that they are coordinating closely with its contractors for them to adopt stringent measures to ensure that the same incident does not recur in the future.

“We will continue to work with government

agencies to make sure that relevant laws governing foreign workers are complied,“ the statement said.

TSI said that they remain committed to completing the construction of its 300 MW coal power plant as scheduled and in generating power supply by the first half of 2015 in order to deliver much-needed base load power to more than 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao.

he said if the Agus-Pulangi had been mainatined well, there could be no coal fired-power plants will be built in Mindanao.

“That is why we are saying na the power crisis in Mindanao is fabricated. kumbaga we’re setup to fail in terms of power sector,” he reiterated.

Arances claimed that in the national level, ePIRA law also facilitated the promotion of building more coal-fired pow-

er plants in the country.

“Bakit po? Ang essensya ng ePIRA ay iiwan sa market ang pagdedesisyon. Kung anong planta ang itatayo,” he said.

“Binigay sa market, binigay sa coporation.

Natural ang corporation pupunta sila kung saan mas kikita sila,” Arances added. he said that the Philippines will become more friendly for business and more conducive for ‘coal investments.’

In their statement, the proliferation of coal

fired-power plants all over the country is the government’s solution to the energy crisis which will endanger the millions of Filipinos due to its health hazard to community.

“The continued promotion of coal only reveals that the government’s reluctance and skepticism towards renewable energy as an energy source that is highly abundant in our country,” the statement said.

or bonuses for permanent and contractual employees until said items are filled up or created.

The Productivity enhancement Incentive (PeI) and the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB)—which are both part of the MPBF and are allotted for employees’ incentives based on the performance of their duties—were complete-

ly released to all eligible government employees.

Likewise, the Pension and Gratuity Funds (PGF)—which were not utilized as a source for DAP-funded projects— are used for the payment of retirement, terminal leave benefits and separation incentives when eligible employees avail of them.

“The claim of COUR-

AGe that government employees were robbed of their bonuses and incentives because of the DAP is then grossly inaccurate and very misinformed. We can assure the whole bureaucracy that no single government employee was deprived of any bonus or incentive rightfully due them because of the DAP,” Abad said.

said.

The study entitled “The hIV- AIDS Situation in Davao City : A popular survey” was conducted among of 1,200 respondents indicated that more than half, or 55 percent of the those surveyed believed that young females are the active carrier of the virus, while only 15 percent by male having sex with men (MSM), 15 percent by straight males and 13 percent by lesbians. however, the ChO data showed that of the 1,825 reported cases of hIV/AIDS during the first four months of 2014, only 73 cases are female, while 1,752 were men.

It shows that 508 of the total reported cases

(27.8 percent) were diagnosed to individuals aged 15 to 24 years.

Last May, the region ranked 5th in hIV incidence with an estimated 15 to 20 new cases every month.

The survey also showed that the awareness of Dabawenyos on the disease is relatively high. It showed that 8 in every 10 Dabawenyos knew hIV-AIDS but misconception still exist because it is not discussed publicly.

“This creates myths.

One of the myths is how one can be infected,”she said, adding that the survey found the 8 in every 10 believed that being infected by the virus is due to having sex with opposite sex, 4 in every

10 believed it is having sex with same sex.

Arquiza said that other reasons given as cause for infection were mother-to-child (13 percent), use of infected syringe (8 percent), use of personal things of infected person (2 percent) and physical contact with an infected person (0.92 percent).

She said that Dabawenyos believe that protective sex is the most effective way of protecting oneself from getting the disease, followed by abstinence and monogamy.

Arquiza said that government health agencies should use other medium like media for the effective dissemination of information related to the disease. CRC

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plant 20 seedlings each in a single hectare. There should be 500 seedlings planted in every hectare.

Last Arbor Day, the DeNR tried to conduct a mock program wherein they tried to simulate what would happen if they pushed through with their entry to Guinness.

“Last January 25, we had provinces do a simultaneous planting activity in one hour. We were able to utilize 15,000 planters and plant over 500 hectares using almost 200,000 seedlings,” Fragada said.

Fragada believes that they are ready to conduct the world record-breaking planting program in September based on the results of the trial planting activity done during Arbor Day. Another main goal of the Guinness attempt is to showcase collaborative efforts in Mindanao, par-

ticularly on the island-region’s greening efforts.

Janet M. Lopoz, executive director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said that apart from beating the world record, the activity also aims to instill a massive consciousness on the importance of tree-growing.

“We do not only wish to beat the target, we also wish that this will be sustained in a way that we are also including other tree crops as part of the seedlings we are going to distribute,” she said.

The seedlings that will be utilized during the program include three premium species of cacao, rubber and coffee. Indigenous and timber and other wood species will also be included.

“Our intention for the program is also for the plants to have a high

survival rate. Under the standards of the DeNR’s National Greening Program (NGP), the seedlings should reach a survival rate of from 80 to 85 percent,” Fragada said, adding “it would be useless to just keep on planting to beat the world record.

We want to make this program sustainable by planting the correct species in the correct areas, planting them at the right time, and in the correct way or manner.”

TreeVolution is co-organized by MinDA and DeNR, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The world record attempt is designed to entice massive participation by various stakeholders and sectors in efforts to hit the Mindanao target for the NGP.

liable and secure modes or systems, ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the entire process, whether paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology or such other latest technology available”. he added that they cannot use the technolo-

gy unless Congress pass a law that will allow to use the internet technology as well as to provide them the budget.

On Sunday, Senate President Franklin Drilon urged the the Comelec to find a voting technology that will allow overseas absentee voting via the

internet.

At present, voters overseas are allowed to vote through personal and postal voting in Philippine embassies and consulates while some foreign post are using the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.

(PNA)

billion.

“Asa man ko ana?

(Where will I get that amount?),” he asked although he acknowledged there are businessmen who approached him and declaring willingness to support him if he runs for President.

From Duterte 2016 Movement, the group led

by R. Castillo barangay captain Mar Masanguid has lately changed the movement name to Duterte for President Movement after rotating in Mindanao despite the mayor’s statements of decline and non-interest since last year.

But the mayor on Sunday’s edition shared his “vision, not a political platform” if he becomes a President.

Should in one year’s time after sitting as President he could not see real reforms through the normal functions of the President, he said forgive him he would be forced to close the Congress, and declare a revolutionary government.

Moreover, the mayor said he would privatize all government-controlled corporations including the GSIS, Bureau of Customs, retire all the generals except the 40 among them “who are the best and the brightest” and as to the Left and Nur Misuari, “if they want a coalition government, so be it.”

he added if NDF chairman Luis Jalandoni wants a top government post, “I’ll put him in DAR” and CPP-NPA chairman Joma Sison in DSWD. “Mag federal government ta.”

The mayor also responded to the tag hurled by Manila politicians that “he is extremist”, saying he could be

called by that “but look what happened to Davao City?” he said he has more things to do on the thought that he is the sitting President, and “the caveat for everybody is at the end of my term there should be real changes” done for the country.- Cha Monforte, Correspondent

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

‘WE WILL NEVER FORGET THIS DAY...’

Paquibato leaders visit North Cotabato oil palm farms

By MANNy PINOl

B

ARANGAY and tribal leaders of Davao City’s Paquibato District, known as a lair of communist rebels under Commander Parago and one of the poorest areas in the otherwise progressive city, visited Oil Palm farms in Barangay Dungguan, M’lang, North Cotabato which also suffered from years of war, a nursery and a modern oil processing plant and declared that it was a trip which they will never forget for the rest of their lives.

“Dili namo ni mahikalimtan sa tibouk namong kinabuhi kay karon nabuksan ang among mga mata sa mga bagay nga makapabag-o sa among kinabuhi(We will never forget this day in our life because today we have seen things which could improve our lives),” said an Ata Manobo chieftain from Barangay Malabog, Paquibato district who joined the group of about 40 barangay officials and agriculturists from Davao City who made a one-day “exposure” to the Oil Palm fields of neighboring North Cotabato.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte directed City Agriculturist Roselio Tabay to expose the Paquibato officials and tribal leaders to the Oil Palm projects as part of the education and orientation program prior to the implementation of a similar project in the 13 barangays of Paquibato District, long known as a

stronghold of the NPAs. The group left Davao City on board four vehicles early Saturday morning and first visited the North Cotabato Palm Oil Corp. (NCPOC) nursery in San Vicente, Makilala, then the Oil Palm farms in Barangay Dungguan, M’lang and later the Agumil Palm Oil Milling in Buluan, Maguindanao.

But it was the sight of the vast areas planted to Oil Palm farms in Barangay Dungguan which had the most impact on the leaders of Davao City’s most troubled district because just like Paquibato, Dungguan was a battlefield between lawless groups including kidnap for ransom groups and government forces about 15 years ago.

“You could not have gone this deep into Dungguan without engaging armed groups in a firefight 15 years ago,” I told the visit Davao City barangay and tribal leaders.

Dungguan used to be a lair of armed groups and an exit point for kidnappers who abducted people for ransom from the towns of M’lang and even the city of Kidapawan.

It was during the years when I was Governor of North Cotabato that I introduced the Plant Now Pay Later Program for Oil Palm in the village and dredged the silted mouth of the M’lang River towards Liguasan Marsh enabling Moro farmers in the area

to make use of their long abandoned land.

Yesterday, Dungguan Barangay Chairman Jose Sagadan showed his visitors the changes in the lives of the people in the area where farming families have satellite TV dishes mounted on the roofs of their homes.

Visiting the Oil Milling complex of Agumil in nearby Buluan town, the Davao City group was briefed by Plant Manager engr. Phil Malana who explained that the facility was not only producing Crude Palm Oil but

also bio-gas and excess power which if properly harnessed could reach as much as 4MW. On Aug. 30, a one-day forum on Oil Palm will be held in Davao City where resource persons will discuss the other details on Oil Palm farming and where executives from government and private banks will offer their financing package to the farmers.

In the third week of September, the group will cross the Sulu Sea and visit Sabah, Malaysia to visit the Oil Palm and

Rubber villages of the agriculturally-advanced country.

Duterte said that after the exposure trips, the barangay officials and tribal leaders will allowed to decide whether to pursue the development initiatives of the City Government in their locality or not.

“They alone will decide what future they and their children will have,” said Duterte.

(Photos show (1) Dungguan Barangay Chairman Datu Joe Sagadan pose with visit-

ing Davao City group; (2) Paquibato village leaders inspect fresh fruit bunches in a weighing area; (3) a tribal leader and an elderly Paquibato barangay chairman take a close look at the Oil Palm fruits (4) Agumil Plant manager engr. Phil Malana briefs visitors on the operation of the mill in the unloading platform; (5) Ata Manobo tribal leader Datu Dario poses in front of the huge oil tanks; and (6) visiting Davao City village and tribal leaders pose to mark the day they will never forget.)

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL ThErE was a period of my life when me and my family lived in Binondo at the heart of Manila. Back then the city was already a solid mass of grey concrete and people. I remembered one special weekend when my mom, together with relatives, organised a trip to Tagaytay to get away from all the craziness of the metropolitan and for us kids to finally breathe some fresh mountain air.

Fast forward to today and the memories of my childhood remains in my head. So when the office asked me to join the team of Camella for a site inspection tour of their properties in Tagaytay, I jumped on the chance and eagerly said yes.

Together with Camella’s Davao cluster head, Marlon Escalicas and marketing head, Anna Dela Peña and other writers from Davao, we arrived at the airport where we met with Kit Trajano, Camella’s head for corporate communications and Maleene Camo, staff for corporate communications.

From the airport, we made a beeline towards Tagaytay on the South Luzon Expressway. I can actually feel the craziness of Metro Manila slowly being stripped away with every kilometre and minute we spent on the highway.

Kit revealed that we will be having lunch at Tagaytay’s Mahogany Market one of Tagaytay’s biggest public markets and the place where one can dine on local Tagaytay delicacies such as their beef bulalo as well as the area’s famous tawilis, small fish from Lake Taal that is usually fried to a point where the whole fish can be eaten, head, bones, and tail included. I loved each and every bite of the tawilis,

Rediscovering the beauty of the meat of the fish was firm and the head, bones and, tail of the fish was crisp much like a perfectly cooked tempura without the batter.

After lunch we proceeded to Crosswinds, Vista Land’s crown jewel in Tagaytay.

Designed as one’s own sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Crosswinds is a Swissinspired development with homes and condominium units that are inspired by the beauty of traditional Swiss chalets and mountain homes. The rolling terrain of the property added to the charm of the development as well as the many pine trees that populate the area perfuming the air in the property.

Kit revealed that they will also be putting up a Gourmet Village near the highway where eventually, cafes, gourmet restaurants, and specialty shops will be located to serve the residents of the community as well as the community at

Tagaytay Swiss-themed homes at Crosswinds Tagaytay.

large.

After checking in at the Crosswinds resort Suites, which is the property’s condotel, the group decided to head over to Sonya’s Garden a short ride from the resort to take in and experience more of Tagaytay.

True to its promise, Sonya’s Garden is a sanctuary in the mountains with many nooks and corners for one to quietly reflect and enjoy nature. What made the resort initially famous was it’s buffet lunches and early dinners which feature beautify organically grown salads accented by flowers. The garden also has a spa which offers weary urbanites a respite from the daily grind.

To cap of the day which was cool and damp due to the rain, we went to Amo-

roma restaurant located just down the road from Crosswinds for a hearty Italian meal.

Famous for its brick oven fired pizza, Amoroma is a Tagaytay landmark. Aside from pizza, we also had a taste of their home-made gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce which I adore, as well as some pasta and, of course, salad which is a mainstay.

Bellies full and satiated, our group eventually made its way back to Crosswinds for a much needed rest from all the discoveries and, for me, rediscoveries of Tagaytay.

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

Camella Davao’s cluster head Marlon Escalicas.

Quiet time at Sonya’s Garden.

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABoUT

Metro Plaza celebrates 25th anniversary with Metro Madness 2014 METRo PLAzA, one of Davao City’s leading appliance stores hits its 25th year this August, and it’s celebrating its silver anniversary with METRo MADNESS 2014, the grandest appliance SALE in town from August 1 to 7, 2014 at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall.

Surviving all kinds of challenges for more than two decades, Metro Plaza has proven itself to be the appliance store to beat with its consistent delivery of the latest appliances since day 1 of its operation. Who could forget the batches of TV sets with various sizes in the nineties, plus refrigerators with added features. Then the LCD TV during the early 2000, and the initial rise of home theatre system with big screens and complementing sound system, up to the latest LED TV of current times (imagine curved TV!), refrigerators, gas and electric stoves and even the latest gadgets . Its strong partnership with its suppliers has worked very well and has ensured Dabawenyos were not left behind with the best and the latest in home appliances. one way of making sure Metro Plaza has reached a wider market, it launched Metro Madness in 1996. The promo event was touted to be the biggest appliance sale in the city. It was indeed, and offered big discounts, various giveaways, featured the latest items at that time, and complimenting events during the madness run to the delight of its loyal shoppers.

Now on its 18th year, Metro Madness 2014 will be offering what it has been doing since then – offer the best discounts and giveaways to its supportive patrons plus more! Expect also the latest from Sony and Samsung.

Additionally, it will run a social media promo thru its facebook account. Just like and share Metro Plaza Davao and you will receive a special gift which you can claim during the entire run of #METRoMADNESS2014 in Abreeza Mall.

Metro Madness 2014 partners include Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, Carrier, Condura, Kelvinator, Sharp, Kolin, Whirlpool, Fujidenzo, Ge, Aniston, Devant, Everest, Haier, Ezy, La Germania, Dowell, Moulinex, Fukuda, Imarflex, Xenon, And Hyundai.

Metro Plaza is located at J. P. Laurel Ave., Davao City. other subsidiaries of METRo PLAzA: SoNY CENTRE, 3/F Gaisano Mall of Davao, Davao City, SoNY CENTRE, 3/F Abreeza Mall, Davao City, SoNY GADGET SToRE, 2/F SM City Davao Annex, Davao City, SAMSUNG CoNCEPT SHoP, 3/F Gaisano Mall of Davao, Davao City, SAMSUNG CoNCEPT SHoP, 3/F Abreeza Mall, Davao City For more inquiries, please call 227-6823.

BULGOGI BROTHER’S KIMCHI JJIGAE TREAT. Bulgogi Brothers Korean BBQ Restaurant has a treat for weekday diners. Enjoy two Kimchi Jjigae for the price of one from monday to Friday 12 noon to 5 in the afternoon from July 31 to August 29, 2014. Bulgogi Brothers Korean BBQ Restaurant is located at the Second Floor Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Spinnr subscriber ecstatic over Philpop finale experience SMArT CoMMunICATIonS, Inc. and Spinnr turned another fan’s dream into reality when Mich Cabillan, 18, won two tickets to the Philpop 2014 finale held July 26 at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

The win was made more special for Cabillan, a diehard Elmo Magalona and Julie Anne San Jose fan, because Elmo interpreted “Qrush on You,” an official entry while Julie Anne was part of the night’s panel of judges.

“It was the chance of a lifetime for me and I will forever be grateful to Spinnr for this experience,” opened up the university of the Philippines-Los Banos student who lives in Quezon City. “I think that Spinnr—aside from being really in line with an event like this because it’s a music app and it promotes oPM—also gives fans like us more things to look forward to. It gives us more ‘power’ and opportunities to be part of events like this one,” she added.

Cabillan was part of a packed audience along with a friend, who is also a fan of the Elmo-Julie Ann pair. Cabillan recalled of her Spinnr experience: “I downloaded the song ‘Qrush on You’ from Spinnr.com and then I also voted for it through Twitter. I received a Tweet from Spinnr’s official account only the night before the finals so I really wasn’t expecting to win anything.

That last-minute call really made it more special because I really thought I had no chance.”

The ticket winner, an incoming junior at uPLB taking up Development Communication, added that aside from that fact that she now has access to all the music she wants inside her pocket through Spinnr, she feels empowered for having been blessed with such an experience of seeing her idols perform live. Spinnr,

ABOVE: SPINNR subscriber Mich Cabillan flanked by Tim Yap and Jasmine Curtis at the concluded ‘Philpop 2014’ finale held July 26 at the Meralco Theater.

LEFT: CLARA BENIN and Mcoy Fundales perform ‘Kung Akin Ang Langit,’ Philpop 2014’s Spinnr People’s Choice winner.

BOTTOM: SMART COMMUNICATIONS Innovation and Product Development Group Head Melissa Limcaoco and EVP and Wireless Consumer Division Head Charles Lim present the Spinnr People’s Choice trophy to Mcoy Fundales, Clara Benin, Isaac Garcia and Chi Bocobo.

a homegrown Filipino app brand, is known to bring lucky subscribers closer to music artists, local and foreign, through promos like this one.

An official song entry by Flava Matikz and Knowa Lazarus, the upbeat pop entry “Qrush on You” opened the competition last July 26. Elmo performed the song with Jayr and Q-York. “The song really makes me want to dance,” said Cabillan, who was also interviewed by co-hosts Tim Yap and Jasmine Curtis during the live show, making her Philpop trip all the more unforgettable. other hosts included ogie Alcasid,

Christian Bautista and Iya Vallania- Arellano.

Spinnr was also responsible in naming the competition’s People’s Choice Award winner, the laidback entry “Kung Akin Ang Langit,” written by Chi Bocobo and Isaac Garcia and interpreted by Mcoy Fundales and Clara Benin. But the night’s biggest hauls went to songs with powerful vocal interpretations: Daryl ong’s “Torpe Song” (interpreted

by Kris Lawrence, 2nd runner-up); Toto Sorioso’s “Awit Mo’y nandito Pa” (interpreted by Aldrich Talonding and James Bucong, 1st runner-up); and Jungee Marcelo’s “Salba-

bida” (interpreted by Kyla, 2014 Philpop grand winner).

Download the said songs plus the entire lineup of official entries in the “Philpop 2014: Loud and Proud” album available via Spinnr, which was recently named “Best Content Service in Asia” at the 2014 Asia Communications Awards (ACA).

For just Php2.50/day, you may also stream unlimited music anytime, anywhere as Spinnr has been constantly providing Filipinos access to all the music they want to hear since its launch.

Visit or follow Spinnr on Facebook (fb.com/spinnrphilippines), Twitter (@ spinnrph) and Instagram for more details and chances to win premium items and tickets to concerts here and abroad.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

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Winners of Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2014 revealed ABS-CBN and the Miss Chinatown Foundation recently staged and aired last Sunday night the grand coronation night for Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2014, which was hosted by Xian Lim, Enchong Dee, Gretchen Ho, and Kim Chiu, and was held on Sunday evening, July 27, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. on that night, two titles were passed on by last year’s winners, Rolini Lim Pineda and Randy See. These titles landed in the hands of candidate number 6, Nicole Cordoves, and candidate number 1, Kurt Joshua ong.

A total of 24 candidates, split equally between men and women, competed for the prestige of representing the Filipino-Chinese community as Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2014.

Among those in the running to become Mister Chinatown 2014 were Mr. Chinatown 2014 First Runner-up, David Sy Licauco, and Mr. Chinatown 2014 Second Runner-up, Timothy Lawrence Yap. Meanwhile, for the women vying for the Miss Chinatown 2014 title, it was Christine Grace Co who took home the title of Miss Chinatown 2014 First Runner-up, while Tola orendain was

while Miss Chinatown 2014 First Runner-up Christine Grace Co took home the said award among the women. Best in Active Wear went to Mr. Chinatown 2014 First Runner-up David Sy Licauco, who also took home to the title of Best in Formal Wear. A similar double awarding happened in the females’ category, as Miss Chinatown 2014 Nicole Cordoves took home both the Best in Swimsuit and Best

in Evening Gown awards. organizers of the competition said that holding Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2014 is set to open doorways towards unified communities and better goals--beginning with a celebration of the shared values of the Filipino and Chinese communities and cultures, ultimately geared towards strengthening the fusion of the two in honing and shaping the potential of a new generation.

named Miss Chinatown 2014 Second Runner-up.

The winners of the Mr. and Miss Chinatown competition this year received P500,000 worth of cash and prizes. The 1st Runner-up took home P300,000 worth of cash and prizes, while the 2nd Runner-up took home P200,00 worth of cash and prizes.

Special awards were also given throughout the course of the pageant.

The Social Media Favorite awards were given to King Choi and Glezlie ong. Mr. and Miss Friendship went to John Ralph Boo and Felina Lim, respectively. John Ralph Boo also took home the award for Best in Talent,

Vickie invites boyfriend Jason Abalos to PBB House, Joshua confesses his feelings to Jane AFTER having lived in the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house for more than three months, some of the “PBB All In” housemates are forced to confront matters of the heart that have been bugging them.

Driven by this week’s YoLo (You only Live once) theme, Vickie, through Big Brother, invited her boyfriend, actor Jason Abalos to the PBB house so they could talk about the status of their relationship. Vickie has been vocal about her doubts about their relationship since she received a text message from Jason without an “I love you” right after typhoon Glenda tore through the metro. Vickie also earlier suspected that her being teased with celebrity housemate Daniel Matsunaga might have upset Jason.

Big Brother accepted Vickie’s request to see

Jason, but only if she wins a task that would determine how long she would be allowed to talk to Jason. If she succeeds, Big Brother will ask Jason to come to the PBB house. Will Jason agree to appear on TV and open up about their relationship?

Teen housemate Joshua, on the other hand, finally confessed to Jane his special feelings for her.

“You’re special to me.

I have feelings for you.

I love you. I treated you here first, as a friend, but

sometimes you can’t avoid liking a person,” Joshua told Jane during their private conversation in the kitchen.

Following his confession, Jane told Big Brother that as teenagers, it is not yet the right time for them to talk about love.

How will this affect their friendship in the coming weeks?

Tune in to “PBB All In” this weekend for the housemates’ unique process of nomination for eviction, and make sure to watch the program as

Big Brother will serve major surprise every day.

Tune in to “Pinoy Big Brother All In” with Toni Gonzaga weeknights after “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” on Primetime Bida” and “Pinoy Big Brother All In Uber” with Bianca Gonzalez, John Prats, and Robi Domingo after “Moon of Desire” on Kapamilya Gold. Discuss the latest events inside the PBB house with Slater Young and Joj and Jai Agpangan in “Ubertime online” on pinoybigbrother. com/livechat.

SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo PG 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

TROPHY WIFE Cristine Reyes, Derek Ramsay, Heart Evangelista, John Estrada R 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman PG 13

R-16

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

HERCULES Dwayne Johnson R 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

DINING AT GENSAN

Hanging out and having delicious fun at Mi’Grande

ME and my boyfriend wen on an action figure hunt last week which was a difficult task making us late for dinner. With our stomach rumbling, bf and I wanted opted to find some good grub instead, so we tried out the newest food joint in town, Mi’Grande which just opened last July 08, 2014.

Known for pizzas and burgers, Mi’Grande’s food was good, came out really quickly and the service was just right. We had the white sauce pizza, and gravy-based burger, I wanted to order another plate of pasta, but after consuming the burger and 12” pizza, there wasn’t any room left in out tummies.

For dessert we had their strawberry milkshake, which was dreamy,

and boyfie had beer, they also serve chicken platers, which also makes

Mi’Grande a nice place to chill and have a night cap.

The ambiance was bright, walls in apple green, and a wall with wooden white planks on the side. The ceiling had a really nice touch as well,

Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

with a treatment almost like puzzle pieces that haven’t been put together yet.

Although not attached to a mall, we were surprised to see people flooding in even after 9 in the evening, which isn’t common for food chains here in Gensan (Well except for the ones that are opened 24/7).

If you happen to be in Gensan, along the national highway, or just got off the bus from Davao, Mi’

Grande is located right next to the Yellow Bus terminal, visit this little gem of a pizzeria/pasta slangin/burger dishing establishment and you won’t be disappointed and would definitely get your moneys worth.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

COMMUNITY SENSE 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Mindanao attempts to break tree planting world record

M

INDANAWONS will try to break the Guinness world record for most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations on September 26, 2014 – a world record-breaking attempt that will mobilize 185,440 people who will give a shot at planting 4,636,000 trees at various sites covering a total area of 9,200 hectares within the island-region.

Co-organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior and Local Government, the world record attempt is designed to entice massive participation by various stakeholders and sectors in efforts to hit the Mindanao target for the National Greening Program (NGP).

Dubbed as “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW,” the Guinness world record attempt will combine the efforts of DeNR’s NGP and

ANTONIO MinDA’s MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, which aim to plant trees in 690,815 hectares and reach at least 30 percent forest cover as envisioned in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan or Mindanao 2020.

The current world record for the most number of trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations was achieved in India on August 15, 2011, which hit the record of planting of 1,945,535 trees. The world record was carried out by 340,200 participants

across 408 locations.

“We encourage every Mindanawon to participate in this endeavor, which will not only elevate the island-region as a Guinness world record holder, but more importantly will also provide the constituents the opportunity to be part of the larger efforts to reforest Mindanao,” said MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino.

She added that should Mindanao be successful in this attempt, this would become the country’s second Guinness world record in the tree-planting category.

The country’s first Guinness world record for most trees planted simultaneously (single site) was achieved in Camarines Sur on February 23, 2011. In breaking the world record, 6,893 participants actively took part in the activity and planted 64,096 trees in a 32-hectare area.

“This looks like an insurmountable task, but with a well-planned and synchronized mobilization, coordination, and informa-

tion campaign, there is no doubt that Mindanawons can carry out this challenge,” added Antonino.

Part of the guidelines in breaking the Guinness world record requires the simultaneous planting of trees in exactly one hour.

A pre-registration must be conducted to ensure the correct number of participants, while an official head count of the number of trees planted must also be documented in writing.

Digging machinery cannot be used during the planting, and actual digging of plots must take place at the time of planting, not prior to the attempt.

“One of the main goals of this Guinness attempt is to showcase collaborative efforts in Mindanao, particularly on the island-region’s greening efforts,” said Joselin Marcus Fragada, DeNR XI regional director.

The activity is also part of the long-term campaign

by DeNR and MinDA’s MindaNOW! Program to instill

among Mindanawons the consciousness towards ecological integrity as climate change adaptation. he added that in order to break the record, DeNR, MinDA, and its partner agencies will mobilize all of their employees, as well as the people’s organizations, academe, national government agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, business sector, and religious groups to participate in the attempt.

“We are practically encouraging almost every Mindanawon to be part of this endeavor, which we hope would solicit a greater public participation and appreciation on the government’s efforts in growing back some of the forests of Mindanao,” said Fragada.

Part of the guidelines however requires that participants to the attempt must be at least 17 years of age. Interested parties may coordinate with their local DENR offices or their local government units.

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Explore Martial Arts at MMA Expo

By KAI DEl CORRO

e

XPLORe the mysterious world of Martial Arts as the first ever Mindanao Martial Arts expo happens on August 10, 2014 at the Garden Oass.

Chief organizer Dr. Vincent Vicente alogn with martial arts expert Nell Astudillo presented the unique event during the FAST Fridays forum at Barrio Fiesta at the SM Lanang Premier last Friday.

“Witness live matches, mixed martial arts events and get to know more about getting fit within Davao city through various arts,” Vicente said.

Practitioners from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate, AAK Davao, Tang soo do, Bukidnon, CDO, Koronadal and General Santos City, boxers from empire Boxing and members of the North and South boxes of Crossfit are coming together for this big event.

This event hopes to give exposure to the many martial arts and artists we have here in the city as well as to promote fellowship among martial artists and to showcase their specific arts and forms.

Astudillo said, “It will give them exposure and in turn they can have a chance to form groups.

Kasi may mga tao dito who practice a certain art but makikita mo mag-isa sila or iilan lang sila, this will be a good chance for them to meet more people.”

The audience can also find out about how these different martial arts can

help them get fit and stay fit.

During the same forum, Vicente clarified that anyone can sign up for martial arts at any age, “your progress will all depend on how much you want it and what your purpose is, just make sure that you’re being guided by a qualified gym instructor and coach that will give you an age specific training.”

If there’s anything that you can think of that will shout martial arts, it’s got to be board breaking. No doubt, in most films that include martial arts, you will see a master or a student focusing on a piece of wood he’s about to break.

Board breaking competition will take place where the competitors will use hand techniques on order to break a piece of wood in half.

If that’s not interesting enough, participants can also get a firsthand experience of the weapons used in various forms of martial arts such as the tonfa that is a better weapon compared to a batuta considering how it can also be used for defense, then there’s the sai that can be used against a sword, and of course, a katana, a Samurai’s sword.

For a certain amount of money, everyone can dress up in traditional Japanese clothing and take pictures with the katana. Not only that, they may also try cutting bamboo with the katana.

PERFECT PITCH. Karloz Alba pitches from the fringe on no. 18 during the final day of the 5th Emcor Pro-Am at the Apo Golf and Country Club. Below, (L to R) Boy Arriba, Emcor assistant to the chairman Vince delos Reyes award the champion’s trophy to Jimmy Bayron and Gio Gandiongco as Mario Luis Jacinto and Boy Blue Ocampo look on. Boy Lim

What’s in store for the George-less Pacers?

A

GONE FOR THE SEASON. Paul George’s departure to injury will leave a big hole in the already depleted line-up of the Indiana Pacers.

T this point, there’s no real reason to gripe about the placement of basket stanchions, as we all continue to react to the shock of Paul George’s career-altering right leg injury. It’s too late to complain about the NBA’s endless obsession with promoting its brand overseas while selling tons of shoes, all on the backs of its AllStars as they work pro bono while “representing their country.” What matters now is keeping Paul George in our thoughts as he takes 12-to-18 months to recover, and looking ahead to see how the team that actually pays him will respond.

George’s injury is gruesome and severe, but there should be a recovery to look forward to. he may not return to near-MVP status, but to compare this injury with the ones suffered by Jay Williams and Shaun Livingston would be missing the point. Both Williams

and Livingston tore myriad ligaments in their knees, while George escaped that fate. That’s a career-saver.

The Indiana Pacers were perhaps the league’s darkest on-court story last season, and though it’s not best to compare a late-season and postseason slump to a horrific injury, this only adds to the frustration. Already one of the league’s poorer offensive teams, the Pacers also dipped badly defensively down the stretch of 2013-14, and that carried over into the playoffs. What was once a hoped-for championship crew disappointed greatly, barely limping into the third round where the team lost to the Miami heat for the third consecutive season, with two of those losses coming in the Conference finals.

With LeBron James leaving Miami to go back to Cleveland, and with Derrick Rose returning to the Chicago Bulls, the east

once again turned into a wide open race in July, with the Pacers squarely in the mix. Lance Stephenson harmed any potential efforts on that front when he signed with a suddenly-formidable rival in Charlotte, and George’s injury and diagnosis just about puts the kibosh on Indiana’s championship hopes. This is a man who may not see an NBA court again until February of 2016.

On paper, the Pacers minus George and Lance would still figure to be a good, heady defensively-minded basketball team, especially when one figures that Indiana will likely receive the disabled player exception with George out of the mix. This allows the team to sign a player to a mid-level exception contract, around $5.3 million, but that would push the team into the luxury tax territory that Indiana dreads. Shawn Marion, a veteran free agent

with myriad gifts, would seemingly fit in nicely here. The Pacers could also trade for a player making around that amount, there are dozens, to a team looking to clear salary and avoid the tax. There aren’t many of those teams left. If anything, the Pacers are one of those teams.

With that plan in place, the Pacers would field one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, and hope to re-spark the defensive edge that made them far and away the top defensive team in the league for the season’s first 50 games. The Pacers still finished with the league’s best defensive rank last season, but once the snow melted the team’s work on that end was around average for nearly half a season – that’s how far ahead of the game this team was to start 2013-14.

This is what makes a Pacer future so tricky to predict.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

SPORTS 15

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TOO PRETTY TO PLAY Teenaged Kazakh spiker is getting too pretty distracting S

ABINA Altynbekova continues to cause a stir! After her appearance in the championship, a new Facebook page devoted to Sabina has gained over 200,000 likes and a Twitter account has over 29,000 followers. The accounts are reportedly not officially affiliated or approved of

by Altynbekova. YouTube videos edited to show only Sabina playing on the court have earned over one million views. Sabina Alytnbekova has even inspired an anime-style cartoon and photo collages put together by her entranced fans. Oh what great things such beauty can do.

The beautiful and incresingly-getting-popular-by-the day Kazakhstan volleybelle is the latest internet sensation that, some might say, could rival helen of Troy herself! Watch Sabina Altynbekova in action here.

Sabina Altynbekova has become an internet sensation overnight, after she gained so much attention playing at the 2014 Asian Junior Women’s Volleyball Championship.

Sabina, a teen player on the Kazakhstan women’s national volleyball team, is said to possess such beauty that she has become “too distracting” to the audience.

Sabina Altynbekova, 17, played in the Asian Under-19 Championships. And people immediately noticed Sabina’s perfect body and gorgeous features but some aren’t to keen about this, to the point that they’re been slamming her for being “too distracting” to the crowds at her games.

Nevertheless, we are intrigued by this young beauty and we want to know more! Sabina got so much flack for her for her good looks that her coach, Nurlan Sadikov is reportedly angry that people gawk at Sabina. “It is impossible to work like this.

The crowd behaves like there is only one player at the championship,” he said.

She may be getting a lot of attention but definitely not for her game.

Actually, she didn’t play that much in the tournament that made her internet famous! But Sabina’s team did finish 7th in the 2014 Asian Junior Women’s Volleyball Championship, while Sabina spent a lot of time on the bench.

After that tournament in Taiwan, she suddenly have fans across Asia and even around the world.

And most took to the Internet, posting YouTube videos that show her warming up, high-fiving her teammates or just

standing around.

To make her even more adorable, Sabina is just a norm a l

tention is overwhelming for her just like it would any teenager. “I was flattered at first but it’s all getting a little bit much,” Sabina said. “I want to concentrate on playing volleyball and to be famous for that, not anything else.”

Sabina Altynbekova is a volleyball player on Kazakhstan's youth squad and the 17-year-old is obviously very pretty. Ironically, her beauty seems to be a disadvantage for the team.

17-yearold girl.

She’s active o n Twitter

a n d p o s t s photos with her teammates, her friends, and tons of selfies! All go the sudden at-

Ateneo belles stay alive

A

TeNeO finally put its act together and got back at PLDT home Telpad, essaying a shock 25-18, 25-21, 28-26 victory on Sunday to keep its flickering semifinal hopes alive in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Open Conference at The Arena in San Juan.

The Lady eagles showed up with a big fighting heart and surprised the Turbo Boosters with strong finishing kicks in the first two sets before outlasting the erstwhile co-leaders in a thrilling back-and-forth third set duel to fashion out the 78-minute victory that snapped a pair of heartbreaking five-set losses at the close of the elims last week.

The reigning UAAP champions remain at the cellar of the six-team field but the victory kept them in the race for at least the last semis berth in the mid-season conference of the league sponsored by Shakey’s and backed by Mikasa and Accel.

Ateneo tied Nation-

al U at fifth at 3-5 after Air Force bucked an opening set setback with a sweep of the next three to repeat over the Lady Bulldogs, 1425, 25-14, 25-12, 25-14, in the first game.

NU dropped to 3-5 and is in danger of missing the Final Four cast.

Meanwhile, the Air Force-NU duel will be aired on GMA News TV Channel starting at 1 p.m. on Monday while the Ateneo-PLDT clash will be shown on Tuesday, according to the organizing Sports Vision.

While Air Force firmed up its hold of the No. 4

spot with a

5-3 card, Ateneo stayed in the hunt although the Lady eagles will need a lot of catching up to do to overhaul the Raiders’ two-game edge in the battle for the last Final Four seat.

The loss dropped PLDT home Telpad to 6-2, leaving Army and Cagayan Valley in the lead with 6-1 slates.

League’s top scorer Alyssa Valdez unleashed another 26-hit performance while Amy Ahomiro tossed in 10 markers and Miren Gequillana and Bea de Leon each had seven

points as the Lady eagles put one over the Turbo Boosters and their former mentor Roger Gorayeb, who swept them, 25-21, 25-13, 26-24, in the elims last July 7.

Suzanne Roces topscored for PLDT with 13 markers while Laurence Ann Latigay had nine hits but Gretchel Soltones added just eight points while seeing action only in the last two sets.

With Valdez on the attack, Ateneo outhit PLDT, 49-38, while the Lady eagles made a good account of themselves on the other end, scoring seven blocks against their rivals’ five. earlier, Judy Caballejo and Joy Cases combined for 29 hits while Liza Deramos came through with five blocks in the fourth set to help seal the one-hour, 28-minute victory for the Raiders, who also swept the Lady Bulldogs to close out their elims campaign last July 29.

Rhea Dimaculangan ac-

counted for all but four of Air Force’s 45 excellent sets that paved the way for the team’s 42 points off the spikes while Deramos, who saw action only in the fourth frame, anchored the Raiders’ superb net defense that saw them finish with 12 blocks against NU’s five.

Jaja Santiago, the league’s No. 2 scorer, played true to form and delivered 15 hits but no other Lady Bulldog scored in double-digits with Myla Pablo finishing with nine markers and Jane Mandapat chipping in seven points.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 101 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

SINKING THE PUTT. Ramil Bisera (top) calmly sinks his putt in the 18th hole after a critical pitch by amateur teammate Joel Yamyamin (below) in the final day of the 5th Emcor Pro-Am at the Apo Golf and Country Club. Boy Lim

‘BAYGAN’ IS IT!

Bayron-Gandiongco wins Emcor Pro-Am

By NEIlWIN JOSEPh l. BRAVO

L

njb@edgedavao.net

ITTLE-kNOwN pro Jimmy Bayron and partner Gio Gandiongco romped away with the top prize in the money-rich 5th emcor Davao Pro-Am Golf Championships over the weekend after a strong finish in the final round at the tough Apo Golf and Country Club.

Bayron, ranked 25th in the Philippine Golf Tour’s Qualifying School, blended with Gandiongco in the third and final round of the 54-hole affair, scoring a two under par 70 for a three-day total of 220. That output

T

was enough to dismantle overnight leader Paul echavez and Rupert Zaragosa and the last day blitz of darkhorse Ramil Bisera and Joel Yamyamin.

Bisera and Yamyamin charged mightily going into the final holes but finished two shots short of the Bayron-Gandiongco tandem with a third day three-under par 69 and a total of 220. echavez and Zaragosa, who had a 72 and a 75 in the first two rounds, collapsed with a five-over 77 on final day to settle for a tie for fourth at 224 with Reymon Jaraula-Noel Langgamin, and Marvin Dumandan and Ricar Candinato who had the day’s best scorecard at 4-under par 68.

Jhovani Abano and Julius Bautista finished at

225 to wind up in a tie for fourth with john Kier Abdona nd Justin Quiban.

“Pinilit namin humabol pero nakalamang lang talaga sila,” said Yamyamin after watching his partner Bisera sink a five-foot putt on the 18th. emcor assistant to the chairman Vince del Rosario and Boy Arriba awarded the prizes to the winners along with former Davao City planning officer Mario Luis Jactinto.

A total of 151 pro-am teams took part in the event-the richest by far in pro-am history in Davao City. The tournament is backed up by Samsung and LG as co-presentors and Panasonic and Kawasaki along with Apo Golf and Country Club as ma-

is huge for the sport in the region. It promotes awareness and growth.”

Cui described Pacquiao as a “relatively new MMA fan.” Pacquiao has a series of gyms he owns in Asia and all of them offer MMA classes and MMA training areas.

Cui said when Pacquiao pulled on a pair of One FC MMA gloves, a devilish smile crossed his face. Pacquiao, the WBO welterweight champion, wears eight-ounce gloves when he boxes and is still one of the sport’s hardest puncher. The MMA gloves are four ounces.

“You could see him calculating the difference from the boxing gloves to the MMA gloves,” Cui said. “he said to me, ‘Man, someone could get hurt with the power of my

punches if I could wear these.’ “ Cui said One FC is already highly popular in the Philippines, where Pacquiao is the country’s most revered sports hero.

Fighting sports are hugely popular there, as they are throughout Asia, and MMA is quickly becoming very popular.

One FC will have the opportunity to leverage Pacquiao’s popularity. The UFC has long wanted to put an event in the Philippines.

The UFC in 2008 sent former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell to the Philippines on a promotional tour and he drew 4,000 fans to a workout.

Awareness in MMA in the Philippines has been steadily increasing, aided by the recent signings of ex-

jor backers.

Also supporting the tournament are LVL Construction, DASIA, Malayan Insurance, Vigor, Sharp Phils., Danny Lim (Far east), Koppel, and JD Alvarado Architects. Major sponsors are CYA/Ge, MDR, MSM Mechanical Works, ADBOX, epson, Cargo Service, Kuntel Construction, Jinyi, Acer, honda Philippines, Gree, and Phoenix.

Other sponsors are Suzuki, Skygo, Ann eduard Ads, electrolux, VM Security, Adtel, hercules Foams, Kolin, RDV Printing, Fullspeed, Tesoro’s Printing Press, Security Bank, Pluvial, Crystal Artic, Tomas electrical, Kingtian, PNB Bajada, Metrobank, RCBC and Allied Bank.

Add MMA to Pacquiao’s collection

he Pacman is getting into MMA. Manny Pacquiao won’t be stepping into the cage any time soon, but he now has a connection to mixed martial arts after purchasing an undisclosed number of shares in the Asian-based One Fighting Championship, CeO Victor Cui confirmed to Yahoo Sports.

“I’m pretty pumped,” Cui said. “There are a ton of reasons why I’m pretty excited about this. Obviously, Manny Pacquiao is a global sports icon and having him as a part of our organization as a shareholder and promoting One FC and promoting the sport

UFC contender Brandon Vera and women’s boxing star Ana Julaton, both Filipino-Americans, to One FC contracts.

“There are a lot of common fans and common ties with MMA and boxing [in the Philippines] and MMA awareness is much stronger than it is in other parts of Asia,” Cui said.

“Manny has been looking for some opportunities outside of boxing, and he and his team have kept an eye on the sport of MMA. It made a lot of sense to him. “he knows we have a 90 percent market share [in Asia] and how strong our brand is in Asia. he knows the global reach of our organization and there was a comfort level there.”