Edge Davao 7 Issue 126

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PRESIDENT TO ENDORSE DRAFT BBL TO CONGRESS

INSIDE EDGE

THE BIG NEWS Page2

PINOY BOXERS SWEEP DUBAI FIGHTS SPORTS page 16

WAITING. A seemingly tired President Aquino massages his forehead while waiting to give the keynote speech for the launch of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)’s Inclusive Agribusiness Program at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NO FILIPINO LEFT BEHIND

By JON JOAQUIN

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ROM the “Land of Promise” to the “Land of Promises Fulfilled.”

This is what President Benigno Aquino hopes Mindanao will become as the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) launched its Inclusive Agribusiness Program yesterday at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.

In his keynote speech before some 500 PBSP member-companies, donors, and government and non-government sector representatives, Aquino said the program “outlines clear strategic imperatives towards harnessing the resources of Mindanao for the common good.”

“The initiative we launch today, the

Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program, comes at an opportune time as we seek to transform Mindanao from the Land of Promise to the Land of Promises Fulfilled,” he said.

Prior to his keynote speech, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chair Paul Dominguez and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Inclusive Agribusiness Program.

The program promotes PBSP’s Inclusive Business Imperative (IBI) campaign in Mindanao, through which the organization aims to address the income gaps in the

country by incorporating the poor within the company’s value chain as suppliers, consumers, distributors, and employees.

PBSP has been advocating the application of business strategies in a multi-stakeholder effort to address poverty and create greater socio-economic opportunities for the poor in the last four decades since its formation in 1970.

PBSP said it sees Inclusive Business (IB) as a strategic response to the challenge of rebuilding lives and rousing the dynamism inherent in the 62 percent of the total Philippine households that currently subsist on a family income of P18,000 a month.

FNO, 10

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS. President Aquino receives the resource book of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Investment portfolios from Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Mindanao Regional Committee chair Paul G. Dominguez while Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino looks on during

Davao City budget to get P400-M boost next year

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE city government of Davao will expect a P400 million increase in its annual budget for next year, councilor Danilo Dayanghirang said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, Dayanghirang, chair of the City Council’s committee on finance, ways and means, and appropriations, said the increase will be drawn from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of the city.

“The DBM (Department of Budget and Management) gave us already

a certificate that there is an increase of P400 million,” Dayanghirang said.

He said next year’s budget will reach up to P5.4 billion, excluding the local taxes collection such as business and real property tax (RPT).

“The P400 million IRA increase represents a 14 percent increase, correspondingly the local taxes should also increase between 10 and 14 percent,” he said.

“We will see how the treasurer will look at it.

But as far as I am concerned, we have already

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

the launch yesterday of PBSP’s Inclusive Agribusiness Program at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. Lean Daval Jr.

President to endorse draft BBL to Congress P

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino has decided to personally endorse to Congress the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will be formally submitted to him tomorrow (Wednesday) in Malacañang.

At a press conference after the launch of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)’s Inclusive Agribusiness Program yesterday at the

SMX Convention Center in Davao City, the President confirmed that the BBL is “99.99 percent complete” and that it would be formally submitted to him tomorrow, September 10.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the draft is in the “last last cleaning up following the meetings that were held last week.”

“So on Wednesday

there will be a turnover ceremony in Malacañang,” Deles said, adding that the President has decided to “personally endorse the draft to Congress.”

Expected to be present in the turnover ceremony in Malacañang are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the body mandated to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Earlier, Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the BTC and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel, said all 14 members of the BTC signed at 4:40 p.m. Sunday the transmittal letter for submission of the final draft to President Aquino, Iqbal told MindaNews at the end of the BTC session that President Aquino will certify the bill as ur-

FPRESIDENT, 10

FDAVAO, 10

Despite threats, 300 OFWs from Region 11 still in Libya

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HE Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) 11 is monitoring more than 300 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from Region 11 who are still in Libya despite the security threats there.

OWWA 11 regional director Eduardo Bellido told reporters in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex that the OFWs opted to stay in Libya because of the salary.

Bellido said the 300

were already in a government-chartered ship that would take them out of Libya when they heard that their salary would be doubled if they stayed.

“Their common responses are they would rather stay, they would rather let the situation normalize. They prefer to continue working rather than go home because they do not want to be displaced,” Bellido said.

He said the Philippine

FDESPITE, 10

AGREEMENT. Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Mindanao Regional Committee chair Paul G. Dominguez (left) and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino sign a mem-

orandum of understanding (MOU) on the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO GETTING READY. A staff member of the Office of the President (below) fixes the seal of the President prior to the arrival of President Aquino for the launch of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)’s Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

3

City watershed body raises concerns over hydro plant

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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HE hydro-electric dam to be built by the Manila-based San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group in Barangay Tamugan, Marilog District in Davao City is within an area classified as a conservation zone under Water Code of Davao City. Being so, development and construction of projects like the proposed hydro-electric plant is not permitted.

This is one of the find-

ings in the report of the Watershed Multipartite Monitoring Team of the Davao City Watershed Protection and Management Council (WMC), a multi-sectoral body headed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, which studied the SLRBDG proposal by conducting visits to the areas affected and consultations with farmers and indigenous peoples affected in the months of July and August.

The proposed hydro-electric plant involves the construction of a low diversionary weir, or small dam, at the junction of the Davao and Tamugan rivers at an elevation of 210 meters to be connected via a 10-kilometer combination of open canals and tunnels through the hills to a powerhouse located at the Lapulan area at an elevation of 20 meters.

Earlier, concerns were

BILL seeking to legalize and regulate the medical use of cannabis, also known as marijuana, in the Philippines was filed last week

by Isabela Rep. Rodolfo T. Albano III. In his House Bill No. 4477, Albano also seeks the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Regulatory Authority.

In his explanatory note, Albano said “the recorded use of cannabis

as medicine goes back to about 2,500-10,000 years ago in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine,” adding that “modern research has confirmed the beneficial uses of cannabis in treating and alleviating the pain, nausea and other symptoms associated with a variety of debilitating medical conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV-AIDS as found by the National Institute of Medicine of the United

States in March, 1999.”

“Cannabis has many currently accepted medical uses in the US, having been recommended by thousands of licensed physicians and more than 500,000 patients in 21 states with medical marijuana laws,” he said.

Albano bared that like the 21 states and the District of Columbia in the United States, coun-

improvement in productivity for developers.

He helped build several successful businesses in IBM and co-founded one of the first services businesses to utilize offshore capabilities in delivering complex Enterprise Solutions to clients worldwide.

He created offshore

delivery centers in Belarus, Egypt, Jordan, China, India, Latvia, and Russia.

In 1999, he led the world’s first wireless banking solution, utilizing Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) at Svenska Handelsbanken.

He also started the first Software Group Technical

Support Center in the Philippines, supporting customers in North America.

Pineda has held various executive posts within IBM, including an assignment in Zurich, Switzerland as the Vice President of Technical Sales and Services for Northeast Eu-

FCITY, 10

Marijuana’s medical use sought in Albano proposal A

FMARIJUANA, 10

Dabawenyo is new IBM Phl President

By Jon Joaquin

A

Davaoeño is now at the helm of IBM Philippines, bringing with him a remarkable track record of driving innovation and business results over his 23-year career in the company.

Luisito Pineda is the 15th President and Country General Manager of

IBM Philippines, succeeding Mariels Almeda Winhoffer who has been appointed vice president for Global Business Partners, Asia Pacific.

Born in Davao City, Pineda emigrated to the United States with his family when he was 12 years old. He earned his

Kadayawan Festival fund disagreement ‘over’– Rody

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HE fund disagreement on the recent Kadayawan sa Davao 2014 Festival is over, according to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

“Tapos na na (That’s over),” Duterte said in reaction to the issue on the disagreement among Kadayawan executive committee officials relating the use of the budget for the week-long Kadayawan festival held last month.

He said the people running the festival were in disagreement how the funds were used. The city government gave a P2.9-million budget for the activity.

Duterte said councilor Edgar Ibuyan Sr.

recently showed him the complete liquidation papers detailing the expenses of the Kadayawan.

He said the money spent for the activity “were in the papers.”

Immediately after the holding of the festival last month, Ibuyan, the Kadayawan executive committee chair, complained that some committee members withdrew cash and made cash advances without his signature affixed on the documents.

Ibuyan said the itemized budget was prepared without his approval as it was already made by unidentified

FKADAYAWAN, 10

Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Washington.

IBM Philippines said within three months of joining IBM’s Silicon Valley Lab in 1991, he invented a Computer Aided Software Engineering product which resulted in a tenfold

FDABAWENYO, 10

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST. Participants fight off the searing afternoon heat and the numbness of their arms during the Subaru Palm Challenge at the parking area of SM Lanang Premier over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

4 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

Food staples sufficiency within reach

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HE Department of Agriculture said on Sunday that with the record-setting rice harvest of 18.44 million tons in 2013 and the 96% rice sufficiency plus the increased demand for other crops that augment the Filipinos' dietary needs, the Philippines might attain food self-sufficiency sooner than expected.

Assistant Secretary Edilberto De Luna said that under the DA's Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), Filipinos who are are more inclined to eat crops other than rice are also given alternatives.

"I think maybe 15 million Filipinos are now eating corn grits, especially in the Visayas," De Luna said.

He added that commonly, athletes like boxing champion and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao partake of corn grits.

Food security and raising income are the

overarching goals of the agriculture sector under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 20112016.

Toward these goals, the DA launched the FSSP under the Agrikulturang Pilipino (AgriPinoy) framework.

The FSSP covers rice and other staples, including white corn, banana (saba), and root crops such as cassava (kamoteng kahoy) and sweet potato (kamote), traditional staples in some areas in the Philippines.

These are also increasingly recognized as healthy alternatives to rice.

De Luna added that in Mindanao, particularly in Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga, people are more fond of eating cassava.

"Why force them to eat rice, samantalang pwedeng cassava?" he said.

De Luna said if we can minimize the consumption of rice in Tawi-Tawi,

Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga, every metric ton of cassava that they will consume is equivalent to

a metric ton of rice that we will have to take out of the remaining four percent deficiency in rice.

posed of seven clusters of farmer cooperatives, individual rubber farmers and private traders in 13 municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The proponent group is looking at Yokohama Tires, whose Philippine office is based in Clark, and other international processors as target market.

“We hope to expand the potentials of the rubber industry in this region by upgrading the necessary facility and equipment needed to increase production capacity as well as engage the participation of more rubber farmers,” said PRDP Mindanao cluster director Lealyn Ramos.

She said that the proponent group is expected to produce bigger volume of semi-processed rubber and command better price

by consolidating the production.

According to the proposal, “since the enterprise will only be engaged in processing and marketing, a 66 percent return in price difference and dividends will go back to members and suppliers.”

“But the enterprise must be able to meet the strict quality requirements demanded by buyers particularly in passing the ISO 2000 standards,” Ramos added.

The Zamboanga region accounts for 43 percent of rubber production share in the country, with Zamboanga Sibugay sharing 75 percent of the region’s production, 2012 BAS data shows.

Before coming up with the business plans, LGUs and DA regional offices conduct Provincial Com-

modity Investment Plans (PCIP) to identify priority commodities for development.

A proponent group will implement the enterprise project, which will be funded under PRDP’s Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity or I-REAP component.

“We are looking at upgrading groups that are ready to scale up their business instead of start-ups or assembling groups to do enterprise,” said PRDP national deputy program director Arnel De Mesa.

Under I-REAP, PRDP will assist the proponent group, in engaging into marketing agreement contracts with institutional buyers as well as other marketing activities. (Jay M. Rosas, DA-MRDP)

SECURITY BANK LOAN DEAL. Security Bank Corporation, through its Banking Centers Group, signed a PhP500-million credit facility with Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO). The facility consists of a P400-million term loan guaranteed by the World Bank’s Electric Cooperative Partial Credit Guarantee (ECPCG) Program and by LGU Guarantee Corporation (LGUGC). Apart from the term loan, Security Bank has provided CENECO with a P100-million short term line to support its increasing power supply requirement. This credit facility will aid CENECO in enhancing the quality of electric service in its coverage area and in meeting the government’s electrification targets and safety standards. A recipient of multi-

ple awards from the National Electrification Administration, CENECO is the second largest electric cooperative in the country in terms of revenue. It distributes power to more than 157,000 consumers in 158 barangays within four cities and two municipalities. The signing ceremony was held on July 8 at the CENECO head office in Bacolod City. The agreement was signed by key executives of the two companies (from left): Security Bank Visayas Banking Center Team Head and First Vice President Joyce So, CENECO Vice President Michael Maravilla, CENECO Board President Atty. Arnel Lapore, CENECO General Manager Sulpicio Lagarde, Jr., and LGUGC Vice President Thelma Sansales.

The DA has already initialized a cassava production expansion program, he added.

Besides this, the DA has also reintroduced better varieties of corn to corn farmers. (PNA)

Bid to boost rubber production in ZamPen proposed China to become

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AGA, Zamboanga Sibugay -- The provincial government here proposed for a P68-million enterprise development project that is expected to enhance the market competitiveness of the rubber produced in this region.

Rubber has been identified Region 9 priority commodity for development under the new Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Also proposed is an additional P20.5-million funding for infrastructure projects like farm-to-market roads that would bring production areas closer to markets.

The project was submitted in partnership with the proponent group, the Philippine Pioneer Rubber Production Corporation (PPRPC), which is com-

RUBBER PRODUCTION. in Zamboanga Sibugay will be given a boost under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) once the proposal for an enterprise development project is approved that aims to expand production

and marketing to international buyers. Rubber has been identified as one of PRDP’s priority commodities with 43 percent production coming from Zamboanga Peninsula. (Photo by DA-Region 9)

world’s largest economy in 2024

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ONDON -- China will become the world's largest economy in 2024, as the country's consumer spending is expected to almost quadruple from 2013 to 2024, said IHS Inc., a global industrial data and analysis company, Friday in London.

IHS forecast in a press release that in 2024, with anticipated nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 28.25 trillion, China will overtake the United States' USD 27.31 trillion, becoming the biggest economy in the world.

China's share of world GDP is forecast to rise from around 12 percent in 2013 to 20 percent in 2025, said the Colorado, U.S.-based company.

"Over the next 10 years, China's economy is expected to re-balance towards more rapid growth in consumption, which will help the structure of the domestic economy as well as growth for the Asia Pacific as a region," said Rajiv Biswas, chief Asia economist at IHS. In the ten years to 2024, Chinese consumer spending is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 7.7 percent

per year in real terms, becoming a key engine of global consumer demand and world growth, said IHS. In another word, the total Chinese consumer spending will grow from the current USD 3 trillion to USD 11 trillion by 2024.

"The World Economic Forum's upcoming Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, will focus on science, technology and innovation," said Biswas.

"These are some of the key sectors that will be crucial in helping to transform China's economy from the lowcost manufacturing export-driven economy of the past three decades into a higher value-added economy, driven by domestic consumer demand," he said.

In April, however, the International Comparison Program said in a statement that China is poised to overtake the U.S. as the world' s biggest economy earlier than expected, possibly as soon as this year, using calculations that are based on so-called purchasing power parity (PPP). (PNA/Xinhua)

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

Peace to spur Mindanao’s economy

S

ENATE President Franklin Drilon expressed optimism on Monday that foreign investors will flock to Mindanao once true and lasting peace is achieved in the region through the proposed Bangsamoro government. ”The peace and order is crucial to improve the economy in Mindanao.

Many foreign governments are waiting for the Bangsamoro Basic Law so that they can offer grants for our poor Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” Drilon said in a radio dzRH interview.

Drilon earlier appealed to his colleagues in Congress to set aside their political ambitions in 2016 for the sake of achieving lasting and genuine peace in Mindanao as the Senate expects Malacanang to submit the BBL draft within this week. ”I hope they will avoid politics and defer their 2016 ambitions so that will be able to immediately pass the proposed BBL,” the Senate

chief said.

Drilon said everyone’s support is needed for the crafting of an effective and lasting basic law for the Bangsamoro in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Once submitted within this week, Drilon said they will immediately start deliberations on the BBL. ”We will request the Senate Committee on Local Government headed by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Senate Committee on Peace, Unity and Unification headed by Senator Teofisto Guingona III to immediately conduct committee-level hearings,” he said.

Drilon said he is expecting debates on BBL to start in the first week of December after the proposed 2015 national budget deliberations and have it passed before the end of the first quarter.

“I’m confident that our self-imposed deadline is still within reach,” he stressed. (PNA)

EXPO FOR MOMS. A couple checks out the baby products on display during the two-day Expo Mom Davao at the activity center of Abreeza Mall over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

6 SCITECH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

10 M Filipinos go hungry each day

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NE in every 10 Filipinos cannot afford to eat.

That's 10 million Filipinos who “do not have income adequate enough to meet basic food requirements,” says the latest government economic data on how the country is moving towards achieving targets set by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals or MDG. The MDG aims to raise the poor's living standards next year, or by 2015. The first MDG target is to halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day, and halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.

The Philippines will meet its targets on food poverty but needs to “double or triple” efforts to meet the targets on income poverty, said Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) which released the figures.

NEDA observed that employment growth contrasted with economic output. In 2013, the GDP

T

growth rate registered at 7.2 percent, while employment level growth rate was 0.8 percent.

The seemingly conflicting relationship was due to the fact that onethird of the country’s labor force is employed in agriculture, forestry and fishery which account for the smallest GDP contribution, Balisacan said.

And agriculture is “highly sensitive to weather disturbances,” he added.

The country will also have to double or triple efforts to meet the targets on nutrition and dietary energy requirement, said Balisacan, the country's Economic Planning Secretary.

The prevalence of underweight children under five years old decreased by 0.4 percentage points from 20.6 percent in 2008 to 20.2 percent in 2011.

“To meet the MDG target of halving the number of underweight children by 2015, we will need to reduce this figure by 6.6 percentage points, or about 1.65 percentage points per year from 2011 to 2015,” Balisacan said.

The proportion of Filipino households with

inadequate calorie intake decreased from 74.2 percent in 1990 to 57 percent in 2006. From 2003 to 2008, however, the proportion increased by 9.9 percentage points, far from the 2015 target of 37.1.

“To reach the MDG on halving levels of hunger in 2015, we need to reduce

Making sense of the MDG alphabet soup

HE Philippines lags in reaching the targets of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals or MDG, according to the latest government data.

The numbers come from the 5th Philippines Progress Report on the MDGs released by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The first MDG is to halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day, and halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger.

Among the seven other goals are: all children complete primary schooling; increase the ratio of girls to boys in schools; up the share of women in wage employment in non-farm work.

Reduce child deaths by two-thirds; increase the proportion of 1-year-old children immunized against measles; reduce maternal mortality by three quarters; increase the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel; halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.

Reduce forest loss, carbon dioxide emissions and consumption of ozone-depleting substances; halve the number of people

without access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation; and widen the availability of technologies like telephone lines, mobile phones, personal computers and Internet users.

The MDG was initiated by the United Nations Development Program in 1990 when it released the first Human Development Report that stressed people first in any development moves. Backing this assertion with empirical data, the report changed government policies, aligning their goals to the MDG. The MDG is also based on empirical data. One of the data sources is the Human Development Report which measures development using the Human Development Index; the index includes statistics on life expectancy, education and income that accounts for inequality.

There are two documents that monitor compliance. One is the MDG Progress Reports which provide periodic assessments. The other are the latest country reports showing the strides made for each of the goals; the probability of achieving the targets by 2015; analysis of inequality in terms of regional performance; chal-

lenges and bottlenecks; and immediate actions needed to accelerate the achievement of the MDGs. Together, the two reports provide countries such as the Philippines with a powerful tool to identify the areas where the country is progressing well, and where it needs to exert greater effort. They compare the performance of the Philippines to other countries.

The 2014 Human Development Report uses four indices: Human Development Index, Gender Inequality Index, Gender Development Index and Multidimensional Poverty Index.

The Human Development Index (the main measure) summarizes long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development – long and healthy life; access to knowledge; and a decent standard of living.

Long and healthy life is measured by life expectancy at birth.

Access to knowledge is measured by mean years of education for adults – or the average number of years of education received in a lifetime by people aged 25 years and older.

this number by 4 percentage points per year,” said Balisacan.

As for the second MDG goal of achieving universal primary education, access to elementary education has improved since 1990. The probability of attaining the 2015 target of 100 percent enrollment was elevated from

low to high.

Elementary net enrollment ratio has steadily improved from a low of 83.2 percent in school year 2006-2007 to 95.2 percent in school year 2012-2013. This is a significant achievement as the country approaches the net enrollment ratio target of 100 percent by

2015, Balisacan reported.

While the participation rate has improved, he noted, “we have recently performed poorly in ensuring that all pupils stay in school and finish elementary education.”

Efforts will have to double up to ensure completion rates in elementary schools, he said. SciPhil

ENVIRONMENT 7

EDGE DAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE

Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

S it global warming or climate change?

“Climate change is a better choice than the term global warming because it avoids the misleading implications: that all parts of the world are warming uniformly and that the only dangerous outcome of growing greenhouse gas emissions is higher temperatures,” explains Dr. Rosa T. Perez during the Climate Change Media Workshop held at Davao City recently.

Dr. Rosa is a research fellow of the Manila Observatory. She was one of the scientists who contributed to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations body which became a co-recipient of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

“Warming is only the tipping point for a cascade of changes in the earth’s ecosystems,” she continues her explanation. “In addition, climate change better conveys the coexistence of human-made effects with natural climate variability, a more accurate, ‘state-of-the-science’ portrayal of the causes for the phenomenon.”

It was Dr. James E. Hansen of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration who first raised the problem of climate change. In 1988, he told an American Senate hearing that the greenhouse effect “is changing our climate now.”

The greenhouse effect is a natural warming process. According to Dr. Perez, carbon dioxide and certain other gases are

always present in the atmosphere. These gases create a warming effect that has some similarity to the warming inside a greenhouse, hence the name “greenhouse effect.”

Here’s what happens: “Visible sunlight passes through the atmosphere without being absorbed; some are back-scattered.

Some of the sunlight striking the earth is absorbed and converted to heat, which warms the surface.

The surface emits heat to the atmosphere, where some of it is absorbed by greenhouse gases and re-emitted toward the surface. Some of the heat is not trapped by greenhouse gases and escapes into space.”

Dr. Perez says that human activities that emit additional greenhouse gases to the atmosphere increase the amount of heat that gets absorbed before escaping to space, thus enhancing the greenhouse effect and amplifying the warming of the earth.

“Although the Earth’s climate has changed many times throughout its history, the rapid warming seen today cannot be explained by natural processes alone,” points out Dr. Perez, who has a PhD in Meteorology from the University of the Philippines.

“Climate change is very simple,” noted Dr. Robert Watson, IPCC Chairman. “We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth

rises.”

Examples of greenhouse gases are: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

There are also those man-made gases generated during industrial processes like sulfur hexaflouride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.

“Our lifestyle has led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” notes the fact sheet circulated during the workshop.

“These gases trap heat from the sun, making the earth warmer. Manifestations of a warmer world include rising mean temperatures, sea level rise and increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts and greater rainfall.”

“Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems,” contends the new IPCC report.

Dr. Perez says that the current carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is about 40% more than pre-industrial levels. “We are emitting a lot of carbon dioxide faster than the Earth can absorb any excess,” she deplores.

As of 2013, Earth was 0.85°C warmer than temperatures before the Industrial Revolution, the time scientists agree humans started generating large amounts of car-

bon emissions. The new IPCC report cautions that without changes in greenhouse gas emissions, “climate change risks are likely to be high or very high by the end of the 21st century.”

Some members of the IPCC have come up with a list of consequences of climate change to “make it understandable and to illustrate the issues that have the greatest potential to cause real harm,” the report’s chief author, Chris Field of the Carnegie Institution of Science in California, told the Associated Press.

A boiled-down version of what the scientists say the warmed-up future holds for Earth if climate change continues: 1. Coastal flooding will kill people and cause destruction.

2. Some people will go hungry because of warming, drought and severe downpours.

3. Big cites will be damaged by inland flooding.

4. Water shortages will make the poor even poorer in rural areas.

5. Crazy weather, like storms, can make life miserable, damaging some of the things we take for granted, like electricity, running water and emergency services.

6. Some fish and other marine animals could be in trouble, which will probably hurt fishing communities.

7. Some land animals won’t do much better and that’s not good for people who depend on them.

8. Heat waves, especially in cities, will kill the elderly and very young.

According to the fact sheet, which is published by the Climate Change Commission (which was created under Republic Act 9729), there are two main approaches to address climate change: adaptation and mitigation.

On adaptation, the fact sheet explains: “In human systems, the process of adjustment to actual or ex-

pected climate and its effects, in order to moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In natural systems, the process of adjustment to actual climate and its effects; human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate.”

On mitigation, the fact sheet gives this explanation: “Technological change and change in activities that reduce resource inputs and emissions per unit of output and implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sinks.”

“Climate is changing and will continue to do so,” reminds Dr. Perez.

“Currently, the impacts on many sectors are still unclear, but may become more pronounced as warming continues. So, we need to focus on understanding, adaptation, and preparation. We, Filipinos, should reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, but for the right reasons.”

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VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

Digging blues

IGGINGS, wherever they are done – in the mountain fastnesses by miners or in the cities’ asphalt jungles by public works and highways contractors and property developers – always cause some kind of disruption. For instance, diggings in the boondocks, whatever the purveyors of so-called responsible mining say, almost always ruin the environment. On the other hand, excavations in the cities (often in the name of development and progress) confound the daily lives of the already harassed commuters and motorists in traffic gridlocks that result in multi-million-peso wastage in man hours to workers, trade and commerce, and government.

It is said that in Manila alone, daily losses due to the traffic problem run to billions of pesos.

While the situation in Davao City is not anywhere near Manila’s humongous traffic dilemma – Cebu City is a lot worse – we will soon be there, if our city fathers will not make a decisive move.

It is a good thing that Mayor Rodrigo Duterte reportedly blew his top over the diggings by DPWH and other government agencies and private companies that delayed the movement of people and goods in the city.

We can now expect the objects of his ire to shape up.

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These include the contractors of the Governor Generoso Bridge whose construction seems to be taking forever.

Mayor Duterte’s outburst reminds us of an incident in the late eighties or early nineties, when the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) was digging the city streets like crazy. The communication giant was installing some fiber optic cables underground in Manila, Cebu, and Davao without much regard for the public inconvenience they were creating. People and cars were reportedly falling into the holes that they dug and hitting the stockpiles as they had no adequate lighting and signage that gave enough warning to pedestrians and motorists about the hazards.

The PLDT didn’t listen to the mounting complaints, and so one day Mayor Rody got pissed off and ordered the arrest of seven PLDT engineers supervising the diggings. That one act of righteous indignation removed PLDT’s corporate hubris and restored a measure of humility to its arrogant engineers.

We certainly hope Mayor Duterte does not need to be angry in order for things to get done properly in the city.

His lieutenants should put their acts together and not allow the mayor to do things for them and appear that he is micro-managing things.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Correspondents ARLENE D. PASAJE Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:

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GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYNRICHARD S. PANES C. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager of Sales SpecialistFinance General Manager DirectorAdvertising FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

RICHARD C. EBONA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation Marketing Supervisor

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

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Teamwork and the gilas in our puso

HE mark of human advancement is the glory of the team. All of human progress is the result of teamwork.

Whether cooperating with each other to hunt for food, or competing with each other to get the food first, progress has been largely determined with how well teams of humans are organized to achieve results that no individual can when left alone. Scientific advancement, geopolitical expansion, cultural change- all are the result of a form of teamwork. Each team victory builds upon the next. Smaller teams grow bigger, and influence the group and individual behaviors of others. A culture develops around the commonalities and interplay of teams and groups working with and among each other.

With this, the 1-4 performance of Gilas Pilipinas in the current FIBA World cup is no joke and certainly no failure. Truly the road to Spain saw many bumps, the licking of wounds, requiring adjustments. The current Gilas program began as a group effort to build a team. Initial results in the late 2000s were less than encouraging, with 5th to 7th in many regional tournaments, and placing 6th in the 2010 Asian Games in Doha, things didn’t seem to look up until 2012 with back-to-back 4th place finishes in Wuhan and Tokyo FibaAsia Tournaments, leading to a 2012 Jones Cup

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VANTAGE POINTS

championship and a silver fin- MY TWO CENTS’ ish in the 2013 world cup qualifier FIBA Asia Championship in Manila.

The win over Senegal in the World Cup revealed a strong pattern in the teams John Tria success. Mirroring the 2013 win over Korea (sans the naturalized Marcus Douthit) that brought us to Spain, we suddenly found a good combination with our own Junemar Fajardo and other locals sharing the scoring chores as naturalized Andray Blatche took longer rest periods and before fouling out with almost two minutes in the overtime period. At the buzzer, Senegal fell at our feet before we went home a stronger team than when we arrived in Seville.

This pattern shows us that a team full of talent must be allowed to shine, and that team success is carried on the backs of the team members, not just the star player. Often enough we as Filipinos look to others to deliver the goods for us. For-

eign players bring new skills and talents to our game, but the way we win is our own formula. Its how we make the group work that wins games.

The effort spent in building the team, learning from mistakes yet staying together and supporting each other as they strategize and meet goals is what makes great teams. These victories aren’t built overnight, as the Gilas program shows. This sustained effort is our guide to our own victory as a nation in our quest to develop and achieve greatness. Yes, it’s a team effort.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professor Sandy Pentland identifies great communication as a means of achieving high performance in a team. He advises teams to be together in more informal settings, listen and talk to each other to build that buzz that makes a team click. Hence, consistent time spent together to be comfortable with each other, and read each other without prejudice is what builds the natural trust and oneness that builds the team. This enables team members to use their individual skills and focus on working together in efficient ways and patterns to defeat their adversaries and achieve common goals.

Taking the cue from the Gilas journey, economists tell us that 7 years of 7 per-

for the tour to add percussion THINK ON THESE! and high harmony vocals.

Kenny’s website shared this information: “Kenny added his unmistakable tenor vocals to several songs on the Chicago 17 album including Henrylito D. Tacio the chart topping, ‘You’re the Inspiration,’ ‘Along Comes A Woman,’ and ‘Prima Donna’ -- and was quickly recruited by the band to hit the road for one of the most memorable tours in their history.

“On the Chicago tour, Kenny was also featured on percussion, keyboards at drums, alongside Danny Seraphine, marking the first time Chicago ever featured two drummers together on a tour. Kenny became a large part of the stage show, a fan-favorite, and permanently ingrained in the musical heritage of Chicago.”

This was what Kenny recalled: “After recording vocals with the band on what is still their #1 selling album of all time, Chicago 17, I was invited out on their follow up tour of the United States and Canada to promote their record. To this day, that album and that tour (affectionately referred to as the ‘White tour’ because of the stage clothes we wore) are still very favorably recollected by thousands of fans.”

On what made him became a singer, Kenny said that he grew up in a family with vast musical talents. Singing and harmonizing with his family and listening to his siblings rehearsing were commonplace.

“Being a professional singer was inevitable for me,” he once pointed out.

And yes, Kenny has recorded with some of the world’s famous singers including Kenny Rogers, Julio Iglesias, Bill Champlin,

Richard Marx, and Agnetha Faltskog (of “ABBA” distinction).

Remember the song, “Hold the Line,” the Grammy-winning debut of the Toto in 1978? “I was the one who sang that song, and it’s the first song that brought Toto into being a household word,” Kimball said Facebook.

Kimball joined the band in 1974. In late 1990, after leaving the band, he released a live album “Classic Toto Hits,” in which he performed various Toto songs from over the years. In 1994, Bobby Kimball released his first solo album featuring the single “Woodstock.”

In 1998, Kimball rejoined Toto and recorded Mindfields. Toto toured in support of Mindfields throughout 1999 and 2000. In late 1999, the band released the live album Livefields.

In 2000, Kimball released his second solo album “All I Ever Needed,” featuring the single, “Kristine.” In 2002, Toto released a covers album “Through the Looking Glass.”

In February 2006, Toto released another album, “Falling In Between.”

In June 2008, it was announced that the band members have gone separate ways.

Kimball has been touring and doing concerts with many of his friends’ bands around the world. In November 2012, he toured South America. The tour includes Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

So on October 4, sit back and enjoy the legendary songs of Chicago, sung by former Chicago tour member, Kenny Cetera. Not only that, see Bobby Kimball performed those songs made famous by Toto.

In Tagum, the tickets can be bought at Big 8 Corporate Hotel, Rotary Club of Tagum Golden L.A.C.E.S., and Gaisano Mall of Tagum.

In Davao City, ticket outlets include Mt. Apo Travel & Tours in Abreeza Mall, House of Travel at the Damosa Corporate Center in Lanang, and Travel Advantage in Damaso Street.

Rock legends live!

N October 4, the people living in this part of the world will have an opportunity of hearing live the lead singer of Grammy-award winning band Toto and the man who did tenor vocals to several songs on Chicago. Yes, you read it right! Toto’s Bobby Kimball and Kenny Cetera (who did tour with the Chicago band in the made 1980s) will come to Tagum City to sing some of their famous songs at Big 8 Hotel.

Oliver I. Golosino, the hotel’s sales and marketing manager, has confirmed their coming. “Yes, we will bring them here,” he said. Co-ventured with Livehouse Productions, the hotel is partnering with the city government and the Rotary Club of Tagum Golden L.A.C.E.S to bring the rock legends in this once-in-a-lifetime concert. The beneficiary of the show is St. Martin De Porres Sibol Learning Center and Cancer Detection Program.

Of course, everyone knows that Peter Cetera was the lead singer of Chicago. He grew up in Chicago (from which the name of the band was taken) which has produced some of the greatest artists and bands in the music world. There were six siblings that include two brothers Tim Cetera (who also recorded an album with Ricky Nelson in the early 1970s) and Kenny Cetera, who served as contributing musician on some of the recordings he made with Chicago.

According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s. They sold over 40 million units in the US, with 23 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums. Over the course of their career they have had five number-one albums and 21 top-ten singles.

However, it was “Chicago 17” which became the biggest selling album of the band’s history, producing two more Top Ten (both No. 3) singles, “You’re the Inspiration” and “Hard Habit to Break.” The album included two other singles: “Stay the Night” (No. 16) and “Along Comes a Woman” (No. 14).

This was in 1984 and Peter’s brother, Kenny Cetera, was brought into the group

cent growth will build a strong Philippine economy for the future, since by the time the 7th year arrives, the foundations of important enterprise will be built and will become competitive engines for generating employment and sustained growth. In turn, the higher purchasing power among the populace will sustain production of goods and spur even more opportunity.

To get there, however, we need to be one team to last the seven years and take it further. The leader of the team needs to tap into the oneness of the team so that the strategy and direction moves forward.

Leaders must inspire confidence in the team effort, rather than create or spark divisions. Quick political changes rooted in personality conflicts defeat teamwork and a prevent team culture from taking root. Corruption of the team coffers deters the sharing of resources to build the teams war chest. Team members need to concentrate on the tasks they set rather than needlessly mind the business of others, and protect all gains made together as one team.

In the end, a team Pilipinas and the gilas that it displays goes beyond basketball, and goes to our individual puso and how well we make the team effort work for us to take us forward as a country. How well we advance as a team is the glory of us.

Innovation in a regime of dysfunction

O

UR MayANALYSIS or in Davao City isn’t happy when a policeman or a rebel dies as a consequence of the ongoing social conflict in the country. But he’s happy when a kidnapper or a Gico Dayanghirang notorious criminal dies. He’s even more happy when a drug pusher dies. Nobody really knows who kills them. They’re just found dead usually in some remote location every so often.

Some say that they’ve committed suicide in remorse for their crimes. But nobody really believes this. The logic of the city mayor is simple. Rebels don’t harm pedestrians nor do they rob houses. Only criminals do. The Commission on Human Rights has once admonished the Mayor for the violent death of heavily armed robbers in an encounter with the police. The entire city has risen up to defend the Mayor.

My take on this is that some innovations may have to be necessary in the context of a weak state which is what we have in this country. It’s the innocent who suffers when the state is unable to provide reasonable protection. But I would rather that this country mature into a modern state where only the rule of law prevails soon. But the way our congressmen and senators are behaving, it may take a little more time.

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“IB encompasses all business activities at the core of a company’s business strategy to integrate the Base-of-the-Pyramid (BoP) segment into any of all of its value chain, whether as suppliers, distributors, consumers, or employees in such a manner that creates shared value,” PBSP said.

“With the local BoP segment accounting for half of the country’s total expenditures, or a market valued at some P1.4 trillion, IB would ensure at least reasonable returns while it helps unclog the barriers to poverty reduction, lack of jobs, and limited investments. Un-

like social enterprises, SMEs, and the traditional programs of corporate social responsibility, IB operates at a higher scale and social impact, and integrates over the long term the BoP segment into its value chain,” it added.

Determined to succeed Aquino, whose first job was with PBSP, said for a long while, a good part of Mindanao has been “left in the margins.”

“Self-interest and transactionalism bred a vicious cycle of poverty, political patronage, and underdevelopment

– this in turn fueled the discontent of our brothers in the Bangsamoro.

This was the narrative we had inherited, and this was the narrative we have committed to change. We reformed the system, invested in communities, synchronized the elections of ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) with our local and national elections, and worked towards building genuine consensus and trust, knowing full well that these were fundamental to our pursuit of peace,” he said.

“Today, thanks to all those who have put in

gent.

In an earlier exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo on August 27, Aquino expressed hope the draft BBL would be submitted to Congress at the soonest possible.

He said the finalization of the draft has taken long because “each section and provision of the Bangsamoro Basic Law are being carefully studied because we want a basic law that will give our brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro what they aspire for and give assurance as well to the neighbors who will be

affected by this law.”

The President said there was no issue on the basic principles but on transferring those basic principles into the specifications of the law. “That’s where the negotiation is intense,” he said.

The President said he is hopeful that a basic law “acceptable to all stakeholders” will be submitted to Congress at the soonest possible.

The President said he hopes a plebiscite can be conducted at the end of the year “if possible” but that would depend on the

deliberations of Congress.

He said they are working for a “one year and a half” period to allow the Bangsamoro Transition Authority enough time to prove that the kind of governance system (ministerial form) that they are proposing is more appropriate in running the Bangsamoro.

Under the Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, the plebiscite shall be held “not later than 120 days” from the enactment of the BBL. Jon Joaquin and MindaNews

additional P400 million,” Daynghirang said.

He said City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) head Rodrigo Riola has not yet given his certification for next year’s budget.

Dayanghirang said a big chunk of the budget will be allocated for Personal Services from which the salaries of the city employees be drawn. Next is the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) of the city.

He said the budget will also give allocations for the programs of the mayor such as Task Force Davao, Central 911, and social services such as the Lingap program.

Dayanghiran said as of the moment, his committee is still waiting for Riola’s report. Once it reaches his office, the City Council will immediately

discuss it.

Dayanghirang said the collection of the CTO is doing well especially in RPT collections as it collected the whole 2013 target collection in just three months this year.

He said according to the rules, the Mayor should submit the next year’s general appropriations on October 15 as part of the requirements.

“As of today, ginahimo na sa City Hall, naga hearing na sila sa kada department so therefore, on October 15 madawat na namo ang budget (City Hall already conducted hearings on every department, therefore, on October 15 the committee should receive the budget),” he said.

He said by October 16, he will conduct a committee hearing so that they

can present it for second reading on the first week of December.

“By November 15, we are ready to prepare the committee report to the City Council for the 2015 budget. From November 15 to first week of December, we can more or less process it for the second reading, and on December 15, I am hoping the budget will be approved, including Supplemental Budget No. 2,” Dayanghirang said.

He said next year’s appropriations should be approved before December 31 because the budget still has to be endorsed to DBM. Last year, the City Council approved a P5.1 billion annual budget for 2014, which was considered the highest budget for the city.

rope, Vice President for Worldwide Client Success (Professional Services, Premium and Technical Support), and Director of Software Development.

Prior to his new appointment, Pineda was Vice President, Client Support and Success, Industry Cloud Solutions, IBM Software Group.

He will assume responsibility for all of IBM’s operations in the Philippines, including the company’s sales and distribution, systems and technology, software and services units, and fully-owned subsidiaries offering global delivery including IBM Solutions Delivery and IBM Business Services.

“I look forward to continuing to build IBM’s capability in the Philippines,” Pineda said in a statement. “I want to continue the legacy of leadership built over the last 77 years in providing value for our clients, our communities and the country through innovation that matters.” Jon Joaquin

committee members, whom separate reports said allegedly cornered honoraria as judges of some Kadayawan activities.

He said the street showdown judges, for example, were the same persons who handled and organized the event.

Ibuyan said he will push for changes in the next Kadayawan. Cha Monforte, Correspondent At Large

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the long days and nights for this part of our country, our countrymen in Mindanao see a new future on the horizon: the dawn of peace, stability, and ultimately prosperity. It is therefore only right that we commit further to the realization of this promise by finding ways to maximize the long-held prospects for growth for all stakeholders. Clearly, we must boost Mindanao’s capacities, so that they themselves may catch up and contribute to our economic growth,” he added.

The President noted the “great potential of

Mindanao,” especially in terms of agriculture.

“Mindanao, after all, is our country’s top source of rubber, cacao, pineapple, banana, coffee, and coconut. Over 40 percent of our food supply, and more than 30 percent of the produce we trade domestically, come from Mindanao – not to mention its strong contribution to our fisheries production,” he said.

Most important of all, he added, is the fact that Mindanao “has a people determined to succeed.”

Aquino expressed elation that government is not alone in the endeav-

or. “Through the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program, PBSP and its member companies and supporting agencies seek to engage the private sector to invest in Mindanao by helping build the capacities of its small farming communities, thus enabling them to capitalize on the rich resources and the many opportunities available in the region,” he said.

“The objective for all of us is to build a Mindanao that can catch up in the soonest possible time, and, by so doing, create a regime of opportunities where no Filipino is left behind,” he added.

Embassy gave them information on the status of the 300 OFWs in Libya.

Bellido said the government repatriated 41 OFWs from Region 11. They arrived home on July 21.

He said most of the repatriated OFWs are “highly technical” workers such as engineers and medical workers who had high salaries in Libya.

“The minimum salary of workers in Libya is 800 US dollars (per month or about P34,500). It is just their minimum. If you go to the high category, workers such as skilled workers and professionals, they

have the high salary,” he said.

He said OWWA had already given P10,000 in financial relief assistance to each of the 39 OFWs in the region. Aside from the cash, OWWA will also give them livelihood assistance.

Bellido said of the 39 who received assistance, 26 are from Davao del Sur and Davao City whiel the rest are from Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Compostela Valley.

He said 80 percent of the repatriated OFWs wants to work abroad again.

“Some of them, we gave referrals to POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) for overseas placement,” he said.

Bellido said the OFWs opted to work again abroad because they do not want to go with the livelihood program as of this time.

“Most of them would rather be referred to another overseas job because they are skilled workers,” he said.

Bellido said they can be employed very quickly since they are considered valued skilled workers.

ABF

raised that the project would affect the watershed aquifers, although the project area itself is below 300-650 meters which is the critical elevation range for the protection of the underground aquifers.

In an assessment report printed in the “Bantay Watershed,” a publication of the Interface Development Initiatives (IDIS), one of the sectors active in the WMC, the tripartite monitoring team pointed out a number of other negative findings of the study.

It mentioned “potential flooding and back flow during heavy rains which can be triggered by the establishment of the 25-meter weir.”

Dire consequences The monitoring team also warned against the following dire consequences: • the displacement of around 20 households and their agro-forest livelihood by a 30-hectare retention pond surrounding the weir site; • the conversion of some 15 hectares of agricultural land to serve as open canal and easement for the weir’s water con-

veyance; • potential risk of scouring the riverbed and riverbanks due to the periodic release of volumes of water back to the river; and • negative impact on local diversity due to the decrease of water going downstream to the Dacudao area on account of the diversion of water by the power plant.

The WMMT urged the Watershed Management Council (WMC) to consult experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) “to ensure the study concerns will be sufficiently addressed.”

However, the WMMT suggested that the proponent SLRBD shoulder the expenses in the event that the WMC cannot secure supplemental funding.”

Other recommendations The team likewise recommended: • a feasibility study which should include the location map of the af-

fected areas with figures and data, an environment management plan, a revised proposed proposal incorporating the concerns on the project’s structural and geological stability, an updated hydrological study and a study assessing its socio-economic and cultural impact on the area, including safety and health risks.

• legislative action plan for the amendment of the existing Watershed Management Protection and Conservation Ordinance and the amended Zoning Ordinance.

• creation of a monitoring team to continuously oversee project construction, implementation, operation and to follow through on the proponent’s commitment to the community.

• the conduct of consultations in the IP communities and riverbank villages in barangays Gumalang, Lamanan, Dacudao, Lacson, and other barangays covered by the project.

A source at IDIS said the San Lorenzo Ruiz management still has to answer the questions.

tries like Israel, Canada, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic have enacted medical cannabis laws that remove the criminal sanctions for the medical use of cannabis, define eligibility for such use, and allow some means of access, in most cases, through a dispensary.

“Other states in the European Union, such as Finland, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg, in recognition of the medical value of cannabis, have developed various forms

of de facto decriminalization, whereby possession and use of cannabis, rarely lead to criminal prosecution,” he said.

In the Philippines, Albano said, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 recognizes the medical use of drugs classified as dangerous drugs including marijuana when it said in Section 2 that “The government shall, however, aim to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical

needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.”

The Albano bill seeks to provide for control measures and regulation on the medical use of cannabis to ensure patient’s safety and for effective and efficient implementation of the law which shall be known as the “Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act.” Antonio M. Ajero

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Toilet & Bathroom Rush

HAT do people usually do after a very stressful day at school or at work?

Basically, they would go out with some friends or go home to sleep or look for some things to do untiring. Since we belong to the digital generation, most of us check out social media websites or play fun games on smartphones.

If I were to choose which game to play when I’m bored I would usually go for the ‘funny ones’ or

CHILL JILL

Athena Jillian Bravo the ‘easier ones’. I am not one who fancy those mind buzzing games as they only stress me out even more. Browsing Google Play for games, I discov-

ered a particular funny game that made me laugh a lot. It’s called Toilet & Bathroom Rush.

It’s a game where your stay inside the bathroom won’t be frustrating and boring anymore. Imagine how many minutes you would have to sit in the toilet bowl as you pass away your load. Such a sick routine, right? With this new app they’ve developed, your time inside the bathroom would never get boring as long as you play it.

Enjoy 14 hilarious mini games as you try to collect toilet papers and unlock mysterious items in the toilet museum. This is a very fun and challenging game and would never regret playing it. There are smooth and simple controls which make playing easy, intuitive and enjoyable.

Those 14 different games are with radically different strategies to master and you have to collect toilet papers to unlock 18 unique and cool toilet

items.

There you go. Another fun and hilarious game to distress and keep you out of boredom. Little

by little our boring daily routine would soon have a game that will make it a lot more exciting just like this game.

Smart, Wikimedia Foundation launch Wikipedia Zero in PH W

IRELESS services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) announced a new partnership today with the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization that operates Wikipedia and its sister projects.

Part of the global Wikipedia Zero program, the collaboration will give Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular’s 68.9 million customers unlimited access to Wikipedia, free of data charges from their mobile device.

“We have always looked for and promoted ways to use technology and mobile communications to drive learning and consequently, development. Wikipedia Zero is relevant in a country where access to both computer terminals and Internet connectivity is still relatively low, but where almost everyone owns a cellphone. We are excited to bring Wikipedia Zero to the country and help create a way to make learning more accessible to millions of Filipinos,” said Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

Wikipedia is the world’s largest online encyclopedia, visited by 500 million people each month, according to Comscore. Wikipedia contains more than 30 million articles in 287 languages, contributed by a global community of 80,000 volunteers.

Under Wikipedia

Zero, starting September 5, 2014 until February 3, 2015, all Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscribers who will access m.wikipedia.org, zero. wikipedia.org, the Wikipedia apps (available for iOS and Android devices), or any other Wikimedia sites on their cellphone, can do so without incurring data charges.

“Smart has been a terrific supporter of Wikimedia, and now we’re very happy to formalize our relationship with Wikipedia Zero,” said Carolynne Schloeder, head of global mobile partnerships at the Wikimedia Foundation.

“Smart’s emphasis on education is aligned with Wikimedia’s global mission, driven locally by Wikimedia Philippines.”

In addition to the free use of Wikipedia by Smart subscribers, Filipino Wikipedia editors are also participating in Smart’s Tap&Learn: Tablets for Education, the telco leader’s latest initiative in the mobile education (mEducation) space, where mobile technologies are utilized to enhance the learning experience of partner communities.

Through Smart’s Tap&Learn, Wikipedia Philippines representatives are helping train educators from public elementary and secondary schools across the country on how to use Wikipedia to enhance the learning experience of their students, and for their own

professional development.

“With the Tap&Learn program, Wikimedia Philippines is very excited to partner with Smart in training teachers in using Wikipedia as one of the tools they can use in their profession,” according to Eugene Alvin Villar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Wikimedia Philippines.

“While we all know that students should not simply copy from Wikipedia when doing assignments, we hope that through Wikipedia, teachers can impart to their students the value of using reliable sources, adding proper citations, and using critical thinking when reading anything on the Internet. It would also be great if they can encourage their students to contribute to Wikipedia as well,” added Villar.

Photo shows Jim Ayson, senior manager for Digital Services Innovation at Smart, formalizing the ‘Wikipedia

Zero’ partnership with Carolynne Schloeder, head of global mobile partnerships at Wikimedia Foundation.

Philippines hosts 1st eSports Asian Championship at SUN Cellular-GameXeSports Festival

T

HE finest Asian online gamers are headed to the Philippines for the 1st eSports Asian Championship competition, the main highlight of the SUN Cellular- GameXeSports Festival at SM City Cebu Trade Hall from September 12 to 14.

“It is a huge honor for our country to be chosen as the host of the first ever eSports Asian Champi-

onship, which hopefully allows more Filipinos to notice and appreciate our growing eSports industry and the goodness and excitement that come with it,” said Irymark ‘Tryke’ Gutierrez, the executive director of the Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO), the main organizer of the event.

The top teams of Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia,

Philippines, South Korea and Thailand will battle it out on the popular game Defense of the Ancients (Dota) 2 for a prize pool worth USD 10,000 and the privilege to represent the region at the International e-Sports Federation World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan on Nov. 12 to Nov. 17.

A multi-player online battle arena game, Dota

2 matches are played between two five-player teams whose goal is to destroy the stronghold of the opposite team while defending their own. The game features stunning graphics and requires great strategy and coordination among teams, making it a popular game among millions of professional and casual players around the world.

12 CLASSIFIED

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Billiard Supplies

Cell Nos.

Phone Nos.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

The charms of Taal

I have always wanted to visit Vigan with its many storied traditional Spanish-Filipino houses lining Calle Crisologo street. Alas there had not been an opportunity for me to do so as work often comes in-between travel plans.

It just so happened that while on a trip to Tagaytay together with the executives of Camella Homes, we were scheduled to visit their newly developed community located at the Municipality of Taal which was just a two-hour drive from Tagaytay.

To be honest I did not know what Taal town was all about, as most of my idea of Taal is of the volcano as well as of the beautiful crater lake surrounding it. Once we got to the city limits of Taal town was when I realised that I was in for a timetraveling experience because as it turn out, the Municipality of Taal is the home of the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours as well as a Heritage Village of what used to be homes located around the old city centre

The Basilica of St. Martin de Tours.

that date back to the Spanish period.

Basilica of St. Martin de Tours Dubbed as the largest Catholic church in Asia, the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours is one astounding landmark that sits atop a hill right at the center of the town. With the length of 96 meters and width of 45 meters, the basilica dominates the landscape.

The church had gone

through several reconstructions. The structure that visitors see now was done in 1856 under Fr. Marcos Anton who sought for the help of architect Luciano Oliver who supervised the design and construction of the basilica.

The Basilica of St. Martin de Tours’ impressive facade.

Two distinct features of the basilica are the façade, which will remind you of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the silver tabernacle, claimed to be the only one of its kind in the country.

Often called Taal Basilica, the church is among the most visited destinations of people from various places during the Lenten season. This church is also popular for weddings as well as a location for movie and television shows.

Heritage Village The most interesting part of going around Taal town proper is having to see the heritage houses that allow people to travel back in time as their unique exquisiteness from the olden days was preserved for the present generation to catch a glimpse of.

Some of these heritage houses were turned into museums, others into galleries, a couple of them

Window and balcony details.

Casa Gahol.

Inside the basilica.

were transformed into gift shops. But in general, these heritage houses serve as concrete proofs of the rich cultural heritage passed on from one generation to the succeeding one.

Some homes that are of note are those of Marcela Agoncillo which is now a museum, Gregorio Agoncillo’s Mansion, Casa Gahol, Villavicencio House, Gen. Ananias Diokno House, and the Don

A shrine dedicated to Marcela Agoncilio.

Apacible Museum among many others.

Although my dream to visit Vigan is still there, my visit to the Municipality of Taal opened my eyes to the charm and colonial beauty of Batangas and all just a short drive from Manila.

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

Marcela Agoncilio museum.

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

Low-cost Android phones drive record smartphone adoption worldwide THE proliferation of affordable phones powered by Google’s Android operating system has propelled smartphone adoption to new record heights during the second quarter of 2014, a report by research firm IDC said recently.

The availability of low-cost Android phones has also allowed Philippine mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to expand its postpaid base. Just recently, Smart was again first to launch one of the hotly anticipated smartphone devices of the year, the Mi 3 from Xiaomi, for postpaid subscribers.

According to IDC, some 301.3 million smartphones were shipped worldwide during the quarter, with Android-powered devices accounting for 84.7% of the total shipments.

“With many of its OEM partners focusing on the sub-$200 segments, Android has been reaping huge gains within emerging markets,” said Ramon Llamas, Research Manager with IDC’s Mobile Phone team. “During the second quarter, 58.6% of all Android smartphone shipments worldwide cost less than $200 off contract, making them very attractive compared to other devices.”

Smart realizes the potential of low-cost Android phones to drive smartphone adoption nationwide, which is why it has recently began offering the Xiaomi Mi 3 for FREE at Data Plan 999, which already comes with all-day mobile Internet surfing plus calls and texts to all networks.

“We’re proud to be the first to offer the Mi 3 on postpaid in the Philippines, which means this ‘legendary’ smartphone is now within reach of many interested users nationwide,” said Kathryn Carag, Postpaid Marketing Head at Smart.

The Mi 3 offers what no other smartphone can give at its relatively affordable price range: a powerful 2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM, a 5-inch full HD IPS display, and a 13-megapixel rear camera.

Since launching in August, the Mi 3 has seen exceptional uptake from interested postpaid subscribers. “We were surprised by the high demand for the Mi 3 since launch, considering we didn’t do heavy publicity for this postpaid offer,” said Carag. “With very little promotion, word of mouth about this sleek yet affordable smartphone drove people to subscribe—a testament to how the Mi 3 has caught the attention of local mobile users.”

Coupled with Smart’s superfast mobile network nationwide, the Mi 3 delivers the best experience even to the most demanding mobile Internet users around, so they can play high-definition games, watch YouTube videos, and instantly upload to Facebook or Instagram without any interruption.

Interested subscribers can now Get their hands on the exciting Mi 3 device by visiting smart.com.ph/mi3. The units will be delivered to approved applicants for free.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

EVENT

Regine leads Kapuso stars in Tuna Festival 2014 AFTER starring in nine successful Kapuso Fans’ Days allover the country, Asia’s Songbird Regine VelasquezAlcasid tours the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, last September 5, for a mini-concert she has bannered for her loyal supporters in Gensan.

The Kapuso Fans Day which is also a part of the celebration of Gensan’s charter day and Tuna Festival, which took place at KCC Mall of Gensan’s Convention Center around 6pm.

Along with the Bet ng Bayan host on stage is stand-up comic and impersonator Ate Redg who opened the program with a fun-filled production number with the Sing-ala-Regine and Divading contestants.

Saturday, September 5, on the spotlight are Sa Puso Ni Dom’s Bela Padilla, along with Glaiza de Castro, Benjamin Alves and Chynna Ortaleza from high-rating afternoon series Dading, who got to mingle with their fans theough a Kapuso Mall Shot at the Atrium of Gaisano Gensan around 3pm.

Valerie Conception and Mona Louise Rey from afternoon prime’s family-oriented show, My BFF, together with

Eat Bulaga dabarkads Pauleen Luna and Ruby Rodriguez, then top bill an equally-exciting Kapuso Mall Show at SM City Gensan the following day, Sept. 7 at 3pm.

Following the said merrymaking at SM City Gensan is the Bet ng Bayan Provincial Showdown, which served as a call-back for those who qualified in the auditions. Kapuso prime leading man and Bet ng Bayan co-host Alden Richards graced the

event. Where yours truly was one of the 10 judges at the event.

This Sept. 9, the network mounts a fun-filled Kapuso Street Party for the fans at the Oval Plaza beginning at 7pm.

Oliver Amoroso, GMA Network’s Head for Integrated Marketing Services Division and AVP for Regional TV, is proud of the the line-up for the Generals for this years Tunafest, “As GMA’s Regional TV’s travelogue show

Let’s Fiesta will recap the festival highlights in a TV special to air on Sept.

14,” he says.

To know more about the latest updates on the Networks regional events, follow GMA Regional TV on Twitter and instagram @ GMARegionalTV Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

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ENTERTAINMENT

Rocco Nacino’s range of roles HARD WORK does really pay off. Just ask Rocco Nacino who has gone from being an artista hopeful to one of the top leading men of the Kapuso Network—in just a span of almost five years.

Rocco made his mark as a serious drama actor in the afternoon soap, Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.

He also took part in GMA News TV’s Pluma: Rizal, Ang Dakilang Manunulat, a multi-awarded docudrama produced to commemorate Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary where he portrayed the character of Jose Rizal, depicting scenes from historical events in our national hero’s life.

It wasn’t long before Rocco’s acting performance was noticed. His stint in the drama series Koreana earned him his first acting nomination from the Golden TV Awards for his outstanding portrayal in the said teleserye.

Rocco also captured

the hearts of TV audience as he portrayed leading man characters in GMA’s drama programs. His acting prowess excelled role after role—from being a native pretending to be a prince of an island in Mistaken Identity to a rebellious but endearing guy in The Good Daughter and a sheltered heir in Yesterday’s Bride right down to being a conartist in Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas.

His outstanding performance in the miniseries, Bayan Ko - GMA News TV’s groundbreaking drama series which pushed for good governance, further boosted Rocco’s stature as one of the serious drama actors of the Kapuso Network.

Rocco was at the heart of the internationallyacclaimed show, portraying

the role of Mayor Joseph Santiago, a young idealistic politician aiming to make a difference in a town governed by wayward and dis-

honest officials. Rocco’s portrayal earned him the Natatanging Likha para sa Dulang Pantelebisyon – Hiblang Huwaran award in the Gawad Duyan Awards.

Rocco also made an impact on the big screen, starring in both mainstream and indie films such as, Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (a Cinemalaya entry), Biag ni Lam-Ang, Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi, I Luv U, Pare Ko, My Lady Boss, and Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir. His performance in Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa earned him the N e w Movie Actor of the Year award at the 28th PMPC S t a r Awards f o r Movies, as well

as the Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actor award at the 9th Golden Screen Awards (by the Entertainment Press Society).

This year, Rocco had the privilege of working alongside Superstar, Nora Aunor and awardwinning director Joel Lamangan in Hustisya, his second Cinemalaya film as an actor. Rocco also bagged the lead role in the latest film remake of Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure which will open in theaters nation-

wide next month.

In GMA’s new primetime drama this September, Hiram na Alaala, Rocco will breathe life into the character of Joseph Corpuz, an ideal soldier and a dedicated boyfriend, whose life is forever altered upon his captivity.

There is no doubt that the GMA Artist Center star’s career took flight after joining Starstruck V with his string of teleseryes, films, and endorsements as major testaments to this.

Charo Santos-Concio named Asian Media Woman of the Year by Contentasia ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio was honored last Wednesday as the Asian Media Woman of the Year by ContentAsia, a premier information resource that covers the entertainment media industry across Asia-Pacific region.

Santos-Concio, who topped ContentAsia’s annual list of Asia’s Most Influential Women in Media, was chosen by ContentAsia for leading “a powerful multi-platform content agenda that is the strongest insurance we know of amid all the uncertainties of a digital world. And she’s doing it mindful of the powerful legacy of a company that has led in its traditional broadcast space for the past 60 years.”

“This award is special for me because it recognizes my work and passion as a storyteller and a leader of a multimedia company, and I could not be more honored to represent not just ABS-CBN, but the hard-working media women in the Philippines. In so many ways I am blessed to get to do what I do, because to be in the business of telling stories is to be in the business of changing lives, inspiring people and offering hope, and promoting different perspectives. I am so thankful that I am given the opportunity to be of service to the Filipino people. I share this award with my family at ABS-CBN and with all the hardworking women in media,” Santos-Concio said.

She was honored at a gala dinner Wednesday themed “Great stories…& the women who tell them best,” along with the other women industry leaders and decision makers in the region, at Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Santos-Concio also delivered the well-applauded opening keynote presentation at the sixth annual ContentAsia Summit Thursday (September 4) to discuss ABS-CBN’s storytelling strengths and hopes and strategies for content creation.

The summit, which had the theme “Great Stories, Well Told,” was attended by content creators, producers, broadcasters, program buyers, programming heads, and

executives, and focused on creativity and innovation in content creation, packaging, production, marketing, and distribution.

ContentAsia delivers information about entertainment content creation, funding, financing, licensing, distribution, design and branding, and technology to industry executives across Asia in electronic, print, and online publications.

Santos-Concio was also hailed as Woman Achiever for Tourism and International Understanding Friday night (Sept 5) at the 24th SKAL International Makati Awards for her exemplary contribution to the promotion of Philippine tourism both locally and internationally.

THE GIFTED Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes and Sam Milby R 13

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

IF I STAY Chloe Grace Moretz, Mireille Enos PG 13

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

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Vincent Cassel, Lea Seydoux

R-16

PG 13

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

RUROUNI KENSHIN 2 / * THE GIVER Takeru Satoh / *Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep R 13 / * PG 13

12:30 | 3:10 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

TRAVEL

Seda set to be leading Filipino hotel brand Expansion to Visayas begins in Iloilo, with more hotels to open yearly nation-wide

WITH close to 2,000 rooms scheduled for completion in various key locations nationwide within the next few years, Seda lifestyle hotels by AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation (AHRC), is set to be the leading Filipino-owned hospitality brand catering to both local and global travellers.

In less than two years, four Seda hotels with 665 rooms have already opened in Ayala Land mixed-use communities in Bonifacio Global City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Nuvali, Laguna.

Al Legaspi, Chief Operating Officer of AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation, disclosed that an estimated 1,100 more rooms are set to come onstream in the next four years.

These include Seda Atria in Mandurriao, Iloilo City – the first Seda property in the Visayas; Seda Vertis North in Quezon City; Seda Circuit in Makati; Seda Arca South in Taguig; and Seda Lio in Northern Palawan. The latest in the hotel collection, Seda City Gate in Makati, had its ground breaking recently and is expected to open in 2018. All of these properties are strategically situated within Ayala mixed-use developments.

“Currently, the Seda brand fills a gap in each of the markets it serves. This is for a quality hotel in a strategic location within an emerging growth center, and which offers service excellence following global standards,” says Legaspi.

Seda’s Group General Manager Andrea Mastellone adds that all Seda hotels in operation are performing well, namely, the flagship Seda BGC in Taguig with 179 rooms, Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City with 150 rooms, Seda Abreeza in Davao City with 186 rooms and Seda Nuvali in Laguna with 150 rooms.

“In all these locations, Seda has set new hospitality standards for comfortable accommodations, urban amenities, and warm yet efficient service in a contemporary setting”, he explains. He also emphasizes the excellent value it offers guests who can

Artist’s Perspective, Seda Circuit in Makati. enjoy a host of amenities required by modern travellers such as complimentary WiFi, an e-lounge, Seda’s signature Misto restaurant and a variety of meeting rooms. Located within Ayala mixed use developments, all hotels offer its guests easy access to retail, dining, and many other lifestyle options.

Ground breaking ceremony of Seda Atria in Iloilo with (l-r) Seda Group General Manager Andrea Mastellone; AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation President Junie Jalandoni; Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog; business partner Edgardo Pison; Ayala Land Inc. Senior Vice-President and Group Head, Visayas-Mindanao, Lilit Tumbocon; and AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation Chief Operating Officer Al Legaspi.

Mastellone says, “We are developing our own brand highlighting the best the Filipino has to offer in terms of amenities, design and service.”

Architect Conrad Onglao, who has designed landmark hotels abroad, conceptualized the interiors of the Seda hotels currently in operation, highlighting Filipino furniture craftsmanship as well as accent pieces by globallyrecognized artisans Kenneth Cobonpue, Ann Pamintuan, and Jaime Zobel de Ayala, whose artworks are situated in key areas of all Seda hotels.

Mastellone also reports that Seda properties have consistently registered a high guest satisfaction rating, a claim supported by an extremely high repeat business ratio of 50%. The company’s commitment to maintain its edge in this aspect led to Seda’s recognition as the first Asian hotel brand whose properties are all acclaimed “Certified Gold Service”, by the American Hotels and Lodging Educational

Institute. All Seda frontliners are required to un-

dergo individual certification which is only awarded after successfully passing very stringent requirements.

“Guests come back because of our people, and they know that they can expect the same level of service in any Seda hotel,” Mastellone states. Guest loyalty to the brand has become evident in bookings for Seda Centrio and Seda Abreeza, many of which originate from clients of Seda BGC in Metro Manila.

Needless to say, what guests also truly appreciate is the convenient location of each Seda hotel within an Ayala Land mixed-use community. Every Seda hotel is just a stroll away from the host of retail and dining options offered by an Ayala Mall. It is also near major businesses, office buildings and residential projects.

Artist’s Perspective, Seda Vertis North in Quezon City.

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

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14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

Pacquiao returns to start training W

ORLD Boxing Organization welterweight champ and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao returns home today following a two-week, five-city press tour promoting his WBO 147-pound title-fight with American challenger Chris Algieri set November 23 in Macau.

Pacquiao and Algieri ended their 27,000-mile trip at the Wall Street Journal offices in New York Friday with the Filipino belt-owner and his undefeated (20-0 with 8 KOs) 140-pound titlist expressing eagerness to start pitching their respective training camps for their all-important showdown a little over two months from now. Pacquiao, who is climbing the ring for the 67th time since turning pro 19 years ago, and the former martial arts fighter Algieri, too, expressed respect at each other, wishing each the best of luck in their 12-round confrontation that may well define future in their chosen profession.

The Filipino boxing icon (52-5-2 win-lossdraw with 38 KOs) is turn-

ing 36 comes December 17, while Algieri is five years his junior. “Nandyan na ako sa Tuesday and I am really excited to start preparing for the fight,” Pacquiao told this writer in an overseas interview last Saturday even as he expressed elation learning his expansion team Kia Motors won over crowd-darling Barangay Ginebra its first tune up earlier that day.

“Wow, magandang balita yan,” Pacquiao, who will play the role of playing-coach of the team when the pro-league’s 40th Season unfolds Oct. ber 19, reacted to Kia’s 73-71 outlasting of the Kings that saw Reil Cervantes and L.A. Revilla, both Global Sports mainstays in the PBA D-League, eluding their guards for 17 and 16 points, respectively. Pacquiao himself talked about his coming debut as a basketball player during the interview with members of the international boxing media, though that while his first love is the dribbleand-shoot game, his main focus is still boxing.

“The (PBA) season

BACK ON TOP

starts October 19, but I won’t play in the game before the fight. After November 22, I’ll play a little bit, I’ll be more focused on coaching, “ he told an interviewer. “I love watching the NBA. I watch Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Rajon Rondo, and Steph Curry.

Before I liked [Allen] Iverson,” he added. “ My motivation (in boxing) is still the same, 100%. Boxing is my passion and the time I fight and I’m in the ring, the excitement is there.”

When asked, the father of four with his Sarangani Vice Governor wife Jinkee said he’s not yet thinking of hanging up his fighting gloves, adding “I believe I can still fight.

I’m still young.”

An earlier plan to pitch his training camp in Metro Manila still hangs in the air though as he said his hometown General Santos City will most-likely be it so he can concentrate in his preparations as his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank would want it. As in my previous fights, preparations will last eight week, including two weeks in Macau,” he said.

Serena wins US Open W

ORLD number one Serena Williams swept past good friend Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 6-3 in the U.S. Open final on Sunday to move up in the record books with her 18th grand slam title.

It was the third straight and sixth overall U.S. Open crown for the 32-year-old American, her 18 career slams putting her alongside Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova for fourth place on the all-time list.

Failing to get beyond the last 16 of the year’s first three slams, Williams sailed through the U.S. Open without dropping a set, finishing off Dane Wozniacki in a snappy 75 WOMEN’S WINNERS. Serena Williams (right) holds the women’s champion’s trophy while Caroline Wozniacki displays the runner-up plate after the finals of the US Open.

minutes.

“I have been trying to reach it for so long, since last year,” said Williams, hoisting her first grand slam trophy since lifting the same trophy a year ago. “I didn’t really think I would get there. I just felt so good.

“I definitely did not think I was going to win a slam this year.

“To win the U.S. Open, that was my dream. Every time I win here it’s just a really incredible special moment for me.

“I’m just a simple individual who just wants to win titles and wants to play tennis.

“The reason I play is to sit at the end of the day and hold the trophy

or stand and hold the trophy. For me, that’s my joy.”

There was no joy, however, for Wozniacki.

Back in a grand slam final for the first time in five years, it was another frustrating end to a promising fortnight for the 10th seed as she once again left Flushing Meadows empty-handed, a major championship just beyond her grasp.

The title came with a massive pay-day for Williams, who pocketed the $3 million winner’s purse along with a $1 million bonus for winning the U.S. Open Series of hard court tournaments that form the buildup to the year’s last grand slam.

GIRL POWER. These girls from Ateneo de Davao University and Assumption College of Davao show everyone that they can play basketball like their male counterparts during the DACS Sportsfest at the UIC Bajada Gym. Boy Lim

Monster slammer eliminates Greece

N

IKOLA Kalinic came into the Round of 16 game against Greece averaging 4.4 points per game for Serbia in the group stage.

The 22-year-old forward nearly doubled that in the first six minutes of Sunday’s game and his performance gave Serbia a big boost in their 90-72 win to reach the Quarter-Finals of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Kalinic threw down

two monster dunk and on both occasions drew fouls to complete three-point plays. He had all 12 of his points in the first half, including eight early on to give Serbia a 15-10 lead with 4:24 left in the first quarter.

His first dunk came over Greek big man Giannis Bourousis after two minutes of action.

And then Kalinic dunked in the face of Greek star Kostas Papanikolaou

at the end of the first half.

“Yeah, I can do that,” said Kalinic, whose previous best scoring outburst was 11 points against Egypt on the first day of the tournament.

His teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic was more animated when talking about the two highlight reel facials.

“Did you see the dunks? Those are NBA dunks,” said the Serbian star.

in Wednesday’s Quarter-Final.

Brazil, who were also beaten by Argentina at the 2012 Olympics, last knocked off their arch rivals 74-66 at the 1967 FIBA World Championship en route to a thirdplace showing.

The Brazilians lost at the same Round of 16 stage fours years ago in Turkey and suffered defeats to their rivals in 1998 and 2002 as well.

Argentina bowed out despite 18 points from Pablo Prigioni and 11

from Facundo Campazzo. Luis Scola was held to just nine points.

The game started as many expected with a showdown of teams that really know one another.

Argentina were the first to pull away with Prigioni hitting two three-pointers in opening a 21-13 first quarter lead.

Brazil got close again, however Argentina twice pushed the margin to seven points - 27-20 and 34-27. The lead was 3633 for the Brazilians at the break.

Argentina exits as Brazil wins

B

RAZIL beat Argentina at FIBA’s flagship event for the first time since 1967 as they knocked off their South American rivals 85-65 to reach the Quarter-Finals of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Raulzinho Neto led Brazil with 21 points, Marquinhos Vieira added 13 while the pair of Leandrinho Barbosa and Tiago Splitter each finished with 10.

Ruben Magnano’s team will take on Serbia

VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

FIBA backs Blatche for Asiad G

ILAS Pilipinas naturalized center Andray Blatche might play in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea after all.

FIBA, the sport’s world governing body, on Saturday, asked the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) to consider reinstating the 6-foot-11 Blatche in the Nationals’ official 12-man lineup for the quadrennial meet, which starts on September 19.

In an official statement signed by secretary general Patrick Baumann and addressed to IAGOC secretary-general Kyon Kyung Sang, FIBA is convinced that Blatche, 27, is eligible to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas after the nineyear NBA veteran was delisted from the country’s official list of delegation in the Asian Games, citing his failure to meet the three-year residency required by the Olympic

Council of Asia (OCA) for naturalized athletes.

The IAGOC also questioned the inclusion of Gabe Norwood and Jared Dillinger in the Philippine team.

In contrast to the view of IAGOC and OCA, FIBA stressed Blatche has all the rights to see action in the Asian Games after already carrying the Philippines’ tri-colors in the ongoing 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain where he averaged team-highs of 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds.

“We would like to inform you that the International Basketball Federation establishes the eligibility of criteria for all basketball athletes worldwide for the purpose of their participation in national team competitions in official competitions organized by or sanctioned by FIBA,” said Baumann in the letter.

Blatche itching to come ‘home’

S

TIGHT DEFENSE. Ateneo de Davao University’s Francis Gabriel Escandor blocks the path of a player from the Assumption College od Davao during the DACS Sportsfest basketball tournament. Boy Lim

ALA fighters score sweep in Dubai B EFORE a sell-out crowd at the magnificent World Trade Center in Dubai, three of ALA boxing gym’s most exciting fighters engaged their Hispanic opponents in ring battles on the tremendously successful “Pinoy Pride XXVII” of ALA Promotions in cooperation with the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN and the widely watched global network TFC, The Filipino Channel in “Duel in Dubai.”

World title prospects – super flyweight King Arthur Villanueva and super bantamweight Genesis “Azukal” Servania kept their unbeaten records

intact but not before being forced to take the fight to their opponents who seemed awed by the crowd some of whom flew in from Saudi Arabia while a few hundred had to be turned away, and the Filipino fighters unblemished record and appeared intent on survival.

Respected boxing patron Tony Aldeguer told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports “styles make fights and we wanted opponents with solid credentials but were disappointed because they were not the aggressive fighters that we saw in their previous fight videos.”

He said Villanueva and Servania could have merely out-boxed them and won but they wanted to give our countrymen exciting fights so they had to take the fight to their opponents.

Villanueva who had Nicaragua’s rugged Henry “El Crespo” Maldonado in trouble in the second round got too excited in wanting to give the predominantly Filipino crowd and walked into a perfect counter-punch that dropped him although it was a flash knockdown.

Villanueva tried to brush off the embarrassment with a sheepish grin.

EVILLE, SPAIN - Moments after the Philippines won its first FIBA World Cup game in 40 years, naturalized player Andray Blatche told Yahoo Philippines Sports that he wants to return to the country to thank the Filipino people for the tremendous support Gilas received.

“The support we got from the Philippines and right here in Spain is more than enough for us to work so hard for this win. I love it. I can’t wait to get back to Manila to give my thanks,” said Blatche.

The 28-year old NBA campaigner, who last played for the Brooklyn Nets, together with skipper Jimmy Alapag, led the Nationals with 18 markers in Gilas’ thrilling 81-79 over-

time victory over Senegal to exit the tournament with a 1-4 card.

Blatche became a naturalized Filipino just two months before the world championship and his inclusion proved to be a brilliant decision. It was a winwin situation for both the Philippines and the 6’11” center-forward from Syracuse, New York. Blatche is currently an NBA free agent and is expecting to sign with a team within this month.

His presence has surely given Gilas Pilipinas a shot in the arm during the FIBA World Cup, enabling the shortest team in the tournament to surprisingly give heavyweights Argentina, Greece, Croatia and Puerto Rico a run for their money with very narrow losses.

KILLER BLOW. Genesis “Azukal” Servania connects.

ALA Photo

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 126 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

IBP-Davao stops Execs winning run 82-81

XECUTIVES streak ends as Judiciary, BJMP advance IBP Davao edged City Hall Executives, 82 – 81, on the final play date of the 2014 IBP-CMO Basketball Tournament preliminary round at the Genesis 88 Gym in Ecolandon Saturday.

But the dribblers from City Hall remained the top-seed entering the semifinal round which takes center stage on Sept. 20.

The Executives were 4 – 1 at the end of the preliminaries and will have a twice to beat advantage along with No. 2 seed Team Judiciary in the Final Four showdown.

IBP-Davao leaned

on the breaks of the game down the stretch to pull away with the much-needed victory.

Adrian Paguican scored all his 20 points in the final half to lead the charge for the IBPDavao which barged in the semis as a third-seed.

Christopher “Bong” Go paced the Executives with 41 points marked 11 three pointers with five of which came in the final period.

Gil Ciudadano chipped in 14 baskets for the IBP-Davao that will battle it out with Team Judiciary in the semifinal round. City Hall Executives takes on BJMP. Team Judiciary pulled out a 79 – 78 victory against IBP-Davao

Oriental to finish 4 – 1 card and earn a twice to beat incentive as the No. 2 seed.

Torres led the charge for the Judiciary with 19 points as Libre added 14.

Arman Dioso poured in 37 points for the IBPDavao Orinetal but his impressive numbers were not good enough to bring his team to the next round.

In the other match, BJMP defeated the IBPDavao Del Norte, 133 – 85 to enter the semifinal round.

BJMP was 2-3 tied with IBP-Davao Oriental but the Jailmen advanced by virtue of the “team that beats the other prevail rule in case of double tie.

SPIKERS ISLAND. Part of the heated action in the Spikers Island beach volleyball festival at the Bluejaz Resort and Waterpark over the weekend.

Ateneo de Davao University’s Mass Communica-

tions students collectively known as Paragon Productions organized the event with Edge Davao as media partner. Lean Daval Jr.