Edge Davao 7 Issue 29

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

HYDRO FACILITIES. Media practioners from Davao City walk by a gigantic turbine generator during a Hedcor organized tour at Tudaya 1 and 2 hydro facilities in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NO RELOCATION SITE Settlers under Bankerohan Bridge I are not ‘house owners’

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

hE informal settlers occupying the area under the Gov. Generoso (Bankerohan) Bridge I are not qualified to avail themselves of the Davao City government’s housing and homesite programs and services.

City housing and homesite division chief Roy Ryan A. Rigor said during I- Speak Media Forum yesterday that the city government has not committed to provide relocation site to the settlers who will be temporarily displaced with the reconstruction of Davao City Water District (DCWD) Bridge Crossing Pipe.

Rigor said that of the 126 structures, only one owner is qualified to avail of the relocation site based on the census tagging conducted by the city government on informal settlers living near the waterways

and other danger zones.

Most of the affected settlers under Bankerohan Bridge are just “renters “ with actual owners already left or reside outside Davao City particularly in Lanao provinces.

Rigor said that one of the actual owners who is now based in Lanao approached his office upon learning of the impending demolition of his structure.

He said that for now, the renters can use the financial assistance shelled out by DCWD in looking some tem-

FNO, 10

NO ENTRY? A “No Entry” signage that aims to warn the motorists and the riding public which will be affected by Gov. Generoso Bridge II rehabilitation was placed at the side of the road as the structure was reopened yesterday afternoon after hours of dry run. The bridge is expected to be closed for six months starting today. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

IMPORTED. A laborer loads a sack of charcoal from the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) unto a hauler at Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

asked to intervene El Niño to worsen power woes Rody in Talaingod Lumad fix

By ChENEEN R. CApON

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crc@edgedavao.net

He perennial power woes besetting Mindanao is expected to worsen with forecasted el Niño that will hit the country starting this October up to the early quarter of 2015. emmanuel B. Medelo, grid manager of Aboitizowned Hedcor Inc., yesterday said in a tour at the new 26 megawatt Tudaya 2 hydroplant in Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur that they were briefed by officials of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on the impending dry spell season in a meeting in Cagayan de Oro two days ago.

According to Medelo, a study under the project

NOAH of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)indicated the upcoming drought season stating the late quarter this year which will affect the generating capacity of hydro plants.

“Generation utilities using hydropower are warned because of its possible effect on operation,” he said, adding that the power generated by hydro power plants depends of the load or supply of water.

The Sibulan river which generates water supply to four hydro power plants of Hedcor might be affected.

Of the four plants, three are commissioned by the Davao Light Power Co. (DLPC), the

Sibulan 1 and Sibulan 2, and Tudaya 1’s 49.1 megawatts (MW). The remaining 7 MW is for Davao del Sur electric Cooperative.

The capacity of a hydro power plant depends on the volume of water entering pipes. The bigger the load, the higher the power produced.

Medelo said there was an instance when Hedcor reduced the capacity of Sibulan 1 and Sibulan 2 which has a combined capacity of 42.5 MW. “As of now, we still don’t how much we will reduce.

We just need to wait for the el Niño happened because our operation solely depends on the water supply

coming from the Sibulan River,” he said.

For preparation, the management is imposing a shutdown every 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. to ensure that the plant has enough reserved water in the two head ponds.

The head pond serves as collector or reservoir of water. It is located between Tudaya 1 and Sibulan 1 with another found between Sibulan 2 and Tudaya 2.

Medelo, however, expressed optimism that the upcoming el Niño will not severely affect Hecdor’s entire operation as Davao Region is less susceptible to drought.

& Young International.

In 2009, Rotarian Boy was chosen “Most Inspiring Dabawenyo entrepreneur” in a search jointly sponsored by the Philippine Center for enterpreneurship and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and picked to receive an Alumni Award for entrepreneurship and

Management by the University of San Agustin.

A native of Midsayap, North Cotabato, one of 10 children born to Ilonggo parents, the incoming district governor is also a graduate of Structural engineering of the University of the Philippines and of Business Administration of the De La Salle University.

Rotary District 3860 is composed of more than 90 Rotary clubs in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

The incoming club presidents and secretaries under the supervision of District Governor Salanatin’s team will be oriented on their duties and responsibilities, as well the Rotary International’s various structured programs during the Presidents-elect/Secre-

taries-elect (PeTS/SeTS) District Assembly (Distas) at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Aug. 25-26.

More than 200 participants are expected to attend.

Incumbent District Governor edgar Chiongbian of Cebu will call the assembly to order at 9 a.m.

Incoming district secretary Abo Gempesaw of the Rotary Club of West Davao will introduce the Distas participants and guests, while Distas Chairman Dan evangelio of RC Toril will deliver the welcome remarks.

Incoming district governor Boy Salanatin will present the RI Themefor 2014-15 “Light Up Rotary”. He is also expected to touch on his district advocacy “enjoy Rotary” during his watch.[AMA]

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has been reportedly asked by the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) to intervene on the plight of Lumad communities in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

The mayor said the request was relayed to him by the NPA during the release of Sgt. Jeric Curray last Wednesday in Monkayo, Compotela Valley.

“The NPA are really after for the welfare of the people. I don’t know. Maybe? But, I promised them I do something,” Duterte

said.

Duterte said that he will visit the Lumad evacuees which are now housed in United Church of Christ in the Philippines – Haran Compound in Madapo Hills to get appraised of the their situation.

“I’m trying to sort it out because there are something there that which hindi ko kaya because its not within my jurisdiction,” said Duterte.

Based on the report of bulatlat.com, around 1,350 people have already fled

FRODY, 10

Ibon Foundation holds confab of teachers’on MDGs in Davao

Top entrepreneur heads Vismin Rotary in 2014-15 A C

N outstanding civil engineering contractor and one of the region’s award-winning entrepreneurs will assume as governor of Rotary International District 3860 for Rotary Year 2014-15 in July.

He is Remegio “Boy” G. Salanatin, president and CeO of RG Salanatin Construction, a Davao Citybased company which made a name building public and private schools, among other structures.

Salanatin, who graduated valedictorian of the University of San Agustin in Iloilio City and second placer in the Civil engineering Board examination, was chosen national finalist in the 2010 ernst & Young entrepreneur of the Year (eOY) Search sponsored by SGV Foundation and ernst

abf@edgedavao.net

ONFeReNCe also aims to develop modules on teaching strategies and methods that integrate human development goals in the existing curriculum As the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) nears, the country needs to review how it has so far accomplished these goals and to look at ways on how to meaningfully achieve human development.

These are among the objectives of the 16th IBON National educators’ Seminar-Workshop, which kicks off today at Davao City. The conference gathers educators and school administrators from different regions to discuss the United Nations goals for

human development and look at current proposals for a more sustainable development agenda.

The conference entitled “Beyond MDGs: Asserting Pro-people Development” is an important venue in building greater awareness and capacity among educators not just on the MDGs but on promoting a set of development goals beyond 2015 that are truly responsive to people’s welfare.

The educators’ conference also aims to develop modules on teaching strategies and methods that integrate human development goals in the existing curriculum. These modules will be the result of different workshops throughout the

FIBON, 10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

3

DOH leads regional task force against MERS-Cov T

A physically impaired vendor maneuvers his wheelchair towards San Pedro Street in Davao City where he sells cartoon character-shaped balloons. Lean Daval Jr.

He Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 11 urged all member agencies to support, assist and collaborate with the Department of Health 11 which leads the Task Force Middle east Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MeRS-Cov) in Davao Region.

Based on Memorandum No. 12 Series of 2014, Loreto Rirao, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense and chair of the RDRRMC 11 said the task force is commissioned to closely monitor, trace, respond and manage the health consequences of the possible outbreak of the illness.

“This collaboration is a positive initiative to our partner-council as our mitigation/ preparedness mea-

sure,” he said.

A health advisory issued by the National Health Promotion, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control said the MeRS-Cov is a viral respiratory illness where patients show symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, diarrhea and kidney failure.

Health authorities said that the disease can be prevented by washing hands often with soap and water; covering nose and mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, with the disposal of tissue paper immediately and properly; avoidance of touching the face like the eye area, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, regular cleaning of touched surfaces like door knobs and handles; avoid-

He Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said that the visit of US President Barack Obama will further improve security and defense ties between the United States and the Philippines.

Obama is slated to visit the country this coming April 28 to 29.

“The AFP believes that the visit of US President Barack Obama will further strengthen the relationship between the American and Filipino nations, especially in terms of mutual security and defense cooperation,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

Aside from this, both

countries have a long tradition of partnership.

“The US military and the AFP shares a long history of partnership built on the Mutual Defense Treaty. This visit will also affirm that partnership in order for both the US and the Philippines to create a mutually beneficial environment aimed at addressing broad regional and global challenges, including maritime security, climate change, terrorism, and transnational crimes among others,” Zagala pointed out.

Malacanang earlier stated that ways to intensify political and security cooperation between the

FDOH, 10

Direct Mindanao-Indonesia route US, PHL to strengthen to be revived starting next month security, defense ties T A

By ChENEEN R. CApON crc@edgedavao.net

DIReCT Mindanao-Indonesia sea linkage will be soon revived as Indonesian cargo vessels will soon sail the Davao-Gensan-Tahuna-Bitung route starting on the second week of May. This after the signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) between President Benigno Aquino III and Indonesian President Susila Bambang Yuhoyono scheduled on May 12 in Indonesia.

Ahmed J. Datukan development management officer for investor relation division of the Mindanao Development Authority

(MinDA) said that during the launching of the trade voyage, the Philippines will send its first shipment composed of agricultural crops such as banana, pineapple and durian.

He said that the government has yet to finalize which port will be used in the region, either the Davao Sasa Port or the Davao International Container Terminal in Panabo City.

However, he said that Sasa port is the most preferred it is already decongested from containers after the American Presidential Line has transported to DICT port.

DPWH pursues greening National Building Code

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He public works department is preparing to integrate green building into PD 1096 (National Building Code of the Philippines).

“We’re developing the green building referral code,” said Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) acting executive director for national building code development Johnson Domingo on Wednesday at the LGU forum on green building.

He said such move aims to help improve the built environment and protect the natural environment aside from promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, savings, energy efficiency, better businessoperations and green-

er markets.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the World Bank Group member assisting government in developing green building policies and regulations.

IFC said green building is the practice of adapting sustainable features and measures in design, construction, operation and management of a structure.

The institution also noted green building targets significantly improving a structure’s energy, water, materials and resource efficiency while reducing its impacts on human health and the environment.

Studies DPWH conducted earlier show proper implementation of the

The project was fist conceptualized last year after the Japan International Cooperative Association (JICA) recommended a sea link that will be dedicated to freight services between General Santos City and Indonesia.

Datukan told edge Davao in a phone interview that the two countries initially decided to implement first the cargo vessels instead of the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) system.

“The country complied comply with the necessary requirements but there were some restrictions and regulations on the part of

the Indonesian government,” Datukan explained.

Two Indonesian vessels owned by PT Kanaka Lines, with a capacity of transporting 120,000 metric tons of goods each named MV Patar and MV Picala will collect cargos from the port of Davao and Gensan.

The ships will be sailing from China which will take one month before reaching Davao port. The local goods will be transported to Tahuna and Bitung, Indonesia within nine to 12 days, Datukan said.

The first sea route is expected to provide easier

FDIRECT, 10

FUS, 10

INNOCENCE. A young badjao flashes a hearty smile despite losing his family’s shanty and valuable belongings to a fire in Isla Verde, Davao City. The city gov-

FDPWH, 10 ernment of Davao is currently constructing temporary shelters at Sta. Ana wharf for fire victims who are staying at Magsaysay Park. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014 Internet Photo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

OFW quarantined for suspected MERS-CoV A

NOTHeR returning overseas Filipino worker (OFW) here has been placed under quarantine after reportedly showing suspected symptoms of the deadly Middle east Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MeRS-CoV).

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, chief of the city health office’s epidemiology and surveillance unit, said Thursday the OFW volunteered to undergo quarantine and testing for MeRSCoV after being diagnosed with respiratory infection several days after arriving from Saudi Arabia.

She said the patient arrived in Manila ahead of the April 15 etihad Airways flight eY 0424 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab emirates that included a passenger who had tested positive for MeRS-CoV. “(The patient) showed suspected symptoms of MeRS-CoV, specifically respiratory infection. The monitoring is still ongoing,” she said.

On Wednesday morning, Lastimoso said they took throat swabs on the OFW and immediately sent them to the Department of Health’s (DOH) Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa City for the MeRS-CoV tests.

COTABATO CITY

Two OFWs from the city who arrived aboard etihad’s flight eY 0424 were earlier subjected to mandatory quarantine and tests for MeRS-CoV at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, where they “captured” by DOH personnel.

But Dr. edgardo Sandig, city health officer, said the two patients were released from quarantine on Wednesday after their tests turned out negative of the virus.

A report released by DOH Region 12’s epidemiology and surveillance unit showed that 11 of the listed 415 passengers of etihad flight eY 0424 had been traced as either residents of the region or proceeded to visit the area.

Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

It said nine of the passengers were returning OFWs while the two others were a visiting foreigner and an OFW from Region 6 or Western Visayas.

Three cases, including a foreigner, were listed in

Farming in ARMM goes high-tech with mobile app

A

MANAGeMeNT tool for farmers using mobile apps is being eyed for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to boost yield and income.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM Secretary Macmod Mending said they call this modern search and monitoring input Rice Crop Manager.

“This will be tested in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur soon. So imagine we will be using an android phone application to determine the number of fertilizer to be applied, when to use the irrigation system, the planting season and other managerial farming techniques,” he said.

Mending said they have trained DAF-ARMM experts and they will tap an irrigators group to work on it.

“If the system works well then it’s the time the agency will propagate the system to more farmers,” he said.

The agency will also use geo-tagging technology and online database management to monitor agriculture projects in the region funded through the bottom-up budgeting scheme.

On Tuesday, April 22, Mending and ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman distributed funds, equipment, seeds and fertilizers to farmers under said budgeting scheme, which the governor said is meant to help boost the region’s economy and reduce poverty incidence.

Marawi City received a tractor worth P1.5 million to improve corn production in the area.

At least 20 villages in Maguindanao will start this month the “Gulayan sa Barangay” program.

Around 1,200 farmers will receive support package consisting of vegetable seedlings, farm tools, knapsack sprayers, plastic drums, fertilizers and bags of rice. [Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews]

CHEAP. Watermelons are displayed for sale at P10 a kilo along the highway in Maguindanao on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. [MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo] Kidapawan City; two each in this city, South Cotabato and Sarangani; and, one each in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Meantime, health and airport police personnel here have remained on high alert for possible cases of MeRS-CoV. Sr. Insp. Marlon Dolar, head of the city airport’s aviation security unit,

KIDAPAWAN CITY

said they are regularly coordinating with the DOH to check whether there are incoming passengers at the airport that are included in the watchlist for the disease.

“In case there are passengers coming in that are on the list, we will immediately make a move in coordination with DOH personnel,” he said.

Lastimoso said they have prepared their personnel and the necessary facilities and equipment to properly respond to any suspected case of MeRS-CoV. She said they have been closely coordinating with the DOH to ensure the proper handling of any suspected case.

The official called

on returning OFWs who originated from countries with confirmed MeRSCoV cases to immediately submit themselves to quarantine and testing upon arrival.

She added that such move is mainly a precautionary measure to prevent the possible entry and spread of the disease to the area. [MindaNews]

captured alive, has been weak since the fishermen captured it and tied to a huge tree near the marsh for several days.

After several negotiations with the group of fishermen, who earlier demanded a P40,000 payment for capturing the reptile, it was turned over to the local government “for custody and health recovery.”

“The crocodile appears to be stressed and weak when the LGU took custody,” Pinol said.

“We have no intention of keeping it for we know pretty well it is endangered and must be sent back to the wild,” he stressed. earlier, Theresa Mundita Lim, Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) director, said her agency, based on consultation with scientific experts, would advise local officials to free the reptile back to the Liguasan marshland.

Pinol said his office had been working closely with the DeNR for a series of health tests before it will be

sent back to the Liguasan marshland.

Lim said her office is conducting “community awareness campaigns” to make local residents understand the importance of saving endemic species like Malang.

“We need to make sure that the communities and LGU are aware of the benefits of the release, so they become true partners in protecting the species in its natural habitat,” Lim was quoted saying in published reports.

Local DeNR officials said several big crocodiles as big as “Lolong” could be lurking in the 220,000-hectare marshland that straddles in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

Malang is believed to be the largest Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) in captivity in the country today.

Now critically endangered species, freshwater crocodiles can grow a maximum of 3.05 meters, wildlife officials said.

There are two crocodilian species existing in the Philippines. The Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the indo-Pacific crocodile or Crocodylus porosus.

Wild life experts said endemic in the country is the Philippine freshwater crocodile while the Indo-Pacific crocodile is widely distributed throughout the tropical areas of Asia and the Pacific regions.

“Lolong,” the 6.09 meter long world’s largest captive crocodile from the Agusan marshland, died of pneumonia and cardiac arrest in February last year, was an Indo-Pacific crocodile.

“Malang” was named after the town of Mlang, a 1st class municipality in the province of North Cotabato and sits beside the Liguasan marshland. As of the 2010 census, it has a population of 113,366 people in 22,573 households.

The name Mlang was derived from a Maguindanaoan word “tamlang” which means bamboo.

[PNA]

‘Malang’to be sent back to the wild “M

ALANG,” believed to be the country’s largest crocodile in captivity will be released back to the wild even without an order from the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR), Mayor Joselito Pinol of Mlang, North Cotabato said Thursday.

“We have no intention of keeping the crocodile as tourist spot, we will send it back to the marshland,” Pinol said in a radio interview.

He stressed the local government of Mlang in North Cotabato has no intention of keeping “Malang,” the 2.8-meter Philippine freshwater crocodile for tourist attraction.

“Malang,” captured by fishermen in Barangay Dungguan on April 12, will be sent back to the wild once his health condition normalizes.

“Once the crocodile’s condition improves, it will be released back to the marshland,” Pinol said in a radio interview.

The croc, believed to be the largest of its kind ever

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

PHL has new chief statistician L

ISA Grace S. Bersales, former vice-president for planning and finance of the University of the Philippines (UP) System and erstwhile dean of the UP Diliman School of Statistics, is the newly-appointed National Statistician and head of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who is also the PSA Board Chairman, led the oath-taking ceremony yesterday at the NeDA Central Office, Pasig City. President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed her on April 21, 2014.

Prior to assuming the post, Bersales was the UP System’s Vice President for Planning and Finance, a position she has held since

February 10, 2011. A member of the UP Diliman faculty for more than 30 years, she was director of graduate studies while also dean of the School of Statistics in the late 1990s.

Bersales earned her bachelor’s degree in Statistics, cum laude, in 1978, MS in Statistics in 1981, and PhD in Statistics in 1989 in the same university.

Her publications and research papers have mainly been on applying statistical analysis to a wide range of issues related to social development, agriculture, and the economy. She has been involved in several projects with government agencies, such as the former National Statistics Office (NSO) that is now

NEW PSA HEAD. Lisa Bersales took an oath before Economic Planning Secretary and PSA Board Chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan last April 22, 2014 at the NEDA Central Office in Pasig City, following her appointment as National Statistician and head of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) from President Benigno S. Aquino III in April 22, 2014. under PSA, and the Departments of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and education (Deped).

Her most recent projects include the “enhancement of the Municipal Talakayan for the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDDS Monitoring and evaluation Team,” and the “Quantitative Assessment of the Project Impact on Beneficiaries from Particularly Vulnerable Backgrounds” for the International Labor Organization.

Among the duties of Bersales as National Statistician are the following: direct and supervise the general administration of the PSA; and prescribe rules and regulations, instructions, schedule and form of business of the PSA in the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistics and other information and in the conduct of any cen-

sus.

Furthermore, she will also provide the overall direction of the Civil Registry Law’s implementation, technical supervision over the civil registrars, and will act as ex-officio Chairperson of the PSA Board Secretariat, among others.

The PSA was created by Republic Act 10625 on September 12, 2013. It consolidates the various statistical offices and bureaus of the different national government agencies under one authority, and is comprised of the former National Statistics Office (NSO), the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), and the Department of Labor and employment’s Bureau of Labor and employment Statistics (BLeS).

PHL boosting local furniture industry T

He Philippines furniture industry is strengthening its brand in the ASeAN market, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a press statement Thursday.

DTI stated that the country continues to market the Philippine furniture industry in different parts of the globe through participating trade shows.

“We are continuously advancing Philippine design for the thriving ASeAN market not just through our signature design event, the Manila FAMe, but also by participating in prominent events in the region like the Maison&Objet Asia,” said DTI undersecretary for Trade and Investment Promotions Group (TIPG) Ponciano C.Manalo Jr.

The Maison&Objet Asia took place in Singapore March of this year. This is also the first Asian edition of the Paris-based trade show for interior design and decoration.

“With a select group of seven companies representing Design Philippines in the recent Maison&Objet Asia in Singapore, we were able to showcase Filipino creativity and craftsmanship in furniture, and project the country as a reliable sourcing partner of designer products and services in Asia,” Manalo said.

Philippine delegation to Maison&Objet Asia includes Kenneth Cobonpue who was awarded first, the Maison&Objet Asia Designer of the Year and is now the Maison&Objet Asia ambassador. [PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep 2013 Apr 2013

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Aboitiz firms bag corporate honors from CorpGovAsia L

ISTeD companies Aboitiz equity Ventures, Inc. (AeV) and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) capped the first quarter on a positive note with several prestigious corporate governance awards from regional publication Corporate Governance Asia.

At the 4th Corporate Governance Asia Asian excellence Awards last April 3 at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, Hong Kong, erramon I. Aboitiz, AeV President and Chief executive Officer (CeO), was named Best CeO (Investor Relations), while Iker M. Aboitiz, AboitizPower Chief Financial Officer (CFO), was named Best CFO (Investor Relations).

AeV also took home the awards for Best Corporate Social Responsibility and Best Investor Relations Company, while AboitizPower won the Best environmental Responsibility award.

“These prestigious awards reflect the Aboitiz Group’s culture of promoting accountability and transparency in all levels. These awards would have not been possible without the tireless support of all our team members, whose passion for better ways never fail to inspire all of us to lead, excel, and serve,” Mr. erramon I. Aboitiz

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

T

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

The Asian excellence Awards recognize regional

achievements and excellence in management acumen, financial performance, cor-

porate social responsibility, environmental practices and investor relations.

Both AeV and AboitizPower have been previous winners of said awards.

all four buildings, having a special feature called the Sky Gardens.

The Sky Gardens will look like three wide openings on the facade of the building that will allow the entry and exit of cool air into the structure.

It will help cool the building and facilitate the free flow of air into the hallways and stairwell of Liverpool, giving it excellent indoor air quality.

This special feature will also allow natural light to enter the building, illuminating its indoor and lessening the need for artificial lighting during the day. The light and airy atmosphere will emanate throughout the building, giving the residents a cool

and comfortable indoor environment.

The Sky Gardens will also be adorned with live plants to give it a real garden setting, but at several storeys high.

It’s like bringing the lush outdoor of Northpoint into Liverpool, so that those located at the higher floors also get to experience a verdant environment without going down to ground level.

“Liverpool residents will benefit from its natural ventilation and lighting. These are just some of the advantages of Northpoint over other condo developments in the region, making it the most desirable condo community in this part of Mindanao,” said

escalicas.

The construction kickoff on Saturday will start with a Holy Mass at 9:30 a.m. followed by a ceremonial excavation and dropping of coins.

It will be a whole day affair with Northpoint having an Open House and a Buyers Day that will have special discounts, promos, and outright discounts that can go as high as P400,000.

Camella will also hold a summer cooler demo and has prepared entertainment for all the guests, including an art workshop for kids in the afternoon. expected guests are Camella officers and staff led by escalicas, the general con-

tractor, construction management, suppliers, property management staff, Camella’s sales networks, and Northpoint residents.

Northpoint is a British colonial themed condo development in Davao of Vista Residences, the vertical marketing arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes where Camella is also a subsidiary.

Get more information about Northpoint and the kickoff this Saturday at Camella Davao offices at Delgar Building, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City, or call 295-3973, email vismin@camella.com. ph, or check out www.camella.com.ph.

said.

Construction of Northpoint’s 4th building to kick off Saturday

He much-awaited construction of the fourth tower of the landmark condo development Northpoint will commence after a ceremonial kickoff this Saturday, April 26.

“We’re pleased to announce that we shall start building Liverpool, the fourth and greenest tower of Northpoint,” said Marlon B. escalicas, Camella Southern Mindanao Cluster Head. escalicas said Northpoint is the greenest condo community in the city and in Mindanao, built to principles of green architecture that is beneficial to its inhabitants and the environment. Liverpool will be the greenest of

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

Mailene de la Torre, AEV Associate General Counsel; Susan Valdez, AEV Chief Reputation & Risk Management Officer, and Catherine Atay, AEV AVP-Corporate Secretarial & Compliance Services with Aldrin Monsod, CorpGovAsia Publisher & Managing Director.

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as of May 2013

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

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16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE29 29••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,APRIL APRIL25-26, 25-26,2014 2014

Bud Bongao is Tawi-Tawi’s most famous mountain, an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. (Gregg Yan / WWF)

Bud Bongao: The Sacred Mountain of Tawi-Tawi Holy Mountain first community-administered protected area in ARMM

By GREGG YAN

G

RUFF and grizzled, the guardian stared with steely orbs the colour of flame – gauging our character and purity. Baring his yellow teeth, he holds out an upturned palm, barring us from going further.

“We should give offerings,” cautions a sweating Munir Hamsaji, one of my climbing teammates. Having climbed this mountain many times before, Munir cautiously unties a knotted plastic bag, takes a crusty piece of bread and tosses it to the waiting warden. Delighted, the long-tailed macaque snatches the treat and hoots off into the forest.

Relieved, we trek on. Bud Bongao’s guardians have allowed us passage.

Guardians Cloaking its secrets with verdure and mist, Bud Bongao is Tawi-Tawi’s most famous mountain, sprouting 340 meters above the sea. It’s a revered pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who come in droves to brave slippery rocks and the snarl of undergrowth to visit one of three carefully-tended Tampat or shrines.

Over 630 years ago, Arab merchant Karim ul-Makhdum landed in the Philippines to spread Islam, establishing the country’s first mosque – Sheik

Karimal Makdum Masjid – in Simunul, a small island off the coast of Tawi-Tawi. Legend has it that one of his original followers – a preacher – was buried atop Bud Bongao.

Today the mountain is a 250-hectare treasure trove of biodiversity and one of the last remaining moist forests in the Sulu archipelago. It is also the first site in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to be administered completely by the local government.

“Bud Bongao is an icon of terrestrial biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism in Tawi-Tawi because of the wealth of its wildlife and its unique cultural importance,” says World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Tawi-Tawi Project Manager Dr. Filemon Romero.

In a well-attended ceremony held last month, officials from WWF and the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DeNR) turned over the management of Bud Bongao and adjacent Bud Kabugan to the local government of Tawi-Tawi, led by Bongao Mayor Jasper Que, Governor Nurbert Sahali and Congresswoman Ruby Sahali.

Hand-in-hand with the DeNR, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global environmental

Officials from WWF and the DENR, led by Bongao Mayor Jasper Que, Governor Nurbert Sahali, Congresswoman Ruby Sahali, WWF-Philippines Vice-president for Conservation Programmes Joel Palma, WWF Tawi-Tawi Project Manager Dr. Filemon Romero and DENR Protected Areas Specialist Ariel Erasga, formally turn over the management of Bud Bongao to the local government of Tawi-Tawi. Bud Bongao and adjacent Bud Kabugan are the first biodiversity bastions of the ARMM to be fully-administered by the local government. In Tausug, ‘Bud’ means ‘peak’. (Gregg Yan / WWF) Facility (GeF), plus local government units from Tawi-Tawi, WWF has been conducting baseline studies and communications initiatives for Bud Bongao since December 2010.

“It’s one of the model sites

Curious Bud Bongao guardian sneaks in a peek. With the turnover of the site to locals, a new corps of guardians shall protect the Holy mountain of Tawi-Tawi. (Gregg Yan)

under the New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project or NeWCAPP, which protects 12 key biodiversity areas across the nation,” says DeNR Protected Areas Specialist Ariel erasga. “We wish to highlight novel ways of protecting biodiversity hubs – particularly if their management plans were developed by communities, indigenous groups and local government units.”

NeWCAPP aims to expand and strengthen the terrestrial protected area (PA) system of the Philippines by developing new PA models and building capacities for effective management. The expanded PA system will have comprehensive ecological coverage plus strong links to both local communities and indigenous lands through the development and integration of new conservation zones.

Now it seems, all the people of Tawi-Tawi shall become

guardians of Bud Bongao. “All that we see and experience now, we hope to preserve for the future,” said Tawi-Tawi Governor Nurbert Sahali at the turnover. prayers on trees Following the spine of Bud Bongao, we pass an enormous Molave tree said to be the largest of its kind in the country. We finally break free of the forest’s dappled gloom to reach the sunbathed summit. Savouring a few breaths, plus the breath-taking view of the Celebes Sea, I look south – squinting at the faint outline of Malaysian Borneo. Around us, branches are adorned with knotted strips of plastic, cloth and foil – prayers for safe passage. Overhead float lazy ribbons of cloud.

I take a moment to pray to God – by whatever name pilgrims call him. Descending, we encounter a group of Muslim pilgrims, decked out

in bright regalia, the women wholly covered in long gowns and hijab scarves. I wonder how they can stand the heat – bearing umbrellas and basketfuls of food to boot. We stop and talk with an Imam, a religious leader.

“The preacher wished to be buried atop the highest point in Bongao so his followers can prove their sincerity,” explains Ishmael Uto. “This weeds out the unworthy, ensuring that pilgrims work hard to turn wishes into reality.”

My sole wish is for the mountain’s guardians – humans, spirits and monkeys alike – to continue protecting one of the last bastions of terrestrial biodiversity in Sulu.

Parting ways as pilgrims to the same God, I turn to the venerable Imam and say, “Salaam alaiukum.” He smiles and shakes my hand warmly. “And peace be with you, brother.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

Maneuvers

T

He jolting story of the week is the possibility of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, turning into a state witness and getting off the hook in the most sensational case since the conviction of plunder of former President erap estrada and his subsequent pardon by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

This developed after Napoles made two moves whose true motives are now being hotly debated . One was her marathon meeting with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for five hours – from 10 p.m. last Monday night to 3 a.m. Tuesday –wherein she reportedly told De Lima everything that she knows about the scam, especially the roles of senators Juan Ponce enrile, Jinggoy estrada and Ramon Revilla Jr. in the huge anomaly. Another was her giving a USB copy to former senator now rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson of recorded incriminating telephone conversations she had with certain persons involved in the scam. The headlines about Napoles’ revelations to De Lima and Lacson were one in saying that the scam involved a total of 12, not just three senators.

At least one news account quoted Bruce Rivera, a lawyer of Napoles, as claiming that someone else, not Janet, is the brains

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behind the scam. This was like a sales pitch for Napoles’s qualification as a state witness.

Janet’s twin turnaround moves - from denying her role in the scam during the Senate hearing to telling all what she knows about it – is akin to the move of lawyer Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes, chief of staff of Senator enrile, in putting the blame on aide Jose Antonio evangelista for the questionable disbursement of millions of pesos in PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) of enrile, and evangelista admitting responsibility over it at least partly.

Whistleblowers and their lawyers are logically alarmed by this turn of events, particularly Napoles’ becoming a state witness. It is not surprising if the whistle-blowers and their counsel will be conjuring ugly scenarios at this juncture.

This is a delicate episode in this very sensational case. Government prosecutors led by Justice Secretary De Lima should handle this very carefully, seeing to it that the whistleblowers will not feel they’re being had. The worst thing that could happen in this case is for the whistle-blowers to withdraw from witnessing for the prosecution because they fell that Government is mishandling it.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

Startling turnaround

L

eGAL PROCeSSeS IN THe COUNTRY IS LONG AND CUMBeRSOMe - All eyes are now focused on Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged mastermind and central figure of the incomparable Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or better known as the “pork barrel” scam enmeshing some members of Congress.

With the recent twist and turn of events, the shameful financial scandal seems to be scrutable and making sense.

Based on the statement of the Justice Secretary, Napoles is now willing to “spill the beans and open the can of worms” surrounding the PDAF mystery? But why only now when she could have done it during the series of hearings and investigation in aid of legislation conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee?

There are probably plenty of reasons that prodded Napoles to tell it all – fear for her life and family, physical and mental stress, harassment and intimidation either by the government or some influential people. According to DOJ’s account there are about 19 present and previous members of Congress mentioned by Napoles during a three-hour close-door talk who benefited from the pork barrel fund anomaly.

The DOJ meanwhile refused to divulge the identities of those revealed by Napoles in order not to derail the ongoing investigation. However, the DOJ has yet to strictly scrutinize Napoles’ complete turnaround and startling revelation and confirm the veracity of her latest disclosure.

But some skeptics raised this query: “Is her act voluntary or under pressure?”

Given the seriousness of her situation Napoles sets out a condition which in many sensational cases afforded only to the “less guilty” – state witness. The procedure if granted would release Napoles from all legal burdens. But so far the DOJ stated it has not committed to the demand. Many legal experts say that although her

C

new revelation is relevant to the case her request is highly improbable considering that Napoles is the primary suspect of the PDAF scam.

There are lots of legal steps before becoming a state witness and an applicant in the case of Napoles is something like an elephant passing through the “eye of the needle.” While there is too much fuss on the latest development of the pork barrel scam, it is highly expected that this would be a protracted court battle considering that in the country legal processes and court trials are long and cumbersome.

SUFFICIeNT LeVeL OF HeALTH SURVeILLANCe NeeDeD – Hardly a day goes by without the warning of the spread of another dreaded disease. Microbiologists and scientists worldwide recently have turned their attention to the Middle east following the mysterious death some people infected with still uncertain illness.

Some patients remained at various hospitals and medical facilities, still in serious condition and under close observation. A Filipino OFW is among the latest victim. Worst of all, the fear of virus health experts is that a virulent strain of the virus has probably metamorphosed to strike humans.

But there is a way of getting to know the origin of the mysterious disease, according to health authorities and added that the new virus could mean a “major health disaster.” Local doctors and visiting health experts are expected to take more time to determine whether the conta-

gious strain found in the bodies of affected people is similar from that of patients infected with flu normally the virus called influenza A-H1N1.

To a great extent, doctors and researchers note that the new “killer disease” it seems is developing resistance to existing drugs. In practical terms, this means low-tech solutions like proper sanitation and personal hygiene remain the best weapon against the unknown illness.

Health authorities believe that by adopting the simple but effective procedure can somehow reduce the death risk – at least for the time being.

That being said, Philippine health authorities are closely monitoring the arrival of OFWs coming from the Middle east and should likewise closely observe the new health scare and make an update to keep people always on the alert. Nonetheless, months after the outbreak the World Health Organization (WHO) finally discovered an answer to the confusion surrounding the mysterious disease. A series of tests found that the viral sequence was a virus called the Middle east Respiratory Syndrome – Corona Virus or MeRS-CoV. It causes cold-like symptoms – high fever, severe cough and cold, and if it remained untreated for days a patient would suffer acute pulmonary and respiratory ailment and paralysis ultimately resulting to death. There’s still much to be learned about how the virus works and in our situation, the challenge for Philippine health officials is to maintain a sufficient level of surveillance while ensuring that the common fever, cough and cold doesn’t overrun common sense.

The pressure is on our health authorities to find a quick, reliable test for the MeRS-CoV before the cold and flu season. That’s actually a good thing, which means that should the infectious disease enters the country, health experts will be able to identify it early and prevent a possible outbreak.

Defunct economic policies

AN economists contribute anything useful to our understanding of politics, business and finance in the real world?

I raise this question having spent last weekend in Toronto at the annual conference of the Institute for New economic Thinking, a foundation created in 2009 in response to the failure of modern economics in the global financial crisis (whose board I currently chair). Unfortunately, the question raised above is as troubling today as it was in November 2008, when Britain’s Queen elizabeth famously stunned the head of the London School of economics by asking faux naively, “But why did nobody foresee this [economic collapse]?”

As John Maynard Keynes observed in 1936, when he challenged the economic orthodoxies that were aggravating the Great Depression: “The ideas of economists, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed, the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influences, are usually slaves of some defunct economist.”

This remark is as relevant today as in 1936.

Joseph e. Stiglitz, the Nobel laureate, asked rhetorically in Toronto: “Why are central banks and governments still trying to predict the effects of their policies with an economic model that is manifestly absurd?”

His answer was that the economic models studied in universities and published in leading academic journals are still largely based on a simplifying concept, known as the Representative Agent, which effectively assumes that “everyone in the economy is the same.” So these models have nothing to say about lending or

COMMENTARY By anatolE KalEtSKy borrowing, ignore the existence of banks and treat bankruptcies as unimportant because “when the borrower does not repay, he only defaults on himself.”

Amazingly, these economic models with no banks are still the main analytical tool used by most central banks. Peeling away further layers of the theoretical onion reveals something even more bizarre: an inbuilt assumption that the economy is self-stabilizing. This means that virtually any policies the central bank may choose to follow will lead automatically to full employment — in the forecasts, if not in the real world.

The pernicious effects of such stilted thinking are most visible in europe. As Adair Turner, former chairman of Britain’s Financial Services Authority and now an INeT Senior Fellow argued, the rules for the eurozone agreed in 1991 were based on the belief that “economists had cracked the problem of macroeconomics – that low and stable inflation was not just necessary, but sufficient for economic success.”

Making matters worse for europe, this hubris among economists was combined in the Maastricht Treaty with the German concept of “ordo-liberalism,” which asserted that government’s only legitimate role was to set clear rules for competition and price stability and then strictly enforce them.

“This was why the Bundesbank’s legal department became as powerful as its economic department,” Turner noted, “and why Germany has been so unbending in its interpretation of

the euro rules. We now know that ordo-liberalism does not work in macroeconomics. But the entrenchment of these old economic ideas, even after they have been proved wrong, is so great that any change will be very slow.”

As a result, Turner concluded, europe “could look remarkably like Japan in the 1990s, with many years of very low growth — but probably much greater social tension, because europe’s immigration-based societies are much less uniform and consensual than Japan’s.”

How could economists break this pernicious grip of old ideas? The obvious answer is by developing new ideas and many were presented at Toronto: Forecasting currencies with a new technique called Imperfect Knowledge economics developed in New York and Copenhagen; understanding the role of government in technological innovation through work in Cambridge and Massachusetts; analyzing the role of self-fulfilling “reflexive” expectations in boom-bust cycles; applying the mathematics of complex systems to economic problems ranging from financial instability to housing and the competitiveness of developing countries in Oxford and Rome; funding work in Paris and Berkeley on income distribution that is attracting worldwide attention; researching the economics of education and childhood development through a global network led from Chicago; developing new undergraduate courses on subjects neglected by the traditional curriculum with an international team of professors run from University College London and Bangalore; restoring the study of economic history through workshops in Italy and the United States.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

On the Draft BBL PEACETALK

By Fr. EliSEo MErcado, Jr.

T

HeRe is a lot of speculation going on vis-a-vis the said draft, considering that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission’s (BTC) protocol says that it works by consensus, and there are four commissioners that differ from the majority... two voted ‘yes’ with reservation and two were absent.

We simply want to know the reservation and the absence... since they are principled people they need to tell us – their constituencies – the reason instead of leaving us in the dark and speculation...

Moreover, we also want to read the Draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) so we can reasonably make comment on it... as it is... none other than the BTC Commissioners and some members of the Office of the President (OP) have so far read the BBL... So we cannot really know its content - breadth and depth... It is also foolhardy to comment on something NOT read or made public yet...

All we know this far is the fact that BTC has completed its major task, that is, to write the Draft Basic Law, and submitted the same to the Office of the President. How they completed the same is not yet made public, neither the draft Basic Law. Many are asking me when will the draft BBL be made public...? My simple answer is I do NOT know... When asked for comments, I also say that any comment is speculative since few seem to have read the document... other than sloganeering.

We will be able to take position when we have read the document...

What simply I can say is the process is NOW nearing the third stage... the presentation of the Draft Basic Law to Congress for legislating it. Definitely when it reaches Congress, it becomes a Public Document and subject to Public Hearings by both the House and the Senate.

This is the reason why an early public distribution of the draft would make a healthier and more intelligent debate and hearing both in the House and the Senate. In this way, we can all participate in the making of the Basic Law and this process would facilitate the ownership of such Law. Being in the movement for the Federal Philippines, I personally believe that a GOOD Basic Law and its success would enhance any future movement to make the Philippines adopt a Federal system of government through a Charter Change sometime, hopefully in the near future when the nation is ready. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. PeaceTalk is open to anyone who wishes to share his/her thoughts on peace in Mindanao. Fr. eliseo “Jun” Mercado, Jr., senior policy adviser at the Institute for Autonomy and Governance in Cotabato City was former president of the Notre Dame University and was former member of the Independent Fact-Finding Team of the GPH-MILF Peace Process in the late 1990s until the “all-out war” of the estrada administration in 2000.]

10 NEWS

No... FFROM 1

INNOVATIVE. The embossed design of a newly-printed shirt is dried out by a printer using a blower at a makeshift shop in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody...FFROM 2 from Talaingod going to Davao City to seek refuge after the Philippine Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion, 60th IB and 4th Special Forces took over their villages The report states that the military arrived in the sitios of Talaingod on March 4 and continued to pour. Later on, the units were accusing the residents as supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Since then, the community members were then subjected to rights violations perpetrated by the military including harassment, threat, intimidation, interrogation, abduction, red-tagging, food blockade, divestment of properties, indiscriminate firing and aerial bombings and forcible evacuation.

Talaingod Mayor Basilio Libayao has also requested Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and Duterte to mediate the return of the Ata-Manobos.

During the Tribal Forum last Tuesday at the Tribal Council office in JBL,

Talaingod, Libayao said that the local government unit (LGU) had already submitted last April 16 to the governor and the mayor the joint resolution of the LGU and the tribal council signed by all the tribal leaders, stating their request for assistance to solve their problem.

Alex Roldan, Davao del Norte provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), agreed that influential people being respected by the tribal council and the evacuees, be requested to arbitrate the return of the Ata-Manobos while taking note of reports saying that municipal officials and tribal leaders were no longer being listened to.

Roldan said that the persons who will mediate must be able to tell the evacuees how they will be treated safely in their own homes.

He also pointed out that bringing back home the evacuees could be the immediate action to take.

He, however viewed it as

not the ultimate solution while stressing the need for the tribal leaders to solve the internal problem within the council.

Roldan urged the tribal leaders to convene and revisit the culture of their groups to study the root cause of the problem.

Meanwhile, noting the statement of the tribal leaders during the forum, Roldan was certain of an internal conflict within the tribal council and that he urged leaders to reflect why their members preferred to believe in an outsider than in them as their leaders.

Roldan pointed out as among the reasons of the evacuees’ refusal to return home, their fear of not knowing what the tribal leaders will do them when they come home.

On the other hand, Talaingod Social Welfare Development Officer Arlane Batua recalled during the Tribal Forum, that she together with some tribal leaders met with the evacuees who agreed to be

housed in Barangay Palma Gil. She also assured them of the relief assistance from the municipal government.

Datu Lumansad Sibogan of the Tribal Council of elders of Talaingod in the same forum revealed that after the meeting, a member of a non-government organization (NGO) persuaded the evacuees to disregard what they had agreed with him and with Batua.

“Gi-ingnan niya na dili mutuo kanako (He told them not to believe in me),” Sibogan said referring to PASAKA member known by the nickname, “Lala” The evacuees then went their way to Davao City the night after the meeting and that the tribal leaders knew about their exodus when it was reported in the media, Sibogan said.

Datu Silingoy Gamut said he had known the reason of their leaving when he talked to and asked evacuees during that meeting. [With PIA report]

green building referral code can lower electricity consumption and help businesses and consumers realize multi-million peso savings, Domingo noted.

He also said proper implementation of the code can help lower the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. experts said GHG emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in temperature increase that causes climate change.

They said buildings account for some 30 percent of global GHG emissions.

Such figure can double by 2030 if there are no

effectiveinterventions to reduce the emissions, they warned.

“With green building, we aim to make deeper GHG emission cuts at the least cost,” IFC Senior Programme Manager Hans Shrader said during the forum.

Domingo said DPWH targets to finish this June drafting of the green building referral code.

DPWH also plans holding this September public consultations on the proposed code, he said.

He said DPWH hopes to secure, by early 2015, public works chief Roge-

lio Singson’s approval of the green building referral code’s final version.

The code’s approved version will be annexed to PD 1096 for nationwide implementation, said Domingo.

“That will serve as additional implementing rules and regulations for PF 1096,” he said.

DPWH’s green building referral code will cover public and private structures, he noted.

Among referral codes already annexed to PD 1096 and implemented nationwide are those covering fire, structural and

electrical matters as well as practice of civil engineering in the country. experts already warned the Philippines is among countries most vulnerable to climate change.

They reiterated green building can help people adapt to climate change’s repercussions.

Those repercussions are onslaught of weather extremes, sea level rise and temperature increase, they said.

Green building can help mitigate climate change by reducing GHG emissions, they added.

[PNA]

ing close contact with people tested positive of the disease and to ensure that children follow these precautions.

Health Secretary enrique Ona stressed that there is no outbreak of MeRS-Cov disease in the Middle east or the Arabian Peninsula.

He said that as a health precaution he approved

the issuance of a Bureau of Quarantine alert bulletin to those travelling from the Middle east and through the international airports so that those who may be affected by the disease will be given prompt assistance.

Ona said that with the tens of thousands Filipino workers in the Middle east and with hundreds travel towards or return home

daily, it is important that their families, relatives and friends and neighbours and all members of their local communities to understand fully all that must be known about the MeRS-Cov. One urged Filipinos who have returned recently from the Middle east to report to the nearest hospital if they experience symptoms of the MeRS-Corona

Virus which are similar to flu, including cough, cold or sneezing.

The Department of Health has established hotlines: 711-1001; 7111002; 0922-884-1564; 0920-949-8419; 0915772-5621 for local residents and foreign nationals who might need assistance.

[PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

porary shelters while the construction is still ongoing.

“Although si mayor (Rodrigo R. Duterte) naay instruction didto sa ground na they can look for a temporary shelter basi sa tabang sa barangay captain,” Rigor said. earlier, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated his assurance that the residents can still return to the area they occupied as soon as the project is finished.

Duterte also asked the DCWD to augment by P10,000 the cash assistance of the same amount previously provided to affected settlers. There are 126 house owners recorded but as of press time, only 56 of them availed of the original P10,000 cash assistance.

In a dialogue last Monday, Duterte allowed the settlers to completely vacate the area by the end of April.

The mayor emphasized the need for immediate construction of the bridge crossing pipe as many residents in the northern part of the city are already complaining

about low water supply on their areas.

Duterte also explained that the quality of Generoso Bridge 1, where the temporary bypass pipe is attached, would be compromised and eventually collapse if the huge pipe is not immediately removed from the structure.

DCWD spokesperson Imelda Magsuci said that the proposed 1000-millimeter pipe bridge can deliver water to more than 70,000 consumers.

Magsuci said the DCWD has received a lot of complaints from residents in the northern part of the city because of poor water supply, owing to the limited capacity of the pipe now being attached to the bridge.

Magsusi emphasized the need for the immediate construction of bridge crossing pipe as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allows the water district to lay the existing pipe for two years, ending on December 2014.

three-day conference.

Speakers include National economic Development Authority (NeDA) deputy general Rolando Tungpalan and representatives from the Department of education-Davao, Assumption Davao, and CLANS, exploring post2015 development challenges for the country and

for educators.

The educators’ conference is organized by the IBON Partnership in education for Development (IPeD), the formal education division of IBON that promotes transformative education through teacher trainings, textbooks and educational materials development.

access of commodities from the Philippines to Indonesia and vice versa.

Datukan said that the private sector of Mindanao, a major player in this project, is eyeing to transport commodities like frozen meat, poultry, and fresh fruits “ but looking forward to venture out on larger scale.”

The Davao business sector sees this as a boon because there will be direct link between the producers and market in Indonesia.

In addition, the route will eliminate the operation of non conventional trade vessels which are not registered and monitored by the Bureau of Customs, Datukan said.

Philippines and the United States will be discussed during Obama’s visit.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the PHLUS wide-ranging security partnership includes joint military exercises, such as “Balikatan” and humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities.

It will also include de-

fense and security assistance that supports Philippine efforts toward achieving enhanced defense capabilities.

“The treaty alliance between the Philippines and the US has been a cornerstone of peace and stability in the region,” Coloma said, noting that the United States is the only defense treaty ally of the country.

[PNA]

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NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA pLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL pAYMENT No.(s) 21014240 under contract No. 192678-0 issued to RENEE ROSE C. LIM 59032 under contract No. 621265-8 issued to JOSEFA L. RECAÑO were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

04/11,18,25

EDGEDAVAO

AGRITRENDS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

11

Baseas president Victor Relator dries the newly harvested seaweeds.He said seaweeds could be easily dried in bamboo flooring due to better ventilation. Photo by Jay Rosas.

FARMING IN THE SEA:

Seaweed production

becomes promising livelihood

By NOEL T. pROvIDO

F

OR Julito Toto, his farm is made up of several lines of ropes floating against the strong current of deep sea water in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Growing up in a coastal village, fishing is his way of life but when fish catch in the locality gradually declined he turned to seaweed farming.

Seaweed farming in their area started in the 1980s and since then he observed that seaweed planters sustained their production.

«I observed that they are earning so I tried it myself and discovered that within short span of time I could start harvesting,» he said.

With the meager income from fishing he however could not expand seaweed production as lack of financing constrained him.

His break came when his association, the Bato Seaweeds Association (Baseas), availed itself of a funding assistance from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) to boost their seaweed farming and processing project.

“Before we have to spend our money out of our meager income from fishing to buy materials and inputs for replanting.

With MRDP’s assistance our association can now provide us initial capital for seaweed replanting,” said Baseas member Julito Toto.

«The provision of banca is also a big help as I can now regularly monitor my seaweed farm and check if they are not washed out by strong winds and waves,”

he said.

Toto is now tending 20 seaweed lines (at 8 meters per line), which could yield at least 300 kilos for only 25 days from planting.

«Maintaining 20 lines could be laborious. To catch up with the production, I›m hiring three laborers and pay them P200 a day to help me in seaweed replanting,» he said adding he is glad to also help others earn out of his seaweed farm.

Toto is just one of the 67 Baseas members who benefitted from the P6.2 million funding assistance their association has received from MRDP. Of the total amount, the provincial government of Davao del Sur shell out P1 million as its counterpart fund while Baseas raised P1.2 million as its corresponding equity.

The bulk of the fund was used to establish a five-hectare communal seaweed plantation along the town›s municipal waters. A drying facility and warehouse was also constructed to improve quality of their products while a vehicle was also purchased to facilitate marketing.

Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said the local government has issued a resolution authorizing the Baseas to utilize the area for seaweed production, as it will boost the town’s bid as the leading seaweed producer in Davao region.

«The livelihood project is promising as it is a complete package of assistance from production inputs to postharvest and marketing,» Lopez said.

Baseas president Dante Relator receives the certificate of turnover for their seaweed production and processing project from MRDP regional coordinator Miguela Edquilla (left) and Davao del Sur Board member Allan Colina (center). Photo by Jay Rosas.

Baseas president Victor Relator is optimistic that with the establishment of five-hectare seaweed plantation plus the individual expansion of their members they can now meet higher volume requirements from traders. «earlier, a trader from Cebu has placed order for dried seaweed but did not materialize as we cannot meet the huge volume requirements. We hope that with our expansion we can open new markets for our products,» Relator said.

He said warehouse and drying facility is a big help in improving the income of small fishers as dried seaweed is sold at least P30 a kilo while fresh seaweeds is only sold at P7 per kilo. Seven kilos of fresh seaweeds can produce a kilo of dried product.

Seaweed for industrial uses should be dried immediately after

harvesting should be kept clean. Relator observed that seaweeds dried in bamboo flooring have better quality as it not susceptible to impurities. It also hastens the drying period due to better air ventilation.

After 3 to 5 days of sun drying, bundles of fresh seaweed in transparent plastic substrates or extracts are produced. The association utilized this as organic foliar fertilizer and insecticide, a value-adding product made out of the dried seaweed extract, and sells it at P1,000 per container.

Aside from producing seaweeds for processing other members area also growing the salad type of Nile green variety, which is highly in demand in the local market including the neighboring cities of Digos and Davao.

«The salad type seaweeds are price from

P15 a kilo to as high as P35 a kilo. My wife along with other women in our village are also processing this seaweed into snack food which can be stored up to one month,” Toto said.

Miguela edquilla, MRDP regional deputy coordinator in DA Davao region said the association seaweed project has a huge potential to expand not only in production but also in processing.

She said Baseas has a big chance to be part of the upcoming Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) as seaweeds is one of the identified national priority commodities of the program.

An upscale version of MRDP, the PRDP will be a six-year national government platform for an inclusive, valuechain oriented and climate change resilient agriculture and fisheries.

While seaweed

farming is becoming more promising, Toto said it has also its own set of challenges, as farming in deep sea is vulnerable to various elements. But these are not enough reason for him to give up seaweed farming.

«Strong winds and big waves can easily break and wipe out strung seaweeds.

But this can be overcome by immediately replacing the empty lines and visiting the floating farm between 5 to 6 am where the tides are low,» he said, adding that hard work sustains farming in the sea.

Toto said his income from seaweeds enable his family to experience substantial improvement like meeting their daily needs and sending their children to school.

«I still like to go on fishing but more as an alternative livelihood seaweed farming is now my full time job,» he said.

12 CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

FIDA to hold ‘Spliced’ Fashion Show on April 26 LEFT: The mannequin tacks the designers’ briefs of what is to be presented in SPLICED this April 26.

BOTTOM: FIDA founder Christine Munda introduces this year’s batch of graduates.

LAST April 22, the Fashion Institute of Design and Arts (FIDA) held a press conference at the school’s headquarters at the Valencia Corporate Center to herald the school’s much-awaited fashion show for their current graduating batch. The upcoming show on April 26 will showcase the creations and fashion styl-

ing of its students who have just completed their fashion design, merchandising and

styling courses. This will be the second show of its kind mounted by the school.

Vignettes of each student’s collections together with teaser videos and introductions made by the designers themselves were all prepared to pique the curiosity of the press. The entire show revolves around the theme dubbed “SPLICED: Where Fashion and Film Collide” where the collections are inspired by different films selected by the students themselves – each aimed at bringing out the creative qualities of the individual designers.

The intimate and up-close perspective afforded us that day allowed me to really try to familiarize myself with FIDA and its current batch of graduates. With the guidance of Christine Munda, FIDA’s founder and Amanda Echevarria, one of the school’s in-

structors, each of the budding designers were given a taste of what it meant for their visions and creations to be up in lights. “SPLICED” will be a culmination of one year of conceptualization and execution for them and much emphasis was given on their design journeys.

Witnessing the enthusiasm and effort of the upand-coming designers that day, one could not help but think that they must bask in these moments rife with possibility. I could already make out those whose collections I wanted to look out for. Adonis Maquidato or Don Maki’s story of evolution from light to dark in Delirium, Maizy Tan’s embellished tale of Cabaret and Neil Jimlani’s refined show of Luxeux. It is

exciting to observe creative minds such as theirs in the cusp of finding their design voice. How FIDA’s mentorship and nurturing has helped them become more confident in themselves and their pursuits is evident. Truly, their triumph will be the school’s as well.

Be there at FIDA’s graduation fashion show, “SPLICED: Where Fashion and Film Collide” on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 5:00PM at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier.

To know more about the Fashion Institute of Design & Arts, visit them at Valencia Corporate Center, E. Jacinto Ext. corner Arellano St. or contact them at (082) 2853404. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fidarts.

A2 INdulge!

UP AnD ABoUT

Metro Society features equestrian elegance in its generations issue this April ThiS monTh, metro Society zooms in on the things that remain sacred when passed down from generation to generation throughout manila society’s recognized families— from family recipes, art, fashion, architecture—and all the more the values and traditions that surround these elements to form and unique and recognized family bonds. in metro Society’s April issue, the magazine features the beautiful ina Calalang-Ayala on its cover, shown in her element, standing next to her beautiful horse, Saigon. Captured in her natural and youthful gorgeousness and downright elegance, metro Society looks into the woman who is now riding high in the society scene.

Apart from ina, metro Society also features more of her contemporaries whose love for horses fuels their passion. These horseback-riders who excel in both dressage and equestrian are talented individuals whose strength is undeniable, including most sought-after riding coach Jones Lanza, the elusive Katrina holigores, leader of the pack Yvette Lopez, charming Trisha ocampo, sweet Vanna Severino, mother and daughter tandems mia and Danni Virata, and nina and isabelle huang. Also featured are young athletes Gabbie Gavieta, miko Tiu-Laurel, nana imperial Anne, and Kai Yulo.

Catch all these and more in metro Society’s latest issue this April, and read up on how the glamour of this lifestyle is only the first layer of a sport that involves sheer hard work and dedication. Grab a copy of metro Society today, available in all leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide.

CEB upgrades Taipei flights to A330 aircraft for summer peak Adds flights to Hanoi, Hong Kong

ThE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) increases the number of seats available from manila to Taipei, hanoi and hong Kong and vice versa, to accommodate additional travel demand.

From may 2 to June 3, two of CEB’s seven weekly frequencies between manila and Taipei will utilize a 436-seater Airbus A330 aircraft. CEB will utilize a 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft for the rest of the week.

“By upgrading some of our Taipei flights to a bigger aircraft, we are able to offer 41% more seats, making more low fares to and from Taipei available for everyJuan,” said CEB VP for marketing and Distribution Candice iyog.

From April 11 to may 2, CEB will also offer 4 extra weekly flights between manila and hong Kong, in time for the Philippine summer peak period. From 28 times weekly, passengers can choose between 32 weekly flights during this time.

CEB also flies direct to hong Kong from Cebu, Clark and iloilo. meanwhile, CEB, the only airline operating direct flights between manila and hanoi, adds more flights to this route.

Starting April 3, CEB will operate thrice weekly manila-hanoi flights, or every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

CEB is slated to take delivery of 12 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo and 3 Airbus A330 aircraft from 2014 to 2021.

“The delivery of more aircraft will allow us to add more destinations, routes and flights to an already extensive network to key cities in Asia and the middle East. We encourage everyJuan to take advantage of these additional flights and CEB’s trademark lowest fares, for their leisure and business travel needs,” iyog added.

CEB’s 51-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 30 Airbus A320, 3 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. it is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Starmobile introduces 5” Octa Core phone with NFC and wireless charging LEADINg Philippine smart devices manufacturer Starmobile officially launched today the Starmobile OCTA, a smartphone with wireless charging and Near Field C om mu n ic at ion (NFC) capabilities.

“The Starmobile OCTA is truly a ground-breaking device,” said Starmobile President Michael Chen.

“With its high-end features, it makes available the latest and the greatest wireless technologies to even more Filipinos,” he added.

NFC is a technology that allows two devices to communicate instantly. It is the easiest and fastest way to transfer data from one device to another, as it eliminates the need for step-by-step tasks such as authentication and pairing.

Diamond X1.

Starmobile Octa.

“With NFC, you can authorize a device to send files or activate profiles in one simple step,” Chen said. “Just tap and enjoy— it’s that easy!”

Complementing NFC is the Starmobile OCTA’s wireless charging capabilities.

With a free 2-in-1 Wireless Charger and Bluetooth Speaker included in the package (valued at P2,490), users can charge their battery or play music without having to plug in cords or cables.

“Wireless chargers used to be reserved for ultra-high end devices, and therefore are ultraexpensive accessories,”

Engage 9i.

said Chen. “Once again, Starmobile is doing what it does best—changing the game and providing best possible value.”

As the most advanced device ever created by the local brand, the Starmobile OCTA also features an Octa Core processor

by MediaTek and 2gBs of memory (RAM) and 32gBs of internal storage (ROM) making it one of the fastest and most capacious phones available in the market.

The scratch resistant 5-inch OgS (One glass Solution) screen is the sharpest in its class allowing users to watch movies in full 1080p high definition (FHD).

For users who prefer to create their own content and the selfie-loving Filipinos, the Starmobile OCTA is equipped with an 8MP front camera with LED flash, and an 18MP Auto Focus rear camera with dual LED flash that could also capture FHD videos. Both front and rear cameras are also equipped with Back Side Illumination (BSI) sensors, ensuring clear and crisp photos even in low light conditions.

“The Starmobile Octa also perfectly re-creates the look and feel of classic home videos thanks to the embedded ClearMotion technology,” said Chen.

ClearMotion is a proprietary technology by MediaTek, which automatically converts videos to 60 frames-per-second (fps) to create more fluidlooking movements.

The Starmobile OCTA comes in two stunning colors (red and black) and will be available nationwide by the end of the March for only P16,990 with a free 2-in-1 Wireless Charger and Bluetooth Speaker.

For more information on the Starmobile OCTA, go to www.starmobile. com.ph or visit Starmobile’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts at www. facebook.com/starmobilephones and twitter.com/ happymanph.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

EnTERTAinmEnT

Battle of music artists in Hot or Celebrity Bluff this Saturday not?

WiTnESS an exciting musical evening this Saturday (April 26) in Celebrity Bluff Season 6 as the country’s famous music artists battle for a chance to win half a million pesos.

The players for this week’s fun episode are Sunday All Stars mainstays Jonalyn Viray and maricis Garcia, Ghost: The musical performers Christian Bautista and Cris Villonco, and Fliptop rappers Loonie and Ron henley.

While they are used to joining various singing competitions and showcasing their brilliant talents, the three pairs will compete this

time in the highest-rating comedy game show on Philippine TV where they will be challenged in determining if their chosen gangnam’s answer is a fact or a bluff.

Adding more fun and excitement is the constant exchange of funny lines of the award-winning host/co-

medienne/actress Eugene Domingo with celebrity bluffers Jose manalo, isko Salvador, and Chuchay.

Also, don’t miss the sweet and funny romantic moments of the Jo-Ge loveteam especially when Jose flaunts his new hairstyle, which will definitely make

the viewers laugh out loud.

Will Eugene like Jose’s new look?

Who among the popular music artists will sing their way to half a million pesos?

Find out this Saturday in Celebrity Bluff, 9:15 Pm right after magpakailanman on GmA 7.

If more college girls rocked a look like Rihanna’s on the morning-after a surprise sleepover, people may start calling it the, “walk of style!”

We can’t tell if the “Monster” singer is actually wearing a man’s shirt or just some female fashion that resembles a banker’s button-down, but the style certainly looks like AM escape attire, especially with those mini denim shorts. But isn’t there something incredibly sexy about the slouchy combo?

‘Mirabella’ beats new competition ABS-CBn’s top-rating Primetime Bida drama series “mirabella” won its time slot despite having a new rival program. According to data from Kantar media last monday (April 21), “mirabella” scored a national TV rating of 20.5%, or almost 10 points higher than GmA’s latest series “my Love From the Star” (11%). meanwhile, “mirabella” will surely keep its avid viewers at the edge of their seats as a mysterious girl

named Bella enters the life of mira (Julia Barretto). Who is Bella and how will she be able to change mira’s world? Don’t miss the drama series that will change the true meaning of beauty, “mirabella,” weeknights, after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBn Primetime Bida. For more information about “mirabella,” visit the show’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/mirabellaonline and Twitter.com/ mirabellaonline.

Vina morales plays a controlling mom in ‘MMK’ VinA moRALES will star in the upcoming family drama episode of ABS-CBn’s “maalaala mo Kaya.” She will play the role of Bambi, a mother who promised to herself to never control her daughter’s (ingrid dela Paz) life like the way her father did to her. however, from simple gestures of helping Donna gain friends through texting,

Bambi eventually gets so involved with the love life of her daughter that everything needs to pass through her approval. how can a child make her mother realize that she is old enough to live her life by herself?

Also featured in “mmK” this Saturday (April 26) are Bianca Casado, Benjie Paras, Lloyd

Zaragoza, markki Stroem, AJ muhlach, Bryan homecillo, Rez Cortez, Janice Corado, CJ navato, Alexander Diaz, Elisse hoson and Vangie mortell. it is directed by Garry Fernando, written by Arah Jell Badayos, and researched by michelle Joy Guerrero. “mmK” is led by business unit head malou Santos, production manager Roda Dela

Cerna, and executive producers Lindsay Anne Dizon and Fe Catherine San Pablo.

Don’t miss Asia’s longestrunning drama anthology, “mmK” this Saturday after “Wansapanataym” on ABSCBn. For more updates, log on to mmK.abs-cbn.com, follow @mmKofficial on Twitter, like Facebook.com/mmKofficial.

RIO 2 2D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP

BB. PILIPINAS 2014 WINNERS REVEAL THEIR SECRETS TO WINNING THE CROWN IN ‘BOTTOMLINE’. Recently crowned Bb. Pilipinas 2014 winners Yveth Santiago (Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2014), Parul Sha (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism International 2014), Kris Tiffany Janson (Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2014), Bianca Guidotti (Bb. Pilipinas International 2014), and Mary Jean Lastimosa (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2014) take the spotlight in “The Bottomline” With Boy Abunda” this Saturday (April 26) to share their respective stories before, during, and after winning a crown in the much talked about Bb. Pilipinas 2014 pageant, from dealing with self-esteem issues to enduring their rigorous beauty regimens and trainings, as well as tips on making a name in the beauty pageant industry. Have they always seen themselves as beautiful? What do they think is the hardest part of joining a beauty pageant? Who among their fellow candidates did they consider their biggest competition? Don’t miss the 10th USTv Students’ Choice Awards 2014 Students’ Choice of Public Affairs Program “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda” this Saturday, after “Banana Split: Extra Scoop.” For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL 2D Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly GP

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

TRANSCENDENCE 2D Johnny Depp R13

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

R-16 DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heusaff PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

moViE REViEW

By Jay Rosas IN Wes Anderson’s stylish symmetrical cinematic landscapes, everything looks perfect like a carefully orchestrated old photograph. There is a nostalgic yearning that figures prominently in his previous works: Moonrise Kingdom is an ode to love’s simple joys and heartbreaks resembling a storybook-like tale of young romance, and even in his delightful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox that looks like a miniaturized The Royal Tenenbaums in stop-motion animation. But in his latest The grand Budapest Hotel, Mr. Anderson’s visual style and idiosyncratic storytelling captures this longing of the past in such a bizarrely familiar and seamless manner that has never been more apt.

The way Anderson opens up the story within a story is important because it reflects the point he is trying to make in our treatment of the past, memories and recollections of history. A girl opens up a book with the film’s title and we then see the author (Tom Wilkinson) who narrates (facing

Grand pastiche

Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel ful confections. Though fictional, the events and even the nation Zubrowka where the hotel is situated, echo a historical resemblance of European history when it was on the brink of World War II and the rise of fascism.

There’s murder and an inheritance feud turned nasty in which gustave gets embroiled in and the threat of the pesky foot soldiers inspecting the trains, which suggests of the greed and evil to come. The brief but surprisingly shocking shots of fingers cut, a decapitated head, and even Zero’s horrible story as an immigrant are indications of that barbaric past.

The quick dispensation and meticulous arrangement of these details challenges us to go beyond the candy sweetness of Mendl’s pastries and the hotel façades to the terrible human conditions underneath its fantastical story.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

the camera) his early encounter as a young writer (Jude Law) during his stay in the iconic hotel in the 1960s where he meets the owner of the hotel Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham) who then recalls with a recognizable melancholy his stint as a young lobby boy and instant protégé to the hotel’s

infamous concierge Monsieur gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes) in 1932, which constitutes the film’s bulk. It may sound puzzling but the plot unfolds linearly focusing on the escapades of gustave and a young Zero (newcomer Tony Revolori) escapades involving the theft of a supposedly prized art and

an elaborate prison break.

Between these highlights is a love story between young Zero and Agatha (Saoirse Ronan) who bakes delicious pastries at a local bakeshop Mendl’s.

Anderson’s compositions that make his characters appear like figures in a dollhouse theatre are more than just play-

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

Davao City youths join 14th Eco Camp DSWD ensures smooth CCT

A

TOTAL of 375 youths from different high schools and colleges in Davao City and the beneficiaries of Davao City Water District’s “Tulong Aral ng DCWD” in barangays Tawan-Tawan and Tamugan joined the 14th eco Camp from April 4 to 6 at Malagos Park in Davao City.

The camp themed “YOUTH HAVe THe POWeR in Learning and Acting for Watersheds Sustainability (LAWS)” or YOUTH HAVe THe POWeR IN LAWS was sponsored by Davao City Water District and the Watershed Management

Youth Council (WMYC), the youth sector of the Watershed and environment Protection Coalition of Davao (WePCD).

On behalf of DCWD spokesperson Imelda T. Magsuci, edmarson M. Sola welcomed all participants.

DCWD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto expressed how happy she is to see the growing influence of the activity each year and how DCWD has been able to support an advocacy that promote environmental protection among the youth.

Inspiring the campers was WePCD president Dominador

A. Lopez who also inducted the 2014 WMYC officers.

Various speakers were invited to impart their expertise on leadership to the participants. City councilors Hon. April Marie C. Dayap and Hon. Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes gave tips on how to excel in being a youth leader and a public servant while Sr. Thea May Superio of Carmelite missionaries explained how to harmonize both leadership and spirituality.

Strengthening the participants’ knowledge about

WE’RE HIRING!

environmental issues were WMYC alumna Claide Kinneth Saludar who gave the environmental situationer in Davao City, WMYC director Aaron Joel Orozco who talked about the voice and action of the youth in protecting Davao City watersheds and water, Interface Development Interventions Inc. policy advocacy specialist Migro Vina O. Cagampang who explained rainwater harvesting in Davao City and Joy Daman of Jose Segovia Foundation who gave inputs on organic farming.

[Jovana T. Duhaylungsod]

implementation thru RAC

P

URSUANT to the thrusts of attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in alleviating poverty, the Philippines is committed to respond to five MDGs – (1) eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; (2) achieve universal primary education; (3) reduce child mortality; (4) improve maternal health; and (5) promote gender

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equality.

To achieve this, the National Government Agencies (NGAs) are enjoined to work together through sharing of resources, technology and expertise in all aspects of Pantawid Pamilya program implementation, thus, the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) was created.

The Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) is composed of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as Chair; Department of Health (DOH), Vice Chair; Department of education (Deped), Vice Chair; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Member; National economic and Development Authority (NeDA), Member; National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Member ; and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as members.

RAC meetings are conducted quarterly in the region. [DSWD/ Sheryll Jane B. Sanico]

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

Pacman has lost his ‘pop’, Floyd F

LOYD Mayweather says Manny Pacquiao has lost a step and that the Filipino’s superstar slide has coincided with his decision to split from former strength trainer Alex Ariza.

The 37-year-old undefeated welterweight champ Mayweather weighed in Wednesday on the latest performance by Pacquiao who beat Timothy Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas in a rematch of their first bout in June 2012.

“Actually, I did watch the fight,” said Mayweather who is training to fight Argentina’s Marcos Maidana in a 147-pound title bout on May 3 in Las Vegas.

“You know, I haven’t seen Pacquiao fight in years. I’ve seen highlights, but I haven’t seen Pacquiao fight since he fought Miguel Cotto.”

Mayweather said he wasn’t impressed and fired a couple of verbals jabs of his own at Pacquiao. He said Pacquiao looked like an “amateur” and that in his opinion the World Boxing Organization welterweight champ has less power and stamina than he did five years ago.

“I thought Pacquiao fought like an amateur and I wasn’t pleased with his performance,” Mayweather said. “He got the victory the

best way he knew how. I’m seeing something totally different in Pacquiao.”

Pacquiao worked with Ariza for five years before splitting with him last year.

Ariza had a key role in helping Pacquiao win titles in several different weight classes, including 147 and 154 pounds.

Mayweather said it was the first time since 2009 that he has watched a full fight of Pacquiao’s.

Mayweather couldn’t have watched Pacquiao’s first fight against Bradley on June 9, 2012 even if he wanted to. Just eight days earlier, Mayweather had been sentenced to three months in a Las Vegas jail for hitting his ex-girlfriend, Josie Harris, in front of his children.

‘Total change in Pacquiao’s power’ “I noticed since Ariza is not with Pacquiao, a total change in Pacquiao’s power,” he said. “I don’t see the same pop in Pacquiao’s shots, the same snap. He is getting tired.”

Pacquiao and Mayweather were once considered the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters and record profits were expected from a showdown.

But a disagreement over the splitting of the purse, pre-fight blood testing and a bad blood be-

Floyd Mayweather Jr. works out with his trainer and uncle Roger Mayweather at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

tween Mayweather and Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum scuttled negotiations for a mega-fight.

Mayweather, who has been accused by some people of dodging Pacquiao, said even though he feels the Filipino southpaw isn’t the dominating boxer he once was, he is in no hurry

to step in the ring with him.

“I’m seeing something totally different in Pacquiao, but still, that don’t make me say, ‘Yeah, I am going out there and fight him,’ because he’s with Bob Arum and I’m with Mayweather Promotions,” he said on Wednesday.

Arum recently blasted

the Mayweather-Maidana matchup calling it “nonsense”.

Despite their differences, Mayweather applauded Pacquiao for the victory over Bradley.

“You know, congratulations, he was the better man,” Mayweather said.

Mayweather, who is

45-0 with 26 knockouts, defended the decision to fight Maidana, who will have a hard time trying to out box the clever American.

“You can’t say it is going to be an easy fight for me,” said Mayweather. “everyone thinks he is just going to be a pushover but I don’t see it that way.” (AFP)

ADRID (AP) -- Real Madrid hopes a narrow home win put it in position to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2002.

In a matchup of teams acclaimed to be the best in europe this season, Karim Benzema scored in the 19th minute to give the Los Blancos a 1-0 victory over defending champion Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in the first leg of their semifinal. ‘’We have a nice advantage and if we score, we can complicate things for them,’’ Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo said.

The second leg is Tuesday in Munich. Chelsea hosts the other semifinal next Wednesday following a 0-0 tie at Atletico Madrid this week. ‘’If you want to do damage, you have to go for the victory - because 1-0 is not definitive,’’ Madrid defender Sergio Ramos said. ‘’But it’s a good result to take to Munich.’’

Madrid, which beat Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 for the last of its record nine european titles, has been knocked out of the semifinals for three straight years. The visitors dominated before a crowd

of 79,283, outshooting Real 16-9 and maintaining 64 percent possession. ‘’They had chances to score more goals, definitely,’’ Bayern coach Pep Guardiola. ‘’We probably should have created a few more scoring chances. (But) they have a very good defense.’’

Benzema scored on a counterattack when Cristiano Ronaldo found Fabio Coentrao speeding down a flank. Coentrao crossed

for Benzema, who tapped the ball past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from 4 yards.

Ronaldo returned from a left leg injury that had sidelined him from April 2 and missed a number of scoring opportunities.

Ronaldo was replaced in the 73rd by Gareth Bale. ‘’It’s been 20 days Cristiano hasn’t been 100 percent, so it was a sacrifice for him,’’ Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. ‘’It

couldn’t have been easy for Cristiano tonight.’’

Guardiola, seeking to guide Bayern to its third straight final, had been unbeaten at estadio Santiago Bernabeu in seven visits when he coached Barcelona. ‘’Madrid thrives off the counterattack. Madrid is the best team in the world on the counter,’’ Guardiola said. ‘’They get back as fast as they go forward.

They’re athletes.’’

Ivanovic dominates Benzema gives Madrid 1-0 over Bayern Lisicki in Stuttgart M S TUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Ana Ivanovic defeated Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 6-3 to send the Wimbledon finalist out in the first round of the Porsche Grand Prix on Wednesday.

Ivanovic, the world No. 12 and former French Open winner, needed just one hour to beat the 24-year-old Berliner.

Italy’s Flavia Pennetta later fired 10 aces to none in her 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 win over wild card Andrea Petkovic. It left four of the six home players out of the most important German women’s competition at

the first hurdle.

Pennetta will face the fifth-seeded Jelena Jankovic in the second round.

Wild card Julia Goerges gave the supporters reason for cheer with a surprise 6-1, 7-5 win over Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.

The 94th-ranked German will next face Ivanovic on Thursday.

Italy’s Sara errani booked her quarterfinal place by defeating Kaia Kanepi of estonia 6-3, 6-3.

No. 3 seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic was playing Russia’s Alisa Kleybanova later.

Ana Ivanovic returns the ball to Petra Sabine Lisicki during the Porsche Grand Prix on Wednesday.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during a first leg semifinal Champions League soccer match against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014

Heat go up 2-0 vs Bobcats

M

IAMI (AP) -- LeBron James drove to the rim as time was winding down, got clobbered by Josh McRoberts and sat on the hardwood gathering himself for a few seconds afterward.

It was fitting. Miami took Charlotte’s best shot, and survived.

James scored 32 points and added eight assists, Chris Bosh scored 20 points and the Heat wasted two big leads before hanging on to beat the Bobcats 101-97 on Wednesday night to take a 2-0 lead in their eastern Conference first-round series.

‘’We can play better basketball,’’ James said. ‘’We haven’t played our best basketball.’’

Dwyane Wade scored 15 points, and had a steal in the final seconds to seal the win for Miami. He stripped the ball from Chris Douglas-Roberts with the Heat protecting a three-point lead with about 3 seconds left, and the Bobcats never got another shot off. ‘’A very instinctual, highrisk play,’’ Heat coach erik Spoelstra said. ‘’The ball’s there and you know you have an opportunity to get it when most people can’t get that, and that saved the

Blazers roll past Rockets

H

OUSTON (AP) -- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 43 points and Damian Lillard made six free throws down the stretch to give the Portland Trail Blazers a 112105 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night and a 2-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Aldridge has made the most of the return to his home state and put the Trail Blazers in control heading home for Game 3 in Portland.

Aldridge became the first player with consecutive 40-point games in the playoffs since LeBron James did it in May of 2009 after scoring a career-high and franchise playoff-record 46 in an overtime win in Game 1. He’s also the first player Trail Blazers

history to have to 40-point games in the postseason.

James Harden knocked down a 3-pointer with about 30 seconds left to get the Rockets within 3. Lillard made two free throws before Harden fouled out about 10 seconds later. Mo Williams and Lillard both made a pair of free throws after that to secure the win. Lillard finished with 18 points.

Dwight Howard was unstoppable early and scored 25 points in the first half, but managed just seven in the second half.

After missing 20 shots in Game 1, Harden promised a better performance in this game. But it was much of the same as he was 6 of 19 and finished with 18 points.

game.’’

Game 3 is Saturday in Charlotte. The Heat were the NBA’s only higher-seed to open the playoffs with two home wins.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 22 points for Charlotte, which got 18 points and 13 rebounds from Al Jefferson, who played through a left plantar fascia strain and shot 9 for 23.

Jefferson said he felt the tear worsen early on in the game, said it was ‘’a lot of pain’’ but again insisted he would keep playing. ‘’He’s not anywhere close to 100 percent,’’ Bobcats coach Steve Clif-

ford said. ‘’But we can play through him. ... You’ve got to respect the fact he’s out there battling. He has no mobility, basically. Limited mobility and yet he had 18 and 13, and he fought hard.’’

So was McRoberts maybe too hard for Miami’s liking.

Miami’s lead was 97-94 with 50 seconds left when James drove and was met at the rim by McRoberts, whose right elbow struck the four-time NBA MVP around his chin. James immediately began grabbing at his throat and needed much longer than he usually does to get up after a hard

SPORTS 15 SPORTS Miami Heat’s LeBron James high-fives Chris Bosh after the Heat defeated the Charlotte Bobcats in Game 2 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series on Wednesda in Miami. At left is Dwyane Wade. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

foul, which was not called flagrant. ‘’I don’t need to see it again,’’ James said. ‘’Most important thing is we won the game.’’

Said McRoberts, who insisted it wasn’t intentional: ‘’It looked a lot worse than what it was.’’

James hit the second of his two free throws, making it a two-possession game and that was critical. Kemba Walker made a 3-pointer with 11.9 seconds left to get Charlotte within one, but the Bobcats didn’t score again. ‘’I think we’re still really confident,’’ Walker said.

‘’We just have to learn from our mistakes. ... I think we have a chance, man.’’

Walker finished with 16 and Gerald Henderson scored 15 for the Bobcats.

Mario Chalmers scored 11 for Miami.

So while the Heat were saying that all they have done was hold serve at home, it’s hard to find a real silver lining for Charlotte.

Not only have the Bobcats now lost 18 consecutive games against Miami, but the Heat have never dropped any of the previous 11 postseason series in which they’ve grabbed a 2-0 series lead.

Mavs rout Spurs to even series

S

AN ANTONIO (AP) -Blowing their playoff opener turned out to be great therapy for the Dallas Mavericks. eighth-seeded Dallas rolled to a 113-92 victory over San Antonio on Wednesday night, snapping a 10game skid against the Spurs and evening their first-round series at a game apiece.

Dallas didn’t relent in Game 2 after watching a 10-point lead evaporate in the final eight minutes of the series opener Sunday. ‘’Game 1 actually helped a lot more than today,’’ Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki said. ‘’We were down after Game 1, but in this building to be up 10 with six or seven minutes left, I think that gave us a lot of confidence coming into this one. Just keep exe-

cuting the game plan.’’

It was Dallas’ first playoff victory since June 12, 2011, when it rebounded from an 0-2 deficit to defeat the Miami Heat for the NBA title.

If not for the final eight minutes of the series opener, the Mavericks would have a 2-0 lead entering Game 3 on Saturday. ‘’It feels great, but it’s nothing to celebrate,’’ Dallas point guard Jose Calderon said. ‘’I think we have to keep doing what we’re doing. I think we played two really good games.’’

In Game 2, the Mavericks used an aggressive offense and a brutal defensive effort that discombobulated the normally even-keeled Spurs, who finished the regular season with the league’s best record.

Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki, bottom, falls to the floor as he and San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw) chase a loose ball during Game 2 of the opening-round NBA basketball playoff series on Wednesday in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 29 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 25-26, 2014