Edge Davao 7 Issue 37

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

SOLUTION TO THE POWER CRISIS? The gigantic 60 meters by 120 meters coal dome, which is part of Aboitiz Power’s Therma South coal-fired power plant project in Binugao, Toril, Davao City, is now 90 percent completed and expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2015.

Lean Daval Jr.

NO DISCRIMINATION Duterte assures all 182 barangays can hire ‘tanods’regardless of political affiliation

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

D

AvAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has assured that all 182 barangays in the city will be authorized to hire auxiliary forces regardless of the political affiliation of the barangay captains.

“Bibigyan ko lahat, just to be fair whether big or small (barangays) for a starter,” Duterte told told reporters last Monday afternoon in his office, as he dismissed reports that there will be barangays which will not get allocation to hire “tanods” because the elected barangay captian is not a member of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod.

Duterte said that he will accommodate the selected ‘tanods’ by all barangay captains.

Each barangay is allowed to select five ‘tanods’ who will receive monthly compensation.

Earlier, he said that the proposed budget amounting to more than P5 million will be drawn from the peace and

order fund of the city.

Duterte said that he will also find another source of fund for the additional barangay tanods who will be deployed in the big barangays to secure their areas.

He said that the ‘tanods’ will undergo training such as security and intelligence as well as handling a suspect in an arrest.

“Basin pataka lang pud sila’g pangulata. I agi gyud sa processo sa balaod,” he stressed.

Duterte said that he already told Davao City Police Office director Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr. about the training of the barangay auxiliary force.

The mayor came up with

FTANODS, 10

LONG DAY IN THE OFFICE. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte confers with his executive assistant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go while tending to his constituents who were asking for assistance until late Monday night at City Hall in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014 FIRST DAY. Hundreds of Dabawenyos swarm the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 office inside the Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday morning during the first day of registration of first-time voters and previously registered voters who will have their biometrics taken. Lean Daval Jr.

Scholarship slots Augmentation of at CHED limited

By ChENEEN R. CApON crc@edgedavao.net

W

ITH 25,000 applicants for scholarship grants from all over Davao Region, more than half of them cannot avail of the program being implemented by the Commission on Higher Education 11 (CHED11).

CHED regional director Raul Alvarez told Edge Davao yesterday only 11,000 scholarship slots are available for grab.

“We have 1,000 slots in each congressional district in the region,” he said. The region is composed of 11 congressional district stretching all the way from Davao Oriental to

Davao del Sur. “Because of many applicants, we have to rank them based on the result of their examination,” Alvarez added.

The submission of application ended on Aril 30, 2014 while the results of the scholarship examination are set to be released on or before coming May 15.

Alvarez said that incoming freshman passers are allowed to choose their own course based on their preference.

Meanwhile, the enrolment in some colleges and univer-

FSCHOLARSHIP, 10

WEATHER FORECAST

city funds raised

By DANIEl D. JOAQUIN

D

AVAO City Councilor Diosdado Mahipus yesterday raised the need for the local government to augment its financial resources in the midst of successive fire incidents that demand for allocation of huge amount to

assist the victims.

In a privilege speech during the regular session of the city council, he said the local government would be at risk of declaring “bankruptcy” once four or five calamities occurs in the city.

Mahipus said the additional P60.71 million allocated for the relocation of the fire victims in Isla Verde “should be a point of concern” in relation to the status of the city’s coffers.

He cited that huge private investments have been poured

in into Davao City but the local government failed to raise its financial resources for various reasons including the failure to collect unpaid taxes by owners of delinquent properties.

He suggested that the lo-

they have received positive response from field officials.

“We do not have any actual figures with us right now yet but based on reports we have been receiving, it appears that across the board, there are many who went to register at

local Comelec offices,” he said in a telephone interview.

He attributed the positive turnout to the poll body’s effort of conducting an extensive awareness campaign on the 17-month long registration.

At the same time, the poll

body official is hoping that the interest of the public would be sustained in the coming months until October 31, 2015, the end of the voters registration.

“Certainly, that is our hope

journment in June.

Drilon said that urgent attention given by Congress to the 16 bills is a reflection of the government’s understanding of the real and most crucial needs of every Filipino family which are accessible education for the youth and a reliable

health coverage system for our elderly.

“We must work extra hard in getting these bills enacted on time, so that our citizenry could immediately enjoy the expected legislated benefits such as scholarship program, job opportunities through lad-

derized education, and enhanced health care coverage especially for all senior citizens,” said Drilon.

“Remember that if we are to regain the confidence and trust of our people in the Senate which was eroded due to the pork barrel

FAUGMENTATION, 10

Good turnout of applicants on first day of nationwide voters registration

T

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a good turnout of applicants on the first day of the resumption of the nationwide voter registration on Tuesday.

According to Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez,

FGOOD, 10

Senate urged for swift action on pending bills

S

EnATE President Franklin M. Drilon urged his colleagues in the Upper Chamber to fast-track and bring at the soonest to the Senate floor the various proposed legislation which both houses of Congress agreed to pass before their sine die ad-

FSENATE, 10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

3

Palm oil industry not a gov’t priority

By ChENEEN R. CApON

W

crc@edgedavao.net

HILE it is considered a lucrative business, the multimillion palm oil industry is not among the priority crops of the Department of Agriculture.

“Our undersecretary made a pronouncement in one of our meetings that we have no support in terms of ( financial or otherwise) to palm oil,” said DA 11 regional director Remelyn R. Recoter.

She said that they are now more focused on promoting cash crops like corn, rice, and root crops for intercropping.

Recoter refused to comment on the recent reports regarding the interest of a Malaysian firm to pour invest-

ment in an palm oil plantation in Paquibato District.

Since the devastation of typhoon Pablo, the some leaders in private and business sector urged coconut and banana farmers to shift to oil palm because of its huge earning potential in the global market.

Ireneo Dalayon, chief executive director of Federation of Coopeartives in Mindanao (Fedco) earlier pronounced his support to the oil palm industry by encouraging banana farmers affected by the Panama disease to invest in oil palm as an alternative source of income.

He said that the demand

FPALM, 10

Additional assistance for fire victims approved

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City council yesterday approved the ordinance providing for additional funds for the rehabilitation of firerazed Isla Verde and other assistance to fire victims.

Passed unanimously was “An Ordinance Allowing the Executive Department through the City Mayor, to Additionally Disburse a Portion of the City Government ff Davao’s Five Percent Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (DRMF or Calamity Fund) for Mitigation and Rehabilitation Purposes and Financial

Assistance for Housing Materials in the Total Amount of P60.77 Million for Barangays 22-C And 23-C which were Declared Understate of Calamity.”

City administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain said that the allocated amount will be drawn from the calamity fund. It will be also used for “mitigation purposes” of the evacuation site for Badjao community and the fencing of the original site to secure it during the initial rehabilitation.

The item underwent a

FADDITIONAL, 10

FOR DADDY RAM. On behalf of his family, Charles Raymond Maxey (3rd from right) gives his message of thanks to the organizers of the World Press Freedom Day Media Appreciation Awards whose father and Edge Davao editorial consultant, the late Ramon M. Maxey, is one of the recipients of the Media Development Award. Also in photo are Philippine Press Institute executive director Ariel Sebellino (rightmost), Edge Davao editor Antonio M. Ajero (2nd from right), Mindanao Daily Mirror’s Ana Theresa F. Basilio (center), Mindanao Times editor Amalia Cabusao (3rd from left), Mindanao News and Information Cooperative (MNIC) chair Carolyn O. Arguillas (2nd from left) and veteran photographer Renato Lumawag of Mindanao Times. Lean Daval Jr.

Water service interruptions due to improvement projects D

AVAO City Water District has scheduled four sets of water interruptions to give way to completion of service improvement projects by the Engineering and Construction Department (ECD).

First set is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM of May 8 affecting some portions of Bo. Obrero particularly the areas within the junction of Veloso St. and n. Torres Ext., n. Torres Ext. and W. Vinzon St., W. Vinzon St. and Dacudao Avenue, and Dacudao Avenue and Velo-

so St. (Topaz St., Opal St., new Burgos St., Lacson St., A. Iñigo St., Clarin Ext., Alzate Ext., Urduja Ext., Trade School Drive, E. Palma Gil St., L. Diaz St., n. Torres St., R. Cabaguio St., norco St., Dacudao Avenue) and portion of W. Vinzons St. (from n. Torres St. to JP Cabaguio Avenue). This seven-hour water cut is needed to allow the ECD crew to tap the installed 6-inch diameter x 324.0 linear meter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter Mortar Line Coated Steel Pipeline (MLCSP) for

the mainline improvement along Trade School Drive in Brgy. Gov. P. Bangoy, Agdao. Once completed, this project will increase water pressure in said areas.

Second set is an eighthour water interruption from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM of May 8. Affected areas are Biao Tienda, Centennial Village 1 and 2, Brgy. Ula, Small Tacunan, IKP Village and Martyrville Subd. This water interruption is necessary for the tapping of the newly installed 100mm diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 150mm diam-

FWATER, 10

Pangilinan set to focus on ways to lower food prices

n TURNOVER. Manuel “Bobby” M. Orig (leftmost), first vice president for Mindanao Affairs of Aboitiz Power, formally turns over the Hammerhead patrol boat in behalf of the Aboitiz Foundation to Col. Librado N. Quilla (rightmost), deputy commander of Task Force Davao, during a turnover ceremony held at the Therma South, Inc. in Binugao, Toril, Davao City Monday afternoon. Also present during the event were Therma South, Inc.’s Jason C. Magnaye (3rd from left), corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager; Magno G. Adalin Jr. (4th from left), security manager; Wilfredo A. Rodolfo, branding and corporate communications manager of Aboitiz Power; Lt. Col. Apollo Lamaton Jr. (2nd from right), commander of the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Phils. Army; Chief Inspector Angel Sumagaysay (3rd from right), head of Toril Police Station; and Brgy. Kagawad Edwin Fajardo. Lean Daval Jr.

eter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Martyrville 1 and 2 in Brgy.

Ula, Tugbok.

Third set is from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM of May 9.

This seven-hour water cut will affect Phase 1, 2 and 3 of Emily Homes, Cabantian Country Homes, Phase 1 and 2 of Chula Vista Greenland Subd., Victors Subd. Communal, Precilla Estate 1 and 2, Remedios Heights, Cecilia Heights, Emilia Homes Subd., Victors Homes Cabantian, Bacahoa Village, Dela Peña

EWLy appointed Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan on Tuesday said he will focus on implementing strategies aimed at lowering food prices and raising income of farmers and fishers crucial in achieving inclusive growth in the country.

Pangilinan said his office will address issues related to importation to reduce particularly rice prices.

“Look at the policy on importation, pati ‘yung usapin ng utang ng nFA (national Food Authority). Almost P170 billion ang utang ng nFA, so ano ang gagawin natin dito? Ito ang ilan sa mga hinahanapan natin ng solusyon. (The nFA has al-

most P170-billion debt, what we will do about this? These are among the problems which we are looking for solutions),” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Pangilinan also believes that providing additional support to farmers and irrigation are needed to increase yield per hectare which can result to stable rice supply.

He said the effects of climate change on the agriculture sector should also be addressed.

Further, Pangilinan said he will also focus on resolving the coco levy fund issue as well as coco infestation problems.

“In the next two years, how do we ensure that the coco levy fund, which rightfully belongs to our farmers

FPANGILINAN, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014 Internet Photo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Comelec starts voter registration C

OMMISSIOn on Elections (Comelec) personnel here and nearby South Cotabato province have launched a massive information and education campaign for the fresh round of voter registration that started on Tuesday.

Lawyer Jay Gerada, Comelec-South Cotabato provincial supervisor, said they have scheduled a series of engagements with various sectors in the area to promote proper awareness and highlight the importance of the nationwide voter registration and validation.

“We will be going to the barangays to encourage participation from our stakeholders and properly inform them about the registration, the requirements and the involved processes,” he said.

The official said they will also coordinate with local government units in the area to generate more support for the voter registration and validation.

The Comelec central office had mandated local election offices to launch voter registration clinics to mobilize voters for the initiative, which was part of the

agency’s preparations for the 2016 national and local elections.

The voter registration and validation, which will end on October 2015, includes the registration of new voters, taking of biometric records or information and the reinstatement of inactive voters.

Comelec is targeting to register and complete the biometric records of some 9.6 million voters and enlist an additional three million new voters or those who will turn 18 on or before election day in 2016.

Gerada said all election offices covered by the Comelec provincial office opened the registration and validation activities as scheduled on Tuesday morning.

He said all necessary documents and equipment were delivered to the election offices a week ago to ensure the smooth conduct of the registration activities.

Comelec-South Cotabato’s operational and administrative coverage comprises this city and the province’s 10 towns and lone city. [MindaNews]

DRAMATIC. The daily four- to six-hour blackouts in Kidapawan lend the city dramatic, though unwanted, night scenes, like this photo taken on Monday, 5 May 2014. [MindaNews photo by Geonarrri Solmerano.]

Tagum CiTy

New City Hall up for completion next year T

AGUM City Mayor Allan Rellon said that the estimated remaining P200 budget from the last bank loan that was left by the previous administration is sufficient to complete the new City Hall

by September next year through turnkey project.

He said that to assure completion he decided to contract the remaining construction phase as turnkey project.

Turnkey is a type of project that is constructed by a developer and turned over to the city government in a ready-to-use condition.

There is the delay in the resumption of construction activities for the almost P1-billion building as the Commission on Audit had first made audits and inventory of materials when Rellon assumed office last July 2013.

The finding on the sufficiency of the remaining amount of the last bank loan secured and partially used by the previous administration of former Mayor Rey Uy was made last week of April by the Advisory Committee that Rellon created.

The committee pegged

the amount needed to complete the building at P130 million plus P10 million for the interior facilities.

The committee is composed of Vice Mayor Geterito “Boyet” Gementiza, Councilor Agripino “Jun” Coquilla Jr, City Engineer Roosevelt Corporal, and as observer members the representatives from the private sector, Development Bank of the Philippines and COA, the mayor said.

He said that the last bank loan was P231 million, which was started to be used but it was caught up by the election ban of

the May 2013 election.

He said that about P22 million of it was already withdrawn intended “for mobilization”, an amount that is still being questioned by his legal office.

“Pwedeng file lan ug kaso nang P22 million para mabawi (A case can be filed to have that P22 million returned),” he said, lumping the matter to COA’s earlier audit memorandum advice on the some questionable expenditure items such as the prohibitive consultancy fee of a non-Filipino design consultant. [Cha Monforte]

STAND FOR PRESS FREEDOM. A student signs on a tarp during the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro on May 3, 2014. MindaNews, Xavier University and Mindanao University of Science and Technology invited speakers and led a roundtable discussion among students on press freedom. [MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo]

Sultan Kudarat

Police probes blast that hurts Lebak town mayor

P

OLICE authorities in Sultan Kudarat province have widened their investigation into the bomb explosion beside the municipal hall of Lebak town on Monday that seriously wounded its mayor and his security escort.

Senior Supt. Rex dela Rosa, Sultan Kudarat police director, said Tuesday he has assigned a team of investigators to look deeper into the incident and determine its possible motive as well as the identity of the suspects.

He said they are currently investigating a number of angles, including local politics and terrorism, as possibly behind the attack that appeared to have targeted Lebak Mayor Dionisio Besana.

“We’re focused right now on the possible threats on the mayor’s life,” the official said in a radio interview.

Besana was about to leave the municipal hall of Lebak at around 11:05 a.m. on Monday when an improvised bomb exploded at a nearby parking area.

Police said the cellphone-triggered explosive was planted underneath a motorcycle that was parked beside the mayor’s

pickup service vehicle.

Investigators said employees of the Lebak municipal government unit saw a man wearing black trousers and a dark colored shirt drove the bomb-laden motorcycle to the area prior to the explosion.

Mayor Besana and his security detail identified as Police Officer 2 Van Anthony Vecilles sustained various shrapnel wounds and were immediately rushed to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Cotabato City for treatment.

As of Tuesday morning, dela Rosa said the mayor, who underwent an operation on Monday night, is already in stable condition but remained at the intensive care unit of the CRMC. He said Vecilles, who only sustained minor injuries, is also confined at the same hospital.

Dela Rosa said they are still determining whether the mayor had received threats on his life prior to the attack on Monday.

He said the Lebak municipal police station had not received any previous report from Besana’s camp related to the matter. [MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

NEDA says inflation still manageable, within target T

HE national Economic and Development Authority (nEDA) expects the movement of prices of basic commodities to be manageable in 2014, and that the government is addressing upside risks to inflation.

This statement came after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that last month’s headline inflation registered at 4.1 percent from 3.9 percent in March 2014 and 2.6 percent in the same period a year ago. Inflation in the first four months of 2014 also stood at 4.1 percent.

“In the absence of major economic shocks, nEDA expects the country’s headline inflation rate in 2014 to average around 4.0 percent. This is within the government’s target of 3 to 5 percent as set by the nEDA Board-Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC),” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The nEDA Secretary explained that economic activity in the Philippines will

remain strong despite global concerns on the sustainability of growth in emerging economies that placed heightened uncertainty on financial markets.

“Our economic activity will go forward, supported by sound macroeconomic fundamentals, favorable consumer and business sentiment, and manageable inflation,” said Balisacan.

According to the PSA, the 4.1-percent inflation in April 2014 was due to faster increments in the prices of food, electricity and petroleum products.

“Tightness in the country’s rice supply persisted last month, resulting in higher prices of rice during the period. Similarly, the relatively higher corn prices may be attributed to lower production of corn resulting from dry spells in a number of corn-producing regions,” said Balisacan.

The Cabinet official added that rising crude prices in the world market pushed up the prices of domestic petroleum products.

FREE HAIRCUT. Sixty-six year old Bella Laher gets a free haircut from Herbie Dagohoy at Manuel Roxas Elementary School, Davao City where hundreds of fire victims are seeking temporary shelter, on May 4, 2014. A group of hairdressers decided to give free haircut to the victims of fire in Isla Verde last month.

[MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

Card Bank launches own mobile banking

By ChENEEN R. CApON crc@edgedavao.net

B

AnKInG is made easier as Card Bank Inc., the country’s top microfinancing firm plans to roll out the “Connect to CARD,” the banks mobile banking system (MBS) among its members in Mindanao next year.

Dolores M. Torres, president and chief executive officer of Card Bank said that the system is now being piloted in San Pablo, Laguna.

Card Bank is the microfinancing arm of Card Mutual Reinforcing Institutions (Card MRI).

“The pilot testing will allow us to identify the problems in the system,” she said adding that it will be soon replicated to other provinces.

“We recognize that not all of our members can go to the bank to transaction that’s why we are bringing the services closer to them,” Torres shared.

Connect to Card will allow members to deposit, withdraw, or pay loans through texting.

The system which is being developed by TelUpay is expected to benefit more than 2 million members

mostly are women.

Torres says Card Bank recognizes the vital role of women in shaping the future of her family and society.

To empower a woman, Torres said it is not enough to educate her but giving her the economic power will give her confidence to lift herself and her family from poverty.

“Linking her to financial institutions like banks and insurance companies give her opportunity to decide as a pillar of her family,” she said Card Bank Inc. is grounded in helping poor housewives through microfinancing.

It aims to develop women in the country side to become responsible and responsive to the changing economic and social climate.

With just P70, poor women in rural areas of the country can start opening their account. P50 will proceed to savings while the remaining P20 will be allotted for insurance.

In just three weeks, Card Bank members can start access loan to start their small businesses for as low as

PHL IT-BPM industry boosts market presence in Australia The Philippine information technology and business process management industry (IT-BPM) will boost its presence in Australia as key industry players participated in CeBIT, the country’s leading business conference and exhibition for the information and communications technology (ICT) starting May 5 until today, May 7, 2014 at the Sydney Olympic Park.

The country’s delegation consists of 12 companies namely: ADEC Group, EstanSAAS Development Inc., Exist Global, Global Process Manager Inc., Globe Telecom, KMC Solutions, Pointwest Technologies, Salmat Services Inc., SPi Global, StraightArrow Corporation, Sutherland Global Services, and TeleDevelopment Services Inc., and led by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), with the support of the Department of Science and Technology–Information and Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICTO).

The event provided an opportunity for the country to showcase its capabilities and services in areas such as IT consulting, software development, customer relationship management, back office support, creative processes, healthcare information management, knowledge process outsourcing,

telecommunications, HR solutions and offshore hosting services, among others.

This is the 6th consecutive year that the Philippines is participating in the exhibit.

“We aim to further increase our presence in Australia, one of our growing markets, and CeBIT provides us a platform to present our strong value proposition to Australian firms that are looking into outsourcing or offshoring to increase their competitiveness,” said IBPAP president and CEO Jose Mari Mercado.

“Our high level of compatibility with the Australian market makes us a good complement as an outsourcing partner,” he added.

For its part, the government assured its continuing support for the industry.

“We remain committed to our partnership with the IT-BPM industry in pursuing initiatives that drive the development of this sector.

This strong collaboration is one of the key factors that the industry is able to sustain its growth and maintain its global leadership position,” said Undersecretary Louis napoleon C. Casambre, Executive Director of the DOST-ICT Office, “which is why establishing our presence in key markets such as Australia remains part of our industry benchmarking programs.” [PNA]

ACCESSIBLE. A vendor uses a sidewalk in Malaybalay City to sell ripe bananas which cost P30 a kilo. [MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno] P3,000.

These can be starting capital to start a business as humble as banana cue vending or fish vending.

To reach more of its target, Card Bank, the country’s top rank and third in the Ase-

an in microfinancing is planning to expand more branches in Davao.

Torres said four more branches will be established in the region next year.

The growing economy in Davao and the fast pace of

development encourage the institution to expand their operation in the area.

The other four branches will be additional to other three existing Card Banks located in Buhangin, Matina, and Bangkerohan.

Forty more micro branch offices will be also set up in the region.

Currently, it has a total of 56 branches scattered nationwide, only in provinces of Batanes, Catanduanes, Romblon and Lanao del Sur.

plore on the benefits brought about by the ASEAn integration such as lifting of trade barriers. ”Zero-tariffs for made-inASEAn products and services have been in force since 2010, so we have had lots of practice,” yao said.

“As time between now and December next year narrows, we have to make use of the lessons learned to improve the impact of the strategic policies and programs on local enterprises in the remaining months,” he added.

The PCCI chief stressed

that the country should empower and support the domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to compete in the integration.

The organization has also seen outsourcing and subcontracting products and services will hasten the development of the SMEs to participate in the global supply chain. yao also said that government policies and programs will play a crucial role to strengthen the participation of SMEs in the supply chain.

“Large companies have been forming joint ventures

with ASEAn counterparts in manufacturing and marketing products and services. But the small and medium enterprises need support to improve their participation by delivering value as part of supply chains of the large companies,” he said.

“Our joint concern in the private and public sectors is not only to ensure that the policies and programs are firmly in place, but also that their design and implementation have effective impact on the competitiveness of enterprises, particularly of SMEs,” he added. [PNA]

Malaysian operations reached 10.6 million barrels, up 6 percent from 10 million barrels in 2013. This can be attributed to improved network sales and its service station expansion program.

The company, to date, has a combined network of over 2,700 stations, 2,200 of which are in the Philippines where it remains the market leader with about 37 percent of the total market.

Petron’s consolidated income stood at Php 2.23 billion in the first quarter of the year, better than last year’s Php 2.20 billion.

“We are excited about the

company’s prospects in the coming months with our ongoing upgrading and expansion projects. We are close to realizing our vision of a larger and stronger Petron especially with the completion of our biggest investment to date, the Refinery Master Plan-2,” Petron Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. The USD 2-billion Refinery Master Plan – 2 (RMP-2) will be in full commercial operation by 2015. It will drastically increase production of gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals at Petron’s Bataan Refinery. RMP-2 will enhance the country’s supply security since it gives more flexibility to refine crude oil from

various sources. More importantly, Petron will be capable of locally producing fuels that meet the more stringent Euro-4 environmental standard.

Complementing its RMP-2 and retail expansion program, the Company is also fast-tracking its Logistics Master Plan (LMP). LMP further integrates Petron’s extensive supply chain with the aim of serving customers’ fuel needs in the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective means. This project includes the upgrade of existing facilities and the construction of new storage tanks in strategic locations, modernization of tank trucks, among others. [PNA]

PCCI commits cooperation with gov’t toward ASEAN integration T

HE country’s largest business organization, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), has committed to cooperate with the government in executing strategic policies and programs that will prepare the Philippines in the upcoming ASEAn integration in 2015.

“We are partners with government in the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to have impact on the growth of enterprises and employment,” PCCI president Alfredo yao said.

According to yao, all scales of local entrepreneurs can ex-

Petron revenues up by 12% to P125-B in Q1 F

OR the first quarter of 2014, leading oil refining and marketing Petron Corporation reported a 12 percent growth in revenues to Php 75.4 billion driven by a 2 percent increase in volumes and an improvement in the product sales mix.

Consolidated revenues with Petron Malaysia reached Php 125.2 billion, also up 12 percent compared to last year’s Php 112 billion. For the period, consolidated sales volumes grew by 4 percent to 20.7 million barrels from 20 million barrels.

Retail volumes for the company’s Philippines and

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

Climate change threatens to worsen U.S. ozone pollution T

HE United States may face a 70 percent increase in unhealthy summertime ozone levels by 2050 as the climate warms, according to a government-funded study released on Monday.

The study, published in the U.S. Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, found that warmer temperatures, higher atmospheric levels of methane, and other atmospheric changes related to a changing climate spur chemical reactions that increase overall levels of ozone.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in the United States, climate change has the potential to make your air worse,” lead researcher Gabriele Pfister of the U.S. national Center for Atmospheric Research (nCAR) said in a statement.

“A warming planet

doesn’t just mean rising temperatures, it also means risking more summertime pollution and the health effects that come with it,” said Pfister.

Ozone pollution is not emitted directly, but instead forms as a result of chemical reactions that take place between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight.

These gases come from human activities such as combustion of coal and oil as well as natural sources such as emissions from plants.

Unlike ozone in the stratosphere, which benefits life on Earth by blocking ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, ground-level ozone can trigger a number of health problems, ranging from coughing and throat irritation to more serious problems, including aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and

emphysema. Ozone pollution also damages crops and other plants.

To examine the impacts of climate change on ozone pollution, Pfister and her colleagues looked at two scenarios. In one, emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds would continue at current levels through 2050. In the other, emissions would be cut by 60 to 70 percent.

The researchers found that if emissions continue at present-day rates, the number of eight-hour periods in which ozone would exceed 75 parts per billion (ppb), a threshold considered unhealthy, would jump by 70 percent on average across the United States by 2050.

Overall, the researchers said that 90 percent of the time, ozone levels would range from 30 to 87 ppb in 2050 compared with an es-

timated 31 to 79 ppb in the present.

However, sharp reductions in nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds could reduce ozone pollution even as temperatures rise.

According to the study, 90 percent of the time, ozone levels would then range from 27 to 55 ppb, and the number of instances when ozone pollution would exceed the 75 ppb level dropped to less than 1 percent of current cases.

“Our work confirms that reducing emissions of ozone precursors would have an enormous effect on the air we all breathe,” Pfister said.

The work was funded by the U.S. national Science Foundation, which is nCAR’s sponsor, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

[PNA/Xinhua]

M

Tuesday.

In an interview, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Jun Galang said that no weather disturbance is seen near the country’s

area of responsibility until Saturday.

In the next five days, he said the whole country will continue to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possible afternoon or evening rains due to localized thunderstorms.

In its advisory, PAGASA said light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over the country.

The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

[PNA]

Sunny to partly cloudy skies until Saturday

OST parts of the country will experience sunny to partly cloudy skies in the next five days as the easterlies will be the dominant weather system affecting the country, the state weather bureau said on

Crocodile captors are now wildlife enforcement officers

T

WO fishermen who caught a crocodile in the Liguasan Marsh in north Cotabato were designated as “wildlife enforcement officers”, an official said.

M’lang Mayor Joselito Pinol said he has made Mao Muhaliden Sujod and Oman Bojo, both from Barangay Dungguan, M’lang, to become enforcement officers under the Municipal Environment and natural Resources Office.

The local government will pay for their monthly honoraria through the general fund, the mayor said.

Pinol made the announcement after Malang, the name given to the endangered crocodile, was returned to its natural habitat in Dungguan on May 2.

The official said Sujod and Bojo were fishing in the marsh sometime in April when they saw the crocodile under the water. They decided to capture the reptile Two days later, they turned over the crocodile, believed to belong to the country’s largest

species, to the M’lang local government which placed it under tight watch, the mayor said.

Pinol, along with other environment officials from Region 12 and Palawan, released Malang, an endangered crocodile belonging to the Crocodylus mindorensis species, to the marsh.

The release was witnessed by Datu Tungko Saikol, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and natural Resources in Region 12, Director Veronica de Guzman of the Palawan Wildlife Reserve and Conservation Center, and Dr. Cayetano Pomares, vice president for research of the University of Southern Mindanao.

Saikol said they plan to establish a crocodile conservation center to protect Malang and other remaining Philippine crocodiles in the Liguasan marsh.

De Guzman said her office is willing to support the project. [MindaNews]

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

EDITORIAL Power blame game

T

HE power crisis in Mindanao, it seems, has turned into a blame game. This is frustrating to the suffering consumers both ordinary citizens and the business sector, to say the least.

We refer to the verbal exchange between President Benigno “noynoy” Aquino III and the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (Amreco).

The President has reportedly accused the rural power coops of being slow-footed in acting on the problem in Mindanao.

Excuse me, sir, but the electric cooperatives are not at fault here, Amreco president Sergio Dagooc seems to be saying. It is the tight regulations of government imposed on power distributors that are behind it all. Dagooc was referring to the requirement before an existing power plant can be utilized, particularly the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The ERC allegedly takes a long time to approve a petition to operate a power plant. Such regulation is embodied in the Ener-

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gy Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the Epira Law, wherein the ERC cannot just allow an electric cooperative to operate a generator or any form of power source without conducting a series of hearings on the matter.

The rural electric cooperatives are now pressing for their request that government, meaning the Department of Energy and the Office of the President, to adopt creative ways to hasten permitting of power plants that the cooperatives want to use in order to address the acute power shortage in the island.

President Aquino should now consider asking Congress for emergency powers to solve the crisis. Really, it is very sad, if not funny, for him to be blaming a sector for failing to do something that he could easily do given the vast powers that he could avail himself of as the chief executive.

Indeed, the people, especially us in Mindanao, are expecting the President to step into the problem and solve it, instead of engaging in a blame game.

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

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EDGEDAVAO

There’s no quick fix

L

EADERSHIP ALLEGEDLy IS COMPLACEnT, EVEn InEFFECTIVE – “When I was young I’m scared of darkness, now with my electricity bill I’m scared of the lights,” so the saying goes, and that’s especially true when you have to pay more despite lesser power consumption due to enormous brownouts lasting 4 to 6 hours daily. Basic economic tells us that the lesser the consumption the smaller supposedly is the tab.

That, of course, is entirely different in this case. Simple logic dictates that the present electric billing scheme isn’t cost-saving, however; someone is going to assume the additional financial burden – generation and distribution charges imposed by profit-oriented power distributors. With the country running low on electricity due to the impending long dry spell, should the poor consumers continue to pay for much higher power rates?

Some critics and consumer advocates say the argument over the “add-ons” passed onto the thousands of unknowing consumers by power distributors misses the point: they need not say that in times like this the consumers should brace for the worst following the logic that when supply is thin and scarce the price is high. On its part government supposedly had to set appropriate policies and provide enough support to the slumping energy sector.

The fact that the consuming public is saying the government notably the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ought to review the high cost of electricity obliged by the power distributors is a fair comment because the alleged expensive power supply they purchased from the inde-

I

pendent power producers (IPPs) has been used as alibi for the increase. The energy is flagging, but of course, the need is for cheaper electricity.

Energy experts say it takes time to solve the country’s energy crisis. It would probably take a couple of years and there’s no quick fix. But the government should feel it has an obligation before recommending a power rate hike at the height of the predicament to gain respect from the disenchanted consumers and make darn sure that when it does it commits to a long-term measure. The question is: will the government see the rationale and make it a reality?

In the next few weeks dwindling water supply in the Mindanao power grids will likely worsen the island’s electric supply situation.

At the current time, the whole of Mindanao is adrift being solely dependent on hydroelectric power. Its industrial and commercial bases are expected to languish. Every government analysis supports the opposite – that the country has adequate power reserve. Many say the Aquino administration is complacent, even ineffective.

The need to use the additional generation and distribution charges as reason for a rate increase allegedly a result of higher purchase

prices in the spot market – is rapidly becoming a crucial issue. Through clever business maneuvering, power distributors without exception implement a standard pattern in their billing system. The aghast and disgusted consuming public is literally completely in the dark as to how they could cope up with the deplorable situation.

Almost half of the power supply in Mindanao comes from the IPPs because the government has no alternative power generating station except for the aging Agus and Pulangui grids. Previous and present administrations actually are not aggressive enough in putting up government-owned power plants. In the search for efficient power supply progressive countries invested in billions of research dollars to develop futuristic technologies in energy production.

Here, it remained promises and more promises. Skeptics may point out, that, with prices of electricity almost beyond reach, the poor consuming public aren’t about to improve their standard way of life. After all, many of the government energy-related projects under study have been shelve for years, written off as impractical, or too expensive to be implemented.

Besides, the government for years has stubbornly resisted for obvious reasons the construction of alternative, cheaper power generating stations, insisting that it lacks the needed funds. Instead, most promising in its mind is the short-term contingency measure, which is relevant only in time of distress – sort of a “band-aid” solution.

Lessons learned from typhoon ‘Yolanda’

T is said that “experience is the best teacher, and the worst experiences teach the best lessons.”

Citing the sad experience from super typhoon “yolanda” (International name: Haiyan) in november last year, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is now using the lessons learned from the disaster as a guide in continuously improving and enhancing the agency’s disaster response mechanism.

Although the hands of time cannot be turned back to correct any mistakes or “inadequacies” that happened after “yolanda,” there is always next time wherein those inadequacies that served as lessons learned can be corrected.

Typhoon “yolanda,” which struck six big regions of the country - Regions IV-B (Mimaropa), V (Bicol), VI Western Visayas), VII (Central Visayas), VIII (Eastern Visayas) and XIII (Caraga) -- and displaced about 1.5 million families, had left the DSWD and other concerned agencies for disaster management a number of lessons.

According to DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman, the lessons learned from “yolanda” now serve as their guide to improve the agency’s methods of preparation and pre-positioning of goods for calamities that may happen not only during the coming rainy season but also sometime in the future.

“Based from what we had experienced in the said super typhoon, we had realized that there was so much that we should do to further improve the services when a calamity as big as that will happen in the future,” Soliman stressed during the recent turnover of donation of equipment to the DSWD by the World Food Program (WFP).

She recalled that while they had made the

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

SPECIAl FEATURE

By LeiLani S. Junio necessary pre-positioning of goods before the destructive typhoon struck, they realized that “their best was not enough” a day after the cyclone hit 44 provinces and 171 cities and municipalities.

This was due to the fact that the typhoon greatly affected not only the relief aid that the department had pre-positioned but also the DSWD personnel, municipal social welfare officers and other expected immediate responders who became victims themselves.

“Prior to Haiyan hitting the country (Philippines), we made the warning on the need for evacuation; we had pre-positioned goods to provide food not only in the base Tacloban City but also in other municipalities and we had several thousands of food packs in our regional office at that time ready for distribution,” she said.

But as what had happened, the big calamity washed out those pre-positioned goods as the scope of the damage was so tremendous, slowing down and hampering the response mechanism, including the distribution of much-needed relief goods.

“We thought we were prepared for everything that would have happened. But the surge and strength of Haiyan thought us that our preparation and pre-positioning should have been bigger than what we had done,” she admitted.

“So the lesson now is we should have a hub that is central and easier to mobilize, not just the food but the logistics that go with it, so that assets such as choppers, medical and rescue equipment will be placed for immedi-

ate and collaborative response,” she said.

She also said that the relief packages that should be prepared in the relief hubs should be bigger.

“So for example, we used to keep 50,000 food packs in our national Relief Operation Center (nROC), now we’re saying we should have at least 100,000 food packs ready for distribution by June in the strategic hubs that we are identifying,” she explained.

The DSWD chief said she is very grateful to the WFP which provided them not only food assistance, cash-for-work and cashfor-asset programs to the survivors but also logistical supports that include equipment that they used in responding to victims of calamities.

“Those equipment worth over USD 260,000 or P11.6 million (eight mobile storage units, one pre-fabricated office and 1,500 pallets) were used in sheltering people in the Zamboanga crisis and in the aftermath of yolanda,” she added.

On April 30, the WFP led by Country Director Praveen Agrawal also formally handed over 40 satellite phones for the Office of the Civil Defense that aim to enhance connectivity for better command and control during disasters.

“Those communication equipment are highly appreciated as timely response is a good result of good communication,” the DSWD chief said, adding that she recognizes communication is an important asset that should be utilized in any event of natural or man-made disaster.

“These donations from WFP, which has always stood by us, complement our preparations based on lessons learned so that the next natural events will not become big disasters,” the lady DSWD chief said. [PNA]

9

The folly of supporting misleaders WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny VaLdehueSa

I

(Conclusion)

T’S pathetic for our polity to have descended to such depth of superficiality and asininity. Enthroning these people insults the memory of Jose Rizal, Apolinario Mabini, even our own intelligence.

Trivializing the political system, bastardizing the government, is offensive to our society’s sense of decency. Stupidity injures our republic and denigrates our citizen sovereignty. But we allow it anyway.

Does anyone worry that slowly, gradually, like erosion eating up the hillsides and riverbanks, our tolerance for wrongheadedness is eating away our value system? you cannot turn common sense and folk wisdom upside down without corrupting our institutions and stultifying our political maturity.

Already, there is ambivalence in the public mind about the morality of pork, patronage, or the dependency of the grassroots on trapos. none of this is good for the policy of autonomy or self-governance. It encourages the furtherance of pork and its exotic versions as instruments of manipulation, control, and dominance over naïve voters.

As long as this mentality prevails, traditional politicians—trapos—already in abundant supply in our society, shall prevail.

It is hardly surprising, for instance, that one fabled congressman from Davao gave voice to the allure and (to him) the importance of pork, saying: “Kung alisin n’yo ang pork barrel, ano na ang magagawa namin?” (“If you take away the Pork Barrel, what would we in Congress do?”)

Poor guy: it didn’t occur to him that his job was to make laws and not hand out money or projects!

And poor Davao constituents who thought they elected him to represent them and to make laws for them and for our society!

Poor media also: they doted on him, glorifying his cutesy habit of tending garden plots in the congressional compound instead of seeding the Lower House with ideas for alleviating society and solutions to the plight of the poor in his district.

And of course we ourselves are the poorer for elevating ignoramuses and clowns to the lofty halls of congress, only for them to turn it in a pigsty.

That this has been going on for years, hardly anyone notices, or is it rather that everyone prefers not to notice? Can it be that they don’t notice how pork-funded projects fill the landscape with inferior infrastructure, credit-grabbing billboards, and pompous streamers?

But it goes on. And so the political system and the bureaucracy keeps filling up with misfits and impropriety and corruption with impunity.

That’s the folly of electing misleaders instead of true leaders!

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

10 NEWS

Tanods...FFROM 1

the proposal due to the problem of robbery in the barangays especially in the first district.

City council floor leader Tomas J. Monteverde IV told reporters in yesterday’s PulongPulong ni Pulong at the Councilor’s Lounge that the city council will support the plan of the mayor.

“Any augmentation to improve our peace and or-

der program mo uyon gyud tanang konsehal ana labina karon nga naa tay problema – naa tay power crisis. Remember ang criminal elements will take advantage sa kangit-ngit, ” Monteverde emphasized.

“The whole idea is very good… Very sound kay we need to enforce the law, we have to secure the general welfare of our constituents,” added Monteverde.

sities in the region already started but CHED 11 has yet to issue the lists of approved higher education institutions (HEIs) who applied for tuition fee and other school fee increase (TOSF).

“Same rate from last year will be applied to those who are now enrolling,” Alvarez said.

“We have already submitted the application to the central office for approval and we will have the list before the May ends,” Alvarez said, adding that the multi-sectoral consultation they conducted wrapped up month.

The schools which will get approval from CHED have to start the implementation of the tuition fee increase during the first semester of the school year 2014-2015.

“There’s are still some consideration like the rate of inflation here which is only 7.4 percent while these schools are requesting for an increase of 10 percent or less,” Alvarez explained.

He said that before the issuance, the Regional Multisectoral Comittee on Tuition Fee increase will have a meeting May 20 to talk on issues surrounding the application.

The members of the committee include national Economic and Development Authority (nEDA), CHED, Department of Education (DepEd), national youth Commission (nyC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), HEIs, and faculties.

Of the 91 total colleges

and universities in the region, only 32 submitted an intention for TOSF. This is slightly lower than 35 applicants last of which only 29 were approved.

The submission of the application ended last Feb 14.

Among the institutions that applied for increase in Davao City and Davao del Sur are Ateneo de Davao University (ADdU), Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), Holy Cross College of Calinan (HCCC), Holy Cross College of Davao (HCDC), John Paul II College, Mindanao Medical Foundation College, Philippine College of Technology (PCT), Philippine Women’s College (PWC), Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur, Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), St. Peter’s College of Toril, Samson Polytechnic College of Davao, San Pedro College, Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary, Tecarro College Foundation, University of Immaculate Conception (UIC), University of Mindanao (main), UM Bansalan College, UM Digos College, UM Guianga College.

In Davao del norte are Arriesgado College Foundation, Tagum Doctors College, Tagum City College of Science and Technology Foundation, St. Mary’s College of Tagum, UM Panabo College, UM Peñaplata, UM Tagum College, ACLC College of Tagum City.

In Compostella Valley are Assumption College of nabunturan, Kolehiyo ng Pantukan, and Monkayo College of Arts and Technology.

that we can sustain this interest so we can register as many as possible,” Jimenez said.

Applicants may visit the Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) in every city/municipality all over the country to register. OEOs are open from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Those who are qualified to register are those at least 18 years of age; a resident of the Philippines for at least one year, and in the place wherein he proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election; and not disqualified by law, such as being sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment for not less than one year.

The Comelec reminded applicants to bring one valid ID such as employee’s identification card (ID), with the signature of the employer or authorized representative; Postal ID ; PWD Discount ID; Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority; Senior Citizen’s ID; driver’s license; nBI clearance; Passport; SSS/ GSIS ID; Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID; License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC); and Certificate of Confirmation issued by the national Commission on Indigenous Peoples (nCIP) in case of members of ICCs or IPs, for the purpose of validating their identity and residence. [PnA]

cal government will auction to the public the properties of delinquent taxpayers, adding that properties with owners who already passed away without any descendants and ascendants should by law be automatically escheated by the government.

Mahipus expressed apprehension that once the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) decides to step in and confiscate the properties in lieu of taxes due to the national government, the city government will lost its opportunity to augment its local revenue.

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EDGEDAVAO

controversy, the best way is to show them that we are a performing institution that gives justice to every peso of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. We can do so by putting in a legislative performance that shows genuine service to the nation,” he added.

Topping the priority list are six legislative measures that would ensure a more accessible and quality educational system throughout the country. These include the “Iskolar ng Bayan Act” authored by Senate Majority Leader Allan Peter Cayetano which mandates all state universities and colleges to provide automatic admission and scholarship to top 10 graduating high school students across the country, and the national Student Loan Program which would tap banks and lending institutions to grant loans to financially-chal-

lenged college students.

The Congress will also institutionalize the open distance education in the country through the Open Learning through Distance Education in Post-Secondary Education and Tertiary Levels and Open High School System for Out of School youth bills.

The Congress also agreed to pass a bill instituting a ladderized education for students taking up technical and vocational (techvoc) courses aimed at integrating tech-voc education and higher education and creating more job opportunities for skilled graduates.

It likewise plans to institutionalize the establishment of special education centers throughout the country “to address the special needs of differently-abled students.”

“The Congress recognizes the need for laws that

will make education more attainable for all and we can make it happen when we address the biggest barriers that hinder the delivery of education throughout the country such as poverty, distance and age,” explained Drilon.

The Senate leader rallied his fellow senators to pass the health-related bills on Congress’ priority list.

He cited the picture-based health warning act, amendments to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the expansion of Philhealth coverage for senior citizens as among the measures that “will advance the health of millions of Filipinos.”

“I share the belief that the country’s elderly population must be provided with the accessible and sufficient health care that will help them in their twilight years, and we can attain it

by enrolling every senior citizen in Philhealth,” said Drilon.

Under the proposed expanded Philhealth law, the government, through the national Health Insurance Fund, will shoulder the enrollment of all senior citizens in the country.

The Congress will also impose stiffer penalty for poaching and other illegal fishing activities to protect the country’s fishing industry and other marine resources by amending the Fisheries Code.

Also on the list are the amendments to the Sandiganbayan law and the extension of the Philippine national Railway’s charter, and the creation of the Quezon City Development Authority.

Lastly, the Congress is set to postpone by another year the Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

will be properly utilized, so that it will benefit directly our farms -- our coconut farmers and their families,” he noted.

Pangilinan added that the technology used in the coconut industry needs to be also developed, as more local coconut products are patronized in the international market.

“We are still the leader in the exports of coconut products in the entire world but... we are losing ground to other nations,” Pangilinan, also the

former chair of the Senate committee on agriculture and a vegetable farmer.

He noted that livelihoods of 70 percent of the poor in the country depend on agriculture and fishery.

“Therefore, kung gusto nating (pagtuunan) itong inclusive growth ng ating administrasyon at ng gobyerno, kailangang (tugunan) ang problema ng pagsasaka at ng pangingisda,” he said.

President Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order

175 transferring from the Department of Agriculture to the Office of the President the following major agencies: the national Food Authority, the national Irrigation Administration, Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.

Pangilinan stressed that he will provide additional support to address problems affecting the agriculture.

“Considering na nalalabi na lang itong oras natin sa (remaining years in the)

administrasyon, I think the President felt the need to fast-track and to add support,” he noted.

“I felt duty-bound to help in addressing poverty through focusing on agricultural programs that will uplift our agriculture and fishery sector.”

Pangilinan said his office will oversee the four agencies, while Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala the other 54 attached agencies of the DA. [PNA]

Village, Countryville Executive Homes, Holy Trinity, portion of Ciudad de Ezperanza served by Cabantian Water Supply System and a portion of Cabantian Road particularly from Holy Trinity to Emily Homes Subd. The ECD will tap the newly installed 100mm diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 450mm diameter MLCSP for the mainline improvement at Block 1 Cabantian Country Homes.

Fourth set will be from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM of

May 10 affecting a portion of Matina Pangi Road particularly from Pangi Bridge to Km. 7, Matina Pangi and nSDS Village in Km. 6.5.

This seven-hour water interruption is for the tapping of the newly installed 75mm diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 75mm diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline extension at ASICO Homeowners Association in Matina Pangi.

The second, third and fourth sets of water cuts are for the accommodation

of approximately 233 new service connections.

Acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.

ph) and official Facebook account (www.facebook. com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. [Jamae R. Garcia]

stringent deliberation from the councilors as they worry if there are still available fund from the DRRMF since they already gave P45 million calamity fund to the victims.

City Accountant’s Office head Rizalina n. Justol appeared before the city council assuring the body that there is an enough

fund for the appropriation.

Based on the report of City Budget Office (CBO), Justol read that the city still has P201.15 million DRMF. She assured the city council that she will furnish the body a copy of liquidation of expenses.

Justol also read another document from CBO indicating that from the first

allocation of P45 million by the city, there is still available fund amounting to P2.9 million.

Engr. Roland Reyes, officer-in-charge of City Engineers Office also appeared during the regular session informing the body that almost half of the allocation or P30 million will go to the road network in

the area.

Earlier, Mayor Duterte already said that he will give an additional assistance to the fire victims to help them recover from the incident.

He said that the initial P45-million calamity fund allocated for assistance to the fire victims is insufficient.

of oil palm is very high, even in the local market where 70 percent of our cooking oil is imported.

Dalayon said that these farmers can plant oil palm trees in areas infected with Panama disease which is still

incurable until today.

On a study conducted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), it revealed

that Mindanao has a total of 900,000 hectares identified land area suitable for oil palm plantation.

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11

Yes, UK is OK!

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

T

HEy are everywhere.

During fiestas and town anniversary celebration, you see them flooded with customers. Even in some malls, you find stalls selling those second-hand but branded clothes. yes, “ukay-ukay” is very popular among Filipinos. It is called so because one has to dig and sift (“halukay” in Tagalog or “ukay” in Cebuano) through piles of used clothing. The phenomenon reportedly originated in Baguio where it is called as “wagwag” (an Ilocano word for “to dust off” or “to shake”) because buyers have to shake off dust from the used clothes.

Today, what used to be petty business is now a multi-million-peso enterprise. In 2000 alone, it was estimated that the “ukay-ukay” business generated a daily gross income of P1.2 million.

Clothing, like food, is one of the elementary necessities in life. In various parts of Mindanao, even the most basic needs are out of reach for the underprivileged. As such, looking for good value is a daily cause.

“Getting some decent attire to wear is very difficult for

a low income family and for them ‘ukay-ukay’ is the answer to their problem,” said a post in Cnn iReport. “At least, they can buy a fair outfit for any amount of money in hand.”

But as recession has gained its foothold in today’s economy, “ukay-ukay” is no longer exclusive among the less fortunate; even the most stylish fashionistas are scrounging into the piles of used clothing, looking for that perfect vintage piece.

Even film superstar nora Aunor herself bought some ukay-ukay right after filming “Ang Kuwento ni Mabuti.” According to her co-star Mara Lopez, there was a scene in the movie where the two were buying clothes from an ukayukay stall. After the shoot, they went on to dig and sift for clothes.

“Some bargain hunters consider it like fun when hauling through heaps and racks of passed down textile that is not always in the best condition and clean,” the Cnn iReport said. “For a few, it is the equivalent of treasure hunting; for many, it is an ongoing quest

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPInES REGIOnAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGIOn OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITy

hOME DEvElOpMENT MUTUAl FUND Mortgagee -versusEJF-REM CASE NO. 14,583-14 ShIRlEY S. JAYSON married to JOSEph B. JAYSON Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAl SAlE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above- mentioned morgagee against above-mentioned mortgagors with postal address at LOT 17 blk 76 ,PH 4 DECA HOMES Subd., Mintal, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of november 25, 2013 amounted to ( p 823,124.24 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEn ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 23 , 2014 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MAnAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 146-2011012839

“ A parcel of land (Lot 17, Blk. 76, xxx) situated in Barangay of Tugbok, City of Davao Island of Mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONE hUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on June 20, 2014 without further notice.

This nOTICE will be posted in three (3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is situated and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, April 15, 2014

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (SGD.) CONRADO p. MACAUTAY, JR. Sheriff IV

noted by: (SGD) ATTY. EDIpOlO p. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff

(edge 4/30,5/7/14)

for affordable clothing and an inevitable part of common life.”

Those in the know said there are four types of “ukayukay” clothes. Class A types are those brand new signature clothes more often with price tags. Usually came straight from the store factory. These are usually available when clothes are newly delivered or whenever you see the “nEW ARRIVAL” sign at the front of the store.

Class B clothes, on the other hand, look like brand new.

Slightly used, they are considered high quality but without price tags. Class C types are actually second hand clothes; the quality is not so good. They have slight damages which can be easily restored. Those under Class D are of poor quality with damages.

Ukay-ukay, indeed, has gone a long, long way. As one observer puts it: “It has grown from just clothing to bags, shoes and even curtains, blankets, comforters, office equipment, toys, and sporting goods. Some shops now even sell brand new imitation goods in the same area as the second hand shops.”

What most Filipinos don’t know is that “ukay-ukay” used to be known in the past as “ril-

ip” (from the English word, relief) as they were meant to be doled out to calamity victims.

Pilgrim Bliss Gayo and Julie Gao-Iso wrote in a piece that was included in “Handbook Philippines”: “Early in its history, the humanitarian organization Salvation Army collected second-hand garments and goods from other countries (primarily from Hong Kong and the United States) and shipped these to the Philippines are relief assistance to victims of natural calamities.

“As the donated goods kept coming in, the idea of a buy-and-sell business was born among enterprising and ‘madiskarteng’ (resourceful) Pinoys. At first, the sold merchandise comprised only of the undistributed ‘rilip.’ Eventually, as the idea caught on, clothes and, later, more varied items that could be had like bags, shoes, bedsheets/ blankets, kitchen utensils, and nearly everything imaginable are brought in not only from Hong Kong and the United States but also from Japan, Korea, and other countries.”

Another thing that most Filipinos don’t know: “ukayukay” business is illegal. In 1966, Republic Act 4653 was passed; it is “an Act to safe-

guard the health of the people and maintain the dignity of the nation by declaring it a national policy to prohibit the commercial importation of textile articles commonly known as used clothing and rags.”

In november 1999, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, then the secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, issued an order which stopped the approval of new applications for the duty-free entry of used clothing and rags because of possible health hazards. In 2002, the department order was reaffirmed.

Despite this, the “ukayukay” business continued to proliferate. So much so that in 2011, a bill was passed stating that the importation of used clothes or ukay-ukay should be legalized to generate revenue, protect the local textile manufacturers and ensure public’s health.

The legalization in the import and sale of used clothing, the bill said, could mean that correct taxes and levies would be assessed and collected from concerned importers or traders.

Section 3 of the proposal states that “there shall be levied, collected and paid on every commercial importation

of used clothing an ad valorem tax duty equivalent to 30 percent based on the total value of the goods.”

Even before the bill was proposed, Ray Butch Gamboa in his column, “Business and Leisure,” wrote: “Come to think of it, how can you legalize the ukay-ukay? What can possibly be the basis for the taxation of these garments that come in bulk, in boxes of assorted types and makes? Jess points out that at least for used automobiles, we have the so-called blue book that serves as a guide for Customs personnel to slap the appropriate taxes. But for ukay-ukay? Do we tax them by the kilo? That is dangerous because pretty soon, these ukayukay bundles will suddenly have brand new high-end clothing mixed surreptitiously with the old cheap clothes and passed on as used garments?”

Meanwhile, the Cnn iReport has this explanation why “ukay-ukay” won’t fade away from the Philippines: “These days more and more people want or need to dress for less and are joining the ‘ukay-ukay’ craze. So, dig in and dear to wear, ukay-ukay is okay, it is a number-one shopping experience for second-hand happiness.”

12 ClASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Kids gone craft Summer time is when most kids buzz with excitement and creativity. in between family holidays and adventures, parents find different ways to kill their children’s boredom by enrolling them in either sports or creative arts workshop.

For quite a number of school holidays now, April San Pedro of Artisan Design Studio has been offering arts and crafts workshop for small groups of kids. each 3-hour session varies and features different techniques in paper crafts and design solutions.

Her equally talented sister, Sandy, who’s a bonafide pastry chef, also opened short-courses in baking which was attended by moms and children alike.

home a unique creation of their own.

This year, with her sister’s migration to Canada, April collaborated with polymer clay artist Kay Fanlo for a 2-day workshop for a group of 5 kids. Kay is widely known for her handmade success with pretty bits and pieces she creates out of polymer clay --- a hobby which she was able to turn each program offers new into a business. and original ideas and evDubbed as “Kids Gone ery participant gets to take FKIDS, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

EVENT

The SM Store Davao, Gensan and Lanang Premier holds book drive SHARE THE FUN and value of reading books as The SM Store Davao, Gensan and Lanang Premier bring back the Donate-A-Book campaign from May 1 to June 30, 2014.

Through SM Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the campaign is geared to solicit books and other reading materials from mall goers, book lovers, and generous shoppers for the benefit of many underprivileged children and youth.

The project also aims to help develop interest in reading, improve functional literacy and enhance comprehension and creative skills of the younger generation.

Target beneficiaries of the Donatea-Book drive are Tugbok National High School and Communal Elem. School for The SM Store Davao; GSC SPED Integrated School and Banisil National High School for The SM Store Gensan; Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) and Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) for The SM Store Lanang Premier.

Shoppers who will who donate new or gently used book(s) at the Donate-A-Book Booth at The SM Store Davao, Gensan and Lanang Premier shall be entitled to a P50 cash coupon.

Make a difference and help turn today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders. Donate books at The SM Store Davao, Gensan and Lanang Premier. For inquiries, please call 0822991070 for SM Davao, 083-3050026 for SM Gensan, and 082-3217501 SM Lanang Premier.

Make it a summer of endless possibilities with Tattoo’s widest Prepaid Mobile WiFi portfolio SUMMER may be all about countless trips and vacations, but it can also be about discovering new and exciting opportunities! Stay connected and choose a device that’s best for you from Tattoo Prepaid’s widest Mobile WiFi portfolio.

Choose your power among Tattoo Prepaid’s new mobile WiFi devices – 4G Mobile Wifi for only P 1995; 4G Mobile WiFi that doubles as a powerbank and can charge your devices thrice over for P 3795 and the LTE Mobile WiFi also with a powerbank feature that can fully charge your device. All devices can power up to 10 devices with speeds of up to 12 Mbps for 4G devices and 42 Mbps for the LTE device.

Taking connectivity to greater lengths, Tattoo gives you the power to stay connected to suit your emerging lifestyle. From expanding your social network while keeping your mobile phone and tablet in sync, or to experiencing the best that life has to offer, non-stop, by keeping your battery and connectivity signals full, Tattoo gives you the power of possibilities in better ruling your self-designed life and style.

Experience a blazing fast internet connection with the new Tattoo Prepaid Mobile WiFi devices. Learn more about these new offers at http://tattoo.globe.com.ph, visit any Globe store nearest you, or call 730-1010.

Winners of SM Lanang Premier’s Easter Costume Contest are Charice Villarta (Cutest Bunny Costume), Ron Villarta (Most Colorful Easter Carnival Costume), and Princess Eulalei Wee (Wackiest Easter Carnival Costume).

SM Lanang Premier holds colorful Easter adventure

DAvAo’S premier shopping and lifestyle destination, Sm Lanang Premier, celebrated easter Sunday with an “eggciting “ family day like no other with loads of fun and delightful activities at the Atrium.

Kids aged 3-12 years old dressed up in their best easter outfit to get a chance to win awesome prizes. Participants joined one of three categories: Cutest Bunny Costume, most Colorful easter Carnival Costume, and Wackiest easter Carnival Costume.

Winner per category won Php3,000 worth of Sm Gift Certificates.

The creative ones also took time off to decorate their own chocolate easter cakes thanks to Goldilocks.

Kids were also treated to a fun easter egg Hunt where goodies and treats from parA little girl adoringly holds the cake she has designed ticipating tenants.

Kids-at-heart also brought during the Goldilocks activity home a keepsake by posing for a selfie with your family in the colourful easter photo A little girl with her Easter Egg Basket. spot also at the Atrium.

The easter celebration at Sm Lanang Premier is supported by toy Kingdom, Goldilocks, imAX TheatreSm Cinema Lanang, Sm Science Discovery Center, and Easter goodies from Toy Kingdom and SM Lanang Pre- Sm Bowling Center. mier.

Decorate Your Cake kits from Goldilocks.

Winner of the Cutest Bunny Costume with representatives from SM Lanang Premier, IMAX Theatre, Science Discovery Center, SM Bowling Center and DTI. A colorful Easter display at the mall Atrium.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Isabel Granada and RJ Ledesma in Tunay na Buhay this Wednesday

ISABEL GRANADA has been in the industry for almost 30 years, but it seems she hasn’t aged a bit. Aside from acting, she is known as a singer, dancer and now an athlete. She also finished aeronautic engineering despite her busy showbiz schedule. Her lush eyelashes have become her trademark since she started her career. She made a comeback through GMA7’s Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Showdown after a long hiatus from showbiz.

She is featured together with RJ Ledesma.

Businessman, writer, host, yoga instructor would probably best describe RJ Ledesma now. But many people don’t know that he was also “Joey” in the hit series of TV

commercials for a softdrink brand in the 90s.

Hosted by Tonipet Gaba,

know the real story of multitalented actress-mommy Isabel Granada on Tunay

Celebrity style

Was she projecting “Disney Princess” on the red carpet?

From what Katie Holmes was wearing to the 2014 Met Gala it may seem like it.

K atie Holmes went full-on Disney princess at the 2014 Met Gala tonight in a goldenrod-yellow ball gown

by Marchesa.

But though the off-theshoulder (we wouldn’t quite call it strapless) dress screamed Belle from Beauty and the Beast, the overall effect was really more daffodil than anything else.

The multilayered gown featured a smattering of embroidery across the front, and the fabric crinkled around the thighs before smoothing out around the bottom of the full skirt.

Holmes, 35, finished off the look with a ring and earrings by Harry Winston.

na Buhay this Wednesday morning, May 7, right after Kusina Master on GMA 7.

Cinema One screens ‘Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?’ and ‘Blue Bustamante’ on the shores of Boracay TWO major films that came out over the last year were brought to an island with a vibe unlike any other earlier this month, as the country’s number one cable channel launched a film screening event in the Philippines’ most popular travel destination.

The Cinema One Boracay Beach Screening gave all those present on the island’s shores a chance to catch boxoffice hit “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim back-toback with Cinema One Originals film “Blue Bustamante” in one massive celebration on the sand.

Vacationers and beach bummers flocked to Club Paraw in Station 1 of Bora-

cay Island for this cool summer event that was hosted by favorite comedians John “Sweet” Lapus and Pokwang, with artists Jef Gaitan, Alex Castro, and Yves Flores also eager to take part in the celebration.

Cinema One made things

extra enjoyable by taking the romantic fun of “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” and old-school feel of “Blue Bustamante” and created a school-fair themed event the brought back fond memories of high school. Prior to the films being screened

that evening, guests went around Cinema One’s fair booths, which included a jail booth, marriage booth, kissing booth, ring toss booth, dedication booth and many more--leaving them nostalgic with colorful high school memories.

The cool night wind and relaxing waves splashing became the perfect backdrop for the performance of hit rock band Calla Lily who kept more than 1,500 guests partying all night long.

To keep updated with Cinema One’s events and schedules, stay tuned to Cinema One (SkyCable channel 56) and visit its Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/cinema1channel).

Anne Curtis serenades TV viewers in ‘Dyesebel’ album Anne Curtis takes part in the official soundtrack of ABSCBN’s top-rating primetime fantasy series “Dyesebel” as she sings the feel-good track titled “Pag Kasama Kita.”

Reminisce the romantic adventures of Dyesebel (Anne), Fredo (Gerald Anderson), and Liro (Sam Milby) through the songs “Tangi Kong Kailangan” by Lea Salonga with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, “Magkaiba Man Ang Ating Mundo” by Jed Madela, and “Puwang Sa Puso” by Juris.

Also included in the “Dyesebel Official Soundtrack” are Juris’ lullaby version of

“Puwang Sa Puso,” Yeng Constantino’s Pop version of

“Tangi Kong Kailangan,” and its English version titled “All I

Need” which was performed

by Lea. The album also carries all the minus one versions of the songs. Produced

by Star Records, “Dyesebel: The Official Soundtrack” is now available in all leading record bars nationwide, and can be downloaded in iTunes. Meanwhile, don’t miss the adventures of “Dyesebel” weeknights after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For more information about “Dyesebel” visit the show’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/ Dyesebel.TV and Twitter. com/Dyesebel_TV.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 3D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

12:30 | 3:30 | 7:00 (reserved) | 10:00 LFS

DA POSSESSED 2D Vhong Navarro, Solenn Heussaff PG 13

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

R-16 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 2D Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 (reserved) | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

WOMEN

“Whatever project children are working on, the creative process also involves experimentation and taking risks. With this, they are able to manage their focus, try other solutions and enjoy what they are doing. I make sure I provide my students with visual and perceptual tools that are easy to learn and handle.”

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Kids...FFROM A1 Craft,” Kay and April’s art sessions taught little children techniques in clay art and fabric painting. “Kids all love clay,” explains Kay. “it’s easy to mold and shape.

This time, they got to experiment with and bake polymer clay. Clay workshops are always fun and never boring, especially for young aspiring artists. This kind of activity helps develop motor skills and creativity and promotes problem solving.” “my life as a graphic designer is not only focused on work,” shares April. “i also want to promote crafting among children. i started my creative arts workshop with the goal of providing a fun and non-competitive venue for kids to express their ideas and inner vision and build confidence through art.”

April adds “Whatever project children are working on, the creative process also involves experimentation and taking risks. With this, they are able to manage their focus, try other solutions and enjoy what they are doing. i make sure i provide my students with visual and perceptual tools that are easy to learn and handle.”

As a mother, Kay understands the role of parents in promoting creativity among kids. “Parents need to pay close attention to their child’s interest and skills. We need to show them support so our children can build confidence in expressing their thoughts and vision, without thinking that they’re always wrong. We should celebrate the artist in them by giving them the opportunity to create in a vibrant, inspirational and exciting environment, whether at home or in a classroom.”

Follow Artisan Design Studio on Facebook to know more about upcoming workshops and events.

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

Teleperformance receives 2nd PEZA outstanding project of the year award

T

ELEPERFORMAnCE, the leading global provider of outsourced customer experience management services, has been awarded the Outstanding Community Project for the second consecutive year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

The recognition was conferred by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III, and PEZA Director General Lilia B. De Lima at the PEZA 19th Anniversary and Investors’ Recognition night held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Travis Coates, Teleperformance Philippines Managing Director, accepted the award on behalf of the company. The PEZA Outstanding Community Project of the year Award honors organizations that exemplify best practices

through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Teleperformance Philippines was recognized for its important role in helping rebuild lives of calamity survivors, advancing the welfare of many underserved sectors in the society, as well as protecting the environment through the company’s Citizen of the World and Citizen of the Planet CSR programs.

Commenting on the award, Travis Coates said, “The PEZA Outstanding Community Project of the year Award is recognition of our people’s unwavering dedication to make a true difference in their community. At Teleperformance Philippines, we are honored to have received this award for two consecutive years. This will further encourage our 23,000 employees nationwide to provide new and creative

NOTICE OF lOSS

Notice is hereby given by lOYOlA plANS CONSOlIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FUll pAYMENT No.(s) 1005127 under contract No. 299057-0 issued to TRINIDAD J. GAlENDEZ 016579 under contract No. 921983-3 issued to SOllANO ESTElITA DECENA were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

04/23,30 , 5/7

ways to care and share, not just financially, but through donating their time, effort and talent, as well.”

Since 2006, Teleperformance has actively implemented its humanitarian and advocacy programs through its corporate social responsibility arm, Citizen of the World and Citizen of the Planet, with primary focus on helping children, the elderly and those affected by natural disasters.

The company’s flagship corporate social responsibility project is the Teleperformance Village located in Tanay, Rizal. Established in 2010 in partnership with GawadKalinga, this community initiative aimed to provide shelter for families displaced by Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) that struck the Philippines in 2009.

Since then, 70 homes, a multi-purpose hall, computer center, a day-care school, and children’s playground have been built, while the village transforms into a more productive community. This was made possible through the volunteer hours and financial contribution from Teleperformance teams across the Philippines, as well as donations by Teleperformance employees from around the world.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014 WHO’S THE MAN? Kevin Durant (left) of the Oklahoma Thunder is the frontrunner in the MVP race while Lebron James (right) of the Miami Heat has the edge in the race for the NBA title.

Lebron: KD is the man A

s reports spread that Kevin Durant will this week be named the nBA’s Most Valuable Player, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James said the Oklahoma City Thunder star deserves it.

“If the reports are correct, kudos to him,” James, a fourtime MVP said on Monday.

“Much respect to him, and he deserves it. He had a big-time MVP season.”

James has won the award the past two seasons with Miami and in four of the past five -- winning it twice with former club Cleveland Cavaliers.

Chicago’s Derrick Rose interrupted James’s reign as MVP when he won the award in the 2010-11 season.

Durant averaged 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists this year, leading the

Thunder to the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Durant is the first player to average at least 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists since Michael Jordan in 1988-89.

During the regular season, Durant put together a streak of 41 straight games scoring 25 points or more, surpassing Michael Jordan for the third-longest such streak in nBA history -- and the longest since the three-point shot was introduced in the league more than 30 years ago. “you can’t win them all,” Miami’s Chris Bosh said of James apparently ceding the MVP crown to Durant. “He is the best player in the world, but geesh you can’t win it every year.”

Roach, Marvin clash tactics

F

REDDIE Roach and his chief assistant Marvin Somodio are conjuring different visions of how the fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado will end at the Forum in Los Angeles on May 17 but are agreed whoever wins will next face WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao late this year.

Roach picked Marquez to beat Alvarado while Somodio said the Mexican warrior will lose. But they qualified that anything can happen, depending on which Marquez will show

up. “Marquez looked like an old man against (Timothy) Bradley, slow, heavy,” said Roach. “When he fought Manny the last time, he was unusually big. If Marquez wins, I think he fights Manny in the US. If Alvarado wins, Bob (Arum) will probably put the fight against Manny in Macau.”

Roach said a fifth encounter between Pacquiao and Marquez will register at least a million pay-per-view buys. “They know each other so well,” he said. “This time, Manny will win decisively.

Manny’s a much smarter fighter now.”

Saludar sparred four rounds with southpaw noli Morales, another four against Edward Penerio and the last four rounds with newcomer Mark Macabales who is a fighter of former Philippine champion Emil Romano.

The trainer was confident Saludar who right now weighs 117 pounds won’t have a problem making the weight.

The 28 year old McWilliams Arroyo was an outstanding amateur boxer and has a pro record of 14-1 with 12 knockouts with his only loss in

a four round bout against Japan’s Takahi Okada.

In his last fight Arroyo won the WBC Latino Interim title when he won by a 4th round knockout over Miguel Tamayo on February 2, 2013.

The Puerto Rican won a gold medal at the 2009 World Amateur Championships and the 2007 Pan American Games.

He represented Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympic Games but lost in the third round of competition to Cuba’s Andry Laffita.

(Ronnie Nathanielsz, PhilBoxing. com)

Saludar girds for IBF title eliminator Clippers roll past U Thunder 122-105 O

KLAHOMA CITy (AP) — Chris Paul got the best of Russell Westbrook in a matchup of two of the league’s best point guards.

Paul made a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 32 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Thunder 122-105 Monday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal.

Paul, who had never made more than five 3-pointers in a game, also had 10 assists.

“It was just one of those nights,” he said. “This one will definitely go down in the history books for me. Don’t count on it for Game 2, I can tell you that.”

Though Paul is a career 36 percent 3-point shooter, he doesn’t usually shoot them so often. Once he started hitting them, he became increasingly aggressive. He made 8 of 9 on the night.

“When somebody’s got it going like that, you just try to stay out of the way as much as possible, but also help keep that fire going,” Clippers forward Blake Griffin said.

Westbrook led the Thunder with 29 points on 9-for14 shooting, but he had six turnovers and just four assists. Kevin Durant had 25 points and Serge Ibaka added 12 for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City thought it

defended Paul relatively well.

“I thought on a lot of those 3s, especially early in the game, we had a hand in his face and a hand in his shots,” Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha said. “So we did a decent job, but those shots went in, and that boosted their whole team.”

The Thunder suffered their worst home loss since moving to Oklahoma City.

“We have to get more physical,” Durant said. “I’m not talking about hard fouls, I’m talking about jamming the lane, fighting through screens and not letting guys run free. We just have to be more physical.”

Griffin scored 23 points, Jamal Crawford had 17 and J.J. Redick added 12 for the Clippers. Game 2 is Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.

Both teams were coming off Game 7 wins in the first round on Saturday night, but only the Thunder looked weary. Oklahoma City opened by taking a 16-10 lead, but the Clippers responded with a 24-6 run. Paul hit five 3-pointers in the first quarter, matching his career high for 3s in a playoff game in the first 12 minutes. The Clippers shot 67 percent in the first quarter to take a 39-25 lead.

“I’ve never seen him this aggressive,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “He felt like he needed to set the tone.”

ndefeated Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar sparred twelve rounds for the first time in preparation for a scheduled IBF flyweight title eliminator against McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico on May 31.

The 25 year old Saludar who has a record of 19-0-1 with 12 knockouts is ranked no.11 by the IBF, no. 3 by the WBO and no. 7 by the WBC. Veteran trainer Jun Agrabio told the Manila Standard after a training session at the gym of Dr. Rajan yraola in Quezon City “this the best chance for him to

win and fight for the world title next” against the winner of the clash between Kazuto Ioka of Japan and champion Amnat Ruenroeng of Thailand.

Agrabio said Saludar was “adjusting to our program. His sparring was okay but I want him to throw his punches with more speed.”

He said “Froilan’s condition is good. It’s the first time he sparred 12 rounds and I explained to him that he doesn’t need a knockout. If a KO comes it’s a bonus. He’s got a strong jab and a right straight.”

TOUGH DEFENSE. Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) blocks a pass by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the first quarter of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series in Oklahoma City (Tuesday PHL Time) May 5, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 37 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2014

9th AGAD Open Tournament set

By NEIlWIN JOSEph l. BRAvO

T

SANDEWICHED. Washington Wizards’ Nene Hilario puts up a shot against Indiana Pacers’ Paul George (24) and Roy Hibbert (55) during the first quarter of game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Wizards take 1-0 lead over Pacers I nDIAnAPOLIS (AP) — Washington keeps finding ways to break through old, stubborn barriers.

Even in the unlikeliest place of all — Indiana.

Bradley Beal scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, Trevor Ariza added 22 and the Wizards held off the Pacers with a stout defense over the final 7½ minutes Monday night to get a 102-96 win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

It was Washington’s first second-round win in 32 years.

“We know it’s a tough building to play in. We haven’t won here in a while,” Ariza said after the Wizards snapped a 12-game losing streak in Indy.

“Why wouldn’t this be the best time to come here and get a win — in the playoffs?”

The Wizards know there is a lot more work to do in this best-of-seven series.

Game 2 is Wednesday in Indianapolis.

So far, though, things have

gone well for the upstart Wizards.

After clinching their first playoff berth since 2008, the Wizards have advanced to the second round for the first time since 2005, won at Indiana for the first time since April 18, 2007, and have their first second-round win since April 28, 1982. Washington has opened these playoffs with four straight road wins and put the pressure right back on the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

It doesn’t get better than that for a young team that beat Chicago 4-1 in the opening round.

“The way I think about it, I’m 20 years old, I’m playing in the playoffs, something I’ve always dreamed of. Why not embrace it?” Beal said. “Why not accept the challenge and have fun with it? That’s all I’m doing — having fun.”

For the Pacers, it was another kick in the pants.

After salvaging their season with two straight wins to

beat Atlanta in seven games, Indiana lost Game 1 for the second straight series and for many of the same reasons.

They were outrebounded 53-36 and were outscored 19-5 on second-chance points. They got beat outside as Washington made a franchise playoff-record 10 3-pointers with Ariza going 6 of 6. They got no points and no rebounds from 7-foot-2 center Roy Hibbert, who has looked nothing like the AllStar he was during the first half of the season.

And when they were desperately trying to rally in the fourth quarter, Indiana went 7 minutes without a basket.

Things got so frustrating that even the emotional Lance Stephenson lost his cool and snapped at coach Frank Vogel when he was yanked with 1 minute to play in the third quarter. Vogel said he took Stephenson out because he didn’t want him playing 48 minutes. Stephenson said he was mostly mad at himself.

tiebreaker to avoid another surprise first-round exit like last year.

Li goes up against fellow Chinese player Zheng Jie next.

Bouchard came out on the losing end of a tough match against third-ranked Radwanska, as the Polish player earned her 25th match win of the season.

“The tiebreak was the biggest key,” said Radwanska, who goes on to play Svetlana Kuznetsova. “I did a couple of good shots in the tiebreak and managed to win that, and that gave me more confidence in the second set.”

Kuznetsova held off Alize Cornet of France 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 as the Russian continued her good run, including reaching the final in Portugal on Saturday.

Also, Caroline Wozniacki was a 6-2, 6-2 victor over Ekaterina Makarova while Spanish player Carla Suarez navarro followed up from winning her first career title in Portugal with a 7-6 (6), 6-4 win over yvonne Meusburger of Austria. ninth-seeded Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia was bounced 6-4, 6-0 by Samantha Stosur of Australia.

njb@edgedavao.net

HE exciting Afternoon Golfers Association of Davao (AGAD) Open Golf Tournament returns on May 24-25 at the Davao City Golf Club course in Matina.

The two-day 18-hole tourney will be using the unique Ambrose format with three players to each team.

The Ambrose format is a modified best-ball where all three players hit their own shots and select which of the three balls to hit in the next stroke. Each player is allowed six tee shots each.

AGAD President councilor Jimmy Dureza is inviting

golfers to join the tournament where proceeds will be used to distribute school supplies to children of caddies, umbrella girls and employees of the Davao City Golf Club.

Last year, more than 100 children were given school supplies.

“This year, we expect around 200 beneficiaries,” said Atty. Bal Sarabia, one of the members of the Board of AGAD. Registration fee is P2,000 per player or P6,000 per team. A player may play for two different teams. Reg-

istration is now ongoing at the DCGC Office.

Trophies and merchandise are at stake for the top 8 teams while more prizes will be given away in the raffles.

Stake in all par threes. One prizes are at Hole in Awarding ceremony is set on Sunday.

Meantime, the AGAD golfers are mourning over the death of vice president Atty. Charlemagne Aldevera who passed away last Sunday. The other members of the Board are Rey Santos, Willy de Leon and tournament director Bobby Aceron.

W

in a blog posting on his website, saying he remains sore after the operation and regrets not being able to defend his title this week at the US PGA Players Championship.

"It's tough to miss any tournament, but especially one that's so important to

the players and where I'm defending," Woods said.

Woods has been unable to resume his workout regimen because of the March 31 operation, which kept him from playing in last month's Masters, the first major championship of the year.

Tiger return still uncertain ORLD number one Tiger Woods said Monday he is making very slow progress recovering from surgery for a pinched nerve and unsure when he will make his return to golf.

Woods updated his status

Li, Radwanska advance in Madrid M

ADRID (AP) — Second-ranked Li na started her Madrid Open campaign by overcoming a stubborn opponent just as third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska did to reach the second round on Monday.

Li’s clay debut began with an encouraging 6-1, 7-6 (7) victory over Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens before Radwanska also advanced thanks to a 7-6 (3), 6-2 win over Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard.

Li, the Australian Open champion, survived two set points by Flipkens, and eventually took the

BIG SERVE. Na Li from China serves during a Madrid Open tennis tournament match against Kirsten Flipkens from Belgium, in Madrid, Spain.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE37 37••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,MAY MAY7,7,2014 2014

BIDDING WAR

PALARO OPENING. This year’s Palarong Pambansa opened last Sunday in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Next year, a Mindanao city or province will be hosting the Games.

At least four are strongly bidding for the hosting rights including Davao del Norte and Koronadal City. (DavNor Photo)

DavNor steps up Palaro hosting bid Koronodal City rolls S out strong bid too S

TA. CRUZ, LAGUnA—A year after announcing its intention to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, Davao del norte has stepped up efforts to fortify its bid although the answer to its prayers will have to wait a little bit.

According to Palaro officials, the awarding of the next host will be announced in June. Davao del norte, Koronadal, Lanao del norte and Cagayan de Oro City are vying for the hosting rights under the Mindanao cycle of the annual sports conclave.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario anticipated the influx of athletes and coaches from all over the country to make a declaration once more.

The first was in Dumaguete during the 2013 Palaro.

At the opening ceremonies of one of the country’s biggest sporting event held here Monday, the Region XI delegates were ushered into the Laguna Sports Complex with the resounding intent to host the event next year.

Before 11,000 delegates, an inviting statement echoed inside the complex getting the Palaro crowd briefly introduced to the premier province of Davao del norte, which has been branded not only as a Banana Capital of the Philippines but also as the Sports-Tourism Capital of Mindanao.

“With its world class sports complex sprawling in a land that is easily accessible from different points and ports nationwide, stable peace and order, playing ven-

ues in close proximity and billeting areas offering comfort and safety, they successfully hosted the recently concluded 2014 PRISAA national Games and are more than ready to host Palarong Pambansa 2015,” the statement said.

“The province of Davao del norte invites you to come and experience the warmth and hospitality that’s uniquely Dabaonon; and be one among to say: it’s more fun in Davao del norte!”

Gov. del Rosario once said in an interview, “The province has all the qualities of a perfect venue for Palaro. Just name it and Davao del norte has it.”

To further express sincerity in its hosting bid, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan mem-

bers led by Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio Jr. were in full force to witness the conduct of this year’s Palaro.

When asked, Suaybaguio approved of the hosting to improve the province’s economy and further sports development.

Del Rosario also sent all his department heads to the country’s Resort Capital to observe and benchmark.

The officials and executives graced the solidarity meeting, governor’s night, and the opening ceremonies.

They extended support to the Davao Eagles and checked on all playing venues and billeting sites to bolster its preparations for the much-awaited and first-ever Palaro hosting.

[Mera Grace E. Apuya/DavNor PIO]

TA. CRUZ, Laguna (PnA) -- Koronadal City has solidified bid to host the prestigious annual Palarong Pambansa in 2015 with the presence of Mayor Peter Miguel here. ”I’m here to let everybody (know) that we’re serious in hosting the 2015 Palarong Pambansa,” the Koronodal City mayor said in a media interview on Tuesday. ”We want to observe how Laguna province is hosting this year’s Palaro and Gov. ER Ejercito Estregan did a good job with their newly-refurbished and constructed sports facilities,” Miguel added.

Soccsksargen gets first gold in 2014 Palaro via shot put

A

Members of the Philippine Army dragon boat team, which took the over-all title in the Open division, raise their paddles after the last race in the recently concluded 1st Mayor Rody and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte Dragon Boat Race at the Baywalk, Queensland in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Banking on the vast experience and expertise of his group, Miguel hopes to get again the nod of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“We have added more facilities and venues hoping that we could bring Palaro back to our city,” he said.

The people of South Cotabato, especially from the bustling city of Koronadal, are no stranger to hosting the Palaro having played hosts to the event during the 1996 and 2007 editions.

If Koronadal wins, the 2015 Palarong Pambansa will coincide with the 75th year celebration of Koronadal as settlement. [PNA]

FARMER’S daughter from the upland village of ned in Lake Sebu town in South Cotabato has struck the first gold medal on Tuesday for the Region 12 or Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) in the ongoing 2014 Palarong Pambansa in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Dr. Allan Farnazo, Department of Education (DepEd) Region 12 director, said 13 year-old Marizel Buer won a gold medal after topping the finals of the shot put event in the elementary girls division or category.

He said Buzer threw a personal record of 10.54 meters (m), besting the 9.78 m and 9.56 m posted by Cybelle Ganir of northern Mindanao and Mikkah Rollan of Cagayan Valley.

“It feels really good to get our first gold medal and join the medal column. We’re hoping to get more gold medals in the other events,” he said.

Buer attributed her fete to the intensive training program implemented by the SRAA athletics team for this year’s Palaro.

Before leaving for the national games, the team completed a 40-day training camp at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City.

Buer, who is the 10th in a brood of 11 children, graduated from elementary last March at the Tinugas Elementary School in Lake Sebu.

She first ventured into sports three years ago by joining her school’s volleyball team, which failed to qualify even for the zone meet. [PNA]