Edge Davao 7 Issue 38

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

A young boy playfully cuddles a pig his parents bought at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BROWNOUTS BREED CRIME DCPO chief says shortage spiking robbery, theft incidents

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

P

abf@edgedavao.net

ERFEcT bedfellows.

The long brownouts resulting from the perennial power shortage now hitting Davao city and other parts of Mindanao have effectively bred another social and economic burden: crimes.

Davao City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr. yesterday attributed to brownouts the increase in crime rate in Davao City during the second quarter this year.

Speaking before the AFP – PNP Press Corp media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, he said that as of press time, crime against property has increased by about 20 percent, a direct contrast to the figures posted during the preceding quarter which indicated a decrease of 35 percent as compared to the crime rate recorded during the last quarter of 2013.

Crimes against property refer to robbery, theft, arson

and vandalism.

Danao said his estimated figures may even increase as the second quarter is not yet over and the schedule of brownouts has become more frequent and longer.

“I admit na talagang nag increase yung crime rate ngayon. Siguro, I can attribute it sa kakulangan ng lighting sa ating area,” Danao said.

Danao said that most of the “criminal elements” take advantage of the darkness and “attack” the areas where the brownouts occur.

“Any opportune time kasi ang ginangawa ng mga ito, eh. For example, itong area na ito ay walang ilaw

FBROWNOUTS, 10

FOI HOLES. Retired judge Jesus V. Quitain explains during Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday why he is against the Freedom of Information bill. Once the measure becomes a law it will act as a government’s shield and discourage people from acquiring information and data from government offices due to a number exceptions. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

A physically impaired lady crosses the street using a special slot between the metal barriers for persons with disabilities (PWD) in front of a mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Proposed amendments to CCTV ordinance backed

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) yesterday welcomed the proposed amendments to the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) Camera Ordinance which includes a provision that will revoke the business permit of an establishment which fail to submit video recordings to authorities.

DCPO director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr. said the proposed provision will be helpful to police authorities in conducting investigations.

“Unang-una yan yung problema ng ating police when they are investigat-

ing a case,” Danao said.

At present, Danao bared difficulties in securing video recordings as some establishments refuse to give citing the need to ask prior permission from their head office.

“Ang sabi nga namin diyan, time is of the essence kung pwede nga lang kahit mapakita lang nila initially para makapag follow-up agad tayo,” Danao said.

He said the proposed amendments, once approved, will authorize the police to compel submissions from the

FPROPOSED, 10

WEATHER FORECAST

DOLE urges stronger labor market information system L

AbOR and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-baldoz has urged closer cooperation among participating agencies in the JobStart Philippines project in building a strong labor market information system, or LMIS, to achieve the goals of the undertaking.

She also said having a strong LMIS will improve accessibility to, and use of valuable labor market information that is key to addressing structural unemployment and jobs-skills mismatch.

“Indeed, building on a strong LMIS as a foundation to linking all information and online databases of the government is a good way to capture and present all available statistics and information when it comes to mapping out supply and demand for skills and other relevant information which constitute the labor market,” baldoz said in her message

at the National Consultation Workshop on the LMIS Action Plan, held Monday at the bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.

The national consultation workshop, organized by the bureau of Local Employment, the DOLE’s lead agency in the JobsStart Philippines project, aims to solicit inputs to the LMIS Action Plan and to assess its feasibility.

“This consultation is an opportunity to discuss how we can work together to identify key labor market signals and indicators to ensure the seamless flow of LMI both at the national and regional levels,” baldoz told her audience composed of officials and representatives of the Professional Regulation Commission, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Labor Communications Office, DOLE-NCR,

DOLE Regional Offices Nos. 1, 2,3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, Caraga, CAR, and NCR; as well as the Public Employment Service Office Managers of Quezon City, Taguig, and San Fernando, Pampanga.

Mr. Kelly bird, Principal Economist of the Asian Development bank of the Philippines, and Ms. Narcisa Rivera of the Embassy of Canada were present at the national consultation.

The LMIS Action Plan was developed for the JobStart Philippines Project, a flagship program jointly funded and supported by the Asian Development bank under its Employment Facilitation for Inclusive Growth and by the Government of Canada.

JobStart Philippines Project seeks to boost job creation in the Philippines by filling up the capacity gap for labor market policy development and the delivery of employment services.

“The JobStart Philippines Project aims to enhance the employability of young adults and improve their integration into productive employment in two ways: (1) provide knowledge on labor market information and effective strategies for job searches; and (2) develop skills and values that would make them employable,” said baldoz.

The DOLE chief said the JobStart Philippines Project will be piloted in four PESOs in the National Capital Region, specifically in Quezon City and Taguig; Region 3 (San Fernando), and Region 4-A (Gen. Trias, Cavite), with 1,600 youth beneficiaries who will be provided with life skills training, enhanced career guidance services, vocational training, and internships with employers for up to six months.

She said the project emanated from studies showing

retail and food establishments. Current locators are Jollibee and Family Mart.

Motorists will get a chance to avail P0.30 off per liter on fuel products with “buena Mano Promo” when they gas-up at Phoenix EDSA Extension – MOA. Phoenix EDSA Extension – MOA will also give customers a chance to collect limit-

ed edition NbA Playoffs car sunshades with “Phoenix Fastbreak to Summer Promo.” Every Phoenix fuel purchase worth P1,000 single or accumulated receipt entitles customers to purchase NbA Playoffs car sunshade for only P200. x1R’s fuel and engine system products, which are certified by NASA, will be on

sale on May 8.

Phoenix Petroleum is the fastest-growing oil company in the country, with an expanding network of operations nationwide. It is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping/ logistics and allied services.

FCLOSER, 10

Phoenix Petroleum opens 400th station P

HOENIx Petroleum Philippines strengthens its position as the leading independent oil company in the country with the opening of its 400th station on May 8, 2014.

The mega-station in Mall of Asia - EDSA Extension, Pasay City includes a commercial complex for

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

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NPA leader nabbed T

ROOPERS and intelligence units from the Eastern Mindanao Command together with local police have arrested a ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his “lady friend” during operations in Davao City Wednesday morning.

Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, identified the arrested rebel as Roy Erecre alias “Toto/Pasyong”, Secretary of the NPA’s Central Visayas Regional Committee and his companion as Judith Jaron-Niog.

The arrested took place around 11:00 a.m.

Caber said the two were arrested after a week-long surveillance mission.

The Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson added that the couple were mingling with tourists and visiting the various beaches

in the area.

Erecre was arrested by virtue of several non-bailable warrants of arrest from regional trial Courts in Cebu and bohol for atrocities against civilians and government forces in bohol in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He also led the ambush which killed two Army officers in 1999 in Carmen, bohol.

Erecre has a bounty of P 5.4 million for his arrest.

“He will be explaining to the Communist Party why he is in the beaches and hotels of Davao with a married woman while the NPA is looking for replacements for the arrested Tiamzon couple,” Caber stressed.

Erecre is an alternate member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

[PNA]

TENT CITY. Badjao families affected by the massive fire in Isla Verde are now temporary relocated at the ‘tent city’ in Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City after they were transferred from Magsaysay Park. Lean Daval Jr.

Army adopts hands-off stand on palm oil plantation project DND bids out P5.4-B

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

ASW chopper project T T

O increase the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN), the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it is allocating P5.4 billion for the acquisition of two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

The money will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Trust Fund.

Acquisition of the two ASW helicopters are under the Medium Term Development Capability Plan for 2013 to 2017.

DND undersecretary Natalio C. Ecarma, bidding and Awards Committee chair, said the contract includes munition, mission essential equipment, and integrated logistic support.

He added that the aircraft must be delivered within 730

calendar days.

Pre-bid conference is slated this May 20 at the DND bidding and Awards Committee conference room, basement right wing, DND building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

First stage will be at June 3 and with second stage bidding to be announced later.

The PN earlier announced that it is looking at the possibility of acquiring the AW-159 “Wildcat” as its ASW helicopters.

The Navy is in the market for two ASW helicopters.

This is part of the country’s Medium Term Defense Acquisition List for the next four years.

The ASW choppers will be assigned to the bRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and bRP Ra-

FDND, 10

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines will not meddle on the proposal of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to hire members of New People’s Army (NPA) as workers in the palm oil plantation planned to be established in Paquibato district by a Malaysian firm.

Task Force Davao Com-

mander Col. Casiano Monilla told reporters in yesterday’s AFP -PNP Press Corpse media briefing described the proposal as “a good opportunity” for the NPA members “to have a peaceful life.”

“I hope na pagka nagka trabaho na sila mawawala na sa kanila yung focus, hindi na nila maiisip na lumaban o I push ang

adhikain nila na magkaroon ng ibang gobyerno,” Monilla said.

He said that there are some NPA members who just joined the movement because of the support provided to their families, however it is minimal.

“Pati ito kinakapitan para lang sa ikabubuhay ng pamilya nila, how much more kung bibigyan sila ng trabaho na

hindi maillalagay sa alanganin ang kanilang buhay,” he said.

Earlier, Mayor Duterte said that he will ask President benigno S. Aquino III and the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to consider the proposal.

Duterte asked the NPAs operating in the area to lay down their

S

communications officer, said repairs on Unit 1 capable of producing 105MW of electricity have already been done and the power generator is expected to be back online on Thursday.

He said the power generated would be an additional

10 percent to the Mindanao, grid which is now suffering a 300MW deficiency after National Power Corporation started load shedding early this month.

“We hope our entry can decrease the brownouts by two hours,” Soldevilla said.

Soldevilla said another power generating turbine, also capable of producing 105MW, will also be back online this coming June 1.

Steag operates two turbines in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, which were dam-

FARMY, 10

Steag coal plant to resume operations

TEAG State Power, Inc., operator of the lone 210-megawatt coal plant in Mindanao, announced that it will resume supplying electricity to island’s grid this coming Thursday.

Jerome Soldevilla, Steag

Call of Left to resume talks mere propaganda —GPH

G ENTERTAINED. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte listens while a constituent seeking for medical assistance sings a Visayan original composition at City Hall in Davao City on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.

FSTEAG, 10

OVERNMENT of the Philippines (GPH) chief negotiator Alexander Padilla questioned the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/ NPA/NDF)’s sincerity when they detailed their proposed terms for the resumption of talks through the media and not through the proper channel.

“Nabasa lang rin namin yung mga [details ng proposal] sa dyaryo. Kung gusto talagang makipag-usap, you don’t do it through the media (We have also read the details of the proposal through the newspaper.

If they seriously want to talk, you don’t do it through the media),” said Padilla during a forum organized by the Phil-

ippine Ecumenical Peace Platform held at the Remedios Jubilee Mission Center in Manila.

According to the GPH chief negotiator, “there has been no formal notification” to the government up until today. The proper approach would have been for the NDF to inform the Royal Norwegian Government, the third party facilitator of the peace negotiations since 2004.”

“It (the statement) was given to the media. There is a difference. So, to us, it is mere propaganda,” Padilla added.

Rey Casambre, who was representing the NDF during the forum, also noted that he is not sure if the proposal has been formalized.

“Sana pinag-usapan

FCALL, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Prof. Pauline Basilia of the University of the Philippines takes out a pail of dirt from the Spanish brick making kiln archeological site.

Spanish-era brick-making kiln found in remote Mindanao town TExT and phOTOs By FROIlAN GAllARDO MindaNews

A

RCHEOLOGISTS have started excavating a Spanish-era brick-making kiln in a site in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental where residents used to dump garbage.

The kiln, measuring around three meters and located beside a hill near the town poblacion, is a “major archeological find”, according to University of the Philippines senior lecturer Lee Anthony Neri.

“This is the only brick-making oven of its kind left in Misamis Oriental. That we have found the oven still intact though in fragile condition is a major find,” Neri said.

He said the kiln was built by Jesuit lay brother Juan Costa probably in 1890 before construction of the Holy Cross Church in Alubijid town started.

He said bricks from the oven were also sent to nearby Our Lady of the Snows parish church in El Salvador town and faraway baclayon Church in bohol.

“During the Spanish colonial period, church makers built brick-making ovens before any

construction was started. Technically that is very sound because you need a steady supply of bricks,” he explained.

Neri said brother Costa, a noted Jesuit brick maker, built five ovens for the churches in the towns of balingasag, Jasaan, Tagoloan and El Salvador. None of these survived except this oven in Alubijid, he said.

Historian A. Paulita Roa said Costa was a close friend of Dr. Jose Rizal and helped the national hero in some surveying work when he was exiled in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Roa said Costa, a native of barcelona, Spain was sent to Northern Mindanao to supervise the construction of churches along the coast of Misamis Oriental.

Long forgotten, Alubijid residents never knew the historical significance of the Spanish kiln although the place was always known as “Hornal”, the Visayan word for oven or furnace.

The site itself, located beside a hill where the modern Holy Cross parish church stands, was turned into a gar-

bage dump and was nearly destroyed when bulldozers cut their way through its entrance during a road-widening work.

“My father and other older residents used to call this place Hornal.

We never knew there is a Spanish brick-making oven here. We never knew,” town official Tristan Lindsay Ares said.

Ares said in 2005, a group of treasure hunters even tried to dig a tunnel at the site thinking there was gold underneath.

He said they came to realize its historical significance when the team from UP Archeological Studies Program led by Neri appraised the local government of its existence in 2007.

He said the town government immediately sealed off the area to preserve it until a full excavation could be made at the site.

“After the excavation, we plan to develop this site as part of our historical heritage and intend to develop this as a tourism spot,” he said. [MindaNews]

A sign warning the public not to enter hangs over the Spanish brick making kiln archeological site.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

New solar power plant to augment Minda supply T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) has signed early this week the service contract of Asian Greenenergy Corporation for a $20-million solar power project in Mindanao.

The company led by former Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, an advocate of renewable energy, will construct the facility in bukidnon, Zubiri’s home province. The facility will offer an initial 4 megawatts (MW) to First bukidnon Electric Cooperative (FbECo) by August or September 2014.

Mindanao, with a power demand of up to 1,200 MW a day, is currently suffering long brownouts.

Asian Greenergy can help augment power supply in bukidnon.

“The full commercial operation of the entire project is probably going to be in the summer of 2015.

We are trying to get it up in August or September for the first 4 MW,” Zubiri told reporters after the contract signing. singapore partner

Singapore’s Soleq Private Ltd. is Asian Greenergy’s partner in the project.

“Together with Solec, which where our funding will come from, we will put up an SPV called bukidnon Solar Power Corporation. We are just waiting for the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) approval,” added Zubiri.

Soleq, a regional builder of solar power plants, has a portfolio of around 110 MW in Thailand alone. There are other projects in the pipeline across the region.

Soleq is the solar arm of Equis Funds Group of Singapore, an investment fund manager focused on Asia for its joint ventures.

“We are looking at partnering with (Asian Greenenergy) on a long-term basis.

We did not come here for a short term. Soleq is a pure solar energy developer,” Soleq Director Adam ballien.

Maiden project The former senator authored Republic Act 9513 of the Renewable Energy Act, which provides the entry of renewable energy projects, particularly in

SECONDHAND. Passersby check out secondhand rubber shoes on display in an “ukay-ukay” outlet at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. Mindanao.

This is the maiden energy project of Asian Greenergy. Zubiri said the

company is looking at developing similar projects in other areas in Mindanao.

“We are also looking at

Luzon now that Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla has said that the DOE (Department of Enegy) is looking

at increasing the target installation of solar energy for Luzon,” Zubiri said.

[Rappler.com]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

PHL should target mainstream Americans in tourism campaign T

HE Philippines should take advantage of the goodwill generated by the recent visit to Manila of President barack Obama as well as the recent upgrade in the safety rating of the aviation sector to convince more Americans to visit the country.

Vice President Jejomar C. binay issued the statement after the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. said it drew more than 6,000 visitors when it opened its doors to the public on Saturday as part of the annual Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour.

Judging from what Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. described as the overwhelming number of visitors who came to experience Filipino culture, the Vice President said the Department of Tourism should take advantage of this interest among mainstream Americans to get more of them to visit the Philippines.

The Vice President noted that while Americans are on top of the list of foreign visitors, with a total of 642,626 arriving from the US last year, these are mostly balikbayans spending their holidays in the Philippines.

“The men and women of our Embassy in Washington, D.C. did a very commend-

able job in letting hundreds of Americans know why we say it’s more fun in the Philippines,” the Vice President said.

“We need to do more of this, we need to be more creative in attracting more foreign tourists to visit the Philippines.”

He noted that the Embassy, which was participating in the event for the first time, was expecting only 3,000 visitors but as it turned out a record 6,105 people, mostly Americans and other nationalities, came to see the dance, classical music and martial arts performances and also have a taste of Filipino cuisine such as lechon, pancit and lumpia.

“This and the tremendous goodwill generated by the recent visit of President Obama as well as the granting of Category 1 status offer opportunities for exponential growth for Philippine tourism,” Vice President binay said.

“These opportunities must be matched by an intensive airport rehabilitation and modernization program as well as the expansion of existing flight routes of Philippine carriers and the opening of new routes to non-traditional destinations,” he said.

With the recent safety upgrade by the Federal Aviation Administration, Philippine Airlines is expected to open

A store in Bankerohan is seen with different varieties of dried fish. The dried fish market in Davao City is expanding due to the abundant marine fish production in the region. Lean Daval Jr. new routes to New York and Chicago while Cebu Pacific is reportedly considering flying to Hawaii and the West Coast.

The Vice President said he hopes the Department of Tourism could provide additional support to the Embassy for next year’s Around

the World Embassy Tour organized every year by the District of Columbia Cultural Tourism Office.

The Vice President, at the same time, thanked the US-Philippines Society for its efforts in raising the profile of the Philippines in the US

decrease in government debt to ongoing fiscal consolidation – the deficit-to-GDP ratio was at 1.3% – and “robust economic expansion” with GDP growth at 7.2% in 2013.

The DOF said the government also “took advantage of broadly favorable domestic funding conditions in 2013 to re-denominate away from foreign currency debt.”

It said that of the P554.7 billion gross borrowing for 2103, 94% was sourced from the domestic market and the remaining 6% were concessional foreign loans from development partners.

[Rappler.com]

S part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) longterm goal to ensure energy security, the DOE will be launching the 5th Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR5) on 09 May 2014 for the exploration of potential coal and petroleum areas in the country.

The PECR5 will offer eleven (11) new areas for petroleum exploration with large concentration in Luzon, and fifteen (15) new and nominated areas for coal exploration, mostly located in Mindanao.

Contrary to previous reports of areas offered in the bangsamoro, “no areas will be offered at the proposed Cooperation Development Areas at

through, among others, cultural initiatives such as the performances in New York and Washington, D.C. of the bayanihan Dance Company and the Madrigal Singers.

He also thanked the US-Philippines Society for organizing the After the Storm

Concert benefit concert for victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) at the Kennedy Center on June 15. Among those expected to take part in the concert are broadway artist Lea Salonga, singer Apl.de.ap and actor Lou Diamond Phillips. [PNA]

the bangsamoro,” said Energy Undersecretary Ramon Allan Oca, who is also Chairman of the DOE Review and Evaluation Committee (REC).

During the launch, the DOE will unveil the PECR5 website and an exhibit of the different areas to be offered.

Around 400 participants, including national and local executives, officials from the DOE and attached agencies, concerned government agencies, and local and foreign investors, are expected at the event.

Moreover, the DOE will also be conducting international roadshows to encourage more energy players abroad to join the contracting round: North America

Prospect Expo South (NAPE South) on 20-22 August 2014 in Houston, Texas; South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEx) event on 10-14 June 2014 in Singapore; and AAPG International Conference and Exhibition on 14-17 September 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The DOE will also conduct a series of information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns in the host communities and areas near the exploration areas starting this month. The IEC for petroleum will be in Palawan, Mindoro, Iloilo, and Sulu, while the IEC for coal will be in Isabela, Albay, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga.

Debt-to-GDP ratio continues DOE to launch PECR5 on coal and petroleum exploration downtrend: 39.2% in 2013 T

HE ratio of the country’s debt to gross domestic product (GDP) continued its downtrend as it stood at 39.2% in 2013, lower than the 40.6% registered in 2012, data from the Department of Finance showed.

“This continuing trend of decreasing GG [general government] debt-to-GDP ratio shows government will to ensure sustained fiscal space throughout the medium term,” the DOF in a statement on Friday, May 2.

It said that in 2009, or before the Aquino administration, the debt-to-GDP ratio was 44.3%.

It figures

General government debt includes the outstanding debt of the national government, the Central bank board of Liquidators (CbbOL), social security institutions (SSIs) and LGUs, less intra-sector holdings of government securities including those held by the bond Sinking Fund (bSF).

The general government debt is used by to assess the creditworthiness of sovereigns.

In nominal terms, the general government debt amounted to P4.529 trillion in 2013, from P4.288 trillion in 2012.

The DOF attributed the

3rd

Rank of the Philippines in the list of the world’s most confident consumers, according to Nielsen’s latest Global Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions report.

According to the report, the country ranked 2nd in Southeast Asia.

A

25%

Growth of investments in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority during the January-to-April period of this year. Investments approved by the agency amounted to P72.409 billion as of end-April, up from the P57.887 billion recorded in the same period last year.

56th

Rank of the Philippines out of 132 countries in the 2014 Social Progress Index (SPI), a significant improvement from an SPI score of 49.41 in 2013 to 65.86 in 2014. The SPI ranks countries by their social and environmental performance.

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Bracing against El Niño T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday assured that the government agency is prepared to deal with the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala made the assurance following warnings from the Department of Science and Technology that an El Niño phenomenon may start affecting the country

by June and peak by end2014.

The last prolonged drought recorded in the country was in 2009-2010.

Alcala said that DA personnel has already been implementing cloud seeding operations to induce rains in major watersheds and farming communities in Cagayan Valley since last week.

“With a protracted dry spell now an increasing possibility, we would intensify cloud seeding operations so as to save harvestable crops and other produce from damage,” he said.

To date, the DA has already completed 28 cloud-seeding sorties in several drought-affected municipalities in Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and other areas in Cagayan Valley.

Alcala said these sorties had prevented damage on some 4,155 hectares of

corn farms - of which 3,490 has. are in the reproductive stage and 665 has. are in the vegetative stages.

Meanwhile, aside from cloud seeding sorties, the DA has also started distributing shallow tube wells and drought-tolerant crop varieties to help farmers in areas most affected by the drought.

For rice, it includes PSb Rc14 - more popularly known as “Rio Grande” - a rain-fed lowland rice variety which matures in 116 days with a maximum yield of 6.1 tons per hectare.

“For farmers who do not intend to plant rice, we are advising them to consider drought-resistant crops such as sweet pepper, ube, alugbati, mungbean, cassava and sweet potato,” Alcala said.

DA officials also revealed the availability of several water-saving technologies that could be utilized by farmers.

Among them is “controlled irrigation” or the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technology being promoted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute. besides conserving valuable water, the AWD technique also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions in rice paddy fields.

PhilRice has also been

teaching farmers nationwide to adopt Palayamanan Plus, a highly integrated and diversified system of farming where rice is grown with other crops and livestock, among others.

“With diversified sources of food and income, farmers would be able to enhance their resilience to adverse weather conditions such as a prolonged drought,” Alcala said.

He said that the National Irrigation Administration has also been keeping in touch with irrigators associations nationwide to ensure efficient water allocation and use in irrigation systems.

In the meantime, a newly formed task force on El Niño to be headed by DA Undersecretary Emerson Palad is set to meet Wednesday to firm up strategies aimed at cushioning the impact of the impending extended dry spell on farming and fisheries.

The task force is expected to come up with an action plan and its corresponding budgetary requirements.

For this purpose, Alcala said the DA has identified 44 provinces and two cities as highly vulnerable or moderately vulnerable local government units to the impacts of a prolonged dry

spell for better monitoring and crafting of timely interventions.

The highly vulnerable LGUs include: Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union and Pangasinan in Ilocos Region; Cagayan in Cagayan Valley; Aurora, bataan, bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales in Central Luzon; Cavite and Rizal in CALAbARZON; Occidental Mindoro and Palawan in MIMAROPA. In the Visayas and Min-

danao, also included are: Capiz, Iloilo and Negros Occidental in Western Visayas; Zamboanga City in Zamboanga Peninsula; Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao; and Sarangani and South Cotabato in SOCCSKSARGEN. Meanwhile, the moderately vulnerable LGUs include: Abra, Apayao, benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province in the Cordilleras; Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino in Cagayan Valley;

batangas, Laguna and Quezon in CALAbARZON; Romblon in MIMAROPA; and Sorsogon in bicol Region.

Also included are: Aklan and Antique in Western Visayas; bohol in Central Visayas; Samar in Eastern Visayas; Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay in Zamboanga Peninsula; bukidnon in Northern Mindanao; and Davao Oriental and Davao City in Davao Region. [PNA]

eagle was recovered by farmers in barangay Manobo, Magpet, North Cotabato over the weekend.

Linsag also clarified earlier report that the captured big bird was a monkey eating eagle which is endemic in the country’s highest peak Mt. Apo. Linsag said the eagle, more than a kilo in weight, fell from a huge tree in the thickly forested barangay Manobo while its mother ea-

gle was nowhere to be found.

Farmers saw the baby eagle being attacked by birds, prompting them to rescue the young big bird and turned them over to Roy Pelonio, barangay Manobo chairperson.

Linsag said the PEF took custody of the baby eagle, is now taking care of it and once it is already capable of flying, it will be returned to the wild, also in barangay Manobo, Magpet town. [PNA]

Captured eagle turned over to Philippine Eagle Foundation T HE baby Philippine eagle captured by farmers in a remote village in North Cotabato had been turned over to proper authorities and is now safe, authorities here said.

Magpet municipal environment officer Edgardo Linsag said the baby Philippine hawk eagle was turned over to the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao City Tuesday.

The two month-old

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

EDITORIAL We have no choice

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S days go by with us having to agonize over the long hours of power outages, it becomes pathetic how we are so beholden to the provider of power in this part of the country.

At this point, there is practically no choice for us. We have no choice but to accept the fact that we have a shortage of power supply. We have no choice but to take the consequence of the power shortage and live with it.

Simply put, we are beholden to the fact that there is only one company that controls power in Mindanao at the moment. In fairness to

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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this private company, it has served the island as power provider where the government has failed.

However, what could be missing here is the fact that with a limited power provider, we become virtual hostage when all our sources fall short. In simple terms, where there are more providers in an atmosphere of intense competition, this power crisis could have been addressed with more options instead of taking the grim situation like a bitter pill to swallow.

Too bad we are tied up to this scenario.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Mischievous prodding

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ONSEQUENCES OF ARMED CONFRONTATION – An obvious solution to the country’s insurgency problem is simply to intensify military operations against the haughty communist rebels. The abduction of 38 people who are working in one of the mining areas in Compostela Valley Province during a hot pursuit operation conducted by government forces just recently has taught the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership two seemingly different lessons.

First, as some ranking military officials like to argue, the armed services need huge forces to invade rebel territories and neutralize the group in the process. For decades military planners were guided by the doctrine of using overwhelming force. but the armed conflict these days have been fought and won with notably smaller groups of attacking soldiers. A strategy that the Army could no longer wait to be attacked but instead would have to root out the communist rebels wherever they were hiding.

As of press time all the hostages used as human shields during the military pursuit operation were freed safely by their abductors.

However, the incident forced the military minds to take another closer look at their assumptions.

No longer were the major threats to the country and its people with enormous armed personnel.

Nowadays the enemies were ragtag armed organizations with secret, unseen soldiers living both in the urban centers and poor farming rural communities, or possibly even living right at home among us.

Furthermore, modern and sophisticated weaponry weren’t much use in either sphere.

It was a new kind of struggle – a conventional warfare. And there’s more than just treating the

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enemies as hardliners of the rebel organization.

Some of these groups, as a matter of fact, are no more than extortionist gangs posing as revolutionaries. but many, like those who recently took innocent civilians as hostages are identified by the military as NPA guerillas.

The revolutionary movement, as their wont, takes pain to explain afterwards for their actions and even apologize in the name of the organization. The military therefore should dare launch a sustained and comprehensive war to crush the insurgency problem. In any case, the military believes, as it almost always does, that armed engagement with the NPA rebels has been an intricate undertaking. The consequences of armed confrontation, particularly for the poor farming communities and innocent civilians caught in the crossfire are depressing. This is likely to hurt the civilian populace and make it even tougher for the military to avoid “collateral damage.”

So what did the insurgents think they hope to accomplish by abducting innocent people and using them as human shields? They should have instead confronted the government forces headon if only to show they have the craving to fight.

The rebels’ idea therefore isn’t to protect the welfare and interest of the masses of our people.

The revolutionary movement who speak fluently the jargon of the poor assured the people of

so much promise but now appears to have lost its way.

Government experience is that when horrible and atrocious things perpetrated by the NPA are shifted to innocent civilians, the rebels are deem culpable for their acts and thus don’t get away with it. Security experts want the armed services to take a hard look at how the rebel movement entices the civilian population through their mischievous prodding into believing that the military is habitual violator human rights.

It makes more sense for the AFP to counter the insurgents’ propaganda tactics. The revolutionary movement specialized on psychological warfare and perfected the art of deception.

The military had to bear in mind the conjecture that “a pack of lies repeated over and over again become gospel truth.” The analysis therefore indicates that the military needs sufficient skill to undertake propaganda and counterpropaganda war. And so the AFP leadership needs to spend more time to formally assess the prevailing situation otherwise the current jungle warfare approach will significantly stress the government forces.

Some experts observed it is perhaps the leniency of the military in dealing with the all-out war against insurgency that a number of rebel groups all over the country continue to operate with impunity. In case the brainwashed populace thinks the rebel movement is the true soldier of the people, they have to think again. Insurgents are not advocates of sweeping reforms, but rather undertakers of revolutionary taxes badly needed in their covert operations. Refusal to kowtow to their forcible demands means harassment, intimidation, or worse even death.

Britain and the limits of austerity

HE british economy has experienced the most rapid growth in the G7 over the last few months. It increased at an annual rate of more than 3 percent in the last quarter — even as the U.S. economy barely grew, continental Europe remained in the doldrums and Japan struggled to maintain momentum in the face of a major new valued added tax increase.

Many have seized on britain’s strong performance as vindication of the austerity policy that britain has followed since 2010, and evidence against the secular stagnation idea that lack of demand is a medium-term constraint on growth in the industrial world.

Interpreting the british strategy correctly is crucial because of the political stakes in britain, the question of future british economic policy and, most important, because the british experience influences economic policy debates around the globe. Unfortunately, when properly interpreted, the british experience refutes the austerity advocates and confirms John Maynard Keynes’s warning about the dangers of indiscriminate budget cutting during an economic downturn.

A protester holds a placard during a rally in Trafalgar Square in central LondonStart with the british economy’s current situation. While growth has been rapid recently, this is only because of the depth of the hole that britain dug for itself. While the U.S. gross domestic product is now well above its pre-crisis peak, in britain GDP remains below previous peak levels and even short of levels predicted when austerity policies were implemented. Not surprisingly given this dismal record, the debt to GDP ratio is now nearly 10 percentage points higher than forecast, and the date when budget balance is predicted has been pushed back to the end of the decade.

The common excuse offered for britain’s poor performance is its dependence on financial services. Yet the New York metropolitan area,

ANAlYSIS

By LawrEncE SummErS far more dependent on financial services than britain, has seen GDP comfortably outstrip its previous peak. Though the euro area has performed poorly, even a casual look at trade statistics confirms that this cannot account for most of britain’s poor growth.

The U.S. economy grew at a rate of 9 percent for a number of years after the trough of the Great Depression in 1933. Such rapid growth in peacetime is unheard of in U.S. history. Why did it happen? Only because of the depth of the Depression. No one has ever taken the pace of the U.S. recovery from the Great Depression as any validation of the austerity policies that helped create it. Similarly, part of the story of british growth is that it is simply catching up after a major crisis caused a huge output gap to develop.

History shows that deeper recessions are followed by stronger recoveries. For example, the New York metropolitan area, though falling relative to the rest of the country in the 2008 fiscal collapse, enjoyed more rapid growth after.

Two additional points about britain’s growth require emphasis. First, the acceleration in growth has less to do with austerity spurring growth than with a slowdown in the pace at which austerity is imposed. Whether one looks at the deficit itself, or the various structural deficit measures advanced by local and international organizations, the pace of fiscal contraction has slowed over the last two years. Slowing fiscal contraction means the decrement to growth caused by fiscal policy is becoming more attenuated.

All things being equal, this would be expected to produce more favorable growth performance. Ironically, the greater the fiscal

multiplier is, the greater would be the predicted turnaround when the pace of contraction slowed. So the turnaround in growth over the last 18 months is as much evidence against austerity as it is pro-austerity.

Demonstrators protest outside the Houses of parliament in central LondonSecond, in the face of deficit reduction’s potential damage to demand and economic growth, the british government has been forced to introduce a number of extraordinary measures to support lending. Most significant is the so-called Help to buy program that gives low teaser rate mortgages to some households and guarantees the mortgages of others so they can put only 5 percent down. There are also special programs to reward banks for lending to small business and involve the central bank in export finance.

Especially in the case of Help to buy, which manages to encompass most of the sins of the U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, all these programs are highly problematic. The austerity program’s stated goal was to improve confidence in britain as a sovereign credit. Yet, guaranteeing mortgages en masse is actually creating a huge potential government liability, as do other loan guarantee programs.

In addition, subsidized credit for mortgages risks recreating real estate bubbles — house prices in London have increased much faster than GDP over the last year. And of course, programs that benefit homeowners rather than renters have perverse distributional consequences. britain’s growth then reflects a combination of the depth of the hole it found itself in, the moderation in the trend toward deeper and deeper austerity and the effects of possibly creating a bubble through government loans.

It may still be better for the citizens of britain than any alternative. but it certainly should not be seen as any kind of inspiration to other countries.

VANTAGE POINTS

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Apple’s many magic tricks COMMENTARY

By Edward HadaS

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Part 1 of 2

PPLE is in the news for borrowing $12 billion this week, even though it has $151 billion of cash on its balance sheet. The financial legerdemain will keep the technology giant’s tax bill down. It also is suitable for a company whose business model has long looked more like a magic act than a traditional corporate drama.

Of course, Apple has, or had, one of the necessary attributes of any successful enterprise: a strong competitive advantage. The California company’s edge comes from a synergistic mix of design expertise, marketing genius and supply chain mastery.

There is also a bit of technological expertise, but that’s where the magic starts. Apple is a tech star which skimps on the industry’s lifeblood, research and development. The 2.7 percent of revenue dedicated to R&D in the first half of the company’s current fiscal year is puny compared to phone rival Samsung Electronics’ 6 percent-plus and double-digit percentages at Google and Microsoft.

Apple’s trick is to rely on the research of others. Suppliers are crucial to its success. Also, as University of Sussex academic Mariana Mazzucato points out, it efficiently exploits the U.S. government’s valuable work. All tech companies both supply and buy, but Apple somehow manages to transmogrify relatively modest research contributions into relatively large sales and earnings.

Moreover, Chief Executive Tim Cook skips a large portion of the other hard stuff generally associated with industrial companies. Apple doesn’t bother with much manufacturing. It has around 40,000 employees compared with more than a million in its supply chain. It outsources inventory to suppliers too: Apple has only about three days’ worth on its own balance sheet.

Make-or-buy decisions and inventory reduction drives are part of business life. Outsourcing is fashionable and widespread in the tech industry as well as in the garment and toy trades, for instance. Complex global supply chains are the norm these days for complex products. but Apple has taken a standard practice to a whole new level.

For shareholders, the results of this industrial prestidigitation are an impressive 30.5 percent pre-tax profit margin for the six months to March and net income over the past 12 months of $38 billion, a figure that easily tops the total value of property, plant and equipment on the company’s balance sheet. Cook certainly spins a little straw into a lot of gold.

When it comes to finance, Apple is still only an amateur, even after learning some lessons from veteran activist investor Carl Icahn. Holding net cash of more than $120 billion, even after this week’s bond sale, is hardly efficient – especially as major acquisitions are not the company’s style.

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Brownots...FFROM 1 and makita nila ang would be victim na pwedeng nilang tirahin – titira yan,” Danao explained, emphasizing that Davao City residents have become more vulnerable to crimes particularly during brownouts.

Danao said that the proposal of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to deploy city-paid barangay ‘tanods’ will help the local police in preventing crimes.

He also expressed difficulty in identifying suspected robbery groups as the Close Circuit Television cameras installed in various

parts of the city are not operational during brownouts.

Danao advised the people to be vigilant especially during brownouts.

“Kung wala naman kayong pupuntahan, just stay na lang sa bahay,” he said.

“Kasi ang brownout ngayon hindi na natin alam. Actually, wala ng nasusunod sa rotational brownout (schedule),” he emphasized.

Danao said he has instructed all station commanders to conduct more patrol activities particularly in areas where the brownouts occur.

Proposed... FFROM 2 REHAB. Davao City Information Office head and Task Force Isla Verde spokesman Leo Villareal discusses during this week’s edition of Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao the rehabilitation efforts being undertaken by the city government to help the affected families in Isla Verde. Lean Daval Jr.

House panel approves bill revitalizing coconut industry

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HE House Committee on Agriculture and Food has approved a substitute bill promoting the steady, accelerated, and orderly development of the coconut industry consistent with the agrarian reform policy of the government.

The substitute bill aims to revitalize the coconut industry primarily by equipping the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) with solid and multifaceted mandate, which focuses on developmental, governmental, regulatory, research and development, and corporate powers and functions.

by approving the substitute bill, the committee chaired by Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza (4th District, batangas) removes the corporate restriction of PCA to make the agency profitable, sustainable and development-oriented.

The still unnumbered measure substituted House bill 1998 authored by Rep, Sharon Garin (Party-list, AAMbIS OWA) and House bill 1705 by Rep. Victoria Noel (Party-list, An-Waray), both seeking to revitalize the coconut industry.

Garin said the reorganization of PCA also allows for more

representation from the farmers, processors, traders, researches, scientists and academe comprising seven board seats out of the 11 board seats.

Moreover, since coconut is a long-gestating crop, it is also prudent to fix the term of the administrator of PCA to ensure the full implementation of the policies and programs of the agency.

Hence, this measure fixes the term of the administrator to six years.

To implement the policy and objectives of this Act, Garin said the measure creates and establishes a non-stock, government

corporate entity known as the Philippine Coconut Industry Development Authority (PHILCIDA), hereinafter referred to as the Authority.

Garin said the PHILCIDA is mandated to formulate and adopt a general program of development geared towards increased farm productivity, through planting or replanting of suitable seedling varieties, rehabilitation and fertilization of coconut, integrated coconut-based farming systems and product processing, and whenever necessary, the construction of related support and infrastructure facilities. [PNA]

slow school-to-work transition, as well as from employers’ feedback on the lack of life skills of entry-level workers, poor attitude towards work, poor critical thinking, and inadequate communication skills.

“Today, with less experience and fewer skills than many adults, our young people are being alienated from

employment opportunities; youth unemployment rate is alarmingly high at 17.3 percent. As an emerging economy, our country has a large army of educated unemployed, and our unemployment rate is higher among those who finished high school up to those who reached and finished college. Certainly, there is a need to implement a comprehen-

sive Career Guidance Advocacy Program and LMIS geared towards improving the competencies and job matching of the youth and ensuring that they are enterprise-ready in an increasingly complex knowledge-based economy,” baldoz explained.

“As we try to make employment facilitation services more accessible and transparent to

the general public, the DOLE has enhanced its PhilJobNet system, the government’s official online job portal, and has established a Skills Registry System (SRS) at the grassroots level that enables the local government units to improve the referral, employment coaching, training, and LMI services of their PESOs in the community,” baldoz said, finally. [PNA]

namin. Kasi ako mismo may mga tanong din sa mga agenda na ‘yan — sa tingin ko parang hindi seryoso (We should have talked about [their proposal].

I too have questions on their agenda — I don’t think they’re

serious),” added Padilla.

Padilla also pointed out that part of the new terms presented by the CPP/NPA/ NDF is a discussion on typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan), which is not even “part of the

regular track [of the negotiations].” but, at the same time, Padilla highlighted that the government “would welcome any informal [initiatives], from church and other sectors, that

can bridge the gap between [the two negotiating panels].”

“We have never left the negotiating table. We are just waiting for them to go back and sincerely talk peace,” Padilla stressed. [PNA]

aged and conked out during an island-wide fault on the Mindanao grid last Feb. 27. brian Diosma, of the Mindanao Development Author-

ity (MinDA), said it is be a welcome development to the prevailing 300MW deficit in the Mindanao gird. “by June 1, Steag will be

producing 210 megawatts.

The gap will become smaller and the situation will be more manageable,” he said.

He added Mindanao’s

power deficit is at 300MW during work days and 120MW during weekends.

[Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews]

firearms and consider his proposal which will benefit them.

He said that he would not ask them to surrender their guns.

He said that a Malaysian firm expressed interest to pour in

investments for palm oil production in the area. The investment could amount to staggering capital and cold be a possible catalyst for economic activity in the rebel-infested area.

Duterte said that will make an arrangement with the company that they will only hire workers who are residents in the area. but, the NPA should not impose revolu-

tionary tax to the companies that will invest in the area.

He said that aside from the Malaysian firm, that San Miguel Corporation also expressed interest to invest in the area.

mon Alcaraz (PF-16).

The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx mil-

itary helicopter.

It has a crew of two, has a maximum speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963

km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel) The AW-159 is fitted with

forward firing CRV7 rockets and machine guns, pintle mounted machine gun, Sea Skua missiles and Sting-Ray torpedoes and depth charges. [PNA]

Closer... FFROM 2

Call...FFROM 3

Steag...FFROM 3 Army...FFROM 3

Army...FFROM 3

establishments.

The resolution to enact “An ordinance amending paragraph 5, Section 9, of Ordinance No. 0407-12 series of 2012 entitled, an ordinance requiring all business establishments, whether commercial, industrial or financial institutions with a minimum capitalization of P3 million to install CCTV cameras” is still pending in the city council. based on the draft resolution, the penalty prescribed by the existing ordinance for failure to save records of the surveillance, or voluntary submission of the tapes (P5,000) is too light hence susceptible to non-observance by covered establishments. but, they include on the penalty the revocation of business permits.

It says that the use of CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent in potential commission of crime.

In the report of the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances, the amendatory ordinance is prompted right after series of consultations with the members of the local law enforcement, wherein station commanders on some business establishments who did not voluntarily submit their footages due to fear that the same may affect their reputation.

The report states that during the committee hearing barangay Captain Allan P. Simo-Ag of Lasang, bunawan district, who is also the representative of councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr., explained that the purpose of the amendment is to impose stricter implementation of the ordinance.

The committee chairman made some queries regarding the constitutionality of the provision relative to the revocation or non-renewal of permits in the amendment.

Simo-Ag said that the sanction of revocation is already given on the paragraphs 1 and 2, section 9 of the existing ordinance and it was already settled during it passage last 2012. He stressed that in case of failure to save and voluntary submission of surveillance tapes, discs or media, the observance of due process will be the utmost consideration Lawyer Lawrence P. bantiding, officer-in-charge of business bureau, clarified that the revocation of permits of a business establishment fails to follow local ordinances are already indicated at the back of the issued permit.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY bOARD Regional Office No. xI Davao city

petition for Renewal of a certificate of public convenience to operate an AIRcONDITIONED UV ExpREss service AMYlENE Q. BIRUAR, petitioner case No.2008-xI-00591 x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTIcE OF hEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV ExPRESS Service on the route: DAVAO CITY-MIDSAYAP (COTAbATO) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on October 5, 2014.. In the petition filed on April 23, 2014, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this board on MAY 19,2014 at 9:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable bENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 23rd day of April 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO

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ICT HUB Globe powers ‘TxtHIV to 8504’ campaign VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

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EADING telecommunications company Globe Telecom powers “TxtHIV to 8504” campaign, a first of its kind SMS-based information, counseling, and clinic referral drive in Asia for people who wants to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but are afraid of facing societal discrimination. The disease leads to the fatal Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) often associated with sexual promiscuity.

“TxtHIV to 8504 is Globe Telecom’s way of tapping into the wide use of SMS in the country and harnessing the power of telecommunications to further solutions in health care. It offers an accessible and easy-to-use solution which can change and even save lives. Our assistance to this campaign is part of Globe Telecom’s advocacy to provide communities that it serves with access to social services,” said Fernando Esguerra, OIC of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

Currently available only to Globe postpaid and prepaid mobile users, those at risk may simply text HIV to 8504 and answer five yes or no questions via an interactive voice recording to check if testing is necessary. The sender is then provided with contact details and addresses of the nearest specialized accredited health

centers where they can go for assessment, counseling, and immediate treatment. The use of IVR, likewise, ensures that all calls remain very impersonal and confidential.

“I wish to thank all our collaborating partners for their support and involvement in this pioneering effort. Development of this IT-driven platform took some time as it required the involvement of key partner organizations that believe in the same cause of making health accessible to all, are willing to share their resources and expertise, and are committed to make the idea become a reality. Indeed, this is a trailblazing public, private, civil society partnership for an innovative, cost-effective, and practical solution to reach individuals who are at risk or vulnerable to HIV and STI infection,” said Oscar Picazo, chairman of Philippine NGO Support Program (PHANSuP).

PHANSuP spearheads TxtHIV to 8504 together with the Philippine National Aids Council, Globe, S&S Technologies, and local health programs of the cities of Manila, Pasay, Pasig, and Quezon. It is currently being piloted in Metro Manila but is expected to eventually go nationwide. More clinics and local government units are also being enjoined to be part of the program.

There are only seven coun-

Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility, demonstrates how TxtHIV operates. With him are (from L-R): PNAC Executive Director Dr. Chito Avelino; S&S TechnologiesPhilippines President and CEO Mark Soriano; and PHANSUP Chairman Oscar Picazo. tries in the world which are experiencing a steady increase in the number of HIV cases and the Philippines is one of them.

The Philippines received 12 new cases of HIV daily in 2013 from only one case in 2009, with 95% of them involving males. Since 1984, 17,450 Filipinos have been reported

with HIV, 1,599 of them have progressed into AIDS. by widening awareness about HIV and encouraging people to get tested, the campaign would be able to contribute to the country’s efforts of halting or reversing the spread of HIV/AIDs by 2015 in line with the UN Millennium

A1 with them and experience high-speed broadband service wherever they go,” said Michele Curran, Data and International Services Marketing Head at Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). Smart broadband, Inc. (Smart bro) is a subsidiary of Smart.

With the Acer Iconia A1 under Plan 699, users can experience tomorrow’s Internet through a reliable high-speed broadband connectivity pro-

vided by the Smart bro Pocket WiFi included in the package, with 50 hours of Internet surfing every month.

With Smart bro’s, subscribers can easily enjoy Web browsing, play their favorite games, play thousands of songs or watch online videos on their handy and portable Iconia A1 tablet.

This is perfectly complemented by the Iconia A1’s Intel-powered CPU, which provides zippy performance for most online activities, as well as its 16Gb of onboard storage that offers ample space for all your photos, songs, and movies.

The 4:3 aspect ratio of its IPS Display also gives a great view of the screen from every angle which enhances users’ viewing experience.

And with its battery with 4000 mAh capacity, you’ll be sure to enjoy all the Internet has to offer for up to 7.5 hours on a single charge.

Anti-Bill shock “With the Acer Iconia A1 under Smart bro’s Gadget Plus Plans, we have eliminated the common fear of unintended data charges through our unique Anti-bill Shock mechanism, which ensures that subscribers do not spend beyond what their budget allows,” Curran added.

Development Goal 6.

At present, only one percent of the general population has been tested for HIV since most people are afraid to ask for help or simply do not know where to get information, making TxtHIV to 8504 an important avenue not only for sending across information about

HIV but also in encouraging those who may be affected to take the first step. The text service is provided for free to Globe users for one year.

HIV may be contracted through blood transfusion, needle-sharing, mother-child transmission, and unprotected sexual contact.

Smart Bro delivers the stylish tablet Bohol ready for 1st Startup Weekend experience with Acer Iconia A1 Y

OU don’t always have to pay a premium just to stand out. With the elegant Acer Iconia A1 from Smart bro, upgrading to a more stylish tablet experience has just become more affordable than ever.

Now available under Smart bro’s Gadget Plus Plan 699, the Acer Iconia A1’s unique design will surely turn heads thanks to its premium silver-gray metal back cover and smooth white

finish.

Measuring less than 1-centimeter thin and featuring a 7.9inch IPS display, the Acer Iconia A1 is light and compact enough to hold with one hand—a perfect gadget accessory that will surely complement any style.

“The Acer Iconia A1 is the perfect combination of simplicity, style, and functionality. And with Smart bro’s largest broadband network around the country, users can take the Iconia

W

ITH the full backing of Gov. Edgar M. Chatto, the Province of bohol is now ready to host the first-ever Startup Weekend bohol on May 2325 at the University of bohol along Ma. Clara st. in Tagbilaran City.

According to Tina Amper of the organizing TechTalks.ph, excitement is building up among boholano startup enthusiasts since this will be the first time for the province to hold such an internationally-recognized event.

“Startup enthusiasts and technopreneurs in bohol are already very excited as the event could bring several opportunities not just for the local startup community but for all boholanos as well,” Amper, the instigator of Startup Weekend Cebu and Geeks On A beach, said.

Startup Weekend bohol, aimed at generating breakthrough ideas from tech communities in bohol and its neighboring provinces, is organized by TechTalks. ph, the Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), bohol ICT Council (biCTC), and the

Provincial Government of bohol.

Lead SWb volunteer organizer is ben Skelton, an IT entrepreneur and veteran of various Startup Weekend workshops.

Startup Weekend, which started in the United States, is a global grassroots movement to empower entrepreneurs to nurture their innovative ideas into becoming sustainable business ventures.

It is a 54-hour event where developers, designers, marketers, product managers, and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products, and launch startups.

The event begins on a Friday, when participants pitch their best ideas and inspire others to join their team.

Over Saturday and Sunday morning, teams then focus on customer development, validate their ideas, practice LEAN Startup Methodologies, and build a minimal viable product.

On Sunday evening, teams will demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts.

12 ClASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Dining in the land of the sleeping dinosaur

Toying around with the “Sleeping Dinosaur.”

The province of Davao Oriental has been hitting the headlines lately with its long and white sandy beaches, the new hobby of flying super light aircraft, and of course the establishment of Davao Region’s biggest museum, Subangan.

Of course aside from the sights Davao Oriental provides, another way to experience the province where the “sleeping dinosaur” calls its home, is through its local homestyle cuisine.

Just a few meters from Mati City’s Beach Park and Baywalk is La-ne’s Restaurant. Far from being a sophisticated dining spot, La-ne’s serves local delicacies that are simple in preparation but speak volumes of the kind food the local love to enjoy.

Seafood is the normal fare in the city, being that Mati as well as the Province of Davao Oriental directly face the Pacific Ocean. I love the huge, dinosaur sized crispy-fried Buntot ng Bariles (tuna tail) the skin of which is rendered in such a way that it is reminiscent of pork skin cracklings.

The meat was tender and juicy to the bite. I honestly could not help but dig in as soon as the dish hit the

table.

Another winner on the dining table was the Langka (jackfruit) salad.

An appetiser, it complimented the other rich fried dishes that we had.

A piping bowl of hot Sinigang na Bangus (sour milkfish soup) made sure my palate was cleansed and ready to eat some more.

Although seafood may be the specialty of the restaurant, it does not mean that they only serve fish.

Since I am a pork-loving person, I was happy that they also serve their own version of Crispy Pata

(crispy fried pork knuckles) which can also double as an accompaniment to beer should one plan to hang out with drinks in the evening.

Too bad I only had one day to go around Mati City, but I promise to return to the land of the dinosaur to find and share some more eats.

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

Sinigang na bangus.

Dinosaur-sized fried tuna buntot.

What is a Pinoy meal without halo-halo?

Crispy pata.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AnD ABOUT

A toast for moms at the Marco Polo Davao!

EnjOy Davao’s first ever Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch at Cafe Marco on Sunday, May 11, 2014 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Savor breakfast favorites like custom-made Pancakes, Omelette, Bacon and Sausages and Lunch items like Roast Beef, Lechon and Turkey. Our Champagne lady will be coming around pouring to your heart’s content.

All of these for only PHP 1,300.00 net per person and PHP 650.00 net for kids. non-Alcoholic Champagne is also available.

For reservations and inquiries, please call Cafe Marco at 2210888 local 7222 or 7223.

Five Mother’s Day treats at SM Lanang Premier A special Mother’s Day celebration awaits all Moms this May at SM Lanang Premier! Mommies can enjoy plenty of treats, heartwarming activities and priceless bonding moments with the family at Davao’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination.

Great Shopping Deals for Moms Delightful Mother’s Day treats are in store from the mall’s participating shops from now until May 11. Moms can indulge in some retail therapy with Mags, Cotton On Kids and Pois Belly & Kids offering 10% up to 70% discount on selected items.

Kultura is giving 50% off on selected home décor and unique craft finds while Prestige Timepiece Center has an exclusive promo on elegant watches especially for mothers.

Special Dining Discounts with the Family Moms will revel in a great family dining experience at SM Lanang Premier. Discounts are in store for them when they dine with their loved ones at Mesa Filipino Moderne and Hukad at The Fountain Court. #MeandMom Selfie Instagram Contest SM Lanang Premier has a fun Instagram contest for Moms and their children. All they have to do is to take a photo of their bonding moments at the mall, post it on Instagram and tag SM Lanang Premier to get a chance to win awesome prizes. Contest is ongoing until May 11.

Thanksgiving Mass On Sunday, May 11, Mother’s Day, a special Thanksgiving Mass for mothers will take place at 9 am at the Atrium. Everyone is invited to attend this mass in honour of the first lady of our lives.

Melodies and Sweet Eats for Moms Moms can delight in a heartwarming musical performance at the Atrium on May 11, at 4 pm. They can also enjoy the sweet goodness of specialized cupcakes and other goodies on sale at the Atrium from now until May 11.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at SM Lanang Premier. For the latest updates on events and promos, visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

THE VOiCE PH CHAMP iN HONg KONg FOr gLObE KAbAbAyAN JAM. The Voice Philippines Season 1 winner Mitoy yonting top billed the recent globe Kababayan Jam at the Chater road in Hong Kong, entertaining thousands of overseas Filipino workers in attendance with his unique vocal prowess. The musical extravaganza featured a rock-themed contest where 10 of the best OFWs in Hong Kong vied for singing supremacy in front of a live audience. The top vocalists took home cash prizes by earning the most number of votes through globe telco partner CSL’s Facebook page “likes,” as well as through the mobile app “yo!,” which offers instant messaging and low rate calls to globe and TM numbers in the Philippines. For more information on globe international business, visit www.globe.com. ph/international, and for yo!, check out www.yoclick.net.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

EVEnT

Talk ‘N Text marks 14th year, kicks off celebration with ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!’

Talk ‘N Text (TNT), the value brand of Smart Communications Inc., recently turned 14 and kicked off celebrations with ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!,’ a full day of enjoyable games, raffles and entertainment aimed at giving subscribers an awesome game show experience.

TNT held the first leg of ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!’ in Lopez, Quezon, where thousands gathered at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Quadrangle for a shot at winning as much as P111,111 in cash, a motorcycle and grocery package, and a host of TNT premium items in games such as ‘Piso O Panalo,’ ‘Panalo Kung Price is Right,’ ‘Shoot Mo Panalo,’ and ‘Gulong ng Kapalaran,’ among others.

Panalo Moments Forty-three-year old Alex Argudo emerged as the biggest winner of the night after clinching PhP101,101 at the ‘Piso O Panalo’ game, which pitted him against tens of contestants in a trivia and relay game before finally getting to play for the jackpot round.

“I cannot describe how I feel. I am just so happy and thankful to

PANALO DANCE MOVES. Talk ‘N Text ‘Ka-tropa’ Jhong Hilario heats up the dance floor during the first leg of ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!,’ a series of game shows mounted by TNT for its 14th anniversary celebration.

TNT for coming here in our town and giving me this chance to win,” said Argudo, who has been a loyal TNT subscriber for the past six years. “I hope to use this prize to start a business that will help my family,’ he added, saying he only relies on odd jobs to sustain his family.

Taho vendor Leonardo Mancera, 38, also could not contain his happiness after winning a motorcycle and grocery package from the ‘Panalo Kung Price is Right’ game, which had subscribers guessing the correct amount of the prizes. “I really did not expect to win. This is such a great blessing for me and my family. I’ll always be thankful to TNT,” he said.

These winning moments are the main reason why TNT mounted

‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!’ this year, explained TNT Department head and Vice President Carlo endaya. “The Panalo Ka, Pilipinas! is very much aligned to the brand’s Araw-Araw Panalo outlook, which encourages subscribers to celebrate their victories – big or small – and share them with their loved ones,” said endaya. “This is our concrete way of making the ‘Panalo’ moments of our subscribers come true.”

Performances by Jhong Hilario, Itchyworms, Sabrina Aside from contests and games, ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas’ also featured performances from TNT ‘ka-tropas’ such as Jhong hilario, who heated up the stage

with his dance moves, and Itchyworms, which kept the crowd on their feet with their hit songs like ‘Beer,’ ‘Ayokong Tumanda” and ‘Penge Naman Ako Niyan.’ hosted by Mariel Rodriguez, the first leg of ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas’ was also graced by Asia’s acoustic sweetheart Sabrina, who serenaded the crowd with her sweet voice.

Aside from Quezon, TNT is set to bring game show experience to subscribers in Negros Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Davao, Manila, Cavite, Pampanga and Ilocos Sur, featuring other TNT katropas like Kylie Padilla, Aljur Abrenica , Jericho Rosales, Marian Rivera and Robin Padilla.

To keep updated about the latest ‘Panalo Ka, Pilipinas!’ happenings, and get to know how to join in the fun, just follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ TalkNText) and Twitter (@TalkNText).

Easter Sunday spent the Waterfront way In celebrating easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, the Waterfront Insular hotel Davao had an afternoon event at the poolside of Pool Aquarius, entitled Summer Chill: An easter Pool Party Special.

Party goers came as early as lunch time, taking advantage of the weekly 50% off the International Lunch Buffet at the Café Uno. Children of all ages participated in the kiddie games and won awesome prizes. After the fun and games, guests were treated to helpings of pasta, hotdogs, assorted cookies and brownies and cold juices to quench their thirst.

Once they had their fill, the egg hunt began. But this was no ordinary hunt. This year, the eggs were literally buried along the shoreline and the kids had

to dig through the sand to find them.

The highlight of the day came right after all the physical activities as almost everyone took a dip in the swimming pool to

cool down from the summer heat. Amusing, entertaining and refreshing, easter this year at the Waterfront was the perfect way to herald in the arrival of summer.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

EnTERTAInMEnT

Steven Silva does the things he Celebrity style loves – singing, dancing, acting and cooking in The Boston GMA Artist Center star Steven Silva is determined to showcase his knack for singing, dancing, acting and cooking in the upcoming series The Boston which will be aired this june.

“The audition experience for The Boston was very nerve-wracking and long, but in the end, it was completely worth it. My first audition was conducted in GMA, last year, around September 2013 and after that followed numerous call backs before I learned I was part of the final cast. It was a very thorough process and I could tell they really wanted to make sure that each character was to be filled by the right actor/actress.” Steven recalls his journey before he clinched the role of Sid, which was confirmed late last year and he’s the only showbiz personality in the Philippines to be part of The

Boston cast.

According to Steven he will be portraying an interesting and intriguing character in the series. “The character I play in The Boston is named ‘Sid’ and he is the pastry chef in the restaurant. He is interesting in the sense that he is one of the more skillful chefs in the kitchen, yet he is very soft spoken and doesn’t necessarily take command even though he is more than

qualified to do so. He is also very particular to his sense of style and physical upkeep and appearance. In a sense, he is very metro sexual and sometimes even borders on homosexual by his attitude, tendencies and tone of voice, yet no one really knows the truth.”

Many people didn’t know that Steven earned a degree in Culinary Arts, which helped him land the part of Sid in The Boston. “One of

my assets that helped me and also allowed me to help my fellow cast during our shoot was my culinary background. I did my best whenever there were questions regarding kitchen etiquette, practices, or just anything to help make our show give a high sense of realism, especially in the kitchen and during cooking sequences.

I hold a degree in Culinary Arts from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, which I completed in 2010, before I came to the Philippines and joined StarStruck in GMA.” As Steven adds another feather in his cap, he can’t help but say, “I’m thankful to God for all the blessings that I’ve been receiving”.

Meanwhile, Steven Silva is also part of GMA network’s musical variety program Sunday All Stars which airs every Sunday.

Drew barrymore is on the cover of redbook Magazine’s June issue for the first time after having her recent pregnancy. The new mother of two wore a gorgeous floral dress complete with perfectly tousled curls to complete the summery look. barrymore opened up about juggling a successful film career with having kids and learning to have a wellrounded appreciation for her body. “i would love to have long, thin arms. i really would but i don’t. i can run a company, so maybe i am just going to have fatter arms and run a company wearing sleeves? That is my balance; nobody gets to have it all,” she told the mag. “i would take wearing sleeves and running a company. Not that running a company is the key to happiness, but while i may not be tall and thin, i am capable.” barrymore added that she’s not the least bit surprised that she ended up with hubby Will Kopelman, saying “Knowing his personality and what he finds humorous and attractive and appealing, i’m like, ‘Okay, got it!’”

Kuya Kim, Karylle, and Matteo renew support for DZMM’s fun run for education KAPAMILyA STARS Kuya Kim Atienza, Karylle, and Matteo Guidicelli reaffirmed their commitment to DZMM’s education advocacy by leading thousands of runners at the DZMM’s “Tulong na, Tabang na, Tayo na, Takbo na” 5km color fun run held recently.

The three celebrities, who also participated in DZMM’s “Takbo Para sa Karunungan” in 2013, joined 3,050 participants at this year’s fun run at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig for the benefit of students affected by super typhoon yolanda and other DZMM scholars.

Matteo, however, was unable to run this year due to a knee injury but served as one of the hosts during the post-race program.

“It’s Showtime” host Eric ‘Eruption’ Tai, actresses Diana Zubiri and Roxanne Barcelo, “Luv U” cast members Sharlene San Pedro, jairus Aquino, and Alexa Ilacad, and models Will Devaughn and Andy Smith also took part in the run. Also present were DZMM anchors julius Babao, Cory Quirino, Winnie Cordero, Ahwel Paz, Carl Balita, Traffic Angel Tina Marasigan, DZMM Radyo Patrol Reporters, and M.O.R. 101.9 Djs. “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles” grand winner Bryan Castillo, mean-

DZMM anchor Cory Quirino, Karylle, DZMM station manager Marah Capuyan, and Matteo guidicelli. rio dela Cruz and Eruption Tai.

The biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles contestants, led by grand winner bryan Castillo (far right).

BRICK MANSIONS 2D Paul Walker, David Belle, RZA

Luv U cast members Alexa ilacad, Sharlene San Pedro, and Jarius Aquino at the DZMM Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na, Takbo Na color fun run. while, was joined by some of his former co-contestants in leading the run’s warm-up exercises.

The event was mounted

by Run Rio, headed by running coach Rio Dela Cruz,

with ABS-CBn Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation as proponent, and supported by the city government of Taguig. It was filled with fun and excitement as the runners were sprinkled with colored powder and a giant inflatable slide was erected for them.

DZMM started organizing Kuya Kim Atienza. fun runs in 1999.

R 13

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

THE OTHER WOMAN 2D Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton PG 13

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

SO IT'S YOU 2D Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez PG 13

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

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

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

FOOD

WhO SAID you can only enjoy a glass or two of mocktails at night?

Why not defy the norm and drink to your heart’s content – under the heat of the sun!

Although we literally do not have “summer” in the Philippines, we only have two seasons and summer ain’t one of them, we can still enjoy basking under the sun without a care in the world. Just don’t forget your sunblock!

Before we trade our tan lines for our regular (uniforms) clothes, let’s take one last hoorah and enjoy the heat with our family and friends. This week, we try to imitate some classic mocktails and turn them into beach or picnic ready drinks that everyone could enjoy. If you have kids or those allergic to alcoholic drinks with you, this is a best way to get them fired up for non-stop fun time.

Phoebe’s Pleasure

Just like my super energetic friend, Kamille Phoebe enriquez, this drink will definitely get you all hyped in not time. A refreshing concoction of mint and cucumber, this drink will surely have you asking for more. A tip though, leaves the flavors to blend thus letting the marriage of fla-

Paying homage to of my favorite cartoon character, Bart Simpson, this drink will surely get your energies soaring up in the stratosphere. You can substitute and add berries of your choice to make it more personal.

vors to take place.

Ingredients ½ cucumber sliced an inch thick 5 fresh mint leaves 2 tsp dark maple syrup or honey 60 ml apple juice 15 ml lemon juice In a cocktail shaker or bar glass, crush cucumber, mint and sugar with a muddler or wooden spoon.

If you have no bar glass, u can do a glass pitcher. Add juices. half fill container with ice, shake/stir well and pour through a fine strainer into a tall glass of ice. Garnish with cucumber slices and serve.

Barts’s Berry

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Ingredients 3 fresh blackberries 2 fresh raspberries 5 fresh red seedless grapes 60 ml apple juice 10 ml lemon juice 2 tsp maple syrup In a cocktail shaker or bar glass, crush cucumber, mint and sugar with a muddler or wooden spoon. Add remaining ingredients and half fill the shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with berries and apple slices and serve.

Happy Hardwell

I am most definitely a hardwell fan and beach or an outing is incomplete without him! Tea and hardwell? Well, this for me, works like a dj and a deck on a fiery UMF stage.

Ingredients 2 bags earl Grey tea, lightly sweetened (with about 2 tbsp honey), cooled 100 ml lemon juice Crushed ice In a clean clear jug, combine all ingredients, adjusting the balance of sweet, strong and sour flavours and adding more sugar, or lemon juice, if necessary. Serve in teacups garnished with lemon twists.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Email me at leebay457@yahoo. com (subject:RoyalChef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics and food finds!

EDGEDAVAO

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Six months after Yolanda, major long-term recovery needs remain S

Ix months after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated the Visayas region of the Philippines, millions remain in a precarious situation. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, one of the few organisations to deliver humanitarian assistance across all affected islands, has now launched an ambitious plan geared towards supporting the long-term recovery of survivors.

16 million people were affected by Typhoon Haiyan, with thousands losing family members, homes and incomes. While the greatest intensity of need is in the eastern Visayas, people in other more remote areas also need help. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement recovery plan pledges to help 775,000 of the most vulnerable people to recover and improve their resilience to future disasters.

“Affected communities have shown remarkable strength and many are on the road to recovery.

However, high levels of pre-existing poverty are holding people back and in some areas basic services have not been re-established”, says Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. “Our recovery work will focus on restoring shelter, livelihoods and access to health care,

to help affected communities overcome the hardships of the past six months and become self-reliant again.”

Since the disaster struck, the Philippine Red Cross, together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and over 50 national societies from around the world have between them distributed emergency relief, including food, shelter items and cash, to more than 1 million people. Thousands more received medical attention from Red Cross emergency facilities.

“We are very proud of the solidarity and good cooperation the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has demonstrated, mobilising quickly and effectively to respond after Haiyan”, says Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of Philippine Red Cross, adding “Our most unique asset is our volunteer base. Over 8,000 Red Cross volunteers have been at the forefront of the emergency response, alongside the hundreds of international and national staff deployed to the affected area.”

The recovery plan, amounting to 320 million Swiss Francs will run over the next three

years. As well as helping survivors to rebuild their lives, it will enhance the Philippine Red Cross’ capacity to respond to future disasters through targeted skills training for volunteers and strengthening expertise in disaster management and disaster risk reduction.

Meanwhile, work to rebuild damaged health care facilities and water networks in affected areas is well under way, as are livelihood support programs delivering cash grants, training and asset replacement.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement distributed cash grants to 75,000 households and met 25% of the emergency shelter needs of survivors, providing tents, tarpaulins and other materials to almost 140,000 households. Support has already begun to roll out to help families build more durable homes, together with projects involving the construction of shelters.

Typhoon Haiyan Emergency appeals launched by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have collectively raised 315 million Swiss Francs (USD 357 million) so far.

TF Davao gets new patrol boat from Aboitiz Power T

ASK Force Davao was the recipient of a rubberized inflatable patrol boat from Aboitiz Power and Aboitiz Foundation during turnover ceremonies held last May at the Aboitiz coal-fired plant in binugao Toril, Davao City.

“This will enhance our shore patrol capability, “ says Col. Librado Quilla, deputy commander of Task Force Davao.

Quilla said the new asset will add to TF Davao’s fleet of three patrol boats.

The P600,000 brandnew boat is a Hammer-

head 3.6 rubberized inflatable craft equipped with a 25 horse-power Yamaha outboard engine, the Subic-made boat can seat a maximum of six soldiers and can navigate through tight wateways such as rivers, it can also be used as a search and rescue craft during disasters.

According to Aboitiz Power First Vice-President for Mindanao Affairs bobby Orig, the donation is a manifestation of the company’s appreciation to Mayor Duterte and to the men and women of Task Force Davao for making Davao City safe.

Previous negotiations with former Task Force Davao commander Col. Norman Flores highlighted the need for a patrol boat thus the donation.

TF Davao is an army anti-terrorist unit tasked to secure Davao City from possible terrorist attacks and other security threats, while Aboitiz Power through its subsidiaries engages in power generation , distribution and retail operations, under the company is Therma South Inc. which is building a 300 megawatt coal-fired plant in the city.[PIA/RG Alama]

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

WINNERS. Class winners of the 9th Pomelo Tee Open Golf Tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes receive their prizes. Left photo, (l-r) TY Garcia, Jeff Ramirez, Martin Sara, John Gross and Nonoy Llamas. Right photo, TY Garcia, Art Morales, Stella Barnes amd Martin Sara. Boy Lim

CMO gets third straight win TNT-SBP 3 on 3Davao C

ITY Mayor’s Office clobbered bureau of Jail Management and Penology, 112 – 68, to clinch its third straight win and grabbed solo second in the ongoing Davao Summer Sports for Peace Festival AFP-PNP basketball Tournament on Tuesday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Hotshot Christopher “bong” Go shot twelve triples to finish the game with

34 points as CMO won three games in a row after losing its debut game.

Rodelbantilan pumped in 15 points and baste made 12 for CMO that got back now its offensive punch after bowing down to 10th ID in the opening game of the league.

The City Hall-based dribblers were sensational right from the start as they took a 30 – 11 lead at the end of the first period.

They ballooned the gap to 21, 53 – 32, at the half and stretched it out to 32, 81 – 49, entering the pay off period. bJMP did not even pulled down the gap to single digit the rest of the way to absorb its second loss in three games.

Abraham Campomanes paced bJMP with 16 baskets.

Go closed out the superb performance of CMO with a 18 points outburst in the final period.

Meanwhile, Davao City Police Office stayed perfect in three games with a 102 – 65 drubbing of Philippine Navy.

Anthony Padua racked up 21 points as DCPO remained at the top of the standings. JimsellApas had 14 for PN. In the other games, RPSb defeated National Support Unit, 95 – 76, while 10th ID routed Philippine Air Force, 95 – 51. (RICO BILIRAN)

Popovich said. ‘’It’s nothing different. He’s the guy that’s our attack guy. (He) creates for everybody and starts the offense.

He’s also played very good defense this year and most people don’t really see that.’’

Parker, who had 32 points in Game 7 against Dallas, scored 13 points in the first quarter on a series of drives and capped it with a corner 3 as San Antonio built a 10-point lead 8 minutes into the game.

The Spurs never led by less than 20 in the second half.

‘’They did what championship teams do,’’ Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge said. ‘’They came out and set the tone early. Most of the guys on (Portland’s) team haven’t even been in the second round and they’ve won championships. They’ve been here.

I think they definitely came out and they let us know how it’s going to be.’’

Kawhi Leonard had 16 points and Tim Duncan added 12 points and 11 rebounds for San Antonio.

More importantly for the

Spurs, their bench contributed mightily after being virtually nonexistent in the series against Dallas.

Marco belinelli had 19 points and the Australian connection of Aron baynes and Patty Mills had 10 points apiece. ‘’We came out swinging, caught them with a few early punches and they were on their back heel at that point,’’ baynes said. ‘’It was good for us that we came out like that but now we have to maintain it.’’

Spurs master Blazers 116-92 S

AN ANTONIO (AP) -- After nearly falling on their face in the opening round of the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs found their footing Tuesday night and ran the Portland Trail blazers off the court.

Tony Parker had 33 points and nine assists and San Antonio never trailed in a resounding 116-92 victory over Portland, bullying the younger Trail blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. ‘’He’s been doing that for a lot of years,’’ Spurs coach Gregg

FOULED. San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker (9), of France, is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers’ Mo Williams (25) during the second half of Game 1 of a Western Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

leg kicks off today A

LL roads lead to Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym today as the Talk N’ Text-SbP Under-18 3x3 “Tatluhan” Davao regional eliminations takes center stage.

Games will immediately follow after the short opening rites set at 9 a.m.

Ateneo, Holy Cross, MATS and UIC leads the participating teams in the tournament that will feature players aged 18 years and below.

The regional eliminations is open as far teams are concerned that means teams may represent schools, barangays, clubs, civic organizations, non-govern-

ment organizations or commercial entities.

The champion team will earn the right to represent Davao region to the national finals slated May 24 – 25 in Manila.

Organized by the Duterte basketball League (DbL) and sanctioned by the SbP-xI, the tournament is part of the official calendar of activities of the Davao Summer Sports for Peace Festival.

Three other regional qualifying legs will also be held in Mindanao in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, and Gen. Santos/ARMM.

Farenas in IBF eliminator

H

ARD-hitting southpaw Michael Farenas will face American Mark Davis in an IbF junior lightweight eliminator for the No.2 spot in the rankings in a fight card at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut on July 2.

Farenas, a protege of former world super flyweight champion Gerry Penalosa is currently ranked No. 4 by the IbF while Davis is at No. 11.

Penalosa told the Manila Standard that Farenas “is always training and is in good condition.” He will begin sparring on Monday against Junel Alivio and Edgar Gabejan at Penalosa’s Gym in Eastwood.

The 29 year old Farenas who has a record of 38-44 with 30 knockouts is a strong puncher and is best remembered for his twelve round unanimous decision loss to former Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa on December 8, 2012 in which he dropped Gamboa in an WbA super featherweight/junior lightweight Interim title fight.

Davis was an outstanding amateur with some 200 bouts and his boxrec.com biography states he won a gold medal at the 2002 US Junior Olympics at 42kg beating Cesar Seda Jr. before winning

a gold medal at the 2002 US National Silver Gloves at 100lbs, a gold medal at the 2002 US Junior Olympics at 95lbs and a gold medal as a Junior at the 2002 Police Athletic League (PAL) tournament at 106lbs.

Davis also won a silver medal at the 2003 PAL at 112lbs beating Charles Huerta but losing to Ron Siler before he grabbed a gold medal for the USA at the 2003 Under-19 Sweden Cup at 112lbs.

Davis competed at the 2003 World Cadet championships as a flyweight as well as the US Olympic Trials for the 2004 Olympics beating Charles Huerta but losing to Ron Siler and then on a walk over to Aaron Alafa.

He was a gold medalist at the 2005 US National championships at featherweight beating Richard baltazar and Ray Robinson. He also won two contests for USA at 2005 World Cup also fighting as a featherweight and competed at the 2005 World Championships at 57kg.

Davis also won two bouts when representing USA vs belarus in 2006 as a f eatherweight and won the gold medal at the 2006 US championships and later won the Eastern Olympic trials for 2008 Olympics.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014

Durant wins MVP award

MVP. Kevin Durant won his first ever regular season MVP title.

O

Heat takes Game 1 over Nets

M

IAMI (AP) -- Turns out, the Miami Heat can beat the brooklyn Nets.

And rest hardly led to rust for the two-time defending NbA champions.

Lebron James scored 22 points, Ray Allen added 19 and the Heat stayed perfect in this postseason by beating the Nets 107-86 on Tuesday night in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal series. It was the first win for Miami in five meetings with brooklyn this season. ‘’It’s one,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘’but I liked the energy, the activity.’’

Chris bosh scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Dwyane Wade finished with 14 points and Mario Chalmers had 12 for Miami, which recorded at least one regular-season win against every team except brooklyn, losing four times by a total of 12 points.

This one was a different story. A 24-9 run in the third quarter blew things open for the Heat, who hadn’t played in eight days after sweeping Charlotte in the opening round. ‘’It was great that we were able to come out the way we did after being off eight days,’’ James said. ‘’We got a lot of work in. We had eight days off of not playing a basketball game but Spo got us in the gym.

(We) got each other in the gym.

We made each other accountable throughout the layoff and it proved tonight.’’

Deron Williams and Joe Johnson scored 17 points each for the Nets, who got only eight from Paul Pierce and no points

from Kevin Garnett in 16 minutes.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night. ‘’This is the defending champs,’’ Nets coach Jason Kidd said. ‘’It’s always going to be at a high level and we’ve got to find a way to match it.’’

James finished 10 for 15 from the field and Allen - who had never faced his former boston ‘’big 3’’ compatriots Pierce and Garnett in the playoffs - was 4 of 7 from 3-point land. ‘’He was focused on the job at hand,’’ James said.

Miami’s lead was 55-52 early in the third quarter after a 3-pointer by Williams, and every indication was that the Heat and Nets - who played three one-point games and a double-overtime affair in the regular season - were heading down to the wire again.

Not quite.

The Heat took off on the 24-9 run over a 7-minute span, with bosh scoring the first seven points of that burst to get Miami going. Allen’s 3-pointer pushed the lead to 14, James and Chris Andersen (who left in the fourth with a right knee contusion) added two free throws apiece and just like that Miami’s lead was up to 79-61. ‘’It’s fun when you win the game and you can at least for a night do whatever it is you do, have some dinner, chill at home and exhale a little bit,’’ bosh said. ‘’When you lose, you can’t sleep, your stomach hurts and it’s not a very good situation.’’

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) — In accepting his first MVP award, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant made a point of sharing the honor with those who made it possible.

In a soul-baring speech that lasted more than 25 minutes, Durant fought back tears several times while thanking each of his teammates, the coaches, support staff and team executives, and finally his family. The emotional outpouring culminated with a tribute to his mother, Wanda Pratt, and the sacrifices she made, the inspiration she provided while raising Durant and his brother in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. “You made us believe,” Durant said to Pratt, who was at the ceremony in Edmond, Oklahoma. “Kept us off the street.

Put clothes on our backs, food on the table. When you didn’t eat, you made sure we ate. You sacrificed for us. You’re the real MVP.” Durant explained that Pratt was a single mother with two boys, and though times were tough while growing up, Pratt always thought something better was ahead. Durant said to appreciate moments like these, he often looks back to gain perspective.

“One of the best memories I had is when we moved into our first apartment,” he said as tears streamed down Pratt’s face. “No bed, no furniture, and we just all sat in the living room and hugged each other, ‘cause that’s when we all thought we made it.”

He’s really made it now.

The young man who said he was told he “wasn’t supposed to be here” won the NbA’s top individual honor Tuesday, receiving 119 first-place votes.

Miami’s Lebron James, who had won the last two MVP awards and four of the previous five, finished second with six firstplace votes, and blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers was third.

Durant, 25, called it “surreal” and at one point, as he thanked his teammates, he stopped and said, “I don’t know why I’m crying so much.”

“Everything in my life, I had to take it,” Durant said. “They’re not going to give it to you out of sympathy. I wouldn’t want it any other way. This was another case, if I wanted to win the MVP, I had to go take it. I felt that this was the year I did that.”

During a speech in which Durant revealed a humility and vulnerability rarely displayed by a professional athlete, he also drew some laughs.

“I could walk in and have a terrible day and I could see Hasheem (Thabeet) smiling at me, at 7-foot-3 with small pants on,” he said. “That would change my day.”

Durant mentioned qualities about each teammate, showing respect for the veterans who challenge him and the rookies who inspire him to do things the right way because they look up to him.

“I go home and I think about that stuff, man,” he said.

“When you’ve got people be-

hind you, you can do whatever.”

Durant won his fourth scoring crown in five years by averaging 32 points. The 6-foot-9 forward helped the Thunder go 59-23, second-best in the league, despite playing much of the season without three-time All-Star Russell Westbrook because of a nagging knee injury.

“He’s basically put himself in front of everybody else in the league and shown that he’s the best player in the world,” Westbrook said at the end of the regular season.

James agreed, saying Monday: “Much respect to him and he deserves it. He had a bigtime MVP season.”

Durant’s run of 41 consecutive games this season with at least 25 points was the third-longest streak in NbA history.

“It was a two-man race, and then toward the end, it was kind of a no-brainer,” Griffin said.

James averaged 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting nearly 57 percent from the field.

Griffin averaged 24.1 points and 10.1 rebounds.

Durant scored at least 40 points 14 times. He also averaged 7.4 rebounds and a career-high 5.5 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.

While Westbrook was out after his most recent knee surgery, Durant averaged 35 points and 6.3 assists as the Thunder went 20-7 and remained among the league’s elite.

down from doing things how he wanted. His inability to mesh with management - and management’s inability to mesh with Jackson - increasingly overshadowed his success and ultimately cost him his job.

The Warriors fired Jackson after three seasons Tuesday, ending the franchise’s most

successful coaching tenure in the past two decades but also one filled with drama and distractions. ‘’Obviously it was not made exclusively on wins and losses,’’ Warriors owner Joe Lacob said.

Lacob and general manager bob Myers both thanked Jackson, saying he helped make

the Warriors a more attractive franchise. but Myers said the decision to dismiss Jackson was ‘’unanimous’’ among the team’s executives - though still not easy - in part because the Warriors want a coach who can ‘’develop a synergy’’ with everybody in basketball operations.

Warriors fire coach O AKLAND, Calif. (AP) -Mark Jackson came to the Golden State Warriors talking big and brash. He promised playoff appearances and championships, and he delivered plenty of wins along the way.

Away from the court, though, Jackson never backed

PASSING OFF. Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) looks to pass around Brooklyn Nets defender Andray Blatche (0) in the first half of Game 1 in an NBA Eastern Conference semifinal basketball seriesin Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

16 EDGEDAVAO

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