Edge Davao 7 Issue 59

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

P 15.00 • 22 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

THE LAST DAYS Of SUMMER. With the summer season heading to its final week, these two women photographed by award-winning Dabawenyo photographer Chito Malabanan at SECDEA Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal bask in the warm summer sun and the teal blue hues of Samal Island’s waters. (Chito Malabanan)

LACK Of TEACHERS Some schools prompted to suspend kindergarten classes

By Cheneen R. Capon crc@edgedavao.net

W

ithout enough teachers to handle huge number of enrollees, many public schools in Davao City are forced to suspend classes in kindergarten level even as the formal opening of school year started almost a week ago.

At the Magallanes Elementary School (MES), one of the city’s biggest in terms of population, the school management is planning to utilize Grade 1 teachers to help handle the kindergarten enrollees.

“We cannot start the class in kindergarten because we only have 5 kindergarten teachers and three grade 1 teachers for our 924 enrollees,” MES principal Evelyn A. Lawoglawog told Edge Davao last Thursday.

“We don’t have enough teaching personnel for kindergarten kasi volunteers are not allowed to teach anymore,” Lawoglawog said.

She said that kindergarten students and their parents were duly informed about the situation last Monday.

Lawoglawog said that classes in kindergarten level was suspended pending the availability of teachers who are now awaiting for their deployment based on the teach-

FLACK, 10

SCHOOLRIDE. Monday’s opening of classes meant good business for motorcycle habal-habal drivers in the rural areas like this one in Barangay Taguibo in Mati City. Five schoolchildren, a woman and the driver make for seven passengers on board a motorcycle which remains as the most convenient school ride in the barangays. (Photo by Max Valles)

INSIDE:

‘Prostitution’ at Osmeña Park...

DLPC manages power supply ...

Davao bets leave for KL

2 3 16

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014 MASS WEDDING. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte officiates at the wedding of 69 couples during Kasalan sa Barangay in Sto. Domingo, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

‘Prostitution’ at Osmeña Park to end operation of ‘therapists’ WEATHER FORECAST

By Cheneen R. Capon crc@edgedavao.net

A

LL for one, one for all.

The alleged acts of prostitution prevailing among massage therapists at the Osmeña Park will also dislocate even those who claimed to have no participation in the activities.

Robert L. Ocuner, division

chief of Environmental Sanitation- City Health Office told reporters yesterday in an interview after the I-Speak media conference that all masseurs and manicure and pedicure service providers, who are numbering about 80, will be pulled out from the park.

“I have been approached by a massage therapist, and she said to me “Sir Bobet, can you help us kasi nagiging baboy na kasi ang propesyon namin”” Ocuner said.

Ocuner said that upon receiving the information, he invited the leaders of the

group’s association for a meeting where officials confessed what truly happens in the park especially during the night.

“Someone reported to me that some masseurs offer hand job for P50 and oral sex

year.

Elizabeth Banzon, coordinator of CHO’s tropical disease control unit, bared that from January to May of 2013, there were 2,410 cases of dengue fever recorded in Davao City.

The figures were much higher as compared to 1,839 cases posted from January to May of this year.

She added that last year, there were 44 recorded deaths caused by dengue fever while

already halfway through 2014, there have only been 8 recorded deaths.

Banzon attributed the improved situation to the campaign’s strategies including

The surrenderees also yielded one Thompson sub-machine gun, three M-1 carbine, one M-1 Garand rifle, one Springfield M-1, three caliber .22 rifle, 25 shotguns, two caliber .45 pistols and 16 revolvers of different calibers. uy said the returnees are temporarily housed in the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay for the processing of their claims and reorientation seminar to prepare them to join the mainstream society before they will be formally

accepted through a ceremony.

This is the fourth time that the 4th Infantry Division experienced huge influx of NPA surrenderees since it launched the government’s guns for peace program last year.

The first was on Oct. 31, 2013, wherein 35 former NPAs surrendered with 39 firearms. The second was on March 27 this year wherein 72 former NPAs surrendered with 69 weapons, and the most recent one was on May

FPROSTITUTION, 10

Anti-dengue campaign yields gains

By Daniel D. Joaquin

T

HE anti-dengue campaign being implemented by the City Health Office (CHO) is gaining more concrete accomplishments based on the comparative number of cases recorded as of June this

FANTI-DENGUE, 10

54 rebels surrender in Bukidnon F

ifty-four New People’s Army (NPA) fighters formally surrendered Wednesday morning to the Bukidnon-based 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Major Christian uy, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, said the rebels were led by Emboy Casal, alias “Rixan” and known to operate in the Agusan, Bukidnon, and Davao areas.

21, when 97 former NPAs surrendered with 93 assorted guns.

“We encourage the remaining members of the NPA rebels to come down from the mountains, lay down their arms, reunite with their loved ones and return to mainstream of our society. Our government is working hard for their safety and well-being,” 4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya said.

[PNA]

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

New TForce Davao chief assumes post

By Daniel D. Joaquin

T

HE new commanding officer of Task Force Davao formally assumed his post yesterday in a turn-over ceremony at their headquarters near Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City.

Col. Macairog “Macky” Alberto replaced Col. Rey Leonard Guerrero as commanding officer of TF Davao.

Alberto said that his main priority is to maintain and if possible surpass the standards set by the previous commander and to meet the expectations of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

He said that despite TF

Davao’s high rank among similar organizations, he still sees the need for improvement in many aspects of peace and security to better safeguard the safety of Davao City residents.

He said the safety of citizens and visitors of Davao City are their priority, saying that they will exert their best effort not to sacrifice the convenience of people coming in and out of the city.

Alberto said that maintaining the balance between convenience and safety is a big challenge in performing their job.

CHANGE Of COMMAND. MGen. Ariel Bernardo (back to camera), commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, administers the changing of command of Task Force Davao from Col. Casiano Monilla to incoming commander Col. Macairog Alberto during the Change of Command Ceremony at Task Force Davao Headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf Wednesday afternoon. The event was witnessed by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Lean Daval Jr.

No opposition lodged DLPC manages power supply vs new wage increase

to avoid rotating brownouts

By Cheneen R. Capon

E

crc@edgedavao.net

VEN as some owners of business establishments are claiming to have incurred huge losses stemming from brownouts, no complaint has so far been lodged against the implementation of the new wage order recently issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

“Since the approval, we haven’t received an appeal from companies,” Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 11) regional director Joffrey Suyao told local reported in a press conference at NCCC Mall of Davao last Wednesday.

He said that 10 days after the wage order approval, employers and companies are entitled to submit their appeal.

Suyao expressed appreciation to members of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII)

who manifested their willingness to comply with the new wage hike despite the losses incurred from power outages.

“We welcome their manifestation na susundin nila kahit there’s a bit hint of hesitation,” he said.

Earlier, DCCCII president Antonio dela Cruz told Edge Davao that many businesses are not ready for the wage hike but pointed out that they are willing to comply once it is implemented.

Based on Wage Order RB XI- 18 issued by RTWPB 11, the new minimum wage for non-agricultural workers is P312 while agricultural workers have P302 which started last June 1.

For retail and service, those who work in establishments with more than 10personnel will receive P312 while

FNO, 10

A

S power supply continues to be in a critical situation, Davao Light and Power Co. manages the situation to avoid implementation of rotating power interruptions within its franchise.

Since last May 31, the power supply situation within Davao Light’s franchise has im-

proved as the National Power Corporation through the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines further increased the power supply allocation to Davao Light.

The allocation is now close to the contracted supply level of the electric utility resulting to no rotating power interrup-

tions.

The improvement came after STEAG coal-fired power plant’s other unit went back to operations a day earlier than announced. To recall, STEAG’s two units went on an emergency shutdown last February 27 during the Mindanao-wide power outage. Its first unit

went back online last May 8.

Davao Light also manages the current situation through continued optimization of power supply from Independent Power Producers such as the Hedcor Sibulan and Talomo hydro power plants and Therma Marine Inc.’s pow-

no “Bam” Aquino on Thursday.

“The expected approval of the Bangsamoro political entity and the ASEAN Integration in 2015 will turn Mindanao into a magnet for businesses and investors,” said Aquino.

Aquino noted that 10 of the poorest provinces in the country are in Mindanao, with Lanao del Norte leading the way with a 67.3 percent poverty incidence.

Aside from Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Zam-

boanga del Norte, Sarangani, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Camiguin, Sultan Kudarat and Sulu also made it in the list of the top 16 poorest provinces. ”The problem exists de-

FDLPC, 10

Bangsamoro political entity, ASEAN Integration seen to boost business

T

HINGS will turn for the better for Mindanao with the imminent passage of the Bangsamoro political entity and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration in 2015, according to Sen. Paolo Benig-

Proposed total mining ban in Davao City gets support

S

SWIMMING. Young boys spend the remaining days of summer enjoying an afternoon swim at Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

FBANGSAMORO, 10

upports to the proposed ordinance banning all mining activities in Davao City snowballed with parallel initiative now being pushed in the House of Representatives by mostly Davaobased representatives.

Three lawmakers from Davao City authored House Bill 4348 which aims to make Davao City, the largest city in the country, to be free from any activity of mining.

The proposed bill is authored by Davao City Third District rep. isidro ungab, rep.

Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela. They are joined

by Rep. Emmie de Jesus also of Gabriela.

Once the proposed mea-

sures, both local and national, are approved, Ilagan foresees effective implementation.

“It will not affect negatively rather it will strengthen each other. Since the local ordinance complements the national bill that I co- authored, then the implementation will be good,” she said in a text message to Edge Davao yesterday.

“We are all looking at the same direction and committed to protecting our city environment and ecology,” she added.

The time line for the bill depends on how fast the Senate can draft and pass its counterpart, Ilagan said.

Currently, some areas in Davao City are already prone to landslides and flooding.

FPROPOSED, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR

Coffee group gets boost from DTI’s SSf project A

N association of coffee farmers here gets a boost from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project.

The Jose Rizal Farmers Association (Jorifa), a group of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), occupies an estimated area of 417 hectares which is planted with 53,415 Robusta coffee trees.

Based on the report of DTIDavao del Sur, each Robusta coffee tree could produce an average of 0.93 kilogram of coffee berries annually which translates to an aggregate harvest of 50,000 kilograms per year.

With the lack of required facilities to process these berries into dried green coffee beans, the group only enjoys an income of P8 to P10 per kilogram. Thus, they only rake in an annual gross sales of P400,000 to P500,000.

DTI-Davao del Sur officer-in-charge Eulogio C. Orevillo said with the provision of the necessary SSF, it is projected that Jorifa will be able to process 20,500 kilograms of dried coffee beans per year, with a recovery rate of 41 percent.

“With the buying price ranging from P82 to P120 per kilogram, Jorifa’s annual gross

sales would reach P2.4 million, which will truly give a boost to their operations,” he said.

The P82 per kilogram buying price is being enjoyed by dried green coffee beans producers from October to December, while the buying price reaches P120 per kilogram from May until June.

“Our coffee farmers really have to optimize the full potential of their product. It’s not enough to produce coffee berries. You need to find a way on how to give some value-adding to it. Thus, the existence of this project,” he said.

The SSF program of DTI was launched last year with the aim to address the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain.

These SSF projects are common service facilities or production centers for certain processes to give MSMEs access to a better technology and more sophisticated equipment to accelerate their bid for competitiveness and help them graduate to a next level where they could tap a better and wider market and be integrated in the global supply chain.

Last year, DTI-Davao del Sur was able to turn-over a total of five SSF projects, out of the 13 approved. For this year, the office targets to approve eight.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

16 LGUs in R12 receive P24M incentives for good performance

S

IXTEEN local government units in Region XII have received a total of P24-million worth of incentives this year from the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Reynaldo Bungbung, DILG-12 regional director, said the beneficiaries comprise 12 municipalities and four cities in the region that were conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping based on the 2013 assessment.

He said the PCF is a performance-based reform program of the DILG that grants incentives to eligible LGus to finance high impact priority local development projects in their areas.

These include projects intended for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, maintenance of core road networks to boost tourism and local economic development, promotion of transparency and accountability in all government transactions,

disaster risk reduction management and ecological solid waste management, Bungbung said.

The official said the recipients were the municipalities of Aleosan, Libungan and Tulunan in North Cotabato; Norala, Sto. Niño, Tampakan and Tantangan in South Cotabato; President Quirino, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Lambayong and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat; Maitum in Sarangani; and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong and Koronadal.

He said the four cities received incentives of P3 million each while the 12 municipalities got P1 million each.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping mainly recognizes LGus with good performance in internal housekeeping, particularly in the areas of local legislation, development planning, resource generation, resource allocation and utilization, customer service and human resource management and development.

[MindaNews]

SSS JOINS DAVAO FARMERS IN TREE PLANTING. The Social Security System (SSS) participated in a tree planting activity organized by the Community Forestry Project-Taytayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CFP-TMPC), a group of farmers from the town of Cateel in Davao Oriental, as part of the association’s 5th anniversary celebration. Photo shows SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (2nd from left) and CFP-TMPC Chairman Mahlon Tehana (2nd from right) plant one of the tree saplings, while looking on were (from left) International Labour Organization (ILO) Project Coordinator Jedel Ervin Tabamo, Taytayan Brgy. Chairman Deonicito Manangkis and CFP-TMPC General Manager Esther Albino. The tree planting, which was held at the Mantunao Eco Park at Brgy. Taytayan in Cateel last May 5, preceded the launch the AlkanSSSya Program for the SSS coverage of an initial batch of 167 CFP-TMPC members on the same day. CFP-TMPC members are also beneficiaries of the ILO-supported cash-for-work program, which aims to help them re-establish their means of livelihood and fully recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

KIDAPAWAN CITY

NorCot farmers win in Gawad Saka awards S

EVEN individuals and a cooperative made it to the Gawad Saka Award 2014 regional level, agriculture officials here said.

Among them was an agricultural enterpreneur, high value crop farmer, sugarcane farmer, small animal raiser and agricultural scientist. Also awarded was the Don Bosco Multi-Purpose Cooperative – Bios Dynamis of Mlang, North

ZAMBOANGA CITY

Cotabato which received the Outstanding Organic farmers organization award.

Amalia Jayag Datukan, Department of Agriculture regional executive director, identified the awardee from North Cotabato as Jerry John M. Taray of Kibudtungan, Carmen town as Outstanding Agricultural Entreprenuer – small scale category); Ella D. Pobre of Lower Dado, Alama-

da – Outstanding High Value Crop farmer; Girlie C. Adug of Barangay Marbel, Matalam as Outstanding Sugarcane farmer, Jayson Roy P. Ancheta of Barangay Kibudok, MatalamOutstanding Young farmer, Paquito A. Laquihon of New Panay, Aleosan – Outstanding Animal Raiser and Ariston D. Calvo, Ph,D. of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST Arakan)

– Oustanding Agricultural Scientist.

Engr. Elly Mangliwan, North Cotabato Provincial Agriculturist, said the awardees from the province showed their expertise and best practices in the agriculture sector.

The seven awardees and the cooperative will represent region 12 in the National Gawad Saka Awards in July in Manila. [PNA]

nomic Stability in ARMM.” Hajan said the event is aimed at showing the participants the business and tourism potentials of Tawi-tawi and the entire ARMM. He said it will also serve as guide for stakeholders where and on what business they could invest.

Among the topics to be discussed are opportunities and prospects in the following industries: palm oil, rubber, coffee, seaweed, and aquaculture and mariculture.

He said that Sen. Paolo Benig-

no Aquino IV, one of the invited resource speakers, will talk on the opportunities and prospects in franchising business.

Hajan said that several business and tourism industry stakeholders have been invited as resource persons.

Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman will also grace the business event.

The other topics to be tackled are opportunities and challenges in investing in power and utilities, renewable energy as alternative

business, water resources development and management, ecotourism, adaptation mechanisms as response to climate variabilities to enhance business projections in the ARMM, financing programs for micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthening business linkages between the country through ARMM to Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia-Tarakan, Indonesia (3Ts) Growth Area.

Hajan said the two-day event will be preceded by a trade fair and exhibits on Monday, June 16.

[MindaNews]

ARMM to hold 1st int’l bizcon in Tawi-tawi T

HE Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) is holding this month a two-day business conference in Bongao, Tawi-tawi.

Sakiran Hajan, DTI-ARMM secretary, said the two-day event dubbed as the 1st ARMM International Business Conference will be held June 17-18 at the Sandbar Lepa Convention Center in Pasiagan, Bongao.

The event is anchored on the theme “Strengthening Public-Private Partnership Towards Eco-

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Asian stocks sink on signs US hiring slowed A

SIAN stocks fell Thursday after a payroll processor said u.s. employers slowed hiring last month and as investors looked ahead to a European Central Bank meeting.

Oil declined but stayed above $102 per barrel after government data showed a fall in stockpiles of crude and rising supplies of refined fuels.

China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index shed 0.3 percent to 3,018.19 and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.1 percent to 23,134.54. Seoul’s Kospi fell 0.6 percent to 1,996.55.

Investors were dismayed after payroll processor ADP said u.s. businesses added just 179,000 workers to their payrolls. It was the weakest hiring in four months and comes ahead of the u.s. government’s employment report for May due Friday.

“The ADP employment report was a big disappointment,” said DBS Group in a report. It said the “odds of an upside surprise” in the official u.s. employment data “look pretty slim.”

Sydney’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2 percent to 5,433.90.

Singapore, Malaysia and Manila

also fell.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 was little changed at 15,071.52.

Investors were looking ahead to Thursday’s monthly meeting of the ECB following suggestions by bank president Mario Draghi of possible additional stimulus.

That could include a rate cut or other measures.

“It’s time for the ECB to deliver,” said Credit Agricole CIB in a report.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 15.19 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,737.53 on Wednesday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 3.64 points, or 0.2 percent, to 1,927.88. The Nasdaq composite index rose 17.56 points, or 0.4 percent, to 4,251.64. in energy markets, u.s. crude for July delivery was down 33 cents to $102.31 after u.s. supplies fell by an unexpectedly large margin of 3.4 million barrels last week. The contract shed 2 cents Wednesday to close at $102.64.

The euro was little changed at $1.3598 from $1.3601 late Wednesday. The dollar fell to 102.57 yen from 102.69 yen.

OPPORTUNE TIME. A vendor sells taho as hundreds join the queue to process their papers at the Professional Regulatory Commission along R. Castillo Blvd. in Davao City on Thursday, 5 June 2014. Many of them came as early as 4 a.m., particulalry those coming from other provinces. [Mindanews Photo by Keith Bacongco]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

NEDA sees full year inflation to remain within target despite rise in May 2014 T

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) expects the country’s headline inflation rate for full year 2014 to fall within the government’s target of 3.0 to 5.0 percent for the year, in the absence of major economic shocks.

This is despite headline inflation increasing to 4.5 percent in May 2014 due to the rise in the prices of food, electricity, and petroleum.

“However, the balance of risks to the inflation outlook remains slightly tilted toward the upside,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

“Potential increases in food prices may emanate from weather disturbances such as the possibility of an imminent El Nino, the depreciating peso, and the pending petitions for further adjustments in utility rates, transport fares, and wages,” he added.

Moreover, headline inflation rate for year-to-date stood at 4.1 percent, still within the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)’s inflation target of 3.0 to 5.0 percent for 2014.

Inflation in the food subgroup rose to 7.1 percent in May 2014 from 6.5 percent in April 2014 as almost all major food items showed higher

year-on-year growth in prices during the period. These include rice, meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs, oils and fats, fruits, vegetable, sugar, and other food products.

“Rice prices continue to hover at high levels as supply tightness persists in the market. For corn, the high inflation rate may be attributed to lower production in some regions, particularly in CALABARZON and Eastern Visayas, as a result of dry spell and rat infestation,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

“Moreover, the increased domestic demand for sugar resulted in the uptick of local prices. The higher prices of other domestic food products mainly reflected the rising prices in the international market,” he added.

As for non-food items, inflation also picked up to 2.9 percent in May 2014 from 2.6 percent in April 2014 and 1.8 percent in May 2013. This is due to the rise in the price indices of actual rentals for housing (1.8% from 1.5%); electricity, gas and other fuels (7.2% from the revised 5.8%) and operation of personal transport equipment (6.3% from 5.3%).

“The upside risks to inflation especially on food, while still manageable, need to be addressed. In the short term,

the interventions can focus on ensuring supply sufficiency by improving the level of inventories and the efficiency of distribution systems,” said Balisacan.

He underscored the increasing probability of El Niño beginning in the third quarter of 2014. Thus, the government should intensify efforts to implement programs that will help provinces and cities highly vulnerable and moderately vulnerable to the adverse impact of a prolonged dry spell, he said.

We should provide further support to precautionary steps that are already being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture to avert any adverse impacts of the incoming El Niño. said Balisacan.

These steps include cloud seeding operations to induce rains in major watersheds and farming areas, distribution of shallow tube wells and drought-tolerant crop varieties, and provision of assistance to farmers who prefer crop shifting to drought-resistant crops.

“But equally important is ensuring that the measures undertaken by the government to help maintain a manageable rate of inflation will remain supportive of economic growth,” he concluded. [PNA]

by the numbers PHL’s revenue collections rose to

P224.4 billion in April or 18% high

er from

P190 billion a year ago.

Source: Department of fi nance

US firms keen on DAR to dialogue with farmers groups investing in PHL T A

MERICAN investors have expressed interest to pour their money into the Philippines, particularly in the infrastructure sector in Mindanao, as a result of the signing of the Bangsamoro peace agreement.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda bared this after united states (us) Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker paid his courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang on Wednesday.

Pritzker, along with a high-level business delegation, arrived in Manila on Tuesday to promote greater trade and investment with the Philippines.

“Some of the areas where they are looking at the potential areas of investments: car manufacturing, energy, infrastructure in Mindanao, infrastructure on mass transit, and also tourism,” Lacierda said in a Palace press briefing.

He said more investors are interested in Mindanao deemed an area with a “lot of promise”.

Lacierda said there was

great concern before whether it was wise to invest in Mindanao considering the presence of a Moro group in the area.

But now that the government has signed a peaceful agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), many countries have been looking at Mindanao as a potential area for investment, he noted.

“We’ve seen other countries -- ASEAN nations looking into Mindanao. And so, united states is also one of the countries who would be interested to look into investments in Mindanao,” Lacierda said.

Further, the Palace Spokesman said that during the courtesy call, Pritzker also congratulated President Aquino for his accomplishments. ”Secretary Pritzker praised, complimented the President on his leadership, and also congratulated the President on all his accomplishments, what he has done for the country,” he added.

[PNA]

HE Department of Agrarian Reform on Thursday expressed its openness to dialogue with various farmers that are converging in Metro Manila to press their demands for the completion of agrarian reform.

Some have set up camp outside the DAR office and will hold separate rallies to mark the anniversary of CARP. The farmers are demanding for an amendment which will allow for the continuation of CARPER amid fears that agrarian reform goals will fall short when the law expires at the end of this month.

DAr undersecretary for

Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao said that they welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue with the farmers even as he sought to allay fears that agrarian reform will, itself, expire.

Parungao explained that the law allows support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries and the delivery of agrarian justice to proceed beyond June 30, 2014.

What was given a deadline was the land acquisition and distribution aspect of the current agrarian reform program. And even in this aspect, Section 30 of R.A. No. 9700 or CARPER not only allows the

DAR to acquire and distribute agricultural lands with pending cases as of June 30, 2014, it also allows the agrarian reform agency to continue to acquire and distribute agricultural lands as long as the process has been initiated prior to the said date.

He noted that the land acquisition and distribution process is initiated through the issuance of a Notice of Coverage to the landowner, or the acceptance of the DAR of a landowners voluntary offer to sell.

DAr undersecretary for Field Operations Jose Grageda revealed that from 2012-

2013, DAR was able to issue 56,399 NOCs for 520,529 hectares of land subject to compulsory acquisition. From January to May 20, 2014, DAR was able to issue 11,178 NOCs for 108,216 hectares of land.

He added that there are only 14,085 NOCs left to be prepared or served covering 88,962 hectares. Grageda clarified that this figure is based on DAR’s current database and that there may be other lands needing NOCs that have not yet been included in the database particularly those that are still being reported by farmers’ groups and CSOs and are being verified. [PNA]

lis-Baldoz explained that Executive Order No. 167 approved on 26 May 2014 is based on the actuarial studies conducted by the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System.

“The increase in benefits will not have a significant effect on the SSS-managed and GSIS-managed State Insurance Fund,” she said.

“The EC SIF has the capability to finance the increase in funeral benefits for employees in both the private and

public sectors from P10,000 to P20,000 even without corresponding increase in the EC contributions from the employers, both private and public,” Baldoz clarified.

Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said that ECC is continuously reviewing policies to improve its benefits. “The funeral benefits for employees in the private sector was worth P3,000 since 1975, it was increased to P10,000 in 1993, and increased again to P20,000 this

year,” said Banawis.

For the public sector, the funeral benefit was only P3,000 in 1975. It was increased to P10,000 in 2013 and again increased to P20,000 this year.

“It is high time for ECC to enhance its benefits,” Banawis expalined. “The average funeral service cost nowadays is P43,000, so we see the need of increasing it to P20,000 to alleviate the financial burden of the families of the deceased workers,” added Banawis.

Aquino approves increase in EC benefits P

RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino recently approved the increase of Employees’ Compensation Funeral Benefit from P10,000 to P20,000 for both the employees in the private and public sectors and 10% across-theboard increase in EC pension for all EC permanent partial disability, permanent total disability and survivorship pension in the private sector.

Labor and Employment Secretary and Chair of the ECC Board Rosalinda Dimapi-

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Climate change

threatens food production text and photos By GeRRy t. estReRa

“T

EN thousand years have passed since the current pleasantly temperate period began, so another sudden shift is overdue. The notion that greenhouse gases could trigger such a rapid change keeps serious scientists up at night…

And since scientists today have little understanding of past climate flips, it’s impossible to say when the next one will start,” wrote Gregg Easterbrook in “A Skeptical Guide to Doomsday,” a 2003 Wired article.

Greenhouse gases -which include carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from air conditioners and refrigerators, methane gas from landfills and feedlots, and the nitrogen compound, nitrous oxide, from burning fossil fuels and fertilizers -- produce the greenhouse effect, which traps heat near the earth’s surface, maintaining a relative constant temperature.

Many human activities -like burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, farming, and cooling oneself during hot weather by turning on air-conditioners, among others -- increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which result in gradual increase in the earth’s surface temperature, a process called global warming.

“The global warming is very simple,” said Dr. Robert Watson, the chairman of the uN intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

“We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

“Despite the technological advances in the second half of the 20th century, agriculture remains to be one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change,” notes Apple Jean C. Martin in a policy advocacy.

“Climate change is more disastrous to the agricultural industry of the Philippines and its neighboring countries than in other parts of the world,” warned Dr. David Street of the us Argonne National Laboratory.

There are several impacts of climate change to food production but the most obvious ones, according to the Nobel prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, are as follows: · Increases in average temperature. These will result to: increased crop productivity in high latitude temperate regions due to the lengthening of the growing season; reduced crop productivity in low latitude subtropical and tropical

regions where summer heat is already limiting productivity; and reduced productivity due to an increase in soil evaporation rates. · Change in amount of rainfall and patterns. Most likely, these will affect soil erosion rates and soil moisture, which are important for crop yields. Precipitation will increase in high latitudes and decrease in most subtropical low latitude regions; some by as much as about 20%, leading to long drought spells. · Rising concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

This will boost and enhance the growth of some crops but other aspects of climate change (examples: higher temperature and precipitation changes) may offset any beneficial boosting effect of higher carbon dioxide levels. · Increase of pollution levels of tropospheric ozone (the bad ozone that can damage living tissues). The rise is

due to the escalation in carbon dioxide emissions. This type of ozone initiates the chemical removal of methane and other hydrocarbons from the atmosphere. · Changes in the frequency and severity of drought, floods and typhoons.

All these are factors that may potentially affect crop production.

One in eight people in the world in 2013 went to sleep without getting enough food.

More and more people are most likely to do so in the coming years as the rise of global temperature continues.

“The accelerating pace of climate change, combined with global population and depletion of agricultural resources threatens food security globally,” reports the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

Climate change is already here and everyone is affected. No one is spared from its

wrath. “Climate change is ... here and it can only get worse.

We believe that climate change is going to be more intense.

The Philippines will be most vulnerable if the people are least prepared,” said Amelie Obusan, climate and energy campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines.

The World Bank lists the Philippines as one of the top 12 countries “at highest risk to climate change.” Droughts, floods, storms, rising sea levels, and greater uncertainty in agriculture were the reasons cited why the country was among included in the top list.

The 2013 Global Climate Risk Index ranked the Philippines fourth among more than 190 countries around the world that have suffered the most extreme weather events such as flooding and storms over the past 20 years.

“The world price of food, which has already doubled over the last decade, is slated

to climb higher, ushering in a new wave of food unrest,” wrote Brown, author of Full Planet, Empty Plates: The New Geopolitics of Food Scarcity. “As food prices climb, the worldwide competition for control of land and water resources is intensifying.”

Extreme Weather, Extreme Prices, published by Oxfam, found that extreme weather in less than 20 years could push up prices 120% to 140% above the average food price in 2030 that will already be double today’s prices.

The world’s poorest spend up to 75% of their income on food. “The huge potential impact of extreme weather events on future food prices is missing from today’s climate-change debate,” noted Tim Gore, Oxfam’s Climate Change Policy Adviser. “The world needs to wake up to the drastic consequences facing our food system of climate inaction.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

EDITORIALS

Speed limit gets nod

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ouGHLy eight of every 10 Dabawenyos favor the imposition of speed limit on vehicles running on the streets of Davao City.

This was the significant finding of an opinion survey conducted by the institute of popular opinion of the university of Mindanao on Executive Order No. 39, issued by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte six months ago. EO 39 sets limits of 30 kilometers per hour (kph), 40 kph and 60 kph depending upon what part of the city is the motor vehicle traversing. using a 5-percent margin of error and 95-percent confidence level, the survey was conducted on May 16-26 among 1,200 respondents living in the city’s three congressional districts.

The IPO study found that 78 percent of those interviewed (or eight of every 10) favor the speed limit for reason of road safety. A total of 170 people (14 percent) said they did not agree to the speed limit. The remaining 8 percent either did not have any idea about the speed limit or simply decline to issue any opinion.

More than half (52 percent) of those who approved of the speed limit pointed to safety as primary consideration of their approval; 35 percent bared that the EO 39 offered the public the bundle of bene-

fits of safety and discipline; while 10 percent said the landmark EO gave them pride, aside from safety and discipline.

The study also found that 74 percent of Dabawenyos were satisfied with the way the speed limit EO was being implemented by the law enforcers, 13 percent moderately satisfied, 12 percent said implementation needed to be improved, and only one percent said they were satisfied.

The speed limit is just one of the many innovative if not unique government measures that Mayor Duterte has introduced during his reign as mayor of Davao City for the seventh term now. Before this, we had the total ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics, the anti-smoking ordinance and the liquor ban among others. All of the measures which are rarely found in other cities and towns proved to be very popular.

Now we know that the people like the EO and how it is being implemented. What we want to see next is the reduction in the number of vehicular accidents that the EO will cause. Drastic reduction in road mishaps, we would like to believe, is the most essential objective of the EO. Indeed, it is the ultimate proof of the EO’s usefulness.

Duterte for President

W

HATEVER people say, it is indubitable that the Duterte for President Movement is snowballing. By snowballing, we mean it is rapidly accelerating, a speed no executive order like EO 39 can stop. Yes, not even with the public disavowals of the concerned persona himself, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

This early, people are imagining political scenarios during the

EDGEDAVAO

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2016 presidential campaign and beyond. The warlords are readying their armors for the great political battle. The inveterate gamblers have begun to place their bets. The supine prefer to sleep now and imagine they’d wake up tomorrow in a Philippines under a Duterte Presidency. Yes, this is a time for both fantasy and reality. And yet, every Dabawenyo is excited. Except for a few political eunuchs.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

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

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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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VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Harsh and inescapable reality

Hort poLitiCAL sQuirt – We must look into the state of our national political parties – seeking to move them from issues to personalities, from political platforms to political patronage system. Patronage politics merely change the person in power, but it doesn’t reform the system. We really cannot institute reforms when we are under political pressures.

For example, Cabinet secretaries and other top-level officials appointed by the Chief Executive owe allegiance only to the appointing authority – and to one else. They came from big businesses or the elite professions and naturally, they tend to serve and protect not the masses of their countrymen but their own kind.

INTENSIFYING PEOPLE’S DISSATISFACTION – The high incidence of illegal logging throughout the country specifically in the woodland boundaries of Davao del Norte and Agusan del Sur is a cause for serious alarm not only for environmentalist groups. The large number of people mostly from the different municipalities of Davao del Norte where illegal logging is rampant confirmed the series of research and surveys showing people’s growing dissatisfaction with local government units (LGus).

It is likewise reflective of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR X1) regional office’s ineffectiveness and stubbornness in their job to say the least. Well, maybe DENR executives are too preoccupied attending to other activities outside the realm of their official function. While most if not all of Davao del Norte’s top local officials are trying hard to explain in frequent media interviews that they are implementing a strict anti-logging measures, it is perceived that they have

T

not squarely faced the causes of severe flooding and landslides, which is of course, aside from illegal logging there’s also the equally disastrous illegal mining and quarrying operations.

For the affected residents in flood-prone and mudslide areas in many parts of the voterich province, LGus and DENr personnel including officials of the Bureau of Mines did not exert maximum efforts to minimize if not totally eradicate illegal logging, mining and quarrying activities. This could have been done by the simple expedient of urging higher authorities and various law enforcement units not to treat violators with kid-glove policies. As for sanctions, officials’ relative neglect of their duty has only emboldened violators to operate their illegal trade with impunity.

There is a widespread belief that refuses to go away contending that some local executives and environment officials are playing “lovey-dovey” and dancing to the tune orchestrated by deep-rooted and well-connected unscrupulous businessmen. This is a painful and convincing assumption, not to mention bureaucratic bungling. The unbearable situation of the people especially in the poor farming communities frequently inundated and displaced by floodwaters and mudslides are perhaps one of

the thorny social and environmental issues.

As shown clearly during the latest flooding and landslide incidents in different areas of the province, government relief effort is nowhere near adequate. Government’s pledges and promises sound great and cleanly efficient but the people’s bold description whose villages are destined to be submerge again in floodwaters due to illegal logging activities brought the bitter, unavoidable reality. The upheaval is even greater for the thousands who make a living directly from the lowlands adjacent to the forested areas.

Not only that, the affected farmers including fisher folks will be competing with hundreds of thousands already suffering from extreme poverty and who also badly need government care and support. With the political season fast approaching local officials particularly those seeking reelection should now concentrate fully on running after illegal loggers and miners aimed at minimizing if not totally stopping their illegal but highly lucrative activities.

Indeed, the situation is expected to worsen if local authorities will not implement strict and appropriate restriction posthaste. Going after illegal logging operators and their alleged cohorts who are mostly people in authority is part of the government’s trust to protect and preserve the environment. Together with corruption, criminality and peace and order, these will be the deciding issues in the forthcoming 2016 presidential elections. Given that kind of responsibility, local officials should all take a serious contemplation – and work on protecting and preserving the fading ecosystem.

BBL Draft Still Being fine-Tuned

HE BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) draft is still being “fine-tuned” by the legal team of the Office of the President (OP). This is “to ensure that every provision adheres to the Constitution”.

(The Philippine Star, June 3, 2014: Bangsamoro law still being fine-tuned, says Palace) The Congress cannot deliberate on it until August since it will adjourn sine die on June 14 and resume session on July 28. The draft was supposed to have been submitted to the Congress “certified as urgent” last May 5.

Will the President be able to submit it this week or in the next? But what’s the use? By that, it can only be able to calendared.

The BTC (Bangsamoro Transition Commission) submitted the complete draft last April 21 – 97 pages of 18 articles, not including the attachments (MindaNews, May 24, 2014). Fine-tuning – meaning reviewing and revising – it to adhere to the Constitution will really take time. The OP legal team may as well use the next two months completing the fine-tuning.

Call it odd or unique. The BTC started the drafting after the signing of the Annex on Transitional Arrangement and Modalities on February 27, 2013. But it could not do much, even after the signing of the Annex on Wealth Sharing on July 13, 2013. With 70 percent of the work still to do upon the signing of the Annex on Power Sharing on December 8, 2013, the BTC must have worked double time to meet its self-imposed March 31, 2014 deadline that it failed to beat.

What is odd or unique? The “fine-tuning” is virtually as long as the drafting. It took four hectic months for the BTC to

MIND DA NEWS

By Patricio P. Diaz

Part 1 of 2

finish the draft. Despite its “due diligence”, the OP has not finished the “fine-tuning” in five weeks; it may take the full three months to do it.

Of course, that’s understandable. And, MILF surely understands! The President must be very sure of the constitutionality of the BBL draft he is certifying to Congress. While “fine-tuning” has never been intimated – not in EO No. 120 that constituted the BTC – as a prerequisite to certification, the option is that of the President.

The Philippine negotiating panel has repeatedly emphasized that its mandate was to negotiate within the Constitution – although the first chair, law dean Marvic Leonen (now associate justice of the Supreme Court) assured that the 1987 Constitution is flexible. The head of the panel’s legal team has explained the constitutionality of the draft according to Sections 15 to 21 of Article X of the 1987 Constitution. until 2008, MiLf had rejected the Constitution as a term of reference in the negotiation. In fact, any reference to the Constitution, by “language engineering”, had always been in another term. MILF relented on the resumption of the negotiation following the revival of the talks on July 29, 2009 – a year after the Supreme Court had aborted the signing of the Memorandum Agreement on Ancestral Domain. With the Aquino III government, it was provided in the agreements that

MILF can recommend amendments to the Constitution “when necessary”.

In the “fine-tuning” of the BBL draft by the OP legal team, it must be understood the President only wants to be sure that any recommendation to amend is necessary. By this, it has turned out that the 1987 Constitution is the ultimate TOR of Basic Bangsamoro Law. Are there constitutionally sensitive provisions in the BBL draft?

How did BTC draft the BBL? “…most of the provisions of the BBL were copy pasted from signed documents; others were culled from recommendations from civil society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGus), peace workers and individuals; and the rest to flesh out gray areas in the CAB but taking account its spirit.” (Luwaran Editorial, May 22, 2014: More than a month already) May we reiterate: As the official publication of the MILF Central Committee on Information, Luwaran carries MILF official policy statements in its editorials.

In the same editorial: [1] Luwaran, after professing, “For the nth time we say that our trust with President Benigno Aquino III is fully intact” stated with a tinge of regret that “sure enough, the dose of medicine contained in the BBL, as crafted by the BTC, will not please everybody’s taste” particularly referring to “people whose vocation and forte is to see only the legal side of the document or argument”.

[2] Luwaran implies that the OP will consult the BTC but that this has not yet been done; that the BTC has foreseen “this engagement with the OP” and has agreed “because there is no other way”.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

‘Beauty and goodness’ even in darkness SPECIAl FEATURE

By LeiLani S. Junio

T

HouGH nine-year-old Special Education (SPED) pupil Joshua Garcia cannot see, he was one of the almost 10,000 regular students who trooped early during the first day of classes on Monday at the Commonwealth Elementary School in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City.

“I am very excited and happy because I will have the chance to be with my friends and my teachers again,” said Joshua, a visually impaired grade 3 pupil, in an interview with the Philippines News Agency.

He was then attending his SPED class wherein he uses an improvised Braille as a method to help him read. The improvised Braille was designed for him to fit his need to read the letters in bigger perspective.

According to Joshua, he always looks forward to attending school because he believes that education is the key for him to reach his dream to be a school principal someday.

“I come early to the school because I am very eager to get in touch with my teachers, classmates and school friends who are all nice to me,” he said with a smile while holding my hand as if we have known each other for a long time.

He told this writer that while he was born with visual disability -- his two eyes cannot see anything -- he is not regretting that condition because it is in his blindness that he sees the heart and feel the love of people around him.

“I may not be able to see in darkness, but I see the beauty and love of people around me and who care for me,” he said as some fellow students who were having their recess break approached and greeted him.

“I am happy when I come here to school because my classmates and school friends always approach me and they guide me as I walk along with my guardian,” he shared.

“Joshua is a good student. He knows how to follow instructions and actively participate whenever he is mainstreamed to his regular class in grade 3,” said Janice Armas, SPED Teacher I. She described the boy to be very sweet and friendly and with very optimistic attitude.

“One thing you could notice about him is his happy nature. He never let his disability limits his world. Perhaps, it helps that in his growing up years, we always emphasize to him that he is well-loved,” shared Ernie Mahusay, his guardian who looks after his needs while he is in school and attending classes.

Mahusay said that Joshua has another brother and his parents both work overseas since three years ago in order to provide them a better future.

“Since grade 1, he studies here in CES. Way back before, when he was just six years old, he was among the students being educated under the program Resources for the Blind in Cubao,” Mahusay said.

“Having disability should not make us bitter.

God has reasons why He gave us this kind of trial.

It should not hinder our success but instead help us to believe that we can overcome the barriers and be successful,” the grade 3 boy said.

At present, there are around 30 SPED students at Commonwealth Elementary School. CES has long been providing SPED classes to students with some forms of disability and impairment.

“It is very challenging to handle and teach them,” SPED Teacher Armas said.

“It is very rewarding and joyful to know and see that some of them have succeeded in the fields of their interest,” said Evelyn Matienzo, another SPED teacher at CES. According to Matienzo, many of their students pursued their college educations through scholarship and were able to graduate and successfully found employment in some companies, proving that disability cannot be a hindrance to success.

Special Education (SPED) or special needs education is the practice of educating students with special needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs.

Ideally, this process involves the individually-planned and systematically-monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings, and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs achieve a higher level of personal self-sufficiency and success in the school and the community.

Students with common special needs include those with learning disabilities, communication disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disabilities. [PNA Feature]

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Lack... FfROM 1

er allocation provided by the Department of Education (DepEd) 11.

“We only have five teachers for kindergarten who got appointment but this is not enough,” she said, adding that they have to utilize grade school level teachers who are not handling advisory class.

DepEd 11 spokesperson Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo admitted that DepEd 11 has yet to finish the deployment of new kindergarten teachers based on 867 allocations made for elementary schools in Davao City.

“Teachers are just completing their requirement for the item but that doesn’t mean that classes can be suspended because we ordered school managers to utilize Grade 1 teachers,” he said.

But he said that Magallanes Elementary School is not violating anything because it is still early.

“Principals have prerogative that’s why they can decide what the best for their school is,” he added.

Lawoglawog said classes in kindergarten level will push through next week with the planned utilization of Grade 1 teachers.

“We have a significant decrease in grade 1 this school year. In fact we have three vacant classrooms for grade 1 and it will be utilize for the big chunk of kindergarten students,” she said.

Lawoglawog said her school needs at least 11 teachers to cater all students enrolled in the kindergarten level.

She said that they expect for increased number of enrollees in the kindergarten because of DepEd’s strict implementation of “No K, No 1” policy for the incoming Grade 1 students.

“The increase in our students this year is largely contributed to the large volume of enrollees who were not admitted in Grade 1 because the schools they came from are not recognized by DepEd,” she said.

At the Palma Gil Elementary School, the school has sufficient number classrooms to cater to kindergarten students but not a single teacher is available to handle 181 kindergarten enrollees.

“We are still stabilizing things because wala pa tayong permanent kindergarten teachers kaya ginamit muna namin ngayon ang Grade 1 teachers namin,” PGES prinicipal Jean Fe A. Calango said.

“Wala kaming teacher sa kinder kahit isa pero we are trying to solve the problem by maximizing Grade 1 teachers to handle two sessions each on Kinder for morning and afternoon,” Calango added.

“There have been many enhancement training for kindergarten pero kulang talaga ng human resource but I know DepEd is doing its job,” she said.

Last year, Palma Gil has 1,098 enrollees. She said that these may increase up to 15 percent because of the influx in the number of transferees not only coming from private schools but also from typhoon Pablo-devastated areas.

for P100 to P150. In fact, I saw it myself but not the activity. I saw a customer massaging a therapist. Parang nabaliktad ata,” he said.

He said it is either the customer that is asking for it or the masseur offering it in the park.

“Nag-away pa sila sa harap namin ni department head Villafuerte [CHO head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte] kasi nga tinanggal nung isa yung therapist kay nagadawat ug customer na ing-ato ang gusto,” he said.

According to Ocuner, the practice has been happening for so long but it is only this year that it is reported in public.

In addressing the issue, the city government is set to renovate the Osmeña Park with an initial budget of P500, 000. Ocuner said the allocation it will go up to P1 million.

“It will be like a People’s Park. Babakuran na ang Os-

meña Park at lalagyan na natin ng gwardiya. It will be well-lighted,” he said, adding that two CCTV cameras will be also installed in the area.

He said that massage therapist and other service providers in the park will not be allowed to return once the renovation is finished.

“We already identified a place for them to relocate but it is still up to the mayor if he will approve it,” he added without specifying the place.

“Tinanong nila kung hindi ba ako naawa kay pahawaon sila pero dili man nako to trabaho ug yang mga yan may mga massage parlors man yang mga yan. Nag fly-bynight ra sila,” he said.

He also cited that masseurs violated the Presidential Decree No. 856 or the Code on Sanitation.

“Dapat every after customer nagahugas sila pero wala’y hugas-hugas na mahitabo,” he added.

‘Prostitution’...FfROM 2

notiCe oF loss

notice is hereby given by loyola plans ConsoliDateD inC. that CeRtiFiCate oF Full payMent no.(s) 058774 under loyola plan Contract no.(s) 71025049-6 issued to taBeRneRo DeDiCasion G. was lost. any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

5/23/30/6/6

BREAK TIME. Employees of a mall in Ecoland-Matina use their break time chatting while sipping glass of fresh “buko” juice. Lean Daval Jr.

Anti-dengue...FfROM 2 the daily search and destroy techniques on breeding sites of virus carrying mosquitoes that being implemented in the

communities.

She encouraged the residents of the city to take part in making Davao City a den-

gue-free community by making a habit of cleaning potential breeding sites of mosquitoes.

Banzon emphasized the

need for cleaning public areas as she downplayed the use of fogging which she considered as “a last resort.”

Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources named six hotspots in the city that are prone to flooding and rain-induced landslides.

The proposed bill stated

that “all mining operations in the city would be prohibited while existing mining companies would be given two years to finish all their activities and eventually stop and leave the area.”

It embodies a provision specifying that penalty for violation is imprisonment for six to 12 years and a fine of P100, 000 to P500, 000.

Ilagan said that they will be harmonizing the bill with

the proposed local ordinance.

“The bill is broad- declaring the city mining- free. Wala pang Implementing rules and regulations. The ordinance will be more specific,” she added. [CRC]

spite Mindanao’s vast natural resources, which remained untapped until now due to the decades-long conflict in the region,” Aquino said.

Aquino said the ongoing 1st Mindanao Social Business Summit at the Central Mindanao university in Maramag, Bukidnon will play a key role in addressing the problems besetting the region.

Themed “Wealth Creation with Justice and Peace through Social Entrepreneurship,” the summit’s goal is to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity in Mindanao through social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Senator Aquino said the summit will advocate for partnerships among stakeholders the need for a holistic support mechanism

towards inclusive growth to reduce poverty and discuss the implications of development in Mindanao for social entrepreneurship.

Aquino has been invited as resource person and will discuss the importance of inclusive growth and social entrepreneurship in reducing poverty.

He will also share his experience with the Hapinoy

Program, which he co-founded, to delegates from the business and government sectors, officials from different universities and other NGOs from Mindanao.

Aquino will also tackle his inclusive growth bills that will help boost micro, small and medium enterprises, leading to creation of jobs and other livelihood for millions of Filipinos. [PNA]

P281 is the new minimum wage for those with less than 10 workers.

The P11 basic wage increase per day is integrated to the P15 Cost of Living Allowance (Cola) mandated under Wage Order RB XI-17.

An additional P5 Cola will

be added to wage starting on December 1.

To ensure that the new wage increase is implemented across all sectors, the employment agency will conduct a monitoring in all companies region wide starting this month.

Suyao said that companies should follow the new wage hike as there will be no exemption that will be allowed.

“We will be visiting companies together with the company management to check whether it is already adopted,” he said.

If not, he said that companies will be given 15 days to comply voluntarily.

“A legal process will be needed if the company will not comply within the time we gave. We will impose the compulsory compliance,” he said.

er barges. Also, if necessary, Davao Light will run its stand-

by Bajada Power Plant.

The electric distribution

utility hopes that the power supply situation will become

stable or at least current condition will maintain.

Proposed...FfROM 3

Bangsamoro...FfROM 3

No... FfROM 3

DLPC...FfROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

11

Zombie Diary 2: Evolution CHIll JIll

Athena Jillian Bravo

B

uCkLE up for some seamless fun as you battle against the zombies who just happen to wash out your city’s population for this game called Zombie Diary 2: Evolution.

This is how the game goes.

So many heroes have already fallen, but you alone managed

to survive. You need to do all you can to resist the walking dead and rescue as many survivors as possible. Their lives depend on you.

How do you get to battle these seemingly immortal monsters? Kill the evil zombies with over 30 unique available weapons that can blow their brains out. It gets better and better as you can make use of an innovation for your weapons power, develop the skills of your character and get to choose super equipment and mechanical devices to use against the living dead.

There’s more challenge to hurdle though and you got to go through each stage. Pass through 11 mysterious maps filled with exciting missions

and face a wide variety of zombie enemies including their huge powerful bosses. Each of them has unique attributes.

If your ammo doesn’t hold up against the zombies, load up with new ones. Run up the store and refresh or reload.

You may also buy new weapons or some special items that can help you in your mission.

You can earn extra gold coins by training your hero. The training function will be available after completing five days of Zombie Diary 2.

And since you’re a hero, you will receive a bonus based on your remaining health after each mission. Keep yourself healthy of course because a hero can’t get sick during his mission.

Each time you have an achievement, you get rewarded but it’s not all about the

freebies you get. It’s about how you will be able to save the people from the zombies.

Intel builds on next era of computing A

Bright and Fun For Everyone MyPhone Rio Fun now available in Lazada Philippines

P

ICKING a mobile phone nowadays is just as tough as picking a boyfriend— or a girlfriend for all the bachelors out there. As they would always say, it’s all about finding the perfect match despite the tons of available options out there. While we cannot guarantee finding you “the one”, we can definitely put you up for something bright and fun— the recently unveiled MyPhone Rio Fun which is now available at Lazada.com.ph The MyPhone Rio Fun is the trifecta of eye-popping color, crisp functionality, and affordability. Its five-inch LCD screen is perfect for squintfree wide format view for all your photos and videos.

The MyPhone Rio Fun also comes with a 3.2 megapixel rear camera with LED flash so capturing those special moments whether daytime or at night should be effortless.

It also has a 512 MB internal storage but when all those selfies are taking up too much memory space, the MyPhone Rio Fun also has a 32GB internal storage so you can still access those files wherever, whenever. Despite its 2G network configuration, connectivity should not be an issue with the MyPhone Rio Fun, as you can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth and it has Dual SIM slots, both with Dual Standby.

All of these for an affordable price of PhP 2,999 at Lazada.

com.ph.

So here’s what you will get out of your PhP 2,999 with the MyPhone Rio Fun: 5-inch FWVGA TFT LCD screen @ 854×480 pixels, 195ppi MediaTek MT6572 1.3GHz dual-core Cpu 512MB RAM Mali-400Mp1 Gpu 512MB internal storage Expandable 32GB internal storage 2G only Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby WiFi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 3.2MP rear camera, LED flash VGA front-facing camera Li-Ion 1800mAh battery

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Purchasing the MyPhone Rio Fun from Lazada.com.ph gives you nothing but effortless and risk-free shopping experience. With Lazada, you get to enjoy online shopping with cash-on-delivery payment, free nationwide shipping for transactions above PhP 1,000.00 and free returns within 30 days. So what are you waiting for? Shop for your own MyPhone Rio Fun at http://www.lazada.com.ph/ shop-mobiles-tablets/myphone/ and find your perfect match! For more updates on sales promo and new products, subscribe to www.facebook.com/lazadaphilippines and visit www.lazada.com.ph

Try this game out, be the hero and save the citizens from the invasion of zombies.

s computing continues to evolve and expand beyond the traditional PC, Intel Corporation President Renée James said Intel and the Taiwan technology ecosystem have the exciting opportunity to build on the long history of collaborative innovation to deliver seamless and truly personal computing experiences.

Processor technology continues to get smaller with greater performance and lower power thanks to Moore’s Law, expanding the scale and potential for Intel technology and that of the Taiwan ecosystem, from infrastructure for cloud computing and the Internet of Things to personal and mobile computing and wearable technology.

“The lines between technology categories are blurring as the era of integrated computing takes hold where form factor matters less than the experience delivered when all devices are connected to each other and to the cloud,” said James.

“Whether it’s a smartphone, smart shirt, ultra-thin 2 in 1 or a new cloud service delivered to smart buildings outfitted with connected systems, together Intel and the Taiwan ecosystem have the opportunity to accelerate and deliver the value of a smart, seamlessly connected and integrated world of computing.”

James highlighted the Intel technologies, products and collaborations with the Taiwan and broader ecosystem aimed at making a new wave of computing devices smart, integrated and connected to each other, the cloud and to people’s lives.

Personal Computing

Comes in All Shapes, Sizes and Experiences James said Moore’s Law is the foundation, while also reducing costs for increasingly smaller form factors with the performance and lower power people have come to expect. underscoring that point, she talked about Intel’s commitment to deliver a broad choice of SoC and communications options for tablets and smartphones across a range of form factors, price points, and operating systems.

James noted that Intel currently has 130 tablet design wins that are either in market or will be in market this year, from global OEMs and ODMs. More than a dozen Intel-based tablets are launching in the Computex timeframe. Approximately 35 percent of Intel Atom processor-based tablet designs currently include or will include Intel communications solutions.

James also said the category 6-capable Intel® XMM™ 7260 LTE-Advanced platform is now shipping to customers for interoperability testing and emphasized this puts Intel into a leadership position. This new technology is expected to appear in devices in the months ahead.

Foxconn* executive Young Liu joined James on stage to showcase more than 10 Intel-based tablets available now or coming soon, ranging from the entry to performance segments.

The tablets are based on Intel® Atom™ processors (codenamed “Bay Trail” or “Clovertrail+”) SoCs, and many include Intel’s 3G or LTE communications platforms.

12 ClASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

A CLASSIFIED

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE INTERIM CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CAPEX) PROGRAM FOR THE YEAR 2014 AND FOR THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE LOANS WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

7

x-----------------------x

SOCOTECO II System

15

750,000

11,250,000

SPARES

18

Unit of 15 KV (seimens) outdoor type circuit breaker

1

1,712,896

1,712,896

19 20 21 22

Battery Charger spare 48VDC & 125VDC Spare Industrial Batteries Set of station class 69 KV lightning arresters Set of station class 13.2 KV lightning arresters

6 150 2 4

120,000 5,000 500,000 105,000

720,000 750,000 1,000,000 420,000

Count

Proposed Project

Quantity

Unit Cost

Cost

ERC CASE NO. ______ SOUTH COTABATO II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., Applicant.

Installation of Automatic Circuit Reclosers at strategic locations of selected feeders with longer line reach for public protection & Safety

Other Network Projects

APPLICATION

Other Network Project # 1

Applicant, South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (hereafter SOCOTECO II), through the undersigned counsel, and to this Honorable Commission, respectfully states that: THE APPLICANT 1. SOCOTECO II is an electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 269 (PD 269) and other laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office at Jose Catolico Sr. Avenue, Lagao, General Santos City, represented herein by its OIC-General Manager, Crisanto C. Sotelo, as per Board Resolution No. 33, Series of 2014, a copy of which is attached as Annex “A”; 2. SOCOTECO II is the holder of an exclusive franchise, issued by the National Electrification Commission (hereafter NEA), to operate electric light and power services in General Santos City and the municipalities of Glan, Malapatan, Alabel, Malungon, Kiamba, Maasim and Maitum in the province of Sarangani and Polomolok and Tupi in South Cotabato;

1

Transfer of NGCP billing meter at connection point in Klinan substation. (5 Meters, 6 Instrument Transformers and torrets structure)

5

Other Network Project # 2

1 2 3 4 5

5 units of 3 Phase IEC for M1 New Society 4 units of 3 Phase IEC for M4 Calumpang 4 units of 3 Phase IEC for M9 Fishport 5 units of 3 Phase IEC for M12 Main Office 4 units of 3 Phase IEC for M14 Leon Llido

Other Network Project # 3

1

24 units 70:1 Potential Transformer, 15 kV Single Bushing PT

2

24 units 15 kV Extended Range Current Transformer, 200:5

Other Network Project # 4

1

Installation of new Meters for 15 Substation in replacement for TRANSCO Meters

Other Network Project # 5

1

THE APPLICATION AND ITS PURPOSE 3. The Instant Interim Application is in compliance Resolution No. 26, Series of 2009, “A Resolution Amending the Rules for the Approval of Regulated Entities’ Capital Expenditure Projects)” adopted by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) pursuant to section 43 of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), and its implementing Rules and Regulations, in relation to ERC Resolution No. 20, Series of 2010, which categorically provides that all capital expenditure projects shall be submitted for approval of the Honorable Commission prior to their implementation; 4. The instant Interim Application is likewise in accordance with ERC Resolution No. 20, Series of 2011, “A Resolution Adopting the Revised Timeline for the Filing of Multi-Year Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Applications of Electric Cooperatives Prescribed in Section 6.2 (Transitory Provisions) of the Amended Rules for the Approval of Regulated Entities’ Capital Expenditure Projects”;

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

10 kVA Distribution Transformer 15 kVA Distribution Transformer 25 kVA Distribution Transformer 37.5 kVA Distribution Transformer 50 kVA Distribution Transformer 75 kVA Distribution Transformer 100 kVA Distribution Transformer

1

Forecasted Kms of 240 Volts secondary Lines to be constructed

Other Network Project # 8

1

kWhr meters for add on 2014 customers

TABLE 1: Projects for 2014 Interim CAPEX Location

Quantity

Unit Cost

Cost

Capacity Augmentation and Mandatory Projects

1

2

3

Development and construction of Malandag Substation extension of 69 kV line Going to the proposed substation at malandag (25 CKT Kms) Modification of Existing 69 kV Subtransmission line from 336 ACSR to 795 ACSR Conductor.

Construction of Double Circuit 69 kV Line from NGCP Substation to Existing Ligaya Substation.

Malandag, Malungon Sarangani Province

1

9,353,678

Malandag, Malungon Sarangani Province

1

62,500,000

GSC

GSC

1

16,342,831

16,342,831

1

45,039,015

45,039,015

1

10,000,000

10,000,000

1

27,000,000

27,000,000

13.2 kV Reliability Improvement Projects

5

Relocation of 20/25 MVA Substation from main office to POLOMOLOK S/S

6

Modification of New Society Substation to Maximize the 12 Hectares Land Area of New Society SOCOTECO II Property.

Municipality of Polomolok GSC

1,700,000

8,500,000

1 1 1 1 1

331,000 281,378 281,378 281,378 281,378

331,000 281,378 281,378 281,378 281,378

72

42,000

3,024,000

72

58,000

4,176,000

15

120,000

1,800,000

1

6,000,000

6,000,000

6 11 28 5 15 3 3

54,500 70,000 80,385 125,900 126,000 159,335 253,000

335,123 763,411 2,221,981 598,883 1,841,932 485,258 792,532

47

296,000

13,771,623

6,809

1,750

11,915,869

6. In summary, the foregoing projects are as listed in the following Table 2:

TABLE 2: Summary of 2014 Interim CAPEX Projects

5. The following Table 1 details SOCOTECO II’s Interim CAPEX Projects for 2014:

Proposed Project

Other Network Project # 7

THE PROJECTS

Count

CCTV Cameras and Radio Frequency Repeater

Other Network Project # 6

Capacity Augmentation and Mandatory Projects

71,853,678

69 kV Reliability Improvement Projects 13.2 kV Reliability Improvement Projects

61,381,846 48,250,000

SPARES

4,602,896 57,683,124

Other Network Projects Total

243,771,544 JUSTIFICATION

7. Generally, the projects subject of the instant Interim CAPEX Application are either necessary or mandatory or both for SOCOTECO II to meet the criteria specified in the Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) for performance standards and the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) for safety; 8. Specifically, the construction of 25 Circuit Kilometers 69kV Line and 5MVA substation in Malandag, Malungon is a mandatory project that will bring about improvements in power quality, system reliability and capacity; 9. Similarly, the modification of the 8.7 kM sub-transmission conductor from

CLASSIFIED B

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Barangay Ligaya to the SOCOTECO II main office from 336.4 ACSR to 795 ACSR will result in a more efficient system, will enhance power quality, reliability and availability, and will reduce line inherent losses;

be loaned from outside financiers for the portion of the Interim CAPEX that cannot be funded through the Reinvestment Fund for Sustainable Capital Expenditures (RFSC);

10. On the other hand, the construction of double circuit lines from the NGCP General Santos City - Klinan Substation to the SOCOTECO II Ligaya 69 kV Line is necessary to ensure the security of power supply to the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan;

21. The results of the rate impact analysis show that the implementation of the Interim CAPEX projects, even at the most economic and financially viable option will render the cash flows of the cooperative positive at the most probable scenario of a 10-year term loan at a fixed rate of 8%;

11. After the commissioning of the 35/43.75 MVA power transformer in SOCOTECO II’s main office in 2013, the relocation of the existing 20/25 MVA power transformer (M12) from the main office to replace the existing 10/12.5 MVA power transformer (M6) in the Polomolok substation to address the increasing demand for electric power in Polomolok;

22. At 7%, a 10-year loan yields the lowest rate, but is not the preferred option because this interest rate is only available at a variable long term loan. This means that the loan interest rate shall be repriced annually, or every 3 years, at SOCOTECO II’s option, which will make it more difficult for SOCOTECO II to predict its cash flows because of the volatile nature of the interest rates;

12. Another relocation, that of the New Society substation, will maximize the usage of the land and will give way to future developments and the integration of the facilities in the commercial district and the development of a loop system a step higher than the existing radial configuration to primarily improve the reliability of SOCOTECO II’s distribution system; 13. The installation of automatic circuit reclosers will eliminate the possibility of failure and insure the safety and protection of the public; 14. Finally, the purchase of materials, supplies and spares will provide an insurance against possible breakdown or failure of equipment/component while the other network projects are indispensable for SOCOTECO II’s operation in order to comply with some provisions of the regulatory requisites, e.g., the Distribution Services and Open Access Rules (DSOAR), the Philippine Distribution Code (PDC) and the Philippine Grid Code (PGC); RELATED DOCUMENTS 15. The details of SOCOTECO II’s technical performance, as well as an analysis of its existing distribution system and its forecasts, are detailed in the Distribution Development Plan (Proposed 2014 Interim Capital Expenditure Project), a copy of which is attached as Annex “B”, while a copy of the Financial Analysis is attached as Annex “C”, both of which are made integral parts hereof; BOARD APPROVALS 16. Board Resolution No. 33, Series of 2014, (Annex “A”) evidences the approval by the Board of Directors of SOCOTECO II of the filing of the instant Application for the Approval of the Interim CAPEX Projects for 2014, as well as for SOCOTECO II to secure loans to finance said projects, and the authorization of OIC - General Manager, Crisanto C. Sotelo, to represent SOCOTECO II herein; SOURCES OF FUNDS 17. With a total project cost of PhP243,771,544, the RFSC fund for 2014 can only finance Php13,771,623 of the proposed Interim CAPEX Projects. The remaining Php229,999,921 cost of the projects will sourced from various lending institutions such as the National Electrification Administration, banks and other financial institutions, for which authority to secure loans is herein sought.

The details of these funding are shown in the Financial Analysis (Annex “C”); 18. Rate Impact. Table 3 below shows that the financing options yield small variances in their amortization repayments. The least minimal option is the 10 years 7% financing scheme with Php 311,170,726 amortization payment for 10 years, while the option which yields the most amortization repayment is the 10 years 9% financing scheme with Php 334,362,385; TABLE 3: Cumulative Rate Impact Under Various Financing Plans INTEREST RATE IN CUMULATIVE AMORTIZATION REPAYMENT TERM in Years Percent (%) In Pesos (PhP)

OPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 7 8 9

5 5 5 10 10 10

270,920,740 276,766,572 282,612,403 311,170,726 322,766,556 334,362,385

CUMULATIVE CAPEX RATE Impact Per KWH – sufficiency (insufficiency) (0.0443) (0.0460) (0.0476) 0.0087 0.0074 0.0060

19 SOCOTECO II’s current average distribution, supply and metering rate is P 1.1866 inclusive of the MCC rate of PhP0.1518. The rate applied by SOCOTECO II to its consumers is based on the latest approved unbundled rate issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) last February 04, 2004 as per ERC Case No.2001-1009; 20. There is no rate increase for the proposed interim CAPEX projects for 2014. As the simulations show, at the most probable rate of 8% for a 10-year term loan, the 10-year forecasted sales at the existing RFSC rate of 0.1518 is sufficient to cover the additional loan amortization resulting from the amount to

23. The preferred option, 10 years at 8%, shows that the RFSC (at the rate of P0.1518) revenue for the next 10 years is sufficient to cover the additional loan amortization. This rate is available at a fixed term loan which will make it easier for SOCOTECO II to manage its cash flows because of the fixed nature of the annual amortization. There is no need for repricing within the 10 year term of the loan; COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 24. In compliance with Section 2, Rule 6 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure, copies of this Application together with all its supporting annexes and accompanying documents, were furnished to legislative bodies of the relevant local government units (LGUs) within the franchise area of SOCOTECO II. Copies of the Certifications of the LGUs are attached as Annexes “D” to “D-11”; 25. The Application was likewise published in its entirety in a newspaper of general circulation in the provinces of Saranggani and South Cotabato. Copies of the Affidavit of Publication and of the issue of the newspaper are attached as Annexes “E” to “E-2”; 26. The Application is primarily intended to allow the Applicant to improve its distribution system and to provide better, reliable, adequate and efficient electric service to the member-consumers in the coverage area; JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 27. The ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure authorizes the Honorable Commission to issue provisional authority prior to a final decision when the facts so warrant the remedy, which in the instant case is the mandatory nature of many of the projects and the urgency of their implementation to allow SOCOTECO II to provide service to its customers in accordance with the requirements of law; and 28. The Interim CAPEX Projects are necessary to be implemented in 2014 to address capacity, reliability and power quality problems in the franchise area of SOCOTECO II. PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that; 1. Pending hearing, the Honorable Commission issue provisional authority for SOCOTECO II: (i) To immediately begin implementation of the above 2014 Interim CAPEX Projects in the total amount of PhP243,771,544; and (ii) To secure loans to finance the aforementioned Interim CAPEX Projects; and 2. Subsequently, after due notice, hearing and evaluation, grant final approval of the instant Application for SOCOTECO II to implement the 2014 Interim CAPEX Projects and to secure loans to finance the same.

Other relief, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

Marikina City for Pasig City, 4 June 2014.

DE LOS ANGELES AGUIRRE OLAGUER SALOMON FABRO & OJEDA 240 J.P. Rizal, Sta. Elena, Marikina City Tel. Nos. 646-1809; 646-1820 Counsel for Applicant SOCOTECO II By: ATTY. MARIA CONCEPCION O. OJEDA PTR No. 9032721; 01-03-14; Q.C. IBP Lifetime No. 01066; Q.C. Attorney’s Roll No. 41112 MCLE Compliance No. III-0003820 ATTY. SHIRLEY MENCIANO OLAGUER-OBENZA PTR No. 4969580; 01-02-14; Marikina City IBP No. 945966; 12-13-13; Rizal Attorney’s Roll No. 37481 MCLE Compliance No. IV-0016237

INdulge!

STYLE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

The Cutting Edge

Daniel “Jihyang” Park is a man on a mission and it is fortunate enough for us that he has chosen Davao as his stomping ground – his chosen place to establish his eponymous salon named Salon Jihyang.

For his first salon outside Korea, he has created a styling space that feels like an airy loft – pristine, well kept but laidback enough to make the entire salon experience a relaxing one. He shares that his space here in Torres Street is the exact opposite of the one he ran back in Korea where the interiors It is reassuring were more throwback than modern. to find someone He muses that the vintage style might as soft-spoken not appeal that much to his Filipino cusand unassuming tomers just yet. He still has future plans as Jihyang at though of putting up a space with era-drivthe helm of an en inspirations, as it is what he favors. enterprise built From the moment you step through the salon doors and are handed a menu of their services to when the receptionist asks you whether you would like to store your belongings in a personal locker, you pick up the first clues of how Jihyang has designed every step of their service for the clients’ utmost comfort. You feel you are able to zone out pretty much everything with no feeling of being stifled by hair product fumes or harried assistants wielding heavy beauty machinery. The next clue that you are in able hands is the list of services, which ranges from the usual hair and nail styling to more complex treatments for the scalp and hair. By now, you feel you have chanced upon beauty Mecca and are raring to test the waters of Korean styling. it is somewhat common knowledge that Koreans

generally put a high premium on beauty and how to achieve it. This will explain why aside from their cuisine, their style is their most popular export. With his work, Jihyang can be called an ambassador for achieving Koreans’ studied edgy and elegant looks.

When i first went to him for a haircut, it was my first time to entrust my locks to a foreign stylist and it was something i couldn’t help but feel apprehensive about.

However, Jihyang dispelled any fears i had with a look that calmly and clearly told me that he knew hair. The cut he came up with for me translated well from salon to everyday and he executed it in a way that showed me he wasn’t out to superimpose any particular style on his clients. He went with what was suitable, though guided by his years of expertise and extensive experience back home.

on the premise that you will leave looking and feeling more beautiful.

Members of his staff describe him as generous to a fault in terms of sharing his techniques and knowledge on hairstyling. They admire his rigor and selfdiscipline and although he might be more freewheeling with his hair coloring and cuts, they commonly describe him as a gentle soul. He traverses well between this mellowness and being cutting edge and it might be what helps him use his abilities when imparting beauty and symmetry through his work.

Jihyang relishes his role

as teacher and he shares his dream of studying in a beauty academy in london so he can eventually put up a school of his own. it is reassuring to find someone as soft-spoken and unassuming as Jihyang at the helm of an enter-

prise built on the premise that you will leave looking and feeling more beautiful. it builds confidence and will make you feel like you might like to try something a little different than your usual wash and wear style.

You will think beyond

boundaries in language and respective styles and come to see how strong the possibilities are in his passion for hairstyling.

Salon Jihyang is located in Autoville Compound, F. Torres Street, Davao City.

Tel. No. 321-8025.

A2 INdulge!

Up AnD ABOUT

SM City Davao to hold Pinoy Fun Sale ExpEriEncE pinoy fun at SM city Davao as the mall celebrates the 116th philippine independence!

Pinoy Musicfest pinoy rock band Moonstar 88 topbills SM city Davao’s Freedom Week celebration in commemoration of the philippine independence Day. Moonstar 88 will be performing their original songs with some classic OpM tracks on June 8, 5pM at the Annex Event center.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVEnT

Raymond Lauchengco launches new album with a show at Abreeza Mall

Pinoy Fun Sale Wear you flag and express your love for the philippines. The pinoy Fun Sale which happens on June 12 will highlight proudly philippine-made products and items which express patriotism. Avail of great discounts on wide collections from participating stores.

Salute the Flag On June 12, be part of the ceremonial Flag Hoisting ceremony at SM city Davao. pay homage to the philippine colors together with the different members of the community. The ceremony will be done simultaneously across more than 40 SM malls nationwide.

All things Pinoy Grab your cameras and take a photo of yourself and the whole gang at SM Davao’s giant display of All Things pinoy. Get a taste of Davao flavor with the giant flag installation made of blue mangosteen, red durian, yellow langka, white durian, cheese and coffee confectionaries by Apo ni Lola Pinoy Songhits Soak in the proudly Filipino sound of pinoy Song Hits. relive the delightfully familiar melodies of your favorite OpM hits on Thursday at the main mall.

Hataw Pinoy it is indeed more fun in the philippines! Groove with Davao’s finest dance crews as they express Filipino pride in their numbers. catch them live at the Annex Event center, 5pM, June 12.

Everything for Pinoy fun is at SM City Davao! Marvel at the colors of Filipino talent and ingenuity at SM from June 8 to June 12. For inquiries, call 297.6998. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @ smcitydavao on Twitter and @smdavao on Instagram for event and promo updates.

Legal drama ‘Ipaglaban Mo’ returns this June on TFC worldwide Atty. Jose Sison, alongside his son Joseph peter “Jopet” Sison, once again empowers Kapamilyas with knowledge of their legal rights and obligations as the 1990’s hit legal drama anthology “ipaglaban Mo” returns on The Filipino channel (TFc) worldwide this Saturday, June 7 (Sunday, June 8 Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST), and new Zealand Standard Time [nZST]).

Aside from legal advice, the show’s compelling dramatization of real-life events that captivated viewers made it one of the top-rating and longest-running programs on TV in the 90’s.

The show’s slogan, “Kapag may katwiran…ipaglaban mo!” is a Filipino household hit up to this day. The show aired until 1998.

Atty. Sison is more than optimistic that viewers will embrace the show’s comeback again. “Hopefully it will become a hit once more so that a lot more of our countrymen will be educated,” he wrote in his column in a national broadsheet.

Every storyline to be shown in “ipaglaban Mo” has gone through meticulous supervision of today’s respected directors, including congressman Lino cayetano, Eric Quizon, ricky rivero, rechie Del carmen, Erik Salud, and Manny palo, who directs the pilot episode.

For its premiere offering entitled “Hindi Ko Sinasadya, Yaya,” “ipaglaban Mo” tackles children’s rights and the age of discernment through the story of a seven-year old rJ (izzy canillo), who accidentally shoots his nanny, Yaya Miling (Shamaine Buencamino).

Micmic (Michelle Vito), Yaya Miling’s only child, seeks justice for her mother, but how can she win her legal battle if the accused is a minor and the crime committed is an accident?

Also joining the cast in the pilot are Lara Quigaman, James Blanco, and Dionne Monsanto.

Do not miss the much-awaited comeback of the legal drama, “ipaglaban Mo” on TFc worldwide this Saturday, June 7 (Sunday, June 8 in Australia [AEST], Guam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and new Zealand Standard Time [nZST[. catch the episode on TFc’s official online service, TFc.tv. connect with fellow Kapamilyas, visit facebook.com/KapamilyaTFc , or follow twitter.com/KapamilyaTFc and instagram.com/KapamilyaTFc for more updates.

acTor and singer raymond lauchengco, who gained fame as a member of the cast of iconic 80s flick Bagets and as the voice behind the ballads “Farewell,” “So it’s You,” “Saan Darating ang Umaga,” and “i need You Back,” returns with a new album that is bound to endear him to long-time fans once again, and gain him new generations of admirers as well. lauchengco recently launched new album The Promise under Viva records, a ten-track collection filled with uplifting covers of well-loved standards and heartwarming takes on hit love songs. as part of his tour to debut his new tunes to listeners, lauchengco serenaded an audience of delighted Davaoeños at the abreeza Mall activity center last May 31.

Showing off a voice that has grown finer through the years, lauchengco delivered charming big band renditions of classics such as “Till There Was You” and “can’t Smile Without You,” and went into softer territory with ballads such as all 4 one’s “i Swear,” Backstreet Boys’ “i’ll nev-

er Break Your Heart,” and George Benson’s “nothing’s Gonna change My love for You”. He also gave a nod to timeless oPM hits with his versions of Hotdog’s “langit na naman,” rey Valera’s “Magmula ngayon,” and a performance of one of his earlier singles, “So it’s You.” it wouldn’t be

a raymond lauchengco show without one of the songs that put him on the oPM map, and he closed the show with “Farewell,” much to the delight of the crowd. in turns gentle, elegant, and powerful, lauchengco’s performance proved to the abreeza Mall audience that he is, indeed,

back.

For inquiries and updates on abreeza Mall events, please visit the Main concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www. facebook.com/abreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on instagram.

EDGEDAVAO

EnTErTAinMEnT

Coco-Sarah’s Maybe This Time earns Php 60M in four days

TFC@theMovies to screen film globally starting in North America on June 6 THE much awaited big screen team-up of coco Martin, the country’s primetime TV King, and Sarah Geronimo, Box Office Queen and pop princess of the philippines, lived up to expectations as the duo translated their on-screen chemistry in ABS-cBn’s Star cinema’s and Viva Films’ “Maybe This Time” into box office gold, earning p60 million already four days after it opened.

“Maybe This Time” will open on June 6 in the U.S. in 35 theatres in the states of Washington, california, nevada, Arizona, illinois, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, Maryland, new York, new Jersey, Florida and Hawaii.

Also on June 6, it will screen in canada in 12 theatres in the cities of Montreal, Ottawa, Scarborough, Toronto, Mississauga, Winnipeg, calgary, Edmonton, Surrey, Vancouver, Saskatoon and regina. Later this June, the movie will be seen internationally in Australia, new Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Greece, ireland, nor-

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way, France, United Kingdom, Qatar, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.

The story about a simple city girl (Steph) and a small town boy (Tonio) who fall in love but get separated by ambition and the need to provide for family is a theme that resonates with many.

When they cross paths seven years later through a fateful assignment made

by the girl’s sophisticated pr boss (Monica) for a new client, some complications arise: the client here is Tonio who is now Monica’s boyfriend. Will this become an opportunity to rekindle an old flame or will it finally be closure for Steph after Tonio left her without saying goodbye? “it’s complicated,” laughed ABS-cBn Global

Head of Theatricals and TV and film director John-D Lazatin. “These are not cardboard characters and it’s not a formulaic story. The narrative is based on real life experiences and emotions. When you watch the film, you see the characters’ journeys, their struggles, their dilemmas, and their choices that would impact their lives. You will truly feel for them, especially with coco and Sarah displaying greater maturity and polish in their acting here. ruffa as Monica is a standout. This is a must-see Filipino film this summer.”

Maybe This Time is directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and written by Anton Santamaria and Melai Monge. it also stars ruffa Guttierez, Ogie Diaz, Dennis padilla, Marlann Flores, Zeppi Borromeo, Garlic Garcia, Minnie Aguilar, Boboy Garovillo, and Sharmaine Buencamino.

For more information on theaters and schedules, please visit http://tfc-usa.com/ maybe-this-time.

Pic of the day

DiD Karl Lagerfeld copy new Balance’s idea? Based on chanel’s new sneaker design, new Balance believes so. The sportswear brand is suing chanel’s creative director for allegedly ripping off one of the sneaker’s designs.

Lagerfeld clearly wanted to make his own interpretation of the popular fashion sneaker trend but according to new balance, his design looks too similar to their own. The footwear company is saying that other than the capital “K” on Lagerfeld’s sneaker instead of their “n,” the shoes are nearly identical.

The clear difference though would be their price as a new Balance sneaker costs US$112 while the chanel sneaker is at a whopping US$ 360 a pair.

‘Kasalan Sa Palawan’ in Taste Buddies this Saturday ExpEriEncE a fun and exciting weekend as GMA news TV’s lifestyle show ‘Taste Buddies’ takes viewers to the magnificent island of coron in palawan. iT girls Solenn Heussaff and Belle Daza will show viewers why coron can be the perfect location for a dream wedding: from the affordable wedding packages to the best way for couples to spend their honeymoon!

And for the benefit of beach wedding attendees, Solenn reveals in Gandang Kayang-kaya segment a fresh batch of fashion

suggestions while Belle shares some quick fixes to eliminate all types of wedding gown stains on That’s incredi-Belle portion!

To cap their day, the Taste Buddies hosts try a carinderia known for their reinvented Filipino dishes.

Meanwhile in Manila, Steven Silva searches for the ideal wedding cake and discovers wedding souvenirs that are edible and delectable like cupcakes! catch all these in Taste Buddies this Saturday, June 7, 8:40pm on GMA news TV.

Biyahe ni Drew continues its adventure in Kota Kinabalu ULTiMATE Biyahero Drew Arellano continues his exciting adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia in Biyahe ni Drew this Friday, June 6, on GMA news TV. Drew starts his third day in Kota Kinabalu with Biyahero run where he gets to visit some of the famous landmarks in the city such as puh Toh Tze Temple, one of the most-visited Sabahan Buddhists temples.

He also stops at the Kota Kinabalu Mosque, the grandest mosque in the city that resembles a glass cylinder and is about 30-story high. He ends his run with a trek to Signal Hill Observatory, the highest place in

Kota Kinabalu where one can see a panoramic view of the entire city. in Gaya Street, Drew tries different Malaysian dishes

such as the Yee Fung Laksa, a favorite among Malaysians. He also samples Lucy’s Favorite and Mango pancake from Lucy’s Kitch-

en, as well as other Sabahan classic dishes like Basmati rice with Grilled chicken and Wat Tan Hor, a type of noodle soup.

To take a peek into the rural life, Drew rides on the oldest steam engine train in the north Borneo railway.

The steam engine train has been used since the 1800s.

The Ultimate Biyahero also goes on an island-hopping tour and tries some water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and seawalking.

Don’t miss Biyahe ni Drew’s exciting travel adventure in Kota Kinabalu this Friday, June 6, 8 p.m., right after Mars on GMA news TV.

EDGE OF TOMORROW 2D Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt PG 13

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

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS 2D Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort PG 13

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

MALEFICENT 2D Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning GP

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

R-16 MAYBE THIS TIME 2D Sarah Geronimo, Coco Martin PG 13

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

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EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

EVEnT

DJ Jon Tupas returns for one-night gig at Starr The country’s king of 80’s mixes DJ Jon Tupas returns to Davao on June 11 for a one-night only gig at Starr.

Dubbed as “You should be dancing,” the 80’s-inspired party gives the popular DJ a chance to finish an “unfinished engagement” (not of his own making though) with Davao’s party generation of the grand 80s era. last april, DJ Jon came to rock the town with his brand of music that has been his trademark in Manila’s music scene. However, the party was cut short by power outage at the height of last summer’s rotational brownouts.

“You should be dancing,” which will start at 9:00 p.m. will thus be DJ Jon Tupas’ redemption performance.

The sought-after spin-

master recently joined Jill’s Bar & resto at The Fort and plays there every Friday.

DJ Jon Tupas is known for packing the power to make people leave their inhibitions and take to the dance floor with his mixes.

DJ Jon is known to simply dress up in shirt and denims and instantaneously blend in with the crowd. He strikes you just like a regular guy who does not carry the ‘air’, or the swagger as other wellknown DJs do. “i just want people to have the time of their life in the dance floor because i feel happy seeing them enjoy themselves,” says DJ Jon in one interview. (NJB)

Address: Tionko Street, Davao City Call:

09178739767

Service Offered:

Catering services for all occassions

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

SM Lanang Premier commemorates Nat’l Barong Week with T’nalak Exhibit D

AVAO’S premier shopping and lifestyle hub – SM Lanang Premier – will be joining the rest of the nation in celebrating this

year’s National Barong Week as well as the 116th Philippine Independence Day. From June 6 to 12, it will be placing on exhibit a collection

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Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

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3. Certificate of Employment or clearance May apply in person at Human Resourcefrom previous employment Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Koronadal May City. apply in person at Human Resource Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Koronadal City.

of classic Barongs made from T’nalak fabric.

Organized in partnership with Tagum Agricultural Development Corporation, Inc. (TADECO), the exhibit called ‘Pinoy Fashion: The T’nalak Barong Exhibit’ will feature the T’nalak Barong collections of Davao-based architect Michael Ebro Dakudao and fashion designer Emi Englis. It aims to showcase the Philippine national costume and impart appreciation for the T’nalak cloth, the traditional tapestry made by indigenous peoples in Mindanao.

At the center of the exhibit is a 4x8 T’nalak piece inspired by the Philippine flag. It was woven by T’boli weavers in Lake Sebu but sewn in Davao.

The public is invited to view the ‘Pinoy Fashion: T’nalak Barong Exhibit,’ which will be officially launched on June 6 at 5 pm. A live T’nalak weaving demonstration will also

take place during the event.

On June 12, Davaoeños are called to join the Independence Day Flag-Raising Ceremony at 9 am at Open Parking B and groove to the music of Filipino singer-songwriter Marion Aunor as she plays live on

the grand piano at the Atrium at 5 pm.

As an Independence Day treat, shoppers can enjoy the Pinoy Fun Sale at SM Lanang Premier on June 12 and get up to 70% off on selected items.

Join the National Barong

Week and Independence Day celebration at SM Lanang Premier. For inquiries, contact 285-0943 loc. 135138. You may also visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news, promos and event updates.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 59 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 6-7, 2014

Alvarez ready to fight Pacquiao at 154 S

AuL “Canelo” Alvarez has responded to talk about a possible fight against eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao next year telling Luis Sandoval of boxingscene.com that a showdown at junior middleweight which is 154 pounds is possible.

Pacquiao fought as a junior middleweight against Antonio Margarito but it was at a catch weight of 150 pounds. He also faced Miguel Cotto over whom he scored a 12th round TKO also at a catchweight.

In an exclusive interview with Sandoval at Alvarez’ training camp in San Diego, Alvarez turned down the idea of a catch weight bout stating “Those days are over. I don’t fight outside my weight class.

That’s the first thing I learned in my fight with Floyd [Mayweather]. I don’t fight outside my weight. If they want to fight at 154 then we can move forward and if not, I’ll continue with my career.”

Boxingscene reported that while Canelo won’t agree to come down in weight, he does like the idea of fighting Pacquiao. He feels the fight could

happen down the line but he only has thing on his mind at the moment.

“I think it’s a fight that could probably happen. They are fighters that are in their moment and if that fight happens, we’re ready. At this point though, it’s just rumors and we’re ready for this fight [with Lara].”

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told us in Macau last May 30 that a fight against Canelo Alvarez “will be a substitute for a fight against Floyd Mayweaher Jr and will be the next biggest fight and may well rival a Manny-Floyd fight.”

Koncz said Alvarez “is a good fighter, he’s young and he’s the top Mexican fighter and has a big fan base in America” which would make it a lucrative fight with huge pay per view numbers as proven when Canelo fought Mayweather.

The Mexican was the draw, not Mayweather but a fight against Alvarez appeared unlikely in the face of Canelo’s insistence on fighting at 154 pounds and Koncz’ statement that Pacquiao “cannot get into the ring if there is no catch weight. It’s too dangerous.”

BEAU JOB. Gabby Espinas of Alaska (dark) gets an elbow from Beau Belga of Rain or Shine (light) during the Alaska-Rain Or Shine match in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night. Nuki Sabio

Nadal, Murray set up semis duel P

CANELO ALVAREZ. Next Pacquiao foe but only at 154-lb division.

ARIS (Reuters) - There is not much that spooks Rafa Nadal at the French Open but David Ferrer managed to do just that - for 49 bewitching minutes - before watching in despair as his fellow Spaniard turned into a man possessed to set up a semi-final with Andy Murray.

Facing a rival who had beaten him the last time they had met, Nadal could barely believe his eyes on Wednesday when he dropped his first set of the tournament at 7:36 p.m. local time.

If that gave Ferrer hope that he could join Robin Soderling as the only men to have beaten the eight-times champion at Roland Garros, Nadal quickly squashed those

dreams into the red dust as he went on a 10-game rampage en route to inflicting a 4-6 6-4 6-0 6-1 defeat on his countryman.

While Nadal improved his mindboggling French Open win-loss record to 64-1, Murray was relieved to silence the pantomime boos that greeted his arrival on Philippe Chatrier Court.

As dusk fell over Paris, his 6-4 6-1 4-6 1-6 6-0 win over Gael Monfils not only earned him a place in his second semi-final in Paris, but also prolonged France’s 31-year wait for a men’s champion.

It was not long before Murray’s thoughts turned to the challenge that lies ahead.

“Rafa has good memo-

POCKET ROCKET. Simona Halep of Romania deals 2009 Roland Garros winner Svetlana Kuznetsova a 6-2 6-2 thrashing in the quarter-finals in Paris. At left, Rafael Nadal showed resiliency in another quarterfinals win that sent the Spaniard to the semis against Britain’s Andy Murray.

ries on this court so it will be tough to play him,” said the British seventh seed, who has not won a title since triumphing at Wimbledon last July.

While celebrations were kept to a minimum among the men who were simply glad to finish their matches under fading light, Andrea Petkovic joyously planted a kiss on her racket frame after she battled through drizzle and swirling winds to set up an unlikely semi-final showdown with Romanian Simona Halep. tWisteD soul The 28th seeded German came close to turning her back on tennis a year ago after being hobbled by back, ankle and knee injuries but 12 months on she was getting up

close and personal with her racket after blowing Italy’s Sara Errani off court with a 6-2 6-2 win.

“I never kissed my racket before in my life. I don’t know what happened to me. I was just overwhelmed by emotion. I had no boy to kiss, so I kissed my racket,” laughed the bubbly 26-year-old after reaching her first grand slam semi-final.

A match featuring 10 breaks and 32 unforced errors was never going to be pretty and a three-hour rain delay left Roland Garros feeling more like a winter wonderland as temperatures dipped to a chilly 10 degrees Celsius. But Petkovic won the points that mattered.

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STARTING OVER AGAIN Heat, Spurs begin NBA Finals GETTING READY. San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, left and head coach Gregg Popovich talk during basketball practice on Wednesday (Thursday PHL Time) in San Antonio. The Spurs play Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat today. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

S

AN ANTONIO (AP) — LeBron James and Dwyane Wade can point to statistics showing just how close the 2013 NBA Finals were.

Tim Duncan doesn’t need them.

He can’t forget the way his San Antonio Spurs lost, especially since every replay brings another painful reminder. The Spurs were on the verge of celebrating a fifth title in Game 6, and just two nights later were congratulating the Miami Heat on their second straight crown.

The Spurs wanted a rematch, and so did basketball fans. It begins Thursday in San Antonio.

“I think it’s great that these two franchises have this opportunity in back-to-back years to compete for a championship,” Wade said Wednesday. “Last year was an unbelievable series and ... it went down to the very end. We won the series by a total of five points, you know? That’s how close it was. But it was a very

even series. I think this year it could be another great series.”

From Tony Parker’s circus shot that stole Game 1 for the Spurs, to Ray Allen’s 3-pointer that saved Game 6 for the Heat, to James’ jumper that put away Game 7, almost every contest provided a new highlight. It deserved an encore, just like when the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers seemed to pick up right where they left off in the 1980s.

The NBA hasn’t had a finals rematch since 1998, when Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls beat utah for the second straight season. San Antonio is considered a slight favorite this time, perhaps a little deeper, healthier and better than it was last year, and owning the home-court advantage this time.

The Spurs don’t need to change much to change the result. They outscored the Heat 684-679 over seven games, and there were 47 ties and 42 lead changes, according to STATS.

“If you look at the numbers, the lead changes, the ties and the points in that series, it’s almost even,” James said.

“So we did our part, they did their part.

“Both teams put themselves in a position to win an NBA championship, and we just happened to make one or two more plays to win it.”

Duncan, a three-time NBA Finals MVP who had been 4 for 4 at this stage, wasn’t on the floor when the Spurs couldn’t come up with a rebound just before Allen’s shot. He then missed a shot and follow attempt from right in front of the basket in the final minute of Game 7 with San Antonio trailing by two.

Not even getting back to the finals again with the league’s best record can make him forget.

“It lasts. I have a very good memory, especially for my misses and losses. You keep those, you learn from them and you hope to change them next time,” Duncan said.

LIGHT MOMENT. Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, left, and forward LeBron James, right, share a laugh basketball practice on Wednesday (Thursday PHL Time) in San Antonio. They play Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs today. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Heatbuildingnewdynasty W

ILL the second straight Miami HeatSan Antonio Spurs finals showdown turn into this generation’s showtime between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics?

Probably not, but LeBron James’ Miami Heat have already earned their dynasty stripes, says Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

“We are competing against the (Michael) Jordan of our era, the (Chicago) Bulls of our era and you have to tip your hats to them,” said Vogel after the Heat eliminated Indiana from the postseason in the Eastern Conference finals.

San Antonio and two-time defending champion Miami are set for the first rematch series since the 1997 and 1998 NBA finals, the annual bestof-seven set between the Eastern and Western conference champions.

“This is my fifth appearance in a finals. I’m blessed,” James said during practice on Wednesday. “I was a kid who watched so many finals appearances, watched Michael Jordan and watched Shaq (O’Neal) and Kobe (Bryant).

“We watched throwback finals games of Magic (Johnson) and (Larry) Bird and Isiah (Thomas) and Hakeem (Olajuwon).

“I don’t need extra motivation. This is motivating enough.”

The Heat lost the finals in 2011 then won back-to-back titles in 2012 and last season.

If the Heat beat the Spurs they will become the first team to win three in a row since the O’Neal-led Lakers between 2000-2002.

“My role has been kind of walk by myself and learn from experience,” James said. “You can only live your own life, on your own path and make your own course. And I’ve been fortunate enough to do that.”

The Heat won last year, but San Antonio is looking forward to redemption. They have won four titles since Tim Duncan joined forces with coach Gregg Popovich in Texas.

San Antonio will host the first game on Thursday against Miami, who beat them in seven games last season.

Spurs sixth man Manu Ginobili says just getting back to the finals won’t satisfy them.

“We worked eight months really hard,” said Ginobili, of the Spurs who are seeking their fifth title since 1999.

“We had a very successful season and all it did was to get us to this point again for another shot. We are going to give everything we’ve got to try and get the trophy again.”

Miami’s driving force is still the Big Three of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

But this could be their final ride together as a trio because they can all become free agents this summer.

- Lebron ‘best in the league’ Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant won Most Valuable Player honors this season, but James is still the dominant player in the league.

It will likely be 22-year-old Kawhi Leonard’s job to try and contain James, who averaged 27.1 points and 6.4 assists per game during the regular season.

“LeBron is the best player in the league and just physically he’s just a monster,” Duncan said on Wednesday. “So we’ve got to make his life as difficult as possible.”

HUDDLE. The Miami Heat will be gunning for a rare three-peat and a place in the NBA history.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE59 59••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,JUNE JUNE6-7, 6-7,2014 2014

Davao bets leave for KL By neilWin Joseph l. BRaVo

T

DAVAO PRIDE. Members of the AAK Davao team Jam Ramirez, Carmela Marie Estarija, Gabriel Quiñones, and Pavel Jervis Bacayo who will be representing the Philippines for the 15th Malaysian Milo Open Karatedo Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia try on their new Philippine team uniforms. The other members of the team are Josh Worsley and JP Ponce. (FB photo courtesy of Rommel Tan)

njb@edgedavao.net

HE seven-man Davao City AAK team left for Kuala Lumpur yesterday morning in time for the 15th Milo-Malaysian Open Karatedo Championships which officially begins on Saturday at the Badminton Stadium Cheras in the Malaysian capital.

The AAK Davao team is composed of veterans Jam Ramirez, Carmela Marie Estarija, Gabriel Quiñones and Pavel Jervis Bacayo along with promising young standouts Josh Worsley and JP Ponce.

The Davao bets will be representing the Philippines in the annual multi-nation event reputed to be among the biggest age group karate tournaments in Southeast Asia.

“We have trained hard for this tournament and we hope that we can bring home some medals. I could not say for now what our targets are but I am expecting the kids to give their all for the country and for their families,” said AAK Davao manager and coach Rommel Tan who spearheaded the delegation.

“Lisod magpredict, we will just do our best. Silang tanan mayo but I will rely on Gab, Ela

and PJ kay veterans sila,” Tan said in a text message to Edge Davao while waiting for their flight.

Laban lang po, basta ang ma-assure naming ay hindi talaga kami susuko. Laban lang, said Quiñones who arguably will be the best bet for the team in the tournament.

Quiñones will be eyeing the golds in the kata and kumite for Cadets 57 kilograms.

Worsley is entered in the boys six to seven years old category, Ramirez in 12-13, Estarija in cadets girls below 47-kg and Bacayo in juniors below 76-kg.

The team is fresh from victories in the recent PSC-AAK Karatedo Championships last week at the Abreeza Mall.

“It was meant to be our tune-up tournament just to make sure we are in top shape for the Malaysia tournament.

With their impressive showing last week, I am confident they are in their best form and their spirits are high,” Tan added.

Supporting the team are Philippine Sports Commission, Outback Grill, Zoofari, Calvin Mangubat, LCI Inc. and the AAK Davao parents.

IN YOUR fACE. Gab Quiñones (left) in action in the recent PSC-AAK Davao Karatedo Championships at the Abreeza Mall.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES. Veterans Dannie Ildefonso of Meralco (left) and Asi Taulava of Air 21 go up against each other during the during the M e ra l co -Ai r 21 match in the PBA Governors’ Cup on We d n e s d a y night. Nuki Sabio