Edge Davao 7 Issue 73

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

A mother picks her sons up from Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FELONIA A FALLGUY? Ex PNP 11 Intel chief hints at ‘forces’linking him to King’s murder

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

OLICE Superintendent Leonardo Felonia believes there are some forces who are manipulating to forcibly link him to the murder of Cebuano billionaire Richard King, his lawyer said yesterday.

Lawyer Caesar S. Europa, defense counsel of Felonia, told reporters in an interview yesterday that his client was shocked when his named surfaced in the investigation as the mastermind of King’s murder.

He said the former head of Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) – 11, who was relieved from his post on Monday, told him that he does not personally know the slain businessman nor have any dealings with him.

Felonia was tagged as the mastermind in the killing of the billionaire from

Cebu City last June 12 inside the Vital-C office owned by the victim along Sobrecarey and Lacson Streets.

“Ang ingon ni Col. Felonia even before I came in as his lawyer…nganong siya man ang itudlo na wala man gyud siya’y…he has not even known the guy,” Europa said.

“There’s no reason for him to do what he is being accused of,” he added.

Europa stressed that there are efforts to link Felonia to the killing of King who owns hotel establishments in Davao City and in

the Visayas.

“I don’t know from whom. Lisod na kung magpataka ta ug accuse,” he said when pressed to divulge who is responsible for implicating Felonia.

Europa said that his client has some suspicions about being linked to the murder of King but admitted they have no evidence at the moment to prove them.

“He has his suspicions but irresponsible pud kung magpataka lang siya kung wla pud siya’y evidence pa.

Maybe in the future,” he

said.

The relationship between Felonia and King became a curious element in

the case and it did not help that investigators are yet facing a blank wall on the question.

Felonia was named mastermind by confessed killer Paul Dave Labang

FFELONIA, 10

THE KING PUZZLE

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FELONIA: Is he the last piece or is someone, reportedly a businesswoman, still behind?

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

Fire incidents increase

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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MSME SUMMIT. National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council vice chair and organizing committee chair Mary Ann Montemayor (left) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 acting director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi announce during a press briefing at DTI 11 office yesterday the forthcoming Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise

(MSME) Summit set on August 20-21 at SMX Convention Center SM Lanang Premier which aims to highlight the presentation of the Updated National MSME Development Plan 2014-2016 and preparation for the Asean Economic Integration 2015. Lean Daval Jr.

Felonia charged in King’s slay

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

URDER charges were formally filed against relieved Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) – 11 chief Leonardo Felonia for allegedly being the brains behind the murder of billionaire businessman Richard King.

James L. King, brother to of Richard L. King formally charged Felonia last Tuesday night as the one who ordered Paul Dava M. Labang, Rommel dela Cerna and Rodel dela Cerna to kill the businessman last June 12.

Based on the records of the City Prosecutors’ Office, the documents were received at 6:25 p.m. of June 24.

King was escorted by the Davao City Police Of-

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HE number of fire incidents in Davao City increased by 50.84 percent as of yesterday when compared to the number posted during the first half of 2013, according to the Bureau of Fire (BFP).

Fire officer Rogel John C. Alocelja, BFP- Davao City fire investigator, said that from 118 fire incidents recorded from January to June 2013, the number increased to 178 as of yesterday starting January this year.

The increase in the number of incidents occurred in both residential structures and commercial establishments.

Based on the BFP record, the number of fire incidents involving residential structures increased from 55 last year to 84 as of yesterday.

The same trend is found among commercial establishments. From 63 cases last year, the number

surged to 94 fire incidents during the first six months of 2014.

Classified under commercial establishments are cases involving industrial firms. Under this sub-category, the number of fire incidents almost doubled up from 8 cases in 2013 to 15 cases this year.

BFP also recorded an increase in fire incidents caused by grassfire, from one case in the first six months of 2013, it increased to 20 cases this year which mostly occurred during summer period.

Of the total fire incidences in the first half of 2014, BFP recorded 118 a total of fire incidents during the months of February, March, April and May, only 74 incidents were recorded during the same period last year.

As for the amount of damage to property, the figure tripled this year from

FFIRE, 10

Coast Guard decries lack of patrol boats

fice (DCPO) with the Dela Cerna brothers who were about to continue the inquest proceedings.

During the filing last Tuesday, Rommel dela Cerna also submitted his statement to the prosecutor pointing Felonia as the one who called twice to them.

Edge Davao tried to get a copy of the said affidavit but the City Prosecutor’s Office would not release the same due to the sensitivity of the case.

It is not known if the affidavit contains the extra-judicial confession of Dela Cerna in which he admitted that he was the look-out during the commission of crime and Felonia was the one who called them informing the loca-

tion of King.

Police Regional Office (PRO) – 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Jed Clamor said in a television interview with GMA News yesterday morning, that the filing the case against Felonia was based on statements of the two suspects which he allegedly hired.

Lawyer Caesar S. Europa, Felonia’s counsel told reporters yesterday that they will just wait for the subpoena from the City Prosecutors’ Office.

Earlier, Dela Cerna reportedly confessed to the police that Felonia allegedly hired them to kill King. He said that they received a telephone call from the police official

word yet from the Vatican regarding the dates and itinerary of the Holy Father’s visit in the Philippines.

It was reported that the Pope will be visiting those affected by super typhoon Yolanda and 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the nation last year.

Earlier, Palo Archbishop John Du said typhoon survivors are waiting for the pope’s visit, adding that it would boost the morale of the people affected by the storm especially those who are still struggling to rebuild their lives.

A woman tries to get a ride on a rainy Tuesday evening that made many streets in downtown Davao City submerged in flood water. Lean Daval Jr.

Pope Francis to visit PHL on January 15 OPE Francis will be in the country on January 15 next year.

According to an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), quoting the Catholic News Agency (CNA), the Holy Father will come to the Philippines in January 2015 after conducting a two-day visit in Sri Lanka.

The pontiff will arrive in Sri Lanka on January 13.

The report added that Monsignor Nevin Perera told CNA that Pope Francis will leave for Manila on the morning of January 15.

However, no official

crc@edgedavao.net

FPOPE, 10

informing them that King is already in his office in Sobrecarey and Lacson Streets in Barrio Obrero last June 12.

Dela Cerna said he served as the look-out during the commission of crime while Labang, the confessed gunman, shot King from close range.

Labang initially denied the accusations hurled against him and also denied that he admitted the crime to the police investigators only to recant his statement hours later before he was brought to Hall of Justice to submit him for murder inquest proceedings. He admitted shooting King and pointed to Felonia as the mastermind.

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HE Davao Gulf will be closed to largescale commercial fishing activity beginning tomorrow but the Philippine Coast Guard is still scampering for boats they will be using for patrolling the area.

A day before the implementation of closure of Davao Gulf, Ernesto P. Cabatac, station commander of Coast Guard Station Davao said that they still lack big boats and equipment for roving and monitoring.

Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 11 and Department

of Interior and Local Government 11 entered into a joint memorandum that will order the full closure of Davao Gulf to commercial vessels using bagnets and ringnets for the month of June, July, and August which is considered as the fish-spawning season.

Together with the two agencies, PCG will also cooperate for the close implementation of the Davao Gulf closure order.

Cabatac said in an interview yesterday that they only have seven aluminum boats for the whole region. Davao City has two; Panabo City has one; the

FCOAST, 10

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

‘Duterte, gikan sa Mindanao, para sa Pilipinas’ drive on

By VANNAH S. ANG

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INCE February, the Pilipinas Duterte 2016 Movement has gathered a total of 7 million signatures to convince Rodrigo Duterte, Mayor of Davao City, to run for presidency in the 2016 national elections.

“We started this movement because we believe that Duterte’s great contributions to the government of Davao City could expand nationwide if he becomes the President. He has the capability to promote peace and order, and minimize graft and corruption. You could really tell from Davao City’s performance,”Barangay Captain Mar Masanguid, prime mover of thePilipinas Duterte 2016 Movement, said. “there are so many potential candidates out there but Duterte fits best for the position,” The petitioners come from 75 percent of the whole Mindanao area,

namely,North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Cagayan de Oro, Agusan Del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and Davao City.

In June 24, One hundred twenty (120) Baranggay Captains from different municipalities of theAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)visited Davao to voluntarilysupport the movement.

“I was also able to speak to people from Roxas City and Guimaras of Ilo-Ilo because they want to support the movement” Masanguid said.

In the Visayas, the provinces of Cebu, Leyte, Ilo-ilo, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, and Biliran are also in strong favor for Duterte to run for presidency.

According to Mauricio Domogan, Mayor of Baguio City, If Duterte declares to run for presidency, he

will not just manage a campaign for him in Baguio City, but all over Benguet province.

On July 8, The movement will visit Manila to further discuss their petition with Alfredo Lim, former Mayor of Manila, Atty.MelanioMauricio, IBPTransport group, and the media.

“Some people think that Duterte is an extremist when it comes to peace and order. Yes, It is possible for him to declare Martial Law. But, remember that there are two types of Martial Law; the good kind and the bad kind. Of course, Duterte will choose the good kind for the benefit of our country. He has already done a good job in Davao City. So, why not expand his contributions nationwide?

We need him,” Masanguid said.

The movement also MODERN BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY. A newly-regiscited that Duterte could be tered voter undergoes biometric scanning four months before the deadline of registration of new voters for the FDUTERTE, 10 2016 elections at the Commission on Elections (Comelec)

case or for violation of Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) against Bangayan.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food after Bangayan allegedly perjured himself when he was summoned during the hearing of the committee

pertaining to rice smuggling.

During the Senate hearing, Bangayan repeatedly denied that he is David Tan who is allegedly involved in rice smuggling.

The denial was made despite the documents presented by Federation of Philippine Industries (CPI) chairman Jesus Arranza in

11 office inside the Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Comelec said that voters without biometrics data won’t be allowed to vote in the 2016 polls. Lean Daval Jr.

stops implementation Perjury raps against Bangayan readied SCof BIR regulation on CPAs

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HE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday ordered the filing of a perjury case against the alleged “big time” rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan.

In a resolution signed

by Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano, the DOJ found probable cause to file in court the perjury

connection with the libel complaint filed against him

by Bangayan.

The said libel complaint has an attached affidavit where Bangayan said that he is David Tan. The perjury case against Tan was ordered filed before the Pasay City Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC). [PNA]

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday stopped the implementation of a regulation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on certified public accountants (CPAs).

In a press conference, SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty. Theodore O. Te said the Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) restraining the operation of Revenue Regulation 4-2014, or the “Guideline and Policies for Monitoring of Service Fees of Professionals,” insofar as the accounting profession is

concerned.

Te added that the TRO is subject to the payment by petitioners of the appropriate and necessary docket and filing fees.

“The TRO is effective immediately and until further orders from the Court,” Te said.

The petition for certiorari and prohibition with application for injunction and TRO questioning BIR Revenue Regulation 4-2014 was filed by the Association of Small Accounting Practitioners in the Philippines, Inc.

FSC, 10

PAGASA monitoring new LPA near Mindanao area

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FOOTBALL PARTICIPANTS. Football players from Tambayan Center who will participate in upcoming Fude Street Football World Event in Brazil post for a group photograph with their coach, Marcelo Trautmann (rightmost, standing), after a courtesy visit during Tuesday’s City Council regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday is keeping watch of low pressure area (LPA) that has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Connie Dadivas said that as of 4 a.m., the LPA was estimated to be 700 km east of Northern Mindanao (9.8°N, 132.5°E) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Dadivas said the weather disturbance remains far and won’t affect the country yet but by Friday it will

bring rains in Luzon, including Bicol Region and the Visayas.

She said the agency’s numerical models continued to show that the weather disturbance has a slim chance to become a tropical depression but the agency continues monitoring it.

She said PAGASA still expects one to two more storms to hit the country before the end of the month.

She added that the next tropical cyclone that will visit the country will be named “Florita.”

Meanwhile, Dadivas said that except in western section of Luzon most parts

FPAGASA, 10

4 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

Davao solons support Reg’l Budget Allocation Reform

AVAO Region’s Congressional Representatives support the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI-initiated proposal on budgetary reform that shall bridge the gaps in regional budget allocation. The RDC XI-Advisory Committee, whose membership includes the Region’s Congressional Representatives, convened to discuss the proposed Regional Development Budgeting Process Framework (RDBPF) which recommends improvements in the allocation of the national budget to the regions by utilizing evidence-based performance standards. This is intended to provide opportunities for the regions to push for and fund their development priorities.

According to Acting RDC XI Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim, the proposed Framework aims to improve the regional budget allocation system and contribute to the attainment of Results-based Performance Management and the Public Fiscal Management Reform Agenda of the current administration.

The Advisory Committee supported the proposed Framework as this shall strengthen the RDC’s role in regional budget determination. The enhancements proposed would include the conduct of RDC-Legislature joint investment programming/budgeting exercises in the Region, as well as agency central office-RDC budget dialogue to ensure inclusion of regional priorities. The NEDA Board Regional Development Committee shall also determine the budget allocation meth-

odologies for the regional priority programs and projects identified by the RDCs/Legislature. Director Lim said that there is a need to establish RDC performance standards for evidence-based allocation of the budget across regions.

The Advisory Committee likewise supported the approval of the FY 2015 budget proposals of twenty-nine agency regional offices/SUCs as endorsed by RDC XI in the total amount of Php 70.1 billion. Eighty-eight percent or Php 61.4 billlion of the total budget proposal will fund the Region’s infrastructure and social development requirements while the remaining twelve percent or Php 8.8 billion is allocated to the governance and economic sectors.

Among the Region’s provinces, Davao Oriental is expected to have the biggest share of 17 percent or Php 11.6 billion mainly due to additional funds for the rehabilitation of Typhoon Pablo stricken areas.

Director Lim said that the Region’s budget proposals cover the four priority programs of the FY 2015 budget, which was shared by DBM-Central Office Director Carmencita P. Mahinay, namely: a) strengthening of safety nets for the poor through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, education, Universal Health Care Program, among others; b) paving the road to a rapid and sustained growth by increased spending on agriculture, research and development, connecting transport hubs and by reviving the manufacturing industry; c) creating more jobs and livelihood by improving rural-based industries, build-

(Above left-right) IDC XI Chairperson Manuel Zamora, Acting RDC XI Chairperson and Presiding Officer Maria Lourdes Lim, Cong. Isidro Ungab, Cong. Ma. Carmen Zamora, and NEDA Deputy Director General Margarita Songco. (Bottom left) DBM Directors Carmencita Mahinay and Amanella Arevalo. (Bottom right) Cong. Mariano Piamonte and DSWD USec Flor Villar. ing more infrastructure and through Grassroots Participatory Budgeting; and d) climate-proofing the country by identifying geo-hazard areas, rehabilitation and reconstruction of climate-affected areas and improving calamity response. The DBM Director also mentioned that DBM looks into the sustained economic growth of Region XI through efficient linking of industrial centers with the rural areas and intensifying promotion of investment to agri and aqua-based industries, as well as tourism. She further emphasized DBM’s implementation of Performance-informed

Budgeting which intends to measure the impact of government spending on the lives of communities.

NEDA Deputy Director General Margarita R. Songco, who was also present during the meeting, put emphasis on the RDC’s mandate and important role in reviewing the budget proposals of agencies to ensure that these conform to the thrusts of the regional development plans. She likewise pointed out the important role that Congress plays in the budgeting process, hence the RDC XI-Advisory Committee is the appropriate venue for the legislative and exec-

utive branches to converge and propose viable programs and projects for the Region.

She also highlighted NEDA’s efforts, under the leadership of Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, in seeking ways to strengthen Plan implementation by linking the Public Investment Program with the Regional Development Investment Programs to minimize the agency regional offices’ dependence on the central offices.

The RDC XI-Advisory Committee was convened on 13 May 2014 at the House of Representatives, Quezon City.

The meeting was attended

by Congressional Representatives Isidro T. Ungab, Maria Carmen S. Zamora, and Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr. and the Chiefs of Staff of Congressional Representatives Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, Franklin B. Bautista, Anthony G. del Rosario, Rommel C. Amatong, and Nelson L. Dayanghirang, as well as representatives of agency central and regional offices and the Region’s provinces. The Advisory Committee is a committee of the RDC composed of members of the Executive Committee and the members of the House of Representatives of the Region.

anao, which saw impending power shortages that would adversely impact on regional development activities, way back in 2010. She disclosed that the anticipated economic growth in the Region visà-vis increased requirement in supply of power, with no new power supply coming in between 2016-2018, will

again result to an average yearly deficiency of 43 MW in that period for Davao Region.

To address this power supply deficiency, the Advisory Committee enjoined the DPWH, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, and the Energy Regulatory

Commission to fast-track the implementation of the following projects: a) Balo-i Flood Control Project to enhance the capacities of Agus 1 and 2 Hydroelectric Power Plants; b) Agus 6, Units 1 and 2 Uprating Project, to extend the generating plant’s economic life for another thirty years and increase its output

from 50 MW to 69 MW; and c) completion of the detailed study of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project, which seeks to interconnect the Mindanao grid to the Luzon-Visayas grid so that excess power from the latter grid can be utilized to augment the power supply in the Mindanao area.

Regional Development Council XI-Advisory Committee Enjoins National Action for Energy Development in Davao Region

T

HE Regional Development Council (RDC) XI Advisory Committee, whose membership includes Davao Region’s Congressional Representatives, tackled the issue on power outages and other energy concerns affecting Davao Region. These were discussed during a meeting with Honorable Reynaldo V. Umali, Chairperson of the Congressional Committee on Power and Energy, Honorable Arnulfo F. Go, Chairperson of the Congressional Committee on Mindanao Affairs, Assistant Secretary Dimas S. Soguilon of the DPWH Central Office and former DPWH XI Regional Director, among other participants, where the Advisory Committee enjoined action from concerned offices in the fast tracking of energy projects to respond to energy issues faced by Davao Region and

the whole of Mindanao.

Acting RDC XI Acting Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim conveyed that the insufficiency and unreliability of power supply had adversely affected economic activities in the cities and provinces of the Region. She shared that Davao City alone estimated an income loss of 3 to 5 million pesos per hour during regular business hours and going as high as 6 million pesos when power outage happens during peak hours, based on the report of the Davao City Investment Promotions Center with the experienced rotational brownouts in this year’s summer months. Director Lim, however, said that these concerns have long been aired by the RDC XI and the NEDA Board Regional Development Committee-Mind-

The RDC XI Advisory Committee together with officials of agency central and regional offices.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

Japanese say PHL economic growth attracting investors T

HE Philippine economic growth is attracting investments in the country, said Federation of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) at the sidelines of the 7th dialogue between Secretary General of ASEAN Le Loung Minh and FJCCIA in Makati City on Tuesday.

FJCCIA chairman Tetsuo Tomino told reporters that the ability of the Philippines to expand its economy within the last four years created a good image among Japanese businesses.

“In last couple of years, the image of Philippines in Japan was worse. But now it becomes better and it’s becoming better and better.

The reason why, is Philippines continues its great economic growth. Japanese like that figures,” Tomino said.

“In order to make Philippines image better, the most important thing is to continue this economic growth so that everybody comes here,” he noted.

Further, FJCCIA has submitted requests to the ASEAN Secretary General during the dialogue which addresses key issues to further strengthen ASEAN and

Japanese trade and investment ties.

“The submitted key priority issues focus at the final stage of realization of AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) in 2015,” Tomino mentioned. “FJCCIA strongly believes that these requests also enhance business competitiveness in ASEAN as a whole.”

Tomino, who is also the president of Japanese chamber in the Philippines, cited some requests it submitted to the ASEAN Secretary General, which he said will benefit more to businesses and people in the Philippines.

These include (a) uniform standards and certification for industrial products; (b) liberalizing movement of natural persons or facilitation of intra-regional movement of high-level human resources; and (c) taxation related matters or simplifying procedures concerning taxes.

Aside from these, other requests from other Japanese chambers in ASEAN were also submitted during the dialogue which also include issues on infrastructure and small and medium enterprises development, protection of intellectual property rights, and com-

petition policy.

Tomino said it is also important to identify medium- and long-term issues including regional energy security, acceleration of regional integration, region-wide social security system, and spreading of ASEAN’s high level liber-

alization to ASEAN+1 free trade agreements.

“The content and result of dialogues will be reported in ASEAN-Japan Economic Ministers Meeting in August this year,” he mentioned.

“We are fully committed to work together to

HE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has raised three key points on what local authorities should do to prepare for future disasters, drawing experiences from the impacts of super typhoon "Yolanda" and Japan's reconstruction after the 2011

earthquake and tsunami.

Speaking to hundreds of officials from the national government and local government units Tuesday, JICA Deputy Project Team Leader Akira Inoue strongly suggested to adopt new measures in the implementation of recovery and rehabilitation.

"There are three main things that we can do now -- understand hazard correctly, get ready to evacuate properly and quickly, make appropriate mitigation measures for both structural and non-structural," Inoue said in a seminar held at the Ritz

Tower de Leyte.

The JICA official stressed the need to develop hazard maps for all types of natural calamities -- storm surge, strong wind, earthquake, flood, tsunami and landslide -- for use in assessment, planning and land use zoning. [PNA]

SHORTAGE. An egg distributor delivers trays of fresh eggs to a dealer’s stall at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Prices of eggs increased of up to P.50 a piece in Davao City due to shortage of supply. Lean Daval Jr. resolve regional issues and offer largest possible contribution to the economic integration process towards 2015 and formulating the vision beyond the 2015,” he added.

Tomino stressed that ASEAN is now the most important market and manu-

facturing base for Japanese companies.

According to him, investments of Japanese firms in ASEAN in 2013 alone reached to US$ 23 billion which is almost three times larger than Japan’s investments to China.

[PNA]

MPORTS grew by 3.0 percent in April 2014 and is expected to expand in the coming months due to favorable business and consumer outlook, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“This expectation is backed by surveys conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which showed that the overall confidence index of businesses rose to 50.7 percent in the second quarter of 2014 from 37.8 percent in the first quarter and is expected to be sustained in the third quarter,” said Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Payments for imported goods in April 2014 reached US$ 5.3 billion, up by 3.0 percent from US$ 5.2 billion in the same period last year, though slower than the 10.6-percent expansion in the previous month and the 7.6 percent growth in April 2013. Total trade-in-goods deficit widened to US$ 2.6 billion in April 2014 from US$ 1.7 billion in April 2013.

"Imports growth in

April 2014 was due to higher payments for imported raw materials and intermediate goods, mineral fuels and lubricants and consumer goods. However, lower importation of capital goods slowed the increase in the value of imports," Balisacan noted.

up by 3.0 percent in April 2014, JICA raises three key points in post-Yolanda rehab Imports expected to gather pace in near-term T I

SSS PROGRAM. United by their desire for a secure future, 80 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) from Cotabato City have banded together to form the Virgo Subdivision Savers Association and join the growing list of participating groups nationwide now covered by the Social Security System (SSS) microsavings program called the AlkanSSSya. The AlkanSSSya program provides a system for accumulating daily savings for monthly contributions, making active SSS membership affordable and bringing social protection within reach of the marginalized sector. With support from SSS and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the newly-formed association launched the AlkanSSSya program in their community during ceremonies held in Brgy. Rosary Heights 9 in Cotabato City. The group traces its beginnings from DSWD's survey of local 4P beneficiaries, wherein the need for social protection was identified as one of their top priorities, leading to requests for SSS orientations about the AlkanSSSya program. The association members were among those who showed strong interest in joining the AlkanSSSya, paving the way for the eventual creation and participation of their group. Both photos show the association members, mostly made up of women, as they drop their initial savings into their personal AlkanSSSya boxes as one of the highlights of the program launch. The association will collect, count and remit the AlkanSSSya savings of its members to SSS every month. (PNA photo courtesy of SSS)

According to the Cabinet official, an increase in imports of capital goods may be expected in the nearterm as a result of the expansion plans of businesses in the industry sector for the next two quarters.

"The re-fleeting program of airline companies in line with increasing their flight routes alongside the anticipated rise in purchases of power generating sets to augment the power supply in the country is expected to boost imports of capital goods," Balisacan said.

Balisacan added that maintaining the favourable market sentiment, together with an accelerated implementation of reconstruction, will be crucial in inducing private sector investment in capital goods.

[PNA/Xinhua]

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

Water crisis: Look to the trees TEXT and PHOTOS

by GERRY T. ESTRERA

“Everyone agrees water is basic for life,” notes veteran journalist Juan L. Mercado. “When cisterns go dry, disease and death rates surge. That ushers in economic decay -- and political instability. Water riots can be ugly. And no one has yet invented a substitute for water.”

A

T that time, in 1952, the Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Surveys reported that forests covered 8.6% of the province of Cebu. Twenty years later, unchecked logging and slash-and-burn farming (locally known as “kaingin”) razed natural forests to only four square kilometers scattered in three adjoining watersheds.

Today, Cebu has no forest cover to speak of. This must be the reason why the province is often hit by water shortage. Will Davao follow suit?

“Without vegetative cover, especially the trees, the land’s water absorption capacity is greatly reduced,” contends Ines Basaen who, at the time she spoke those words, was the national coordinator of the International Labor Organization’s community-based environment impact assessment for indigenous people’s project.

In an article she wrote for the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Joy Hofer quoted Diosmedes Demit -- who joined the “Fast for the Forests” -- who said, “If the forest perishes, so will the life of people.

The trees are our source of life. Without trees, there will be no water. If there is no water, there will be no life.”

Is it really true? Do trees really produce water?

“You ask an interesting question,” Dr. Patrick B. Durst, senior forestry offi-

cer with the regional office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangkok, Thailand, said.

“As with so many things related to forests and trees, the answer is not simple -certainly not as simple as many people would like to present it.”

Dr. Durst, who is married to a Filipina and has helped coordinate FAO’s forestry programs for more than two decades now, said that trees are not a source of water “in the narrow sense.”

“In fact, as living organisms, trees are substantial consumers of water, particularly when growing healthily,” said the American forester who started his international career in 1978 as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in Bohol. “That is why, for example, people sometimes plant fast-growing trees to help drain swamps; the trees consume water and draw down the water level.

“Conversely,” he continued, “water tables sometimes rise when trees are cleared from an area. Famous watershed studies at the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory in North Carolina, conducted since 1934, show very clearly that there was a scope for increased water yield by reducing forest vegetation.”

Water use by trees is also at the heart of the argument of many against the use of eucalyptus trees.

In 1990, an estimated 10

million hectares, or approximately one-quarter of tropical forest plantations, were planted with eucalyptus. More than half of these were located in tropical Asia, including the Philippines.

“As a fast-growing species, eucalyptus uses a lot of water and may contribute to a lowering of water tables,” Dr. Durst argued.

“The same is true of most fast-growing tree species.

It seems, not illogically, that you need a lot of water to produce a lot of wood quickly.”

So, what role do trees play in “producing” water?

Clearly, trees must be good for something it comes to watershed management, or else foresters and water management specialists wouldn’t make so much fuss about trees.

Here’s Dr. Durst again: “The answer is that trees (and more importantly healthy forests) are very important. The main benefit they provide is helping to intercept precipitation and facilitate its infiltration into the soil and ground water storage areas.”

According to the FAO forestry expert, the trees also help reduce erosion of soil by “breaking the fall” (that is, the impact) of rainfall that might otherwise dislodge soil particles upon harsh impact.

First, tree (leaves, branches, etc.) intercept rainfall.

But more im-

portantly, healthy forests’ ground cover -- organic litter, twigs, small plants and fallen leaves, among others -- help trap water and hold it until it has an opportunity to soak into the ground soil.

In addition, roots whether alive or decaying, provide additional pore space above that of normal soil texture for water to infiltrate into the ground.

This is the reason why local springs and streams maintain a healthy flow when surrounded by protected micro-watersheds.

Dr. Durst urged foresters -- and environmentalists, too! -- to be honest about the “relative benefits”

of forests and other land cover for watershed protection. He added that healthy grasslands can be just as effective, or more so, in preventing soil erosion and aiding water infiltration.

“We cannot talk of providing sustainable water to the people unless we protect the sources of the commodity -- the watersheds,” Elisea Gozun, former head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), once pointed out.

In the 1950s, the Philippines had as much as 9,600 cubic meters of clean water per person, according to Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, for-

mer head of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development. Four decades later, Filipinos must make do with little more than a third for that volume – 3,300 cubic meters per capita.

“Water isn’t just a commodity. It is a source of life,” says Sandra Postel, director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project. Ideally, a person should have at least 50 liters of water each day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

EDITORIAL An un-Filipino move

A

YOUNG lawmaker wants the Commission on Education (CHED) investigated by Congress for ordering the removal of mandatory Filipino subjects from the curriculum of colleges and universities.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Terry Ridon was referring to last year’s Memorandum Order 20 of CHED removing Filipino subjects from the general education curriculum at the tertiary level effective 2016.

Ridon said this CHED decision should be scrutinized, asking the House committee on higher and technical education to look deeper into the matter.

We agree with Ridon that the removal of Filipino subjects is troubling, to say the least. It is not farfetched anymore that we would be producing professionals and technical experts who cannot even speak our own language with proficiency. This unhappy situation pops up every time the country celebrates Linggo ng Wikang Pambansa when some

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members of the country’s local legislatures like the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlungsod attempt use the national language in their deliberations. The resultant discovery is not encouraging –-among lawmakers who are lawyers, physicians and engineers many cannot express themselves in our own tongue. This, despite the fact that most, if not all, of them have studied the national language in their elementary or secondary education.

Indeed, for lack of anything sensible to do, our country’s top educators should avoid issuing ill-conceived directives, like shooting themselves on the foot. Removing Filipino subjects is just like making ROTC or pre-military training optional, rather than compulsory. The result is that we have college graduates and ordinary citizens who should respond to national mobilization in times of war and emergency but who cannot even dismantle or assemble a gun.

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I

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

Generoso’s not so secret life

N recent days, Dabawenyos were agog over the closure of Gov. Generoso Bridge 2, one of the major spans in Davao City linking the urban center to its southern commercial districts. Although much younger than Gov. Generoso Bridge 1, the conduit has been closed to traffic given the urgency to repair the water viaduct that passes alongside it.

But there is an interesting aspect to both bridges’ name. Ask any street person if he or she knows who is Gov. Generoso. Chances are the honored personality, except that he carries the honorific title of governor, is a stranger.

Sebastian Torrena Generoso was the first elected governor of the undivided Davao province. This was in 1925.

The only three-time governor of the Davao province, Sebastian was for sometime the private secretary of Sen. Felimon Sotto of Cebu. before he was elected in 1925 and got reelected three years later. In 1934, he got a third term, becoming the last pre-Commonwealth governor of Davao.

A scion of the Generoso clan of Sigaboy (now municipality of Gov. Generoso), Sebastian was the third of five children of Anuncio Generoso, son of a Mandaya chief, and Braulia Torrena.

He finished elementary and secondary courses at the Ateneo de Manila but pursued law at Escuela de Derecho also in Manila. Early in his professional career, he was the president of Federacion Obrera, a labor group with a membership of 3, 853, which held office at 1 Claveria Street, Davao.

I

VANTAGE POINTS

N contrast, the functions of these three branches of the barangay government are not separate. All three are presided over by one and the same official: the Barangay Chairman.

He is chief executive, chairman of the Sangguniang Barangay (legislative), and chairman of the Lupong Tagapamayapa (judicial).

In other words, the barangay has a parliamentary form of government: no separation of powers and no builtin checks and balances to assure transparency or accountability to its operations. It is a system that requires citizens or constituents to be responsible for their own government, providing it the checks and balances necessary for good governance.

Unfortunately, this unique system of government in every community is not well understood and no one bothers to explain it. Consequently, it is generally ignored, overlooked, distorted, and blithely violated.

As a result, Filipinos—citizens and officials alike—remain unfamiliar with the parliamentary form of government. Worse, because the powerful grassroots parliament (Barangay Assembly), which is every commu-

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST Sebastian married Felisa Atienza, an Ilongga of Spanish ancestry. The union bore 10 children but three of them died in infancy. For two terms he held the gubernatorial post, but was defeated by Juan A. Sarenas, a fellow lawyer, in his third try. He returned to the post after a brief hiatus but not after contesting a near defeat that reached the Supreme Court.

Despite the glowing reviews earned for his contribution to Davao’s progress, Generoso’s watch as the province’s top gun was also characterized by unsavory events. On December 19, 1930, he was dismissed from office by American Governor-General Dwight F. Davis “for the good of the service” after he was charged with participation in “certain land transactions.”

Six years later, on June 25, 1936, President Quezon suspend-

ed him for two months “for acts of misconduct in office.” Despite these controversies, he remained popular at home, even earning later the honorary title of sultan particularly for his peacemaking efforts between the natives and the Muslims. In his third and final term, Generoso won over Sarenas, but the result was contested.

Sarenas won in the lower court but lost in the high court.

His relatives and the next of kin who have since ruled Davao politics made sure the good side of his legacy was memorialized. At a time when naming places and projects were practically at the whims and caprices of those in power, Sebastian cannot be faulted personally for having been honored.

On August 28, 1937, months before his final term ended, he died in Manila of gastric hemorrhage at age 43. Lawyer Domingo Braganza, native of Alaminos, Pangasinan, a provincial board member during the third Genoroso administration (293537), finished the governor’s term.

Sebastian’s remains were originally interred at the Catholic cemetery of Davao but were later transferred to his Sigaboy hometown in 1973.

[The above article, written by The Archivist, is part of Edge Davao’s effort to enhance readers’ knowledge and familiarity of Davao Region’s history, culture and the arts. The paper welcomes readers’ contribution of authentic information, photos and articles.

–The Editors]

You can’t rely

WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

(Conclusion) nity’s legislative governing body, has never been properly activated.

It has remained inactive since it was ordained by the Local Government Code in 1991.

It is such a great pity that this has remained neglected! General ignorance of the barangay’s unique system of government has deprived our society of a mechanism whereby the people themselves can check corruption in the community. This is the one institution that can enable any Filipino if he so desires to review and legitimize the acts of his immediate government.

It is an unforgivable bastardization of an otherwise sound local government system, a parliamentary form for the grassroots.

Successive administrations have condoned this malfunctioning of the barangays, distorting the implementation of the Local Government Code year after year. And so there is noth-

ing to temper the barangay chairman’s exercise of his powers and no formal body to approve or disapprove his acts. They cannot even perform their role in legitimizing the acts of their community’s chairman and sanggunian, effectively turning the barangay into an oligarchy ruled by petty dynasties.

Millions of pesos are handled by barangay leaders; amounts that ought to be reported, explained, and accounted for. But there is no transparency or effective accountability in handling these.

So you can’t really trust government. And as long as the system is dysfunctional, there’ll be no end to corruption and horrible scandals involving dishonesty in our society.

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

C

9

Real cause for alarm

LEANSI N G T H E POLICE OUTFIT – I’ve been saying all along that crime has become the Achilles’ heel of whoever is in power and to the police organization. That’s the irony of it all. Many of our political leaders and bemedalled police officials failed in the one area where they were expected to excel: law and order.

Today, as in the previous administrations, the country’s high crime incidence is real cause for alarm.

Police statistics indicating a drop in crime is “mostly meaningless,” as some critics claim. Though there were declines in some categories, heinous crimes are on the rise. The involvement of former and current police officers in many of the crimes is the most serious aspect of the problem. Government therefore must address it resolutely without letup.

Government must mount an exceptional collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies with the support of the masses. No more “each to their own” system to boost their respective turfs.

This is the right moment for PNP chief P/Director General Alan Purisima to use his leadership and managerial prowess as leverage to push for radical reforms, respect for human rights; rule of law, transparency and accountability.

Some scalawag in the PNP are reportedly in cahoots with underworld characters have been engaged in highly illegal but lucrative activities such as drug trade, kidnap-for-ransom, and carnapping and gun-for-hire operations. The scariest aspect in their clandestine activities is that they are wellarmed with modern communication equipment, sophisticated and high-powered weapons and ready to shoot it out with fellow law enforcers and civilians agents.

Upon assuming his post as the PNP top honcho, Purisima promised to continue the upright work of his predecessors and most importantly purge the police ranks of rogues and “rotten tomatoes.” Well said sir, but your leadership is continuously being challenged by a string of horrendous events where some police personnel are allegedly involved in heinous crimes and big-time syndicates.

More is needed to push the PNP leadership to cleanse the tarnished image and serious credibility problem of the organization.

Police abuse in any form has a subliminal effect especially on the younger generation because they think that it is something normal already. We have a population complaining of years of bad police organization. The majority of our people cannot differentiate anymore the honest and trustworthy policeman from a shady and rogue cop.

10 NEWS Felonia... FFROM 1

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

and his co-accused Rommel Dela Cerna. A third suspect Rodel Dela Cerna was also indicted as the driver of the getaway motorcycle.

Speculations on the involvement of Felonia intensified when Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr., said in an interview with DXAB 1296 Radyo Patrol on Tuesday night, that there is a certain businesswoman closely connected with a police officer who is involved in the case.

“Yung mga naririnig natin, allegedly, merong connection sa isang businesswoman at itong businesswoman nato kakilala niya tong si police officer,” Danao told DXAB anchor Jun Bersamin in the interview.

“Usually pag may problema itong si businesswoman ginagamit itong si police officer,” Danao added.

When asked to describe the relationship of the unnamed businesswoman and police officer, Danao was quoted as saying he could not make an accurate answer.

“Hindi ko alam kung gaano sila ka close basta magkakilala yan,” Danao said in the interview.

Other than sounding like a blind item, Danao’s statements apparently were not supported by evidence and he would not confirm the reports which he only attributed as coming from the grapevine.

Before presstime yesterday, Police Regional Office (PRO) - 11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Jed Clamor told Edge Davao in a separate interview that they are still looking at the Felonia-King link.

Clamor said that the only information available from their office are the statements of the two suspects pointing Felonia as the one who ordered them to kill King.

Clamor said they cannot get any statement from Felonia at the moment since he was not in their custody. Felonia’s whereabouts are not known as of yesterday.

Clamor said even if Felonia’s role in the murder of King will be established by investigators, the investigation will not stop there, hinting that there could still be another person behind Felonia.

“Wala nato gina discount ana nga possibilidad,” Clamor said.

P31. 53 million during the first six months of 2013 to P95.13 million this year.

So far, the biggest fire incident this year happened last April 4 at Isla Verde, wherein more than 1,500 houses were razed leaving more than 3,000 families homeless.

Alocelja said most fire incidents were caused by faulty electrical wiring, unattended cooking and appliances.

The latest fire incident happened yesterday in-

volving Sun Foam Corporation located at Barangay Lapu-lapu, R.Castillo, Agdao Davao City.

Fire officer Ulysses Cervantes, inspector of Lanang Fire Station said that based on investigation the fire started at around 6:20 a.m. at the production area located at the second floor of the building.

Cervantes said that initial investigation bared that the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring.

Fire...FFROM 2

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6/26/7/3,10

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

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

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

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1. Male, 28 – high 40 years old 2. At least school graduate 2. At high school graduate 3. least With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks) 3. With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks) Requirements:

1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt Requirements: 2. 2 x 2 License I.D. picture (2Official pcs.) Receipt 1. Driver’s with 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from 2. 2 x previous 2 I.D. picture (2 pcs.) employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from May apply in person at Human Resource Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, May applyCity. in person at Human Resource Koronadal

Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Koronadal City.

Duterte...FFROM 3 Mindanao’s hope of being prioritized by the national goverment since the country never elected a president from Mindanao.

“The national goverment has been prioritiz-

ing Luzon and Visayas, we need to be noticed as well,” they added.

The movement described Duterte as a strong political leader who could unite the filipino people.

However, Duterte is not convinced. He is not interested to become the President nor the Vice president, or even a Senator or a secretary of any national department.

He believes he is not qualified for those positions.

“I will aspire only for what I can be, I will not dream for what I cannot be,” Duterte said.

It was originally raffled to the SC Third Division but was referred to the en banc by the Third Division.

Because of the TRO, the CPAs are not yet mandated to comply with the guidelines which oblige the self-employed profession-

als to submit an affidavit containing their collection of service fee, to register their books of accounts and books of official appointment in the performance of their profession and to issue a receipt registered with the BIR.

The SC earlier ordered the consolidation of the petitions filed by the Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine Medical Association.

In its order of June 17, 2014, the SC ordered the respondents to comment

on the petition within the period of 10 days from notice but deferred action on the application for a TRO. The respondents are Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. [PNA]

of the country will continue to have fair weather on Wednesday.

She said southwest monsoon is affecting the western section of Luzon.

The southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” -- which is associated with

the occurrence of intermittent to continuous rains -- is the prevailing wind system during the rainy season.

For Wednesday forecast, PAGASA said Bataan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan will experience occasional rains

while the rest of the country including Metro Manila will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

It added moderate to strong winds coming from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal

waters will be moderate to rough.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Visayas and from the southwest to west over Mindanao with slight to moderate seas. [PNA]

municipalities of Babak and Kaputian, Island Garden City of have one boat each; Sta Cruz and Malalag in Davao del Sur have one boat each.

“Ideally, each municipality must have one aluminum boat but we only have seven,” Cabatac said, adding just last month BFAR pulled-out a 35 meter-ship in Toril Fish Port to be used in BFAR’s operation in the West Philippine Sea. He also said that it would be also beneficial

for their operation if they will have at least one 35-meter boat to do the monitoring for the close season.

“Pang malapitan lang kasi yung mga aluminum boats natin, hindi pwedeng pang malayuan,” he explained.

It is very important to have those floating devices kasi it will be used not only for movement but also law enforcement,” Cabatac said.

He said that these devices can be also used for

rescue and search operation, monitoring of beach lines and illegal fishing vessels.

To compensate the deficiency in equipment and boats, he said that they are closely coordinating with the local government unit for the monitoring of municipal water as part of BFAR’s Bantay Dagat program.

Aside from that, he said that they are tapping the personnel of Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, who are composed

of volunteers that have their own floating devices that can be utilized during emergency times.

He is hoping that despite the deficiency, there will be strict implementation of the order which bans the usage of bagnets and ringnets.

On the other hand, they are expecting for the arrival of a 40-meter ship by the third quarter of the year. It is one of the 10 vessels that will be distributed throughout the 10 stations in the country. [CRC]

“The pope’s visit is another big blessing. We are happy for the blessing that come to us– the pope is coming, the people’s solidarity and the overwhelm-

ing generosity of the people,” he said.

Prior to his scheduled trip in 2015, Pope Francis will be in Korea from August 14 to August 18 for

the 6th Asian Youth Day in the diocese of Daejeon. It would be his first visit in the Asian continent.

The Vatican considers Asia as a continent of

growth for Catholicism.

In 2012, Vatican’s data revealed that Catholicism in Asia is growing faster than in any other region of the world. [PNA]

this property is attributed to the geologic setting, that is, Mount Hamiguitan is an ultramafic terrain giving rise to an ultramafic forest and associated diverse habitats and flora and fauna.

At the national level, this sanctuary is a conservation interest. At a global scale, it is known to be a habitat of globally important species of plants and animals.

STATEMENTS OF AUTHENTICITY AND/OR INTEGRITY Mount Hamiguitan

Range Wildlife Sanctuary located in Davao Oriental, Mindanao is the only protected forest noted for its unique bonsai field or ‘pygmy’ forest in an ultramafic soil that is a result of the development of rock weathers that has left the soil with an unusually high concentration of iron and magnesium, thereby causing it to be unproductive.

This forest type has a substrate predominated by rocks called ultrabasic or surpentines. Mt. Hamigui-

tan has been found to have five (5) vegetation types and these are the agroecosystem, dipterocarp, montane and typical mossy and the mossy-pygmy forest.

In the pygmy forest, only a specialized group of plants grow on this type of forest, those that are often low, heath-like shrubs such as the Nepenthes alata, a facultative species, and obligate ultramatic species of Nepenthes, which has been found to be numerous in the area. It has been declared as a protected area in the Philippines as it is found to possess a varied ecosystem with many endangered, endemic and rare species of flora and fauna. Also endemic in Mt. Hamiguitan is the majestic and Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). The Hamiguitan Range has been identified by Conservation International as one of the Philippines ‘hotspots’ that is included

by the Philippines Eagle Alliance as one of the first priority sites in Eastern Mindanao for conservation and protection.

SC...FFROM 3

PAGASA...FFROM 3

Coast...FFROM 2

Pope... FFROM 2

World... FFROM 11

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 948372 under Loyola Contract No(s). 37632-3 issued to REYES, CYRIL V. 4856 under Loyola Contract No(s). 73126-0 issued to JOVITA B. MIOLA were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

6/12/19/26

Mt. Hamiguitan is a declared Protected Area under Republic Act 9303 as a Wildlife Sanctuary. The management system is in place and is being managed by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the Protected Area Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines. Mt. Hamiguitan presents the highest and richest bio-diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area having unique, rare and threatened endemic species of outstanding universal value. Its outstanding value comes from its being a sanctuary, habitat and center of endemism of rare and threatened species.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

WORLD HERITAGE LIST

Finally, recognition for Mt. Hamiguitan

M

OUNT Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is officially inscribed on the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.

The decision was approved by the World Heritage Committee currently holding its 38th session in Doha, Qatar from June 15 to 25.

The Philippines’ nomination was praised as “exemplary” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) during the deliberations.

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is the 6th site of the Philippines and the first property from Mindanao to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is also the first mountain in the Philippines to be included in the coveted list.

The head of the Philippine delegation, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, welcomed the Committee’s recognition of the mountain’s outstanding universal value. She thanked the Members of the Committee, the advisory bodies, particularly the IUCN, and the World Heritage Center Secretariat for their support.

In her remarks to the plenary session, Ambassador Lazaro stated that the diversity of plants and animals in Mount Hamiguitan “include globally threatened species as well as species that exist only in the Philippines, only in Mindanao, and only in the nominated property.”

Ambassador Lazaro highlighted the meaningful collaboration between the

communities and indigenous peoples groups, local and national government offices, and the World Heritage community in preparing the nomination.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon was present at the inscription and told the Committee, “the conservation of this property is the Filipino people’s gift for the rest of humanity.”

She underscored Philippine authorities’ commitment to protect the site’s high level of endemic species of flora and fauna, some of which are critically endangered like the Philippine Eagle and the carnivorous pitcher plants.

“This inscription is a celebration of the global partnership in our shared vision and desire to conserve these natural gifts for future generations. It is also a step forward towards the continuation of monitoring and preserving the fragile ecosystems in the mountain amidst changing climate and typhoon patterns,” added the Governor.

In conclusion, she affirmed the resolve of local stakeholders to protect and conserve the site’s inscribed outstanding universal value and integrity.

Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Mindanao, Philippines is the only protected forest noted for its unique bonsai field or ‘pygmy’ forest of 100year old trees in an ultramafic soil. Mt. Hamiguitan has been found to have five (5) vegetation types and these are the agroecosystem, dipterocarp, montane and typical mossy and the mossy-pygmy forest. This serially nominated property is found to possess high

and varied ecosystem with many endangered, endemic and rare species of flora and fauna. One of the endangered bird species located is the majestic Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). It has been identified by Conservation International as one of the Philippines ‘hotspots’ that is included by the Philippines Eagle Alliance as one of the first priority sites in Eastern Mindanao for conservation and protection.

The Philippine eagle is of outstanding universal value for science and conservation, whose nesting and feeding areas are located in dipterocarp forests including closed canopy forests. It is the second largest eagle in the world. The aviator Charles Lindbergh, as representative of the World Wildlife Fund, proclaimed it as “the air’s noblest flyer.” The Philippine eagle is the nation’s symbol and is locally known as “haribon” or bird king. With a wingspan of two meters, this bird of prey boasts the largest surface area in its wings among all eagle species.

Like the giant panda of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary, recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site at the 30th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Vilnius last July, the Philippine eagle is a wonder of nature of great charisma. This bird is not found elsewhere in the world and has become the symbol of Philippine conservation efforts. Widespread destruction of its habitat and collection is driving this species to extinction.

The 6,834-hectare total surface area of Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by five (5)

vegetation types, namely, agro-ecosystem (75-420m asl), dipterocarp (420920m asl), montane (9201160m asl), typical mossy (1160-1350m asl) and the mossy-pygmy forest (1160-1200m asl). Each of these forest type harbors endemic, threatened, rare and economically important species of flora and fauna. The mossy-pygmy forest occupies approximately 225 hectares of the sanctuary. Trees have an average height of only 1.4m with a diameter of 8 cm. Two dominant species that can only be found in this forest type are Leptospermum flavescens and Wendlandia nervosa. Other species include Tristaniopsis micrantha, Dacrydium elatum, Calophyllum blancoi, Symplocos polyandra, and Agathis philippinensis (Almaciga) which has the highest average height of only 2.4 m. Madulid (1991) reported that this type of vegetation is associated with ultramafic species, such as, Calophyllum sp.

Norman (2004) explained that the stunted growth of trees could be attributed to a high concentration of chromium, iron, nickel and magnesium in soil.

Inventory of flora species in each vegetation type revealed that the montane forest has the highest species richness of plants with 462 species, followed by dipterocarp forest with 338 species. Mossy and agro-system have the lowest species richness value of 246 each. The highest diversity index of trees (1.7) could be observed in the montane forest while a diversity index of 1.273 was observed in the mossy forest. The mossy-pygmy forest has the highest di-

versity index (1.498) for shrubs, herbs and vines.

Assessment of the conservation status of the 477 identified species revealed that 163 species (18.56%) are endemic, 35 species (3.99%) threatened, 33 species (3.75%) rare and 204 species (23.23%) economically important.

Eight (8) species, namely, Elaeocarpus verticillatus, Patersonia lowii, Astronia lagunensis, Nepenthes argentii, N. mira, Schizaea inopinata and S. malaccana, have been found to be new record in Mindanao and one species, Nepenthes maxima, as new record in the Philippines. Based on sampling plots, endemicity of trees per vegetation type revealed that as elevation increases, endemic species also increase. This property is therefore found to be very rich in endemism.

The IUCN Red List has identified at least 11 endangered vertebrate species.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources and Development (PCARRD) reported that the mountain is inhabited by five endangered species, 27 rare species, 44 endemic species and 59 economically important species. In July 2004, the Mt. Hamiguitan Range has been declared under Republic Act 9303 as a protected area under the category of wildlife sanctuary. Out of the 14 species of mammals observed in Hamiguitan Range, seven species (50%) were found as Philippine endemic and three species (21.4%) as Mindanao endemic with six threatened species. Two endemic species of mammals in Hamiguitan Range, Acerodon jubatus (Golden-crown Flying Fox) and

Tarsius syrichta (Philippine Tarsier) are endangered; three endemic species are vulnerable, Sus philippinensis (Philippine Warty Pig), Cervus mariannus (Philippine Brown Deer), and Haplonycteris fischeri (Philippine Mossy-pygmy Fruit Bat); and one endemic species is threatened, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Asian Palm Civet). For birds, a total of fifty-three species were found, of which ten species (18.9%) are Mindanao endemic and 20 species (37.7) are Philippines endemic, respectively with four threatened species. Two endemic species of birds, Phapitreron cinereiceps (Dark-eared brown dove) and Pinelopides panini (Tarictic Hornbill) are endangered; one is near-threatened, Aethopyga primigenius (Grey-hooded sunbird) and one vulnerable, Mimizuku gumeyi (Giant-scoop Owl).

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary belongs to the 15 biogeographic zones in the Philippines considered to have the highest land-based biological diversity in terms of flora and fauna per unit area. This site is therefore nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding universal significance.

JUSTIFICATION OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE Mount Hamiguitan is highly significant in the Philippines’ 7th ranking among the 17 biologically rich countries of the world.

The site represents the fast disappearing habitats of globally important species of plants and animals. The diversity of habitats and plant and animal species in

FWORLD, 10

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Ramadhan food guide DURING the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, my Muslim brothers and sisters, from all over the world, celebrate one of the most festive and joyous celebration of our lives – the holy month of Ramadan. As one of the five pillars of Islam, this month long celebration is a momentous event that not only teaches us the value of sacrifice but of discipline and patience as well.

This 2014, the observance of the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around the 28th day of June and concluded on or around the 27th day of July 2014.

The exact dates cannot be determined in advance because of the nature of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Specifically, dates are determined based on the visibility of the crescent moon following the new moon. As such, may vary from one location to another.

Let’s take a quick gastronomical tour and see how we go about and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with these dining staples that will tide you over after the daylong fast.

Pastil ( Chicken Adobo Flakes and Rice wrapped in Banana Leaf) Others call this patil but this wrapped green food surprise is more than just food for us. It speaks forth of age-old tradition and culture that has been adapted through time.

Learn how to make this easy and simple wrapped meal minus the fuss.

Cook the rice and set aside once done. In a

PATIL

deep saucepan, prepare your chicken pieces, bone in, and some water. The number of pieces depends on you. For best result, take the skin off. Over medium heat, bring the chicken and water to a boil. Cook until chicken falls off its bone. Once done, drain and set chicken pieces aside.

In a clean dry bowl, flake the chicken pieces.

Set aside.

In a pan over low heat, add oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until brown but not burned.

Add chicken flakes, salt and pepper. Sauté accordingly letting the chicken absorb the flavors. Add the vinegar and let simmer for a minute or two.

Pour in soy sauce and stir. Turn off heat and set aside.

Clean banana leaves.

Cut a considerable length and place a cup of the cooked rice. You can have it round or log form. Place 2-3 tablespoon of the cooked adobo flakes and layer on top of the rice.

Roll banana leaves and seal edges. Serve hot with hardboiled egg and slices of tomato.

Dates Most often given as pasalubong, the dates are an impressive fruit packed with essential vitamins and nutrients needed for optimum overall health.

Easily digestible, this has been used to break the fast during the month of Ramadan since in the olden times.

Dates are rich in dietary fiber and a laxative, an anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemor-

SINDOL rhagic, is an antioxidant essential for vision (Vitamin A), a good source of Iron, and is high in potassium—protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases.

To make it more exciting, some add Dates to cakes, biscuit doughs and even drinks. While others prefer to it raw, you can always find ways to incorporate dates in your meals. Try it!

Sindol (Binignit) Best for any growling tummy, this is a staple in the dining table during the month long fasting celebration. From simple kamote, yam, banana and tapioca to jackfruit slices, the sindol is a perfect end to any day. The best thing about this, you can serve it hot or cold!

In a large cooking pan, pour 2 cups of tepid water and let boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add 1 ¾ cup of freshly squeezed coconut milk. Wait until it boils again. Add 1 ½ cup of diced purple yam, 1 ½

cup of cubed kamote and 1 cup taro roots which is optional. Simmer for 7 minutes or until root crops are tender. Once tender, add 2 cups more of freshly squeezed coconut milk, 1-cup brown sugar and glutinous rice balls and cooked sago/tapioca.

Stir and simmer for another 5 minutes. At this stage, you can now add 1 ¼ cup of saging na saba and 1 cup of sliced jackfruit. Cook for another 3 minutes. Turn off heat and transfer to a serving plate.

Suman (Sticky Rice) An all time Filipino favorite, this delicious treat also plays an important role during the month of Ramadan. Have it with plain sugar, caramel sauce or straight up.

In a deep saucepan, combine drained 4 cups glutinous rice, 560 ml of fresh coconut cream and salt. Cook accordingly.

Leave the lid open. Stir to prevent the rice from sticking at the bottom of

DATES the pan. Keep stirring until there’s no more visible liquid. Add ¼ cup sugar and stir until well combined with the rice. Turn off the heat. Set aside to cool. Taste the sweetness of the sticky rice. Adjust if you think it needs more sugar.

Prepare your banana leaves. With a clean towel, wipe the leaves. Alternatively, you can dip the cut (depending on your size) leaves in hot water then pat dry to clean. Set aside. Scoop ¼ cup of the sticky rice mixture a top of your clean leaves. Roll the leaves and press it firmly to make the mixture elongated and solid.

Roll it firmly but not too tight. Fold the end flaps downward.

Using a straw string or a butcher’s twig, pair two pieces of suman, with their flaps facing each other, together. Make a circular clockwise motion on each end and end with a knot – not too tightly, the suman expands when steamed. Again, repeat until done. Arrange tied suman in a spacious steamer pan. Steam for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep the lid on even after you have removed the steamer from the stovetop.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Email me at leeb ay 4 57@ ya h o o.c o m (subject:RoyalChef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics and food finds!

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UP AND ABOUT

Celebrate the 4th of July with cocktails at Seda ENJOY a night of fun, limitless wines and spirits and a tempting array of delectable dishes in Davao’s only place to be. Let live soothing music carry you through the night’s rhythm as you sip, nibble, chat, and simply relax at Misto resto with your friends and loved ones. Special 4th of July cocktails shall be available at Seda Abreeza’s premier F & B outlet located at the lobby level on July 4, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for only Php 880 nett per person.

For inquiries and reservations please call 322-8888 or 2443000. Seda Abreeza Hotel is conveniently located at J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City and is right beside Abreeza Ayala Mall.

Visit Seda’s website at www.sedahotels.com

Tattoo’s Dong Ronquillo takes on leadership of Globe Platinum and Roaming GLOBE TELECOM announces the movement of Vice President and Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business Head Domingo “Dong” Ronquillo to the telco’s Postpaid Business Group to head its Platinum and Roaming businesses.

An alumnus of the De La Salle University with a double degree in Economics and Advertising Management, Ronquillo led the Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business team for over three years and was accountable for the end-to-end management, P&L, churn, customer experience, and product portfolio and development. He was responsible for tripling nomadic broadband revenues and more than doubling cumulative subscriber base over the last 3 years, making the business segment one of the telco’s key growth drivers and the second largest contributor in incremental revenues for Globe.

On top of leading a highly-profitable business unit, Ronquillo also steered the achievement of several awards and recognitions for Tattoo Nomadic such as Frost and Sullivan Broadband Provider of 2011 and 2012, Stevie Gold Award for the Best Marketing Campaign of the Year in 2012, Stevie Silver Award for the Best PR Activity of the Year in 2012, and Gold Quill Awards for Tattoo Postpaid Personalized Plans and Social Media Program. He was also a recipient of the Young Market Masters Award for Marketing Management in 2012.

In his new role as Vice President for Platinum and Roaming, Ronquillo will be responsible for building the Globe Platinum Business unit and growing the company’s high-end business.

Globe Platinum, the country’s premium postpaid brand which offers the most advanced devices, best line-up of postpaid plans, topnotch service, and a world of exclusive privileges to customers, will be geared towards providing the best-in-class end-toend service and will be known as the gold standard of service in the industry.

“Platinum and roaming subscribers are some of the most discerning customers so they put a premium on superior service and a delightful experience. Taking this insight, Globe Platinum and Roaming will take customer engagement to the next level with world-class and easy-to-avail offers that best fit the needs and lifestyles of our customers. I look forward to delivering the next act for our high-end postpaid customer base and growing the Platinum and Roaming businesses of Globe by making them significant contributors to total revenues,” shares Ronquillo.

Recently, Globe Platinum launched its roster of plans for the new Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Gear 2, where subscribers can avail of the latest Samsung Galaxy bundle for free at Platinum Roaming Plan 5000 over a 24-month contract period. The postpaid plan comes with monthly mobile internet + LTE, consumable roaming or SUPERDUO for unlimited calls to Globe mobile and landline, 1-month Globe Gadget Care, P4,000 worth of monthly consumable amount for local and international texts, local and international calls, and roaming usage, and automatic Platinum Elite membership.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

SM2SM Run colors Davao

LAST June 15, over 1,000 runners joined the city’s first color benefit run for Yolanda survivors organized by SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier.

Clad in white T-shirts, participants flocked to SM City Davao Open Parking C at 4 am on Sunday. They wore neon face paints and were doused in Holi powder in various pops of color during the race.

The ‘SM to SM Color Fun Run’ generated P293,800 in funds for the SM Cares Yolanda Housing Project, which aims to build 1,000 typhoon-resilient houses for affected families in the Visayas region.

“It is wonderful and heartwarming at the same time to see more than a thousand people turn up to be part of this run for the SM Cares Yolanda Housing Project. This goes to show the spirit of generosity and community involvement of Davaoeños, how they are willing to share their time, effort and resources just to be able to contribute to the building of homes for those in need,” SM Supermalls AVP for Mindanao Operations Debby Go shares.

Michael Echalico bested 142 runners for the 21K category and won P10,000 worth of Gift Certificates.

He completed the SM City Davao-SM Lanang Premier-SM City Davao route at 1 hour, 11 minutes and 9 seconds. Echalico was followed by Elmer Bartolo and Genus Malacora who took home P7,000 and P3,000 worth of gift certificates respectively.

For the 5K category, the female finisher was Diana Memoracion while Sonny Wagdos ranked first for the male. Meanwhile, Antonio Ibaguio, Jr. and Dyna Rose Jaro completed the 3K race with the shortest gun time among the male and female participants. The four received P5,000 worth of gift certificates each.

Special prizes were also given away to the most number of family members joining the run, couples, pet dog and masters, runner with a masked hero costume, and father and child.

The run was supported

by the Davao City Government through the City Tourism Operations Office and the City Sports Office.

It was also made possible with SM’s event partners Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Coca-Cola, Happy Lemon, Power Mac,

LBC, Lapanday, Unifrutti, Sumifru, Chinabank, Vikings, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Sunstar Davao, Mindanao Times, Edge Davao, M Magazine, ABSCBN, SM Bowling Center Lanang, and SM Science Discovery Center Lanang.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Piolo Pascual makes his return to television drama HOW MUCH can the life of a drunkard and aspiring musician change when he finds himself left with the responsibility of acting as a father to three adopted children?

This is what ABS-CBN’s newest family drama, “Hawak Kamay,” will be taking on as it hits TV screens to reach out to modern day Filipino families.

The series is set to take off with acclaimed actor Piolo Pascual at the helm, who will be making a muchanticipated return to television drama following the success of his movie “Starting Over Again” earlier this year. Piolo stars in “Hawak Kamay” along with three of the country’s most powerful child stars, Zaijan Jaranilla, Andrea Brillantes, and Xyriel Manabat. The series will also introduce Grand iShiner Yesha Camille, who was under the mentorship of Piolo during her stint in the second season of the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp.

Taking on the role as a father in “Hawak Kamay,” Piolo has expressed the kind of connection he feels with the country’s young stars, especially being a single parent himself. “I like working with children because I kind of see myself in them,” he said in an interview with TV Patrol.

“Hawak Kamay” details

the story of a beat down man named Gin (Piolo Pascual), who has dreams of making it big as a musician and is faced with various challenges that may make or break his belief in himself and in the value of the relationships. He begins the story by the side of the woman he loves, Me-ann (Nikki Gil), and is joined by three

parentless children, Emong (Zaijan Jaranilla), Harriet (Xyriel Manabat), and Ningning (Yesha Camille). Their situation unfolds under the watchful eye of the estate executor, Atty. Bianca Magpantay (Iza Calzado).

As time passes and the situation grows deeper, Gin finds himself developing a different sort of attach-

Celebrity fashion IT looks like Lady Gaga is going back in time with this 80’s inspired ensemble. This cream halter with the front slit could use a little more taffeta or neon. And yet the rest of the classic old prom features are front and center: giant teased hair, ridiculous sunglasses and oldschool pumps.

ment to the three children, and decides to get his act together for them.

Catch the story of “Hawak Kamay” as it begins to unfold on ABS-CBN. For updates, visit and like “Hawak Kamay” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HawakKamayTV) and follow @ HawakkamayTV on Twitter and Instagram.

Mars turns two this June

THIS JUNE, double the fun, excitement and surprises as GMA News TV’s primetime talk show MARS turns two with a weeklong celebration!

Hosted by the formidable duo of Camille Prats and Suzi Entrata-Abrera, the second anniversary of MARS features a birthday celebration, a cooking challenge, viewers’ most requested guests, a throwback comedy night and the show’s annual awarding ceremony.

Joining the shindig are Kapuso stars Gardo Versoza, Chynna Ortaleza, Benjamin Alves, hosts Maey Bautista and Eagle, comedians Boobay, Boobsie, Chubelita and Inday Garutay together with volleybelles Jaja and Dindin Santiago of National University. News personality Mariz Umali also joins the celebration for a special interview segment.

It’s a double celebration as MARS’ 2nd year celebration kicks off with Suzi’s birthday bash together with her college friends. Plus, Suzi gets a big surprise when her mom appears in the show.

The anniversary week becomes more special as MARS gives back and

allows its viewers to take the spotlight on Tuesday. The episode features noncelebrities who were requested to appear on the show through the program’s social media accounts including a chef, a paper bouquet maker, a teen dance crew, and volleyball stars and sisters Jaja and Dindin Santiago.

Spicing up the Wednesday party are the stars of GMA Network’s newest drama Dading – Gardo Versoza, Chynna Ortaleza, Benjamin Alves and Ashley Nordstrom – who are all geared up for the exciting MARS cooking showdown and brain-draining quiz bee.

Unlimited fun and laughter await the viewers as comedians Boobay, Boobsie, Chubelita and Inday Garutay outperform each other in various challenges in the show’s throwback comedy night this Thursday.

Viewers are in for more treat as MARS unveils more surprises this Friday. Plus, find out this week who are the new batch of winners in the second MARS Awards!

Have fun with Camille and Suzi in the second anniversary celebration of MARS, happening this Monday to Friday, 7pm on GMA News TV.

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

22 JUMP STREET 2D Jonah Hil, Channing Tatum R13

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THIRD PERSON 2D Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis R 16

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

R-16 MY ILLEGAL WIFE 2D / * NOAH 2D PG 13 / * R 13

Pokwang, Zanjoe Marudo / *Russell Crowe 12:25 | 2:35 LFS / * 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Abreeza Mall merchants honored at the 16th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards

ABREEZA MALL merchants bagged awards at the 16th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards, an annual tradition that honors Ayala Malls’ merchant partners nationwide for excellence in visual merchandising, decor, marketing, store operations, and more.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati last May 28, 2014 in the presence of Ayala Land executives, among them Chairman Fernando

Zobel de Ayala, President Bobby Dy, Senior Vice Presi-

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

dent and Ayala Malls Group Head Junie Jalandoni, Vice President and Head of Operations and Support Services Rowena Tomeldan, Ayala Land Assistant Vice President for VisMin Clavel Tongco, and Ayala Malls Head of Marketing Maricris Bernardino.

For Abreeza Mall, recognized at the grand awarding activity were T’nalak for Overall Visual Merchandising Excellence; Healthy Options, Lacoste Apparel, and TGI Friday’s for Store Operations Excellence; Hanoi for Most Promising Retailer; and TGI Friday’s for Store of the Year.

Other awards were given at the Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards Forum, a series of talks led by local and foreign experts on digital marketing, visual merchandising, supply chain management, retail operations, consumer trends, and the media which was held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati from May 28 to 29. Winning awards from Abreeza Mall were Island Souvenirs, La Senza, Gap, and T’nalak for Visual Merchandising Excellence; Aerosoles, Grab A Crab, L’Occitane, and Marks & Spencer for Christmas Decor; CLN for Marketing Excellence; Italianni’s, Taters, and Greenwich for Marketing Partner; and Robinsons Supermarket and Mercury Drug for Electronic Gift Certificate (eGC) Partner.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and 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.

Ayala Land’s Rowena Tomeldan and Clavel Tongco with Christian Dela Paz of Most Promising Retailer awardee Hanoi.

Abreeza Mall Operations Manager Luigi Escano; Store Operations Excellence awardees April Sy of TGI Friday’s, Elizabeth Quiambao of Lacoste, Michelle Dimen of Healthy Options; and Ayala Land’s Clavel Tongco.

Ayala Land’s Junie Jalandoni, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Bobby Dy with Sarah Masigla of Store of the Year awardee TGI Friday’s.

LEFT: Ayala Malls’ Vivian Jose and Rowena Tomeldan with representatives from Visual Merchandising Excellence awardees Island Souvenirs, T’nalak, La Senza, and Gap. BOTTOM: Ayala Malls’ Rowena Tomeldan and Maricris Bernardino; representatives from Marketing Partners awardees Italianni’s, Greenwich, and Taters; Abreeza Mall Marketing Manager Ruby Ochoa; and Ayala Malls Marketing Manager Sandy Espinosa.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

CLASSIFIED 13

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

Rafa reaches milestone

L

TO THE NEXT ROUND. Maria Sharapova broke her Brit opponent’s serve in the fourth game of the opening set and went on to dominate play to win the set by 6 games to 1.

FREE BIRD

Lebron enters free agency A

FTER his Miami Heat lost the 2014 NBA Finals to the San Antonio Spurs in five games, LeBron James said he was going to wait until after he’d taken his family on a postseason vacation to turn his attention to the future. One week later, it seems that the four-time Most Valuable Player is ready to get back to business, and that the first order of business is to get free.

LeBron James will optout of deal, source confirms.

He’s determined to impose pressure on Miami to improve roster and spend, sources say.

By exercising the termination option in his contract, James forgoes a $20,590,000 payday for the 2014-15 season, but instantly becomes the un-

questioned prize of the summer’s free agent crop.

That said, James deciding choosing to opt out isn’t surprising in and of itself, and it doesn’t necessarily mean LeBron’s packing his bags just yet. At this point,

all the choice does is create more options for both James and the Heat.

When James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade to form Miami’s “Big Three” in the summer of 2010, all three All-Stars signed

contracts worth less than the maximum amount they could command on the market in order to allow Heat team president Pat Riley to build a strong, complete team around that scintillating core.

WHERE TO, LEBRON? Lebron James will be the most coveted free agent this summer.

ONDON – World number one Rafael Nadal buried the misery of his 2013 Wimbledon first round exit on Tuesday to set up a rematch with Lukas Rosol, the Czech who condemned him to a humiliating second round loss in 2012.

Second seed Nadal, fresh from his ninth French Open triumph and bidding for a 15th Grand Slam title, became only the 11th man to record 700 tour wins as he beat Slovakia’s world number 51 Martin Klizan, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Also going through on Tuesday were fellow past champions, seven-time winner Roger Federer, Serena Williams, a fivetime champion, and Maria Sharapova whose breakthrough title in London came as a 17-year-old back in 2004.

Nadal, champion in 2008 and 2010, was knocked out in the first round at Wimbledon last year by Steve Darcis, a Belgian journeyman who hasn’t won a match since.

Twelve months earlier, Rosol had stunned him in five sets, a shattering de-

feat which forced Nadal out of the sport for seven months to rest his battered knees.

“Rosol is a very dangerous player, very strong, very powerful shots from the baseline and I know I have to play very well if I want to have chances to win,” said Nadal.

Federer began his campaign for an eighth title with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Paolo Lorenzi, the hapless Italian who has now lost all of his 13 Grand Slam matches.

Fourth-seeded Federer, the 17-time major winner, had lost to Ukraine’s Sergiy Stakhovksy in the second round 12 months ago for his earliest defeat at the tournament since 2002.

But there was never a hint of a repeat of that disaster on Tuesday as the 32-year-old Swiss took victory on a sixth match point having fired nine aces and 36 winners.

“It’s always good to win the first round because the court can be slippery sometimes,” said Federer, who goes on to face Luxembourg qualifier Gilles Muller.

the last 64. If he can dismiss Austrian youngster Mario He, he could face Chua in the round of 32.

It’s been an excellent tournament for La Unionborn Carlo Biado. The former Philippine 8 Ball champion subdued Nour Wasfi Al Jarrah of Jordan and then Swedish veteran Tom Storm to book his place in the last 64, where he tangles with Mieszko Fortunski of Poland.

Should he prevail, he could play another Filipino in the round of 32, Jeffrey De Luna. The Caloocan-based shooter is hoping to top Klatt in the first knockout stage for a chance to possibly meet Biado.

Bacolodnon Ramil Gallego is also in the hunt but he faces a daunting task in his first match against Ralf Souquet of Germany, a two-time winner of this event.

Fans of Efren Reyes will be disappointed to learn that he is no longer

in this event. The Magician dropped a tough 9-8 loss in the last loser’s bracket match in his group to England’s former 8 Ball world champion, Karl Boyes.

Other notables still in contention are England’s former world champs Darren Appleton and Daryl Peach, China’s Taiwanese born former champ Wu Jiaqing (neé Wu Chia Ching), defending champ Thorsten Hohmann, Dutch former Straight Pool world champ Niels Feijen, and US Open champion Shane Van Boening.

The tournament will now play races to eleven, alternate break, with Friday’s final an extended race-to-thirteen. Whoever wins that match takes the US$30,000 first prize and joins some elite company as a world 9 Ball champion.

The action begins at 11:00 am on Wednesday, Qatar time, which is 4:00 pm Philippine time.

Dozen...FFROM 16

SPORTS 15

VOL. 7 ISSUE 73• THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014

BITE MARKS Uruguay eliminates Italy amid biting controversy

N

ATAL – Luis Suarez shocked the World Cup with a new biting storm Tuesday as Uruguay sensationally dumped ten-man Italy out of the tournament with a dramatic 1-0 victory.

Uruguay captain Diego Godin hit an 81st-minute winner in the gritty Group D battle that saw Italy knocked out in the first round for the second straight World Cup. But Italy’s stunning exit was overshadowed by an incredible incident involving Suarez — already banned twice before for biting opponents — just moments before Godin’s winner.

Television replays showed Suarez appearing to attempt to sink his teeth into Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder in an off-the-ball incident.

Chiellini angrily remonstrated with Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez, pulling his shirt off his shoulder to show red marks on his neck.

Afterwards a disgusted Chiellini told Italian television: “He bit me, it’s clear, I still have the mark.”

“The referee should have blown his whistle and given him a red card, also because he was simulating,” added the Juventus player.

Suarez sought to play down the incident in comments to Uruguayan television, claiming Chiellini had barged him.

“There are things that happen on the pitch and you should not make such a big deal out of them,” Suarez said.

Tabarez ‘didn’t see’ bite Uruguay’s veteran manager Oscar Tabarez pleaded ignorance of the incident.

“I didn’t see it. I’d like to see the images first,” he told a press conference.

Tabarez also suggested Suarez was being victimised by journalists.

“He is the preferred target for a lot of media,” Tabarez said.

Pressed on the issue, a visibly irritated Tabarez refused to condemn Suarez.

“This is a football World Cup, it’s not about cheap morality.”

FIFA said it would study the referee’s report and the match video.

“We are awaiting the official match reports and will gather all the necessary elements in order to evaluate the matter,” FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer told AFP. But other officials were quick to condemn Suarez.

“There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but once again his actions have left him open to severe criticism,” FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce told the BBC. “There is no doubt that Fifa must investigate this incident very seriously and take whatever action is deemed necessary.”

If found guilty by FIFA disciplinary chiefs, the incident would almost certainly mean the end of the tournament for Suarez, painted as a villain at the 2010 World Cup for his deliberate goalline handball which denied Ghana a famous quarter-final victory.

GOING UNDER. Italy’s Mario Balotelli gets underneath Uruguay’s Martin Caceres as he tries to head the ball during the group D World Cup football match between Italy and Uruguay. Italy was booted out of the World Cup by the Uruguayans 1-0.

LATE GOAL. Japan’s Shinzo Okazaki scores in injury time to avert a shutout. Colombia won this match 4-1 to top their group in the World Cup.

DON’T BITE. Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini complains after Uruguay’s Luis Suarez ran into his shoulder with his teeth during the group D World Cup football match between Italy and Uruguay.

Colombia tops group after beating Japan 4-1 C UIABA, Brazil (AP) — With or without Luis Suarez, Uruguay faces a serious challenge keeping the Colombia juggernaut at bay in the last 16 of the World Cup. Inspired by a brilliant cameo performance off the bench from James Rodriguez, the Colombians completed a near-perfect group-stage campaign

with a 4-1 win over Japan on Tuesday that eliminated the Asian champions from the tournament.

Nine goals. Three straight victories. The unearthing of one of the stars of the tournament in the brilliant Rodriguez.

It can’t get much better for a team written off by many before the World Cup because of the injury sustained by star striker

Radamel Falcao.

“Managing to win three games makes us trust ourselves even more and makes us feel confident,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. “We have shown we are a very tight group. Everyone now knows that we can play.”

Next up for Colombia is a South American derby against Uruguay in Rio de

Janeiro’s Maracana stadium. Suarez, Uruguay’s top striker, may miss that match if he is punished for appearing to bite an opponent during the team’s final group match against Italy earlier Tuesday. He wasn’t immediately charged by FIFA. Given Colombia’s confidence right now, it won’t matter if Suarez is playing or not.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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DOZEN CHANCES

Davao’s Corteza leads 12 Pinoys inWorld 9 Ball round of 64 T

HE Philippines will have a dozen chances to win the WPA World 9-Ball Championship title and Davao City’s Lee Vann Corteza is a happy lad being one among the dozen dreamers.

Yes, the dream of another Filipino world 9 Ball champ is very much alive after the double-elimination group stages of the 2014 edition of the world’s most prestigious billiards tournament held in Doha, Qatar with the dozen Pinoy hopefuls that also include top bets Dennis Orcollo and last year’s runner-up Antonio Gabica breaking into the single-elimination stage of this year’s competition at the Al Saad Sports Club.

The Dabawenyo cue artist had to wriggle through the loser’s bracket in his group after an opening loss to countryman Elmer Haya. He made the last 64 after dumping Omram Salem of the UAE 9-4 and will be facing Qatar’s Waleed Majed in the round of 64 that begins on Wednesday.

Haya, who is a native of Butuan City, is also safely through to the knockout stages and is drawn against another Filipino, Francisco Felicilda from Sogod, Southern Leyte.

There is a bit of a cloud on the horizon though: ten of the twelve are in the upper half of the bracket, with only Gabica and Ramil Gallego to be found in

the lower half. That makes an all-Filipino final almost impossible, but increases the odds of having a one Pinoy in the championship match.

Leading the charge is former 8 Ball world champ Orcollo, who has a tricky opening match against dangerous Japanese pro Ohi Naoyuki. Orcollo hurdled his group matches with Canadian Jason Klatt and Ko Ping Chung of Taipei to make the last 64. The Filipino number one will likely face Ko’s brother, Po Pin Yi in the round of 32.

Corteza has a far easier opening assignment against local bet Majed.

Gabica downed both of his group stage matches and is in the last 64

where he will square off against Mehdi Rasekhi of Iran.

Warren Kiamco of Cebu scraped into the last 64 when he defeated Venezuelan Frailin Guanipa 9-8 in a tense, loser’s bracket encounter on Tuesday. A nervous Guanipa flubbed three makeable shots in the last three racks to squander an 8-6 lead.

Kiamco meets Wang Can of China next. Should Kiamco prevail he could be duking it out with another Filipino, Raymond Faraon, in the round of 32.

Faraon plays Liu Cheng Chieh of Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

Bacolod-born Johann Chua will continue his

fairy-tale run in this tournament. He faces Daniele Corrieri of Italy in the round of 64. Chua defeated Taiwanese-born Japanese pro Lo Li Wen and American stud Corey Deuel in his group

into the last 64. Chua only made the tournament as a last-minute replacement after gaining enough points in the pre-tournament qualifier and winning a last-chance match to sneak in.

Filipino-Canadian Alex Pagulayan, a former champ, is also in

FDOZEN, 14

to vault

IN THE HUNT. Davao’s Lee Vann Corteza (in file photo) is through to the round of 64 in the WPA World 9-Ball.