Edge Davao 7 Issue 81 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

THROUGH THE WINDOW. What’s left of the family house of Bienvenido D. Caraga prominent lawyer and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) past president along Lopez Jaena Street in Davao City is seen through the structure’s front window after an early morning fire gutted it yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

LABANG’S MOTION UPHELD DCPO retains custody of King gunman

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

HE court granted the request of alleged Richard L. King murder triggerman for continued detention at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO). Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 17 Judge Evalyn A. Morales approved the motion of Paul Dave M. Labang for the Investigation and Detective Management Bureau (IDMB) of the DCPO to be allowed to retain his

custody while his case of illegal possession of firearm relative to the murder case is pending. Labang has been indicted for illegal possession of firearm after he was found

FLABANG’S, 10

MILESTONE. Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMI) chief executive officer Pastor Ruben L. dela Cruz (leftmost) witnesses as Dr. Manalo Ongchanco (2nd from left), one of the original incorporators of BIHMI, and BIHMI chairman of Board of Trustees lawyer Levy T. Saligumba (rightmost) unveil the symbolic “Cornerstone” during the blessing and inauguration of the hospital’s corporate office and medical diagnostics center and its new lobby last Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

3 CTO employees tagged in anomaly By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

T ANOTHER INVESTIGATION. City Administrator Melchor Quitain (left) bares during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao that three more employees of the Davao City Treasurers Office (CTO) are being

investigated for their involvement in misappropriation of tax collection. Also in photo is Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Carlos T. Dueñas. Lean Daval Jr.

HREE more personnel from the City Treasurers Office (CTO) involved in the collection of taxes are tagged in an anomaly and may face dismissal from service similar to five personnel who were earlier fired from their posts after found out to be liable on various charges. “I will never stop conducting investigations hanggang mawala sila. They don’t deserve to be there,” Davao City admistrator Melchor J. Quitain said during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM

City Annex yesterday. He said that the three were different from the first five personnel who were already dismissed last January after an investigation conducted by all-lawyer City Investigation Committee composed of Osmundo P. Villanueva Jr., Jhopee S. Avancena and Tristan Dwight P. Domingo found them liable on various charges. Ordered dismissed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte were Jane M. Paguidopon, Brenda R. Nirza, Rosalie B. Remon, Paul Justen B.

F3 CTO, 10

Brokenshire launches new facilities CAAP piloting Mindanao

for ‘green airport projects’

By VANNAH S. ANG

HE Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMII) has inaugurated last July 5 its newly-constructed corporate office and Medical Diagnostics Center located at Brokenshire Heights, Davao City. Both establishments were constructed in compliance with the Department of Health’s hospital facility requirements to cater the increasing needs for medical services of the patients. The construction of the 2000-square meter 2-storey building with a basement was led by engineers Edwin Juit, Rhuel Desabilla, and Reynaldo Genson from May 2013 to May 2014

with a budget of around P37 million. The building was designed by architect Chris John Flores with an Asiancontemporary theme matched with a neutral color scheme. “Hospitals in Davao City are improving their facilities. The trend now is for a hospital not to look like a hospital, but maybe a hotel or something close to home instead. We have to stay competitive in order for us to sustain our operations,” Atty. Levy Saligumba, chairperson of the board of trustees of BIHMII said. The corporate office covers the top floor while the Medical Diagnostics Center covers the bottom

Steady growth seen in tourism industry T

HE country’s tourism industry has grown impressively in recent years, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday. The industry grew by 10.3 percent and contributed 6 percent to the economy in 2012, employing 4.2 million individuals, Lacierda said. Last year, international tourist arrivals reached 4.68 million, 9.6 percent higher than the 4.27 million posted in 2012, he said, adding that the Department of Tourism is projecting the figure to increase to 6.8 million by the end of this year. “This would solidify our country’s reputation as one

of the top tourist destinations in the world,” he said. President Benigno S. Aquino III is slated to deliver the keynote address at the grand launch of Marco Polo Ortigas in Pasig on Wednesday (July 9). Establishments such as this not only reflect foreign investors’ trust in the country but are also expected to bolster the tourism industry, Lacierda said. The 313-room five-star hotel in the Ortigas central business district will be managed by Marco Polo Hotels. According to reports, president and chief executive officer of Xin Tian Ti Development Corporation, Samuel Po, partnered with

floor. The office holds the central administration offices and board room, purchasing unit, finance and quality management departments, human resource department, executive lounge and security unit. The Medical Diagnostics Center is comprised of the heart station, endoscopy unit and laboratory complex. “The building offers many new things and the laboratory will be fully automated. There is a new machine available for the Endoscopy unit. We are getting another machine for the heart station. By August, we will proceed with another construction to im-

prove the Radiology, Renal Dialysis, and Pediatric Intensive Care departments. These are enhancements for the hospital’s quality service,” Dr. Ruben Dela Cruz, BIHMII chief executive officer, said during the blessing and inauguration of the new building. Since BIHMII relocated the business and corporate offices on the new building, the old offices will be utilized for the expansion of hospital rooms and other alternative uses. Among BIHMI’s future plans is a construction of a 5-storey Medical Arts Tower to house their consultants’ clinics separated from the old building.

FBROKENSHIRE, 10

HE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has revealed plans to start implementing plans in Mindanao that will push for the agency’s “green airport projects”. CAAP chief William Hotchkiss said the plans and ongoing projects would combine sustainable green solutions towards eco-friendly airports. “We are now working on incorporating sustainable eco solutions towards the needs of our airports. We are going to put up water systems both for the use of passengers and fire trucks. We will have to use deep well system but we will augment it with a rain

in catchment system so we can recycle rainwater,” said Hotchkiss. “Right now we have already piloted the project in Butuan City and we will also put one Siargao,” he added. Hotchkiss, a former air force chief, explained that since he took over as CAAP’s head it has always been his priority to push for a green advocacy. “Aside from the ongoing water catchment projects, we are now looking on a study in the use of solar energy in our airports. Our plan is to pilot it in a chosen airport in Mindanao, and then see how far we can

FCAAP, 10

ROAD MISHAP. A 16-wheeler hauler carrying a 40-footer container van destroys a portion of Buhangin flyover’s railings along Dacudao Avenue in Davao City

FSTEADY, 10 after it tilted on its side over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

WARNING. Philippine Coconut Authority administrator Romulo Arancon Jr. warns the public during this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao that a massive Coconut Scale Insect (CSI) or “cocolisap”pest outbreak from the Calabarzon region is starting to spread across the country with Mindanao as one of the possible areas that will be affected by the infestation. Lean Daval Jr.

‘Cocolisap’pest infestation spread in Mindanao feared By VANNAH S. ANG

MASSIVE Coconut Scale Insect (CSI) or “Cocolisap” pest outbreak from the Calabarzon region has started to spread across the country and is feared to reach the provinces in Mindanao. The Cocolisap pest infestation was first found out in Batangas in 2010 and started to spread out to the nearby provinces of Laguna, Quezon and Cavite causing severe economic damage to coconut farmers whose annual average yield reduced by 60 percent. According to the Save the Coconut Movement, coconut-producing provinces in Mindanao should prepare before the infestation reached. Several methods of protection have been in-

troduced by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to coconut landowners and farmers to reduce the risk of damage from the Cocolisap infestation. Cocolisap insects are difficult to completely eradicate as they reside under the leaves of mature coconut trees, making it difficult for rain to wash them away. The parasite also has a reproduction period of 30 days, can lay up to 150 eggs and rapidly multiply into an average population of four million insects in a single coconut tree. The infestation could be carried by the wind with a distance of 400 meters from the source, infesting nearby trees in a large scale. In the last four years,

F’COCOLISAP’, 10

OBO posts P40 million collection from permits

START-UP WEEKEND. Start-up Weekend Davao co-organizer Angel Abella (right) and head organizer Dulce Lada announce during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday the event’s third edition set onAugust 1-3 at the Ateneo de Davao University. Start-up Weekend is an event which aims to give developers a platform to present their innovations on information technology. Lean Daval Jr.

UM awards P1M to stude for topping board exam Another P50,000 to 8th placer

HO wants to be a millionaire? How? A GRADUATE of the University of Mindanao who’ll top the government licensure board ex-

amination had a chance to become a millionaire. And she did become one. This happened days ago to a UM alumnae who placed No. 1 in the national board exams for social

workers. She is Honey Jay Danao Bacus who will be honored with an awarding ceremony on July 10. She will also receive a check for P1,000,000, according to Dr. Guillermo

“Willie” P. Torres Jr., UM president. The ceremony will be held at the Matina campus, said Desiree Fria Gonzales, program head

and bases to be used to secure the Malampaya natural gas project and Recto (Reed) Bank in the West Philippine Sea. The Department of National Defense (DND) issued a notice of award

to Vicente T. Lao Construction, a firm based in Panacan, Davao City. A notice of award signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last April showed that Lao’s firm had offered

to undertake the project for P146.24 million, well within the approved budget of P148.99 million. Lao offered the second lowest bid for the project, which attracted six bid-

FUM, 10

Vicente Lao company wins bidding of P148-M projects

DAVAO City-based construction company owned by businessman Vicente T. Lao, chairman of the Mindanao Business Council, won the bidding for the construction of hangars

FVICENTE, 10

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Office of the Building Official (OBO) has posted P40 million collection from permit fees during the first six months of the year. The performance represents 57. 17 percent of the P75 million total collection target this year which is higher as compared to the P70-million target last year. “It would appear that the construction in Davao City is progressive ”Atty. Dominic Felizarta, OIC of the Office of the City Building said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday. He said that that most of the collection came from applications of building

and occupancy permits in the city while the rest came from signage permits. Felizarta said that at present there is a massive construction of commercial buildings, high-end subdivisions and condominiums in the city. Meanwhile, he belied the report that the OB is not complying with the 72hour processing time mandated by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to finish in acquiring a business permit. Felizarte said his office receives and processes about 30 to 60 permit applications every day with varying approval period depending on how available and complete are the requirements.

CRACKDOWN VS HOARDERS. A delivery man hauls a sack of rice from a truck onto a rice dealership outlet at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Authorities begun to conduct raids on warehouses as part of the

government’s crack down on traders hoarding National Food Authority (NFA) rice to control the prices of the commodity in the market. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

DAVAO DEL NORTE

Kapalong PNP Advisory Council members take oath of office T

HE members of the newly-constituted Kapalong PNP Advisory Council took their oath as advisory body of the local PNP last July 4, 2014 at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall. Vice Mayor Ma. Theresa R. Timbol was unanimously chosen to head the council during its organizational meeting initiated by PNP Kapalong thru Chief of Police P/CI Carl Omar H. Fiel right after the oath taking. The institutionalization of the PNP Advisory Council was conceived as part of the implementation efforts of the Performance Governance System initiative which is an offshoot to the PNP PATROL Plan 2030. The Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding the Rule of Law or PNP Patrol Plan 2030 is the PNP’s long term transformation program which aims to create a culture of transformation in the police service nationwide. The other members of the Kapalong Advisory Council coming from different sectors include, Arlene C. Datu – MLGOO and Gaspar T. Balinggao - Municipal Administrator (elected as the council’s Vice Chairman) represent the government sector; Christie

DAVAO ORIENTAL

Jean V. Ganiera, -Municipal Information Officer/KCAST President and Clemente E. Timbal -Public Elem Schools District Supervisor, represent the academe; Leslie P. Quesada and Aida Arrocena, from the Business Sector; Pastor Joel Viscaya from the religious sector and Ted Cabana from the media. P/CI Fiel in his welcome message bared that the advisory council’s function is to represent the people of Kapalong as the advisers of the local PNP particularly in helping them in projecting initiatives that will uplift not only the morale of the PNP but also of the community. “With this move, we will be able to attain the PNP’s vision of becoming highly capable, effective and credible in our police service by 2030.” Fiel stressed. Other prime functions of the advisory council involve the identification of key priorities and strategic issues and evaluation of strategies for the implementation of different PNP programs and activities and assisting the local PNP to generate additional resources to support and sustain their plans and programs. P/Supt. Giusseppe A.

Legarda urges residents to serve as stewards of Mt. Hamiguitan

ENATE Committee Chair on Environment Loren Legarda challenged the constituents of Davao Oriental to take on the role as stewards of Mt. Hamiguitan which UNESCO recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Gracing the recently held Araw ng Davao Oriental as guest speaker, Legarda urged residents of Davao Oriental to make known to all people, even at the household level that Davao Oriental plays host to the newly UNESCO-inscribed Mt. Hamiguitan. She pointed out that all people in Davao Oriental should take pride of Mt. Hamiguitan as the first UNESCO-inscribed World Heritage Site in Mindanao, ranking among the six World Heritage Sites in the country

and the sixth UNESCO-inscribed wildlife sanctuary in the world. “Yan po sana ang inyong ikwento sa inyong mga anak sa inyong kamag anak sa to be proud of your national and natural heritage,” she said. She hoped that the pride of having such world heritage in their midst would make them become nature-loving. “Dapat ituro natin na ang ating pangangalaga ay maging likas sa atin,” (We must also teach that our being caring should be natural to us) she said. Legarda went on reminding everyone present during the event that man does not own the land the natural environment resources therein, but “merely stewards of nature.” [PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

SHELTER AND NUTRITION. Mayor Nestor L. Uy of Tarragona, Davao Oriental and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Noraflor P. Lague hold the checks that will cover the implementation of the core shelter and supplementary feeding programs in the town. The checks amounting to P61.85 million were turned over by DSWD Officials [from left] Cash Unit Head Gemma G. Gatmaitan, Protective Services Unit Head Rebecca A. Santamaria, Assistant Director Mila T. Segovia and Director Priscilla N. Razon. Also in photo is Tarragona Municipal Planning and Development Officer Vivencio Anislag. [DSWD/ Carmela Cadigal-Duron] Geralde, VP of the Provincial Police Strategic Management Unit (PPSMU) and the Asst. Provincial Director for Operations represented Provincial Director Samuel B. Gadingan in administering the oath of the Municipal Police Stra-

DAVAO DEL SUR

tegic Management Unit and the Advisory Council. Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol in his message pointed out the importance of accountability charged to the council in the performance of their duties towards lasting reforms in improv-

ing the PNP’s performance on public service delivery. Vice Mayor Timbol encouraged the council members to be present in every council meetings and do their part in helping the PNP as they set foot in improving their quality of

service due to the people of Kapalong. “For the love of Kapalong, you will give your time for this undertaking,” Vice Mayor Timbol said as she adjourned the organizational meeting. [MIO Kapalong]

LGU steps up livelihood assistance in barangays T HE provincial government of Davao del Sur has stepped up its livelihood projects in the barangays across the province, as part of the poverty reduction program which is one of the priorities of the LGU. Marivic Hubac, executive assistant to Governor Claude Bautista, said

SOUTH COTABATO

the local government has been vigorously pouring in various livelihood assistance because “the governor wants to ensure that his constituents could meet their daily needs.” Among the recent undertaking was the distribution this year of 400 motorized banca (small

fishing boats) through financial loan to fisherfolks in various municipalities like Sta. Maria and Sta. Cruz and Digos City. The motorized banca loan amounting to P30,000 per unit is giving the beneficiaries the chance of paying at least PhP50 pesos a day, and to

have it fully paid in less than two years. Gov. Bautista bared during the celebration of the 47th Araw ng Davao del Sur on July 1, that not less than 2,500 fishing boats will be distributed to other coastal areas in the province for the next two years. [PIA 11/Carina L. Cayon]

Security tightened for 2014 T’nalak Festival P

olice authorities have tightened security in Koronadal City and other parts of South Cotabato province in connection with the upcoming celebration of the 15th T’nalak Festival and the province’s 48th foundation anniversary. Senior Supt. Jose Arnal-

do Briones Jr., South Cotabato police director, said Monday they have placed all police units in the area under heightened alert in preparation for the expected influx of visitors or tourists during the festivities slated July 10 to 18. He said they have as-

signed around 500 police personnel to secure various festival venues and activities, which will be centered in Koronadal City, the province’s capital and component city. “We’ve set in place a security plan for each of the lined up activities to proper-

ly manage our operations,” he said. To augment their security operations, Briones said the Police Regional Office 12 is deploying a company of personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion to the area for the entire festivities. [PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

SEC to monitor unscrupulous NGOs C

HARITABLE organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations masquerading as non-stock, non-profit organizations in the country will face sanction if they are engaged in illegal activities. House Bill No. 4449, authored by Rep. Joaquin Chipeco Jr. (2nd District, Laguna), mandates the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to monitor and investigate the activities of some NGOs, foundations, and similar organizations which may be involved in unscrupulous transactions similar to the groups implicated in the pork barrel scam. “The continuing saga involving PDAF accountabilities has brought to the fore widespread abuses and malpractices committed by some NGOs. Registered as non-stock, non-profit organizations, these fraudulent organizations have put honest-to-goodness foundations and NGOs as a whole into disrepute,” Chipeco said. Chipeco said questions have been asked why the

SEC, the government’s corporate watchdog, didn’t alert the general public as to the existence of these dubious organizations. “Did the SEC fail in its mandate of protecting the people by its inability to raise ‘red flags’ concerning unethical business practices of these entities?” asked Chipeco. At present, there is no law that mandates the SEC to monitor foundations, NGOs, and other similar groups except for some provisions of Republic Act No. 10168 or the Terrorist Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. The measure also aims to address the reported acute lack of resources and personnel on the part of the SEC. Chipeco said SEC has only eight processors tasked to do the job and could not possibly check the activities of 10,000 active foundations out of a total of 21,000 registered foundations. He explained that the current SEC practice of performing random examinations of around six to 10 percent of the active foundations in a year is

ANOTHER MALL. Construction of yet another mall in Davao City is almost done. The city has at least 10 malls spread across the downtown area and in the northern and southern parts of the city. This soon-to-be-inaugurated mall is located along Quimpo Boulevard. [MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas]

not enough to cleanse the slate of illegitimate organizations. “It is also deemed necessary to equip the Commission with sufficient information technology to, among others, trigger alerts regarding irregular activities of these organizations from the moment

they file their applications for registration with the Commission,” Chipeco stressed. Under the measure, SEC is directed to enlist the assistance of any branch, department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality or the government, includ-

ing government-owned and-controlled corporations (GOCCs) in undertaking its monitoring and investigatory functions. It shall furnish the appropriate law enforcement agencies with the official results of its investigation. The bill also provides that the SEC shall conduct

a periodic review of its budgetary requirements, upgrading its personal services and institutionalizing computer-assisted monitoring and review of activities of all active NGOs, foundations and similar institutions registered with the Commission. [PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

DA turns over P2.5M to Sulop T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 turned over a check amounting to P2.5 million to the local government here recently for the implementation of livelihood projects under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP). Seven barangays from Sulop, Davao del Sur benefited the home-based goat production project which include Barangays of Buguis, Carre, Katipunan, New Cebu, Poblacion, Tanwalang and Mckinley. A total of 547 heads of doe and 110 heads of buck were dispersed at the above mentioned barangays serving 26 farmer beneficiaries. Theprojects under GPBP were Homebased Goat Production with P 2 million budget allocation and Corn Seed Subsidy with P 500K. Home based Goat Production creates additional income to the farmer beneficiaries;it also adds awareness in the proper raising of goat and a fulfillment of a One Town One Product (OTOP) of the municipality. Sulop is essential for goat productionsince its climate is highly suitable for goat raising due to its blessed natural resources with even rainfall distribution throughout the year and is

not directly hit by typhoon and strong winds. Meanwhile, 24barangays benefited from the corn seed subsidy project wherein the project can contribute to the increase of income among beneficiaries. DA Field Operationchief Rosalinda Medianosaid that the GPBP or formerly known as Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) was created to allow the recipients or the farmers to participate in the implementation of the livelihood projects offered by the government. “The cooperation from the recipients is expected to see the full result of the GPBP projects. This project will help the farmers increase their production through additional income in goat raising and corn production,” Mediano stressed. Sulop was the first municipality in the region who received the fund transfer among 1,233 focused priority municipalities. The GPBP-driven initiatives for the Davao region is earmarked at P307 million, which includes agri-livelihood projects, Farm-toMarket Road (FMR) projects, post-harvest facilities, other agri-infra facilities, irrigation, among others. [Aggie Media Service]

HILIPPINE Stock Exchange (PSE)-listed cement manufacturers, Holcim Philippines Inc. and Lafarge Republic Inc., expressed their interests to combine their businesses to take advantage of opportunities of under such merger. In a separate disclosure to the PSE Monday, Holcim and Lafarge both said their Board of Directors have resolved to “explore, study and consider the combination of the businesses of the Company with in order to avail itself of the resulting synergies and opportunities, and in the course of such study, determine optimal structures to implement such combination”. The two companies,

however, clarified that the two plants of Lafarge in Norzagaray, Bulacan and its Iligan plant which is owned by its subsidiary Lafarge Iligan Inc. are excluded from the merging planned. During the first quarter of 2014, Holcim has grew its profit by 17 percent year-on-year to Php 1.67 million after gaining a revenue of Php 8.06 million. Likewise, in the same period, Lafarge’s net income went up by 3.54 percent year-on-year to Php 1.05 million with its revenue of Php 6.15 million. Both Holcim and Lafarge are leading the cement industry in the Philippine market. [PNA]

Vitarich eyeing zero-debt, positive profit this year

ITARICH Corporation is gearing towards zero-debt and positive profit this year as the company expects approval of the court to exit corporate rehabilitation proceedings by September this year. “In terms of benefits, there will be lot of benefits after the rehabilitation. It will provide confidence to businesses, clients, and banks,” Vitarich chief operating officer and executive vice president Ricardo Manuel Sarmiento said in a press briefing Monday. Sarmiento mentioned that Vitarich now has a declining debt of around P300 million. He added that Vitarich is continuously working in paying its debt and expects it to be settled within the

year. He further cited that the company has sold its land property in Abangan Sur, Marilao, Bulacan for P610 million to 8990 Housing Development Corporation, a unit of locally listed company 8990 Holdings Inc. This transaction also brings the company’s asset to amount a billion-peso. Also, the proceeds from selling the property in Marilao will pay off Vitarich’s remaining debt. Some P100 million of the proceeds will also be the company’s working capital that will be used for purchasing raw materials for its products. Further, Sarmiento noted that Vitarich will continue to develop its core business and the market shall expect of revamping on Vitarich’s feeds products

and relaunching of its food products within this year. He explained that this move will make the company to earn same revenue last year which amounted to P2.9 billion; but now, with positive profit. In 2013, the company has a net income loss of around P392 million. In the first quarter of 2014, Vitarich’s still has a net income loss of P40.77 million. But, Sarmiento said, as Vitarich is working towards being a debtfree company and relaunching its products in the market the company is now optimistic for a positive profit. Moreover, Sarmiento mentioned that the company is also gearing towards the ASEAN integration coming in 2015.

He said Vitarich will be actively exploring for regional and global strategic partnerships in order for the company to level up its technology and enhance its operations. Vitarich, founded by Sarmiento family, is a 64-year old company and a pioneer in agrifeeds business. Its feeds business includes poultry feeds, hog feeds, aqua feeds and specialty feeds. It also has poultry and aquatic food products. Its facilities are present in islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao -- with Iloilo in Visayas and Davao in Mindanao plants are almost in its full utilization while the Marilao plant in Luzon is running only at 30 percent utilization. [PNA]

Holcim, Lafarge study Policies on supply sufficiency, agri productivity companies’merger needed to maintain manageable inflation growth I P

It figures

NFLATION rate slowed to 4.4 percent in June 2014 from 4.5 percent in May, supporting a manageable and within-target outlook for the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “NEDA expects that the country’s headline inflation rate for full year 2014 will average around 4.4 percent, still within the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s full year target of 3.0 to 5.0 percent,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Decelerating growth in prices of non-food items tempered the inflation rate in June 2014. However, faster growth in food prices pushed up the rate at the higher end of the target. “One of the main reasons for the high price of food is

the rather sharp increases in rice prices in June 2014 as supply tightness persisted in the market,” the Cabinet official said. But despite the outlook of manageable and within-target inflation growth for 2014, there are risks along the way such as weather disturbances, pests and diseases, pending petitions for adjustments in utility rates, and the still elevated growth of domestic liquidity. “In the short term, the interventions can focus on ensuring supply adequacy by allowing sufficient levels of imports to augment local production of rice and other key commodities. The truck ban policy also needs to be reviewed, along with other measures needed to improve the efficiency of distribution systems,” said

Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. Also, given the increasing probability of El Nino beginning the third quarter of 2014, Balisacan reiterates the need to intensify government programs to curb the adverse impact of a prolonged dry spell. “In the medium term, implementation of programs to increase the productivity of agriculture and the food processing industries need to be accelerated. The wider use of appropriate technology, especially in production areas vulnerable to drought and floods, also needs to be encouraged,” he said. In line with this, Balisacan said that Public-Private Partnership programs may be considered to put up cold chain systems.

“The concept of using cold chain technologies in the agriculture sector should be done on a gradual basis, from some selected operations and for the whole distribution chain,” he said. Meanwhile, aside from headline inflation, core inflation which nets out fuel and certain food items also decreased to 2.8 percent in June 2014, lower compared to 3.1 percent in May 2014. For the first six months in 2014, core inflation averaged at 3.0 percent. Also, inflation rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) decreased to 3.6 percent in June 2014, slower than the year-on-year rate of 3.8 percent in May 2014. In Areas outside NCR, inflation rate remained stable at 4.7 percent in June 2014, the same level in May 2014.

52 percent

79 percent

The Philippines’s Internet penetration rate nearly doubled in the past four years on the back of the rapid rise in the number of mobile Internet users, according to the latest Nielsen PinoyNetizen report released on Tuesday. The Nielsen PinoyNetizen Report stated that the country’s Internet penetration almost doubled in the past four years to 52 percent in 2014, from 27 percent in 2010. Business Mirror, June 25, 2014

THE SangguniangPanlungsod ng Dabaw, specifically the 17th City Council approved a total of 15 ordinances unique to Davao City during the past year, from July 2013 to June 2014. Topnotcher is Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar with 5 measures.

EIGHT out of every 10 Filipino consumers and buyers are more willing to pay extra for social-conscious products than other countries in the world. This was one of the findings of a Nielsen Global Survey of Corporate Social Responsibility among 30,000 consumers in 60 countries. BusinessMirror, June 18, 2014

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Where have all our marine turtles gone? TEXT and PHOTOS by GERRY T. ESTRERA

AWI-TAWI, located in the country’s southernmost province, is home to the Turtle Islands, a group of seven islets between the Philippines and Malaysia’s Sandakan. The islets are Southeast Asia’s single most important green turtle conservation area. “Endangered sea turtle eggs are being harvested in Tawi-tawi seas,” wrote Vincent Go of Vera Files, “and sold in the public market of Bongao, despite various laws banning such activities. “Sea turtle eggs are harvested mostly by the Badjaos or Samals, the dominant ethnic group in Tawi-tawi.” The marine turtle eggs are being sold for only P100 for 15 pieces, or P50 for 7 pieces. Locals believe these eggs contain aphrodisiac properties, with some men even attesting to the supposed “virility powers” of eating raw turtle eggs. In the coastal barangay of Pasil in Cebu City, marine turtles – locally known as “pawikan” – are highly valued for its meat. Diners reportedly go to a makeshift eatery to eat the stewed pawikan. A bowl, served with corn grits costs P70. Customers said the meat tastes like beef. “Once you get a taste of this, you’ll surely come back here frequently,” one of the vendors was quoted as saying by Cebu Daily News. Aside from its distinct taste, most customers believe the exotic dish is an aphrodisiac. Unknowingly, whether a customer or a vendor, all are liable under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. The law said that anyone who is involved in the selling and trade of marine turtle meat shall be im-

prisoned for two years and is mandated to pay a fine of up to P200,000. The same penalty applies for anyone who eats the meat of the endangered species. There is a stiffer penalty – four to six years of imprisonment as well as a fine of P500,000 – for those who slaughter the pawikan. Unknowingly, tourism may also play a big part in making marine turtles extinct. “Tourism in natural places that does not take into account the effect they have to the environment is the threat,” explained Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, founder and director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines. “In the Philippines, where it seems that every inch of our beaches will soon be developed for tourism, this will become a big threat for marine turtles.” According to Dr. Yaptinchay, development of the coast where buildings are to be constructed will displace marine turtles from one of their most important life cycle habitats, referring to the nesting beach. “Lights, infrastructure, noise, domestic animals, and pollution will not only disturb those nesting females but also their hatchlings,” he said. “Marine turtles will not nest when disturbed.” Studies have shown that marine turtles spend most of their life in the sea and get all the things they need there. They even mate in the sea. But when the time comes to lay their eggs, the females return to shore, usually in the same place where they were hatched. “If you imagine a first time nester approaching its place of birth, how much do you think of its birth place or nesting beach remains

over the last 35-50 years?” Dr. Yaptinchay asked. “I would guess there would be very little space left for it to nest and enough disturbance developed to shoo it away. We are preventing them from fulfilling their life purpose. For me this is very tragic.” In some instances, some tourism facilities view marine turtles as attractions. “This is fine if you view marine turtles from a distance, but most (beach owners) are greedy and would take a turtle and put it in a tank for secured viewing for their guests,” Dr. Yaptinchay said. But what he considered as worrisome is when beach owners would tie the turtle to a tree. “This has happened and is still happening,” deplored Dr. Yaptinchay. Those resorts located in islands sometimes think they are helping marine turtles by keeping hatchlings in containers and allow them to grow for a few months before releasing them into the open sea. “What they do not realize is that they have just disrupted the whole life cycle of the turtles,” Dr. Yaptinchay said. “Hatchlings are supposed to be in open pelagic waters for the first decade of their lives. Again an important phase in their lives is affected.” However, Dr. Yaptinchay believes there are ways to develop tourism without

compromising the integrity of the environment. “Technology and knowledge already exists,” he said. “We just need to learn to give the environment more importance than the money we earn.” According to Dr. Yaptinchay, his organization is working with the tourism department in developing interaction guidelines for tourists, resorts, and dive operators to prevent disturbance to marine turtles. Marine turtles belong to the order Chelonia, an order of reptiles that has existed and flourished since prehistory with very little change in their basic structure. Of the eight species of marine turtles known to man, five of them can be found in the Philippines. These are the Green Sea (known in the science world as “Chelonia mydas”), Hawksbill (“Eretmochelys imbricate”), Loggerhead (“Caretta caretta”), Olive Ridley (“Lepidochelys olivacea”), and Leatherback (“Dermocheyls coriacea”). The three others are the Kemp’s Ridley (“Lepidochelys kempi”), Flatback (“Chelonia depressa”), and Black Sea (“Chelonia agassizi”). Unfortunately, all eight species are listed under the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which means the trade of

these species and subspecies is strictly “prohibited except for educational, scientific or research and study purposes.” The Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has also classified the eight species as endangered. This is so because “their populations are in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue to operate.” The Philippines is a signatory of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and implements the Pawikan Conservation Project nationwide through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Since 2001, hunting, sale and killing of marine turtles have been banned in the country. But despite sincere efforts by the government and some environmentalist groups to save marine turtles from extinction, the decimation of the endangered species continues unabated. “All of the species found in our country are endangered except for the Hawksbill which is critically endangered,” Dr. Yaptinchay said. “The only sure thing is that marine turtle populations are under tremendous threats and if these are not stopped, extinction is imminent.”

Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources believes so, too. “Unless we, Filipinos, seriously take on the task of protecting the much endangered marine turtles, these ancient creatures will soon be gone (from our waters),” Haribon, which is regarded as a pioneer of the environmental movement in the Philippines, said in a statement. If left alone, marine turtles would survive several centuries. In March 2006, a giant tortoise said to be as old as 250 years died in a Calcutta zoo, having been taken to India by British sailors, records suggest, during the reign of King George II. Three months later, newspapers around the world noted the passing of Harriet, a Galapagos tortoise that died in the Australia Zoo at age 176 - 171 years after Charles Darwin “plucked her from her equatorial home.” Behind such Biblical longevity is the marine turtle’s stubborn refusal to senesce - to grow old. Don’t be fooled by the wrinkles, the halting gait and the rheumy gaze. Researchers lately have been astonished to discover that in contrast to nearly every other animal studied, a turtle’s organs do not gradually break down or become less efficient over time. But the question remains: Will there be marine turtles in the next century?

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

‘A sin of our time’

OPE Francis called for more respect for nature on Saturday, branding the destruction of South America’s rainforests and other forms of environmental exploitation a sin of modern times. In an address at the University of Molise, an agricultural and industrial region in southern Italy, Francis said the Earth should be allowed to give her fruits without being exploited. “This is one of the greatest challenges of our time: to convert ourselves to a type of development that knows how to respect creation,” he told students, struggling farmers, and laid-off workers in a university hall. “When I look at America, also my own homeland (South America), so many forests, all cut, that have become land ... that can longer give life. This is our sin, exploiting the Earth and not allowing her to her give us what she has within her,”

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the Argentine pope said in unprepared remarks. Of course, one doesn’t have to be a Catholic or Christian to believe in what the Pope just said. Some of us, though, could only hope that the Pope’s message would touch the heart of all 1.3 billion Catholics, including our estimated 80 Catholics in the Philippines. We are sure many of the illegal loggers, and their collaborators in the government in this country, are Catholics, too. But, of course, logging is the not the only way to destroy environment. We now know that indiscriminate throwing of wastes also contributes a lot to environment degradation. Next to logging, irresponsible mining is perceived to be the most destruction way of exploitation of the riches of our nature. We just hope that the Pope will reiterate his message when he visits the country early next year. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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XISTENCE OF PRIVATE ARMED GROUPS – For the past years the wary public witnessed the emergence of politicians who established their political and economic base, which are reinforced with private armed groups. Aside from money and party organization, which are usually assumed to be the twin keys in winning an election, some big bosses or strongmen relied on dreaded armed thugs in preparation for their election bid. Their language of politics is force. It came as no surprise that the presence of private armies existed not only during the Marcos era. The same goes true even during the succeeding administrations: Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and Arroyo and now the PNoy leadership. Many influential and wealthy politicians along the years hardly shied away from using force to win the electoral battles and cling on to power like hungry leeches. The last time I was able to read a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and its Peace and Order Council, it reiterated there were at least 150 or more private armed bands all over the country, composed of about 5,000 men equipped with sophisticated and high-power firearms. With the disturbing report, concerned committees then of both Senate and the House initiated a no non-sense probe into the existence of private armed groups allegedly being maintained by moneyed and powerful politicians. There were already numerous previous testimonies submitted by the PNP intelligence network to concerned committees in Congress and a long list containing the names of politicians who maintain armed groups. Unfortunately, committee members, as their wont, declined to reveal the names saying the list had already been “sanitized” and simply because some of members of Congress are allegedly into the murky political game. Other crucial verifications likewise alleged the military intelligence network reported

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The politics of force that private armies were hired mostly by powerful politicians and big-time businessmen, but also refused to name names for obvious reasons. As a result, intelligence personnel came under fire from members of Congress who felt that because they linked politicians to private armies, all were considered suspects. This prompted them to raise the question: “How come it is fair for them to indict politicians and not fair for them to reveal their identities?” Ever since committee members were not satisfied with the list submitted by the police and military intelligence linkages because there are other armed groups that are notorious but were not mentioned at all in their reports. In most instances, the list would identify the maintainers of private armies only by their surnames or nom de guerre. It’s precisely the reason why members of the previous probe teams complained that the list they saw was quite incomplete. At this stage Congress leadership supposedly should demand public disclosure of the names of politicians said to be patrons of dreaded private armies. People involved must be exposed before the public’s wrath. In the event any member of Congress or any elective officials for that matter are identified to be maintaining armed groups, it is the task of the respective Committee on Ethics to act on the case posthaste. Political figures who established their political and economic foothold and reinforced their power and influence with private

PEACETALK BY MIRIAM CORONEL-FERRER The members of the BTC will also be present, thereby ensuring close coordination and processing. To begin with, neither the BTC draft nor the OP-reviewed text is so complete and perfect to leave no more room for discussion, or no other option but to choose between one or the other. Closed options have never been the practice in our past negotiation. It shouldn’t be now in the implementation stage. Then and now, “problem-solving” has defined our modalities and this approach has produced the workable results that brought us this far. For both the Government and the MILF, the bottom line is set by the signed documents that make up the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. There is no backtracking on either side. Any perception of backtracking can be duly addressed and rectified during the discussion. On the other hand, details or aspects beyond the signed documents are policy options that the BTC has taken and which the OP team took care to study and uphold as much as possible. But as in any legislation, there are various ramifications to any single text, or gaps that might not have appeared at first instance. The Kuala Lumpur workshop will help sort out these grey zones. If we are going through this difficulty now,

A big black eye armies from Aparri to Jolo is already a permanent fixture in the country’s political system. Private armed groups were organized on the pretext of fighting rebels and criminal elements, but these forces were actually used against their political opponents and come in handy and violence had become endemic to the country’s politics. At it seems many hotly contested political territories are still personifying political warlords and private armies at its peak. In these political turfs lurked affluent and dominant figures considered as typical warlords with more than just a taste for violence. In rare occasions the reduced scale of violence perpetrated by private armies had largely to do with the fear of disqualification. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had passed long time ago a resolution reiterating that violence, intimidation and terrorism as grounds for disqualification and made prohibition procedures summary. It likewise created the presumption that the act of a follower is the act of a leader for purposes of disqualification. Sad to lament, though, the wary public believes the poll body was perceived to be weak and lacking the will to prosecute mounting disqualification cases. Under the present Aquino administration a violent-free elections in May 2016 presidential elections is believed to be unlikely what with private armed groups and loose firearms still a glaring reality in politics Philippine-style. Unless the Aquino leadership and Comelec gather enough strength and political will, the disturbing report on private armed hooligans and loose firearms was an “admission of failure” by the police and military establishments because they could not dismantle them outright. And candidates maintaining private armed groups therefore will continue to be emboldened to take the electoral conflicts one step too far.

Let our peace process continue to be the bright spot amid the violent conflicts

HE implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is in the critical stage of processing a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that the President can confidently submit to Congress and certify as urgent upon its adoption as an official bill in Congress, shortly after the reopening of Congress on July 28. We know that the review process conducted by the Office of the President (OP) on the proposed law submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has raised some apprehension over somecontent where modifications were recommended by the OP review team. That is why we are taking the necessary steps to ensure better understanding of the concerns, and to find a good resolution through frank and open discussion. Last July 3, in an en banc meeting held in Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission passed a resolution “elevat(ing) the matter or process to the Panels for clarification, discussion and resolution of issues that may have been affected by the proposed revisions in the proposed BBL, in the higher interest of finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Mindanao.” The Government Panel readily accep ed the task. Together with the MILF Panel, Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Ghafar and the members of the International Contact Group, we will be meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week in a workshop that would thresh out the various substantive matters that have arisen from the BTC submission and the subsequent OP review.

VANTAGE POINTS

it is because we want the next stages to be less difficult not only between the government and the MILF, but among all the institutions and actors that will be or have been playing a role in the process. A well-processed bill that goes through the legislative mill, with the certification of the President as urgent, will stand much better chances of smooth-sailing passage in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

As we have said many times in the past, this partnership between the GPH and the MILF is not for the fainthearted. It is also not for the impatient and the impetuous who, in the face of difficulty, immediately throw in the towel. Rather, it is for those who persevere so that when the going gets rough, they get going. They do not turn back to their old comfort zones, or to the familiar sound of their war cries. Surely, we are not throwing in the towel because we do need the towel for this laborious task that is 99 percent perspiration. We appeal to the understanding of all sectors who have accompanied this process and who like us desire to institutionalize a Bangsamoro that is grounded on a solid foundation and enjoying very strongpeople's support. Let our peace process continue to be the bright spot amid the violent conflicts that beset many countries in other parts of the globe today. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer issued this statement on Monday, July 7, before flying to Kuala Lumpur]

MIND DA NEWS BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

(Conclusion)

this does not nullify unconstitutionality and illegality and the liability of the “authors, proponents and implementors of the DAP” so that they still have to prove “good faith” and clear themselves of their accountabilities. In emphasizing [1], they ironically project [2]. Not all the PAPs were done in good faith and for the benefit of the people. The billionsdisbursed for political patronage certainly did not benefit the people. The DAP was (it was abolished last year to purportedly render the case before the Court moot and academic) a rotting banana. Aquino III, et al., only pointed to the good portion forgetting that the rotten part cannot be hidden. Justices Antonio Carpio and Arturo Brion are very critical of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad’s “good faith defense”. As declared by Abad, Brion said “it can have far reaching effects. Worse, for this Court, any advocacy or mention of presumption of good faith may becharacterized as an undue and underserved deference to the Executive, implying that the rule of law, separation of powers and checks and balances may have been compromised in this country.” (Bold supplied). How will the DAP Decision impact on the President and his administration? It will depend on who is viewing the impact. The black eye will soon disappear; but the image cannot be prevented from recurring. The Aquino III partisans will only see the good portion of the banana; but rid of the rotting part, the banana is no longer whole Former Sen. Joker Arroyo, first executive secretary of President Corazon C. Aquino – Aquino III’s mother -- said the Supreme Court ruling showed that the President “crushed” Congress and remarked: “But at what price? His survival is now in peril.” His SONA on July 28 bears watching. Either the DAP Decision is just another decision or it will imperil the President’s survival in his last two years. The big black eye it has inflicted may be etched in Philippine history. [Author’s Note: Mind da News, the alternate of COMMENT, is a comment on current news. The author may be contacted at patponcediaz@yahoo.com.]

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to be in possession of an unlicensed pistol when he was arrested by police last June 22. He also faces murder charges for the killing of the Cebu billionaire. Based on the July 3 court order, the court granted the motion after it found merit in the request for continued custody with the DCPO. Prosecutor Carlos Castaños Jr. did not oppose the July 2 motion filed by lawyer Ben Joseph O. Tesiorna, counsel of Labang. Labang alleged in his motion that he is in constant fear for his life as he implicated a top-ranking police official in Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) – 11 Superintendent Leonardo A. Felonia as the one who ordered him to kill King. “That he has executed an extrajudicial confession on June 24, 2014 with regard to the matter; and that he intends to apply as a state witness in the related case,” the court order stated. However, the court clarified that they granted

the request only for his illegal possession of firearms and not for the murder case. Earlier, Tesiorna told Edge Davao that he will ask the court to retain detention of his clients—Labang and the Dela Cerna brothers Rommel and Rodel--to DCPO for security reasons. Meanwhile, the court already released a commitment order for Labang and the Dela Cernas on their detention to Davao City Jail while their murder charge still pending in court. The three accused are set to file their motion for detention at the DCPO. On Friday, Tesiorna said their camp plans to file applications for Dela Cerna brothers and Labang to stand as state witnesses. Labang, Tesiorna qualified, may encounter stiff opposition since he is the principal suspect who directly killed King Last June 12. He said he will submit the application just the same and leave the decision to the court.

In terms of expansion, the corporation is also planning to extend their services outside the Davao Region, most likely in General Santos City and the

CARAGA region. “We are looking for more areas where we can make impact, Davao City is already filled with good hospitals,” Saligumba said.

Almonte and Analiza S. Mesa, formerly assigned at the Cash Receipts Division (CRD) of the CTO. The five were found guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of public documents, serious neglect of duty, inefficiency, incompetence in the performance of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service. Aside from dismissal, the city government will also impose accessory penalties such cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and disqualification from holding public office and ban from taking civil service examination.

Quitain, however, refused to name the new three respondents for the protection of their families. He said that the investigation committee is supposed to conduct the first hearing last week but it was rescheduled this week because the lawyer of the respondent requested for postponement. He did not divulge any further details on the investigation of the three personnel who belonged to a different division and not from the Cash Receipts Division (CRD). Quitain said that the result of the investigation is expected to be released by the end of the month.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

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Marco Polo Hotels and invested P3 billion to develop Marco Polo Ortigas. “Marco Polo Hotels has been known for its excellent services and first-class signature touches. We are incredibly excited to be affiliated with this reputable

hotel brand in Asia-Pacific for the Marco Polo Ortigas, a P3-billion investment,” Po said in a statement, noting that this investment was his group’s answer to the Philippine government’s call for fresh investments in tourism.

Marco Polo Ortigas is the third Philippine hotel in Marco Polo’s portfolio, the other two being in Davao and Cebu. Next to China, the Philippines now has the most number of Marco Polo Hotels in Asia.

Marco Polo Hotels is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd., a Hong Kong-listed company with core business interests in property and investments in communications and container-terminal operations. [PNA]

go from there. If you’ve seen the airports in Mindanao, we have large empty space in the runway. We are talking of leasing 50 hectares and put solar panels in those empty spaces,” said the CAAP chief. Hotchkiss further explained that with the solar power in place the airport will be a sus-

tainable source of energy and would be able to help in Mindanao’s power needs. “If the project would be successful, excess electricity can be channel back to the Mindanao Grid providing additional generation of electricity to the existing power problems of the island. If our Solar

Energy pilot will become successful, then we can replicate it nationwide,” he said. Hotchkiss said the plans will definitely help in the existing problems faced in maintaining the airports. “Definitely rainwater catchment will be there continuously. For a lot of our terminals, rain-

water gives us a problem on where to put it. With the rain catchment in place we not only solve the problem but utilize nature gift as well. The plan to have solar power generation in our airports is still under study but definitely it is very feasible,” he said. [Erwin Mascarinas/MindaNews]

the PCA has exerted effort to come up with a better strategy to combat the outbreak. “Our new strategy is comprised of two methods, containment and control. Containment of the infestation will prevent the spread, we have to make sure that it will not surpass the Calabarzon region. We do quarantine, the PCA, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have put up 14checkpoints around Calabarzon to restrict in-

fested coconut leaves and seedlings from leaving the region,” Romulo Arancon, PCA administrator, explained during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum. “We also need to control the CSI population by implementing integrated pest management strategies. If we could reduce it by 65 to 85 percent, we will achieve balance in the ecosystem.” he added. Pruning, organic spraying, biological control, and organic fertilization have been suggested by the PSA

and the Save the Coconut Movement to address the problem. “We will defeat this CSI with the help of science,” Francis Pangilinan, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) said. The Save the Coconut Movement is composed of coconut farmers and landowners, organic farmers and practitioners, and bee farmers who support the government’s effort to control the spread of CSIs. They assist the PCA in

any form of pest management as long as there is no involvement of neonicotinoid of chemical usage in accordance with the intents of Republic Act 10068 known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. The movement is currently educating the public about the risk of chemical trunk injection and offering alternative organic methods for pest management. They are also conducting a research about the development of other possible coconut pests.

ders. The lowest bidder, E.M. Cuerpo Inc., offered P144.89 million but was disqualified during the post-qualification phase. Under the project, one unit each of search and rescue base and hangar will be built at Sanga-Sanga, Tawi-Tawi and Puerto Princesa in Palawan. The project also aims to “support the maritime security and protection of the Malampaya Natural Gas-to-Power Project, Reed Bank and the future of Sulu Oil Rig,” according to a bid bulletin issued by the DND. The basing project is expected to improve the capabilities of the Air

Force, boost its operational effectiveness, and build support systems for search and rescue efforts. “The bases can help us protect our resources and boost our disaster response efforts,” the source added. The Malampaya project is located in Palawan and is the source of power plants that provide electricity to a huge part of Luzon including Metro Manila. Meanwhile, Recto Bank or Reed Bank is located within 80 nautical miles from Palawan and is being considered as a site for exploration projects. The area is being

claimed by China even if it is well within the country’s exclusive economic zone. In 2011, two Chinese ships reportedly bullied a civilian vessel commissioned by the energy department while conducting an oil exploration survey in the area. The facilities will also secure projects in South Sulu Sea, an area projected to yield potential oil reserves of 750 million barrels, enough to cover the country’s daily consumption in seven years. Vicente Lao is also one of the lowest bidders for one of the projects that seek to improve the facili-

ties in Oyster Bay, an area facing the West Philippine Sea. The company offered to build the Oyster Bay pier and harbor for P209.637 million, lower than the approved budget of P236.637 million. The government, however, has yet to issue a notice of award for the project because of a case filed before the Supreme Court. Lao is the same firm that built many big-ticket projects in Davao City, including the Buhangin Underpass and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Davao City-Davao del Sur highway.

for the social work division of the UM College of Arts and Sciences Education. Bacus’ co-alumnus Roshelo Caluyo, who placed eighth in the same examinations, will also be awarded by Dr. Torres with a check worth P50, 000. Bacus is the first student to be awarded the prize of P1 million for topping a board exam in the history of the Univer-

sity, and may be the entire country. She arranged with the school to be able to use the library as well as materials from the Social Work club to pursue her reviews and additional reading instead of a review school. Bacus finished her studies as a scholar of the city government’s Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program. “She was not a consis-

tent dean’s lister. She just really immersed herself in her studies and in the reviews,” added Gonzales. Bacus has said she intends to work with the City Social Services and Development Office to be able to “pay back” who put her through school. “I believe God has planned this for me. It is His favor and grace who accompanied me all throughout [exams],” said Bacus.

The UM garnered 89.66% (first time takers) passing rate versus the national passing rate of 54.79%. Torres told newsmen he started offering reward of P100,000 to would-be top placers in the bar or board examination in 2002. When nobody won it, he raised it to P1 million. Now that there is a winner, the university will revisit the reward system, he said.

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AGRITRENDS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

Organic success By GERRY T. ESTRERA

F someone mentions the words “organic farming,” what comes into your mind right away? Environment-friendly, natural, not using pesticides and other chemicals, sustainable, regenerative, and healthy – these are the words use to describe this method of farming which has recently captured the attention of many countries around the world. Thanks to Republic Act 10068, organic farming is now being promoted in the Philippines. More popularly known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, the law is a state policy that promotes, propagates, and further develops the practice of organic farming in the country. President Benigno Aquino III, during the 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference in Hacienda Luisita last year, directed the Department of Agriculture to allocate 2-percent of its annual budget for the implementation of the department’s programs and policies on organic agriculture. The United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO), in its report, Organic Agriculture and Food Security, explicitly states that organic farming fights hunger, tackles climate change, and is good for farmers, consumers and the environment. Organic farming, according to FAO’s Nadia Scialabba, is “a holistic production management system that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of plants, animals and people.” In Mindanao, farmers growing rice are proving once and for all that organic farming can improve one’s income. Last year, Benjamin R. Lao was named by the Department of Agriculture as an outstanding organic farmer. “We want to teach Filipino farmers the right way of farming through the natural method, without using commercial fertilizer or pesti-

cides,” he said of those people who come to his farm in barangay Eman in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Organic farming caught the attention of Lao after training at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in nearby barangay of Kinuskusan. “I was impressed by the way they conserve the soil and the farming systems they have developed through the years,” he said. The MBRLC is at the forefront in promoting organic farming not only in Mindanao but also in other parts of the country. Its former director, American missionary and agriculturist Harold R. Watson, received a Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding in 1985 for encouraging international utilization of the center’s farming technologies. MBRLC is credited for coming up with four sustainable systems for the uplands: Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1), Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), Sustainable Agroforest Land Technology (SALT 3), and Small Agrofruit Livelihood Technology (SALT 4). In all these systems, the MBRLC uses various nitrogen-fixing species as hedgerows to keep the soil intact. “We are following the concept of rice terraces of Banaue,” says Roy C. Alimoane, the current director. “But instead of using stones to form terraces, we utilize several plants grown in double hedgerows and planted following the contour lines.” The hedgerows are cut every 30 to 45 days at knee high. “We use the cuttings are fertilizer for our crops,” Alimoane explains. “We don’t apply commercial fertilizer since the cuttings are already good sources of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.” The cuttings also serve as mulching materials during the rainy seasons. “Once there is rain, the rain would not directly hit the soil, thus helping minimize the erosion of topsoil,” he says. “The double hedgerows also aid

in abetting the flowing of the soil going down.” A study conducted at the MBRLC farm showed the rate of soil loss in a SALT farm is 3.4 metric tons per hectare per year, which is within the tolerable range. Most soil scientists place acceptable soil loss limits for tropical countries within the range of 10 to 12 metric tons per hectare per year. The non-SALT farm has an annual soil loss rate of 194.3 metric tons per hectare per year. The SALT scheme requires careful management of the space between the hedgerows. A combination of permanent, semi-permanent, and annual crops is recommended so as to rebuild the ecosystem and maximize yields while enabling farmers to organize their work time efficiently. Every third strip of available land is planted to permanent crops. Examples include cacao and coffee, which were recommended by President Benigno S. Aquino III during his second State of the Nation Address. “Both cacao and coffee have steady markets,” says Alimoane. “Cacao has a potential of becoming one of our agricultural exports.” A combination of various cereals (upland rice, corn, and sorghum) and vegetables (beans, pulses, tomato, eggplant, ampalaya, and sweet pepper) are planted on the remaining two strips of land. Each has its own specific area so that there can be a seasonal rotation. For instance, an area planted to corn previously will be planted with mung bean in the next cropping season. “Crop rotation helps to preserve the regenerative properties of the soil and avoid the problems of infertility typical of traditional agricultural practices,” explains Alimoane on the importance of regular rotation of crops. SALT offers many valuable ecological advantages. “This farming system greatly reduces the risk of drought, landslides, floods, and silting over of low-lying land, and

wind erosion, all of which are linked to the radical transformation of the natural environment and destruction of the mountain forests,” Alimoane says. “It also replaces ugly eroded and denuded slopes with the luxuriant beauty of abundant vegetation.” Examples of nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs are kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and the introduced species Flemingia macrophylla, Desmodium rensonii, and Indigofera anil. These species are also excellent fodder for goats. That’s why in its SALT 2 model, the above species are also planted in the lower portion of the farm. In this half-hectare system, 12 does are raised together in a barn located at the center of the farm. Another small house is built in the nearby for the buck. The cut hedgerows are brought to the barn as fodder for the goats. The goat manure are collected and used as fertilizer for the hedgerows and the crops (which are planted at the upper portion of the farm). The goats, which are dairy type, are milked two times a day: in the early morning and late afternoon. A study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology showed that goat’s milk as per 200 milligram serving can provide 20 percent of the daily require-

ments for calcium, four percent for vitamin A, and eight percent for iron. The MBRLC also bats for reforestation through its SALT 3 system. “In two hectares, we try to combine agriculture and trees,” Alimoane says. One hectare is planted to crop while the other hectare is grown with trees. Alimoane talks about “tree time zones” of 1-5, 6-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years, within which progressively more valuable products are harvested. Some very valuable trees could be left longer, and he dubs this “the grandchild project.” He explains, “Plant something for your grandchildren.” Among the tree species planted in the SALT 3 model farm are bamboo, Sesbania sesban, “ipil-ipil,” Acacia auriculiformis and A. mangium, Swietenia macrophylla, Pterocarpus indicus (more popularly known as narra), and Samanea saman (rattan is planted below it). Some of these are planted basically for fuelwood while others are for furniture purposes. In the lowlands, the MBRLC promotes a non-conventional gardening scheme called Food Always In The Home (FAITH). According to Alimoane, the method can also reduce a farmer’s heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides which pose health hazards and wreak havoc on the environment.

“FAITH is a type of vegetable gardening that can provide the necessary protein, vitamins and mineral requirements needed by a family with six members,” Alimoane points out. “We designed it in such a way that it requires minimum labor.” As the name suggests, there will be vegetables – and some fruits – all throughout the year if its recommended plant is properly followed. Based on a study, the garden can provide 300 grams (or one bowl) or fresh vegetables daily. Another organic farming technique MBRLC endorses is vermicomposting and the use of fermented juices of plants and fruits. “Use of natural inputs is sometimes regarded as unscientific,” Alimoane says. “But science is actually catching up.” Vermicomposting refers to the process of using earthworms to turn organic waste into vermicompost – also known as vermicast, worm compost, worm castings, worm humus or worm manure – a high quality natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. Vermicast is being used in the center’s FAITH and ornamental gardens. It is also used in bagging some of the planting materials. “We would be happy to have people come to the center. We can show to them what we are doing and how we are doing them,” Alimoane concludes.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

INdulge!

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EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

HRSMA inducts new officers, aims to promote IGACOS By Kenneth Irving Ong Photos courtesy of HRSMA DAVAO’S Hotel & Resort Sales & Marketing Association (HRSMA) recently went on an island excursion together with the Department of Tourism’s Assistant Secretary Art Boncato for a get together and induction of officers. The group, headed by their president Ms. Gina Mae Aranda of Eden Nature Park as well as their vice-president Ms. Kathleen Namuag of Seda also took the opportunity to learn more about the tourism sights of Island Garden City of Samal as well as the many different resorts that are located in the vicinity. The group also took the opportunity

to induct the new officers as well as new members into the organisation. For their tour, HRSMA’s officers visited Piunta del Sol for a hearty breakfast followed by a lunch and a quick tour of Jorona Mountain Beach Resort. The group also visited the world-famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort for afternoon snacks as well as a visit to IGACOS’s

Taclobo Farm and Research Center where one can see thousands of giant clams. With over 82 island and inland resorts situated at Samal at present, the association aims to promote IGACOS to local and foreign guests as a destination to visit while staying at their respective hotels in mainland Davao City.

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Globe Art Gallery features Parial’s Painted Photographs THE Globe Art Gallery currently features renowned artist Mario Parial’s Painted Photographs, an exhibition that harnessed conventional photography as the artist made use of his collection of vintage cameras. Parial’s art revolved around photography, printmaking and painting. But when he encountered health problems in early 2000, Parial set aside large-scale painting and rekindled his romance with photography, a passion he had since he was in college. Instead of simply collecting vintage cameras, he availed of them to advance his art. His exposure to these gadgets immensely expanded his knowledge of photography and its history, as gleaned from the make and capability of the various vintage cameras and lenses that passed through his hands. Some of Parial’s vintage cameras are also displayed at the Globe Art Gallery, located at the basement of the telecommunication provider’s corporate headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. The exhibition, which will run until August 13, features 39 of Parial’s painted photographs, which he developed in the old manner in his darkroom. He scanned the firm to digitize and resize before printing but did not resort to computerized image manipulation. With dashes of acrylic color, pastel and pencil, crosshatches with felt tip markers and paper collages, Parial created a pictographic reality all his own. In “Mother and Child,” Parial takes two photos of mothers feeding their babies, with Jesus carrying the cross as backdrop. “The Kiss,” shows devotees praying before Christ on the Cross with one devotee kissing the bloodied palm of Jesus while “Secret Text,” shows a young man facing a wall with assorted lines while busily texting. Parial graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Universit y of Santo To m a s . He taught printmaking and painting, first in his alma mater in the 1970s and later in the 1990s at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Known for his folk and mythological interest where the woman figure was central to the composition in his art, he garnered top prizes from almost all the leading art competitions in the country. In 1972, the Cultural Center of the Philippines honored him as one of the year’s Thirteen Artist awardees. He exhibited extensively in the Philippines and in other countries following his first solo show in 1965. He died in December of last year. Parial’s Painted Photographs is the third art exhibition to be featured at The Globe Art Gallery since August last year, when the telecommunications provider moved to The Globe Tower, its new corporate headquarters. The gallery initially featured the works of film and television make-up artist Leo Velasco who won the company’s 1st ImaginART competition. Velasco also bagged up to P 1 million in prize money and exhibition grant. Recently, the Globe Art Gallery also showcased “Biag”, an exhibition of artworks made by Cordillera artists from the Tam-Awan Village, a venue for art and cultural activities in Baguio City aiming to increase awareness and appreciation of the Cordillera culture and at the same time preserving the region’s heritage. “Biag”, meaning life, features five artists namely Mark Tandoyog, Alfonso Dato, Alfred Dato, Art Lozano and Herwin Buccat. Globe Telecom’s support for contemporary art and the people in the art community in general speaks of its advocacy for creativity and innovation.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Infiesto celebrates bday at World Palace

INTER NATIONAL chess arbiter James Infiesto recently celebrated his 46th birthday by holding a mini blitz chess tournament at the World Palace.

He was joined by his chess buddies from the National Chess Federation of the Phils. (NCFP) XI. The top five winners were Harrison Maamo (4.5 points),Vincent Umayan (3.5), Alfred Moulic (3.0), Janex Blanco (3.0) and Jumong Castro (3.0). Aside from the sumptuous food plus lots of drinks, there was also a non-stop videoke singing led by the blind athletes from the Philspada XI. James, who just arrived from Macau, China last month wherein he was one of the tournament officials of the ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships, is currently the leader of both the NCFP XI and Philspada XI being the regional director and president, respectively. The surprise party was organized by Infiesto’s very supportive partner Skye Dionela and his loving daughters Jymmes and Jam Infiesto. Also present were Infiesto’s other kids Jandee, Marianne and Craig James. Skye’s bestfriend Jenny Eugenio of the City Sports Development Division went home as the “Dancing Queen of the Night.” James thanked all his friends, guests and sponsors that included Engr. Allan Diez, Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Charisma Mariano of Gutierrez Development Company, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Reggie and Ging Olay, Anna Calixijan and Leo Palo. Also present to join the

The mini blitz chess tournament. The JCI Durian City members Maryfe Sabino, Ronelyn Llanos, Myrna Ramiterre, Jenny Eugenio, Lovella de Guzman, Jay Sasin, James & Skye with World Palace owner Ms. Chrisberrie Lorraine Lim Crisostomo, daughter of Ms. Lei Lim Crisostomo.

James together with friends Jonathan Espanol, Allan Espanol, Aldrin Pacana & Alex With friends Ann Calixijan, Lito delos Reyes, Skye, Leo Mantabote. Palo, James & Sir Gogo Alba. fun were SCOOP Davao ors Office’ Amy & Jamel Ramiterre and, Lovella president Lito delos Reyes, Ombana, Pepito “Kapuso” de Guzman and World Gogo Alba, PARA Nation- Rosauro & Armand Am- Palace owner Chrisberrie al Games medalist Aldrin oncio. JCI Durian City Lorraine Lim Crisostomo, Pacana and Jonathan Es- members Maryfe Sabino, who gave them a big dispañol, From the city May- Ronelyn Llanos, Myrna count.

The Infiesto Family Jandee, Craig James, Jymmes, Marianne, Jam, James & Skye.

With friends from the City Mayors Office Amy & Jamel Ombana, Pepito “Kapuso” Rosauro & Armand Amancio.

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Daniel, Kathryn to launch new mobile show on ABS-CBNmobile TEEN KING Daniel Padilla and Teen queen Kathryn Bernardo will have a new show together starting July 7 to be exclusively shown on ABS-CBNmobile to give their fans glimpses of their lives as they pursue their showbiz careers and go on with their personal lives. Recently during the PINASmile Day held at the SM MOA Arena, Daniel and Kathryn revealed that there is more to expect from ABS-CBNmobile, the mobile phone service of leading television network ABS-CBN, in the coming weeks and months. “Soon, meron nang ‘experienceKATHNIEL’, at sa July naman, marami pa kayong aabangan,” Kathryn told Kapamilya fans during the PINASmile Day event. Earlier, ABS-CBNmobile had “experienceDANIEL in 30 days” followed by “experienceKATHRYN in 15 days” where the two had their own mobile shows. In each of the daily episodes of the two shows, they revealed bits of trivia about themselves, how they go about their daily lives, and other things that have never been published or seen anywhere. “Nakakatuwa dahil marami pang aabangan sa ABSCBNmobile. Tuluy-tuloy lang ang kwentuhan,” said Daniel. Daniel’s and Kathryn’s mobile shows were made available only through ABS-

“Kasi mahilig ako manood ng ‘Be Careful With My Heart’,” said Jai. Another thing to watch out for, said Kathryn, is the next ad of ABS-CBNmobile where Kathryn finally answers Daniel’s question. Their fans were curious to know how it turns out.

CBNmobile. Anyone can have access to all the episodes by just purchasing an ABS-CBNmobile SIM and activate it by inserting it into a compatible smartphone. It requires the download of the iWant TV app or the iWant Stars for Kathryn or iWant Stars for Daniel apps, available free, from Google Play or App Store. Subscrib-

ers must avail of a promo load or have a minimum maintaining balance of P10. To show other ways subscribers can enjoy ABS-CBNmobile, Kathryn asked the audience if there is a couple out there in the audience who are both ABS-CBNmobile subscribers. A couple came on stage, Karla and Jai. Daniel and

Kathryn asked them how they use their ABS-CBNmobile SIMs. “Nakakapanood ako ng shows kahit on the go kami,” said Karla. Indeed ABS-CBNmobile allows subscribers to watch any episode of ABS-CBN shows through their mobile phones installed with iWant TV.

Maya and Ser Chief, ready to rock the Big Dome on July 25 GET READY to sing along, dance along, and party with Maya (Jodi Sta. Maria), Ser Chief (Richard Yap) and the rest of the cast of “Be Careful With My Heart” as the country’s number one “feel-good habit” celebrates its second anniversary on daytime TV via a special free concert titled “I HEART YOU 2: The ‘Be Careful With My Heart’ Anniversary Thanksgiving” to be held on July 25 (Friday), 8PM, at the Araneta Coliseum. Joining the show’s cast members in the thanksgiving concert are Erik Santos, Juris, and Richard Poon. For free tickets to the “I

HEART YOU 2: The ‘Be Careful With My Heart’ Anniversary Thanksgiving,” Kapamilya viewers may go to the ABS-CBN Center Road on July 21 and 23. Ticket distribution will be from 10AM until 5PM. Meanwhile, continue to be inspired by the country’s number one feel-good habit, “Be Careful With My Heart,” everyday, before “It’s Showtime” on ABSCBN’s Primetanghali block. For more updates, log on to ABS-CBN.com, follow@ becarefulheart on Twitter, and “like” the show’s official Facebook page at Facebook.com/becarefulwithmyheartofficial.

“’Dun makikita kung ano ang sagot ko sa tanong niya sa commercial ng ABS-CBNmobile,” said Kathryn. “Hintayin natin,” added Daniel. Those interested to know more about ABS-CBNmobile, can just visit www.abscbnmobile.com.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 81• TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Cozy coffee experience at Gensan’s Post Coffee House THERE’S nothing quite like this coffee shop in town. It reminded us why we love chilling in coffee shops in the first place.

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

Post Coffee House is one coffee shop in Gensan that is currently taking over the Gensan social media sphere. Post after post, like their name would suggest, whether it be a Foursquare check-in, an Instagram post, or a Facebok status. The place is popular amongst tweens, and students in nearby colleges. Post Coffee House offers a different coffee experience. It gives this cozy atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re on a cloud or back in your childhood play room, with double deckers, much like open tea rooms, full of pillows and stuffed toys, you could enjoy a cup of coffee while seated like an English lady on a chair or a Japanese maiden on a pillow. Post-its are

everywhere containing anything from messages, quotes, greetings up to ads and even sketches, posted on the walls . The coffee shop also offers free wi-fi, and being one of Gensan’s selfie hot-

spots, which the establishment effectively supports, wherein they provide selfie sticks or mono pads for all their clients selfie needs. The place lives up to its reputation, their desserts,

pastries, drinks and baked pastas, match their prices. The staff cope well with their surroundings, and they provide customer service that match their interior. Price range is ‘allowance’ friendly, and is more affordable than most cafe’s in town. Post Coffee House is definitely a nice place to hang out with friends or family, sketch or even read a book. Visit them at Jose Catolico Sr. Ave, 9500 General Santos City. Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 81â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014

EDGE

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

Account Executives (3)

Male / Female, not more than 30 years old Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field. Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate A team player With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission

For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

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Manny also has endorsement deal with Kia

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

THER than being their ‘brains from the bench’ in the very competitive Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Kia will also have world champion Manny Pacquiao as the new face of the world-renowned car brand. Kia Motors Davao manager Noel Nazario said they welcome the decision of the Kia management in hiring world champion boxer and lawmaker Pacquiao as the car brand’s head coach in the PBA while hinting the deal could be even more than just that. “We are happy to

welcome Manny to the Kia family and I am sure the decision to hire his services is not only for the PBA stint of Kia but also for an endorsement contract with Kia,” said Nazario during the FAST Fridays media forum at the Barrio Fiesta of SM Lanang Premier. Kia is synonymous to global sports events like the FIFA World Cup, NBA, the LPGA and Australian Open. It has big-name endorsers like world no. 1 tennis player Rafael Nadal and basketball superstar Blake Griffin. “We do not have the

details of the deal with Manny but it is already confirmed that he will be our coach and endorser,” Nazario said. Meantime, Kia Davao marketing manager Lance Abano said the car brand is the preferred choice among taxi fleet companies in Davao. He also expects sales of Kia to pick up once the PBA season begins. Nazario revealed that sales went up after Pacquiao was announced coach of their PBA team. “Kaya we never questioned the decision. It has a purpose,” he said.

HE Westports Malaysia Dragons has come over to give the Philippine national men’s basketball team a fitting workout just a few days before Gilas Pilipinas leaves for the FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China. Gilas’ 12-man lineup for the FIBA Asia Cup, which is comprised mostly of members of the FIBA Asia Championships’ silver-medal team alongside some new pros and a handful of

cadets, walked the tightrope before winning the game, 84-81, on Sunday at the Meralco Gym. Naturalized center Marcus Douthit led the way with 18 points and 15 rebounds while LA Tenorio added 14 points and 10 assists. National team coach Chot Reyes said the team was groping for form as the squad has only recently began practicing together. “We’re off sync and rusty as can be expected

after only one week of practice,” Reyes said. Reyes added that there wasn’t a lot to be excited about in the tuneup, though he did note the performances of GlobalPort’s Jay Washington and cadet pool member Kevin Alas. “Nothing much except for JWash and Kevin Alas’ games,” Reyes added. The Dragons are helmed by Filipino coach Ariel Vanguardia.

Gilas struggles against Malaysia Dragons in tune-up game 84-81 T

MVP. Junmar Fajardo raises the Leo Prieto trophy as Most Valuable Player of the Year awardee of the PBA. The sophomore center ius flanked by PBA Commissioner Chito Sakud and PBA vice president Patrick Gregorio. Nuki Sabio

SHOOTING THE THREE. PJ Simon of SanMig Coffee Mixers shoots a trey over Arizona Reid of Rain Or Shine in Game 3. The Mixers lead the Finals 2-1. Nuki Sabio

Pacquiao relishes past in Digos By AQUILES ZONIO Contributor

IGOS CITY – Eight-division boxing champion and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao waxed poetic nay nostalgic when he set foot once again in this booming city where he spent six years of his life as amateur boxer. “How could I ever forget the days of yore when I was a struggling amateur boxer representing Digos and Davao Del Sur?” Pacquiao reminisced after visiting recently his sports facilities here. Pacquiao put up a modest boxing gym and martial arts training center in his 1,000-square meter lot located just a few minutes ride from the downtown area. The martial arts training center is almost finished while the boxing gym is about 60 percent completed. The facilities are being managed by Pacquiao’s long-time friend and former boxing colleague Renato Moreno. “I am not from here. But I found in its bosom the love and trust necessary in

my success as a boxer. I feel deeply indebted to Davao Del Sur for giving me the honor to represent the province in several amateur boxing tournaments,” Pacquiao said. Pacquiao bared that his entire life as amateur boxer was spent here, not in General Santos or Sarangani. Pacquiao came over here to grace the opening of PLDT-ABAP national boxing tournament. Pacquiao and Davao Del Sur governor Claude Bautista served as the main sponsors of the event. “The province and its people are happy that Congressman Manny Pacquiao has never failed to remember that he spent his life here as amateur boxer. You’re not a stranger to this place, Congressman,” Bautista said. Pacquiao and Bautista became close friends when the boxer-lawmaker was still a cockfighting aficionado. Pacquiao, however, gave away all his gamecocks when he embraced a

God-centered life way back in January 2012. No school, no boxing… Currently, there are 18 amateur boxers under MP Boxing Gym here. “These facilities were put up in November last year to help poor yet potential boxers in Digos and Davao Del Sur. This is Manny Pacquiao’s way of showing profound gratitude to the place where he first honed his skills and talent as amateur boxer,” Moreno said. Moreno claimed that the amateur boxers under MP Boxing Gym are enjoying free education, as well as, board and lodging. “Congressman Pacquiao emphasized to the boxers the utmost value of earning a college degree. The boxers should go to school for them to become beneficiaries of the program. We call it ‘No School, No Boxing’ program,” Moreno said. Pacquiao told Philboxing.com that he just wanted to leave another legacy aside from what he had already done in the world of boxing.

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LIFE CAN BE KRUL Did Dutch goalie violate fair play?

COOL SUB. Tim Krul saves on of the two he had in the shootout against Costa Roca.

IO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Netherlands goalkeeper Tim Krul insists he did nothing wrong in confronting Costa Rica’s penalty takers during a World Cup quarterfinal shootout. Krul’s crucial two saves on Sunday night followed his novel tactic that tested FIFA’s guidelines on fair play. The substitute goalie faced up to opponents at the penalty spot and repeatedly told them he knew where they’d place their shots. “I don’t think I have done anything wrong,” Krul said at a team news conference. “I haven’t shouted at (them) in an aggressive manner. I haven’t done any-

thing crazy. I just told them I knew where they are going.” The Dutch team’s 4-3 shootout win after a 0-0 draw set up a semifinal against Argentina. Krul said he would do the same again if Wednesday’s match goes to a shootout and he again gets substituted in for Jasper Cillessen, who is expected to start in the Dutch goal. “I am trying obviously to get into their heads and it worked,” said Krul, who instantly entered World Cup lore, both as a rare replacement and for his trash talk. “I use everything in my power to make it happen.” Krul said he learned just before the match that he

might be called on in a penalty shootout. Cillessen said he was not told. “The manager and the goalie coach told me before the game that if we had another substitution left it was a possible he would use me in the penalty shootout,” Krul said. “So obviously for me the whole game I was watching it with a different view.” Krul said it had been “difficult” sitting on the bench the entire World Cup and watching Cillessen play, craving his chance to start a match. “I’m really pleased the manager showed confidence in me to put me in a quarterfinal of a World Cup,” Krul said. “That’s

SUPER COACHES:

something to be really proud of. There is no jealously, but I would love to play. There is nothing better than playing for your country, but Jasper is our No. 1 at the moment.” Asked if his late appearance in extra time unsettled the Costa Rica team, Krul said it probably did. “When I started my warm up the whole bench was kind of confused what is going on,” he said, recalling Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto reaction to Dutch coach Louis van Gaal’s move. “If you see their manager’s face, he was looking at our manager,” Krul said. “His face was priceless, I think.”

The other battle

R RETURNING ROGER. Roger Federer says he will be back next year in Wimbledon.

oger Federer had his usually unflappable coach, Stefan Edberg, leaping to his feet and shouting “Yes” and “C’mon” from the front row of the player’s box when his charge nabbed the first set thanks to a Novak Djokovic backhand error. With the showdown also billed as the ‘battle of the super-coaches’, Edberg having beaten Becker in two of the three Wimbledon finals they had contested from 1988 to 1990, the clearly agitated German slumped back into his seat. The hollering crowd, however, were ecstatic. As they rose to salute the man

many call “a tennis god”, the Serb looked up to the heavens, holding his racket grip between pressed palms, praying for some divine intervention. He did not need any help from outside forces when he broke Federer, who had won 99 percent of his service games during his run to the final, for a 2-1 second-set lead with a blazing crosscourt passing shot. That was enough to give the top seed the set and when he took the third 7-4 in the tiebreak, it seemed there would be no way back for the crowd favourite.

Messi, Van Persie: Living up to the role S

AO PAULO Brazil (Reuters) - If the past is any guide, we should be in for something memorable on Wednesday in Sao Paulo when the Netherlands meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at the Corinthians arena. In their four World Cup meetings the two nations have produced some unforgettable football, leaving Lionel Messi and Robin van Persie with plenty to live up to. Dennis Bergkamp’s sublime winning goal in the 1998 quarter-final is the standout individual moment and widely considered one of the most

skillful finishes in a World Cup game. The Netherlands’ performance in their first meeting in West Germany in 1974 is viewed by some as the peak of collective skill. Led by two goals from Johan Cruyff, they dazzled with their passing and movement in a famous 4-0 win. Four years later, the pair met in the World Cup final with hosts Argentina triumphing 3-1 in extra time on a ticker tape-covered field. That game is also remembered for the controversy before kick-off that threatened the game being abandoned.

Willian may be in for Neymar

ELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) — Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari hinted in training Sunday that midfielder Willian is his first option to replace Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup semifinal against Germany. Willian took Neymar’s position when Brazil’s reserves played against a local under-20 squad at its training camp outside Rio de Janeiro. The regular starters stayed in the gym and didn’t practice on the field, but all players touted as possible Neymar replace-

ments trained normally. Willian was used in the middle, in front of Brazil’s defensive midfielders, the same way Neymar played before being ruled out of the tournament because of a back injury. The other options for Scolari include Ramires, Bernard and Hernanes. Brazil won the training match 3-0 with goals by Bernard, Dante and Ramires. It was Brazil’s second-to-last practice session before traveling to Belo Horizonte for Tuesday’s match at the Mineirao Stadium.

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VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE81• 81•TUESDAY, TUESDAY,JULY JULY8,8,2014 2014

DAZZLING DJOKOVIC Serbian wins 5-set thriller over Federer

DIFFICULT RETURN. Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return against Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men’s singles finals tennis match at Wimbledon.

ONDON (Reuters) - After almost four hours of mental torture, Novak Djokovic sank to his knees, crouched over the hallowed Wimbledon turf, plucked a blade of grass and put it in his mouth - never before had victory tasted so good. It was a victory that he should have been celebrating almost an hour earlier, it was a victory that almost slipped through his sweaty fingers, it was a victory he had been craving for three years. At 6.07pm local time on Sunday, the Serb’s agony finally turned into ecstasy when Roger Federer whipped a backhand into the net to end one of the greatest finals seen at the All England Club and to elevate Djokovic to a double Wimbledon champion with a 6-7(7) 6-4 7-6(4) 5-7 6-4 victory. Fifty two minutes earlier the Serb had also stood one point away from victory at 5-4 in the fourth set - only

to watch Hawkeye deliver the cruellest of blows. The technology that had left Federer seething in the 2007 final, when he yelled “God it’s killing me”, came to his rescue at match point down by ruling the Swiss’s serve had in fact kissed the line after the line judge had called it out. What should have led to a second serve from Federer had now turned into an ace, producing another twist in the gripping drama that had 15,000 people sitting on the edge of their seats and Djokovic tied up in knots. “This win has a special importance to me mentally. Because I managed to not just win against my opponent but win against myself as well and find that inner strength that got me the trophy today,” said an emotional Djokovic, who had lost five of his previous six grand slam finals. SPECIAL FINAL “I could have easily lost my concentration in the

fifth and just handed him the win. “It’s the most special grand slam final I’ve played. At the time of my career for this grand slam trophy to arrive is crucial, especially after losing several grand slam finals in a row. Started doubting a little bit. “I needed this win a lot,” added Djokovic, whose Wednesday wedding with long-time girlfriend Jelena Ristic, has now turned into a double celebration. The triumph handed Djokovic a seventh grand slam title - surpassing the total won by his coach Boris Becker - and halted Federer’s bid to become the oldest men’s champion at the All England Club for more than half a century. “It was a great final. I can’t believe I made it to five, it wasn’t looking good for a while,” the 32-year-old Federer said after missing out on an 18th grand slam title. “I thought it had everything for fans to like.

“Champions (project) hard work, humility, perseverance, and those are all qualities and attributes other brands like to associate with,” said Vijay Setlur, who teaches sports marketing at York University. While the Westmount, Que., native did reach the final — the furthest a Canadian has ever gone at the

world’s most prestigious tennis competition — it only showed the 20-yearold has potential, and that is not enough, Setlur said. “Once that potential is realized, then more brands will present offers or partnerships because you’re dealing now with an athlete that’s proven.”

Bouchard lost more than just final at Wimbledon

UGENIE Bouchard’s loss to Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova in the Wimbledon women’s final on Saturday may have cost her millions in sponsorship income, according to experts who say the Canadian tennis star would have landed numerous seven-figure deals had she won.

NOT HER TIME YET. Eugenie Bouchard of Canada ponders on the chair after her loss to Petra Kvitova in the Wimbledon finals. Other than losing the finals, Bouchard is likely to lsoe more in possible endorsements.