Edge Davao 7 Issue 85

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

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ZERO HOARDING IN DAVAO: NFA

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

ENOUGH SUPPLY. The National Food Authority in Davao Region has certified that there is enough supply of rice in the market with no worries about rice hoarding cases. Lean Daval Jr.

ZERO HOARDING IN DAVAO : NFA

By VANNAH S. ANG vsa@edgedavao.net

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AKE this from the National Food Authority: there is no rice hoarding in the Davao Region.

Edgar S. Bentulan, regional director of the National Food Authority (NFA) XI, declared the zero-harding incidence after the NFA and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) made surprise inspections for possible cases of illegal rice possession and hoarding in some 12 commercial rice warehouses in Davao City.

“We can assure the region that we are actively and regularly inspecting warehouses in joint effort with the CIDG. Under the P.D. 1485, we are empowered to do inspections for monitoring purposes. Instead of securing a search warrant from the court, we use the visitorial power of the NFA” he said during the weekly media forum “Kapihan sa PIA” at the Philippine Information Agency on Friday.

The NFA and CIDG started the surprise inspections last Monday and reported no unusual findings of suspicious activity within the city.

The NFA and the CIDG team have discovered an isolated case of illegal possession involving only a measly 10 sacks of NFA rice found in a commercial rice mill warehouse located

in Compostela Valley last Wednesday.

“The violation was minimal because 10 sacks of NFA rice are not enough for the miller to make a big profit from selling. It cannot be considered hoarding, just illegal rice possession.

He gave an acceptable justification that the sacks found in his warehouse were for consumption purposes only. The rice miller only paid a penalty of P1000 and is back with operations.”

Bentulan said.

Amidst the clampdown of rice hoarding in the region, Bentulan cited that that they find the penalty of P4000 for illegal rice hoarding and re-bagging too minimal although they are planning to propose an increase to the penalty from P500,000 to P1,000,000 depending on the volume of rice hoarded or re-bagged.

Due to the growing controversies of rice hoarding and re-bagging in Luzon, Bentulan also temporarily suspended the Institutionalized Farmers as Distributors (IFAD), Cooperative Development Incentive Fee (CDIF), and Farmers Incentive on Rice (FAIR) programs last week which have been running for ten years in the region.

“Rice that farmer cooperatives receive from the IFAD, CDIF, and FAIR programs, using official NFA sacks, can be bought and illegally re-bagged by traders. If these traders get caught, investigators could trace the rice back to the farmer cooperatives and consider it as illegal possession,” Bentulan explained.

If the Davao Region

remain hoarding-free, Luzon had three cases of rice hoarding last week.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported three warehouses were raided for rice hoarding in Bulacan.

The three warehouse owners in Bulacan were charged with violating Presidential Decree 4 for rice diversion and Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act

for price manipulation).

The warehouses have been padlocked pending investigation.

NFA administrator Arthur Juan said 80,076 sacks of rice have been seized totaling about 4,000 metric tons.

Presidential adviser on food security Francis Pangilinan has directed Juan to make the NFA Bulacan pro-

vincial manager or the NFA in Central Luzon to explain how the private businessmen acquired tons of rice intended for cooperatives.

He directed police to crack down on price manipulators after President Aquino ordered an investigation into the artificial increase in the prices of rice, garlic, ginger, pork, chicken, and milk.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

412 beneficiaries get birth control implants

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ENCOURAGEMENT. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte comforts one of the six wounded police operatives under the Special Action Force of the Police Regional Office on Thursday night who is recuperating at the Southern Phil-

ippines Medical Center following an encounter with members of the New People’s Army last Wednesday. Duterte visited the injured policemen to boost their morale and to extend financial assistance. Lean Daval Jr.

Impeach PNoy pushed

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

OME militant members of Congress are cooking up the impeachment complaint against President Benigno S. Aquino III over the controversial P157-billion unaccounted Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

Bayan Muna representative Carlos Isagani Zarate told Edge Davao in an interview that they supported the impeachment complaint because there is no other way to make the president accountable for the said scandal. He said that under the present situation Aquino has the immunity from suit either criminal or civil case.

He said that the complaint will be filed not later than Wednesday.

Zarate added that the impeachment authors do

not care if the impeachment will not move in Congress given that the administration has a large number of members as against the minority group.

“Kaya man gyud nila na dili palutson. Pero ang amoa lang man diri is the question of accountability kung gipa priso nato ang mga Congressmen, mga Senador na involve sa P 10 billion pork barrel scam ni Janet Napoles, how much more kini na it cost P157 billion. So 15 times bigger than the pork barrel scam, ” Zarate stressed.

Zarate said although Aquino argued that he did not misuse the fund, still the funds were not accounted by Commission on Audit (COA).

“The fact na niingon ang Supreme Court na unconstitutional na siya dapat

BFP-Davao: Where is our fire fees share?

manubag gyud sila,” Zarate said.

Zarate believed that DAP is unconstitutional since the rule on the use and transfer of funds is clear as it is meticulously laid down in Article 6, Section 25 paragraph 5 of the Constitution which states that “no law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations; however, the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the heads of Constitutional Commissions may, by law, be authorized to augment any item in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations.”

“Gi amin man pud sa COA and House of Repre-

sentative… nakadawat ang COA og P143 million; ang house of representatives nakadawat of P50 million na bawal man ni under the Constitution kay murag gina influence nimo ang other departments,” Zarate said.

He said the other departments such as the Judiciary, Legislative and Constitutional Commissions should have separate powers and not be meddled by the Executive department.

Aside from COA and Congress, he said that the Commission on Election also received funds from DAP. Kung karon nakadawat siyag (COA) pondo gikan sa Malacañang, tainted na ma question na nimo ang credibility ng COA, Zarate said.

Zarate said that COA chairman Grace Pullido-Tan

FIMPEACH, 10

O address the issue of maternal mortality, the City Health Office (CHO) of Davao is promoting the new birth control implant called Implanon, which has been recently introduced in the country, as a family planning method in the region.

So far, a total of 412 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) beneficiaries have received this implant for free. Implanon beneficiaries are mostly poor residents on list of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, For Peace recipients, and Indigenous people.

For Region 11, 119 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births have been recorded by the CHO. Compostela Valley has the highest number of maternal deaths while Davao Oriental has the lowest. The CHO targets to decrease the total number of maternal deaths by 70 percent this year and hopefully reach a 0 percent maternal mortality rate by next year.

“For our sisters who are not ready to quit giving birth with the right spacing between pregnancies, we have a new birth control technology called Implanon that can prevent pregnancy for a period of 3 years. Our beneficiaries can just head to the nearest health center and visit population officers to access this service for free.” Jeff Fuentes, officer-in-charge for CHO population division said during a media forum hosted by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) Region

XI on Friday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

According to Fuentes, the ideal birth spacing period for couples is three to five years. With the three-year efficacy period of Implanon, it is indeed a good family planning method that can combat maternal death as spacing between pregnancies can have important health implications for a mother and her baby.

Proper birth spacing will ensure a mother enough time to replenish vital nutrients that were lost during child birth and also allow her organs to recover and restore back to normal.

Fuentes clarified to the media that the use of the Implanon is primarily aimed at addressing maternal mortality, not rapid population growth as it caused by migration and not high birth rate in the region.

Last December, around 95 percent of doctors from the CHO have been trained to cater the Implanon to child-bearing women.

The contraceptive is easily achieved by injecting a matchstick-sized rod to a woman’s non-dominant arm. The rod contains 68 milligrams of Steroidal Estrogen Etonogestrel that prevents pregnancy.

This contraceptive method is safe and has been studied and certified by the World Health.

The Implanon is already available in the commercial market for P14,000. The CHO currently has 50 stocks available and are still planning to acquire more.

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

N official of the Bureau of Fire- Davao City (BFP-DC) said that the bureau is yet to receive its 20 percent share of the annual total collection coming from fire code fees and fire safety fees.

District fire marshal Dennis Duenas said in an interview with Edge Davao that this has been happening for almost 4 years since they started collecting fees from building, occupancy, and building permits in 2010.

Based on the fire code, Duenas said 20 percent of the annual total collection should come back to the local government unit for the operational fund of local fire stations, while the 80 percent will proceed to BFP national headquarter for its modernization program.

He said that the 20 percent share has never been enjoyed by local firemen despite the annual 30 percent increase in collection of Davao city fire district

3-DAY SALE. SM Lanang Premier marketing manager Jenny Loyola, together with assistant mall manager Jerome Yeo, announces during FAST Fridays at

FBFP, 10 Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta in SM Lanang Premier the mall’s The Great 3-day Sale set on July 18-20. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS 5

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

AFP, PNP sign JSOP pact

By PRECIOUS Z. DOMALAON, ADDU INTERN, with CHENEEN R. CAPON

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HE Armed Forces of the PhilippinesEastern Mindanao Command and the (AFP-EastMinCom) and the Philippine National Police’s Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (PNP-DIPO) 11 signed a joint standard operating procedure (JSOP) aimed at strengthening the security sector in combatting the insurgencies in the region last Friday.

“This JSOP No. 1 will institutionalize our [AFP-PNP] joint efforts in addressing the CPPNPA and other threats in our areas of responsibility,” Eastmincom commander Lt.Gen Ricardo Rainer G. Cruz III said.

“Through this system, we can provide a quicker and more forward response to violent and non-violent activities of the CPP-NPA in our areas of operation that threaten the peace and security of communities not only in the

country side but also at the urban centers,” Cruz said.

The partnership aims to provide certain actions against the CPPNPA in Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13.

This project is the first time that the AFP and PNP collaborated with regards to eliminating the CPP-NPA. Cruz emphasized that the CPP-NPA is a grave threat not only to the authorities but also to the civilians.

“NPA attacks are usually against those who refuse to give in to their extortion demands, like business companies… and even against the poor and low income families in the countryside.” Cruz said.

Pacia stated that the CPP-NPA really affects the situation in Eastern Mindanao by their violence. Their boldness in acting becomes the reason why they are considered a great threat in the

society.

Commander of the 401 Brigade Gregory Cayetano said that the CPP-NPA is only testing them whether the AFP and PNP will react or not.

Cayetano confirmed that the CPP-NPA knows that it is a dying movement that is why they are violent in their activities. He declared that the group wants the people to think that they are still strong. He also mentioned that even though the group has “downtrend” influence and sphere of control, they can still catch attention because of their “terror acts.”

On the question regarding CPP-NPA’s status as a terrorist group, Major General Ariel B. Bernardo answered there is no declaration from the Philippines that the CPP-NPA is an official terrorist group because the government is still conducting talks.

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

Farmers group to protest plan to cut rice subsidy

By CHENEEN R. CAPON and NOLI MAY PANIAMOGAN, ADDU INTERN

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GROUP of rice farmers in the region has expressed opposition to the government’s plan of ending farmers’ subsidy and rice importation.

The proposal is aimed at reducing National Food Authority’s debt which is expected to increase to up to P180- billion by the end of the 2016. The program is used to subsidize farmers by buying rice at a higher price and selling it to the market at cheaper price.

“Samut dud kainutil ang ekonomiya sa Pilipinans kay magsalig nalang sa import og mao nana nga panahon ang 100 porsyento ang pag angkun sa dayuhan sa yuta sa Pilipinas ang walay pagkabana sa gobyerno sa agrikultura maoy hinungdangan sa kapubrehon,” Pedro Arnado, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas- Southern Mindanao Region said in a text message furnished to Edge Davao.

Arnado said that the plan of the govenment will cause more farmers to lose their livelihood.

He said that at present a regular rice farmer earn P 950 per day but it is not enough to feed a family

with an average of 7 members.

“Sa kasamtangan wala man jud nagsupport and gobyerno maong padayon gihapon nga manginabuhi kay naad na ang mga mag-uuma ,” he said. “Ang budget hangtod sa mga opisina ra”.

Johhny N. Loyola, former president of Rice Traders of Davao City, said that the government should increase farmer’s subsidy instead of removing it.

“The government of the Philippines should stop importing because they are helping the farmers of Thailand and Vietnam,” Loyola in a phone interview said.

“Instead of helping the farmers, lalo nilang binabaun ang mga magsasaka natin. Katulad ng fertilizer scam, hindi naman yun napunta sa mga farmers kundi sa mga bulsa ng mga politiko,” Loyola said.

Likewise, NFA 11 regional director Edgardo Bentulan is against on ending the subsidy for farmers. “Our rice farmers will naturally be affected. The whole lot of them.” He said.

Bentulan said 85-90 percent of unmilled rice

HOME-GROWN. Rene Adapon gives members of local media a walk-through of Dayaw Coffee, a new coffee shop at the Foundain Court of SM Lanang Premier that’s truly Davao-grown, on Friday. Lean Daval Jr. in the market are locally produced while about 1015 % of unmilled rice are imported from Vietnam. In Davao region, almost 700, 000 sacks are augmented from the national imported rice .

“Instead of removing subsidies, government should even increase them to protect our farmers firmly from the devastating effects of globalization.”

Bentulan explained.

The lesser interference

from the government in an industry, the better for the nation to develop economically, he added.

“We are not an inclusively rich country and our farmers badly need government support and

protection,” the NFA 11 regional director said.

Government officials are still deliberating and would have another meeting this coming Wednesday whether they would end the subsidy or not.

ARGE discrepancies in the commercial price of fertilizers and the sub-optimal application of fertilizer of farmers are major challenges that threaten the Philippine agricultural sector.

Study author Dr. Roehlano Briones, senior research fellow of state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, identified two significant challenges facing the sector agriculture in regards to fertilizer sector---inefficient fertilizer marketing (as seen in the large discrepancies in pricing across adjacent regions) and sub-optimal amounts of fertilizer applied by farmers.

“Across the country,

there is a wide dispersion in retail prices of fertilizer,” Briones said. “The cheapest fertilizers are found in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Davao region,” he said.

Moreover, the most expensive fertilizers are ironically sold in the poorest regions in the country such as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, Briones said.

Future research is needed to resolve the pricing disparities in fertilizer, Briones noted. It would help to identify if disparities may be attributed to transaction cost differences or area-specific gaps in infrastructure and logistics, he said.

Smart expands M2M portfolio with new solutions for health, enterprises L W

IRELESS services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), through its corporate wireless arm Smart Enterprise, has expanded its array of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) wireless solutions to include new products and services that will benefit enterprises, small & medium businesses, and hospitals across the country.

The new additions to Smart’s expansive portfolio of M2M solutions include

It figures

Smart M2M PowerForm, Smart M2M Workforce, and Smart M2M Health, which are expected to boost productivity and therefore drive results in businesses willing to adapt the solutions to their enterprises.

“The Internet of Things, which is basically what M2M solutions are about, is already moving beyond being just a buzzword. Smart is aware of this trend, and has already laid the groundwork to become the leader in providing relevant M2M

solutions to local businesses,” said Eric Alberto, EVP and Head for Enterprise, International and Carrier Business at Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Smart.

The global “Internet of Things” market is expected to grow from a meager $1.9 trillion industry in 2013 to a whopping $7.1 trillion market by 2020, according to international research firm IDC. “Businesses must act now in order to remain

competitive as more firms drive profitability with the help of relevant and unique M2M solutions for their line of business,” added Jovy Hernandez, PLDT FVP and Smart Enterprise Sales and Marketing Head.

“Enterprises and SMEs will find that Smart Enterprise’s first-to-market solutions, coupled with our reliable mobile network nationwide, are trustworthy partners in their search for business growth,” Hernandez added.

Price, poor use of fertilizers threaten nation’s agri sector

P45B

P180 B

$6 M

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. says it plans to spend P45 billion in developing 34.5-hectare Mckinley West in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City into an “ultra highend township.” BusinessWorld, July9, 2014.

IF government policy of subsidizing farmers by buying their rice at higher prices continues, the debt of the National Food Autthority (NFA) will probably balloon by 2016 to P180 billion, which is about twice the national defense budget this year, according to Bloomberg calculation. Edge Davao Research, July 11, 2014

SAO PAULO—Thieves raided a Samsung electronic factory in Brazil during the night shift early Monday, subdued workers and guards, and made off with at least $6 million worth of cellular telephones and computers. BusinessMirror, July 9, 2014

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

Clear differences between organic, non-organic food O

RGANIC food has more of the antioxidant compounds linked to better health than regular food, and lower levels of toxic metals and pesticides, according to the most comprehensive scientific analysis to date.

The international team behind the work suggests that switching to organic fruit and vegetables could give the same benefits as adding one or two portions of the recommended “five a day”.

The team, led by Prof Carlo Leifert at Newcastle University, concludes that there are “statistically significant, meaningful” differences, with a range of antioxidants being “substantially higher” – between 19% and 69% – in organic food. It is the first study to demonstrate clear and wide-ranging differences between organic and conventional fruits, vegetables and cereals.

The researchers say the increased levels of antioxidants are equivalent to “one to two of the five portions of fruits and vegetables recommended to be consumed daily and would therefore be significant and meaningful in terms of human nutrition, if information linking these [compounds] to the health benefits associated with increased fruit, vegetable and whole grain consumption is confirmed”.

The findings will bring to the boil a long-simmering row over whether those differences mean organic food is better for people, with one expert calling the work sexed up.

Tom Sanders, a professor of nutrition at King’s College London, said the research did show some differences. “But the question is are they within natural variation? And are they nutritionally relevant? I am not convinced.”

He said Leifert’s work had caused controversy in the past. “Leifert has had a lot of aggro with a lot of people. He is oversexing [this report] a bit.” Sanders added the research showed organic cereals have less protein than conventional crops.

The research was peer-reviewed and is published in a respected scientific journal, the British Journal of Nutrition. It was due to be released next week, but has appeared on several academic websites.

The results are based on an analysis of 343 peer-reviewed studies from around the world – more than ever before – which examine differences between organic and conventional fruit, vegetables and cereals.

“The crucially important thing about this research is that it shatters the myth that how we farm does not affect the quality of the food we eat,” said Helen Browning, chief executive of Soil Association, which campaigns for organ-

ic farming.

UK sales of organic food, which is often considerably more expensive than non-organic, are recovering after a slump during the economic crisis.

Plants produce many of their antioxidant compounds to fight back against pest attacks, so the higher levels in organic crops may result from their lack of protection by chemical sprays.

But the scientists say other reasons may be important, such as organic varieties

being bred for toughness and not being overfed with artificial fertilisers.

Leifert and his colleagues conclude that many antioxidants “have previously been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and certain cancers”. But they also note that no long-term studies showing health benefits from a broad organic diet have yet been conducted.

The researchers found

much higher levels of cadmium, a toxic metal, in conventional crops. Pesticide residues were found on conventional crops four times more often than on organic food. The research was funded by the EU and an organic farming charity.

The research is certain to be criticised: the inclusion of so many studies in the analysis could mean poor quality work skews the results, although the team did “sensitivity analyses” and found that ex-

cluding weaker work did not significantly change the outcome.

Also, the higher levels of cadmium and pesticides in conventional produce were still well below regulatory limits. But the researchers say cadmium accumulates over time in the body and that some people may wish to avoid this, and that pesticide limits are set individually, not for the cocktail of chemicals used on crops.

A further criticism is that the differences seen may result from different climate, soil types and crop varieties, and not from organic farming, though the researchers argue that combining many studies should average out these other differences.

The greatest criticism, however, will be over the suggestions of potential health benefits. The most recent major analysis, which took in 223 studies in 2012, found little evidence. “The published literature lacks strong evidence that organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventional foods,” it found.

This was also the conclusion of earlier, smaller studies published in 2009 in a scientific journal and by the UK Food Standards Agency (pdf), though the latter considered just 11 studies. The 2012 study did note that eating organic food might help people avoid pesticide residues.

Sanders said he was not persuaded by the new work. “You are not going to be better nourished if you eat organic food,” he said.

“What is most important is what you eat, not whether it’s organic or conventional. It’s whether you eat fruit and vegetables at all. People are buying into a lifestyle system. They get an assurance it is not being grown with chemicals and is not grown by big business.”

He added that organic farming did help to address the significant problem in the UK of soil degradation and excess fertiliser polluting rivers.

Soil Association polling (pdf) shows healthy eating (55%) and avoiding chemical residues (53%) are key reasons cited by shoppers for buying organic produce.

But many also say care for the environment (44%) and animal welfare (31%) are important, as is taste (35%).

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

Hehehe!

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NOT-SO-FUNNY twist in the deleterious pork barrel scam is the revelation that many of the vocal critics of the financial scandal might have themselves partaken of the loathed largesse.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on July 10, 2014 that Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, head of the militant Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives, got a total of P25 million from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), the much maligned economic stimulus fund masterminded by Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad and recently struck down by the Supreme Court for being unconstitutional.

This was the same Colmenares who said that the President could not invoke good faith behind his creation of the DAP as “he knew right from the start that the DAP is unconstitutional.”

According to the partylist lawmaker who was one of the 11 congressmen who acted as prosecutors in the Chief Justice Corona impeachment trial, admitted he nominated the multi-million projects but that he did not know of the source of the funds, adding that the projects

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were fully liquidated.

There’s no telling if Colmenares’ disavowal would wash among those who have read the story, but the street smarts in Davao and Cebu would be incredulous and tell him posthaste “istoryahi among pahak, sir!” (tell that to our tonsures, sir!).

By the way, the PDI expose’ also revealed the names of eight other Makabayan bloc lawmakers who received a total of P481 million in PDAF since Aquino assumed as President in 2010, making the amount Colmenares got a pittance. They are: former Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casino, P170 million; former Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, P79.1 million; former Kabataan Rep. Raymond Palatino, P69.6 million; ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, P70 million; and Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus, P92.9 million.

This is the same progressive bloc which filed last year a bill scrapping the pork barrel system, denouncing it as a “form of institutionalized patronage and officially tolerated graft and corruption.”

How true, how true! Hehehe!

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Photography Contributing Photographer Creative Solutions ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. AQUILES Z. ZONIO ARLENE D. PASAJE CHENEEN R. CAPON / VANNAH S. ANG Correspondent Cartoons Reporters

the national association of newspapers

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

Important fragment

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AINTAINING “CHECK AND BALANCE” – The big difference between the much-awaited May 2016 presidential elections and the previous national balloting is that in the forthcoming polls there will be real political opposition group who would draw the battle lines and declares to engage the administration in a “do-or-die” brawl up to the homestretch.

Some members of other minority groups decided to affiliate with the National Unity Party (NUP), a cluster of mixed political figures with a common agenda.

The NUP is currently allied with the ruling Liberal Party (LP) under the stewardship of President Benigno Aquino III. Other independent pretenders who will not be accommodated by the dominant party surely will jump to the opposite but equally formidable group, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) led by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Remember that President Aquino and Vice President Binay are not mortal political enemies, of course on the surface, and both leaders avoided their groups to collide head-on which prevented stalwarts of the opposition to form a credible group to contest the LP and UNA. That was then, this is now. As a matter of political runthroughs, there ought to be a strong and realistic opposition who will challenge the dominant party and act as fiscalizer afterwards.

Ethically, fiscalizing actually doesn’t mean that the opposition does not support some specific measures, but without them the leadership won’t get any major bill passed in Congress because in the Senate, for example, the minority consists half of its members. Understandably, without the

U

cooperation of the opposition, there’s going to be no approval of a major legislation specifically in the Senate.

But then again that doesn’t mean the minority bloc is obstructing each and every measure only for its political quirks. As a matter of fact, the minority party during the past years took charge of the passage of several bills of local and national applications. The opposition is an important fragment in a democratic government to maintain the so-called “check and balance.”

The political trend in the national level goes true in the provincial and municipal ranks where the administration and opposition groups employ a similar pattern. The method actually encourages leaders of the contending parties to work out a fair deal with their local affiliates. The allied groups would have to agree in principle to respect the deal and in order to avoid conflicts and confusions, they should rely direct advices from their main headquarters.

Meanwhile other probable political aspirants that were unsure of their status for obvious reasons will be running as independent candidates. Wary as they are of the undue advantage given the tough competition, the status of “independent” bets follows all the doubts and sensitivities. As a result, serious realignment and strengthening of political fortress will have to be

undertaken by the LP and UNA to prevent the blossoming of political chameleon.

Aside from the propagation of political chameleons it is also the season of political butterflies. Most importantly political persuasion should be based on party affiliation not on personalities. The potency of a party should be decided by leaders and members because good political system can only breed constructive politics and upright leaders.

Given the present structure and complexity of our political scheme where the multi-party system is the norm, many of the ranking highly-ambitious and power-obsessed officials will be keeping a moist eye especially on the president, vice president and senatorial posts. In truth, the trend is likely to raise eyebrows certainly because some of the pretenders are already trying to feel the pulse of the electorate in the guise of TV ads, speaking engagement, ribbon cutting activities, and outreach programs among others.

But the again Filipino voters will have to make crucial choices during the 2016 presidential elections. It will be a time of reflection, for taking stock of what we have achieved as a nation during the past six years and mull over where we are heading to after the Aquino administration’s “Daang Matuwid” concept.

The electorates’ critical decision will give some indication of whether the concept of Philippine politics are maturing and changing, and whether there are chances and possibilities of well-meaning reforms. The people have a major role in the 2016 national polls, especially in the choice of trustworthy and rightful leaders.

Eye-popping biodiversity

nknown to most of us, plants and animals endemic to Southern Mindanao region have found their space in science, most of them named after places found in Davao region where they were first discovered. For instance, three kinds of beetle or scarab unique to Davao have been named Metapocyrtus bituberosus Heller var. davaoensis, Agrilus davaoensis Fisher, and Pachyrrhynchus davaoensis Schultze; they were discovered in 1934.

The bug (Egropa davaoensis sp. Nov.), a leafhopper (Pseudonirvana davaoensis), a planthopper (Achilixius davaoensis sp.

Nov.), an insect (Limonia davaoensis Alexander), a cranefly (Scamboneura davaoensis sp. Nov.) and a fungus (Uredo davaoensis Syd) were also named after Davao.

There is an herb (Colombia Selaginella davaoensis), a citrus (Citrus excels var. davaoensis Western) also known as limon real or the susong baboy, a myrtle (Eugenia davaoensis Elmer), a flowering plant (Cyrtandra davaoensis Elmer), and a tree (Dalbergia davaoensis Elmer) that were also named after Davao, including a shrub (Alphanamixis davaoensis Elmer), a semi-aquatic lizard (Tropidophorus davaoensis), and the Davao squirrel (Sundasciurus davaoensis), a threathened rodent.

A freshwater fish (Gnatholepis davaoensis Seale) was found in 1910, while the Davao pughead pipefish (ichthyyocampus davaoensis Herald), also known as Bulbonaricus davaoensis Dawson, was tagged in 1953. Two local shellfish species are christened Oliva davaoensis and Lyria taiwanica davaoensis. And there is a crab (Leptodius davaoensis Ward) that was first known in 1941. A

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST snapping shrimp (Alpheus davaoensis) exists only in the gulf. A longhorn beetle (Oberea davaoensis Breuning) was discovered in 1962, and a mollusk (Bankia davaoensis Bartsch), first observed in 1927, is also found in Davao. Two species of crustacean, the Chlorodiella davaoensis Ward and the Trapezia davaoensis Ward, were discovered in 1941.

On the other hand, a magnolia tree from the island of Samal carries the name Salvia samalensis, while an herb been labeled Montanoa samalensis J.M. Coulter.

There is also a fungus called Graphis samalensis, and an insect known as Metapocyrtus samalensis. Amazingly, scientists have so far identified beetles endemic to the island-city under the genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, namely: the Artapocyrtus bifasciatus samalensis and Artapocyrtus falsoquadrulifer samalensis.

The fruit tree known as “bo-o” (Xi-

menia Americana) was once abundantly found in Samal. Its fruit tasted like sour apples and eaten fresh or pickled, while ist nuts are purgative. The fruit can be cooked and powdered and can be mixed with sago (Metroxylon sagu) to make bread. The island is also home to the most exotic gobies found in the Philippine and China Sea, among them the “kusung” (Asterropteryx semipunctatus Ruppell), the Gnatholepis Gemmus sp. nov., the Paragobiodon Bleeker, the Zonogobius semidoliatus Cuvier, and the Amblygobius phalaena Cuvier.

The terrestrial fern Cheilanthes boltoni Copeland, with smaller leaflets and found on rocks along the sea at Malalag, was named after American Gov. Edward Bolton. Another plant endemic to Malalag is the Piper Malalaganum, a vine with separate male and female organs. The rotifer, or the wheel animal (Eothinia caragaensis Myers), was discovered in 1937 in Caraga after whom it was named. The rare conch known as the bat volute (Cymbiola vespertilio matiensis) is named after Mati; its shell is superbly colored in red or shades of red. Discovered in 1903, it is a large predatory sea nail known also by another scientific name, the Lyria planicostata Sowerby.

Balut Island its Vexillum balutensis and Tegula balutensis, both marine mollusks. Saranggani Island has lent its name to a land snail (Calocochlia saranganica Hidalgo), found in 1887, including sea creatures named after it. Hydropsyche saranganica Ulmer (1951), Scelotrichia sranganica Ulmer (1951), Helicostyla saranganica Moellendorff (1890), and Obba saranganica Hidalgo.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

I know it’s been a while, but baka magamit nyo pa ito.

MINDANATION

BY CARLOS MUNDA

R

USH Towards 2016 As the months tick off towards the Philippine elections in 2016, those eyeing the Presidency are becoming more creative (aka desperate) in demonstrating their leadership capabilities to the voters.

From lifting bags of rice to consorting with disgraced political allies, nothing is too gimmicky, contrived, or ridiculous so long as it will land them on the front pages.

But behind all the jockeying, the man whose support counts the most in the upcoming contest, remains a mystery.

Who will PNoy support in 2016?

Will party loyalty rule the day with his extermely unpopular former running mate, or will old friendships override political considerations with the ascendancy of the current vice president?

While pundits and political watchers study the stars and divine truths from entrails, one reality that cannot be discounted is that the President may not be as interested in who succeeds him as everyone else is.

While conventional Philippine political wisdom says that any outgoing President must secure allies in the next administration to protect him from endless litigation, even a cursory glance at all of PNoy’s actions would show that this is not something that he fears - or is preparing for.

This is not a President preoccupied with protecting his reputation or future liberty. Right or wrong, he appears supremely confident of himself and his place in history, which effectively negates any leverage those seeking his endorsement might have over him and freeing the President to make a truly independent choice in 2016.

Stacking the cards futher in the favor of PNoy is his apparent attitude towards the Presidency itself, something that he did not actively seek prior to the death of his mother, nor want to hold on to a single day beyond his constitutionally mandated term.

Looking at it closely, we could even go so far as to say that PNoy may actually feel that it is us that owe him a favor for taking on the thankless job of leading this country of critics, haters, hecklers, and know-it-alls.

But wherever the truth lies in this maze of political intrigue and speculations, what is certain is that the upcoming 2016 elections will be a critical crossroad for the country. Voters and genuine patriots will do well to study the issues, the candidates, and the whole political landscape. Look beyond the obvious choices and do your homework - this is going to be war.

------On another, less controversial note, I would like to thank my good friend and favorite professor, Ed Fernandez for encouraging me to write. It’s been a while since I filed anything and it’s not as easy as it once was. The ideas come haltingly and the words don’t flow like they once did - but in time and with great patience I hope to be able to make Edfer proud.

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

DavOr sets out development plan for PWDs M

ATI CITY of Davao Oriental—To ensure that People with Disabilities (PWD) get utmost benefit from government programs and services, a Provincial Stakeholders’ Forum on Disability-Inclusive Development was held Thursday, July 10, aiming to chart out a comprehensive development plan for the PWD sector.

Initiated by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the forum which hopes to promote the rights of PWD, convened local government units, provincial offices and national line agencies, to ensure that the PWD sector is included in development policies and programs.

“We need to create a more responsive environment for PWD, who are often left out in the society without much access to many services,” said PWD

Focal Person for Region XI, Cynthia Umbaña.

During the forum, the participants collectively identified several issues and concerns covering the area of infrastructures, livelihood and employment opportunities.

In terms of infrastructures, the NCDA highlighted the importance of establishing local structures such as the Provincial Disability Affairs Office of Persons with Disabilities (PDAO) in the province as well as in all LGUs and to organize the Provincial Access Monitoring Teams.

Yvette Sunga, Provincial Director of the Department of Interior Local Government, also emphasized the establishment of PWD-specialized structures such as ramps, accessibility lanes, special comfort rooms, among other facilities in public structures and gov-

refused to conduct a special audit on DAP since she believed that the fund is legal.

He said that the Save the Pork Movement asked the Tan last February to have special audit on the projects and programs funded by DAP. “Mura’g niapil siya sa cover-up,” Zarate said adding that the COA should conduct an audit where the funds of DAP went.

“Nihibaw-an lang gud nato ni kato lang September last year katong nag privilege speech si Senator (Jinggoy) Estrada na ingon niya nakadawat siya additional P50 million before the conviction (or during the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Rey-

anto Corona) and another P50 million katong na convict na si Corona,” Zarate said.

Zarate said that the following day after Estrada’s speech Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad issued a statement that the funds given to Estrada is not an additional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and a bribe. He said that Abad explained that it was from the DAP of the president.

“Ginagasto na ni sa ubang items, sa ubang projects, activities and programs na wala naaprove sa Congresso sa General Appropriations Act ,” Zarate said.

Impeach...FFROM 4

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. (LCPI)that the following Plan Application Forms and Reinstatement forms of the following were lost.

Reinstatement Forms No.(s): 2401-101174-101175 issued to Josefina Baguio Plan Application Forms No.(s): OO-254743, OO-245006245008,OO-254443-254447 issued to Josefina Baguio Plan Application Forms No.(s): OO-235983,OO142664142668,OO217212-217214,OO-217216 issued to Norberta C. Zamora Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

7/7,14,21

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

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

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

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

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BUS DRIVER

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

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

ernment buildings.

Setting up of an Employment, Livelihood and Training Committee and Advocacy was also identified necessary for empowering this critical group for a sustainable livelihood.

Agencies concerned for

this area include among others, the DOLE, DTI, and TESDA. A result of the national government’s international commitment of fully realizing the Rights for PWD, the forum is directed through Presidential Proc-

lamation 688 declaring 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of “make the right real” for persons with disabilities in support of the 3rd Asian and Pacific decade of persons with disabilities.

This commitment rec-

ognizes the government’s important role as main stakeholders and stewards for these rights to lead by example and ensure that government services and programs are fully inclusive of people with disabilities. PIO

IXTEEN employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are facing administrative cases for alleged collusion and connivance with unscrupulous brokers and importers as well as neglect of duty. The 16 are part of a list of 82 employees of the bureau who are suspected of being in cahoots with smugglers.

“We have concluded our initial investigation and we have filed administrative cases against them as stated in the BOC Code of Conduct,” said Customs commissioner John P. Sevilla.

Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 25-2010 (BOC function-specific Code of Conduct) states that employees found to have grossly neglected their

duties, falsified documents, or committed grave misconduct could face the penalties that range from suspension for one (1) month and one (1) day to six (6) months or dismissal from service.

The Customs chief however clarified that the employees that have been charged, whose names have not been disclosed, have not been placed under preventive suspension as their continued service will not prejudice the outcome of the cases.

Customs parcel examiner caught red-handed in extortion try The BOC has also ordered a probe against BOC employee Lilibeth Macarambon, after she

was caught red-handed attempting to extort grease money from a certain Mary Jennifer Reyes as the latter was retrieving a parcel at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City last July 8, 2014.

Macarambon, who holds the position Customs Operation Officer III, told Reyes when she tried to claim her parcel containing wrist bands and concert passes purchased online from Belgium last July 4 that she needs to pay P16, 799.00 in duties and taxes which the latter should give to her to expedite the release of her parcel. This prompted Reyes to complain to Deputy Commissioner Jessie Dellosa who then ordered the entrap-

ment operation against Macarambon.

Macarambon’s apprehension comes on the heels of the filing of extortion charges against a certain Tomas Presentacion, an alleged fixer at the Bureau of Customs-Paircargo warehouse office, during an entrapment operation.

Presentacion, an employee of A. Padilla Customs Brokerage, had misrepresented himself as a Customs officer to a Nelson Edad last June 19, 2014. He told Edad that his cargo, which contained personal effects, could not be released because of lack of documents but that he could expedite customs clearance and release in exchange for P50,000.

The city’s fire district collection in 2010 pegged at P 15-million. The following year, it increased to P 20 million. Another P5million was added to the collection the latter collection or P 25million in 2012.

Last year, the bureau was able to collect 30 million and as of January to June this year it has already collected more than P 20 million and counting of its P 32- million 2014 target revenue collection.

Duenas said that 80 percent of the region’s BFP total collection comes from Davao City. He accounted the huge collection from the robust infrastructure development in the city and continuing influx in the construction industry.

“Lahat ng nakokolekta namin dinideposit namin sa national treasury thru Land Bank hoping that the

following year makukuha namin ang 20 percent pero maski ang national headquarters namin hindi pa rin nakukuha sa Department of Budget Management ang nirerequest nila na 80 percent augmentation from BFP’s collection para sa modernization ng lahat ng fire stations sa Pilipinas, ” he said.

“We don’t have enough budget for modernization because most of our funding goes to the maintenance of old fire trucks and operation expenses of fire stations,” he said. The annual budget of the bureau only comes from the General Appropriation Act (GAA).

He said that the 20 percent share will be a big help in renovating fire hazard fire stations in the city and in the purchase of service vehicles that will be used during building inspection.

According to him, the LGU augmentation can be used for renovation of existing fire stations.

“We are being criticized for old buildings. Sabi nila kami daw ang pumapatay ng sunog pero mismo ang stations namin fire hazard na,” he said.

The district marshall said that if the bureau will receive its share this year, they are planning to renovate the Banggoy Fire Station and the other 11 stations throughout the city.

Aside from fire-hazard facilities, he said that there’s also a need to replace their 60- year old fire trucks.

“Nagagamit pa man pero alam na namin na sa bawat operation namin pagbalik aayusin nanaman yan,” he said, adding that it would be more practical to purchase new and hightech fire trucks.

“Ang pinakabago namin ay yung dalawa last year na nasa Bangoy Fire station ngayon. It has special apparatuses the rest wala na,” he described in low tone voice.

The number of personnel is also one of the perennial problems that is being confronted by the bureau.

“We cannot hire people because we don’t have enough budget for employing more, ” said.

He said that the 1.4 million population of Davao City has only 200 firemen ready to respond in times of fire incidents.

Ideally, the city should have an additional 400 firemen to suffice the city’s need.

“Insufficient personnel and old equipment will remain as a problem of the bureau as long as we are short of budget, ” Duenas said.

16 BOC employees face administrative cases S

BFP...FFROM 4

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

SALT: Possible answer to environmental woes TEXT and PHOTO

by GERRY T. ESTRERA

W

Contributor

HETHER it’s a problem of climate change, soil erosion,

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

deforestation, food security, organic farming, dry spell, or malnutrition, there’s one pos-

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a SCHOOL TRANSPORT Service

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service

CYRILL C. MENDEZ, Petitioner

GIL MELCHOR D. VENERACION, Petitioner

Case No.2009-XI-00299 x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a SCHOLL TRANSPORT service exclusively for the transportation of Students/ Pupils from their respective residences to University of Immaculate Conception (UIC), Davao City and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on August 19, 2014..

In the petition filed on June 30, 2014, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 28, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 30th day of June 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

Case No.2009-XI-00169 (09-1261)

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK service on the route: WITHIN DIGOS CITY and from said place to any point in the Island of MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on September 3, 2014. In the petition filed on June 25, 2014 petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 28, 2014 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO., CESO V, Regional Director, this 25th day of June 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

sible solution to all these: SALT. SALT actually is an acronym and it stands for Sloping Agricultural Land Technology.

It has been promoted by the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “SALT is one of the solutions to the problems that beset the world these days,” admits Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the center. “But it seems that most experts are looking for big things that can help curb, if not arrest, the difficulties this planet has gotten into.”

Just like the prophet David defeated giant Goliath with just a sling shot and a stone, the problems can be solved by going back to the basics, Alimoane said. “We don’t need modern technologies and high gadgets to defeat the enemy.

All we have to do is use what God has provided us through the years.”

SALT, which earned the center’s former director, Harold Ray Watson, a coveted Ramon Magsaysay Award -- the Nobel Prize of Asia -- for peace and international understanding, is an answer that should be given much attention.

“Basically, the SALT method involves planting of field and permanent crops in 4-5 meter bands between double-controlled rows of nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs,” explains Alimoane.

Examples of field crops are the legumes (beans, peas, and pulses), cereals (upland rice, corn, and sorghum), root crops (sweet potato, cassava, carrot, and taro), and vegetables (cabbage, ampalaya, tomato, eggplant, etc.). Permanent crops include cacao, coffee, banana, citrus, and fruit trees.

This is where food security comes in. “Most farmers are locked into one crop,” Alimoane points out. “When the crop is harvested, he has much money, but it is soon gone, and he has overspent. He’s called a millionaire for one day.”

With SALT, a farmer can

harvest every now and then.

“He has something to look for,” Alimoane says. “Because the harvested crops are just enough for the market, there is a tendency that the price of his produce is much higher.”

Organic farming is practiced in the SALT scheme. Double hedgerows of leguminous perennials are planted at 4-5 meters intervals on equal-elevation contours. The hedgerows are pruned frequently (every 5-6 weeks) and the prunings are applied to the crops as source of fertilizer.

The prunings also served as mulching materials.

In the SALT farm, you find a mix of permanent crops, cereals, and vegetables. Every third strip of available land is normally devoted to permanent crops. A combination of various cereals and vegetables are planted on the remaining two strips of land. Each has its own specific area so that there can be a seasonal rotation.

“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.

The principle of SALT is the same as that used by the Ifugao tribes 300 years ago.

“All we are doing is suggesting using nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs instead of rocks,” Alimoane points out.

Examples of nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs include “ipil-ipil” (Leucaena leucocephala) and “madre de cacao” (Gliricidia sepium).

Introduced species like Desmodium rensonii, Flemingia macrophylla, and Indifogera anil are also good hedgerow materials.

“We recommend that a combination of these species be planted all over the SALT farm,” Alimoane suggests.

According to Alimoane, the reason why SALT came into was because of soil erosion. Some years back, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that 22 provinces in

the country had an “alarming” soil erosion rate. Batangas and Cebu, for instance, had lost 8085% of their topsoil to erosion.

“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation -- far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because erosion is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” said Watson when he received the RM Award in 1985. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

SALT helps control soil erosion. A seven-year study conducted at the MBRLC showed that a farm tilled in the traditional manner erodes at the rate of 1,163.4 metric tons per hectare per year. In comparison, a SALT farm erodes at the rate of only 20.2 metric tons per hectare per year.

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 like the Philippines within the range of 1012 metric tons per hectare per year. The non-SALT farm has an annual soil loss rate of 194.3 metric tons per hectare.

SALT can even withstand the dry spell brought about by the El Nino phenomenon.

The cost and return analysis of the SALT demonstration plot showed that during the El Niño in 1983, the system still managed to give a monthly net income of P436.90. The previous figure, in 1982, was P597.85 per month. Reported studies showed that most upland farmers in the country during that time get a measly income of only P300 per month.

In 1990, when another drought hit Mindanao, the SALT system had a monthly net income of P1,277.31. This was only 54.34 lower than the previous reported monthly net income of P1,331.74 in 1989.

As SALT is an example of agroforestry (a collective name for all land-use systems and practices where woody perennials and crops are planted together), it offers other valuable

ecological advantages.

“SALT greatly reduces the risk of drought, landslides, floods, the silting over of low-lying areas, and wind erosion -- all of which are linked to the radical transformation of the natural environment and the destruction of the mountain forests,” Alimoane says.

Rogelio “Boy” Esteban in Malita, Davao del Sur is one of those who follow the SALT system. For 10 years, he worked as a jeepney driver.

So when he got married, he decided to stay in his hometown with his wife. A distant relative allowed him to till 2 hectares on the slopes of a mountain provided that he remits 25% of his produce.

At first, the production was good. But after 5 years, the harvest went down. Then, he heard of SALT. He was sent by the Department of Agriculture to be trained at MBRLC. When he returned to his place, he established his own SALT farm. His keen interest to learn improved methods yielded positive results.

With the money he saved, he is keen on buying the land he tills. The owner is willing to sell him the land. “By the end of the year, this land will be mine,” he says with pride.

But Alimoane admits that it’s not an easy task to follow the SALT system diligently.

“We have had our failures, too,” he admits. “I can take you to a lot of farms that started out with SALT, and about halfway through the farmers just gave up. Part of it could be our fault; maybe we didn’t motivate them adequately.”

Maybe MBRLC’s approach is still not completely right. After all, there is no perfect technology or solution for a developing country like the Philippines. “The whole thing is terribly complex,” sighed now-retired Watson when he was still in the country. “When you start to fill up a big hole, it takes a lot of shovelfuls. In an economy like this, in a poor country like this, it takes a lot of grains of sand.”

12 CLASSIFIED

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Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Unveiling the Urban Diet EATING nowadays is no longer the mindless pleasure it used to be. There is information thrust at us left and right about what is in the food we eat along with health benefits and risks. Words like “detoxify” and “cleanse” have become mainstream, and there are now such things as phone apps that can identify just about any food on the planet along with their calorie count. Beyond the fad that healthy eating has become, I guess this back-to-basics tact is teaching us once again that less can be more.

Each of our health and fitness stories are different, yet Francié Marie Calderon’s journey is one of the more exceptional ones. While into her second pregnancy, Francié was diagnosed with a condition known as APAS or Antiphospholipid Syndrome, which caused difficult complications for her and her baby. Because treatment involved administering medication intravenously numerous times a day and being gripped with fear over possibilities like preeclampsia, this Davaobased young mom and good health. Despite the wife felt an overwhelm- tragic outcome, Francié is ing sense of consciousness at a point where she is foover the importance of cusing on making things

Meeting the demands of a growing populace that is becoming increasingly gutsy with their health practices, this meal delivery service saves those who strive to be healthier the thinking and planning that is involved in controlling what and how much they eat.

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

matter for herself and her family beginning with the effort she puts into their homemade meals. That she has decided to include others in her bid to live healthier through The Urban Diet is something to admire and applaud.

With no formal culinary training, Francié has plunged full on into preparing meals to the

tune of 1,200-1,500 calories a day. She admits to being nervous about her new venture but she was inspired by friends in Manila who run similar food delivery businesses and believes immensely in the format and its benefits.

Meeting the demands of a growing populace that is becoming increasingly

FUNVEILING, A4

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

‘Bon Appetit!’ to hold Bastille Day charity dinner BON APPETIT! will hold a special Bastille Day dinner show on Monday, July 14 at the Garden of Plaza del Carmen. The show will feature excerpts from the musical Les Miserables with 25 singers dressed in period costumes from Sonaré Productions singing well-loved songs from the Tony Award winning musical such as On My Own, I Dreamed a Dream, One Day More, and Do You Hear the People Sing all accompanied by a live orchestra. Proceeds from the event will go the Tagum City Food Bank.

For reservations you may call Bon Appetit! at 321-2574 or 0922 824 1063. Bon Appetit! is located at the Plaza del Carmen, Loyola Street, Davao City.

Globe Telecom equips cell sites with back-up power solutions GLOBE TELECOM is rolling out fuel cell systems that can provide back-up power solution in cell cites identified as most critical to ensure delivery of telecommunication services during crisis situations such as when a natural calamity strikes.

The move is in step with company efforts to fortify the network following the onslaught of powerful typhoons such as Haiyan that caused massive devastation in central Philippines in November of last year. The severity of the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan underscored the need for reliable, extended duration backup power capability to maintain continuity of communications between emergency services personnel as well as the general public during crisis situations.

“The installation of fuel cell systems in our cell sites is in line with the company’s network resiliency and preparedness plan to ensure our customers have access to our voice, SMS and data network during times of emergencies when availability of communication lines is most critical,” said Robert Tan, Globe Chief Technical Advisor.

Fuel cell systems provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to batteries and generators. The fuel cell systems enable up to 100 hours of run time. The methanol-fuelled back-up power systems ensures delivery of network services during extreme weather events or when electric grid is unavailable or during power outages.

Providing back-up power solutions for Globe cell sites forms part of the company’s business continuity program, aimed at adequately equipping the company to respond and address disruptive incidents such as natural calamities.

Following such efforts, Globe Telecom recently became the first telecommunications provider in the country to secure an enterprise-wide business continuity ISO certification, attesting to the company’s readiness in ensuring delivery of vital telecommunication services to its customers during crisis situations.

Globe Telecom obtained an enterprise-wide certification of compliance for ISO 22301:2012 for the delivery of voice, SMS, data products, internet and data center related activities, through its mobile and fixed line networks to its domestic and international customers. The certificate was issued by the British Standards Institute and approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services.

EDEN NATURE PARK & RESORT’S 70% OFF PAY DAY ROOM SALE. Don’t miss Eden Nature Park & Resort’s Payday Room Sale! Plan your perfect getaway and enjoy 70% OFF on room accommodations with breakfast!!! Room Sale period is from July 15 - 16, 2014. Stay period for the sale is from August 1-31, 2014. For inquiries, please contact (082) 299-1020, 299-0313, 0918-9307590.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Bea gets back at her enemies in ‘Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon’

ABS-CBN’s primetime drama series “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” has maintained its grip on TV viewers every night as the paths of Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino’s characters cross once again.

Based on data from Kantar Media on Tuesday (July 8), the series’ episode that featured Patrick (Paulo), Sasha (Maricar Reyes), and Rose’s (Bea) first encounter since the accident scored a national TV rating of 20.4%. It is almost eight percentage points higher than its rival program on GMA “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real” (12.6%).

Meanwhile, “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” will continue to fire up primetime TV now that Rose, through the character of Emmanuelle, is ready to make Patrick and Sasha pay for their deceit.

How far will Rose go to get the justice that she

and Emmanuelle deserve?

Will she and Ruth (Susan Roces) succeed in finding the person who blew up Emmanuelle’s car?

What will take over Rose’s heart as she seeks revenge against Patrick—love or anger?

Under the production of Dreamscape Entertain-

ment Television, “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” is a story about two different women fighting for justice. It is directed by Trina Dayrit and Jerome Pobocan.

Don’t miss the continuation of Rose and Emmanuelle’s story in “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon”

weeknights after “Ikaw Lamang” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For more information about “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon,” visit the show’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/SBPAK. TV, Twitter.com/SBPAK_ TV, and Instagram.com/ DreamscapepH.

Atom experiences intense earthquakes via simulation in ‘Red Alert’ THE recent 5.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Batangas and other nearby provinces has once again spurred calls for preparedness for earthquakes that might hit the country any time.

Be sure you are well equipped for an earthquake with the help of Atom Araullo this Friday (July 11) in “Red Alert” as he shows viewers what to do in case the ground starts shaking.

Atom, together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, tries out an earthquake simulation using the “Shake, Rattle, and Learn House” to experience what it’s like to confront earthquakes of varying intensities that may destroy properties and even claim lives.

Experts, on the other hand, share ways to ensure the safety of students in case an earthquake hits a school.

And is it really possible for a 7.2-magnitude earthquake to split Metro Manila in half?

Find out the answers on “Red Alert” this Friday (July 11), 4PM, on ABS-CBN. For

m o r e updates, like “Red Alert” on Facebook via https://www.facebook. com/RedAlertABSCBN and

follow @ a bs cb nre dalert on Twitter and Instagram.

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‘My Girl’ returns to Phl TV screens this July on Jeepney TV FRESH from the success of their “Meteor Garden” tandem airing last summer, Jeepney TV once again joins forces with ABS-CBN for another unique throwback viewing experience.

The original Korean drama and one of the most celebrated love stories in the world of Asianovelas, “My Girl,” dubbed in Filipino, premieres on local cable television via Jeepney TV, along with its comeback on ABS-CBN starting this Monday (July 14).

“My Girl” was first aired

by ABS-CBN in 2006, and from its success then, the channel even produced a local adaptation under the same title two years after.

Jeepney TV and ABS-CBN will be taking viewers way back to where it all began, with the story of Jasmine (Lee Da-hae), who lives with her gambling-addicted father. With her father’s growing debt, he decides to flee their hometown of Jeju island to go into hiding, leaving Jasmine alone to support herself and clear up the debts by selling oranges illegally picked from a hotel orchard and by working as a tour guide on

Through a strange twist of events, Julian and Jasmine are forced to live under the same roof, and as time passes, the attraction between them grows. However, after having become someone else, can Jasmine let herself fall in love with Julian?

Re-trace the steps of this favorite story as “My Girl” re-

the island.

One day, she crosses paths with the sole heir to the L’Avenue Hotel fortune,

a young man named Julian (Lee Dong-wook). Eager to grant his grandfather’s dying wish, Julian employs Jas-

turns to television this Monday (July 14) on Jeepney TV (SkyCable Channel 9) and ABS-CBN. Catch “My Girl” on Jeepney TV on weekdays at 8:00pm and on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold afternoon block. For updates, visit and like Jeepney TV on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ JeepneyTV).

mine and offers a monthly salary plus a bonus, assuming she does what she does best—to put on an act.

Jackie Rice sheds her inhibitions in ‘Kamkam’ GMA Artist Center star Jackie Rice could’ve just shied away from doing a daring role that goes far beyond the confines of her previous portrayals, but the StarStruck Ultimate Female Survivor had a lot of reasons why she had to muster up and commit to the movie Kamkam (Greed).

“Sa galing ng direktor, ganda ng istorya, at sa husay ng cast, parang wala akong karapatang tanggihan ang project na ‘to,” Jackie muses.

Kamkam is a film that depicts the effects of corruption manned by a patriarchal system. In the movie, Jackie is the third wife of an amoral thug who lords over a poverty-stricken community.

The storyline required Jackie to engage in steamy love scenes which proved to be challenging for the actress. The Kapuso star felt like she had to gauge herself – to see what she can do—

and how far she can go as an actress.

For Jackie, her latest silver screen effort proved to be

a measuring stick. “It was something different. Mas nakilala ko ang sarili ko, may mga nagawa ako for the first

time,” shares Jackie.

Jackie also shares that she desired to be a part of Kamkam because of the critically-acclaimed director Joel Lamangan. It has always been her dream to do a project under the helm of Direk Joel.

“Masaya ako at natupad na ang pangarap ko. Ang dami kong natutunan kay Direk Joel. Maraming nakapansin na iba ang atake o approach ko rito,” says Jackie.

“Binigay ko talaga ang buong puso ko sa movie na ‘to. Nandoon din ‘yung buong tiwala ko kay Direk at sa mga eksena,” Jackie adds.

All of Jackie’s efforts were deservingly lauded by no less than Direk Joel himself. It’s as if Jackie earned a badge after being dubbed by the renowned director as “his new discovery.”

Kamkam is now showing in select theatres nationwide.

WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT 2D / * DELIVER US FROM EVIL 2D Kate Ashfield, Tasha Connor / * Eric Bana R 13 / *R 13

12:05 | 1:45 | 3:25 LFS / * 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES 3D Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman PG 13

01:00 | 3:40 | 06:20 | 09:00 LFS

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES 2D Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman PG 13

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

R-16 TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION 2D Mark Wahlberg GP

12:00 | 3:20 | 6:40 | 10:00 LFS

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EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Unveiling...FFROM A1 gutsy with their health practices, this meal delivery service saves those who strive to be healthier the thinking and planning that is involved in controlling what and how much they eat. This platform for healthy eating is certainly not new, but it is one of the first to be publicly offered in Davao. One of the things that surprised me when I tried some of Francié’s dishes is that they don’t call to mind the limitations of the meal but the possibilities instead. It is no easy feat trying to quell the appetite while making something that is appetizing. What she manages is

a tough juggling act in advocating healthy eating by making sure that portion, content and flavor all work in her favor to satisfy those who have entrusted their sustenance in her hands.

Francié assures that she doesn’t plan on becoming a one-week wonder (you must order an entire week’s worth of food).

She promises that no one dish will be repeated for a whole month and is a serious research buff who really takes her role as health compass to heart.

She takes stock of wholesome ingredients that are becoming increasingly popular and has learned

which condiments and sauces from her pantry to use to her advantage (sesame oil and balsamic vinegar are some of her favorites). She has also taken to including freshly pressed juices for free to those who have signed up for her meals, one of the unexpected add-ons which makes her introductory price of P2,250 for four meals a day for five days a real steal.

This determined entrepreneur continues to vivify her promising venture, glorying even in the little hurdles that would intimidate or discourage others. Francié lights up

when we talk about her plans and she has really opened her whole being to this new experience of carving out and assembling nutritious and inventive dishes. She is outdoing herself so far and what she has started shows that the best-laid (meal) plans naturally succeed when prepared and executed carefully and thoughtfully.

Get updates and upcoming meal plans by visiting The Urban Diet’s Facebook page – www. facebook.com/theurbangardendeliverydavao or call/text 0917-5464149 and 0922-8798418.

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FAST FRIDAYS. Dr. Vince Vicente (left photo) announces the staging of the first ever Martial Arts Expo on August 9 and 10 at Garden Oases. At right, Citzi Rose Rada (right) with Cherill Labis (left) of Sky Davao, explains the Sky Davao and

National Geographic Run scheduled on July 27. The two events were among the featured topics opf the FAST Fridays media forum at Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Sky Davao and Nat Geo Run on July 27

Smoker Fights stage two-day martial arts expo Aug. 9-10 L

D

AVAO MMA fans will be treated to a rare exposition of different martial arts disciplines when the Martial Arts Expo happens on August 9 and 10 at the Garden Oasis Gym in Obrero.

Smoker Fights president and CEO Dr. Vince

Vicente announced the staging of the biggest MMA event in the city this year during this week’s edition of FAST Fridays at Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier.

“The Expo is a first of a kind here in Davao. It is patterned after martial arts

expo held in other countries as well,” said Vicente. “Martial Arts is a passion and being able to put this up is one big sacrifice, we don’t get as much sponsorships and support here.”

Vicente said the MMA Expo will feature various martial arts like Brazilian

Jiujitsu, Aikido, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and Judo. He also said that they are inviting Tang Soo do Moo Duk Kwan and AAKDavao to join.

Some 800 martial arts practitioners are expected to take part in the two-day event.

EADING cable television provider Sky Davao and National Geographic Channel will stage the first ever Sky Davao-Nat Geo Channel Fire Up Your Feet: Takbo Para Sa Kabataan on July 27.

The footrace will feature four categories in the 1-K Kiddies, 1-K Run Duo, 5-K, 10-K and the premier 15-K. All races begin and end at the People’s Park with designated turnaround points.

Citzi Rose Rada of Sky Davao along with the organizing team composed of

Cherill Labis, Claudine Calibo and Monique Peque formally announced the event at this week’s FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier.

Registration fee for the run is pegged at P150 for Kiddies, P350 for Duos, P300 for 5K, P500 for 10K, and P650 for 15K. Registration pack includes one singlet and raffle prizes for the first 500 registrants.

Part of the proceeds of the race will go to Padre Pio Home for Children.

14 EDGEDAVAO

BY FAR, OUR HUMBLEST ACHIEVEMENT.

PROUDLY, DABAWENYO.

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SPORTS 15

MODEST MESSI’S MISSION Argentina’s star striker VOL. 7 ISSUE 85 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JULY 13-14, 2014

wants the Cup glory R IO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Argentina’s Lionel Messi, the most unassuming and also one of the most admired talents in world sport, can join the elite of soccer greats by winning the World Cup in Sunday’s final against Germany.

There are two categories of truly great players – those like Pele and Maradona, who won the ultimate prize, and others such as Johan Cruyff, Eusebio and Ferenc Puskas whose brilliance was never in doubt but who had to be content with club prizes and individual accolades.

There are endless debates about who was the best but those discussions among fans do not in the slightest bother Messi – who never tires of pointing out that he plays a team game and that the glory belongs to the squad and not him alone.

That may sound like a standard cliched response, but it carries more weight from a player who does nothing to suggest he is anything but humble and more than a little shy.

While many other top players in the modern game seem eager to draw attention to themselves – with eye-catching goal celebrations and celebrity lifestyles, Messi is a reluctant superstar.

The 27-year-old does

FIFA fines Argentina $336K

A

RGENTINA were fined $336,000 by the FIFA disciplinary committee for not sending players to their last four pre-game press conferences at the World Cup. In their games against Nigeria, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands only coach Alejandro Sabella sat down in front of the media, breaching FIFA’s media and marketing rules established with each federation.

At each of these press

conferences held at the stadiums the day before the match, Sabella had to be accompanied by at least one player according to regulations. Now the AFA will have to pay a third of a million dollars to FIFA for breaking such simple rule.

With these regulations, FIFA attempts to assure the best media coverage for every team allowing fans from around the world to follow their teams closely.

Brazil desperate to salvage some pride against Dutch

B

RASILIA (Reuters) - Hosts Brazil are determined to end their home World Cup with a victory against the Netherlands in Saturday’s third place playoff and try and move on from the humbling 7-1 defeat by Germany in the last four.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will welcome back skipper Thiago Silva for the clash at the Brasilia national stadium against the Dutch, who are

also grieving after missing out on a place in the final following a penalty shootout defeat by Argentina.

Departing Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal previously said he thought the third-place match was a waste of time but he is now targeting victory to ensure his team become the first Dutch side to go through a World Cup unbeaten in regulation time.

HEAD TO HEAD. Thomas Muller (13) and Lionell Messi (10) will be at the forefront of their team’s offense.

not seem to relish the work he has to do as part of his many endorsement deals and he keeps media appearances to a minimum.

When he does talk about himself he is evidently uncomfortable with discussions about his status in the game or comparisons with other players, past or present.

“Because the only thing that matters is playing,” he said in a recent television interview. “I have enjoyed it since I was a little boy and I still try to do that every time I go on the pitch.

“I always say that when I no longer enjoy it or it’s no longer fun to play, then I won’t do it anymore. I do it because I love it,” he said.

What Messi did not love was the view held by some Argentines that because he grew up in Spain, as part of Barcelona’s academy system from the age of 11, he was not as committed to the national team as he should have been.

DOUBTS FADE Those doubts over his desire to succeed with Argentina have faded in recent years, as any trip to Buenos Aries - where Messi’s image adorns shop windows and billboards across the city - would prove, but it was a mood that upset the forward.

EDGEDAVAO Sports

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GONE AND BACK Cleveland’s ‘Prodigal Son’ returns home

T

HEY burned his jersey. They put his face on urinal mats.

They cursed him and cursed him and cursed him, only when they weren’t tearing down his billboards. The team owner ripped him to shreds in a bizarre Comic Sans font email. They cheered that.

A year after the departure, when LeBron James lost in his first NBA Finals with the Miami Heat – and Cleveland rejoiced – he responded with his own arrogance and anger.

“All the people that [were] rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today,” LeBron said back in 2011.

That was then. This is the Return of the Prodigal Son. “My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball,” James told Sports Illustrated, which broke the news of his decision. “I didn’t realize that four years ago. I do now.”

For Cleveland, the sequel (Decision II) was vastly more pleasing than the original, with LeBron James, the Chosen One from down the road in Akron, announcing Friday that he would leave Miami and take his talents back to the Cavaliers.

It is a move that seemed beyond anyone’s wildest imagination four years ago, when everything was toxic.

James is back looking to do what he once promised, deliver a championship to a region, his region, that hasn’t seen a major professional title since the pre-Super Bowl 1964 Browns, meaning you have to be in your late 50s to even possibly remember it.

The LeBron they get is better than the LeBron they once lost, and as painful as his fleeing to South Beach was, it very well may have been necessary.

James was shocked at the reaction in 2010, not expecting the vitriol and viciousness. It was a naïve take on the predictable. He saw the decision to take another job in another town as part of the American Way, a freedom granted in the contract he’d signed and honored.

In a vacuum, this was all justifiable and understandable. LeBron knew, or should’ve known though, he doesn’t operate in a vacuum and hasn’t since he was 15, 16 years old and was dubbed “King” as a high school player. Officials had to ban his St. Mary-St. Vincent High classmates from begging for autographs. Three shoe companies bid tens of millions on him before his senior prom. When he started driving a Hummer as a senior, it brought speculation and investigation.

Nothing is normal for him. He was doomed the moment he and his inexperienced management team were sold on a made-for-television kick in the stomach to Cleveland by the Hollywood agent whom Ari from “Entourage” was based on. It was a concept born of someone clueless on how the emotions of fans operate.

Soon it wasn’t just Cleveland that hated LeBron, it was almost everyone. He was booed across the league, mocked when he didn’t win, heckled, to his surprise, even in towns where h e ’ d never contemplated signing. He was so despised that he made Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett into loveable figures. He pumped up TV ratings by drawing in people who watched to see him hopefully lose.

BACK HOME. Lebron James, who left Cleveland to go to Miami and win two titles, is taking his talent back to his community whom he considers is in need of his talent.