Edge Davao 7 Issue 88

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

INCREASING DEMAND. High-voltage transmission lines span the countryside, carrying electricity from Pungali Hydroelectric Power Plant in Maramag, Bukidnon, to different provinces of Mindanao.

Davao Light and Power Co., the electric supplier of Davao City and some towns in Davao del Norte, bared that Mindanao’s total power supply will still continue to be tight due to unavailable reserve capacity. Lean Daval Jr.

KADAYAWAN SAFETY ASSURED City government is ready but not taking threats lightly

By Vannah S. ang

COLORUM BOXING

vsa@edgedavao.net

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he City government of Davao has assured all visitors of the city’s security during the forthcoming Kadayawan Festival next month.

The assurance came amidst reports of terror threats in the city. Local tourism officials have also been participating in the campaign to ensure public safety since the Kadayawan festival has always been a local tourist attraction.

“Peace and order is the most important thrust of our Mayor and the assurance is really making sure that our police is up to their toes and they are not taking any raw or unverified threat lightly. Threats are not possible to completely avoid for any city in that matter, but we are not in control of travel advisories from consulates informing the public about our security status,” Lisette Marques, City Tourism Officer, said during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at the SM City Davao on Monday.

Even if these reports are raw and unverified, the City Tourism Office (CTO) refuses

to take form of terror threat for granted in cooperation with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and Central 911. DCPO and Central 911 officials will be stricter as security is expected to be even tighter compared last year. The CTO has recently reported that a number of tourists have already cancelled their planned visits to the city in time for the Kadayawan festival. They hope for an increase in the number of foreign tourists who will participate in the Kadayawan festival despite the recent terror threats.

“We are sending out a statement from the city that it is really secured. A lot of groups or national tourism officers, like myself, have been asking what the security status is and things like that. We also have groups that have signified their commitment to come to the city. They just want a

FKADAYAWAN, 10

ABAP 11 says tragic ComVal boxfest is illegal By neILWIn JOSePh L. BRaVO njb@edgedavao.net

The amateur boxing tournament last July 5 in Compostela Valley which turned tragic after a 15year old boxer was forced to fight through the distance and eventually died is a “colorum” event.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) Region 11 director Gene Rose Tecson told Edge Davao yesterday that the tragedy-stricken boxing tournament is illegal and not sanctioned by the country’s amateur boxing governing body.

“We don’t have a club in ComVal. Somebody tried to form one there years back but it didn’t take off. Problem now are the people who started the tournament or whatever it was with utter disregard for the safety of the amateur boxers,” Tecson said. “These people kasi always think na okay suntukan lang naman yan. They should be jailed and beaten up para marealize nila what it’s like if walang rules.”

Tecson said some people are treating the sport

like cockfighting. “Kung sa sabong pa, tigbakay,” she said.

Gerry Estubo died after he was knocked down twice in a three-round fight of a barangay boxing match in Barangay Magading in Nabunturan town in Compostela Valley province.

GMA Davao, the first to report the incident, said in a report on Tuesday that Estubo was allowed by the referee to fight even if he was already floored twice

FABAP, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

5 shabu users nabbed

By Cheneen R. CaPOn

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crc@edgedavao.net

iVE suspected shabu users including two listed in the watchlist of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) were arrested by elements of San Pedro Police Station (PS2) in an operation in Barangay Bacaca, Davao City yesterday.

San Pedro police officer PO3 Jonathan O. Fuñe identified the two included in DCPO’s watchlist as Ento B. Bucay alias “Allana Abdul Salik/ Drew”, 26, male, resident of Taytay, Lanao del Norte and Adam Maransing alias “Jaffar”, 38, male, resident of Malubang, Lanao del Sur while the other three were Johaira E. Radialam, female, 23, a resident of Bankerohan, Davao City; Alinor B. Paino, 42, male, resident of Bangon, Marawi City; and Noraldin P. Amirol, 32, male, resident of Malabang, Lanao del Sur. Fuñe said that the five were caught on act having a pot session in the house Bucay.

The operation was based on the search warrant No. 1579 issued by

executive Judge Pelagio S. Paguican. The police officer said that the Bucay and Maransing were under surveillance by the Philippine Drug Enforcement agency.

Officials confiscated P29, 000 worth of suspected shabu, dried leaves of marijuana with a street value of P 300, drug paraphernalia, 45 caliber and 9mm pistol.

Fuñe did not confirm the involvement of Bucay and Maransing in April 4 isla Verde fire which is caused by unattended candle used by drug users during a pot session.

However, report from ABS-CBN Southern Mindanao said that the two were former residents of Barangay 23- C, who vacated the area after the fire.

Charges against the five were prepared by the official of San Pedro Police Station for the violation of R.A. 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearm.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

LIFE IS HERE. Lars Nicolaisen (right), a tourist from Sweden who is married to a Filipina, gulps down beer directly from a barrel during a night out with fellow Swedish tourists at a pub in Times Beach, Davao City last night. The City Tourism Office is expecting an increase in tourist arrivals this Kadayawan Festival despite the rumors of possible terror attacks in the city.

New EO mandates traffic coordination T

HE Davao City government issued an order that emphasizes on traffic management coordination between Davao City Police and the city government to help address the worsening traffic problems in the city.

Acting City Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte signed last July 14, an Executive Order No. 33 series of 2014 “An Order Urging the Traffic GroupDavao City Police Office (TG-DCPO) to coordinate with the City Mayor’s Office through the Traffic Management Center (TMC) of the City Government of Davao.”

The EO provides for the coordination efforts of all operating units such as TG-DCPO, TMC, Land Transportation Office, and Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board, and other ancillary or support services are hereby required to extend the necessary assistance in order to ensure the smooth implementation of the same.

The EO also clarified that TG-DCPO shall continue to perform their mandated functions and shall coordinate with TMC in the enforcement of traffic rules and ordinances.

“Administrative supervision over the personnel (TG-DCPO and TMC) shall, however, remain with their respective mother agen-

cies,” the section 2 of EO said.

“This order hereby repeals the Executive Order No. 02 series of 2014, An order placing the Traffic Management Center of the City Government of Davao under the Operational Control of the Traffic Group of Davao City Police Office and shall take effect immediately upon the signing hereof and shall remain in full force and effect and until amended, revoked and/ or suspended by another order,” the section 4 of the EO stated.

The directive was passed based on the “persistent march to progress indispensably coupled with the rapidly increasing concentration of business establishments and the influx of human population towards the city’s central business district which brought about a noticeable rise in traffic congestion and road mishaps resulting in the untimely loss of lives and destruction of properties.”

“Being recognized as the center of commerce and trade in Mindanao, Davao City is caught in the web of rapid urbanization as manifested by its immense growth not just in population but also in economic activities,” stated the order.

The order stated that

FNEW, 10

No application for WFP from King slay suspects By aRManDO B. FeneQUITO JR.

C

abf@edgedavao.net

ONTRARy to their announced plans, there are no applications for availment of witness protection program, (WFP) from the three suspects in the murder of billionaire Richard L. King.

The Davao City Prosecution Office (CPO) information officer Prosecutor Jay Karel P. Sanchez bared that their office has not received an application from accused Paul Dave Labang and Rommel and Rodel Dela Cerna.

“None of the three ac-

cused applied for the coverage on witness protection program,” Sanchez told Edge Davao in an interview.

Based on the record of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 17, the arraignment of the accused will be held in abeyance on the ground that they intend to avail and qualify under Witness Protection Program.

However, Sanchez said as far as their office is concern there is no application received from the counsel of the three accused.

For the application as

state witness, Sanchez said that it is still under evaluation of the court through their office.

“As to whether out office would file a motion for any of the accused to be discharged a state witness that is still subject for evaluation,” Sanchez said.

She said that so far, there is still no discussion on the intention of the three to become a state witness on the case considering that the case is just being filed.

“The public prosecutor assigned in (RTC) Branch

17 would still have to discuss with the case,” Sanchez said.

Under the law, an accused can turn into a state witness once the court finds him qualified. Among the requirements are for the accused to be the least guilty person in the crime and that the testimony to be given is not merely corroborative but substantive to the resolution of the case.

Another requirement is that there are no other witnesses available.

FNO, 10

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Customs seizes ‘ukay-ukay’ T

HE Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao seized one 40-foot container van bearing container number PONU8118823 consigned to ORO 88 Trading said to contain undermined bales of that arrived in the Port of Davao from Singapore last June 30, 2014 under BL no.

MCC511547.

The shipment was covered by Alert Order No. 28-2014 issued by District Collector Ernesto Aradanas on 08 July 2014.

Upon 100% examination the shipment last 15 July 2014 was found to contain several bales of used clothing contrary to the declaration in the manifest which listed it as used articles.

There is a violation of customs laws, rules and regulations under Section 2503 of the TCCP, as amended in relation in relation to Republic Act (RA) No. 4653 06 June 1966. The laws prohibit the commercial importation of textile articles commonly known as used clothing and rags.

Mandatory Products Certification scheme in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 4109, Republic Act (RA) 7394 and Letter of instructions 1208.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued by District Collector Aradanas against the subject shipment.

Similarly, a shipment said to contain used curtains, used blankets, used shoes, used carpets, etc. loaded in one 40-foot container van with container number MSKU0859157 consigned to ORO 88 Trading that arrived in the Port of Davao from Pusan, covered by BL no. MCC385755.

The shipment was covered by Alert Order No. A/ iG/20131114-105 issued by iG-Manila. On 07 July 2014 it was indorsed by Ci-

FCUSTOMS, 10

NEW PLAYER IN THE CITY. Nippon Paint Malaysia group general manager Gladys Goh introduces the company’s innovative coating solutions to members of local media during its official Davao City media launch at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Mediator working on cops’release

By Cheneen R. CaPOn crc@edgedavao.net

A

N official of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 revealed yesterday that a provincial social welfare officer has been assigned to be the mediator for the release of four police officers abducted by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Alegria, Surigao del Sur. Police Sr. Supt. Pedro U. Ubaldo, Jr. of PRO 13 said that Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel assigned the mediator whose

identity has been held for safety reason during the crisis management committee meeting last Tuesday.

“Kini siya ang palaging ginaassign nga mediator pag may nakikidnap,” Ubaldo said during the AFP-PNP presscorp press conference at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday.

Earlier, Capt. Alberto C. Caber, spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said

that a multisectoral negotiating team was formed for the released of the four hostages who were abducted last week. The four were captured after elements of the Front 16 of NDF attacked Alegria Municipal Police Station at around 3:30 p.m.last Saturday. PO2 Romero Beniga Dagsa at PO2 Reuben Casimero Salino were wounded during the encounter while two rebels were also killed.

The team is composed of officials of the local government of Alegria, Philippine National Police, religious leaders and peace advocates.

Meanwhile, Ubaldo is positive that the four in will be freed through the peace negotiation.

The kidnapped police were identified as PO3 Vic Concon, PO1 Rey O. Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabal and PO1 Edito F. Roquino. The

four will serve as prisoners of war (POW).

Maria Malaya, National Democratic Front of the PhilippinesNortheast Mindanao Chapter (NDFP-NMC) spokesperson said in a statement assured the families of the safety of the four.

Malaya said that the four will be treated fairly based on the international Humanitarian Law and the

hectares of our unique city, but also serve our GiDA or the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such Paquibato and Callawa in the second district… and the hinterlands of third district, “ Villafuerte said.

She said that last week, a 37-year-old mother from Kabisig, Calinan Poblacion, went into labor and she was later found to have only one record of prenatal check-up at Calinan Health Center.

The mother was immediately referred to Southern Philippine Medical Center but eventually died and left

behind six children.

“A report like this naturally makes sad, makes us think about the efforts of the national government, lead by DOH (Department of Health) and the local government through our own CHO, to implement Universal Health Care or Kalusugan Pangkalahatan, the Health Agenda of the Aquino administration. Are doing enough,” Villafuerte stressed.

She said that if the maternal mortality rate (MMR) will be examined based on

FMEDIATOR, 10

POPCOM 11needs P1M Adopt MNCHN strategy, dad urges to back youth programs By aRManDO B. FeneQUITO JR.

By Vannah S. ang

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vsa@edgedavao.net

HE Commission on Population (POPCOM) Region 11 needs at least P1-million to fully cover programs that will address the risks and behavior of young people in Mindanao.

The regional POPCOM office said it has received an allocation of P300,000 from the national government this year but admitted it was not enough.

“We expect more than a million pesos not only from the national government but also from the local government units (LGU) since the problem of the youth affects

their own communities,” Maduh A. Damsani, POPCOM regional director, said during a media forum hosted by the POPCOM 11 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel Davao last Friday.

A young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (yAFS) study, a series of nationally representative cross-sectional surveys on the Filipino youth aged 15 to 24, was conducted last year where a total of 19,178 young people representing all sectors including males and females, single and married, and the Muslim

FPOPCOM, 10

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE chairperson of the committee on health of the Davao City Council is pushing for a legislation to fully address the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition situation in the city.

Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte has proposed for ‘an ordinance establishing systems and mechanisms for an efficient and effective implementation of the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) strategy in the Davao City.’

Villafuerte said in her

privilege speech in yesterday’s regular session that the proposal calls for the creation of more comprehensive ordinances which will help equip the City Health Office (CHO) and allow close coordination among public and private hospitals, health centers, lying-in and birthing facilities in order to strengthen a health service delivery network.

“Which will serve the health need of our residents, not only in our urban area of first district, which is a mere 10 percent of 244,000

FADOPT, 10

4 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Too much ado about salt STORy and PhOTO by geRRy T. eSTReRa Contributor

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T is one of the ingredients in oral rehydration therapy which can save a child from diarrhea. it tastes like your tears. in search for it, man discovered kissing. And it is found in most Filipino foods including the celebrated bagoong. yes, you’re right, it’s salt.

Although salt is needed in our body, taking too much of it is bad for our health. “There is convincing data showing that people who eat salty food excessively have a shorter life span than those who eat salty food less,” wrote Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, the health columnist of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Dr. Castillo cited the study done in Japan. “in the 1950s, the incidence of strokes in Japan reached alarming levels, prompting the government to take urgent action. The salt intake of the Japanese was very high then, and through a concerted multisectoral program which included a lot of public education, the Japanese reduced their salt intake by half. This reduced the average blood pressure of the population, and the rate of stroke was cut down by 80 percent. The average life span in Japan also increased significantly.”

Dr. Castillo believed that what the Japanese did could also be done in the Philippines, more than 50,000 lives can be saved annually.

Sodium and chloride ions, the two major components of salt, are necessary for the survival of all living creatures, including human beings. it is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body.

Scientist Claude Bernard made that discovery in the mid-1800s, and he realized the fluid must contain the right amounts of sodium,

chloride, and potassium to allow our cells to grow, work, and survive.

One hundred years later, researcher Homer Smith theorized that the cell-bathing fluid contains similar to the salty seas that bathed and nourished the earliest one-celled organisms.

Salt is so important that it has been mentioned in the Holy Bible several times. in the English translation of the King James Bible, there are forty-one verses which reference salt, the earliest being the story of Lot’s wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobediently looked back at the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:26). When King Abimelech destroyed the city of Shechem (Judges 9:45), he is said to have “sowed salt on it” – a phrase expressing the completeness of its ruin. in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus referred to his followers as the “salt of the earth.”

Ancient Greeks found out that eating salty food affected basic body functions such as digestion and excretion. This led to salt being used medically. The healing methods of Hippocrates (460 BC) especially made frequent use of salt. Hippocrates mentions inhalation of steam from salt-water.

Today, people are taking salt more than they should have. The Geneva-based World Health Organization recommends that adults should only consume less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day. “The average Filipino diet is nowhere near this level,” deplores Dr. Castillo. “it is around 12-15 grams per day.”

“Limiting salt may be a good idea,” the editors of Super Life, Super Health point out. “it could affect your blood pressure someday,

and it may affect other parts of your body, like your bones. But don’t make a huge effort to cut back to less than the recommended limit unless you have high blood pressure.”

A study conducted in the United States of more than 2,000 people showed that older adults with salty diets may have an increased risk of suffering a stroke. The findings, which were published in the journal “Stroke,” said that those who got well above the recommended sodium intake were nearly three times as likely to suffer a stroke over 10 years as people who met guidelines recommended by the American Heart Association.

“High sodium intake was prevalent and associated with an increased risk of stroke independent of vascular risk factors,” wrote Hannah Gardener, a researcher at the University of Miami School of Medicine, who led the study.

Sure, you like your French fries covered with salt, but if have hemorrhoids, salt can make it worse. Excess salt retain fluids in the circulatory system that can cause bulging of the veins in the anus and elsewhere.

High salt intake can also trigger migraine in some people. Migraine is a throbbing headache, usually occurring on only one side of the head. (A woman who had suffered with migraines for 16 years finally experienced relief when researchers from Denmark’s Odense University gave her 500 to 600 milligrams of powdered ginger whenever she felt a headache coming on. Within 30 minutes, her migraine would be gone.) in a study conducted at the Department of Community Medicine of St. Thomas Hospital in

London, researchers discovered that salt could have a life-threatening effect on people with asthma. “A strong correlation was found between table salt purchases and asthma mortality in both men and children,” reported the researchers. Buying the salt wasn’t killing people; eating it was.

Anyone who has passed a kidney stone can verify that this is an experience he never wants to repeat. Most stones are calcium-based, so it’s essential that you avoid excessive intake of table salt and condiments high in sodium. Salt restriction will help decrease the concentration of calcium in the urine. According to US National Kidney Foundation, you should reduce your sodium intake to two to three grams per day.

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) should avoid salt at all cost.

“People don’t realize that foods with high salt content can contribute to water retention,” says Dr. Susan Clark, medical director of PMS and Menopause SelfHelp Center in Los Altos, California.

Most snack foods and other processed foods are high in salt – and some fastfood meals can be extremely high. So, women with PMS should stay away from

these foods. Before buying packaged and processed foods, be sure to read the labels and whenever possible, choose fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We usually recommend cutting down on salt used in cooking and to remove the salt shaker on the table,” Dr. Castillo noted. “But these sources only constitute 20 percent of the salt one usually takes in. The bulk -- around 80 percent -- of the salt being consumed come from processed food and food we order in restaurants.”

For instance, some soups (and this includes instant noodle soups) contain more than 1,000 milligrams (mg) of sodium per cup. Pizza pies can have 400 mg to 1,200 mg per slice. So if one eats two slices, he or she has already exceeded the recommended daily sodium intake.

“We hope that the Philippine Food and Drug Administration,” Dr. Castillo urged, “will push through with its move to require all food manufacturers, restaurants and food outlets to put prominently on the label or on the menu the amount of sodium and other substances in the food products they manufacture or serve. This will enable the consumer to make an intelligent choice whether or not to buy their

products.”

Health experts, however, warn that you should try to cut out salt from your diet completely. That would be dangerous! in fact, there are also good things about salt, healthwise. For instance, if you are suffering from stuffy nose, why not try saline solution? Here’s how to do it: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a pint of water, and then use a nose dropper to drop it in your nose. Gently blow your nose on a tissue.

Having a gum pain?

Try a warm saltwater rinse. “Take a few swigs of warm salt water and swish it between your teeth and gums,” advises Dr. Leslie Salkin, director of post-graduate periodontics at the Temple University of School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. “it has a general soothing effect. if you have an abscess, the salts will help draw it out and drain it.” He recommends one teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.

Salt can also be used as a first line of defense against sore throat. While gargling won’t kill off the germs causing sore throat, it will moisturize and temporarily soothe the upper throat. While there are many possible gargles on the market, salt water is as good as any, and it’s cheap.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Amended payment scheme for sand and gravel concessions approved By aRManDO B. FeneQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

T

HE Davao City Council has approved the request of the City Mining Regulatory Board to amend payment scheme provisions of sand and gravel concessionaires under the Revenue Code.

The city council passed on second reading in last Tuesday’s regular session the “Re-

quest of City Mining Regulatory Board for possible amendments of the existing Revenue Code of Davao City specially section 42, in relation to the issues and concerns raised by the sand and gravel permit holders relative to Legal Opinion No. 134, series of 2014 on the subject whether the sand and gravel con-

cessionaires are required to pay in advance before the materials are extracted base on the total volume as applied for in the application for quarry concession”.

The report of the committee on environment and natural resources under councilor Danilo Dayanghirang revealed that members of

Plastic surgeon Dr. Katrina Baluyut-Angeles discusses the difference between plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon during Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City Quarry Masters Cooperative (DCQMC) sent a letter asking the city council to repeal the section 42 of the Revenue code.

The report stated the said provision provides that the tax on sand and gravel shall be paid in advance before the materials are extracted and shall be based on the volume applied for in the application for quarry concession.

The report said that the quarry cooperative clamored that it is a burden on their part especially for small scale operators to pay in advance based on the computed volume applied for a quarry concession

permit. it is stated that they will also pay for the non-extracted volume for the year 2103 since the nature of quarry business lies also on varying weather conditions.

Elizabeth O. Enriquez, president of DCQMC, said in the report that a fundamental principle of taxation must not be confiscatory and must be based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay.

The request, however, may run rough waters with the City Treasurer’s Office which has already declared that it is not amenable to the request. The CTO has yet to enforce the provision sans the amendments.

Telcos deploy gen-sets to keep facilities on

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ELECOMMUNiCATiONS (Telcos) giants Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Smart Communications have deployed generator sets in strategic areas to keep vital facilities operating. in a text message sent by PLDT and Smart, the respective Telcos said that deploying of generator sets will also help speed up restoration of normal service.

Telecommunication facilities of PLDT, Smart and Sun Cellular in Metro Manila, Regions 3, 4 and 5 are unscathed by typhoon

“Glenda”.

However, widespread commercial power outrages have disrupted normal services in various areas.

Through key installations of both fixed line and mobile networks have standby power, many facilities rely in varying degrees on commercial power.

Prolonged outrages will thus disrupt normal services once the internal batteries in equipment run out.

Telcos meanwhile assured the public that they are exerting every effort to restore normal operations as soon as possible. [PNA]

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Sun Life launches Dynamic Fund

By Vannah S. ang

T

vsa@edgedavao.net

HE Sun Life Asset Management Company inc. (SLAMCi) launched their one-decision mutual fund called the Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund on Tuesday at the Seda Abreeza Hotel Davao.

The new Sun Life program is their latest offering to Filipinos who are eager to take advantage of the country’s promising economic outlook and positive financial markets.

This newest member of SLAMCi’s award-winning Sun Life Prosperity Funds is the first of its kind in the local market. Aside from employing a tactical approach to asset allocation, it also considers the best trade opportunities in the market. The mutual fund easily adapts to market conditions by switching from fixed-income investments to equities and vice-versa

as needed to yield better returns.

The Sun Life Prosperity Fund aims to generate long-term capital appreciation through investment in equity securities and government and corporate debt securities denominated in Philippine Pesos. it’s asset allocation holds a fixed income of 10 to 100 percent and equities of 0 to 90 percent with a minimum investment of P50,000 and a minimum subsequent investment of P10,000. The holding period covers 30 days with 1 percent of the redemption amount and a management fee that takes up 2.5 percent of the total. its benchmark depends on 50 percent of the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) and an additional 50 percent of the HSBC Liquid Bond index.

According to Riena

Pama, SLAMCi president, the mutual fund is a suitable choice for those who would like to invest for wealth accumulation, education funding, and retirement.

“This is for investors who would like to make the most out of their money through stocks and bonds, but don’t have the time or the expertise to do so.

When markets move, our clients need not to worry about reallocating their funds themselves. Our team of expert fund managers will do it for them,” she said.

Since it is already July, most investors are already looking beyond 2014 and SLAMCi is preparing for 2015. They are projecting their earnings to grow at least 15 percent for the PSEi listed stocks next year. “if you’re looking at 15

percent earnings growth at the present index level, you would see that it appears to be quite cheap from where it is right now moving to 2015. So that’s why any sign of weakness would be an opportunity for investors to come in and partake of this growth story in the market. The best way to participate is through equities as supposed to fixed income because there is always a threat of interest rates increasing,” Michael Gerard Enriquez, SLAMCi Canada chief investments officer, said.

SLAMCi believes that there are a lot of potential investors in Cebu and Davao. The mutual fund will perfectly fit the lifestyles of those who are looking at a long-term horizon and have a risk appetite that ranges from moderate to high levels.

“Through the assessment, we would be able to determine the soil’s deficiencies and immediately act on them,” she said.

The official said the assessment initially started earlier this month in palay production areas in Sto. Nino town in South Cotabato.

The activity was facilitated by personnel assigned with the agency’s Soils Mobile Clinic, she said.

Engr. Nadia Gayanandang, Soils Mobile Clinic head, said they have so far analyzed soil samples randomly collected from the municipality’s 10 barangays.

She said they specifically covered around 5,400 hectares of the area’s palay or rice production areas.

Citing results of their assessment, she said the soil samples from the area have turned out to be Nitrogen- deficient.

To address this, Gayanandang said they advised local rice farmers to apply fertilizers that are rich in Nitrogen like Bio-N. Bio-N or Bio-Nitrogen is an organic or microbial inoculant fertilizer that is used for rice, corn and other agricultural crops. it hastens better consumption of nitrogen by converting airborne nitrogen into ammonia, which

later penetrates the root zone of the plant and provides 50 percent of the nitrogen required by the plant.

Ofelia Duco, Sto. Nino municipal agriculturist, said the initiative has addressed the long-time problem of low productivity or yield in terms of palay in the area.

“We’re grateful that DA 12’s soils clinic quickly responded and granted the request of our farmers,” said Duco, adding that they are now even more committed to increase their rice yield from the targeted 4.5 metric tons (MT) to as high as 5 to 6 MT.[PNA]

are suspended in all areas under signal 2 and 3," it said in a statement.

Also, China Banking Corp. (China Banks) also suspended operations of its branches in Bulacan and Pampanga.

This is addition to the earlier suspensions of its branches in Metro Manila due to the typhoon.

Relatively, trading at the Philippine Stocks Exchange (PSE) along with the settlement at the Securities Clearing Corp. of the Philippines were also suspended. "(Thus is) due to the suspension of clearing and settlement operations in the Philippine banking system," PSE said in a

statement.

Typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Tuesday night through the Bicol Region. it is expected to exit the country and be at the area of the West Philippine Sea Thursday morning. [PNA]

DA-12 evaluates soil condition of farms

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N a bid to improve the region’s agricultural productivity, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12 has launched a comprehensive assessment of the soil condition of local farm areas.

Amalia Jayag-Datukan, DA Region 12 director, said Tuesday the initiative mainly aims to determine the actual status and composition of the ground soil of the area’s farmlands, especially those catering to major crops like palay and corn.

She said the results of the assessment or analysis will ensure the proper setting of interventions for specific farm areas.

More banks suspend office in ‘Glenda’- affected areas

S

y-led Banco de Oro Unibank inc.(BDO) cancelled Wednesday operations of its offices and branches in areas where typhoon signal 2 and 3 were hoisted.

"Due to severe conditions of rains and winds caused by typhoon Glenda, BDO Metro Manila and nearby affected branches,

It figures

GenSan SP wants a mental hospital A

LARMED with the rising number of persons with mental disorders or illnesses roaming the streets here, city officials urged the national government to establish a mental hospital in the area. in a resolution, the city council specifically asked the Office of President Benigno Simeon Aquino iii, Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management to pursue the development of a mental hospital or a related facility that will cater to patients from the city and other parts of Region 12.

City Councilor Elizabeth Bagonoc, who authored the resolution, said Wednesday she pushed for such move to address the growing number of mentally ill persons roaming the streets in the area.

Figures are not immediately available but she said their presence in the streets and other public places poses serious risks to the safety of local residents.

The official cited the case of an official of Barangay Fatima who sustained head injuries after being attacked by a mentally ill or deranged person last July 6.

She said officials of Barangay Bawing also raised concern during a recent “Barangayan” activity of the local government over the alarming presence of mentally ill or challenged persons who were already causing disturbance to the area.

Bagonoc said such problem is also being experienced by other local government units in Region 12.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces

of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. “it is the duty of the city government and other local government units in Region 12 to render available, accessible, affordable and equitable quality mental health care and services to their constituents, especially the poor,” she said.

Based on the results of the disability survey conducted by the DOH, mental illness is currently the third most common form of disability in the country.

According to the acute psychiatric unit of the Cotabato City-based Cotabato Regional Medical Center, the number of psychiatric patients in the region increased by 33 percent in 2012 compared to the previous year. it said Region 12 posted a total of 586 psychiatric or mentally-ill patients in 2011 and the number increased to 780 in 2012.

The Regional Development Council of Region 12 earlier directed DOH personnel in the area to commission a study on the mentally ill sector in the region in coordination with local state colleges and universities.

The council, through a resolution, specifically proposed the conduct of a region-wide study on the magnitude of mentally-ill persons as well as various issues and concerns affecting the sector. it designated the DOH12 to spearhead the study in coordination with the University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences campus in Koronadal City and other state colleges and universities in the region.[PNA]

2.16%

P17.5B

$63.3B

BIG banks’ bad loan ratio improved as of April on the back of a decline in soured loans, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of universal and commercial banks (UKBs) went down to 2.16 percent as of April from 2.74 percent in the same period last year. –The Philippine Star, July 16, 2014

A LIST from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that the executive branch had set aside a total of P17.585 billion in Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) funds for projects “requested by” legislators…PDI, July 16, 2014.

FOREIGN direct investment (FDI) into China rose 2.2 percent to $63.33 billion during the first six months of this year, the government announce Tuesday. – The Philippine Star, July 16, 2014

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Apocalypse now!

STORy and PhOTO by geRRy T. eSTReRa Contributor

F

ROM “very likely” in 2007 to “extremely likely” in 2013 – that’s how certain the United Nation’s international Panel on Climate Change (iPCC) on its assessment that global warming is a man-made problem.

“The iPCC report should be a wakeup call to the rest of the world’s leaders that we human beings are the main cause behind global warming, and that it is up to all of us to do something about it,” Voltaire Alferez, Aksyon Klima Pilipinas’ national coordinator, told Philippine EnviroNews.

The iPCC, a panel of climate researchers, was created in 1990 to tell world leaders what science is saying about global warming and how bad it will get. The group’s fifth major stateof-the-science report was approved by nearly 200 nations at the end of a weeklong meeting in Stockholm. in its most strongly worded report yet, the international climate panel predicts sea levels will be much higher than previously thought and pinpoints how dangerously hot it’s likely to get. “There is something in this report to worry everyone,” said Chris Field, a Carnegie institution scientist who leads the panel.

“No matter where we are in the world, the warming climate affects us all. We can only do so much to save the world, but we can give our best to save our home, our country,” said Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committees on Climate Change and Environment.

Unless the Philippines takes concerted effort against climate change, Legarda said that typhoons, floods, and other calamities would continue to threaten the country’s economy and the lives of millions of Filipinos.

“According to the international Disaster Database maintained by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, the Philippines lost US$8.809 billion, roughly P378 billion in damages due to natural disasters from 1900 to 2013,” Legarda pointed out.

The Nobel Prize-winning panel’s report traced the warming of the planet to the increase of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. GHGs produce the greenhouse effect, which traps heat near the earth’s surface, maintaining a relative constant temperature.

“Many human activities increase the amount of GHGs in the atmosphere, which can result in a gradual increase in the earth’s surface temperature, causing global warming,” explains H. Steven Dashefsky, author of Environmental Literacy: Everything You Need to Know about Saving Our Planet.

Carbon dioxide, the primary GHG, occurs naturally but excessive quantities of it are released by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). Other GHGs are almost exclusively produce by human activity such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are used as refrigerants.

Still other GHGs include methane (released from

wetlands, rice fields, and biomass fires, among others), nitrogen compounds (one of the primary pollutants that contribute to air pollution), and ground-level ozone. About 80% of global warming is due to increases in all of these GHGs. Deforestation is believed to account for the other 20%. “Plants incorporate carbon dioxide into their bodies during photosynthesis,” writes Dashefsky. “Fewer trees caused by deforestation mean less intake of carbon dioxide. in addition, burning the wood sends the carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere at an accelerated rate.”

Unless the world drastically cuts GHG emissions, the international climate panel said the planet will warm by at least 2 more degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) this century in all but one of the four scenarios they outline.

That 2-degree threshold is “where the risks start piling up,” including food crises in developing countries, people forced to move from coastal cities because of rising seas, and more biodiversity extinctions, said Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer, a co-author of the iPCC report. “This is a point where any sensible person would look and say the risks are just getting too high.”

Global climate change is already taking its toll on the Philippines. in fact, it has been identified as the world’s third most vulnerable country to extreme weather events and sea lev-

el rise. Sixteen of its provinces are among the top 50 most vulnerable regions in Southeast Asia, according to Hotspots!: Mapping Climate Change Vulnerability in Southeast Asia.

A World Bank report said that in a 4ºC world, sea level around the East Asia and the Pacific region is likely to exceed 50 centimeters above present levels by 2060, and 100 centimeters by 2090, “with Manila being especially vulnerable.”

“Climate change is expected to lead to more intense typhoons, whose storm surges will be superimposed on higher sea levels,” notes Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines. “in the Philippines, storm surges are projected to affect about 14% of the total population and 42% of the coastal population.”

But there are more devastating effects. Already, the annual damage to agriculture from climate-related impacts like typhoons, droughts, and floods has already reached P12 billion or about 3% of total agricultural production in 2011.

Climate change is said to warm the ocean waters and cause ocean acidification, which would have great impacts on coral reefs. Touted as the “rainforests of the sea,” the reefs serve as important feeding and spawning grounds for many fish species that support the livelihoods of fishermen.

“Even minor changes in ocean dynamics can cause severe impacts,” the World Bank report notes. For instance, during the recent El

Niño Southern Oscillation event in 1998 to 1999, the live coral cover of the country decreased by half, “diminishing fisheries yield by more than P7 billion.”

“The projected changes in maximum catch potential in a 4ºC world range from a 50% decrease around the southern Philippines during the 2050s to a 6-16% increase around the northern Philippines,” the World Bank report states.

Meanwhile, fast-growing environmental deterioration, unsustainable development practices, and population growth and movement, have compounded the climate vulnerability of the Philippines.

“Widespread mining and deforestation in Mindanao were blamed for recent flash floods, including those produced by tropical storm Sendong in 2011, which cost the lives of 1,000 people,” the World Bank report notes.

“The neglect of drainage systems and the lack of long-term planning and enforcement exacerbated the floods in 2012, which swamped nearly all of Manila.”

All these environmental woes were traced to the ever-growing population. in 1980, the Philippines was home to 48 million Filipinos. in 2000, the number swelled to 78 million.

By 2012, the population reached 93 million. Given that the population of the Philippines is increasing at a rapid rate of 2.36% per year, it can be translated as

an increase of more than 5,000 people daily.

According to World Bank, the country’s ambitious development goals are at risk unless significant measures are taken to increase climate resilience.

“The greatest challenge that poorer countries face today is that hard-earned development progress they have achieved in the last several decades could be reversed in a short time because of climate change,” said Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission.

“The heat is on,” UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon said. Act now or face disaster. As US Secretary of State John Kerry pointed out: “Those who choose excuses over action are playing with fire.”

“Turn down the heat,” said another World Bank report.

“Regardless of where we live, climate change is affecting us, and we will need to try to adapt to the new normal conditions. We are seeing changes in temperature, precipitation and water levels and we need to be prepared to the impacts of these changes,” urged Rosa Perez, a climate scientist at the Manila Observatory.

“Future development (should) be carried out with accommodation to climate change in mind,” the World Bank suggests.

“Otherwise, the country could be locked into infrastructure development, land use changes, and urbanization processes that are more vulnerable to climate risks.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

T

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

A nation divided

HE Filipino nation is divided. This is the impression that one gets after reading the news headlines these days. yes, most especially if he listens to those who are experts in sensationalizing the situation, the doomsayers included.

We have a President whose action –spending billions of pesos of the people’s money purportedly for the good of the country --- is being questioned. in fact, days ago, his system of spending the money called the Disbursement Acceleration Program, or DAP, has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the same constitutional body whose Chief Justice was ousted after an impeachment trial found him guilty. it was the President of the Executive branch, who orchestrated the impeachment process, a job executed by lawmakers of the Legislative branch, remember?

Believing the DAP is legit, the President is not accepting the Supreme Court verdict, not yet anyway. in his public statements, he insists DAP is good and argues that even the Supreme Court, in parts of its ruling, admitted so. in his statements during the last 72 hours, the President clearly sounded he is prepared to do battle with the SC. He is confident that the people are on his side, saying he would bring the issue before the bar of public opinion. Filipinos in favor of his administration may pin a yellow ribbon on their dress, something to that effect.

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Meanwhile, the President’s allies in the House of Representatives are initiating moves questioning how members of the Supreme Court are spending billions of their Judicial Development Fund, branded by detractors and plain hecklers as the magistrates’ own pork barrel. A bill proposes the abolition of the JDF and convert it into something else, something that will no longer be under the control and discretion of the Justices.

The House itself is divided. Congressmen identified with the militants, some of whom ironically have partaken of the DAP largesse, are making their own move, mainly to impeach the President.

Filipinos from all walks of life --the man on the street, the hoi polloi, the middle class, and the elite -- will be debating on the issues and taking sides. is that a picture of a divided nation? is that a dangerous scenario? Didn’t we have this kind of situation several times before? Wasn’t this the scene when Filipinos, fed up with the dictatorship, ran Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies out of the country, and when the nation forced Joseph Estrada to resign? isn’t this democracy in action? What must we, the people, do given that we now have more freedom, tools and platforms to express our sentiments?

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

9

Learning the lessons of the Marcos era

i

WON’T ever forget that day. People were jam-packed in the streets in the small hours before dawn, dancing ecstatically and hugging each other, faces gleaming in triumphant glee. it was the same scene in Metro Manila, Cebu, and all over the archipelago (except, perhaps, in the strongman’s own hometown). i had never seen anything as spontaneously jubilant as that in my young life. Nor since. it was on that fateful 26th of February 1986 when Filipinos were at last rid of the Marcos conjugal dictatorship. The revolution was aptly called People Power, because it was a popular uprising that evicted Ferdinand Marcos and his ilk out of Malacañang Palace after 20 long years.

People rejoiced all until morning that day, and the feeling of solidarity among freedom-loving Filipinos was palpable.

After decades of suppression and despotism, civil rights were finally restored, and the way forward was opened up once more. Or so we naively thought. Although i was too young to have directly experienced Martial Law, i did live through its aftereffects.

The Philippines today is far from achieving its developmental goals, far from being a nation of prosperous, upwardly mobile citizens. One reason for this is our lack of historical insight, which could doom us to repeat past mistakes.

When Marcos and his wife imelda were still in power, freedom of speech was a mere idea; it wasn’t even a hope.

Thousands of activists and reactionaries disappeared, and some surfaced... or rather, floated face down on the surface

B

LAME – For good measure, groups reflecting public discontent cited as ground to impeach President Aquino his alleged mismanagement of the affairs of government, along with a flurry of financial scandals like the PDAF and DAP that have involved several lawmakers including his close aides – though he himself was never directly implicated.

What President Aquino was actually guilty of may simply be political inexperience and ineptitude. Prior to becoming President he served both Houses of Congress without holding key positions that are crucial to the day-to-day affairs of government. That gave him a negligible preparation for running the country s President.

Small wonder his detractors accuse him of committing a string of political and diplomatic faux pas that have eroded his performance rating and the people’s trust in him. Dissatisfaction has risen with the perception that the Aquino administration has been unable to tackle, in particular, widespread corruption in all levels.

Severe criticism has eaten into the popularity of the President, who in the first quarter of the year was rated high very in many surveys. Observers noted that President Aquino has to take a large measure of blame for the partisan hostility that has infected the country’s political system.

Most damaging for the President, a self-proclaimed high caliber graftbuster,

by Oliver “blOgie” rObillO of some river. During the mid-’80s in Davao City where i grew up, seeing the lifeless body of a victim of summary execution was not uncommon.

We poke fun at our president now, we even interrupt his speeches. What do you think happened to those who spoke out against Marcos back then? i remember my parents asking me to be cautious back in high school, after i’d become rather too inquisitive about Marcos-related issues. i was an aspiring student journalist, titillated by the power of the written word and inspired by the principle of press freedom. But alas! i soon realized that much of the press was all too cowed by fear. After all, a dictatorship wouldn’t be worth its salt without a trail of silenced journalists and assassinated rival politicians.

Politically-motivated arrests and executions were reported in the media, yes. Some were even given more airtime or column space than usual, such as the case of vocal Martial Law critic, Zamboanga City Mayor Cesar Climaco, who was gunned down in 1984. But, it was as if the public were being apprised not of the merits of the case, but of the ubiquitous and controlling presence of the Marcos regime.

The erstwhile republic was under Martial Law from 1972 to 1981. Marcos imposed autocratic rule and trashed the 1935 Charter, in order to cling to power beyond his two terms. He wrote his own constitution and had it ratified by a rubber-stamp congress. All that with the blessings of the United States of Ameri-

ca. you see, Marcos promised the U.S. he would keep communism from gaining ground in this country. it being the Cold War era, Washington was only too happy to indulge the banana republic tyrant (and even aided his escape to Hawaii in 1986, family and loot in tow).

The National Democratic Front, the ideological base of the much-maligned New People’s Army, sprung forth as a result of Marcos totalitarianism. Otherwise known as the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NDF was peopled by idealistic nationalists who had a repugnance for absolute rule and the oligarchy that Marcos and his cronies perpetrated. (i’m not trying to justify NPA rebels, who today are nothing but rabid bandits, not even a shadow of their more principled predecessors.) intellectuals like Edgar Jopson, tortured and martyred by the military in 1982, were driven underground not because they were rebels as we define them today, but because they were patriots consumed by a passion to see this nation unshackled by a cruel dictatorship.

To date, 9,539 survivors and relatives of Marcos’ victims have won a class-action suit against the dictator. And yet, not one of the Marcoses has actually been made to answer for their crimes. it seems that they are ensconced in a fortress of impunity.

Corruption flourished and was institutionalized under Marcos’ watchful gaze. Power players who were close to Malacañang seized control of businesses, land, natural resources, and carved

are the pork barrel fund scam and the infamous Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) that have enmeshed many lawmakers and his close allies, recently declared by the Supreme Court (SC) unconstitutional.

The recent twist of events caused President Aquino’s trust and approval ratings to plunge way below 50 percent and sparked the first hints by opposition diehards and militant blocs that they might move to impeach him.

The President’s alleged miscalculations continued right up until this week: he could have defused the impeachment threat by abiding with the decision of the High Court who unanimously voted 13-0 proclaiming DAP unconstitutional, instead of sounding defiant, combative and threatening in his national address defending the DAP. instead, he defended Budget secretary Butch Abad after rejecting his “badly scripted” resignation.

The President’s gesture gave opposition groups a high moral ground on their push for impeachment, even persuading some undecided factions to join the cause.

The impeachment push is expected to intensify uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 2016 presidential elections seen as crucial in restoring some credibility and stability to the Aquino leadership.

The government’s political thinktanks and his legion of supporters are blaming the whole mess on what they see as a cynical maneuver by opponents. This is not surprising at all, considering that the Aquino administration has gained plenty of enemies.

The impeachment threat according to Malacanang supporters is “nothing like a coup d’ etat, a wrecking of democracy.”

Many others shared those sentiments, and in the weeks ahead a groundswell of administration’s supporters are expected to also make themselves heard.

Aquino’s political opponents will not stand by with arms akimbo. They are expected to continue their destabilizing plots. President Aquino and his political adjutants should work overtime to bring back solidarity. Party leaders should endeavor to put a unified front and stem their party’s eroding popularity before 2016 comes.

Meanwhile, any political analysts believe that this early in President Aquino’s term his administration has already lost ground and political mass base. The ruling Liberal Party (LP) of which the President is the titular head has changed from a dominant party into a competitive one.

Cynical maneuver

geo-political niches for themselves. (How do you think political dynasties across the nation took root?) And in stark contrast, poverty descended upon an ever-growing chunk of the population during the Marcos era.

Marcos apologists delight in proclaiming that the Philippines was of a stronger economical and global stature during their ilokano idol’s rule. What they fail to mention is their lack of historical fact-checking. When Marcos assumed the top post, he inherited a presidency over a country that was on the up and up. i would frequently hear from my grandfather that our economy back then was second only to Japan. My father would tell me that, in his college days, the peso’s exchange rate against the American dollar was around 4:1. i remember, too, that “Made in Taiwan” in my childhood days was synonymous to how we currently perceive CDR-King crapware. (Today, i entrust my life to Taiwanese products whenever i go scuba diving.) Marcos ruined the Philippines for us.

Thanks to massive plunder and cronyism (what we now call patriarchal politics), our economy and way of life plunged to depths previously unforeseen. While the Marcoses reportedly siphoned public funds to personal Swiss bank accounts and acquired properties for themselves overseas, basic services to less fortunate families were virtually abandoned. Specious food security programs such as Masagana 99 were introduced, which later wreaked havoc on the environment and did nothing to provide even the minimum nutritional requirements of the Filipino people. (Koreans in the ‘70s were not taller than us; today, our national average height is not much better than in our grandfathers’ time.)

The list goes on ad nauseum.

That social faux pas involving imelda Marcos and the Ateneo Scholarship Foundation, which sparked the ire of a huge segment of Filipino social media in early July 2014, can be explained thus: she wasn’t merely wife to the despot; she was his conspiratorial right hand. imelda Marcos’ taste for excessive lavishness was legendary. in fact, it still is, because it is being glorified and relived on social media by misguided groups that are more engrossed in nouveau-riche tackiness than are concerned with historical sensitivity. Are we to forget how imelda went on million-dollar shopping sprees abroad? Are we to forget the atrocities she committed during her reign as the First Lady who buried workers alive in quick-dry cement? it seems that some in the media today find more allure in reporting on imelda’s so-called “sophistication” and seem to care less about how the Marcoses nearly destroyed our dignity as a people.

Filipinos have been accused time and again of having such short institutional memories. That, i believe, is the fault of sinister forces out to rewrite the true narrative of our past. Factual events of the Marcos era, despite their being a significant period in our history, are not being taught in our primary or secondary schools. Filipino children today are not reading about the Martial Law days; nor about modern-day heroes who fought and died for freedom; nor about the reasons why People Power was such a big deal, that it was an honorable Filipino movement to oust a dictator and his squandering consort.

Shouldn’t we be troubled by our lack of historical erudition or insight?

Shouldn’t we act to guarantee that present and future generations be made aware of our troubled past, and of the lessons we have yet to learn?

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Kadayawan...FFROM 1

POPCOM...FFROM 3

statement from our side that we makes sure that security is implemented during Kadayawan,” Marques said.

Central 911 will deploy a total of 150 personnel to manage the peace and order during the festival under the command of Central 911

Chief Emmanuel Jaldon of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.

They are also ready to respond to any medical needs or emergency. Ambulances will be deployed in several locations near the event.

This is not the first

time that terror threats have been reported in the city. Bombings have already occurred in cinema theaters of the Gaisano Mall of Davao and SM City of Davao last September with no reports of serious casualties.

Last August, the “no backpack policy” was im-

plemented by the DCPO during the Kadayawan Festival due to the bombings that occurred in Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato before the event.

Rodrigo Duterte, Davao City Mayor, also almost cancelled some Kadayawan festivities because of these terror threats.

in the fight and was obviously hurt. Witnesses say he took too many punches to the head which could have caused his death after he was brought to the nearby Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City.

Relatives of Estubo are now seeking justice for the boy’s death. The teenager had looked to boxing as a way to lift his family from poverty. After finishing elementary school, the boy had wanted to follow in the footsteps of Filipino boxing

icon and Sarangani representative Manny Pacquiao.

He is the second teenaged boxer who died in Davao Region in two months.

Fourteen-year old Junrey Amar died last June in Sawata, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Like Estubo, Amar also fought in a colorum tournament.

Officials and organizers of the Kapalong tournament have been suspended

by ABAP 11 while boxing tournaments have also been stopped for a year.

Reports said the referee who worked the bout did not have a license, and that the barangay did not have the proper permit for the bout. While the barangay’s officials admitted they did not secure the proper permit, they had asked the Mayor’s Office for a medical team to respond in case of emergencies.

Amateur boxing tournaments in the country are governed by ABAP rules which require only Amateur Boxing Referees and

Judges Association of the Philippines (ABREJAP) members to officiate and run tournaments.

“Nakakaasar walang konsensya mga tao,” said a disgusted Tecson. She added that they cannot sanction the organizers and the officials of the barangay tournament since they are not ABAP or ABREJAP members.

“Local government unit lang talaga ang pwedeng umaksyon dyan sa kaso nila,” said Tecson.

the TMC was conceptualized and organized to among others, ”…provide a sustaining traffic environment conducive to economic development…” by primarily directing and controlling the flow of pedestrian and vehicular

traffic in the city. it is said that the organization can give much need support in leading order in the streets, control the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffics and prevent the occurrence of gridlock and vehicular accidents.

The EO provides that the TG-DCPO an agency mandated by law to manage and regulate traffic which is capable in providing support and extend cooperation to TMC in bringing order in the streets.

“Given the number of people and growth centers in the city as a result in the urbanization and increasing volume of public and private vehicles which traverse the streets and highways on a daily basis,” the EO stipulated. [ABF]

Earlier, lawyer Ben Joseph Tesiorna, defense counsel, said that their camp plans to apply for suspects Dela Cerna brothers and confessed triggerman Labang as state witnesses.

Last July 8, RTC

Branch 17 Judge Evalyn A. Morales approved the omnibus motion praying that the investigation and Detective Management Branch (iDMB) of the DCPO be allowed to retain under their custody the three accused from

the murder case slapped against them in the killing of King.

Court order said the three asked to be retained in the custody of DCPO since they averred that they are in constant fear for their lives af-

ter they implicated and mentioned Regional intelligence Unit (RiU) -11 head Police Superintendent Leonardo A. Felonia as the one who ordered them to execute King last June 12 inside his office in Barrio Obrero.

Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights.

“Tinitiniyak namin na dadaan sa proseso ang imbestigasyon para alamin kung mayroon bang pananagutang kriminal o wala ang mga POW sa mama-

mayan at sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan,” she said.

“Kung mapapatunayan na wala silang seryosong kasalanan, maaari silang palayain. Pero para mapabilis at mapadali ang proseso ng imbestigasyon sa posibleng pananagutan ng apat

na POW, dapat itigil ang mga opensibong operasyon sa buong prubinsya ng Surigao del Norte at kanugnog na mga bayan ng Agusan del Norte,” she said.

Earlier reports said that the rebels took away six M16 rifles, two M14

rifles, four shotguns, four 9mm pistols, two .45 caliber pistols, one .38 revolver, four mobile police phones, two laptops, a camera, a 1terabyte external memory drive, assorted ammunition and P 51,000 cash from the police stations.

the 2012-2016 City Wide investment Plan for Health (CiPH), it can be seen that in

2007 MMR there were 116 deaths from 100,000 live births. in 2008, there were

ABAP...FFROM 1

New... FFROM 2

No...FFROM 2

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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!

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRiVER

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications: Qualifications:

1. Male, 28 – 40 years old

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

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

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

131 deaths, 114 in 2009 and 62 deaths in 2010.

“This despite of the efforts of our city such as the organization of women’s health teams, the conduct of a maternal death review, trainings and capacity building of our health workers, passage of barangay resolutions adopting DOH memorandum circulars with guidelines on Safe Motherhood Program,” she emphasized.

Villafuerte explained that the top causes of MMR are complications of labor and delivery usually due to underlying factors such as lack of birth spacing, lack of regular pre-natal check-up and maternal malnutrition.

“Now let’s consider the fate of the children left by this mother who died during childbirth. The in-

fant mortality rate in our city was 11.28/1000 live births in 2007, 12.68 in 2008, 11.64 in 2009 and 15.5 / 1000 live births in 201. The Millennium Development Goal of the country for 2015 is 12 / 1000 live births,” Villafuerte said.

She said that the top causes of mortality are disorders arising from the pre-natal period, pneumonia, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders originating in the pre-natal period, congenital malformation and sepsis.

“For the city’s under five mortality rate, it is even more dismal, with an increasing trend from 2007-2010. Pneumonia and dengue are among the top causes of under-five mortality,” she said.

youth were interviewed.

The study was funded by the Australian Government, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and conducted by the University of the Philippines Population institute (UPPi) and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation (DRDF).

Based on the yAFS study, there are 903,278 youth individuals in the region as of the last census of the population taken in 2010. This constitutes about 5 percent of the country’s total youth population.

While most of the youth have at least reached highschool education, 16 percent have no educational background or reached at least elementary education. The proportion with college education is lower than the national average and is among the lowest in the country.

Region Xi is also the lowest in terms of the level of youth who are currently studying.

One in four youth individuals in the region is working, among the highest in the country but the region holds the second highest proportion of unemployed youth with 9.6 percent, next to Central Luzon with 11.4 percent.

Out of 10 youth individuals, one is considered idle, neither working nor studying.

There are more youth individuals who are in a live in arrangement with 16.3 percent compared to a formal union with 6.1 percent,

a pattern consistent with the national picture. Region Xi is among the highest regional proportion of youth who are living-in.

The region’s youth is digitally-wired, three in four owns a cellular phone and more than half of them use the internet, has an email address or a social networking account.

Although there is a declining proportion of youth who smoke cigarettes and during alcoholic beverages, drug usage in Region Xi is the highest among all regions in the country. Between 2002 and 2013, the proportion of youth individuals who ever thought of committing suicide also increased to 12.3 percent registering third place in the country next to CARAGA and Region Viii.

For the same period, the percentage for suicidal attempts increased, contradicting the declining national trajectory.

A considerable proportion of youth have experienced physical violence both as aggressors with 23 percent and as victims with 14.2 percent.

According to Damsani, POPCOM Xi needs to address these issues of the youth by developing educational programs. They currently have educational programs for proper youth development, family planning, and responsible parenthood. They plan to use the proposed allocation of P1,000,000 to support these programs and guide the younger generation for the hope of better economy in the future.

iS-Davao for declaration of abandonment.

The declaration was issued pursuant to customs laws, rules and regulations under to Section 1801 of the TCCP, as amended by R.A. 7651 in relation to COA 5-93 and CMO 47-93, as amended by CMO 1594.

Moreover upon 100% examination on the said shipment, the same re-

vealed that it contained used clothing contrary to the declared contents of: used curtains, used blankets, used shoes, used carpets, etc.., which is a clear violation of Section 2503 in relation to Sec. 2530 of the TCCP, as amended pursuant A declaration of abandonment was issued by the cistrict collector against the shipment.

in Group B of the Prelim Round. Toroman was once again at the receiving end this time as the coach of Jordan’s Al Nashama.

“We have great regard for each other and share a lot of notes very often,” said Chot Reyes, the current coach of the Gilas Pilipinas an assistant to Toroman two years ago.

“This game was certainly not about Rajko Vs. Reyes as much as Jordan Vs. Philippines. And we have a lot more to worry about what will happen two months from now than what happened two years ago,” Reyes said.

The Philippines are on their way to the 2014 FiBA Basketball World Cup to be played in Spain from Aug 30Sept 14. And for Reyes, every game at the 5th FiBA Asia Cup is a part of the preparation for the Philippines’ appearance at the world’s big-

gest basketball event, after a gap of almost four decades.

“Some of the plays he made (Toroman) forced us to change our system and adjust. We are looking for exactly that kind of challenges when we play here,” Reyes said.

Teams went neck and neck throughout the encounter and it took Ranidel De Ocampo’s sizzler from downtown to clinch the issue in favor of Gilas Pilipinas.

Paul Lee’s 16 points was the highest for the 27th FiBA Asia Championship silver medallists with De Ocampo himself adding 14 points along with 6 rebounds. Marcus Douthit, the naturalized component in the Philippine roster missed a double-double by a rebound scoring 13 points.

Wesam Al-Sous’ 14 points was the highest for Jordan. (www.fibaasia.net)

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014 Republic of the Philippines

Department of Labor and Employment National Wages and Productivity Commission

REGIONAL TRIPARTITE WAGES AND PRODUCTIVITY BOARD Region XII, Koronadal City

WAGE ORDER NO. RB XII-18

with the minimum wage prescribed herein until the beginning of School Year 2015-2016.

SECTION 8. Application to Contractors. In case of contracts for construction projects and for security, janitorial and similar services, the increase in the prescribed minimum wage rates under this Wage Order shall be borne by the principals or clients of the construction/service contractors and the contract shall be deemed amended accordingly as mandated under the Labor Code.

In the event, however, that the principal or client fails to pay the prescribed minimum wage rates, the construction/service contractor shall be jointly and severally liable with his principal or client.

PRESCRIBING NEW WAGE STRUCTURE AND GRANT OF COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE FOR REGION XII WHEREAS, under R.A. No. 6727, otherwise known as the Wage Rationalization Act, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board - Region XII (RTWPB XII), is mandated to periodically assess the wage rates, and to conduct continuing studies in the determination of the minimum wage rates applicable in the region; WHEREAS, considering that Wage Order No. RB XII-17 was issued more than two (2) years ago, and there being no petition; the RTWPB XII has resolved to review, motu proprio, the existing minimum wage rates in the region; WHEREAS, the RTWPB XII, after giving due notices to all concerned sectors last April 3, 2014 in General Santos City during the General Assembly of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council [RTIPC], and following the publication of the notice of public hearing and consultation on Two-Tiered Wage System and Wage Issues at Edge Davao newspaper last 4-5 April 2014 publication, a public consultation/public hearing on Two-Tiered Wage System and Wage Issues was conducted on April 28, 2014 in General Santos City to determine the propriety of issuing a new wage order; WHEREAS, the Two-Tiered Wage System is a new approach to minimum wage adjustment comprising of two parts: Tier One - which is mandatory in implementation, and Tier two - which is voluntary in nature and designed to allow employers and their workers through a mechanism where labor and management are represented to plan and implement productivity improvement and gain-sharing programs; WHEREAS, consistent with the government’s policy of achieving higher levels of productivity to preserve and generate jobs and to augment the income of workers, there is a need to build the capacity of business enterprises to be competitive through Productivity Improvement Programs [PIPs] and voluntary Productivity-Based Incentive Programs under the Two-Tiered Wages System [TTWS]; WHEREAS, the Board is committed to simplify the wage structure for the effective and efficient administration and enforcement of wage standards in the region; WHEREAS, the results of the studies on the socio-economic conditions of the region, the restoration analysis done on the Purchasing Power of the Peso, effects of changes in Consumer Price Indices and Inflation Rates, vital information gathered from the result of the public consultation/hearing conducted, revealed that there is the need to make an adjustment in the wage structure and corresponding minimum wage rates and cost of living allowance of workers in the private sector in Region XII; NOW THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested under Republic Act No. 6727, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board XII hereby issues this Wage Order: SECTION 1. Simplification of Sectoral/Industry Classification. Consistent with the NWPC Guidelines on Two-Tiered Wage System and based on the studies, analysis and deliberation of the Board, there is a need to simplify the old wage structure consisting of five [5] categories.

For one, the plantation and non- plantation categories shall be combined to form one category under Agriculture Industry considering the difference of Three Pesos [P3.00] wage pay between the two [2] categories.

In the case of Retail/Service Industry, establishments with more than ten workers and those with ten or less shall be under one category considering the difference of Four Pesos [P4.00] wage pay between the two [2] categories.

Consequently, the following industry classification under this Order shall be covered:

INDUSTRY/SECTOR Non-Agriculture Agriculture

SECTION 2. The New Daily Minimum Wage Rates. Upon the effectivity of this Wage Order: 2.1 The COLA under Wage Order No. RB XII-17 shall be integrated into the basic wage.

2.2 A new COLA of P5.00 per day shall be granted to minimum wage workers effective January 1, 2015.

2.3 The new daily minimum wage shall be as follows:

Industry/Sector

COLA Effective January 1, 2015

SECTION 11. Exemptions. Upon application with and as determined by the Board based on documentation and other requirements in accordance with applicable rules and regulations issued by the National Wages and Productivity Commission, the following may be exempted from the applicability of this Wage Order: a.

Establishments with total assets, including those arising from loans but exclusive of the land on which the particular business entity’s office, plant and equipment are situated, of not more than three million pesos (P3,000,000.00), and which establishments are not registered as Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs); b.

Distressed Establishments, and, c.

Establishments Adversely Affected by Calamities such as Natural and Human-Induced Disasters.

SECTION 12. Effect of Application for Exemption. Whenever an application for exemption has been duly filed with the Board, action on any complaint for alleged non-compliance thereto shall be deferred pending its resolution. In the event that the application for exemption is not granted, the applicant firm shall pay the appropriate compensation due to the covered workers as provided for in this Wage Order plus interest of one percent (1%) per month, retroactive from the effectivity of this Wage Order.

SECTION 13. Effects on Existing Wage Structure. Where the application of the increases or adjustments in the prescribed minimum wages rates under this Wage Order results in distortion in the wage structure within the establishment, the same shall be corrected in accordance with the procedure provided for under Article 124 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.

SECTION 14. Freedom to Bargain. The Order shall not be construed to prevent workers in particular firms or enterprises of industries from bargaining for higher wages and flexible working arrangements with their respective employers. Further, the application of the wage increase shall not apply to the existing wage already negotiated under the company’s collective bargaining agreement.

SECTION 15. Complaints for Non-Compliance. Complaints for non-compliance with this Wage Order shall be filed with the Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and shall be the subject of enforcement proceedings under Articles 128 and 129 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, without prejudice to criminal prosecution, which may be undertaken against those who fail to comply.

SECTION 16. Non-Diminution of Benefits. Nothing in this Wage Order shall be construed to reduce any existing wage rates, allowances and benefits of any form under existing laws, decrees, issuances, and executive orders or under any contract or agreement between workers and employers.

SECTION 19. Penal Provision. Any person, corporation, trust or firm, partnership, association or entity which refuses or fails to pay the prescribed minimum wage rates in accordance with this Wage Order shall be subject to the penal provisions under RA 6727, as amended by RA 8188.

New Minimum Wage Rates Effective January 1, 2015

Non-Agriculture

P270.00

P 5.00

P275.00

Agriculture

P252.00

P5.00

P257.00*

P250.00

P5.00

P255.00*

Retail/Service Establishments

SECTION 10. Wages of Special Groups of Workers. Wages of apprentices and learners shall in no case be less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the applicable minimum wage rates prescribed in this Wage Order based on R.A. 7796 or otherwise known as the Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994.

All recognized learnership and apprenticeship agreements entered into before the effectivity of this Wage Order shall be considered automatically modified insofar as their wage clauses are concerned to reflect the new prescribed minimum wage rates.

All qualified handicapped workers shall receive the full amount of the minimum wage rate prescribed herein pursuant to Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

SECTION 17. Appeal to the Commission. Any party aggrieved by this Wage Order may file a verified appeal to the National Wages and Productivity Commission through the Board within ten (10) calendar days from the publication of this Wage Order.

SECTION 18. Effects of Filing of Appeal. The filing of the appeal does not operate to stay this Wage Order unless the party appealing this Wage Order shall file with the Commission an undertaking with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Commission for payment of the corresponding wage adjustment to employees affected by this Wage Order in the event that this Wage Order is affirmed.

Retail/Service Establishments

New Basic Minimum Wage Upon the Effectivity of this Wage Order

SECTION 9. Workers Paid By Result. All workers paid by result, including those who are paid on piecework, “takay,”“pakyaw” or task basis, shall be entitled to receive not less than the prescribed minimum wage rates per eight (8) hours work a day, or a proportion thereof for working less than eight (8) hours.

*Rate of the reclassified Agriculture Industry apply for both Plantation and Non-Plantation Industry. Likewise rate for Retail/Service Establishments apply for those employing more than ten and not more than ten workers.

SECTION 3. Coverage. The wage rates prescribed under this Wage Order shall apply to all minimum wage workers/employees in the private sector in Region XII, regardless of their position, designation or status of employment, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid.

This Wage Order shall not cover household or domestic helpers; persons in the personal service of another, including family drivers; and, workers of registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with Certificate of Authority pursuant to Republic Act No. 9178.

SECTION 4. Basis of Minimum Wage Rates. The minimum wage rates prescribed under this Wage Order shall be for the normal working hours, which shall not exceed eight (8) hours of work a day.

SECTION 5. Creditable Wage Increase/Allowances. Wage increases granted by an employer shall be credited as compliance with the prescribed increases set forth herein. In case the increases given are less than the prescribed minimum wage rates, the employer shall pay the difference.

Such creditable increases shall not include anniversary wage increases, merit wage increases, and those resulting from regularization or promotion of employees/workers.

SECTION 6. Productivity-Based Wages. In order to sustain rising levels of wages and enhance competitiveness, businesses are strongly encouraged to adopt productivity improvement schemes such as time and motion studies or work improvement and measurement, good housekeeping, quality circles, labor management cooperation as well as implement gain-sharing programs over and above the regular minimum wage provided. Accordingly, the Board shall provide the necessary studies and technical assistance pursuant to Republic Act No. 6971 or the Productivity Incentives Act of 1990.

SECTION 7. Application to Private Educational Institutions. As a general rule, aIl private educational institutions shall implement the minimum wage.

Private schools that have increased tuition fees for School Year 2014-2015 shall immediately implement the new minimum wage provided in this Order based on the share of the covered workers and employees from the tuition fee increase. In case of any shortfall, payment shall be covered in School Year 2015-2016.

Private educational institutions, which have not increased their tuition fees for the School Year 2014-2015 may defer compliance

SECTION 20. Prohibition Against Injunction. No preliminary or permanent injunction or temporary restraining order may be issued by any court, tribunal or other entity against any proceedings before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

SECTION 21. Reporting Requirement. Any person, company, corporation partnership or any entity engaged in business shall submit a verified itemized listing of their labor component to the Board not later than January 31, 2015 and every year thereafter in accordance with Section 3 of RA 6727 in relation to Article 124 of the Labor Code, as amended, and in the form as prescribed by the Commission.

SECTION 22. Repealing Clause. All orders, issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Wage Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 23. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Wage Order is declared unconstitutional or illegal, the other provisions or parts hereof shall remain valid.

SECTION 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Board shall submit to the Commission the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Wage Order subject to the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment not later than ten (10) days from the publication of this Wage Order.

SECTION 25. Effectivity. This Wage Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in the region.

APPROVED, 04 June 2014, Koronadal City, Philippines.

SIMPLICIO H. VILLARTA, JR. Member Workers’ Representative

ATTY. EUGENIO U. SOYAO Member Employers’ Representative

ARTURO G. VALERO NEDA Director Vice-Chairperson

JOEMARIE P. ANGELES Member Workers’ Representative

WARREN GREGORIO A. MANILAY Member Employers’ Representative

IBRAHIM K. GUIAMADEL DTI Director Vice-Chairperson

OFELIA B. DOMINGO, CESO III DOLE Director Chairperson

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Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

A luxury meal at the Grand Regal Hotel Davao’s Champagne Bar ElEGanCE is not something that you brag about; Elegance is a way of life. With years of experience behind it, no wonder Grand Regal Hotel Davao is an institution in itself.

It not only houses the biggest Casino in the metro but it too has the best tasting menu that could have you forget about your calorie count.

Devour with their Chinese and Western Cuisine buffet served in their elegant and cozy C Bar, Champagne Bar, located at the end of the lobby of the hotel. named after the luxurious drink to aid our thirst, the bar hosts a menu of luxurious dishes prepared to make your dining experience worth remembering.

Take a quick tour of their new menu and see how long you can avoid their delicious offering. If you can help but be hungry, then make your way to the Grand Regal Hotel Davao’s C Bar and allow yourself the luxury of food. Oh and yes, you are welcome.

Appetizer Kinilaw, Sinuglaw, Green Salad and Regal Salad Feast in this rich and flavorful abundance of appetizers – from fresh vegetables to rich sea produce, you are sure to find one that fits your preference.

Enjoy a bite – or two—of their juicy Kinilaw or a plate of Sinuglaw to satisfy your hunger. Go green with their salad and dressings and have your healthy fixin for the day.

Soup Budha Soup a rich and thick soup of juicy chicken, slices of taro and fresh mushroom, this soup is a best starter as it gives off a cleansing and smooth taste perfect for the palate. One thing I love about this is that the

Mixed Seafood with Szechuan Sauce. soup is not overpowering thus allowing your buds to taste other flavors.

Main Course Seafood Delight The abundance of seafood in a platter with freshly steamed bok choy and brown sauce is a party in itself. The subtle sea flavor is well complimented by a savory and a bit spicy sauce that highlights the richness of the sea with every bite.

Steamed Fish Fresh lapu-lapu served whole in a bed of oriental sauce and chopped chives is an astounding palate quencher that will have you asking for seconds.

This is more than a simple dish – this is simply divine.

Beef Salpicado Perfectly marinated slices of tender beef strips cooked to perfection is how a Salpicado should taste like. Every bite produces a sensation that allows us to devour the meaty goodness of this dish. Have it alone or with steam rice, the moment

Mangosteen Coffee.

Assorted cakes. be dressed in many ways.

This particular dish is a perfect example of chicken goodness. Eat your way through a dish rich of flavors – from the chicken to the vegetables and sauce – this is a must try for everyone!

Pork Knuckle in Brown Sauce. they hit your palate, you will surely love to take another bite.

Braise Pork Knuckles with Brown Sauce Who thought that wine and oyster sauce makes a great and appetizing team? Yes, be inspired to eat your way to a meaty-

full time with this tender pork knuckles marinated and cooked right. See the meat fall off the bone with ease --- one word of caution: take in moderation!

Chicken with Asparagus and Carrots Chicken is truly a versatile ingredient that could

Dessert Fresh Fruits Taste Davao through an array of fresh and locally harvested fruits that spell forth Davao in every bite.

Devour slices of pomelo, mango and papaya to reignite your taste buds.

Assorted Cakes Grand Regal is known for its colorful cake slices that are not too sweet and too intimidating to eat. With just the right mixture and

chocolate garnishes, these many slices are indeed heaven to anyone’s craving tummy.

Mangosteen Coffee What other way to end a sumptuous meal but through a cup of locally brewed mangosteen coffee. Yes, you read that right. Here at the Grand Regal Hotel Davao, nothing is left unnoticed – of ingredients, that is. Have it plain or with brown sugar – never milk – and enjoy the bitter sweetness of mangosteen in your palate.

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

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

UP AnD ABOUT

Get your jeans on at SM City Davao’s JeansFest JOin the denim movement and get your jeans on at SM City Davao’s JeansFest running until July 31.

Jeans has become an indispensible clothing article since its existence in the 18th century. Durable and stylish, it has seen years of innovation and fashion culture.

Get the hottest pair of jeans from your favorite store and score amazing discounts. For fashion inspiration, take a peek at the Denim Bars located at the Ground Floor of the Annex and the second floor of the Main Mall.

On Friday, SM Davao highlights the iconic denim in an afternoon of music with the city’s top show band Reborn, 5PM. On July 19, sashay in your denims and catch the Denim Moves with the students from the Special Performance Class of one of Davao’s top high schools.

Denim Moves starts 5 PM at the Annex Event Center.

Ce l e b r ate the classic cotton twill textile in the Denim Runway Fashion Show and check out your favorite trends from Levi’s, Kamiseta, Mags, Blued, Surplus and The SM Store on Sunday, July 20.

Buckle up and style up. Everything for the love of denims is at SM City Davao this month of July.

Like SM City Davao on Facebook and follow @smcitydavao on Twitter and Instagram for event and promo updates.

PAL @ TRAVEL EXPO 3.

Hundreds of bargainhunters again swarmed the PAL booth during opening day of the 3rd Travel Madness Expo held July 4 to 6, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Top photo shows PAL officials flanking Tourism Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon when he visited the PAL booth. From left, they are: Tony Herrera, PAL assistant vice president for Philippine Sales; Pinky Custodio, PAL head-Activations; Asst. Sec. Bengzon; Bud Britanico, PAL head-domestic sales; Ma. Paz Alberto, vice president – Travel Innovators (Expo organizer); and Donna Casimiro of PAL Activations Group.

FRIDAYS LAUNCHES NEW STACKHOUSE BURGERS. In celebration of 20 years of making every day a Friday, TGI Fridays in launching two new all-American Stack House Burgers, taking burgers to the next level. Sink your teeth into the juicy and cheesy Bacon mozzarella Burger or spice it up with the Texas Chili Cheese Burger. Visit TGI Fridays Abreeza today to satisfy your burger craving.

Xiaomi Global VP Hugo Barra talks to startup founders at the Kickstart office. In photo (L-R) are Hugo Barra (Xiaomi), Fabian Tilmant (Leanovation), Manny Nepomuceno, Anne Olvido (Xiaomi), Richard Eldridge (Lenddo), Mark Mackenzie (Lenddo), Jonathan Lansangan (Dynamic Objx), Terence Lok (ZAP, hidden), Cristina del Rosario (Sari Software Solutions), Ibba Rasul-Bernardo (Sari Software Solutions), Nix Nolledo (Hatchd), Philip Cheang (By Implication), Sergio Arroyo (Ascendant Technologies) and Kenneth Yu (By Implication).

Xiaomi’s Hugo Barra stirs excitement in local tech startup community

HuGO BaRRa, Xiaomi Global Vice President and formerly Google VP for android Product Management, stirred excitement in the local tech startup community during his visit in Manila as he shared tips on how new companies can grow their business in the digital space.

The meet-up was organized by Xiaomi, represented by Philippine Product Manager Elizabeth anne Olvido, and hosted

by Kickstart Ventures, Inc., a wholly-owned incubator and investment firm of Globe Telecom, to enable startup companies under its portfolio as well as its local partners to benefit from Barra’s deep understanding of the mobile market.

Kickstart President Minette navarrete enthused, “Xiaomi’s origins and character resonate with startup founders everywhere in the world: dream big, start small, scale fast.

Hugo Barra is widely respected for his skills: he must be one of the best product people in the world! This visit is amazingly helpful, and truly inspirational to the tech community in the Philippines. We’re so pleased to have him come and have these intense and downto-earth conversations with startup founders here.”

Barra earlier announced that the rapidlygrowing Chinese mobile phone firm has chosen the Philippines as its third market in Southeast asia, a development that augurs well for the tech startups.

Paul Rivera, CEO and

co-founder of online talent management and assessment firm Kalibrr could not contain his enthusiasm as he quipped: “This shows just how exciting the Philippines will be as a market for smartphone makers and those who make apps for them.

This will bring an entire generation of people online who will be mobile first.”

During the discussion, Barra advised startup founders to build excellent software, adjust their plans depending on customer uptake, know their customers, and think of the price which users are willing to pay.

Xiaomi knows their target customers well and lets their products grow with them. “The first 10,000 customers matter so much so I have to acquire the right customers,” Barra

said, explaining that for Xiaomi, it means that they must build a “loyal, excited, vocal community of tech enthusiasts.”

“They have chosen not to go the usual route of getting an endorser. They believe their products can stand on their own and sell. after seeing their high-end smartphone test unit, we agreed with that belief,” said Jonathan Earl lansangan, COO and cofounder of Dynamic Objx labs Inc, a Manila-based software development company which specializes in building web-based applications, mobile device applications, and Sof tware-as-a-ser vice (SaaS) products.

In 2012, Xiaomi sold 7.2 million smartphones and more than doubled the number the following year by selling 18.7 million handsets

management, we hope to achieve a yield capacity of 30,000 kilos per hectare against an average yield of around 6,500 kilos by the vineyard industry in Spain.

This means that in every hectare of this vineyard land, we will be able to har-

vest five times more wine grapes. This will very well support the raw material requirements for our brandy production.”

Domecq added, “With this total integration in our brandy production, we are in the best position to continue making Emperador as the number one brandy in the world. That gives us the capacity to expand our global market. With Emperador Spain continuously looking out to acquire more vineyard land in Spain, we expect that our total vineyard property will reach close to 2,000 hectares by 2016.”

Emperador expands vineyard in Spain for brandy production

Grupo Emperador Spain S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Emperador, inc., has signed an agreement to acquire 230 hectares of vineyard land in Toledo.

The land is adjacent to the Vinedos del Rio Tajo operated by Bodegas Las Copas, a 50 percent joint venture company between Emperador and González Byass.

The company intends to expand Vinedos del Rio Tajo, a vineyard beside River Tajo, the longest river in iberian Peninsula.

Jorge B. Domecq, managing director of Emperador Spain said, “Our beautiful vineyard in the valley

of River Tajo is the largest vineyard in Spain that specializes in wine grapes for brandy distillation. The way this vineyard is built harmonizes with environmental sustainability. By using state-of-the-art technology in vineyard operation and

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EnTERTAinMEnT

Sarah, Daniel, Kathryn and Vice thrill diehards at MOR Pinoy Music Awards

POPSTAR Royalty Sarah Geronimo, Teen King Daniel Padilla, and Phenomenal Star Vice Ganda were greeted by deafening shrieks of diehard fans who celebrated their victory at the recent MOR Pinoy Music Awards staged

by ABS-CBn’s official FM station My Only Radio (MOR) 101.9 For Life!

Thousands of Kapamilya fans were unfazed by the heavy rains and trooped to Mall of Asia Arena to witness their idols receive their much-coveted MOR trophies. Sarah was named Female Artist of the Year, while Daniel and Vice won in two other categories.

Daniel bagged the Male Artist of the Year award and Album of the Year for his album DJP, while Vice won the Phenomenal Artist of the Year award and Best novelty Song for his hit song “Manhid Ka.” But what turned the Arena into a mosh pit of overly thrilled Kapamilya fans was the moment when the lead stars of “She’s Dating The Gangster,” Daniel and Kathryn Bernardo appeared on stage and sang “Grow Old With You.” in the annual awards night that honors the greatness of original Pilipino music (OPM), which also kicked off the grand celebration of MOR’s first anniversary, vet-

“All-Time Favorites” (5AM to 12nn); Ms. M and Daddy Alex’s “Dear MOR Weekends” (12nn to 2PM); Maki Rena and Jhai Ho’s “MOR Pinoy Hits” (2PM to 6PM); Eva Ronda’s “Very Very nice” (6PM to 8PM); and a replay of a hit episode of “Dear MOR” (8PM to 12Mn).

Always tune in to ABS-

eran singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid was honored with the MOR OPM Achievement Award for his contribution to the OPM industry and for being a true champion of Filipino music for more than two decades. in the song categories, Yeng Constantino’s “Chinito” was recognized as Song of the Year; Toni Gonzaga’s “Kahit na” as Dance Hit of the Year; Jovit Baldivino’s “Pusong Bato” as Best OPM Revival; Sam Concepcion, Tippy Dos Santos, and Quest’s “Dati” as Best Collaboration of the Year; Kyle Wong and Martina San Diego’s “Balay ni Mayang” as Best Regional Song; and Companero Brandy’s radio jingle as the Best Kantamercial.

Also included in the list of

awardees are Parokya ni Edgar as MOR Rock icon, Jireh Lim as Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and Garth Garcia as Best new Artist.

Among the performers who filled the night with music and fun were some of the brightest OPM stars, namely, Vice, Yeng, Sam, and Parokya ni Edgar. Special musical numbers were also rendered by Abra, KZ Tandingan, Eurika, Martina, Kyle, Janice Javier, Liezel Garcia, Klarisse de Guzman, Morisette Amon, Darryl Shy, and Bassilyo.

A special musical tribute was also given to Ogie as Jovit, Bugoy Drilon, Edward Benosa, and Christian Bautista sang his all-time hit songs.

Aside from the singers and other Kapamilya stars,

CBn’s official FM radio station in Mega Manila where there is MORe music, MORe fun, and MORe stars, MOR 101.9 For Life! and online via MOR TV at www. MOR1019. com. For more updates about “M.O.R. 101.9 For Life!” visit www.facebook. com/mor1019 and follow @ MOR1019 on Twitter.

the awards night also featured the MOR team led

by Star Music head Roxy Liquigan, MOR officer-incharge Mars Ocampo, and all MOR DJs. Meanwhile, MOR recently launched its new weekend shows that aim to give listeners “MORe” relaxing rest days. Every Saturday, listen to Martin D. and Chinapaps’ wacky “All-Time Favorites” (5AM to 11AM); Ms. M and Daddy Alex’s touching “Dear MOR Weekends” (12nn to 2PM); Onse’s engaging “Sayabadabadoo!”

(2PM to 5PM); Bobzilla and Popoy’s trendy barkada jamming in “MOR Live” (5PM to 8PM); and Reggie V’s “Heartbeats” (8PM to 12Mn).

On Sundays, tune in to Martin D. as he goes solo in

Bela Padilla nabs Best Supporting Actress at 62nd FAMAS Awards GMA Artist Center salutes Bela Padilla for being hailed as Best Supporting Actress at the 62nd Film Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards held last Sunday, July 13, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resorts and Casino.

The Kapuso actress beat fellow nominees Angel Aquino, Cherie Gil, Coney Reyes, Aiza Seguerra and Gloria Sevilla and bagged the award for her effective portrayal as Maya Limchauco in the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival entry 10,000 Hours. “i was so concentrated on the fact that i had to return to taping to do 13 more sequences including scenes with rain effect that i didn’t think of making up

a decent speech and the fact that Angel Aquino was doing a sweep. So i wasn’t expecting na to win at all. i just went to do my hosting to present special awards.

My heart literally jumped when they called my name,” shares Bela.

Meanwhile, Bela is currently busy promoting the first medical series on Philippine TV, Sa Puso ni Dok, which will soon air on GMA network. She acts opposite GMA’s top leading men Dennis Trillo.

Other awardees from the Kapuso network are Pen Medina, Best Supporting Actor, and German Moreno Youth Achievement Award recipients Ken Chan, Hiro Peralta and Janine Gutierrez.

SHE'S DATING THE GANGSTER Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo PG 13

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

STEP UP ALL IN Ryan Guzman, Briana Evigan PG 13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

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

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

R-16 TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION Mark Wahlberg GP

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

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

A view of Victoria Harbour from harbour City.

Quick bites at Harbour City EXPlORInG Hong Kong by foot is an exciting prospect for me. There are many things one can discover only when one immersed into the environment and not just merely passing by in a cab, bus, or train.

Two-roast meat set.

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

all that walking though can build a person’s appetite but oftentimes local eateries in Hong Kong can have very long queues which would take close to an hour of waiting before seats become available. That is why I love the many different food courts that can be conveniently found in the malls which offer many food choices in a snap and at an affordable price.

One such food court is the cookedDeli section of CitySuper at the third level of the Harbour City Mall along Canton Road.

There are over a dozen different food stands serving dishes from all over the region as well as some Western dishes.

Ordering is simple and queuing up is minimised thanks to the automated paging system that tells

A section of cookedDeli offers a view of Victoria Harbour as well.

Delicious Takoyaki. you when your order is ready to be picked up. This means you can actually find time to sit down and relax while waiting for your food, a much needed respite especially for ones with tired feet from all the exploring and shopping.

Meals at the cokedDeli can range from HK$38 all the way to HK$68 for some set meals. I chose to have some takoyaki as well as a two-roast set meal that was served with some blanched vegetables and rice. I loved the ta-

koyaki as it was crispy on the outside and was not stingy on the octopus bit on the inside. The roast pork was good and so was the duck, unfortunately the skin of the duck was no longer crispy, I guess to get better quality duck, one has to go to a specialty roasted duck restaurant. another thing to note is that cookedDeli can get full especially during mealtimes and sharing a table is normal but aside from that small downside, dining at cookedDeli is a fun experience especially when you are with friends.

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

Waiting for my food to be prepared.

Seating can be tight but the quick service and food more than makes up for it.

CLASSIFIED 13

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

nOTICe TO The PUBLIC On July 30, 2014 Davao Helen’s Pawnshop Corporation-Bankerohan Branch presently located at Mercado 2 Unit 4, Father Selga St., Bankerohan, Brgy. 5-A, Davao City will transfer to its new location at Door #4 ACASONS Commercial Arcade, JP Cabaguio Ave., corner Bolcan St., Barangay Agdao, Davao City.

Sa Hulyo 30, 2014, ang Davao Helen’s Pawnshop Corporation-Bankerohan Branch, nga nahimutang sa Mercado 2 Unit 4, Father Selga St., Bankerohan, Brgy., 5-A, mobalhin sa bag-ong lokasyon sa Door #4 ACASONS Commercial Arcade, J.P. Cabaguio Ave., corner Bolcan St., Barangay Agdao, Davao City

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

AVE .

C AB

J.P. L AU

REL

AGU IO

AVE.

FR. S ELGA

ST.

SKETCH:

EDGE

Serving a seamless society

BANKEROHAN PUBLIC MARKET

O DAVA

QUIRINO AVE.

RIV

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AVE.

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BOLCAN ST. R. CASTILLO ST.

QUEZON BLVD.

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Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

Hiring Lay-out Artist

- Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application - Willing to work under pressure, flexible and persuasive For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department Edge Davao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: zion_publishing@yahoo.com

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

14 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

Achievement awards for Manny, RDR S

ARANGANi Province Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario will also get their awards in the 20th annual So Kim Cheng Sports Awards set on July 22 at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.

Pacquiao, reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award while Gov. del Rosario, whose province co-hosted the PRiSAA National Games, will get the Sports Leadership Award.

Karateka Gabriel Quinones and chess player Ella Grace Moulic, both 15, are this year’s Male and Female Athlete of the year, respectively.

Quinones, a 4th year high school student of Brokenshire Science High School, bagged 2 gold medals and 1 silver in the 15th Malaysian Milo Karatedo Open Championships held June 6-8 in Kuala Lumpur.

Moulic, a senior high student of Holy Cross of

Davao College, pocketed 4 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze in the ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships held in Macau, China.

She also emerged champion in the girl’s Under 16 of the 2014 NCFP National Age-Group Championships last April in Quezon Province and in the Batang Pinoy Grand Finals last February in Bacolod City.

“This year’s SKC Awards is much bigger with more raffle prizes,” said John irene del Campo of SKC Group of Company at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.

Also present at the weekly public service sports program sponsored

by TRMH, Genesis 88, Beefit Gym and Mulatto Outdoor was Coach of the year awardee Rommel Tan of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao.

Tan is tied with Moulic’s father-coach Alfred of the Holy Cross of Davao College Chess Club.

Cue artist Lee Van

SPORTS LEADER. Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario (right), shown here with members of the Philippine Azkals, will be recognized for his sports development initiatives in Davao del Norte.

Corteza will be the recipient of the Hall of Fame while plaques of recognition will be given to the Sports Communicators

Organization of the Phils.

(Scoop) Davao, Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA), and veteran photographer Rene “Tatay”

Lumawag of the Mindanao Times.

Posthumous awards will go to the late sports editor Ramon Maxey of

the Edge and chess arbiter and former national master Samuel yu of the National Chess Federation of the Phils. Xi.

yesterday.

Pangilinan closed it out strong with three more players. Gilas on the other hand will be bannered by Jimmy Alapag, LA Tenorio, Jeff Chan, Jayson Castro, Gary David, Ranidel De Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Marcus Douthit, Larry Fonacier, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Marc Pingris, and Andray Blatche.

The NBA stars will be in Manila on July 22 and 23 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

WO veteran runners from Kenya dominated the inaugural run on Tuesday of South Cotabato’s 42-kilometer T’Nalak Festival international Marathon held in Koronadal City and in the municipality of Tupi.

The first-ever international marathon is among the highlights of the ongoing week-long T’nalak Festival and celebration of the province’s 48th foundation anniversary.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., marathon committee chair, said Kenyan national Jackson Chirchir topped the 42-kilometer open category’s men’s division by finishing the route in two hours, 36 minutes and 37 minutes.

He said Chirchir was closely followed by compatriot isaac Simat, who was among the initial favorites to top the race. in the women’s division, he said veteran miler Mary Joy Cabal took the top spot after completing the race in three hours, six minutes and 47 seconds.

Cabal, who won the 2013 Milo marathon, outlasted Kenyan national irene

Kitchumba for the top prize, he said.

Aturdido, who is also the provincial health officer, said the top three finishers in each division received a medal and cash prizes of P30, 000, P20,000 and P15,000, respectively.

The official dubbed the first 42k international Marathon, which covered routes from Koronadal City to Tupi town, as a huge success.

AGUM City Mayor Allan L. Rellon paid tribute to a young Tagumenyo athlete Lea Lesly M. Buates for having brought honor and pride to City of Tagum for winning medals in four National Games in the sport of Taekwondo for School year 2013-2014.

Lea Lesley M. Buates, 15 years old, a resident of 176 Teacher’s Village, Barangay Magugpo South, Tagum City, is the daughter of Mrs. Sonia Mendoza-Buates and Dr. Leo V. Buates. She started her venture in Taekwondo at the age of 9 through the guidance of his coach Mr. Abraham Moreno. Aside from the 4 national achievements, she already collected 30 gold medals, 17 silver medals and 6 bronze medals in her Mindanao League Competitions.

The following awards were hauled by Buates in four national games for school year 2013–2014, to wit: Bronze medalist during the 2014 Palarong

Pambansa last May 10–16, 2014 held at Sta. Cruz, Laguna; Gold medalist during the National PRiSAA Games 2014 last April 6-12, 2014 held at Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Bronze medalist during the Batang Pinoy National Finals last Jan. 28 – Feb 1, 2014 held at Bacolod City and Bronze medalist during the 5th National MiLO Little Olympics 2013 last Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, 2013 held at Cebu City.

With her accomplishments in the world of sports demonstrate in the entire community the importance of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, the City Government of Tagum through the 6th City Council of Tagum passed a resolution inscribed in a plaque commending her for having brought honor and pride to Tagum City for winning medals in four national games in the sport of taekwondo for school year 2013 – 2014. / Edwin B. Lasquite of CIO Tagum

Harden, Chandler, Jennings Kenyan runners top T’Nalak Int’l marathon complete PLDT All Stars cast T G

ilas Pilipinas will have their hands full against the PLDT Home Fibr All Stars. After the first eight players were announced in weeks ago, Manny V. Pangilinan tweeted the names of the last three NBA stars who will join the charity exhibition match.

NBA All Star and Team USA pool member James Harden, NBA champion Tyson Chandler, and Brandon Jennings complete the lineup. it was later on an-

nounced through a press release that Ed Davis will also be flying to Manila.

Paul Pierce, Blake Griffin, and DeMar DeRozan were the first three names announced by Pangilinan.

Reigning Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard was later added to the squad. Pierce’s name however was left out of the lineup in the last press release.

Paul George, Kyle Lowry, and rookie Nick Johnson were the latest additions

OUSTANDING ATHLETE. City of Tagum Mayor Allan L. Rellon, along with members of the city council led by Vice-Mayor Geterito T. Gementiza, congratulates Lea Lesly M. Buates for having brought honor and pride to City of Tagum with her accomplishments in taekwondo. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum

Tagum fetes young jin T

SPORTS 15

VOL. 7 ISSUE 88 • THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2014

FIBA U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Batang Gilas ready to rumble

F

OLLOWiNG in the footsteps of their kuyas in the Gilas Pilipinas program, members of the Philippine Under-17 Basketball team are eager to show their wares in the upcoming 2014 FiBA U17 World Championship, scheduled for August 8 to 16 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

However, it won’t be easy for the Batang Gilas 5 to advance to the next round, as they are joined by Angola, Greece and traditional hoops power USA in Group A of the elimination bracket.

The Batang Gilas managed to book the country’s maiden appearance on the world stage by duplicating the success of the senior team, as they finished second to China in the FiBA Asia U16 Championship in Tehran, iran last year.

Coached by multi-titled UAAP juniors mentor Jamike Jarin, the 12-man squad is made up of Diego

NBA ROUNDUP

Dario and Paul Desiderio (UP Fighting Maroons), Carlo Abadeza and Michael Louise Dela Cruz (LSGH Greenies), Richard Escoto (FEU Tamaraws), Lorenzo Navarro (SSCR Staglets), Jolo Mendoza, Matt and Mike Nieto (Ateneo Blue Eaglets), Arnie Padilla (Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu), Jose Go iV (Hope Christian HS) and Emmanuel Panlilio (international School-Manila).

Though considered as one of the shortest teams in the global tiff, the Batang Gilas team nonetheless vows to make up for their lack of ceiling by playing their hearts out against the taller and heftier opponents.

For the team’s preliminary assignments, Batang Gilas opens their account against Angola on August 8, followed by Greece on August 9. The Nationals then close out their elimination round campaign against the United States of America on August 11.

Wade, Bosh, Haslem are staying with Heat D

WyANE Wade, Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem are returning to the Heat, even if LeBron James will not, and Luol Deng will join them in Miami.

The Heat re-signed Wade to a multi-year contract on Tuesday. The 32-year-old All-Star guard will make at least $15 million per season, ESPN reported.

Riley touted the addition of Deng as “one of the most important free agent signings that we have ever had in the history of the franchise.” The Heat did not disclose contract terms, but previous reports put the deal at two years and $20 million.

Haslam agreed to a twoyear deal worth $5.6 million, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

The Heat also announced the signing of forward James Ennis. Acquired in a trade during the 2013 NBA Draft, Ennis spent last season playing in Australia.

The Houston Rockets signed Joey Dorsey to a two-year, $2 million contract to replace Omer Aski as center Dwight Howard’s backup, according to yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Rockets also reached an agreement on a one-year contract with former Milwaukee Bucks forward Jeff Adrien for the veteran minimum, the Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday.

Dorsey, 30, has not played in the NBA since 2011. in parts of three NBA seasons, he averaged 2.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 61 career games.

Adrien was traded to the Bucks from Charlotte in February and proved productive in Milwaukee during the remainder of the 2013-14 season, averaging 10.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. in 53 games between the two teams last season, he averaged 6.8 points and 5.8 rebounds.

The Memphis Grizzlies re-signed guard Beno Udrih to a multiyear contract on Tuesday.

The team did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Udrih averaged 4.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 41 games for the New york Knicks and the Grizzlies last season.

Free-agent forward Kris Humphries is headed to the Washington Wizards after reaching agreement on a three-year, $13 million deal, yahoo Sports reported Tuesday.

The Wizards were in the process of completing a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics that allows Humphries to come in below the team’s salary cap, according to the yahoo report.

The Dallas Mavericks confirmed Tuesday that All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki and forward Chandler Parsons signed contracts with the team.

SLAM. Marcus Douthit of the Philippines slams one in during the Philippines-Jordan match in the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup. (www.fibaasia.net)

Gaisano Grand Cup opens 11th season on Aug. 16

T

HE 2014 gaisano grand cup will kick off on august 16 with elaborate opening ceremonies ushering in the region’s premier school-based league.

A total of 75 varsity teams will see action this season, vying for glory and school pride in four divisions – mini, cadet, juniors (boys and girls) and seniors (men and women). mary judy balacy, marketing officer of the gaisano grand citimall davao, said preparations are now underway for the much interesting opening rites that would surely make the event more festive.

“The mall and the league management want to take off our 11th season with style as the enthusiasm and the positive vibes that it brings about will set the tone for the conduct of the games in the days to come,” said balacy.

Aside from staging a search for ms. grand cup for high school and college, balacy kept other details of the program secret and hinted that a singer-actress from manila will be coming

to spice up the event.

Back to its regular schedule, the grand cup, owned and run by the gaisano grand citimall in coordination with the samahang basketbol ng pilipinas (sbp) region xi, will run from august to december with playing days every friday, saturday and sunday. invited teams can pick up the entry forms at the 5th floor entertainment area of the gaisano grand citimall on friday (2pm to 5pm) and saturday (10am to 2pm). deadline for the submission of requirements is on july 25.

Coaches meeting is set on august 9. the invited teams: boys mini: philippine womens college,precious international school of davao,holy child college of davao,assumption college of davao,ateneo de davao university,communal elementary school,davao christian high school,university of immaculate conception,maa elementary school and philippine nikkei jin kai.

Boys cadet: ateneo de davao university, holy child college of davao, assump-

tion college of davao, ford academy of the arts, university of immaculate conception, daniel aguinaldo national high school, holy cross of davao college, philippine womens college, precious international school of davao, stella maris academy, thompson christian school and saint peter college of toril.

Boys junior division i: agro industrial foundation college, assumption college of davao, ford academy of the arts, holy child college of davao, emar human environmental college, jose maria college and ateneo de davao university.

Boys junior division ii: davao jones academy, daniel r. aguinaldo national high school, brokenshire college, davao christian high school, davao wisdom academy, davao central college, holy cross of davao college, philippine nikkei jin kai, philippine womens college, precious international school, southern philippine polytechnic college inc., saint peter college of toril, st. therese college of technology, sta ana. national high school, talomo na-

tional high school, thompson christian high school, university of immaculate conception, stella maris academy and rizal memorial college Girls junior division: assumption college of davao, ateneo de davao university, daniel r. aguinaldo national high school, holy cross of davao college and sta. ana national high school Mens college division: jose maria college, davao college of southern philippines, ateneo de davao university, holy cross of davao college, john paul ii college, agro industrial foundation college, mats college of technology, san pedro college, university of immaculate conception, davao central college, brokenshire college, rizal memorial colleges, sti college, ama computer college, university of mindanao and assumption college Womens college division: university of mindanao, holy cross of davao college, ateneo de davao university, rizal memorial colleges, san pedro college and assumption college of davao.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

ACID TEST

CUTTING LOOSE. Jarred Dillinger of the Philippines cuts loose from his Jordanian guard. (www.fibaasia. net)

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE88 88• THURSDAY, • THURSDAY,JULY JULY17, 17,2014 2014

Gilas face India in Round-of-8 5TH FIBA ASIA CUP QUARTERFINAL PAIRINGS QF1: 1230 Hrs: Chinese Taipei Vs. Japan QF2: 1445 Hrs: Iran Vs. Jordan QF3: 1715 Hrs: Philippines Vs. India QF4: 1930 Hrs: China Vs. Singapore Semifinal pairings: QF1 Vs. QF4; QF2 Vs. QF3 Note: All timings Wuhan Local (GMT +0800 Hrs)

W

UHAN, China--For the third time in four FiBA Asia events, WABA teams iran and Jordan will match wits with each other with honors being shared evenly when the two go head to head in the quarterfinals of the 5th FiBA Asia Cup on Thursday.

At this very venue three years ago, iran went into the quarterfinals of the 26th FiBA Asia Championship only to be shocked by an inspired Jordan. Two years later the two were at loggerheads once again at the 27th FiBA Asia Championship at Manila (Philippines) and this time iran carried far too many guns en route to their third gold medal in FiBA Asia Championship history. it will be, therefore another no-holds-barred contest when the two go head to head on Thursday.

The winners of that game will line up against the winners of another exciting contest between an effer-

vescent india and the highly popular Gilas Pilipinas.

The top half of the draw will see hosts China take on minnows Singapore with the other quarterfinal featuring an all-East Asia clash between 27th FiBA Asia Championship semifinalist Chinese Taipei and Japan, the silver medalists at the last two editions of FiBA Asia Cup. PhL 71, JORDan 70 Almost exactly three years at the very same venue, Jordan scripted a marvellous fairytale victory against Philippines as a part of their dream run in the 26th FiBA Asia Championship. Rajko Toroman had been at the wrong end of the stick then as the coach of the Smart Gilas.

Three years later, the boot was on the other foot as far as the teams were concerned with Philippines eking out a 71-70 victory securing the top place

FGILAS, 10