Edge Davao 7 Issue 95

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FISH CAGES FACE CLOSURE

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

ADVOCATE. Darrell Blatchley, owner of D’ Bone Collector Museum, shows a bottle container with a baby dwarf sperm whale inside during FAST Fridays at Archipelago 7107 by Barrios Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier on Friday. The said baby

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

dwarf sperm whale, together with several plastic wrappers, was found inside the stomach of its seven-foot mother which was beached along the coastline of Barangay Talomo in Davao City earlier last week. Lean Daval Jr.

Fish cages face closure

By Cheneen R. Capon crc@edgedavao.net

T

HE Davao City government is determined to stop the operation of the 120 fish cages illegally operating in the municipal waters of Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya in Davao City.

City Councilor Leonardo R. Avila III, speaking

as vice chairman of the Davao Gulf Management Council, said that no less than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wants the closure of the fish cages. The operation of the unregistered fish cages has been a running issue since administration of

former Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, whom the incumbent mayor succeeded in 2013.

Back in 2012, Mayor Rody, who was then the vice mayor, opposed the move of the 16th City Council to close the fish cages because it is the

source of the livelihood of many fishermen in the city. He even said that a thorough study should be conducted first.

“Ngayon nakita na ni Mayor na kailangan. Ang gusto kasi ni Mayor maging based on the law (ang kanilang operation),” Avi-

la said, referring to the Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fishery Code of 1998.

He said that the mayor wants operators to be registered so that appropriate tax and fees will be collected.

“Ang gusto rin ni may-

ily,” he said.

Eager to move in to her new home, an elderly resident of Cateel, Angela dela Zalde also conveyed her overwhelming bliss as she received the certificate of occupancy.

“Though everything we had were lost, they had all been replaced with plenty of blessings, including this new house” she said, describing her new home to be more beautiful than what her family used to live before the rampaging storm in 2012.

These folks along with their kin are only two of the 700 families given the opportunity to start anew as the

provincial government backed by the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over recently another batch housing units.

Under the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP), more than 2,000 houses have already been implemented on the ground. Bulks of them were already turned over to its respective recipients, enjoying the comforts and security it provided.

DSWD Assistant Regional Director Mila T. Segovia, who was present during the latest turn over ceremony, said

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon joined by Assistant Regional Director Mila T. Segovia of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 11, hands over certificate of

or dapat registered [ang mga fish cages operators at] nagbabayad ng taxes and fees at nakakakuha ng taxes not only the local government unit but also the barangay kung san dumadaan ang operators sa na kumukuha ng isda,”

FFISH, 10

New homes restore hope of Pablo-affected families R

estoring hope after a major calamity, the government’s provision of new homes to disaster-stricken families offers a promise for a new beginning.

“If not for the government providing us with these new houses, probably, we would still be left homeless and hopeless,” said 62 year old Iluminado Oggod of Barangay Sibajay in Boston town, whose house was completely torn down by typhoon Pablo.

“I never expected that I would be given a house of my own. It completely restored my hope to dream again for my fam-

FNEW, 10

occupancy to beneficiaries of the Modified Shelter Assistance Project for typhoon Pablo victims. Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

500 to participate In MSME summit

By Vannah S. ang

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vsa@edgedavao.net

RGANIZERS of the National MSME Summit are expecting at least 500 participants to attend the event at the SMX Convention Center on August 20 to 21.

The summit was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11 and the National MSME Development Council to further empower micro small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for them to unceasingly reap success with the help of stakeholders.

According to Jenny Mendoza, DTI information officer, the participants include MSMEs, representatives from policy and regulatory agencies, financial institutions and banks, industry clusters and associations,

academe, development agencies, and national government agencies (NGAs).

“Apart from these participants, some corporate leaders, investors, technology providers and innovators, and policy makers are likewise anticipated to participate in the two-day event,” she said.

Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi, DTI 11 officer-in-charge, said that the agency expects partcipants to be more inspired to work for their own success.

“If we are into business, our ulterior goal is to become successful, to make it big in the industry where we are into.

With this, we want to hear success stories, we want to get motivation from people who have

F500, 10

Thousands came to Cyber Expo T

Dakak Resort and Properties vice president for sales and marketing, Svetlana Jalosjos-de Leon (left), and Davao City branch manager, Daisy A. Yap, lead

the cutting of the ribbon to formally open company’s Davao City branch at SM Lanang Premier on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

3 King murder suspects not yet state witnesses

By Cheneen R. Capon

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE turning of three suspects in the murder of Cebu-based hotelier Richard L. King into state witness is still uncertain.

This was bared by

lawyer Behn Joseph Tesiorna, counsel of suspects Paul Dave Labang, alleged gunman, and brothers Rommel and Ronnel dela Cerna, alleged accomplices.

Tesiorna said the three could possibly be declared state witnesses when there is probable cause on the allegation that former Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) head

Police Supt. Col. Leonardo Felonia is mastermind.

Tesiorna there is a need to convince the prosecution panel on this before it can recommend the three to

I

lection districts across the country.

“By filling up these vacancies, we will be able to provide a faster and better standard of service for importers, exporters and the public dealing with Customs,” said Customs

Commissioner John P. Sevilla, “On the average, we have over 3,000 entries and over 6,000 individual items being imported every day. Around 4,000 containers arrive in the country everyday that we need to inspect. In order to fa-

cilitate these transactions we need additional manpower. Right now, there are only 3,600 employees in BOC tasked to do a lot of mandates. The lack of manpower is further aggravated by natural attrition due to retirement, resignation,

F3 KING, 10

HE Mindanao Cyber Expo (MCE) at The SM City Davao Annex held last week gathered thousands of cyber enthusiasts from all over Mindanao.

The MCE is now on it’s 8th year of being “one of Davao’s pride” for being a truly unique, well-organized and massively attended event. The expo has reached the far corners of the country and has been one of the hot topics in numerous online communities.

According to Lester Avila, MCE Head Organizer, MCE was formerly known as Davao Cyber Expo.

“We changed it now because it is already Mindanao-wide. It’s in four SM malls. It’s an event with events,” he said.

This year, the MCE will be holding 6 main events at Davao City, General Santos City, and Cagayan de Oro. The first event is the Cyber Games Competition. There will be a gaming tournament between the different clans in Mindanao. The selected games for the competition

are Heroes of Newearth and League of Legends.

The second event is the LAN Party Extreme (LPX), a 3-day gathering of the best computers in Davao set at the center of the event venue. The event will host the usual competition on PC modding, performance, and high end gaming to wow and educate the public with better understanding of what quality PC comonents are all about.

The third event is the Tech Xtreme by Blinque, a unique tech exhibit where people come to see new high end PC components and accessories, learn about them, and get purchasing information.

The fourth event is the Online Games, a big cyber gaming competition hosted by top online gaming companies.

The fifth event is the Cosplay where participants dress up exactly like their favorite anime or cyber game characters. It is one of the most high foot traffic in the evening.

The sixth event is the Creative Edge, a come-

death, as well as dropping from the rolls, and dismissal from service.”

Available job positions include: Customs Operations Officer (COPO) I, II, III, and IV, (Salary Grade [SG] 10, 11, 13, 16, and 18 respectively); and Admin-

istrative Officer (ADOF) I, II, III, IV, and V (SG 10, 11, 15, and 18 respectively).

The complete list of job vacancies as well as the application procedure is available at the BOC website at www.customs.gov.ph.

FTHOUSANDS, 10

Customs opens vacancies for 1,000 new employees

N order to fill up the lack of manpower and further improve its quality of service, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is opening 1,056 job vacancies in first and second level positions for the agency’s various groups, offices, and col-

FCUSTOMS, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

Using disaster rehab for DAP defense will enrage survivors D

ISASTER rehab in DAP? A non-profit research and training institution for women warns that using disaster rehabilitation as another defense by President Aquino for the disbursement acceleration program (DAP) during his state of the nation address (SONA) on July 28 will enrage citizens especially survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) believes that rationalizing the existence of DAP through rehabilitation projects will further expose the negligence in the disaster-torn areas especially in Eastern Visayas. Eight months after the Yolanda disaster, the region is still in ruins. It still smells musty and damp, as if haunted by the buried bodies in the rubbles.

In every hundred casualties, 60 are women, children or elderly. In Guiuan, Samar, one of the towns hardest hit by typhoon Yolanda, 68% of the identified casualties are either women or children.

CWR explains that the high number of victims in Yolanda-stricken areas as well as in other disasters is a manifestation of how government responds to disasters.

“Mr. Aquino’s disas-

ter response is merely reactive. There is no systematic program that capacitate people in times of disaster so that they can prepare how to keep safe,” says CWR executive director Jojo Guan.

According to Guan, disaster heightens social inequality, “The lesser resources people have, the more difficult it is for them to cope.

Since women are one of the poorest sectors in our society, they could hardly recover after a

disaster. So, where did the DAP funds go? Not with the poor, definitely.”

When disaster disrupts the regular income of households, women often find alternative sources of income. They take on various jobs such as housekeeping, laundering, or vending.

“Looking for additional jobs is an added burden to women since they are still the ones expected to take care of the children, the elderly,

or the sick during disasters,” says Guan.

Guan also stresses the direct relation of disaster and violence against women and children. “They are vulnerable to become victims of illegal recruiment and trafficking. Last month, at least 19 women and girls were rescued from a prostitution den in Pasay. Some of them came from calamity-striken areas in Eastern Visayas.”

The government’s

framework of rehabilitation includes opening up the whole Eastern Visayas to big businessmen like Henry Sy, Lucio Tan, Aboitiz Group, Yuchengco group and San Miguel Corporation.

“In the guise of helping rehabilitate Eastern Visayas, these big businessmen have divided the area like a pie to be devoured. Each declared his turf to build his business in the affected areas,” Guan observes.

With the upcoming

SONA, CWR anticipates how the president will promote his partnership with big businessmen and his response to disasters, which will be applauded by his allies in congress.

“Just like the emperor who wears no clothes, President Aquino will realize that the real verdict will be outside congress, from the thousands of people who will march and demand for genuine change,” declares Guan.

country’s GDP,” says Jojo Guan, CWR executive director.

Guan notes that the president’s central poverty alleviation program for women and children, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, hardly make any dent in poverty. The program, which provides cash grant for indigent families, increased its beneficiaries since 2011 with a total of P168 billion budget from 2011 to 2014. Yet, NSCB data shows that poverty incidence among women did not change significantly from 25.9% in 2009 to 25.6% in 2012. For chil-

dren, poverty incidence was from 35.3% in 2009 to 35.2% in 2012.

“The data is still conservative considering the revision of poverty measure in the country. The revision in 2011 lowers the poverty threshold to Php46 per Filipino per day, acknowledging the lowest provincial costs.

This reflects a low increase of poor by only 23,911 individuals,” explains Guan.

Guan stresses that lack of economic opportunities for the majority has maintained the impoverished condition of families. More than 10 million or one in three

are either unemployed or underemployed. While NCR has the highest minimum wage at Php429.00 to Php466.00 only, the rest of the regions receive only Php200.00 to Php300.00, at the average. Women, who mostly belong to the unpaid or lowly paid workers, get lower than the minimum wage.

“Mr. Aquino promised gender equality in his social contract, but his policies have marginalized women more. Only half or 51% are included in the labor force. There are 2.3 million unpaid women workers and female workers still receive low-

er wages than their male counterpart,” says Guan.

The influx of migration is another indication of economic deficiency.

Women comprise the large number (90%) of household service workers. They have increased sharply from 96,583 in 2010 to 164,396 in 2013.

“Around 400 women are forced to leave their families behind to work as domestic helpers, cooks or laundry women abroad. Due to these jobs’ private setting, women become more vulnerable to abuse, ” remarks Guan.

CWR study indicates that a policy shift would help uplift the economy

and its growth would genuinely trickle down to people at lower-income levels. As it is, the dependence on the private sector to uplift the economy through the public-private partnership has resulted to high costs of services and unlimited increase in the prices of basic commodities.

“So long as President Aquino believes in the framework of PPP, the economic growth will remain an exclusive privilege of the rich. Yet, women will tirelessly check such policies and express their discontent as they continuously experience hardship,” says Guan.

CWR: Economic growth excludes poor women, children W

OMEN and children still belong to the 23 million poorest in the country and the government core program 4Ps hardly augment their condition, according to the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR), a research and training institution for women.

“IMF-World Bank may congratulate Mr. Aquino for a rising economy but millions of Filipino families could hardly eat three full meals a day.

More than 23 million Filipinos are considered poor while the richest 50 Filipinos get 25% of Php12-trillion of the

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

Imports decline by 9.6 percent Businesses urged to invest in imported capital goods to boost competitiveness

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OWER payments for imported mineral fuels and lubricants and capital goods significantly outweighed the sustained growth in imports of raw materials and intermediate and consumer goods in May 2014 resulting in a 9.6 percent decline from May 2013, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“The reversal in import payments for mineral fuels and lubricants in May 2014 from strong growth rates in the last two months significantly pulled down total imports.

Moreover, sluggish importation of capital goods continued to weigh on imports outturn during the period,” said Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Payments for imported goods in May 2014 were down to US$4.8 billion from US$5.3 billion in the same period last year. Given the slightly faster pace of imports growth relative to the 5.8 percent increase in exports in January to May 2014, trade-in-goods deficit widened to US$2.0 billion from US$1.8 billion as of January-May a year ago.

“Notwithstanding the successive contractions in capital goods imports since February 2014, the upward trend in the importation of raw materials

and intermediate goods and consumer goods, which grew by 6.3 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively, is indicative of the continuing confidence of both businesses and consumers,” Balisacan noted.

The Cabinet official added that the upbeat business outlook and the expansion plans of businesses in the industry sector for the next two quarters suggest that a recovery in capital goods imports may be expected in the near-term.

Surveys conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas revealed that the overall confidence index (CI) of businesses rose to 50.7 percent in the second quarter of 2014 from 37.8 percent in the first quarter and is expected to be sustained in the third quarter, with a CI of 48.9 percent.

“The re-fleeting program of airline companies in line with increasing their flight routes and the government’s continuing efforts to augment power supply and to improve operational capability in search and rescue operations and in maritime law enforcement, are likely to boost merchandise imports in the coming months,” Balisacan said.

Meanwhile, Balisacan noted that the import of major food items declined despite current tightness in the domestic supply of food, indicating that the

FLAGSHIP MODEL. Glenn Michael Gatan, product specialist of Fujifilm digital camera division, discusses during this week’s edition of FAST Fridays at

Archipelago 7107 by Barrios Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier the features of the company’s flagship digital camera model, the Fujifilm X-T1. Lean Daval Jr.

country has not taken advantage of trade opportunities to stem possible upward price pressures.

As for the sources of Philippine imports in May 2014, the People’s Republic of China had the biggest share at 15.2 percent amounting to US$724.4 million, followed by the United States of America with an 11.0 percent share, totaling US$525.7 million. However, decreas-

es in purchases from these countries contributed to the overall decline in imports during the period.

The value of imported goods from major ASEAN-member trading partners represented 27.3 percent (US$1.3billion) of the country’s total merchandise imports, mostly on capital goods, materials accounting for the manufacture of electrical equipment, and consumer

durables. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) supplied US$526.7 million or about 11.1 percent of the country’s total import requirements in May 2014.

Citing the increasing regional integration and competition associated with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, Balisacan stressed that the government should firm up efforts to encourage businesses to invest more

product found to have caused the death, serious illness or serious injury to a consumer or patient… or is found imminently injurious, unsafe, dangerous, or grossly defective.”

This is under Republic Act 9711 which created the FDA. The system compels health product manufacturers to have a barcode on their products that have unique numbers. It also called Unique Global Product Identification Number.

This way, all products may be differentiated from each other, easily identifying the ones that are counterfeit.

GS1 is an organization that extends technical aid

on the use of the barcoding system. GS1 is present in more than 100 countries.

The policy may pave the way to consumer empowerment.

Using his own device, which in the future may include mobile phones, a consumer may be able to identify authenticity of a product.

“If you’re a buyer, you can scan the bar code. With the proper application, you could connect to a website that would tell you where that product is supposed to be. So you know if it’s not supposed to be there or may be stolen. If somebody’s number is copied, you can check if the number is copied,” said Albert.

FDA indicated that the barcoding system will use unique numbers for accurate identification of products. This system is implemented universally, strengthening enforcement of laws against counterfeit products.

This is in light of increasing case of distribution of fake drugs, including reportedly viagra.

It is a system recognized by the World Customs Organization and World Health Organization.

FFERING social protection for as little as P11 per day, the AlkanSSSya program of the Social Security System (SSS) has attracted more than 74,000 members from 748 informal sector groups (ISGs) nationwide as of May 2013.

Amalia Tolentino, SSS AlkanSSSya Program Director, said informal sector workers who save at least P11 per day – about the price of cellphone load or softdrink --- can complete the minimum P330 monthly AlkanSSSya contribution based on a declared monthly income or “salary credit” of P3,000.

“The growth in participating ISGs reflects the AlkanSSSya’s appeal to the needs of informal sector workers such as affordability and convenience, especially since many among them have busy work schedules and tight budgets,” Tolentino noted.

A total of 180 ISGs representing over 17,000 members joined the program within the first five months of 2014.

on capital goods as these are crucial for increasing the global competitiveness of Philippine firms.

“In particular, higher importation of capital goods will make the technological know-how of domestic industries at par with other countries, and would likewise allow them to add greater value to Philippine-made goods,” Balisacan concluded.

SSS savings scheme Barcoding system on medicines pushed Affordable reaches 74,000 from 748 ISGs

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policy mandating barcoding system on all medicine and health products has been issued by the Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a means to ensure patient and consumer safety.

Not-for-profit organization GS1 Philippines has expressed confidence on FDA Circular 2014-011 as the barcoding system will enhance patient safety.

It will enhance health product safety through “traceability.” It ensures products released to the market are tracked wherever it is found in the distribution system--from factories, storage, and stores-and may be withdrawn if found harmful to human health.

The right medicine may be administered on patients because the barcodes assures of the authenticity of the product.

“The use of barcode now is for billing, not for patient care. But its primary use should be for patient safety. The advantage is for traceability of products,” said Jose A. Albert, president of GS1 Philippines.

“There are many cases of mis-medication, and

there have been records of death around the world.

But this system tracks and traces everything that moves. If you’re able to do that in the hospital, you can double check drugs being administered on a patient,” said Albert.

The FDA circular takes effect by June 2014, or one year from its issuance last April 29.

The circular was signed by FDA Director Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go as part of ensuring that any drug found to be harmful to patients may be immediately withdrawn.

The circular notes that FDA has all the authority, after due process, “to order the ban, recall and or withdrawal of any health

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Luzon-based groups account for 337 out of the 748 covered ISGs – nearly half of the nationwide total – while 179 ISGs were from the National Capital Region, 116 ISGs were from Visayas, and 116 ISGs were from Mindanao.

To date, the transport industry accounts for about half of the AlkanSSSya-enrolled ISGs, including groups for operators and drivers of tricycles, jeepneys, trisikad, vans, shuttle buses and habal habal; motorboat and pumpboat operators; airport service providers; and bus dispatchers. A total of 332 out of these 389 transport-based ISGs are tricycle operators and drivers associations.

Apart from transport workers’ groups, other covered ISGs include associations for ambulant and market vendors, farmers and fisherfolk, jail inmates, garbage pickers, pottery makers, lay ministers, beach cottage owners, and members of cooperatives and community-based organizations, among others.

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

Reduce more greenhouse gas emission: Greenpeace A

new report highlighted the urgency for further reducing carbon emissions nationwide, warning failure to act on these climate change-driving discharges will spell more problems for the country.

Launched in Metro Manila this week, Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s report ‘The True Cost of Coal Vol. 2’ focuses on the coal-climate change link and emphasizes need for increasingly replacing carbon-emitting coal-based power production with renewable energy (RE) to help mitigate such discharges.

“Compared to other sources, coal emits more carbon per unit of energy,” said Greenpeace Philippines climate and energy campaigner Reuben Muni.

He said RE sources like the sun, wind and water abound nationwide, making it possible for the country to increasingly tap these.

“We must go green and fast-track RE development in the country,” he said.

Such bid is in line with RA 9513 (Renewable Energy Act of 2008) which promotes development, utilization and commercialization of RE sources in the country.

Experts already said greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions like those from

carbon dioxide (CO2) trap heat in the atmosphere, raising global temperature that results in climate change.

Muni said GHG emission reduction is essential particularly as the Philippines is among countries most vulnerable to impacts of the changing climate.

Such impacts are onslaught of extreme weather events as well as sea level and temperature rise, he noted.

Climate expert Lourdes Tibig is supporting calls for GHG emission reduction, saying studies already point to a possible 5°C temperature rise in the future if it’s business as usual with no increased efforts for mitigating the discharges.

“The repercussions will be catastrophic,” she said.

She noted temperature change at present is still below the destructive 2°C threshold experts earlier set but the country is already increasingly experiencing extreme weather events.

Among such events is Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (international name ‘Haiyan’) which left over 6,000 people dead and caused damages surpassing PHP39 billion, said Greenpeace, citing a January 2014 report by National Disaster

Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“Already in December 2013, National Economic and Development Authority said ‘Yolanda’ recovery and reconstruction will require a total of PHP361 billion in investments.”

Greenpeace describes ‘Yolanda’ as “unprecedented but not unusual” as the group said studies show frequency of extreme weather events in the country may increase.

“Climate change is loading the dice for extreme weather events like such typhoon,” said Muni.

Tibig also said available data already show statisticallysignificant increase in the number of hot days and decrease in number of cold nights.

Such change has negative impacts on crops’ productivity and therefore poses a threat to food security, she said.

Sea level rise from the changing climate is threateningarchipelagic Philippines’ coastal communities as well, Tibigcontinued.

Those communities face inundation, she noted.

Muni further said studies indicate incidence of malaria, dengue, diarrhea and cholera show a 10 percent to 58 percent association between health and climate variables.

Onslaught of the drought-driving El Nino in 1998 already provided a glimpse of health repercussions that can arise from warming-induced climate change, he noted.

“The El Nino episode then triggered outbreaks of cholera, dengue and malaria,” he said.

Without expanded measures to address climate change, Muni likewise said impact on the economy can be as high as 6.7 percent of GDP if damages are considered along with market and non-market repercussions.

“Climate change poses huge economic costs for the Philippines,” he said.

Greenpeace noted that at present, the country has 13 operational coalfired power plants with a total installed capacity of 3,799.10 MW. In the pipeline for construction nationwide are 45 additional coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of over 10,300 MW, Greenpeace said.

The country must increasingly tap RE since studies show coal-fired power plants are pollution generators and comprise the world’s biggest source of man-made CO2 emissions, however, cautioned Greenpeace.

“Studies show coal is the main driver of climate change,” he said.

Greenpeace also reported that in 2011, coal was responsible for some 44 percent of global carbon emissions from fuel.

Such percentage is higher than that for oil (35 percent) and natural gas (20 percent), said Muni.

Latest available data demonstrate need for shifting to RE, Greenpeace continued.

Citing a study by German development arm Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Greenpeace said such data show the Philippines is increasingly emitting CO2.

Greenpeace noted the study showed coal-based power generation in the Philippines produced some 81.15 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions in 2011 alone.

Such volume exceeded the 76 million metric tonnes of CO2 which the country emitted in 1998, Greenpeace said.

The country’s 1998 CO2 emission volume was even 72 percent more than what this was in 1990, noted Greenpeace.

Constructing and operating the country’s target additional coal-fired power plants will further raise Philippine CO2 emissions by over 64.4 million metric tonnes annually, Muni said.

Greenpeace continues promoting clean energy

by advocating increased implementation of RE projects nationwide in line with RA 9513.

“Coal-fired power plants spew out millions of tons of pollution every year, contributing to climate change aside from filling neighboring air with toxic substances like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium and tiny sulfate and nitrate particles that wind up deep in people’s lungs, operating as silent killers,” Greenpeace said.

Muni also said the country’s existing operational coal-fired power plants can be gradually phased out with the oldest ones as priorities for shutting down as technologies show these use aren’t efficient in terms of producing electricity.

“Those operational plants can’t be phased out simultaneously since that’ll be difficult to do but must be retired little by little,” he said.

To better promote RE development nationwide, Greenpeace earlier said roadblocks to achieving this must be addressed.

Muni cited availability of funding as among roadblocks to RE development in the country.

“Available data show coal’s role in the Philippines is growing while share of renewables is declining,” he also said. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

EDITORIAL

Congratulations PSHS!

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team of three students from the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus located in Mintal, Davao City and another three from PSHS Bicol Region Campus did the country proud when the team won big in the 3rd ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) in Pathum Thani, Thailand last June 2329.

The PSHS-SMC students were Julliam A. Gadiane, Faith D. Villahermosa, and Felix Arthur C. Dioso, while those from PSHS-BRC were Al Christian R. Gobres, Francis Anthony M. Homillano, and Ana Ysabela A. Arroyo. They were accompanied by their teachers Ms. Suzette A. Palicte of SMC and Ms. Marie Christine M. Obusan of BRC. The APT JSO is an international science competition in laboratory skills assessment in Chemistry and Biology. The event was participated in by high school students from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Sweden. It was organized by the ASEAN Center for the Gifted in Science and the National Science Museum Thailand.

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In that prestigious competition, PSHS-SMC won 1st place in Homemade Diesel and Miracle of Green Lab Skills Assessment, 3rd place in Trans’ Farm’er Lab Skills Assessment, while Julliam Gadiane was part of the group awarded 3rd place for Group Project Presentation. Overall, the Philippine team coming from PSHS-Bicol Region Campus emerged as the Grand Champion in the event.

Filipinos, particularly Dabawenyos and Bicolanos, ought to celebrate for the rare achievement of these very gifted students. Bestowing of awards, if not rewards, preferably in cash, is in order. This should be done by generous persons and institutions whose passion for education is overwhelming. This was demonstrated by the University of Mindanao headed by Dr. Guillermo “Willie” P. Torres Jr. when he awarded P1 million in cash to a UM graduate who topped the government licensure examination for social workers. The brilliant student was one of the thousands of young men and women benefitting from the long-time scholarship program of the Davao City government.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

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

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLOREnCE ManagerS. ViLLARin

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

this goal.

As it is, the good news keeps on coming. Just recently the city has been chosen as one the safest places in the world to live in. In other times it was picked one of the 10 best performing highly urbanized cities in the country. The accolade was no doubt a recognition of the local government unit’s unwavering commitment to scaling up and maintaining a high standard of public service delivery.

Earlier, the city was cited one of the safest places to dwell. Later, it was rec-

ognized for its good local governance performance management system (LGPMS).

The city is reaping progress and development as a result of exemplary governance. Right now, it is no doubt experiencing rapid growth in all aspects of business and industry.

New investments are pouring in, while entrepreneurs who have already established business in the city have embarked on expansion projects. Indeed, the city’s investment climate has never been better.

Things are going so well. The way local government is being run gets the nod of national and international ratings agency. If this continues, the city’s quest to be one of the country’s top performing LGUs will be achieved in due time.

Barangays need our attention

MALL as it is, our immediate community, the barangay, is worth developing, protecting, and ensuring against threats. We have to do it or it won’t get done, because most of the people in charge are in it for what they can enjoy or get from it, while there are others who seek to dominate and exploit it.

Next to home, the community, our barangay, is our framework for appending a productive and fulfilling life. We live in it; we may set out to other communities to work; but at the end of the day, we return to it to enjoy the company and comfort of our home, household, and neighborhood.

Unlike before when our community had no government of its own and nil resources for operations, today there is plenty to be vigilant about.

It has its own physical facility complete with personnel, revenues, operating budget, and other assets including real estate, vehicles, even ambulances, and building and equipment that can be mismanaged. ***** Millions of pesos are involved in managing our barangay, plus millions more that it receives by way of assistance from the mayor, the congressman, and maybe even a senator and the president.

If not ably administered, much of these benefits and assets can be dissipated by politically tainted expenditures like patronage and vanity projects.

The aid money is supposed to be invested on human development and social services, on job training or livelihood, on women, youth, and senior citizens.

But often it doesn’t work out that way, as witness how most barangays remain in a stagnant condition, with no visible improvements and hardly a notable activity. ***** Obviously it is not well comprehended by barangay officials that the funds it receives—especially the internal revenue allotment (IRA)—is the barangay’s investment capital for development, not a spending allowance.

WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa Yet for the most part, they treat the money as such, resulting to the phenomenon at the end of the year of a virtually empty treasury and no return on investment to show for all the year’s expenditures.

It’s what happens when the community elects undereducated officials with marginal knowledge of governance or management. The problem is exacerbated when such officials carry on with their wrong-headed concepts of governance and no one bothers to correct them.

For example, many barangay officials claim that barangay funds revert to the national treasury if not spent by year’s end. They cite this to explain why they indulge in a spending binge in December until their bank deposits are exhausted—leaving nothing to carry over into the succeeding year.

Such misconceptions ought to be noted, especially by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the bureau of local government finance—and corrected so the problem does not persist. ***** Citizen empowerment and development management are two serious gaps in the program of these national agencies including the Local Government Academy of the DILG. They conduct training programs for elected officials but no orientation for the constituents. Thus, even as they ensconce the officials more firmly in power, the constituents are kept ignorant and powerless. Unaware of their role in the local governing process, they are not motivated to participate.

As for management development, the costs of development and the need to improve the barangay’s financial standing as a public corporation is rarely mentioned.

As a result, they do not maximize returns on investment or produce enough to increase the gross barangay product.

Even as money is freely spent, how it promotes or increases productivity and opportunity in the

neighborhoods are not factored.

And nothing is done about the practice of maximizing the personal allowances of the chairman and the kagawads, diminishing the budget for development projects. ***** The bottom line issue in all this is the absence of citizen oversight over their own government’s operations— which the law requires but which the citizens are not aware of as a duty. Thus it’s no surprise that barangay citizens derive little or no benefit from the local government.

Instead of benefiting the people, to whom all the money of the barangay belongs, it benefits mostly the politicians, mostly trapos, who control its operations.

Transparency and accountability are also serious issues that are unaddressed in barangays: their funds and other assets are invisible to their constituents because the officials don’t bother to post the statements of income and expenditures— as required in at least three prominent places like the main street, the plaza, or the market.

As a result, practically only the barangay chairman and the treasurer know about the amounts remitted to its account periodically as well as the collections from local taxes and fees. Indeed, no one knows whether the account is in the barangay’s name or its officials’.

Does anyone know how much their government spends on make-work projects with built-in kickbacks, on maintenance of equipment and vehicles they freely use, on junkets, on dole outs to ensure voter loyalty, and other schemes that do nothing for the community’s quality or quantity of life? No one’s paying attention!

Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, development academy of Philippines; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Panel; and awardee, PPI-UNICEF most outstanding columnist. He is President and National Convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc valdehuesa@ gmail.com

9

Young and gone

Everybody’s involvement

EOPLE’S COMMITMENT - It’s all systems go for the Davao City’s 29th Kadayawan celebration. The military, police, and other government law enforcement agencies in the area assure Dabawenyos that peace and security measures are in place so that revelers can fully enjoy the annual festivity. They say that the situation is normal.

Still, any perceived threat should not be taken lightly.

Right now, city officials led by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the private sector, business and industry leaders seem all committed to work for a bigger and more spectacular Kadayawan staging this year. That augurs well for continuing promotion of Davao City as the ultimate destination for business and leisure.

Everybody should work to achieve

S

VANTAGE POINTS

WAYWARD AND FANCIFUL

By Gail ilaGan

T

Conclusion

ONIGHT I stood before the urn that held the ashes of that young man. Tonight I held his frail mother in my arms. I held back my tears as she poured out hers. I don’t know why. It just seemed the thing to do.

All night last night and all day today, the memory of that young man had me tearing up. What I would give to just to give in and bawl my eyes out. But first, his mother was mourning – fresh and raw as yet. She was missing the arms that never again would hold her. Mine would have to do.

Such a short not so sweet life for that young man whose daring sometimes went beyond the risky.

I had him volunteering for COPERS during those two years since he hijacked my class. Perhaps that class four years ago was the last time he directed my learning because after that he let me do the teaching again. He sought instruction, not any more as a conscripted hostage to my classroom, but as a volunteer who genuinely wanted to see how I saw the world and where to get my hands dirty.

He was a very good volunteer. He never minded the long road and the less than comfortable field arrangements.

He always showed up. He always delivered. He minded my coaching. No lip. No arguments. I never had to call his attention twice on the same error of excess or omission.

He was daring. But, to the very end, his mom’s words tell me that he was a good sport.

No lip. No arguments. Just final instructions. Game over.

Twenty-four years old and gone.

His passing brings home that truth to lodge like a sorrowful lump in the region of my heart. For us teachers, most times, four years is all the time we have with the young, especially at that time when their daring borders on the risky.

Dare I hope he’s flashing me his naughty smile right now. (Wayward and Fanciful is Gail Ilagan’s column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. Ilagan teaches Social Justice, Family Sociology, Theories of Socialization and Psychology at the Ateneo de Davao University where she is also the associate editor of Tambara. You may send comments to gail.ilagan@gmail. com. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it “Send at the risk of a reply,” she says.)

10

Fish...FFROM 2

he added.

Avila also said that requiring local fish cages operators of having business permit will allow the local government to monitor illegal operations.

However, the City Council cannot make a move because the law makers are still waiting for the definite recommendation from the mayor.

Avila said that Mayor Rody, in turn, is still waiting for the result of the second study that will reveal the current health status of sea water in Punta Dumalag.

The result of the first study conducted by Department of Science and Technology and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in 2011 showed that E. coli bacteria in the area has increased due to fecal waste indiscriminately disposed into the seawaters of the area. The Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITONED UV EXPRESS Service EGELYN L. MATUTINO, Petitioner Case No.2014-XI-00506

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x NOTICE OF HEARING Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service for the transportation of passengers and freight on the route: DAVAO CITY-CATEEL (DAVAO ORIENTAL) VIA MATI CITY AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on AUGUST 11, 2014 at 10:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 18th day of July 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014 increase in water pollution that if believed to be adversely affecting the health residents of Dumalag and nearby shoreline areas.

On the other hand, there’s still no alternative areas for possible affected fish cages operators.

Avila said that even if affected fish cage operators can acquire business permits, they cannot still continue their business because there’s still no identified mariculture zone in the coasts of Davao City.

“Wala pang alternate areas for them,” he said.

Earlier study of Davao City Agriculturist Office and BFAR revealed that Lasang and Talomo Bay are possible areas for the zone.

“Maganda rin ang tubig sa may Lasang pero the present level of E. Coli has to be determined first ,” he Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITONED UV EXPRESS Service MARIE CHRISTINE BALAGTAS, Petitioner

C.

Case No.2009-XI-00302 (09-1838)

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY-KABACAN (COTABATO) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on November 10,2014. In the petition filed on July 10, 2014, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on AUGUST 11, 2014 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 10th day of July 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

New...FFROM 2

said. This is needed before the executive branch can recommend it to the City Council for it to declare it a mariculture zone,” said the councilor, who was acting city agriculturist during Mayor Inday’s time.

An environment compliance certificate (ECC) from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also required before a fish cage can operate. The ECC will determine the capacity of the mariculture zone as to how many fish cages can operate in the area.

“Until ma-declare ang ang Lasang or Talomo bay na mariculture zone, dun pa lang makakapasok ang BFAR para tumulong,” he said.

The councilor said that there’s still no definite timeline for the closure.

“It’s all up to the Mayor kung kelan nya gustong ipasarado,” he said. CRC

the agency intends to expedite the construction of houses to complete the target number of housing units of approximately 20,000, which DSWD hopes to finish within the year.

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon lauded the efforts of the DSWD for standing ready especially when it comes to providing long-term shelters to the hapless typhoon victims, who can’t build houses on their own, given their lack of financial resources.

She further underscored how convergence and partnership offered by the DSWD with the provincial government had successfully accomplished many undertakings for development, which includes implementation of a housing project in a massive

scale and livelihood, among others.

Co M p L e M e n T I n g eFFoRTS While the national and local governments have jointly poured in resources in building communities, the provincial government led by Gov. Malanyaon urged the housing beneficiaries to complement these assistance by offering their cooperation and help in building their own communities toward prosperity and development.

She encouraged them to take advantage on the surge of opportunities, particularly on livelihood as the province now aggressively pushes for investments on agriculture, particularly in the massive planting of oil palm, cacao and coconuts, among other

crops.

Aside from these, the provincial government recently announced about making an inventory of unemployed residents and helping them find jobs that suits their skills.

While a massive demand for construction works is a current boom, she also encouraged residents to grab the opportunity of taking available jobs, which will not only provide income but will also hone their skills in terms of construction.

To date, the province has a cornucopia of infrastructure projects funded under the Typhoon Pablo Task Force.

These include schools, houses, and public facilities, among many others. By KLD/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

be enrolled in the witness protection program.

“All of that would depend on the outcome of the investigation against Felonia. Kasi right now, they can only avail, especially the gunman active participation. He can only avail of being a state witness kung meron probable cause against the alleged mastermind, “ he told Edge Davao in an interview last Thursday.

Tesiorna has filed before the Branch 17 of Regional Trial Court a motion to hold in abeyance the scheduled arraignment of the murder case against Lubang. Tesiorna said that the suspension would give the prosecution time to complete the investigation before the rescheduled arraignment on August 29.

“If there’ s another allegation na may mas

mataas pa kay Felonia na mastermind, my clients have no knowledge of that kasi ang knowledge nila ay hanggang kay Felonia lang,” the lawyer said, referring to the alleged involvement of a certain Helen Chua and her secretary Lea Caballes in the high-profile murder case.

Tesiorna said that the preliminary conference on the case is scheduled in September.

As of now, Tesiorna bared that he is studying how he can use the ballistic test on the gun confiscated from Lubang and the bullet extracted from King. He said he heard that the two bullets are not the same.

“I haven’t seen the result of the ballistic test, but if it’s true that the result is negative that would be beneficial to my clients,” he said. CRC

experienced the downside of business, yet managed to hit success later on,” she said.

The best practices and success stories of MSMEs will be disclosed by renowned successful entrepreneurs in the summit as the organizers desire

to extend the accomplishments of the participants.

“We have lined up guests who are experts in their respective fields so that they can really share the best ideas or inputs which can definitely be of help to the MSMEs,” Ambi said.

There is a registration fee of P500 which will cover two days of the event. Interested participants may contact the nearest DTI office for additional details about the summit.

Interested participants residing in Davao

City may reach the DTIDavao City Field Office at (082) 224-0511 local 201 of the Trade and MSME Development Division (TMSMEDD) at (082)2240511 local 415, or email msmesummit2014@ gmail.com and r11@dti. gov.ph.

back of MCE’s Creative Forum. Speakers will be invited to present and speak to audiences. This will be attended by AMA Computer College and Jobs Academy students.

The demographics that makes up the core audience and participants of the Mindanao Cyber Expo are 80% Male, 20% Female, with age ranging from 16-38

years old, with 50% of that belonging to the 1828 year old age group.

This market is composed of PC Gamers, Internet Café Players, High end Gaming and PC

Enthusiasts, IT Professionals, Gadget Hobbyists, fans and friends of participants, as well as hundreds of fans, well wishers, and curious audiences. VSA

In order to be able to properly screen the potential influx of applications, the Bureau also came out with new guidelines in the hiring and selection of personnel under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 15-2014. The CMO has simplified the hiring and selection process that will enable Customs to choose the best qualified applicants.

Interested applicants just need to visit www.customs.gov.ph to download the details and documents required for their applications, fill up the application form and submit together with the following supporting documents: updated Personal Data Sheet; Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Civil Service Commission, Professional

Regulation Commission, or Supreme Court as appropriate; Transcript of Records and Diploma; certificates of trainings and seminars attended, if any; and Performance Appraisal Report for the last two (2) rating periods for those who area already working in government offices.

Applicants must submit their applications either personally or by mail to the BOC office located at 16th Street, Port Area South Harbor, Manila. A special booth will be set up at the lobby of the OCOM building to receive applications from Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM. Provincial applicants may also send their applications via courier. Deadline for the submission of application is on August 6, 2014.

3 King... FFROM 3

500... FFROM 3

Thousands... FFROM 3

Customs... FFROM 3

LegaL noTICe

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOVITA HERNANDEZ has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with Sale executed among her heirs per Doc. No.310; Page No. 62; Book No. 85; Series of 2014, of the NOTARY PUBLIC SALVADOR M. BIJIS. 7/21,28,8/4

EDGEDAVAO

11 MOTORING

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

Suzuki FREE Service in Motorcentral Sta. Cruz, Laguna showing staff working on solo and tricycle-converted Suzuki units

Suzuki Aids GlendaPh Affected Areas A

S one of the recorded strongest typhoons in history, Glenda (international name Rummasun) hit the country this month, it left a significant amount of impairment to the country most especially in Luzon.

Seeing the destruction, Suzuki through its SHARE (Suzuki Helps, Aids and REbuilds) Program, commits itself to aid the affected areas by giving free service to all Suzuki motorcycles (solo or converted ones).

Through the free service

activity, all Suzuki motorcycles will get free Tune Up, Oil Change and Oil Filter.

Suzuki fixes the engine on the road to restoration from the damage left by typhoon Glenda.

Suzuki GlendaPh FREE Service Activity kicked off in July 22-23, 5 days after the weather disturbance ravage the country, in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Marilao, Bulacan and Dinalupihan, Bataan wherein Team Suzuki was able to examine 239 motorcycle units.

Suzuki GlendaPh

FREE Service activity will run until July 31 in the hardly hit areas of Luzon. Below is the schedule: July 24-25 ROYCE - Balanga, Bataan July 26-27 MOTOWHEELS - San Pablo, Laguna ROYCE - Iba, Zambales July 28-29 VENTURE - Lucena, Quezon WHEELTEK - Olongapo July 30-31 MARIEL - Gumaca, Quezon TBA – Malolos, Bulacan Suzuki FREE Service activity in Superbikes Marilao Bulacan

12 CLASSIFIED

(

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Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Abreeza’s style invasion DAvAO’S fashion set got a sartorial treat at the Abreeza Mall last July 20 during Ayala Mall’s Style Origin Community Fashion Show. A signature event in all Ayala Malls nationwide, Style Origin brings together the latest collections from Abreeza Mall’s retailers.

From casual to chic, sporty to formal, the show covered a wide array of apparel from kids wear, teens wear, men’s and women’s apparel, active lifestyle pics, accessories and more from local and international brands such as Guess, Marks & Spencer, Fox, Esprit, Memo, Giordano, Soul, and Freeway among many others.

The Style Origin Community Show also featured the younger members of Hijos de Davao as well as executives and friends of Abreeza Mall walking the runway which elicited cheers and

applause of support coming from friends and family who were also in attendance.

FaBreeZa, a4

Team Kramer. Doug, Cheska, Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin Kramer.

A2 INdulge!

Up AND ABoUT

marlon Stockinger: Living the life in the fast lane FilipiNo-SwiSS racer Marlon Stockinger inches closer to his dream of being a Formula one driver with a recent third place win at the Nürburgring leg of the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 series. Racing as a junior driver under the lotus F1 Team, this win moved Stockinger two notches higher in the championship standings, placing him at eighth. “i’m happy to have done well during the race, and will strive to maintain podium finishes as we continue the series and my journey to F1,” he said. with an impressive track record and tremendous potential, twentythree year old Stockinger is well on his way to be the first Filipino F1 racer.

He will compete again at the next round in Hungaroring track in Budapest, Hungary on September 13-14. Stockinger believes he will do well in this track, having liked the venue and scoring well in previous races. This is the seventh of the nine tracks forming Renault’s world Series. The competition is a major step to qualify for the F1 series, known as the fastest and premier racing sport.

Stockinger started racing in go-karts when he was nine years old, a hobby he shared with his father. He remembers winning his first philippine Karting Championship experience and swore then he would soon become an F1 racer.

He moved to Europe when he was 17 to go after his dream. in February 2013, he, along with six others, joined the lotus F1 Junior Team, where they undergo rigorous training to enhance their wellness and performance as they prepare to compete in the F1 races.

As the prince of Speed, Marlon enjoys a fast-paced lifestyle on and off track. For someone who knows what it’s like to deal with constant travels, he finds fast and seamless connectivity as instrumental to close the gap separating him from home. “i know what it feels like to want to be constantly updated, especially if it has something to do with the people i care about. it helps me concentrate better if i know my loved ones are okay, especially during difficult times such as typhoons,” he said. in between races abroad, Stockinger comes to the philippines to spend time with his family and friends. Being active on social media has also made Stockinger realize the growing appreciation of Filipinos for racing.

He regularly updates his pages with stories and photos of the races and events he participates in. “Fans send me encouraging messages before i take on any race, and they’re a huge boost to my confidence. i feel more motivated and proud to carry the philippine flag knowing i have Filipinos urging me on.”

Stockinger is also glad of the support he is getting from Globe Telecom, his telecommunication partner and the exclusive business partner of the lotus F1 Team in the country, which recently launched its 100% 3G network and 100% 4G HSpA+ infrastructure by end of third quarter this year, providing its over 42 million customers access to faster and more seamless mobile browsing, allowing them to enjoy their digital lifestyles and the wonderful world of social media.

As the perfect embodiment of speed, Globe is committed to supporting Stockinger’s F1 journey. “it’s not everyday that we see a Filipino get close to the F1 dream. with everyone’s support, this dream could fast become a reality, and Globe is very proud to be helping Marlon realize that,” said Globe Telecom Chief operating Advisor peter Bithos. on August 30, Globe will hold an event called “Slipstream” where fans and racing aficionados can see Stockinger driving his lotus-Gravity Charouz Formula Renault 3.5 car around Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. “we are bringing in the world’s fastest sports headlined by one of the fastest-driving young drivers in the world, happening at the country’s fastest-developing business hub, powered by the nation’s fastest and most modern network to make our customers feel what it’s like to see fast, hear fast, and be fast powered by Globe,” added Bithos.

The event will also feature lotus F1 simulators, booths, freebies, and games in partner-establishments. The day will be capped off with a high-velocity concert and party to celebrate the milestone.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

Who will be this year’s Prince of Festival?

BiGGEr AnD BEttEr, GinOOnG KADAYAWAn MAt Body Building Competition returns for its 10th year under the patronage of i.Flex Fitness Philippines and Pn ninte metal award Products under the management of Mr. Marco Antonio tamayo.

The competition will take place on Sunday, August 10 2014 from 12 pm to 4 pm at nCCC MALL of Davao. it aims to showcase the interlacing prides and wonders of Davao and Mindanao especially Dabawenyo Body form as gift from mother nature, to celebrate life, to give thanks for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture and the bounties of harvest and serenity of living in Davao. in addition to the usual local talent, Mr. tamayo is aiming to bring a number of Luzon participants to join the competition. His ultimate goal is to provide as much variety and motivation for the people of Davao City as possible in order to encourage future body builders to pursue their goals.

One of the guests who will be joining the event is one of the best trainers in Dubai; Mr. Jerry Agustin, HFPA. Mr. Agustin

is a registered personal trainer in both Dubai and the United Kingdom and has an international diploma in Exercise Science, Certified personal trainer and sports conditioning and coaching. Jerry was one of Mr. tamayo’s scholars at Hyper Flex Fitness Gym toril. He joined

Mr. tamayo in Dubai to pursue his career and he passed the Health and Fitness Professional Academy Certification. nursing Facility Manager Ms. Bubbles Sangalang and new Zealand certified health and wellness consultant will be joining the event as one

of the judges. And all the way from Los Angeles City masters in human anatomy and registered physical therapist Mrs. Christine Sancho Agustin will be one of our judges too.

This yearly event would not have been possible without my friends’ continuous support: Mr. rene ninte of P.n. ninte Metal Award Products, nCCC Mall of Davao, Mr. Bobby Sapar of i.Flex a Fitness Phils. And Mr.Khalid AlShuwayer from KSA who supports the event for a good cause of bodybuilding.

Competitors are as far as from Metro Manila to South Cotabato City.

There will be 15 chosen competitors to grab the title this year, Prince of Festival 2014. This years top 5 winners will be automatically joining for the next years “King of Festival 2015” as Mr. reynold Domalsin from Baguio City defends his title.

As early as now there are already bodybuilders as far as Middle East giving their interest to compete for next year.

The winner next year will receive Php 100,000.

And will be supported all through out by Edge Davao and there will be also a new title for next year’s event, Mr.Edge Davao.

The event will be in two parts: From 1pm pm to 5pm on August 9, the pre-judging for special awards will take place at i.Flex Fitness Philippines .

The participants will have the chance to show their muscles and pose for special awards. And from 12 PM to 4 PM on August 10 the event proper will take place at the nCCC Mall of Davao. The participants will be introduced to the public through a live ethnic group as the competitors ramp, facade and entertain viewers.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

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ENTERTAiNMENT

Three Cinema One Originals films to be screened at South Korean film festival THREE other Cinema one originals films are breaking the borders of philippine shores after receiving high acclaim and will be representing the Filipino independent film scene at the upcoming 18th puchon international Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea. out to prove the diversity of current Cinema in the country are “Bukas Na lang Sapagkat Gabi Na” (leave it for Tomorrow for Night has Fallen), “Kabisera” (The patriarch), and “Blue Bustamante,” which were part of the line-up of films in last year’s Cinema one originals Film Festival.

“Bukas Na lang Sapagkat Gabi Na” was a part of the Cinema one originals Currents in 2013. After its screening, the film won Best picture and Best Screenplay at the 9th Cinema one originals Awards Night, took home a Script Development Grant from the international Film Festival in Rotterdam, and received excellent reviews from various Filipino film critics.

The film is a four-part narrative of three related occurrences during the time of the Martial law crackdown against rebels. Stemming from tragic accidents, “Bu-

one originals Film Festival, brought to the Filipino audience annually by Cinema one. Cinema one is currently celebrating its second decade of being part of the lives of its audience. on its 20th anniversary, Cinema one is out to pay tribute to its supporters as a companion, a friend, a partner, and a family member.

The puchon international

kas Na lang Sapagkat Gabi Na” reveals truths behind the controversial time and the fear that the country was paralyzed by—when families were torn apart, faith was turned into fanaticism, and civil society turned toward rebellion.

“Bukas Na lang Sapagkat Gabi Na” features the talents of Raul Morit, lemuel Silvestre, Maria Veronica Santiago, Hector Macaso, Jack Yabut, Dan de Guzman, Herald Gregory Chavez, peewee o’Hara, Emlyn olfindo Santos, paolo Gomingo, Flor Salanga, Renerio Concepcion, Max Celada, Angelo Hulip, and Carlon Matobato.

“Kabisera,” which was directed by Borgy Torre, was part of the Cinema one originals plus category in the same year. it details the life

of a fisherman who discovers the power to make his family’s dreams a reality—a power resting in the bag of crystal meth that he happened to stumble upon in the middle of the ocean. His racketeering best friend, a corrupt drug enforcement authority and his wife are all in to gain from it, changing the landscape of the entire town. However, chasing after a dream with such means brings them closer to fear, paranoia, suspicion, and perversion. Even with their aspirations coming true, the family could never be the same again.

“Blue Bustamante” was also part of the Cinema one originals plus category. Directed by Miko livelo, it is about an overseas Filipino worker in Japan who is a

Fantastic Film Festival has presented the world’s diverse genre films over the years and has positioned itself as a major genre film festival. on its 18th edition, it has beefed up with diverse cultural events to embrace the public while maintaining its identity as a unique genre film festival that showcases the finest selection of films from all over the globe.

dedicated father to his son and a loving husband to his wife. Unfortunately, he loses his job as an Engineer shortly after arriving in Japan. Choosing to keep his misfortune a secret from his family, he decides to search for a new job—and an odd turn of events lands him the chance of working as a stunt double for a Japanese Sentai TV show as a masked martial art spandex-suited superhero named Blue Force.

“Blue Bustamante” stars Joem Bascon, Jun Sabayton, Dimples Romana, and Jhiz Deocareza. it took home the award for Best production Design at the Cinema one originals Awards last year.

“Bukas Na lang Sapagkat Gabi Na”, “Kabisera”, and “Blue Bustamante” were products of the Cinema

‘She’s Dating The Gangster’: First collaboration between Star Cinema and Summit media STAR Cinema scores a welldeserved box-office hit in the recent mainstream theatrical release of She’s Dating The Gangster (SDTG) starring two of ABS-CBN’s biggest teen stars Daniel padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.

SDTG earned a very impressive php15M on its first showing day and it eventually raked in php100M in revenues merely five days after its opening.

SDTG is based on Bianca Bernardino’s best-selling pop Fiction Book of the same title from Summit Media, which recently partnered with Star Cinema for the film adaptations of its successful line of pop Fiction Books such as “The Bet” by Kimberly Joy Villanueva, “Seducing Drake palma” by Ariesa Jane Domingo, “Three words, Eight letters. Say it, i’m Yours.” by Jade Margarette pitogo, and “Ang Boyfriend Kong Artista”

by Ella larena.

Summit Media president lisa Gokongwei-Cheng is rapt with Cathy Garcia-Molina’s big screen interpreta-

tion of the novel. “i find the movie very well done,” says Gokongwei-Cheng. “Nakakaiyak at nakakakilig. i think, even though the book was not followed to the letter, it was improved…especially because of the two stories/ timelines in the movie.”

Gokongwei-Cheng also shared her feelings with Summit Media’s partnership with Star Cinema, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary in the industry.

“Having the stories of our writers brought to life…it is very rewarding for us as a publisher. with the quality of storytelling, acting, and production of the film, we are very happy.” in addition,

Gokongwei-Cheng reveals that Summit Media is very excited with its future endeavors with Star Cinema. “we are looking forward to the continuous partnership. we, at Summit Media, completely trust Star Cinema to give justice to the books we publish. There are very few film studios that are really good in filmmaking and storytelling. Summit Media’s pop Fiction being the number one wattpad publisher and Star Cinema is a good combination.”

SDTG is a contemporary Filipino love story for all ages.

The story revolves around the intertwined lives of a set of young star-crossed lovers

(Kenji and Athena, played by padilla and Bernardo) with a major unfinished business to settle and an unlikely couple (Kenneth and Kelay, also played by padilla and Bernardo) who unexpectedly finds love in their individual quests to set things right for the people closest to their hearts.

The film carries the universal theme that true love surpasses the endurance of time. The movie also offers an optimistic view on romance as it provides moviegoers hope that they need not look far and wide to find true love, as it could be right in front of them all this time, all along.

SDTG also stars Khalil Ramos, Sofia Andres, pamu pamorada, Marco Gumabao, John Uy, Alex Diaz, igi Boy Flores, and Yana Asistio with the special participation of Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta.

Now on its blockbuster second week, She’s Dating The Gangster is still showing in cinemas nationwide.

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

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

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

R-16

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

HERCULES Dwayne Johnson R 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

EVENT

memo

Petrol

esprit

Quicksilver - who literally brought down the house as they strutted down the ramp and, later, mingled with fans for a meet-and-greet.

Style Origin is in partnership with The Philippine StAr and Starworld, and in collaboration with

abreeza...FFrOm a1 Adding excitement to the Community show are Doug, Cheska, Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin Kramer - collectively known as team Kramer

marks & Spencer

Freeway Mega Magazine, Meg Magazine, Chalk, Systema tooth & Gum Care, and Shokubutsu Hana Shampoo. Local sponsors for Abreeza Mall’s Style Origin are Browhaus, Jollibee, italianni’s, tGi Friday’s, Greenwich, Bigby’s Krispy

Oxygen

Kreme, Wonderland for Kids, Seda Abreeza Hotel, and Cebu Pacific Air. Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel tips, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

The Travel Club

Giordano

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

Forme

Soul

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

13

Enjoy a hassle-free getaway with Smart international roaming E

TRAVEL SMART. Stylist and blogger Camille Co, a frequent traveler, dishes out tips for Smart traveling, such as activating Smart roaming with affordable rates, packing light and learning more about your destination prior to your trip. For more information about Smart roaming, visit www.smart.com. ph/international

NJOYING a perfect getaway abroad is not as easy as it looks on Instagram or Facebook. It requires a lot of planning and preparation, and even after you think you’ve covered all the bases, unexpected kinks could still crop up in the form of a lost itinerary, a rush concern at work, or an emergency situation at home, potentially ruining an otherwise smooth trip.

It is in these situations that an international roaming service proves essential, said impassioned traveler and fashion designer Camille Co at the recent Travel Madness Expo, a three-day event that gathered travel enthusiasts around the country for exciting deals and discounts on local and international tours.

“A reliable international roaming service

gives you the peace of mind of having the means to communicate when the need arises,” said Co during the Smart Travel segment at the expo, sponsored by wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Co, who frequently travels to parts of Asia, Europe and the United States – and documents her travel experiences on her famous fashion blog – added that “aside from giving you constant connection to your family and friends, roaming also provides you convenient access to online maps and travel tips, as well as available digital coupons and discounts in your destination.”

“With data roaming, you may also easily upload your photos and share your travel experiences to your online friends and loved ones, who just can’t wait to

hear from you,” said Co. It is for these reasons that Smart recently introduced new roaming rates based on only two zones, giving postpaid subscribers a much easier way of connecting while abroad, said Ruth Eva Ritumalta, Senior Manager for Smart International Services.

Under the new scheme, Smart postpaid subscribers who are travelling to countries in Asia and America will only have to pay a flat rate of PHP18 per text message, and PHP3 per 10 kilobytes of data.

On the other hand, subscribers who are bound for countries in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Oceania will be charged with a flat rate of PHP23 per text message, and PHP5 per 10 kilobytes of data.

“A reliable mobile connection is very much a part of an amaz-

ing and enjoyable travel experience. With these simpler rates, Smart postpaid subscribers are able to enjoy seamless connection wherever they are and at the same time keep their phone expenses within their budget,” said Ritumalta.

Smart postpaid subscribers may easily activate their roaming service by calling the Smart Hotline (*888 or 888-1111) at least an hour before departure.

Aside from highlighting the need for a reliable and affordable roaming service, Co also underscored the importance of researching well about your destination’s history and culture; packing light for additional comfort; and always keeping an eye on your belongings – all for a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 95 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 27-28, 2014

IT COULDN’T GET

BETTER THAN THIS

SHE’S COMING. Russian tennis darling Maria Sharapova is coming to Manila this November for the International Premier Tennis League.

Sharapova coming to Manila O

NE of the finest female players of the tennis world and one of its top male stars will wow Pinoy fans in November as part of the inaugural leg of the International Premier Tennis League.

Russia’s Maria Sharapova and Scotland’s Andy Murray will not just play in the event, but also banner the home side, the Manila Mavericks, in this unique team tennis competition.

It will take place in the Smart Araneta Coliseum from November 28 to 30.

Murray was the first Briton to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title in 77 years and is also a US Open champ.

Sharapova, with five grand slam singles titles, is one of tennis’ most desirable proper-

ties.

The Mavericks will duel with the Singapore Slammers, the UAE Royals, and the Indian Aces, which will all feature top class players from the men’s and women’s side as well as past champions.

Along with Murray and Sharapova, the Mavericks will also feature Fil-American Davis Cupper Treat Huey, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Canadian doubles specialist Daniel Nestor, Spain’s former French Open winner Carlos Moya, and Belgian Kirsten Flipkens.

It is also confirmed that fan favorite Serena Williams will play for Singapore and is scheduled to play in Manila as well.

The IPTL is the brain-

child of Indian Doubles legend Mahesh Bhupathi, and true to its motto of “break the code”, will feature a tweaked format to make the game more exciting. Bhupathi says he has patterned the league after the Indian

P re m i e r Cricket league, which instituted similar changes to bring more excitement to matches.

NBA ROUNDUP

JEREMY LIN IS EXCITED TO BE A LAKER

J

EREMY Lin said Thursday he’s looking to establish himself with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he won’t be trying to recreate “Linsanity” on the West Coast.

The point guard whose unexpected 2012 heroics for the New York Knicks made him a global phenomenon, was traded to Los Angeles by the Houston Rockets earlier this month and was introduced by his new team on Thursday.

“I’m not trying to relive that banner season,” Lin said of his breakout campaign with the Knicks, when he became the first player in NBA history to score at least 20 points and contribute seven assists in his first five starts, twice making the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine while being named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People with his rags-to-riches tale. anDReW WIggIng SIgnS WITh CLeVeLanD, BUT WILL he STaY aFTeR 30 DaYS? Andrew Wiggins has an NBA home. Maybe a temporary one.

The Cavaliers signed

the No. 1 overall draft pick Thursday, a deal that prevents Wiggins from being traded for 30 days.

Wiggins has been linked to a possible blockbuster trade with Minnesota for All-Star forward Kevin Love. But any deal now involving Wiggins can’t be finalized for at least 30 days.

The Cavs and Timberwolves have had talks about a trade involving Love for months, long before Cleveland selected Wiggins, the former Kansas standout, with the first pick in May’s draft.

Those discussions have intensified lately, and the sides can still reach an agreement on a trade but nothing can be finalized until late August.

Now that Wiggins is under contract, the league’s seldom-used 30day rule is in effect.

BLaKe gRIFFIn IS oUT, John WaLL IS In Team USA’s training camp roster stands at 19, after it was announced that Washington Wizards point guard John Wall was added to the mix, while power forward Blake Griffin opted to pull out of international competition this year.

ALL ATENEO SWIMMING. Coach Rose Rodriguez (right) of Ateneo de Davao University presents the All-Ateneo Swimming Championships set August 2 at ADDU Matina Campus during the FAST Fridays media forum at SM Lanang

Premier’s Barrio Fiesta. At left is coach Mario Mojica of ADDU Volleyball. Lean Daval Jr.

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SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

MR. CLEAN

Tour leader Nibali would rather wear clean than lucky THE BOSS. Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey during the 208.5km 19th stage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France on July 25, 2014 between Maubourguet Pays du Val d’Adour and Bergerac, southwestern France (AFP Photo/ Lionel Bonaventure)

V

INCENZO Nibali admitted he was superstitious but not to the point of wearing the same jersey throughout a three-week Tour.

The Italian has been favouring certain lucky jerseys during his domination of the Tour de France -- in which he has been in yellow for all but two days -- but he said social customs dictated that he had to change his shirt from time to time.

“I haven’t used only two, I’ve used a few more than that,” he said when asked about rumours he’d only used two jerseys throughout the Tour.

“Anyway, on hot days I had a lighter jersey but due to superstition I’ve tried to always use the same ones, although I’ve changed them a few times because they have to be washed but also for the sponsors’ logo to be clear.”

Nibali has been so dominant that he has won four stages this Tour and has never lost a single second on any stage to even one rival.

And he said he will be going great guns on Saturday to put in a good time-trial performance on the 54km race against the clock.

Despite an almost insurmountable 7min 10sec lead over second placed Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, Nibali said there was no question he would take it easy and avoid taking risks to ensure he doesn’t crash.

“It’s not a case of there being many risks and I have lots of time in hand,” he said.

“But I want to honour the jersey, my team, the Tour and everyone. It’s important to try to do well and I will ride the way the leader of the Tour should.”

Although Nibali is regarded by many as a credible champion who is above suspicion of doping, the 29-year-old Sicilian could not avoid such questions being asked.

The manager of his team, Kazakh Alexander Vinokourov, was banned for two years for blood doping during his career while Astana themselves had a poor record on that score for several years.

But Nibali defended Vinokourov, saying his team manager had already answered his accusers.

“I think he’s already done it and also he’s paid his dues with his ban and come back,” said the Italian.

“Now it’s clear for everyone that Astana is a totally new team.

“The whole organism has been changed and there is a new group of

Scott to get Lakers coaching job I

NEXT LAKERS COACH? Byron Scott has been offered the coaching job of the Lakers.

younger riders.

“It’s different to the past. You can say that Vinokourov is the team manger but the principal sponsors have tried to take a stance against doping with all their riders to create a proud name to carry around the whole world.”

Yet it wasn’t always the case.

Astana were asked to leave the 2007 Tour due to Vinokourov’s failed test and barred from the 2008 edition due to the numerous scandals.

Riders such as Andrey Kashechkin, Matthias Kessler and Eddy Mazzoleni failed doping tests while riding for the team.

Astana hired Lance Armstrong when he made his comeback to racing in 2009 and also took on his former sporting director from the US Postal team, Johan Bruyneel.

N the end, as is usually the case, Kobe Bryant got what he wanted.

We hope he’s happy.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in negotiations to bring Byron Scott back into the Laker family as head coach – ESPN was the first to report the interest, which Marc Spears discussed here.

The 53-year-old won three championship rings as a Lakers shooting guard during the 1980s, and his final season in the NBA

was on a team that featured Bryant in his rookie year. Since then, Scott has had an up-and-down career as a head coach, with some wondering if his final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers would be the last we see of Scott as a leading man.

Patience paid out, apparently, as Scott and the Lakers had shown mutual interest and engaged in several interviews in the weeks since Los Angeles and former head coach

Mike D’Antoni decided to part ways on April 30. Byron had been on Los Angeles’ radar, but it’s anyone’s guess as to whether or not he took it as a slap to the face that Lakers general manager (and former Lakers teammate) Mitch Kupchak waited nearly three months to make a formal offer.

It’s not Scott had much choice in the matter. He spent three disastrous years with the post (and pre)-LeBron James

Cavaliers, years that saw the team’s young players show little in the way of player development, running one of the league’s worst defenses along the way. It’s true that he was asked to coach a team in rebuilding mode – even if the Cavaliers owner and general manager at the time refused to go into such a mode following James’ departure – but the abject lack of movement up the standings wore on Scott’s critics.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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Blue Knights Beach Volley set T

HE first ever Blue Knights at BlueJaz Beach Volley Festival gets going on August 23-24 at the BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark in the Island Garden City of Samal.

Coach Mario Mojica and former women’s varsity player Chat Elizagaque announced the staging of the two-day beach volley tournament during the FAST Fridays media forum at the SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta Restaurant.

“Volleyball is riding on its growing popularity kaya gusto din natin na palakasin ang volleyball sa atin,” said Mojica.

The tournament will have four categories— Men’s, Women’s, Boys and Girls with two players to a team. Only 8 entries per division will be accommodated.

Elizagaque for her part said she now wants to concentrate in organizing volleyball events after her playing years with Ateneo. The lovely volleybelle said there will

also be a foam party to cap the event during the awarding ceremonies.

“It’s going to be exciting two days of volleyball. We invite everyone to come and watch the games and party with us,” she said.

The event is supported by the City Government of Davao, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo Blue Knights, Bluejaz, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, GH Depot, Edco, Digital Pixmaker and SCOOP Davao as media partner.

HE All-Ateneo Swimming Championships will be staged on August 2 at the Fr. Rodolfo Malasmas, SJ Swimming Pool at the Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus.

Coach Rose Rodriguez of the ADDU Swimming Team said the swimfest is open to all Ateneo campuses—Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Zamboanga, Xavier University, Ateneo de Naga,

Sacred Heart-Ateneo de Cebu and host ADDU. Rodriguez formally announced the tournament during the FAST Fridays media forum at the SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta Restaurant.

“It’s the first time that we are hosting all Ateneo campuses to a competition. It’s something we believe we have to begin and make it grow. I wish everyone

will support this,” said Rodriguez.

There will be competitions in elementary, secondary and college, according to Rodriguez, with exhibitions in Synchronized Swimming and a swimming camp to be conducted by Olympian Jessie Lacuna.

“It’s something new.

Synchronized swimming is very exciting, you have to see it,” Rodriguez said.

All-Ateneo Swimming set Aug. 2 T BEACH VOLLEYBALL. Chat Elizagaque (left) of Ateneo Blue Knights presents the Blue Knights at BlueJaz Beach Volley Festival event during the FAST Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier’s Barrio Fiesta. Lean Daval Jr.