Edge Davao8 Issue 108

VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES Photo by ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

INSIDE EDGE MNLF to revisit 1996 peace deal Page 4 Phl, Japan sign accord on P8.7-B bypass road Page 4

RODY OF HOPE

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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HOUSANDS of supporters showed up at a huge rally at Rizal Park Friday night to practically beg for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo

R. Duterte to run for president in the 2016 election.

Their collective voice may not have fallen on deaf ears.

After seeing the

emotions of the throng of supporters and hearing them chant his name time and again, Duterte, a reluctant candidate, may have had a change of heart

and said he is now open to the possibility of seeking the country’s highest post in May. “Kaunting panahon lang, kausapin ko

sila (Just give me time I will talk to them),” Duterte said, referring to his family, specifically his daughter former Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who are

against their father seeking the presidency.

“At least, he is now listening. To hear him say that is like sweet

FRODY, 2

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THE PLEDGE. Supporters carrying candles surround Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte during the “Run Duterte Run” rally at Rizal Park in Davao City on Friday night. Thousands of Duterte’s supporters who are urging him to run for President did a symbolic pledge to in front of the mayor. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody... FROM 1 music to our ears, particularly from us who came all the way from Manila just to make an appeal,” one female supporter from the National Capital Region (NCR) said.

Duterte has been repeatedly announcing he is not interested in the presidency despite latest poll surveys showing him among the preferred presidential candidates.

The Rizal Park rally was the culmination of a 13-day caravan that kicked off last August 15 and staged by his supporters from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who are aching for Duterte to run for president.

The caravan involved 3,261 vehicles and was reportedly able to reach out to more than 19 million Filipinos along the way.

When the caravan rolled into town Friday afternoon, it immediately caused a massive traffic jam, but the people were in high spirits once they gathered at Rizal Park.

An estimated crowd of around 5,000 turned up for the rally, with most of the supporters bearing placards and wearing shirts printed in bold letters with “RUN DUTERTE RUN.” One speaker likened Duterte to a light in a country covered with darkness because of so many problems like corruption, the drug menace, and criminality.

Notable among the speakers were former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Roberto Lastimoso.

The rally started at 5 p.m. and it was around 7:30 p.m.

when Duterte arrived to the loud cheers of his supporters, who had become more vocal and desperate in their appeal for him to join the presidential race next year.

The night before, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, a group of residents from Parañaque City met Duterte at the lobby just to convince him to run for president.

When the mayor was telling the group that he is not interested in the presidency and that family members are against it, one resident, 75-year-old Corazon Valenzuela, suddenly knelt in front of the mayor to beg him to reconsider his decision.

Stunned, Duterte tried to stop Valenzuela from kneeling but failed.

The woman then got up and embraced Duterte and told him, “You are my president,” A shocked Duterte could only offer a smile and told the group: “I will seek God’s guidance for at the end of the day, it will be God’s decision.”

At Rizal Park, Duterte’s supporters applied more pressure as they continuously chanted his name.

The activity culminated with lighting of candles and offering of prayers for Duterte, with his favorite song “You Raise Me Up” being played in the background and reverberating in the air.

During the rally, some speakers on stage kept on pointing to City Hall, which was just 50 meters away, as if to send their message to the local chief executive they needed him to be president.

They want Duterte to occupy Malacañang next.

Rally was a conversation between Rody, backers

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

L

abf@edgedavao.net

AST Friday’s Run Duterte Run Caravan was also a conversation between Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his thousands of supporters gathered a Rizal Park.

At one point in his speech, Duterte asked his supporters who could solve the problems of corruption, and criminality, and the people shouted, “Duterte!”

The mayor, who has insisted that he is not interested in running for President, said he still needs to convince his daughter former Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to let him run because she has been telling him that being mayor for 22 year is already enough service to the people.

The crowd, however, shouted “Kulang pa, kulang pa (That’s still not enough)!”

“Ngayon ganito na lang, pag ayaw talaga ni Inday

(Sara), hilahin ko siya dito ngayon sabihin ko na ito na lang ang Presidente natin, si Inday na lang (If Inday will really not allow me, I will bring her in front of you and I will endorse her to run for President ),” Duterte joked to the people.

Duterte told the people that his political career might end after next year’s election because he is already old and ailing. “Saan ako pupunta (Where will I go)?”

“Sa Malacañang!” the crowd responded.

In an interview after the rally, Duterte told reporters that he had just talked to two of his four children for his possible presidential bid next year.

He also said he is “55 percent convinced” to run as president because of the mammoth crowd showing full support to him.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

CARAVAN. The “Run Duterte Run” caravan rolls through the main thoroughfares of Davao City. The caravan was part of an effort to convince Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to run for President in next year’s election. Lean Daval Jr.

4 rebels surrender F

OUR members of New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered separately to two units under the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) last week.

In a statement, EastMinCom identified the first three surrenderees as alias Luther, 20; alias Tres, 30; and alias Pilot, 45. They surrendered to the soldiers of 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion in Talaingod, Davao del Norte at 10 a.m. on August 26.

EastMinCom said the three are now being interviewed at Headquarters 1003rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay New Visayas, Sto.

Tomas, Davao del Norte.

Tribal leaders in Talaingod identified as Datu Samsun Mansaganay and Datu Antonio Anlas helped the three surrender to the military.

The following day, a certain Dodong, 23, surrendered to the soldiers of 71st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Cadunan, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province.

Dodong was accompanied by his father and a barangay kagawad.

The military said the four will receive livelihood assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Joma endorses Mayor Duterte

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA and ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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OMMUNIST Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison officially endorsed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for the 2016 presidential election.

During the Run Duterte Run Caravan Friday night at San Pedro Square in Davao City, Duterte played through the sound system a voice message which he said Sison sent to him from Netherlands prior to his arrival at the venue.

In his message, Sison said Duterte has the “integrity, strength of character and political will for good.”

“Sa tingin ko bukas naman siya sa development ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng Filipino owned industrialization and land reform at kumbinsido ako na makabayan siya at ipag tatanggol niya ang pambansang soberenhiya at integridad ng teritoryo nga Pilipinas (In my opinion he is open to developing the Philippines through Filipino-owned industrialization and land reform, and I am convinced that

Sison he is patriotic and he will defend the country’s sovereignty and integrity),” Sison said.

Duterte said Sison sent him the voice message when the later found out that he was going to the caravan organized by his supporters.

Previously, Duterte said he would consider seeking the presidency if the communist movement would support his candidacy.

On Friday, Duterte said he was overwhelmed by the support of the thousands of Filipinos from the entire country who went to Davao City to convince him to run on the 2016 election.

Phl, Japan sign accord on P8.7-B bypass road

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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HE Philippine government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed last Tuesday an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreement on the Davao City bypass road to be constructed parallel with the Davao-Agusan Road and the Carlos P. Garcia Highway (Diversion Highway).

On-line news stories gathered by EDGE Davao indicated that the bypass road roughly costing P8.7 billion will start from Bunawan District particularly from Lasang, last barangay of Davao City before Pana-

bo City and will pass through San Isidro, Mahayag, Mudiang, Waan, Tacunan, Mintal, Bangkas Heights, Marapangi and exits at Barangay Sirawan in Toril District.

The project, which will be 28.8 kilometers long, includes a tunnel along the Magtuod Ridge between the barangays of Waan and Tacunan, which is claimed to bethe first long road tunnel in the Philippines, to be built with Japanese technology.

This big ticket project is different from the bypass-extension road in the south which is intended to extend

the Diversion Road from its junction with the Catalunan Grande Road to the old Davao-Cotabato Road section in Puan, according to Dean Ortiz, public information officer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DWH) and spokesperson of the DPWH Regional Director Mariano Alquiza.

Ortiz said the bypass-extension road in the south will require the construction of a bridge in the upstream of Talomo River somewhere at the back of the Davao Coca Cola Plant in Ulas. It will cross the Davao-Bukidnon at the point

near the new San Pedro College and Maligaya Subdivision and will exit at the Puan section of the old Davao-Cotabato Road, which is programmed to be widened into four lanes next year. He said both sides of this old road are now the location of more than a dozen low and high-end housing subdivisions.

The road will be built at the cost of P264 million with the contract awarded to Wee Eng Construction, Inc., a homegrown company which has existed for more than four decades.

be joining the consultation since he has a pending warrant of arrest in connection with the Zamboanga City attack in 2013 that led to the deaths of over 200 people and the displacement of thousands of others.

Olamit said government should lift the warrant on Misuari if it wants to make the review high level.

He said the MNLF already

has a delegation that will attend on the tripartite technical working group.

Olamit said the 1996 peace agreement was not implemented properly under the current administration.

He also said the MNLF will remain passive with regards to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) since they have already experienced “deception” in the hands of government.

Central, Mati City.

PDEA said the agents also recovered drug paraphernalia and the buy-bust marked money bill from the suspect’s possession. His XRM motorcycle, which he allegedly used in his illegal drug transaction, was also confiscated by the operatives.

Cua is now facing cases for violation of sections 5 and 12 of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The operation was in coordination with Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office and Mati City Police Station.

FPHL, 10

MNLF to revisit 1996 peace deal

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

A

TRIPARTITE technical working group will revisit next month the 19-year-old peace agreement between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Philippine Government.

According to MNLF Central Committee acting vice chair Rolando Abdul-Aziz T. Olamit, the tripartite technical working group will review the final peace agreement on Sep-

tember 7 to 9 at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Manila.

He said the group will talk about the three remaining issue of the MNLF with regards to the 1976 tripoli agreement, namely territory, provisionary gain, and natural resources and revenue sharing.

Olamit said the review of the final peace agreement is “low level” because MNLF founder Nur Misuari will not

CAFGU nabbed in Mati buy-bust

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

MEMBER of Citizen Armed Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Mati City, Davao Oriental after allegedly selling about 10 kilos of marijuana to undercover Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 agents on August 26.

The PDEA identified the suspect as Lorenzo D. Cua, 38, a resident of Tagbinunga, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The PDEA report showed Cua was arrested after selling a sack of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated value of P358,750 at around 6:30 p.m. in Upper Salazar, Barangay

VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

EDITORIAL Taxing a championship belt

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HAT is the price for victory and national pride?

Jujeath Navaowa discovered the bitter side of glory.

At the cost of almost P6,000, mixed martial arts world champion Nagaowa found this out when the Bureau of Customs (BOC) imposed a tax on her championship belt despite the law exempting medals, awards and similar recognition from import duties.

Nagaowa, who brought honor to the country by winning the flyweight championship, had to pay P5,809 last month to retrieve the championship belt shipped to her from Macau by the Women’s International Boxing Association.

Nagaowa said she had no idea where the BOC got the $400 estimated value of the belt that she won on June 6 at Forum de Macau in a boxing match against China’s Luo Yu Jie. Under Section 105 (h) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, “medals, badges, cups and other small articles bestowed as trophies or prizes, or those received or ac-

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • B. EDCER C. SR., ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA •ANGELO GREGORIO G. DELIGERO BORBON • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO AGUSTIN • EMILY • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDA MIAEconomic S. VALVERDE • Economic “GICO” G.• DAYANGIRANG ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Analyst: ENRICO Analysts: “GICO” G.ENRICO DAYANGIRANG JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

cepted as honorary distinction” are among items categorized as “exempt from the payment of import duties.”

The explanation of Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina goes like this: “normally, awards have monetary value so they will be charged (duties and taxes). But that can be reimbursed (if they get) an exemption from the Department of Finance.”

The said belt was taxed because it passed the postal system.

The championship belt fiasco came on the heels of the balikbayan boxes controversy.

This is a bad precedent. Since when did a championship belt, let alone boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao’s eight world title belts, been charged for tax? Never. Only now.

To her credit, Nagaowa put her life at risk on top of the ring in order to bring honor to the country and yet here is the Customs assessing her duties for having earned that.

This is totally absurd.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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B1 MOTORING

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

YAMAHA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW. Yamaha executives with celebrity endorser Robi Domingo during the launching of new Yamaha motorbikes at the Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Yamaha launches new bikes in Davao Y

AMAHA Motor Philippines, Inc. picked Davao as the venue for unveiling their latest line of motorbikes.

Set as the final leg of the Yamaha International Motorshow, the launch was witnessed by a throng of motorcycle enthusiasts at the Abreeza Mall on Friday.

Centered on Yamaha’s Blue Core engine which is a fusion of maximum performance and fuel economy that enables a superior ride; the introduction of this engine

I

T’S not every day you get excited about driving the latest MPV. After all, it removes the illusion that motoring scribes only drive the most awesome cars (and some are actually picky in that regard).

Now, you do have to give exception to the Mobilio for one simple reason: it’s a Honda.

Aesthetically, some people think the Mobilio’s for the visually-challenged. Honestly, there’s no need for such harsh criticism. Sure, it doesn’t look as sharp as the Jaz or HR-V, but it’s still got the styling chops to make it look interesting. It can be mistaken for a wagon with its planted stance. Compared to other MPVs, it’s the only one

is just the start of a new era for the company with a series of products featuring the Blue Core that will delight the commuters, racers and hobbyists.

Of course, the Blue Core Engine is featured in Yamaha’s latest motorcycles, the Mio i 125 and Soul i 125, the newest additions in Yamaha’s dominating automatic category. This would be the start of a new era for the brand which also pioneered the F.I technology in the country.

The breakthrough will

give everyone in Davao more power with less fuel, a combination that will give them more out of every ride.

This Blue Core wasn’t the only unveiled product during the motorshow. It was also time for the public to be introduced to the brand new Sniper 150 Mxi one that is in a class all on its own. Riders in Davao will experience a renewed sense of speed and superiority with the product that will make them royalty on the road.

They will standout not

just because of the excellence in performance but also the cutting edge design that is inspired by Yamaha’s global standard in racing. It will be available this coming October.

There is also the all new SZ, rebuilt to be sportier and grittier; it will give riders a cutting edge toughness and boldness.

There are no limits to how far a rider can go with upgraded fuel efficiency that enables them to have more action whatever their adven-

ture may be. Riders can get their hands on it this September with an SRP of P68,900.

Also featured is the Big Bike category which will become available later this year. The Off-Road Category with Serow 250 and XTZ 125 which are perfect for beyond the asphalt adventures; Yamaha’s power products, generators that give absolute power; and the Automatic Category that has one for every type of personality.

Special guests were also part of the event such as Robi

Domingo and Jessy Mendiola.

KZ Tandingan, who hails from Davao, gave a performance that entertained everyone in her hometown.

This is the climax of an epic journey around the country; a display of world class excellence has come full circle in the Philippines. The time has come for new generation of excellence and quality that only Yamaha can provide; The Yamaha International Motorshow, Motion of Innovation, revving the hearts of every rider nationwide.

to retain its car-like profile despite a 189-mm ground clearance. In fact, without peeking through the glass, you can mistake it for a wagon. And who doesn’t like wagons? The front-end is the most controversial part; it’s a love-it-orhate-it thing, but it does make it a standout. The rest of the package is much more universally accepted.

With an interior largely shared with the Brio/Brio Amaze twins, settling in the cabin brings about a whiff of familiarity. Unlike the polarizing exterior design, the interior’s pretty simple and straightforward. There’s little

attempt to give the dashboard a memorable design, but it remains a delight because of its directedness. In all honesty, any driver would be willing to trade aesthetics for something that can be operated by tactile feel. The Mobilio passes that test. It takes less than a few seconds to get acquainted with the driver’s seat as well as the controls. Priced at less than a million pesos, the plastics are understandably of the hard variety, but at least the fit and finish is consistent.

Space-wise, it does the job of being a sensible family hauler. Honda says it’s supposed to ferry seven and that’s possible; but realistically, if you want everyone to stay comfy, keep the body count

to six. Yes, there’s good leg and knee space for everyone, but shoulder room is lacking. The reason for this is simple: the width. The length is enough for three rows of seats, but with a width of just 1,683-mm, it’s rather narrow. What it lacks for in width, it makes up for in flexibility. This is one of the best things with the Mobilio.

The third row folds in a 50/50 split and tumbles up, hooking to the second row for more cargo space. The second row folds, tumbles, and slides in a 60/40 split enabling the Mobilio to fit long stuff easily. And get this, you can fold down or tumble the second row in any position without wedging it against the back of the front seats. That’s proper engineering right there.

If there’s one criticism you’ll level against it though is the air conditioning does feel taxed to handle Manila’s seat.

That’s a surprising fact given it’s supposed to design the horrid summer heat of India. This is down to two things: first is the poor positioning of the front air vents which either blow cold air onto your hands or face (and not

much else). Next, the rear air conditioner unit only has vents in the second row meaning those in the third row will just have to sweat it out in the back.

No one really expects an MPV to drive particularly well, but driving is a great Mobilio strength. Again, without the third row seats, it’ll actually pass for a proper wagon.

Whether it’s the city, highway, or curvy roads, it feels pretty much like a car with an extra row of seats. The electric power steering is light in feedback, but heavy in precision. At the limit, it does understeer, requiring some steering correction, but at least there’s confidence in pushing this MPV nonetheless. In terms of ride, it’s not as cushy as the Brio Amaze, but not as firm as the Brio. In other words, it’s well-balanced. And this is at the recommended 32 PSI front, 42 PSI rear tire pressure settings. An interesting note is that the Mobilio doesn’t seem to absorb abrupt road cuts that well. Combined with a feeling of hollowness in the underchassis, it reduces the feeling of solidity even if there’s no discernable rattles heard inside the cabin.

With a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, the 120-horsepower figure makes it the most powerful in its class and driving it day-in and day-out, it shows.

With one or two people on board, it feels cheerful, darting through traffic with ease.

Although the power really

comes alive at higher revs, there’s good power even from down low that keeps the experience interesting. The CVT takes a split-second to adjust, but it isn’t deterrent to the fun factor. It actually feels good for a people carrier; something you actually wouldn’t mind living with every day. As you start piling in the passengers, the drivetrain understandably starts getting taxed. By the fifth or sixth person, the CVT has to shift its ratio set to keep engine revs higher. Fuel economy, at 8.77 km/L isn’t so bad, but the small 42-liter tank means a meager maximum range of just 368 kilometers.

The Mobilio is one of the more affordable Hondas you can buy today. Despite not being a part of the brand’s core vehicle line-up, it’s now being accepted by the buying public, capturing the interest of would-be buyers. In the week of driving it, at least three people asked to take a closer look inside. Their curiosity on the Honda Mobilio is well-founded. The 7-seater MPV is a steady seller in the Philippine industry and when sporty brand Honda decided to come in, it was a pleasant surprise to many. From the same company that popularized the entire VTEC and customization culture, the Mobilio presents itself as a legitimate member of the family. It’s well-engineered and fun-to-drive while remaining practical for the Filipino family.

Meet the 2015 Honda Mobilio 1.5 V

B2 NEWS Phl... FROM 4

In a press conference two weeks ago, Alquiza reported that the project was suspended as of June 8, this year “due to difficulties in the negotiation

for the acquisition of RROW (road-right-of-way) and the presence of obstruction such as public utilities and telecommunication posts.” AMA

city’s real estate sector is projected to grow in the next few years.

“Based on the existing situation, we will be seeing the real estate and construction to be bullish (in the next few years),” he said.

Meawhile, ICON chairman architect Daniel Lim earlier said that the event aims to educate local investors regarding the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

Lim said the law is a physical plan ordinance that dictates the location of property. “It mandates that land owners are not allowed to

change the usage of the land that they buy within the span of five years,” he said.

The conference will be participated by 300 to 500 local and foreign investors not only on real estate but also on construction, manufacturing, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and tourism.

The conference is organized by the DCCCII in partnership with the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC) and the Subdivision and Housing Development Association (SHDA) Southern Mindanao Chapter.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

Stephen Antig, PBGEA executive director, said, “students who could not afford such ukuleles will now have those instruments for their use, and I am truly inspired by these kids’ spirits and the school’s dedication of providing them with opportunities to play ukuleles because students tend to lose

interest in music nowadays”.

Sometimes parents would come in and listen to their children play the instrument so they can learn together. Our students these days are learning to play ukulele as part of their classroom musical learning experiences, Ms. Pechora says.

Davao... FROM 10

PBGEA... FROM 10

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

Fear is biggest enemy in HIV AIDS: Villafuerte

By VANESSA KATE MADRAZO, ADDU Intern

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HERE is more to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) problem in Davao City than meets the eye.

Speaking during last Friday’s HIV Summit at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, councilor Joselle Villafuerte, chair of the City Council’s committee on health, said the problem is not just medical but is “multi-faceted.”

She also said in HIV, fear is the biggest enemy, especially the fear of what family, friends, and the public would say about them.

Villafuerte said current efforts to curb the prejudice that victims face include summits and events that increase awareness on HIV-AIDS and the ready provision of contraceptives like condoms during these

events.

In the National HIV Testing Week, for instance, which was held from May 11-15 of this year, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City offered free voluntary counseling and HIV testing.

She said the city is still looking forward to creating family counseling programs to provide not only medical support but also emotional support.

In Davao region alone, 240 cases of HIV infection were reported from January and June of this year, which amounts to 40 infections per month. About 180 of those cases are solely from Davao City.

The Department of Health (DOH) is lobbying for an increase in the current budget for HIV-AIDS cam-

paigns from P300 million to P600 million in 2016.

DOH HIV unit deputy manager Noel Palaypayon said there is no shortage in terms of anti-retroviral drugs, adding that department received sufficient funding from tax revenues and a global fund of P80 million used for drugs.

The DOH as well as reproductive health and wellness centers make contraceptives, testing, and treatment available for free.

Palaypayon said one of the biggest problems identified in the campaign against HIV is getting the victims themselves to come out and get tested, especially at the onset of infection, because of the prejudice they can potentially face.

He said they fear their

loved ones and peers might sever their ties with them once they come out, and they fear the stigma and discrimination from other people in their social circles.

This is problematic, Palapayon said, because most people who approach the centers for testing come only seven months after they have contracted the disease or when symptoms surface.

“Seven months is too late to seek consultation,” he said.

For his part, Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona pointed out that privacy laws prevent institutions from compelling their employees and other people to get tested, which he said in turn makes it more difficult for health institutions to identify who has HIV.

Panabo job matching benefits 2k jobseekers

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ORE than 2,000 Panaboans acquired employment through the job matching activities of the Panabo Employment Services Office (PESO).

Through barangay visitation, the PESO facilitated the placement of a total 2,094 Panaboans to different local companies since 2012.

PESO Manager Cherelle Espinosa emphasized that their office have been joining the celebration of the charter days of the barangays since 2009 to conduct job matching activity and to disseminate their other services like skills training and Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) schedule

of recruitment agencies.

“Aside from joining the araw ng mga barangay, we also hold job matching activities upon request of the community,” Espinosa said.

Data from the PESO reported that since 2012, the city government handled 103 job matching activities.

Espinosa stressed that the job matching activity is part of the employment facilitation services of PESO Panabo City.

“But instead of waiting for the applicants to come in our office, we make it more accessible and easier for them by holding the activity at their community,” she said. (PIA 11/ Michael Uy)

Maguindanao school gets farm equipment from DAF-ARMM

P

UBLIC school students are expected to become agriculture-productive citizens with the turn-over Thursday of one unit hand tractor from Department of Agricultlure and Fisher in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Beneficiary of the agricultural assistance was Sapakan National High School (SNHS) in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

SNHS Principal Elma Maliga said the farm equipment will boost the partnership of DAF, local government unit and the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion.

“The equipment can be

used by pupils under the Technical Skills and Development Authority agricultural courses which is part of the K to 12 program for high school students,” Maliga said.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan lauded the agricultural assistance extended by DAF-ARMM Regional Secretary Atty. Makmod D. Mending, Jr to his constituents.

He said the agricultural aid will boost the town’s agri-fishery development and improve the agricultural skills of students. “These are tools for food sufficiency program of the regional and national government,” Ampatuan said.

(PNA)

TF Davao gets‘Tagum Cooperative’tents N

EW tents now welcome motorists plying in and out of Davao City as Tagum Cooperative donated tents to Task Force (TF) Davao on Wednesday, August 12.

A total of 10 TAGUM COOPERATIVE printed tents were given to the men in camouflage uniforms, six were installed at Toril entry point and four at Lasang entrance in Davao City.

Each of the canvass tents comes in different size and price but all are ensured of good quality which can withstand bad weather

condition, Engr. Roy Dimagnaong, Land and Building Committee resource person said.

Chairperson Norma R. Pereyras and members of the Board of Directors (BOD): Miriam Baloyo, Fe Adlawan, Evelia Sator, Nenita Malbas along with BOD Treasurer, Rosalina Argent and OIC general manager, Vivelyn Fronteras personally turned over the tents to TF Davao.

Dimagnaong revealed that the donation was done after the Executive Committee (ExeCom), through

chairperson Pereyras, agreed to push initiative of donating tents to the enforcers guarding the entry points of Davao City.

Pereyras quoted the move “as a way of being sensitive to the needs of other people in line with the 7th Cooperative Principle – Concern for the Community, because Tagum Cooperative sees the need of tents due to heavy rains and extreme heat they (TF Davao personnel and commuters) experienced”.

Task Force Davao officers-in-charge signed the

Deed of Donations in behalf of Capt. Ernest Carolina who was not able to attend due to a prior activity engagement.

They thanked Tagum Cooperative for the new tents which they promised to place right at the forefront of both check point areas replacing the old and damaged tents.

The tents are hoped to aid and ease the busy operations in the areas where thousands of vehicles, motorists, and passengers are expected to pass by daily.

(Tagum Cooperative)

INdulge!

THERE were scores of striking sights to behold last Sunday on August 23 at the peak of the 2015 Kadayawan celebration but many at SM Lanang Premier knew that it could not get more stunning than the sight of two of the country’s most beautiful faces who were set to make a personal appearance that afternoon courtesy of SM and National Bookstore. Solenn Heusaff and Georgina Wilson, co-authors of the book Besties, drew in a crowd of over two hundred people that patiently lined up for hours with their books tucked securely in their chests. Event host Mau Abella knew he had in his hands an excited throng of fans whose excitement was so palpable that they readily screamed aloud their favorite chapters from the book and even some quotes.

Besties is a compilation of musings, ideas, recipes and even tips on how to decode the basics of finance from these two much

Besties is a compilation of musings, ideas, recipes and even tips on how to decode the basics of finance from these two much talked-about celebrities. In the book’s introduction, the girls warm up your reading mindset by saying that flipping through the succeeding pages is akin to having a cup of coffee with them.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 108 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 31, 2015

EDGEDAVAO EVENT Fierce friends and co-authors Solenn Heusaff and Georgina Wilson make a personal appearance to promote their book, Besties.

The bestselling

Besties

What a doll! TV Host and model Georgina Wilson put her personal stamp on stacks and stacks of books that day by signing them with a gold feltThe 200-strong crowd waved their books in time for the first official selfie of the day with Heusaff and Wilson. tipped pen.

talked-about celebrities. In the book’s introduction, the girls warm up your reading mindset by saying that flipping through the succeeding pages is akin to having a cup of coffee with them. It is readable and refreshingly lacking in showiness, staying true to their promise that behind the seemingly perfect lives are just two normal girls going through the same ups and downs like you and I. As the ultimate ice breaker, they reveal their faces and bodies pre-makeup and –Photoshop. As Solenn jokingly says when Mau asks what her faSolenn or “Sos” as she is more fondly known tirelessly vorite part of the book is, she posed for ‘selfies’ with fans who were all too happy to quips that everyone’s must see this model and actress up close. be Georgina’s bare faced im-

age referencing the furor it caused when the book was just released. Georgina takes this in stride with a big smile, showing that they are old pros at being the butt of the never-ending gossip game.

The book is not about them taking a defensive or offensive stride. It is rather them seizing this moment in their lives and helping other girls make the most of theirs.

This book is our local bet in the world of It girls gone published. Think Alexa Chung, the Olsen twins and Lauren Conrad who have all written books to give us a slice of their trendsetting world. The book photos show the two stunners in tandem

being silly and letting loose, dressed in nothing more than skin-tone or black bodysuits.

Very little about themselves is glamorized here but a lot can be said of their candor.

You get to know them a little more, as parts of the book catch them in mid-conversation about issues like selfconfidence and love. They let you in on the tricks of their trade such as how to apply makeup like a pro or achieve planning out your dream trip on a sensible budget. There is much that they try to break down for their target demographic, which is the woman who is looking to move up in the world and bringing out the best of herself during that

rise.

Solenn and Georgina show that they are the quintessential multi-hyphenates but who put a word out with this book that you always need a friend by your side to share your life with. They may look like they have it all figured out but they say they are just doing the best they can. And that has shown to be more than acceptable for girls out there who are all looking for someone to look up to. That afternoon, they gave their fans a glimpse of their genuine selves and treated everyone to ‘selfies’ and signings.

There was a lot of slang going around, but ‘besties’ seemed like the best of them that day.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Zsa Zsa Padilla

A star-studded

KADAYAWAN celebration at ABREEZA MALL

EVERY YEAR when Kadayawan season comes round, Abreeza Mall treats Davaoeños to a series of free celebrity spectacles. This year was no exception, with popular stars, promising talents, and a music icon all taking their place on the Abreeza Mall stage.

On August 21, ABS-CBN’s ASAP 20 took over the Activity Center. With Bryan Termulo and Sofia Andres hosting, ASAP’s brightest stars took turns entertaining their fans. Performing song numbers were Rayver Cruz, Nash Aguas and Alexa Ilacad, Daryl Ong, Erik Santos, and Sam Milby, who even brought out his guitar for a song. Meanwhile, Maja Salvador twerked up a storm along with two lucky audience members who danced onstage with her.

On August 22, Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla electrified Davaoeños with a one-hour musical showcase.

The singer-actress performed songs such as the John Legend love song “All of Me,” Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer’s disco number “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough),” and her own timeless anthem, “Hiram.” After the show, Zsa Zsa stayed to meet with fans and sign copies of her latest album, Beginnings.

On August 23, it was the GMA Kapuso Mall Show’s turn to regale the Abreeza Mall crowd.

Kapuso heartthrobs Mike Tan of The Rich Man’s Daughter and Mikael Daez of My Faithful Husband showed up to belt out songs for the audience, and The Rich Man’s Daughter lead star Rhian Ramos closed the show with her own musical number.

Kadayawan revelers also enjoyed great performances to go with their grilled eats at Kasadya Nights at the Third Floor Roof Garden from August 20 to 23. YouTube sensation Jireh Lim, the artist behind the hits “Buko,” “Magkabilang Mundo,” and “Pagsuko,” played his songs live on August 22, while local acts Thea Pitogo, Echoistic, and Negative Four took turns serenading the crowd the other nights.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www. facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

GMA’s Mikael Daez participates in a game with fans.

Sam Milby brings out his guitar for a song number.

Maja Salvador twerks onstage with lucky audience members.

August 26 – September 1, 2015

INSIDE OUT Diane Lane, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling PG

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

PIXELS Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan PG

12:20 | 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

HITMAN: AGENT 47/ * NO ESCAPE Zachary Quinto, Rupert Friend/ *Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan

Rhian Ramos sings to the crowd.

R13/*R13

R-16

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

THE LOVE AFFAIR/ * THE VATICAN TAPES

Erik Santos.

Bea Alonzo, Dawn Zulueta, Richard Gomez/ *Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Pena R13/*R16

11:30 | 1:50 | 4:10 LFS / *6:30 | 8:15 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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ISTORICALLY, the Philippine retail trade industry has undergone two significant policy shifts.

The Third Congress at the time of the Magsaysay Administration has enacted in 1954 Republic Act 1180 or the Retail Trade Nationalization Act, restricting the previously open retail sector to Philippine nationals. More than four decades later, the protectionist regime on retail trade was overturned in 2000 when the Eleventh Congress, under the Estrada Administration, enacted R.A. 8762 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, allowing limited entry of foreign investments in the retail trade sector.

R.A. 8762’s intended liberalization has resulted to low levels of foreign investments in the retail sector since 2000, due to its imposition of excessive restrictions that effectively deters rather than attracts investment inflows. In fact, the Philippines has in place a distinctively restrictive and uncompetitive retail trade investment policy in comparison to most of its competitors within ASEAN and other Asian economies that have truly liberalized their domestic retail sectors.

R.A. 8762 subjects foreign equity participation to the following categories: • Category A: Enterprises with paidup capital of US$2.5 million shall be reserved exclusively for Filipino citizens and corporations wholly owned

by Filipino citizens.

• Category B: Enterprises with a mini-

W

EARING fakes leads to more dishonest behaviour. Social psychology experiments give empirical basis to such a claim. In his book, The Honest Truth about Dishonesty, New York Times bestselling author Dan Ariely shows why wearing fakes makes us cheat more. A series of experiments tested three groups of people for honesty. They were all asked to wear expensive designer sunglasses. It was only the first group, however, that was informed that they were wearing the authentic thing. The second group was told that they were wearing fakes.

The third group was given no information at all. It was found out that 30% in the authentic condition group cheated, 73% in the fake-label condition, and 42 % in the no-information group cheated (Ariely.2012,p.126). The results suggest that there may not be an increase in honesty when wearing genuine products but it seems that moral constraints

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VANTAGE POINTS 7

Retail trade liberalization

The act also contains a divestiture requirement for all retail trade enterprises under Categories B and C in which foreign ownership exceeds 80 percent of equity to offer a minimum of 30 percent of their equity to the public through any stock exchange in the Philippines within eight years from the start of their operations.

this partnership did not see the success that was anticipated. S&R was another attempt, but eventually the American partner moved out. H&M, the Swedish clothes company, however, stepped into • The foreign retailer must have a min- the market recently, determined to open imum of US$200 million net worth in at least 22 stores in the Philippines.

The European Chamber of Comits parent corporation for Categories B and C, and US$50 million net worth merce of the Philippines still believes in its parent corporation for Category there is room for smaller retail investments, and consequently supports the D. • The foreign retailer must have five further opening of the retail sector retailing branches or franchises in through the revision of R.A. 8762, in operation elsewhere in the world line with our advocacy in making the unless such retailer has at least one Foreign Investment Negative List more store capitalized at a minimum of positive.

The entry of more foreign retail inUS$25 million.

• The foreign retailer must have five vestors will benefit the Philippine econyears of proven track record in retail- omy as it can promote more competition that will benefit Filipino consumers ing.

• Only nationals from or juridical enti- as well as generate jobs at every stage of ties formed or incorporated in coun- the retail process and indirectly in those tries that allow the entry of Filipino sectors that service the retail industry.

To campaign for the further liberalretailers shall be allowed to engage ization of the retail sector through legin retail trade in the Philippines.1 islation, the ECCP will continue its diaSince the partial liberalization of the logue with both the Senate and House local retail industry in 2000, large retail- Committees on Trade, Commerce and ers from Europe and the U.S. have taken Entrepreneurship. The ECCP and other a close look at the Philippines. Despite member organizations of the Joint Forintensive cooperation discussions and eign Chambers of Commerce of the Philbringing teams of experts to study the ippines have already prepared and dismarket, companies like Tesco, Carrefour, cussed a draft bill amending R.A. 8762 Metro and Walmart have decided not with Senator Bam Aquino who chairs to do business in the Philippines. The the Senate Committee on Trade, Comonly European company that entered merce and Entrepreneurship. the market through a joint venture with 1 Ayala and SM was Makro; unfortunately, Section 8, R.A. 8762

loosen once we knowingly put on a fake or a knock-off.

During the recently held Kadayawan Bazaar, a lady was trying to sell me glittery trinkets. As she was presenting her wares, she just mouthed off, “this Bulgari bracelet, this Chanel necklace...” I interrupted, “But they’re fake, right?” She replies, “Yes, ma’am. But they’re well-crafted.”

As if knock-offs that closely resemble the real thing are not really fake. Buying fakes may seem like a harmless indulgence. It can be easily rationalized away. One does not really eat into the market of the designer brand because

one cannot afford the real thing anyway.

Or, the fashion companies make tons of money anyway. Such practice, however, is more telling of the person rather than of the impact on the market. What does one signal to the world and to oneself if one buys and wears fakes? I’m sure it’s nothing wholesome.

So if a Philippine senator makes the public believe that he has diplomas from Oxford University and the Wharton School of Business even if he has not successfully finished the degrees, what does that signal to the world and to himself? I’m very, very sure, it’s nothing wholesome. These small acts of dishonesty are forgivable. They are almost just petty and insignificant in the larger scheme of things. Everyone makes mistakes.

There is, however, an insidious dimension to these misdemeanors. Ariely (2012) contends that a single act of dishonesty can change a person’s be-

mum paidEUROPE BIZ up capital of US$2.5 million but less than US$7.5 million may be wholly owned by Henry J. Schumacher foreigners except for the first two years after the effectivity of the law wherein foreign participation shall be limited to not more than 60 percent of total equity.

• Category C: Enterprises with a paidup capital of US$7.5 million or more may be wholly owned by foreigners, provided, that in no case shall the investments for establishing a store in Categories B and C be less than US$830,000.

• Category D: Enterprises specializing in high-end or luxury products with a paid-up capital of US$250,000 per store may be wholly owned by foreigners.

The law furthermore instructs that no foreign retailer shall be permitted to operate in the Philippines unless the following qualifications are all satisfied:

Wear fake, become fake

havior from that point onward. There is what he calls the what-the-hell effect. This can be likened to going off on a whole diet one is strictly following when one falls for a small temptation like eating a cookie. You go “what the hell!” and end up eating a whole pack of cookies. It is these small first acts of dishonesty that we need to prevent because it shapes how the person looks at himself and the world. Moral constraints are loosened with that itty-bitty infraction of putting on counterfeit designer sunglasses and well-crafted “Bulgari” bangle. You cross the line just a little and before you know it, you are already leisurely strolling away from the line.

Whether in fashion or other areas of life, one dishonest act makes another one more likely to occur. Our immorality in one area affects our morality in another. The devil, after all, wears “Prada”.

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Incentive Board okays 2 projects

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HREE companies have applied for local fiscal incentive for their projects before the Davao City Investment Incentive Board.

Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) officer-in-charge Ivan C. Cortez said in a statement the board convened last August 27 to tackle the three projects.

Cortez said the first project discussed was the BPO

building of Davao DDBO Resources Inc. which has a total cost of P90.5 million and employment generation of 309.

The project involves the refurbishing of Queen’s Cinema along Bonifacio St. “The board in general was appreciative of the project because it brought back to life what used to be a popular movie house into something more economically useful yet

opted to retain and restore its historical charms,” Cortez said.

The second project that applied for fiscal incentive was the Go Hotels Davao with a total project cost is P96 million.

Cortez said Go Hotels Davao is an 8-storey, 183room budget hotel, which is a joint project of Robinsons Land and Davao based Udenna Development Corp (Phoenix Petroleum).

lish their business here.

She said that their mall became the center of a lot of major activities here, giving it a distinction of “becoming the new town plaza,” here being flocked daily by shoppers, youths and people coming from the various sectors.

Magtibay said that based on what she had experienced with mall establishment, it will take at least three to five years for a mall to mature. But here in Butuan, they accordingly leveled up with the said expectation in one and a half year, which made them to decide of expanding their mall and the building of the Integrated Transport Terminal. She said it will not be the usual bus terminal which is hot, dirty and unkempt but will bear the mark of their “Robinsons” firm, which will be airconditioned, tidy and will be provided with the most modern facilities of a terminal which can be at par with that of the other countries.

She also said that Butuan City is forward-looking that it had foreseen and had moved a step ahead “before the traffic here gets crowded and congested like the other cities,” Magtibay said.

Present during the signing rites were members of the city council headed by Mayor Amante and Vice-Mayor Angelo Calo and the RCL Executives headed by Magtibay. (PNA)

‘BONELESS.’ A fish trader debones milkfish which she sells for P75 apiece at the wet section of the Agdao Public Market. Lean Daval Jr.

Lady exec hails growth of Butuan’s economy

A

N executive of business establishments operating one of the largest mall in Mindanao and the country hailed the economic growth experienced by the city.

Ms. Arlene Magtibay, general manager of the Commercial Centers Division of the Robinsons Land Corporation, in her message during the recent signing rites of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Butuan City local government unit and the Robinsons Place held at the Main Atrium of the said mall, said that they started operating their largest mall in Mindanao and one of the largest in the country, about a year and half ago.

Magtibay said that since they had their grand opening on January last year, Butuan the location of one of their largest mall at the center of Agusan del Norte and the Caraga region was then an emerging city.

According to her, the reports which she received at her office from Butuan reflects good performance and good acceptance from the public. That’s the reason why her firm decided to establish a mall here. According to her, the local government unit here provided the good business climate, transparent, a culture of good governance which made it easy for the constituents and the business people to estab-

He said the project aims to provide “a place for every Juan.”

The board unanimously approved the project for local incentives owing to the growing need for more accommodation options in the city, Cortez said.

The third application was for the Felcris Centrale Phase I, a project by the Felcris Hotels and Resorts Corporation.

Cortez said the project is mainly the BPO building (10-storeys) and the mall operations in the first two levels which have a total project cost of P731 million.

Cortez said the BPO building of Felcris Centrale is expected to generate a total of 3,925 direct and indirect employment opportunities.

“The next phases of the project will involve construc-

tion of condominium towers and a hotel,” he said.

The board has not yet approved the application of Felcris pending corrections on minor technicalities on descriptions, according to Cortez.

Once corrected, the board will convene again to act on the favorable recommendation of the DCIPC for the approval of the project.

Davao ICON focuses on real estate sector T HE 3rd Davao Investment Conference (ICON) will focus on the showcasing of the real estate industry in a bid to entice more investors in Davao Region as well as in Mindanao, an official said.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) president Antonio dela Cruz said the conference will feature the region as well as Mindanao as an investment area for different real estate

development, either for housing, commercial or industrial purposes.

Dela Cruz said the threeday event, which is slated on November 4-6 at the SMX Convention Center, will be attended by stakeholders in the real estate industry such as developers, realtors, as well as professionals involved in the land development and construction industry.

“The real estate sector in the region is one of the fast

growing industries,” Dela Cruz said in an interview at the sideline of the chambers general membership meeting at the Grand Men Seng Hotel last Friday.

He said the event will not only be a venue where investors can look on the potential of Mindanao but also discuss on issues of the sector like the plan of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to increase the zonal valuation.

“An increase in zonal val-

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PBGEA donates ukeleles

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DONATIONS. Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) have recently donated 15 ukuleles for Kinder to Grade 3 students of Don Francisco S. Dizon Sr., Elementary School in Bacaca Road Davao City.

uation will cause a domino effect in the industry,” dela Cruz said, adding it will affect the region’s ability to lure investors to come here and develop properties for various purposes.

An increase in tax will not only burden developers but also future clients, especially of low-cost housing projects, according to him.

Despite this threat to the industry, Dela Cruz said the

HE Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) have recently donated 15 ukuleles for Kinder to Grade 3 students of Don Francisco S. Dizon Sr., Elementary School in Bacaca Road Davao City.

Sharon Pechora, schools principal expresses her gratitude to PBGEA for the ukuleles that will be used by 30 selected students in the upcoming District level competition. “Salamat jud kaayo Sir/Maam ug sa PBGEA sa mga ukulele na inyong major na donasyon, magamit jud namu ni sa among pag practice paghuman sa klase para sa competition” (Thanks to a major donation of ukulele

from PBGEA, we can already use this during our practice after class hours for the competition).

The ukulele, a member of the guitar family, which originated in Hawaii as an adaptation of the Portuguese machete plays a big part of the musical culture of Hawaii.

Many also thought of it as a novelty instrument, or mistook it for a toy guitar with four strings.

The teachers of Don Francisco S. Dizon Sr., Elementary School also had their trainings and passed their skills on to children in their school with the help of the donated ukuleles.

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE EDMUND D. RENDON Marketing Specialist Mobile: (Smart) 0930-669-3018 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

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SPORTS 15

UNFINISHED BUSINESS Gilas returns to Jones Cup

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HE Philippines sets sail in the annual William Jones Cup in Taipei with hopes of improving a line-up that still lacks the big names.

It will be the first time the country will participate in the tournament since winning the title in 2012, with the memorable performance of LA Tenorio in the title-clinching game still etched into the memories of many Filipino fans.

Tenorio led the Philippines in a comeback from 13 points down to topple a USA selection, including the game-winning basket that allowed the Filipinos to win the gold medal.

Gilas Pilipinas shooter Dondon Hontiveros said that more than winning, what’s important is for the squad to become better after the tournament. The Filipinos are preparing for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, an Olympic

qualifier, in September.

“Kung hindi man namin ma-duplicate yung nagawa ng team nila coach Chot(Reyes), sila LA, for sure after the Jones Cup, we’d be a whole lot better than we were sa Estonia

a n d be ready sa next tournament, yung MVP Cup. Pero mindset ni coach (Tab Baldwin) is going there to win,” Hontiveros said in an interview.

Tenorio decided to beg off from Gilas Pilipinas duties, citing fatigue as factor. Since the program started under new head coach Tab Baldwin, the 5-foot-9 guard from Barangay Ginebra has yet to rejoin the training despite being

included in the pool.

But the team is seeing a lot of new faces. Terrence Romeo is expected to fill the void left by Tenorio, while Calvin Abueva, Troy Rosario,

CATCHING UP. National Team coach Tab Baldwin teaches Marc Pingris the system they will be playing.

Pingris is the latest addition to the Gilas squad.

Aldrech Ramos and JC Intal are all trying to prove they deserve a spot in the national team.

Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag, who came out of retirement, are

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1193389-2 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 30993-8 issued to BARLIS, ALEXIS B. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

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also playing as team’s quarterbacks. Gilas Pilipinas will also parade naturalized player Andray Blatche for the first time in the tournament, as well as his backup Moala Tautuaa.

The tournament will also be a stage for comebacking old veterans like Hontiveros, Asi Taulava and Sonny Thoss

who all suited up for the country in the past.

The Filipinos will play non-stop starting on Sunday against Chinese Taipei-A. They will also face FIBA Asia rivals Iran, Japan, South Korea and clubs from New Zealand, Russia and United States.

The Jones Cup has been traditionally used as part of a buildup of the Philippines for major Asian competitions.

The Filipinos have already won four titles in the event.

In 1981, the Northern Consolidated Cement-backed Philippine team led by Ricardo Brown won the Jones Cup gold.

Four years later, Ron Jacobs’ squad bannered by Samboy Lim, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma and naturalized players “Chip” Engelland, Dennis Still and Jeff Moore carried San Miguel Beer and captured the gold over an illustrious US squad, beefed up by some of the top collegiate squads at that time.

In 1998, the Philippine Centennial squad coached

by Tim Cone also went home with the championship.

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RECORD FIELD

Gaisano Grand Cup underway with 96 teams

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HE Gaisano Grand Cup’s 12th season formally opened last Saturday with a league record 96 school varsity teams battling for pride and honor.

Two games opened the curtains for the historic season right after simple but fitting opening ceremonies at Gaisano Grand Ilustre 5th floor Entertainment Plaza.

Mall bigwigs, invited dignitaries and the members of the Board of Commissioners led by Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas regional director Regino “Boy” Cua graced the affair.

Junior Girls defending champion Assumption College of Davao played Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in the opening game.

The region’s premiere school-based league will once again feature competitions in mini, cadet, junior boys and girls and senior (collegiate) men and women.

“This year’s Grand Cup will focus more on the good morals that it provides to the young players as a league where values education hap-

pens,” according to its media advisory.

Like in the past, the tournament runs from August to December playing every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Eight teams each will compete in the centerpiece Junior Boys Division 1 and Junior Girls category while 24 teams entered in the Junior Boys Division 2. Cadet and Mini had 22 and 12 teams respectively.

Defending champion Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights leads the 16team field in the senior men’s division while the distaff side had 6.

Among the new teams this season are San Pedro College (Mini, Cadet and Juniors), Davao City National High School (Cadet and Juniors) and comebacking Philippine Academy of Sakya (Juniors) Eligible student-athletes for mini division shall be born 2003 and the years thereafter while the cadet category shall be born 2001 onwards.

For the junior boys and

girls, student-athletes must be born 1998 onwards and born 1991 and the years thereafter for the student-athletes entered in the senior men and women.

The tournament is organized by the Gaisano Grand Mall Ilustre in coordination with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP Regional Office 11.)

SBP 11 regional director Regino “Boy” Cua

HUNAT DABAW RUN 3. The Royal Mandaya Hotel’s Meg Jolejole and Toni Ferrer hold up the official jersey and race map of the Hunat Dabaw Run 3 “Dagan para sa Kinaiyahan” Color Run during the Fast Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.