Edge Davao 8 Issue 142

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

P 15.00 • 24 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

DISAPPOINTMENT Duterte files COC for mayor despite shaven head clamor

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

‘He still can change his mind’

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte may

have filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for reelection, but he is still legally capable of running for

higher office like president.

City Administrator Atty. Jesus Melchor V. Quitain told EDGE Davao that Duterte can still withdraw his COC

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

M

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte once again dashed the hopes of his supporters who had been hoping he would file his candidacy for the presidency yesterday.

Instead, Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for reelection as mayor.

Duterte’s executive assistant Christopher Lawrence Go and city administrator Jesus Melchor Quitain filed the mayor’s COC at the Commission on Election (Comelec) in Magasysay Park around 2:40 p.m. yesterday.

FDUTERTE, 2

FHE, 13

IN ‘TEARS.’ Assistant to the city mayor Christopher “Bong” Go pretends to cry before members of Davao City media after Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte decided to seek reelection instead of running for president. Go, together with city administrator Melchor Quitain, filed the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of Mayor Duterte yesterday at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 regional office. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Abueva leads FIBA 3x3 squad

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

KALBO PARA SA PAGBABAGO. Expecting a Mayor Duterte declaration to run for President, officials from national agencies, local government units, and barangays trooped to the barber shops and parlors for shaven heads, a move which was triggered by former Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio. Clockwise, officials og Barangay Catalunan Grande,

DCWD files protest against water firm

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

T

HE management of the monolithic Davao City Water District (DCWD) has protested against the operation a smaller water company which it recently discovered to have started another water system in Davao City without the needed government permits.

In a 11-page protest letter addressed to the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), the water district, represented by Edwin V. Re-

galado, general manager and assisted by counsel Richard D. Tumanda and Fairy Faith B. Rabago-Agustin, identified the protestee as Helpmate, Inc. Helpmate is a local corporation with office address at 2nd Floor Kintanar Bldg, 330 N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City.

Helpmate is reportedly operating as a water service provider in Cebu, particularly in the town of Minglanilla, Cebu Province.

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Mar, Leni file CoCs

A

DMINISTRATION bets Manuel “Mar” Roxas and Camarines Sur Rep. Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Thursday filed their respective Certificates of Candidacy (CoCs) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros.

Roxas was accompanied by his wife, news anchor Korina Sanchez and his mother

Judy, while the Bicol solon was with her three daughters when both submitted their CoCs that sealed their tandem for the May 2016 polls.

The Liberal Party’s (LPs) presidential aspirant promised the people that their tandem would aim to continue the Aquino administration’s stance in fighting corruption

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Councilors Danny Dayanghirang and Al Ryan Alejandre, HLURB regional director Miguel Palma Gil, and Barangay Matina Crossing chair Angela Librado-Trinidad. Photos grabbed from the internet.

Duterte files COC for mayor despite shaven head clamor ...

Go wore a shirt printed with the words “No is No” in the front and “Sinabi ko na sa inyo na ayaw ko. Ang titigas ng ulo niyo – Rody Duterte” in the back.

Those words reflect what Duterte has been saying to his supporters who have been pushing him to run. Many suppoerters had even shaved their heads in response to a dare made by the mayor’s daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio who did the same thing in apparent support of her father’s candidacy.

But in interview yesterday at the Comelec office, Go said Duterte had already made up his mind last Monday.

“Ever since nga nituyok si Mayor for Federalism, wala gyud siya nagsulti nga he is running for president (Ever since the mayor went around to advocate federalism, he never said he would be running for president),” he said.

Go said Duterte decided to file his COC for mayor so that the supporters in Manila would not expect him to file for the presidency.

He said he received a text message from Duterte thanking the people for their support.

“Thank you, but I have decided to run for Mayor of Davao City again,” the message read.

FROM 1

Go said Duterte had just arrived from his trip to Palawan.

Reporters were unsuccessful in pressing Go to give more information. He said could not answer questions – particularly if there was still a chance the mayor could go to Manila to file his COC there – because he was just ordered to file his COC along with Quitain.

Quitain, the secretary general of the local party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, was the person Duterte authorized to file his COC. “Wala gyud niya gi-ambition ang maging presidente (He never had the ambition of being president),” Go said.

Go also said Sara’s appar-

ent change of heart did not have an effect on the mayor’s decision.

Sara had long opposed her father’s candidacy for president, but on Wednesday she posted a photo of herself with a shaved head and with the hashtags #justdoit and #Duterte2016.

“Lain-lain man gud tong interpretation na gipa-abot atong pagpaupaw ni Mayor Inday Sara (There were different interpretations on why Sara shaved her head),” he said.

Go said even he supported Sara’s position. “Nagapagupit pud ko (I also had my hair cut),” he said. Funny Pearl A. Gajunera

Ilagan said Sara’s move was a creative way to convince her father.

“Kana usa ka creative na pamaagi na ipakita ang iyang

supporta sa iyang amahan labi na sa panawagan na padaganuon gyud si Mayor Digong (Duterte) as president (That

Ilagan lauds Sara’s head-shaving stunt

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

G

abf@edgedavao.net

ABRIELA Party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan lauded former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for shaving her hair just to urge

her father, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, to run for president.

In an interview yesterday at the Commission on Election (Comelec) Davao City office,

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Rescued eagle released in Davao Sur H

EDCOR, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., released on Wednesday “Mabikker,” an adult pinksker’s hawk-eagle identified as an endangered species, in Barangay Sibulan here within the 64,053-hectare Mt. Apo Natural Park after it was rescued last month.

In an interview, Dr. Roberto Puentespina, a veterinarian for wildlife and a professor at the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), told reporters that the eagle’s chances of survival were slim, suffering from dehydration, starvation, and an injury on its left eye, when it was rescued Sept. 7 near Tomari Creek, one of the sources of water of Sibulan River.

Mabikker, a Bagobo-Tagabawa term for strength and power, was rescued by Bernie Apal, 36, a tribe member who chanced upon the eagle entangled and emaciated in a rattan up a cliff. The eagle was believed to be hunting for food at that time and got his left eye injured while trying to escape from the vines.

Apal said he felt sad about the eagle’s condition, the reason why he rescued it from being strapped to the vines, and walked three hours to the barangay hall of Sibulan to surrender the bird, which was later transferred under the care of Puentespina.

Apal said that it was the third time he encountered an

eagle of such species after living in Barangay Sibulan for 10 years.

The eagle was rescued where Hedcor runs four runof-river hydropower plants – the Sibulan Hydro A with a generating capacity of 16.50 MW, Sibulan Hydro B with 26 MW, and Tudaya Hydro 1 and Tudaya Hydro 2, with generating capacities of 6 MW and 7 MW, respectively.

Puentespina said that the bird, which weighed 500 grams when first brought in for treatment at the Malagos Garden Resort, gained about 300 grams in a span of a month while in his care.

“The only thing I did to help the eagle was to give it my tender love and care,” he said.

Most common cases of the rescued eagles, according to Puentespina, were either being gunned down, trapped, or starved.

He said it is important that eagles like Mabikker must be taken care of and preserved because they serve as biodiversity indicator that the environment is still healthy.

The threats of deforestation, however, make their homes smaller while their food getting fewer.

“The eagles are meat-eaters,” Puentespina pointed out.

The bird’s starvation might have been caused by lack of food in the area, he said.

He added they are not discounting the possibility that

the same incident might happen again but the eagle has to be released to the forests, its natural habitat.

The veterinarian appealed to residents to also do their share in protecting endangered species of eagles that if they happen to see any of them getting closer to their homes hunting on their backyard animals such as chickens, “ihatag na lang sa ilaha (just give it to

them).”

Among the criteria considered that the bird was ready for release were good body condition, ability to fly, and recovery of its injured eye. The pinksker’s hawk-eagle has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years.

“We did not see signs of neurological deficit on the bird, meaning it has balance when we first saw it,” he said.

Hedcor president and

STOP THE KILLINGS. Lumad children staying at Haran Compound in Father Selga Street join a candle lighting ceremony at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue, Davao City evening of October 11, 2015. The date marks

chief operating officer Rene Ronquillo underscored the partnership between them and the local government unit.

He said they inked a memorandum of agreement with UPMin in December 2014 to do a study on Wildlife Inventory and Biodiversity and Assessment Project that includes seven sites in Sta. Cruz where Hedcor operates.

Ronquillo said this will

help them come up with strategies how to conserve and preserve the wildlife within Hedcor’s immediate environs.

Puentespina, who is also part of the study with UPMin professor Marion John Michael Achondo as the head, added they lack such comprehensive study that will guide them what steps to take to help the wildlife. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

the 37th year since the declaration of Indigenous People’s Sunday by the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

EDGE DAVAO

The Vote 2016

ALBERTO UNGAB FOR CONGRESSMAN. Rep. Isidro T. Ungab bares that Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte gave his brother, Engr. Albert Ungab, his blessings to replace him in Davao City’s third district in the 2016 election during a brief press conference yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NorCot Gov. Lala RDR files COC for IGACOS mayor still ‘unopposed’ L N

ORTH COTABATO Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza is virtually running unopposed with only one other unknown candidate running for the gubernatorial post. A certain Sultan is rumored to face-off with Gov. Mendoza, but as of Thursday afternoon though, North Cotabato Comelec officials said that so far Governor Mendoza is the only governor.

The governor filed her certificate of candidacy at the Comelec provincial office Thursday morning accompanied only by her mother and siblings.

The governor told media practitioners that even if virtually unopposed it does not mean that she and her party will be taking the campaign lightly. She said that as Liberal Party members, they will not just be campaigning hard for their local candidates but the national candidates as well.

In her last term she said that she wanted to keep on with their Summer Peace Camps which aims to foster harmony among young Muslims, Christians and lumads.

Mendoza said that the past armed conflict brought about by the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) had brought animosity among Muslims and Christians in the province.

The MOA-AD between the Arroyo government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was strongly opposed by former North Cotabato governor Emmanuel Piñol who brought the case before the Supreme Court that eventually led to the High Court declaring it as “unconstitutional”.

In retaliation, MILF rebels attacked several towns in North Cotabato and Lanao that resulted to the death of several innocent civilians.

AST-TERMER Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor for the Island Garden City of Samal close to noon Wednesday, getting incumbent and second-termer Vice Mayor Al David Uy and most of the reelectionist councilors running under the Liberal Party-Kusog Baryohanon coalition.

The governor vowed to bring and steer development never before experienced in the “stagnant” island of the Davao del Norte province under the series of administrations of the Antalans spanning long 18 years.

The governor has since been taking his property in Barangay Villarica in Babak district as his domicile to run for various elective posts in the province in his four decades of being in active politics.

Former congressman and Tadeco management top honcho Antonio “Tonyboy”

cidental.

Claude Bautista, governor of the undivided Davao del Sur, is now running or governor of the new province. Franklin, his older brother, who is on his last term as congressman, will be his running mate as vice governor.

Their sister, Lorna Bandigan, is aspiring to inherit the post to be vacated by Congressman Franklin.

Their youngest brother, Benjamin Joseph, who once served as Davao de Sur governor and three-term mayor of Malita, will slid to the position of give mayor of his nephew Bradley, Franklin’s son, who is a candidate for Malita mayor.

The political clan started with the late Benjamin Sr. who was a teacher before becoming Malita mayor. In 1978, he was plucked out from Malita politics to run for member of the interim Batasang Pambansa.

He won and was elected Member of Parliament of the regular Batasang Pambansa. Benjamin Sr. also served as congressman of Davao del Sur’s second congressional for several terms.

Before he died, Ben saw two of sons become governor of the undivided province and members of the House of Representatives. Three sons – Franklin, Claude and Benjamin Jr.—became mayor of Malita like him.

Bautistas are bets for 5 posts in Dvo-Occ

B

AUTISTA family members are running for five positions in the newly created province of Davao Oc-

Gov. Claude Bautista

Floirendo, Jr. accompanied the governor and his entire slate who filed their COCs at the Comelec office located at compound of IGACOS City Hall in Peñaplata district.

In an interview, Floirendo said that the governor has many good programs unrevealed yet that “would make IGACOS truly a real city”.

The former congressman will file yet either Thursday or Friday his COC for congressman in the province’s 2nd district for a comeback after nine years of political forlough.

He vowed to give all-out support to Del Rosario in realizing his vision to develop the island to the fullest including the materialization of the long-dreamed-of Samal Island Bridge.

The former congressman recalled that it was governor who made Samal island a city when the latter was still the congressman and had the bill approved creating IGACOS out

of the merger of its three erstwhile towns- Samal, Babak and Kaputian.

He hailed the Del Rosario-Uy tandem under the LP-Kusog Baryohanon coalition to be bannering for the “teamwork and unity for Samal”.

He said he is supporting the gubernatorial bid of the governor’s son second-termer Congressman Anthony del Rosario but at press time the LP and Kusog leaders are still finalizing agreement who should be endorsed as the LP-Kusog vice gubernatorial standard bearer.

Asked if it would still be former Panabo City Mayor Rey Gavina, whose name was heard a month ago, Floirendo said that Gavina’s name was just considered in running plain talks, “kwento-kwento lang yon… but matagal na yon.”

He said that Gavina already begged off as he pre-

TURNOVER. Former Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant regional director Atty. Jesus Joseph Zozobrado with his sister, incumbent Davao City councilor Rachel Zozobrado, Nagayo shows his accomplished certificate of

ferred to concentrate for the election bid of his son Jayrey for vice city mayor, noting of their perceived “strong opponent” in the coming polls.

Front-running names for the coalition’s bet for vice governor cropping up at press time are Board Member Alan Dujali, Board Member Ely Dacalus and governor’s son Rodney del Rosario.

The governor, the LP chairman of the province, is 81 years old now while his runningmate Uy is 36 years old.

Tonyboy is already 63 years old, “matanda na” he said jesting to reporters, “after 9 years na nawala sa politika.”

He said “go, go tayo” for the full and rapid development of the island under the mayorship of his tito (uncle).

Vice Mayor Uy, an original old Kusog Baryohanon member, for his part, said that he could have opted not to run anymore for any post Tuesday

FRDR, 13

candidacy (COC). Zozobrado is running for third district councilor replacing his sister, who is now in her last term.

Armando Fenequito Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

5

6 NEWS EDGE DAVAO

The Vote 2016

The incumbents, returnees and first-timers Photos by LEAN DAVAL JR. and ARMANDO FENEQUITO JR.

T

HE incumbent, comebacking and first-time politicians of Davao City file their certificate of candidacy (COC) seeking for a seat in the Davao City Council. Councilors NiloAbellera Jr., April Marie Dayap and Rene Elias Lopez are running for their third and last terms. Former councilor Pilar Braga and incumbent Gabriela Representative Luzviminda Ilagan both are seeking comeback

in the local lawmaking body.

Barangay captain of 5-A Edgar Ibuyan Jr. and former Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant regional director Jesus Joseph Zozobrado are also gunning for a seat. Braga is running under Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) while the rest are under the local party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod headed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

INdulge!

Around the clock happiness at the

Damosa Complex

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto Damosa Land, Inc., pioneer tioning is their large parking and top real estate developer area with good traffic and round company in Davao, banked on the clock security that will keep the opportunity to bring every- you safe during your stay. one together under one roof with From morning until the wee their Damosa Complex – a series hours of the following morning, of buildings constructed to con- the Damosa Compex is equipped tinuously provide the with well-planned amepublic with prodnities, beautifully deucts and services signed buildings, At the Damosa fit for anyone’s spacious open needs. From space and of Complex, it’s a commercia l course, a newmixture of business to hotels to ly constructed residentials commercia l and pleasure that will complex and business that centers, you’ll have you smiling from will have evnever run out erything you ear to ear. of exciting things need. and delicious activities here.

Out on a spree with your The Damosa Complex is family?

Head on to the newly renocomposed of the following: Anflocor Corporate Center, Damosa vated Damosa Market Basket Gateway, Damosa Market Bas- and make it an afternoon to reket, Damosa Business Center, member with their commercial Damosa IT Park and Microtel- stalls and finds to keep you enDamosa. tertained.

At the Damosa Complex, it’s a mixture of business and plea- Hungry and wants something new sure that will have you smiling on your plate?

Better make your way to the from ear to ear. Because the complex can easily be accessed from Damosa Gateway and feast on all sides of the city, it’s no won- a gastronomic spree like never der why many flock the complex before. anytime of any day. Worth men-

DAMOSA A4

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

HAPPINESS comes in packages. Nowadays, life is best described as synonymous to having a grand time with family and friends under one roof. Nowadays, what we want is a one-stop-centre that caters to the many demands we have. At the newly improved Damosa Complex, this is the kind of life you’ll get to live...and more.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Shrek, Skipper and Alex at SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale

THE GRANDEST sale event in the south returns as SM City Davao opens its doors for its 3 Day Sale on October 16, 17 and 18. Up to 70% discount on great selections and a number of shopping rewards await shoppers on the 3 Day Sale.

As if the great discounts are not enough, S M

City Davao brings exciting activities for everyone this weekend. On Friday, catch the launch of the first Craft Beer Project, 4 PM at the Open Parking along Quimpo Boulevard. Explore the wonderful world of brewing and tickle your palates with the food choices. On October 17, nerds unite at the Brains and Beer Trivia Night happening at 8PM. Great prizes await the smartest team.

The child wonder Ryzza Mae Dizon along with Eula Valdez and Rocky Salumbides joins the 3 Day Sale, 4PM at the Annex Event Center. Jump in the riot of fun with the Princess in the Palace stars at the Kapuso Mall Show. On Sunday, 4PM & 6PM, hang-out with Madagascar’s crazy lion Alex and Skipper the penguin, and the well-loved ogre Shrek.

Plus, get a chance to drive home a brand new Suzuki Grand Vitara with every P 1,000 worth of official receipt from any mall tenant on Friday. Double your chances of winning for purchases made from Saturday to Sunday. Simply present proofs of purchase at the redemption booths located at the Ground Floor of the Main Mall, fill out the raffle coupons

and drop them at the designated boxes.

Raffle draw will be on Sunday at 9:30 PM. Enjoy extended shopping hours up to 12 MN on Friday and Saturday, and until 10 PM on Sunday. At 9AM to 12NN on Friday, SM Advantage, Prestige and BDO Rewards cardholders can enjoy up to additional 10% markdown on all items from SM affiliate stores- during the SMAC Sale.

Get P500 worth of SM Gift Certificates for every minimum single receipt purchase worth P5,000 during the Saturday and Sunday Specials from 11AM to 3PM! The fun continues all day on 3 Day Sale with the Red Light Sale. Watch out for the red light and get freebies or additional discounts from featured shops. Featured tenants of the hour will be announced through the mall’s Facebook Page.

Gear up for an awesome shopping weekend experi-

ence! Head to SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale on October 16, 17 and 18.

For inquiries, call 297.6998 local 126.

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

The great Hong Kong winter escape THE dynamic gateway to China and the Far East, Hong Kong offers a dynamic fusion that is rich in Chinese culture and tradition with a British colonial heritage that has evolved into a cosmopolitan city of infinite attractions.

The ultimate destination which attracts almost 50 million visitors annually, Hong Kong is a vibrant mix of culture, world-class shopping, dining, nightlife and also offers a highly efficient transportation network which makes all of the city’s attractions accessible at thesnap of a finger or simply in a number of footsteps especially when you stay in any of the three Marco Polo hotels on Canton Road. Hong Kong is one of the world’s greatest cities and a magnet for entrepreneurs, gourmets, fashion titans and adventurous shoppers.

What better way to rediscover Hong Kong than this upcoming autumn and winter season when the cool weather celebrates ev-

Each of the Marco Polo hotels is located within Harbour City, the largest and most diverse shopping mall in Hong Kong. It is the ultimate shopping destination,featuring over 450 shops and where every designer brand has its flagship store with direct access to Marco Polo Hong Kong, Gateway and Prince Hotels.

erything al fresco from spectacular shopping to the most diverse dining options on the planet?

The Great Winter Escape Package Embark on your Hong Kong adventure and stay at Marco Polo Hong Kong, Gateway and Prince Hotels from 1 October 2015 to 7 February 2016.

The package benefits include, complimentary breakfast for two persons, guaranteed room upgrade to the next category, complimentary use of the Handy Smartphone which offers unlimited 3G mobile internet, unlimited local calls and free calls to five designated countries (China, the Philippines, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom) during your stay, complimentary extra bed (applicable to rooms with three guests only), 20% discount on food and beverages at all the of the following restaurants of Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel (Cucina, Cafe Marco and Lobby Lounge), Gateway Hotel (Three on

Canton) and Prince Hotel (add@ Prince) and 20% discount on laundry and dry cleaning services.

The Ideal Shopping Residence The four-letter word that is guaranteed to accelerate the pulse rates of every traveller when embarking on a Hong Kong adventure is the undisputed “SALE”!

Achieve your shopping mission by staying at any of the three Marco Polo hotels–Hong Kong. The powerhouse location of the flag-

ship Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel along with Gateway and Prince Hotels along Canton Road forms the most illustrious shopping address set in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. This remarkable network of the three Marco Polo hotels in a single stretch wherein each one stands less than 5 minutes from each other is unparalleled in the city. The entire walk is an event in itself, going through Harbour City and Canton Road, a global shopping mecca.

Exclusive Discounts As a guest at any of the three Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong, you can enjoy exclusive discounts or complimentary gifts from 12 selected shops at Harbour City. Simply present your room keycard to enjoy the special offers at Adidas, Armani Collezioni, Armani Jeans, Bally, Coach, D’Urban. I.T, Kent & Curwen, Marks & Spencer, Max & Co., McQ - Alexander McQueen, Tumi and many more.

Book now at our hotel website www.marcopolohotels.com and enjoy the special offers; a marvelous journey begins here with Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong this winter!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Sarah Lahbati stars in first ‘MMK’ episode SARAH LAHBATI topbills “MMK” for the first time this Saturday (Oct 17) as she portrays “Bituing Walang Ningning” star Monica Sacay.

At an early age, Monica joined singing contests in her province. Together with her mother Myrna (Aiko Melendez), who is also a singer, they would perform at wakes, birthday parties, and other events.

She was only eight years old when she ended up under the care of her aunt Ethel (Francine Prieto) after her mother succumbed to cervical cancer. To support her schooling, Monica peddled rice cakes and ice candies. To attract more customers, Monica serenaded

them with her sweet voice.

In 2010, Ethel convinced her to join ABS-CBN’s talent search “Star Power” where she finished 2nd runner-up.

It opened doors for her to begin the career she had always wanted and also gave her a taste of the show business.

But at 15 years old, Monica got caught up with the lifestyle and tried to fit in by putting on a new persona, which affected her personal relationships with some people closest to her. As offers and gigs started to dwindle, Monica returned to Ormoc and resumed her normal life. Until one day, opportunity knocked once more.

Joining the upcoming “MMK” episode are Yesha

Camille, Simon Ibarra, Mara Lopez, Jacob Dionisio, Kyle Secades, Katya Santos, Kyline Alcantara, Margo Midwinter, Mikee Agustin, Chienna Filomeno, and Jong Cuenco. The episode is directed by Raz Dela Torre and written by Ruel Montanez. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos.

Don’t miss the longest-running drama anthology in Asia, “MMK,” every Saturday, 8pm, after “The Voice Kids” on ABSCBN. For more updates, log on to MMK.abs-cbn.com, follow @MMKOfficial on Twitter, and “like” Facebook.com/MMKOfficial. Tweet your thoughts about this Saturday’s episode by using the hashtag #MMKKontesera.

International artists catch AlDub fever THE AlDub phenomenon just keeps getting bigger that even international singers have taken notice of Eat Bulaga, the Philippines’ longest-running noontime show where the sensational AlDub love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub was borne.

Last September, American country singer Bryan White, whose song ‘God Gave Me You’ has been playing nearly everyday on Eat Bulaga’s Kalye-serye (an on-going segment in the program featuring the split-screen romance of Richards and Mendoza) as one of theme songs of AlDub, announced that he will be staging a concert in Manila this December, following the current popularity of his 16-year old single.

“See you soon! @aldenrichards02 @mainedcm

@ConcertRepublic @ EatBulaga #GGMY #ALDUBThisMustBeLove,” he posted on Twitter.

Prior to his announcement, White uploaded a video message on Facebook thanking his Filipino supporters, “I can’t believe how a song travels and where it’s gonna end up and what’s gonna happen with it…. So, we will definitely see you soon...

Thank you so much. I’m so glad God gave me you,”

he said.

Just recently, another international artist, American singer and rapper Dawin, took to the micro-blogging site to express his gratitude for the millions of AlDub fans collectively known as AlDub Nation, and Eat Bulaga. His 2015 single, Dessert, has also been heard regularly on the Kalyeserye as Lola Nidora’s (the character played by comedian Wally Bayola) theme

song.

“Aldub Nation I would love to watch @EatBulaga I’m glad you like my song Dessert. #ALDUBMissingYou,” he posted on October 12.

From breaking records on TV ratings and social media to gaining praise from viewers and personalities from all walks of life, there’s really no stopping AlDub and the Kalye-serye from reaping success left and right.

Voice acting in MTRCB Uncut

THIS SUNDAY, October 18, in MTRCB Uncut, hosts Bobby Andrews and Jackie Aquino take a closer look into the lucrative and challenging voice acting job called “dubbing.”

Get up close and personal with some of the country’s successful voice-over experts—talent JoAnne Chua and dubbing supervi-

sor Lucy Quinto—together with MTRCB Board Member Manny Buising. An engaging “Prangkahan” awaits viewers as the guests share how they make a living from voice acting.

Gladys Reyes chats with “Klik” PBB All In housemate Fourth Salomon, one of the voice talents for dubbed anime and Asianovela programs. Discover this interest-

ing side of Fourth as he discusses how he started in the business.

Does MTRCB have a jurisdiction over live concerts? Does the agency have the right to regulate the content of these shows? Know MTRCB Chairperson Toto Villareal’s take on this and other queries in “I-Share Mo Kay Chair.”

MTRCB Uncut airs every Sunday, 7:00PM at Net 25.

October 14 – 20, 2015

THE PRENUP Jennylyn Mercado, Sam Milby PG

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

BRIDGE OF SPIES Tom Hanks, Alan Alda PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

PAN Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller PG

R-16

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

CRIMSON PEAK Tom Hiddleton, Jessica Chastain R16

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

DAMOSA A1 In the mood for a foodie adventure?

They have an array of restaurants and cafes to keep you satisfied from morning till night.

Business and pleasure in one?

At the Anflocor Corporate Center, you’ll learn a thing or two about land development while in the company of their cheerful employees. Not to mention, their Damosa Business Center, and Damosa IT Park will have you imagining a life within their confides in an instant.

World-class living facilities that verily complements the dining and entertainment sector at the Damosa Gateway?

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

If this is your cup of tea, then the Microtel Damosa is your place to be. Flocked by those who would want to escape the hustle and bustle of city living, here is a hotel that speaks forth of serenity in every corner.

The Damosa Complex is not just about that. Watch out this October for some spooktacular and exciting Damosa Land Inc. activities at the Damosa Complex. Mark your calendars and see you there!

WEEKEND NIGHT BAZAAR from 6:00pm to 12:00am every Fridays and Saturdays of October Enjoy an array of selections and finds perfect for the shopper in you!

Damosa Market Basket Open to kids, boys and girls, aged 10 years old and below Fun-filled activities include trick or treat, costume contest, magic show, party games, photobooth

FUNTASTIC TRICK or TREAT October 31, 2015, 2:00pm at the

COSPLAY CONTEST October 31, 2015, 8:00pm at the Damosa Gateway Open to all from 11 years old and above Make it an October to last you a lifetime and a life that will exceed any expectation. Head on to the Damosa Complex and start creating memories for you, your family and friends.

“For allowing the readers to arrive with a stand, succeeded in manifesting the conviction of the community members while embodying transparency and excellence in delivering the news to the community.”

BEST EDITED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER (DAILY) 2014 “Demonstrated the highest standards in terms of creativity, quality, utility and style of writing that uphold the highest journalistic standards and tradition. It presents with more consistency a strong and concise community relevant stories. The style of writing is such that even as an article deals on local events it is never myopic and parochial in treatment because its perspective also transcends beyond the locality. As a whole, Edge Davao is a paragon of high quality journalism; a local newspaper that combines, in seamless meld, high quality writing and community value.”

BEST EDITED COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2013 “Actively dedicating regular coverage of environmental reports through news, features, columns and editorials that help promote high degree of environmental consciousness among the public. EDGE DAVAO is mindfully aware of the power of information in molding an environmentally-critical public.”

BEST IN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING 2014 “Precisely exercised its excellence in a community-oriented culture, arts and history articles. It really focused on the preservation, protection and promotion of the cultural practices, local artists and presented to the readers the impact of arts and culture on community life.”

BEST IN CULTURE, ARTS AND HISTORY REPORTING 2014

The PPI. Or your pie.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Blazing the trail in innovative journalism.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

Pres. Aquino cites demog advantage in economic growth

P

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino on Wednesday highlighted anew the advantage of having a young population vis-a-vis the growth of the economy.

In an interview by Steve Forbes Jr. at the sidelines of the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Solaire Hotel in Paranaque City, the chief executive said programs to support the youth, starting from education to employment, have been put in place to ensure its long-term effect on the country.

He stressed that the government wants a holistic approach in addressing the issue of quality education and job mismatch, thus, the introduction of the K-12 program, which increased from 10 to 12 years the basic education system.

He said part of this is the inclusion of high school students, not just elementary students, under the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program “to keep the children in school.”

“We graduated the first batch of those that we assisted last year, about over 300,000, and amongst that group - between 13,000-14,000 - were honor students who previously might not have been able to complete their education,” he said.

Aquino said they have also doubled the funding for skills training to be able to meet the industry requirements in terms of skills and labor force.

He said they have also put up a web portal dubbed philjob.net to have an online list of available job opportunities in the country.

He disclosed that there was a month when job openings reached 200,000 but applicants only reached 100,000.

Thus, the stronger tie-up with industry stakeholders to address the problem.

Aquino noted that in the vocational sector alone, job placement rate, which the government defines as the time between graduation and finding a job and in this case is placed at a six-month period after graduation, in the early part of the current administration stood at about 28 percent.

He said programs to fix the education-employment gap has enabled the government to increase the job placement rate to about 71.09 percent.

“And in certain industries where the industry really partnered very well with us, took us up on the offer and cooperated very significantly, placement rate is about 92 percent currently,” he said.

FPRES, 13

ARMM BOI expects P2B before ‘15 ends

T

HE Regional Board of Investments in the (RBOI-ARMM) Autonomous Region in Muslim Midnanao on Thursday said it is expecting more investments amounting to more than P2 billion to pour in the region before the year ends.

In a statement, lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, chair and managing head of RBOIARMM, said three firms are expected to register with his office in Cotabato City in October or early next month.

He named the upcoming investors as the Gintong-Agri Corporation, Maguindanao Energy Farms, Inc., and Matling Industrial Commercial Corporation in Lanao del Sur. With peace and order gaining ground following the signing of the government and Moro rebel peace agreement, Mastura said the Gintong Agri Corportion which is based in Maguindanao is expected to infuse P1.3 billion for oil palm plantations in Maguindanao’s 5,000 hectares of open fields.

On the other hand, the Maguinanao Energy Farms, Incorporated will venture on Napier biomass fuel with an investment amounting to P400 million.

If realized, the two Maguindanao investors will provide employment and livelihood to at least 1,060 unemployed residents.

In Lanao del Sur, Matling Industrial Corporation which have been into cassava processing and production will invest an additional P194 million more.

Mastura said RBOI-ARMM have offered incentives to en-

tice more investors and help address unemployment problem besetting the region.

“These incentives for registered firms include income tax holidays of four to six years and duty-free or reduced tariff importation of capital equipment and genetic materials,” Mastura said.

In the past three years, investments in the region have been rising. ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

RBOI-ARMM records showed that in 2012, it registered P569 million that grew to P1.46 billion in 2013. The following year, RBOI recorded P3.86 billion and as of third quarter of 2015, ARMM investment rose to a whooping P5.510 billion. Since then, these investments generated 4,500 jobs.

Mastura said by the end of 2015, RBOI is expected to post at least P7 billion investments.

He also announced to investors in a recent forum in Manila that ARMM has the biggest untapped industry in petroleum generation.

Quoting an exploratory report by the Philippine National Oil Co. Exploration Corporation, the Liguasan marshland, also known as Cotabato Basin, has natural gas reserves of about 1.7 trillion cubic feet.

Mastura attributed the influx of investors to ARMM to the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Frotn (MILF) which established a better investment climate in Muslim Mindanao. (PNA)

7 ECONOMY

UPLAND FARMER. A farmer plants corn in the hinterland area of Barangay Luinab in Iligan City early Thursday morning . MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera

8 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

ARMM sees P2B more investments

T

he Regional Board of Investments in the (RBOIARMM) Autonomous Region in Muslim Midnanao on Thursday said it is expecting more investments, amounting to more than P2 billion to pour in the region before the year ends.

In a statement, Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, chairman and managing head of RBOIARMM, said three firms are expected to register with his office in Cotabato City in October or early next month.

He named the upcoming

investors as the Gintong-Agri Corporation, Maguindanao Energy Farms, Incorporated, and Matling Industrial Commercial Corporation in Lanao del Sur. With peace and order gaining ground following the signing of the government and Moro rebel peace agreement, Mastura said the Gintong Agri Corportion which is based in Maguindanao is expected to infuse Php1.3 billion for oil palm plantations in Maguindanao’s 5,000 hectares of open fields.

On the other hand, the Maguinanao Energy Farms, Incor-

porated will venture on Napier biomass fuel with an investment amounting to Php400 million.

If realized, the two Maguindanao investors will provide employment and livelihood to at least 1,060 unemployed residents.

In Lanao del Sur, Matling Industrial Corporation which have been into cassava processing and production will invest an additional Php194 million more.

Mastura said RBOI-ARMM have offered incentives to en-

tice more investors and help address unemployment problem besetting the region.

“These incentives for registered firms include income tax holidays of four to six years and duty-free or reduced tariff importation of capital equipment and genetic materials,” Mastura said.

In the past three years, investments in the region have been rising. ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

RBOI-ARMM records

showed that in 2012, it registered Php569 million that grew to Php1.46 billion in 2013. The following year, RBOI recorded Php3.86 billion and as of third quarter of 2015, ARMM investment rose to a whooping Php5.510 billion.

Since then, these investments generated 4,500 jobs.

Mastura said by the end of 2015, RBOI is expected to post at least Php7 billion investments.

He also announced to investors in a recent forum in Manila that ARMM has the

DavNor LGU supports drive for CS eligibility

A

CHAR. A vendor repacks coconut shell charcoal at the Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Many households in Davao City still use charcoal as fuel for cooking.

Lean Daval Jr.

Aerial spray ban proponents accused of unprofessionalism S

IX residents of Sitio Camocaan, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur filed before the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Region XI, Davao City a complaint of “Unprofessional, Unethical and Dishonorable Conduct” against Dr. Romeo Quijano.

One of the complainants, Victoria Garrote, testified that Dr. Quijano’s written and published story, “Poisoned Lives” about Camocaan were based on lies.

Garotte, a health worker in Camocaan said that, “Sometime in the year 1997, he (Dr. Quijano) visited our community and interviewed some residents. He introduced himself as a doctor. He asked people about their illnesses, if they have any. And he frequently visited us after that.”

She said they learned later that Dr. Quijano and hi daughter Ilang Ilang has written and published a story about Camocaan in the March 8, 2000 issue of the Philippine Post Mindanao.

According to that story some of her fellow residents in Camocaan got sick from exposure to aerial spraying. As a health worker she was very surprised and disappointed. “Because what I read and

learned in the story were lies,” she said.

The story narrated that residents of Camocaan and their land, for the past 19 years, have been facing a slow but certain death due to heavy exposure to pesticides. Also according to the story, infants are often born sick and with abnormalities, ranging from cleft lip and palate to badly disfigured bodies. Many children are born with severe skin abnormalities. Babies die at birth or shortly thereafter. One Rebecca Dolka bore a lifeless child whose body and eyes were yellow.

As a health worker in Camocaan since 1979, Garrote assisted in child deliveries in the sitio. She said, “the residents of Camocaan are not disease stricken and the place is not a wasteland. The people continue to thrive and animals and plants can live and grow. It is not true that the people are dying due to pesticides from Lapanday. There is in fact no resident in the name of Rebecca Dolka in Camocaan.

There is however a Rebecca Dulla, whom I think is the one referred to in the article. It is not true that she bore a lifeless child. There is no resident in Camoccan with the name

Rebecca other than Rebecca Dulla.”

Garotte said, they filed the complaint against Dr. Romeo Quijano so that he should be held accountable for his lies against the people and against Camocaan. Being a doctor by profession he should be honest in his dealings with the people, his patients and the community, especially on matters concerning health.

The Judicial Affidavits of all the witnesses for the case were already submitted before the PRC. This affidavit presents the complaint of the Camocaan residents against Dr. Quijano.

The other witnesses, namely; Marvin Dulla, Marlon Dulla, Rebecca Dulla, Bernardo Diaz and Annabelle Mangaga are scheduled to testify on two more hearings this month.

AERIAL SPRAYING BAN After almost 30 years of aerial spraying in Mindanao, Dr. Quijano and his daughter Ilang-ilang’s article on Sitio Camocaan has eventually resulted in Davao City’s ordinance banning aerial spraying.

In April, 2005, the Mamamayan Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (MAAS) was formed to push the ban in Davao City thru a city ordinance. MAAS

documents its own experience with aerial spraying and submitted a report, The Story of Toxic Shower, to Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. It served as basis in the deliberation of the ordinance banning aerial spraying in Davao City.

The banana growers questioned the validity and constitutionality of the aerial spraying ban ordinance of the city.

Two years later, the Court of Appeals reversed the Regional Trial Court decision to ban aerial spraying.

The Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health (IACEH), composed of various government agencies and NGO representatives, adopted a resolution banning aerial spraying in April 2009. The resolution is based on a report, Health and Environmental Assessment of Sitio Camocaan, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, conducted by Dr. Allan Dionisio.

QUESTIONABLE STUDY The banana growers and exporters opposed the resolution to ban aerial spraying and fought to expose the truth.

The ban relied heavily on the so-called Camocaan health assessment, a questionable study which has been reject-

FAERIAL, 13

biggest untapped industry in petroleum generation.

Quoting an exploratory report by the Philippine National Oil Co. Exploration Corporation, the Liguasan marshland, also known as Cotabato Basin, has natural gas reserves of about 1.7 trillion cubic feet.

Mastura attributed the influx of investors to ARMM to the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Frotn (MILF) which established a better investment climate in Muslim Mindanao.

(PNA)

LTHOUGH becoming an eligible civil servant is an individual concern, yet for some to become “licensed” for the job are being marred by family responsibilities, time constraints and even the cost of a review subjecting themselves to become perpetually ineligible.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario conceptualized himself how a non-eligible provincial capitol worker can be helped.

An intervention the provincial government made is the conduct of a 4-hour 5 evenings free civil service review classes for non-eligible workers from October 13-17this year helping them become competent and capacitated employee.

Thirty-one out of the seventy provincial government employees that signified attended on its first session from 5-9 in the evening coming from different offices and departments to engaged in a 4-hour session review focused on English and Mathematics

subjects.

Civil service exams for career and non-career position eligibilities are scheduled on Sunday, October 18, 2015.

With its overarching strategy abbreviated as P.E.O.P.L.E, the administration of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is bent to empower each Dabaonon especially the prime movers of public service delivery -the employees, become competent as civil service eligible workers: P, stands for people empowerment, E, education and environment, O, optimum health and social services, P, public-private partnership, L, link to the world, and, E, employment and livelihood opportunities tucked in the core values of integrity, competence and commitment.

This is not the first since the provincial government made some interventions for its non-eligible workers yet a wholly different from past years’ endeavor; this year’s review classes are conducted

FDAVNOR, 13

APEC ministers promote use of nuclear energy

A

SIA PACIFIC Economic Cooperation (APEC) energy ministers have encouraged member economies to look into the potential of nuclear power to support the region’s goal of cutting carbon footprint and emission of greenhouse gases.

“We reaffirm the importance of safe and efficient development of civil nuclear power as an option to clean, high-quality and advanced modern energy, which functions as a base load power source, to help ensure global energy security and sustainable development as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” the joint statement of the Energy Ministerial Meeting (EMM) read.

APEC energy ministers have encouraged interested member economies to continue close cooperation such as exchange of information and best practices to improve nuclear safety performance.

Interested member economies should further collaborate in emergency response and preparedness mechanisms as well as conducting capacity building and training for safe and peaceful development and use of nuclear power.

“As far as APEC is concern, they are promoting nuclear power,” said Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson on the sidelines of a press conference concluding the EMM here.

“It’s an option, although not all economies are in to nuclear (power). Like in the Philippines, we have a problem on social acceptability,” added Ayson, who also co-chaired the APEC Energy Working Group Meeting.

She said safety issue remains the top reason why people reject to tap nuclear energy.

“People fear it’s not safe.

But come to think of it, latest technology is in place so that

FAPEC, 13

EDGEDAVAO

9 HEALTH

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

Ever heard of the

miracle fruit?

TEXT and PHOTOS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

N Mindanao, there’s a strange fruit that never fails to catch the attention of whoever sees it. Although not very popular yet, it looks like a young coconut in appearance and watermelon in size.

Its name is even strange: calabash. In the science world, it is called Crescentia cujete. It is known as calabacero in Spain, totumo in Colombia and Panama, mate in Ecuador, pate in Peru, jicaro in Mexico, higuera in Puerto Rico and rum tree in Sri Lanka.

But most Filipinos call it miracle fruit. The reason: it cures some diseases, even cancer. In General Santos City, a group of students from the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University found that “calabash extracts have the ability to prevent blood vessel growth and development.” As such, it “could be used to help prevent the cancer cells in the human body.”

The students have analyzed the effects of fruit and leaf extracts of calabash to duck eggs. In their study, they found that the “extracts have successfully halted toe formation of new blood vessels as shown by the lower number of branching points in duck embryo compared to the controlled samples.”

According to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the students’ analysis showed that the tree’s “fruit and leaf extracts contain flavonoids such as quercetin and anthraquinone, the important phytochemicals for antiangiogenic activities, a process that inhibits the growth and development of new blood vessels in the body.”

Antiangiogenesis controls the spread of tumor cells in the body by disabling the transport of nutrients toward the cancerous cells, the PCHRD explained. Tumor cells, as they normally do, start with a single cell, which then divides into more cells. “The growth of malignant cells will depend on the availability of specific nutrients being transported by blood vessels,” it said.

In Davao City, the Davao Medical School Foundation has confirmed that calabash fruit has a blood sugar lowering effect to the tested animals.

In the website of PCHRD, it was reported the researchers

administered calabash fruit decoction (juice from boiled calabash fruit) to hyperglycemia-induced rabbits and compared effects to Metformin, a standard drug for the treatment of diabetics (positive control) and a mineral water treatment (negative control).

Analysis revealed that calabash fruit decoction and Metformin treated rabbits showed “a significant decreased in the amount of blood sugar in the body. While rabbits administered with mineral water solution have constant high blood sugar levels.”

According to the study, “the decrease of blood sugar level was attributed to the effects of phytochemicals found in calabash fruit responsible for the release of insulin that lowers blood sugar in the tested animals.”

Calabash is native to Central and South America. In fact, it is the national tree of St. Lucia. How it came to the Philippines, no one knows. In countries where it is common, it is popular because of its medicinal properties. It contains vitamin B1, vitamin C, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium.

The pulp, for instance, is very efficient in dealing with respiratory problems such as asthma and cough. The juice from the pulp is used along with cinnamon, anise and nutmeg to prepare a herbal syrup which lessens chest disorders and treats gastrointestinal problems.

The decoction of the bark

can be used to cure wounds.

The leaves have the ability to decrease blood pressure and headaches. The leaves can also be crushed and applied to wound to stop bleeding. If mixed with castor oil, it also acts as a purgative and laxative herb.

Calabash is not only known for its healing powers but also as an ally in food preparation.

In Chinese cuisine, it is often fried and added to soups. In Japan, people buy it in the form of marinated strips which they use in making rolled sushi. In Burma, the leaves are boiled and eaten with a hot and spicy fish sauce.

In Central America, where it is native, the leaves are carefully toasted and combined with other ingredients to prepare a drink called horchata.

Other edible parts are the

shoots and the tendrils.

But don’t use calabash too much in food preparation.

It has been reported the fruit contains a toxic compound called tetracyclic triterpenoid cucurbitacin, which can trigger stomach ulcer. Pregnant women must also avoid consuming it as the fruit was once used to induce labor.

There are several other uses of calabash. In Africa, it is called Tupperware tree because of its multifarious uses.

When dried, the fruit’s shell can be used to make various kinds of utensils, ornaments and musical instruments. The dried shells can be used to create bowls for drinking and eating or for carrying water.

The wood is used in making cattle yokes, wooden wheels and ribs in boat building.

Indeed, there’s a lucrative

business waiting for those who grown calabash. One lady who discovered it is Bilma Masamloc Fuertes, the woman behind Mary’s Miracle. “I realized that there’s a demand in miracle fruit,” she told Marid Agribusiness Digest. “So I’ve gone into many researches to prove the benefits. And Mindanao is abundant in miracle fruit.”

She came to know the calabash because of her husband who experienced stroke four times. Since they didn’t have sufficient money for the medicine maintenance, she tried to process the calabash juice for him. She asked him to drink it and within 10 days her husband was cured.

“I won’t stop researching not only about the juice but also to the other beneficial results from miracle juice and

other possible products from the fruit itself,” Fuertes was quoted as saying. “And I am very proud to tell everyone that generally we see the great potential to expand our business not only here in Davao or in the country but also to export it.”

So, how do you extract the juice out of the fruit? Chris Dearne, a foreigner who has lived in General Santos City for several years now, gives some tips in his blog, “Live in the Philippines.”

But before extracting the juice, be sure to select a mature fruit. Here’s the reason why: “If you choose an immature fruit, (the juice will have a smell) reminiscent of a football stadium urinal which has been starved of flushing water for a while!”

A fruit that has pleasant but not strong smell is best for making juice. Now the preparation: “Open the fruit and scrape out all the inside material. Chop them into small pieces and the squash it. Once is it well-squashed into a mush, boil it for 30 minutes before draining the juice through a clean cloth. Let the extracted juice to cool before putting it into bottles. Place the bottles inside the refrigerator and simply drink it.”

Now, you know why calabash is touted to be a miracle fruit!

EDGEDAVAO

10 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

E

Right of choice

LECTION is not always circus as we know it. Behind the appearance of various kinds of crazy people wanting to become President of the country during the filing of the certificate of candidacy, there is something sacrosanct about the exercise. It is the inviolable right to choose the leaders that we want to govern us, consult us, plan with us and make our dreams come true. The right to pick our leaders in an honest and fair election is mandated by our election laws and guaranteed by our Constitution.

In our Davao region, for instance, election is a golden opportunity to assess our local government unit (LGU) leaders, allow those who performed well to continue serving us, but change those found to be lackadaisical, lethargic and worse, corrupt.

Fortunately for Dabawenyos, most elected leaders of

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LGUs in the Davao Region are well-performing, if not award-winning. The leaders of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur, and the cities and municipalities within them, you name it, almost always many are in the news receiving awards for various aspects in governance. Indeed, the likes of Governors Rodolfo del Rosario, Corazon N. Malanyaon, Arthur T. Uy, who will complete their last terms in 2016, and Claude P. Bautista, are no strangers to awards.

Their grateful constituents will have ease in deciding to elect them again for whatever position they would run for in the 2016 elections, or elect those they would campaign for. But woe are those who had disappointing performance, because the irate electorate will dump them and their cohorts.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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VANTAGE POINTS

11

Federal Dream must be kept alive for everyone’s sake

HETHER Mayor Duterte wins or loses, whether for President or Mayor, he has already captured the imagination of many Mindanaoans and Visayans on the dark and sinister reality of a Manila government that will always fail to govern us, which only exacerbates the neglect and disregard with which we, outliers of this great country, are treated.

We need to face the fact that the national government is the Manila government.

In recent months, Metro Manila traffic has received Malacanang’s attention via a cabinet cluster under the direct supervision of Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras. All the focus on what should be a local government issue while 4,000 lumads escaping conflict in Surigao languish in evacuation centers, seeking a simple yet elusive justice that only requires that they rightfully live with the same freedoms and guarantees that Metro Manila residents enjoy. Sadly, the Manila media is likewise to blame, lending its lens on EDSA traffic, thereby making it a national issue.

Even the survey firm Pulse Asia mentions traffic management as a concern of the President, and asked respondents how the President fared in addressing an issue that ought to be the concern of Metro Manila mayors. As

L

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

AST September 30, 2015, during the Global Alliance for Agri-biotech Model on Low-level Presence and GM and Organic Farming Coexistence held at the Iloilo Convention Center, farmer-leader Edwin Paraluman personally gave copies of declarations of support for the commercial planting of the fruit and shoot borer resistant Bt eggplant to Dr. Segfredo Serrano, the undersecretary for policy, planning, research and development of the Department of Agriculture.

“The declarations were signed by almost 700 Filipino farmers, scientists, and other agri stakeholders from Pangasinan, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Isabela, Cagayan De Oro, and other provinces in Mindanao after learning about the science, safety, and potential benefits of the said crop from University of the Philippines scientists, regulators and farmers already using GM corn,” said a press release circulated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

“I would also hope that there will come a day when we don’t need exhaustive resources to get a petition for government to appreciate, and to remind us to push a particular issue that is a legitimate right of our farmers and our stakeholders,” said Usec. Serrano, who recognized the farmers and stakeholders’ sentiments.

In a news report, Abraham Manalo, who serves as executive secretary of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), was quoted as saying that the manifesto does not aim to influence the Supreme Court but merely expressed the farmers and stakeholders’ hope for the commercial approval of Bt eggplant.

Paraluman, who is from General Santos City, said that he has been waiting for a long time for the Bt eggplant to be planted commercially.

“If will get rich in planting corn, the more I will get rich in planting eggplant,” he said. “Because

election fever MY TWO CENTS’ captures media attention, grandstanders seeking our votes perform for the Manila crowd, and the rest of the nation infected with Manileño John Tria sensibilities. ecisouth@gmail.com We also need to understand that many resources and economic opportunities are exploited by Manila at the behest of its leaders, at the expense of our future. In particular, we fear that the excess electric generation capacity being built on our island will only benefit lands beyond our shores, forcing up the price of electricity to lower the costs in Luzon and the Visayas whilst increasing our own. No less than PNoy himself warned us that power rates are bound to go up, and that the days of cheap power in Mindanao will soon end. Not because the cost of generating power in Mindanao has gone up, but because there is a need mix to it with the nations grid to lower the

costs for people in Manila and the Visayas.

What justice is there in such a statement, when made against the fact that Mindanao’s power rates are the most competitive in the country when compared with the rest of Asia? Truly, there is a need to lower it more, but why erase Mindanao’s only true advantage? Why not generate more power in your own backyard to meet or surpass Mindanao’s generation costs or be at par with Thailand and Malaysia?

In a focused group discussion on exporting livestock held at the start of this year’s Davao trade expo, some Mindanao livestock producers were appalled at the national government’s excuses on why livestock exports have failed to expand, and why the Philippines, with vast lands and skilled people, imports a third of its beef requirements, almost all of its dairy needs, and 85 percent of its meat requirements to make our corned beef, hotdogs, and other processed meat products.

I would have preferred to hear some words of encouragement and support, or a program to scale up production to meet the demands of local consumers and eventually erase. But it seems that the Manila government is content with allowing more imports for the meat processors in Luzon and will not stand up

strongly enough for the Mindanao livestock producer, who employs and can employ thousands and provide a market for thousands more producing in their backyards to produce local meat for the Filipino. All this while Mindanao is a heartbeat away from its neighbors like Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, their growing economies hungry for the food we can produce. But will Manila help us grow?

The two aforementioned cases illustrate the lost potential siphoned off by ineptitude of centralized Filipino governance. “Imperial Manila” is not a tired slogan to push selfish interests, it is a real malady that plagues our system of governance. Everyone is affected, and fixing this will create opportunity for everyone. Thus, the dream of a federal Philippines rests not on who sits as President of the Manila government, but on us, who have staked our claim to the great promise of Mindanao. We thank Mayor Duterte for sticking the advocacy to the gut of the nation, but it is we who rightfully must create it. We are heirs to this hope, and only we will have the decent desire to struggle for it. No longer will we wait for Manila to give its excuses, and let our patience with this chronic sad set up run thin.

This is the game change we hope to achieve.

I have planted THINK ON THESE! eggplant, but 7090% have been damaged because of the eggplant borer. With Bt eggplant, we will also have less spraying so it’s good for the health.”

Corn borer Henrylito D. Tacio resistant and henrytacio@gmail.com herbicide tolerant corn is the only genetically modified (GM) or biotech crop approved for planting in the Philippines. It has increasingly been planted by thousands of farmers since 2003, and has significantly contributed to increased production of quality corn grains, making it a potential export crop for the country.

In 2014, around 415,000 small and resource-poor Filipino farmers planted biotech corn, according to the SEARCA press release.

The eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) is one of the most destructive insect pests that attack eggplants. Scientifically, it is called Leucinodes orbonalis, a moth specie prevalent in Asia and Africa. The moths’ larvae feed on eggplant shoots and fruits until maturity.

“The EFSB can cause as much as 50-75 percent loss of fruits,” said former Science Secretary Emil Q. Javier. “The worm of the insect bore tunnels in the fruit, rendering them unfit for consumption.”

Unfortunately, there is no known genetic resistance to EFSB in cultivated and wild eggplants. “The insects are concealed in the shoots and fruits and are difficult to reach,” Dr. Javier explained. “Thus, in order to protect their crops, farmers spray their plants almost every other day with insecticides.”

Edgar C. Talasan is a vegetable farmer from barangay Imalutao in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

He said in his 15 years of vegetable farming, in every eggplant cropping cycle, he sprayed at least twice a week. For every 1,000 eggplant hills, he used 0.5 kilogram of Lannate, two bottles (250 mL) of Prevathon, two bottles (250 mL) of Alika, one liter of Karate, one kilogram of Daconil, and 0.5 liter of Selecron.

The current methods used by some eggplant growers in controlling the EFSB are unacceptable, said Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, an entomologist or a scientist who studies insects.

The practice is also unhealthy to consumers, farmers, and the environment, said Bernardo, who is also a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

She said studies conducted in major eggplant producing provinces found that almost all farmers use chemical insecticides and that some even dip the unharvested eggplant fruits in a mix of chemicals just to ensure that harvests are marketable.

“The very basic question is, which is safer, the present practice or the alternative, the Bt eggplant which is rigorously evaluated by experts?” she asked. “Is bathing the unharvested eggplant fruits in chemicals, which would end up in dinner tables of people, safe?”

Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis. “Bt talong was developed by genetically engineering a gene from the bacteria so that the genetically modified eggplants now produce a protein that defends it against insect attacks,” explained Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino plant geneticist who is the Dean of Science at the New York University.

“When ingested by the larvae of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies

within a few days,” noted a briefing paper circulated by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Bt is present in the Philippine soil and had been in use for years without any harmful effects. As it comes from the earth itself, Bt is very natural, according to Dr. Bernardo. In 1901, Bt was discovered to have an insecticidal property.

By the 1950s, it became a well-known biological insecticide.

“Bt is easily cultured by fermentation,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “Thus, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers worldwide. Organic farming has benefited from Bt insecticide, as it is one of the very few pesticides permitted by organic standards.

The insecticide is applied either as a spray or as ground applications. It comes in both granules and liquefied form.”

But the big question is: Is the Bt protein found in Bt talong safe for non-target organisms? On tests conducted on dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish, frogs, and even birds, the Bt protein was found not to have any harmful effects, according to Extension Toxicology Network (Extoxnet), a pesticide information project of several US universities.

“The specificity of Bt for its target insects is one of the characteristics that make it an ideal method of biological pest control,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “The specificity rests on the fact that the toxicity of the Bt protein is receptor-mediated. This means that for an insect to be affected by the Bt protein, it must have specific receptor sites in its gut where the proteins can bind. Fortunately, humans and majority of beneficial insects do not have these receptors.”

According to Dr. Bernardo, cooking the Bt eggplant can completely denature the Bt protein. “It is non-detectable in any cooked food therefore there is no human exposure to Bt proteins in eating cooked Bt crops,” she said.

Bt talong in the limelight

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

HISTORY OF DAVAO Changing names, burying history (9th of a Series)

BY ANTONIO FIGUEROA

WITH the transformation of Davao City into a cosmopolitan hub, so much of its history, especially names of streets that reflect its colonial past, has been destroyed through political impertinence.

Roads named after Spaniards and Americans, for some flimsy reasons and selfserving motives, have been changed, irretrievably ruining the city’s sense of history.

Over a 10-year period (1963-72), for want of posterity and lack of interest in historiography, local legislators, most of them related by blood and marriage, took upon themselves to hide the past by voting to replace street names in favor of personalities whose contributions to local history can be considered obscure and politically incorrect.

Davao’s Hispanic heritage, for a century and a quarter (1848-1962) was largely appreciated through preservation. Even under the American rule, this legacy was never violated, and it existed alongside the landmarks that carried Western nomenclatures.

That would change, though, when local lawmakers started to put above history the memory of their loved ones who, it is said, had also contributed to the growth of the old pueblo.

In 1963 alone, three key streets named after colonial figures were amended: Narciso Claveria, author of the Spanish decree requiring Filipinos to use Hispanic surnames, was renamed Claro M. Recto; Jose Oyanguren, conqueror of Davao, was changed to Ramon Magsaysay, third post-war president; and Frank Carpenter, an American governor-general, was rechristened to Leon Ma. Garcia Sr. Even the short road at Barrio Obrero named Ramon Magsaysay was changed to Alzate, after a Davao pioneer.

In 1964, the City Council shortened Padre (Federico) Faura, SJ, founder of the Manila Observatory, to accommodate Santiago Artiaga, the first city mayor of Davao.

Four years later, apparently as a show of idiocy, the old Tomas Claudio Street, named after the first Filipino to die in World War I in Chateau Thierry, France, was renamed Elpidio Quirino, the second post-war president, wrongly accused of buying a golden arinola (chamber pot). That same year, the stretch that links Legaspi Street to Manuel Camus Street was changed to Gaudencio Antonino, a senator who died in a helicopter crash.

In 1971, the local lawmaking body passed resolutions changing three more street names. Fernando Magallanes, Portuguese navigator who rediscovered the

country, was changed to Antonio Pichon Sr. while Simon de Anda, Basque governor in the Philippines, was renamed Feliciano Iñigo, after a landed Davao gentry. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, founder of Cebu and Manila and first Spanish governor-general, meanwhile, was renamed Pantaleon Pelayo Sr., a 1935 Constitutional Convention delegate and judge who was later appointed city mayor of Davao.

Moreover, in 1972, the street linking Ponce street to the intersection of Damaso Suazo, a former Davao municipal president (1900-01) and lawmaker (1925-28), and Artiaga street was named

Pag-asa, and Padre Faura (or whatever is left of its original length) was rechristened to Fatima, after a parish named in honor of a place in Portugal where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three rural children in 1916.

This was topped by another name-changing event when the City Council, in an appropriate recognition, renamed the old Circumferential Road to Juan S. Sarenas Avenue by enacting Ordinance No. 0177 in 2003. Eleven years later, it was renamed to Gregorio V. Cañeda Road, after the shortest-serving Davao governor and father of six-term city councilor Pilar C.

Braga.

The need to revisit the old street names of Davao is significant in reviving interest in local history and helps us appreciate the roles the figures played in shaping the city’s historiography. Different people have different lenses to view in understanding our colonial past. By reliving history and by restoring the old names, we will be able to place history in right perspective.

But this aspiration hangs in the balance each time a new measure is filed in the City Council asking for obscure names to be recognized in the roster of city streets.

In fact, most of the thoroughfares that crisscross the urban center are blood-related, and their names, some unofficially, were chosen by local politicians whose lineage is indisputably linked to the honorees.

Save for the names of national icons (Rizal, Bonifacio, Lopez-Jaena, Mabini, Jacinto, Malvar, Luna brothers, etc.) that have miraculously survived the legislative onslaught of the city sanggunian, other survivors include local heroes (Lapulapu, Soliman, Lakandula, and Urduja). Of course, more burying of historical facts will happen by renaming key street names in the future.

NAMESAKE. Fernando Magallanes (Ferdinand Magellan), the Portuguese navigator who rediscovered the Philippines for Spain and for whom Magallanes Street in Davao City was named.

The street has since been renamed Antonio Pichon Jr. Street.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

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for mayor within the period from today up to December 10, 2015 and still qualified to seek the country’s highest post under Comelec rules.

“He can still withdraw and run for a higher office,” Quitain said. “We are still hopeful.”

Quitain and Duterte’s executive assistant Christopher “Bong” Go filed the mayor’s COC in his behalf at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday afternoon.

Go, weating a shirt with the words “No Is No” printed

on it, accompanied Quitain at the Comelec office.

While both were presenting Duterte’s COC, they asked Comelec election assistant Nelita G. Gestosani if it it’s still possible for the mayor to withdraw from the mayoral race and run for a higher office.

Gestosani, Quitain said, answered in the affirmative.

It was not known why both Quitain and Go were asking the Comelec about this, but the query raised flickering hopes of Duterte’s supporters that he will still run for president.

is a creative way to show her support for her father especially the call to make Mayor Digong run for president),” she said.

Ilagan said the people need someone like Duterte to lead the country because of his political will which has been shown in his style of governance.

“I think it is right because we need Mayor Rody Duterte to be the game changer for this country,” she said.

She said Duterte has the ability to run the country because of his long experience as local chief executive.

“Davao City is the best example of what the mayor can do if he will become a president,” she said.

Yesterday, sisters Angela Librado Trinidad, a former councilor who is now barangay captain of Matina Crossing, and incumbent councilor Leah Librado-Yap also accept-

ed the challenge of Sara for her father’s supporters to shave their heads.

The sisters posted photos of themselves sporting their new hairstyle.

On Wednesday morning, Sara posted a photo of herself with her hair was being shaven off.

She wrote: “Nagpa upaw na lang ko samtang naghulat (I had my head shaved while waiting).”

She posted the h a s h t a g s # D u te r te 2 0 1 6 #kalboparasapagbabago #NohairWecare “Bisan walay kwarta, bisan way makinarya, bisan mapildi #justDUit (Even with no money, even with no machinery, even if we lose, just do it),” she added.

Mayor Duterte has been saying that one of the reasons for his decision not to run for president is his family’s opposition, particularly Sara’s.

ed by impartial researchers as “inconsistent, inadequate, and not enough to support a recommendation to ban aerial spraying,” among other negative descriptions.

Two peer reviews made on the study by the University of the Philippines and the World Health Organization found the study “inconclusive; it has loopholes; the data is limited.”

The Camocaan study has been branded as “rigged” and “deceptive” and designed to give credence to the claims of Quijano that sitio Camoocan was poisoned due to aerial spraying of low-dose fungicide.

Banana growers presented evidence, which established that Dr. Allan Dionisio, lead investigator in the Camocaan research, and his co-researchers undertook the research with strong bias against pesticide, used environmental samples of questionable integrity and fabricated illnesses among residents.

They could not even present the alleged victims of poisoning to health clinics for treatment. The municipal health officer of Hagonoy, Dr. Patricio Hernane and of Sta. Cruz, Dr. Lorraine Ana Lindong, both said that they have not received the list of people that Dionisio claimed to be sick due to aerial spraying so that they can be attended to.

The banana growers provided IACEH a copy of their findings including the video-

taped testimonies of witnesses, among them a barangay health worker, who said that they were left alone by one of the investigators, Ana Francisco Rivera, to gather water and soil samples.

Rivera, in an open forum June 3, 2009 during the People’s Inquiry about the study said that she gathered water from a fishpond and from an irrigation canal. Adela Amado, a barangay health worker, said she took the water sample from a mangrove pond some distance from the village where water from two newly developed fishponds accumulated. The study said samples were cited as drinking water.

The banana growers’ track record for the past 45 years proved that low-dose fungicide poses no risk to people’s health and environment.

It is milder than table salt, coffee, nizoral shampoo or of the obnoxious and deleterious carbon monoxide which people from all walks of life are exposed daily or of the acetaldehydes, chloromethanes, dioxane, phosphates and alkylbenzene sulfonic acid in laundry soaps and detergents used daily by millions of households in the country.

A separate hearing for complaints against Dr. Dionisio and his team will also be held sometime this month at the PRC. Victoria Garrote and another complainant Bernardo Diaz, will be presented against them.

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The DCWD protest to NWRB accused Helpmate of starting drilling and other development activities “without valid permits.”

It said that Helpmate has commenced laying down it pipelines along the city roads, and is now accepting application for water service connection.

“In its own website (www,helpmate.com.ph), the protestee (Helpmate) made a public declaration that it will begin operations by early 2016 and will service (in) the residential areas of Buhangin District,” the letter said.

According to the letter, on October 6, 2015, spokesman Bernardo D. Delima Jr., one of the water district lawyers, checked with the NWRB and discovered that Helpmate has not applied for water permit or certificate of public convenience.

The complaining DCWD accused Helpmate of taking for granted or taking very lightly the authority of the NWRB to regulate water rights and to issue certificate

of public convenience, “not to mention the fact of protestee’s open and very bold defiance to the requirements of the Davao City Council to first secure all clearance and permits from the proper national government agencies, the Honorable Board (NWRB) for water rights and certificate convenience.”

It was learned, however, that in October 2013, Helpmate approached the Davao City Council with its proposal for the development of domestic water supply for Buhangin District.

Helpmate reportedly told the city councilors that it was its intention “to prioritize and focus in the residential areas not being served by the protestant (DCWD).” This prompted the city council to pass Resolution No. 0160715 dated February 10,2015 favorably acting on the proposal of Helpmate. However, it made clear that the company will have to first secure all the clearances and permits required by the concerned national government agencies.

through “Tuwid na Daan” (Straight Path).

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kababayan sa pagakakataon na pinagkakaloob nila sa amin at ialay ang aming sarili bilang kakatawan ng daang matuwid at ang pagsulong ng laban para sa daang matuwid [We thank our fellowmen for the chance to serve. We offer ourselves to the nation in our pursuit to continue with the Straight Path],” Roxas said in a short speech after filing his CoC. “All in na po kami ni Leni sa aming pag-file ng aming CoCs. Ibibigay po namin ang lahat sa laban na ito. Ito ang laban na dapat lang na ipaglaban. Laban para sa ating mga kababayan. Laban para sa la-

hat ng pamilyang Pilipino at sa kaginhawaan na pangarap nating lahat [We are going to give our best in this fight. This is a fight for our fellowmen],” he added.

For her part, Robredo, wife of the late and former Interior Sec. Jesse Robredo who died in a plane crash in 2012, said she is ready to serve the Filipinos and offer herself as their servant.

With this, she asked the support of the people in their quest for the top two positions in the land.

Before filing their CoCs, both national candidates attended a Mass at the Manila Cathedral with President Benigno Aquino III, their families and supporters. (PNA)

safety is always there. But I think our people have yet to be informed. They have to be convinced,” the Energy official noted.

“It’s a clean fuel so it doesn’t emit greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide. It’s a clean and cheap fuel,” she stressed.

Earlier, Ayson said nuclear power remains part of the longterm options of the Department of Energy and it continues to conduct studies on nuclear energy.

Ayson said that some APEC economies are increasing the share of nuclear energy to power generation while other member economies are putting up nuclear power facilities or exploring to tap the sector.

International Atomic Energy Agency data show APEC economies that are using nuclear energy are Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, and United States.

These economies’ nuclear share to electricity generation in 2014 ranged from 19 to 30 percent.

Ayson noted that neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are looking into adopting nuclear resources as part of energy generation.

Japan also returned to tap nuclear energy as it restarted in August its first nuclear power, Sendai plant, after the Fukushima meltdown in 2011.

Aside from civil nuclear power, APEC ministers also urged member economies to expand in biofuels, advanced coal technologies, liquefied natural gas as well as solar, wind, and marine technologies as the region aims to shift to low-carbon economy.

APEC economic leaders envisioned the region to double renewable energy’s share to power generation by 2030.

If the region will not resort to other energy resources, APEC is expected to be heavily dependent in coal-fired power plants which are expected to account 70 percent of the total energy capacity in the next 15 years. (PNA)

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after hearing that the governor would be running for mayor in the island.

Uy had already formed earlier his slate with him as the mayoralty standard bearer, while last-termer Mayor Aniano Antalan and his brother and ex-Mayor Roger Antalan has been reportedly readied with the brothers in tandem. The mayor would slide to be the vice mayoral running mate of Roger.

“I’m still young and idealistic. One needs to sacrifice for unity and change,” Uy said.

After the slate of Del Rosario finished filing their COCs, they went around and into City Hall offices, shaking hands with employees including Mayor Antalan and brother Roger and their slate of councilors, who at that time were meeting at the mayor’s office conference room to finalize their plan of filing their COCs. They gamely shook their hands to each other.

Mayor Antalan refused to comment on the group of Del Rosario.

Ex-Mayor Roger Antalan, the mayoral standard bearer said that they would be running under the PDP political party and not yet under the U & I (Uswag IGACOS ) Party which the Antalans applied for accreditation as a political party early this year to the Comelec Manila office.

He said that their U & I Party has yet to get a “promulgation” from the Comelec.

As of 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, the Antalan group was still waiting for the regional officer of the PDP who would sign for their certification of nomination and acceptance (CONA), a requirement in COC filing for non-independent candidates.

Meanwhile, a report said that island’s Councilor Alberto Ortiz filed early Wednesday his COC for mayor with his wife as his vice mayoral runningmate. – Cha Monforte, Correspondent

One of the sectors that benefited from these measures is the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, which is now among the major growth drivers of the economy with revenues of a little over USD 19 billion to date.

Aquino said the BPO sector directly employs about 1.3 million Filipinos to date but also provides about 2.5 to three million indirect jobs.

He said the industry has resulted to growth not only of major economic centers in the country but other smaller areas in the countryside “at far greater rates than what was previously done by various other interventions.”

“So it seems that the Philippines has identified a niche and that we have the talent to be able to really populate and to really grow,” he said.

With people’s income rising so is consumption, which is also one of the country’s solid growth drivers, due also to remittances.

The Philippines has been posting higher growth rates in the last five years, with average placed at about five percent from three percent in the past.

This made the country one

of the leaders in the region in terms of domestic output and resiliency.

With massive investment in social services and infrastructure along with economic and governance reforms, Aquino is confident of the sustained growth for the economy.

“So it becomes a virtuous cycle of us delivering on the promises, the expectations rising, and then the optimism generating a more positive activity within the economy both in terms of the growth of the middle class and also the confidence of those who have the economic clout to effect changes in our country,” he stressed.

Relatively, the President said investors’ confidence on the domestic economy has attracted foreign investments, thus, he continued to encourage businessmen to tap opportunities in the country.

“So, I guess, in a sense there will be less risks, (there is) optimism, hope, more actual figures that will say that it is really more fun not just to visit the Philippines but to do business in the Philippines,” he added. (PNA)

for free.

“Good for you, you are so lucky,” said the English subject proctor on the first session of the 5-early evening free Career Civil Service exam review for non-eligible provincial government employees. She commented that this endeavor showed nothing but the provincial government’s interest for the welfare of its workers.

For a government worker after attending the first session of the free review class: “I felt so grateful for the generosity and benevolence of the provincial governor. The review really helped me refresh the English subject and learn new and easier techniques in

Mathematics.”

Davao del Norte provincial government has also other “people empowerment” programs in collaboration with the Davao del Norte Learning Institute (DNLI) designing the module to capacitate its workers. Undergrad capitol employees are send to the school as scholars while working, for them to finish a degree.

Others are also send abroad for trainings and scholarship studies to be more skilled and competent employee not only in the delivery of public service but more importantly enabling communities toward local economic development.

(DavNor pio)

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Uber pilots new partner app in Manila, Singapore

R

IDE-SHARING company Uber yesterday launched an all-new app for driver partners, piloting it in Manila and Singapore as the first two markets in Southeast Asia to receive the upgrade.

Karun Aya, Uber’s head of communications for South Asia and India, told EDGE Davao in an email that the new app is “designed specifically to give driver partners more information to help Uber work better for them and maximise their income.”

“These updates will become available to driver partners globally in the coming weeks,” Aya added.

“Driving with Uber means more than just being on the road. From choosing when and where to drive, to tracking progress toward goals—our driver-partners make choices

at every turn. That’s why we’re excited to announce the next generation of the Uber Partner app, designed to give drivers more information so Uber works better for them,” Uber said in a press statement.

“Through feedback sessions, research and testing, we collaborated with drivers to understand how our team of engineers, designers, and data scientists could build features that would best meet their needs. The result is an app that puts personalized insights at drivers’ fingertips,” the company added.

The Uber Partner app now has four sections with features that can be used on the go or at home. The first section is Home for personalized feeds.

“When drivers open the Uber Partner app they instantly get a pulse of their city and

real-time updates on their activity. The feed includes notes from local Uber city teams, upcoming events, extra earning opportunities, and tips for how to deliver their next 5-star experience. Drivers no longer have to dig through their inbox to find out what’s happening— everything is right there when a driver open the app,” the company said.

In the old driver app, the heat map only appeared to drivers when they were driving and it only lit up at times when surge pricing was in effect. Uber said it redesigned the heat map to provide drivers with recommended areas for where they’re most likely to get their next ride even when it’s not surging. “That means less time waiting for a trip and less gas wasted,” Uber said.

The second section is

Earnings. “Earnings are an important aspect of driving, so we’ve created a section complete with interactive charts to make it easier for partners to see their earnings at any time.

Fares are broken down with a specific focus on the takehome amount so that each week’s payout is never a surprise – and for drivers working towards a goal, they can track their progress in real time,” Uber said.

The third section is Ratings. “In the new Ratings section, partners can see more than just their average rating– they can now see what riders appreciate most in comments from 5-star trips as well as reasons why riders gave low ratings. Pro tips provide drivers with suggestions for how they can continue to make getting around the city with Uber an enjoyable experience for their passengers.”

The fourth is Account.

“While updating account information is an infrequent task, drivers can now manage their profile from within the app.

Help articles are just as easy to access as before, and reaching out to an Uber support representative is a few taps away.”

Uber said thousands of partners in select cities have already taken the updated Uber Partner app for a spin.

“These updates will become available to every Uber driver-partner globally over the next few weeks,” the company said.

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Congratulations to all “HITS A SUBARU!” promo winners! For the complete list of winners, simply go to SKYcable’s website at www. mysky.com.ph/HitsASubaru.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was made possible by HITS - the channel that celebrates the best TV all in one place!

SKYcable, the country’s leader in cable TV, offers the widest selection of premium entertainment with its over 200 channels, and top-ofthe-line services that allows subscribers to choose and add channels to their basic plan through SELECT, record, pause and rewind live TV

through iRECORD, and watch real-time exclusive coverage of live concerts and sporting events via PAY-PER-VIEW and FREE VIEW. Destiny Cable also lets you enjoy these benefits on digital, and the best value for your money with a

plan that consists of over 90 channels for only P550 per month.

To subscribe, contact SKYcable through www.mysky. com.ph or their customer service hotlines at 02-381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANA-

SMX Convention Center announces the appointment of Mr. Walid Wafik as Vice President – General Manager of SMX properties and trade halls. Mr. Wafik joins with extensive experience in the hotel industry spanning over 21 years, having worked for international companies such as the Oberoi Hotels, Intercontinental, Starwood Hotels and the Shangri- La Hotels and Resorts.

He was most recently Area General Manager at Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel and Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club. As Vice President - General Manager, Mr. Wafik will lead the general operations of all SMX convention and exhibition properties across the Philippines.

A seasoned hotelier, Ms. Rubi De Vera also joins SMX Convention Center as the new AVP for Sales, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience of more than 17 years in the field of Sales and Event Management. Prior to joining the company, Ms. De Vera previously held the position of Director of Convention Sales at Makati Shangri-La.

SKYcable Subscriber Takes Home a Subaru Forester via HITS channel promo

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NE lucky SKYcable subscriber is taking home a brand new Subaru Forester after the grand draw of the “HITS A SUBARU!” Raffle Promo.

Darlene Tan, 33, a manager in their family business, was the grand prize winner.

Darlene and her family has been a SKYcable subscriber since 1992 and is an avid fan of HITS which features TV’s all-time favorites and critically-acclaimed series.

She watches marathons of Law and Order, The Golden Girls and her favorite series, The X-Files. It was through the channel’s promo commercials that she found out about the raffle and decided to join just for fun. For Darlene, “HITS is a great channel.

I love watching their shows.

Winning (the promo) is an extra perk.” Though she never expected to win the grand prize, she simply hoped to win any of the minor prizes during one of the monthly draws. Last September 17, 2015, Darlene, together with her family, excitedly claimed her grand prize which was officially presented to her

by James Dumlao, SKY Cable

VA, and Rizal, 046-484-4701 for Cavite, 049-534-1555 for Calamba, Binan and Sta. Rosa, Laguna, 02-520-8560 for San Pedro, Laguna, 044-6935877 for Bulacan, 032-4211818 for Cebu, 082-305-5456 for Davao, 074-442-4841 for

Baguio, 034-432-0051 for Bacolod, 033-300-1210 for Iloilo, 035-225-1010 for Dumaguete, and 083-301-3134 for Gen. Santos City; or Destiny Cable through www.destinycable.com.ph or their hotline at 02-418-0000.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

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) 0909-424-7990 MANILA MARKETING OFFICE ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

VOL. 8 ISSUE 142 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 - 17, 2015

ZION

EDGEDAVAO

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

CLASSIFIED 17

EDGEDAVAO WANTS YOU! Serving a seamless society

Is in need of:

MACHINE OPERATOR (Printing Press)

Qualifications:

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year

Send application letter & resume to: HR Supervisor ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

Hiring Lay-out Artist - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application - Willing to work under pressure, flexible and persuasive For interested applicants, you may send your resume to:

HR Department Edge Davao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: zion_publishing@yahoo.com

18 EDGEDAVAO Sports

ANOTHER CRACK AT RIO MVP backs hosting of Qualifiers ANOTHER CHANCE. Terrence Romeo of the Philippines goes up for a layup against Iran in the recent FIBA Asia Championship. After placing second, the Philippines will have another shot at the Olympics when it plays in the qualifying tournament for wildcard teams.FIBA Asia photo

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VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE142 142••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,OCTOBER OCTOBER16 16- -17, 17,2015 2015

UTGOING Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manuel V. Pangilinan will not only support the Philippine national men’s basketball team’s participation in the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, he just might push for the country to make a bid to become one of the hosts of the competition as well.

The wild card qualifiers will be three separate tournaments, with the winners of each tilt earning a spot in next year’s Rio Olympics.

Gilas Pilipinas, as the runner-up of the recent 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China, a l ready has a place i n t h e Qualifying Tournament

but could benefit from having home court advantage as it attempts to make it to the Olympics.

“I’m actually inclined to go for a bid. We need that 6th man to help the team out versus really formidable opponents. And you know me by now – I will labor and persist until this country achieves its goal,” Pangilinan said.

The Philippine team will face an uphill battle with several world-class squads vying for one of the last three spots in the Olympics.

Potential Gilas opponents are France – led by Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Nic Batum – and Canada, which boasts of nine NBA players including former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins. Gilas’ old World Cup opponents Greece, Puerto Rico and Senegal are in the wild card as well.

Others expected to be in the competition are the Philippines’ Asian rivals, Iran and Japan; European squads Serbia, Czech Republic and Italy; FIBA Americas team Mexico; African sides Angola and Tunisia; and FIBA Oceania’s New Zealand.

Germany, Russia and Turkey could land spot in the wild card if they are selected as hosts for one of the three qualifying tournaments as well.

Already qualified for the Rio Olympics outright are FIBA Basketball World Cup champion USA, hosts Brazil, and continental champions Spain (Eurobasket), Venezuela (FIBA Americas), Nigeria (AfroBasket), Australia (FIBA Oceania), and China (FIBA Asia). The runners-up of Europe and America, Lithuania and Argentina, are also both in the tournament.

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SPORTS 19

Abueva leads Manila North to FIBA 3x3

A

MANILA North team led by Calvin Abueva battles Kranj of Slovenia and Doha of Qatar on Thursday in the 2015 Fiba 3x3 World Tour in Abu Dhabi, the Unit-

ed Arab Emirates.

Abueva, Alaska teammate Vic Manuel, Talk ‘N Text rookie Troy Rosario and Mahindra’s Karl Dehesa begin their

LEADING THE WAY. Calvin Abuieva is back to National duty in the FIBA 3X3.

Pool D campaign with a game against the Slovenians at 1:20 p.m. (9:20 a.m.

Manila time) before taking on the Qataris at 3:10 p.m.

(12:10 p.m. Manila time).

The top two teams from each group advance to the do-ordie quarterfinals, with the last four competing for the finals spots in the tournament ruled last year by Novi Sad of UAE. Novi Sad is now in Pool A with Rio of Brazil and Vilnius of Lithuania. Pool B has Ljubljana of Slovenia, Santos of Brazil and Denver of the United States, while in Pool C are Trbovlje of Slovenia, Kolobrzeg of Poland and New York Harlem of USA. Novi Sad ruled the 2014 World Tour in Sendai, Japan where it defeated Saskatoon of Canada in the final.

Manila West, which upset Doha in the Manila Masters final, finished fiftn behind Kranj and Bucharest.

With Abueva are Aces

teammate Vic Manuel, who made a last-minute decision to join the team, Mahindra’s Karl Dehesa and Talk ‘N Text rookie Troy Rosario.

“Laban lang kami para sa bayan,” said Abueva prior to the team’s departure, “Basta kami, ibibigay namin lahat ng makakaya para sa Pilipinas.”

Manila North qualified for the world championship after finishing second to Novi Sad Al Wahda in the Fiba Manila Masters leg last August at Robinson’s Place in Ermita.

En route to gaining a slot in Abu Dhabi, Abueva and Co. dethroned Terrence Romeo and the Manila West team in the semifinals.

Abueva made news in the Fiba 3x3 last year with an emotional return from the hospital where he had earlier rushed his wife who was about to give birth to their fourth son.

With injury-saddled Manila North trailing Xinzhuang in the quarters, Abueva rushed into the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall and saved the day for his team to the deafening cheer of the packed five-story balcony.

we certainly did that,” said Hornets coach Steve Clifford.

“On offense we wanted more ways to create. We were able to do that with perimeter players who can handle the ball and big guys who can shoot the three.”

All-Star Blake Griffin contributed with 14 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles.

Point guard Chris Paul returned to action to lead the team with 17 points.

While the crowd briefly serenaded Paul with chants “MVP,” — Most Valuable Player — Lin was the most popular player in the game.

As the NBA’s first Chinese-American player, fans shouted his Chinese name “Lin Shuhao” throughout the match. His reception was only surpassed by brief on-court

appearances by retired basketball legends Yao Ming and Michael Jordan.

On Sunday, the two teams played the first NBA game in Shenzhen. The Hornets won that game 106-94 with Lin scoring 16 points in 28 minutes.

“I wished we had played better, but from a team bonding perspective, this trip was great,” said Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers.

In 2012, Lin inspired “Linsanity” when he came off the bench to spark a winning streak by the injury-riddled New York Knicks.

Despite praising Lin’s performance as a starter, Clifford said he would continue to experiment with the team’s lineup in the four remaining preseason games.

interview in Shanghai. “It’s going to come from organized, structured programs like the ones players in the NBA are exposed to from a very young age.”

The NBA, which commands huge television and mobile audiences in China and has an office in Beijing, has forged close links with Chinese authorities and especially the China Basketball Association (CBA).

Last weekend, the NBA announced a six-year extension with the CBA training center in Dongguan, near the border with Hong Kong, which is dedicated to developing elite players aged 12-17.

NBA players, legends, coaches and trainers, including All-

Stars Derrick Rose and John Wall, have visited what is the first facility of its kind in China and has trained more than 8,000 players since 2011.

“To us, the Dongguan Academy is a blueprint to creating more programs,” Silver said. “There are lots of physically gifted players in China.

“The issue is can they get the dedicated instruction, coaching and competition that is necessary to the development of a great player?”

‘Just scratched the surface’ Teams from the school have won national honors at under-17 and under-13 level this year, and some of its older students play for junior teams in the CBA.

Lin leads Hornets to sweep of Clippers in China

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EREMY Lin scored the first 10 points for the Charlotte Hornets as they soundly defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 113-71 in a preseason game in Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena.

“After I made my first three pointer, I was in the zone. I felt all my shots would go in,” Lin said.

The 27-year-old guard signed with the Hornets in a free agent deal this summer worth $4.3 million over two years. He finished the game with 13 points in 16 minutes of play.

Center Al Jefferson led the the team with 17 points and small forward Nicolas Batum added 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

“Our goal was to play better by the end of the trip and

NBA strengthens ties with China cage program

N Jeremy Lin of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during a game against the Los Angeles.

BA commissioner Adam Silver said unearthing the next Yao Ming shouldn’t be left to chance as the wildly popular US basketball league pushes efforts to develop Chinese stars.

The Houston Rockets giant set off a National Basketball Association (NBA) boom in China which still reverberates, demonstrating the enormous value of home-grown players.

As Chinese-American Jeremy Lin was mobbed in China during pre-season appearances for the Charlotte Hornets, Silver told AFP that the NBA was deeply involved with nurturing Chinese players.

“It doesn’t have to be left to fairydust,” Silver told AFP in an

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