Edge Davao 8 Issue 29

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GAS UP. A pump attendant fills a customer’s vehicle with gasoline at a gas station along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Petroleum companies implemented another oil price increase for the fourth consecutive week early morning yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BBL VOTE RESET House Committee moves vote to May 18, 19, 20

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HE Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (AHCBBL) on Monday night announced the resetting of its voting on the proposed law to May 18, 19 and 20, some three hours after Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Committee chair, asked before adjourning the meeting at around 4:45 p.m.: “Are we ready for tomorrow’s voting? Yes we are.”

Voting would be “section by section” and there would be no explanation of the vote as that would be done during the plenary, Rodriguez said.

But after a meeting with House leaders, Tuesday’s voting was cancelled and the new schedule is on May 18, 19 and 20.

May 18 was supposed to be the start of the plenary debate.

“We have to consol-

idate all the proposed amendments including the numerous amendments proposed this afternoon and those to be submitted tomorrow (Tuesday),” Rodriguez told MindaNews.

The Committee meeting for Tuesday has been called off “but we will receive proposed amendments,” he said.

The 75-member committee was scheduled to

vote on the BBL on May 11, 12 and, “if necessary,” Rodriguez said, “on May 13.”

No voting But no voting took place on Monday afternoon, as more amendments were introduced, including a list of proposed amendments read

by Davao del Norte Rep. Anthony del Rosario

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INSIDE EDGE

THE YOUNG AND THE DAMNED Bigger Picture P11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

HOT DAY. A security guard of a pawnshop along Bolton Street in Davao City uses a large envelope as fan to beat the heat while the area experiences an hour-long blackout yesterday. Davao Light and Power Company is implementing rotating outages due to low power supply. Lean Daval Jr.

Paolo nixes arming TMC enforcers

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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ICE Mayor Paolo Duterte disagreed with his father, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, on arming Traffic Management Center (TMC) enforcers.

In yesterday’s Pulong

Pulong ni Pulong, the vice mayor said giving firearms to TMC enforcers might lead to bigger trouble.

Mayor Duterte had earlier said he was considering issuing firearms

DOTC told to inform city of Sasa port project

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

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HE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) should inform the Davao City government before it proceeds with the P17-billion modernization project of Sasa Port.

In an interview yesterday, councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang said the DOTC should explain to the city why the project cost reached such a huge amount when the feasibility study of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) was only around P4.5 billion.

Dayanghirang said the bidding of the project is set in December and the city has not yet being consulted about it.

“Under the Local Government Code of the Philippines, all the local government units (LGUs) should be informed and consulted because it will

affect our constituents,” he said.

Dayanghirang said although the DOTC will say the government will not spend any amount for the project since it is under a Private-Public Partnership (PPP), “common sense will say that the taxpayers will still pay for this project.”

“The city government deserves an explanation on what this project is all about,” he said.

He said the DOTC should present the economic viability study of the project since the city will not just follow what the national government dictates especially given the huge cost of the project.

Dayanghirang said even the PPA has no copy of the project proposal of the DOTC.

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to personnel of the TMC after a TMC personnel was gunned down while on duty at McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City.

Duterte said the recent killing of TMC enforcer

Ruel P. Siacor has given him the idea that traffic personnel should carry firearms.

The mayor, however, admitted that arming traffic enforcers could scare

the people.

“Maybe this is the time to arm them. Ang problema baka umabuso naman (The problem is they might become abusive),” he said.

Yesterday, the vice

mayor said traffic enforcers already have a stressful job and arming them could make things worse.

He added, however, that the matter is for the mayor to decide.

ing problem,” Librado said.

“We are doing our best to remedy this flooding problem,” he added.

Librado said the problem is exacerbated by some undisciplined market vendors.

“There are still some vendors who throw their garbage anywhere, causing the pipe to be clogged up,” he said.

He said to control this, the city government has implemented a two-notice rule to make market vendors more disciplined.

He said the previous administration was “lenient” and in implementing rules and regulations.

“The CEE would issue first

and second notices to vendors, but if the office did not receive any response from the vendor, it will send another batch of notices,” he said.

“But now we stick to our two-notice rule… When Atty.

Jophee Agustin-Avanceña sat as the head of CEE, we initially implemented a lot of closure orders to show the market vendors that we are serious about our policies,” he said.

He said the CEE has five inspectors that conduct monitoring daily in different public markets in the city.

Librado said disciplining vendors is not a job that can be done overnight but a job that would take years.

City gov’t to address flooding in Bankerohan public market

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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OLLOWING the flooding in the meat section of the Bankerohan Public Market yesterday because of a heavy downpour on Monday night, the Davao City Economic Enterprise (CEE) is targeting to finish the necessary minor repairs by June in time for the start of the rainy season.

“We are now on the procurement of material that will take a maximum of 22 days,” CEE economic enterprise coordinator Reynan C. Librado told reporters yesterday.

Librado said the flooding problem in the meat section of the one-hectare Bankerohan Public Market has been

a problem for many years because of its topography.

He said the meat section area is a catchment basin whenever it rains. Even though there are two nearby drainage systems, the stored water in the area cannot be flushed out of the drainage pipe because of its elevation.

“The water needs to rise up so that it can flush out of the drainage pipe,” he said.

“The flooding problem in this section has been a problem for many year. But yesterday’s was much better than before. It has been raining for a few weeks now but it was only yesterday that I received a call pertaining to that flood-

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

IP group lauds city for banning mining

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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POST-EVENT CLEANUP. Two utility personnel clean up the oval track of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism in Tagum City with blower days after the end of Palarong Pambansa 2015. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

N alliance of Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups in Mindanao lauded the Davao City government for the approval of the mining ban ordinance last week.

In yesterday’s regular session, councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes read the open letter of the Kalumaran or Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao which her office received last Monday.

The group said the approval of the ordinance is another landmark legislation as Davao City now joins the ranks of more than 10 local government units (LGUs) that have passed similar legislation.

“We congratulate the people of Davao City especially those who were in the front-

line of thee protest movement against the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, for this hardearned victory against an anti-people, anti-mining law,” the statement said.

Kalumaran commended the leadership of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte for the “pro-people and environment legislation prohibiting mining company to enter the city.”

“The bias for the unbridled extraction of mineral wealth by multinational corporations has only fuelled violence in the communities and brought unspeakable destruction to the environment,” the group said.

“The so-called benefits are just myths created by those

AVAO City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang wants the construction of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) pipe bridge in Bankerohan to be hastened so that there will be enough water supply in the city, especially in some areas in the second district.

“I hope they will make it fast because there are some areas in the second district (that) have water supply problems,” Dayanghirang told Edge Davao in an interview.

He said he hopes the DCWD will look into the problem of the delay of the completion of the pipe bridge.

“I hope they will explain to the people why there is a delay,” he said, adding the DCWD should make a public statement to explain the problem to the people.

DCWD spokesperson Ber-

nardo D. Delima had earlier said the project has suffered further delays due to congestion at the Port of Manila from where the pipes would be delivered to Davao City.

The project was initially scheduled for completion on March 28 but was moved to April 27 due to congestion at the Port of Manila from where the pipes would be delivered to Davao City.

The contractors, however, still missed the last deadline for the same problem.

DCWD spokesperson Bernardo D. Delima said DCWD will impose a penalty of 1/10 of 1 percent per day of the unfinished work item on the consortium of RD Policarpio & Co., Inc., Allado Construction Co., Inc., and TGV Builders, Inc. Delima said the contrac-

to DCWD: After Usman, PNP to get Dayanghirang Speed up pipe bridge project JI member Amin Baco D

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HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina on Tuesday said the fight against terrorism will continue even after the death of Filipino bomb maker Basit Usman. “(The death of Malaysian bomb makers Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman) definitely led to a marking of major accomplishments in the fight versus terrorism. However, we’re not going to put our guards down” Espina said in a chance interview at Camp Crame.

He said that there were

many other terrorists at large, but PNP was determined “to account for all ... especially those who would create havoc.”

According to Espina, PNP is set to catch Jemaah Islamiyah member, Amin Baco, next.

Amin, 31, a Malaysian terrorist and a Jemaah Islamiyah member, is believed hiding with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, together with four other militants wanted by Malaysian police.

They were reported to have fled to Mindanao following police crackdowns on militant activities in Malaysia.

“Mamasapano is just

Paolo confirms talking politics with Duterte

an operation to reach an objective. All objectives are very noble and for the betterment of general public.

We will not stop until highly valued terrorists are all accounted for,” Espina said.

Meanwhile, PNP awaits submission of more evidence needed to determine Usman’s DNA. “PNP Crime Laboratory and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) personnel in the field are busy collating all pieces of evidence that are relevant to the determination of the DNA” said Espina.

The PNP-OIC also said

that the PNP would request proximate relatives, like parents” to cross-match with the DNA of Usman.

Usman, who was killed last May 3 in a Moro Islamic Liberation Front-controlled area.

Usman were among the targets of the bungled operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao with Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir or “Marwan,” who was killed in the Jan. 25 mission. The police operation, however, cost the lives of 44 Special Action Force troopers, 16 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and three civilians. (PNA)

FIP, 10

FDAYANGHIRANG, 10

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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ICE Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday confirmed talking to his father, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, about their plans in the 2016 election.

Speaking to reporters, the younger Duterte said he and his younger brother Sebastian talked with the mayor two weeks ago.

The vice mayor, however, clarified that his younger brother does not have plans to enter politics.

He also did not divulge further details about their talk.

Asked about his own plan to run for mayor next

year which he had confirmed in March, Paolo said it will depend on the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, the dominant local political party.

“Mag paabot lang ta kung unsa man ang desisyon sa partido (Let’s wait for the party’s decision),” he said.

Paolo had said he would run for mayor if his father decides to run for President.

The mayor had earlier said he wants his daughter, former Mayor Sara Duterte, to run again for the position which she held from 2010 to 2013.

SHOELESS. A barefoot man, accompanied by his pet dog, pushes his cart loaded with used plastic bottles and scrap items towards a junk shop along Lapulapu Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

5 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Cranes up for Aeon Towers T

HE tower cranes are up, signifying the start of the elevation development for the 33-level Aeon Towers, the signature project of local developer FTC Group of Companies.

The project’s engineering team has intensified work round-the-clock for the future tallest skyscraper in Mindanao.

With the construction side is now shifting to vertical development, its marketing team likewise intensified its sales campaign for the keenly-awaited project.

“We are excited about the project, and so are our investors. Our sales team is doing well and right now we are focused on putting the phases of the project right on schedule,” said FTC Group of Companies president Ian Cruz.

FTC regularly holds Open House at the Aeon Towers Showroom along J.P. Laurel Avenue.

Aside from the regular Open House, FTC also holds an Inves-

tors Night slated every end of each month. Prospective investors of the Aeon Towers project meet with the marketing team and get a walk-through of the project and its updates.

Aeon Towers is a 33-level mixed use high-rise venture. It is the signature project of local developer FTC and, when completed by 2016, is reputed to be the tallest building in Mindanao.

This marvellous skyscraper will house 473 residential units, a four-star hotel, office spaces, retail mall, and basement parking.

For people who wish to know more about Aeon Towers, the project can be experienced at its Showroom or at SM Lanang Premier’s main atrium and at SM City Davao where ongoing exhibits are mounted.

Real-time updates of construction can also be viewed.

Facebook users may also access the Aeon Towers page and see the latest promos and construction updates.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Palaro earns DavNor tourism P200M

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Tourism Council in Davao del Norte recorded P200 million in tourism revenue for the host province from the recent 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

Araceli Ayuste, Tourism Council president, said the six-day sports competition staged mainly in Tagum City drew some 23,000 participants and spectators that resulted to the high revenue for the province.

“This is very conservative estimate,” Ayuste said during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

Ayuste said the revenue was derived from summing up the estimated daily expenses of about 10,000 athletes whish was at P1,000, not including other expenses of local spectators, chaperons, coaches and parents.

“All hotels and accommodation (establishments) were fully booked. We even have to implement home-stay program for those who wasn’t able to book their accommodations on hotels,” she said.

The province has 1,500 rooms and accommodation establishments that are locat-

ed in Kapalong, Tagum City and Panabo City.

Ayuste the recent national game event boost the sports tourism sector of the province and also opened new opportunity for the business sector.

“We would like to project the province as a center of sport tourism in the region and in Mindanao,” she said.

Ayuste added that with a sport facility that can hold big events like the Palarong Pambansa, the provincial government of Davao del Norte is also planning to host local

sports event like the Batang Pinoy and international events like the South East Asian (SEA) Games which will be held in Singapore this year after a 22 year-long hiatus.

Both the public and private sector of the province should work together to further improve tourism-related establishments like hotels and accommodations, according to her.

“We’re targeting to double the number of existing accomdations which is pegged at 1,500,” Ayuste said.

Former Sarangani governor Miguel Dominguez (left) checks out the vicinity map of Alsons Properties’ latest project, the Northtown Davao, during the groundbreaking ceremony of its club house, The Club, over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Comval bids as major player for investments

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ITH the enactment of the Compostela Valley Investments and Incentives Code in 2013, this province is flexing its muscle to become a major investments player in Davao region.

Known as a land of gold, Compostela Valley maintains an estimated reserve of 181,745 metric tons. In 2007 alone, the province’s gold production totaled more than 166 kilograms worth PhP179 million nailing further its reputation as the top producer of the precious metal in Davao region and Mindanao.

“Except for gold, there is so much about Comval that is unknown to many people, particularly potential investors in Mindanao or Luzon … and we hope to change that,” Governor Arturo Uy said.

The province, which is buffeted by Caraga Region in the north, Davao Oriental in the east, and Davao gulf in the south, is also a major producer of some fruits.

“In fact Compostela Valley is also the top producer of rubber, banana, rambutan, lanzones, sweet potato, eggplant, yam, and ginger in the

region and second in the production of durian, calamansi, mangosteen, pineapple, carrots, cassava, chayote, peanut, pepper, and tomato production. Change will be a gradual process like a baby learning to take its first step,” Uy said.

The major processes would include strengthening the newly created provincial investments centre’s databank, firming up its operational system, and learning from the experiences and best practices of leading investments centres.

“The direction of the province is to develop a business-friendly environment to encourage the entry of new enterprises and investors that will provide job opportunities and spur economic activities in communities. The ball is now on the side of our investment centre … with the full support of my office,” the governor clarified.

Last May 5-6, a team from the investments centres of the province and four municipalities in the province with investments codes, visited Davao del Sur, Sta. Cruz town in the same province, and

Davao City to study and learn from their experiences.

And on May 12-15, the Provincial Government of Compostela Valley in cooperation with the provincial offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will lead a 28-man delegation that will include local mayors to benchmark the successful investments and business permits and licensing experiences of Batangas City, General Trias of Cavite, Laguna, and Taguig City in Luzon.

On their first day the delegation will meet with Board of Investments Assistant Secretary Felicitas Agoncillo-Reyes and DTI Regional Operations Group Under-Secretary Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya to discuss investments initiatives and other issues and concerns.

DTI-Compostela Valley chief Lucky Siegfred Balleque said the trip would be “very significant” to the participants by way of replication of the best practices of the centres and the municipalities to be visited.

Balleque noted that Com-

postable Valley, is one of the fastest-growing provinces of Davao region with rich natural and mineral resources that contributed greatly to its continuing economic growth.

Moreover, he said the provincial leadership is “highly aware” of what investors need and, as a businessman himself, Governor Arturo Uy is confident that his province’s rich natural endowments and resources would be a magnet to them.

“These developments,” according to the DTI officer, “have made the provincial government determined to commit to providing a welcome environment for investors by enhancing the local government units’ permits and licensing system. Our target municipalities for the visit are known to have successfully implemented business permit and licensing reforms and have ranked on the Top 3 most competitive units nationwide,” he added.

The province’s capital town, Nabunturan, ranked fifth overall most competitive municipality and fifth in the

FCOMVAL, 10

The government and tourism sector are targeting to have at least 3,000 rooms three years from now to be able to host big sport events such of SEA Games, which is being participated by 11 countries in the Southeast Asia.

Aside from accommodations, the government has to improve further the sports facilities in Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City.

Among several sporting facilities in the complex are the 3,000-capacity main

grand stand, an rubberized eight-track athletics oval, an Aquatic Center featuring a ten-lane Olympic size swimming pool (50 meters) with a warm up pool (12 meters) that has a grandstand with 500 person capacity, two lawn tennis courts, an air-conditioned multi-purpose gymnasium (Rodolfo P. Del Rosaio Gymnasium, RDR Gymnasium) that can be used for indoor games, two football fields (one inside the track oval and one beside it), a football field, archery range and a clubhouse.

HILIPPINE merchandise exports increased by 2.1 percent in March following three consecutive months of decline since December 2014, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the total revenue from Philippine exports reached US$5.4 billion in March 2015 from US$5.3 billion in the same period last year.

“Increased sales in manufacture and mineral products kept growth afloat in March, counteracting the declines in total agro-based and petroleum products,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Among selected economies in the East and Southeast Asian region, only the Philippines and Vietnam recorded positive growth in March while others posted negative export growth outturns.

“Considering that exports have been declining since December 2014, the perfor-

mance of the country’s exports for March 2015 is a welcome development as exports are starting to revert back to positive territory,” the Cabinet official said.

“Moving forward, growth in exports will likely be driven by favorable economic environment in the United States, and in part supported by cheap oil prices and accommodative monetary policy in the European Union,” added Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

Overseas sales of manufactured goods, which accounted for 84.4 percent of total exports, rose by 2.8 percent in March 2015. It was mainly supported by increased revenues from electronic products, machinery & transport equipment, chemicals and garments.

Similarly, exports of mineral products increased year-onyear by 20.8 percent in March 2015 to US$335.2 million from US$277.5 million in March 2014. The double-digit growth was mainly propelled by high-

Phl exports recover P

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SSS covers members from three coops

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HE Social Security System (SSS) will have 1,800 new members every year from three cooperatives that it recently accredited as partner agents in collecting member’s contributions and providing other social security services.

“We are continuously accrediting cooperatives to reach out to our Informal Sector Workers.” Ma. Nympha M. Ragel, Department Manager III of Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department said.

The three new accredited cooperatives are the Maragusan Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAGROW MPC) in Compostela Valley; Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO) in Abra; and Center for Agriculture and Rural Develop-

ment (CARD), Inc. in Laguna.

In total, these three cooperatives have 956,581 members that SSS aims to cover as self-employed members.

The cooperatives are authorized to collect social security contributions, member loan and housing loan amortizations, miscellaneous payment as well as screen registration documents for SSS applications of their members. For the three newly-accredited cooperatives, SSS will collect P6.5 million in contributions annually.

“SSS follows stringent accreditation procedures for partner agents. They must be duly registered with the appropriate regulatory body or government agency and passed the financial crite-

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

REKADO FILIPINO COMFORT FOOD:

A celebration of family and tradition STEP INTO REKADO, a new restaurant concept that has won the hearts of discerning palates across the metro.

A bright and cheery atmosphere welcomes you as you find your seat in their spacious and comfortable dining room. A mere glance at their menu leaves you curious and anticipating, while a bit of every bite can stir taste buds.

I was privileged to check out this place during a preview dinner with the owners’ friends and select visitors.

Even during the restaurant’s pre-opening stage, the dishes already got the approval of its first audience. We were treated to a visual and gastronomic play of colors and

flavors, robust with taste and character, if I may say so. Add to that the clever and inventive presentation of each dish

Metro Mom A1

Sisters and partners, Tisha and Pauline Benedicto.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

PET ZOOFARI:

Changing the way you look at pet stores A BOUTIQUE pet shop designed to give pets and pet lovers an experience and a sense of discovery that have never been offered before has recently opened at the Lower Ground Level of SM Lanang Premier.

Exotic frogs

Pet Zoofari’s staff is trained to brief you on pets and pet products.

Heart-shaped parrot fish and other fascinating animal species are available at Pet Zoofari.

Pet Zoofari, which lets you see pets in a place that mirrors their natural habitat, aims to bring the concept of a pet store to a new level. It invites people to explore and get fascinated in the barking, meowing, splashing, crawling and slithering world of animals and bring home the excitement by having their own pets.

Believing that “pets deserve more,” Pet Zoofari strives to be a store where animals are placed in the comfort of their natural surroundings – the key to having happy and healthy pets.

From the design alone, Pet Zoofari boasts of a zoo-safari-jungle ambience for the benefit of both pets and pet lovers. Earth tone colors and the installation of a tree, grass and wood planks inside the store make it possible for pets to feel close to nature.

These are also a rare treat for pet lovers who enjoy the outdoors-inspired look and feel of the store while admiring the view of their favored domestic animals. Jungle music, beating drums, chirping and howling monkey sounds make one feel like they have stepped into a tropi-

Pet Zoofari at SM Lanang Premier is open to serve customers. cal forest.

To give pets a private space where they can interact with each other undistracted, pubs and kittens get to play inside a big glass-enclosed area in Pet Zoofari. There’s also a grooming room for dogs and cats.

A one-stop shop for all your pet needs, Pet Zoofari conveniently offers a wide range of products – from pet accessories, food and delicacies to animal decors and accents – and services like aquascaping, pond design and infiltration and grooming.

“Our staff are also trained to brief you and make you more aware of pets,” says Wilson Bangayan, owner of Pet Zoofari.

Various fish species,

stingray, and Roborovski hamster, are just some of the many animals on hand for the public to discover and appreciate at the said pet shop.

For inquiries, call Pet

Zoofari at 296-0826 or visit its first and only branch in Davao at SM Lanang Premier. You may also check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

A leopard gecko rests in a nature-like habitat inside the pet store.

Globe launches flat rate for unlimited data roaming service for prepaid customers SUSTAINING its leadership in the data roaming business with the widest coverage worldwide, Globe Telecom is now offering its flat rate for unlimited data roaming service of P599 per day to its prepaid customers, providing over 97% of its total mobile customer base uninterrupted access to the internet in over 50 countries worldwide, over 4 times bigger than the footprint of competition.

With Globe Prepaid data roaming services for Roam Surf, prepaid cus- a complete full-day cycle, tomers can access the in- without having customers ternet abroad for an entire worry about the expiration 24-hour cycle, making their of their data roaming subdata connectivity experi- scriptions at the stroke of ence more seamless and midnight. worry-free. This gives Globe Prepaid customers travthe clear edge in the roam- elling to Australia, Austria, ing business for offering Belgium, Canada, China,

Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Nauru, Netherlands, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAW, Uganda, United Kingdom, and USA can avail of Globe

Prepaid Roam Surf.

Roam Surf for Globe Prepaid offers customers the ability to choose from three variants, P599 for 24 hours, P1797 for 3 full days and P2995 for 5 full days. Customers can dial *143# and access the International and Roaming menu to register to the service without having to memorize registration keywords.

“Launching the Globe Prepaid Roam Surf is part of our commitment to enable more Globe customers to

maximize their digital lifestyle even while abroad. We know Filipinos love to share their experiences as they happen, and with Globe Prepaid Roam Surf, customers can “virtually” bring their friends along on any travel adventure without being dependent on Wi-Fi,” says Coco Domingo, Vice President for Globe Platinum and Roaming Business.

“With the Globe Prepaid Roam Surf, prepaid users no longer need to buy local SIMs and change numbers

or search for Wi-Fi spots in their destinations just to connect to their loved ones and the things they love doing on their smartphones. We empower them to continue living their digital lifestyle with access to the Internet anytime and anywhere they need it, at a price that’s within reach and an experience that’s convenient and hassle-free.”

Visit www.globe.com.ph/ international or dial *143# to know more about Globe Prepaid Roam Surf.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Tension rises between Carlos and Gael in ‘Bridges of Love’ TENSION RISES this week in the hit primetime series “Bridges of Love” after Mia finally confessed to Carlos her past with Gael.

Feeling fooled and betrayed, Carlos now sees Gael as a threat to Mia. Aside from the fact that Gael hurt Mia so much, Carlos also questions Gael’s intentions as to why he kept the truth from him all this time.

Can Carlos and Gael keep things professional between them?

How sure is Mia about her feelings for Carlos?

Will Mia and Gael get to rekindle their love now that they will see each other more often?

With their lives inter-

twined, can Mia serve as a bridge for the truth to find its way to both clueless brothers?

As the three deal with matters of the heart, Alexa still gets her plans in place to take revenge on Carlos. Lorenzo, meanwhile, is just as de-

termined as Alexa to put Gael down.

Dont miss this story like no other only on “Bridges of Love,” weeknights after “Forevermore” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For exclusive updates, log on to Twitter.com/StarCre-

ativesTV and Instagram. com/StarCreatives_TV. Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Bridges of Love” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www. abscbnmobile.com.

KIMCHIUISMYX’S“MS.RIGHT”FORMAY–MYXfindsitsperfectmatchthis May in Kim Chiu as the “Ms. Right” singer returns as a MYX Celebrity VJ for May. The Chinita princess is back for the third time in MYX to present all the chart-topping music videos and video requests of the month.

Kim’s first MYX celebrity VJ stint was in September 2007 followed by a VJ comeback in July 2008 with Gerald Anderson. Catch Kim on May 3 to 9 on Pop MYX, May 10 to 16 on Pinoy MYX, May 17 to 23 on Mellow MYX, and May 24 to 30 on My MYX. For more on #MYXCelebVJKimChiu, stay tuned to MYX and keep logging on to MYXph.com. Follow MYX on Facebook (facebook.com/MYX.Philippines), Twitter (twitter.com/ myxphilippines), and Instagram (Instagram.com/myxph/).

ABS-CBN TVplus brings pay-per-view experience of Pacquiao-Mayweather megafight to public communities INMATES were filled with excitement as they gathered at the gym of Quezon City Jail to watch the live, uninterrupted broadcast of a Manny Pacquiao bout live for the first time last May 3.

This optimal real-time viewing experience was brought by ABSCBN TVplus for free to areas with limited access to pay-per-view service, including Camp Crame, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Philippine General Hospital, and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

For inmates at the Quezon City Jail, having been granted the opportunity to watch the real-time action of the “fight of the century” also meant uniting in support of the Pambansang Kamao in the biggest fight of his career.

“We are thankful to TVplus because this is a first for the inmates.

We were very excited to watch the fight,” said Jayrex Bustinera, the institution’s chief of public relations.

Meanwhile, members of the Philippine National Police in Camp

Crame initially raised funds to avail of the pay-per-view (PPV) coverage of the fight, but found it difficult to collect the required amount for payment. When they were granted free PPV coverage

by ABS-CBN TVplus, they instead utilized the raised funds to provide free meals to the PNP members and their families during the

fight.

Their digital TV experience did not end there, as ABS-CBN TVplus donated the Mahiwagang Black Boxes used during the screenings to PNP offices for their future use.

Cheers and screams filled the public screening venues as spectators saw the fight in crystal clear picture, which, historically, is only accessible to cable or pay TV subscribers.

Pacquiao may have lost the “fight of the century” but for those who attended ABS-CBN TVplus’ screenings, Pacman remains an idol and inspiration for his determination and persistence to overcome life’s struggles and making the Philippines proud.

For questions, call (632) 488-8888 and 1800-10-4888888 (outside Metro Manila), or text 23661. For additional information on ABS-CBN TVplus, visit http://tvplus.abs-cbn.com.

May 13, 2015

HOT PURSUIT Sofia Vergara, Reese Witherspoon R13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

PITCH PERFECT 2 Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson PG

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

PARA SA HOPELESS ROMANTIC Nadine Lustre, James Reid, Julia Barretto, Inigo Pascual PG

R-16

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

MAGGIE Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin R13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

WOMEN Metro Mom A4 that’s so instagram-worthy, one cannot resist taking a few clicks before digging into an overload of goodness.

What drew more of my interest into this culinary experience, apart from the good food and ambiance, is the fact that the very heart and “rekado” that made this concept come to life is a family’s love and tribute for their mother. It was through the will and passion of two sisters and their mom that set this new ship, or vinta, as the logo showcases, to sail.

Theirs is a story that inspires every humble soul and adds flavor to family ties and tradition.

A family affair For sisters Tisha Benedicto-Sebastian and Pauline Benedicto, their love for food started when they were kids. They saw their mom cook in the kitchen and remember how they love every bite of the food served on the family dining table. It was always heaven. “Our mom is the greatest chef in the world,” declared the sisters in unison.

I guess this passion runs in the blood. It took a good number of years before the woman who created the

brands Golden Brown Specialties and Patok sa Manok finally saw her genetic “culinary” make-up inherited by, not one, but two of her daughters.

While the proud mother, Lena Benedicto, gives credit to her daughters for taking a bold step into this new venture to run their own kitchen, the sisters shift the attention back to their mom. “Rekado is a home built for the love of Filipino comfort food, a tribute to our mother’s cooking and a showcase of her recipes,” beams Tisha.

It took five years of planning with late night discussions before Rekado finally materialized—the sisters were finally ready, Davao is ready. Both believed that the timing was perfect. With the blessings of their parents, Rekado was opened.

Apparently, the new restaurant’s wide in-door and al fresco dining areas are not big enough to hold the eager clientele that flock the restaurant. They have to turn down late diners with their house specialties running out early in the night.

“I don’t want to do it, but I want our customers to be able to enjoy the food they came to Rekado for. So I ask them to come back the next

Rekado’s inteior may be modern but it is warm and welcoming, just like the food the Sisters serve. day,” explains Pauline.

How did this all start?

“We grew up to a restaurant business,” Tisha narrates. “We travel a lot and eat out a lot, yet somehow, mom’s food always tasted better for us. The recipes she had, however, didn’t fit the restaurants she ran, so we decided to create a special place where we can serve the delicious food.”

Pauline adds, “We grew up in a household that loves home-cooked meals. I must have inherited my love for cooking from my mother.

I love to experiment on food. So, with Rekado in mind, I went on to a culinary school to become more knowledgeable. I wanted a formal training on food setup and handling. I wanted to professionalize and upgrade my skills, and now I am here in Rekado’s kitchen.”

Why Filipino Comfort Food?

For Tisha, who has experienced living and raising a family abroad, comfort food tides you over whenever nostalgia hits you. “Nothing can bring us back home or to the memories of home better than the food our mothers cooked for us. This is what brought us back to Davao, our mother’s food, and we would like to share the cuisine we grew up with to the rest of the Dabawenyos.”

“The memories of homecooked food by our mothers always make me smile,” recalls Pauline. “I guess that’s what it does to everyone all the time. That’s what we want to share in Rekado. We want diners to

discover the different flavor profiles of Rekado’s food.

You wont see it, but you get to can taste it. The symphony of flavors is present.

You will know that there are many ‘rekados’ in it.”

“We wanted to put Pi-

noy food on a platform, elevate it,” injects Tisha.

“We want it to be an experience whenever you eat our food. The touch is up-dated in many ways. We tweak the recipes to intensify the flavors. It’s modernizing

mom’s recipes, I’d say.”

The restaurant logo also pays homage to the rich culture and history of this part of the country. The vinta featured in the logo represents the ship that brought in the spices from abroad during the Spanish times.

“We used the vinta to make it very Mindanao, a touch of home. Our food is cooked with well-chosen and fresh ‘rekados’ or ingredients. The spices we use in our recipes are sourced out locally.”

Rekado is exactly what the family envisioned it to be. The house, as how they would refer to the modern restaurant, was built to pay tribute to Filipino Comfort Food --- a cuisine modernized with the family’s signature fresh touch. While the menu and dining space are contemporary in look and feel, the sisters and mom made sure it is bright, welcoming and comforting... just like any Filipino home we are invited to dine in.

REKADO Filipino Comfort Food is located at 1050 Jacinto Extension, Bgy. 11-B, Davao City. It is open daily from 11AM -2PM & from 5PM-11PM. For more information, call (082) 2842136 or 0915-722-9299. You can also find them at facebook.com/RekadoDavao or follow @RekadoDavao on Twitter and Instagram.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY

7

Lanao del Norte gears up for P183-M PRDP projects

A

FMR GROUNDBREAKING. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the multi-million farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Lanao del Norte under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). Sec. Alcala is

joined by Lanao del Norte Gov. Khalid Dimaporo and DA 10 regional director Lealyn Ramos, who is also PRDP’s project director for Mindanao cluster. (Vanessa Mae S. Siano/DA-RAFIS 10)

S. Korean firm to submit study on proposed LRT

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

OUTH Korean-based Korean Engineering Construction (KEC) is set to submit the result of its pre-feasibility study next month for the construction of a proposed Light Railway Transport (LRT) system.

Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) chief Ivan C. Cortez said the study will focus on the feasibility of proposed areas where the LRT is planned to be constructed.

KEC is eyeing two routes for the LRT. On the southern area of the city it will start in the Davao Golf and Country Club going to the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in the northern

area and vice versa.

In a press conference, Cortez urged nearby local government units to be participative on this project given the implementation of the project will be also possible if there is a market.

“In order to encourage the project to be implemented, the city should have a traffic of 20,000 to 25,000 passengers daily to make its operation profitable,” Cortez said. “Nearby regions like the Caraga Region and the rest of Davao Region are encouraged to use the project once the operation starts.”

At present the city has

only 8,000 to 10,000 passengers who can use the proposed LRT. The City Government of Davao is pushing for this transport project because of the worsening transportation situation in Davao City. As the city’s economy grows, the number of passenger population also grew.

In June last year, the city government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean firm for the conduct of a feasibility study.

Then, in October last year, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte visited South Korea to meet the KEC en-

gineers.

The mayor has pushed for an LRT because it can convey many passengers with only one line.

Duterte had earlier said that by 2020, the city is seen to experience heavy traffic congestion with the number of vehicles expected to increase dramatically.

A train system, Duterte said, is better than a bus system since it could also lessen air pollution because it has only one machine.

The local chief executive had also asked the group to recommend a cost-efficient train system so the city can afford it. (CRC/ with report from Armando Fenequito)

DUBAI-BASED investor is interested in developing a 105-hectare government-owned area in Catigan, Toril District in Davao City for a tourism and recreation facility, an official of Davao City Investment Promotions Center said.

DCIPC chief Ivan C. Cortez told Edge Davao that the Dubai-based firm saw the viability of the area as a tourism destination after the area was presented by Philippine delegates during the 2015 Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai last March 31 to April 1.

“The investor will be here

by June for an ocular inspec-

tion,” Cortez said.

The DCIPC, he said, proposed the area for a development of a theme and recreation park.

The 105-hectare area in Barangay Catigan, Toril District is part of the Three Ridges Integrated Area Development (TRIAD) which is being promoted by the DCIPC and Department of Tourism 11 for investment and development related to agri-business and tourism.

Other barangays includedin the TRIAD are Eden and Tagurano, also located in Toril District.

Under the Davao City

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Clup) 2013-2022, these three barangays in Toril District were identified as the Eden-Catigan-TaguranoTourism Development Zone.

Cortez said the number of foreign investors inquiring from their office continued to rise in the past three months.

“We received at least three inquiries from foreign investors every week,” he said.

Cortez projected that this positive growth in foreign investment in the city will continue for the next three years as a result of peace and order, good governance and the growing popularity of Davao

City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Aside from a possible investment, a business magazine in Dubai is also interested in featuring Mayor Duterte for its September issue.

“The group will be here by July,” Cortez said.

The AIM will be probably the last international investment meeting that the city will participate because of limited budget.

However, Cortez said DCIPC will continue to participate in local events that will help in promoting Davao City as an investment haven in the Davao Region. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Catigan eyed for tourism development A

ROUND 2,000 households in three barangays of this town will benefit from the rehabilitation of a 4.1-kilometer farm-tomarket road (FMR) here.

The P41.4-million worth of road project, which will connect the barangays of Pinuyak, Simpak and Maranding, is also expected to serve 1,700 hectares of rice, corn and coconut areas.

Meanwhile, around 6,000 hectares of rice, coconut and vegetable production areas in the town of Kapatagan are set to be served by the construction and rehabilitation of the 13-kilometer Buenavista-Tiacongan-Bagong Silang FMR. The P142-million worth of infrastructure project will traverse eight barangays in Kapatagan, benefiting 1,500 households.

The infrastructure projects are funded under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), which aims to build rural infrastructures that will support the value chain of priority commodities.

“The goal of PRDP is to develop a strategic network of climate-resilient rural infrastructure and facilities to enhance productivity and give value-added qualities to products in the agri-fishery sector,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, who led the groundbreaking

ceremony.

He said that the said projects are part of the P332-million worth of agri-fishery assistance poured by the agency for Lanao del Norte during the Farmers and Fisherfolks Forum held recently in the province.

As of April 2015, Region 10 LGUs have proposed a total of 38 infrastructure subprojects worth P1.79 billion consisting mostly of FMRs. Aside from farm-to-market roads, PRDP will also build single-lane bridges, irrigation facilities, potable water supply (PWS) systems and postharvest facilities, among other critical infrastructures.

DA-10 Regional Director Lealyn A. Ramos and Lanao Del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo as well as the towns’ local chief executives also led the groundbreaking ceremony of the two big-ticket FMR projects in Lala and Kapatagan.

Proposals for infrastructure projects are submitted by local government units (LGUs) and are evaluated by PRDP through site validation and technical review of proposed works.

Under PRDP, one of the criteria for selecting infrastructure projects is its economic impact to enterprise development and agriculture produc-

FLANAO, 10

Malaysian, MisOr firms ink deal on P1B oil palm seeds

A

LEADING Malaysian agribusiness firm entered into an agreement with a Misamis Oriental-based agricultural company on Monday to distribute one billion of high quality oil palm seeds to farmers in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

Felda Global Ventures (FGV) Vice President S. Palaniappan hailed the signing of the business partnership with Bali Oil Produce Corporation of Misamis Oriental as “a milestone.”

Palaniappan said the oil palm seeds they intend to distribute to farmers in the two provinces are assured of quality as these are backed by extensive research and development by their firm.

“This a milestone in collaboration. The quality of our seeds is supported with extensive research and development by our company,” Palaniappan said.

He said they plan to distribute one billion oil palm seedlings to farmers in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental through the help of Bali Oil Produce Corporation.

FGV is a leading agribusiness firm in Malaysia which uses its cutting edge technology from its research and

development department to boost production of palm oil.

Manuel Boniao, chair of Bali Oil, said they will distribute the seedlings to farmers in the towns of Kalilangan , Maramag in Bukidnon and Tagoloan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.

He said they intend to cover 50,000 hectares in the first year of the arrival of seedlings.

“One major thing that is different here is that the farmers still own and till their lands unlike other agricultural companies that produce pineapple and bananas,” Boniao said.

“We are just adding more value and profitability to the farmers,” he added.

Boniao said they have tied up with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Cooperative Development Authority to provide soft loans to the farmers.

He said DBP has already agreed to provide loans to 1,750 farmers in the towns of Kalilangan, Pangantukan and Talakag towns in Bukidnon.

The distribution agreement between FGV and Bali Oil also included technology training for the farmers and nursery operations. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

T

Enforce gun laws

HE issue of arming traffic enforcers of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) is not as easy as it seems.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has said he is considering arming these enforcers after one of them, Ruel P. Siacor, was shot dead early last week while manning his post. Police are still investigating the incident, but it is perhaps safe to say that the unarmed Siacor never stood a chance against his attackers. That is one of the gravest risks anyone in authority faces, and on the part of our traffic enforcers the risk is exacerbated by the fact that their work places them in a particularly vulnerable spot: right in the middle of the road, where there are few places for them to run for shelter.

The problem with arming traffic enforcers, as the mayor and now his son Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte have said, is that people are unpredictable, even those who undergo exhaustive training and stringent screening. The mayor has said he is concerned that the enforcers would become abusive, something that we have seen numerous times in the cases of

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police or military officers and even civilians who have brandished their guns in public when things were not going their way. In many instances this has taken a tragic turn, with innocent people and even bystanders getting killed because the gun holders could not control their temper – or had become drunk with the power the guns lend them.

So how does the city protect the traffic enforcers while ensuring the safety of the people surrounding them? The first step, of course, is making sure the police are doing their job in the first place. The shooting death of Siacor has only shown that while the city is general peaceful, there are still firearms on the loose and in the hands of criminal minds. We cannot rightly call ourselves an orderly city if some people can carry guns without being detected, ready to use them whenever the opportunity arises. If the government wants to keep traffic enforcers – and the general public, for that matter – safe, then it would strictly enforce gun laws without fear or favor.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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9

Life is not a bed of roses

“

IF we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change,” Buddha once said.

Oftentimes, life is compared to that of a rose. It has two compelling attributes: beautiful petals and unwanted thorns. “A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom,” said a Chinese proverb.

“The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose,” poet Kahlil Gibran wrote. Tom Wilson, in a Ziggy comic strip, observed, “You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.”

“But he that dares not grasp the thorn,” Anne Bronte advices, “should never crave the rose.” A Persian proverb said it in a different manner: “He who wants a rose must respect the thorn.”

“The sharp thorn often produces delicate roses,” Ovid reminded. If you don’t believe, ask any gardener. “He or she understands that the strongest and most productive plants aren’t grown in the hothouse but amid the harsh extremes of real life,” explained the late Dr. Samuel Farina.

“People are a lot like plants. We bloom best when under stress. We rise to a challenge and grow stronger through adversity.”

As a child, Mary Groda did not learn to read and write. American experts labeled her retarded. As an adolescent, she “earned” an additional label, “incorrigible,” and was sentenced to two years in a reformatory. It was here, ironically, in this closed-in place, that Mary – bending to the challenge to learn – worked at her task for as long as

I

VANTAGE POINTS

16 hours a day. THINK ON THESE! Her hard work paid off. She was awarded her high school diploma.

But more misfortune came her way.

After leaving the reformatory, she got Henrylito D. Tacio pregnant and henrytacio@gmail.com was left alone to take care of the baby. Then, two years later, a second pregnancy resulted in a stroke, erasing her hard-earned powers of reading and writing. Wit the help and support of her father, Mary battled back, regaining what she had lost.

In dire financial straits, Mary went on welfare. Finally, to make ends meet, she took in seven foster children. It was during this period that she started taking courses at a community college. Upon completion of her course work, she applied to and was accepted by the Albany Medical School to study medicine.

This was what happened, according to a news dispatch released by the Associated Press: “In the spring of 1984 in Oregon, Mary Groda Lewis – she’s married now – paraded in full academic regalia across the graduation stage. No one can know what private thoughts went through Mary’s mind as she reached out to grasp this eloquent testimony to her self-belief and perseverance, her diploma that announced

to all the world: Here stands on this small point of Planet Earth a person who dared to dream the impossible dream, a person who confirms for all of us our human divineness. Here stands Mary Groda Lewis, M.D.” Life is a continuous struggle. Every single day, we have to face ups and downs. It may be shining today but you can never tell if it rains tomorrow. “Thorns and roses grow on the same tree,” a Turkish proverb reminds.

Like marriage, life is not “a bed of roses,” to quote the words of Robert Louis Stevenson. “If your life is not a bed of roses, then take heart,” suggests Dr. Farina. “Find success and satisfaction in the midst of stress and struggle!”

“When the going gets tough, the weak get going,” someone once said. That’s the basic root of failure – the inability to “tough it out.” You should consider tough times as a way to prove yourself that you can make it no matter how.

Although Henri Matisse was nearly 28 years younger than Auguste Renoir, the two great French artists were dear friends and frequent companions. When Renoir was confined to his home during the last decade of his life, Matisse visited him frequently. Renoir, almost paralyzed by arthritis, continued to paint in spite of his infirmities.

One day, as Matisse watched his friend working in his studio, fighting tortuous pain with each brush stroke, he suggested, “Auguste, why do you continue to paint when you are in such agony?”

Renoir replied simply: “The beauty re-

mains; the pain passes.” And so, almost to his dying day, Renoir put paint to canvas.

One of his most famous paintings, The Bathers, was completed just two years before his passing, 14 years after he was stricken by the disabling disease.

“But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats,” said Paulo Coelho. No one can avoid them. But it’s better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you’re fighting for.”

In 1962, four young American women wanted to start a professional singing career. They started performing in their church and doing small concerts. Then came their time to cut a record. It was a flop. Later, another record was recorded.

The sales were a fiasco. The third, fourth, fifth and on through their ninth recordings were all failures.

Early in 1964, they were booked for The Dick Clark Show. He barely paid enough to meet expenses and no great contracts resulted from their national exposure. Later that summer, they recorded “Where Did Our Love Go?” This song raced to the top of the charts, and Diana Ross and the Supremes gained national recognition and prominence as a musical sensation.

No matter what, don’t stop trying.

Winners never quit; quitters never win. If you fail, try and try again. Until you will get there. “It is a mistake to suppose that men succeed through success; they much oftener succeed through failures,” Samuel Smiles pointed out. “Precept, study, advice, and example could never have taught them so well as failure has done.”

Bento) Lake Sebu is home to the T’boli people, proud dreamweavers in South Cotabato famous for their T’nalak fabric. It is a scenic town with three lakes and the famous Seven Falls and Lang Dulay, the National Artist for Fabric and Textile Design who recently passed away.

There are four known surviving dreamweavers in a remote village few minutes away from Lang Dulay’s weaving center. Right now, no government support is extended to them.

Lang Dulay’s death reminds me of the constant struggles we, members of the indigenous community in Lake Sebu, face every single day.

I am a T’boli princess myself, modesty aside, but a princess bereft of a palatial domain. We have daily struggles, just like anyone else. To a simple peasant in the mountains, his battle maybe is how to feed his own family. For fresh graduates like me, the struggle is how to make childhood dreams come true. To a cultural community, like in Lake Sebu, the daily struggle is on how to eliminate discrimination and demolish those stereotypes. The bigger struggle is how to protect, preserve and promote our authentic culture given rapid modernization and increased tourist traffic flow to my hometown.

Driven by poverty, many young T’boli boys

and girls migrate to the lowlands and cities to find work, instead of going to school. For others who can afford to acquire college degrees, most of them end up working for big corporate entities and in the government. Many have forgotten their cultural roots. Many are even ashamed of speaking the vernacular and would prefer to converse in other dialects even with a fellow T’boli.

This brings me now to the need to secure the integrity of our local culture. Lake Sebu is the summer capital of SOCCSKSARGEN Region and is the center for development for the whole BIMP-EAGA growth area for community-based ecotourism. The T’nalak fabric is known worldwide and has inspired the main festival of the whole province. Right now, immediate need is to help sustain efforts in teaching young T’boli children about their indigenous knowledge and tradition. If one is to secure the future of our people and its culture, one must begin with the children.

(Notes: On May 17, friends and fellow voluntourists from Davao City will be distributing school supplies to 150 kids or so in Barangay Bacdulong in Lake Sebu. It is a grassroots advocacy of kindhearted people desirous of extending little help, and aiding us secure the future of the indigenous children. Tey bong s’lamat!)

Protecting cultural integrity in Lake Sebu

REMEMBERING years ago, somewhere in southern Mindanao, a local festival director brought an entire nuclear family belonging to an indigenous community as live exhibit at the Mall of Asia in Metro Manila. Somewhere in northern Mindanao, a government-owned destination features select members of Bukidnon tribes. They actually live on site, away from their original communities, as added attractions for tourists. We think it is wrong to do so.

Cultural tourism is a very popular subcategory of tourism, currently one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Its biggest market audience is from Western Europe, particularly the aging sector. They are the ones with substantial excess funds from their pensions, bored and are in need of something worthwhile to contribute to. Of course, caring for other people, particularly those in Third World countries, is a strong tradition among Western Europeans. This was based on a study conducted on the consumer behavior of select tourists where Asians are more interested in shopping and gambling while Americans and other Westerners are more attracted to nature-based adventure activities and foods and drinks.

Cultural tourism has its own pitfalls, however. It has the potential to disrupt indigenous

RANDOM THOUGHTS

By Jonallier M. Perez and Hannah Joy N. Bento lifestyles of a cultural community and eventually threaten its integrity. Without proper safeguards, especially when destination managers are so desirous of generating more tourist traffic and profit, unique cultures become diluted, therefore becoming impure and no longer authentic. Common examples take place during festivals in big cities when lowlanders try to imitate indigenous arts and music, inject their own artistry and heavily modify what is original. In the end, the audience gets a surreal image, technically a misrepresentation of an indigenous culture.

(This part is contributed by Hannah Joy N.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

BBL... FROM 1 which he said was based on a meeting of around 20 colleagues.

What del Rosario read was referred to by some Committee members as the “LP version.” Some of the proposed amendments carried the recommendations of the Peace Council that the President tasked to look into the BBL. Quezon City 6th District Rep. Christopher “Kit” Belmonte, son of Speaker Feliciano del Monte, manifested he was submitting proposed amendments in writing.

Rodriguez said the proposed amendments introduced by lawmakers on Monday and the younger Belmonte’s written proposed amendments would be complied as an “addendum” to the Committee version of the BBL earlier distributed to the Committee members, a product of several hearing He said there would be no discussion anymore on amendments so they can proceed to voting the next day, Tuesday.

Rodriguez addressed the members: “if you’re agreeable vote yes, if not, vote no,” adding the chair has already “bended rules” because “we do not want to shut out anybody who has not been able to present amendments to

the BBL.” Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat, who was “ready to vote because I’ve read it, I’ve studiit,” told MindaNews after the meeting that “there should still be a discussion.”

“We were all made to stay for the additional amendments and to discuss it, then all of a sudden may proposal si Congressman Kit Belmonte na isu-submit daw niya in writing and then we will not discuss it anymore?

Bakit ganon?” he asked.

Rep. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela wonders why amendments were still allowed when they were supposed to vote already.

“It seems there are a lot of amendments/ proposals which are obviously to soften the stand of the vocal anti BBL,” she told MindaNews.

“Why were these amendments not brought up during the days we tackled the bill lne by line?

And surprise proponent and proposal suddenly come out of the woodwork. The new amendments have a common thread – they dilute and weaken the original BBL , the ‘autonomy’ so ardently sought for is being taken away. And to think we scrapped the ARMM law,” Ilagan said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

He said the engineer Froilan Rigor of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) told him the project should pass through the City Development Council (CDC) and local PPP board before it is pursued.

“Even the Mega Harbour

reclamation project is now pending for discussion in the local PPP board,” he said.

The Mega Harbour Development Corp. plans to develop a 200-hectare reclamation project from Magsaysay Park to the mouth of Davao River in Bucana.

hending Uber vehicles after intervention form the DOTC.

efficient and reliable transport options to the people of Metro Manila and beyond.”

“The regulation represents a groundbreaking approach that brings the benefits of smart technologies to all commuters and the transportation industry in the Philippines,” the company added.

“Abaya and Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Winston Ginez have shown great vision in recognizing that innovative technologies have a key role to play in upgrading transport services. In adopting this new approach, they have sent a clear message that embracing innovation, supporting consumer choice and ensuring the safety of riders should be a top priority for governments in every market,” Uber said.

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First of its kind For his part, Uber Technologies senior vice president of policy and strategy David Plouffe said the Philippines “has officially become the first country to create a national dedicated framework for ridesharing.”

“This first-of-its-kind order is a shining example of how collaboration between government and industry can advance urban mobility, create new economic opportunity and put rider safety first,” Plouffe said.

Uber said under the new regulation, ridesharing “has officially been recognized as a vital part of the Philippine Government’s long-term solution for delivering safe,

NO PROTECTION. The dilapidated overpass over the main junction in Bunawan, Davao City gives pedestrians little protection from both the scorching heat during summer time and the rains due to its tattered roof. Lean Daval Jr.

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who want to control the exploitation and utilization of the country’s natural resources,” it added.

Kalumaran said it expects political pressure from Malacañang and mining companies to strike down the mining ban ordinance.

The group assumes that President Benigno Aquino will invoke Executive Order No. 79 “Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector Providing Policies and Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining in the Utilization of Mineral Resources.”

The group claimed that two US-based mining company will mobilize their lobby machineries. “These companies are eyeing to explore

17,000 hectares in Paquibato district which is home of the IPs,” it added.

“We are also encouraging the people of Davao to continue our vigilance and defend this hard-earned victory. Let us not allow the self-serving policy imposition to clip the power of the people to determine their appropriate local economic development,” Kalumaran said.

The group called for the repeal of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the enactment of the People’s Mining Bill authored by the Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives “to re-orient the mining industry to a rational manner of national industrialization and local development within a framework upholding social justice.”

tion in the area, particularly priority commodities identified in the provincial commodity investment plans (PCIP).

PRDP is a six-year, DA-implemented project that aims to provide key infrastructure and enterprise development inter-

ventions to raise incomes, productivity and competitiveness in the countryside, and is jointly funded by the World Bank, national government and local government units. (Vanessa Mae Siano, DA-10 with Jay Rosas, PRDP Mindanao)

expect to yield bountiful inspiration from the Architects’ gallery and the Interior Design gallery where capsule presentations will be mounted for everyone to feast their sights on.

Following the success of last year’s presentations, the 2nd PHILBEX Davao is intent on making a meaningful mark not only as it showcases the latest in cutting-edge construction and building products but also as it calls out the world’s attention to the sui generis nature of Mindanao’s aesthetic heritage.

Known for its humble yet bountiful reserve of organic materials such as abaca, rattan, coconut husks, and other exotic elements, Mindanao’s design DNA is marked by subdued elegance and effortless luxury.

As young and talented artisans emerge bearing a bountiful source of fresh and innovative perspective, the result is a harmonious marriage of heritage and modernity – resulting in a truly remarkable and distinct design aesthetic that defines today’s Mindanaoan style and design.

Immerse your senses in the rich and multi-faceted world of Mindanao in all its glory at the 2nd Philippine Building and Construction Exposition Davao. From the latest product and service innovations to the most astounding design creations that the region has to offer, revel in all its glory on May 14 to 17, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City. For more information, go to www.worldbex.com.

Lanao... FROM 6

PHILBEX... FROM 12

tors were not able to fabricate the steel pipes in time due to the delay on the delivery of the raw materials.

DCWD has not given a new target date for completion of the project.

The mainline pipe that

supplied water from the Dumoy pumps to the downtown area up to Sasa area was broken in December 2012. The pipe was replaced with two smaller ones with a diameter of .725 meter. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

infrastructure category in the 2014 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index of the National Competitive Council.

Under the province’s investments and incentives code, investors would be exempted for one year from the 35 percent share of the province of the real property tax on buildings, machinery, and

other improvements and a 50 percent franchise tax cut for the same period.

From Butuan City, travel to Compostela Valley takes only three hours and one hour and 30 minutes from the capital Nabunturan to Davao City’s International Airport and Sasa wharf. (jpa/pgo-tourism/ids/ jmm)

ria set by SSS. We require a minimum of at least three years of operation prior to the date of filing of application for accreditation and they should also be registered with SSS as employer-member,” Ragel said.

The SSS Account Officers regularly monitor and check the performance of the accredited cooperatives to en-

sure that the contributions of their members are properly remitted and reported to the SSS every month.

As of December 2014, SSS has already inked partnerships with 30 cooperatives as partners in collection and non-collection services with a total collection of P19.28M covering 55,438 members.

er earnings from the exports of copper metal, gold and other mineral products.

Despite the recovery of exports in the March 2015, the NEDA chief stressed the need to actively pursue and continue current initiatives of strengthening the capacity of various industries to be resilient against calamities and extreme weather conditions.

These initiatives include Climate Smart Agriculture for the agriculture sector, the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), and the establishment of agro-meteorological stations in highly vulnerable areas, among others.

“Over the the near-term, production disruptions from

unpredictable weather patterns remain one of the the biggest risks in attaining the country’s export targets, particularly in the agro-based products,” said Balisacan.

He clarified that although agro-based commodities only account for less than 10 percent of the country’s export revenues, these are very significant in terms of the agriculture sector›s employment contribution as well as its linkages with industry and services sectors.

“Over the medium term, infrastructure development as a means to support agriculture production must be prioritized in order to improve the competitiveness of the sector,” said Balisacan.

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Phl... FROM 6

BIGGER PICTURE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

The young and the damned TEXT AND PHOTO BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

THEY go by hardly noticed, moving about in urban areas as if they did not exist.

But they are there, and their presence is a strong indictment on the country’s failure to share the wealth with the masses. Children as young as five are working as scavengers, accompanying their older siblings and sometimes their parents as they collect trash that can be sold to junk shops for a few pesos. They are also in factories, in ports, in farms, toiling all day with hardly enough time to rest.”

That was part of an editorial which appeared in the October 8, 2014 issue of Edge Davao. It came out after an earlier report which said: “Instead of playing and learning their ABCs, some children as young as five years old are working as garbage collector or scavengers in the streets of Davao City.”

The report quoted Florie Mae Tacay, executive director of Kaugmaon Foundation, who said that as the children grow older, the work these children are doing become even harder.

According to Tacay, these children work because of the necessity to provide basic needs of a poor family which become a shared responsibility between parents and children. “It is unfortunate that some parents cannot stop their children from becoming child laborers because of pover-

ty,” she said.

In the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 19, verse 14), Jesus rebuked his disciples for turning away a group of children. He told them, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Still persisting Despite the recognition of government and even the plea from Jesus Christ, children are still suffering. Although child labor is fiercely debated -and mostly outlawed -- in industrialized countries, it continues to persist in developing world.

A survey done by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in 2011 showed some 5.59 million child laborers in the country.

Out of the 29 million Filipino children aged 5-17 years old, about 19 percent or 5.59 million were already working, the survey found. Of the 5.59 million children, just over 3 million were considered child laborers while 2.9 million were reported to be exposed to hazardous working conditions.

“It is lamentable that there are children who are forced into domestic work, doing household chores in their employer’s home instead of going to school,” deplored Senator Loren Legarda. “It is a sad fact there are children who are forced to work to support their families and are deprived of their childhood and their right

to education.”

Stunted in height, child laborers look much older than their years.

The legal definition of child labor, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is “exploitative labor among children below 17 years of age.”

Exploited to the max Most of child laborers in the country are exploited to the hilt. “Some unscrupulous individuals take advantage of the situation – the innocence of the child on human and labor rights, and cheap labor costs – by employing kids as laborers,” a lawmaker once pointed out.

Take the case of Precious, who shared her story in “Bibili Ka Ba?,” a video documentary that details the lives of women in prostitution in Davao City. She came from a very poor family. At age 14, she was pushed into the world of prostitution not because she wanted to but because of poverty. If she didn’t do so, her younger brothers and sisters will die of hunger.

Being a minor and a victim of gang rape, she decided to use her body to earn a living and support her siblings. “I didn’t have any choice then,” she said.

She still doesn’t have any choice today; now at 19, she’s still selling her body.

“They called me different words which all mean prostitute. They wondered as to what kind of a woman I am since I go

home in the early morning. I was only 14 at that time,” Precious said in her vernacular.

Talikala, Inc., a non-government organization which sponsored the film forum, reported about 4,000 documented prostituted women in Davao City today. Forty percent of them are minors, with nine years old as the youngest.

Irresponsible parents Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez of Eastern Samar said poverty and irresponsibility of some parents had been among the leading causes of child labor in the country. “First, some parents are really irresponsible that’s why children are forced to work. Second, parents do not have enough income... poverty,” the bishop wrote in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site.

In the sugar fields of Northern Mindanao, the use of child labor is so common that some landowner shrug it off as a way of life. “The parents beg us to include their children to work,” one landowner said. “They like to have their children employed because there’s more income for the families.”

In Davao City, poverty has also been cited as the reason why some minors are engaged in the flesh industry. “We cannot blame them for getting into that,” said Jea-

nette Ampog, executive director of Talikala, on prostituted children and women. “We also cannot decide for them. We can only let them realize what is right.”

Other causes Apart from poverty as the principal cause of child labor, there are other contributing factors, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). These are: increasing pattern of family breakdown and weakening of the extended family system and other support groups; high population growth and changing family values and lifestyles which may lead to unwanted children, promiscuity and solo parenthood; poor enforcement of laws due to ignorance of the law, corruption or apathy; socialization of children into work; and support for children’s work in formal education.

As stated earlier, most child laborers work under exploitative conditions.

Wages of child laborers are often below adult rates, even if they work adult hours, usually six days a week and even doing overwork time. Children do not get the benefits guaranteed by law to regular workers.

One author wrote: “Some children are hired because they can be paid a lot less than the minimum wage, they require less food intake, tire less easily and they have no need to apply for such

things as medical plans, SSS (Social Security System) or retirement. Tasks like carrying heavy cement bags are assigned to these children because they are said to be stronger anyway.”

“Robbed of their childhood” was the title of the Edge Davao editorial. It said: “Children are especially vulnerable to official neglect, and we see this in the existence of kids who at their young age are forced to work before they can even read.

And that is the greater tragedy: already forced to grow up way ahead of their time, their future is also taken away from them because they are unable to go to school.”

Nobel Peace Prize Some must be done.

And there are glimmer of hope. Last year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee named Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi, who has dedicated his life to campaigning against child labor, as co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the organization he founded in 1989, has focused on providing education and protection to disadvantaged children.

Now 60, Satyarthi said he wanted to dedicate the world’s most coveted prize to all of those he had not yet been able to help.

“It’s an honor to all those children still suffering in slavery, bonded labor, and trafficking,” he was quoted as saying.

EDGEDAVAO

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

PHILBEX Davao: A Marriage of Heritage and Modernity

T

HE Philippines, with all its glorious pockets of rich culture and heritage, takes form through robust regions that possess great potential for growth and development. Formidable yet vibrant, Mindanao is known not only for its precious resources and breathtaking nature but also for its exceptional cultural heritage. Situated all the way down south of the country, Davao is its biggest city and serves as the heart of the robust region.

In its never-ending quest to tap into the abundant yet often untapped promise of the country, Worldbex Services International (WSI), the country’s leading events and exhibitions organizer, began to embark on a journey to unearth the limitless potential that thrive within the region as it launched the first-ever Philippine Building and Construction Exposition Davao or simply, PHILBEX Davao in 2014.

This year, there is no stopping WSI in its steadfast mission to embolden the region’s construction and design industry, most especially in light of the global ASEAN integration. Presenting the 2nd PHILBEX Davao, set to unfold on May 14 to 17, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center Davao at SM Lanang from 10AM to 7PM. Beyond merely seeking to generate Davao’s economic activity, WSI took it upon itself to foster and enrich the region’s cultural brilliance by shedding light on the talent and edge of its design sector. Last year, the urgent call to advocate environmentally consciousness was answered by PHILBEX Davao’s staunch focus on product innovations and design trends that champion resiliency and sustainability.

This time around, PHILBEX Davao positions itself as the biggest design destination of the season that will champion the magnificent cultural heritage of Mindanao through the world-class

designs and artistic creations of its people. The past years have shown that the region is home to a growing community of top caliber designers and architects alongside budding artisans that are churning out masterful creations that infuse Mindanao’s signature design aesthetic with elements of modernity.

Naturally, as this year’s PHILBEX Davao banners the theme of “Building Visions in the Realm of ASEAN Integration,” the four-day trade show will showcase an all-inclusive exposition that will boast of products and services that promote the embody that distinct Mindanaoan edge.

With over 130 exhibiting companies and 240 booths, the 2nd PHILBEX Davao will be mounting an exciting range of booths and pavilions that will cater to all-things construction and building related, and most importantly, design-centric – making it a destination hub as much as it is the biggest construction expo to hit the region.

In keeping with the key thrust of the event, which is to elevate the region’s construction and design industry to global acclaim, PHILBEX Davao teams up with local Mindanao artisans, Interior Design students, as well as the Philippine Institute of Interior Design with a unified mission to give prominence to the burgeoning design industry of the region, as well as provide a platform for Mindanao designers and creatives to exhibit their creations.

As such, trade players and industry professionals looking to discover the next big thing in design and architecture are bound to take on an awe-inspiring journey through the diverse design landscape of Mindanao with event highlights such as the Developers’ gallery where they can observe and discuss with top property developers spearheading in the industry. Meanwhile, designers and enthusiasts alike can

FPHILBEX, 10

A BETTER FUTURE. Finally, senior citizens of Davao City now have a place to call their own in downtown Davao City. Through the efforts of the office of city administrator Melchor Quitain and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), together with Therma South, Inc., The Aboitiz Elderly Center materialized as a representation of appreciation towards the senior citizens of Davao City.

Walk into Davao’s design landscape and discover a remarkable celebration of heritage and modernity.

PHILBEX Davao envisions itself not only as a construction destination but as a captivating design hub.

Mindfully conceptualized, PHILBEX Davao will showcase the worldclass talents and visions of Mindanaoans for all the world to see.

Uber to expand throughout Phl

By JON JOAQUIN jon@edgedavao.net

U

S-BASED transportation network Uber yesterday confirmed that it will expand to other areas in the Philippines – including Davao City – after the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)’s decision to allow “app-based services” offered by Transportation Network Companies (TNC) to operate in the Philippines.

The company, however, could not say when the expansion would begin.

“Expansion is on the cards, but we do not have a

The center was greatly anticipated by the Federation of Senior Citizens of Davao. Easily accessible and ready for use, the center is located inside Osmeña Park, Davao City. Photo shows (From left) Quitain and wife, Federation of Senior Citizens of Davao president Albina Sarona and members, with AboitizPower corporate branding and communication manager Willy Rodolfo III (right).

specific timeline for this to announce just yet,” Uber communications head for South Asia and India Karun Arya told Edge Davao in answer to an emailed query.

Arya said the expansion strategy is being handled by Uber’s “dedicated expansion team.”

“I don’t have visibility on their plans for now. However, I am sure Davao would be on the cards for future expansion,” he said.

Arya said the company’s current focus in on “ensuring greater reliability and coverage in and around Metro Manila.”

“What that means is being able to provide our riders with a safe, convenient, comfortable ride anytime and anywhere in Metro Manila.

Whether that is 100 cars or 100,000 cars, our objective is to ensure a person can get a ride within a couple of minutes,” he said.

“To put things into perspective we’ve reduced the average ETA to get a car in Metro Manila from over 12 minutes a year ago to about 5 minutes today,” he added.

The DOTC decision was announced last Monday, making the Philippines the first country to establish regulations for ride-hailing and ride-sharing apps like Uber.

“Today is a historic day not only for the Philippines but for the entire Asia Pacific region,” Uber said in a post in its blog yesterday.

“Philippine Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph (Jun) Abaya enacted a new department order on ‘Promoting Mobility,’ which aims to modernize and improve transport services to the commuting public by recognizing new forms of transport solutions that can have a significant impact on reducing congestion while creating thousands of new opportunities for drivers,” Uber said.

Many governments and taxi companies around the

world have protested against Uber, alleging that its use of unlicensed, crowd-sourced drivers was unsafe and illegal.

Last year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) imposed a P120,000 to P200,000 fine for the use of the Uber app on public utility vehicles and sedans, respectively, because Uber does not have an approved franchise.

The LTFRB later suspended its campaign of appre-

FUBER, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

13

Gensan, Sarangani all set for Pacquiao hero welcome T

HE local governments of Sarangani and this city are all set for the homecoming festivities on Thursday for world boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

Lawyer Glenda Narcilla, spokesperson of the City Mayor’s Office, said Tuesday the necessary arrangements are already in place for the grand hero’s welcome for Pacquiao, who is returning home nearly two weeks after losing his epic fight with undefeated American fighter Floyd Mayweather Jr. in

Las Vegas.

She said Pacquiao, along with his family and team members, is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Wednesday and will fly home on Thursday.

The boxing sensation was initially scheduled to return last May 8 but was reset to pave the way for an operation on a shoulder injury he suffered weeks before the fight.

Narcilla said that based on their arrangements with Sarangani officials, the hero’s welcome will be a joint undertaking of the two local governments.

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 58767 under Loyola Contract No(s). 505981-1 issued to JUANITO B. JADENA 26532 under Loyola Contract No(s). 708363426 issued to ESTER F. BARZA were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/29;5/6,13

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21068516 under Loyola Contract No(s). 101648630 MRO 530008438 issued to DARLEN Y. MACABUDBUD Plan Transfer Form Nos. 2402-07135, 2402-07137, 2402-07145, 2402-07148, 2404-11298-11299, 240215704-15705,2402-15712-15715 issued to TERESITA F. ERAMIS were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/29;5/6,13

PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER FIGHT. File photo shows art sign maker Chris Aclo, a former boxer himself, making final touches on his painting showcasing Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. at his shop at Kaimo and Gemina Streets in Surigao City days before the fight. Photo by Roel N. Catoto Upon Pacquiao’s arrival at the city airport, she said he will be given military honors by a joint Army and police contingent.

She said city and Sarangani officials led by Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Vice Mayor Shirlyn Nograles and Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon will then line up to meet and greet Pacquiao.

“We have prepared a festive theme for his arrival,” she said in

an interview with a local television station.

The official said they have set up a stage where Pacquiao will give his arrival message to the welcoming crowd.

After the brief program, Narcilla said Pacquiao and his family will be joined by local officials to a float parade around the city.

She said it will later conclude at the SM City GenSan mall where a press conference

and another welcome program will be held.

“We advised our barangay councils and business establishments to put up welcome banners to make the float parade more festive,” she said.

The local governments of Sarangani and this city earlier decided to give Pacquiao a hero’s welcome even as he lost his fight against Mayweather.

Mayweather defeated Pacquiao via unanimous decision

to wrest the unified World Boxing Association, World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council welterweight belt.

Mayor Rivera, who is a close political ally of Pacquiao, said the latter remains a champion for the city and deserves a hero’s welcome despite the result of the fight.

“Congressman Manny is still the champion for us. He deserves a hero’s welcome,” the mayor said. (PNA)

14 CLASSIFIED

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Warriors rout Grizzlies S

TEVE Kerr challenged his Golden State Warriors to ratchet up the intensity to playoff-level. With MVP Stephen Curry leading the way, they responded and looked like the team that cruised through the regular season.

Curry scored 21 of his 33 points by halftime, and the Warriors snapped their two-game skid Monday night by routing the Memphis Grizzlies 101-84 to tie the Western Conference semifinals at 2-2. ‘’Tonight we took a step towards understanding that sense of urgency and kind of competitiveness and physicality to the game,’’ Kerr said. ‘’It was probably our most competitive effort, definitely of the series, but probably of the playoffs just in terms of understanding you got to play every second.’’

The Warriors hadn’t lost three straight games all season, and they never came close as they took back home-court advantage. Curry hadn’t scored more than 23 points in a game in this series, and he nearly had that by halftime.

Draymond Green had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors while Klay Thompson

had 15 points, Harrison Barnes 12 and Andre Iguodala 11. ‘’We set the tone the first quarter and kept the foot on the gas pedal the whole way, and that’s how we play,’’ Curry said.

Marc Gasol had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Memphis while Zach Randolph had 12 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Conley finished with 10 points and seven assists but was 4 of 15 from the field. Memphis pulled its starters with 3:00 left.

Game 5 is Wednesday night at Golden State. ‘’This series could have been close to over if we hadn’t come out like we were supposed to tonight,’’ Warriors center Andrew Bogut said. ‘’You know it’s never over until the end, but being down 3-1 going home is a pretty tough task, so 2-2 right now in a three-game series and we like our chances.’’

Memphis coach Dave Joerger had given his Grizzlies a history lesson reminding them of previous blown 2-1 leads in the postseason. It didn’t help as the Grizzlies lost their fourth straight Game 4, the third of those on their own court. They just didn’t play with the same defensive intensity as the last two games.

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors dunks against Vince Carter of the Memphis Grizzlies during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals for the NBA Playoffs on Monday at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Hawks hold off Wizards to tie series at 2

S

UDDENLY, the Atlanta Hawks went from so-so in the playoffs to looking a bit more like a No. 1 seed. ‘’That’s how we play. That’s how we’ve been playing all year,’’ forward Paul Millsap said. ‘’Things we didn’t do, pretty much all series, we did tonight.’’

Jeff Teague scored 26 points, Millsap added 19 points, six assists and five rebounds, and Al Horford had 18 points and 10 rebounds as three of Atlanta’s four All-Stars played significant roles to help the Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 106-101 on Monday night and evened their second-round series at two games apiece.

Washington’s lone All-Star, point guard John Wall, missed a third consecutive game with a broken left hand.

Game 5 in the best-of-seven series is Wednesday night at Atlanta. ‘’To me, personally, I think this is the best we’ve played all series,’’ said Millsap, who had

A

eight points in Game 3, when he was dropped from the starting lineup because of flu-like symptoms. ‘’Thirty assists, the way we played defense, the way we stepped up, the way we helped each other, the way we moved the basketball, the way we set screens.’’

Is that all, Paul? ‘’That was midseason form right there,’’ agreed Kyle Korver, Atlanta’s fourth All-Star, who was limited to four shots and six points, but all of the attention Washington paid to slowing him opened room for other Hawks. ‘’I thought we played with just a lot of juice, and a lot of energy, and a lot of purpose.’’

Still, this one wound up being tight toward the end.

Two days after hitting a buzzer-beater to win Game 3, Washington’s Paul Pierce missed a 3-point attempt that would have tied the score coming out of a timeout with 9.5 seconds left. ‘’Thought I got a great look,’’ Pierce said.

What Manny should and should not have said and done

FTER Floyd Mayweather’s conquest of Manny Pacquiao, I have not written any piece about the fight that I thought is almost like one run on a script.

I’d be brutally frank about this. Except for the millions of us ‘outsiders,’ Manny’s injury was no secret to many. Perhaps not even to Floyd’s camp. Perhaps not to the media insiders around Manny.

If there was a ‘conspiracy’ that Manny had complained about, maybe the ‘conspiracy’ began from within.

I wonder. Why hadn’t the media inside Manny’s camp truthfully revealed that Manny was injured? Didn’t they suspect something wrong when the sparmates of Manny were sent home

packing?

However, these are merely my afterthoughts.

The fight was ‘forced’ to happen as scheduled because there was too much money involved.

Manny’s camp cannot gamble setting it off to another date and risk losing it. Floyd’s got very unpredictable mind that Manny cannot just risk toying with him.

So they went on with the fight. Manny acted like he was perfectly alright. He was in a joyous mood in the presscon and in the weigh-in. He was doing selfies even up to the final walk to the ring.

In the end, I won’t blame Manny for electing to conceal an injury that eventually decided the fight. The money was just too much to resist.

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo Manny knew even if he lost, he would still be adored by millions of Pinoys back home. He would be adored for his bravery and stayed on his feet until the end of the fight when he could have done a Duran “no mas, no

mas” act after the fourth round.

However, Manny cannot always rely on that adulation.

Sometimes, he gets too careless.

Let me point out some of the statements Manny should have said and not have said and done.

1. KEEP CALM, I’M THE ONE FIGHTING. Manny repeatedly said this to his camp. If he knew he was not okay, and those around him knows he’s not, there is no reason to make that assurance.

2. SELFIES. Manny selfied his way in the welcome party at Mandalay Bay. He also selfied with Freddie Roach in the walk to the fight. These were clearly manifestations of unsettledness.

It was his way out of the grim reality that he is fighting with only

one good arm. It was meant to tell everyone he is calm when he is not.

3. I FEEL I WON THE FIGHT. Contrary to his words, Manny knew he did not win the fight.

Having said that, it gave the verdict some tinge of doubt.

4. I HAVE A SHOULDER INJURY. I remember a message painted on a factory—“My brakes are defective, tell it to the mechanic, not the doctor, not the judge.” Manny said this at a wrong time. He should have said this before the fight or at the moment he knew he was injured. If he wanted to use this as an alibi for losing, it does not speak well of a champion.

5. I’M GOING ON A VACATION. Manny answered in the interview after the fight on what he

plans to do. Manny forgot that he is an elected government official.

The fight had already taken him around three months out of his office. Saying that he is going on a vacation is almost like a betrayal to a sworn duty as public official.

6. I’M GOING TO BACK TO THE PBA AND COACH KIA. Another careless remark. Why couldn’t he love his job in Congress more?

Not taking away anything from Manny, he is still our boxing hero. However, Manny is not just a boxer now. He has made himself one with so many hats to wear.

He just had to keep his mind into these many roles he play.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 29 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Phoenix supports UFC Fight Night Manila I

NDEPENDENT oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines backs up the first ever UFC event in the Philippines on May 16, 2015 as the event’s official fuel partner.

The UFC Fight Night Manila which will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City, will feature the much awaited featherweight bout between former UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and former WEC Featherweight champion Urijah Faber.

Aside from the main event, Filipino UFC fans also look forward to witnessing live the other matchups most especially the fight of Filipino-American Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz with Luke Barnatt of England.

Win or lose, Muñoz has announced that this will be his last bout.

Before the big night, Phoenix Petroleum also presented the UFC Fighter Tour: Alistair ‘The Reem’ Overeem

on April 19, 2015 at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, where UFC fans, mall goers, and lucky Phoenix Petroleum Facebook page fans got the chance to meet and greet Overeem, one of the most powerful UFC heavyweight fighters.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the fastest growing sports organization in the world and is viewed as the pinnacle of MMA by both athletes and fans. With more than 40 fights every year, the UFC hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the world.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines is the number one independent and fastest growing oil company today with an expanding network of operations nationwide.

It is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping/logistics and allied services.

Phoenix Petroleum President and CEO Dennis Uy (3rd from left) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Executive Vice President and General Manager of Asia Kenneth Berger (2nd from left) seal the partnership on March 19, 2015 in Taguig. With them are UFC Partnership Activations Manager Jamie Eng (left) and Phoenix Chief Operating Officer Romeo de Guzman (right).

Rankings slide leaves Rafa facing toughest challenge

R

AFA Nadal’s slide down the ATP rankings means if he wins a record-extending 10th French Open title early next month it would go down as one of the greatest achievements of his illustrious career.

The Spaniard dropped three places to seventh on Monday as a consequence of his 6-3 6-2 drubbing at the hands of Britain’s Andy Murray in the final of the Madrid Masters the previous day.

And with another 600 points to defend at this week

Rome Masters, the 28-year-old could fall to his lowest ranking for 10 years by the time play begins at Roland Garros on May 24.

Not since April 2005, just before his maiden French title, has Nadal been lower than seventh.

The Spaniard insisted after losing to Murray that he was beginning to feel the “old sensations” again after struggling to find his best form in the wake of the wrist injury and appendicitis issues that undermined him last year.

But the fear factor that once inhibited opponents on the red clay appears to have disappeared.

In Monte Carlo, he was soundly beaten by world number one Novak Djokovic. He then lost to Italy’s unpredictable Fabio Fognini in Barcelona and in Madrid, after appearing to be getting back on track with wins against Grigor Dimitrov and Tomas Berdych, he was stopped in his tracks by Murray.

Murray had never beaten Nadal on clay and was thrashed

in last year’s French Open semi-final, but on Sunday he won with nonchalant ease.

“I will just stay with the good things that happened this week, and there are a lot of them, more good than bad. I will try to recover the good feelings in Rome,” Nadal said.

“Whatever will happen will be. It’s something that we have to realise, all of us, that what’s happening during these last years, it’s very complicated to be 10 or one years without leaving the top four.”