Edge Davao 8 Issue 48

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

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INSIDE EDGE

Hugpong to meet this month to discuss 2016 election plans The BIG NEWS P2

Tagum buy-bust nets P9 million

The BIG NEWS P2

Dabawenya hosts NY TV program

INdulge! A1

NO MANUAL ELECTION

GOING DIGITAL. A young boy uses a tablet to browse through some notes to prepare for Monday’s resumption of classes. Most schools in Davao City began the new school year yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

COMELEC 11 Assistant Regional Director Marlon Casquejo

‘We have enough IT experts to repair the machines’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

Cavs level NBA Finals Sports P16

C

OMMISSION on Election (Comelec)Davao assistant regional director Marlon Casquejo yesterday gave assurance that election will not be done manually in Region 11 next year.

This is even after the Supreme Court two

months ago ruled as null and void the P240 million contract between Comelec and Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. (Smartmatic-TIM) for the repair and diagnostics of 82,000 poll machines.

“The high court

through Associate Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe decided the refurbishment deal was illegal because the Comelec failed to justify why it had to resort to direct contracting, being unable to fulfill the conditions set by the Government Procurement

Reform Act (GPRA),” BusinessWorld had reported.

Casquejo, however, said Comelec has “enough IT (Information Technology) personnel to do the repair and the diagnostics.”

He also said only 20 to 30 percent of the 82,000

FNO MANUAL, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

RISKY. A “payong-payong” driver parks his vehicle outside the Magallanes Elementary School along Magallanes Street as he waits for students during lunch break yesterday. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started inspecting school buses and other school transport services for their roadworthiness a month before the opening of classes but has failed to check other means of transportation that present higher risk to passengers.

Lean Daval Jr.

Hugpong to meet this month to discuss 2016 election plans

T

HE homegrown Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod is set to convene before the end of June for its plans in 2016.

In an interview yesterday, party member third district councilor Rachel P. Zozobrado-Nagayo said Hugpong will probably meet before the month of June ends to talk about who will run in next year’s election.

“Ang nadunggan nako is end of June. Hopefully, mahitabo (Based on what I have heard it will be held at the end of June. Hopefully it will happen),” Zozobrado-Nagayo said.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said the meeting will be held to

coincide with the end of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s listening tour on federalism.

Duterte, the chair of the local political party, had earlier said he will reveal his political plans at the end of June when his listening tour is over.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said many members of the party have already expressed their intention to run for different local positions.

She said the intention of some members, especially those serving their third and last terms and are seeking higher positions, will depend on the decision of the party.

Second district councilor Louie John Bonguyan had ear-

Tagum buy-bust nets P9M in shabu

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

L

abf@edgedavao.net

Phl Embassy in KL seeks probe on death of worker

AW enforcement agencies in Davao Region netted P9 million worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in buy-bust operation in Tagum City last Friday.

Operatives headed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 arrested Ferdinand Jose Camacho, 45, a resident of Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and Oder Saipuding, 20, a resident of Monay, Lanao del Norte for allegedly selling one kilo of shabu to PDEA

HE Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has asked Malaysian authorities to probe the death in Johor Bahru of a Filipina worker from Polomolok in South Cotabato.

“The Embassy, through its Police Attaché, has asked Malaysian police authorities for a full investigation of the tragic incident, particularly how and why Ms Ruby Lloren was ‘trapped’ inside the burning house,” the Embassy said in a press statement sent to MindaNews.

Lloren was killed when

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will be one of the special guests in the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Second Quarterly National Executive Officer and National Board (NEO-NB) Meeting this Wednesday at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.

In an interview, councilor Rachel P. Zozobrado-Nagayo said the mayor already confirmed his presence as one of the keynote speakers.

T

FHUGPONG, 10

her house was burned allegedly by a robber who entered their house on Tuesday.

Lloren’s Malaysian husband, who was reportedly not at home when the fire broke out, informed her family in Polomok in the afternoon.

The Embassy’s statement said Ms. Lloren had been living in Malaysia with her husband for seven years and was working in a fast-food chain.

“She had a nine year old daughter,” the statement said.

It made no mention, however, where the child is. (MindaNews)

agents.

A PDEA report said Camacho and Saipuding were arrested at around 7 p.m.on June 5 at Stall No. 2, Pereras Compound, Barangay Magugpo West, Tagum City.

The report said aside from shabu, assorted drug paraphernalia and the money used by police in the buy-bust were also confiscated from the two suspects.

PDEA 11 regional director Emerson Rosales said concerned citizens reported

the illegal activities of the two through the agency’s text hotlines.

Rosales said the suspects are known to be big-time shabu suppliers operating in the region.

The suspects have been charged for the sale, possession of drug paraphernalia, and use of illegal drugs which violates Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Rosales said the operation was in coordination with

Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO), Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (DOPPO), Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 11, Tagum City Police Station, Davao del Norte Criminal Investigation and Detection Team, and the community.

“This collaborative effort... serves as a warning to all drug perpetrators that the law enforcement agencies are closely working together and are always vigilant in the fight against illegal drugs,” he said.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said that Duterte might share his advocacy on Federalism and might also conduct his “listening tour” during the convention.

In a schedule sent to Davao City reporters, Duterte will be the keynote speaker during the Mayor’s Night and Welcome Dinner on June 10.

Zozobrado-Nagayo also said Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte will be the keynote speaker on the second series of the

2015 Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP).

She said around 3,000 councilors from all over the Philippines will participate in the quarterly event of the PCL. Zozobrado–Nagayo said the councilors will be welcomed by the dancers of Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 and City Tourism and Operations Office (CTOO).

She said the management of Francisco Bangoy Inter-

national Airport allocated a separate exit for the delegates since there are vans that will deliver them to their respective hotels.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said the city will also present the city’s best ordinances such as the smoking ban and the liquor ban.

She said the culminating activity of the convention will be the open Golf Tournament on Friday. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Duterte to keynote councilors’confab D

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

Last Senate hearing on BBL to focus on control of Lake Lanao

S

ENATOR Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will focus on who will control and manage Lake Lanao, the country’s second largest lake and main source of electricity in Mindanao, when his committee holds the last public hearing on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) today (Tuesday).

Marcos, chair of the Senate committee on local government said the provision on jurisdiction over major energy sources in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law might come in conflict with the constitution.

He said there will also be discussion on the implications of the proposed Bangsamoro territory on business, trade, finance, health and women issues.

“I have to call another hearing because many of our

resource persons invited to our hearing on June 2 were not able to speak and provide us their inputs for lack of material time,” he said.

Marcos said he will start writing the committee report after the public hearing on Tuesday.

Among those who were not able to talk during the June 2 public hearing were Maranao leaders headed by Drieza Liningding, secretary general of Kalinaw Bangsamoro! Kalinaw Mindanaw! Kalinaw Pilipinas!

Liningding and his group are batting for higher revenue shares and control of the six Agus hydropower plants and Lake Lanao, which supply close to 60 percent of Mindanao’s electricity.

He said the local govern-

Farmers’groups get P3.2M in livelihood projects

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WO farmers’ associations in Davao Oriental recently received P3.250 million worth of livelihood projects from the Provincial Government, Department of Agriculture 11, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP).

Funded by the OPAPP, these projects were implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Program which bids for the intensification of peace and development efforts in the communities.

The Aliwagwag Farmers Multi-purpose Association (AFMA) in Cateel town received P750,000 worth of projects in support to its upland rice and postharvest facilities while the Batawan Upland Corn Farmers Association (BUCFA) in Baganga town received P2.5 million worth Corn Production and Postharvest Facilities.

Among the equipment and facilities AFMA received were a rice mill shed, a single

FOOD SECURITY. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte talks to exhibitors

last Friday. Duterte said in his speech that if he becomes President he will

FLAST, 10 after his talk at the Agriculture and Livestock Expo at SMX Convention Center prioritize the food production supply in the country. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

pass rice mill, weighing scales and a bagger.

BUFCA, on the other hand, received a corn mill building, multi-purpose drying pavement, 150 bags of corn seeds, organic fertilizers, weighing scales, compressor, welding machine, and office furniture and equipment, among others.

Enya Celoso, DA-PAMANA Focal Person, said the department had undergone consultations with the associations and their barangay officials in order to specifically determine the needs of the communities in terms of economic developments which are deemed to create impact in creating more peaceful communities.

The villagers in Aliwagwag along with residents in neighboring barangays, who will benefit from the upland rice facility projects, said this will definitely help them economically as they do not have to transport their harvested grains to rice mills situated kilometers away from their

FFARMERS’, 10

Comelec to hold satellite registration

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Commission on Election (Comelec) in Davao City will conduct satellite registration in different barangays with high rates of registered voters with no biometrics starting the last week of June.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex, Comelec assistant regional director and concurrent Comelec officer for the first district of Davao City Atty.

Marlon Casquejo said the satellite registration will benefit the 179,967 registered voters in Davao City who still do not have biometrics.

Davao City has a total of 888,442 registered voters, lower than the more than

970,000 registered voters in 2013.

Based on the data of Comelec-Davao City, the barangays of Talomo and Bucana have the most number of registered voters who do not have biometrics. These two areas are among the possible priority areas for satellite registration in the city, Casquejo said.

He also said far-flung barangays of the second and third district are also possible locations of the satellite registration. This after some city councilors requested Comelec to transfer its second and third district offices near the voters.

“Given the limited time, all we can do now is conduct the satellite registration in

different barangays to have all 179,967 update their voter’s registration and be able to vote in the 2016 election,” he said.

Casquejo said aside from satellite registration, Comelec is also sending individual final notice letters to registered voters with no biometrics.

However, of the 5,000 letters sent every week, Comelec only gets 20 responses, he said. Most letters are returned to the Comelec.

Casquejo said most of the registered voters who have no biometrics are those aged 35 and above and those who live in remote areas of the city.

“It would be hard for resident of Baguio District, for

instance, to travel down to the downtown area of the city just to have their biometrics registered. That’s why we have to conduct the satellite registration to bring the service nearer to them,” he said.

He said voters who registered starting 2004 already have biometrics.

“Aside from being qualified to vote next year, the biometrics will also allow the Comelec to clean and update our voters’ list,” he said.

He said biometrics will remove the possibility of flying voters, double registration. It will also remove voters who are deceased and those who have already changed their

FCOMELEC, 10

EastMinCom, Operation Smile ink deal to hold free operations

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T PARTNERSHIP. Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad explains how the partnership with Operations Smile Philippines Foundation (OSPF) Inc. can help indigent people in the hinterlands. Beside him is OPSF Board of Trustees member Dr. Joselito Rosauro Cembrano. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) signed a memorandum of understanding with Operation Smile Philippines Foundation (OSPF) Inc. last Sunday for the conduct of free cleft lip and cleft palate surgical operations.

The MOU was signed at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City

by EastMinCom commander Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad and OPSF board of trustee member Dr. Joselito Rosauro Cembrano.

The signing was witnessed

by Naval Forces Eastern Min-

danao commander Commodore Rafael G. Mariano.

Under the MOU, the OSPD will provide free cleft lip and cleft palate operations in the area of EastMinCom while the latter will provide logistics and mapping of the patients in its area of responsibility.

The EastMinCom will also transport patients from the community to the hospital where the operation will be done.

In a press conference, Baladad said the program will help the people especially those from the hinterlands who have no access to health services.

FEASTMINCOM, 10

EDGEDAVAO

4 PROPERTY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

Young plants and seedlings ready for planting will make Camella Davao’s surroundings lush and verdant.

Camella Davao speeds up development

C

AMELLA Davao, the newest and most anticipated masterplanned development in the city, has jumpstarted its massive construction to produce another iconic development.

“We are proud to announce the start of development of our latest addition to Camella’s string of masterplanned communities in the region,” said Anna Mae dela Peña, Camella Davao Marketing Head.

A Caribbean-inspired community, Camella Davao is spread across 34 hectares of prime land in Communal, Buhangin, Davao City. As it starts to take shape over time, it will stand out as a picturesque and charming community with stylish and functional homes.

Camella Davao will offer as many as 16 home models ranging from the affordable home series to the luxurious homes series, catering to a wide segment of homebuyers, from the middle-range to the high-end scale.

“Homebuyers will be

excited to know that house construction is eyed to commence before the year ends,” said dela Peña, urging homebuyers to choose their home model at the Camella offices at Delgar Bldg. which is across Northpoint in JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada.

Located across the Davao International Airport along the Diversion Road, Camella Davao’s location makes it conveniently accessible from all points of the city. Its location makes it accessible from Diversion’s southern point in Ulas and northern point in Panacan.

It is also centrally accessible from Buhangin Road, Bacaca Road, Mamay Road which intersects Diversion Road from JP Laurel Avenue and Lanang. All are major thoroughfares that lead to the subdivision’s entrance and plied by public transportation.

While it offers mid-range to high-end home packages, Camella Davao is designed as a first class subdivision complete with deluxe amenities

Land development is in full swing in Camella Davao.

for the convenience and en- cient community. While the to University of Immaculate joyment of its homeowners. community is quite close to Conception, Exegesis School A clubhouse designed with a all modern conveniences, of Davao, Stella Maris Acadtropical feel will become the homeowners who prefer not emy, South Eastern Philippulse center of the communi- to go far can always go to the pines, San Pedro College, ty where residents meet and Village Center to find their Holy Cross of Davao College, socialize in special events daily essentials. and Ateneo de Davao Univerand gatherings.

Camella Davao’s loca- sity.

For their physical activ- tion is ideal for all types of Only fifteen minutes ities, they can enjoy the bas- families, as it is within close away are malls and enterketball court, children’s play- proximity to schools such as tainment centers such as SM ground, and lanes for bikers, Colegio de San Ignacio, St. Lanang Premier, Abreeza joggers, skateboarders, and Paul School of Pasig – Davao, Ayala Mall, Victoria Plaza, strollers. Families can hold Jose Maria College (sure ito?), Gaisano Mall, Robinson’s Cypicnics at the park where Nikkei Jin Kai, and Mindanao bergate, Damosa Gateway young kids cans play with Kokusai Daigaku. and Market Basket. their neighbors, and teenagCamella Davao is near It is a few minutes’ ride ers can hang around with or drive the public markets of Butheir friends.

The whole subdivision will be fenced in and a grand entrance will be manned by security personnel. This will be augmented by roving guards who shall enforce roundthe-clock security system that will look out for safety of homeowners and their homes.

Camella Davao will also have its own commercial center that Camella Southmin Cluster Head Marlon B. towards the site where the charming Carib Escalicas gestures will make it a self-sufficommunity, Camella Davao, will soon rise. bean-inspired

hangin and Panacan, as well as places of worship such as the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, Carmelite Church, Redemptorist Church, Iglesiani Cristo, and Scripture Baptist Church.

Nearby hospitals include Southern Philippines’ Medical Center, Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. and the Metro Davao Medical and Research Center. Transport terminals to outlying municipalities and provinces are found at the Gaisano Mall and water transport to neighboring Samal Island is available at Sasa Wharf.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

Over 15K jobs in Kalayaan Job Fair Suyao: We have required all provincial labor officers to conduct their own job fair

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of 15,755 local and overseas jobs will be up for grabs during the 2015 Kalayaan Job Fair on June 12, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 announced.

DOLE 11 regional director Joffrey Suyao said this year’s figure is lower compared to the more than 20,000 jobs made available during the same job fair last year.

“We are expecting at least 3,000 job applicants to join the job fair for this year’s Kalayaan Job Fair at the NCCC Mall of Davao,” Suyao said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Suyao said the regional labor agency was able to solicit 2,255 local job vacancies from 51 local employers and 13,500 vacancies from 28 overseas employers.

Nurses have the highest demand abroad with a total of 763 solicited job vacancies, followed by salesman for food and non-food with 476, customer service representatives and security guards with 400

each, factory workers with 362, sales associates with 316, masons with 306, elderly care attendant with 300, carpenter with 287, and manicurist with 284 vacancies.

Suyao said there is still a high demand for call center agents with 500 local job vacancies, followed by customer service representative with 330, technical support representative with 300, sales personnel with 106, cable lineman and splicers with 70, sales consultant with 51, drivers and installers with 35, operations supervisor with 34, marketing officer with 25 and helpers with 20 vacancies.

There will be a region-wide job fair on June 12, according to Suyao. Aside from Davao City, Independence Day job fairs will also be simultaneously held in Nabunturan for Compostela Valley and Tagum City for Davao del Norte “We have required all provincial labor officers to conduct their own job fair to bring the job vacancies nearer

to job applicants,” Suyao said, adding that a region-wide job fair will spare applicants from going to Davao City just to par-

ticipate the one-day job fair.

He said the region-wide job fair will further improve the state of employment in

the region which continues to grow over the years.

Meanwhile, applicants can avail the pre-registration

and mini-job fair from June 5 until June 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the NCCC Mall of Davao.

KALAYAAN FAIR. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 regional director Joffrey Suyao says that jobs made available for this year’s Kalayaan Jof Fair lower compared to last year. Cheneen R. Capon

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

$1.5-B mining investment in Comval, DavOr

Arreza: These firms are already on the last stage of the feasibility study

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

A

N ESTIMATED US$1.5 billion investment from three mining companies will be poured into the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental once their respective feasibility studies are approved by the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB)-Davao.

MGB 11 director Edilberto Arreza said the three local mining firms with foreign partners are sister companies Hallmark Nickel Project and Austral-Asia Link Mining Corporation in Pujada, Peninsula in Mati City with a combined investment of US$1 billion, and Nationwide Development Corporation (Nadecor) in Pantukan, Compostela Valley with US$ 500 million.

Arreza said the three companies have been granted with permit to conduct exploration and feasibility study for eight years.

“These mining companies are already on the last stage of the feasibility study,” Arreza said in yesterday’s regular Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at SM City An-

nex.

Hallmark and Austral-Asia were granted a permit to explore a total of 12,000 hectares, with only 5,000 hectares of these are identified as active mining area for copper deposit.

Nadecor, meanwhile, is exploring and conducting a feasibility study on 1,300 hectares, with only 400 hectares are available for copper deposit.

Arreza said once the FS will be approved, the investment will be used for construction and mining operation of the firms.

The MGB 11 has approved a total of 38 applications from different firms, which are already in different stages of exploration.

Another 13 applications from different companies were endorsed by the MGBDavao to its central office for approval.

The approval of permits of mining applicants, Arreza said, will take at least two years, contrary to the six– month period as mandated by the MGB’s guidelines.

“The current adminis-

BIG INVESTMENT. Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 11 regional director Edilberto Arreza announces the huge investment of three local mining firms with foreign partners in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao

Oriental in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex. Beside him is Engr. Lorel Castillo, board of director of Philippine Society of Mining Engineers Davao chapter. Cheneen R. Capon

tration is very careful in approving applicants from the mining sector,” Arreza said.

Only two mining corporations in Davao Region have permit to operate, including the gold mining operation of Apex Mining Corporation, Inc. in Barangay Masara of

the municipality of Maco in Compostela Valley and the Holcim Cement in Barangay Ilang Davao City.

“The rest are illegal,” he said, adding that most of the illegal operations were registered in the sector of small mining.

Arreze said there are so many small mining operations in Compostela Valley that the MGB-Davao tried to legalize by helping miners to register and organize themselves as cooperatives.

“We cannot just simply stop their operation

because that would cause social problem,” he said, adding that MGB is continuously changing some of its guidelines in order to make the operation of small miners legal and declare small mining areas as Minaha ng Bayan.

to Ochoa, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, DOH Secretary Janette Garin, and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

During the trip, President Aquino received P13.5 billion investment pledges from 11 companies which signed letters of intent to

open or expand their operations in the Philippines.

The President cited clothing company Uniqlo, which currently has 22 outlets in the country, is planning to add 200 more shops.

He said the other companies are into manufacturing of electric tricycles, printers, smart glasses and medical devices such as aortic catheter, invitro diag-

nostics and for hemodialysis treatment.

The Philippines and Japan also signed agreements in health, maritime safety and trade as well as a concessional loan amounting to P136.9 billion huge infrastructure projects.

President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Abe also signed a Joint Declaration on Strengthened Strategic Partnership.

ping solutions.

The project, dubbed the Third Party Assessment for the Implementation of New Tourism Standards for Hotels, Resorts, and Apartment Hotels,” was conducted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) with SatisFIND® at the helm of its management and is geared towards the implementation of a uniform and transparent auditing structure for accommodation establishments across the country.

The assessment uses the Star Rating system derived from international best practices to audit hotels, resorts, and apartment hotels based on the availability, quality, and condition of their facilities and services.

This establishes a uni-

form scale to effectively evaluate all DOT-accredited accommodation establishments in the Philippines.

SatisFIND® designed a methodical reporting and assessment process specifically for the DOT, resulting in a system by which both domestic and international tourists can gauge the quality of the hotel they are considering.

According to Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., the new standards further aims to boost the hotel and tourism competitiveness of the country, especially in preparation for upcoming important events such as the APEC Summit this year and the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2016.

This undertaking kicked off in 2013, commencing with

the selection of thirty-five volunteer auditors with expertise and experience in the field of hotel and tourism, and the intention of paying it forward to the country’s tourism industry.

After being carefully selected by the DOT to be Third-Party Auditors, they went through a comprehensive four-day training program organized by SatisFIND® and developed by Mr. Geoff Penrose, director of World Class Tourism and an international expert on star rating systems.

A private gathering hosted by Sec. Jimenez and attended by the Third-Party Auditors and SatisFIND® officially launched the project’s implementation.

28 IP families benefit Noy brings home P13.5-B investment pledges from shelter program

A

TOTAL of 28 families who are members of the city’s Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples were recently made the beneficiaries of the Shelter Assistance Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the City Government of Tagum.

Implemented through the city’s Social Welfare and Development Office under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process, the program is jointly carried out by the DSWD and the local government to provide homes to the 28 families of Indigenous Peoples whose houses were destroyed, either partially or totally, during the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo in 2012.

The joint undertaking, which is pegged at ₱2.6 million, with the City of Tagum pledging the amount of ₱400,000 as its counterpart, is in accordance with the policy of the State to provide shelter to the families/victims whose houses are destroyed by natural or man-made disasters and calamities, and is in line with the City Government’s developmental thrust on Social Services.

Each IP family/beneficiary of the program is estimated to complete the ₱70,000worth shelter unit within ten

days after the implementation of the project and will also be paid the amount of P22,600.00 in exchange for their services or involvement during an 8-hour, 10-day construction work on the aforementioned shelter unit.

The beneficiaries who are all members of the Mansaka tribe from the city’s 4 flood-prone barangays of Pagsabangan, Mankilam, San Miguel and Canocotan were identified and selected by the Datus and Bias of their respective barangays.

The program was implemented during a ground breaking ceremony on May 28, 2015 at the city’s resettlement area at RTU Village, Purok 2, Apokon, Tagum City and was participated in

by Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon, DPA, PhD., Hon. Macario Bermudez, Hon. Allan Zulueta, Hon. Francisco Remitar, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Damiano Cipro, City ENRO Engr. Elias Ragos, City Engineer Roosevelt Corporal, Local Housing Board’s Engr.

Bernardo Castor, Acting City PDO Arturo Manigo, Acting City GSO Roger Dompol, CSWDO Nora C. Lupiba, RSW, and Brgy. Apokon Captain Bryan Kim Samuel Angoy. (Richi D. Gulle/CIO Tagum)

P

RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III returned to the country on Friday (June 5) with P13.5 billion investment pledges and P136.9 billion loans from his four-day state visit to Japan.

The President was welcomed at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Cabinet members including Executive Secretary Paqui-

Star rating system for accommodation establishments

A

S the country gears up towards the much-anticipated ASEAN Integration this year, when it joins other ASEAN countries in achieving 100 percent economic integration, the readiness of the business community is reassurance that the Philippines is indeed in a better position to embrace this opportunity.

One such example of this preparedness is manifested in the country’s hospitality industry, where the need for the implementation of a consistent rating system has been the subject of a new government effort in partnership with SatisFIND®, which is headed by Michelle Perez Patel and Kaiz Patel, experts on customer experience measurement and mystery shop-

FSTAR RATING, 10

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Pinoy band Filharmonic

Dabawenya hosts NY TV program Ethel with Filipino designer Darius Gibbs

By Jefry M. Tupas

THREE years after leaving the Philippines, Dabawenya TV reporter Ethel Cantor-Constantino renews her romance with broadcast journalism as she hosts a Filipino TV program in Queens, New York.

Ethel will also be working as the writer and co-producer of the magazine show I Am Pinoy, Proud Ako, a 30-minute bilingual, live-to-tape program that started airing on May 7 over three different channels under Queens Public Television (QPTV) in New York.

The program will feature the lives of various people, from ordinary Fil-Ams to the exceptional achievers and leaders in the community.

In its pilot episode, the program highlighted the colorful stories of Fil-Am designer Darius Gibbs, actor and filmmaker Luis Pedron, the Pinoy group called Filharmonic, and Philippine Consul

General Mario de Leon Jr. “Despite the growing population of Filipinos living in the US, there is very little or limited information available about their accomplishments, struggles, and hopes as individuals away from the Philippines, their home,” said Ethel, a graduate of Communications Arts from the Ateneo de Davao University.

“The program was born out of our desire to discover and tell the stories of inspiration, survival, the dreams of Filipinos in the US.” These stories, according to Ethel, are hoped to inspire and encourage other Filipinos living in the US. “There are a lot of things

to learn from these people, from these stories. I am very happy that I have this opportunity to share and tell these stories to others,” she said.

Gibbs, for instance, had his creativity and perseverance tested before making it to the fashion capital of the world. He now owns the designer line Dark by DBG. “Young and new designers who want to penetrate the US market must start it small and grow from there. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” he said.

Pedron tells of his journey as an actor and filmmaker who founded the International Film Festival Manhattan that annually gathers over 400 films from across the world every October. He considers the film fest his “simple and humble” way of “honoring” films and filmmakers and actors and artists around the world — including Filipinos.

Pedron is soon to release an e-book — sort of a manual — on how to join film festivals.

The Filharmonic is a seven-member group known among Filipinos in New York for their songs that bring them back home. One of the members of the group is Cutuy Herrero, daughter of the late character actor Subas Herrero.

She tells of how she was drawn away from pursuing music be-

cause “I never thought I was good enough” and how “great it is to be singing for the Filipino community.”

The group, along with other Fil-Am artists, recorded We Shall Rise, a song dedicated to the victims of typhoon Yolanda. The song is available on iTunes and the proceeds will go to the Philippine National Red Cross.

De Leon’s story centers on the services offered by the Philippine Consulate in New York.

I Am Pinoy, Proud Ako! is a production of Pinoy Pride sa America, in collaboration with Empyre Media Productions and Genix Productions.

“This is my way of serving the Filipino community here,” Ethel said, adding that the show has offered her “to do what I really love doing.”

Ethel started her media career as executive producer and host of several ABS-CBN shows in Davao City, including TV Patrol Mindanao, Hoy Gising-Davao, and Maayong Buntag Mindanao. She also pioneered the GMA Davao news department before moving to PTV where she also hosted “Talk Mindanao” and “Mag-UmaSenso Ta!” She is an alumna of the East West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii under its Senior

Journalist Seminar Program and became the only Filipina journalist who became a recipient of TV Reporting Tour of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois. The ex-

perience gave her the opportunity to document the lives of Muslim-Americans after 9/11. The program was under the Office of Broadcast Services of the US State Department.

Ethel with two New York City police officers

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ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

Modern

WPFF 2015 features

8 Filipino new cinema films EIGHT FILMS have now been selected to vie in the Filipino New Cinema section of the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines (WPFF) 2015. The festival itself will take place from June 24 to July 7, 2015, and will screen at SM Cinemas.

Gala Premieres for the Filipino New Cinema entries, to be attended by directors, and stars from June 25-27 at the SM North EDSA cinemas. For June 25, the films “Sino nga ba si Pangkoy Ong?” (5:00pm) and “An Kubo sa Kawayanan” (7:00pm).

On June 26, “Maskara” (5:00pm), “Piring” (7:00pm) and “I Love You. Thank you.” (8:00pm).

Then June 27 will have “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” (5:00pm), “Filemon Mamon” (7:00pm) and “Of Sinners and Saints” (8:00pm). Directors and stars will introduce their films and take part in a short Q&A after the screening. Gala Premieres are strictly invitational.

The section will feature new Filipino films from contemporary filmmakers who are looking to premiere their latest works before an international audience in the Philippines. The section further highlights the high calibre of films produced and made by the country.

Festival Awards for this section include film grants of varying amounts as well as awards for Best Picture (1st and 2nd place), Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Engineering, Best Production Design, and Best Performance by an Actor, Best Performance by an Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. The awards shall be given by an international jury comprised of experts in cinema.

The 8 films selected into the Filipino New Cinema section of the WPFF are: “An Kubo sa Kawayanan” directed by Alvin B. Yapan, “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” directed

by Nestor Abrogena, “Filemon Mamon” directed

by Will Fredo, “I Love you. Thank you” directed

by Charliebebs Gohetia,

“Maskara” directed by Genesis Nolasco, “Of Sinners and Saints” directed

by Ruben Maria Soriquez, “Piring” directed by Carlos Morales, and “Sino nga ba si Pangkoy Ong?” directed by Jonah Lim. “An Kubo sa Kawayanan” directed by Alvin B. Yapan, focuses on Michelle (Mercedes Cabral) who lives in her own special world and has special relationship with her house by the bamboo grove. In Michelle’s world, everything is interconnected, and even the smallest of things has a story to tell. Also starring in the film are RK Bagatsing and Mark Felix.

“Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” directed by Nestor Abrogena, observes the troubled relationship of Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emman-

uelle Vera) as they prepare to confront a dilemma that has been brewing and slowly growing. Also starring in the film is Brian Corella.

“Filemon Mamon” directed by Will Fredo, is the story of FIlemon Mamon (Jerome Ignacio) a high school student who desires two things. First, to win the heart of the girl he loves and second, to be the lead in a musical play about his Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio. But he has a problem: his weight.

Also starring in the film are Miles Ocampo, Smokey Manaloto, Joshua Colet, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Nanette Inventor, and Giselle Sanchez.

“I Love you. Thank you.” directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, is the story of Paul (Joross Gamboa)

a restless twenty-something who cannot get his life together, and to make matters worse, falls into a love triangle between Red, his best friend Ivan’s boyfriend, and Tang (Ae Pattawan), whom he meets in his travels to Siem Reap.

“Maskara” directed by Genesis Nolasco, follows the story of Pia Gorospe (Ina Feleo) as she tries to uncover the truth behind the death of a high level executive at the One Wired Nation (OWN) company, with her quest taking her all the way to the city of Marinduque as it celebrates the Moriones tradition. Also starring in the film is Ping Medina, Lance Raymundo, Lester Llasang, and Boots Anson-Roa. “Of Sinners and Saints” directed by Ruben Maria Soriquez follows the story

of Leonardo Rosselini (Ruben Maria Soriquez), a young Italian priest who is assigned to a parish in Payatas and soon descends into the one of the poorest and violent areas in Metro Manila. Also starring in the film are Chanel Latorre, Raymond Bagatsing, and Sue Prado.

“Piring” directed by Carlos Morales is about James (Yussef Esteves), a working student who struggles to keep both ends meet as he provides for his troubled family, amidst the corrupted dealings of the city. Also starring in the film are Krista Miller, Bembol Roco, and Tessie Tomas.

“Sino nga ba si Pangkoy Ong?” directed by Jonah Lim, focuses on the adventures and misadventures of three close friends; Armand (Kiko Matos), Julian (Paulo de Vera), and Paolo (Elston Jimenez), as they embark on writing a manuscript under the pseudonym of an established author, in the hopes of making money. Also starring in the film are Hazel Faith dela Cruz, Coleen Perez, and Lara Villar.

The WPFF, the international film festival on the rise in South East Asia, derives from the simple concept of bringing together a number of countries for a distinct film festival that amplifies diversity in cinema. Featured films will vie for top awards and have red carpet gala premiere screenings at the country’s stylish cinemas, with film luminaries and celebrities in attendance.

Besides the “Filipino New Cinema” section, the WPFF also has its Main Competition, Cine Verde section, and Parallel sections (Euroview, ASEAN Skies, Ibero-America, and Eurasian Cinescape).

Overall, the festival will screen 60 to 70 films taken from around the world.

Running in tandem with the WPFF is the International Film Exposition (IFX), one of the premier Film Expositions and Film Markets in South East Asia, which will be held from June 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center.

Please visit the website at www.wpff.ph for more details for festival news and updates.

ABS-CBN scored another primetime h on Philippine TV with its modern rete ing of the classic love story betwee Angelo and Yna in the 2015 remake the worldwide hit series “Pangako ’Yo” (“The Promise”).

Fifteen years after its original versio aired on ABS-CBN, “Pangako Sa’Y made a grand comeback last Mond (May 25) and hit a national TV rating 34%, or more than double that of its val program, which only got 15%. Da from Kantar Media also showed that was the most watched program in th country that night.

Even before it started airing, th show’s official hashtag already b came the top nationwide and worl wide topic on Twitter, garnering mo than half a million tweets from 6 PM midnight.

Netizens praised the performan es of the new Eduardo, Claudia, an Amor played respectively by some th country’s most sought-after actors Ia Veneracion, Angelica Panganiban, an Asian superstar Jodi Sta. Maria, wh captivated global viewers with her ro as Maya Dela Rosa in “Be Careful wi My Heart.” The legions of fans of th show’s lead teen stars Daniel Padi and Kathryn Bernardo also contri uted to this uptrend as they went fu force in tweeting about the progra

Bigger a

THERE will be more reasons to g hooked in GMA Network’s Telebaba block as its primetime dramas co tinuously engage viewers with th programs’ exciting developments an the many twists and turns in every e isode. From Pari ‘Koy’s way of upli ing the human spirit, the bitterswe moments in Let The Love Begin, up how the characters of The Rich Man Daughter bravely face the truth, GM Telebabad definitely knows how compellingly drive the curiosity of e ery viewer.

After garnering positive commen from some of the priests of the Cath lic Bishops’ Conference of the Phili pines (CBCP), GMA Network’s first ev faith-serye, Pari ‘Koy, continues grab attention from viewers and ne zens. Aside from its interesting stor Kapuso Primetime King Dingdon Dantes overwhelmingly gets a lot raves for his effective portrayal of F ther Kokoy, a priest who is known f his non-traditional and non-conform ist ways of bringing people closer God. There’s definitely more to watc out for in Pari ‘Koy especially now th Michelle (Carla Abellana) finally lear that Pinggoy (David Remo) is her lon lost son. Overwhelmed with joy, M chelle and Jude will decide to a permission from Father Kokoy to ta Pinggoy home. Now that the tru was finally revealed, witness how F ther Kokoy’s faith and perspectives life be moved by the circumstanc happening around him.

Meanwhile, Matthew (Victor Ne will finally have the courage to co front and declare his love for Noem (Sunshine Dizon). As a dedicate mother, Noemi will do everything sh can to get her daughter, Sarah (Jillia Ward), from Simon (Carlo Gonzalez).

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

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retelling of ‘The Promise’ hits big on Ph TV

hit ellen of Sa

on Yo” day of riata t it he

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even if their idols didn’t appear in the pilot episode yet.

Aside from a stellar cast, the new “Pangako Sa’yo” also offers a top caliber production with scenes shot on different grand locations just to give its audience an unforgettable viewing experience the same way the original version did years back.

“Pangako Sa’Yo,” directed by its original directors Rory Quintos, Olivia Lamasan, and original writer Dado Lumibao, revolves around the promise of true and never-ending love from two generations--- the love story of Amor (Sta. Maria) and Eduardo (Veneracion), who were separated by Claudia

(Panganiban), and the young couple brought together by destiny, Angelo (Padilla) and Yna (Bernardo).

The show’s original version is a landmark series on Philippine television, raising the bars of locally producing soap operas and being the first to give Filipino audiences a cinematic experience right at their very homes. It is also the most successfully distributed Filipino series in the global arena as it was sold in 16 countries and remains the only internationally adapted Filipino drama, with format buys by Asia and Latin America.

“Pangako Sa’Yo” is only one of ABSCBN International Distribution’s excit-

ing offerings for 2015.

ABS-CBN International Distribution has been recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider. It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 30,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABS-CBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures. For more information, visit ABS-CBN International Distribution’s official website at http://internationalsales.abs-cbn.com.

and Stronger GMA Telebabad

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nts hoipver to etiry, ng of Fafor mto ch hat rns ng Miask ake uth Fain ces

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Under the helm of Maryo J. Delos Reyes, Pari ‘Koy also takes pride on the stellar performances of Luz Valdez, Dexter Doria, and Chanda Romero. Continuing to put Father Kokoy’s faith into action are characters of JC Tiuseco, Jeric Gonzales, Rap Fernandez, Lindsay de Vera, and Hiro Peralta.

The original series Let the Love Begin is fast becoming one of the favorite dramas of the viewers in the primetime block. Under the direction of Gina Alajar, it is topbilled by Philippine Comedy Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas with GMA-7’s fast-rising loveteam Ruru Madrid and Gabbi Garcia together with the powerhouse cast composed of Gardo Versoza, Donita Rose, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Neil Ryan Sese, Gladys Reyes, and Ms. Gina Pareño. Completing the cast are Noel Trinidad, Phytos Ramirez, Abel Estanislao, Ricardo Cepeda, Joko Diaz, Rita Daniela, Ar Angel Aviles, Nomer Limatog, Angeli Bayani, Sancho delas Alas, Therese Malvar, Ren Escano.

Kapuso viewers can expect more confrontations and revelations on Let the Love Begin as the succeeding episodes get more interesting and engaging. The mother of Pia (Gabbi), Sophie (Rita Avila), is alive. This shocks Tony (Gardo) and the revelation will turn the lives of the characters. Tony (Gardo) will begin to rekindle his love for Sophie. He now explores the possibility of an annulment of his marriage with Celeste (Donita). This makes Celeste furious and will do anything to stop Tony’s plans. When Tony decides to make Pia and Sophie meet, Celeste was the first to arrive in their reunion.

And in a fit of anger, Celeste fights Tony until she pushes him off the cliff.

Meanwhile, Erick (Ruru) becomes the new mystery DJ of Sky FM as DJ 1-Direcho. Pia (Gabbi) and her friends immediately become his fans and they are now part of the 1-Direchoners. Pia has a crush on DJ 1-D and doesn’t look Erick’s way that much anymore.

Erick becomes jealous of Himself. Jeni

(Aiai), on the other hand, learns that Erick is really in love with Pia. She is afraid that Erick will also experience the hurt and the pain that she went through before, with Erick who is now with falling in love with Pia. GMA Network’s groundbreaking series The Rich Man’s Daughter continues to take its viewers at the edge of their seats as each episode gradually reveals the personal truths of each character. Top billed by Rhian Ramos, she is joined by Glaiza de Castro, Luis Alandy, Katrina Halili, Mike Tan, Chynna Ortaleza, Sheena Halili, and Ms. Gloria Romero. The show also stars Pauleen Luna, Paolo Contis, TJ Trinidad, Charee Pineda, Stephanie Sol with Al Tantay, Glydel Mercado and Tony Mabesa. The Rich Man’s Daughter is directed by Dominic Zapata.

This week on The Rich Man’s Daughter, Oscar (Al) finally found out that her only daughter Jade (Rhian) is a lesbian and in a relationship with Althea (Glaiza). He will do everything in his power and influence to separate the two and to save their family’s reputation. He even offers Althea money just so she stays away from Jade’s life.

However, she rejects Oscar’s offer and continues to fight for her love for Jade. This angered Oscar more so he continues to threaten Althea by saying that he will do anything just to get Jade back. Oscar announces that he is looking for a suitor for her daughter and is willing to pay a hundred million pesos to any man who will marry and make her straight again.

Don’t miss the intriguing and compelling primetime shows of GMA Telebabad starting with Pari ’Koy, Let the Love Begin and The Rich Man’s Daughter airing weeknights after 24 Oras.

June 5 – 9, 2015

LAST KNIGHTS / *SWORD OF VENGEANCE Clive Owen, Morgan Freeman / *Stanley Weber, Edward Akrout R13/ *R16

12:00 | 2:10 | 4:20 LFS / * 6:30 | 8:15 | 10:00 LFS

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott PG

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

PITCH PERFECT 2 / *TOMORROWLAND Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson / *George Clooney, Britt Robertson PG/ *PG

R-16

12:00 | 2:20 LFS / * 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

SAN ANDREAS Alexandra Daddario, Dwayne Johnson PG

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

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

green products to watch out for at the Lanang Weekend Market

IF you haven’t checked out the metro’s newest marketplace yet, then you’re in for some surprises when you visit and see the products at the Lanang Weekend Market at SM Lanang Premier.

Open from Friday to Sunday, 4pm to 9 pm, the Lanang Weekend Market is set at the 2nd level of the beautiful alfresco area of The Fountain Court.

Organized by SM Lanang Premier and Gatch Events, it offers a platform for promising entrepreneurs to make their products known to the public.

Vendor booths are designed with a rustic, earthy feel, eliciting plenty of charm to prompt mallgoers to stop by and

peruse through the products. Some featured goods are environment-friendly and delightfully tasty enough to pique your own interest.

Black, Red and Brown Rice Instead of having your usual white rice, go organic all-the-way with wholegrain rice produced by Bios Dynamis. Select from 3 nutritious varieties: Black Rice contains high level of antioxidants to help support the immune system and promote healthy cell growth; Red Rice is great for weight loss; and Brown Rice is for those who are keen to maintain a healthy digestion.

100% Fresh, Produce

Organic

Health starts with what you eat. Opt for organic products by Green Bounty’s Kitchen. Sun-dried tomatoes made from organic tomatoes and herbs, 100% naturally grown mixed greens, and pesto made from organic basil leaves are must-haves.

NatuReal Calamansi Juice Feeling thirsty? Drink up the NatuReal Fruit Juice by Allegro. It maintains the tangy taste of fresh calamansi with a tinge of sweetness that is just right for your taste buds.

Botanical Soap and Other Beauty Products Nourish your skin with the natural beauty product line of The Naked Truth.

Soap bars, moisturizers, and lotions are made of botanical oils and ingredients that are beneficial for your skin.

Banana and Taro Chips For a healthy, guilt-free snack, bring home a bag of banana chips from Jef in various flavors. Taro chips

by JNC are also a great alternative to fatty junk food.

For inquiries, call 2850943 loc. 133. You may also check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates. Interested parties who would like to join the Lanang Weekend Market may drop an email to gatchi.gatchiandgatchi@ gmail.com or gatchigatchalian@gmail.com.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

7 CULTURE & ARTS

Saving Ifugao’s rice terraces

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

WAS reading the Philippine Daily Inquirer last June 1 and one of the news reports that caught my attention was this: “Ifugao rice terraces may become urban jungle.” It’s a dispatch released by the Agence France Presse.

The world famous’ rice terraces, the report said, are “facing unprecedented threats amid the relentless forces of modernity.” Edison Molanida, World Heritage sites manager for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, was quoted as saying: “There is a danger of these beautiful areas turning into urban jungles.”

According to Molanida, one of the main threats is the rapid pace of development in the area.

“And by rapid pace, we mean unmanaged development,” he pointed out.

I had observed that kind of unmanaged development when I visited the place more than two decades ago. I thought it was The author already corrected since I observed that houses were sprouting in those rice paddies.

When I was still in high school, I was totally enthralled

by Ifugao Rice Terraces, which has been called “the Eighth Wonder of the World.”

“In justice, (the rice terraces) should be called the first,” argued an article which appeared in Clarin-Revista, a widely-circulated publication in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“For beside it, the pyramids of Egypt, the gardens of Babylon, al Filipino farmers who have or the Roman aqueducts are tilled the steep slopes for over simple attempts at minor en- 2,000 years. It is among the gineering.” top 50 Wonders of the World Historians said the rice and is listed on the roster of terraces were ingenuously the World Heritage Sites of the carved out of the mountains United Nations Educational, by the Ifugaos for rice farming. Scientific, and Cultural OrganiArchaeologists believe that the zation (UNESCO) since 1995.

Ifugaos, who began construct“A living cultural landing the terraces 20 centuries scape of unparalleled beauty,” before Christ, migrated from hailed UNESCO when it was Indo-China to Luzon. conferred the World Heritage “As an ethnic type, the Ifu- status. gao has disappeared, mingling Another UN agency, the with the autochtonous tribes Rom-based Food and Agriculthat have inhabited the new ture Organization, has desigland,” wrote the Clarin-Revis- nated the rice terraces as one ta article. of the Globally Important Ag“Not even his physical re- ricultural Heritage Systems. semblance was preserved,” But the rice terraces the article deplored. “Actually, are on the verge of total colonly the name of the foreign lapse due to erosion, climate voyagers remains, carried change, flooding, human by the possible descendants, abandonment, and unplanned one of the many indigenous urban development. “To forcommunities that occupy the get or wipe out or let go of area where they landed 4,000 a precious heritage like the years ago.”

2,000-year-old Banaue Rice The rice terraces, de- Terraces is absurd,” wrote scribed as “the stairway to Cecilia S. Angeles in an article heaven,” are a living monu- which appeared in Manila Bulment to the ingenuity of trib- letin. “It must be preserved. It

The rice terraces of Banaue

Stairway to heaven

In justice, (the rice terraces) should be called the First Wonder of the World

Human settlements

must be saved!”

Aside from the Banaue, there are other rice terraces that can be found in the province; these are in Batad, Mayoyao, Hungduan, and Kiangan.

In agriculture, a terrace refers to a leveled section of a hilly cultivated area, designed as a method of soil conservation to slow or prevent the rapid surface runoff of irrigation water. Often such land forms into multiple terraces, giving a stepped appearance.

Terraced agricultural fields are common in Asia: on Himalayan foothills, Central

and South China, Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi, Northern Indochina, the highlands of Pacific islands, including Hawaii, as well as on the Andes mountains of South America.

“But the Ifugao rice terraces are the most extensive,” wrote science journalist Paul Icamina, when he was still connected with the International Rice Research Institute.

“If stretched end to end in a line, the Ifugao rice terraces measure 48,280.4 kilometers – about 10 times longer than the Great Wall of China or about half the earth’s circumference.”

The Ifugao rice terraces need to be saved. I don’t what happened to it but a congressman once filed a bill -- House Bill Number 5692 or more commonly known as the “Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation Act.” “Over the years, the Ifugao Rice Terraces has been deteriorating due to natural disasters and human activities. If it is not safeguarded and conserved, it may become a mere part of humanity’s history rather than a valuable World Cultural Heritage. Its current state is a wakeup call for us to do something now,” the bill

said.

In the past, one of the pressing problems that caught the attention of the media was the earthworms which reproduce more with less water.

Maurice Malanes, in an article which appeared in Philippine Daily Inquirer, wrote: “The more earthworms there are, the more water is lost. As the topsoil dries up with the lack of water, the earthworms go deeper into the soil to seek areas that are still moist. Water seeps through the holes earthworm bore, causing the soil and terrace walls to dry up and crack.”

A study conducted by Wilfredo Alangui of the Tebtebba Foundation, a global policy research center, traced the culprit of water problem to the denudation of the watershed in the province. “Tourism has encouraged the commercial production of woodcarvings and handicraft, and this helped deplete local forest resources,” the study said.

Local environment officials reported that illegal loggers sneak into the mountain at night to cut softwood species like sangilo and lanete to be used in wood carvings. As trees disappear in the watershed areas, water is compromised.

Without water, the terraces could never be sustained.

“The rice terraces need always to be wet,” environment officials claimed.

Because rice farming is no longer viable, farmers started losing interest in planting rice.

“As farmers plant palay only once a year, the profit they gained is not even enough to support them the rest of the year,” lamented Orlando Mercado when he was still a senator. “Thus, they abandon rice farming and seek other means of livelihood.”

Neglect has also played a big part. “Terrace walls are collapsing, ponds are eroded and weedy, and there is lack or absence of irrigation water,” commented Dr. Rogelio Concepcion in his report after doing a survey on the status of the terraces.

The economic and population boom has also augmented the degeneration of the rice terraces. Clusters of houses are expanding “like mushrooms near the paddies,” commented one observer.

“It’s up to the Ifugao people to decide if they want to fight harder to conserve their culture and prevent chaotic development,” Molanida told Agence France-Presse.

“Otherwise the rice terraces may become grass terraces.”

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

EDITORIAL A problem of enforcement

N

OT many Filipinos seem to know that the month of June is “National No Smoking Month” in the Philippines. This was declared so on May 30, 1993 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, whose Proclamation No. 183, FVR said there was “a need to focus national attention to the dangers of smoking.” While the ”no smoking” imperative is taken for granted in Davao City where smoking is not allowed almost literally everywhere, elsewhere in the country there is a need to enforce it with greater strictness. This is particularly true in urban areas where smokers are able to get away with lighting up even in public buildings, transport, and places were people congregate. Needless to say, the health of the people around them is compromised — and all they are doing is breathe.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global “tobacco epidemic” kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing second-hand smoke. A full ten percent actually die even though they have not even smoked a cigarette in their lives. It’s called passive smoking, and it is this breathing in of second-hand smoke that needs to be stopped for the sake of non-smokers. This, in fact, is the smoker’s greatest offense. If smoking only affected the smoker

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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then there would really be no need to sound the alarm on the effects of cigarette smoke. The problem, however, is that cigarette smoke floats in the air and becomes part of the atmosphere that the rest of the people get to inhale.

The WHO says unless something is done, the epidemic will kill more than 8 million people every year by 2030. More than 80 percent of these preventable deaths will be among people living in low-and middle-income countries. The key word here is preventable: smoking is a health problem that need not be. The problem is that government does not enforce the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9211) which, among other provisions, bans smoking in public places such as schools and recreational facilities, elevators and stairwells, hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, public conveyances and public facilities such as airports and ship terminals, train and bus stations, restaurants and conference halls, with the exception of separate smoking rooms.”

The law itself is virtually all-inclusive, but one is hard-pressed to find a place outside of Davao City that it is strictly implemented.

Government must seriously enforce this law and save thousands of Filipinos from an early and unpleasant death.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0930-669-3018 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

“

I THINK of how each person in a marriage owes it to the other to find individual happiness, even in a shared life. That this is the only way to grow together, instead of apart.” ― Emily Giffin, Heart of the Matter *** One night before he left, the king was walking in the palace gardens. He stood by the moondrenched pool, tossing pebbles into the water and watching circles form. How like a circle is my love for my queen, he thought. It, too, has no beginning and no ending.

The following day, the king called in his goldsmith and directed him to make a gold circle to fit the queen’s finger. When the king slipped the finishing ring on his wife’s finger, he told her: This circle, which has no beginning and no ending, is a pledge of my love for you, which is also eternal.

And down through the ages, the giving of a wedding ring has sealed the vows of marriage, and symbolized the purity and endlessness of love in marriage.

Of course, the above story is just plain imagination. But it is widely believed that the first examples of wedding rings were found in ancient Egypt. Relics dating back as far as 3,000 years ago, including papyrus scrolls, show evidence of braided rings of hemp or reeds being exchanged among a wedded couple.

Egyptians viewed the circle as a symbol of eternity, and the ring served to signify the never-ending love between the couple. This was also the origin of the practice of wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand, which the Egyptians believed to house a special vein that was connected directly to the heart.

Wedding rings are a tradition that goes back many centuries, but marriage itself started when God created man and woman. Marriage is one of the first institutions that God has given us. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh,” Genesis 2:24 recorded.

If you are still single, a time will come that you will enter matrimony -- sooner or later. When you get married, marry for the right reason. “I don’t want to be married just to be married,” wrote Mary

T

AKING a break from politics, I just saw that the world of online shopping, already crowded with countless mobile apps and brand storefronts, just got a little bit tighter as popular photo sharing app Instagram just announced that it will roll out a “fully operational ad business” that would finally allow users to interact directly with brands without having to go through third-party service providers.

In essence, users will now be able to simply click a link in order to interface with sellers outside of the app and perform “marketable actions” with more ease and convenience. This includes buying and selling the products being advertised in Instagram.

Because of the highly visual nature of the app, it is seen by many to be the perfect platform not only to build brands, but also to sell everything from fashion, to travel destinations, services, restaurants, and many more in between. Unfortunately Instagram did not allow the use of links that would take its users beyond the app. Until now.

The technology being used to power this new advertising direction is derived directly from Facebook, which bought the app in 2012 for 1 billion dollars. This means that the same advertising and marketing savvy that allows Facebook users to target very specific markets will soon be available to the 300 million or so Instagram users worldwide.

While this may be great news for brands and advertisers, expect some resistance from some Instagramers to the commercialization of their community. Sensitivity to such possibly negative reactions is what held the company back from aggressively pursuing commercialization in the past.

This time though, with the tech support

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

‘Till death do us part Ann Shaffer, author THINK ON THESE! of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

“I can’t think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.”

In Happy Ever Henrylito D. Tacio After, playwright henrytacio@gmail.com and novelist Nora Roberts gives some hints as to what kind of a woman a man should stay with throughout his life. “When you find somebody you love, all the way through, and she loves you—even with your weaknesses, your flaws, everything starts to click into place. And if you can talk to her, and she listens, if she makes you laugh, and makes you think, makes you want, makes you see who you really are, and who you are is better, just better with her, you’d be crazy not to want to spend the rest of your life with her.”

But there are those who marry the other person because they believe he or she might change later on. “Men marry women with the hope they will never change,” Albert Einstein once said.

“Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed.”

This reminded me of the words of the character in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray: “Never marry at all, Dorian. Men marry because they are tired, women, because they are curious: both are disappointed.”

Disappointment seems to be what American singer Barbra Streisand had in mind too when she said: “Why does a woman work ten years to change a man, then complain he’s not the man she married?”

American humorist Helen Rowland echoed the same thing. “Before marriage,” she wrote, “a man declares that he would lay down his life to serve you; after marriage, he won’t even lay down his newspaper to talk to you.”

Perhaps Streisand and Rowland never read what Laurell K. Hamilton had written in A Kiss of Shadows. “Men don’t settle down because of the right woman. They settle down because they are finally ready for it. Whatever woman they’re dating when they get ready is the one they settle down with, not necessarily the best one or the prettiest, just the one who happened to be on hand when the time got to be right. (That may be) unromantic, but still true.”

In the beginning, there is love and then romance follows. Marriage should not be the end of it all. “When two people are under the influence of the most violent, most insane, most delusive, and most transient of passions, they are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and exhausting condition continuously until death do them part,” George Bernard Shaw wrote in Getting Married.

Whether it’s the man or the woman, someone should work harder to make marriage work. Jodi Lynn Picoult, an American author who was awarded the New England Bookseller Award for fiction in 2003, reminded: “You know it’s never fifty-fifty in a marriage. It’s always seventy-thirty, or sixty-forty. Someone falls in love first. Someone puts someone else up on a pedestal. Someone works very hard to keep things rolling smoothly; someone else sails along for the ride.”

“They say all marriages are made in heaven, but so are thunder and lightning,” Oscar winning actor and director Clint Eastwood once said. What he simply means is that there are also some bad times during marriage. It’s not all ups but there are downs as well. As Lisa Kleypas, author of Married

by Morning, puts it: “It’s the perfect solution. We argue all the time. We can’t stand each other. It’s like we’re already married.”

To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of Erin McCarthy (Hot Finish): “And everyone is always saying that marriage is really hard and takes a lot of work. But the thing is, when you know that you love someone, those things don’t matter. You have to push all the everyday things and the outside world away, and just enjoy knowing that this is the man who has the chest your head is meant to lie on.”

coming from their much more marketing-savvy parent company, Instagram expects that the ads would not be as intrusive, and therefore less threatening to its users.

In an interview published in adweek.com, James Quarles, global head of business and brand development for Instagram, said that they “have benefitted greatly from being a part of Facebook. It would have taken us years to build this tech stack for ourselves. So, we’re fortunate to be able to take select pieces of Facebook’s tech stack.”

For marketers and advertisers, while this development opens up new frontiers in reaching their target markets, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in trying to understand how this new puzzle piece fits into the larger picture. With new technologies being introduced almost everyday, the difficulty is no longer about reaching the market, rather it is in making sure that the market you do reach is the right one.

-----Speaking of markets, I was just looking at the previews for the NBA finals and I got to remembering the first time I ever watched a finals game live on television. This was back in 1989 when the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons in game one at the Palace in Auborn Hills. Back then we didn’t have Basketball

TV, or ESPN, or even live coverage by local stations. So if you wanted to watch the games, you had to tune in really early to the Far East Network, the broadcast station that serviced the US bases in the Philippines. Like 3 a.m. early.

In those days, basketball in the Philippines meant the PBA. Crispa and Toyota. Purefoods and Ginebra. Jaworski, Co, Fernandez, Cezar, Patrimonio, Caidic, Lim — the list of legends goes on and on. The PBA was the biggest, some would even the ONLY, game in town. Everyone watched it, and loved it.

Now fast forward to the present and you see a league that is a mere shadow of its old self.

The entry of cable television, online streaming, and the 24-hour basketball barrage from the US and Europe has eaten into the market that used to be dominated by the PBA. Gone are the days when the league held a virtual monopoly over the sport, and it is now forced to compete with flashier, more entertaining rivals from all over the globe.

It also doesn’t help that our type of play mimics that of the bigger and more athletic players in the NBA, often leading to a disadvantageous comparison between our stars and theirs. Which has led many fans to tune out of the PBA out of sheer frustration.

That Filipinos still love basketball is unquestioned. As a game played in every street and vacant lot across the archipelago, our passion burns just as bright. But the writing on the wall is very clear — the market for basketball as an entertainment commodity is becoming more and more crowded. The competition is fierce, and to generate the same kind of interest and sustain it over time, as the NBA finals has, the PBA needs to reinvent itself for a new breed of Filipino sports fans.

Challenges

VANTAGE POINTS

9

A political dynasty insults community, offends solidarity THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

P

EOPLE who subscribe to the idea that their family has a right to rule over other families—meaning, the rest of the community—betray an arrogance and an insensitivity that sets them apart from civilized society.

To think of one’s family as entitled to a superior position, enjoying special privilege, in a community of peers, is to presume that one’s family is in a class above everyone else’s.

It is unseemly, to say the least. It insults other families. It shows no respect or loyalty to the community. And it belittles the equal right of others to vie for public office, as if they belong to an inferior caste in politics.

Establishing a ruling dynasty projects an attitude and an intent to monopolize political power and impose family rule by excluding others from contention. **** No individual or family in a democracy can claim superior rights over others. Everyone is bound to honor and respect the community and its values, institutions, and traditions—especially the principle of equality of opportunity.

One’s intents and acts must evince a sense of community, therefore, of belonging in it, and of one’s readiness at all times to uphold its well-being. Common good must be the supreme consideration.

To impose dynastic rule over the community or the larger society is wrong. It superimposes the interests of one family or clan over everybody else’s interests.

This violates social harmony and solidarity—the interdependence and interrelationship of citizens and their communities and an awareness of it. **** Solidarity binds everyone to do whatever is necessary to bring about the equal sharing of the benefits of freedom and democracy, including opportunities for public service.

The participation of every individual in public life and in decisions that concern him represents an essential element of democracy.

In its insistence on monopolizing the seat of power, a political dynasty deprives others of the opportunity to participate in government or to aspire to public service. It bespeaks absence of statesmanship.

The attitude conjures up the days of indulgent feudal rulers, selfish oligarchs, and medieval monarchies that believed they had a divine right to govern. **** Political dynasties are out of place in our democratic age. It dishonors the people’s sovereignty and distorts the functioning of democracy, violating its commitment to openness and fair-play.

Members of a political dynasty should know that insulting the community and offending solidarity shows them to be bereft of statesmanship. To the community, they’re saying: we have a claim to special privilege; to the nation: we claim the right to rule and the rest must follow. Shameless and presumptuous!

It has been very wrong for our society to allow dynastic rule to creep into our political system to the extent that it has. It has stunted our political maturity and caused many jurisdictions to regress and revert to feudal governance.

We cannot allow our political system to drift further away from the democratic tradition. We should apply to politics the same ethical standards that we expect in our personal relations. That is to say, we must adhere to the Golden Rule: Do unto others what you would have others do unto you!

Let us be considerate, not selfish and aggrandizing in pursuing political power. We belong in the same community. Whatever affects one affects the others. And the good fortune of one should be a glad tiding to others.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews.Manny Valdehuesa is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at development academy of Philippines, vice chair of Local Government Academy, member of the Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. Author of books on governance, he is national chairman/convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

NO MANUAL... FROM 1 poll machines need repair.

He said Comelec will also be adding 20,000 poll machines for next year’s election.

“Comelec will have at least 100,000 poll machines to be distributed in different precincts nationwide,” he said.

Casquejo said Davao City used a total of 1,270 poll machines during the 2013 election, of which at least 10 machines were reported to have damage.

He said he is expecting that the same number of machines will be needed for next

year.

The entire Davao region, meanwhile, will be needing about 2,000 machines next year. These are expected to arrive in the region one month before the May 2016 election.

Casquejo said the poll machines are in the custody of the Comelec central office in Manila.

He said Comelec will start training more than 1,200 election officers and personnel who will handle the poll machines for Davao City starting January next year.

lier said he is open to run for vice mayor if no member of the Duterte family runs for the position in 2016.

Third district councilor Bernard Al-ag expressed his intention to run for congressman in the third district.

Al-ag said he is ready to discuss this matter with the mayor but if the party decides to field another candidate as

the successor of incumbent councilor Isidro T. Ungab, he will just seek re-election since he is still in his second term The names of councilors Karlo S. Bello and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz have cropped up as the successors of Ungab.

Both have said they will leave their respective fates to the party. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

ment unit of Lanao del Sur receives less than one percent from the revenues derived from the six Agus hydropower plants.

He noted that while Mindanao’s economy is benefiting from this cheap source of energy, Lanao del Sur has remained the poorest province in the country.

“We are not asking for the ownership or control over the government-owned power plants and Lake Lanao, what we are asking is our just and equitable share from its utilization,” Liningding said.

He said they are recommending to Marcos that revenues from the Agus dams which draw water from Lake Lanao should be shared equally between the national government and the Bangsamoro government.

He said they are also asking the senator to include the term “water” in the enumeration of non-metallic minerals that is provided in Article 12, Section 32 of the draft BBL.

Marcos said discussions in the June 2 pubic hearing centered on police and security concerns and did not include Lake Lanao and taxation.

Last June 2, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares objected to the tax privileges granted in the draft BBL noting that the regional government would retain all taxes collected.

Marcos invited Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Lualhati Antonino and leaders of Philippine business groups to the public hearing on Tuesday.

Also invited were Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal.

Marcos earlier said he will junk the draft BBL and present his own version of the bill after the public hearings.

(Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

combined with impressive fuel efficiency ideal for city driving, the Swift 1.2 is the car of choice for young urban professionals.

The Alto 800, on the other hand, boasts of a 248% growth from the 2014 Q1 figures. Since introducing this model to the local market in 2007, the Alto 800 remains an icon for small, fuel-efficient compact cars that pack impressive automotive power. This do-it-all dynamo delivers terrific fuel efficiency and performance, and is perfect for both personal use or as part of a larger fleet. Plus, it’s a great way to get around cosmopolitan areas—compact and cost-efficient.

“The 2015 sales report gives us many reasons to celebrate,” says Shuzo Hoshikura, Suzuki’s General Manager for Automobile. “Not just

our significant improvement from last year’s figures, but also the fact that more and more Filipino motorists are recognizing the innovative technology, intelligent design, and passion we put into each car we offer in the market.”

Today’s car market is dynamic and heading to the direction of smaller, cost-efficient, and multitasking vehicles. More and more Filipinos are considering compact cars due to economical considerations, including those who already have bigger gas-guzzling vehicles.

Suzuki Philippines is right at the forefront of cost-efficient compact cars packed with a powerful punch—the Ertiga, Swift 1.2, and the Alto 800 all use less fuel but deliver impressive automotive performance every time.

Hugpong... FROM 2

Last... FROM 3

Suzuki... FROM 14

NEW CLASSROOM. City Engineer’s Office (CEO) workers put the finishing touches on an abandoned building inside Magsaysay Park which is being turned into a classroom as some public schools in Davao City face a classroom shortage for kindergarten. Lean Daval Jr.

Comelec... FROM 3

residency.

Casquejo said Comelec will be sending soft copies of the names of voters with no biometrics to different satellite registration sites for easy validation of voters’ records.

He also said Comelec is just waiting for the commu-

nication from the League of Barangays in Davao City and city councilors requesting for a registration operation at the Sangguniang Panlunsod building and in different barangays.

The deadline for registration is October 31.

“Actually, we already identified patients for the reconstructive surgery and we will proceed towards that place in the coming days,” he said.

Cembrano said for his part said the partnership with EastMinCom will be a big help to OSPD since the former has doctors to screen the potential patients who will undergo the

operation.

He said this means most of the children will be screened twice before they are deemed ready for the operation.

Cembrano said aside from the operation, the foundation will also render free accommodations, food, and allowance for the patients from the remote areas.

village.

Rotchie Ravelo, head of the Provincial Agriculture Office,said that farmers can save up P540 per 120 kilos of unmilled grains using the handed over postharvest facilities.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said the OPAPP’s programs implemented in her province, especially to far-flung villages, over the years have contributed significantly in keeping peace since “it helps curb the poverty incidence, ultimately making locals shun the ideals of insurgency and embrace the developments the government has laid.”

She cited the emerging eco-tourism development programs here, particularly the province-initiated Ali-

wagwag Eco Park that has drawn tremendous number of tourists since its opening last April. She said this development along with other development projects and programs initiated by the government are efforts to help develop the lives of the people.

Officials of the farmers’ organizations that benefited in these projects vowed that they would help sustain, expand and protect these entrusted projects so that it can benefit more people in the future.

Also present during the turn over ceremony are DA XI Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rafael Mercado and Pamana Area Manager Oliver Binancilan. (PIO)

Research division chief Dr. Juanito Lupiba urged the farmers to support government initiatives on climate adaptation.

“Let us try to help the country become food sufficient and climate resilient by venturing into crops that can stand adverse conditions such as apali and adlai,” Lupiba said, adding they also have

potential in the market.

In the same technology forum, DA 11 also distributed 160 tubers of apali root crop, 2 kilos of adlai seeds, 200 cacao seedlings, 100 mangosteen seedlings, 400 seedlings of indigofera, 100 seedlings of durian, 100 bags of vermicast and 100 pieces of vegetable seeds to the farmers. (ChePalicte DA-11)

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Star rating... FROM 6

“Our role here is in pushing it forward. The industry does not have impossible expectations, but it expects to be represented as a people with standards. The better our standards, the more businesses we are going to get, the more jobs it will create,” Sec. Jimenez said.

“This is a trailblazing effort in the Philippines that the Department of Tourism deems especially relevant today. There is an automatic notion that accommodation standards are solely designed to raise the caliber of service and the quality of tourism in a particular locale; but the foremost reason why we are doing this is because we want to create an industry with a culture of accountability,” Jimenez added.

Over 500 accommodation establishments, including hotels, resorts, and apartment hotels all over the country were evaluated with

the new star rating system.

The criteria for assessment included arrival and departure, public areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, food and beverage, amenities and services and business practices.

DOT will publish the star rating results in its official website.

This milestone in partnership with SatisFIND® is a triumph of collaborative and altruistic work between the government and the private sector towards the creation of a system that empowers the stakeholder, the customer, and the industry as a whole.

“This project can only go so far. This is pioneering work because now, the Philippines has the opportunity to actually leap ahead of neighboring nations by creating a reputation for transparency and reliability in standard ratings better than everyone else in Southeast Asia”, Jimenez said.

dustries in order to provide quality education for students and prepare them with the demands of the competitive global market.

The USeP President also forged a partnership with Hytec Power, Inc., which further strengthens the University’s thrust to provide quality education to students and holds the promise for USeP graduates to enter into Hytec’s workforce. This is one of the many successful collaborative links that USeP was able to establish with partner industries under Dr. Alibin’s leadership, spurring a more sustainable academic and socio-economic development.

The University, through Alibin’s leadership, was earlier handed the recognition as the number one Patent Filer in the country by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on December

29, 2014, having been able to acquire 34 patents for Patent Protection Incentive, consistent to its goal of protecting the intellectual property rights of its faculty and students that is becoming a strategic necessity for academic institutions across the globe.

From the very start, Alibin understood the zeal of the University to be globally competitive, and thus fueled the faculty, staff, and students’ desire to be excellent. When asked on why USeP has consistently reaped accolades, Dr. Perfecto Alibin considers the University’s high impact research output, the firm establishment of a culture of Research and Development, as well as USeP’s earnest passion for excellence, as the three ingredients that helped USeP remain as a premier state institution, not only in the country but in the ASEAN region. Irish Mae G. Fernandez – UseP

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11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

Euro Towers to host PAREB Davao’s CPD seminar series

E

URO Towers International Inc. (ETII), a prime real estate developer in the Philippines, will host the Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc. (PAREB) Davao’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars for real estate brokers and sellers.

The seminar schedules slated for 2015 are as follows: June 11-12 / 25-26, July 9-10 / 23-24, August 13-14 / 27-28, September 10-11, October 15-16, and November 12-13.

This very important seminar is required by the Hous-

ing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for all real estate brokers and sellers.

Pre-registration is highly recommended due to limited slots per schedule. Venue will be at the Apo View Hotel, Davao City.

For more information, contact the Vivaldi Residences Davao showroom at (082) 285 1111 and look for Ms. Suzette Buhian or Ms. KC Angcos.

ETII is the developer of VIVALDI Residences Davao, the highest residential condominium in the city.

DA promotes commodities that are climate change-resilient

DCWD partner POs in Malagos Watershed receive educational and health assistance. Four partner POs of DCWD gather at Malagos Park on May 30 for the distribution of 250 sets of school supplies for their children as part of DCWD’s Tulong Eskwela Program. Inset photo shows DCWD CREAD OIC

manager and official spokesperson Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. (extreme right) and watershed management chief Engr. Lorna M. Maxino (extreme left) turning over water closet and cement bags to the beneficiaries of DCWD’s Alay Palikuran Project.

DCWD’s Tulong Eskwela helps 725 upland children A

TOTAL of 725 children in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan, and Malagos watershed communities received school supplies from Davao City Water District (DCWD) through its Tulong Eskwela Program.

They are children of the different people’s organization (PO) members who are helping the water utility protect the watershed areas.

Distributions were made on various occasions by DCWD’s Environment and Watershed Protection Division (EWDP) under the Community Relations and External Affairs Department (CREAD). Grades one to three beneficiaries received a school bag, notebooks, paper, and pencils while those in Grades four to six received the same set but with ball pens

T

HE Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities of Industrial Technology (PACUIT), Inc. recognized University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) President Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin for his exceptional hands-on leadership bringing about an institutional rise for USeP to be among the top 300 Asian universities for three consecutive years from 2011 to 2013 according to a study

by Quaquarelli Symonds.

PACUIT also acknowledged Alibin’s “unparalleled passion for excellence in higher education that earned USeP a number of recognition from the Commission on Higher Ed-

instead of pencils.

For the partner POs in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas Watershed, 225 sets of school supplies were distributed on May 16 to children beneficiaries of the Tungkalan Tribal Association, Lipadas Watershed Tungkalan Association and Sinabadan Tribu Bawa Ancestral Domain and on May 26 to the Saro-Lipadas Watershed People’s Organization and DCWD Adopta-Site project partners.

Last May 23, another 250 sets were distributed to the children of DCWD’s partner PO in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed, the Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OMAD-MPC).

Barangay captain of Tambobong Felicidad Helicame, OMADMPC chairperson Joshua Andip and adviser Datu Joel Unad

attended said distribution.

The last Tulong Eskwela distribution was held on May 30 at DCWD’s Malagos Park to the Malagos Watershed partner POs wherein 250 sets of school supplies were given to the children beneficiaries of the Malagos Watershed Bufferzone Residents Organization, Tansing Colong Watershed Association, Starapple Wines Watershed Association and Association of Community Concerned on Watershed.

In the same gathering, EWPD also turned over one unit of water closet and two cement bags to each of the 10 beneficiaries of the Alay Palikuran Project that is part of DCWD’s Health and Sanitation Program.

CREAD OIC manager and official spokesperson Atty.

ucation (CHED), to wit: Center of Excellence for Teacher Education, Centers of Development for English, Agriculture, and Agricultural Engineering programs, Provincial Institute for Agriculture, and National University for Agriculture in Region XI.” The Association likewise paid tribute to Dr. Alibin’s “unwavering dedication and service” as its President for two consecutive terms, and Trustee from 2006 to 2015.

Dr. Alibin has a common vision with the rest of the institutional leaders of the 50 member SUCs of PACUIT that by sharing the best practices among its member-institutions in the

entire Philippines, each SUC will be able to provide firstrate Industrial Technology education to be at par with the rest of the world.

On the same occasion, Alibin delivered a talk on “University-Industry Partnership in Producing New Technology for Equitable Socio-Economic Development” in congruence to this year’s conference theme “Innovation: From Development to Commercialization.”

His talk highlighted the importance of establishing more linkages and strengthening existing exchanges between academes and in-

Bernardo D. Delima Jr. headed the distribution and turnover of donations in Malagos. Also present were Malagos barangay captain Lydia Liong and some officials of Wines and Baguio Proper barangay councils.

The local officials and tribal leaders all thanked DCWD on behalf of the recipients. In response, watershed management chief Engr. Lorna M. Maxino encouraged the children to do well in school and the POs to continue supporting DCWD’s efforts of protecting the water resources of Davao City.

Other tribal chieftains present in the distribution of school supplies were Datu Jonathan Awing and Datu Docris Daug of the Bagobo-tagabawa tribe. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

T

HE Research Division of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 spearheaded a forum promoting climate resilient commodities to the farmers of Davao Occidental on Friday.

This was in light of climate change that has resulted in higher temperatures that reduce yields of desirable crops.

Production of the commodities such as adlai (alternative for rice and corn), apali (lesser yam), soybean, Japanese sweet potato, cacao, and rubber were featured. A demonstration on vermicomposting was also done.

DA regional director Remelyn R. Recoter, in her message delivered by chief agriculturist Rosalinda Mediano said, climate change presents new and more challenging

demands on agricultural productivity.

“Although there will be gains in some crops in the regions, the overall impact of climate change in agriculture is expected to be negative and at the same time threatening to the country’s food security,” she said.

She also emphasized that climate change affect farming practices, the availability and price of agriculture products, as well as the costs of doing business.

“For our quest to food sufficiency for the coming years, we will try to venture in this climate resilient commodities.

Varietal trials on these crops are also on going to check on suitability for commercial production,” she said.

FDA, 10

ADLAI PRODUCTION. Farmers from Davao Occidental check theAdlai seeds provided by DA 11 during the Province-wide Farmers Technology Forum on Climate Resilient Commodities in Malita, Davao Occidental. (Photo by ChePalicte DA-11)

PACUIT honors USEP President

FPACUIT, 10

AWARD. Dr. Nora M. Ponce, President of Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) and current President of PACUIT, Inc., and House Higher Education Committee Chair Rep. Roman Romulo hand the award to USeP President Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin during PACUIT’s 13th National Conference on May 21, 2015 in Iloilo City.

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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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

Davao Light big customers save the day, once again M

OST people very much adore super heroes. This is why movies like Spiderman, Batman, X-men and The Avengers were all a blockbuster to us. However, these characters are all fictional, just a product of one's very creative mind. There are many real heroes who are with us everyday but unlike these movies, never a hit.

In Davao Light and Power Co., one that is considered as “power heroes” are the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participating companies. These big companies have committed to run their generators instead of drawing power

from Davao Light's distribution line in times of a power crisis. The power which they did not use will be reallocated to smaller customers, such as residential and commercial.

On the average, around 4,167 customers enjoy the convenience of having electricity every time one large customer with a 1MW load from the ILP will be deloaded.

But these companies are no Peter Parker nor Bruce Wayne. These big customers that are worthy of recognition are Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines Inc., Victoria Plaza Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, NCCC Mall Maa,

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21066737/21007071 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 190256-7/190090-3 issued to CARMEN M. SACULINGGAN REINSTATEMENT FORM: 2401-95690, 2401-95697, 2401-100860, 2401-100883, 2401-100996, 2401101000, 2401-101001, 2401-101002, 2401-02316, 2401-02337, 2401-52356, 2401-52363 issued to TERESITA F.ERAMIS were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

5/7/14/21

NCCC R. Magsaysay, TADECO, Davao Bay Coconut Oil Mills, INTERCO, Pepsi-Cola, Robinsons Supermarket, Gaisano Mall of Toril, Abreeza Mall, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Davao, Davao International Container Terminal, and Davao Packaging Corporation.

These ILP customers have greatly contributed in helping mitigate the power crisis situation we had since December last year due to the reduced capability and the low water elevation of Agus & Pulangi hydro-electric power plants (HEP), respectively.

They also helped lessen the effects of the scheduled STEAG coal-fired power plant preventive maintenance shutdown in February and March this year as well as the power crisis in April.

Furthermore, these ILP participating companies have also been activated during the emergency shutdown of one unit of STEAG early in May

and recently, the further reduction in generation of Agus and Pulangi HEPs. Without them, rotating power interruptions within Davao Light's franchise could have gone more than one-hour and more frequently.

And of course, this would not be possible without the Davao Light's Key Account Representatives namely Engr. Conrado Cordova, Engr. Floyd Gamad and Renzino Respicio who have been constantly coordinating with these companies and building good relationships with them. They are like the Nick Fury of the Avengers. They talk with other big customers and convince them to be part of the ILP. Indeed, the day is saved once again. Not because of the super heroes we used to know but because of the ILP participating companies that are always willing to sacrifice for the greater good any time the need arises.

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

What is Monster Jam?

M

ONSTER Jam is about to take over Manila, so you better gear up with the necessary know-how.

Let’s get started with the basics. The show highlights six Monster Jam trucks: Grave Digger, Max-D, El Toro Loco, Zombie, Dragon, and SonUva Digger. Their heavy-duty body which is approximately 12’ tall and about 12’ wide sits atop 66-inch tires. Not wild enough for you? Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks have 1,500 horsepower and

are capable of speeds up to 80 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can jump more than 30’ high and travel a distance of about 130’ flying through the air. That’s longer than 14 cars lined up side by side! Now, that is impressive. Each truck costs more than $600,000 per year to build, tour, staff, repair and transport from city to city.

They have their own drivers, mechanics and specialized transport vehicles, which also houses a mobile repair shop.

These Monster Jam beasts face off in two different

forms of competition — sideby-side racing and freestyle.

In the traditional bracket racing, the first truck to cross the finish line with the least number of penalties is the winner.

But, the track sets this competition above the rest. With hurdles strategically placed in the track, every competition is sure to garner cheers and hollers from the crowd.

Cars, as well as vans, buses, motor homes, airplanes and ambulances, are obtained from local recycling centers to be used as obstacles. More than 3,000 cars are crushed

at Monster Jam events every year. It is in the freestyle competition where the drivers are allowed a limited amount of time on an open floor to show off their skills. They finesse the huge machines in a jaw-dropping display of punishing stunts and amazing tricks that make these high-horsepower beasts appear to dance gracefully across the track. Monster Jam events take place year-round, with the majority from January through March.

What makes these live shows more special is the

world-famous Party in the Pits. It’s the most exciting way to get close to the stars of the show – the Monster Jam trucks. This is how the show gives back to their fans. Event goers are allowed to explore the actual racetrack. By the numbers, 61.7% of Monster Jam attendees are male and 35% are under the age of 12.

But, even if you don’t belong to the majority, you are given the chance to enjoy the legendary pre-show experience. You get the opportunity to meet the drivers, see the Monster Jam trucks up close,

ban jungle, the Kia Picanto’s practicality and easy-going feel is a great relief. Save P 40,000 on the Kia Picanto 1.0L EX M/T which can be yours for P 535,000 and experience the fun of zipping through the city.

For your family’s comfort and pleasure, the Kia Carens 1.7L EX A/T CRDi DSL 7-seater is now offered at P 125,000 off of its regular retail price.

This award-winning and versatile MPV can now be yours for P 1,400,000.

What’s more, you can avail of additional savings if you trade up your old vehicle. Save an additional P 20,000 for the Kia Sportage, P 10,000 for the Kia Picanto, and P 70,000 for the Kia Carens.

UZUKI, a world leader in subcompact cars, is finding more fans in the Philippine market by selling 162% more cars in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period last year.

The company’s impressive year-to-year growth is reflective of the robust automotive market which collectively grew by 122% for the first quarter of 2015 according to The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI). Suzuki Philippines’ sales numbers show the Filipinos growing love affair with the company’s cute, durable, and fuel-efficient cars.

Proud Suzuki owner Edwin Reyes confirms, “I really like my Alto 800 because it is very fuel efficient. So far, this is my second Suzuki car and I’ve never been disappointed. I even recommend them to my co-workers. At present, I and fifteen other colleagues who now drive Suzuki cars have already formed a small car group.”

The three marquee mod-

Kia’s Splash of Savings promo offers big discounts

E

NJOY a steady stream of savings through Kia’s latest rainy season pro-

mo!

From May 15 to June 15, 2015, save as much as P 195,000 through Kia’s Splash of Savings promo.

Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Hernando D. Gañac, Jr., detailed the mechanics of the promo and the Kia vehicles featured in it.

“Memorable road trips don’t have to end when the rainy season begins. With the Kia Sportage, Picanto, and Carens included in our latest offering, you can look forward

to making more memories aboard your favorite Kia vehicle.”

Gañac added, “CAC is consistent in creating p r o grams t h a t w i l l make Kia more accessible to the public. With our latest Splash of Savings promo, we encourage the young and young-at-hearts to feel the different driving experience with Kia and get addi-

tional savings at the same

time.”

Ideal for trips off the beaten path, the Kia Sportage 2.0L A/T 4x2 Gas will let you enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Originally priced at P 1,240,000, the Sportage can be yours for as low as P 1,160,000.

Reliability is key as you and your loved ones discover the Kia Sportage and its top notch performance, comfort, and style while you drive to your favorite destination.

Back in the ur-

S

collect their autographs, take photos and look at the obstacles they’ll jump over and eventually destroy! This is truly the ultimate experience for any Monster Jam fan.

Imagine unprecedented access to the stars of the show in a way that you can’t find in any other family entertainment touring property on the planet.

Catch Monster Jam live on Saturday, 20th June (2pm and 7:30pm) or on Sunday, 21st June (2pm) with Party in the Pits from 11am- 12:30pm, all at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Suzuki sales up 162% in Q1

els that are driving the impressive growth are the Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Swift 1.2, and Suzuki Alto 800.

The Suzuki Ertiga, a seven-seater compact MPV, leads the charts which is an impressive performance for a recently launched model.

With three variants available in the Philippines, the Ertiga is the perfect car for the family and is also the car of choice for those who need vehicles that serve multiple purposes, from ferrying a larger group of people in comfort to transporting large loads. The Ertiga’s folding rear seats can easily accommodate large objects that are impossible to fit into a sedan. The Ertiga is one of Suzuki Philippines’ cost-efficient vehicles, and the go-to model for those who want more value and performance for their money.

The Suzuki Swift 1.2 also posted solid sales numbers in the first quarter of 2015.

An ideal subcompact car for first-time car owners, with a sporty and stylish design

FSUZUKI, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 48 • TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2015

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

SEA GAMES ROUNDUP TAEKWONDO AT HOLIDAY GYM & SPA. Summer is the time when most children enroll in worthwhile activities to keep them busy and at the same time learn new things that interest them. Taekwondo is one of the popular clases that parents enroll their children in, because of the discipline and the skills that may help their children as they face everyday life in their young age. The classes are under the titulage of Coach Ryan Cordero. As a perfect

SEA Games

ending to the summer classes, the group had a demo or recital done at Abreeza Ayala mall last May 28 nd a friendly competition was also held at Matina Town Square last May 30. After the succesful summer clinic, Holiday is extending the taekwondo classes for children and teenagers who wish to continue their training once a week at Holiday Gym every Saturdays 1 pm to 3 pm. For more information, please call Holiday Gym at 222-3041.

Judo gives PHL sixth gold

T

HE Philippines tallied its sixth gold medal in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games courtesy of judoka Kiyomi Watanabe on Sunday night.

Watanabe beat Thailand’s Orapin Senatham with an ippon in the 3:36 mark, emerging in first place of the women’s 57-63kg contest held in EXPO Hall, Singapore.

Fencing also bagged backto-back silver medals in the men’s team foil and women’s team epee, bringing the country’s silver haul to eight.

The women’s team composed of Hanniel Abella, Anna Gabriella Estimada, Harlene Raguin, and Keren Pangilinan edged Singapore 29-28 in the semifinals before bowing to Thailand, 45-28, in the gold medal match.

Wilfred Curioso, Brennan Louie, Nathaniel Perez, and Emerson Segui of the men’s team, meanwhile, cruised against Thailand, 45-33, in the semis, but fell short against Singapore in the finals, 45-40.

Filipino swimmers also added to the Philippines’

medal haul with three bronze courtesy of Jasmine Alkhaldi in women’s 50m butterfly, Roxanne Yu in the women’s 200m backstroke, and Joshua Hall in the men’s 100m breaststroke.

Earlier Sunday, Carlo Biado and Warren Kiamco emerged triumphant in the men’s 9-pool doubles with a 9-6 victory over Vietnamese pair Hoang Quan Do and Anh Tuan Nguyen at the OCBC Arena.

The Philippine Volcanoes made quick work of Malaysia, 24-7, at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium after cruising through an unbeaten run in the tournament. The team trounced Thailand 24-10, Singapoe 140, Cambodia 55-0, Laos 43-0, and Malaysia 14-10 in the preliminaries.

Other Filipino athletes who have bagged golds so far are Nikko Bryan Huelgas and Ma. Claire Adorna in triathlon men’s and women’s individual and Daniel Parantac for wushu.

The Philippines is currently at seventh place in the standings with 28 medals.

Volcanoes win rugby gold

T

HE Philippine Volcanoes won the gold medal in men’s rugby with a 24-7 victory over Malaysia in the Southeast Asian Games on Sunday at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.

The team cruised through an unbeaten run in the tournament, beating Thailand 24-10, Singapoe 14-0, Cambodia 55-0, Laos 43-0, and Malaysia 14-10 in the preliminaries.

The medal is the fourth gold for the Philippines in the 2015 SEA Games, following Daniel Parantac’s gold in wushu earlier and triathlon’s back-to-back in the men’s and women’s individual courtesy of Nikko Bryan Huelgas and Ma. Claire Adorna.

The women’s rugby team, meanwhile, copped the bronze medal with a 22-0 shutout against Malaysia in the battle for third place.

Petecio advances to finals B OXING: Davao del Sur native Nesthy Petecio won over Ester Kalayukin of Indonesia 3-0 in the Women’s Bantamweight 54kg. semifinals. She is now through to the Finals on Tuesday.

Irish Magno won over Sopida Satumrum of Thailand 0-2 in the Women’s Flyweight (51kg). She will face Yen Thi Nguyen of Vietnam in the finals.

Josie Gabuco won over Leona Hui of Singapore 0-3 in the Women’s Light Flyweight 45-48kg Semi Finals. She will face Chuthamat Raksat of Thailand in the finals.

Wushu : World Champion and Asian Games silver medalist Daniel Parantac settled for the silver medal in the Men’s Optional Taijiquan Finals.

Parantac scored 9.70 just .1 behind the winner of the Gold Medal Lee Tze Yuan of Singapore.

Billiards and Snooker: Michael Mengorio bowed down to Ko Htet of Myanmar 4-0 in the Men’s Snooker Singles semifinals. Mengorio settled for the bronze medal. Reigning champion Carlo Biado won over Ricky Yang of

‘Pinoy Aquaman’to cross Chesapeake Bay

T

The Philippines’ Jake Letts in action during the SEA Games rugby event.

Indonesia 5-9 in the Men’s 9-ball Pool Singles round of 16. He is now through to the quarter finals today at 10:00.

Shooting : The women’s Precision Pistol team composed of Elvie Baldivino, Franchetta Shayne Quiroz, Carmen Guillermo won the silver medal--the first medal for the day for the Philippines. The team is just one point behind the gold medal team from Thailand.

Meanwhile, Elvie Baldivino qualified for the Women’s Precision Pistol Individual. She is currently in 2nd (1460) behind Thailand (1462).

Womens Softball: Philippines blanked Malaysia 12-0 in both men’s and women’s softball. The Philippines is is still undefeated in the tournament.

Tennis: Ruben Gonzales won the first singles match while the second singles match featuring Jeson Patrombon is still ongoing. If Patrombon wins this match, the Philippines will advance to the finals on Tuesday against the winner of Thailand-Malaysia semifinal match.

RIATHLETE-LAWYER Ingemar P. Macarine will attempt another first in swimming history on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 (Wednesday in the Philippines) when he crosses a 4.4-mile (7 kilometers) channel in Chesapeake Bay in Maryland in the US. The “Pinoy Aquaman” said he will swim from the shores of Sandy Point State Park, about 5 miles northeast of Annapolis.

The course extends eastward between the two spans of the William Preston Lane, Jr., Memorial Bridge (U.S. Highway 50) and he expects to finish at a small sandy beach on Kent Island south of the Bridge eastern-shore causeway adjacent to Hemingway’s Restaurant.

Macarine, 38, said the swim poses a great challenge as only 15-19 percent of the swimmers could make it in the bay based on the statistics of an annual open water swim event dubbed “The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim”, which takes place this month.

But like in his previous swims, Macarine, president of Surigao Runners Club, stressed that he will do it alone on Wednesday.

The Great Chesapeake Bay Swim is one of America’s premier open water swim challenges, he said.

“There are lots of great challenges considering the current speed which could take up to two knots and the water temperature,” he said.

Macarine’s swim on Wednesday would be his 13th in open water swim and the second in the US. Macarine is the first Filipino to swim the 2.8-km channel from Alcatraz Island Penitentiary to San Francisco City in the US in April last year.

“This would be the first time that a true-blooded Filipino will cross the channel,” he claimed.

The Surigao-born and raised former varsity swimmer of Silliman University said he prepared the swim today.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE48 48••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,JUNE JUNE9,9,2015 2015

ALL SQUARE

Cavs win in OT, head home for next 2 games L EBRON James scored 39 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out 11 assists in one of his greatest performances, sparking Cleveland over Golden State 95-93 in over-time Sunday to level the NBA Finals.

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player played 50 minutes in the dramatic triumph, which was not decided until Iman Shumpert stole the ball from Steph Curry to deny the Warriors a shot at the final buzzer.

“Total team effort,” James said. “(It took) everything. I tried to give it to my teammates and they gave it back to me.”

The Cavaliers evened the best-of-seven championship series at 1-1 with games three and four on Tuesday and Thursday in Cleveland.

Russian center Timofey Mozgov had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland and Tristan Thompson added 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who also did a superb job of shutting down Curry.

Cleveland got two clutch goahead free throws from Matthew Dellavedova with 10 seconds remaining in over-time as the Australian started in place of Kyrie Irving, who suffered a fractured left kneecap in a 108-100 game one over-time loss.

“Very emotional win right there,” said James. “We have got a long way to go. If we defend as good as we did tonight, we’ve got a good chance against anybody.”

Klay Thompson led Golden State with a playoff career high 34 points while Curry, the NBA Most Valuable Player, had 19 points on 5-of-23 shooting, the 3-point ace hitting only 2-of-15 from beyond the arc.

It was a key victory for the Cavaliers, as teams that fall behind 2-0 in the NBA Finals have lost 28 of 31 times. And it come in an arena where Golden State, which won an NBA-best 67 games this season, had lost only three times in 50 prior starts in the regular season and playoffs.

The Cavaliers are trying to bring the city of Cleveland its first major sports champion since the 1964 Browns won the NFL crown while the Warriors seek their first title in 40 years.

In the prior eight playoff series in which James had been on the losing side in game one, his team bounced back to win game two. This was the ninth.

“These situations only make us stronger,” Cavaliers coach Dave Blatt said. “I thought they played their hearts out.”

Curry endured his worst shooting game of the season but drove to the hoop for a game-tying layup at 87-87 with 7.2 sec-

onds remaining in the fourth q u a r t e r.

James tried for a winning layup in the dying seconds but missed, as did Tristan Thompson’s tip-in attempt, forcing over-time.

Iman Shumpert hit a 3-pointer and James added two free throws to give Cleveland a 92-87 over-time advantage, but Draymond Green hit backto-back baskets to pull Golden State within one.

After five failed possessions, Curry lured Smith into fouling him and Curry made both free throws with 29.5 seconds remaining to put the Warriors ahead 93-92, their first lead after halftime.

Green blocked a James layup attempt but the ball went out of bounds. Cleveland’s James Jones missed a 3-pointer but Dellavedova rebounded and was fouled, then hit two tension-packed free throws to put the Cavaliers ahead 94-93.

Curry missed a go-ahead jump shot and James grabbed the rebound and was fouled. James hit a free throw and Shumpert denied Golden State a final shot.

Davao girl qualifies for jungolf World Championship

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

P R O M I S I N G Dabawenya golfer has earned a ticket to the world’s biggest stage for junior golf where the game’s superstars like Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie have traced their roots from.

11-year old Alessandra Christine Nagayo, daughter of councilor Rachel P. Zozobrado-Nagayo, will compete in the 2015 U.S Kids World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina on June 29 to August 2.

Nagayo, a Grade 5 student at Brainworks School

Inc., earned a spot to the world stage after she won the girls 11 years old division qualifying tournament held last May 25 to 27 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club. Alessandra’s mother Rachel recounted that her daughter scored 88 on the first day, 89 on the second day and 81 on the third day enough to earn a slot on the big event for kids 12 years old and below.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said to qualify for the tournament, Alessandra needed to score 88 at least in one day of 54-hole tournament.

Alessandra picked up golf clubs and started swinging when she was only seven. She now totes a mean 18-handicap.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said as part of the preparation, Alessandra undergoes daily practice at Apo Golf and Country Club. Aside from daily practice, Alessandra also joined tournaments in the city or even outside the city to hone her swing and keep her active.

“Mas maayo ng dili lang ka sige practice, mo apil pud kag mga tournaments (It’s better not just to have

practice but also join tournaments),” she said.

She said that Alessandra competed with older golfers to gain confidence in jungolf tournaments.

Zozobrado-Nagayo said that Alessandra is set to compete this Friday in the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) open golf tournament.

The US Kids World Championship is expected to draw some 1,200 of the world’s finest golf amateurs across the U.S and from more than 30 other countries.