Edge Davao 8 Issue 69

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

INSIDE EDGE

No special treatment for Felonia P2 P3-Trillion Nat’l Budget approved P3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FAKE RICE ISSUE. National Food Authority (NFA) 11 provincial manager Virgilio B. Alerta presents to members of local media a plastic bag full of suspected “fake rice” that will be sent to Manila for laboratory testing and a plate of cooked corn rice during a press briefing at NFA 11 office yesterday. The suspected “fake rice” was submitted to NFA by a fast food restaurant in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

IS RICE SAMPLE CONTAMINATED? NFA Davao doubts plasticizer findings in rice sample

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

W

AS it a case of plastic contamination from the cooked rice

sample?

The National Food Authority (NFA) in Davao now doubts the integrity of the sample that was sent the Na-

tional Food Authority (NFA) Manila for laboratory test.

NFA-Davao is now looking into the possibility that the high contamination of dibutyl phthalate on the synthetic rice that was tested was a result of improper cooking and

handling.

NFA Davao manager Virgilio Alerta suspected that the contamination was possibly caused by the long exposure of the cooked rice to the plastic bag where it was put by complainant Carmencito

Griño, a resident of Matina Pangi.

The lab test conducted by NFA central office on the suspected fake rice found in the city showed that the sample rice has a 90 percent likeli-

FIS RICE SAMPLE, 10

Apo tests pros in ICTSI Golf Tour Davao leg Sports 16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT. Students from Palma Gil Elementary School use a magnifying glass to check on the coins collected from various countries in Europe, North and South America which is part of the Money Matters for Kids, an interactive exhibit, at the Central Bank along Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. The exhibit, which aims to teach and encourage the children to save, will run until July 17. Lean Daval Jr.

Task force created to probe alleged fake rice in Davao

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HE Police Regional Office (PRO) XI on Saturday created the Special Inter-Agnecy Investigation Task Group (SIITG) Synthetic Rice to investigate reports that synthetic rice is proliferating in the Davao Region market.

PRO XI spokesperson Police Supt. Antonio Rivera said the SIITG was created according to the mandate of PRO XI regional director Chief Supt.

Wendy Rosario.

Rivera said that the group was created to focus on the investigation of the fake rice issue and to make sure that no synthetic rice will enter the region.

He also said that the group is tasked to trace the origin of the alleged synthetic rice and who are the people behind this.

The task group is composed of the Bureau of Customs, National Food Authority (NFA), Department of Agriculture, National Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and PRO XI. On Monday, the SIITG immediately buckled down to work by conducting a closeddoor meeting where the NBI and CIDG presented result of their investigation on the syn-

FTASK FORCE, 10

Rody gets Council approval to sign food terminal MOA

D

AVAO City is now closer to owning a food terminal of its own.

This developed after the City Council on Tuesday approved on second reading the ordinance granting Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte authority to sign in behalf of the city government the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 for the establishment of Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (APTC) in Daliao, Toril.

Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella, chair of the committee on agriculture and food, said the city government will not contribute any amount

on the project provided it will manage the center.

“The city will be responsible to the management of the center, on the physical areas and its marketing operations,” Abella said.

She said the DA 11 will download the P70 million as per approved allocation of DA national office.

“The goal of this project is to provide marketing, infrastructure support for small and medium vegetables and fruit growers in various barangays in Davao City,” Abella said.

Once the MOA will be signed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, the bidding process

FRODY, 10

Driz on accused Felonia: It was isolation, not special treatment

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

I

T was just isolation, not special treatment.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz made this clarification yesterday in reaction to allegations that Supt. Leonardo Felonia is being given special treatment by authorities.

Felonia, former chief of Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU), is indicted for the murder in Davao City last year of a well-known businessman from Cebu.

Driz said Felonia was merely isolated from other inmates at the Investigation

and Detection Management Branch (IDMB) while facing trial.

She said the isolation of Felonia cannot be considered a special treatment, adding that they just placed him in another cell as health precaution.

“Separate siya ug selda.

Wala man pud sulod ang pikas para pud matagaan siya ug privacy pero dili siya considered as special treatment (He’s in a separate cell. The adjacent cell is also vacant to give him privacy but this is not considered as special treatment),” Driz said.

“Medyo baho pa man gud pud sa pikas selda. Basin mureklamo na pud siya (The smell at the other cell is not good. He might complain again),” she added.

Driz also said that there were no appliances inside the detention cell of Felonia.

On Friday, Felonia was discharged from the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) after his attending physician declared him to be physically fit.

It can be recalled that on June 28, Felonia was brought to SPMC after he complained about difficulty in breathing.

DCPO also doubled its security measures to insure the safety of Felonia.

Driz said that the gate of DCPO now closes at 5 p.m. and that no cars are allowed to enter the compound.

They also doubled their security personnnel securing the entrance gate as well as the security around his detention cell.

Driz also added that their intelligence unit is placed in the vicinity of DCPO for the security of Felonia.

The accused police officer earlier claimed to have

committee level, she will first conduct research with NFA on the possible mechanism of her proposal.

City Administrator Jesus Melchor V.Quitain, meanwhile, said the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) had also asked rice retailers to submit a list of their sources but that the report has yet to be completed. “(We are just) trying to follow the paper trail so that we can arrive on the origin of the

source of the fake rice,”Quitain said.

“But there is no question that it is really fake,” he added.

The city administrator, however, said he is not sure as to the quantity of fake rice that arrived in the city.

Quitain suspected that with the way Davao Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte immediately reacted calling for an investigation among different gov-

FDRIZ, 10

Council joins probe on fake rice

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council committee on agriculture and food will now join other government agencies in investigating reports that fake rice is proliferating in the city’s market.

Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella , the committee chair, said will also work hand in hand with the committee on health headed by Councilor Mary JoselleVillafuerte in looking into the serious matter.

Salvador Abella said the two committees will conduct a committee hearing on Wednesday with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Food Authority (NFA) in an effort to trace the source of the fake rice.

“I have also this move, an ordinance hopefully to help the regulation of selling rice with NFA,” Abella said.

Abella added that before discussing the matter in the

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Zozobrado wants campaign vs public smoking intensified

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NPYDA 2015. A staff member of Nippon Paint Philippines demonstrates to media practitioners and guests the correct way to apply Momento, the company’s special effect paint, during the launching of Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NPYDA) 2015 at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

SP moves to amend city’s Halal measure

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

ITY Council on Tuesday passed on first reading the proposal to amendment the Davao City Halal Ordinance, a move that will strengthen the measure.

Councilor Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta, proponent of the ordinance, presented the proposed amendments during the privilege hour in yesterday’s regular City Council session.

Acosta’s proposal was referred to the committee level after it was passed on first reading, and SP members can now start their discussion on

the matter.

The proposal was referred to the committees on indigenous peoples’ education, science and technology, arts and culture, health and rules, privileges, laws and ordinances.

Acosta said the amendments will further strengthen the Halal ordinance as it urges more compliance on the part of business establishments in serving Halal foods.

Based on her proposed amendment, the certifying body will no longer be the Davao City Muslim Ulama Halal Certifying and Monitoring

Disaster office creation gets City Council’s nod

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HE Davao City Council has approved the establishment of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) in compliance with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

The establishment of the CDRRMO was contained in an ordinance which the City Council approved on second reading during yesterday’s regular session.

The measured was twice deferred after Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Sr. inquired about the budgetary requirements especially for the personnel that will be deployed in the new office.

Yesterday, Councilor

Rachel P. Zozobrado, chairperson of the committee on appointments and government reorganization and the author of the ordinance, invited City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) head Rodrigo Riola to shed light on the issue.

During the discussion, Mahipus explained that he just raised his queries pertaining to the creation of new office in the last session due to the absence of certification from CTO. “I raised an issue pertaining to the creation because of the absence of certification of the City Treasurer as to the availability of funds to be used to pay these positions that will be created,” he said.

Mahipus, however, said

Agency, but instead the certification will issued by the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos.

“NCMF is a national commission mandated under article 2, section 8 of Republic Act 9997 which aims to promote and develop the Philippine Halal Industry and accredit halal-certifying entities for the utmost benefit of Muslim Filipinos in partnership with appropriate agencies, individuals and institutions here and abroad,” Acosta said.

The first district councilor said the City Health Office

(CHO) will be the monitoring agency in charge of ensuring that establishments have the proper certifications and followed the prescribed process of halal food preparation.

She said the mix of halal and non-halal foods is prohibited and that there must be a segregation of utensils used for the preparation of halal food from other food.

“All these proposed amendments seek to improve the ordinance and to give better understanding of halal food and appreciation of the Islamic Culture,” Acosta said.

OUNCILOR Councilor Rachel P. Zozobrado on Tuesday urged the Anti-Smoking Task Force (ASTF) to intensify its campaign to arrest more violators of the ordinance, noting that many individuals are still seen smoking in public places like schools.

Zozobrado said expanding the personnel to run after these violators would be a good strategy considering the limited number of the task force members.

“Since the Anti-Smoking Task Force members are limited in number, why not call on the help of those people who are within the areas frequented by these violators?”

Zozobrado said in her privilege speech during yesterday’s regular City Council session.

Zozobrado suggested to deputized people help the task force arrest or even just report violators.

The establishment of a hotline like the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) ‘Isumbong kay CDDCPO’ might be a good idea,

according to her.

“I am sure this honorable body would be very willing to help the task force on this matter,” she said.

The lady councilor said she was prompted to call ASTF’s attention after she had noticed there are still a number of people who violate the City Ordinance 0367-12 or the New Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance of 2012 in the city.

Zozobrado said violators of the anti-smoking are the Public Utility Jeep (PUJ) drivers themselves. Even barkers or dispatches, and trisikad drivers are also violating the law, she added.

“Sad to note, these smoking violators often found near the school vicinity where students converge,” Zozobrado said. “Yet, not even the security guards call their attention.”

Zozobrado said that since Davao is a big city, it is understandable that members of the task force could not be present in all areas to arrest smokers.

HE Education, Public Works and Highways and the National Defense departments continue to have the biggest allocation in the proposed Php3.002 trillion 2016 national budget, which President Benigno Aquino III approved Monday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a statement, said the planned national budget for next year is 15.2 percent higher than this year’s Php2.606 trillion and accounts to about 19.5 percent of the country’s total output.

But while the Department of Education (DepEd) received the highest allocation, it is the Department of Public Works

and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Health (DOH) that were given big increases.

DepEd’s proposed budget for next year amounts to Php436.5 billion, or 18.9 percent higher than its Php367.1 billion budget this year.

Meanwhile, the proposed budget for DPWH and DOH jumped by 32 percent and 25.2 percent, respectively.

DPWH got a proposed budget amounting to Php401.14 billion from this year’s Php303.2 billion, while DOH’s budget for 2016 amounts to Php128.5 billion from Php103.9 billion this year.

Coloma attributed the hike

FZOZOBRADO, 10

P3-Trillion 2016 budget approved T

FP3-TRILLION, 10

BRAVE WALK. A billboard advertising worker bravely walks through a billboard’s metal structure without using harness or safety gears, ignoring the danger

FDISASTER, 10 it possesses to his life. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

Tricycle drivers now into Tagum Coop’s PASADA

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ARAW NG BARANGAY. Barangay Captain Dencio Matro of Talicud awards the Plaque of Appreciation to Barangay Capt. Mario Reta during the 56th Araw ng Barangay Sta. Cruz. Boy Lim

SoCot allots P16M for T’nalak Festival

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HE Provincial Government of South Cotabato has allotted P16 million in preparation for the conduct of the various activities to celebrate its 49th Foundation Anniversary and 16th T’nalak festival slated on July 9 to 18, with the theme “Sharing our Best with the World”.

Provincial Administrator and T’nalak Executive Committee head Danilo Supe said, at least 26 committees have been prepared to manage the different events.

Supe said, the ten-day festivities will start with the Ecumenical Thanksgiving celebration on July 9 at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center.

“As usual, we seek the guidance of God Almighty to bless and guide us with this year’s celebration.” Supe said, To add color to the event, there will be Parade of Lights

with the ceremonial lighting of trees along Alunan Avenue and in front of the Capitol Compound.

This will be followed by the ceremonial opening of various events such as the AgriFair, the Bahay Kubo and Plant and Product Display; Regional Industrial, Technology and Trade Expo, Tnalak Strip and the Tnalak Food Garden.

Supe said, other activities for the festival include the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender LGBT) and Friends Freedom Night; Mountain Bike Challenge, Marathon and Tnalak Funrun; Cheerleading Competition, Musical and Pop Solo Voice Competition; Hip Hop and Team Ball Competition; Awit Dula at Sayaw Competition; Mutya ng South Cotabato; Governor’s T’nalak Charity Ball.

“There will also be a Ce-

lebrity Night with featured artists.” He said, He added, prior to the tenday festivities, other events such as fun rides and circus, food bazaar, ukay ukay and agri Trade Fair and Plant exhibits will start as early as the month of June until end of July.

The highlight of the event will be on July 18 which will feature the T’nalak Festival Tri-People Grand Parade and Street Dancing Showdown of the Madal Be’ Lan, Kadsagayan A Lalan and the Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan.

To make the celebration more festive a “Lechonan sa Kubo” will be held at lunch time, while a street party will be held at night.

A Fireworks display signals the end of the festivities which will also signify the start of the countdown of the Golden Year celebration for

tion process, the British Council has designed the Bangsamoro Community Policing Project. The project aims to support the introduction of community policing in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.

The 12-month project is funded by the UK government under the Golden Thread Official Development Assistance, which supports programs that weave together the values and conditions that lead to more stable, prosperous, and ultimately successful societies.

Sharing the United Kingdom’s experience in community policing and marrying that with the grain of local culture, the British Council aims to help in the peace process by working with local civil society organizations, the police, members of the community, and policymakers to implement the project. It is working in cooperation with the Security Reform Initiative, a local and independent think tank focused

on peace and security policy research and coalition building, and Conciliation Resources, a peacebuilding NGO supporting people in conflict-affected countries who are striving to find solutions.

“We do a lot of work where we share the United Kingdom’s expertise and knowledge in areas of governance and where we feel that that could contribute to creating more open, more prosperous, and more stable societies,” shares Nicholas Thomas, Country Director of British Council in the Philippines. “We have delivered similar projects in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Nigeria and we will be working closely with the communities to develop the strategy and toolkit for community policing.”

With the project in its early stages, Bangsamoro Community Policing Project Team Leader Philip Thomson believes that creating awareness of the concept of community policing and inspiring different groups to collaborate with each other will be critical to the success of the initiative.

Community policing project to promote peace and order in conflict-affected areas

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CRITICAL element in securing peace and order in conflict-affected areas is rebuilding a sense of trust and partnership between the community and the police force. The British Council sees community policing as one of the essential mechanisms in ensuring nonrecurrence of conflict and in fostering the growth and development in Mindanao.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad highlighted the need for increased cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Philippines to address conflict and the importance of a more localized approach to policing. “As we’ve seen elsewhere in the world, wherever there’s weakness, conflict, or an unresolved situation, it attracts malcontent people. If you create a vacuum, it will be filled by others,” said Ahmad. “We need to work together to solve these problems.

It is through building trust within the community that the police will be able to operate.”

To complement the peace building efforts and the transi-

the next year, which marks the province’s 50th founding anniversary. Hydee S. Templonuevo

HE Pabilisang Savings para samga Drivers Advocacy (PASADA) implementation of Tagum Cooperative has drawn the interest of more tricycle drivers in Panabo City to start saving.

Some 80 tricycle drivers joined last Saturday (July04) the PASADA Protect Activity motorcade along the main thoroughfares of Panabo City, and stayed for the program done at Barangay Gredu Multi-purpose Hall.

The mass participation of PASADA non-member tricycle driverswas seen to increase the membership to such savings program designed by the Cooperative to instill the importance of saving especially among low-income drivers.

The PASADA is also aimed at molding the consciousness of tricycle drivers to aim for financial freedom, and for them to realize their desire to build contingency fund for emergency use.

Board of Directors (BOD) Chairperson Norma Pereyrasin her message said that the Cooperative rolled out PASADA in 2011 with only 10 members in Panabo, who had an accumulated savings of only P2,000.

Noting that for four years, PASADA membership in Panaboexpanded to only 30 with P25,000 savings,Pereyras asked the wouldbe members how much they could commit to save, beyond the minimum requirement savings of P20.00 a day.

While someone said P50.00 and others said P100.00, 55 years old tricycle driver Jacinto Liwagon,

resident of Barangay Gredu, Panabo City said in an interview that he wanted to continue his membership with PASADA. “Sayang man gud; maayonalangmakatigum para may magamit. (It would be a loss; it would be good to save so I would have something to use.),” he confided.

In her personal engagement with the tricycle drivers, Pereyras emphasized that saving is a way of strengthening the family.

Aside from getting educated on saving, tricycle drivers who joined the PASADA Protect Activity in Panabowere given by Tagum Cooperative free one-year Coop Aksi Plan (accident insurance) and a gasoline subsidy worth P100.00.

Tagum Coop also raffled off 16 slots of free emission test, four Fire Insurance Cash Assistance (FICA) grants and three Family Life Insurance premium grants.

Tagum Cooperative BOD vice-chairperson, Monica L. Salido and members of the BOD, Miriam R. Baloyo, Ed T. Silagan, and Nenita R. Malbas were present in the activity along with OIC general manager, Vivelyn D. Fronteras.

Organized by the Education and Community Development Program (ECDP) and Tagum Cooperative Panabo Branch along with the Marketing and Coop Assurance Center (CAC), the PASADA Protect activity was supported by various operators-tricycle drivers’ associations in Panabo City and the Barangay local government of Gredu, Panabo City. ( Tagum Cooperative)

CLASSROOMS DONATED TO SINAWAL. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (2nd from right) signs a deed of donation on July 2 for the makeshift classroom donated by the General Santos City Government Employees Association to the New Society High

School extension at Cabuay, Barangay Sinawal. The Igloo Storage also donated three makeshift classrooms to the school.

RD Foundation Inc. provided armchairs as part of its Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko program. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

MAYOR RIVERA GIVES FINANCIAL TIPS. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera shares to city government employees some tips on how to improve their financial management during the Values Enrichment and Personal Financial Management Seminar on

July 2 at Tierra Montana Hotel. The seminar was organized by the Human Resource Management and Development Office to help government employees learn responsible management of their resources, as well as their spending. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

Nippon Paint award launched Interior design, architecture students to showcase skills

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

A

RCHITECTURE and interior design students from all over the country will have the chance to showcase their skills anew with the staging of the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NPYDA) 2015.

The competition aims to nurture young talents in the world of interior design and architecture as well as to provide them with great opportunities in their chosen field.

“I look forward to see all your designs,” Nippon Paint Philippines general manager Michael Chung said in yesterday’s Davao City launch of the regional competition at the Marco Polo Davao.

For this year’s edition of the annual competition, participating students will work with the theme “Design with Heart: For a Sustainable Future: With People in Mind.”

“We are very excited to tap young talents from the beautiful region of Mindanao.

We’re also looking forward to see entries that could reflect your diverse, and culturally rich community,” Nippon

Paint Malaysia Group general manager Gladys Goh said in a statement.

“This year, we are pleased to once again invite Davaoeño architecture and interior design students to NPYDA which, over the years, has grown in stature as more and more industry partners, associations and developers join hands to constantly elevate the competition in terms of selection criteria as well as exchange of knowledge,” Goh added.

Being staged for the eight straight year, NPYDA aims to nurture young talents and spark greater creativity and inspirations amongst architecture and interior design students.

The award, which offers two competition categories namely Architecture and Interior Design, has garnered an international recognition by providing a platform for emerging designers to share their ideas with industry experts.

Introduced in 2008 in Malaysia, the award has grown

NPYDA 2015. Nippon Paint Philippines general manager Michael Chung gives the overview of the second edition of Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NPYDA) during the competition’s Davao City launching at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. over the years and emerged as one of Asia’s most reputable design competition spanning across 12 countries--Singa-

pore, Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong and

Malaysia.

The competition allows aspirants to pick between the two categories, with students

who are at least on their third year from schools affiliated with the Council of Interior

FNIPPON, 10

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

EHPHI inaugurates New Bataan plant

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings Inc. (EHPHI) on Tuesday inaugurated its 2.4 megawatts (MW) hydropower plant in the municipality of New Bataan, Compostela Valley.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in a statement, said the 2.4 MW hydro project was among the renewable energy (RE) projects that were facilitated and

monitored by the One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC).

THE OSFC is an initiative of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) of MinDA together with the Department of Energy and with the support of USAID. The center focuses on the facilitation and monitoring of RE projects in Mindanao, specifically that of small hydro and biomass projects.

June inflation plunges to lowest level -- NEDA

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UFFICIENT supply of food and moderate price pressures in energy and oil rates tamed inflation to its new lowest level in two decades, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that headline inflation rate plunged further to 1.2 percent in June 2015 from 1.6 percent in the previous month and 4.4 percent in June 2014.

“The June 2015 inflation rate is now the lowest, covering the monthly inflation series from 1995 to June 2015 using the current base year 2006. The figure was also below the market expectation of 1.5 percent and very well within the inflation target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent set by the government for 2015,” said NEDA Officer in Charge (OIC) and Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra.

Headline inflation in the food subgroup eased in June 2015, (2.1% from 3.2%) following slower price adjustments in rice, meat, vegetables, and fruits.

“Aside from the steady and sufficient supply of food, inflation benefitted from reduced electricity prices due to lower fuel costs. The double-digit year-on-year decline in the prices of unleaded gasoline, diesel, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas or LPG, and the decline in Meralco rates affected key oil and electricity-related commodities and services in the current month,” the NEDA official said.

On the other hand, nonfood commodities reflected slight price increments as inflation partially increased to 0.4 percent in June 2015 from 0.3 percent in May 2015.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy prices, declined to 2.0 percent from 2.2 percent in May 2015 and 2.8 percent in June 2014.

It averaged at 2.3 percent in the first six months of 2015.

“The slackening of the core inflation provides less pressure for interest rates to increase, and this bodes well for household consumption and further supports economic expansion moving forward,” said Esguerra.

Global investors remain bullish on Phl power, real estate sectors

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LPHA Southeast Asia revealed the results of their fifth annual poll to find Southeast Asia’s top companies conducted between February to June 2015 .

The awards are based on tallied votes among 520 investors, pension funds, hedge funds, equity and fixed income brokers and analysts with investment interests in the Southeast Asia region.

Listed-companies in Thailand , Singapore , Malaysia , Indonesia and the Philippines were ranked according to investors’ perceptions of their performance in financial management, corporate governance, integrated reporting/ corporate social responsibility and investor relations’ strategy.

In the Philippines , the five best-managed companies include diversified conglomerate SM Investment Corp , predominantly real estate focused player Megaworld , power company Aboitiz Power , in-

vestment holding companies Metro Pacific and GT Capital . ‘Best CFO in the Philippines’ for the fifth consecutive year went to SMIC’s CFO, Jose Sio . ‘Most Improved Investor Relations’ went to GT Capital while ‘Best Annual Report in the Philippines’ went to Metro Pacific .

Unlike other polls, investors were also asked to name companies that did not meet their expectations. In the Philippines , they include San Miguel , Petron Corp and Alliance Global .

Across the region, the award for the Strongest Commitment to Sustainable Energy in Southeast Asia went to Thailand’s leading integrated energy company Thai Oil for the fourth consecutive year. Best CFO in Southeast Asia went to Thai Bev’s CFO Sithichai Chaikriangkrai , responsible for managing the financial resources of its growing domestic and regional footprint.

Aside from the 2.4 MW hydropower plant project, EHPHI has secured 21 hydropower service contracts from DOE for 18 rivers in eight provinces in the Philippines, the Mindnanao Development Authority (MinDA) statement said.

“Currently, the company has 59 projects with paid processing fees (HSC acquisition) that could sum up to 273 MW,” the company said.

MinDA said EHPHI has also submitted another set of Hydro projects to the Department of Energy (DoE).

“It seeks for the approval of the additional 48 sites that could generate a total of 219 MW,” MinDA said.

“All in all, Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings Inc. could reach 567 MW of power generation produce if all 128 proposed HPP’s are realized and approved by the

government for exploration and utilization,” MinDA added.

MinDA said that in its six years of operation as a power generation corporation, it has already evaluated nine 9 detailed feasibility studies which include the 4.0 MW Ruparan Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, the 0.6 MW Marbel Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, the 4.73 MW Sawaga Mini Hydro Electric

Power Plant, the 17.80 MW Bayug Large Hydro Electric Power Plant, the 9.0 MW Lake Sebu Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, the 2.8 MW Alamada Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, the 3.6 MW Titunod Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant, and the 5.7 MW Polandoc Mini Hydro Electric Power Plant.

Construction of the projects is expected to commence within the year.

The Negosyo Center-Davao finally opens tomorrow for small businesses.

Negosyo Center-Davao opens to small businesses on July 9 M

ICRO, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can now avail of a comprehensive assistance in starting and managing a business with the launching and opening of the Negosyo Center Davao City on July 9.

The establishment of the Negosyo Center, located at Door 6-7, Davao City Investment Promotion Center, Magsaysay Park Complex, is pursuant to Executive Order No. 12, series of 2015, or An Order on the Establishment and Management of a Negosyo Center in Davao City signed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte last May 3.

This is in support also to Republic Act 10644 or An Act Promoting Job Generation and Inclusive Growth through the Devel-

opment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or the Go Negosyo Act authored by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV. Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo, provincial director of DTI-DCFO, said that MSMEs can avail of various assistance and services such as business registration and licensing for business name and the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise (BMBE); business advisory services such as training, consultancy, financing facilitation, market linkage and trade promotions; and business information and advocacy such as networking with other government agencies, information facilitation, among others.

With a total of 110 square meters floor area, the Negosyo Center Davao City is the first lo-

cal government unit based Negosyo Center which has a reception and working areas, mini-library, product showcase, consultancy area and training room.

Cooperators and partners who will provide daily business advisory and counseling services in the Negosyo Center are Mindanao Micro-Finance Council (MMFC), PhilExim, SB Corporation, Department of Trade and Industry Davao City Field Office (DTI DCFO), Department of Science and Technology City Science and Technology Center (DOST CSTC), Department of Labor and Employment Davao City Field Office (DOLE DCFO), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao City; City Cooperative Development Office, City Treasurer’s

Office, Business Bureau, City Tourism Operations Office, City Planning and Development Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), Food Processors Association in Davao City (FPAD), ICT Davao Inc. (IDI), Chamber of Furniture Industry Development (CFID) – Davao City Chapter, Floriculture Industry Development, Inc. (FIDI), and Metalworking Industry Association in Philippine (MIAP) – Davao City Chapter and Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC).

Interested parties may call the Negosyo Center Davao City at telephone no. 2272860 and/ or email tonc.davaocity@gmail. com (dti/pr)

tel Saturday of the members of the PHRDC sales force who were able to attain their quota third and fourth quarter of last year.

Cerbo said most of their buyers are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and young professionals from Davao.

The developer’s top executives attributed the fast-selling of Granville’s housing units to the perseverance of the PHRDC sales team.

“Thisis a record performance and will be a tough one to duplicate,” PHRDC managing director for finance Bernard V. Bernardino said.

PHRDC president and

owner Manuel D. Cerbo Jr., meanwhile, said there’s still a huge untapped market in the real estate industry of Davao.

“There’s still a housing backlog that could be addressed by low-cost to midcost real property development projects,” Manuel Cerbo said.

Manuel said the land development of the PHRDC’s first low-cost to mid-cost housing project that has a total land area of 10 hectares is “on track.”

“We are on track on the land development completion for both Granville I and II,” Cerbo said.

He said that the first phase of the land development, which started December last year, is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2015, while road construction was already at 68 percent as of July 4.

The land development of the second phase of Granville will start by June 2015 while the road networks will be finished by June 2016.

The subdivision will have amenities like basketball court, tennis court that will be completed by the end of this year and club house by next year. CHENEEN R. CAPON

PHRDC: Granville 98% sold out H

OMEGROWN real estate developer Prestige Homes and Realty Development Corporation (PHRDC) had sold out 98 percent of its Granville I and II Subdivision in Catalunan Pequeño, more than a year after announcing the selling of housing units in April 2014.

PHRDC general manager and owner Miraluna I. Cerbo said of Granville I and II Subdivision’s 800 units, only six units were left unsold.

“We’re targeting to hit the 100 percent sold-out by the end of the month,” Cerbo said during the awarding ceremony at the Grand Men Seng Ho-

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

EDGEDAVAO WOMEN

STYLIZED IMPRESSIONS KETHLEY UY is a new player in the local photographers’ circle.

Spunky, high-spirited and adventurous, this young creative is an original in her own right. Her body of work illustrates her pensive and meditative approach to her craft.

She started as a keen shooter with a penchant for vintage and slowly transitioned into lifestyle photography. Now, her portfolio combines commissioned work and collaborations. Her images are narratives which shine with character, personality, voice and emotion, and sometimes indicative of music and movement.

While she adapts and

puts focus on the subject in all her commissioned

projects, one can still see her signature style of storytelling through colors and details. With her growing network, she has gained ground as a goto artist for commercial, portraiture, events, prenuptial and baby photography.

For inquiries and further references, visit www. facebook.com/kethleyphotography or email kethleyuy@yahoo.com.

Kethley Uy.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

EVENT

A South African wine safari

By Kenneth Irving Ong

ASK ANY Juan or Maria off the street to name a country where wines come from and chances are the answers you get would be France, Italy, or Spain. The more informed might go even further and say Australia, New Zealand, Chile or Argentina. But tell them that there are wines in Africa and you might raise a couple of eyebrows.

Of course when I say African wine, I meant wines from the country of South Africa. Although less popular then other wine growing countries, the wines that are produced from that regions soils are truly beautiful to behold and taste and last June 23, Dabawenyo wine lovers were given a taste of South African wines through a wine tasting event held at the Swiss Deli Lanang together with Werdenberg International Corporation and DGB, a global supplier of quality South African wines.

As with any wine tasting at the Swiss Deli, there were twelve different labels ranging from crisp whites all the way to deep reds to taste and evaluate. One of the most interesting white wines for me that evening was the Beach House Sauvignon Blac from Douglas Green. Its nose has hits of figs, passionfruit and citrus fruits and has a refreshingly light palate of tropical fruits with a generous dose of citrus with a salty finish, perfect for sashimi, grilled fish, or roast chicken.

Another stand-out

white wine was the Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc which feature an herbaceous note paired with tropical fruits, lime, and ripe figs. The Boschendal 1685 Sauvignon Blanc is like a classic French white that is dry but offers complex flavours of papaya, pineapple, and citrus with a creamy, wellrounded finish.

For red wine, I had always been a fan of Merlots and the Boschendal 1685 Merlot does not disappoint. Rubine red with an aroma of cherry and plum with notes of vanilla, chocolate and wood, the Boschendal 1685 Merlot lives up to the vineyard’s over 300-year legacy of making fine wines. A taste of the wine reveals red berry flavours that meld with rich dark chocolate and sweet vanilla. Meats that pair well with this beautiful wine include lamb, veal, and duck.

Red wine lovers who are into steaks, grilled ribs, and barbecue will love the Rib Shack Red. A deep ruby red wine with rich aromas of berries, smoke, spice, and oak, the Rib Shack Red is a muscu-

PRICES SLASHED ON FASHIONABLE PIECES AT SM ACCESSORIES FROM JULY 1 TO 31! Get up to 50% off on selected items when you shop at Men’s, Ladies’, Children’s and Character Shop departments. Avoid the clearance rush and head on to SM Accessories today!

lar full-bodied wine that is bold in flavour with a rich silky finish that stands up

to fatty meat or cheeses.

Exploring the world of wine is truly an exciting

experience and adding South African wines to your tasting safari should

make your wine discoveries more and more interesting.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Starstudio features exclusive 60-page story on Toni and Paul’s wedding

STARSTUDIO’S July issue, its biggest celebrity issue yet, is packed with the romance of newlyweds Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano in an exclusive 60-page story that chronicles all the details of how they met up until their star-studded wedding last June 12.

In a three-part special, StarStudio showcases first-hand all the details and behind-the-scenes stories of the highly anticipated celebrity wedding of Toni and Paul: from the floral styling to the actual ceremony and reception.

StarStudio’s July issue is also studded with

dio, other new issues of ABS-CBN Publishing magazines are out in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide.

This includes Metro’s celebrity issue with KC Concepcion, Working Mom’s reboot and recharge issue with ANC “Headstart” and “My Puhunan” host Karen Davila and sons on the

photos that captured tear-jerking, intimate moments at Toni and Paul’s wedding ceremony and reception, as well as thoughts from the team that made their beautiful wedding possible.

Toni and Paul also shares with StarStudio their love’s journey: from their first date, Paul’s first visit at the Gonzaga home, and even their text exchanges.

Aside from the exclusive story on Toni and Paul’s wedding, StarStudio also presents a unique cinema-themed photo shoot of Toni and Paul by renowned lens man Mark Nicdao.

Apart from StarStu-

cover, Chalk’s party issue fronted by former “PBB” housemate Kit Thompson and top model LA Aguinaldo, and Vault’s independents issue featuring success stories on luxury brands Storck and Patek Philippe.

ABS-CBN Publishing magazines are also available at the ABS-CBN Store (abs-cbnstore.com).

Front Row wins grand prize in the 2015 US International Film & Video Festival GMA Network’s documentary program Front Row won the 2015 One World Award in the US International Film & Video Festival (USIFVF) in addition to its Gold Camera Award finish at the same Festival.

Front Row’s winning entry was entitled “ALS”, a feature on the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The poignant episode took viewers beyond the viral Ice Bucket Challenge and showed the real story behind the disease through the eyes of ALS patients and their families.

“GMA Network won the One World Award for a second year in a row.

I don’t believe that has ever happened before,” said Lee W. Gluckman, Jr., Chairman of the US International Film and Video Festival. Last year, GMA News TV won the One World Award for Brigada’s Gintong Krudo, a documentary to raise awareness for child labor in the Philippines.

The One World Award was established more than 25 years ago by the International Quorum of Motion Pictures Producers to honor a work that fosters international understanding. USIFVF

Gold medalists are in the running for the One World Award, one of the grand prizes given at the Festival.

Front Row’s One World Award-winning documentary tells the story of two compelling faces diagnosed with ALS. They were dramatically documented as their respective families continue the fight amidst difficulties in battling the deadly disease, their situations even made harder as they realize their loved ones

could just be waiting for death. No cure has yet been found for ALS. “The episode highlights our commitment to important stories, always aimed to raise awareness about and provide information on big issues viewers need not only to know but also to appreciate and understand,” said Front Row’s Program Manager Johnson Jonathan Tam who conceptualized the story. “While some are already enduring the challenges of carrying

this deadly disease, there are still no figures relating to ALS in our country and research about this disease is also almost non-existent here,” said Front Row Executive Producer Joseph Conrad Rubio who shared his realization in producing the episode. The documentary hopes to serve as a medium to encourage people to pay serious attention and give valuable support for this important issue. Other members of the awardwinning episode include Director-Producer Ian Carlos Simbulan and Researcher Princess Suyat.

Front Row’s “ALS” also recently won a Gold World Medal as Best Public Affairs Program in the 2015 New York Festivals.

Catch world-class documentaries on Front Row every Monday night after Saksi only on GMA 7.

July 8 – 14, 2015

TERMINATOR GENISYS J.K. Simmons, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney PG

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

MINIONS 3D Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock G

12:30 | 2:45 | 5:00 | 7:15 | 9:30 LFS

THE BREAKUP PLAYLIST Sarah Geronimo, Piolo Pascual PG

R-16

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

MINIONS Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock G

11:35 | 1:40 | 3:45 | 5:50 | 7:55 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

EVENT

Fostering environmental awareness through cinema

By Kenneth Irving Ong

THE SM Foundation together with SM Supermalls and Waltermart Cinemas launched last July 7 at SM Lanang Premier’s Cinema 6 this year’s iteration of their much lauded SM Green Film Festival (GFF), a project that aims to raise awareness among the Filipino youth of the plight of earth today by providing free screenings of relevant environmental documentaries.

Opening the film festival was SM Lanang Premier’s assistant mall manager Jerome Yeo together with Davao City councillor Leo Avila III representing Mayor Rodigo Duterte, and representatives from the Department of Education (DeptEd), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The film festival features “Ground Zero” and “Pagbangon”. The former features natural disasters

here and abroad while the latter is an award-winning documentary on the effect of Super Typhoon Yolanda on survivors. The Climate Change Commission has also contributed a 5-min info video on the Top 15 Ways to LEDS (Low Emission Development Strategies). SM’s project partner GMA 7 has agreed to provide the initial materials.

SM Prime Holdings President, Mr. Hans T. Sy, is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) of the United Na-

Youth representatives together with representatives from DENR, DeptEd, Hon. Leo Avila III and SM Lanang Premier assistant mall manager Jerome Yeo. tions Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and has committed to furthering disaster awareness locally, in SM’s places of operation as well as its tenants and customers which SM considers stakeholders in the company.

The SM Cares program was created by SM Prime Holdings consolidating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ranging from environmental conservation, assistance to persons with disabilities and special needs, elderly and nursing mothers, as well as care for children, women and OFWs. The SM Environment Committee is just one of the groups under SM Cares and it specifically aims to promote envi-

SM Lanang Premier’s assistant mall manager Jerome Yeo. ronmental sustainabil- first Friday and Saturday ity through, mall, tenant of the month, the Green and community endeav- Retail Agenda forum for ors while simultaneously mall tenants, contraccombining “going green” tors, and suppliers and of with good business. We course, the SM Supermalls highlight our award-win- Green Bag. The SM Envining projects that include, ronment Committee aims among others the Trash to involve education as a to Cash recycling market primary way to cultivate held in the malls every the love of the earth.

SM Lanang Premier’s assistant mall manager Jerome Yeo (second from left) together with Willie Jordan, Chief, License, Patents and Deeds Division of DENR-Region XI, Eng. Armando Morales, Division Science Coordinator Department of Education-Davao City, and Hon. Leo R. Avila III.

EDGEDAVAO

7 ENVIRONMENT

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015 Davao River entering the city proper

Restoring Davao river

back to life

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO “A healthy river is a niche of biodiversity. Depending on temperature, salinity, level of pollution, and especially the speed of water flow, different aquatic species will thrive in a river, its banks, or surrounding environment.”-- Ricardo M. Umali, former undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

“

***

YOU cannot protect that which you do not value. You cannot value that which you do not understand,” said Dr. J.R. Nereus O. Acosta, the presidential adviser for environment protection duringthe workshop on “Strengthening the Adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management and Other S&T Approaches Towards Sustainable River Basin Management.”

One of those that people in Davao City should protect and give value is the Davao River Basin (DRB). More than half (66.5%) of the basin’s total length of 86 kilometers is located in the city.

The river’s total area is 175,960 hectares.

About 25.3% of it is in Bukidnon and only 8.3% is in Davao del Norte, particularly Talaingod.

In Bukidnon, the river passes first in San Fernando (16.6%), then to Valencia City (0.1%), Quezon (6.3%) and Kitaotao (2.3%).

When talking about river basins, watershed comes into mind. To some, watershed

The side near Bankerohan

means forestlands. According to the Davao River Basin Master Plan, 75% of the area occupied by DRB is forestlands while 25% are classified as alienable and disposable lands.

Bukidnon has 43,105 hectares of forestlands while 1,332 hectares are considered alienable and disposable lands. In Davao del Norte, only 13,841 hectares occupied by DRB are forestlands while 946 hectares are alienable and disposable lands.

The bulk of the forestlands are located in Davao City: 78,423 hectares. On the other hand, the total alienable and disposable lands are 38,663 hectares.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, gives this bit of information: “Average flows within the river near to the mouth are estimated at 70-80 cubic meters per second. The climate type is relatively uniform throughout the year with evenly distributed rainfall and temperatures and humidity.

The area rarely experiences typhoons.”

“Less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh, the rest is seawater and undrinkable,” said Engr. John F. Baynosa, pollution control and safety officer of the Davao City Water District (DCWD), who presented a paper during the workshop.

About 7.88 million cubic meters of water are produced

by DCWD. The water comes from 57 production wells, one spring, 19 booster pumps,

26 chlorinating facilities, 12 face runoff, river bank erosion, ground reservoirs, 2 sedimen- flooding, and soil erosion. tation basins and 4 slow sand The health impacts of pesfilters. ticide use have also been iden“The main drinking water tified as another key problem. sources for Davao City are in So is the lack of implementathe neighboring Talomo wa- tion of existing laws. tershed,” Wikipedia claims.

The Davao River goes all “These sources are under the way to Davao Gulf. The pressure and the Davao River master plan has identified Basin is likely to be required the river as a major source of for water abstraction in the siltation in Davao Gulf. The near future.”

World Wildlife Fund considUnfortunately, Davao Riv- ers Davao Gulf as one of the er has been identified as one most diverse marine ecosysof the polluted rivers in the tems in the world. Diverse country today. “Davao River coral reefs, different mangrove plays a very important role to species, cetaceans and a host the people of Davao City, but of invertebrates contribute to unfortunately its water quality the natural diversity of the gulf. has considerably deterioratThe Philippines has 412 ed based on the 5-year water principal river basins in 119 quality assessment made by proclaimed watersheds. Howthe Environment Management ever, only 19 are considered Bureau,” said the regional major river basins. The lonoffice of the environment de- gest river is the Cagayan located in Region II. In Mindanao, partment.

“Pollution is due mainly to the principal rivers are the Rio the unregulated use and poor Grande de Mindanao (known methods of fertilizers and pesticides, inappropriate land use practices, inadequate monitoring of industrial and commercial premises and activities, and poor maintenance of septic tanks and absence of sewerage,” said a briefing paper circulated during the workshop.

In fact, river pollution is one of the key problems identified by the Davao River Situational Report. Other key problems include water drainage and surThe side of Sandawa

as the Pulangi River in its upper reaches) and the Agusan (where the late Lolong, the world’s largest crocodile was caught).

Watersheds play a big part in the survival of these rivers. “Healthy watershed areas are crucial to a balanced eco-system,” said Councilor Leonardo Avila III, chair on the committee of environment.

“Watershed areas are sources of life-giving water – vital to public health, welfare and economic growth and development.”

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) agrees. “Effective watershed management is an iterative process of evaluating, planning, restoring and organizing land and resource use within a watershed to provide desired goods and services while maintaining and supporting the livelihoods of resident populations.”

So much so that major stakeholders formed themselves into an organization called Davao River Basin (DRB). Its vision statement is: “A healthy Davao River Basin sustainably managed by empowered and responsible stakeholders.”

Actually, the DRB master plan is two-fold: (1) to improve the quality and sustainability of ecosystem goods and services derived from DRB and enhance the competitive advantage of the river basin; and (2) to promote local socio-economic growth of communities in DRB and reduce rural poverty.

Can DRB do it? It remains to be seen. However, the statement of the late American president John F. Kennedy is a timely reminder: “Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel prizes -- one for peace and another for science.”

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

EDITORIAL Scientific findings, not conjectures please

A

FTER having said that the rice sample being investigated for being synthetic or fake contains a chemical compound called dibutyl phthalate or DBP (a known plasticizer), the National Food Authority (NFA) is now doubting on the integrity of the sample brought to the lab for testing.

The NFA yesterday said the sample could have been contaminated in the container and the findings of the presence of DBP could be wrong. The agency also said they have not found any fake rice in Davao City and from rice producers in Tagum City and in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. NFA Davao manager Virgilio Alerta suspected that the contamination could possibly be caused by the long exposure of the cooked rice to the plastic bag where it was stored by complainant Carmencito Griño, a resident of Matina Pangi.

The lab test conducted by NFA central office on the suspected fake rice found in the city showed that the sample rice has a 90 percent likelihood of the presence of DBP, an industrial chemical which is

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commonly used as binder, such as in food packaging.

This means that the test is susceptible to error.

However, given the susceptibility to error as most scientific tests are, the seemingly flip-flopping response by the NFA management towards the fake rice issue is uncalled for . Now, they are saying they have not found any of such kind. That is expected. This controversial rice has been the subject of reports for more than a week now. Common sense dictates that it would not take a week to get this rice out of any warehouse for purposes of concealing the contraband.

It would also seem to be a very careless pronouncement for the NFA to say that the rice sample is contaminated that is why there are traces of DBP. This time, the NFA could have been more prudent to let the experts make that declaration. By experts we mean chemists and food technicians who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make such pronouncements.

The NFA cannot make such careless statements based merely on conjectures and presumptions.

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Unexplained wealth for Binay, unexplained poverty for Duterte

A

VETERAN newspaper columnist and book author has asked Vice President Jejomar Binay to share his secret in earning P600-M in 23 years since he was elected Mayor of Makati when Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who served for the same period, has less than P4-M in his bank account.

Philippine Star columnist Carmen N. Pedrosa, author of the book “The Rise and Fall of Imelda Marcos” and mother of international television anchor Veronica Pedrosa, posed the question to the embattled Vice President in an open letter printed in her column today.

Pedrosa wrote the open letter as a reply to a letter sent to her by Vice President Binay following a scathing column about the Presidential contender published earlier.

“Your daughter was quoted by the press denying you had billions of pesos.

She said your family only had P600 million in their bank accounts and that these were the fruits of your hard work. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao has less than P4 million in his bank account, the fruits of his hard work,” Pedrosa wrote in the open letter to Binay.

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) recently confirmed that a 36-yearold foreigner has tested positive for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The name and nationality of the patient were withheld. He is said to have traveled from Saudi Arabia, passing by Dubai in the Middle East.

News reports said that the man started developing the symptoms of MERS last July 2. Two days later, at around 11:30 am, he was tested. It was at 5 pm that the tests yielded a positive result.

“This is the second confirmed MERS case in the country, after a Filipina nurse from Saudi Arabia tested positive for the virus last February,” the Rappler reported. “She was cleared of the deadly virus that same month.”

MERS is caused by coronavirus (CoV), the same viral family that was behind SARS. “Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness in humans and animals,” explained the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). “In people, coronaviruses can cause illnesses ranging in severity from the common cold to respiratory infections.”

The WHO identifies the following as common symptoms of MERS: acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. A person may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, or may suffer from kidney failure.

MERS-Cov was first detected in April 2012 and and WHO Director-General Margaret Chan considered it as a “threat

“I can understand that Makati pays its mayor better wages than Davao. I can also understand that being creative and innovative can augment a mayor’s income. Why not show proof how you augmented your income? Why not open your bank accounts to public scrutiny? You owe this to the people whom you expect to vote for you as president,” Pedrosa asked Binay.

Binay, who has publicly declared his intention to run for President in 2016, and Duterte who has repeatedly rejected calls for him to consider the presidency, have come under close scrutiny as they both figure prominently, along with Senator Grace Poe and Secretary Manuel Roxas III, in the survey of presidential probables.

Beside the fact that Binay and Duterte have dominated politics in their respec-

tive political turfs and have family members who are also into politics, there is hardly anything else that would compare Duterte to Binay.

Binay ran for VicePresident and won while Duterte chose to remain Mayor of Davao City, except for short stints as Congressman and Vice Mayor following the end of his first and second 9-year-term limits.

Now, Binay makes no secret of his craving to become President while Duterte has rebuffed and rejected calls for him to be President.

Binay, 72, said he is capable of continuing President Aquino’s “Daang Matured” while Duterte, 70, says he is too old for the job.

Binay and his children live in posh villages in Makati with reports alleging that Binay son and suspended Makati Mayor Erwin Binay’s home has an elevator, while Duterte lives in a low-cost housing subdivision in Matina, Davao City.

Binay travels in a convoy of police cars and luxurious vehicles while Duterte uses two old and worn-out pick-up trucks to travel in his city.

Binay is officious and his presence is

emphasized by the sirens of the police cars while Duterte blends with the crowd wearing denim pants and loose T-shirts.

Binay and his wife and son are facing plunder charges before the Ombudsman and his career was peppered with allegations of corruption while Duterte has remained unstained by the same issues.

Binay is alleged to have demanded favours from businessmen operating in his city, including charges that he demands a unit in the buildings being constructed in his city.

Duterte has shunned dealings with businessmen, even returning campaign contributions and warning businessmen against attempting to bribe city government employees.

Duterte’s Davao is the 4th safest city in the World while Binay’s Makati which is the richest in the country is nowhere near the list.

The stark contrasts could go on and on. But one thing is sure: Binay has a lot of explaining to do for his wealth. Duterte, on the other hand, has to explain why he he is still poor by Binay’s standards despite being in public service for more than 29 years.

to the entire THINK ON THESE! world.”

“We understand too little about this virus when viewed against the magnitude of its potential threat,” Dr. Chan pointed Henrylito D. Tacio out. “Any new disease that is henrytacio@gmail.com emerging faster than our understanding is never under control.”

Until now, medical scientists still don’t know where the virus came from. “It likely came from an animal source,” the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surmised.

Scientists are also baffled on how people become infected with MERS-CoV. “We do not yet know how people become infected with this virus,” the WHO admitted.

“Investigations are underway to determine the source of the virus, the types of exposure that lead to infection, the mode of transmission, and the clinical pattern and course of disease.”

Another mystery is how the virus is being transmitted to human beings. “We still do not know the answer to this question,” the WHO said. “It is unlikely that

transmission of the MERs-CoV to people occurs through direct exposure to an infected camel, as very few of the cases have reported a camel exposure. More investigations are needed to look at the recent exposures and activities of infected humans.”

When it was first reported, the WHO works with partner agencies having expertise in animal health and food safety, including Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, and national authorities, to facilitate these investigations. Many technical organizations are also offering their expertise to assist experts responsible for human health, animal health, food, and agriculture.

Because neither the source of the virus nor the mode of transmission is known, the WHO could not give specific advice on prevention of infection. “Contact with any obviously sick animals (including birds) should be avoided,” it urged.

Basic hygiene measures must also be taken, especially frequent hand washing and changing of clothes and shoes or boots, after handling animals or animal products. “Sick animals should never be slaughtered for consumption,” the WHO recommended. “The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, carries a high risk of infection from a variety of organisms that might cause disease in humans.”

On the other hand, the CDC advises that people follow these tips to help prevent spreading respiratory illnesses, in-

cluding MERS: · Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. · Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. · Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with sick people. · Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.

Once a person has the virus, he is most likely to transmit it to other people.

“We have now seen multiple clusters of cases in which human-to-human transmission has occurred,” the WHO reports.

“These clusters have been observed in health-care facilities, among family members and between co-workers. However, the mechanism by which transmission occurred in all of these cases, whether respiratory (e.g. coughing, sneezing) or direct physical contact with the patient or contamination of the environment by the patient, is unknown. Thus far, no sustained community transmission has been observed.”

Since most are still unknown, there is no vaccine available yet against MERSCov. Treatment, on the other hand, “is largely supportive and should be based on the patient’s clinical condition.”

Understanding MERS

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

IS RICE SAMPLE... FROM 1

Task force... FROM 2

Disaster... FROM 3

hood of the presence of dibutyl phthalate.

Dibutyle phthalate is an industrial chemical which is commonly used as binder, such as in food packaging. It is used as plasticizer and is mainly used in nail products like nail polish.

“We are starting to look for another angle of the incident on the alleged fake rice,” Alerta said.

This new development surfaced after NFA-Davao together with the inter-agency task force formed last July 4 failed to find samples of the alleged synthetic rice in two rice mills in Tagum City and Bansalan, Davao Oriental.

“We gathered samples in each rice mills and we already inspected rice distributors, but we haven’t got any suspected raw synthetic rice so far,” NFA-Davao manager Virgilio Alerta said.

“By the look and smell, samples tested negative,” he added.

Alerta said that the task force is inspecting rice distributors here who are possibly selling the fake rice.

“We are looking for rice that is produce synthetically by a machine. It is easy to identify those that are machine produced,” he said.

Machine-produced rice grains will have the same size, thickness, color, among others, which are not the same with naturally produced rice, according to Alerta.

The missing piece on the fake rice puzzle might just be around the city, he said.

Alerta said the NFA might be also sending sample of the alleged fake rice to Singapore to test and compare this with the alleged fake rice collected from a recent incident to confirm.

thetic rice complaint.

However, Rivera said the sample that was submitted to the NFA for laboratory is negative of synthetic rice.

The group also took samples from the different part of the region. The samples that were taken though proved to be well-milled rice.

“Nagkuha ug samples ang grupo from Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur ug uban. Pero ang resulta sa test kay gikan ug bugas sa palay, well-milled siya (The group got samples from Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and other areas. Test results showed the sample rice taken was from palay. It was wellmilled rice),” Rivera said.

Prior to the creation of the Task Group, Davao City Police Office already conducted investigation on the matter.

The DCPO spokesperson, Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, said that after the complaint came out, the DCPO immediately conducted its investigation.

Driz said that they will treat fake rice dealer or distributer as if they are drug lords.

She also said that base on the monitoring of DCPO, there were no fake rice in the city.

Driz added that the DCPO will continue to monitor all rice dealers in the city to insure that the people of Davao will not consume fake rice.

“Si CD (City Director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao) mandated all the Chief of Police to monitor their areas closely para dili masudlan ang city og fake rice,” Driz said. Funny Pearl A. Gajunera

he just realized yesterday that the positions being proposed for the creation of CDRRMO does not really mean that there will be a new position that will be created.

“The positions will come also from different offices more particularly the City Administrator’s Office where such positions in the past were already provided for disaster control,” he said.

In her committee report, Zozobrado said the creation of CDRRMO is in compliance with the law and orders from National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Civil

will immediately follow.

Abell said that after the APTC will be established, another P70 million will be given to APTC-Davao City for more improvements that will be used by the farmers.

The MOA states that both parties will be working closely for the establishment of the center to ensure it viability.

“Parties recognize that establishing the APTC-Davao located in Daliao, Toril as the preferred strategic site to capture products coming from

agricultural production areas of the city and the nearby provinces is vital in providing market support to the farmers,” the MOA says.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala had earlier said the food terminal will “revolutionize” the agricultural sector in the city.

Alcala said the facility could change the lives of the farmers because they can sell the products without the intervention of middlemen. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

received threats, and this was also testified through the affidavit of his witnesses.

Meanwhile, the DCPO is still waiting for the court order pertaining to the place where Felonia will be

permanently detained. His camp had filed a motion to bring him back to his mother unit at Camp Crame.

She said that although ASFT has already recorded 4.613 violators from January to June 2014 and 2,168 in the January to May of this year, more still needs to be done in terms of implementation.

But, Zozobrado acknowledged the fact that city government has been very successful in the implementation of the ordinance, and this made other local government units (LGU) from Luzon and Visayas to recognize the city as role model protecting people’s health.

“Some officials of these

cities and municipalities like Albay even came to our city for a Lakbay Aral trip in order to experience how the city implement the smoking ban,” she said.

The city was named the as the first smoke free city in the Asean region during the 2013 Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance Award.

Aside from this, Zozobrado said the city also became the hall of famer in Red Orchid Award of Department of Health for 100 percent Tobacco Free LGUs. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

ernment agencies, distribution here in the city must have already stopped.

“I don’t think that it will be able to continue with what we are doing , because everybody is watching,” he said.

The NFA-Food Development Center (FDC) released its findings from a sample of fake rice coming from Davao City Friday last week showing the staple containing a substance used in plastics.

In a statement, the NFAFDC said the rice, submitted to NFA Davao early last week

by Carmencita Grinio of MatinaAplaya, had “a 90 percent likelihood for the presence of dibutyl phthalate.”

The rice was tested along with NFA rice.

“Solvent tests were run on both samples using eight solvents, namely acetone, benzene, chloroform, ethanol, ether, methelene chloride, tol-

uene, xylene. NFA rice reacted to none, while the suspected fake rice disintegrated in acetone and ethanol,” the statement said.

The NFA-FDC added that during the test, there was at first no difference between the suspected fake rice and the NFA rice based on microscopic analysis.

But, after one hour of air exposure, the NFA rice had a creamy white appearance while the suspected fake rice was chalky white.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website said dibutyl phthalate is used in making flexible plastics that are found in a variety of consumer products. It appears to have relatively low acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) toxicity, the EPA said.

According to GreenFacts (greenfacts.org), dibutyl-

phthalate (DBP) is used in a wide range of products for everyday use such as plastics, paints, inks, and cosmetics.

Its widespread use has raised some concerns on the safety of this compound, the group said.

However, the two websites said that there are no information is available regarding the effects in humans from inhalation or oral exposure to dibutyl phthalate, and only minimal effects have been noted in animals exposed by inhalation.

For his part, NFA administrator Renan B. Dalisay said the 90-percent finding means “hindi pa conclusive ang test results (the test results are not yet conclusive).”

He said NFA scientists have yet to confirm if the substance was indeed dibutyl phthalate.

“But the NFA is not taking chances,” Dalisay said.

Design Educator (CIDE) and Council of Deans and Heads in Architecture Schools in the Philippines (CODHASP).

Each participant is given a fixed area size to envisage and conceptualize their ideal environments that promote a sense of belonging. All entries must be submitted on or before September 30, 2015.

Works will be evaluated based on the following criteria: green design elements (30%), colour elements (30%), planning and design (30%) and design statement (10%).

Each of the Gold Awardees will win P50,000 cash prize, a six-month internship at Lor Calma & Partners (for interior design)/ Casas Architects (for architecture), plus an all-ex-

pense paid trip to Bangkok, Thailand for a once-in-a-lifetime learning program, an exclusive workshop crafted especially for winners featuring internationally renowned speakers in the fields of architecture and interior design.

The winner’s professor/ adviser will also get P10,000 cash prize, while his or her academic institution will receive P10,000 cash prize and P10,000-worth of paint voucher.

The Silver Awardee will receive P30,000 cash prize and a plaque. Eight finalists will get P10,000 each, and special awards will also be given out to Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation with P5,000 cash prize each.

in these two departments’ budget to “efforts to boost public infrastructure development and support economic expansion as well as to improve health care services especially to the poor and most vulnerable sectors of society.”

The bid to put in place necessary infrastructure were stressed by the President during the Cabinet meeting, he said after the Chief Executive “directed all Cabinet members to intensify efforts at completing the delivery of programs, especially those on public infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of “Yolanda”-affected and other calamity areas.”

Relatively, the proposed budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) next year amounts to Php172 billion, higher than this year’s Php144.5 billion; and Department of Interior and Local

Government (DILG) is Php156 billion from Php141.4 billion this year.

On the other hand, proposed budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for next year amounts to Php107.6 billion, slighlty lower than its Php108.2 billion budget this year.

Coloma, in a text message to PNA, said the adjustment in the department’s proposed 2016 budget “is not big or significant” since other agencies focused on the delivery of social services such as education, health and housing were proposed to have budget increases.

The planned 2016 national budget is scheduled to be submitted to Congress on July 28, 2015, a day after the President delivers his final State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Earlier, Budget and Man-

agement Secretary Florencio Abad said debt service under the proposed budget for next year accounts for 14 percent of the total budget at about Php419 billion.

Also, 85 percent of next year’s proposed borrowing program will be sourced onshore while the balance of 15 percent will come from foreign creditors with the bias still on domestic borrowing to lessen foreign exchange risks.

Relatively, Abad said infrastructure spending for next year was placed at Php768 billion, which already includes those for local government units (LGUs).

The government has been increasing its infrastructure spending and targets this to account to about five percent of GDP by 2016 to ensure that necessary infrastructure would be in place to sustain the strong domestic growth. (PNA)

Rody... FROM 2

Zozobrado... FROM 3

Nippon... FROM 5

Driz... FROM 2

Council... FROM 2

P3-Trillion... FROM 3

Service Commission.

During the committee hearing last month, Zozobrado said that upon the approval of the ordinance the directive of CDRRMO will be now transferred to City Mayor’s Office from City Administrators Office.

She said that City Accounting Office head Rizalina Justol said that the budget allocated in the old office which is the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council will need additional P2.377 million, well within the 45 percent personal service limitation.

Zozbrado also said Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) head Erwin Alparaque recommended for the creation of the office.

Armando B. Fenequito Jr. Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Case No.2015-XI-00527 (2010-XI-00585) NENA R. SALANGO, Petitioner-Vendor

ROSSANA O. ALFAR, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by NENA R. SALANGO in favor of ROSSANA O. ALFAR of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route BUHANGIN VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on April 26, 2016. In the same petition filed on June 23, 2015, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JULY 20, 2015 at 09:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 23rd day of June 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

DCWD announces water interruptions

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WO separate sets of water service interruption have been scheduled by Davao City Water District to give way to completion of improvement projects.

First set is on July 9 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM affecting a portion of Matina Aplaya Road (from the junction of McArthur Highway to Matina Aplaya Brgy. Hall), Nabua Compound, Sesame Street, Doña Francisca Village, Sunrise Village, New Visayas Village, Malinawon Village, Maharlika Village, Matina Teachers Village, Pioneer Village, Batangueño Village, Ultra Homes Subd., Sunshine Village, Diamond Village, Pag-asa Village, Matina Aplaya Subd., Cristina Village, Del Carmen Village and Del Carmen Seaside.

This water cut is needed for the tapping of the newly installed 100mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 150mm diameter Mortar Line Coated Steel Pipe for the mainline improvement at Del Carmen Village in Matina Aplaya to allow accommodation of additional service connections.

Second set is from 9:00 PM of July 10 until 4:00 AM of July 11. No water are some Poblacion areas: Magallanes Street, Capili Road, City Hall, Sangguniang Panlungsod, San Pedro Street, City Hall Drive, Road 3, Consunji Road, Bolton Extension, Davao Ice Plant, Friendship Alley, Quimpo Boulevard, Felcris Centrale, San Pedro Cathedral and the San Pe-

dro to Magallanes portions of Iñigo Street, Pelayo Street and Bolton Street. Low water pressure to no water will be experienced in these Bucana areas: San Pedro Extension, Nograles Street, St. John, Manggahan, Kasilak, Sanasa, Busna, Bilusa, Savina, Sto. Niño, Dela Cerna Street, Mabini Extension, Bonifacio Extension, Roxas Ave. Extension and Trading Boulevard. DCWD crew will replace the 100mm diameter gate valve and 250mm diameter butterfly valve at Magallanes Street corner Bolton Street for preventive maintenance purposes.

DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado advises would-be affected customers to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions and asks for their understanding and cooperation. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

Del Rosario inducts alliance of disaster action officers

G

OVERNOR Rodolfo del Rosario inducted yesterday during the regular monthly Convocation program of the provincial government here, the officers of the Provincial Alliance of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PADIRRMO).

Among the action officers from the city and municipal DRRMOs, the alliance is headed by Kapalong Rescue and Emergency Services (KARES) Action Officer and Municipal Administrator Gaspar Balinggao.

Governor Del Rosario lauded the action officers for creating the alliance emphasizing that a strong collaboration is needed to reduce the impact of disaster in a more timely response.

“PADIRRMO plays a crucial role in saving people lives in the province especially in time of emergencies,” Del Rosario said.

He said that with the steady increase in the number of calamities worldwide, disaster risk reduction and management is very essential for sustainable development.

The induction ceremony was part of the provincial celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

PDRRMO Executive Officer Anita Juntilla said that activities for the monthly observation will include symposia in different local government units, Rescuelympics and rescue boat making and race. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

You and your office mates share the stress and the fun at work. But with Davao Light’s tips, you can now share the responsibility of saving energy.

Energy conservation inside the workplace

O

FFICE–THE place where you enjoy both the unbearable stress of your load and the fun chitchat with your favorite office mates. But most of the time, it is the place where people enjoy the luxury of the provided reams of A4 size papers, colored pens and unlimited electricity use.

Yes, when you’re in the office you tend to use the electricity outlets your eyes can reach.

Who else can stop you though? When everything is provided and paid for you, why limit your use? But here knocks the issues on energy loss and degradation of energy sources, everyone!

You cannot alleviate this concern overnight (obviously!) but with a little help everyday in your workplace, you can.

Listed below are Davao Light and Power Co.’s three energy conservation tips that you and your work-

mates can definitely do: Turn off those unnecessary lights. When you’re out for lunch, why not turn those lights off? This might even give you a chance to rest than beating yourself right away with paper works.

When you’re not using those computers or any other appliance, just put it to sleep or shut it down to avoid using much electricity.

When pack-up time is up, don’t forget to unplug

everything. As much as you and your office mates can, it is best to avoid accidents than perpetually invite one.

Not everything has to start at home, energy conservation methods can be practiced anywhere and with anyone. As always, little steps to energy conservation can result to big and positive outcomes for everyone–not just in your office’s electricity bill but also with the consciousness of everyone to save electricity.

cial literacy designed to provide young children aged 12 and below with a fun way of learning the concepts of money, saving, wise spending and sharing.

She said children are also taught the importance of saving for the future.

Kasala said the bank’s financial literacy focus on children is grounded on studies that show those who began savings habits as children, display better attitudes towards saving than those who did not save in their childhood days.

“We need to teach children the values of savings and wise

spending,” she said.

Kasala revealed that following its exhibits in Manila and Cebu, the MMK activity reached a total of 23,496 children and adult exhibit viewers.

The exhibit is also a component program of the BSP’s Integrated Economic and Financial Learning Program that aims to empower financial consumers to make informed financial decision and improve their financial well-being.

Pupils from the Palma Gil Elementary School also graced the opening activity to view the interactive exhibit

which features hands-on tools encouraging kids to play and study while exploring money-related themes.

The exhibit gave them a chance to play the roles of bank managers and tellers and to know the concepts of deposits and withdrawal through a make-believe bank and a mock automated teller machine.

The exhibit also taught them how to budget and to differentiate between needs and wants in addition to distinguishing between genuine and fake banknotes. (PIA 11Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

BSP opens Money Matters for Kids Exhibit

B

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas officials formally opened its 6th Money Matters for Kids Exhibit at the BSP Regional Office which will be accessible to the public up to July 17 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm including Saturdays and Sundays.

Atty. Prudence Angelita Kasala, director of the BSP’s Financial Consumer Protection Department and Atty. Thelma Pantig, acting director of the BSP Davao Regional Office led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the exhibit.

Kasala said the MMK is an interactive exhibit on finan-

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

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

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• All text • Telephone Number (bigger point size) • Bold Header Price: 100.00

GO COLOUR • Background • Text Price: 175.00

ADD-ON • Pictures/Logos • Graphic Elements Price: 230.00

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

Bayan Muna slams LLEDP bidding despite hazards T

PHL to present claims before int’l tribunal

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AYAN Muna partylist Representative Carlos Zarate today slammed the Aquino government’s turning a deaf ear over affected residents’ call to junk the Laguna Lake Expressway Dike Project (LLEDP), which holds its bidding Monday, July 6.

“The Aquino administration is simply favoring corporate avarice than the people’s interests,” Rep. Zarate said.

The P124-Billion LLEDP is the single biggest Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) project of the Aquino administration under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

“The dangers on the life, livelihood, and environment of the 3 million people living in the banks of Laguna Lake are real.

An estimated five hundred thousand families will be displaced, and, in fact more will be inundated by floods if the project pushes through. Yet, the government will hear none of these,” he said.

“Inuuna nila ang kita ng malalaking kapitalista kaysa sa kapakanan ng mamamayan. It is the height of insult to the people asserting their rights against this mega-project,” Rep. Zarate said.

SMC’s San Miguel Holdings Corp., Team Trident, and Alloy-PAVI Hanshin LLED consortium were the pre-qualified bidders for the P124 billion-project.

Team Trident or Trident Infrastructure and Development Corp. is composed of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., property giant Ayala Land Inc., Megaworld Corp. of taipan Andrew Tan, and SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail and banking magnate Henry Sy. On the other hand, the

Alloy-PAVI Hanshin LLED Consortium consists of Malaysia’s MTD Group, Prime Asset Venture Inc. of the Villar Group, Korean Hanshin Construction Corp., and Korea Rural Corp.

Last May 14, Rep. Zarate together with Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares House Resolution 2093 calling for a congressional inquiry on the project’s objectives and effects on the communities and lake’s biodiversity.

Rep. Zarate also expressed concerns over the dangers of building the said project in an area traversing an established fault line.

“The project site lies on an area crossed by the East Valley Fault, which is connected to the Marikina Valley Fault system. Additionally, there are 21 tributaries feeding the lake. An infrastructure located in areas such as the Laguna Lake is a disaster biding its

time,” Rep. Zarate said.

“Geologists warn of at least a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in the East Valley Fault due to happen anytime. The recent quakes from the past months, especially in Bohol and Cebu, could give us a picture of the calamity that could befall the residents of Taguig, Muntinlupa, San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Binan, Calamba, and Los Baños, impacted by the LLEDP. T his project is a glaring hazard,” Rep. Zarate pointed out.

“This boils down to the question of who will benefit from this project.

The people surrounding Laguna Lake are certain that the construction of the project will only bring about economic and physical displacement. Environmentalists have pointed out how the project will harm local wildlife and biodiversity,” Rep. Zarate said.

HE Philippines is scheduled to present its case regarding ownership over some islands in the West Philippine Sea before the Arbitral Tribunal late yesterday.

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the first hearing day at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Peace Palace at The Hague, Netherlands is set from 2:30-5:30 p.m..

“Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, as agent of the Philippines, will open the presentation” while “Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario will speak on the reason for the filing of the Philippines’ case,” she said.

Valte said lawyer

Paul Reicher will lead his team from the Washington-based law firm Foley Hoag in presenting “the arguments regarding jurisdiction.”

Other members of the Philippine delegation who will witness the proceedings are Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Supreme Court Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Francis Jardeleza, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Benjamin Caguioa, Sandiganbayan Justice Sarah Fernandez, Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista, and Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevara. (PNA)

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

Speed limit: Why 30kph (20mph)?

S

PEED limits of 30km/h (20mph) save lives.

Since the first 30km/h zone was started as a pilot project in the small German town of Buxtehude in 1983, numerous 20-mph zones throughout Europe have proven their worth. Wherever these zones come in, the number and the severity of accidents is reduced considerably.

A limit of 30km/h (20 mph) in all residential areas improves air quality, as far fewer exhaust gases are emitted, making an important contribution to public health.

The 30km/h (20 mph) limit in all residential areas helps combat climate change, as a lower speed means less CO² emissions. And it ensures a more constant traffic flow with less congestion and traffic jams and makes cycling, walking and using the bus or train much more enjoyable.

This encourages traffic reduction, and so brings an even greater benefit in terms of less

greenhouse gas emissions.

What is really important for us too is that these effects will automatically help decrease the oil dependency of the European Union.

Limiting vehicles to 30kmh (20 mph) reduces traffic noise by up to 40% (3 dbA), which makes a real difference.

A calmer culture in the whole town encourages manufacturers to adapt car engines to suit a more easy-going driving style instead of just striving for fast acceleration.

Our goal: 30 km/h (20mph) as the standard European speed limit for residential areas – and no longer limited to single zones.

The EU population will benefit. However, children, old people and those with disabilities will benefit in particular, as well as those who can only afford cheaper housing, which is often along main roads outside of any 30km/h (20 mph) zone.

Up to now, there have

been strict legal limitations on any administration wanting to establish a 30km/h (20 mph) zone. Also, it is obvious that many people simply do not respect the zones as the

standard 50km/h (30 mph) limit is what they are used to.

Or they just don’t see the signs.

Therefore, local governments are forced to invest in expensive measures when they want

to introduce traffic-calming schemes. However, a standard speed limit for the whole town would make the regulations very clear and also save them considerable expense and

time.

Additionally, the positive effects on health and the environment would increase and the external costs of transport would fall.

Tata teams up with Atoy on Emergency Response Vehicle

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ILIPINAS Taj Autogroup, the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Philippines, in partnership with ATOY Customs, presents the ideal vehicle for local government units and disaster response teams in the country, the Tata Ace Rescue Boy. Based on the world tested platform of the Tata Ace micro truck with more than 1 million units sold around the globe, the Tata Ace Rescue Boy is the vehicle of choice to respond to today national calamities due to its high ground clearance, rigid frame ad suspension and standard equipment on board which will be used by emergency response teams.

Tata Tata Ace Rescue Boy is equipped with the same reliable and best in class fuel efficient Tata 275 IDI 702cc Diesel engine which is also equipped on standard Tata Ace’s, but it’s unique rear body configuration with a Rescue Boy Lifeboat which also acts as a detachable rear body roof allows the rescue teams to traverse high flooded areas. This boat is equipped with a solar panel which can

be a viable source of power since charging points are installed on the said boat.

Another unique feature of the rear body is the possible conversion of the rear seats into a spine board for medical emergency cases and transport of trauma victims in the field during a calamity. Also various areas for storage of emergency equipment may be found under the rear body seats allowing more versatility and reducing the risk of rescuers when in an operation.

With increasing rates of flooding and natural disasters in the country, the Tata Ace Rescue Boy is the effective and obvious choice in emergency response vehicles for government or private individuals.

For more information, you may call or visit our Tata Motors showrooms nationwide: Tata Davao (082) 233 1577, Tata Cainta (02) 941 1327, Tata Marcos Highway (02) 655 22 64, Tata Quezon Avenue (02) 931 11 11, Tata Cebu (032) 517 0940, Tata Bohol (0922 8250005), Tata Cagayan De Oro (0925 3105705), and soon to open Tata Tarlac (0925 8886791).

Y

The Mio i 125: Be extraordinary

AMAHA Motor Philippines has released the new Mio i 125 that is designed for the rider that aspires to be better.

Conceptualized with an M-shape design, its slim detail and compact frame is complemented by a dynamic front face and unique lighting scheme. Complete with the Yamaha Blue Core technology, developed under the ideal of maximum performance that meets unparalleled fuel economy.

This breakthrough is an engine that redefines strength and consumption. Promis-

ing more power with less fuel, riders in the Philippines will feel the benefits of light weight, optimum combustion, reduced power loss, and increased cooling efficiency. With this new technology in tow, the Mio i 125 will surely make your rides more special and more extraordinary.

The Mio i 125 offers many features such as a large 10.L capacity storage that can fit two rain coats and a jacket. A smart stand switch, a Yamaha safety feature that shuts off the engine when enabled. The

Meter panel with Eco Lamp Indicator, a high quality display that allows a clear view of the instrumental panel and actual vehicle speed at all times & efficiency of power and fuel economy.

The rider is guided by an “Eco Indicator” that lights up when the unit has a achieved a quality pace. In addition, it is equipped with an integrated shutter key, the latest in anti-theft technology that makes sure only you can access your unit. A muscular muffler, a 3-way catalytic converter that functions in combination

with engine control and oxygen sensor feedback.

It comes in the colors Blue, Yellow, Magenta, and Black with an SRP of PHP 69,900 available in all Yamaha 3s Shops and Multibrand. The stunning graphics of the Mio i 125 will surely make you the talk of the town with its fresh and dynamic look which has a breeze-like lightness that shows smooth agility. This freshly reimagined combination of power and reduced weight will push any rider to do more than ever before.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

Karatekas named SKC Athletes of the Year

TOP ATHLETES. Ramirez (left) and Maramara (right). AAK Davao photos

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

T

PRO-AM. Pro golfer Michael Bibat uses a wedge to chip one from the apron in yesterday’s pro-am of the ICTSI Tour Apo Invitational. Bibat and his amateur partners won the top prize. Boy Lim

STRIPPED

Mayweather stripped of WBO title he won against Pacquiao

T

HE World Boxing Organization has stripped undefeated pound for pound No. 1 Floyd Mayweather Jr of the WBO welterweight title he won from eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao in the “Fight of the Century” in Las Vegas last May 2.

Despite Mayweather’s initial protest over the WBO’s decision to allow Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas to fight for the belt, and gaining an extra deadline, the WBO Championship Committee headed by Luis Batista Salas has recognized Bradley as the new champion following his impressive unanimous twelve round decision victory over Vargas although the bout ended in controversy when Vargas staggered Bradley who was on the verge of going down when

referee Pat Russell mistakenly ended the bout with some seven seconds remaining, thinking the ten second clapper was the bell.

Despite the protests of the Vargas camp the WBO upheld the decision enabling Bradley to become the welterweight champion for the second time after having won the title from Pacquiao in a hugely controversial decision in their first meeting with Pacquiao regaining the title in a rematch with a lopsided unanimous decision.

Salas noted that due to Champion Mayweather’s statements that he would relinquish all titles and his expressed desire to fight one non-title 12-rounder bout before retiring to allow for the development of young fighters, the

WBO World Championship Committee approved the June 27th 2015 bout between Bradley and Jessie Vargas for the Vacant WBO Welterweight Championship of the World.

However, on May 20th 2015, having heard boxing commentators talk of an upcoming Bradley-Vargas bout for the Vacant WBO Welterweight title, the WBO received a letter from the concerned Mayweather camp through his attorney, John Hornewer, stating that Mayweather had no definite plans for the future other than the September 2015 bout and specifically, desired to have a written confirmation from the WBO that he remained the WBO/WBA/WBC Unified Welterweight Champion of the World.

WO young karatekas who competed and won gold medals in a multi-nation international tournament with funding from their own pockets are getting the recognition they deserve.

The Dabaw City Sports Council Inc. (DCSCI) has named Julian Ambrose Ramirez and Darlene Ross Maramara as Athlete of the Year awardees in the annual So Kim Cheng Sports Awards which fetes the city’s creme dela creme in sports.

Ramirez, 14, and Maramara, 15, both won gold medals in the recent Milo Malaysia Open Karatedo Championships held last month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where 40 countries take part.

The two karatekas share a common passion for karatedo, electing to be under the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK)-Davao Chapter which has yet to enjoy government financial backing.

Ramirez is a standout of Precious International School and Maramara is a pride of Davao City National High School. The two karatekas rely on their parents’ support and the generous members of the AAK Davao community in order to compete internationally.

“It’s not easy representing the city and the country and not having the finances to go to battle. Good thing we have a very supporting community who worked in the spirit of bayanihan for us to travel and compete overseas,” said Rommel Tan, AAK Davao head.

The awarding ceremonies will be held on July 22 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The complete list of

awardees are:

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Julian Ambrose Ramirez – AAK Davao Darlene Ross Maramara – AAK Davao Sports Leadership Award: Belen Kempis Taala

Posthumous Award Sixto Gabeligno Panchito Jr. -Volleyball Mr. Philip Calla – Vball Referee of DepEd/DAVA/PVF Melba Caalim Malinao-Athletics

Elven A. Flores Diana L. Cosare JUDO Jackielou Escarpe Desiree Inciso WUSHU Chester Ian Sevilla Charis Delle Cunanan MUAY THAI Jessner Jay Ang SEPAK TAKRAW Jeapril Dalhog

OUTSTANDING ATHLETES ATHLETICS April Rose Guiang Sonny Wagdos BADMINTON Marinel A. Diansay Estarco P. Bacalso III DUCK PIN BOWLING Marcelino De Guzman Helen Pogoy CHESS Irish Yngayo KARATE DO John Paul Ponce Sofia Agullo MOTO X Michael Tapic TABLE TENNIS Ted Dayanan Corrine Cortera TEN PIN BOWLING Tessa Dianne Galendez Constancio “Tans” Bernas VOLLEYBALL Calvin Sarte Samantha Nicole Dizon DANCESPORT Renel Ydianon Marythe Eamielle Ramos ARNIS Catherine Lei R. Segura Kleinn B. Mataverde RUGBY

CITATION Sponsors/Supporters: Jimmy H. Cerojales Dr. Guillermo Torres-Lifetime Achievement Award Jeannette Ortiz (Filipinas Ballroom Amateur League {FiBa} - Chairwoman/Supporter)-Citation City Sports Development Division – City Mayor’s Office-Citation Dominic & Sons(Citation)-DCSCI Bearing Center & Machinery Incorporated-Tenpin Columbia(S) TKS Petron(S)-AAK Beefit Gym(S)-AAK Fundador Philippines(S)-TenPin AAK Davao Team(Citation) SM City Davao(Citation)-DCSCI Homitori(S)-DCSCI Spin Davao(S)-DCSCI Zoofari(S)-AAK Nature’s Spring(S)-DCSCI Davao City Sportswriter’s Association(DSA)-Media SCOOP-Media Fun, Adventure, Sports and Travel(FAST) Fridays-Media Philippine Sports Commission National Bowling Tour Let’s Get it on with Neil Bravo (Sports Talk Show) VETMIX Clinic(Sponsor)-Duckpin Bowling

Both teams were fluid in executing their offensive plays and fierce in the defensive end that kept the game close up to the winding seconds.

Christopher “Bong” Go was on fire from the rainbow area drilling ten triples to finish with game-best 30 points for the City Hall dribblers.

Go, the sweet-shooting executive assistant of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, shot well from all angles as his teammates pitched in small contributions courtesy of Weng Farochillen

and Jay R De Guzman.

John Lumogda carried the chores with 27 points for the Team Tin, bannered by former Commercial A players and collegiate standouts, that competes regularly in every Commercial B league in the region.

Christopher Jatico and Alvin Calatayud chipped in 13 apiece as Jun Laging had 11.

The tune up game was part of their series of preparation for the upcoming Commercial B league in the city.

CMO, Team Tin tune up ends in 83-all draw

I

T was a tune up game that pushed the protagonists to the best of their basketball abilities.

The City Mayors Office held to an 83-all draw with the hottest Commercial B ball club in town, Team Tin 24, on Sunday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. CMO and Team Tin played at a high level right from the opening tipoff, masterfully showing their firepower in both ends of the floor.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

APO’S TURN

Businessman Jun Serado hits from the fringe in yesterday’s pro-am of the ICTSI Tour Apo Invitational. Boy Lim

Bibat, partners win pro-am crown

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

I

T’S going to be Apo Golf and Country Club’s turn to test the mettle of the country’s crack touring professionals as the ICTSI Tour Apo Golf leg gets off the tees tomorrow.

Miguel Tabuena, who birdied the 16th hole to nip local hero Elmer Salvador and rule the ICTSI Rancho Palos Verdes Classic last week at Rancho Palos Verdes will try to become become the tour’s three leg winner of the season.

Tabuena cracked 70 in all four days and totaled 265 over the well-manicured layout, good for a one-shot vic-

tory over the game Salvador, who carded a 67 that fell just short of a second straight win.

At Apo, he will be up against the dreaded roough and the extra distance of this storied course with a magnificent view of the country’s highest peak.

Yesterday, Michael Bibat towed amateur partners Mike Larrabaster, Darius Gloriani and Alimar Etrone for the pro-am title in the ICTSI Golf Tour Apo Leg at the tree-dotted Apo Golf and Country Club course.

Bibat and his partners combined for an aggregate 15-under par 57

to win the championship via countback of this prelude to the second stage of the ICTSI Tour’s Davao swing. The Tour held the Rancho Palos Verdes leg last week over at Cabantian in the north side of the city.

Bibat pocketed P10,000 for the win while the amateurs receive a GoPro camera.

Mark Fernando settled for first runer-up despite scoring identical 57 along with amateurs Mhark Fernando, Milton Liu, Jorge Sandoval, and Raul Torres. Fernando received P7,500 while the amateurs take home a Bluetooth Bose speak-

VOL. 8 ISSUE 69 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2015

er set.

Zanieboy Gialon towed Louie Jacinto, Ian Dagatan, and Denden De Castro for second runner-up with a 14-under par 58. Gialon won P5,000 while his teammates will share the Pioneer Home Theater System.

Ryan Co won the longest drive on hole no. 1 and won an Apple Ipod Nano 16 Gb, Apo Luna shot the nearest to the pin on no. 11 and won an Acer Liquid Z500 Smart Phone, while Bobby Go hit the nearest to the line on no.

15 and won Sharp HT ARS 300w Speaker.