Edge Davao8 Issue 84

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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HUMMING A NEW “ TUNE Rody: Let’s see if there’s a space for me

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

LET’S dance and see if there is a space for me.”

This was Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s new tune as he addressed the issue of his possible run for the presidency in 2016.

Duterte, however, began the interview on Monday night at People’s Park with his usual denial of any plans to run for president.

The mayor reiterated his three reasons: he has no money to fund the campaign, he is already old, and his family and friends do not want him to run.

“These are the thing that I want to reduce in one sentence: It is no longer my time,” he said.

The mayor, however, gave room to speculation by saying he was “a liar” and that he might change

his mind in the coming days.

“If I change my mind, I’m a liar,” he said.

“Let us go by the music. Let’s dance and see if there is a space for me,” he added.

FHUMMING, 10

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Rody asks: Where’s PNoy’s program vs illegal drugs? P2 All is set for Kadayawan 2015 P4

HERITAGE. Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) vice president Ricardo F. Lagdameo checks out the Heritage, Tradition and Excellence wall inside the new DLI customer lounge and showroom where the history of Anflocor Group of Companies is chronologically shown through old photographs. Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

ALL LINED UP. Applicants form a long queue outside a call center company’s office at SM City Davao yesterday. Jobs in the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) sector this year are forecast to grow by a fifth from last year. Lean Daval Jr.

Danao wants probe on four Lumad deaths inside Haran

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

D

AVAO City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. wants a probe on the four alleged deaths inside the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) Haran compound this year.

Danao also challenged progressive groups to prove that the claims of the relatives of the dead lumads are not true.

In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Danao said he has received unverified report that there have been a total of four deaths at the UCCP-Haran.

One of these was Lito Lun-

dia, who reportedly committed suicide inside the compound last February when he was not allowed to leave.

Lundia’s death was reported to San Pedro Police Station right after he was seen lifeless inside the compound.

However, there were no blotter reports on the three other deaths.

“The reports came from the tribal leaders and the relatives of the Lumads. It was reported to the military until it reached us,” Danao said.

He said the “rescue operation” last Thursday was aggravated because of the said

FDANAO, 10

Councilors see protocol breach in Haran incident

S

OME members of the Davao City Council said there may have been violations of protocol during the conduct of a “rescue operation”

by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the assistance of Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) staying at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran Compound last week.

In an interview yesterday, councilor Karlo S. Bello said Acting Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte was at the scen and gave instructions to the police “but somehow he was not followed.”

“The police should explain why they resorted to a commotion,” Bello said.

In his speech during the regular session yesterday, Bello said protocol seemed to have been violated when some police personnel appeared to have been receiving orders from North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco.

“Why did the DCPO send at least 500 policemen in the area? With such a large number of PNP members being sent to the area, did the police director not think that it was necessary to coordinate first with the city mayor?” Bello

FCOUNCILORS, 10

Rody asks: Where’s PNoy program vs illegal drugs?

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

T

HERE is now widespread use of illegal drugs nationwide, but Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte was left wondering why President Aquino didn’t touch on the biggest problem the Philippines is facing today in his sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Duterte said the President should have presented his program in the fight against criminality and illegal drugs when he delivered his SONA

last Monday that lasted over two hours, the first portion of which was devoted to bashing the previous administration and the latter part was reserved for expression of gratitude to his Cabinet members.

Duterte cited a report of the Manila Police District (MPD) several months back showing that nine out of 10 individuals in that area are influenced with illegal drugs.

“That is true for the entire country especially for cities.

Not really on massive scale, but drugs are creeping into the lives of the young people,” Duterte told reporters at the People’s Park where he viewed the SONA from a television set up by a broadcast station.

“You could equate it with the national security,” added Duterte, who is known for his iron-fist policy against all forms of criminality.

The local chief executive gave Aquino a passing grade of 7.5 with his SONA, but lament-

ed the fact that the President failed to present concrete programs of the government in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality.

Duterte wondered whether Aquino was kept abreast of the present illegal drugs situation in the country, stressing that the current drugs problem involving the youth has reached an alarming level which could be considered a threat to national security.

be defined by law.”

The provision, however, cannot be implemented without an enabling law. Congress has so far refused to craft one, prompting the President to say, “I believe it is now time to pass an Anti-Dynasty Law” in his SONA. That statement drew the strongest applause from the audience.

Duterte, however, said while Mr. Aquino’s statement

is good, the proposal will have to undergo a series of discussions.

He also pointed out that running for public office is everyone’s right. “You cannot hinder the ambition of the people,” he said.

Duterte said the political dynasties in the Philippines is still “a better version” because people are still able to vote for the leaders who will govern them.

FRODY, 10

Duterte chides President for anti-dynasty law push

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said it was “funny” that President Benigno Aquino is now pushing for the immediate passage of the Anti-Dynasty Law. In an interview on Monday night after watching the President’s sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) at People’s Park, Duterte said the President himself is part of a dynasty.

He said there was even a time after the People Power revolution when many of his relatives had positions in government.

Article 2 Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which was ratified under the time of Mr. Aquino’s mother President Corazon C. Aquino, stipulates that the State “shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

32 loggers nabbed L OCAL authorities apprehended 32 suspected illegal loggers in Davao Region from January to June this year, an environment official said.

Victor Billones, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the enforcement division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI, said some 521.90 cubic meters of illegally-cut logs with market value placed at P1.9 million were recovered.

Of the 32, most of the cases

WHY NOW? Councilors Leah Librado and Diosdado Mahipus Sr. ask why the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is implementing numerous road works only this year, saying it could lead Dabawenyos to think the projects have political undertones since the election is next year. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

H

my, education, and the peace process in Mindanao. Aquino drew applause for promising a bill outlawing political dynasties. He also recounted in detail the many shortcomings of his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and thanked everyone from his political allies to his housemaid and hairdresser,” Conde said.

“But, perhaps unsurprisingly, Aquino barely touched on any of the serious human rights problems his administration has largely ignored since he took office in 2010.

That omission adds insult to injury to the many victims of the government’s failure to adequately grapple with those issues,” he said.

Conde said the closest Mr. Aquino came to acknowl-

Aquino pushes Anti-Dynasty Bill

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RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday pushed the passage of four important measures, including the Anti-Dynasty Bill, in the remainder of the third regular session of the 16th Congress.

Aquino made his appeal to the lawmakers in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the joint session at the Batasang Pambansa.

The President said he originally opposed the crafting of law that will prevent an individual from running in the election due to his family name. ”But I’m also thinking: There is also something wrong in giving opportunity for a corrupt family or individual to stay in power forever. It is time to pass an Anti-Dynasty Law,” the President said, drawing the longest and loudest applause from the audience.

President Aquino is the

son of the late President Corazon C. Aquino and late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. who was assassinated upon arrival from his US exile at the then Manila International Airport in 1983.

President Aquino also pushed for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as well as the Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives which is seen to attract investments and more jobs to sustain longterm growth and Unified Uniformed Personnel Pension Reform Bill.

Meanwhile, Senate committee on local government chairman Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has promised to release his committee report on the BBL on August 3.

President Aquino also appealed to the critics of the BBL to recommend a better solution to achieve lasting peace in the troubled parts of Mind-

FAQUINO, 10

edging human rights was his mention of the arrest of retired General Jovito Palparan, who is on trial for the enforced disappearance of two activists.

“More Filipinos will likely pay a heavy price for the failure to press for greater accountability for alleged abuses by the state security forces.

The cost of that failure will be a rising body count from extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, and torture,” he said.

For its part, the Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI) said the President’s SONA did not say anything concrete about supporting overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

“The President may claim figures that the number of

OFWs have decreased from 9.5 million in 2011 to 9 million in the end of 2014, a decrease of 440,000. He reported one OFW was able to avail of TESDA’s training and helped him open his business.

But these data are not representative of the whole state of OFWs who continue to wait on empty promises from the government,” MMCEAI executive director Inorisa Sialana-Elento said in a statement.

She said the OFWs remain a vulnerable sector, with an an average of 5,000 Filipinos leaving their families every day to seek jobs in 197 countries. “(This) increased the number of OFWs to 2.3 million, not 9 million as the SONA stated. The families they leave behind need support to ad-

FPNOY, 10

WE SWEAR. Councilors Edgar Ibuyan Sr. and Bonifacio Militar take their oath before acting vice mayor Karlo S. Bello as the new chairs of the vacant committees in the City Council. Ibuyan was appointed the new chair of the committee on transportation and communication which was left by

F32 LOGGERS, 10

Alejandre: All set for Kadayawan

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

PNoy ignored human rights, A OFWs in SONA, groups say UMAN Rights Watch (HRW) yesterday slammed President Benigno Aquino for his “shameful silence on human rights” in his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) which he delivered last Monday.

“However one feels about Aquino’s personal responsibility for ongoing human rights violations in the Philippines, it’s hard to deny their existence. That’s why Aquino’s miserable failure to even discuss the Philippines’ many pressing human rights problems in his speech is so troubling,” HRW Asia Division researcher Carlos Conde said in a statement.

“Aquino spoke for more than two hours on such issues as his administration’s accomplishments on the econo-

were noted in Davao del Norte at 17 cases.

But Billones clarified that this does not make Davao del Norte a hotspot. He said the province has a strategic location for the transport of illegal logs, most especially coming from neighboring Bukidnon areas.

Five of the suspected illegal loggers – four in Davnor and one in Compostela Valley – have already been charged for violation of PD 389, also

abf@edgedavao.net

LL is set for the celebration of 30th Kadayawan sa Davao festival next month.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Kadayawan Executive Committee (Execom) spokesperson councilor Al Ryan Alejandre said the committee members expressed readiness for the big event during the Execom meeting last Monday.

“We will just double check the update of the events,” he said.

Alejandre said the P10 million budget from the private partner has already been met, with half of the amount in cash and the other half in kind.

Alejandre also said the P5 million counterpart of the city government has already been approved and is now available.

He said the Execom will have another meeting on August 10 to check updates on the preparations.

Alejandre said there are already contingents for the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan from the city and outside.

City Tourism Operations

Office (CTOO) head Lisette Marques said the Execom did not add or remove any activity from last year’s celebration.

Activities like Indak-Indak sa Dalan (street dance competition), Pamulak (floral float parade), Tunog Mindanao, Sayaw Mindanao, Yugyugan sa Kadayawan, Hulagway sa Kadayawan, and Kadayawan sa Lumadnong Katilingban are still in the calendar.

The last activity includes the Davao River Festival, Panagtagbo, Lumadnong Bantawan, Lumadnong Dula and Hiyas ng Kadayawan.

Marques, however, said there are categories in some events that have been removed. The street dance competition, which had Davaobased and Open categories before, will only have the Open category this year.

She said Davao groups have to compete with out-oftown contingents.

The Sayaw Mindanao will also have only one category this year, unlike in the previous years where there were

FALEJANDRE, 10

councilor Tomas Monteverde IV after he resigned last month. Militar is the new chair of the committee on government owned properties which was left

by Ibuyan yesterday. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

NOW OPEN. ANFLOCOR Group of Companies vice chairman Antonio Floirendo Jr. (rightmost), Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) vice president Ricardo F. Lagdameo (second from right), ANFLOCOR Group of Companies president and chief executive officer Alexander N. Viloria (center), CMN Designs proprietor Cecil M. Naguit (second from left) and Cash and Bank vice president Susan M. Matus cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the DLI customer lounge and showroom during its blessing and inauguration at Damosa Complex in Lanang, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Seawind’s first 2 towers sold out Damosa Land invests over P2B for first condo project

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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HE first two towers of the six-building Seawind mixed-use development of homegrown Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) have been sold out, with vertical works for the project expected to commence in the next few months.

DLI vice president Ricardo “Cary” F. Lagdameo said 60 percent of the buyers are all from Davao City, with the remaining 40 percent from other parts in Mindanao and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“We’ve already started the land preparation, but right now we’re in the process of obtaining our building permits,” Lagdameo said during yesterday’s launch of the DLI customer lounge and blessing of its showroom.

“So once we get them, we’ll start building the first tower immediately,” added Lagdameo, who handles the company’s residential developments.

DLI is investing over P2 billion for Seawind, which sits on a 2.7-hectare lot in Barangay Sasa, Buhangin District and is a project with a residential and commercial component. The medium-rise

project composed of six buildings will be Damosa Land’s first condominium project.

The first three buildings will have 165 units each while the next three will have 192 units apiece.

Lagdameo said he would have wanted to start constructing the first building in March of this year, but they have to wait a little longer as their application for building permits are still being processed.

“If you ask me, my target date was March of 2015. But, permitting process will really take a while for any developer. The city (government) has been supportive, but of course we have to go through that process,” Lagdameo said.

“I’m hoping that in the next few months we can really start laying the foundation,” he added.

The commercial complex of Seawind is just located just in front of the development and will house fast food restaurants, convenience stores and function rooms for the homeowners to rent out.

Lagdameo said they hope to have the project completed in five to six years.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

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Davao business capitalization up 19%

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

OTAL business capitalization in Davao City increased by 19 percent in the first semester of this year at P207.64 billion compared to the P175.01 billion business capitalization recorded for the same period in 2014.

Business Bureau assistant chief Maribel T. Paguican said the hike was posted

despite the decrease in the number of new businesses applying for permits from the city.

Most of the businesses which applied for business permits were from sectors of wholesale and retail, services and manufacturing.

Comparative report of business permit statistics of the Business Bureau

P400M more for rice production program

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HE provincial government is allocating P400-million for its Rice Production Enhancement Program aimed at producing abundant supply of rice that is of high quality.

Governor Claude Bautista identified the municipalities of Magsaysay, Matanao, Bansalan and Digos City to be the areas as beneficiaries of the program since they are consistent mass producers of rice.

Bautista said the province is highly agricultural in nature with rice as its number one produce, that’s why, it is his long term plan to make Davao del Sur as the supplier of rice in other provinces.

Recently, Davao del Sur was named as the most com-

petitive province in the entire country for 2015 because of “its improved infrastructure, economic dynamism and government efficiency.”

Sometime in March this year, the province was also among the recipients of Rice Achievers Award given by the Department of Agriculture.

Bautista, who is on his firm term as governor, said “politics had no role in the implementation of projects and programs under his administration but only good governance.”

This came even as he already declared that he is no longer interested to seek re-election in the upcoming national and local elections in

FP400M, 10

showed that new and existing business in Davao City which applied for permits for the first semester of this year have a combined capitalization of P207.64 billion.

Meanwhile, Paguican said business establishments which applied for new permits decreased by 5.79 percent in the first semester of the year com-

pared to same period last year.

Paguican said a total of 3,429 new businesses applied for permits, which is lower compared to the 3,640 applications for the first six months of last year, of which 2,687 have been already issued with permits.

The number of existing businesses that applied for

business permit renewals, however, increased from 31,033 last year to 31,942 in the first semester of this year of which 29,095 were already issued with renewed permits.

The Business Bureau projected that new business permit applicants in the city will grow by 10 percent toward the end of the year.

“The influx of business permit applicants come toward the end of year starting on the third quarter,” Paguican said.

She added that most business owners wait for the last six remaining months of the year to apply for permit or renewal because there are lesser applicants during these months.

ness Bureau will be used by FDA to check establishments who were able to secure the LTO permit for their operation.

“Those business establishments that do not have the LTO permits from FDA will be automatically blocked in our system. These establishments will not be allowed to renew their permits January next year, otherwise they will be able to comply with the requirements,” Paguican said.

She said the list will be not limited to durian fruit processors, but to all establishments listed in the FDA. Among the categories sent by the FDA that need LTO permit were drug outlets, including retail drugstore, hospital pharmacy, and retail outlet for non-prescription drugs; manufacturers and processors of drugs and medicine, including liniments, medical devices, cosmetics, processed food, bakery products, cakes and pastries, food supplements, staple foods like iodized salt, flour and oil; household hazardous substances (HHS) like products containing petro-

leum distillates like fluids of cigarettes lighters and charcoal, paints lacquers and varnish, solvent, lacquer thinner and mineral spirits.

Establishments manufacturing kerosene, fuel oil and petroleum distillates, turpentine, adhesives and plastics are also included as well as household polishes and waxes, cleansers and detergent, doit-yourself and hobby items, room freshener and deodorizer, household pesticides, manufacturers of toys, and veterinary products under drugs.

Paguican said the Business Bureau will be also giving the registered lists of distributors of drugs and medicines, either importer, exporter or wholesaler; medical device distributors, cosmetic distributors, food distributors; and HHS. Registered traders of drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and supplies and food will nbe also included in the list of establishments that will be assessed by the FDA. The issuance of the LTO permit from FDA , Paguican said, is currently not a hin-

drance to the issuance of business permits.

“As long as there is a certification from FDA that the establishment has started its application for the LTO permit we consider it as done,” she said. “It’s already FDA who will do the tracking and monitoring of the compliance of the applicant.”

She said they bureau cannot wait for the issuance of the LTO as it will take a month before it will be approved.

“We have a 72- hour mandate from the Mayor. We need to issue permits within three days,” Paguican said.

Earlier, FDA- Davao City supervisor Deborah S. Legaspi said approval of applications is done by the central office.

However, she said there have been efforts lobbied to the FDA central office to decentralize the licensing.

Meanwhile, Legaspi also said establishments listed under these categories will be given a one-month window from their application to secure their LTO permits. CHENEEN R. CAPON

a starting capital for a single product, according to her.

A borrower can borrow up to P300,000 per one product and can still apply for another product depending on the capacity of the borrower to pay.

“Davao City has a 99 percent repayment rate with the highest repayment rate of 100 percent recorded at Buhangin District,” Mercado said, adding that CARD Bank here was able to attain its high repayment rate by ensuring that their clients are committed.

CARD Bank Inc. implements various mechanisms like home visitation to clients who failed to pay their monthly due to the bank.

In Davao City, CARD Bank, Inc. main branch is located in Magallanes. Other branches

are located in Buhangin, and Matina.

Mercado said CARD Bank will soon be catering clients from Paquibato and Marilog since the NGO will be integrating to become a bank.

CARD Bank Inc., a microfinance-oriented bank, is one of the 14 institutions of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions that was established in September 2007.

CARD bank aims to provide the poor with diverse financial and non-financial services. It allows its members buy shares of stocks through transfer of their compulsory savings as payment for shares of stock.

Currently, it has 61 branches across the country serving 1.5 million clients.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

Business Bureau: FDA license now a requisite for biz establishments

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HE Business Bureau will now require all business establishments in Davao City, not only food processors, to secure a license to operate (LTO) from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) before their business permits are renewed or are issued business permits.

“The FDA has already sent us a copy of business categories that should have FDA LTO permit. We will be sending them back the list of corresponding establishments in our system this week,” Buiness Bureau assistant chief Maribel T. Paguican said yesterday.

Paguican said the list that will be generated by the Busi-

Card Bank eyes 12K women savers more

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HE Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Bank Inc. is eyeing 12,000 women savers more this year to add to its existing 38,000 members.

“We are positive that we will be able to attain our target,” CARD Bank Inc. regional director Clarita Mercado told EDGE Davao in a recent interview.

Mercado said the bank is targeting unemployed women and mothers who wanted to start their own small businesses. This is part of their effort to help families escape from poverty and uplift their lives, she added.

Davao City branches of CARD Bank have a loan outstanding of P156 million where members and savers can loan up to P300,000 as

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Glam Night for Sports

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Photos by LEAN DAVAL JR. FOR ONE GLAM NIGHT, athletes dropped their playing uniforms and coaches threw their whistles and playboards.

Dressed mostly in their gorgeous formal wear, Davao City’s top sportsmen and women celebrated another year of accomplishments as long-running award-giving body So Kim Cheng Sports Foundation and the Davao City Sports Council feted the creme dela creme in the field of sports.

Now on its 21st year, the So Kim Cheng Sports Awards Night is the most anticipated sports event by local athletes held in honor of the late sports patron So Kim Cheng. Among the past awardees of this oldest sports recognition event outside Manila are boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, world billiards champion Lee Van Corteza, prominent golfers Elmer Salvador and Tony Lascuna, basketball idol Peter June Simon and diver Shiela Mae Perez.

This year, the Athlete of the Year awardees came from the same sport--karatedo. And they’re both in their teens.

14-year old Julian Ambrose Ramirez of Precious International School of Davao and Darlene Ross Maramara, 15, of the Davao City National High School, made it as this year’s best of the best. The two karatekas are proteges of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao under branch manager Rommel Tan. Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr., president of the University of Mindanao, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to sports development by offering sports scholarships and producing top caliber athletes for decades. The Sports Leadership Award went to long-time athletics association president Belen Kempis-Taala.

The awardees received their plaques and tokens from SKCSFI chairman So Peng Kee and DCSCI presaident Dexter So along with guest speaker former Philippine Sports Commissioner Binggoy Montemayor, councilors Al Ryan Alejandre and Diosdado Mahipus and City Mayor’s Office chief of staff

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR. Julian Ambrose Ramirez and Darlene Ross Maramara with (l-r) DCSCI president Dexter So, Atty. Neil Dalumpines of City Mayor’s Office, Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr., Binggoy Montemayor, Edge Davao editor Tony Ajero, SKCSFI chair So Peng Kee and councilor Diosdado Mahipus.

lawyer Neil Dalumpines. EDGE DAVAO also gave a framed copy of the front page cover featuring the athletes of the year winners through editor Tony Ajero.

In his keynote speech, Montemayor stressed the importance of sports in the lives of people. He noted that it is not always the winning that counts, but how one can spring back after a loss.

Athletes and coaches from the 16 member-sports associations were also given citations and awards in the event held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Ballroom.

GUES SPEAKER. Binggoy Montemayor, LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr., president former PSC Commissioner of University of Mindanao

DCSCI president Dexter So delivers his message.

CITATION. Race car driver Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr.

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Rebel choices for Php57,750

By Kenneth Irving Ong IT IS CONFIRMED! The Queen of Pop, Madonna will be performing for one night at the Mall of Asia Arena next year. Along with the announcement came list of tickets and their corresponding prices which range from Php3,150 for general admission tickets all the way to a whopping Php57,750 for SVIP seats.

It may be tempting to break the bank for a ringside seat but here are some other alternatives which you can buy instead of that SVIP ticket.

Madonna Rebel Heart Super Deluxe Edition, Php995 If it is Madonna’s music you are after then why not purchase the Madonna Rebel Heart Super Deluxe Edition instead? You can listen to each and every one of her latest tracks plus special mixes and singles not found on the regular album. You can even buy extra copies of the CD to share your love of the Queen of Pop to your friends.

Sony Smart B-Trainer, Php12,999 Be the Queen of the Track instead with the Sony Smart B-Trainer. The high definition headset not only plays music but also helps you plan, train, and review your fitness performance to reach your health goals. iPad Air2, Php25,490 Instead of splurging everything on one night, why not buy an iPad Air2 instead? The retina display allows you to view videos and photos on extra high definition. The LTE option even allows you to stream official Madonna videos on YouTube in HD anywhere you may be.

Sony Bravia 40” Full HD LED TV, Php45,999 If it is a larger than life Madonna experience you are after, then why not view it on the crystal clear screen of a Sony Bravia HD LED TV instead. You can skip the lines as well as the crowds or you can invite your friends over to have your own Madonna-viewing party instead.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort Mandaya House, Php22,400 Instead of flying out to the big city, why not go out to the islands and have a relaxing weekend? You can book one of the Peal Farm Beach Resort’s Mandaya House for less than half of an SVIP ticket and bring along your friends or family along with you to enjoy an island paradise.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic, Php 7,600 Say goodbye to moments that exist only on the virtual world with actual film from Fujifilm’s Instax Mini. Guaranteed to bring hours of fun to any occasion, the Instax Mini instantly produces photographs that capture every moment and shared.

Marco Polo Davao’s Presidential Suite, Php30,700 If going La Isla Bonita is not your thing then why not live the high life at the Marco Polo Davao’s Presidential Suite. A stay at Davao City’s biggest and highest presidential suite gives you an unparalleled view of Davao and Samal Island. Guests also get club floor access, their own butler service and a private jacuzzi.

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EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Asia’s Next Top Model runnerup Monika Sta. Maria talks fashion, modeling, and more

THE last Filipina standing in the latest season of Asia’s Next Top Model appeared in front of Davao media, bloggers, and fashion enthusiasts to talk about modeling on an international scale, the fierce fashion she had the chance to flaunt, and the invaluable lessons she gained from her time on the show.

eling reality TV show, Monika was one of three Filipina women including Amanda Chan and Davaoeña Franchesca Lagua to make it to the competition.

Monika stayed for a photo opportunity with fans after the Fashion Forum, much to the delight of her Davaoeño admirers.

The Fashion Forum is a monthly convergence of fashion and lifestyle press, bloggers, designers, insiders, students, and enthusiasts that serves as a platform for the discussion and promotion of notable trends, projects, personalities, brands, ideas, and more. Through the Fashion Forum, Abreeza Mall hopes to nurture and spread a stronger style consciousness in Davao City with the support and collaboration of

Monika Sta. Maria, the first runner-up of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3, shared her insights and experiences in Abreeza’s monthly Fashion Forum on July 23, 2015. Monika had recently competed against 13 other contestants from the region in the show which was shot in Singapore and broadcast from March to June 2015. She placed second to Cycle 3 winner, Ayu Gani from Indonesia.

A model, competitive volleyball player, and De La Salle University psychology graduate who won the Century Tuna Superbods competition in 2012, Monika had earlier tried out for the show’s Cycle 2, which featured Filipinas Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez, but didn’t make the cut. After successfully auditioning for the third season of the Asian franchise of the hit mod-

industry professionals, members of the media, and local fashion fans.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge

at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www. facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreeza-

Bobby Brown breaks his silence after daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown’s death BOBBY BROWN has broken his silence after the tragic death of his daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown.

“Krissy was and is an angel. I am completely numb at this time. My family must find a way to live with her in spirit and honor her memory.

Our loss is unimaginable,” the entertainer told E! News in a statement Monday. “We thank everyone for the prayers for Krissy and our family as we mourn my baby girl.”

Funeral plans have yet to be announced.

“Yesterday Bobbi Kristina Brown took her place in heaven,” the New Edition singer’s lawyer also said in a statement Monday. “Krissy fought to get well for months. However, she

has succumbed to her injuries.”

Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in her bathtub on Jan. 31, nearly three years after her mother, Grammy Award winner Whitney Houston, was found dead in a bathtub. Bobbi Kristina was place in a

medically induced coma soon after, and in June, she was transferred to hospice care as her health “continued to deteriorate,” her aunt, Pat Houston, said in a statement to E! News.

In spite of their differences, the Brown and Houston families rallied around Bobbi Kristina in the last months of her life.

“Bobbi Kristina Brown passed away July 26, 2015, surrounded by her family,” the Houston family told E! News in a statement late Sunday.

“She is finally at peace in the arms of God. We want to again thank everyone for their tremendous amount of love and support during these last few months.”

July 29, 2015

ANT-MAN * Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas PG

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

PAPER TOWNS Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, Halston Sage PG

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

CHAIN MAIL / * THE GALLOWS Meg Imperial, Shy Carlos, AJ Muhlach/ *Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos R13/*R13

R-16

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

MINIONS Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock

PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

EVENT 2015 ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Julian Ambrose Ramirez Darlene Ross Maramara LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr. LEADERSHIP AWARD Belen Kempis-Taala 2015 OUTSTANDING ATHLETES

ATHLETICS April Rose Guiang Sonny Wagdos

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DUCK PIN BOWLING Marcelino De Guzman Helen Pogoy CHESS Irish Yngayo

TABLE TENNIS Ted Dayanan Corrine Cortera TEN PIN BOWLING Tessa Dianne Galendez Constancio “Tans” Bernas

SPORTS TALK SHOW. Neilwin Bravo for “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo”

MEDIA CITATION. SM Lanang Premier Mall Manager Engr. Therese Lapena-Manalo and PR manager Acey Puno-Reyes for Fun, Adventure, Sports and Travel (FAST) Fridays.

VOLLEYBALL Calvin Sarte Samantha Nicole Dizon

JUDO Jackielou Escarpe Desiree Inciso

DANCESPORT Renel Ydianon Marythe Eamielle Ramos

WUSHU Chester Ian Sevilla Charis Delle Cunanan

ARNIS Catherine Lei R. Segura Kleinn B. Mataverde

MUAY THAI Jessner Jay Ang

RUGBY Elven A. Flores Diana L. Cosare

SEPAK TAKRAW Jeapril Dalhog CITATIONS Jimmy H. Cerojales Jeannette Ortiz Saul G. Grandon Basketball City Sports Development Division – City Mayor’s Office-Citation Dominic & Sons Bearing Center & Machinery Incorporated Columbia TKS Petron Beefit Gym Fundador Philippines AAK Davao Team SM City Davao Homitori Spin Davao Zoofari Nature’s Spring Davao City Sportswriter’s Association(DSA) SCOOP-Media Fun, Adventure, Sports and Travel (FAST) Fridays Philippine Sports Commission National Bowling Tour Let’s Get it on with Neil

Bravo VETMIX Clinic CITATIONS MIXED GENDER TEAM DAVAO DURIANS ARANCILLO - RUGBY

CRYSTAL CHAVEZ TEN PIN BOWLING DAVAO CITY SEPAK TAKRAW TEAM DACIBA HOMER DUCKPIN BOWLING JESSICA TINOYDUCKPIN BOWLING (INDIVIDUAL (CITATION) ELMAR OLIVAR CHESS (CITATION INDIVIDUAL) EDMOND MONTECILLO JUDO (CITATION INDIVIDUAL) GUILLERMO “WILLIE” TORRES, JR. – GT 300 TERENCE LIM NAPAT - MOTO X- MINI CLASS POSTHUMOUS AWARD Sixto Gabeligno Panchito Jr. Philip Calla Melba Caalim Malinao

EDGEDAVAO

7 BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

THE SONA POLL Name

Trisha Dulanas

Year and Course 4 AB Psychology

Age

19

Rating

6

THE SONA POLL: EDGE DAVAO interns Vanessa Kate Madrazo, Jessa Putong and Prince Simon Canda of the Ateneo de Davao University asked 20 respondents of the Ateneo de Davao University on how they rate President Noynoy Aquino and the hits and misses of his administration: Hits

Approval of Coco Levy fund for farmers, focus on IPs and women in Hostage crisis, Mamasapano incident, the creation of BBL, surfacing and dealing with OFWs not so good progress of anti-corruption fight

Nico Arapan

2 BS Accountancy

17

7

Ma. Daniella Meking

1 AB Mass Communication

Overall growth of Philippine economy, 4Ps program, and aid given to the formators of the BBL draft

16

5

None

Naecell S. Jutar

3 BS Marketing

18

9

19

8

3 AB Political Science

17

7

Sophia Piang

3 AB English

17

6

Gem Elaya

4 AB Psychology

19

7

Hazel Bergantinos Tyrone Geronga

Nina Cesar Leandro Narciso

Rikk Nalzaro

4 BS Accountancy

2 BS Accountancy

2 BS Computer Science 4 BS Accountancy

17 18 19

5 7 7

Wang-wang, RH Bill, BBL

Anti-corruption, visible efforts to strengthen foreign relations

I’ve felt that we’re quite better as a country now because we have less debt and controversies No comment

Educational reforms, preparation for K-12 DAP

Impeachment of corrupt government officials

K-12 Implementation, debt repayments, passing of the RH Bill

Sean Ano

4 BS Accountancy

18

6

Push for K-12, active intervention to help OFWs

Geena Cajeta

1 AB Psychology

17

9

Anti-corruption

Marvelous Dainty Camilo

1 AB Mass Communication

18

8

Gilson Po

4 BSEd Math

20

7

Danielle Mai Miral

2 BS Human Resource Management

18

7

Arsean Kirk Lopez II

4 BS Accountancy

19

8

Christine Ivy Naparan

4 BS Accountancy

20

7

19

7

20

7

Venus Derla

Edzrafel Samama

4 BS Accountancy

4 BS Political Science

Total number of respondents: 20

Misses

Educational reforms (K-12), making the country’s economy grow, the 4Ps, even government employees that are basically his allies are imprisoned due to unjust actions against the law Increased economic growth, debt reduction, increased credit ratings He implemented K-12 education very well that all the schools right now already follow this style of education Restoration of the hope of the Filipino people for an honest government, economic growth Restrict power abusal of government officers Economic growth

Lapses in the DOJ breeding injustices in the very cells of jails where syndicates stay. The incident of the fallen PNP-SAFs, amendments for the BBL and the accountability of the Mamasapano incident Mamasapano incident and hostage crisis

The hostage crisis between Chinese tourists and the Filipino police Mamasapano incident

There are ties when he was amoral in his stance, and pretended he’s not in anyway, involved in the issue such as SAF 44 The masses are unsatisfied with him due to unresponsiveness LRT and cure for corruption, DAP controversy DAP N/A

K-12 preparation was a bit unsuccessful in terms of teachers’ training and room prep

“Boy Sisi” – Late reaction to SAF 44 massacre, immature attribution of corruption e.g. previous admin’s fault, fault of the Church during Pope’s visit, etc. Economic benefits are more attributable to previous admin, current lack of noticeable progress with land reform The issue on BBL

Holistically better than Arroyo’s admin but needs a lot of improvement in the implementation of policies

If he could detach himself from political vice grips because of alliances, and serve better justice for the nation, that would be a lot better.

Okay unta siya kay dili corrupt pero hinay kayo siya magimplement ug laws

P-Noy did the good thing about the Philippines and the only problem that we have is the mindset of our society None

He tried to pursue “Tuwid na daan: but at some point he made some stop-overs and tried to go the other way. There were inconsistencies.

He made promises but failed to keep them.

He tried to have the “Tuwid na Daan” but he ended up Baluktot na daan None None

He has to do what he can to improve the Philippines but it doesn’t mean that he can do anything he wants just because.

There is a need to show standards of action instead of looking reactionary. Tendency is he looks like he’s pondering to the masses instead of having a clear goal for the country.

None

OFWs, there are still poor people and are the same class even though he I’m certainly satisfied since his claimed there was an improvement, administration is better than he is still a pet of Americans the previous administration. especially the laws that were made by his administration China-Philippines maritime dispute, poverty reduction, DAP issue

None

Foreign investment restriction on the constitution; Mindanao, BIFF, and BBL issue

He has laid down the seeds for good and honest governance to actually cultivate that seed.

Not enough schools for the poor, lack of programs to help indigenous people survive, still haven’t reallocated squatters to a better place to stay

Corruptions, environmental issues “Tuwid na daan” is somehow questionable

Inclusive development remains as a Fiscal reform, administrative challenge, no substantive direction streamlining, anti-corruption drive, for the country aside from fighting and peacebuilding efforts. corruption

Average: 7

Other Comments

Exert more effort to help Filipinos, those who are in the low-classed society to be more productive and he should help those unemployed Filipinos to get a legit job

He had a good start at his term but later on, I cannot see good projects being implemented.

His administration has its peaks and downturns; sometimes it’s inconsistent.

N/A

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

S

Burden of proof

OMETHING is amiss in Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr.’s challenge to the groups supporting the Lumad evacuees currently staying at the Haran compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) to prove that there is no truth to reports that four Lumads have died in the compound in recent months. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Danao said the reports came from the tribal leaders and the relatives of the Lumads. “It was reported to the military until it reached us,” he said.

One of the deaths has been verified: Lito Lundia reportedly committed suicide inside the compound last February. His death was reported to San Pedro Police Station right after he was seen lifeless inside the compound. However, there were no blotter reports on the three other deaths.

The support groups, among them Exodus for Justice and Peace, has denied the three other deaths and said even Lundia’s demise cannot be pinned on them because he belonged to a different batch of evacuees.

They then challenged the police to prove their allegations, to which Danao replied: it is the duty of the support groups to prove that the four

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deaths did not occur. This is where we scratch our heads and ask, “Really?” As head of the DCPO, Mr. Danao must surely be aware that the burden of proof lies with the accuser, not with the accused. The Supreme Court itself has said it is “a fundamental rule in criminal procedure that the State carries the onus probandi (burden of proof) in establishing the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.” This is based on the fact that the 1987 Constitution, in Section 14, Article III, says a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Danao, however, wants it the other way around. He has accused the support groups of wrongdoing and then tells them to prove him wrong.

This is a form of harassment, aimed at pushing the groups to scramble to vindicate themselves or else be arrested. Again, as the Supreme Court has said, someone accused of wrongdoing, being presumed innocent, “carries no burden of proof on his or her shoulders.” It is the DCPO that must produce the evidence to support its claim, not the other way around. No one can be bullied into a corner and then forced to fight his or her way out.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

BBL: A skeptic’s view

TO the end of achieving peace, we are also committed to passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law. For far too long, the conflicts in the Bangsamoro have taken on different forms, rooted in passions that feed on discrimination and deprivations that are fuelled by poverty.

We must address the longstanding grievances of the Bangsamoro people by empowering them to fully provide for their self-expression and development. But this has to be complemented by clear and decisive legislative language to accommodate and empower not just the new majority of the Muslims in the Bangsamoro, but also for all other groups whose lives, family and work are located in these regionally autonomous areas of the Bangsamoro.

“There is also a sense of new possibility for our country as a whole afterMamasapano. As we work towards achieving real and lasting peace in Mindanao, we must also have the courage to finally come to peace with one another, and with ourselves, by exploring all avenues for peace, including the possibility of reopening peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF.” This is part of the remarks of Speak-

er Feliciano Belmonte Jr. at the opening today (July 27) of the 3rd regular and final session of the 16 th Congress, hours before President Aquino delivered his last State of the Nation Address. While these are reassuring words, it remains doubtful if Congress, the Senate in particular, could or would pass a Bangsamoro Basic Law that is consistent with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its Annexes.

For one, Aquino has entered the lame duck stage of his presidency. From this stage onward, many, if not most, of the lawmakers will focus their energies on other interests, not least of which is finding who to support in 2016. Aquino will no longer have their ears; much of their waking time will be devoted to forging alliances, mapping out strategies and filling the campaign chest. The BBL will be thrown aside in the frenzy of wheeling and dealing in the sleazy corridors of

power.

In fact, the ordure of the incoming election season has simply made things worse for the BBL. Its ordeal started after the January 25, 2015 Mamasapano encounter that left 44 police commandos, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and five civilians dead. Opportunists as they are, several lawmakers exploited the tragedy to whip up anti-Moro sentiment, hoping to boost their political stock through such ploy. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Chiz Escudero and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat were the most rabid of their kind.

Cayetano and Marcos even said they would file substitute bills for the BBL, ignoring the 17 years of negotiations, and disregarding the efforts to arrive at an agreement that would embody the historical and social underpinnings of the Moro struggle for self-determination. If it’s any consolation, their relative ignorance became clearer as their arrogance got louder.

Yes, Aquino and the officials who were directly involved in Mamasapano – including then suspended PNP Director General Alan Purisima who has been charged for

graft – are also to blame for prosecuting that operation without thoroughly weighing the implications if it went wrong. And go wrong it did.

Fortunately for these lawmakers, the public and media weren’t circumspect in looking into the motives of the lawmakers who made things worse by capitalizing on the death of the police commandos. Political ambition rode on the crest of public passion, a lethal combination that to me has dealt the BBL a telling blow.

It doesn’t seem to matter that Marcos, Cayetano and Escudero have 2016 in their minds. It doesn’t seem to matter that Lobregat would never have something good to say about the Moro people even if like the rest he would look everybody straight in the eye and say “who doesn’t want peace?”

In the days to come the battle of narratives will resume. I can see Marcos trying to dictate the flow and tone of the BBL discourse to pull the rug from under Aquino’s feet, if only to redeem the name of his father, the dictator, who brutalized the Moro people. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com)

(Author’s note: What you are going to read contains explicit expressions and may even be graphic to some. A few of you may find it offensive but please bear with me. If you think you cannot take candid words, don’t read this particular piece. Thank you.)

Why am THINK ON THESE! I writing this thing called sex? Well, I recently received an e-mail telling the benefits of sex. “This message was sent to you so that Henrylito D. Tacio you have good henrytacio@gmail.com chances in sexual relations,” it said. “It went around the world 9 times.”

I am not sure if you have received it but allow me to share some of those benefits.

Sex is a beauty treatment, it said. Scientific tests have shown that a woman who has sexual relations produces big amounts of estrogen which makes hair shiny and soft. One friend once told me: “Did you know that we can determine if a person is sexually active or not by looking at her skin?”

Making love “in soft and relaxed way” reduces the possibilities of suffering from dermatitis and acne. It has been found that the sweat produced cleans pores and makes the skin shine. Now, I am thinking of what my friend has told me.

Unlike basketball, boxing, and fencing, sex is one of the “safest sports.” It strengthens all body muscles. Another thing: it is more enjoyable than doing 20

lapses in the pool. “I think making love is the best form of exercise,” Hollywood actor Cary Grant once said.

Are you feeling depressed? “Sex is an instantaneous cure,” it said. Sex, after all, frees endorphines in the blood flow, creating a state of euphoria and leaves a person with a feeling of well-being.

If you have trouble sleeping, why not try sex? Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. In fact, it is 10 times more efficient than valium.

Sleeplessness is not the only health problem that can be helped by sex. For another, sex relieves headaches. Each time you make love, it releases the tension in your brain veins.

To kiss everyday allows you to avoid the dentist. Kisses aid saliva in cleaning teeth and lower the quantity of acids causing enamel weakening.

But despite all these benefits, many people can’t help but make fun of it. Here’s one: An Italian man said, “Last week, my wife and I had great sex. I rubbed her body all over with olive oil, we made passionate love Italian style, and she screamed for five full minutes at the end.

The Frenchman boasted, “Last week, when my wife and I had sex, I rubbed her body all over with butter. We then made passionate love French style and she screamed for fifteen minutes.”

Now, it was the turn of the Filipino hunk. “Well, two nights ago,” he said, “my

wife and I also had sex. I rubbed her body all over with dinuguan sauce. We made love, and she screamed for over six hours.”

The other two were stunned, but green with envy. The amazed Frenchman asked, “Please teach us your style, my friend - what could you have possibly done to make your wife scream for six hours?”

The Filipino man replied, “I wiped my hands on the bedspread.”

Here’s another one: A Greek and an Italian were sitting in a Starbuck’s one day discussing who had the superior culture. Over triple lattes, the Greek guy said, “Well, we have the Parthenon.”

Arching his eyebrows, the Italian replied, “We have the Coliseum.” The Greek retorted, “We Greeks gave birth to advanced mathematics.”

The Italian, nodded agreement, and said, “But we built the Roman Empire.”

And so on and so on, until the Greek came up with what he thought would end the discussion. With a flourish of finality he said, “We Greeks invented sex!”

The Italian replied, “That is true, but it was the Italians who introduced it to women.”

“What is peculiar to modern societies,” said Michel Foucault, “is not that they consigned sex to a shadow existence, but that they dedicated themselves to speaking of it ad infinitum, while exploiting it as the secret.”

M

ILTON Berle once said: “Your marriage is in trouble if your wife says, “You’re only interested in one thing,’ and you can’t remember what it is.” If you also have a hard time figuring it out, here’s an opinion from Woody Allen, “I don’t know the question, but sex is definitely the answer.”

Here are two more quotable statements from Allen, who has dated some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.

At one time, he advised, “Remember, if you smoke after sex you’re doing it too fast.” On another occasion, he said, “Sex between a man and a woman can be wonderful, provided you can get between the right man and the right woman.”

Bestselling author Barbara Cartland believed, “Among men, sex sometimes results in intimacy; among women, intimacy sometimes results in sex.” Gloria Steinem admitted, “A liberated woman is one who has sex before marriage and a job after.” Italian actress Sophia Loren shares this tip: “Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got.”

The joys of sex

10 NEWS HUMMING... FROM 1 Duterte has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent months.

In the March 2015 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of the three top leaders to succeed Aquino in 2016, Duterte got 15 percent of the total 1,200 respondents nationwide.

This was a 10 percent increase from the December 2014 survey in which he only got five percent.

Duterte is now tied with Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, who could be the standard bearer of Liberal Party in the 2016 presidential election.

In first place was Senator Grace Poe, while Vice President Jejomar Binay was in sec-

ond place.

After the State of Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Duterte gave the president a 7.5 grade as he pointed out some missing points like a concrete program on the fight against illegal drugs and criminality for the country.

The mayor said Aquino should have a better program for anti-illegal drugs and criminality in the country.

He said the problem on illegal drugs can be equated to the national security problem of the country.

Duterte also pointed out that Aquino should not blame the previous administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo just to show that his administration is better.

deaths inside the evacuation center that were not reported to the police.

“The purpose of the operation was not to force them out but to rescue those people because of the reported four deaths,” Danao added.

The Exodus for Justice and Peace denied the allegations.

The group said Lundia did not belong to the same group of Lumads that is now at the Haran compound.

The group also challenged the police to prove its claim about the deaths.

Danao, however, said he

has nothing to prove but that it is the duty of the support groups to prove that the four deaths did not really occur.

Police had tried to go inside the UCCP-Haran Compound on July 23 in an attempt to “rescue” more than 1,000 indigenous peoples allegedly being held by IP officials and militant groups.

The IPs, however, have claimed they had left their homes because of military harassment.

The incident resulted in the injuring of two policemen and 10 Lumads.

said.

He also asked if the police followed the DSWD’s procedure “or (did) you just accommodate Congresswoman Catamco’s request?”

“It appeared that your rescue efforts failed. You cannot force to rescue people who don’t want to be rescued if they are staying in a place in their own volition,” he added.

Bello said he might call for an investigation on the incident and call the heads of the government agencies such as DSWD, National Commission on Indigenous People, and Police Regional Office 11.

Police had tried to go inside the UCCP-Haran Compound on July 23 in an attempt to “rescue” more than 1,000 indigenous peoples allegedly being held by IP officials and militant groups.

The IPs, however, have claimed they had left their homes because of military harassment.

The incident resulted in the injuring of two policemen

and 10 Lumads.

Councilor Leah Librado, for her part, said Catamco’s role in the conduct of rescue was “most inappropriate” for a legislator.

Librado said the request for rescue operation was not part of her function as lawmaker since it is the role of the executive and the local government to intervene.

She said sees Catamco’s concern since she is the chairperson of the committee on IP in the House of Representatives, “(but) her action betrays her intention.”

Librado said if Catamco wanted to negotiate with the IP groups in Haran, “why did she force the group to return home knowing that there is still ongoing militarization in their areas?”

Librado said he might pass a resolution that will declare Catamco persona non grata because she barged into the Haran compound without consulting the city government.

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

just with their breadwinner far away from them,” she said.

“In Aquino’s five years in the presidency, the remittances of OFWs increased from $18.76 million in 2010 to $26.92 million (P1.2 trillion) last year. But on the other side of this positive contribution to the economy, OFWs run into various risks

in their host employers and countries, from poor working conditions, illegal recruitment, abusive employers, and sometimes persecution or war,” Elento said.

She said what OFWs and the OFW support institutions demand are concrete programs such as the social and legal protection for OFWs.

Danao... FROM 2

Councilors... FROM 2

PNoy... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO

Rody... FROM 2

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

The mayor said the advisers the President must have blindsided the President regarding the menacing drug problem which has slowly crept into local neighborhoods and which could slowly become irreversible and uncontrollable if left unresolved.

“I suppose he was not given the information about the drug problem (of the country).

It was only a month ago that the Manila Police revealed that 9 out of 10 youth are influenced by drugs,” Duterte said in a statement sent to EDGE Davao. ”That is dangerous.”

Duterte also chided Aqui-

no for training his guns on former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Instead of criticizing the previous administration for the country’s woes, Aquino should have just enumerated what he plans to do for the country during his remaining days in office, according to Duterte.

“Arroyo is now in jail. Past is past. It would have been good if he mentioned what he will do from this day until the last day of his term, rather than keep on blaming and accusing the previous administration,” Duterte said.

anao. ”If they have no alternative, you only guarantee that change cannot be achieved.

How many lives have to be lost before we realize that we have an obligation to change

the wrong status quo in Muslim Mindanao?,” the President said.

The President’s appeal for BBL passage was supported by a video showing the beneficiaries of the Sajahatra Bangsam-

oro program -- a concrete, socio economic initiative aimed to uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities. (PNA)

known as “Reforestry Reform Code of the Philippines,” as amended by PD 705.

The first semester record of DENR XI has already surpassed that of the entire 2014 with 510.32 cubic meters of logs worth P1.8 million seized from 56 apprehensions.

“We’re just a little more than half of the year, but we already surpassed the record made for the entire year in 2014,” he said.

He attributed the increase to the participation of the community in reporting suspected illegal loggers.

“We encourage the community to report to us if there are any questionable operations,” he said.

The military is also actively monitoring illegal loggers, putting up 10 checkpoints throughout the region, he added.

DENR XI also hired some

59 forest protection officers who report any illegal logging operations in their communities.

L e g a l ly- t ra n s p o r t e d logs should abide with the open-cargo policy of DENR with a supporting documents, he said.

An inspection registration and clearance to cut must be secured at DENR prior to the transport to the cutting and transport of logs, provided however that these trees are only cut in areas identified as “production forest.”

President Benigno Aquino III issued executive order (EO) 23 in 2011, “declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the anti-illegal logging task force.”

Under section 3 of EO 23, Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force is composed of DENR secre-

tary or his duly authorized representative as chairman; secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, secretary of Department of National Defense, chief of the Philippine National Police, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or their authorized representatives as members.

DENR XI has also completed 65 percent of its target for the National Greening Program (NGP) for this year. The agency is eyeing to develop 18,810 hectares this year, or equivalent 9,405,000 trees.

The areas declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) XI as flood prone and landslide prone based on the latest 1:10,000 scale geo-hazard map will not be replanted.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

the open and children’s categories.

The floral float parade will still have two categories: traditional, which uses motorized vehicles like trucks to multicabs, and alternative, which uses non-motorized vehicles.

Marques said the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan will still have the grand prize of P500,000. The second placer

will receive P400,000 and the third placer will get P300,000.

A total of 10 consolation prizes at P15,000 each will also be awarded. The best entry in musicality will pocket P50,000.

For the floral float parade, Marques said the grand prize in the traditional category will be P500,000. The second placer will receive P300,000

and the third placer will get be P150,000. There are two consultation prizes of P50,000 each.

The grand prize for alternative category will be P150,000, while the second and third placers will get P100,000 and P75,000, respectively. There are two consolation prizes of P30,000 each.

2016 since he is running for the same position in the newly-created Davao Occidental.

“This rice enhancement program is a long-term project and I hope that this will be realized before my term ends

on June 30, 2016. I would like to emphasize then that this project will continue of the people of Davao del Sur will support the candidate I will be endorsing to replace me,” Bautista said.

He said he finds former Vice Governor lawyer Arsenio Latasa fitting to succeed him “because he has the heart and desire to serve the people of Davao del Sur.” (CDIO-Magsaysay/Anthony S. Allada)

age. The nutrition, supplemental feeding and Bright Child Program have made a remarkable dent in the province’s malnutrition prevalence rate from 17.7 percent in 2007 to

an average of 4 percent.

“The new hospital is a dream-come-true for all of us. It is a symbol. It symbolizes our priority for health care. It stands as a shining

example that with leadership and resolve we can do things efficiently and excellently” the Governor said during the groundbreaking rites(By Ferdinand Zuasola)

Aquino... FROM 4

32 loggers... FROM 4

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARJORIE BOLOYJIMLANI has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among her heirs per Doc. No. 450; Page No. 90; Book No. 106; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 7/29.8/05.8/12

Alejandre... FROM 4

P400M... FROM 6

Davao... FROM 12

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

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service Case No.2001-XI-00124 EDGAR C. PALAZUELO, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on April 26, 2016. In the petition filed on July 10, 2015, petitioner requests 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 AUGUST 10, 2015 at 09:40 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 10th day of July 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

11 ENVIRONMENT

Where have all our seagrasses gone?

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

L

IKE the two other marine habitats — the coral reefs and mangroves — the seagrasses are in deep trouble.

Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, director of Biodiversity Management Bureau, sounded the alarm during the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) a few years back. “In spite of the ecological and economic value of seagrasses, between 30% to 50% of the seagrass beds have been lost due to industrial development, ports, and recreation in the last 50 years.”

The common seagrasses

Dr. Miguel Fortes studying seagrasses

Dr. Miguel Fortes

Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, the country’s foremost expert on seagrasses, echoed the same concern. “Despite their high biodiversity and abundance, seagrass habitats are still poorly understood in our country,” he said. “Hence, it appears only marginally useful when, in fact, the ecosystem plays significant economic and ecological roles.”

Dr. Fortes, who presented a paper during a mini-symposium on seagrasses and seagrass ecosystems during the ICRS conference, said that seagrasses are among the most productive of coastal eco-

systems, matching coral reefs and mangroves in terms of environmental and economic importance.

“As meadows, seagrasses are an important link between land and ocean and support a high primary production,” he pointed out.

Since the time of the dinosaurs, three groups of flowering plants have colonized the oceans.

Seagrasses, however, are the only flowering plants that can live underwater. More closely related to terrestrial lilies and gingers than to true grasses, they grow in sediment on the sea floor with erect,

elongate leaves.

Dr. Fortes described seagrasses in these words: “Just like the grasses that we normally see outside our homes, they are flowering plants. But the only difference is that they complete their life history submerged in seawater, forming extensive meadows on sandy to muddy sediments in shallow coastal waters.”

Seagrasses -- commonly known as isay or lusay -- are quite different from seaweeds, which are algae. Seagrasses produce flowers, fruits, and seeds while seaweeds make spores. Seagrasses have separate roots, leaves and underground stems called rhizomes (which form an extensive network below the surface).

Seaweeds rarely have “roots” below the surface. Unlike seaweeds, seagrasses are vascular plants – they have a network of veins to move nutrients and dissolved gases around the plant.

On the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, over 500 species of algae can be found but only 14 species of seagrasses inhabit. In comparison, the Philippines has 18 species thriving along its coasts. This makes the Philippines as having the second highest species of seagrasses around the world.

Western Australia leads — with more than 30 species of seagrasses.

According to Lim, the country has a total seagrass area of 978 square kilometers.

Seagrasses are widely distributed throughout the country – from Bolinao Bay (Pangasinan) in the north, Palawan and the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area to the center, and Zamboanga and Davao in the South.

Based on the degree and nature of alteration and general community response to

habitat conditions, seagrasses in the country are classified into pristine, disturbed, altered and emergent.

Pristine means “with high or low diversity of species, far removed from human habitations, disturbed only by the normal intensity of natural elements. Considered disturbed are “high or low diversity beds occupying bays and coves, adjacent to human habitation.”

Altered are “low species diversity areas, permanently and completely changed or converted to other coastal uses” while emergent means “community diversity is low, controlled in part by extreme physico-chemical conditions.”

The majority of seagrass beds in the country have been disturbed and altered. So far, only those in Palawan, or other remote areas, could be considered pristine.

“Seagrasses are the least studied among the habitats in our coastal zones,” deplored Dr. Fortes. “As such, we know less than we need to in order to use them in solving coastal environmental as well as societal problems.”

Seagrasses are sometimes labeled ecosystem engineers, because they partly create their own habitat: the leaves slow down water-currents increasing sedimentation, and the seagrass roots and rhizomes stabilize the seabed.

Their importance for associated species is mainly due to provision of shelter (through their three-dimensional structure in the water column), and for their extraordinarily high rate of primary production. As a result, seagrasses provide coastal zones with a number of ecosystem goods and ecosystem services.

Seagrasses provide food and shelter for many or-

ganisms, and are a nursery ground for commercially important prawn and fish species. The high primary production rates of seagrasses are closely linked to the high production rates of associated fisheries.

Among the diversified species found in the seagrass beds are fishes, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails.

Shrimps spend the early stages of their lives in seagrass areas. Large animals like sea cow (dugong) and green sea turtles graze extensively in seagrass beds.

Seahorses, a tourist attraction and of medicinal value, reside in seagrass beds.

A study done in five seagrass sites in the country identified a total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 fish families.

“All have economic value mostly as food and aquarium specimens,” Dr. Fortes reported. “Five times as many fish live in seagrass beds as above sea floors of mud, shells, and sand.”

Dr. Fortes, however, believed seagrasses are resilient.

Compared with mangroves and coral reefs, seagrasses can even thrive on harsh conditions that may bring out by sea level rise caused by climate change.

In fact, seagrasses are hardly affected by climate change as they easily develop and reproduce underwater.

Some marine life would still exist – thanks to seagrasses.

“Species that thrive in mangroves, they can thrive in seagrasses. Mangroves and corals may be gone, but in seagrasses, they can still live,” said Dr. Fortes, who authored of Seagrasses: A Resource unknown in the ASEAN Region.

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

One level to another goes Aeon Towers’ construction

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

W

njb@edgedavao.net

ITH cranes, equipment and its labor force working round the clock, construction of the iconic Aeon Towers is fast moving up from one level to another.

Aeon Towers, the inituial venture of one of the most aggressive homegrown developers in Davao City FTC Group of Companies, is now moving up from ground to third level with its mighty foundation composed of four levels under the ground.

The Aeon Towers project is bound to become a 33-level icon of a skyscraper inspired by modern architecture and sophisticated living. With construction fast moving upwards, FTC president and CEO Ian Cruz believes the project will be completed by December next year.

More than believing in the product that FTC considers its signature project, Cruz stressed five reasons why people should invest in Aeon Towers--best investment, best location, lifestyle convenience, iconic structure using green technology, and future-ready with fiber optic backbone.

Aeon Towers has one of the highest property value that provides the investors the return of investment (ROI) over years. At present, land value at J.P Laurel Avenue (Bajada) has consistently yielded high appraisal due to the fast developments happening in the area as it is being

transformed into a modern metropolis. Aeon Towers is situated perfectly where one can have the view of the wide expanse of the blue of Davao Gulf on one side and the majestic Mt. Apo on the other.

In terms of location, Aeon Towers is situated at a prime location in the central business district (CBD) of Davao which allows for an easy access to major education centers, public service and health facilities, churches, entertainment complex and commercial hubs.

Peoplo who value their lifestyle should find Aeon Towers’s access to life’s basic necessities for living, work, and playing in a community that offers boundless possibilities more than what they are looking for. There’s the easy access to public transport for both jeepneys and taxi cabs to all available routes in the city.

The environs include upscale shops, restaurants, de luxe cinema recreational facilities and points of interest. It provides comfortable living space with its spacious units, high ceiling, contemporary modular furniture from an industry leader.

If there’s anything that would make Aeon Towers stand out even from a distance is its design. Soon to become the iconic figure reprrsenting Davao, Aeon Towers promises to be an iconic skyscraper that will be the king of Mindanao and Visayas skies. Other than

being the tallest, it will also be a fine example of combining the comforts of modern living with a conscientious green lifestyle. It adopts “Green Technology” using LED lights and energy and water-saving pre-paid consumption system.

Aeon Towers will also be the only “all-glass” tower to rise in the heart of Davao City.

It creates a very unique structural design that will redefine

luxurious condo living.

Finally, there’s the advanced technology resident of Aeon should be in advantage over the rest of the populace.

It will be the first ever condo property in the country that has the capability for Smart Home Technology. Aeon Towers is fitted with fiber optic backbone in every unit. Fused with wireless technology, it goves residents the opportunity to experience a new level

HE new, modern and sprawling Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center, a 200-bed capacity hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment, is continuing its expansion.

Just recently, Governor Corazon Malanyaon have inaugurated the Annex C Building of the hospital which is the latest addition to the sprawling

hospital complex– one of thegovernor’s towering signature achievements.The new building houses at least two suite rooms, five private rooms and four semi-private rooms.

To improve the hospital experience patients and their family members, these rooms are equipped with basic amenities. Each room is fully air-conditioned and has its own easily

accessible bathroom, a sleeper sofa for family use, and a sink with cupboards and cabinets.

The suite rooms, on the other hand, are equipped with cable television and a large and spacious visiting area.

Meanwhile, in time for 44th founding anniversary celebration of the Capitol-run hospital on Wednesday was the groundbreaking of the

soon to rise Davao Oriental Health Facilities Services Complex with the following components: Blood Bank, Dialysis Center and the Medical Clinics for some consultants and doctors intended for revenue purposes to sustain the hospital and health care services.

Governor Malanyaon highlighted the need of having a blood bank facility in the province considering the swelling dengue cases here – a predicament also shared by other provinces.

“With the blood bank facility, there is no need to send our patients to Davao City for treatment because we can already isolate blood component needed for the treatment of dengue,” said the Governor, saying it will save the province a great deal on transportation cost, not to mention save the patients and their kin from the stresses of traveling.

The Davao Oriental Medical Center is only one of the components of your provincial government’s holistic healthcare program. Other health care programs of the province include the Madayaw Healthcare program which provides health insurance to marginalized sector of the province through free Philhealth cover-

Davao Oriental Prov’l hospital expands T

ONLINE CAR CLASSIFIEDS ORGANIZED FORUM ON THE AUTO EMERGING MARKET. A recent survey from an online-based classifieds Carmudi revealed that e-commerce on automobiles in the Philippines continues to flourish given the steady economic growth, widespread use of the internet and the upward trend on vehicle sales. Based on Carmudi Car Buyer Survey, potential buyers are being influenced by online sources, including Manufacturer sites, dealer sites and general internet searches. The results of the survey showed that 28-percent of the respondents based on the internet versus the 18.7-percent that visited actual dealer sites and auto expos. Key Influencers that are present during the forum were Rommel Gutierrez, President of Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI); Elizabeth H. Lee, President and co-founder of EMotors Inc; and Albert “Bert” Suansing, Secretary General of PGRSP.

FDAVAO, 10

of modern, truly smart amnd connected living with Cicso Smart Connected Home System.

Cisco technology allows residents to be the master of the house. How? The house simply takes care of you.

There’s the touch screen master controller that allows residents to dim lights, turn the aircon on and off, draw curtains, play your favorite music, adjust shower temperature

and control door access from anywhere and wherever, 24 hours a day.

Meantime, sales agents of Aeon Towers went through another phase of their regular training conducted at the Aeon Towers Showroom along JP Laurel Avenue.

“It’s a continuing process to build the capabilities of our sales frontliners,” said Gen Marchan, marketing manager of Aeon Towers.

DSWD opens Mindanao disaster hub

I

N its efforts to scale up disaster operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently inaugurated its Mindanao Resource and Operations Center (DSWD-MROC) at the DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Complex in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok District, Davao City.

With a budget of P19.8 million, the DSWDMROC was constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao City District Engineering Office (DPWH-DCDEO).

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the warehouse will serve not only the Mindanao area, but all the other regions in the country requiring emergency relief assistance.

MROC can hold up to 60,000 family food packs at a given time using the rack piling system.

“We are preparing this warehouse for nation-

wide operations, set to respond to a bigger scale of disaster operations,” Sec. Soliman explained.

“If at some point, the operations at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City is hampered due to flooding or earthquake or any other disaster, the Mindanao hub can then supply the needs of the affected populace in the National Capital Region. In the same manner, the warehouses in Visayas and Luzon can also augment the needs of Mindanao regions when necessary,” Sec. Soliman pointed out.

DSWD will also be constructing warehouses in Cebu and Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Rodolfo M. Santos, officials of the Davao Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, DSWD personnel, and some members of the media attended the inauguration. (DSWD)

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

DPWH XI, Davao City DEO now ISO certified

P

UBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson awarded on July 23, 2015 the Deparement of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)11 Regional Office and the Davao City District Engineering Office (DCDEO) the prestigious ISO 9001:2008 certification by Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars Inc., as among the pioneer DPWH Regional Offices and DEOs in the country to have a Quality Management System in compliance with the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization.

Having an ISO certification

means that an agency or company strictly ensure that their management systems operate effectively as a guide for achieving their organizational performance goals, such as commitment to quality and client satisfaction.

Witnessing the awarding ceremony were Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo, Undersecretary Raul C. Asis, Undersecretary Alfredo Tolentino, Assistant Secretary Dimas S. Soguilon, Assistant Secretary Eugenio R. Pipo, and Assistant Secretary Emil K. Sadain.

Members of the ARENA XI (Association of Regional Exec-

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANGELITO B. COSICO has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON executed among his heirs per Doc. No.426; Page No.86; Book No. 106; Series of 2015, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN 7/29;8/05;8/12

utives and National Agencies in Region XI), DPWH XI District Engineers, and Regional Directors from all over the country also graced the event.

DPWH XI is among the first two Regional Offices out of the 16 DPWH Regional Offices nationwide to become ISO Certified. Likewise, the Davao City 1st Engineering Office is also among the two pilot DEOs to get the same certification.

According to USEC Asis, this achievement “will further bolster the public perception that the DPWH has indeed successfully shed off its once negative public image.”

According to a Social Weather Station survey, the

DPWH trust rating rose positively from a previous (-) 73% to (-) 23% in 2014.

According to Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, the ISO Certification is an international recognition of the quality of excellence of public service being rendered by the DPWH-XI Regional Office and the Davao City 1stDistrict Engineering Office. “But this is a challenge that we must continuously meet and even excel in order to maintain the public trust and confidence- that we must never rest on our laurels,” Alquiza said.

During the awarding, several deserving DPWH-XI officials and employees were also

lauded for a job well done as achieving the recognition was a total team effort led by RD Mariano R. Alquiza and DE Fernando S. Ongkingco, Jr. The first phase of accreditation process according to USEC Raul Asis involved nine Services and six Bureaus in the Central Office, two pilot regional offices (RXI and NCR) and two pilot DEOs (South Manila and DCDEO). “We are hoping that before the end of June 2016, all the remaining 14 ROs and 178 DEOs shall have passed the stringent auditing processes and are already ISO Certified.” He then challenged all the Regional Directors present to emulate the achievement

of DPWH XI and NCR Regional Office.

In his speech before DPWH officials, employees and guests, Singson said, “When we (the Aquino administration) started, we wanted to restore dignity in public service, and in particular, the DPWH. To a certain extent, we have achieved that. What is important now is pursuing more aggressively our tasks and to make sure that whatever reforms we have achieved, must be maintained.”

He added to say, “Let’s do this not just for us, not just for all the employees of the Department, but for the love of country and love of God.” (A.L. Dacumos/ Rose B. Palacio/DPWH-XI PIO)

Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza (second from left) and ARD Tomas M. Rodriguez receive the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate from DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. Also in photo are Undersecretaries Raul C. Asis, Romeo S. Momo and Assistant Secretaries Dimas S. Soguilon and Eugenio R. Pipo.

14 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS15

RAIN, WIND, SANDS

Foton, Meralco buck bad weather to advance to QF

F

HAND SIGNALS. Alexa Micek of Petron XTS makes a hand signal to teammate Fille Cainglet-Cayetano.

OTON Tornadoes and Meralco booked a seat in the quarterfinals from Pool C of the PLDT Home Ultera-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup 2015 on a rainy and windy over the weekend at the Sands By the Bay in SM Mall of Asia.

Foton turned back tough Meralco in three, 21-14, 15-21, 17-15, to top Pool C while Meralco finished with a 1-1 win-loss slate to take the remaining berth with Foton as the group’s qualifiers to the knockout quarterfinals.

Foton pair Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain recovered from a second-set meltdown to overcome the challenge of Meralco’s Jem Gutierrez and Jusabelle Brillo and post their second straight victory in pool play.

“The strong winds made it difficult for us, sending our sets often crossed over the net.

So what we did was lower our sets and execute quick plays,” said Ceballos in Filipino.

Meralco got on the hill first at 14-13 but Ceballos quickly leveled the count with a hit then Foton took a 15-14 margin off an attacking error by Brillo.

Gutierrez tied it once more at 15 before Ceballos, an accomplished player in beach volley, punched in back-to-back kills to clinch it for Foton.

Meanwhile, Gilligan’s

2-1.

Bea Tan and Pau Soriano of Foton Hurricane (also 2-1) topped the pool and led the march to the Last-8 despite absorbing 25-23, 2114 defeat to Cha Cruz and Micmic Laborte of Cignal HD Spikers A in their last game.

Cignal HD bowed out with a 1-2 record and was relegated to the classification phase.

Amy’s Samantha Dawson and Marleen Cortel drubbed Aileen Abuel and Rossan Fajardo of Philips Gold, 21-18, 21-12, to get the No. 1 spot in Pool A. Philips Gold (1-1) also advanced to the quarters.

Also booking trips to the Last-8 were Pool B entries April Ross Hingpit and Wensh Tiu of Cignal HD Spikers B (2-0) and Gretchen Ho and Charo Soriano of Petron XCS (1-1).

“Of course, sino ba namang may ayaw to get the No. 2 pick,” Uichico was quoted as saying in an interview. “Pero kung sino yung pakakawalan namin that’s something we have to think about.”

Uichico admitted that he has not been privy to initial discussions as talks have been done by the respective teams’ management. He has heard rumors, though, but believes nothing has been set as of this time.

“There have been a lot of speculations going.

Mayroong si Ranidel (De Ocampo) daw yung pakakawalan namin, may mga nagsasabi naman na si Kevin (Alas), mayroon naming Ryan Reyes, mayroon naming Larry (Fonacier), mayroon naming lumalabas na Jayson Castro. All these

things are speculations. But we’re really interested on getting the No. 2 pick. But whoever should be unloaded, that we have to discuss,” the coach said.

Talk ‘N Text team manager Jimmy Alapag, too, has heard of the talk though he admitted he only heard about it recently as he was not in the country when discussions began.

“I was in the US when these things were brought up. Of course, you want to think of finding ways that will make your team better, but we also have to look at our core and keep it intact as much as possible,” Alapag said.

The team’s braintrust is set to meet on Monday night and will likely discuss potential roster changes then.

pionship runs in the SEABA Championship and the Southeast Asian Games.

The three players filed their applications at the PBA Office on Monday.

Rosario, who led National University to a UAAP title last year, is one of the top big men coming into the draft. He is expected to be in the mix for the top selections together with

Filipino-Tongan Moala Tautuaa.

The reigning NCAA MVP Thompson from Perpetual Help and Vosotros from La Salle are both coming off strong Gilas cadets stints which have surely raised their stocks ahead of the draft.

The 2015 PBA Rookie Draft is slated on August 23 at Robinsons Ermita.

TNT also wants no.2 T

ALK ‘N TEXT, which currently holds the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, is interested in making a push to acquire the second overall pick as well with the team set to look to the future.

The Tropang Texters received the top pick from the Blackwater Elite early last season after trading veteran Larry Rodriguez to the expansion team as well as the right to exchange first round picks in the draft.

Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico confirmed the team’s interest although he said that discussions will still need to take place before the team makes a decision on what they can offer Kia, which will be known as the Mahindra Enforcers, for the selection.

CELEBRATION. Cha Cruz of Cignal (right) celebrate with teammate Micmic Laborte (left).

Danika Gendrauli and Jane Diaz bucked a hardearned 1821, 21-17, 15-9 victory over Fille Cayetano and Alexa Micek of Petron Sprint 4T and take Pool D’s second and last quarterfinal berth.

“It was difficult because we both had our monthly periods this day. We really had to be extra persistent and constantly communicate on the sandcourt,” said Gendrauli.

Gilligan’s rattled off six straight points spiked by three aces from Gendrauli to seize a 12-5 cushion in the decider and never let up.

Gendrauli and Diaz ended group play at second with

Rosario, Thompson, Vosotros join 2015 PBA Rookie Draft

P

HILIPPINE national men’s basketball cadet team standouts Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson and Almond Vosotros have officially made themselves available for the upcoming 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.

Rosario, Thompson and Vosotros are all members of the Gilas cadet squad that continued the Philippines’ cham-

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 84 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

THE BIG ONE

Ella gears up for Golf World Championships

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

RARING TO GO. Ella Nagayo takes a practice round at Pinehurst. The tournament begins on Friday.

njb@edgedavao.net

FTER a strong fourth place finish in last week’s Veritas World Junior Golf Tournament, Davao girl Alessandra Christine Nagayo is all focused on the big one--the US Kids Golf World Championship which tees off Friday (PHL Time) in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the cradle of golf in the United States.

The 11-year old Nagayo made her first tour of the Southern Pines Golf Club on Monday with father Danny as her caddie. The bubbly Ella (her nickname), a protege of the Apo Golf and Country Club, worked on her short game which was her big problem in Pasadena’s Brookside course.

Nagayo fired rounds

of 86, 81 and 79 in the Veritas event which showed a progress curve that makes her parents Danny and lady councilor Rachel, who stayed home in Davao, hopeful that their daughter will improve on her performance last week.

Ella will tee off with the 8th group along with two Americans Kianna Briggs and Ashley Lu at 8:33 in the morning. The group tees off at no. 1.

The Brainworks Learning Center student will see action as the lone Philippine entry in the field of 38 golfers for the Girls 11 division. The other foreigh entries are from Canada, Peru, Malaysia and Mexico.

The US Kids Golf World Championships began back in 2000 at Jekyll Island, GA, the site of our first ever World Championship. After a short stint in Williamsburg, VA, the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation sought out a new venue worthy of hosting

the momentous tournament.

The result-- all roads lead to Pinehurst, NC-- The Cradle of American Golf. This year will mark the 10-year anniversary of this pinnacle World Championship at the storied Pinehurst.

“Memories are made here with old friends, new friends, your caddie, and your family.

Golf is played at a world-class venue against world-class competition. And you will leave tired, proud, and filled with anticipation for next year’s tournament”, said the tournament’s website.

Now in its 15th year, the World Championship is the world’s largest and most prestigious event for kids ages 12 and under. The full-length documentary “The Short Game” was filmed during the 2012 World Championship, and last year the field featured more than 1200 participants from 47 states and 38 countries.