Edge Davao 8 Issue 87

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

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THE WOMEN OF KADAYAWAN How do the women of Davao’s eleven tribes cope with the technology-driven world?

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

Aj Ruth H. Sumandang

Flormea D. Manyawron

Sitti Sara Sakkam

Rechel B. Dumalag

Haida Dawn J. Ainin

Fatma Jaheema Malatus

Wenallie Ivy A. Atan

Haifa Rica B. Bansilan

Alamaida Casanguan Agasor

Myra D. Calihim

THE WOMEN OF KADAYAWAN

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

“W

ITH the challenges of modern technology, how can you preserve your culture?”

EDGE Davao posed this question to the 11 contestants of this year’s Hiyas ng Kadayawan – one of the highlights of the 30th Kadayawan Festival – during their presentation to the media during the I-Speak media forum last week, and their answers proved to be an insightful look not just into the minds of the young women but also the indigenous cultures they represent.

The Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of the diversity of Davao City, showcasing the different cultures of its 11 tribes. People from within and outside witness the vibrancy of the unity in diversity the city is known for.

Undeniably, the ancient practices of these tribes are gradually diminishing – the very reason the city instituted the festival 30 years ago in order to preserve them through activities and various forms of celebration.

Incidentally, councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the

Kadayawan executive committee, emphasized that the Hiyas search is not a beauty pageant but a search for the young woman who is knowledgeable of her culture and traditions.

We asked the 11 young candidates of the Hiyas ng Kadayawan for their thoughts on how they can preserve their respective cultures given the rapid advance of technology.

Here are their replies:

Aj Ruth H. Sumandang of the Ovu Manubo Tribe “We can preserve our culture through creating activities that can enrich, inform, and tell other people and entice them to know how beautiful our tribe’s culture. We should never forget our identity. Our identity is what makes us us.”

Myra D. Calihim of the Kagan Tribe “Educational awareness of our culture and tradition of the Kagan. Nowadays we

are into computers that make our youth switch their mind to these technologies. By focusing on computer gadgets, we tend to forget our roots. So, we will now retrieve it step by step. The first thing that I will do is conduct a seminar for the young Kagan informing them that they should not be ashamed of what they have and who they are.”

Haifa Rica B. Bansilan of the Maguindanaon Tribe “I can preserve the culture of Maguinadaons through practicing it in our home. I admit that I am also influenced by modern technology but I know that I really need to preserve our culture because this is my blood and these are my roots.”

Sitti Sara Sakkam of the Tausug Tribe “We all know that we are now living in the time of modern technology. But I want to show to my tribe who we are and that we should proud of it. They must show what they have. This is how we can preserve our culture.”

Michelle G. Ansal of the Bagobo-Klata Tribe “There is a hope that I can

preserve our culture through education. Education gives awareness to everybody, to the community, to every tribe.

Through education we will be able to learn our culture, about religion, or even about the tradition of every tribe in Davao City. Being a teacher, I am voluntarily teaching my co-tribes about the language, lifestyle, traits, and the trademark of every Bagobo that will help us strengthen our foundation.”

Flormea D. Manyawron of the Ata Tribe “In order to preserve culture and tradition in our tribe we use our own dialect every day in our family and community. We can preserve also our culture by continuing what our ancestors started. In fact, our tribe is still doing it until now. Even if I came here to the city proper to study and finish my education degree, I can still speak our dialect and I really love our culture and tradition by heart and by soul.

And I call that the passion to love my culture.”

Haida Dawn J. Ainin of the Sama Tribe “For me, in order to preserve our culture and tradi-

tion, I want to be a model to share my knowledge about our culture and tradition.

Though this, it would spread and it would never be forgotten. The next generations can inherit our culture if we make ourselves their role model.

With this, they will be able to appreciate who they are.”

Rechel B. Dumalag of the Matigsalog Tribe “I can preserve the culture of the Matigsalogs by giving them awareness of our tribe and teaching them the importance of our culture. As I have observed nowadays, some of the young Matigsalogs do not how to speak our dialect and are ashamed of their tribe. I am here in Davao City to study Bachelors in Education because I really want to help my tribe by teaching the significance our culture in our lives.

I will also teach them not to be ashamed and be proud of who they are and what they have. ” Alamaida Casanguan Agasor of the Iranun Tribe “For me, I can preserve the culture of Bangsa-Iranun by showing who I am and where I came from. I cannot compare our culture now and before but I will not really for-

get my roots and the practices and traditions shown by our ancestors before. I will really follow my ancestors and will not imitate the young people today who are following the modern trend of living. With this, the young people like me will never forget who we are.

Our tribe is our treasure and we will never be a person today without it. I am using the dialect of our tribe to develop it even in the midst of the modern era.”

Fatma Jaheema Malatus of the Maranao Tribe “Preserving our culture means really takning care of it by not forgetting the teachings of our ancestors.”

Wenallie Ivy A. Atan of the Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribe “The thing that comes to my mind in preserving my culture of our tribe is by doing our tradition and practices in our community. We will show our love of music and indigenous dressmaking and designing. I want to it to be preserved, especially these days when modern technology threatens our culture. I really want my tribe to be more passionate despite our economic development.”

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EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

STILL RELUCTANT. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte covers his face when he is addressed as “President” by Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCIII) president Antonio dela Cruz during the organization’s 7th General Membership Meeting held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Friday evening where the mayor was the keynote speaker. Lean Daval Jr.

Minda power consumers brace for longer blackouts

P

OWER consumers in North Cotabato and elsewhere in Mindanao are bracing for longer power interruptions until the early part of August, the local electric cooperative on Saturday said.

Vincent Baguio, speaking for the Cotabato Electric Cooperative, said the preventive maintenance on government-owned hydro power plants in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur and the shutting down of STEAG power plant in Misamis Oriental will last until August 16.

“With that, power rationing will continue in the franchise area of Cotelco,” he said.

Cotelco serves the city of

Kidapawan and the towns of Makilala, Tulunan, Mlang, Magpet, President Roxas, Antipas, Arakan, Matalam and Kabacan.

Agus power plants 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Lanao del Sur and Pulangi 4 hydro electric power plant in Bukidnon have slowed down production due to low water level.

Also undergoing preventive maintenance was the Mt. Apo Unit 1 geothermal power plant in Kidapawan City owned by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

Cotelco has been rationing power from three to four hours a day depending on the amount of energy provided by through the National Grid Corporation

FMINDA, 10

Laviña: Roxas to fail in presidential bid

BY CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

T

HE endorsement of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as Liberal Party’s standard bearer for the 2016 presidential elections came as no surprise, former councilor Peter T. Laviña said.

Roxas, he was quick to add, is also bound to fail in his bid to capture Malacañang.

“The endorsement has long been expected. The LP had a grand plan for a 12-year Noy-Mar reign when they launched in 2009, except that Mar lost as VP,” Laviña told EDGE Davao.

But Laviña, one of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s volunteers in the latter’s advocacy for federalism, sees no breakthrough for Roxas even as a presidential candidate.

“Now, unfortunately Mar is also lagging behind in poll surveys. He will go the way of Gibo in 2016,” he said, referring to former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. who was the administration bet in the 2010 presidential election.

President Aquino ended months of speculations as

to who will be his preferred successor when he finally endorsed Roxas on Friday in a well-attended gathering at the Club Filipino in San Juan.

Roxas, clad in the traditional yellow color of the Aquino administration, readily accepted the challenge for him to be the party’s standard bearer and to seize the top Malacañang post.

For Bayan Muna Pary-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Mr. Aquino’s endorsement of Mar is “non-news.”

“Although it must have

been an agonizing wait for Mar as Aquino in the past apparently entertained thoughts of endorsing a more popular choice,” he said.

“In the end, to paraphrase an old adage, people beware: hacienderos of the same exploitative mould will continue to exploit the people together,” he added.

With the endorsement of Roxas, there are now two presidential contenders who have declared their intention to run for the country’s highest posi-

a member of any political party, he may spend P5 per registered voter.

Lim said in Castro’s bill, a candidate for President and Vice President can spend P50 for each registered voter, candidates for senator can spend P30, and candidates for local positions can spend P20 per registered voter.

“We support this bill because we do not have sufficient time to formulate guidelines,” he said.

Lim, however, said of Castro’s bill becomes law it will be temporary because the Comelec wants to form a board to formulate guidelines for campaign expenditures in every election.

“Dapat may parang sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na tripartite board. Not only Comelec will be a member but also the Department of Trade and Industry (There should be a DOLE-

Another oil price rollback next week Comelec supports bill hiking campaign limit O

IL firms are expected to cut pump prices of their products by no less than 50 centavos per liter on gasoline next week as global prices continue to tumble due to oil glut in the international market.

In an advisory, Eastern Petroleum President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fernando Martinez said that diesel and gasoline (per liter) prices may decrease by close to a peso and more than 50 centavos.

He noted that world oil prices continue to be low until August -- due to the oversupply situation in the market.

However, Martinez said that oil prices for September

delivery is expected to go up.

He assured motorists that the company will reflect the movements in international markets.

Last week, oil companies reduced prices for both gasoline and diesel products by 60 centavos per liter.

According to the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) oil price monitor as of July 21, a liter of diesel has a prevailing price between Php 25.9029.15 in Metro Manila. It also has a common price of Php 26.65 per liter.

Gasoline, on the other hand, has a prevailing price of Php 39.70-45.95 per liter in the National Capital Region.

However, it has a common price of Php 44.45. (PNA)

FLAVIÑA, 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Commission on Election (Comelec) is supporting the bill of Capiz Rep. Credential Castro increasing the expenditure limit of political candidates during election.

Speaking during the Public Consultation on the Proposed Omnibus Rules on Campaign Finance for the 2016 National and Local Elections at University of Immaculate Concepcion, Comelec commissioner Christian Robert S. Lim told report-

ers that his office will adopt Castro’s House Bill No. 5928 since the present limit of P3 per registered voter is no longer applicable.

He said the present law has not been amended since it was approved in 1991. Currently, the law mandates that a candidate for Presidency and Vice Presidency may only spend P10 pesos per registered voter.

For other positions, the total of P3 per registered voter is allowed. If the candidate is not

FCOMELEC, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

GenSan gets world’s largest fish display Guinness record

T

HE city is now the record holder for the world’s largest fish display, officials here said, although Guinness World Records has yet to make the official announcement.

Organizers of the annual Tuna Festival here said Thursday the Guinness World Records has finally approved the city’s display of around 25.5 metric tons (MT) of tuna on Sept. 11 last year as a new world record.

The world record bid was the highlight of the 2014 or 16th Tuna Festival, which was co-organized by the city government and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA)-General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC).

Paris Ayon, food safety chief of the GSFPC and 16th Tuna Festival assistant director, said they earlier got wind of Guinness’ decision in a note posted at its website.

“We saw it in its dashboard

so we immediately verified it with Guinness,” he told MindaNews.

The festival’s secretariat noted that a Guinness representative later confirmed the matter in response to an email inquiry that it sent.

“I can confirm that your record is approved with the following text: The largest fish display consists of 25,594.49 kg (56,426 lb 3 oz) of yellowfin tuna and was achieved by the City of General Santos (Philippines) in General Santos City, South Cotabato, Philippines, on 11 September 2014. A certificate was sent to you,” read Guinness’ email confirmation as posted in the festival’s Facebook page.

Guinness, however, has not yet made an official announcement of the feat that is usually posted in its website.

“We’re also waiting for the copy of the certificate so we can make an official declaration,”

FGENSAN, 10

NEWS 5

EDGEDAVAO

COPING WITH THE BLACKOUTS. SM Lanang Premier mall manager Mary Therese Lapeña-Manalo (right) says the mall is coping well with the extended rotating blackouts being implemented by the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) and promises of their full cooperation and support of

the government’s effort to lessen the effects of the power shortage. Manalo and the mall’s new marketing manager Irish Carreon graced the Fast Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t scored for response to IDP crisis in Mindanao T

By JON JOAQUIN

T

jon@edgedavao.net

HE United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) scored the government’s response to IDPs in Zamboanga City and Maguindanao, saying it had failed to provide the same kind of relief it had given to survivors of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas.

Chaloka Beyani had visited the Philippines from July 21 to 31 at the invitation of the Philippine government to check on the condition of survivors typhoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan). While here, he also visited other areas to address other forms of displacement around the country.

In his statement at the

conclusion of his official visit, Beyani commended the government for its responses to typhoon Yolanda, saying it has “shown leadership and put in place institutional and policy structures and frameworks that have proved to be effective in the immediate crisis response period.

But he said government’s response was not the same in Zamboanga City where people remain displaced following the 2013 clash between a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government security forces which resulted in approximately 120,000 displaced persons.

Beyani said during his visit to a number of transitional settlements as well as newly con-

structed permanent housing for the return of some affected communities in Zamboanga, he noted some important progress by the authorities, including a Code of Beneficiaries Policy, creation of some permanent housing and progress towards durable solutions for some displaced communities.

But he said he was concerned by the local government’s apparent closing of the Grandstand, where families had taken refuge after the crisis, just prior to his visit without ensuring adequate housing solutions for some families that did not want to move to transitional shelter and wished to return to their original locations.

He said the designation of

‘no-build’ and ‘no-return’ areas on the grounds of disaster risk reduction has further restricted return to some locations.

Beyani said the main transitional site of Mampang was also “problematic on many levels.”

“It lacks adequate provision of water, electricity, adequate access to essential and basic services including health care and education. There are regular reports of security incidents and it is located at a considerable distance from the city and IDPs places of origin making access to livelihoods extremely difficult,” he said.

Beyani said he also visited Cotabato City and had hoped to visit various areas in Magu-

FGOV’T, 10

Rains flood low-lying areas in North Cotabato ORRENTIAL rains that hit North Cotabato spawned by the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao have submerged low-lying villages in the town of Tulunan and M’lang, disaster officials said Friday.

A heavy downpour occurred Friday in North Cotabato, a day after three hours of continuous rain hit the province, causing flash floods.

The town risk reduction and management councils of adjoining towns of Tulunan and M’lang are closely watching rivers and waterways emanating from the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. Jerick Ardina, Tulunan disaster action officer, said three villages and 10 sub-villages were inundated due to heavy downpour Thursday night.

The affected villages were La Esperaza, Sibsib, and Poblacion Tulunan.

Education officials on Thursday afternoon cancelled classes, both in public and private schools as water level in low lying areas reached as high

Internet, telecoms should be next admin’s priority: Marcos

F

PRESIDENT’S REPORT. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCIII) president Antonio dela Cruz presents the president’s report, which includes accomplishments and projects, during the organization’s 7th General Membership Meeting held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Friday night. Lean Daval Jr.

as waist deep.

At least a dozen families have evacuated to safer grounds but returned home as soon as the water level receded.

Agriculture officials are still assessing the floods’ cost of damage to agricultural products and infrastructure.

Ardina blamed the continuous and unabated cutting of trees in the mountains of Tulunan and in the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur for the flood.

Garbage clogged waterways, causing the flash floods to take its course and submerge communities, he said.

Constantino Diason, M’lang disaster officer, said the failure of National Irrigation Administration personnel to open a main irrigation canal triggered the overflowing of water toward residential areas and rice fields.

Both disaster officials called on the people, especially those living near waterways, rivers and creeks to be watchful of water level to avoid getting trapped in a flash flood.

(PNA)

ASTER internet speeds and robust telecommunications systems should be a priority of the next administration, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. said.

In the open forum portion of the Asia CEO Talks at Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, Marcos noted that telecommunications has made all economies a part of the global marketplace.

“It was five or six years ago when the volume of commerce conducted on the internet surpassed the volume of commerce conducted face to face in stores, in malls and all of our more traditional ways of buying and selling. That is something that we must immediately recognize,” Marcos said.

With these changes in

global commerce, he said the next administration should adopt a mindset where telecommunications, especially the Internet, is part of the Philippines’ essential infrastructure.

Marcos noted that the Philippines ranks among countries with the slowest and most expensive Internet services in the world.

According to a study on consumer Internet speeds, as of May 2015, the Philippines had the second slowest average download speed among 22 Asian countries, next only to war-torn Afghanistan.

Internet metrics provider Ookla found that the Philippines averaged a download

FINTERNET, 10

EDGEDAVAO

6 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

Mindanao’s power supply to normalize

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

P

SMILES OF excitement were seen among more than 400 pupils in Sta. Ana Elementary school in Nasipit, Agusandel Norte when AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. turned over their newly refurbished stage along a promise of converting the same area into a multi-purpose hall for

their school activities. Therma Marine has two power barges in Nasipit, Agusandel Norte and Maco, Compostela Valley providing 200 MW of dependable peaking power to its customers - electric cooperatives and distribution utilities - in Mindanao

Duterte, Alcala ink food terminal MOA Rody thanks Aquino for the project

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala finally signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will pave the way for the establishment of the P70-million Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (APTC) in Daliao, Toril.

The MOA signing was staged Thursday afternoon at The Marco Polo Davao and witnessed by city councilors Marissa Salvador-Abella, Antoinette Prinicipe, Rachel Zozobrado, Leonardo Avila III and Al Ryan Alejandre, and Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) executive director undersecretary Janet Lopoz and assistant city administrator Tristan Dwight Domingo.

“I would like to thank, of course, President Aquino for

remembering us and SecretaryAlcala for pushing it at least before we make our exit in 2016,” Duterte said in his speech.

Duterte said the project was planned several years ago, but he initially turned Alcala down when he offered the budget to the city government two years ago.

The mayor had insisted that the city only supervise the operation of the food terminal as soon as it is realized since he does not want to be involved in the bidding.

Duterte said the APTC will help give direction to the farmers where to sell their products.

He also assured there will be a fair bidding process for the food terminal.

“There will be no ‘hao siao’ in the bidding I will give

you my word on that,” Duterte said, adding that everyone is welcome to participate in the bidding process and should be qualified to the standards.

This early, Duterte said he would not allow sub-contractors to participate “because I want a clean bidding.”

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

“Parties recognize that establishing the APTC-Davao located in Daliao, Toril as the preferred strategic site to capture products coming from agricultural production areas of the city and the nearby provinces is vital in providing market support to the farmers,” the MOA said.

Alcala had earlier said

the food terminal will “revolutionize” the agricultural sector in the city and could change the lives of the farmers because they can sell the products without the intervention of middlemen.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Davao earlier approved an ordinance granting uterte authority to sign in behalf of the city government the MOA with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the establishment of the food terminal.

Set to be established inside the National Development Council (NDC) property in Daliao, Toril, the food terminal will serve as the market for agriculture products and will benefit even the smallholder farmers not only in the city but in the Davao Region.

officer during the ceremony held at the Marco Polo Davao’s Sarangani Hall.

Aside from Palma, of the Apex Mining Co. Inc, the new set of officers includes Joseph K. Palanca of Sagittarius Mines Inc. as vice president, Ernesto N. Millan of ALDEVINCO as secretary and Arvin L. Carlom of Asiaticus Management Corp. as treasurer.

Named to the Board of Directors were Vicente T. Lao of Mt. Sinai Exploration & Development Corp., Engr. Alexis F. Baligod of Pacific Mabuhay Mining Corp., Melody O. Balicat of Nationwide Development Corporation (NADEC OR) and Joel G. Badang of Holcim Philippines Inc. ARMOR-XI is composed of large-scale mining companies in the Davao Region.

The group was established in 2013 with the objective of strengthening and effectively helping address concerns and issues affecting the mining industry, upholds its interest, advocacies and policies, and to promote and pursue responsible mining practices, and foster sustainable development to host neighboring communities within the region. (CRAM)

ARMOR XI officers, board of directors sworn in

T

HE new set of officers and Board of Directors of the Alliance of Responsible Miners of Region XI (ARMOR-XI) led by its president Atty. Rodulfo A. Palma have been inducted into office last July 23 in Davao City.

Dr. Elmer B. Billedo, assistant director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), was the inducting

crc@edgedavao.net

OWER situation in Mindanao is expected to normalize by the mid of August as three power plants will become online again after weeks of preventive maintenance shutdown (PMS).

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) director for investment promotions and public affairs Romeo Montenegro said Mindanao’s power supply has been tight since last month because of the scheduled PMS of different power plants and low water level in Lake Lanao where the 727 MW Agus Complex gets its water source.

Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee technical staff Glen J. Reston said the three power plants under PMS were the 10 MW Unit 3 of the Southern Philippine Power Corporation (SPPC) in Alabel, Saranggani Province; the 54MW Unit 1 of Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant in Kidapawan City;and the 105MW Unit 2 of Steag Coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental.

Reston said the SPPC has been under PMS since July 15 until August 15, while the Mt.Apo has been maintenance since July 13 until August 13.

The Steag Unit 2 was scheduled from July 18 to August 16.

Reston also said the low water level in the Lake Lanao affected the capacity of the 727 MW Agus Pulangi Complex, pulling down its deliverable to only 299MW.

“As of July 30, Agus is only delivery 299 MW,” Reston said, adding that three units of Agus 6 are on forced outage, while unit 2 of Agus 7 that has a installed capacity of 11 MW is already on PMS since August 1 until October 31.

He said only Agus’1, 2, 4, 5 and a unit for 6 and 7 are running. The 100.42MW Pulangi hydropower is also operating but not on its optimum capacity because of the heavy siltation.

Being heavily dependent to hydropower resources, Mindanao will continue to suffer from tight power situation because of the increasing power demand but limited power supply, according to Montenegro.

He said the load factor of renewable energy (RE) projects like the hydro power plants are affected by climate change and weather disturbances.

With the effect of El Nino until August next year, Montenegro said the entry of coalfired power will soon stabilize the power situation in the Mindanao grid.

Among the coal-fired power plants are the 300 MW Therma South Inc (TSI).

But, MinDA is now fast-tracking the application of 290 RE project to balance the generation mix in Mindanao that is expected to be heavily dominated by non RE projects starting 2017.

Globe Business pushes revenue growth of BPOs

G

LOBE Business, the corporate information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, drives revenue growth of leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) companies in the Philippines based on statistics by Call Center Focus.

At present, Globe Business serves the top IT-BPO companies in the Philippines. Seven of which are in the top ten earners in terms of revenue in Philippine peso (Php) Billions. In addition, Globe Business also records an 81% penetration of IT-BPO companies that are provided with business products and solutions.

“We are proud that Globe Business is the chosen service provider of BPOs in the Philippines. We believe that our strong

Atty. Rodulfo A. Palma

collaboration with the enterprises we serve and our commitment to make their businesses better made us their preferred ICT partner. As Globe Business enables their connectivity requirements, we believe businesses can create a wonderful experience for its customers by powering their enterprise with the best suite of ICT solutions that Globe Business has in its portfolio,” said Senior Vice President for the Enterprise Group Nikko Acosta.

Acosta added that Globe Business offers tailor-fitted solutions that cater to the needs of employers and clients. It ensures that business operations are always on by providing fast and reliable telecommunications infrastructure and by securely protecting data.

INdulge!

SOMETIMES, one doesn’t really notice what it means when something is ‘trending’ until you are in a room full of people who came together through sheer word of mouth and some gentle prodding by way of notices posted on Facebook. It means that interest is strong, almost to the point of magnetic.

Curiosity rightly gets the best of you and you are drawn to the so-called trend, unable to wait another moment to experience it personally instead of just seeing posts about it on social media. That Saturday afternoon, the trend we all signed up to learn more about was Modern Calligraphy as taught by visiting teacher and avid calligraphy artist Merricka “Icka” Santos.

This was Icka’s first visit to Davao and her first time to bring one of her workshops to our side of the country. Two sessions were quickly filled up for that day, the 24th of July, in Café Firenzo in Damosa by a diverse group made up of both students and professionals alike. Most confessed to loving beautiful things and the way that a beautifully written word or phrase brings life to a blank sheet of paper is undeniable. It is really no wonder that this art form has been having a renaissance of sorts. Many who revisit their penmanship and embrace it in this new way are quickly hooked. This was the case with Icka herself who only really got into it seriously after attending

several workshops with calligraphy artists Alessa Lanot (Instagram name: @lifeafterbreakfast) and Anina Rubio (@ aninarubio). The Cavite native was soon convinced to start conducting small classes for family and friends who resided in the south of Metro Manila, namely in the Las Piñas, Parañaque and Alabang areas. Before she knew it, she had four workshops lined up in just two months.

By definition, modern calligraphy is not about learning to write an existing font perfectly.

As the writer and illustrator

Style Scribe A1

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EDGEDAVAO STYLE

Commune through calligraphy

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

EVENT

A fun DIY afternoon at the

YELLOW HAUZ

NORMALLY, coffee places can be one of two things: quiet spots where people gather to chill out and relax in solitude or places where friends gather to catch up and chatter the afternoon away. But the Yellow Hauz Cafe is adding a new thing to do at a coffee shop and that is to engage in some do-it-yourself crafting.

This bit of D.I.Y. is thanks to the cafe’s newly launched Instax Coffee. A creamy blend of coffee, white chocolate, and a hint of orange, the coffee concoction is nice cool pickme-up on any afternoon. What makes it unique though is that every order allows coffee drinkers to have their photos taken and immediately printed thanks to the in-house Instax share printer.

This fun innovation is the brainchild of Yellow Hauz Cafe owner April San Pedro who is also a crafter by profession. Wanting to update her coffee menu, she rebranded her Photo Coffee and upgraded it. “For Photo Coffee, we would provide guests with a photo of them having their coffee but the prints would be given to them on their next visit,” says April “But thanks to the Instax Share, I realised that I can now provide the print instantly even while guests are sipping their cup of joe. I contacted Fujifilm and they allowed me to co-brand our coffee as Instax Coffee.”

Aside from getting your Instax photo immediately, the Yellow Hauz Cafe also provides markers, washi tape, as well as other materials for anyone to customise and jazz up. I can honestly say that the concept is a barrel of laughs as our small group was challenged to create different postcards using our Instax photos.

Now THAT is a different way to enjoy coffee time out.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Ai-Ai, Jose, Wally and Marian headline GMA’s upcoming program Sunday PinaSaya ON AUGUST 9, GMA Network raises the bar in Philippine entertainment with the premiere of its newest comedymusical variety program Sunday PinaSaya.

The program redefines the usual variety show, as it gives the viewers unparalleled production numbers featuring the hottest celebrities, comedy sketches and funfilled games. It also unites the country’s biggest names in comedy – Philippine Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas, well-loved comic tan-

dem Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera.

Ai-Ai admits that she couldn’t wait for t h e show t o start.

“Sabi k o , p a -

rang, ‘game na ba ‘to?

Kailan na ba magsisimula?’ Tapos ayan na, game na talaga. Excited ako kasi t h is show is comedy

based.

Patatawanin muna namin kayo bago namin kayo mas lalong pasasayahin sa hatid naming mga papremyo.

At marami pa rin silang dapat abangan na mga bonggang performances mula sa kanilang mga paboritong artista.”

Meanwhile, Marian is excited for the program as it promises a new Sunday variety show experience, “Patatawanin namin sila, magbibigay kami ng papremyo, at makikita nila ang iba’t ibang klaseng talento ng mga cast dito. At ang maganda sa Sunday PinaSaya, hindi lang kami yung makakasama nila dito

dahil every Sunday ay may mga Kapuso tayo na pwedeng mag-guest sa show. So everybody’s welcome sa Sunday PinaSaya.”

Expect nothing but the best banters and funny antics from Alden Richards, Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Joey Paras, Valeen Montenegro and Jerald Napoles, who will also

bring more fun to the show.

On its pilot episode, over 10 million worth of prizes are to be given away, tax free.

Don’t miss the muchawaited premiere of the newest and trendiest comedy-musical variety show this Sunday on GMA, because Sundays are fun days with Sunday PinaSaya!

GMA International channels widen reach GMA International, which manages the operations and distribution of GMA Network’s international channels abroad, continues to expand its presence further across the globe.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we continue to uphold our commitment to bring quality Kapuso programming to a wider audience,” expresses GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia.

For the first time since the launch of first two flagship international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV, GMA News TV International is now within reach of Filipinos in the United States.

Since July 1, subscribers of Charter Spectrum TV all over the United States have been able to watch and enjoy their favorite Kapuso entertainment and news programs through GMA’s three

international channels.

Charter Spectrum TV is a leading broadband communications company and the fourth largest cable operator in the US, which provides a full range of advanced broadband services all throughout the country.

While GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV have been available in the US since 2005 and 2007, respectively, this year marks the first time that GMA News TV International will be available for all Kapuso fans in the United States.

According to Allan Singer, Charter Communications Senior Vice President for Programming, “Spectrum TV offers a wide array of diverse, quality content that touches many cultures, and we are pleased to bring GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International to our customers in these communities, and more will follow.”

GMA’s international channels

offer a diverse menu of Kapuso programs which Filipinos abroad will surely enjoy. Regular Kapuso shows in the Philippines can be watched from GMA Pinoy TV, and lifestyle programs can be followed through GMA Life TV. Meanwhile, GMA News TV International serves up the latest news straight from the Philippines and delivered to the viewers without much delay.

Aside from the US launch, GMA’s flagship international channels have already been widely available in other parts of the world.

PCCW recently carried GMA News TV International and brought it to Filipino viewers in Hong Kong beginning June 2, 2015.

GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International will also soon be available on LycaTV to cater to Kapuso fans in Europe.

July 30 – August 4, 2015

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5 Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner PG

12:20 | 3:00 | 5:40 | 8:20 LFS

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 5 Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner PG

2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

PAPER TOWNS

“NASAAN KA NANG KAILANGAN KITA” WINS TIMESLOT DESPITE NEW RIVAL. ABS-CBN’s afternoon drama series “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita” continues to reign on its timeslot despite having a new rival. According to data from Kantar Media last July 28, the Kapamilya Gold series starring Denise Laurel, Jane Oineza, Loisa Andalaio, and Vina Morales scored a national TV rating of 15.4%, compared to the pilot episode of its new rival program. Meanwhile, the plot of “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita” continues to thicken after Corinne (Jane) almost suffered from a miscarriage.

Is Toni (Denise) helping Corinne and Ryan (Jerome Ponce) because she wants to help them, or is she going to ask them for something in return? Will Cecilia (Vina) finally find it in her heart to forgive and accept Corinne for the sake of their family? Don’t miss the heated scenes and confrontations in the teleserye that shows the different faces of love, “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita,” everyday, 3:15PM, after “Flordeliza” on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold.

Cara Delevingne, Nat Wolff, Halston Sage

R-16

PG

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

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

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

STYLE Icka’s students for that afternoon showing off their final scribbles on parchment paper.

Style Scribe A4 behind the blog The Postman’s Knock puts it, it actually ignores many of the traditional rules and celebrates personality. Icka thinks that it is important to understand the basic premises first and not get ahead of what is immediately possible by imagining that you will achieve the level of good calligraphy artists by end of just one class. She can never stress enough that it takes focus and a lot of practice. She put us to work right away by asking us to translate our cursive letters into what are known as the basic strokes of calligraphy.

The moment I started doing the drills to familiarize myself with the strokes, scenes of people from generations past who

Tools of the trade. Coming to grips with nibs, nibholders and calligraphy pointers.

Icka, known on Instagram as @ickagraphs, imparts her knowledge of modern calligraphy by breaking it down to the bare basics. actually needed to pen their thoughts and correspondence came to mind. For now however, form comes first before content. It is easy to get lost in the pleasure of writing and putting pen to paper like this for the very first time is a fascinating experience. You see every hesitation and every overreaching stroke. The flourishes take work and incredible control.

You become preoccupied with the push and release of your pen but gradually realize that there must also be ease to counteract the pressure of your grip as well.

In a sense it is all about timing and your mind starts decoding your handwriting in a series of upstrokes of downstrokes. All this while, Icka hovers over all the participants and provides tips and little adjustments to grip, angling and paper position in order for us to figure out just what feels right while writing.

We were each given pots of standard black ink but our minds couldn’t help but be drawn to Icka’s elegant scrawls rendered in watercolor and iridescent inks. Her rapid-fire dictation of the many types of inks and writing materials only stoked our excitement further and maybe drove us deeper into the writing frenzy that followed. Although writing is largely a solitary undertaking, taking part of a larger group and learning calligraphy with

others makes it more enjoyable.

Icka cites to me that she along with a group of other calligraphy enthusiasts formed a group called the Calligrakada and discuss on a daily basis how to improve each others’ skills. Being exposed to others’ skill-sets can expand your own perspective and where you seek inspiration.

The energy of our particular group was so positive and many bordered on over-achieving that Icka was soon taking questions about future workshops and possible pen meets. In a forward-thinking stroke of consideration, Icka informed us that she had arranged for our group to receive exclusive discounts from crafts suppliers in Metro Manila. This was a truly welcome stride done by these penning pioneers who are looking to foster a larger community of artisans.

The three-hour session was over before we knew it. In many ways, I consider Icka to be the perfect prelude to modern calligraphy, hollowing out a typeset and mindset that encourages consistency and creativity. This newer form of calligraphy makes room for beautiful anomalies and there is nothing to be done but the task of scribbling on to discover your own style. She left us enamored with script and our imaginations wild with things that are waiting to be prettily penned.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 7

Intercropping to hike cacao yield

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

N initial of 36,000 hectares of coconut plantations in Mindanao will be intercropped with 18 million cacao trees next year in a bid to increase the island region’s cacao production by 2020.

“The Department of Agriculture and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) have initially allocated P500 million for the implementation of the Mindanao Cacao Double-Up project for its pilot year which will be next year,” MinDA undersecretary and

executive director Janet Lopoz said.

The P500-million budget, requested from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), will be used for the procurement of cacao seedlings that has an estimated cost of P300 million, while the rest will be used for capacity building and other necessary interventions.

But, Lopoz explained that this initial budget could increase up to P1 billion for the implementation of the program on its first years through

Sun Life is country’s top insurance brand

S

UN Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. is the Philippines’ leading insurance brand, according to Campaign Asia-Pacific’s report on the Top 100 brands in the country.

Sun Life was the only insurance company to make it to the prominent list based on the results of the survey developed by Campaign Asia-Pacific in partnership with global information and insights provider Nielsen.

The company ranked 83rd amid a variety of brands from 14 different categories such as automotive, retail, restaurants, food, consumer electronics, financial services, media and telecommunications, travel and leisure, and household and personal care.

Sun Life was one of only three financial services brands to make it to the list, the other two being banking

institutions.

“It’s an honor to be a brand that Filipinos believe in, because earning their trust is crucial to our mission of helping them achieve financial freedom,” Sun Life chief marketing officer Mylene Lopa said.

“We’re happy to be among the top 100 brands because it means we are generating interest in insurance as a whole. Insurance penetration in the country is still quite low, and Sun Life is determined to continuously address this via our financial literacy advocacy and the expansion of our reach,” Lopa added.

Campaign Asia-Pacific’s report is part of a region-wide study dubbed “Asia’s Top 1000 Brands”, where respondents were asked to name the best brands in the aforementioned categories.

Members of the FFCCCII together with local officials during the recent ceremonial turnover of classroom building in one of the six school recipients.

augmentation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

Lopoz said the project that will be implemented until 2020 aims to double Mindanao’s cacao production which is now currently pegged at 10,000 metric tons based on the cacao industry data.

Mindanao has a huge chance of attaining its target of doubling the current production to 20,000 MT by 2016.

Lopoz said if the planting will start next year, cacao production here could reach to 109,000 MT by 2020, especially with the assistance of government interventions.

The island region has vast hectares of coconut areas that can be intercropped with cacao seedlings, according to her.

Mindanao has a total of P1.6-million hectares of coconut plantation but only a estimate of 500,000 hectares of coconut plantation are still available for cacao intercropping.

“Only a portion or 200,000 hectares of coconut plantation is being targeted to be planted with cacao seedlings to attain our target for 2020,” Lopoz said.

MinDA and DA, she said, have already identified possible areas for the project but it will still be evaluated further.

As counterpart, coconut farmers will provide the planting area as well as the manpower in exchange of the free cacao seedlings.

Lopoz also said that MinDA, DA and Cacao Industry

Development Association of Mindanao (Cidami) are now drafting the implementing rules and guidelines to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.

She also said that portion of the initial production for this project will be used as a pilot product for the Mindanao Collective Trademark.

Mindanao contributes more than 90 percent of country’s total production, with Davao region as the largest producer here in the island-region.

SALE TIME. The SM Store’s Benjamin Bautista III promotes the upcoming shoe and bag sale set on August 12 to 15 at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. Bautista was joined by Angeli Lungtad during the Fast Fridays media forum at Barrio Fiesta SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

1st Mindanao warehouse sale at SM Lanang

By PRINCE SIMON CANDA, ADDU Intern

T

HE SM Lanang Premier will hold its shoes and bags sale at SMX convention center from August 12 to 16 to coincide with the Kadayawan Festival celebration.

Shoes and bag will be offered up to 50% off on great selections in the first warehouse sale in Mindanao organized by the LTBG (ladies and teens bag) department highlighting markdown items from middle to high-end brands using bodega code.

“This will be the first warehouse sale in Mindanao

and a lot of brands are coming in. We have invited other brands in Manila and abroad to participate.” Benjamin Bautista III said during the FAST Fridays media forum.

High-end products that are on sale for men’s shoes include Converse, Skechers, Vans and Sperry, among others. Shoes that are on sale for ladies are Chelsea, Keds, Michaela, Saucony and other branded shoes.

“High-end products like Skechers can be purchased at around P1,000 plus or more and this will just happen at

the SMX Convention,” Bautista said.

The warehouse sale is not just all about the shoes. Highend bags and luggage like Ayla, Madonna, Belladonna, Jovanni, Compass, Rhinox, Targus, Umbro and Voyager are also available.

“The price of the shoes and bags which are available in the SMX will not be the same as those sold in the department store,” Angeli Lungtad of the SM department store said.

SMAC (SM Advantage Card) members can also enjoy perks on the warehouse sale

by earning points 10 times for every purchase of 200 pesos.

VISA/ Credit Card or prepaid card owners can also win a GoPro Hero for a minimum single-receipt purchase of 2,000 pesos at the warehouse sale.

“SMAC member also have the chance to enjoy shopping advance on August 11 from 12 noon onwards. This was not part of the announcement earlier but SMAC members may enjoy the perks,” Lungtad said.

SM Lanang Premier is open from 10 am and has extended its mall hours to 12 noon on August 12-16.

ATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL - The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese businessmen, officially turned over on Wednesday, July 29, two classrooms buildings in six different schools here in the province.

Recipient schools here include Don Salvador Lopez High School, Matiao National High

School, and Rabat Rocamora Elementary School in the City of Mati, Lupon Comprehensive National High School in Lupon town, Mahayag Elementary School and Panikian National High School in Banaybanay town.

Implemented under the ‘Operation Barrio Schools’, the project believes education as the key to eradicate poverty among Filipinos. “We believe that education is the sure way

to uplift the lives of Filipinos,” said FCCCII Board Member and Chairman of Welfare Community Enrique Chua.

Although the country is blessed with abundant natural resources from its lands to seas – advantages not shared by other neighboring Asian countries, Chua pointed out lack of education as the main culprit of poverty in the Philippines. “Our neighbor countries are far richer because they

have higher standards on education which empowers their people to enrich their capacities,” said Chua, saying these countries have bank on human resources as the heart of their economic and social development. “That’s why children must study well to improve their future.”

While the organization’s flagship program is primarily focused on classroom provi-

Businessmen donate classroom buildings M FBUSINESSMEN, 10

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

P

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

No brainer

RESIDENT Aquino announcing his bet for the 2016 Presidency in Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is a no brainer.

It did not come as a surprise that Mar will be the President’s annointed one as the scene at Club Filipino was just a reversal of the announcement in 2010 where Mar gave way to then Senator Aquino in what he calls as a supreme sacrifice for the nation.

It was even more a surprise that the President had to delay the announcement and had to entertain other thoughts knowing that it’s payback time for Mar’s supreme sacrifice in 2010.

EDGEDAVAO

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With the administration now laying its cards for the 2016 polls, it now looks forward to fast track the passage of the national budget which will be to the tune of 3.002 trillion.

More than a third or 36.8 percent of the proposed 2016 budget will go to social services such as education, healthcare, and social protection, while 27.6 percent has been allocated for economic services like transport infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

That chunk of the budget will likewise be a key to the success of the Mar campaign as the administration is seen to make use of its resources to push for its man Mar going into the 2016 elections.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

EDGEDAVAO

T

HEY came, they reconnected, they left.

My two sisters -- Elena T. Chase and Marilou T. Eplite -- did those last month.

Both are now living in the United States of America and they came to visit just in time for our father’s 79th birthday.

But that’s going ahead of the story.

Late last year, Marilou (married to David Eplite and considers Deltona, Florida her new home address) told us that she would be coming home. The last time she visited us was in 2011.

But before that, I had the opportunity of visiting her place when she was still in Delaware.

This was in 2008 and we had fun together going to such places as Manhattan in New York, Atlantic City in New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. We were all excited to see her again -- particularly my mother. A few days before Marilou’s arrival, I chatted with Daniel Chase, the husband of my other sister, Elena. I told him that his wife would never visit us again since she’s afraid of flying.

“I’m working on her to go,” said Daniel, who’s an electrical engineer by profession just like my sister Elena. “She needs to remain connected to everyone out there.” When I told him it was unlikely for her to visit us, he replied, “I have to appeal to her logical mind.”

The day of Marilou’s arrival came. She was supposed to fly via Philippine Airlines all the way from Los Angeles to Davao. But she changed her mind and booked in a Cebu Pacific Air for Manila Davao flight.

Since she would arrive in an early morning flight, we (my parents, my sister Evangeline,

E

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

The visit

my niece Meryl Louise, my sis- THINK ON THESE! ter-in-law Joan, little nieces and nephews and myself) left our hometown when everyone was still sleeping. We arrived at the Davao International Airport exactly an hour before Marilou’s Henrylito D. Tacio henrytacio@gmail.com arrival.

We waited, waited, and then the plane came. Evangeline and Meryl rushed to the arrival area. The rest were left at the jeepney we hired. A few minutes later, Evangeline came running. She was shouting but you could not hear a word. I just read her lips and was shocked to know.

It was not Marilou who arrived but Elena.

My mother ran and the two met in the middle of the road. I took some photos of the two of them hugging. I thought they would cry. It had been 13 years ago since the two met. But there were no tears. My mother was more shocked than emotional.

Those left at home texted us if Marilou had arrived. We said yes but never told them that it was Elena who arrived and not Marilou. So, when we came home, they were completely surprised to see Elena. “It was Marilou’s idea,” Elena said.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Four days later, Marilou arrived -- exactly the same time and day she told us before. She never changed her ticket and itinerary after all. Indeed, she wanted to surprise everyone.

On their first weekend in the country, the whole family decided to go to the Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal. There was no school and I had no work so all of us were there to have fun together.

Then, the birthday of our father came. Instead of celebrating his natal day at home, we decided to have the dinner party at Betz Classic Coffee Shop owned and operated by the Santiagos.

After so many years, it was the first time all the children were around. And so we had to have a family picture: my parents (Generoso Tacio, Sr. and Saturnina D. Tacio), the siblings (Evangeline, Gerry, Elena, Avednigo, Jean, Arman, and Marilou), and myself.

There was also a picture of all members of respective families. Those who were not around were Elena’s husband and two children, Marilou’s husband, the sons of Gerry (Justin and Gerry, Jr.), and Evangeline’s husband.

A day before Elena left, we went to Sunrise Hillscape Resort in Kiagot, Digos City. Finally, the four sisters had their picture taken together: Evangeline, Elena, Jean, and Marilou.

On the day of her departure, the three sisters went with us (as we planned on going to Bonhomie Leisure and Resort in Banay-banay, Davao Oriental). I brought Elena to the airport and after saying goodbye; I went directly to Ecoland Bus Terminal.

From there, we travelled going to Davao Ori-

ental. It was not yet totally dark when we arrived.

We had to take some pictures before the night engulfed the place. There was no one; we had the whole resort for ourselves.

The following day, we woke up early and after taking our breakfast, we left the resort. We waited for a bus that would bring us to Mati City. All three wanted to have a souvenir photo taken at the spot where “I LOVE MATI” is located.

After about an hour, we were on our way to Mati City. Once we got there, we immediately took a tricycle which brought us to Subangan Museum.

It was not part of the plan but I decided to bring them there since I was sure Evangeline and Jean would be interested to see it.

From there, we took a tricycle that brought us to a fastfood restaurant, where we had our lunch.

Then, it was on to the Baywalk for that picture taking.

Elena left Davao on a Monday but her flight going back to the United States was on a Tuesday.

She stayed in Manila for the night, where she had an opportunity of meeting her two nephews: Justin and Gerry, Jr. As for Marilou, she left on a Sunday the following week from Davao and then on to Los Angeles.

From LA, she had to fly again to Florida. At 10 am, Monday, she posted in her facebook: “Just landed, thanks God for the safe trip of my long trip.”

By the way, the title of this piece was inspired by the 1964 film, The Visit, which starred Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn. I never knew that there is also a movie, written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, with the same title and will be released this coming September.

behalf to heads of companies he knew in Manila.

It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to the Alma Mater because it meant leaving the Jesuit teachers behind as well as separating from close friends. When summers provided a time to come home, there was the attempt to say Hello to them; in time, however, they too were assigned elsewhere and were hard to reach. Further down the timeline, a few left this world and one visited them at the cemetery.

Interesting how some of them would re-appear in one’s life later on even as other Jesuits would enter one’s life. At the National Secretariat of Social Action, there was Fr. Carlos Abesamis, SJ, whoseThird Look of Jesuswould make such a major contribution to the rise of a social conscience among church workers during martial rule. A few other Jesuits were also involved in some of NASSA’s programs. Later on, as I returned to Davao there were Frs. John Montenegro and Ben Montecastro of the Mindanao Development Center who were very much part of the militant Church movement in the post-Vatican II era. (It has to be also noted that our circle did have tensions with a few other Jesuits caused by ideological differences; and as those at the Ateneo de Davao then were hampered by martial rule from taking a prophetic stance, our own links with the alma mater was practically nil. However, past is past and now as I have grown older, I am better able to understand and accept life’s realities).

When I met Fr. Escaler again in the late 1970s, he was already made a Bishop (first in Kidapawan and later in Ipil). I was elected then as Executive Secretary of the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Conference Secretariat (MSPCS) and he was Co-Chair of the Board to oversee the workings of the Secretariat. For three years, we worked very closely with each other even as I regularly visited him in Kidapawan. Mid-way through my term, the call to the religious life once more beckoned and I planned to resign from the post. When I consulted him about this, Bishop Escaler suggested that I go through an Ignatian discernment process so I could be sure what decision to make.

I followed his advice and decided to postpone

making up my mind about joining the religious life.

But I definitely was sure at that time that if I finally would opt for a religious life, I would not join the Jesuits. First because I knew that I didn’t want to end up assigned in a school; which meant that the main reason why I would become a religious – namely to be immersed among the poor and be of service to them in whatever way I could – may not happen. A few more years would pass before I finally took the leap to join the religious life; and it was to join the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (or the Redemptorists).

Well, as our journey does not follow a straight line but instead a crooked one, the irony is that these days I am administrator of a school (as Dean of SATMI); although I hope this post will not last too long. But being in SATMI has brought me back to a closer collaboration with the Jesuits and my old alma mater. These days I find myself very much present in the campus of Ateneo, both in terms of following up students who are doing the Theology course, as well as teaching Anthropology. I join many other activities in the campus as ADDU – through the leadership of Fr. Tabora – is reaching out to the various social and ecological issues impacting the lives of not just the people in Davao, but throughout Mindanao. Our links with the Jesuits have expanded and deepened as we inter-act with the other Ateneos in Mindanao and met other Jesuits in various circumstances.

St. Ignatius and St. Alphonsus. Two different saints of two different eras and circumstances, but one in their desire to keep the Gospel alive, especially among their followers. One can only hope and pray that their descendants will heed the call of Pope Francis to be “experts in communion”. [Redemptorist Brother Karl Gaspar of Davao City, Academic Dean of the Redemptorists’ St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI), and author of several books, including the recently launched “Desperately Seeking God’s Saving Action: Yolanda Survivors’ Hope Beyond Heartbreaking Lamentations,” writes two columns for MindaNews, one in English (A Sojourner’s Views) and the other in Binisaya (Panaw-Lantaw)].

In praise of the Jesuits of our youth and those who came after

ARLY this morning as I sat still in our chapel waiting for our community’s Morning Prayer session to begin, images of Jesuits I’ve met through the years – including the ones I met as a student in the then Ateneo de Davao College (1963-1967) and the ones I inter-act with these days – flooded my mind.

A few reasons explained this trekking down the memory lane. Yesterday, I was at Ateneo de Davao University’s (ADDU) Xavier Hall in the Community Center that now dominates Davao’s City’s skyline. Fr. Pat Riordan SJ of the Heythrop College of the University of London gave a lecture onLiving In and With the Secularand there were a few Jesuits there, including ADDU’s President, Fr. Joel Tabora SJ. Also…tomorrowis the feast of St. Ignatius and in the past week as I walked around the campus signs about this feast day have been posted all over. There is actually a close link between the Jesuits and the Redemptorists as the feast day of our own founder, St. Alphonsus, comes a day before St. Ignatius. This link has been strengthened with increasing collaborative efforts between ADDU and our own Institute (the St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute or SATMI).

At the lecture there was a batch-mate who graduated at Ateneo in 1967 (Remy Guillena) and as we were seated together, we talked about how Ateneo was during our youth. And names of dear professors cropped up even as – today – we see their names on the walls of buildings named after them.

Man for others (these days this phrase has shifted topersonfor others in recognition of the political correctness of inclusive language) – these are the words that supposedly define the identity of the Ateneo graduate. But have we been persons for others? Are we?

Were the Jesuits themselves – especially the ones we met – persons for others, too? I speak for myself and my answer is this – by and large, Yes. Those of us who encountered the ones at the Ateneo in Davao (both Americans and Pinoys) in the 1960s were a lucky generation to have engaged the ones who were our teachers. Up till today,

A SOJOURNER’S VIEW

BY KARL M. GASPAR CSSR their faces in our minds remain sharp and when we reminisce about those good old days, memories of them bring smiles on our faces; occasionally, even tears in our eyes.

Jesuit vocations then were plentiful; there were close to twenty of them in the campus. Thus, they were very much part of our everyday experience in school. Only a Jesuit could teach Theology or religious studies then. And they were all over the place teaching English, Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Physics, Math and even Sports. They were advisers to various clubs and extra-curricular activities. We could even ask them for money to watch a movie in downtown San Pedro St. As I was Prefect of both the Sodality of Our Lady and the Sanctuary Society, it meant having close ties with some of them. In my junior and senior year, almost every morning during the week, I had breakfast at the Jesuit residence having to make sure there were altar boys who served the Masses of the Jesuits. (Yes, the free breakfast did entice the student altar boys to wake up early to serve at the Masses). Then, each one of them said Mass in small cubicles in their residence, which has recently been demolished to give way to two new tall buildings in the campus. Earlier we had to memorize Latin Masses; by 1965, the liturgical language had shifted to English. In-between were a lot of confusions owing to the radical changes in liturgy.

The attraction to a Jesuit vocation naturally caught up with a few of us. I did apply to join them and was accepted. But after graduation in March 1967, the door to a Jesuit formation did not open for me and so I explored what the world had to offer a young man eager to spread his wings in the big metropolitan city of Manila.

Fr. Federico O. Escaler, SJ, then Rector of Ateneo even wrote letters of recommendations on my

10 NEWS Laviña... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO

tion next year.

Vice President Jejomar Binay had long expressed his desire to become President of the country and initially was the top choice to succeed Aquino based on past poll surveys.

But allegations of corruption hounded Binay and eventually pulled him down in the surveys.

For Laviña, the 2016 presidential race will become a three-cornered fight among Binay, Grace Poe, and Duterte, counting out Roxas this early as a top contender.

Although Duterte has been consistent in his public pronouncements that he will not seek the presidency, Laviña and his fellow volunteers are

saying otherwise.

“There would be a three-cornered fight among the good Poe, the good Binay, and the best Duterte,” Laviña said.

“People, however, must be vigilant that their votes would be properly counted. Otherwise, cheating would alter the results,” he added.

like tripartite board in which the members will not be just Comelec but also the DTI ),” he said.

Lim said with inflation and other factors, the allowable expenditure for every election should be adjusted depending on the region.

“It is unfair and not practical. It should also be in a

region-to-region basis based on the poverty index of the region,” he said.

Lim said another reason Comelec wants to increase the expenditure ceiling of every candidate is that there are municipalities have only small number of voters.

He cited as an example the Kalayaan Group of Islands

which is a municipality that has only 300 voters. If candidate will go there to campaign, it might be a ground for overspending because the politician would spend more for transportation.

“Three hundred voters times P3 is P900.The boat ride from Puerto Princesa is more expensive than that,” he said.

of the Philippines.

Baguio said Cotelco buys an average of at least 11 megawatt from the National Power Corporation (NPCs) hydro-electric plants; 8 megawatt from Therma Marine Incorporated in Maco, Compostela Valley; and 5 megawatt from Mt. Apo geothermal power to complete its power requirement of 24 megawatt.

From normal 11 megawatt supply from hydro power plants, Cotelco received only 9 megawatt in July.

Power rationing is not only happening in North Cotabato but in all power cooperatives in the island.

Baguio has appealed to all power consumers to start conserving energy, emphasizing power consumers have great roles to play in energy conservation.

He advised consumers to “put off electric lights when

not in use, reduce the use of air conditioning units unless necessary, among others.”

The Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) reported that the water levels of Lake Lanao and Agus and Pulangi dams continued to drop the past three days.

As of Friday, the water level has breached critical points based on data from the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) Mindanao Generation.

In another statement, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said that as of July 30 the water level of Lake Lanao was at 699.24 meters above sea level (masl) as compared to the previous 699.26 masl.

In its website, MinDA said the normal high water level for Lake Lanao is at 701.10 masl, while the minimum operating levels is at 699.15 masl.

The water level of Agus 4 stands at 358.31 masl, which is nearing its minimum operating level of 357 masl, and is lower as compared to 358.88 masl a couple of days ago. The dam has a normal high water level of 359 masl.

MinDA also reported that Pulangi 4 hydropower plant’s water level was at 280.40 masl as compared to the previous 281.02 masl.

The dam in Maramag, Bukidnon, has a normal high water level of 285 masl and minimum operating level of 282 masl. It is currently tossing out just 20 MW out of 250 MW capacity.

“The low water levels of the dams, which provide around half of Mindanao’s power supply, have brought down the capacity of the hydropower plants of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes,” MinDA said. (PNA)

speed of just 3.64 megabytes per second (Mbps), which ranked 176th out of 202 countries worldwide.

The global average broadband download speed of 23.3 Mbps is nearly eight times faster than in the Philippines.

“How are we supposed to conduct business on this basis?

You and I all know that when it comes to a point where there is no Wi-Fi, we don’t quite know what to do with ourselves be-

cause we have to keep that line of communication going,” Marcos said.

“It’s simply something that we have not paid attention to and it is something that is weakening the ability of our businessmen to conduct business in this global marketplace,” he added.

Marcos said the Philippines can learn from the best practices of other countries and adopt policies that proved

successful in providing better Internet service.

“The technologies exist, the skills that are required exist, and it is just a question of us taking on the policy and the concept that this is important and an essential service. It’s not a luxury, it’s not for fun because this is the way that business is conducted in this day and age,” Marcos said.

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indanao which have long been affected by conflict induced displacement. “Regrettably, security issues and government sensitivities in this region limited my access to the locations that I had wished to visit in Maguindanao,” he said.

Beyani said on-going conflict between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and “non-State armed groups” in the region repeatedly cause both large and smaller-scale displacement.

“Some described the situation as a ‘forgotten crisis’ and noted the frequency and nature of the displacement and

that responses by both national and regional government authorities were routinely inadequate,” he said.

Beyani said a “viable, inclusive and comprehensive peace process is essential to removing the causes of displacement and to stabilizing the situation in the region,” adding the adoption of the Bangsamoro Basic Law “may also assist in this regard.”

Beyani said it was evident to him that the government’s response to conflict-induced displacement in Zamboanga and Cotabato ”differs significantly to its commendable re-

sponse to disaster and climate change induced displacement elsewhere as evident in the condition of some of the transitional and permanent shelter options provided to IDPs.” “I was struck by the disparity between the permanent housing established in Tacloban and that of Zamboanga,” he said.

It is essential that the government ensure that the National Housing Authority provides equitable and comparable permanent housing as a component of durable solutions for all IDPs across the country, Beyani said.

Ayon said.

He confirmed that the city officials have initially signified to put up a marker of the world record at the city fish port complex in Barangay Tambler.

The world record bid was made last year by fish port workers who were able to display and weigh around 33,610 kilograms or 33.61 MT in about 15 minutes.

Such figure was based on official records of the PFDA-GSFPC. As early as 5 a.m., workers at the city fish port complex started unloading various tuna species from around 20 fishing boats that landed at the port.

Each fishing boat unloaded an average 60 pieces of tuna

that weighed about 20 kilograms and above.

The freshly-landed tuna were initially displayed at the bidding tables of the fishport’s market 1 and later weighed by the workers with the use of Azuki digital weighing scales.

The event was not witnessed by an adjudicator from Guinness but the entire activity was properly documented through official records, photographs and videos.

Personnel from the AMA Computer College here documented the weighing of the tuna catches.

Guinness has no specific world record for the largest fish display but it acknowledged the largest seafood display estab-

lished by Schmidt Zeevis and Wichter Steller of Schmidt Zeevis in Rotterdam, Netherlands on June 26, 2011.

The display consisted of 2,271.7 kg or 5,008 lb of seafood that was achieved with the help of executive chef Erik Troost and his team on the Lido deck of the SS Rotterdam, Guinness said.

Dubbed the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” the city is currently the country’s top source of fresh and processed tuna exports.

It is home to six of the country’s seven tuna canneries and other related ventures that generate average annual export receipts of nearly US$ 300 million. MindaNews

sion, it also involves itself in many charitable works such as medical missions, disaster relief, and agriculture programs, among many others.

To date, the group has already constructed about 5,000 units of two-classroom school buildings all over the country in its bid to decongest crowded classrooms and accommodate more students.

The donors of the six schools include Lucio Tan of

the Allied Banking Corporation, Pete Tan of the Triplex Enterprise, Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech Corporation, and Alex Yap Cho Ty of Remal Enterprise, Inc. Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon thanked this group of businessmen, led by the head of the delegation Eduardo Bangayan, for their act of benevolence and for choosing her province as one of the recipients.

She told students and teachers of the recipient schools to ‘take good care of these buildings as these are legacies from donors who have gone the extra mile to help and showcase their social responsibilities by giving.” She further urged the students of the recipient schools to pursue their dreams and achieve a brighter future through education. KLDeloso/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan

ting you in the core. The DJs and performers will guide you throughout the day leaving you in an eargasm hangover the next morning.

This and more is what Spectrum Philippines and FrolicFox

has in store for you, backed by global brands to ensure your safety, convenience and a happy party experience. Raise your hands up in the air, groove to the music and live all out!

Listen to Spectrum Radio

on Magic FM every Saturday at 9PM or tune your TVs to ETC and Solar Sports to keep you on the loop.

For official information, log on to http://spectrum.ph/invasiontour.

emony was Victoria Floirendo-Brias, daughter of Floirendo Foundation President Maricris Brias, and Executive Director Russell U. Barrizo.

Speaking on behalf of her mother, the young Brias expressed how the foundation

places heavy importance on education. This initiative to make conducive educational setting for them is a manifestation of the foundation’s commitment to help children gain worthwhile experiences in school and mould them to

become responsible citizens in the future.

“Education is very important to us. Thank you for allowing us to come to your barangay. My wish is that you will be able to use these classrooms in the years to come,” Brias said.

The Floirendo Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Anflo Group of Companies. For several years, it has successfully carried out its mission in administering public-oriented services to different communities, particularly to the marginalized sectors in the society.

The foundation exists to fulfil its purpose to improve lives and develop communities through its health care, livelihood, educational, and environmental programs.

GenSan... FROM 5

Businessmen... FROM 7

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NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s)

1030672 / 1704 / 21089648 under Loyola Plan Contract No(s). 10161370-5 / 10158608-9 / 193939-6 issued to MA.ESTELA B. CABANGAL 21002028 under Loyola Plan Contract No(s).

136001-2 issued to NIMFA A. ALBARICO 21045497 under Loyola Plan Contract No(s).

191324-6 / UUU130004718 issued to VIRGINIA C. RAYRAY

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

7/2,8/3,10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

11 BIGGER PICTURE

‘Unacceptable situation’

HEALTH CHECK. Medical personnel from Davao City’s 911 check on the health condition of a child seeking refuge at UCCP’s Haran Compound in Davao City. The lumads have been staying at the compound for three months after allegedly leaving their communities due to militarization.

MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

UN expert speaks on the plight of IPs staying at the UCCP-Haran compound

By JON JOAQUIN jon@edgedavao.net

“D

I S P L A C E M E N T, whether due to conflict or development, not only destroys the homes and livelihoods of indigenous peoples, but has an incalculable impact on their cultures and ways of life that are part of the rich and diverse heritage of the Philippines that must be protected or otherwise lost, perhaps forever.”

This was the statement of United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloka Beyani as he expressed concern over the plight of indigenous peoples (IPs) who have been staying at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran compound in Davao City, saying their current situation is “neither acceptable nor sustainable.”

Beyani had spent ten days in the Philippines on July 21 to 31, 2015 at the invitation of the Philippine government primarily to check on the condition of those affected by typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) which hit the country in November 2013.

He also took the opportunity to visit other areas in the country, notably Mindanao, since the purpose of his visit was to address not only displacement caused by disasters but also other forms of displacement

around the country.

In his preliminary statements at the conclusion of his visit, Beyani said he made “wide consultations with different stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, including internally displaced persons themselves and some indigenous peoples at risk of displacement in different regions of the country.”

Beyani said what struck him was that indigenous peoples “have been particularly vulnerable to conflict-induced displacement in many regions, particularly in Mindanao.” He said he was concerned by the plight of some 700 IPs living in the UCCP-Haran compound who have been displaced from their ancestral homes for several months due to long-standing conflict between the government and the New People’s Army (NPA) in their region.

Beyani travelled to Davao City to consult the national and local authorities and the indigenous peoples themselves on this situation. He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asserted that it is seeking to protect the communities and provide services to them in conflict regions.

“However, the displaced IPs made it clear that it is their presence and that of the paramilitary groups in their communities that continues

to create anxiety amongst the indigenous communities,” he added.

Beyani said the community wishes to return to its lands “but stressed to me that they will only feel safe to do so if the long-term militarization of their region comes to an end and they can return with guarantees of safety, dignity and protection.”

He said the IPs also described to him their alleged forced recruitment into the paramilitary groups Alamara, which is under the auspices of the AFP, and harassment in the context of the on-going conflict between the AFP and the NPA. “Schools have reportedly been closed and/or occupied by the AFP or Alamara, hampering the access to education of indigenous children,” he said.

Beyani also confirmed what progressive groups have been insisting: “Tribal leaders informed me that they are not being detained against their will at the UCCP centre in Davao, as is evident by reports of their periodic return to their communities.” Still, he said their current situation is “neither acceptable nor sustainable.”

Things came to a head on July 23, 2015 when members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) tried to enter the UCCP-Haran Compound in an

attempt to “rescue” the IPs, who were allegedly being held by IP officials and militant groups. The incident resulted in the injuring of two policemen and 10 Lumads.

“It is essential to find a rapid and peaceful solution to their situation in full consultation with their legitimate leaders, with their voluntary and secure return to their ancestral lands being a high priority,” Beyani said. He then urged the government to consult the indigenous peoples themselves “and to give greater attention to addressing the causes of displacement, whether it be due to the militarization of their areas or due to development projects.”

“This situation clearly demonstrates the massive and potentially irreversible impact of the on-going conflicts on displacement of such vulnerable communities who are often caught up in the conflict and suspected of involvement with armed groups,” Beyani said.

“The needs of these vulnerable people must be assessed, with their full participation, so as to provide essential assistance for them, including durable solutions which are culturally sensitive and appropriate, when displacement has taken place. The displacement of such communities whose very lives and cultures are intimately entwined with their ancestral lands and environments must only be a matter of last resort.”

-- Chaloka Beyani, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

FACEOFF. Antiriot policemen clash with lumads who are seeking refuge at the UCCP Haran Compound on July 23, 2015. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

12 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

Invasion season is here!

Gather all your friends!

S TURNOVER. Victoria Floirendo-Brias, daughter of Floirendo Foundation President Maricris F. Brias, graces the turnover ceremony of the classrooms last July 23.

Building a positive learning environment for children

Floirendo Foundation donates classrooms to Panabo grade school

A

T some point in our lives, we were made to believe that our school is our second home. This is why we grew accustomed to caring for our blackboards, tables, and chairs the same way we treat pieces of furniture in our own living room.

But this is not always the case, especially to those who do not find comfort in their learning environment.

To some of them, school feels light years away from being their second home.

In hopes of creating a positive learning environment for the youth, the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation, Inc., in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), donated three new classrooms to Roxas Elementary School in Barangay Lower Panaga, Panabo City.

The rooms, which were inaugurated last July 23, can accommodate a total of 140 students.

One of the faculty members of the school, Niña Pasa,

considered this a great improvement since her students no longer have to bear the burden of sitting elbow to elbow with their classmates.

“You cannot imagine how difficult it is for a child to concentrate in an overpopulated room, that’s why it’s really inadvisable to combine two grade levels in one classroom,” she admitted.

One of Pasa’s students, fourth grader Jessa Mae Mamacus, agreed that several factors brought by the confined space, such as intense heat and unbearable noise, distracted them from their lessons.

“Of course all of us are excited to transfer to the new rooms. Now I feel motivated to participate in class,” Mamacus said.

Before the turnover ceremony, the school only had three classrooms for the 157 currently enrolled. At least two grade levels were crammed in one classroom, making it extremely challenging for both

Students get bags from Convergys

T

HE country’s largest private employer, Convergys, recently distributed over 500 “Bags of Hope” to elementary students in Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School in Davao City.

The event last July 27 is a sustained commitment by Convergys Davao employees to support the local community.

The “Give A Bag of Hope” campaign, launched by Convergys Philippines in all of its sites in May 2015, is a nationwide employee-driven program, which seeks to address a basic challenge faced by public elementary school students – the lack of school supplies. The bags of hope allow them to better participate in school, and give them a fighting chance at their education.

Employees of the company raised money for the school supplies by donating through a monetary pledge and actual donation of school supplies, each successful referral also results to a bag of hope donated in the employee’s and new hire’s name.

“I am very thankful to the Convergys employee who gave

me a bag of hope. The generosity inspires me to continue studying hard and hoping for a bright future, no matter what challenges life brings,” said one of Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School student beneficiaries.

The school principal, Bernardo Panares, also remarked, “This is a great example for our children, that giving back enables hope for the youth to go for their dreams. The bags with school supplies donated by Convergys employees are ‘bags of hope’ indeed, and for that, we are grateful.”

“This project is one of the most meaningful initiatives as it is led by our very own employees, demonstrating one of our company values called ‘Serve the community’. Last year, the site chose a school in one of the mountain districts of the city for their school supplies. This 2015, for the “Give a Bag of Hope” campaign, we are excited that we chose another partner school, which is at the heart of the community where our employees live and work,” said John Abines, Convergys Davao Site Director.

teachers and students to pay full attention to their lessons.

There was no space left for interaction and class activities. This obstacle proved to be the most difficult to overcome since they expect an increase in their population every year.

“The Floirendo Foundation blessed us with these gifts. In the future, there will

be more students enrolled in our school and they too will benefit from these rooms,” said Roberto Candelasa, Jr., Roxas ES School Head, in his acceptance message.

“This building will bring significant changes to the lives of our students,” he concluded.

Also present in the cer-

FBUILDING, 10

PECTRUM Philippines, together with FrolicFox Productions, is kicking off this year’s tour with one of the country’s prominent annual festivals. - starting off with the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City.

Spectrum and FrolicFox promises to give you a memorable event and part of this is making sure that the venue is accessible and huge enough to comfortably accommodate all you party people.

To make it extra convenient for you, download the GrabTaxi application and await for Spectrum’s announcement for the special Invasion promo codes.

As you enter the gates, you might consider getting a memorabilia for keeps to preserve the memory of what’s going to be the most amazing experience you’ll ever have this year.

You can start by heading down to the SM Youth Truck where they sell Invasion t-shirts, and other merchandise.

Experience the unique Davao culture at the Fair Park Night Market where it showcases a myriad of local tastes and flavors. Quench your

thirst with our wide selection of beverages from our partners: Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker and other Diageo brands to give you a wide selection of drinks.

(Diageo is the world’s largest producer of spirits, wine and beer based in London).

Share the fun and excitement across the globe. Rappler will be streaming the show to the whole world through YouTube. The live stream upload is powered by Smart LTE. Consider splurging on the best views in the house -- in style. Club Echelon, Davao’s premiere nightclub, will be running the Johnnie Walker VIP Lounge. You’ll have your own entry gate, bars, table and bottle service.

And when the first beat makes its way out of the subwoofers, the lights start playing around, the monstrous LED screens wake up from their slumber, the crowd starts filling the dance floor and the DJ makes his first contact… The Invasion Show has begun.

Quality tunes pulse in your ear beat after beat while rhythm bombs are being thrown hit-

FINVASION, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Sports 13

PUTTING WOES

Ella succumbs to monster greens, limps to another 90 at the World Championships

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

T

FINE-TUNING. Ella Nagayo finetunes her swing at the practice range before the start of the second round of the US Kids Golf World Championships. Danny Nagayo

HE monster putting slopes of Southern Pines continue to hound Ella Nagayo and for the second straight day, she limped home with an 18 over par 90.

Hopes for a top ten showing in the 2015 US Kids Golf World Championships may be dim for the 11-year old golfing sensation from Davao. With only 18 holes left in this premier junior golf event staged at the mecca of American golf, Ella may as well play it relaxed this time.

The Apo Golf and Country Club standout succumbed to pressure that weighed on her shoulders in the first 36 holes of competition. Add to that, her continuous woes on the greens and around.

Her caddy-father Danny Nagayo said Ella couldn’t handle the undulating putting surface of Southern Pines. She had no problem off the tees and reached greens in regulation. However, she

sputtered with her feel at the ultra-sleek greens of the 109year old course designed by architect Danny Ross.

Ella went down to solo 96th on 36 over par 180, 41 strokes adrift of clubhouse leader Alejandra Ferrer of Mexico who is perched at the top with a 5 under par 139 after firing a tournament best 67 to go with an even par in the first round.

First round leader Leon Takagi of Brooklyn, New York dropped to a three-way tie for second at one under par 143 along with Kynadie Adams of Gallatin, Tennessee and Jacqueline Nguyen of Houston, Texas.

Ella actually had a good frontnine on Saturday, firing a five over par 41 with birdies on the par 3 third and the par 5 5th. Starting at no. 1, Ella matched the par 4 332-yard hole and the par 5 5th which is a short 365-yard hole. She went down with bogeys on 2, 4, and 7 and a double bogey on the par 3 9th.

From there, it was all uphill for the struggling Nagayo.

She failed to match par in the first five holes on the backside, dropped bogeys on 10 and 11 and doubled on 12 and 13. She had a triple bogey on 14 before matching par on the 15th. Then she had to face the monsters of the greens again in the tough finishing holes with bogeys on 16 and 17 and a double on the 18th for a backnine 49.

Ella will tee off with the 8th group at hole no. 1 for the final round on Sunday (PHL Time) along with Emiko Sverduk of Long Beach, California and Hannah Ports of Oro Valley, Arizona both of the United States.

It did not help too that the temperature rose at Pinehurst. “It’s too hot and it’s taking toll on Ella,” said Danny.

Nagayo finished a strong fourth in last week’s Veritas World Junior Golf Championships played at Brookside in Pasadena, California.

14 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

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

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015

RENEWING RIVALRY

Ateneo survives Davao Jones, faces Holy Child in finals

BULLET FAST. Raphael Francisco ensured Ateneo’s win with a 5-point run in the endgame.

Lean Daval Jr.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

F

LASHY quarterback Raphael Francisco quelled a late uprising

by Davao Jones Academy as Ateneo de Davao University took the first finals bus via a 82-65 win in the Juniors division of the 2015 Matina Enclaves Inter-School Basketball Tournament at the

Davao City Recreation Center on Saturday.

After Philip Saladio shoved DJA to within 10 points, 73-63, from a huge 22-point deficit with 2:06 left, Francisco was unleashed

by ADDU coach Miggy Solitaria and quickly scored five points punctuated by a steal and a fastbreak layup. It did not matter that Francisco muffed the bonus of an andone play with a minute left in the ballgame as the Blue Knights practically sealed it at that point, 78-64.

The two teams battled evenly in the first quarter before Ateneo slowly erected

the margin to 21 at the half, 49-28. The Bluer Knights further stretched the lead at the end of the third leading 63-41 before DJA mounted a fierce rally in the fourth anchored by Saladio who finished with 10 points.

Francisco topscored for Ateneo with 12 points, six coming in the fourth, while Vande Goor Alagao and Lex Blanco added 10 apiece.

Francis Gabriel Escandor and Jethro Taculin added 9 each.

Holy Child repulsed Assumption College of Davao 83-81 in the other semifinals to arrange a finals duel with Ateneo.

In the Mini division, Philippine Women’s College edged Precious International School Davao 69-68, to arrange a finals duel with Holy Child which whipped Ateneo-B 87-46 in the other semis.

The tournament is sponsored by the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco), the homegrown developer of Matina Enclaves, supported by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region 11 under Regino “Boy” Cua.

76 racers gear up for Kadayawan drag race GOLFER OF THE WEEK

By VANESSA KATE F.MADRAZO Ateneo de Davao University Intern

T STELLA

BARNES: Trophy collector T

HERE’S a name in the local ladies golf scene that’s consistently in the podium during awarding ceremonies--Stella Barnes.

Stella remembers exactly the time she started playing golf on June 26, 2008. After seven years, she has been into the biggest ladies tournaments here and elsewhere in the country. She had stints in the Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub in 2012, 2013 and 2014, played in the Sta. Lucia Tour in 2014, the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines (WGAP) from 2013 to 2015 and won the Pomelo Tee this year.

Stella is at home with a Honma Beres set in her bag and hits a Titleist PRO V1 ball.

She digs a golf kit made of Lacoste on top and Ecco, Puma or Footjoy for kicks. (NJB)

HE country’s top drag racers will compete in the Phoenix Accelerate: Hot August Races, on August 22-23 in celebration of the 2015 Kadayawan festival at the Davao Crocodile Park Speed City.

This competition has been annually held for 13 years and will be the third Phoenix-sponsored drag race.

It is divided in three time-classified categories.

Class C is slower where cars are expected to race in 8-9 seconds while class A is where cars are expected to race in 7-8 seconds or faster. Quick 8, on the other hand is the race between the 8 fastest cars.

The record to beat according to event organizer Frits Tan is a stellar 6.1-second win.

“It’s definitely more competitive because participants belong to a team,” he added.

“They’re really prepared for this,” he said about partic-

ipants already fine-tuning their engines to their optimum advantage.

“We’re also expecting racers from Cagayan de Oro, Gensan, Cebu, and Cotabato who will be bringing their cars here,” Tan said. They said that they are anticipating 76 or more participants this year from Davao and other cities.

A cash prize of 5,000 PHP will be awarded to the champion and 3,000 PHP for the runner up, but Jingo Camomot, event organizer, said that racers don’t find this as significant. “Mas importanteang pride to be the fastest among the fastest of cars,” he said.

This is only one of the many other legal drag racing competition this year that gathers the growing number of drag racers in Davao. Tan said that the Davao circuit is competitive especially because it is able to produce champions from various rac-

ing events.

In terms of safety, Camomot said insofar as this event has been hosted in the last 14 years, there have been no accidents recorded. There’s a safe distance between the gutter where the audience watches and the drag strip, where the race takes place.

Furthermore, they call out spectators who go beyond the safe zone during the actual competition.

Time trials will be held on August 22, Saturday while the race proper will be on August 23, Sunday.

The race is open to anyone who is of legal age and has a drivers’ license, preferable who was car-racing experience. It is also free for public viewing.

Other than that, Phoenix will also be hosting a Motocross event on August 23 in a new race track in Kauswagan, Ma-a.

HOT AUGUST RACES. Organizers Jinggo Camomot (with mic) and Frits Tan along with Phoenix Petroleum Philippines marketing supervisor Neb Bulaclac announce the Kadayawan Hot August Races during the FAST Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 87 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - 3, 2015