Edge Davao 9 Issue 78

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016 LET PEACE REIGN. A young boy proudly shows to passersby a peace symbol drawn by his elder brother on a bond paper yesterday in front of their house along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. The incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte led by incoming presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza is currently engaged in informal meeting with Communist Party of the Philippines/ National People’s Army/ National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP/NPA/NDFP) officials to pave the way for the early resumption of the long-stalled peace negotiations.

Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

OSLO TALKS UNDERWAY Dureza, Bello begin informal meeting with Sison, Jalandoni EDGEDAVAO Sports I STILL CONFIDENT

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

NCOMING presidential adviser to the peace process Atty. Jesus Dureza and his team of government negotiators met with members of the National Democratic Front (NDF) of the Philippines panel in Oslo, Norway to begin the informal peace talks with the communist rebels.

Dureza said the informal meeting between the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte and the NDFP was held at the Leysebu Hotel in the outskirts of Oslo last June 14.

Communist Party of the

Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison and NDF representative Luis Jaladoni were among those present during the initial meeting.

Dureza, who is joined in the trip by incoming labor secretary Silvestre Bello III, said the meeting started at around 5 p.m. and ended at 11 p.m. over dinner. Topics discussed, he said, was the resumption of the peace negotiations that were stalled for four years, mechanics of the talks and the resumption of discussions on June 15.

“There is evident shared

optimism on both sides due to the declaration of President-Elect Rody Duterte to seek an early sustainable peace for the nation,” Dureza reported on his Facebook account.

“Both sides agreed that since the government participants have not yet assumed office, the consensus points, if any, will be initialed for authentication purposes at the close of the informal talks and to be formalized soon after President-elect Duterte’s government has assumed office,” Dureza added.

Both Dureza and Bello were sent by Duterte to Europe to begin informal talks with the Reds, underscoring the outgoing Davao City mayor’s desire to end the decades-long conflict with the communist rebels that has already cost thousands of lives.

During the campaign period, Duterte had vowed to resume the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA and is making good his promise even before he officially assumes office on June 30 as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Warriors remain unrattled

by Game 5 loss P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

IMPOSING STRUCTURE. The huge metal structure of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s King Dome towers over the area along Diversion Road in Davao City. The King Dome, which is planned to be soft launched on September 2016, will be the country’s largest dome and can seat about 60,000 people. Lean Daval Jr.

Drug test for Koronadal Rody to take oath in Rizal Hall; workers to push through

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HE city government will push through in the coming weeks the planned mandatory drug testing for its employees as party of its “internal cleansing” initiative.

City Mayor Peter Miguel said they currently working on the arrangements for the drug tests, which will involve all employees of city government departments, offices and units.

He said he is determined to pursue the tests in a bid to totally cleanse the city government of drug users and possible pushers.

“We should first clean up our own surroundings before

going after those involved in drug-related activities,” the mayor said.

Last year, at least five city government workers, mostly on job order status, were dismissed from service due to involvement in drug-related activities.

Such development prompted the mayor to push for the conduct of mandatory drug tests for all employees.

But the measure was temporarily shelved due to some processes that the local government needs to comply.

Meantime, Miguel urged for more support and participation from local stakehold-

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‘Pritong saging’ will be served I

T WILL be a different kind of inauguration on Thursday noon, June 30, 2016, when Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the first Mindanawon to lead the country, takes his oath as the 16th President of the Philippines.

There will be no inaugural luncheon after Duterte takes his oath at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Duterte’s executive assistant and incoming head of the Presidential Management Staff told MindaNews in a text message.

But there will be a “simple diplomatic reception” after the mass oath-taking of Duterte’s Cabinet and only “light finger food” such as pritong saging (fried bananas), biko and bibingka (rice cakes), will be served, Go said.

Instead of wine, guests will be served tablea (hot chocolate) from the world-famous single-origin Malagos Chocolate in Davao City.

Go also said there will be a tour of the Presidential Museum and Library after the program and the President will not fly back to Davao City

that evening but stay in Bahay Pangarap, presently the official residence of outgoing President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Inaugurations mark the transfer of power from the incumbent President to the President-elect and are usually marked with pomp and pageantry. But Duterte is doing away with that by insisting on holding a simple inauguration within Malacañan, the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines.

In his campaign sorties,

Duterte repeatedly said he would not have his inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, venue of the oath-taking of seven Philippine Presidents including outgoing President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Quirino Grandstand was where Duterte held his miting de avance on May 7, 2016, two days before the nation gave him a 6.5 million lead over administration bet Mar Roxas. Duterte’s miting de avance attracted the most number of supporters – by the hundreds

terms of our commitment (to Earth Summit of 1992),” Colambo pointed out.

The Philippine Agenda 21 is the country’s response and actions to be fulfilled in line with its commitments to the said summit wherein the government agreed to implement an action agenda for sustainable development.

PA21, also known as the national agenda for sustainable development was launched in September 26, 1996 during the administration of former president Fidel V. Ramos as a program of action into the 21st century with the aim of improving the life of Filipinos.

The agenda’s goal ele-

ments include poverty reduction, social equity, empowerment and good governance, peace and solidarity and ecological integrity.

Colambo also suspect that incoming president Rodrigo Duterte might move for the review of the Philippine Agenda 21 particularly on its provisions.

“I suspect that the next president might review the PA21 agenda. It will start with the accomplishments. For us we have just started setting up for compliance. We were very slow,” he stressed.

He added that AGP is also looking into the status of the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) of

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Come June 25, AGP will facilitate the convergence of various stakeholders in the country to listen to the accomplishment report of the DENR on the implementation of the NGP. In order for the NGP to become effective, Colambo said program implementation must not only focus on facilitation of events.

The gathering will also become a venue for the AGP to present its “Green Agenda” that they are also lobbying to incoming President Duterte.

Among the policies that

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Duterte admin to deal with lawless elements, ASG -- Panelo

No striking gains on Phl Agenda 21, says envi group

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F NO STRIKING, 10

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HE incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will deal with all lawless elements including the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu Province but will clearly uphold a “no ransom policy” of the government on kidnapping.

This was emphasized by incoming Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in an interview with the media at the Marco Polo Hotel on Tuesday when sought for the stand of Duterte with regard to the ASG. ”President-elect Duterte will solve problem on criminality and illegality - that is his commitment, to suppress all

these,” Panelo said, adding that he is sure Duterte will solve that kind of problem.

“He will solve the problem and other problems of equal magnitude and I don’t see any problem knowing him.. marami siyang style hindi natin alam (he has many style we do not know) but very effective,” he told reporters.

“I am not sure how he will deal with but I am sure he will deal with it and he will be effective in dealing with it,” he added.

But Panelo said the beheading of Robert Hall, the second Canadian killed by the ASG reportedly to taunt Duterte, must be addressed to the

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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HERE is no striking accomplishment gained by the government in its efforts to implement the provisions of the Philippine Agenda 21 (PA21), an environmental group claimed.

Speaking before the members of the media during the regular Habi at Kape press conference at the Abreeza Mall on Wednesday, Felizardo Colambo of the Alliance for Green Philippines (AGP) said the country has no significant achievement in terms of commitments to the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.

“Yong accomplishments natin hindi striking, we have no significant achievements in

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

Eastmincom prepares for disasters in Mindanao

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O PREPARE the whole command to effectively respond in times of disasters, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) concluded on Wednesday, June 15 its three-day Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Planning Exercise that was held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City.

In a statement to the media, Eastmincom chief information officer Major Ezra Balagtey said the significant activity was joined by planners and disaster management implementers coming from the various units of Eastmincom.

“The activity is in consonance with the directive of Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero to alert all units under its control and review their respective disaster plans as part of the preparation with the onset of the rainy season,” Balagtey said.

The participating units did not only review their existing

plans during disasters but also updated the same in accordance to the standards of Incident Command System that was lectured by Director Liza Mazo of Office of Civil Defense in Davao region (OCD-XI).

“Being the lead agency in Search Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) which falls under the thematic Area Disaster Response, the exercise also allows EMC to inventory and identify different search and rescue organizations in its area of responsibility,” Balagtey added.

Included in the three-day exercise were other important activities such as the inter-operability and interconnectivity review with the various stakeholders and organizations in the region.

Lessons learned during the past disasters were also discussed where members of rescue teams ascertained situations helpful to make them more effective in responding to future emergencies and disasters. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

NEWS 3

ARBOR DAY. Green Philippines president Felizardo Colambo announces the upcoming Duterte challenge-Arbor Day, an activity for voters to plant trees in their own backyards, set on June 25. Colambo was among the guests of Wednesdays @ Hapi at Kapi at Abreeza Mall corporate center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Chinese diplomat, inventor Martial law no solution discuss seaweeds industry to ASG menace, says Mujiv A

UTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman has doubted the wisdom of putting Sulu and Basilan provinces under martial law in a bid to address security problems posed by the bandit group Abu Sayaff which beheaded on Monday another Canadian hostage.

Hataman said Wednesday there are better options in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf that would not result in human rights abuses.

The official was reacting to reports that incoming President Rodrigo Duterte was

planning to declare martial law in the two island provinces to stop the Abu Sayyaf.

“It’s not necessary, no need as of this time. The Martial Law experience by Moros in Mindanao has been traumatic. Our fear now, instead of getting the support of the people we might face trouble from various human rights abuses,” he warned.

He proposed instead a “well-coordinated, intensified and participative” law enforcement using simultaneous military operations in Sulu and

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LOCAL inventor and Taiwan diplomats headed by no less than Dr. Gary Song Huann Lin, Republic of China (ROC) representative equivalent to ambassador, met last Tuesday to discuss prospects of cooperation and joint ventures in the development of the seaweed industry in the Philippines.

Dr. Lin and his group, including Chiang-hwa “Tony” Tsai, director of political affairs of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, met with Virgilio Sangutan, president of the

Davao Inventors Association, who is himself into seaweed development.

They had a series of three meetings last Tuesday, twice at the Marco Polo Hotel and once at the Dencia’s Restaurant, where they were joined by local businessman and philanthropist Benito C. Mesina, president of the Filipino-Chinese Foundation.

Sangutan said that Taiwan is one of the many foreign countries importing dried seaweeds from the Philippines.

The Taiwanese visitors were told by Sangutan the

many innovations that he has developed in his farm such as creative technologies on seedling nurseries, seaweed species specification, planting techniques, post-harvest processes and facilities, semi-refined processing technology and the manufacture of value added products from seaweeds.

Sangutan said that there are at least 25 marketable products of which seaweed is a component. They include feed stocks, ingredients in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, car and home industry products, waste managements,

and oil leakage management, forest fire protection and management, and food.

“The Philippines, with more or less 7,100 islands and one of the longest shorelines in Asia, has great potentials of being No. 1 biggest supplier of good dried and fresh seaweeds worldwide,” the Davao inventor said.

The group agreed to meet again to finalize plans mutually beneficial to Taiwan and the Philippines, especially Davao and neighboring areas in Mindanao, which had been identified as ideal for seaweed culture. AMA

HE Government of Canada announced it is providing additional Cad$ 1.25 million (approximately PhP 43.75 million at P35 to one Cad$) in humanitarian assistance to support those living in conflict areas in Mindanao.

The announcement came a day after Robert Hall, the second Canadian national held captive by the Abu Sayyaf since September last year, was executed in Sulu on June 13. Two months earlier, mining executive John Ridsdel, who was kidnapped along with Hall, a Norwegian national and Hall’s Filipina partner from a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, was executed on April 25.

The Embassy of Canada in Manila in a press statement on June 14 announced that the additional funding will be provided to Action Against Hunger (ACF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and “will contribute to improved food security, health, living conditions, livelihoods and emergency-preparedness

in Zamboanga and Maguindanao.”

Cad$ 500,000 (approximately PhP 17.5 million) will be provided to the ACF to improve food security for more than 3,000 people displaced by conflict in Zamboanga and Maguindanao. “This will include the provision of unconditional cash grants to meet their basic needs, focusing on assisting pregnant and lactating women and households with children aged 6 to 23 months, and provision of quick impact livelihood support through cash transfers and the appropriate training,” the press release from the Embassy said.

For the ICRC, the Canadian government is giving Cad$ 750,000 (approximately PhP 26.25 milion) to provide “medical care and physical rehabilitation to detainees and weapon-wounded patients through six ICRC-trained/supported health facilities, and non-food items to up to 160,000 and food items to up to 50,000 con-

sends more Watershed Management Council Canada humanitarian help bares 3-year accomplishments T

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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HE Watershed Management Council (WMC) of Davao City on Wednesday, June 15 convened the final meeting of its members during its term from 2013 up to this year.

Presided over by the council’s vice-chair, Atty. Jhopee Avanceña-Agustin, the final

meeting of WMC members enumerated their works and accomplishments all aimed to protect the water resources of the city for the past 3 years.

Among the important resolutions passed by the council include the adoption of the Talomo-Lipadas and Panigan-Tamugan watershed ac-

FINAL MEETING. Members of the Watershed Management Council, a multi-sectoral body headed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, posed for a souvenir photo, after conducting their final meeting to end their threeyear term where they summarized the WMC’s works and achievements

tion plan for 2013-2018 that was integrated into the WMC plan for implementation; and the resolution that directed the technical working group (TWG) of the council to study and evaluate the proposal of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group to establish a hydro power plant in

Barangay Lamanan.

The council also directed its TWG to evaluate the proposed geothermal study of the Energy Development Corporation.

The TWG already submitted reports on the evaluations it conducted while the propo-

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from 2013 to June of 2016. Assistant City Administrator Jhopee AvanceñaAgustin (center in black dress) presided WMC meetings during the last three years in behalf of City Administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain, co-chair of Mayor Duterte. (Alexander D. Lopez)

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DOH steps up diarrhea watch in Samar T

HE Department of Health (DOH) is stepping up the monitoring of diarrhea cases in Eastern Visayas as the illness continue to plague poor communities.

Teams from the department’s regional office have been deployed to curb the illness that killed 44 persons and afflicted 3,496 others in four Eastern Visayas provinc-

es, said DOH Regional Director Minerva Molon.

The DOH earlier declared an outbreak in Sta Rita town, Catbalogan City, and Calbiga town in Samar, but the situation now is under control. The DOH has blamed contamination of drinking water as the culprit.

“We have been receiving reports that situation is im-

Panelo describes latest Cabinet choices as people of integrity

I

NCOMING Press Secretary Salvador Panelo has dismissed speculations there is conflict of interest among the latest appointees of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, saying “all passed the qualifications set by the incoming administration.”

Answering a question about Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo, who was picked

by Duterte as Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Panelo said Teo has integrity, competence and the experience to do the job.

The selection of Teo reportedly surprised some people because she owns a travel agency, thus there is conflict of interest.

But Panelo said Teo can let another person take over her travel firm and “there is no conflict of interest.”

Teo, a graduate of Business Administration from St. Theresa’s College, Quezon City, is the owner and past president of Mt. Apo Travel and Tours in Davao City and an active tourism player in Davao. She is a member of the Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA), the Davao Association of Tour Operators (DATO), the Davao Regional Tourism Council (DRTC), and president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies.

On late Monday night, Duterte named Teo and three more members of his wouldbe Cabinet including Sunstar Davao columnist Ernesto Abella as Deputy Presidential Spokesperson.

Panelo welcomed Abella as his deputy and denied

he recommended the latter to Duterte. “Hindi kailangan mag recommend kung sinong kanyang i-appoint (There is no need to recommend who he wants to appoint),” Panelo said.

In an interview at Marco Polo Hotel, Panelo said Duterte is also eyeing another deputy spokesperson, a lady from the television broadcast industry. He, however, refused to name her in deference to the official announcement from Duterte.

In a brief video clip given to the media, Abella announced that Duterte named Teo for DOT, Ramon Lopez as Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and Dr. Paulyn Jean Ubial to head the Department of Health (DOH).

Ubial is the current Assistant Secretary for Health Regulations and hails from M’lang, North Cotabato. She also served DOH in Davao Region.

On the other hand, Ramon partnered with the local government in bringing Go Negosyo to Davao City.

According to its website, Go Negosyo is the advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) believing that Filipinos can address poverty in the country by engaging in entrepreneurship and developing an optimistic, passionate, creative and innovative, resourceful, diligent and persevering character.

It was learned that Ramon has always been a resource person of DTI on forums on medium and small enterprises. (PNA)

Police hunt down killer of Maguindanao village official

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OLICE have launched a massive manhunt against a man who executed a village official Tuesday in Talayan, Maguindanao, police said today.

Senior Inspector Jun Olis, Talayan town police chief, identified the victim as Harris Abdulrahman, 50, member of village council of Barangay Marader.

Olis said Abdulrahman was driving his motorbike at 10 a.m. along with a man named “Fatah” heading toward Barangay Marader when a man flagged them

down. ”Suddenly, the man opened fire, killing Abdurahman instantly,” Olis said.

Olis said Fatah quickly jumped off the motorbike and ran for his life. “Probably he knows the suspect,” he said, “that is why we are looking for him so he can give statement.”

The police believed the motive could be personal between the attacker and the village official.

Olis said a statement from a certain Fatah is vital in the resolution of the official’s killing. (PNA)

proving, but we will not rest unless the health problem is fully addressed,” Molon said.

The health official also called for cooperation from the affected communities by practicing proper hygiene, use of sanitary toilets and proper waste disposal.

She also called on newly-elected officials to prioritize the provision of safe potable

water.

“We have to prepare our communities. This is continuous activity through our health promotion by networking with our newly-elected officials, who are not yet aware of our program,” said Molon.

Diarrhea has been affecting the towns of Las Navas, Gamay, Catarman, Lavezares, Biri, Bobon, Laoang, Lope de Vega,

SIX MONTHS AFTER TYPHOON NONA. Around 1,600 families affected

by Typhoon Nona (Melor) from eight barangays in Magallanes, Sorsogon, receive various vegetable seeds from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), to help them recover from the impact of the typhoon that caused extensive losses to their livelihoods of affected communities in southern Luzon and Visayas six months ago. The seeds—pechay, ampalaya, eggplant, squash and

Mondragon and Pambujan in northern Samar.

In Samar province, diarrhea has downed several residents in Catbalogan City, Calbiga, Sta Rita, Zumarraga, Talalora, Basey, Pinabacdao, Sta Margarita, and Daram.

Catbalogan City Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan said as part of the city government action to address the problem is to con-

tinue monitoring the situation by activating their Operation Center that treats cases.

“Our health workers have been assessing the situation.

For those villages affected wherein water contamination is suspected we have distributed aqua tabs. We have already purchased emergency medicines as early as April,” Uy-Tan said. (PNA)

stringbean—were distributed to improve their food production in time for the rainy season.

Since the aftermath of Typhoon Nona, the ICRC and the PRC have assisted these disaster-affected communities, located in conflict areas in Bicol and Northern Samar, by providing food and vegetable seeds to nearly 41,000 people; unconditional cash grants to 13,400 people; and cash for work to over 3,700 people. Photo credits: ICRC/ V. Gustilo

Electric cooperative energizes Davao del Sur’s remote village T

HE Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Dasureco) in partnership with the local government has energized at least 80 households in the remote Sitio Upper Asbang-Elok in Barangay Tagaytay here.

The electrification project is part of the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) of the national government that is being implemented by the existing electric cooperative

in the area and the municipal counterpart.

In a simple turnover and switch-on ceremony Tuesday morning, DASURECO-Magsaysay Director Douglas Corpuz said that the request for the project is long overdue but since the road going to the remote village is not yet passable, it was not immediately implemented.

“And since the local government has already made the

road passable and accessible to four-wheel vehicles, we immediately sent our crew to start the project, Corpuz said.

He lauded the efforts of the present local administration in the municipality for its initiatives to address the prevailing problems in the village like electrification, water system, access of road, and other development projects.

Mayor Arthur Davin said that it is the thrust of his ad-

ministration to listen to what the residents of remote villages have to say to know their needs.

“We see to it that we can address the residents’ prevailing needs and priorities,” he said.

The activity is only the second day of the week-long turnover of various projects as a unique way of celebrating the 49th founding anniversary of Magsaysay. (PNA)

HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga Regional Office celebrated the 28th year of its implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) citing a 94 percent accomplishment in its land acquisition and distribution.

DAR Asst. Regional Director Daylinda Narisma said the land tenure improvement (LTI) the land acquisition and

distribution (LAD) profile has a scope of 300,071 hectares.

The program has a cumulative accomplishment of 282,226 hectares or a 94 percent accomplishment, with a balance of 17,845 hectares and has a total of 128,450 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

The DAR Caraga LAD has also been a consistent performer in land distribution with over 100 percent ac-

complishment from its annual target in the past 12 years, according to Narisma.

In 2015, the region delivered a 111 percent accomplishment.

The program also did well in its two other major services which are the program beneficiaries development and the agrarian justice delivery, Narisma said.

CARP, a social justice program started on 1998 during

the term of the late President Corazon Aquino, undertakes three major programs: the land acquisition and distribution (LAD) which gives tenurial security to landless farmers; agrarian justice which provided free legal services to farmers and support services which provided various support to farmers and beneficiaries enabling them to achieve a better quality of life. (PNA)

DAR-Caraga reports 94% accomplishment T

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Ureka forum at SM Lanang, July 23

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ECOGNIZING the huge role of e-commerce as a portal to global market, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region is urging small businesses to join the Ureka Forum on July 23 at SMX Lanang Convention Center.

“Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who are ready with their products are called to participate this event because it will give them greater chances to tap wider market,” DTI 11 regional director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said in a press conference at the Seda Hotel yesterday.

Partcipating businesses can avail services provided by convenors of Ureka along with its partner companies like Air21, AMTI, DragonPay, Zalora, PLDT Smart SME Nation, and Shopinas which helped in fulfilling their roles as catalysts to reach the full potential of small businesses here through utilization of digital platforms.

For his part, Union Bank executive vice president Genaro Lapez said the consortium leads in the creation of individual websites for growing SMEs, while allowing them to post their products in Shopinas and Ureka page.

Now on its third time in less than a year, the Union Bank-organized forum is set to bring down its partner companies which will give a boost

to MSME’s marketing efforts through the use of e-commerce.

“Bringing the Ureka Forum to Mindanao ,we hope to help nurture a business climate that empowers SMEs via inclusive e-commerce to power sustainable growth,” Lapez said.

He said prospects on Mindanao remained to be positive as investments is expected to pour as one of the effects of the victory of a Mindanawon in the recent presidential election.

“We expect the region to enjoy a surge of investments and commerce-including e-commerce- from this point forward,” he added.

More than 90 percent of the Philippine economy is fuelled by SMEs, but only one percent of the figure had a website, the Google’s Global 2014 Index study said.

This was despite the findings that nine out of 10 Filipinos with credit cards are using digital platforms to shop online at least once a month.

To address this, the DTI crafted a 2020 E-Commerce Roadmap as development blueprint that targets to activate no less that 100,000 SMEs into ecommerce and make their businesses account for about 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

On the private sector side,

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CONCEPT OUTLET. Executive director Arvin Pessumal (center), finance manager Diya Pessumal (left) and branch manager Grace Diaz lead the cutting of ribbon to formally open World Class Concepts Corp. concept outlet

at the junction of V. Mapa and Mabini Streets in Davao City yesterday. World Class Concepts Corp. is an importer, wholesaler and distributor of glassware, kitchenware, household utensils, hotel and restaurant supplies. Lean Daval Jr.

Incentives for organic farm products hiked T HE city government has doubled its incentives to local farmers who are shifting to organic farming as it moves for its wider adoption in the area.

City Mayor Peter Miguel said they increased the cash incentives to PHP2 from the previous PHP1 for every kilo of farm products produced by

organic farming practitioners within the city.

For poultry and livestock, he said they have set a cash incentive of PHP10 per every kilo or produce.

“This is to encourage more farmers to go into genuine organic farming production,” the mayor said.

Miguel said he has direct-

ed the City Agriculture Office (CAO) to allocate the necessary funds for the cash incentive.

He urged farmers who wants to shift to organic farming to avail of various assistance, specifically trainings, through the CAO. The city government initially offered the cash incentives about two years ago as

part of the rollout of its organic farming program in partnership with the Department of Agriculture in Region 12.

Miguel said the adoption of the organic farming program is part of the local government’s efforts to align its priority initiatives with the Millenium Development Goal of eradicating

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EDGEDAVAO

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MSMEs seeking MCT accreditation

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

EVERAL agri-based micro, small and medium enterprises in Mindanao are vying to become the initial list of accredited firms with the Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT).

Sheila Mae Almasa, coordinator for the MCTKnowledge Center, said a pool of experts from the MinDA, Philippine Exporters Confederation, industry movers, and Mindanao Business Council will compose

the deciding body for the accreditation of these small businesses.

The MTC is an initiative of the Mindanao Development Authority and will be launched on June 25.

Almasa said MCT is tailored fit to address the problem in the value chain and integrate it based on the international standards.

“This is a program of MinDA which will boost the MSMEs that have it. This col-

Aquino urges Filipinos to sustain admin gains

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RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday called on the Filipino people to continue supporting the government to ensure that the gains achieved by his administration in the past six years would become permanent.

In his speech during the “Ulat ng TESDA kay Juan at Juana” in Taguig City, the President also urged the public to guard the government’s achievements these past few years.

“Panawagan ko po: Ngayong tinatamasa na natin ang pagbabago, patuloy tayong mag-bantay at maki-ambag upang gawin itong permanente,” he said.

“Lalo nating patibayain ang ating mandato upang makapaghatid pa ng agarang benepisyo sa ating mamamayan.”

Noting that it could well be his last event at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as president, the Chief Executive thanked

TESDA officials and personnel for doing their best in pursuing his Daang Matuwid agenda in the past six years.

He also spelled out TESDA’s achievements during his tenure, which include its 10-million course graduates and 72-percent placement rate for its Training for Work Scholarship Program.

The TESDA has also been awarded the nationwide ISO-9001:2008 certification, which signifies its dedication and competence.

“Malinaw po, lahat ng nakamit nating tagumpay ay bahagi lamang nang malawakan nating pagsisikap na tuparin ang ating panatang ang iwan ang ating bansa sa mas magandang sitwasyon kaysa sa ating dinatnan,” the President said.

“Sa Daang Matuwid, ginagawa natin ang tama at makatwiran. Sinasagad ang pagkakataon makapag-lingkod at tinututok ang serbisyo sa kapakanan ng mas nakar-

F AQUINO, 13

lective trademark, that will be really known and aligned to international voluntary standards, will allow small businesses from Mindanao to compete internationally,” she said during the Wednesday’s at Habi at Kape, Abreeza Mall yesterday.

The trademark, she said, is a special form that distinguishes the product based on its geographical origin, material, mode of manufacture, or other common characteris-

MCT SYSTEM. Mindanao Development Authority’s Shiela Almasa gives details on the Mindanao Collective Trademark (MCT) system which will be launched on June 21 at Park Inn by Radisson Davao. The event will focus

P

lenged the TESDA family and the public to protect the achievements of his administration particularly in the economy, education, health and other social services that uplift the lives of good number of Filipino people.

“Hanggang sa huli, masasabi ko po, napakalaking karangalan sa’king mamuno kasama ninyo at paglingkuran nang buong puso at katapatan ang sambayanang Pilipino,” the President said.

Under the stewardship of Senator-elect Joel Villanueva, the TESDA has been awarded a nationwide ISO-9001:2008 certification.

“Kumpyansa po tayo sa bagong tungkulin ni Joel, mag-oovertime siya sa pagkayod sa Senado upang mag-dulot pa ng trabaho at pagkakataon sa maraming Pilipino,” the President said.

President Aquino is set to step down on June 30 and will be replaced by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA)

enter bigger markets which require certifications from Global GAP, Organic,among others.

Once launched, Almasa said the center, one of the features of the trademark program, will help in the facilitation of applications for SMEs for accreditation.

Experts from higher education institutions from Mindanao will provide technical assistance to applicants to be compliant.

She said MinDA will be clustering applicants from similar industries to lower the cost of certification which are mostly conducted by international accrediting bodies.

The kind of certification will be dependent on the market, she said, adding some countries require specific accreditation beforenit can allow the product to enter its market to ensure quality and sustainability.

on agri products to be aligned with MCT compliant with goal to achieve competitiveness of Mindanao’s produce. Almasa graced yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Hapi at Kape at Abreeza Mall corporate center. Lean Daval Jr.

Piñol vows to make milk feeding in public schools a nat’l program

Contribution of TESDA to development lauded I RESIDENT Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday thanked the officials and employees of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for their big contribution in the “Daang Matuwid” (straight path) governance.

“Ito na nga po marahil ang huling pagkakataon na makakaharap ko kayo dito sa TESDA at bilang Pangulo, taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa ibinuhos ninyong sipag, lakas at dedikasyon upang makihakbang sa Daang Matuwid,” the President said in his speech during “Ulat ng TESDA Kay Juan at Juana” at Brick Plaza, TESDA Complex in Taguig City.

“Malinaw po, lahat ng nakamit nating tagumpay ay bahagi lamang nang malawakan nating pagsisikap na tuparin ang ating panatang ang iwan ang ating bansa sa mas magandang sitwasyon kaysa sa ating dinatnan,” he added.

President Aquino chal-

tics of goods and services.

The MCT is also a voluntary standard that is seen to strengthen the enterprises and industries of Mindanao by ensuring compliance with the demands of the world market and set of protocols shortlisted by concerned agencies.

Anchoring on the huge potential of Mindanao products to sell in the international market, the trademark system will allow SMEs to

NCOMING Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” F. Piñol has vowed to make the milk feeding in public schools a national program.

The plan aims to address the problem of dairy farmers in marketing and distribution of milk and at the same time, help alleviate malnutrition among school children.

As part of his “Biyaheng Bukid”, Piñol has visited the

Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) National Headquarters and Gene Pool along with the other DA attached agencies here to see for himself the outcomes and the relevant issues about their respective program.

The incoming agriculture secretary was toured

by PCC top personnel at the Milka Krem where carabao’s milk products such as mozzarella, bocconcini, kesong puti, pastillas, yoghurt, fresh

milk and different flavored milk drinks were served.

He was also ushered to the national gene pool to visit the purebred buffaloes and later toured the Livestock Innovations and Biotechnology Center where he was briefed about the PCC program in a video presentation featuring success stories of farmers.

Eastern Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative chairman Melchor Correa,

who served as the representative of the buffalo dairying community, shared his testimony on how the PCC’s program helped them improve their daily living.

“In dairying, climate change is never a problem.

We can still harvest milk from our buffaloes whether it is raining or shining.

In fact, I am earning more than PHP2,000 a day from the milk sales. I won’t need

DOT Assistant Secretary Rolando Cañizal said that the strategy highlighted key issues identified in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) and set out the strategic actions needed to upgrade the capacity of human resources to meet the projected needs of the sector.

“It focuses on investing in people, which is the greatest asset of the Philippines,” Cañizal said during the turnover ceremony on Tuesday, noting that 4.98-million Filipinos are currently em-

ployed in the tourism sector.

Moreover, Cañizal said that the action plan identified the challenges still being faced by both education and tourism sectors and offered ways to address them.

Among these include low level of service and skills, inconsistent product and services, lack of skilled workers that meet the expected needs of our tourism customers, poor hosting and tourism knowledge most especially front-liners or basically a job skills mismatch.

“For example, the number of Japanese visitors that we have attracted in 2013 is about 433,705. We only have about 105 Japanese speaking tour guides. So that means a ratio of one tour guide for every 4,131 Japanese tourists,” Cañizal said.

The DOT official also said that there was also lack of teachers, training institutions, certification system for teachers, and training facilities not being at par with training needed by students

F PIÑOL, 13

DOT draws up action plan to sustain tourism momentum

A

N ACTION plan was formally turned over by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to two educational agencies on Tuesday meant to sustain tourism momentum in the Philippines.

Called the “Philippine Tourism Human Resource Development Strategy and Action Plan 2015 to 2020”, will be put to use by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

F DOT, 13

7 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

S THE ARMS, wrists and hands are overused, it is not surprising that they can become a source of pain called carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS. “CTS is a condition involving the wrist that can cause pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in your fingers and thumbs,” said the United States-based Arthritis Foundation.

In the wrist, several tendons (tissues that connect muscle to bone) and a nerve (called the median nerve) pass through a bony canal called carpal tunnel.

The median nerve, according to Arthritis Foundation, carries signals between the hand and spinal cord and provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and parts of the ring finger. The median nerve also supplies muscles that move the thumb.

“The carpal tunnel has a normal resting pressure. In most of us the pressure is low. In some of us, the pressure is higher,” said the American Academy of Orthopedic Association.

“Any activity that raises the pressure in the carpal tunnel affects the tendons and nerve.

The tendons are durable and tolerate the pressure well. In contrast, the median nerve is delicate and is vulnerable to pressure changes. Even mild increases in pressure that are sustained over a prolonged period of time can result in symptoms of pain and numbness.”

CTS can occur at any age, but most commonly among people over the age of 50. It can also affect younger people, especially if they do work or other activities that require frequent, forceful use of the hands. “Regardless of age, CTS occurs more often in women than in men,” the Arthritis Foundation noted.

“Particularly at risk are people whose work requires repeated forceful movements with the wrist extended, such as using a screwdriver,” explained The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Pregnant women and people who have diabetes, an underactive thyroid gland, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.”

The symptoms can be minor or severe, and sometimes disabling. “Carpal tunnel syndrome typically starts gradually, with a

vague aching in your wrist that can extend to your hand or forearm,” said the Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic.

Medical science shares these common signs and symptoms: • Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand, especially the thumb, index, middle or ring fingers, but not the little finger.

This sensation often occurs while driving a car or holding a phone or a newspaper, or upon awakening.

• Pain radiating or extending from the wrist up the arm to the shoulder or down into the palm or fingers, especially after forceful or repetitive use.

This usually occurs on the front (palm) side of the forearm.

• A sense of weakness in the hands and a tendency to drop objects. People with CTS have trouble performing simple tasks such as tying their shoes or picking up small objects. A constant loss of feeling in some fingers.

Many patients with CTS are unable to differentiate hot from cold by touch.

“CTS may affect one or both hands and symptoms typically come and go at first,” said the Arthritis Foundation. “Early in the course of CTS, symptoms may be affected by the way you use your hands and wrists as well as how often you use them. For example, driving or slicing fruits may bring on symptoms.

“When your hands are at rest, symptoms are often relieved. As the condition worsens and pressure on the median nerve becomes greater, you may experience continuous pain or numbness.”

Some people might think that carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition of the information technology age, born from long hours of computer keyboarding.

But carpal tunnel syndrome is nothing new. “Evidence of people experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in medical records dating back to the beginning of the 20th century,” reported the Mayo Clinic.

As stated earlier, anything that reduces the space for the median nerve in the carpal tunnel can produce CTS. The most common factors involve swelling of the tissues that surround the tendons leading to increased pressure within the carpal tunnel.

Some causes and associated conditions may include: broken or dislocated bones in the wrist which produce swelling, arthritis (especially the rheumatoid type), thyroid gland imbalance, sugar diabetes, hormonal changes associated with menopause and pregnancy.

Although any of the above may be present, most cases have no known cause.

Some studies have also indicated that typing or computer use may cause carpal tunnel syndrome, but the scientific evidence for this is weak. For example, a study published June 2001 in the journal Neurology found that heavy computer use (up to seven hours a day) did not increase a person’s risk of developing CTS. Some examples of jobs associated with an increased risk of CTS are cashiers, hairdressers, tailors, factory workers, mechan-

ics, musicians and computer keyboard operators.

If you experience any symptoms mentioned earlier, consult your doctor and be sure to describe the location of the pain and the activities which aggravate and relieve the pain.

“Your doctor will examine your hand and look for changes in muscle contour and sensibility,” the American Academy of Orthopedic Association said. “[The doctor] may order blood

tests and X-rays of the hands and wrists.”

The treatment aims to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by reducing the pressure on the median nerve.

People often find temporary relief from symptoms by hanging their arm out of the bed at night or by shaking their hand vigorously with a flicking action.

Mild symptoms may also be relieved by applying ice packs

to the wrist (ice should not be applied directly to the skin) and by resting the hands and wrists regularly. Wrist splints can be used, either at night, or both day and night.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce swelling, and so relieve pain. However, there is little scientific evidence to suggest that these are effective for carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are possible side-effects including nausea, stomach upsets and stomach ulcers.

There are other medicines available that may help reduce the symptoms of CTS, but these need to be prescribed by a doctor.

If the above are not successful, surgery may be required to relieve symptoms and avoid permanent nerve or muscle damage. The procedure, called carpal tunnel release, involves cutting the carpal ligament to make more space for the nerves and tendons in the carpal tunnel.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t follow a predictable course,” said the United Kingdom-based Repetitive Strain Injury Association. “In around one in three people with the syndrome, the condition gets better without any treatment. Some people have symptoms that get progressively worse, while others only have symptoms from time to time. If treated early, mild cases usually get better without surgery.” (Photos from the net)

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

EDITORIAL A

West Philippine Sea in the Public Mind: Beyond Sound Bites

S THE Philippines heads into a new political dispensation, much of the country is watching with bated breath how the newly minted President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will sooner or later deal with the issue of China’s aggressive intrusion into the West Philippine Sea (or areas of the South China Sea lying within the country’s exclusive economic zone prescribed by international law).

By this time, thanks or no thanks to a media feeding frenzy over the maverick presidential winner from the south, who hasn’t heard or read Duterte’s public statements (or watched him on television issuing the same) on the country’s territorial conflict with China?

His pronouncements have sent mixed, nay, contradictory, signals on where he stands or sits amid this simmering maritime flashpoint in Philippine-Sino ties. This, against a backdrop of the much anticipated ruling of The Hague tribunal, where the Philippines, taking the path of international arbitration under outgoing President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III’s watch, has lodged its case against China.

Such declarations easily lend themselves to sound bite-riddled, “he said/she said”, media reports, the better to dumb down important issues and public discourse. That they have generated more media hype is best viewed in light of the fact that they come no less from from the country’s recently proclaimed president, who has earned a global reputation not only for his foul mouth bent on spewing out invective-laden rants each time he speaks, but also for his predictable yet no less disturbing off-the-cuff comments even on a highly volatile issue that is the West Philippine Sea. Duterte is known to have said he would seek multilateral talks with other claimant states to the South China Sea and major Philippine allies like the United States, favored a joint exploration with China in the resource-rich, strategic waterway, and, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, that he would jet-ski to the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal to plant a Philippine flag on the disputed island.

The 71-year-old soon-to-be-erstwhile Davao City mayor’s every declaration, however facetious or mind-boggling to some, and clearly a sharp departure from the Aquino administration’s posture on the West Philippine Sea, has merited prominent print space and airtime.

But whether extensive media coverage of the country’s territorial tensions with China, conveniently alongside Duterte’s propensity to flip-flop on the maritime wrangling in the West Philippine Sea, has led to more nuanced and expansive understanding among Filipinos of the relevant issues involved is entirely another matter.

To date much of the narrative on the escalating territorial quarrel between the two Asian neighbors tends to pit the states involved against one other — China vs the Philippines and other regional

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claimants, and China vs the US as well as Japan as major global powers keen to assert freedom of navigation in the contested waters of the South China Sea, and push for regional peace and stability in the face of China’s bluster.

There is no gainsaying the polarizing impact of the South China Sea disputes, which involve other Southeast Asian neighbors. Yet such discords carry more complexities than what the Philippine media may have cared to examine and bring to the forefront of public discussion. Are there other frames besides conflict through which the South China Sea issue — and how it impacts a smaller country like the Philippines — must be seen and reported by the press? Surely there are, such as the economic and historical sides of the dispute.

What are the dominant narratives driving public discussions on the West Philippine Sea? What issues are being glossed over or have merited little, if any, media attention? Is there adequate context and background in media coverage of the ongoing maritime standoff between China and the Philippines? To what extent have the media, citing carefully researched pieces of evidence presented by experts including Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, challenged China’s extensive territorial claims, moored in the historically dubious nine-dash line that covers practically the entire West Philippine Sea? Media’s role in fostering public understanding of important issues — not least of which are the dark clouds hovering over the West Philippine Sea — cannot be underscored enough.

This is true not only at the national level but also across communities that are far removed from the center of foreign policymaking in the Philippines. Interestingly enough, it is in these areas where impoverished and marginalized sectors such as fisherfolk have been feeling the brunt of China’s bellicose actions, enough to send alarm bells ringing and crisis shockwaves reverberating across the country. But this kind of scenario is perhaps best left to the imagination.

It appears that the tides of public opinion on the West Philippine Sea have yet to rise in unison with the frenzied efforts of the government to wrest back control of the contested islands.

Suffice it to say that public engagement and dialogue around the West Philippine Sea vary at best —and it behooves the media to report on the country’s claims in the disputed waters with increased sharpness, nuance, background and context.

To do otherwise is to leave the public wading helplessly in the murky waters of the disputed islands — amid a sea of shallow reports on competing maritime claims, not to mention Duterte’s controversial pronouncements that conveniently offer sensationalist grist for media mills. By Tess Bacalla (for the 20th National Press Forum)

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EDGEDAVAO “When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts.” -- From “Poems” by Mary Baker Eddy *** N Volume 2 of “Conversations With God: An Uncommon Dialogue,” authored by Neale Donald Walsch, I came across this conversation: “Be a light unto the world, and hurt it not.

Seek to build not destroy. Bring my people home.”

“How?” “By your shining example. Seek only Godliness. Speak only in truthfulness. Act only in love. Live the Law of Love now and forever more. Give everything require nothing. Avoid the mundane. Do not accept the unacceptable.

Teach all who seek to learn of Me. Make every moment of your life an outpouring of love. Use every moment to think the highest thought, say the highest word, do the highest deed. In this, glorify your Holy Self, and thus too, glorify Me. Bring peace to the Earth by bringing peace to all those whose lives you touch. Be peace. Feel and express in every moment your Divine Connection with the All, and with every person, place, and thing.

“Embrace every circumstance, own every fault, share every joy, contemplate every mystery, walk in every man’s shoes, forgive every offense (including your own), heal every heart, honor every person’s truth, adore every person’s God, protect every person’s rights, preserve every person’s dignity, promote every person’s interests, provide every person’s needs, presume every person’s holiness, present every person’s greatest gifts, produce every person’s blessing, pronounce every person’s future secure in the assured love of God. “Be a living, breathing example of the Highest Truth that resides within you. Speak humbly of yourself, lest someone mistake your Highest Truth for boast. Speak softly, lest someone think you are merely calling for attention.

Speak gently, that all might know of Love. Speak openly, lest someone think you have something

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

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Angels still in business to hide. Speak THINK ON THESE! candidly, so you cannot be mistaken. Speak often, so that your word may truly go forth. Speak respectfully, that no one be dishonored. Speak lovingly, that every syllable Henrylito D. Tacio may heal. Speak of Me with every henrytacio@gmail.com utterance. Make of your life a gift. Remember always, you are the gift!

“Be a gift to everyone who enters your life, and to everyone whose life you enter. Be careful not to enter another’s life if you cannot be a gift.

(You can always be a gift, because you always are the gift—yet sometimes you don’t let yourself know that.) When someone enters your life unexpectedly, look for the gift that person has come to receive from you.

“I have sent you nothing but angels.”

This brings us to the question: Do people still believe in angels today? “We not only live among men, but there are airy hosts, blessed spectators, sympathetic lookers-on, that see and know and appreciate our thoughts and feelings and acts,” admits Henry Ward Beecher.

“The angels,” explains John Calvin, “are the dispensers and administrators of the Divine beneficence toward us; they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us.”

Saint Francis de Sales says, “Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.” And Saint Thomas Aquinas believes, “An angel can illuminate the thought and mind of man by strengthening the power of vision.”

There is no definite number of angels recorded in the Holy Bible. Eileen Elias Freeman, in ‘The Angels’ Little Instruction Book,” pointed out: “Angels are all around us, all the time, in

the very air we breathe.” George Bernard Shaw commented, “In heaven, an angel is nobody in particular.”

Perhaps, the number of angels might be compared with the number of stars in the universe, which means the number would run into the billions. Apostle John saw in a vision “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” -- that equals 100 million and untold thousands besides.

The book of Daniel (7:10) recorded: “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him.” And Revelation 5:11 stated: “Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.”

Interestingly, of all of the angels, Michael and Gabriel are given places of importance among angels in the ministry of God. Both Michael and Gabriel are mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Michael, whose name means “who is like God,” has the rank of archangel and is the defender of Israel, God’s chosen people. Gabriel, whose name means “mighty one of God,” is a special messenger of God. Satan, a fallen - evil angel, is also mentioned by name.

Unknowingly, we can all be angels to one another. Joan Wester Anderson explains: “We can choose to obey the still small stirring within, the little whisper that says go: ‘ask, and reach out.’ Be an answer to someone’s plea. You have a part to play. Have faith. We can decide to risk that He is indeed there, watching, caring, cherishing us as we love and accept love. The world will be a better place for it. And wherever they are, the angels will dance.”

As a friend, you can be an angel, too. Do you know the reasons why? According to one poem, friends brighten our days “in all kind of wonderful, magical ways.” Their thoughtfulness comes, “as a gift from above” and we feel we’re surrounded, “by warm, caring love.” Friends fill our lonesome moments “with their laughter and fun.” They are considered angels “without

any wings” for they bring blessing to our lives “with the most precious things.”

James Russell Lowell once penned, “All God’s angels come to us disguised.”

I am reminded of this quote after reading a story circulated in the internet. It goes this way: Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion’s guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, “Things aren’t always what they seem.”

The next night the two angels came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up the next morning, the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears.

Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? “The first man had everything, yet you helped him,” she accused. “The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.”

“Things aren’t always what they seem,” the older angel replied. “When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t find it.”

The older angel continued, “Then, last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren’t always what they seem.”

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don’t turn out the way they should.

If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until sometime later. After all, things aren’t always what they seem.

like using govMY TWO CENTS’ ernment funds for personal use).

Many gaffes he is accused of making reveal a man given to extreme honesty about how he feels, never mind the adverse public John Tria reaction or disecisouth@gmail.com appointment.

The last “worst thing” he said was to call for a unity of both Grace Poe and Mar Roxas against the eventual winner Rodrigo Duterte. The effect of that statement , of course is to further weaken both Poe and Roxas, and is seen by some to effect Duterte’s victory.

In this regard, the man I believe should be studied is Mar Roxas. His overwhelming ambition to be president (sources say he plans to run yet again in 2022), can be seen as the reason for this hypersensitivity. His 2016 campaign said it all:ituloy and Daang Matuwid, which means, continue the straight path, a throwback to Aquino’s 2010 electoral victory won on a platform of being able to forge a governance based on removing corruption via the straight path.

That said, the Roxas political machine had designs on the presidency long before. 2010 would have been his year to run. However, other realities forced him not to. He gave way to Aquino in 2010 gave the latter the license to win. Of course, this means that by giving way, he lay perfect claim to the role of standard bearer in the next presidential elections. Roxas obtained juicy positions in the Aquino cabinet which enabled him to touch base with local officials, the last of which was Secretary of the Interior and local Government, replacing the

popular Jesse Robredo, the late husband of the eventual Vice President, Leni.

All that said, it would be fair to say that the sensitivity about public opinion was conditioned by the Roxas 2016 run. One of the preconditions for Roxas win was the popularity of PNOY, which, looking back, remained fairly constant and high over the six year period.

This only began to fall toward the end of his term. However, popularity as the main currency for political victory, can also be claimed Manny Pacquiao, or any other popular politician known for image and looks above performance. Grace Poe is another example. Thus, popularity alone does not equate to leadership, not by a mile. There is more to leadership.

Incessant focus on popularity makes leadership impossible. Important key decisions, especially the ones that create change or institute reforms, are blurred by the need to please everyone and avoid adverse public opinion. It makes you slow, reactive and ineffective. Like sloth.

PNOY Presidency: Popularity alone makes you weak

HE sloth of popularity. This is what the late Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew was probably referring to when he said thus: “I have never been concerned with opinion polls or popularity polls. I think a leader who is, is a weak leader.”

Reflecting on the past six years of the Aquino presidency reveals that from day one, it was so sensitive about its popularity ratings that it kept tabs on Social Weather Station surveys on the popularity and trust ratings of President Aquino, Vice President Binay and other national leaders like the Supreme Court and the Senate president. Practically all national leaders with some possibility of succeeding the president were monitored.

Therein lies a disjunct. PNOY is known for speaking his mind, often complete with a lack of tact and seeming insensitivity for people affected by his words or actions. I do not personally consider him a sweet talking politician nor do I think he is a sweet toothed one (read: corrupt and greedy for the “sweet” pleasures

10 NEWS Rody... FROM 2

of thousands — among the five Presidential candidates.

In the hinterlands of Tulunan, North Cotabato where he fetched an Army soldier held captive by the New People’s Army (NPA) on April 27, Duterte announced to a crowd of civilians and NPA combatants that if he wins the Presidency, the Filipino people should not expect him to have an oath-taking at the Luneta because he does not want to cause traffic and disrupt the lives of the citizens and because the traditional oath-taking would require him to feed the rich who do not need to be fed, anyway. If he will have to spend, he said, he would rather that the money intended for the inauguration be used to feed the poor.

Tradition Duterte, however, will not be the first President to break from tradition. A review of past inaugurations show that the President-elect can decide how his/her inauguration would be. His predecessor, Aquino, followed the tradition set by those who preceded him but also built on the rites that marked his first day in office.

“Actually, a President-elect can theoretically do what he pleases because the Constitution only specifies taking oath at twelve noon and the text of the oath but nothing on where or how. The only limits might be public expectations and of course the weight of tradition, Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III, officer in charge of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said in reply to a query from MindaNews.

“Even in protocol we forget that as head of state, a President can redefine protocol: the only limit being whether such changes will alienate others,” said Quezon, a historian who, under the Aquino administration, made available online the Official Gazette and the Presidential Museum and Library containing documents and photographs of all 15 Philippine Presidents.

Quezon is also the grandson of the first President of the Commonwealth, Manuel Quezon.

Martial... FROM 3

Basilan in Abu Sayyaf lairs.

He said the bandits only number around 200-300.

He suggested that for three to six months the civilians can be placed in one evacuation area with their needs provided while government forces run after the bandit group.

At the same time, Hataman warned local officials who would refuse to participate in the law enforcement drive or found to be supporting the Abu Sayyaf will be held liable.

He urged the people and officials of Sulu and Basilan to join in efforts to achieve the peace and order.

“If these local barangay officials and town officials cannot make actions or will not cooperate, then its time for the government to hold them ac-

According to “The Protocol, Ceremony, History, and Symbolism of the Presidential Inauguration” posted on the Presidential Museum and Library page of Malacanang. gov.ph, tradition dictates that the President-elect fetches the President from Malacañan Palace “which would, that day’s end, be his official residence and office.”

When the President-elect arrives at Malacan Palace, he pays a courtesy call on the outgoing President and together they travel to the venue of the oath-taking.

According to “The Protocol…,” this tradition of the President-elect fetching the outgoing President “dates back to the inauguration of President Manuel Roxas—the first transfer of power from an incumbent (President Osmeña) to a president-elect (Roxas), who was his rival for the presidency.” Roxas took his oath on May 28, 1946.

While still President-elect on June 30, 2010, Aquino left his residence at Times Street in Quezon City at nine in the morning, fetched President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from Malacañan Palace and together they traveled to the Quirino grandstand for the inauguration. Upon arrival at the grandstand, Arroyo was given her final military honors and departed for home.

When Arroyo left, the President-elect Aquino and Vice-President elect Jejomar Binay were escorted to the ceremonial platform by the Inaugural Committee headed by the Executive Secretary.

After the national anthem, ecumenical invocation and inaugural song, outgoing Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile read the Proclamation by Congress announcing the results of the elections, to reiterate the mandate of the Filipino people.

Separate inaugurations By tradition, the Vice President-elect is sworn in first to secure the constitutional succession. The President-elect then takes his oath, followed by a 21-gun salute, four ruffles (drumrolls) and flourishes (trumpet blasts), and the playing of “Mabuhay,” the presi-

countable and responsible. We really have to put an end to this vicious cycle of ASG because they destroy the image of Muslims,” he stressed.

On Monday, the bandits killed Robert Hall after the 3p.m. deadline for the payment of the P600-million ransom lapsed. Last April 25, the group also beheaded Hall’s compatriot John Ridsdel.

Hall and his Filipina partner Maritess Flor, Ridsdel and Kjartan Sekkingstad were kidnapped from a resort in Samal Island in September last year and brought to Sulu.

In a video that has circulated, the bandits were chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) while cutting off the victim’s head. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/ MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO dential anthem composed by Tirso Cruz Sr. and used since the Quezon administration.

The Duterte Camp has just informed the camp of Vice President-elect Leni Robredo that he wants a separate inauguration on June 30.

In a statement on June 15, Boyet Dy, chief of staff of Robredo’s transition team, said they were informed by the Duterte team “about their preference to hold the inauguration separately.”

Dy acknowleged they had been preparing for a joint inauguration but “we respect their decision and will begin our own preparations for a simple and modest ceremony.”

Robredo was the running mate of the Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas while Duterte was standard bearer of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban).

Duterte has not named Robredo to any Cabinet post.

The Constitution does not mandate the President to appoint the Vice President to a Cabinet post, but he “may.”

By tradition, the President-elect and Vice President-elect take their oath in the same venue.

Undersecretary Quezon said there was one instance when the President-elect had his inauguration without the Vice President – in 1986 – when Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. had his inauguration in Malacanan Palace without Arturo Tolentino, his Vice President.

Emilio Aguinaldo and Jose P. Laurel had no Vice President, hence Robredo is 14th Vice President while Duterte is 16th, Quezon said.

By tradition also, from the inaugural venue the President proceeds to Malacañan Palace for the inaugural luncheon, oath-taking of Cabinet and first Cabinet meeting, diplomatic reception.

The Rizal Ceremonial Hall where Duterte will be sworn in as President, is the largest room in the Malacanan Palace and is used for large dinners and large assemblies. The first President to take his oath there was Ferdinand Marcos, on February 25, 1986 although he delivered his inaugural address in Maharlika Hall (now Kalayaan Hall).

Canada... FROM 3

flict/violence-affected people.”

It will also ensure emergency water and sanitation services to up to 33,000 conflict/ violence-affected people, cash grants to up to 12,500 conflict/violence-affected people and livelihood inputs to up to 25,000 conflict/violence-affected people, the press release said.

The funding forms part of the Canadian government’s commitment of Cad$ 331.5 million in humanitarian support to the world’s most vulnerable, recently announced by Canada’s Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey.

Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder

On the same day, Corazon Aquino and Salvador Laurel took their oath as President and Vice President. By evening, the Marcoses were fetched by helicopter of the Untied States and flown to the Clark Air Base in Pampanga en route to Hawaii.

“Comfort zone” Duterte, a resident of Davao City in Mindanao where he served as mayor for 22 years, has to fly to Manila for the inauguration. Earlier he told reporters he would fly back to Davao City which he described as his “comfort zone.”

But Go told MindaNews on Wednesday morning (June 15) that Duterte will not fly back to Davao after the oath-taking.

“Stay na Manila” (he will stay in Manila), he replied. Asked where in Malacanang Duterte would stay, Go said, “Pangarap.”

Bahay Pangarap is the official residence of the outgoing President. Aquino chose Bahay Pangarap because he found Malacanan Palace and the Arlegui Mansion where her mother stayed, too big for him.

Like Aquino, Duterte’s civil status is “single,” having separated from his wife in 2001.

He lives with his partner and 12-year old daughter in a modest subdivision in Davao City.

Duterte had earlier said he will not have a First Lady.

It is not certain if Duterte will spend more days in Malacañan Palace than in Davao City.

Since May 31, a day after Congress proclaimed him winner in the Presidential race, Duterte has been holding office from afternoon to dawn at the Presidential Guest House inside the seaside compound of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Panacan which had been dubbed by locals since the Arroyo administration as “Malacanang of the South” and recently dubbed by the media as “Panacañang.”

Duterte has received Ambassadors and interviewed potential Cabinet members as well as held two press conferences (May 31 and June 2) where he presented his Cabinet members. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

said his government’s support “will help meet immediate life-saving needs and address unprecedented humanitarian challenges including those in the Philippines.”

This new funding will help the most vulnerable in more than 32 countries, including the Philippines.

Reeder said that given the size of current humanitarian needs, Canada is committed to working with all partners—including those at the local level – “to combine our strengths and maximize the impact we have on humanitarian crises.”

He said they are especially concerned with women and girls, who are often the most vulnerable in crises. (MindaNews)

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No striking... FROM 2 they will lobby is the land use policy in the country that, for a long period of time, has not yet been enacted by the congress especially in the senate and the national building code that need to be reviewed and revised.

AGP is an organization of individuals who are committed for environmental advocacies. Registered at the Securi-

ties and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1991, AGP’s advocacy include its support to the provisions of the PA 21; conduct and facilitate of green camps in schools to bring to the youth issues and concerns on environment; lobbying of laws that concerns the environment in congress and the senate; community organizing; and campaigns.

current administration of President Benigno Aquino because Duterte is not yet president.

“If they do that during the administration of Duterte, then that could be a challenge to him but not now,” he said.

Panelo said he has not discussed with Duterte his stand on Hall’s beheading and if the incoming president is willing to help to save the remaining hostages in view of the recent appeal from the family of Hall’s girlfriend Marites Flor.

Hall was beheaded after the deadline to pay the ransom demand of P300 million lapsed on Monday.

“Wala naman siyang binanggit, nagkita kami kagabi (He did not mention it when we met last night [Monday night]. I did not also ask him.

But I will not be surprised as Duterte always helps those in

need,” he added.

The ASG beheaded Canadian national John Ridsdel on April 25 after government refused to pay the P300-million ransom. Ridsdel and Hall were two of the four people abducted from Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort in Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal around 11:30 p.m. on September 21, 2015.

Still held hostage by the ASG are Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Flor.

According to Panelo, in incidents like kidnapping, Duterte’s style is always backdoor negotiation. “I am sure he will discuss this when he assumes,” he said.

“Basta alam ko (All I know) he will not tolerate or condone any illegality in this country. He will do everything in his power stop all these,” he added. (PNA)

ers for the city government’s continuing anti-illegal drug campaign.

He asked concerned residents to help provide information or tips regarding illegal drug-related activities and individuals who are involved or behind them.

The mayor said they may report names of suspected drug pushers and users and their location to the city’s ho-

tline number 0939-9129902.

Last week, police operatives arrested the top two personalities in the city’s drug watch list in separate buybust operations in coordination with the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

One of the suspects was a former employee of the city’s Civil Security Unit and a nephew of an incumbent barangay chair. (PNA)

Lapez said it is only fitting to help Filipino SMEs grow betong their own physical borders through the use of technology and e-commerce.

He said Ureka Forum expanded its goal from “mass converting SMEs to e-commerce” to ensuring their “mass success” in the digital marketplace.

“This time, the Ureka Forum consortium will be putting greater emphasis on ed-

ucating entrepreneurs on all things e-commerce by launching the E-Scouts program- a move to inspire collaboration between the older and younger generations within SME communities.

Lapez said the new program will involve business student collaborating with traditional entrepreneurs and getting them embrace the idea of e-commerce by making it a daily part of their routine.

extreme poverty and hunger.

“We want to ensure food self-sufficiency by promoting organic farming practices. Our aim is not just to make food available but free ourselves from those that contain more chemical preservatives and less vital nutrients that our bodies need,” he said.

Since 2010, thousands of local farmers have availed of the city government’s training programs on organic farming practices, and with a significant number eventually going into full production.

Aside from trainings, the local government provided organic inputs, construction

materials for composting and conducted technology demonstration or techno-demo caravans.

It also helped establish techno-demo sites and barangay composting facilities.

Miguel said the local government has been continually studying various best practices and technologies on organic agriculture for possible implementation in various farming areas within the city’s 27 barangays.

He said they are specifically trying to learn from the experiences of local governments and institutions that have adopted and ventured into organic farming. (PNA)

Duterte... FROM 2

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EDGEDAVAO FOOD

A new look for

Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria CHANGE... INEVITABLE AND CONSTANT. INSTEAD OF WORRYING, EMBRACE IT. ACCEPT IT AND BEGIN TO STEP OUTSIDE THE BOX... ONE AT A TIME. With the changing times, a business, like the self, needs to grow. Hence, when the time comes, you’d know it, take the plunge and walk with change.

Pizza continues to be one of Davao’s best option whenever the tummy growls. Be it for lunch, dinner or in between – some even have pizza for breakfast – a hot-slice of pizza is a sure way to satisfy, not only a hungry tummy, but the yearning of being together and sharing a meal.

Yes, we love to eat. More so, of the fact that we love to eat together. Nothing can negate that.

Six years after they served their first pizza in town, Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria remains to be a

favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. From an 8 table, limited space and seating pizza house, it now has more than enough branches spread all over the city to satisfy anyone’s craving. Now, its name is equivalent to gastronomic satisfaction without having to break your budget.

This year, Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria is brewing something new. Something worth the wait... definitely worth the wait.

What’s new at Mamma Maria’s? New interiors, modern design and a coffee shop plus pastries under one roof.

Quaint pizzeria no more, it boasts of a modern day New York-esque interior of wood and steel in browns and blacks.

Wooden crates converted into ceiling adornments and made into pieces of chairs and tables, you’d

love how spacious their new store is. I did and I am. Their modern revamp of the used-to-be-quaint shop is now bigger and bolder...ready to take a hoard of diners and orders

unlike before.

New look, same menu...

Don’t fret. Their extensive 24 flavour thin crust pizza remains.With their signature biscuit thin and crispy crust (an Italian pizza crust is thin and has that biscuit like texture) and hindi tinipid toppings, you need not worry about missing them from your repertoire of favorites.

Combo meals of juicy chicken and al dente pasta

(or pizza) is still on the menu. No need to imagine eating them, you can always order one anytime you want. Burger hungry?

You can still binge on their tower tall packed burgers (from Gino’s Burger) that has since been a formidable favorite. If you know your burgers and meats, you’d know the difference.

Out with family or friends or just hungry for pizza? Their Buy 1 Take 1

Pizza is still on. Now, satisfying your palates comes in two’s. Indeed, sharing has never been this good.

Coffee. Yes, everyone loves a cup of hot coffee anytime of any day. With

the owners knack for eating and drinking coffee, it’s no wonder their fresh from the academe son is fascinated with coffee making and is presently their in-house barista.

Believe me, his coffee can verily compete with mainstream coffee shops. It’s that good.

Now comes the sweet part... the dessert. On display are cakes and pastries baked to allow for a sweet ending to a flavorful dining experience. Again, their coffee complements their baked goodies without overpowering the textures and depth of flavours built to give their pastries that oomph factor. Try the Rainbow Pizza Cake with Traditional Icing –you’d love it.

What has originated in Bacolod is now satisfying every Davaoenos craving for good food. With a new look, you’d have more than enough reason to dine in and be busog under one roof. Oh and temporarily say goodbye to your diet muna. Every calorie is worth it.

Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria Davao is located at J.P. Laurel Avenue corner Inigo street, Davao City They are open Mondays to Sundays 9:00am to 12:00am. For orders, you may call them at 082 221 4411. Check out their Facebook page at Mamma.Marias.Pizzeria.Davao.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress. com and on Instagram at @theroyalchefleebai.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

FOOD

RBG hails all Dads FATHER’S DAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND FOR MANY FAMILIES THIS DAY MEANS TAKING THE KING OF THE HOUSEHOLD OUT ON A TREAT THAT HITS STRAIGHT TO THE HEART, THROUGH THE STOMACH, and Park Inn by Radisson Davao is hitting home by giving dads a hearty meal at the hotel’s restaurant, RBG.

A special Supersize Meal, RBG’s Father’s Day set meal is a feast that includes salad, soup, two main courses, a whole pizza, a round of drinks, a mixed fruit platter, and a special Father’s Day Cake, perfect for a family of up to eight hungry individuals.

The choices for what to eat are mind boggling starting with the salad where one can choose from Ceasar Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Thousand Island dressing, or Italian Vinaigrette.

Since dads love meat, RBG offers four different entrees to choose two from: Steamed Tanigue

with Mango-Cilantro Relish, RBG Double Coated Fried Chicken, Crispy Roasted Pork Belly, and (my favorite) Seared Beef Cutlets drizzeld with Chimichurri Sauce. The beef is tender with a tangy fresh taste thanks to the chimichurri sauce.

To top off the celebration, every Father’s Day

Supersize Meal comes with one whole Father’s Day Cake which is a rich and moist dark chocolate cake topped with popcorn and chocolate bars, the perfect way to end a filling meal.

Aside from the delicious meal, all dads will have a chance to get special prizes and win gift

certificates for pool passes and an overnight stay at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

Each Father’s Day family meal is priced at an affordable Php2,299net and is available for lunch or dinner. Reservations can be made by calling the Park Inn by Radisson Davao at 2727600.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Herras, and Katrina Halili unite in GMA’s ‘Sa PIling Ni Nanay’ GMA NETWORK LAUNCHES ITS NEWEST AFTERNOON PRIME SERIES ‘Sa Piling Ni Nanay’ beginning June 27 after Hanggang Makita Kang Muli.

Another original and intriguing family drama, it tackles the story of a surrogate mother and her selfless love for the daughter she carried.

Sa Piling Ni Nanay features the much awaited reunion of StarStruck Season 1 alumni Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Herras, and Katrina Halili.

Yasmien is Ysabel, a single mother to her loving daughter Maymay. She works as a personal assistant to Scarlet, a socialite, to be played by Katrina. However, Scarlet cannot bear a child so she convinces Ysabel to become their surrogate. She agrees to surrogacy because she needs money for the treatment of Maymay’s bone marrow transplant.

But halfway through Ysabel’s pregnancy, Maymay unexpectedly dies from an accident. Due to depression and loneliness, Ysabel breaks

the surrogacy agreement, flees with the baby and decides to raise her as her own, calling her Maya in memory of her daughter who passed away.

Mark, on the other hand, portrays Jonas, a bachelor who secretly has feelings for Ysabel. But his love for her turned into hatred when she

took away Scarlet’s child who is also the grandchild of his aunt Matilda.

With Ysabel and Scarlet’s battle to win Maya, who has the real rights over the child?

The mother by blood or the mother who gave birth to her?

Is blood thicker than love?

Joining them are seasoned actress Nova Villa as Matilda,

Scarlet’s rich mother-inlaw who eagerly wants a grandchild from her; Bettinna Carlos as Wanda, Scarlet’s OB/GYN friend who gave the consent to her request to conduct surrogacy; Antonio Aquitania as Rod, Ysabel’s abusive live-in partner; Sofia Jayzel Cabatay as Maya, the child of Ysabel born out of

surrogacy.

Sa Piling Ni Nanay is directed by Gil Tejada, Jr. Behind this engrossing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Roy Iglesias; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Dode Cruz; Creative Unit Head Marides Garbes-Severino; Creative Consultant Suzette Doctolero; Headwriter Obet Villela; Writers Jonathan Cruz, Jake Somera; Brainstormers Nehem Dallego, Gilda Olvidado, Kutz Enriquez; Concept Creator Rhona Lean Sales.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Program Manager Nini Matilac and Executive Producer Jojo Aleta.

Witness how a mother’s love can protect her child in Sa Piling Ni Nanay beginning June 27 after Hanggang Makita Kang Muli on GMA Afternoon Prime.

GMA Pinoy TV fulfills Starhub promo winners and Kapuso fans’ dream journey BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS, COUPLED WITH ONE THOUSAND AND ONE LAUGHS FROM A LIVE VIEWING OF THE PHILIPPINES’ LONGEST RUNNING NOON TIME SHOW EAT BULAGA, awaited two lucky GMA Pinoy TV subscribers in Singapore after being given a chance to visit their home country as winners of the launch promo of Starhub, one of Singapore’s most innovative info-communications providers and one of GMA’s partner-carriers in the country.

Dave Jereza and Allan Llegado each won a trip for two to the Philippines and the opportunity to be part of the live studio audience of their favorite Kapuso program by subscribing to Starhub’s Ultimate Pinoy Pack – which offers GMA’s international channels, GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV – and explaining which show they like most and why.

Last May 26, Dave, who brought along his wife Irene, and Allan, with his friend Jovito Chaves, experienced the fun and laughter in Eat Bulaga, live from its studio in Broadway Centrum.

The winners were also given the chance to tour GMA Network where they were able to view

the tapings of the lifestyle show “Mars” and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera’s talk-variety show “Yan ang Morning!” The winners of the promo also visited the headquarters of Barangay LSFM, GMA’s flagship FM station.

GMA’s top-caliber news and entertainment programs on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV, and informative and inspirational Filipino shows on GMA Life TV are available in Singapore through Starhub. Subscribers of the service also enjoy access to GMA Pinoy TV programs on their mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and any internet-enabled device

via StarHub Go at no extra cost.

GMA Pinoy TV (Ch. 146) and GMA on Demand (Ch. 149) is available on StarHub TV and StarHub Go, while GMA Life TV (Ch. 147) is available on StarHub TV. For more details, visit StarHub’s website at www.starhub.com/tv.

For updates on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the website www.gmapinoytv. com, Facebook pages www. facebook .com/GMAPinoyT V, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and www.facebook.com/ gmanewsinternational, Twitter and Instagram accounts @ gmapinoytv.

June 16 – 17, 2016

ME BEFORE YOU Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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FINDING DORY Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

FOOD

Indulgence for dads at Rekado Filipino Comfort Cuisine THE THIRD SUNDAY OF JUNE MARKS THE DAY AND THE SPOTLIGHT TURNS TO DADS. It’s Father’s Day on the 19th and still thinking of where to treat dad for a sumptuous meal?

Rekado Filipino Comfort Cuisine is all about home cooked dishes.

Familiar dishes the fam-

ily grew up with and tweaked with a modern twist. “It’s to tease the palate while bring-

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

ing back good memories of mom’s dishes,” said young chef Pauline Benedicto.

For Father’s Day, Rekado will be highlighting the Baked Salmon—Baked fillet of Salmon heartily drizzled with cream and crispy garlic bits, and served on a bed of creamed kangkong. It’s putting a “tasty little sin” to a healthy dish, said the chef.

As a special treat for dads, Rekado will be

giving them an all-time favorite for free—the Spicy Chicken Skin. It’s chicken skin marinated in seasoned vinegar and deep-fried to a perfect crisp, a recipe that has been passed from mother to child.

Give it to dad. Let him indulge on his special day at Rekado.

Rekado Filipino Comfort Cuisine is at 1050 Jacinto Extension. For reservations call (082) 284 2136 or (082) 224 3031.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

11 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

Breath-taking Aeon Towers T

HE view from Davao City’s future iconic real estate skyscraper Aeon Towers is as breath-taking as a masterpiece of art on moving canvas.

If you are one who loves the mood of tranquillity after a hard day’s work, this is your ideal mancave. From one side, there is the island view—a view of the pristine blue waters of the Davao Gulf and the Island Garden City of Samal on the horizon where white sand beaches abound.

Now, if you are the fast-living city rat, a night creature who loves watching over your idea of Gotham City at night, this is your gi-

ant silver screen—the city’s flickering lights, images on LED billboards, cars cruising through the city streets.

Aeon Towers is the signature project of a new player in the real estate market that is truly Davao-born, FTC Group of Companies has very interesting business interests in the city before it ventured into real estate development.

Among the fine features of Aeon Towers is its jogging path on the sixth level which provides future residents a place for wellness and physical fitness workouts. It will also have spa and wellness center, an adult and kiddie

pool, a library, a function hall and a conference room.

The glass-encased tower will have modern amenities comparable to the best of the Southeast Asian region.

The skydeck on the 33rd floor features a breath-taking view of the city and the Davao Gulf. It will have an infinity pool and offices on the tower’s summit.

Rooms on residential floors also feature internet digital controls through Smart Home technology while green building concept is being observed in all aspects of the construction.

The glass walls offer full UV protection. (NJ Bravo)

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

Watershed... FROM 3 nents are still waiting for green light from their requests to conduct studies from the city government of Davao.

The council also reported that it was able to issue notices of collection for environmental taxes to plantation companies from 2014 to 2016.

To date, the WMC said around P43,405,656.49 were already collected from plantation companies in the city but of the total amount only P3,213,299.99 is available for utilization.

The council also facilitated the conduct of two watershed summits in 2014 and 2015 while it is working for a third summit this coming July.

WMC also worked for the strengthening of the Barangay Water Management Councils (BWMCs) in the city ensuring that local-based watershed councils are functional in their mandated tasks and responsibilities.

In an interview with the EDGE Davao on Wednesday, council member Chinkie Pelino Golle of the Interface Development Interventions (IDS) said WMC was able to sustain its capability building activities for the Bantay Bukid volun-

teers in the city, including their deputation and provision of their incentives.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) including the launching and promotion of the Adopt-a-Riverbank project was also facilitated by the council during its term.

Golle said the project will involve the other stakeholders in the city, whether individuals and organizations from the academe, corporations and even the local government units (LGUs) in the barangay levels to actively participate in reforestation programs of the city government and the WMC to ensure a thriving and healthy forest ecosystem in the city.

The project also aims to grow and maintain various endemic species of perennial and fruit-bearing tress along the riverbanks to enhance biodiversity.

The city government, the WMC and its partners, in implementing the Adopt-a-Riverbank project will also work for the provision of alternative sources of income to actual riverbank occupants and ensure the safety of all riverside communities in the city.

immediate response mechanisms including rehabilitation.

“There will be further trainings for the Municipal Level. The participants of this training will become trainers in their respective provinces

in terms of damage assessment reporting. We will still assist them in their DRR training. We are to continue helping each other in order to generate precise data.” Pascua adds.

Nitt Marie Lantaya

DA... FROM 14

EDGEDAVAO

Aquino... FROM 6

arami. Kasabay ng paglago ng ekonomiya, pinapa-unlad natin ang imprastraktura, edukasyon, kalusugan at iba pang serbisyong panlipunan para i-angat ang ating mga Boss.”

With the election of former TESDA director general Joel Villanueva to the Senate, the President said he expects him to work even harder to provide Filipinos with more decent jobs.

In her report to President Aquino, TESDA chief Irene Isaac said that as a result of TESDA’s certification process, more than 500 industry associations and companies have partnered with the agency, covering

such areas as standards development, training delivery, apprenticeship program, dual training system, and assessment and certification.

The TESDA also continues to implement its major scholarship programs, among them the Training for Work Scholarship Program, Private Education Students Financial Assistance, and Special Training Employment Program.

Isaac said TESDA will continue to use Technical Vocational Education and Training as a tool to give people decent jobs and to align the program with global standards. (PNA)

among other challenges. ”This is only a glimpse of action plan but what is important in the implementation is the work that public and private sector will be able to put in investment and human capital development,” Cañizal said.

DOT Undersecretary and National Tourism Skills Committee Chairperson Maria Victoria Jasmin welcomed the development of the action plan as well as the successful conclusion of pilot enforcement of the Tourism Industry Skills Grant Scheme (ISGS), which helped upgrade the competitiveness of the tourism

workforce through various training programs.

“We must look at people working in industry as our primordial source of competitive advantage,” Jasmin said.

“Training and education should not be regarded as an expense but rather as an investment. We should use this scheme as a springboard to other future human development initiatives,” she added.

The ISGS is made possible through a USD 1.24-million grant provided by the government of Canada and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

(PNA)

DOT... FROM 6

NEWS 13

Piñol... FROM 6

to look for another source of income since I am netting more than enough. Also, I am now hiring workers so that I could also be of help to others especially to those farmers like me,” he said.

“I can say that carabao raising is indeed a successful venture and I think PCC has done its job well in implementing the program and we are the fruits of its success. We are the face of triumph of PCC in its pursuit of helping improve the lives of small-hold farming families,” he added.

In behalf of the dairy farmers, Correa also took the opportunity to ask for help from the government in their problem with the supply and demand of milk.

We hope the secretary can help us address this problem through institutionalization of the milk feeding program,” he said.

In response to Correa’s appeal for help, Piñol said that “even before you have mentioned that problem, we already have a crafted program. The concept is from milk collection you will deliver it at the pasteurizing area and then we will have a milk feeding program in public schools from grades 1-4. We will support that program and it will be a national program. That is what we would like to happen and our target are those children in places or areas with high rates of malnutrition.”

The incoming DA Secretary said the program would be multipurpose as it will serve as a business for the dairy farmers, job for the farm workers, and a channel to address malnutrition among children.

“We will coordinate our efforts with the National Dairy Authority and Department of Education to identify schools or barangays that have high rates of malnutrition and we’ll focus our program there. If the carabao program could be replicated in other province successfully, then we will support it all the way,” he said.

He also bared one of their incoming programs and aspirations together with the incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, which includes provision of identification card to farmers so that their names will be included in the database and be able to avail pension fund and life insurance.

Piñol also expressed his appreciation towards the positive impact of PCC’s programs on the lives of dairy farmers.

“Thank you for bringing me here. After listening to your stories, my impression about PCC has changed for good. I will surely come back. Your program is acceptable, just make sure to improve carabaos not only for milk but for draft purposes as well,” he added.

(PNA)

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE holds 11 Rebuilding Lumad’s dismantled WEAP national annual convention rights, one story at a time T EDGEDAVAO

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th

F

OR DECADES, indigenous peoples (IP), or lumad, in the country have endured systemic neglect and discrimination.

Some of the physical structures that are meant to serve their collective needs such as education are a testament to this sad reality.

Imagine a school that looks more like a shed, with only a roof over it and an unpaved ground that easily turns murky when rain pours.

Despite these constraints — emblematic of what is widely perceived as state neglect, compounded by societal apathy — the school is used simultaneously by primary and secondary students belonging to seven tribes. Only a makeshift wall divides them while learning lessons that are in keeping with their culture, alongside government-mandated subjects.

The Bukidnon-based Mindanao Tribal School, Inc. (MTSI), a private school measuring only 8 by 20 meters and located on a four-hectare piece of property, reflects both the aspirations and struggles of the IP communities in the country to preserve their collective identity while fighting various forms of discrimination.

Right beside this facility is the administration office that also functions as a library, made from recycled wood and nipa shingles.

MTSI seeks to impart to its students the lumad traditions, belief system, and other forms of traditional knowledge and wisdom handed down through many generations.

The school, in its current

HE Water Environment Association of the Philippines (WEAP) will be holdingthe 11th National Annual Convention with the theme “Managing Environmental Sustainability” on June 16 to 17, 2016 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City hosted by Davao City Water District.

Seeking to improve the quality of the environment for the future generation, the national convention will be gathering policy makers, businesses, leaders in the water industry and other stakeholders to discuss in the technical sessions topics on sustainable development, climate change

and its mitigation, climate crisis and its solution, environmental management system, sewerage and septage management in the country andnew technologies in water service provision.

WEAP also pledged as an adopter of 10 hectares of land in DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site Project in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed. Following the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement and turn-over of check on June 15 at the DCWD function house in Malagos, the WEAP delegation also conducted a tree planting activity in DCWD’s rehabilitation site in Malagos watershed.

(Katrina Belen M. Roble)

form, is borne of “the social neglect (suffered by the Manobo and other indigenous groups whose children go to the school),” said Amelia Bojo, president of the MTSI and one of the volunteer teachers in the school.

Yet the communities involved, notably the Manobo, have learned to “harness our own initiative and ingenuity to acquire building materials,’’ which included salvaged tin sheets and other construction materials, she said.

“You can’t talk about inclusive infrastructure when the social structures are exclusive (or discriminatory), said Easterluna Luz Canoy, executive director of Kitanglad Integrated NGOS, which seeks to promote the rights and well-being of IPs. The social exclusion of indigenous communities in the country has resulted in inadequate access to basic services like housing, health, and education, said Canoy, who has at least three decades of working among IPs tucked under the belt.

Bojo, who also teaches at the Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon, admitted that the school, as it stands today, is “not reflective of who they (the lumad) are but who they have become” in the face of historical neglect.

Still, the IPs hope to see a school building rise that truly conforms to their own design, with a tree plantation, garden, dormitory and other facilities that should comprise what is called a School Living Traditions, which transmits indigenous skills and techniques to the young.

Participants to the seminar-workshop on sustainable construction reporting organized by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) recently, in partnership with Holcim Philippines, in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, witnessed the situation confronting the lumad and gained insights into their dedication to building structures that truly reflect their identity and aspirations as a people.

A visit to the MTSI in Panadtalan, Maramag town — about an hour and a half drive away from the provincial capital — afforded the journalists such an opportunity. They soon found that the school had little to show by way of modern amenities.

Yet, here, said Bojo, students “find their identity, a sense of belonging.” She added that it is “a source of pride, so the students endure the difficulties.”

The Japan International Cooperation Agency once offered to build a school for the indigenous peoples on this side of Mindanao, but required the use of its own design, prompting the lumad to turn down the offer, said Bojo.

The seminar-workshop brought into focus infrastructure reporting through the lens of sustainable and inclusive development. Stories, for instance, that bring to the fore the aspirations of the lumad even as they build their own facilities should impress on the readers that physical structures are more than just facilities but are expressions of who they are as indigenous communities.

The visit to MITSI was one of the highlights of the Mindanao leg of the seminar-work-

shop, themed “Taking the High Road to Constructing Reporting” organized by PPI and Holcim, a major cement and aggregates company.

Some 20 participants from different provinces within the island region got a deeper glimpse into the plight of some of the indigenous tribes, including the the Manobo, in Mindanao. They learned how the latter’s culture intersects even with the designs of their facilities including those for their communal use.

The media seminar was previously held in Bulacan, where the Luzon-based participants looked into issues surrounding resettlement facilities being provided by the government for informal settler families. The final leg of the training was conducted in Tagbilaran, Bohol, where the Visayas participants looked into the situation of the disaster-affected parts of the province almost three years since it was hit by an earthquake.

The seminar stressed that media coverage of the construction industry has largely focused on the physical and technical aspects, often citing details such as the magnitude of a project, its target cost, date of completion, and the technology used, among others.

It was hoped that journalists would explore more interesting stories, such as those that highlight how a planned infrastructure project could impact a community, for good or ill. Such an approach forms the essence of civic journalism, PPI’s flagship program.

“In civic journalism, we give voice to the people. We

owe it to the public to present stories that resonate with them — stories that would be useful for them even if their subjects, such as construction, may not be deemed ‘sexy’,” said PPI training director Tess Bacalla.

The seminar therefore sough to challenge the media to explore unreported or underreported issues revolving around the construction industry through the prism of inclusive growth.

Target issues for sustainable construction Don Carreon, Holcim’s media specialist, discussed the five “target issues” that underpin sustainable construction. An infrastructure project, he said, should demonstrate innovative concepts in terms of design, materials and methods which should be transferable to other applications.

Efficient and nature-friendly use of natural resources is also vital to any sustainable construction project, aside from its aesthetic impact as a form of cultural expres-

sion. The industry must also exercise flexibility to adapt to change, Carreon added.

Equally important in the sustainable construction is the participation of communities in construction or infrastructure development efforts to ensure social inclusion at all stages.

Dr. Adoracion Navarro, senior fellow of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, a public think tank, provided a macro perspective on infrastructure issues affecting the country during the seminar. The construction sector contributes about 6 percent of the GDP, an indication of the enormous role it plays in the pursuit of economic growth.

She said Mindanao has seen more construction projects being undertaken by the government. Yet, such efforts have not necessarily translated to inclusive growth, especially for indigenous communities. Tess Bacalla/PPI (With contribution from Ron Lopez)

still ongoing. If one municipality or areas will recognize that the area is hazardous, then it can plan for pre and post disaster action plan” adds Baranggan.

“The drone can also be used for monitoring and validation of DA projects, not just for DRR. Our existing drone can handle one hundred hectares a day. You can imagine how easy and precise our damage assessment will be using this technology” Baranggan adds.

Meanwhile, Roy Pascua, DA Disaster Risk Reduction Management Focal Person said generating data on damage assessment is one of the bottlenecks. Accurate damage reports will help DA in identifying what are the immediate interventions in specific areas to help farmers recover from any calamities.

Recently, technicians and report officers from various provinces in the region were trained on how to generate accurate data that will be used

in preparation of damage reports.

Damage assessment for every commodity was introduced and will serve as inputs in preparing damage assessment reports. This is the standard template to be used to harmonize different templates being used in preparing previous calamity reports” said DA Field Operations Services “We expect that they will understand and learn to work using the template. It was then really hard to request for damage assessment reports because of incomplete data, we need to interview the affected provinces again to validate the data submitted to us” Calda added.

Agricultural damages during calamities is extensive to the point that it took years for our farmers and fisher folks to recover.

“It is important that the LGU will declare a state of calamity if ever they will ask for calamity assistance. The

agricultural assistance given will depend upon the reports made. The requested assistance will pass through the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), which will be recommended to the office of the

President, and will be passed to DBM for budgeting. So it depends when the funds will be approved. That’s why we are encouraging the LGUs to submit damage assessment reports” Calda adds.

Data needed in damage

assessment include production losses, damaged agricultural infrastructures, facilities, equipment, disruption to agri supply chain, increase in prices of agri commodities, losses of income and livelihood, and

DA uses drone in calamity damage assessment D

AMAGE ASSESSMENT in calamity- affected farm areas are now made easier through the use of Unmanned Aerial View (UAV) or drone.

“Drone is a technology tool for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in agri sector.

Through drones, damage assessment can be fast-track and can help improvise ways in responding to disaster through precision agriculture or crop management” said Jollie Ann Baranggan, DA-11 UAV Controller.

The Drone will help establish mapping for hazard and vulnerability areas for Davao Region to provide precise data in planning for pre and post disaster assessment.

The information gathered through drone can also support info drive through early warning device and farm advisories.

“We already generated regional and provincial maps.

The municipal maps for hazard and vulnerable areas are

F DA, 13

DA 11 Disaster Risk Reduction Team conducts a drone mission flight demonstration during the training of trainers on Damage Assessment Reporting System at Davao City. Photo by: Nitt Marie Lantaya

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2016

STILL CONFIDENT Warriors remain unrattled

by Game 5 loss

S

TEPHEN Curry sat on the bench and buried his head in his hand. Fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson wrapped a towel around his face.

This was misery for the Warriors and their fired-up fans, who made for the exits early during Monday’s 112-97 NBA Finals loss to the Cavaliers that sent the series back to Cleveland for a Game 6 on Thursday night.

They wanted so badly to do it for Draymond Green, do it for each other, and for their home crowd this time.

Instead, Golden State is going to Ohio again. One flight the Warriors surely would have preferred not to take at this road-weary stage of another extra-long season, but it will be well worth it if they hoist a second straight trophy when these NBA Finals finally end.

Their ‘’Strength in Numbers’’ mantra was tested once more in a game that mattered so much. The Warriors lost at home for only the second time this postseason and fourth overall.

Yet there’s no panic now for the defending champions after LeBron James and the Cavs forced at least one more game in what has become quite the testy rematch. The Warriors lead the series 3-2 and still have the upper hand. ‘’We’re all disappointed. We want to win,’’ guard Shaun Livingston said. ‘’With the stakes being

IT’S JUST A GAME. Steph Curry knows he can’t be bullied away by Lebron James.

what they are right now, obviously it’s a gut punch. But it’s the finals.

It’s not going to be

e a s y .

They’re not going to lay down.

It doesn’t matter who’s on the court. We’ve got to play.’’

Golden State will get a boost having emotional leader and All-Star forward Green back after he sat out Game 5 serving a suspension for a Game 4 swipe at James’ groin. Fans chanted ‘’Free Dray-mond! Free Dray-mond!’’ and large cutouts of his face waved from all corners of Oracle Arena as he watched from a baseball suite next door in the Oakland Coliseum. ‘’You want to win here more than anything for your fans. They deserve to see us win, but you just suck it up and move on,’’ Thompson said. ‘’We’re still in a great position.’’

While Green returns for Game 6, the Warriors might be down big

man Andrew Bogut. The 7-foot center sprained his left knee early in the third quarter Monday and was scheduled for an MRI exam Tuesday before the team traveled.

Bogut has been an imposing presence with his shot-blocking ability, but the Warriors have some depth at the position and often use a center-by-committee approach with Festus Ezeli and Marreese Speights among others like Anderson

Varejao getting regular opportunities to contribute. ‘’If there’s a chance he’s out Thursday, our bigs are just going to have to step up. Been doing it all year,’’ Thompson said.

Defensively, the Warriors must find a way to keep James and Kyrie Irving from going off the way they did Monday, with each scoring 41 points.

Not that the always-confident

have questioned her racing schedule and its effects on her ability to sustain steady improvements over time, wrote Juico.

The athletics association, which will now be endorsing Tabal as part of the Philippine athletics team in this year’s Olympics along with Eric Cray, however clarified that Tabal will be represented in Rio by the official

national coach and not her personal coach.

Patafa, however, clarified that Tabal can bring her personal coach and sponsor at their own expense.

Tabal resigned from the national team last year after seeing action in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore. But prior to Tabal’s resignation, Patafa had reservations about the marathoner’s heavy running schedule by competing in several events which was backed by Motor Ace Racing-Kawasaki.

In a report by Spin.ph, Tabal expressed elation to the decision of Patafa, expressing commitment to training before Rio. “When I qualified, you could say that I could not fully celebrate because I wasn’t sure that I will be reinstated. But now that I am, the happiness is unexplainable,” said Tabal in a statement.

“The Olympics is every athlete’s dream. And it does not happen to everyone. I am happy and very nervous at the same time because I have the entire nation to think about. It is the biggest race of my career. The only thing I can do now is make sure that I give my everything in the Olympics,” she added.

Tabal reinstated, conditions set

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) has formally reinstated Mary Joy Tabal to the national team and paved the way for the Cebuana marathoner to see action in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics.

“We realized she did qualify on her own. So we out our differences aside, we have reinstated her and

ON TO RIO. Mary Joy Tabal is all set for the Rio Olympics after Patafa granted her request for reinstatement to the national team. Photo from Tabal’s Facebook account

have allowed her to follow her own training program despite our concerns. We hope for the best in Rio for our nation,” said Patafa head Philip Ella Juico in a statement.

Patafa released the statement on Tuesday to formally announce Tabal’s reinstatement to the national team.

“We have long wanted to protect Mary Joy and we

Warriors are overly concerned.

They are a group that bounced back from every rare loss during a record-setting, 73-win regular season. Golden State is 14-1 following a defeat. ‘’We’re in the same place we were last year, up 3-2 heading back to Cleveland. If you told me this before the series, I would have taken it,’’ coach Steve Kerr said. ‘’So we’re in a good spot. We’re disap-

pointed we didn’t win tonight, but, like I said, they outplayed us. They deserved the win. And we’ll go back to Cleveland and we’ll play a better game for sure.’’

Golden State doesn’t have much further to fall after shooting a postseason-low 36.4 percent - its first game below a 40 percent clip - despite getting 37 points from Thompson with six 3-pointers and Curry’s 25 with five 3s. █

Fil-Aussie Day braces for tough week J

ASON Day picked a funny way to put the rest of the field on notice.

Less than 48 hours before the start of the US Open at Oakmont Country Club, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer said, “I’ve never been more stressed in my life than right now.”

Judging by the overheated headlines about his health in some golf outlets recently, you’d think Day was in a fight for his life. In truth, he’s simply shaking off a cold he likely caught from his father-in-law two weeks ago. That kind of scrutiny, as well as the stress, is part of the rarefied spot Day holds in the game at the moment.

“People ask me how I feel, I usually tell them how I feel, and that’s just me being honest,” he added a moment later. “I’m not trying to make any excuses this week.”

Good thing, too, since alibis will be tough to come by for the 28-year-old Australian. It’s not just that Day hits the ball straight and high and has been putting like a pool hustler for the better part of a year — requisites for any US Open setup.

On top of that, he’s been arguably the hottest golfer at the US Open over the last five years.

Last July, even battling a case of vertigo that caused him to collapse at the end of his second round, Day managed to bring home a second-place finish at Chambers Bay. “Obviously, I was kind of struggling there,” he recalled.

“Funny enough, I end up shoot-

ing 68 on Saturday and kind of folding myself into a tied lead for the last day. It didn’t work out my way on the last day, kind of pushed it a little bit too much.

But, yeah, it was great. It was a good experience for me to really understand how far I can push myself.”

The payoff for that lesson wasn’t long in coming. After holding a share of the 54-hole lead at that Open, as well as at the British Open a month later, Day finally cashed one in at the PGA Championship the month after that. Strangely enough, he ranked the final round of his breakthrough first major at Whistling Straits last August as the previously “most stressful” juncture of his golfing career.

And he’s not banking on it being any easier on Oakmont’s punishing layout.

“We got tough rough. The greens are tough. Practically the whole course is tough,” he said.

“When you’re in stressful situations like you are at US Opens ... you may as well not even tee it up that week because you probably won’t play good, anyways,” Day added.

“That’s just one less person you have to worry about at the end of the week.”

Despite that description, Day has a soft spot for the course. His agent, Bud Martin, lives nearby and he played Oakmont for the first time at 18.

“Almost feels like home,” he said, though Day could say the same about most US Open venues.

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