Edge Davao 9 Issue 89

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT DUTERTE. All roads lead to Malacañan Palace in Manila today for the simple inauguration of His Excellency, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Lean Daval Jr.

REB WITH BOUNTY OF P5M CAPTURED NPA leader country’s 19 most wanted th

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

J

adlopez0920@gmail.com

OINT forces of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested on Wednesday morning, June 29 a top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and considered as the 19th Most Wanted Person in the country.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday evening,

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, identified the NPA leader as Eddie Genelsa alias Lando.

Batchar said troopers from 46th Infantry Battalion, the 1001st Infantry Brigade, the 10th Military Intelligence Battalion and personnel from Pantukan and Mabini police

stations and the Compostela Valley Public Safety Company of the PNP arrested Genelsa in Barangay Bongabong, Pantulan town by virtue of warrants of arrest (WAs) issued against him by the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 of Nabunturan town.

Genelsa is facing charges of arson under criminal case no. 6385; murder and frus-

INAUGURAL SUPPLEMENT INSIDE 32pages

trated murder in criminal cases no. 7554, 5648, 5889 and 3926; and robbery in criminal cases no. 6386, 4620, 5820 and 5718.

Batchar added that Genelsa, at the time of his arrest is serving as the commanding officer of the Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) 3 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the NPA. “He was responsible in

F REB, 10

Pres. Duterte inauguration

Leaders, people see better PH with Rody

M

AGUINDANAO Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu said incoming President Duterte’s assumption as the country’s 16th President will usher genuine reforms both in governance and anti-corruption.

“We, the provincial officials of Maguindanao, are

giving our all out support to President Duterte,” Mangudadatu told a news conference after he took his oath of office in Buluan, Maguindanao.

He said he is fully supporting the Duterte administration’s desire to rid the country of illegal drugs “be-

F LEADERS, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

SAN PEDRO FIESTA. Devotees light candles before offering a prayer during yesterday’s celebration of the 168th patronal feast of San Pedro at St. Peter Cathedral compound in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

DOLE Davao del Sur conducts sugarcane workers’congress

I

N a bid to combat child labor in the supply chains, the Department of Labor and Employment XI- Davao del Sur Field Office (DOLEDSFO) recently conducted the very first Sugar Cane Workers Congress in the locality.

The activity was held last June 14, 2016 at Arnaldo’s Hotel and Restaurant.

Gathering sugar cane workers from the different associations, the activity aimed to educate them on the prevalence of child labor in their industry and solicit their commitment in its elimination.

The District Tripartite Council (DTC) Davao Mill District officers chaired by DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao and members were also present to witness and facilitate the election of another field worker representative from the sugar cane workers.

The elected field worker representative will ensure

their participation in policy making and the delivery of their concerns to higher officials.

Director Suyao, in his message, said that the activity is important to strengthen the advocacy against child-labor especially in the sugar cane industry.

“Gusto nato ipakita sa tibuok kalibutan na seryoso kita nga giprotektahan nato atong mga kabataan ug atong produkto nga luwas sa child labor (We want to let the world see that we are serious in protecting our children and our product against child-labor),” he said.

Director Suyao also mentioned that the activity is timely as the World Day Against Child Labor is also being celebrated in the month of June.

The advocacy briefing was done by Regional Anti-Child Labor Focal Person Melanie R. Jadulang.

F DOLE, 10

Davao Light holds systems upgrade affecting payment, customer services

I

N its continued efforts to further improve its services to its customers, Davao Light and Power Co. has conducted a database systems upgrade affecting payment and customer services, which started in June 28 until July 3, 2016.

Customers are advised to bring a copy of the electric bill or the 11-digit Davao Light Account ID when processing major transactions in Davao Light’s full service centers at SM Lanang Premier, SM City Davao, Ponciano office and

Panabo Branch.

Meanwhile, Davao Light’s collection offices in Toril, Calinan and Sto. Tomas will be closed during this period.

Customers may check the back portion of the bill for the list of Third Party Collecting Agents.

Davao Light apologizes for the temporary inconvenience that this upgrade may cause its customers.

For more information, customers may contact 229-3572 (DLPC).

MILF, MNLF unite for President Rody

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

G

crc@edgedavao.net

EARING toward a peaceful Mindanao under the new Philippine administration, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) signed a joint statement yesterday at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

Signed by Muslimin G. Sema for MNLF and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for MILF, the

two Moro groups issued a statement to unify their peace efforts and objectives as they engage with the new President-elect Rodrigo R. Dutere for the resumption of peace talk.

Sema and Ebrahim said the union of the two groups is a product of the principles of unity-laid down in the different meetings between the Organization of Islamic Co-

operation, MILF and MNLF in different countries from 2014 to 2015.

The two have “agreed to organize a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG)”, it reads.

Based on the statement, the group task of “finding common ground between the 1976 Tripoli Agreement/1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) on the one

hand, and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on the other, as a means of harmonizing the two peace tracks.””

Ebrahim and Sema declared a cohesive stand to join together the efforts of the two Moro groups to regain their “lost freedom and self-determination” and “enjoy the blessings of peace, justice and development.”

cently also declared Naguilan River System in La Union; Cañas-Maalimango Rivers in Cavite; Ayala River in Zamboanga City; Taoloan River Basin in Misamis Oriental; and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato as new QWMAs. With the recent declaration, the country now has 31 WQMAs nationwide, 25 of them were designated under the Aquino administration, the DENR added.

“This is part of our effort to keep the country’s water-

ways clean and ensure the sustainable water supply for Filipinos,” Paje said in the same statement.

Paje added that the recent declarations of WQMAs will help determine what control measures to institute to effectively achieve water quality objectives and improvements in the named areas.

WQMAs require serious protection and management action by the local government and its stakeholders.

The Department of Health

last year confirmed the high level of contamination of coliform in Talomo River that also affected the beaches in Davao City.

The late City Councilor Leo Avilla III in 2015 also reported of the high levels of coliform in the beaches of Davao City based on the water quality assessment conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

The recent declaration of Talomo River as WQMA was

DENR declares Talomo River as one of PH’s water quality management areas

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ALOMO River in Davao City is among the important water bodies in the Philippines that was recently named by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as water quality management areas (WQMAs).

In a statement, the DENR also made a call to better protect the declared WQMAs in the country from pollution.

Outgoing DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, in an administrative order he signed re-

F DENR, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

PH honors Brexit referendum results

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T MOTHER AND CHILD. A Lumad mother lets her young child lay down on her as they try to take some rest on the pavement at Rizal Park in Davao City while waiting for the vehicles that will bring them home yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE government of the Philippines honors the decision reached by the people of Britain, through the recent referendum conducted to leader the European Union (EU).

“The United Kingdom has decided, through a transparent and democratic process, to leave the European Union. As a nation that shares with the United Kingdom adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law, the Philippines respects this decision of the British people,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement posted in their website on Tuesday.

The DFA added that the country “deeply values its relationship with the United Kingdom, which has been growing steadily and from strength to strength in the past seventy years.

It added that the bilateral trade between the Philippines and the United Kingdom has reached around $1.8 billion per year, focusing on vibrant sectors that capitalize on both countries’ advantages, particularly in manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

There are around 200,000 Filipinos and Filipino-British citizens living in Britain, the data of DFA said. A total of 154,589 British tourists also visited the country in the same period.

The DFA reiterated that the country also values its relations with the European Union both bilaterally and as a part of ASEAN. “The Philippines looks forward to continuing its ties with both the United Kingdom and the European Union towards a more prosperous future,” the statement concluded.

Davao dads, village chiefs cites 10 Gawad grace Rody’s inauguration DA Saka regional winners

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

M

EMBERS of the city council and barangay chairmen from Davao City were among the 627 invited guests to the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, June 30 in Malacanang Palace.

Outgoing City councilor Edgar Ibuyan Sr. was pleased when he was informed that he is one of the invited guests, especially that only few people has received an invitation.

“I am so happy that I was invited,” Ibuyan said, adding

that it is not every day that one will witness an inauguration of a president.

“That is why I am so honored to witness it with my own eyes,” Ibuyan, who served as a member of Davao City council for 9 years emphasized.

Among those invited were a number of barangay chairmen in Davao City particularly those who pushed for his presidential bid.

Organizers to the inauguration also clarified that not all barangay execs in Davao

City will be able to grace the occasion.

The names of village chiefs who are lucky to join Duterte on his inauguration were not also released.

The invited local officials from Davao City already arrived on Wednesday morning Barongs and Filipiña attires that will be worn during the inauguration.

Reports added that they also took the instruction that no one is allowed to bring extra person with them.

Meanwhile, two wide screen monitors were installed in two public markets in the City for the live streaming of the inauguration of Duterte.

The wide screens were set-up at the Mallengke area in Bangkerohan and in Tibungco.

Prior to this, Presidential Communications Operation Chief Martin Andanar said that LEDs will be installed on the different parts of the city to let Duterte’s “Kababayan” witness his inauguration.

presidential race last May. He also expressed optimism that the aim of the peace negotiations and methods of achieving it has been set forth.

Sison also recalled the bravery of Pitao who was killed in an encounter with the 10th Infantry Division at the hinterlands of Paquibato District, Davao City in June last year.

It was also the first time in the history of the country that a rebel leader was given tribute by its comrades in a government owned gymnasium.

“We can be sure that the spirit and revolutionary hero Ka Parago, whose martyrdom is present in all our mass activities for peace, inasmuch as we are inspired by his lifelong struggle for a just and lasting peace,” Sison said.

He added that Pitao made sacrifices and died for seeking fundamental reforms to have a better Philippines.

Meanwhile, the formal talks of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace panel and the National Democratic Front will resume ei-

ther on July 16-17 or July 2325 in Oslo, Netherlands.

GPH peace panel consultant Silvestre Bello III said that the final date will depend on the availability of

the two panels.

On June 14-15 the two panels met in Oslo, Netherlands for preliminary peace negotiations. FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

Former administrations lack political will to pursue peace, Joma says

“T

HE previous administration of Estrada, Arroyo and Aquino lacked the political will to overcome their reactionary interests and use their power and resources to advance the peace process.”

This was the message of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison through a video message aired during the commemoration of the first death anniversary of known New People’s Army (NPA) leader Leoncio Pitao alias Ka Parago on Tuesday.

Sison pointed out that a just and lasting peace can only be attained by addressing the roots of armed conflict.

He added that the failure of the past administrations to ensure a truly independent Philippines have brought the first left president who is willing to adopt and implement the necessary reforms for a just and lasting peace.

Sison was referring to president-elect Rodrigo Duterte who will begin his administration by July 1 of this year after winning the

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 12 formally recognized on Tuesday the 10 regional winners of the 2016 Gawad Saka search.

The winners received various awards and incentives in ceremony hosted by DA-12 officials led by regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan held at the Villa Amor Hotel in Koronadal City.

Datukan said the awardees earlier topped the evaluation for the regional Gawad Saka search for outstanding farmers, farmers’ organizations, researchers, entrepreneurs and food terminals.

“These are the best of the best of our agriculture stakeholders here in Region 12,” she said during the awarding rites.

Four of the winners were from North Cotabato, three from South Cotabato, and one each from Kidapawan City, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

North Cotabato’s Lucresia Neri of Midsayap town was adjudged as regional winner in the agriculture entrepreneur category; Dr. Onofre Corpuz of Arakan in the agricultural scientist category; Dr. Sailila Abdula of Midsayap in the agricultural researcher category; and, the Midsayap Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) in the MAFC category.

For South Cotabato, Fernando Montemayor of Polomolok town topped the small animal raiser category; John Rolin Mondejar of Banga in the young farmer category;

F DA, 10

OF BALLOONS AND TOYS. Cartoon character shaped balloons and other toys are being peddled by vendors who want to take advantage of the huge number of devotees attending the 168th feast of San Pedro celebration at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Rody gives Yasay 2 months to end queues of applicants

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

WO months.

This is the only period given by president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to incoming Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. to develop a system that would expedite processing of passport issuance to a point that the long lines of applicants now will be eliminated.

“I don’t want people to queue,” Duterte said during his lengthy message at the flag raising ceremony in front of the Davao City Hall last Monday.

The 71-year old president, who will take his oath today, said he already ordered the former Securities and Exchange Commission

(SEC) chairman to fasttrack the tweaking of the system to fasten processing which usually take months.

Duterte said the “first come, first serve” system of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) now left applicants with no choice to queue and even sleep in pavements just to be first on the line.

“Yang mga kapatid nating Moro, lalo na mga taga Cotabato.

Kita nyo yan,” he added.

Duterte criticized the current performance of the agency which would need a month before the passport can be issued.

“Kala ko ba bili tayo ng billing comput-

er araw-araw. Gastos.

Tingnan mo yang expenditure ng gobyerno,” irked Duterte said before a large audience of government employees.

The president, who hailed from the queen city of Mindanao, said the usage of computers should be maximized to provide better government services to Fililipinos.

A shopping list containing all the requirements should be palmed off to applicants.

“You say you produce this. Once na comply na yan wag mong dagdagan,” Duterte ordered.

Duterte said personnel from the DFA

should not ask for more or something less once the list is completed.

“You make it clear tapos pag na comply nya yan yung magtanggap will sign a ledger for the application, clearance or whatever.

Ikaw sa window ang magpirma,” he said.

Once through, he said, the chief of office should make an estimation to when the client has to go back to retrieve his passport.

Duterte said applicants will be given a plastic stub which will be presented to DFA to get their passport.

“Yan na ang rule.

Ayoko nang pila lalo na dyan sa pagkuha ng passport,” he said.

CANDLE VENDOR. A physically challenged person earns a living for his family by selling candles inside San Pedro Cathedral compound in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

With Rody in Malacañang DTI sees more foreign, local investments

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao del Norte is positioning the province as the next frontier in the region, now that a president will hail from the South.

DTI provincial director Roberto Castañaga is positive that the victory of President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte will further bring down more local and foreign investment not only to Davao City, but also to surrounding provinces.

The establishment of a Malacañang of the South, he said, could entice more foreign and local investors to the region.

Castañaga said development is moving outward of

Davao City and the province of Davao del Norte is the immediate recipient of the overspill.

Despite known for its tourism destinations and vast banana plantations, he said, the local government, national agencies, and the private sector should collaborate together to position the province to be the next hub of the region.

“We have to move. We don’t have to wait,” Castañaga said during a press conference at the Big 888 for the forum on economic zone/ corridor development in the province.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario expressed optimism on the growth of Davao region with Duterte as

F WITH RODY, 10

Farmer’s group sells P2.2 million worth of harvested coffee beans

E

IGHTY six farmers from Bagumbayan town were exultant after collectively selling their harvested coffee beans for P2.2 million to a multinational coffee-buying company in Tagum City.

Project Facilitator Zeljik Psalm Maraon said farmers from the KM14 High Value Crops, Masiag Farmers and Coffee Growers, Monterverde Coffee Growers and Kanulay P4MP Association were able to harvest and deliver 28,689.33 kilograms of coffee beans.

“Through direct selling, the farmers earned a gross income of P2,215,360.13 from their consolidated coffee produce to Nestle Philippines,” Maraon said.

He added that crucial to gaining more income were the incentives given by the company to the coffee farmers upon delivery of coffee produce.

“Nestle gave an incentive of additional P1.50 per kilo to the

total kilograms of coffee beans delivered, and an additional P1 for every kilo of coffee beans passing the company’s moisture content test,” Maraon said.

However, he said most of the coffee beans delivered failed to meet the highest quality standard for coffee products.

“Only 3,259.48 kilograms or about 11.36% of the total delivery met the quality standard of grade 1, which has the highest buying price of P76.50 per kilo,” he said.

“About 25,370.54 kilograms or 88.43% were classified under grade 2 which has an equivalent buying price of P74.50, while about 59.31 kilograms or 0.21% of coffee beans delivered were classified under grade 3 which has a buying price of P72.50 per kilo,” Maraon added.

During the post-delivery assessment, the farmers

F FARMER, 10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Pulong wishes Pa Rody a nice ride

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

S A YOUNG boy, Paolo Z. Duterte would see his father ride his big bike on weekend getaways.

He had not really himself fallen for big bikes growing up, but he sees in his father a gallant horseman on top of an iron horse.

Control and calculation are two qualities of a big bike rider knowing fully well the power inside that machine which his hands steer on the throttle.

The same control and calculation describes a good leader knowing fully well that, like his big bike, the power in his throttle is enormous.

When Paolo became Vice Mayor in 2013, he was the ‘sidekick’ of his father who was at his first of a new term as City Mayor having given way to daughter Sara in 2010.

As Vice Mayor to his father, Paolo took to the trail blazed by his father for

decades leading the city to what it is now.

Beginning today, as a young second term Vice Mayor, Paolo Duterte will not have his father ahead of him on the road to follow on the journey.

His sister Inday will be there.

Their Papa is now at the helm of the country as the sixteenth President of the replublic.

“We are so proud of him.

Who would imagine him winning without a political machinery and without money for a presidential campaign? But he won becaise the people believed in him,” said Paolo.

“Congrats Pa!,” he said as he wished his father well on the bigger task ahead.

Thee younger Duterte had earlier said there are those who will try to out his father down. He pointed out the ‘oligarchs’ among them the outgoing Presi-

dent Benigno Aquino who said Duterte has the makings of a dictator.

The younger Duterte said, it is the time of the people.

No longer the time of the dew, powerful elites who had ruled the country.

Change, he believes, is forthcoming for the country and he believes his father will make a difference.

Like it was in those days, only this time on a bigger, more powerful bike with its throttle on his hands.

5

EDGEDAVAO

6 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

EDITORIAL

S

Welcome to the Duterte era

AY hello to the new President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

At noon today, President Duterte takes over the reins of the country as its sixteenth president. He comes in setting a number of breakthroughs in Philippine political history—the first Mindanaoan to become President. He will also be the first to break the so-called “Imperial Manila” and the first to declare before his presidency begins of his plan to amend the constitution to establish a Federal system of government.

There will be a number of things the Filipinos will have to get used to President Duterte for he is so unlike the rest of his predecessors in more ways than one. To say the least, he is an anti-thesis of all of them.

But he will also be, like most of them, learn and adopt the demands of the presidency. On his inauguration speech today, President Dute-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

rte will be speaking by reading a teleprompter. For someone used to not reading his statements, it will be his first. In the last time he met the City Hall employees of Davao, he said there are things that have changed. He can no longer come close to them and the other way around as the Presidential Security Group would not allow that.

He nixed the Mercedes Benz and will sell the presidential yacht.

He would rather be comfortable in a pick up truck.

Today’s inauguration is even simple. No trimmings of the vine d’ honour that has been the tradition in the Palace but for the first time, fried bananas and coco water will be the main fare.

But the biggest thing to expect from a Duterte era, is discipline.

He is known for that in Davao and as promised, he will do it in the entire country.

Say hello to President Duterte and be prepared to be whipped.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

7

Gina Lopez: Bane or Boon?

F

OR starters, Gina Lopez, the incoming DENR chief, is a scion of the old rich, landed Lopez family that has big stakes in the power sector, media, real estate and mining.

The public knows her today for her unyielding environmental advocacy, leading campaigns to rid the air of pollution and ecological degradation due to human abuse and misuse. Her name is prominently associated with the “Clean the Pasig River” campaign.

She was surprised to have been offered the DENR portfolio by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on a personal visit to Davao.

Thinking it was just a spur of the moment, Lopez hesitated but after a day of much thought, she acquiesced and accepted.

Immediately, the Philippine Stock Exchange index reacted negatively as shares of stocks in mining, energy and oil plunged as if a huge tremor hit it.

For those who know her tough stance against violators of the environment, Lopez is strongly anti-mining, a mindset that is shared by Pres. Duterte himself. She, however, qualified this by saying there is

T

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

such a thing SPECKS OF LIFE as “responsible mining,’ a term of reference she attributed to mining companies that recognize it their duty to proFred C. Lumba tect and restore the environment that they are utilizing for their mining business.

Lopez knows whereof she stands as her long years of ocular inspections and videography of sites all over the country destroyed by many mining companies strongly proved her point. No one can disagree with her. She uses her own personal finances and staff to pursue her anti-mining and pro-environment position.

Even when she has yet to officially wield her DENR baton, her predecessors’ record in office may be put under the microscope in comparison to Lopez’ active

involvement in environmental protection and preservation. One cannot underestimate what this woman can really do given the sceptre of authority.

Lopez is a courageous woman. She is not afraid to tangle with giants of the industry. She has a foresight and vision that transcends the present and descends on the future.

Therefore, “responsible mining” must be specifically defined and agreed upon by stakeholders and those in government to prevent a clash.

There is now a mood going around that a moratorium in the mining industry might be enforced. I talked to Carlos Magno, DENR RD in Calabarzon who recommended, in a black and white message to Duterte, that a moratorium in the issuances of mining permits, ECCs and the like be implemented until the din and dust of the issues settle down.

Magno is a forty-year career official who talks sense. He knows the ins and outs of the DENR having been in the field operations for a long time and could lend solomonic assistance to Lopez. As an old

hand in the business, Magno could be useful as an undersecretary to guide the incoming DENR top honcho go through the maze without stumbling.

A team that knows not only the ABCs but the complicated stuff within the DENR is what Lopez needs. She could build a solid group by utilizing career –oriented people in the department seriously concerned about issues on environmental protection and preservation.

I expect things to improve and move around the moment Gina Lopez takes her oath and sits officially. As much as irresponsible mining is destructive to the earth, illegal loggers are also killing the environment and wasting its attributes.

They must also be contained and their operations stopped completely if Lopez is to achieve her “clean the environment” goals.

In his search for the right man for the job, we should thank Pres. Duterte for his eagle-eyed designation of a woman for the post. Lopez, to me, fits the position to a T. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

of them. I just THINK ON THESE! want to hug and tell them how I missed them.”

Suffering is any unwanted condition and the corresponding negative Henrylito D. Tacio emotion. It is henrytacio@gmail.com usually associated with pain and unhappiness, but any condition can be suffering if it is unwanted. Suffering is an emotional state associated with biological and/or psychosocial events that threaten the individual’s integrity.

Generally, suffering accompanies severe pain, but may occur in its absence.

Suffering is defined as any pain, physical or emotional, that results from an injury, as in the phrase “pain and suffering.” If this is due to someone else’s negligence, the suffering individual may receive general damages.

“The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you in proportion to your fear of being hurt,” said Thomas Merton.

Even loving someone is to experience suffering. Hollywood film actor Woody Allen explains, “To avoid suffering one

must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not to love is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be happy one must love or love to suffer or suffer from too much happiness.”

Pain and suffering are part of life. If you don’t understand them, you think of them as horrible and unreasonable and they make you question the good. But when you understand them, both begin to have meaning. As a result, meaningful pain and suffering are not pain and suffering anymore; they have purpose.

Do you know why God allows pain and suffering? Allow me to share this story: A man went to a barbershop to have his haircut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.

They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: “I don’t believe that God exists!”

The customer wondered. So the barber explained, “Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist! Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.”

The customer thought for a moment,

but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barbershop again and he said to the barber: “You know what? Barbers do not exist at all!!!”

“How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!!!”

The customer insisted, “No, barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.” The barber replied, “But barbers do exist. That’s what happens when people do not come to me!”

“Exactly!” the customer affirmed.

“That’s the point! God, too, does exist. That’s what happens when people do not go to Him and don’t look to Him for help. That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world!”

In Just As I Am, Billy Graham wrote: “Suffering is part of the human condition, and it comes to us all. The key is how we react to it, either turning away from God in anger and bitterness or growing closer to Him in trust and confidence.”

For comments, write me at henrytacio@gmail.com

Of human beings and suffering

INA was only five years old when his father died. She really never knew what happened but she was told that someone was interested with the farm her father owned. When he did sell his farm to that person, the buyer made a sinister plan. He asked someone to invite Tina’s father into a party. Then, while drinking, someone put a poison into his glass and he died thereafter.

This happened in the late 1950’s yet. Since the family was somewhat illiterates, they never knew what to do. The death of the father was too much for the wife to bear. Months later, she also died. With no other family members, the children – Tina and her three other sisters – were adopted by other people.

When Tina was seven, her new family brought her to Davao. After that, she never heard anymore of her three sisters. She got married and now lives affluently. Then, one night, when her children were around, she told them her story and the pain she had been bringing in her heart through all the years. She cried while telling her past.

The children could feel the suffering their mother went through. They had decided to bring her back to where she came from. There, they tried to search for their long lost sisters of their mothers. But they all failed to find them. No one heard of the sisters anymore.

“I am so much in pain,” Tina said. “But I am hoping that one day, somewhere, I will still find my sisters or even just one

8 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

9 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

PLDT, Smart use Facebook at Work for digital pivot D

Water service interruption in many city parts, July 1-2

I

N line with their digital transformation efforts, PLDT and Smart Communications are changing the way their people work together by launching Facebook at Work, the business version of Facebook that allows companies to build more productive, efficient, and collaborative workplaces.

PLDT and Smart are among the first companies in the Philippines, and are the first Southeast Asia-based telco to use Facebook at Work.

Facebook at Work enables employees to have interactive discussions for better collaboration. Employees can join groups, share information and ideas, ask questions, get real-time company news, and get instant feedback from colleagues.

They can also use Work Chat, which is similar to Facebook Messenger, to send instant messages and do voice and video calling.

Facebook at Work and Work Chat are available both on the web and as mobile applications.

“The PLDT Group’s transformation doesn’t just entail the introduction of digital

products and services that will enable Filipinos to live the Smart Life. We are implementing the digital pivot within our ranks as well. Because we are offering the benefits of the Smart Life to our subscribers, we must first embrace it at work,” said PLDT-Smart Business Transformation Office Head Ricky Vargas.

“Through Facebook at Work, we are boosting our efforts to establish a culture of open communication and collaboration among employees.

It will enable us to have a free

exchange of ideas across all levels,” he added.

Since the PLDT Group launched Facebook at Work last May 12, employees have been actively interacting online with each other, as well as with top executives. In his first post, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan expressed his excitement to keep in touch with the companies’ workforce through the platform.

Employees have used Facebook at Work to directly

ask Pangilinan questions regarding recent developments in PLDT and Smart. The tool has also helped raise internal awareness about the companies’ new logos and shared vision, mission, and values.

Meanwhile, in the group called Idea Central, employees have made several suggestions on how to improve services for their millions of customers.

This group gets about five new ideas per day, even on weekends, and has served as a platform for online brainstorming sessions.

AVAO City Water District has scheduled a water service interruption from 8:00 PM of July 1 until 2:00 AM of July 2 affecting all areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS).

Specific affected areas are: left side portion of Diversion Road (from junction of Bangkal to corner Catalunan Grande Road); some areas in Bago Aplaya (Gulfview Executive Homes, Versari Village, Castro Village and Sto. Niño Village); Ma-a (from Emerald Village to Carlos P. Garcia Highway and from Shell Gasoline Station to Ma-a Bridge); Buhangin (from J.P Laurel Avenue to Tigatto Road including DDF Mandug, from Crossing Milan to Villa Park Subd. and from Ma-a Bridge to Camp Catitipan including Dumoy WSS connections in Ciudad de Esperanza, AFP Mutual Homes and Davao International Airport); Poblacion (Barangays 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, left portion of Quirino Avenue from Bankerohan Public Market to corner J.P. Laurel Avenue, Madapo Hills, Marfori Heights environs, Circumferential Road and Bacaca Road); J.P. Laurel Avenue and immediate environs (from corner Sta. Avenue to Durian Hotel towards Davao-Agusan Road); Cabaguio (from DECO Machine Shop to J.P. Laurel Avenue); Angliongto / Mamay Road; some areas in Lanang, Pampanga and Sasa (from Lanang to Km. 12 including Doña Asuncion Subd., Summerhill Village, Guadalupe Village, Insular Village I, Fortune Executive Homes, Nova Tierra Village, Belen Homes, Pampanga Executive Homes, San Roque Village, Don Lorenzo Homes, Bolton Village, Doña

Pilar Village, Southern Homes, Doña Paz Village, Hacienda Village, Old Airport Road, Doña Aurelia Village, Lougemar Village, Marla Compound, Doña Salud, Bel-Air Subd., and Mercedes Village); and Panacan (Crystal Meadows, Tierra Verde Village, Doña Caridad Subd., De Guzman Village, EMI Ville Homes, Empress Subd., Tierra Niño Village, DPWH Depot, PMPC Village, Landmark I, II and III, San Juan Village and Vista Verde I and II).

DCWD’s Production Department will be conducting a replacement of the 2-inch Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) male adaptor at the chlorination line 2 of Talomo Sump for preventive maintenance purposes, hence, this water service interruption.

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

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Mass civil wedding benefits 70 couples in Tagum DENR... FROM 2

A

S part of the local government’s trailblazing Hugpong Serbisyo para sa Tagumenyo Festival, TAgum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon on Tuesday solemnized the union of 70 couples in a mass civil wedding at ceremony held at the newCity Hall’s atrium.

Mayor Rellon recognized the importance of solemnized union between couples, especially to those who have cohabited for many years now, thus including it to the wide array of services that the local government is offering.

Taking the lead during mass civil wedding ceremony was City Civil Registrar’s Office led by the City Civil Registrar Flordeliza J. Zulue-

In her message, Zulueta emphasized that no fee was collected from the couples, except for the processing of their certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR).

The 70 couples who benefited from the program also received other services offered during the month-long Hugpong Serbisyo Festival.

This year’s festival benefited a total of 36, 503 residents in Tagum City, record-breaking 74% increase compared to last year’s record of 20,931.

The Hugpong Festival is a caravan of free health, social and civic services brought closer to Tagum City’s 23 barangays especially catered for beneficiaries considered

the murder of several civilians and soldiers, the destruction of properties, and in extorting money from civilians and business establishments in Compostela Valley province,” Batchar said.

Genelsa has an existing P5-million prize on his head based on the Joint Order No. 14-2012 issued by the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“Genelsa is at par of the same level with Leoncio Pitao alias Parago, the commanding officer PBC 1 who was killed in an encounter with government troops on June 28 last year,” Batchar added.

In the same media statement, Col. Macairog Alberto,

commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade called on the other members of the NPA in Compostela Valley return to the folds of law.

“There is still time for you to live peacefully and become productive members of the community. Armed struggle is not the solution to our country’s social problem,” Alberto stressed.

Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th ID lauded the arresting army troopers and police personnel for their accomplishment.

Valencia added that while the AFP continues to enforce its mandate, the military organization is fully behind and wholeheartedly supports the peace initiatives of the new administration.

REB... FROM 1

ta.

to be at the grassroots.

The festival is an initiative of Mayor Rellon under his ten-point flagship EAGLE

WINGS that is aligned to the agenda on social services of the local government. (Roy Banias/CIO Tagum)

fore the country is engulfed by narco-politics.”

“We set aside political affiliations because we have the same objective of serving our people,” Mangudadatu, who belonged to Liberal Party (LP), added.

Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani, who was re-elected to his third and last term, said the President-elect’s assumption to office will change the country’s political landscape and the people, especially the hopeless, defenseless and oppressed, have found an ally in Duterte.

Guiani, who had a brief talk with Duterte in Davao City last week, said the incoming President vowed to help the city become investors’ destination after the problems of illegal drugs and petty crimes shall have been addressed.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes has said the provincial officialdom of the province will give its all out support to Duterte’s campaign against prohibited substance.

She lauded the President for recognizing capabilities of leaders in Region 12 to form part of his official family.

Incoming Interior and Local Governments Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno is from South Cotabato while incoming Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol is from North Cotabato.

Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial of Mlang, North Cotabato will replace Health Sec. Janette Garin.

A native of South Cotabato, retired Gen. Miguel Delfin Lorenzana is the next defense chief while and Ricardo Jalad from Parang, Maguindanao was named chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(NDRRMC).

Retired Police Chief Supt.

Jaime Morente from Midsayap, North Cotabato is the incoming immigration chief.

For ordinary folks, the ushering of new leaders also give them hope of genuine reforms.

“Can you imagine the number of illegal drug dependents who voluntarily surrendered and vowed to do away with illegal drugs?” a Julius Barrientos, resident of Tacurong City, said.

“Duterte is not yet in power and these people have vowed to reform, a good indication we are in good hands in Duterte,” he added in Filipino.

About 5,000 individuals believed to be directly or indirectly involved in illegal drugs have voluntarily “surrendered.”

“Truly, Duterte’s campaign slogan that ‘Change is coming’ is being felt right now,” Elsie Pendar, a very optimistic barangay health worker in South Cotabato, said.

A mall sales lady in Koronadal City, who requested she will not be named, said she is pinning his hope on Duterte’s pronouncement that “contractualization” of workers will stop in his administration.

“I hope it will happen because I have been changing employment every five months,” the sales lady said.

A farmer in Mlang, North Cotabato said Duterte’s programs for farmers as announced by incoming Agriculture Secretary Manny Pinol give hope to the country’s agriculture sector.

“These programs on agriculture will free us from the bondage of poverty and unscrupulous traders,” the optimistic Ontoy Dela Vega said.

president.

The governor said Panabo City and Tagum City should be develop to be able to host big investors.

Del Rosario said the presence of two economic zones in the province only proved that the province can be alternative location for business growth and expansion.

At present, homegrown firms Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) and Hijo Resources Corporation have developed PEZA-accredited areas in Panabo City and Tagum City, respectively, to become economic zones.

He explained that the two provinces are basically on the radar of the investors because of its close proximity to Davao City.

For instance, he said Panabo City is automatically an area of expansion for investors looking for an alternative and cheaper area, while Tagum City is strategically placed at

the center of major production area.

“Products produced in Agusan provinces, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley are brought down in Tagum City, making it the center for trade and commerce in this part of the region,” he added.

DLI vice president Ricardo F. Lagdameo, meanwhile, said the movement out the Davao City is considered to be a “natural progression” as a city prospers industrially.

Just like in Manila, companies moved towards the CALABARZON area, he said.

Instead of competing with each other, Ladameo said the movement is “synergistic” and caused “extension of wealth.”

Stakeholders of the province remained positive that the new administration will help the province in its bid to become the next “center of the Davao Region.” CHENEEN R. CAPON

Leaders... FROM 1

With Rody... FROM 4

CAPTURED. Photo shows Eddie Genelsa, the commanding officer of Pulang Bagani Company 3 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army and the 19th Most Wanted Person in the Philippines who was captured by the joint army and police operatives on Wednesday, June 29 in Bongabong, Pantukan, Compostela Valley. (Photo courtesy of 10th ID)

DOLE... FROM 2

During the program, the workers also shared their stories and hardships in working at the sugar plantation.

Both of the DTC members and the sugar cane workers pledged commitment in helping eliminate child labor in

their district.

Also present in the activity were DOLE-DSFO Head Henry O. Montilla and DOLEDSFO Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Officer Leo Pepino. (DOLEXI/Kriztja Marae G. Labrador)

also welcomed by the Interface Development Interventions (IDS).

Chinkie Pelino Golle of IDS told the EDGE Davao on Wednesday that the inclusion will ensure the regular monitoring of the water quality of Talomo River.

With the declaration, monitoring stations will be set-up in designated areas in Talomo River for regular supervision and checking of its water quality, Golle added.

She said that the local QWMA board in the region, to which IDS is a member, had recommended the declaration of Talomo River as QWMA to the DENR national office sometimes in January of this year.

Golle expressed appreciation for the issuance of the recent administrative order that included Talomo River to the list.

The newly designated WQMAs have a combined area of 221,376 hectares of inland water systems, including land portions surrounding the water bodies, the DENR added.

Four of the six are considered critical to aquifers and irrigation in their specific areas – the Naguilan River System, Talomo River, Ayala River and Lake Sebu.

The designation of Cañas-Maalimango Rivers as WQMA strengthens govern-

ment compliance with the Supreme Court mandamus on the cleanup of Manila Bay because the two rivers serve as major transport route of pollutants from establishments within the Cavite area, the DENR said.

The declaration of WQMAs is part of the responsibility of the DENR, as mandated by Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 2004.

In carrying out the task, the law stipulates that DENR, in coordination with the National Water Resources Board will to designate certain areas as WQMAs using appropriate physiographic units such as watershed, river basins, or water resources regions to effectively enforce its provisions and improve the water quality of water bodies.

The Clean Water Act, the DENR added, also mandates the agency to create a governing board for each WQMA, which is chaired by a regional director of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

Members to the board include mayors and governors of the concerned local government unit and representatives of relevant national government agencies, duly registered non-government organizations, and business and water utility sectors.

and, Regina Ruferos of Banga in the fisherfolk (fish culture) category.

The other winners were Marcelino Sarda of Kidapawan City in the coconut farmer category; Malandag Barangay Food Terminal in Malungon, Sarangani in the outstanding food terminal category; and, Purok Embantayan Farmer’s Association Food Terminal in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat in the outstanding food terminal (non-local government operated) category.

The winners in the individual categories received cash incentives of PHP30,000 while those who topped the group categories got PHP50,000, along with plaques of recognition. The regional finalists or nominees received cash incentives of PHP15,000 each.

Datukan urged the winners, who will represent the region in the national Gawad Saka search, to “continue aiming for greater heights.”

“Your success today are testaments of your hard work and dedication. But there’s a bigger challenge awaiting you

in the national search,” she said.

The official said they are hoping to produce more winners in this year’s Gawad Saka national search.

“It will be proof that we are doing our jobs. It means that we’re effective in terms of ensuring that the cultivators of our farms reap all the success that they worked hard for,” Datukan said.

Datukan, who will step down as regional director on Thursday, called on all agriculture workers “to work with smiles and compassion.”

“We should always strive for quality service and continue with our good partnership with the farmers and our clients,” she said.

The Gawad Saka Search is an annual activity of DA that gives recognition to farmers and groups for their contributions to the country’s economy, especially in ensuring food sufficiency.

The region’s 10 nominees will undergo evaluation in the second week of July for the Gawad Saka national search.

agreed to aim for a grade 1 quality for their coffee produce.

The group also resolved to improve their practices in harvesting as well as in performing proper sorting, drying and floatation of coffee beans.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Rhea Marie Betque said the collective selling of coffee beans was a “test marketing” activity organized by the Department of Agrarian

Reform (DAR) in partnership with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to eliminate local traders in the marketing chain.

“The farmers earning P2.2 million is a proof that our ‘test marketing’ was a success. By eliminating the local traders in the market chain, our coffee farmers gained incentives as an added value to their produce thus increasing their income,” Betque said. (DAR)

DA... FROM 3

Farmer... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

FASHION

EDGEDAVAO

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY? Get that lucky casual vibe with a red, white and black checkered top matched with a sporty jacket and beige chinos.

WEEKEND GETAWAY. Lavender and purple checks are paired with baby blue shorts for a sportier look without the checkered pattern getting too heavy.

Checkmate Fashionable with checkered shirts PLAID SHIRTS HAVE BEEN A FASHION STAPLE SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL, but with images of President Rody dressed in his lucky red checkered tops making the front pages of the news lately, it seems like checkered shirts are seeing a resurgence in popularity.

A NIGHT OUT WITH FRIENDS. Who says checkered shirts are only for daytime?

A red and charcoal checkered shirt is pared with a sport jacket and denim for a sleek evening look.

Of course not all are comfortable nor familiar with how to wear the hipster wardrobe, but here are some tips to pull off that unique and eyecatching look that is sure to impress even the President of the Philippines himself.

Check style Check patterns come in many styles and is the deciding factor whether the shirt is made for a casual day out or of it is for a dinner date. If you go for a shirt with small checks, try pairing it with neutral or lighter pants or shorts, this creates a more formal, cleaner look. Wider checks give a more casual look that easily matches with darker skinny or straight legged jeans.

Color A checkered shirt’s color is just as important.

Making a statement with bright colors or to look relaxed with darker muted colors, checkered shirts give a multi-tonal casual look that works well for people who want to make a statement.

Another tip when it comes to colors is to try to limit the number of colors to two to three complimentary hues so that the print will not look too busy and you will be able to keep the shirt as a versatile item that you can easily mix and match.

Model: JB from Glam Model House Clothes: Marks & Spencer Styling: Otoi Mercano Photographs: Kenneth Irving Ong Location: Marks & Spencer Abreeza

SPORTY CASUAL. Brightly colored blue and green checkerd polos are dressed up with the addition of a light grey sport jacket.

By Kenneth Irving Ong

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

EVENT

SM Supermalls celebrate 118th Independence Day FIFTY-EIGHT SM MALLS NATIONWIDE RECENTLY UNITED IN OBSERVING THE PHILIPPINES’ 118TH INDEPENDENCE DAY with a simultaneous flag-raising activity and numerous activities lined up for the occasion. In Mindanao, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Davao, SM City Cagayan de Oro and SM City General Santos and had a festive celebration through inspired installations and performances that were reflective of the cultural heritage of the region.

At SM City Davao, the Independence Day was marked with a flag hoisting ceremony at the mall’s front covered walk along Quimpo Boulevard. The occasion was kicked off by a parade of 118 colors.

Around 250 mall tenants and mall employees attended the occasion along with more than 300 bikers from BJMP and the Habagat Bikers Group.

Joining the celebration at SM Davao were the Department of Education XI, the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration XI, and the Department of Foreign Affairs—Mindanao. On the mayor’s behalf, Councilor Bernard Al-ag

graced the event and delivered the incoming president’s message. Brgy. Capt.

Rolando Trajera was also in attendance.

The shoppers were greeted with mall employees donning traditional Philippine costumes as they entered the mall. The Annex Event Center was filled with Filipino music with the performances from UP Mindanao’s Koro Kantahanay and Musikademy. SM Davao’s in-mall music was also aptly composed of OPM hits. Apart from the musical performances, in conjunction with the Independence

Day celebration was the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s interactive exhibition for the Philippine Eagle Week from June 5 at the Annex Art Strip. Among the exhibit’s components were a forum on conservation, art sessions as well as wildlife interaction.

In SM Lanang Premier, mall employees clad in various national costumes and Mindanaoan tribal wear, together with tenants, security forces and various community stakeholders, gathered for the flag-raising activity along the mall’s Grand Boulevard. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Bonifacio Tan graced the activity and shared a message to the

audience. Delegates from Davao City Police Office led by PSupt Emmanuel Palicte Caquilala, Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao headed by Ensign Howard Dwight Dolino, Bureau of Fire Protection-Lanang Fire Station led by SF01 Ulysses Cervantes, Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Girls Scouts of the Philippines also participated in the event. Barong collector and local media personality Architect Michael Dakudao was on hand to join the celebration. The Davao Girls Choir sang nationalistic tunes during

the said event.

In commemoration of Independence Day, SM Lanang Premier also placed on exhibit “Mindanao in Fashion” highlighting traditional Filipino wear – Filipiniana with modern and interesting designs from Kultura Filipino; custom-embroidered Barongs of Architect Michael Dakudao, and various tribal wear of the Tausugs,

Maranaos, Higaonons, T’Bolis, Tagabawa Bagobos and Matigsalogs.

In SM City General Santos, Councilor Shandee Llido graced the event along with the GenSan settlers led by Pat Salazar and the head of City Social Welfare and Development, Rebecca Magante. The celebration started with a parade participated by MPC Cadets, students from SPED, HTC

Band, Mall tenants, affiliates and admin employees.

It was followed with a historical performance by Teatro Ambahanon and a flag-raising ceremonial afterwards. Inventor and educator William Moraca shared a short message on nationalism.

This year, SM City General Santos mounted a mythical Sarimanok as their giant centerpiece. It is a legendary icon of the Maranao tribe in Moslem Mindanao which symbolized wealth and prosperity.

B’laan performances and “The Lutes of Philippine Exhibit” highlighted the celebration. Two faglong masters Ailon Jaman Tolentino and Rosita Tao entertained the public by playing their tribal songs using a faglong, a Philippine two-stringed, fretted boat-lute. Bing Cariño, who curated “The Lutes of Philippine Exhibit,” said that the exhibit raises awareness to the public, especially the youth, about

the rich and diverse culture of the country.

In SM City Cagayan de Oro, employees take pride in wearing Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog to show their love for the country on Independence Day.To add to the patriotic celebration, Momz Perfect wowed the audience with their powerful rendition of OPM classics while the Xavier University Dance Troupe performed beautiful and vibrant Philippine folk dances. Other highlights include the solo performance of Ran Obenita singing “Umagang Kay Ganda” and the ballet dances of Grace and Pointes to commemorate the Philippine Independence.

For many years, SM Supermalls has stood at the forefront of engaging the public in the country’s Independence Day celebration. It has recognized its significant role in every community where an SM mall operates.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

ABS-CBN makes viewers’ dreams come true Camille Prats’ stalker is a ghost

ABS-CBN gave a sneak peek of its new shows that will showcase the talents and dreams of Filipinos at the ABS-CBN trade event titled “Gabi ng Pangarap” held last Monday (June 27) at SMX Convention Center.

Known as the “Reality and Game Show Capital of the Philippines,” the Kapamilya network with its lineup of reality shows set to amuse viewers.

“Pinoy Big Brother,” the country’s longest-running reality show, is all set for its seventh season and is ready to introduce its newest housemates this July.

Also returning next month is the exciting game show “Minute to Win It,” which will once again make hearts pound with its thrilling games.

Viewers should also brace themselves as the international talent search “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” will assemble the biggest boy band of the country with judges Yeng Constantino, Vice Ganda, and K-pop superstar Sandara Park.

Aside from the upcoming reality shows, the reigning singing talent search “The Voice Kids” was also one of the night’s highlights with coaches Sharon and Bamboo giving spectacular performances.

The music continued as the ASAP Birit Queens Angeline Quinto, Morissette, and Klarisse De Guzman brought the house down with their belting prowess.

Also giving a grand musical treat were ASAP Soul Sessionistas Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Daryl Ong, and Jason Dy. Meanwhile, a kiligfest ensued with James Reid and Nadine Lustre gracing the stage and performing the theme song of

their upcoming series “Till I Met You.” The sweetness of “Dolce Amore” stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano sent the audience to a frenzy as they serenaded the crowd. The newest Kapamilya love team of Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador also did not fail to make the audience giddy with their heartfelt song number.

Good vibes were all over the venue as the country’s number one series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” cast members Simon “Onyok” Pineda, McNeal “Awra” Briguela, Pepe Herrera, and Coco Martin engaged in a showdown and danced to novelty hits “May Tatlong Bibe” and “Totoy Bibo.”

Apart from the upcoming

reality shows, the trade event also unveiled the newest drama series set to capture viewers’ hearts, “The Greatest Love,” featuring veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, and “Langit Lupa,” led by child stars Xia Vigor and Yesha Camile.

Aside from the Kapamilya celebrities, the advertisers also had their shining moment as they played and won several cash prizes. The stars and love teams also expressed their gratitude for the advertisers’ unwavering support through a meet-andgreet.

Momshies and hosts of morning talk show “Magandang Buhay” Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros, and Jolina Magdangal served as the event’s hosts.

KAPUSO ACTRESS CAMILLE PRATS finds herself the subject of a mysterious stalker in this Saturday’s episode of Wagas.

Camille plays the character of Weng, a girl who can see entities not normally seen by other people. Weng was in high school when she first saw a shadowlike figure of a man. It has not left Weng’s life since then.

Weng’s alcoholic father used to scold her for coming home every night with a man in tow. This perplexed her since she never had a boyfriend before. She was never with someone when she would come home, too.

Later on, Weng would meet Richard. While their relationship is a very happy one, it seems Weng’s “ghost stalker” is against their relationship.

Things get worse when the couple marries and settles down. It came to a point where the ghost stalker even attempted to rape Weng.

It even revealed itself to Richard.

Camille will be joined by actor Alex Medina in this hairraising love story.

Watch Wagas this Saturday (July 2), 7 p.m. on GMA News TV.

Kapuso volunteers spread cheer among children beneficiaries

SMILES WERE PLENTIFUL as fifty children surviving cancer were treated to an exciting afternoon in the GMA G.I.V.E.S. (Guide, Interact, Volunteer, Educate, Serve) SaluSalo Together for the second quarter.

GMA G.I.V.E.S. is the Network’s pool of employee-volunteers, who selflessly take part and share their resources in its various corporate social responsibility initiatives.

In celebration of its 66th anniversary, the Network and its volunteers had many

surprises in store for the children, who are under the care of GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Kapuso Cancer Champion program and Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko’s Batang K program.

The fun and educational activities

began with a viewing of episodes from the internationally awardwinning GMA Public Affairs’ animated anthology series Alamat.

The kids were also entertained by GMA Artist Center talents Marika Sasaki and James

Teng, who each sang a song for the audience.

This was followed by a highly-entertaining storytelling session by ventriloquist Carlo Magno who read a story about protecting the environment, which was provided by USAID B-Leaders.

At the end of the day, the kids went home wearing happy smiles as they carried their new backpacks filled with school supplies and tumblers made possible by donations from GMA G.I.V.E.S. members, as well as the memories of a fun-filled afternoon.

June 30-July 5, 2016

THE ACHY BREAKY HEART Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Yap, Ian Veneracion Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

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

INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Maika Monroe Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

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

YOUNG MESSIAH / *FINDING DORY Adam Greaves-Neal, Sean Bean/ *Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG/ *G

1:00 | 3:30 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

FOOD

Digong and simple Pinoy food MUCH CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE FOOD PRESIDENT DUTERTE EATS, but one thing

6 to 8 pieces okra 1 bunch string beans, cut in 3 inches length 4 tbsp shrimp paste 1 cup water 3 tbsp cooking oil salt and pepper to taste

is certain, the dishes he loves are as rustic as can be, and can be appreciated by every Filipino. In fact, his preference for eating at karinderyas even while he was serving as Davao City’s mayor is legendary.

From the Beef Tapa, Hinalang, or Balbacua at Sana’s Karinderya and Eatery to the Mongo Stew and Pancit at Thrunks Place, the president prefers dishes that are simple but made with a lot of heart. Here are recipes of some of President Digong’s favorite dishes that are sure to inspire every home cook to try simple yet hearty Pinoy fare.

Rustic monga stew

Classic and simple Pinoy dishes such as Mongo Stew, Adobo, and Pakbet are some of President Digong’s favorites just banana and sugar is now regular fare at the Presidential Guest House at the so-called Panacañang Palace.

Ingredients: 6 pieces ripe “Saba” bananas 3 cup cooking oil for deep frying a light dusting of brown sugar to taste bamboo skewers

Monggo Guisado with Dilis and Malunggay

This mung bean stew is said to be one of President Digong’s go-to comfort foods. It is a simple everyday dish that features stewed mung beans, dried fish, shrimp, pork, and moringa which pairs well with a piping hot bowl of rice.

Ingredients: 1¼ cups mung beans 4 to 6 cups water ½ cup dried anchovies (dilis) 50g pork 1 cup malunggay leaves 1 medium white onion, sliced 1 medium tomato, diced 3 cloves crushed garlic 3 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons fish sauce ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to taste Instructions: Boil 5 cups of water in a cooking pot. Add the mung beans and continue to boil for 35 to 40 minutes until

the mung beans expand a little and become soft, add more water if needed. Set aside.

Heat the cooking oil in a separate cooking pot.

Saute the garlic and onion.

Add the pork and tomato and continue to saute for 2 minutes.

Put-in the dried anchovies.

Stir.

Add the boiled mung beans.

Stir. And continue to saute for 2 minutes.

Pour 1 to 2 cups of water.

Let boil. Turn the heat between low and medium and continue to cook for 5 to 8 minutes.

Add-in the malunggay leaves. Stir.

Pour-in fish sauce and put some ground black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.

Transfer to a serving bowl.

Serve and enjoy.

Simple Maruya

One of President Digong’s favorite snacks, this simple street food made of

Instructions: Heat frying oil in a wok or deep skillet.

Peel “Saba” bananas.

Fry the banana for two minutes or until the bananas caramelize.

Remove the cooked bananas and skewer them, ideally two bananas to a stick.

Lightly sprinkle some brown sugar to taste.

Cool and serve.

Pinakbet

A traditional Filipino vegetable dish composed of bitter gourd, eggplant, squash, okra, string beans, pork, and fish paste, it is the quintessential simple Filipino dish which President Digong also loves.

Ingredients ¼ lb pork, thinly sliced 1 large egg plant, sliced 1 medium-sized bitter gourd, chopped ¼ lb squash, cubed 3 pieces large tomato, sliced 1 piece onion, chopped 1 tbsp ginger, minced 3 cloves garlic, crushed

Instructions: Heat the pan and put the cooking oil.

When oil is hot enough, saute the garlic, ginger, onion, and tomato Add the pork and cook until color turns light brown (about 5 to 8 minutes) Put-in the shrimp paste and cook for 2 minutes.

Add water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until pork is tender Put-in the squash and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until texture becomes soft Add the remaining vegetables and mix with the other ingredients.Simmer for 5 minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked.

Serve hot with steamed white rice.

GENSAN PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

TRUST IN TAB T

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team’s lineup for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament is all set, but some fans are still debating on the player choices of Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin.

However, for the PBA coaches reached for this story, trust should be given to Baldwin and his coaching staff as they are in the best position to determine what Gilas Pilipinas needs to be successful in the Olympic qualifier.

“Coaching staff knows best. They will also be responsible for all their decisions anyway. I’m sure, Coach Tab went through some excruciating pain making those choices,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao told InterAksyon.com.

“When the emotions settled down, it’s easier to get clarity on the wisdom of such decision.”

Some fans were stunned when Calvin Abueva and LA Tenorio were left out of the final 12-man lineup. Guiao, who coached the Powerade Pilipinas men’s basketball team in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin, China, believes that the two are professionals and won’t take the decision personally.

“For LA and Calvin, they are matured enough to know it’s not a judgment on their ability, but the team’s needs that must be taken into consideration,” Guiao said.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone, who steered the Philippine Centennial Team in the 1998 Asian Games, said he likes the kind of squad Baldwin composed.

“I’m never surprised by whom coaches select. Each coach sees players differently. I like the makeup of the

team. It is well-balanced and versatile. We just need to throw our full support to the team and the leadership,” Cone said.

Ariel Vanguardia, the newly appointed head coach of Phoenix Fuel Masters, also gave thumbs up to Baldwin.

“He went with guys he’s more familiar with, but whatever his decision, I trust Coach Tab. It’s his team,” wrote Vanguardia in an exclusive online interview.

But not seeing Abueva in the final 12 was surprising for his team Alaska Aces, according to assistant coach Louie Alas.

“We all feel for Calvin,” Alas said in a telephone interview. “Of course, we all expect that he’s going to be in the line up dahil maganda naman ang ipinakita niya sa FIBA Asia Championship nung last time na naglaro siya sa Gilas.

“Pero maaaring may nakita ang coaching staff na hindi natin nakita. Ako kasi, the only basis I can give is how he plays for our team.”

Alas added that whoever was included in the final 12 won’t change the fact that Gilas Pilipinas will be coming as an underdog in the Olympic qualifier.

“That’s a fact because we don’t have an NBA player in our lineup. We have a former NBA player in Andray Blatche and a D-League player in Ray Parks, but all the teams (except New Zealand) competing have NBA players, which make our team the underdogs,” said Alas.

“But don’t get me wrong.

While I may say that we’re the underdogs, we have our crowd rallying behind us and that’s a big factor. We’re the underdogs, but I still believe we can compete with them.

Depende na lang sa preparation natin yan come OQT.”

Baldwin defends his choices

G

ILAS Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin reiterated the earlier stance that height spelled a huge difference in selecting his Final 12 for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament next week.

Asked about the reasoning behind the surprise cuts to Calvin Abueva and LA Tenorio, the national coach said it was a tough decision that just had to be made.

“In the end, it was the twelve that was tailored for the competition,” Baldwin said on Tuesday night after the team’s flight from Italy where they capped off an 18-day European training camp. “It’s not the best twelve players. It’s not the most valuable twelve players. It’s the players that we believe match what we need to do in this particular OQT.” “And size was a huge factor,” he was quick to add. “And discipline, the ability to play

cohesively and as a unit, and submit themselves to what the team is doing.”

Abueva plays both forward spots, but stands just a shade below 6’2”, while Tenorio is the smallest in the point guard rotation at 5’8”.

Baldwin also dispelled the notion that the final spot boiled down to a choice between Abueva and Gilas rookie Troy Rosario.

“It wasn’t a question of Troy over Calvin,” the national coach stressed. “It was never a question of ‘either or.’”

“All of our players are great ambassadors for the game, they’re great representatives of themselves, and their PBA teams, but they also bring their unique skill sets into the team, so we just felt the guys that we picked had the most ‘blendable’ skillsets to make the strongest team possible,” he added.

SPORTS 11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

PBA coaches say trust must be given to Tab in his Gilas choices

GILAS 12. Th final Gilas line-up will have newcomers Ryan Reyes (18), Troy Rosario (16) and Ray Ray Parks (not in photo) instead of former Gilas Calvin Abueva and LA Tenorio.

Davao Youth Games open July 2 T

HE much-awaited opening of the Davao Youth Games will be held on July 2 at 8:30 am in Margarita Gym in Bajada, this city.

“Twenty school-based teams both from private and public are joining this grassroots developmental program tailored exclusively for our

Davao athletes,” said event secretariat head Rael Diaz.

The league is presented by the Karis Sports Institute in partnership with the Pediatrica Inc. DYG has been established since 2009 by Darren Evangelista of Evangelista Aquatics and Sports Management, Inc. (EASMI).

Commissioner is Leo Fernandez while the event director is Roldan Dañas.

“We just want to add more leagues so that our players will have another avenue for exposure. Experience is the best teacher,” said Diaz.

Twelve teams will play in the Junior division and 10 in the

Cadet category.

DYG will be held until August and will be followed by another school-based league – Davao Youth Basketball League (DYBL) from September to November.

“Then from December to March it will be the UBL,” said Diaz. – LITO DELOS REYES

clude some extra time spent fine-tuning the top-seeded Williams’ serve after she delivered five double-faults, including three in one game, and faced five break points during an uneven, 6-2, 6-4, victory over Amra Sadikovic, a Swiss qualifier ranked 148th and making her Grand Slam debut.

“It’s very rare that everything works perfectly the first round. It’s one of the things that were not good today, so we’re going to work on it,” Mouratoglou said. “But it’s not a big deal. I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Didn’t take long for the first rain of this year’s tourna-

ment, which cut short action in the early evening and limited play to the main stadium, the only venue with a roof at the All England Club. In all, 14 matches were suspended in progress and 16 were postponed altogether.

Of the matches that did conclude, zero seeded players lost.

Winners included No. 2 Andy Murray, the 2013 champion, in the first all-British men’s match at Wimbledon since 2001; No. 4 Stan Wawrinka, who eliminated 18-year-old American Taylor Fritz and now faces 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, participating in his

first Grand Slam tournament in 2½ years after three operations on his left wrist; No. 7 Richard Gasquet, No. 12 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No. 15 Nick Kyrgios.

Among the top women, No. 6 Roberta Vinci — who stunned Williams at the U.S. Open last year, ending the American’s bid for a calendar-year Grand Slam — beat Alison Riske of the U.S. 6-2, 5-7, 6-3; No. 13 Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated unseeded Caroline Wozniacki, a former No. 1 who hasn’t won a match at a major in 2016; and No. 27 CoCo Vandeweghe of the U.S. had little trouble getting past Kateryna Bondarenko 6-2, 7-6 (3) under the roof in the day’s last match.

Since earning her sixth Wimbledon championship and 21st Grand Slam title a year ago, Williams has gone 18-3 at majors, with the losses coming in the U.S. Open semifinals, the Australian Open final and the French Open final.

That led some to surmise that Williams has been beset by nerves as she seeks No. 22, which would equal Steffi Graf’s Open-era record (Margaret Court holds the all-time mark of 24).

Williams dismissed the notion of a mental stumbling block.

Serena not talking Grand Slam 22 L

EAVE all the chatter about Serena Williams’ pursuit of her 22nd major singles trophy to others.

Williams and her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, do not discuss that number.

“We don’t talk about it all.

Zero,” Mouratoglou said on Tuesday at Wimbledon after watching Williams win her first-round match.

Why is that?

“Because there is nothing to talk about. We have a Grand Slam (title) to win, and that’s what’s most important. We don’t talk about the reward,” he said. “We talk about the work we have to do.”

That is going to in-

BIG START. World No. 1 Serena Williams starts her Wimbledon bid with a rout of Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic.

12 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 89 • THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016

Maxey to revive MFG

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

I

njb@edgedavao.net

NCOMING Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Chares Raymond Maxey yesterday said that he was tasked to revive the Mindanao Friendship Games by Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

“Ang gihatag sa ako ni Sir Butch (ang) Palaro tapos i-revive namu Mindanao Friendship Games,” said Maxey in a message to Edge Davao.

Maxey was named to the PSC Board by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte along with cage legend Ramon Fernandez, Cecil Kiram and former PSC supplies officer Arnold Agustin.

“We are also looking at holding again the Sports for Peace. But the board will sit down first after we hear report from the outgoing PSC board. My focus is Mindanao,” said Maxey, former editorial consultant of Edge Davao.

The last time the Min-

danao Friendship Games was held was in 2003 in Mati City in Davao Oriental then hosted by the late Mayor Francisco Rabat, a former Olympian and teammate of the late Carlos “The Big Difference” Loyzaga.

The two cage greats opened that memorable third staging of the MFG before it was mothballed.

It was also at the helm of Ramirez when the MFG was born. The two earlier stagings if the MFG were in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Also part of the Sports For Peace program is the Mindanao Children’s Games which was last held in Davao City in 2009.

Maxey will also handle the Palarong Pambansa, a school-based annual sports conclave managed by the Department of Education (Deped) in cooperation with the PSC.

FOCUS ON MINDANAO. Incoming PSC Commmissioner Charles Maxey said he will focus on Mindanao. (Lean Daval Jr.)