Edge Davao 9 Issue 09

VOL. 9 ISSUE 9 • TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

SIGNATURE MOVE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte flashes his trademark clenched fist sign as he bade goodbye to the people of Davao City during the opening ceremony of the 79th Araw ng Davao in San Pedro Square over the weekend.

Lean Daval Jr.

RODY: RELAX, ALL IS WELL Duterte tells supporters to cool down and respect free speech

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

RESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte called on his supporters to refrain from attacking his critics online.

In a statement, Duterte reminded them the Philippines is a free country where freedom of speech is protected by the Constitution.

“We respect each others’ opinions,” he said.

“We always say that it’s OK if we disagree. And I may not agree with what you said or say, but I will defend your

right to say it. That’s how it should be.”

He reechoed the statement of his spokesperson, Peter Laviña, who asked Duterte’s supporters to be civil, intelligent, decent, and compassionate when engaged in any kind of discourse.

“I would say the same,” Duterte said.

“What we can do is to concede a certain degree of understanding.” And he told them: “Relax. Everything is going well.” He described his

supporters as “over-enthusiastic to the point that I can do no wrong,” he added.

Duterte’s comments came after University of the Philippines Los Baños student Stephen Villena was cyberbullied after he was accused of being disrespectful of the mayor during the question-and-answer portion of a forum last Friday.

The mayor said he himself did not feel disrespected during the forum.

“Disrespected? No. I was

once a student. Gano’n talaga ang mga students (That’s how the students behave) . You don’t expect these students to be all prim and proper,” he said. “Those are the ways of the youth and I can understand.”

Duterte’s youngest son, Sebastian, also asked the public to stop cyberbullying.

“We reject and condemn cyberbullying because it is a criminal offense,” Sebastian said.

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EDGEDAVAO Sports US fencer with Dabawenyo roots make it to Rio P18

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 9 • TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

ALAN AT BANKEROHAN. Vice presidential aspirant Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is warmly welcomed by vendors, traders and market-goers during his visit at Bankerohan Public Market where he conducted another round of “Ronda-Serye” tour over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte drops to 4th, unfazed

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RESIDENTIAL hopeful Rodrigo Duterte remains unfazed of surveys, with the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) results placing him at a distant fourth.

“At the end of the day, I will be your last card,” said Duterte, PDP-Laban’s standard bearer.

When asked whether he sees survey results as a reflection of the reception he is getting from his supporters on the ground, Duterte said: “Maybe by the standards of the survey companies.”

“I do not question survey companies. But you are not there until you are there. That has always been the rule in the elections. You are not there until you are there,” he said.

“Let the campaign remain that way,” he said. “Let the people decide.”

The political agenda of Duterte is largely anchored on fighting corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs.

In the latest SWS survey, independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe in at the lead with 27 percent followed

by UNA standard bearer Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay with 24.

Third was Liberal Party bet Manuel “Mar” Roxas with 22, followed by Duterte with 21.

At the tailend was PRP presidential bet Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago with four percent. by latest SWS survey results (PNA)

Alan to Rody critics: To see is to believe

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ICE Presidential bet Senator Alan Peter Cayetano challenged the critics of running mate, presidential bet Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to come to Davao City and see up close the city’s real situation.

Cayetano came up with his statement after their camp received information that allies of President Benigno Aquino III are allegedly mulling to file murder charges against Duterte over extrajudicial killings in the city.

“Pumunta kayo dito sa Davao.

Magtanong-tanong kayo kung mga citizens ba dito, kung ang mga media dito, kung feeling nila na hindi nirerespeto ang human rights dito (Come to Davao City. Ask the citizens here and media if they felt that their human rights were

not respected),” Cayetano said in an interview last Saturday during his Ronda Serye at Bankerohan Public Market.

He said that in the whole Philippines, Davao City is the only place where the rights of women, religious sector, children sector and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sector are protected.

“Ang human rights violation na sinasabi nila ay ang mga kriminal ang mga napapatay. Pero dun sa ibang parte ng Pilipinas ang mga biktima ang patay hindi yung kriminal (The human rights violation that they have said is the criminals were killed. In the other place of the Philippines, however, the victims were usually killed and not the criminals),”he said.

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DLPC: No guarantee of normalization

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and CHENEEN R. CAPON

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ESPITE the added 50 megawatts (MW) allocation of the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) in May, a company official said the additional power supply will not assure normalization in its franchise areas.

DLPC executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan yesterday told the Davao City Council that even with the additional 50 MW allocation coming from the San Miguel coal-fired power plant in Malita, Davao Occidental, the city may still experience power outages.

“I do not want to give the assurance if the present con-

dition is still existing, such as the El Niño phenomenon,” Milan said.

Milan said that majority of the power supply in Mindanao are dependent with hydro power plants under the National Power Corporation (NPC) which are affected by the prolonged dry spell.

If the spell of the El Niño will continue until the coming months, the problem of power deficiency will continue not just in the city but the also throughout Mindanao.

“If the dry season will continue the water level of the two hydro plants will be at its lowest,” Milan said.

Milan said it is really hard

to understand the power shortage situation in the city.

“We can only distribute power what we received from our suppliers,” he said.

The DLPC currently has a deficit of an average of 35 MW and this may increase in the coming months because of rapid developments. The Mindanao-grid deficit is still at 80 MW. A 20 MW deficit within the DLPC franchise is equivalent to 30 mins. to 1 hour of rotating power interruptions.

Meanwhile, DLPC has already informed its consumers of the 1 hour to 1.5 hours of rotating power interruptions within its franchise area from

March 13 to April 3.

DLPC’s franchise area includes the whole of Davao City and Panabo City and the towns of Braulio Dujali and Sto. Tomas.

“The rotating power interruptions will still be implemented as the capacity from major hydro power plants in Mindanao continues to decrease due to the impact of the El Nino Phenomenon. The situation is projected to worsen as we enter the summer months starting April 2016,” the DLPC said in a statement.

“Between now and May, outages will still be experienced,” the DLPC said. “With

tion,” he said.

He said the DCPO will also implement stop, frisk and inspect method during the even once the police will note a suspicious person.

Danao explained the prohibition of the carrying of backpacks is being implemented in the events because it has many compartments that will consume more time

on the part of the police during inspection.

“I advise you to just bring a bag that is easy to inspect and see the things inside the bag,” he said.

Danao also explained to the people that once a person will be inspected it does not mean that they are already suspects because it is just a

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DCPO: Stricter security, no backpacks

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will implement strict security measures in the city to secure the activities of the 79th Araw ng Davao which will culminate with tomorrow’s traditional Parada Dabawenyo.

“We will double the alert,” DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said in an interview yesterday.

As in past celebrations, Danao said he is urging the public to refrain from bringing backpacks, covered canisters and canned drinks during the major events especially during the civic parade tomorrow to ensure the safety of all people in the area.

“I ask the cooperation of everyone especially on dos and don’ts during the celebra-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 9 • TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

DA raises alarm over ‘Panama’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 11 has raised the alarm over the dreaded Panama disease which has affected some 15,500 hectares of banana plantation in the Davao Region based on its current records covering the first two months of the year.

DA 11 focal person Virgelio Gutierrez bared during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex yesterday that the affected areas of the destructive Panama disease or Fusarium wilt are the provinces of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental, and Davao City.

Most of the banana plantations affected is managed by small banana growers with an average area of less than 10 hectares. Farms planted with the granine variety of cavendish banana along with those planted with the local saba and laka-

tan varieties are the ones greatly affected by the disease.

Davao Del Norte has been identified as the most affected area, followed by Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.

“Around 22,000 mats are already infected by the disease,” Gutierrez said.

Considered as soil borne, Gutierrez said the Fusarium wilt can easily spread during rainy season because it can flush down to rivers and streams during flooding.

He added that a single gram of infected soil can contain 1,500 fungi that can cause the spread of disease.

“We feared the disease will spread faster after the long drought season,” Gutierrez said.

Based on the ground assessment conducted by the DA XI pathologists, there are more than 700 banana farm-

ROPERTY developer JFM Development Corporation is all set to open its P200-million Ayala Business Centre (ABC) in Matina Town Square to cater to business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

“We are targeting April 31st as our date of completion,” Andy Mark T. Villorente, head for asset management and leasing of JFM said during a round table discussion with stakeholders of the Information and Communication

Technology (ICT) sectors of Davao at the Frog Kaffe and Roastery along Torres Street last Friday.

Located in Matina Town Square (MTS), also developed

by JFM, the six-storey building will have a total floor area of 7,845 square meters.

Villorente said the ground floor will be allotted for commercial purposes while the rest will be for BPO spaces which will be offered as “bare shell”.

“There will be a total of 11

stalls on the ground floor with an average of 84 sq m each or a total of 919 sq m. It is ideal for restaurants and convenience stores in support of the BPO operation,” he said.

“We have a total of 5,361 sq m allocated for BPO and IT spaces,” he added. “For density, it can accommodate 220 agents per floor and about 100 on the sixth floor.”

Villorente said locators can design each floor depending on their requirement.

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cerns that market conditions are unlikely to improve. Cash, however, has been the least affected, with many investors changing their investment strategy to increase their cash holdings.

The research conducted

by Manulife, which regularly tracks investor sentiment

across eight markets in Asia, found that Filipino investors have declining confidence in their investment prospects, as demonstrated by a significant drop in investor sentiment towards all asset classes since the last survey.

Sentiment towards fixed

F DA, 13

TAX REMINDERS. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District No. 113 assistant regional director Gerry O. Dumayas (center), together with revenue district officer Cresencio A. Agad (right) of West Davao Revenue District, and revenue district officer Simplicio V. Cabantac Jr. of Revenue

P200-M BPO center set to open P

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Investors shift investment strategy to favor cash in a volatile market HE latest Manulife Investor Sentiment Index (MISI) survey reveals that Filipino investors are increasingly relying on cash as their ‘best-of-the-worst’ choice in a volatile market.

The survey revealed a dramatic fall in sentiment towards all asset classes, due to con-

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POWER SITUATIONER. Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan explains to the Davao City councilors yesterday, the power situation of the city. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

District No. 132 East Davao, says the agency hopes to hit the tax collection target of P20 billion in Davao region for this year. They also announced the scheduled tax clinic for electronic filing set on March 18 to April 9 during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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BIR: File returns early, online

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ILE early, and file online.

In a bid to avoid the rush and system congestion, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) - Davao is urging the more than 100,000 tax payers to file early through online mode their income tax returns.

“For this year’s strategy, we encourage early filing of tax returns. Do not wait for the April 15 deadline. If possible file or pay before March 30,” newly-installed BIR-Davao assistant regional director Gerry O. Dumayas said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.

Tax payers can avoid 25 percent surcharge and interest in penalties, as well as the other nuances of late filing if they opt to file earlier than the deadline set.

The early filing started on March 2 and will end on April 15.

“We have to set an initial earlier target to avoid heavy traffic on the last week of the filing period,” he said.

The high number of individuals who filed their income taxes late caused the system to shut down last year.

Dumayas expected that this year’s online filing will be “much better that last year.”

“We have upgraded the bandwidth of our website and have already fixed glitches,” Dumayas told reporters.

BIR Davao will also conduct a tax campaign clinic at SM City Davao Annex starting March 19 to raise awareness among tax payers on the availability of online tax filing.

The clinic will be manned by representatives of the city’s two revenue districts.

They will be giving out infor-

mation and education materials to tax payers.

A promotional video will be also shown at the clinic.

“Many of the tax payers in the Davao Region are still not aware of the new methods implemented by the bureau like the electronic filing payment system (E-FPS) and the electronic BIR form (e-BIR forms),” Dumayas said.

Tax payers included under the Taxpayer Account Management Program (TAMP), as well as the top 5,000 individual tax payers and top 20,000 corporations are mandated to file under the e-FPS. National government agencies, licensed local contractors, importers and exporters, enterprises enjoying fiscal incentives, corporations with paid-up capital stocks of P10 million and above, corporations with complete computerized accounting system, government bidders, and insurance companies and stockbrokers are also required to file through the e-EPS. Meanwhile, accredited tax agents and practitioners and their clients; accredited printers of principal and supplementary receipts and invoices; one-time transaction (ONETT) taxpayers; those filing a “No Payment” return; government-owned and controlled corporations; local government units except barangays; and cooperatives registered with the National Electrification Administration and Local Water Utilities Administration are mandated to use the eBIR forms.

Without identifying the specifics because of the lack of on hand data, Dumayas said the whole online filing process will take only 10 minutes.

Halal certification to expand Muslim market for PH rice

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NEWLY-GRANTED Halal certification to Philippine brand Dona Maria rice opens up market potential in Gulf countries Jordan and Kuwait.

The premium rice varieties just received a Halal certification from the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines Inc (IDCP). The IDCP certification made the Dona Maria rice the first and so far the only Halal rice in the country.

Sample volume of the Dona Maria rice will be shipped out by producer SL Agritech Corp.

(SLAC) within the first half of the year to Jordan and Kuwait, according to SLAC Chairman Henry Lim Bon Liong.

“Halal is a certification of food safety production and is also a requirement of importing countries. So we’re looking forward to exporting a bigger volume to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries,” said Lim. The aromatic Jasponica, a mix of Thailand’s special Jas-

mine rice and Japan’s premium Japonica and Miponica, a sticky type of rice ideal for the Japanese sushi, will be positioned as among world’s best rice varieties.

SLAC has just taken a strategic step to put up an export division.

“Our new export division has appointed two export managers—one handling the United States and Middle East, another one handling Europe, South East Asia, and other countries,” said Liza P. Guinto, SLAC vice president for export.

This is to take advantage of opportunities in the global market that has been growing since the Philippines started exporting premium quality rice in 2013 when government through Department of Agriculture (DA) lifted the export ban on specialty fancy rice.

The country retains the ban on regular milled rice.

“It is in Jasponica and Miponica Dona Maria rice that we

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EARTH HOUR. SM Supermalls assistant vice president for marketing in Mindanao Russel Alaba (left) and SM City Davao assistant mall manager Engr.

Nick Santos announce the scheduled activities for the upcoming Earth Hour celebration on March 19 at SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier. The two gentlemen graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDITORIAL Statesmanship and GMRC

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HERE are a couple of things that we learned and re-learned from the much talked-about University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños Presidential Forum last Friday.

First, the character of statesmanship in a leader and the ages-old good manners and right conduct or GMRC which many of us grew up indoctrinated to.

No thanks to a young state scholar who vainly and with discernment tried to get the goat of the campus’ guest for the day, presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the country rediscovered the value of statesmanship ironically from one who was perceived to be rough, tough and disrespectful in his words.

Duterte, criticized for always cussing in his speech and interviews, showed impeccable patience and tolerance for a young boy who wanted to create ripples that day in a way that’s rude and unbecoming of one for whom the government compensates for his academic fees in the staterun institution. He did not take it away from the boy who must have been intoxicated with the sudden rush of attention. Instead, Mayor Duterte answered the boy’s question and if only the latter was ready to listen and chew, masticate and swallow the answer of the 20-year local government chief executive and state prosecutor, he would have been treated to the

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best lecture in good governance that day.

Too bad, the boy did not offer a modicum of respect. Whatever motivates him that day, became the accidental catalyst for the people to revisit GMRC—a subject we learn in Kindergarten.

Duterte’s camp has remained humble in the light of this unfortunate incident. Duterte’s men are asking their supporters to take the moral high ground when engaging in any kind of discourse concerning our candidate.

Spokseperson Peter Laviña said in a statement: “In light of the issue involving some students of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, we enjoin all of you to be responsible citizens and exercise civility, intelligence, decency, and compassion when engaged in any discourse. We deeply appreciate the hearty and oftentimes intense expression of support and love for Duterte as all these push our campaign for real change to a whole new level.”

Duterte knew how to pick his battles. He remained steadfast with the bigger picture—the collective desperation for the country to break away from discontent, poverty, corruption, criminality, and proliferation of drugs.

That’s the main agenda. Not fighting against the brashness of youth nor against fellow Filipinos.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 9 • TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

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Solar resource will solve power crisis

INCE the early nineties when the power crisis engulfed our tiny nation, government efforts to combat this exasperating dilemma have never been resolutely focused.

Every time the problem is initially licked, the government suddenly stops on its tracks, makes a U-turn and forgets that the same headache still remains.

The EPIRA law passed during the FVR years solved the energy lack at the time but later on proved not to be that wholly effective.

From a distance, we might appreciate the approaches to the energy crisis as palliative because year in, year out, Filipinos are bugged by incessant brownouts. Not only have the brownouts become a perennial issue that haunted every other administration since the Cory Aquino days, the power lack had also sucked us out of our comfort zones.

Every major island is now disturbingly affected including Luzon and the Visayas and notably Mindanao.

As far back as we can all remember, our government (our country and people) has been

accustomed SPECKS OF LIFE to depend entirely on oil imports from the OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), in particular from the MidFred C. Lumba dle East like Saudi Arabia and then years later, from other sources like China and Venezuela.

I wonder if our government planners realize that the Philippines is located in the tropics where free solar energy from the sun directly hits all of the country’s more than 7,000 islands.

I’m not aware if there has been a sweeping effort from the executive branch – the Department of Energy - to devote its men and materials in carving out a master plan that will utilize

this indigenous resource by setting up solar farms nationwide.

A few solar plants are now in existence.

One was built in Ormoc City on April 2015 that generates 30 MW, the second in Cadiz City (Negros Occidental) with a 132.5 MW capacity and the third was the recently-turned on Tarlac Solar Power Project with 50MWs. As per initial reports, the TSPP is expected to generate 78,070 megawatt hours per year and is approximated to provide clean energy to 31,700 household, saving over 47,800 tons of carbon (CO2) emissions every year. Wow! Should not the DOE take the lead in encouraging commercial ventures of solar farms in small scale by Filipino businessmen from where families and households around them and within reach may subscribe cheap electricity consumption?

The two hottest areas, according to PAGASA, are Cagayan Valley in the north and Gen. Santos City in Southern Mindanao.

Ironically, I don’t know if there are solar plants or solar farms situated in the

above-mentioned geographical points. It is a pity that the DOE has not gone nationwide to preach the gospel of solar farms especially in remote barangays.

Solar panels may be installed on rooftops.

The costs may be unnerving initially but in the long run, solar resource becomes much cheaper.

We have the highest electricity costs in all of Asia which make it more imperative to utilize solar energy.

Solar panels are either manufactured in South Korea, Germany, Japan, the US and other advanced Western countries.

If only the DOE will lead the way and makes these solar panels available locally at affordable prices, I do not see why each and every Filipino household would not take advantage of the opportunity.

More important than their commercial viability and profitability, these solar plants and solar farms are also very environment-friendly. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) God bless the Philippines!

“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” ― Jim Rohn

you will harvest THINK ON THESE! one hundredfold.”

Joel Weldon compares education to that of a moso bamboo tree. It is grown mostly in China and the Far East. After the moso is plant- Henrylito D. Tacio henrytacio@gmail.com ed, no visible growth occurs for up to five years -- even under ideal conditions. Then, as if by magic, it suddenly begins growing at the rate of nearly two-and-one-half feet per day, reaching a full height of 90 feet within six weeks.

“But there is no magic behind all this,” Weldon wrote. “The moso’s rapid growth is due to the miles of roots it develops during those first five years, five years of getting ready. It’s like the hidden years of an education!”

Education never fails -- if you keep watching what’s going on. I was reminded of an anecdote which appeared in Reader’s Digest.

“From the day we entered the biology class in high school, one blackboard was covered with the names and locations of the major bones and muscles of the human body,” the author wrote. “The diagram remained on the board throughout the term but the teacher never referred to it.”

On the day of the final exam, the students observed that the board was wiped clean. The examination consisted of only one question: “Name and locate every major bone and muscles in the human body.”

Of course, the whole class protested with

one voice: “We never studied that.” The teacher answered: “That’s no excuse. That information was right in front of your eyes for the last months.”

After the students had struggled with the test for a while, the teacher collected the papers and tore them up. “Always remember,” the teacher told the class, “that education is more than just learning what you are told. Most education comes from looking.”

Education is not just learning but also training. “We must distinguish between being educated and being trained,” someone commented. “They are not the same. Education is the enlargement and enrichment of the mind. Education gives the mind breadth, height, depth and vision. Training makes the mind an effective tool to do a specific job. Training is like grinding the mind to a keen cutting edge.”

This sage compared “trained chap who holds a position which pays a big salary” and an “educated man who receives only a minimum wage.”

Of the first, he said: “But he is uneducated: he is neither broad nor high nor deep. He knows almost nothing, has no interests outside of routine duties.”

Of the second, he noted: “He can talk and write entertainingly on almost any subject. He has plenty of breadth, height and depth, but has never been able to hold a job paying more than a minimum wage. His educated mind is blunt. He is high-grade steel which has never been sharpened to a keen edge.”

The sage ended the comparison with these words: “Neither of these men is as big as he ic capable of being. An educated mind is a luxury. A trained mind is a necessity. But

blessed is he who possesses both! The ideal should be, to be educated in a broad sense, and be trained to perform a specific work of usefulness. If you must choose, go first for training. Get an education by all means, but recognize its true purpose: to lend vision to a mind trained to do one useful thing very well.”

Finally, education is like a cave, according to Paula Ripple. She shared the story of three wise men who were asked to find what had been called “the cave of wisdom and life.”

All three made careful preparations for what would be a challenging and arduous journey.

When the three men reached the place of the cave, they noticed a guard at the entrance. They were not permitted to enter the cave until they had spoken with the guard. He had only one question for them, and he demanded that they answer only after they had talked it over with one another. He assured them that they would have a good guide to lead them through the regions of the cave. His question was simple: “How far into the cave of wisdom and life do you wish to go?”

The three travelers took counsel together and then returned to the guard. Their response was, “Oh, not very far. We just want to go far enough into the cave so that we can say that we have been there.”

The response of the guard manifested one of his great disappointments as he summoned someone to lead the three wise men a short distance into the cave, and then watched them set out again after a very short time, to make the long journey back to their homeland.”

Nelson Mandela, a recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, said it all: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

*** F there is one sentence that could sum up the focus of the time of Jesus Christ on earth, this would be it: “And He went everywhere teaching, healing and preaching.”

In her book, Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, Laurie Beth Jones wrote: “Since teaching is educating the mind and preaching is educating the heart, two-thirds of Jesus’ work was education.”

Jones explained it further: “If you look at the instances when he healed people, nine times out of ten he spoke to them about an attitude change or a new way of behaving that was to go along with their physical state of being. ‘Go, and sin no more.’ I feel safe in saying education was Jesus’ number-one priority.”

It’s March and a lot of pupils and students are soon to graduate. Of course, there are those who will take another step in next year’s school year. Some are looking forward to it while there are those who may not be able to continue their studies.

But one thing is sure: education never fails. One Chinese saying said: “If you give a man a fish, he will eat once. If you teach a man how to fish, he will eat for the rest of his life.”

One philosopher puts it further in these words: “If you are thinking a year ahead, sow seed. If you are thinking ten years ahead, plant a tree. If you are thinking one hundred years ahead, educate the people. By sowing seed, you will harvest much. By planting a tree, you will harvest tenfold. By educating the people,

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Education never fails

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How a Facebook post on torture of Tagakolu farmer alerted authorities

A

GSCFO OPEN HOUSE. Pupils from Holy Trinity College, Basic Education Department are assisted by Fire Officer 2 Jayson Bato simulate a fire fighting form Thursday (March 10) during the Open House at General Santos City Fire

Office (GSCFO). Open House is an occasion in line with the Fire Prevention Month, when GSCFO is open for visiting and observation by the public. (FO2 Philip C Chan/GSCFO)

DOLE 12 picked ‘Magnificent 13’ agency due to its HRM program K

oronadal - Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Region 12 recently recognized Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 for its exemplary performance in human resource management through its Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIMEHRM).

CSC 12 Regional Director Grace Belgado- Saqueton said that DOLE 12 is now included in the “Magnificent 13” agencies which passed the Performance Management System (PMS) Maturity Level Two. “We are very proud to say that out of 175 GOCCs, LGUs and NGAs, DOLE XII surpassed all odds to reach the PMS Maturity Level Two which is an indication that the regional agency is doing its best to improve their HR system which will benefit their employees,” CSC 12 Director Saqueton said.

RD Ofelia B. Domingo on her part said, that the CSC award will boost the morale of DOLE 12 employees and give their best to every task given to them.

“We continue to innovate and enhance skills of our personnel to ensure that we give quality service to our clients, we will not stop in achieving our objective to be of service to the people and we would like to thank CSC for recognizing our efforts,” RD Domingo said.

DOLE 12 is now committed to maintain its role as strong advocates not only of the PMS, but also of the other three Human Resource Systems such as Recruitment, Selection and Placement, Human Resource Development (Learning and Development) and Rewards and Recognition reach Maturity Level 2 or Higher Maturity Level under PRIME-HRM.

The regional agency is now also committed to work hand-in-hand with CSC 12 by participating and undergoing the process of assessment, assistance and recognition of HRM systems to elevate the public sector human resource management to a level of excellence.

Other government agencies recognized by CSC 12 under its PRIME-HRM PMSMaturity Level Two category are NEDA 12, DTI 12, DEPED 12, Provincial Government of South Cotabato, Polomolok Water District, LGU Banga, CLGU of Kidapawan, LGU M’lang, CLGU of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat Water District, CLGU General Santos City and General Santos City Water District.

The PRIME-HRM integrates and enhances the Personnel Management Assessment and Assistance Program (PMAAP) and the CSC Agency

EOPLE’S perceived heat discomfort will likely be worst across Zamboanga peninsula during most of this week.

In its forecast released Monday (March 14), staterun Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) said daily maximum heat index (HI) in Zamboanga City from Tuesday (March 15) to Friday (March 18) can correspondingly reach 36.8°C, 36.4°C, 37.5°C and37.1°C -- the highest among key Philippine cities then.

HI is a human discomfort index indicating the temperature which people possibly perceive or feel as affecting their bodies.

“Our forecast HIs for Zamboanga City reflects expected HIs across Zamboanga Peninsula during the period,” said PAGASA weather specialist Meliton Guzman.

He reminded people to avoid staying outdoors as much as possible particularly from 12 noon to around 3 p.m., noting temperature and HIs are usually highest during these hours.

“HIs we forecast even only indicate what’s expected when people are outdoors under the shade of trees, buildings and others,” he noted.

He said HIs will be higher if people are directly exposed to sunlight.

“With the prevailing El Nino phenomenon, we expect

temperature and HIs to really rise,” he said.

In the forecast, authorities warned full exposure to sunlight can increase HIs by 9°C. Aside from staying indoors as much as possible, they recommend wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing and drinking water to help keep the body cool.

For expected HIs of 32°C to 41°C, authorities are urging extreme caution as they said people can experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

Continuing activity can result in heat stroke, they also said.

PAGASA’s latest outlook show maximum temperature in Zamboanga City can

Zamboangueños face possible 4-day highest heat discomfort P

F ZAMBOANGUEÑOS, 13

Accreditation Program (CSCAAP). It is a mechanism that empowers government agencies by developing their human resource management competencies, systems, and practices toward HR excellence.

PRIME-HRM entails greater engagement not just of the human resource management officer (HRMO) but also of the officials and the rank-and-file employees of the agency.

In the PRIME-HRM, the CSC will assess the maturity level of an agency’s competencies, systems, and practices in four HR systems which include recruitment , selection and placement, learning and development, performance management and rewards and recognition. The CSC also provides customized technical assistance and developmental interventions according to the determined needs of the agency. █

105-SECOND video clip posted late afternoon of March 9 by a priest on the torture of a Tagakolu farmer and his 15-year old son prompted a swift response from authorities, with the suspects — an Army corporal and four members of the Special Cafgu Active Auxiliary (SCAA) — relieved before midnight.

Fr. Joey Gánio Evangelista, MJ who heads the Malita Tagakolu Mission in Sitio Matamis, Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental told MindaNews last Friday that military officials came to the Mission house on Thursday noon, less than 24 hours after his post on the Facebook wall of Tagakolu Aku and informed him of the action they had undertaken on the reported torture.

Father Joey Evangelista, MJ watches as Orlando “Kaido” Engo demonstrates how he was tortured on February 19 by Corporal Sandy Batolbatol of the 72nd Infantry Battalion and SCAA members at their headquarters in Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental in this photo taken on March 11, 2016. A portion of the torture was captured on video and posted on Facebook, prompting the military to relieve the perpetrators and conduct an investigation. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO Father Joey Evangelista, MJ ( R) watches as Orlando “Kaido” Engo demonstrates how he was tortured on February 19 by Corporal Sandy Batolbatol of the 72nd Infantry Battalion and SCAA members at their detachment in Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental in this photo taken on March 11, 2016. A portion of the torture was captured on video and posted on Facebook, prompting the military to relieve the perpetrators and conduct an investigation. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO He said at least six soldiers came, including Captain Manuel Mendoza of the 72nd Infantry Battalion, immediate supervisor of Corporal Sandy Batolbato and the SCAA. He quoted one of the military officials as saying that “pagkakita namo sa video, among gitawagan ang (as soon as we saw the vdeo, we called on the) 73rd IB to pick up Batolbatol and the four SCAAs.” “I was also informed by some of the residents evening of March 9, that an Army truck came to Demoloc to pick up Batolbatol and four SCAAs: Bantam, Jerome and two others,” he added.

He quoted the officials as saying “we will not tolerate this, we will take action.”

The priest said he did not expect the response would be swift. “ Surprisingly, paspas sila” (they were fast).

Quick response In a telephone interview with 2Lt. Rojie Daryll Cansancio, Assistant Civil Military Operations Officer of the 73rd Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Felis, Malita, said they were alerted by the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Compostela Valley province on the Facebook posting about the alleged torture.

“We immediately assembled a team to go to Barangay Demoloc at around 8:30 in the evening of March 9 to fetch Corporal Batolbatol and SCAAs who were involved in the alleged torture,” Cansancio said.

“According to S3, they arrived in Barangay Demoloc at around 10 o’clock in the evening, replaced Batolbatol with our men. Batolbatol and four other SCAA members arrived in our battalion at around 2 in the morning. Then they were brought by their commander to Mawab,” he said.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, commander of 73rd Infantry Battalion confirmed that Batolbatol and the four SCAA members were pulled out that night and brought to the 72nd Infantry Batalion camp in Mawab, Compostela Valley, some 200 meters away.

“Noong gabi na yun…pina pull out na namo asap ang involved… ako mismo dili nako gusto amicable..punish guid.” (We had those involved pulled out that night. I myself do not want it to be settled amicably, they should be punished).

Pfc Alonzo Pepito of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, who arrived in Demoloc at 11:30 to replace Batolbatol, said a team led by 1Lt James Talusig left Demoloc with Batolbatol and the SCAA members near midnight.

Asked about reports on pouring iced water on apprehended erring residents, Pepito said it was the first time he heard of this.

First time 1Lt. Tere Ingente, Civil Military Operations officer of the 1002nd Brigade based in Malungon, Sarangani which oversees the operations of the 73rd IB said this is the first “alleged human rights violations” that they have monitored. (Toto Lozano / MindaNews)

TORTURED. Father Joey Evangelista, MJ ( R) watches as Orlando “Kaido” Engo demonstrates how he was tortured on February 19 by Corporal Sandy Batolbatol of the 72nd Infantry Battalion and SCAA members at their detachment in Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental in this photo taken on March 11, 2016. A portion of the torture was captured on video and posted on Facebook, prompting the military to relieve the perpetrators and conduct an investigation. MindaNews photo

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Meet this year’s Datu Bago awardees A

JESUIT priest and a visual artist were named the Datu Bago Awardees for 2016.

The Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc., chaired by Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., announced that Rev. Fr. William Joseph Malley, S.J. and Teody Boylie Roxas Perez, PhD. had been chosen as this year’s awardees.

Peace and development in the grassroots A naturalized Filipino citizen since October 1, 1979, Fr. Malley founded the Ignatius Institute of Religious Education Foundation (IIREF) in Davao City in 1992. Through his institute’s scholarship program, he contributed to the education and value formation of countless marginalized youth in the urban and rural communities in Davao City.

He has written several books on Filipino family values and humanistic philosophy.

His humanitarian mission focused on those incarcerated in the Davao Penal Farm and in the Correctional Institute for Women has earned for him a recognition from the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) which bestowed upon him the “Gawad Paglilingkod” Award on October 26, 2014.

Fr. Malley is nominated for the Datu Bago Award 2016 for his contribution to peace and development in the grassroots communities of Davao City through his ecumenical spiritual training programs that promote interfaith dialogue among Muslims and Christians. His noteworthy program among the prisoners has also contributed not just to the decongestion of the prisons,but also to the prisoners’ rehabilitation to become productive citizens of the city upon their release.

Promoting Dabawenyo culture and arts Born and raised in Davao City, Perez has taught art for many years at Philippine Science High School in Mindanao, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, and the University of the Philippines in Mindanao.

He earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Fine Arts in Japan through three scholarship grants. A recipient of many top awards in painting locally and nationally, he also holds the distinction of being the sole foreigner to receive the Excellent Award in the 36th West Japan Art Competition in 2003. His art work has been featured in various international publications.

Perez is nominated for the Datu Bago Award 2016 for catapulting Davao City to prominence because of the numerous local, national, and international recognition he has received for his excellence in visual arts. He has also promoted Filipino and Dabawenyo culture and arts through his exhibited works internationally.

The Datu Bago awardees are recognized for their outstanding, exemplary and selfless contribution to the growth and development of Davao City through its greatest resources, its people, and for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the Dabawenyo culture heritage.

The Datu Bago Award is the highest award that the Davao City government bestows on its constituents.

The 46th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2016 will be one of the major events during the celebration of the 79th Araw ng Dabaw. It is set on 12 March 2016 (Saturday) at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City. Patmei Bello-Ruivivar/Tisay R. Torres

Datu Bago Awardees Organization chairman Guillermo P. Torres Jr., awards the medal to Datu Bago awardee Teody Boylie R. Perez, Ph.D. while Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte looks on during the 46th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2016 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, joined by Datu Bago Awardees Organization chairman Guillermo P. Torres Jr., awards the plague of recognition to Datu Bago awardee William J. Malley, SJ during the 46th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2016 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

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Alien contributions (UNBEKNOWNST to most Dabawenyos of today are the contributions of foreigners to the socio-economic development of Davao City and neighboring areas in Region 11 which used to be the undivided Davao Province. As a special feature in the celebration of Araw ng Davao marking the 79th founding anniversary of Davao as a chartered city, Edge Davao has commissioned journalisthistorian Antonio V. Figueroa to write articles on foreigners, chiefly from the Middle East, who settled in Davao and started many ventures that helped shape Davao’s future as the virtual capital of Mindanao.—The editor)

German legacy in Davao

BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

E

UROPEAN legacy in Davao history is an underexplored subject, especially when discussions turn to the less-known contribution of Germans in the region’s historiography.

By Europeans, it always points to the Spaniards who colonized the Philippines and converted most of the archipelago into a Catholic enclave; the Portuguese, who predated Spain in the proselytization of Davao; and the Dutch, who opened trade links with the fiefs around Davao Gulf in the seventeenth century.

But the Germans, too, have their unique contributions to the region’s natural history. In fact, two German naturalists have immortalized their names after two of the most important flower finds in Davao area, the Rafflesia schadenbergiana, known to the Bagobo as the ‘bo-o,’ and the Vanda sanderiana, or the waling-waling, are named after Germans.

The Rafflesia schadenbergiana, the largest flower among the species found in the Philippines, was discovered in 1882 by naturalists Alexander Schadenberg and Otto Koch, while the Vanda sanderiana, worshipped by the Bagobo as a goddess and is one of the country’s national flowers, got its appellation from Heinrich Friedrich Conrad Sander, a noted German orchidologist.

Berthold Stein, also a renowned German botanist, was honored in 1885 after a small tree, R. apoanum Stein, discovered at Todaya, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, was named after him.

Schanderberg, Rizal’s pen pal Born in Breslau, Germany, Alexander Schadenberg (1852-96) was a medical doctor trained in pharmaceutics and botany. In 1879, he visited the Philippines to study the Negritos but first worked in a German pharmacy in Manila before deciding to go home to marry his countryman and arrange a temporary separation from his spouse while finishing his researches.

Upon his return,

Schadenberg brought with him all the needed instruments and articles of exchange necessary in dealing with the natives. He then linked and worked as a team with Otto Koch, another German naturalist in the country.

Their most famous work together, published in a book a year later, was in 1882, when they discovered the new species of the Rafflesia later named after him, and conquered Mount Apo. Discovered in 1885, the burrowing skink, scientifically known as Brachymeles schadenbergi Fischer and found in Davao and some regions of Mindanao, was also named in his honor.

Dr. Schadenberg, in personal life, was a pen pal of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the national hero. In his correspondence to Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt dated Dec. 19, 1893 and postmarked at Dapitan, Rizal mentioned Schaderberg’s letter to him saying “the History I sent to [Adolf Bernhard] Meyer [a respected German anthropologist, ornithologist, entomologist, and herpetologist] has been lost in the sinking of the Normandy.”

Scaling Mount Apo The Mount Apo expedition of Schadenberg and Koch is well documented by Otto Scheerer in his ‘Alexander Schadenberg, His Life and Work in the Philippines’ (1923), published in Manila: “By December [1881]… the-two friends had established themselves beyond the pale of civilization, in the Bagobo village [of] Sibulan, south of Mount Apo, where, in exchange for some coils of brass wire, they had purchased the handsome bamboo cottage of one of the headmen. During their stay here-of about six months they made the tribe among which they lived, and which was notorious for the practice of human sacrifice, the object of a close ethnographic Study, drawing up also a vocabulary of the language.

“They assembled an extensive collection, both of ethnographic objects and of

Alexander Schadenberg

Heinrich Friedrich Conrad Sander

Albert Bernhard Meyer

specimens of the local flora and fauna, securing of butterflies alone some 20,000 specimens which they collected… From Sibulan as a base, they undertook a number of exploring trips into the surrounding country; the especially notable expeditions were two successful ascensions of Mount Apo on February 20 and March 16, 1882, and a trip to the mountain Parag, north of-the volcano, which led to the discovery of a new species of Rafflesia, a giant parasite… which measured 80 centimeters in diameter; this species was afterwards called Rafflesia schadenbergiana Goeppert.”

The Rafflesia schadenbergiana, a parasitic plant, is endemic to Mindanao. It has a diameter of 52-80 centimeters and is the second largest flower in its genus. The flower was first collected in the vicinity of Mount Apo but was considered extinct until 1994 after another specimen was discovered in South Cotabato.

(Rafflesia is named in honor of British Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the ‘founding father of Singapore.’)

Koch and Sander Born in Bremen, Germany, Heinrich Friedrich Conrad Sander (1847-1920) was an orchidologist and nurseryman who moved to Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England and founded the monthly publication on orchids, Reichenbachia, named in honor of Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach of Hamburg, the great orchidologist. He never visited the Philippines but his studies of orchids have become the benchmark in global orchidology.

The plant named after him, the Vanda sanderiana, is also known as the Sander’s Vanda. Regarded as the ‘queen of Philippine flowers,’ it has an important religious role in the Bagobo belief system. Endemic to Mindanao, the flower grows on the trunks of dipterocarp trees and is considered as rare. It has two forms, namely pink and white, and was declared in 2013 as one of two national flowers of the Philippines.

Dr. Otto Koch y Melladew, a German naturalist residing in Cebu, on the other hand, stayed long enough in the country to find his niche, but was only known to a limited circle of savants engaged in linguistics, botany, and geography. His name appears in official colonial records in a deed dated Oct. 31, 1897 after he leased the estate of the Convent of the Holy Infant of Cebu.

The estate, covering 7,454.6 hectares, was divided into two parts, one within the municipal jurisdiction of Talisay town and the other within the municipality of Minglanilla, both in Cebu Province. The property was originally sold by an Augustinian company to Don Juan Castro y Martin but was redeemed under the one-year repurchase clause.

Stein, the mycologist Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Berthold Stein (1847-1899) was a renowned German botanist (orchid specialist), lichenologist (lichen expert), and mycologist (a scientist who studies fungus and its genetic and biochemical properties) whose contributions in the field of taxonomy are recognized in numerous in international publications.

He never visited the Philippines.

In Davao, where he is an unknown, his contribution lives on after a small tree, the Rhododendron apoanum Stein, was named after Mt. Apo. The specimen was discovered at Todaya, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. A rhododendron is described as “a shrub or small tree of the heath family, with large clusters of bell-shaped flowers and typically with large evergreen leaves, widely grown as an ornamental.”

(In 1905, distinguished American botanist Elmer D. Merrill [1876-1956] named a new Mount Apo shrub as Rhododendron mindanaense, after the island of Mindanao, and in 1929, American botanist Herbert Copeland classified another tree species in the same genus as Rhododendron bagobonum, in honor of the Bagobo tribe.) █

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Davao ‘s multiple bounties and how to discover and enjoy them

By Kenneth Irving Ong

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OUNG, hip, vibrant with a colorful history and love for nature, this is Davao City. This week, we celebrate Durian City’s founding through the Visit Davao Fun Sale.

Here are some ways for visitors as well as locals to immerse themselves into the beauty and energy of Davao City and more.

Indulge in Davao’s culture From April 3 to May 31, experience the largest art exhibit in Mindanao as hotels and malls around Davao City join in the city-wide art exhibit featuring various local artists and their works.

Music lovers will want to check out Ethnica Music Fusion on April 16, an eclectic fusion of tribal and digital music in one music festival at the Matina Town Square.

Weekends are also fun at Sales Bar Tekanplor along Sales Street in Davao’s Chinatown, where local indie musicians hold their performances.

There will also be an Indie Film Festival which will feature some of Mindanao’s best independent films from May 7 to 17 at the Davao Cinametheque.

Catch up on coffee culture Davao’s coffee culture is riding the third-wave with the opening of coffee shops such as Frog Kaffee and Roastery at Prime Square along F. Torres Street.

Owned by an Austrian-Filipino couple Markus Ableitinger and fiancee Gina Ellorango, the coffee shop specializes in custom coffee beans that are roasted right in the cafés’ premises. One

can also pick from the many different methods of having their coffee brewed, from airpressed, syphon, the pourover, the French-pressed, and pole drip coffee system.

A breath of self-expression A perennial favourite of Dabawenyos and travellers alike, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps at Lanang offers some of the best-tasting crabs and shrimps in Davao. Diners can choose how much shrimps or crabs they want to eat and then customize the spice level and sidings that go with the delicious crustaceans.

Aside from delicious seafood, the biggest draw to Blue Posts are the restaurant’s freedom walls which are full of art and markings left by diners who had visited the restaurant. One would be hard-pressed not to leave their own little mark or a word or two.

Challenge yourself Conquer your limitations with the many outdoor adventure and sporting activities during the Visit Davao Fun Sale. Individuals who love the outdoor may want to join the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, a 24-hour race to the top of the country’s highest peak and back covering biking, trekking, road running and white water rafting.

For those who would rather stay in the lower altitudes, there is the Durianman, an Olympic distance triathlon featuring a unique cross-channel swim from Davao City to Samal Island.

The Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is on April 24 while the Durianman triathlon is on

May 1.

Go out and party Although Davao City strictly implements a 1AM liquor curfew, it does not mean that the night scene is boring.

Check out the upcom-

ing Rave Volt EDM party at the Phoenix Mega Station in Lanang on May 28 and experience Davao City’s energy.

If EDM parties feel a bit crowded, then a visit to the many bars and clubs in the city will not disappoint. Top

bars include Acropolis Superclub for their resto nights every Friday, Echelon at The Peak for its stunning city views, Streets at Jj’s Commune and Brewery Bar at Damosa.

For those who would

rather learn a bit of culture while drinking, then you may try out the new Davao Pub Crawl tour which features a tour of the many small bars in downtown Davao together with a talk on Davao City’s nightlife history. █

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Davao’s cabbies are the world’s best

Text and photo by Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

W

HAT separates the Davao cabbie from the rest of his kind?

A lot. A whole lot.

From left belongings, money, flagdown rates, fare change, and efficient service, name it, they’re all synonymous to the Dabawenyo cabbies.

In recognition to the distinct qualities of Davao’s taxi drivers, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), has embarked on a program to recognize the decent and honest crop of cabbies in the city.

With this, the DCPO has awarded 26 honest taxi drivers for the second time yesterday who they believe contributed to the development of the city.

DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. said honest cab drivers are really vital in the city because they are the front liners of the tourism industry of the city.

“With their honesty and their good deeds, we give due recognition to them,” he said.

Danao said the recognition will encourage other taxi drivers to do good deeds in their job as cabbies.

He said after the DCPO awarded 19 cabbies last February 1, more drivers were convinced to return the expensive belongings and bug amount of money to their passengers which left in their cab units.

“Imagine there are taxi drivers who return the belongings in the house of his passengers which supposedly its and additional expenses

Nakakataba kasi ng puso na ang isang yanong taxi driver, kaya nilang magpakahonest ng ganyan kahit na konti lang kinikita nila and burden on the pat of the drivers,” he said.

Aside from the boost of the tourism industry, he said the drivers could also help the police in implementing the peace and order in the city.

Danao said having an honest taxi drivers are really a big thing for the city because they the one who made the first impression to the tourists on what the city is.

“It only shows the kind discipline, the kind of people that the Davao City has,” he said.

He said that these good cabbies also reflect on the leadership of the government officials in the city.

Danao said he hopes that the program of giving recognition to the honest drivers will continue on the next city director.

“Nakakataba kasi ng puso na ang isang yanong taxi driver, kaya nilang magpaka-honest ng ganyan kahit na konti lang kinikita nila (It really touches our heart when we learned that a simple taxi can be

honest despite of their low income ). ” he said.

He said it is also a challenge not just to the private workers but also to the government employees to work honestly.

“Imagine, magakano lang ang kinikita nila (driver) P500 or P1,000 at most, kaya nga nilang ibalik at yung temptation kaya nilang i-resist, how much more sa atin sa gobyerno (Imagine, these driver just earned P500 or P1,000, but they are still able to resist temptation by returning the things that they do not own, how much more us in the government),” he said.

Danao said if all people will follow these honest drivers, then, the whole nation will be better which everyone can benefit.

“We should always think of what can give to the people not to our own interests,” he said.

He said as show of gratitude to the drivers, the DCPO gave certificate of recognition, an Pagpupugay (Tribute) Identification Card which they can place it in their cab units, a personalized mug from DCPO with their name and a cash which could help them pay their one day rent.

The honest taxi drivers who were recognized by the DCPO are, Arnold O. Sabijon of Krizia Star Taxi; Anrel C. Bersabal of Apple Taxi; Tiburcio C. Morante Jr. of Kahayahay Taxi; Eddie F. Baay of Redlane Taxi and Jessie C. Cabrera of Maro Taxi.

Ian R. Capiña, Alexander

BEST CABBIES. Davao City’s honest taxi drivers with Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. From L-R: Roquencio T. Manos of Maligaya Taxi, Arnold O. Sabijon of Krizia Star Taxi, Zaldy F. Atan of Maligaya Taxi, Julito B. Pandamon of Maligaya Taxi T. Diantan, Julie L. Lacson, Ponciano B. Arendain, Nanfred M. Lumagsao, Antonio M. Leones, Jaime Gokotan, Ulpiano G. Madronero, Vicarcel M. Cagasan,

and Edgar R. Vallejo all drivers of Solid 88 Taxi.

Edgrado T. Morante, Roquencio T. Manos, Lauriano E. Relativo Jr., Marcelo C. Cor-

itana, Bobs Anlirr R. Rarogal, Zaldy F. Atan, Julito B. Pandamon, Joelito F. Tucjayao, Tirso G. Espino and Bobby Vicente all drivers of Maligaya Taxi. █

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RODY... FROM 1

He said cyberbullying and giving death threats to the critics will not help his father’s campaign.

Villena, on the other hand, issued his statement last Sunday through his Facebook account.

He said, “to all the people who were hurt by my statements in that March 11 forum, rest assured that you have my full respect.”

Villena said he only ask the people to analyze first the full context of that said forum and hopefully come to the conclusion because he was not maligning Duterte. He said he was just asking the particular view of the candidate running for public office regarding one particular issue.

“To my mind the issue I wanted to raise with Mr. Duterte was very important to us

students. It concerned education versus defense. He said in the forum that he wanted to give priority to the budget for education. So, I asked him how he planned to achieve this knowing that in various sorties and interviews he also said that he will give priority to peace and order which I surmised would require a greater budget for the police force and the military,” he said.

He said he know that Duterte can understand a student who is frank and direct like him.

“You have always been known to be frank and direct when you speak. I believe that among the candidates running for the presidency, you in particular will easily understand a student who only wanted to be frank and direct with you,” Villena said.

Cayetano said that if it is true that there will be charges will be filed against Duterte, it is already obvious that the case is just a demolition job since it is election season.

“Wala naman binunga ang kanilan imbestigasyon (They did not attain something with their investigation),” he said.

He said the detractors cannot find new issues against Duterte because they are still the old issues.

Earlier, Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said charges reportedly stemmed from affidavits executed by a ranking police officer and supposed self-confessed gunmen.

Laviña sees this ploy as a desperate move by administrations bets who are threatened by the surge in the popularity and voter preference for Duterte whose numbers continue to rise in all surveys.

Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

this, we are encouraging everyone to be prudent in your use of electricity at home or at the workplace.”

Rest assured that we will do our best to mitigate the impact of these rotating power interruptions, the DLPC said.

Romeo Montenegro of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee and director for investment promotion and pub-

lic affairs, said earlier that longer power interruption can be expected as Mindanao enters the summer period.

Montenegro said the summer period worsen by the long drought season is causing the water level in the reservoir of major hydroelectric power plants in Mindanao like the Agus-Pulangi Hydro Complexes to go down further.

have the competitive edge in the global market. Otherwise, we’ll find it hard to compete with low-priced rice of Thailand, Vietnam, and India,” said Guinto.

GCC states, some of world’s fastest growing economies due to oil’s presence, formulate similar regulation on various sectors including agriculture and have plans to form a single market. GCC states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. There are discussions on GCC membership of Jordan.

Already, even without the Halal certification yet, Dona Maria premium rice has already doubled its export volume to other GCC territories Dubai and Saudi Arabia in the last two years.

“We just shipped out three containers per year before.

Now, as of just this March, we already exported seven containers to Dubai. We so far exported already two containers this year to Saudi. We had zero export to Saudi before,” said Guinto.

The importers are native businesses to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states.

Thus, the market will come from a combination of Muslim

communities and OFWs (overseas Filipino workers).

Domestically, the Halal rice varieties are also being more intensively distributed to Muslim communities in the Philippines.

The Muslim community constitutes among world’s biggest population at 1.7 billion or 22 percent, making it second largest religious group.

The community often requires the Halal food safety and religious rites certification.

From OFWs, the rice brands have been receiving warm acceptance.

“Even if it’s a little higher in price, our OFWs are very patriotic in patronizing our rice products once they get to know it’s a product of the Philippines and once they get to taste the product,” said Guinto.

SLAC is strengthening participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions through which it has been able to tap export markets. It does receive assistance from government through subsidy in such trade fairs. The company continues to anticipate aid from government’s agricultural and trade attaché offices globally in this effort which will advance welfare of farmers planting rice.

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NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) information officer Albert Bantan explains the benefits of employees under the Employees Compensation Program if ever the meet work-related

DCPO... FROM 2

routinary inspection to assure the safety of the public against criminality and terrorism.

He said there will be random checkpoints in different parts of the city.

Earlier, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said there will be 1,500 DCPO police and 800 ba-

rangay peace and order unit (BPOU) who will be deployed during the celebration.

Driz said the police will concentrate on the entrance and exit point of the city by mounting random checkpoints to ensure that the celebration will not be infiltrated with any terrorist people.

income, equities and mutual funds have all decreased since Q2 2015, down to 60 from 81, 64 from 83, and 61 from 84 respectively. Sentiment towards cash dropped less significantly, although it still fell more than 10 percentage points, to 76 from 88.

Manulife’s survey revealed that this fall in sentiment can largely be attributed to concerns about market volatility and doubts that market conditions will improve. Fewer people expect market conditions to improve, which may explain the fall in sentiment.

As a result of this concern about market volatility, one fifth (20%) of investors expect a 5% or less return on their investment, up from only 8% of investors since the last survey in Q2 2015. In addition, only 12% expect a return of 10-15% on their investment, a sharp fall from 28% in Q2 2015.

This may explain why cash remains the most favored asset class, with investors seeking investments they perceive to be less risky. While investor sentiment towards cash fell, cash still ranks as the most preferred asset class, with Filipino investors increasing their cash holdings to 34% of their

total assets from 23% in the last survey. In addition, 40% of investors are looking to invest more in or start investing in cash in their local currency.

“Redeploying a portion of bank deposits into more efficient investments that have the potential to deliver recurring income and capital appreciation over the long-term will reduce longevity risk –the risk that a retiree will outlive his or her retirement income. Hence, it is important for investors to consider other alternative investment options that suit their risk and return objectives in building their financial wealth to improve their retirement income security,” said Aira Gaspar, Manulife Philippines Chief Investment Officer.

“While it may be disheartening for investors to see the value of their investments move up and down sharply in the short-term, holding excessive bank deposits to avoid market volatility could prevent them from achieving their top financial goals, such as sending their children to a good school, saving for medical and healthcare expenses, having a house that they can call their own and being financially independent when they retire,” she added.

reach 33°C this Tuesday and Wednesday then possibly rise to 34°C on Thursday and Friday.

Guzman said PAGASA used such forecast temperatures and average relative humidity as basis in computing Zamboanga’s expected HIs on such reference days.

Earlier this month, PAGASA said forecast models indicate El Nino’s possible gradual weakening through the March-April-May 2016 period.

Conditions will likely transition to neutral during theMay-June-July period this year, PAGASA added. (PNA)

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injuries, illness or death. Bantan was joined by Franscheline B. Domingo during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DA... FROM 6

ers who are facing the threat of the disease.

These farmers are identified as the primary beneficiaries of the agency’s intervention program to save the region’s billion-dollar industry.

To help the farmers, the DA will implement a two-year program which aims to manage and eventually eradicate the spread of the disease.

A total of P102 million is allocated by the department for various programs such as the distribution of disease-resistant giant cavendish-culture variety (GCTCV) 219 and trichoderma harzianum, a biological agent that can control the disease.

Gutierrez said the agency

is now distributing vegetable seeds and cacao, coffee, and coconut seedlings to encourage farmers to shift crops.

They are also providing trainings on good agriculture practices (GAP).

Gutierrez stressed that farm lands that are more than 5 percent infected are advised to plant GCTCV 219 or engage in crop shifting.

The agency is giving farmers a P500 subsidy for burning down infected trees.

As of yesterday, 25 farmers have already availed of the eradication program; 15 are undergoing crop shifting; while the rest are planting the new developed disease-resistant variety.

He said the building can accommodate an average of more than 2,000 agents per day depending on the number of shifts which is usually pegged at three.

“We can accommodate a total of 980 agents per shift,” he said.

Villorente said the center is accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). Locators in any PEZA-accredited zone will be able to avail fiscal incentives like tax holidays.

“There are plenty of inquiries but no commitment yet since our building is not yet done,” he said. “We are expecting serious talks with these interested locators by that time.”

The Ayala Business Center will be one of the facilities

in Davao City which will offer available spaces to expanding and locating BPO companies.

A member of the Association of Mixed-use Property Developers, JFM together with other local BPO space developers have created policies to ensure the compliance of developers here when it comes to building BPO spaces.

He said there have been issues in the past where locators here had the hard time to find spaces because the builders are not following the standards for BPO spaces in the industry.

Creating a unified policy among its six members will also allow the developers here to become globally competitive, he added. CHENEEN R. CAPON

She also became the first fencer to win six consecutive individual titles at the Pan American Championships.

In 2015 she won gold at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and the Algers World Cup and added a bronze at the St. Maur World Cup. At the London Games, in addition to finishing sixth in the team competition, she placed fifth as

an individual.

Kiefer and Prescod join epee fencers Kelley Hurley and Courtney Hurley, foil fencers Gerek Meinhardt and Alex Massialas, and saber fencers Mariel Zagunis, Ibtihaj Muhammad and Daryl Saber on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Fencing Team. Five more fencers are expected to qualify for Team USA.

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15 COMPETITIVE EDGE

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Mary Jean Solano now runs her Bigasan business alongside her Smart Padala Center

Smart Padala fuels microentrepreneurship F ILIPINOS, as a family-oriented people, are known for being resourceful when it comes to looking for more sources of income. We often hear the lines “kailangang rumaket” or “kailangang mag-doble-kayod” from family heads or breadwinners to make both ends meet, not to mention surviving the seasonal expenses including graduation, enrollment, or christening.

Aside from backyard businesses like sari-sari stores or direct selling, more options such as running a Smart Padala center are available these days to hard working breadwinners.

Such is Mary Jean Solano a mother of two from Pangil, Laguna, who has been running her own Padala center for 10 years now.

“Kapag malaki ang income, malaki din ang maitutulong nito sa pamilya namin. Nagagamit namin ang kita sa Smart Padala center para ipambayad sa bills at pambili ng pagkain (When our earnings are big, it also helps in a big way to our family. We use what we earn from our Smart Padala center to pay for bills and to buy food),” said Solano, who also won Php5,000 as part of the Smart Padala Holiday Bonus 2015 promo.

With the Php5,000 prize, Mary Jean was able to start her own bigasan business. Apart from the satisfaction that she gets from having a business she can call her own, there is a sense of pride that comes with knowing that there is a Smart Padala center in their community that her neighbors can depend on.

“Mayroon po kasing mga customer na nagkuwento sa akin na maganda na may Smart Padala ako sa lugar na ito dahil mura magpadala ng pera dito at malapit pa sa kanila (We have customers who tell us that it’s good to have a Smart Padala in our area because it’s an affordable way to send money and accessible),” added Solano.

The same sentiment is shared in the case of Lorena Oropesa, who is a long-time customer of Smart Padala based in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. Too old to be heading a household of five children and two grandchildren, she has a number of bills to settle. Luckily, one of her daughters who is working in Metro Manila, sends money to her every week via Smart Padala to cover for these expenses.

“Weekly ay nagpapadala ang anak ko sa akin through Smart Padala. Buti na lang malapit ito sa amin dahil matanda na ako at hindi ko na kayang maglakad nang malayo. Isang text lang ng anak ko, nakukuha ko na agad ang kanyang padala (My daughter sends money weekly through Smart Padala. It’s good that it’s near us because I’m already old and I can’t walk far. With just one text, I’m able to get the money my daughter sends me),”

said Oropesa, who also bagged Php10,000 prize in line with the Smart Padala Holiday Bonus promo.

Sending money the “PADALApit” way Launched in 2004, Smart Padala is a global pioneer in mobile money remittance. The brand is very familiar with Filipinos as it fits with our culture of providing assistance to loved ones as a show of affinity. That’s why Smart Padala is now the largest domestic remittance brand in the Philippines with tens and thousands of touch points at Smart Padala Centers across the country.

To further make mobile money more accessible, Smart Padala introduced last October its Pick-Up Anywhere feature, enabling users to send money to any mobile network redeemable at any of the Smart Padala centers nationwide. With PickUp Anywhere, there is no need to travel far just to send or receive remittance because Smart Padala centers can be literally your kapitbahay or your suking sari-sari store.

Smart Padala also offers international remittance, bills payment, airtime load selling and reloading of mobile wallet accounts including Smart Money and PayMaya to address the transactional needs of both banked and unbanked in this emerging market.

Setting up a Smart Padala center is a go-to source of income now for over 15,000 Pinoys and their families on the account that it is easy to establish, low-cost, and the brand is popular among consumers already.

Being a Smart Padala center allows small business owners to be a one-stop shop for all the remittance and payment necessities of their community, whether sending or receiving money, loading prepaid accounts, or paying bills.

To open a Padala center, one only needs to complete basic government requirements (permits), have an electronic wallet, a store (can be at your terrace or yard) and a minimum of Php10,000 to be able to facilitate processing of remittances.

“Smart Padala has helped millions of Filipinos in making remittance services close to their homes, and providing micro-entrepreneurs a chance to earn and grow their business. Thus, Smart Padala has redefined the remittance industry by offering innovative services that are relevant to the ever-changing needs of Filipinos,” said Lawrence Ferrer, Vice-President of PayMaya Philippines (formerly Smart Money).

Be an entrepreneur today by opening your very own Smart Padala center. Visit www.smartpadala.ph to apply. Like Facebook.com/SmartPadalaPH to get the latest promos and updates.

The Smart Padala Center of Mary Jean Solano

Ayala Museum brings photos to Abreeza Mall

A

YALA Museum, the Filipino Heritage Festival, and Abreeza Mall present “KISAME: Visions of Heaven on Earth – An Exhibition of Photographs of Ceiling Paintings from Churches in the Province of Bohol at Abreeza Mall’s Ground Floor Expansion Wing from March 5 to 31, 2016.

“KISAME: Visions of Heaven on Earth” showcases the Filipino’s artistic heritage in the context of ecclesiastical art.

Featuring installations of large format photographs and video documentation of architectural paintings selected from 17 churches in Bohol, the exhibition is an up-close view of images that represent visions of heaven on earth. It also features the historical background of each painting and the church to which it belongs in a somewhat Visita Iglesia Bohol presentation in photographs.

Bohol has a number of old churches, dating back to the

early years of the Spanish colonization of the island. The province boasts ancient massive edifices that retain century-old architectural design. Research shows that painting models to copy from were scarce and so, as with sculpture, the sources of inspiration for imitation were the engraved illustrations, filetes, and viñetas in the religious books brought by the friars. Since these were in black and white, the artist was virtually at liberty to select his own colors.

The photographs featured in this exhibition were taken by Honorable Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., from the ceiling paintings of the churches in Bohol in the dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon from April 17 to 21, 2008. These selected works of art that adorn the parish churches are the remaining works of two pioneering Cebuano artists, Raymundo Francia and Canuto Avila, exe-

cuted during the first half of the 20th century.

The exhibition’s curators are Fr. Milan Ted Torralba and Kenneth Esguerra. Fr. Milan Ted Torralba was the Assistant Secretary at the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embassy) in Manila and is currently the Vice President of External Affairs of the Visayan Association of Museums and Galleries, the Executive Secretary of the Permanent Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and the Corporate Secretary of the Bohol Heritage Development Foundation.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Esguerra is presently the Senior Curator and Head of Conservation of Ayala Museum, and has over two decades of working experience in museums both in the Philippines and abroad. He was the Director for Exhibitions and concurrent Chief Registrar of the Metropolitan Museum

of Manila (1988-2001), has taught Curatorship and Collections Management under the Philippine Arts Program of the University of the Philippines-Manila (1998-2003), and was the managing director of the Balay Taliambong: The Cojuangco Museum and Art Center (2001-2003).

“KISAME: Visions of Heaven on Earth” was first presented as part of the 2008 National Heritage Month celebration organized annually by the Filipino Heritage Festival. It was first exhibited at the Ground Floor Gallery of Ayala Museum from May 27 to July 20, 2008.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

The UP Mindanao community has set election forums in March-April on Wednesdays and Fridays, 3-5PM, in the Administration Building, UP Mindanao, Mintal, Davao City for any and all visiting political representatives. The group pledged to extend due respect and courtesy to all parties.

Upcoming election-related events on campus are the “2016 Election and Youth Forum” on 15 March, 1pm, at Lorenzo Hall, from the University Student Council. On 18 March, 4 PM is a demo-debate on the elections, between UPMin Debate Society and University of Mindanao (UM) at the UP Mindanao Adminis-

tration Building.

A jingle-making competition and a photo-contest named, “Sa Mata sa Mindanawon” will be launched by Omega Alpha in the week.

Two mock-elections are being organized by the USC and the OA organizations, and a video-film will be premiered

by UP Salida.

UP Mindanao stages Halalan 2016 activities

U

NIVERSITY of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) student councils, student organizations, and the administration extended their invitation to all parties and candidates to visit the campus and discuss their political platforms with students and the community as part of “UP sa Halalan 2016”.

16 CLASSIFIEDS

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17 GAME CHANGER

PMA’s no. 8 grad from DavSur, wanted to be a civil engineer

C

ADET First Class Prince Marenz Regodon Aday of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, number 8 in the 63-member Class “Gabay-Laya” of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), initially wanted to be a civil engineer, and had in fact spent two years at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City to pursue the course.

But financial constraints forced him to quit school, the 23-year old Aday told MindaNews in a brief interview at the PMA in Baguio City last Wednesday, after attending a forum on the Bangsamoro peace process with government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal.

While out of school, Aday worked in the production section of San Miguel Corporation in his hometown but left after six months when he passed the PMA exam.

A graduate of the Sta. Cruz National High School, Aday said he learned about the PMA through his stepfather, an enlisted personnel in the Army.

His father died when he was

in Grade 6 while his stepfather passed away when he was a plebe at the PMA in 2012.

Aday, who will join the Philippine Navy, said his family -- his mother Maritchelle, his sister Martichelle II, 20, and his stepsister Mikeechelle – inspired him to strive harder.

He was looking forward to the arrival of his mother, sisters, an aunt, a cousin and his girlfriend for Sunday’s graduation.

Two other members of the PMA Class 2016 are from Davao: Christian Allan Paul Bauya also of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur and John Gerard Racho of Lanang, Davao City.

Bauya, who will be joining the Army, spent two years at the Cor Jesu College in Digos City as a Criminology student but quit when he passed the PMA exam. Racho, a nurse, is

joining the Air Force.

The Philippine Military Academy PMA Class 2016 or Class “Gabay-Laya” started in 2012 with 121 cadets out of 1,120 applicants who passed the 2011 PMA entrance examination. Only 50 of the original class made it to graduation while the 13 others are turned back from previous classes, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

The top ten graduates are Kristian Daeve Abiqui of San Pablo, Isabela (1st); Christine Mae Calima of Bolinao, Pangasinan (2nd); Arby Jurist Cabrera of Cauayan, Isabela (3rd), Joseph Stalin Fagsao of Maddela, Quirino (4th); Jayson Jess Tumitit of Baguio City (5th); Mark Joseph Daria of Bangar, La Union (6th); Cadet Ace Clarianes of Libmanan, Camarines Sur (7th); Prince Regodon Aday of Sta. cruz, Davao del Sur (8th); Bernard Garcia of Labrador, Pangasinan (9th); and Cadet Gerald Gasacao of Meycauayan, Bulacan (10th). (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)

MINDANAWON CADETS. Cadet First Class Prince Regodon Aday (center) of Sta. Cruz, Davao Mindanawon among the Top 10 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2016. Adaydel Sur, is the lone is joined by (L to R) Cleah Laride and Leanne Chiongson of Davao City, who are on their 3rd and 2nd year, respective ly; and fellow graduates John Gerard Racho of Lanang, Davao City and Christian Allan Paul Bauya, who is also from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

18 SPORTS SECOND SHOT. Lee Kiefer, daughter of a Dabawenya doctor, secured her second consecutive Olympic berth by finishing among the top 14 fencers in the FIE Individual Adjusted Official Ranking List.

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RIO-BOUND Half-Pinay fencer gets another crack at Olympic gold

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

F

njb@edgedavao.net

OR yet another time, half-Pinay fencer with Dabawenyo roots Lee Kiefer has qualified to compete for the United States in women’s foil fencing in this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Kiefer, daughter of a Dabawenya doctor, secured her second consecutive Olympic berth by

finishing among the top 14 fencers in the FIE Individual Adjusted Official Ranking List. There is no women’s foil team event so only the top two U.S. athletes qualified for the Olympics. Kiefer is joined again by Nzingha Prescod. The two are part of a 32-athlete Olympic field.

The 21-year-old Kiefer, a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, is ranked No. 6 in the world and qualified as the top women’s foil fencer in the U.S. after earning the silver medal at this weekend’s La Havane Grand Prix in Cuba, the final international event of the qualifying period.

“My niece Lee Kiefer punched her ticket to Rio with a 15-8 win against Valentina Cipriani (ITA) in the 64 at the Havana Foil Grand Prix. Podium finish na yan! Proud of you, Lee!,” exclaimed a post from Kiefer’s aunt Dr. Janice-Bacani Carandang in a post on social media late Sunday.

Carandang hosted Kiefer at her home in her last visit to Davao when she was

still six years old. The rising fencing star is the daughter of Dr. Teresa Bacani Kiefer who married US fencer Dr. Steve Kiefer. Lee’s younger brother Axel is another fencing prospect.

Right behind Kiefer in the world rankings at No. 7 is Prescod.

Kiefer has taken this year off from her pre-med studies at Notre Dame — where she is a three-time NCAA champion — to focus on training for the 2016 Games.

According to US Fencing Association records, Kiefer and Prescod were first-time Olympians competing together on the U.S. women’s foil fencing team at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

This summer they w i l l both become two-time Olympians, as both have secured their place on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.

Kiefer and Prescod qualified by finishing among the top 14 women’s foil fencers in the FIE Individual Adjusted Official Ranking List. As there is no women’s foil team event being con-

tested in Rio, only the top two U.S. athletes qualify for the Olympic team, while other fencing disciplines have three athletes competing in the team events.

Kiefer sweetened her Olympic qualification by earning silver at the La Havane Grand Prix, the final international event of the qualifying period.

The 21-year-old, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, qualified as the top women’s foil fencer in the nation.

She’s been on the international scene since 2009 when she was the youngest member of the U.S. world championship team at just 15 years old.

In 2011, she became just the second U.S. women’s foil fencer to ever win a medal at the senior world championships when she t o o k bronze.

The win made her the only fencer in the world to earn individual medals at the senior, junior and cadet world championships in 2011, as she won silver at the junior and cadet levels.

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SPORTS 19

TOP SEEDS. Devonte Graham is among the Jayhawks to watch as the NCAA tournament tips off. AP

MARCH MADNESS PREVIEW:

Kansas is no. 1 overall S

IXTY-EIGHT teams will tip off in the NCAA Tournament this week. Four will make it to the final weekend at NRG Stadium in Houston. Here is a look at the matchups set on Selection Sunday (Monday, Manila time):

SOUTH — 1 Kansas vs 16 Austin Peay: The Jayhawks, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, open against the Ohio Valley champs as they seek their first national championship since 2008.

— 8 Colorado vs 9 Connecticut: After setting a school record for regular-season wins, the Buffaloes were rewarded by facing one of the hottest teams in the nation in American tourney champion UConn.

— 5 Maryland vs 12 South Dakota State: Led by Melo Trimble and Diamond Stone, the Terps began the season 15-1. But they struggled down the stretch and fell to Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament.

— 4 California vs 13 Hawaii: Pac-12 freshman of the year Jaylen Brown will try to bounce back after a tough league tournament against big man Stefan Jankovic and the Big West champion Rainbow Warriors.

— 6 Arizona vs 11 Vanderbilt/Wichita State: Wildcats coach Sean Miller is still seeking his first Final Four trip, while the Commodores and Shockers are veteran teams many believe underachieved.

— 3 Miami vs 14 Buffalo: Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez give the Hurricanes one of the tourney’s top backcourts, while the Bulls’ buzzer-beating MAC tournament title was their second straight.

— 7 Iowa vs 10 Temple: The Hawkeyes’ late-season collapse reached a nadir with a loss to Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament.

The result is a date with the guard-dominated regular-season American champs.

— 2 Villanova vs 15 UNC-Asheville: The Wildcats’ loss to Seton Hall in the Big East title game dropped them to the second line, where they face the defensive-minded Big South tourney champions.

WEST — 1 Oregon vs 16 Holy Cross/Southern: No. 1 seeds for the first time, the Ducks begin pursuit of their first national championship against the winner of the matchup between Holy Cross and Southern.

— 8 Saint Joseph’s vs 9 Cincinnati: The Hawks won the A-10 Tournament title despite senior star Papa Ndao getting tossed. Can he keep his poise against the Bearcats, who lost a four-overtime thriller against UConn in the American tourney quarterfinal.

— 5 Baylor vs 12 Yale: The

Bears gave Kansas a scare in the B12 Tournament. Yale is making its first appearance since 1962 as it tries to keep moving forward following the dismissal of one of its captains.

— 4 Duke vs 13 UNC-Wilmington: The defending national champions look much different than a year ago, though Grayson Allen is still around. Wilmington last appeared in the tournament in 2006.

— 6 Texas vs 11 Northern Iowa: Shaka Smart is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament, having been there plenty with VCU. Neither is Northern Iowa, which has a habit of knocking off high-profile teams (Right, North Carolina and Iowa State?).

— 3 Texas A&M vs 14 Green Bay: After losing in overtime to Kentucky in the SEC title game, the Aggies open the NCAA Tournament against the Horizon League champions.

— 7 Oregon State vs 10 VCU: The Beavers hope Tres Tinkle, their star freshman, will be back from a foot injury. The Rams are trying to replicate their success under Smart for first-year coach Will Wade.

— 2 Oklahoma vs 15 Cal State-Bakersfield: Buddy Hield, Ryan Spangler and the rest of the Sooners start their last stand against the Roadrunners.

EAST — 1 North Carolina vs 16 Florida Gulf Coast/Fairleigh Dickinson: The Tar Heels looked like title contenders with their ACC Tournament title, while Florida Gulf Coast takes on a Fairleigh Dickinson team making its first appearance since 2005.

— 8 Southern California vs 9 Providence: Andy Enfield’s surprising Trojans get Kris Dunn, Ben Bentil and the Friars, whose defense has been the culprit when they haven’t played well.

— 5 Indiana vs 12 Chattanooga: The regular-season Big Ten champs flopped against Michigan in the league tournament. Can Yogi Ferrell and Co. rebound against the class of the Southern Conference?

— 4 Kentucky vs 13 Stony Brook: After a second straight SEC Tournament title, Kentucky’s youngsters are hitting their stride. They’ll face the Seawolves, making their first NCAA Tournament appearance.

— 6 Notre Dame vs 11 Michigan/Tulsa: The Fighting Irish are one of the most balanced teams in the nation with five starters averaging in double figures, while the Wolverines and

Golden Hurricane were among the last at-large teams to get into the field.

— 3 West Virginia vs 14 Stephen F. Austin: The Mountaineers’ intense pressure will be a challenge for the Lumberjacks, who have leaned on their own defense to win their last 20 games.

— 7 Wisconsin vs 10 Pittsburgh: Greg Gard got the Badgers going midway through the season, and now NCAA Tournament vets Nigel Hayes and Bronson Koenig want to make another Final Four run. They get a physical, Big Tenstyle opponent to start things off.

— 2 Xavier vs 15 Weber State: Underrated much of the season, coach Chris Mack’s Musketeers feature an exotic 1-3-1 zone that can cause all kinds of fits. Weber State has the guard play to deal with it.

MIDWEST — 1 Virginia vs 16 Hampton: Malcolm Bronson leads the Cavs in a clash of styles. Virginia tries to play at a deliberate pace, while the Pirates were the highest scoring team in the MEAC. — 8 Texas Tech vs 9 Butler: The Red Raiders are back in the tournament for the first time since 2007, and the reward is a matchup with Kellen Dunham and the NCAA Tournament darlings from Butler.

— 5 Purdue vs 12 Little Rock: The Trojans are deep, experienced and have one of the best defenses in the country, but can they deal with the size of the Boilermakers’ A.J. Hammons and Caleb Swanigan?

— 4 Iowa State vs 13 Iona: Coach Steve Prohm succeeded in taking Fred Hoiberg’s boys back to the dance. Their first task is slowing down high-scoring guard A.J. English and the Gaels.

— 6 Seton Hall vs 11 Gonzaga: Sophomore guard Isaiah Whitehead led the Pirates to a surprising Big East tourney title.

The Bulldogs merely won the West Coast Tournament for their 18th straight appearance.

— 3 Utah vs 14 Fresno State: Enjoy watching Pac-12 player of the year Jakob Poeltl of Utah and Fresno State guard Marvelle Harris, two of the best players in this region.

— 7 Dayton vs 10 Syracuse: The Flyers’ Kendall Pollard has been bothered by a sore knee.

Will he be close to 100 percent against an Orange team that played better when Jim Boeheim returned from a suspension?

— 2 Michigan State vs 15 Middle Tennessee State: The Spartans had a strong argument for a No. 1 seed after winning the Big Ten Tournament. Denzel Valentine and Co. start with the Conference USA tourney champs from Murfreesboro, led by Giddy Potts and Reggie Upshaw.

SLIPPED. Chico Lanete of Phoenix Fuelmasters tries to recover his bearing in this match against Purefoods Star last Sunday. The Fuelmasters will play in Panabo City this weekend. PBA

Phoenix Fuel Masters at Phoenix Matina Crossing, Gaisano Mall on March 18

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AVAO-BASED leading independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines brings its very own PBA team, Phoenix Fuel Masters, for a simultaneous meet and greet activity at Gaisano Mall of Davao and Phoenix Matina Crossing on March 18, 2016, Friday, 11 AM. Every P300 worth of single fuel purchase at the Phoenix Matina Crossing station on March 18 entitles a customer a chance to meet and greet the Phoenix Fuel Masters players.

The first 50 customers to present their official receipt will

have the chance to meet and have their photos taken with some of the players.

Fans can also meet and greet other team members at Gaisano Mall of Davao. Every single receipt purchase worth P500 of any Gaisano Department Store item entitles a customer a meet and greet pass.

The first 50 customers to register and present their receipts at the registration booth located at the Gaisano Mall Atrium on March 18 will have the chance to meet and have their photo taken with the team. Only validated receipts from March 14-

17, 2016 will be honored.

There will be trivia games and other fun activities during the two events where fans can also win exciting Phoenix merchandise and prizes.

The Phoenix Fuel Masters will have their first home game on March 19, 2016 at Panabo City Gym against Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel. The team includes JC Intal, Ryan Roose “RR” Garcia, Josh Urbiztondo, Willy Wilson, Mick Pennisi, and American import Kevinn Pinkney.

Upper box game tickets are available for sale at Phoenix Lanang Mega Station. █

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after David rued his lack of playing time in a 99-104 loss to sister team NLEX at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to the organization, David declined to play when Meralco coach Norman Black asked him to check into the game with four minutes left in the

game.

In an interview with Spin. ph after the game, David did not hide his frustration over lack of playing time.

After an investigation, Meralco said it became clear that there was ‘no physical impediment for Gary not to enter the game.’ █

David banned, fined by team ETERAN forward Gary David has been hit with a onegame suspension and fined an undisclosed amount by Meralco for refusing to play late in the Bolts’ loss to NLEX on Friday.

The punishments were announced by the PBA ballclub on its official website, two days

BIKE FOR CHANGE. Davao City police director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr. (3rd from right) lead PNP bike patrol members in last Sunday’s Padyak Para sa Pagbabago Fun Ride. contributed photo

20 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 9 • TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2016

MAJOR SHAKE UP Three-way tie at the top after shaky Sunday matches

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

TEAM STANDINGS WIN LOSS 1 ESDEVCO-GENESIS 3 1 2 WHITEHOUSE 3 1 3 DASIA 3 1 4 PREMIA 2 2 5 TRMH 1 3 6 KADSIA 0 4

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WILD and wooly Sunday shook up the standings of the ongoing 2016 Escandor Group of Companies Cup basketball tournament leaving three teams sharing for the lead when the smoke of battle cleared.

Erstwhile unbeaten White House got spanked by lowly Premia Packing Corporation 83-72, The Royal Mandaya Hotel took it flush on the

chin from DASIA 88-60, and Esdevco-Genesis returned to its familiar spot with a 81-42 thrashing of cellar dweller KADSIA. At the end of Sunday’s three-game bill, Esdevco-Genesis, White House and DASIA found themselves occupying the summit with identical 3 wins and 1 loss records. Premia climbed to 2-2 while TRMH dropped to 1-3. KADSIA remains winless in four outings.

The son-father tandem of Francis Gabriel and Glenn Escandor combined for 56 big points and with that output could already beat the entire KADSIA squad who managed to score a measly 42 for the game.

Francis, the league’s reigning most valuable player and top scorer, fired 30 points spiked with four triples while his father Glenn turned back the hands of time

with his most productive game so far with 26.

He scorched the cords from beyond the arc with seven conversions from that distance and had two running jumpers in a stellar performance that drew huge cheers from the crowd.

KADSIA’s Rodel Hinotan had 11 points to lead his team.

Premia banked on Yajima Blight Hipolito and Michael Angelo Reoyal

who scored 13 and 11, respectively, to beat the Gerome Escandor-led W h i t e H o u s e .

McJonelle Rio Elejorde scored 16 for White House.

HITTING HIS MARK. Glenn Escandor scored 26 points spiked with seven three-point shots. Lean Daval Jr.