VOL. 1 ISSUE 1 | March 2014
STARK CONTRAST. In this quiet community, this kid stares at a distance, looking blankly and doing nothing, instead of holding gadgets and devices, contrary to a modern-day kid. Anju de Vera
You Don’t Know Me We’ll Never Understand Each Other : Duterte to Rosales BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had issued another statement pertaining to Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Loretta Rosales stating that they will never understand each other because of the scope of their responsibility. “We will never understand each other. There can never be a good line between us… she’s (Rosales) in human rights, I’m in governance”, Duterte said during his TV guesting at Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s program Give us This Day, last February 28. He also said CHR is responsible for the welfare of the individuals,
including criminals and non-criminals, whereas his office is liable for the general welfare of the public, thus he has to act against those who threaten the peace and order of the city. “Ako dito I protect a community…one explosion would kill many, eh ikaw nandyan ka sa Human Rights pero ako dito hirap na hirap to protect the people,” Duterte said. “You’re (Rosales) always at the other side of the pen and looking at our mistakes, pero kami naman, (we’re) looking at you’re clients, which are (criminals),” he added.
SPECIAL GUEST. Mayor Rody Duterte discusses issues during his TV guesting in Pastor Apollo
Duterte, 21 Quiboloy’s evening TV program. Vincent Gonzaga
INSIDE
FEATURE
The Blue Boy
COMMUNITY
Prevention Wins
HIGHLIGHTS
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T’boli’s Wonderland
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RP beats India on organ donation pledges
CEAP-Mindanao sceptical over K to 12 implementation BY NECTA CASIPLE and VINCENT RELL GONZAGA
BY MAURA MAE VIGILIA THE Philippines may set a new Guiness World of Record on the most number of people to sign up for an organ donation last February 28, 2014. Country’s record of 3,540 will beat India’s record of 2,755 registrants in an hour, in a single site. The project was organized by the Philippine Network of Organ Sharing (PhilNOS), labeled as the “Lifeline ng Bayan” Program. It aims to promote community awareness about organ donation after you die and gather enough organ donors in a national scale. The organizers set up six sign up sites for the organ recruit, including Almendras Gymnasium in Davao City. Dr. Franklin Guil-
lano, a Nephrologist of San Pedro Medical Center Davao said in a that the group wanted to get away from organ selling and decided to name the program “Lifeline” in order to uphold extending help to other people. “When you die, you extend other people’s life,” Dr. Guillano said. The simultaneous sign up at the sited started around 9 a.m. A lot of people registered in the Region. Armies, Marine Forces, Fire Fighters, Reporters, Students and other Civilians participated and registered in the event. Registrants will choose what organ they are willing to give and extend; kidneys, liver, cornea, skin, heart, and lungs are organs to donate.
Vina Araneta-Pilapil, a local news reporter proudly shared her experience participating in the event. “I am a proud donor. I am donating my kidneys, heart, liver, and cornea. I am a lifeline,” she posted on Facebook. 1,941 out of the Philippines’ record came from the number of registrants in one of the sites, Almendras Gymnasium, Davao City. However, the record would have to be validated by Guinness and results are expected in three weeks to three months. Dr. Guillano also added the event did not just aim to claim the new record for Guinness, but also to promote people’s open-mindedness about organ donating.
WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT. Volunteers and registrants flock at Almendras Gym for the Lifeline Campaign Event. Maura Vigilia
QRTCC Handles First Cyber-crime Rescue BY SHARLENE FERRAREN
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group arrested two suspects and rescued seven female minors during a raid against an alleged cybersex den in Davao City. Minda A. Silvano, head of the Quick Response Team for Children’s Concerns (QRTCC) of Davao City, said during the I-Speak press conference last
February 20, this was the first time they were able to rescue minors from a cybersex case. QRTCC is an inter-agency team composed of stakeholders from the local and national agencies that functions to protect the women, and minors who are abused. The need of creating an inter-agency team was conceived and developed to put in place
the implementation of various laws pertaining to the protection of children. Silvano said the QRTCC is a surveillance and rescue in response to reported cases of abuse and other atrocities against minor children. They provide interventions to traumatized minors and refer them to certain agencies that can help these children.
926 HIV/AIDS Cases Recorded in Davao Region Since 1984 BY HANNA MAE SALCEDO
The National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 926 cases HIV/AIDS cases in Davao region in the past 30 years. The figures were based on data from 1984 until September 2013, the DOH said. Dr. Jordiana R. Ramiterre, head of Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) of the Davao City Health Office said
among the most vulnerable population for HIV are young people who are sexually active. “It’s difficult to monitor the affairs and engagements of the youth, including students, given the presence of modern communication equipment that they also possess. Most of the time, parents are not aware of persons whom they are communicating with,” Dr. Ramiterre said.
From January to December 2013, there are 318 diagnoses. The 308 were all males, and the 10 new patients were females. On the same timeframe, homosexual mode of transmission topped the list with 155 cases. Bisexual mode of transmission came next at 124 cases, with heterosexuals registering 39 cases.
926 HIV/AIDS, 21
IN PROGRESS. DepEd Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro tells the CEAP delegates during a summit, that the full implementation of K-12 is “a work in progress”. Bong Eliab
THE Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Mindanao cluster raised concerns on the effectiveness of the K-12 program as the Education Department seemed to ‘rush things out’ during the 2014 CEAP-NBEC Summit held at Ateneo de Davao University Finster Auditorium last February 17 and 18. Teachers, administrators, representatives from various schools and universities all over Mindanao and some DepEd officials attended the 2-day summit to discuss the updates on the full implementation of the K-12 program which includes the Senior High School Curriculum and implementing rules of the Anti-Bullying Law.
“Work in Progress” During the open forum, one concern was raised on the issue that the Education Department seemed to rush the full implementation of the K-12 program because of the ‘too much’ subject loads included in the new curriculum. “We were only given few days for the training, then every year may bagong nadadagdag sa curriculum but the subjects are too much,” one of the delegates complained. DepEd Secretary Armin Lusitro admitted that his department is not yet ready for the full-implementation, but said they are doing everything to effectively implement the program, with the Senior High School
of the fraternities to run naked in the “Oble” (the place where the statue of Oblation is displayed). Oblation Run is a protest of the APO members and simultaneously conducted every year. December 16 is the international anniversary of the fraternity of APO. March 2 is
the national anniversary of the APO fraternity in the Philippines. Here in Mindanao they conduct this event every March 2 or the last Friday of the month of February. That is well supported and organized by the members of APO and other fraternities in U.P. Mindanao.
Curriculum, 22
Reveal the Nation Truths and Save Women and Youth
BY ARLETTE ONGACHEN The University of the Philippines – Mindanao Campus celebrates its fourth annual Oblation Run with theme “Reveal the Nation Truths and Save Women and Youth”, an advocacy of against exploitation of women and children, last February 28.
The Alpha Phi Omega International, one of the prominent and influential fraternities of the University of the Philippines Mindanao, initiated the famed run. The first attempt of Oblation Run in U.P. Mindanao was in 2007 but was suspended for
Mindanao was not yet ready for this kind of event; it was reported in the ombudsman and was considered to be vulgar and obscene. The Oblation Run in U.P. Mindanao was acknowledged in 2012 up till now. The Oblation Run started in 1970’s at the U.P. Diliman, the Oblation Run started
because of a play entitled “Hubad na Bayani” and it was portraying the abuse of human rights but the play was banned. In that play the sponsor was Alpha Phi Omega (APO) and in the protest of banning the play, the members of the organization decided to let the members
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Union Galvasteel Corporation to Increase Production For Speed Limit Signages BY SHARLENE FERRAREN
PLEASE DONATE. Dr. Franklin Guillano(left) and Dra. Ma. Theresa Badang encourage everyone to donate any organ for the Lifeline Campaign Event. Maura Vigilia
Sara Rebukes Father’s EO on Speedlimit, Rody Responds
Union Galvasteel Corporation continues to work with Davao City government as part of its corporate social responsibility through sponsoring speedlimit signages to be put everywhere in Davao City. Engr. Erwin Tongco, Senior Marketing Manager of Union Galvasteel Corporation said during a press conference that they are supporting the local government in its aim to strictly implement the 30-40-60 speed limit ordinance. They already had created 109 pieces of speed limit signages, among the 241 pieces that were asked from
them. He also cleared that they only make the signages but it is up to the city ordinance to install them. Tongco said, the price range of the signage is said to be about 2,800 pesos. The signages will be given to the government before the festival of Araw ng Dabaw. It is expected that all signages will be installed by the day of the festival. The corporation produces galvanized and pre-painted coils and sheets for commercial, industrial and residential purposes.
Ready For Araw BY SHARLENE FERRAREN
The executive com- cer-In-Charge of Davao February 20, denied mittee (ExeCom) for City Public Safety and to reveal the number Command of security personnel area where the trucks Araw ng Dabaw 2014 Security run at a speed of 30kph has finally come up Center (PSCC) said that to be deployed for the celebrainstead of 20,” she said. with security plans and the safety and securi- month-long “Guess EO 39 do not intensified the intelli- ty aspects are among tion most especially think our children in gence monitoring and the vital facets that the highlight events. They had also reschool zones are im- target hardening in the need to be tackled for Davao Region for the the annual festival. quested for national portant, or for that Villaroman, who support units includmatter, following RA upcoming celebration. Ret. Gen. Frank guested in I-Speak ing the PNP that can 4136,” she continued. Offi- press conference last The elder Duterte Villaroman, Ready, 21 responded in an interview last February 28, that any local government unit (LGU) is in charge on how it would implement the national law on speed limit. BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA “Binasa namin ang Pastor Apollo Qui- Davao City, nganong campaign against drug batas. It depends on the beholder. Sabagay, si boloy of the Kingdom of na-Presidente na man abuse and criminal ofInday (Duterte-Carpio) Jesus, the Name Above ni. But that was several fenses. “His brand of leadbabalik din yan. Sa Any Names shared one years ago,” he reiteratership is unique, espekanyang panahon, ba- of his dreams to media, ed his dream. Quiboloy, also known cially for Davaoeños… hala siya (if she will that he saw Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as Duterte’s spiritual his sincerity and dedrun again),” he said. The EO aims to in Malacañang as Presi- adviser is also keen to ication nakit-an nako the call requesting the gikan sa sinugdanan “prevent traffic acci- dent of the republic. “I was invited by mayor to run as presi- hantod karon wala nidents resulting from lubad…so kung ing-ani over speeding and Mayor Duterte and took dent. me by plane… brought He also believed that ta sa Davao, ma-aninaw reckless driving”. directly to Malacañang the mayor is capable na nimo na ing-ani pud It was also reportedly that it helped re- and we played golf…I of leading the whole ang mahitabo sa naduce vehicular acci- was looking at him and country just as what he sud,” he added.W ‘I DREAMT, 21 dents by 10 percent. I said, mayor man ni sa did in Davao, like his
BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA Former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed disagreement on the implementation of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 39, imposing speed limits in the city. In her online article, Dutere-Carpio described the law as ‘inconsequential’ because it does not conform to the national law on speed limits. “I decided to write about my experience when of late I saw people marking the streets with speed limit numbers. What a waste of time and money, because no amount of markings, signs, warnings and tarpaulins can erase the fact that EO 39 is inconsequential since RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) already mandated uniform maximum allowable speeds throughout
the country,” Duterte-Carpio wrote online. She cited Section 36 of the RA 4136 mandating that “No provincial, city or municipal authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance or resolution specifying maximum allowable speeds other than those provided in this Act (RA 4136)”. She also said the EO 39, which provides speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour (kph), 40 kph, and 60 kph, has not included implementing the 20 kph on “crowded streets, approaching intersections at blind corners, passing school zones, passing other vehicles which are stationery, or for similar dangerous circumstances”. “And for my most important second point, the 20kph limit was completely obliterated by EO 39, my daughter goes to school in an
I Dreamt of Mayor Rody in Malacañang: Quiboloy
A Series of Unfortunate Events BY GLANERY ANNE Mañalac The crisis in Zamboanga City last September 2013 left a huge scar in the hearts and minds of most Zamboangeños especially residents of barangays Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina. The extensive pain brought about by the invasion of the Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF was drastic enough to destroy massive parts of the city. Houses were burnt to ashes and people, young and old, died innocently. One of the victims affected was 41-year old Gerry Gaspar Flora, commonly called as Manong Gerry. He works as a utility service man or all-around messenger at Zamboanga Engine Rebuilders, Inc. Manong Gerry’s family has been living in Barangay Sta. Catalina since 1964 on the property his employer used to own. The land was equally divided to the employees of the corpo-
ration who needed lots to put up their homes. Living in that place was simple and comfortable for his daily routine but this daily routine was disrupted on the dawn of September 9, Monday last year. The MNLF already invaded Zamboanga City and every minute to escape was valuable and necessary. “Mga 5 ng madaling araw, narinig ko na ang putukan. Binitbit ko na yung mga anak ko tsaka yung mga damit. Tapos yung nanay ko naiwan sa bahay kasi ‘di pa masyadong nagbabakbakan,” Manong Gerry explained. He and his children went to his employer’s compoun for safety, which was a block or two away from their house and farther from the intruders. They stayed there for the whole day. Tuesday came, leaasser gun fires heard and Manong Gerry went back to the house to get his 73-year old mother.
“Sabi ko sumabay na siya sa akin pero di pa rin siya sumama. Ayaw daw niyang iwan ang bahay,” he said. He eventually told her to immediately go to his employer’s compound if anything worse happens. And things did get worse in the afternoon. Houses were starting to burn on the other
As soon as Manong Gerry returned from San Jose, his mother was nowhere to be found in the compound. He was told that her mother was with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) already so he felt contented until Wednesday. Little did Manong Gerry know that
side of the barangay. “Kinarga siya ng Marines palabas ng bahay. Dinala siya dito sa compound. Nung kampante na ako na nandito siya, tumulong na ako sa pag-evacuate ng pinsan ni Sir Bebot papuntang San Jose,” he conveyed.
his mother went back to their house. “Di ko alam na bumalik siya… Nung Huwebes, matindi na ang bakbakan. Sinubukan ko bumalik sa bahay… Gumagapang na ako pero di ako makapasok. So bumalik ako.
Yun pala, natamaan na siya ng bala sa loob ng bahay namin. Patay na siya,” he shared. The next day, fire devoured their house burning his mother along with it. He got hold of his mother’s bones 15 days after the fire because of red alert around the city. That was the only the time he went back to what was left of their home. Manong Gerry humbly borrowed money from his employer to send his mother’s remains to their province since no one, not even an agency, helped him financially. He was told to do an autopsy on the remains to find out if it was her mother’s, but he declined because it was too expensive already. “Sabi ko ‘kinuha sa bahay namin yang buto. Syempre sa nanay ko yan,” he explained. It has been five months and there’s still no home for Manong Gerry and his kids. He
is living at his employer’s garage with his eldest daughter, Geraldine. His two other children are staying at his niece’s house. They have been advised to wait for two years for rehabilitation of their place but he sees no improvement until now. He said, he doesn’t trust the government that there will be any development with their situation soon. Gerry Gaspar Flora is just one of the many who survived the crisis but is still trying to survive the loss of shelter and home. This unfortunate event has caused so much already – lives and homes. Though the national government had already provided aids, these are still ‘nothing’. Time might heal all wounds but as for them,a the scars in their minds and hearts from such a traumatic catastrophe will last forever.
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The Blue Boy BY ANJU DE VERA Born from a happy family, Akmed Tobias was once a shy boy who only knew nothing but playing flute. Since 1979, he grew up in a little town called “Bliss” situated in the middle of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. Here he was called “Win-win” by many, and began to live a life of a happy kid. Surrounded with coconuts and a beautiful stream, Win-win grew from simple things – from weaving bags out of abaca to creating toys out of wood and plastic. However at the age of seven, he was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect. Doctors said he had to live his entire life suffering from the holes on his heart, enduring the pains that will attack from time to time. His family knew he will be gone soon. From then on, Win-win grew blue inside and outside. Fate had gotten all his freedom to grow happily and healthily. But his illness became a trigger to the
sudden change of his entire life. He grew with less confidence, thinking that the world removed all his chances in life – a chance to love someone, to go to school, and to live. The next 30 years of his life was just like a tape purposely played in reverse with nothing significant and new. His family wanted him to enter school. But his doctor recommended him not to, and it was perfectly fine for him. He would always say he’d learn
wouldn’t move that much just like his posture, but words with golden meaning come out of his mouth all the time - a mere proof that there was so much beauty inside him. Time has gone by and all of his younger cousins and siblings are now old. They either are busy with their businesses or their own family. But Win-win just looked at them with hopeful eyes, happily witnessing every joy in the family despite the
so much more from walking than studying. Ruth Tobias, his mother, would still say he read his books with his left hand, with the other hand shaking at his back. His lips
countdown of his heart. His two sisters already had families, while his brother was already working parttime. By this he began working in the little ways he can. By then
Plastic Surgery Will Be A Usual Thing BY HANNA MAE SALCEDO AFTERMATH. The remains of the Zamboanga siege. Glanery Mañalac
he started growing catfishes in a little aquarium-like he rented, for profit and savings. It was in the first day of February this year when he knew his sister’s daughter would turn two. He bought more fishes to be sold, working hardly by waking up at six in the morning because he knew that was the only thing he could provide for his lovely niece. However on February 9th, Thursday morning, he was off to collect the fishes to be given to his buyers. When he returned to see them, he was shocked finding out everything was gone. The water was slowly shaking in
his vision, sucking his consciousness. He was bed-ridden after he went home. Everyone was surprised when he no longer acted the way he acts naturally. He began to feel his mind mutilated. He would talk to himself and suck his thumb all the time. His family was worried. They thought he was just stressed and suggested that he would no longer work, but rather stay at home. It was four days after that day when he was just like the sickly Winwin everybody knew. He was very lonely to the point of wishing his heart would give up. Early morning of February 10, 2014, he was found peacefully
asleep in his bed. The red curtain in his window stopped from moving, and the bed sheets lied there steadily. It was real tragic for something that is so small having a great power to tear a person’s heart. “For our very shy but very loving brother, we will miss you. You may be weak in body but you taught us to be strong. We thank God for not taking you so soon when you were seven. Thank you for the extra 25 years,” Roanne Michelle Tobias, her sister, said. Surely, Akmed Tobias will be remembered. His internment was on February 23, at the Heavenly Gardens, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
ing with the concerns and demands of the constituents, which in the first place, a joint effort with the district representatives. “Kung noon kahati namin ang mga congressman sa trabaho,” Pelaez said during a conference with the alumni of Davao City Federation of Supreme Student Government last December 27, 2013. Pelaez was the former executive director of the Department of Education Center for Students and Co-curricular Affairs before enterexpressed his frus- ing politics last 2013 tration with the ab- elections. olition of the pork To recall, the barrel funds since petition to abolish the local government, the pork barrel syswhich he belongs, tem came out after now takes all the re- a news report from sponsibility of deal- the Philippine Dai-
ly Inquirer exposed the allegations of improper and unlawful disbursement of the funds by some senators through bogus non-government organizations under Janet Lim Napoles. The call was further strengthen after netizens and concerned citizens assembled and rallied together in what was famously called as the ‘Million People March’. On November 19 last year, the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the pork barrel systems after 14 justices voted for it unanimously citing it was a ‘mockery’ of the constitutional mandate on accountability, honesty, and integrity of public officers.
No More PDAF, Tragic Story For Some Many Filipinos lauded the decision of the Supreme Court after declaring the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or commonly known as ‘pork barrel’ unconstitutional. But for some, it was tragic. Johannavie P. Miñao, a former AB Literature student of University of Southeastern Philippines was one of the thousands of congressmen-sponsored scholars who were affected with the court’s decision in scrapping the pork barrel system. Congressmen support these students through their PDAF allocation, but without the funds, no one will be given ‘free education’.
Miñao was one of the recipients of Davao City First District Congressman Karlo Nograles scholarship program. She would supposedly be in fourth year next school year but was forced to drop from the school last semester since she only depended from the scholarship program. Without such, she has no choice but to stop. “Nahitabo na man na, wala na ko’y mabuhat,” she said through a text message. She also added her parents felt anxious upon hearing the news since it was very sudden, although she admitted they were already warned that this would happen,
BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA from but they still hoped Aside that her scholarship students who were would not be affect- distressed with the court’s decision, ed. However, they some local politicians were also upset. were wrong. Misamis Ori Miñao is now in Tagum City, her ental Vice Goverhometown and fears nor Joey G. Pelaez
the possibility that she may not go back to school since local politicians can no longer provide scholarship programs due to the abolition of the pork barrel system.
In a world where beauty is being objectified, plastic surgery has been an option for men and women who want to meet the “standards of beauty”. Living in the world where being constantly informed on how to look great and on how to get the treatment we want from other people base on physical appearance is not easy. Media are often blamed for setting the objective standards beauty from movies, TV programs, commercials and magazines; beauty is being objectified. Beauty pageants for men and women also influence the society on how to label someone as beautiful or not. These standards that these industries are promoting make a lot of people dissatisfied of what they have. What makes peo-
ple attracted toward such limited notions of beauty from the media? And in terms of beauty pageants, what does the winner have that the others don’t? And the most important question of all is that why is being beautiful not being strong, smart, compassionate, honest, creative, trustworthy, funny and kind-hearted? Most people really don’t bother to reflect on those sensible questions because they are blinded of what is the media and those beauty pageants are giving them. A lot of people hated themselves on why they don’t look like the models in the magazines, celebrities and the beauty queens and kings. They want to acquire what these beautiful men and women have physically in
order to be accepted, loved and rightfully treated in the society. More people adopt the ideology that what really matters in life is to be beautiful. As a re-
veyed said they would be interested in plastic surgery, liposuction or both, and another 23 percent said they would possibly be interested. Among
sult, they are willing to go under the knife, in the pursuit of becoming a beautiful creature. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scientists report in the October 2007 issue of the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, “Forty-eight percent of women sur-
men, 23 percent said they would be interested in surgery, with 17 percent expressing possible interest”. Through plastic surgery everything is possible in terms of physical appearance that’s why women nowadays go to plastic surgery clinics.
Surgery is more common today than ever before, and there will come a time that getting a plastic surgery is just buying an expensive car. This means that getting plastic surgery will not be as confidential and considered as a usual thing to do in our country. Many people aspire to look like those people they consider beautiful, and even the media also increased awareness of surgical procedures that opened the minds of the people to the idea. Numerous celebrities who openly admitted that they have undergone plastic surgery to improve their bodies somehow encourage people to do the same thing. In fact, even people who don’t have much in life are consider-
ing it as an option for them. These people will save and save in order to meet the high standards of beauty. They wanted their bodies to look like their celebrity idols, beauty queens and kings and models in magazines. There are people that really want to look good, be accepted, loved and rightfully treated in a judgemental society. With this disturbing reality, a lot of people believe that an individual must be beautiful in order to acquire what he or she wants in her life. So then, if objectification of beauty will continue in the media and in beauty pageants, and if the ideology of the society about beauty will continue, more people will be getting plastic surgery as if it is just another ordinary next-door procedure.
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Strong and Firm, Sidewalk Vendors Fight for Their Living BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA
LOADING. Passengers have to wait for the jeepny to be fully loaded before finally leaving the terminal. Necta Casiple
A Jeepney Dilemma BY NECTA CASIPLE Its art on wheels; an all-purpose vehicle and the so-called “Undisputed King of the Road” –who would not want to ride on a Pinoy jeepney? Students, working class and even senior citizens ride it because it is cheap and carries up to 30 passengers depending on the size of the vehicle. Because of this feature, it has become the country’s main transportation. In fact, almost every place within the country has one. However, even though jeepneys are already outnumbered, there are still places that lack this means of transportation. This is the main problem of the people from barangay Catalunan Grande, Davao City. “Kung mutungtong na gani ug alas syete hangtod alas nwebe sa buntag, kana pahurotay na gyud ang jeep ana (During 7 to 9 o’clock in the morning, we are already running out of
jeepneys),” Alex Arano Jr, one of the jeepney drivers in Cat. Grande, stated. Even the Barangay Record Keeper Erika Joy Giangan admitted this by saying “labi na pag peak hours kay tanan jeep pababa unya matrafik baya sila sa downtown area.. magdungan pa jud ang gawas sa mga estudyante ug trabahante (Especially during peak hours where all the jeeps are bound to go to downtown area and sometimes they are stuck in traffics... the students and working class would also leave at the same time).” Because of this, passengers are really struggling to travel on time. Some choose to ride motorcycles or taxi cabs which are more expensive than riding the jeepney to avoid being late to work or school. “Pag rush hours ko makalakaw sa balay, instead na magsakay ko ug jeep, magsin-
gle motor na lang ko kay mag-agaway man sa jeep. Kailangan jud nimo mudagan ug makigdutdot sa uban pasahero aron makalingkod ka (If I leave during rush hours, I choose to ride the motorcycle because you will really struggle in riding a jeepney. You still have to run and fight with other passengers for you to have a seat),”Nikko Ibanez, a college student from University of the Philippines, complained. She also mentioned that whenever there are no jeeps left in the terminal, passengers, even the dispatchers themselves, would call other jeepney that has other route just for the passengers to be able to go to work. According to Arano, one of the factors that cause this problem is that some units are damaged and won’t start. He also said that this uphill barangay is getting more populated
each year and causes the number of jeepneys to not accommodate everyone especially during rush hours. Since this problem has occurred in the area, the barangay has been calling a monthly meeting with the drivers to come up with an alternative solution for this problem. “Naa mi gibuhat sauna nga giseparate namo ang pasahero na hangtod Bangkal-Matina lang ug katong hantod downtown para makaround trip dayun ba… kay kung downtown tanan dugay kayo makabalik ang jeep diri sa terminal (Before, we separated the passengers who will drop off in Bangkal-Matina and those who are off to downtown so that the jeepneys can make a round trip immediately…because if all will have to go to downtown, it would take them a long time to go back in the terminal),” Arano said. However, this alter-
native way still earned complaints from the people. “Masuko man gud ang pasahero kay ngano daw pilion ang mga musakay sa jeep (The people get angry saying why they would have to choose who will be riding the jeepneys),” he added. After this incident, the barangay came up with another solution which they hoped would really work to avoid receiving complaints about inconvenience in the jeepney terminal. “So ang atong gibuhat, nag add jud tag 10-15 units of jeepney kay para lang jud dili na mahutdan ug sakyan ang mga pasahero (So what we did is we really added 10-15 units of jeepneys so that the passengers would not ran out of transportation),” Barangay Record Keeper Erika Giangan stated. But according to Giangan, the earnings of the drivers had really decreased because of the additional units the barangay had provided. Today, the jeepney terminal is already quite in a stable situation but there are
still times particularly during rush hours where some people are still worried and conscious about this jeepney problem. “Bisan usahay nalang jud ni siya mahitabo, dili na every morning, mapraning gihapon ko everytime musakay ko’g jeep… bisan ang uban tao, pag makit-an nga gamay nalang ang jeep nabilin sa terminal, magdinaganay gihapon, (Even though this doesn’t happen every day, I still feel in a hurry whenever I’m about to ride the jeep… even other people, if they see that there are only a few jeepneys left in the terminal, they still run)” Ibanez said. In fact the drivers themselves are also admitting that the addition of units may have slightly solved the situation in the mornings but it gives them a hard time to travel in full load during night time. The inconvenience might not be as bad as before but there is still a little situation left for the people, most particularly the drivers in Barangay Catalunan Grande who paid the price of resolving this jeepney dilemma.
“Bisan balik-balikan pa mi nila (City Demoltion Unit) dinhi, di jud mi muhawa kay tarong gud ni nga panginabuhi namo, unya pahawaon lang mi. Makigpatay gyud mi! With earnestness and intensity, “Manang”, not her real name, expressed her rage against the City Demolition Unit as they demolish illegal sidewalk stalls in the city’s major streets, as part of the implementation of the 1/3-2/3 policy. “Manang “, a sidewalk vendor, said she and her sister have been doing their sidewalk business for almost 20 years. She also said that it has also sustained their daily needs and even let her children attend school. “Simple lang man ning among panginabuhian, pero tungod ani nakaskwela akong mga anak, maong dili jud nako madawat na pahawaon lang mi dinhi”, she added. Manang’s grudge is just one of the dis-
placed sidewalk vendors’ bitterness to the city demolition unit as extensive demolitions continue to take place in San Pedro, Ilustre, R. Magsaysay and other major streets in the city. “Jun”, leader of one of Agdao’s sidewalk vendors association, said he and his colleagues are always coming back to the office of the Drainage Maintenance Unit (which houses the City Demoltion Unit), requesting to let their displaced members to vend in prohibited areas. “Babalik-balik kami rito hanggang sa payagan kami. Nakapagtataka rin dahil 25 years na kaming nag-ooperate pero bakit ngayon lang kami i-demolish?”, Jun wondered. In a closed door interview, City Demolition Unit Head, Ret. Col. Yusop Jimlani said that the affected sidewalk vendors must be thankful to the city government for letting them vend for years, despite its illegality.
NOW PASSABLE. Sidewalks along San Pedro Street are more convenient for passersby as the City Demolition Unit continues to demolish illegal sidewalk vendors. Vincent Gonzaga
The 1/3-2/3 policy means that the sidewalk is imaginarily divided into three parts. The first part will be dedicated to sidewalk vendors while the other two is for foot traffic. However, Jimlani clarified that the city’s 1/3-2/3 policy is even illegal. Section 236 of the 2005 Revenue Code of Davao City states that sidewalk or persistent vendors are not allowed to vend in the streets, waterways and canals. Thus the city has the power to demolish them. “Illegal talaga ang mga sidewalk vendors. Our law states that canals, waterways and sidewalks are beyond the commerce of man, meaning, bawal talaga magbenta sa mga sidewalk”, Jimlani said. But for humanitarian reasons, Jimlani added, the city government would allow sidewalk vendors to sell in the 1/3 part of the sidewalk. Demolition operations began August this year as Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered to address the congestion problem in the city’s major sidewalks. Prior to the demolition, the city government had organized a forum with the different sidewalk vendor associations in the city, telling them to abide with the 1-3/2-3 policy. But this will only be
temporary. Jimlani’s office is now waiting for the city council’s approval of their resolution which will formally illegalize sidewalk vending in the city. As of now, the city had created alternative livelihood projects for the displaced vendors such as the night market and weekend street markets. Night market operates every 7pm to 3am, Mondays to Fridays at Roxas Avenue, Aquino, Ilustre, Gov. Duterte and Alvarez Streets. Weekend street markets on the other hand, operate every Saturdays and Sundays at San Pedro and Alvarez Streets. This month, Jimlani said that he “loosen the grip” in demolition operations to give way for the vendors and their families to enjoy the Christmas season. However, starting next month, Jimlani’s office will start a more extensive demolition job in all major streets and hoping to totally eradicate sidewalk vending in the city. “We understand that these people are just making a living. They are in the selling business for several years in the sidewalk and it is really shocking for them, but we have a law to abide”, Jimlani clarified. According to Jimlani’s estimate, around 70 percent of the side-
walk vendors responded to the request of the city government to do a “self-demolition” and look for other source of livelihood. “Isa na ang mga taga-Toril. Wala man ta niadto didto para magdemolish, pero sila na mismo ang nagdemolish ng kanilang stalls, so that’s an achievement,” Jimlani proudly said. There are also sidewalk vendors that supports the 1/3 – 2/3 policy but as long as they will not be displaced. “Uyon ra pud kaysa sa pahawaon mi diri sa sidewalk, okay ra pud”, Amy Denila, a sidewalk vendor that operates along the allowed 1/3 area, said. But as for another sidewalk vendor, like Aina Abdulcarim, she hopes that her displaced colleagues will be given a chance to vend in other allowed areas. “Sana maibalik rin ‘yung mga nademolish kay nagtrabaho lang man pud sila sama nako,” she said. As for the passers-by, some of them appreciated the city’s initiative to clear the sidewalks, just like Marylin Tee, a government employee. “Mas okay na karon kaysa sa una, gu-ot kaayo. Maglisod og agi ang mga tao”, she said. But as for Robert Hijada, a student, there were no improvements in the sidewalks.
“Murag mao lang man gihapon, way nagbag-o”, he said. Jimlani admitted that sidewalk vending plays a very important role in the microeconomics of the city, since the ordinary people could generate income for their living. However, Jimlani also clarified that there is a law that must be followed, and his office is just implementing it. “Naiintindihan natin ang kalagayan nila, pero may anarchy na eh, pinagbigyan na natin sila sa 1/3 – 2/3, pero inaabuso pa rin, may night market na tayo para sa kanila, ayaw daw nila. So anong gagawin natin? We just implement the law”, Jimlani said. “Pero beyond pa sa concern ng mga sidewalk vendors, ang tinitignan talaga natin ay ang kapakanan ng nakararami. Without sidewalk vendors occupying the sidewalks, mas magiging maluwag at ligtas na ang mga streets natin, which is for the benefit of all Dabawenyo,” he added. Jimlani also emphasized that the local government unit is already formulating plans to provide alternative livelihood to the displaced and affected sidewalk vendors in order for them to maintain their source of living, but he has yet to disclosed it sooner.
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11 Prevention Wins BY GLANERY ANNE MANALAC
BEYOND poverty, poor people have to put up a fight against illnesses that can hit them faster than the speed of light and even silently like a ninja. In Barangay 9-A of Poblacion, many are still struggling to avoid the disease brought by mosquitoes, especially the children. Not only do the children suffer from dengue, parents also suffer the cost of paying for their medicine and hospital bills. Some of those who live in this area do not have the means to buy the right medicine, and so they seek help from the barangay.. Marlou G. Salazar,, a resident of Purok 6, Barangay-9A, said that while they would prefer financial assistance, the medical assistance given by the barangay is already a big help. “Akong duha ka anak nagka-dengue. Human niadto ko diri. Nagpa-usok sila didto. Na-admit akong mga anak pero nakapangayo mi ug tabang sa Lingap sa City Hall,” Salazar explained. Barangay Captain Roderico “Tata” Llubit said they try their best
to help anyone in need of assistance, particularly medical-financial, but they could never shoulder the expenses that the children need. “Kung matulungan namin sila dito sa barangay hall, konti lang, yung partial (payment). We turn them over to Lingap for medical assistance but we also have Congressional Medical Assistance Program (CMAP),” Llubit said. Lingap para sa Mahirap, a program by the City Government of Davao, provides varieties of health assistance such as hospital financial assistance, funeral/burial assistance and pharmaceutical assistance. “There is a set amount per day of 3, 000 depending on how expensive the bill is,” James Antiampo, programs assistant on releasing (Lingap), explained. “As long as they comply with the requirements and pass the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) to identify them as indigenous.” Prevention is better than cure. Cure can be given by anyone, be it
your neighbor, the barangay hall or Lingap. But it is better not to rely on these people and just avoid the problem entirely. The might not be any serious outbreak but continuous cases of dengue have been filed within the grounds of Barangay 9-A Poblacion. Department of Health (DOH) recorded the boost of cases from 9,212 last year to 10,110 this year. Although there was an increase, DOH saw an improvement on medical assistance to the people of Davao City that decreased fatality rate from 1.1 to 0.6. “We gave out ‘olyset net’ to schools. They’re like mosquito nets, white cloth which can be converted to curtains. This kills mosquitoes the moment they attach to it. You can wash it and still have an effect for 3-5 years,” Mary Divene Hilario, unit head of Health Education Promotion Section (HEPS) said. Hilario stated that they gave the nets to schools and places near the “topnotchers” of most recorded dengue cases.
Barangay Captain Llubit revealed that he is very strict on the 4 o’clock habit where everyone in the barangay is instructed to clean their houses or areas every four in the afternoon. “May mga purok leaders ako na nagchecheck and nagtuturo sa mga areas sa 4 o’clock habit (I have ward leaders who check the areas and teach the community on the 4 o’clock habit),”he added. It may be beyond anyone’s control but every bad thing can be prevented. It may be nature-made but it can always be avoided. One of the residents even agrees that people should be strict in implementing the rules and practices that they need to follow. She said that the efforts of the DOH and the barangay hall are not enough. It is the responsibility of the people who live in the areas to clean and be aware. At the end of the day, everyone needs to be aware and be preventive of more cases in the barangay, most especially in the whole country.
NO TO GANGS. WCPD Acting Chief P/Insp. Elisa Ramirez tells the selected students of DCNHS about the negative impact of joining gangs in their lives. Vincent Gonzaga
A Burning Concern BY ANJU DE VERA COMMON to the Philippines is the way human settlements are built very close to each other. If not with a narrow corridor alongside, only thin walls divide these houses. As expected, people in this kind of setting have different issues and concerns in mind. For instance, residents of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bolton Extension, Poblacion, Davao City, have had problems with how slow fire trucks operate during fire incidents. “Dugay makasulod diri ang mga bombero kay gamay ra kaayo ang dalan, og kinahanglan pa nila mangitag ubang ruta,” Nenita Gustilo, 43, a resident in the area, said. Gustilo even added that they were lucky enough the fire didn’t spread from the recent fire incident that happened last January 13, 2013. The firetruck’s hose was the only thing that reached the congested part of the area; most of the nozzlemen couldn’t pass through. Rose Dumalo, 29, also expressed her concerns regarding the issue. “Mahadlok jud mi pag naay mga sunog, kay kung dili mapugngan, sunog jud tanang balay diria,” she said. She also believes that one way to speed up the response of the firefighters is to increase fire equipment
to maximize their capacity. On the other hand, Davao Central 911 Office has been abruptly responding whenever reports of fire incidents reach their office. Head Nozzleman Roxill Pepito said the only problem to these jammed places is the lack of men to guide the fire fighters where to dispatch fire hoses. While Emmanuel Jaldon, chief of Davao’s Central 911 and officer in charge of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said they are already anticipating the worst. He even mentioned the future development and expansion of the office in partnership with the Bureau of Fire. For instance, they are already looking into upgrading their equipment such as ladders for the high buildings soon to arise. Central 911’s immediacy to respond to fire incidents is not in question here. The problem instead is how bystanders and residents must help them on how to setup their fire apparatuses, speeding up the wiping off of the fire. Undoubtedly, every resident also has responsibilities regarding this matter. It should always be in mind that their presence and attentiveness also count. No person wants to lose a property, a home, and a family.
Moving Foward For A Traffic-less Davao Traffic congestions along major thoroughfares and crossings are now common scenarios in Davao City. Some are getting used to it, but some are still annoyed and irritated. In every delay caused by traffic jams, many transactions and activities are affected. Students arrive late in school, business meetings are also postponed or even trips sometimes go beyond schedule. But with the recent plan of the city government to build an elevated railway to address the problem of traffic congestion, many lauded this proposal but some wondered whether this one will really come into a reality, or just another immaterialized plan of the local government. The city council had identified Metropolitan Individual System of Transportation on an Elevated Rail – Personal Rapid Transit (MISTER-PRT), as the most suitable transportation system for the city because its more cost-effective and faster to build compared to metro and light rail transit systems in Metro Manila. Even the local investment promotion center had shown support to this Poland-based company project, expecting that this will sooner replace public-utility jeepneys that are considered to be the cause of traffic jams.
To recall, this is not the first that the local government presented its plan to look for alternative transportation system in the city to alleviate the traffic problems. One of the earlier plans was to build a coastal light rail transit that will connect the Panabo City, passing through Panacan and Toril in Davao, going to Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. However, it didn’t materialize after the Japanese firm who bid for the project, had reportedly back-out. Earlier this year, the local investment center had disclosed its proposal of establishing a monorail and subway system throughout the city. These were included in the plan for Public-Private Partnership program of the national government. Nonetheless, the local government unit’s initiative to present possible plans for the transportation sector of the city is commendable. It is better to have plans on the drawing board rather than having none. Just as all Davaoeños wanted to have this kind of development, the local government must also have the enthusiasm to pursue its plan for the betterment of the city. In this way, Davao will atleast be at par with its neighbour cities in Asia-Pacific, even just with its transportation system so that sooner or later, everyone will really say that in Davao, Life is Here.
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13 Lake Sebu in a bird’s eyeview. Anju de Vera
BY MAURA MAE VIGILIA
Urbandub’s lead vocalist Gabby Alipe rocking the stage while performing the songs of their latest album. Elaine Magistrado
List of songs performed by Urbandub in SM Lanang. Elaine Magistrado
Davaoeňos are party people. All night party and concerts seem to be just an ordinary event in Davao, as locals flock into concert venues. Last February 13, rock music reverberated over SM Lanang Premiere’s Fountain Court as Filipino Rock band Urbandub performed to its Davaoeño fans in their mini-concert. An estimated crowd of 1,500 gathered to watch an hour of rocking and astounding OPM Music of the band. Urbandub performed before their fans to promote their 6th and latest album, released in Septemeber of last year, Esoteric, which means, “Knowledge shared only by selected (people)”. However, the band played famous tracks from their previous albums. The band played First of Summer and Alert the armony from their album Embrace,
The fight is over and Guillotine from the album Under Southern Lights, Soul Searching from the album Influence, and Hover from their latest album Esoteric. The indie rock act from Cebu city won numerous NU 107 Rock Awards, and bagged the “Best Group” at the Junk Magazine Regional Music Awards in Malaysia, and toured Singapore, which allowed them to gather more fans throughout South East Asia. The event was sponsored and organized by JB Music in line with their 40th year celebration. Before the show, a Meet and Greet activity with the band happened at JB Music Store of SM Lanang Premiere, 5:00pm. Fans then lined up to have their album signed up and took photos of Urbandub’s band members.
T’boli’s Wonderland BY NECTA CASIPLE After passing by the well-trodden road of Surallah is where Lake Sebu, the small town where the vibrant T’boli tribe resides, is located.
This municipality is recognized by the Philippine government as one of its most important watersheds because of how rich and well preserved the lakes in town are.
The T’bolis, unlike the dwellers found in its more urbanized neighboring towns, has a unique way of living.
The women of their tribe are clothed in a sequined long-sleeved and collarless top with a tubular ankle-length skirt. They are also fond of wearing various accessories like anklets, bracelets, and necklaces made by the T’bolis themselves. One the other hand, the men of their group are dressed in a striped or plain three fourths shirt and regular trousers with the traditional T’boli sword hanging on their side.
A T’boli’s household is also as unique as how they dress. They are one of the Mindanawon tribes who are participating polygamous form of marriage. The husband can as have as many wives as he’d like depending on his economic and financial stability. He is known to be the head of the household making his orders and decisions a priority for the rest of the family to follow. In terms of their houses, a T’boli’s house is one of the simplest ones. Itonly has a kitchen
and a lobby ar the ‘sala’ where the whole family also sleeps.
Since the rich resources found on the brackish lake waters is where their daily means of survival depends, most of their daily means of survival depends, most of their houses are also located along it’s edges. Thus, fishing, aside from farming, is also how the T’bolis makes a living. Aside from earning money through this, the T’bolis are also fond of dancing. Dance is one thing the T’bolis are proud of. According to them, dancing is their alternative means of thanksgiving and taking a break from their routines. In fact, they have various forms of dance according to the event the tribe is celebrating.
Nothing but the simple life of the T’boli’s, the gentle slopes of the mountains and the calm fluvial lakes- these are onlya few of the things that can be seen and experienced with the prosperous and hospitable T’bolis in the small and prolific town of Lake Sebu.
It is indeed heritage of music, dance, and storytelling.
The T’boli tribe, Seven falls and Lake Sebu’s highest zipline -the things Lake Sebu has to offer. Photos by Necta Casiple and Anju de Vera
ROCK ON. The members of Urbandub
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Same Streets Scenarios
WE cannot walk on major cities in the Philippines without noticing them, and if you are too busy not to notice them, they will make their presence known no matter what with universally known motions. Hands outstretched and they are asking for money. Thumbs pressed against their middle and ring fingers with matching lifting their hands to their mouth and they are asking for food. They are usually on the highways and busy streets tapping car windows and passengers in a jeep. They also congregate on sidewalks, fast food outlets and outside malls to catch passing individuals. They reach their hands out with a tin can or a plastic cup to beg for coins from whoever passes by. Others beg for their own while others beg for the syndicate. Oftentimes it is a woman with a baby held on her hands, children with their infant sibling, with an old folk, a handicapped or sick person that can break your heart if you allow to. They look pathetic that it is difficult to say “no”. In encountering them every day, people somehow develop tactics to avoid them. First is not to look into their eyes. Second is to pretend that they aren’t there. And third is to establish a villain look that would turn them off. Well, these scenarios are not shocking because Philippines is a developing country. And deve loping countries around the world share same problems such
as unemployment, widespread poverty, poor healthcare and uncompetitive education program. But the sad thing is that as days pass into week and weeks into months then years, their number is getting bigger and bigger. The children become teens; their faces harden after many years of malnutrition and exposure to cruel weather conditions, their faces are marked by violence for they mostly end up as criminals and drug addicts who are tired of poverty. Compassion is no longer their friend. But still, their needs are rarely acknowledged by the government and the society. And when they are, it is for disgust, judgment and strong arm of law. But who are really to blame to these unfortunate individuals’ circumstances? Is it themselves, their family, the society or the government? In the Philippines there is a law called Anti-Mendicancy or the Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1563 that was signed during Marcos administration on June 11,
IT has been two years already since the K to 12 Program, an addition of new curriculum in grades 1 – 7, universal kindergarten, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school, of the P-noy government were implemented. Two years from now, the nationwide roll out of Grade 11 and 12 or the Senior high school will begin yet there are still many things in the program that are demanded by many to be amended and improved. I heard in a conference about this program that the first idea of adding a few years in the educational system of the country is to decongest the school loads of the students wherein the subjects that will be removed will be placed in the said new curriculum. However, instead of decongesting it, they congested the
system more by creating a more complicated structure with more subjects added. I know that this change was done not just because of the need to open up and cope up with other countries’ educational system but to help students be more prepared in entering the labour force as well. In fact, it was stated that this new SHS curriculum will help students get jobs without a college diploma. But let’s face it; a high school diploma will not get anybody anywhere, because business firms will not hire fresh high school graduates knowing that we’ve already been used to the standards of hiring those who are college graduates. Besides, we were able to do in ten years what everyone else in the world took 12 years to do. Filipinos are now recognized
1978. The Law defined mendicant as “any person who has no visible and legal means of support, or lawful employment and who is physically able to work but neglects to apply himself to some lawful calling and instead uses begging as a means of living” (Section 3, Par. 3, PD 1563). Section 2 of the law states that the purposes of its creation is to prevent the commission of mendicancy, exploitation of infants and children through mendicancy and provide habilitative services for those already exploited or in immediate danger of exploitation, and to promote the rehabilitation of minors found begging and mendicants by providing an integrated developmental package of preventive, habillitative, interceptive, remedial or rehabilitative services. But where are these habilitative services now? Why are there still so many people in the street who are asking for food and money to strangers? Why are there still people who don’t have decent home to secure them? It just implicates that the government failed to do its part in uplifting the lives of these people. It seems that the government was just passing a law that they do not care to implement. There is a law that could tone down the number of beggars but is not intensified. It has been 35 years since the law has been passed and we still go through our days with the same street scenarios. Beggars are victims of the
stupid system of the government, of the corrupt so called “public servants” and passive society. Beggars deserve respect. They are also humans. They need counsel. They have to be educated. They should not be treated and considered as inferior individuals. They should be treated equally. According to a Chinese proverb “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” The problem of the increasing number of beggars in the Philippines need long term solutions. Giving them money or food won’t solve the problem. They have to learn how to earn on their own, feed their family, and buy their other necessities through decent ways. However, it is hard for them to do that because they don’t have the means. And that is the role of the government; to provide means for beggars. Since the government always takes pride about the improving economy of the country, the masses should fairly feel the progress. Beggars should be educated that there are many ways to get out from their miserable lives through governments programs and laws that would best solve the problem. But then, making programs and passing laws is not enough, it has to have implementation, sustainability, feed backing, and evaluation if it is still appropriate to use as time passes by.
by prestigious schools in the world even with only ten years of basic education. Though not everyone is fotunate to experience this, if others have, it’s not impossible that the rest also can. I’m not saying that the new system will not be effective. To some extent, yes it might be but I think it’s not what we need right now. The government cannot
even resolve the poor situation of most of the public schools by which the right to free education is being availed. What more if they add 2 more years? DepEd must first solve the lack of classrooms, furniture and equipment, qualified teachers, and error-free textbooks before making the big educational transition. No matter how many years the government will add in the educational system, if it does not fit in the economic, financial and the general standards of the people, it will never work. Just like what they say, we don’t need more education, we need a better education and by better education, we mean the proper and justifiable one. As soon as these ascpects will be materialized, then we can finally say, we just reaped what have we sown.
A Lookback to K-12
Wearing The Shoes of PNoy Thousands are dead after the strongest and the most devastating typhoon in the world hit the Philippines last November 15, Friday. Severely hit were the provinces of Samar and Leyte where supertyphoon Haiyan, or
locally named as Yolanda first landed and generated havoc to this eastern region of Visayas. Days after the tragedy, local and foreign aid began to reach these areas, bringing food, water, medicines and other vital needs as well as medical teams, rescue groups and other humanitarian organization helping these ill-fated and hopeless people. But help particularly from the central government seems to move in a snail pace. Reports said that there was no immediate action or response from the authorities after the devastation of the typhoon. This has become a pressing criticism to the effectiveness of the national government, particularly to the leadership of President Benigno C. Aquino III in handling situation like this. Media, especially foreign journalists noticed and criticized the slowness of the relief and retrieval operations in affected areas. CNN Anchor Anderson Cooper, who is assigned in Tacloban, alongside with other colleagues from CNN have discussed about their observation in the area. All of them said that there was no massive government presence in these places, thus there were no clear signs of an extensive government efforts. This was seconded by CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiana Amanpour during her exclusive interview with President Aquino. With no holds-barred, she asked the president on how to address the slowness and the bottleneck that delays the delivery of vital aids. She even said to the president that the way the Philippine government has responded to the aftermath of the typhoon would probably define his pres-
idency and it might end up that the people would judge him base on his performance in calamity response and crisis management. In social networking sites, posts and tweets of ‘netizens’ that criticized the government have become ‘trending’ in the past few days. Several of which are quoting the news reports of international media. We appreciate these kinds of censure. These only gauge our democracy, it’s a free country anyway. These are the best avenues to check oneself, for our government to realize their shortcomings and to come up with a better and effective plan to immediately reach or help the distressed areas. However, we must also realize that mere criticism and pin-pointing of blame is a shame. One is not excused in from any imperfection. We are only humans. In fact, even before the calamity struck the country, the government had prepared plans on how to respond immediately after the typhoon would subside. However, the government admitted that they were not able to respond immediately because of the intensity and the magnitude of destruction that Yolanda left which paralyzed all vital institutions that were tasked to respond. The palace reiterated that the plan was to initialize the local government unit, who would be on the scene right away, to take charge, assess the damage and bring in preliminary aid to the affected people. In this way, help would easily come to the people, search and rescue operation would immediately take place and initial assessment to the damage and aid needed would come after. Pre-emptive evacuations were implemented to all areas under warning storm signals, where the people were moved away from danger areas to evacuation centers. Rescue teams stood-by, and relief operations were prepared. However, as what we have seen on TV, the scope of the damage is too massive and even the local officials, who are ought to respond to the people, were not spared from the calamity. They, themselves were also victims. One thing to ponder also is that we must not just sit and watch the flow of events in the television and criticize the government without doing anything. We must also realize that in our governmental system, the people, we Filipinos are the real government.
Therefore, we must do our part also. We may not be there in acloban or Ormoc, we may don’t have the necessary equipment and resources to send there, but with have our own time and own hands to help through relief efforts, repacking goods for them, or brining the necessary donations for them. As a one country, let us help one another and stand united amidst of this terrible and probably the greatest trial of our lives as Filipinos. Let us pray not just for the typhoon victims but also to our government who are in the forefront of all the efforts. President Aquino is just a
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human being. He also feel hurt, ashamed of himself, desperate and pressured. Let us pray for his cabinet members and secretaries who are his eyes, ears and hands on the field and that they will clearly see the aid needed as well as the appropriate response for these people. Let us use the social media not to solely criticize him, but encourage him to do his job fully well instead. We elected him. He is our representation. So whatever he does, whatever the outcomes of his actions, we are still the one who will reap from what he sow.
QUOTES IN FOCUS
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Megaworld Partners with Dakudaos in Davao Project BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA M E GAWO R L D Corporation, one of the nation’s leading real estate companies, had set its foot in Davao City to develop its first ever township project in Mindanao. Alongside with its wholly-owned subsidiary Suntrust Properties Inc., the plan is to develop the 11-hectare land in Lanang, North of Davao in partnership with the land owner, the Dakudao & Sons, Inc. (DSI). Suntrust Properties Inc., President Atty. Harrison M. Paltongan said the project is the crown jewel of Mindanao and comes on the heels of Megaworld’s highly successful township developments in Visayas and
Luzon. “This Davao project is envisioned to be another economic boom town in Mindanao replicating the dynamic ‘live-work-playlearn model’ pioneered by Megaworld and Suntrust,” Paltongan disclosed. Last January 27, Paltongan formalized the plans with the members of the DSI headed by its president, Atty. Aymond Santiago Ebro Dakudao IV. He also paid a courtesy call with Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The project will be a resort type, self-sustaining community in an urban setting, one that includes clusters of low-rise condominiums, educational
and medical facilities, dining and leisure establishments, parks and other recreational offerings. As of now, the plans are already on the drawing but the official dates for its groundbreaking ceremony and construction are yet to be disclosed. C u r r e n t l y, Megaworld has already its existing developments in Newport City in Pasay, Eastwood City in Quezon City, Lucky Chinatown and Cityplace in Binondo and McKinley Hill, McKinley West, Uptown and Forbestown in Taguig City. While under construction projects are in Iloilo and Cebu res pectively.
DCIPC Expects More Investments This Year All Systems Go For BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA ‘Big Davao Fun DAVAO City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) eyes more big time investments coming in the city this year compared last 2013 as more investors, both local and foreign, show interests in venturing here in Davao. First on the list is the 1-billion peso steel plant investment, the biggest so far for this year alone. The plant is set to begin construction as soon as the city council will formally approve its application. Once approved, the plant will be built at Bunawan District, northern Davao. Another is AboitizPower’s Davao Light and Power Co., will be spending 2 billion pesos for its proj-
ects in the next two years. About half of the planned expense will be used to upgrade distribution lines as the company is set to purchase about 100 megawatts from sister company, Therma South, Inc., which is expected to complete the first phase of its 300-MW coal-fired power plant by the first quarter of 2015. The remaining amount will be used to build additional three substations and to rehabilitate three existing ones, land acquisition, as well as construction new buildings, among others. Ivan C. Cortez, OIC of DCIPC said the wave of investments poured last year stimulated the market in
the city, particularly in terms of retail, hotel industry and real estate properties. With the above-mentioned projects, industrial investments are also paving its way to Davao to take advantage the city’s unprecedented and fast economic growth. “These types of developments are very much welcome because these are economic stimulants and generators, they provide ripple effect to the economy,” Cortez said. Also, Cortez disclosed that a British-owned China-based toy assembly and manufacturing company is planning to relocate in Davao City soon as the cost of doing business in China increases. Representa-
tives of Best Power were in Davao City and held talks with landowners in the industrial zone in Sasa for the establishment of the assembly plant. “Their first phase will be the establishment of the assembly plant and if their operations are successful, they will establish the manufacturing plant,” Cortez said. In the latest report from DCIPC, the city investments reached P203.04 billion last year and are expected to increase more in 2014. “Davao’s market and cost of business, like electricity and labor, are competitive considering that it is a metropolitan center, he added.
BREAK TIME. A group of construction workers takes rest and enjoy the view of the City from above at the same time. Vincent Gonzaga
BY MAURA VIGILIA E V E RY T H I N G is ready for the country’s biggest shopping event this year that will take place in Davao City on March 14- April 16, 2014, the Big Davao Fun Sale. L i s e t t e Marques, Davao City Tourism officer-in-charge said that the event would be similar to Dubai Shopping Festival and Great Singapore Sale. It is first in the Philippines where malls within the city have worked together to come up with a month sale. The event is participated by Davao’s leading malls; Abreeza Ayala Mall, NCCC Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao and Toril, Robinson’s, SM City Davao, and SM Lanang Premiere. Pa r t i c i p a t i n g malls will have a theme
where you can buy your favorite brands and items at discounted rates up to 80% off. March 14 to 16 will be general sale; March 16 to 23 will be Health and Beauty; March 24 to 30 for Electronics and gadgets; March 31 to April 6 will be for Home and Travel; April 7 to 16 will be for Active Lifestyle and Fashion; and March 14 to April 16 will be for Dining, Fruits, and Flowers. Everybody is invited to join and participate to come and shop to mall nearest you. The Department of Tourism, Region XI is also much supportive in this big event since it aims to promote the city as a tourist destination and the city as a good place to buy and shop in the country.
There’s Money Online BY HANNA MAE SALCEDO SELLING online provides the greatest opportunity to potential income. It can be done by students, housewives and professionals. It can also be a sideline for extra income. If someone has a gadget such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet and even cell phone, an internet connection and a camera, he/she can already start an online business instantaneously. The only problem that people who want to engage in such business is to decide on which items to stock up as inventory; whether clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, or cosmetic products. They might also choose to make an all-in-one store which provides almost everything mentioned. The duties of an online business owner are to upload the photos of the products to a website or social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram, to check regularly for customers’ inquiries, and to ship orders on time or to personally deliver orders to interested clients.
One of the advantages of online shops is that it costs less to set up and run than a tangible store. Online businessman for more than a year Christian Tabat, a call center agent and owner of Iitchan’s Polymer Clay Charms said, “Online business is much easier and more convenient because I don’t have to have a place to rent and sell my stuff”. He added that it is easier to manage, especially those who have a job like him. “You just have to find an effective and easy mode of payment for your buyers”. Another advantage of online shops is that it can be expanded geographically; a local business can go national or global. The owners of Mari Bella, an online shop that sells clothes, bags and shoes spoke of how their products become more public to a larger scale. “Because we are using internet, anyone can see our products that will open us to a larger market,” one of the owners explained. Online shops can also be accessed
by possible customers 24/7. “At the moment, when Indiefinity is at its peak we get tons of orders each week,” one of Indiefinity owners who sell brand new accessories said. They believe that because their shop can be accessed anytime, more people can check their products in their most convenient time. Another reason that attracts business people to go online is the avoidance of hiring employees because they can do things on their own like delivering the products and getting the payment from the costumer. “In my case, I accept bank transfer payments for those who are not nearby my area. Then I ship the item to them few days after the payment. For some friends and officemates, I sometimes meet up with them. I do things on my own,” Iitchan’s Polymer Clay Charms owner Christian Tabat said. Managing an online business also draws the attention of business-minded people because they can still enjoy their day jobs
and do a lot of things other than checking their online business. “The best thing about online business is that you can do everything at home. I can easily be done in your spare time and gives you extra income,” one of Indiefinity owners said. And the strongest advantage that online business owners enjoy is not paying taxes. “Obviously, we don’t have to worry about the usual expenses such as tax,” one of Mari Bella owners said. The internet is undeniably becoming the medium for online business transactions. T h e re fore, the Bureau of Internal Revenue or BIR feels that it is essential to remind the parties in these online business transactions of their tax obligations. However, Malacañang clarified that the government would only go after “big” online retailers and not after those small time online sellers. If the internet will be used wisely as what online business owners did, there’ s in fact money online.
LINE UP. Students queue in to order their favorite meal from this food truck. Glanery Anne Mañalac
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Yum Truck, The New Gastronomic Delight BY GLANERY ANNE MANALAC YUM Truck is the first ever food truck in Davao City handled by six young entrepreneur students of Ateneo de Davao University. The business is however represented under one name only, Charisse Sardinia. This mobile restaurant is starting to make its mark in Davao City through its unique way in providing a different kind of food experience. “The six of us love food. Ever since we all became friends, we grew bigger together and that’s how you’ll notice how much we love food. So, we wanted the students to enjoy delicious food as well. Sometimes, we notice students go to malls or others far places for good food. That’s why Yum Truck offers food just outside the gate or delivered to classrooms,” Evangeline Papa, one of the owners said. The small business that started only last October 9, 2013 was noticeably accepted by most people especially students. However, since most people are very particular with the taste of what they eat, the owners decided to change other items on the menu but left behind their bestsellers. Mexican chicken, Mexican beef and Mexican fries are just some of the best sellers they offer. Besides the delicious food, what sets the food truck apart from other stalls of food chain is their mobility and speed in serving. “Yum Truck brings food to you, brings food to students. So, it’s hassle free and fast.” she explained. The owners make it convenient for some students who have bulk orders and take turns in personally delivering food inside campus for free, from 11am to 6pm. It is also easier for the owners to cater events like Volleytenista last September and Carte Blanche last No-
vember last year. “Our greatest sacrifice was time, our sleeping hours. During Volleytenista, only the six of us, plus one yaya, prepared and cooked. So we started at nine in the evening prior to the event and ended at 12 noon the exact time we were supposed to distribute the food at the event.” Despite the struggles and sacrifices they had to make, they believe that Yum truck was definitely something worth putting an effort to. Papa admitted that a huge amount of money was used as capital for making the business happen and they were still in the process of returning their investment. “We’re getting there,” she stated. They are planning to expand and put up other trucks for other schools because their target market would mainly be students. A plan on opening up the food truck during weekends was also proposed by one of the owners and is still being thoroughly discussed by the group. The owners believe that this is just a start of something big for the city. “I think Davao is still not ready for a food truck, but it will be. I think it just needs more time and exposure from this business,” she added. In five years, they see Yum Truck with other food trucks set up in an empty lot surrounded by portable tables and chairs. The idea of adapting something like Tiendesitas in Pasig or Mercato Centrale in Taguig City would soon be accepted in Davao. A small business can always grow. Yum Truck started as an idea put into action. With a great amount of effort, it innovatively makes a name for itself and simultaneously gives Davaoeños something to look forward to.
An Eye to North Korea’s Unresolved Food Shortage BY DAYANARA MAY DOTAROT North Korea, is having a grain shortage for the past few years. The chronic food scarcity is estimated to be 340,000 tons of rice. The Korea Development Institute said on a report that the country would need some 5.77 million tons of grain. Natural disasters are blamed for its shortage. Economic problems were the root cause of their unresolved problem. It became severe after heavy rains in the country in July to August of 1995 that resulted to devastated floods. North Korean sources said that the flood destroyed 350,000 hectares of arable land and around 1.5 million tons of grain, and also displaced 500,000 people. A year after in July and August, the country was again hit with the torrential rain and flooding which worsened their problem. The country has a population of about 24.8 million and each person consumed
an annual average of 175 kilograms of grain last year. In a statement given by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program in relation to their survey food production, 5.03 tons of grain rice this year is the country’s grain production. “While North Korea can cover a shortage of 300,000 tons with imports, it will have to rely on international aid for the remaining 40,000 tons,” the Korea Rural Economic Institute said in a report. In 2013, the communist country imported 26,804 tons of grains from China in August that is higher compared to the previous month, which was only 22,988 tons of grains. On the first month of same year, the country imported 2,174 tons of grain from China. From January to June, North Korea imported 124, 228 tons of grain. Is the foreign aid not enough for the
country to cope up with the grain shortage? In 2012, the United Nations humanitarian fund allocated $12.9 million to the North Korea. Last 2013, they also allocated $15.1 million for aid and for the food assistance. The U.N. agency has been unstable in giving the food aid to North Korea. According to the World Food Program (WFP) data, in 2008 they gave some 136,000 tons, 50,000 tons in 2010, 100,000 tons in 2011 and 84,000 tons in 2012. The UN’s humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, said the country’s unresolved problem would still continue unless their government will address a major structural issues and appeals investment. Analysts say that the country’s leader, Kim Jong-Un, can still ease the food shortage. North Korea has literate people that are willing to work for cheap. The best longterm solution for their
problem is to reorient North Korea’s economy to light manufacturing that would enable them to trade goods in exchange for foods. North Korean government tells its farmers what to plant, how much to plant and when to plant it. This strategy characterizes as cooperative, but it’s way more like Stalinist. The country could’ve loosened their control over farmers if they want change. Observers say the privately operated are more productive than the government-managed farms, because farmers make their own decision that could actually help ease the shortage. The WFP called for international aid and domestic reforms to modernize farming and provide “better price and market incentives,” as well as specific action to address child malnutrition, which “steadily declined over the past 10 years,” but remains high.
FIGHT FOR RIGHT. Gay Rights activists protest against the newly signed “Anti-gay Law” in Uganda. Google Images
19 African President Signes Bill to penalize ‘Gay Acts’ BY ARLETTE ONGACHEN UGANDA - The president of Uganda Yoweri Museveni signed into law a bill that calls for harsh penalties, including 14 years in jail for firsttime offenders, and life imprisonment as the maximum penalty for, among other offenses, repeated gay sex between consenting adults. “We Africans never seek to impose our view on others. If only they could let us alone,” he said, talking of Western pressure not to sign the bill. “We have been disappointed for a long time by the conduct of the West. There is now an attempt at social imperialism.” Maria Burnett, a Uganda researcher for Human Rights Watch said the bill is a dramatic blow to their freedom of expression. “By signing this bill, Museveni has not only let down gay Ugandans; he has also failed the very constituencies he claims to be protecting, including children,” Burnett said According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), homosexuality is illegal and punishable by the death penalty in the whole or part of seven countries: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Nigeria, Mauritania and Somalia. Although some people agree in this law, most likely the Christians who are anti- gay supporters, they even celebrated the passing of this new law. Many disagreed with this new signed law, one of them is the Kenyan prize-winning writer Binyavanga Wainaina, who came out as gay last month in an online essay, said Museveni is looking to create a political wedge issue that will help his constituents forget about government corruption and a lax economy.
“By the time the next election happens, mysterious opposition figures are going to be arrested for being homosexual, can we bet? Cause all you need is a suspicion, isn’t it?” Wainaina told The Associated Press. “It is sad that they disapprove of me and consider me to be evil, unnatural and un-African because of my kind of love. What should it matter to anyone who I love?” said by Ugandan gay activist Dr. Paul Semugoma, who avoided deportation from South Africa last week. “It’s simply politics of destruction. We (homosexuals) are convenient scapegoats to be used when they need to boost their political power.” he added. The White House press secretary Jay Carney disagrees with his statement “Uganda took a step backward with the law and urged its repeal”. And he also added that the United States is reviewing its relationship with Uganda as a consequence. Because of this new law Uganda has been put in to bad light and not just its people protesting and invoking to repeal this law, it also sharpened the hatred and discrimination against homosexual people. And made the World Bank and European countries cut aid and loans to Uganda after this controversial anti-gay bill was signed. Some critics believe Museveni is signing the bill in hopes of galvanizing political support within his party, the National Resistance Movement, ahead of an upcoming meeting that is expected to endorse him as the party’s sole choice in the next presidential election in 2016, when he will have been in power for 30 years. -reports from CNN, BBC and Yahoo News.
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Thailand’s Economy, Tourism, Not Affected by Political Instability BY VINCENT RELL GONZAGA THAILAND The Land of the Free of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been suffering in repetitive political instability for the past years, but surprising enough, it has not severely affected the country’s economic and tourism development. Its tourism sector for example, had an exceptional year as visitor arrivals reached nearly 16 million in Bangkok alone, making it the world’s most visited city of 2013. So far, central Bangkok has been unscathed by the protests, which have been predominantly concentrated around Government House. Political instability, though endemic in this Southeast Asian nation for many years, has not prevented a desirable level of economic growth.
Between 2000 and 2012, Thailand’s gross domestic product grew an average 4.2 percent per annum with a per capita gain of 3.3 percent per annum. Walking down Bangkok’s main Sukhumvit road, there appears to be no indication of any political unrest with shops and businesses open as normal, while locals and tourists freely go about their daily routines. Yet with protests continuing in wider areas of Bangkok, tourism in the capital city is likely to take a hit. Despite Thailand’s display of economic resilience in the past, the recent string of protests had somehow brought about concern within Bangkok’s business community. IT entrepreneur Alex Stamp,
Managing Director of GoPomelo, believed it is unlikely that the anti-government protesters will withdraw as long as Yingluck Shinawatra’s party remains in power, resulting in what could be a lengthy political standoff with detrimental consequences on an already strained economy. The Thai stock market can be volatile but its market has proven to be resilient during the past trials and tribulations. While short-term volatility is likely to continue to impact Thailand’s market as news events unfold, we believe Thailand will eventually find a way out of this latest crisis. Recently, violent demonstration by supporters of Thailand’s traditional Bangkok-based elite have raised concerns regarding
the government’s stability under the pro-populist policy of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, which draws its support from the poorer and rural areas of the country. As for Political Analyst Mark Mobius, “this time it’s different in Thailand; that the present bout of political stability could segue into economic weakness and corporate losses. However, in our opinion, the balance of probability is that positive economic drivers could once again override the short-term impact of Thailand’s political turbulence”. “We (analysts) strongly believe Thailand’s people and economy will rise above the bickering of the country’s politicians,” he concluded. (Mobius Website)
FLY HIGH. Tourists enjoy the view of the seven falls on the higehst zipline in Asia. Zipline Adventure
Japan Denies Its Horrid Role in WW2 BY ARLETTE ONGACHEN TOKYO – Japan had refused in acknowledging its wrongdoings and needs to wake up from its militaristic fever. During the World War II the Japanese soldiers abused, raped, tortured and killed millions of innocent men, women and children across Asia such as China, South Korea and the Philippines. The stories of their wickedness is absolutely terrible. However today the Japanese government denies, promotes ignorance and many young Japanese people fail to know and learn about the past atrocities as they are blinded with lies and propagandas that are propagated in the textbooks and all. NHK is Japan’s national public broadcasting organization which is similar to the BBC in Britain. As a public broadcasting network, ssit has an obligation to inform the people with the right and true information and must not be biased. However, in the last two weeks, some of the NHK’s 12 board-members have been making some
pretty radical claims. Naoki Hyakuta, said that Japan was, “Lured into the Second World War by America while liberating Asia from white colonialism.” He also denied a number of war crimes, most notably the 1937 Nanjing massacre, when Japanese troops sacked the city of Nanjing, killing thousands of Chinese civilians. NHK’s new chairman, Katsuo Momii, surprised the reporters at a press conference when he said it was “only natural” to tow the government line on territorial disputes with Japan’s neighbors. “When the government says left we can’t say right.” He also defended Japan’s system of sex slavery during wartime, saying that systems like this are “commonplace” during war,” he said. These drastic claims definitely aren’t helping Japan’s tense relations with the Chinese, who are highly pissed off at the denial of the Nanjing massacre.
-reports from BBC News.
21 Duterte, FROM 1 Duterte also said Rosales would do the same thing if she was the mayor of the city. “It would also be the other way around, they (Rosales, et.al) will be doing the same thing that I am doing, simply because we are there to do it,” Duterte added. To recall, the tension between the two started when Duterte issued a 5-million peso bounty to anyone who would kill and bring to him the head, packed with ice, of the alleged carnap syndicate leader Ryan Cain Yap Yu, aka Baktin. It was followed by the shooting incident in Davao City between the authorities and the kidnappers of Sally Chua, a Filipino-Chinese that was brought to Davao to withdraw the ransom money. The Human Rights Group condemned the shoot-to-kill order of Duterte and tagged the incident as “murder”. And lately, Duterte’s threat to kill alleged wrice smuggling wking Davidson Bangayan, aka David Tan once he will see him in Davao. VRG
Curriculum, FROM 3
Curriculum implementation in school year 2016-2017. “We are working on it. Work in progress ika nga,” Lusitro assured. Senior High School One of the complaints was on the impending implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum, adding two more years in highschool and its plan to have 80 teaching hours per semester. “Eighty hours per subject for the whole semester is too much. We do not want to overburden our students and our
teachers,” Dr. Grace Matalam, one of the delegates, protested. “We hope there is still a room for the Department of Education to look and recheck the curriculum,” she added. Dr. Maria Luz Vilches, the Dean of School of Humanities in Ateneo de Manila University who was one of the speakers, admitted that there is so much need for adjustment about the subjects that were assigned to the SHS curriculum. “They have to filter the subjects to the level where students can understand because some of the course titles are most likely for graduate school,” Vilches stated. More questions and criticisms like concerns of the small and lower schools, stability of enrolment, financial means and more were raised during the open forum which triggered the delegates to eagerly ask help from Fr. Joel Tabora, Ateneo de Davao University president, in making a request to DepEd for a resolution to revisit and reconsider the curriculum. “We are definitely objecting to this. If some people in Manila think they can do it then let them continue to think,” Tabora said agreeing to the feedbacks regarding how congested education will be for the students and the teachers if the said system will be implemented. “It’s a good system that has gone away. I say let’s come together and cut our own basic education to show them that we can do it well,” he suggested. Anti-Bullying Law CEAP legal counsel Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada discussed the Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-Bullying
rules and regulations. “This is not to criminalize bullying but to reinforce the child-protection advocacy of every educational institution in the country,” Estrada said as he describes the function of the law. According to him, the authority of the school to discipline the child pertains as long as the students are in their custody whether it’s within the premises of the school or not. He also emphasized the parents as the most important player when it comes to these matters. “If their children are involved, they really have to handle it seriously,” he said. Even though the law only covers students from Kindergarten up to High School to give way to the academic freedom of the higher education, Estrada clearly stated that colleges and universities can still adapt this law in their school policy. Estrada reminded the delegates to declare, once and for all, a zero tolerance in bullying since “it is not just an infraction of school discipline but also a form of coercion and suppression to the student”. Implementing these two new educational concerns requires patience and vigilance. As what Jimmy dela Vega, the Executive Director of Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) said, “We may work and work but we also need to talk of what we want to achieve.” The National Basic Education Commission (NBEC) organized the summit, with the intention of informing and appreciating the progress attained on the implementation of the K to 12 program of the Aquino government which started in school year 2012-2013. NC
926 HIV/AIDS, For the same period, most of the patients came from the age group of 2534 with 151 cases, followed by those coming from the age group 15-24 with 129. It said this latest figure is 92 (318 cases) percent higher than the new 295 cases in 2012. However, Dr. Ramiterre said that the key affected population are those people in prostitution, those people engaging in MSM’s (men having sex with men) and injecting drug users. Since 1984 when the HIV/AIDS registry started and until December 2013, the country has recorded 16,516 cases of HIV/AIDS. With the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS, RHWC in partnership with Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Alliance against AIDS in Mindanao (ALAGAD-Mindanao) join forces to conduct a testing/screening operation under the city health office that serves as an access and service center for persons with HIVAIDS. Apart from giving free HIV testing, the RHWC and other institutions are also providing HIV education and prevention. According to Dr. Ramiterre, the most important thing to do to prevent HIV/ AIDS is to be educated. Dr. Ramiterre said that fear of stigma and discrimination are the main reasons why people are hesitant to undergo HIV testing. “It’s your choice because the services are already in place. People often asked what the government is doing, because it’s rising (HIVAIDS).
But the thing is, what are individuals doing to protect themselves? I think every individuals doing to protect themselves? I think every individual should be responsible,” Dr. Ramiterre added. Testing and treatment are free through Phil Health. And there are also groups doing psychosocial support, advocacy, and education for HIV/AIDS. HMS
Ready, FROM 4
amplify the security personnel of Davao City. “We have more than enough,” Villaroman said during the I-Speak press conference at the City Hall. They wish to heighten the security so as to monitor the safety of the people who will be joining the parade and special events. The formal communication was already transmitted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO 11) There are some rules that they have again implemented from the last Kadayawan such as the no backpack rule. Villaroman also requested the vendors not to sell in the streets during the celebration. “We just want to be sure… to avoid any terrorist attempt,” he emphasized. Parking is also not allowed in some areas one hour before the parade. They have the help of TMC, 911, K-9 dogs, ambulance to do surveillance of the area. They had already designated parking areas where people can park their cars. Villaroman said that there is nothing to worry about who will supervise the park-
ing area because the higher security oicials are assigned to do so. He also said that all the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the city will be activated and stimulated during the celebration. “It becomes part of our evidence,” he said. The law enforcement unit said that the use of footages to substantiate to complaints like robbery, theft, road accidents, and among others have helped in solving crimes in the city. SMF
Dream’t, FROM 4 The spiritual leader also said only God, the Father knows what will be the mayor’s destiny. He also compared the mayor’s life to the story of Prophet Jonah, who refused the command of God to preach in Nineveh, but ended up abiding God’s command. “Just like Jonah, nibalibad man siya na muadto sa Nineveh, pero siya jud ang gibutang sa Ginoo gihapon, kay mao to ang dapat mahitabo,” Quiboloy said. “Pero ang ako, let destiny be in the hands of God for every man and in this particular moment for Mayor,” he added. But Quiboloy also respected the mayor’s repetitive refusal to run as president since the mayor know how hard it is to lead the whole country. “Tungod kay nakita niya ang kadako sa trabaho (as president), kay kung ibutang nimo siya diha, mutrabaho jud siya, he will look for the solution for the country, maong sige siya og balibad,” he said. “Kita, igo ra murespeto sa iyaha,” he added. Quiboloy also disclosed that Mayor Duterte begged him saying, “maluoy ka pastor, ayaw intawn i-ampo na ma-presidente ko”. VRG
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TEAM PHILIPPINES. Michael Martinez with fellow Filipinos pose with pride during the Sochi Olympics 2014. Manila Bulletin
Warm Victory Over the
PINOY PRIDE. Martinez, with his mother, proudly waves the Philippine flag. Manila Bulletin
Chilling Arena Martinez was able to prove to the rest of the world that a Filipino as young as him can compete with the ice skaters from countries who experience winter. Unlike snowing countries, Filipinos cannot learn skating in frozen lakes and public parks since the country doesn’t have winter season, which drives people and ice-skating practitioners to only rely to the mall’s indoor rinks. It’s also very expensive when you wish to join a world-class training. The training would cost P50,000 to P75,000 per month for the lessons and the equipment. In his biography, Martinez started skating when he was eight years old at the SM Southmall’s ice skating rink. Before that, he experienced asthmatic bronchitis and was frequently sent to the hospital. He overcame asthma in childhood. “I had asthma maintenance medicine when I started skat-
ing, since the cold rink makes me sick too,” Martinez said in an interview. Though the cold rink had a detrimental effect, it was not a hindrance to Martinez to stop his dream to be a figure skater. Even his mom fully supported him by saying that it’s better to spend their money on his son’s skating than in the hospital. His dream was a tough one for him to achieve. He experienced skating blade cut in his thigh that caused him to stop skating for two months. Aside from that, he also tore a medial ligament in his knee and fractured his ankle during some of his competitions that also caused him to be off the rink for several months. His formal training aside from the one in Manila started at 2010 when he went to California to work with John Nicks and Illia Kulik. This continued when he joined the
FLEXIBLE EXTENSIONS. Michael Martinez during the Men’s figure skating competition (above, left and right). Jonathan Degala
2012-13 Junior Grand Prix held at Lake Placid, New York, wherein he gained the 6th place. After this, he won his first senior international title at the Crystal Skate of Romania in 2012 wherein the Philippines gained its
Davao Karatedo Bags 5 Medals BY ARLETTE ONGACHEN
BY DAYANARA MAE DOTAROT THE Philippines known as one of the warmest tropical countries in Asia impressively made history on the 2014 Winter Olympics with Michael Martinez, the 17 yearold country’s lone representative and Southeast Asia’s first skater. During the first round of the Men’s Figure Skating competition, he ranked 19th with a total score of 184.25 out of 29 contenders beating winter-experiencing countries like Ukraine, Canada, Australia and many more. “I feel proud because there are a lot of people that say that we’re a tropical country, we can’t do this or we can’t do that,” Martinez told the NBCOlympics.com, an online website covering the Olympic competitions. The most popular sports in the country are basketball and boxing. Ice-skating was never in the list because of the warm climate the country has but it’s amazing how
VICTORY. AAK Davao announce their victory during the Adidas Int’l Cup held at Makati last January 28. Arlette Ongachen
first title in the realm of figure skating. This year, Martinez, despite losing the opportunity in winning a medal, has successfully continued in making the country proud by being able to join the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Martinez together with the rest of his supporters still hopes that this will not be the last time but the beginning of his career as well as the country to be recognized by the world instead.
THE Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao players bagged one gold and four silver medals during the 2nd Adidas International Cup held over January 18, at Makati Coliseum. Carmela Marie Estarija, 16, one of the participants from Stella Maris Academy of Davao, received a gold medal for Komite, literally translated means “grappling hands” and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with Kata and Kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which a person trains against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata. Gabriel Quiñones, a student of Brokenshire College of Davao, also received a silver medal for Komite.
John Paul Ponce, 9, a student of Precious International School of Davao received two silver medals for Kata and Kumite. Kata are executed as a specified series of a variety of moves, with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. Julian Ambrose Ramirez, also from Precious International School of Davao added another silver medal for Kumite. “Napressure ako sa Finals kasi nakulbaan na, my nightmare came true I got silver. Naluoy man pod ko sa akong kalaban na si Naoki, kay naigo nako sa ulo, luoy sad.” Ponce stated after fighting Naoki Alforte in Komite and in both events from AAK-DLZHS. Rommel Tan, the team coach thanked the parents, Petron,
Zoofari and Outback Grill for the support and sponsorship. He also admitted that he always tapped the private sector for financial support ever since. “Since noon pa, never na ako lumapit sa city kasi bad experience, paaasahin ka lang pero tuloy parin kasi kung gusto nating umasenso di naman pwedeng lagi na lang umasa sa city, dapat maghanap talaga ng paraan para makacompete,” Tan said. Despite of the competition, these children also excel in their academics in fact they are all honour students. “Okay lang man ang grades kay Honour man ako, mabalance ko ang sports and academics ko kasi makastudy man pa rin ako so okay lang ang exam results ko and quizzes,”Ponce said.
In spite of the skill they have acquired, these kids never thought about bullying for they are well disciplined. “For me, madevelop talaga ang attitude mo sa loob ng dojo lalo na ang discipline, yang hindi ka na mahiya sa mga tao and maging model ka rin sa iba. So yung mga taong nagabully wala nila na learn ang dapat ma learn na mga values,” Estarija said. “I encourage my classmates not to use martial arts for violence or to bully but to discipline their selves,” Quiñones added. AAK Davao players always keep in mind that learning martial arts is for self-defence and that it will need self-discipline in order to acquire the proper values of being a good martial artists.
ONE BIG FIGHT. BS Nursing and Natural Science and Mathematics’ falcons and panthers bagged this year’s Ateneo College Days cheerdance competiton last February 22, 2014. Necta Casiple
DC, DavNor Lead PRISAA Rankings BY SHARLENE FERRAREN
DAVAO City Jins and Davao del Norte Karatekas overpowered their rivals during the 2014 Southern Mindanao Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) taekwondo and karatedo competition at the NCCC Mall in Tagum City last February 22. The Jins went home proudly with five gold medals, two silvers and one bronze. They bagged the overall champion in men’s taekwondo. Also, Fharmaine Penjanueva snatched the women’s featherweight gold. Karatekas also bagged a total of six golds and one silver in men’s karatedo to beat 1-60 Davao City for the championship. Del Norte’s gold medalists were bantamweight Kyla Gutierrez, lightweight Ledren Alquino and welterweight Charish Angel Tamayo. Meanwhile, Davao del Sur got two golds, four silvers and two bronzes to place second and Davao del Norte came third with one gold, two silvers and four bronzes, while finweight Claudine Mae Magno and flyweight Kimsy Kae Villanueva seized the golds. Joshua Mangibunong of Davao City annexed the men’s finweight gold over Davao del Sur’s Ricario Heruela who settled for silver. Davao del Norte’s Jomari Steve Visaya got the bronze instead. Wencilito Es-
trera of men’s flyweight division, Mark Josel Lansang of men’s lightweight, Don Richard Digamon of men’s middleweight and Bienfrancis Osmeña of heavyweight division also bagged golds for Davao City. Davao del Sur’s Einstein Raye Villanueva and Peter Doong took home golds in men’s bantamweight and welterweight events, respectively. Featherweight Edwin Codorniga II won Davao del Norte’s lone gold. In women’s taekwondo, del Norte garnered three golds, two silvers and one bronze to preside over the event. Davao del Sur had reaped two golds, one silver and three bronzes. Davao City however got a 1-32 medal count. Finweight Jerome Hernane, flyweight Lyn Anthony Obera, bantamweight Leslie Layog, lightweight Michael Gandara and Mhark Lloyd Bantanare (individual kata). Harley Pradas pinnacled the featherweight class. In the distaff side, Davao del Norte karatekas Charlita Tagiamon (finweight), Renelyn Cerbania (flyweight) and Cristal Balnis (lightweight) grabbed the golds while Davao City bets Janith Badang (bantamweight), Jan Marinie Sicat (featherweight) and Oxy Sycon (individual kata) shared the limelight.
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The Ballad of a Swimmer BY DAYANARA MAY DOTAROT with despair as she was advised to stop swimming because of an ear infection. “I felt weak because I was advised to stop what I love doing. There was a time I decided to let go of swimming that’s why it took several years for me to get back into swimming,” Cantil said. She said that if she Sweet child of mine… didn’t stop swimming, Born on September 18, she went far beyond right 1993 in Purok-6, Blk 1, now. At the age of 10, she San Vicente Village, Pana- went back and eventually bo, Davao del Norte, Le’an had her first competition was raised in an athletic at Koronadal City when family. Her great grand- she reached 11. father, Eduardo Perez Sr. was an Olympian who had No pain, no gain… a brood of athletic sons For her, there’s no gain and daughters. if there’s no pain. If it weren’t for the hundreds Against all odds… and thousands of laps she At the tender age of 5, swam during her practices Le’an began to learn the and competitions, and for basics of swimming. Her the pains and sufferings beginnings were equated she’d been through, she A junior Ateneo de Davao University student who has become a transcendent figure in the field of swimming, Le’an Cantil, has been visualizing herself every night for the past nine years standing on the Olympics podium having the gold placed around her neck.
RUNS IN THE BLOOD. Swimming Champion Le’an Cantil poses with a smile with her swimmer cousin. Dayanara Dotarot
wouldn’t be where she is right now. “I was once humiliated by one of my coaches before because he blamed me for not winning, but that served as my burden for me to become a better swimmer. After that I began to won on several competitions,” she added. From the inside…
“For me, swimming from the inside looking out cannot be understood. As well as swimming from the inside looking in cannot also be explained,” Cantil said. For Cantil, after she achieved what she really wanted, she felt like she have won the most amazing award even at times that she have lost in some of the competitions. At first she complained how she hates swimming especially during her trainings but tells she
loves it with all her heart. “I love it (swimming) because it is my life. There are things I haven’t experienced as a teenager, but looking back to what I’ve been through, I wouldn’t change even a single thing,” she said.
Manila year 2007. She also joined national games like Philippine Olympics Festival in 2007 and 2008. You’re the inspiration…
“My family, friends, and God keep me holding on in The winner takes it all… every battle” Cantil said. Aside from receiving During her elementa- medals, Cantil believes ry days, she joined sev- that swimming made her eral swimming competi- a well-rounded person. tions. She represented her school in the regionals, I won’t give up… Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet “Even if I lost severin which she bagged gold al times, I never gave up. and bronze medals for dif- Those losses became my ferent years. motivation to win for the She won a bronze med- next competition,” she al during the BIMP-EAGA added. Friendship Games in BruLast September 7, 2013, nei in 2008 and also got Cantil joined the Davao 8th place during the Arafu- Association of Catholic ra Games in Australia year Schools (DACS) competition held at Ateneo de 2009. Cantil participated in Davao University Matina the International Swim- Campus wherein she won ming Competition held in four gold medals.
CHAMPION. Le’an Cantil receives her medal during the Palarong Pambansa. Facebook Photo