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EDGE Serving a seamless society

DAVAOE A R T H D A Y S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

SUSTAINABLE

WHERE ARE WE NOW?DAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016EDGEDAVAOS2MERCURY RISING

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

“CLIMATE is changing and will continue

to do so. Currently, the impacts on many sec-tors are still unclear, but may become more pro-nounced as warming continues. So, we need to focus on understand-ing, adaptation, and preparation. We, Filipi-nos, should reduce our greenhouse gas emis-sions, but for the right reasons.” -- Dr. Rosa Pe-rez, a research fellow of the Manila Observatory

***

In a 2007 article which appeared in Environment Mat-ters, which is published by the World Bank, Maarten van Aalst wrote: “Climate change is no longer a long-term environ-mental issue. The first impacts are already with us, and bound to get worse. In terms of nat-ural hazards, this includes in-creases in heat waves, floods, droughts, and in the intensity of tropical cyclones, as well as higher sea levels. Developing countries, and particularly the

poorest people, are most af-fected.”

The Philippines is not ex-empted. Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, in his study, Addressing Cli-mate Change through Science, pointed this out: “The Philip-pines is projected to be one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of future climate change. At the same time, it is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, mostly due to climate-related disas-ters.”

Dr. Lasco, who is a member of the National Academy of Sci-ence and Technology, further wrote: “More alarming still, cli-mate is expected to exacerbate extreme events such as heavy precipitation and tropical cy-clones.”

“There is no month in the Philippines which is free from typhoons,” says the Phil-ippine Atmospheric, Geophys-ical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), which issues weather advi-sories for tropical cyclones. “Each year, about 20 tropical cyclones enter our country.”

There is no notable in-crease in frequency of ty-phoons in the Philippines but the number of cyclones with maximum sustained winds of

over 150 kilometers per hour and above increased. The fol-lowing super typhoons come to mind: Sendong (interna-tional name: Washi) in 2011, Pablo (Bopha) in 2012, and Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

“We are already witness-ing an increase in the num-ber of natural disasters, from around 200 annually in the period 1987-97 to about dou-ble that in the first seven years of the 21st century,” van Aalst wrote. “This rise is caused al-most entirely by an increase in weather-related disasters.”

Van Aalst believed climate change brings an additional challenge, and “it is likely al-ready a factor in the increase in disasters. He further said: “(Climate change) aggravates the intensity and frequency of many hazards, but it also cre-ates surprises, such as hazards occurring in succession, or in places where they had never been experienced before.”

Unclear

For the average citizen, the climate change phenomenon is very vague. “People have personally felt the effects of cli-mate change, and yet most of them have little understanding of it,” observed Mary Ann Lu-

cille Sering, vice-chairperson of the Climate Change Com-mission.

Is it climate change or global warming? “Climate change is a better choice than the term global warming be-cause it avoids the misleading implications: that all parts of the world are warming uni-formly and that the only dan-gerous outcome of growing greenhouse gas emissions is higher temperatures,” clarifies Dr. Rosa T. Perez, a research fel-low of the Manila Observatory.

“Warming is only the tip-ping point for a cascade of changes in the earth’s ecosys-tems,” she continues her expla-nation. “In addition, climate change better conveys the co-existence of human-made ef-fects with natural climate vari-ability, a more accurate, ‘state-of-the-science’ portrayal of the causes for the phenomenon.”

It was Dr. James E. Hansen of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration who first raised the problem of cli-mate change. In 1988, he told an American Senate hearing that the greenhouse effect “is changing our climate now.”

The greenhouse effect is a natural warming process. According to Dr. Perez, carbon

dioxide and certain other gas-es are always present in the at-mosphere. These gases create a warming effect that has some similarity to the warming in-side a greenhouse, hence the name “greenhouse effect.”

Robert James Bidinotto, writing for Reader’s Digest, ex-plains the greenhouse effect in these words: “When sunlight warms the earth, certain gas-es in the lower atmosphere, acting like the glass in a green-house, trap some of the heat as it radiates back into space. These greenhouse gases warm our planet, making life possi-ble. If they were more abun-dant, greenhouse gases might trap too much heat.”

Dr. Perez says that human activities that emit additional greenhouse gases to the atmo-sphere increase the amount of heat that gets absorbed before escaping to space, thus en-hancing the greenhouse effect and amplifying the warming of the earth.

“Although the Earth’s cli-mate has changed many times throughout its history, the rap-id warming seen today cannot be explained by natural pro-cesses alone,” points out Dr. Perez, who has a PhD in Mete-orology from the University of

the Philippines.

Greenhouse gases“Climate change is very

simple,” noted Dr. Robert Wat-son, IPCC Chairman. “We are increasing emissions of green-house gases and thus their concentrations in the atmo-sphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

Examples of greenhouse gases are: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. There are also those man-made gases generated during industrial processes like sulfur hexaflouride, hydro-fluorocarbons, and perfluoro-carbons.

“Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-last-ing changes in all components of the climate system, increas-ing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and eco-systems,” contends the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

“Climate change means much more than higher glob-al temperatures,” pointed out Heherson Alvarez, former chairman of the Senate Com-

F MERCURY, S13

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016 EDGEDAVAO S3

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

WHAT used to be a business slogan is now a lifestyle

mantra. To minimize the negative impact to the envi-ronment is truly more than just a statement; it fuels and equips the self to go beyond the mere concept of change and embrace it in its entire-ty. Truth be told, green living is more than just your intake – it too speaks forth of the result. Be it positive or neg-ative.

Modern and technologi-cally-inclined as we are, we still need to be educated and re-educated on the many im-plications of climate change. This is what Damosa Land Incorporated, Damosa Land for brevity, is about – pre-mium quality living, strong attention to customer ser-vice and a future of ease and comfort.

“Damosa Land is a name you can trust,” Damosa Land Vice President Ricardo ‘Cary’ F. Lagdameo explains. As a premier developer in Davao City and Mindanao in gener-al, the company aims to give the best to its clients. This means adapting the prin-ciples of green architecture or environmentally-friendly infrastructures and projects not just for maximum com-

fort, but most of all enhanc-ing healthy living.

To state, Damosa Land has always been about agriculture and the envi-ronment. Incorporating a greener surrounding in its land projects is something that planners and pillars of the company take seriously.

Take Fairlane and Sea-wind, for instance. Despite the fact that their land de-velopment projects are lo-cated within the city, you’d feel like you are somewhere else – as you are able to en-joy the modernity of urban life and the serenity of rural life in one. How do they do it? Since then, Damosa Land has been known to embrace and apply green or sustain-able architecture in their projects.

Not only do they allow for wide open spaces but more so, take the initia-tive to plant more trees all throughout their properties. More than just for aesthetic purposes, the practice also allows for natural clean air. Damosa Land has since tak-en steps in creating a reser-voir-type basin that catches water that can be utilized anytime it is needed for the long haul. Every step under-taken revolves around what

clients need now and in the years to come.

For Damosa Land, bene-ficial effects of adapting the principles of green archi-tecture is not limited to the environment alone. It’s a relationship, a partnership even, wherein the future generation is able to enjoy and reap what this gener-ation has planted. Thus, creating awareness and eventually, paying it for-ward.

True, the adaption and switch does not come cheap, but according to VP- DLI Cary Lagdameo, “If you think of the future and the long term effect it will have, it’s all worth it”. For Damosa Land, what they are after is for every-one to recognize growth and enjoy life to the fullest. The kind of life that you and I have always wanted.

If you look closely, Seaw-ind’s buildings are designed to maximize the flow of sea breeze with the client reap-ing all the beneficial effects. The roofs are structured to allow for ventilation from all angles and corridors are created shorter than what we are normally accus-tomed to for natural light to seep in. Thus, pushing for

less electric consump-tion.

“We’ve been very very busy, to say the least. Across all of our different projects, things are moving ahead all at different stages,” shares VP-DLI Cary Lagdameo. The demand for premium house and lot within the city center has dramatically in-creased over the years.

Damosa Fairlane has almost sold out its first two phases. According to Mr. Lagdameo, “We have al-

ready turned over almost 90 houses to home-owners and will be hitting the 100th house come June of this year.” They aim to open their third phase in the mid-dle of this year.

On the other hand, of Seawind’s six buildings, three has already been sold. The fourth building is al-most 80 percent sold and their entrance complex has since been inaugurated last month. Turnover for the first tower is targeted in Jan-

uary of next year. Damosa Land’s next

project will be unveiled in the middle of this year. Lo-cated in Panabo City, it’s an 88- hectare property creat-ed like a CBD , short for Cen-tral Business District. A city within a city – fully equipped with residential, academic, tourism and commercial in-frastructures that will great-ly benefit everyone.

If you are looking for a home or is on the lookout for an investment property, VP-DLI Cary Lagdameo has this to say. “It’s not just about the cost. Yes, it’s about the cost but it’s beyond the cost. Go for companies that you trust and can give you com-fort now and for the years to come.”

For the latest news on Damosa Land Incorporated, keep posted on their SOCIAL MEDIA accounts.

Damosa Land is located at Damosa Complex, Lanang, Davao City

For queries and con-cerns, you may call them at (Residential) 082 234 2888 and (Commercial) 082 234 0539

Facebook: www.face-book.com/damosaland.inc

Website: www.damo-saland.com

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

S4 EDGEDAVAO

Yes, it’s about the cost but it’s beyond the cost. Go for companies that you trust and can give you comfort now and for the years to come.

Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

S5EDGEDAVAOVOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

Losing the home of eagles, wild horses to chainsaws, wildfires

Davao’s once luxuriant forests: BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

(credit: www.philippineeaglefoundation.org)

LONG before ‘logging’, ‘chainsaw’, and ‘wild-fire’ became terms

that define the physiolog-ical condition of Mt. Apo and the swath of forests left in areas around the gulf, the mountains of Davao and the rainforests that once graced the region were simply breathtaking.

If the Americans have their white mustangs that roam the continental wil-derness, Davao, a century ago, was also home to wild horses. Missionaries, ad-venturers, and scientists, mostly foreigners, used to express awe at the natu-ral attractions the region possessed, prompting an author to call Davao as “the world as God first found it.”

Jesuit priest Fr. Fran-cisco Colin, S.J., wrote in 1660 about Mt. Apo, for in-stance, as a mountain that spews “snow” (sulfur), a description repeated by Fr. Jose Fernandez Cuevas, S.J., a former Jesuit superior, who wrote 200 years later about the volcano as being “covered with sulfur which in the reflected rays of the sun looked like snow.”

Wild, wild EdenPaul T. Gilbert, an

American traveler, immor-talized his observation of the Davao region and the gulf in “The Great White Tribe in Filipinia” (1903):

“We struck a faint trail leading to the foot-hills where the barren ridges

overlooked the sparkling sea-a vast cerulean ex-panse without a single fleck of a white sail. The trail led through the great fields of buffalo-grass, out of which gigantic solitary trees shot up a hundred feet into the air. There were no signs of life, only the vultures in the topmost branches of the trees.

“Wild horses, taking flight at our approach, stampeded for the forest. Nothing could be seen in the tall grass. Even in our saddles it was higher than our heads. The trail be-came more rugged as we entered the big belt of for-est on the foot-hills. A wild hog bolted for the jungle with distressed grunts.

“It was a world of white vines falling from the lofty branches of the trees. The animal life in some of the great trees was wonderful. The branches were divided into zones, wherein each class of bird or reptile had its habitat. Around the base were gal-leries of white ants. Flying lizards from the gnarled trunk skated through the air. Green reptiles crawled along the horizontal branches.

“Parrakeets, a col-ony of saucy green and red balls, screamed and protested from the lower zones. An agile monkey swung from one of the long sweeping vines, and scolded at us from another

tree. Bats, owls, and crows inhabited the upper re-gions, while the buzzards perched like evil omens in the topmost boughs…

“Leaning across one of the large boulders, from a dark pool where the sun-light never penetrated, we scooped up refreshing hat-fuls of the ice-cold water. Here was the world as God first found it, when he said that it was good. It was im-pressive and mysterious. It seemed to wrap us in a mystic spell.”

Dense jungleSimilarly, British orni-

thologist Water Goodfel-low, who visited Mt. Apo in 1903 and 1905, observed the thick forests that cov-ered the ‘sacred mountain,’ prompting him to describe the sulfur-covered peak as “picturesque” and “luxuri-ant”. He wrote:

“The picturesque active volcano of Apo… appears to fall away in a succession of gradual forest-covered slopes to the sea; but, on nearer ac-quaintance, these slopes are not so gentle as they appear to be from a dis-tance, for the luxuriant forests hide many a deep gorge where raging tor-rents rush down from the heights above and whose waters must be traversed for considerable distances and cross again and again with no little dangers to travelers.

“Cliffs must be scaled at dizzying heights where scarcely a foothold exists beyond that afforded by a few clinging roots. Turning some ugly corners in this manner is extremely risky work and at first sight ap-pears [as] an impossibili-ty…

“The whole mountain is covered with dense jun-gle up to about 8,500 feet, beyond which comes a broken, white stony slope and crumbling cliffs inter-sected by many burning fissures from which pro-ceeds an incessant noise as of colossal machinery at work underground.”

Vast forestsBefore the advent of

large-scale logging, The Philippine Agricultural Re-view, in its 1919 edition, chronicled in detail the timber-grade trees that made the lush forests of Davao their natural habi-tats. All forms of animal life, especially the fish, which were not yet the subject of commercial ventures, were in abundance. The report narrated:

“The vast forests of Davao contain much the same timber trees that are found in the forests in oth-er parts of the Philippines, such as camagon, Diospyros discolor; mancono, Xan-thostemon verdugonianus; molave, Vitex spp., narra Pterocarpus indicus; tin-dalo, Cassia javanica and

Pahudia rhomboida; ipil, Intsia bijuga and Adenan-thera intermedia; guijo, Shorea guiso; agoho, Ca-suarina equisetifolia, and apitong, Dipterocarpus spp. Many other species might be mentioned.

“As yet there are no saw mills to utilize the for-est resources of the prov-ince. Lumbang nuts are collected and marketed to a considerable extent. Almaciga and rattans are brought from the forest in small quantities. As yet nothing has been done to export tanbark from the mangrove swamps that are situated on the gulf.

“The waters around Davao are rich in fish but the fishing industry is poorly developed. Sulphur deposits are reliably re-ported to exist on Mount Apo, but no surveys have been made to determine their extent. There are hot sulphur springs at Point Baños about midway be-tween Malita and Saran-gani Channel.”

‘Botanical garden’In 1926, American au-

thor-photographer Frank George Carpenter (not the governor of Mindanao), published in his travel ac-counts his impressions about Davao, describing the region as “almost a wil-derness” and “like a botani-cal garden.”

His narratives, which he compiled in his book,

Carpenter’s World Travels (1926), detail in living color the forests and the streets during his arrival, thus:

“The jungle begins only a short distance back from the town, and a walk of a few miles in any direc-tion brings one into a forest alive with monkeys, par-rots, deer, and wild hogs. There are monkeys every-where, some of them tail-less, and some little ones no bigger than my two fists.

“The parrots are of many colours, the most common being large white ones with tufted heads that fly about in flocks of twenty or more… Then there are doves with golden brown bodies and green wings, white snipe which fly along the shores, and great bird as big as a turkey… It is like a botanical garden…

“The little ni-pa-thatched, basketwork houses are set well back from the street, some of them fenced off by sap-ling stakes driven into the ground. The stakes are put in green, and it is an evi-dence of the richness of the soil that they soon sprout branches and leaves. There are no gardens about the houses, no beds of flowers, nothing but grass and trees of various kinds.”

Commonwealth eraThe entry of logging in

certain areas of Mindanao in the second quarter of

F DAVAO, S6

S5EDGEDAVAOVOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

Losing the home of eagles, wild horses to chainsaws, wildfires

Davao’s once luxuriant forests: BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

(credit: www.philippineeaglefoundation.org)

LONG before ‘logging’, ‘chainsaw’, and ‘wild-fire’ became terms

that define the physiolog-ical condition of Mt. Apo and the swath of forests left in areas around the gulf, the mountains of Davao and the rainforests that once graced the region were simply breathtaking.

If the Americans have their white mustangs that roam the continental wil-derness, Davao, a century ago, was also home to wild horses. Missionaries, ad-venturers, and scientists, mostly foreigners, used to express awe at the natu-ral attractions the region possessed, prompting an author to call Davao as “the world as God first found it.”

Jesuit priest Fr. Fran-cisco Colin, S.J., wrote in 1660 about Mt. Apo, for in-stance, as a mountain that spews “snow” (sulfur), a description repeated by Fr. Jose Fernandez Cuevas, S.J., a former Jesuit superior, who wrote 200 years later about the volcano as being “covered with sulfur which in the reflected rays of the sun looked like snow.”

Wild, wild EdenPaul T. Gilbert, an

American traveler, immor-talized his observation of the Davao region and the gulf in “The Great White Tribe in Filipinia” (1903):

“We struck a faint trail leading to the foot-hills where the barren ridges

overlooked the sparkling sea-a vast cerulean ex-panse without a single fleck of a white sail. The trail led through the great fields of buffalo-grass, out of which gigantic solitary trees shot up a hundred feet into the air. There were no signs of life, only the vultures in the topmost branches of the trees.

“Wild horses, taking flight at our approach, stampeded for the forest. Nothing could be seen in the tall grass. Even in our saddles it was higher than our heads. The trail be-came more rugged as we entered the big belt of for-est on the foot-hills. A wild hog bolted for the jungle with distressed grunts.

“It was a world of white vines falling from the lofty branches of the trees. The animal life in some of the great trees was wonderful. The branches were divided into zones, wherein each class of bird or reptile had its habitat. Around the base were gal-leries of white ants. Flying lizards from the gnarled trunk skated through the air. Green reptiles crawled along the horizontal branches.

“Parrakeets, a col-ony of saucy green and red balls, screamed and protested from the lower zones. An agile monkey swung from one of the long sweeping vines, and scolded at us from another

tree. Bats, owls, and crows inhabited the upper re-gions, while the buzzards perched like evil omens in the topmost boughs…

“Leaning across one of the large boulders, from a dark pool where the sun-light never penetrated, we scooped up refreshing hat-fuls of the ice-cold water. Here was the world as God first found it, when he said that it was good. It was im-pressive and mysterious. It seemed to wrap us in a mystic spell.”

Dense jungleSimilarly, British orni-

thologist Water Goodfel-low, who visited Mt. Apo in 1903 and 1905, observed the thick forests that cov-ered the ‘sacred mountain,’ prompting him to describe the sulfur-covered peak as “picturesque” and “luxuri-ant”. He wrote:

“The picturesque active volcano of Apo… appears to fall away in a succession of gradual forest-covered slopes to the sea; but, on nearer ac-quaintance, these slopes are not so gentle as they appear to be from a dis-tance, for the luxuriant forests hide many a deep gorge where raging tor-rents rush down from the heights above and whose waters must be traversed for considerable distances and cross again and again with no little dangers to travelers.

“Cliffs must be scaled at dizzying heights where scarcely a foothold exists beyond that afforded by a few clinging roots. Turning some ugly corners in this manner is extremely risky work and at first sight ap-pears [as] an impossibili-ty…

“The whole mountain is covered with dense jun-gle up to about 8,500 feet, beyond which comes a broken, white stony slope and crumbling cliffs inter-sected by many burning fissures from which pro-ceeds an incessant noise as of colossal machinery at work underground.”

Vast forestsBefore the advent of

large-scale logging, The Philippine Agricultural Re-view, in its 1919 edition, chronicled in detail the timber-grade trees that made the lush forests of Davao their natural habi-tats. All forms of animal life, especially the fish, which were not yet the subject of commercial ventures, were in abundance. The report narrated:

“The vast forests of Davao contain much the same timber trees that are found in the forests in oth-er parts of the Philippines, such as camagon, Diospyros discolor; mancono, Xan-thostemon verdugonianus; molave, Vitex spp., narra Pterocarpus indicus; tin-dalo, Cassia javanica and

Pahudia rhomboida; ipil, Intsia bijuga and Adenan-thera intermedia; guijo, Shorea guiso; agoho, Ca-suarina equisetifolia, and apitong, Dipterocarpus spp. Many other species might be mentioned.

“As yet there are no saw mills to utilize the for-est resources of the prov-ince. Lumbang nuts are collected and marketed to a considerable extent. Almaciga and rattans are brought from the forest in small quantities. As yet nothing has been done to export tanbark from the mangrove swamps that are situated on the gulf.

“The waters around Davao are rich in fish but the fishing industry is poorly developed. Sulphur deposits are reliably re-ported to exist on Mount Apo, but no surveys have been made to determine their extent. There are hot sulphur springs at Point Baños about midway be-tween Malita and Saran-gani Channel.”

‘Botanical garden’In 1926, American au-

thor-photographer Frank George Carpenter (not the governor of Mindanao), published in his travel ac-counts his impressions about Davao, describing the region as “almost a wil-derness” and “like a botani-cal garden.”

His narratives, which he compiled in his book,

Carpenter’s World Travels (1926), detail in living color the forests and the streets during his arrival, thus:

“The jungle begins only a short distance back from the town, and a walk of a few miles in any direc-tion brings one into a forest alive with monkeys, par-rots, deer, and wild hogs. There are monkeys every-where, some of them tail-less, and some little ones no bigger than my two fists.

“The parrots are of many colours, the most common being large white ones with tufted heads that fly about in flocks of twenty or more… Then there are doves with golden brown bodies and green wings, white snipe which fly along the shores, and great bird as big as a turkey… It is like a botanical garden…

“The little ni-pa-thatched, basketwork houses are set well back from the street, some of them fenced off by sap-ling stakes driven into the ground. The stakes are put in green, and it is an evi-dence of the richness of the soil that they soon sprout branches and leaves. There are no gardens about the houses, no beds of flowers, nothing but grass and trees of various kinds.”

Commonwealth eraThe entry of logging in

certain areas of Mindanao in the second quarter of

F DAVAO, S6

S6 EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

the 20th century started to alter the forest landscape. This occurred less than a decade after the first por-table chainsaw was de-veloped and patented by James Shand, a Canadian, in 1918. Fifteen years later, the machine, which really speeded up the cutting up of trees, started to find its way into logging firms in the country.

An account in the 1936 ‘Annual Report of the Director of Forestry of the Philippines’, suggests that the timely signing of Proc-lamation No. 59 on May 9, 1936, declaring the coun-try’s highest peak as the

Mount Apo National Park prevented, in a way, its im-mediate exploitation. The state report, without fail, described the grandeur of the mountain’s thick vege-tation:

“Beautiful panorama could be viewed from these parks as well as a grand vista of the surrounding vast plains and forests of Davao and Cotabato and the placid waters of Davao Gulf. This park… has an area of about 76,900 hect-ares…

“Mount Apo, about 2,929 meters above sea level, is… is noted for its medicinal hot springs, in-

teresting gorges and beau-tiful waterfalls along the Sibulan river. The mildness of the climate renders this park an ideal recreation-al and health resort. Deer, wild pigs and birds are found in abundance in the wilds of this park and fish are also plentiful in the riv-ers and creeks.”

Post-war invasionThe entry of logging in

Davao five years after the end of World War II for-ever changed the ecology of the region’s forests and mountains. Alongside with the spirited rise of swidden farming, the kaingin, which

was attributed to migrants who conquered lands declared by the state as alienable and disposal, the integrity of centuries-old rainforests was irretriev-ably reduced to destruc-tion.

The systematic oblit-eration of virgin forests, made faster by the opening of logging roads the use of mechanized equipment, and the entry of investors interested in timber-based industries, deforested lands faster than any time in history. This eventually led to the displacement of flora and fauna from their habitats. In later decades,

as lands for residential, in-dustrial and commercial uses were expanded, the lush forests further gave way to modernization.

But the threats to whatever green patches that were left from the orig-inal forests have expanded as man continues to use its creative genius negatively. Harvest of rattan quadru-pled due to strong market demand for it in the fur-niture industry. Endemic trees known for their dura-bility and strengthen were no match to the industrial blades made purposely to bring them down. Even the secondary growths left for

the next generations to har-vest are almost gone.

In recent times, due to the changing climate patterns, heat waves have resulted in wild fires. Dam-aged watersheds have im-ploded as water tables are emptied. Slopes and cliffs that were once secured by ancient roots have easily given way to landslides when heavy downpours in-undate them. Animals of all kinds, including the Philip-pine eagle, their surround-ings destroyed by impunity, now face the prospect of extinction.

Man, as always, is the sole culprit.

THE Panigan-Tamugan watershed, while not really well-known, has recently been in the limelight due to the attention given to its

surface waters.As a sub-watershed area belonging to the

main Davao River Basin, the watershed area is located in the Baguio District and adjacent to the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed, which is currently the source of Davao’s drinking water.

In the late 1990s, faced with the problem of dwindling ground water in the aquifers of Talomo-Lipadas, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) sought other viable sources of drinking water in the region to allow the aquifers to re-charge.

As it turned out, only Panigan-Tamugan’s sur-face waters had the sufficient flow and volume to meet the city’s needs. In a city surrounded by eight watersheds, it is the only watershed that can easily meet the national drinking water qual-ity requirement.

But more than a source to tap water for the city’s future drinking needs, Panigan-Tamugan is also a critical environmental hotspot.

In 2011, the watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions commis-sioned a resource assessment study of the PT watershed. Among others, the study revealed that the watershed’s remaining primary growth forests host a substantial diverse and endemic population of plants and animals. Several species have already been categorized as threatened un-der the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, marking the impor-tance of the watershed as an area for protection and conservation.

The need to protect the watershed is made even more urgent especially since it continues to face threats from hunting, deforestation and pol-lution from chemical-intensive agriculture in the surrounding areas.

The city’s Business Bureau has listed some 8 monocrop agricultural companies operating in Davao City, producing bananas and pineapples for the export market. This does not include the small farmers who have been contracted by these companies to grow similar crops, using the same chemical-intensive methods.

For IDIS and other similar groups working in the uplands, the threat of pesticide contaminat-ing water resources and endangering the lives of upland farming communities is an urgent dan-ger that needs to be immediately addressed. As part of its IEC campaigns, IDIS engaged upland communities to form volunteer groups to con-duct community-based river water quality mon-itoring and conducted riverbank rainforestation activities. In another front, wildlife conservation

group Philippine Eagle Foundation continued its efforts to conserve flora and fauna. Meanwhile, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) continues to implement its community reforestation initia-tives through its Adopt-A-Site program.

In 2010, the City passed its Watershed Or-dinance, which mandated a Watershed Manage-ment Council (WMC) to implement measures to protect and sustainably manage the city’s eight watersheds. IDIS, in its role as civil sector repre-sentative to the WMC, pushed for a more pro-ac-tive approach to sustainably manage Panigan-Ta-mugan and other watersheds.

Such approach includes the formulation of the watershed stakeholders management plan that will ensure the sustainable management of the watershed’s resources. While still in its na-scent stages, the plan will operationalize a “ridge to reef” framework of conserving the watershed. Simply put, this means linking river basin reha-bilitation initiatives with similar initiatives in the coast because what happens in the uplands also affects the lowlands and the gulf.

Currently, the Watershed Multipartite Mon-itoring Team (WMMT) regularly monitors the farms operating in the watershed to make sure that these do not contaminate the rivers and the environment. It has already prepared a survey work plan that will delineate Panigan-Tamugan’s conservation and non-tillage areas. Under the Watershed Code, these two areas define the cov-erage of the watershed area and therefore, and will be critically important in the WMC’s work of sustainably managing Davao’s watershed re-sources. It has also implemented an Environmen-tal Tax for businesses operating in the watershed areas to encourage environmentally positive be-havioural change among agricultural farms .

But old habits die hard. There are still those

who stubbornly hold on to old consumerist patterns which lead to other problems like un-sustainable resource use and improper waste disposal. And the lure of Davao’s watersheds continue to attract out-of-town investments, out for a quick buck without any thought for the city’s future.

In the upland communities, however, the mind-set is slowly shifting. People are realizing that there are long-term ben-efits towards protecting the watershed. From forming vol-unteer groups of forest guards,

to participating in regular barangay -level water-shed monitoring visits, upland communities are pitching in to ensure the protection of the water-shed.

Similarly, in the lowlands, there is now a growing interest in watershed conservation by different stakeholders from both government and private sectors. This March, the WMC is set to launch its Adopt-A-Riverbank program which allows individuals and groups to adopt and spon-sor the rainforestation of riverbanks in the eight rivers of Davao City.

In this era of climate change, the need for wa-tershed protection is more urgent since proper management of these critical areas are important strategies for the city to mitigate the effects of climate change. And the WMC is up to the chal-lenge. (Misael Paranial /IDIS)

Misael Paranial works as InfoCom Specialist for the watershed advocacy group Interface Devel-opment Interventions.

Davao... FROM S5

Saving Panigan-Tamugan Watershed for the future

Tamugan River in Sitio Sumpitan, Baguio District , right before the junction where it merges with Panigan River

The Bantay Bukid group is composed of volunteers from nearby communities in Tawantawan, Baguio District. They conduct regular patrols along the watershed to protect the area from violations of the Watershed Code, as well as monitoring the reforestation sites.

In the Bagobo dialect, Bantayo Aweg means water watchers. This volunteer group is composed of youth from nearby upland villages who were trained by IDIS to conduct monthly water quality monitoring activities, which include conducting a sampling of the river’s macroinvertebrate population.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016 S7EDGEDAVAO

njb@edgedavao.net

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

Aeon Towers: Leading the green building revolution

Whatever the cost and the amenities that go with owning one, what matters is that you live the millennial lifestyle—good location, upscale community, safe environs.

Correct?Eeenk. Wrong.There is more to condo living than

meets the eye. Kind of more like what the eye does not see.

It’s that ray of light on your windows each day when you open up to see the view from your condo unit, or simply to get a natural lighting.

Does that ray of light hurt? There’s a saying, what you don’t see

will not hurt you.Correct?Eeenk. Wrong again.That ray of light seething through

your windows at the break of day, more likely is harmful to your health and your pocket.

Think about this.Glass is becoming more popular in

architectural designs because of the ele-gance and the natural light it provides.

However, more glass allows excessive heat and harmful UV rays to enter the room often leading to fatigue, irritation, and an unproductive environment. UV rays also cause permanent damage to interiors and in excess is harmful to our bodies causing dehydration, nausea skin aging and other skin conditions.

Aeon Towers not only leads the con-dominium market with its 33-level struc-ture that is highest in the South but also its conscious attention to the welfare and quality of life for its occupants.

With that mindset, Aeon Towers op-timizes the benefits of green technology

by using UV-protected glass panels for windows and walls of this majestic sky-scraper.

“The welfare and quality of life of Aeon Towers’ future residents is foremost in our mind when we conceptualized the building. That is why we are very con-scious about these considerations,” said Ian Cruz, president and CEO of FTC Group of companies, the developer of Aeon Tow-ers.

Aeon Towers also uses Smart Home technology for digital control of condo amenities and fixtures. The technology allows one to control the electricity use of one’s household as well as window cur-tains to lessen power consumption.

“Everything in Aeon Towers is for the benefit of those who will live here,” said Cruz.

UV-protection is a unique solution to harmful UV exposure because does not only reduce the heat and UV ray penetra-tion but maintains a high level of visible light transmission into the room. With this eco-friendly technology, condo own-ers can finally open their curtains to enjoy the view outside the window with com-fort and protection.

BENEFITSComfort

One can enjoy a cooler environment that prevents exhaustion, resulting to a more productive day. It also prevents heat related conditions like heat stroke espe-cially during the summer. Unobstructed windows mean a brighter room with a better view.

ProtectionUV-resistant glass protects the body

from harmful UV which ages skin and causes skin disease. It also prevents furni-

ture and products from fading and helps keep glass free from microbes.

SavingsOther than the health and welfare

benefits, UV-protection glass saves you money.

How? It reduces the power your air-conditioner needs to keep your room cool. It lessens the use of artificial lights during the day and decreases the cost of maintenance by eliminating the use of glass cleaners.

UV-resistant glass reduces costs for air conditioning, lighting and heating among others and also blocks UV light. Moreover, this type of glass is fuel efficient and has low carbon emissivity thus less carbon footprint.

Aeon Towers feature multi-level con-do units, a luxury hotel, restaurants and shops, BPO center, fitness gym, rubber-ized jogging lane, skydeck, infinity pool, and office spaces.

That’s Aeon Towers. Tomorrow’s life-style begins today.

THERE’S one big reason why Aeon Towers stands out among the highly competitive real estate market.

It offers tomorrow’s lifestyle today.Owning a piece of Aeon Towers is like a step into the future and more.Alright, you own a condo unit which makes you trendy and hip.

“The welfare and quality of life of

Aeon Towers’ future residents is foremost

in our mind when we conceptualized the building. That

is why we are very conscious

about these considerations”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016EDGEDAVAOS8

At this day and age, ev-eryone seeks for a greener world – a world where man-kind can live and survive the perils of climate change. A comfortable life then equates to a life that per-fectly complements Mother Nature in general.

Beautiful. Convenient. Secure. Three remarkable adjectives that describe Camella and its many land development projects. One is Camella Northpoint. Lo-

cated in the heart of the city on top of a picturesque hill overlooking the glittering new central business dis-trict, Camella Northpoint is unlike any other.

In an ideal location like this, one would surely ex-pect nothing but the best. At Camella, it’s not just about acquiring a property, it’s also about owning a work of art, one that creates a green community amidst the fast-track life that Dabawenyos have.

The application of green architecture in Camella in-frastructures did not hap-pen overnight. A detailed master plan is the compa-ny’s best ally before em-barking into a new project.

“We educate our buyers,” says Camella Communities Davao General Manager Marlon Escalicas. Although considerably costly, “we see the move as an added invest-ment for our clients and po-tential investors,” he states, a d d - ing that, “we

do not want t o just

build (boxes) buildings. We want our owners to enjoy something that they don’t see elsewhere. We want them to enjoy what we have for them. We want to cre-ate a different lush world amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Hence, we see it an as added investment and not just an incremental cost in itself.”

All of Camella’s proper-ties and projects are built with the principles and ap-

plications of green architec-ture in mind -- less impact on the environment, exclu-sivity for its inhabitants, projects that are designed to reflect reduced power consumption but increased power efficiency.

Surrounded by a lush greeny, once you step in-side, you’d be amazed of the sight of tall, lively Caribbean pine trees. They are sights and scents that transport you to another world, an-other country. The trees act as buffers against noise and air pollution. These trees are coolants and shades for an any weather leisure walk.

Aside from the pine trees, acacia trees and other luxuriant plants, wide open abound. The amenities are for everyone to enjoy. Camella’s vast land area is always designed to cater to the needs of everyone – in the present and future.

At Camella, they believe that “a green community is equal to a healthy environ-ment.” The t o p

property developer has em-braced a nationwide Green Campaign that was initiated to educate the public of the many advantages of adopt-ing green architecture into properties like condomini-ums, houses and lots.

For Camella conforms to building projects that has less carbon footprint. “Our buyers are aware of our campaign for green archi-tecture and they appreciate (it),” GM Escasilas said.

Just recently, the com-pany received two presti-gious accolades from re-nowned award-giving body, Philippine Property Award, winning both as Best Prop-erty Developer in Davao and Best Residential Property in the Philippines.To be nomi-nated is more than enough. The recognition alone is a testimony in itself; winning (them) motivates us to be more than what we already are.” GM Escasilas enthused. (As winners, they are now contenders for the Asian Property Awards to be held on the 10th of November 2016.) “We have something to brag about,” he says smil-ing.

Camella is…everything. Since they operated in Davao in 2009, they have already sold out their stu-dio type properties where-in their existing buyers and clients are already enjoy-ing the profits promised to them. “We are now pre-sell-ing our 5th building. 4th build-ing will be handed over come the end of the year,“ GM Es-casilas proudly announced.

Invest in the best. Expe-rience and see it first-hand. Get lost in another world within a world. “Our project speaks for itself,” GM Escasi-las beams. Camella has the best packages and plenty of options to choose from. Their amenities are not just amenities – they add value to their projects. What they have is not just a location … but a perfect location, at that.

For inquiries, feel free to contact or visit Camella Northpoint. Together, let’s discuss your next option.

Camella Office is located at 2nd floor, Delgar building (in front of Camella North-

point), JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City

Contact num-bers: 082 295

3973 or 082 226 3100

M o b i l e number: 0917 857 6572

Telefax: 082 222 5223

Website: www.northpointdavao.com

Experience naturewith Camella

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

COMPLYING with regulations in adopting the principles of green architecture involves cost. A hefty one, at that. Still, adopting green architec-

ture practices is an inevitable requirement, not only for regulatory boards and government offices, but more so, for a responsible company catering to an ever growing market.

Beautiful. Convenient. Secure. Three remarkable

adjectives that describe Camella

and its many land development

projects.

Camella Communities Davao General Manager Marlon Escalicas (Photo by Lean Daval Jr.)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016 EDGEDAVAO S9

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016EDGEDAVAOS10

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016 EDGEDAVAO S11

It’sTIME

toCHANGE

THE GAME.Your ads come to life with vivid,

clear, crisp colors.Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an awful

copy on a badly printed space.

Advertise wisely.

EDGE Serving a seamless society

DAVAOAs creative as you can get.

The biodiversity of Davao’s watersheds

Tamugan (PT) watersheds, which are the current and future sources of the city’s drinking water.

“The watersheds, essentially, are a center for endemism.”, said PEF Conservation Director Jayson Ybanez who said that his team was able to document 171 vertebrate species, mostly endemic, which are living in the dipterocarp forests found in the lowland areas. 28 of these species are categorized as threatened and near threatened, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Along with the Philippine eagle, the list includes the Tarictic hornbill, the rare Mindanao montane racquet tail, the Mindanao scops forest owl, the Mindanao fruit bat, the Philippine flying lemur and the Philippine pygmy squirrel.

“With such richness in biodiversity, Dabawenyos should all the more do everything they can to protect the watersheds.”, said IDIS Executive Director Ann Fuertes.

“If we continue to be complacent in our efforts, such richness will soon be gone or depleted. We haven’t even begun to study the entirety of Davao’s watersheds. There could be more plants and animals which have not been taxonomically identified yet and still may hold valuable medicinal or ecological value.”, she said.

She also pointed out the importance of a rich biodiversity especially in helping mitigate the effects of climate change. “It keeps the environment in natural balance, making it more

resilient and adaptable to external stresses. It also keeps the pest population in check.”, she added.

But according to Fuertes, unregulated development in the watersheds are destroying the forest habitats which are essential to the survival of these threatened species. She pointed out the data compiled in the report which showed the increasing number of banana and pineapple plantations and farms which are slowly encroaching watershed conservation areas.

The report recommended, among other suggestions, to fast-track the ground survey and delineation of conservation areas in the watershed. It also recommended that the city come up with “an effective monitoring system and enforcement mechanism to stop the expansion of monocrop plantations in environmentally critical areas of the watershed.”

But while this may seem to be too late – since, as Ybanez pointed out, that out of the many dipterocarp forests that

Davao used to have, only the Malagos forest survived- such interventions will do more in the long run.

“If our goal for conservation is essentially to save as many representative habitats as possible, then from the perspective of reforestation, the dipterocarp forests are a priority.”, he said. (Misael Paranial/IDIS)

Misael Paranial briefly worked for Media Mindanao News Service before moving to development work. He writes on watershed and organic farming issues for the watershed advocacy group IDIS.

IN the olden days, Bagobos living in Davao’s watersheds look to the limokun, the white-eared

brown Philippine dove, for omens. In indigenous folklore, the limokun is believed to be a spirit messenger, a harbinger of doom or fortune. For Filipino ornithologists, however, the limokun occupies a more mundane status, albeit a very important one, since the dove is a Philippine endemic, which means that it can be found only here in Philippine watersheds.

However, like most endemic species, the limokun’s survival is at stake since its habitat, which is found in lowland dipterocarp forests along the watershed, is fast vanishing due to various threats. In 2012, watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) commissioned wildlife biologists from the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to conduct a biodiversity assessment on two of Davao’s important watersheds, the Talomo-Lipadas (TL) and Panigan-

By MISAEL PARANIAL, IDIS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016EDGEDAVAOS12

Dusit Thani Residences Davao is a sanctuary amidst a bustling cityscape that offers a one of a kind living experience-- a perfect balance between cosmopolitan living and leisurely escape.

Dusit Thani Residences Davao delivers a harmonious relationship between culture and sophistication.

Visit their showroom at Lanang Business Park

JP Laurel Avenue, Davao CityTel. No. +6382 3005438

Email: contact@dtrdavao.comWebsite: www.dtrdavao.com

OUR one and only earth is currently dy-ing due to the effects

of climate change. The cause of this life-threatening phe-nomenon is the increase of green house gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and water vapor. In the Philippines, currently we are using less renewable energy. We are mostly into non-renewable energy such as coal, gas, and oil, known as fossil fuel as sources of energy. Fossil fuels are non-renewable en-ergy, which means that coal, gas, and oil are minerals that are consumed faster than it can be naturally replenished by the environment.

Dr. Jean Lindo, a Dabawenya activist, once said, “there is no such thing as clean coal.” Yes, I myself agree with Dr. Lindo. Coal is not clean and will never be clean. Coal is just one of the three fossil fuels used to be turned into energy. The oth-er two are gas and oil. Coal, gas, and oil, also known as fossil fuels, contain a huge amount of carbon (C), and once it is in the atmosphere where oxygen (O) is pres-ent, it will turn into carbon dioxide (CO2). The more

we burn these fossil fuels and turn them into energy the more we pollute the at-mosphere with increasing amount of carbon dioxide.

We cut down trees and we do not replace them. The more we do these, the more carbon dioxide accu-mulated in our atmosphere and the temperature at the surface of mother earth. Why? It is because carbon dioxide traps the heat from the sun causing the atmo-sphere to be warm. This is what you call the “Green House Effect.” The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes the ex-treme increase of tempera-ture at the surface. This is “Global Warming.”

Recently in Davao City, two coal-power plants were launched and each pow-

er plant can generate 175 megawatts (175MW). These two power plants are part of the Phase II of Aboitiz-Power’s Therma South In-corporated’s (TSI) Project. However, rotational brown-outs in Davao City are still happening. Aboitiz men-tioned that the reason for the rotational brown-out is that the water level in ma-jor National Power Corpo-ration-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (NPC-PSALM) hydro power plants is be-

low the critical level due to the extreme heat caused by El Niño. Surprisingly, El Niño is one of the effects of climate change. So what/who really is the cause of climate change? Sad to say, it is us, humans, who cause all of these to happen. The increase of institutions emitting extreme carbon to the atmosphere, increase in cutting down trees and not replacing them, these mis-takes we do increases the effects of climate change which includes, global

w a r m -ing or known in our country as “El Niño”.

Climate change is here to stay from now until to-morrows have you heard about the quote “The Youth is the hope of the future”? This single quote shows that the youth can still do something about it. Even if you are young, do not be afraid to do your best in sav-ing our one and only earth. Young or old, we can still make a difference. It is nev-er too late to start helping

one another. There is still time. There is still hope. We can still make a difference. So, I urge each and every one of you to reflect on our daily lives and see how we can change the way we live. The change in the way we live will not definitely stop climate change but it will slow down its effects. Let us use our youth power to try to stop, try to help, and do our best to make our one and only earth a better place to live in.

Use your power to break free from fossil fuelsBY JUSTIN NATHEN C. FEDERIGAN

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016 EDGEDAVAO S13

TAXATION can be a problematic word, especially during an election season, but among watershed advocates in Davao City, taxes, or more specifi-

cally Green Taxes are just being par for the course when one lives in a city whose mantra is “Life is Here”.

2016 could be the year of the watershed environ-mental tax, as the city amps up its collection from the agri-businesses operating in the Talomo-Lipadas and Panigan-Tamugan watersheds. Last year, when the envi tax was first implemented, only a handful of businesses complied, under protest. In fact, a case was filed in the courts to contest the tax implementation. Complain-ants argued that the local government does not have the right to impose an environmental tax since they are already paying property taxes and business permits. They contend that this is a case of double taxation, which is prohibited under the law.

But according to the watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), the envi-ronmental tax imposed by the city’s Watershed Code is within the authority and power conferred to it by the Constitution and the Local Government Code.

“A business permit is different from a tax.”, IDIS Pol-icy Advocacy Specialist Mark Penalver pointed out. “It refers to the government’s

power to regulate businesses within its territorial jurisdiction while taxation is the government’s power to tax and collect revenues to fund its operations.”

“It is also different from property taxes because while both are imposed by the same government, it is not being imposed for the same purpose. The former is for property utilization while the envi tax will only be selectively imposed on major agricultural activities which have a negative impact on the environment due to their continuous use of toxic inputs , like pesticides.”, he said.

The WMC plans to utilize the envi tax on watershed projects initiated by the barangay watershed monitor-ing councils. IDIS, as the civil society sector represen-tative to the WMC, said that the envi tax should also be used to mitigate or rehabilitate the damage caused by pesticide contamination. Other possible uses of envi tax will include funding riverbank reforestation proj-ects, watershed delineation activities, incentives for community forest volunteers and field monitoring by local multipartite watershed teams.

Davao is not alone though. In Palawan, Bohol and Camiguin, similar measures are being imposed. Do-mestic and foreign eco-tourists pay an environmental availment fee which goes to a fund that is used to main-tain and support the city’s community-based tourism facilities. Closer to home, the Island Garden City of Samal has an environmental users fee levied on local and foreign tourists which goes towards protecting and maintaining the island’s beaches and other tourist attractions.

Elsewhere in the developed world, similar green tax measures are becoming the norm. In the United States, the common kind of state envi tax is a tax on polluting industries, which goes to a clean-up fund. Other innovative tax mechanisms include the “contam-inated property tax” which is levied on the ‘contami-nation value’ of the property – the difference in value before and after contamination.

The presence of the tax case, notwithstanding, the city’s Watershed Management Council stands by firmly in the soundness of the watershed envi tax. While there is no definite timeline, WMC expects the court to rule on its behalf within the year. So until then, nothing is off the table. (Misael Paranial/IDIS)

FOR its sustainable increase in rice pro-duction, the Prov-

ince of Davao Oriental has been adjudged anew as one of the top five provinc-es in the country named as Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Awardee (APRAA) by the Department of Agricul-ture.

The awarding ceremo-nies was held in Manila on April 20, 2016 where Davao Oriental received recognition along with other provinces with out-standing performance in rice production for the year 2015.

Department Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI) Rotchie Ravelo, who received the award in behalf of Davao Oriental Governor Cora-zon N. Malanyaon, said this is yet another feat for the

province after successfully winning the same recogni-tion last year.

“Despite being hit by two major calamities -- the Super typhoon Pablo in 2012 and Low Pres-sure Area ‘Agaton’ in 2014 -- Davao Oriental’s rice production has steadily in-creased,” he said.

Based on the Provin-cial Rice Production Per-formance Data, Davao Ori-ental’s average yield rose from 4.47 MT per hectare in 2014 to 4.58 MT per hectare in 2015, which ex-ceeds the national average of only 4.08 MT per hect-are. This increase has also boosted Davao Oriental’s rice sufficiency level to 84 percent this year from 67 percent in the previous year.

In addition, the com-pleted Cateel Irrigation

Project is expected to boost the province’s rice production as it is set to irrigate additional 2,200 hectares of rice fields.

Ravelo said that this significant improvement is attributed to the Provin-cial Government’s flagship program on agriculture, particularly the Pagkain at Kita and Agri-Business Development Program and Food Intensification Program which has largely helped in addressing the province’s food security.

“Gov. Malanyaon, who strongly pushes for pro-grams on food sufficiency, has intensified the prov-ince’s rice programs which has not only ensured sus-tainable rice production but also helped in gener-ating productive employ-ment for the poor,” said Ravelo.

To date, Davao Orien-tal is rated as the biggest producer of hybrid rice seeds in the Philippines and one of the top pro-ducers of good quality rice in different varieties which includes the wide-ly promoted “Banaybanay Rice” commonly known as 7-Tonner.

Ravelo said that the Provincial Government through its Provincial Ag-riculture Office assures to continue its goal to achieve a hundred percent food sufficiency level through the continuous implemen-tation of intensified pro-grams on agriculture.

Meanwhile, other provinces that received the APRAA award include Davao del Norte, Occiden-tal Mindoro, Nueva Vis-caya and Ilocos Norte. By KLD

Giving back to the Watersheds: Davao’s Environmental Tax

Davao Oriental adjudged anew as Agri-Pinoy Rice Achiever Awardee

mittee on Environment. “It could result in a wide range of catastrophic consequences: rising sea levels threatening archipelagic states, low-lying coastal areas and fertile deltas; increased frequency of hurri-canes, droughts and other ex-treme climate events; distur-bance of ecosystems; greater aridity; and greater pressure on freshwater resources.”

The Philippines has al-ready felt the impacts of cli-mate change when it was hit by Yolanda in 2013. But it was

just the beginning. As the Phil-ippines has more than 7,000 islands, more people will be affected with sea level rise.

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change noted this when she issued this state-ment: “Several studies have already noted the high vulner-ability of coastal communities in the Philippines to sea level rise. This is the challenge that we must address because this will affect millions of Filipinos living in coastal areas. The gov-

ernment should start relocat-ing these communities to high-er, safer places as we continue to strengthen climate change mitigation programs to help avert further rise of sea level.”

Health threat

Climate change is also a threat to human health. “Al-though there still is uncer-tainty about the magnitude of the global impact of climate change on human health, there is no question that negative lo-cal effects may be significant,”

wrote Dr. Luis Eduardo Mejia Mejia in the World Bank annu-al report on environment.

Work performed by re-nowned universities, research groups and institutions re-vealed a four- to eightfold in-crease in malaria transmission in Pacific coastal areas during the El Niño phenomena of 1994-95 and 1998. “This in-crease in transmission during El Niño makes it possible to estimate the possible effects of this disease under a climate change scenario,” Dr. Mejia Me-

jia said. Climate change is for real.

People of this world should do something now before it’s too late. “You can blow up a bal-loon so far, and then it bursts; you can stretch a rubber-band so far, and then it snaps; you can bend a stick so far, and then it breaks. How much longer can the human pop-ulation go on damaging the world’s natural systems before they break down altogether?” asked Prince Philip, who has been associated with environ-

mental causes for many years. The words of Christopher

Flavin, of the Worldwatch In-stitute, come in handy. In his book, Slowing Global Warm-ing, he wrote: “Global warm-ing is an environmental threat unlike any the world has faced. While human activities during the past century have dam-aged a long list of natural sys-tems, most of these problems are local or regional in scope and can be reversed in years or decades if sufficient effort is exerted.”

MERCURY... FROM S2

Rotchie Ravelo (third from right) together with APRAA awardees and DA Secretary Proceso Alcala (far right)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016EDGEDAVAOS14

Tadeco: Growing with people,caring for the environment

THE dynamism of an industry leader which has exist-

ed for more than half a century reflects how it adapts to the autobahn speeds of modernization and responds to the demands of the market while keeping a consci-entious awareness to the welfare of the envi-ronment.

Such is the mindset of Tagum Agricultural De-velopment Company (Ta-deco), a household name when it comes to banana production.

Tadeco is a fine ex-ample of how industry leaders adapt to changes in environment.

The market clamor for a shift in agricultural practices has changed how Tadeco in Davao del Norte processes export-quality bananas.

Since last year, Tadeco developed systems that lessen its operation cost through sustainable con-struction.

This innovation bene-fits 10,000 workers in the production line alone and reduces the need for re-source-heavy inputs in the 6,639.85-hectare property.

Bent on installing

environment-friendly sys-tems and facilities, Tadeco created a water recycling facility in its 17 packing houses to reduce the usage of water for washing Cav-endish bananas.

“Washing bananas in the past could utilize up to 150 liters (L) per box,” said Reagan D. Navarro, Tadeco manager for quality man-agement system, statistics, and chemistry laboratory department.

Now, the company has a minimum consumption of 10 to 15 liters per box of banana.

Inside each packing house, the water which used to flow like rivers is now compounded inside rectangular concrete tubs connected with tubes lead-ing to the water recycling facility.

And in the larger con-text of Tadeco’s operation, water usage is among its primary input savings. The company saves water by using drip irrigation to water its crop.

This avoids the wast-age of a precious resource especially during these times of drought.

Unlike other banana plantations, Tadeco and its farmers have maintained profitable yield despite

climate change.These efforts ensure

sustainability and continu-ity of the strong ties be-tween Tadeco and farmers, who are mostly agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Living in a communi-ty called Barangay AOF, named after the late An-tonio O. Floirendo Sr., the workers of the plantation live in symbiosis with the agricultural company.

With more than 6,000 people living in the com-munity built for the farm-ers, the barangay has its own hospital, sports facil-ity, schools, and grocery stores.

More than just a business, Tadeco and its banana operation are di-rected to stay longer for generations to come. More green initiatives

Anchored on its pol-icy of minimizing envi-ronmental impact while maintaining high quality products, Tadeco invested millions on research and development for advance-ment of its agricultural practices.

Last year, Tadeco started to use plastic bags for thrips control for fruit protection.

Navarro said 12 insec-

ticides were eliminated since the banana company started using plastic bags.

“It is more effective,” Navarro said.

Surprisingly, even the bags along with other plastics and twine use by the company do not go to waste.

After each bunch is harvested, the plastics are collected and disposed directly to the recycling facility housed in the Davao Packing Corpora-tion (DAPACOR), a sister company of Tadeco which is also located within the more than 6,000-hectare property just 25 kilome-ters away from the center

of Panabo City.These initiatives have

contributed and led Tade-co to be awarded with the Philippine Good Agricul-tural Practices (PhilGAP) certification-2012 by the Department of Agriculture in Octoberand the Global GAP certification-2013 for its effort to conserve the environment.

Communities sur-rounding the plantation are not only benefitting from the employment whichTadeco provided for 45 years in banana pro-duction operation but also from its rejected bananas. Wasted bananas rejected during the packing are put

into trucks that

are delivered to the com-munities for free.

Providing an addition-al livelihood to poor fami-lies, the rejected bananas are turned into profitable banana chips.

For years, this initia-tive has helped parents to send their children to col-lege and give them better quality of life.

Already on its 65th year of operation, Tadeco has employed the children of farmers just like how the late Floirendo envi-sioned the company to grow with its people.

Years after the passing of the Floirendo patriarch, this philosophy still holds true.

crc@edgedavao.netBy CHENEEN R. CAPON

EDGEDAVAOINdulge! VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

A2 INdulge! EDGEDAVAOTRAVEL

WHERE TO GO THIS SUMMER IN DAVAOSUMMER IS ALREADY HERE. It’s time to hit those places that can make your body cooler this time of the year. In Luzon, most people go to the summer capital of the coun-try -- Baguio. But in recent years, Filipinos have discovered that there are other places that they can go to during summer.

In Mindanao, some people might be packing their things and go to these places in Davao Region: Maragusan, Compos-tela Valley: “Maragusan is a cold place just like Bagu-io and Tagaytay.” “There are so many beautiful and exotic spots to visit. There are too many I can’t state them all.” “It is a cold re-gion surrounded by high mountains.” “In the morn-ing, it’s really cold that even cooking oil would so-lidify. It’s like an ice candy in the freezer.” These are just some of the remarks you often hear from people who had been to Maragusan, a first class municipality in the prov-ince of Compostela Valley. After all, it is considered as “the summer capital of Davao Region.” The best place to stay is at the Haven’s Peak Highland Resort, which has been featured in The Lonely Planet. It is nestled on Tarago Hills facing the town with 208 beautifully landscaped steps leading to its tidy but beautiful lobby. This mountain re-sort provides sight of the picture-perfect and pictur-esque view of green foggy mountains appearing like a painting and like back-drop of a stage. Dahican Beach in Mati City, Davao Oriental: It is

located some 15 minutes from the heart of the city. A recent American visi-tor, who had also been to Boracay, hailed the beach in these words: “I have not seen such a wonderful beach, not even in Bora-cay. The Dahican Beach is South Sea dream come true.” Swimming is not the only thing you can do while you are in Dahican Beach. If you like water adventure like skimboard-ing, this is the best place in Davao region. In fact, sev-eral skimboarding compe-titions have been held in the place; it is being touted as the Skimboarding Capi-tal of Mindanao. George Plaza, whose story I featured in Reader’s Digest, is the man behind the popularity of skim-boarding in Dahican. He founded the Amihan Boys to help those out-of-school youths to do something worthwhile instead of be-ing a problem in the ba-rangay where they are living. These boys can be tapped as trainers for those who want to learn skim-boarding. Not far from the beach are two beautiful islands: Waniban and Pujada. If white sand is your thing, then these two islands of-fer the very best. The only hitch: you have to hire a

boat in going to these plac-es. Pearl Farm Beach Re-sort in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: Once a breeding ground for Daniel Aguinaldo’s white lipped oyster, whose survival depended on the cleanest underwater envi-ronment, it is now an idyl-lic private resort. One of the famous land-marks of the resort is the three-tiered Parola wharf (named after the local term for lighthouse), which was once a lookout post for strangers who were not welcome on the island, back in the days when it was still a pearl farm. A few hundreds off the beach resort is the Mali-

ships that await discovery. Buenavista Island in Sa-mal Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte: The four-hectare island is a perfect place to go this summer. It has a beautiful view, especially the one that is facing the Pacific Ocean. It’s no wonder why the owners named it as The Is-land Buenavista (the latter comes from two Spanish words, buena for “good” and vista for “view”). Here, it gives a new di-mension to the words “pri-vacy” and “exclusivity.” You and your group can have the island all by your-self with no other people but you (and of course the staff who will serve you and attend your needs).

pano Island which is the site of seven exclusive vil-las. All waterfront bun-galows were designed by world-renowned Architect Francisco “Bobby” Ma-ñosa, inspired by the stilt houses of the Sulu Sea us-ing strictly native materials such as bamboo, coconut and yakal. For scuba divers, the Pearl Farm is a more than a paradise: excellent diving can be had right in front of the resort. This natural haven offers spectacular diving amongst the huge shoals of fish and the giant taklobo clams, without the need for tedious boat rides. Just 60 meters away from the resort are two sunken Japanese World War II

If your dream this summer is swimming in a white sand beach with crystal clear waters and far from the madding crowd, then The Buenavista Island is a dream comes true. As you loiter around the is-land, you can take refuge under the shade of coconut trees (they don’t bear nuts so you are safe wherever you go) and feel the sun-kissed cottony sands. The nonchalant breeze from the sea cools your warm body. Eden Nature Park and Resort in Toril, Davao City: At 2,650 feet above sea level, it offers breath taking views of Davao City and the Davao gulf. Grow-ing pine trees created can-opies, but not so densely that other trees and plants were also able to grow. A huge area was also planted to mangosteen and dragon fruits. As years go by, a secondary forest was devel-oped. Today, there are over 100,000 pine trees spread across about 80 hectares, making the resort 95-per-cent man-made. The once-barren piece of land now provides a re-laxing alternative to the bustling city life of Davao with its cool weather and unpolluted air. If you hap-pen to visit the place past five in the afternoon, you better bring your own jacket as it becomes cooler. It’s like Baguio during the old days. And there are so many things you can do fish-ing and horseback riding. Those who want some ac-tions and extreme adven-tures, they can try zipline, skycycle (bicycling up in the sky), and skywing (yes, swinging on top and going down)

Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

INdulge! A3EDGEDAVAOENTERTAINMENT

Single/Single returns for Season 2 on Cinema One

Sky unloads fun family entertainment for a great summer togetherWITH SUMMER ALREADY IN FULL SWING, families are by now looking for ways to spend this much needed break. Good thing they can always check out SKY, the cable network that has become synonymous to fun and entertainment. From its wide array of premium channels, SKY is pouring out multi-genre offerings that are on every member of the family’s bucket list for summer. Summer need not be the time for idle minds as viewers also get to uncover new knowledge in National Geographic Channel; The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (April 28, 9pm); and in the new season of Mythbusters (Wednesday, 10pm) on Discovery. Viewers who need to quench their thirst for sports only have to tune in to NBA Premium TV HD for the live games of the NBA Playoffs; to ABS CBN Sports+Action HD for the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Finals (starting April 23); to FOX Sports for the much awaited Formula 1 on May 1 in Russia; and to ASN for the live games of the NHL Playoffs. And as every member of the family have been waiting for them, SKYcable unleashes a wave of specials and movies from HBO

with Game of Thrones finally coming back on Monday (April 25, 9am). Meanwhile, the surprise Marvel hit Ant-Man (May 28, 9PM) and the highly-acclaimed Pixar feature Inside Out (May 1, 8PM) will both premiere on Fox Movies Premium. Extending the fun beyond home entertainment, SKY is also rewarding subscribers with

outdoor experiences that both challenge and excite. SKY has also launched SKYdirect, its new direct-to-home product, which is sure to bring to more homes across the country SKYcable’s premium channels. If you aren’t a SKY subscriber yet, just log on to www.mysky.com.ph for information on how you can enjoy hot summer entertainment only SKY can give.

S I N G L E /SINGLE,” CINEMA ONE’S FIRST BREAK THROUGH SERIES STARRING K A P A M I L Y A STARS SHAINA M A G D A Y A O AND MATTEO GUIDICELLI returns for a second season on May 15 at 10PM on Cinema One. At the media launch held on April 21 at Restaurant 9501 in ABS-CBN, the cast shared that season 2 promises leveled-up entertainment and relevance that will appeal to the millennial generation, without losing the comedy and kilig vibes that fans loved in season 1. “ S i n g l e / S i n g l e , ” Cinema One and The Philippine Star’s first project, is the cable channel’s first TV series that focuses on issues ranging from quarter-life crises to relationship dilemmas in a digital world. The series combines engaging

comedy with relevant messaging targeted to the urban singles coping with the demanding lifestyle of a more complicated world. Season 2 will continue to combine the power of cable and print media to talk to Filipino millennials about how to cope as a single individual in an entertaining format. After each episode on Cinema One, an

in-depth discussion about “how to adult” will be provided in the Philippine Star’s Business Lifestyle section by wealth management expert and inspirational speaker, Francis Kong. For this season, online media will play a vital role in sparking conversation among millennials and engaging them as episodes will eventually be made available via PhilstarTV.com.

Returning to the series are veteran actress Cherie Gil who plays Matteo’s single mom, award-winning Cinema One Originals actress Anna Luna as Shaina’s career-driven buddy, and theater actor Brian Sy as Shaina’s gay friend. “Single/Single” is directed by international a w a r d - w i n n i n g independent cinema director Pepe Diokno, written by Palanca

Shop for scorching hot deals at the SM KIDS SALE from May 1 to June 5, 2016! Check out our incredible collection of stylish kids’ clothing at the Children’s Wear Department of The SM Store nationwide and enjoy freebies and big discounts!

winner Lilit Reyes, and produced by Bianca Balbuena, who recently joined the prestigious Berlinale Talents panel. The new season will air every Sunday at 10PM with replays on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9PM. Cinema One, the country’s number one cable channel is

on Skycable channel 56, Destiny Cable Analog 37 and Digital 57. For updates, like Cinema1channel on Facebook (facebook.com/Cinema1channel). For updates on Single/Single, visit Facebook.co m /Sin gl eSin gl e C1 on Facebook and @SingleSingleC1 on Twitter and Instagram.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016

R13/*PG

PG

PG1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

BATMAN V SUPERMAN:

DAWN OF JUSTICE

Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill

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

BASTILLE DAY/ * HIGH STRUNG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly/*Nicholas Galitzine, Jane Seymour

THE JUNGLE BOOK

Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray

April 20 – 26, 2016

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

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER'S WAR

Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt

The concert which was one of the official events for this year’s Visit Davao Fun Sale gave visitors a glimpse of the region’s fast developing music scene with performers com-ing from different genres of music performing to-gether in one festival of cultural diversity. Performers included Tribu K’mindanawan, Kuntaw Mindanao and folk singers Maan Chua

and Popong Landero. Younger indie acts who were part of the music

festival included Jad Mon-tenegro, Kevin Becira, Thea, and Anne Mendo-za. There was also a beat-box by Telentadong Pinoy finalist Neil Llanes. The AirAsia Ethnika Music Fusion concert is spearhead by the De-partment of Tourism XI, Tourism Promotions Board, City Government of Davao, BPI, Bonamine, Tempra, and MOVE Davao.

A4 INdulge!UP AND ABOUT

Maan Chua

Thea Tribu K’mindanawan

Department of Tourism regional director Robby Alabado (second from right) together with the working committee of theVisit Davao Fun Sale.

The Davao Region is a melting pot of cultures with influences com-ing from the Lumad, Muslims, as well as the Christian settlers coming together forming a unique amalgamation of the arts and last April 16 saw the celebration of this unique blend of tribal and modern with the first AirAsia Ethnika Music Fusion held at the pavilion area of the Matina Town Square.

An evening ofmusic fusion

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 39 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 24 - 25, 2016