Edge Davao 5 Issue 249

EDGEDAVAO

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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Serving a seamless society

Indulge

Page A1 THE PLEASURES OF BIKING. A man pedals his unicycle on an uphill stretch with ease along Doña Pilar Avenue in Doña Pilar Village, Sasa, Davao City yesterday.

There is a notable increase in biking enthusiasts in the city either for leisure, exercise, or as alternative transport with the rising cost of fuel. Lean Daval Jr.

Thailand dreaming Suburbia

Page 3

All set for 2013 Musikahan opening

VM RODY VOWS

If Manding can’t stop it, I will Bagyo na sad!

Sports

Page 16

Reds bag twin titles

Follow Us On

By Che Palicte

Surveillance cameras now installed in suspected areas

“I

F Manding can’t stop it, I will be the one to stop it! End of the story!”

A fuming Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has vowed in his weekly television program to personally stop the continued illegal drugs trade in the city.

Duterte said he is not contented with the performance of Barangay 23-C barangay captain Amilbangsa Manding in stopping the rampant drug activities in his territory. He has earlier given

FVM RODY VOWS, 11

‘Crising’ is coming

Signal 1 in Davao region P

UBLIC storm warning Signal Number One has been raised over the Davao region as the low pressure area east of Mindanao developed into a tropical depression named “Crising.”

In its Weather Bulletin Number One issued at 5:30 p.m. Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Crising is “expected to be at 350 km east of General Santos City” by Tuesday afternoon and at 40 km southeast of Cotabato City by Wednesday afternoon.

By Thursday afternoon, Cris-

ing is expected to be at 220 km southeast of Zamboanga City.

PAGASA has raised Typhoon Signal Number 1 over Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley and the cities of Davao, Tagum, Panabo, Island Garden City of Samal, Digos and Mati.

According to PAGASA, under Signal 1, winds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour are expected within the next 36 hours.

Among the impacts of the winds are: twigs and branches of trees may be broken; some banana plants may tilt or land flat on the ground; rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage;

some nipa and cogon houses may be partially unroofed; and travel of small seacrafts and fishing boats is risky.

In its earlier advisory at 5 p.m., the weather bureau warned of heavy rains and thunderstorms in the Mindanao regions of Davao, Caraga and the South Cotabato region and Eastern Visayas “that may trigger flashfloods and landslides” as tropical depression “Crising” approaches Mindanao.

PAGASA noted that as of 4 p.m., Crising’s center was estimated at 750 kilometers east of General Santos City with maxi-

FCRISING, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

Intercropping banana with cacao in full swing: Dalayon

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

T

HE experiment of the Federation of Cooperatives in Mindanao (FedCo) is proceeding smoothly, according to FedCo chair Ireneo “Rene” Dalayon, during his appearance in the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex Ecoland yesterday.

The experiment, which is assisted by the Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), will help cushion the impact of the recent Typhoon Pablo which wiped out around 15,000 hect-

Cacao harvestable in two years ares of Cavendish bananas.

“Some big banana corporations are starting to rehabilitate their plantations despite the tremendous, however, many of small banana players are giving up because aside from the high cost of rehabilitating their farms, there is the problem of sigatoka and panama diseases” Dalayon said.

He said FedCo has established cacao-banana

extension centers in Sto. Tomas and Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

Some 40 farmer leaders who are being trained on cacao-banana intercropping. They will in turn train 2,000 farmer students.

Cacao intercropped with banana are expected to be harvestable after two years, according to Dalayon.

The banana-cacao intercropping experiment actually started back in the 1st quarter of 2011, targeting 200 hectares of cacao that can be harvested by June, this year, Dalayon said.

INTERCROPPING. Rene Dalayon, president and chief executive officer of the Federation of Banana Cooperatives in Davao (Fedco), right, talks about the updates of the banana growers efforts’ to intercrop the banana with cacao and the rehabilitation that’s being made to the 15,000 hectares of banana plantation which were damaged by typhoon Pablo in the weekly

Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday.

Also seen at left is Davao Travel Agencies Association vice president Fraz Pasquil who promoted the 4th Mega Travel Sale slated on March 7-10, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Rotary leaders bare impact projects

Bio-medical waste facility to be launched in Davao T

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

A

bio-medical waste facility will be opened Thursday near the sanitary landfill in New Carmen, Magtuod.

The 200-square meter pyroclave facility uses pyrolysis process, a technology that requires no burning with a temperature of 1,500 degrees Celsius.

The technology, which disinfects and disintegrates hospital wastes, was created by the Rad Green Solutions Inc., a research and development company in the city.

Bert Barriga, the company’s consultant and executive vice president

TF CHECKPOINTS

Residents urged to cooperate

of the Information and Communication Technology Davao said Monday the pyroclave facility can accommodate three tons a day.

An average of 2.5 tons medical wastes are collected in the city daily.

Barriga told reporters that the pyroclave is designed for all kinds of waste except nuclear biohazard waste.

The cost of a pyroclave unit is worth “a little over three million (pesos)”, he said, citing that Rad Green Solutions has financed the facility and will charge hospitals here with P20

per kilo for the disinfection of medical wastes, excluding collection fees.

Barriga said the pyroclave equipment was being done in the city, although he refused to divulge the exact location.

He said aside from the one in New Carmen, the city has pyroclave equipment in a hospital here, which he also would not want to identify, that has been operational since three months ago.

Cagayan de Oro City and Bulacan also have pyroclave equipment from the Rad Green Solutions, while General Santos City

T

HE Task Force Davao urged the public to cooperate in the checkpoint operations in the city’s entrance since it is for their safety and security.

Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, executive officer of the Task Force Davao stressed that in public buses, everybody including women must get down to ensure that thorough visual inspection is done.

He issued the statement following the observation that only men are obliged to get off the bus during inspection while the women remain inside the vehicle.

Besana said that the checkpoints of Task Force Davao in Barangays Sirawan, Lacson, Lasang require even women to come down, so that the bomb-sniffing dogs can effectively detect any con-

FTF CHECKPOINTS, 11

and Manila will soon have one, he said.

He said the company acquired its intellectual property right for the equipment from the World International Patent Organization in Geneva, Switzerland last December.

He added that Ricky Dayot, vice president of Rad Green Solutions will apply on April for the US certification so that the company can start to position globally.

Dayot earlier said they will collect some 50,000

FBIO-MEDICAL, 11

in 2005.

Six years later or specifically in March 2011, HiPeC forged partnership with South-South Network for Non-State Armed Group Engagement (SSN) and the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) forming now the HiPeCSSN-UP Mindanao Tripar-

tite Partnership.

The Tripartite Partnership, established through a Memorandum of Understanding between the parties, aimed at setting up a research base of joint academic and related activities in the broader field of peacebuilding. This collabora-

FDAVAO ROTARY, 11

Tri -Partnership concluded

H

on February 18-24, 2013 which aims to generate public awareness and support for the legal adoption program during the the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

barangay Panacan, Davao City.

Nimmo’s cataract project with EastMinCom is just one of the many humanitarian projects of various Rotary clubs in Davao which are observing Rotary Week starting last Sunday.

“Virtually 100 blind people from conflict areas will come here on Friday with the help of the AFP, and we want a very high percentage of them to go home already able to see,” according to Nimmo , who is also chairman of the Council of Presidents

HIPEC-SSN-UP MIN OW can universities as educational/research bodies contribute to such a highly practical issue as Peacebuilding?

With this question, the Hiroshima University started the first ‘Partnership Project for Peacebuilding and Social Capacity (HiPeC-I) in Japan

ADOPTION. Sheryl Anne Dumalogdog, social welfare officer 3 of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, explains the procedure of both domestic and inter-country adoption while promoting the nationwide Adoption Consciousness Week celebration set

HE Rotary Club of South Davao led by expat Scott Nimmo will conduct cataract surgery on 100 people coming from different conflict areas in Mindanao.

Nimmo said that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel are going to Cotabato and other conflict areas to bring 100 indigenous people to Davao this Friday so that cataract surgery can be performed on them.

The cataract surgery will be conducted in Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Hospital in

Members and Staff of the HiPeC-SSN-UP Mindanao Tripartite Partnership during the Wrap-Up Seminar. From left: Gabriel C. Palma, Dr. Antonio G. Moran, Dr. Humayun Kabir, Prof. Keshav Maharjan, Prof. Koki Seki, Prof. Anne Shangrila Y. Fuentes, UP

FTRI-PARTNERSHIP, 11

Mindanao Chancellor Gilda C. Rivero, Prof. Osamu Yoshida, UP Mindanao Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Emma Ruth Bayogan, and Janis Louis H. Esparcia.

SUBURBIA 3

EDGEDAVAOVOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Couple finds hope in temporary shelter of DSWD, LGU Comval

T

HE scene was straight out from “The Impossible” movie---except that it wasn’t.

As onrushing water held them captive, Rogelio Saging held tight his 3 year-old special child with his son Rudyard, a 3rd Year High school student, close behind. The current was so strong, the water heavy with silt, gravel, boulders and clumps of fallen trees that they almost lost their hope of surviving. And then the unthinkable happened, he and his wife Violeta saw with their own eyes how a fallen coconut tree struck Rudyard in the head and carried him away from their grasp.

All was chaotic then after they, too, were swept away by the strong flood.

Around 2 in the afternoon, it was a joyful and tearful reunion as they had found all their 4 children---except that Rudyard was in a very critical condition. Rescuers had found him barely clinging on to his life. His father only had a few precious moments to talk to his son before his torn and mangled body finally gave up.

Recalling that fateful day, the couple Rogelio

and Violeta could only hope to start a new life with their 3 remaining children in New Bataan. When interviewed, their eyes still mist upon the mention of their lost son but with it is the hope and the eagerness to start anew.

“We need to survive for our children’s sake.

Our pain and struggle was made bearable because of the help and support we get from the government, international and private donors,” Violeta said in local dialect.

Aside from other interventions from relief goods and stress debriefing that they received, the family is also one of the recipients to the temporary transition shelter funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and from which the construction were facilitated by the provincial government of Comval.

On February 15, the 72 bunkhouses in New Bataan and 80 in Compostela were turned-over to the families led by Sec. Dinky Soliman, Gov. Arturo Uy, Cong. Maricar Zamora, Mayor Lorenzo

SHELTERS. On February 15, the 72 bunkhouses in New Bataan and 80 in Compostela were turnedover to the families by Sec. Dinky Soliman, Gov. Arturo Uy, Rep. Maricar Zamora and humanitarian partners. The recipients were very much grateful that they

will now be transferred to the transition shelters and thankful with the “”pabaon kits” (food items) as well as kitchen wares and sleeping sets that were also given to them on that day. (a. dayao/ids comval)

Balbin, and Acting Mayor Rey Castillo. They were also joined by various humanitarian partners, national agencies and other local officials.

The recipients were very much grateful that they will now be transferred to the transition

shelters and thankful with the “”pabaon kits” (food items) as well as kitchen wares and sleeping sets that were also given to them on that day.

Rogelio and Violeta are now excited to transfer on their new shelter and rebuild their lives.

“While we are very much thankful with the tent provided for us but living in a house, as we used to, really makes a big difference,” they said.

When Typhoon Pablo struck Compostela Valley on December 4, 2012, New Bataan was hardest

Region’s Opening Festival Salvo, the said festival runs from February 19-24, 2013 and will feature the region’s best solo players and musical ensembles such as marching brass bands, choral groups, rondalla artists, drum-and-bugle-lyre corps players, young musicians specializing wind, percussion and string instruments, among others.

Mayor Rey T. Uy will lead Tagumeños in the

opening ceremony and is expected to be joined

by Governors Arturo T. Uy of Compostela Valley and Rodolfo P. del Rosario who will join forces in the launching of a tourism portal anchored on the vision of promoting tourism sites and activities in their respective areas.

The City Government of Tagum under the leadership of Mayor Uy and the City of Tagum Tourism

Council with Mrs. Alma L. Uy sitting as its president assured that this year’s Musikahan will be grander and will banner the cause of helping communities in Compostela Valley devastated by Typhoon Pablo last December 4, 2012.

Aligned with the Musikahan’s Cultural Action Project, benefit concerts will be staged during the whole duration in the event in Tagum, including a performance by the Sunrise String Orchestra from Bangkok, Thailand happening on February 24, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, Davao City at exactly 4:00 PM. The 12th year of the Musikahan Festival will also make history as the Himig Handog 1st Asia Pacific Choral Competition will take place during the five-day event.

Other events that will headline the festival are the Rondal-Awit, the Avenida Musika Brass Band Competition, Kasikas sa Dalan Drum, Bugle and Lyre Competition, the Barangay Musikahan Grand Finals and the Musikahan at ICT. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

All set for 2013 Musikahan opening

A

LL is set for the grand kick-off of the 11th installment of the Musikahan sa Tagum Festival, transforming Tagaum City which prides itself as the “Music Capital of the South” to a majestic musical venue with the participation of thousands of musical revelers from the different parts of the country and from the Asia Pacific.

Considered to be Davao

READY TO ROCK. The New City Hall of Tagum as a Hub for International Event will serve as the main venue of this year’s festivities, the 12th Musikahan sa Tagum 2013. Aside from this

iconic building, other venues include churches, malls, and even academic institutions across the city. [Edwin B. Lasquite/CIO Tagum]

hit in terms of casualties.

According to studies led

by DOST, a “total volume of 25-30 million cubic meters is estimated for the debris flow deposit or an equivalent load of about 2.5-3 million 10-wheel dumptrucks full of rocks.”

[Fe F. Maestre]

Comelec-Gen. Santos starts removing campaign posters in prohibited areas

T

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) In General Santos City has ordered the removal of various illegal campaign posters and other related materials that were posted outside the designated common posters areas within the city.

Anwar Paidumama, acting city election officer, said Monday a team led by personnel from the city election office is currently making the rounds of public areas to tear down or clear all illegally-posted campaign posters and materials.

He said such move was in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, the Omnibus Election Code and other regulations for the upcoming May 13 midterm local and national elections.

It was specifically cited in Comelec Resolution 9615, which laid down the implementing rules and regulations for RA 9006, he said.

“We’ve already issued several warnings to the concerned parties last week regarding these illegal campaign posters but none of them heeded our call for their voluntarily

removal,” Paidumama said.

The official said local Comelec personnel are being assisted by the city government’s clearing team in removing the illegal campaign materials, some of which were posted in trees, electric posts, walls of government offices and other public structures.

He said initial reports from the field cited that the illegally-posted materials were those of parylist groups.

He said they have so far not found posters of senatorial candidates being placed in prohibited areas.

The campaign period for the partylist and senatorial candidates started last Feb. 12 while those vying for local elective positions may start campaigning on March 29.

Section 7f of Comelec Resolution 9615 specifically prohibits candidates and political parties “to post, display or exhibit any election campaign or propaganda material outside of authorized common poster areas, in public places, or in private properties without the consent of the owner thereof.” [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT O

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Davao Light-planted trees line Magtuod-Calinan short-cut road

NE DAY in July of 2010 over three hundred employees of Aboitiz-owned Davao Light & Power Co. and Aboitiz-controlled Union Bank of the Philippines virtually lined up the entire length of the Magtuod-New Valencia section of the shortcut from Carlos P. Garcia Diversion Road to Calinan.

No, they were not doing simple hiking routine nor showing off brand new designer walking shoes. They were there for a noble purpose - plant some four thousand trees for the environment and for safety consideration. They were there as employees of socially responsible corporate citizens.

Yes, the Aboitiz firms’ employees – and all those who have taken the said route – know only too well that more than half the distance of the road traverses on plateaus with both sides having deep embankments with very much little plain to spare. Thus, the area has been considered most prone to vehicular acci-

dents with potential serious consequence.

With environment and protection of travellers’ lives in mind Davao Light decided to do its massive tree planting activities along the said route. It invited its sister company Union Bank to join.

Thus one day that July of 2010 4,000 seedlings of narra, molave, and Indian tree were lined up along the route. People in the community were tapped to do the hole digging and sticking to ensure that proper spacing is observed.

The companies hope that with the trees able to grow over the years it can help in some way in the gargantuan efforts of preventing the fast pace of environmental degradation. The electric utility and its sister banking company are also optimistic that once the narra and molave grow to become sturdy trunks these will not only hold off landslides on embankments but serve as natural protective bars that can prevent vehicles from falling down the

NARRA TREES. Almost three years old narra trees line this portion of the Magtuod-New Valencia section of the shortcut road from Maa Crossing Magtuod to Calinan. The trees planted by Davao Light and Union Bank employees of the Aboitiz Group in 2010 are now averaging 15 to 20 feet in height and 4 to 5 inches in trunk diameters.

cliffs in instances of road accidents.

Today, less than three years since the planting, narra and molave trees have grown up to as tall

as 15 to 20 feet with trunks having average diameter of 4 to 5 inches.

The number of surviving trees though may not be the ideal expected.

What with some of them victims of creeping development in the area and of the neglect of some community residents.

But trees are trees.

The provincial government of South Cotabato has a pending boundary dispute with Davao del Sur, specifically over areas bordering the mining towns of Tampakan and Kiblawan.

Koronadal City and Tupi town in South Cotabato as well as Maitum and Kiamba towns in Sarangani also have longtime boundary issues.

Aside from the settlement of boundary disputes, Mercado said the resolution of land titling issues and concerns would help speed up the resolution of land conflicts in some parts of the region.

“The resolution of these land conflicts would eventually improve the peace and order situation in some affected communities,” he said.

Mercado added that it would help improve the income of LGUs through increased collections on realty property taxes as well as help enhance economic activities and investments in the area. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

FTER the successful first run of a project to help conserve the Davao River watershed, Holcim Philippines has renewed its partnership with an environment group to train an indigenous community in the Marilog uplands on ideal farming techniques to discourage them from timber-poaching.

On Jan. 22, Holcim Davao signed a memorandum of agreement to extend by another year the financial support to the Kinaiyahan Foundation, Inc. for the training of 40 more Matigsalug families on Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT).

The said technique is designed to put less pressure on the remaining forest ecosystem in Marilog, located about 60 kilometers away from the city proper.

Under the MoA, the beneficiaries will be trained on SALT to cultivate indigenous and fruit trees as well as cash crops such as rice, corn and sweet potatoes to improve their food security and income thus lessening their need to engage in destructive activities such as timber- poaching.

The planting activities are also seen to contribute

DENR plans to consult LGUs on quick processing of land titles

T

EDGEDAVAO

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 is set to hold consultations with local government units (LGUs) in a bid to establish measures that would help fast track the processing and issuance of titles for alienable and disposable lands within the region.

Morakie Domanday, DENR-12 regional technical director for lands, said they are specifically planning to sit down with the region’s provincial governors as well as city and municipal mayors to draw their support for the integration of land titling activities in the programs and operations of the LGUs. He said they will present the provisions of Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2011-06, which provides for the guidelines for the implementation of public land titling in partnership with the LGUs. “We will meet the local government officials, even with the elections fast approaching, to present various land titling issues and con-

cerns and find ways to fast track their processing and issuance, especially those concerning alienable and disposable lands,” the official said in a statement.

Domanday said there is a need to define their partnership with the LGUs to improve the land administration and management systems at the local level.

“Titling activities should be integrated in their (LGUs) local programs,” he said.

He stressed that LGUs play a significant role in the implementation of land titling activities and other programs and projects of the DENR as provided for under Section 3 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

Under DENR DAO 2011-06, the LGUs and the DENR would jointly create composite land adjudication team that will work under the supervision of the DENR land management officer.

The team will help the DENR in the titling of alienable and disposable lands at the city and municipal levels, it said.

The DAO authorizes all the regional executive directors (REDs) of the DENR to designate permanent local officials or personnel involved in the titling program as deputy public land inspectors.

The LGUs were also encouraged to create a land information office to facilitate the exchange of information, reconciliation and reconstruction of data from different local offices and national agencies involved in the titling program.

Elmer Mercado, DENR-12 Land Management Division chief, said their collaboration with LGUs in land titling activities is vital for the resolution of some land-related and boundary conflicts in the region.

Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Once they grow they become trees for the environment; trees for life.

And the life these trees represent maybe our own.

Through Matigsalug empowerment Holcim extends support for Davao River watershed conservation

A

to water, soil and biodiversity conservation of the Davao River watershed, the largest among the city’s eight watersheds. Participants will cultivate at least 50 hectares in the area that was formerly part of a logging concession.

The project also aims to build on the gains from its first year, which started in 2011 and involved 50 families, by teaching the initial beneficiaries new skills such as agroforestry, organic fertilizer production, crop house development and duck raising.

Holcim Davao Plant Manager Joe Bernal said the plant welcomes the opportunity to support this project as it is consistent with the company’s thrust of empowering communities and sustainable development advocacy.

“The Davao River Watershed is an important resource of the city and we are honored to partner with the Kinaiyahan Foundation to contribute to the watershed’s conservation.

What’s even better is that the project has the added benefit of uplifting the Matigsalug community by improving their livelihood opportunities thus making them more self-reliant,” he said.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

THE ECONOMY

5

UCPB posts P3.73-B net income in 2012 T

HE United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) posted a net income of P3.73 billion for 2012 up by 22% from last year’s P3.06 billion as the bank boosted its loan portfolio as well as its trading and securities earnings by triple digits.

Total loans went up by 24% to P87.72 billion from P70.52 billion in the same period last year of which the consumer portfolio grew at a very fast pace of 33%. Corporate accounts make up 45% of the loan portfolio.

Non-interest income soared by 47% or P3.1 billion from just P2.1 billion from a year ago due to

higher trading gains on securities as well as better fee based income. ATM transactions are increasing as evidenced by a 20 % growth from the previous year. The growth in fees will continue to be robust because of the introduction of products such as UCPB Connect, an online facility meant to provide banking flexibility and convenience to clients. This fairly-advanced banking system includes a mobile banking component which allows users to access their bank statement and pay bills through mobile devices.

The bank ended the year with total assets amounting to P218.72 bil-

lion up by 9% on the back of sound financial fundamentals and knowledge of the current market conditions while total capital stood at P20.27 billion increasing by 15%.

UCPB President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jeronimo U. Kilayko said: “In spite of 2012 being a demanding year both strategically and financially, we at UCPB are satisfied to have achieved the results amidst these trials and challenges.

We are definitely looking forward to this year, being our 50th anniversary, and revisiting the basic fundamentals that have made us a reliable banking partner for our target market.”

UN Business, the corporate solutions arm of Sun Cellular, helps Internet café owners increase their income with its Xpressload Pro Onlinegosyo, an online service that allows business owners to sell Sun prepaid and broadband loads using any computer with Internet connection.

With no phone or SIM card needed, Onlinegosyo is ideal for Internet café owners because the service does not require any capital investment. Sun’s latest offer allows internet café owners to provide an additional service to their customers, thereby giving them advantage over their competitors

and opportunity for extra profits.

With Onlinegosyo, business owners can earn from the discount they get from buying the Sun Retailer load. Furthermore, the service allows them to access reports, such as sales and load inventory, all through their easy-touse web account.

Sun boosts revenues of Internet café owners S

6

THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Stock trading seminar slated in April A

FARM FRESH. Sacks of vegetables from the hinterland farms of Davao City are being unloaded by laborers at the bagsakan area of Bankerohan Public Market, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

stock trading seminar in Davao for beginners and new investors had been set sometime in April this year.

Stock market analyst Jamil Ahmed, blog administrator of the Davao-based website Pinoy Stock Trader ( www. pinoystocktrader2012. wordpress.com) said no definite date or venue has been set yet and will be announced later.

PST had been giving seminars on the stock market and stock trading in 2010-2011 covering topics such as how to pick the right stocks, how to cut stock losses, how to preserve capital, how to read and understand charts and stock trading strategies.

Ahmed said they have been getting many inquiries and requests again asking when the schedule of stock market seminars would be set in this city and considered the possibility this might be the right time to resume the seminars here. Some of the inquiries came from Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro cities “I think this would depend on the actual number of confirmed participants who would contact us about this,” the PST spokesman said.

Ahmed said they are very careful about encouraging people to in-

vest in stocks for the first time because of the “very high risk” of losing the value of their stocks and losing their investments in the stock market.

The PST stock analyst is worried that the index of the Philippine Stock Market is now hitting “historic highs” nearly topping 7000 due to good fundamentals of the country’s economy--but might collapse and start declining anytime, spurred by an event in the country or world economy.

“People should not invest in stocks if they don’t understand the stock market and how it behaves. Your investments can be wiped out if you don’t watch your stocks carefully,” Ahmed warned.

The PST spokesman said those interested to attend the seminar on stock trading may send their complete names and mailing addresses to contact number 0942405-2044 or email to : tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com so that registration forms can be mailed to them after a seminar fee is paid.

Some of the previous participants of the PST stock trading forum include bank officials, office managers, employees, government retirees, online traders, and new investors.[Philpress News]

Gov’t to expand people’s access to financial services--Neda

T

HE first two years of the Aquino administration saw a healthier and stronger financial sector, and the government will be more aggressive in expanding access by Filipinos to these services in succeeding years, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Citing the Socioeconomic Report (SER): 2010-2012 recently released by NEDA, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said that the financial sector has done very well in terms of attaining its targets as set out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP): 2011-2016.

“In fact, some of the major targets that were planned to be attained in 2016 had already been achieved before the end of 2012. For example, the number of bank offices per city or municipality now averages at six, and we still see it expanding. The amount of microfinance services, already at PhP7.6 billion, is above the 2016 target,” said Balisacan.

The Cabinet official, who is also NEDA Director-General, said that the government will now focus on aggressively ex-

panding people’s access to financial services.

“According to the SER, only about 41 out of 100,000 Filipinos own a deposit account, and this is still far from the target of 750 by 2016. To further expand client reach in the countryside, market participants and regulators alike have to innovate and foster strategic partnerships,” he said.

Despite the global economic slowdown, Balisacan noted that the Philippine banking system continues to be on its growth trajectory because of sustained implementation of financial sector reforms and banks’ prudent risk-taking activities “The SER details the situation of the country’s banking sector, with stronger bank balance sheets, higher core earnings, leaner bank structure, and wider service network.

Strong asset growth was also noted in our cooperatives,” said Balisacan.

According to the SER, there were 7,565 more cooperatives established in 2011 alone. Overall, there were already 20,792 cooperatives by the end of 2011, with three out of four being micro cooperatives, or those with an asset size of PhP3 million and below.

7 Lagdameo inaugurates twin projects in Carmen E-SEASON

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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ONG. Antonio “Anton” F. Lagdameo, Jr. of the 2nd District of Davao del Norte, inaugurated yesterday two major projects in the Municipality of Carmen namely the road concreting project connecting Carmen’s National High School, Public Market and Public Terminal, and the Association of Barangay Council’s (ABC) Building worth P5 million and P6 million, respectively.

Lagdameo personally joined his constituents in the blessing of the two projects. With him were Carmen’s Mayor Marcelino Perandos and Vice Mayor Alberto Sarin along with Sanguniang Bayan officials, barangay captains, media and local townspeople.Lagdameo said that “these 2 projects are my advance valentine gift to the people of Carmen for your collaborative dedication to make this place progressive. The said projects are part of the congressman’s centerpiece program, Barangayanihan.

The road concreting project proves to be a major catalyst for the municipality’s rapidly growing economy as it traverses three major public structures of the town. Many stalls are also sprouting beside the street which

S

adds to the town’s local revenue.

Mr Jovencio Mahumot, a trisikad driver and a ranking official of the locality’s trisikad driver and operator’s association expressed his elation of the project and said “because of Cong. Lagdameo’s road concreting project, our income has significantly increased since we deliver our passengers faster and with less stress. The number of passengers is also increasing as the public market expands further into the road connecting the terminal.”

For the newly finished ABC Hall, Liga ng mga Barangay President Resty Salaysay could notcontain his feelings of appreciation to Cong. Lagdameo’s project for their association since this is a dream come true. The town’s barangay chairmen wereonce conducting their meetings anywhere within the municipal hall complex since they did not have an office to stay, much more, a room to house the officials from its 20 barangaysfor a meeting.

The local officer of the Department of Interior and Local Government was also mentioned as one of the occupants of the new building.

LAGDAMEO

Mayor Mar Perandos articulated his deep appreciation for Cong. Lagdameo’s efforts and contribution in transforming the town into a bustling and progressing municipality. He mentioned all the projects that were realized under his admin-

istration were funded by the young legislator such as the construction of the Municipal Health Center, renovation of the municipal gym and complex, livelihood center, mini-ambulance in all its barangays and now the ABC Hall and School-Market-Terminal

“I will ask Governor Joey Salceda through his Climate Change Academy to help me since we are both UNISDR champions. He is an economist, an environmentalist and a DRR champion. I will ask for his help in crafting plans, programs and policies in the barangay level to make sure each ba-

rangay is disaster-resilient,” the Senator said.

She explained that Albay is a model for disaster mitigation and preparedness, especially because while the Bicol Region is disaster-prone and vulnerable to several natural hazards, Albay has become disaster-resilient.

In fact, Albay, along with Makati City and the Municipality of San Francisco in Camotes Island, Cebu, is among the United Nations’ 29 model communities that are exemplars in disaster risk reduction and management.

The Province of Albay was recognized for its focus on preparing comprehensive land use plans that address climate and disaster risks, and for investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure.

“We have many best practices, like those in Albay, that other LGUs can use as guide in crafting their own programs. Communities that have yet to establish DRR and CCA practices should start now with both a short-term plan for the natural hazards expected to come within the next months, and a long-term program to ensure disaster-resilient communities in the future,” said Legarda.

Legarda seeks Albay’s help in creating disaster-resilient barangays nationwide

ENATOR Loren Legarda sought the help of the local government of Albay in creating a model for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) that all barangays in the country can use as guide in making their communities disaster-resilient.

During her recent visit to the Bicol Region, Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for DRR and CCA for Asia-Pacific, said that she will seek the help of Albay Governor Joey Salceda in “instilling the DRR-CCA model of Albay in every barangay all over the country.”

DIALOGUE. Senator Loren Legarda visits Commonwealth Market in Quezon City for a dialogue with market vendors. Legarda is the author of the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which supports small entrepreneurs in improving their businesses. [Allan Esguerra]

Road Concreting. The mayor also revealed that Cong. Lagdameo has also worked for the recent implementation of a 75 Million Desilting and Dike Protection project that is on-going under implementation by the National Irrigation Administration

(NIA).

Carmen’s new ABC Hall is just one of Cong.

Lagdameo’s pet project for the barangay leaders.

Another ABC Hall is being completed in Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal for the said city’s barangay officials.

Villar attends Pahimis Festival

F

ORMER Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar vows to help in the replanting of coffee in Cavite’s Amadeo town which is known as the “Coffee Capital of the Country.”

Speaking in yesterday’s 11th Pahimis Coffee Festival, Villar disclosed that her husband, Sen. Manny Villar, left some funds with the Department of Agriculture to help coffee farmers of Amadeo and the industry, as a whole.

She noted that coffee planting in Amadeo has provided livelihood to its residents.

“The Pahimis festival which was first launched in 2002 has now become a culture and a tradition of the people of

Amadeo,” said Villar, popularly known as “Misis Hanep Buhay.”

In Amadeo, Pahimis means thanksgiving.

Pahimis is a coffee festival of thanksgiving which also intends to promote the town’s coffee industry and gain support to local coffee growers.

The three-term congressman of the lone district of Las Pinas congratulated the town of Amadeo and its people since their coffee has become famous across the nation.

In fact, she recalled that during her stint in the House of Representatives, they always got Amadeo coffee as “gift” during Christmastime.

COFFEE TOAST. Misis Hanepbuhay Cynthia Villar, together with Cavite 6th District Rep. Antonio Ferrer, Mayor Jonjon Ferrer, Mayor Benjarde Villanueva and PCSO Dir. Aleta Tolentino,

leads the ceremonial coffee toast during the Pahimis Coffee Festival in Amadeo, Cavite. The festival is in thanksgiving for the bountiful coffee harvest of the Amadeans.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO Who would pull the trigger against this gentle Tausug?

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

( 1st of four parts )

PERSONAL ESSAY

BY PENELOPE C. SANZ

A

EDITORIAL

Tightening the noose

S

R. SUPT. RONALD DELA ROSA and his police force are on the right track in tightening the noose on persons who are suspected to be involved in the illegal drugs trade.

Arguably, there’s nothing wrong with Police Sr. Supt.

Dela Rosa talking directly to suspects, advising them to stop their illegal activities. It is no different from an overly concerned policeman giving a fatherly advice to folks under his area of jurisdiction to avoid committing a crime so they would not be in trouble with the law.

People who are into the highly illegal activity should thank dela Rosa for warning them first rather than allowing his men to conduct the swoops right away which could be real messy and sometimes violent. Although

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some of them may profusely deny involvement in drugs and feign being offended by the virtual defamation, there is reason to believe that the police has a strong dossier on them.

What is certain is that law-abiding neighbors of the suspects are elated about the “visits” of dela Rosa as they provide hope that at last, the drug problem in their neighborhood would soon be solved.

Of course, the adverse reaction of the Commission on Human Rights is expected. It is the commission’s job to deliver strongly-worded statements against what it thinks are violations of human rights.

To settle the argument, the CHR should go to court. Determined to do its job, the police should consider the case worth fighting it out in court.

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LBER Husin is dead. Like Gene Boyd Lumawag, Mindanews’ photo editor, he was gunned down. Both were very dear to me. Alber was shot in Pagadian City evening of February 10 and died at 4 a.m on February 14, Valentine’s Day. When Gene Boyd died in Jolo in November 2004, Alber took my storm calmly and compassionately when I raged like the Ilongot headhunters over his senseless killing. He did not even budge when I “pushed him against the wall” revealing my prejudice against the Muslims and reflecting it back to me.

I was shocked with my raw emotion and the biases that I did not even know were there. When I saw Alber at Gene Boyd’s wake, he was awkward and unsure how to situate himself with me and in the funeral parlor. My heart went out to him. He was a Tausug from Jolo and right in the middle of a crowd crying out for blood. I walked up to him and I apologized with a contrite heart. Alber smiled at me and simply hugged me, assuring me of his understanding and support.

Alber, an anthropologist, was trained to take people seriously. He always tried to understand how people interpret and act in the world, and put it into context. He also strived hard to be of help to others. A natural networker, he would go out of his way to bridge people and relations. Was that why he was killed?

Who would kill a peace advocate, a development worker, an educator who cared passionately for the education of Moro and indigenous peoples?

Who would pull the trigger against this gentle Tausug, who together with Leah Vidal, Jowel Canuday, and I hang on to one other when we crossed the flooded rivers of San Fernando, Bukidnon to reach a Matigsalug community; who cried unabashedly in front of me whenever a girlfriend broke up with him; who often nudged me to drink my coffee or eat my lunch before it gets cold because I was so engrossed with whatever I was doing; who always made sure that he smelled so good by spraying perfume all over his body and also carefully styled his hair with gel; who never failed to make fun of himself and his Tausug identity by asking, “mukha na ba akong moks (short for moklo, a derogatory term for Muslims) nito Pen?”, as he put on his glittery bracelet, red Nike high-cut shoes, matching red backpack, and signature shades.

Alber was happiest when he married Irene in May 2006 in Zamboanga City. I remember him telling me that he finally met his match and that she is one of a kind. Oh how he enthused about their wedding plans and how he worked hard to raise the necessary funds so Irene will be able to remember it as the most memorable day of her life. When I showed up in my grubby fieldwork clothes with my backpack at sunrise on their wedding day, Alber gave me clear and specific instructions right at his parents’ doorway: “Pen, huwag mo talagang iwanan si Irene ha” (Pen, don’t ever leave Irene).

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

B

VANTAGE POINTS

Prospects for social betterment

USINESS COMPETITIVENESS AND CITIZENS’ CONTENTMENT - Business and infrastructure development in Davao City is a familiar scene and the most accurate picture of the flourishing economy remains a diagram of an accelerating growth. Business activities in the city are marked by steady stream of infrastructure projects – big and small. For proof, modern shopping malls, world-class hotels and restaurants, IT centers, retail chains and entertainment facilities dotted the city’s strategic locations – commercial districts and thickly populated areas.

Since two years ago, huge and glitzy shopping malls have opened their doors to price and quality-conscious Dabawenyos. These establishments are cramped with a variety of stores dealing in signature apparels, collection of expensive jewelry, watches and bags and an assortment of other products such as shoes, cameras, cellular phones, electronic gadgets, accessories, appliances, and of course, grocery store, renowned café joints serving various coffee and tea brands and beverages and restaurants offering different sumptuous cuisine. Adding to these conveniences are the imposing convention facilities that would cater to local, national and foreign conferences.

Right now, it seems there is no sign of slowing down leading to this question: “Is Davao City rapidly developing into an infrastructure center and mall-rat haven?” It’s precisely because a number of big and modern commercial and office structures situated in various locations are nearing completion while many more are

still in the working stages. We really have no idea if this sign of economic growth has been Godsend for the Dabawenyos.

From anyone else, this might seem delusional self-aggrandizement, but major corporate players probably believe that the locals already belong to the high-spending crowd that they were enticed to invest in the city.

Has there been a fundamental economic change in the city that the “artificial” consumer boom is on full display or is there a new breed of high-spending consumer groups in the city? Actually, in the not-so-distant past such huge shopping destinations which cater mostly expensive signature brands were off limits to all but a fortunate middle-class consumer audience in the locality. Same is true with the new and state-of-the-art office spaces that caters to call center operations and other similar line of endeavor whose principals decided to establish permanent business stations in the city. Some private analysts noted that a lot of investors are optimistic a rapidly changing economy is making the medium to higher life available to more and more of the city’s million-strong population.

Meanwhile, other economists say that when you look at the processes, it seemed a little bit risky, but in the end it’s a success. By temperament,

investors should only be cautious and hard-bargainer. It is no wonder big investors are pushing their way in the city than in any other bustling metropolis in Mindanao. So how did Davao City become host to numerous foreign and nation-leading investors, it might be asked? The plain and simple truth: A sign of growing interest among prospective investors are strategic business locations, cheap labor; lower tax scheme, abundant supply of water and power and vast natural resources. These all point to healthy elements of a vibrant and robust economy, environment-friendly surroundings, livable community and most importantly the adherence to the rule of law.

What we have in the city right now is a burgeoning economic development. We could not talk about progress and development without thinking of big and established businesses. Business projections, as a matter of fact, provided the city with new investment space to speed up development and also include a plan to encourage investments from nearby regions aside from Manila-based and foreign capitalists. We always have to bear in mind and remember what the experts say “that doing business is not only making money for the company, but likewise to create something that contributes to society.” Infrastructure development therefore is not just business ventures or structures where people live and work, but also opportunities for social betterment. At stake is nothing less than the city’s business competitiveness and its citizens’ contentment.

Requiem to a Gun-less Warrior

H

E answered the questions he raised by presenting the overarching social and political malaise that bred the violence in their midst.

But writing Kalis also compelled Alber to come to terms with who he was and what happened to him, his murdered family, and their community on March 16. Kalis marked his difficult break from a painful and horrific past. His heart bled while writing it but in the process set himself free from the burden of evil that he had witnessed long ago, in his young life.

Breaking from the dark spell of March 16, he went on answering his questions way beyond his thesis, through the trajectory of his life and the career path he had taken.

Instead of arming himself and serving as a warrior to his family as he

( Conclusion )

PERSONAL ESSAY: JOWEL CANUDAY/MINDANEWS was taught to do, he aligned himself with peace advocacy groups, joined researches that helped unravel the many unknown dimensions of armed conflict events that a string of communities in Mindanao faced.

He actively pursued programs that bridged young Muslims, Christians and indigenous people. He lectured on peace, culture, and Moro history before the Philippine military. He, a Muslim, discussed the future of Jesuit social engagement with Islamic communities around the world, in a conference in Rome. The final job he held was serving as area head of a development project that works toward the elevation of indigenous

people education in Muslim communities. His passion was inspiring. He worked on these involvements tirelessly and energetically as an aggressive warrior would.

In the practice of everyday life, he broke free from the parochialism of gun violence in Sulu and came to engage with many so he, they, and we may value our common humanity.

Alber may have fallen from a gun that once took away his childhood and killed his innocence. But he stood larger than life by fighting the condition that bred the violence in our midst through the way of a gun-less warrior.

(Jowel Canuday of MindaNews is a close friend of Alber. He is currently completing his doctorate in social and cultural anthropology at Oxford University in England).

9

The Sabah Affair ADVOCACY MINDANOW

JESS G. DUREZA

D

AVAO CITY (MindaNews/18 February) -- I was shaken a bit when I learned that a group loyal to the Kiram family of Sulu publicly announced their intentions of pushing for the sultanate’s Sabah claim by a “mass action or a show of force” in Lahad Datu, a coastal town of Sabah. The reports are not so clear yet so we don’t have details of the so-called “standoff” between Malaysian authorities and the 200 or so Muslim Filipinos (some of them armed).

A bit of a backgrounder: It is said that before governments came, the King of Brunei once sought help from the Sultanate of Sulu to quell a rebellion in the former’s kingdom. In return for winning the day for the Brunei king, a piece of land now known as Sabah was given to the Sultanate as a reward. Since that time up to now, the Kiram family of Sulu maintains it has proprietary rights over Sabah as evidenced by the lease entered into between the Sultanate and the British North Borneo Co. in 1878. In 1963, the British turned over to Malaysia control over Sabah and a 50-year lease was reportedly entered into with Malaysia still paying annual “rentals” to the Sultanate. There are reports that the contract of lease is expiring next month (50 years from 1963).

The Kirams evidently want to re-establish or re-confirm their rights by actual “occupancy”. Hence, the current controversy.

The Marcos years saw the infamous “Jabidah Massacre” where Muslims who were allegedly secretly trained in Corregidor to invade Sabah were murdered to prevent the “oplan” from being divulged, except for a lone survivor, Abidin Arula, who succeeded on telling the world about the alleged invasion plan.

The “Jabidah Massacre” so angered the Muslim world that a group of Muslims, led by a Tausug professor at the University of the Philippines named NUR MISUARI rose up in arms and started a rebellion to seek justice. The rest is history.

Fast forward to present time.

I called my frat brod, ATTY RANDOPLH “BONG” PARCASIO, one of the closest to Chairman Nur (called Ma’as” by those close to him) to find out if the MNLF had some hand in this latest caper in Sabah. I got this initial feeling because I was the one who fetched Chairman Nur from Malaysia when he was arrested by Malaysian authorities in the early years of the Arroyo administration after a failed “rebellion” in Sulu. Of course he was a prime suspect but he was subsequently cleared by a Philippine court.

I recall Ma’as telling me on board the C-130 PAF cargo plane that ferried us back to Luzon that he would not stop fighting for the return of Sabah “come what may”. He must be nursing not only the Bangsamoro aspiration of recovering their homeland (including Sabah) but also was hurting due to the way he was treated by the Malaysians during his detention.

But Atty. Bong immediately denied the involvement of MNLF and Ma’as in this latest incident in Sabah, although they both have the compelling motives to do so. “We are busy with our campaigns (Bong is running for congressman in the 2nd district of Davao del Sur) and Chairman Nur is busy dealing with the Abu Sayyaf menace in Sulu and also his candidacy for governor,” Bong immediately said. I’ll take it on its face value for the meantime.

There is a lot of ramification in this present Sabah incident that needs to be untangled. For example, the MILF is fighting for the Bangsamoro homeland but it has excluded (conveniently or otherwise) mention of Sabah in its demand for specific areas. Of course, Malaysia being a facilitator in the peace talks gives some inkling to observers why Sabah is not in the radar screen of the parties to the negotiations.

There is more than meets the eye, as the saying goes.

In the meantime, let’s just all sit by and watch. Interesting developments are still in the offing.

10 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Reaching out to the community through the years

The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by Riza Joy Sarile (right), school Principal I of Mahayag Elem. School, and Tess Pascual, general manager/farm administrator of Cecilia Stock Farms, Inc. represented by Kathy Tupas (left), followed by the official turn-over of the key to the school official.

“W

H AT E V E R the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation,” this is a powerful, awakening line from an iconic American broadcast journalist, Walter Cronkite.

The statement is true indeed and this is the very reason why the Cecilia Stock Farms, Inc. (CSFI) of Barangay Mahayag, Bunawan, Davao City is very keen to help build a com-

munity of educated people through its adopt-aschool program and Mahayag Elementary School in Bunawan, Davao City is the fortunate recipient of the program.

July 26, 1996 since CSFI adopted the school as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The company has build class rooms and a library conducive to the learning process of the elementary pupils. It even provided 100% schol-

arships for qualified, exemplary pupils who are entering high school with supplementary allowances every month. Bridging programs during summer to enhance the pupil’s reading comprehension and mathematical skills.

Last February 15, 2013, a blessing and a turn over ceremony of the newly donated Home Economics building was held at the school. The event highlighted the official turn-over of key of the

home economics room to the school principal.

In a message from Teresita Pascual, CSFI General Manager and Farm Administrator, “the objective of donating the H.E. building to the school is for the students to have an area to enhance their skills on good housekeeping and be oriented on the proper food preparation as well as the nutrition they can get from it. We expect that these objectives will be attained as soon as the

facility will be used by the students,” she stressed.

In return, the Mahayag Elementary School Principal I Riza Joy Sarile extended her deepest gratitude to the company for its undying support and especially to the General Manager whose thrust is to help educate people in Barangay Mahayag.

She also assured that the building will be utilized according to its purpose and will be maintained properly.

Many have attested and witnessed the fascinating developments that the company has brought to this chosen community. But for Cecilia Stock Farms, Inc., this is more than just a corporate social responsibility; this is about reaching out the community through the years and most especially, building a community with educated people who will soon after help each other be successful.

[Kathy Klye Tupas/CSFI]

al treaty on cluster munitions, they have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of many people,” said Mr Maurer.

“The vision of Henry Dunant – the Red Cross idea – has not only survived but flourished through all these long years,” said Mr Maurer.

“Over the past century and a half, the ICRC has overcome political adversity, financial difficulty, cultural barriers and countless other obstacles, even attacks on its own staff to bring vitally needed humanitarian assistance and protection to people in need.”

Once quite small with an entirely Swiss staff, the ICRC now performs its humanitarian tasks in over 90 countries all over the world, and has a workforce of almost 13,000 men and women of over 100 different nationalities.

In the Philippines, the ICRC has been present for more than 60 years and carries out a broad range of humanitarian activities for the vulnerable populations adversely affected by armed conflicts or other situations.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the Tagum Cooperative and the Province of Davao del Norte for the grant of a half a million financial assistance that the former will provide to the Luntiang Paraiso Regional Rehabilitation Center in New Corella, Davao del Norte.

“The MOA binds the two signatories to work together in making a difference in the lives of alcoholics and drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation in Luntiang Paraiso,” Tagum Cooperative Chairperson Norma Pereyras said during the MOA signing held at the Bulwagan of the Provincial Capitol in Mankilam this city.

Pereyras said Tagum Cooperative Board Resolution 087-2013, which was signed during a special meeting on February 2, 2013, allowed for the provision of a P500,000 financial assistance to the Rehabilitation Center, specifically for the construction of a chapel within the center’s compound.

“The Tagum Cooperative believes that regardless of our religious denomination, we are one in the eyes of God,” she

said. Thus, she added, the construction of a chapel in the rehabilitation center will contribute to the spiritual nourishment of the Luntiang Paraiso community.

She said the MOA only shows that the Tagum Cooperative has remained a committed partner of Davao del Norte in development and in making the lives of its people better.

The Rehabilitation Center, which started its operation in 2001, is one of the three rehabilitation centers in Mindanao.

The other two are located in Mintal, Davao City and in Abong-Abong, Zamboanga City.

The Center has produced at least 17 graduates, 17 dependents in 2010 and ten dependents in 2012, most of who have either gone back to their families while some are already working abroad.

The Center’s building was financed by the Dangerous Drugs Board but the component local government units contribute to the rehabilitation fees of the Center as it continues to provide free services for indigent drug and alcohol dependents.

[RGA/LAC/PIA 11]

Tagum Coop provides P.5 million 150 yrs. of humanitarian action fund for drug rehabilitation chapel in the midst of armed conflict A

L

AST Saturday , February 17, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) turned 150 years old, commemorating the beginning of its efforts to bring relief to millions and improve the lives of countless people adversely affected by armed conflict. At a time when people are suffering the agonies of war in Syria, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere, the ICRC is more determined than ever to carry on with its humanitarian mission.

“This anniversary provides us with an opportunity to look critically at our past, and also to develop awareness of the strengths that have helped us in our activities carried out for millions of victims of armed conflict and other violence,” said Peter Maurer, president of the ICRC. “Now more than ever, we must not only remain true to our principles but also search for new ways to better serve the people who need help. We must redouble our efforts to make sure that the neutral, impartial and independent nature of our

humanitarian activities is understood by all.”

The ICRC continues to adapt to new forms of armed conflict and to a number of challenges confronting humanitarian activities. “We are carrying on with our work in an environment that is being shaped by the use of new weapons and technologies, the proliferation of armed groups, the difficulty of obtaining access to people requiring aid, and a plethora of NGOs and other humanitarian organizations endeavouring to serve communities with competing approaches,” said the ICRC president.

“Together with our partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the broader humanitarian community, we must seek ways of meeting these challenges,” said the ICRC president. “We have to better coordinate humanitarian efforts, and pay very careful attention to the opinions of those we are seeking to help – and give them the opportunity to play an active role in these efforts, the ultimate aim of which is to enable

people in need to achieve a lasting recovery.’’

The biggest challenge facing the ICRC and other humanitarian organizations is a lack of respect for international humanitarian law, which prohibits violence directed against people who are not involved in armed conflict, like children, the wounded or sick, or detainees. “The need for a strong political will to spare civilians and otherwise comply with international humanitarian law, whether on the part of States or of non-State armed groups, has never been greater,” said Mr Maurer.

Many of the ICRC’s everyday activities now have far-reaching effects.

“When ICRC delegates visit detainees in Guantanamo, or facilitate the release of hostages in Colombia, or help people in Afghanistan obtain health care in safe conditions, or provide the maintenance and technical know-how that keep the water and electricity networks up and running in Goma, a city of half a million people, or push for a binding internation-

11

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

VM Rody vows...

FFROM 1

Manding a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest suspected drug pushers in the said barangay.

Duterte’s warning to take the cudgels in his own hands came at the heels of a series of massive police visits in several barangays in the city starting with Barangay 23-C last week and Barangay Ilang yesterday.

The police operatives led

by DCPO Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa were accompanied by barangay captain Romy Cabling and members of the barangay council.

Dela Rosa and the barangay officials personally appealed to some suspected drug pushers and couriers present yesterday in Barangay Ilang to stop their illegal drug trade enterprise. Some of the suspects promised to

Crising...

stop their activities.

Some of the suspected drug dealers were not in their homes when Dela Rosa’s team came to visit the barangay.

The series of visits left homes of suspected drug dealers and couriers deserted and the police are left with no one to go after in the usual ‘hot spots.’

Not for long But while the suspected individuals involved in illegal drugs have sought refuged elsewhere, Duterte said the city government has ensured there are eyes watching them even when the police are not visiting their area.

Duterte hinted that there are surveillance cameras are now working in the suspected areas where illegal drugs are rampant.

He said the recent-

ly-passed Davao City Ordinance on installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to business establishments and some of the public areas of the city will greatly help in capturing criminal activities.

“Gamay rana siya ug dili kayo mapansin (it is quiet tiny and it can’t easily be seen) Duterte said.

“Pwede gud unta namo atakehon pero sigurado musukol man gyud na, lisod kaayo kay basig mulusot-lusot ang bala sa mga balay ug daghan civilian ang madamay (We can afford to attack those suspected drug pushers and users but for sure they will fight back and its difficult because bullets will hit the houses and we might hit the civilians too” Duterte explained.

cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Surigao, Bislig and Tandag while the South Cotabato region – Region 12 or Soutwestern Mindanao (also referred to as Soccskargen) comprises

the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (MindaNews)

are used to puncture or lacerate.

The Rad Green Solutions is one of the three Filipino companies that were chosen for a threemonth immersion and funding mission at Plug and Play Tech Center in

Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.

Barriga said after the Silicon Valley immersion, their company had received several inquiries already from other countries. (Lorie Ann Cascaro/ MindaNews)

processes, and notions of peace. The scope includes indigenous peoples and the Bangsamoro. Most of these researches are under review to be published in UP Mindanao’s refereed journal, Banwa.

Apart from the researches, the Tripartite Partnership has organized various forums, lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions.

These were participated by members of the academe, non-government agencies, government agencies, and the media.

One of these activities was the forum on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro held last December 7, 2012 at Grand Men Seng Hotel that successfully brought groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Lib-

eration Front in one place.

The forum was co-organized by the Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao and the Department of Education – Region XI. During that forum, the historical context of the Bangsamoro struggle was tackled followed by a discussion on the salient points of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro by a representative of the MILF. Updates on the GRP-NDFP negotiations were also discussed since the issue on the conflict between the government and the CPP/ NDF is more felt in the Davao Region where the forum was held.

With all its achievements in two years, Prof.

Osamu Yoshida of HiPeC said, “We hope that this partnership will last a long time.”

FFROM 1

mum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour.

Caraga comprises the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands and the

Bio-medical...

FFROM 2

sharps waste from health centers here and turn them into char using its pyroclave facility, free of charge.

Sharps wastes include syringes and injection devices, blades, contaminated glass and plastics that

Tri-Partnership...

FFROM 2 tion will be concluded in March 2013.

To cap the two-year partnership, a wrap-up seminar was held last February 5, 2013. Dubbed, “Pains and Gains through the Years : A Review of the Two-Year Collaboration of the HiPeC-SSN-UP Mindanao Tripartite Partnership in Peacebuilding,” the seminar became an avenue to gauge how the Tripartite Partnership fared with all its achievements and setbacks.

The two-year Tripartite Partnership produced a total of seven (7) researches. The topics of these researches range from the peace process, problems of integration (by the MNLF Integrees in the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police), gender in the peace process, land conflict, justice and resolution

MORE HEADS ARE BETTER. Department heads of the different agencies of the City Government of Davao attend the weekly departmental meeting presided by acting City Administrator Lawyer Zulieka Lopez and assistant City Administrator Erwin

Alfaraque to tackle priority concerns of the city government at the Davao City Hall on City Hall drive, Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Rotary...

FFROM 2

(COP), the organization of incumbent presidents of close to 20 Rotary clubs in the Davao area.

He said that the funds to be used for the cataract project are donations from his friends in different countries like Germany and “surprisingly” India, where his club was able to collect a whopping P2 million.

Nimmo headed a delegation composed of Rotary club presidents to pay

a courtesy call on Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who is expected to sign an executive order proclaiming this week Rotary Week like what she did in previous celebrations.

The group was received by Lemuel Ortonio, chief of staff, as Mayor Sara is on leave.

Later, the group were guests at Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao at Ecoland yesterday.

In that forum, RC

Downtown president Milagros “Lagring” Acero, president Cheryl Gomez of RC Waling-waling, president Aimee Bautista of RC Pag-asa Davao and RC East Davao Ronald Go rattled off some of their community projects aimed at addressing the worldwide problems of poverty, unpeace, health, environment, climate change, hunger and education.

strict instructions to conduct checkpoint operation with courtesy.

“It is against our regulations for TF Davao operatives to frown in the checkpoints,” Besana said.

Superintendent Filmore Escobal, chief of the Community Relations Division of the Police Regional Office XI said that police and soldiers follow strict regulations in checkpoint operation.

He said that first soldiers and police on the checkpoint must be in proper uniform and on a well-lighted place whenever the inspection is done at night.

Escobal said the checkpoint must have a marked police or military vehicle that identifies the contingent.

“You can report to us checkpoints that are set up in the dark since it is a violation of standard operating procedures,” he said.

Lt. Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said that in areas outside Davao City, at least four soldiers wear Kevlar helmets and the corresponding bullet-proof vests whenever they man a checkpoint.

He said that it is the procedure being observed by soldiers in the absence of a marked military vehicle. “It is an indication that it is a legitimate government checkpoint,” Paniza said.

Inspector Rowena Jacosalem, spokesperson of the PRO XI said that residents must know how to differentiate the checkpoints set up by authorities from the ones set up by the rebels.

She said government checkpoints are manned by either police or soldiers in full uniform with bold stop signs and marked vehicle. [RGA/ JSD/PIA 11]

TF checkpoints...

FFROM 2

traband.

“Everybody is really obliged to come down so that we can do thorough inspection. You have to subject yourself for inspection once you are flagged down on a checkpoint,” he said.

Besana said just like the police, the TF Davao follows the basic plainview doctrine in conducting inspection in checkpoints with the strict implementation of the election gun ban and on routine checks against terrorism .

He said occupants of private vehicles are obliged to roll down their windows and to switch on the interior light at night once they are stopped for inspection.

Besana said that apart from buses, passengers of private vehicles are no longer required to get down during visual inspection.

He also said that TF Davao operatives have

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VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE

IS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL FOR ITS ULAS CAMPUS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2013-2014

PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS (3) TEACHER AIDE (2) ELEMENTARY TEACHERS (7) (Generalist, Science, Math, English) HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS (7) (Christian Living, Chemistry, Math, Filipino, English, History/Araling Panlipunan, HE/TLE) Submit the following requirements on or before March 30, 2013 to the HRD Office of San Pedro College at 12 C. Guzman Street, Davao City: - Application Letter - Transcript of Records - LET Result - Curriculum Vitae

For inquiries, call or visit the Human Resource and Development Office nd 2 floor PL Bldg., 12 C. Guzman St., Davao City Telephone Numbers: (082) 221-0257 / 224-1481 / 226-4187 local 32

SPORTS 13

Medvil fires first salvo

By Neil Bravo Games on 24 February 2013 at Deca Homes Resort and Residences, Mintal: 8:00 AM MIntal Inter Rage vs. Oi Rogers 10:00 AM Impeesa vs Holy Child 12:00 NN Calinan FC vs Real Davao 2:00 PM Calinan Blue Eagles vs Real davao

Games on 25 February 2013: 8:00 AM Impeesa vs PWC Patriots 10:00 AM Calinan FC vs Mintal Inter Rage 12:00 NN Medvil vs Holy Child 2:00 PM Calinan Blue Eagles vs Real Davao

T

ITLE favourite Medvil FC drew first blood in the ongoing Medvil Cup football tournament at the Deca Homes and Resorts field in Mintal.

Aleis Dayonon scored the lone goal for Medvil in the 73rd minute to his team past Impeesa 1-0 in their debut match last Saturday. Dayonon broke away from his defenders to blast home the winning marker as Medvil got 3 points for the win.

Impeesa, which won its first outing, dropped to a 1-0-1 win-draw-loss record in the standings.

Calinan Blue Eagles and Mintal Inter Rage stayed on top of the standings with their second win in as many out-

ings.

The Blue Eagles whipped Oi Rogers 5-0 behind the heroics of Junrill Bayanan who scored a brace (10th ad 40th). Edison Dimson opened up the scoring in the 5th minute before Bayanan sandwiched a goal by Bryle Larobis (38th).

Mintal Inter Rage kept abreast with the Blue Eagles after essaying a masterful 8-1 demolition of Holy Child.

Jeremy Basan scored a hat trick as he strung up three straight markers in the 43rd, 46th and 53rd minutes while teammate Julius Ponpon scored a brace with goals in the 28th and 65th. The other scorers are Jericho

Basan (20th), Raymond Casona 24th) and Ace Joaquin (64th). Jao Sobrapena scored for Holy Child in the 50th minute.

Real Davao improved to 1-0-1 win-draw-loss slate after notching its first win over PWC Patriots 4-2. Real Davao struck through Yves Dison who found the net twice in a span of 2 minutes (43rd and 44th) while Jefferson Lumio (75th and Aldrin Rebuta (79th) added the marginal goals. Floyd Yap scored for PWC in the 7st and 74th.

The tournament is backed up by Barangay Mintal, Congressman Isidro T. Ungab, UP Mindanao, and Medvil Farms. (NJB)

14

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Nerza rules Philhealth Run

By Neil Bravo

A

NTHONY Nerza and Celie Rose Jaro were the fastest among close to 6,000 runners in last Sunday’s 2013 Philhealth Run Davao Leg, but the happiest smiles belong to those who could not even take a single step in the footrace.

The huge turnout meant more funds for children cancer patients who are in the hospital beds of Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao as beneficiaries for the third year of this annual fund-raiser organized by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) and supported by the City Government of Davao as co-presentor for the Davao leg.

“With approximately 6,000 registered run enthusiasts for Region XI amassed to participate in the unprecedented simultaneous run as one nation, in 20 sites across the country, and by 86,000 nationwide runners, this is now carved as a monumental event in the annals of Philippine history,” the Philhealth Region XI office said in a statement.

Philhealth reported some 3,160 runners were entered in the 3-K division, 2,157 runners for 5-K, 285 runners in 3-K, and 267 in the 18-K categories.

Fresh from his double gold medal feat in the 2013 National PRI-

SAA Games in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Nerza came home just in time to cool his heels and put on his running shoes again on his way to dominating the premier 18-kilometer men’s division in one hour 6 minutes and 26 seconds.

Arnie Macaneras was a distant second checking in at one hour 7 minutes and 56 seconds while Nerza’s chief rival Brian Lupio who came in at a disappointing third in 1:09:36.

Nerza, a 23-year old Senior at Brokenshire College, won last week’s gold medals in the men’s 3,000 meter steeplechase and 10,000 meter events in Pangasinan. It meant a return to the top of Davao’s running scene after he was dislodged by Lupio in a disappointing stretch last year.

In the women’s 18-K race, Celie Rose Jaro followed up her twin wins a week ago with another smashing performance clocking 1:22:42 for the title. Emily Avergonzado took second place in 1:25:47 ahead of favorite Cynthia Jaro who was third in a slow 1:31:00.

Crisline Jaro and Cecilie Jaro completed the domination of the Jaro Sisters after winning the women’s 10-K and 5-K titles, respectively. Elmer Bartolo won the 10-K for men while Jesmar Lopez took the 5-K men’s title.

Sonny Wagdos, another gold medalist in the PRISAA National Games, won the 3-K men’s title while Jolly May Gabaisen took the women’s 3-K plum. Adrian Bentulan and Resinalyn Depillo won the 3-K kiddies titles.

The awarding ceremony was graced by Dr. Mae Concepcion Dolendo, Program Director for SPMC-CCBDU, who thanked all runners whose participation, she said, greatly contributed to the survival of cancer patients.

Dolendo also thanked PhilHealth for choosing their organization as a beneficiary of the fun run.

In the previous year’s PhilHealth Mindanao fun run, the proceeds were also turned over to the Kids of Hope as funding assistance in treating cancer patients and in supporting its projects.

COMPLETE RESULTS:

AO PAULO – Rafael Nadal showed he is back in business by clinching his first title since ending a seven-month knee injury layoff, winning the Brazil Open on Sunday.

The Spanish former world number one, who has yet to fully shrug off the lingering effects of

his knee problems, beat Argentina’s David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-3 in 78 minutes.

Currently the world number five, Nadal went on the attack from the start, breaking his opponent’s service before racing to take the first set.

The 31-year-old Nalbandian, a former world

number three who now languishes at 93 in the ATP rankings, fought back early in the second set but Nadal came from behind to win, sparking wild cheers from the crowd.

The Spaniard pocketed a check for $82,300 for his win and thanked the public for “the great

support” he received throughout the tournament.

Nadal was the top seed in this $455,775 tournament, his second comeback event following his long absence.

He competed in the Vina del Mar Open in Chile earlier this month, losing the singles and doubles finals last Sunday.

“It’s a great title and important for me,” said the 26-year-old.

“Yesterday (during the semi-final) the knee hurt.

Today it’s better, rather bearable. I am happy to win in Brazil for the second time.”

The world number five, who has 11 Grand Slam titles under his belt, first won the event in 2005, when it was held in Costa do Sauipe in eastern Bahia state.

Asked about his future plans, Nadal, who now has 37 claycourt titles in a 51-trophy career haul, replied: “I am going to think about Acapulco (later this month) and nothing else.”

RUNNING JAROS. The Jaro sisters Celie Rose, Cecilie, Crisline and Cynthia Jaro once more topped their respective divisions in the recently concluded Davao leg of the 2013 Philhealth Run. 3K Kiddie (Boys): 1st place – Adrian Bentulan – 12:43 2nd place - Michael Ednas – 12:53 3rd place – Jay Rico – 13:24 3K Kiddie (Girls): 1st place – Rosinelyn Depillo – 16:30 2nd place – Jyla Argamido – 18:15 3rd place – Karl Mae Dard – 21: 20 3K Adult (Male): 1st place – Sonny Wagdos – 10:19 2nd place – Daryl Mark Daban – 10:21 3rd place – Azlan Paglay – 10:28 3K Adult (Female): 1st place – Jolly Mae Gabaisen – 12:22 2nd place – Junalyn Dorado – 12:51 3rd place – Genevieve Berato – 14:10 5K Adult (Male): 1st place – Jesmar Lopez – 17:09 2nd place – Michael Ian Consantino – 17:41 3rd place – Erwin Gobal – 17:57 5K (Female): 1st place – Cecilie Jaro – 23:44 2nd place – Princess Mae Dayon – 24:27 3rd place – Angelei Rodriguez – 26:09 10K (Male): 1st place – Elmer Bartolo – 37:48 2nd place – Michael Baron – 37:49 3rd place – Romeo Mascardo – 42:31 10K (Female): 1st place – Crisline Jaro – 45:33 2nd place – Marlene Ledesma – 46:01 3rd place – Vivian Avegonzado – 46:49 18K (Male): 1st place – Anthony Nerza – 1:06:26 2nd place – Arnie Macaneras – 1:07:56 3rd place – Brian Lupio – 1:09:36 18K (Female): 1st place – Celie Rose Jaro – 1:22:42 2nd place – Emily Avegonzado - 1:25:47 3rd place – Cynthia Jaro – 1:31:00

Nadal is back!

S

Rafael Nadal is back from injury and another title.

Grandeza gives it all but fails again

By Moses P. Billacura

T

EAM Gan Soo Do’s Steve “The Red Knight” Grandeza’s second attempt to bounce back in mixed martial arts failed when he lost to Miguel Mosquera in the featherweight class of the Pacific Extreme Combat 35 held over the weekend at the Ynares Coliseum in Pasig.

Grandeza bowed to Mosquera who finished him off with a rear-naked choke in the second round.

The Red Knight slammed his opponent twice, established a strong position for a ground and pound but received a point deduction for kicking a grounded opponent’s head.

It was Mosquera’s debut victory and Grandeza’s second setback after losing to Kyle Aguon last November 2012.

“On behalf of Team Gan Soo Do, we would like to thank everyone for the prayers and support.

We lost the fight and we thank God for keeping us safe. Lessons are learned

and we are thankful to all for appreciating my skills.

Cheering for me meant a lot,” said Grandeza.

Grandeza also extended again his appreciation to supporters Phoenix Petroleum Phils., MIX FM, I-flex Fitness, NIS Motors Corp., Rockspec Gear, Davao Bayan Construction and Hardware Supply, TBR Concepts, REDROCK Dezigns, Mayor Sara Zimmerman Duterte, Vice Mayor Rody R. Duterte, comebacking city sports chief Bong Go, the Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office, 3rd District Councilor Atty. Bong Advincula, Valiant Strikers by Mario Palazuelo, Johnny Commercial, Engr. Floro Virtucio Jr., Engr. Manny Gornez, Hedojar Soo Bahk Do, Atty. Arnel Zapatos, University of Mindanao Judo Club, Dr. Benedict Edward Valdez, sportsmen-businessmen Dennis Uy and Ben Sur and Blue Warrior Fitness Gym for all the help extended to the Team Gan Soo Do.[MPB]

Davao’s Steve Grandeza lost again in his second PXC fight.

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Thailand dreaming Silk umbrella painting.

I

often wonder, what is it about Thailand that makes my friends like Jinggoy and Emil want to go back to it time and time again. I mean, I see their ads all the time on tv and have friends like Carmina telling me how awesome Thai street food is, I am curious having bot yet been able to visit the country before.

So when the Tourism Authority of Thailand invited me to join their Amazing Thailand last February 4 at the Garden Tent of the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, I look the chance to get to have a sneak peek at what Thailand has to offer and what makes it amazing.

It was immediately fascinated by the exhibit they had set up featuring Thai umbrella painting and Thai cuisine. The dextrous hands of both the painter and the ones making the intricate flower-shaped dumplings show just how different Thai culture is

Making Thai dumpligs

Mrs Kanokkittika Kritwutikon - Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore & the Philippines, me, Mr Phanom Kaributra - Executive Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, H.E Mr Prasas Prasasvinitchai - Ambasador of Thailand to the Philippines . Photo by Rhonson Ng. ASEAN, South Asia & South Pacific Region and Jojie Alcantara. Photo by Rhonson Ng.

from our Pinoy culture, yet also have a similar thread as we also have textile hand-painting and cooking using rice-flour, albeit with different techniques.

The roadshow’s dinner was opened by H.E

Mr Prasas Prasasvinitchai - Ambasador of Thailand to the Philippines and was immediately followed by a presentation of the newest travel trends and destinations in Thailand by Mrs Kanokkittika Kritwutikon - Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Singapore & the Philippines.

The presentation was short but opened my eyes on the different things to do an experience in Thailand. From bustling Bangkok, the temples of Ayuthaya and the beaches of Phuket there are many adventures that can be done and with these in mind and in my dreams,

I look forward to realise my dreams of Thailand soon to finally experience why 290,000 Filipinos visit Thailand every year.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds and happenings in and around Davao.

H.E Mr Prasas Prasasvinitchai - Ambasador of Thailand to the Philippines and his welcome address at the Amazing Thai dumpling Thailand Road Show.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Globe revolutionizes prepaid with ‘create your own promo’ concept GLOBE TELECOM redefines prepaid as it brings another new and game-changing experience to its subscribers by allowing them to make their own promo the way they want to.

Introducing Globe Prepaid GoSakto, the first and only service in the country that allows prepaid subscribers to create and customize a prepaid promo that fits their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Another industry-shaking innovation from Globe, GoSakto empowers prepaid subscribers to design their own promo according to what they need, recognizing the fact that customers have different call, text and surfing needs.

With GoSakto, customers have the flexibility to tailor-fit their prepaid promo based on what they need for the day, week, or month.

To enjoy their GoSakto promo, subscribers first choose what type of promo to avail: call/text/surf, call and text, call and surf, text and surf, or a combination of all.

Once subscribers have chosen their promo, GoSakto further personalizes the experience by letting them select the type and number of calls and texts they need. Type of call/text can be within the Globe/TM network or across all networks, while number can be bulk or unlimited. For subscribers who need surfing services, they can also choose between bulk (in megabytes or MBs of data) or unlimited.

Finally, prepaid subscribers get to pick the validity of the calls, texts, and surfing services they availed, from 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days.

With the many levels of selection, prepaid subscribers can explore and find the best value GoSakto promo combo in over 2,000 possible combinations, another Globe-first.

There are three easy ways to GoSakto: via mobile phone via*143#, via the Globe website at www.globe.com.ph/gosakto, or via Facebook where they can share their promo to their friends via the GoSakto page on the social networking site. GoSakto even allows subscribers to name their created promo, as well as let their Facebook friends register to the same promo, creating a community of GoSakto users online.

With GoSakto, subscribers are spared from promo availment barriers such as maintaining balance, capping, and limited price points. A GoSakto promo is available for as low as P7, and can co-exist with another promo, giving subscribers more value for their money.

“We are thrilled to disrupt the prepaid market with yet another innovation that will change the behavior of today’s subscribers when it comes to availing promos,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Prepaid. “With GoSakto, subscribers will bid pre-made and canned prepaid promos goodbye. No customer is the same as the other. One would want more voice calls, another is a heavy texter, and the other enjoys browsing. One prefers 1-day promos, the other chooses those with longer validity. At the end of the day, you are the only one who truly understand and know your needs when it comes to connecting with your friends and loved ones.”

Added Dizon, “Taking this consumer insight, we at Globe developed a new service that will give the subscribers the power to make their own promo from scratch. Through GoSakto, Globe will be the brand that makes prepaid promos more flexible, personal, and yes customizable. Apart from their own prepaid promo, subscribers can even select how to GoSakto through mobile, website or Facebook, making the registration process more convenient and hassle-free.”

Innovation is what drives the company’s prepaid segment to flourish and grow despite a challenging market. In 2010, Globe Prepaid launched SuperAllTxt20, a breakthrough allnetwork offer that allowed subscribers to break barriers and connect with their circle regardless of mobile networks. It strengthened its All-Network and Unlimited services, bundling all hero offers with all-network texts and data. It also responded to the growing demand for mobile browsing services by giving subscribers free access to Facebook and Google.

In the area of pioneering experiences, Globe Prepaid took front and center with Load Watch, an innovative service that provides subscribers with real-time information on their load status, permanently avoiding instances of Nakaw Load.

Last year, it unveiled its self-service menu *143#, paving the way for subscribers to easily register to their favorite prepaid promos without having to memorize keywords and access codes.

For 2013, Dizon looks at GoSakto to increase the number of promo subscriptions among existing customers, as well as to acquire new ones who are looking for the right prepaid promo that will fit their needs.

Box office: Bruce Willis’ A Good Day to Die Hard powers way to no. 1

DIE hard, indeed.

Bruce Willis’ A Good Day to Die Hard battled to a win atop the Presidents’ Day weekend box office, grossing an estimated $25 million from Friday to Sunday.

Among other new releases, Safe Haven came up bigger than most of its Nicholas Sparks-spawned predecessors, while Beautiful Creatures was no Warm Bodies, much less Twilight.

A Good Day to Die Hard is the third movie in the nearly 25-year-old franchise to debut at No. 1.

Since opening Thursday, the film, the fifth installment in the action series, has grossed $33.2 million.

The debut is on the smaller side for a Die Hard once some of the older movies’ prehistoric ticket prices are adjusted for inflation. (Kudos to BoxOfficeMojo.com for doing the math.)

At the same time, the debut is far bigger than recent ones suffered by

Willis’ Expendables comrades, Arnold Schwarzengger and Sylvester Stallone, who struck out with The Last Stand and Bullet to the Head, respectively.

Safe Haven, meanwhile, which topped A Good Day to Die Hard at Thursday’s Valentine’s Day box office, settled for third place in the weekend standings.

The Josh DuhamelJulianne Hough romantic drama grossed a projected $21.5 million from Friday-Sunday. The take puts the film on par with The Vow, the Sparks-channeling tearjerker that opened on the same weekend last year. Among films actually based Sparks novels, Safe Haven came up bigger than all but Dear John and The Lucky One. The witch-graced Beautiful Creatures lacked for vampires (Twilight) and zombies (Warm Bodies), and got left behind in sixth place with a weak $7.5 million Friday-Sunday.

Elsewhere, last week-

end’s No. 1 film, Identity Thief ($23.4 million), held very, while the new animated family film, Escape From Planet Earth, opened OK ($16.1 million).

Outside of the Top 10, Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained topped $200 million internationally; The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hit $300 million domestically.

Here’s a complete look at the weekend’s top movies, per Friday-Sunday studio estimates and stats as compiled per Exhibitor Relations:

1. A Good Day to Die Hard, $25 million 2. Identity Thief, $23.4 million 3. Safe Haven, $21.5 million 4. Escape From Planet Earth, $16.1 million 5. Warm Bodies, $9 million 6. Beautiful Creatures, $7.5 million 7. Side Effects, $6.3 million 8. Silver Linings Playbook, $6.1 million 9. Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, $3.5 million 10. Zero Dark Thirty, $3.1 million

OVOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Brad Pitt and mini-me son Knox share family day out at the museum KNOX JOLIE-PITT is starting to look more and more like Brad Pitt’s MiniMe. Brad and Angelina Jolie’s adorable four-yearold son had some swag in his step as he headed out with his family to the Natural History Museum on Valentine’s Day, dressed just like his 49-year-old dad.

Sporting all black from head to toe, Knox mimicked his dad’s outfit, rocking sunglasses, a blazer, Tshirt and matching pants.

Brad, also was wearing all black for the family day, donning a coat, T-shirt and jeans as well.

Brangelina took Knox

and his twin sister Vivienne to the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, where the young duo were smitten with the dinosaur exhibits.

A source told E! News the tiny tykes had a blast

playing with fossils, putting together a Tyrannosaurus Rex puzzle and looking at specimens through a microscope while they were there.

They grow up so fast.

And so cute!

Zero Dark Thirty scribe says he should be free to write “Bin Laden was killed by aliens” ZERO Dark Thirty screenwriter Mark Boal is still defending his story about capturing and killing Osama Bin Laden.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Boal said: “I think it’s my right, by the way, if I firmly believe that [Osama] Bin Laden was killed by aliens, to depict that. And I should be able to put on there, ‘This is 100 percent true and anyone who doubts it is themselves

abducted by aliens’...without a Senate investigation into where I got that notion. Right? In this country, isn’t that legit?”

He believes those politicians opposing the film are solely using it as a “publicity tool.”

He elaborates, adding, “Now does that mean they can use the movie as a political platform to talk about what they’ve been wanting to talk about for years and years and

years? Do I think that Feinstein used the movie as a publicity tool to get a conversation going about her report? I believe it.”

However, despite how some politicians may feel about the film, it’s clear the Academy appreciates it.

The Kathryn Bigelow directed film is nominated for Best Screenplay, Best Picture, as well as Best Actress for Jessica Chastain among its 5 nominations.

HUGH GRANT is on diaper duty once again.

The 52-year-old Cloud Atlas star and his onagain, off-again girlfriend Tinglan Hong welcomed their second child recently…and Grant couldn’t wait to share the news via Twitter.

“In answer to some journos. Am thrilled my daughter now has a brother. Adore them both to an uncool degree. They have a fab mum,” Grant tweeted Saturday morning. “And to be crystal clear. I am the Daddy.”

Hong and Grant welcomed their first child together, Tabitha, in September 2011.

The actor, who referred to fatherhood as “life-changing” in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres last year, said he would highly recommend becoming a parent to anyone.

“Ever yone was right all these years, saying, “Hugh, why don’t you have some children?

It changes your life,” Grant said in the sit-down. “Now that I have a child, it is life

changing. I recommend it.

Get some!’

Congrats!

Hugh Grant announces son’s birth on Twitter

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

FOOD

VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Destination eats in Durianburg

Yin-Yang Garupa

By Kenneth Irving Ong

DINING OUT is all about the unique experiences and the food that we taste. This is a short list of some of some unique dishes that you should travel around Davao to taste.

the Pata de Paella is available every Friday at Cafe Uno’s Filipino themed buffet. I also helps that the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is a destination in itself with its wide gardens and Samal Island vistas.

Lotus Court’s Yin Yang Garoupa One does not have to travel far to taste the Lotus Court’s specialty, their Yin-Yang Garupa. Normaly when you order fish at a Chinese restaurant, you get the whole fish but done only one way but Lotus Court’s Yin-Yang Garupa on the other hand serves the fish filleted and then cooked two ways: fried with a sweet and sour sauce, and stir-fried with blackbeans. Having the fish served this way allows diners to experience the different ways to experience the flavour profiles of the fish all in one dish.

The Lotus Court is located at the third level of the Marco Polo Hotel.

Mesa Filipino Moderne’s Patotim From one knuckle to another, this time the pork knuckle of everyone’s favourite patatim has been substituted with a nice and fatty duck that is tender and literally falls off the bone. Mesa Filipino Moderne’s Patotim is a fresh twist and adds layers of new flavours to the traditional Chinese-Filipino dish. Of course those who don’t like duck can have a go at the many different modern renditions of Pinoy favourites also.

Mesa Grill is located at the ground floor of the Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier where you can find the country’s longest dancing fountain.

Cafe Uno’s Pata de Paella Everyone loves crispy pork knuckles but The Waterfront Insular Davao Hotel’s Pata de Paella literally takes home the bacon.

Deboned and crispy, this pork knuckle that is stuffed with a special seafood paella with shrimp, squid, and mussels is a sinfully delicious treat. Even better,

Belito’s Paella Negra Davao is known for some of its small “hidden” restaurants that serve great food. One of these is Belito’s located along Palm Drive in Bajada. The restaurant serves a delicious Paella Negra that is sure to delight any seafood lover’s palate. Although there are other restaurant that serve

Pata de Paella

Patotim

paella negra in the city, Belito’s paella is served on a cast-iron bowl instead of a flat paellera, ensuring that there is a lot of crispy, paella crust for everyone.

Spirale’s Lemon Cream Pie Most Pinoy’s often expect their fruit pie to be saccharinely sweet that

oftentimes kills the tongue with nothing but sweetness, but Spirale’s Lemon Cream Pie takes it the other way and pairs a fruity sour with a modest amount of sugar that totally refreshes the palate and makes you want to have another slice.

Spirale is located at the ground floor of Abreeza Mall.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 249 •TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

West

shines SLAM. Blake Griffin of the West All Stars slams during the NBA All Star game.

H

OUSTON — Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Kobe Bryant turned this West victory into an L.A. story.

Paul had 20 points, 15 assists and won MVP honors, Bryant blocked LeBron James’ comeback attempt, and the Western Conference beat the East 143-138 on Sunday night (Monday, Manila time).

Kevin Durant scored 30 points and Griffin finished with 19, joining his Clippers teammate, Paul, in creating Lob City deep in the heart of Texas.

James scored 19 points but shot only 7 of 18 after having no shooting troubles during the latter part

of the season’s first half.

Carmelo Anthony led the East with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

The first dunk of the game came 16 seconds in, Paul throwing a pass to Griffin as part of the West’s 7-0 start. The West led after each of the first three quarters, though was never ahead by more than eight points through three periods.

They finally pushed it into double figures early in the fourth fueled by former Oklahoma City teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden, but couldn’t put it away until a late run behind the guys from the city of Los Angeles — who

along with Lakers center Dwight Howard gave Los Angeles all but one of the West’s starting spots.

Paul hit two 3-pointers, Bryant made a layup, and his block of James led to Durant’s dunk that made it 136-126. Griffin had one last forceful dunk to help close it out, throwing a pass to himself off the backboard and climbing high in his neon green sneakers to slam it home and make it 142-134.

Harden had 15 points in his home arena, where the sights of the game were on the floor and the sounds were at the rim — which shook repeatedly after thunderous dunks for

most of the game before, as usual, players tried to make some stops down the stretch.

Players’ sneakers were a variety of pastels and fluorescent colors that looked like they came right from Easter Sunday church, many clashing so badly with their multi-colored socks that they may as well have been created by spilling out random paint buckets.

James and Dwyane Wade wore purple, and Griffin’s neon look was also sported by the usually-notso-loud Tim Duncan and Brook Lopez.

But the NBA’s high-flyers sure could leap in them.

ONE ON ONE. Superstars Kobe Bryant and Lebron James go up against each other in the NBA All-Star game in Houston. Bryant and his West team beat the East.

MVP. Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers was named MVP of this year’s All-Star game. The West team captain finished with 20 points and 15 assists. AP

CP3: First time Clipper MVP

H

OUSTON (AP) -Chris Paul knew exactly what to do with the unlimited talent around him in Sunday’s NBA All-Star game: find the open man and enjoy the show.

Paul became the first Los Angeles Clippers player to be game’s MVP, scoring 20 points and handing out 15 assists in the West’s 143-138 win over the East.

He made 7-of-10 shots, including four 3-pointers, and became the third player to have at least 20 points and 15 assists in the league’s annual showcase, joining a couple Hall of Fame point guards, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. ‘’In games like this, it’s so up-tempo and fast-paced,’’ Paul said. ‘’A guy like me, that’s a facilitator, I enjoy (it).’’

Paul already had the best per-game assists average in All-Star histo-

ry, 12.4 in four appearances. He had nine assists and plenty of fancy dribbling in the first half and one of his niftiest moves came right before one of his only mistakes.

When 6-foot-11 Chris Bosh came out to the wing to guard him, Paul slid the ball between Bosh’s legs and darted past him. He then threw an errant pass into the lane and Dwyane Wade intercepted, one of Paul’s three turnovers in the game.

Paul didn’t have a miscue in the second half, and had nine points in the final quarter to help the West win for the fourth time in five seasons.

He tried to hook up with the high-flying Griffin for one of their trademark alley-oops early in the third quarter. They mis-timed it, though, and Griffin had to come down before going up for a more conventional dunk.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 249 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRIPLE CROWN FOILED

Reds bag twin titles

By Neil Bravo

A

TENEO De Davao University’s Triple Crown dreams turned into a nightmare as archnemesis Holy Child of Davao snatched two titles on a day of reversals capping the 1st Emilio D. Escandor Memorial Cup basketball tournament.

The day started on a bright note for the predominantly pro-Ateneo weekend crowd that filled the stands of the Davao City Recreation Center as they got one step ahead to a Triple Crown when the Blue Knights won the Mini Division crown at the expense of Assumption College of Davao, 9968.

The celebration later turned into a frown in the next two championship matches.

Holy Child won a controversy-marred Passerelle finals against Ateneo, 79-74, despite squandering a 20-point halftime lead.

With 25 seconds remaining, Holy Child took to the official’s table to question the line-up of the Blue Knights who had no Freshman on the floor.

Rules require at least one player born in 1999 to be on the floor for a team’s rotation.

At that point, Ateneo was riding on a momentum in the closely-fought match. The Blue Knights surged back to life in the second half after falling be-

REBOUND. An Ateneo de Davao University player grabs a rebound against a player from the Assumption College of Davao during their finals match of the 1st Emilio D. Escandor Memorial Cup at the Almendras Gym along Quimpo Blvd., Davao City on Sunday.

AdDU took home the title after routing ACD, 99-68. Lean Daval Jr.

hind by 20 at the turn and came tantalizingly close, 71-72, at the peak o f that rally

going into the endgame.

Then came the blunder. Coach Miggy Solitaria shuffled his boys for a final push but inadvertently missed the rule.

“It was a monumental lapse. I committed a blunder,” Solitaria admitted after the match.

Ateneo had the chance to redeem

FLOATER. Edward Blanco of Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights tries to score against two Holy Child School of Davao Reds during the Passerelle division championship match of the 1st Emilio D. Escandor Memorial Cup at the Almendras Gym along Quimpo Blvd., Davao City on Sunday. The Reds survived Blue Knights’ fourth quarter rally to capture the crown, 79-74. Lean Daval Jr.

wounded pride in the third and last championship but their Juniors squad faded in the homestretch to bow to a more fluid Holy Child Reds, 9985.

Silent but effective Rowel Dignos, scoring mostly on second chances, fired a game-high 27 points while Burly Kervin Villagracia added 17 points aside from making the shaded area a dangerous place for the Blue Knights.

To u r n a m e n t sponsor Glen Escandor Royal Mandaya Hotel, assisted by LTO assistant regional director Bong Gonzaga, awarded the trophies to the winning teams.