Edge Davao 5 Issue 252

Namiss nimo ang Valentine’s...

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

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BRAVING THE WATERS. A cab driver braves a flooded street after heavy rains submerged this stretch of road in downtown Davao City early morning yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

SM Babies Agritrends

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NPA frees cop, soldier Released POWs turned over to VM Rody

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

Follen coco trees as livelihood

Sports

Page 16

Night games in Davraa

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A

FTER 34 days in the custody of the New People’s Army, a policeman and a soldier were finally reunited with their families.

Police Officer 1 Ruel Pasion of the San Isidro Police Station in Davao del Norte, and Private First Class Jezreel Culango of the 60th Infantry Battalion was released by the NPA in Laak, Compostela Valley at 1:30 p.m. yesterday and later turned over to Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte brought Pasion aboard a chopper to

Camp Catitipan in Davao City. Immediately after landing at Catitipan, Pasion was wheeled to a waiting ambulance for routine medical checkup.

Pasion and Culango were held captive by the NPA Compostela Valley-North Davao-South Agusan Sub-regional Command last January 17.

Pasion and Culango were received by conveners of the Sowing the Seeds of Peace, who turned them over to Vice Mayor Duterte.

Based on the NPA’s orders of release read by FNPA FREES, 11

RELEASED. Captive policeman PO1 Ruel Pasion arrives with Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte at Camp Catitipan yesterday after 34 days of captivity by the New People’s Army. Pasion was released along with PFC Jezreel Culango in Kapalong, Davao del Norte yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

At SM Annex

Culture and Arts Festival ongoing

By Che Palicte

I

N line with the National Arts Month celebration, the Davao City Teachers Performing Arts Company (DCTPAC) has organized the 4th Division Culture and Arts Festival to be held at the SM Annex from February 21 to 24.

Edmund Superada, festival director told Edge Davao yesterday that the four-day event is themed “Anig Kalingannan”--a Bagobo term meaning harvest of talent in competitions, particularly students from public schools.

“The festival aims to provide opportunity and a good venue where students can show their talent, both in performing and non-performing arts,” Superada said.

The festival schedule: February 21 -- Visual arts competition, Music Television (MTV) making, and Creative writing.

February 22 -- Folk Dance Competition participated in by 21 public schools.

February 23 -- Musical Competition and Bb. Sin-

FAT SM ANNEX, 11

NON-POSTER AREA. An old man looks curiously at election posters of a party-list which are mounted in a non-poster area along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Will this year’s elections finally produce worthy public officials who can help ordinary citizens like the old man in the photo? Lean Daval Jr.

Merrier, but longer

More expected to join Parada

By EJ Dominic Fernandez

M

ORE contingents are expected to join the Parada Dabawenyo this year, while the 76th Araw ng Dabaw will open at the Rizal Park instead of Quezon Park, according to assistant city administrator, Erwin Alparaque.

During the iSpeak media forum at the city hall yesterday, Alparaque announced that the Araw ng Dabaw opening, this February 25, will be

held at the Rizal Park instead of Quezon Park.

“There were 284 contingents in the parade last year, but this year we expect more after we sent out 389 invitations and we are still encouraging more participants to join.”

He also clarified that the guidelines will “strictly” be implemented to avoid delays and ensure that the parade will start and end as schedule from 7am

in the morning until 12noon.

The parade guideline prohibits political candidates and businesses from distributing promotional materials, such as goodies, fliers, t-shirts and similar items which tend to interfere with, even disrupt, the proceedings.

Contingents that fail to follow the guideline will be pulled out of the parade with the help of 80 marshals and parade

coordinators that each contingent designates as per the guideline.

“We have included the guidelines in the invitations and we will brief the contingents before the parade to make sure that they understand the rules,” Alparaque said.

Alparaque said each contingent is allowed one float with a maximum addition of three vehicles; the maximum walking participant for

each contingent is 50; motorcycles and cars from motoring clubs are not allowed to perform acrobatic stunts and will be limited in number; floats must not be more than 12 feet high; and participants are not allowed to take off their clothes when they get warm because of the temperature.”

“We already had a meeting with PLDT, Davao Light and other telecommunications

Anti-child porno group raps zero convictions

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BACK TO REPACK. Volunteers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office are back repacking relief goods for the survivors of typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province, and victims of recent floods in Carmen, Davao del Norte. Lean Daval Jr.

companies to let them clean up the wires from the posts and make sure that they will not be lower than 14 feet, to impose safety,” Alparaque added.

Araw ng Dabaw spokesperson, Orly Escarilla announced that the winner of the Mutya ng Dabaw talent show held Wednesday at NCCC Mall was Kristine Angel Estoque with her tribal dance and kulintang playing talent.

HERE were only 68 reported cases of child pornography in the Philippines as long ago as 2009, but not a single conviction. This was bared in yesterday’s iSpeak forum at the city hall by Shiela Ferrer, regional coordinator of the Anti Child Pornography Alliance (ACPA).

The ACPA conducted a conference workshop on anti child pornography at the Ateneo de Davao University.

Shiela Ferrer said, “There were only 68 reported cases of child pornography in 2009, and this is the only documentation there is, while there are no convictions against molesters, which means molesters are roaming free.”

ACPA conducted the conference workshop as part of its campaign for the Anti-Child Pornography Act, otherwise called Republic Act 9775, a law passed way back in 2009.

The law is aimed at local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs), who are interested in child protection issues, to know how to implement the law which was the main topic of the conference workshop.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), the president of the association of computer shops, 120 school

FANTI-CHILD, 11

SUBURBIA 3

EDGEDAVAOVOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

Kapalong rescuer dead, 40 houses destroyed in Davao del Norte floods A

FLOODED. Vehicles navigate the flooded road fronting the municipal hall of Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Kits Quilla

Musikahan features new competition RDC 12

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HE 12th Musikahan sa Tagum Festival made history anew when it introduced a new musical competition called Sync It. The competition does not involve traditional musical instruments but the power of information and communication technology, jumpstarting the activities of the Musikahan @ ICT component in this year’s festival.

Sync It is a music competition that uses technology-operated devices showcasing to the public that we can learn music through gadgets. The contest was realized through the Tagum Information Communication Technology Academic Council

(TICTAC).

Sync It was introduced for the public to see the major role of Information Technology in the development of Tagum City as a Music Capital of the South, event organizers said.

Participating in the competition are groups from University of Mindanao Tagum Campus (UMTC), Saint Mary’s College of Tagum (SMC), and AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) are the schools who participated the said competition.

The UMTC participants used Real Guitar, Real Bass, Drums HD, Real Piano and Piano Perfect as applications, and also, they used Android

Phones and Samsung Tablet as gadgets, thus, in order to come-up with that astonishing, brilliant and chilly presentation of Love Story by Taylor Swift which they rehearsed for 3 weeks.

“Kulba, pero successful and satisfied man pud ko sa among performance,” Ric Kevin Conde of UM Tagum, one of the participants, said.

“Musikahan 2013 featured the SYNC I.T. Competition for everyone to learn music through t e c h n o l o g y- a dva n c e d gadgets” quipped Engr.

Ian Palijo, the Musikahan @ I.T. event chairperson.

[John Rey H. Jumangit of The Mover, TCNHS, Tagum]

earlier met in Sultan Kudarat town during President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s visit during the launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro with key officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last week.

Despite the peaceful activity, the Special Actions Force (SAF) the and Special Weapons and Assault Team (SWAT) of the Philippine National Police and some contingents from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Philippine Marines were deployed in Cotabato City.

The Cotabato City’s Quezon Avenue was closed for hours as hun-

dreds of supporters and allies of rival camps flooded El Manuel Hotel in this city with their vehicles, many of these luxury cars owned by local politicians.

But unlike the previous elections in Maguindanao where heavily armed bodyguards of politicians joined the convoys, this time around it was a different atmosphere.

Many locals were surprised when Mangudadatu and Mastura earlier showed peaceful gestures, hugged, sat together and spent time to talk personal and political matters, despite some perceived propaganda war on air.

ARMM political rivals sign covenant for peaceful poll

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HOUGH the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has long been known for election violence and cheating, the current top political rivals have vowed to change the image.

On Tuesday morning, Maguindanao incumbent Governor Esmael “ Toto” Mangudadatu of Liberal Party and his challenger Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Tucao Mastura of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) led other ARMM politicians in signing a covenant here.

They actually already agreed on it when they

local rescuer was drowned as he tried to save residents trapped in rampaging waters during flashfloods that occurred Thursday dawn in Barangay Sampao, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Nelson Jeminez, 40, a member of the Marilag rescue group, was found dead in a nearby packing plant minutes after the rope he was clinging onto snapped.

Some 14 houses were also totally destroyed and 26 houses partially damaged in nearby Barangay Sto. Nino, Talaingod town, when the Nanaga River overflowed hours earlier.

The fresh flooding was triggered by a 45-minute heavy downpour on Wednesday midnight with an estimated rainfall count of 25 mm per hour.

The Libuganon River also swelled inundating six other barangays, including the poblacion of Kapalong

town.

Rescuers from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRMC) Operation Center immediately rushed to augment the in-house responders of Talaingod and Kapalong.

Downstream communities in Asuncion, Tagum City and Carmen have also braced for the ensuing torrent that is expected to hit their localities later in the day.

The recent deluge is expected to increase the toll of Typhoon Crising in the province, which, according to the PDRRMC report at 9:10 am yesterday, has affected a total of 81,917 individuals in 37 barangays of four municipalities.

This was compounded by a landslide that displaced 780 persons in Barangay Mambing, New Corella on February 16, 2013. [Noel Baguio]

mentation by the national government,” she said.

In a statement, Custodio said the endorsement was made by the RDC12’s executive committee in response to the favorable recommendations issued by the council’s sectoral committees during an earlier simultaneous review of the proposed programs and projects.

She said the review process, which focused mainly on the proposed annual investment programs (AIP) of the 49 regional line agencies, SUCs and GOCCs, was in consonance with the RDC’s mandate as provided for in Executive Order No. 325 and in compliance with the directives contained in National Budget Memorandum No. 115 dated December 28, 2012.

During the review, representatives of the region’s provinces, cities and capital towns affirmed the relevance of the national government priority programs, projects and activities (PPAs) in their respective areas, she said.

She said the local government unit (LGU) representatives proposed

for the funding and implementation of their priority PPAs to complement with the national government’s initiatives.

Based on a summary of the priority programs and projects that were endorsed by the council, the official said the social services component accounted for the bulk of the proposed funding at P17 billion, followed by agricultural and industry development at P9.65 billion.

It was followed by infrastructure support at P3.71 billion; sustained peace, development and security at P1.14 billion; good governance at P504.6 million; and greening and environment at P287 million.

Custodio said the lined up priority programs and projects will be incorporated in the region’s 2014 AIP. With the completion of the review process for the region’s 2014 AIP, she added that they will also embark on another round of review and consultation for the 2014 budget proposals of the 49 regional line agencies, SUCs and GOCCs. [Allen V. Estabillo/MindaNews]

P32.3-billion worth of infra endorsed

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HE Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12 has endorsed for funding and implementation around P32.3-billion worth of proposed priority programs and projects in the region for next year.

General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, RDC12 chairperson, said Wednesday the proposed initiatives mainly comprise the investment programs for 2014 that were submitted to the council by the region’s 41 regional line agencies, five state colleges and universities (SUCs) and three government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

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

“These are programs and projects that were deemed vital for the region’s socio-economic growth and development that should be prioritized for funding and imple-

EDGEDAVAO 4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT Lolong necropsy report due in two weeks--DENR T VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it would take at least two weeks before the result of the necropsy on Lolong, the world’s

largest crocodile in captivity before it died on Feb. 10, will be known.

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the necropsy report will be made public

once it is released by the University of the Philippines-Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine (UPLB-CVM), where Lolong’s tissue samples are currently being examined.

The tissue samples were provided by a team of veterinarians and other experts sent by the DENR to Bunawan, Agusan del Sur upon learning that Lolong was found dead

CLOSE WATCH. A man closely watches the ravaging water of the Davao River brought by tropical depression Crising. The storm caused the Davao River to swell. Lean Daval Jr.

Scientist says

at an eco-tourism park that served as its home since it was captured in 2011.

“The necropsy is just the initial step in determining the cause of Lolong’s death.

There are still several studies to be done, and the results could be out in as early as two weeks, but may take longer,” Paje said.

The environment chief likewise appealed to the public and the media to refrain from speculating over the cause of Lolong’s death pending the result of the necropsy.

“All official details of the investigation shall be coursed through the office of the Director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB),” he said.

PAWB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said the tissue samples from Lolong’s vital organs were sent to UPLB-CVM for histopathological evaluation.

“The study will determine any illnesses Lolong may have had that may or may not

have led to his death, and how long he may have had them. It is a long, painstaking process that cannot be rushed to ensure accurate results,” she said.

At the same time, Lim belied reports that Lolong died after having ingested nylon rope. “The team did not find any foreign objects in his stomach, save for a few small pebbles which are usually present among crocodiles that feed in the wild.”

She said the DENR team worked overtime to finish the necropsy and gather the necessary samples. The organs are currently preserved for further study.

The seven-man team, led by a veterinarian from the PAWB, was also composed of veterinarians and biological experts from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly the Crocodile Farm Institute), the UPLB-CVM, the Marine Wild Fauna Watch, and the National Museum of the Philippines.

New Bataan town high risk for flooding and debris flow

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HE town of New Bataan in Compostela Valley, which was among those heavily-devastated by typhoon Pablo last December, is high risk to flooding and debris flow.

This was disclosed by Engr. Enrico C. Paringit, project leader of Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for Mitigation-Light Detection and Ranging (DREAM Li-DAR) and head of the Department of Geodetic Engineering of the University of the Philippines in an interview after his presentation during the launching of Smarter Philippines at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday.

Paringit said after completing their tasks of coming up with a 3D geohazard map of the said town and in the municipalities of Compostela and Monkayo of Compostela Valley province, they were able to document both safe and unsafe places in the area.

However, he said the present communities in the poblacion are susceptible to flooding.

He also cited that Barangay Andap is high risk to debris flow because of the labial pond that sits at the

mouth of the Mayo River.

Paringit said in the pond are big stones, trees and soils that during heavy rains the water overflows carrying with it those debris down to the villages.

“We already presented the maps to the provincial government with Governor Arthur Uy and we recommended to relocate the communities to a much safer ground which is about 200 meters away from where the residents settle,” he said.

He said there were queries on whether structural intervention could help address the situation but Paringit stressed to the government officials that even with such intervention, the water would still follow its normal course and the risk below is there.

“They have to relocate to safer grounds,” he said.

Unlike in Monkayo town, he said the communities are located in much higher grounds.

The team of Paringit composed of geologists, scientists and IT professionals documented and completed the three dimensional maps after it gathered data in the identified towns from Janu-

ary 17 to 31, 2013.

DREAM Li-DAR is a project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines Engineering Department. It has a funding of P1.6 billion that will cover the whole country including 18 major tributaries involving 50 scientists and engineers with data center at UP National Engineering Center.

The team had to divert from Northern Luzon to Compostela Valley Province because of the threat of impending hazards of debris flow and landslides in the area that was left by typhoon Pablo.

In Mindanao, Paringit said among the major tributaries that will be covered is the Agusan River Basin and the Libuganon River.

The process is to scan the area using state-of-the-art Light Detection and Ranging (Li-DAR) instrument that will include the rivers and mountainous part of the towns. The instrument costing P73 million is attached to C60 Cessna plane with aerial camera attached to the belly of the aircraft. It can capture 60 megabytes per one scene. [PNA]

5 DOLE sees fewer jobs for 2013 due to ‘Pablo’

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

T

THE ECONOMY

HE Davao Region’s labor market has fewer vacant jobs this year due to damaged industries and agricultural lands in areas affected by typhoon Pablo, particularly in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

A total of 100,033 jobs will be available for this year or 56 percent fewer than last year’s 228,689 solicited job vacancies, according to Lariele P. Arce, senior labor employment officer of the DOLE-11 technical services and support division.

Out of 228,689 total vacant jobs in the region last year, only 64,489 persons were hired out of 77,498 registered applicants.

DOLE-11 eyed 74,828 registered applicants this year, which according to Arce is achievable, adding that the hiring will prioritize applicants who were victims of typhoon Pablo.

There were a total of 57 job fairs conducted last year, six of which had been initiated by the DOLE-11 during its three annual events, specifically for Labor Day celebration in May, Kalayaan on June 12, and

the DOLE anniversary in December.

Arce noted that the emerging industries include construction, banking, cyberservices, hospitality, e-healthcare, agriculture and fisheries, and renewable energy.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said in the DOLE’s official news magazine that in 2012 salaries of construction workers and those in cyberservices industry range from P13,000 to P40,000; and banking and finance workers, and those in renewable energy sector range from P15,000 to P40,000.

She said entry level monthly salaries of medical coders, who ensure standard medical coding in all diagnostics, range from P14,000 to P18,000; and, medical billers, who manages patient accounts and submits claims to insurance companies, P15,000.

Initial pay for medical butlers range from P13,000 to P16,000, and those who will get further education can become specialists or work as independent consultants, Baldoz said.

She cited that restaurant and tourism services industry, which is one of the

12 key employment generators, “has a potential for absorbing the most number of workers in the next 10 years.”

In agri-business, there are job opportunities such as agricultural economists, animal husbandry, aqua-culturists, coconut farmers, entomologists, fruit, vegetable and root crops farmers, fishermen, horticulturists, plant mechanics, rice thresher operators or mechanics, veterinarians and pathologists, she cited.

Labor market information such as the number of the labor force, employed, unemployed and underemployed, job openings and job prospects, human resource development trends, industry profiles and industry situationers, in-demand profiles, and skills and supply shortages/surpluses are all available at government offices, the DOLE said.

Joffrey Suyao, DOLE-11 regional director, explained in an interview that the DOLE “is not the generator of jobs” but only facilitates an industry that needs labor, adding that the department is a “job matching facility.” [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro / MindaNews]

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THE ECONOMY

Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

5.8% 1st Qtr 2012

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

6.4 % 1st Qtr 2012

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 4,931 million May 2012 USD 4,770 million Apr 2012 USD -135 million Apr 2012 USD -209 million Mar 2012 P 4,580,674 million Apr 2012

8. Interest Rates 4/

4.1 % May 2012 P131,403 million May 2012 P 5,075 billion Apr 2012

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 42.78 Jun 2012

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

5,091.2 May 2012

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

130.1 Jun 2012

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.8 Jun 2012

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.7 Jun 2012

16. Visitor Arrivals

349,779 Apr 2012

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

18.8 % Jan 2012

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.2 % Jan 2012

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2009 - December 2011) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2012

2011

2010

42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

45.11 43.95 43.49 43.44 44.31 45.18 46.32 46.30 45.60 44.63 45.74 46.31 46.03

IT Figures

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THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau is looking at 19 new mining projects to advance to commercial production with the year following successful exploration activities. Business Mirror, Feb. 21,2013.

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Marco Polo Davao has new manager

By Che Palicte

“W

ORKING with The Marco Polo Davao is great and Davao is just so beautiful.”\ This was the take of Anthony Wai Kwok Tan, the new general manager of The Marco Polo Davao, yesterday at the weekly Club 888 forum.

An Australian national, and for his present passion spanning 30 years, he earned diplomas and certificates in hospitality, with concentrations on operations and management as well as assessment and workplace training.

His work has taken him to the top Chinese cities of Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuhan, and to Lijiang in Yunnan, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site.

Tan has an impressive depth of experience in the hospitality industry, having led managerial posts in high-profile companies as Intercontinental Hotels Group, Millennium Hotels and Resorts among others.

“I have been in the Mar-

HOW IT WORKS. Deputy executive director Alejandro P. Melchor III of the Department of Science and Technology’s Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) presents the operationalization of Smarter Philippines program during its official launching at the Marco Polo Davao last Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr. co Polo group for a year, for I served as a resident manager in Marco Polo Shenzhen in China,” Tan said.

He added that The Marco Polo Davao’s commitment to excellence inspires him and he

will be more particular on giving good products and services to guests and he will take the hotel into a higher level.

“I look forward to being part of such an amazing city and Marco Polo Davao, whose

unique brand of service is known far and wide,” Tan said.

He added that he will ensure good management on Food and Beverage, Finance and Front office Departments of the hotel.

to advance the King King Project.

The purchase of additional shares by Queensberry and Senator Villarcould indicate an alignment with SAGC as the strategic partner to facilitate their shift into the mining sector not only in king king but collectively with agroup who have consistently acquired and managed some of the most valuable assets in the mining industry.

The founders and executives for SAGC have been instrumental in developing some of the world’s largest mining projects.

Queensberry’s recent in-

vestment of an additional 40 million pesosin SACG shows that Senator Villar isconfidentSAGC is the company to partner with for future large mine development. You can bet the founders and executives of SAGC aren’t risking their reputation on anything less than world class mining operations and standards.

For its part, SAGC President and CEO, Andrew Russell stated, “the company is appreciative of the support Queensberry continues to provide through additional investment in St. Augustine as we continue

to move the King-king project forward.”

SAGC continues to actively participate in community development projects benefiting Pantukan and Compostela Valley. Most recently SAGC provided substantial rescue and relief assistance to the victims of Typhoon Pablo on multiple and on-going occasions in three different municipalities.

The investment by Queensberry into SAGC will be used for general working capital as the company continues its efforts to develop the King-king project.

uses the unique non-mechanical hand-preparation method.

Toryano’s Chicken Haus at SM Lanang is the fifth branch and is open for franchising with franchise fee ranging from P2.5 million to P3 million.

Tong Derecho, Toryano’s operations and franchise head/ told Edge Davao that they will continue to provide food that is

less expensive.

The Toryano’s brand will carry the “Mas healthy, mas yummy” sales pitch.

“The native chickens are roasted over charcoal which complements its natural taste and you can buy as low as P69 our combo meals plus unlimited rice,” Derecho said.

Apart from native chicken,

Derecho said they also have other specialties, like the alltime Pinoy favorites--sisig, pancit and kinilaw.

Toryano’s bestseller dessert is their signature buko salad.

“It is the most saleable among our desserts because we really use fresh buko and put a lot of cheese on it,” Derecho said.

Villar Group buys bigger stake in SAGC

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UEENSBERRY Mining and Development Corporation, the resource development company of Sen. Manny Villar, reportedly secured additional equity in St. Augustine Gold and Copper Limited (SAGC), a US-based mining company that is conducting exploration studies in Barangay King-king, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province.

This move by Queensberry and Senator Villaris consistent with what appears to be a recent shift into the mining industry.

Queensberry appears to have a high level ofconfidence in SAGC

Toryano’s opens new branch at SM Lanang

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ORYANO’S Chicken Haus, known for serving native chicken barbecue, opened its new outlet at SM Lanang Premier.

The business was founded by engineer Victoriano Ye who advocates consumption of naturally-grown food and promotes organic preparation. Toryano’s boasts of a kitchen that

P190 million THE SANDIGANBAYAN is now demanding in full payment of the P189.7-million judgement cost in the trial of former President Joseph Estrada six years after he was convicted of plunder. Philippine Daily Inquirer, Feb. 21,2013.

8

IN the recently released results of the December 2012 Nurse Licensure Examination, a total of eight graduates of the San Pedro College were among the topnotchers. Edge Davao, Feb. 21, 2013.

P3.85 billion REGULATORS have made available P3.85 billion for the supply and delivery of new motor vehicle license plates under the Philippine government’s motor vehicle plate modernization program. Business Mirror, Feb. 21, 2013

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

AGRITRENDS

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Davao Oriental turns fallen coconut trees into livelihood I

N a bid to fast-track debris clearing in areas affected by Typhoon Pablo, nearly six million damaged coconut trees in Davao

Oriental will be utilized as coco lumber, construction materials, handicraft and furniture - a move also seen to accelerate rehabilitation

Dairy industry posts 12% growth in 2012

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HE Department of Agriculture will continue providing support to sustain the increased production of fresh milk, which last year grew by 12 percent (%).

The DA through the National Dairy Authority (NDA) will expand local dairy production through a massive herd build-up and breeding program, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala.

He said the NDA in partnership with dairy farmers’ groups and National Dairy Confederation (DairyCon) will embark on a sustained dairy herd build-up through intensified upgrading and preservation of local stock, augmented by importation of dairy animals, embryos and equipment, and establishment of more multiplier and grow-out farms.

He said the dairy multiplier farms will undertake breeding, milk production and processing, including the rearing of male calves for fattening, and thus the establishment of sustainable dairy enterprises and animal trading industry.

Secretary Alcala urged the DairyCon to help the NDA prop up the country’s dairy industry and attain sufficiency in liquid milk requirement. This should be done through continuous and systematic dairy herd upgrading.

For her part, NDA ad-

ministrator Grace Cenas said the country has a current inventory of 40,696 dairy animals, which produced 18.45 million (M) liters of milk last year, 12 % or two million liters more than in 2011.

She said production of local milk has been growing at an annual average of 7% in the last five years.

Despite efforts during the last two decades, local production is still less than one percent of the country’s total annual dairy requirement, as milk consumer demand has been increasing.

However, the future looks bright as the DA has increased the budget of the NDA to P262M this year, P90M more than in 2012. “With this budget, the NDA will accelerate local dairy development, further increase fresh milk production, provide dairy farmers more income and livelihood, and supply Filipino consumers with quality fresh milk,” she said.

On international cooperation, Cenas said the DA is in the process of finalizing an agreement on dairy development with the New Zealand (NZ) government. The Philippines regularly imports NZ dairy cows, and various milk products, which amounted to more than $290 million in 2011. [DA Information Service]

and provide livelihood opportunities for 21,000 affected families.

“The damaged coconut trees hamper our relief

and rehabilitation efforts,” said Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, while explaining that the damaged trees also pose as

safety hazards, which limit mobility of people, goods and services within the province.

Malanyaon announced the plan during a recent inter-agency meeting convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and attended by agencies tapped to support efforts to handle the removal, cutting, and utilization of coconut trunks into value-added products.

The governor stressed that such move is part of the province’s rehabilitation framework dubbed as “Building Back Better” or BBB as it transitions its relief and recovery efforts into reconstruction and development. MinDA, in coordination with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is providing technical support to the provincial government in the implementation of the rehabilitation program.

“Rehabilitation and reconstruction of Pablo-stricken areas require integration of all efforts to optimize use of available

resources,” said MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino, adding that “the government is doing all efforts to help typhoon victims get back to normal.”

More than 16,000 hectares of coconut farms in Davao Oriental were severely damaged by Typhoon Pablo, while more than 42,000 hectares were moderately damaged. A total of 84,476 hectares of coconut farms or approximately six million coconut trees were damaged during the typhoon.

The governor said that if left unattended, the damaged coconut trees will decompose in three months and will become home to coconut beetles, potential pests to the province’s remaining coconut farms and other agricultural products.

Malanyaon explained that even if the provincial government had completed its debris clearing operations, it does not have the authority to cut damaged coconut trees that withstood the typhoon. [MinDA]

Soccsksargen ranks 5th as the country’s top rice producer, sharing seven percent (%) to total national harvest of 18.03 MMT. More importantly, the DA chief said Soccsksargen remains as Mindanao’s rice granary, producing about one-third of the island’s total palay production, which totalled 3.98 million MT last year.

DA gives Soccsksargen farmers P321-M worth of farm equipment

T

HE Department of Agriculture has recently distributed P321-million worth of farm machinery, equipment and other assistance to hundreds of farmers in Soccsksargen (Region 12) area.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the package of assistance is part of the Aquino ad-

ministration’s continuing support to modernize the country’s agriculture and fishery sector through farm mechanization, and attain sufficiency in rice and major staples by end of 2013.

“Let us always remember that the primary objective of the Aquino administration is to achieve food staples self-sufficiency,” the

DA chief said.

He commended the contribution of Region 12 to the Aquino government’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), as it achieved 128 percent sufficiency in rice last year, with a record harvest of 1.27 million metric tons (MMT) of palay (unmilled rice), according to the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.

MALL farmers who explored the new banana-cacao intercrop farming system introduced by the Federation of Cooperatives in Mindanao (FEDCO) in partnership with ACDI/ VOCA will only wait two years upon planting their cacao before they could harvest and earn handsomely from the cacao they have planted in between bananas.

FEDCO chief executive officer Ireneo Dalayon said the banana-cacao intercropping project of FEDCO started sometime in 2011. After two years, sometimes in 2014, the

farmers could already harvests the cacao fruits.

FEDCO implemented the banana-cacao intercropping called the Cacao-Banana Agri-Enterprise Development (CBAED) with the help of ACDI/VOCA which was commissioned by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement integrated farming systems in Mindanao.

Dalayon said about 2,000 farmers are enrolled in the CBAED project covering about 200 hectares in Sto. Tomas and Asuncion in Davao del Norte.

As of today, about 30-

40 hectares were already intercropped with banana and cacao. Dalayon said planting on the remaining hectares would be completed by June this year. FEDCO has provided 100 free cacao seedlings per hectare to the farmers.

He said the nurseries required in each of the four Cacao Banana Extension Centers (CBECS) established by FEDCO under the CBAED project would be the source of cacao seedlings supply of FEDCO for the project and future expansions.

About 5,000 cacao seedlings are planted in each

Farmers to earn quickly in cacao-banana intercropping S Rene Dalayon

of the four nurseries, Dalayon said.

The project is supposed to end this month, but due to series of bad weather brought about by storms affecting Davao Region including Davao del Norte, the completion of the project is a little bit delayed, he said.

8 VANTAGE POINTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

S

EDITORIAL

CAAP makes a move

A

N AIRLINE company would be slapped a hefty fine of P50,000 if it refuses to use aerobridges in the Davao International Airport and other airports in the country, as directed recently by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

In making the use of the aerobridges mandatory, CAAP Deputy Director General Capt. John Andrews directed all airlines to “cease and desist from implementing any and all corporate policy geared towards evading or avoiding the use of such Aerodome facilities.”

Andrews said the CAAP “has determined that the use of aerobridges is not only for the convenience of airline passengers, but is more importantly in promotion of aviation safety and security.”

The CAAP’s cease and desist order was issued on January 24, 2013.

The non-use of the aerobridges, also known as tubes, was first brought to the attention of the authorities two years ago by businessman Vicente T. Lao in behalf of senior citizens who complained about the abusive practice by so-called low-cost carriers (LCCs), otherwise known as “nofrills” airlines.

The cause for the elderly became part

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of a personal advocacy of sorts of Lao, who happens to be the vice chairman of the Regional Development Council for Region 11.

Indeed, senior citizens among the passengers complained about having difficulty climbing up and down flights of the boarding ramp just so the airlines could save money. Because of the complaints, the RDC passed a resolution addressed to CAAP asking for action on the matter.

By ordering the mandatory use of the jet bridges in case they are available, CAAP authorities are showing compassion for the elderly.

However, they would be showing the same compassion not only for elderly passengers but for all passengers if they could address the many other issues that bedevil the Davao International Airport, such as deteriorating facilities, lack of sanitation, unrepaired broken equipment—like the escalator which has been non-functioning for the last couple of months.

The DIA, also called Francisco Bangoy International Airport, is the most important air travel facility in this part of the country. Authorities should never take that for granted.

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EDGEDAVAO

The time is right

OME DEGREE OF CONFIDENCE IN THE STOCK MARKET – With the stock and property markets intensifying or growing steadily, some consumer-based products and infrastructure d eve l o p m e n t likewise offered refreshing returns. However, stocks and property investors had to watch two jittery numbers: share price and dollar value. The entering of the new year should be a time for anticipating opportunities and many investors seemed more serious than it has ever been about venturing in stock trading. But first they must look intently at a specific objective and ask: “Is this business undertaking going to survive?” Once they are reasonably happy that their capital is flourishing and protected, the next question is, “Can it keep on yielding more profit?”

There isn’t a clear answer because business ventures tend to do better if one has the capability, knowledge and fully understands the twist and turn of his preferred endeavor. Nonetheless the time is right for stock trading. It is right in Manila, Cebu and Davao City as well. Hence, there is some degree of confidence in the stock market nowadays. And to start with, a stock trading seminar for beginners and new investors had been set sometime in April this year in the city although organizers say there is no fixed date and venue yet as of this time.

The planned seminar is through the auspices of Davao-based Philippine Stock Trading (PST). Knowing that investors are very bullish on the stock trading scheme, PST had already been holding previous seminars on the stock market and stock trading.

The fact that so many unknowledgeable stock investors got it wrong previously – not just in the Philippines, but virtually all over Asia – reveals why forecasting stock movements often seems roughly on par with handicapping horse races. And yet, in hindsight, the advice was terrible. “People should not invest in stocks if they don’t understand the stock market and how it behaves. Their investments can be wiped out in short notice if they don’t watch their stocks carefully.” To gain more knowledge and understanding, probable investors should attend a seminar such as the one offered by PST that covers topic like 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.

Presently stock experts like PST had seen a lot of interest from prospective investors in stock trading therefore the firm is very careful about encouraging people to invest in stocks for the first time because of the “very high risk” of losing the value of stock and losing their investments in the stock market. Remember, losing your corporate shirt due to the risk involved in stock trading is no laughing matter. The worst thing that could happen as far as stock investor is concerned is a falling of the currency and rising interest rates. Both have already happened many times over.

But the government is making every effort to ensure the peg to the US dollar remains relatively stable and if that holds, we would see no problem. High interest rates and slowing down of the economy are going to put downward pressure on the stock market. I think the logic of our common interest suggests that any interested party willing to take the risk should undergo basic training and seminar on stock trading.

But here’s the rub. A PST stock analyst is reportedly worried that the index of the Philippine Stock Market is now hitting “historic highs” nearly topping the 7000 mark due to robust and sound fundamentals of the country’s economy – but might eventually collapse and start declining anytime if spurred by an unsuitable event in the country and world economy. PST therefore is going to hold a stock trading seminar at some stage, and when it does, we would like to find out how receptive prospective investors such as bank officials, office managers, employees, government and private retirees, online traders and new investors are going to be. In the meantime, the argument for all of us, particularly the future stock traders is how they can make sure that the business undertaking they are planning to carry out will actually add a bit of value to their economic stature.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

D

Simple lifestyle changes for health

OES it ever feel like you have to spend hours and hours at the gym, change your diet dramatically or jump way out of your comfort zone to reap any rewards in the health department? Think again. Here are small changes that can have significant health payoffs.

1. Floss more often.

Flossing is one of the easiest, quickest ways to remove bad bacteria from your body. Plaque and bacteria are constantly building up in areas of the teeth that brushing does not get to. If plaque accumulates, it eats away the bone that holds the teeth in place. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream; studies have shown that such harmful bugs could exacerbate diabetes and hypertension, and even lead to premature births.

2. Eat every 2 to 3 hours during the day.

Think you’re a saint for going on a long hunger strike at work? If you’re imagining thinner thighs as a result, don’t. You’re likely making your metabolism crazy and probably setting yourself up to eat more later in the day. Women are encouraged to eat when they’re hungry, which often translates to three meals and at least two snacks per day. This will help keep them full and satisfied and will reduce the likelihood of binge eating at the end of the day. This is one of the best principles you can follow to blast fat and build sexy, lean muscle.

3. Make your coffee at home.

When you brew your java at home, you avoid the unhealthy temptations at coffee shops like doughnuts, thus you save on calories and money as well.

4. Wear a pedometer.

Becoming aware of how much you move is such motivation to move more.

Not only for you, but for your whole family. Kids love pedometers—it becomes a

family challenge about movement, not exercise.

It also may be fun to track how active (or inactive) you are each day.

For starters, 2,000 steps is the equivalent of one mile. To boost your physical and mental health, wear a pedometer and challenge yourself to increase your steps every day.

5. Sleep in your exercise clothes (comfortable ones).

Do you always intend to get up and go for a jog or log an hour at the gym before work but…don’t? Motivation may be your problem, and if so, try to sleep in your gym clothes and put your sneaks and sports bra by the bed. Many of us waste too much time saying we need to work out but dread the process. Trick yourself by just getting dressed for it and not really thinking about the next step.

6. Do your Kegels.

Experts say that as many as 1 in 4 women over the age of 18 experience episodes of involuntary leaking urine, called urinary incontinence. It’s embarrassing and frightening, but there is something you can do about it, say experts: Keep your pelvic floor muscles strong. According to a review of studies by The Cochrane Library, the pelvic-floor strengthening exercises known as Kegels were found to be an effective way to minimize urinary incontinence issues. Proof: Women who did their Kegels were between 2.5 and 7 times more likely to experience improvement than those who did not do the exercises.

7. Give yourself a compliment.

The key to feeling happy, confident and proud of your body—flaws and all is to learn how to marvel at your body’s many abilities. Focus on what your body can do, rather than on how it looks. Too often, we pay attention to how our bodies appearance rather than what they allow us to do. Can your body dance or swim?

Can you build sand castles at the beach with your kids? Does your body allow you to enjoy a hot bath or intimacy with a partner? Does your body transport you down the block or up a mountain?” Try this exercise: Identify what you like about your body. See if you can find 10 things you like about how you look, like the sparkle in your eyes, the strength of your calves or your hair.

8. Get your vitamin D levels checked.

Many women have a low level of this essential vitamin and low levels are correlated with all sorts of things from cancers to low energy to Alzheimer’s. The fix is simple and just involves taking vitamin D for several months, then rechecking the level.

9. Switch from instant to steel-cut oats.

If you eat oatmeal in the morning, give yourself some bonus points. The breakfast of champions, oatmeal fills you up and helps you feel satisfied longer than most breakfasts. But, to get the maximum health payoff, consider switching to steelcut oats that are less processed, contain more fiber and are more satisfying.

10. Turn on some classical music at dinner.

To keep yourself from eating too fast—and too much—put on some slow music. A research study found people who listened to fast music with meals ate, on average, five bites per minute. Those who didn’t listen to music ate four bites per minute. And the kicker: Those who listened to slow music ate just three bites per minute.

Who would pull the trigger against this gentle Tausug?

I

worried about Alber being in Pagadian knowing that people are burned alive in Zamboanga del Norte, del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to silence their grievances. But because he was a Tausug, a child survivor and witness to a massacre of his family members in Jolo, and raised in Zamboanga City, there was no doubt in my mind that he was well equipped to face the hazards of being in that field. I also thought that he would be able to survive the bullet wound that pierced through his diaphragm, kidneys, liver and some portions of his lungs specially that Irene sounded positive last Monday that he was already conscious and stable, but still needed to be in the intensive care unit. He was able to run for a good 500 meters away from the site and called Irene for help. He also woke up about after 11 hours of surgery, to provide information about his assailants. I was almost certain that

( Conclusion )

PERSONAL ESSAY

BY PENELOPE C. SANZ

Alber would be able to bounce back, and live to tell. In fact, I was looking forward to hearing his accounts on Skype in a fortnight and imagining what funny anecdotes he would tell about the incident.

It seems that it was 2004 all over again. The difference is I am not raging. I can only weep quietly for Gene Boyd, for Alber, for the priests, religious and journalists who were murdered; for those who I encountered in the fields of Mindanao deeply traumatized with the violence of bloody sieges, ambushes, and massacres that has gone on and on even before I was born; for the widows and orphans of Maguindanao, Jolo, Basilan and in other conflict areas of Mindanao. I no longer cried out to God to show me

His face that I may understand why this has happened. He has nothing to do with evil. He has also given us free will to sin or not. So now I offer my tears and sorrow to our Creator for mercy for the souls of these persons who killed Gene Boyd, Alber, Marlene Esperat, Father Pops, Father Roda, and the many others who were giving their best to become beacons to Mindanao’s darkness. But again, again, I weep for our Mindanao.

Right now, there is this coldness that I feel inside. It is far lower than the minus 40 temperature that Saskatchewan is known for. It might as well be that we have eight months of winter here.

[Penelope Sanz of MindaNews met Alber Husin at the Mindanao Anthropology Consortium at Xavier University where they became very good friends. She is currently attending the University of Saskatchewan in Canada for her doctorate studies]

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Perils of people: Pablo or People in Power?

COMMENTARY

T

BY MALOU TIANGCO

HE aftermath of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley province has brought devastation amongst its survivors. Loss of dwellings, means of survival from their farms and animals, disruptions of their daily routines, and most damaging, the loss of their family members, either drowned or buried alive in mud.

I was aboard a taxi going somewhere during those stormy days and engaging in usual chat with drivers which I do every time I have the chance and I was impressed and at awe on what the driver said about the Pablo catastrophe.

He said: “Gisingil man lang Ma’am, sa kinaiyahan ang mga tao. Gihilabtan man gud nila ang yuta, ilang ginakalot ug kuot, pinaagi sa ilang pagmina. Pait lang ang nalubong sa yuta nga nalubong ug buhi pa man tingali, ang mga pobre, dili ang mga tag-iya sa minahan! Nasuko na ang yuta, ninglapaw ang lapok.”

The statement made by the taxi driver reminded me of a professor from UP Diliman (I was taking my Master of Social Work then) who said: “Do not underestimate the primal power of the simple people, they have that primal knowledge and wisdom, and unless forced to do otherwise, they are honest, they want to have a simple and decent life.”

The news in one of the local TV stations one afternoon featured a scenario in Montevista (in Compostela Valley province) on January 15 where the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Ms Dinky Soliman, together with (Compostela Valley) Governor (Arturo) Uy, the policemen, and the crowd of Pablo survivors were in heated arguments, and in particular there was that comic-tragic “tugof-streamers” between Ms Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa, a social worker, and Ms Soliman.

I gathered Ms Soliman is a social worker, too, who graduated in UP Diliman in the mi 1970s.

I got entangled in my comprehensive examinations for my masteral course at ADDU (Ateneo de Davao University) that I lost track of the drama that followed the Pablo survivors’ barricade, Ms Soliman, and Ms Templa. The most recent news I learned, the Pablo survivors’ leaders and Ms Templa have been charged on January 24, 2013.

Whew! What a telling tale, what a concrete call for the social work profession and the social workers to have a rethinking of the commitment we pledged for the practice of the profession and the clientele we vowed to serve.

The crux of the profession is the people, Ms Templa representing the academe and the non-government organizations, and Ms Soliman, representing the ruling government.

My questions: how do we resolve those problems in interventions when the lives of people are at stake, when they are hungry, homeless, in emotional turmoil due to grief, and in havoc?

1. Do we insist on bureaucratic procedures?

2. Do we become responsive to the call of the times, become flexible, and as our social work values and principles dictate: respond to where the client is?

3. Follow the dictates of our commitment to serve the people, serve our country, serve our god?

It is saddening that in a governance pronounced as servants of the people, the downtrodden people who have survived the typhoons and landslides are battling with another storm: fighting for their right to welfare!

I am calling on the professional association of social workers to get into serious reflections and resolutions and actions on the cases of social workers working in different sectors who become divided and even become contenders in courts for doing what they think are their work.

There is this divide brought about by the nature and human-made disasters.

The sadder point is, the people suffer!

[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Malou Tiangco of Davao City describes herself as “social worker, educator, performing artist.]

10 COMMUNITY SENSE

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

DOLE 11, private sector continue partnership for students’ employment T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 is continuing this year its partnership with the private sector to provide jobs for underprivileged students and out-ofschool youth in the region through the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

DOLE-11 regional director Jeoffrey Suyao, along with Dennis Badilles, officer in charge for technical support services; and Lilibeth Pantinople, manager of the Davao Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – discussed progress of SPES and criteria for hiring and training programs with McDonald’s Philippines last Tuesday at the department’s regional office here.

McDonald’s Philippines has been one of the DOLE’s partners in achieving “its goal of uplifting Filipino communities across the country,” following Republic Act (RA) Nos. 7323 and 9547.

RA 7323 is “an act to help poor but deserving students pursue their education by encouraging their employment during summer and/or Christmas vacations, through incentives granted to employers, allowing them to pay only 60 per centum of their salaries or wages and the 40 per centum through education vouchers to be paid by the government, prohibiting and penalizing the filing of fraudulent or fictitious claims and for other pur-

SCHOLARS. A 4-year scholarship grant for two scholars is awarded (school year 20132014) by Don Cesareo Villa-Abrille Foundation, Inc. to Davao Central High School following the ceremonial memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing between lawyer & foundation chair lawyer Leoncio Villa-Abrille (in polo barong) and DCHS board of trustposes.”

RA 9547 is “an act strengthening and expanding the coverage of the SPES, amending for the purpose provisions of RA 7323, otherwise known as the SPES.” Desiree Incio, SPES coordinator of the Davao PESO, said a total of 710 SPES slots were provided in Davao City last year from 14 companies, of which three are local.

She cited that among the DOLE’s partners here were the city government, Davao Light and Power

Company, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Felcris Supermarket, Dunkin Donut, and other food chains.

Out of 710, the malls provided a total of 500 slots, of which 400 were from Felcris and 100 from Gaisano.

The PESO handles the processing of documents required from the SPES beneficiaries, including their contracts with employers, according to Rey Islana, Davao PESO staff.

Created through RA 8759 or Public Employment Service Office Act

staying in five evacuation centers in Batangan, Maapag, Pinatilan, and Catambalon. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Valencia City provided 15 sacks of rice and 10 cases of sardines to affected families. Standby funds worth P607,599.96 and 10,000 family packs worth P2.31 million are available at the DSWD Field Office X in Cagayan de Oro City.

In Region XI, a total of 19,384 families composed of 96,205 individuals were affected by ‘Crising’ in 49 barangays, eight municipalities of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Eleven (11) evacuation centers were set-up in Region XI providing temporary shelter to

690 families composed of 2,996 individuals.

The DSWD released 9,000 family food packs worth P2.25 million to affected LGUs of Kapalong, Asuncion and Dujali, all in the province of Davao del Norte. More than P22.66 million standby funds and food and non-food items including family food packs were allocated by DSWD for disaster relief operations in Region XI. To date, total number of damaged houses is 84, all partially destroyed in the municipality of Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

In Region XII, a total of 2,929 families composed of 14,645 individuals were affected in seven (7) barangays of Kabacan, North Catabato.

ees chairman Edison Lu, represented at the signing by English Department Principal Nilda T. Ramos (2nd from the right). Chinese Principal Rosita N. Go and past board chairman Dominic So Peng Kee witness the MOU signing during the 120th birth anniversary dinner of Don Cesareo in Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. (Robinson “Bert” Niñal Sr.)

of 1999, the PESO shall facilitate employment of the beneficiaries, located in capital towns of provinces, key cities, and other strategic locations.

The PESO “shall ensure the prompt, timely and efficient delivery of employment service and provision of information on the other DOLE programs.”

Rebecca Roselada, McDonald’s Philippines director for human resources department, said in a press conference here the company and the

DOLE are “bound by the common goal of giving the Filipino youth labor opportunities that enable them to fund their education and have a more positive tomorrow to look forward to.”

She explained that each student will be working for the company for 52 days and earn the salary that can help support their education.

An SPES beneficiary’s responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of restaurant areas, proper preparation of

beverages and desserts, and providing assistance to local store marketing team during events held at the company’s restaurant, Roselada cited.

Suyao said last year McDonald’s Philippines provided a total of 102 slots for SPES in two batches, and for this year, a total of 136 slots, particularly 44 beneficiaries to be hired from February to May, another 44 from May to August, and 48 from September to December.

[Lorie Ann A. Cascaro / MindaNews]

present and future workers. To a wider extent, the Educ-Assist program helps boost national economic growth through increased worker productivity,” she noted.

The pension fund earmarked a total of P3.5 billion for the SSS Educ-Assist program, which was launched during the Labor Day celebration last year.

The national government chipped in P3.5 billion more as counterpart funding, for a total Educ-Assist allotment of P7 billion.

Generoso said Educ-Assist loan disbursements last year for 11,790 college enrollees totaled P145.84 million, while another P2.8 million was released for 398 students taking up voc-tech pro-

grams.

Recent adjustments in Educ-Assist guidelines have widened the field of eligible borrowers, although the loan program remains intended for those earning low or minimum wages. Initially, only active SSS members with a monthly income of P10,000 or below may borrow.

“Now, members earning up to P15,000 per month may qualify for SSS Educ-Assist loans, as long as they have up-todate payments to other SSS loans and at least 36 monthly contributions, three of which must be posted within the 12-month period prior to application date,” Generoso said.

DSWD assures funds, P148 M in SSS educ loans aid for ‘Crising’ victims granted to 12,000 students

T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) today assured that enough funds and relief supplies are in place for the victims of typhoon ‘Crising.’

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said that P15.84 million in standby funds, P10.45 million in family food packs, and P42.44 million worth of relief supplies were prepositioned in the DSWD Field Offices IV-B, IX, X, XI, XII, CARAGA and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) affected by the typhoon.

In Region X, a total of 644 families composed of 3,220 persons coming from four (4) barangays of Valencia City, Bukidnon were affected and are now

M

ORE than 12,000 college and vocational-technical (voc-tech) students across the country have so far benefitted from the Social Security System’s (SSS) educational loan facility that released a total of P148.64 million in 2012.

SSS Assistant Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Ma. Luz C. Generoso said the SSS expects more members to borrow this year under the SSS Educational Assistance Loan (Educ-Assist) Program, which has nearly P7 billion in funds still waiting to be tapped.

“The billions of pesos alloted for the program reflect the government’s firm commitment to bring education within reach of

11 Militants call Rosales an ‘apologist’ of PNoy

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

NPA frees...

FFROM 1

a red fighter before the signing, the POWs have no sufficient evidence to warrant their arrest for crimes against the Filipino masses and the revolutionary movement.

The NPA said the release was granted by dint of following the Geneva Convention on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. The revolutionary armed group added that the release was a favorable response to the appeal of the POWs families and the concerted efforts of peace advocates.

PNP spokesperson Alden Delvo said Pasion will undergo post-traumatic debriefing and medical check-up from the PNP medical staff in Camp Catitipan.

“This way, there will be no discrimination in terms of assignment, which means he will still return to work or even be assigned to the same outpost depending on the findings of the medical staff whether or not he is still capable of duty,” Delvo said.

Delvo stressed that Pasion should have been released a long time ago.

“He was not supposed to be abducted in the first place because he was not a combatant and was wearing civilian clothes to work when he was

accosted by the NPA last January 17.”

The PNP did not negotiate with the NPA for the release of Pasion according to Delvo. He thanked Vice Mayor Rody Duterte and other government officials who interceded for the release of the captive policeman.

Jennifer Pasion, the wife of PO1 Pasion was already waiting at Camp Catitipan grounds to reunite with her husband.

She said, “I am very happy and I am very thankful to God that my husband is finally released.”

The NPA declared a four-day ceasefire, from February 19 to 22, as urged by the National Democratic Front of the Philippine (NDFP), which opened up a window of opportunity for the release of the prisoners of war including Private First Class Jezreel Culango of the 60th Infantry Battalion.

This is after the investigating body of NDFP found that “The two POWs have committed lesser offenses, and thus recommended for their release.”

Pasion and Culango were captured last January 17 at Brgy.

Mangloy here in Laak. Pasion was on his way for duty to San Isidro town in Davao del Norte, but passed through a shorter route

At SM Annex...

that led him to the NPA’s checkpoint at Front 33 Sub-regional Command 4 under the CPP-NPA Regional Operations Command-Southern Mindanao.

Culango, on the other hand, came from his duty at the Globe Telecommunications at San Isidro when he was caught at the checkpoint.

For a month and four days in the hands of their captors, the two were unharmed, but were moved by how they were treated and taken cared of, according to Culango.

Pasion said they endured the constant mobility in the mountains because of the help of “mga kauban” (comrades). “They fed us and treated us like their brothers,” he added.

He said their health was regularly monitored to make sure that they could endure the life in the mountains until their release.

“Wherever in the forest we were, they kept informing our families on our condition so they did not have to worry,” Culango said.

Both captives said the NPA members treated everybody equally, and that they are helping and struggling for the poor people. (with Lorie Ann Cascaro/Mindanews)

FFROM 2

ing ng Dabaw on February 23.

February 24 -- Mindanao Indigenous Dance Theater Competition and the awarding ceremony.

“All contests are divided into two categories, elementary and secondary, including vocal solo contest for public school teachers in the musical competition,” he added.

Meanwhile, Glecy Aileen Gonzales, chairperson for the Visual Arts

Anti-child...

competition confirmed that they have 19 elementary school participating and seven from high school.

“For visual arts, the theme in the Interior or exterior of SM Annex will depict Filipino values, culture and tradition,” Gonzales said.

Organizers said cash prizes and medals will be given to individual winners, and plaques, trophies and cash will go

to the group winners.

The organizers hope to widen and popularize the festival in the coming years by making it bigger, including street dancing as part of the contest that will cater to big delegations from schools.

The entire festival is sponsored by the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division and the city government of Davao.

law in Davao City, with the support of Vice Mayor Rody Duterte who has is clearly seen his political will in the anti-smoking ban and firecracker ban.”

ACPA, created by Akap Bata Party list, aims to strengthen the campaign against child pornography through

programs such as the conference workshop they held yesterday.

Ferrer said, “Perpetrators of child pornography are usually foreigners and we don’t have the proper extradition treaty to (bring them back here) to face punishment.”

FFROM 2

heads from private and public schools, LGUs and NGOs participated in the conference workshop.

Arlene Brosas, ACPA spokesperson, said, “Since there is still no proper documentation on reported cases of child pornography, we want to make a sample by implementing the

By Aquiles Z. Zonio

M

ILITANT groups lambasted Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Etta Rosales for being an apologist for the PNoy administration and for doing nothing to stop alleged human rights violations against the B’laan tribe in the mining area of Xstrata-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI).

Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Karapatan national chair, challenged Rosales to religiously carry out the mandate of the CHR in defending and advancing human rights in this country.

“During the time of former CHR chair Leila De

Lima, Karapatan worked closely with the CHR. The problem with Etta Rosales is she has become an apologist of the Aquino administration,” Enriquez said during last Wednesday’s press conference in General Santos City.

Unlike De Lima, Enriquez lamented, Rosales is not independent-minded.

Karapatan, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Kahugpongan sa Katawhang Lumad (Kalumaran) called for a press conference to denounce the issuance of an environmental clearance certificate by the Department of Environ-

ment & Natural Resources (DENR) to Xstrata-SMI. The press conference was held a day before the conduct of a congressional inquiry yesterday, Thursday on the alleged Tampakan “massacre”.

The House Committee on Human Rights is spearheading the probe.

Reps. Neri Colmenares and Teddy Baguilat were expected to come over to lead the investigation.

Juvy Capion, wife of anti-mining activist Dagil Capion, and her two sons were killed on Oct. 18, 2012 allegedly by soldiers who are now confined to barracks to face court martial proceedings.

projects, was launched Wednesday at The Marco Polo Davao.

Matunog said the program is “a blueprint to harness the full potential of the ICT for national development.”

He said it has a counterpart run in tandem with the private sector represented by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) called “Smarter Countryside.”

It aims to ensure that

the benefits of ICT will be shared and promote inclusive growth, according to Matunog.

“The launching of the event in Davao underlines the fact that the countryside can be a strong driver of incl sive growth in ICT,” he said, adding that the city aims to be a center of ICT innovation in healthcare, governance, talent development, creative content, web services, and business process management.

of the plan.”

In November of last year, upon the instruction of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima presided over a meeting with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Teresita J. Herbosa, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla, and DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya to discuss the modus operandi of the Pagadian City-based Aman Futures, which engaged into a pyramid scam that victimized several consumers/ investors in the false hope of gaining double in return.

In the said meeting, the collective assistance of the different agencies and their regular coordination were harped as among the very vital mechanisms to curb pyramid scams.

DTI-Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said consumers who are doubtful of any business offers may contact the concerned government agen-

cies.

SEC-Davao Director Lawyer Javey Paul D. Francisco can be reached at 298-0012 or 298-2170, DTI-Davao City Field Office Director Teolulo T. Pasawa at 224-0511 local 208, Department of Justice (DOJ) Regional Prosecutor Lawyer Antonio B. Arellano at 297-6149 or 297-8947, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Lawyer Edward A. Villarta at 2275070 or 225-3613, BSP Director Lawyer Demetrio E. Casipong at 227-9051 local 220, Insurance Commission Officer-in-Charge Lawyer John A. Apatan at 305-2451, and BIR-Davao Special Investigation chief Fe B. Namoc at 224-1030.

“We need the cooperation of the public on this regard. The government can’t be successful enough in its drive against scams without everyone’s support,” she said adding that the telephone lines of these concerned government agencies are open for queries and other scam-related concerns. [DTI 11/Jen Mendoza]

Tap countryside’s ICT potentials for inclusive growth: ICT-Davao

H

ARNESSING the full potential of information and communication technology (ICT) in the countryside can be a strong driver for inclusive growth, according to Samuel Matunog, vice president for industry development of ICTDavao, Inc. The Smarter Philippines Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), an umbrella program for various ICT-driven

Gov’t agencies take stronger stance against pyramid scam

V

ARIOUS government agencies have taken a stronger stance in fighting the proliferation of pyramid scams in a bid to further protect Filipino consumers.

The Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 08 series of 2002 issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) states that pyramid sales scheme or chain distribution plans “means sales devices whereby a person, upon condition that he makes an investment, is granted by the manufacturer or his representative a right to recruit for profit one or more additional persons who will also be granted such right to recruit upon condition of making similar investments: Provided, that, the profits of the person employing such a plan are derived primarily from the recruitment of other persons into the plan rather than from the sale of consumer products, services and credit: Provided further, that limitation on the number of participants does not change the nature

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

SPORTS 13

ROACH BARES REASON WHY PACQUIAO GOT KO’D

It’s the foot I

N 2011 when Manny Pacquiao won a tight decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in the third fight between them, Pacquiao’s zealous supporters weren’t simply content to see their man get a win many experts didn’t believe he deserved.

In the days following that Nov. 12, 2011, bout, Pacquiao’s fans took to the Internet in droves to post photos that showed Marquez stepping on their hero’s foot. It didn’t matter that Pacquiao had won or that such an occurrence is common when a lefthander such as Pacquiao fights a right-hander like Marquez. They referred to it as “foot stomping” and implied it was the reason the fight was even close.

The Pacquiao fans had to bellyache about it as a way to try to explain why he didn’t win more clearly.

That point of view clearly disregarded the fact that each of their first two bouts were exceptionally close.

I imagine they’re only

going to go through the roof when they hear what Pacquiao trainerFreddie Roach told the Los Angeles Times’ estimable sports columnist Bill Dwyre about the finish of Pacquiao’s fourth fight with Marquez.

That one, you may remember, ended when Pacquiao got caught by a Marquez right hand on Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas, and Pacman went face first to the canvas, where he was out cold.

Roach told Dwyre that there was plenty of concern for Pacquiao’s well-being immediately after the punch. Pacquiao didn’t move for several anxious moments.

“My girlfriend’s a doctor and she thought he was dead.” - Freddie Roach What’s bound to set off the Pacquiao fans, though, is Roach’s explanation to Dwyre two months after the fact about why the knockout occurred. In the parlance of the Pacquiao fans, it was the old “foot stomp,” Roach said.

FOOTSTOMP. Trainer Freddie Roach (top) believes the knockout Manny Pacquiao suffered at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez last November was caused by foot-tripping.

14

SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Stage set for DAVRAA 2013

By Noel Baguio

D

AVAO del Norte All roads lead to the new Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Center (DNSCC) for the grand opening of the weeklong Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet on February 25.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the province is now ready to play host to some 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials from six cities and four provinces in Region XI. “We are ready for the games,” the governor declared.

The governor personally supervised preparations at the P243-million stateof-the-art sports complex, which will first open its

door as the main venue for the annual sporting event for school-based elementary and secondary athletes in Southern Mindanao.

First District Congressman Anthony del Rosario will be the keynote speaker at the much-anticipated kick off ceremony at 3:00 pm on Monday.

The day’s activity will start with a mass, followed by a short parade of athletes from the Provincial Capitol to the venue.

The ten delegations include the divisions of Davao City, Davao del Norte, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Oriental, Mati City, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Sur, and

Digos City.

DAVRAA serves as the elimination venue for the regional contingent in the Palarong Pambansa in Dumaguete City this coming April.

It features 18 sporting events that will be held at the sports center and other venues in the city, to include the Atrium of the New Tagum City Hall, Energy Park, Rotary Park, San Miguel Gym, and Apokon Gym. Public schools in the city will serve as billeting centers for the various delegations.

For the first time in the history of the DAVRAA, a nighttime football event will be held courtesy of

DSA FORUM. Invictus E. Lorenzo, entertainment supervisor of NCCC Entertainment (right) and Frely John A. Ochia, entertainments/marketing assistant of NCCC, promote the 1st Vaseline Inter-primary Bowling Tournament slated on Saturday at NC-

CC’s B3 in McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association at Calle 5 Resto Bar along J. P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

giant outdoor floodlights installed in the oval field consisting of 96 bulbs.

Del Rosario said the province’s hosting of the event is more than just a dry run for the new facility, since DAVRAA is the most prestigious athletic event in the region.

The governor hinted the prestige of the latest facility highly depends on the success of the sporting event.

It is, hence, important for the province to ensure the sports center sets into motion at the highest level in preparation for bigger

sporting events that are coming to the province, according to him.

Another celebrated sporting event is already in the bag to be hosted by the province this year. After DAVRAA, preparations will follow for the holding of the Batang Pinoy Games at the modern sportsplex this coming month of August.

The facility will again be used in the coming Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) meet on April 2014, while the province intensified its bid to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.

T’S all set for the first ever Vaseline Inter-Primary Bowling Tournament which gets going at the NCCC B3 lanes on Saturday.

The tournament stakes P6,000 to the champion, P4,500 to the first runner up, and P3,000 to the second runner up plus trophies and medals.

Tournament director Frelly John Ochea announced the staging of the tournament during yesterday’s DSA Forum at Calle Cinco.

“It’s all set for Saturday.

We are excited to get the tournament going,” said Ochea.

NCCC Entertainment Supervisor Invictus Lorenzo said the tournament,

open to Grade 4-6 students, calls for a team format composed of student and parent or guardian.

‘It’s also a bonding time for players and parents,” Lorenzo said.

Entered in the competition sponsored by Vaseline are Agro Industrial Foundation College (5 teams), Davao Merchant Marine Academy (4), International Christian School of Davao (3), St. Mary’s Initial Learning Experience (2), Green Meadows Christian Academy (2), Anchorage School Inc., Philippine Women’s College, Davao Jones Academy, United Methodist School of Davao and Tecarro College Foundation.

(NJB)

1st Vaseline kegfest at NCCC

I

2ND DFA U16 GIRLS FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Ateneo, SOS seek win no.2

A

TENEO de Davao University and SOS hope to extend their opening day success at the resumption of the 2nd DFA Under-16 Girls Football League at the Faith Academy football field.

Ateneo will meet Faith Academy-Team A on Monday at 4pm after the 2pm match between SOS and Hinex.

Ateneo beat Hinex 4-2 for their first win in the tournament while SOS kept abreast with a 14-0

whipping of Faith Academy.

Hinex, powered by players from Davao City High School and Philippine Women’s College, hope to barge into the win column after bowing to Ateneo in their first match.

Hinex Coach Reynalyn Ravanes said her ragtag line-up is still adjusting to each other. “Babawi kami next time,” Ravanes, who also coaches at Ateneo, said.

INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO SM Babies: Special moments with Andi Eigenmann and Ellie VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

STYLE

MANILA, Philippines – Andi Eigenmann has come a long way since debuting in the world of show business as a fresh-faced teenager in 2007. Now 22 years old and touted as the “Heiress of Drama,” Andi takes on the biggest role she’s ever had to play: that of a mother.

Andi & baby Ellie

It’s for this very reason that SM Department Store, the country’s biggest retail chain, chose Andi and daughter Ellie to be brand ambassadors for SM Babies this season.

“We selected moms who are aspirational figures in their respective fields,” said Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President for SM Babies and SM Kids’ Fashion. “Andi is a young mom and we want to show that regardless of age or background, a mother’s love for her child is universal.”

For its formal launch, SM Babies held a photo exhibit called “Special Moments” which featured 14 of Metro Manila’s loveliest moms and their beautiful bundles of joy at the Manila Peninsula Conservatory. Andi graced the event, with the adorable baby Ellie in tow.

“SM has always been a trusted brand and I’m thankful that they chose me and Ellie to be part

of this special event,” exclaimed Andi. “I’m not as experienced as the other moms but I’m fully committed to being the best mom that I can be to Ellie.”

When asked about her special moments with Ellie, Andi shared, “Defintely the ones where I get a full day to myself and get the chance to take her out. I’m Grace Barbers-Baja with family able to focus on her and see her play, smile, and laugh.

Those are the moments I treasure because nothing makes me happier than seeing her happy.”

Andi also shared how motherhood has changed her greatly. “I’ve definitely matured a lot since becoming a mom. I’m aware that I’m not just accountable for myself anymore. I’m responsible for someone’s life and that someone depends on me completely.”

Positively glowing while talking about baby Ellie, it’s clear that motherhood certainly suits the young mom.

Juana Manahan-Yupangco with dad Mr. M

Issa Litton interviewing Lexi, Amanda & Andi

Metro’s finest moms with their babies and CFMC VP Ms Jo Dy Juanco

Lexi, Andi & Amanda

SM Babies power table

Mommies & babies photo exhibit

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon series launched in Cebu THE world’s premier off-road triathlon event is back again in Cebu for the second time on a new and more challenging race course.

The Vaseline Men XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Series will kick off this year with the Vaseline Men XTERRA Championship Weekend this March 2-3 at Liloan, Cebu.

The event features exhilarating trail run and triathlon races that will challenge even the most seasoned athletes.

The championship weekend in Cebu will start with two triathlon events on March 2: the XTERRA Lite and the XTERRA Philippines Championship. The XTERRA Lite involves a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run. On the other hand, the XTERRA Philippines Championship involves a more grueling challenge with a 1.5-kilometer swim, 35-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run. All of these will take place in scenic Liloan, Cebu.

Cash prizes for the winners are US$15,000 for the total pro prize and the top age group finishers will vie for 40 slots to the XTERRA World Championships in Maui, Hawaii. Registration for the March 2 triathlon events is ongoing in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Philippines website (www.xterraphil.com).

Visit ROX and Runnr stores for more details or log on to www.xterraphil.com or visit www.facebook.com/ vaselinemenph on Facebook.

Sun Cellular introduces the lowest all-unlimited BlackBerry Plan MAKING it more affordable for everyone to experience BlackBerry, mobile telecommunications Sun Cellular brings in Sun BlackBerry Plan 449, the lowest all-unlimited BlackBerry Plan that comes with a free BlackBerry® Curve™ 9220.

Sun BlackBerry Plan 449 plan allows subscribers to enjoy unlimited Sun calls, unlimited Sun texts and unlimited BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), all for only P449 per month.

With the sleek and stylish BlackBerry Curve 9220 which has a dedicated BBM key, subscribers can get socially connected in an instant! Subscribers can chat in real time plus share photos, videos and files withall their BBM friends.The smartphone’s BBM is also linked to social networking apps such as Facebook and Twitter, so users do not have to leave the app to update their status or find out the latest about their friends and favorite celebrities.

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

STYLE

A match made in fashion heaven Bauhaus calls out all street-style savants as it houses denim label G-Star Raw. ESTABLISHED in the streets of Hong Kong in 1991, Bauhaus lives and breathes the spirit of street style. The concept store housed international brands and this paved the way for Bauhaus to be known as a Mecca for all things trendy and fashion forward.

Bauhaus is rooted in artistic beauty and passionate creative expression.

As evident in its highlyconceptual store designs that range from industrial warehouses, bomb shelters, to museums, and vintage installations, the store exudes dynamic style sensibilities and invokes fearless fashion.

A range of themes can be found in the Bauhaus multi-brand stores, showcasing internationally renowned brands and luxury denim labels. Moreover, Bauhaus is constantly revising and restructuring its stores to ensure a highly evolving personality and dynamic brand selections.

With its fast-growing following and rising cult status, Bauhaus has expanded its presence especially in Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, where a number of street style aesthetes are fond of Hong Kong street style, the concept store has become a one-stop shop for style savvy urbanites.

As of late, Bauhaus has extended its local reach by launching in Abreeza Mall, Davao. The concept store offers a selection of brands that cater to a wide spectrum of style preferences. One can find street

The Bauhaus store at Abreeza

style staples such as Tough and Salad, progressive labels such as 80/20 and Superdry, denim crafters like Cheap Monday and the newly added line of G-Star Raw. Setting a standard in the phenomenal raw denim field, G-Star Raw is a label hailing from Amsterdam and founded in 1989 by Jos Van Tilburg. Based on its name, the brand thrives on delivering raw denim wear that are straightforward and characterized by its rough, cutting-edge, and unorthodox approach to tailoring.

The label aims to produce denim styles that will transcend time. At the same time, the designs marry a sense of refinement with futuristic elements for a far-reaching and experimental vibe. The brand is all about standing out, breaking the molds of average standards, and en-

G-Star Raw denim at Bauhaus.

suring the mark of authenticity – qualities that attract denim lovers with a taste for grandiose and out-ofthis-world elements.

Hearing out the insistent demand of its followers, aside from its local flagship store in Bonifacio

Global City, Bauhaus carries a wide selection of GStar Raw denim - as the concept store parallels the spirit of the denim label.

Bauhaus is located at the second floor of Abreeza Mall Davao near the Activity Center.

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Cressida Bonas: Everything you need to know about Prince Harry’s new girl ROYAL romance alert!

Sorry, ladies, but it looks like England’s most eligible bachelor is once again off the market-ish.

A source confirms to E! News that Prince Harry is dating a lovely London lass by the name of Cressida Bonas. So who is she?

How did they meet? And how many tears are gonna be shed by wannabe princesses throughout the kingdom?

Well, for starters, don’t flood your hankies just yet, girls.

A source who knows both Harry and Cressida breaks down the budding relationship: “They are definitely dating, but it is not serious. They have known each other a while, but only recently has it turned into more than friendship.

They are not exclusive though, just having fun.”

So, how did the 27-year-old third in line to the throne meet the 23-year-old model? Turns out, it really is who you know.

“They met through [Princess] Eugenie, who is friends with Cressida,” the source said. “Cressida is really smart, very naturally pretty and just a really cool girl to hang out with. It’s hard for Harry to date as there are so many

opportunities out there, but Cressida is someone he knows he can trust as she is already in his circle.

She’s already passed the test of being discreet.”

Or at least, as discreet as one can be while dating a prince.

THERE’S no doubt Kate Middleton’s had a farreaching style influence on the public ever since joining the royal family.

But what can we expect now that the duchess is expecting?

Well, if yesterday is any indication, her sartorial sway is just as strong as ever. The royal mom-tobe made her second official appearance of the year on Tuesday in a chic MaxMara wrap dress, and the baby bump-friendly frock sold out in a matter of hours!

Given the Kate effect and the fact that the gray patterned frock was on sale for $195, it’s no surprise fashionistas snapped up the flattering MaxMara design as soon as they saw it. And with Middleton’s baby bump barely showing,

we’re sure gals with and without a bun in the oven are still looking to the brunette beauty as a style icon.

So, what to do if you weren’t one of the lucky royal watchers who managed to order Middleton’s MaxMara? Many labels reissue popular items worn by celebrities, so you might still have a chance to get your hands on it. Issa, for instance, churned out the Duchess’ iconic blue engagement dress twice—including a maternity version—and it’s quite possible MaxMara will do the same.

If all else fails, mark your calenders for Middleton’s next official public engagement on March 5, when she’s sure to step out in another covetable outfit!

The couple set tongues wagging in July, when they spent some cozy one-on-one time together after the Dark Knight Rises premiere, partying together (and with friends) at a club in London.

Kate Middleton’s MaxMara wrap dress sells out in hours

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EVENTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

Getting exactly what you want with Globe Prepaid YES I am a spoiled brat, and so is everyone out there who wants it their own way. That is why Globe Prepaid came up with GoSakto, a new ‘create your own promo’ concept recently launched at the ballroom of the Marco Polo Davao, that I am sure will be a hit with not just us brats but for everyone who wants flexibility and budget sense in their prepaid mobile service.

So what IS Globe Prepaid’s GoSakto service?

GoSakto is the first and only service in the country that allows prepaid subscribers to tailor-fit their own promos based on their own needs, budget and lifestyle. Having recognised that each individual has different patterns of use and needs in a given time, the service allows one to create their own promo with different text, call and surfing needs for a day, a week, or even a month.

After customising your own plan, you can even name the promo you create and share it with your friends on Facebook for everyone to see and follow. Who knows, your custom combo might be the one everyone is looking for. Of course given that there are over 2,000 possible combinations, the possibilities are almost endless.

So how do you GoSakto? Globe Prepaid subscribers have three ways to make their own custom promo. One can dial via *143# on their mobile phone, go via the Globe website at www.globe. com.ph/gosakto, or via Facebook via the GoSakto page.

With GoSakto, subscribers are spared from

Raymond Policarpio, Globe Prepaid Usage Head explains the details of GoSakto, Globe Prepaid’s newest and first-of-its-kind promo

The diet busting make-your-own ice cream booth.

Kristelle Dizon, Globe Prepaid Brand Head, welcomes guests to a unique Globe Prepaid experience.

Making your own promo is as easy as making your own Whatever your need, there is a Sakto promo for you. candy mix.

promo availmant barriers such as maintaining balance, capping, and limited price points and the most affordable GoSakto promo is available for as low as just Php7 which is truly value for money.

So to all you Globe Prepaid subscribers, its time to GoSakto now to get exactly what you want.

Me together with Wilven “Potpot” Pinili, Globe Prepaid Brand Marketing Manager, and Crossover 93.1’s Anavi Laxa.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

SPORTS 15

PAL SENIORS INTERCLUB

Pueblo grabs lead

DIFFERENT STROKES. Rolly Viray (top) of Canlubang hits from the fairways in the 10th, Francis Gaston (middle) of Luisita coaxes his putt and PSC chairman Richie Garcia of Luisita hitting from the tee during Day 1 action of the PAL Senior Interclub in Cebu.

P

UEBLO de Oro stormed ahead of the Philippine Airlines Interclub seniors’ golf tournament Thursday following the exceptional performance of two Cebu-born golfers at the Alta Vista Golf Club.

Clifford Celdran, who retired as Cebu Country Club general manager last year, fired a one-under par 71 for 55 points while Victor Yuvallos, a club member, added 52.

With Ed Yap chipping in 46, Pueblo de Oro posted 153 points, six shots ahead of Luisita and eight up on defending champion Canlubang.

Celdran, who had three birdies against two bogeys, said they did not expect to contend, adding they just got lucky.

Overshadowed by Pueblo’s surprise strong showing was Luisita Golf Club which drew an exceptional performance from Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia.

Garcia, the 67-yearold sports czar, matched par at the Alta Vista Golf Club to lead Luisita with 54 points. He had four birdies against the same

number of bogeys.

Francis Gaston shot 47 and Seve Roxas-Chua added 46 as Luisita collected 147 points in the four-to-play, threeto-count event. Minieng Maravilla failed to count with 45.

Defending champion Canlubang was two points behind with 145 points.

Mari Hechanova led the Sugar Barons with 50 points, Rolly Viray added 49 and Rene Unson chipped in 46.

Bing Bunye’s 42 did not count.

A four-horse race shaped up in the Founders division with Manila Golf Club surging in front with 146 points.

Bryan Cockrel fired 52 while Fausto Preysler tallied 49 for Manila Golf Club. The 45 of either Arsenic Lacson or Severo Jose Tuason also counted.

A point behind was Los Angeles-based Red Hawk who drew 50 from Robert Welsh 50, 49 from David Capistrano and 46 from Jimmy Velasco.

Host Alta Vista took third spot with 142 points, thanks to Akira Hatano’s 48, Edgardo Acain’s 47 and Agapito

Suan’s 47.

Cebu Country Club, one of the pre-tournament favorites, had a modest start of 141.

CCC received 49 from Masatsugu Ochiai, 48 from Edito Tirol and 44 from Seok Kim Kwang.

CCC president Ramontito Garcia said that while they had a disappointing start, he remains upbeat about their chances.

“I believe that anyone who scores well at Club Filipino will have the best chance of winning,” said Garcia.

The event is being sponsored by the Department of Tourism, 105.1 Crossover, Solar Sports, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, 92.3 FM Radyo 5, Araneta Coliseum and AXN. Major sponsors are Airbus, Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Philippine Broadcasting Network, People Asia, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and ABSCBN The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Corporate sponsors include Radisson Blu Hotel, Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boeing, Inquirer Golf Magazine, Philippines Graphic and Manila Bulletin.

16 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 252 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

2013 DAVRAA

EDGEDAVAO

First night games ever

By Neil Bravo

FINAL CHECKS. Provincial Sports Coordinator Giovanni Gulanes, 4th left, gestures as he points out some technical details to OIC-Provincial Information Officer, 3rd left, along with DepEd and media officials, in preparation for the Davao Region Athletic Association meet at the Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Center. nobags

F

OR the first time ever, athletes will get a feel of playing under lights.

With the professional lighting system of the spanking new Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Center illuminating the main stadium like in daytime brightness, some of the events in the forthcoming 2013 Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) meet will be played at night.

“It takes away the events usually played at mid-day when it’s very hot and unhealthy for athletes,” said Giovanni Gulanes, provincial sports coordinator of the host province, in yesterday’s DSA Sports Forum at Calle Cinco.

The DNSCC features a state-of-the art outdoor lighting system with a total of 96 flood lights installed in four corner posts.

It will be the first time in the history of the Davraa

that football games and athletics will be played under lights.

The DNSCC was constructed under the “Design and Build” scheme to the tune o P242-Million. The scheme provides for the project contractor to fund the construction until its completion. Payment is made in full upon turnover of the project.

“The provincial government has not spent a single peso for this. We will pay once it is turned over but the money is ready,” said Engr. Jinellyn Co, assistant provincial engineer.

Gulanes also bared that they have already finalized security details for the event and ensure that the 5,000 athletes and officials from the 10 contingents are safe. The provincial government has also prepared contingencies for water and power in all billeting areas and sporting venues. The Provincial

DAVRAA. Giovanni Gulanes, sports coordinator of the province of Davao del Norte (left), explains the work process for the game results of this year’s Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet set on February 25 to

Health Office will also deploy teams to provide immediate medical attention to the delegates.

Gulanes said the collaboration between the provincial government and the Department of Education will also ensure the smooth flow of information related to the Davraa meet. “We have prepared a flow mechanism for the release of results and other information for the media,” he said.

The Media Center will be releasing results twice daily at 12:00 noon and at 5:00 in the afternoon.

Davao del Norte is looking at the 2013 Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) meet as a dry-run for bigger sporting events like the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao eliminations in August and the 2014 PRISAA National Games in February next year.

The Davraa opens on February 25 and will run

March 1, 2013 at the newly-completed Davao del Norte Sports Complex during during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association at Calle 5 Resto Bar along J. P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

until March 1 in several venues around Tagum City.

The opening program will be on February 25 at 3:00 p.m. with a short parade snaking from the Provincial Capitol to the nearby DNSCC. Davao del Norte first district Congressman Anthony del Rosario will be the keynote speaker with Governor Del Rosario welcoming the delegations from Davao City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal, Mati City, Panabo City and Tagum City.

A 15-minute foreworks display will cap the opening ceremonies.

This year’s Davraa meet will feature 18 events for the elementary and secondary divisions. The events and their respective venues are: arnis (New Tagum City Hall), archery (DNSCC), athletics (DNSCC), badminton (New Tagum City Hall), baseball (Energy Park), basketball secondary boys (Rotary Park), basketball secondary girls (Bgy. San Miguel Gym), basketball elementary boys (Bgy. Apokon Gym), boxing (Tagum Freedom Park), chess (Bulwagan ng Lalawigan, Provincial Capitol), football (DNSCC), gymnastics (New Tagum City Hall), lawn tennis (Rotary TC), sepak takraw (Tagum Trade and Cultural Center), sipa (Bgy. Mankilam Gym), softball (DNSCC), swimming (DNSCC), taekwondo (New Tagum City Hall), table tennis (NCCC Tagum), volleyball sec. Boys (UMTC Gym), volleyball sec. Girls (TCNHS), volleyball elem. boys (Bgy. Visayan Village Gym), and volleyball elem. girls (Bgy. Magugpo East Gym).