Edge Davao 6 Issue 154

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

WINNING PERFORMANCE. These young cheerleaders were all intensity as they perform their winning routine during the cheerdance competition of Fil-Asian Mission Academy as part of the school’s two-day founding anniversary celebration in Garcia Heights, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Quake death toll now 144 T

he death from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Bohol and other parts of Central Visayas

has now climbed up to 144, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(NDRRMC).

Maj. Rey Balido, NDRRMC spokesperson, said this can be broken down into 134 for Bohol

alone, nine from Cebuand 1 for Siquijor. Number of wounded is at 291.

Balido said the number of families

affected by the quake has hit the 593,561 mark. This is equivalent to 3,017,814 persons.

About 67 percent of electrical power is now restored in Bohol.

Aquino inspects places hit by quake in Cebu In Cebu City, President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday inspected the Provincial Capitol, Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino and a public market that were damaged by the powerful earthquake that hit several areas in Visayas and Mindanao Tuesday.

The President arrived at the Central Command headquarters in Lahug City at 1:40 p.m. on board the Presidential

chopper along with several Cabinet secretaries including Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya, Secretary Ramon Carandang and Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras.

Upon arrival, President Aquino was welcomed by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and Representative Raul del Mar. The President came here from a two-hour

FQUAKE, 10

FLOOD. A motorist braves the knee-deep water brought by the heavy downpour which submerged Davao City’s major streets anew last night. Lean Daval Jr.

DCL Final 6 cast is complete INSIDE:

2 Police power invoked to save lives in hazardous city streets 3 3rd Dacudao Age Group 16 netfest set Strong aftershocks keep Cebu malls, offices closed

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Teener, 18, hacks 5-yr old girl dead

By Emilord P. Castromayor

P

PROTEST AGAINST LAND-GRABBING. Some 30 Ata-Manobo lumads from Talaingod, Davao del Norte led by Lumadnong Panaghiusa (LUPA) stage a picket infront of C. Alcantara and Sons Inc. (Alsons) compound and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 office in Lanang, Davao City yesterday to protest against the alleged land-grabbing committed by the company. Lean Daval Jr.

Strong aftershocks keep Cebu malls, offices closed M

OST business establishments in Metro Cebu remain closed Wednesday due to a series of strong aftershocks following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Carmen, Bohol, Cebu and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao Tuesday morning.

All public schools in Cebu City are also closed Wednesday on orders of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Workers who showed up at the Park Mall in Mandaue City Wednesday morning were told to go home and wait for fur-

ther instructions as aftershocks rock the mall.

Seismologists said aftershocks are earthquakes that follow the main quake and can cause more damage if a building has been damaged by the first earthquake.

Call center workers at the Robinsons Cybergate on Fuente Osmena, Cebu City, were not allowed to enter the building Wednesday morning as it still needs a safety certification from city government structural engineers.

The Robinsons Mall, also in Fuente Osmena, was closed since Tuesday.

Nat’l workshop on improving women’s human rights slated

U

N Women and the Mindanao Commission on Women are holding a national workshop on “Improving Women’s human Rights in Mindanao” on October 17-18 at the Waterfront Insular hotel .

Gender equality advocates and women’s human rights practitioners from all over Mindanao, including those from Bangsamoro and indigenous women’s groups, are expected to attend the “learning and sharing” workshop.

They will be provided with an opportunity to hear about good prac-

tices in the country and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

The workshop is part of a regional program on “Improving Women’s human Rights in Southeast Asia” spearheaded by the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

The program covers eight countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam. Lawyer Laisa Alamia,

The Insular Square Mall in Basak, Mandaue City, which sustained broken glass walls Tuesday, will remain closed until further notice, press relations consultant epjie Acuzarhe said.

At the Cherry Court building on Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City, where the PNA Cebu bureau holds office, most workers went home after aftershocks shook the building.

Philip Tan, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, said no major damage was reported by their members.

But he said he expects

a huge cost of the earthquake in terms of damage on properties and loss in business because of the shutdown.

Tan said it was fortunate that the quake happened on a holiday.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lito Maderazo and Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph said SM City Cebu and SM Consolacion, Ayala Center Cebu, Gaisano malls and J Center Mall in Mandaue City all closed Tuesday.

Cebu holdings Inc. corporate communica-

FSTRONG, 10

OLICe yesterday filed murder charges against an 18-yearold suspect who allegedly hacked dead a five-year old kinder pupil whose body was found in a hilly grassy of Quarry Sitio Pamohayan, Marilog on Tuesday 5:30 a.m.

Chief Inspector Roberto espina, Marilog Police station commander, said Orlando Amaga, a resident in Sitio Mana, Brgy Magsaysay, Marilog district is facing murder before the City Prosecution Office through inquest proceedings.

Amaga is temporarily detained in Marilog police station and is set to be transferred to the Davao City Jail in Maa once probable cause against the suspect is established.

The victim was identified as Angelica Timonio, who sustained several wounds on her body. espina said Amaga was mad when the victim threw a stone at him during their play.

Police revealed that the suspect had a previous case of Arson when he burned a motorcycle at age 13. espina said that the suspect could be suffering from a mental illness.

“Usahay daw tarong usahay daot ug pangutok, wala man daw nakadrugs,” espina said. espina also said that suspect’s mother admitted they could not control Amaga from his wayward behavior.

PO3 Mateo Lagunzad Jr, investigator of the Marilog Police station that the victim was missing since Monday around 4:00 p.m.

The brother of the victim found the body one kilometer away from their house.

Police conducted follow-up pursuit operations against the suspect which resulted of his apprehension. A17-inch long bolo found in the suspect’s possession was allegedly used in perpetrating the crime.

he City Prosecution Office (CPO) has found probable cause to indict a man for attempted homicide when he allegedly struck a 67-year old woman with a crow bar.

Prosecutor Stella esparagoza Camino has recommended P12,000 bail for the temporary liberty of Mariano B. Capilian, a resident in Arroyo Com-

pound, Matina Crossing.

Camino cited that Capilian used a crow bar to attack Saturnina Ocampo Talisic who managed to evade the attack.

Record shows that sometime on May 12, the suspect and his brother Mark were upset when Talisic told them to stop digging on her lot since it has been agreed be-

Man faces raps for attempted homicide T FMAN FACES, 10

IRONIC. Unmindful of the scorching heat and the noise around, this native sleeping mat peddler takes a siesta on mid-day at a concrete oval bench of the

FNAT’L, 10 Freedom Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

3

Police power invoked to save lives in hazardous city streets D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte justified the full implementation of all traffic rules including the compliance of speed limit within the city roads to ensure public safety. he invoked the city executive’s police power to save lives.

Duterte expressed disappointment over the sight of children crossing the streets as if running for their lives even on the pedestrian lanes just to evade fast running vehicles “It is no longer acceptable,” he stressed. earlier, he ordered the Land Transportation Office 11, the City Traffic Group and the Traffic Management Center to be on the streets to implement the traffic regulations.

Duterte’s specific directive is for authorities to run after public utility jeepneys with engines beyond legal specification, drag racers and abusive drivers of fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances.

“This must end now,” he said. he stressed that the 40 kilometers per hour must be the specific speed limit within the city.

Duterte mulled of issuing an executive order to impound and to make arrest violators of traffic

BEATING THE DEADLINE. Incumbent barangay kagawads from Ilang, Davao City wait in line outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 office to file their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and other pertinent documents a day before the deadline for filling of candidacy yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. rules. he said the proposed law covers to impound cars owned by drag racers.

“Do not release until I talk to them and to their parents. They are only showing off that they are rich,” Duterte pointed out. he said that in the eyes of the law, everyone is equal here in Davao City. however, Duterte pointed out that under his watch, the poor is given ample protection.

Dionesio Abude, chief of the TMC expressed readiness to implement Dute-

rte’s directive given that his office has many operatives deputized by the LTO. he said the TMC has 60 LTO-deputized personnel.

Chief Inspector Rhodelio Poliquit, head of the Traffic Group said four teams are now deployed on the Northern and Southern parts of the city to ensure that traffic rules are strictly followed. he said every team is composed of eight operatives from the TMC, and three police from the Traffic

Group.

Poliquit expressed appreciation to residents who cooperate by reporting violation on traffic rules like drag racing. Atty Gomer Dy, director of the LTO 11 said that the current traffic rules and regulations impose administrative fines only to violators. he said fines are imposed only on traffic violations without the fear for possible imprisonment.

[PIA 11/Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

TAGUm CITY

Rellon supports workers’ application as auxiliaries M

eMBeRS of Tagum City’s rescue team, Bantay Dagat forces, and some employees of the local government will soon become enlisted as members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA).

This after Mayor Allan L. Rellon signified his commitment to support the application of some of the local government employees to the PCGA during the orientation last October 15, 2013, attended by the personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, members of the Bantay Dagat and employees from the City environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Information Office.

The orientation was conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary District Southeastern Mindanao led

by District Director Commodore Beethoven Sur and Deputy Director for Administration efren elbanbuena, who is also the regional director of the Philippine Information Agency.

DAVAO ORIENTAL

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian support group of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) under the Development of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

The Coast Guard Auxiliary assists the PCG in the enforcement of maritime laws at seas.

The local chief executive cited that it is timely that the personnel of the local government, especially those tasked in disaster quick response teams and those guarding the coastal areas, be part of the civilian support group of the Coast Guard.

The PCGA is mandated under Republic Act 993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Act. The PCGA is involved in the assisted enforcement of maritime laws in the country, especially the promotion of Maritime Safety. It is also involved in maritime search and rescue (SAR) missions, as well as the protection of the marine environment. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

ORIENTATION. Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon speaks before members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, members of the Bantay Dagat and employees from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Information Office during the applicants’ orientation for the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliaries last October 15, 2013. [Photo by Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum]

DAVAO DEL NORTE

LGU celebrates farmers’and fisherfolk’s day RPOC assures all-out support to JPSCC 11 T

he provincial government of Davao Oriental held a special tribute to farmers’ and fisherfolks’ huge contributions in providing food security and economic upturn in the province was held October 10 at the Provincial Capitol , which saw the attendance of farmers and fisherfolk from across the province.

An annual celebration which was started in 2011, the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day, according to Provincial Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon reminded everyone at the event the importance the agriculture sector play in the development of the province. “No matter what ranks we have in society, our survival depends on the farmers and fisherfolk who feed us,” she said.

She further said that the annual celebration will give more attention to the farmers and fisherfolk they so deserve.

During the occasion, awards and citations were given to outstanding project cooperators under different agriculture programs. “This is a testament

of your good performance and hard work,” Governor Malanyaon told the farmers and fisherfolk, noting that excellence in performance stems from exertion of efforts and commitment to the trade.

Aptly bannered with the theme “Ang paglambo sa pang-uma ug pangisda, maoy kusog sa probinsya” (Agriculture and fisheries are the strength of the province), Governor Malanyaon said that Davao Oriental has what it takes to take the lead in terms of agriculture in the region, considering it is blessed with vast resources that makes it a highly agricultural area.

“Davao Oriental is the biggest in terms of land area and has the longest coastline in the region,” said Governor Malanyaon, noting agriculture as the top economic-boosting industry in the province.

Pagkain at Kita Bent at alleviating poverty and hunger, the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Malanyaon, crafted its first executive order in 2007, widely known as the Pagka-

in at Kita Program.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Rotchie M. Ravelo said that this program was created in cognizance to the contribution of the agricultural sector as the backbone of economic development.

Aside from provision of support on planting materials and financial aid, the program also provide farmers and fisherfolk assistance in marketing, giving them the opportunity to evolve from subsistence farming to an enterprising level.

For over six years, the program, along with other complementing programs in agriculture has already reached thousands of rural farmers and fisherfolks, whose lives have significantly improved.

Meanwhile, Gov. Malanyaon underscored the positive results that were achieved through harmonization of efforts of all stakeholders.

“Achieving our success in agriculture would not be possible without the support of the national government through the

Department of Agriculture and counterparts from the local government units,” said the Governor, saying these counterparts have complemented much to the provincial government’s efforts in poverty alleviation.

Moreover, she encouraged the farmers and fisherfolk to complement these assistance with their hard work.

She said that there are no more reasons for people to stay poor in the province as they don’t have to endure the setbacks that existed in the past.

“Challenges on safety and security are no longer an issue as the province was recently declared by the Philippine Army as insurgency-free,” she said.

She further said that although struck by typhoon Pablo, opportunities have emerged as assistance in agriculture from the government and private sectors has also poured in.

This includes support in cacao production, oil palm, rubber production, among other high-value crops.

[Karen Lou Deloso, PIO DavOr]

T

he Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 11 fully supports the creation of a Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) of both the military and the police in the Davao region.

In a recent meeting, RPOC 11 Chair Governor Rodolfo del Rosario assured the top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) the council welcomes the JPSCC, which intends to unify all the efforts of the military and the police in addressing peace and security, as well as, disaster response concerns in eastern Mindanao. he said the document is highly called for, especially with the volatile peace and order situation in Mindanao today.

The joint efforts of the military and the police, ac-

cording to him, are crucial in securing the initiatives of the local government units in localizing the peace process, through the provision of sustained welfare program to critical communities.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. emmanuel Bautista, eastMinCom Commander MGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, PNP Chief Police Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima and DIPO-eM Dir. PCSupt.

Manuel Barcena signed last Wednesday three joint letter directives that formed the JPSCC. PNP-PIO Chief PSSupt.

Reuben Theodore Sindac said the JPSCC would facilitate the enhancement of capability and inter-operability of military and police units to ensure that “local stakeholders attain a safer place to live, work and do business,” among others.

[Noel Baguio, PIO Davao del Norte]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

ASEAN moving toward nontariff measures N

OW ThAT the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) has largely met its goal of eliminating tariffs in preparation for economic integration by 2015, the focus should now shift to at-border and behind-the-border issues affecting the flow of goods across the region.

The ASeAN is a “success story” in trade facilitation and liberalization, but there are still urgent items in the agenda, such as the implementation of the a National Single Window (NSW) aimed at speeding up the processing of licenses and permits for customs transactions, said erlinda Medalla, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in the Sept. 12 seminar-workshop titled “AeC 2015: Development Challenges for the Philippines”.

The Philippines is at 82-percent completion stage, and ranks fourth among ASeAN members in terms of implementation. The single-submission system is up and running for 38 government agencies and allows electronic submission of application forms, view-

ing of the status of applications via a “dashboard”, and notification through email of the status of applications.

The NSW portal is now implemented in major seaports and airports, and coverage for all is targeted by 2015. Fifty government agencies will be linked to the portal by 2015.

But the second phase of the NSW—which should lead to an ASeAN Single Window (ASW) with a turnaround time of just 30 minutes—is stalled. Phase 2 involves declaration processing, rationalization, simplification, and harmonization; it links the NSW to the e2m system of the Bureau of Customs, and facilitates ASW integration including manifest processing.

“There is a need to strengthen the mandate and legislation of the NSW,” said Medalla.

Medalla also said behind-the-border measures, such as standards and conformance, mutual recognition agreements, and accreditation of testing laboratories should be addressed as well.

Standards and conformance initiatives of the

TRIBAL HANDICRAFT. Matigsalog hawkers earn their living by selling authentic Matigsalog handmade bracelets to domestic and foreign tourists visiting the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr. ASeAN have influenced and continue to drive change in policies on standards in the Philippines, noted Veredigna Ledda, PIDS supervising research specialist.

Among ASeAN priority sectors, the local cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors lead in terms of adopting technical regulations, as a result of industry support,

Ledda said. But implementation scores remain very low for prepared foodstuff and the traditional medicine and health supplements sectors, while there is a lack of technical infrastructure and capability in the automotive and rubber sectors.

“The way forward lies in capacity building and

institutional development.

There’s also a need for more robust infrastructure and greater technical expertise,” she said during the forum.

Medalla pointed out that ASeAN integration efforts have resulted in trade creation.

“The direction of Philippine trade has shifted away

from the US and eU to Asia, that is, ASeAN in particular, during the past 30 years, with ASeAN accounting for 22 percent of Philippine exports in 2010 from only 2.7 percent in 1975,” Medalla said.

There has also been simultaneous growth in intra- and extra-ASeAN trade, she added.

BOITIZ Power Corp.

(APC) subsidiary Therma South Inc. has secured P24 billion in loans from a consortium of banks, the proceeds of which will be used to finance the construction and operation of its power generation facilities in Davao.

In a disclosure, APC said its subsidiary signed an omnibus agreement with a consortium of lender-banks to obtain loans accommodations.

Banco De Oro Capital & Investment Corp. acted as issue manager and lead arranger, while BDO Unibank, Inc.-Trust and Investments Group was appointed as trustee and facility agent.

Therma South aims to complete its 150-megawatt circulating fluidized-bed coal-fired electric power generation facilities located at Davao City and Davao del Sur by first half of 2015. [PNA]

Experts call for reforms to attract investments, facilitate transport A R

eFORMS are needed if the Philippines wants to benefit from the single market and production base envisioned by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASeAN) by 2015. experts from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) outlined policy recommendations to clear bottlenecks in investments as well as infrastructure and logistics in a seminar-workshop held last Sept. 21 as part of activities marking the 11th Development Policy Research Month.

Aside from much-needed improvement and modernization of the country’s ports, conflict-of-interest situations in regulators— particularly the Philippine Ports Authority—must be removed and the cabotage law must be reviewed to make the transport and logistics sector more competitive, said PIDS Senior Research Fellow Adoracion Navarro.

“There is a need for a boom in infrastructure spending, although this is

still limited to the 40 percent foreign participation in public utilities,” Navarro told participants in the seminar-workshop titled “AeC 2015: Development Challenges for the Philippines” held at the Romulo hall of the NeDA sa Makati Building.

Navarro pointed to a 2011 survey by the economic Research Institute for ASeAN and east Asia, in which 75 percent of firms indicated that “inadequate infrastructure and border barriers to movement of transport across countries in ASeAN member-states are serious barriers to ASeAN’s efforts in establishing AeC by 2015.”

For instance, international airlines should be allowed to land and pick up cargo from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga, to give exporters from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and Clark Freeport Zone a less costly option for shipping out their exports.

The cabotage restriction under Republic Act

9295 or the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004—under which no foreign vessel is allowed to transport passengers or cargo between Philippine ports unless allowed by regulators—should be revisited, according to Navarro.

Philippine shipping corners 98 percent of domestic interisland trade, accounts for about 80 million tons of cargo every year, and moves over 40 million people annually, Navarro noted, citing data from the Asian Development Bank.

Among the proposals on the table is to connect General Santos and Davao cities and Bitung in Indonesia as part of a regional network of roll on-roll-off vessels, as recommended by a March 2013 study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and coordinated by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Opening this sector could draw investments and improve the quality of services, said PIDS Presi-

dent Gilberto Llanto.

In investment promotion and facilitation, PIDS Vice-President Rafaelita Aldaba said the government could leverage on best practices employed by the Philippine economic Zone Authority, but a unified approach is needed. Investment promotion and facilitation should be put under one agency and with a harmonized set of incentives. The operational environment and business climate should also be improved through coordination with national agencies and local governments, she said.

To attract investments in services, the country should also address the constitutional limitations in foreign participation.

The Build-Operate-Transfer Law should also be amended, Aldaba said. “A more open economy requires changes in legislation and policies, efficient institutions and good infrastructure to support the reforms and generate supply-side responses,” she noted.

Therma South gets P24B loans to fund power plant facilities

BFAR covers more fishing areas

T

he Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is planning to include more fishing areas under its National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP), National Director Asis Perez announced during the recent launching of the celebration of the Golden Year of Fish Conservation Week held at the BFAR Central Office in Quezon City.

The NSAP assesses the country’s fishing grounds to provide specific and time-series information on marine capture fisheries for management purposes.

“The NSAP has been

instrumental to our previous successes like the implementation of Sardine closed season in the Visayan and Zamboanga waters because it has provided us scientific findings which became the basis of our management plans,” Perez said.

BFAR through its research arm, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), is eyeing to include more areas to the 13 bays and gulfs assessed in the program.

At present, only 20 percent of the country’s major fishing areas is under NSAP. [PNA]

6

THE ECONOMY

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

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

USD 3,741 million Feb 2013 USD 4,708 million Feb 2013 USD -967 million Feb 2013 USD -640 million Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 million Feb 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

2.4 % Mar 2013 P113,609 million Mar 2013 P 5,281 billion Mar 2013

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

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

mONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-April 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Manufacturing revival needed for the Philippines to benefit from AEC A

SeAN will become an economic community in 2015.

But is the Philippines prepared to become part of this “single market and production base”? What is the way forward for the country in the context of an ASeAN economic Community (AeC)? These are just some of the many concerns raised in the Sept. 12 seminar-workshop on “AeC 2015: Development Challenges in the Philippines” organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the National economic and Development Authority, and the Asian Development Bank.

Three main points were highlighted by Rafaelita Aldaba, PIDS vice-president. One is the need to transform the manufacturing industry which is crucial to attaining inclusive growth.

Second is the importance of more foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and stronger participation of the country in regional production networks given the large market potential that the AeC offers. Third is pursuing domestic reforms necessary to maximize the benefits of regional trade agreements.

Manufacturing is important as a source of inclusive growth as it can generate more high-wage and high-productivity jobs, as compared with services, said Josef T. Yap, former PIDS president.

In the region, growth has come from regional pro-

THIRST QUENCHER. A lady buys ice cold water using water vending machine at Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. duction networks that are largely beneficial to the manufacturing sector.

But the local manufacturing sector has stagnated, Yap noted. Thailand’s share of manufacturing to gross domestic product in 2010 was 35.6 percent, compared with the Philippines’ 21.4 percent. In 2011, Thailand recorded USD139.7 billion in inward FDI stock, compared with the Philippines’ USD27.6 billion.

“Why do we have to focus on manufacturing despite its low performance?

Because history shows that transformation led by industrialization is

important for sustained economic growth despite arguments that we should shift to the service sector,” Yap said. “A more dynamic manufacturing sector would have provided higher-paying jobs to less-educated workers, thereby making poverty reduction faster.”

Aldaba also pointed to the “hollow, missing middle” brought about by the subdued performance of small and medium enterprises (SMes) in the manufacturing sector.

The Philippines can learn from large Korean business enterprises that subcontracted jobs

to small and cottage producers, and the strategic industrial policies of Malaysia and Singapore that tapped SMes for skills and technology transfer.

Reviving manufacturing, however, doesn’t mean abandoning services as services are also inputs to manufacturing, said erlinda Medalla, PIDS senior research fellow.

To benefit from the envisioned single market and production base under AeC, the country should look at the entire region of 600 million people as the market for Philippine products, Aldaba said. “The opportunity is

there. AeC is there. It’s up to us to take advantage of it or we can just sit down and do nothing,” she said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, chairman of the PIDS board of trustees, lauded the Institute for its efforts to educate the public on ASeAN economic integration.

“We in the executive branch must take the lead in informing the public, Congress, stakeholders, and industry on what policies should be revisited to get the economy to benefit from AeC 2015,” Balisacan said.

in remittances was sustained by the 5.5 percent growth in transfers from land-based OF workers with work contracts of one year or more, whose remittances comprised more than threefourths (75.3 percent) of the total, Gunigundo said.

Meanwhile, remittance flows from sea-based and land-based workers with short-term contracts grew by 7.4 percent. Cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks increased by 6.8 percent to US$ 1.9 billion in August.

For the first eight

months of 2013, cash remittances reached US$ 14.5 billion or a 5.9 percent increase compared to the level registered in the same period last year.

Sustained influx of remittances was observed from both land-based (US$ 11.1 billion) and sea-based workers (US$ 3.4 billion) which grew by 5.5 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively.

The major sources of cash remittances were the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab emirates, Sin-

gapore, Canada, and Japan.

The steady deployment of OF workers remained one of the key drivers of the growth in remittance flows.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas employment Administration (POeA) showed that in January-August 2013, approved job orders totaled 542,367, of which about 39 percent were processed job orders mainly for services, production, professional, technical, and related workers.

The job orders were primarily intended for the manpower requirements

in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab emirates, Kuwait, Taiwan, hong Kong, and Qatar.

The POeA also reported that workers with processed contracts reached 1,164,390 for the first semester of 2013.

Likewise, the continued expansion of bank and non-bank service providers’ international market coverage through tie-ups and establishment of remittance centers abroad to capture a larger share of the global remittance market provided support to the sustained flow of remittances. [PNA]

Personal remittances up by 7.4% in August P

eRSONAL remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) for the month of August rose year-on-year by 7.4 percent to US$ 2.1 billion, the fifth consecutive month in 2013 that personal remittances exceeded the US$ 2 billion mark, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Officer-In-Charge Diwa C. Guinigundo announced Wednesday.

For the period January-August 2013, personal remittances from OFs posted a growth of 6.6 percent from the year-ago level to reach US$ 16 billion. Growth

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Elephants ‘understand human gesture’ A

FRICAN elephants have demonstrated what appears to be an instinctive understanding of human gestures, according to UK scientists.

In a series of tests, researcher Ann Smet, of the University of St Andrews, offered the animals a choice between two identical buckets, then pointed at the one containing a hidden treat.

From the first trial, the elephants chose the correct bucket.

The results are published in the journal Current Biology.

The scientists worked with captive elephants at a lodge in Zimbabwe.

Prof Richard Byrne, a co-author on the research, said the elephants had been rescued from culling operations and trained for riding.

“They specifically train the elephants to respond to vocal cues. They don’t use any gestures at all,” said Prof Byrne.

“The idea is that the handler can walk behind the elephant and just tell it what to do with words.”

Despite this, the animals seemed to grasp the meaning of pointing from the outset. This makes them the only non-human animals to understand the gesture without being trained to do so.

In previous studies, Prof Byrne said, our closest primate cousins, the chimpanzees, proved to be “hopeless” at at similar task.

Ms Smet added that she had been impressed

by the animals’ apparently innate understanding of the gesture.

“Of course we had hoped that the elephants would be able to learn to follow human pointing, or we wouldn’t have done the experiment in the first place,” she said.

“But it was really surprising that they didn’t seem to have to learn anything.

“It seems that understanding pointing is an ability elephants just possess naturally and they are cognitively much more like us than has been realised.”

Prof Byrne said study-

ing elephants helped build a map of part of the evolutionary tree that is very distant from humans.

“They’re so unrelated to us,” he told BBC News.

“So if we find human-like abilities in an animal like an elephant, that hasn’t shared a common ancestor with people for more than 100 million years , we can be pretty sure that it’s evolved completely separately, by what’s called convergent evolution.”

The researchers said their findings might explain how elephants have successfully been tamed

and have “historically had a close bond with humans, in spite of being potentially dangerous and unmanageable due to their great size”.

But the scientists added the results could be a hint that the animals gesture to one another in the wild with their “highly controllable trunks”.

Ms Smet told BBC News: “The next step [in our research] is to test whether when an elephant extends its trunk upwards and outwards as they regularly do, such as when detecting a predator, this functions as a point.” [BBC]

NVIRONMeNTAL Management Bureau (eMB) is calling on Metro Manila-based national government agencies and GOCCs to join the second search for this region’s eco-friendliest public offices. eMB Office of the Director OIC Dr. eva Ocfemia noted the agencies’ participation will help promote sustainable environmental management in both public and private sectors. ”As government offices, we must lead by example,” she said.

According to eMB, interested parties have until Jan. 31, 2014 to signify intent to join the search.

Such parties must file respective ‘Intent to Join’ forms from the environment department, eMB said.

To determine the search’s winners, each aspirant-office will be assessed in terms of four Ps in its environmental management program (84 percent) and other environment-related programs (16 percent).

Those four Ps are policy, promotion awareness, people and practice. electricity conservation, waste management, water consumption, fuel consumption, air pollution prevention and greening are initiatives for assessment under an aspi-

rant-office’s environmental management program.

The aspirant-office’s other environment-related programs for assessment are emergency preparedness, green procurement as well as order, cleanliness and safety.

Winners of the search will be formally recognized next year in November when the country annually marks National environmental Awareness Month.

The second search for Metro Manila’s eco-friendliest public offices commenced last week. eMB launched the search in 2010 and

awarded in 2011 the first batch of winners dubbed environmental excellence awardees.

Development Bank of the Philippines, National electrification Administration and Philippine heart Center comprised such first batch of environmental excellence awardees, eMB said. eMB added Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the public works and social welfare departments, National economic and Development Authority, National housing Authority and Philippine economic Zone Authority also emerged as citation of merit awardees during the first search.

[PNA]

NatUrE’s GiaNts •

African elephants are the largest living land animals • Until recently there was one species of elephant in Africa - but they are now classified as either forest or bush (or savannah) elephants • Forest elephants, as the name suggests, are found in equatorial forests and have straighter trunks and rounded ears • Bush elephants are more widespread, mostly south of the Sahara in a range of habitats including savannah, swamps and deserts Source: BBC Nature

Boracay, Camiguin linked for climate change project

Gov’t searches for eco-friendliest agencies T e

he Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) is linking two tourism destinations in the country for their advocacy on mitigating and adapting climate change.

Jojo Rodriguez of the SPC said their group is currently advocating for climate change adaptation strategy both in the island-province of Camiguin in northern Mindanao and this resort-island in the Visayas. he said that SPC, in coordination with the municipal government of Mambajao in Camiguin, safely removed 16 illegally set fish traps in the island’s marine protected areas.

Fish traps are dropped on top of the coral reef or beside it. To recover the traps, these

are towed by fishermen using long ropes across the coral reefs causing massive damage.

In Boracay, the SPC also partnered with Globe Telecom which donated a multi-cab vehicle to be used for mobilization in promoting the environmental sustainability of this resort-island.

“We are offering free use of the multi-cab for individuals or groups implementing environmental projects in Boracay,” Rodriguez said.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez defended their group’s stance on the criticism of several sectors questioning their refusal to fully utilize the epoxy provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the coral reef conservation efforts.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDITORIAL

32 atomic bombs

T

he 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Visayas and parts of Mindanao and Luzon Tuesday morning was horrible, to say the least. The temblor devastated centuries-old churches and modern buildings and killed close to a hundred people.

Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Insitute opf Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), described the tremor “32 times as strong as the atomic bomb dropped on hiroshima” during World War II. If that is so, it is some consolation that less than a hundred people lost their lives last Tuesday, because 70,000 to 80,000 people died in the hiroshima holocaust and only God knows how many thousands more have been maimed and traumatized until today, more than half a century after the blast.

Some optimists and overly positive-thinking observers may attribute the comparatively lesser destruction in lives and property of the Tuesday catastrophe to the level of preparedness that people and government have in the areas affected.

Still, we cannot minimize, much less ignore the

EDGEDAVAO

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urgent message that the earthquake brings – that we need to take more measures to heighten alert and preparedness for disasters in general.

The call of the day is for local government units like Davao City to review their disaster risk reduction and management plans and examine if they are good enough to address a catastrophe like Tuesday’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake, given that the Davao Region, the city included, is within the socalled “Pacific Ring of Fire.” Very critical in the review, of course, is the matter of funding and training of both responders and the general public. has the LGU set aside enough budget? Are the responders and potential victims –we, the ordinary citizens and potential victims, received enough training and critical information empowering us to react correctly, instead of panicking? The latter should be the responsibility of both government and the private sector—civil society and the business community, whose vast resources must be marshaled during emergencies. This is matter of utmost urgency. And no pun intended, the deadline was yesterday.

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. • JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

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Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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EDGEDAVAO

C

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Devastating fury of nature

ROSS POINT FOR INTeReSTS – As the Filipino nation mourned the deaths of more than a hundred people mostly caught in the crossfire – innocent civilians including children, policemen and soldiers not to mention members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari faction during the three-week Zamboanga City siege, government officials again struggled to analyze the implications of another catastrophe. After the man-made tragedy comes the natural disaster. Ravaged by the unconventional armed encounter instigated by people who lust for power and influence, Zamboanga City and its suburban areas likewise could not avoid the devastating fury of nature.

The effects of the Zamboanga tragedy on the local economy that left more than a hundred dead, scores severely injured and damage to crops, properties and infrastructures amounting to several billions was really shattering. It put a large dent in the city government revenues. Unfortunately, a city under siege for weeks was inundated by floods brought about by the previous typhoon. Several thousands of war-affected residents seeking refuge in different evacuation centers waded through knee-deep floodwaters and suffering from sickness, water-borne diseases, lack of food, water and medicines.

It would be considered a double-whammy the man-man and natural calamities that hit Zamboanga City. Predictably, there were sizeable contingents of volunteers – different medical, disaster and rescue teams; and distribution of relief goods and medicines coming from the government and private organizations continued relentlessly. Now that the armed conflict was over and so was the flood, more serious still is the tremendous damage to the local economy caused by the two misfortunes.

In such circumstances, it needs a great involve-

W

ment of the government and the private sector in securing continued development as well as a fast track social and economic recovery.

While some other provinces in the country notably Northern and eastern Luzon including the Greater Manila Area have been badly battered by successive typhoons that caused massive flooding and mudslides damaging agricultural crops, infrastructures, and loss of lives and properties, again another catastrophe hit several provinces in the Visayas. This time a magnitude 7.2 earthquake of tectonic origin severely struck most particularly the provinces of Bohol and Cebu. The epicenter of the damaging quake was found in the town of Carmen in Bohol according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhIVOLCS).

The terrifying tremor left a wide path of destruction across the two most affected provinces. historical and tourist sites like the famous Chocolate hills and heritage centuries-old churches in several towns of Bohol province were in shambles, concretes and debris falling to the ground like domino cards. The province of Cebu has not been spared by the strong quake especially Cebu City. World-renowned historical and religious landmarks such as the Basilica Menore de Santo Nino de Cebu including modern edifices were totally damage. Most if not all of the national and historical treasures both in Bohol and Cebu are beyond repair ac-

cording to structural experts. Unlike weather disturbance, earthquake caught the people unaware and the after effects have now become a king-size headache for our national leaders, President Benigno Aquino III above all. even with the vast resources and advance technology and readiness of the citizens of the world’s most developed countries, still they weren’t able to invent a system or equipment capable of determining when and where an earthquake would strike. The best way to prevent further destruction during earthquakes is for the government and its people to be always on the alert. Disaster preparedness in times of calamities both man-made and natural is a must. The logic of the government must proceed from the fact that the creation of “disaster risk reduction management councils” in all local government units (LGUs) of international standards in line with future realities is of crucial importance.

In times of disasters, government needs a system to ensure support and cooperation from all sectors of society. It is extremely necessary that the government along with the different sectors could participate in extending all the needed assistance to the victims of calamities. Today, after a string of disasters happened across the country, a recovery program is a vital center of economic development as well as a cross point for interests of key stakeholders and government institutions. It was no coincidence, of course, that man-made and natural disasters happened in intervals therefore the country’s leaders should acknowledge that “after the storm,” economic recovery program is achievable – that the destitution of hundreds of thousands of calamity victims is not an everlasting, unalterable fact but something that should be the priority of any government – the Aquino administration for that matter.

Review the barangaygovernment’s performance

ITh elections just around the corner, it’s important to review the performance of the current (or outgoing) administration of the barangay.

Did it serve the community well? It’s been three years since it was elected in October 2010. how did your community benefit from its service?

Those who served the longest, in what way did the community benefit from them? What did they accomplish or contribute? Did their long service produce improvements? If not, should they be made to step aside and give others a chance to serve?

It is good to replenish the public service with fresh faces and fresh energy. It is wrong to allow anyone or any family to monopolize public offices.

To help you assess your government’s performance, it may help to prepare a checklist on the following.

Mandates, Development Planning From 2010 to date, to what extent did the incumbent administration pursue its mandates—to empower the people, to implement the laws, to promote democracy and self-governance, to improve community wellbeing?

Does the barangay have a comprehensive development plan? Is it operative?

Did it serve as the framework or reference point for proposed plans, projects, and programs? how about the barangay’s Annual Investment Plan? Was it implemented? Did it perform as planned? What was achieved; how much remains undone?

These are not trivial matters; these are the determinants of good or bad gover-

WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

Part 1 of 2

nance. everyone in the community should dwell on these matters because the common good and the people’s quality of life are at stake. It matters a lot whether the officials performed these mandates satisfactorily or not. mobilization, autonomy Was there an active effort to bring the different sectors of the community together, promoting and facilitating unity and cooperation? Or was there too much politics, favoritism, or partisanship? Officials are duty-bound to promote harmony and solidarity and avoid partisan politics.

Citizens have an essential role in fulfilling whatever is planned for the community, a role that is meant to enhance the spirit of autonomy and self-governance.

Were there efforts to involve them at the preparatory or implementation stage? Individual citizens, corporate citizens, sectoral groups of the barangay? Can your barangay be said to be self-governing?

During its Barangay Assemblies, were the community’s concerns taken up or placed on the agenda? Were the people given ample time to discuss or deliberate and pass resolutions? Barangay officials often make the mistake of treating the assembly as theirs to monopolize and manipulate.

In doing so they insult the people and take them for granted. They forget that this is the people’s assembly, that the officials should refrain from grandstanding so the

people will have maximum opportunity to air their views. What notable resolutions were passed by the Assembly during the past three years? What ordinances were referred to the Sanggunian for enactment? transparency, accountability What measures were taken to make the barangay government transparent and accountable? Were the people informed of proposed programs or projects passed or approved?

Was the powerful Barangay Assembly involved in crafting appropriate policies and ordinances for the Sangguniang Barangay to enact? Were the people consulted, public hearings held? Or did the officials simply do whatever they liked? If they didn’t bother to consult, it was bad governance. development Council Was the Barangay Development Council operative? Was it active in preparing development plans and investment plans? Was the Council properly organized or constituted in accordance with the Local Government Code—to ensure that it would have a multi-sectoral membership?

Did the Council organize seminars and lectures on matters of interest to the community? Were there forums or public discussions on important issues? Did the officials reach out to encourage the different sectors or professional circles to contribute to local development? Did the Council create functional committees to enable the different sectors and interest groups to participate effectively and contribute their ideas to the barangay’s development planning process?

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Is Sta Cruz more friendly to investors ?

S

TA CRUZ, to most people here in Davao always remind them of that quaint restaurant beside the sea along the highway if they’re traveling on their way to Digos, Bansalan or General Santos.

Its name, alas, escapes us at the moment because its food steals our attention more than its name.

Of course, if you’re one of these travelers, you won’t forget the grilled tuna “panga”, crabs, squids you attacked with your fingers after soaking them in coconut vinegar with red hot spices when you sit down for breakfast or lunch.

And whetting all that appetite is the smell of fish coming from the windows facing the blue sea waters of Davao Gulf, as fishermen pulled up their long big bancas filled with fresh catch of moro-moro, matambaka and tuna. It’s a scene straight out of a Philippine post card.

Today however, this isn’t the kind of image that sticks to you when you pass Sta Cruz highway on your way to the south of Davao del Sur. Although, once in a while, you might drop by this same restaurant to use their comfort rooms and maybe take a quick brunch and hot coffee, before you board your Pajero and get back on the road.

One of the most striking images you get from Sta Cruz town these days, is the huge San Miguel Brewery plant facility in the village of Darong, the biggest beer processing plant in Asia. This was one of the first big investments that began flocking to this small municipality of Davao del Sur province, drawn by the quality of the water beneath the earth which is considered by German water experts as one of the world’s best drinking water.

Franklin Baker Company was one of the early firms that saw the big potential of Sta Cruz as a huge source of coconuts for their various coco processed products like dessicated coconut used extensively in baking in the world’s markets. Surrounded by big coconut plantations in Coronon, the company has poured more millions in new investments, producing coconut water, coconut sugar, coco coir and even charcoal for active carbon.

For a long time, the property developer Filinvest wanted to diversify into food production and seeing a good opportunity to revive a sugarcane farm in Darong, plunged headlong into a commercial sugarcane plantation to supply the sugar refining plants of Mindanao.

Another land developer, Ayala Land, had long eyed the potentials of Darong for agriculture because of its rich volcanic soil, which prompted it to set up its Ayala Agriculture Development Corporation which is now farming and producing such products like coconuts, coffee, cacao, and even bananas.

Aboitiz equity Ventures, one of the favorites of investors buying up its stock in the Philippine Stock exchange, poured millions of investments in heDCOR hydro plant in Sibulan to boost its power capacity not only in Davao del Sur but also in the whole Davao region.

A Japanese company CJ Toyota Tsushu also set up its coco sugar processing plant in Darong, buying up all the supply of coconut shell from the province for its source of material, Two or more banana chips manufacturers took advantage of the supply of good quality cardaba bananas in Sta Cruz and set up their operations there--- GSL Food enterprised and Prime Xynergies, both exporting their products to the world’s markets.

Taking advantage of banana plantations, especially the organic Cavendish bananas grown by Bagobo farmers in Sibulan, a catsup manufacturer Queens Delight is now doing well in the domestic market nationwide.

Some of the biggest investments in recent years were seen flocking at Darong, just a hairline away from the city boundary at Inawayan village, but a regular traveler passing

by Sta Cruz highway can also see new plants and factories rising in Coronon, Astorga, Inawayan, Sirawan and Binugao with nearby Toril getting new investments in big commercial ventures like big shopping malls, department stores,supermarkets and modern cinemas.

It isn’t accurate to say that Sta Cruz is more friendly to investors than Davao City, seeing all these multi-million peso investments pouring into this little town a few kilometers from Digos City, since more investments in big shopping malls, condominiums, office buildings, hotels, etc are still pouring into the country’s biggest metropolitan city in the South.

(Comments ? Email> tradingpost_davao@ yahoo.com)

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Strong... FFROM 2 tions manager Jeanette Japson said preliminary inspection showed the earthquake caused no major damage in buildings in the Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park from the earthquake.

Cenelyn Manguilimotan, Cebu Parklane International hotel general manager and vice president of the hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (hRRAC)

said they only had some few popped up tiles.

She said they resumed normal operations after a thorough inspection of their building was done. hRRAC president hans hauri also said they made cross checking with other hotels in Cebu and found out that most hotels already returned to normal operations Tuesday afternoon.

[PNA]

fore the barangay about boundaries.

Capilian allegedly shouted to her by saying “Patyon teka tiguwanga ka”. This prompted Alfredo Ayao, a purok leader to intervene between them

however the accused did not hid his advice.

Out of fear, Talisic left the area and reported to the police that resulted to his apprehension.

The case will be raffled this Thursday.

inspection in Bohol, which was the worst affected by the 7.2 magnitude quake.

President Aquino first visited the Provincial Capitol, checked the building interiors where he saw huge cracks on the walls and inspected some rooms.he also inspected a nearby Legislative Building where he saw cracked walls and floors. The office of Vice Governor Magpale was also not spared from the damage of the quake as some portions of the room collapsed.

The President then proceeded to the Sto. Nino Basilica Church, which was also damaged in the tremors. The limestone bell tower of the historical church fell while other parts of church crumbled.

The right portion of the main entrance of the Philippine’s oldest church

collapsed, its gate heavily damaged.

The President stayed outside the Basilica for about 15 minutes talking to some priests and local officials and inspecting debris from the church. he then went inside the church and inspected the area where the centuryold image of the Sto. Nino is found.

Around 4 p.m., the President then visited a public market in Mandaue where one person was killed after a portion of the market collapsed.

Some schools, shopping malls, buildings and other establishments also sustained damages due to the strong quake that recorded hundreds of aftershocks until Wednesday morning.

The President met with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction

Management Council and several local officials here and was briefed regarding the extent of the damage of the quake in the province.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that at least 107 people were killed due the quake: 97 people died in Bohol, nine in Cebu and one in Siquijor.

At least 276 people, meanwhile, were injured: 166 from Bohol, 106 from Cebu, three from Siquijor and one from Negros Oriental.

Authorities still expect the death toll to rise as some affected areas remained inaccessible to vehicles.

Malacanang earlier assured that assistance will be provided to those affected and displaced by the quake. (PNA)

executive Secretary of the ARMM Governor’S office and Irene M. Santiago, Chair emerita, Mindanao Commission on Women will open the workshop.

They will speak on “Conflict, Cultural Diversity and Plural Legal Systems in Mindanao: Challenges and Opportunities in Advancing Women’s human Rights.”

The session will be moderated by Aida Jean Manipon, National Coordinator, UN Women Philippines.

On October 17, topics include “Mainstreaming Gender in Legislative Structures and Processes in Southeast Asia” by

Socorro Reyes, Regional Governance Adviser, The Center for Legislative Development International, and Former Chief, Asia and the Pacific and the Arab States, UN Women; “Localizing the Magna Carta of Women and Other Challenges in CeDAW Implementation” by emmeline Verzosa, executive Director, Philippine Commission on Women ; and “The Anti-Domestic Violence Law in Thailand: Challenges and Good Practices in Implementation” by Supatra Putananusorn National Programme Officer, UN Women Thailand.

Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, executive Director, of the Tebtebba Foundation will speak on “Claiming Indigenous Women’ human Rights: Challenges and Good Practices in Southeast Asia.”

Bo-I era espana, Chairperson, Tuddok and current commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples will speak on “Indigenous Women’s Rights and Customary Laws in Mindanao.” evalyn Ursua, a former consultant of UN Women, will share her views on “Women’s Access to Justice in Plural Legal Systems: Some Key

Man faces...FFROM 2

Quake...FFROM 1

Nat’l...FFROM 2

DAYS ARE NUMBERED. An “uso-uso” public utility jeepney driver makes the middle of Roxas Avenue his “personal terminal” while waiting for passengers in front of Ateneo de Davao University yesterday. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte directed concerned agencies on Monday to apprehend “uso-uso” jeepney drivers for frequently violating traffic rules. Lean Daval Jr.

DOE monitors power situation due to Visayan earthquake T AGUIG City) The Department of energy (DOe) continues to monitor and address the power and fuel situation in Central Visayas, especially in Bohol and Cebu, in the wake of the 15 October 2013 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

In an emergency meeting this morning at the DOe, officials from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National electrification Administration, National Power Corporation, and the Philippine electricity Market Corporation discussed the measures being implemented by all energy agencies to restore power and fuel supply in the disaster stricken provinces at the soonest possible time.

As discussed by NeA, the power in the distribution

lines in Tagbilaran City, all towns being served

by Bohol II electric Cooperative (BOheCO II), and Cebu province have already been restored yesterday afternoon. In addition, the towns of Loay, Lila, Dimiao, Loboc, Sevilla, Panglao, and parts of Dauis and Albuquerque being served by Bohol I electric Cooperative (BOheCO I) have been energized as of 10 am today.

PeMC likewise reported that the WeSM has been operating business as usual since there was no market intervention made due to the unfortunate event.

Meanwhile, TransCo indicated that they will also conduct ground assessment of the transmission facilities in the area by tomorrow.

NGCP reported that the Tagbilaran-Corella 69kV Line has been restored

as of 4:13 PM. The only remaining transmission facility undergoing restoration is the CorellaCatigbian-Carmen 69 KV line.

NeA further cited that BOheCO I is now working on restoring power in the remaining towns. Corella, Sikatuna, Baclayon, Maribojoc, Antequera, Cortez, Carmen, Sagbayan, Batuan, Bilar, and parts of Albuquerque and Dauis is expected to have power within the day after completing some repairs and technical inspections.

The towns of Tubugon, Calape, Loon, Inabanga, Clarin, Catigbian, Balilihan, and San Isidro, meanwhile, are expected to have power within 2 to 3 days, as NGCP is still conducting restoration of the two 69kv poles in the area.

Considerations for a Philippine Advocacy and Research Practice.”

The UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific will give a presentation on the topic, “Understanding Women’s Access to Justice in Plural Legal Systems in Southeast Asia: A Regional Research Initiative.”

On October 18, Deepa Bharathi, Regional Programme Manager, UN Women Regional Office Asia and the Pacific, CeDAW SeAP will discuss “Improving Women’s human Rights in Southeast Asia: An Overview of UN Women’s Regional Program.”

Aurora Javate de Dios, Philippine Representative, ASeAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children, and executive Director, Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) will speak on the topic, “Monitoring Progress in Women’s human Rights in ASeAN Countries: Linking the Local to the Regional.”

The “Im proving Women’s human Rights in Southeast Asia” program focuses on knowledge generation and exchange, stock taking and priority setting for advancing the implementation of CeDAW (Conven-

tion on the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) in the region.

Three main outcomes of this program are increased skills and knowledge on CeDAW compliance in development; increased awareness among formal and informal justice system actors of CeDAW commitments; and strengthened monitoring and accountability mechanisms for implementation of CeDAW commitments.

The event will be streamed live at the MCW’s office website.

Log on at www.mindanaowomen.com. [MCW]

EDGEDAVAO

NATION

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

11

mANILA

Senate forum highlights needed improvements to strengthen 4Ps e

XPANDING the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps—the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program—should be accompanied by modifications in its design and implementation to make it more effective and efficient.

Poverty specialist and PIDS senior research fellow Celia Reyes emphasized this again in a seminar-forum titled “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: Why “deepening” matters in achieving its human capital objectives” held on September 19 at the Senate of the Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Senate economic Planning Office (SePO), the forum was intended to apprise Senate technical staff of the major findings of PIDS’ initial evaluation of the CCT program to assist them in providing effective technical support to legislators. The forum was part of the celebration of the 11th Development Policy Research Month which is also spearheaded by state think tank PIDS. The Aquino II administration picked up the recommendation of Reyes and her research team at PIDS to extend the period

MANILA

of assistance being given to CCT beneficiaries to enable their children to finish high school. The original design of the 4Ps, when it started implementation in 2008, was to provide assistance to identified poor households to enable their 6- to 14-year-old children to finish elementary. The assistance is for a maximum of five years and amounts each year to P3,000 per child for the education component and P6,000 for the health component for each family beneficiary. Only a maximum of three children per family shall receive the education grant.

“Is it not right that we maximize the help we give these families, so that our young beneficiaries can finish high school, thereby helping them make the most out of the benefits of this program? That is why next year, families with children up to 18 years old will be included in this program so that their children will be able to finish high school,” Presiden Aquino said in his stateof-the-nation address (SONA) on July 22.

The President cited in his SONA what Reyes took note in many of her presentations that the average daily wage of high school graduates is 45

Roadside barrier. A roadside barrier at the approach to the Okoy Bridge in Sibulan, Negros Oriental is seen sustaining damage from Tuesday morning’s earthquake. [PNA Dumaguete photo by Judaline F. Partlow] percent higher than those who only had some elementary education. The PIDS team also showed results that the school attendance of children of 4Ps families steadily declines among older children. This has not been the case with younger children. School attendance falls below 90 percent after age 13 based on their analysis. More

Devotees weep as PHL loses Church treasures D

eVOTeeS wept after a deadly earthquake Tuesday rocked the birthplace of Catholicism in the Philippines, badly damaging the country’s oldest church and leaving other historic places of worship in ruins.

Ten churches, some of which have crucial links to the earliest moments of the Spanish colonial and Catholic conquest in the 1500s, were damaged as the 7.1-magnitude quake struck the central islands of Cebu and Bohol.

“It is like part of the body of our country has been destroyed,” Michael Charleston “Xiao” Chua, a history lecturer at De La Salle University in Manila, told AFP.

he said the damage was particularly painful because the Philippines had already lost so many of its cultural treasures to war, typhoons, earthquakes and poverty-driven neglect.

In Cebu, shocked devotees said prayers as they gathered in front of the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino (Basilica of the Child Jesus), the oldest church in the Philippines and home to one of the country’s most important religious icons.

The limestone bell tower of the church, the latest version of which was built in 1735, was destroyed in the quake.

“I wanted to seek sanctuary here but it turns out the church was damaged,” Fraulein Muntag, 32, a

mother of two, told AFP as she wept and prayed the rosary at the site.

Vigil at damaged home of Catholicism Muntag was among 100 people who had gathered amid aftershocks around the damaged belfry in the late afternoon, with candles lit in vigil.

Cebu is regarded as the birthplace of Catholicism in the Philippines because it was there that Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, sailing for Spain, arrived in 1521. he converted a friendly local chief and his wife to Catholicism, making them the first Christian Filipinos.

To mark their conversion, he gave them a statue of the infant Jesus.

boys than girls also attend school, and even among older children, boys have lower school participation than girls.

“There is a public elementary school in almost every barangay so access is not a problem among younger children. high schools are typically located in the poblacion, which means higher cost of ed-

ucation for families given higher transportation cost and school fees. As to the gender disparity in school participation, we can attribute this to the fact that older male children would often drop out of school to help their families. The cash grant for male CCT children should thus be higher to encourage them to stay in school,” Reyes ex-

DAMAGED. The damaged structure of the Basilica of the Holy Child in Cebu City, Philippines is seen after a major 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the region on October 15, 2013

plained.

Most 4Ps families cited “lack of personal interest” as the reason for the inability of their 6- to 14-year-old children to sustain school attendance.

According to Reyes, this requires more probing. If the reasons behind this lack of interest are clear, better intervention can be developed to address it, she said.

12

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

BlackBerry accused of raising false hopes B

LACKBeRRY shareholders on Tuesday launched a class-action lawsuit against the company, alleging its optimistic sales forecasts for its new smartphones cost them hundreds of millions of dollars, lawyers announced.

The lawsuit on behalf of Canadian shareholders who purchased BlackBerry stock between September 27, 2012 and September 20 of this year, alleges that senior management “knowingly or negligently” misrepresented that its BlackBerry 10 line of smartphones were being well-received by consumers and that the company was in a strong financial position.

The class action is the second launched against BlackBerry in the past week.

“For almost a full year, BlackBerry management made market statements based on prophecy rather than fact,” class-action lawyer Tony Merchant said

in a statement.

“Thousands of Canadians who invested in BlackBerry Limited in the past year have lost hundreds of millions of dollars.”

BlackBerry unveiled its new platform in January as it sought to regain lost momentum, but its most recent numbers suggest this has been a spectacular failure.

Last month, the company announced it was laying off 4,500 staff -- or one third of its global workforce -- after losing $965 million in its last quarter as sales plummeted.

BlackBerry still has some 70 million subscribers worldwide, but most of these are using older handsets, with the newer devices on the BlackBerry 10 platform failing to gain traction.

BlackBerry’s share price meanwhile has slid from a 52-week high of $17.80 in January to below $9 recently.

LOBe Telecom’s rollout of its fourth generation infrastructure through the combined technology of long term evolution (LTe) and high speed packet access plus (hSPA+) is fast gaining ground, as the telecommunications company activated more sites across the country.

Following aggressive rollout of LTe, the cuttingedge technology is now available in key cities in Metro Manila that include Makati City, Pasig City, Quezon City, Taguig, Manila, Muntinlupa, San Juan and

Las Pinas.

LTe infrastructure has also been established in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao as well as in select areas in the provinces of Bohol, Batangas, Negros Occidental, La Union, Rizal, Aklan Laguna, Bulacan, Nueva ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Cavite, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Isabela, Ilocos, Quirino, Tarlac and in key tourist destination Boracay.

“Globe Telecom’s rollout of 4G infrastructure is well on its course in line with our commitment to provide the fastest speed on the world’s best mobile

phones and gadgets. Our LTe-hSPA+ infrastructure will definitely enhance our subscribers’ mobile experience,” said Robert Tan, Globe Chief Technical Adviser.

Globe Telecom, which was the first to pioneer the LTe data and data roaming services in the Philippines, expects to further enhance its LTe network expansion in the months ahead as LTe sites will be fired up in select areas in the country.

Majority of the planned LTe sites for 2013 will be activated in the second half of the year.

On the other hand, about 78% of the company’s network is already running on hSPA+, providing faster mobile browsing experience for its customers, said Tan. In metropolitan Manila alone, about 96% of the company’s network currently utilizes hSPA+.

Tan emphasized the company’s approach to the LTe rollout has been to focus on “large contiguous areas” instead of “pocket activations” and “hotspots” to ensure greater and more stable coverage for customers.

one of the major roads in Metro Manila that leads to the different cities, and a day without heavy traffic in this major road would be a miracle.

So lessening cars on the road can actually be a good solution, and Tripid, alongside several other startups, is trying to do its part.

A year after the launch of its web service, Tripid is now available as a mobile app. While it duplicates

many of the web app’s features, several extras make it an envelope pusher: the app allows people in communities who share the same route to carpool.

Since the launch, Tripid has already gained over 3,500 users on its web app, with 12,000 trips posted.

Of course, carpooling doesn’t come free. Users posting a trip can dictate the price that passengers have to pay. The service recently launched an

e-wallet feature whereby Tripid passengers can pay their drivers through the app. Users can top up their accounts in increments of Php 100 ($2.32), Php 300 ($6.97), Php 500 ($11.62) and Php 1,000 ($23.24) and pay through PayPal. Tripid CeO Michael Dee Ngo said: “generally people love the idea of a wallet feature, we’re finding ways to improve it by making it more convenient for our customers to top-up.”

Globe Telecom’s 4G rollout gains ground Smart 4G LTE leads in coverage, rollout G With Tripid’s new mobile app

Carpooling in PHL can now be cashless I

N last year’s Startup Arena, Philippine ride-sharing startup Tripid stated that it wanted to solve an endemic problem in Southeast Asia: traffic.

Indeed, we’ve talked about bad traffic over and over in this region and it doesn’t seem to end. The Metro Manila Development Authority stated that there are 400,000 private vehicles that use eDSA and other major and minor roads everyday. eDSA is

W

IReLeSS services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is expanding further its fourthgeneration (4G) Long Term evolution (LTe) network which already has over 1,000 sites covering 180 cities and municipalities, including Metro Manila, as well as areas in North Luzon, South Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

LTe is currently the fastest commercially available 4G wireless broadband service. Smart introduced LTe in the Philippines in August 2012 and has since been rolling out the service in more areas of the country.

Smart is the only operator to provide 4G LTe coverage for mobile users in Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pateros and Valenzuela.

Smart is also the only network to offer 4G LTe services in key areas in Albay, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Mindoro Oriental, Pangasinan, Quezon and Zambales.

Moreover, Smart is the sole 4G LTe provider

in Capiz, Iloilo, Leyte and Negros Oriental in the Visayas, and Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga Del Sur in Mindanao.

“Our 4G LTe rollout is the cutting edge of our wireless broadband offerings. This technology platform offers our subscribers the best highspeed, multi-media mobile internet experience,” said Rolando G. Peña, head of technology services at PLDT and Smart.

“If we count as well our hSPA+ and Wi-Max services, Smart offers the most extensive wireless broadband coverage for both fixed and mobile applications. All of these services are powered by superior fiber optic transmission network of PLDT and Smart, which is the most powerful and pervasive in the country,” he added.

Moreover, Smart is upping the ante by being the first to conduct tests of LTe Advanced, the next stage of development of LTe. In the past three months, the mobile operator has already tested LTe Advanced in Manila, Davao City and Boracay, Aklan.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

13

Azkals bite back, wins Peace Cup S

TAR midfielder Stephan Schrock buried a goal at the 88th minute to help the Philippine national men’s football team edge Pakistan, 3-1, and retain the 2013 Philippine Football Peace Cup Tuesday night at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

Schrock received a pass from Patrick Reichelt for the crucial score to give the Azkals a two-goal victory to overcome inferior differential and finish on top of the three-team tournament.

The Azkals’ bid for the title suffered an early blow after Kaleem Ullah beat Jerry Barbaso inside the box to score at the 15th minute for Pakistan.

Losing some players due to sickness and injuries, Azkals coach hans Michael Weiss was forced to experiment his lineup, putting midfielders Reichelt and Schrock upfront front.

The gamble paid dividends for the Azkals as Schrock got free inside the box to dish an assist to Reichelt, who hit the back of the net at the 33rd minute to tie the match.

Chris Greatwich then scored a rebound goal off a Reichelt miss at the 78th minute to give the Azkals a

2-1 lead.

After failing to hit the crucial third goal, the Azkals looked like they were on their way to losing the

crown. But Schrock came to the rescue, speeding his way past defenders for a shot at the 88th minute to seal the Filipinos’ triumph.

The victory put the Azkals on top of the table with three points and a plus-one goal differential, edging Pakistan and Chi-

nese Taipei which, despite also having three points each, had an inferior goal differential at the end of the tournament.

The Azkals swept its matches to win the Peace Cup last year for their first tournament title in almost a century.

T

egory,” said organizer Marco Cenojas of the Cenojas Mixed Martial Arts last Tuesday at the SCOOP session of The Royal Mandaya hotel.

Cenojas said that the other categories are the Beginners and Intermediate.

Also present at the weekly public service sports program sponsored

by TRMh, Genesis 88, Mulatto Outdoor Apparel, Beefit Gym, edge Outdoor, Rice Bowl and Dexter’s Pizza at The Stadium were the Lim twins Mike and Marc of CMMA and former

University of Mindanao judo club player Jan estimada of the Philippine National Police.

“The PNP team will be the darkhorse in this event. They are all former varsity judo players,” said Cenojas.

Other teams invited

are from Manila, Butuan, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Kidapawan, Malaybalay and Davao.

The event is presented

by CMMA in coordination with the Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation of the Philippines (BJJFP) and supported by Mars Cenojas, Rom-

mel Tan and the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao.

It is sponsored by Atwork Manpower and General Services, Axzeen Security Agency and Gaisano Grand Citimall, Tactical Gear and Smashville Fitness Center.

CHAMPS AGAIN. The Philippine Azkals whoop it up after winning over Pakistan.

8th Southern Phils. BJJ & Grappling Championships Oct. 27

he 8th Southern Philippines Brazilian JiuJitsu and Grappling Championships is set on October 27 at the 5th level of the Gaisano Grand Citimall in Ilustre St. “We’re expecting more than 100 players because we added the Advance cat-

Central 911 sportsfest set Oct. 19

T

HAND IN HAND FOR THE NEEDY. Student-runners hold their arms together as they cross the finish line in an expression of solidarity--the same cause they shared for the needy children who will get shoes for their participation in the Davao leg of the 37th Milo National Marathon last Sunday. Lean Daval Jr.

he Central 911 Davao Inter-ColorSportsfest will open on October 19 at 8 a.m. at the Sandawa Base in SIR Matina.

Central 911 officer-in-charge emmanuel Jaldon said that it will start with the parade of the teams followed by the opening program.

Two volleyball games will be played featuring Gold against Blue at 9 a.m. and Gray versus Red at 10 a.m.

Three basketball games will be played over at the open court at the back of the Grand Men Seng hotel. Gold plays Blue composed of the eMT Department at 12:30 noon followed by Gray versus Red at 2 p.m.

The final game is an exhibition match between the 911 Davao selection and ABS-CBN Davao Kapamilya All Stars at 3:30 p.m.

Sports coordinator Michael Dancel said the darts event will be played at their Sandawa base.

“We also need to have a break and engage in physical fitness,” said Jaldon.

Central 911 Davao has more than 300 employees.

Former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman and now new City Sports Development Division Officer-in-Charge William “Butch” Ramirez is the invited guest speaker.

14 CLASSIFIEDS There’s a better way to get attention.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

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INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

A Royal Dining Experience at the Grand Emperor Seafood Palace HIDDEn behind its massive intimidating doors is a portal that holds forth more than what Dorothy has ever imagined. It is neither a pair of sparkling red slippers nor a yellow brick road -- just your ignited gastronomical senses to help you get by.

Conveniently located at the heart of Victoria Plaza car park, Grand Emperor is not your typical quaint restaurant. It is one of the best places to train your palate to explore and experience the world beyond our 7,107 islands.

Driven with passion to be better than the rest, it speaks forth of authenticity, value for money and quality all at the same time.

With their extensive menu, you will surely find more than what you have ever hoped for – for a restaurant, that is.

Their delectable seafood dishes are what set them apart. The moment you smell it, you will be in awe.

From fish to shrimp to crabs, there is nothing here

FA ROYAL, A4

Crispy Lapu-Lapu with mango, red bell pepper, onion and sauce.

A2 INdulge!

UP anD aBOUT

Merrell opens SM Ecoland Davao store LeaDing outdoor athletics footwear brand Merrell recently opened its store in SM ecoland Davao, its fourth outlet in Davao City. alongside the store opening, Merrell also introduced their newest shoe line – the M-Connect Series.

Merrell’s M-Connect Series reflects the brand’s passion and commitment to address the needs of outside athletes. it is made up of four key collections, namely Barefoot, Bare access, Mix Master, and Proterra. These shoes aim to provide athletes with the best performance footwear for various outdoor sport activities such as road running, trail running, and hiking. each collection has different features to address consumers’ specific needs to best conquer the outdoors.

Visit the Merrell store at the ground level of SM ecoland Davao and check out its M-Connect Series and Merrell’s wide range of styles. Merrell is also available in SM Lanang Premier.

For more information, visit Merrell’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines or follow them on Twitter: MerrellPH.

GMA Kapuso Foundation receives Agora Award gMa Kapuso Foundation (gMaKF), gMa network’s sociocivic arm, received an agora award from the Philippine Marketing association for its Outstanding achievement in advocacy Marketing during the awarding ceremonies held on October 9 in Makati City. gMaKF’s executive Director Winifredo avendaño and gMa aVP for Corporate affairs Ma. Teresa L. Pacis received the award.

“This recognition that we received tonight gives us an inspira- GMAKF Executive Director Winifredo Avendaño tion to carry (3rd from left) and GMA AVP for Corporate Affairs Ma. Teresa L. Pacis (4th from left) with on the work PMA President Vicente Reyes (5th from left) and of the Foun- (L-R) 2013 Agora Awards Executive Committee’s dation. More Arlene Padua, Hildebrand Barcarse (Director), than the Maureen Amor Castañeda (Chairperson) and award and Leonardo Garcia, Jr. recognition, this reminds us of the immense goodness that each person can share with us,” said avendaño in his acceptance message.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Goin Gangnam THErE is a Korean invasion in Durianburg, from the soap operas being shown on television, the addictive beat of Gangnam Style, to the recently concluded Korean Film Festival at SM Lanang Premier, Korean culture and influence is definitely here to stay and what better way to get in touch with Korean culture than with Korean cuisine?

Some may think that Korean food is pricey and always spicy and this is where Bulgogi Brothers breaks the mold. Serving delicious grilled meats as well as various Korean dishes, Bulgogi Brothers is more than just a traditional Korean restaurant.

Bulgogi Brothers offers Korean cuisine that is easy to enjoy and even easier on the pocket thanks to their many different Korean set meals and last month I was given the chance to taste all eight different sets.

I know it was a daunting task to for someone to taste everything but somebody had to do it and I was more than willing to taste a bit of everything. For the regular diner though, you can choose from Korean Pork Belly, Seafood Soybean Stew, Bulgobi Bibimbap, Beef Bulgogi, Claypot Bulgogi, Spicy Boneless Chicken, Boneless rib Bulgogi, and Pork Bulgogi sets.

Each set has the usual

Boneless Pork Rib

Korean side dishes of Kimchi, boiled quail eggs, corn, sweet potato and spicy eggplant. The set meals also included sautéed vegetables, a bowl of soup as well as a hefty bowl of rice and refillable chilled Korean tea.

I personally love the

Beef Bulgogi Bulgogi Bibimbap which was rich, savoury and filled with beefy goodness.

I also loved the fatty Korean Pork Belly that pairs well with Kimchi. The meat lovers however, will love the Beef Bulgogi and the Boneless Pork rib as well as the Spicy Boneless Chicken sets. What I love most about the Bulgogi Brothers set meals how-

Bulgogi Bibimbap

Join us for Oktoberfest from October 18 to 25, 2013. See you at Hog’s! Located on the GF, Fountain Court Side SM Lanang Premier

Spicy Boneless Chicken

Seafood Soybean Stew

ever is the price which is an affordable P295 per set meal.

Bulgogi Brothers is located at the Second level of SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court.

Follow me on Twitter or on Instagram @kennethkingong for more foodie finds, travel tips and happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

enTeRTainMenT

‘Juan dela Cruz’ throws Grand Fans Day this Saturday aBS-CBn’s no.1 Primetime Bida teleserye “Juan dela Cruz” will give back the love to its loyal TV viewers this Saturday (October 19) via ‘Juan Fun Day: The Juan dela Cruz grand Fans Day.’ Drama King Coco Martin will lead the special event together with his co-stars ZsaZsa Padilla, gina Pareño, erich gonzales, Shaina Magdayao, arron Villaflor, neil Coleta, John Medina, Louise abuel, John Regala, and eddie garcia. also joining ‘Juan Fun Day’ are some of the country’s well-loved singers who sang in “Juan dela Cruz” album volumes 1 and 2. Don’t miss ‘Juan Fun Day: The Juan dela Cruz grand Fans Day’ this Saturday at Trinoma activity Center, 5:00 pm, and continue to follow the last two weeks of Philippine television’s favorite superhero “Juan dela Cruz” weeknights after “TV

Patrol” on aBS-CBn’s Primetime Bida.

For more updates follow @JUanDeLaCRUZ_TV on

Twitter or “like” its official Facebook fanpage Facebook.com/JuanDelaCruz.

TV.

Metro Weddings celebrates whimsical weddings this October 2013 ThiS MOnTh, an eclectic and exciting issue is in store for readers in the fun and adorable Whimsical Wedding Special of Metro Weddings Magazine. in an issue that celebrates all the cute, quirky, diverse and timeless details, Metro Weddings Magazine explores everything that goes into creating a truly unique wedding event.

This month’s issue is overflowing with beautiful photos and stunning sources for inspiration as truly talented and creative minds in the wedding industry group together to create one-of-a-kind fashion editorials and detailed setups inspired by the bridal trends of 2013 and 2014.

Ballet-inspired wedding gowns take the spotlight in a breathtaking shoot by Randy Capinpin, styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu—featuring ballerina Sarah atayde dancing in gowns by top wedding designers like Roel Rosal, eric delos Santos, and Frederick Peralta among many others. To add to that, these are all combined with handwritten calligraphy done by Fozzy Castro Dayrit.

For those that veer more towards the opulent and lush 1920’s, another treat is in store—coming in the form of a romantic gatsbyinspired editorial shot by Seven Barretto and styled by eldz Mejia, featuring

GRAVITY 2D Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

stunning creations by Jun escario, eric Manansala, Veejay Floresca and Jaz Cerezo.

Readers even get the first look at the international couturier Michael Cinco and his 2014 bridal collection in a shoot done in Dubai.

Metro Weddings is also very happy to feature cover bride andi Manzano shot by top photographer Doc Marlon. andi is the perfect combination of beautiful and cute and dons whimsical and stylish short wedding gowns by the industry’s best including Kristel Yulo, Veluz, and Richie Ortega. See her surrounded by adorable custom made cakes by goldilocks in our

fun andi in Wonderland editorial. her romantic story with fiancé gP Reyes will certainly make you swoon. and if all that was not enough of a reason to pick up the latest issue of Metro Weddings, this month’s issue also showcases the annual Best Weddings of the Year for 2013. See which gorgeous and unique celebrations made it to the list this year and be prepared for pages and pages of gorgeous photos and romantic love stories. indeed, there is much to celebrate this October! Be sure not to miss this stunning collection of whimsical wedding inspiration in Metro Weddings Magazine.

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SHE'S THE ONE 2D Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes, Enrique Gil PG 13

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

GETAWAY 2D Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez PG 13

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A4 INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

A Royal...FFROM A1 that can tame your hungry palate. In short, you better not expect the ordinary instead, expect for the extraordinary.

Cold Seafood Salad Served group cocktail style, it is simple yet explosive. The mixture of seafood pieces, fruits and dressing transports you to the streets of Hong Kong in a bite. It is cold, yes, but the moment you take a bite, you will feel the hot sensation in your mouth building up in anticipation. Indeed, this is one dish that you can indulge and get lost with.

Soup The combination of seafood, winter melon and herbs makes this a soup for all seasons. Believe it or not, it soothes and warms up your body like a fuel to a car. Have it while it is hot and before you know, you will be up for seconds.

Crabs Caution, this is truly addictive. The moment you pick, clip and suck a piece will have you wondering why you have not been here before. The sensation of the flavors is simply underrated with words. It is nothing like you have ever tasted before. The best thing about this is that you need not have any sauce or dip.

Just the rawness of the crab, your hands and mouth to get you to heaven and back.

Lapu-Lapu This is one massive, literally, meal that will leave you breathless. Brazenly prepared, the crispy fish retains its sweet sea taste even with the pieces of crispy vegetables and sauce. Have a good bite with everything and you will have the angels jealous of your adventure.

With or without rice, this is that dish that you will surely remember and crave for more than you have expected.

Rice Any good foodie knows that an authentic Chinese experience is never complete without rice. This is a one dish meal that could verily stand on its own. The bits and pieces of ingredients allows you to take appreciate and love the extensive effort included in creating this perfect meal anytime of the day.

Shrimp Imagine biting into a massive shrimp corndog skewered with a piece of sugarcane while inside one of Grand Emperor’s exclusive room. Comparably sweet and shrimp-y at the same time, the flavor and texture is something that every one should try.

Vegetables and Seafood pieces to help you experience hong Kong in a bite

This is something that could get every one digging in.

The Crispy crab is a must-try.

With or without its dipping Bite into crispy broc- will never be disappointed. sauce, this is one meal that coli goodness as you savour Visit Grand Emperor at the many flavors of the sea. the Victoria Plaza Complex, is highly recommended.

With shrimps, fish and big J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Stir Fried Chicken Chuan servings of scallops, you Davao City and dine with will never ever go wrong your family and friends --Kiong Style Ask for their HongKong with this meal. The exten- royalty style. Massive thank style chicken with taro fries. sive available flavors en- you to Sir Jason!

The flavor is indescribable ables you to throw an edm Congratulations to Just – I tried, for so long to ‘hit’ party inside your mouth Simply Outsourcing Worldthe spot, but to no avail. It minus the pricey talent for wide. Cheers for more years!

Be a part of Davao’s tasted a bit salty, sweet, and either Avicii or Alesso. no, what I have listed is Thursday habit! Email me of herbs. The crispy leaves and taro fries adds a kick to not the end all and be all at bffsa457@gmail.com or the confusing medley of sa- of Grand Emperor. There visit www.chefroyale.com vory flavors. Another must is more than what I can for more recipes. Follow @ try! describe and enumerate. chefroyaleofficial and me Hence, when dining, ask @herroyalheiress on instaVegetables for their best sellers and you gram! Lovelots!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

SPORTS 15

Curry leads Warriors past Lakers B

eIJING – Stephen Curry scored 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Golden State Warriors overcame an 11-point deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 100-95 in Beijing Tuesday.

Curry had been ice cold before lighting it up in the

fourth quarter, as Warriors coach Mark Jackson reinserted his starters after losing ground in the third.

In contrast, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni stuck with his reserves throughout the fourth quarter, despite being outscored by 16

points in the last 12 minutes.

Curry finished with 24 points. he was aided by AllStar power forward David Lee, who finished with 31 points and 6 rebounds.

Lee’s 24 first-half points kept the Warriors in the game as the Lakers entered

the second half with a 5452 lead.

The game started at a frenzied pace, with both teams hitting over 70 percent before settling down.

Despite not having former MVP shooting guard Kobe Bryant in the

lineup, the Lakers broke open what was a close game, led by the shooting exploits of new small forward Nick Young, who finished with 18 points including three threepointers.

Young was part of a balanced Lakers attack that had three other doubledigit scorers, including power forward Pau Gasol (15 points), centre Chris Kaman (14 points on seven for seven shooting and 10

rebounds), and backup shooting guard Xavier henry (15 points). however, the Lakers backups were overwhelmed once the Golden State reinserted their starters.

Part of their fourth quarter attack was spurred by third-year shooting guard Klay Thompson, who was the only other Warrior to score over 10 points, finishing with 13 and three three-pointers.

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Requirements: Requirements: 1. Driver’s License with Official Receipt 2. 21.x 2Driver’s I.D. picture pcs.)

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BATTLE OF THE BRAINY GUARDS. Lakers guard Steve Nash (left) goes up against Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in an NBA preseason game in

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16 EDGEDAVAO Sports EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 154 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

3rd Dacudao Age Group netfest set

T

he 3rd elias P. Dacudao Memorial AgeGroup tennis tournament is slated on Oct. 19 to 22 featuring 14 categories at the ecoland 1 Tennis Club.

“This a Group 2 tournament sanctioned by Philta,” said tournament director Marivic Salvador of the organizing Davao Association of Tennis Clubs (Datec) Inc. at the SCOOP session of The Royal Mandaya

hotel last Tuesday.

Salvador said that the expected players are coming from Manila, Cebu, Mati, Isulan, Koronadal, Cotabato, General Santos City and Davao.

The categories in the singles competition are 10 under unisex, 12 under boys and girls, 14 under boys and girls, 16 under boys and girls and 18 under boys and girls, while in the doubles are the 10 under unisex, 14

under boys and girls and 18 under boys and girls.

“This is in honour of the late Father of Davao tennis,” said Salvador.

Dr.Dacudao was a prominent Davao tennis supporter who financially supported and helped sent the Davao players to many competitions in Manila and even in abroad.

Also present at the weekly public service sports program

sponsored by TRMh, Genesis 88, Mulatto Outdoor Apparel, Beefit Gym, edge Outdoor, Rice Bowl and Dexter’s Pizza at The Stadium was former national campaigner DendenManulat of the Women’s Tennis Federation.

“We might also hold the other games at the nearby eco 2 and eco 4 tennis clubs,” Salvador said.

The tournament is sponsored by Romy Chan and Technifibre.