Edge Davao 6 Issue 194

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

DISLIKED. Davao City journalists flash thumbs down signs against Councilor Tomas Monteverde IV who accused media practitioners of portraying the government of Davao City as callous and evil in dealing with the demolition of sidewalk vendors during his privilege speech on Tuesday.

Lean Daval Jr.

BROADCASTER SLAIN Victim known to be hard-hitting critic of DANECO-CDA

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

A

44-year-old radio commentator and barangay official in Tagum City was gunned down by motorcycle riding gunmen yesterday morning in front of Radyo Natin station at corner Sobrecarey St., and Roxas St. The victim was identified as Rogelio Butalid, blocktime announcer of Radyo Natin Tagum and kagawad of Barangay Mankilam, sustained several gunshot wounds on his body that resulted to his death. Butalid was a block-time radio program for Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc.- National Electrification Administration (DANECO-NEA). He is also known in the city as one hard- hitting radioman for

his program outside DANECO subject.

P/Supt. Solomon De Castilla, station commander of the Tagum police station, said that Butalid was killed at about 8: 55 a.m after his program dubbed as “Ang Kamatuoran” who was about to aboard his motorcycle when suddenly one of the perpetrators armed with .45 caliber pistol fired several times at Butalid. Police recovered six empty shells of the pistol from the crime.

Police are considering two motives of the killing.

First, Butalid’s profession, as radio commentator and second, his political engagement in Barangay Mankilam.

P/ Chief Inspector Jed Clamor, spokesperson of

the Police Regional Office said that the Tagum City police have created a task force group to oversee and fast track the investigation of the case.

Butalid is the 3rd journalist killed in Mindanao in the past weeks including Michael Milo, a talk show host for DXFM radio in Butuan City and Joas Dignos was killed in Valencia City on November 29.

There have been 23 journalist killed, among them 16 radio broadcasters and seven print journalists based on the report of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism from July 2010 to October 2013 under of President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ C. Aquino from July 2010 to October 2013.

BAD NEWS. Unidentified assailants gunned down radio broadcaster Robert Butalid in Tagum City yesterday whose picture went viral around the media community. Butalid is the latest media practitioner killed in the country for work-related motive. Lean Daval Jr.

DCL Final 6 cast is complete INSIDE:

2 3 16

No fireworks but world record eyed for ‘torotot’ City Council approves night mart ordinance Barriga, Saludar enter semis

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Photojournalists hit dad for offensive statement

P

GIVE WAY. A participant of “Pasko Fiesta”’s 12th Elderlympics 2013 falls asleep while waiting for the ballroom competition to start at SM City Davao recently.

Lean Daval Jr.

No fireworks but world record eyed for ‘torotot’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

N

crc@edgedavao.net

O fireworks, no problem.

Davao City will be eyeing no less than the Guiness Book of World Records for most number of “Torotot” (paper horn) blowers on New Year’s eve—Davao City’s alternative to banned firecrackers.

Smart Telecommunication Inc., in partnership with the City Government of Davao is planning to put Davao City in record books as it will hold the first Davao Torotot festival on December 31 for the New Year’s Eve Celebration where they plan to draw 10,000 Dabawenyos and blow their “torotot” instead

of lighting firecrackers.

Arnold Delosa, regional sales manager for Southern Mindanao- Smart, speaking in the weekly edition of Club 888 at the Marco Polo Davao, said that this is to give a new flavor on how Dabawenyos celebrate their New Year’s Eve, adding that it will be in adherence with the fire cracker ban implemented in the city.

“It will be the largest torotot contigent gathering in the country,” he said, adding that this will hopefully create a new world record by breaking the existing record of Japan for most number of party blowers.

He said that Davao City

Cops hunt ex-soldier in stabbing incident

mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte is very supportive of the program.“As reiterated, Mayor Duterte said that he support any program that is for the improvement of the city,” Delosa said.

Aside from the blowing of torotot, he said they would be holding a New Year’s countdown, same with the countdown in SM Mall of Asia. “We will have one clock which will be the basis of the countdown,” he said. The program which will start by 1PM of December 31 to 1 AM of December 1.

Local talents, celebrities, promising bands, and Smart event winners will

be performing in the 12hour event. There will be also food and drink carts and stalls, games and activities for the attendees. There will be an inter-baranggay dance contest and the most creative torotot will be awarded during the event.

According to him, there will be no theme for this year, but will be open to new ideas for the Torotot Festival 2014.

Deloso, meanwhile, said that the baranggay with the largest torotot contingents will take home P50, 000 worth of cash prize. The second prize is P30, 000 and P20, 000 for the third.

HOTOJOURNALIST from various local newspapers in Davao City debunked the comments made by councilor Tomas Monteverde in his privilege speech last Tuesday.

Photographers Robinson Ninal (Mindanao Daily Mirror),Lean Daval, Jr., (Edge Davao), Rene Lumawag and Bing Gonzales (Mindanao Times) Seth delos Reyes and King Rodriguez (Sunstar Davao) put their thumbs down to show their dismay on allegation that the pictures taken by these people portray the government as evil and callous to the realities and needs of the poor.

“You cannot expect na sa panahon na muadto mi sa demolisyon na ang katawhan didto na affected mangatawa. So unsa’y ipagawas namo na picture ay

among picture na nakuha diha sa area,” Sunstar Davao and Super Balita photographer Seth delos Reyes said in an interview after the Club 888 2013 Christmas Party at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday, “Pero ingon na dili buot namong ipakita ato sa publiko na ingon ini na oppressive ang atong gobyerno sa mga nahitabo. Ang amo is just to document unsang nahitabo,” he said.

Delos Reyes said that the photos published in newspapers just portray the reality happening during the implementation of the demolition and are just doing their duty.

“Unfair para sa mga [photographers and cameramen], na kanang naa sa government office na magingon na dili balance ang presentation ng reporters

FPHOTO, 10

DAVAO MEDIA CONDEMNS COLLEAGUE’S DEATH

It’s ‘work-related’

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

MEDIA group based in Davao del Norte has condemned the killing of a radio block-timer in Tagum City yesterday morning saying it is “work-related.”

Gregorio Ibanez, president of Davao del Norte Press and Radio-TV club, told EDGE Davao in a telephone interview, they believe the death of Rogelio Butalid is has something to do with his work as a “hired spokesperson” of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative – National Electric Administration (DANECO-NEA).

He said that everytime

Butalid will be on the program he always received death threats.

Ibanez added that Butalid always pronounced the illegality of the receipts of the DANECO CDA. He cited that the issue frequently discussed by Butalid is the order from the Court of Appeals in Cagayan de Oro declaring that the DANECO NEA is the authorized collecting agent and no the CDA. Ibanez also suspected some politicians as the perpetrator behind the death of Butalid as he is also a kaga-

FIT’S’ WORK, 10

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

P

OLICE are looking for a former soldier who allegedly stabbed a neighbor in Purok 2, Barangay 76-A Wednesday evening.

The suspect is one Fred Cortez, 47, who evaded arrest by policemen from the Sta. Ana precinct.

The victim, Federico Paragoso, 47, although bleeding from stab wounds in the body, was able to report to the police. Both are residents of Purok 2, Barangay 76-A.

P/Sr. Inspector Leonardo Tarongoy, deputy chief of the Sta. Ana police station, said that police took Paragoso to the hospital for treatment of three stab wounds. Attending doctors at the Southern Philippines Medical Center declared Paragoso in critical condition.

Police said that the victim was walking tob his house when the suspect armed with a knife suddenly attacked him.

LIGHT MOMENT. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte enjoys a good laugh watching the performance of singer-comedian Norman Mitchell during Tuesday night’s “Pahalipay sa persons with disability (PWD)” of the City Mayor’s Office at the Davao Convention Center. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Decentralize bar exam, dad says

C

OUNCILOR Diosdado Mahipus Sr. has filed a resolution seeking to decentralize the bar examinations.

Mahipus, a lawyer by profession, presented his resolution during a privilege speech delivered during the City Council’s regular session last Tuesday pushing for the holding of the bar examination in satellite examination centers outside Metro Manila.

Mahipus said the resolution will lessen the expenses of the bar candidates who will take the examinations especially those from the provinces.

He cited that the present situation of bar candidates who had to shell out huge amount of money for food, fare and hotel expens-

es during the four Sundays of the bar exam.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, president of Integrated Bar of the Philippines –Davao del Sur and Dean of Cor Jesu College of Digos City law school, also favored the said proposal.

“It is a long cherished dream of the law school deans based in Mindanao and Visayas,” Torreon told Edge Davao in a telephone interview.

He said that the decentralization will equalize the chances of all bar examinees from the provinces.

“Because ‘barristers’ based on the provinces will have very much disadvantage, ” he stressed adding that the adjustment of the place and environment will

3

YULETIDE TREAT. The Marco Polo Davao general manager Anthony Tan, accompanied by some hotel staff, is welcomed by Edge Davao editor Antonio M. Ajero (left) at the newspaper’s office during the groups traditional Christmas caroling visit yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

City Council approves Boys Town launches own pizzeria today night mart ordinance FDECENTRALIZE, 10

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

B

OYS Town Davao will launch today its own pizzeria business to continue financial support of 51 poor, abandoned, and neglected boys at their compound in Maa Fr. Allan Ross Banogon, SDB., executive director of Boys Town Davao said during the media forum at the Club 888, The Marco Polo Davao, that the pizzeria is part of their income generating project to help children in their custody to study and continue to live a normal life.

Boys Town Davao is an organization that provides temporary quarters for

poor, neglected boys.

Dubbed “Pizza with a heart,” Fr. Banogon said that it will be serving authentic Italian pizzas and other cuisines. The income will go to the education of the boys who are currently in the elementary and high school level.

He said that customers who buy their pizzas would be able to help and extend assistance to the less fortunate boys to realize their dreams.

The P700,000 investment will be serving Italian-style pizzas prepared in front of the customer. Ba-

FBOYS TOWN, 10

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE 17th council of Davao City passed the night and weekend market ordinance last Tuesday afternoon.

Councilor Tomas Monteverde IV, the proponent, told reporters that the ordinance will address the problem of where to place sidewalk vendors. It provides an alternative venue for sidewalk vending around the downtown area.

Monteverde said that Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wants an acceptable way to organize and manage vendors.

The first step is to install a night market on Roxas Avenue which would be eval-

uated after three months to determine if the idea is acceptable, in which case more would be installed.

“Han-ay na jud ni kaayo. Dili na sama kanang makita ninyo diha nga basin kinsa lang o unsa kadako ilang pagbuot, ” Monteverde explained, adding that vendors will wear uniforms and identification cards.

In an erarlier report, retired Col. Yusop Jimlani said that 513 stalls will be installed intially, 213 of them for dry goods and DVD vendors, 102 for food, and 194 for ukay-ukay.

Each stall measures 1.5 meters by 2 meters rented

for P 15.00 – P 20.00 a day, excluding cost of lighting.

Another problem may arise wirh the passage of the ordinance, according to some councilors. Councilor Bonifacio Militar said ity may add another problem should motorists and pedestrians who consider the closing of city roads a disturbance.

“Solving the problems of sidewalk vending does not mean that you need to close the streets, Militar stressed, adding that using public property for private purposes is against the law. Legal opinion says that we cannot appropriate public property for

LIVE WIRE KILLS

private purposes, to which I agree, ” he said, citing a certain case against the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Baguio City for closing streets for night markets.

“The Supreme court said that you cannot make it permanent, because you are giving inconvenience to the riding public in the absence of an alternative route,” Militar said.

He suggested the city find a public property for the night market, to which councilor Jimmy Dureza agreed, citing the fact that the night market would be from Monday to Sunday and suggesting a limit on the number of days.

Worker electrocuted, companion injured O ALTERNATIVE TO FIRECRACKERS. Arnold P. Dellosa, regional sales manager for South Mindanao of Smart Phils., announces the upcoming Davao Torotot Festival set on New Year’s eve which aims to enter the Guinness world record during this week’s edition of Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao.

Lean Daval Jr.

NE worker died on the spot while his workmate suffered injuries after they came in contact with a high tension wire of the Davao Light Power Corporation (DLPC) Wednesday afternoon.

The victims were repairing the rooftop of a high tower building on the corner of Gladiola St., and Palm Drive, Buhangin at the time of the incident.

Police of the Buhangin police station said that Nestor Paracueles, 43, died on the spot while

workmate Jonel Lombo, 22, is in stable condition at the Southern Philippine Medical Center.

SPO3 Ceazar Aaron Robles, investigator, said that at around 2:00 p.m.

Paracueles victim accidentally touched the live wire while repairing the rooftop of a four storey building owned by Justin Escueta, a resident of Matina.

Robles said that in his opinion DLPC may not be held liable for the accident as per his initial findings.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE

LGU grants Provincial Red Orchid Award 2013 T

HE Compostela Valley provincial government in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) granted Provincial Red Orchid Awards to those agencies in the province with perfect score in implementing a “100% Tobacco-Free Environment” in accordance to DOH implementing criteria and the “MPOWER” Framework of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Held on December 10, 2013 at the Provincial Capitol, participants in the awarding rites include the local officials, heads, and representatives of the different institutions who received Certificates of Appreciation for their valuable contribution and support to the program.

It was graced by DOH- Center for Health

SOUTH COTABATO

& Development (CHD) Regional Director Abdullah B. Dumama, MD, MPA, CESO III who gave the Keynote Address.

The awards are categorized into White (3rd place), Pink (2nd place), and Red Orchid (top) Awards.

The White Orchid Awardees are the Nabunturan Police Station, New Bataan Police Station, Laak Police Station, Barangay Olaycon, Monkayo, Monkayo National High School, and LGU- Laak.

There is only one awardee for the Pink Orchid level which is the Public Terminal of Monkayo.

And garnering the Red Orchid Awards are the Barangay Sta. Maria, Nabunturan, and LGUMonkayo.

Governor Arturo T. Uy through Executive As-

sistant IV Isabelo L. Melendres is very grateful for the support of everybody in the program.

Senior Executive Assistant Melendres then recalled that the strict implementation of Governor Uy of his No Smoking Policy within the Capitol premises has contributed a lot in receiving the same Red Orchid Awards in the region in June of the current year.

The Governor is also thankful to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approving Provincial Ordinance No. 19-2013 which is an “Ordinance prohibiting the use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products in certain places, imposing penalties for violation thereof and providing funds therefore, and for other purposes.” [GRACE ALMEDILLA, IDS-COMVAL]

AMUSED. A tribal chieftain breaks into a laugh while listening to a fellow participant during the Lambaga Hu Mga Tribu (tribal assembly) in Malaybalay City, on Dec. 11. The gathering, which was attended by tribal leaders from Northern Mindanao and parts of Cotabato province, aimed to come up with measures that will strengthen customary governance in ancestral territories. [MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno]

Gov’t allots P150-M for road project Koronadal plans another KORONADAL CITY

T

HE national government has approved the release of around P150 million for the improvement and concreting of a major road network connecting two agricultural production areas in South Cotabato province.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Wednesday the Office of the President has informed her office that it has endorsed the funding and implementation by next year of the Banga-Norala road concreting

project.

She said the project was specifically endorsed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the necessary processing.

“We’ve been lobbying for the implementation of this project for quite some time and we’re grateful that it’s now in the pipeline,” she said.

The road network, which has a total distance of 10.84 kilometers, directly connects the municipality Banga with Norala town.

The areas or communities traversed by the road host vast farmlands of palay, corn and other agricultural commodities.

Banga and Norala towns, which are part of the province’s upper valley area, are among the province’s top palay or rice producers.

Fuentes said the concreting of the Banga-Norala road will primarily benefit local farmers and other residents who have to contend these past years to its bumpy or rough condition.

Aside from the concreting of the Banga-Norala road, the governor earlier said the national government had approved the release of some P150 million for the ongoing development of the Lake Sebu-Maitum road.

The road project, which had adopted by the Regional Development Council of Region 12 as among the region’s top priorities, connects the municipalities of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato and Maitum in Sarangani Province.[PNA]

and 1,572 square meters for the site of their new regional offices.

Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel personally handed over the deed of donation for the lots during a recent groundbreaking ceremony for the regional complex that was attended by top officials of DOLE. DOLE-12 transferred from Cotabato City, the previous regional center, to Koronadal City several years ago in compliance with the regional reconfiguration mandated by Executive Order (EO) 304 issued on March 30, 2004 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The reorganized region,

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

But due to budgetary constraints, the agency was not able to build a permanent home and resorted to leasing available office spaces since moving to the area.

DOLE-12’s main offices are presently located in a leased compound near the South Cotabato provincial capitol while their attached agencies are scattered in different office buildings in the area.

Domingo said they expect the construction and development of the agency’s new regional complex to commence soon.

As planned, she said the new DOLE-12 regional complex will eventually house its main offices and some of its attached agencies.

These include the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, National Labor Relations Commission, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, Employees Compensation Commission and National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers, she added.[PNA]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

DOLE-12 to build new regional complex T

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 will construct starting next year a modern office complex in nearby Koronadal City as it moves to further improve its operations in the region.

Ofelia Domingo, DOLE Region 12 director, said their central office has already issued the go-signal for the development of their new regional complex within the designated regional government center in Barangay Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City.

She said the local government of Koronadal, which owns the regional government center, donated two lots with an area of 1,574

relief mission to Leyte

T

HE Koronadal City local government will conduct another relief mission before Christmas Day for survivors of super typhoon “Yolanda” in the badly devastated town of Santa Fe in Leyte Province.

City Mayor Peter Miguel said Wednesday they are currently preparing additional stocks of food packs, medicine and other relief items that will be delivered to the area by another team of city government personnel and local volunteers.

He said the team, which he would be leaving anew, is targeting to reach Santa Fe town before its 64th foundation anniversary on December 22.

The mayor said the local government is continually accepting relief donations, either in kind or in cash, from the public for the typhoon victims.

Miguel urged those who want to donate to prioritize toys for children and items for “noche buena” and “media noche” as well as “to let the survivors feel the spirit of Christmas despite the tragedy.”

“We will go back there and bring two truckloads of toys and other relief goods so they can celebrate Christmas as well,” the mayor said in the city government’s radio program “Kanami Koronadal.”

The mayor, who is a doctor, led a medical and relief mission in Tacloban City and Santa Fe town in Leyte, a week after the area was devastated by the super typhoon last November 8.

The 28-person team from the city was composed of doctors, nurses, social workers and other volunteers.

Miguel said the team set base for five days in Santa Fe to provide medical services and camp management assistance to typhoon survivors.

“When we arrived in the area, the local government unit was practically not functioning and we had to guide their workers and local residents what to do regarding their situation,” he recalled.

During the medical mission, the team served a total of 1,350 patients, 500 of whom “suffered from traumatic injury such as lacerations, punctured wounds, cuts, abrasions and avulsed wounds,” a report released by the City Information Office said.

Around 300 other residents suffered from upper respiratory tract infection, experienced acute gastroenteritis and 250 others were treated for various diseases, it said. [MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Job mismatch issue may be over soon

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE City Government of Davao is eyeing to fully address job mismatch by 2020, an official said yesterday.

Despite the growing economy of Davao City because of investments pouring in, job mismatch remains an issue in the employment climate.

Lilibeth Pantinople, Philippine Employment Service Office (PESO) officer-in-charge said that the city can supply the demand of the employment market, but only a few are qualified for job vacancies.

Pantinople said that among the institutions that have high qualification requirements are BPO companies. BPO companies have lots of job vacancies but only a few are qualified for them.

“We have many nursing and hotel and restaurant management (HRM) graduates, but the demand for them is small,” she added.

“Kung dili man pud sila mamili pwede ra man pud sila sa mall, tapos kanang atong nurses sa BPO, kana ang trend.

Dili nato sila mabutang sa hospitals kasi daghan na kayo tang licensed nurses, but some of them can work abroad, especially those who have had three years work experi-

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of unem Filipinos fell to

ployed

2.6 million in October from

2.76 million a year ago.

SOURCE: LABOR FORCE SU RVEY (LFS) ence,” the official said.

At present, the PESO conducts career employment coaching to high school graduates to orient them on in-demand and hard to fill jobs.

Pantinople said that jobs in BPO remain at the top of the list of in-demand jobs in the city. These include customer service representative and technical service representative. She said that they solicited 500 job vacancies per month,

but the city can only take in 100 qualified applicants.

Next are business-related office work like accounting, marketing and sales. Out of the 50 job vacancies monthly, the city can only provide 10 because most business-related course graduates prefer big private companies.

The demand for civil and electrical engineers remains, but out of 100 job vacancies monthly, only 10 are filled.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 2006=100

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Businesses warned over surcharge

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE head of Davao City’s Business Bureau has warned that business owners who will fail to renew their business permits from January 2 to January 20 2014 will be paying 25 percent surcharge for the violation of that code and the scheduled permit renewal.

Atty. Lawrence Batinding, officer-in-charge of the Business Bureau, said that they set the permit renewal as early this month to avoid violations of ordinance setting the parameters for business permit renewal.

“Kung 10,000 ra ilang bayaran, madagdagan ng P2,500 kung dili sila makapagrenew ng business permits on the scheduled dates,” Batinding said in an interview at his office.

Batinding said that they will also be setting a one-stop-shop in NCCC Mall of Davao to make sure that all business owners will be catered in the 19day renewal period.

Schedules will be on January 2 and 3 (8 a.m.7:30 p.m.), January 4 and 5(8 a.m.- 5p.m.), January 6-10, 13-17 (8 a.m.- 9 p.m.),

January 11-12, 18-19 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

On the last day of renewal schedule, he said the Business Bureau’s operation will be extended up to 10 p.m.

Batinding urged owners of all establishments to renew their business permits on time to avoid the fines and penalties.

“I am suggesting them to start renewing their permits [business] on the first week para dili magdumog kay madugayan man gud sa printing ng needed documents,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Business Bureau of Davao City recorded a total of 35,000 new, renewed and retired business permits from the period of January to November this year.

He said that out of the 35,000 recoded, 5,000 were new applications and 2,000 were retired business rents. He said that almost 30,000 renewed their business permits.

The businesses of new applicants were mostly small-medium enterprises (SMEs), varying from sari-sari stores to hardware,

internet cafes, and restaurants.

As of November, the Business Bureau has collected a total of P70 million or 20.68 percent higher than P58 million collections made during the same period last year.

The collection was from business tax, issuance of occupational permit and special permits.

He said that the business tax contributed almost half of the collection which is “not lower than half a billion.”

PHILAMCOP convention conducted T

HE Philippine League of Labor-Management Cooperation Practitioners, Inc. (PHILAMCOP) in coordination with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and the Association of Labor-Management Cooperation Practitioners (ALMACOP XI) conducted its 9th National Convention on Labor-Management Cooperation last November 27-28, 2013 participated by 950 delegates from different regions in the coun-

try.

The event was held at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City with the theme, “LMC Beyond Industrial Peace: Spurring Productivity in Safe and Healthy Workplaces.”

The event aims to continue the strong trust of companies, employers and workers for its pro-active stance in settling labor disputes in the country. Industrial Peace and constant discussion, consultation

FPHILAMCOP, 10

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 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

HYDROPOWER. AboitizPower's arm in run-of-river hydropower generation, Hedcor, is now completing the installation of the electromechanical equipment for the 13.6 MW Tudaya Hydropower Project. The project which started its construction in August 2012 will add to the power supply in the region early next year as it will generate 77 GWh of energy annually.

Hedcor will also build the same technology in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. 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 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

ADDU High School tops national search for eco-friendly schools in the country T

HE High School (HS) Unit of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) was proclaimed the winner of the National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools, High School Division, at an awarding event on 20 November at SM City North EDSA in Quezon City. A plaque and a cash prize of Php 50,000 were received by Fr. Michael I. Pineda SJ, HS principal.

“Winning the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools is our contribution to the Church, the Society of Jesus, and the Ateneo de Davao University’s mission of a more vigorous environmental protection,” Pineda said.

“It is also a sign of hope.

The national award shows that we can instruct and form future leaders who will help heal and save the wounded creation,” Pineda added.

The ADDU High School forms students to be men and women for others and for the environment through participation in treeplanting, mangrove reforestation, and coastal cleanups. In 2011, ADDU took its green initiatives to the next level by launching its greening

program called Ecoteneo, beginning with Ecological Solid Waste Management.

The high school students, in rotating assignments by classrooms, monitor the waste segregation bins to ensure that waste materials are placed in the proper bins and that liquids are removed from plastic bottles. With effective segregation and a shift away from plastics as food packaging, within a year residuals were reduced from 57 percent of its waste stream to 38 percent.

In 2012, junkfood and softdrinks were banned from the campus for both health and environmental reasons.

Also in 2012, Ateneo HS students shared the school’s segregation practice and donated segregation bins to the neighboring S.I.R. Elementary School.

In 2013, Ecoteneo introduced a “Room of Requirements,” where reusable materials such as school supplies can be donated for other members of the high school community to reuse.

Every year, Ecoteneo organizes an annual fun run in Matina called EnviRUNment.

An Earth Hour reminder is played over the public

PERSONS FOR OTHERS AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. High schoolers listen as Mr. Ragam Gamboa, Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Assistant, explains where the segregated materials go.

MOST ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY. Fr. Mike Pineda SJ, ADDU-HS Principal (fifth from left) receives the Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools award accompanied by Ms. Carmela Santos (seventh from right), Ecoteneo Director; Dr. Nina Ingle (sixth from left), high school curriculum consultant for environmental integration and member of the ADDU board of trustees; and High School faculty Ms. Joan Sayago (fifth from right), Ms. Excesima Pasilan (seventh from left), and Ms. Mary Ann Flor Quilantang (fourth from right). The award was presented by EMB Director Juan Miguel Cuna (first from left) and representatives from DepEd, CHED, SMART, Nestle Philippines, and One Meralco Foundation.

address system everyday, where lunchbreak is lights out for classrooms and offices. ADDU-HS faculty are currently undertaking action research supported by the University to assess the scope and effectiveness of the Ecoteneo program.

The HS faculty have been given a series of retreats in the beautiful mountains of Davao City as well as workshops on campus to help them greater appreciate creation and to further integrate the environment into the classroom, particularly in the performance tasks or projects for different subjects. For example, projects in Math have including calculating planting densities of different forest and fruit trees and constructing and flying kites to apply their understanding of triangles while experiencing the wind.

UN report calls for strengthened efforts to bring natural resource management to peace-building

S

TATES, intergovernmental organizations and other partners need to step up efforts to better integrate natural resource management into post-conflict reintegration programmes, according to a new UN report.

The Role of Natural Resources in Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration - Addressing Risks and Seizing Opportunities, launched in New

York today, stresses that natural resources - which, in many conflict-affected countries, can be used to fuel and finance armed groups - can also play a major role in bringing about sustainable peace.

The report further suggests that incorporating natural resources into plans for reintegration and recovery can also help to mitigate potential conflicts, such as disputes over

land or water.

The report also emphasizes that natural resources, such as minerals, oil, gas and timber, need to be properly managed in order to achieve these goals.

It notes that, despite the opportunities that they present, plans for the fair management and distribution of natural resources are usually excluded from peace negotiations and

disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, which have become an integral part of the UN’s post-conflict peace consolidation over the last 20 years.

For example, in northern Uganda - where land is central to one’s economic security - lack of land access remains one of the main barriers to the reintegration of former combatants. [UNEP]

Conservation ecologist and ADDU HS alumnus Dr. Nina Ingle, HS curriculum consultant for the environment, says that students in Davao City have a wonderful 2,444 sq-km laboratory in Davao City (as well as neighboring Samal Island) to learn about the different ecosystems or landscapes upon which we depend, from the 300 sq-km urban area to Davao’s forests and rivers, and agricultural, coastal and marine landscapes.

ADDU-HS student science investigatory projects tend to focus on the environment, including waste segregation and disposal in a residential area, household water consumption and conservation, temperature of roofs in an informal settler community, and energy conservation. A special class on Environmental Science is available to students in the Grade 8 Honors section.

“I congratulate the High School on its efforts and success in growing a green campus, where the students are taught to segregate waste, understand the workings of the environment, and reverence God’s creation,” said ADDU President Joel E. Tabora, SJ. “Environmental protection is integral to the mission of the university, and has led us to the graduation of our first batch of Tropical Risk Management Masters in South Cotabato, the new BS Environmental Science course, and the planting of over 4,000 native trees at the University’s St. Ignatius Spirituality Center in Samal,

which is currently being developed with eco-friendly structures,” Tabora added.

“We are also harnessing solar energy, which is renewable energy. The solar panels being installed in the ADDU-HS Campus will be able to provide clean, natural, and eco-friendly power,” Tabora said.

To measure the impact of the ADDU-HS Ecoteneo program on students’ environmental learning, science teachers Mr. Carlo T. Magno II and Ms. Eleanor P. Corcino, both members of the Ecoteneo core team, are conducting an action research supported by the University Research Council.

Ateneo de Davao High School was awarded the Region XI winner in the High School category on 11th November at the Grand Regal Hotel. Regional winners for the other categories were Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School and Davao Doctors College, both in Davao City.

The nationwide search was organized by the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and supported by private sector partners Smart Communications Inc., Nestle Philippines Inc. and One Meralco Foundation Inc. Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, also in Matina, Davao City, was a 3rd place national winner in both 2009 and 2011.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Vote of confidence

HE AQUINO administration should not waver on its reform agenda despite coming under fire over its handling of the pork barrel scam and typhoon relief efforts.

This was the recent report of a national daily, quoting Takehiko Nakao, president of the Asian Development Bank.

By reforms, Nakao was referring to actions and programs of the PNoy government that would ensure good governance and critical infrastructures needed by the country to maintain its robust economy.

“The Philippines is now regarded by international investors as a very important place to invest. The government should continue fighting corruption and also continue providing the needed infrastructure,” Nakao told Business World, one of the country’s most respected business newspapers.

No doubt, Nakao’s statement is a vote of confidence in the country’s ability to sustain its economic growth which had earlier impressed other respectable international institutions, including those which issued favorable investment grade to the country.

ADB, the Manila-based multilateral development bank,

EDGEDAVAO

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the national association of newspapers

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literally put its money where its mouth is when it approved days ago an emergency loan package for the Philippines’ immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts worth $500 million.

Apart from this, the ADB said in a statement that the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund has already disbursed a $3-million grant to the Aquino government. In addition, another $20-million grant will be made available middle of December by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction.

These are heartening developments in our country that would make Aquino’s critics and usual hecklers eat, not only their words, but their hearts out as well..

It may be too early to make conclusions at this juncture on President Aquino. However, it is safe to say that these are indicators that the efforts of the President and his men along the line of his “straight path” philosophy in governance are working.

These and the grateful appreciation of his constituents should inspire the PNoy administration to achieve a lot more in the area of good governance and graft-busting in the days to come.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR / CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

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

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

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Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

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Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

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ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

P

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Foolhardy sidewalk vendors

EDESTRIANS’ PREDICAMENT OVER ABUSIVE USE OF SIDEWALKS – Six months after his comeback, self-effacing City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte know full well he has much to do to clean up the city – declogging waterways filled with garbage and other silted water drains, clamping down on litterbugs, clearing squatter areas and most importantly getting rid of lawless elements.

Now that he’s back, Davao City can be a dangerous place for members of the underworld. And there is more: the matter on deteriorating sidewalk vending. For the past several years even during his previous stint, the crusading mayor has had to deal with the recalcitrant sidewalk vendors. City residents like his can-dostyle, even more so now that he is determined to make the city as a primary hub for both business and leisure.

Despite persistent reminder and stern warning from the city mayor, stubborn sidewalk merchants continued to conduct their illegal trade with impunity and even right under the noses of law enforcers who for obvious reasons are looking at the opposite direction. For decades, sidewalk vendors have clearly violated the existing one-third, two-third policy that regulates the utilization of the city’s sidewalks. Not only noncompliant vendors occupied almost the entire sidewalks in busy thoroughfares specifically in the commercial districts, but likewise throw their litters and other refuse wherever they want and as they please.

You have to check on the vendors’ activities and you will see that many of them are building semi-permanent wooden structures while others choose to display their merchandise not only on the sidewalks, but of all places, on the sides of the streets. And you’ve got to understand that they’re also an abusive lot. More serious still is the safety of the pedestrians

T

HE past month has been a season of death: Typhoon Yolanda cruelly pummeling the country leaving thousands dead in its wake, a poor senior citizen beaten to death by a young adult, friends’ loved ones suddenly dying from treacherous illnesses, a loved one possibly dying from cancer. Faced with the harvesting scythe of Death, one is forced to take stock of one’s life and assess whether one is living and loving well enough. Living and loving well enough to graciously and peacefully accept death when the time comes, whether one’s own or a beloved’s.

Schoolchildren in the typhoon-stricken area are combing the debris for a possible Christmas tree that they can decorate. As I was watching their efforts on TV, I could not help but be amazed at such hankering to celebrate Christmas. Surrounded with so much death and destruction, they still poked about, scrounging up whatever they could to make a decent Christmas tree. Those of us ensconced in comfortable homes and watching TV only cognitively appreciate what they are doing, secretly glad that we are not them.We do not really want to feel along with them.

We still have work to do, gifts to buy, par-

who have to walk through the flow of vehicular traffic instead of using the sidewalks to avoid inconvenience, which is awfully dangerous and exactly the kind of scene concerned citizens could have ever imagined. This hasn’t escaped the attention of Mayor Duterte at a time when he was still the vice mayor, which immediately called for an urgent meeting attended by more than a thousand sidewalk vendors. This time he’s again trying to persuade the hard headed vendors to comply with the existing policy on sidewalk vending.

The dissatisfaction over the wanton abuse in the use of the city’s sidewalks emanate from a series of complaints raised by the deprived and aghast pedestrians. The grievances had set off a chain reaction across the social spectrum that is putting city officials on the spot. But all throughout the sidewalk vending problem, the mayor remains almost uncannily calm. His mind was made up, thus appointed some of his trusted people to look deeper into the prevailing problem and presided over a meeting with immovable and ambulant sidewalks vendors to immediately iron out the mess they have created.

Actually, there were other reasons aside from implementing the one-third, two-third policy and to strictly carry out the directive to the letter. Namely, to look for a person who speaks his conscience and when he does, people say, “Boy, that was brave although a little bit risky.” The only thing Mayor Duterte was surprised

about is the sheer number of lives involved in the sidewalk vending business.

These are people whose only source of livelihood is sidewalk vending to support their families. But just the same he is determined to stop the sidewalk vendors from trekking the dangerous path of ignoring the rule of law.

Sidewalk vendors notably the abusive and stubborn kind have already ingratiated themselves with the infuriated public. This is certainly the case when it comes to explaining the move to reinvigorate the process of government. During the series of meetings sidewalk vendors assured the mayor they would comply with the directive and promised to observe the existing regulation. Meanwhile the mayor has been clear enough about his directive by giving his implementers the marching orders to fully enforce the law. Sidewalk merchants were given enough leeway to strictly follow and respect the agreement otherwise he would execute appropriate measures against erring vendors.

The new deal also means that the mayor’s trusted adjutants will have a relatively free hand to oversee the activities of all sidewalk vendors. Well, the Christmas season is here and as a matter of practice sidewalk vendors are tolerated to conduct their business with impunity for humanitarian consideration, however, as their wont, vendors took advantage of the situation by simply ignoring the one-third, two-third policy even long after the Christmas season is over.

The irate and aghast pedestrians and the commuting public expect that the move is not just cosmetic and hope the mayor and his platoon of demolition personnel are determined to cut through the worsening sidewalk vending problem and get on with the job they were supposed to do – for the good of the majority.

ties to plan.

Such seemingly disparate realitiesbut all point to a wanting to just go on with life.

As we enter the month of merrymaking, death and destruction are realities we want to do away with. There is no smell of rotting bodies in the air nor homes to rebuild for us here in Mindanao. But perhaps it is not such a bad thing to be reminded of death as we prepare for the Yuletide season. When my cousin who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer plaintively expressed, “I am afraid to die and I am afraid of a painful death,” I became afraid along with her. I lost my words and helplessly tried to be less inane in my efforts of consoling her. As I listened to her, I silently prayed for all her anguish to go away. She said that this has been her best year and she is grieving for her life. But she has put things in or-

der. She and her husband love each other well, have a beautiful thriving family, and have found spiritual renewal. Despite of and in spite of her expressed fears, she is living a richer life. As I go from one wake to another and pay my last respects to the deceased, I think of how life can be so fleeting and rendered meaningless when one just ends up inside a box for viewing.

More so, if lives are just snatched away by forces of nature beyond our control.

Philosopher Albert Camus declared that life is absurd and what happened the past month validated this infamous statement.

But we do not go softly into the night.

We rage against the dying of the light. No matter how fleeting, difficult, or even absurd, life is still worth living meaningfully.

Life is still worth that Christmas tree taken from the debris left by Typhoon Yolanda. Life is still worth living happily even if death looms in the near horizon. Better still, life is worth living happily because death looms in the near horizon. Even as we feel the cool Christmas air and enjoy sumptuous fare, let us not also forget that the Reason for the season died for us. It is thus that we live and love more because death makes our lives more beautiful and meaningful.

Season of Death

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Footnote to Popularity COMMENT

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

H

(Conclusion)

IS popularity is being pitied against that of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III. In fact, [Rigoberto] Tiglao, a columnist for the Manila Times, contends that Pacquiao is now more popular.

To prove that, he challenged, conduct a survey. In claiming that his tax case is political harassment, he is suggesting that he is seen by the President as a political threat. Vice President Jejomar Binay believes so.

Many in the media are building that up especially after he was mobbed in Tacloban City by the typhoon victims, including Mayor Alfredo Romualdez, who felt abandoned by the President.

Popularity has catapulted many to power despite their lack of qualification. Pacquiao is now congressman. He can be senator in 2016. And, president in 2022!

Writings on the Wall As used her “writings on the wall”, does not refer to the “handwriting on the wall” of King Belshazzar of Babylon but to writings on the wall of the Senate – the names and hints of movie actors and entertainers who were catapulted to the Senate primarily by their sheer popularity.

Rogelio de la Rosa broke the ground with his election to a six-year term, 1957-1963. He did creditably.

He became ambassador to Cambodia and several East European countries.

He was followed by Eddie Ilarde, a radio host, in 1972. After the Martial Law to the present: Joseph Estrada (1987-1992), Ramon Revilla Sr. (1992-2004), Tito Sotto (19922004; 2010-2016), Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.(2004-2010; 2010-2016), Lito Lapid (2004-2010; 2010-2016), and Jinggoy Estrada (2004-2010; 2010-2016). In the 2004 election, three movie actors won!

Their performances could be rated at best, “So-So”; at worst, “Forgettable”. Riding on his popularity, Joseph Estrada won as vice president, 1992-1998. Elected president in 1998 with overwhelming majority, he proved to be a catastrophe – forced to step down by people power in January 2001 following an aborted impeachment.

If the movie actors and media personality Ilarde won seats in the Senate, Manny Pacquiao, his forgettable run in the Lower House notwithstanding, is shoo-in for a Senate seat in 2016. Who knows? If his political buildup continues, he could be President Manny Pacquiao in 2022. The writings on the wall are interesting.

Should that happen, there will be two Ladies in Malacañang – First Lady Jinkee and First Grand Lady Dionisia. What could be more fabulous an ending than that to what Tiglao calls “rags-to-riches saga”! (“Comment” is Mr. Patricio P. Diaz’ column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. The Titus Brandsma Media Awards recently honored Mr. Diaz with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate.” You can reach him atpatpdiazgsc@yahoo.com.)

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

PHL to be honored for aiding Jewish refugees during WW II

A

LEADING U.S.-based Jewish organization will pay tribute to the Philippines in a special ceremony this week for opening its doors to over a thousand Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution during World War II. The Philippines will receive the Or L’Olam or Light Unto the World Award from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) on the occasion of its centennial anniversary on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service ERNESTO C. REGUAL, Petitioner Case No. 2002-XI-02303 x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service on the route: INDANGAN ROUTE and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on August 30, 2014. In the petition filed on November 26, 2013, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 20, 2014 at 09:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 26th day of November 2013 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia will receive the award, which was created especially for JDC’s 100th anniversary to honor those whose heroic actions saved the lives of Jews in danger.

The JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization.

JDC Chief Executive Officer Alan Gill said the award is in recognition of the role the Philippines played in saving the lives of Jews by providing them a safe haven while many other countries were turning

them away.

Gill said the Philippines, which was then led

by Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, accepted 1,305 Jewish refugees in an operation that was carried out with the JDC, the Jewish Community in Manila led by the Frieder family and US High Commissioner Paul McNutt.

More than 70 years later, JDC has returned to the Philippines as part of its global disaster relief work, aiding Filipinos in areas most devastated by Ty-

phoon Haiyan.

“On this occasion of our 100th anniversary, it is our honor to bestow upon the Philippines our Or L’Olam Award for the country’s extraordinary life-saving actions,” Gill said. “The Philippines’ heroic decision to admit Jews at a time when the doors of many nations were closed has never been forgotten by us.”

“Our gratitude for this brave act and the kindness extended to Jews in their darkest hour underpins our relief and rebuilding

efforts in the Philippines today,” Gill added. “We work every day to return that same measure of hope and life-affirming care to the Filipino people at their time of need.

Cuisia expressed his appreciation to the JDC and the Jewish Community not only for the award but for the generous assistance that has been extended to typhoon victims in the Philippines.

“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, I would

like to thank the JDC for recognizing a gesture that was extended more than seven decades ago,” Cuisia said. “On behalf of the Filipino people, I would like to thank the Jewish Community for always being there for us.”

He said the Philippines greatly appreciates the assistance extended to the Filipino people by the JDC and the Jewish Community around the world, particularly those affected recently by Typhoon Haiyan.

[PNA]

wad of barangay Mankilam in Tagum City.

“I’m sure that there are politicans behind this kill-

ing,” Ibanez stressed.

Sketchy report revealed Butalid was gunned down on board his motorbike at

about 10:00 n the morning, December 11, 2013.

Sources from the police and some witnesses said

that the brutal murder of the mediaman occured minutes after his radio program with “Radyo Natin” in

this city. He reportedly took five gunshot wounds all over his body, two of which are said to be fatal.

, cameraman tungod kay gusto nila mukuha pud mi didto sa mga nalipay?,” he added.

Rene Lumawag of Mindanao Times clarified that they will not be taking any legal action against the allegations of Monteverde.

“That’s a cheap thing, we won’t waste our time for that good-for-nothing statement. We are not happy with it,” Lumawag said, adding that the they have been serving Davao City for a long time compared to the councilor.

Lumawag, a veteran photographer who has been in the photojournalism practice since 1979, said “I pity him kay he really doesn’t know the integrity of the job we’re into. Has

he made a good accounting on what are the good deeds we have done for the city?”

“Ano gusto nyang picture sa denedemolish, wacky?” he said, adding that despite of the dramatic scene portrayed in the picture, there is an underlying story that should be considered.

“We produce pictures with stories behind it. If he did not get the story, then we are sorry for him.” [CRC] “In behalf of the photographers and cameramen, muadto mi sa usa ka scene, ibutang nato unsang mga actions ang naa dira, wala miy kalabutan unsa, kinsa na sya, taga gobyerno o unsa, basta ang amo mukuha mi sa panghitabo dira.

The picture will tell unsang nahitabo didto, dili mi pwede magbuhat-buhat ug mga istorya ug mupagawas mi ng lain na picture kay unsang reyalidad na makuha namo didto.

Unfair para sa mga, nasa government office na ingon na dili balance ang presentation ng reporters , cameraman tungod kay gusto nila mukuha pud mi didto sa mga nalipay kay bisan ang mga nagademolish they are not happy of what they are doing. Pero napugos lang sila kay mao na ilang trabaho, so naa sila sa serbisyo ug dili sila mutuman sa ilang bumuhaton, tanggalon man pud sila, so pareho lang mi.

We are just doing our

work, wala miy ginapanigan sa usa ug usa Ang pagtrabaho namo dili man malice Kami, gusto pud sab mi mutan-aw na ang balaod sa atong gobyerno will be implemented nga mayo ang pag implementar, pero mao na ng pag iimplement usahay naa tay makitang masakitan that’s the reality ug tungod pud nila iimplement coz that is the law but we are not portraying na ganun , evil na sila dahil wala silang puso at damdamin para sa mga nademolish Legal action? because when he came to serve the city compared to us. Just when is he. Well, That’s a petty thing I

don’t want to waste my time on that I pity him kay he really know the integrity of job we’re into. Nabilang nya ba, has he made a good accounting on what are the good deed we have done for the city?

Ano gusto nyang picture sa denedemolish? Wacky, the underlying statement of that picture is that guys, vendors follw the law that simple. So wont stop crying compelling pictures being picture. the pictures are not just for nothing just to see people crying being demolished. NO, there’s a story underlying, because they didn’t follow the law ‘’16 years- seth 1979= tatay rene Dungag sa probleme

nogon said that the pies will be cooked in a brick lined-oven made by an Italian restaurant owner in Cebu and Bohol .“The smoke coming from the burning wood fuel will add flavor to the pizza,” he added.

The cost of each 14’’ pizza will be much cheaper compared to pizzas available in the commercial market since the op-

erational cost is low. He said that they will be utilizing the boys they have in their shelter.

In addition, the ingredients they will be using will be from their own garden while other ingredients will be sourced out of Davao’s local markets.

The executive director also said that their chef is one of the boys they have in the shelter trained by

an Italian chef for three weeks in Cebu. “Aside from pizzas, he will be cooking pasta and Italian style roasted chicken,” he said.

He added that this is the continuation of the pizzeria pioneered by the former executive director Fr. Franco Uras, an Italian priest who established the pizzeria in 2000 and stopped its operation in

2004 when Uras was reassigned to another place.

“We are banking on the name made by Fr. Uras kasi hanggang ngayon marami paring pumupunta dun para magtanong kung nagseseve pa rin ba ang Boys Town ng pizza,” he said.

Banogon, meanwhile, said that the boys, aged 12-17, are studying at the Ma-a Central Elementary

School and Ma-a National High School. Those who graduate from high school will proceed to college through sponsorship, or to vocational courses in Don Bosco Training Center in Mati, Davao Oriental.

In 43 years of operation, he said that about 96 percent of their beneficiaries were already employed.

affect the performance of the examinees.

Torreon added that the

Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) has previously submitted their

proposal to the Supreme Court but it was disapproved because of the pos-

sibility of leakage.

Torreon pointed out that there are safeguards

that will prevent leakage and that is to use modern technology. [ABF]

and negotiation based on the labor justice, together with the good governance, is the underlying foundation for the achievement of our goal of decent and productive employment in pursuit of the higher national goal of generating massive employment to substantially reduce poverty in the country.

The PHILAMCOP and NCMB have worked together to push labor-management relations to the higher level of cooperation and partner-

ship, higher productivity, voluntary compliance with labor laws and occupational health and safety standards for both employees and employers.

This convention affords them a venue to showcase best practices in labor-management cooperation that could inspire LMC practitioners, institutions and individuals. The event was also a venue of opportunity for them to share their ideas and experiences on the current

and relevant issues faces by our labor forces in the country.

New set of officers were elected to continue the road of services in implementing concrete forces to the labor management in the country.

They are: President, Dr. Gina Fe G. Israel from University of Mindanao; Vice-President for Management Sector, Amy D. Amar of Lopez Sugar Corporation; Vice-President for Labor Sector, Joemarie P. Angeles

of Mindanao Geothermal Production Field; Secretary, Mellanie C. Mercado of DOLE Phils. INC., STANFILCO Division; Treasurer, Teofilo S. Colocado Jr. of Universal Robina Corporation –AIG; Auditor: Carol C. Tuvera of HEDCOR Incorporated; Public Relations Officer: Lani P. Botor of BIGMA; Trustees, Froilan C. Espere of Unilever Philippines Incorporated, Norman S. Gayloa of CONTINENTAL-TAPI, Art Estrera of Philippine Associated Smelt-

ing & Refining, Jude Ulpindo of HOLCIM Philippines and Sherlock Vicente A. Codilla of Philippine Associated Smelting & Refining (Immediate Past President).

With these officers the labor forces through PHILAMCOP would extend their efforts and initiatives to enhance workmanship through sustaining industrial peace in which promotes safety and quality increasing productivity with decency and integrity. [LEODIL P. MICABALO]

It’s’work...FFROM 2 Photo...FFROM 2

Boys town...FFROM 3

Decentralize...FFROM 3 Philamcop... FFROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

11

Key security incidents that helped shape threat landscape in 2013 K

ASPERSKY Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, said that some of the revelations of the past year raised questions about the way the Internet is used nowadays and the type of risks faced by users.

In 2013, advanced threat actors have continued large-scale operations and cyber-mercenaries, specialist APT groups “for hire” which focus on hit-and-run operations have emerged.

Hacktivists were constantly in the news, together with the term “leak”, which is sure to put fear into the heart of any serious sys-admin out there.

In the meantime, cybercriminals were busy devising new methods to steal money or Bitcoins.

Privacy loss: Lavabit, Silent Circle, NSA and the loss of trust No ITSec overview of 2013 would be complete without mentioning Edward Snowden and the wider privacy implications of his revelations One of the first visible effects was the shutdown of encrypted e-mail services such as Lavabit and Silent Circle. The reason was their inability to provide such services under pressure from law enforcement and other governmental agencies.

Another story which has implications over privacy is the NSA sabotage of the elliptic curve cryptographic algorithms released through NIST.

New “old” cyber-espionage campaigns: up to 1800 victim organizations in 2013.

• The majority of the cyber-espionage campaigns that Kaspersky Lab’s analysts have seen were designed to steal data from governmental agencies and research institutions – Red October, NetTraveler, Icefog and MiniDuke all behave this way.

• The most widespread campaign of the year was NetTraveler espionage which affected

victims from 40 countries all over the world.

• For the first time ever, cybercriminals harvested information from mobile devices connected to the victims’ networks – clear recognition of importance of mobile to hackers.

• Red October, MiniDuke, NetTraveler and Icefog all started by ‘hacking the human’. They employed spear-phishing to get an initial foothold in the organizations they targeted “We predicted 2012

to be revealing and 2013 to be eye opening. That forecast proved correct – 2013 showed that everybody is in the same boat.

In truth, any organization or person can become a victim. Not all attacks involve high profile targets, or those involved in ‘critical infrastructure’ projects,“ said Costin Raiu, Kaspersky Lab’s Director of the Global Research and Analysis team (GReAT).

“Those who hold data could be of value to cybercriminals, or they can be used as a ‘stepping-stones’ to reach other targets. This point was amply illustrated by Icefog attacks this year,“ he added.

Raiu also said that, “They were part of an emerging trend that appeared in 2013 – attacks by small groups of cyber-mercenaries who conduct small hit-and-run attacks. Going forward, we predict that more of these groups will appear as an underground black market for ‘APT’ services begins to emerge.

Stealing money, either by directly accessing bank accounts or by stealing confidential data, is not the only motive behind

security breaches.

They can also be launched to undermine the reputation of the company being targeted, or as a form of political or social protest. Ongoing hacktivist activities have continued this year as well.

‘Anonymous’ group has claimed responsibility for attacks on the US Department of Justice, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the web sites of various governments.

Those claiming to be part of the ‘Syrian Electronic Army’ claimed responsibility for hacking the Twitter account of Associated Press and sending a false tweet reporting explosions at the White House – which wiped $136 billion off the DOW. For those with the relevant skills, it became easier to launch an attack on a web site than it is to coordinate the real-world protests.

Bitcoins ruling the world The Bitcoin system was implemented back in 2009. In the beginning, this crypto currency was used by hobbyists and mathematicians.

Soon, they were

joined by others, mostly ordinary people, but also cybercriminals and terrorists. They provide an almost anonymous and secure means of paying for goods.

In the wake of surveillance stories of 2013, there is perhaps little surprise that people are looking for alternative forms of payment. And it is gaining popularity like in November 2013, the mark surpassed the $400 for one Bitcoin.

The methods used by cybercriminals to make money from their victims are not always subtle.

Apart from Bitcoins, which could potentially be stolen, ‘ransomware’ programs became a popular means of making easy money, cybercriminals block access to a computer’s file system, or encrypt data files stored on the computer.

Then they warn users that they must pay in order to recover their data. This was the case with the Cryptolocker Trojan.

The cybercriminals give their victims only three days to pay up, accepting different forms of payment, including Bitcoin.

The full report is available on securelist.com

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

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12/5,12,19

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

BIGGER PICTURE

13

REVISITING DAVAO STREET LIGHTS PROJECT

Making wonders even for common ‘tao’ P

RIMARILY conceptualized as beautification and a deterrent to crimes, the street lighting project here has evolved into something more than what it can be useful even in simple ways for ordinary Davaoeños.

Way back almost 18 years ago or November 28, 1995, the late Luis Alfonso “Al” Aboitiz, president of Davao Light and Power Company, and Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte, mayor of Davao City, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to signal the launching of the Davao City Street Lighting Project.

The project’s primary concern was to provide all major public thoroughfares, streets, roads with adequate and cost-effective street (sodium) lights as a major component of the city government’s peace and order and beautification programs.

It was designed with the end view of arresting, if not completely putting a stop, to the rising tide of criminality in the streets.

It is an accepted theory

that crimes and criminals thrive best under the culture of darkness.

Immediately, the seed of the idea to use such a potent instrument in the more active fight to get rid of, or at least minimize the incidence of criminality was planted into the mind of Mayor Duterte.

True enough, records of the Davao City Police Office showed that the city’s crime incidence has remarkably dropped to a certain level, contributing so much to improve the peace and order situation that boosted the investor’s confidence to do business here.

And through the years, lighted streets have also been working wonders even for ordinary people.

During night time, vendors along the streets of San Pedro, Magallanes, Bolton, Bonifacio, Ponciano Reyes and Uyanguren are taking advantage of street lights to sell their wares like street foods, “ukay-ukay” (used clothing), utencils, among others.

Motorists can feel safe driving at night

WELL-LIGHTED CITY: Davao is one of the most lighted cities making it one of the most livable and safest cities in the country.

with well-lighted streets.

Meanwhile, taxi drivers working for 24 hours usually take some time to rest and sleep inside their vehicle under lighted streets in downtown areas, purposely to avoid being victims of robbers.

This was affirmed by

Midvalley taxi driver Dennis Mangan, who rented a house in San Antonio, Buhangin district, together with his wife and two children.

“I feel safe when I park my car under sodium lights. I can sleep well,” Dennis said in an inter-

view in vernacular.

Due to the presence of street lights, farmers can now go early on in their sprawling rice fields and be home as late as 6 p.m.

Street lights also do good for teenagers, especially those who are into dancing. Bringing only

a mobile phone or MP3 and a speaker, they can already practice their dance steps beside lighted streets.

To sum it up, the street lighting project in one way or the other has contributed a lot to the booming city of Davao.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

BFP hands PRO’s first loss

B

UREAU of Fire Protection turned back Police Regional Office XI, 83 – 78, to halt the Policemen’s eight game winning streak as Davao City Police Office escaped with a, 79 – 75, victory over City Mayor’s Office yesterday (Tuesday) in the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 11th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Donald Concepcion and Robert Namuag made crucial baskets down the stretch as the Firemen upheave to the top spot in a tie with PRO at 8-1.

Concepcion scored game-high 18 points as Namuag poured in 12, including a three point play under a minute left, for the BFP which bounced back straightaway from absorbing its first loss the other day that ended their seven game winning run.

PRO was leading most of the game but the Policemen tangled up in the clutch, stumbling to execute and defend. John Jay Cuizon paced the PRO

with 17. Jerry Tugade had 14.

High-flying John Lumogda added 15 baskets for the Firemen who are in a good position to be the No. 1 seed entering the next round.

BFP’s status to finish top-seed at the end of preliminaries was boosted up with the loss of CMO at the hands of DCPO. The City Hall-dribblers committed three unforced turnovers to absorb their second setback that came after snapping the BFP’s seven game winning stretch.

Downed by 2, 75 – 77, CMO busted its final three to horrifically end the game. The loss drastically dropped CMO at third place with 7-2 card, probably closing the doors to finish in the top two. DCPO was at fourth spot with 6-2 slate.

Robinson Palomares scattered 23 points, including the DCPO’s final six points. Mark Innocentes and Estong Uganap chipped in 16 and 11 respectively.

Roy Bangkas top scored for CMO with 21.

Christopher “Bong” Go had 12. (RJB)

Pairat wins Elderlympics chessfest

L

INO Pairat of Buhangain A turned back defending champion Jun Sonsona of Talomo A to win the chess title in the 2013 Davao Elderlympics held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Gym on Tuesday.

Pairat carded 5.0 points to sweep the tournament sponsored by the city government.

Merardo Heruela of Sasa scored 4.0 points and beat Toril’s Calixto Torreon in a tiebreak to place second.

Torreon settled for third followed by Baguio’s Rudy Demerey (3.5) in fourth place.

The event was managed

by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director IA James Infiesto. [PNA]

MAKING HIS MOVE. Bong Go drives against a BFP defender in this bit of action between CMO and BFP. Both teams are tied for the lead in the ongoing AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament. Boy Lim

PHL routs Cambodia by 50 T

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team cruised to their second straight victory in the 27th Southeast Asian Games after blowing out Cambodia, 107-57, on Tuesday at the Zeya-thiri Stadium in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

Mac Belo and Ronald Pascual led six Filipino players in double-figures in what was an easy assignment for the Philippines.

Belo had 17 points while Pascual had 16 to pace the Philippines while Garvo Lanete (12), Kiefer Ravena (12), Jericho Cruz (10) and Bobby Ray Parks (10) all chipped in for the

cause.

After struggling to start their game against Singapore, the Filipinos had it much easier in this one, jumping out to a 2516 first quarter lead after a 14-5 run to close the period.

In the second, Kevin Ferrer sparked another big run for the Philippines when he hit back-to-back three-pointers that kickstarted a 14-1 run.

They entered the halftime break with a 44-25 lead. Pascual scored 13 of his 16 in the first half and eight in the first period alone.

But the onslaught was far from over, The Filipi-

Marcus Douthit played just 20 minutes and finished with six points and six rebounds.

The Filipinos take a break tomorrow and will return to action on Thursday against host Myanmar.

The scores: Philippines (107) – Belo 17, R. Pascual 16, Lanete 12, Ravena 12, Cruz 10, Parks 10, Ganuelas 7, Sumang 7, Douthit 6, Ferrer 6, J. Pascual 4.

Cambodia (57) – Dar 27, Ratana 14, Boroth 6, Kim 4, Phatara 4, Sok 2, Ouch 0, Pheng 0, Sok 0, Sovann 0, Therro 0, Tait 0.

Quarterscores: 25-16, 44-25, 76-39, 107-57.

courage, skills and commitment to fight for our flag.”

She had strong words, however, for officials of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, alleging that politics tainted the selection process of the country’s delegation to the biennial meet.

“In contrast, I cannot hide my disgust with the leadership of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee for their gross mishandling of our athletes and sports program. This includes the selection process for the national lineup, which was hobbled with ques-

tions and controversy,” she added.

“I mourn the wasted talents of some of our outstanding athletes who will not be suiting up for the SEA Games due to the short-sightedness of the PSC and POC. “Athletes who were excluded from the national team, like the Philippine Dragon Boat Team who are world champions, and young swimmer Denjylie Cordero, who recently broke a decade-old national record, were victims of politicking by sports officials whose actions are condoned instead of being sanctioned by the PSC and POC.”

Pia blasts PSC, POC

P

BIEBER FEVER. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber plays basketball with kids in Tacloban.

nos scored the first 11 points in the third quarter to make it a 55-25 edge.

After Cambodia their deficit down to 26, 57-31, the Philippines fired off another 8-0 blast.

At the end of three periods, the Philippines led 76-39 after a 32-point offensive output in the quarter.

There was no letup in the fourth either as they outscored their foes 3116 en route to the lopsided win.

Parks had a solid allaround performance, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out five assists to go with his double-digit scoring.

IA Cayetano expressed support for Filipino athletes competing in the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar, even as she lambasted sports officials for its handling of the buildup to the competition.

“I wish all our athletes competing in the 27th SEA Games the best of luck. I know that they will do their best and vie for the gold to bring honor to our country and people,” she said.

“What we lack in funding, modern training facilities and, sad to say, competent and forward-thinking sports officials, our athletes make up for with their

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

The eating season is here

FAT December is upon us all. This is the month where our diets either cringe in fear or just keel over and die, because it is on this month where parties are held left, right and centre and gym days are virtually thrown to the dogs.

To kick start our eating binge (and growing bellies), SM Lanang Premier recently held a holiday edition of their Davao Gourmet Collective which was first conceived last Kadayawan. The second iteration was bigger than the last one, featuring twelve different food locators with various food styles and cuisines, all curated by foodie and caterer, Carmina del Rosario. I was personally excited to taste new flavours as well as go back to visit some more familiar dishes being offered by the stalls.

Some of the familiar dishes include Cellar de Boca’s teak and chorizo empanadas as well as their steak rice with featured rich and flavourful bits of beef on healthy brown rice.

I also welcomed back Crazy Cook’s steamed buns

(baos) filled with either tasty Angus beef, pungent pork and kimchi, or shiitake mushrooms and Kao Soi (curry duck).

Memorable new locators in the collective included La Bodeguitta which featured their paella, callos, as well as different Spanish sausages (which I truly loved to nibble on) and Park Inn by Radisson’s RBG, Restaurant Bar and Grill which featured a rustic pancit canton topped with crispy bagnet and their black bison noodles topped with crispy squid.

Also present are already successful food concepts such as Pastanni’s and their piada rolls and calzone, Bleu Chilli with their top-notch chilli chicken wings, and Malagos with their famous dark chocolate.

For dessert there were pies from Jonathan’s Pies as well as the exotic crocodile durian ice cream from Dizon’s Sweet Spot.

Osvaldo’s may not be new to the collective but they came up with a new york cheesecake topped with a cabernet glaze which gave the cheesecake a more unique and decadent taste.

Too bad the Davao Gourmet Collective lasted just for three days. But I guess it is alright, because at least my diet and waistline can rest a bit until the

next holiday meal.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

The Teng family featured in Working Mom this December

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

FOOD

My top 10 Christmas food gift ideas

I

F your Christmas list is starting to look like a telephone book, then it is time to consider making your own. With today’s many available and cheap resources, we can do anything we want.

IN THE month to celebrate togetherness, Working Mom has put together an issue to inspire families to get set for the holidays, with the UAAP’s hottest sibling rivals Jeric and Jeron Teng alongside their mom Susan gracing the magazine’s cover this December.

A special feature on how the Teng family keeps everything together so well can be found as this month’s main story, where the whole family talks about how it’s like to be rooting for opposing teams while still remaining strong as a unit.

Aside from that, Working Mom goes into how to make things more practical for the holidays, with makeovers to making every mom’s life even better— from getting that dream wardrobe, changing the way the family snacks, and to getting the house in order.

Working Mom also brings inspiring dessert tables and foolproof tips to always look great in family portraits—plus, the magazine brings ways to pamper skin post-party with more beauty tricks to hide the holiday stress, elegant uniforms for yaya, and Christmas shows that the whole family is sure to love.

This month’s issue also features celebrity “aha!” moments that are sure to inspire each family member to become stronger and happier.

Grab Working Mom’s December-January 2014 issue at favorite newsstands today.

On top of our list, is FOOD (of course). Made with love, effort and the satisfaction of making somebody else happy and full is but the simplest and most appetizingly delicious way to say “Merry Christmas. You made my list”.

Here are my TOP 10 perfect FOOD Gifts for Christmas.

Let your imaginations flow!

Fruit basket No, not the typical fruit basket we get during the holidays. This requires more effort than just choosing the fruits and the ribbon that goes with it. Take the time to carve, shape and cut the fruits. Do a colorful fruit arrangement or a kebab platter. Add pieces of cheese, mallows and olives for that perfect blend.

Kakanin Yes, a basket or plateful of our delicious glutinous kakanin is a great gift to consider. Have it mixed and see how the colors excite the senses. Arrange the palitaw, kutsinta, bibingka, sapin-sapin and have a sticky merry holidays!

Yema and pastillas The sweetest tandem will never go out of date.

Make your own recipe and add some nuts, fruit preserves or even spirits, make your duo unique.

Place in boxes or jars decorated with yuletide spirit and you are ready to go!

GCASH, the flagship mobile commerce service operated by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned mobile commerce subsidiary of Globe Telecom, Inc. recently forged a partnership with TORCHe Global Marketing, Inc. (TGMI), a marketing consultancy that helps companies reach out to consumers through mobile commerce, to allow TGMI affiliate companies such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Franchise Corporation of the Philippines (FRANCORP) to use GCASH services such as PowerPay+ Card, Buy load services, GCASH cash-in/cash-out outlets, and a soon-to-be-released payment solution that will enable business owners to accept credit card payments using an easy, safe, and hassle-free platform for mobile money transfers. Sealing the partnership are the executives from G-Xchange, Inc. and TORCHe Global Marketing, Inc. (LR): Michelle Lim, TGMI Vice-President; Paolo Dela Cruz, GXI Merchant Acquiring Manager; Paolo Baltao, GXI President; Atty. Miguel Varela, TGMI Chairman; Ma. Alegria SibalLimjoco, FranCorp Philippines CEO and Hector Roque, TGMI President.

Cookies Store bought or from scratch, this will forever bring a sweet happy smile on anybody’s face. The possibility is endless. Use some creative packaging (cover up an empty Pringles can or newspaper cone) to level up your cookies.

Cakes and Cupcakes This is the best time to let your creative juices to work. Use colors to enhance your masterpiece,

candied pieces to display your mood or even knack for unique flavors.

Remember, it is the effort that counts most and not the number pieces.

Fruit Cake Whether store bough or freshly made, the fruitcake is a must during this time of the year. Try making your own fruitcake tarts or no bake fruitcake cups -- less on the spirits, big on the flavors.

Chocolates Who wouldn’t want to receive a box of chocolates anytime of the year?

Be creative and have them mixed in one pretty pack or box. Explore with different flavors and designs.

Nowadays, chocolates have evolved and could be in any shape, color or size.

Wines and Spirits Doesn’t mean you have to be a drinker to appreciate a bottle. Go over the net and research. Be it red, white, sparkling, vodka, tequila or champagne, it’s

the thought that counts.

So, go ahead and tie a glittery ribbon with that!

Cheese Not many know this but a cheese platter on any given day, can elevate the excitement. With wine, fruits and good cheese, everybody is sure to have a fun Yule-time! Be creative. Mix and match soft and hard cheeses in a box and you are all set.

Brownies This is an all time favorite treat. Be it chewy, gooey or cakey, a brownie is but the best compliment to any given meal. Wrap them up in colorful paper or all bundled up in a newspaper, everybody will fall head over heels

with one.

So, as early as now, find your perfect food gifts.

With the metro bursting with indefinite food establishments, you can verily find one suitable for your recipient. Happy hunting!

After all that we have been through, we always find ways to make things better. We may have fallen down but we allow that fall to motivate us to stand and face the music once again. #handsintheairPHILIPPINES #PilipinasUPRISING Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Email me at bffsa457@gmail.com or visit www.chefroyale.com for more recipes. Follow @ chefroyaleofficial and me @herroyalheiress on instagram! Cheers!

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

EVENT "Party General Anthony and his angels."

A crazy five-star birthday bash

By Kenneth King Ong

T

O celebrate his thirtieth natal day, Anthony Modequillo threw a themed dance party at Octane.

It had been a while since there was a party worth attending and even less parties where everyone stood up dancing and participating. Taking-up the challenge to inject some fun, Anthony tasked his friends to party in full military regalia and as early as six in the evening,

people were at the venue and to get the ball rolling complete with costumes ranging from the lowly privates to spies and special agents. Everyone was game to attend and participate in the games and activities all-evening long, all of course for the birthday boy dressed of course as the general and commander-in-chief.

As the evening became crazier and the troops were dragged out tipsy but smiling, one can be sure that general Anthony was one happy thirty year old.

A happy birthday to you sir! Mission complete!

FROZEN 2D/ * DISASTER WARS 2D Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel / *Reggie Bannister

GP / *R 13

12:00 | 2:10 | 4:20 LFS / *6:40 | 8:20 | 10:00 LFS

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 3D Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman PG 13

12:00 | 3:00 | 6:00 | 9:00 LFS

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE 2D/ *ENDER'S GAME 2D Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson / * Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford

R-16

PG 13 / *PG 13

12:10 | 2:50 LFS / *5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG 2D Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

EVENT The cast of the show with Doña Beatriz M. Zobel, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Cristina Zobel de Ayala, and Beatriz Susana Zobel de Ayala.

Pepe’s Secret Christmas brings joy to Abreeza and Davao IT was a most-warming scene—a roomful kids jittery with excitement, turning wide-eyed as the animated characters of an enchanted Christmas story appeared on stage. And, it wasn’t just the young that got fascinated.

This performance is an enchanting and magical ballet that speaks to children and all those who long for a time of innocence, after all.

Pepe’s Secret Christmas, presented by Abreeza and the Ayala Malls, and produced by Steps Dance Project, would be the most charming Yuletide offering Davao has received by far— ballet that can teach children about respect for nature and animals, while giving them a peek into a world of traditional Filipino values, and our love for beauty and harmony.

Pepe’s Secret Christmas is educational, entertaining and most importantly, deeply rooted in Filipino Yuletide traditions. Set in a Filipino Never-Never Land where animals speak and dance, the new ballet features original choreography set to music that all audiences can connect with. Impressive how they injected the popular regional tunes into the repertoire, like Usahay and the festival music of Davao’s Kadayawan, giving the show a more localized vibe.

Written by Floy Quintos, the story stars Pepe, a child who falls asleep at mass on the last day of the Misa de Gallo. In his dream, he is transported to an enchanted setting where the creature of farm (the Kalabaw,

Doña Beatriz M. Zobel with the Alitaptaps (fireflies).

Ang mga Matsing (the Monkeys)

Agnes Locsin, Sofia Zobel with Pepe, the Alitaptap & Kalabaw.

The cast bringing joy to the children with Down Syndrome.

Tandang, Kambing, Aso and Pusa) and forest (the Matsing, Tikling, Dahong Palay and Alitaptap) come together to pay homage to the child Jesus, the Niño.

Pepe’s Secret Christmas is a joint project by the Ayala Malls and Steps Dance Project, the dance management group of Steps Dance Studio (founded in 1994 by Sofia Zobel-Elizalde) that handles the dance-performance requirements of dif-

ferent premier events in the country.

Under the direction of James Laforteza, choreography by Jun Saagundo, Jeffrey Espejo and James Laforteza, and production and costume design

by Gino Gonzales, Pepe’s Secret Christmas featured the performances of the talented dance scholars from the Steps Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2007

Ang Tikling (The Crane).

that aims to give assistance to young and gifted Filipino dancers who want to pursue serious dance training in ballet, modern dance, or jazz dance in hopes of making dance a future profession.

Pepe’s Secret Christmas is the third production staged by the Ayala Malls and Steps Dance Project in Abreeza.

Expect more masterful and impassioned performances to come soon.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 194 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

BREWING RIVALRY

Pacers rally past Heat 90-84 I

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Roy Hibbert threw all the inside body jabs Tuesday night. Paul George finished it off with the knockout blow.

Together, the Pacers’ devastating one-two scoring punch did it again to the champs.

Hibbert finished with 24 points, George made two big 3-pointers during a 15-point second half scoring spree and Indiana rallied from a seven-point halftime deficit to take Round 1 against Miami 90-84. ‘’It was fun, a real intense game,’’ George said. ‘’Both teams were playing at a high level. You could see an urgency to win this game tonight.’’

While Indiana extended its franchise-record home start to a perfect 10-0 and took a three-game advantage over Miami in the early chase for home-court advantage, this was no ordinary regular season game.

During pregame media availability, Indiana’s Lance Stephenson said this game felt like a championship matchup. Two of Miami’s big three, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, tried to downplay that sort of talk by explaining this was not a win or go home night.

The hometown fans didn’t care what the Heat thought. They were already in postseason form, booing loudly at the officials, chanting ‘’He’s a flopper’’ on some contestable foul calls and

RIVALRY. Paul George of Indiana goes one on one against Lebron James of Miami. eventually serenading Miami players with those familiar chants of ‘’Beat the Heat.’’

But the Pacers (19-3)

also understood this was only be the start of a season-long quest that could pit the two best teams in

the East in the conference finals for a second straight year.

First, there’s the re-

Kobe still winless after Suns beat Lakers 114-108

By GREG BEACHAM

K

KOBE BRYANT. Another loss despite 20 points.

AP Sports Writer

OBE still winless LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant is swiftly regaining his confidence and timing. His conditioning improves daily, and he’s already leading the Los Angeles Lakers in scoring again.

Yet thanks to Goran Dragic and the exciting Phoenix Suns, Kobe still doesn’t have a victory.

Dragic scored 12 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter and the Suns beat the Lakers 114-108 Tuesday night, dropping Bryant to 0-2 in his comeback.

Bryant scored 20 points while playing 29 mostly sharp minutes in his second game back from nearly eight months out with a torn Achilles tendon. He led a fourth-quarter rally by the Lakers, but they only got within four points with 3 minutes left before Phoenix held on.

Bryant gave his performance a ‘’B’’ grade, but realizes he’s got more work to do - both on his game and his chemistry with the rest of the

Lakers. Bryant had just three turnovers against Phoenix after committing eight in his season debut two days ago against Toronto, but contributed just two rebounds and three assists while the Suns comfortably held on. ‘’It’s a process,’’ Bryant said. ‘’You just continue to figure out what you can and can’t do. Every game, you try to step up and do a little bit more and just go from there.’’

The Suns handled the Lakers with teamwork, shredding Los Angeles’ lousy defense during a 35-point fourth quarter to earn their first three-game winning streak of the season.

Marcus Morris scored 22 points and Eric Bledsoe had 18 points and nine assists for the surprising Suns, who never trailed after the opening minutes. Phoenix held off the Lakers with superb fourth-quarter play from both Morris brothers, who scored nine points apiece down the stretch. Markieff Morris finished with 15 points.

match in Miami on Dec. 18. They won’t meet again until March 26 in Indy, then head back to Miami on April 11 before what most expect to be a third straight

meeting in the playoffs.

If those games have as much intrigue and pizazz as Tuesday night’s showdown, they may be the most compelling all season.

Payca tops DUTBA Monthly Finals B

OY Payca rolled 1,292 pinfalls to pocket the November Monthly Finals of the Durian Tenpin Bowlers Association Inc. (DUTBA) over the weekend at the B3 in NCCC Mall.

Payca bested Rene Dalayon who finished second with 1,200 pinfalls while Jojo Viray took second runner-up honors with

1,194. Nestor Burgos came through with 1,161 pinfalls to finish third runner-up.

All scores were based on total of six games.

The November Monthly Finals is one of regular events staged by the DUTBA, an association of professionals engaged in tenpin bowling.

Pairat wins Elderlympics chessfest

L

INO Pairat of Buhangain A turned back defending champion Jun Sonsona of Talomo A to win the chess title in the 2013 Davao Elderlympics held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Gym on Tuesday.

Pairat carded 5.0 points to sweep the tournament sponsored by the city government. Merardo Heruela

of Sasa scored 4.0 points and beat Toril’s Calixto Torreon in a tiebreak to place second.

Torreon settled for third followed by Baguio’s Rudy Demerey (3.5) in fourth place.

The event was managed by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) regional director IA James Infiesto.

[PNA]

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL.VOL. 6 ISSUE 6 ISSUE 194194 • THURSDAY, • THURSDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 12, 2013 12, 2013

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

MARK BARRIGA. Assured of a medal in the 27th Southeast Asian Games. (File photo)

SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES

Barriga, Saludar enter semis T

WO Dabawenyo boxers towed the fancied Philippine boxing team to the semifinals of the 27th 27th Southeast Asian Games in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

2012 London Olympics veteran Mark Anthony Barriga and 2010 Asian Games gold medalist Rey Saludar, along with 2013 China Open silver medalist Junel Cantancio booked victories to ensure that the entire Philippine boxing contingent m a d e t h e medal rounds.

Barriga, a product o f the Baran-

gay Una boxing program in Panabo City, struggled against Vietnamese foe Huynh Ngoc Viet but came away with a split decision win while Cantancio had an easier time against Laotian opponent Keochi Xayyasone, earning the nod on all three judges’ scorecards.

The 20-year-old Barriga, who owned a convincing victory over his Vietnamese rival from the World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan two months ago, had to squeak by this time around after receiving a tougher challenge.

Barriga has also been struggling with jet lag since arriving from his

training in Assissi, Italy as part of the Italia Thunder team in the AIBA World Series of Boxing.

“He also knew my game, and anticipated my left straight,” Barriga said in Filipino. “I felt some tightness in my thighs and couldn’t move well. Luckily I was able to sneak in some of my hooks.”

Cantancio, the oldest of the PLDT-ABAP boxers in the 2013 SEA Games at age 27, won 30-24, 30-24 and 29-28 in a unanimous decision.

All 10 Philippine representa-

REY SALUDAR. Another international medal for the Barangay Una stalwart. (File photo)

tives have made it into at least the semifinals with Nesthy Petecio already in the finals after a win over Thailand’s Tassamalee Thongjan last Monday.

Aside from Barriga and Cantancio, Filipinos Rey Saludar, Mario Fernandez, Dennis Galvan, Wilfredo Lopez, Josie Gabuco, Maricris Igam and Irish Magno are also in the semis of their respective events.

“We offer this to our countrymen who suffered in the recent tragedies,” said ABAP president Ricky Vargas.

“We hope we can win golds to make our gift more special.”