EdgeDavao 6 Issue 197

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

LIGHT A CANDLE FOR PEACE. Parishioners light up candles during the “oratio imperata” or the prayer for deliverance from calamities in yesterday’s “Misa de Gallo” at St. Francis of Assisi Paris Church along Ma-a in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

FAKE CITY RECEIPTS CTO identifies man behind irregular transactions

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

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HE City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) and the City Engineer’s Office of the Davao City government have identified at least one person, one of the many people suspected to be behind the issuance of fake official receipts.

City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola identified one Harold Bulawin, a former contractual employee of the CEO as one of the culprits in the fraudulent money-making sceheme victimizing both the city government and business establishments.

In yesterday’s department heads meeting. Riola said

that Bulawin was caught on Thursday with the cooperation of CEO personnel and Tiresmart, a company dealing in tires.

Riola told Edge Davao that the suspect allegedly received P5,000 from taxpayer Tiresmart for engineering and electrical permit payments.

“Gigamit niya ang iyang ID na pag-abot sa mga taxpayers siya na daw ang mutabang og process unya naa silay pabayran, ”he said adding that the suspect has issued computer scanned receipts to taxpayers.

FFAKE, 10

CHARITY SHOW. Councilor Leonardo Avila III announces the upcoming “Dayon ang Pasko sa Leyte” show, a gathering of performers which aims to give joy and cheers to typhoon Yolanda survivors right in the Province of Leyte,during this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

RIDING-IN-TANDEM BIKES

Danao orders police to check ownership

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

D

AVAO City Police Director Sr. Supt.

Vicente Danao Jr. says the police will conduct surprise on-the spot inspections on motorcycle owners to preempt crime incidents perpetrated by motorcycle riding criminals (MCRC).

Danao ordered all his station commanders on Monday to arrest motorcycle owners who cannot present documents of ownership.

“This will help us to prevent crimes perpetrated by the mcrc,”he said, adding that motorcycle-riding criminals

are using unregistered and unlicensed motorcycles in committing crimes like murder and robbery.

He instructed the police to ask the motorcycle owners in a nice way before conducting any inspection. Police will ask owners to show official receipt and other related documents regarding the motorcycle.

Danao also asked the Land Transportation Office to join with them in conducting surprise inspections to identify drivers who have no corresponding permits to

FDANAO, 10

Woman caught possessing P500 worth of pyrotechnics

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GNORANCE of the law excuses no one.

This was the lesson learned by a 45-yearold woman who is facing charges for violation of the firecracker and pyrotechnics ban before the City Prosecution Office after police caught her in possession of pyrotechnic items last December 14 at about 7:30 p.m.

Davao City police director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr., said that the police are strictly implementing ordinance No. 060-02 Series of 2002 that prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such

other similar devices, as well as the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City.

Police arrested a certain Sarah (she asked to withhold her name), a resident of Polomolok, South Cotabato, at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal in Ecoland after Central 911 informed the Talomo police station that Sarah had in her possession 10 bundles of pyrotechnics.

PO3 Edwin Reboquio who was assigned at Mobile Patrol Group Mobile 66 responded to the re-

FWOMAN, 10

BRAVING THE RAIN. Catholic faithfuls troop to St. Francis of Assisi in Ma-a, Davao City yesterday morning despite the heavy downpour just to attend the first day of “Misa de Gallo” like this lady who is still yawning and visibly sleepy due to the cold weather. Lean Daval Jr.

Dabawenyos flock to ‘misa de gallo’ 9 DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY

Dawn mass at St. Francis of Assisi church ends with ‘Oratio Imperata’ for deliverance from calamities

By ANTONIO M. AJERO ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

C

ATHOLIC CHURCHES in Davao City overflowed with humanity during yesterday’s first Simbang Gabi a.k.a. Misa de Gallo, the Holy Mass celebrated every dawn during

the nine days leading to Christmas Day on December 25.

One of the jam-packed churches in the city is the one belonging to the St. Francis of Assisi Parish at

the corner of the Carlos P. Garcia (Diversion) Highway and Ma-a Road.

The number of the churchgoers, estimated to be more than a thousand faithful, is definitely more

than last year’s attendees, according Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga, parish priest since 2012. A slight drizzle failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the church-

F9 DAYSN, 10

Seek computerization of city’s building office

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T MISA DE GALLO. Fr. Emmanuel “Bong” Gonzaga celebrates the first “Misa de Gallo” at the newly-renovated St. Francis of Assisi parish along Ma-a in Davao City yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE building office of Davao City has proposed the full computerization of the agency to avoid any fraudulent activities inside the office.

Roland C. Reyes, acting building official of City Engineering Office (CEO), said in yesterday’s department heads meeting his office discovered that Harold Bulawin, who was found to be responsible for irregular transactions at City Hall, was allegedly also tampering the order of payments aside from

issuing a fake receipt.

“Hopefully by next year, we want to have a full computerization between the building office and city treasurer’s office so that we can have a paperless transaction,” Reyes said.

He said that they will ask help from the city government to procure more computer sets as well as hardware and software to put security features like bar codes to their order of payments.

Reyes said that this system will ensure that

FSEEK, 10

3 Traffic bulletin eyed for the riding public NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

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THAT 70’S SHOW. Finalists in Aeon Towers’ “best in retro” show their best dance moves to the tune of 70’s-inspired music during the company’s Christmas party last Thursday night held at the Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Davao City committee on transportation and communication headed by Councilor Leonardo Avila III is planning to partner with various media outlets in Davao City for the establishment of a traffic bulletin to be implemented early next year.

Avila said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex, SM City yesterday that the traffic bulletin will update motorists and the riding public on alternative routes regardless of the rate of road accidents. He said that this will help motorist and riding public to avoid roads that are congested.

He said that they will put up a center that will show traffic data regarding road situations from the Traffic Manangement Center (TMC) to media outlets

like radio stations and television networks operating in the city through flash reports.

“We had several talks with media establishments and they are very open to it,” Avila said, adding that they will also post traffic updates and alternative routes in social media or SMS (short message service).

He said that alternative routes will be announced after they have identified the congested road.

He said that they are planning to meet with personnel of TMC, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) to talk about the implementation of the proposal.

[CRC]

HE Department of Agriculture in region 11 will get a P2-billion chunk of the national budget for the construction of more farm to market roads and bottom- up budgeting for 2014.

DA regional director Remelyn Recoter said on Friday during the DA media interaction and update on typhoon Pablo intervention at DA regional office that P800 million will be used for the construction of identified farm to market roads in the region, while the remaining P200 million will be used to finance the proposed project by each municipality in six provinces.

The P200 million budget will be shared by Davao City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, and Compostela Valley.

Recoter said the budget will be used for grassroot projects identified from the municipal level to provincial. She said that this will identify the specific agricultural need of a certain municipality.

The funding will be channeled through the Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) 11.

Recoter, meanwhile, said that an additional P303 million budget will be released by the DA national office for the

Speed limit ordinance DA gets P2-B budget awaits Rody’s approval T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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OUNCILOR Leonardo Avila III, transportation and communication committee chair of the Davao City Council, said that they are still waiting for Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s approval which will make the Executive Order (EO) No. 39 into an ordinance.

Avila told reporters in an interview yesterday at SM Annex, SM City that the conversion of EO 39

LOOKING AHEAD

which sets the speed limits for all vehicles within the city will largely depend on whether the mayor wants the implementation to be permanent.

“EO sya pero ang implementation will fall under reckless driving.

It’s not your violating the speed limit but your into reckless driving,” he said.

It will be the basis of arresting which is applica-

ble because it will be for safe purposes.

Under EO 39, violators will be subjected to arrest and “their vehicle impounded without prejudice to the imposition of penalties and fines under the provision of RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and Davao City Ordinance No. 778.”

On the other hand, Avila said that more signages on speed limit will

be posted in the city. This is to ensure that motorists will be informed as to where the speed limit is applicable.

He also said that this to address the concern of drivers on the implementation of the speed limit and to compliment with the international standard.

“There will be signages in every 500 meters,”

FSPEED, 10

FDA GETS, 10

PSSCC asks city council for evacuation funding

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

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HE Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) of Davao City will ask the Davao City Council to allocate funds for the disaster evacuation plan once it is approved by Mayor Rody R. Duterte.

“We need money to build structures,” C/Supt.

Francisco Villaroman told reporters yesterday at the annex of SM City Davao.

Villaroman said that they would need about P1-billion for disaster evacuation structures that will

be built in the mountain areas of the city.

“This is not a short-term program, but long term program, ” Villaroman pointed out as the project would last at least five years and if they have the funds the can do the program in just three years.

He said that the they already submitted the draft of the disaster plan to the office of the mayor last week, but the mayor is still studying the plan.

Villaroman said that the

FPSSCC, 10

EVACUATION CENTERS. Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) chief Francisco Villaroman (right) talks about Davao City’s plan to build six evacuation centers that could withstand any calamities during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. At left is City Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro) head Eliza Madrazo. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

Tagum gears to become business-friendly city TAGUM CITY

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AGUM City Mayor Allan L. Rellon last week bared his administration’s ultimate goal of making this city a premier business hub that is friendly to businessmen and investors so as to provide more jobs for Tagumeños.

The local chief executive shared this thought in the sidelines of the blessing and inauguration of the newest Toyota Store in the Philippines, which is located along National Highway, Barangay Canocotan, this city, last December 11, 2013.

Mayor Rellon said it’s important for the local government to package the city as a good place for business, citing it would flourish the economic activity and would drum up the employment opportunities for Tagumeños.

The 6th City Council under the leadership of Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza is currently

DAVAO DEL NORTE

working on the City Investment Code that will give leeway for potential investors such as tax holiday and tax incentives, among others.

Infrastructure development will also be prioritized by the local government so as to complement its objective of a viable city for business.

On the other hand, Mr. Michinobu Sugata, the president of Toyota Motor Philippines, said they see Tagum as one of the emerging cities to do business with, stating its prime location as a crossroad in the northern part of the Davao Region.

Toyota Tagum is a world-class full dealership facility that will cater the needs of Toyota owners in Northern Mindanao and is actually the third facility to rise in Mindanao, following the stores in Davao and General Santos City.

As of press time, big

OPENING. Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon joins top executives of Toyota Motor Philippines led by its president Michinobu Sugata during the ribbon-cutting ceremony signaling the formal opening of Toyota Tagum City last December 11, 2013 located along National Highway in Barangay Canocotan. Photo by Leo Timogan of CIO Tagum investments are already pouring in the city such as the one-billion peso inter-

national port in Madaum that is expected to generate 500 jobs by next year

RDR:Disastercommunicationsaveslives A

TOP official rallied government communicators in Mindanao to effectively disseminate upto-date, credible information on weather reports and other emergency situations to the widest possible audience in order to reduce public anxiety and save lives and properties.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario asked public information officers (IOs) to use all media channels in communicating

disaster risks and in engaging the public’s role in disaster prevention, management and response.

Effective emergency communication can save lives, particularly at the crucial hours that people need information, said the governor at the recent Mindanao Communicators Congress at the Big 8 Hotel in Tagum City.

Del Rosario recalled how basically hour-per-hour re-

porting by the Provincial Information Office using available media significantly helped the province attain zero casualty during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pablo last year, while thousands perished in two of its neighboring provinces.

He said government communicators are the exoskeleton of public administration when officials of LGUs or other agencies do not have the benefit of time to call for meetings

RESILIENCE. Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario heralds Davao del Norte’s efforts in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation to build the resilience of communities to calamities. [DavNor PIO]

and discuss policies in the middle of emergencies.

The Chair of the Confederation of all the Local Chief Executives in Mindanao (Confed) said the risks to increasing intensity of calamities have redefined the functions, especially of the IOs at the local level, into becoming disaster communicators.

Del Rosario, who is also Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI pointed out that, at times, the role of the disaster communicator is more important than emergency response itself.

He said the IOs have the responsibility to trumpet the government’s disaster risk reduction and management, as well as, the climate change adaptation plans that aim to change the mindset of the people.

The governor further highlighted the province’s experience in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and management, as well as, climate change adaption to build the resilience of the communities.

Foremost of which is the Oplan A.N.D.A.M.(Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management), which is a school-based program that introduces simple technologies that help families adapt to the changing climate, and reduce risks to natural catastrophes. [by Noel Baguio]

as construction begins.

Both Robinsons and SM Malls have also

showed their interest in investing in Tagum. [Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum]

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Pacquiao’s driver, another companion injured in Sunday shooting incident

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

O

NE of the drivers of eight-division boxing champion and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao was confined at St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City after one unidentified suspect shot him while he and his companion were having a drinking spree in front of Lagao satellite market around 10:00 p.m. Sunday evening.

The Lagao police precinct identified Pacquiao’s driver as a certain Eric Persibal, 42, and his friend Emy Maghanoy, 48.

The two are both residents of purok 5, Lagao village.

Persibal sustained two gunshot wounds in his stomach and legs while Maghanoy suffered injuries in his face and head.

Based on police record, Persibal and

Maghanoy were drinking when one unidentified man arrived and without any provocation walloped the head of Maghanoy using a gun.

Persibal tried to stand up but he was shot at the leg and stomach by the suspect.

Earlier, the local media reported that Persibal is a bodyguard of the Pinoy ring icon.

However, Bren Evangelio, chief of staff of Pacquiao’s congressional office based in Alabel town, Sarangani, clarified that Persibal is a driver not a bodyguard.

“I’m not yet aware what really happened but, yes, he (Persibal) is one of the drivers of Pacquiao family,” Evangelio confirmed.

The Lagao Police station is still investigating the motive behind the shooting.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

5

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

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

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

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

Starmobile to open more concept stores in Mindanao F

ILIPINO cellular phone manufacturer Starmobile aims to sell one million units of its mobile phones.

The company which opened early December two concept stores, one of them at SM Lanang Premier and another in Ayala Center in Cebu, is readying to open more stores in the region soon, at the NCCC Department Store and in Toril.

The company will launch the Starmobile Sync, a “proprietary application

by Starmobile, that seamlessly transfers all your contacts, calendars, and other pertinent information from any old phone to your new Starmobile in a matter of seconds,” it said in a press statement it sent to local media outlets through e-mail.

“We believe that we have created the fastest, easiest to use, and most importantly, free way of transferring and backing up your contacts and

UPCOMING. Lorelei Mercado (center) of Accu Image Production, Ian Adana (left), customer marketing assistant of Coca-cola Phils., and Russel Alaba, assistant vice president of marketing for Mindanao of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., promote the upcoming Coca-cola Twelve Zero One New Year’s Eve countdown run slated on December 31 at SM Lanang Premier during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr. other pertinent information” using the bluetooth connectivity.

The company is also looking at coming up with long-term technology evolution-capable mobile handsets in order

to compete with the foreign brands which have shifted their smartphone production to this new highspeed Internet connnectivity concept.

The company will open another shop in Kidapawan City,

its 12th store in Mindanao, in its bid to strengthen presence in the region.

“We are pushing pedal to the metal to reach this one million mark, stretching product development and distribu-

tion capabilities,” it said.

The company said that the region has become among its high-performing areas in the country since it started its operation less than two years ago. For

example, its most expensive product that sells at P11,290 was a hot item in Tagum City. “This is a showcase of the market’s heightened economic activity and flourishing mining industry,” it said.

SLAMCI closes 2013 with a 134% growth in gross sales S

UN Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI) is ending the year on a high note, marking several accomplishments including a 134% growth in its gross sales compared to the same period last year, reaching PHP 32 billion as of the end of November.

The seven Sun Life Prosperity Funds, all of which cater to different needs, also po sted impressive numbers in terms of assets under management (AUM).

Leading the pack is the Balanced Fund, consistently the largest Balanced Fund in the mutual funds industry, with PHP 16.8 B AUM. The other funds likewise remain to have an outstanding AUM, including the Equity Fund (PHP

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

15.4 B), Bond Fund (PHP 6.6 B), GS Fund (PHP 629.5 M), Money Market Fund (PHP 262 M), Dollar Advantage Fund (USD45.8 M), and Dollar Abundance Fund (USD 19.4 M).

SLAMCI was also recognized by the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) for its fund performance.

Bestowing upon the company 8 awards this year, SLAMCI now has a total of 47 awards from PIFA since 2006.

“It truly has been a good year for SLAMCI with all our funds performing very well,” SLAMCI President Riena Pama stated.

“This is a good boost as we approach a new year.”

Contributing to SLAMCI’s impressive performance is its accessibility, being available both via its

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

as of May 2013

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

mutual funds representatives or its agency force; as well as thru various bank partners. Its agency force remains to be a formidable one, with the largest number of licensed mutual funds representatives in the industry. With more than 2000 agents spread across the country, SLAMCI expects to add more to its agency force as eight Sun Life customer centers open up in various locations.

Meanwhile, SLAMCI has also expanded its bank channel. The Sun Life Prosperity Funds are already being distributed by ten bank partners – three of which commenced this year. The AUM growth as of the end of November 2013 was a respectable 57%.

Another remarkable

achievement of SLAMCI in 2013 is the launch of SLAMCI MF Online, designed to make investing more convenient for clients. This Internet-based dealing facility will allow SLAMCI’s clients to perform various mutual fund transactions such as adding, transferring, and redeeming shares – all without the need to fax documents or go to a customer center.

“We are always keen on improving our services for the benefit of our clients,” said SLAMCI President Riena Pama.

“This is why we’re excited about SLAMCI MF Online, which we believe will come in handy for clients who keep busy schedules because they can invest on their own time, at their own convenience. SLAMCI

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

MF Online is available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Clients who are registered users of SunLink Online can immediately use SLAMCI MF Online, while those not yet registered simply have to follow a few simple steps to create an account.

For more information about MF Online and the Sun Life Prosperity Funds, visit www.sunlifefunds. com.

Sun Life Financial is represented in the Philippines by its life insurance arm, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (SLOCPI); its mutual fund manager and distributor, Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI); and its pre-need company, Sun Life Financial Plans Inc (SLFPI).

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

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

Northpoint opens Christmas Village décor to public H

EAD off to Northpoint along JP Laurel in Bajada for the perfect Christmas photo with your family and friends, as this landmark condo development opens its Christmas décor to the public.

“Everyone is free to come and enjoy our festive Christmas Village décor and have their pictures taken with their loved ones,” said Marlon B. Escalicas, Camella Davao GM. Resembling a small village celebrating the yuletide season, Northpoint’s décor features colorful lighted houses and a church, giant lollipops and candy canes, and real trees decked with Christmas lights. Huge balls of tiny Christmas lights also adorn the age-old Acacia trees preserved by Northpoint on its grounds, illuminating the whole ensemble and lending a joyful Christmas spirit.

At the forefront of this yuletide tableau is a train reminiscent of the Polar Express, the magical train bound for the home of

Santa Claus in North Pole.

“We wanted to channel real Christmas spirit by featuring this train, which gives kids and those young at heart a feel of the magic of Santa Claus,” said Fritzie Joy Gepolio of Camella Davao’s Marketing Unit.

All these décor are designed to give Davaoenos and those visiting Davao a real sense of Christmas and all the joy it brings, and are open for everyone to visit, view, and have their pictures taken with these as backdrop.

Northpoint’s vibrant and jolly décor was launched in a grand lighting ceremony last Saturday, December 7, hosted

by Mutya ng Dabaw 2013 Guia Hidalgo and graced by Camella staff and officers led by Escalicas, as well as Northpoint residents, brokers, agents, and guests.

A Christmas Bazaar kicked off the festivities on December 6, followed by a motorcade the next day and a Buyers Day that lasted well into the night. The lighting ceremony also featured special performanc-

es by Makabayan dancers, Star Power artist Joy Laquinario, and the Voice of the Philippines, Angelique Alcantara.

To make the lighting ceremony a truly fun-filled activity for all their buyers, visitors and guests, Camella also provided entertainment, refreshments, and free face painting for everyone. A Santa Claus also gave chocolates and candies to children who won the drawing contest.

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, a special guest during the lighting ceremony, expressed his thanks to Camella Davao for taking the initiative to showcase these Christmas decors to Davaoenos, serving as an inspiration and hope for the people despite of the recent calamity that hit Leyte last month.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community that made our developments the number one choice of homebuyers,” said Escalicas, adding that Northpoint’s Christmas Village décor is open to the public the whole season.

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8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

Enforce the law

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) may have startled the nation last week with its announcement ordering the removal from office of more than 400 officials elected in the May 2013 elections for their failure to submit on time and in proper form their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). SOCE is a document containing a candidate’s report on his/her expenses and donors during the campaign period.

The Comelec order, appearing in the news ominously on a Friday the 13th, sought the removal of 422 officials, including four governors and 20 members of the House of Representatives. The four governors are Rosa Vilma Santos-Recto of Batangas, Ryan Luis Singson of Ilocos Sur, Amado Espino of Pangasinan and Emilio Ramon Ejercito, who is also facing disqualification for over-spending in the same elections.

Among the 20 House members covered by the Comelec order are former President Gloria Arroyo, who is a representative of Pampanga, and Congressman Rodolfo Biazon of Muntinglupa.

Many of the officials came out with statements justifying their failure to comply with the law, with a few of them claiming that they had submitted their SOCE on time.

Whatever is the truth, even admitting arguendo that some of those affected may have really complied with the SOCE requirement, the fact that the Comelec is serious about implementing the law this time is good. Admittedly, one of the known weaknesses of our republic is the failure to strictly

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enforce the law no matter if it is harsh. Not a few of these laws pertain to the conduct of elections, such as overspending, vote-buying, cheating and other offenses. Sadly though, these laws are more honored in the breach than in compliance, a reason why we have wholesale electoral manipulation episodes as suggested in the infamous “Hello, Garci!” tape-recorded conversation between former President Gloria Arroyo and Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, and the abominable “Dagdag-Bawas” (Plus-Minus) vote-count scheme which catapulted certain senatorial candidates to office at the expense of those who were truly elected by the voters. These unchecked violations of election laws through the years have placed the Comelec in a very bad light. Comelec, a constitutional body, is often pictured as helpless and its people ridiculed as “not knowing how to count.”

The computerization of counting made a slight dent in the bad image, but alas, the suspicion of doubting Thomases that computers and computer programs can be manipulated is still gaining circulation.

However, if the Comelec under the watch of Commissioner Sixto Brillantes Jr., is determined to implement election laws, there is hope that badly needed electoral reforms in this country are achievable after all.

Otherwise, like the SALN (Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Networth), the SOCE will be another big joke -- a law that is violated mainly by lawmakers themselves.

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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O

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

The rise of Davao’s cacao industry

NE HAS to get “embedded” with the farmers’ groups who are growing, processing and exporting cacao, to be able to know what’s happening in this newly-revived industry.

If you don’t get the chance to be invited personally by an industry insider to join their meetings, forum, seminars, conferences, parties, etc you’ll never know what’s going on with the cacao industry.

This happens to be the source of all the delicious chocolates that the Philippines is importing from other countries like Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and other European countries that are buying the dried cacao beans from Africa, Indonesia---- and of course, Davao.

One of our friends, Dante Muyco, formerly a staffer from the Department of Trade and Industry, is now the leading exporter of cacao beans to Europe.

Muyco’s high quality cacao beans are all grown by cacao farmers in San Isidro, near Sto Tomas in Davao del Norte province, after long years of training seminars funded by foreign aid agencies along with some of the world’s big chocolate manufacturers. This coop farmers’group is known as the “Chokolate de San Isidro” Charita Puentespina, on the other hand, exports all her high quality cacao beans to the US market, shipping the fermented beans, like Muyco, in 20 footer container vans, packed in 15kg, 17kg or 25kg bags.

To be sure I understood clearly, both Charita and Dante chimed in with, “ all our beans are high quality, fermented beans, fully certified before shipment”. That’s how serious both cacao exporters are in their strict discipline of keeping all their “fermented cacao beans” from Davao with the highest quality--- otherwise their foreign buyers from either US or Europe

P

EOPLE’S DEEP SENSE OF DISCONTENT - It’s a good indication that local government units (LGUs) in the region are mounting a continuous specific effort utilizing a more concerted arrangement with the police and military establishments to address the deep-rooted insurgency problem, which is a threat to peace and order. In fact, the responsibilities of enhanced authority may persuade the more resolute local leaders, and police and military officials that greater cooperation and collaboration are needed to produce tangible results. Of course, the periodic peace and order forum draws earnest support from the private sector.

The specific agenda of the peace and order meeting is focused mainly on the need of intensive news dissemination to inform the people about the continuous “psychological warfare” undertaken by the underground movement using wittingly its so-called legal fronts – left-leaning activists, different militant and progressive organizations. At the center of controversy is the mounting criticism over unsolved crimes, police brutality; military abuses and human rights violations. The deeply-engrained issues have been on the boil for quite some time, with radical militants and leftist instigators making their case heard over and over again in the streets. Still and all, law authorities emphasize that government is exerting all the necessary efforts to address the foremost concern.

Top police and military officials in the locality noted during the peace and order assembly that the main goal of the government “destabilizers” now is to stretch out further their improbable demands, short of saying that authorities must kowtow to their baseless quirks and caprices. But most of that seemed to be for personal consumption, since it was clear that these boisterous groups have engaged in smear drive, severely criticizing whoever is holding the levers of power. They also haughtily set lots of condition when demanding something from

will ship back promptly the entire shipment of cacao beans.

One of the biggest suppliers of high quality cacao seedlings emerging from this new industry is Rene Dalayon, chief executive officer of FEDCO or the Federation of ARB Banana-based Farmers’ Cooperative, one of the pillars of the Philippine banana industry, leading some 15 farmers’ coops in supplying quality giant Cavendish bananas to big multinational fruit firms like Dole-Stanfilco, Del Monte-Tadeco, Unifruitti-Chiquita.

Dalayon is now the new president of the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao or CIDAMI, taking over the post of its first president, Charita Puentespina, known for her “waling-waling” orchids, ornamental flower exports and her Malagos Garden Resort in Malagos, Baguio in Calinan this city.

The revival of cacao industry with the help of global chocolate giants came as a”blessing” to banana farmers, says Dalayon because all the farmers under his coop federation are still reeling from various problems that left these farmers in shambles and “drowning in a sea of debts”.

The problems include the “banana price war”, the deadly Panama disease, typhoon Pablo, etc, all of which almost wiped out thousands of hectares of banana farms in the Davao region.

«Intercropping” is the magic word that seemed to easily convinced many Davao farmers to convert a part, or all, of their farm-

lands to cacao farm. To the surprise of foreign funders, the farmers came in droves from all over the region--- coconut farmers, banana farmers, wood tree farmers, mango farmers, etc--- who starting planting cacao seedlings in-between the rows of their traditional crops that provide them income only during the high demand season.

Planting of cacao between the rows of other cash crops was actually encouraged by a top official of the US Department of Agriculture and foreign executives running and funding various “ACDI-VOCA” programs in Mindanao (who incidentally, forbid us to spell out what these initials mean). forum last week was Marissa Salvador Abella, city councilor, who runs the committee on food agriculture in the city government, bubbling with excitement about the prospect of turning the large expanse of wild, denuded, hilly frontier of Paquibato into a huge cacao plantation with lumad farmers organized into cacao coops.

This idea, according to Marissa, was probably mentioned by some natives to Commander Parago of the New People’s Army, who broke into a smile, saying,” Good! This time I can enjoy sipping delicious hot chocolate in the morning.”

We aren’t sure if the lady councilor is thinking of organizing the NPA in Paquibato into a “cacao cooperative” with Parago as the chairman, since this would also make the NPA as the third cacao exporter in Davao, that is, if the military is willing to support this idea (?).

By the end of that forum, it was delightfully surprising to me, as a guest, to get a free pack of native (surprise!) coffee from the cacao industry group. Coffee ?

(Comments? Email me> tradingpost_ davao@yahoo.com)

the government.

Not surprisingly, local officials and police and military brass took turn in castigating the handiworks of the communist insurgents, which is to lure the marginal sector into believing that they are pro-poor and pro-people. Such move of law authorities would normally spark alarm in the ranks of the underground movement and their cohorts who are masquerading as members of the oppressed sector.

Local leaders, police and military officials noted that radical groups, militants and progressive organizations, as a matter of fact, are habitual fault-finders. They are harsh on whoever are the country’s leaders, yet they could not offer help to provide alternative leaders of their choice. One ranking police officer even commented angrily that the muchhyped progressive groups should no longer be called as such instead they should be named “problematic groups,” which is only suitable with their status in society. Through the years government officials saw the power-obsessed leaders and die-hard members of left-leaning organizations perfected the art of deception.

One glaring example is their never-ending complaint over human right abuses committed by police and military personnel against helpless settlers in the rural communities. But based on a more detailed police and military reports they are concealing their own human rights abuses against the poor farmers in the hinterland barangays. Their stage managed move had been expected anyway.

These deceptive figures according to the police and military have set the political temperature higher to suit their hidden agendas and vested interests. There are other antagonistic undercurrents, too. Law authorities saw the series of “noise barrage” organized by different militant groups and fanatical protesters as another maneuver to boost their pro-poor, pro-people stature by taking advantage of the people’s woes. In the eyes of the average Filipinos these suspicious personalities might as well have contributed much to the miseries of the masses. Their ruthless armed personnel persistently collect “revolutionary taxes” from poor farmers and ordinary businessmen, and failure to abide with their rules means stiffer penalty, or worse – even death. What these people are doing actually runs counter to the government’s socio-economic trust and infrastructure development. In simple terms, it’s anti-poor, anti-people and anti-progress and prosperity.

“A deep sense of disappointment has replaced the promise of a good life and better future and the activities of the underground movement had become very unpopular to the masses and are doomed to fail,” say the police and military brass. The irony is that starting from militant leaders some decades ago they achieved so much less than it promised to the marginal sector. The new generation of militant leaders and activists just inherited the same ideology and similar lines of arguments – worn-out statements, hackneyed phrases and lofty promises. It is at the end as we imagined that their previous leaders grew old and have become lonely, almost tragic figures, deeply unpopular, politically spent and increasingly irrelevant.

A decade from now, today’s militant leaders and left-leaning followers must fully understand that a similar fate likewise would apply to them as well.

Sparking alarm

9 Washington’s growing irrelevance VANTAGE POINTS

COMMENTARY

BY ZACHARY KARABELL

A

FTER three years of sclerosis, Congress is poised to at last pass an actual budget.

We’ve been so consumed with the dysfunction of the parties on Capitol Hill that this feat appears significant. In fact, it should be routine. Yet in the context of the past few years, it is anything but.

The budget that passed the House still must wend through the Senate, and it is not exactly a study in legislative daring. It is, however, an actual budget, passed with substantial support from both parties by a vote of 332 to 94 and negotiated by two leaders, one from each party and each chamber — Representative Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) and Senator Patty Murray (D-Washington). The bill is the most modest endorsement of the current status quo, which stems from both the automatic and crude 2013 budget cuts known as the sequester, and from the chronic inability of either party to compromise over the past three years.

Even though the only real change over current spending is a modest $60 billion increase (meager in relation to the $15 trillion-plus U.S. economy), conservative groups still condemned it as too profligate and liberal groups assailed it as too draconian. Said Ted Cruz, who may be having mild limelight withdrawal, “The new budget deal moves in the wrong direction: it spends more, taxes more, and allows continued funding for Obamacare…I cannot support it.”

Paul Krugman argued the contrary — that the bill is too meager, and does nothing to address the problem of structural, chronic unemployment. Writes Krugman: “if you look at what has happened since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives in 2010 — what you see is a triumph of anti-government ideology that has had enormously destructive effects on American workers.”

Partisanship aside, it’s tempting to look at the budget deal in one of two ways: our political system has fallen so low that just doing the minimum amount required to be a functional government is seen as a victory, or the fact that it took three years to pass a budget that essentially makes no changes is proof that the system is broken.

A third perspective is even closer to the mark — and cause for optimism. Namely, that both parties’ willingness to pass a budget that no one much likes is a sign that Washington neither can nor will torpedo the country. It is a sign as well that Washington neither can nor will save the country. That’s a far cry from an activist government doing good, or a small government doing much less. But it should come as a positive sign.

The self-created Washington crises over the past years have created an image of government as the vital actor on the American stage. But these crises have failed to either impede or energize economic activity, and they have led large numbers of Americans to tune politics out. In the New York mayoral race, for instance, voter turnout was 24 percent, which appears to have been a record low. Similar numbers were seen in New Jersey and Virginia. The political class, from Washington to the local level, has managed to alienate voters and make government less relevant, except in its ability to spy on citizens and manufacture crises.

The result of the budget deal is to remove crisis from the agenda in 2014. Yes, the debt limit still has to be raised in February, but it is difficult to see Congress refusing to increase the limit on a budget that it passed. Crisis also creates a negative feedback loop with partisans such as the Tea Party and the media. You need crisis to fuel passion, and donations to the cause, and you need crisis to justify media coverage.

As proof, notice how little attention the budget deal received in the media, relative to October’s government shutdown — which dominated the news and the airwaves. The budget deal didn’t even merit a page one story in the New York Times when it passed in Congress.

And for all of this, we should be thankful. In an ideal world, we would be served by a political system of noble legislators attending to the public good with dignity and passion. There are many such individuals throughout government, on the local, state and federal levels. But Washington has become a morass of a system, and expecting and demanding the locus of societal change to emanate from that system is unrealistic and counterproductive. Lowering the volume, shifting the focus away from the goings on of government, and turning to what is happening outside of that realm, in a world teaming with billions of new entrants to the middle class and hundreds of millions of Americans navigating a changed workplace without daily reference to government, that is all for the best.

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

PSSCC...FFROM 3 disaster plan includes the building of structures in six mountain areas which are 250 feet above sea level and can handle about 600,000 people.

He said that these structures that will be built is in preparation for any possible storm surge in the city.

Villaroman added that he received an order from mayor Duterte to come up with this plan as he doesn’t want a repetition of what happened in Tacloban City.

He said that they plan to build a command center in Shrine Hills to prepare for

any calamity.

Villaroman also said that they would provide disaster preparedness trainings for barangay officials who will be the point persons in times of calamity.

Councilor Leonardo Avila, on the other hand, said that the city council will wait for the mayor’s endorsement before discussing it in plenary.

Avila added that the disaster risk reduction program of the city has been allocated with five percent of the P5.16-billion 2014 budget.

Avila said, adding that there is an ongoing fabrication of the signages.

He addedthat they will be observing the implementation of the EO for one month to assess its effectivity and the underlying issues raised by the motorists.

Earlier, the city mayor signed EO 39 last October this year which aims to “obviate traffic accidents resulting from over speeding and reckless driving”.

The said EO sets territorial boundaries on speed limit. Drivers must observe a maximum speed of 60 kilometer per hour (kph) from Sirawan to Ulas Crossing, from Lasang to Panacan, from Calinan to Ulas Crossing,

and from C.P Gracia Highway-McArthur Highway to Panacan.

Vehicles travelling from to Generoso Bridge/Bolton Bridge, from Panacan Crossing to J.P Laurel Avenue-Alcantara, and from Ma-a Road Diversion to McArthur Highway must have a 40 kph maximum speed.

Meanwhile, 30 kph must be observe from J.P Laurel Ave. Alcantara to Bolton/Generoso Bridge, from Buhangin Crossing-Milan to Bolton/Generoso Bridge, from C.P Garcia Highway-Bacaca Road to Bolton/Generoso Bridge, and from C.P Garcia Highway-Angliongto St. to Bolton/Generoso Bridge.

rehabilitation of banana and coconut plantations in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte.

She said that the budget, which was approved before Typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas last month, will be used to purchase more seedlings and more farming equipment.

It will likewise be used to continue the ongoing rehabilitation in the two provinces. In a report, she calculated that the total damage of typhoon Pablo in agricultural sector reached P30 billion in the banana sector while 6 million coconut trees were fallen.

The DA has utilized this year’s P383 million pesos for the acquisition of chainsaws, rice and seedlings, rehabilitation of farm machineries, and for cash for work programs. An additional approved P300 million for the rehabilitation is already on the pipeline.

The P84 million funding for the rehabilitation of irrigation communal, P8 million National Food Authority for the rehabilitation of their warehouse, P3.5 million for Department of Social Welfare and Development for cash4work which benefited irrigator associa-

tions in the devastated areas.

A portion of the rehabilitation budget also goes to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for the procurement of motorized and non-motorized bancas, fishing gears, and fingerlings to the fisher folks in Davao Oriental.

Recoter clarified that the P380 million rehab funds is not yet fully utilized but is already allocated to different projects.

She also added that the rehabilitation was hasten because of the assistance the provinces received from the region 10, 12, and CARAGA. These regions lend their farm tractor for the debris management.

Recoter, meanwhile, said that a year after Typhoon Pablo struck the region, only 30 percent was completely rehabilitated. She said that it would take several years before the agricultural sector will normalize.

[CRC] Officials of various LGUs and offices agreed during the launching of the 2014- 2016 updated Regional Development Plan that peace and order is needed in order to attain inclusive growth in the region.

Speed...FFROM 3 Dr. Carlo Capitan II of Operation Smile calls for an urgent action during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday to rehabilitate hospitals and medical facilities in Ormoc City where he stayed for several days to help the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. Lean Daval Jr.

Fake...FFROM 1 He added that the taxpayer already filed a case in court and that they aggrieved parties are waiting for a call from the court to testify against Bulawin.

Nilda Guadalquiver, officer-in-charge of Tiresmart, confirmed that her firm

already filed a case against Bulawin.

In fact, Guadalquiver said Bulawin has been submitted for inquest procedure before prosecutor Marte Melchor Velasco for estafa and swindling on December 12.

The businesswoman explained that she really did not know that the suspect was a fake since Bulawain was staying inside the city building office when she talked to her.

The suspect is now detained at San Pedro Police

Station.

Riola said that because of preventive measures inside the CEO, the personnel were able to catch the suspect red-handed, adding that they had monitored the suspect for four months.

drive.

He observed a “slight increase” in crime incidents like shooting and

robbery done by motorcycle-riding criminals wherein police have hard time to solve since

perpetrators are unidentified.

There were some 10 cases of shooting inci-

dents tallied in the first and second week of December , most of the cases were unresolved.

port and endorsed Sarah to the police station.

Prosecutor Faizal Padate said that if the police can establish evidence against Sara he would recommend P2,000 bail bond for her temporary liberty.

Rasoman said she bought the items in

Cagayan de Oro for P500 as a present for her children back in Gensan City.

The ordinance is observed throughout the year.

For the first offense, a fine of one thousand pesos or imprisonment of not more than one month but not less than

twenty (20) days, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court is imposed.

For the second offense, a fine of P3,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than three months but not less than one month, or both fine and imprison-

ment, at the discretion of the court; For the third offense, a fine of P5,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than six months but not less three months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. [EPC]

the taxes paid will go to the city government and this will also avoid some fraudulent acts of some people.

“In the future, we

believe also that not only for improving but also the strict issuance of order of payments and receipts, ” Reyes said.

Earlier, councilor

Danilo Dayanghirang filed a resolution before the 17th city council for the computerization of the transactions especially to the city assessor’s office

and treasurer’s office.

Dayanghirang said that the computerization will ensure the security and accuracy of the city’s tax collections.

goers.

Anthony “Taras” Sasin, top gun of the Anflocor Group of Companies, said the church was already full of people when he arrived at 3:15 a.m. Sasin led volunteers and donors who did a major facelift of the St. Francis of Assisi church gratis et amore. The project, which included the installation of chandeliers and decorative lights inside the church, the trees in the churchyard and the once dimly-lit and Spartan-looking altar, a major rush job by Davao Light and Power Company, painting of the church’s ceilings and walls and redoing the

landscape of the church at the back of the altar, took one month. Some generous parishioners even donated steel doors to church gates where there were none, Fr. Bong said.

As part of his homily, Fr. Bong read a long list of donors and quoted portions of the column in Davao Herald of Archbishop- Emeritus Fernando “Nanding” Capalla calling for unity and prayerfulness in these challenging times what with the surfeit of natural disasters happening in the country and elsewhere in the world.

The dawn mass ended with an “Oratio Imperata,”

a prayer imploring Divine Providence for deliverance from calamities.

The church refurbishment gelled from an idea hatched by Sasin and Kar Asia’s Barreto and tossed around by the so-called “Nanding’s Boys,” a group of friends of the retired prelate who meet every month to talk on burning issues of the day over dinner for a year now. This was during the dinner which Monsignor Capalla hosted during his 79th birthday.

The boys-- actually mature executives and entrepreneurs-- include Sasin, Barreto, media owner and now

poultry grower Nilo Claudio, former Press and Peace Process secretary Jesus G. Dureza, Manuel “Bobby” Orig of Aboitiz Power, Joey Mempin, Arturo Milan of Davao Light, Vic Rosario, Alex Buenaventura of One Network Bank, Rene Rieta, Samuel Afdal, retired president of Philsaga Mining and this writer.

After the dawn mass which ended at 5:30 a.m. , the Nanding Boys repaired to the Apo View Hotel’s Entrée and took their breakfast. It was there where Archbishop Capalla delivered his Christmas message and blessing.

Danao...FFROM 2

Woman...FFROM 2

Seek...FFROM 2

9 Days...FFROM 2

DA gets...FFROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

11

GCash, STI bring hope to PHL through education G

ICT HEALTHCARE. Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa stresses the need to strengthen the collection, analysis and movement of local health information and data by building infrastructures and solutions through ICT during the recent Digital Life Congress as keynote speaker in the CEO Breakfast Forum organized by Globe Business. USec Herbosa said the Philippines’ e-health development plan is envisioned to improve access to real time health information as a priority. Globe Business addressed this objective by launching Globe HealthCloud, which will enable real-time, secure and convenient access to health information, enhancing collaboration within the healthcare community, effectively increasing operational efficiencies and overall improving the quality of care for Filipino patients. The automated cloud-based solution has three components: HealthCloud HMO, which expedites health maintenance organization processes, from online appointment scheduling to claims handling; HealthCloud MD which enables physicians to manage and organize patient records for efficient and accurate consultations; and HealthCloud Patient, which organizes personal health records ensuring immediate proper treatment and a more personalized level of care. More information about the service can be found at www.healthcloud.globe.com.ph.

LOBE GCash, through its cash pick-up service GCash Remit, recently teamed up with STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI) to make college education dreams come true with the Magpadala, Magka-diploma GCash Remit promo which awarded five (5) deserving individuals a 4-year full scholarship grant each at one of the country’s leading academic institutions for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education.

The scholars are Roland de Paz, Ann Margareth Pelera Kato, Vincent Suansing, Davie Mae Ancheta, and Rasha Bambico. They were nominated by their OFW relatives and friends who have been sending money from abroad to the Philippines through GCash Remit “We would like to congratulate the scholars of our Magpadala, Magka-diploma GCash Remit promo as well as

our OFWs who are working relentlessly abroad to provide their loved ones a better future. We hope that through these scholarships, we can help the OFWs and their children achieve a successful life ahead with a college diploma that they can use to land a job of their dreams,” expressed Paolo Baltao, President of G-Xchange, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe and operator of GCash. “We would also like to thank STI for partnering with us in this meaningful endeavor. We are confident that our scholars will have a better education ahead of them with STI.” Beneficiaries of OFWs with winning nominees received P10,000 each and 100 Jollibee gift certificates were also raffled off as prizes. Magpadala, Magka-diploma GCash Remit Promo was open to OFWs who send money to the Philippines via GCash Remit. GCash

Remit has outlets in 33 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Guam, and Saipan.

GCash Remit gives an easier and more affordable option to send money by visiting any of over 800 GCash Remit partner outlets outside the Philippines for fast, affordable, convenient, and secure international remittance service.

Partners include Xoom, Xpress Money, MoneyGram, New York Bay Remittance, Lari Exchange, Czarina, Pinoy Express, Rustan’s Foreign Exchange, Kabayan Bilis Padala, IME, Transfast, Mabini Express, and many more. Meanwhile, beneficiaries in the Philippines may cash-out from any of the 7,000 GCash outlets nationwide without any service charge.

Global investors eye startups App to protect taxi passengers wins hackathon to fill worldwide ‘tech gaps’

F

ILIPINOS have the opportunity to field in world-class startups that can address global technological gaps in the fields of agriculture, energy, media and other sectors according to global investors and venture capitalists.

Speaking during the recently held 1st IdeaSpace Demo Day and Venture Summit, investors expressed willingness and keen interest in financing start-up businesses addressing key technological problems in the Philippines and other parts of the world.

The event, which capped the six-month incubation period for the first batch of IdeaSpace startup-incubatees, featured panel discussions led by international venture capitalists such as Derek Wong, a former Digital Health Investor from Burill and Company in San Francisco; Yasu Seo, Regional Manager IMJ Fenox in Indonesia; Joan Yao Investment Manager for Southeast Asia of LGT Venture Philanthropy; and

Jojo Flores, Vice President for Operations of the Plug and Play Tech Center in California.

Yao of LGT Venture Philantrophy said their organization is looking for “young, strongly growing organizations or companies that are active in healthcare, education, renewable energy, ICT and agriculture sectors.”

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life of less advantaged people.

Everything we invest in has to have that impact on less advantaged people. We invest between $200,000 to $10,000,000 into these companies to help them grow and scale up and increase their impact and reach more people,” Yao said.

Flores, who started the global company Plug and Play Tech Center in Silicon Valley, noted that while there are only a few Filipino startups under their firm right now, he hopes IdeaSpace will help them identify potential businesses they can support. [http:// ideaspacefoundation.org/].

C

ABSAFE, a Windows Phone app which lets users send vital information about their taxi ride, won grand prize in the Nokia Imaging Hack last December 1. The hackathon, held at the Palet Express office in Makati City, was organized by Smart Developer Network (Smart DevNet) in partnership with Nokia Philippines, Microsoft Philippines, and HERE. The CabSafe Team said their app was a response to the deluge of alleged crimes involving taxis reported on social media. “Aside from an SMS message telling your loved ones the taxi’s name, plate number and where you’re at, the CabSafe app also provides your loved ones with live updates of your exact location on the app’s map. You could log on to our website, use our reference code, and track the cab’s exact movement,” the team explained.

Users of the CabSafe app can also post photos of the taxi driver, plates, and other images on the website. They can also rate the service of the taxi and comment on their experience. This feedback feature could warn other taxi commuters on which

Nokia Imaging Hack winners with the competition’s judges and Smart DevNet representatives. [From left to right] Christopher Misola of Microsoft Philippines, Lonel Labit of HERE, Miguel Ballesteros of Palet Express, Dominic Tuazon and Louis Concepcion of CabSafe, Melvin Fetalvero of Get Hooked 360, Inc., Gabs Aguila of CabSafe, Norbert Aquende of Nokia Philippines, Jake Josol of Capturo, David Collado of Palet Express, and Paul Pajo and Marica Uchida of Smart DevNet cabs to avoid and which to patronize.

The developers of CabSafe, Michael Concepcion, Dominic Tuazon, and Gabriel Avila, won two Nokia Lumia 925 smartphones, one Nokia Lumia 1020, and a one-month co-working space at Palet Express. Second place went to Capturo, an image editing app for artistic and marketing people, developed by the one-man team of Jason Mari Josol. He won three units of Nokia Lumia 720.

When asked why they joined the hackathon, the

CabSafe Team, all young IT professionals, said, “We love coding. We enjoy it and we plan to build a startup company someday.”

They were also very appreciative of Smart DevNet’s hackathons. “It was a great experience. These hackathons help sharpen our skills as developers. Smart DevNet is very supportive of us. They provided everything we needed.”

Paul Pajo, Smart DevNet evangelist, explains why the Nokia Imaging Hack is first of its kind. “We wanted to

find out what developers can do with that power at their disposal. Nokia’s imaging API (tool for developers) has 52 filters and the Nokia Lumia phone’s camera has a very high megapixel count.

Combining the APIs of Nokia and HERE, a very powerful mapping and navigation platform, we wanted to see what processes and applications can be developed from these.”

The HERE API, also used

by German luxury car manufacturer BMW, is now used in mapping the Philippines.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

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13 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

POLLINATION, LAND DEGRADATION:

Top priorities for new intergovernmental body T

HE groundbreaking Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) agreed last Saturday to develop a set of assessments on pollination and food production, land degradation and invasive species aimed at providing policymakers with the tools to tackle pressing environmental challenges.

Around 400 delegates from over 100 governments, scientific organizations, civil society and the private sector, attended the second meeting of the Platform in Antalya, Turkey. IPBES Member Governments present at the meeting adopted a very ambitious initial work programme for the Platform for the next five years, and demonstrated strong commitment to its implementation by already pledging more than half (US$ 25.4 million) of the total US$ 43.5 million required, in what will be remembered as the “Antalya consensus”.

IPBES was established to assist governments and the public to better understand the trends and challenges facing the natural world and humanity in the 21st century, and thus pro-

mote human wellbeing and sustainable development through the sustainable use of biodiversity.

The first assessment, to be available as early as December 2015, will look at pollination and food production. Studies show that some three quarters of the world’s crops depend on pollination by bees and other pollinators for optimum production. However, more information is needed in order to fully understand how pollination underpins food production and assess the effectiveness of current policies.

A second assessment will focus on the status of land degradation and restoration worldwide, as well as the effect this has on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human wellbeing. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, land degradation over the next 25 years may reduce global food production by up to 12 percent, resulting in an increase of as much as 30 percent in global food prices.

Over the next five years, the sub-regional, regional and global scale assessment and capacity building

activities undertaken by IPBES will strengthen the science-policy interface at all levels.

In doing so, IPBES will contribute to the objectives of the strategic plans of the biodiversity-related

multilateral environmental agreements.

The Platform will also support work on the integration of indigenous and local knowledge in scientific processes, and on valuation and accounting of bio-

diversity and ecosystem services.

Overall, this work will require contributions from thousands of scientists from around the globe in the fields of natural and social sciences, and indige-

nous and local knowledge.

They will work together to synthesize cutting-edge scientific information and produce tools in order to support the creation of the best possible policies.

[UNEP]

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Report: Brandon Rios failed drug test after Pacquiao fight B

RANDON Rios said he wanted to get some rest after his fight against Manny Pacquiao at the Cotai Arena in Macau. Now it looks like he will get to rest longer than what he planned as a suspension looms after he reportedly failed the postfight drug test.

Rios tested positive for the banned substance methylexanamine – a stimulant that is commonly known as dimenthylamylamine or DMAA. It’s not a performance-enhancing drug meaning he did not have malicious intent of putting Pacquiao’s life in peril. DMAA is a something present in some dietary supplements. It is a banned substance as it has been linked to a handful of deaths.

“There was a little something in his urine after the fight,’’ Arum said in an interview with Ring Magazine’s Tim Smith.

“It was something they (VADA) reported to the Chinese commission after the fight. He passed all the

tests before that. It wasn’t a steroid. It was probably something he took to make weight.’’

“This is the first I’m hearing about it,’’ said Robert Garcia, Rios’s trainer, when Smith got a hold of him. “I haven’t heard that.’’

Prior the Pacquiao-Rios fight, Garcia clarified that his job is to train Rios. He explained that how he gets inside the weight limit is something Alex Ariza is in charge of.

Knowing that fingers will be pointed at him, Ariza had the most to say about the situation.

“The containers that are used to retrieve the urine samples weren’t available after the fight. So they had Brandon pee into a (drinking) glass,’’ Ariza said. “Robert just brought that to my attention. So we will have to see whether something happened as they transferred it to another glass, or whether it was the drinking glass, or there could be a lot of contaminants like that.”

Ariza also clarified

PHL way down at 7th C

ALL it a fruitful Sunday for Team Philippines in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

Picking up from where they left off the day before, the Nationals continue to climb up the medal race behind a stellar showing in three fields, particularly athletics, as they pressed their bid for a more respectable finish in the biennial event.

Henry Dagmil, proving he still not a spent force at 32, started the three gold-medal haul by topping

the men’s long jump with a distance of 7.80 meters in only his second attempt to upstage 2011 champion Supanara Sukhasvasti of Thailand (7.71m) and Vietnam’s Van Lam Pham (7.53m).

Taking a cue from Dagmil, Archand Christian Bagsit led a 1-2 PHL finish in the 400m run as he crossed the finish line at 47.22 seconds, with compatriot Edgard Alejan close behind at 47.45s.

Finishing third was Indonesian bet Edy Ariansyah, who clocked in at 47.78 ticks.

DID HE TAKE BANNED DRUGS? Brandon Rios of the U.S., shown here against Manny Pacquiao (R) of the Philippines, during their ‘Clash in Cotai’ WBO International Welterweight title bout last November 24, 2013 in Macau. (Photo by Nicky Loh/Getty Images) that it was not a performance-enhancing drug and explained that the fighter could have ingested

it unknowingly.

“It’s not a performance-enhancing drug.

It’s not any of those illegal

things,’’ Ariza continued.

“It’s something that you can buy over the counter in China. Maybe he ate some-

thing. It could have been any of those things. It’s a dietary supplement. ... I don’t really know.”

Tournament rookie John Lumogda continues to play well and former league MVP Warlito Castillo got back on the groove for BFP which arranged a title clash with Police Regional Office-XI. Lumogda, a former college hoops star, banked in 19 points while Castillo, the league MVP two years ago, had 17.

BFP and CMO engaged in a fierce exchange of baskets through most of the match, showing their vaunted firepower.

But like in their elimination round encounter the game

boiled down to the final few possessions.

With the game on the line, the BFP’s defensive ploy on the sweet-shooting Go, the league’s most prolific scorer, paid off for the Firemen who limited the usually high-scoring executive assistant of Mayor Duterte to a measly 10 points.

“We just need to contain him, kept him in check,” said BFP shooting guard Donald Concepcion.

Go pumped in 27 markers in CMO’s 85 – 76 win over BFP in the elimination round, the

Firemen’s only loss in the preliminaries.

Weng Farochillen scored team-high 17 points for CMO, which drew 15 and 14 baskets from Rodel Bantilan and Dindo Pastor.

Conception had eight points for BFP which exacted revenge over CMO which ousted them in their Final Four clash six years ago.

PRO, the second-seed, downed DCPO in the other semis encounter to clinch the first title berth.

CMO and DCPO will play one game for third. [RJB]

BFP ousts CMO in AFP-PNP hoopfest T

OP-SEED Bureau of Fire Protection stopped fourpeat-seeking City Mayor’s Office, 77 – 76, in their semifinal clash yesterday to barge into the best of three finals of the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 11th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center.

BFP managed to hold off spitfire Christopher “Bong” Go and played much compose down the stretch as the Firemen eliminated the three-time defending champ CMO from title contention.

FarenasKOsRios,lined up for world title shot T

IT’S OVER. Michael Farenas of the Philippines watches John Rios go down on his knees.

HE three Filipinos in the main event of First Blood: Philippines versus Mexico all delivered wins although in varying methods.

Michael Farenas capped the night with a knockout victory, Dodie Boy Penalosa Jr. kept his undefeated record with a technical decision, while Richard Pumicpic earned a difficult unanimous decision victory.

First Blood is the first fight card of MAG Pacman Boxing International Promotions, which is owned

by Manny Pacquiao, Gerry Penalosa, and Anson TiuCo. They transformed the Grand Ballroom of the So-

laire Resort and Casino into a good-looking boxing venue and they packed the night with action-filled fights.

As the fight card went on with Friday night turning into Saturday early morning, the fans at the venue demanded a knockout victory from Farenas and he delivered, sending everyone happy after just two rounds.

Rios took a knee early in the first round after a flurry from Farenas. The Filipino then finished him off with another set of combinations, which sent the Mexican down again. Rios got up before the referee reached the count but he was waved off.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Striking a pose before the rain finally fell.

Inside the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

The sands and gardens of Singapore’s Marina Bay WHO would have though that the words sand and garden do mix. Of course what I am referring to as the sands is Marina Bay’s famous hotel, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino and the garden as the lush Gardens by the Bay. Designed as an integrated tourism zone, Marina Bay changed the skyline of Singapore overnight with the iconic structures as well as areas designed for recreation and the arts.

First stop for our group of sightseers is the Marina Bay Sands and its impressive mall which houses enough luxury brands to make your credit card weep. For foodies, the mall has food choices that range from affordable at the mall’s food court to the restaurants by celebrity chefs. Culture addicts however will love the Marina Bay Sands theatres that normally hold broadway productions.

A short walk through the Marina Bay Sands, one is greeted by the surreal man-made super trees of the Gardens by

the Bay. Spanning 101 hectares, Gardens by the Bay is part of the Singapore government’s plan to cement its image as the “Garden City”. It would have been a

Enjoying the Singapore City skyline.

The Louis Vuitton Island Maison and the irregularly shapped Art Science Museum.

nice walk for me and my fellow travellers when we visited but unfortunately the rain placed a damper to our plans and we had to run back to the safety of the Marina Bay Sands.

As night fell and the rain stopped, the waterfront area of the Marina Bay Sands is transformed into a viewing deck for the nightly light and water shows. I loved the vibe that the area gave, the wooden boardwalk as well as the spectacular view of the Singapore merlion and skyline were a fitting backdrop for selfies and group shots.

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

The many shops at the Marina Bay Sands Mall.

Selfies are welcome here.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

14 ways to spend your holidays at SM Lanang Premier FOR many, Christmas is a time for sharing and togetherness.

It is the season when we take time off to celebrate and enjoy memorable moments with our families, friends and loved ones. With a dash of sparkle, a touch of warmth and joy and lots of festive cheer, SM Lanang Premier brings you 14 ways on how to spend your holidays with your precious ones.

Pose for a photo at our 57-ft. holiday tree at the Atrium – What says Christmas a lot more than a family photo with the city’s tallest indoor holiday tree, decked with thousands of glistening lights and ornaments. It’s a great keepsake to last a lifetime.

Visit the Hello Kitty Café in Paris – Have your photo taken with our plush Hello Kitty toys and our own version of the Eiffel Tower at the Atrium – a wonderful addition to your family album.

Enjoy the electric Christmas tree and sparkly attractions at The Fountain Court – Feel the cool holiday breeze with a stunning view of the 30-ft. electric Christmas tree and the starry décor at The Fountain Court. You could also take a photo with it for keeps.

Come together and dine at The Fountain Court – Celebrate reunions or family gatherings at any of the many dining options at The Fountain Court. Indulge in great food selections and have a visual-musical feast with the Waterworks Show.

Feel the holiday magic with chorale and band music – Watch performances at the Atrium by the \Songspell Christmas Carols on December 20, 7 pm. Then get serenaded by a 20-piece symphony orchestra all Sundays of December at 6:30 pm at The Fountain Court.

Watch a concert for a cause at the SMX Davao Convention Center – Catch the show of St. Francis Xavier Seminary’s The Loboc Ambassador Youth on December 28 at the SMX as they regale you with a repertoire of Christmas songs for the benefit of typhoon Yolanda survivors.

Take a tour at the SM Science Discovery Center – Spend some quality time with your kids at the SM Science Discovery Center for a fun and educational visit through its interactive galleries.

Meet and Greet Santa Claus – Say hello to Santa Claus and share with him your Christmas wishes on December 24, from 3pm-6pm and on December 25, from 11am-2pm at the Atrium.

Catch the Mascot Parade and Hello Kitty Meet and Greet – Feel like a kid once again when you see all your favorite mascots on December 25 and meet one of the world’s most popular cartoon character, Hello Kitty, live at the Atrium on December 28 at these times: 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Unwind at the SM Bowling Center – Kick back with a game of bowling and billiards at the SM Bowling Center and sing your heart out with its KTV facilities.

Shop at The SM Store and from global retail brands – Go on a holiday shopping spree at The SM Store and from our international fashion brands such as Forever21, American Eagle, Cotton On, Marks & Spencer, Call it Spring, Tissot, Phillip Stein and the newly opened Aeropostale, among many others. Enjoy great finds, discounts and more shopping convenience, with extended hours till 12 midnight on December 20 and 21.

Watch ‘The Hobbit’ sequel on IMAX holiday blockbuster – Nothing compares to a larger-than-life movie experience of ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ at IMAX in SM Cinema Lanang. Be captivated with the mythical adventures of Bilbo Baggins and his friends on the big screen in breathtaking, crystal-clear quality.

Chill out at the Sky Garden – Bond with your friends and loved ones at the Sky Garden’s strip of casual dining restaurants with a cozy ambience and refreshing pockets of water features.

Party your way to 2014 at The Fountain Court – Welcome the New Year with a bang by joining our unique fun run and New Year countdown and year-end bash.

Celebrate your holidays at SM Lanang Premier! Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news and event updates.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Finding wellness and beauty at Gwapaha Medical Spa

THE medical spa is a relatively new concept to Gensan and Gwapaha Medical Spa (Gwapaha meaning “beautiful” in the dialect), is blazing the trail offering a full experience of medicine and wellness in the field of international dermatology, cosmetic, spa and aesthetic services, set in clean facilities and soothing modern Filipino interiors.

According to Dr. Teresita Ferrariz, FPDS, FPSCS, the word “medical” is the key. Speaking as a board certified, internationally trained dermatologic/cosmetic surgeon and owner of Gwapaha Medical Spa, “It’s something we Generals could be proud of ” she said, with their soothing ambiance, high end facilities, and an establishment that has the President and Vice President of the Spa Association of the Philippines as consultants, assures exceptional service to their clients. When asked why she chose Gensan for her next professional venture, she answered, “As I have been so blessed to have been given so much opportunities I now want to give to my fellow Generals the opportunity to enjoy world class medical spa services at a very reasonable price.”

Gwapaha is the only center in GenSan with high-end medical equipments such as the Pelleve, an RF machine for skin tightening and fine wrinkles, Intraceutical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Melasma and skin re-

juvenation (Hollywood’s Top Secret). The first to do Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) , a procedure that stimulates stem cell production, making your skin look younger, smoother and free of stubborn blemishes. It also helps in the treatment of Alopecia, atrophic scars and stretch-marks. State-ofthe-art Laser machines for acne scars, tattoo and hair removal, alongside their highly trained and reliable staff. Gwapaha provides excellent services that range from different kinds of dermatology procedures to cosmetic and dermatologic surgeries .

Gwapaha is the first to do Liposuction here in Gensan. And if you prefer a non invasive procedure for body contouring and slimming, their center have Lipocavitation , a special device that uses ultrasound in melting fats together with a special diet plan to ensure that

you get your desired body beautiful!

Varicose and spider veins?

No worries, Dr. Ferrariz prides herself as one of the best in the country in doing Sclerotherapy and Ambulatory Ph l eb e c tomy as proven by her satisfied patients and invitations to do lectures and workshops here and abroad.

Also labeled as a destination spa, Gwapaha draws in clients from locals to tourists from neighboring cities, and abroad, even world famous boxer and Sarangani Congressman Hon. Manny Pacquiao and his Coach Freddie Roach lists as some of their regulars, where all come from near and far just to venture into this one of a kind experience on well-

Dr. Teresita Ferrariz ness. I for one, could understand why most of their clients become such avid fans of the spa, speaking from personal experience, they provide top of the notch services, built upon expertise you can trust.

For more info and a list of services about Gwapaha Medical Spa visit; www. gwapahamedicalspa.com Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

Ejay Falcon and Joseph Marco teams up in ‘Saka Saka’ EJAY Falcon teams up with Jospeh Marco for the very first time in the actionpacked family drama Saka Saka.

Saka Saka is the maiden offering of Cinebro – Saka Saka is directed by Toto Natividad and it is the official entry of Cinebro to the New Wave Full Feature Film category of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Saka Saka is a story about two brothers, Alex Abueg (Falcon) and Abner Abueg (Marco), whose family and lives are shattered upon their initiation to the violent world of political assassins or saka sakas. The movie exposes the secret world of the saka saka as it explores and interrogates the ageold conflict between lawful righteousness and violent revenge. Set against the contrasting backdrops of rustic, provincial life and the fast-paced, modern culture of the metro, Saka Saka is essentially a family movie that challenges audiences to think about the extreme extents that they may do to defend and protect their families from oppression and corruption.

Saka Saka offers an insightful commentary on the highly marginalized social structure of the Philippines as it brilliantly shows that there are people who will do anything to provide the needs of their families even if it means that they

defy prevalent social norms and religious beliefs.

Ejay Falcon, who is arguably one of the most bankable young action stars in the industry today as evident on his recent toprating afternoon series on ABS-CBN Gold Dugong Buhay, says that he has such big shoes to fill as he is chosen to be one of the lead actors in the opening salvo of Cinebro. “It’s such an honor for me to be part of Saka Saka. A lot of great action stars came before me and it is both a challenge and an inspiration to keep their legacies alive in the silver screen.”

On the other hand, model turned actor Joseph Marco is thrilled to star as one

of the leads in his very first full-length feature film. “It’s such a wonderful blessing to be given the opportunity to work with Direk Toto and Ejay. This is the first time for me to play one of the leads in a full-length movie and I thank ABS-CBN as well as the entire staff and crew and my co-actors for the trust and support that they continue to give me. I learned a lot and I grew as an actor in making this film.”

Saka Saka is also written

by Toto Natividad in collaboration with Willy Laconsay and Manuel R. Buising. The film also stars Baron Geisler, Toby Alejar, Perla Bautista, Kathleen Hermosa, and it introduces Akiko Solon and Martin Imperial.

Sarah Geronimo and Bernadette Sembrano elevated to Anak TV Hall of Fame

ABS-CBN once again dominated the Anak TV Awards for its personalities and programs that are certified child-friendly as voted by parents, teachers, non-government organizations, and other sectors of society.

Kapamilya personalities ruled the roster of male and female Makabata stars based on the Boto Ko ‘To survey that asked adult respondents to vote for local TV personalities they found most admirable.

Leading the winners with Hall of Fame awards were popstar Sarah Geronimo and broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano who consistently topped the survey in the past eight years. The two join ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos, Angel Locsin, Jodi Sta. Maria, Judy Ann Santos, Karen Davila, Kathryn Bernardo and Kim Chiu in the top ten list of fe-

male Makabata stars.

Anthony Taberna, Coco Martin, Daniel Padilla, Kim Atienza, Noli de Castro, Richard Yap, and Ted Failon were included in the roster of male Makabata stars who are deemed as the most wholesome and worth emulating by the youth today.

ABS-CBN programs “TV Patrol,” “Be Careful With My Heart,” “Matanglawin,” “Ina, Kapatid, Anak,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “Rated K,” “Juan dela Cruz,” and “It’s Showtime,” on the other hand, were named as the country’s Most WellLiked TV Programs for 2013.

Meanwhile, the Anak TV Seal, which is a seal of good housekeeping on Philippine television, was awarded to programs deemed “wholesome” and “generally childsafe” by the jurors. Among the Kapamilya programs recognized this year are “Animazing Tales,” “Be Careful With

My Heart,” “I Got It,” “Matanglawin,”“Ni Hao Kailan,”“Salamat Dok,” “Wansapanataym,” and “Why Not.” The network’s regional programs “Agri Tayo Dito,” “Bayanijuan,” “Bida Kapampangan,” “MagTV na Atin To (Baguio),” “MagTV na Ato Ni (CDO),” MagTV na (Cebu),” MagTV na (Oragon),” “MagTV na Sadya Ta (Davao),” and “Salandigan” also received the coveted seals.

Overall, ABS-CBN took home a total of 41 accolades from Anak TV Awards including 17 Anak TV seals this year.

The Anak TV Awards is an annual national recognition given by the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and Television honoring childsensitive programs and personalities in the Philippines.

This year’s awarding ceremony was held at the Soka Gakkai Building in Timog, Quezon City.

FROZEN 2D Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

GP

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 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

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

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

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

The first city-wide sale in the country:

Big Davao Fun Sale launched

By Kenneth Irving Ong

DAVAO’S tourism and retail stakeholders came together last December 13 at the SMX Convention Center to launch “The Big Davao Fun Sale”.

Noting the unprecedented growth in the retail industry of Davao City these past couple of years, the Department of Tourism XI came up with a plan to promote the city as number one when it comes to shopping and dining. “This endeavor also aims to improve the image of Davao as a thriving destination for business and investment,” said Art Boncato, Assistant Secretary, Department of Tourism.

Spanning four weeks from March 14 to April 16, 2014, the Big Davao Fun Sale will be the biggest sale event in the Philippines for 2014 covering all the major malls of Davao namely Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Grand Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Gaisano Mall of Toril, NCCC Mall, Robinson’s, SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier who are more than willing to offer up to 80% off selected items for the sale as well as raffle prizes for shoppers.

“This is the first time that a city is holding a city-wide sale,” says ASec Boncato “with this, we hope to increase the number visitors to our region by offering great savings and a wonderful shopping and dining experience.”

Maria Felisa Marques, Chief of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, also invited those traveling to Davao for the city-wide sale to also sample local cuisine in a food festival, handled by the Restaurants Association of Davao Inc. They aim to engage at least 100 restaurants and food outlets throughout the duration of the sale.

As part of its consistent efforts to promote Davao tourism, Cebu Pacific comes in as the official airline partner, with a special Davao hub seat sale before the year ends. Cebu Pacific also used the event to launch their new direct Davao-Bacolod flights on January 25, 2014 adding to their growing list of destinations like Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa and Dipolog.

DOT Assistant Secretary Art Boncato together with the mall operators of Davao City.

The sales and marketing team of Cebu Pacific pose DOT Assisant Secretary Art together with raffle winners.

Boncato.

The Big Davao Fun Sale is spearheaded by the malls of Davao city, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism XI, the Davao City

Government and the Philippine Retailers Association.

Cebu Pacific is the Official Airline Partner.

For more information on

The Big Davao Fun Sale one can like The Big Davao Fun Sale on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/bigdavaofunsale.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

PHL cagers bag SEAG gold S

INAG Pilipinas defeated Malaysia 84-56 to officially win the gold in the men’s basketball division of the 27th SEA Games on Sunday at the Zeya-thiri Stadium in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.

Bobby Ray Parks had his best game of the competitions as he scored 18 points on 7 of 9 shooting from the field. He only needed to play 15 minutes to score all of his points. Parks was backed by by gunner Kevin Alas who chipped in 13 points while Ateneo ace Kiefer Ravena scored 8.

The Philippine national men’s basketball team completed a sweep of the competition to cap their gold medal run.

The Filipinos had already clinched the gold after a Malaysia loss to Thailand the previous day, but came out with a strong effort in this one to notch their sixth win in as many games.

The dominant Philippine squad won their games by an average of 38 points.

The Filipinos led by nine points, 43-34, at the

halftime break but really put the hammer down in the second half.

The Malaysians got as close as six points in the

decision to Sayiom Ardee of Thailand split decision in the lightweight category.

One judge scored in 29-28 for Cantancio but two judges overruled with the same score for the Thai fighter.

Thailand got the better of the Philippines in the headto-head battle as Dennis Galvan lost to a taller Wuttichai Masuk in the light welterweight division.

With the tally at three golds and three silvers, it was up to Wilfredo Lopez to close out the boxing competitions with a bang in the middleweight category. However, he had a tough task ahead as he was matched up against Myanmar’s Wailing Aung.

Lopez settled for a silver as the fight was stopped due to a cut suffered by the Filipino.

Still, it was a successful stint for the boxers as they hauled three golds and four silvers in the last day of boxing competitions.

The Philippines also got a gold from karate courtesy of Franco Ramon Antonino in the 55-kilogram of the men’s individual kumite. Antonino opened the competitions with a 6-3 win over Indonesia’s Raganada Iman Tauhid.

He followed it up with a 6-2 win over Vietnam’s Myint Maung Maung Hein.

In the finals, Antonino defeated Sanif Muhammad Fada’iy, 8-6.

ACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Rudy Gay walked off the court to a standing ovation in the final minutes, receiving high-fives from coaches and teammates on the bench and a hug from DeMarcus Cousins.

Nobody might be more thankful than Sacramento’s center for the added help.

Gay scored 26 points in his first home game since coming over in a trade from Toronto, leading the Kings past the Houston Rockets 106-91 on Sunday night. ‘’It makes the game so much easier,’’ Cousins said. ‘’It’s not such a heavy load on me and Isaiah (Thomas) every night, just having another go-to guy.’’

With Gay leading the way, Sacramento outshot Houston 48.1 to 41.3 percent and finally showed some signs of defense.

Cousins collected 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Thomas had 19 points and eight assists to help Sacramento hold on to the lead for most of the final 35 minutes.

Gay added five rebounds and four assists. He

Barriga..FFROM 16

THE GOLD THAT MATTERS MOST. Filipino cagers whoop it up after winning the SEA Games basketball gold. (Yahoo Sports) third before Parks scored 14 points in a 21-7 run for the Filipinos to make it a 20-points lead, 66-46.

They then provided

Gay leads new team past Rockets S

finished 10 for 20 from the field in a dazzling home debut for the Kings, who had lost eight of their past 10 games. ‘’The basketball is going to be in my hands a lot,’’ Gay said, ‘’so I’m just trying to keep everybody comfortable and keep everybody happy.’’

James Harden sprained his left ankle early in the third quarter and finished with 25 points, and Dwight Howard had 13 points and 10 rebounds while battling foul trouble in a disappointing end to Houston’s quick three-game road trip. The Rockets lost at Portland on Thursday and won at Golden State on Friday.

Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson filled in for Kevin McHale all three games following the death of McHale’s mother. Guard Jeremy Lin sat out with back spasms and forward Terrence Jones had two points and five assists while playing just 15 minutes because of flu-like symptoms.

It’s unclear whether Harden or Lin will be able to play Wednesday against Chicago in Houston.

some stingy defense in the fourth, allowing just seven points while scoring 16 of their own for the 28-point rout.

Kevin Alas added 13 points for the Filipinos while Jake Pascual and Kiefer Ravena added eight apiece.

Naturalized center Marcus Douthit was not needed much in this one, playing just 15 minutes and scoring six points.

THROUGH THE DEFENSE. Houston Rockets forward Chandler Parsons (25) scores against Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 197• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

GOLD FOR BARRIGA. Mark Anthony Barriga of Philippines, shown here against Mohd Fuad Mohd Reuvan (R) of Malaysia, bagged the gold in the Light Flyweight division at the Wunna Theikdi Boxing Centre during the 2013 SEA Games in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma. (Yahoo PH Sports - Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/ Getty Images)

GOLDEN GLOVES O

Barriga bags gold, Petecio settles for silver

LYMPIAN Mark Barriga is coming home with a gold medal in men’s boxing of the 27th Southeast Asian Games but

Nesthy Petecio suffered a heartbreaking majority decision loss to New Ni Oo of host Myanmar to settle for the silver medal in what turned

out to be contrasting fates for Davao’s two gritty amateur simonpures.

Filipinos in the arena thought that Petecio would

sos more or Php3,300.00 in all. A down payment of Php1,500.00 is required upon payment of service fee and the remaining balance will be paid in equal terms of Php600.00 per month for three months to be added to the customer’s monthly billing.

This amendment repeals Board Resolution No. 09 – 155 issued March 28, 2009 stipulating Php3,000.00 as the new service connection fee whether paid in full or installment basis. It also states the initial partial payment of Php1,200 with the remaining balance pay-

able in 12 months at Php150.00 per month.

The new scheme for NSC fee encourages customers to pay in full in order to avail of the Php300.00 savings incentive. DCWD sees the new scheme as an effective means to hasten payment completion of those who choose the installment option.

The DCWD management clarifies that the new scheme for NSC fee will not cover all other sizes of water meter connections, commercial accounts and rented apartments and houses and the likes. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)

DCWD amends new service connection fee

D

AVAO City Water District has recently implemented changes in the payment of new service connection fee for one-half inch (½”) diameter water meter residential connections effective December 1, 2013 thru Board Resolution No. 13 – 418.

This resolution still gives customers the option to pay either in full or installment basis. Those who choose to pay in full their new service connection fee will only have to pay Php3,000.

However, those who opt to pay in installment will have to pay three hundred pe-

be the second gold medalist of the day in the women’s featherweight class. Petecio, the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the finals, performed well but lost to hometown girl Nwe Ni Oo of Myanmar via majority decision.

The judges scored the fight 39-37, 39-37, and 38-38.

Petecio’s loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Philippine contingent but the former Olympian Barriga of Panabo City quickly amended the issue by shutting out Konelis Langu of Indonesia in the light flyweight category. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Barriga who had to walk the tightrope in the first round before qualifying for the next stages of the competition.

The Philippine boxing team closed out their stint in the SEA Games by bringing home three gold medals and four silvers. In one day, they doubled the gold-medal output for the country which all came from wushu.

In the light-flyweight class, Josie Gabuco opened the SEA Games gold rush for Philippine boxing as she defeated Beatrix Suguro of Indonesia via majority decision. Two of the judges gave her shutout 40-36 scores while the third judge scored it even.

Bantamweight Mario Fernandez then made it two golds in a row for the Philippines as he won a close unanimous decision victory over Donchai Thathi of Thailand.

All three judges submitted scores of 29-28.

In the second Philippines versus Thailand finals match, Junel Cantancio lost via split

FBARRIGA, 15