Edge Davao 6 Issue 203

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

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Serving a seamless society

OH, WHAT A SMILE BRINGS! Happiness is written all over the face of this elderly man who may have already lost some of his teeth but it didn’t prevent him from laughing his heart out while watching comic performances during the traditional Christmas

day “Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan” in Central Park Subdivision, Davao City Wednesday afternoon. At right, Mayor Duterte, who was with his executive assistant Bong Go, couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh himself. Lean Daval Jr.

SCRUTINY OF ‘JUDICIAL PDAF’

TRIAL OF S.C. JUSTICES EYED

PROBE OF PERKS OF GSIS, SSS, GOCCs ONGOING—BELLO

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

J

ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

USTICES of the Supreme Court may be impeached and tried like ousted Chief Justice Renato C. Corona if a congressional investigation finds strong evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the magistrates in handling special funds.

This possibility was raised by former Justice secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, now a member of the House of Representatives, representing BAP1 Party-list, during a briefing with media practitioners in Davao City over

the weekend.

Bello, who has aligned himself with the opposition, said he favors the administration-initiated move to investigate possible misuse of the Judiciary Development Fund amounting to P5 billion.

The inquiry is initiated by Iloilo Rep. Neil Tupas Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Justice. Tupas, who led the prosecution panel in the trial of ousted SC Chief Justice Corona early this year, wants to scrutinize lump sums and discre-

tionary funds disbursed by the High Tribunal.

“I support the move not only to scrutinize, but also investigate the expenditures coming from the JDF,” Bello said who added that the JDF could be another form of PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) of lawmakers recently outlawed by the SC. Aside from the JDF, the SC is also handling the socalled Special Allowance for the Judiciary or Judges (SAJ), which the lawmak-

FTRIAL, 10

Zero firecracker casualty no more

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

FTER 11 years of zero casualty in Davao City, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has recorded a firecracker casualty last Christmas day. Dr. Ricardo Audan, head of the ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) in region 11, told Edge Davao in an interview that a 14-year-old boy was

the victim of the incident.

Audan said that the boy from the Lanang Beach Club was brought to the emergency room of the hospital at 2:00 p.m. of Dec. 25 after his right ring finger was lacerated by a ‘piccolo’ firecracker which exploded when he picked it up from the road.

Audan said that the attending physician immedi-

ately applied anti-tetanus injection on the victim who was put under observation for few hours.

Audan added it was only a minor injury and the boy was discharged from the hospital hours later.

He said that they would be monitoring hospitals in the region in the DOH campaign which will end on January 5, 2014.

INNOCENCE. In the eye of a young girl, Christmas is joyful even with just a cold drink on hand. The Roman Catholic world celebrates Innocent’s Day on Saturday, December 28. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

City eyes disaster-resilient infrastructure projects

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE DAVAO City government will allot P 8.64- billion for an infrastructure project which aims to build disaster resilient structures and facilities in the city.

Based on the annual investment program (AIP), P3.83-billion or 44% of the budget will go to road development to ensure the development of all inter-connecting production road and city roads.

The 15% or P1.29-billion will be allocated for bridges, P1.62-billion or 19% will be for drainage system and the buildings and other public infrastructure projects will

have P1.40-billion or 16% from the budget.

The report stated that Engr. Mario Luis Jacinto City Planning and Development Office head, explained that the infrastructure projects are designed to build resilient structures and facilities in different parts of the city.

“The conduct of disaster mapping will be continued to identify the different elements that may be at risk to ensure that the infrastructure projects will be able to withstand possible occurrence of natural calamities and disasters,” stated

FCITY, 10

CHRISTMAS TREAT. Park Inn by Radisson Davao represented by public relations manager Meghann Patricia Sta. Ines (5th from left), chef Jayme Natividad (mostleft) and sales coordinator Angie Perez (2nd from left) welcome members of local media to their Christmas lunch treat at the hotel’s RBG restaurant over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Tribal group gets P1M from Kingking Project P

Drunk slaps lady cop, faces three charges

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

HE MANSAKA Tribal Council of Barangay Magnaga in Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province has received a check for P1 million from the Kingking Copper-Gold Project (KCGP) for the livelihood and social services program of its members.

KCGP is a partnership between the Nationwide Development Corporation (Nadecor) and St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. (SAGCL) for the development of the world-class gold and copper deposit located in the municipality.

According to Melindo Lee, tribal chieftain of Brgy. Magnaga, inter-

viewed over Radyo Pantukan, the funds will be allocated for the benefit of indigenous peoples of Pantukan.

“Kini nga maong sapi ang ato na nahan-ay kung asa nato igahin tungod nakahimo naman kami og mga plano nga maoy among gisubmitar sa kompanya kaniadto”(This amount will be alloted for the planned programs which we have submitted to the company), Melindo said.

Barangay Councilman Embin Baño also of Magnaga added that, “Isip chairman sa komitiba nga naglantaw sa kauswagan sa atong mga kaigsoonang

Mansaka dinhi sa barangay Magnaga, malipayon ako ug mapasalamaton ko sa King-king Copper-Gold Project sa pagtuman nila sa ilang saad ngadto sa mga lumad” (Being the chairman of the committee that looks into the welfare and development of our Mansaka brothers here in Barangay Magnaga, I’m happy and thankful to the King-King Copper-Gold Project because they stood by their commitment to the tribe.)

Clyde Gillespie, SAGCL country manager and director for environment and permitting, was present in the turnover last December 13. The

event coincided with the ground-breaking ceremony for a P500,000-BSP/ GSP building that the project is also constructing in partnership with the Department of Education and the Kingking Central Elementary School.

Aside from the P1-million check, KCGP also gave P150,000 and P100,000 to the tribal councils of barangays Araibo and Tagdangua, respectively, in support of both councils’ priority programs for Indigenous Peoples.

KCGP likewise turned over a check for P250,000 for renovation of the San Jose Parish church,

FTRIBAL, 10

tion, Km. 9, Sasa.

Antolin will be facing charges of direct assault, resisting arrest and frustrated homicide.

Norma Vergara, his neighbor, also a witness, said that Antolin dragged her to the beach and attempted several times to drown her.

Gumaga saw Antolin trying to drown Vergara and went to her rescue, but Antolin, who appeared to

FDRUNK, 10

DUTERTE TO YOLANDA SURVIVORS:

‘Stay here while Leyte rebuilds itself’ “S

REFUSE. Davao City’s trash bins are overflowing with uncollected garbage and other refuse a day after the celebration of Christmas. Lean Daval Jr.

epc@edgedavao.net

OLICE filed charges before the city prosecution against a 33-year-old man office who attempted to drown a neighbor and slapped a policewoman officer who responded to the incident at Coaco Beach Resort at Km. 9, Sasa in the morning of Christmas Day. PO1 Charlene Gumaga said in an interview she filed three separate cases against Erick Antolin, vendor and resident of Bolton Reloca-

TAY here while Leyte rebuilds itself.” This was Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s message to some 200 families of super typhoon Yolanda when it struck Leyte who have sought refuge in Davao City, that the city government will help facilitate their livelihood and encouraged them to stay in the city.

The City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) estimates the number of survivors to be around 800 individuals.

“Stay here, while we look for ways to make your lives easier,” he said.

“I hope you find your place here in the city so that you can rebuild your lives slowly,” he told

the survivors during the Pahalipay for the city’s scholars and the Yolanda survivors from Leyte.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has counted at least 6,109 deaths due to Yolanda.

The number of those injured has also been estimated to be around 27,665 with 1,779 still missing.

Duterte also distributed to each family cash amounting to P2,000, a gift certificate worth P2,000, as well as one chicken for the Christmas noche Buena.

CSSDO chief Malou Bermudo said some survivors have said they wish to stay in the city.

FDUTERTE, 10

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

Manny ignores Floyd’s twitter

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

W

ORLD eight-division boxing champ and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao refused to stoop down to Floyd Mayweather’s twitter swipe, saying Christmas season is a time to ponder God’s profound love for humanity.

“I’m thanking Floyd Mayweather that he has not forgotten me. I’m glad that he is still thinking of me,” Pacquiao told Edge Davao.

Pacquiao says he is busy doing some charity work, like visiting a

sick friend and giving gifts to the needy, among others.

“Christmas reminds us of God’s greatest love for us. He teaches us to love even our enemies.

So, I won’t say anything that would hurt anybody,” Pacquiao said.

The other day, Floyd Mayweather Jr. posted a collage of photos aimed at deriding the Pinoy ring icon.

It spoke about how Mayweather feels regarding the much-awaited showdown between him

ACROBATIC. These two teenagers show off their acrobatic skills while enjoying a day at the beach with their families on Christmas day in Times Beach, Davao City Wednesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

DAVAO REGION

Christmas celebration CPP anniversary uneventful in city ‘generally peaceful’ N

O UNTOWARD incidents were reported yesterday in connection with the 45th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in Davao City.

Davao city police director Vicente Danao Jr., directed his men to be vigilant and alert against what the NPA would do.

Police stations in Calinan, Baguio, Marilog and Paquibato were warned

by Danao that their areas of responsibilities are hot spots of the New People’s Army presence.

“I went to their stations to check if the po-

FMANNY, 10

lice were intact to ensure that our troops were prepared,” he said.

Danao said that he was alarmed by the raiding incident against the Kibawe police station last December 12 where a senior police officer was killed and three of his men wounded when attacked by about 50 NPAs. The rebel carted away guns before escaping.

Meanwhile, the CPP said on their website that the military continues to carry out operations in guerrilla zones in Davao del Norte, Compostela

FCPP, 10

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

T

HE POLICE regional office (PRO) 11 tallied seven cases of violation of the firecracker ban with three victims injured during the Christmas holiday celebration.

Chief Inspector Jed Clamor, PRO 11 spokesperson, said there were three cases reported in Davao City and four others in Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

Injured victims are Ervin Clyde dela Cruz, Chris Jelian Dona and Juanito Ornales Jr.

Clamor said that so far, despite reports on petty crimes, the celebration has been peaceful with no significant untoward incident reported. The victims were given medication.

Davao City police director Sr. Supt. Vicente D. Danao Jr., said that the celebration in the city was also generally peaceful, except for the “slight” increase in crime against property like robbery, theft, bukas-kotse etc.

Police apprehended seven persons, including

three minors, with two cases filed at the city prosecution office for violation of city ordinance 060-20 or firecracker ban.

Larynyl Q. Lariza, 18, of Toril public market was apprehended by the police after he was caught in the act of exploding an improvised bamboo cannon called lantaka at the Toril plaza Sunday morning.

Also, a certain Samira, 45, resident of Polomolok, North Cotabato, was apprehended last December 14 at the Davao City

Overland Transport and Terminal for possession of 10 bundles of fireworks worth P500.

Last December 23, a group of minors was firing a lantaka on Silca St. and Crossing Bayabas, Toril when an approaching police mobile car sent them scampering away leaving behind their four lantakas and one container of liquid gas.

Calinan police also recovered firecrackers from minors who managed to evade apprehension.

DTI 11 plans for SMEs vs frequent disasters

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T QUEUE FOR HOME. Province-bound passengers who will have their baggage undergo routine inspection form a long queue at the entrance of the Davao City Overland Terminal in Ecoland, Davao City Wednesday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

HE FREQUENT occurrence of typhoons and their damage in the provinces of Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley have forced the agency to come up with the proposal.

For the past two years the region has experienced typhoons that devastated most, if not all, business operations. It may be recalled that Typhoon Pablo damaged the agricultural sector, especially the banana

industry. The damage to the banana industry affected its exportation.

The proposed program will also assist the business sector in reviving their operation despite the calamity.

Aside from the continuity plan, Castañaga said the program will also encourage the business sector to com,e up with a disaster resiliency plan.

Earlier, Information and Communication

FDTI 11, 10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

5

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

M

INDANAO’S tallest skyscraper is well on its way from ground zero going up.

The FTC Group of Companies has announced the progress of the ongoing construction of the 33-level Aeon Towers at J.P. Laurel Ave. in Davao City.

Aeon Towers, the most ambitious real estate property development project ever outside Metro Manila, is the next iconic symbol of Davao City towering over its skyline in the manner so characteristic of the majestic Mt. Apo and overlooking the wide expanse of the Davao Gulf’s pristine blue waters.

As of the final weeks of the year, the project has almost completed the diaphragm wall and bored piles with 10 panels of diaphragm wall and 10 bored piles casted. A total of 20 percent of the steel requirement for this part of the construction has been delivered on site equivalent to 340,000 kilograms.

Campbell and Associates, the construction partner of FTC Group of Companies has reported that the

project is 1.56 percent complete as of October 2013 and should be nearing completion of the Phase 1 of Package 1 of the project by the end of this year.

Construction of the guide wall for the diaphragm wall on the perimeter is more than 50 percent complete and on progress. Removal of underground structure has also neared finish with 90 percent while the concreting activity is in full swing. AFCFC has poured a total of 1,834.50 cubic meter of ready mix concrete or equivalent to 13 percent of total volume requirements.

Fabrication of steel reinforcement for the diaphragm wall and bored pile is working two shifts, relocation of cables along J.P. Laurel Ave. is ongoing while the relocation of all electrical posts affected by the construction has been completed.

Also, relocation of all cables for communications utilities has been accomplished.

Operation, meantime, onsite has been activated on a 24-hour shift.

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

BSP, banks standing high amid challenges T

HE YEAR 2013 greeted the Philippines with challenging external developments such as the lingering crisis in Europe and the weak growth in the United States.

However, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) faced the challenges head and given lesser worries as the domestic economy continues to expand even posting one of the highest growth in Asia.

The economy’s average growth in the first three quarters posted an output of 7.4 percent, up from year-ago’s level of 6.7 percent. This is the second highest in Asia after China and the highest among the economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

However, the third quarter growth of seven percent is lower than year-ago’s 7.3 percent and the previous quarter’s 7.6 percent as economic managers remain positive on the economy’s growth stressing that it remains at the seven-percent level.

The robust growth of the economy enabled BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) to maintain the central bank’s key rates to record-low levels for the whole year.

To date, the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RP) rate is now at 3.5 percent, and the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) rate is at 5.5 percent The Board last touched these rates in October 2012 when it was slashed with 25 basis points.

The key rates were slashed off a total of 100 basis points in 2012 to help boost domestic growth amid negative developments abroad.

Because of the strong domestic growth combined with the resiliency of the banking system, improvement in the ex-

KNOCK-OFF. A woman browses through a collection of knock-off sunglasses sold way below the prices of the original items along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. ternal payments position and the fiscal situation, the country received investment grade ratings from the world’s three major debt watchers.

Fitch Ratings upgraded the Philippines to investment grade status last March; Standard & Poor’s (S&P) last May; and Moody’s Investors Service last October.

These positive developments did not come hassle-free. It resulted to increase in liquidity as well as more investors parked their funds outside of the usual investment options like the stock market and bond market.

A high liquidity situation is advantageous for the economy because it entails more economic activity, but it becomes a burden when the situation becomes inflationary.

However, monetary officials said the increase in liquidity in the country remains manageable, thanks to the monetary tools put in place to address the situation.

The central bank’s special deposit account (SDA) facility is among

the areas where the increased liquidity went, with the surge of P1.98 trillion placed in the SDA last April.

The SDA is not an investment vehicle but among the policy toolkits of the central bank being used to mop up excess liquidity in the economy.

To ward off speculative flows and make the facility function to its original purpose, the MB decided to implement several measures such as barring foreign funds from tapping the facility and excluding investment management accounts (IMA) from parking fund in the SDA. IMA funds are money from retail investors pooled through a bank’s trust department.

Another regulatory change implemented for the SDA facility is the cut in its interest rate by at least 150 basis points.

Previously, interest rate of the facility was pegged against overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) rate, but since January this year it was cut to about two percent.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said all these measures were put in place because monetary officials want the liquidity to flow out of the system and be used for productive purposes.

Relatively, inflation has been generally manageable despite an uptick after the devastation caused by several natural calamities.

As of November, inflation averaged at 2.8 percent, below the three to five percent forecast of the central bank.

This even as the rate of price increases in the 11th month posted a nine-month high of 3.3 percent, since last February’s 3.4 percent.

Relatively, the peso continues to move in line with other currencies in the region.

A market-determined exchange rate is being observed in the Philippines but monetary officials said the central bank joins the market but only to address extreme volatility.

As of December 23, the peso is trading at 44-level against the

dollar, weaker than the 41-level at the start of trading this year on January 2.

However, this level is still within the government’s 42-45 foreign exchange range set for this year.

Recent factors for the weakening of the peso against the dollar is the decision of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) decision to cut by US$ 10 billion the Federal Reserve’s US$ 85 billion monthly purchases of securities starting January next year after noting the improvement in the US economy.

Tetangco expected any volatility on the exchange rate vis-à-vis the cut in the Fed’s stimulus program to be short-lived.

After the sideways and depreciation movement of the peso in recent weeks, it ended the trading day last Monday better after gaining nearly P0.16 to 44.34 from 44.50 at the end of last week.

One factor that fueled the peso’s strength is the strong inflows from overseas Filipinos. [PNA]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

BIGGER PICTURE

7

A busy year for DSWD in aiding disaster victims

By LEILANI S. JUNIO

T

WO DESTRUCTIVE natural disasters and a man-made one, occurring successively within a 60-day interval between Sept. 9 and Nov. 8, along with the stepped-up implementation of its various social protection programs, put the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a very busy mode in 2013.

The two natural disasters were the super typhoon “Yolanda” (international code name: Haiyan) which struck some provinces in Eastern and Central Visayas and Southern Luzon on Nov. 8 and the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu and other nearby areas on Oct. 15.

The man-made disaster or the so-called Zamboanga siege occurred on Sept. 9 when remnants of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)-Misuari group attempted to take control of Zamboanga City. The siege lasted for almost three weeks.

“Yolanda,” considered as the strongest typhoon in the world to hit land, caused major damage in Tacloban City, the home of more than 200,000 people and the regional capital of Eastern Visayas or Region 8.

The typhoon hit land on Nov. 8, with winds of over 260 kilometers per hour. It triggered giant storm surges that flooded the city and other coastal areas in Leyte province, leaving a wide swath of destruction in the rest of the region.

Altogether, the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines killed over 6,000 people.

On Nov. 11, 2013, three days after the typhoon’s passage and a day after visiting Tacloban, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Presidential Proclamation No. 682 declaring a state of national calamity in Tacloban.

After Nov. 10, the President visited Tacloban City two more times -- on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22 -- to inspect the progress of reconstruction and rehabilitation of the typhoon-damaged areas.

On Oct. 15, a shallow magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck some Central Visayas provinces, including Bohol and Cebu, destroying various properties, among them historic churches and other structures.

The quake struck at 8:12 a.m., centered about two kilometers southeast of Carmen, Bohol (09.80°N, 124.20°E).

Its depth of focus was 33 ki-

lometers and was of tectonic origin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

About five weeks earlier, on Sept. 9, the Zamboanga City crisis broke out. It was an armed conflict between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front, generally known by other factions as the Rogue MNLF Elements under the Sulu State Revolutionary Command (SSRC) led

by Ustadz Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibon, whose group continues to recognize Nur Misuari as MNLF chairman.

The crisis erupted when this MNLF faction attempted to raise the flag of the self-proclaimed Bangsamoro Republik at Zamboanga City Hall, which had earlier declared its independence on Aug. 12, 2013 in Talipao, Sulu.

This armed incursion was met with more superior forces by the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which sought to free the hostages and expel the MNLF from the city. The standoff degenerated into urban warfare and had brought parts of the city under a standstill for days.

The clashes caused the displacement of more than 100,000 people, the occupation of several barangays (villages) by the MNLF, the deaths of several civilians, the closure of the Zamboanga International Airport (which has since been reopened), and the slowdown of eco-

nomic activity in the city.

On Sept. 28, the government declared the end of military operations in Zamboanga City.

Both the Bohol earthquake and the Zamboanga City siege also made President Aquino busy in visiting the affected areas.

In continuing response to affected “Yolanda” victims, the DSWD had earlier announced that there will be no holiday break for some of its field offices where rotational duties will be observed to ensure that relief distribution will not be interrupted.

The directives was issued

by DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman to emphasize the importance of continuity of relief distribution to the calamity victims and help them get back to their own feet.

In its effort to hasten the relief operations, DSWD recently opened two relief hubs in Isabel, Leyte and Catbalogan City, Samar for storage and repacking of relief commodities.

President Aquino again visited the calamity-stricken Tacloban City to inspect and turn over bunkhouse units for the residents displaced by the typhoon. He was assisted by Secretary Soliman, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla, among others.

Each bunkhouse with a common toilet/wash area and kitchen will be composed of 24 rooms with a floor area of about 2.4 X 3.6 square meters to accommodate a family

of five members.

The bunkhouse was made of coco lumber wooden frames, GI sheet roofing, plywood walls and flooring, and cement footing.

Soliman said that the construction of bunkhouses in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte as temporary shelters for families affected by Yolanda was started last month by the DPWH. She added that works are ongoing for the construction of more bunkhouse units in various sites in Basey and Marabut in Samar.

As of Dec. 16, a total of 3,321,351 rice and food packs, 494,213 liters of water, 109,601 canned goods, and 244,444 pieces of high energy biscuits have already been distributed to the 273,782 displaced families in the region.

Non-food items such as tents, hygiene kits, blankets, mosquito nets, mats, towels, cooking pots, water containers, slippers, and plastic cups, among other things, were also distributed.

The DSWD also said earlier that the distribution of relief goods would end on Dec. 31 for those families who are already earning income and those that are already covered by the cash for work (CFW) program who can buy their foods and sustain their other needs.

But for those vulnerable sectors like the elderly, persons with disabilities and pregnant women, the relief distribution is extended until January 2014.

On Dec. 11, the DSWD and World Food Programme (WFP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide P260 million (USD 6 million) in cash assistance to 500,000 food insecure people across 50 municipalities of Leyte and Samar in the aftermath of “Yolanda.”

The partnership with the WFP provides fixed emergency cash grant of P1,300 per household per month which will be added on top of the beneficiaries’ Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) cash grants for the months of December this year and January next year. The beneficiaries can use the amount to purchase goods that they need in order to survive.

The most food insecure households were identified in WFP’s post-’Yolanda’ assessments among the vulnerable families.

In addition to the cash grant from WFP, each family will also be entitled to receive a one-month supply of rice.

“WFP’s assessments indicate that a combination of cash support and in-kind rice is an effective approach,” said WFP Philippines Country Director and Representative Praveen Agrawal.

According to Soliman, the agreement for cash support through the 4P’s marks a step in the strategic evolution of the assistance provided by the WFP. As of Dec. 20, about P64.3 million worth of local

donations were recorded to be received by the DSWD, while around USD 15.4 million worth was received as foreign donations.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report, about 3.4 million families or 16 million individuals were affected by the typhoon.

Some of the affected victims flew to Manila and other provinces via C-130 planes. Upon arrival at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, they were processed and underwent assessment and given the necessary assistance like transportation, food packs and hospital referrals.

According to DSWD-National Capital Region Director Alicia Bonoan, those who have no relatives in Metro Manila were brought to centers and institutions of DSWD where they can temporary stay until they decide to come back to Leyte when everything has turned completely normal to them there.

To date, a total of P1,218,237,144.14 worth of relief assistance was provided to typhoon-affected families in Regions 4-A, 4-B, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and CARAGA. Of the total amount, P867,049,198.44 came from DSWD, P116,895,578.40 from local government units (LGUs), P177,363,918.5 from the Department of Health (DOH), and P56,928,448.79 from Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)/Other Government Organization (GOs).

The 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu in October was another exhaustive disaster that made DSWD and other government agencies busy attending to the needs of the calamity victims.

Prior to the earthquake, on Sept. 9, the Zamboanga siege erupted where about 500 MNLF rebels invaded the coastal villages of Mampang, Talon-Talon and Mariki and held dozens of civilian hostages and converged with their comrades who had prepositioned in Barangays Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina.

As DSWD’s intervention, Secretary Soliman flew from Manila to Zamboanga to personally oversee the situation of families in the different evacuation centers who were displaced by the conflict. [PNA]

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

EDITORIALS

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Invitation of a lifetime

UNDREDS of victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas who sought temporary refuge in Davao City were given a taste of the extra-ordinary hospitality and kindness of Dabawenyos led by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

More than 800 refugees from Leyte and Samar alone are in Davao City. More such refugees are in other places in Region 11 where they have blood relatives and close friends who have given them temporary shelter and comfort while in the process of deciding what to do with their shattered lives.

During a gathering designed to give Christmas cheer to student scholars and Yolanda victims, Mayor Duterte offered them a touching invitation.

“Remain here while we look for ways to make life easier for you,”

the mayor said, adding, “I hope you will find your place here in the city so that you can gradually rebuild your lives.”

Mr. Duterte also distributed cash of P2,000 to each family in addition to a gift certificate worth P2,000 each and one piece of dressed chicken for their Christmas noche buena.

The mayor’s gesture of inviting the victims to stay in the city while their devastated places in the Visayas are being rebuilt, likewise elated thousands of Dabawenyos who trace their roots to Samar and Leyte.

Their decision to stay put could completely reverse the fortunes of the hapless Yolanda victims, many of whom lost not only the their loved ones but also property and sources of livelihood.

Indeed, what Mayor Duterte has extended is an invitation of a lifetime.

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proved General Appropriations Act stipulates that all special budgets can be subject to congressional monitoring and examination.

The judiciary should accept the scrutiny since it is an opportunity for it to prove once and for all that there is no hanky-panky involved in the disbursement of the special funds. Why be afraid if there have been no questionable transactions involved?

The Filipino citizenry, of course, welcomes this development as another step towards total transparency in governance in this country.

Fiscal independence

HAT could turn out to be another blockbuster of a televised event in the genre of the trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato C. Corona a year ago is the reported Congressional investigation into the Judicial Development Fund (JDF) and the Special Allowances for Judges (SAJ) slated early next year. Some outspoken lawmakers have labeled the funds as the Supreme Court’s pork barrel now in the vicinity of P5 billion.

The claim of some defenders of the High Tribunal that the judiciary enjoys fiscal independence may not wash since the newly-ap-

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

Getting inspiration from the birds

OOKING at the two last remaining weeks of December with your family off to the farm to rejoin your kids’ Lola and Lolo for the traditional year-end visit combining both Christmas and the coming New Year, I’m sure, like me, you’re also figuring out things to do, to set up, to improve and to change ----so that things will turn out better in 2014.

I still don’t know if I’m getting random suggestions, wise decisions and “inspired thoughts” from the birds that sometimes perched on the railing outside the louvered windows of my apartment at Nova Tierra Village here.

But I enjoy watching them turn their little heads back and forth, whistling bird calls to fellow birds hidden among the thick foliage of avocado tree, mango tree and macopa tree beside the mosque.

With the help of a small book titled, “Birds of the Philippines” by Tim Fisher and Nigel Flicks, I was able to identify these birds, maybe as “Tawny Grassbird,” “Ground Babbler”, along with common swallows, mayas and sandpipers. But the specie name doesn’t really matter to me, as long as they feel comfortable and safe flying near our windows and perching on that rail nearby.

Getting inspiration from these birds is becoming a habit for me here, as I churned out business news and features for the little national industry publication I edit and

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produce for a foreign agency dealing with “boosting the capacities of industries to increase their capability to boost their output and improve their products”--such heavy topics that can bore anyone to death but so important to people who produce goods or food to sell to global markets.

If you don’t look---and even talk to birds--- you’ll go crazy working deep in topics of “industry, trade, exports, markets” because this type of work can siphon off all your energy and leave you exhausted at the end of the day. So for me, I need to just hang loose and never to take things so seriously. I just turn to these birds for inspiration.

Although I don’t have an office to work on all my stories, I find it so productive to write---type or “encode”--- my stories on my laptop, looking out the window on the tree foliage beside the mosque, listening to the shrill bird calls and the choral music they make together, especially if I put on an instrumental DVD music piece of Dan

Gibson’s “Solitude”, that explore nature with music.

That’s probably why I never struggle with that thing called “writer’s block”, a common disease of all writers and journalists who have a very hard time trying to start writing a piece--- a news item, a column, a feature, an essay, fiction, anything.

My secret is still the same trees and the birds who live in those branches.

If you ever have the chance of getting your hands on Dan Gibson’s “Solitude” and listening to such pieces as “Chopin— Nocturne in E Flat” or “Debussy—Claire de Lune” or even “Beethoven—Moonlight Sonata in Opus 27, No. 2 “---- then, you’ll know what I mean.

You can’t force yourself to write if the inspiration to write is not there. No one can force you to write well, not even any editor, it’s you alone who can find the inspiration to write.

In these remaining two weeks of December, I suggest you look for something that really make you feel good and focus your eyes or ears on it before you start doing anything--- to plan something or to write something.

Don’t even “think” about it. You’re wasting time. The New Year 2014 is just around the corner.

Just do it.

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

otherwise. Ramos was under constant pressure and the amendment process failed to materialize during his tenure.

Hate, distrust and animosity could not dispel a common objective that ironically puts the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo and the opposition on the same side of the fence – the desire to amend the constitution.

Leaders of different political parties then proposed the revision of the fundamental laws of the land, not only to eliminate defects, but to make it more responsive to the changing needs of the country’s fast-growing population. Moreover, the leaders of different political inclinations agreed on amending the constitution so that the government will no longer be changed at the will or whim of the military and mob rule. They say the move is well within the rights of the leaders and the people to do so. But then again the proposal to amend the Charter during Arroyo’s term suffered a similar fate.

Notwithstanding the number of hurdles, party leaders previously believe that the amendments have a good chance of passage. However, Cha-cha Resolution No. 40, which seeks to turn Congress into a constituent assembly or ConAss – a necessary prerequisite for constitutional amendments, enabling legislators to consider nine proposed changes to the Constitution became the center of controversy.

Critics and detractors insist that none of the proposals specifically deals with lifting

the term limits or allowing the president to run for re-election. Furthermore, more anti-Chacha groups pointed out that one consequence of the proposal would be a de facto term extension for the sitting president because once a constituent assembly comes into being, there would be no stopping it from introducing further amendments and doing away with term limits altogether.

Cha-cha advocates as always have a perennial formidable opponent – church leaders and their blinded allies. But despite the adamant opposition, various sectors in society remained optimistic the amendment process ensures that the proposed changes are not a foregone conclusion. This is precisely the reason news stories are spreading around that there’s now a new move of the Lower House to “resurrect” the Cha-cha agenda. Calls to revise or amend the constitution at this stage seem gaining ground even within the ranks of the business sector certainly because on top of its proposed amendment are changes on the economic provisions.

Nonetheless, this early, Palace senior political advisers hinted that President Benigno Aquino III is somewhat reluctant with the proposal to push for charter change and seems not amenable to the idea of holding revisions of the charter during his tenure. Keen political experts and thoughtful observers say the President’s action and body language revealed his true sentiment on constitutional amendments. Lastly, we firmly believe a collective decision is the most important basis for constitutional amendments. In our subsequent column articles, we could probably enumerate the nine proposed changes to the fundamental laws of the land, which were laid out through the so-called “united call for charter change” during the Arroyo presidency.

Cha-cha is not a foregone conclusion

EVIVING INTEREST ON CHARTER CHANGE – Following a series of hastily called close-door meetings by key figures of the House of Representatives, the leadership finally announced that it would include in the list of its priority agenda for 2014 the move to push for Charter Change or Cha-cha. Despite some pretty crucial issues confronting the present administration – pork barrel scandals, rehabilitation of places devastated by man-made and natural calamities, power shortage and impending economic slowdown, the idea of restoring the interest on charter change has been given priority concern by leaders of Congress that raised the quizzical brows of the wary public.

News about reviving interest on charter change refused to fade away and despite war on words, a number of political parties have resumed advocacy on charter change.

Even during the previous administrations the different political groups similarly view Cha-cha as a matter of necessity in the attainment of national goals. I could still vividly remember that the precipitating factor behind a Church-led public outburst during the term of President Fidel Ramos was the move to amend the Constitution, which over-bearing church leaders alleged would effectively allow the sitting president to serve a second term. Under the present political setup the president and the vice president are limited only to a single term of six years.

The controversial Cha-cha issue has been on the boil for quite some time with both supporters and opponents loudly making their cases heard in the legislative chambers and in the streets. Though Ramos then has consistently stated that the amendments are extremely necessary to remove defects in the constitution and that he personally does not want a second term his severe critics and detractors thought

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Pope Francis: Beyond the compelling gestures COMMENTARY

BY MARTIN E. MARTY

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Part 1 of 3

HE MOST talked about person in the world — no surprise there! — is Pope Francis. Polls and Internet traffic confirm: No celebrity even comes close to him in fame or favor.

When it comes to “followers,” the pope does have an enormous head start, as leader of the 1.2 billion-member Roman Catholic Church. He also inspires unmatched curiosity and attention globally among many millions from other faiths and no faiths.

Francis comments most effectively through compelling gestures. The public sees him kissing the bare foot of an imprisoned Muslim woman, or the illness-ravaged face of a man he is blessing. When a child jumps to his side or grabs his papal skull cap, the pope is attentive, undistracted. Less instantaneous, but still revealing, gestures find him riding public buses, driving his own old car, living in humble quarters or sneaking off in the night to minister to the homeless.

Minority factions, Catholic and “other,” sputter criticisms. Months ago they were surprised at the election of this Argentinean Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. Now they charge that he restricts himself to what they dismiss as mere gestures, mere symbols, mere ceremonies.

Rigid Catholic conservatives ask impatiently why he does not nail down church dogma and permit only safe, well-worn practices. They charge he is elusive when it comes to supporting those dogmas and enforcing the canon laws. Both, they insist, should be publicly defined, isolated and defended. Those much-noted gestures, they argue, are too ambiguous and nuanced.

Grumblers resent Francis’s evident muffling of hard-line utterances and his blurring of their cherished polarizing activities — against, for example, abortion and same-sex marriage. Many are befuddled: Critics might dispute papal words, but who can refute his gestures?

These all come with contexts. Teachers of public speaking long ago published charts depicting and prescribing specific gestures designed to achieve particular effects. Actors learn ways to gesture, and referees at sporting events work with elaborate vocabularies of gesture. Well, so do popes.

Sixty-plus years ago Angelo Roncalli, on becoming Pope John XXIII, signaled a fresh approach to the papacy in much the same way. He would not, for example, use a ceremonial chair, carried by four bearers, at St. Peter’s in Rome.

His successor, Paul VI, continued to make points through symbolic moves.

He embraced Patriarch Athenagoras, leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, in a 1964 meeting at the River Jordan — as if alluding to the Church East and the Church West beginning to affirm each other, where dogma and church law could not.

I reported on the Third Session of the Second Vatican Council, on November 21, 1964. During one of the daily sessions, before more than 2,000 bishops, I witnessed a gesture of ostentatious simplicity: Paul placed his precious threetiered tiara on the altar at St. Peter’s.

The pope was indicating the surrender of certain symbols of churchly power. He then announced that the tiara would be given to the United States. There it was to be sold, and the money given to the poor.

As with so many gestures, this one raised controversy. Some traditionalist Catholics are still upset. Critics on the left, meanwhile, pronounced it pretentious and phony.

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NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Trial...FFROM 1

OVERWHELMING. At least 10,000 Dabawenyos attend the traditional Christmas day “Pahalipay ni Mayor Rody sa Katawhan” in Central Park Subdivision, Davao City Wednesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

President Aquino rejects Sec. Petilla’s resignation

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RESIDENT Benigno S. Aquino III rejected the resignation of Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla following their meeting on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

Petilla has been criticized for failing to fully restore power in typhoon-affected areas in the Visayas region despite his pledge to energize the region

by Dec. 24.

Lacierda said the President did not accept the resignation, believing the energy secretary has done enough and that re-

storing power will take three to six months in town centers considering the extent of the damage.

The major grid in the Luzon-Visayas was down, the major geothermal plant in Leyte was also out of service and generation, transmission, and distribution lines were down, Lacierda said.

Despite the huge task, the President believes Petilla accomplished a lot, according to Lacierda.

First, from his original target of six months, Petilla was able to restore power in rough-

ly 40 days, Lacierda said.

Second, within that period, Petilla was able to energize 317 out of 320 affected towns, leaving 0.93 percent still to accomplish, he added.

“By any measure, this is excellent performance. The President noted that foreign observers who have seen work being done in the Visayas, and in comparison to disasters of lesser magnitude in other countries, pointed out that repair and rehabilitation of energy infrastructure was done faster,” he noted.

“For all these reasons, the

President, in rejecting Secretary Petilla’s offer to resign, reiterated that he has no intention of losing the services of an honorable public servant.”

While visiting devastated areas in the region last November together with the President, Petilla said he targeted to restore the supply of electricity in the Visayas region by Dec. 24.

Petilla said he was hopeful of energizing the region by Dec. 24 considering the availability of manpower and equipment with the help of volunteers from Mindanao electric cooperatives as well as from Meralco. [PNA]

and Pacquiao.

Boxing fans around the world drool to see the Pacquiao-Mayweather megabout.

In his website, www.mp8.ph, Pacquiao put up a wholesome Christmas card

with a greeting “Wishing you a blessed holiday season.”

In the same site, Pacquiao also posted a message “Manny Pacquiao Loves every one of you and wishes you a very Merry Christ-

mas! Remember this is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus and remember His love for us. Please share that same love with everyone around you and God Bless.”

Unlike Pacman’s sub-

dued reaction, his fans around the world didn’t let Mayweather’s insult pass.

At around 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Pacquiao fans generated a meme which is also becoming viral in the social media.

Valley and Davao Oriental.

“Despite the sup-

posed ceasefire declared

by Malacañang, AFP operations continue to be

carried out unabated, committing widespread abuses of human rights

and international humanitarian law,” The CPP said without elaborating. [EPC]

Technology (ICT)- Davao president Bert Barriga said that there’s a need to create a business climate which promotes continuity in business operations.

On the other hand, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry,

Inc., (DCCCII) outgoing president said that despite the diversity in businesses, the only solution is for business to be prepared for times of disaster and calamity by having a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-

agement (DRRM) plan to address external and internal risks to their operation,” Lim said. adding that the plan should have a pre-disaster, during and post disaster plan that would be fully integrated into the available 911 sys-

tem.

On the other hande DTI chief said that it will be introduced to SMEs by next year.

Currently, he said that they are still finalizing the components of the said program.

be drunk, slapped the policewoman’s face and pulled her hair. Gumaga sustained scratches in her face and hand when the suspect resisted ar-

rest.

Antolin said that he was mad at Vergara for being the go-between in the love affair of his wife and Vergara’s brother-

in-law. Antolin said his wife left him.

He said that when he saw Vergara at the beach he dragged her to the sea and tried to drown her.

“I apologized to the police woman because I was drunk at the time,” he said.

Antolin is detained in jail.

Manny... FFROM 4

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DTI 11...FFROM 4

Drunk...FFROM 2

ers also want scrutinized.

According to Bello, now is the time to “find out how much they give to each retiring justice of the Supreme Court,” saying that he knows of an associate justice who was given a huge amount as retirement benefits.

“I think Congress should find out kung magkano ang binibigay, kasi sobra eh,” Bello said.

He said that if there is strong evidence of betrayal of public trust among justices, this would open them to impeachment and trial.

This was what happened to CJ Corona, Bello said.

Told that the investigation might be construed as an act of revenge by the lawmak-

ers when the Supreme Court declared the PDAF as unconstitutional, the lawmaker from Davao City and Isabela said the justices and the public should understand that the lawmakers have a responsibility to do their oversight function, to see to it that the monies appropriated by Congress are properly and judiciously spent.

Bello also bared that there is an ongoing inquiry into the possible waste of public funds by the Social Security System (SSS), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and other government-owned and –controlled corporations (GOCCs) in terms of excessive salaries, allowances and other perks.

Bermudo added that the CSSDO has also helped facilitate the return of some of the survivors to their hometowns from as far as Samar and Tacloban.

“While they are here, if they still are not able to permanently support their families, the city will still help,” she said.

Earlier this month,

the city’s Public Employment Services Office reported that 12 Yolanda survivors in the city have been hired by several companies after the PESO held a mini-jobs fair at the City Hall in the last weeks of November.

The jobs fair was participated in by 70 companies.

[MindaNews]

followed by a further P500,000-commitment to Rev. Fr. Roel delos Reyes for the completion of the makeover.

“Kami mapasalamaton sa tabang nga gidunol kanato sa King-king Copper-Gold Project, tungod dako kini nga kantidad nga mao gayud ang atong gikinahanglan aron mapanindot pa ang atong parokya” (We’re so grateful for the assistance extended to us by the Kingking Copper-Gold Project.

This is just what we needed to make our parish better.), said Fr. delos Reyes.

For his part, Gillespie said that the company and its owners are “very happy with the relationships that they have been able to build with the people of Pantukan. And we look forward to nurturing more opportunities for engagement with the community, with the end objective of building a better future for the next generation.”

the report.

The CPDO informed the committee that there are some projects in the submitted list were already included in the local development investment program (LDIP) and AIP. “However, the proposed budgets for some projects are lower. Thus, adjustments were made resulting to an increase in the amount,” the report stated.

The projects which have an increase in the budget are Drainage System which has an additional budget of P3.79-million based on the cost estimates submitted by the city engineer’s office (CEO) aside from the P9.60-million from the LDIP. “Having a new project cost of P13,390,000.00

with the new Project Title Proposed Installation of 36’’ 0 RCCP Line and Manholes with Cover, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecowest Drive, Ecoland, Davao City , ” The buildings and other public structures also have P3.40-million increased aside P800,000.00 LDIP budget as they have a new project cost of P4.20-million.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of finance, ways and means, told Edge Davao through interview that the plan will be up to 2016 and the source of funds of this plan are still to be collected.

Dayanghirang said that the plan will be funded depending on the priorities and available funds of the city government.

Duterte...FFROM 2

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

ERICSSON REPORT

ICT HUB

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Tablet penetration in SEA grows two-fold in 2013 Tablet ownership in the Philippines grows to 14%

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ABLET penetration in Southeast Asia has increased two-fold, according to an analysis by Ericsson ConsumerLab in Southeast Asia & Oceania.

According to the research data from Q1 2013 based on 4500 interviews using online surveys and face-toface interviews involving mobile phone users in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, tablet penetration showed strong growth, with Singapore and Malaysia continuing to lead for tablet penetration. Singapore grew from 31% to 42% while Malaysia grew from 14% to 39%.

“There is a clear change in mobile data usage. Users now prefer instant messaging, social networking and video streaming,” said Afrizal Abdul Rahim, Regional Head for Ericsson ConsumerLab South East Asia & Oceania.

In the Philippines, tablet penetration increased from 6% in 2012 to 14% in 2013, according to the research data from Q1 2013 based on 500 face-to-face interviews

YOUTH SUMMIT. In line with Globe Telecom’s thrust of ensuring that business is pursued without ignoring societal and ecological issues, the company has thrown its support to LEAD ASEAN Youth Summit which gathered 150 of the brightest young leaders from across South East Asia to craft programs that will address problems being faced by governments today. Using Globe Telecom’s broadband WiFi service, the participants engaged in workshops, interactive panel discussions, and cultural exchange activities focused on the subjects of economic development, environment, education and awareness, and human development.Globe, provided transportation during the exposure trips. LEAD which stands for “Link, Engage, Activate, Develop” was organized by Ayala Foundation in partnership with the United States Embassy with the goal of forging strong youth network across the region.

involving urban mobile phone users in the country.

Riding on the potential of the tablet market in the country, Globe Telecom recently unveiled its suite of data plans for Apple’s newest tablet devices, the iPad Air and the iPad mini with Retina display, allowing customers to connect to its fast Long Term Evolution

(LTE) network with speeds up to 42mbps.

The iPad Air 16GB is available for as low as P1,624 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,125* monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period, which already includes 85 hours of LTE surfing, 20 hours more than its competitor’s offer. Meanwhile, the 32GB variant is available for as low

as P1,790 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,291 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period, also bundled with 85 hours of LTE surfing.

On the other hand, the iPad mini with Retina display 16GB is offered at P1,499 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,000 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period, complete with

85 hours of LTE surfing, while the 32GB variant is available at P1,665 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,166 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period also bundled with 85 hours of LTE surfing.

“We are excited to have the most affordable and value for money offer for the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display in the

Smart is expected to deliver the device in January 2014, but interested parties may start reserving for the sleeve by visiting www.smart.com.ph/ smartsat.

“Smart is pleased to offer the Smart Sat service to everyone, following the surge of demand for satellite services because of our grim experience with super typhoon Yolanda,” said Tina Mariano, head of Smart’s Global Access Group.

The storm washed out entire villages, knocked

down power lines, and toppled communication infrastructure, rendering many areas in Eastern Visayas out of reach.

“Many people have realized the significance of satellite communications in times when cellular coverage is compromised. The Smart Sat service gives you that vital communication line when all else fails or when you simply need a back-up for business or personal use,” Mariano said.

Wide range of uses

Dependent on a network of satellites above the equator for the transmission of communication signals, satellite phones are not susceptible to natural calamities and may work virtually anywhere in the world.

as mining, seafaring, and media, among others.

Simple and user-friendly Smart Sat users only need to download the Satsleeve app for free at the Apple App Store before using the device.

Once the app is running, you only need to dock your iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s into the Satsleeve to enjoy access to phone calls, emails, instant messages, and popular social media apps in satellite mode.

Coverage in over 140

Philippines, with increased mobile surfing hours to allow our customers to enjoy highspeed and prolonged browsing on the latest Apple tablet devices,” said Raul Macatangay, Head of Globe Postpaid Business and Devices.

For more details on the offers, visit www. globe.com.ph/ipadair or www.globe.com.ph/ ipadmini.

Smart launches Smart Sat service W

IRELESS services leader Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has launched its latest satellite-powered communication service called Smart Sat, which provides subscribers with the flexibility, mobility, and connectivity of a mobile phone even at times when cellular coverage is compromised.

Smart Sat is powered by the Thuraya SatSleeve, a revolutionary case that turns an iPhone into a satellite device with the aid of a mobile app.

As such, the Smart Sat service makes your iPhone versatile, not only for disaster situations but also for important operations by government, military, and civic organizations. It may also be useful to industries such

countries For its satellite services, Smart has partnered with mobile satellite services provider Thuraya Telecommunications Company (Thuraya), which provides coverage in over 140 countries or two-thirds of the globe.

It also provides coverage in major sea lanes in Asia, New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Indian Ocean.

To know more about the Smart Sat, please visit www.smart.com.ph.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

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1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along National Highway, facing east, beside NCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along Matina Diversion Road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along Matina Diversion Road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the National Highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along Indangan Road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the National Highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5M to P12.3M commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the National Highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) Ready-for-Occupancy Residential Properties: 4BR/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8M in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3BR 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in Maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751M to P5.773M in an exclusive mountain resort community along Matina, Diversion Road. 10) 1BR/2BR residential condo units located in Bolton, Maa, Obrero, Davao City. 11) FOR ASSUME (RUSH): 1BR res’l condo unit in Palmetto, Maa. P600K negotiable. Note: Items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. If interested, please call Jay (PRC REB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

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13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2013 VOL. 6 ISSUE27-28, 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

TFC backs OWWA seminar for OF families in Davao O WWA REGIONAL Welfare Office XI OIC-Director Eduardo Bellidoencourages OFs and their families to undergo a paradigm shift and break the vicious cycle of dependency December 23, 2013 (Davao City, Mindanao) - The Filipino Channel (TFC) furthersupports the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration’s(OWWA) programs aimed at providing end-to-end support for overseas Filipinos (OFs) enrouteto their overseas work and back to the homeland.The TFC teamgraced OWWA’s “Mag-negosyoTayo,” micro-entrepreneurial business seminar recently held at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites in the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, Davao City inSouthern Philippines.

According to OWWA Regional Welfare Office XI OIC-Director Eduardo Bellido, the seminar, attended by nearly 50 OF families, is part of OWWA’s monthlyactivities for overseas workers and their loved ones under its OFW Family Circle program. The OFW Family Circle is a program that gathers these OFs and their families with the aim of bringing these distant families together using a holistic approach, covering areas from

psychologicalwell-being tofinancialliteracy. “Mag-negosyoTayo,” the micro-entrepreneurial seminar,specifically aims to break the vicious cycle of dependency of the families of OFs. With the theme “Developing an Entrepreneurial Mind-set,” the seminar, Bellido said, aims to change the thinking that is prevalent in these families - to look at their OF beneficiaries for economic support.

Bellido said “As much as possible, we want these families to veer away from the dependency situation of the families on those working abroad. We also want to develop the entrepreneurial skills of those left behind.“Kesanamanasatayongasasamgaanaknatin, kaya pa natin, isipinnatinanongmagandangpapasukin?Anoangmagagawangganitong amount nanaitabi?”

(Instead of depending on our children, we can opt to do something to sustain our families.

What can we do with the amount our OF family members saved?)

OWWA, the primary government agency assigned to promote the welfare and overall well-being of OFs and their dependents, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region XI

unit represented by Ivy Uy, senior trading industrial development supervisor,took this shift in mind-set further through a whole-day training covering

leadership capacity building, financial literacy and technology training. The seminar included advice on sunrise industries such as soap-making and

craft-making and foreboding against sunset industries.

Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Sheryl Espinosa also discussed the

proper procedures in the employment procedure to avoid illegal recruitment and other illegal activities possibly involving returning OFs.

14 SPORTS EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

Iole picks...FFROM 16 lateral movement that caused some to suggest he was running.”

The flamboyant American fighter, who has ditched a fight with Pacquiao in a reluctance so intriguing his reputation has been tainted because of the one fight he refused to take, is one of those guys who will be appreciated much more when he’s gone than he is while he’s still competing. But for Iole, “he’s the best of the best, and he was the best of a very good crop of fighters in 2013. For that, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the 2013 Yahoo Sports Boxing Fighter of the Year.”

Iole said Mayweather didn’t get the respect he needs from the media. “The boxing media hasn’t been willing to recognize his greatness,” Iole wrote.

“Floyd Mayweather is so good, so far ahead of the competition, that we have difficulty believing it. We say that he’s fought no one, that he’s passed up the great competition, that if he had

fought this guy or that guy or this other guy, he wouldn’t have a perfect record” Iole continued in his commentary which is considered by many in the boxing world as the new gospel of boxing.

Iole defended his choice of Mayweather saying: “We see him rout champion after champion, winning 10, 11 or, in most cases, all 12 rounds, and we say he got them at the right time. We insist that this next up-and-comer is going to be the one to beat him. Go back and check how many boxing writers picked Canelo Alvarez to beat Mayweather in September. It was a lot.”

Iole, however, believes Mayweather is getting older.

But he proved he could slug it out with the sport’s mighty young turks like Canelo Alvarez whom he disposed.

“Alvarez could punch, they wrote (as if Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Diego Corrales, Victor Ortiz and countless others Mayweather has faced could not). Alvarez was the bigger man, and the

EDGEDAVAO

younger man. When the final bell rang, with all apologies to judge C.J. Ross, it was as obvious a wipeout as could be. Not even Alvarez himself thought he won (or drew),” said Iole.

Iole thinks Mayweather still isn’t given nearly the kind of credit for his in-ring performances as he deserves.

Iole cited the case being made for Adonis Stevenson for the 2013 Fighter of the Year. Stevenson went 4-0 in 2013, knocking out Darnell Boone in six and Chad Dawson in one. He made Tavoris Cloud quit after seven and he stopped Tony Bellew in the sixth.

“It was as if he’d beaten Ezzard Charles, Bob Foster, Archie Moore and Michael Spinks in the same calendar year. Yet, when Mayweather won in stunningly one-sided fashion against Alvarez and Robert Guerrero (OK, that was not quite as stunning), it was dismissed,” said the American boxing scribe.

For Iole: “It shouldn’t be,

though. Mayweather is the best boxer, and he had the best year, and he deserves to be Fighter of the Year. Had he gotten off the deck and rallied from behind to defeat Alvarez, he might be given more credit than he’s getting by going wire-to-wire.

But because he’s distanced himself so far from the field – honestly, who in any division near him do you seriously think would beat him? – that credit isn’t as easily forthcoming. He just makes it look so easy.

It’s coming from this corner, though. Mayweather’s fantastic year, routing Guerrero and Alvarez in a pair of one-sided bouts, makes him the easy selection as the Yahoo Sports Boxing Fighter of the Year.”

Iole considered Stevenson as one of a handful of worthy candidates for the award, and according to him, the big man from outside of Montreal may have won it had Mayweather only fought once in the year, as has been his recent trend.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

New horizons at the Malagos Farmhouse

TO BE HONEST, I had to take a second look the first time I saw the cheeses from Malagos. They offered a simple kesong puti, as well as a nice crumbly feta. It was hard to imagine that just a few years after my first encounter with Olive Puentespina’s cheeses that she is offering beautiful blue cheeses, soft cheeses as well as hard cheeses that are the toast of chefs all round the Philippines. And on November 28, Olive finally realised her dream of setting up a cheese-making school at her family’s Agdao garden.

The cheese school has an air-conditioned lounge were workshops and even wine and cheese tastings can be held as well as an actual laboratory where students can get their hands on experience making their own cheeses. “Hopefully, the school will help in the advancement of cheese making in our region where the norms of European cheese making do not regularly apply.” says Olive.

The blessing was a casual affair with close friends from Davao and Manila in attendance. “I really did not have big plans for the opening and

blessing of the school, I just texted the date and time to friends and I know they will be here.” beams Olive. And it was a good thing that guests arrived since the one-of-a-

kind buffet spread featuring mounds of steamed slipper crabs, corn, a pair of roasted tender cabrito (milk-fed baby goat), heaps of juicy grilled burgers, and of course, beautiful artisanal cheeses from Malagos.

The Malagos Farmhouse and cheese making school is located at the Puentespina compound at Bolcan street, Agdao, Davao City.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Cebu Pacific highlights beach destinations with more flights, low fares THE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE: CEB) adds flights to Boracay and promotes low fares to Phuket, Thailand, just in time for the holiday season.

The airline mounts an additional daily flight between Manila and Caticlan (Boracay), from December 27 to 31, 2013 and from January 3 to 6, 2014. This additional frequency departs Manila at 6:15am and arrives in Caticlan at 7:25am. The return flight departs Caticlan at 8am and arrives in Manila at 9:05am.

For this period, CEB offers up to 10 daily flights between Manila and Caticlan. It also operates direct flights from Manila and Cebu to Kalibo, as well as from Cebu to Caticlan.

Meanwhile, CEB highlights Phuket, Thailand as a possible holiday destination for leisure travelers. CEB offers direct thrice weekly Manila-Phuket flights, for as low as P3,299.

“Beach vacations to places like Boracay and Phuket are terrific options, for those who are just planning their vacations now or are looking for Christmas gifts for their loved ones,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook pages.

CEB’s 47-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 27 Airbus A320, 2 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2013 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 15 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Globe Telecom offers iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display

Globe Telecom today announced that iPad Air with Wi-Fi + Cellular and iPad mini with Retina display with Wi-Fi + Cellular are now available in the Philippines. Globe Telecom is offering these new iPads with a range of attractive data plans that allow customers to connect to its fast Long Term Evolution (LTE) network with speeds up to 42mbps.

The iPad Air 16GB is available for as low as P1,624 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,125* monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period, which already includes 85 hours of LTE surfing, 20 hours more than its competitor’s offer. Meanwhile, the 32GB variant is available for as low as P1,790 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,291 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period, also bundled with 85 hours of LTE surfing.

On the other hand, the iPad mini with Retina display 16GB is offered at P1,499 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,000 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period, complete with 85 hours of LTE surfing, while the 32GB variant is available at P1,665 monthly at Plan 499 with P1,166 monthly cashout over a 24-month contract period also bundled with 85 hours of LTE surfing.

“We are excited to have the most affordable and value for money offer for the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display in the Philippines, with increased mobile surfing hours to allow our customers to enjoy high-speed and prolonged browsing on the latest Apple tablet devices,” said Raul Macatangay, Head of Globe Postpaid Business and Devices. iPad Air features a stunning 9.7-inch Retina display in a new thinner and lighter design. Precision-engineered to weigh just one pound, iPad Air is 20 percent thinner and 28 percent lighter than the fourth generation iPad, and with a narrower bezel the borders of iPad Air are dramatically thinner—making content even more immersive. iPad mini with Retina display brings all the pixels from the 9.7-inch iPad to its 7.9-inch screen, delivering razor sharp text and detail in the same amazingly thin and light design.

The new iPads feature the powerful and power-efficient Appledesigned A7 chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture, ultrafast wireless with faster built-in Wi-Fi and expanded LTE cellular connectivity, and the newly-designed iOS 7 featuring hundreds of great new features.

To date, over 80% of the network is already on 4G HSPA+ providing faster mobile browsing experience for customers, complementing the pilot LTE deployments in key business districts.

Nearly 900 Long Term Evolution (LTE) sites in key cities and holiday destinations are now operational. At the same time, Globe continues to enhance its Service Quality with the continuing optimization and capacity upgrade of its modern network.

For complete details on pricing, please visit www.globe.com. ph/ipadair or www.globe.com.ph/ipadmini. For more information on iPad please visit www.apple.com/ipad.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

FOOD

Prepping for the New Year

DAYS from now, 2013’s chapter will close and another year shall begin. Saying goodbye to “what has been” and embracing “what shall be” is life’s most terrifying phase. Yes, the transition is nerve wrecking – in the most positive way, that is.

For most of us, we celebrate the coming of the New Year with a bountiful celebration of merrymaking, laughter and abundant food. For us, it is another reason to wake the chef in us and let everybody experience our kitchen power and prowess through our masterpieces.

Hence, before we say goodbye to 2013, let me share with you some of my favorite recipes that I will most definitely prepare for this year’s medya noche.

These are by-products of my food adventures and are now belongs to my ‘experimental but delicious’ recipes.

Eggs Baked in Tomato Sauce In a saucepan, pour ½-cup tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce and 5 pieces deseeded and halved ripe tomatoes and bring to a simmer.

Once simmering, break each egg in a small bowl.

Using a ladle, make a well onto the surface of the tomato sauce. Carefully drop each egg. Season to taste -some salt, pepper and grated cheddar cheese. After seasoning, cover pan and let the heat cook the egg.

Turn heat low and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Gently lift each egg and serve with tomato sauce on the side.

Grilled Chicken and Avo-

cado Tortilla Thaw store bought tortilla wrappers in microwave or over grill. Be careful not to burn; set aside. With your left over grilled chicken, chicken barbeque or litson manok, shred until bite size pieces. Meanwhile, shred some purple cabbage and soak in ice water and vinegar. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

In a bowl, cut 1 medium avocado in cubes; set aside.

Get your warm tortilla; add some chicken pieces, avocado cubes, shredded cabbage, drizzle with olive oil and any dressing of your choice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and cheese. Serve wrapped in parchment paper or foil while warm. You can also use tuna flakes, adobo flakes or purely vegetables.

Spinach Pesto and Garlic Pasta Cook pasta according to package direction. Set aside. In a processor or blender, combine spinach, pine nuts, salt, pepper and garlic. Blend and

gradually pour olive oil.

Blend until paste like consistency. Taste and season accordingly. In a saucepan, add olive oil and garlic.

Sauté until brown but not burned. Add pasta and toss in prepared spinach pesto. Combine altogether and serve while hot. Drizzle with olive oil and some grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Fruit Medley With this most versatile ingredient, you can outdo the typical fresh fruit juices and shakes. Try a fresh fruit sandwich or a fresh fruit salad minus the cream.

Have it raw or poached with red wine or flambéed with rum, you can never go wrong with a fruit. For a change, have your almost overripe banana frozen and blend with some taho, brown sugar and milk. It will most definitely spike up your mornings.

Sweet Kebab With a skewer, skew pieces of blueberries, strawberries, brownies and mal-

lows. Use your creativity and use as much fruits and sweet treats as you like.

There is no rule here. Best served with a glass of sparkling cider or wine. Mostly for kids, you can spike this one up by dredging your brownies in some rum before freezing.

There you go, a little bit of something for everyone.

Do not limit yourself with what I have written. Instead, take queue and explore. Use the many offerings of your pantry and not be limited by it. One more thing, party on!

Let me be the first to greet you of a Happy and bountiful New Year ahead.

To my family, friends and officemates from JSOW (Steve, there you go!), my TauMu Bros and Sis (S/o to Kid Aznar!) and those who have made #theRoyalChef a Thursday favorite, KUDOS! To the coming year. . . enjoy!

Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Email me at leebay457@gmail.com or follow me @herroyalheiress on instagram! Cheers!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

RJ Jacinto, Gruppo Tribale, DJ Jon Tupas to perform at Ateneo Homecoming

THE Ateneo de Davao High School Batch ‘88’s (AMDG’88) silver jubilarians, AMDG’88 together with Globe, and HP will host Ateneo Flashback: The Ateneo de Davao Grand Alumni Homecoming 2013 to be held on December 30, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier.

“It has been a long time since the Ateneo de Davao Grand Alumni Homecoming was held in a more convenient and comfortable venue and this was why Batch ‘88 decided to hold this year’s homecoming at the new SMX Convention Center.” says homecoming Chairman, Bobby Antepuesto.

Performing on December 30 is Filipino rock and roll legend Ramon “RJ” Jacinto together with Gruppo Tribale providing energy to the evening and DJ Jon Tupas spinning retro beats from the 80’s and 90’s.

“Ateneo Flashback: The Ateneo de Davao Grand Alumni Homecoming is the culmination of months of preparation of AMDG’88 and we hope that it will be a means for the Ateneo de Davao community to come together, catch-up with

each other and have a good time as well.” adds Bobby.

Tickets to Flashback: The Ateneo de Davao Grand Alumni Homecoming 2013 are available at Coco’s Matina, Angeline Gandionco (09321808645) or Tricia

Malcampo (09255750727) or you may call your batch representatives. For more information you may check out the Ateneo Flashback Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/ateneoflashback2013

ABS-CBN’s team animazing serves up Christmas treat with all-new lineup

Kids and kids-at-heart are in for a wonderful treat this Christmas as ABS-CBN’s Team Animazing takes the wraps off all-new heroes looking to prove themselves beginning Monday (Dec 23).

Follow the adventures of the first Ultraman as he returns to earth in “Ultraman Mebius,” weekdays at 9 AM. Ultraman Mebius, under the guise of Mirai Hibino, shows that age is just a number by leading the new members of GUYS in protecting Earth from an invasion of monsters.

After watching Ultraman save the world, cheer for Kuroko Tetsuya and Kagami Taiga in “Kuroko’s Basketball” at 9:25 AM as they lead the little-known basketball team of Seirin High and battle against Japan’s basketball powerhouse, led by Kuroko’s former teammates and stars of the ‘Generation of Miracles.’

Take a break from the ac-

tion with the light-hearted story of misfit monster “Domo Kun” and watch his adventures with the animals of earth after “Ultraman Mebius” and “Kuroko’s Basketball.”

The action returns at 9:45 AM as Naruto’s old friend, Sasuke, learns the truth behind his family and entire clan’s death in “Naruto Shippuden Season 5”. After blaming everything on his older brother, he discovers that he is just a tool used by

the Hokage to wipe out his clan. He is convinced to fight the Hokage to avenge the Uchiha family’s death. The Hokage, however, has a reason for fighting the Uchiha clan. They foresee the clan’s strength and incredible power as a threat to everyone’s future. Can Naruto stop Sasuke turn completely into the darkness?

Don’t miss the all-new Team Animazing every week day mornings beginning 9 AM only on ABS-CBN.

INdulge! A3

A4 INdulge!

WOMEN

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Pampered at the mall IMAGINE the joy of my cuticles once they finally got a polishing they deserved, after a hectic december schedule did a number on my dear delicate nails.

Exactly a year after their first branch opened, Impulse Nail Bar & Salon had another branch opened just this December 18 2013 at the 3rd floor of Veranza.

I cant get over how incredibly chic their interior is, hot pink with wood finished furniture, the lighting, plus their very neat relaxing ambiance, on the right their mani-pedi station, further in from the right, their VIP area, for those who want to get their nails done in private, just add Php50 to your manipedi, very affordable! You could lounge on their comfy couch, even with your own TV. On the left it’s their salon area, where you could relax and enjoy the wide array of lavish salon services from hair treatments, styling, color and make-up as well. Impulse is very confident and proud, they only use trusted and imported brands for their services to assure their customers get the best results.

“Classy, fancy but not pricey” is how owner and beauty fairy godmother, Pinky Mihara would describe Impulse. Growing up, she’s always been fond of glamming stuff up and making things pretty which made her take up cosmetology in Japan. Being born and raised in Gensan she decided to put up a nail bar and salon here. With her aim of providing fellow Generals, comfort and satisfaction with very affordable prices, I could say they didn’t fail to comply.

For only Php310 I was able to get my mani-pedi, with a fiery red Sally Hansen’s complete salon manicure, All Fired Up polish.

Got a bit confused while I was trying to pick a shade of polish, because of the vast collection of imported nail polish I was presented with. I was as seated at the end of this long, pink, super kawaii/cute couch, I saw their autoclave/sterilizer placed on my right, what a big plus, customers could get the comfort of knowing the tools they’re using are clean.

The manicurist did an awesome job of filing, buffing and painting my ragged claw like nails. Their employees are definitely experienced and hospitable,

people that you could build a customer friendship with, I had a nice chat with her, where in which I learned that they could finish an exceptionally clean and polished manicure within 15mins, and a mani-pedi under 30 mins, how awesome is that?

Overall the price is fair

and very affordable especially when you consider the cleanliness & the products that they use. One could see that cleanliness is of the utmost importance to this nail bar and salon, followed by a close second of customer satisfaction, that definitely makes you want to back again and

again.

For appointments, info and updates visit www. facebook.com/ImpulseNailBarAndSalon Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

Westbrook triple double lifts Thunder

BITING THE FAKE. Miami Heat forward aChris Anderson (right) fouls Los Angeles Lakers center Jordan Hill during the first half of action between the Lakers and the Heat. The Heat won 101-95.

(AP)

N

EW YORK – For Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell West-

brook recorded the eighth Christmas Day triple-double in NBA history as the Thun-

WESTBROOK. Triple double performance. brook, ’tis the season for a triple-double.

With 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, West-

der took down the New York Knicks 123-94 on Wednesday.

“Definitely (means a lot

for the performance to come on Christmas),” Westbrook said. “It’s a happy holiday season. It’s fun to play on Christmas. Not everyone is blessed to play on Christmas, so it definitely was a fun game.”

Westbrook achieved the feat for the first time this season with six minutes left in the third quarter, hitting a 3-pointer to put the Thunder up by 22 points.

“Russell was doing a good job manipulating the screens, getting into the paint and kicking out for open shots,” Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said. “He knows that when we move the basketball and defend we put a lot of pressure on teams.”

Oklahoma City has won 10 of its last 11 games and shares the best record in the league with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Indiana Pacers.

Thunder forward Kevin Durant led all scorers with 29 points. He added seven rebounds and six assists while shooting 63 percent from the field.

Tales from the Tour CHRISTMAS HEAT Kobe-less Lakers lose to Miami 101-95 A YEAR IN GOLF:

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

L

OS ANGELES (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers missed having Kobe Bryant out on the court on Christmas Day. Same for LeBron James.

Playing without its biggest star, Los Angeles stayed right with the Miami Heat for most of the day before slipping to a 101-95 loss against the defending NBA champions on Wednesday.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade had 23 points apiece, and James added 19 points in the Heat’s sixth straight win. Bosh grabbed 11 re-

bounds and Ray Allen made four 3-pointers for 12 points, helping Miami improve to 5-0 against the Lakers on the holiday. ‘’I knew we would get a good game out of them, and I think the NBA wanted a good game,’’ James said, noting the blowout results of the first two games on the league’s holiday schedule.

Bryant was relegated to the sideline with his fractured left knee, leaving him unable to extend his NBA record for Christmas Day appearances to 16.

‘’It’s not as special when Kobe’s not out there,’’ said James, who shared a post-game hug with Bryant.

Streaky reserve Nick Young scored 20 points for the Lakers, who were tied four times in the fourth quarter. Jodie Meeks added 17 points, Xavier Henry had 14 and Pau Gasol added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Miami shot 51 percent from the field while improving to 7-0 against the Western Conference this season. It was its

19th straight win overall against West opponents.

Bosh scored 13 of his 23 points in the first half, when Miami trailed 27-21 after the first quarter. ‘’I just made an effort to get to the basket a little more,’’ he said. ‘’We just kept wearing on them offensively. They made some tough shots.’’

Los Angeles shot 42 percent in its third straight loss. The Lakers were 14 of 36 from 3-point range as they tried to go over the top to beat the Heat’s rugged interior.

Trades could save Air 21 T

HE AIR 21 Express remain at the bottom of the PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup standings despite winning against the GlobalPort Batang Pier on Christmas Day. With a 2-8 record, the Express remain a game and a half behind the nearest teams — Barako Bull, Alaska, and Meralco — in the standings.

But help is on the way according to Air 21 coach Franz Pumaren, who hinted at trades to bring in additional firepower to the Express lineup.

“Hopefully by January, we can have new guys,” Pumaren told reporters shortly after the victory.

The coach, however, refused to give additional details about possible new ad-

JOSEPH YEO. Is he on the way out? ditions to his squad.

“Magagalit si Santa,” said Pumaren, who added that

the deals should address the holes on his team.

“We need a point guard

and we need another big guy, maybe a four or a five,” said Pumaren.

STEVE STRICKER

S

TEVE Stricker made it clear that money was not important.

His plan was to defend his title at Kapalua and walk away from the PGA Tour for the rest of the year. Over the holidays leading into 2013, he reached a compromise and cut his schedule roughly in half. He contacted his sponsors, and they supported him.

Stricker didn’t have great expectations starting his year of semi-retirement. ‘’If I could just make enough money to pay yearly expenses, I’m fine with that,’’ he said. ‘’If we don’t have to touch anything I’ve put away ... I don’t need to do what I’m doing just to make money. I’d rather be staying at home, doing things at home with the foundation and with my kids.’’

No one else was around during this conversation, but Stricker still leaned in and lowered his

voice as he stated what everyone already knew. ‘’You know, we’re pretty conservative with our money,’’ he said.

Stricker was runner-up that week at Kapalua and made $665,000.

He didn’t play for six weeks, and then reached the quarterfinals of the Accenture Match Play Championship to earn $275,000. Two weeks later, he was runner-up at Doral and brought in $880,000.

That should pay the bills.

He finished the year with just over $4.4 million, the third-highest total of his career. His world ranking improved 10 spots to No. 8. And by the end of the year, he had several players contemplating a similar schedule.

Along the way, there were plenty of other moments that showed more about players than just their birdies and bogeys, and the checks they cash.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 203 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27-28, 2013

Christmas chessfest gets going tomorrow D

AVAO CITY’S top woodpushers lead the hunt for top honors in the year-ending Davao Christmas Chess Festival which gets going tomorrow at the Centerpoint Plaza in Matina Crossing.

The two-day chessfest will have the Age Group division on Day 1 (December 28) and the Open division on Day 2 (December 29).

For the Open division, the champion takes home the top kitty worth P2,500 and a

GREGZILLA. Ginebra center Greg Slaughter is triple teamed by Petron’s Arwind Santos , Doug Kramer and Chris Ross. PBA Images

trophy with the second placer getting P1,500 and a trophy, third placer P1,000 and medal, 4th placer P500 and medal, and 5th placer P500 and medal.

At stake in the age group division are cash prizes and medals in the following categories: Under 10 Boys and Girls (1st P300 + Medal, 2nd P200 + Medal, 3rd P150 + Medal); Under 14 (1st P500 + Medal, 2nd P300 + Medal, 3rd P200 + Medal); and Under 20 (1st P700 + Medal, 2nd P500 + Medal, 3rd P300 + Medal). (NJB)

Iole picks Floyd as 2013 top fighter

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

B

njb@edgedavao.net

OXING authority Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports picked Floyd Mayweather as the hands down choice for top fighter of the year.

In his series of year-ender honors, Iole gave Mayweather his vote and never gave Man-

ny Pacquiao (who fought only once in 2013) even an honorable mention.

Also in the list of Iole’s contenders are Danny Garcia; who defeated Zab Judah; Lucas Matthysse; Pacquiao conquerorTimothy Bradley (wins over Ruslan Provod-

FLOYD MAYWEATHER. No respect for his greatness.

nikov and Juan Manuel Marquez); Gennady Golovkin (4-0 against Gabe Rosado, Nobuhiro Ishida, Matthew Macklin and Curtis Stevens); Guillermo Rigondeaux (victories over 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire and Joseph Agbeko); and Mikey Garcia (Wins over Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez and Rocky Martinez).

Mayweather, according

to the respected writer, stood above them all, even in a year in which he turned 36 and when he fought twice in a year for the first time in six years.

Iole thinks Mayweather’s defense remains remarkable.

“He’s rarely hit even though he’s taken to fighting most of his recent bouts flat-footed.

He’s virtually eliminated the on-his-toes style filled with

FIOLE PICKS, 14