Edge Davao 6 Issue 208

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

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Serving a seamless society

BRINGING IT DOWN. An employee of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) removes decorations attached to the giant Christmas tree at the Rizal Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

‘RICH MEN BEHIND VENDORS’ Jimlani, unit members unfazed by death threats

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE demolition of sidewalk vendors’ stalls violating a city ordinance will resume after a series of post-Christmas dialogues. This was the vow of retired Philippine Army colonel Yusof Jimlani, chief of the city mayor’s office demolition unit, even as he charged that some defiant vendors are financed, if not fronts of rich businessmen who deliver their merchandise to the vendors in expensive SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles).

Jimlani also confirmed receiving death threats, including a text message that he would be assassinated if he ever goes to barangay Tibungco.

Although he cited the killing of a member of the city’s demolition squad somewhere in Bankerohan

years earlier, he said taking the threats seriously would be unproductive and would only paralyze the mission of his group to enforce law and order on the city’s sidewalks.

Nevertheless, Jimlani said his group has recorded a number of threats in the police blotter.

The retired military officer recalled his assignment as general manager of the Zamboanga Barter Trade which was supposed to be only for former Moro rebels. However, the government later discovered that wealthy traders were in control of the barter trade center, making poor rebel returnees nothing but just plain vendors, Jimlani said.

He added that some poor sidewalk vendors in

FRICH, 10

END OF THE ROAD. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte inspects the lifeless body of suspected notorious robber Mark Peralta along Mariner Street in Doña Vicenta Subdivision, Davao City early yesterday. Peralta was fatally shot by police operatives after he allegedly tried to elude arrest. Lean Daval Jr.

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

GO, STOP, WARNING. Davao City Council’s head of finance, ways and means committee Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang (left), Diabetes Philippines- Davao chapter immediate past president Dr. Roy B. Ferrer (center) and City Mayor Office’s Demolition Unit head Yusof Jimlani display different hand gestures while discussing issues which concern their respective offices during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Cops kill robber

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

epc@edgedavao.net

N alleged notorious robber was shot dead by the police during a manhunt operation early yesterday morning on Mariner St., Doña Vicenta Village, Davao City.

The fatality, Mark Peralta, 33, was behind a series of robberies that netted him some P6.5 million worth of items from houses in four villages in the city.

P/Supt. Joel R. Consulta, station commander of the San Pedro police, said Peralta sustained several gunshot wounds after he tried to elude arrest and reportedly held a hand grenade when police flagged down his motorcycle at about 1:45 a.m.

Peralta had allegedly stolen P5 million worth of belongings in the Rolling Hills Subdivision that

OLICE filed charges before the city prosecution office yesterday against six detainees in the Calinan police station for allegedly destroying the detention cell’s ceiling last Sunday, presumably to serve as an escape route.

P/Sr. Inspector Achil-

les Bargio, acting station commander of the Calinan police, said that the detainees will be facing a charge of malicious mischief under the Revised Penal Code.

Detainees were identified as Reynan Dejacto who is facing a charge vi-

FCOPS, 10

Six detainees destroy detention cell’s ceiling P

FSIXS, 10

WEATHER FORECAST

TAXES

Collection can reach P6 billion yearly, if..

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

D

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO CITY tax collection can reach P6 billion if, and only if, the city treasurer’s office (CTO) would do its function properly, an official said yesterday during the weekly Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex That would be higher by P900 million compared to the P5.1-billion projected collection by the city for this year.

City council finance, ways and means committee chair councilor Danilo Dayanghirang told reporters that the CTO has not collected all the taxes, like those for real property, sand/gravel, quarry, and amusement.

Dayanghirang said

that if properly collected, the collection may even exceed the estimated P6 billion, but this would require CTO’s cooperation.

He also said that the office should maximize the utilization of their assessors so that these entities can produce tax assessments which will be the basis for taxing business establishments in the metro.

The treasurer’s office should also start collecting taxes from Davao Light and Power Company owned by the Aboitiz Power, Davao City Water District, and telecommunication companies like Bayantel Telecommunication and Philip-

pine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) for their usage of government- owned roads for their posts.

He said that the city can collect millions from these companies and this would add to the collection of the city to spend on government projects and services.

Dayanghirang said that he and the CTO had agreed to make the operation as well as the collection better this year by revising the tax code, maximizing of personnel, and computerization of business permit processing.

Currently, the councilor is conducting re-

2001) as 1st district representative. When his second nine-year term ended in 2010, he ran for and won as vice mayor, while his daughter Sara, was mayor. In 2013, Duterte ran for mayor unopposed with his son, Paolo as running mate, also running unopposed.

Liquor ban Establishments in the city can no longer sell liquor from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. due to the amended liquor ban.

The City Council amended Ordinance 1627 which the City Council passed in 1994.

The 1994 ordinance banned the sale from 2 a.m.

The amended ordinance bans the serving, and consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages during these hours and punishes violators with fines of up to P5,000 or a year’s imprisonment.

The establishment’s business permit also faces revocation, according to the ordinance.

CCTVs Executive order 24 ordered all shopping malls and business establishments with a capital of P3 million and above to install, operate and maintain high-end and high-definition closed circuit television cameras in their entry and exit points.

The CCTVs were man-

search and studies for the revision of the tax code. He said that this will be the basis for the revision.

Earlier, city treasurer Rodrigo S. Riola said that there should be some revision of the tax code to collect more real property taxes and other taxes encompassed under the code.

Meanwhile, lawyer Lawrence D. Batinding, officer-in-charge of the business bureau said that they are now working on the development of a computer system that will link all city departments involved in the renewal and issuance of business permits.

Speed limit, amended liquor ban, among Duterte administration’s achievements

T

HE DAVAO City local government has released an infographic of the city government’s achievements during the first six months of returning Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s term .

The infographic, available at the City Government’s official Facebook page, cites the implementation of an amended liquor ban, speed limits, literacy and installation of CCTVs (closed circuit television) in malls, as among the achievements.

Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, served as OIC vice mayor from 1986 to 1988, was elected mayor from 1988 to 2010, with one term (1998 to

dated to be at eye level, according to the EO. The EO came in the wake of twin bombings that occurred in two cinemas in the city on September 16, 2013. There was no casualty in the blasts, except for five ear injuries reported at one of the blast sites.

A few days after the bombing, Duterte, along with then-City Police Director Ronald Dela Rosa revealed to the public CCTV footage of two suspects.

One suspect was found buying tickets at both SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall cinemas almost an hour apart.

FSPEED, 10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

Time to check sugar and BP, doc advises

3

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

S

INCE the feast and the yuletide season is over, Dabawenyos are encouraged to go to doctors and check their sugar levels for diabetes and blood pressure condition, an official said yesterday.

Dr. Roy D. Ferrer, resident doctor in Central Labs Diabetes Wellness Heart and Kidney Inc., and immediate past president of Diabetes Philippines- Davao chapter said during the yesterday’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that the month of December is considered as a deadly month because the intake of food increases.

He said that having early check-up results to beginning the new year “healthy.”

Dr. Ferrer said that the national prevalence now of diabetes is 6 to 7 percent. This is higher to the 4.1 national prevalence of diabetes in 1980’s.

From being on the rank 9, Diabetes climbed up to number 6 in the top 10 causes of mortality and morbidity in the country.

According to www. medicalnewstoday.com, Diabetes, referred by doctors as diabetes mellitus, “describes a group of metabolic diseases in which

Tax-sharing for Therma South plant proposed

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

PROPOSAL for tax-sharing between Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on the Aboitizowned Therma South Inc. coal-fired power plant is now being pushed in the City Council which will involve delineation of the collection of real property and income taxes.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, head of the committee told reporters during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City Davao Annex, that the proposal

PUDDING. A little girl buys herself a cup of soy pudding for P5 from a “taho” peddler at the Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. “Taho” is a nutritious

FTIME, 10 staple food but could also cause various digestive disorders if not properly prepared. Lean Daval Jr.

will involve the sharing of taxes from the income of electricity produced by the power plant as well as real property tax.

“It’s easy to identify the real property tax.

We just go down to the boundaries – all properties belongs to the city should be taxed by the city and properties belongs to Sta. Cruz should belong to them,” Dayanghirang said.

He said that members of the Council’s Finance Committee will discuss how to define

FTAX, 10

Drainage woes worsening

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

N

crc@edgedavao.net

O LESS than the head of the Drainage Task Force in Davao City admitted that the city’s drainage problems are worsening.

Ret. Col. Yusof Jimlani made the revelation yesterday during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex.

However, Jimlani said, residents of Davao City need not worry as the city government will soon be doing some new tweaks of the old solution. He was referring to the 2008 Drainage Plan of Davao City.

Jimlani said that in order to improve the drainage system and climate

change adaption of the city, there is a need to revise the 2008 Drainage Plan. He said that he is will submit the proposal to the City Council in the first quarter of the year.

Jimlani bared that the Task Force will be having a meeting this week for the finalization of the new drainage plan. The task force is composed of officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways in region 11, City Planning Office, and City Engineers Office.

“Dati simple lang ang problema ngayon pumasok na ang climate change (The problems before [concerning the

drainage maintenance unit] were simple, not until climate change happened),” Jimlani said, adding that climate change overtaken other problems faced by the City Government of Davao.

Jimlani added that the city government has requested funds amounting P30-million from third district congressman Isidro Ungab who has likewise facilitated the budget allocation from the national government.

The said funding will be coursed through the Department of Public Works and Highways which will implement the project.

In a related interview,

CNA between city government, employees association forged

T

TWITTER. A curious bystander checks out a hawker’s bamboo flute which produces different bird sounds along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

City Planning Office officer-in-charge Mario Luis Jacinto told Edge Davao that the revision of the Drainage Plan is part of the city’s priority investment plan. The plan aims to improve drainage areas and enhance drainage capacity as part of city’s plan on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

According to Jacinto, the task force’s assessments and budget allocation will be also presented during the meeting. The budget will involve the improvisation of drainage systems in Barangay 22, 23, 27, and 31.

HE Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) between the local government of Davao City and the Davao City Hall Employees Association (DACHEA) was finally formalized earlier this month after Mayor Rodrigo Duterte signed the agreement.

The Management and Labor panels of the City Government of Davao with the aim to promote a harmonious relationship as a primary foundation for a lasting partnership in public service and in furtherance of a sound, just and responsive labor-management cooperation entered into the CNA. Re-elected DACHEA

President James Zimmerman said the highlight of the agreement is the CNA incentive for qualified employees of City Hall.

As stated in the CNA, an incentive will be granted in recognition of the joint efforts of Labor and Management to achieve at a lesser cost all planned targets, programs and services as approved in the Annual Budget of the Agency.

However, Zimmerman could not disclose the exact amount since the City Accountant has yet to declare the savings generated from the 2013 Annual Budget. The incentive will be released by the first quarter of 2014.

FCNA, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

MINDANAO

Mindanao finally learns its lesson, was ‘over-prepared’ for Yolanda M

INDANAO may have been fortunate to be spared Yolanda’s wrath, but it preoccupied Mindanawons nevertheless, after typhoon Sendong and super typhoon Pablo devastated many parts of the island two years in a row.

Having been caught offguard when Sendong and Pablo wrought havoc in 2011 and 2012, Mindanawonsa apparently have learned their lessons, time, even being over-prepared for super typhoon Yolanda on November 8.

While Yolanda’s strongest winds hit Samar and Leyte and neighboring areas in the Visayas, it was encouraging to hear reports trickling in from various areas in Mindanao that there was almost zero casualty, despite the damage to property, infrastructure and crops amounting to millions of pesos.

Mindanao’s northeastern tip – where Dinagat Island and the Surigao provinces are situated – was the most endangered as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) could not discount the possibility that Yolanda may yet veer towards a more southerly path as super typhoon Pablo did on December 4, 2012.

Still, areas too far away took preemptive action just to be sure.

Super typhoon Pablo was expected to make landfall in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur but it hit land in Baganga, Davao Oriental instead.

In preparation for Yolanda, touted to be stronger than super typhoon Pablo, officials in Bukidnon ordered suspension of classes, and work in some cases, even if the province was not placed under any public storm warning signal.

Residents in vulnerable areas were ordered to evacuate to higher ground. A total of 378 families in floodprone areas – like Malitbog which was affected by Typhoon Pablo, Impasug-ong and Valencia City – left their homes.

Iligan City, also not placed under any public storm warning signal, made a similar move as Mayor Celso Regencia ordered the suspension of classes in all levels. Iligan, after all, sustained heavy damage and hundreds of casualties during Typhoon Sendong in December 2011.

The suspension of classes was ordered despite the rule on automatic suspension of classes that for areas under Signal No. 1, only kindergarten pupils are not required to report to school.

Classes are to be suspended in elementary and high school only when the storm warning goes up to Signal No. 2, and in colleges and graduate schools when it further goes higher to Signal No. 3.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

STREET ENTERTAINMENT. From Visayan classics to pop songs, these bamboo percussionists from Pagadian City get so much attention with their performance at San Pedro Street in Davao City. [MindaNews Photo by Toto Lozano] “We’re not taking any chances with this projected super typhoon so we will be drawing some measures to preempt its possible impact in our area,” said General Santos Mayor Ronnel Rivera, even if his city is so far down south.

Cagayan de Oro City, which was under Signal No. 1 along with Misamis Oriental, likewise forced residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate.

Most of the 1,538 families

who sought shelter in evacuation centers were from barangays Macasandig and Balulang, which were most devasted by Typhoon Sendong as the Cagayan de Oro River overflowed on Decembr 16, 2011.

In Misamis Oriental, 772 families from the towns of Medina, Libertad, Opol, Alubjid, Claveria, Jasaan, Villanueva, Tagoloan, Lagonglong and Binuangan were moved to safer grounds two days

DOH moves to reduce maternal deaths

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) in Region 12 will focus its efforts this year on the strengthening of community health teams as it moves to further lower the cases of maternal deaths within the region.

Dr. Teogenes Baluma, DOH Region 12 director, said Monday they have lined up a series of trainings in the coming months for community or barangay health workers to help improve their capability in handling pregnancy-related cases and other local health concerns.

He said such move is part of the agency’s continuing efforts to properly address the problem on maternal deaths and attain its commitment to the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

Under the MDG, the government committed to reduce the country’s mater-

nal mortality ratio to 52 for every 100,000 live births by the year 2015.

Baluma said the maternal death rate in Region 12 is presently at 81 per 100,000 live births or 29 more than the MDG target.

Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

“We’re already within striking distance to our target and we’re doubling our efforts to achieve that by 2015,” the official said.

Aside from the strengthening of the community health teams, Baluma said they will enhance their linkages with the barangay councils and community leaders.

He said they will mainly tap them in the monitoring of pregnancy-related prob-

lems that might arise in their respective areas.

“We will improve our coordination systems to ensure the proper monitoring and handling of these cases,” he said.

Baluma said they will also continue with their awareness and education campaigns on maternal mortality and the upgrading of health facilities, especially in the remote areas.

“We’re giving more emphasis on making sure that our pregnant mothers will get proper checkups, give birth in a proper health facility and attended to by well-skilled and trained practitioners,” he said.

The DOH central office earlier directed the regional health offices to double their efforts in addressing the cases of maternal deaths by improving the delivery of health services at the community level.

Among the strategies

adopted by the agency is the upgrading and improvement of health centers and health services, especially for the poor.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona noted that maternal deaths are “highly preventable through effective family planning services, antenatal care, and access to health facilities capable of handling complications.”

Meantime, Baluma said the region is nearing its target in terms of child mortality, of which the national average is presently at 32 to 30 per 1,000 live births.

The country’s MDG target is 27 deaths per 1,000 live births.

“We’re on track towards attaining the child mortality target and we’re moving to further reduce that through sustained efforts in child health programs like immunization,” he added. [MindaNews]

before Yolanda’s landfall as officials implemented a preemptive evacuation in floodprone and landslide-prone areas.

Preparations were even more intense in the Caraga Region, which was closest to Yolanda’s path, and in parts of the Davao Region severely hit by Typhoon Pablo.

For Dinagat Province, which was placed under Signal No. 4, the Department of Social Welfare and Develop-

ment (DSWD) reported preparing 2,000 food packs, as well as blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen kits and other basic necessities.

In Surigao City, travel by sea was prohibited starting two days before landfall and the bancas docked along the boulevard were moved to a safer place. [Bobby Timonera with reports from Froilan Gallardo, Erwin Mascarinas, Walter Balane, Carolyn O. Arguillas, Roel Catoto/ MindaNews]

SOUTH COTABATO

Proposal to ban pyrotechnics revived

S

OUTH Cotabato officials are planning to revive moves for the passage of a provincial ordinance that will totally ban the selling and use of firecrackers and fireworks in the wake of the rising injury cases in the area during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Provincial board member Agustin Demaala Jr., chair of the provincial board’s peace and order committee, said Friday he will arrange in their regular session next week the immediate holding of public hearings and consultations for the proposed measure, which he described as the most effective strategy in promoting injury-free holidays.

He will push for the completion of the public hearings within the first quarter of the year to facilitate the early passage of the proposed ordinance.

“There were earlier proposals coming from

the business sector for just a selective and not a total ban of firecrackers and fireworks but I think the situation now shows that we really need to totally ban these materials,” he said.

Demaala was referring to the increasing cases of firecracker-related injuries in the province in the last two weeks, specifically during the Christmas and New Year revelries.

The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported that the province’s firecracker injuries already reached to 75.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., IPHO chief, said the latest figure is 11 percent lower compared to the 84 cases in the same period last year but said they were still waiting for reports coming from other hospitals and rural health units in the province. [MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

City prepares for first ‘Big Davao Fun Sale’ D

AVAO City is getting ready for the very first citywide sale, aptly titled Big Davao Fun Sale, which will be officially launched next month.

Lisette Marques, chief of the City Tourism Office, said the Big Davao Fun Sale will be a monthlong event which will run from March 14 to April 16, 2013 and will be particpated by shopping malls like NCCC, SM Lanang Premier and SM City Davao, Gaisano and Abreeza and boutiques of well-known local brands.

Dabawenyos, according to Marques, will be enjoying discounts as big as 80% during the said sale in time for the annual Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Marques bared the Big Davao Fun Sale will have

a weekly sale theme. “For example, this week will be a sale regarding active lifestyle, the following week will be about fashion, the week after would be electronics and gadgets sale,” Marques said.

Music festivals are also lined up during the sale event to spice up the festival mood.

For the promotion of the month-long sale, the City Tourism Office will also partner with Cebu Pacific for the airline company to include the Big Davao Fun sale in their promotional packages.

As for future plans, Marques said they are planning to organize the sale annulay. “We want the big sale event to become a yearly activity of the city, that’s why we are aggressively promoting it,” she said.

HIGH PRICE. Prices of commercial rice at the Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday remain high despite the decrease in demand after the yuletide season. Davao Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte publicly announced recently that he won’t hesitate to shoot businessmen who are into rice hoarding. Lean Daval Jr.

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 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

Globe reports 173% surge in data use during Christmas G

LOBE Telecom Inc. reported that data usage in its network during the Christmas season last year jumped 173%, while voice calls rose 15% compared to the same period of 2012.

Short messaging services (SMS), however, went up by only 1%, due to subscribers preferring to use messaging and chat alternatives online. “[Customers] now turn to their smartphones, tablets and computers to send Christmas greetings through online applications such as Facebook, Twitter and other messaging applications,” according to Robert Tan, Globe’s chief technical adviser.

Internet activity remained stable despite the increase in traffic, added Tan. He also noted that the telecommunications company did not suspend any promo offers during the Christmas

LUCKY CHARM. A sales lady of a lucky charm outlet at SM City Davao entices a mall-goer to buy a golden horse figurine which according to Chinese belief will attract good luck throughout the year. Lean Daval Jr. holidays.

“The significant increase in data and voice during the holidays proves that our network is more capable in handling robust demand for

fast and stable telecommunication services,” Tan said.

In 2013, Globe completed a $700-million (P31.25 billion) network modernization

and transformation program. It is currently in a middle of an information technology upgrade worth $90 million (P4 billion).

Globe is owned by

Ayala Corporation and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. As of September 2013, it had 36.5 million prepaid and postpaid subscribers. [Rappler.com]

ization was sidelined by the need to finance rehabilitation requirements of areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

The Aquino administration said it needs about P361 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of typhoon-damaged areas.

The New Central Bank Act, which instituted the BSP from the old Central Bank of the Philippines, in 1993 has given the BSP a P50 billion capitalization, P10 billion of which was given during the BSP’s first year of operations.

The Aquino administration gave the BSP P10 billion in December 2011 on back of im-

provement of fiscal situation and P20 billion in December 2012.

Abad, in a statement Sunday, said the government was able to give BSP the balance from its capitalization due to improvement in fiscal management.

He explained that “although the first P10-billion equity infusion for Bangko Sentral was made in 1997, the government has since been unable to provide full capital support to the central bank as prescribed by law.” ”Nonetheless, the below-the-cap deficit and the government’s own prudent management of its resources

eventually allowed us to complete the capital infusion to Bangko Sentral, an institution that has performed remarkably well in keeping interest rates low and protecting the Philippine Peso from volatile market forces,” he said.

Abad noted that the long-term, positive impact of the completed equity infusion on the Bangko Sentral’s policy work and the Philippines’ growth prospects.

“In plainer terms, the 100-percent equity infusion will give the central bank the resource legroom it needs. Faced with fewer risks of income

loss or balance sheet weakness, the Bangko Sentral can now direct its full attention to refining the country’s banking and monetary policies and delivering key services that will further stimulate the economy,” he said.

“We’re now looking at a central bank that’s in a much better position to preserve the Philippines’ macroeconomic strength and vibrant investment climate, which in turn will influence the Aquino administration’s ability to ensure long-term and inclusive growth in the country,” he added.

[PNA]

BSP gets remaining P10-B capitalization T

HE BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has finally received its full capitalization from the national government on December 27, 2013, about two decades after the BSP was instituted.

“The approval (by President Benigno Aquino III) was given towards the end of December,” BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said.

The release of the remaining P10 billion from the BSP’s P50 billion capitalization is a positive development after Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad last month said that this capital-

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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

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7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

March 3 declared as World Wildlife Day T

HE recently-concluded 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March, the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as World Wildlife Day, to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.

In its resolution, the General Assembly reaffirmed the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions, including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic, to sustainable development and human well-being, and recognized the important role of CITES in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival.

The General Assembly requested the CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant organizations of the United Nations system, to facilitate the implementation of World Wildlife Day. Welcoming the news, CITES Secretary-General, Mr John E. Scanlon, said, “World Wildlife Day is an ideal opportunity to cele-

brate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.”

“We invite all member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system as well as all other interested organizations and individuals - from airports to museums to schools - to get involved in this global celebration of wildlife”, added Scanlon The CITES Secretariat has created a dedicated World Wildlife Day Facebook page to share news and stories of the Day, which can be followed at: https://www.facebook. com/WorldWildlifeDay In its resolution, the UN General Assembly noted the resolution made at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP16) held in Bangkok from 3 to 14 March 2013, designating 3 March as World Wildlife Day, in or-

der to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.

The CITES resolution was sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, the Host of CITES CoP16, which transmitted the outcomes of CITES CoP16 to the UN General Assembly.

United Nations observances contribute to the achievement of the purpos-

es of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. They provide a useful means for the promotion of international and national action and stimulate interest in United Nations activities and programmes.

For international years and decades the UN Secretary

General takes action to establish the preparatory process, evaluation and follow-up procedures.

The majority of observances have been established by the UN General Assembly and some have been designated by UN specialized agencies.

In 1950, the General Assembly approved the first international day -

Human Rights Day - to be observed on 10 December. Resolution 423 (V) invited all states and international organizations to observe this day to celebrate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948, and to exert increasing efforts in this field.

persed during the hours after New Year’s Eve since early January isn’t a windy period, he noted. ”This is really a concern -- the data highlights seriousness of repercussions our yearly New Year’s Eve revelries bring,” he said.

Citing Department of Health (DOH) studies, Paje noted air pollution-related diseases are an economic burden costing the country some P7 billion annually.

He said DENR is bent on increasing LGU compliance with RA 8749, saying this agency will continue pursuing its bid to increase number of air quality monitoring stations across Metro Manila which is the country’s main urban center. [PNA]

EPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje sees wisdom in the Department of Health (DOH) proposal to ban individual use of firecrackers.

He agrees with DOH that authorities must designate areas for public fireworks display so injury, death and destruction from using pyrotechnics can be reduced. ”We’re supporting DOH’s proposal for such designated areas,” he said Friday (Jan. 3) during an early afternoon briefing in Metro Manila on air pollution impacts of pyrotechnics use during New Year’s Eve revelries.

He acknowledged that although revelries can’t be stopped, government must designate areas where firecrackers can be lighted under supervision of au-

thorities and professionals concerned. ”Individuals must not just light firecrackers,” he noted.

DOH reports this week said over 900 cases of firecracker-related injuries have been recorded already during the recent holidays.

Such number already exceeded last year’s count for firecracker-related injuries, the reports noted.

Paje cited need for LGUs to be active in monitoring firecracker use.

LGUs must also check quality of firecrackers to be used, he also said.

Data presented during the briefing show volume of pollutive particulate matter 10 (PM10) between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 1), New Year’s Day, surged to an average 1,550 micrograms/ normal cubic meter (ug/ Ncm). [PNA]

Airpollution-tolerating D LGUs closely watched T

HE environment department is working to improve the local government units’ (LGUs) compliance with Republic Act (RA) 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) so the country can have better air quality. ”I directed Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to study the legal basis for liability of LGUs which are supposed to implement RA 8749 but fail to regulate or prevent spike of air pollution every Jan. 1st,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said Friday in a briefing on air pollution impact of New Year’s eve fireworks.

He noted EMB initially reported Pollution Adjudi-

cation Board might be able to help set fines for air pollution-tolerating LGUs. RA 8749 provides that LGUs “shall share the responsibility in the management and maintenance of air quality within their territorial jurisdiction.”

Paje ordered the study, noting EMB data show volume of pollutive particulate matter 10 (PM10) between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday (Jan. 1), New Year’s Day, surged to an average 1,550 micrograms/ normal cubic meter (ug/ Ncm).

Such average covers readings of EMB air quality monitoring stations in Metro Manila’s Taguig City, San Juan City, as well as Ateneo de Manila University

and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Timog areas in Quezon City.

PM 10 during the period, which followed fireworks-lighting New Year’s Eve revelries on Tuesday (Dec. 31), exceeded the acceptable national air quality guideline value of 150 ug/ Ncm, Paje noted. ”The average reading we got is about 1,000 times more than the guideline value,” he said.

Paje raised urgency for addressing PM10 pollution, noting such particle pollutants are so small these can be easily inhaled and end up in people’s lungs to cause health problems like cancer.

PM10 isn’t easily dis-

DENR chief backs DOH’s proposed firecracker ban

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

EDITORIAL

A

Revisiting the Tax Code

T least two high-ranking officials have made statements in favor of revising the Davao City Tax Code, an ordinance approved in 2005 and implemented in 2006. Technically, the revision is overdue, since under the Local Government of the Philippines, also known as Republic Act 7160, local government units like Davao City are allowed to amend their tax codes once every five years, but not oftener. The city tax code will turn 9 years old this year.

The ranking city officials who discussed the tax code with media practitioners last week and yesterday were City Treasurer Rodrigo S. Riola and City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang.

During a press briefing on the current renewal of business permits, Riola said that his office is preparing a comprehensive report detailing its recommended amendments to the ordinance. While cautioning against any precipitate move to increase local taxes without consultation and serious study, Dayanghirang nevertheless acknowledged the need for change in some provisions of the tax code so as to keep it in step with present-day realities.

Dayanghirang admits that in tax rates, for instance,

EDGEDAVAO

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Davao City has one of the country’s lowest among cities. Even the cities of Digos and Panabo have more updated tax ordinances whose rates have been “adjusted,” euphemism for “increased.”

Any attempt to revise or raise taxes would be met with the usual opposition from the business sector, that’s expected. However, the reasonableness of such opposition will be weakened or even rendered unnecessary if massive consultations are conducted with stakeholders. There is even a possibility that some unconvinced quarters will go to court in a bid to thwart enforcement of some provisions, if not the entire revised ordinance. This happened once before, and it can happen once again. This is expected in a democracy.

There’s a business boom in the city which is decidedly a golden opportunity to raise the income of the local government to fund its multifarious social development requirements needed by its burgeoning population. One way to raise more revenue is to hike certain tax rates. This is aside from improving collection efficiency and heavy borrowing.

The tax revision process should start now, if it has not yet already.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

Perpetual burden

A

FTER-EFFECT OF THE OIL PRICE IRREGULARITY – Doubts remain over whether drastic government action to cushion the impact of unabated oil price increases is really on the way. Critics say that a series of assurances from energy officials that the fuel price adjustments are merely temporary are not guarantee of change, especially if the price variations were to be the hints. Some promised government measures, meanwhile, have been stalled. On New Year’s Eve, big oil companies including the independent players were allowed to increase prices of fuel to the consternation of the consuming public - very uncomfortable treat for the incoming year.

The oil price hike puts pressure on the government therefore high-profile energy officials should always keep a close check on issues related to oil imports because the country has for months been resigned to the fact that prices of gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined petroleum products rose slowly but steadily. Say what the critics and political detractors will but the country would remain always unprotected from price variability because of its heavy reliance on imported oil products. Nonetheless, at this stage, the business sector and in particular the consuming public and different transport organizations across the country are displeased, and with compelling reasons.

The fuel-dependent sectors so far succumbed to the oil price fluctuation as a result of a series of oil price adjustments during the past weeks. The price of gasoline according to variants right now is up to P53-55 per liter from the previous P50-53 a month ago while crude oil was up to P44 per liter from the previous P41. However, some private economists and government

F

financial analysts think there is a possibility of an oil price roll back next week and it might seem especially soothing to top g ove r n m e n t executives and energy officials because of the softer and lower oil prices in the world market. But come to think of it that the freckle oil price movement hinge on the world price index therefore a slight price variation could not significantly change the statistics.

Of course, even if the positive impact of the low prices of oil products on commercial and industrial activities may lead to improving the economic growth of the country, it may however not last for long.

Other noted economists and financial managers are more unenthusiastic still, predicting that the reported oil price roll back is only a temporary after-effect of the price irregularity in the world market. Furthermore, it is also widely believed that the government will have no choice but to move every able body it can – meaning the country’s working population to the most competitive and productive ways possible while the prices of oil continues to fluctuate radically in the days ahead. Still, it might get harder to muddle through in the future, since there are indications that the most important thing to watch is the unprecedented oil price increases dictated by the oil-producing countries.

All of which means that consumers

always have to be prepared and remain alert at all times, because even boosted by a lower price next week, prices of fuel products are expected to increase without prior notice. Right now, the latest oil price hike has taken center stage just like when prices likewise plummeted merely to a certain level, of course, only a fraction of any price adjustment. While the country’s oil companies notably the so-called “Big Three”- Petron, Shell and Chevron together with the small players reported with assurance that more price roll backs are expected in the days ahead, government on the other hand should not take the assertion as a permanent commitment. As always expected that when it comes to oil prices hike trend, the government suffers from what can be called a reliability and credibility problem of its own.

Independent economists and business analysts foresee the expected oil price roll back as merely temporary, but the impending oil price hikes will never slow down or stop anytime soon. Top government and energy executives therefore should not let their guards down because when a price roll back is over, we will be back again to a vicious cycle of oil price hikes. So what kind of assurance does the powerful oil cartel is bragging about? We always have to bear in mind there is no such thing as a never-ending oil price roll back and government should treat the current pricing trend as a temporary breather to map new strategies anytime prices of oil products would continue again moving upward.

If that happens - anytime soon, there’s nothing we can do about it because we are perennially dependent on oil imports – a perpetual burden confronting the country and its socio-economic activities.

Ban and no ban: A modest proposal

OR THE last several years, I had let the old and new years come and go with shrugs – the bangs and the booms not disturbing my midnight peace. I never liked the powder smoke to stimulate my asthma or a stray bullet to kiss my head. But last Tuesday, I became curious; I monitored the ritual.

What I write here refers only to the ritual as I heard and saw in my place, a stretch of dry lands with forests and roaring rivers 74 years ago. How the new came and the old went is from my perspective – its similarity or difference from how the ritual unfolded in the other parts of the country being merely incidental. And, so is my modest proposal.

No firecracker ban exists in General Santos City. All people here, in particular my neighbors in my 74-year-old Lagao, are free to explode anything including their heads – within the limits of their willingness to empty their pockets to satisfy their hunger for the bangs, booms, bangs.

The late afternoon and the early evening were silent like in any ordinary day. This early in past years – years and years past – scattered bangs, booms, bangs were a prelude to the fiery midnight concert punctuated by rat-a-tat-tats and thundering, shuddering booms. Was the unusual silence the signal of a song never sang before, “Silent New Year”?

Towards midnight, solitary bangs, booms, bangs began – within the hour, coming in minute intervals. At the last quarter of the last hour, I went out of my study to see the midnight. Only a faint powder smell greeted me with flashes of the bangs, booms and bangs – but not that deafening, just a thud compared to memories of past thundering new years. Together with some

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

COMMENTARY

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ fireworks multi-coloring the skies, they proclaim the spirit that will forever live.

I think the rising costs of the bangs, booms, bangs have taken a toll on the traditional celebration of the New Year and the Christmas nights. More than ever, given their freedom, people are still willing to risk life and limbs but their pockets are getting shallower and shallower by the year. Time was when the cost of a firecracker did not factor into their media noche plate. Not now!

Time was when a firecracker was just that – “spit fire” and “cracked”. Merrymakers pinched crackers at the lower rim whirling them above their heads while “spitting fire” then “cracking”. No harm; just fun!

But firecrackers have grown stronger and stronger – not just “cracking” but “exploding”. And they also have become costlier and costlier, more and more dangerous to life and limbs. In reality, firecracker manufacturing has become a major explosive industry – like tobacco and liquor, an evil but necessary for the employment and taxes it generates.

The New Year I witnessed must be “tame” compared to the revelries in Metro Manila and other places in Luzon. Despite the ban on lethal types of “firecrackers” and the firing of guns, the injuries and deaths this year were reported to be more than last year. A threemonth-old baby in Ilocos Sur was killed in his crib by a “stray” bullet. What paradox: merrymaking cum man-made calamity!

To paraphrase Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “To ban or not to ban is question.” In reality, it is

not a question. In 2002, Davao City Mayor Digoy “Killjoy” Duterte imposed a total ban on everything that “cracks” or “explodes” including live ammunition from guns in the “city and farms” of the entire Davao City on Christmas, New Year and other festivities. From reports, for 12 years now the complete banishment of the “joy that kills” has been greatly appreciated – the “joy” not missed, the “kill” avoided.

Has the entire Philippines have to be Davao City? That is an extremely ambitious proposal! How many have guts – many call it “balls” – like those Mayor Digoy, even to the displeasure of human rights advocates. Certainly, even the President lacks them.

Here’s a modest proposal. Ban all – repeat, ALL – types of “firecrackers cum explosives”; they are the danger to life and limbs. Allow only the pyrotechnics. These may not be affordable to all. But let the spirit of merrymaking be also the spirit of merry-sharing – the “full-pockets” sharing their blessings with the “empty-pockets”.

In the spirit of the seasons, let Christmas and New Year’s eves be the time for pyrotechnic festivals or “Pyro Fests”. Local governments can sponsor them with modest prizes.

In cities and big population centers, big sponsors can be tapped with big prizes. This can encourage creativity among Filipinos.

Some taxes and employments will be lost.

As the saying goes, “Lose some, gain some”. (“Comment” is Mr. Patricio P. Diaz’ column for MindaViews, the opinion section of MindaNews. The Titus Brandsma Media Awards recently honored Mr. Diaz with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his “commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator and Peace Advocate.” You can reach him at patpdiazgsc@ yahoo.com.)

9

Good governance is citizen power WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

I

Part 1 of 2

F YOU believe that the essence of democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, it follows that you believe in autonomy or self-governance.

To be true to this belief, you would be a dutiful citizen with a keen interest in public affairs. You would be involved in matters of governance— the decisions and actions entailed in managing community affairs.

Being a dutiful citizen, you would be concerned not only with your personal welfare, or your family’s, but also with the wellbeing of your community or barangay, which requires good governance.

This concern for local welfare is essential to the overall interests of government, for it is the level closest to individual citizens and their neighborhood on which our republic is anchored.

To be Meaningful, all the Way to the Grassroots!

If autonomy or self-governance is not operative at the base, it would be meaningless; if operative down to the municipal level only, it is one level removed from the people or the community. It would anchor government and the political system on elected officials who merely represent the people but are not the people themselves.

It would not tap into the reservoir of people power, the barangay, in which reside the sovereignty of the republic and all authority wielded by its functionaries or officials.

Being the wellspring of political power and authority, on this level (grassroots) hinges the legitimacy, strength, and stability of our republic.

So What?

It is important to be involved in the governing process of our community or barangay. If we’re not involved—meaning, we don’t participate—in effect we deprive government of our ideas, convictions, energy, and the moral support it needs from its power source (citizens).

In other words, we are withdrawing our support from the overall force that drives our society and government.

Though one may think lowly of one’s self, or believe one’s self to be socially or politically insignificant, one’s sovereignty matters as much as every other citizen’s and exerts its own influence on others — who will then subtract their own support from the pool, and so on around their circle of influence.

Ultimately, it weakens society and government even more. Like the proverbial last straw that breaks a camel’s back, withdrawing our support may well break down our civilization.

Negative/Positive Involvement There are variations to being involved, however. Positive or negative. For instance, one can be.

10

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

Six...FFROM 2 olation of the Dangerous Drugs Act (9165); Jerson Roquez, for theft; Sander Fernandez for sniffing a volatile substance; Jason Templado for theft; Andy Matus, for 9165, Richard Baruga, for rape, and John Rasonable for violation of the firecracker ban.

He said that about 10: 00 a.m last Sunday, while conducting inspection inside the detention

cell he saw a large hole in the ceiling allegedly done by the detainees.

Damage was estimated at P2,000.

Bargio said that the act of destroying property owned by the government constitutes malicious mischief.

The penalty is prison correccional or a minimum of 6 months imprisonment. [EPC]

victimized a retired police officer, a doctor and a businessman last December 24 and 25, taking some P1.5 million worth of belongings.

Consulta said that after receiving information about Peralta’s whereabouts at 1:00 a.m., he immediately formed a team and conducted patrol in the area. After few minutes, they saw Peralta aboard a motorcycle who drew a grenade which prompted the police to

fire at the suspected robber.

Police recovered valuable items and several pawn papers under the suspect’s name, electrical tools and a pair of rubber shoes.

Meanwhile, police also nabbed Dexter Bustamante, a resident of Talusa Talomo, allegedly responsible for ransacking houses in Rolling Hills subdivision. He is facing charges of theft before the city prosecution office.

The budget for the CNA incentive will be sourced solely from agency savings from the following items: traveling, communication, repair and maintenance, transportation and delivery, supplies and materials, and utility.

Meanwhile, the DACHEA Supreme Council also elected its new set of officers who will sit for the next three years.

Aside from Zimmerman, also elected were Eduardo Calvo as Vice President, Ivonne Kempis as Secretary, Reynan Librado as Treasurer, Raymundo Hernandez as Business Manager, Resilia Atuel as PIO and Christopher Asibal as Sergeant-at-Arms.

The new set of officers has committed to promote the welfare of its member employees. [City Information Office]

the business tax and income tax from the operations of the plant.

On the other hand, Dayanghirang said that members of the three joint committees namely the committees on environment, energy and franchise will conduct ocular inspection of the proposed expansion of

the plant in Binugao, Toril.

On Dec. 3, 2013, the City Council has approved on first reading the application for expansion of Therma South Inc. of Aboitiz for the operation of additional 345 megawatts coal power plant in the city.

the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will typically experience polyuria (frequent urination), they will become increasingly thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).”

Dr. Ferrer said that stress, unhealthy lifestyle, poor dieatary, weight gain contributed in the influx of Filipinos with this disease. Males and females of any age are susceptible to this

metabolic disease.

He said that 90 percent of people with diabetes or known as type 2 diabetes were adults, while only 10 percent belongs to the type 1 diabetes which is diagnosed to children.

He said that kids were no longer resistant to diabetes because of lack of physical activities. Most kids are now “techie” and tends to play with their gadgets rather than engaging in social activities.

He said that as early as 20 years old, one can acquire this, so early detection and change of lifestyle is a must.

Cops...FFROM 2

SILENT KILLER. Diabetes Philippines- Davao chapter immediate past president Dr. Roy B. Ferrer discloses during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday that diabetes climbed up to number 6 from being ranked 9th in the top 10 causes of mortality in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

Rich...FFROM 1

Davao City have allowed themselves to be fronts of big-time traders, a reason some of them are not afraid to defy the ordinance.

He said the real identities of the vendors are also being ascertained in reaction to suspicion that many of them don’t even know the names of city officials except that of Mayor Duterte, indicating that they may not even be residents of Davao City, another violation of the ordinance.

Amid threats received by members of the unit, a briefing will be conducted with some 2,000 sidewalk vendors on January 10 to discuss problems hampering the smooth implementation of the city’s campaign to rid the sidewalks of vendors.

Jimlani told reporters yesterday in the weekly “Kapehan sa Dabaw” at the annex of SM City, that a whole-day meeting with sidewalk vendors will be held.

Vendors coming as far as from Bunawan in the north and Calinan in the west and the downtown area will converge at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym) for

the gathering next week.

He said vendors from the Toril area may not attend the citywide consultation, as they voluntarily demolished their shanties.

Jimlani lauded the gesture of the Toril vendors who were led by the big investors, including owners of commercial buildings there.

He said that he will discuss with vendors about ways to solve conflicts. Also to be tackled are issued in the final implementation of the night market ordinance that was approved by the city council last month.

“It will be the mayor (Rodrigo Duterte) who will make the announcement,” Jimlani said.

Jimlani also denied the statement of some vendors that he authorized them to sell on the sidewalks especially those who are at Ilustre and Duterte streets during the Christmas season until January 2.

“Ang mga sidewalk vendors man gud nato. Last December, no one (actually) gave the authority to vend anywhere. Ang gibuhat man gud nila they were using the mayor and even my name,” he said.

However, Jimlani said that they just gave considerations to vendors to do business during the Christmas season.

“When I go around yesterday (January 5) I nothing changed in the area. Naa pa gihapon sila na nag vend sa mga areas na atong gibawal sa ilaha.”

Meanwhile, amid threats received by members of the Davao City Demolition Unit, a briefing will be conducted with some 2,000 sidewalk vendors on January 10 to discuss problems hampering the smooth implementation of the city’s campaign to rid the sidewalks of vendors.

Jimlani said that that they need to have a whole day meeting with sidewalk vendors after the unit’s personnel received threats.

“It was aired on the radio that they were just waiting for me to go to Tibungco kay if I have to borrow the word ‘tirahon ko nila didto’,” Jimlani said.

Jimlani expects around 2,000 vendors, mostly coming from Bunawan and Calinan, at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym) next week.

He said that they will also talk about ways to solve conflict issues as well as the night market ordinance that was approved by the city council last month.

“It will be the mayor (Rodrigo Duterte) who will make the announcement,” Jimlani said.

Jimlani also denied the statement of some vendors that he authorized them to sell on the sidewalks especially those who are at Ilustre and Duterte streets.

“Ang mga sidewalk vendors man gud nato.

Last December, no one (actually) gave the authority to vend anywhere. Ang gibuhat man gud nila they were using the mayor and even my name,” he said.

However, Jimlani said that they just gave considerations to vendors to do business during the Christmas season.

“When I go around yesterday (January 5) I nothing changed in the area. Naa pa gihapon sila na nag vend sa mga areas na atong gibawal sa ilaha.”

Another suspect was seen in another CCTV footage buying an MSM-HK brand 9V batteries at the KSM Kim Sheng RTW and Fashion Accessories.

Dela Rosa said the mall was the only distributor of the battery, which was seen in both blast sites, in the city.

The suspects have yet to be apprehended.

Speed limits EO 39 set the speed limits of all vehicles plying the city’s roads and highways to 30 kph, 40 kph, and 60 kph, with the lowest speeds set within the city’s downtown streets and the highest speeds on roads leading towards neighboring cities.

Duterte said he was

merely implementing Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which was signed into law on June 20, 1964.

A number of taxi drivers have complained their incomes are down by about 300 pesos because of the speed limits.

But Councilor Leo Avila said there has yet to be a formal complaint filed against the measure.

Duterte, said the speed limits would stay even if there are complaints from several sectors, citing RA 4136.

Aid for Visayas The infographic also showed the city’s help, in the form of medical, rescue, and financial aid, to

Tacloban City after super typhoon Yolanda hit the region on November 8.

The city handed out P7 million to the Yolanda-affected areas.

Duterte, who was among the first to send a composite team composed of doctors, rescue personnel, and members of the city’s Task Force Davao, ordered the security team guarding the aid convoy to shoot looters on the foot if they attempt to hurt or impede the caravan the city sent to Tacloban.

Duterte himself flew to the typhoon-struck areas three days after the typhoon.

Earlier, the city also gave financial aid amounting to P18.5 million for Bo-

hol and Cebu after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the region on October 15.

Emergency response The city also augmented its rescue vehicles during the period, acquiring 10 additional ambulances for the the city’s Central 911 response system.

The city also added 42 more mobile patrol vehicles and motorcycles for the Davao City Police, the infographic said.

Literacy The city also won the National Literacy Hall of Fame Award for being a three-time first-placer in the Outstanding Local Government Unit, Highly Urbanized City category.

[MindaNews]

Speed... FFROM 2

CNA...FFROM 3

Tax...FFROM 3

Time...FFROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

AGRITRENDS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

11

Processing center improves corn quality “C

HADA ang mais” is how farmers here describe their corn produce. Chada is a unique word among Cagay-anons referring to anything nice or good.

«Claveria is one of the major corn producing towns in the province and we are confident that our produce is of good quality owing not only to our fertile lands but also the availability of post harvest facility,” said municipal agriculturist Pat Dumaloan of Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

He said farmers can are now selling Class A corn grains, which command better price and offer higher income to farmers.

This is far from the situation before where farmers bear the brunt of huge postharvest losses due to lack of adequate facility.

«Drying of corn was a big challenge then especially during rainy season as plenty of grains were damaged since farmers cannot immediately and properly store their produce,» Dumalaon said.

To address the postharvest need of the farmers in the area, the local agriculture office sought the help of Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office in Region 10.

To maximize resources, the DA corn program provided the P3.5 milling equipment while the building construction

was sourced out from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), a special project that is also under DA. A village-type processing center was then established in Barangay Patrocinio, one of the town’s leading corn-producing villages. The said project has a 10-ton milling capacity per day.

The said facility has significantly reduced the post harvest losses and enhanced quality of corn produce which usually classified as «Class A» among corn buyers in Cagayan de Oro. «Our corn grains are now classified as ‹Class A› It has also reduced transport cost as farmers no longer need to travel long distance just to mill our harvest,» said Duane Casino, one of the farmer beneficiaries.

«This project serves as a convergence project where DA regular and special project harmonized its efforts and resources to bring more impact in the community,» said DA regional director Lealyn Ramos.

Ramos who is also the concurrent MRDP program director said MRDP is advocating for harmonization of DA›s engagement with the local government units to mainstream good practices in project implementation.

«Our local government handles the maintenance

Municipal agriculturist Pat Dumalaon of Claveria, Misamis Oriental checks on the operations of the corn processing center which significantly reduces post harvest losses in the area. [Sherwin B. Manual.] of the facility through the special trust fund from our Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO),» Dumalaon said.

While the corn processing in the barangay had been operational for more a year now, farmers from other barangays keep on coming to avail themselves of the said facility.

«When we learned of MRDP›s big-ticket projects with the provincial government,

we proposed for a bigger corn processing center to accommodate the growing demand for postharvest facility,» Dumalaon said.

Having a good track record in effectively managing the existing project, the community availed itself of P10 million worth of processing center established within the vicinity.

In November this year, the said was project launched and is now fully operational.

National Year of Rice successful A

N OFFICIAL of the Department of Agriculture had commended the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the implementation of the National Year of Rice (NYR2013), which had reached about 51.5M Filipinos Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, undersecretary for special concerns, said NYR2013 has been “suc-

cessful in raising awareness not only on the department’s initiatives to increase rice productivity and farmers` income but in uniting all sectors for rice self-sufficiency and export of premium rice.”

Puyat, who led the recent CelebRICE: A night for the RICEponsibles in Manila, said that the campaign had built a strong foundation for the agri-

culture industry, ensuring continuous productivity.

However, she admitted that the department`s confidence is dampened by climate change, which she said is also agriculture`s biggest threat.

“We may not be able to control when and where typhoons will hit or when droughts will occur. But we have to make sure that production is stable and

that farmers are earning from their crop,” she said.

Puyat also lauded PhilRice for being successful in informing the public about agriculture programs, disseminating better farming practices, promoting other crops that may be alternatives to rice such as corn and cassava, and lobbying measures to reduce rice wastage. [PhilRice]

INETY percent of the Department of Agriculture (DA) budget for Region XI has been disbursed, but only 70 percent of its projects for 2013 have been completed, an official said.

In the agency’s 2013 report, DA 11 regional director Remelyn R. Recoter cited lack of coordination between project contractors, local government units (LGUs), and the agency as the reason for the non-completion of some of its projects.

She said the agency had to contend with partner institutions and entities that did not submit documents on time, as well as the non-submission of a master list of recipients and beneficiaries.

She also cited that LGUs lack the “technical and absorptive capacity,” and several contractors and suppliers did not comply with specifications.

Recoter said that during the pre-procurement process, changes

in sites and problems on road right of way were still major concerns in project implementation.

DA 11’s finished projects included those for livestock, rice, corn and other high value crops.

For the agency’s key rice programs, Recoter said that the agency was waiting for the LGUs to comply with the enabling documents before the programs can be fully implemented.

The rice varieties for the program are undergo-

ing analysis, she said.

According to the Philippine Senate’s Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office, the DA was allocated the fifth largest budget for 2013, at P64.47 billion.

The budget covered support for corn, coconut, and fisheries output, in the government’s aim for food security for the year.

Irrigation budget amounted to P27.3 billion or an increase of 12 percent from the 2012 budget. [MindaNews]

DA 11 projects for 2013 only 70% complete N

The MRDP›s Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) provided P8 million while the provincial government of Misamis Oriental provided the P2 million counterpart.

«With the two existing facilities, we can now serve more corn farmers and improve not only the quality of their product but also their income,» Dumalaon said The efforts of the LGU, DA and MRDP to improve

postharvest practices in the town has not gone unnoticed as the town garnered the “corn quality” award in October this year.

Corn quality award is given by the DA- Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards for the reduction of losses and prevention of aflatoxin in corn. An annual average corn yield of not lower than 3.5 MT per hectare was also required, a target that Claveria did not only meet but exceeded. [Noel T. Provido/DA-MRDP]

PHL to host biggest food show in ASEAN

T

HE Department of Agriculture has expressed its full support to the staging in the Philippines in June 2014 of what could be Southeast Asia’s largest food exhibition. It is an opportunity for the country’s food, agriculture and agribusiness industries to pitch their export products to the world.

“SIAL or Salon International de l’Agroalimentaire (SIAL) is coming to Asia next year via SIAL ASEAN, and DA is proud to support and take part in it,” said OIC-Asst. Sec. for Marketing and concurrent Agriculture Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) director Leandro Gazmin.

Assistance from DA will be in form of sponsorship, Director Gazmin said, adding that Filipino farmers and fishers – who provide the raw materials for the exporters and processors – stand to benefit from the trade and networking activities that will

take place throughout the duration of the four-day affair.

Holding it in the Philippines offers a chance for more local participation among local exporters, processors and other agribusiness players, who could take the opportunity to showcase a wider array of their best products and services – all at lesser logistical costs. SIAL ASEAN expects 800 exhibitors – half of whom are international – and 15,000 visitors, the official website reports.

Focused on the theme “Best-Kept Secret for Food Business in Asia,” the SIAL ASEAN will be held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on Roxas Boulevard on 11-14 June 2014, in conjunction with the Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) of MAFBEX Events Management, which will be conducted in a separate venue inside the WTC complex. It also coincides with SIAL’s 50th anniversary.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

Bryant on All-Star: Don’t pick me

L

OS ANGELES (AP) -While Kobe Bryant heals from his latest injury, he has an unusual campaign message for the fans who select the NBA All-Star game’s starters: Don’t vote for me.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar guard is hoping fans elect younger, more deserving players to start next month’s showcase in New Orleans.

Bryant is a 15-time All-Star selection, a four-

time All-Star game MVP and the top scorer in the game’s history. He says he’d be honored if he’s voted in again, but isn’t even sure he’ll be ready to play.

Bryant has played in just six games this season, and he’s out for several more weeks while a broken bone near his knee heals.

He made his season debut Dec. 8, eight months after tearing his Achilles tendon.

ABOVE THE RIM. Gienbra forward Japeth Aguilar goes up for an easy slam as San Mig Coffee defenders Rafi Reavis, PJ Simon and Mark Baroca look on helplessly. PBA Images

Pingris: Japeth now plays NBA level B ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel forward Japeth Aguilar has been making believers out of people all conference long.

Count his Gilas Pilipinas teammate and San Mig Super Coffee Mixers star Marc Pingris among them.

“Hindi naman siya ganyan dati. Mga past game niya before, struggle. Ngayon, laging best player. Parang NBA player eh. Yun na yata yung sinasabi nila,” he said.

“Talagang pinapakita niya sino si Japeth Aguilar.

Dati naririnig ko, matangkad lang yan. Mataas lang tumalon. Pero ngayon hindi. Talagang ginampanan niya yung trabaho niya.”

Pingris and the Mixers pulled out a gritty win against the Gin Kings on Sunday, but had to fend off a second half charge led by twin towers Aguilar and Greg Slaughter.

“Grabe yung dalawa.

Average ni Japeth, five blocks ata per game. Kani-

na hindi ko na nga nakikita yung ring eh. So bahala na lang, shoot ko na lang,” Pingris said.

“Grabe yung tinaas ng laro ni Japeth tsaka ni Slaughter, pero especially si Japeth. Sa ‘kin talagang bilib ako sa laro ni Japeth ngayon.”

Aguilar finished with 26 points, leading the Gin Kings’ fightback from an 18-point first half deficit.

He also grabbed seven rebounds and blocked six shots.

Pingris spent plenty of

NEW Laker point guard Kendall Marshall is awaiting Kobe Bryant’s follow on Twitter.

time going against Aguilar in practices prior to the FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila last year.

Pingris feels that their experience in that tournament is a major reason for Aguilar’s development and hopes the best for his younger Gilas teammate.

“Laking bagay rin nung paglaro niya sa FIBA. Andami niyang na-experience dun na mas malalakas yung mga nakalaban niya. Mas matatangkad pa. And then ngayon, tingnan mo yung nilalaro niya sa PBA,” he said.

“Hopefully tuloy tuloy na yung gagawin niya hanggang [FIBA World Cup].”

BIG GAME JAMES. San Mig Coffee forward James Yap shoots over Dylan Ababou of Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Philippine Cup won by the Mixers on Sunday night. PBA Images

Warriors win 9th straight W

ASHINGTON (AP) -- There were no sports channel highlight shows the last time the Golden State Warriors won nine in a row in the same season. Even if there were, the top-10 compilers surely would have been hard-pressed to find a Gus Williams-to-Rick Barry moment that looked anything like the off-the-backboard play executed Sunday night by Stephen Curry and Andrew Bogut.

WEIRD WISH

New Laker point guard asks for Twitter follow from Kobe

A

FTER his double-double performance against the Utah Jazz, Kendall Marshall shared that he gained 8,000 to 9,000 followers on Twitter the following day at practice.

While it was a nice boost for the former 2012 lot-

tery pick, Marshall is still waiting for one person in particular to follow him back on Twitter.

An hour after Kobe Bryant tweeted that a new follow system was coming, Marshall asked the five-time champion for a follow back:

Unfortunately for Marshall, Bryant hasn’t followed him back as of Sunday morning. Maybe it’ll take another double-double for Bryant to consider adding his newest teammate. Bryant follows ‘only’ 853 on Twitter.

O

Klay Thompson scored 26 points, Curry and Bogut connected on a play worthy of the NBA’s slam dunk contest, and the Warriors won their ninth in row, beating the Washington Wizards 112-96.

The Warriors pulled away by turning a tie game at halftime into a laugher in the third quarter, opening the period with a 30-5 run that included a sequence in which Curry drove into the paint and sent the ball

flying out of his hand and off the glass. The carom went right to a leaping Bogut, who timed the play perfectly for a dunk, then stared at his right hand with mouth agape as he ran down court. ‘’I didn’t know what was going on,’’ Bogut said. ‘’I didn’t know if he was shooting or throwing a lob, but I kind of knew it was a bad shot if it was a shot. I just tried to get where the ball was coming.’’

lost three of its previous four home games after starting the season 13-0 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder (277) have the best record in the Western Conference.

Oklahoma City is 4-2 since All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook had arthroscopic knee surgery on Dec. 27.

Jeff Green and Avery Bradley scored 19 points apiece for Boston, which has lost four

straight games and seven of its last eight.

A day after the Thunder narrowly avoided a threegame losing streak - rallying from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to win at Minnesota behind Durant’s season-high 48-point effort - they seized control early against the Celtics, going on a 10-0 run in the first quarter and never trailed again.

OKC routs Celtics 119-96

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) -Reggie Jackson scored a career-high 27 points, Kevin Durant added 21 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder halted their homecourt swoon with a 119-96 win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night.

Serge Ibaka added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which had

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Looking back at 2013 and looking forward to 2014

2013 had been a whirlwind of a year with many happenings and just as many places to visit and explore.

As usual, there was my annual Hong Kong romp. What I love about Hong Kong is the affordable food as well as the energy the former British Crown Colony has. From the tip of Kowloon all the way to the heart of Hong Kong Island, there are many streets and alleyways that can be explored.

I also love the art scene as the galleries as well as the malls and public spaces of Hong Kong are filled with many creative ideas and design concepts.

Another memorable trip was to Singapore together with “Bi-polar” friends. Thanks to SilkAir’s direct connection from Davao to SIngapore, we never missed a beat on our Lion City food trip. I love the fact that Singapore’s food scene is as diverse as the many cultures and people that populate

it. On the list of must-do’s were of course the hawker centres, the food courts as well as some shopping.

Tale of two islands 2013 was also the year where I got to visit two world famous islands that were known for their white sand beaches as well as vibrant island scene.

These two islands are Boracay and Phuket in Thailand.

I was hard to believe that I was a Boracay virgin until this year, but thanks

Jumping with Bruce Lee at Hong Kong.

to my Chinoy friends, I was able to visit the island and had to much fun romping on its powderfine white-sand beaches as well as have a bite at it’s eclectic food scene. Some of my favourite meals would include dinner at Hawaiian Bar-B-Que, the Kalamansi Muffins at Real Coffee, and going marketing and having the fish and ingredients we bought cooked at D’Talipapa.

Compared to Boracay though, Phuket was a much bigger island (Thailand’s biggest), in fact the size of the island did not sink into me until I found out that it took 40 to 60 minutes to get from Phuket International Airport to Patong City (yes, there are four cities on Phuket Island). In fact, Phuket Island has four of the top ten best beaches in the world making it THE place to be if you love the sight of sun and sand.

A misadventure here and there 2013 also had a couple of misadventures one of which was an aborted trip to Taipei with Davao’s Queen of Pastry Booboo whom I was supposed to go on a Taipei food trip along with her family. As excited as I was, I had my visa, pocket money and schedules fixed. We even had our itinerary planned and ready, but then the fisherman incident happened and we had to cancel our trip. On the bright side, I was able to avoid

Enjoying the beach at Koh Kai Nai near Phuket.

Chilling out at the Maxwell Hawker Centre.

Nothing beats sunset at Boracay. taking in some calories.

Another misadventure would involve a planned Dipolog and Dapitan trip together with fellow travel writers and DOT Region 9. We were supposed to take the direct flight from Davao to Dipolog but due Yolanda, we were rerouted to Cebu and had to wait for our plane there. Un-

fortunately the sun set and we were no longer allowed to take off due to safety concerns and had to fly back to Davao the next day. We honestly did not mind though since priority was given for the relief operations flying to and out of Tacloban City.

Looking back, 2013 was a year full of new horizons

and I look forward to what the new year has to give.

A prosperous new year to everyone and may you have new horizons this 2014.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Welcome the wonderful new year with the iPhone 5s THE smartphone’s undeniable ubiquity has made it more than a communication device. These mobile devices have become extensions of our selves; it is a means for us to express our thoughts via the 140-character world of Twitter, the square pixels of Instagram, or the clickable thumbs-up on Facebook.

Because we are rarely seen without our smartphones, brands have put a premium on design in a bid to give the user not just functionality but also style, Usability and visual appeal are inextricably linked when it comes to choosing what gadget best fits us, our personality, and our lifestyle.

Apple is no stranger to good design. Jonathan Ive, who has been at the helm of the brand’s design hub since 1997, has strived to create mobile devices that boast of superb style and design.

More than aesthetics, his focus is on creating and putting together elements that provide a seamless experience for the user.

This design principle was once again brought to life with the creation of the iPhone 5s, dubbed by Apple as its “forward-thinking” handset. The latest iteration of its flagship smartphone promises a technologically-useful experience, with features meant to serve the user. Get to know the 5 reasons why you should start the year right with this season’s smartphone sensation: Superb sensor The most significant feature is the fingerprint identity sensor, where users can unlock their iPhones or authenticate purchases via the App Store or iTunes Store using one’s nominated fingerprint--it’s a brilliant approach to providing an extra layer of security for devices that house sensitive user information.

Slim and stylish Apple has also managed to squeeze in an A7 chip with 64bit mobile architecture into the iPhone 5s’s slim and stylish frame, an engineering feat achieved without weighing down the phone.

“Selfie” expert The smartphone as a camera is not a mere alternative to a digital camera, it has evolved as a legitimate way to document memories, and the iPhone 5s’s camera update recognizes this need. The camera’s sensor has been enlarged to let in more light, letting you take great photos even in low-light conditions.

Sleek and smooth The iPhone 5s retains its classic metallic look, adding another precious element--gold--to its space gray and silver lineup. It’s a premium device with more color options to cater to more discriminating users.

Speed and strength More than style, the iPhone 5s is also a powerhouse device equipped with up to 13 LTE bands, enabling users to experience fast download and upload speeds wherever, whenever.

Enjoy these amazing specs with a postpaid plan that will give you an enriched and full-featured iPhone experience. “Welcome the wonderful new year with an iPhone 5s from the one who knows iPhone best. With our long-standing partnership with Apple in bringing the iPhone to Filipinos, Globe is poised to offer iPhone users the best deals, offers, and customer experience,” says Raul Macatangay, Head of Postpaid Business and Devices at Globe Telecom.

The iPhone 5s is available from Globe under its iPhone Forever plan, where subscribers can get the device for free at Plan 1999 complete with 1GB of LTE surfing and monthly consumable for calls and texts. With the iPhone Forever, iPhone fanatics and loyalists can get the latest iPhone year after year. Subscribers with other smartphone devices can also avail of the iPhone Forever and swap their handsets with minimum cash-out.

Meanwhile, subscribers can also avail of the iPhone 5s for free for as low as P1,799/month for a 24-month contract period with Globe mySUPERPLAN, complete with unlimited LTE surfing and free calls and texts.

Each postpaid plan subscription also comes equipped with peace of mind via Globe Gadget Care, which protects your phone against accidental damage, robbery or theft, as well as free access to Facebook until January 25, 2014, so you can send out postholiday greetings or share your New Year’s resolutions at no cost.

For more details about Globe iPhone plans and offers, visit www.globe.com.ph/iphone, call the Globe Sales Hotline at 7301010, or drop by the Globe Store nearest you.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA International bringing the Kapuso experience abroad

GMA International, the business unit that manages the operation and distribution of GMA Network’s international channels, marks another year of success as it continues to strengthen its presence abroad.

The year 2013 saw GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International reaching more Filipino households abroad with Palau and Malaysia being the latest addition to over a hundred countries and territories where the channels are available.

In an effort to provide its viewers with better services, the channels were also launched on new carriers in Singapore, Canada, and, most notably, in the Middle East which has the second largest Filipino population next to North America.

Consistent with the Network’s purpose of providing superior news and entertainment, GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV presented its subscribers with new original shows such as The Balikbayan Project, the first original series produced

by GMA Pinoy TV, which follows the Basco family as they rediscover their roots in the Philippines, and Home Away From Home, a docu-series that features the homes of noteworthy Filipinos from all over the world. Furthermore, GMA News TV International has included regional newscasts in its programming lineup, in order to connect our kababayans overseas with their home provinces.

Rachelle Ann and Christian Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai.

Carla and Tom US tour.

As a testament to its successful endeavors throughout the year, GMA International has also been recognized by various award-giving bodies for their business practices and original programs.

GMA won a record of eight NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA), a prestigious global marketing competition, which is the most the Network has received in its history of inclusion in the said com-

Dennis and Glaiza.

Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai Meet and Greet.

GMAI PIDC parade Vallejo, California.

Kuh and Jonalyn US tour. petition.

GMA Pinoy TV’s longest running program on immigration law, Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika, garnered a bronze Telly Award in the Information Category and won for Best TV Show in the Migration Advocacy and Media Awards.

Moreover, the program was cited for its Outstanding Reporting on Civil Liberties Ethnic Communities in the NAM Ethnic Media Awards.

Furthermore, Power ng Pinoy, a program that showcases success stories of Filipinos abroad, also accumulated major wins in three prestigious competitions, receiving two gold Hermes Awards, two bronze Tellys, and an Honorable Mention in the Plaridel Awards.

Continuously upholding its promise of bringing Filipinos closer to home, the Network’s international operations unit goes beyond developing original and relevant programming for its Filipino subscribers by also initiating on-ground events for the Filipino community abroad.

To celebrate its eighth year, GMA International, with My-HD, its new partner in the Middle East, brought Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Julie Ann San Jose and Marian Rivera to Dubai for a concert entitled Kapusong Pinoy sa

Dubai which attracted scores of supporters from the Middle East.

Likewise, Kapuso artists were on hand to join their fellow Pinoys in the different celebrations of Philippine Independence Day outside the country. Apart from these festivities, GMA International also took part in the OPM Festival and Pista sa Nayon event in Canada, which highlighted the best of Filipino Music; Battle of the Barrios, a talent competition for the Fil-Am youth in New York; and the eagerly anticipated My Husband’s Lover US Tour that solidified the show’s status as a groundbreaking success.

Owing to recent events, some carriers of GMA International broadcast the channels free of charge, effectively keeping our overseas countrymen updated on the developments since the Yolanda tragedy. GMA International also showed solidarity with the Filipino community abroad in the fundraising initiatives for the victims of the typhoon.

“GMA International remains one at heart with Filipinos abroad,” expressed GMA VP and Head of International Operations, Joseph Francia. “We look forward to continuing our efforts of sharing the Kapuso experience to our kababayans in the years to come.”

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Star Cinema jumpstarts 2014 with Bride For Rent FRESH from its critical and box-office triumph in the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival, Star Cinemas continues its 20th anniversary celebration as it opens 2014 with a bang with Bride For Rent – a romantic comedy starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. Directed by box-office director Mae Czarina Cruz, whose most notable recent work is 2013’s smash hit She’s The One, Bride For Rent marks the muchawaited silver screen reunion of Kim and Xian who are arguably considered as one of the hottest blockbuster love-teams in the country today.

Bride For Rent is a hilarious love story centered on Rocco Espiritu (Lim) and Rocky Espiritu (Chiu) who are both in desperate need of money. Rocco needs to get married to have access to his sizable trust fund while Rocky on the other hand is frantic for rent money lest her whole family gets evicted and homeless.

Rocco conspires with Rocky who agrees to act as his “pseudo wife” in exchange for a huge “talent fee.” A series of sidesplitting problems arise as Rocco and Rocky implement their deceitful plot. Would their plan work or would it backfire on them with the pos-

sibility of them developing actual feelings with each other?

It should be noted that Bride For Rent is the very first film collaboration between Kim and Xian after their 2013 smash hit Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? The film also features the grand comeback of Asia’s Queen Of Songs Pilita Corrales to the big-screen as she portrays a very special role. Both film buffs and fans of the Kim-Xian loveteam can look forward to

an unforgettable and feelgood cinematic experience with Bride For Rent which is the perfect way to jumpstart the New Year.

Bride For Rent is showing in all cinemas nationwide starting January 15.

For more information and latest updates about “BRIDE FOR RENT”and other Star Cinema’s 20th anniversary movie offerings, simply visit www.StarCinema.com. ph, http://facebook.com/ StarCinema and http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

Marc and Amy join forces to bring good news in ‘Sakto’

“Kaka” Marc Logan and “Chang” Amy Perez are your new companions on radio discussing the latest issues, hottest topics, and relevant day-to-day information every weekday morning starting on January 6 in their newest magazine-talk show “Sakto” on DZMM. With Marc and Amy’s lively and well-loved antics, “Sakto” tackles social issues in a lighter but engaging manner and delivers extensive discussions on family matters, human interest stories, and success tales that will inspire the masses.

In the segment “Panalo Ka Diyan,” parents are given a chance to showcase and take pride in their children’s achievements by showing photos of their notable moments. Moms and dads, meanwhile, are the stars in “’Nay Ko Po” and “’Tay Naman.”

Marc and Amy also help listeners and viewers, especially the housewives, in

MY LITTLE BOSSINGS 2D Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Ryzza Mae Dizon, James “Bimby” Yap

fixing the family’s weekly food budget with their recipe ideas in “Lutong Bahay.”

The program also features trending personalities in “Guest Who.” Real-life dad and mom Marc and Amy also offer advice to parents for common problems at home.

“Sakto” is replacing the program “Rated Korina” anchored by Korina Sanchez.

The award-winning broadcast journalist takes a leave on DZMM to concentrate on her postgraduate stud-

ies. She informed the management about her plans in the middle of the year 2013.

Don’t miss “Sakto” every Monday to Friday, 10AM on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), and the online livestreaming on dzmm. com.ph. For updates, follow @DZMMTeleradyo on Twitter or like www.facebook. com/DZMMTeleR adyo.

Express your thoughts on social media by using the hashtags #FunFunChang and #FunFunKaka.

GP

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

KIMMY DORAL: ANG KIYEMENG PREQUEL 2D Eugene Domingo, Sam Milby PG 13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

GIRL BOY BAKLA TOMBOY 2D Vice Ganda PG 13

11:35 | 1:40 | 3:45 | 5:50 | 7:55 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 PAGPAG 2D Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

EVENTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Paskuhan sa GenSan 2013 PASKO ng Pagkakaisa, Hudyat ng Pag-asa, is the theme of Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013, it’s a shoot-out to spark hope and inspiration for our brothers and sisters who’re victims of the recent superstorm Typhoon Yolanda and earthquake in Visayas. No matter how much difficult or miserable things are, they should know that they are not alone. It is true that 2013 has been tough for the Philippines, but it is always amazing how Filipinos are able to pick themselves up, shakeoff everything bad, and learn from the events that took place then later on just smile and carry on.

Paskuhan sa Gensan is organized by General Santos City Tourism council, headed by the Gensans First Lady, who’s also the councils chairperson, Ms. Jane Gollon-Rivera, in cooperation with DepEd Gensan, and the added support of the Department of Tourism Region 12 and Philbest Canning Corporation.

The opening of the Pamilihan ng Bayan (Christmas Bazaar) and Christmas Carnival kicked-off the celebration, on Dec 6 at the Oval Plaza. The whole month of December featured different fun, inspiring and entertaining events from various private and government sectors.

Variety shows from

NDDU, MSU & STI College, on Dec 10,11& 14. Born is the King, an inter-church band competition on Dec 12 & 13.

Ginoo at Binininning Heneral Santos, Dec 20 at SM City Gensan. Ang Pasko ng Batang Pinoy that took place on December 21, where up to 520 kids, plus 100 kids not included in the list arrived, were all

made happy with food, games, face painting and toys handed to them by the first lady herself, but also special parties like ACLC night , highlighted by guest celebrities Gwen Garci, Cheena Roses, Bonz Andre Militar and James Monson and Gensan Campus Idols performed for the indigent citizens of Gensan.

The feel of Christmas lit up the whole city and warmed the hearts of many with first-time events like, the Lantern Parade, Paskuhan sa Barangay, Mayor’s Night, Christmas Carols and Movies at the Park that took place on Dec15, 24, 25 and 26.

The major streets, together with the Oval Plaza

and Plaza Heneral Santos were transformed into a bright and joyous display of lights, and streetlights with parols bearing the logo of Paskuhan sa Gensan, brought by the added help from the diligent business people of the city.

Paskuhan sa Gensan culminated on December 31, 2013 with a Countdown to 2014 at the Oval Plaza, with free food, entertainment, a 15min. grand fireworks display and raffle prizes, lead by the City Mayor, Ronnel Rivera and his family.

Each and every event brought Christmas cheer to many. Undoubtedly, Paskuhan sa Gensan gets better and better every year. In the spirit of this holiday, let us rejoice, celebrate and anticipate the goodness coming to us this 2014.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 208 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

SPORTS 15

2014 AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW

READY FOR OZ

LLEYTON HEWITT. He can give the top seeds a run for their money plus he’s got the home crowd rooting for him.

Hewitt: I can do some damage in Melbourne B

RISBANE (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt will go into the Australian Open as the player the top seeds will hope to avoid in the first round, after digging into his famed store of resolve to beat Roger Federer in the Brisbane International final on Sunday.

Hewitt dominated Federer in the first set and then survived seven break points in the third to capture a morale-boosting 6-1 4-6 6-3 victory ahead of the first major.

“If I play like I did this week I have a chance of doing damage to some serious players,” the 32-yearold Hewitt told reporters.

“It just gives me a lot more confidence going out there believing in how well I’m hitting the ball at the moment and that I can

match-up with the best guys.

“Obviously it’s a different stage, winning three (sets) out of five against those guys (but) that’s why I still play the game.”

The 2005 Australian Open finalist will move back into the world top 50 on the back of his success and could enter the Australian Open as his country’s number one player with Bernard Tomic defending ranking points in the Sydney International this week.

The win made Hewitt reflect on his injury battles in recent years, having been forced to undergo surgery on five occasions, most recently in February 2012, when he had a plate inserted into his toe in an attempt to extend his career.

Nadal expects ‘strange’days in Australian Open

D

oha (AFP) - Rafael Nadal sounded relieved on Sunday to be flying to Australia in better condition than he might have expected for the first Grand Slam event of the year and one that he described as “strange”.

A fine two-hour final at the Qatar Open, in which the world number one beat Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, dragged some of Nadal’s best tennis from him and gave him a physical and psychological test he certainly needed.

TRAINING EARLY. Dusstin Brown of the USA trains ahead of the 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. (Getty Images)

M

RAFAEL NADAL. Strange days in Australia are expected and he’s ready for that.

It will have given him confidence that he is in good enough shape to challenge in a week’s time for a major title he has not won for five years.

“It’s difficult because the Australian Open is very early. It would be better to play it a bit later. It can be only the second tournament (of the year) that you are competing in, and it’s one of the most important, so it’s a bit strange,” said Nadal after sealing his 61st career title.

“But it’s strange every year. I hope to have a good week’s preparation in Melbourne and try to adapt.”

Nadal nevertheless reckoned that what he most probably will have to adapt to is good for his style of play -- the Melbourne heat makes the balls quicker, and it also makes them bounce more, both characteristics which he believes suit him.

The Spaniard believes, however, that by competing in Doha rather than travelling straight to Australia to practise or to play a tournament there, there are

positives and negatives.

The final with Monfils enhanced the positives, and still leaves him, he believes, with enough time to acclimatise after the long journey.

“If you haven’t adapted in six days it means you will never be adapted,” he said.

“But I don’t go thinking about adapting. I think about things I want to get practising, to be competitive. I want to play the way I did today, and if I can do that more often my game will be at a higher level.

“Today was the first day that I did that (this year) and I want to go on doing it until it becomes natural and normal.”

The things which particularly pleased the Spaniard were playing with a much higher intensity than previously, hitting more ground strokes from inside the baseline -- where he can more easily attack -changing direction much better with his forehand drive.

When he does this it can become the most potent weapon in tennis.

“It’s important to have these feelings,” he

next year.”

The eight division world champion also addressed the rumors that the mega-fight is set to September.

“If it was already a done deal, is it possible for me not to know about

it? I know nothing about the reports in the newspapers,” Pacquiao said. He also denied that he will be flying to the United States to meet with Mayweather.

“I have no plan to go to the U.S. to talk to Floyd; that’s also not true,” he added.

emphasised. “I played a good match. In the second set I think I played only two bad shots and yet Gael still won it.

“I knew that I had to go for winners and I played much more aggressively today, and that’s important. It’s important to leave this tournament with these feelings.”

He thought for a moment and then he added: “I would rather prefer to arrive in Australia with these feelings. After five matches here I will have positive confidence, but of course it doesn’t guarantee that I will be playing well in Australia.”

The stakes will be high, but Nadal has further reasons for optimism.

They relate to the world number one ranking which he wrenched from Novak Djokovic at the tail end of his remarkable 2013 season.

Djokovic is the Australian Open titleholder, and so has a lot of ranking points to defend.

Nadal, by contrast, missed Melbourne last year because of his troublesome injured knees and has no points to defend.

Manny charges back at Floyd: Wait until 2015

ANNY Pacquiao sent a clear message to Floyd Mayweather. If he wants a fight without having to deal with Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum, he will have to wait until 2015.

In a telephone interview with Philboxing’s Eddie Alinea, Pacquiao clarified that a fight against Mayweather is not possible this year without Arum’s blessing.

“Floyd has also been saying, he will only fight

me if I separate from Top Rank and Bob Arum.

That’s impossible because my contract is valid until the end of this year,” Pacquiao explained in Filipino. “If my contract is not renewed, we can only talk about a possible fight

“I have been saying this over and over again, I am not afraid to fight anybody, but if somebody doesn’t want to fight me, same here. I, too, won’t face him who doesn’t want to face me,” Pacquiao shared.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports EDGE Davao Partners 80 squads in Gaisano South Cup

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE208 208••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,JANUARY JANUARY7,7,2014 2014

Davao

A

BANNER field of 80 squads from schools all over Davao City and neighboring cities see action in the 10th season of the longest-running private-run school-based league Gaisano South Cup (formerly Gaisano Grand Cup) which opens on January 18 and will culminate on March in time for the celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw.

The league will have four divisions according to Karla Giorgia P. Corcino, Gaisano Grand Mall Ad and Promo chief.

Of the 80 teams entered this season, 16 are vying in the centerpiece men’s senior (collegiate) division, 12 schools will compete in the Boys Mini 12-Under category while 14 will be playing in the Boys Cadet 14-Under class.

In the Boys Junior 18-Under Division 1, 7 schools will dispute for the crown while 20 in the Division 2. Girl’s Junior will have six squads.

Six schools will also see action in the Women’s senior division.

Corcino pointed out

BASKETBALL SEASON. The year’s basketball season opens with the 2014 Gaisano South Cup and SBP regional director Regino “Boy” Cua (second from left), shown here in file photo during the So Kim Cheng Awards Night, couldn’t be happier with another banner year ahead. that the tournament is for the student-athletes, the school’s and their respective fan base which is credited to the league’s unprecendented achievement over the years.

“In providing an avenue where the young one’s compete for title and, of course, school pride in showcasing

Future looks orange for DI

D

ANNY Ildefonso walked into the wooden floor of the MOA Arena donning an unfamiliar hue. Not the San Miguel red and white. Not the Petron blue but Meralco’s bright orange. He jogged into the court as the eyeballs of those present adjusted to his new look.

“Sana makapaglaro,” was the general consensus among his fans that night.

Spot minutes. Spot seconds. Something. Anything.

They just wanted to see Lakay in action again.

During his last appearance in the PBA, Ildefonso barely saw the floor for Petron. He was used sparingly in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals against the San Mig Coffee Mixers. He barely played five minutes in the series and he was in perfect shape then. Now, coming off a layoff, five minutes for this game was all the two-time PBA Most Valuable Player could ask for.

“Feeling ko kanina para akong rookie,” Ildefonso said. “Gusto ko nga sanang halikan yung flooring e, kaso madumi,” he joked. The player was in a jolly mood. Not expecting much, Ildefonso somehow played 29 minutes in the game. The spot minutes he wanted morphed into important minutes for the struggling team. He totaled 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, shooting turnaround jumpers and jump hooks like it was 10 years ago.

In the game, the Air21 Express refused to give in. They hung tough, not wanting to give Ildefonso the perfect ending to his comeback game.

A three point shot from

Nino Canaleta forced overtime. And with seconds left in the extra period, another triple from the Express shooter could have extended the game some more. At this point, Ildefonso found himself at the free throw line.

He missed the first and but made the second to seal the win for the Bolts; their first in five games. As the buzzer sounded, Ildefonso broke down. His eyes welled at the magnitude of the moment. He pulled his jersey over his face to hide the tears, taking a moment for himself before celebrating with his new teammates.

It was a random Saturday PBA game. It was between two struggling teams and the arena wasn’t even half full. But for Ildefonso, this will be one of the most memorable in his career.

“Parang first game ko ito sa pagbabalik ko e. First game ko ngayon tapos ang ganda pa nung nangyari sa akin,” Ildefonso said.

“Nakabaon na ako e.

Binuhay pa ako ng Meralco. Wala na e. Tapos na ako pero itong Meralco nagtiwala sa akin. Binigyan ako ng opportunity.

Mahirap sayangin ang ganitong opportunity.”

Ildefonso signed a one-conference pact with the Bolts. It could be a short contract for him as the Bolts could be eliminated early if they lose all their remaining games.

Ildefonso needs to help Meralco win their last three games including the last one against Petron.

their talents and potentials, we make sure that the the spirit of joy and excitement remains that enabled the league to continually lure patronage year after year,” she said.

A coaches meeting will be conducted on January 11, 1:30 pm, at the Gaisano Grand Citimall 5th floor En-

tertainment Area. All coaches are required to attend.

“Everybody is excited to get the ball rolling, anticipating high action and drama, for another breakout season,” Corcino said.

The league is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Regional Director Regino “Boy” Cua.

NEW HUE. Danny Ildefonso wears his no.

10 jersey with hAis new team Meralco Bolts. DI debuted with a 16-point performance with the Bolts. PBA Images