Edge Davao 6 Issue 213

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

LEADING BY EXAMPLE. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Vicente D. Danao Jr. shows his urine sample before submitting it for urine drug screening conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 at Camp Domingo Leonor along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Danao ordered a surprise drug test for Davao City police personnel after receiving reports that four police operatives are into illegal drug activities.

Lean Daval Jr.

LPA LEAVES 12 DEAD Heavy rains cause landslides in Davao Oriental, ComVal

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

T

HE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – XI has recorded 12 casualties in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental due to landslides caused by continuous heavy rain across the region over the weekend.

Based on their situational report as of 2:00 p.m. yesterday, the OCD reported five casualties came from the towns of Compostela Valley and seven in Davao Oriental.

The report stated the most number of casualties came from Barangay Bangol, Tarragona, Davao Ori-

ental which has five of the 12 casualties caused by a landslide in the area.

OCD also recorded 34 injuries; 11 from Compostela Valley and 23 from Davao Oriental which came only in the area of Bangol, Tarragona while seven were still missing.

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon yesterday asked the provincial board (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) to declare Davao Oriental under a state of calamity.

Malanyaon made the move as a result of widespread damage wrought by

FLPA, 10

ROLLBACK. A pump attendant refuels a motorcycle at a gasoline station along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Oil companies implemented a price rollback for gasoline, kerosene and diesel products early yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Davao police officers undergo drug-testing WEATHER FORECAST

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

S

CONTENTED. A young girl finds time to keep herself busy playing beside vegetables that her mother sold on Washington Street, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

epc@edgedavao.net

OME 100 police commissioned officers of the Davao City Police Office yesterday underwent a surprise drug test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 11 at Camp Domingo Leonor.

Davao City police director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. coordinated with the PDEA to test urine samples of police officers after receiving reports that four of them are into illegal drug activities.

Danao said that if he finds proof that any of his men is involved in drugs he would take appropriate action.

Supt. Antonio Rivera, head of the Investigation and Detection Management Branch of the Davao City Police Office, said that drug

testing would ensure police are physically fit.

Rivera said that any police officer found positive for drugs will face administrative charges.

In 2011, six personnel from the non- commissioned rank who turned out to be positive for drugs in a test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were transferred to the Police Regional Office 11 headquarters.

He said the police institution has intensified its counter-intelligence operation on its personnel to confirm suspicion of illegal drug use.

The police leadership also wants to determine if respondents are either mere users or traders and their source of illegal drugs.

Rody issues EO No. 6 Power shortage on airport expansion seen in 2015-16

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City government has issued an order amending and reconstituting the airport expansion project of the city.

Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte issued the Executive Order (EO) No. 6 or “An Order Amending Executive Order No. 19 Series Of 199f, By Reconstituting the Membership of the Davao City International Airport Management Council (DIAMPC)” to strengthen the council in performing its

function in the actual construction of the expansion project.

The EO aims to formulate policies, set direction and steer orderly implementation of the ‘comprehensive airport expansion development program.

The EO mandates the council to review, evaluate and approve any major change in the existing memorandum of agreement entered by the city government and Department of Transportation and

WEATHER FORECAST

Communication (DOTC) on the project.

The council will assist the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in addressing issues that affect the implementation of the project and provide forum with the project consultant who will regularly report on the problems encountered and its accomplishments.

The EO said that the DIAMPC has effectively performed its function in facilitating land acquisition

required for expansion by providing venue for discussion and resolution of some issues and concerns ‘thereby enabling the timely commencement of construction activities.’

“The effectiveness of the DIAMPC” as mechanism for the efficient implementation of the project should be maximized to include assistance to the project implementers during the actual construction activities thereby ensuring the timely completion,” stated the EO.

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HERE will be enough power supply from the Davao Light & Power Co. (DLPC) franchise areas the whole year round in 2014, but power shortage is foreseen in the next two years because the construction of power generators will not be enough to cope with the fast developing economy.

DLPC executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo M. Milan said in a media briefing at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at

SM City Annex yesterday that fast residential, commercial and industrial development in the city can be observed. This will significantly affect the power demand.

In fact, Milan said, two steel manufacturing plants to be constructed in Panacan and Bunawan this year have applied for a total of 42 megawatts (MW) load. Others are the on-going construction of Felcris Hotel and Resort which applied

FPOWER, 10

SURPRISE DRUG TEST. Davao City police officers fill up the medical information sheet before undergoing urine drug screening ordered by Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Vicente D. Danao Jr. at Camp Domingo Leonor along San Pedro Street in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Rody to vendors: Clean or get out

3

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wants sidewalk vendors evicted if they do not clean their respective areas.

Duterte made this pronouncement in his weekly program ‘Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa’ on Sunday, saying he would give the order to Col. Yusop Jimlani, who heads the city’s demolition unit.

“Kung dili maka sunod – pahawaon. Kung taga diin ka man gikan, karga ka sa truck hasta imong goods, paulion ka,” Duterte said, adding that vendors are re-

sponsible for sanitation in their places.

According to the mayor, the order has no exception because it’s applicable to all areas occupied by ambulant vendors, including the streets, but he asked the team not to confiscate goods.

Meanwhile, Duterte asked Dabawenyos to understand the situation of the vendors because he doesn’t want to stop their livelihood.

“Everybody should be provided space para mabuhi,” Duterte said.

AVAO City government employees have been warned to stop doing illegal practices in their respective offices or be terminated.

Lawyer Jhopee A. Agustin, assistant city administrator and co-chair of the administrative tribunal of the city government, said that the city government will really be serious in its anti-corruption campaign.

“Stop what you’re doing wrong,” Agustin stressed, adding that corrupt personnel in each office would be terminated if proven guilty of committing crime.

She said, there are reports some employees are doing illegal activities in some offices.

“Merong future cases to be filed... Siguro yung sa iba

gathering of evidences pa lang,” said Agustin.

City administrator lawyer J. Melchor V. Quitain said that his monitoring of all employees in different departments still continues.

“I can’t tell you how many are involved. What I can tell you now is that the monitoring continues,” Quitain told reporters.

The administrative tribunal will announce its verdict Friday on the five city treasurer’s office employees involved in the misappropriation of P9 million in the city tax collection.

The five are facing serious cases of dishonesty, grave misconduct, falsification of public documents, serious neglect of duty, inefficiency and incompetence

GAME OF WITS. A chess enthusiast is deep in concentration to make sure that he won’t make a mistake in a chess match at Osmeña Park along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Corrupt city employees Dabawenyos like ordinance face outright dismissal on solid waste management D D

FCORRUPT, 10

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO CITY’S Ecological Waste Management Ordinance of 2009 is very popular among Dabawenyos residing in the city’s three legislative districts.

This was the finding of a survey conducted by the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao (UM) late last year.

Dr. Rey Cuizon, IPO specialist on health and environment, and Dr. Adrian Tamayo, economic specialist, presented the study results and analysis during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City Annex yesterday.

Dr. Cuizon said a to-

tal of 1,200 persons were chosen from the three legislative districts, with a 5-percent margin of error and 95-percent confidence interval. The study was done during the last week of August last year.

The ordinance is most popular in the second legislative district and it is where the implementation of waste segregation is strongest.

The “no segregation, no collection policy” was made into a campaign by the environment office on July 1 of 2011 which also led to the formation of waste management programs at the barangay level. Two years into imple-

mentation, the public was asked about the respondents’ perceptions, observations and satisfaction on the implementation of the solid waste management program of the city.

It can be gleaned from the opinion poll that the ordinance is very popular, with 94 percent of the Dabawenyos saying they are familiar with the law, and only 3.89 percent saying they do not know the provisions of the law.

An important element in the implementation of this ordinance is the cooperation of the public relative to waste management at the point of production, Dr. Adrian Tamayo, anoth-

er IPO specialist.

The law requires Dabawenyos to segregate wastes at the household level to reduce volume of wastes.

A good measure of this is on the number of garbage bags produced by the household in a week.

The study found that 34 in every 100 households produce 1-3 bags in a week. Cities with effective waste management program implement a 3-bag limit. Although it was observed that 33 in every 100 households produce garbage bags between 4-6 bags which is already a large disposal

FDABAWENYOS, 10

Charges filed vs ‘Trip Gang’

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

P SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT. Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) specialist for politics and economics Dr. Adrian M. Tamayo (left) and education and culture specialist Dr. Rey Cuizon share in this week’s edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday the result of their Ecological Solid Waste Management survey. Lean Daval Jr.

OLICE filed charges before the city prosecution office yesterday against three young adults for allegedly being involved in peddling loose firearms in Davao City.

Sr. Supt. Joel Pernito, regional director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region 11, said that Ronald Galendes,28, Adell Gravador, 21, and Jay Anthony Lazaro, 31, all

members of the notorious gang dubbed “Trip Gang” will be facing violation of the Republic Act 10591 or known as illegal possession of firearms.

Police, after receiving a report from an informant, formed a team to conduct surveillance until got a chance to buy-bust the suspects on Duterte St. last Friday.

Pernito said the Trip Gang is responsible for

FCHARGES, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

DAVAO DEL NORTE

RDR suspends classes anew due to floods D

AVAO del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario suspended classes from nursery up to high school in January 13, 2014, as flashfloods paralyzed schools and affected an initial of 1,208 families or about 6,000 individuals in Davao del Norte.

The chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said Tagum City and the municipalities of Kapalong, Asuncion, New Corella, Dujali and Carmen were flooded when the Libuganon River and Saug River swelled due to intermittent rains brought about by the low pressure area (LPA).

“Continuous rains for three to four days usually bring flooding to four or more municipalities in the province,” he said.

A landslide was also reported in El Salvador, New Corella and Asuncion town.

In anticipation of the floods, del Rosario activated the Incident Command System of the province since Friday, directing the affected local DRRMCs to conduct preemptive evacu-

TAGUM CITY

ation.

He has also placed the in-house RDR rescue team on standby at the PDRRM Operation Center (OpCen), while the office conducted round the clock weather and water level monitoring of major rivers, creating a strike team to assess flooded areas.

The responders subsequently evacuated 86 families in five barangays, where 107 of which are children.

Del Rosario gladly noted that there was no casualty in the recent calamity that hit the province.

As of Monday morning, floodwaters rendered the Miranda Bridge not passable for all types of vehicles, forcing a one-lane access in the Maharlika Bridge for vehicles bound from Tagum City to Davao City and vice versa. Pagsabangan Bridge in Tagum City was also not passable for light vehicles.

Other roads that were not passable include: Canatan and Sagayen Roads in Asuncion and Poblacion to Mambing Road in New Corella town.

The Provincial Social and Welfare and Develop-

ON THE RESCUE. Members of the RDR rescue team evacuate residents in Mesaoy, New Corella, Davao del Norte on January 11, 2014, as intermittent rains due to LPA caused flooding in many parts of the province. [PDRRM-OpCen] ment Office was also set to distribute some 2,000 food packs on Monday for the affected families PSWD Officer Arlen Semblante said the food

packs will augment the relief goods already sent by the respective affected LGUs. She bared Department of Social Welfare and De-

velopment Office (DSWD)XI has also pledged to send more food packs to boost the relief supply of the province.

The PAGASA said the

SOUTH COTABATO

LGU wants integration of DRRM lessons in school curriculum

Stroke victims receive brand new wheel chairs T T WO stroke victims each received brand-new wheelchairs from the local government last January 9, 2014, as part of the revitalized social services under Mayor Allan Rellon’s EAGLE WINGS Pro-

gram.

The beneficiaries are Judy Romeo of Purok Tipaz, Barangay Magugpo East and Lilia Macasalo of Purok 7 lower Apokon, Barangay Apokon, respectively, who received their new wheel chairs

personally from Rellon.

Since assuming office, the local chief executive has been making rounds in the city distributing free wheel chairs to needy patients as part of his social services agenda.

The mayor also instructed the City Health Office to undergo the patients under its Balik Sigla Program, which takes care of stroke victims through therapy sessions. [Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum]

FOUNDATION WORKS. The on-going foundation works of Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) temporary jetty facility along the shore of barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Monday, January 13. The facility will serve as unloading area for construction materials and equipments from South Korea for the on-going SEC power plant construction.

weather system will continue to bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains in the Davao region until Tuesday. [Noel Baguio]

HE provincial government of South Cotabato is pushing for the integration by next school year of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) lessons into the basic curriculum of public and private schools within the province.

Ramon Ponce de Leon, acting Provincial DRMM Office (PDRRMO) chief, said Monday they have scheduled a series of trainings starting next month to prepare school coordinators, principals and teachers in the mainstreaming of the DRMM lessons.

He said the trainings will focus on the creation of classroom modules for the DRMM lessons and the adoption of effective teaching strategies for students and pupils.

“We’re looking at initially training a core of teacher-trainers who will be tapped later for the training of the other teachers,” Ponce de Leon said.

The official said they pushed for the integration of the DRRM lessons in the curriculum of local schools to further expand public awareness on the matter.

He said the move will not only benefit students, pupils and their teachers but their parents as well as other community stakeholders.

“We can prevent casualties during disasters if the people are properly informed and ready to face them,” he pointed out.

Ponce de Leon said they are planning to start the trainings by the last week of February, depending on the availability of the teachers and other prospective training participants.

“We have already set aside the budget for this and we’re only waiting for the feedback from DepEd (Department of Education) for the availability of the participants,” he said.

The training will likely begin after the scheduled Cotabato Regional Athletic Association Meet in the second week of February that will be hosted anew by the provincial government of South Cotabato.

Ponce de Leon said they will prioritize the training of teachers in identified disaster-prone areas within the province. [PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

TMI to start refunding P180M to Minda clients

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HERMA Marine Inc. (TMI) will start its P180 million refund to their Mindanao customers this month on the power adjustment rates delivered in 2011.

Jose Venancio P. Batiquin, president and chief operating officer of TMI, said that the refund represents the difference in the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved provisional power rate and the approved final rate.

“Since there was an immediate need for power by Mindanao in 2011, Therma Marine started delivering power to the electric cooperatives and distribution utilities as soon as possible, pegging our rates on the provisional authority granted to us by the ERC. The provisional authority was issued while ERC assessed our proposed rate structure,” Batiquin said.

He added that the commission decided that the fi-

nal rate must be lower than the earlier approved provisional rate and a refund will be implemented without any delay.

Batiquin encouraged consumers to contact their local distribution utility and electric cooperative to know how much refund will be given to them and the process for the refund.

The refund will be implemented within six months as mandated by the commission in its final order received in January 3. ERC likewise ordered electric cooperatives and distribution utilities to apply the refund to their customers.

About 21 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao will benefit from the refund which includes Davao Light and Power Co., Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Daneco), Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Dasureco) and Davao Oriental Electric

ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE. National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Region 11 director Maria Lourdes D. Lim reports during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday the Davao Cooperative (Doreco) and the refund was already implemented in the December 2013-January 2014 billing

cycle.

TMI has oil-fired power barges in Maco, Compostela Valley and Nasipit, Agusan

Region’s 2013 economic performance and the development outlook for 2014. Lean Daval Jr. del Norte owned by Aboitiz Power which has a combined power of 200 mega watts. It supplies peaking power to its

customers in the Mindanao grid, to complement supply coming from the National Power Corporation.

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

Labor department vows to ensure workers’ welfare T

HE government shall enforce protection of its labor force by ensuring companies comply with the labor laws.

The Department of Labor and Employment will engage 574 Labor Laws Compliance Officer (LLCOs) with 372 new positions created which will help companies comply with the labor standards set forth by the Law. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said the program signals the shift from pure regulation to voluntary compliance with labor laws and regulations to protect and safeguard workers and promote their welfare.

In Davao Region, 30 compliance officers are expected to assess and assist more than 3,000 establishments this year using the new Labor Laws Compliance System.

“We deem this new system is a reform from the “regulatory and policing” work on labor law compliance. The method of assessment now is more facilitative and developmental in approach rather than inspection,” said DOLE in Davao Re-

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 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

T

ASSURANCE. Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan (left) gives his assurance during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday that there will be adequate supply for DLPC franchise areas but fore-

sees power shortage starting 2015 due to the of new businesses and industries in the city. Also in the photo is Aboitiz Power Corp. first vice president Manuel Orig. Lean Daval Jr.

gion Director Joffrey M. Suyao.

The new program will utilize the Joint Assessment approach where the employer and the workers’ representative together with the LLCOs evaluate the establishment’s compliance with the labor standards.

“This is DOLE’s free

technical assistance program for work establishment to assess their compliance of the labor law which will require cooperation and participation from both workers and employers,” Suyao said.

The program is expected to start on January 14, 2014.

The new LLCS un-

derscores promotion of voluntary compliance. It will also ensure a fair, expeditious, non-litigious settlement of disputes, encourage use of settlement in all labor case and strengthen tripartisan approach, Suyao explained.

The establishments who are compliant after

conduct of assessment or successful institution of corrective measures will be issued Certificate of Compliance (COC), which is valid for two years unless a complaint is filed which would trigger the conduct of a Compliance Visit. [SBManual/ICP/ DOLE 11]

Legazpi and Virac), Cebu, Davao, Bohol (Tagbilaran), Iloilo, Boracay (Caticlan), Siargao, Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro. Travel period for the 75% off seats is from March 1 to June 30, 2014.

“Cebu Pacific fully supports the government’s tourism initiatives, especially in the wake of natural calamities late last year. We encourage everyJuan to take advantage of CEB’s trademark lowest fares to explore Bangon Tours’ featured destinations, especially this summer,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

Iyog added that Filipino expats and foreign tourists can also book the 75% off seat sale fares to visit the Philippines.

CEB even holds a special AED99 seat sale for those coming from Dubai to Manila, for the same seat sale and travel periods.

Aside from Dubai, CEB also offers flights to the Philippines from Nagoya, Narita, Phuket, Hong Kong, Singapore, Osaka, Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Busan, Seoul, Brunei, Ho Chi Minh, among others.

The Bangon Tours Project is an initiative of

the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. It is in line with the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the victims and survivors of calamities, through the promotion of domestic tourism. It is an invitation to the Filipino market to travel within the Philippines, visit fun destinations and participate in rebuilding efforts.

CEB is the first airline partner for Bangon Tours. For more information about Bangon Tours, email bangontours@tpb. gov.ph.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to

www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@cebupacificair) and Facebook pages.

CEB holds 75% off Bangon Tours seat sale to boost domestic tourism

HE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) partners with the Philippine Department of Tourism (Tourism Promotions Board) in its Bangon Tours initiative, and holds a 75% off seat sale on all its destinations for summer travel.

Up for grabs until January 16, 2014, the 75% off seat sale is available on all of CEB’s 24 international and 33 domestic destinations. This includes destinations featured for Bangon Tours: Ilocos (Laoag), Manila, Palawan (Puerto Princesa), Bicol (Naga,

CEB’s 58-strong fleet is comprised of 10 Airbus A319, 28 Airbus A320, 2 Airbus A330 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. It is one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world.

Between 2014 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of 14 more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo and 4 Airbus A330 aircraft.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

7

Ciudades: Celebrating 2014 with ‘Fun under the Sun’

By BAI Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

B

EGIN the year with more than a weight loss regimen; begin the year with a positive outlook and a bit of outdoor fun to match!

Celebrating life is perfect when enjoyed with family, friends and loved ones. With Ciudades township development, you not only get what you want; you live, embrace and conquer the many possibilities that they. Have to offer. Not to mention that behind the grandeur of Ciudades is Lapanday Properties Philippines, Inc. – premier landowner and developer that has established credibility over the years.

Situated in a vast 200hectare stretch of luscious land along Tigatto Road, Buhangin in Davao City, Ciudades aims to build and fulfill its tagline, “new communities, endless possibilities” for all to experience.

Over and above but not limited to the people of Davao, this extensive and vibrant masterplan is envisioned as the most comprehensive and self-contained community that will make everyone’s life the

life that they have always wanted.

From the simple joys of luscious greens under your feet to the grandeur of amenities to satisfy your own personal growth, Ciudades ha it all. It does not stop there – it only gets better.

On January 25, 2014 Ciudades again itself as the premier outdoor place to be as it holds another spectacular day of superb sweating fun under the sun. More than an activity, it seeks to enhance one’s love of the great outdoors and the environment all together.

The Outdoor Clinic is scheduled to make every participant busy and in motion. From a much needed lessons, tips and guides on Survival Bootcamp, one will surely appreciate the minutest of wonders this vast universe has to offer.

More so, another round on their fabricated bike trail is something that participants will surely look forward to. Its Mountain Bike Skills Clinic is for amateurs and professional alike who wish to gauge

their biking skills.

Nevertheless, one activity that will surely bring sparks is the Outdoor Photography that will allow everyone to discover and rediscover the great outdoors. Designed to exhaust the beauty of the beyond, this is an activity fit for everyone. From

amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals, the possibility is indeed limitless and such a great opportunity to hone that pulsating urge to point, zoom and click!

Surely, here at Ciudades, you will more than LIVE your life and WORK for a living – you will also

learn how to STUDY while you PLAY and SHOP with their never-ending expansion of luxury fit for everyone.

The soundness of life is what makes this the perfect venue for the generation to witness. With everything strategically planned according to the

well-being of the future, it just goes to show that nothing in this world should be taken for granted.

So, get those bags packed, camera’s charged and mind set ready as we enjoy great Davao adventures with Ciudades township development.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

EDITORIAL

The primacy of Order

A

REVIEW of the top 10 (top 13 in Edge Davao’s reckoning) news events in 2013, would make one note that many of the “topnotchers” in Davao City are big-time crimes like kidnapping, smuggling, drug-trafficking, carnapping, traffic signalization and even bombing.

All the above programs stress the primacy of law and order in a growing city like ours. This is also the reason why Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has always prioritized peace and order in the plethora of government programs and projects that he tackled in the past six administrations he had served as city mayor. Now on his seventh term, who knows what else the mayor has in mind to enhance order in our community.

Many times, the mayor’s detractors had criticized him for his alleged preoccupation with law and order. They have perhaps forgotten that the ordinances against smoking, firecrackers, urinating and spitting in public, the liquor ban, the

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

speed limits for motor vehicles on streets and highways, the requirement for businessmen to put up closed-circuit televison cameras in and around their establishments, the high-tech Central 911, the Public Safety Command Center and the like are in furtherance of law and order, safety and security, in our burgeoning society. In private talks with community and business leaders like the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and the Filipino-Chinese Chamber, the city’s chief executive has seriously considered possible funders for a commuter train system, major drainage rehabilitation, two big-ticket projects requiring mind-boggling amounts of money which are hoped to provide “insanely great solutions” to our lingering and growing problems in transport and drainage.

The mayor’s enthusiasm can only be matched by the people’s sense of cooperation and discipline in order for him to achieve his goals.

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

KRISTINE D. BORJA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Marketing Specialist Circulation

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

B

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Coping with the cold over the weekend

RRRR, I never thought Davao (and elsewhere in Mindanao and Visayas) would be as cold as last weekend. I was forced to dig up my old thick white sweater, neck scarf and wool blanket to wrap myself the last three days.

Oh, I didn’t bother to find out how cold it was, but I reckon it must have been around 15 degrees or even approaching 12 degrees, which made me recall the kind of cold weather I found myself trembling and shaking under the grey cold skies of Paris and Frankfurt in 1992.

At least over there, I was wearing two thick sweaters, a thick black suit and a long, tan overcoat, my neck and ears wrap around with a long thick scarf and my hands covered with wool gloves.

It wasn’t a freezing weather, just cold enough to leave some icicles on your eyebrows and rattle your teeth when you talk.

But over here, it was just a “low pressure area” according to our local weather men, with a wide swath of thick grey clouds, probably straying away from the

C

freezing winds of Antartica and South Pole, condensing over here in Davao in the form of continuous rain over the weekend.

Most of us though, expected this cold weather to come around this month, even up to February and March as the Siberian winds started to creep into Asia Pacific.

The freezing cold Artic winds, as we know by now, left the northern states of the USA like Montana, Illinois, etc under five feet of snow, entire cities there were paralyzed. It was the worst winter America had during the last 50 years.

Temperatures there fell some 20 to 50 degrees below zero.

With a tinge of anxiety, I was even dreading the temperature would even fall to as low as 10 degree, the kind of

cold being experienced by residents of Baguio in the Mountain Province.

Or as low as the 5 degrees I experienced at the top of Mount Apo during one December climb in the early 80’s in the company of Davao mountain climbers.

Over here at Nova Tierra Village, the cold weather and the rains kept almost all residents inside their houses in the subdivision. I can’t even open the door because the cold wind was blowing the rain inside our sala. People can’t do their laundry because these were sunless days and putting your clothes out to dry was nearly impossible because even the wind was too wet to dry anything you put on the clothesline.

I’m now convinced there’s really something wrong with the global climate. No matter what we do or say about saving the environment by planting more trees to save the planet---- man’s quest for profit and greed will go on and on and on Nothing will change that…

(Comment? Email me at> tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com)

fic and speed limitation that resulted to their coming in late for the session. Let’s think about that for a moment. What it takes perhaps is proper time management because public service, after all, is relative and may be achieve through effective and efficient implementation. I guessed that after the elections some city councilors were still in “cloud nine” and overwhelmed by their acquired glorified seats. But that was already more than six months ago, fellas?

That’s one way of looking at it. Another is that, the electorate had always high expectations of the SP leadership, particularly its members – old and new alike. Being reasonably confident, notably the installation of their preferred council candidates means much to the masses of our people. But what about the councilors’ pure intention to serve and do they have it in mind that public service is a public trust? The fact that they are being closely watched at all angles shows how seriously the people are anticipating members of the city council to efficiently deliver basic social services to their constituents.

Sure, the people’s attention will likewise be trained directly at the young vice mayor. The dominant question is: “Does the vice mayor have a vision for the local legislative chamber, the city and its people?” Local political watchers and keen observers debated whether vice mayor “Pulong” could provide the drive and direction of the city lawmaking body by enacting laws that would stimulate the city’s socio-political and economic development. While political experts and legal luminaries may argue about if the

vice mayor can deliver what the city and its people need, they generally agree what it is: courageous leadership that is willing to continue the remarkable achievements left behind by his predecessor.

So is the current vice mayor fitted for the arduous job? Many analysts share the experts’ sanguine observation. “You become vice mayor or any local elective posts because party leaders and the people elect you. The decision and direction are fixed consensus that often initiates radical change.” This early the dauntless vice mayor is already showing signs that he really means business therefore council members should avoid messing around and should discipline themselves in their actions.

Much had already been said about the vice mayor’s people-oriented views and as head of the city’s Association of barangay Captains (ABC) prior to his election as vice mayor, he knows full well what are really the needs of the people notably those in the grassroots level. He is likewise seen as a decisive leader willing to take necessary actions. Like his father-mayor, the city council may be in for real action during his reign. This may come off as a played-out piece of observation.

The electorate should never get tired of looking intently into the official responsibilities of the members of the 17th city council. They can’t be complacent that all of the city councilors regardless of political inclination will actually do their tasks earnestly and honestly during their terms.

Mind you, of course, there are exceptions. Some of them in the long run do rise to the occasion, and will be performing well. I presumed at this stage, readily available records either through the social media or minutes of the city council proceedings will tell people pretty clearly who are performing, and who are not. Dear folks, keep on beat watching!

Played-out piece of observation

OUNCILORS SHOULD AVOID MESSING AROUND – Legislators either in the national or local levels are mandated by the Constitution to “maintain high standards of character and integrity.” Much will revolve around the lawmakers’ decisions, motivations, behavior and working attitude being done inside the legislative chamber. One glaring example is the first regular session for the incoming year of the 17th Davao City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), which according to reports had already produced unpleasant outcome.

What happened during the session last week according to our “little birdie twitters” actually was simply a stern warning of the presiding officer to all council members – neophytes, ‘returnees’ or reelectionists. Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte reprimanded some councilors whom he noticed were late for the session that would supposedly start at 10:00 in the morning. As I’ve already said previously in this column space, it’s a culture of tardiness among council members aside from hanging out around somewhere while the session is in progress.

What is the precipitating factor of his mild outburst? The anger of the vice mayor probably stemmed in part from the fact that despite we’re entering a new year supposedly a time for change and renewal some councilors were again showing their true colors – infuriating habit and disgraceful manner even during session day . City councilors should always bear in mind there are plenty of pressing concerns that awaited their immediate attention, yet it seems this early it is on self-aggrandizement and political-puffery where their energies are destined to go.

Much is expected of them today and beyond - service-wise. Case in point: the wary and displeased electorate will likely give them a grim stare if they would try to explain that circumstances are beyond their control – monstrous traf-

VANTAGE POINTS

9

CSC eligibilities under special laws SPECIAL FEATURE

BY LEILANI S. JUNIO

T

HE Civil Service Commission’s Career Service examination that measures an individual’s preparedness to enter government service is not the be-all and end-all of acquiring civil service eligibility.

While it is mandated under the law that to obtain permanent appointment in government, one should be conferred with a Career Service eligibility by passing the Career Service examination to ensure that appointments in the civil service shall be made according to merit and fitness of an individual, there are other ways to obtain such an eligibility.

“The Civil Service Commission also grants eligibilities other than the Career Service Professional and Sub-Professional eligibilities,” said CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III. This means that one can acquire a civil service eligibility even without actually taking the Career Service examination, given nationwide by the CSC at least twice every year.

According to Duque, for some time now, the CSC has been granting nine different eligibilities under special laws to qualified individuals.

These are: • Bar/Board Eligibility (Republic Act No. 1080).

• Barangay Health Worker Eligibility (R.A. 7883).

• Barangay Nutrition Scholar Eligibility (Presidential Decree No. 1569).

• Barangay Official Eligibility (R.A. 7160).

• Electronic Data Processing Specialist Eligibility (CSC Resolution 90-083).

• Honor Graduate Eligibility (PD 907).

• Scientific and Technological Specialist Eligibility (PD 997).

• Skills Eligibilities - Categories I and II (CSC MC 11, s. 1996, as Amended).

• Veteran Preference Rating (Executive Order 132/790).

The CSC said the Board/Bar Eligibility is granted to passers of the yearly Bar examination conducted by the Supreme Court and of Licensure Board examinations administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The Barangay Health Worker Eligibility is granted to a Local Health Board-accredited barangay health worker (BHW) who has completed at least two years of college education leading to a college degree and has voluntarily rendered at least five years of continuous and active satisfactory service as an accredited BHW in the community.

On the other hand, the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Eligibility is granted to barangay-based volunteer workers who have rendered at least two years of continuous and satisfactory nutrition services and other related activities such as community health, backyard food production, environmental sanitation, culture, mental feeding, and family planning in the barangay.

The Barangay Official Eligibility is granted to the following barangay officials who have completed their term of office: -- Elective barangay officials like barangay captain, regular Sangguniang Barangay members and Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen.

-- Appointive barangay officials such as barangay treasurers and barangay secretaries who are appointed by the duly elected punong barangay.

The Electronic Data Processing Specialist Eligibility is granted to passers of the proficiency test or training course conducted by the National Computer Center on the following computer programming courses: System Analysis and Design, Computer Programming, Java, MS Access and Visual Basic.

An Honor Graduate Eligibility is granted to honor graduates (summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude) in a Bachelor’s or graduate degree from colleges and universities of good standing.

The Scientific and Technological Specialist Eligibility is granted to a Science and Technology Specialist who has at least a Bachelor’s degree in the identified fields of study and should have at least three years of continuous experience in research /or teaching in the field.

In addition, other requirements include a master’s or doctorate degree in any of the fields of study from a school recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the time of filing of application.

Skills Eligibility is granted to individuals who meet the requirements of positions, qualifications for which are not measurable by written tests such as plant electrician, automotive mechanic, laboratory technician, heavy equipment operator, curator, carpenter, draftsman, plumber and others.

Under Skills Eligibilities, the eligibility granted is categorized into two categories: * Category I – requires eligibility to be obtained by passing the appropriate Skills Test conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). * Category II - requires eligibility to be obtained by completing one year of very satisfactory actual work performance under temporary status of appointment. [PNA]

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Corrupt...FFROM 3 in the performance of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service If they will be found

guilty of these charges they will be immediately terminated from the service.

[ABF]

with an estimated amount of 17 kilos per week. The international standard on average waste production per person is set at 2 kilos per person. The average household size in Davao City is 4.3 persons, thus to be at effective waste production limit, an ordinary household should produce 8.6 to 10 kilos of wastes per week. More than half of the households seem to meet this criteria, an indication of the effective implementation of the law.

Perhaps, this success is attributed to the participation of the public in waste segregation at the household level. It was noted that a majority of the household conduct segregation (69 percent) while 31 percent just dispose of their waste in violation the rules on waste disposal as stipulated by the ordinance, the IPO specialists said.

The barangay councils seem to be making an effective lead in implementing the law as 84 percent are indicating that their barangays provide garbage bins. Given that there are specific garbage collection areas, collection of garbage was observed on a regular basis, thus reducing likelihood of smelly, slimy areas and thus promoting cleanliness and orderliness in the barangay.

However, 16 percent of the Dabawenyos surveyed still claimed they have no garbage bins in their areas.

They also bared that said barangays have no specified point of collection areas. The respondents were also asked about the frequency of garbage collection at the barangays. More than a third (35 percent ) said their garbage is collected once a week, while 33 percent said that the collection of garbage was done twice a week.

Respondents who indicated that there was no collection of garbage (27 percent) done is an indication of poor implementation of the law.

The ordinance encourages people’s participation in the implementation of the waste reduction measures and stresses the need for the barangay leaders to take the helm in assuring

that the program is felt at the grassroots level.

A service satisfaction measure may be a crude measure of success of the program but it would provide an idea how the law was implemented given that it falls within the realm of public service.

So, the respondents were asked how satisfied are they on the services of the city’s garbage collection unit. Notably, 8 in every 10 Dabawenyos gave a high approval rating on the services provided for the collection of garbage in their villages/barangays. However, 2 in every 10 either are not satisfied or are providing no comments on the conduct of the barangay functionaries relative to solid waste management.

Meanwhile, taking the satisfaction of the Dabawenyos on the implementation of the law with relation to the leadership provided by the environmental offices, the barangay leadership, the participation of the private organizations and the involvement of the households, the solid waste management of the City seemed to be effective with 39.61 percent indicating positive evaluation of the implementation of the law, while 38.82 percent said that the implementation is very effective, Only 20 percent are claiming it is a failure or not giving their opinion.

A test of difference using Analysis of Variance, revealed that District 2 reported to have highest level of satisfaction in the implementation of the ordinance as compared to other legislative districts.

In conclusion, the Solid Waste Management as a program of the government still rely on the effective leadership of the barangay officers. The findings consistently point out that barangays that took no-nonsense waste disposal program stir the households to do their part causing an effective partnership among the various stakeholders of the barangay. Good leaders are good implementers; a clean barangay reflects leadership that administer the law according to its substance and intention.

gang wars in the city like the incident last December 2013 near Victoria Plaza.

He added that the group is also involved in other illegal activities such as robbery hold-ups

and shooting incidents involving minors.

Police recovered one .45 caliber pistol and a magazine for .45 caliber pistol along with P200 in marked money from the suspects.

Dabawenyos...FFROM 3

BUDDY. A man with a physical impairment waits for his fellow PWD (Person with Disabilities) before crossing the busy C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

LPA...FFROM 1 floods and winds spawned by low press area (LPA) in the province.

There were also unconfirmed reports of heavy flooding in Barangay Marayag, Lupon in Davao Oriental where logs brought down by floods destroyed several houses. One casualty was reported by OCD and sources said only the barangay hall remained standing.

Reports also have it that all towns in the east coast area of the provinces are all isolated as four possible routes are inaccessible due to damaged bridges.

Crops planted to a wide swath of land in the affected areas were also destroyed.

The Davao Oriental disaster risk reduction management center (DRRMC) has placed two military helicopters on standby to airlift relief goods to the disaster sites.

Governor Malanyaon said a Philippine Navy boat is also used for ferrying relief goods.

The lady governor ordered focal persons in the municipalities to purchase available goods in the localities to augment supply of

needed relief items.

Accessibility to the isolated towns in the east coast remains the only big problem, a situation that makes transport of relief goods by land difficult, said Governor Malanyaon.

However, she said there is enough supply of relief goods.

In Davao Oriental there are 23,206 families and 116,780 people who are affected in the eight municipalities in the province.

In Tagum City, the city council approved a resolution declaring the city under a state of calamity yesterday.

The approval allows the release of calamity funds that will be used to cover aid, relief, and rehabilitation services to communities affected by the disaster.

Continued pouring of rain over the weekend caused flooding in some barangays, which included Cuambogan, Canococotan, San Miguel, Pagsabangan, Apokon, and Mankilam.

Evacuees were immediately given relief packs by the local government worth P 10,800 pesos of canned goods, according to City In-

formation Officer Cromwell Bonghanoy.

The said relief operations constituted 46 sacks of rice along with the remaining 340 sets of relief packs prepared by the LGU during the relief operations conducted when Typhoon Zoraida made landfall in Davao Region.

The relief packs include three kilos of rice, four canned goods and four packs of instant noodles.

On Saturday, Mayor Rellon signed Memorandum Order No. 49 which activated the incident command post of the CDRRMO in Freedom Park. Upon activation, the team was on stand-by round-the-clock for emergency situations and evacuation operations.

1,108 families while 5,832 people who were affected in four municipalities in Davao del Norte and Tagum City.

In Compostela Valley, over 1,000 people in low-lying barangays of the province particularly those living near the Manat River; have been evacuated due to flood waters that rose after five

days of continuous rains.

1,190 people were immediately moved to evacuation centers in Mt. Diwata Elementary School in Monkayo, Palm Oil Area tent in Laak, the Magsaysay Elementary School and Barangay Hall in Nabunturan, the New Visayas Elementary School in Montevista, and the Maparat Elementary School in Compostela.

There were landslides reported in Mt. Diwata, Monkayo; Barangays San Isidro and Bukal, Nabunturan; and Barangay Binuangan, Maco Comval, based on the report of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council There were 1,881 affected families and 9,405 people in the seven municipalities of the province.

On the other hand, Davao City recorded 55 families while 275 people who were affected in two barangays in the city.

There were 132,290 people and 26,250 families affected in 16 municipalities and two cities in the region. (with reports from MindaNews and Tagum City Information Office)

for 8 MW; Ateneo de Davao University for 5 MW load; and the Ayala Land Projects in the city, Alveo and Avida, applied for a total of 5 MW. Milan said the power supply available today is 369 MW. They expect that the peak demand for this year will reach 343 MW. He said that there is still a 26 MW excess power supply that can be utilized if the power demand exceeds their projection.

In addition, he said that the 66 MW capacity of the DLPC Bajada power plant can address incidents of power shortage. It serves as a reservoir for the whole

year.

However, if development becomes robust, Milan said that there will be power shortage in 2015 to 2016. He added that the combined capacity of power generators is not enough to meet the growing demand in the city. Annually, the power demand increases by 5.5 percent.

Earlier, a report said that big establishments in Davao City committed to help in addressing power shortage by generating their own electricity. It is said that the power generated will be acquired by DLPC and

will be charged to the consumers.

In 2010, the Interruptible Load Program started. Last year DLPC applied for new rates and were approved by the Energy Regulatory Board.

SM City commits 12.5 MW for the said program.

On the other hand, he said that the water level of Angus Pulangi River and Maria Cristina Falls for their hydropower plants remain to be below the rule curve, especially during summer which starts in February. Milan calls this the dry month.

For this reason, Milan

said that the only way to address this future power crisis is to invest in non-renewable power plants like the coal-fired power plant which is not dependent on rainfall. Investors in Mindanao like Aboitiz, Filinvest and San Miguel Corporation are reportedly investing in power generation in the island.

On the other hand, DLPC franchise areas include two cities and four municipalities, namely, Davao, Panabo, and Carmen, Sto. Tomas, Braulio, Dujali Kapalong in Davao del Norte.

Power...FFROM 2

Charges...FFROM 3

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

BPI honors overseas Filipinos anew with Model OFW Family Awards T

HE Bank of the Philippine Islands honors this year’s winners of the Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA), an annual program organized by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

BPI, together with Globe Telecom, are major sponsors of the program.

Now on its 9th year, the MOFYA recognizes overseas Filipino workers and their families who have successfully managed the impact of overseas employment and maintained strong family ties that separate them for a prolonged period of time.

In addition, these overseas Filipinos have used the gains of working abroad to benefit not only their professions and their children’s education, but also their communities.

This year’s awarding ceremony was held last December 9 at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex on Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

The first of two nation-

al awardees is Chief Engr.

Alberto Laaguen Balbalan of Region I. Balbalan, winner in the sea-based OFW category, has sought to preserve Filipino tribal culture through the Ilocos Sur-based Budong Tribal Organization. He has also established a number of successful enterprises including a beach resort, drug stores, and a water refilling station.

The second winner, land-based OFW category, is Esmael M. Maulana from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. Maulana’s hard work overseas has allowed him to spend for the education of his siblings, who have since become professionals themselves, among them seafarers and a lawyer.

In her welcome remarks during the awards ceremony, OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon underscored the relevance of the MOFYA: putting forward families like those of Balbalan and Maulana as “model families [who, among other

ON Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation generously welcomed the year 2014 as it successfully fulfilled its annual gift-giving activity for the T’bolis of Brgy. Klubi and Brgy. Lamdalag, Lake Sebu last January 3-4.

“With much enthusiasm of our company to give back to the community, we are doing this every year to make them feel that their loyalty and hard work are deeply appreciated; and that we are proudly promoting the traditional art of weaving by the T’bolis,” said Maricris Floirendo-Brias, AOFloirendo Foundation President, who graced the event with her friends Bea

Zobel Jr. and Fernando Manso.

In partnership with the Tadeco Livelihood and Training Center (TLTC), this annual gift-giving activity has served over 1,300 T’bolis this year. The gift bags for the recipient families contained food items, toiletries, and used clothes, while the children received bananas, ice cream, bread, and toys.

“Naga-pasalamat kami sa padayon nga pagsuporta sa amo sa [AOFloirendo] Foundation ug sa TLTC. Malipayon sab kami nga kanunay nga nagalambo ang among panag-inigsuunay alang sa kalampusan sa matag-usa,”said Flung Tuan, 46.

(From left) DOLE Usec. Danilo Cruz, Globe Consultant Jem Ruiz, BPI President Cesar P. Consing, OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and winners. things,] have exemplified success in keeping the family together and sustaining the strong moral values of

the Filipino family.”

Balbalan and Maulana, chosen from 34 awardees from the various regions

across the country, were awarded a trophy, medallion and P600,000 from OWWA, BPI and Globe. A

portion of the cash prize— P100,000—be donated in their name to a charity of choice.

AOF Foundation opens 2014 with gift giving Globe donates D ICT tools to UNICEF L The recipients happily receive gift packs containing food items, toiletries, and used clothes.

Making the affair truly activity was made more sigremarkable, T’bolis shared nificant, this time, as three more of their culture by of the T’boli weavers were performing some of their hailed as Ms. T’nalak, Ms. tribal dances and tradi- TADECO, and Ms. Klowil tional songs. Likewise, the MPC during their first ever fashion competition.

“We can all be successful if we know how to look back, give back, and share to make other people happy; and that’s what makes the foundation keep going in serving and in reaching out,” remarked Brias.

T’boli weavers from barangays Klubi and Lamdalag supply dream-inspired and spirit infused T’nalak weavings for TLTC’s product lines which they send to international markets such as Australia, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Hongkong, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA. Over 1,300 T’bolis were served during the gift-giving activity at Barangays Lamdalag and Klubi, Lake Sebu.

EADING telecommunications company Globe Telecom has donated P1 million worth of prepaid load and 200 mobile phones to the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the provision of quality health services to mothers and their newborn children particularly those in geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas.

The donation will be used for the Real-time Community Health and Information Tracking System or rChits which was initially launched in 10 off-grid areas to aid in information management and treatment response efficiency. Globe is the official telecom and ICT partner of the rChits program led by UNESCO, Australian Aid, and UP Manila National Telehealth Center. rChits is an ICT innovation made up of three components: Chits, an electronic medical record system for maternal care; mReports, a software installed in

mobile devices which serves as a portable medical reporting system; and LGU Dashboard, a graphical web interface that allows local chief executives to make evidence-based decisions on health care delivery.

“Lack of access to health and medical services is one of the identified causes for the increase of maternal and child mortality rate especially in remote areas, often due to insufficient number of health workers and lack of transportation. Thus, as a leader in ICT and having a mobile network that best serves the areas where rChits is being implemented, we want to utilize our strength to help address this issue,” said Fernando Esguerra, OIC, Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

Under the Philippines millennium development goal, the country is tasked to reduce its MMR by three quarters by 2015. Latest data revealed 221 deaths per 100,000 live births.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

Advertise EDGE with

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

DAVAO

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

HEALTH

Tel No. (083) 553-2211 / (083) 877-0019 / (083) 878-0308

Best for kids ages 1 to 12 years old High in CGF, Taurine, L-Lysine Contains Fortified with DHA Available at all Drugstore near you

Multivitamins for Teens & young adults ages 13 to22 years old Available at all Drugstore near you

Take 2mg Ener-plus Capsule one hour before your intimate encounter • Improve Blood Circulation • Provide Extra Strength & Sexual Stamina • Increase Libido & Sexdrive

Available at all Drugstore near you

Realty FOR SALE:

NOW HIRING

ONE (1) - HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC

Qualifications: 1. With at least 5 years experience.

2. Highly skilled in repair of bulldozer, backhoe, compactor of different models like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, etc.

3. Honest and Hardworking.

Interested applicant may send their application, Bio-data and Resume to:

PRIMELAND PROPERTIES, INC.

3RD Floor PPI Bldg., Ponciano Reyes St., (Crooked Road), Davao City.

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

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Tel. No. 083-228-2511 ; Fax No. 083-228-2654

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications: Qualifications:

1.

2.

3.

Male, 28 – 40 years old 1. least Male, high 28 – school 40 years old At graduate 2. At least high school graduate With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks) 3. With 5 years driving experience (bus, trucks)

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

2. 2 x 2 I.D. (2 pcs.) or clearance from 3. Certificate of picture Employment 3. Certificate of Employment or clearance from

May previous apply in employment person at Human Resource Department, YBLI in Office, General Santos Resource Drive, May apply person at Human Koronadal City. YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Department, Koronadal City.

RATES FOR BOX ADS

BLACK AND WHITE SIZE Full Page Half Page 1/4 Page 1/8 Page 1/16 Page per col. cm.

RATES FOR LINE ADS

Classified Page 10,000.00 5,000.00 2,500.00 1,250.00 650.00 55.00

P150.00 per column inch; P55.00 first three lines; P10.00 on succeeding lines

FULL COLOR ADS + 35% color surcharge

3 + 2 bonus

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDAVAO WANTS YOU! Serving a seamless society

Account Executives (3)

-

Male / Female, not more than 30 years old Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate A team player With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission

zion

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

Lay-out Artist

- Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application - Willing to work under pressure, flexible and persuasive

For interested applicants, you may send your resume to:

For interested applicants, you may send your resume to:

HR Department EDGEDavao

HR Department ZION Accuprint Publishing, Inc. Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: zion_publishing@yahoo.com

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

DOWN BUT NOT OUT. Jarmila Gajdosova (top photo) is dwon on the court but recovered to finish her match, losing to 9th seed Angelique Kerber (below).

YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE Kerber stops young Aussie, Date-Krumm bows to teener M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Ninth-seed Angelique Kerber shook off a second-set blip to advance to the second round of the Australian Open on Monday with a 6-3 0-6 6-2 win over local wildcard Jarmila Gajdosova.

After an error-strewn first set, the 26-year-old Gajdosova looked out of the match in the second when she rolled her left ankle on Rod Laver Arena and needed a medical timeout in the opening game.

The injury somehow sparked a comeback from Gajdosova, who exploited Kerber’s weak service game, and local fans began to believe she might advance to the second round at Melbourne Park for the first time in nine attempts.

But Kerber, who lost in the Sydney International final to qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova on Friday, quickly forgot her second set troubles and raced through the decider in 31 minutes to set up a clash with Alla Kudryavtseva, who defeated France’s Caroline Garcia 6-2 7-6(9).

Meantime, youth and

potential trumped age and experience at the Australian Open on Monday as 16-year-old Swiss Belinda Bencic took down 43-yearold Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

The 27-year age gap was the largest in a grand slam since a 47-year-old Martina Navratilova was beaten by 19-year-old Gisela Dulko at Wimbledon in 2004.

“It means a lot to win because I didn’t play really at my best, but I was able to fight through,” said Bencic, who is coached by Martina Hingis’s mother, Melanie Molitor.

Hingis, who was watching in the stands on a court packed with Japanese fans, looked concerned when a nervy Bencic trailed 3-0 and 4-2.

But Bencic showed great resolve to recover to take the set and then after Date-Krumm hit back to level with some typically smart tennis, the teenager regained her composure to clinch victory in her first grand slam match.

Date Krumm reached the semi-finals in Melbourne in 1994, three years

before Bencic was born, but the Swiss said she tried not to think about the age gap.

“It was special,” Bencic said. “I was not thinking about (Date Krumm’s age).

I had real trouble to play her because she plays a very different game and (hits a) very flat ball.”

Bencic is tipped as a future star of women’s tennis and Date-Krumm said she had the talent to go far.

“Of course she needs more experience but she has a lot of potential,” she said. “ If she has more power, if she plays more smart, she’s for sure top 20 and top 10 may be possible.”

Date-Krumm is now likely to fall outside the top 100 but said she would continue to play as long as she enjoys it, though she laughed off suggestions she could make it to 50.

“I will keep fighting, I don’t know how long,” she said. “Maybe five years more, maybe five months, I don’t know.

“Someday it’s coming to a finish but still I have a chance to play more tournaments. Maybe it will be tomorrow, maybe tonight, maybe five years later.”

UNICEF pitted teams with players representing the East and West regions of Spain last December 30 at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. The East squad prevailed over the Ramos-led West team, 8-6, in a match composed of three 30-minute periods.

“To be able help those that needs it through

football, which has a large global reach, is very nice,” Ramos told Real Madrid’s official website.

Over 42,000 fans filled up the stadium to watch the match, which was also headlined by Real Madrid members Alvaro Morata and Jesus Fernandez.

“It is a pleasure to be here for a worthy cause,” Morata said.

Spanish benefit match raises 550T euros for ‘Yolanda’relief A

n all-star benefit match featuring Spanish football stars led by Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos raised 550,000 euros (33 million pesos) for the relief efforts of super typhoon “Yolanda” in the Philippines.

Inspired by the NBA All-Star game, the inaugural Champions for Life match organized by

Venus crashes out M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - A promising start to the season for Venus Williams was undone in two-and-ahalf hours on Monday as the 33-year-old crashed out of the Australian Open’s opening round with a crushing defeat to her sister Serena’s 2012 nemesis Ekaterina Makarova.

Making her 61st grand slam appearance and 14th at Melbourne Park, the American had arrived Down Under with an encouraging run to the final of the Auckland Classic, raising hopes of a fresh start after recent seasons blighted by injury and illness.

On a sunbathed Margaret Court Arena, the former world number one displayed the power and aggression of her halcyon days to roar through the opening set, but it was the uncertain, shaky Venus of

recent vintage that ultimately collapsed to a 2-6 6-4 6-4 loss, having taken a 3-0 lead in the third.

Williams, who suffers from Sjogren’s Syndrome which causes fatigue and joint pain, was hampered by back problems last year but declined to blame health issues for the loss.

She could hardly have done so.

Throwing herself around the court with the enthusiasm of a teenager, her struggles were largely self-inflicted as she gave up a decisive break in the second set with three successive double-faults and suffered another serving meltdown with victory begging in the third.

“I think obviously I think my error count was a little high,” Williams told reporters.

“I was hitting the ball well this week, and, you know, obviously it was disappointing to not win the

first round.

“I have to give her a lot of credit. She was really determined, and, you know, just kept playing hard. I think any time you’re seeded you just really want to win the first round.”

Makarova, who stunned an injured Serena Williams in the fourth round of the 2012 Australian Open, made a second successive quarter-final appearance at Melbourne Park last year, but largely had her opponent to thank on Monday for her progress to a second round match with American Irina Falconi.

“I think it will be tough. She’s 33 now,” said 25-year-old Makarova of Williams’s hopes of becoming a force again at grand slams.

“Sometimes when you are pushing her on her serve, she is making some double faults.

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

My Phuket Fantasea

I

never was a fan of theme parks whenever I travel alone, in fact, I have not even visited Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park in all of my Hong Kong visit. I guess the appeal of theme parks on a solo traveller is much less but if ever I get to travel with family with kids then I would consider visiting a theme park or two.

One stop on the recent media trip to Phuket together with Cebu Pacific and the Tourism Authority of Thailand was Phuket FantaSea. Inspired by Thailand’s exotic heritage, Phuket FantaSea is a showcase of the charm and beauty of Thailand, the theme park also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting-edge technology

Elephant rides near the Palace of the Elephants Theatre.

Photo by Rose Razon

and special effects resulting in a stunning 140-acre cultural theme park that has become the ultimate in night-time entertainment on the resort island of Phuket.

The theme park features aspects of Thai culture as well as introduces visitors to icons and images that are uniquely Thai. The main park entrance features a lagoon stocked full of colourful koi and Kinnaree (mystical half-bird half-angel beings) statues.

From the entrance, we breezed through the theme park’s Carnival Village on our way to dinner at the 4,000 seat Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant that is located on a lotus lake.

The restaurant is nothing short of a spectacle featuring 400 meters of handpainted wall murals of Thai Classical Art as well as a fabulous carpet that was specifically designed for the restaurant and depicts the magical Anohdhard pool where Kinnarees like to bathe in.

After dinner we made our way to the highlight of our visit which is the Fantasy of a Kingdom cultural illusion extravaganza at the Palace of the Elephants Theatre.

FMY PHUKET, A4

The Carnival Village

One can shop for souvenirs from the many stores at the Carnival Village.

Colourful Koi.

The finale of the Fantasy of a Kingdom show.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Seda Abreeza welcomes year of the green wood horse WELCOME the Year of the Green Wood Horse and gallop to your urban lifestyle hotel. Celebrate Chinese New Year at Seda Abreeza.

Avail of Seda’s Chinese New Year Special Room Sale from January 26 to February 2 for only Php 4,088 nett per night and enjoy overnight deluxe room accommodations, buffet breakfast for 2 persons, unlimited WiFi and complimentary use of the gym and the pool.

Guests who check in also receive free prosperity gifts as well as special Seda “ang pao”. Book before January 15 and get a special discounted rate of only Php 3,888 nett for the same offer.

Experience genuine Chinese cuisine at Misto on January 31 and sample a sumptuous Chinese New Year dinner buffet for only Php 788 nett per person. Dine with 4 persons and the 5th person eats for free! Specially prepared Chinese New Year Set Meals are also available at Php 488 nett per person from January 26 to February 2.

Be blessed with luck as you watch the Dragon and Lion Dance on the evening of January 31 and enjoy the cultural spectacle with your family and friends.

Seda Abreeza is conveniently located at J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. It is right beside Abreeza Ayala Mall and is in close proximity to nearby corporate and commercial establishments. For inquiries and reservations please call 322-8888 or 244-3000. Visit Seda’s website at www.sedahotels.com or email at reservations. dvo@sedahotels.com. Seda Abreeza is a joint venture between AyalaLand Hotels & Resorts Corporation and Anflo Management & Investment Corporation.

Kung Hei Fat Choi at the Marco Polo Davao Lotus Court USHER in the Year of the Horse with our New Year’s Eve dinner on January 30, 2014 at the The Marco Polo Davao’s Lotus Court. Delight in a feast of savory Chinese dishes such as succulent Roast Peking Duck, Roast Pig, Garoupa, flavorful Turkey, Crabs and other premium Seafood items. All these for Php 1,300 net per person and Php 650 net per child.

Sway to the beat of Chinese cultural performances and witness the dragon and lion dance.

For reservations and inquiries, please call The Marco Polo Davao at (082) 2210888 loc. 7232 or 7233.

Bosch appoints Andrew Powell as managing director for PHL Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, today announced that it has appointed Andrew Powell to head Bosch in the Philippines as the company’s new managing director based in Manila.

British-born Powell sees immense potential for Bosch’s continued business expansion in the Philippines, particularly in maintaining its market leadership position in the company’s automotive and power tools businesses.

Powell elaborated, “The Philippines continues to be fueled by an upbeat economic climate. The construction industry, for example, is earmarked to contribute almost 50 per cent to the country’s growth in 2014, as the government moves to roll out new infrastructure and address housing shortage. Bosch, with its strong presence in the power tools industry in the Philippines, is poised to support that growth.”

He added, “Bosch will also continue to play a meaningful role in local community development efforts, such as supporting the re-building of the areas hardest-hit by Typhoon Haiyan. Our partnerships with NGOs have allowed us to put our power tools to good use in the rehabilitation of community centers and other similar facilities.”

In addition, Powell sees the automotive industry in the Philippines riding high, buoyed by an emerging middle class.

“With new international players entering the rapidly-expanding automotive market in the Philippines, Bosch, as a leading global automotive technology supplier, is ever-ready to play a key role in contributing to a thriving automotive sector in the country.”

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

A gathering of gamers in Gensan

THE first ever-Regional Cyber Collegiate League kicked off at the SM City Gensan atrium last January 9, the 4 day event which is composed of different art and gaming competitions, like Counterstrike source, Tekken, Defense of the Ancients 2 (DoTA 2), and Yugioh tournaments, art contests on multimedia, photography and drawing categories. The events were flocked by gaming enthusiasts from various collages all over Gensan, participating in showcasing their gaming skills and creative talents, all competing for the top spot to bring prestige to their collages.

was flocked by mall goers, anime and gaming fans alike. “What is cosplay for you?” Ms. Johanna Quilinderino, RCCL’s host asked the all geared up contestants after their character presentation, on the first cosplay competition of 2014 in Gensan.

The crowds cheers echoed across the mall as their favorites took the stage, as the contestants bring characters from anime

Plus, RCCL featured free to play World of Tanks and console games, which drew in crowds of gamers, where they played for hours, had fun with fellow gamers and even be awed by the presence of beautiful models handing out free game stubs.

RCCL also had a dis- Yugi-oh duels play of high-end remote The COSPLAY competition. controlled planes, helicopters, trucks and cars from Aero Cam Media, which has drawn not only little kids but the grownups as well, with their impressive control handling in drifting the cars up and around their little ramps, made onlookers feel like a kid again, even I, all of a sudden wanted to get my claws on those controls and try some tricks as well.

The main event, which and games to the reality. took place on the final Participants were judged day of RCCL - Jan 12, on their craftsmanship,

The atrium of SM Gensan was filled with gamers.

World of Tanks models handing out free game stubs.

Free to play WoT.

characterization, stage performance and audience impact. Undeniably cosplay is a hobby that needs dedication; it’s an art form that brings together visual art and performance art. I’ve always wanted to take part in cosplaying, who doest want to dress up as their favourite characters? Its just that I never had the luxury of time.

It was clear the impact of video games already had on the attendees, it inspires the creative mind,

improves hand and eye coordination, developed faster, more accurate attention allocation and just like any other game, brings people with the same passion closer together, which RCCL had successfully given to everyone who took part and celebrated video gaming at its finest.

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 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Angel: Slapping Maja was not easy ANGEL Locsin and Maja Salvador are both thrilled with how their slapping scene in “The Legal Wife” trailer became a hot topic among TV viewers and netizens. However, Angel confessed that it was difficult for her to do it.

“Slapping Maja, whom I consider like my little sister, was not as easy as it looked like on screen. Actually, I really avoid having scenes like that because I don’t want to hurt my co-actors,” said Angel, who will play the role of Monica in the story, the wife of Adrian (to be played by Jericho Rosales).

Just like the viewers who felt the ‘power slap’ of Angel, Maja strongly feels that the brave, real-life plot of “The Legal Wife” will get primetime viewers hooked every night.

“My character and Angel, Jericho, JC’s (de Vera)

all have their life battles.

And I think every viewer can connect to any of them.

Because in real-life, we all experience love, pain and fighting back,” said Maja, who will give life to the character of Nicole.

“The Legal Wife” gathers some of the country’s best

drama actors including Joem Bascon, Ahron Villena, Rio Locsin, Mark Gil, and Christopher de Leon. It is under the direction of Rory Quintos and Dado Lumibao.

Don’t miss the beginning of “The Legal Wife” this January on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

Kim, Xian, Sam, and Bea Rose play in Minute to Win It first anniversary week WILL Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Sam Milby, and Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago dare to play all the challenges in “Minute to Win It’s” 60-second circle to bring home the toprating game show’s elusive P1 million jackpot prize?

Beginning Monday (Jan 13), “Minute to Win It” will air for one full week special episodes to mark its first anniversary featuring the said celebrity players and some of its notable regular players.

Will Xian give way to Kim in their Head to Head Challenge? Will Bea Rose rule the 60-second circle just as she conquered the world with her beauty? Will Sam give in to pressure or triumph against it?

“Minute to Win It” will also bring back some of its extraordinary regular players on Friday (Jan 17) to play a

special set of games and also show the inspiring stories of how their lives have changed since playing and winning huge cash prizes in the game show.

Since it started airing on ABS-CBN last year, “Minute to Win It” has stood to become one of the most successful

versions of the popular international franchise for its consistent top ratings and for creating a wave of excitement among viewers due to its deceptively easy challenges using everyday items found at home, at school, and at the office. It has also become a hit among adults and kids alike as it launched different editions such as the Junior Challenge, Head to Head Challenge, and Family Challenge, each with their own thrilling set of rules.

Watch the anniversary week of “Minute to Win It,” hosted by Luis Manzano, from Monday to Friday (Jan 13-17), 11AM on ABS-CBN. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/minute2winitPH and follow @Minute2WinItPH on Twitter.

INdulge! A3

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 213 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

TRAVEL

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Inside the 4,000-seat Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurtant. Photo by Rose Razon The walls of the restaurant feature 400 meters of paintings.

My phuket...FFROM A1 Inspired by the coluorful heritage of Thailand, Fantasy of a Kingdom is an audio-visual extravaganza that for the first time anywhere, incorporates Thai culture with magical illusions, 4-dimensional intheater effects, aerial ballet, acrobatics, indoor pyrotechnics, special effects, elephant performances and stunts, into one unforgettabale theatrical masterpiece that is guaranteed to thrill and delight visitors from all around the world.

From the first moment on, we are taken on a journey through Thai history, Thailand’s regions, and discovering along the way the exotic songs and dance that make the kingdom so dazzlingly attractive. Thai Mythology also comes to life through the acrobatic antics of Hanuman and his monkey warriors, and the exquisite movements of the beautiful Kinnarees.

The host, the Prince of Kamala, brings illusions to life with great battles that seemingly blow up the stage or acrobats who fly

through the air in an outstanding aerial ballet, and throughout it all, the magical elephants haunt the stage, appearing and disappearing at will in a masterpiece of illusion that is sure to make the kids and the kids at heart smile.

The Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) flies direct from Manila to Phuket every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for as low as P999. It operates the most extensive network in the Philippines for convenient and easy flight connections in Manila. For flight schedules and bookings, visit www.cebupacificair.com or call (02)7020888 or (032)230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on Cebu Pacific Air’s official Facebook Fan Page or @ cebupacificair on Twitter.

When planning itineraries to Phuket, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand website at http://www.tourismthailand.org/.

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

Together with members of the press. Photo by Rose Razon

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 6 ISSUE 213 •TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014 HEAVY TRAFFIC. Greg Slaughter of Ginebra (light) battles Rico Maeirhofer, Denok Iranda and JC Intal of Barako (dark) during the Ginebra-Barako Bull match in the PBA Philippine Cup last Sunday. Ginebra won this match.

Right, Dorian Pena of Barako (dark) stands in the way of rookie James Forrester of Ginebra (light).

Deng today, Lebron tomorrow

Durant scores 33 to lead Thunder past Bucks 101-85

O

ed.

KLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Kevin Durant did the expect-

And for a change, Oklahoma City’s defense came along for the ride.

Durant scored 33 points, Serge Ibaka had 17 points and 17 rebounds and the Thunder snapped a two-game skid by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 101-85 Satur-

day night.

Oklahoma City was coming off two poor defensive efforts. On Tuesday, the Thunder let the Jazz shoot 59 percent from the field on their way to a 112-101 win.

Two nights later, Denver led 89-66 after three quarters before holding on for a 101-88 win over the Thunder.

This time, the Thun-

der held the Bucks to 40 percent shooting and sent them to their fifth consecutive loss. ‘’All we wanted to focus on was defense,’’ Durant said. ‘’We told the guys before the game, ‘Don’t worry about making shots or missing shots, just worry about locking in on defense,’ and I think they did a great job of that.’’

Azkals coach, the German has not had his contract renewed, according to the website Pinoyfootball.com.

The website reportedly received the news from Azkals manager Dan Palami and released the info on

S

ACRAMENTO, Calif. – Luol Deng is open to discussing a contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he also understands why the Cavs might want to put off those talks to first focus on trying to sign another All-Star small forward.

LeBron James.

“He’s a great player, why wouldn’t you look at him?”

Deng told Yahoo Sports.

“If he wants to come back home, that’s great for him and great for this organization. He’s a great player.

Why not?

“I’m all right with that.

I’m here to do what I can do and be Luol Deng. I don’t really worry about it. I don’t have the mindset that I can control what everyone else thinks. I just do what I can do and try to be the best at what I do.”

The Cavaliers acquired Deng in a trade from the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 7 for center Andrew Bynum, who was waived, and three

draft picks. The Bulls’ surprising move came after the two-time All-Star turned down a three-year, $30 million contract extension. In Deng, the Cavs landed an elite veteran small forward that they have coveted since James departed for the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010.

If Deng, 28, isn’t signed to a contract extension by June 30, he will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason for the first time in his career. He already likes what he sees in Cleveland and said several times – unsolicited – the Cavs have impressed him with how they treat their players, calling the franchise an “amazing organization.”

The Cavaliers are interested in keeping Deng longterm, but also know there is plenty of time to evaluate him and begin extension talks, a league source said.

“I’m very open to sit down to talk,” Deng said. “At the same time, I’m OK with

Saturday. There appears to be no official word from the Philippine Football Federation, but that seems to be little more than a formality.

The Weiss era is over.

Some observers might feel this is long overdue. I would agree. And something very early on told me that Weiss might not be the man for the job.

In March 2011, the Azkals trooped to frigid Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia, for the second leg of their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup qualifier against the Mongolians, carrying with them a 2-0 lead from the first game in Bacolod.

Neil Etheridge was unavailable for that game after keeping a clean sheet in Panaad. Ed Sa-

capaño would wear the gloves instead. Surprisingly, backing up Sacapaño was Toffer Camcam.

Then just sixteen or seventeen years old, Camcam was, and presumably still is, a promising goalkeeping prospect. But was it right to have him on the bench in a competitive match, on the road, in the snow against a hostile crowd?

Had Sacapaño been hurt Camcam would have trotted on to the pitch in a very tough situation for a first cap. And people would have wondered why someone more experienced, say Ref Cuaresma, Tats Mercado, Michael Louie Casas, or even Kim Versales, had

waiting until the summer.”

It seemed far fetched four years ago that Cleveland would even consider trying to pursue James after he announced he was going to the Heat. Some Cavs fans burned his jersey and threw stones at his billboard in downtown Cleveland. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert sent out a letter to fans promising that his franchise would win a championship before James.

Since then, James has won two championships, and much of Cleveland’s hate has dissipated. Gilbert has said he regrets the letter. It is not a given that James will opt out of his contract this summer to become a free agent. It’s also not a given the Akron, Ohio, native would even consider the Cavaliers if he becomes a free agent. It would require some contract maneuvering, but there’s a small possibility Cleveland could try to sign both James and Deng.

Weiss’ contract with Azkals not renewed M

ICHAEL Weiss is out out of work.

After nearly three years on the job as

GOODBYE. After nearly three years as coach of the Philippine Azkals, Michael Weiss is packing his bagc for good.

not made the trip instead.

Fortunately Sacapaño did not get hurt, and an early James Younghusband goal made it 3-0 on aggregate, effectively sealing the series. Even though the home side won the game 2-1 the Azkals progressed thanks to a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.

The Camcam selection was rather odd, potentially disastrous even, and that seemed to indicate that perhaps there was something missing with the German mentor.

Hans Michael Weiss certainly leaves the Azkals with an impressive record, leading the team to the semifinals of both the Suzuki Cup and the AFC Challenge Cup.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

Intense rivalry in TRMH Cup semis E

XPECT a lot of firepower among teams figuring in the Final Four of the 3rd The Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup basketball tournament beginning Saturday afternoon at the Davao City Recreation Center.

The Mini division will have Philippine Women’s College, with its huge frontline, as the top favorite.

However, eyes will be on the encounter between campus rivals Ateneo de Davao University and Holy Child. The two teams have figured in

several clashes in different leagues and this one would no exception.

Precious International School is the fourth team in the quartet and should also give everyone a scare.

Jek Melendres, TRMH basketball operations manager, said the four semifinal qualifiers in both the Mini and Cadet divisions will go into a lottery to determine the pairings of the single round robin Final Four stage.

“Everyone goes into a lottery and that will make the semis more exciting,”

said Melendres.

Tournament director Rico Biliran of the SBP 11 will preside over the lottery.

In the Cadet division, the Ateneo Blue Knights will also be crossing fire with the Holy Child Reds in a bid to snatch the title away from defending champion Ford Academy. Of course, not to be outdone is Assumption College of Davao.

The teams will go through a single round robin affair with the top two teams battling it out for the title on January 25-26. [NJB]

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE213 213• TUESDAY, • TUESDAY,JANUARY JANUARY14, 14,2014 2014

YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE. 16-year old Belinda Bencic (right) and veteran Li Na (left) were among those who breezed through the first round of the 2014 Australian Open in Melbourne. Stories on page 14.