Edge Davao 6 Issue 214

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

STILL EFFICIENT. Perseverance and determination can negate one’s disability, either inherent or acquired, as shown by this physically-impaired billboard company worker who appears to perform an assigned task still efficiently. Lean Daval Jr.

P10-M CROP DAMAGE Majority of roads in DavOr, DavNor and ComVal still not passable DETERMINED. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte gestures while giving instructions to the members of the Davao City 17th Council during yesterday’s regular session at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Duterte says he will ask the councilors to review Davao City’s Code of Ordinances to eventually remove obsolete and no longer applicable local laws. Lean Daval Jr.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

BOUT P10 million in damage to agriculture was recorded in the Davao Region due to continuous rains brought by a low pressure area (LPA).

Based on the situation-

al report of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 11 yesterday at 8:00 a.m., P10.1 million cost of agricultural products were damaged due to flash floods brought by heavy rains since last

FP10-M, 10

Anti-measles alert up in Region 11 schools

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

O ensure the health of every Dabawenyo student, the Department of Education in Region 11 will be implementing the anti-measles campaign starting this month in

elementary and secondary public schools across the region, an official said.

Jenielito Atillo said in an interview yesterday that this is because of the alarm-

FANTI-MEASLES, 10

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Councilor wants DCWD to improve its services WEATHER FORECAST

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

WITH BUSINESS LEADERS. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte (center, in black shirt) poses with officers of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) during a courtesy call of the business leaders to the mayor at the Marco Polo Davao late Monday afternoon. From left, Frederick “Dicky” Puyod, Daniel Lim, Tony Ajero, Dr. Malu G. Monteverde, Yvonne Cabada, Mayor Duterte, Tony dela Cruz (newly elected DCCCII president), Boni Tan, Art Milan, Dr. Bo Puentespina and Roni Go. (See story below)

Mayor Duterte meets with chamber officers Bares big projects, some policies

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

D

ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte encouraged business leaders to communicate with him their ideas on governance, better in writing, even as he promised to consult them on major projects that his administration will embark on.

The mayor showed his openness during the courtesy call made by members of the new set of officers of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., led by banker and cooperative leader Antonio de la Cruz, at the lobby lounge of the Marco Polo Davao late afternoon yesterday.

The mayor and business leaders exchanged ideas on several public issues affecting the city for nearly two hours.

He shared his recent experience in typhoon-ravaged Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte and his comments on the way the national government handled the unprecedented disaster.

He also made a balanced analysis of the chances of Vice President Jejomar Binay, Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and former senator and now disaster czar Panfilo Lacson of being elected president of the country inn 2016. He made light

WEATHER FORECAST

and serious comments on a snowballing movement to draft him as a candidate for President in 2016.

He likewise discussed the issue of rice smuggling and reiterated his threat to kill smugglers if they operate in his area of jurisdiction.

Written proposals He advised Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puentespina, DCCCII trustee, to put down in writing his proposal on what to do with the indiscriminate felling of trees by developers of housing subdivisions and similar projects, thereby destroying the environment and causing floods in many vulnerable areas of the city, where

subdivisions are sprouting.

Dr. Puentespina, who also advocates the establishment of eco-parks in open spaces, said that there is need for the city government to require the developers to replace the trees they cut by replanting.

Mayor Duterte advised Puentespina to write a paper on his advocacy and promise to act on it. He likewise encouraged the other business leaders in attendance to put in writing their individual and collective concerns.

Commuter train system On the city’s transpor-

FMAYOR, 10

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the committee on environment and natural resources, has filed a resolution designed to improve the service of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) in some areas of the second district which he represents in the council.

Dayanghirang said in a privileged speech during

2014 TARGET

the regular session yesterday that despite 28 years of calls to reform the water supply system of the DCWD in Cabantian, Sasa, Panacan, Tibungco and elsewhere, the DCWD has failed to address it, adding that he hopes the water facility would come up with an “immediate solution to the problem.”

He added that due to the

FCOUNCILOR, 10

Region’s self-sufficiency in rice not yet achievable

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

The goal to make the Davao region self-sufficient in rice by the end of 2014 is not achievable, the Department of Agriculture 11 regional director said.

Director Remelyn R. Recoter told Edge.Davao

that the region is is only half- way from being 100 percent self-sufficient.

The landscape of the region contributes to low* production of palay which is the primary staple food of Filipinos.

F2014, 10

Council to review code on ordinances T

HE Davao City council will review the code of ordinances as some of them are no longer applicable in the city.

Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte told reporters yesterday in a press briefing that they will call for a public hearing to discuss this matter. He said that there are ordinances that need to

be removed.

“They may have been applicable in the 1970s but not in 2014,” Duterte said, adding that some ordinances were not implemented.

Duterte said he would assign the committee on rules and privileges to scrutinize some ordinances that will have to be removed.

“For example sa pub-

ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS. The seat assigned to newly-installed Councilor and Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president January Duterte at the session hall of Sangguniang Panlungsod is conspicuously empty as she wasn’t able to attend her supposed second regular session appearance at the Davao City Council yesterday. Duterte is currently in Manila to attend the national elections of the Philippine League of Councilors. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

TSI application set for another hearing T

HE application for expansion of Therma South Inc. (TSI) coalfired power plant will go another round of committee hearing before they can proceed with it.

Councilor Louie John Bonguyan, chair of the committee on energy, told reporters in yesterday’s ‘Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong’ that they had scheduled another hearing on January 24 for all stake-holders, particularly non-government organizations, on the proposed additional 345 megawatts.

Bonguyan said that they have scrutinized their water requirements and other chemical components that would be emitted by the plant.

PULONG:

“We will be returning to square one,” he added.

On the other hand, councilor Bonifacio Militar, who chairs the committee on franchises and utilities, said that based on his review no violation was found in their franchise.

“What will be done now is for the committee on energy, and the committee on environment to focus on their existing application,” Militar said.

On Dec. 3 last year, the city council approved on first reading the application for expansion in barangay Binugao, Toril. TSI is a coal-fired power plant owned by Aboitiz Power which also has an existing construction of their 300 megawatt facility. [ABF]

NEGOTIATING ITS WAYS. A passenger ferry struggles to navigate against the Davao River’s strong current caused by days of heavy rains in the hinterlands of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

PhilHealth tells public to avail of measles package

No big deal on Inday’s T ‘over-speeding’violation

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

W

abf@edgedavao.net

HY did the Traffic Management Center make it a big deal when they apprehended former Davao City mayor Sarah Z. Duterte violating the speed limit ordinance?

This was the statement of her brother vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte in a media briefing yesterday.

“Nganong ilang gipadako ang storya na normal lang man madakpan ang

pribadong tao. Pribado nga tao naman na si Inday (Sara Duterte),” Duterte said.

He said that a certain Villareal who apprehended the former mayor on Monday made a statement in an interview.

“Nganong pa interview siya – para mo sikat siya through my sister? Ug gusto niya tanan madakpan niya mag pa interview siya sa media –sukad karon,”

3

Duterte stressed.

But, he commended the traffic enforcer who apprehended his sister despite recognizing her as the former mayor“Unta ma promote siay pagka plantilla position,” he said.

On the other hand, Duterte denied allegations that the apprehension was just a ‘gimik.’

“Ug gimik na di mas maayo para dili siya magproblemag kuha sa iyang

lisensya… pero nganong naabot man sa LTO (Land Transportation Office) iyang lisensya?” said Duterte, adding that his sister knows about the rule of law since she is a lawyer.

Sara was apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday on Quimpo Boulevard. Earlier reports said that Sara was caught driving at 57 kilometers per hour (kph) in along a 40 kph zone.

HE PhilHealth on Tuesday announced that measles cases with and without complications could avail its admission package in public and private hospitals in view of the outbreak of the disease in several areas in Metro Manila.

PhilHealth president Alexander Padilla said during the “Kapihan with the Press” in Pasig City that poor families identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction of the Department of Social and Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units-sponsored members

VALENTINE’S TREAT

could avail of the measles coverage.

He said that an estimated 14.78 million families or 50 to 51 million individuals were under sponsored program of the DSWD and about four million families under LGUs sponsored program.

Padilla encouraged parents to bring their children to public hospitals for measles treatment to ensure of “no balance billing” payment once admitted in the government hospitals unlike in private hospitals.

Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, PhilHealth Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group,

FPHILHEALTH, 10

Two-day musicale at HCDC Feb. 14-15

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

G LONG-TIME CRITIC. Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, chairman of the Davao City Council’s environment and natural resources committee, lashes out again at the alleged poor service of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) in the 2nd District during yesterday’s regular session. He reiterated the need to reform the water company’s supply distribution system in Cabantian, Sasa, Panacan , Tibungco and other areas in the northern part of the city in a privilege speech. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

EN Rosso, an international band of the Focolore Movement, will perform a unique musicale in a two-day event on February 14 and 15 at the Holy Cross of Davao Gym. The multi-cultural performing arts group will present the musicale entitled “Streetlight: One for Love (Living the Faith, Knowing the Truth),” a story about Charles Moats, an African-American youth living in the Chicago ghetto in the late 1960’s. At 17, Moats, the main character, finds himself caught between enemy lines in a gang war.

However, convinced that unity and brotherhood are not only beautiful ideas to live for, he opted to say no to violence for which he

eventually paid dearly with his own life.

The performance, composed of contemporary music, choreography and modern stage techniques, will show solutions that will address social conflicts and violence such as bullying in schools, homes and workplaces.

It is said that the main goal of the project is to discover and strengthen the positive values and potentials of the youth as a proactive antidote to bullying, delinquency and youth violence.

The proceeds will be used to assist the Bukas Palad Foundation, SOS Children’s Village and victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Tripartite approach in monitoring compliance with labor standards L

ABOR personnel in General Santos City have adopted a new assessment system for local companies and other business establishments in a bid to strengthen the enforcement of various labor laws and policies in the area.

Patricio Blanza, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) director, said they decided to implement the tripartite approach for its upcoming annual assessment of local establishments or employers to determine their compliance with the government’s labor standards.

He said the new approach mainly shifts their enforcement strategy from the previous inspection to the assessment of employers.

Instead of fielding labor inspectors, he said they will be assigning labor compliance officers to spearhead the assessment activities along with representatives from the company or business establishment and their employees’ union.

“We opted for this (tripartite) approach to facilitate proper discussions and resolution of problems that might arise regarding the compliance of a certain employer to the labor standards,” Blanza said.

KIDAPAWAN CITY

The official said the assessment, which will begin on January 16, will focus on the compliance of local employers with the minimum wage law, holiday pay regulations, standard social welfare benefits and bonuses as well as occupational health and safety standards (OSH).

He said they will specifically check whether an establishment has enrolled its workers with the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Pag-Ibig Fund.

For the benefits, Blanza said they will determine if the employers have given their employees the mandated 13th month pay.

On the OSH, he said they will strict with the assessment of the workplaces and the compliance of the establishments to its standards.

“If during the assessment the team finds problems that poses imminent dangers that might possibly cause injuries to the workers, it can recommend to the department the issuance of a stoppage order for the establishment,” Blanza added.

A number of establishments were penalized by DOLE Region 12 last year for violation of the labor

LANDSLIDE. Military trainees clear the road of fallen trees and bamboos after a landslide that occurred in Barangay Tuburan, Mawab town, Compostela Valley province on Sunday, 12 January 2014. [MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano] standards, among them the provisions on the OSH standards and social welfare benefits of workers.

From January to October 2013, DOLE-12 has inspected a total of 1,029 establishments covering 41,563 workers in the region regarding their com-

pliance with the general labor standards.

Region 12, which is also known as the Soccsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacu-

rong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Such figure was 29 more or has breached by 2.9 percent the agency’s target of 1,000 establishments for the year.

Of the 1,029 establishments, DOLE-12 reported that 736 or 71.5 percent

were found compliant with the general labor standards, OSH and social welfare benefits.

A total of 37 companies have made corrections at plant level, with restitutions amounting to P2.719 million benefiting 256 workers, it said. [MindaNews]

SOUTH COTABATO

LGU reorganizes offices, personnel

NCMF accredits 2 Halal certifying bodies I T

he National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has granted accreditation of the first-ever two Halal Certifying Bodies (HCBs) with assurance of full support from the commission.

Lawyer Mehol Sadain, NCMF chairperson, awarded the certificate of accreditation to the Halal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HCCIP) and the Mindanao Halal Authority (MINHA).

HCCIP is based in San Juan, Metro Manila, while the MINHA operates in General Santos City.

Prior to its accreditation, MINHA has already certified products using stringent process in Halal certification.

Citing the advantage of being accredited to the government, Sadain said the government will

vouch for them should there will be inquiry from other countries.

The two HCBs were granted certificate of accreditation after passing the audit and complying with the requirements of the NCMF’s Halal Development, Promotion and Accreditation Board (HDPAB), also chaired by Sadain.

Companies may seek Halal certification of the two HCBs which will be allowed to use the Philippine Halal logo. The national Halal seal will be inscribed with the HCB’s accreditation number in the product packaging, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said in a statement.

The MILF, which is talking peace with Manila, had been pushing for Halal certification in the Philippines as one of the minor issues of the GPH-

MILF peace talks.

Shariah Lawyer Guialil R. Kanda, NCMF field director for Region 12, said only NCMF-accredited HCB will be allowed to use the Philippine Halal logo.

Kanda said food and processed meat manufacturing companies should seek Halal certification only from government-recognized HCBs. Having certification will guarantee the food were prepared according to Islamic practices which the NCMF had checked their competence in detecting Haram contents in the products.

According to Kanda, Muslims are ordained to consume only Halal foods and drinks. It must be clean and free from any porcine derivatives. For meat products, it should come from animals which are slaughtered in accor-

dance with Islamic tradition.

In its webpage, the MILF said non-Muslim countries like Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and Brazil produce their Halal food products certified by their respective credible Islamic institutions.

Muslim leaders in Mindanao are optimistic that exporting Mindanao Halal products could contribute to the economic development of the Bangsamoro people in particular and the country in general.

The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro which was signed in October 2012 states that the Bangsamoro Basic Law may provide for the power to the Bangsamoro Government to accredit Halal-certifying bodies in the Bangsamoro. [PNA]

N a bid to improve its operations and service delivery, the provincial government of South Cotabato is working on a major reorganization this year of its service offices and personnel.

Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday they are currently evaluating the structure and operations of their departments, divisions and sections to come up with more appropriate and rationalized configuration for the local government.

She said they have created a special review body, which is dubbed organizational management committee, to spearhead the evaluation process.

“The results of the review or evaluation will serve as basis for the reorganization and the structural changes in our offices,” the governor said.

Fuentes said the committee, which is led by the provincial human

resource management and development office (HRMDO), earlier started the evaluation on the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) and the Provincial Assessor’s Office (PAO).

She said they prioritized the two offices since some of their divisions and sections are presently headed by officers-in-charge (OIC) and their structure and operations need immediate reforms or changes.

The governor said the PAO needs a major overhaul and rationalization as some of its functions were already delegated to the municipal assessor’s offices as a result of the computerization of the province’s real property assessment system.

The PAO has also expanded from two to five divisions these past several years despite the transfer of some of its functions to their municipal counterparts. [MindaNews]

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

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6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013

NEDA 11: Agriculture still promising despite calamities

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

Jul 2013

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

crc@edgedavao.net

HE National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in region 11 identified agricultures as one of the growth areas for 2014 despite of the devastation of typhoon Pablo in 2012.

Other growth areas are power generation, whole sale and retail, tourism , and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solution.

NEDA regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim, speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, said that the agriculture sector has regained its momentum after the the outputs were lulled by Pablo. Agriculture regained its prime spot in the regional economy as major contributor in employment, export trade, and Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

Lim said that the recovery in the said sector will be fast and the increase in production of cereals, banana, and livestock and poultry will be sustained.

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

T

KOREAN STUDENTS. Davao Light and Power Co. welcomes the students from Pyung-Hae Technical School of South Korea who paid a visit at its Bajada office last January 04, 2014. AVP for Corporate Communications and Branding Ross Luga and Community Relations Department Manager Fermin Edillon gave an orientation about the company and its corporate social responsibility activities, respectively. The Korean students then went for a tour at some of the company’s facilities. They are in the Philippines for a 2-week English Camp at the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Moreover, Lim said that more export trade opportunities for agricultural products will be available, especially in the market of United States and Japan.

For the banana industry, Lim said that it will do a “robust rebound as banana prices in the world market would increased two folds”. The opening of the US market for the Philippine banana will further boost the stand-

ing of the region as the top producer of the said export product.

It is said that the world market price increase from $3.6 to $6 per box. There is also a proposed 4- year budget for ‘saba’ development in the region.

Based on NEDA data, the region produced a total of 2.1 million metric tons (MT) of banana from the first to third quarter of 2013. The total yield

in the first three quarters of 2013 is lower than by 700,000 MT on the same period of 2012.

She also said that the export of durian, and rubber products will also gain momentum this year for the agriculture sector.

NEDA reports showed that the production of durian increased on the first three quarters of 2013.

The Bureau of Statistics recorded 41, 563 metric tons on that period. This

is higher to the 40, 432 MT total yield in 2012 of the same period. More durians will be exported to Singapore. Lim added that fruit processing plant in the region for the production of quality agricultural products will be also established.

On the other hand, NEDA stressed that the strengthening of the rubber industry roadmap will likewise improve the industry.

through a public-private partnership.

Milan said that while a railway system would be expensive if city-funded, it would not be the case if it is funded from national sources.

“Businesses should look at this as an investment into the future,” he said, adding it would accelerate development, especially in terms of the movement of goods and people.

“What is really needed for Mindanao to develop is a mass transport

system,” he said.

Milan, however, cited the need for a company that would invest in power projects using the public-private partnership as a mechanism.

“We don’t have any idea about it yet, but if I were to look at it (light rail system), it should be more integrated into the existing electricity supplies,” he said.

He said energy supply for the system could be obtained from DLPC as well as from electric cooperatives in other re-

gions that the railways would pass through.

Milan added that he was not particular with the kind of railway system that Mindanao could use.

In a press conference last year, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he was pushing for an increased power supply in the region so that a rail system could be built before his term ends in 2016.

However, an integrated transportation study last year by the Asian Development Bank said it would be impractical

for Davao City to have a railway system because of the cost.

The study suggested feeder routes and bus systems instead.

In the same presentation, Lim said the public-private partnership arrangement may include the Tagum Water District joint venture for bulk water supply, the Tamugan water surface development, Sta. Ana wharf development project, Davao food exchange complex, and the Davao Sasa port project. [MindaNews]

Public-private partnership eyed for Mindanao light rail project

HE long-proposed light railway transit project for Mindanao may be done as a public-private partnership, an official said.

National Economic and Development Authority regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said a public-private partnership scheme for the project is being eyed for the Davao region this year.

Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) chief operating officer Arturo M. Milan said the light railway project is only feasible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

ERC OKs P2.1-B loan to DLPC

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

T

HE Energy and Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the P2.1 billion loan application of the Davao Light & Power Co., (DLPC) for the construction of their power substations to start this year until 2015.

Arturo M. Milan, DLPC executive vice president and chief operating officer told reporters yesterday that the construction of sub stations will enhance their distribution network for the next two years.

The approved loan will also serve as capital expenditure (Capex) of the company. Capex is the fund used by the company to acquire or upgrade their physical assets such as property, industrial buildings or equipments. It is used to maintain or increase the scope of their operations.

Milan said that this is also to attain reliability and sufficiency, especially in their franchise area. It can be recalled that DLPC supplies power to Davao City, Panabo City, Sto Tomas, Carmen, Dujali, and Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

The construction of

substations will also enhance their distribution to areas in Davao City where the industrial and commercial development can be observed.

He said that further details on the projects will be announced later this year.

At the same event, Milan also said that further announcement will be made regarding the P180-million refund to Mindanao customers.

In a report, power barge operator Therma Marine Inc., announced the refund to its customers in the island starting this month because of the adjustments in rates for power delivered in 2011.

It is said that 21 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities will benefit from the refund “which was already implemented in the December 2013- January 2014 billing cycle”.

The said refund will be implemented within six months as mandated by the ERC in a final order received in January 3. Electric cooperatives and distribution utilities will also apply the refund to its consumers.

Davao Light is one of the distribution utilities that will receive refunds equivalent to six equal months payment.

Based on the same report other cooperatives and distribution utilities are: Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative, Camiguin Electric Cooperative, Cotabato Electric Cooperative, Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative, Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative, Misamis Oriental II Electric Cooperative, South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Surigao del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Zambonga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Zamboanga del Sur I Electric Cooperative.

BY THE NUMBERS

PHL’s earnings from reached

$4.292 billion last November. This was 18.9% higher tha n the

$3.611 billion

sold in the same pe

riod in 2012,

SOURCE: NSO

ARMM investments surge by more than 150 percent in 2013 S T

HE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) cornered more than P1.4 billion worth of investments last year, and registered a 157 percent increase as compared to 2012’s P569 million.

ARMM’s Regional Board of Investments (RBOI-ARMM) announced that the region hit its second P1 billion mark, following 2011’s P1.6 billion.

“We attribute this significant increase in investments to the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),” said Ishak Mastura, Chairman of RBOIARMM. He added that the agreement boosted confidence among investors in doing business in the region, because of the promise of peace and stability.

The RBOI-ARMM also announced that ARMM registered four new businesses last year with min-

eral development being the biggest contributor to the remarkable growth.

A Tawi-Tawi based company, Al-Tawitawi Nickel Corporation invested more than P700 million for a mineral development project in Tawi-Tawi, while a P365 million real estate investment was registered by the Bumbaran Development Corporation. Other major investments recorded include the expansion of a banana plantation, and the establishment of an oil depot.

Mastura said the strong support of the local government units, reinforced by the ARMM regional government ensured investors “that doing business in ARMM is easy, safe, and profitable.”

“It’s worth noting that the more than P1 billion worth of investments recorded last year generated 1,743 jobs for the people of ARMM,” he added.

The ARMM government has also been offering both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for new in-

vestments to attract more business ventures to the region.

“Governance reforms in ARMM has not only contributed to the overall peace and security situation in the region, but has also increased investor confidence as shown by this positive development,” said Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.

Antonino expressed optimism for ARMM to continue experiencing massive investment growth, once the remaining infrastructure projects in the region are in place.

ARMM received P8.59 billion funding under the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) of the national government, and P2.8 billion of the amount was allocated for DPWH’s infrastructure projects.

To further boost investments and economic growth in the island-region, a spatial development framework called the Mindanao Development Corri-

exports

U/KBs’bad loans ratio continued to improve in October ‘13

dors is being carried out by MinDA, where one of the strategies is to achieve connectivity through the development of intermodal transport systems and the strengthening of logistics to support growing industries.

“A well-placed connectivity infrastructure will allow ARMM’s top exports sourced mainly from rural areas to expediently reach urban centers for processing and marketing, and arrive at our export gateways faster and in better shape,” Antonino said.

The development corridors will bank on the strengths of Mindanao’s key regions, with Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi forming part of the Mariculture and Trade corridor.

MinDA, along with Board of Investments, the Department of Trade and Industry, and RBOIARMM have also been closely working together to expand investment opportunities in Mindanao to BIMP-EAGA and other international markets.

oured loans of universal and commercial banks (U/ KBs) remained low as of October 2013 even as banks continued to post increases in their lending activities.

Data released on Tuesday by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that total non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of U/KBs last October accounted for about 2.56 percent of their total loans, lower than year-ago’s 2.92 percent.

Total loan portfolio (TLP) of the sector as of last October reached P3.93 billion, higher than year-ago’s P3.49 billion.

The central bank noted that the improvement in the NPL ratio transpired along with the same path for the NPL coverage ratio, which widened to 130.53 percent from the previous year's 126.23 percent.

It explained that “provisioning for NPLs is a prudential mea-

sure for mitigating potential credit losses.”

The sector’s loan loss reserves (LLR) last October reached P130.99 billion, up from P128.82 billion in the same period of the preceding year.

BSP also noted that NPLs across all sectors of the domestic economy “generally remained low and manageable,” particularly on financial intermediation, real estate, manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade.

Loans extended to these sectors accounted for about 62 percent of the TLPs. The central bank said that the “banks’ low level of bad debts is an indication of the industry’s continuous effort to adhere to prudent lending standards.”

“This is essential to maintaining financial stability, which is a primary objective of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” it added. [PNA]

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

EDITORIAL

D

Drug test, the next level

ABAWENYOS who are concerned about the drug menace welcome the news that no less than Davao City Police Officer (DCPO) Director Vicente Danao Jr. initiated a surprise drug test on police officers, all 80 of them, last Monday.

Of course, Sr. Supt. Danao was the first one who subjected himself to the test. Although it can hardly be called surprise, since he was its initiator.

It is not yet known how many of the police officers tested positive for prohibited drugs. However, Dabawenyos are positive that surprise drug tests on law enforcers themselves are a good feature of the campaign against drug abuse. It is a fact that many police officers and agents from other law enforcement agencies have been caught and prosecuted for complicity in the crime, either as drug users or pushers.

EDGEDAVAO

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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

Danao’s surprise drug test may be considered the next level of the much ballyhooed “tukhang” campaign series conducted by Sr. Supt. Ronald dela Rosa, former DCPO director. “Tukhang” is short for the vernacular “tuktok hangyo” which means “knock and plead,” wherein dela Rosa himself knocked on the doors of drug suspects to persuade them to stop heir illegal activities and turn a new leaf in life. “Tukhang” was followed up with raids and arrests for those who did not heed dela Rosa’s plea.

Danao should continue holding surprise drug tests now and then on his men from hereon..

It would even be better if Danao could convince his counterpart chiefs in civilian offices to do the same from time to time until all users and pushers become a rarity in government agencies if only to make the overall campaign against the menace truly effective and credible.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

I

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

No minimal sense of probity

LLEGAL LOGGING INFLAMES PUBLIC ANGER – I wrote about the high incidence of illegal logging operations in Region XI most particularly in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur several months ago.

As a reminder, there’s no breach by doing this all over again. Yes, the illegal but highly lucrative business undertaking is cause of concern to environmental groups and residents living near forested areas. The unabated illegal logging activities in several provinces in the region resulted to massive flooding and landslides affecting lives and properties.

It is reflective of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ineffectiveness and neglect in performing its job to say the least. And the wary people’s anticipation happened every now and then. In some occasion law enforcers and special task force intercepted truckloads of illegally sawn lumber and the operatives traced the point of origin – Region X and XI. With the discovery of 50 container vans of hot timber coming from Mindanao in the port of Manila worth several millions sometime last year, the Regional Executive Directors of Region X and XI together with 16 DENR technical personnel, and according to reports were ordered relieved in their posts pending a thorough investigation.

Surprisingly, nothing can be heard about the progress of their cases since then.

Clearly, these officials did not exert maximum effort to totally stamp out illegal logging operations in their respective turfs. For some, the illegal logging practices would only thrive if some enterprising government people are in cahoots with unscrupulous traders. Despite boastfully rattling certain arrest, no big-time illegal loggers had been convicted and put behind bars and for obvious reasons only the drivers and truck helpers were detained by authorities. Holy cow! The Palace should concentrate fully on running after erring government offi-

N

cials without letup and crack the whip ruthlessly if need be. The crackdown against DENR personnel directly involved in illegal logging ventures was long overdue. Meted with severe penalties if proven guilty, the most affected communities will be more than happy to know that these fraudulent and voracious officials should serve maximum jail terms.

ESTABLISHED UNLAWFUL PRACTICE – To this day even under the Aquino administration, the traditional practice where top civil servants, upon their retirement are offered cushy and highly-paying consultancy jobs either in government or probably by private companies seeking to take advantage of their connection and influence.

If I got it right, under the civil-service code, retired government officials, military and police officers must wait for two years before accepting or get appointed in agencies they used to work, or in other government bureaus. But it seems the powersthat-be bypass this ruling by appointing their favorite “political pets” to government-controlled corporations and affiliated companies. What happened is that their normal sense of conviction gets warped and they continue to act and strut like kings in their newfound little kingdoms.

Such practice and arrangement actually is not new in our political system. It brought into the open a deep-rooted culture of padrino system. But this time, public anger was inflamed by the sheer excesses and seeming lavish and opulent lifestyles of favored political appointees in the face of a floundering economy. Just like the great number of assistant secretaries (asec) and

undersecretaries (usec) “overcrowding” government departments and line agencies, they gobbled up a big chunk of the country’s annual budget. This contributed to current problems of the government’s financial capability.

Certainly, public sentiment likewise does not favor the excesses and trespasses of numerous enterprising incumbent top government officials. Many gossipy tabloids even reported lurid examples of entertainment lavished on these bureaucrats. Private corporations and other business entities seeking “assistance” would bestow favor on them – including rounds of golf, top-end entertainment, lavish gifts or outright bribery, with young, beautiful and seductive women thrown in as compliment. As a matter of un-coded rule, the enterprising bureaucrats expect the intended “beneficiary” to pick up the tab, including that, of course, for sexual services. For their part, a person or group seeking favor from hard-faced and thick-witted bureaucrats are only too willing to oblige. The money spent on wining and dining is justified by both parties as “grease oil” or padulas. It is also within legal bounds so long as there is no visible or direct transfer of cash or gifts.

As scandals involving thick-faced and cash-oriented government officials unfolded, doubts remain over whether drastic reform is really on the way even if mounting complaints have already reached the highest office. Even so, critics say that any investigating body is no guarantee of change especially if it were staffed by government people who also have “skeletons in their closets.” Of course, some promised actions have been stalled while the figures involved in the shenanigans observed strictly the “Code of Omertha.” How do we call these thick-faced brats? Well, the irate and aghast public noted that the so-called civil servants of this species are typically people without even a minimal sense of morality.

in September, and you ill make millions of school children happy.

CHED officials are not known for fast and decisive action. Their penchant for long-winded talks is unproductive, to say the least.

crisis because of Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

This should not surprise us at all. All along since Day One of the Aquino regime, P-Noy has been helpless in tackling the nation’s problems. The list is long – from the Luneta hostage crisis, the Maguindanao massacre; the rape of towns in Mindanao by the MILF; the series of typhoons all over the country; the attack on Zamboanga City; the Bohol super earthquake, etc.

What the Aquino government needs are action men with competent skills in the mold of the Dirty Dozen. P-Noy is not an action man. He is a plastic man who regales us with tales of fantasy about his achievements.

Ex-senator Joker Arroyo was right when he equated P-Noy’s cabinet with a bungling student council.

Midway into its term, the Aquino cabinet continues its bungling ways. P-Noy’s main mouthpieces – Coloma, Lacierda, Valte communicate like trying-hard pretentious confused student leaders.

P-Noy should be man enough to accept his incompetence. His elitist mentality does the country more harm than good.

His 2010 election was a mistake engineered by the nation’s elite blinded by irrational sympathy.

Thou shall not covet taxpayers money

INE senators realigned their Php1.8B pork barrel in the 2014 national budget. They argue that they are within their rights as holder of the power of the purse.

That may be so; but they simply do not have the simple intelligence to understand the Supreme Court ruling on the PDAF which tells them “You shall not covet taxpayers’ money”.

These political animals must put into their thick skulls that the PDAF is dead.

They should let it rest in peace. Stop delivering eulogies and try to look like heroes.

------- 000 -----A sector from the academe has proposed a change in the school calendar, opening it in September instead of June.

Not so fast, says CHED chair Patricia Licuanan. She wants a working study group to debate on the issue. There’s no need for that. Madam Chair. We don’t need much brains to know the difference between a dry and a wet season.

The main consideration here is the welfare of the school children, not the brains of multi-titled academic doctors.

Forget about that study group which most likely would recommend further study of the matter. The issue of change in the school calendar has been with us for years. Now is the time to act.

So, just do it, Ma’am – open the school

------- 000 -----Former Pres. Erap Estrada paid Gloria Arroyo a surprise visit at the VMMC where she is under hospital arrest.

Days later, Aquino apologists downplayed Erap’s magnificent humane gesture declaring – perhaps at their own instance – that there is no need for P-Noy to emulate Erap’s act of compassion.

Of course we cannot expect P-Noy to follow Erap’s act of Christian virtue. Erap is human and has a Christian heart. He forgives. P-Noy is insensitive, inhuman, has the heart of a pagan indecently proud and hopelessly arrogant.

------- 000 -----Aquino drumbeaters says the President is helpless in confronting the power

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Can Davao really stop rice smuggling ?

S

M U G GLING and other forms of corruption will always be there, wherever there are imports and exports anywhere in this country---and even other ports all over the world.

Targeting bigger profits from a shipment put an importer or exporter through a government customs officer who sign an Import Declaration or an Export Declaration. This is where you see a tug of war between the shipper and customs officer.

The importer doesn’t want to pay any customs duties or tariff on his imported merchandise so he can sell his goods cheaper at a good profit---while the customs officer won’t sign any documents to release the shipment unless you have some thick wads of cash inside an envelope.

It happens every day at nearly all ports in this country. If you act surprised, you’re a hypocrite. Talk to exporters at any PhilExport chapter, they’ll tell you all sorts of “horror” stories in dealing with customs.

It’s the same thing with importers--even the good ones who faithfully pay customs duties, taxes or tariff.

Talk to any importer who had been importing for many years. They’ll tell you how the customs work at any port in this country.

Compared to their foreign counterparts, many Filipino exporters are notorious for short-changing their foreign buyers and often not paying agent’s commissions. It’s the same thing with importers. Greed and profits make them arrogant to think they can do anything they want.

If you’re a customs officer in charge of either import or export shipments, and your government salary could hardly pay your house rent, the tuition of your children, the weekly groceries to keep yourself alive eating decent food and gasoline to run your old car---- it’s hard to resist all kinds of temptation from importers and exporters.

High officials at the Department of Finance are hypocrites if they pretend to act innocent that these things aren’t taking place in every port in the Philippines. It’s hard to be a saint with a bright halo over your head if you’re working at customs.

Even the Bureau of Internal Revenue knows this is happening at the customs and just go about their work, setting collection targets for each port and closing their eyes to what’s really happening. It’s all a charade under all governments--- Marcos, Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo and now P-noy.

Watching how our Davao mayor would deal with rice smugglers in this southern city would be very interesting after he threatened, tongue in cheek, that he’ll “kill them” , drawing instant sharp criticisms from both Malacanang and the Commission on Human Rights.

Perhaps the best way to “kill” a rice smuggler is to put his giant face on a huge tarpaulin billboard on the highway with these words in big bold letters : “This man is a rice smuggler” Putting a smuggler to shame is better than a bullet.

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

10

NEWS

week.

Among affected products were assorted vegetables/ fruit crops (P604,750), corn (P282,000), rice (P227,375), banana (P5,910), coconut (P10,500) and fisheries (P3.6 million).

The damage were all in Tagum City while other municipalities and provinces in in the region have yet to report.

Davao Oriental, which has 8,045 hectares of damaged agricultural land, has yet to determine the cost.

Most of the products affected were rice and corn.

On the other hand, fatalities reached 13 while 34 were injured and seven still missing.

The region recorded 133 totally damaged houses, 126 of which are in Davao Oriental (66 in Lupon, 26 in Caraga, Tarragona 25, five in Boston, three in Manay and one in Gov. Generoso.) The rest

are in New Bataan, Compostela Valley province.

There were also 254 houses partially damaged, 250 of which in Davao Oriental ( 165 in Lupon, 34 in Caraga, Boston 28, Mati City 12 and 11 in Cateel).

Four are in New Bataan, Compostela Valley.

The OCD reported that majority of the roads in Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley were still not passable due to flood and landslides. Some of the bridges in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental also collapsed.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) of Davao Oriental has reported a landslide incident in Mati City.

Based on the statement, the incident occurred in Sitio Muñoz where the road that connects the city to Tarragona town is still not passable, thus, making the vehicles got stranded.

tation situation, Mayor Duterte said he is waiting for the concrete proposals and recommendations of study groups and the Davao City Council on the kind of transportation system appropriate for the situation in the city now and in the near future.

He told the businessmen he had observed some efficient transport systems such as those using commuter trains in some parts of Asia that might be applicable to Davao City. He said some experts have lined up a number of solutions after making their own studies of the Davao situation, but there is need for the city to decide what to adopt and borrow huge money to spend on.

The city government is likewise looking for a bigtime builder who can design, construct and finance a comprehensive drainage system, he told the businessmen.

Climate change is a reality we have to accept and factor in every plan of the things, Duterte said, adding that one of the projects designed to mitigate flooding is the establishment of pumping stations in the city’s coastlines pending the construction of comprehensive drainage system.

Night market go The other matters the

mayor discussed with the chamber leaders included: 1. Night market for vendors will be pursued as a measure to minimize the illegal occupation by vendors of the entire sidewalks instead of just onethird.

2. He is not going to order a crackdown on the “ukay-ukay” industry because it benefits the poor vendors and buyers. He said the “ukay-ukay” benefits the poor consumers who can not afford to buy their needs, specially 3. The mayor is looking for young professionals who have been trained in prestigious schools to help run the city government.

4. He will soon make a statement about the continued failure of the Davao City Water District to provide quality potable water in the northern part of the city. He advised the DCWD leaders to be frank and forthcoming with the people about the real situation.

In closing, the mayor asked the businessmen to always be fast in informing the city government about their legitimate concerns.

For his part, the chamber will be the first to be informed about big projects that the city government will launch in the future.

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21121382 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10329386-4 issued to MARLYN G. VELORIA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

1/15/22/29

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Anti-measles...FFROM 1

P10-M... FFROM 1

Mayor... FFROM 2

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

ing increase in measles cases in the national level, adding that they haven’t recorded any case of this contagious disease yet.

However, they will still implement DepED Memorandum Order No. 03 s.

2014 to keep students from acquiring the disease and to give immediate medication to students who have measles. Teachers and school

heads are asked to send home students “exhibiting flu-like symptoms to rest and recuperate.”

In the same memorandum, schools are mandated to perform an information dissemination on the campaign, given that the disease can also be acquired in the community. It says that teachers and school heads should coordinate with

concerned local government units and health offices to conduct vaccinations.

This is systematic relay of information regarding the state of health of students and teachers will be operationalized through the Preventive Alert System in Schools (PASS).

Under the system, schools and principals are mandated to conduct, monitor

and maintain records of students’ and personnel’s daily health inspection.

Relevant information will be relayed to the school division superintendent and to the DepEd central office for review and appropriate action.

In Davao City alone, there are more than 360 public elementary and secondary schools.

lic safety kaning sa mga stray animals, including cows – wala namay gamit na sa Davao City… ug sultihon nato na sa kabukiran pwede na siya pero pwede naman agion og barangay

ordinance na,” he said.

He said that another example ot a public safety ordinance that has not been enforced is on jay-walking.

He said that they would

invite various non-government organizations to the public hearing that has yet to be scheduled.

Meanwhile, he will also meet with the committee on finance to talk about

the publication budget on the new ordinances.

Duterte said the city will need to allocate P1 million for the publication of new ordinances. [ABF]

Under the Food Staples Self- Sufficiency Program (FSSP), the DA intends to increase palay production capacity as a “primary” strategy to achieve 100 percent rice sufficiency in 2014 and beyond.

Recoter said that the region is one of the prime producers of high value crops like coffee, banana, coconut, cassava, cacao, durian among others.

Reports from the National Economic and Development Authori-

ty (NEDA) in region 11 bared that the production of palay in the region decreased from 386,660 metric tons (MT) in first to third quarter of 2012 to 356,403 MT in the same period in 2013.

She said that it would take three years before the region can attain rice self-sufficiency.

The director said that in order to attain this government should invest in developing more irrigation systems in the region.

In this way, ricefields

can be expanded thus increasing the production.

She added that more post harvest facilities should be distributed throughout the region to address the scarcity of rice.

Earlier, Recoter said that the Davao region is dependent on the rice produced by nearby regions.

On the other hand, a national report says that achieving national food security is threatened by climate change because of its damage to the agri-

culture sector. It showed that in 2013, 74 percent of estimated damage by natural disasters in the country was in agriculture.

Typhoon Yolanda which hit the eastern part of the Visayas last November, damaged bout 600,000 hectares of agriculture land, with estimated 1.1 million metric tons (MT) of crops lost.

The losses and damage were expected to reflect in the early 2014 crop season.

urgency of the situation the DCWD could present its rehabilitation plan and surface water program before the council using the Tamugan-Panigan water, as well as their financial status in order to validate their claim they cannot immediately implement the program due to lack of funds.

In his proposal, Dayanghirang stated that there should be discount-

ed water rates to prevent double expenses when households pay for supply of potable water from the DCWD but still buy drinking water from elsewhere.

The city mayor is expected to create an independent water advisory council to conduct an autonomous study on the performance of the water district and formulate policies and courses

of action in order to improve the service.

There would be a need to invite representatives of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and National Water Resource Board (NWRB) in an open session to clarify matters in connection with DCWD water rates and water rights in relation to Panigan-Tmaugan Surface Water Development and

the demand of the public for the adjustment of water rates in areas where there are problems of water pressure and quality.

Dayanghirang said that DCWD has confirmed the low water pressure during peak hours from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., and that it needs about P5 million for improvement “on or before 2020” -- subject to the availability of funds.

said the agency’s package covers for simple measles or those without complications was up to P7,000 that includes hospital bill, talent fee of the doctor, medicines, laboratory and room rate.

“PhilHealth measles package coverage with complications such with pneumonia, dehydration, encephalitis (inflammations of the brain) is up to

P32,000,” said Pargas.

Pargas, in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency, also explained that measles hospital admission coverage or “reimbursable” for simple cases was temporarily removed since January 1st this year but was immediately revived due to the reported outbreak.

He said the agency’s

hospital admission coverage was deleted for simple measles cases since it was not included in the “case rate” packages. He explained this was because simple or measles case without complications does not require hospitalization. He added that for the past two years the reported simple measles cases needing hospital confinement were negligible.

Pargas clarified that it was only the coverage for simple cases which was temporarily suspended but was immediately resumed because of the increase in the number of those infected.

Padilla echoed Pargas statement when he said during the forum that “for the past two years,

we haven’t had (many) cases. But because of the outbreak, we decided to bring back the measles coverage (for simple cases).”

Pargas stressed PhilHealth would be carrying out a “retroactive” measles admission coverage for simple cases, meaning those patients admitted in the hospitals from January 1st onwards could file their claims. He added that a circular to revive the coverage was being prepared.

To date, DOH-National Capital Region reported 796 suspected cases of measles from January 1 to 11 this year, of which 42 were already confirmed as measles cases while the rest are still awaiting confirmation. [PNA]

Council...FFROM 2

2014...FFROM 2

Councilor...FFROM 2

PhilHealth...FFROM 3

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21077268 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10064480-5 issued to REY P. GAVINA was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

1/15/22/29

11 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

Death toll due to LPA in Mindanao rises to 15 T HE death toll from the low pressure area (LPA) that induced heavy rains causing landslides and flash floods in Mindanao has risen to 15 while 13 others remain missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.

NDRRMC said that the partial official death toll is now at 15 and broken into the areas of Davao Oriental with seven; Compostella Valley with four; Caraga, three; Province of Dinagat Island, two; and one fatality each in Davao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.

The 15 people died due to landslides and drowning.

NDRRMC added the 13 persons reported missing are in Region 11 with eight; and five in Caraga region.

Reported injured were 34 persons.

NDDRMC said that as of 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, some 40,640 families or 199,327 individuals were affected in 192 barangays in 48 munic-

ipalities in 10 provinces of Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region) and Caraga.

The NDRRMC also said 177 passengers and 11 motorbancas were still stranded in Camarines Sur and Cebu ports as of 8:00 p.m.

Monday.

It added that 34 roads and 17 bridges were not passable in Regions 11 and Caraga.

NDDRMC also said that a total of 8,284 hectares of agricultural crops were damaged in Davao Oriental while eight bridges and five public infrastructure sustain damages in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

The NDRRMC said the number of houses totally damaged has reached 160 while 146 houses were partially damaged in Regions 10, 11 and Caraga.

The disaster agency reported 10 landslide incidents and five flooding/ flashflood incidents in Regions 10, 11 and Caraga.

[PNA]

IVING in an urban area with green spaces has a long-lasting positive impact on people’s mental well-being, a study

has suggested.

UK researchers found moving to a green space had a sustained positive effect, unlike pay rises or pro-

ENJOYING THE FLOOD. Children play and have fun in the flood waters after their homes got flooded in barangay Mahogany in Butuan City, Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2014. The flood hit 15 barangays in the city. [MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas]

Green spaces have lasting positive effect on well-being EMB 11 conducts seminar on toxic substances control law L motions, which only provided a short-term boost.

The authors said the results indicated that access to good quality ur-

As cities grew, parks were areas set aside to preserve a sense of nature in urban landscapes.

ban parks was beneficial to public health.

The findings appear in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

Green park Co-author Mathew White, from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, UK, explained the study built on the findings of a study that showed people living in greener urban areas were displaying fewer signs of depression or anxiety.

“But we did not know the time trajectory,” he told BBC News.

“There could have been a number of reasons, for example people do all sorts of things to make them happier: they strive for promotion at work, pay rises, they even get married.

“But the trouble with all those things is that within six months to a year, they are back to their original baseline levels of well-being. So these things are not sustainable; they do not make us happy in the long-term.

“We found that within a group of lottery winners who had won more than £500,000 that the positive effect was definitely there but after six months to a year, they were back to the baseline.” [BBC]

T

HE Environmental Management Bureau 11 (EMB 11) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR 11) has recently conducted a two-day orientation-seminar on Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990 held at the Grand Regal Hotel Davao.

The orientation, which was conceptualized by DENR 11 regional executive director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, was participated in by importers, distributors and end-users of cyanide both in Regions 11 and 13.

Fragada emphasized during his welcome message that the orientation-seminar aims to educate, orient and update all the participants about the policies and rules being implemented by the EMB in terms of controlling and regulating the use of toxic substances and hazardous wastes.

“Aside from regulating and monitoring the use of such chemicals, our aim is to also have a clear list of registered importers, distributors and end-users of cyanide in these two regions as well as guide and help your business to become sustainable,” Fragada added.

On the other hand, EMB 11 regional director Ester A. Olavides also stressed

that businesses from other regions that import or distribute cyanide or other toxic substances in Region 11 should also be identified and be included in the list of registered importers and distributors by EMB 11.

“It is important for us to know where these chemicals came from, where it will be transported and who are its end-users,” Olavides said.

Topics that were being discussed during the orientation-seminar were: Salient Features of RA 6969 and its IRR; DENR DAO 39, Series of 1997 or the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Cyanide and Cyanide Compound; Additional Requirements for CCO Cyanide and; Salient Features of Presidential Decree 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System.

A total of 52 participants attended the orientation-seminar. These were JB Management Mining Corporation, APEX Mining, Nabunturan Mining Supply, EMRON Marketing, Dalugdog Gold Processing Plant, Philippine Mining Development Corporation, Pacific Underground and Greenstone Mining Corporation of Region 13, among others.

Also present was EMB 13 Regional Director Metodio U. Turbella. [DENR 11]

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

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13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

DSWD family food packs sent to DavOr, DavNor A

S augmentation to the relief assistance provided by the local government units in Davao Oriental and Davao Del Norte, some 23,373 family food packs have already been released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the victims of flashfloods.

This is in response to the request of the two provincial governments following the flashfloods brought by the continuous rains since Thursday.

To date, the province of Compostela Valley has requested for 350 cases of noodles to complement their prepositioned relief goods.

Earlier, DSWD conducted rapid assessment in

Davao Oriental, Davao Del Norte and Compostela Valley while rescue operations were undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and volunteer groups.

DSWD learned that barangay, municipal and provincial governments in affected communities in Compostela Valley, Davao Del Norte and Davao Del Sur have initially provided relief goods to affected families.

According to Assistant Regional Director Mila T. Segovia of DSWD, 10,000 family food packs are being prepositioned by DSWD at the Interagency Disas-

ter Operations Center at DPWH Depot, Panacan.

The regional office here aims to repack 10,000 food packs daily to meet the requirements of affected families of the recent flashfloods, Segovia said.

Segovia stressed that DSWD has also mobilized its Social Welfare and Development Teams in each province and activated its Disaster Quick Response Team at the regional office to promptly respond to disaster operations.

Further, DSWD is looking into providing non-food items like cooking pots, kitchen utensils, pails, blankets, mosquito nets, plates, among others to the affected families.

DSWD reports show that to date, a total of

DSWD FOOD PACKS. Workers sort, repack and pile family food packs at the Regional Interagency Disaster Operations Center, DPWH Depot Panacan. To date, DSWD has released some 23,373 food packs for flash flood victims in Davao Oriental and Davao Del Norte. [DSWD] 16,615 families were affected composed of 82,686 individuals. Damaged houses totalled to 216 with 9 per-

sons dead.

Among the damaged infrastructures are dikes and bridges while some

roads were rendered impassable due to landslides. [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

New DCWD 24-hour hotline

D

AVAO City Water District’s 24-hour hotline 221-9412 has been changed to 2973293 or 297-DCWD. Effective afternoon of January 10, 2014, calling public are being advised by the voicemail to dial the new number when they call the old hotline.

With the new hotline, customers need to press “0” to talk to a DCWD call center agent for any matters concerning the water utility’s services such as billing and connection concerns, water interruption inquiry, leak reports, water availability updates, water quality status, among others. To listen to the latest scheduled and emergency water interruptions affecting certain areas in the city, customers need to press “1”.

Along with 297-3293, DCWD’s call center has three mobile hotlines 0927-798-8966 for GLOBE, 0908-441-0653 for SMART and 0925511- 3293 / DCWD for

SUN which the customers can also contact.

When online, customers can access the DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) to get latest news regarding DCWD operations and information on scheduled or emergency water interruptions. They can also create their own accounts in the website so they can check their latest water bills online provided that they know their account numbers. Leak reports can likewise be done through the website.

DCWD has its own Facebook account (DCWD Davao) where customers can check updates on scheduled water interruptions and forward queries, suggestions and complaints regarding DCWD services.

The DCWD management hopes that with these varied information access, its customers will find it easier and convenient to avail of DCWD services. [Jovana T. Duhaylungsod]

Smart lauds engineers for post-Yolanda restoration efforts. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) commended the extraordinary efforts of both Smart and Sun engineers who were deployed to fast-track the restoration of network services in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Working round the clock amid challenging conditions (some were Yolanda survivors themselves), these engineers were able to reconnect the affected municipalities in record time.

Photo shows Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto with Smart and Sun engineers based in Tacloban City after the presentation of “limited edition” light jackets bearing the “Typhoon Yolanda Ground Zero” badge of honor.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Back as Beermen A

FTER a two year absence, the San Miguel Beermen, the only remaining pioneer team in the PBA, will make their comeback in the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The switch was timed to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the San Miguel Beermen’s grand slam in 1989.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang said the time is ripe to bring the company’s core brand back to the PBA. “San Miguel Beer is synonymous to brewing excellence. We built our success as a conglomerate on San Miguel’s name. We are happy to announce its return to the PBA and we look forward to its future success,” said San Miguel Corporation Ramon S. Ang. Overall, the San Miguel franchise has won a leaguebest 19 championships, including the historic 1989

grand slam victory.

“On the 25th anniversary of that historic feat, we will gun for more championships with a new generation of talented and hardworking players and coaching staff,” Ang says.

“As in the past, our aim is to stay true to the San Miguel brand of excellence and to play hard and well above our fans’ expectations.”

“I’m happy for all SMB fans. I know they’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said San Miguel great and current San Mig Super Coffee assistant coach Olsen Racela when asked for his thoughts on the impending change.

In 1989, San Miguel Beer swept all three conferences to nail the third of only four PBA grand slams.

Only Crispa (1976, 1983) and Alaska Milk (1996) have managed to do the same in the PBA’s storied career. [Yahoo Philippines]

SHIFTING. Houston Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons (25) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk.

Howard lifts Rockets past Celtics

Wizards snap Bulls B C

HICAGO (AP) -- John Wall and Nene had 19 points apiece, Trevor Ariza scored 16 and the Washington Wizards beat the Chicago Bulls 102-88 on Monday night.

The Wizards led by 13 early in the fourth quarter and hung on after Chicago made one final push, snapping the Bulls’ five-game win streak.

Nene scored eight points in the final period and Bradley Beal came on strong down the stretch to finish with 13. He hit a jumper and 3-pointer during a nine-point run that bumped Washington’s lead to 96-82 with about 3 minutes left after Chicago pulled within five.

Wall scored four points during that spurt and had

seven assists in the game.

Ariza hit a trio of 3-pointers and the Wizards came away with the win after dropping five of seven.

Carlos Boozer scored 19 for Chicago and Joakim Noah grabbed 16 rebounds, but with a chance to reach .500 for the first time since November, the Bulls came up short. They also lost for the first time since trading Luol Deng to Cleveland last week, after winning three without him.

Washington had no trouble getting inside in the early going and shot 59 percent while building a 56-43 halftime lead.

The Bulls jumped right back into it to start the third quarter, tightening their defense while scoring the first eight points.

OSTON (AP) -Dwight Howard had 32 points and 10 rebounds, and the Houston Rockets beat Boston 104-92 on Monday night to send the skidding Celtics to their ninth consecutive defeat.

Jeremy Lin added 16 points and nine assists for Houston. James Harden scored 16 and Chandler Parsons added 14 after missing three games with a knee injury. Parsons is having a breakout season, averaging 17.5 points (on

51.7 percent shooting) and 5.4 rebounds.

Avery Bradley had 24 points for the Celtics, on their longest losing streak since dropping a franchise-record 18 straight games in 2007 - the season before they traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to join Paul Pierce as the Big Three.

Houston outscored Boston 65-38 in the second and third quarters. Howard had 12 third-quarter points as the Rockets expanded a

52-43 halftime lead to 84-65 by the end of the period.

Jarrod Bayless scored 15 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and Brandon Bass finished with 14 for Boston, which rallied but got no closer than seven points. The Celtics sent Howard to the foul line 14 times in the fourth quarter, and the big man made six. He was 10 of 18 in all.

Bradley had 14 first-quarter points, including two 3-pointers,

as the Celtics opened a 27-19 lead and held the Rockets to 29 percent shooting.

Houston’s second unit made some quick inroads against Boston’s reserves in the second quarter, led by forwards Omri Casspi (12 points) and Parsons. The Rockets’ starters re-entered with the score tied at 35 and took off on a 17-8 run to build a 52-43 halftime lead.

Jordan Crawford had 13 points for Boston.

in overtime to win 98-96 on Monday night for their fifth straight victory.

Anthony scored four of the Knicks’ six points in the extra session, and New

York allowed only four free throws while forcing the Suns to miss all seven shots.

Raymond Felton added 19 points for the Knicks (15-22), who climbed into a tie with Brooklyn for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Goran Dragic had 28 points and eight rebounds for the Suns, who dropped their third straight. Leandro Barbosa scored 21 in his best game since rejoining his old team on a 10day contract.

But the Suns endured dreadful games from starters Gerald Green (2 of 16) and Channing Frye (3 of 12) and ended their road trip at 1-4.

Playing their fourth straight game without Tyson Chandler because of bronchitis, the Knicks beat a Western Conference team at home for the first time in seven chances and improved to just 7-12 overall at Madison Square Garden.

Despite their miserable start to the season, they can continue climbing the rest of January, as they open an eight-game homestand on Friday.

The Suns ran off nine straight points midway

through the fourth quarter to open an 88-83 lead on Barbosa’s jumper with 4:50 remaining. The Knicks recovered to regain the lead on Felton’s 3-pointer from the corner with 53 seconds to play, and after Gerald Green and Anthony traded misses, the Suns had one final chance.

Though Kenyon Martin appeared to have his hand on some of the ball, a foul was called and Barbosa sank both free throws with 1.2 seconds left. J.R. Smith, who beat the Suns on a jumper at the buzzer last season, was long on a chance to do it again.

Martin found Anthony for a basket to open the scoring in overtime, then dunked a missed shot to make it 96-92. The Knicks could only manage Anthony’s turnaround jumper with 2:41 remaining from there, but it didn’t matter because the Suns couldn’t get anything.

Phoenix compounded its problems when Frye made the second of two free throws with 2.5 seconds left, leaving the Suns down 98-96 without a timeout left and unable to get another possession.

Anthony waxes hot as Knicks run streak to 5

N

EW YORK (AP) -Carmelo Anthony had 29 points and 16 rebounds, and the New York Knicks held the Phoenix Suns without a field goal

UP AND UNDER. Leandro Barbosa of the Phoenix Suns goes up and under against New York forward Andrea Bargnani (77).

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Handmade crafts by one proud mom POLYMER clay is the latest craze in the arts and crafts medium. It is a craft compound that can be molded and shaped into a variety of products. This material is enjoyable to work with and is ideal for a variety of craft projects because of its fine texture and bright colors.

What makes polymer clay even more special is its versatility, making it one of the most creative and profitable crafts. A small amount of initial investment can already give you a range of business possibilities as you can use polymer clay to make sculptures, beads, pendants, buttons, Christmas ornaments and more.

Take it from mompreneur Kay Mercado-Fanlo.

This proud mom of two’s handmade success circles around the pretty bits and pieces she creates using polymer clay. Her love for arts and crafts paved way for her to turn a simple hobby into a business, making custom-made products such as jewelry, Some more of Kay’s custom sculptures.

Kay enjoys leisure time with her kids.

decorative ornaments, party favors, giveaways and cake toppers.

Any kind of craft requires practice to become truly astute. In the Kay’s case, her practice began long before she even entered school.

“I have been in love with arts and crafts since I was a child,” shares Kay. “I grew up surrounded with relatives who are into different art mediums.

My mom is a dressmaker and my dad is an expert in anything handmade. I grew up without any new toys to play with, so I resorted to tinkering with little wonders that were available at hand --- buttons, beads, spare fabric and strings. This, in a way, taught me to be creative and resourceful. It kept my mind and hands busy.

My mom would even take me with her when she sources out fabric, ribbons, laces, buttons and beads. When I was in high school, she would ask me to put beads on the wedding gowns she sewed and pay me P500 for each work done. I was in college when I started earning money by selling hand-made accessories like butterfly, dragonfly and spider necklaces.

Some of those were also displayed for consignment

Kay’s clay sculptures are cute and whimsical.

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

UP AND ABOUT

Vault Magazine releases special collectors’ issue FROM timepieces to fountain pens to historic film cameras, Vault magazine presents its very own special guide to collecting all sorts of curiosities to kick start 2014.

In the purest terms, a collector is a conservationist of heritage and tradition. For some, it’s about holding on the precious memories personified in pieces remembered from childhood. For others, it’s the excitement of tracking down things that are rare and, therefore, unique and valuable.

Vault presents an issue for both—with the release of an issue for the collectors, those who often speak of the thrill of the hunt—a guide for the curious and the seasoned to rare and vintage objects alike.

For this issue, the Vault team sifted through collections that embody what the magazine celebrates most: handcraftsmanship, iconic design, and mechanical genius.

Also featured are the fascinating men and women who have dedicated much of their lives and financial resources to the pursuit of their passions.

For those who find themselves inspired by the collectors profiled in the issue’s pages, Vault also brings up helpful and detailed information about how to start and build collections.

The Collectors’ Issue is Vault’s second special issue of the year. Published quarterly by ABS-CBN Publishing, the regular issue has sections dedicated to automobiles, aviation, new establishments, equipment, travel, timepieces, art, style, grooming, property, and fine dining.

Vault is sold at all major bookstores in Metro Manila and is available for download on Zinio.

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

Located in the strategic Lanang area, the Sky Garden is a great hangout for those who would like to take a break from their hectic schedules.

Dine and chill out at SM Lanang Premier’s Sky Garden THIS 2014, create new happy memories with friends and loved ones. Bond with them over sumptuous meals at the Sky Garden located at the 2nd Level, SM Lanang Premier. The place offers a wide range of food options from its rows of casual dining restaurants and boasts of a relaxing atmosphere with its refreshing pockets of water features and landscape design.

The Sky Garden is open from 10 am to 9 pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 10 am to 10 pm, and even until midnight from Fridays to Sundays.

You could extend your dining experience into a relaxing night to unwind as some restaurants offer local beers with special promos.

Here’s a quick guide on the seven must-try restaurants at the Sky Garden.

family and friends.

Marina Tuna Home of Davao’s best tuna and mouthwatering seafood selections such as Tuna Belly, Spicy Shrimps and Sizzling Tuna Bagaybay, among many musttry delicacies.

Manna Korean Restaurant A premier dining destina- Army Navy tion offering authentic Ko- A quick-service restaurean dishes like Bibimbap, rant with a military motif Kimchijigae, and Haemul- that specializes in burgerpaejeon for sharing with burrito concept and other Unwind with great acoustic music on weekends.

Mexican-inspired meals like Soft Tacos, and Quesadillas.

Toryano’s Chicken Haus A Davao-based food spot offering an array of greattasting Filipino dishes like Native Chicken, Bangus Sisig, and Kinilaw that’s easy on the budget.

Blugré Coffee Davao’s first homegrown coffee shop serves a variety of coffee blends and

Clockwise from top-left: Get a taste of Bulgogi and other healthy Korean eats at Manna.

Discover the luscious taste of Durian Cappuccino at Blugré Coffee. Crunchy Sizzling Sisig is one of Giligan’s best-sellers.

Panga or tuna jaw is one of the best-loved staple delicacies of Marina Tuna. concoctions – the most popular are those infused with Durian’s rich, exotic flavor.

Ineng’s Special BBQ A semi-casual barbecue chain serving quality food made from fresh and natural ingredients and barbecued products marinated and grilled to perfection.

Giligan’s Restaurant A food place inspired by the sea with a wide, tasty selection of dishes such as Crunchy Sizzling Sisig, Tenderloin Salpicao, and Fried Garlic Chicken.

Come and visit the Sky Garden for a pleasurable dining experience all day long. For queries, contact 285-0943 or visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Ara Arida redefines boldness at the Metro Body show off 2014 HEATING up the start of a new year hand in hand with the sexiest body shoot to ever hit print media in the Philippines, the Metro Body Show Off last Saturday (January 11) was an event that took boldness and excitement to whole new heights—especially with Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-up Ariella Arida leading the pack.

The Metro Body Show Off, which kick started Metro’s year-long silver anniversary celebration with a bang, took place at Opus, Resorts World, Manila. There, Metro Body featured personalities apart from the Metro Body Issue’s sizzling hot cover girl Ara redefined sexiness, as presented by the likes

of Wendy Tabusalla, Carlos Agassi, Vince Ferraren, Rodjun Cruz, Joaco Cañas, Jessica Yang, John James Uy, Sky Yang, and JC de Vera.

Ara deemed the Metro Body experience “overwhelming,” saying, “The start of this year is great, because this magazine will be the first to greet readers.”

The 2014 Metro Body issue

is Ara’s first magazine cover.

To get a glimpse into the thrilling night that was, grab a copy of the Metro January issue, out now in bookstores and newsstands nationwide for only P150.

Like Metro Magazine on Facebook (www.facebook. com/Metro.Magazine) and follow Metro on Twitter and Instagram (@MetroMagPH).

Fashbook invades the Kramer household this Wednesday THIS Wednesday, Fashbook invades the Kramer household. Celebrity couple Doug and Cheska Kramer show their lovely home as well as the contents of their closets.

Of course, their beautiful daughters Kendra and Scarlet join in the fun by taking the Fashbook crew to their room and closet.

Host Solenn Heussaff on the other hand shares her exercise routine. Along with her personal coach, she shows the viewers how they can get firm abs, buttocks and legs.

And the best thing about this routine is it can be done at home!

Fashbook also helps a young graduating student

who wants to have a more stylish look this New Year. A Bulacan resident, Joy is looking forward to working in Manila but her problem is, all she has in her closet are short shorts and T-shirts. Stylist, blogger and author of the newest book on Philippine

street style, 150 Style Essentials for Every Girl, Tricia Gosingtian helps Joy come up with the right look for aspiring urban professionals like her.

Catch all these in Fashbook this Wednesday, 10pm, after SONA on GMA News TV.

KZ wins Php1M in The Singing Bee THE X Factor Philippines grand winner KZ Tandingan started her new year on a high note after she bagged the P1 million jackpot prize in “The Singing Bee” last January 11.

KZ bested fellow challengers and singers Frenchie Dy, Sitti Navarro, Duncan Ramos, and Nyoy Volante, and four-week defending champion Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago. KZ is the second millionaire for the current season of “The Singing Bee” following actress Sheryl Cruz, who also won the P1 million jackpot last December.

After KZ’s victory, “The Singing Bee” is again in search of its new champion, or new millionaire, this week since the championship seat has been unoccu-

pied. Cast members of ABSCBN’s newest sitcom “Home Sweetie

Home” John Lloyd Cruz, Toni Gonzaga, Sandy Andolong, Rico J. Puno, and Jayson Gainza take a break from comedy as they try their luck in the hit musical game show this Saturday (January 18). Who among them will win and become the new defending champion? Will one of them again take home the P1 million jackpot prize?

Don’t miss “The Singing Bee” hosted by Roderick Paulate and Amy Perez this Saturday (January 18), after “It’s Showtime” on ABS-CBN. For updates, like and follow “The Singing Bee” on www.facebook.com/singingbeeabscbn, www.twitter. com/TheSingingBeePH, andw w w.instagram. com/thesingingbeeph.

Tweet your thoughts and reaction using the hashtag #TheSingingBeePH.

INdulge! A3

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

WOMEN

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Sculpting a unicorn.

Clay keychains. at a souvenir shop in Eden Nature Park. I continued making accessories until after I graduated from the university and landed my first job.”

“When my husband and I went to Bohol for a vacation, I took the opportunity to sell my accessories to some souvenir shops in the area, like the Bohol Bee Farm Resort.

I told my husband that I would like to take a long break before looking for another job. I was curious about pottery and dreamed of making my own pots. Unfortunately, I was not able to find some of the materials I needed.

And then, I bumped into polymer clays. I discovered that with this material I could make I wanted using polymer clay. When my husband’s job required us to move back to Davao, I took the bold move to completely let go of the corporate world to become a full time mom and concentrate on my craft.

At first, my interest in clay was just a hobby, but eventually friends expressed their interest in buying the little trinkets I made. Soon, Sculpted spoon toppers.

my clientele grew and that was when I decided to create my own brand, Bits to Pieces. Since then, orders just keep coming in.”

“My daughter is my number 1 critic. I can see that she also has the same passion for arts and crafts like I did when I was young. She always lends me a hand. It’s great that she understands my business and knows that whatever we have at home comes from hard-earned money.”

“Whatever your reason, starting a craft business and making it successful can demand a lot of time and effort on your part. This venture of mine turned out to be the most rewarding investment. I love what I do. It’s my passion. It feels like I’m not working at all. Not only do I get to earn from something that I love doing, I also get to enjoy quality time with my kids.”

To view more of Kay’s crafts and products, please log on to her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ bitstopieces. You may also contact her for orders at mobile no. 0917-310-3047.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 214 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

SPORTS 15

WINNERS. Top seed Serena Williams (left) strolls after a breezy win in the first round. Men’s top seed Novak Djokovic gestures to himself to be watchful in a rusty debut (top, right), and Victoria Azarenka went stuttering before hacking out a win. All three scored contrasting wins in the 2014 Australian Open’s first round.

3-peating Azarenka off to a slow start M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Victoria Azarenka’s quest for her third successive Australian Open title took a little while to get going before she finally overcame a feisty Johanna Larsson 7-6 6-2 in their first round match at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Belarusian looked out of sorts in the first set as the Swede ran her all around the court and scrambled effectively to put massive pressure on the world number two.

Larsson had two opportunities to serve out

the first set when leading 5-4 then 6-5 only for Azarenka to break back both times, which saw the Swede’s resolve melt away as the two-times champion won the tie-break 7-2.

Azarenka, who is bidding to become the first woman to win three successive Melbourne Park titles since Martina Hingis (1997-99), broke in the third game of the second set to take control and pushed on to seal the match.

She will face Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei or Czech Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova in the second round.

Wozniacki cruises to 2nd round

C

ONSCIOUS of the time and the temperature, former No. 1-ranked Caroline Wozniacki and No. 11 Simona Halep raced to straight-set wins in their first-round matches on the other show courts.

Wozniacki had a 6-0, 6-2 win over Lourdes Dominguez Lino in her first Grand Slam match since her New Year’s Eve engagement to golfer Rory McIlroy, doing everything she could to keep cool.

“Every time in the changeovers, ice bags, ice

towels, everything; and then in the second set I could feel they were starting to heat up even more,” Wozniacki said. “I put the bottle down on the court and it started melting a little bit underneath, the plastic, so you knew it was warm.”

Halep had a 6-0, 6-1 win over Polish qualifier Katarzyna Piter, while American Christina McHale advanced 7-5, 6-4 over Taiwan’s Chang Yung-jan and No. 16 Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain beat Vania King of the United States 6-3, 6-2.

DIFFERENT WAYS

Novak is rusty, Serena is so slick in debut wins

M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic showed some early season rustiness but Serena Williams roared into the second round like a well-oiled machine as the tournament favorites took

center stage on the first evening of the Australian Open on Monday.

Williams, looking for her sixth title, closed the evening on Rod Laver Arena with a 6-2 6-1 demolition of local hope Ashleigh Barty

FULL STRETCH. Caroline Wozniacki hits a forehand return against Lourdes Dominguez.

after four-times champion Djokovic had overcome Lukas Lacko 6-3 7-6(2) 6-1.

Earlier, there were shocks aplenty in the women’s draw with the biggest coming when sixth seed Petra Kvitova fell victim to Thai world number 88 Luksika Kumkhum in front of a rapturous crowd on Margaret Court Arena.

There were upsets for two Italian seeds as well, Sara Errani beaten 6-3 6-2

by German Julia Goerges and her doubles partner Roberta Vinci going down 6-4 6-3 to China’s Zheng Jie. Serena’s sister Venus Williams also bid an early farewell to the tournament when she blew a 3-0 lead in the deciding set to lose 2-6 6-4 6-4 to Russian Ekaterina Makarova.

Djokovic’s new cocoach Boris Becker will have raised an eyebrow with the 30 unforced errors the second seed served up as he opened his quest for a fourth straight title in Mel-

bourne.

The Serbian always looked like cantering to victory in three sets, however, and 23 minutes after taking a tight second stanza by dominating the tiebreak, he was firing down his 10th ace for the win.

“I know that I didn’t play my best, especially in the second set,” said Djokovic, who has now won his last 22 matches at Melbourne Park and 25 contests in a row in all tournaments since his loss to Rafa Nadal in the U.S. Open final.

“I was a little bit too passive in some stages of the match and was trying to find the proper setting and proper balance and footing in the court.”

With temperatures forecast to soar well above 40 degrees Celsius from Tuesday onwards, there was good reason for the players to keep their time on court to a minimum and rest up for challenges to come.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE214 214••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,JANUARY JANUARY15, 15,2014 2014

Another draw keeps So on top F

ILIPINO Grandmaster Wesley So (Elo 2656) settled for a draw with German GM

Arkadij Naiditsch (2737) in the third round of the super-tough Category A of the 76th Tata Steel

Tournament Masters in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands on Monday (Tuesday morning in Manila

LEADER. Grandmaster Wesley So of the Philippines (right) makes his move against German GM Arkadij Naiditsch (left). The match ended in a draw. Yahoo Philippines

time).

So, the 20-year-old finance business sophomore at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, the top player of National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) Chairman/President Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Secretary-General Cavite Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Jr., agreed to a draw after 35 moves of Ruy Lopez Berlin using the black pieces to tally 2.0 points on account of two draws and a win in three outings.

When both players agreed to a draw, Naiditsch has five pawns and a black bishop while So also has four pawns and a white bishop.

Asiad Centennial Games Festival slated Jan 17-18

T

HE Filipinos’ world-famous hospitality and organizational skills in sports will be showcased once again when the country hosts the three-day Asian Games Centennial Festival Jan. 17-18 at the Hotel Sofitel.

Originally scheduled November 26-29 in celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the Far Eastern Games, forerunner of the Asian Games, which was first held in Manila in 1913, the commemoration was moved this month in deference to numerous calamities that struck the country last year.

No less than 500 guests, representing all 45 member nations of the Olympic Council of Asia as well as the Association of National Olympic Committees all over the world will be on hand to attend the festival, according to Philippine Olympic committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

“This will be the biggest gathering of sports officials, coming not only from the region but the whole world as well with the presence of representatives of the 45 Asian Games member nations but also of the 106 affiliate members of ANOC,” Cojuangco said during Thursday’s SCOOP Sa Kamayan On Air over radio station DZAR. The main highlight of the festival will be the 32nd General Assembly of the OCA to be presid-

ed over by its Kuwaiti president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was a Manila visitor middle of last year, Cojuangco said during the public service, sponsored by the Triple V chain restaurants and PCSO. Festivities start Thursday with the arrival of delegates, who will be all housed at Sofitel until their departure a day after the General Assembly which will be held at the Harbor Garden of the same luxurious hotel.

An OCA executive committee meeting has been scheduled Friday noon at the Boracay Room of Sofitel, Cojuangco said during the SCOP Sa Kamayan On Air, which was also viewed via live streaming at www.sonshinetvradyo. com.

Attendees will then be joined by the country’s highest sports officials, including the Philippine sports Commission board, headed by chair Ritchie Garcia, POC members, officials of all the national sports associations and guests in the centennial celebration scheduled evening of the same day.

Asian Games equestrian champion Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, the newly-appointed International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines and daughter of the POC president, will also grace the occasion.

LIKE A LEECH. Boston Celtics shooting guard Jordan Crawford (right) gets by the leech-like defending Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin.