Edge Davao 6 Issue 215

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

TO SAFER GROUND. A young girl carries a foam cushion her family uses for a bed as floodwaters continue to flow through the river in Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental. Marayag is one of the barangays hit hardest by the Low Pressure Area-driven rains over the weekend. Davao Oriental has been declared under state of calamity. DO-PNRC Photo

NO FOOD, NO FUEL Isolated Davao Oriental folks seek government relief

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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FFECTED residents in Davao Oriental are in need of fuel and rice in areas isolated by heavy flooding caused by continuous rains since Friday last week.

Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon and 701st brigade commander Benjamin Madrigal and PNP Provincial Director Jose Carumba declared some areas isolated after conducting ocular inspection yesterday.

Governor Malanyaon convened the mayors and barangay captains of the affected towns in the first district of the province to

conduct damage assessments brought by heavy rains.

The provincial government distributed relief goods to 625 families in Barangay San Isidro, Baganga. Each family received six kilos of rice, six cans of sardines, 10 packs of noodles and coffee.

Governor Malanyaon has assigned focal persons in each municipality to procure available goods on local stores to augment the already pre-positioned relief supplies for distribution.

She also signed a mem-

FNO FOOD, 10

DEVOTEES. Two lady interns of the Philippine National Police (PNP) participate to the feast of Sto. Niño, by bringing with her a an icon at the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague shrine in Shrine Hills, Matina Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

BY NOV. 2013

Region 11 Philhealth payments hit P3.4-B

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

B CHINESE NEW YEAR. Chinese lanterns and other decors are hanged at the atrium of one of the malls in Davao City, a reminder that Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Lean Daval Jr.

TOO LATE!

Comelec stops recount long after it was over

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

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epc@edgedavao.net

HE Commission on Elections in Manila ordered the presiding judge handling the election protest filed by Barangay 76-A re-electionist barangay chair Robert Olanolan to desist from enforcing and implementing the preliminary conference on the case.

However, the order

was not acted upon by Judge Marie Estrelita S. Tolentino-Rojas of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 2 since they only received the order last January 9 after the recount was over last December 15.

Lucenito N. Tagle, presiding Commissioner, in his order dated last

WEATHER FORECAST

December 19, directed Tolentino-Rojas to “cease and desist” from enforcing and implementing the preliminary conference order dated last November 21.

Tagle said the petition will be heard this coming January 22 at the Comelec session hall, Intramurus, Manila.

“In the interest of justice, and so as not to render the issues raised...,the Commission hereby issues a temporary restraining order and for a period of 60 days enjoining public respondent Honorable Marie Estrelita S. Tolentino- Rojas as presiding judge of Municipal Trial Court,” Tagle said.

crc@edgedavao.net

ENEFIT payments

by Philhealth in region 11 reached up to 3.4 billion pesos by November of 2013, exceeding its premium collectionshus threatening the extension of its services to its 3.9 million members in a few years time, an official said.

Germain M. Tan, Philhealth- informal economy management section head, told Edge.Davao yesterday during the Orientation on premium Adjustment & Implementation of All Case Rates at The Ritz Hotel that their collection last year, November was only 1.4-billion pesos.

Tan said that more Philhealth users paid for

health services of their members than the collection, adding that this threatens their operation.

To achieve sustainbility, the Philhealth should increase its collection.

Last year, Philhealth issued Circular No. 0027 series of 2013 issuing the increase in collection to its employed members which was implemented starting this month. This is the second time that it issued an adjustment in premium.

She said that if the insurance company does not increase its members’ premium collection, their operation will be over in 10 years time even with the usage of the 118 bil-

FREGION, 10

Council approves fund for Muslim cemetery

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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HE Davao City council appropriated P4.1 million for the extension of Ma-a public cemetery for use of the city’s Muslim community.

Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar, proponent of the ordinance, said Tuesday that money will be used to fence the perimeter, fill the shallow portion, and improve the drainage system of the cemetery.

Militar said that the informal settlers occupying

part of the Muslim cemetery have reportedly agreed to voluntarily vacate the 23 houses tagged by the City Housing and Homesite Division.

Militar said the ordinance is timely because next year the city will improve public cemeteries where the non-Muslim dead will be interred in apartment-type structures.

Militar said Muslims have their own traditional way of burying their dead.

AT THE WRONG TIME? Elementary students satisfy their craving for ice cream yesterday unmindful of the gloomy weather brought about by the low pressure area affecting parts of Mindanao including Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS Seized imported rice in court tug-of-war

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

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epc@edgedavao.net

HE National Food Authority has filed a motion to lift the writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 16 over the petition of a businessman seeking the release of his P21-million worth imported rice earlier seized by the Bureau of Customs Davao.

Orlan A. Calayag, administrator of the NFA represented by their counsel Ma. Theresa S. Villafuerte, is asking the court to hear their urgent motion to dissolve the order this coming January 17 Friday.

Judge Emmanuel Carpio of RTC Branch 16, issued a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction dated last December 12 after Joseph Mangupag Ngo posted a P5-million injunction bond

enjoining and restraining BOC from seizing millions worth of rice shipment from the Starcraft International Trading Corporation.

NFA argued that the honorable court has no jurisdiction to take cognizance of the case and to issue a writ of preliminary injunction against the hold order dated November 2 last year issued by district collector of customs –Davao City, Datu Samson R. Pacasum, as this is an encroachment of the power of the BOC over seizure and forfeiture proceedings.

Villafuerte said that the NFA was denied due process during the proceedings for the hearing of the plaintiff’s prayer for a temporary restraining order (TRO)

HE Davao City prosecution office has filed charges against a man who hacked to death a traffic enforcer late afternoon of December 19, 2013 at Crossing Bayabas, Toril.

Prosecutor Jay Karel P. Sanchez recommended the filing of the case for trial against the suspect, Junie Lamnilao Sumabong for murder and direct assault on a person in authority after he hacked to death Julan R. Gentapa.

Sanchez explained that when Sumabong attacked the victim while he was on duty as a traffic enforcer. .

No bail bond was rec-

ommended.

Based on the complaint, Velmor G. Ortega, witness and a traffic enforcer, testified that at about 2:00 p.m. he saw Sumabong, armed with a bolo, attack the victim. Ortega tried to stop the suspect by throwing stones at him, but Sumabong moved towards his direction prompting him to run away even as Sumabong continued hacking the victim whle yelling, “Nakuha na nako ang TMC sa Toril (I finally got the TMC of Toril).”

Sumabong fled but was later arrested by the police.

[EPC]

FSEIZED, 10

Man faces charge for killing traffic enforcer T

WHERE HAVE ALL THESE LOGS COME FROM? Huge logs were washed away by heavy flooding over the weekend leaving a trail of destruction to Barangay Marayag, Lupon in Davao Oriental. Not much has been reported of what happened in Marayag but residents decried the destruction could be caused by illegal logging in the area. DO-PNRC Photo

REGION 11 LIST

17 cases of measles in December alone

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of 17 positive cases for measles in the region was recorded by the Department of Health 11 in December 2013.

In Davao City there were 13 positive cases, 3 in Compostella Valley, and one in Davao del Norte.

Measles, also called tigdas,” is a respiratory infection caused by a virus called paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus. It’s symptoms are fever, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes.

Mary Divine Hilario, Health Education Promotion Section unit head told Edge.Davao that most cases were among children ages 5 years old and below.

The youngest patient was 6 months old while the oldest was 25 years old.

Davao City recorded the highest number of poitive cases because of the high density of people here. The lastest record showed that the city has an estimated 1.5 million population.

Meanwhile, Hilario said

that most patients were vaccinated, but some were not. She said that most parents “take for granted” the free vaccination and immunization offered in barangay health centers, noting that the virus causing measles is highly contagious and fatal if not treated.

About 60 percent of mothers do not return to health centers for the Measle-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) booster vaccination. Nine months old babies receive their first MMR vaccination

and return when they are 12 to 15 months old for the booster shot.

“Daghan sila’y rason nganong dili sila makabalik. Kompyansa na sila pagnakabakuna maski kaisa ra,” Hilario said. Measles, for babies and children can cause complications like pneumonia, diarrhea, and cephalitis which can either cause blindness or swelling of the brain.

She said that one positive case of measles is al-

F17 CASES, 10

Rody issues EO No 5 on Bids and Awards

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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PUBLIC SERVICE. A man avails himself of free blood pressure check up at the Sangguniang Panlungsod along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 5 or “An Order Creating And Reconstituting The Bids And Awards Committee (BAC) For Goods, Consulting Services And Civil Works Of The City Government Of Davao, Providing For Their Powers And Functions And For Other Purposes .”

The committee will be composed of heads of the City General Office, City Legal Office, City Engineer’s Office, Business Bureau, and City Cooperative and Development Office who

will elect among them the chairperson and vice-chair and should be at least a third ranking official of the city government.

The members shall have a fixed term of one year from the date of appointment and is renewable at the discretion of the procurement head as stated under section two.

The head of the procuring entity shall create a secretariat which will serve as the main support of the committee.

Under section four of the EO, it aims to promote

FRODY, 10

5 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

DAVAO DEL NORTE

With zero casualty, LGUs preparedness paying off T

HE people of Davao del Norte has once again proven that genuine preparedness is the key to survival and security in the midst of calamity.

No casualty was reported in the wake of massive flooding caused by the low pressure area (LPA) that so far affected 9,334 families or 43,737 individuals in six municipalities and one city of the province.

The floods also damaged an initial P110.3-million worth of crops and livestocks, as well as, P8 million infrastructures.

While Most of the 16,329 evacuees already returned to their homes, over 1,000 residents still remained in evacuation centers in the municipality of Carmen, as their homes remain underwater.

The provincial government has also distributed about 5,000 food packs to the affected families, as augmentation to the relief operation held by the respective LGUs. Though the flashfloods destroyed their crops and some of their properties, the constituents were yet

grateful that no member of their households perished in the deluge.

Ana Pino of Barangay Mabaus in Carmen town, one of the hardly hit areas, said residents readily followed when barangay officials carried out preemptive evacuation.

“Bago pa dumating ang baha, nag-evacuate na kami,” she told a big TV network.

Barangay Captain Romeo Ubial revealed his constituents already know that to do during such calamities, owing to the Oplan ANDAM program that recently rolled off in their barangay.

The provincial government launched last December the expanded Oplan A.N.D.A.M. (Advocacy for Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) program to increase the people’s resilience to disasters.

The initiative is teaching communities in danger simple technologies that reduce their vulnerability and help them build back better.

Romulo Tagalo, Executive Director of the Joint Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

SARANGANI PROVINCE

RELIEF EFFORTS. PSWD Officer Arlene Semblante distributes food packs in Cabay-angan, B.E. Dujali, Davao del Norte, which was one of the areas hardly-hit by the recent flashfloods. [Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO] (DRRM) Councils said the valuable experience of the province during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pablo in 2012 and the succeeding LPAs is the turning point in the preparedness campaign of the province.

He said people in worst affected communities, particularly those living along the river banks, now positively respond to issue the first instance of warnings issued by the local officials.

“The directive of Gov.

Rodolfo del Rosario is to attain zero casualty,” he said.

He also underscored the early warning system installed by the province to boost its DRRM efforts.

Automatic rain gauges and water-level moni-

TAGUM CITY

toring system installed in the upstream enabled the PDRRM-Operation Center to immediately send warnings to the affected LGUs, allowing them enough time to alert communities at risk.

[Noel Baguio]

NPAs condemned over ‘extortions’ Tagum City has 30 new

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO

T

Correspondent

HE Sarangani Provincial Police Office condemned the alleged communist guerrillas’ extortion activity and the burning of three heavy equipment owned by a private contractor doing government road project in a remote village in Malapatan town, Sarangani.

Senior Supt. Edwin Minion, Sarangani Provincial Police Director, told Edge Davao that around 60 heavily-armed New People’s Army rebels swooped down on remote sitio Datal Bob in Lun Padidu village, Malapatan around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The communist rebels then torched three heavy equipment – a road roller, payloader, road grader – worth about P10 million.

In a belated police

report, Minion claimed the communist rebels forcibly entered the compound of Jargon’s Construction Company in sitio Datal Bob and ordered its eight employees to get out and line-up outside.

“The NPA rebels told the eight employees that an extortion letter was already sent to the company owner but there was no reply. After which, one of the NPAs took out a plastic container filled with gasoline and poured it over to the three heavy equipment.

The employees can do nothing when the rebels set the equipment on fire,” Minion said.

After the incident, Minion said, the suspects fled to unknown direction.

“We dispatched a team to track down the suspects. The equipment were

being used to develop a newly opened farm-tomarket road linking the remote villages of Daan Suyan, Upper Suyan and Kihan to the national highway,” Minion said.

Minion added that the NPA rebels don’t want this road to be fully developed as this serves as the communist rebels’ main trail from Davao Del Sur to Sarangani.

Residents in three remote villages hailed former Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez for opening this road project in January last year.

They said the road linking them to the main highway was finally opened after more than three decades.

If completed, the road would also link up Malapatan, Sarangani to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Del

Sur. Incumbent gov. Steve Solon vowed to finish the road project when he assumed office in June last year.

In fact, concreting of a certain portion of the road and graveling had already been done to make it more accessible to motorists even during rainy days.

This is the first NPA-perpetrated atrocity in about four years in Sarangani.

Minion, during an annual courtesy call to Cong.

Pacquiao on Monday evening, reported that last year there was no major violent incident that happened in Sarangani.

Minion asked for continued support from the congressional office to maintain the stable peace and order condition in the province.

E

LEVATING his agenda on peace and security a notch higher, Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon bared that a joint effort between the Philippine National Police and the local government have been strengthened to combat criminality in the city.

This developed as 30 additional police officers are now detailed to Tagum City Police Office, thereby augmenting the police force that will ensure peace and order in Tagum.

In a talk to the members of the local media, Mayor Rellon said he additional policemen will be working closely with the LGU-assigned civilian agents of authorities in roving Tagum 24/7 that will increase police visibility.

Two teams—each composed of five police officers, two Security Management Officers (SMO) and two Traffic Management Officers (TMO)— will be on duty 24/7, with shifts from 8 AM-8 PM and

8 PM-8 AM. Mayor Rellon thanked the Philippine National Police for giving additional police force to the city.

As a way of thanking them, the local government will be purchasing 30 single unit motorcycles and patrol cars to augment the city’s support to the police force.

One of the development thrusts of the Rellon Administration under the EAGLE WINGS Program is achieving genuine peace and security.

Meanwhile, concerned citizens on Monday endorsed Ronald Bigcas to the local police office who is a theft suspect. Snatching has alarmed residents here over the past weeks.

Recovered from the 31-year old Bigcas is the black hand bag owned

by Potre Disoma who immediately lodged a complaint against the suspect.

A case has already been filed against the suspect.

[CIO Tagum]

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

Mindanao energy plan matches development corridors program E

FFORTS to lay down a long-term energy plan to ensure sustainable power regime for Mindanao could also prime the ground for spatial development initiatives being pursued under a corridors program, a top energy official said.

Dir. Jesus Tamang of the Department of Energy (DoE) Energy Policy and Planning Bureau cited that the energy plan being crafted for the island strategically support the blueprint for development called the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan.

“The Mindanao Energy Plan (MEP) sets specific strategies in support of the energy requirements of the Mindanao 2020, especially under its Mindanao Corridors Development,” said Tamang at the first leg of series of MEP regional consultations which kicked-off in Cagayan de Oro City recently.

The DOE official said that its office is working in close collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to achieve better synergy of efforts, noting that, “the Mindanao 2020 strategies are consistent with what we have developed in the energy plan.”

The energy depart-

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

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RELIGIOUS ITEMS. Devotees scan the Sto. Niño collections which are being sold during the feast of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague yesterday at Shrine Hills in Matina, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr. ment also recommended that Mindanao 2020 integrate an intermodal mass transport system, adding or improving existing airports to increase mobility in the island and cater to the influx of visitors, all of which will require energy.

A spatial development framework pushed

by MinDA, the Mindanao Development Corridors is designed to strengthen Mindanao’s competitiveness by increasing the efficiency of industries and its value chain to create more jobs and foster in-

clusive economic growth.

The framework builds on existing regional and local plans but strengthens these with the complementation with other corridors in the island region.

“We need to be ready for structural change.

With the increase in power demand in Mindanao, we need to consider all possible sources of energy, preferably indigenous,” said Tamang, citing Mindanao’s high capacity for alternative fuels.

He said DoE is seeking

the support of the local leaders to achieve energy sufficiency by identifying renewable energy sources within their respective areas, as oil and other forms of energy are needed to provide for the still growing requirements of transport and mobility in the region.

“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with DOE on this very important undertaking for Mindanao,” said Dir. Romeo Montenegro of MinDA Investment Promotion and Public Affairs.

He added that part of the goals of the regional consultation was to seek stakeholder support on the identified immediate measures to the current power supply shortfall that caused intermittent brownouts in parts of Mindanao.

Montenegro also stressed that MinDA supports the development of renewable energy (RE) sources, consistent with the Mindanao 2020 strategy on diversification of energy mix, with premium of RE technology.

among Mindanao regions.

Though it landed 4th, Davao region is the largest contributor among Mindanao regions in overall Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP), sharing 3.8 percent.

Lim said the growth in Davao region’s GRDP is driven by sustained performance of industries and services sector.

Services sector is identified as the top contributor to Davao Region’s economy at 53 percent. The growth is due to the influx of private investments specifically in the information and

communications technology sector and high-value trade services.

This year, opportunities are more seen in the ICT sector with the upcoming opening of the Matina IT Park and opening of four BPO companies with combined 3,500 seats, and an electronic firm eyeing Davao for its expansion, Lim said.

She also cited investments to have registered high with constructions of private building rising by 76 percent valued at P18 billion. She also reported that a total of P29

billion in BOI-registered investments that include energy and manufacturing projects fueled the region’s growth in the first half of 2013.

Meanwhile, despite the impact of the typhoon Pablo in December 2012, the tourism industry in Davao region fared well in 2013 with tourist arrivals increasing by 10 percent. Tourist spending hiked to 67.5 percent valued at P6.7 billion in the first half of 2013.

It is the agriculture and manufacturing

sectors however that suffered the brunt of the effects of typhoon Pablo with a reduction in production of major high-value crops such as rice, banana, and coconut.

The NEDA 11 report showed that production of rice dipped to 356,403 metric tons (MT) in the 1st to 3rd quarter of 2013 from 386,660 MT in same period of 2012. Coconut production dropped to 1,756,454 MT in 1st to 3rd quarter of 2013 from 2,089,122 same rating period in 2012. [PNA]

Davao region remains as Mindanao’s economic growth driver: NEDA exec

AVAO region remains as Mindanao’s top economy in 2013 in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

Maria Lourdes Lim, regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) 11 and acting chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11, said the sustained economic growth for Mindanao last year was based on Davao region’s 7.4-percent GRDP growth rate in 2012, placing Davao region in the fourth spot as highest

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 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

MGB submits position paper on banning open-pit mining T

HE Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 12I has eiterated its position requesting the review of the Provincial Ordinance No.04, Series of 2010, otherwise known as the Provincial Environment Code of South Cotabato.

The position paper was submitted requesting for consideration of the newly elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Cecile E. Diel.

The committee will now be handled by the chairman of Environment and Natural Resources Ellen Grace Albios-Subere of the provincial board.

The paper was submitted on December 12, 2013 with the prayer that the present leadership of the province of South Cotabato will consider the provision of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995(RA 7942) allowing open-pit mining as a mining method in the extraction of minerals.

Furthermore, Executive Order No.79 issued on July 6, 2012(Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector providing Policies and Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining in the Utilization of Mineral Resources) in Section 12, stated that there should be the consistency of local ordinances with the Consti-

Forest Management Bureau Director Ricardro L. Calderon (right) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) meets with DENR 11’s Forestry Sector to discuss about the region’s 2014 targets and strategies on the National Greening Program, emphasizing the five priority commodities to be planted this year are coffee, cacao, falcata, rubber and mangrove/beach species.

With Calderon are Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada (middle) and Forest Management Services (FMS) Regional Technical Director Lourdes C. Wagan (left). [DENR 11 Photo File] tution and National Laws/ LGU Cooperation.

The LGUs shall only confine themselves to the imposition of reasonable limitations on mining activities conducted within their respective territorial jurisdictions that are consistent with national laws and regulations.

The development of our mineral resources will spur

economic activity that will provide livelihood opportunities, generate needed revenue to the government not to mention its multiplier effect to the economy in general. Mining will reduce poverty incidence especially in the countryside considering that most of our mineral deposits are found in mountainous rural areas which are but poor in agri-

culture.

On the environmental concerned, mining companies are required to conduct environmental studies on the impact of the mining project in the given environment, and having an Environmental Compliance Certificate issued in their favor before any start of mining construction, development

tive,” WWF Vice Chairperson and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan said at the launch.

According to him, cities must prepare as climate change will continue affecting the Philippines.

Experts monitored the highest sea level rise in waters around the Philippines, he noted. ”There’s no safe spot,” Tan said.

Sea level rise is among climate change’s impacts on the country, particularly putting at risk communities along coasts and in low-lying areas nationwide.

The study’s proponents examined economic and climate trends in Angeles City, Batangas City, Naga

City and Tacloban City to help generate possible future scenarios for each so local government units concerned can plan accordingly and address their respective climate vulnerabilities. ”Baseline data findings are synergized with local stakeholder inputs to craft each city’s adaptation strategy,” said BPI Foundation’s Executive Director and SVP Florendo Maranan.

Citing results of the study, Tan said Angeles City in Pampanga province needs climate-smart planning.

Among the city’s needs are all-weather transportation corridors for sustained movement of goods and services, he noted. [PNA]

AZARDOUS chemicals have been found in children’s clothes and shoes made by major brands including Disney, Burberry and Adidas, according to a new investigation released Tuesday by Greenpeace East Asia.

Greenpeace said testing has been completed on products sold by 12 brands across the industry, including American Apparel, GAP, Primark and Nike for the report “A Little Story About the Monsters in Your Closet.”

The findings showed little distinction between the levels of hazardous chemicals in clothing made for children -- a

and utilization.

Any adverse impact of mining to the environment has to be addressed, prevented or minimized.

Progressive and final mining rehabilitation are required during and after mining. Mining companies shall set aside funds to finance environmental cost. Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC)

and Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) shall be organized to manage, monitor and ensure compliance of mining companies to environmental protection and enhancement.

The province of South Cotabato is rich mineral resource which is a blessing, an opportunity and a challenge to all of us.

New report raises urgency for Toxic monsters found lurking climate change preparations in children’s clothing--Study T

HE latest report from a multi-year study has urged preparations for the impacts of climate change to help enhance Philippine cities’ competitiveness and sustainability in a climate-defined future.

Launched Tuesday in Metro Manila, the report, “Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Impacts,” raised the need for such action in Angeles City, Batangas City, Naga City and Tacloban City comprising the third batch of Philippine urban centers assessed last year under the study by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and BPIFoundation Inc. ”Cities must be pro-ac-

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group particularly vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals when released into the environment -- and adults when compared to previous studies, it said.

Greenpeace noted the samples tested included products sold in the Philippines.

“This is a nightmare for parents everywhere who want their children to wear clothes that don’t contain hazardous chemicals,” said Abigail Aguilar, Toxics Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“These chemical ‘little monsters’ can be found in everything -- from exclusive luxury designs

to budget fashion. They are polluting waterways around the world. There are alternatives available.

For the sake of current and future generations brands should stop using these monsters,” she stressed.

According to Greenpeace, every brand tested was found to have products containing hazardous chemicals.

Among the results, one Adidas swimsuit contained higher levels of PFOAs (perfluorooctanoic acid) than permitted in their own Restricted Substance List, and a Primark children’s t-shirt containing 11 percent phthalates. [PNA]

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VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Senior only in age

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) was reported this week to have refused to proclaim representatives of a senior citizens party-list for a number of law infractions.

The Comelec in fact refused to comply with the July 2013 order of the Supreme Court (SC) to proclaim the party-list group Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens Inc. The election body’s action is explained in a 15-page resolution, which cited several violations of election laws, the Corporate Code, and the group’s own by-laws committed by the two factions that had Godofredo Arquiza and Francisco Datol Jr. as their first nominees.

The Commission found that both factions “failed to comply with the law and rules on Party-list Elections – a ground for the denial of their respective Manifestation of Intent to Participate (in the elections).”

The Comelec was ordered in July 2013 by the Supreme Court to proclaim Senior Citizens, who are supposedly entitled to two seats in the House of Representatives after obtaining 677,642 votes in the May polls. In the order, the high court nullified the Comelec’s disqualification of the group over their term-sharing agreement that did not materialize.

However, the transgressions committed by both fac-

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tions prompted the Comelec “to deny due course to both the Manifestation of Intent to Participate.”

The poll body said the manifestation filed by Arquiza “must be denied due course for failure to submit the party’s coalition agreement.”

“For a group claiming to be a coalition of associations nationwide, the absence of a coalition agreement of all member groups is surprising,” the Comelec said.

On the other hand, the Comelec charged that Datol, leader of one of the factions, “fabricated the membership list of his faction.”

The Comelec expressed dismay over the continued bickering between the two factions, adding “it is utterly disheartening when the Filipino people fall victim to power struggles of self-proclaimed ‘champions’ and ‘public servants.’”

Indeed, the violations committed by those claiming to be leaders of a group are lamentable. Senior citizens should act their age, in order to be ideal examples for the young. They should not only be senior in age, but also in maturity, uprightness, integrity and obedience to the law.

Unlike ageing Mafia godfathers in gangland, as portrayed in movies and novels, and as actually shown by some senior politicians in this country, they should be able to moderate their greed.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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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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What reporters can learn from Deep Throat

OOKWORM isn’t exactly the right word to describe someone who just finished reading a book like “The Secret Man” by Bob Woodward during the last three weekends of the year past, because a real bookworm can gobble up every page of that book in less than three days.

Like every other journalist who loves reading and writing and taken in so strongly by that book-- and later a movie-- with the same title, “All The President’s Men” you can’t live long with the secret that Bob Woodward carried with him for 33 years--the real identity of “Deep Throat”.

If you aren’t familiar with the book and the movie, “Deep Throat” was the name tag given to the mysterious FBI agent who tipped off Bob Woodward with deep background on what President Richard Nixon’s top officials were doing to cover up a widespread conspiracy to help him win the re-election.

The secret tips and leads given by “Deep Throat” to Woodward guided this reporter on what to look for, whom to contact, etc in writing the news stories on the Watergate scandal in the Washington Post in 1972 that eventually forced Richard Nixon to resign. This was seen as a triumph for journalism and for press freedom.

It was the actor and producer Robert Redford who suggested to Bob Woodward that it was their investigative journalism work, rather than the fall of the Nixon presidency that was very interesting as a story.

This was during their chance meeting on board a press bus to one of the election campaign sorties in the US. At that time, Woodward was already

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YPING CONFIRMS THE WRONG EXISTING SITUATION - President Benigno Aquino III and his bunch of over-zealous socio-political and economic advisers and image-builders may not accept it, but right now the administration is in frantic search for suitable solutions to the country’s prevailing crisis and other entwining problems which will not go away any sooner. The Palace propaganda team and its supporting PR groups have been trying to tout the people that all is and will be alright. But persistent critics and political detractors say hyping only confirms the wrong existing situation.

Since President PNoy assumed the presidency in 2010, the government-controlled media, on most occasions, have pictured him as having some polished qualities of a leader like, say, working longer hours. Again critics say these have only emphasized the obvious and skillful-like the president may be, he cannot make things happen what he likes to transpire. Now here’s the query: “Is the highly appraising analysis of the President’s high-profile political and economic advisers and financial managers a confession of failure halfway through his term?”

President Aquino will step down from the presidency in 2016. Will the Philippines be crisis-free when he bows out? Looking back, the electorate elevated President PNoy to the presidency in 2010 believing he has the right formula to success and to save the country from a moribund leadership, but his political adversaries insist he frustrated the people in their high hope just the same. Political experts noted that Aquino won not because he was the best at that time but because there was no one else who could beat other leading and most popular candidates.

planning to write the book and still had no idea where and how to start.

Both Wo o dwa rd and his partner reporter Carl Bernstein finally agreed with Redford that their struggles and difficulties in getting Washington sources to talk and reveal the most damaging information on Nixon’s men---- was the meat of their story.

But both the book and movie never reveal the identity of the man called “Deep Throat” who had secret meetings with Woodward in a dark underground garage in the wee hours of the morning when everyone is fast asleep.

When I read the book and saw the movie starring Redford and Dustin Hoffman (as Bernstein), I cannot even guess if this secret source is someone from the White House, the Central Intelligence Agency or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

It was only after reading Woodward’s book “The Secret Man: The Story of Watergate’s Deep Throat” that I finally learned that “Deep Throat” is the Number Two man in the FBI, the man who almost took over the post of J. Edgar Hoover, his boss, who died without ever knowing what happened to Nixon and all the President’s men.

Of course, Woodward knew him all

along, having met him once in the White House when the Post reporter was still in the US Navy, delivering some documents, sitting beside this man who introduced himself as W. Mark Felt from the FBI who had an appointment with some Nixon officials.

It was this chance meeting that led Woodward to contact this FBI insider to tell him what’s really going on after the Watergate break-in, by “burglars” who turned out to be ex-CIA agents working for the President’s men.

But still W. Mark Felt at 77 years old, a retired old man in California, cannot remember what he did, where he was, whom he knew, in 1972, propped up by his 56-year old daughter claiming her dad was suffering from dementia --- a mental condition linked to memory loss. Because he can’t remember clearly, he can’t admit he was the “Deep Throat”.

In the Philippines, investigative journalists also have their own “deep throats” supplying them hardcore facts in secret, especially in the recent Pork Barrel Scam and lately the Rice Smuggling story. Most of these “deep throats” eventually become “ Whistle Blowers” when they agree to cooperate with the NBI and go public by testifying before the Senate Committee.

As Woodward wrote, you can’t have a “deep throat” supplying you secret information unless you vow to keep his identity a secret until his death.

If you’re a journalist, can you be trusted to keep your source a secret?

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

On assuming the presidency, Aquino was facing the same interlocking problems that were left behind by his predecessors – abject poverty, unemployment, low wages and high cost of living, lack of food and shelter, communist and Moro insurgencies, drug and crime syndicates, kidnapping, terrorism, investors and capital flight, and worse, rampant smuggling and massive corruption in all government levels. And we also have to consider as a more dreadful problem confronting the leadership a series of man-made and natural calamities that badly devastated the country causing severe damages to lives, properties, crops and infrastructures.

By this time, mid-way through the Aquino administration, the balance sheet shows that whatever gains President PNoy has achieved cannot offset the continuous letdowns. For instance, despite scoring high in the economic front like GDP surpassing the targets and a bullish stock market, revenue collections until recently have been below the expected targets. What has gone wrong? I presumed the President has good social, economic and political plans and programs. Had these been correctly implemented as planned immediately right after he assumed office, much of the problems that greeted President PNoy in 2010 could have been solved by 2014, but it appears that the opposite happened?

PREVAILING ‘SOCIAL CANCER’ – Why

should the Aquino administration not urged Congress, both the Lower and Upper Chambers through their respective committees on social justice, and welfare and development to make an inquiry into the weakness of the Filipino character with the view of undertaking measures, which would revitalize our national integrity and strengthen the moral fiber of the Filipinos during this time of grave crisis?

Through this process, lot of questions need appropriate answers: “Why concentrate on the weaknesses of our people?

Why is there a need to examine how society shapes our character and how Filipino children are brought up and what distortions in the process are being introduced?

Is the country’s present socio-economic situation so desperate that thousands upon thousands of our discontented and disillusioned countrymen would migrate to foreign lands to look for greener pastures and several thousands of our women refused to learn new skills other than selling their bodies several times over every night? Why do we always disobey even the simplest traffic rules and regulations and why has circumventing the law becomes second nature, or to put it more crudely has cheating and corrupt practices become a normal way of life in our benighted country?”

Again, what has gone wrong? Why can’t the Aquino administration, as critics would aptly put it, put its own house in proper order? Is there something left for our present leaders, President PNoy above all, to put in orderly fashion the affairs of government because by making a comparison the Philippines is like a very sickly person trying to recover from illness. It’s about time the leadership should intently analyze the “social cancer” affecting the vital organs of our ailing society.

Indication of failure

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Don’t fear the Internet of things COMMENTARY

BY JACK SHAFER

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Part 1 of 2

OVELIST Philip K. Dick anticipated by four decades the Internet of Things, a phenomenon touted loudly by the press from this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Internet-aware automobiles, toothbrushes, mattresses, infant monitors, fitness trackers, pet collars, tennis rackets, lightbulbs, toilets, bathroom scales, “wearable” tech, tricorder-like medical sensors, and more have arrived or are on their way.

Dick, ever the dystopian, recognized that one man’s technological boon is inevitably another’s bane, and expressed this view most bleakly in his Ubik. The novel, published in 1969 but set in the early 1990s, posits a world populated with nearly sentient appliances. Joe Chip, the novel’s protagonist, is so broke he’s in arrears with the robots that clean his apartment, and they have reported him to a credit agency as a deadbeat.

One morning, upon attempting to exit his apartment, the smartdoor blocked him, saying “Five cents, please.”

“I’ll pay you tomorrow,” Chip promised after searching his empty pockets.

The door isn’t having it, and refused to open. “What I pay you,” Chip said, “is in the nature of a gratuity; I don’t have to pay you.”

“I think otherwise,” the door said.

“Look in the purchase contract you signed.” Chip did as told, retrieving the contract and reading it.

“You discover I’m right,” said the door in a smug voice.

Using a knife as a screwdriver, Chip started to unscrew the bolt assembly.

“I’ll sue you,” the door said as the first screw fell out.

“I’ve never been sued by a door. But I guess I can live through it,” Chip responded.

Nobody has been sued by a sassy, Ubik-esque smartdoor — yet. But it’s not completely irrational to worry that somewhere in the terms of service agreements that come with the newage lightbulbs, dog collars, and whoknows-what-next entering the market, we’ll find boilerplate legal language that will give our appliances standing in court to sue us for non-payment, trespassing, and unscrewing. As more and more everyday objects become “aware” and report the position and status of not just things but people, our world might start converging with the one imagined in Dick’s Ubik.

What troubles people about the Internet of Things (or IoT, it’s called) is not the nagging and monitoring the devices generate, but control over the data collected. Computer data is used against you in ways you never anticipated. A piece in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal gives a current example: Lending companies now scrape Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites to establish individuals’ creditworthiness and identity, something few users thought about when posting pictures and narratives about themselves. As IoT devices roll out, they’ll become new self-surveillance devices like our phones and email, creating “records” that if not properly secured will be scraped by Big Business. Business isn’t the only potential heavy in the IoT future.

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NEWS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

No food...FFROM 1 orandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Food Authority (NFA) provincial office for the purchase of available stocks in their local warehouses for additional supply in relief distribution.

Malanyaon instructed the officials to hasten the operations especially in the isolated villages. The provincial government has deployed its heavy equipment fleet to conduct massive clearing operations and to transport the relief goods to affected families.

Two helicopters and a navy boat from Philippine Army delivered 8,500 bags of relief goods for initial distribution addressing the immediate needs of the municipalities affected by floods and landslides.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said that the only problem now is the immediate transport of goods in the affected areas as all possible routes to the East Coast towns are currently inaccessible.

The continuous rain has resulted the damage of infrastructures that include major bridges such as Quinonoan Bridge in Manay, Lumao Bridge in Brgy. Alegria and Papag-Taytayan Bridge in Cateel, San Jose Bridge, San Pedro Bridge and the Manurigao Bridge in Caraga, The Manurigao Bridge in Caraga which was replaced by bailey panels during the typhoon Pablo is now totally washed out.

Authorities said that it would take a while before accessibility would be restored. The damage to

major bridges caused the isolation of the east coast towns such as Manay, Caraga Baganga, Cateel, and Boston.

Malanyaon told the local officials in the isolated towns to map out immediately their resettlement plan as those families who live in danger zones will not be allowed to go back in the said areas.

She said that the validation of these danger zones will be conducted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Based on the report of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Davao Oriental suffered 8,045 hectares of damaged agricultural land, mostly planted to rice and corn.

The damage cost has yet to be determined as the team still cannot penetrate on the affected areas due to landslides and floods.

A total of 47,909 families in 83 barangays were affected with more than eight thousand families evacuated said the Central Incident Command Post yesterday.

Among the areas heavily affected are the towns in the eastern seaboard and parts of the province’s gulf towns that include the village of Marayag in Lupon that endured massive flashfloods sweeping away houses while carrying down huge rocks and debris to the village’s center.

The Central Command reported seven casualties, 23 injured and 2 missing.

Six of it came from Sitio Bangol, Brgy. Tubaon in Tarragona and one was in Marayag, Lupon. (With reports from Karen Lou Deloso)

lion reserve fund they have.

The increase is not solely for extending the operation of the country’s biggest insurance company, but also for the enhancement of health services and benefits of its members. Paying members,a ccording to her, are not only paying for themselves but aslo for their declared dependents.

More programs will be implented for the financial protection of its members. Tan added that the premium adjustment aims to lessen the financial burden of its members when they avail quality health care services.

On the other hand, Johanna T. Blason, social insurance officer said that the implementation of all cases rates will start.

Blason said that they have categorized each disease with corresponding pay for services. She said that there will be a fixed rate in each case

depending on its severity.

For instance, the package rate for dengue is P8,000.

The case rating started in September 1, 2012 with only 23 cases. On January 1, 2014, all illnessess and diseases were already categorized In addition, poor families enrolled by the government are also benefitted by this increase. More families identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development through their program will become members.

“Ang premium hindi lang inicrease for your family, but you are also paying fo rthe healthcare of other people especially the poor ones,” Tan said.

One of the key advocacies of the Aquino administration is to make Philhealth available to all. As of today, 83 percent of the national population are already members of the insurance company. They are targetting to reach 85 percent or more by the end of 2015.

Region...FFROM 2

AUTISM CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK. Davao Autism Society’s Alma D. Yu (right) and Febe Lybai A. Matthews promote during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao the upcoming activities for the Autism Consciousness Week on January 19-25. This year’s theme is “Katuparan ng karapatanng Pilipinong may Autismo, isulong mo, ngayon na” which is in line with the organization’s advocacy of promoting awareness, equal rights and opportunity to all persons with autism. Lean Daval Jr.

DSWD, LGUs step up help for Mindanao flood victims T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units (LGUs) have stepped up relief efforts to assist some 29,885 families or 141,003 persons affected by the flooding in Mindanao.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the DSWD said about P15 million worth of relief goods have been provided by the department and LGUs to victims of flooding brought by low pressure area in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and CARA-

GA.

According to the DSWD, there are still 282 evacuation centers that remain open and serving about 22,643 families or 106,194 persons.

The DSWD is also providing food assistance to 5,086 families or 25,373

persons who opted to stay with their relatives’ houses.

The DSWD has earlier prepositioned more than P33 million worth of emergency relief resources readily available for augmentation to affected LGUs. [PNA]

ENATOR Sonny Angara on Wednesday congratulated Filipino caregiver Rose Fostanes for bagging X-Factor Israel’s grand title, saying her achievement served as inspiration to Filipinos here and abroad. ”My heartfelt congratulations to Rose Fostanes for winning the X-Factor Israel.

Amidst the challenges of being an OFW, she has proven that with exceptional talent and perseverance, one can excel and shine no matter where they are,” Angara said in his press statement.

Fostanes, also fondly called “Osang”, received standing ovation from judges and audience during the live finale show where she

sang classic song “My Way” of Frank Sinatra.

Fostanes, a 47-year-old overseas Filipino worker from Taguig City, also sang “If I Ain’t Got You,” with her mentor Shiri Maimon after she entered the Top 3 of the reality television show. ”Our proud and grateful country salutes you.

May your win be the first

momentous step towards future success. Again, congratulations and mabuhay ka (long live)!,” Angara said.

According to reports, Fostanes has been working in the Middle East for about 20 years across and came to work as caregiver in Israel six years ago.

[PNA]

and or writ of preliminary injunction because NFA was not able to participate.

Moreover, NFA was not impleaded in the complainant despite its being an indispensable and

proper party in the case.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General also filed its motion for reconsideration from the order dated last December 12 while the plaintiff was given the opportunity to

present and offer its testimonial and documentary evidence before the court, the government was not given that opportunity .

OSG also said that the plaintiff has no clear legal right for purposes of

obtaining a preliminary injunction that he has not alleged, much less shown, that he is duly licensed by the National Food Authority to engage in the business of rice importation or distribution.

transparency in the bidding by inviting observers, particularly repre-

sentatives from duly recognized private groups in a sector relevant to

procurement and another from non-government organizations in addition

to the representative of the Commission on Audit.

ready considered as an outbreak as it can infect 8-18 children who are either vaccinated once or not vaccinated at all.

That’s why they are intensifying their mon-

itoring and surveiying, especially in areas where the patient resides. She said that children areas where there is low coverage of vaccination and immuniza-

tion are highly vulnerable to measles.

Hilario said that they are continuing their information dissemination to concerned agencies and local health

units in the region for any possible outbreak.

As of now, she said the 17 cases were treated, but their areas of residence are still under surveilance.

Israel X-Factor winner Fostanes lauded as inspiration to Filipinos

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Seized...FFROM 4

Rody...FFROM 4

17 cases...FFROM 4

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The 10 Most Anticipated Smartphones of 2014 2

013 saw the rise of the phablet, Motorola’s rebirth under Google with the Moto X and Apple’s fingerprint-sensing iPhone 5s. Now that 2014 is here, it’s time to focus on the smartphone flagships we’re likely to see this year.

From handsets with curved displays to ones that can potentially scan your iris, 2014 is sure to bring a slew of exciting devices. Some of these smartphones have yet to be confirmed, but heres a look at what we’re anticipating.

1. Apple iPhone 6 The iPhone 6 rumor mill is churning away. While the iPhone 5 launched in September 2013, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek says the iPhone 6 could launch as soon as June 2014. Reports from Reuters and the Wall Street Journal have said Apple is testing larger 5.7-inch displays for its smartphones.

It’s unclear whether or not this huge display will ever hit the market, but Misek speculates that Apple could release iPhones in different sizes in 2014.

2. Samsung Galaxy S5 Samsung’s Galaxy S4 debuted with built-in gesture controls, but its successor may be able to scan your eyes. One of the most prominent rumors surrounding the S5 is the ability to scan a user’s iris, which could in turn be used to unlock the device. Samsung’s next big thing is also expected to debut with a crisp 2560 x 1440 resolution display, Android 4.4 KitKat and an improved 16-megapixel camera.

3. Nokia Lumia 929 (Icon) There isn’t much to say about Nokia’s purported Lumia 928 follow-up, except that Nokia — now owned by Microsoft — is running out of time to revitalize its once-powerful brand. Rumors seem to be set on a Verizon launch, and there’s also a chance that the Finnish smartphone maker will drop its numerical naming convention in favor of a new title known as Icon. Windows Phone blog WMPoweruser reports that the phone will be introduced at Mobile World Congress in February 2014, although this hasn’t been confirmed.

4. HTC One 2 We praised the HTC One for its sharp display

APPLE iPHONE 6: Concept by Johnny Plaid.

Sony’s Xperia Z1 was already among the few water-resistant flagship phones on the market, and now its successor boasts a completely waterproof design. Available via T-Mobile on Jan. 22 ($0 down), the Xperia Z1s is even capable of shooting photos while submerged. The Xperia Z1s also features a 5-inch full HD display and a 20.7-megapixel rear camera capable of giving the Nokia Lumia 1020’s 20-megapixel shooter some stiff competition.

6. Asus PadFone X The Asus PadFone X marries a 5-inch smartphone with a 9-inch tablet, with the phone’s Qualcomm processor acting as its larger companion’s brain. This means that when you fire up the smartphone, you can view your games, apps or messages on a larger display by simply sliding it into the tablet’s rear-mounted dock. Asus is known for its

NOKIA LUMIA. The Lumia Icon 929, as leaked by notorious phone leaker evleaks.

LG G FLEX. Shape of the future.

less noticeable. The G Flex is already on sale in Korea, and it will come to the U.S. through multiple carriers in the near future.

8. Hisense X1 The Sero 7 Pro is one of our favorite budget Android tablets on the market, but this time Hisense is targeting the premium smartphone space. Revealed at CES, the Hisense X1 is speedy, with a roomy 6.8-inch 1080p display and a 13-MP camera. There’s no word on pricing or availability, but Hisense told us that the X1 will hit the U.S. in Q3 or Q4 in 2014.

9. Huawei Ascend Mate 2 Another enormous phone, with the Huawei Ascend Mate 2, you’ll never have to hunt for outlets again. The 6.1-inch phablet is powered by a massive 4,050 mAh battery, which Huawei claims is enough to keep the phone running for two full days

SONY Experia Z1S and attractive aluminum design, and chances are we’ll see these same features on its successor. The next One, which is said to be codenamed the M8, is rumored to launch with a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 display.

As of now, the handset is expected to come with the same 4-megapixel (or “Ultrapixel”) main camera and 2.1-megapixel front shooter. A purportedly leaked photo discovered by ePrice suggests that we can expect the same metal exterior as well. The question is: How will HTC make its phones — which sold well, but not well enough to turn around the finances of HTC — more enticing to customers?

5. Sony Xperia Z1s

tablets and laptops in the U.S., but this hybrid could put the company on the smartphone map when the PadFone X launches on AT&T’s network.

7. LG G Flex The age of flexible smartphones has arrived.

The LG G Flex joins the likes of Samsung’s Galaxy Round in being one of the first smartphones to feature curved display technology. The G Flex’s display is vertically curved ever so slightly, creating a crescent-like design. In addition to its signature curve, the device sports what LG calls “self-healing” technology, which helps make scratches and bumps on its rear shell

under heavy use. There’s also a reverse charging feature that lets you use the Ascend Mate 2’s battery pack as a charger for other devices. The Ascend Mate 2 is set to hit the U.S. in March, although pricing and carriers have yet to be announced.

10. Alcatel One Touch Idol X+ Alcatel’s One Touch Idol X+ is a powerhouse.

Rocking an an enormous processor with eight cores (as opposed to the customary two or four), the handset will sell for $329 unlocked when it hits the U.S. this spring.

Other features include a 5-inch 1280 x 720 display,

12 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

KALAHI-CIDSS:

A decade of enabling communities through genuine people’s participation F

OR over a decade, Kalahi-CIDSS, now known as National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) continues to actualize development in grassroots communities as part of DSWD’s mission in pursuing poverty alleviation and empowerment of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Kalahi-CIDSS stands for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services.

Employing “Community-Driven Development” (CDD) as a primary strategy, Kalahi-CIDSS trains and engages communities together with their local governments (barangay and municipal) to choose, design, and implement development projects to address their most pressing needs. Through CDD, communities are given control over resources of the Project, and empowered to make decisions.

KALAHI-CIDSS in Region XI had its pilot implementation in the municipality of Sto. Tomas in 2003 followed by the municipalities of Talaingod, Tarragona, Laak, Manay, Mabini, Governor Generoso, New Corella, Compostela, San Isidro [Davao Oriental], Kapalong and Pantukan across phases and modalities until the present.

2012 highlights In 2012, to widen access to basic services and pursue development, Kalahi-CIDSS through its beneficiary communities prioritized, funded and completed 95 sub-projects amounting to Php 45.65 million. This translates to 18 potable water sys-

Genuine people’s participation through Kalahi-CIDSS. tems, 20 school buildings, 13 potable water systems, 13 road infrastructures, 7 barangay health stations, 5 flood control systems, 2 footbridges, 7 multi-purpose pavements, 3 solar electrification, 2 Libulongan [peace] centers and 18 other social projects that benefited 22,230 households situated in 135 barangays in 8 municipalities in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Community projects built using CDD have been found to be cost-effective and have strong community ownership.

2013 highlights In 2013, 99 sub-projects were prioritized and funded at an aggregate cost of Php 29.7 million. This means more school buildings, road infrastructures, barangay health stations, multi-purpose pavements, flood control facilities, canals; and other community projects providing basic social services and improving the lives of 9218 more households in 72 barangays in 6 municipalities within 3 provinces.

At the close of 2013, Kalahi-CIDSS in DSWD Region XI looks at a brighter prospect of a wider beneficiary base with the resumption of 4 previous partner municipalities -New Corella,

Governor Generoso, San Isidro [Davao Oriental] and Compostela.

2014 onwards The year 2014 heralds the scale up of Kalahi-CIDSS operations under the NCDDP covering 40 municipalities in 4 provinces of Davao Region with the inclusion of the municipalities of Carmen, Braulio E. Dujali and San Isidro in Davao del Norte; Maco, Mawab, Nabunturan and New Bataan in Compostela Valley; Lupon, Banaybanay, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel and Boston in Davao Oriental; and Kiblawan, Sta. Maria, Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani, Don Marcelino, Malita, Sta. Cruz, Sulop, Magsaysay, Matanao and

Malalag in Davao del Sur. The municipalities of Asuncion, Davao del Norte and Montevista, Compostela Valley will be covered in 2015.

All these initiatives form part of the National Government’s response to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to bring down the poverty incidence in the Philippines from 26.5% to 15.6% by year 2015.

Kalahi-CIDSS in Davao Region remains deeply committed to its mandate of service to empower communities through community-driven processes with the goal of improving lives of people in the villages. [DSWD]

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

Aboitiz book wins at 32nd National Book Awards L

ITERARY AND SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION. (2nd from left onwards) Dr. Isagani R. Cruz, Chair of The Manila Critics Cirle,“Shades of Majesty” authors James LaFrankie, Jr. and Pastor Malabrigo, Jr. together with Jon Ave, Project Brio Media House Executive Director and Judd Salas, AEV AVP-Corporate Branding & Communication at the 32nd National Book Awards in Edsa Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City.

“Shades of Majesty: 88 Philippine Native Trees,” a coffee-table book produced by the Aboitiz Group as an extension of its sustainability program was named the ‘Best Book of Science” at the 32nd National Book Awards held in November.

Under its sustainability program, the group has committed to plant three million trees in var-

ious parts of the country by 2015. With the help of volunteers from its business units through the annual simultaneous tree planning, it completed planting of more than 2.9 million trees by the end of 2013.

The book, written by Pastor Malabrigo, Jr. and James LaFrankie, Jr. and published by Wide Angle Media and Project Brio Media House, features different tree species which are endemic to the Philippines, including the rare toog (Petersianthus quadrilatus) tree, said to be one of the world’s ten tallest trees with a height that could reach more than 90 meters.

“It is accurate, meticulous, thoroughly researched, and significant.

[It is] both a rigorous scientific book and a good read for the general public…” the citation for “Shades of Majesty” read.

Aside from the usual

list of references, the book also features a historical list of persons who first published the names of the

trees.

The 32nd National Book Awards, which recognize the best books writ-

ten, designed, and published in the Philippines, was presented by the National Book Development

Board and Manila Critics Circle in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Bringing seafood sexiness CERTAINLY, home is where the heart is.

Alternatively, in my case, home is where seafood is at its best!

Growing up, I was always treated to an array of seafood delight unlike any other. From shrimps to fish to lobster and curacha, my palate has had them more than my fingers could count.

Thus, this week we take a journey into the many sea treasures and let our appetites engage in an endless gastronomical adventure with these recipes.

Inspired by the sea, grab your pens and papers and embark on a journey with me.

Sautéed Shrimps in Lemon Juice 250 grams prawns, cleaned and trimmed 1/4 cup lemon juice Zest of half a lemon 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 shallot, chopped 2 red bell pepper, julienned 1/2 cup tomato ketchup 1/4 cup oyster sauce 1 carrot, cut Salt Pepper In a pan, pour 3 cups

of water (hot preferred).

Let simmer over low heat.

Once bubbles appear, drop prawns and let cook until water is absorbed. Here, you can use half-and-half of water and soda. Simmer for a good 5 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

In a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic over low heat. Let brown but do not burn. Add red bell pepper.

After a minute, add tomato ketchup and oyster sauce. Let simmer until bubbles appear.

Add cooked prawns and stir to coat evenly. Let prawns absorb the sauce.

Add carrots. Add lemon juice and simmer again.

Cover and let be for a full minute. Open lid and sea-

son to taste. Add a dash of sugar. Turn off heat.

Before serving, sprinkle lemon zest. Serve hot over hot rice.

Salt and Pepper Calamari Oil for frying 1 kilo calamari, cleaned and cut into 1/4 inch rings 3/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup flour 2 cups buttermilk mixture (with water) Salt and pepper In a bowl, marinade calamari rings in buttermilk for 3 hours or overnight.

In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour and salt and pepper. Season generously. Toss rings evenly.

Shake off excess and set aside until done.

Heat oil over medium heat. Deep fry rings until golden and crisp. Repeat until done. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

For the sauce: Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsps sweet chili sauce, 2 tbsps lime juice, 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 small sliced shallot and grated fresh ginger.

Crabmeat Rice 2 cups age old rice 1 cup fresh crab meat (or crab meat sticks) 1/2 cup cabbage, chopped 1/4 cup green peas 1/4 cup carrots, cubed 1 egg

Soy sauce 1 shallot, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped Salt and Pepper

In a pan, sauté onion over low heat. Add garlic and cook until slightly brown. Add age-old rice

and constantly stir. Stirring will help loosen up the rice. Do such until rice are separated and easily mixed. Add crabmeat and season to taste.

Add carrots. Stir. Next, add cabbage and green peas. Thoroughly combine to enhance the flavors. Do not forget to season as you go.

Make a well in the middle of the pan. Break egg directly and mix. Do not mix egg and rice yet.

Let the egg cook. Add soy sauce and a bit of sugar.

Give a quick toss and mix everything in. Stir to avoid lumps. Season to taste.

Turn off heat and serve while it’s hot.

Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Email me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject: Royal Chef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics!

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Abreeza Mall presents Reverie 2014: Davao’s first 3D mapping party RING in 2014 with the grandest welcome by being part of an exciting audiovisual event that’s the first of its kind in Davao, and even Mindanao.

Abreeza Mall, in partnership with Manic Nightnings Productions, proudly presents Reverie 2014, its big bash to kick off the year, on January 18, 2014, 6 p.m. at the Park Dining area. This free party will feature sets by leading DJs from different parts of the nation: Davao’s very own DJ Torch, Boracaybased beatmaster DJ Reo Mendoza, veteran Manila talent DJ Erwin Edralin, and the night’s main act, DJ Surf a.k.a. The Topless DJ, also from Boracay.

Besides the chance to enjoy an entire night’s worth of hot dance tunes in a fantastic outdoor location for free, what makes Reverie 2014 a surefire hit among Davao’s party-going crowd is 3D mapping, a breakthrough projection technology that has been used in major shows and events around the globe to give viewers a mind-blowing visual treat. As 3D mapping makes its way to Davao for the first time at Reverie 2014, be sure not to miss it!

Experience this one-of-a-kind sensory ride by heading to Abreeza Mall on January 18 for Reverie 2014. Giving Davaoeños more reasons to visit Abreeza Mall this month are the massive Welcome 2014 Sale that takes place mall-wide until January 19, and the Red Bazaar that takes over the Activity Center from January 17 to 30. Wrapping up Abreeza Mall’s month-long welcome for 2014 is the Chinese New Year Celebration on January 31.

For more information on programs and happenings at Abreeza Mall, visit the concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

Dance your way to a healthy 2014 at SM Davao DANCE is the universal language of movement. It can be magical and transforming. It can breathe new life into a tired soul; make a spirit soar; unleash locked-away creativity; unite generations and cultures; inspire new romances or rekindle old ones; trigger long-forgotten memories; and turn sadness into joy, if only during the dance.

Experience the joy of moving to music while improving your fitness and burning an average of 500 calories at SM City Davao’s Aerobic Dance Marathon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Dancing is an excellent exercise for fitness because it constantly works every kind of fitness at the same time. It requires an extreme amount of aerobic exercise, bringing your heart rate up quickly and keeping it up throughout the entire class or dance session. Burn up the dance floor and firm up with the Hustle, Hip Hop, Funk and Zumba.

Ditch the workout and join the party! Bop and twirl like a true dancer and enjoy the cardiovascular and body-shaping benefits of a dynamic workout that tones muscles, develops core strength and increases balance. Dance your way to a healthier you! Join the Aerobic Dance Marathon at the Annex Event Center. Free sessions start at 6PM. For inquiries, call 297.6998. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

FOOD

Lucky eats for Chinese New Year

IT is that time of the year again when we celebrate Chinese New Year. Although it is not as big here in the Philippines as it is in other neighbouring countries, the Chinese New Year is a long festive celebration and families use the holiday to come together.

Chinese New Year celebrations come with the typical noisemaking, lion and dragon dances and of course the requisite hong bao or ang pao in the Hokkien Chinese dialect, but my favourite activity of the holiday is the gathering of family together for dinner. I had fond memories of celebrations past having dinner together with my uncles, aunts and cousins at my grandmother’s house and the mountains of food we consumed with some specific food items having symbolism for a more lucky and prosperous new year and here is a list of some of them.

Sticky rice cakes or tikoy This sweet sticky treat is a regular on the new year table. made of glutinous rice and sugar, the rice cake is served pan fried with a light coating of egg.

The story goes that tikoy is usually served to the Kitchen God so as to keep his mouth from reporting the bad things one might have done in the past year when he reports to the God of Heaven and also to sweeten his tongue so that whatever he says is sweet and nice.

Tikoy also symbolises together ness for the family, the sticky texture ensures that members of the family will stick together

Sticky rice cakes.

Various preserved meats and fish at Singapore’s Chinatown. through the year.

Fish on the table The Chinese love playing around with the way a word sounds and add symbolisms to such words. The reason why fish is served on the Chinese new year table is that in Mandarin the pronunciation for the symbol for fish “yu” is the same as for the symbol for “in excess.”

And any luck or fortune in excess is a good thing.

Raddish cake Traditionally served panfried with a light chill sauce on the side, radish cake along with carrot cake (carrot and radish have the same Chinese name only carrot is called red radish) are a regular when it comes to the new year. Also going along with the play of words and symbols, the pronunciation of the word for radish is “tzai tou” which is pronounced similar to the characters for “good start”. Meaning whenever someone eats radish he or she will have a good start to the year.

Tangerines.

Tangerines or oranges Round and sweet fruits

are always part of the new year table, more emphasis would go to the tangerine or orange. Locally called “ponkan”, which is actually derived from the Hokkien Chinese name for the fruit, tangerines symbolise good fortune because is sounds like the Chinese words for “bursting with luck”.

There are still many more food symbolisms and so called lucky foods on the Chinese new year table but all I can say is that it is the individual who makes ones own luck.

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

Radish cake.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Jaya and Geoff at SM City Davao on Jan 18!

GMA Network brings to SM Davao the country’s soul diva Jaya and returning actor-hunk Geoff Eigenmann.

Listen to Sunday All Stars judge Jaya as she belts out her classic numbers. Jaya started her career in show business at the early age of 10, performing as a backup dancer for her mother Elizabeth. At 13, she was undefeated in the GMA7 noontime show, Student Canteen, and joined the Opera House. She began performing solo in 1982 and later became the first Filipino recording artist to chart in the United States.

The returning Kapuso hunk Geoff stars in the GMA primetime fantaserye Adarna alongside Kylie Padilla, Mikael Daez and Benjamin Alve. He is a third generation member of the MesaGil clan of actors. Eigen-

mann has been noted for his performances in television. Now back in the scene after months in break, Geoff is sure to melt girls’ hearts once more.

Party at the Kapuso Mall Show live at SM City Davao on January 18. See your fa-

vorite stars Jaya and Geoff at the Annex Event Center, 4PM. For inquiries, call 297.6998. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter for event and promo updates.

Marian Rivera bags Most Favourite Foreign Actress in Vietnam’s Today TV Face of the Year Awards 2014 GMA Network’s Primetime Queen Marian Rivera continues her hot streak after she received the “Most Favourite Foreign Actress” recognition in Vietnam’s Today TV Face of the Year Awards 2014 last January 8.

“Sobra akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng Vietnamese fans ko sa pagkapili sa akin bilang Most Favourite Foreign Actress.

I am very grateful for their overwhelming support.

Napakasaya ko dahil sa karangalang ito, napatunayan ko kung gaano ako kamahal ng mga Vietnamese,” says Marian.

Last year, Marian went to Vietnam to appear on several shows on Today TV, one of the largest and first freeto-air TV stations to ever air Filipino dramas in the country, and to personally meet her Vietnamese fans and supporters. Three of her shows, Marimar, Dyesebel and Temptation of Wife, have gained a huge following in the South East Asian country.

This year, Marian will continue to charm the Vietnamese audiences as her show, Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Akin Tadyang (Dangerous Love), will be aired on Today TV. According to Today TV, the special award given to Marian was based on online votes and the awarding cer-

emony of Face of the Year Awards 2014 will happen in December this year.

At present, Marian is busy

taping for her upcoming primetime series Carmela, which will premiere on January 27 on GMA Telebabad.

47 RONIN 2D Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada PG 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

BRIDE FOR RENT 2D Kim Chiu, Xian Lim PG 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

GRUDGE MATCH 2D Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone PG 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT 2D Chris Pine Kevin Costner PG 13

NASH AND ALEXA, FORCED TO PART WAYS? The friendship of Kapamilya tween love team Nash Aguas and Alexa Ilacad will be put to test this Saturday in the continuation of their “Wansapanataym” special titled ‘Enchanted House.’ Despite their closeness, Philip (Nash) is forced to avoid Alice (Alexa) because of his mother’s (Ara Mina) strict orders. Will Philip and Alice be able to fight for their friendship, or will they continue to suffer the consequences of their parents’ bitter past? Don’t miss the continuation of Nash and Alexa’s enchanting fairy tale in the newest month-long special of the 2013 Anak TV Seal Awardee “Wansapanataym” this Saturday, 6:45pm, after “Bet On Your Baby” in ABS-CBN.

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

EVENT

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Princess Velasco wows Tagum again THE weather played along well this time, during the repeat concert of the country’s best acoustic performer, Princess Velasco last January 7, 2014 at Big 8 Corporate Hotel’s posh Aqua Gen swimming pool. Hordes of her fans trooped to the staged to get a closer look and hear her belt out her acoustic renditions of some popular hit songs. Her previous gig last October 2013 was met with a heavy downpour an hour before the her call time, yet, people braved the drizzles when she went onstage and joined her in singing those pop favorites.

Princess Marie Velasco, a graduate of Communication Arts and Advertising Management at DLSU Manila, had her presence felt in the music scene when she joined the group ASAP Sessionistas composed of Sitti Navarro, Richard Poon, Juris Fernandez and Aiza Seguerra who individually has their hordes of followers. But when they were grouped together, it created quite a stir among the viewers of this noontime Sunday show over ABS-CBN. Princess providing a fresh sound added warmth much with her angelic face and sheer talent in acoustic singing.

As singer-songwriter , Princess Velasco was best known in rearranging songs into acoustic versions that are almost impossible to pipe up by no uncommon musicians.

This proves her versatility in doing covers for pop

icons like Akon, Jason Mraz, Paramore, Kathy Perry and more.

Her claim to fame finally was etched in history when she won the Best Acoustic Performer of the Year Award for PMPC in 2013.

Princess’ first gig in Big 8 Corporate Hotel was in October of 2013, when the Aqua Gen Swimming Pool was launched, which also coincided with the hotel’s Halloween Party.

It was also the first-ever foam party held in the City of Palms. And much to the delight of the audience who were caught in awe with her vocal performance and skill in her guitar, there was an insistent public request for a repeat performance. During that enjoyable night in October last year, the management of Big 8 Corporate Hotel closed the deal of a repeat concert for January 7. 2014.

Thus, the event “January Jam with Princess Velasco” was another successful activity with the satisfied crowd who watched the acoustic princess for the second time, along with the huge contingent from BMQ Group of Companies from all over the country who were billeted in the hotel for their Annual Managers Meeting held at Big 8 Corporate Hotel in Tagum City.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 215 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014

OVERHEAT. Too much heat is affecting the game of top-rated tennis stars Maria Sharapova (left) and Rafael Nadal (right).

INHUMANE Nadal, other favorites go through Djokovic, Li moves to third round M

ELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Novak Djokovic stayed on track for a fourth consecutive Australian Open singles title with a 6-0, 6-4, 6-4 win Wednesday over Leonardo Mayer of Argentina.

Advancing to the third round with his 26th consecutive match win, Djokovic had a brief scare while serving at 3-0 in the first set when he turned over on his left ankle, tumbling to the court.

But it wasn’t serious enough for him to warrant

medical attention during the next break in play and he took the opening set in just 22 minutes, conceding just eight points.

Djokovic is attempting to win a fifth Australian title, the first man to achieve that feat since the Open Era began in 1968.

In women’s play, Li Na struck back for the older generation of women’s tennis by fending off gutsy 16-year-old qualifier Belinda Bencic 6-0 7-6 (5) to reach the third round of the Australian Open on

Wednesday.

Swiss Bencic, who knocked out Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm, the oldest woman in the draw in the first round, lost seven straight games before steadying to surprise the Chinese fourth seed with her tenacity in a tense second set played out in stifling heat at Rod Laver Arena.

Taken deep into the deciding tiebreak, Li sealed the match by crunching a backhand winner down the line.

er fighter but told us “they are fine.”

Somodio also told the Manila Standard that former WBO/WBA flyweight champion Brian Viloria is also back in training at the Wild Card Gym and sparred with two-time Olympic gold medalist Zhou Shiming who will see action in Macao on February 29 in a Top Rank card featuring three Olympic gold medalists who have turned pro and signed up with Top Rank.

He said Viloria was “waiting for a fight because the opponents he wants to face are reluctant to fight him.”

Somodio said Viloria

has been out for sometime since his loss to Juan Francisco Estrada in a bruising battle in Macau last April so they are taking it “slowly” because the timing is important when preparing for a fight.

He said Viloria “still has the hunger and I can see that in his training and sparring he will be back.”

Melindo told Jhay Oh Otamias that there was a “big difference” between the spacious ALA Gym while Wild Card was crowded and “it enhances the mental attitude of a boxer because we see the different atmosphere.”

Melindo, Servania spar at Wildcard in LA

F

ORMER flyweight title challenger Milan Melindo and undefeated super bantamweight Genesis Servania sparred at the Wild Card Gym of Freddie Roach in Los Angeles on Tuesday and Roach’s assistant trainer, Filipino Marvin Somodio said they looked good.

Somodio said he had just returned from Mexico working the corner of Antonio DeMarco alongside Roach in DeMarco’s impressive 2nd round TKO of Jesus Gurrola with Justin Fortune as conditioning coach.

He said he couldn’t pay attention to them because he was busy training anoth-

‘inhumane’heat before winning M

ELBOURNE (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal got a free pass into the second round of the Australian Open when Bernard Tomic retired injured on Tuesday, a welcome reprieve from stifling heat that led one player to describe conditions at Melbourne Park as “inhumane”.

Australian Tomic, booed off Rod Laver Arena by his compatriots, blamed a groin injury for withdrawing having lost the opening set 6-4, leaving top seed Nadal to join fellow “Big Four” players Roger Federer and Andy Murray in securing his passage.

Defending champion

Victoria Azarenka led third seed Maria Sharapova and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki over the first hurdle in the women’s draw, but there was only one topic of conversation on day two of the championships.

“Every single person that I saw coming in from practice or going out to play a match or coming back from a match, everyone just said like, ‘It’s really hot today’,” Murray told reporters after beating Go Soeda 6-1 6-1 6-3.

Azarenka said being on court was like “dancing in a frying pan” and Wozniacki thought her water bottle

was going to melt, but for some players the impact of the extreme heat, forecast to continue until Friday, was more serious.

Frank Dancevic slammed organisers for forcing players to compete in “dangerous” conditions after he collapsed on court and passed out for a minute in his match on one of the more exposed outer courts.

“I think it’s inhumane, I don’t think it’s fair to anybody, to the players, to the fans, to the sport, when you see players pulling out of matches, passing out,” the Canadian told reporters after his defeat to Benoit Paire.

Manny: I won’t leave Top Rank

By AQUILES Z.ZONIO

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY – World boxing eight-division champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao said he will never leave Top Rank Promotions just so the much-anticipated Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will happen.

“Floyd Mayweather, Jr. never runs out of excuses just to avoid fighting me. If I leave Top Rank, there’s no guarantee the fight would push through. So, why should I leave Top Rank? Just to make Pacquiao-Mayweather fight happen? No way,” Pacquiao said in an interview with Edge Davao.

Pacquiao added that if Mayweather is not avoiding him, the latter would agree to fight him even if he’s with Top

Rank.

“The promotional company where I am in should not be made an issue. If this is the fight the world boxing fans want, let’s do it regardless of which promotional outfit we belong. There should be no lame excuses,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao bared that when Mayweather called him up a few years back, the latter asked him to leave Top Rank and join in his own promotional firm, The Mayweather Promotions.

“I told him I’m staying with Top Rank. I’m not interested to join with his own promotional outfit,” Pacquiao said.

The Pinoy ring idol advised Mayweather to be humble and stop hurling insults on his fellow box-

er.

“When Floyd Mayweather was jailed for domestic violence, I prayed for him. Did you ever hear me say anything bad against him? I did not insult him while he was down and inside the prison cell. Instead, I prayed to God to change his heart,” Pacquiao bared.

What happened, he said, was the exact opposite when he made a mistake during his last fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Floyd Mayweather keeps on insulting me for that knockout. We are not perfect. We all commit mistake. I made a big mistake during my last fight with Marquez,” Pacquiao said.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE215 215• THURSDAY, • THURSDAY,JANUARY JANUARY16, 16,2014 2014

AMWAY RUN. Race director Kenneth Sai (left) of Vantage Sports gives sportswriters a walk through of the race route while Amway Philippines marketing manager Dulce B. Ricafort (right) discusses the details of this year’s 1K at Amway Fun Run 2014 slated on February 16 in a press briefing yesterday at Amway Davao City branch along Quimpo Blvd. cor. Tulip Drive. Lean Daval Jr.

TRMH Cup semis moved to Jan. 19 T

HE semifinal round of the Royal Mandaya Cup Inter-school basketball tournament has been moved to January 19, Sunday, at the Almendras Gym to give way to another basketball tournament opening a day earlier.

“This time it will

be back to zero, meaning the teams will play a single round robin,” said tournament commissioner Jek-Jek Melendrez at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday.

The annual cagefest actually began last year and was stretched up to

this year due to several basketball tournaments involving the same participating schools.

“We wanted the semifinals and finals to be played at Almendras gym,” Melendrez explained.

Defending Cadet division champion Ford Academy of Arts takes

on Assumption College of Davao in the first game at 8:30 p.m. It will be followed by the Holy Child School of Davao against Philippine Women’s College at 10 a.m. in the Mini division.

Defending Mini division titlist Ateneo faces Precious International

School of Davao in the third game at 11:30 a.m. Other matches pit Ford against Holy Child (Cadet) at 1:30 p.m. followed by Ateneo against Holy Child (Mini) at 3 p.m. The main game at 4:30 p.m. pits PWC against Precious (Mini).

Cash prizes and trophies are up for grabs

to the winners while individual awards will also be given away to outstanding cagers.

The TRMH Cup is supported by the Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region XI under Director Regino “Boy” Cua and the city government of Davao.