Edge Davao 6 Issue 225

‘THREAT IS NO CRIME’ Rody’s counsel says no offended party in empty threat

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

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ENTERPRISING. A person with disability travels alone from his house to San Pedro Cathedral to earn a living by selling cartoon character-shaped balloons. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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INdulge!

A heritage of excellence All-Star Kicks

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HREATENING criminals is not a crime.

This was the statement of lawyer Salvador Panelo defending the threat of his client Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte directed at those involved in smuggling.

“If you cannot pinpoint the person that you are threatening then there’s no crime,” said Panelo in an interview yesterday.

Panelo said that the mayor just wanted the smugglers to stop their illegal activities or else he will make their

lives miserable.

“Ang problema kasi sa mga kumokontra hindi kasi sila mga abugado kung abogado man sila malamang siguro absent sila,” Panelo said.

Panelo said that that to establish that Duterte committed a crime in threatening the criminals then there should be a specific person the threats are directed at.

“Sinabi niya na papatatin ko kayo sino ba ang papatayin ni Duterte? So walang specific person - walang crime,”

FTHREAT, 10

DRUG TEST. A Davao City Police operative submits his urine sample for yet another surprise drug test screening ordered by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Vicente Danao Jr yesterday at Camp Domingo Leonor along San Pedro Street in Davao City. At least 60 policemen underwent drug test screening. Lean Daval Jr.

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2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

4 NPAs, Army soldier killed in clash

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

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NO CASES YET. Lawyer Salvador Panelo discloses to members of local media at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday that there are still no cases filed against the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) in the Sally Chua kidnapping incident where three of the four kidnappers were killed in a shoot-out with the Davao City police operatives. Lean Daval Jr.

Anti-corrupt measures reinforced

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO CITY Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s campaign against corruption within the city’s collection offices will be effectively retooled once the point of payment system (POPS) is implemented.

City Information and Technology Center officer in charge Ricarte D. Franco told Edge Davao that the P2.3 million project will be available in less than three months. He said that the development of the system will start on February.

POPS is an online system that will connect main offices and district offices of income generating and collecting facilities and

services. These include the seven units (slaughterhouses, cemetery, public markets, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, Magsaysay Park, Sta. Ana Port, Almendras Gym) under the City Economic Enterprise, Business Bureau, and City Treasurers Office.

CITC will start with a feasibility study next month after they will make the proposal of the system, design or analysis, program design, testing and implementation.

He said that collectors from district offices will post their collection in the system via online. At the end of the day, the mayor

WEATHER FORECAST

himself can monitor how much collection is collected each day.

“Up to date ang data every day. Mawala nang graft and corruption, ” he said, adding that collectors need to post their respective amount of collection even without remitting it to the City Treasurers Office.

In-house programmers and system developers of CITC will be the one to create the sytem. It will provide a daily database of the city’s collection. It will be posted to the Davao City Government official website.

The project based office, meanwhile bellied

that they are not efficient with their programs. He said that they just prioritized the renewal of the business permit early January of this year while the implementation of POPS is their target for this year 2014.

He said that they are planning to put additional features like payment history of tax payers once the POPS is properly implemented two or three months from now.

The city’s collection comes from issuance of business permit and health certificate, real property tax, terminal fee, among others.

epc@edgedavao.net

OUR members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and an Army soldier were reportedly killed in an encounter with military on Thursday morning in Sitio Matabang, Barangay Taocanga, Manay, Davao Oriental.

Captain Alberto C. Caber, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said in a press release that at about 8: 30 a.m, members of the 67th Infantry Batallion received information the presence of NPA in the area allegedly will extort residences that prompted them to verify and resulted to a clash.

Military said they have not identified as of now the identity of those NPA members.

“The armed men are attempting to recover their former stronghold that were liberated from the NPA clutches in 2012 but the populace are already resisting them,”Lt. Col. Krishnamurti A. Mortela, 67th IB Commanding Officer, said in a press statement that Soldiers recovered several rifle such as M16 rifle, AK47, M4; landmines and documents.

Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, Eastern Mindanao Command Commander mandated all military units to coordinate police in any joint operations.

“Coordination among units for augmentation of forces is mandatory”. Lt. Gen. Cruz said.

Judge dismisses poll protests

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wo protesting barangay captain candidates in Davao City who filed separate election protests failed to prove their allegations before the court that last year’s election was marred with fraud resulting to their defeat.

Judge Daydews D. Villamor of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 5, declared the protestee Rolando Policios of Barangay Buda as winner after heobtained majority 474 votes or a margin of 9 votes over the protestant Delfin Galecia Jr., with 465 votes after the recount.

In another election controversy involving the elections in Barangay Atan-awe of Toril, Villamor declared Julico Ba-

tawan as the winner over Fely A. Abad. Batawan won with a margin of 28 votes that gathered 469 votes and 441 votes only for Abad.

Last November 7, 2013, both protestants filed protest alleging that the last year election was marred by fraud, anomalies and irregularities initiated by the protestees which affected results.

However, both Policios and Batawan denied those allegations stated on their separate answers in the court records.

In the Commission on Election result, Policios garnered 471 votes while Galecia gathered 459 votes while Batawan garnered 468 votes while Abad only 442 votes.

BOOMING ECONOMY. City administrator Cleto Gales Jr. of Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) announces the increasing number of business establishments registered in Igacos, an indication that the island is fast becoming one of the investors’ preferred destinations during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

3

Complaints bombard DCPO chief’s textline T HE Davao City Police director textline “Isumbong Kang CD” has thus far received 5,650 complaints including reports sent via social media in December last year alone.

City police director Vicente Danao Jr., said among those complaints which the police took action included 296 cases that resulted in the apprehensions of suspects engaged in illegal drugs, gambling, robbery, carnapping, and kotong cops.

Police average 124 illegal drugs-related cases includingg its biggest accomplishment amounting to P2.2 million worth of illegal drugs from a 30-year-

old woman during a buy bust operation at Vincent de Paul Dormitel, Padre Faura corner Jacinto Sts last December 17.

“As we can see police apprehended big persons involved in illegal drugs,”he said.

The National Capital Region Police Office is also planning to imitate his textline as this proven to boost police accomplishments against crimes, Danao explained.

He said it is safe for those people to report others who are engaged of illegal drugs through the textline as the identity of the complainants are confidential.

FCOMPLAINTS, 10

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS? Task Force Davao personnel and members of progressive groups stage a peaceful rally at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday to show their support for the Bangsamoro transition after the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Annex on Normalization, the last of the four annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), on January 25, 2014. Lean Daval Jr.

Cops undergo drug testing

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

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epc@edgedavao.net

OME 65 police non-commissioned officers underwent surprise random drug testing yesterday as mandated

by Davao City police director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr., after receiving reports that some police officers are engaged in illegal drugs activity.

Danao said urine samples were to be tested by two agencies namely as Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency in Region 11 and Regional Crime Laboratory Office 11 to ensure that the integrity of the results.

“These police officers who are deployed in the field should ensure that they are not engaged in illegal drugs as they will serve as model in the community,” Danao stressed during the interview.

At least 10 officers are listed on his note contain-

ing alleged policemen involved in using pushing illegal drugs.

P/Supt. Liny Tuting Corpuz, forensic chemical officer, reported that those 90 police commissioned officers underwent drug testing last January 13, were tested negative result for the presence of both dangerous drugs of THC or known as metabolites and methamphetamine.

Police who are tested positive will automatically be relieved from their post and will also be facing administrative and criminal cases.

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

Ombudsman indicts Corona for amassing ill-gotten wealth

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HE Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) has found probable cause to charge former Chief Justice Renato C. Corona and his wife, Cristina, with violation of Republic Act No. 1379, or Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Properties Law. The Ombudsman said the former SC justice will also faced eight counts of perjury and eight counts of violation of Section 11 of RA No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public

Officials and Employees.

In a 22-page resolution which Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved on Jan. 28, 2014, the special panel of investigators found that from 2001 to 2011, the spouses Corona earned a total income of P30,369,120.13, of which P27,145,472.68 was earned by CJ Corona as an official at the Office of the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court (SC), member of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET),

FOMBUDSMAN, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

DAVAO DEL NORTE

LGU signs SEEPS cooperation with Bulacan T

HE provincial government of Davao del Norte entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the province of Bulacan for the establishment of the Davao del Norte Socio-Economic and Ecological Profiling (SEEP) system that integrates the disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) concept.

DavNor Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando signed the MOA recently at the Provincial Capitol of Bulacan.

The SEEP system is an upgrade of the socio-economic profile as basic tool of the local government units in the preparation of their local development plans.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr.

Josie Jean Rabanos said the province is installing the SEEPS in order to help facilitate the updating of its Provincial Development

COTABATO CITY

Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP), specifically the Hazard Profile that will be integrated in the DRR-CCA concept in the plan.

The system is also valuable in the monitoring of programs and projects of the provincial government.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario thanked the provincial government of Bulacan for its generosity in sharing their SEEPS to the province.

Capitol executives learned of and appreciated the benefit of using the process during their benchmarking activity in Bulacan last July 2013, which was sponsored by the AusAID-funded Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF).

Under the MOA, Bulacan will provide free installation, training and utilization of the SEEPS to the provincial government of Davao del Norte, including the various cities and municipalities of the province. [by Noel Baguio]

SEEPS MOA SIGNING. (R-L) DavNor Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando signed the MOA for the establishment of the Davao del Norte Socio-Economic and Ecological Profiling (SEEP) system that integrates the disaster risk reduction-climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) concept. Bulacan will provide free installation, training and utilization of the SEEPS to the provincial government of Davao del Norte, including the various cities and municipalities of the province. PEO

MAASIM, SARANGANI

Rallies held in support of GPH-MILF peace process Milestone reached in

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T least 500 residents here turned up in the streets on Wednesday to throw support and solidarity to the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Simultaneous peace rallies were held in the cities of Zamboanga, Davao, Iligan Marawi and General Santos.

Dubbed “Drums for Peace,” participants belonging to various civil society organizations (CSOs) played agongs and kulintangs to call for continuing support to the GPH-MILF peace process beyond the signing of the Annex on Normalization.

Normalization is the last of the four annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

The previously signed annexes were the Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, and Power Sharing.

The FAB and the four annexes shall comprise the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace agreement that the GPH and MILF expect to sign soon.

“The signing of the Annex on Normalization is a very important milestone in the ongoing GPH-MILF peace process. It is an ini-

tial victory of the peace process vis-à-vis the hard bargaining and dragging negotiations,” Guiamel Alim, chairman of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc., said.

“The Annex on Normalization contains the roadmap of transforming violence into peace and development,” he added.

With still great challenges ahead, Alim said his group is committed to accompany the peace process until peace is finally attained in the transition period and beyond.

“As the negotiation is entering another milestone, we call for all and sundry to sustain their support to the ongoing peace process beyond the signing of all the annexes.

Lest we forget, there are more challenging steps still ahead,” he said.

Abdulbasit “Bobby” Benito, Bangsamoro Center for Just Peace executive director, lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for choosing the path of peace in finding solution to the Bangsamoro problem.

“We are fully supportive of the peace process between the GPH and the MILF and we congratulate the peace panels for signing the last annex on normalization,” he said.

As a show of support

to the peace process following the signing of the normalization annex, participants in the peace rally in this city held a kanduli (thanksgiving) at the city plaza before marching to the streets, causing traffic jam in the downtown proper.

“What we are doing is drumbeating our quest for peace and we will continue with this kind of activity and mobilization until the signing of the final peace agreement,” Benito said.

The peace rallies around Mindanao were conducted under the Mindanao Civil Society Organizations Platform for Peace (MCSOPP), which is composed of 120 groups and networks. The platform was tapped by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, the body tasked by the GPH and MILF peace panels to craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, to conduct consultations to help the drafting of the Bangsamoro charter.

A Joint Statement from the Pailig Development Foundation, Inc., CSO Forum for Peace, Mindanao Peoples Caucus, MCSOPP, EcoWEB, Inc., MSU-IIT Institute for Peace and Dev’t in Mindanao “Celebrating the Successful End to Negotiations! Helping Pave the Way for the Bangsamoro

Transition! Supporting the Process of Building Peace in Mindanao!” congratulated the GPH and MILF peace panels, including all the men and women who were involved in the peace negotiations since January 1997.

“The incremental gains from their efforts through the years made possible the successful conclusion of the negotiations,” it said.

“As a commitment to Mindanao peace, let us help pave the way for the successful birth of the Bangsamoro entity. Let us contribute our ideas and thoughts through the public consultations, or through other means like the mass media, to ensure that the charter of the Bangsamoro effectively responds to the needs and aspirations of grassroots communities,” the manifesto stressed.

The manifesto called for unity and vigilance “in ensuring that the dividends of peace will reach the homes of the poorest of the poor, the internally displaced persons who are yet to return to their homes, the war victims and the ordinary Moros, Christians and indigenous peoples who should be at the center of all efforts to implement the peace agreement.” [MindaNews]

SEC greening project S ARANGANI Energy Corporation (SEC) achieved another significant milestone on its multi-billion peso project which aims to help restore watershed areas and provide sustainable livelihood among highland farmers in its host-municipality Maasim.

The 7,500 – hectare reforestation project of SEC which goes parallel with its 210 – Megawatt coal fired power plant now undergoing construction here has ceremonially planted the ‘half-millionth’ seedling at its nursery site in Sitio Kyumad, Barangay Amsipit.

SEC, through its Watershed Protection and Development project is set out to cultivate public and private lands with commercial agro-forestry crops like rubber, coffee, guyabano, abaca, cacao, jackfruit to name a few – giving highland farmers sustainable income.

“Mao na kini ang akong ginaingon sa una pa nga mao na kini ang maghatag ug kinabuhi sa katawhan sa kabukiran dinhi sa Maasim (As I’ve been telling you since then, this project could give sufficient source of living among the highland farmers of Maasim),

town mayor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. said during a brief program Friday, January 24.

SEC has already planted 1,271 hectares covering barangays Amsipit, Kablakan, Nomoh, Pananag and Lumatil – benefiting 447 families to date.

“Kini usa ka grasya nga gihatag sa Ginoo sa atoa busa dili nato sayangon. Dili nato kaya i-develop ang atong yuta kung wala tay partnership sa mga pribadong sektor (We take it as the Lord’s blessing so we should not blow this only chance. It’s so difficult for us to develop our lands without partnership with the private sector).”

SEC, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maasim local government and people’s organization Maasim Highland Farmers Association (MAHIFA) have come into an agreement that beneficiaries will be provided free planting materials as well as financial and technical assistance.

Beneficiary families will protect and cultivate the planted seedlings and in turn, harvest and market the products of the trees and agricultural crops once they bear fruit.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE225 225••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,JANUARY JANUARY30, 30,2014 2014

5

A dream travel to

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

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T’S a given. We all have childhood dreams.

Dream profession. Dream car. Dream travel. We all have them in our bucket list.

The good thing about dreaming is that we live our dreams and work for them. So when you get to travel from our country to another it is an achievement most especially if you worked hard and did all your best to fulfill that dream.

That’s the success story of Hannah Joy Hornijas, the Sales Director of Santos Land Development Corporation, who topped the Annual Travel Awardees for the Year 2012.

Hannah exceeded by 10 percent the 70-percent quota needed for her to be qualified as a traveller. She garnered 139 per-

cent and received a travel incentive to Australia, her dream travel.

“It was great because going to Australia has been in my bucket list since I was a little girl. So it was a really good experience,” Hannah Hornijas said.

Santos Land also awarded travel incentives to Sales Directors Alma C. Apolonio who reached 72 percent and Josefina D. Orense who achieved 71 percent of the quota including Sales Managers Sonia H. Hornijas, who exceeded the quota by 51 percent, Romeo C. Orense with 79 percent, and Betty Cuajotor with 73 percent and Sales Executives Zoilo B. Hornijas, who topped with 120 percent, and Rochelle Joy D. Orense, with 82 percent of quota.

Australia

Travelling to Australia is their first time since the previous years of travel incentives given were within Asia only.

Hannah admitted her being a people-centered person had helped her earn so much points at a young age most especially by helping her agents to market. She started by creating a website which is www.davaopropertyfinder.com and conceptualizing unconventional marketing tools like youtube videos as her sales strategy to promote the projects of Santos Land.

One of the memorable moments in her travel to Australia last September 4 to 11, 2013 was the time they got to enter and take pictures inside the Parliament House in Canberra, the capital city of Australia.

They also visited historical sites like the War Memorial where one can see lists of soldiers from Australia and other countries, including the Philippines, who served and sacrificed their lives during World War 2 and the Blue Mountain that got its name from its dark blue color caused by gas emission from eucalyptus trees that turns the surrounding colors into blue.

“When I personally saw the Blue Mountain I was enthralled and tongue-tied. I was beyond words to describe it because I already have seen it in my dream years back. I never thought that such a mountain actually exists on planet Earth,” Sales and Marketing Manager of Santos Land, Estela B. Aguilos, enthused.

With Hannah’s hardwork and smart marketing strategies, her dream travel to Australia has come true. It has now become a part of her success story in the real estate business.

“Aim for the moon.

Even if you miss you’ll find yourself among the stars,” Hannah Hornijas said, paraphrasing a motivational line.

For the year 2014, the sales agents of Santos Land Development Corporation who qualified for the annual travel incentive based on the 2013 sales production,

are planning to go to Japan on April or May this year.

Santos Land Development Corporation always aims to motivate its business partners in selling its products by giving them incentives that open greater opportunities of exposures and

learnings.The company sets aside millions of pesos annually for this purpose. As a result, recipients of the annual travel incentives showed more confidence and skills, are more adjusted, and more innovative, traits that are so important and useful when it comes to selling.

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

15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate

15. Core Inflation Rate

2.5

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Abotitiz-owned firm earmarks P88 billion for Capex in 2014

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

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HILIPPINE conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) has earmarked P88 billion for capital expenditure this year, mainly to be spent to boost its power generation business in response to the increasing demand for energy.

In a statement, AEV said that of the total, P78 billion will be utilized by the power business as it continues to explore and build new power plants to meet the country’s need for additional power generating capacity.

“With this year’s capex budget, we reiterate our commitment

to provide reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable cost and support the Philippines’ energy needs,” Erramon Aboitiz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures said in the statement.

The statement said that Aboitiz Power, along with its partners implement a five-year plan to increase the capacity up to 2,098 megawatts (MW) by 2017.

“To date, the power unit is already constructing three runof-river hydro plants equivalent to 28 MW. This consists of the 14 MW Tudaya I and II hy-

dro plants in Mindanao which are expected to be completed by the first half of 2014 and the 13 MW Sabangan hydro plants in Luzon which will be finished by early 2015. The 300 MW Davao baseload plant which broke ground in 2012, is also expected to be completed in 2015 to help address the power supply shortfall in Mindanao,” the statement said.

It added that the company aims to begin expansion of its Pagbilao baseload plant and construction of its Cebu baseload plant within 2014. These two projects will increase capac-

ity in the Luzon and Visayas grids by an additional 400 and 300 MW respectively by 2017.

On the other hand, Union Bank the banking unit of the company, will invest P680 million for technology-related expenditures and the expansion of its branch network in line with initiatives to ensure customer satisfaction and maximize growth in both deposit and loan accounts.

The food subsidiary Pilmico will spend P2.7 billion for the expansion of its feeds and farms operations through the construction of two feedmill

plants and the third expansion of its breeder and growing-finishing farms.

The Aboitiz Land will be spending around P4 billion to open new phases for its Priveya Hills, Pristina North, and Almiya projects.

“The developer is looking at launching at least three new residential projects within the year. It has also recently entered into a joint venture agreement with Ayala Land for the development and operation of a 15-hectare city center in Subangdaku, Mandaue City in Metropolitan Cebu,” the statement added.

rangani- Davao del Sur Coastal, Pangui- WaliNew La Union Road, M a i t u mwa s s u b s t a n tially completedwithin the 240- calendar day duration which started from March 25, 2014 and to be completed on November 19, 2013 as scheduled.

This 8- kilometer tourist road leads to water tubing adventure in Pangui River in Maitum, Sarangani.

Another 7.5 kilometer gravel to pave road project with 90.23% accomplishmentis along Junction National Highway of Makilala- Allah Valley Road, Brgy. Baras, Tacurong City.This P73 million tourism roadwhich is expectedfor completion this January 2014 is leading to Baras Bird Sanctuary.This sanctuary is the home of more than a thousand heron birds.

In the same way, road concreting along

Junction National Highway of Cotabato- Digos Road to Barangay New Israel Road, Makilala, Cotabato is still on- going with 68.40% accomplishment. This 4.6 kilometer road is also targeted for completion this month, but maybe extended due to recurring rains in the area.

OIC- Regional Director Reynaldo S. Tamayo, CESO IV already directed the contractor to fast tract the implementation of the projectwhile assuring quality of work.

ThisP73 Million tourist road leads to the area where the record holder-“Asia’s longest zip line” with 2.4 kilometer length is located.

On the other hand, two more road projects were implemented by the district engineering offices.

A road project amounting to P17 millionwassubstantially

completed as scheduled on June 29, 2013 by the lone engineering district of Alabel, Sarangani Province - Sarangani District Engineering Office. The concreting of Junction National Highway along SarangganiDavao del Sur Coastal Road to Gumasa White Beach Road, Gumasa, Glan willlead to the famous “Little Boracay of the South” for its beautiful white beach.

The other one which is the concreting of KidapawanIlomavis Tourist Road implemented by Cotabato I DEO in Kidapawan City is still underway with a 5% accomplishmentat present. This project was temporarily suspended due to unsettled road- right- of- way issue. Negotiation with the project affected families (PAF) in coordination with the National Council of Indigenous People (NCIP) is still go-

ing on.

Regional Director Tamayo cited that this road-right-of-way (RROW) issue is the leading problemthat delays project implementation.Construction/ swill not commence or continueuntil such problem will beresolved. “While we committo provide safe and quality infrastructure projects on time, we also have to observe and respect PAF’srights.To let them understand the purpose of our undertaking is always the best solution.”,he explained.

DPWH 12 endeavored in complying with the directive of Sec. Rogelio L. Singsonto complete the concreting of national arterial/ primary roads by 2014.

Lined upfor implementation in the first quarter are six more tourism roads endorsed by the Department of Tourism 12 last year.

DPWH 12 accelerates tourism road projects in Soccsksargen

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 12 assures to complete the CY 2013 Tourism Road Projects in the first semester this year.

These roads are expected toaugment tourism and economy in SocCSKSarGen. Last year 2013, DPWH 12 commenced the construction of five tourism roads with a total amount of about P302 Million. These roads primarily involve concreting/ upgrading and rehabilitation works, making existing and emerging tourist sites more accessible and safe to travel.

As of December 31, 2013, three tourist road projects implemented by the Regional Office have an average accomplishment of 86.97%.

The P93 Million concreting of Junction National Highway Sa-

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

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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

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

7

Discovering Pisan’s hidden wonders TEXT AND PHOTOS by KEITH BACONGCO

I

T was almost 14 years ago yet when I started hearing about the caves in Pisan, a remote village in Kabacan, North Cotabato. And when I was in college at the University of Southern Mindanao some of my friends planned to explore the caves and some waterfalls in this rice-producing village.

But the unstable peace and order discouraged me as well as other adventurers from pursuing the escapade. It was at the height of then President Joseph Estrada’s allout war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Pisan is a known “operational territory” of the MILF. Government forces bombarded the village day and night at the height of war, sending thousands of villagers to evacuation centers.

Since last year I have been contemplating to explore even just one of the six cave networks in Pisan alone, a former battleground that’s being touted as among the top destinations in the province now that peace seems to have prevailed. The plan came after an invite from Sara Corpuz-Guerrero, the town’s tourism officer.

Guerrero said a tourism crew is already in place and ready to assist spelunkers and tourists.

She added that the fee is just P50 at the tourism office and P5 upon arrival in Pisan. Local guides ask P300 for a daytrip.

So last week, I quickly arranged with the local tourism office that I would visit even one of caves in Pisan and a portion of the Kulaman watershed.

I’m not really into caving or spelunking. I usually prefer mountain

trekking. Caving requires a different set of skills and training. Besides, I don’t have appropriate gears to explore the underworld.

The tripAt 6:30am on Saturday, a habal-habal driver fetched me in the town proper. We drove through the dusty roads passing rice fields on the vast plains. For photographers who wish to capture rural life, this could be one of the most picturesque villages in the province.

About 20 minutes later, we arrived in Pisan, which is 15 kilometers away from the town proper. Upon arrival, village chief Armando Peralta introduced me to Edgar Biernes and Gordon Delambasin, who would be my tour guides.

Tourists are required to register at the barangay outpost. Minutes later, we drove through the bumpy and partly muddy roads leading to our first destination in Sitio Tulunan. As we approached the sitio, Kagawad Ali Abid, who is the chair of the committee on tourism of the barangay met us and joined us in the trip.

Tropical depression Agaton last week had brought moderate but continuous rains in this town and left the road going to the site muddy. We were forced to leave the motorcycle in one of the houses, about a kilometer away before our destination. Though the road was still passable, Delambasin opted to leave it since he just borrowed it from his nephew.

“I’m afraid that I might damage it,” he said.

If not for the heavy rains, Biernes said, the motorcycle could make it to the end of the road.

The trees along the road provided shade as

Known as Acacia, this place is one of the stopovers near the Lope cave in Barangay Pisan, Kabacan, North Cotabato. The caves in Pisan are touted as among the tourist destinations in the province. we hiked on an open trail going to the cave.

We encountered several motorcycles ferrying passengers and sacks of vegetable. Passengers had to disembark and hike because of the muddy road that made it hard for the drivers to negotiate.

After a 30-minute hike, we reached a place on the foot of a peanut-draped hill they call Acacia, after a tree that stands on the foot of the hill and just beside a small stream. Underneath the tree was a hut, where Zainaira Alanangsa was cooking “bulua” using a homemade oven. Bulua is a Maguindanaon version of “mamon” and is made of flour, egg and sugar.

The next 10 minutes of hike finally took us to the mouth of what they call “Lope Cave.” Abid explained that the cave got its name from a settler named Lope, who now lives in Kabacan.

From a distance, the mouth of the cave looked covered with thick vegetation. It was just a short sloping climb of about 20 feet from the foot of the mouth followed by

Located in barangay Pisan in Kabacan, North Cotabato, Kulaman watershed is one of the tourist destinations in the province. The site is at least 15 kilometers away from the town proper.

a short descent into the entrance. The triangular-shaped mouth was about 25 feet high and 30 feet wide, mossy stalagmites protruding from it.

Sadly, the pillars inside had been defaced by paint and carvings.

Biernes said the vandalism was left by tourists many years ago when tourism guidelines were not yet crafted. “Now it’s prohibited. That’s one of the roles of the tourist guides, to tell the tourists that vandalism and leaving trash behind is forbidden,” he explained in the vernacular.

After taking pictures of the entrance zone, Biernes led me to the twilight zone, where there is lesser light. It was a muddy descent. He said the mud was caused by the recent rains. There was less sunlight, making it longer to dry.

Biernes wanted to show me the underground stream. It was about 30 meters away according to him, and we could already hear the sound of the flowing water. But the muddy trail prompted us not to continue. Besides, we only brought smaller headlamps.

So I opted to stay in the twilight zone and take pictures of the stalagmites and the stalactites.

The highest portion of the ceiling was about 20 feet.

Traces of bats left a dark spot on the walls and ceilings.

After about 45 minutes in Lope Cave, we hiked back to Acacia and had our snacks – what else but 10 pcs of bulua from Babu Alanangsa which only cost us P25.

She also served us free native coffee.

What astounded me was that, while at the vil-

lage, you could hardly distinguish who among them is an Ilocano or a Maguindanaon. Local guides and villagers are talking to each other in mixed Ilocano and Maguindanaon dialects.

Maguindanaons speak fluent Ilocano fluently.

The same is true with the Ilocanos, they speak fluent Maguindanaon too.

Usok cave and waterfalls We headed back to the barangay proper and took a different route to Kulaman watershed. This time the road was way better and graveled. It took us about 10 minutes to reach the end of the graveled section where we had to leave the motorcycle.

Abid said the road improvement was still ongoing all the way to the tourism center, which the local government had built with support from the provincial government.

Only three huts stood along the road and beside the small rice field. They were just temporary shelters for farmers who would work in their farms at daytime and return home before dark. “Many people used to live here but the wars in the past have displaced them and they never returned here,” Abid said.

“This used be a logging road,” the barangay kagawad continued as we took the rolling trail leading to the watershed area, where the newly-built tourism center sits on a clearing surrounded by tall hardwood trees.

The chirping birds and whirring of insects greeted us as we entered the rainforest. Tall and bigger trees appeared as we walked deep into the jungle. “Mao na ni ang Usok,” Biernes said referring to the place.

Villagers call it Usok

(smoke) because it appears like smoking whenever strong water currents flow from the cave. “Maybe because of the freezing water temperature from the cave,” said Guerrero.

As I climbed over the short waterfalls, I was elated to see the mouth of the cave where water gently cascaded down the six-foot falls and into the stream.

“Naa pa waterfalls diha sa sulod,” Biernes added.It was tempting to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and several natural free-flowing swimming pools. Unfortunately, I did not bring my waterproof casing for my camera and some extra clothes. Besides, a daytrip may not be enough to fully appreciate the beauty of these natural wonders.

Abid suggested that a two-day trip would be the ideal timetable to be able to take good pictures. And I thought seeing the Lope cave and Usok waterfalls was enough!

“You should come back and spend a whole day here up to the cathedral,” said Biernes referring to the other cave. “After the caves, take a bath before going home.”

The cathedral, he opined, is perhaps the most stunning of all the caves because of its enormous interior that resembles – of course – a cathedral. Most of the tourists visit the Cathedral and Usok caves, he added.

After taking pictures, we headed back to the town proper.

A day was not enough to completely appreciate these natural wonders.

Maybe I should return to discover more of Pisan’s underexplored beauty.

[MindaNews]

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Time to gallop

A

T the strike of 12 midnight today, expect some noise, lit up skies, dragon dance and a lot of hugs and greetings among the Chi-Noy (Filipino-Chinese) communities.

Although Davao City will have to make do sans the fireworks, nothing sort of the ear-splitting sounds and the festive skies, will make the Chinese New Year celebration here less festive and heartwarming.

So last year was Year of the Snake. Traditionally, snakes represent luck in Chinese. Without a doubt, luck was on our side last year. We were spared of major disasters (let’s keep our fingers crossed) that hit other cities in the Visayas and the city government made strides in revenue collections. Likewise, the year saw significant legislative measures that opened inroads to good governance as exemplified by Davao City.

This year, the Horse takes over the Snake and we hope it’s time we gallop.

We should be glad to know that the feng shui fore-

EDGEDAVAO

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cast for 2014 has a bright outlook with lots of good news and opportunity ahead for the Year of the Horse.

The horse is the seventh sign of the Chinese Zodiac, and represents high spirits, optimism, energy and beauty.

Experts also say that the horse also represents capriciousness in love, falling out of love as quickly as he falls in. But there is no question that the horse sees himself as a good looking, magnetic animal that’s clever and who should gather all the admiring glances.

Last year was hard, so wave it goodbye. This year, 2014 has a lot to look forward to.

This year, let’s work on positive energies and run like a thoroughbred towards better economy, more opportunities for investments and employment.

Most of all, we look forward to serious strides to economic stability and growth, and yes, peace in Mindanao.

No more horsing around.

Kung hei fat choi, everyone!

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

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GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Smuggling : it takes two to tango

I

T’S NICE to know that top officials of Customs, including the commissioner himself, have admitted several times, that many of their bureaus in various ports of the country are deep into corruption.

The word “corruption” to people like the freight forwarders and customs brokers (representing importers and exporters) doing business with customs to clear shipments for exports or imports---- simply mean “under the table” or “SOP” (standard operating procedure).

This was whispered to me by exporters during a Christmas party last December, but to us, this is nothing new. I’ve heard about this almost all my life, or to be more specific, 30 to 40 years ago when I spent a few years working as an import-export agent.

But it really makes us feel better when top Custom officials themselves admit there’s really corruption among the bureaus, whether it’s in Manila, in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, etc, etc.. This means, this has been going on for many, many years under all Philippine presidents and there’s very little they can do about it.

It’s like a piece of wood buried deep

S

ERIOUS ASPECT OF THE CRIME SITUATION - The worried and horrified public now sees the real crime situation in the country and that’s the irony of it all. Criminal activities seem to be increasing at accelerating pace despite claims by the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy to the contrary. Aside from a flurry of high-level financial scandals, poor delivery of basic social services, power rate hike, fuel supply deficiency, widespread smuggling and alleged “instances of despotism,” crime has become the Achilles heel of President Benigno Aquino III. Right now the drug trade is at a very alarming level. A series of arrests of notorious foreign nationals involved in international drug syndicates could attest to the frightening situation. Another terrifying disorder is the string of daily killings perpetrated by assassins that are riding-in-tandem. It is happening across the country especially in the big cities and other urban communities.

Criminals are getting bolder and daring day after day.

Moreover, the involvement of some former and current police and military personnel in many sensational cases of kidnap-for-ransom, robbery-holdup, carnapping, drug trade, gun-for-hire and protection racket is the most serious aspect of the prevailing problem in society. We share some of the terrified people’s views in this respect. “Was it negligence on the part of the police or do we have now a law enforcement procedures pockmarked with inefficiency?”

The question still lingers in the people’s consciousness.

The country’s present crime situation is real and peace and security is fast deteriorating therefore the Aquino

into concrete when it was still wet and now it’s all dried up after many years, you can’t pull it out by hand unless you destroy the entire concrete with a sledge hammer. That’s how deep and engrained this “SOP” and “under the table” at customs.

Imagine a lowly customs clerk whose duty is to sign an Export Declaration (ED) or an Import Clearance. The exporter or importer makes millions and millions from their shipments---and all the custom clerk gets is a government salary that could hardly pay the rent of his apartment or pay the tuition of his children or buy the next groceries. And the power to “clear” these export and import shipments is in his hands.

That’s why “it takes two to tango” when one talks about smuggling in any of our Philippine ports. The customs officer or clerk makes it too difficult to clear the shipments---while the exporter or

importer attach “something” on the documents to make sure the documents are signed as soon as possible. That “padulas” makes it easy for him to sign.

So if the import shipment is cleared without paying any customs duties (or tax) we call that “smuggling”--- and that happens many, many times in many ports. Of course, this means less collections at customs and less revenues for the government.

Pinoys, believe it or not, are surrounded by millions of smuggled goods everywhere in this country, it’s difficult to tell which is smuggled and which is not. To only way one could tell it’s smuggled, is the price--- it’s much, much cheaper than legitimate merchandise that paid customs duties and taxes to the government.

Fact is, Pinoys these days can’t live without these cheap goods--- DVD pirated movies, imported ukay-ukay, appliances, cars, fruits, etc--- we don’t bother asking anymore whether or not these are smuggled.

Since the word “smuggling” has turned into a very dirty word these days, how can the Customs clean up its own ranks ?

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

administration must address it firmly.

Government should mount an extraordinary effort utilizing a more collaborative arrangement among the various law enforcement agencies, of course, with the support of the private sector. But the problem doesn’t it end there. Higher authorities should always bear in mind that the biggest problem – and this has existed for many, many years – is the matter of collaboration and coordination, for obvious reasons.

If it’s an opportunity for various law enforcement units to demonstrate resolve and strength in working together and focused on effective and doable procedures, it can only be good for the country’s peace and order condition.

Following the essence of collaboration and coordination, it would take a more proactive and prominent roles for law authorities to maintain an effective and efficient peace and order agenda. Such an outward show of unanimity and accord, however, could not paper over the fact that there were differences over various matters and concerns within each and every law enforcement organization.

In short, the President should convene posthaste top police and military officials for an urgent confidential meeting. Right there and then, he should dismiss police statistics indicating a drop in crime incidents as “mostly insignificant.”

Indeed, though, there were declines in some categories, but the number of heinous crimes specifically committed by people under the influence of drugs and dubious activities involving scalawags in the ranks of the police and military are on the rise and almost doubled. That has made people leery that the country’s crime situation could be more serious that the leadership is willing to admit.

This is certainly the case when it comes to explaining the recent progress in many sensational cases. The Justice department wants speedy resolution of numerous heinous cases pending in various courts and coordinated with the police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the lead agency task to conduct a no non-sense probe in highly stunning cases that are fast drawing national attention. With the recent lackluster performance of different law enforcement units in dealing with all forms of criminal activities, it is no wonder that the wary public glean in whatever information they can from any encouraging clues available. Of course, if there’s any.

From men who should supposedly know instantly and exactly crucial operations against all forms of lawlessness followed by arrest and detention of those involved and investigation afterwards, the progress it seemed characterizes vagueness. Nothing is definite yet at this critical stage if there’s an improvement in the crime situation.

Everything is open for discussions and at the moment it’s uncertain whether the government’s much-vaunted campaign against crime remains just that – a “toothless tiger.” One should never assume anything – nothing is sure what it seems.

Insignificant statistics

VANTAGE POINTS

9

2014 Chinese horoscopes in the Year of the Horse SPECIAL FEATURE

BY SHARMAINE ANNE G. SAMSON

D

Part 2 of 3

RAGON people should pay attention on safety because of the injury sign showing in 2014 and should not miss regular meals. Career: This year is not a good idea to show aggressive ambition on the career opportunities. Money: Dragon has a chance to meet a noble person this 2014. Love: They have a better chance of finding their love relationship in March, August, September and November. Health: Worry and depression might constantly hung around.

For Snake people, career luck, money luck and people relationship will be good. Career: Snake will become much smarter, a career promotion is possible. Money: Snake people have fixed and stable income this 2014. Their love relationship must be great and sweeter this year.

Health: There is a slight illness sign so they should have good habit of sleep, right eating, proper exercise and good sanitation in their daily life.

The Year of the Horse won’t be good to Horse people. This year is a wooden Horse and Horse is a fire and wood helps fire to burn longer.

Career: To build good relationship will give your career development much easier. Horse people will deal a lot with money because people around you will watch your money in your hands. Love relationship is fair; it is easy for them to meet their opposite sex. Health: Horse people should have stronger body and mind.

Sheep people will be able to speak their mind easier than previous times. This will let others understand them more and they will easily get along with whoever they are with. Career: Their systematic sense will allow them to be organized in all that they do. Being organized is a very important skill that will help just about anyone.

Money: This will be a very good year for the Sheep sign bearers in terms of money. Love: Enjoy this year because the Sheep sign bearers and their family will be able to make lasting memories that can last a lifetime. Health: Sheep people shouldn’t have any big issue in their health. But slight illness might come often but if Sheep people can eat properly and have enough sleep and rest, then they should be able to recover quickly from those minor illness.

Monkey people will need to be extra careful from all of the external forces that will come their way this 2014. Being too emotional also contributes to the burdening stress because the Monkey sign bearer will really feel the heaviness inside. Career: Monkey sign bearers are prone to mistakes due to hasty decisions. The reason behind this may be because of lack of focus so they need to think more about what they are getting into before making any decision. Love: Monkey sign bearers will be all about emotions. They will likely be eaten by their emotions and will potentially lead to unfavorable decisions.

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Threat... FFROM 1

INNOVATION. Davao City-based inventor Emiliano Quitiol explains the details on how to develop used cooking oil into biofuel that can be blended into diesel, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to improve the performance of vehicle engines and reduce fuel consumption during Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Comelec to distribute unclaimed voter’s ID T

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to hold an event in February for the distribution of unclaimed Voter’s Identification (ID) card.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said the event will gather election officers (EOs) from other areas in one location, where the registered voters will be able to redeem their IDs. “Next month, we are

planning to have a distribution event so that the public will know that we have such program on the distribution of the IDs…” he said in an interview.

However, the poll body official said that no date has been set yet for the event, noting that it will be held in a public place frequently visited by the people.

Jimenez noted that such event will not be regularly held as they do not

want people to get used to it.

“Ang concern lang namin dyan is ayaw namin gawin masyado ‘yun kasi baka sabihin ng tao palagi na lang ganyan dapat hindi naman puede ganun.

We will look into it on how many times we will be holding such event,” he explained.

He added that it is best for them to pick up their IDs at any local Comelec offices in the municipality or city,

where they reside.

Jimenez added, “Kasi number one disruptive ‘yan sa trabaho ng EO. Kung lahat sila nandun sa lugar wala na tao dun sa office nila.”

He reminded that the list of those with unclaimed IDs will be posted in barangay halls and public areas.

Earlier, the poll body said that some four million IDs have not been claimed in local offices nationwide.

[PNA]

Speaker Belmonte who assured her that the House of Representatives will pass the measure under his term. ”I was able to talk to Speaker Belmonte in one gathering and he told me: ‘the FOI will be passed under my term.’ We’re hoping,” Poe said.

Poe said that government officials have nothing to fear if the FOI bill will be passed by the 16th Congress. ”But of course, this bill is not certified as urgent. And

since priority of Congress is the economic provisions of the Constitution, I expect this will not be passed as fast as we want to do,” the lady senator said.

Poe is presently defending the FOI bill on the floor with Sen. Sergio Osmena III awaiting for his turn to interpolate Poe, main sponsor of the bill. ”I’m confident that the bill will be passed in the Senate. I hope it will also be passed in Congress as soon as possible,” she said.

On the proposal of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to post the incomes of the government officials including lawmakers in the website, Poe said the proposed FOI bill has already provision requiring the posting of statement of assets and liabilities and net worth of every public servants. ”Everything pertaining to incomes of government officials including local government executives should be revealed to the public,” Poe said. [PNA]

Poe urges media, people to lobby for passage of FOI bill in Congress

D

ESPITE assurance from House Speaker Sonny Belmonte to pass Freedom of Information (FOI) bill during his term, Sen. Grace Poe has urged the media and the Filipino people to lobby in Congress for the early passage of the controversial measure. ”I’m telling also the media and to our fellow Filipinos, let’s lobby in Congress to pass it,” Poe said.

Poe said she was able to discuss the FOI bill with

NOTICE OF LOSS

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

1/15/23/30

NOTICE OF LOSS

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

1/15/23/30

said Panelo He said that the threat was just a flower to the mouth to scare criminals.

“The word papatayin is just a euphemism. Na if you violate the law then you have to pay the consequences with your act,” the lawyer said.

In a related news, the ABS-CBN online reported that the CHR sent Mayor Duterte a letter citing alleged acts and statements and informing the latter of an investigation and legal review of his statements.

The CHR letter cited Mayor Duterte for his controversial statement that he is willing to ‘kill’ rice smugglers.

The report said Rosales stressed in her letter that the Legal and Investigation Office (LIO) of the office was directed to

conduct an investigation and legal review on the statements of the mayor.

Duterte said earlier that the CHR and other national agencies should concentrate on the problems in Bureau of Customs because billions of pesos were lost from the government and also affects the income of farmers. sDuterte said that if the government cannot protect the Filipino farmers, he is willing to be imprisoned to protect them.

Duterte came up with the statement after Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares asked him to stop the rice smuggling in the port of Davao City as the city was very loose on checking the shipment loads of the port.

and member of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).

Meanwhile, Cristina earned P3,223,647.45 for the period 2007-2010, based on the Alpha List submitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) by the John Hay Development Corporation (JHDC) where she was employed.

The resolution said that from 2002 to 2010, Corona’s actual cash deposits ballooned from P1,337,072.28 to P137,937,207.88, and by 2010 the cumulative discrepancy between his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) declaration and his actual cash deposits amounted to P134,437,207.88.

The resolution also cited the Land Registration Authority (LRA) records on several properties owned by the Corona spouses in Quezon City, Makati City and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, which were established to be significantly undervalued by P17,297,145.00.

It pointed out the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) certifications stating that the Corona spouses have no existing business registered in their name, even while CJ Corona’s SALN for 2003-2009 disclosed that his wife is connected with the Basa Guidote Enterprises, Inc. The Ombudsman determined that the Coronas’ unexplained wealth is at least P130,336,212.88.

The amount of P130,336,212.88 is an conservative estimate as

it includes their cost of living allowance commensurate to their social stature and expenses entailed by their travels abroad.

On the perjury charges, the resolution found that the sworn declarations in Corona’s SALNs were false, as he failed to include the numerous peso and dollar bank accounts (in his 2003-2010 SALNs), a condominium unit at the The Columns, Makati City (in his 2004-2009 SALN), and a condominium unit at Spanish Bay Tower in Taguig City (in his 20052009 SALN).

CJ Corona was found to have only declared P6,800,000.00 as the acquisition cost of a condominium unit in Bellagio I in Taguig City in his SALN for 2010, when the true acquisition cost is P14,510,000.00.

In his SALNs from 2003 to 2009, CJ Corona also undervalued the property located at La Vista in Quezon City by P8,000,000.00.

CJ Corona was also charged with violation of RA 6713, for not filing true and detailed SALNs for 2003-2010, when the value of his declared cash assets and the actual bank deposits had substantial discrepancies and his real assets in Makati, Taguig and Quezon City were not declared.

Ombudsman Morales ordered the filing of a petition for forfeiture with the Sandigabayan, along with the sets of criminal charges for perjury and violation of RA 6713.

[PNA]

“This textline is really a big help for us,” Danao said.

He would take immediate action on valid

reports on his text line number 09258233276. As of January 29, his textline tallied 7,454 since December 2 last year. EPC

Ombudsman...FFROM 3

Complaints... FFROM 3

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Air Asia Zest online tilt launched W

HETHER you’ve been married for more than 50 years or have just started to rekindle your relationship with your boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, best friend or significant other, it’s always fun to go on a date, especially on a plane full of love for free!

AirAsia Zest, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for five consecutive years, is giving away extra love in the air this Valentine’s day through their “#LoveisintheAir” online contest where couples, pairs or any twosome may win free seats for two to any domestic destination.

“Spending time with the one you love is always enjoyable and we wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day by inviting 90 lucky couples or pairs to fly with AirAsia Zest for free and spend some fun, quality time together, 30,000 feet above,” AirAsia Zest Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joy Caneba said.

Contest mechanics are

posted on the airlines’ social media page (facebook/airasiaphilippies) and are also accessible via: http://on.fb. me/Lcge6b. Interested couples or pairs must submit their best photo together using the contest hashtag #LoveisintheAir until 7th of February 2014 through Facebook and Twitter. Multiple entries are also accepted as long as participants are using different photos per entry. Winners will be contacted via Direct Message (DM) and/or Private Message (PM) followed by an e-mail or telephone call.

“AirAsia Zest is a sociable brand and we embrace social media as it provides a fun platform for us to communicate with our guests and fans in a different way. #LoveisintheAir is a treat for all our loyal Facebook fans and Twitter followers. Our highly trained, experienced pilots, cabin crew, guests services staff and team also known as Allstars are all geared up to welcome the lucky winners on board. Let’s paint the skies red!” Caneba said.

AirAsia Zest continu-

ously strives to promote air travel and tourism in the country by keeping fares low while ensuring the best, quality service for their guests.

AirAsia Zest serves

domestic destinations of Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines with international points in Asia

Christ-centered education to less fortunate children here for them to be responsible citizens of the country, rooted in the gospel values and teachings of the Church.

Sr. Ma. Evelyn M. Oqueza, OP, Principal of Maryknoll High School of Sto. Tomas, said the celebration will highlights the key transformations of the school as a missionary institution serving the municipality of Sto. Tomas since 1961.

“This year’s celebration will highlight the past history and important achievements as well as undertakings of the

school since it started its operation as an institution. We hope the community will be able to glimpse and revisit our past and eventually witness how our present status will unfold and lead us to a more vibrant future,” Oqueza said.

Oquiza said that the school community will also offer wreath of flowers to the commemorative monument of Rev. Fr. Walter Maxcy, M.M, the founder of school who became the Founding Father of several parishes in Mindanao: Santo Tomas, Bato-Bato, Maragusan and Laak.

“Father Maxcy’s years of promotion work helped us build this school along with the San Miguel Parish which he founded. He was a great missioner and all organizing efforts paid off for him when he was appointed in 1975 as Third Assistant to the Regional Superior,” she added.

Presently, the school is managed by the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy RosaryofthePhilippines,alocal Congregation here in Davao del Norte province whose ministry is focused on “education”.

According to its mission, it aims to develop relevant and effective approaches to teaching, giving emphasis to quality instruction, research and community involvement through continuous upgrading of the curriculum and program of activities to be globally competitive.

Various programs and activities will be conducted on Thursday morning such as parade, Holy Mass, film showing and commemorative offering of flowers. Highlights of the celebration will be the mass dance presentation, DLM exhibition, among others, which will be participated by the pupils and students, faculty and staff respectively.

[Aurel Larabaster/Lorna Sambalud]

JOB WELL DONE! Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. commends their contractors who have delivered exemplary, quality and efficient service during the Engineering Contractors’ Performance Awards last January 25, 2014. This event is organized by the company’s Engineering Group in recognition of their contractors’ valuable contribution through a performance incentives system. The awarding ceremony was held at the Villa Margarita Inn along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. In this photo are the electric distribution utility’s Engineering team leaders headed by AVP for Engineering, Engr. Mark Valencia (2nd from right) and AVP for Panabo Branch, Engr. Reynold Felix (middle) together with representatives from various contractors. including China and South Korea from its main hub in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila and Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu.

Find out more about

AirAsia Zest’s exciting destinations and promo fare announcements via Facebook (facebook/ airasiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/airasiaph).

MHSST: 53 years of Dominican education YMCA–Davao holds T

HE whole school community of Maryknoll High School of Sto. Tomas will mark today, January 30, 2014, the institution’s 53rd founding anniversary as a diocesan-owned school managed by the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines based in Molo, Iloilo City.

Founded in 1961 by Rev. Fr. Walter M. Maxcy, M.M, a Maryknoll Missionary, the establishment of the school in Sto. Tomas town was aimed to evangelize and transform individuals by giving a

ALL ABOUT MINDANAO. (l-r) Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria Steele and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg engage in a light talk during the signing ceremonies for the implementation of USAID’s Enhancing Governance Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) Project during a signing ceremony held last week at the Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City. ENGAGE project aims to contribute to the goal of improving peace and stability in Mindanao by promoting good governance process through civic education and community-level participation.

43rd annual induction T HE young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA-Davao) Inc., held its 43rd Annual Induction of Officers and Board of Directors on January 26, 2014, at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City.

This year’s induction was graced by Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, VP for Alumni & Finance of the University of Makati, as guest speaker. Dr. Arcega enjoined the members to strengthen its partnership and teamwork with other organizations and promote camaraderie.

Atty.

Leoncio P. Villa-Abrille re-elected President of YMCA-Davao thanked all the members for believing in his leadership and who supported him all the way especially in the promotion of the culture of philanthropy. Under President Villa-Abrille’s leadership YMCA-Davao made very remarkable strides in its civic-social involvement such as scholarship program to the needy but deserving students, search for young leaders, operation “Tuli” and health and wellness program which has been going on for 40 years now and in partnership with San Pedro College and Brgy. 11-B chaired by Ms. WenaArabiana.

Among others, the Association also acquired a one-hectare lot at Tuban, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, which was donated by the heirs of Don Cesario Villa-Abrille to house the first YMCA campsite & training center. YMCA-Davao likewise donated Php40,000.00worth of roofing materials for a tribal school in Davao del Norte and which was facilitated by Asuncion Mayor Joseph NiloPareñas.

The new members inducted are: Dennis Z. Banayat, Emma B. Gonzales, Isagani G. Javier, and Julius D. dela Victoria.

Among the prominent members of YMCA-Davao are DPWH-XI Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza; Antonio M. Ajero, Publisher/ Journalist; Marietta F. Siongco, Publisher/Journalist; Jose B. Custodio, businessman; and PP Alvin M. Garduque, among others.

DPWH-Davao City 1st District Engineering, District Engineer Fernando S. Ongkingco, Jr., delivered the closing remarks who likewise enjoined the members to forever uphold the dignity and prestige of YMCA as a model of a strong Christian brotherhood. [Boy Dacumos/Rose B. Palacio]

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDAVAO WANTS YOU! Serving a seamless society

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For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

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

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Tiger plans to rebound in Dubai D

TIGER WOODS

UBAI (AFP) - It was business as usual for Tiger Woods in Dubai on Tuesday as he shrugged off his horror 79 at Torrey Pines on Saturday in his first tournament of the year.

The 38-year-old world number one teed off in the 18-hole, Former Champions challenge to mark the Dubai Desert Classic’s 25th anniversary with three straight birdies to briefly move into the lead.

His back nine was less impressive, though, as he fired into the water at the 18th to close with a one-under 71, five shots off the winning pace set by Henrik Stenson and Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

In his first com-

ments since matching his worst-ever tournament score on US soil, Woods sounded unperturbed after going out with Desert Classic defending champion Stephen Gallacher of Scotland and US veteran Freddie Couples.

“It was fun,” he said as he returned to play at the Emirates Golf Club after a two-year absence, during which he opted instead to play at nearby Abu Dhabi.

Asked to comment on what had gone wrong at his favourite California course on Saturday, when his 79 meant that he missed the secondary cut for play on the Sunday, Woods said it had just been a bad day at the office.

Nike unveils All-Star shoes for Kobe, Kevin and Lebron

N

IKE Basketball unveiled its lineup of special edition colorways that LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant will be rocking for All-Star weekend in New Orleans. As always, the colors and patterns of the 2014 NOLA Gumbo League Collection were inspired by the city hosting the celebratory midseason exhibition.

From the official release: “Nike Basketball is paying tribute to the unique flavor of New Orleans with the 2014 NOLA Gumbo League Collection, including three shoes: LEBRON 11, KOBE 9 Elite and KD VI. A “gumbo” in the cultural sense, New Orleans is an eclectic mix of characters, music, cuisine and art.”

LEBRON 11 GATOR KING “Inspired by the fearsome alligator, the king of the bayou, the LEBRON 11 Gator King is a bold expression of royalty and power. Gators, often a symbol of protection in New Orleans culture, influence graphic textures throughout the shoe. Invisible to the naked eye, hand-drawn patterns come to life as the Hyperposite bucket of the shoe glows in the dark. The musings of majestic color in deep pur-

ples, greens and gold are derived from the “Rex” – king of carnival celebrations.”

KOBE 9 ELITE MAESTRO “Nike Basketball pays tribute to the masters of Jazz in its birthplace.

Like great jazz musicians who play instinctively, Bryant brings a similar improvisation to his game. Paying homage to this classic genre and some of its greatest musicians, the KOBE 9 Elite Maestro uses accents of brass in the upper. A glow-in-the-dark outsole pops at night, just as the jazz clubs swing into action. The upper includes additional, secret glowin-the-dark symbols.”

KD VI ILLUSION “Not everything is what it first appears to be in New Orleans. Similarly, Durant defies the perception of a near seven-footer – an illusion of sorts. His limitless scoring range is redefining the perception of a forward. Celebrating the magic of KD’s versatility, the KD VI Illusion showcases hand-drawn patterns on the upper emulating Durant’s fluidity on the court. A glowin-the-dark outsole also represents the “spark” of KD’s game.”

All three models will be released at select retailers on Feb. 14.

INdulge!

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

EDGEDAVAO PEOPLE

A heritage of excellence Marco Polo Davao’s Chef Ed and Chef Victor

A REJUVENATING AMBIANCE, gorgeous interiors and the most delicious food you could ever feast on – you can find all of these and more at the Marco Polo Davao. Synonymous with everything par excellence, Marco Polo Davao is also home of the finest chefs in town.

The king of the kitchen Summoning all the hungry palates since 1998, Chef Eduardo ‘Ed’ P. Tuazon is the living proof that you could never stop competing – be it with yourself, your colleagues or the world, you are always in pursuit of being always one step ahead of everything. With no culinary background (FYI: Chef Ed was an

to turn your ideas to reality is still the most powerful weapon there is.

With years of unbridled experience in the kitchen of internationally applauded hotels, Chef Ed is not your typical Executive Chef. From washing the dishes, to becoming a line chef and now the most sought after Executive Chef, he has risen from the challenges with confidence and grace. Pressure for him is a vital ingredient in becoming better than the best. engineer student from A self-confessed tyMapua), he proved that rant and disciplinarian passion and the gusto inside the kitchen, he

simply wishes to uphold the standards by being an example and inspiration to all. He may not be truly aware of it but his name and presence alone is already a statement.

Despite the accolades, the simplicity of things – and ingredients – excites our own Master Chef. Claiming to be a fan of spices, he once shivered the site of sea urchin. Nonetheless, he never allows challenges to hinder him. Nowadays, he welcomes and takes it upon himself to love every food item on his basket – something FA HERITAGE, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

FOOD

Globe subscribers to enjoy Free Facebook until February 14 CITING strong demand for one of its biggest promos to date, Globe Telecom is extending its Free Facebook offer available to its over 36 million subscribers until February 14, 2014, allowing users to post, like, comment, chat, add friends, upload photos, and share posts without the need for Wi-Fi. Globe collaborated with Facebook last year to offer its postpaid, prepaid, and TM subscribers access to the leading social networking site on mobile at zero data charges, alongside first-of-its-kind mobile innovations that address fear of mobile browsing, making the telco’s Free Facebook offer a world-first.

Among these customer experience innovations include accessibility on feature phones and smartphones across all Facebook mobile platforms whether via the Facebook app or Facebook’s mobile site m.facebook.com.

Customers are also guaranteed of no billshock or “nakaw load” as they will be notified if they will incur data charges once a link that leads out of Facebook is clicked.

For a seamless experience, subscribers can also enjoy a one-click registration to the data plan of choice to continue browsing sites or links outside Facebook without having to leave the site. In the spirit of customization, recommended data plans consider a subscriber’s available prepaid balance and/or megabytes (MB) balance of existing data plan.

Finally, customers with not enough prepaid load can “loan” a 10MB data plan for only P10 which will be deducted on their succeeding top-up so they can fully explore content outside Facebook.

“Due to the overwhelming response and take-up from our subscribers, we are happy to extend Globe Free Facebook until February 14 to allow more users to enjoy an innovative, seamless, and worry-free Free Facebook experience, anytime, anywhere. As the country’s leading digital brand and preferred partner of technology leaders around the world, we hope to get more Filipinos online on their mobile devices and be part of a wonderful, connected world,” said Peter Bithos, Chief Operating Advisor of Globe.

Subscribers can dial *143# and select FREE FB or text FREEFB to 8888 to download more information or access Free Facebook. Subscribers may also go to m.facebook.com/free on the phone’s web browser or open the Facebook mobile app while on the Globe network to access Free Facebook.

Lady M’s Vanila Miellé Crepe Cake.

Sweet indulgent treats at Lady M Full house at Lady M.

Grab exclusive SMAC deals at SM Lanang Premier’s Great 3-Day Sale

ON JANUARY 31, February 1 and 2, visit SM Lanang Premier to get fantastic shopping deals at The Great 3-Day Sale. Enjoy up to 70 percent off on selected items mall-wide.

SM Advantage Card holders can also get extra 10% off during the two-hour special on Friday, January 31, from 10 am to 12 noon, at The SM Store, Ace Hardware, Watsons, Toy Kingdom, Our Home, Forever 21, Baby Company, and Kultura avail of an extra 5% discount on a wide selection of items at SM Appliance Center.

More exclusive promos await The SM Store shoppers as well. SM Prestige, BDO Rewards Sapphire and Diamond members can avail of extra 10% off during the Preview Sale on Thursday, January 30 at the SM Store and 10% rebate for a minimum of P25,000 or 5% rebate for a minimum of P5,000 purchase. Every P2,000 single-receipt purchase on February 1 and 2 at The SM Store entitles shoppers to a free P100 coupon and gives them a chance to win a 16GB iPad Air Wi-fi with Globe Prepaid Sim. In addition, shoppers can win P25,000 worth of gift certificates in the daily raffle. Every P1,000 single or accumulated purchases from The SM Store, SM Supermarket or from any participating mall establishment or a single purchase of four SM Cinema tickets entitles a shopper to one raffle coupon.

Global Pinoy card holders can get three raffle coupons with a minimum P500 worth of single or accumulated purchases from mall establishments, Shoppers can likewise look forward to loads of entertainment this coming weekend – the Chinese New Year festivities on January 31 at the Atrium, the ‘Elements: The Sonic Escalation Experience’ party on February 1 at 8 pm and Callalily’s Mall Show, at 6 pm at The Fountain Court.

Enjoy shopping at SM Lanang Premier! Mall hours are extended from 10 am to 10 pm on January 31, until 12 midnight on February 1 and up to 10 pm on February 2.

For inquiries, contact 285-0943. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for sale alerts, promos and event updates.

The holidays are over and the pounds are literally on, as with many other Dabawenyo urbanites, I had been hitting the gym as of late trying in vain to lose some inches. I have also been trying to cut back on sweet and fatty treats, trying to bring back some form of shape to my already rotund physique thanks in part to some indulgent cakes from Lady M Confections which I had on the onset of the holiday season.

It was during the Halloween romp in SIngapore with friends where we came upon Lady M Confections. Looking for a dessert place, it was suggested to us by Coly who happens to work around the area at the Marina Square Mall so we decided to have a dig at it.

Finding Lady M at Marina Square was easy, as there was a long line of customers waiting to be seated. Since we came in as a big group we literally

Strawberry Mille Feuille.

had to wait. Half an hour into our wait we noticed a couple taking just a few slices of their cakes and in less than ten minutes, got their bill and left. Which literally triggered a few panic nerves in our group.

Did they leave because the cakes were not good?

So after forty-five minutes of waiting, our big group was finally given our tables and so we proceeded to order. I do admit the cakes at Lady M were a bit pricy with their trademark Vanilla Miellé Crepe Cakes at Sgd7.50 a slice, at the back of my mind I was cursing “This had better be good!”

Strawberry Shortcake.

The long line outside Lady M.

Luckily, it was! I fell in love with the Vanilla Miellé Crepe Cake on my first bite. All twenty crepe layers gave way to the movement of my fork creating the perfect wedge of cake that I picked up with my fork with was quickly popped into my hungry mouth.

The cake tasted clean, rich and velvety to the tongue, the layers of creme anglaise added a lightly sweet creamy body and the burnt sugar on top of the cake added a rich smoky finish. I was amazed at how such a simple looking cake could be so good and so decadent yet leave me craving for more.

And more we did have since we all ordered different cakes to share and taste.

My favourites include the light and delicate Strawberry Shortcake, and the Strawberry Mille Feuille which is made of layers of puff pastry, strawberry, whipped cream, and vanilla sponge cake. All the cakes paired well with the coffee we ordered for a spectacular dessert afternoon.

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

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

14 pairs embark on life-changing journey in ‘Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles’ FOURTEEN pairs of overweight Filipinos embark on a journey that will change their lives beginning Monday (Feb. 3) with the muchanticipated premiere of the country’s biggest reality show, “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles.”

The reality show’s second Philippine edition is hosted by acclaimed actress Iza Calzado. She will be joined by challenge masters Matteo Guidicelli and Robi Domingo, along with fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret who will train and help the contestants reclaim their health.

After scouring the country for pairs with heartwarming stories, “Biggest Loser Doubles” will introduce in its premiere the 14 pairs of contestants Filipinos can draw inspiration from.

Both in their early 20s, brothers Ralph and Christian are successful businessmen who joined “Biggest Loser” because they believe that the people they work with will respect them and take them more seriously if they are physically fit.

Sisters Tin and Dianne, on the other hand, are both very pretty and charming, but claim they have never had a boyfriend because of their obesity.

Married couple Carl and Kayen made a promise to each other to not only lose weight but also to become a better husband and wife for each other and become better parents to their three-year-old son.

Eating has always been siblings Bryan and Ikya’s way of bonding with each other, both believe that they started gaining weight when a doctor prescribed them “pampagana” medicines when they were kids.

Both from Cebu, the “happy and gay” Bien and his girl best friend Mai have been officemates in a call center for three years and instantly became friends because of their huge appetite for fun, food, and drinking alcohol.

Tristan and Jepoy have been friends for more than 20 years since high school.

In Tanza, Cavite where they are from, they are the biggest and heaviest in their barkada.

Cousins Lovely and Carol have been witnesses to each other’s tragedies in life.

Now they are on both on a quest to regain their health back for themselves and for their families.

Meanwhile, it has always been twins Chrisfer and Chesfer’s goal to get fit, a promise they made to their father before he passed away at an early age due to obesity.

Both from well-known showbiz families, Pat and Cathy are well acquainted with the limelight. Pat is the daughter of Yayo Aguila and William Martinez, while Cathy comes from the showbiz clan of the Revillas.

Though their parents work in the same industry, they have never met each other and are one of the “stranger pairs” of this edition.

Cherry and Randall have been best friends since their college days in UST where they met as members of the Salinggawi Dance Troupe.

After they graduated from college, both have lived their respective lives and gained weight.

The next “Biggest Loser Doubles” pair met and became friends while competing against each other at a local beauty pageant called Bilbiling Mandaluyong, a pageant for obese women, where Benzi was named the Bilbiling Mandaluyong 2012 and Ysai was named the first runner-up.

Francis and Andrew, the show’s second stranger pair, both have their families as their inspiration. Andrew wants to get fit for his girlfriend and his future kids.

Mommy Osie used to express her love for her kids through food, but this has only led to their weight gain over the years. Now, Mom-

my Osie wants to correct this by joining “Biggest Loser” with her daughter Nina.

Biggie turned to drugs as a means to lost weight, until it was found out one day by his girlfriend Valerie. As they continue to build their relationship, they are ready for their second chance at life.

In the first week of “Biggest Loser Doubles,” the 14 pairs will go through precamp, the first part of the competition where they will be asked to lose weight on their own, using only the things that are readily available in their homes and environment, for 30 days.

The 14 pairs will then meet and weigh themselves on the “Timbangan ng Bayan,” which will determine which of the pairs lost the highest percentage of their total weight and enter the “Biggest Loser Doubles” camp.

Inside the camp, each pair is expected to do everything it takes to stay in the competition and encourage each other to lose weight — a twist that will also test their relationship as relatives, work colleagues, or friends and will show that in having a partner, the journey to a better life will be lighter.

Watch them change not only their bodies, but also their lives as they compete with each other in a bid to win P1 million, appliance showcase, P100,000 worth of sports merchandise from Toby’s, lifetime gym membership at Gold’s Gym, a kitchen showcase, among others.

For updates on the program, follow @BLPinoyEdition on Twitter and @biggestloserdoubles on Instagram or like www.facebook.com/ abscbn.biggestloserpinoyedition.

SA NGALAN NG AMA, INA AT MGA ANAK 2D Robin Padilla, Daniel Padilla R 13

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

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

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

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT 2D Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan R 13

R-16

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

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONE 2D / * I, FRANKENSTEIN 2D Andrew Jacobs / *Aaron Eckhart R 13/ *PG 13 12:00 | 1:35 | 3:10 LFS / * 4:45 | 6:30 | 8:15 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

PEOPLE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

A heritage...

FFROM A1

that w, aspiring kitchen soldiers, need to understand.

Before he passes the toque, he urges his protégé to make use of everything. From the simplest of ingredients to the most sophisticated, do not let the ‘fad’ overpower the classic cycle of cuisine. . . that is, going back to basics!

The new guard Driven with passion and fineness, Chef Victor D. Barangan is an exemplary example of ‘if you can dream it, you can be it [Robbert van de Corput]’. Considerably young, Chef Victor once dreamed to be mentored by Chef Ed. Now, he will be the sole heir to the latter’s toque.

Contrary to his predecessor, he has been academically trained and thus holds forth vast learnings from the culinary world. Using this as an advantage, he has been in places honing his craft for 15 years now. For him, like Chef Ed, experience plays an integral part in molding yourself to be who you want to be. More so, he affirms this by stating that, ‘you are not a master of one thing, you must be a master of everything’.

Hailing thousands of miles away from the city, the young and adventurous Chef is lost for words as he has landed the most coveted job amongst culinary bred individuals. More than a dream, he takes his learnings seriously and knows that he has to fill in a big role.

Again, he takes this challenge head on and believes that, in time, he will adjust and let the hungry patrons of Marco Polo Davao appreciate what he has to offer.

Climbing the ladder of success, he too began his career from the ranks. From his commis days to being a chef consultant and now the next Executive Chef of Marco Polo Davao, Chef Victor indeed has come a long way.

To Chef Ed, you will forever be an inspiration and to Chef Victor, your new chapter begins. Cheers!

With years of unbridled experience in the kitchen of

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 225 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

BITING THE FAKE. Dwight Howard of Houston fakes off Tim Duncan of San Antonio.

SPORTS 15

Rockets rally past Spurs 97-90 H

OUSTON (AP) -James Harden was out with a thumb injury, and then Dwight Howard got off to a slow start.

It sure looked as if it was going to be a long night for the Houston Rockets. Then everything changed in the third quarter.

Howard got back on track and a pair of role players stepped up to help Houston rally for a 97-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

The Rockets trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half before scoring 33 in the third to go on top.

San Antonio used an 11-3 spurt to pull within two in the final minutes, but Howard and Jeremy Lin helped Houston hold on for the win. ‘’We just kept grinding it out,’’ Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. ‘’We changed a couple of things defensively and the guys kind of dug in and got stops.’’

Howard had 23 points and 16 rebounds for Houston, which enjoyed a 5539 advantage on the glass.

Terrence Jones scored 21 points and Lin added 18 points and eight assists while starting in Harden’s spot.

Harden, who leads the team with 23.7 points a game, was out with a

bruised left thumb. ‘’I know I missed a lot of shots early,’’ Howard said. ‘’I didn’t lose focus. I got a little frustrated because I wanted to make those shots, especially against Tim (Duncan).

But I just tried to stick with it and show the team that no matter what I’m going to battle.’’

Boris Diaw scored a season-high 22 points for the Spurs, and he also had 11 rebounds. Tony Parker added 17 points and Duncan had 12 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks.

Houston was clinging to a 90-88 lead with less than two minutes left when Howard had a dunk and Lin made a jumper. Duncan had a layup on the other end, but Lin sunk a pair of free throws to secure the victory.

Houston has won all three meetings with the Southwest Division-leading Spurs to secure the season series for the first time since 1996-97. They have one scheduled game left on April 14 in Houston.

San Antonio’s 90-point performance ended a streak of 15 straight games with at least 100 points and sent the Spurs to consecutive losses for the first time this season. The last time they were held below 100 was a 111-98 loss to Hous-

ton on Christmas Day. The Spurs got within six on a hook shot by Diaw early in the fourth quarter.

Lin then scored five quick points to extend Houston’s lead to 81-70.

Houston was up by four points with four minutes left in the third quarter when San Antonio resorted to the ‘’Hack-a-Howard’’ defense, fouling the center every time the Rockets got the ball.

Howard made 13 of 25 foul shots on the night, leaving him at 52.2 percent from the line for the season. ‘’I figured they were going to do it,’’ he said. ‘’I’m just glad I made most of them.’’

Duncan lamented that the tactic backfired for the Spurs. ‘’That’s what he had to do to get us out of it,’’ Duncan said. ‘’He made free throws and he hurt us with them.’’

The Spurs employed the strategy on eight straight possessions, with Howard making 10 foul shots while they had six points as Houston extended its lead to 7062.

Diaw made a jump shot at the end of the third quarter to cut Houston’s lead to 72-64 entering the fourth.

The Rockets opened the second half with an 11-2

road trip for Tuesday’s home game against Indiana, and the results apparently weren’t encouraging.

Bryant broke a bone in his knee Dec. 17, just six games into his return from an eight-month recovery of his torn left Achilles tendon.

The Lakers initially speculated he would be out for six weeks with his knee injury, but Bryant will be out much longer.

Bryant will continue with a program of light exercise, including time on a stationary bike. He has spoken

openly of the difficulty of the rehabilitation and its slow pace.

Assuming Bryant is unable to play in the All-Star game, the NBA will pick his replacement on the West team. The West coach would pick a new starter.

Kobe will sit out All-Stars L

OS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant is expected to miss the NBA All-Star game due to continued pain and swelling in his injured left knee.

The Los Angeles Lakers provided an injury update on the superstar guard Tuesday

night, saying Bryant will be out for at least three more weeks before he is re-examined.

Bryant was voted a starter in the All-Star game, which is in New Orleans on Feb. 16 - less than three weeks away.

Bryant had previously said

he hoped fans wouldn’t vote for him, but the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history was elected to the game for the 16th straight time anyway.

Lakers team physician Steve Lombardo examined Bryant after he returned from the Lakers’ two-week

4-for-21 shooting.

Pau Gasol had 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who returned from a two-week road trip for their 17th loss in 20 games.

Jodie Meeks also scored 21 points, and Nick Young had 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting in the Lakers’ fourth consecutive home loss to Indiana since 2010.

Kendall Marshall had 11 points and 13 assists.

While dropping into 14th place in the Western Conference, the Lakers (1630) also got yet another round of dismaying injury news during the game.

Kobe Bryant has continued pain and swelling after breaking a bone in his left knee, and he won’t be re-evaluated for three more weeks.

The fourth-leading scorer in NBA history has played in just six games this season, and the latest injury is expected to force him to miss the All-Star game next month. He has been out since Dec. 17.

Los Angeles also played without Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Jordan Farmar and Xavier Henry, while Gasol and Meeks played through nagging injuries. Nash is hoping to return Friday, but the Lakers aren’t certain after the two-time MVP missed his 38th consecutive game.

Despite struggling for long stretches on offense and making just 15 of their 27 free throws, the Pacers bounced back from Saturday’s loss at Denver, their second in three games.

Pacers sink Lakers L

OS ANGELES (AP) -- David West scored 19 points, Lance Stephenson had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and the Indiana Pacers wrapped up a five-game road trip with a 104-92 victory over the spiraling Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

George Hill had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Pacers, who stayed atop the overall NBA standings despite losing twice on their West Coast trip.

Los Angeles kept it close into the second half before the Pacers finished an easy win over the injury-riddled Lakers, who have lost five straight.

All-Star selection Paul George had his second straight rough game for Indiana, scoring 14 points on

OUT OF MY WAY. Indiana Pacers forward Luis Scola, left, of Argentina, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE225 225••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,JANUARY JANUARY30, 30,2014 2014

Orientation for city sports program set T

HE City Government of Davao’s aim to strengthen sports development in the barangay level will kick off with the staging of the First Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte Game Plan Orientation for Barangay Captains on February 27 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) building.

Organized by the Sports Development Division (SDD) under the City Mayor’s Office (CMO), the one-day activity will gather some 60 barangay captains representing the city’s three districts for a workshop and no-holds-barred discussion on the promotion of sports in their respective areas.

The village chiefs will be appraised of the first-ever Comprehensive Sports Development Program called the Duterte Game Plan, a blueprint that will set the direction of the city not only through the promotion of sports but also improving the quality of life of the people of Davao City.

The SDD headed by its officer-in-charge William “Butch” Ramirez is currently formulating the Duterte Game Plan, which is envisioned to become the hallmark of the local chief executive’s administration.

Councilor January N. Duterte gave her full backing to the sports program when Ramirez and some

SDD personnel paid her a courtesy call at her SP office just recently.

In fact, Duterte, president of the Association of Brarangay Captain and wife of Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte, will deliver a message during the conference to show her support to the program after Ramirez delivers his opening remarks.

The Barangay Sports Development Program is one of four key result areas incorporated in the Duterte Game Plan. The program is also anchored on Individual and Team Sports Competition Management, Sports Medicine and School-based Sports Development Program.

N

Davao Football Association (DFA) women’s tournament chairperson Rachelle “Ching” delos Reyes.

Misa will tackle the launch of the 15th Davao Horse Show & Competition and induction of DHC’s new set of officers slated Saturday while Sam will

discuss the X-Trail Triathlon in Samal on Sunday.

Delos Reyes, for her part, will brief DSA members on the 3rd DFA U17 Girls League that will kick off on Saturday.

Election of new set of officers will follow after the forum.

B3 hosts DSA Forum today

BULL-STRONG. A Ford Academy player gets past heavy traffic against Ateneo de Davao defenders during the 4th Royal Mandaya Cup basketball tournament semifinal round. Holy Child and Ateneo will dispute the Cadets division title. Lean Daval Jr.

CCC Mall Bowling, Billiards and Bar (B3) Center hosts today’s Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum set at 10:30 a.m. today.

Guests are Davao Horse Club incoming president George W. Misa, triathlon organizer Alex Sam and