Edge davao 6 Issue 229

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

FIRE DANCER. A Tribu fire dancer performs a poi juggling routine synchronized with the club and techno music mixes of the hottest disk jockeys in the country at fountain court grounds of SM Lanang Premier over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

CITY TO PASS NOISE BAN

Bello explains ordinance on videokes, vehicle stereos

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE proposed Davao City ordinance regulating videoke machines and vehicle sound systems is timely, according to its proponent, City Councilor Karlo S. Bello.

Bello told reporters yesterday that in a committee hearing last Monday, it was revealed that Central 911 has been receiving complaints against noise generated by videoke bars and other establishments using

SUDDEN INCREASE. Florists in Davao City complain of the sudden increase of cut flowers’ prices which they blamed to the alleged hoarding by distributors in preparation for the upcoming Valentine’s Day when demand is high. Lean Daval Jr.

sound systems.

“Ang problema man gud sa present ordinance - ang enforcement ang pinaka problema kay… daghan lagi’g complaints murag abatement lang man ang nahitabo, ” Bello said pertaining to existing anti-nuisance ordinance.

Bello said if his proposal is approved, it would only be applicable to establishments that have videoke and loud sound devices situated in residential areas.

In Bello’s proposal, public address systems, motorcycle stereos, videoke and karaoke machines would only be allowed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

It states that the barangay government must be informed and the consent of the neighbors is needed for the use of loud sound systems if there are celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries a day before the event.

For violators, the proposed ordinance imposes the following penalties: a fine of P200 for the first offense; P1,500 for the second offense; and P2,000 for the third offense, aside closure of establishment, and imprisonment of the owner for 30 days.

Under the proposed ordinance, setting up videoke/karaoke bars, and operating

FCITY, 10

P4

Rainforests of the sea

Tough group for Gilas

P16

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

12 Davao policemen found violating motorcycle rules

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

A

epc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of 12 police officers of the 42 members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) who are using motorcycles were found to have no driver’s license, no official receipts (OR), no certificate of registration (CR), no side mirrors, no license plates, and other violations during a surprise inspection conducted by DCPO director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. at the DCPO parade ground on Monday.

“This (the surprise inspection) is to ensure that those (police officers) who use motorcycles are doing so legally. Being law enforcers, we should be the exemplar of our laws and

DAVSUR TO PANABO

INNOVATIVE. A monoblock chair is all this vendor needs to set-up a “sari-sari” store and loading station in a foot traffic-rich San Pedro Street in Davao City.

Lean Daval Jr.

ordinances and should start from within. Mahirap kasi e-implement kung ang number one violator ay mga police,” Danao said.

Although he named no names, Danao said the violators were issued temporary operator’s permits (TOPs).

He said if the owner has no OR and CR this is tantamount to carnapping as if the driver is using a carnapped vehicle or involved in carnapping.

Danao said that he will continue to conduct surprise inspections of all police stations as part of his marching order in the Oplan Litis (Linisin ang mga

F12 DAVAO, 10

Billion-peso highway to decongest traffic

Davao City to adjust A to lower IRA share

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City will make adjustments in appropriations due to the reduction in its internal revenue allotment (IRA) share. councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairman of the finance committee, told reporters yesterday that based on the letter of Gary R. Martel, regional director of the Department of

Budget and Management, the IRA share will now be P2.89 billion from the P2.91 billion in 2014. He said that the there is about P13 million difference from the previous share.

“Therefore, we have to adjust to the budget. Kasi of one of sources of funding is the IRA,” Dayanghirang said.

Reduction in the IRA

Palace reminds Duterte to uphold rule of law

M

A L A C A ÑA N G on Tuesday reminded Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to uphold the rule of law even in going after criminals.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said such a policy applies to all government officials, whether at the national or local level.

“All government officials, whether local or national, have the basic responsibility to uphold the rule of law,”

Coloma said at a media briefing.

Duterte had said at a Senate hearing Monday that he would “gladly” kill a personality linked to rice smuggling, if he entered Davao City.

The mayor had lamented the slow pace of justice in going after rice smuggling.

But Coloma pointed out the Aquino administration is now putting in place systemic reforms to address socalled loopholes in the criminal justice system. [PNA]

share was due to the ratification of the cityhood law of the Municipality of San Pedro, Laguna and the transfer of barangay San Isidro of the municipality of Bangui to the municipality of Dumalneg, both in the province of Ilocos Norte.

This is a disadvantage to the city since it has a huge area and also has a

big population compared to the cities in Metro Manila.

“The computation in the local government code is based on the area and population. There are cities like Makati that are very small. So, the big possibility is their reduction is lower than ours, ” Dayanghirang said.

FDAVAO, 10

crc@edgedavao.net

BILLION-PESO highspeed highway is being eyed as part of the priority projects of President Benigno Aquino for the Davao region, an official said.

Jose Dennis Y. Flores, DPWH-11 public information office head, told reporters that they started the engineering study in partnership with the Japanese government through theJapan International Cooperative Agency (JICA) in August last year.

The ambitious highspeed highway is planned to start on the boundary of Davao del Sur and Davao

City and end in Panabo City.

It will by-pass Davao City proper by tracking the elevated areas of District 3.

Barangays under this district are Calinan, Baguio, Marilog, Toril, and Tugbok.

The proposed project will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP), and will be operated by a private company on a toll basis.

Motorists using the facility for convenience will be paying a toll fee. The new route will decongest traffic in the city proper.

Flores said that the

FDAVSUR, 10

TRANSPORT REFORMS. Councilor Leonardo R. Avila III presents during yesterday’s regular session of the City Council at Sangguniang Panlungsod his committee report which tackles Davao City’s worsening traffic condition and the need for immediate transport reforms. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

City firms getting to be law-abiding

3

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

B

crc@edgedavao.net

USINESS establishments in Davao City are getting more compliant with the law as reflected in the decrease in closure of establishments last year.

This was the observation of lawyer Lawrence D. Bantiding, city business bureau chief.

Records show that a total of 193 establishments in the city were closed last year because of non-compliance with certain ordinance. He said that most of these establishments were probably unable to renew their business permits. The number is lower compared to 2012 with 576.

Data showed that last year the bureau issued a total of 220 closure orders to businesses in the city due to certain violations. This is lower than the 475 closure orders issued in 2012.

He said that early yesterday, the bureau deployed some of its men for inspection of business establishments. Of the 35,000 businesses Bantiding expected to renew their permits, only 30,608 applied for renewal.

Establishments that failed to renew their permits during the renewal period (January 2- 22) will be penalized with 25-percent and a 2-percent monthly surcharge in their payment.

DEFEAT THE PURPOSE. Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers have a hard time loading and unloading passengers in one of the yellow boxes along San Pedro Street in Davao City as a delivery truck occupies a big portion of the area while unloading carts of meat. Lean Daval Jr.

DOLE Region 11 automates AFP unfazed by SPECS application process

BIFF attacks N

O matter how many IED (improvised explosive device) attacks the “Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters” (BIFF) remnants will attempt on military units conducting clearing operations in Maguindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it will continue performing its mandate until all the brigands are accounted for.

“It is expected that remnants of (the) BIFF will continue (to commit) a lot of their atrocities, it is very important that the presence of troops for clearing operation continue even after the termination of operation,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon

Zagala said.

The military made this statement after suspected IED exploded around 2:05 p.m. Tuesday at a convoy composed of Simba AFVs and heavy trucks from the 12th Mechanized Company and 46th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano town, Maguindanao perpetrated by alleged BIFF remnants.

No casualties were reported.

Zagala said two media teams, following at a safe distance, were all unharmed.

“We advised civilians most especially media who are there to cover to be careful in their coverages in the province as the IEDs

FAFP, 10

I

N this digital age, automation gets a heavy workload done by just few clicks in the computer terminal.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Davao Region keeps pace with time using yet another Information Technology (IT) tool to simplify what used to be a taxing job particularly for the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

Dubbed as “SPES Online Application System,” a student applicant for SPES could easily register his or her application for an available job anywhere where internet is available. Opening the portal www.spes. dole11.net leads the applicant to a simple application form where a unique ID is

generated.

Apart from bringing it closer to student-applicants, Marlito Ayala, the DOLE 11 SPES focal person who created this excel-based program, said one objective of the system was to simplify a strenuous and complicated task of generating reports and demographic generation and information data-banking.

“The usual application process for the SPES is not changed; it has just been improved and made more efficient for both applicants and the SPES implementers,” Ayala said.

The student-applicants still has to visit the PESO office in their province to submit all the required documents. Those applicants who have registered online need to present their SPES

ID; for those who have not, they will be asked to register.

“The online system will act as databank for all those who applied for the program and from there we can track their progress. The system will create for us a warehouse of SPES data,” Ayala said, adding: “Before, when we need report, it would take us more than a week to have a complete data, but with the present system, it would only take minutes to generate a report which could be sent electronically or can be created as a Portable Data file (PDF).”

“Since it is excel based there is no need for elaborate training. We just had a simple training workshop on how the system works and it had been running

since last year the time it was formally made available,” Ayala said.

Ayala said that with the students’ information saved in the databank, it would be easy to inform them when their checks (remuneration) are available to prevent stale checks in the office.

“It is really a work in progress. Once we deem that more relevant data is needed, then we incorporate that to the system.

This year we are planning to include data to map out where the applicants reside or where their places of origins are,” he said.

Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao said the program will surely attract more students and even Out-of-School Youth since

FDOLE, 10

Crime and the city

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

T

TIE THE KNOT. A foreign national and his partner fill up forms for marriage license application at the Davao City Civil Registrar’s Office yesterday. An increase in the registration for marriage license is seen this month as this is one of the most preferred time of the year for couples to tie the knot. Lean Daval Jr.

epc@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Prosecution Office has charged six persons in four separate cases of theft after finding evidence against them.

Prosecutor Victor C. Sepulveda charged Leo Librea, Rolex Yaconia and Randy Elipe, all residents of KM 4, Bajada for stealing aluminum bars, iron steel, and a gallon of paint worth P11, 750. The complaint was filed by Domer Cimafranca, owner of Heavy Line Part’s and Equipment Rental in Colegio de San Ignacio in Buhangin.

Sepulveda has recommended P12,000 bail for each of the accused who are detained in at the Buhangin police station.

The police arrested the accused and recovered the items.

Meanwhile, one Pedro Bentoy was charged with theft of one roll of poly twine worth P150 owned by the Sumifru Philippines Corporation last January 25. He is detained in jail.

The CPO also charged Justin Floresta Bendanillo after she allegedly stealing a wallet on January 27 that contained money, automated teller machine and identification cards owned by Hazel Gulles.

The CPO has recommended P12,000 bail for one Marco Delos Reyes who allegedly took a battery worth P10,000 owned by Jinyi Import and Export trading Co. Inc.

4 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Saving the rainforests of the sea

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

B

Contributor

Y halting deforestation, the country can save its endangered coral reefs.

Such was the suggestion of Dr. Joseph Maina of Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, who led a study which carried out a computer simulation of four river systems in Madagascar whose outflows have an impact on local coral ecosystems.

By 2090, global warming will have a big effect on these watersheds, reducing rainfall and as a result diminishing the deposit of sediment into the sea, the team found out. “However, these climate change-driven declines are outweighed by the impact of deforestation,” they said.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) agrees. “When loggers, kaingineros, firewood gatherers and charcoal makers cut down trees and burn underbrush, they leave the soil of the mountainsides bare and defenseless against strong wind and rain,” explains BFAR. “During rains, runoff carries eroded soil down to the rivers that deposit

it in the sea. This siltation smothers reefs and kills or drives away to inhospitable areas the fishes that feed and shelter among corals,” adds BFAR, a line agency of the Department of Agriculture.

According to Dr. Maina, sediment washed downriver by tree-depleted land can cripple near-shore corals, as it clouds the water and diminishes the light on which coral communities depend.

In the 1950s, only three-fourths of the archipelago was covered with forest, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). By 1972, the figure had shrunk to half and by 1988 only quarter was wooded and just one tiny fraction of this was virgin forest.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said about 7,665,000 hectares of the country is forested. Between 1990 and 2010, the country lost an average of 54,750 hectares per year.

In the last ten years, blast fishing and other destructive practices have gone down by half in the

country, good news for the degraded coral reefs. But sedimentation as a result soil erosion brought about by deforestation smothers them.

This must be the reason why the percentage of coral reefs deemed to be in “poor” condition rose from 33 per cent in the 1980s to 40 per cent in the most recent estimates, according to Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

Coral reefs that are in ‘excellent’ condition was also further reduced to one per cent from the already dismal statistics of five per cent in the 1980s.

“The Philippines has 22,500 square kilometers of coral reef area, which represents 9 percent of the global total, making it the country with the third-largest reef area in the world (after Australia and Indonesia),” notes Reefs at Risk Revisited in the Coral Triangle, which was released during the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium in Cairns, Australia last year.

“All major reef types are present in the Philip-

pines; most are fringing reefs along the coastlines, as well as some area of barrier, atoll, and patch reefs,” says the Washington-based World Resources Institute.

In addition, the country is home to 464 species of hard corals.

Coral reefs are considered underwater forests because of their complex ecosystem that supports a huge amount of wildlife.

They serve as shelter to fishes and other marine creatures like molluscs, crustaceans, sea urchins, starfish, sponges, and tubeworms, to name a few. A single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life.

As fishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit are as the open sea. In the Philippines, the reefs reportedly yield 5 to 37 tons of fish per square kilometer, thus making them very important to the productivity of fisheries.

Dynamic and highly productive, coral reefs are not only a critical habitat for numerous species, but also provide essential ecosystem services upon which millions of people

depend.

In the Philippines, the seas supply more than 80% of the animal protein of the Filipino public, said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje. More than 60% of the country’s 96 million population live on the coast within 30 kilometers of coral reefs.

The destruction of coral reefs has dramatically declined fish catch in the country. “We admit that there has been a decline in our local fisheries because of destructive fishing methods and over fishing,” said BFAR Director Asis Perez.

For centuries, coastal communities have used reef plants and animals for their medicinal properties.

In the Philippines, for instance, giant clams are eaten as a malaria treatment.

“Many coral reef species produce chemicals like histamines and antibiotics used in medicine and science,” reports The Nature Conservancy, an organization whose mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters needed for their survival.

“Unique medicinal properties of coral reef organisms were recognized

by Eastern cultures as early as the 14th century, and some species continue to be in high demand for traditional medicines,” observes Dr. Andrew Bruckner, a coral reef ecologist in the US National Marine Fisheries Service’s Office of Protected Resources in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Despite their impor-

tance, coral reefs are facing extinction in the country.

“Nowhere else in the world are coral reefs abused as much as the reefs in the Philippines,” commented marine scientist Don E. McAllister, who once studied the cost of coral reef destruction in the country.

“Our coasts and seas have suffered heavy degradation wrought by over half a century of destructive practices,” pointed out Dr. Lim. Recent studies show that overfishing remained the major threat to coral reefs in the Philippines, but pollution from various sources is also growing at an alarming rate.

“These include inappropriate land use practices, irresponsible mining practices, deforestation or illegal logging activities, improper waste disposal, etc. There was also considerable growth in coastal development manifested by the increase in coastal populations, built-up areas, and urbanization,” reported Dr. Lim. So, how can coral reefs be saved from completely vanishing in Philippine waters? “The only way to save coral reefs from extinction and restore their productivity is to limit access to them,” suggests Dr. Edgardo D. Gomez, a world-renowned marine scientist who has published extensively on coral reef resource management and ecology. “This is no mean task, but it seems it is the only means we can save our coral reefs from disappearing in this part of the world.”

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

DTI approves 51 SSF projects in 2013 T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region was able to approve a total of 51 projects under its Shared Service Facility (SSF) initiative last year.

The SSF, which started just last year, is a major component of the Micro, Small and Medium (MSME) Development Program which is aimed at improving the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, skills, and knowledge under a shared system.

Further, this is one of the projects under the “Big Push” for MSMEs Program of DTI which is geared towards meeting the challenges posed by the global economy.

Specifically, the SSF projects aim to attain one of more of the following objectives: • Enable MSMEs to increase their productivity; • Encourage graduation of MSMEs to the next level where they could tap a better and wider market share; • Accelerate MSME

competitiveness by giving them access to better technologies and more sophisticated equipment; and, • Address gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of the primary industry clusters.

The SSF projects implemented range from heavy duty sewing machine for bayong to coco sugar processing, coco beads production, kakanin production, jewelry production, coco twining and weaving, garments-making, shellcraft production, coffee processing, meat processing, organic fertilizer production, muscovado sugar production, and banana powder processing, among others.

These projects were carefully chosen based on the selection criteria, giving priority on proposals that would generate jobs in view of the government’s commitment for inclusive growth.

The 2013 approved SSF projects in the region, which are meant to improve the capability of MSMEs in the processing of raw materials and improvement of their products’ quality, expended

HOMEMADE. Zainaira Alanangsa cooks “bulua” using her homemade oven in Barangay Pisan, Kabacan, North Cotabato. Bulua is a Maguindanaon version of “mamon” and is made of flour, egg and sugar. [MindaNews Photo by Keith Bacongco] P24 million.

Of the 51 SSF approved projects, 34 have already been established while 17 are to be awarded to the beneficiaries early this year.

These projects are

spread out in the region’s five provinces, to wit: 13 in Davao del Norte; 12 in Davao Oriental; 11 in Davao City; nine in Davao del Sur; and six in Compostela Valley.

DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said that more SSFs will be distributed this year since for 2014, the office has a budget of P34.553 million for this particular

initiative.

“We hope that we can help more MSMEs improve, not just their productivity but also the quality of their products,” she said. [DTI 11/ Jen Mendoza]

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

It figures

66,813

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Security Bank grows balance sheet by 34% S

ECURITY Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) reported 34% growth in total resources to P348 billion at the end of 2013 versus the prior year. Loans grew by 38% to P165 billion while investment securities grew by 30% to P83 billion by year-end. Asset quality remained healthy with non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 0.08% and NPL cover of 195% (based on new definitions) as of December 2013.

Total deposits increased by 45% year-onyear to P206 billion, supported by the opening of 36 new branches in 2013, 34 of which were Security Bank branches and two branches were of thrift bank subsidiary Security Bank Savings (SBS). The Security Bank group had a total of 244 branches by year-end 2013, 204 SECB branches and 40 SBS branches. Over the past five years, the number of branches had more than doubled.

Security Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alberto S. Villarosa said: “Our core business remains strong and continues to grow alongside the buoyant Philippine economy. We

have made substantial investments in developing our Retail Bank and Asset Management business.

Our intent is to develop our retail business to become a meaningful pillar to complement our financial markets and wholesale businesses, as well as improve our ability to provide products and services that respond to our clients’ needs.”

The Bank earned a net income attributable to equity holders of P5 billion and a return on shareholders’ equity of 13% in 2013 based on the unaudited statement of condition as of 31 December 2013 submitted to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Security Bank Chief Financial Officer Mr. Joselito E. Mape said, “Capital attributable to equity holders has grown by 11% to P40.8 billion. Our capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is at 15.5% after redeeming our Tier 2 Notes in December 2013 while Tier 1 CAR is at 15.1%, both above the BSP’s minimum requirements.

We continue to maintain strong capital ratios and a solid balance sheet.”

Security Bank was recipient of key awards in 2013 such as “Best Do-

TAX GENERATION. The different sources of income that the Davao City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) generates can be seen posted on its glass door for the convenience of the public. Lean Daval Jr. mestic Bank”, “Best Domestic Debt House”, and “Best Overall Domestic Provider of FX Services” in the Philippines by Asiamoney; “Best Managed

Bank in the Philippines”

by The Asian Banker; Security DigiBanker, the Bank’s cash management system, as Best e-Banking Implementation Solu-

tion in the Philippines for Cebu Pacific Air and as Best Service Provider and eSolutions Partner Bank in the Philippines by The Asset.

ommends the establishment of a coordinating body (council or board) among offices and agencies involved in the medical tourism industry. A marketing campaign for the 21 premier hospitals included under the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP) must also be crafted and implemented.

Attractive websites should also be developed to promote medical tourism instead of relying on less enticing news items

and blogs. Medical facilities should also work toward international affiliations for quality assurance and vibrant medical campaign.

Although Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (good for 36 months) has been introduced, Picazo urges local carriers (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific) to develop medical airline packages so that more tourists will be enticed to visit the country.

Strong ties between hospitals and international

health insurance companies will also build a responsive and transparent pricing of medical services.

Inasmuch as there are many Filipino physicians who have foreign credentials, Picazo adds that Philippine hospitals should get accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI) as the country is still lagging behind in terms of JCI-accredited hospitals among its Asian competitors.

PHL medical tourism needs a boost

T

HE Philippines needs to boost its medical tourism industry to get a bigger share in the regional medical tourism market Oscar Picazo, senior research consultant for health of state think-tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), underscores in a policy note that the Philippine medical tourism continues to get a miniscule share of the medical tourism market even if it offers better prices in sur-

Number of classrooms the Department of Education (DepEd) has completed in fulfillment of the 2010 classroom backlog of 66,800 left by the previous administration. According to DepEd, it has achieved more than triple the total number of classrooms constructed from 2005 to the early half of 2010 just within three years of the Aquino administration.

gical procedures than its Asian competitors.

The Philippines is among the top 15 medical tourism destinations in 2010. Ranked 11th with 80,000 tourists, it tailed behind Thailand (1st), Singapore (2nd), and Malaysia (5th). Thailand had a total of 1.2 million medical tourists in 2010 while Singapore and Malaysia had 600,000 and 350,000 medical tourists, respectively.

To improve the country’s status, Picazo rec-

7.2%

The Philippines’ full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2013, exceeding expectations of 6.0% to 7.0% growth. The country also grew by 6.5% in the fourth quarter of 2013, a remarkable turnout despite the challenges the nation faced last year, particularly the disasters that struck central and southern Philippines in the fourth quarter.

2nd

Rank of Manila in the list of the top important places for business process outsourcing (BPO), according to Tholons Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations for 2014. Seven other Philippine cities were listed in the Top 100 rankings, with Cebu ranking 8th and Davao City ranking 69th.

108

The rank of the Philippines according to the report of Doing Business by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. This is a significant improvement from placing 138 last year.

EDGEDAVAO

AGRITRENDS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

7

Indonesia agri expert urges PHL to redefine self sufficiency in rice policy

F

ORMER Indonesian Agriculture Minister and Professor, Dr. Sjarifudin Baharsjah, has urged the Philippines to redefine its self sufficiency in rice policy and consider availability of natural resources and poverty levels in the country.

Citing the Indonesian experience, Dr. Sjarifudin Baharsjah says the rice self-sufficiency policy of the Philippine government should continue as it improves the economy of the country, but warns that the policy might lead to dire consequences if not designed properly. He says Indonesia achieved rice self-sufficien-

cy through Green Revolution technology with the support of the government, but the Indonesian experience shows how government policy along with opening of the domestic market leads to poverty and unemployment in rural areas.

Dr. Sjarifudin Baharsjah says the Philippine government has to redefine their program addressing the “agriculture economic involution” of the rural areas as most of the country’s population lives in rural areas. He adds that a self-sufficiency program should be based on the actual availability of natural resources and the best possible ag-

ricultural practices being adopted. Such a program would ensure production of enough food for the country, higher farm income, welfare of farmers and contribute in national development.

Dr. Baharsjah was recently awarded with the 2013 Dioscoro L Umali Award in Agricultural Development.

The Umali Award is a collaboration between the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) of the Philippines, and the Dioscoro L. Umali Foundation (DLUF).

Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI Km. 7 Lanang, Davao City Tel. Nos. 233-2779, 234-1100

Support the

World Wetlands Day Theme: Wetlands & Agriculture Partners for Growth Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.

(Ramsar Convention)

Agri centers to be set up in 2 Davao hinterland villages A

GRICULTURE development centers will be set up this year in two hinterland barangays in Davao City where farmers will be trained on technologies.

Davao City Councilor Marissa Abella, council committee chair on agriculture, identified Barangays Marilog and Paquibato areas as the sites of the agriculture development centers.

These are both government sites and when combined is about seven hectares in size.

She said these are the most ideal sites considering the proximity to areas in need of agricultural assistance.

The center, Abella said, is and will also be the site to showcase best practices and other related agricultural services.

“We will adopt a different approach this time where farmers must really undergo actual training.

We want them to learn,” she said.

“What is crucial here is the monitoring because we will really check on the farmers who are recipients of the training,” Abella said.

Part of it is providing them with planting materials but they can only avail of the seedlings after they completed the training, she said.

“We have about 40,000 planting materials that we will provide to the farm-

ers,” she said.

Abella said they will be pushing for three high value crops of cacao, coffee and coconut.

“Once these are fully developed,” she said “we can improve on our production and deliver products to international markets”.

Meanwhile, Abella said an Agricultural Development Plan is being worked on. This is a detailed plan that would include a corresponding budget.

She also said that there are available grants that they could access and these are areas that they need to focus on.

“We really need these funds and proper planning

and coordination with the national agencies like the Department of Agriculture and other related agencies is a must that we should develop,” she said.

Policies and areas of collaboration must be studied properly so that the appropriate fund needed in building our areas on agriculture is available to farmers, Abella said.

She also said that inventory of agricultural areas must be conducted in order that they could have the correct data necessary for both policy and decision-making.

She also said that the classification of lands must also be looked at. [PNA]

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

EDITORIAL

W

‘There oughta be a law’

HILE national attention is currently riveted on the issue of rice smuggling, there are concerns haunting us that demand equally urgent action from government authorities. One such concern is the rising cases of theft and robbery.

In Davao City, for instance, a string of robbery incidents have been reported in some subdivisions. These crimes happen even in open parking areas in both private and public places with such modus operandi ranging from akyat bahay (porch-climbing) to bukas kotse (car-breaking) and even lipat-lipat (trickery). Thieves attack even in broad daylight and without regard to closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in the area. They simply wear a hat which effectively obliterates a clear view of one’s face on CCTV cameras which are usually mounted overhead. So, even if these thieves are caught on camera, it is still very difficult to identify them. It makes us think whether these supposed high-tech anti-burglar gadgets are of any help at all. It’s because most CCTVs in use are fitted with low-resolution cameras.

The stolen items are easily disposed in pawnshops at paltry amount of cash. This seems to be the fastest way to dispose stolen items, most common of which are cellphones, laptops, tablets and watches. Some thieves seem to have studied the

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law and avoid being tagged with violation of the anti-fencing law. Thus, pawnshops are the most convenient destination of their loot.

Most pawnshops accept goods without asking for any proof of ownership. No questions asked for as long as the goods are in “pawnable” condition and with resale value.

This is where we need some legislation that will protect our property—stolen or otherwise. There is a need for a law that should require one to present proof of ownership of a property sold or pawned. Lack of proof of ownership is a prima facie ground to doubt the legitimacy of one’s possession of property. There ought to be a “no proof, no pawning” and “no proof no sale” policy.

This also promotes the issuance of an official receipt by business establishments to those buying merchandise. It is a way of increasing tax revenues by ensuring compliance with the requirement of issuance of OR. It’s like killing three birds with one stone. You regulate, you increase revenues, and you curb crimes.

The right to be protected of one’s property, after all, is guaranteed by the constitution. That right proceeds from one’s legitimate possession and ownership which can only be established by proof of ownership.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

A

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Precarious economic cycle

CHIEVEMENT HANGOVER ON THE WAY – The gradual fall of the peso has led to speculation about the fate of the country’s economy. While the local currency continues to weaken against the US dollar, high-profile government economists and financial managers still believe there is no need for the peso to devalue. Experts noted that the first effect of currency depreciation is trade diversion.

The Philippines competes with countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and of course, China in labor-intensive goods. A decline of the peso by 20% or more will definitely cause shifts in the sourcing by importers away from the Philippines to the competing countries. Thus, the country will face a slowdown in its export growth in the coming months or maybe even a year or two if its exchange rate remains unchanged, or worse, plunge.

Like the economists some investors are likewise wary of the present situation by saying that “you don’t have to look farther to see what happens when a peg goes wrong.” The second effect is foreign investment diversion. With the currency melting down, foreign investment that flows to the country likewise will go-slow. Another would-be effect is a rise in the cost of funds to the country on international capital markets.

Philippine enterprises just like others in East Asia and the ASEAN region will have to pay higher interest rates for their loans. An increase in rates could be predictably devastating. The more curious private economists noted that other basic causes for the currency problem and can be identified as a large spending-investment gap is excessive reliance on foreign portfolio investment and appreciation of real exchange

rate.

The euphoric sentiment of the past weeks and months is directly related to the country’s sound economic fundamentals and strong currency control. Evidence of the frenzy: stable peso, stock markets setting new records and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) achieving a historically high percentage ratio. While government economic think-tanks and financial planners believe the party is far from over and predictions of a more robust and vibrant economy is too common, others are pessimistic still see saying an achievement hangover is on the way. Maybe it can even last longer. The reason is the country’s position in the economic cycle, which is precarious.

Consider this: the economy is gradually sliding and on top of that capital spending is waning while foreign investment packages slowed down.

Actually any currency problem emerged slowly at first presenting a challenge to our highly-paid economic advisers and financial consultants. If they were unable to maintain the exchange rate despite favorable economic fundamentals, they have no credibility at all when it comes to the defense of the Philippine peso. Nonetheless, a devaluation of the peso will severely undermine the efforts of the country’s monetary authorities to defend the fixed peg with the US dollar. After all, a successful defense of the exchange rate

is really based on maintaining the confidence of the domestic population.

But for the idealists a currency crisis presents a challenge as well as opportunity to the country. With a slowing export growth and decline of foreign portfolio investments, the Philippines will have to stimulate domestic demand.

This it can do in at least two directions, simultaneously. First, it can undertake more infrastructure projects especially those dealing in property development, tourism and other income-generating and job-producing ventures.

Second, it can promote the expansion of agricultural programs by developing appropriate methods that would facilitate long-term plans - formulation, farm-to-market roads, water supply, fertilizer, herbicide and insecticide, pre-harvest to post-harvest stages, storage facilities, and eventually marketing of farm produce. The impending currency crisis can thus provide precisely the stimulus for the Philippines to realize its potential as self-reliant and demand-driven economy.

WHILE ECONOMISTS AND POLITICAL EXPERTS may argue about who can deliver what the country needs, they generally agree what it is: in time of crisis, a tough leadership to revive the slumping economy, reform the country’s institutions and energize the people with new national goals.

Political authorities, private sector economists and financial geniuses say everyone is fed up with the seeming rudderless drift the Philippine government has been into during the previous and present administrations. Is the country now heading to the right path (tamang daan) or straight path (matuwid na daan) or maybe the same old crooked path (liku-likong daan)?

Carabao, the beast of burden, getting smaller world

A

S gleaned from the statistics, the biggest decline of carabao population was noted in Pangasinan as it had 110,268 in 2010 but which was reduced to only 77,794 in 2013.

Carabao population also declined in La Union, from 32,518 in 2010 to 28,698 in 2013 while the number of carabaos in Ilocos Sur was down to 17,700 from 18,050.

Statistics also showed that only Ilocos Norte has manifested further love for the carabao as it registered a moderate increase in the number of carabao population from 24,461 in 2010 to 33,278 in 2013.

Towns in Pangasinan where the bigger number of carabaos are located include Alaminos City, Agno, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, San Fabian, Bautista, Binalonan, Pozorrubio, Villasis, San Manuel and Umingan.

In a bid to save the carabao from eventual extinction, the PCC is ap-

SPECIAL FEATURE

BY LEONARDO V. MICUA

(Conclusion) pealing to all local government units to strictly enforce the ban on the slaughtering of carabaos.

A model ordinance which De la Cruz wanted to be made into a national law was passed by the Pangasinan provincial board last year.

The ordinance seeks to regulate the sale or slaughter of female carabaos (water buffaloes and crossbreds) within the province of Pangasinan.

The ordinance eventually spared the female carabaos from being converted into “tapa” and their hides to be used as leather, so that they can generate milk and reproduce.

This meant that while the provincial ordinance extended protection for the female carabaos, it did not

extend reprieve whatsoever to the male carabaos that can still be bludgeoned to death in the slaughterhouses and served as “tapa”.

A salient feature of the provincial ordinance is a buy-back scheme in which the female carabao purchased is loaned out to qualified members of local dairy association following the agreed condition on the time-honored “paiwi system”.

The system provides that the first one-year old female calf will be returned to the provincial government and later loaned to qualified recipients. The second calf, male or female, will be owned by the recipient.

The succeeding calf will be shared on a 50-50 basis by the province and the recipient while the original stock will remain a property of the province.

The milk that will be produced by the loaned animals and its profits will be owned solely by the recipient.

[PNA]

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Hail but bewail!

WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

“R

(Conclusion)

IDO”—the barbaric resort to personal vengeance in the Muslim areas—derives mainly from impatience or disbelief about a judicial system that does not satisfy minimum expectations of fairness.

Do Something!

Can nothing really be done to speed up the course of justice in our republic? Can the advocacy groups please focus on this? Clear the way and speed the course of justice, please!

To Rev. Avelino Sitchon and the Sarangani People’s Alliance for Reforms and Good Governance (SPARE-GO), we say: how about it? Can you collaborate with IBP-GenSan/Sarangani and maybe some law schools on a project to review and analyze what went on from the time you filed the case in 2002 to the day the verdict was handed down?

The positive and negative driving forces should be identified, the obstacles and mitigating factors defined. What should civil society initiate including resort to People Power in order to expedite cases? What laws to pass or to amend or to repeal?

Should we try the jury system, even on a trial or pilot basis?

There’s a growing nationwide network promoting the jury system on the internet; check it out!

Anyone who takes the maxim “Justice delayed is justice denied” with any degree of credulity ought to address this problem with the highest sense of urgency.

Move Already!

Crime is on the upswing now because of cynicism and people’s very low regard towards our judicial system. It is an indictment against our leaders and the legal profession, this failure to establish an effective system of addressing criminality and injustice.

Shame on them… and more shame on us for our failure to choose better leaders or produce worthy lawmakers!

To the people of Sarangani, for instance: what’s Pacquiao doing in Congress? He should be asked to take at least a minute’s break to denounce and disown the two felons now, as both are reported to be his active promoters.

To civil society in general: it is already long overdue for our society to confront this problem frontally and act decisively!

[Manny was former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of the Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at development academy of the Philippines, vice chair of Local Government Academy, and PPIUNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. He heads Gising Barangay Movement as national convenor and president. valdehuesa@ gmail.com]

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

City...FFROM 1 welding machines, and repair shops operating within residential areas are prohibited.

The other prohibited acts are proceeding with the work or construction of any building, infrastructure, improvement, or structure

within all residential areas unless consented to by surrounding residents. Another prohibited act is using bora-bora or modified mufflers, amplified car stereo with loud and annoying sound within residential area.

He added that although there is a reduction, the IRA for 2014 is still high compared to 2013 which was P2.68 billion.

Dayanghirang said that the P13 million IRA reduction could have bought a relocation site and buy a lot of medicines.

He said that in order to fund the appropriations he would propose to impose real property tax on light

posts of the Davao Light and Power Company and other companies.

Dayanghirang added that is P55 million in real property tax collectible from Philippine Ports Authority which has not paid for many years.

He said that based on his computation, there is still P500 million real property tax collectibles from delinquent taxpayers.

highway will be operating like the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX ) and

North Luzon Express Way (NLEX).

The study is ongoing.

Tamad, Tiwali at Iskalawag na miyembro ng kapulisan).

He bared that non-commissioned police officers underwent random drug testing were negative as reported by the Philippine

Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 11 and the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-Davao .

“I am glad to say na walang nag-positive,”he said.

are not just aimed at AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) troops but anyone may be hit by its reach,” he noted.

“Pressure from the presence of AFP in the area definitely will help in di-

minishing their activities.

First part of our operation is deny them of safe havens such as their four camps and their ability to plan and launch attacks in safe havens are big factor,” he said. [PNA]

the application or registration is done online owing that more students and young people have greater access and spend more time in the Internet.

“It has also made our work, particularly reporting more efficient and less prone to error as every data is computer generated,” Suyao added.[Sherwin Manual/DOLE 11]

Davao...FFROM 2

DavSur...FFROM 2

12 Davao...FFROM 2

AFP...FFROM 3

Dole...FFROM 3

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 50135 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 494155-5 issued to GLORIA L. PADRONES was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

2/5,12,19

DADITAMA. Volunteers from the DADITAMA Medical Mission contingent which conducted relief operations in Leyte recently. DADITAMA is composed of the cioceses of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati.

Anti-smuggling campaign to be intensified—Palace T

HE Aquino government is actively taking steps to curb smuggling and bring smugglers to the bar of justice, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said on Tuesday.

Since 2010 the government has filed a total of 157 cases under the Run After Tax Evaders and Smugglers program for an average of one case per week, Coloma said during

the regular press briefing in Malacanang.

“Following President Aquino’s directive, the Bureau of Customs led by Commissioner (John Philip) Sevilla has taken steps to promote transparency and openness, simplified transactions, and adopted a systemic approach to plug loopholes and minimize opportunities for graft and corruption,” Coloma said.

The Communications Secretary said the specific

reform measures include centralized single reference for valuation information, implementation of a single dispute resolution process for valuation, digitization of every single formal transaction, review of the monitoring of Customs-bonded warehouses, revamp of the importer accreditation process and intensified monitoring of sensitive imports.

The President earlier assured the public that his administration remains

committed to improve the services of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by enhancing the anti-smuggling efforts.

The BOC is enhancing its efforts in revenue collection by curbing smuggling activities and to provide quality service to stakeholders with professionalism and integrity, facilitate trade in a secured manner and adapt measures compliant to international best practices and standards. [PNA]

hicles and are very dangerous, especially when left in the hands of speed demons,” he said.

According to Trenas, it is within the mandate of the LTFRB to implement strict road worthiness requirement for bus and truck operators to ensure public safety.

He said that apart from reckless driving, improperly maintained vehicles are among the leading causes of deadly accidents and it is within the authority of the LTFRB to require proper vehicle maintenance as a prerequisite in securing or renewing registration and public conveyance franchise.

He stressed that the LTFRB should also stop registering reconditioned

buses made out of surplus parts, and encouraged the use of hybrid and electric buses, coasters and vans through tax credits and other financial perks.

Because of too much greed for profit, he said many bus and cargo trucking operators do not even bother to conduct regular maintenance and safety checks on their vehicles, which mostly have worn-out tires, busted lights and poorly maintained brake systems.

“These vehicles are disasters waiting to happen.

We can never modernize our public transport system if we continue to allow these junks on our streets.

They pollute the air, they are an eyesore and they are a threat to public safety,” Trenas stressed.

At the same time, he lauded the move of the LTFRB to go ahead and implement the proposal to require bus and truck operators to install speed limiters on their vehicles.

Trenas has filed a bill requiring the speed limiters for buses but said that even in the absence of such a law, the LTFRB is fully mandated by law to impose rules and regulations that promote public safety.

“I hope that the LTFRB would move really fast because I have observed that nothing has changed since the Don Mariano bus accident that killed 22 people.

We still see so much bus drivers with no regard to public safety. ‘Kaskasero’ pa rin sila (they are speed maniacs),” he lamented.

[PNA]

Solon wants to remove ‘rolling coffins’from roads

I

LOILO Rep. Jerry Trenas on Tuesday said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should launch a crackdown not only against colorum public utility buses but also on old and poorly maintained bus and trucks that and are classified as “rolling coffins” which should have long been sold as scrap.

“The LTFRB should stop renewing the registration of bus and trucks that are already too old to be in the streets and are no longer roadworthy.

It is not very unusual to see buses and trucks here that are smoke-belchers, indicative of a defective engine, worn-out tires and are close to falling apart. These are huge ve-

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

WSB launches World Battlegrounds in Philippines

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

W

HO’S ready for the death-defying stunts, jaw-dropping flips, slick old school and new school dance moves and in-yourface swagger arrival of the WSB Battlegrounds World Battle?

You better be.

The Philippines will launch the inaugural qualification battle on April where two exclusive qualifiers from the North (Manila April 5, 2014) and South (Cagayan de Oro April 13, 2014) will battle up to the Battlegrounds Philippines National Finals in June this year.

Battlegrounds Philippines World Battle will showcase an array of activities including dance workshops, inspirational talks from renowned choreographers, live DJ music, talent showcase and last

H

but not the least the main event which will feature two one-to-one dance battle categories—the mixed

are expected to register for the WSB Battlegrounds World Battle.

You can be one of them.

Get ready groovy dance register until Live auditions

with your moves and March 15.

WSB urban

Globe, Oplan Hatid hero build a wonderful world

AVING struggled in life during his early years, 35-year old Tondo-raised Jaworski Garcia knows how it is to be hungry and helpless.

He survived through the assistance of Good Samaritans and finished his accountancy course via high school and college scholarships.

Being a recipient of countless blessings from strangers, Jaworski or Jay as he is fondly called, deemed it his duty to pay it forward to the more unfortunate members of society.

Jay has been a constant volunteer during calamities even when he was just in grade school.

He started with the disastrous 1990 earthquake, followed by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, and then the devastating tropical cyclone Ondoy but his biggest challenge came when supertyphoon Yolanda hit the country in November 8 last year.

Restless and itching to do something to help, Jay began with donating 70,000 one-liter bottles

of mineral water from his small water station to Red Cross and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. He also campaigned among his friends to donate funds.

But he didn’t stop there.

Armed with his old basic cell phone and his very reliable sports utility vehicle, Jay heeded the call of his idol, motoring journalist James Deakin, to join “OplanHatid”, a volunteer transport service in Villamor Air Base for the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

Spending time, fuel, and energy to drive13 families to their destinations as far as Tiaong, Quezon on his first day aloneearned Jay the moniker “Kapitan” as he became a hero that both his peers and the survivors look up to.

Aside from his trusty Montero, Jay has another companion as he worked overtime – his cell phone.

Jay has been a loyal prepaid subscriber of Globe Telecom for over 15 years and has banked on the reliability of the telecom service for

General Santos Drive, Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506

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

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING!

BUS DRIVER

BUS DRIVER

Qualifications: Qualifications:

1.

2.

3.

all styles and the BBOY power moves.

Hundreds and thousands of dedicated dancers

choreography division will also coincide with the event.

The ultimate winner will receive 20,000 pesos worth of cash and prizes courtesy of Hoopdreamz, Eventista, Bad Boy Flava and VA Kreativ.

The winners will get an opportunity to bring the filpino pride in the WSB World Battle Championship on October 3-5 in Australia.

If you do, don’t miss the exciting dance initiative prepared for you by the brainchild of hip-hop Impresario and WSB founder Marco Selorio of MAS Presents.

For registrations, email battlegroundsphilippines@gmail.com or battlegroundsphsouth@ yahoo.com or call Lil Pat 09162942869 or Antonio on 09353204141.

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

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

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

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

Department, YBLI Office, General Santos Drive, Koronadal City.

KapitanJaworski “Jay” Garcia brings a wonderful experience to people in need. constant communications with other volunteers.

“I need to keep my own number for personal transactions. I don’t see any reason to change. There are lots of packages now which I can choose from like the unlimited calls for Globe to Globe where I don’t have

to pay extra. I find prepaid very convenient. It’s good,” he said.

Jay’s mobile phone went into overdrive when the OplanHatid volunteers decided to organize a job fair at Rizal Park called “OplanTrabaho”where Globe was one of the par-

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21045673 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 147793-8 issued to ALIMPULOS, ROSITA C. was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

1/29/2/5,12

ticipants.

“I used my prepaid phone for OplanHatid so when we came out with OplanTrabaho, my number was posted in the Internet. As a result, I was receiving more than 1,000 text messages every day and my basic phone can

hardly cope up with it. I also had to answer a lot of calls especially during the day of OplanTrabaho.

I was assigned to handle transportation so I had to coordinate with the bus drivers, fellow volunteers, as well as the job seekers,” he narrated.

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1002799 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 315078/NNN112155198 issued to CAUPAYAN, ESTHER was lost.

Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

1/29/2/5,12

There’s a better way to get attention.

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12 CLASSIFIEDS Realty

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

FOR SALE:

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

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

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

DADITAMA offers medical services to Yolanda victims

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

M

EMBER-dioceses of DADITAMA composted of Davao, Digos,Tagum and Mati recently conducted a medical mission in typhoon ravaged areas in Leyte.

The DADITAMA medical mission delegation comprised of priests, nuns and volunteer doctors and nurses extended medical services in the areas of Capoocan, Cari-

gara and Mayorga, Leyte last January 19 to 25.

Archdiocese of Davao is headed by Fr. Leonardo Doblan together with priests, nuns, medical doctors and nurses in partnership with San Pedro Hospital, San Pedro College, Holy Cross College of Davao, Davao volunteers and social action workers. Diocese of Digos City headed by Fr. Allan Joy Nunez

led the medical doctors and staff, medical representatives, volunteers and social action workers from the city.

Diocese of Tagum headed

by Fr. Em-em Luego and Dra. Meldy Anuta led the medical staffs and volunteers of Tagum and Panabo City. Diocese of Mati headed by Sr. Melvin Manligoy, CSJ, Sr. Eva MaeTabugoc, CSJ is in partnership with the City Health

Office of Mati led by Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr., St. Camillus Hospital, medical doctors, priests, nuns, volunteers, social action workers and clergy personnels.

These 200 volunteers from DADITAMA travelled their way to Leyte for 12 hours through land and sea from Tagum via Butuan-Surigao transportation vehicles.

“Despite the bad weather and postponed trips, daditama still pursue our mission to leyte, niagi mi ug baha, giguyod ang mga sakyanan, naay mga truck na gipablik ug davao ky dili maagihan ang dalan kay sira2, nasiraan ug sakyanan Pero nidayon gihapon despite everything.

Nasaag kay nagkabulag2 ang convoy gigamitan ug GPRS para makaabot sa lugar” DADITAMA disaster management ministry Mati chapter head, Sr. Melvin Manligoy said.

On their way to the area, they saved a life of a six month old pregnant women whose twin baby boys inside are already dead for two weeks because of fetal death in utero.

DADITAMA’s medical mission served almost four thousand people in Leyte from different municipalities where they were able to do medical consultations, medical services, relief operations, give free medicines and vitamins, do stress de-briefing and feed the children.

414 typhoon victims were served from Capoocan including 40 adults in the debriefing, 955 from Libo including the distribution of relief goods to 500 victims and de-briefing to 184 ages 15 and below, 379 victims from Bonifacio including 205 adults in the de-briefing and 379 victims were served in Mabini which includes the 170 adults and 79 children in the de-briefing. They also fed 603 children from these three barangays.

“It was fun, challenging, heart warming but heart breaking at the same time.

Heart warming because despite what the sadness they felt they still managed to welcome us with their beautiful and hopeful smiles. Heart breaking on the other hand because we saw a mass grave

in front of a church, damaged houses and properties of the victims,” Lordess Kristine Austria, medical nurse from City Health Office of Mati, said.

Most of the cases they encountered during the medical mission were hypertension and upper respiratory tract infection. This is the second time DADITAMA conducted a medical mission since after it rendered a similar medical mission during typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental.

The City Health Office of Mati City also gave cash donation to the two barangays in Mayorga, Leyte.

DADITAMA volunteers were very thankful that they were able to achieve their goal by helping the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

“We achieved so much even in our simplest ways.

Some of the victims cried because they were very thankful DADITAMA cam there to help them. But they do not know how much greatful we are to be there and serve them. It was indeed a very big achievement for our part,” Austria concluded.

EDGEDAVAO WANTS YOU! Serving a seamless society

-

Account Executives (3)

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

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

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Painters overcome Junmar

T

HE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters showed eactly why their team was built that way. Without Paul Lee and wittout head coach Yeng Guiao for the latter part of the game, Rain or Shine still managed an 88-83 victory over the Petron Blaze Boosters, Monday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

They now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead in the semifinals of the 2014 PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup. EJECTED. Despite beng thrown out of Game 4, ROS coach Yeng Guiao has rubbed off intensity and determination to his team.

Nuki Sabio

Ryan Arana the shifty guard who drives to the hoop and makes unbelievable layups led the Elasto Painters in scoring with 12 points in the game.

Jeff Chan and Jireh Ibanes both chipped in 11 while Gabe Norwood added 10. Other than these players, five other Elasto Painters scored more six points or more to further validate their mantra of relying on every

B

single player to win the game.

Lee, Rain or Shine’s main point guard was sidelined with an injured ankle in the second quarter while Guiao was thrown out for the second straight game but Rain or Shine fought on. They watched as Petron’s June Mar Fajardo single-handedly carried the fight for the Boosters but even his 27-point, 17-rebound performance was not enough to counter Rain or Shine’s bal-

The Main Man: He was ejected again for his extra-curricular activities but this game was all about the identity that ROS head coach Yeng Guiao wanted for his squad since day 1. The Pampanga Congressman knows how to get the best from his players, he knows that all of his guys will kill themselves on the floor for him, and best of all he trusts them enough to do what they have to do to win the game.

anced attack.

The game started as a fire fight between both teams as they tried to grab the momentum early on. Rain or Shine sizzled from deep to take a 33-28 first quarter lead but they slowed the game down considerably in the next three quarters because they knew Petron had more weapons on offense.

Guiao knew he was going to be thrown out. But it was a calculated risk he was willing to take. He had complete trust in assistant coach Caloy Garcia and he knew that his departure would be his final statement for the calls his players didn’t get. In the end, it all worked out.

Honorable Mentions: Arana is perhaps one of the most

with. It wasn’t against Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales or Juan Manuel Marquez. It wasn’t Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito or Ricky Hatton either. It wouldn’t even have been against Mayweather had the two preeminent fighters of a generation squared off against each other as long hoped for.

No, Pacquiao’s greatest fight has been against the intrinsically evil practice of human trafficking, something which pervades our so-called civilized society to this very day.

Traffickers typically prey on those in poverty, and Pacquiao knows well what it’s like to be poor.

“When I was young my parents were jobless. We had no home. Sometimes we [couldn’t] even afford to have a single meal a day,” Pacquiao told CNN’s Leif Coorlim. “When you see my slippers, one is green, one is red. And they had holes. I would walk the streets to sell, that’s how I made my living as a kid. I felt sorry for my mother. I wanted so badly to study. I stopped though and

pursued boxing.”

But boxing’s been good to Pacquiao. Where he once had to literally put rocks into his pockets to make the minimum fighting weight as a 16-yearold, he is now considered one of the finest fighters who has ever lived. That goes double in his home country, where Pac-man is the Philippines’s most beloved celebrity as well as a national treasure. Where fighters over on this side of the world are relegated to mainstream media coverage just once or twice a year at most, Pacquiao’s ring exploits are covered almost daily by the Filipino media.

And Pacquiao has made his name in other vocations, too. He’s a singer, an actor and a congressman representing the province of Sarangani in the Philippines. It’s the latter role that Pacquiao leveraged for his fight against human trafficking.

In fact, one of Pacquiao’s first acts after being elected to congress in 2010 was to visit the Visayan Forum Foundation, a charity founded in 1991 to help victims of domestic

under appreciated players in the PBA. He does a little bit of everything for his team.

He’s a good ball handler, an above-average shooter, and a fearless attacker. He also does not shy away from physical contact.

Arana is one of the best examples of players flourishing under Guiao’s system along with Ibanes. The two of them could find it difficult to get playing time with squads like Petron, Talk ‘N Text, San Mig Super Coffee, or Ginebra but they are important pieces of the puzzle in Rain or Shine.

Game Turning Point: This game turned when Fajardo ran low on gas.

The Petron big man tried with all his might to keep his team in the game.

His and-1 knotted the game at 82-all and gave t h e Boosters a

not

TOUGH DEFENSE. JR Quinahan (left) of Rain Or Shine guards Junmar Fajardo of Petron. f i g h tNuki - Sabio give up.

T h e y i n g shot at tying won this game on their own. the series but by then he was I have nothing to do with this already running on fumes. The victory. They lost Paul, they Rain or Shine defense clamped lost me, but they kept their down on Fajardo in the final fighting hearts with them. We minutes, daring anyone else to beat them against the odds. I score. The rest of the Boosters though there were a lot of bad failed to respond as they only calls. Any team made of softer scored a single point from material would have folded up. This is a testimony to the then on. character of the guys. I take He said it: Rain or Shine head coach my hat off to coach Caloy for Yeng Guiao: The guys just did not giving up where I gave up.

The scores: RAIN OR SHINE 88 - Arana 12, Chan 11, Ibanes 11, Norwood 10, Cruz 8, Rodriguez 8, Quinahan 7, Lee 7, Nuyles 6, Belga 3, Tang 3, Almazan 2, Tiu 0.

PETRON 83 - Fajardo 27, Santos 14, Lutz 13, Lassiter 10, Ross 9, Tubid 5, Cabagnot 5, Duncil 0, Taha 0, Kramer 0, Hubalde 0, Deutchman 0.

Quarter scores: 33-28, 4850, 72-69, 88-83

Manny in the fight that matters

OXERS are involved in all sorts of fights. They fight themselves daily, making war on their bodies and minds to prepare themselves for the ring. They fight their sparring partners, their sleepiness in the wee hours of the morning and the ever-advancing hoard of deliciousness at the dinner table.

They fight their opponents, too, of course, and some of them even have had to fight trainers, managers, promoters, televisions networks, etc.

Heck, I’ve even seen some that have had to fight fans for attention. For example, almost no one wanted to see Floyd Mayweather fight until it became apparent he might never lose.

Manny Pacquiao, age 35, has been involved in all sorts of fights during his career.

He’s won most of them, and I suppose that’s the best anyone could ever really hope for when they decide to ditch the life of a commoner and head towards the ring.

But Pacquiao’s greatest fight hasn’t been against any one of the slew of world class fighters he’s shared the ring

servitude and forced prostitution. There, Pacquiao heard gut-wrenching, first-hand accounts from victims of trafficking.

Three of the rescued girls, all under the age of 12, told Pacquiao horrifying details of being forced to do things like perform sexual acts on strangers and drink their own urine.

It was all recorded, of course, for the viewing pleasure of paying strangers all over the world.

The news hit Pacquiao like Manny Pacquiao will have the chance to erase the stigma of his defeat to Timothy Bradley.

a ton of bricks, and he vowed then and there to use his political power to help combat the bane of human trafficking. On February 13, 2013, the Philippines passed into law the Anti-Trafficking bill Pacquiao had long championed, providing for strengthened prosecution of those who engage or attempt to engage in human trafficking, as well as extra protections for trafficked victims.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the

move helped place the Philippines “among the countries that have made a lot of progress” in the global campaign against human trafficking.

For his part, Pacquiao said he hopes to be remembered more for his public works than his life as a boxer.

“In boxing, I don’t think people will forget me after I retire,” Pacquiao told CNN. “But I really want people to remember me as a public servant, who is good, who is a champion for the people.”

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Talking mommy sense THE EXPERIENCE of breastfeeding is unique and special. Aside from the health and cost saving benefits, mothers also enjoy joyful bonding with their baby. My own experience had been fulfilling. Beyond emotional satisfaction, I also found breastfeeding convenient and helpful in helping me lose my “baby fats” and shrink my belly back to pre-pregnancy state. Believe it or not, moms burn calories while breastfeeding --- it takes approximately 20 to 30 calories just to produce one ounce of milk.

This may sound cliché, but, yes, breast milk is best for your baby. The benefits extend well beyond basic nutrition and the protection against illnesses last beyond the baby’s breastfeeding stage. Breastmilk constantly changes in its composition to meet the ever changing demands of babies and infants. It has the right amount of anti-infective properties, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugars needed by babies and infants in several stages of growth.

Sometimes, breastfeed-

ing can be more challenging than you imagined.

It is anything but simple.

Breastfeeding is really a labor of love as this also poses a number of challenges which a mom tirelessly faces during this

stage.

“Low milk supply, engorgement, mastitis, plugged ducts, and sore nipples are just few among the many other worries breastfeeding moms have,” explains Alex Morris-Hao, an advocate of childbirth preparation and education.

“Breastfeeding unleashes a whole series of innate instincts which only mothers understand.

For me, I find so much significance in having a support group to help you cope with the difficulties of motherhood, during and after childbirth.

It makes sense to listen to fellow moms. This is the

common ground that I have with my former students at The Pod where I hold childbirth preparation classes. We formed a little play group for our kids called Peas in the Pod, and we meet every Thursday to bond while the little ones enjoy each other’s company.”

“It was during one of those play dates back in November that we started talking about raising awareness on breastfeeding within the community. The platform was to be a non-profit generating exercise wherein moms and interested parties can join in and learn more about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.

Everyone in the room was in favor of the idea and soon plans for the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling were set into full motion.”

“A mom volunteered to design and print shirts which we would sell to raise funds to pay for the workshop fees such as the venue, food, drinks and guest speakers. We named the shirt as Mandala: The Giving Tee. Then another mom printed posters, while the rest dedicated time and effort in sharing the information on social media and thru email.”

Successful in their fund-raising efforts, the group was finally able

to open the Brea stfeeding Peer Counseling and Training to moms, hospital staff, and interested individuals last weekend.

“There were about 40 women who attended the counseling session, while 60 others joined the talk on complimentary feeding. We had speakers from Arugaan, a section under the umbrella of World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action.”

“The first day was focused on lecture and hands on training for manual milk expression.

The speaker also discussed why formula milk is not allowed in the hospitals, E.O 51- The Milk Code, R.A 7600 Breastfeeding and Rooming-In Act

of 1992. We were taught lactation massage on day two. Our speakers also emphasized on the importance of a good latch to breastfeed effectively and for your comfort. During the early days of breastfeeding, it can take time and patience for your baby to latch on well.”

“This is just a start of something great. We plan to have more of these training sessions whenever possible. There is much work to be done to support, promote and protect breastfeeding. We, as a community, have to be open and willing to take small steps to get closer to this goal, at least one mother and baby at a time,” concludes Alex.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

The MYX VJ Search is back!

After a quick break last year, the most anticipated VJ search in the country from the Philippines’ number one music channel is back, as the MYX VJ Search 2014 kicks off this February.

MYX has once again chosen to open its doors to all the young hopefuls to try out and show their stuff through a twoway process for applying—either online or through a walk-in audition.

There will be a series of auditions open to males and females aged 18 to 25 years old.

For walk-in auditions, the screening will be held at the ABS-CBN Audience Entrance in Quezon City from 10:00am until 5:00pm on February 1, 8, and 15. Applicants must bring a head shot, a full body photo, and 2 valid IDs. For online auditions, application forms can be found at the official microsite of the MYX VJ Search 2014 (www.myxph.com/vjsearch), which will have to filled out. Applicants will then have to upload a 1-minute video answering the question, “Why should I be the next MYX VJ?,” a head shot, and full body photos. The online auditions will be open until February 12.

The MYX VJ Search is one of the country’s most sought after competitions among the Philippine youth. Many stars have their roots grounded in the competition, including current VJs Luis Manzano, Iya Villania, and Nikki Gil. Others who were products of the search were the likes of Robi Domingo, Chino Lui Pio, Bianca Roque, and many more.

Stay tuned for the MYX VJ Search 2014 as it kicks off in the upcoming month. For updates, visit the official website of MYX (www.myxph.com).

Get a chance to watch the Academy Awards live THE Lifestyle Network recently announced one of its biggest events ever—an exclusive, once in a lifetime chance to catch the biggest international film awarding ceremony live, in anticipation of the upcoming 86th Academy Awards. The Academy Awards, more popularly known as the Oscars, has found a new home on in the Lifestyle Network. In celebration of this new step for the channel, the Lifestyle Network is holding a contest entitled the “Oscars Big Win Promo--”a first in the Philippine market. The “Oscars Big Win Promo”, which will run from February 3 until March 3, 2014, is an online prediction contest.

The winner with the highest number of correct predictions will win a trip to Los Angeles, California and two bleacher seats to watch the 2015 Oscars Red Carpet ceremony. The contest is open to all SkyCable, Destiny Cable, and other provincial cable operator subscribers carrying the Lifestyle Network aged 18 years and above. In order for contestants to keep tabs on their predictions, the results can be tracked live online on the day of the Academy Awards. Points will constantly be updated as each award is presented. Catch the 86th Academy Awards as it airs straight from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 3, 2014 (Philippine time) on the Lifestyle Network (SkyCable channel 24). For the complete mechanics, log on to www.lifestylenetwork.com.ph.

For updates, visit and like the Lifestyle Network on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork).

THE SM STORE’S LUGGAGE SALE. Don’t miss the Luggage Sale at the SM Store from February 1-28! Get up to 50% OFF on selected brands. Plus get a free luggage strap for every Php 1,000 purchase.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

7107 International Music Festival to hit Philippine shores this February SHOWCASING the best local and foreign artists in a massive two-day event, 7107 International Music Festival seeks to satisfy every party-goer’s thirst for a Tomorrowland in the Philippines. Happening this February 22-23, 2014, the event features big names in the international music scene such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kaskade, Empire of the Sun and many more!

It had been a music lover’s dream to fly to Ibiza or party with ravers from Coachella and Tomorrowland.

This year, we will get the opportunity to make this a reality with the biggest music festival ever to hit Philippine shores.

7107 International Music Festival is a dream come true. There had never been a gathering of the best local and foreign artists, all in two days worth of music, fun and entertainment. The event caters to all music genres from rock and roll to the best beats in electronic dance music (EDM).

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Empire of the Sun and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are going to be rocking the stage on the first phase of the event. This is your chance to slam with the bands and bring “Woodstock” to the Philippines. Second phase will happen the next day with great acts such as Kaskade and Grammy award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar.

The two-day event also features the best local talents such as Radioactive Sago with Lourd de Veyra, Hidden Nikki, Up Dharma Down and a whole lot more! This is a once in a lifetime chance to catch these artists together in a wild and epic ride filled with eargasmic tunes, the best party crowd and liters of booze.

In response to the recent calamities that happened to Leyte, Ormoc and several regions in Visayas, parts of the proceeds would be donated to HelpPH and the EJ Litton Foun-

dation to help rehabilitate, rebuild homes and properties that were destroyed by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

According to Tina Herrera, the festival’s executive producer: “It has been our personal mission to promote the Philippines; the islands, its talent, its culture and its

music throughout the world. We are thrilled that 7107 International Music Festival will serve as unique platform for our local artists to shine side by side with legendary performers. Through this International Music Festival, we are able to push our local talent on to the world stage and open up avenues for local artists to collaborate with international acts, further pushing their music to a global audience.

We want 7107 International Music Festival to be a reminder to our countrymen that music moves, and help is on the way.”

For the Davao party crowd, this is going to be a party you wouldn’t dare miss! The organizers also have tie-ins with different hotels in Clark plus travel packages to accommodate everyone from different parts of the country. Tickets are also available online for fast and easy transactions. You can read more about travel bookings and tickets on their website at 7107imf.com.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

GMA Network honored in Gandingan 2014 FOR continuously delivering quality programs to its viewers, GMA Network brought home a total of 19 awards in the Gandingan 2014: The 8th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Broadcast Choice Awards held recently at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos.

GMA Network was awarded as the Highly Commendable TV Station; while GMA VP for News Programs Jessica Soho was named as Best News Anchor for GMA News TV’s flagship newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho and as Best Maga-

zine Program Host for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, which also won as Best Magazine Program.

I-Witness’ “Tawid Eskwela” episode was awarded as Best Documentary while IWitness host Kara David was recognized as Best Documentarist. Pioneering wishgranting program Wish Ko Lang and host Vicky Morales earned the Best Public Service Program and Best Public Service Program Host awards, respectively.

Reporter’s Notebook, meanwhile, took home the Best Investigative Program award while Maki Pulido and Jiggy Manicad were named as Best Investigative Program Hosts. Early morning news magazine show Unang Hirit and its hosts led

by Arnold Clavio were given the Special Citation for Best Morning Show and Best Morning Show Hosts award, respectively. Drew Arellano, host of the Sunday informative program Aha!, won as Best Development-Oriented Children’s Program Host.

Born To Be Wild and its

hosts Dr. Nielsen Donato and Dr. Ferdz Recio, in turn, were given the Special Citation for Best Environmental Program and the Special Citation for Gandingan ng Kalikasan, respectively.

GMA News TV’s I Juander was named as Best YouthOriented Program while Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario received the Best Youth-Oriented Program Hosts. Investigative Documentaries, which also airs on GMA News TV, was recognized as Best WomenOriented Program with Malou Mangahas earning the Best Women-Oriented Program Host award.

The Gandingan Awards is organized annually by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños.

AMERICAN HUSTLE 2D Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence R 13

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

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

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

HAUNTER 2D / * GEOGRAPHY CLUB 2D

R-16

R 13 / * PG13

Abigail Breslin, David Hewlett / *Cameron Deane Stewart, Justin Deeley 12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 LFS / * 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

ROBOCOP 2D Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

Big 8 Corporate Hotel’s big kickoff for the Year of the Horse BIG 8 CORPORATE HOTEL celebrated the Lunar New Year and the Chinese Year of the Horse with a string of events that gallops forward for an exciting run of the business year.

2014, being the Year of the Horse according to Chinese zodiac starts from Jan. 31, 2014 and lasts to Feb. 18, 2015.

To jumpstart luck and happiness for a cheerful year, the crashing of the cymbals and the beating of the drums break the silence. It was the beginning of the Chinese Lion Dance, as it delighted hotel guests with their families when the 2 Lion heads appeared at the entrance of the hotel.

The lion is an important Chinese totem, the symbol of power, majesty and courage, capable of warding off evil spirits. In Chinese legend it is said that the lion was the ninth son of the dragon and was the best employable guard, thus it was usually seen in front of royal palaces, offices and residences.

The 2 brightly colored Lions bowed and dance d at the lobby in full view of the guests and kids who were even delighted and scampered to pick the lucky coins thrown in the air. The Lions then grabbed and ate the lucky green lettuce offered, as they proceeded upstairs led by the lighthearted comical monk being their mentor, to get the “Angpao” or Red Packet hanged on different locations around the hotel.

Café Velma provided guests with a really sumptuous Chinese cuisine, offering Peking Duck from amongst the delicious array of buffet delicacies.

Earlier in the week, guests were also able to buy their favorite Tikoy and hopia sold at the lobby. Another highlight

during the January 31 celebration was the Fortune Teller booth, made in authentic chinese design placed at the lobby, where guests availed of the tarot card reading.

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people’s ethos – making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warmhearted, intelligent and able. These and more are the positive beliefs that reinforces Big 8 Corporate Hotels better outlook for the Year of the Horse.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 229 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014

FIBA World Cup: US, Spain head ‘light’ groups Philippines in tough Group B with Argentina, Puerto Rico

F

IBA set the groupings for the 2014 World Cup of Basketball, to be held in Spain this August and September, in a public drawing on Monday.

USA Basketball, the world’s top-ranked team after winning gold at the 2010 World Championships and back-to-back golds in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was placed in Group C. Joining the United States in Group C is Turkey, who took home silver as the host country at the 2010 World Championships.

The USA’s top challenger, No. 2 ranked Spain, was placed in Group A, setting up a possible championship game showdown. Spain took gold at the 2011 EuroBasket, silver at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and bronze at the 2013 EuroBasket.

Joining Spain in Group A is France, who captured gold at the 2013 EuroBasket.

Here are the full draw results, which split 24 teams into four groups of six teams. FIBA rankings for each team are in parentheses.

Group A: Spain (No. 2), France (No. 8), Brazil (No. 10), Serbia (No. 11), Iran (20), Egypt (46) Group B: Argentina (No. 3), Greece (No. 5), Croatia (No. 16), Puerto Rico (No. 17), Philippines (No. 34), Senegal (No. 41) Group C: United States (No. 1), Turkey (No. 7), New Zealand (No. 19), Dominican Republic (No. 26), Finland (No. 39), Ukraine (No. 45) Group D: Lithuania (No. 4), Australia (No. 9), Slovenia (No. 13), Angola (No. 15), Mexico (No. 24), South Korea (no. 31) The preliminary round will commence on Aug. 30, with each team playing the other five teams in its group once each. From there, the top four teams from each group will then advance to the final round, where the 16 remaining teams will play a typical bracket-style series of do-or-die games until a champion is crowned.

The gold medal game will be played in Madrid on Sept. 14.

THE STARS IN SPAIN. Derrick Rose of Team USA (6) will have no Lebron James as teammate, but there will be enough like Tyson Chandler (4), Deron Williams (8) and Anthony Davis (14). Spain will have brothers Marc and Pau Gasol.

Chot dreams of second round finish

CHOT REYES. Just two wins.

Bucks snap skid, beat Knicks

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ILWAUKEE (AP) -- Brandon Knight took a couple dribbles and an important step forward in turning into the lead guard for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Knight made a 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left and finished with 25 points, and the Bucks snapped a six-game losing streak with a 10198 victory Monday night over New York. ‘’That’s his shot. He loves that little step-back, half-dribble 3,’’ said

forward Khris Middleton, who had 19 points.

With no timeouts and the ball in his hand for the Bucks’ last possession, Knight quickly but calmly brought the ball up the floor after Anthony (36 points) hit a 3-pointer with 19.4 seconds left.

He played out the seconds ahead in his head. Don’t get caught in a ‘’bad situation’’ off a screen or trap, an outcome that Knight said had played out too many times before.

‘’So I just walked it down, got into rhythm and was able to knock down that shot,’’ Knight said.

Raymond Felton leaped into the air with an outstretched arm to try to disrupt Knight, then turned in disbelief as the Bucks guard rushed down the other end to celebrate. ‘’When I went back and looked at it, Ray kind of backed off a little bit. I thought he could have been a little more aggressive,’’ coach Mike Woodson said. ‘’Ray’s hand was up

there.’’

The Knicks had one last chance, though Anthony misfired on a deep 3 before stumbling back into the first row of seats as time expired. He finished with 36 points.

Save for a sprinkling of onlookers wearing Knicks blue, the 11,000-plus fans at the Bradley Center rewarded the Bucks with a rousing ovation.

Wins - let alone this kind of dramatic victory - have been rare in this 9-39 season.

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ILAS Pilipinas national basketball coach Chot Reyes has no illusions about the Philippines chances of progressing to the second round of 16 teams in the World Cup in Spain late August.

After the draw which saw the Philippines bracketed in Group B with Argentina, Croatia, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Greece, Reyes said he believes we have a chance to beat Senegal and Puerto Rico and enter the second round although it would be very tough.

In a FIBA TV interview Reyes stressed “We are very proud. We relish this

experience. It’s the first time in 40 years and it’s an honor to be drawn with Argentina and super powers like Croatia. We like the fact that we are playing in Seville. We know we have quite a big Filipino population there. We expect a lot of our countrymen to come out to watch the games ‘live’ while people from the Philippines are going to fly over to watch the games.”

Reyes conceded “we have no illusions about our group which is very tough but like I said we relish it.

We are going to prepare very, very hard. For a team like the Philippines there is no easy group for us in a competition like this.”

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE229 229• WEDNESDAY, • WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY FEBRUARY5,5,2014 2014 TOUGH ROAD AHEAD. The Philippine team huddles after beating South Korea, 86-79, in the semifinals of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship.

Gilas in tough group

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ILAS Pilipinas will have a tough task at hand in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain as it landed in Group B together with Argentina, Senegal, Greece, and Puerto Rico in the FIBA World Cup Draw held at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, Spain.

Group A consists of host nation Spain, Egypt, Iran, Brazil, Serbia, and France. Group C on the other hand has USA, Finland, Ukraine, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, and Turkey. To round out the FIBA World Cup Draw, Group D consists of Lithuania, Angola, Slovenia, Korea, and Mexico.

The teams will battle all the members of its group once. The top four teams in the four groups will qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament. Bilbao, Granada, Gran Canaria, and Sevilla will play host to the group stage before moving to Barcelona and Madrid for the crossover knockout stage where Group A takes on Group B while Group C matches up with Group D. Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes represented the Philippines in the proceedings. After the draw, Reyes expressed that he would have wanted Gilas to be in another group.

Before the draw, the 24 qualified teams were divided into six pots. Pot 1 had the four top teams in the field so as to prevent them from having early matches against each other. This pot in-

cluded host Spain, the United States, Argentina, and Lithuania.

The rest of the pots were divided geographically. Pot 2 was for Africa, Pot 3 was for Asia and New Zealand, Pot 4 was for Europe, Pot 5 was for

South America, and Pot 6 was for Europe and Australia.

To avoid a USA versus Spain knockout match before the gold medal match, FIBA already assigned Spain to Group A and the USA to Group C.

WHO WILL STOP MANU? The Gilas Pilipinas squad will have the chance to take on Manu Ginobili of Argentina which is bracketed with the Filipinos.

Reyes still has not submitted the 24-man lineup required by FIBA as he awaits the naturalization of NBA players JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche. He could also make changes in the local roster of Gilas.