Edge Davao 6 Issue 234

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

SPORTSMANSHIP. The lighted torch symbolizes the sportsmanship of the athletes participating in the ongoing Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) games at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum City. The annual regional athletic meet is now on its fifth day since the opening last Sunday.

DCPO VOWS EDGE JUSTICE

DAVAO Sports Escandor Cup Police to pursue case vs released rape suspects opens Sunday

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) vowed to give justice to the 17-year-old girl who was butally killed by three men last January 30 in Baguio District.

This after the City Prosecution Office (CPO) ordered the Baguio Police Station last week to release Roldan Lintuan Anie,

27, his brother Dindo Lintuan Anie, 26, and Rufino Lamonay, 21 who had been arrested for the killing of Emma Joy Lorinton.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DCPO spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C.

Driz said the CPO’s order came after the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) asked for the release of the suspects because they were taken beyond the period for warrantless arrest.

“The prosecutor ordered the release of the three suspects because of the lack of knowledge of the arresting of-

ficer as well as the lapse on the reglamentary period,” she said.

The police had filed a murder case against the suspects on February 3 under inquest proceedings. But Driz said if an arrest is done beyond the reglamentary period of 18 hours, the police are not

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DSWD keeps custody of NPA ‘child soldier’

FIRE OUT. Firefighters from the Davao City’s Central 911 put out a fire that hit several houses in Barangay 23-C Isla Verde Boulevard yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t ready to help OFWs displaced by oil price slump

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ALACAÑANG assured Wednesday that the country is prepared to put in place measures to assist Filipino workers in the Middle East who may be displaced should oil prices continue to decline.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda expressed hope that the decision of oil-producing countries to freeze their production could stem the lowering of the price of petroleum products.

“Whatever the case may be, the Philippines has been prepared for this,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Lacierda cited the Department of Labor and Employ-

ment’s (DOLE) assurance of livelihood assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or matching with existing jobs in alternative markets in case they decide to come home.

Nonetheless, the Palace official was optimistic that the oil market in the Middle East would stabilize.

“So we’re hoping that the situation abroad, the oil price situation will stabilize in a manner that will not exacerbate the anticipated situation of our OFWs being unemployed. So tingnan po natin, but whatever the situation is, handa po ang ating bansa sa ano mang scenario,” Lacierda further said. (PNA)

Duterte expresses support for indignant LGBT members

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EMBERS of the Filipino lesbian-gay-bisexual-transsexual (LGBT) community found an ally in presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, who expressed support for their call for equality and respect.

In Bacolod City Wednesday afternoon, Duterte said he only has high regards and admiration for the members of the LGBT community.

“OK ako sa mga bakla. I have nothing against gays,” Duterte was quoted as saying to around 2,000 people who gathered at SMX in Bacolod City Wednesday.

Duterte maintained that it is not for humans to judge

others.

His statement came a day after boxing champion and senatorial candidate Manny Pacquiao drew flak for saying in an interview that homosexuals are worse than animals.

He has since apologized to the LGBT but maintained his stand against homosexuality.

Duterte, who pushed for the passage of anti-discrimination ordinance in Davao, has previously said that gays are “children of God.” “God does not discriminate against people, regardless of color, religion, social class, or gender and sexual preferences,” Duterte previ-

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By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 will keep custody of a 14-year-old “child soldier” of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was rescued by the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB) in an enounter in Patukan, Compostela Valley Province last week.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps forum, DSWD 11 Protective Service Unit head Pedrita Dimakiling said the agency needs to place the minor in a temporary shelter for his rehabilitation after his treatment for gunshot wounds.

“There is no need to immediately return him to his family while there is still threat

in his life,” Dimakiling said.

“The child is still at risk,” she added.

Dimakiling said whatever the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or the NPA say about the boy, he is still a victim who needs protection.

“On the side of the child, the government should give him protection (and) security,” she said.

Dimakiling said the boy is still in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for his recovery after sustaining gunshot wounds during the encounter.

Dimakiling said after the boy was rescued by the soldiers, he was immediately turned over to DSWD 11

which provided intervention to the minor.

She said the agency will provide assistance to the family of the boy. The municipal social workers in Maco, Compostela Valley Province have started the assesment of the family for any assistance needed, she added.

Dimakiling said that based on their interview to the victim, the boy just joined the rebel group ‘out of curiosity’as he observed the situation in their area.

For his part, 10th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson Captain Rhyan Batchar said his unit considers the boy a “child soldier” being used by the NPA.

Batchar said the assessment is based on the statement from the boy himself, who said he was actively participating in all the activities of the rebel group Batchar had earlier said the boy was intercepted in a checkpoint in Barangay Tibagon in Pantukan along with Ronel Paas alias Dondon, 35, a resident of Magnaga, Pantukan .

Paas, who had a gunshot wound on his chest, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital while the boy, who had a gunshot wound on his lower left leg, was brought to Camp Panacan Station Hospital after the initial treatment at the hospital.

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Orlyn Leyte, Pitogo police chief, after he received report about the killing of Elvis Ordaniza, 49, of DXWO Power 99 FM of the Times Broadcasting Network based in the city.

Ordaniza was gunned down around 7:10 p.m. Tuesday in Purok Bagong Silang,

Barangay Poblacion, Pitogo.

Leyte said initial investigation showed a lone gunman shot Ordaniza while he was preparing food for his family’s dinner.

The gunman, who remained unidentified, fled after the incident.

Leyte said Ordaniza was

rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Ordaniza, who handles a public affairs program, is known to be critical against illegal gambling activities and proliferation of prohibited drugs in this province. (PNA)

Radio broadcaster shot dead in Zambo town UPERINTENDENT Michael Nicolas, police provincial director, has ordered the conduct of a thorough probe over the killing of a radio broadcaster in the nearby town of Pitogo, this province.

Nicolas’ order was addressed to Chief Inspector

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Phl verifying reports of Chinese missile setup in South China Sea

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CHECK. A security personnel of The Marco Polo Davao inspects a vehicle before allowing it to enter the premises of the hotel yesterday. Davao City has been placed on high alert after a series of bombing incidents in some parts of Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Philippines on Wednesday said it is confirming reports that China has installed anti-aircraft missiles on a disputed islands in the South China Sea. “We have first to verify the information,” said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose in a text message.

In a statement, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said Beijing has deployed an undetermined number of missiles on Woody Island, which is being claimed by Taipei along with Vietnam.

Although the Philippines has no claim over the island, it has always maintained the position that all claimant-states to the resource-rich waters should adhere to the rule of law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law

of the Sea (UNCLOS), must not use force or intimidation and adhere to the principles of a non-binding and non-aggression pact on the South China Sea that was signed in 2002

by China and Southeast Asian states.

Reports of China’s positioning of missiles on the island came after the conclusion on Tuesday of a leaders’ summit between the United States and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Sunnylands, California, where they jointly called for the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for legal and diplomatic processes without resorting to threat or use of force.

China is locked in yearslong territorial conflicts with the Philippines, Vietnam,

HE Communication Majors’ Alliance of Davao (CMAD), an association of students majoring in communication arts in various universities and colleges in Davao City, conducted its 4th annual meet this past weekend.

The event marked the introduction of inter-school competitions in radio broadcasting, writing for print media, and extemporaneous dialogue (a redefined format of the previous extemporaneous speaking contest). Competitions in TV newscasting and the search for the Ambassador and Ambassadress of Communication continued.

On January 24 at the Ateneo de Davao University, CMAD conducted its elimination round for TV news casting, Radio Broadcasting, and writing for print media participated in by six member schools namely Ateneo de Davao Uni-

versity (AdDU), Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), Jose Maria College (JMC), University of Mindanao (UM), University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), and University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Mindanao). Only three schools in each competition will remain for the grand finals.

On Saturday, February 6, at the 500-seater auditorium of the Finster Hall at Ateneo de Davao University, the CMAD held its annual meet titled “Commvergence” attended by the abovementioned schools.

Before the awaited competition in every year of Commvergence which is the Ambassador & Ambassadress of Communication, winners from on-the-spot competitions and film screening qualifiers were announced on the same day.

The winners are: EXTEMPORANEOUS DIA-

NPA leader, relative face firearm charges T

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Alliance of comm arts students holds contests

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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N alleged ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a companion are now facing charges after they were arrested on Tuesday morning in Tagum City.

The suspects were identified as Ariel Arbitrario alias Marlon and Crispolo Arbitrario alias Calvin, both from Guerilla Front 2 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, 10th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson Captain Rhyan Batchar said the two

were intercepted in a joint checkpoint of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 11, Tagum City Police, Compostela Valley Police Provincial Office, and 10th ID in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City at around 11:15 a.m. on February 16.

“Nakuha sila sa isang checkpoint namin while the AFP and PNP were conducting security chekcpoints in the ongoing DAVRAA (Davao Regional Athletic Association) in Tagum City (We were able to arrest the suspects while the AFP and PNP were conducting security checkpoints for

Phl ranks 4th in most number of disasters

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ENATOR Loren Legarda on Wednesday renewed her call for a whole-of-society approach to reduce disaster risks to ensure the safety the communities against the natural disasters.

Legarda, chair of the Senate committees on finance and climate change, made this call to the government after the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) released a study showing 2015 was the hottest year on record and the Philippines ranked fourth among countries hit by the most number of disasters caused by natural hazards in 2015.

“Reducing risks is our weapon against natural hazards. We are vulnerable to natural hazards because we are

an archipelagic and developing nation located at the western edge of the Pacific Ocean and directly within the Ring of Fire,” Legarda said.

“To address our vulnerability, our government must work double time to achieve the goals under the Sendai Framework for DRR as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the country’s Intended Nationally-Determined Contributions (INDCs),” she added.

Legarda, UNISDR global champion for resilience, said to address the country’s vulnerability, the government must work double time to achieve the goals under the Sendai Framework for DRR as well as the Sustainable Devel-

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the ongoing DAVRAA games in Tagum City),” he said.

Batchar said during the arrest, security forces were able to seize a caliber .45 and a caliber .38 pistol, a fragmentation grenade, an improvised hand grenade, and a handheld radio from their possession.

Batchar said the two will face cases of violation of the election gun ban and illegal possession firearms and explosives.

He said the two are now detained at Davao del Norte CIDG office.

He said Marlon is the front secretary of Guerilla

Front 2 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) while Calvin is member of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC 2) of SMRC. Batchar said the two have standing warrants of arrest for murder which were filed in Regional Trial Court(RTC) Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

He said Marlon is the mastermind of “NPA-initiated atrocities” in Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan while alias Calvin was also involved in killings as a member of the NPA SOG.

CHILD SOLDIER. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 protected unit head Pedrita Dimakiling (left) gives updates on the 14-year-old alleged New People’s Army (NPA) fighter who was wounded and rescued by elements of the Philippine Army. Dimakiling and Davao

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City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz were among the guests in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

5 ECONOMY

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IN SEASON. A customer picks from a batch of fresh pomelos at a roadside store in Bajada, Davao City. Pomelos are sold year-round here but there are times they become more abundant. Jon Joaquin

Ban planting of trees under power lines: Lu

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is pushing for a law that will penalize the planting of trees under transmission line facilities as this has become a threat to the Mindanao’s power situation.

“We are really advocating for the passage of a policy that will make planting under these facilities punishable,” MinDA secretary Luwalhati “Lu” R. Antonino said in this week’s edition of Wednesday’s at Habi

at Kape sa Abreeza yesterday.

Antonino said the passage of such a law was one of the recommendations in the recent meeting of stakeholders of the Mindanao power sector in the MinDA office. The recommendations have already submitted to the Office of the President, she added.

She said a public consultation on the proposal was conducted yesterday in Cagayan de Oro City by the House Committee on Energy chaired

by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali.

Antonino said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has identified the presence of trees under transmission towers as among the problems it faces in power distribution, along with bombings and right of way (ROW).

Antonino said the problem with trees is complicated by the policy of the Department of Environment and Natural

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DTI wants to jumpstart Davao Occidental office

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 is eyeing a bigger budget next year to jumpstart the full operation of its Davao Occidental office.

“We proposed a P7-million budget for its operation in 2015 but it was not approved.

Last year, it was only allocated P2 million for its operation,” DTI 11 regional director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi told reporters at the sidelines of the consultation meeting with stakeholders at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao last Tuesday.

The DTI 11 proposed a total of P153.6 million budget for next year which will finance its regular programs like capacity enhancement trainings for small and medium enterprises, bottom-up budgeting, product development, and promotions.

Ambi said DTI 11 established a program office last month in Malita, Davao Occidental headed by Eulogio C. Orevillo with three regular staff members.

“We’re planning to hire three more job-orders for the office,” she added.

The program office in Davao Occidental covers a total of five municipalities, namely Malita, Jose Abad Santos, Sta. Maria, Saranggani, and Don Marcelino.

Ambi said the area is “challenging” but has a huge potential.

Among the priority industries in the Davao Occidental are rubber and coffee.

The province of Davao Occidental was created through Republic No. 10360 passed in july 2012. The capital of the province will be Malita.

ARMM to build P1.4B worth of infra projects

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HE Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) will implement P1.4 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao in a bid to improve the living conditions in the three areas.

The various infrastructure projects are set to be rolled out this month as ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman with Engineer Doon Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM Secretary, inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Tuesday with the mayors of the beneficiary towns of the projects.

The infrastructure projects will include roads, waters system, and fish ports.

The funding for the implementation of the projects is part of the P10.1 billion approved budget for the construction and rehabilitation of local roads, bridges, seaports, and other infrastructure projects in the five provinces of the region.

Sulu and Tawi-Tawi along with Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao are the five provinces comprising the ARMM. “We are now doing things more systematically and we are strengthening our partnership with the local government units,” Loong said.

He said the DPWH-ARMM is investing heavily on roads, bridges and other infrastructures to ease the movement of agriculture products and other goods in the region.

As of this month, Loong said they have already concreted 701.238 of the 1,520.967 kilometers the office have targeted to pave across the region from 2012-2016.

Loong said the massive infrastructure program is expected to generate thousands of jobs in the region.

“We in the DPWH-ARMM build not only roads, but hopes and dreams as well of the Bangsamoro people. We build roads where people have lost faith in the government, and where government has lost hope that we can build infrastructure in those areas.

Through the administration of Gov. Hataman, we are going into those areas,” Loong said.

Mayor Alih Sali of Akbar, Basilan expressed his gratitude to the ARMM government for its efforts in implementing projects in the far-flung areas.

“This is a manifestation of the regional government’s trust to us in handling various projects, this will also help improve the lives and productivity of the farmers in our municipality,” Sali added.

The municipality of Akbar received P86 million for the concreting of Lower Sinangkapan-Upper Sinangkapan Road; Caddaya-Lower BatoBato Road; and, Bohe-Bakung-Mangalut-Mangguso Road.

The projects are being monitored using satellite-based geo-tagging systems and actual site inspection by the district engineering offices and the Regional Project Monitoring Committee.

Meanwhile, the DPWH-ARMM has allocated more funds for many flagship projects this year in the region.

For this year’s regular infrastructure projects, the department is targeting to construct 485.726 kilometers of roads, 46 bridges, 14 flood control structures, 12 drainage canals, 54 water supply systems, 25 seaports and 41 other projects across the region. (PNA)

BLACKOUTS AGAIN. Davao City is once again experiencing up to three hours of rotating blackouts as Therma South, Inc. (TSI) implements a 10-day preventive maintenance shutdown of one of its coal-fired power plants. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t pursues bidding of P19-B Sasa port proj

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will resume the bidding of the stalled P18.99-billion Davao Sasa Modernization Port by the end of the month with only four bidders left.

“The DOTC is currently conducting series of public consultation on the project,” Ma. Vilma N. Belches, a development management officer of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said in yesterday’s edition of Wednesday’s at Habi at Kape sa Abreeza.

Belches said only four bidders have been left to compete for the modernization project, which will be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme with a 30-year concession period.

The DOTC announced last month that the Singapore-based Portek International Pte. Ltd.-National Marine Corp. consortium with-

drew from the bidding.

“The remaining bidders that also passed the bidding prequalification are San Miguel Holdings Corp.-APM Terminals Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., International Container Terminal Services Inc., the Asian Terminals Inc.DP World FZE consortium, and the Bollore Africa Logistics,” Belches said.

Belches said the PPP Center, which is handling the implementation of the project, will resume the bidding by this month after a series of public consultations.

The development project has drawn opposition from private port operators in Davao Region, the business sector, and the city government of Davao.

Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (Anflocor) president Alexander N. Valoria had earlier said the project will not only complete with the existing private port operators but will also result

in an increase in the service fee rates of all surrounding ports in the region.

Valoria said Davao Sasa port will compete with the private port operators that are continuously upgrading their capacities to cope with the increasing demand of the industries in the region. Anflocor owns and operates the three-year-old Davao International Container Terminal in Panabo City.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) president and rubber exporter Bonifacio Tan has questioned the transparency of the project. He said the DOTC and the PPP Center are both “secretive” about the project.

He said only qualified bidders can access the terms of reference and evaluate whether the project is advantageous or not. “This is because the administration shelved the freedom of information bill,” Tan said.

The city government of

Davao also passed a resolution last year opposing the development project due to the lack of consultation.

The project is the first PPP venture for Mindanao and is projected for completion from 2017 to 2020. It will be implemented in three phases.

In an earlier statement, the DOTC said the modernization project involves the expansion and modernization of the existing seaport including the construction of a new quay and installation of cranes to address port traffic congestion that will boost the efficiency of the port.

According to DOTC, the project will boost the port’s capacity to 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) upon completion of the infrastructure component in 2020 and will complement both existing and future demands, alongside other major ports in the region, namely the Hijo Port and the Davao International Container Terminal.

nesses between the two sides, Obama said at a press conference at the end of a two-day meeting with ASEAN leaders.

“We agreed to do more together to encourage the entrepreneurship and innovation that are at the heart of modern competitive economies,” Obama said.

Obama discussed the initiative with ASEAN leaders

on Monday during a session on economic cooperation between the two sides.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the U.S. and ASEAN countries stressed the importance of pursuing policies that foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

The gathering of U.S. and ASEAN leaders, the first of its kind on U.S. soil, is part

of Obama’s efforts to deepen what he called a “strong and enduring partnership.”

The two sides forged a strategic partnership in Kuala Lumpur in November last year.

ASEAN consists of 10 Southeastern Asian countries. As the region’s economy grew, it’s interaction with world powers has also been increasing. (PNA/Xinhua)

US to boost economic ties with ASEAN U

.S. President Barack Obama unveiled here Tuesday a new initiative to promote economic ties with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The initiative, called U.S.-ASEAN Connect, is designed to set up a network of hubs across the region to connect more entrepreneurs, investors and busi-

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EDITORIAL Less talk, less mistake

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ARANGANI Rep. Manny Pacquiao has been besieged by a barrage of blows he has never seen before on top of the boxing ring.

After blurting out unsavoury comments directed at the LGBT community on his views on same-sex marriage, the eight-time world champion was transformed from hero to villain after referring to gays as being worse than animals.

Pacquiao’s comments reverberated over social media and was the undisputed trending topic on the internet. It generated more posts in the same fashion as the pay-per-view buys in his fights.

Manny’s comments were as pure as it can get. Straight from his heart, rooted on his appreciation of the Scripture, and yes, using his version of “common sense.”

Perhaps Manny underestimated the LGBT sector and, with his newfound biblical knowledge, let lose his jabs. Those jabs should now go down as the most regrettable jabs he has unleashed.

Manny, for sure, did not see it coming. He probably thought, as it was in the past, that his statements would be taken by his legion of fans as acceptable.

To appease the LGBT community, Manny threw a banquet for a group of LGBT folks at his home in General Santos City. Even that did not help in silencing the angry sector.

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Television host Boy Abunda went ballistic on his TV program, hitting back at Manny and debunking his “common sense.”

Then came the hate campaign against the senator-wannabe.

Manny must have realized now the gravity of his comments. Yes, it is Manny’s right to freely expresss his opinion under democratic society.

In the same manner, gay rights are also part of the blessings of democracy.

It is not wrong for Manny to disapprove of same-sex marriage. What is wrong is his subsequent comparison of gays to animals.

This is where he crossed the line. Manny dug himself a hole with his “worse than animal” remarks.

Manny has a fight on April 9 against American Tim Bradley. He has a date with the electorate on May 9.

Before he faces those two battles, he needs to get by this one. Manny must make peace with the hurting LGBT community first before he could handle his next wars. More importantly, he needs to learn from his mistakes.

Less talk, less mistake, Manny. Take this “common sense” lesson from Senator Lito Lapid, who made it to the Senate with less talk. Almost none at all.

Common sense dictates that when you don’t know much, keep quiet.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

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EDGEDAVAO “Land use changes — primarily deforestation — accounted for an estimated one-third of global carbon emissions between 1850 and 1998.” — Worldwatch Institute *** HICH absorbs the most carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere: oldgrowth forest or newly-established trees planted in areas that were converted into farming or used in livestock production?

It’s the latter, according to a research published in the journal Nature. In a news report dispatched by Agence France Presse (AFP), it said: “Tropical forests reclaiming land cleared for agriculture or livestock not only grow quickly, but absorb far more CO2 from the atmosphere than old-growth trees.”

The study “challenges long-standing assumptions that virgin tropical forests untouched by logging or industry do a better job of sopping up carbon dioxide and, in so doing, slowing the pace of global warming.”

Another good thing: the study shows that regenerating tropical forests could play an even greater role infighting climate change than previously suspected.

The Union of Concerned Scientists of the United States of America (UCSUSA), in its website, explained the role of tropical forests in mitigating global warming. “Tropical forest trees, like all green plants, take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis. Plants also carry out the opposite process, known as respiration, in which they emit carbon di-

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Carbon dioxide absorber oxide, gener- THINK ON THESE! ally in smaller amounts than taken in during photosynthesis.

The remaining carbon is stored in the plant, allowing it to grow bigger. That stored carbon would be released into Henrylito D. Tacio the air as carbon henrytacio@gmail.com dioxide if deforestation or forest degradation occurs and trees are cut down and allowed to rot or are burned.”

Indeed, it is such a lengthy explanation.

Studies show that carbon dioxide is a major source of global warming pollution. Tropical deforestation has contributed that. “Tropical forests must be protected from deforestation and degradation if we want to reduce emissions to the levels needed to protect the planet against the worst and most expensive global warming impacts,” the UCSUSA pointed out.

The UCSUSA understands that ending deforestation will not solve the global warming by itself. “Clearly, urgent action is needed to cut the other 90 percent of emissions,” it said, “but the problem cannot be solved if the 10% of world emissions from tropical deforestation is ignored.”

Now, let’s go back to the new study. “Car-

bon uptake is surprisingly fast in these young forests that regrow on abandoned pastures or abandoned agricultural fields,” said Lourens Poorter, lead author of the study and a professor at Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

The study found out that after only two decades, recovering tropical forests in Latin America built up, on average, more than 120 tons of biomass per hectare (2.5 acres) and were able to remove three tons of carbon per hectare per year from the atmosphere.

“That is 11 times the uptake rate of oldgrowth forests,” Poorter said in a statement.

According to the AFP, “Over half of the world’s tropical forests are not old-growth, but naturally regenerating after trees had been cleared to make way for crops or cattle.”

Aside from the Amazon basin, the two other largest tropical forest zones are in Indonesia, and central Africa.

In 1935, roughly 60% of the country’s total land area was covered with forest. That’s 17 million hectares of the 30 million hectares. “Today, only five to seven million hectares of forest remain,” laments Raoul T. Geollegue, a licensed forester and an expert in forest land use planning.

“This implies that we have lost 12 million hectares of forest during the last 75 years,” wrote Geollegue, who is the former Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Regions 7 and 10, in a feature published in Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“When we compute the climate change

service of a forest, we refer to the capacity to sequester carbon dioxide,” he wrote. “With biomass of lowland forests 10 times more than our remaining mid-mountain and mossy forests today, we may have lost already 95% of the forest’s capacity to capture carbon dioxide.”

Aside from climate change service, tropical forests provide a long list of environmental and economic services. “They are home to a tremendously broad range of species, for example,” the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute claims.

“Indonesia accounts for only 1.3% of the world’s plant species, but it has 11% of the world’s plant species, 10% of the mammal species, and 16% of the bird species.”

Trees also regulate global water flows among land, the atmosphere, rivers, lakes, and oceans.

“Deforestation remains a serious issue globally, as many countries continue to lose more trees than they regenerate,” Worldwatch says.

But deforestation is a complex phenomenon with many direct and underlying causes, the Worldwatch says.

Immediate drivers include agricultural expansion, wood harvesting, and infrastructure expansion such as road building. Underlying drivers include poverty, economic growth, and other economic factors; government policies; technological advances; demographic change; and cultural factors.

Other variables, such as land characteristics and soil and water profiles, along with social triggers such as war can also influence the extent of deforestation, Worldwatch says.

…we are conscious of the disproportionate and unruly growth of many cities, which have become unhealthy to live in, not only because of pollution caused by toxic emissions but also as a result of urban chaos, poor transportation, and visual pollution and noise. Many cities are huge, inefficient structures, excessively wasteful of energy and water. Neighborhoods, even those recently built, are congested, chaotic and lacking in green space. We are not meant to be inundated by cement, asphalt, glass and metal, and deprived of physical contact with nature (LS 44).

The CLUP mandated green spaces are in addition to the “open spaces” that do not need to be green. They are green spaces needed by all, which the Council does well to leave partially to the planning and creativity of private developers and private clients in private spaces, so it can focus attention and resources on the development of public green spaces for all. Shrine Hills, for example, which is geologically unsuitable for subdivision development, should be developed as green space for all. I do not understand why we are tarrying on this. We should keep in mind the ideal ratio of 9 square meters of green space per resident, and target this, to cure the sorry half-square meter per resident we have today.

Let me end by sharing that in tackling the problem of the urban poor it became clear that a principal cause of the problem was the lack of affordable housing stock. RA 7279 responded with the provision that 15 percent of a developer’s investment should be for socialized housing. That provision has brought affordable housing to many working urban poor. But when it was introduced, the subdivision developers complained that it was confiscatory. Just like they are now claiming the 10% additional green space requirement is confiscatory. But the green spaces provision is for the common

good. Repealing it would be confiscatory of the improved quality of life that benefits all in Davao, the right of all to sustained fresh air to breathe, fresh water to drink, cool winds, refreshing breezes, flowers and trees, and to the general well being. It would also mean that the CLUP is unreliable as a legislated plan, alterable at the whim of the privately interested, and so as an expression of the long-term will of the people for rational urban development towards common weal inutile.

This would spell developmental chaos for Davao. It would be tragic for a Davao that has so much promise at being a world-class city – in which quality investors will certainly invest because of the wisdom and reliability of Davao’s policies, and because of the integrity and steadfastness of its policymakers. Through its creative green spaces, let Davao go the way of San Francisco, Chicago and New York, Munich, Paris and London, Seoul, Singapore and Kyoto.

All the world’s great cities are going green! Let there be generous public green spaces in Davao for family picnicking under the shade of native trees which attract swallows and kingfishers, with lakes and streams alive with fish, with butterflies in the daytime and fireflies at night. Let us move forward together in the healthy implementation of the CLUP and not regress into the grime and gloom of cemetrified (cemetery-like, cement-petrified) Manila.

In this context, if Ateneo de Davao can help in further conversations, land-use planning, urban development and design, in the name of its faculty and students, and especially of its energetic engineers and talented architects, allow me to pledge our support.

Why? For the love of Davao, that’s all. For the love of its treasures in nature and the love of its people.

For the love of Davao

(Excerpts from the address of Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Davao University, before the 17th City Council of Davao on February 16, 2016. Full text can be read in his blog, taborasj.wordpress.com.)

BY FR. JOEL TABORA SJ

AM not a Davaeño by birth. I am a born Manileño. I am in Davao by virtue of my mission to Ateneo de Davao. In the more than five years I have lived here happily, I have come to love Davao – its kind and welcoming people, its multicultural vibrancy, its dearly won peace and order, its happy mix between the urban and the rural, the creative and the traditional, the new and the old, its confidence and self-consciousness as the leading city of Mindanao and the gateway to a bright tomorrow for the nation.

I feel very honored at the opportunity to speak with you, and I thank Councilor Mabel Acosta for inviting me. About my concern for Davao, it is only you I can address. You are my representatives on the City Council of Davao. In the last two elections, I voted for you.

My position on the details of this controversy is expressed in the manifestation that I have signed and submitted to your honors this morning for your appreciation. Beyond that, however, the issue of green spaces is about social justice, just as the issue of housing for all, and protection of the human rights of all, is about social justice.

Protecting the quality of human life through green spaces, protecting the access of city dwellers to places where they can enjoy the talisay, the narra, the palms, the bamboo, the orchids, where birds and reptiles and waters are alive, protecting the cooling breezes despite the heat that concentrated populations bring in urban settings, protecting the health of our aquifers through green spaces that can regenerate them,

protecting health and fresh drinking water for all, protecting the city against flooding, is an issue of social justice.

The challenge of translating social justice into policy is entrusted especially to you, the esteemed councilors of Davao for whom I voted.

In an age of global environmental awareness heightened not only by the political community as in the Climate Change Forum of Paris but also by the religious community as through Pope Francis’ globally-hailed issuance of Laudato Si!, it is the challenge of protecting the environment and the common good from the interests of the ignorant, the short sighted or the greedy.

In fact the Davao City Council has done admirable work in setting an example of enlightened sensitivity for the environment and the common good for the entire country despite the objections of some. In the name of the environment and of the common good, it has prohibited cigarette smoking in public spaces, dangerous and pollutive fireworks on Christmas and New Year’s, it has prohibited toxic aerial l spraying, it has prohibited environmentally destructive mining. In a admirable act of legislative wisdom, it has enacted the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

Just as in compliance with RA 7279 the CLUP set aside land not only for the use of the propertied but also for the socialized housing needs of the poor (cf. Sec. 3.3.3), so the CLUP sets aside green spaces not only for the enjoyment of the wealthy but for the common good of all. It is as if the CLUP anticipated the words of Pope Francis in Laudato Si:

I

VANTAGE POINTS

COMMENTARY

10 NEWS DCPO... FROM 1

allowed to implement a warrantless arrest on the suspects.

“Therefore, the Baguio Police Station considering re-filing the case under regular filing (so that) at least the case will still be ongoing,” she said.

Driz said the police still have the witnesses who could support the complaint against the suspects so that the case will prosper and go to court.

She said the police experienced technical issues on the case because the witnesses came out late due to fear that the three men might seek revenge on them.

She said the police will now wait for the case to be resolved and raffled to Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the issuance of the warrant of arrest.

Driz said the suspects were invited by the police on February 2 for questioning since Roldan was allegedly courting Lorinton. The other

two are neighborhood toughies in the area.

The suspects, however, were initially freed because no witness could point to their involvement in the crime.

The suspects were arrested on February 3 after witnesses identified them as the persons who killed Lorinton. The victim was found in a grassy area in Purok Hanagdong in Barangay Tawan-tawan on at around 5 a.m. on February 1.

The victim was found no underwear and her pants had been lowered to her knees, leading investigators to believe she had been raped before being killed. Lorinton sustained wounds in different parts of her body and a hack in her chin.

The autopsy report, however, said that the victim was negative for genital injury as well as presence of spermatozoa.

opment Goals (SDGs), and the country’s Intended Nationally-Determined Contributions (INDCs).

The senator explained that understanding the risk “will help us know how we can effectively address it.”

“We need to bring action down to the local level and to be able to do that, everyone must have a good grasp of the risks so that everyone is part of crafting the solution and the actual implementation,” she said.

Legarda said that she made sure the implementation of programs authorized under the 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA) would contribute towards disaster risk reduction and climate change

adaptation and mitigation.

“We have introduced special provisions that reiterate the implementation of our environmental laws,” she said.

She is referring to the Rainwater Collectors and Springs Development Law, Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Law, Climate Change Act, Renewable Energy Law, Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, People’s Survival Fund Act, among many others.

“Agencies of government are required to contribute to implementing these laws, which should help us carry out our commitment to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework for DRR,” Legarda said.

(PNA)

Resources (DENR) that cutting trees is illegal and punishable by law This means trees that have been planted under transmission towers by the land owners cannot just be cut.

The NGCP has not restored Tower 25 located at Ditsaan-Ramain in Lanao del Sur since it was bombed on Christmas Eve because of the allegedly uncooperative area owners.

This led to the isolation of the two government-owned generating facilities, namely the Agus 1 and Agus 2 hydroelectric power plants which supply at least 58 megawatts to the Mindanao grid.

Antonino said the claimants have demanded that the NGCP pay around P400 million

in fees for utilizing their property for which they do not have titles in the first place.

She said the claimants are also demanding P1.6 million for each tree that needs to be cut.

Antonino said as much as the NGCP is willing to pay the claimants, the Sy-led firm, which took over as grid operator in 2009, is exhausting all possible legal processes.

“The NGCP is seeking legal assistance to know whether there’s a necessity to pay these claimants who don’t even have land titles and receipts of paying their real property tax,” she said.

Antonino said the NGCP has pledged to improve its community relations to avoid disputes with land owners.

magazine and four rounds of unspent ammunitions; the P1,000 bill used in the buybust operation, and 20 pieces of fake P1,000 bills.

The CIDG operatives also confiscated from the possession of Gegone and Torralba six pieces of heat sealed sa-

chets of suspected shabu, a glass tooter, an improvised bamboo sealer, and other drug paraphernalia.

Caraga PNP chief Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix said the arrested suspects will not be deprived of due process. (PNA)

Phl ranks... FROM 4

Ban... FROM 5

Policeman... FROM 13

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

DSWD to observe Adoption Consciousness Celebration T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Davao Region will hold the annual Adoption Consciousness celebration from February 21 to 25 to raise the awareness of the parents on the legal adoption process.

During Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City, Sheryll Annie Dumalogdog, social welfare officer 3 of DSWD-11, said that the staging of the celebration, dubbed as “Legal na Ampon Ako: Anak na Totoo,” is necessary so that the parents will know the procedures, including the documentary requirements, the benefits and the effects of adoption.

Dumalogdog added that the parents who are willing to adopt a child will have to go through the final screening to determine if they are “financially, emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually” ready.

An Adoption Forum is set to open on Friday where around 100 participants are expected to gather at the Grand Men Seng Hotel here

while around 150 adoptive parents, adopted children, and orphaned kids will participate in the Convention for the Adoptive Families on Saturday at the Sunny Point along Ma-a Road here, according to Dumalogdog.

She added different adoption help desks will be put up in malls of Davao City.

“The activity aims to raise and intensify the public’s awareness on legal adoption of abandoned, surrendered, and neglected Filipino children through various activities highlighting the theme of the celebration,” said Pacita Sarino, OIC director 4 of DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau, in her letter sent to all regional directors dated January 11.

“The celebration will educate the public on the legal process of adoption that may lead to applications for domestic adoptions or inquiries on adoption and other forms of alternative family care,” she said.

Objectives of the fiveday event include to respond to inquiries of the public on adoption and other forms of

ously said. “The universe is ruled by the law of a God who is forgiving, merciful, compassionate and loving, the same God who created all of us equal.”

A group of LGBT rights advocates in Davao City, lauded the position of Duterte.

“It only shows that Duterte remains respectful of the choices of individuals — straight or gays,” said Pidot

Villocino, a supporter of Duterte.

“We recognize and hail his continued stand against measures and laws that discriminate against us or against other marginalized sector — laws that are aimed at crippling freedoms of individuals, including the freedom to be who you are, who you want to be with, or who you love,” he added.

Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan over the resource-rich waters, where undersea minerals and huge oil and gas deposits have been discovered in several areas. Without an immediate resolution in sight, analysts feared that the overlapping claims can result into a fullblown military conflict.

Two of the most vocal claimants — Philippines and Vietnam — jointly accused China of intruding into its sovereign territories, blatantly violating international laws, engaging in reclamation activities, harassment of its fishermen and disrupting energy exploration in their respective waters.

The two countries have called on China to stop what they call an “illegal occupation” of its territories and to cease its massive expansion activities in several areas, where Manila and Hanoi both have claims.

Manila has a pending case against China before the The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, where it is seeking interpretation of its maritime entitlements in

the South China Sea, which is being claimed nearly in its entirety by Beijing. A final decision may be rendered by the court in May, according to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

Vietnam backed Manila’s arbitration case when it submitted its position before the tribunal last December, a move that has infuriated China.

The resource-rich South China Sea, a chain of more than 100 islands, shoals, reefs and coral outcrops, straddles one of the world’s most vital sea lanes.

China, which insists historical rights over the waters, wants bilateral negotiations with each claimant to resolve the territorial row and opposes any meddling by non-claimant countries specially the US, which it has repeatedly condemned for intervening in what Beijing says is a purely Asian issue. Any bilateral negotiation would give China a huge advantage because of its sheer size, overwhelming military and naval power and economic clout. (PNA)

Duterte... FROM 2

Phl... FROM 4

alternative family care, provide program orientation on adoption and foster care laws and guidelines to selected school officials and teachers of the Department of Education (DepEd), and provide orientation/discussion to partner agencies, adoptive families and selected publics, on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) in relation to providing alternative family care to children.

36 kids placed for adoption A total of 36 children had been placed for local and intercountry adoption in 2015 while another 74 children with Certifications Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDLAA) are now in the final stage of the adoption process, an official said.

Of the 36 children, four were adopted by parents who live abroad while the 32 were taken by the local parents.

Dumalogdog added the 74 children are currently housed at the DSWD facility and the accredited child-caring facilities in the Davao Region.

Alliance... FROM 4 LOGUE First Runner-Up: Ms. Andy Mejos & Ms. Vanessa Kate Madrazo (AdDU) Second Runner-Up: Ms. Jay Ann Peteros & Mr. Ray Emmanuel Pascual (UIC) Third Runner-Up: Ms. Hanna Patricia Hingpit & Mr. Neil Dred Dayo (UM)

TV NEWSCASTING First Runner-Up: Ms. Camille Margarette Solon (UP-Mindanao) Second Runner-Up: Ms. Claudine Chicote (HCDC) Third Runner-Up: Ms. Jessa Mariestela Putong (AdDU)

RADIO BROADCASTING First Runner-Up: “Radyo Ignacio”- AdDU Second Runner-Up: “Derecho 1234” – HCDC Third Runner-Up: “Radyo Iskolar”– UP – Mindanao

WRITING FOR PRINT (NEWS WRITING) First Runner-Up: Aivy Rose Villarba Second Runner-Up: Angel Missy Roble (HCDC) Third Runner-Up: Noemi Lynne Visto (UP-Mindanao)

WRITING FOR PRINT (SPORTS WRITING) First Runner-Up: Rovie Ain Arienza (UP-Mindanao) Second Runner-Up: Robby Salveron (HCDC) Third Runner-Up: Madel Barluado (ADDU) WRITING FOR PRINT (FEATURE WRITING) First Runner-Up: Gwena Dale Caubang (AdDU) Second Runner-Up:

“DSWD is not asking fees from the parents who want to adopt but they are asked to pay for the lawyers,” she said.

She said some of the parents who previously signified interest to adopt a child would back out because of the court fees and getting a lawyer that would cost them P5,000 at the minimum.

After the adoption, the agency will continuously monitor the condition of the children while the agency’s counterpart through the Inter-country Monitoring Board will look after those children adopted by parents who live in another country.

“So far we have not received any reports of abuses to our children who have been adopted,” she said.

In most cases, the children who are sent to the DSWD’s care are either voluntarily surrendered by parents, abandoned, or foundlings.

She added that majority of the reasons why parents would give up on their children is due to poverty. Antonio L. Colina IV

Charlotte Dominique Cubero (UP-Mindanao) Third Runner-Up: Jason Amisola (HCDC)

WRITING FOR PRINT (EDITORIAL) First Runner-Up: Vanessa Kate Madrazo (AdDU) Second Runner-Up: Gennieveve Bersonda (UM) Third Runner-Up: Mary Nove Patangan (UP-Mindanao) CINEMAD 2016 (SHORT FILM: THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK) Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay & Best Film: “TAIMTIM” – Ateneo de Davao University

The judges were chosen based on their field of expertise and/or affiliations that would fit in every competition.

For the Ambassador & Ambassadress of Communication, the winners were from UP-Mindanao: John Winston Anthony Ajero II, 20, and Marie Gabrielle Ba-ang, 20. Ajero also won as the Best in Formal Attire for Male.

Chastine Jen Montaño of the University of Mindanao and John Carlo Badayos of Jose Maria College were first runner-up and won Best in Formal Attire for Female and Best in Talent, respectively.

Arianne Joy Monterde of the University of the Immaculate Conception and Ethan Andrew Cabalan of the Ateneo de Davao University were second runner-up.

Ezzra James Fernandez (Monterde’s partner, UIC) was Best in Advocacy and Michaella Nuenay (Badayos’partner, JMC) was Best in Talent.

11 GAME CHANGER

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

I

N the last 54 years, there has been no new law school in Davao City despite an increasing number of students wanting to become lawyers. There are only two universities in the city that offer law courses: the Ateneo de Davao College of Law and the University of Mindanao College of Legal Education.

“It is a pleasant

The good news is that there is new law school: Jose Maria College (JMC) College of Law. “Since its establishment, JMC has had the development of a college of law in its strategic plan,” explained Atty. Israelito P. Torreon, the incoming dean who has also just been elected Vice President for Mindanao of the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS).

Over the last 13 years, JMC has developed leadership skills and excellence in students in the field of education, communication, and information, as well as in business and social science. “The establishment of a law school is the next natural step of JMC in the advancement of its vision and mission,” Torreon pointed out.

So how does JMC College of Law differ from other law schools in the city? “First of all, it is within the commitment of JMC that the College of Law will prepare the students for a career in law, train them for service, responsibility and leadership by offering a law course that is affordable but without compromising the quality of legal education it gives,”

world we live in, sir, a very pleasant world. There are bad people in it, Mr. Richard, but if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers.” — From The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens

Torreon said.

Next, the number of students admitted is limited. “The size of all first-year classes will intentionally be kept to approximately 40 students or less,” he said. The reason: “so that there will be two sections of each class to ensure a high degree of classroom interaction.”

As the newest law school in the city, it has the most complete and advanced facilities. At the main lobby is a central atrium/student lounge, which is an excellent place for students and faculty to gather informally in study groups, meet for

Dean Israelito Torreon

For the advancement of new legal eagles

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO extracurricular activities, or simply relax in between classes.

The classro o m s / l e c t u re halls are adjacent to each other, very spacious, fully air-conditioned, with comfort rooms for both boys and girls in each classroom, and well–lit. “They are especially designed for law students,” Torreon said.

Teaching, he said, is made more effective with the help of overhead LCD projectors. Not only that, internet connectivity is provided in each lecture hall to allow the faculty members to incorporate the latest information while delivering the lectures.

The JMC Campus

Just beside the Dean’s office is the law school’s well-furnished Moot Court Hall. “It is like a practical court room for students — maybe even better — for them to get accustomed to the atmosphere of courts, a perfect setting for real court scenarios so that the students may improve their skills in law and advocacy of law,” Torreon explained.

The JMC College of Law has a fully air-conditioned library that provides an ideal and peaceful ambience for undistracted pursuit of knowledge and skills for the students.

Just for a bit of history, the JMC, with an intention of opening a law school, submitted a Letter of Intent addressed to the Legal Education Board (LEB). After the board received the letter, representatives from LEB and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) came over to Davao City to thoroughly discuss with JMC

The lounge of the JMC College of Law

Some officials of the JMC College of Law its preparedness to open up a law school.

According to Torreon, after full compliance with all the recommendations made by LEB, JMC was granted the permit to operate a law school for school year 2016-2017.

The College of law is the brainchild of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is President of JMC. He is ably supported by an efficient staff led by Dr. Nelly Q. Canada, the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Likewise, it is supported by a roster of accomplished and promising faculty. Atty. Torreon is presently the Dean of the Cor Jesu College of Law in Digos City, a post he has held for five years. He will eventually transfer to JMC effective June 2016.

Atty. Torreon is considered as one of the best lawyers/litigators in the country. With his outstanding scholarship and breadth of experience, it will just be a matter of time that JMC College of Law will become a recognized leader in legal education with a commitment to excellence and service.

And since Atty. Torreon is currently the Vice President for Mindanao of PALS, expect that there will be partnerships to be forged with other law schools in the country.

Now, law students have a choice where to pursue their dreams of becoming lawyers.

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Milky Recipes I WAS NEVER IN LOVE WITH MILK. In truth, milk, for me, equals torture in my stomach, hence I cannot just drink milk or have milk on my drinks when I am out. My tummy tends to give a wild acrobatic stunt and grunt at the same time. However, like most of you, I have had my stubborn moments and downed a glass of milk. The result? Need I say more?

But just because my tummy does not agree with milk does not mean I don’t enjoy dishes with milk. I just have to make sure that I’m on my way home when I want to splurge on some milky goodness or have my meds with me – at all times. Despite it all, I still use milk when I’m inside my kitchen and trying my best to be like Raymond Blanc. I still use milk -- just in small amounts.

With my knack for cooking, I’ve had my time exploring the shelves for milk that I may use for cooking and of course, drinking at home. I’ve had a couple of tetra boxes at home of which I have favorites that I always use when my schedule and time permits.

Here are some of my favo milk recipes that I whip up every so often. I use a couple of different store bought milk and have indicated what type I love using when cooking what. What’s your favo milk infused recipe?

P.S. Speaking of dishes with

milk, when in Singapore, try the Fried Fish Soup with Milk.

Yummy lah.

PPS. Not a sponsored feature.

Unconventional Creamy-Pesto Pasta I love my pasta.. hence, I love the idea that I can experiment with my pasta sauces all the time. This one is a mixture of cream and pesto. A bit of something for everyone.

1/2 c all purpose cream 1/2 c cream of mushroom 1/4 c milk (My go to milk is Jollycow Pure Fresh Milk) 1/2 can sliced mushrooms

1/4 c pesto 1 can hot & spicy tuna flakes, drained herbs salt and pepper to taste cooked penne (follow package directions) Cook the pasta accordingly.

Do not drain all the pasta water.

Save some. Set aside.

In a pan with a small amount of oil, saute mushrooms for a minute or two.

Add all purpose cream, cream of mushroom. Mix until lumps disappear. Add milk and mix again. Bring to slow simmer.

Pour pesto and mix. Add tuna flakes, herbs, grated cheese and season to taste.

Pour cooked pasta -- if sauce gets too thick, add some pasta water. Mix pasta and sauce.

Serve with cheese and some melba toasts on the side.

Wake Me Up Smoothie This is my usual breakfast whenever I’m running late.. which is often. I found the recipe on the internet and since then been making this whenever I can. What I love about this is that you can mix and match the milk -- you can use flavoured milk and still get that perky kick any time of any day.

1 banana (frozen or not)

2 tablespoon peanut butter (I like it chunky) 2 cups almond milk (I buy mine from Healthy Options) 1 cup soaked oatmeal ice cubes In a blender, mix all ingredients except the ice. Once well incorporated, add the ice and crush to your liking. Others add scoops of softened ice cream.

Yum!Yum! Basic Cupcake Here’s my personal go-to cupcake recipe that I tweak every so often. I use this for my calamansi cupcake and mocha-coffee cuppies that my nephews and niece love very much.

1 1/2 c cake flour 1 tbsp baking powder cinnamon powder 1/2 c butter, softened 1 c sugar 2 eggs 1/4 c milk (I love Nestle’s PureFresh Natural Milk) Preheat oven.

Mix all dry ingredients.

In a bowl, mix butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy and pale.

Gradually add the eggs (at a time) while continuosly mixing.

Mix dry ingredients until incorporated. TIP: Leave some small lumps on your batter. It makes your cupcakes fluffier.

TIP2: Use spatula to mix.

Add milk and mix.

Pour into cupcake molds and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

You can add your desired flavours after you add the milk.

Mix with spatula.

Milk and Chia Seeds Pudding Aside from the perk me up smoothie, I love this simple yet filling recipe. Got the idea from those jars of overnight oats with some chia seeds in them. At times, I soak some oats, add slices of ripe banana and raw honey for that morning smile we all need. Again, play around with the flavours and make it different every single time.

French Toast Nothing new here - I just add some grounded coffee foer that added punch. I love that you need not have a ton of ingredients to taste a proper French toast -- just your bread, eggs, milk (Oishi Oaties Milk), cinnamon and you are all set. Oh and some butter!

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Never miss a feat with theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com. IG: @theroyalchefleebai

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

FOOD

New food spots at

Kuya J Restaurant, which is endorsed by actor Jericho Rosales, offers a classy yet friendly ambience for diners. It is located at the 1st Level of The Fountain Court.

SM Lanang Premier’s Fountain Court WHEN IN METRO DAVAO, one of the best dining places to check out is The Fountain Court, an exquisite twolevel strip of restaurants, at the back of SM Lanang Premier.

The Fountain Court is home to exceptional fine and casual dining restaurants of local and international concepts. With a spectacular view of the country’s longest dancing fountain at 122-meters, it offers a beautiful and unique alfresco experience for diners.

Since its opening, The Fountain Court has constantly offered a wide range of food options, all the more with the recent addition of two food places, Kuya J Restaurant and Choobi.

Kuya J, a fast-growing chain of Filipino restaurants based in Cebu City, opened its first branch in Mindanao at the 1st Level of The Fountain Court.

Cebu-based resto Choobi Choobi is now open at the 2nd Level of The Fountain Court.

“We want to bring our love at first bite experience to customers here in Davao,” says Marjo- Scallops, Binagoongang Baboy, branch not only in the city but rie Anne Lim-Mateo, VisMin Lechon Kawali, and Adobo sa also in the region.

Multi-Unit Manager of iKitchen Mangga.

Some of Choobi Choobi’s Inc., the company which owns At the 2nd Level of The Foun- must-try specialties are Shrimp Kuya J. tain Court is Choobi Choobi, in a Bag, Chilean Mussels in a With an ambience that is another Cebu-based restaurant Bag, Lobster Fish, Giant Bamboth cozy and inviting, Kuya J that has opened its doors in boo Clam and Scampi Baby offers Filipino cuisine at a rea- Davao in late January. Known Lobsters in a Bag. sonable price. Among its spe- for its sumptuous seafood dishOpen every day from 10am cialties include the signature es with a twist, Choobi Choobi to 9pm, Kuya J and Choobi Kuya J Crispy Pata, Grilled at SM Lanang Premier is its first Choobi join the lineup of must-

Served on a wooden board, the signature Kuya J Crispy Pata will satisfy your palate with its tender, juicy and flavorful meat.

Choobi Choobi’s Shrimp in a Bag consists of 1-pound of fresh shrimp with sweet corn on the cob topped with the sauce of your choice. try restaurants at The Fountain Court – Vikings, Mesa Filipino Moderne, The French Baker, Banana Leaf, Munchtown, Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta, Bistro Selera, Hukad sa Golden Cowrie, Dayaw Coffee & Tea, and Bulgogi Brothers.

Feast on scrumptious food finds at The Fountain Court of the city’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination. For inquiries, call 285-0943. You may also follow SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Kim and Xian test endurance of love in ‘The Story of Us’ WILL TWO PEOPLE’S LOVE and commitment endure the struggles that drove them apart in order to love each other again?

Find out how far a person will go in the name of love and sacrifice in ABS-CBN’s newest primetime drama series “The Story of Us,” which features the awaited and highly anticipated comeback of Kim Chiu and Xian Lim – one of today’s biggest love teams on television.

According to Xian, who expressed how he misses working with Kim, “These are more mature roles for me and Kim. It revolves around their love story and how they will keep their love despite having different priorities in their lives.”

Kim added, “It’s not a normal story that starts out with us not getting along like cats and dogs. We already love each other from the start.”

This year also marks Kim’s tenth anniversary in showbiz, even made more special by her return to television.

“I’m so excited because I took a break from TV for a year, so this feels new to me again. It’s also my first time to shoot a teleserye outside of the Philippines,” she said.

Since Kim and Xian’s tandem was introduced in “My Binondo Girl,” they have become one of the most sought-after love teams “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” and movies “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?” “Past Tense,” and “Bride for Rent,” one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time. KimXi also starred in “Must Date the Playboy,” the first-ever film made by ABS-CBNmobile’s StarFlix

exclusively for mobile devices.

“Thanks to everyone who continue to support us and those who stuck with us. I give all of myself and my soul to all of my projects, especially here

in ‘The Story of Us,’” said Xian.

In “The Story of Us,” Tin (Kim) and Macoy (Xian) are childhood best friendsturned-lovers who grow up together in El Nido, Palawan

and will dream of a better life for them and their family.

But circumstances will drive them apart when Tin goes to the United States to meet her estranged mother.

Away from each other, they are forced to make it on their own, driving them further apart until their relationship crumbles.

They meet each other five years later in New York, only to discover each other’s differences that crushed everything they had built together.

With all the changes that happened to them as individuals, will they still be able to find a second chance at love? Will their love for each other survive despite life changing them?

Also included in the cast of “The Story of Us,” helmed by acclaimed director Richard Somes, are some of the most respected actors in the country – Aiko Melendez, Gardo Versoza, Susan Africa, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Joining them are Bryan Santos, Mara Lopez, Alyanna Angeles as the young batang Tin, and Zaijian Jaranilla as the young Macoy.

Don’t miss the premiere of “The Story of Us” this February 29, weeknights on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For exclusive updates, log onto Twitter.com/ StarCreativesTV and Instagram. com/StarCreativesTV.

Nadine Lustre tops MYX Music Awards nominations list KAPAMILYA STAR NADINE LUSTRE is flying high this 2016, topping OPM artists across all genres with six nominations for the 11th MYX Music Awards.

Nadine leads the race for this year’s awards including picks for Favorite Artist, Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Collaboration alongside James Reid, Favorite Music Video, Favorite Song, and the coveted Best Music Video award, whose winner will be handpicked by a special panel of judges.

Running for second place in the most number of nominations are rock icon Bamboo and OPM sensation Julie Anne San Jose with five nominations each.

Both artists are also nominated for Favorite

Artist together with Nadine.

Bamboo scooped nominations in other categories including Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Music Video, Favorite Rock Video, and Favorite Song, while Julie Anne received nods in the Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Music

Video, Favorite Song, and Favorite Remake categories.

Even young OPM artists scored nominations in the MYX Music Awards.

“The Voice Kids” alumni Darren Espanto and Juan Karlos Labajo, were the only music artists below the age of

16 who were part of top picks on the nominations list. Darren earned five nominations with Juan Karlos following closely with three.

Darren is among the hopefuls pitted against this year’s leading nominee Nadine for Favorite Artist. His name is also up for Favorite Male Artist, Favorite Music Video, Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ, and Favorite Song.

Juan Karlos meanwhile, is nominated in the same category as Darren in Favorite Male Artist and Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ. He also received a nomination for Favorite Mellow Video.

Other notable OPM artists who garnered a handful of nominations are Sarah Geronimo,

Abra, Kathryn Bernardo, and Alden Richards.

The 11th MYX Music Awards will be on

Dennis Trillo, Sam Pinto star in Wagas’ Bicol episode KAPUSO STARS Dennis Trillo and Sam Pinto will relive the love story of Rome and Mhaycee in a twopart episode of Wagas this February 20 and 27.

This Saturday, Mt. Mayon bears witness to the love story of Rome and Mhaycee in “Ang Turista at Probinsyana”.

Broken-hearted, Rome goes to Bicol where he will meet

Mhaycee, a painter. Rome gets attracted to the girl and eventually the two will find themselves falling in love. Yet as their relationship deepens, details from their past are brought up, creating conflict between the two.

Watch this love story that is as hot as Bicol’s labuyo on February 20 and 27 in Wagas, 7 p.m., on GMA News TV.

March 15 and will have a live telecast on MYX and livestreaming via myxph.com.

February 18 – 23, 2016

JOY Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro

PG

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

DEADPOOL Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin R16

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

THE CHOICE/ *THE FOREST Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker/ *Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken PG/*R13

11:45 | 1:50 | 3:55 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

ZOOTOPIA Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Alan Tudyk PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

EVENT ROMANCE WAS DEFINITELY IN THE AIR LAST FEBRUARY 14, 2016 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel.

The Garden Pavilion was elegantly dressed up

by Cameo Events to inspire hearts to go a flutter. Upon entering the venue, a harmonic melody of strings and keys were what welcomed attendees to this soiree. Guests were greeted with an array of gastronomic delightsof epic proportions.

Executive Chef Victor D. Barangan and his awardwinning team surely outdid themselves all in the name of love. The most noteworthy of them all was the interesting New England Clam Chowder served in a Rose-colored bread bowl. And it tasted terrific, too! It was the perfect introduction to other mouthwatering dishes, like Roasted Lamb Leg, Bourbon Roast Beef, Turkey Balotine with Wild Mushrooms, Baked Red Snapper Mayonesa and many more. Hearts and tummies were definitely full that night.

Halfway through dinner, the multi-gold medalist for World Championships of Performing Arts, Zahlia, mesmerized the entire venue with their melodious voices. Their beautiful blending and

runs had everyone present entranced, further elevating the mood that was everything but tangible. Right after their set, dance was served on the entertainment menu for the evening. The SiningTala Dance Company thrilled the audience with their energetic and sultry performance, which was also coupled with presentations of ballroom dances by the Filipinas Ballroom Amateur League Latin Dancers. The League also provided professional Dance Instructors that enticed people to dance the swing, boogie, tango and many more.

They even led everyone

in a line dance, which was definitely a memorable sight to see. Kudos to DJ

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Love on the dance floor

George Booke for spinning the lively and danceable tunes of the night.

Indeed, everyone in attendance had their dancing shoes on and were

in high spirits after the sumptuous meal. Love was truly on the dance

floor last Valentine’s Day at the Waterfront Insular Hotel’s ballroom dancing extravaganza.

For inquiries, reservations and updates on our events, promos and culinary offerings, contact us at (082) 233 2881 to 87 or 300 8881 or visit our website at www.waterfronthotels.com.ph. Like us also on Facebook at www. facebook.com/waterfront. davaoand follow us on Instagram and Twitter at WaterfrontDavao.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING A leading distributor of Irrigation System, Agricultural Machinery, Generator and Heavy Equipment immediately needs sales personnel to complement its staff, with the following qualifications: 1. Licensed Agricultural Engineers or Licensed Mechanical Engineers; 2. Male or female, 24-35 years old; 3. Background knowledge or sales experience in agricultural machinery, irrigation system, generators or heavy equipment is an advantage; 4. Must be willing to travel within the island of Mindanao.

Interested applicants should submit application letter, bio-data and transcript of records to:

INTERNATIONAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION

Km. 7 McArthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City Tel. Nos.: 285-0685; 297-5851 Fax No.: 2975849 Email add: info@ihecdavao.com, info@ihec.com.ph

LIKE AUTUMN. Street sweepers collect trash beside Rizal Park in Malaybalay City amid the fallen flowers of trees called golden shower on Tuesday. The trees have become

a local attraction during the dry months when they shed their leaves and produce flowers from which they derive their name. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

Policeman arrested in Butuan gun sting T

HE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Agusan del Norte arrested three suspects, including a police officer, in an entrapment operation against loose firearms at a riverside village here in the city over the weekend.

A report to the police regional headquarters here on Tuesday said detectives of CIDG-Agusan del Norte, headed

by Chief Inspector Ignacio M.

Gamba III, conducted an entrapment operation against loose firearms on Saturday afternoon at Purok Mabungahon, Barangay Pagatpatan, this city which resulted in the arrest of a policeman identified as Senior Police Officer (SPO)1 Eleonor N. Osico, presently assigned at the Regional Intelligence Unit 13, and a resident of Eminvil Subdivision, this city.

Osico was arrested during

the police operation together with two other suspects identified Lyndon John Gegone, 29 and Hector L. Torralba, 45; both residents of the said village for illegal drugs.

Confiscated from the possession of SPO1 Osico at the time of his arrest were an M16 Rifle without serial number; a Beretta 9mm pistol bearing Serial Number MO5521Z; a piece of Beretta pistol 9mm

FPOLICEMAN, 10

14 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 LOVE IS IN THE AIR. Guests and sales team of the Matina Enclaves celebrate an early Valanetine’s Day treat dubbed “Celebrate Love at Matina Enclaves.” The intimate dinner was held at the Clubhouse at Matyina Enclaves (CAME) last February 12.

Celebrating love at Matina Enclaves

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

W

HERE love is shared at every home.

That, in essence, best describes the kind of homes that will soon make up the community being built at the Matina Enclaves.

That “dream home, dream community” will be the very core value envisioned by Escandor Development Corporation, developer of the Matina Enclaves project.

With that in mind, Esdevco treated its clientele, prospects, and sales team to a romantic, intimate evening at the Clubhouse at Matina Enclaves (CAME). The event, dubbed as “Celebrate Love at Matina Enclaves” was held last Friday, February 12.

Setting the mood of the affair were acoustic tunes

belted by a crooner from The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner that had all the trappings of a Valentine’s Day romantic evening.

Project head Gerald Kent Garces personally led the development firm in welcoming the guests and making sure they feel the love throughout the night.

Meantime, the Matina Enclaves is set to hold its Topping Off Ceremony by the end of the month for its Building 1 of The Residences. Turnover for Building 1 has been targeted by the end of 2016.

Likewise, groundbreaking of Building 2 is also set for the end of the month simultaneous with the Building 1 topping off. Turnover for Building 2 is eyed for the end of 2017.

It’s TIME to CHANGE THE GAME. Your ads come to life with vivid, clear, crisp colors.

Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an awful copy on a badly printed space.

Advertise wisely.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

As creative as you can get.

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 234 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016

DC bets pad medal lead

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

OVERALL STANDINGS DAVAO CITY

PANABO CITY TAGUM CITY DIGOS CITY DAVAO SUR

DAVAO NORTE

DAV. ORIENTAL COMVAL IGACOS

MATI CITY

D

I

N celebration of the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month this February, the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) is inviting everyone to join their Happy Walk foot parade on February 21, 2016, Sunday.

Assembly time will start at 6:00 a.m. at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue and will end at Rizal Park, where a short closing program will follow.

The Happy Walk, now on its 14th year, will gather children and adults with Down Syndrome (DS), including their friends and family members. In partnership with the Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Inc., this activity is expecting at least a thousand participants composed of medical/health workers and teachers to walk alongside individuals with DS. Although this event will be staged in Davao City, it will gather participants from all over the country as a similar foot parade will be held simultaneously in Luzon and Visayas.

“We are inviting everyone, especially those who have relatives, family members, or friends with Down Syndrome, to join us in the Happy Walk. This year, we are following the theme All for Down: A Day with Family and Friends,” said Lanie Vergara of the DSAPI Davao Branch.

“Let this activity be an opportunity to gather sup-

porters and increase people’s awareness on Down Syndrome. Our aim is to reach out to families living in remote areas. We want them to know that we have an organization that can provide assistance to them.

If they have a family member who has Down Syndrome, they can register in our office,” Vergara added.

Also invited to join the parade are DSAPI members from Kidapawan, Sarangani, General Santos, Digos, Mati, Panabo, and Tagum.

Last November 2015, DSAPI offered its annual medical consultation for its members. As of January 2016, it has recorded a total number of 436 members from different areas in Mindanao.

Established in 1992 by a group of committed parents and physicians, DSAPI aims to foster greater understanding on persons born with Down Syndrome. This non-stock, non-profit organization holds regular programs such as seminars, free clinics, and informal group discussions where members can discuss their experiences in caring for individuals with Down Syndrome.

The DSAPI Davao Branch office is located at the 2nd floor of Market Basket in Damosa Complex, Lanang Commercial Center, Davao City. For queries, you may contact their office at (082) 305-7192 or 0943-440-2395.

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AVAO City continue to hold sway over the rest of the field after four days of hostilities in the 2016 Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The Durians continued to dominate in medal-rich events to hike its medal haul to 27 golds, 25 silvers and 31 bronzes going into the penultimate day of competition in this week-long sports conclave among school-based athletes.

The top athletes and teams emerging from this Olympic-style event will represent the Davao Region in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa this summer.

Panabo City, with its stronghold in boxing, is trailing Davao City with 21 golds, 29 silvers and 13 bronzes. Also with 21 golds but with fewer silvers (19) is host Tagum City which held on to third place overnight. The Tagumenos also has 22 bronzes by far.

In fourth place is Digos City with a 14-13-16 harvest followed by Davao del Sur in fifth with a 1210-11 haul and co-host Davao del Norte at 6th with a 12-3-20 tally.

Rounding up the standings are Davao Oriental at 7th with 5-2-12, Compostela Valley at 8th with 4-10-20, Island Garden City of Samal at 9th with 1-0-3 and Mati City rounding up the rear with 0-65.

Davao City paced the Elementary Division with a 12-8-13 tally while Panabo City lorded it over thus far in the Secondary Division with a 17-22-9 harvest.

LEADING THE WAY. A Davao City athlete leads the way in the boys hurdles event in athletics in the ongoing DAVRAA 2016 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

14th Happy Walk for Individuals with Down Syndrome set on Feb. 21

G

Stars abound in Seniors, Men’s PAL Interclub W ITH the regular Men’s championship division of the Philippine Airlines Interclub making a return in two weeks at Mimosa’s two courses, the current toast in amateur golf will all be seeing action, making the event a slam-bang affair.

Jobim Carlos, the twotime reigning national amateur champion, will be playing his last tournament in the ranks and will be seeking to lead Canlubang to a triumphant return in the centerpiece division.

National pool member Justin Quiban will banner defending champion Manila Southwoods; Jelbert Gamolo will be spearheading Del Monte and Cebu Country Club will have its rock-solid core trying to regain lost glory in the 72-hole event that tees off on March 2 at the Mountain View layout and the composite Lake View and

Acacia nines.

Help to their stars could turn out to be the big difference with Carlos to be backed up by many-time national champ Rupert Zaragosa, Gab Manotoc, etc., while Quiban has reigning Southwoods club champion Yuto Katsuragawa and Ryan Monsalve with Gamolo to get support from the members of Del Monte’s grassroots program.

Senior’s play is also not wanting in superstar appeal, with Tommy Manotoc of Canlubang renewing his rivalry with ex-pro and Luisita stalwart Eddie Bagtas as the Sugar Barons and Luisitans are expected to again make it a two-way fight in their division.

Carlos is making this as his last amateur event before campaigning professionally in the local ICTSI Tour and in the Asian Tour, and the 23-year-old advertising graduate of University of San

Francisco is determined to make a difference for Canlubang.

“I definitely want to go out with a bang and help my team,” Carlos said as he takes a string of victories into the five-to-play, four-to-count event. “I hope to deliver whatever the team needs.”

Zaragosa has groped for form of late but is expected to come in a lot sharper for his mother club.

Luisita is also making its return in the Men’s division and will be parading a youthful lineup headed by Basti Lorenzo, while Cebu CC will again count on the likes of burly Bayani Garcia, Eric Deen and ex-pro Carl Almario.

Tommy Manotoc will be making yet another Interclub appearance at 67 years old and expects the Senior’s derby to go down the wire.

“They (Luisitans) have a great team,” Manotoc, who lost the individual title via

countback to Bagtas in Cebu last year, said. “It’s going to be a great battle and we are all excited.”

Luisita’s Senior squad will also have Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia and a new man in the 55-year-old and above ranks, Jingy Tuason.

Abe Avena and Dave Hernandez are the other stalwarts of the Cangolf crew.

Senior’s play starts on Feb. 25.

The 69th PAL Interclub is sponsored by People Asia, Travelife, Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Airbus, Business Mirror and Philippine National Bank.

Other supporters are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.net, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tanduay Distillers, Asia Brewery, Splash Corporation, RFM Corporation, Goldilocks, Eastgate Publishing Corporation, Robinsons Land and Rolls-Royce.

PSG beats Chelsea in Champions League round of 16 1st leg

S

TRUGGLING striker Edinson Cavani came off the bench to score the winner as Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 2-1 in a pulsating first leg in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Cavani, who has lost his place in the side in recent weeks, latched onto a superb pass over Chelsea’s stretched defense from winger Angel Di Maria and slotted through the legs of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from a narrow angle in the 78th minute.

“I’m happy for Eddy. I’ve said it often, because people doubt his scoring abilities, but he’s always shown he can score goals,” PSG coach Laurent Blanc said. “He was going through a very difficult period and I hope that scoring this goal gives him his confidence back.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put PSG

ahead with a powerful free-kick in the 39th minute, only for Chelsea to level on the stroke of halftime with a rare goal from midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Courtois made a string of saves to keep Chelsea in contention heading into the second leg, and Spanish winger Pedro almost spoiled the home celebrations in injury time with a rasping drive into the side netting.

“This is a very strong PSG, so I think the performance of our players was very good,” Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink said. “But we could have been more lethal in the four or five counters that we made.”

PSG is unbeaten in domestic competition since March and in all competitions since a 1-0 reverse away to Real Madrid in the group stage on Nov. 3 — a run of 23 games.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa heads the ball down for Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, right to score his sides first goal during the Champions League round of 16, first leg, soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.88ISSUE ISSUE234 234••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,FEBRUARY FEBRUARY18, 18,2016 2016

Escandor Cup opens Sunday

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

D

njb@edgedavao.net

EFENDING champion Esdevco-Genesis open its title-retention bid on Sunday against Premia in the opening day of the 2016 Escandor Group of Companies Cup basketball tournament at the Genesis 88 Gym. Leading the charge for the Realtors is reigning Most Valuable Player Francis Gabriel Escandor who will preside over the oath of sportsmanship during the opening program.

The Esdevco-Genesis and Premia tussle is set at 9:30 shortly after the opening program and parade of teams. The second game will feature The Royal Mandaya Hotel against White House at 10:30 am while last year’s losing

finalist DASIA will take on KADSIA at 12:00 noon.

The tournament calls for a single round robin elimination with the top four teams advancing to the best of three crossover semifinals. The semifinals winners will battle for the title in a best of three finals.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang basketball ng Pilipinas 11 under regional director Regino “Boy” Cua. Games on February 21 (Sunday): 9:00 AM ESDEVCO-GENESIS vs PREMIA 10:30 AM TRMH VS WHITEHOUSE. 12:00 PM DASIA VS KADSIA.

Color Manila Run moved to March 19

T

HE exciting Color Manila Run Davao has been reset to March 19 from its original schedule on February 27.

Organizer Sharmaine Aguilar off Color Manila Events Inc. announced in a statement the new schedule which will coincide with the Araw ng Davao week.

Color Manila Run is the country’s biggest color fun run since 2012.

From color stations to crazy obstacle courses, Color Manila Run has kept everyone wanting for more.

“We’ve had races nationwide and now we’re expanding beyond our borders, reaching overseas to the US and Dubai,” Aguilar said.

This year’s event will be staged at SM Lanang Premier.

“We’re coming back to Davao for our Blacklight tour following the success of our morning run last 2015 partnered with Brother Philippines,” Aguilar added.

Color Manila Events Inc. is also on the look out for media companies interested in aa partnership to generate buzz for the event. NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

Businessman Glenn Escandor tries to score against two defenders in this bit of action during Escandor Group of Companies Basketball Cup 2015. Lean Daval Jr.