Edge Davao 6 Issue 238

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

P 15.00 • 26 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

HOPEFUL. A Mutya ng Dabaw hopeful smiles while her vital statistics are measured during the pageant’s candidates screening held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Fifteen lucky ladies will be chosen to compete for the coveted Mutya ng Dabaw crown next month.

Lean Daval Jr.

SPEED LIMIT NETS 2,217

All commemorative plates are illegal--LTO

By ANTONIO M. AJERO ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

POPULAR. Joey Albert, together with other popular singers of the 70’s and 80’s, serenades Dabawenyos with her hit songs during “We got the Love, the Greatest Hits Reunion” concert at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center last Saturday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

A

TOTAL of 2,217 motorists have been arrested since Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s executive order No. 39 against overspeeding and reckless driving in Davao City last October, 2013.

This was bared by Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 Assistant Regional Director Macario “Bong” D. Gonzaga during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Matina.

Gonzaga said the apprehensions were done from the time E.O. 39 was implemented three months ago, up to last February 7.

“So far, we have observed the gradual dwin-

dling of the number of traffic accidents in the city following the implementation of the speed limit,” the LTO official said.

A the same time, Gonzaga said that all commemorative plate numbers, whoever are using them, are now illegal and that the LTO and its deputized agencies have started making arrests.

“We appeal to officials and employees of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine National Police, other government agencies, especially law enforcement units, to remove the commemorative plates now, because

UPCOMING. Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 assistant director Macario “Bong” Gonzaga announces during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday the agency’s plan to issue new license plates bearing the new standardized design starting this year. Lean Daval Jr. they have already expired,” he said.

Gonzaga said it is all right for the motorists to use the commemorative

and other special plates on other parts of the motor vehicles, but not on the place

FSPEED, 10

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

2 women in cyber sex den charged

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR epc@edgedavao.net

P REACHING OUT. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte gestures while being interviewed by members of local media in yesterday’s Pulong Pulong ni Pulong in Marilog District, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

OLICE authorities filed several charges yesterday before the City Prosecution Office against the two women allegedly behind the operation of a cybersex den in the densely-populated barangay Bucana, Davao City.

P/Supt. Joel Pernito, head of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 11, said April Lyn L. Sinasap, 24, and her sister-in-law Kristine Abaro- Sinasap, 30, will be facing charges for violation of R.A 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act) , R.A 9208 ( Anti –

Human Trafficking Act of 2003) and R.A 7610 (Anti- Child Abuse).

Last Saturday, the CIDG’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) rescued seven female minors during a raid that also resulted in the arrest of two suspects.

The seven minors were rescued while in the act of performing live lewd show in front of web cameras at Room 3, No. 499, Purok 26, Barangay Bucana, Ecoland, Davao City.

Pernito said the suspects have committed a number of non-bailable offense, citing that the

ADB opens $10K-$100K grants for training of tourism workers Army’s abandoned detachment burned

F2 WOMEN, 10

By ANTONIO M. AJERO ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

T

OURISM industry players in the Davao Region can now start availing themselves of grants ranging from US$10,000 and US$100,000 to upgrade the skills of their employees, including new hires.

This was announced

by Department of Tourism Asstant Secretary Rolando Canizal who is here to formally invite tourism industry stakeholders to take advantage of the grant scheme.

The grant is part of a US$7.1-million assistance to the DOT (Department

of Tourism) funded by the Government of Canada and administered by the Asian Development Bank under the program Philippines Improving Competiveness in Tourism.

The program, to be rolled out in a 38-month period, is expected to increase employment in the tourism industry here and in other pilot areas, as well as increase the competitiveness of tourism industry workforce. Other pilot areas are Cebu, Bohol and Palawan.

Philippines Improving Competitiveness in

WEATHER FORECAST

Tourism project focuses on three outputs, namely: Output 1, assisting local governments to reduce red tape affecting businesses operating in the tourism sector; Output 2, support to industry to raise standards through DOT’s new hotel and resorts quality assurance and accreditation framework; and Output 3, tourism industry skills development program.

“The ADB-Canada assistance to DOT will pilot exciting and innovative approaches to incentivize employers and employees

S

to upgrade skills, services standards, and create career paths for tourism workers through the development of quality education and training curriculum, and for local governments to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on tourism enterprises in four destination”, said Canizal.

“We would consider rolling this scheme nationally if this becomes successful in the pilot areas,” he added.

Kelly Bird, project manager from the ADB, said the program aims to address

USPECTED members of the New People’s Army burned the abandoned detachment of the military during on Valentines Day evening in Purok 4, Barangay Pandaitan, Paquibato district, police said.

Senior Inspector Romeo Abler, station commander of the Paquibato police, said the incident was reported by a 60-year-old woman only known by her first name as Lydia.

Her house is located at the back of the abandoned detachment of

69TH Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army.

Abler said Lydia saw an unidentified man fled hurriedly away from the burning detachment at about 9:50 p.m. and the estimated damages was more or less P30,000.

Police said the alleged motive of the NPA is to demoralize the army operating in the area of Paquibato district.

“Usual man gud nila ginahimu ila sunogon kay ipaabot sa katawhan naa pa ila presensya sa lugar,”Abler added. [EPC]

ernization plan is what was done by DOH here in NKTI. Here, the facilities as well as the equipment were modernized to improve health care services,” Herbosa explained.

He added that the Philippine Orthopedic Center in Banawe, Quezon City which will be transferred along the vicinity of NKTI is not even a move for “privatization.”

“It is a modernization plan. Under it, the orthopedic center will be build under Build Operate Transfer (BOT) scheme which is a public-private partnership (PPP) program wherein the private sector that will be awarded with the contract will be task to build and operate for a period of 25 years,” he explained.

He added that under the contract the private partner will have two years to build the orthopedic hospital and make it operational for about 22 and a half years or a total of 25 years.

penses will be paid for by the Philippine health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as they are automatically enrolled, especially if they are listed as poor under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

FADB, 10

DOH denies privatization plan for gov’t hospitals

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday denied that it is spearheading the privatization of government owned hospitals.

“In fact, there is no single document that will show that there are hospitals that were being privatized or sold by DOH,” said Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa, in an interview with the Philippines News Agency during the 31st anniversary of the National Kidney Transplant and Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City on Monday.

Herbosa said that there could be some misconception about the modernization program being carried out by the DOH. “An example of mod-

He also added that after that period, the operation will then be returned to the government.

He also clarified that under the contract, there will be 700 beds that will be available for patients.

“Out of the 700 bed-capacity, about 490 of which will be for the poor patients while only 210 beds will be for the private patients who can pay,” he further added.

Under the Universal Health Care Law, the indigent’s hospital ex-

However, those poor who are unlisted under NHTS-PR may still be provided with PhilHealth coverage once assessed by social workers as indigent and if they are confined in accredited DOH or government hospitals.

The premium for the poor or indigents will be shouldered by DOH under

FDOH, 10

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

More fire incidents In Davao recorded

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

D ROSE AMONG THE THORNS. A lady makes sure that her bicycle will be safe from thieves by securing it with chain and safety lock at the motorcycle parking area of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

ESPITE its sustained information and dissemination campaign on fire prevention, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region 11 still noted an increasing number of fire incidents in Davao City.

Inspector Nestor Jimenez, BFP 11 regional fire security enforcement division head, told media practitioners during the weekly edition of Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday that from 15 incidents in January 2012, the number of incidents increased to 20 last January.

The cost of damage, however, has decreased compared to January last year, Jimenez said.

Losses incurred from

fire incidents last January totaled P4. 95 million while the damage recorded in January 2012 was put at P7.85 million.

Of the total number of fire incidents recorded last January, 8 were attributed to open flame or cooking accidents while 6 were caused by faulty electrical wirings. He said that 40-50 percent of incidents were caused by electrical short circuits.

Of the 20 incidents, one was caused by improper disposal of cigarette butts or smoking, one was an unattended stove/LPG tank and one incident of arsonry. Of the 20 cases, 19 were accidental, only one is intentional.

AVAO ORIENTAL— While communities in the east coast towns are still convalescing from the massive devastation brought about by the heavy flooding and landslides that hit the province last month, food assistance and rice seeds were turned over to them Monday, February 10.

About 25,285 affected families in the towns of Cateel and Baganga who were reached by the relief distribution say they were thankful for the food assistance that came. “The disaster had paralyzed our income

making it difficult for us to buy food,” said one resident in Brgy. San Alfonso in Cateel town.

While serving as a temporary measure to aid them in the shortterm, residents says they are grateful to the government who understands their plight and doing the best it can to alleviate their suffering.

Provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), each food pack contained five kilos of rice, 4 cans meat loaf, 10 pieces noodles and coffee.

Most arrest warrants LPA-hit areas receive remain unserved, say Dfood, farm assistance

By EMILORD P. CASTROMAYOR

O

epc@edgedavao.net

UT of 1,174 total number of arrest warrants received from Davao City trial courts in 2013, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has only served 33 percent or 385.

Chief Inspector Dionisio Escobañez, chief of the DCPO warrant section, said there were 783 pending warrant of arrests last year in addition to 1,039 not served in 2012.

Also last year, there were 873 persons who remained at large and only 436 were arrested.

Escobañez said contributory to this level of performance is the fact that police personnel are also tasked to serve subpoenas and notices from the trial courts which he described as time consuming which can instead be used in serving the warrant of arrests.

He said that he already presented the problem to their superiors and is presently hoping that officials in the Camp Crame will give serious consideration to their concern.

Senior Inspector Romeo

Abler, station commander of the Paquibato police, also admitted difficulty in serving warrant of arrests involving New People’s Army in their areas.

Toril police commander Angel Sumagaysay shared the same predicament in locating the accused.

Sta. Ana, Talomo, Buhangin and Bunawan police stations topped among 12 stations within Davao City with the highest number of warrants of arrest received from trial courts.

According to our laws,

Rosalem elected YMCA trustee

an arrest warrant is a warrant granted by a judge in a court of law to a law enforcement official granting that law enforcement official the right and ability to arrest a person of interest regarding a crime. An arrest warrant is acquired in a court of law by presenting a judge with probable cause for arresting the suspect. If there is any pertinent evidence that can be presented to the judge when requesting an arrest warrant that will speed up the process

FMOST, 10

FMORE, 10

FLPA, 10

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

P

ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

ACIENCIO M. ROSALEM JR., until lately a top executive of a big Davao City-based agribusiness firm, was elected member of the national board of trustees of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of the Philippines, during a special election conducted by the YMCA Davao board of officers last Saturday.

The special election was authorized by the YMCA Philippines to choose the replacement of Jose B. Custodio, first vice president of YMCA Davao, whose irrevocably resignation as national trustee had been accepted.

The election was conducted during the second monthly board meeting of

YMCA Davao headed by president Leoncio “Nonoy” P. Villa-Abrille. Director Antonio M. Ajero hosted the board meeting, which likewise tackled the launching of the association’s major fund-raising campaign this year through a car raffle draw worth millions of pesos. Former YMCA Davao president Joe Custodio,

who is currently first vice president of the chapter, is the overall chairman of the fund campaign, with another past president Vicente Banez, Custodio vice chairman of the ways and means committee.

Jun Rosalem, the newly elected national board director, continues to serve as YMCA Davao treasurer, despite his election to the national office.

YMCA Philippines is headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Regino Hermosisima Jr. of Cebu as national president.

The other officers with whom Rosalem will serve this year are Atty. Romeo I. Calubaquib of Cagayan Valley as first vice presi-

FROSALEM, 10

INCREASED. Inspector Nestor Jimenez, head of the Security Enforcement Division of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 11, says during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday that despite the constant fire prevention programs and activities conducted around the Davao City, the number of fire incidents last month still increased as compared to figures recorded in January last year. Lean Daval Jr.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

VMobile taps Smart Money for payout, load wallet reloading O

VER a million members of VMobile Technologies, Inc. (VMobile), one of the largest prepaid load distributors in the country, stand to benefit from the convenience of Smart Money services for commission disbursements and load wallet reloading.

VMobile has tapped Smart e-Money, Inc. (SMI) for the use of Smart Money to pay out commissions to members all over the country, which means that they no longer have to pick up their checks and wait several days for processing before receiving payment.

Additionally, the funds in members’ Smart Money accounts may conveniently be used to instantly replenish their load wallets, or the electronic airtime credit bank used by retailers to electronically transfer load to customers.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with SMI for this project,” said Ferdinand Allan Bengco, COO at VMobile. “This partnership also allows us to offer more innovative

products to members and customers, including an upcoming OFW kit for Filipinos working abroad which we’re releasing soon.”

“We look forward to getting the ball rolling for this partnership with VMobile, among the prepaid load distribution channels with the widest membership base to date. This not only affords VMobile members the convenience of easier claiming of payouts, but also opens opportunities for them to experience the many ways Smart Money can help enhance their daily lives—such as in bills payment, online commerce, and OFW remittances, among many others,” added Benjie Fernandez, COO at SMI, the financial services subsidiary of mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

Bengco said they are also looking into converting their current independent business centers (IBCs) into small versions of Smart Stores, which will allow transactions for Smart Money Padala, the first money transfer service via text mes-

FORGING MOBILE MONEY ALLIANCES. (from left) Smart Communications, Inc. Senior Manager for Key Accounts Group Ferdinand Chua, Penta Capital CFO Norman Pe, VMobile Technologies, Inc. COO Allan Bengco, Smart Co-Founder and Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea, Smart e-Money, Inc. COO Benjamin Fernandez and Department Head Lawrence Ferrer agree on a strategic partnership that would streamline VMobile’s commission payouts to members with the help of Smart Money, the world’s pioneering mobile wallet service from the country’s leader in mobile. saging.

Smart Money Padala will allow VMobile members, as

well as other Smart Money users, to conveniently receive and send out money

to their loved ones here and abroad. VMobile currently has 50 IBCs located around

the country, which will be able to carry out these transactions.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 billion Apr 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

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

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

More jobs available at Aboitiz coal project

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

BOUT 140 jobs are available as Therma South Inc. (TSI) a coal-fired power plant owned by Aboitiz Power has started its hiring for the operation of 300-MW baseload power plant being constructed in barangay Binugao, Toril, Davao City.

In a statement, the company said the positions available range from the power station manager down to office and administrative staff and the number is expected to increase as it also hires back-up support service workers who will be outsourced from service companies.

The company is also looking of mechanical and electrical engineers, who have experience working in power plants and electric power utility companies. It is also on search for young engineers who will be sent for training domestically and overseas to compose the backbone of the operations of the power plant.

TSI already hired several technical officers and several of them have been sent for training and exposure in Cebu, Manila and even overseas. Office personnel from accounting, procurement and administrative offices are also open for applications.

“True to our promise, we are offering these job positions to qualified residents from our host LGUs

LIVELIHOOD. Cardboard boxes collected from establishments along San Pedro Street in Davao City are being transported by a scavenger using her “trisikad”. Lean Daval Jr. Davao City and Sta. Cruz,” Benjamin A. Cariaso Jr. TSI’s president and Chief Operating officer said in the statement.

Carisao said that the company is looking for candidates from the host community as they better consider hiring from the local community. However, he said that for those positions where they cannot find qualified applicants from the community, they

will search to the pool of applicants that have been received from different areas in the Philippines.

“We are also hoping to entice OFWs to consider coming home and work for a Philippine company and be closer to their families,” Cariaso said.

Cariaso said the company is happy to have found an engineer and even a chemist from Binugao -both now being considered

for employment.

“We have to make sure our power plant will be run by the most qualified, best trained and committed team,” he said.

The job hiring ads have been published in local and national newspapers and the company has received hundreds of applications from Davao and the rest of the country. The available jobs have also been posted in the barangay halls in

Binugao and Inawayan.

More than 3,000 workers are currently working on the construction of the Therma South power plant project.

The plant is expected to go full commercial operations by early 2015 bringing much needed capacity for the Mindanao grid which is suffering from an acute shortage in power supply.

sive domain of the local government, it could also adopt a more diplomatic means to collect the taxes.

Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte said in a privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod last week that he was concerned about the delinquencies and asked the CTO to step up collections or leave office.

“We can ask them to pay the taxes slowly and schedule the payments,” the mayor said.

He added he was also considering the condonation of penalties, but that the government should still charge the penalties.

“The surcharges, we can do away with,” Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte said the city government could be more “diplomatic” about the tax collections. “That’s not how to run a city,” the mayor said.

“Enter into a compromise, make a schedule, and hope they follow what is specified there,” he said.

Vice Mayor Duterte said the city council could be forced to “use all applicable powers of the law” and said the body could amend the Tax Code so that collections by the CTO would be enhanced.

Delinquent accounts have reached to those levels from at least 60,000 accounts out of the city’s 7 out of 11 districts, according to finance committee chair Danilo Dayanghirang.

According to a copy of a list of real property tax delinquencies per district, Poblacion District had the most delinquencies, at P483,637,744.90, with Buhangin District with the second highest at P359,813,423.26.

Agdao district’s collectibles have reached P99,629,015.81, while Bunawan district has

P94,197,059.69.

Calinan district has P52,642,397.13 in collectibles, while Baguio and Paquibato districts have P15,172,023.21 and P10,069,666.44, respectively.

The data distributed by the finance committee compiled partial information from the CTO, as of December 31, 2013.

This accounted for only 7 out of the city’s 11 treasury districts.

Dayanghirang said his office was still compiling data that they received from the CTO. [MindaNews]

Duterte wants to be ‘diplomatic’ re unpaid real property taxes

D

AVAO Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said the government should negotiate with businesses first regarding unpaid taxes before using its powers to auction or adding surcharges to the delinquent accounts.

This comes a week after it was revealed at the City Council that the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) listed P1.12 billion in uncollected real property taxes.

Speaking at the weekly ‘Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa’ television show last Sunday, Duterte said that while it was the exclu-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EAGLE CENTER:

Saving the bird icon

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

B

Y using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, the Philippines, in the process, is saving the country’s national bird and its habitat.

That what Dennis Salvador, the executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), said.

“If Filipinos don’t get their act together for the cause of the endangered bird, it shall be doomed to die,” Salvador said.

PEF, which manages the eagle center in Malagos, Calinan District of Davao City, is a non-governmental organization which deals with the conservation and protection of endangered “Pithecophaga jefferyi,” described by American aviator Charles Lindbergh as “the world’s noblest flier.”

PEF’s work is divided broadly into two roles: “in situ” and “ex situ” conservation of the endangered

bird. “In situ” is the raising of birds in its original habitat while “ex situ” is the method of propagating the species in captivity.

The PEF embarked on a captive breeding project since the 1980s, succeeding in January 1992 with the birth of “Pag-asa” (hope). However, it took at least 21 years for the first tropical eagle born in captivity – to sire an offspring. Last year, the 158gram chick was hatched.

“This (recent) accomplishment underscores the fact breeding these birds in captivity remains difficult,” Salvador said in a statement four days after the eaglet hatched. “We are certainly a long way off in coping with losses in the wild.”

Many pioneering efforts in the past failed to breed certain endangered species in captivity. According to Salvador, breeders of captive eagles and other birds find it a hercu-

lean task to induce captive birds to reproduce. Many factors like food, protection and nesting needs have to be considered.

Breeders at the Philippine Eagle Center are left with no other viable option but to employ artificial insemination – meaning they have to catch the semen from a male eagle and inject it into the genital of the female eagle.

Salvador cites five reasons why they resort to artificial insemination method: (1) while the male gets into all stages of the breeding cycle, he still fails to copulate; (2) most eagles at the center are already “sexually imprinted” on humans (meaning the eagle has already accepted a human as its sexual partner); (3) there’s shortage of unrelated sexually mature male eagles; (4) crippled or disabled eagles can’t have natural sex with each other; and (5) some pairs of eagles of both sex-

es would rather kill each other than have sex.

The newly-hatched eaglet was the 25th Philippine eagle produced by the eagle center since 1992.

The eagle center is one of the most often visited places in Davao City. Some 30 kilometers northwest and about an hour’s ride from the heart of the city, it hosts about 100,000 tourists and visitors every year.

Almost always, people who have a close encountered with the country’s bird icon are mesmerized by its beauty. “They are impressive birds,” said Chad Gessele, an American from Oregon who edits Better Life Television, Inc. “Before my mini-trip there, I knew of these things, knew their basic statistics, but seeing them up close is a different deal.”

In July 1995, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 615 naming the Philippine eagle as the country’s

national bird. He said that the bird is found only in the Philippines and as such it should be a source of national pride.

The Philippine eagle is listed by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as among the country’s threatened birds.

If the national bird dies, according to Ramos, “so will all the country’s efforts at conserving its natural resources and treasures.”

Salvador cited deforestation as the culprit as to why the eagles are fast disappearing from this part of the world. “Deforestation is terrible,” he pointed out.

“The Philippine eagle has become a critically endangered species because the loss of the forest had made it lose its natural habitat.”

Studies have shown that a pair of Philippine eagle needs at least 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forest as a nesting territory.

The captive breeding

is one of the eagle center’s top programs as its main objective is to augment wild populations of the endangered bird while serving as a “genetic insurance” for the species.

Studies conducted by the eagle center indicate that more than 90% of fledglings and juveniles do not reach breeding age or adulthood primarily because of human persecution (mainly shooting followed by trapping-capture incidents). A Philippine eagle is considered adult when it reaches the age of six to seven years.

If the old breeding pairs in the wild are not being replaced, Salvador explained, it is more likely that the whole Philippine eagle population could suddenly collapse.

“Before we know it, we’d probably lose the Philippine eagle. We’ll have a national bird that doesn’t exist,” Salvador warned.

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

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TEXT 0947-891-0391 (SMART) 0917-880-6286 (GLOBE)

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Cool runnings

L

IKE Jamaica, the Philippines has ice only on refrigerators.

But say it isn’t so, there is no stopping us, like Jamaica, from dreaming of an Olympic stint of a season we are not acquainted with. Much less, aspire to be the best.

Michael Christian Martinez, all of 17 years old, made history when he became the first ever skater from the tropics of Southeast Asia to compete in the Winter Olympics’ most popular event—figure skating. Michael’s story was one of courage, determination, sacrifice and love of a family. He learned the sport watching it online and learning it on an improvised ice skating rink inside a mall. Like the Jamaican bobsled team who were immortalized in the film “Cool Runnings”, Michael and perhaps every Filipino dreaming of excelling in his/her chosen sport, stands a good chance of one day making it to the Olympic stage. A medal may not even be far-fetched.

The inspiring story of the Jamaican bobsled team who debuted at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary without formal training of the cold weather sport should inspire every Pinoy athlete. By now, we have

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gotten familiar with the Jamaicans’ story, crashing in the competition after their sled broke and got to finish only because they were unselfishly lent sleds by other competitors. They never considered the experience an embarrassment. Instead they thrived from failure. Two Winter Olympics after, the Jamaicans finished ahead of the United States, Russia, Australia, France, and two sleds from Canada.

In 2000, the Jamaicans won the gold medal at the World Push Championships and at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, their 2-man team set an Olympic track record and also broke the Olympic mark for the push-start segment.

Now, Michael Christian Martinez, only 17, has a lot of Winter Olympics ahead of him. In only his first Olympics, a 19th finish after qualifying to the finals is very much respectable if not impressive. With his success, expect the mall ice skating rinks to be filled with young kids dreaming to be like Mike.

Expect too, that there will be more malls with ice skating rinks outside Metro Manila as this sport will surely rise in popularity after Michael’s success in Sochi.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

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GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

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D

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Failure to curb illegal gambling

EEPLY ROOTED INTO THE FILIPINO CULTURE – In response to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s renewed directive the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is intensifying its drive against all forms of illegal gambling. The acquired habit is a nationwide trait and the city has its own share of the problem.

The high incidence of illegal gambling is cause of concerns for the religious sector, moralist groups and civil society as a whole. Illegal gambling just like prohibited drugs truly are threats in society.

Even so, sociologists and behavioral experts think it must be even precise to say that gambling per se is a social problem associated with joblessness and abject poverty. Look at the problems the police and other law enforcement agencies are having in dealing with illegal gambling and several unlawful but highly-profitable business transactions.

There is a widespread belief that the Philippine National Police (PNP) did not exert maximum effort to minimize if not totally eradicate illegal gambling activities all over the country.

Authorities had been dealing with the social menace for decades, which is considered a pastime deeply rooted into the Filipino culture. What do the police do now? For the more alarmed and worried groups, they assailed that the failure to curb illegal gambling is reflective of the PNP’s inefficiency and incompetence in performing their job to say the least. Cross sections of society have difficulty trusting the police establishment when they saw the war against illegal gambling and various forms of illicit undertakings losing its intensity because of lack of collective leadership.

When competence and credibility become an issue, the police organization must face questions about its trustworthiness in dealing with unlawful activities aside from maintaining peace and security. Of course, if you are a police

I

NDUSTRIAL tycoon and highprofile sportsman, Manuel V. Pangilinan, thru his own MVP Sports Foundation has awarded $10K (Php450K) to 17 year old figure skater Michael Christian Martinez in recognition of his “historic performance in the recent 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia.

Said MVP: “What a brave kid....

Thank you to him and his parents. Let’s continue supporting him.” Now that’s a true Filipino and sportsman talking.

It has been reported that Michael had to mortgage their house so they could finance his trip to Russia.

Michael was left alone to fend for himself. There was no government aid or support. It completely ignored his stint at the Winter Games.

Shame on you, Malacanang.

Shame on you, Congress.

Shame on you, Philippine Olympic

official trying to protect your area of responsibility f r o m mounting brickbats and criticism due to the unabated i l l e g a l gambling operations, public sentiment and convincing explanation are the setbacks.

One glaring example is the prevailing situation in the city. It is rather strange that one ranking police officer explained they’ve been having difficulties to track down illegal gambling operations notably the popular “Last 2” numbers game because the people involved now shifted to guerilla-type procedure.

The new scheme using text messages to finalize an illegal gambling deal reportedly rendered the police force with no evidence to prove that “Last 2” ever existed. Although some would accept such a doubtful explanation, many likewise would think that the police was able to make pronouncements that negatively affect their war-on-gambling readiness status. The justification that the “hit and run” illegal gambling method adopted by dubious financiers is causing the police problems was disgusting and demeaning and, above all – unacceptable.

Moreover, many are pessimistic still saying the police should stop the practice of arresting only the “small fry” while allowing the “big-fish” to remain scotfree. Simply put, the “Last 2” bet collectors and lowly coordinators are only making ways to earn a living while big-time and “untouchable” financiers are doing illegal but highly lucrative business venture tax-free. While it was gratifying to hear those non-ending assurances to eradicate the unlawful venture, we should not ignore the fact that the war against it requires enough guts and courage and

the use of every possible means.

Let’s face it: The lack of personnel and scarcity of funds for intelligence and surveillance operations have always been the reasons of the police force as among the causes of their failure to minimize if not totally stamp out illegal undertakings such as gambling and drugs. Take note gentlemen, those are worn-out and oftrepeated statements. This time please try please to enchant the aghast and disgusted people with new, fresh alibis.

Then again, people in the city should not complain too much.

What is of greater concern to the anti-gambling groups right now is that they were deeply troubled by the current situation and urge authorities to ask the citizens whether the plan to totally eliminate illegal gambling will change the scenario? The answer is no: It would only intensify. You can just see the confusion in society. What we have is a big difference between what the government is doing and what it has been telling the people.

Ordinary people in the streets are totally disgusted because the government authorized gambling operations which is manage by Pagcor and cater only to the rich and the elite while in the same vein the police is mandated to run after poor gamesters who patronized illegal numbers game as their pastime and to the numerous jobless souls their way to earn a living to support their families.

What an irony!

Here again you can just imagine the discrepancy. Everybody who engaged in small-time gambling are deemed violating the law while casino habitués are considered generous for patronizing the government-run gambling operations. As such gambling is bad whether legal or illegal. For the record, it’s only in the country that government operates and legalized a gambling business. The same goes true with Monaco, but it is a monarchy, not a democratic administration. Well, it’s more fun gambling in the Philippines!

Committee.

W h e r e were you when Michael Christian Martinez, the lone Filipino entry in the figure skating short program competition, needed you most?

The government’s utter failure to fully support Michael’s participation in the Winter Games is sympto matic of its pathetic concern for Filipino athletes aspiring for international honors, as well as the cavalier attitude of our government sports officials.

We can never expect our athletes to win international honors for as long

as we deny them full support, financial and otherwise.

We have athletes with worldclass talents. But they don’t get the needed government support. It’s pathetic and a real shame.

By the way, Michael is determined to try his luck again in the 2018 Winter Games scheduled in Pyeongchong, South Korea.

Meanwhile, the World Junior Figure Skating Championship this coming March 2014 in Bulgaria is Michael’s next target.

It is hoped that the government will extend to Michael the support he needs.

Already he is assured with half a million pesos from the ever-generous MVP. Now we can tell Michael , “Hindi ka nag-iisa!”.

Mabuhay ka, Michael!

MVP to the Rescue

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Is the smoking ban fair to all smokers ?

T

HANK GOODNESS, I don’t smoke.

I’ve never smoked a single stick of cigarette in my entire life.

I remember I was in high school at UM Tagum when I was almost tempted to smoke a cigarette when I was together with other work scholars resting after a long hard day’s work at the campus.

The question that popped up when I was about to light that first cigarette was “ What for?” . I couldn’t answer that question enough to satisfy me. If I did, I would have been addicted to it and I’d probably be a heavy smoker by now.

When I’m tense or when I’m nervous, there’s always an easy way out for me, but it’s not smoking. Even when I’m faced by the heavy pressure of writing and editing thirty (30) news stories and features in less than three days for the JICA-funded publication I’m editing and writing for, I don’t ease that pressure by smoking a cigarette. I just go right ahead and do the job to meet the deadline.

I could imagine easily how a smoke containing nicotine and other chemicals dissolved in smoke, entering my throat and my lungs if I’ve been smoking along with my friends. I’m not the type of person who feels “insecure” about my “being a man” or being “anti-social” if I don’t smoke. Just because everybody does it, doesn’t mean I should be doing it too.

Whenever I see a person smoking, I see someone who’s tense, who’s nervous, who’s insecure about himself, who’s trying to deal with a problem.

That’s why when I ask someone why he’s smoking, he’d say he wants to “relax” which means he’s really nervous, tense, under pressure, etc.

Since a non-smoker like me cannot stand being in a place with smokers puffing out smoke like it’s the end of the world, I just loved it when the entire city of Davao was declared a “non-smoking city”--- probably the world’s first city to do so.

Naturally, it pays to have a non-smoking Mayor who’s willing to jail anyone, even congressmen or foreigners who think they have a birthright to smoke anywhere they want, engulfing all other non-smokers with their cancer-causing smoke. But you can’t tell our present President to stop smoking because his mind cannot function normally if he doesn’t spew into his lungs some nicotine smoke. Just make sure he isn’t caught smoking in a non-smoking area in Davao while on an official visit--- otherwise he’ll spend overnite in a smelly Davao jail.

Complaints of bars and restaurant owners that the smoking ban is “bad for business” is a lot of baloney. After many years of the smoking ban, people have gotten used to “smoking areas” out in the back far from the crowd, where anyone can continue “committing suicide” with that stick of cigarette. Believe me, all you smokers out there, all your days are numbered.

However, when you look deeper, it’s not really a 100% non-smoking city, because the no smoking ordinance still allows offices, restaurants, hotels, etc, a “smoking area” --- which is just and fair for everyone, whether you’re a smoker or not. The no-smoking ordinance hasn’t really shut out all smokers.

So, if you’re one of those who’s griping, eat your heart out.

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

10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

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SPEED... FFROM 1 where the official or authorized plate number should be.

Gonzaga said that “one of the major programs the agency will be implementing this year is the Motor Vehicle License Plates Standardization Program which is covered by Memorandum Circular No. VPT2013-1772.”

He said this program was implemented starting last February 1.

He said the program was launched after it was observed that there was no uniformity of license plates in the country. “ Since 1981, or in a span of three decades, a total of nine license plates of various designs have been used,” he said, “kaya mapansin ninyo iba-iba ang license designs nang mga sasakyan natin, with different fonts, background and color schemes, parang nakarehistro sa iba’t-ibang bansa.”

“All brand new private and for hire motor vehicles

have license plates bearing three alpha and four numeric symbols,” he said, adding motorcycles on the other hand shall have license plates bearing two alpha and five numeric symbols.

On the other hand, he said, diplomatic vehicles shall be provided with license plates bearing five numeric symbols.

“Since motor vehicles are assigned permanently with a license plate number during its lifetime, those already assigned with one will still be using the plate number series assigned to them,” Gonzaga said, adding that “we will however be replacing the existing plates with newly-designed ones which will be issued to the owner within 45 days from the date of renewal of registration and after surrender of the existing license plates and payment of fees.”

The new license plates, which are now incorporated with security features,

are purposely designed to: “First, stop the proliferation of dilapidated and illegible license plates and the prevalent practice of not replacing list license plates by motor vehicle owners; “Second, to promptly identify counterfeit license plates; and “Third, to aid law enforcement and improve the motor vehicle registration database.”

He said “standardizing license plates is intended wholly to increase the security, safety of our motor vehicles for the benefit of vehicle owners.”

Gonzaga said LTO innovation is a “way of responding against the issue of carnapping, and to contain the crimes committed by riding in tandems.”

Aside from the standardization of license plates other measures are being developed by the LTO top management to further enhance our registration and licensing policies, he said.

rescued victims are minors.

“The arrested suspects admitted to the crime saying their family is in dire need of money and that they found said illegal business to be lucrative because they are being paid in dollars via on-line transaction,” he said.

Senior Inspector Doren S. Mauricio, spokesperson of the CIDG 11, said that they conducted surveillance since last year after receiving a report of the alleged cybersex den operation in the area.

After securing a search of warrant is-

sued from presiding judge Evalyn Moralles, of Regional Trial Court Branch 11 in Davao City, ACG operatives immediately conducted the raid at about 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

Mauricio said they caught the victims inside the room performing lewd dancing including a two-year-old girl whose private part was shown in the webcam to their clients.

The suspects are now in jail while minors were turned-over to the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) for debriefing.

Police recovered

electronic items reportedly used as instruments to promote and broadcast live child pornography including laptop, internet broadband, cellphones and telephone.

The items are now in custody of the Regional Digital Forensic Laboratory 11 for cyber forensic examination.

The Anti Cybercrime Group of CIDG is the lead unit in dealing cybercrime cases in Davao City. It is equipped P3 million worth of apparatus, donated by United States government, that can track e-mail and Internet Protocol Address.

the revenues from the Sin Tax Law. The DOH budget for the year 2014 is about

P83 billion.

“P35.7 B of this goes with the premium payment of 14.7 million poor-

est Filipino households to PhilHealth for their coverage,” the DOH undersecretary added. [PNA]

the lingering problem of skills-industry mismatch that has been contributing to the rising unemployment among Filipinos.

“The rollout comes at an opportune time when we are seeing a rising number of jobless Filipinos. One of the reasons for unemployment is job-skills mismatch.

Enterprises hire only those who have the experience, giving new graduates lesser to opportunity to get hired,” said Bird.

The program, he said, would give opportunity to new entrants to upgrade their skills and build career paths within the tourism industry.

The latest Social

Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that unemployment rate rose to 27.5 percent to 12.1-million from its year-ago level.

Most of the jobless people are youths ages 15 to 24.

Philippines Improving Competitiveness in Tourism is designed to assist the government’s tourism roadmap of reaching the 10 million tourism arrivals by 2016.

The project also complements the Aquino administration’s inclusive growth program which seeks to create decent jobs for the local workforce particularly in tourism destination.

“As a major tourism hub, Davao has a great

opportunity to take advantage of this window and develop a new breed of tourism industry workforce who are at par with their AEAN counterparts,” said Bird.

Accommodation enterprises accredited with DOT are encouraged to liaise with the DOT regional office or the project coordinator for the application requirements and process.

DOT assistant secretary Arturo Boncato Jr. expressed the hope that tourism stakeholders will be aggressive enough to apply for the grants and offer the right programs so that they would be able to avail themselves of sizeable if not the bulk of the grants.

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He said that 16 out of 20 fire incidents were residential in nature, two structural and two vehicular.

As of February 15, the bureau recorded two incidents in Davao City while there were 22 cases last year.

Jimenez said the high rate of fire incidents in the city is accounted to the concentration of high population.

Jimenez said that “the city, being a highly orga-

nized city, invites more people from nearby provinces.”

“Despite of the house to house campaign of our firemen on field and the bureau’s Barangay Uganayan Program, people are still using substandard electrical material like the flat cord. They tend to use flat cord because it is cheaper,” he said, adding that this kind of cord is only for temporary use only like for extension wires.

Meanwhile, the BFP

continues implementing onsite visitation of establishments for safety inspection.

The number of inspected establishments increased compared to last year’s January. The bureau already visited a total of 4,546 establishments this year, only 3,450 last year January. It was able to grant a total of 6,635 permits to those who complied with the safety rules and other requirements.

Meanwhile, an initial 250 farmers in the coastal towns of Caraga, Baganga, Cateel, and Boston, each received one sack of rice seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture RFU XI. These rice seeds are intended to help farmers who are desperate to replant after vast rice swathes have been destroyed by the heavy floods.

“It is our first time to experience such huge flood here in our village.

The fields were covered in mud and even our livestocks drowned in the flood,” said farmer Gregorio Laurente of BarangayTaytayan, Cateel.

Based on initial reports from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI), damage on rice plantations alone was valued at 11.4 million pesos covering a total of 2,324 hectares. The large portion of which is in the east coast towns that covered a total of 2,265 hectares.

The PAGRI Office said that the initial handover of farm inputs was part of the 8.3 million pesos initial rehab assistance requested by the Provincial Government from the DA. This aid includes pro-

vision of ‘palay’ seeds, organic fertilizer, BLB stopper, and insecticides.

Grateful over the granted farm inputs, farmers said these would definitely help them to start planting again.

Long-term efforts Apart from the stopgap aid, the provincial government is also embarking on interventions meant to benefit people in the long-term. These include industry development such as the oil palm production that promises prolific venture. With the already established market tieups with multi-national companies, the industry is poised to induce economic boost for the province.

Meanwhile, in terms of shelter provision, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon met recently with local officials, directing them to fast track scouting for resettlement sites. During the meeting, she underscored that housing funds will only be allocated to homes that will be built on ‘safe zones’. “The government will not shell out funds for building houses on danger areas, otherwise, it will just be a total

waste of resources,” she said.

In terms of accessibility, Governor Malanyaon said that the government is doing the best it can to expedite the repairs of the collapsed Lumao Bridge in Cateel, which left the town isolated from the capital for nearly a month.

“The continuous heavy downpour made the repairs of the bridge more difficult,” she said.

“However, the Presidential Bridge Task Force together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), assured that they will commence the construction of the temporary bailey bridge this week to ease access,” she added.

She also assured the people the restoration of roads to far-flung villages through the ‘Operation Kalsada’ wherein sets of equipment are being deployed by the province to facilitate simultaneous repair of barangay roads.

She urged the barangay officials to prioritize the best interest of the people who needs the government’s genuine services, especially in this time of crisis. [By Karen Lou Deloso/ Photo by Eden JhanLicayan]

dent; Judge Tingaraan U. Guiling of Manila as second vice president; Edilberto R. Abalos of Pangasinan, corporate secretary; Mark Clester A. Rufino of Nueva Ecija as assistant corporate secretary; Liberato G. Siaron of Quezon City, national treasurer; Cecilio L. Magsino of Los Banos, assistant national treasurer; Atty. Proculo T. Sarmen of Misamis Oriental, nation-

al auditor; Alex MichaelS. Boribor of Albay, youth trustee for South Luzon; Neo Eric P. Dacanay of Cotabato, youth trustee for Mindanao; Atty. Edgardo R. Elechicon of Iloilo, trustee; Ms Ma. Melanie M. Garcia of Makati, youth trustee for Manila Bay Region; Aileen Noguera of Cebu, youth trustee for he Viasayas; Rodolfo V. Tolentino of Los Banos;

Domiandor G. Calonia of Cagayan Valley, ex-officio member; Crisologo O. Caparoso of Cebu, president of the Philippinee Fellowship of YMCA Retirees, ex-officio member; Philip O. Lee of Manila Downtown, regional director of Y’s Men International Philippine Region, ex-officio member; and Pablito A. Tabucol of YMCA Philippines, national general secretary.

then it should be disclosed.

That is why many officers or prosecutors make sure they have probable cause and at least two pieces of evidence to present to the judge before requesting an arrest warrant.

Arrest warrants are most commonly required

when a crime is committed out of view of a police officer. If a felony is committed in view of a police officer then an arrest can be made without a warrant.

Once the arrest warrant is granted by a judge in a court of law, the local law enforcement officials are

legally allowed to arrest the person of interest named on the warrant wherever they find that person. This means that the person can be arrested at their place of work, at their residence, after they are pulled over on the road or anywhere else in public.

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EDGEDAVAO

ICT HUB

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

11

Top Free Android games on Google Play CHILL JILL ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to perate an AIRCONDITONED TAXI Service ERLINDA P. MANGUBAT, Petitioner Case No.2003-XI-02232 x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on February 6,2014. In the petition filed on February 5, 2014, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 3, 2014 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 5th day of February 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

W

HAT’S hot in Google Play store this

week?

With Flappy Bird taken down, two of the popular game’s “offsprings” emerged 1-2 on the Google Play rankings. These “offsprings” are Clumsy Bird and Fluffy Bird which both took advantage of the deactivation of the parent game last week.

Here are the Top 10 free games in the Android market this week.

1. Clumsy Bird It’s Clumsy Bird which reached more than five million downloads and 39,556 high ratings. For those who don’t know this game, Clumsy Bird is just one of flappy’s offspring only that the game’s setting and features are jungle-inspired where Clumsy pass through logs instead of tunnels.

2. Fluffy Bird Next is another bird specie called the Fluffy Birds. (Whats with birds?) It’s an old game created on April 2013 but unexpectedly rose from the ashes this year with more than a million downloads and 4,000 good ratings.

This game is a matching game where you have to match the fluffies by their color. It has three different game modes;

Casual, Relaxation and Puzzle. You’ll love this game because their cute and the game is easy to play.

3. Zombie Tsunami Here come the zombies who were never out of the market! For those who love the undead this can be a perfect game for you to take your place in a crowd of zombies as they race to the city attacking unfortunate survivors and building a pack of hungry ones. It has reached over ten million downloads and 310,398 high ratings.

4. Candy Crush Saga Who would ever think this fun game goes down in just a blink of an eye upon the arrival of the flappy ones? Candy Crush so far never went down below top 10 with its very fun and delightful candy features. It now has amazingly a hundred million

downloads since day one with three million high ratings.

5. Pou Pou dropped down from top 2 together with Candy Crush because of the birds but still not off the fancy of gamers in the online market. Pou also has a hundred million downloads and two million high ratings.

6. Temple Run 2 Now this game happens to be the one who brought leisure time to people summer time last year and still here in the top 10 free games of Google Play. It also has a hundred million downloads and a million high ratings. This exhilarating game will totally keep your feet off the ground as you pass through perilous cliffs, zip lines, mines and forests as you try to escape with the cursed idol.

7. Ironpants I have no idea about this game but what I

saw here is a human version of Flappy Bird.

Not just a human version but a superhero version. Guide Ironpants as he passes through the boxes. It has reached a million of downloads since it was made a week ago.

They say it’s better than Flappy because of its difficulty and challenging features.

8. Subway Surfers We can’t miss the cool and street version of Temple run which is Subway Surfers. Help Jake dash as fast as he can and dodge the oncoming trains with a tricky and fresh escape from the grumpy inspector and his dog with Jake’s fiery skateboard. This game again had reached hundred million downloads and three million high ratings.

9. 4 Pics 1 Word Still in the mix is that good old puzzle picture

game called 4 pics 1 word. Guess the word with the help of the four pictures presented as a hint for the answer.

Pass through and unlock hundred of levels for some tricky puzzles added for endless word fun. This game reached hundred million downloads and half a million high ratings.

10. Hill Climb Racing Last on the list is the heart stopping game called Hill Climb Racing. Get to meet Newton Bill, the young aspiring uphill racer and help him face challenges of unique hill climbing with his cars.

This games has reached also a hundred million downloads and a million high ratings.

That’s our Top 10 free games of the week!

Watch out for its fast changes as I will update you on the top games in the market next week.

12 CLASSIFIEDS EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

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

EDGEDAVAOMover VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

INDUSTRY

Providing strategic link between electronics industry and community

By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO greg@edgedavao.net

“YOUR strategic alliance,” says the catchphrase of the Davao Citybased Stratlink Distributor, Inc., the only distributor of consumer electronics products outside Metro Manila, catering mainly to small and medium size dealers in the provinces of Visayas and Mindanao.

For managing director Vernie Roscoe Dela Cruz, the company’s business goes beyond being a distributor.

“We are not mere supplier. We also provide solutions not only to business partners, but to the community we serve,” he said.

Stratlink, which was established only in 2011, gradually expanded its business with 10 branches supplying 83 dealers in various provinces of Visayas and Mindanao. Consumer electronics brands it distributes include Haier Sanyo, Union, LG Electronics, American Heritage, JBL, Promac and Watersource.

MORE THAN A DISTRIBUTOR Aside from being distributor, Dela Cruz said the company also provides expertise and competence to whatever challenges that may arise both from the supplier companies and the dealers in

the communities.

“We also provide logistics and warehousing services to some of our suppliers. Whatever concerns that may arise in the course of our operations, we always provide solutions,” he said.

The company’s profile clearly spelled out its vision: “To be the best business solutions provider in the industry and to the community we serve.”

Dela Cruz said being a distributor in far-flung provinces as far as Basilan and Tawi-Tawi poses many challenges.

“It is very challenging but our advantage is that we are familiar of these places,” he said.

To help address the dealers concerns, the company has established offices and warehouses in strategic areas for “trade proximity and flexibility.”

VERNIE ROSCOE DELA CRUZ Managing Director

CARLO ANGELO B. SEÑASE General Manager

YOUNG AND DYNAMIC Stratlink’s main competitive edge is the young and dynamic management team of young professionals who are “highly driven and knowledgeable” in the consumer electronics industry and established the company “with a passion for innovation and leadership.”

Dela Cruz, for instance, is a seasoned sales professional with an extensive 13 years experience in the consumer electronics industry. A management accounting graduate from the Ateneo de Davao University, he was a VisMin sales manager for Asiaconnect Inc. and assistant sales manager for VisMin of Philips Consumer Electronics.

The company’s general manager, Carlo Angelo B. Señase, is also a trained sales strategist with “all-encompassing” eight years experience in consumer electronics and fast moving consumer goods industry. A graduate of accountancy also from the Ateneo de Davao University, he was an assistant branch manager of 2001 Audio Video in Toronto, Canada, area sales manager of Asiaconnect Inc. and key account officer of Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc. Both in their mid-thirties only, Dela Cruz and Señase have also worked in the banking and financial services industry.

VALUES With their exemplary experience and competence, they cultivated and ensured that Stratlink’s officers and staff must be equipped with and embrace the company’s core values summed up as SPEED (Sensibility, Performance Driven, Excellence, Evolvement and Development.)

“For sensibility, we have an exceptional degree of sensitiveness to the needs of our business partners and client/costumer so that we respond rapid-

ly to our client requirements. As performance driven, we are prepared to carry out the tasks assigned to us as we enthusiastically execute and fulfill our duties and responsibilities,” said the company’s profile.

In giving focus to excellence, Stratlink pointed out: “As our company believes in our business partners, we always go beyond or do more than what is warranted by the standards set in the performance of our job, compel ourselves to surpass our previous performances.”

“Accepting the challenges the company experiences each day to fulfill our goals, we continuously work out and devise plans and find solutions to defeat whatever it is that hinders in achieving our objectives,” it said in embracing evolvement as one of its core values.

In taking up development as another value, Stratlink declared: “Our people never say ‘enough’ in learning new knowledge and in honing our skills but continuously challenges our capacity in discovering new heights and new horizons to achieve perfection to whatever endeavors we may undertake in the future.”

TRADE LAUNCH Today, February 18, Stratlink will gather its key dealers for a trade launch at The Marco Polo Hotel Davao where “the leaders in innovation showcase their upcoming products and cutting edge technology.”

“The purpose of this trade launch is for our dealers to know the latest trends in the consumer electronics industry,” Dela Cruz said.

“Appliances have evolved. Dealers must adapt to these new trends. We have to adapt to the growing needs of the market,” he added.

S2 EDGEDAVAO Mover Serving a seamless society

INDUSTRY VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Mover S3 Serving a seamless society

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INDUSTRY

S4 EDGEDAVAO Mover Serving a seamless society

INDUSTRY VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Mover S5 Serving a seamless society

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INDUSTRY

S6 EDGEDAVAO Mover Serving a seamless society

INDUSTRY VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

A whale of a tale at Davao Oriental’s Provincial Museum

DAVAO ORIENTAL is known for its rugged coastline, pristine beaches and beautiful forests. Its rich bio and cultural diversity makes it a draw to every traveller who would love to go off the beaten path and maybe slow down time. And time definitely stands still at the province’s spanking new museum. Named Subangan, Davao Oriental’s Provicial Museum is a sight to behold.

Located at Davao Oriental’s tourism complex that used to be part of the vast Menzi pomelo estate, Subangan (which means “the place where the sun rises” in the local dialect) is the dream project of Governor Corazon Malanyaon that aims to showcase the bounty and culture of the province.

The biodiversity exhibit.

Davor, The Whale exhibit.

Upon entering the museum, I was greeted by a massive blue space that houses a skeletal installation of the whale that the museum named “Davor” which is touted by the museum as being the 7th biggest whale installation in the world. The first time I saw photos of Davor on FaceBook I never thought that he would be big, but boy was I wrong!

From the tip of Davor’s nose all the way to the tip of his tale bone, Davor was

An interactive moment at the Mt. Hagimitan exhibit.

longer than four jeepneys arranged end to end. The gallery also had interactive exhibits which used tablets as well as multimedia to introduce visitors to the rich marine biodiversity of the province.

From the Davor and marine biodiversity exhibit, one walks up the ramp to experience Davao Oriental’s Natural Heritage exhibit which features UNSESCO Natural Heritage site Mt. Hamiguitan and its bonsai for-

Tribal fashion exhibit.

The museum’s forest walk installation.

Weaving exhibit.

Tribal musical instruments.

est. The area also features other mountains, waterfalls, mangroves, caves, beaches as well as a biodiversity wall and interactive exhibits.

I particularly love the forest walk that took me on a short trip through a rainforest with screens featuring creatures that lurk in the pools of water as well as insects that call the forest floor home.

From the natural to the cultural, the lower gallery of Subangan features the cultural heritage of its tribal peoples, from the many different songs, clothing, tribal arts and even ways of living, the exhibits were informative and inspiring at the same time making a side-trip to the Davao Oriental Provincial Museum a mustdo whenever one makes their way east.

For more information on the museum one can contact Lyrna Padohinor or Amy Ponce at (87)8113397 or email the museum at subangan@yahoo.com.

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

The musem gardens.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EVENT

Stories of love at the Museum of Love

By Kenneth Irving Ong

MX3 shares to Laoag LAOAG CITY being the capital city of the province of Ilocos Norte brought thousands of spectators from different part of the country and several others from other nations to celebrate the Pamulinawen Festival on the theme, “Steadfast”.

This celebration displayed the unwavering Laoagueño tradition and culture. The Street Parade, Street Dance Competition, Drum and Lyre Competion and Kalesa Parade were the major heart-catching events.

The MX3 graced the festivity with gift-givings for the participating residents of Laoag.

A Kapuso Night was held at Aurora Park with the “Rhodora X” Soap Opera Casts: Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Anthony Fernandez and Ken Chan. The presence of the artists added much attention to the celebration.

It was heightened with cheers of the crowd as MX3 Hooray was played. Thereafter, gift-givings concluded the game. Participants brought home MX3 gift packs like MX3 products, MX3 eco-bag and MX3 t-shirts and additional cash prize for the winner.

MX3 game winner, Ronald Panizarez said “Masaya ako na ako ang nanalo sa game ng MX3. I love MX3 capsule, kaya araw-araw akong umiinom nito. Mag MX3 na rin kayo.

Maraming salamat MX3!

The celebration was indeed a joyful reunion among families, friends and balikbayans, a sight-to -see and one has to be there to experience the vibrant culture of the Laoag.

THE SSI Hallway of the Abreeza Mall was the site of their Museum of Love exhibit which was opened last Februray 14. Featuring artefacts and memorabilia of prominent individuals and families in Davao City as well as the stories of love behind the pieces, it was Abreeza Mall’s way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. On exhibit are various artworks such as A Joya oil painting owned by Jackie Garcia Dizon which was a house warming gift from her mover, Salome “Baby” Garcia and a portrait of Carmen Iñigo Carriedo on her 65th done by Gig de Pio for Josie Carriedo Tonko.

Photos as well as love letters were also showcased in the exhibit such as Malouchi Posadas Gahol’s photo of her grandfather and grandmother’s 1938 wedding together with poems and sonnets from her grandfather Agusto to her grandmother Estela.

There were also memorabilia such as the Miss Universe 1973 trophy of Ma. Margie Moran Floirendo and Baby Montemayor’s white piano which was one of the first few pianos that arrived in Davao City right after World War II and was given to her by her loving mother-inlaw, Mrs. Patricia Montemayor.

These as well as other items that have their own stories made the Museum of Love a true tribute to love and why we celebrate love in the first place.

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

12 Years a Slave and Gravity win big at the 2014 BAFTA Awards THE stage was set, the celebs walked the red carpet and the show began.

As the 2014 BAFTA Awards kicked off from London’s swanky Royal Opera House, competition for the gongs was fierce, with American Hustle, Gravity and 12 Years a Slave among the notable nominees, along with Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts and Emma Thompson.

But, there was one film that reigned supreme throughout the night.

Although 12 Years a Slave won big when it took home the Best Film Award and Leading Actor for star Chiwetel Ejiofor, it was Gravity that seemed to own the night, raking in six of the wins from its 11 nomina-

tions.

Among its awards, the space drama won for Outstanding British Film and Best Director for Alfonso Cuaron.

2014 BAFTA Winners: Outstanding British Film: Gravity Original Music: Gravity Outstanding Debut: Kieran Evans, Kelly + Victor Supporting Actor: Barkhad Adbi Cinematography: Gravity Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips Original Screenplay: American Hustle Adapted Screenplay:

Special Visual Effects: Gravity Film Not In The English Language: The Great Beauty Leading Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Philomena Production Design: The Great Gatsby

Director: Alfonso Cuaron Leading Actress: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine Best Film: 12 Years a Slave British Short Film: Room 8 Documentary: The Act of Killing

Editing: Rush Animated Film: Frozen EE Rising Star: Will Poulter

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt wear matching tuxedos to the 2014 BAFTAs HIS and her coordinated looks never looked so sleek and sexy.

All eyes were on Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt as they stunned on the red carpet in matching tuxedos at the 2014 British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London.

The mother of six decided against a long gown and donned a formfitting Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane for the awards show on Sunday. The brunette beauty was effortless in the formfitting blazer and slacks, which perfectly accentuated her slim figure.

Jolie sported a crisp white dress shirt with an undone bow tie, a belt and patent leather pumps.

The 38-year-old wore her long locks down in smooth

waves and accessorized with Tiffany jewels. Jolie opted for a smoky eye and natural peach lips.

The 12 Years a Slave star and producer was dapper in a Valentino tuxedo for the big night.

The busy couple reunited in London on Saturday after Valentine’s Day. Jolie and Pitt were last snapped together earlier this month whisking their six kids through the airport in Sydney, Australia for a flight home to the U.S. after spending some time Down Under.

Jolie and their kids have been in Australia for the past few months while she directed her new film Unbroken, while Pitt has been in England filming the WW II drama Fury.

John Henson, son of Muppets creator, dies at 48 JOHN HENSON, the son of Muppets creator Jim Henson, died suddenly on Friday. He was 48.

The Jim Henson Company shared the sad news on their Facebook page on Saturday.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm that John Henson, son of Jim and Jane Henson and brother to Lisa, Cheryl, Brian and Heather, died at age 48 of a sudden massive heart attack on Friday, February 14, while at

home with his daughter,” the statement read.

“John served as a shareholder and board member of The Jim Henson Company. He leaves two daughters, Katrina (15) and Sydney (10) and his wife Gyongyi.

A private service is being planned.”

According to IMDB, John was also a puppeteer and provided the voice for the large hairy ogre Sweetums.

His father Jim passed

away in 1990 at the age of 53 and his mother Jane Henson died last spring at the age of 78.

John’s parents met in a puppetry class at the University of Maryland in 1954, and the two worked together to eventually bring such iconic characters as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Big Bird (just to name a few, of course) to life. The couple married in 1959 but became legally separated in 1986.

STARTING OVER AGAIN 2D Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga PG 13

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

WINTER'S TALE 2D Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe PG 13

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

STARTING OVER AGAIN 2D / *VAMPIRE ACADEMY 2D Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga / * Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky

R-16

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ROBOCOP 2D / * ENDLESS LOVE 2D Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton / *Alex Pettyfer, Gabriella Wilde PG 13 / *R 13

1:00 | 3:30 LFS / *6:00 | 8:80 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

GENSAN

Tea-licious, Infinitea Gensan

ALONG with my Sox Bloggers family, I visited Infinitea at the Tri-star center, along Santiago Blvd., fronting SM Gensan for a taste of their wide variety of mouthwatering, healthy and refreshing authentic milk tea that is perfect for with the kind of weather we’re having lately.

The first Infinitea must try is their Wintermelon milk tea, made up of imported black assam tea, and a creamer from Holland, that doesn’t have fructose, yeap you’ve read it right, a sugar free and guilt free drink for all you health buffs out there!

Second on the list is their Green Mat-Cha, made out of powdered green tea.

Infinitea doesn’t only have milk teas but fruit teas as well, their Passion fruit tea, has no creamer, lesser calories and is part Jasmine tea with a passion

fruit syrup from Taiwan, the same goes with their Green Apple fruit tea. Just writing about this brings back the flavour feels in my tongue, YUM. Infinitea also has addons such as nata de coco, black pearls and coffee jelly that have customers from students to traffic enforcers coming back for more.

Aside from their milk teas and fruit teas, Infinitea also serves frappe, double-dutch, blueberry cheese cake, strawberry & cream, are the trinity of their awesome vanilla based frappe. And

get this, you could also choose the sugar content you’d want on your Infinitea drinks! What are you waiting for? If you haven’t tried them yet, head over to Infinitea, they’re open from 11am11:30pm, Mondays to Sundays.

Their homey feel and their addictive yet refreshing drinks has indeed brought a following, you could tell by the testimonials on their wall and the number of check-ins on their social media accounts.

For more info or even orders give them a ring at (083) 553-0427. They deliver around the city, with a minimum order of 5 milk teas or frappe, they’ll bring your favourite drinks to your doorstep for only Php 20 delivery charge.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

13 COMMUNITY SENSE DSWD gains more development partners EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Realty FOR SALE:

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

S

OME 48 companies from the business sector and the academe in Davao Region attended the recent Partners’ Forum hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), signifying their interest to support government pro-poor programs.

“Poverty ends when partnership begins” was the tagline of the event held at the Marco Polo Hotel.

“This activity aims to win the support of private companies with corporate social responsibility, as well as strengthen the support of key stakeholders on the Convergence Strategy. The activity discussed the highlights, gains and successes of program implementation for CY 2013, as well

as, the thrusts and directions for CY 2014,” said Mila Segovia, DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration.

“The DSWD identified seven areas of engagements with the business sector and the academe and the result is overwhelming! We, at the department, did not expect such overwhelming outpour of commitments to support DSWD programs and services,” ARD Segovia added.

Under education assistance SAMULCO, DORECO, DASURECO, NCCC Cares, University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp. (Malita), St. Joseph Technical Academy of Davao, and Samson Polytechnic College of Davao (SPCD) committed to provide college scholar-

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

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ship grants.

DASURECO also committed to build new classrooms and repair lighting facilities in government schools. UIC, on the other hand, offered to provide school supplies and computer literacy courses. UIC representatives also expressed interest to be included in the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) for IPs. Under provision of safe lighting facility, DORECO committed to deliver their Sitio Electrification Program to DSWD recipient areas in Davao Oriental. DASURECO has likewise committed to provide street lighting materials to identified areas in Davao del Sur. Under nutrition, health and sanitation, SPCD committed to provide healthcare services, medical and dental supplies, vitamins and food supplements as well as conduct medical missions and feeding programs. Moreover, Brokenshire College and DASURECO committed to augment the need on medical/dental supplies.

DASURECO, SPMC Mal-

ita and FedCom offered to conduct feeding programs while San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp Malita vowed to provide help on vegetables and cash crops distribution and conduct medical and dental missions.

Under employment facilitation, DPRDI committed to provide trainings and seminars on organic rice production for six months. SPCD, Phil. Fruits International Corp., Bachelor Express Inc. and Endonela Institute Of Technology Foundation,Inc. offered to provide skills training.

Phil. Fruits International Corp. (PFIC), KFL Manpower Agency, DASURECO, Endonela Institute Of Technology Foundation, Inc. committed to allot slots for job placements to qualified individuals. PFIC, DORECO, KFL Manpower Agency, DASURECO, Bachelor Express Inc. will accept onthe-job trainings.

Under environmental conservation/protection/disaster management, NCCC Cares committed to help out on environmental conservation and protection. DORECO offered to

conduct coastal clean-up drives and tree planting activities. Also, FedCom and Bachelor Express offered to provide assistance during disasters.

And on micro-enterprise development, SAMULCO and DORECO committed to provide loan assistance to beneficiaries. DORECO offered to give out livelihood assistance for fisher folks.

SPCD will also provide livelihood assistance trainings.

The Convergence Strategy harmonizes all three core programs of DSWD – the Kalahi-CIDSS, a program which empowers communities through active participation in community development projects; the Sustainable Livelihood Program equips the poor with opportunities and skills to sustain them in the long term; and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program which provides conditional cash assistance to identified poor families. The three targets all aspects of development thus, a comprehensive and effective way to combat all phases of vulnerability. [DSWD]

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Yeng: I’m not worried T HE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters fired blanks all night long to drop Game Two of the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup finals to the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, leaving coach Yeng Guiao paying tribute to the opposing team’s defense.

“We struggled all game long with our offense. I think San Mig needs to be given credit for playing really good defense on us, aside from the fact that we still couldn’t make our layups, we still couldn’t make our open shots and we still couldn’t even make our free throws. So it really compounded our problems,” Guiao said after the game.

The Elasto Painters shot below 38 percent from the field (29-of-78) and made just 50 percent (6-of-12) from the foul line.

Only Jeff Chan emerged

TOUGH DEFENSE. Peter June Simon of San Mig Cofee tries to break away from the tight clutches of Ty Tang of Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 won by the Mixers. Nuki Sabio

in double-figures for the Elasto Painters, scoring 18 points built around four three-pointers.

Rain or Shine struggled to create open shots for its gunners, with playmaker Paul Lee limited to just seven points. The team’s other top slasher, Ryan Arana, finished scoreless after suffering a collarbone injury in the first quarter after a collision with Rafi Reavis.

Despite the woeful performance, Guiao remained confident about his team’s chances in the series, which is now tied at 1-all.

“I’m not worried. It’s a seven-game series and like I’ve said, the longer this series takes, the better for us. Winning Game One gives us that advantage, the adjustment advantage. Now, we can go make the adjustments and the series is still even,” said Guiao.

Cebu remains PAL Holiday Gym swimming lessons this summer Interclub favorite C

EBU Country Club will be without two of its key players, but remains the firm favorite to win the 67th Philippine Airlines Interclub golf team championships in two courses in Bacolod City.

Mark Dy and Lloyd Jefferson Go won’t be around when the Cebuanos gun for a third straight championship, but eight teammates will return for another shot at the title.

Dy has turned pro while Go is in the United States on a golfing scholarship.

CCC general manager Jeric Hechanova, who will make his debut in the seniors’ event next week, said despite the absence of Dy and Go, they still have a

strong chance of holding on to the crown.

“We still have the eight regulars. There are three players fighting for the two remaining slots and all of them are as good as the regulars,” Hechanova said.

As far as course familiarity is concerned, Hechanova said CCC has the advantage over the Manila-based squads.

“After all, the grass and the greens at CCC are similar to Marapara and Binitin,” said Hechanova, referring to the courses that will be used for the tournament.

Coming back to play for CCC are playing captain Ramontito Garcia, Gen Nagai, Jovi Neri, Carl Almario, Marko Sarmiento, Andre Borro-

meo, Eric Deen and Bayani Garcia.

The Cebuanos beat rising Alabang Country Club by 16 points at home last year.

Alabang will also miss the services of Fil-German Keanu Jahns, but has retained the services of Andres Saldana, Justin Quilban, Christopher Popp, Jama Reyes, Miguel Shah, AR Ramos, Gab Manotoc, Dax Garcia and JB Garcia, the playing captain. Completing the squad is Basti Lorenzo.

Former champion Del Monte Golf Club is also expected to figure prominently.

The seniors’ event will start on Thursday, Feb.

20 with Canlubang Country Club going for a fourth straigth crown against old rival Luisita and emerging contender CCC. This year’s Interclub is being sponsored by CrossOver with Boeing, Philippines Graphic, Stargate Media (People Asia) and Rogue as corporate backers. Also lending support are Airbus, Business Mirror, One Mega Group (Travel Now), Philippine Broadcasting Corporation, Manila Broadcasting Corporation and Manila Bulletin.

A total of 77 teams – some of them coming from the United States, the Middle East, Australia and Canada, are entered in the Men’s division.

Pilipinas Aguilas ready to take flight T

HE Philippines is crazy about the American sport of basketball, but a new national team is hoping that Filipinos could fall in love with another popular sport from the States — American football.

The Pilipinas Aguilas — the country’s national team for tackle football — were introduced to the public last during the championship of the Arena Ball Philippines tournament.

“Tackle football involves athleticism, real-life drama, and a physicality that Pinoys are drawn to — the same kind of physicality that MMA and boxing both provide for the avid Pinoy sports enthusiast,” said Aguilas chairman Apollo Angco.

The Aguilas take flight under

the guidance of the American Tackle Football Association of the Philippines (ATFAP), which was founded in 2009 by Bernaro “Dodi” Palma II. Arena Ball Philippines, which just held its Arena Bowl 4 championship, has served as a breeding ground and an awareness tool for the sport. That has led to ATFAP becoming part of the elite International Federation of American Football (IFAF).

ATFAP has earned membership under the Philippine Sports Commission and accreditation from the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The Aguilas will make their international debut in the first IFAF Asia Continental Championship in Tokyo, which serves as qualifier to next year’s World Championship in Sweden.

Shortly after the launch, national team members immediately plunged into action for their respective clubs in the Arena Bowl. Threetime champion Bandits pulled off a hard-fought 14-6 victory over Juggernauts to capture their fourth straight title.

The Aguilas, consisting of 45 players along with 12 coaches and staff, are determined to emerge at the end of the qualifying tournament against six other Asian nations.

Host Japan, whose American football league dates back 80 years, are expected to dominate the competition. But the Aguilas, another underdog Philippine squad, expect to bank on heart and Filipino pride to prove that it can excel and inspire in the new sport.

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

H

OLIDAY Gym and Spa offers swimming lessons this summer not just for kids but also for adults who want to learn how to swim.

Each swimming lesson will be for two weeks where students get to have an hour basic or advanced swimming session five times a week.

Classes for the kids will be from 8 to 9 am, 3 to 4 pm and 4:30 to 5:30 pm. For adults, classes will be at 7 to 8 am and 6 to 7 pm.

The Holiday Gym swimming lessons will run from March to last week of May. First batch of classes will start on March 17 to 28, second batch will be on

March 31 to April 11, third batch will be on April 21 to May 2, fourth batch will be on May 5 to 16 and the fifth batch will be on May 19 to 30.

Kids who want to learn swimming should not miss this chance because Holiday Gym and Spa ensures everyone to enjoy this Summer Swimming Clinic 2014. Parents can also have swimming lessons with their kids under the adult classes.

To register, call or text Haroon Cali at 09997756317 or at 09267880791 or visit Holiday Gym and Spa at F. Torres Street. You can also call for inquiries at 222-3041.

SPORTS

EDGE DAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 238 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Kyrie, Melo kick out a storm for East K

YRIE Irving and Carmelo Anthony set aside the unrest with their respective teams and put on a dazzling show that vaulted the Eastern Conference to a 163-155 comeback win over the West in the highest scoring NBA All Star game ever on Sunday.

Irving scored 15 of his team-high 31 points during the back-and-forth fourth quarter duel and added 14 assists to seize MVP honors at the showcase in New Orleans.

“It’s a great honor,” Irving told reporters after making 14 of 17 shots and helping the East end a stretch of three straight defeats to the West.

“We had a few MVPs. Everyone out here today is an MVP.” Anthony added 30 and made an All Star record eight three-pointers, including a crucial one that gave the East a four-point lead with 1:04 remaining.

The East side trailed by 18 late in the third quarter, but rallied to light up the scoreboard in record-breaking fashion.

Their final total set a new mark while the combined score of both teams

MVP. East Team’s Kyrie Irving, of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) goes to the hoop against the West Team during the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in New Orleans.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

was also a record.

For Western Conference, Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin fired off 38 points apiece and shone bright as anyone with flamboyant dunks and longrange three-pointers.

“It’s an All-Star Game, and not a whole lot of defense is being played,” Blake said. “This game is for the fans to put on a show and just have fun with it.”

The East got the final say led by two players who likely needed the All Star break more than most.

Anthony has been the subject of much speculation as he is set to become a free agent in the off-season and could leave his under-achieving New York Knicks, though he reiterated his commitment to the franchise this weekend.

The third-year Irving is said to be unhappy in Cleveland where he has reportedly clashed with team mates and his coach during yet another losing season.

He looked happy on Sunday, though, as he gelled with his fellow standouts including LeBron James who finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Indigenous games in Dachea Sportsfest

T

NOT SO COOL RUNNINGS Jamaican bobsled team flops in Sochi

S

OCHI – The gallant Jamaican bobsleigh team came down to earth with a bump while US ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White set a new world record in the short dance at the Olympics on Sunday.

Two-time world champions Davis and White — seeking a first ice dancing gold for the United States — skated a foxtrot and quickstep to “My Fair Lady”, scoring 78.89 points, with Monday’s free dance to come.

Reigning Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada achieved 76.33 for their skate to “Dream a Little

Dream”, “Muskrat Ramble” and “Heaven”.

It is the latest round in an ongoing rivalry on the ice going back to junior days between the two couples who train together in Detroit with Russian coach Marina Zoueva.

“Excellent is a word to describe it. I felt like I was in a dream. Everything is coming together,” said Davis.

White said: “We were just in our zone, so we could go out and skate like that. It felt awesome.

When we were going out, we said, ‘Let’s do it for each other’.”

All eyes at the Sanki sliding centre were on Ja-

15

maican crowd pleasers Winston Watts and brakeman Marvin Dixon in the first two heats of the twoman bobsleigh but the underdogs could only limp in last.

The Jamaican team — whose predecessors inspired the movie “Cool Runnings” with their exploits at the 1988 Calgary Games — were out of their depth, coming 30th out of 30 sleds, with two heats still to go.

“I’m happy and overwhelmed with the Olympic atmosphere but not happy with the results,” said 46-year-jold Watts, taking part in a fourth Olympics but a first since 2002.

HIS year’s 77th Araw ng Dabaw-Dachea Sportsfest will also include the Laro ng Lahi Extra-Challenge at the Rizal Park.

At least 10 games will be played in the Laro ng Lahi according to William Ramirez, officer-in-charge of the City Sports Development Division.

These are the “Hulihan ng Buntot”, “Paluan ng Bulang Papel”, “Tumbang Preso”, “Pitik Goma”, “Kariling”, “Pinoy Henyo”, “Takyan”, Paper Blowing, “Luksong Lubid”, Team Color’s Flaglet Relay and the Puzzle competition.

Each team shall only have one entry with each team to be composed of 10 men and 10 women for a total of 20 players only.

The teams will be grouped into several brackets and each bracket shall play an elimination round.

Meanwhile, darts will be played at the Red Palm Diner at Magallanes St. and badminton at the Wheels ‘N More badminton gym in Bajada both on March 18-19.

The categories in badminton are Level A and B both in the men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Pitted in Level are CEO, CTO, CMO, CENRO, CHO and City Cooperative while in Level B are CEO, CTO, CMO, CENRO and CPDO in Group 1 and CHO, CCRO, Assessors, City Agriculture and Sangguniang Panlungsod in Group 2.

The matches in darts: March 18 - 9 a.m. (men) CMO vs. Assessor, CEO vs.

CSSDO, 911 vs. GSO, SP vs Legal, HRMO vs. Public Safety, CTO vs. Admin.

10:30 a.m. – (women) CCRO vs. CHO, Coop vs.

Agri, Admin vs. CTO, CSDDO

vs. CMO, Cenro vs. SP; 2 p.m. – (men) CHO vs.

Planning, Coop vs. CCRO, CTO vs. Cenro, Agri vs. Admin, CMO vs. CSDDO, 911 vs. SP. 3:30 p.m. (women) Cenro vs. Assessor, CEO vs.

SP, HRMO vs. Public Safety, Coopr vs. CMO, CCRO vs.

CTO. March 19 - (women) 9 a.m. – Agri vs. Assessor, CEO vs. Cenro, CHO vs. Admin, Coop vs. CMO, CSSDO vs.

Public Safety; 10:30 a.m. – (men) Cenro vs. GSO, Legal vs. Admin, CHO vs. Assessor, CCRO vs.

CSDDO, SP vs. Public Safety, Coop vs. Planning; 2 p.m. – (women) SP vs.

CTO, CCRO vs. PS, CSSDO vs.

HRMO, Agri vs. Cenro, CEO vs. CMO; 3:30 p.m. (men) – CMO vs. Planning, Coop vs.

HRMO, 911 vs. CTO, CEO vs. Agri, Legal vs. Assessor, CHO vs. PS. (CSDD-CMO)

“I think it’s the best, because it’s the biggest tournament which I won,” Halep said.

For the first time Halep defeated three top-10 players at the same event — No. 7 Sara Errani in the quarterfinals, No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals, and the ninth-ranked Kerber.

Halep, who had a first round bye, nearly lost her opening match of the tournament before defeating Kaia Kanepi in a third-set tiebreaker in the second round.

In the updated rankings, Halep will move from a current career-high 10th to ninth. Kerber will go from ninth to eighth.

Halep wins Doha title D

OHA, Qatar (AP) — Seventh-seeded Simona Halep of Romania won her first title of the year with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over sixth-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany in the Qatar Open final on Sunday.

It’s the seventh career title for Halep, with the other six all won last year.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE238 238••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,FEBRUARY FEBRUARY18, 18,2014 2014

RAMIREZ. No budget. Lean Daval Jr.

Sans budget for sports, city mulls MOA with UP

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

D

SLAM. East Team’s LeBron James, of the Miami Heat (6) dunks the ball against the West Team during the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

East rebounds to beat West I

T was the absolute best of both worlds, for the appreciative NBA fan.

The league’s best players put on a compelling offensive display for the first three quarters of Sunday night’s All-Star Game before ratcheting up the defense and compiling a competitive fourth quarter, turning what was once a possible blowout into something that at times resembled a nail-biter. The Eastern squad, clearly more talkative and willing to grind defensively in comparison to their Western counterparts, eventually prevailed by a 163-155 score, in a game that broke several All-Star records for scoring.

Cleveland Cavaliers point man Kyrie Irving was one of the East’s driving forces offensively; he helped spearhead the team’s comeback from an 18-point deficit, finishing with 31 points and 14 assists in what turned out to be an MVP-winning performance. Irving missed just three of his 17 shots,

finishing several spectacular wrap-around lay-ins around the hoop as the West succumbed to the East’s increased pressure. New York Knick swingman Carmelo Anthony also finished with 30 points in the win, setting an All-Star record with eight three-pointers on the night, while LeBron James encouraged the action and set an all-around pace with 22 points, seven boards and seven assists.

Though defensive principals were lacking in the first three quarters of the contest, the high scoring affair genuinely felt like more of a result of two rosters’

worth of knockout offensive superstars, rather than dragging defensive takes.

There certainly were some matador turns, but few could complain as the three-pointers rained down, and player after player finished possessions with spectacular dunks. The game featured a record 30 three-pointers made, the most combined field goals (135), the most combined assists (a whopping 88), and ultimately the most combined points in an All-Star Game with 318. The previous record holder, the legendary 1987 All-Star Game in Seattle, managed 303 points with an extra overtime period thrown in to help buffer things.

The East managed a hot start, but the West eventually came back and took control of the contest over the second and third quarters by relying on Blake Griffin’s typical derring-do, and an MVP-level all-around game from Kevin Durant. Durant, the

leading MVP candidate for the league’s regular season, finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists to just one turnover. Griffin ran the floor and hit the glass for a series of spectacular finishes, setting an All-Star record with 19 field goals on his way toward 38 points. Chris Paul mostly ran the show off the bench for the West, and finished with 13 assists in the loss.

The winning squad tipped things in the third quarter by committing to defense and valuing better shots. James acted the part of the leader, Irving the role of the scorer, and the presence of a talking and helping Joakim Noah down the stretch helped steer the East’s fortunes. Noah only finished with eight points and five boards in 20 minutes, but he could be clearly heard directing his teammates to cover and help stay in front of the West’s knockout scorers, and his teammates followed suit.

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City’s quest to have a sports facility is currently far from reality, the city sports chief admitted yesterday.

“Nangita pa mi ug kwarta ni mayor,” City Sports and Development Office coordinator William “Butch” Ramirez said, admitting that the government has several other more important projects and plans that need prioritization.

Ramirez, guesting in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, bared that despite the budgetary constraints, the city is still planning to have a 3 to 5 hectares sports facility through a partnership with University of Philippines- Mindanao Campus at Mintal, Davao City. He bared that there is a move to revive the memorandum of agreement between with the state university.

“Gipadayon man gud ang 2004 MOA dahil ideal ang 20 hectares sa UP kay 14 kilometers [away from the city] madecongest ang syudad, hayahay kaayo magpadula didto nya in the future kung madayon na sya we can put up a Mindanao Institute of Sports with Davao [city government] and UP leading.”

He said that two parties were both positive after the initial

meeting between the city mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and UP Mindanao chancellor Dr. Sylvia B. Concepcion.

“Maski both positive mi, ang main problem man gud ay kwarta, pero mayo nang magtrabaho kay naay dakong posility kesa wala” he said, adding that it would take one year before the plan will be completed.

“We are still looking for a private partner that will finance the construction of the facility,” he said.

The UP-Mindanao sports facility proposal is nothing new, however. It has been proposed in the past but reported disputes over land ownership forced the city government and the university officials to set aside plans.

In 2000, the city government under the administration of city mayor Ben de Guzman took out a loan from Land Bank and started the construction of the P330- million sports gymnasium named Artica Dome with a seating capacity of around 15,000 people. However politics and technical issues led to the abandonment of the dream project.

The unfinished Artica Dome, slowly deteriorating after being abandoned, has been described as “nothing but a white elephant”.