Edge Davao 6 Issue 245

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

A Dabawenyo walks by containers of petroleum products along the sidewalk in Panacan, Davao City. Petroleum products, which are believed to be smuggled, are openly sold to public utility vehicle drivers in the area. Lean Daval Jr.

DRUG WAR INTENSIFIED Davao City authorities eye another drug hotbed

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

D

SATISFIED. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte meets with officers of the law enforcement agencies that took part in last Friday’s raid of a drug den in Barangay Ilang. Duterte, seen here with Task Force Davao Commander Casiano Monilla, Davao City Police Office Chief Vicente Danao, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 11 Director Joel Pernito and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 11 Director Emerson Rosales, said he is satisfied with how the operation went. [City Information Office]

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said something big will soon explode in the war against illegal drugs in the city.

Duterte gave the hint to Davao reporters who covered his command conference last Tuesday night with heads of law enforcement agencies responsible for the raid on a “shabu tiangge” (drug den) in barangay Ilang, Friday morning which resulted in the killing of seven drug suspects and the arrest of some 30 others.

“The hotbed before was Mini-Forest (Quezon Boulevard), tapos lumipat doon sa (Brgy.) Ilang tapos meron dito isa pa… PDEA is working on it and we expect some positive results in the days to come,” said Duterte.

He added that as long as there is shabu in the

city, the fight against illegal drugs will continue.

“Sabi ko nga marami naman kayong mapapsukang negosyo - lumabas na kayo kasi dito talaga madidisgrasya kayo,” he said, referring to illegal drugs groups.

Duterte said that in the mini-forest the network of the government is already established because the parents in the area are really against drugs.

“Kasi pati anak nilang batang-bata pa are into drugs. Kaya kung tatay o nanay ka, talagang galit na galit ka,” Duterte said.

Duterte also warned that he would kill whoever plans to operate a shabu laboratory in the city.

“Huwag mong gagawin yan kundi papatayin talaga kita,” he said.

Duterte admitted that he was really scared by the

FDRUGS, 10

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

SHABU TIANGGE

Gov’t to assist famiies of those slain in raid

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

D TOO BUSY. These two shoe repair men do not have the time to talk with each other as pile of shoes are waiting to be fixed along Magallanes Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will extend assistance to the family of the seven drug suspects who died in an encounter during the raid on a “shabu tiangge” in Barangay Ilang last Friday.

“Yung pamilya, hindi naman kasali yan. Whatever it is, don’t include the wife and children – we will help,” Duterte told reporters in a press briefing last Tuesday night.

Duterte said he already told Masil Ahalul, deputy mayor of the Tausug tribe, to see what assistance the government can give or maybe provide livelihood programs to the families of the fatalities.

“We just cannot ignore human beings who are getting hungry and being left out in the cold. Hindi natin trabaho yan,” said Duterte.

He added that while the government will go after criminals, it should also protect the rights of the innocents and help them.

In the case of the 14-year-old boy who died during the raid, Duterte said that the operatives reported that the boy was hit during the cross-fire between the suspects and the operatives.

He said that the operatives are not ready to say who fired the bullet that killed the boy.

Customs welcomes TRO COMING SOON on Davao rice imports Retirement village T

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) welcomes the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by the Supreme Court that stops the enforcement of a ruling handed down by Branch 16 of the Regional Trial Court in Davao City. The TRO

from the Supreme Court bars the enforcement of an order issued by RTC Branch 16 Judge Emmanuel Carpio last December 12, 2013 that restrains the District Collector of the BOC in the Port of Davao from seizing, alerting or holding rice shipments of petitioner Jo-

seph Ngo, a businessman who purchased rice imported by Starcraft International Trading Corporation.

The TRO is effective immediately until further orders from the Court. The Supreme Court considered “meritorious” the arguments raised by the Office

of the Solicitor General (OSG) regarding the lack of adequate representation of the BOC during the hearings before the Davao RTC and the lack of legal standing of Ngo to sue.

“This is good news for the Bureau of Customs and even better news for our

sus (AWC) for migratory birds, the bird watching/ bird counting activity was done in Malalag Bay, Davao del Sur; Carmen, Davao del Norte and Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

These municipalities are the only identified temporary habitats of migratory birds in the month of

January after crossing the continents.

There were 4,699 birds found in Malalag, Davao del Sur, 4,848 birds in Carmen, Davao del Norte and 3,500 birds in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

The bird watching/bird counting activity aims to obtain information on the

population of migratory birds at wetlands in the region as well as to monitor on an annual basis the status and condition of wetlands.

This year, most of the migratory birds that were counted are Little Egret, Black-winged Stilt, Whim-

FCUSTOMS, 10

DENR 11 records 13,047 migratory birds

A

TOTAL of 13,047 migratory birds were recently counted in Region 11 this year by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 (DENR 11).

In line with the Annual Asian Waterfowl Cen-

WEATHER FORECAST

FDENR, 10

FSHABU, 10

for ageing Japanese

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

JAPANESE firm is eyeing to put up a 300-room medical facility and training center to compliment a soon-tobe established retirement village dubbed Eagle’s View Mountain Resort and Residences in Catigan, Toril.

Ivan C. Cortez, Davao City Investment and Promotion Center officer-in-charge said that the facility will be catering to a first world market whose people are seeking medical services outside their own countries.

Cortez, speaking in

Tuesday’s Davao Business Forum at Derm-Path, in cooperation with SM City Davao and San Miguel Corporation, said the ground-breaking will be in October this year, adding that each room will cater to one patient.

He said that the firm plans to locate here because the city has enough manpower that can provide medical services to the ageing population of Japan, adding that there are already 1,000 Japanese waiting in line.

FCOMING, 10

A mall personnel peeks between tarpaulins to watch passing shoppers in one of the malls along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

3

City needs more funds for its anti-rabies drive

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE committee on health of the Davao City council has asked for more funds with which to address the problem of rabies in the city.

City councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte said in her privilege speech in last Tuesday’s regular session that the city needs more funds for immunization of animals, purchasing vaccines for those who are exposed to animal bites, impounding of stray dogs, and training of personnel to attain the goal of a rabies-free city in the Philippines by 2020.

“We need to focus on dog vaccination and dog population control

through registration , immunization, enforcing laws and ordinances against stray dogs and the impounding of these,” she said.

Villafuerte added that her office was allocated P300,000.

On the other hand, the City Health Office headed

by Dr. Josephine Villafuerte was allocated P1.2 million for vaccines and the Department of Health in the region also provided more vaccines but still lacks other components in the program.

The councilor said that in 2013 the city veterinarian’s office registered 70,956 immunized animals compared to

FCITY, 10

15-minute switching power interruptions on March 1, 3

D

AVAO Light and Power Co. will conduct two 15-minute switching power interruptions on March 1 and 3, both from 5:00 AM to 5:15 AM, affecting customers in the downtown area of its franchise.

Communication Officer Ross Luga said that the scheduled outages are necessary to facilitate the repair of its Gaisano Substation’s 33 MVA Power Transformer.

Affected by these service disruptions are areas from NBI office fronting Victoria Plaza going to Bacaca road up to Diversion Road. This includes Doña Vicenta Village Phase 2, D’Garden Subdivision, Medical School Drive, EMP

Village Phase 2, Fatima Village, Monfort Village, Bacaca Road, Mineral Village, Awhag Subdivision, Riverview Subdivision, Cell 2 Subdivision, Rolling Hills Subdivision, El Rio Vista Subdivision, Spring Valley Subdivision, Robinsons Highland, Jade Valley, Sandawa Relocation, Regina Compound, Sto. Nino Hillside and other nearby areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions. But, it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule

F15-MINUTES, 10

GIONEE PHONE CONCEPT STORE. The first concept store of Gionee cellular phones, the latest player in the mobile phone industry, is now serving customers at the 3rd floor of Gaisano Mall Davao. Former Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio graces the store’s opening Saturday. From left, proudly raising various phone models are Beally Lee, Gionee Communication Equipment Co. Ltd sales director; Katrin Salanga-Gregorio, Gionee Philippines Mobile head; Sara, Gionee brand ambassadress; Mikee Morado, regional director for Visayas and Mindanao; and Michael Bangayan, Belexis Concepts, Inc. president and CEO. (JC)

China-based toy firm to relocate in Davao

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

O

crc@edgedavao.net

VER 4,500 jobs are expected to be generated from the planned relocation of Best Power Company, a China-based toy manufacturing company whose clients include Toys R Us in Davao City.

Davao City Investment and Promotion Center officer-in-charge Ivan C. Cortez, said yesterday in the Davao Business Forum at Derm-Path in coordination with SM City Davao and San Miguel Corporation

that the industrial zone in Sasa, Tibungco, Ilang and Bunawan will be recommended for possible location.

Cortez said that the firm plans to first set up an assembly plant with 20 to 30 employees and eventually expand to a full toy manufacturing plant. At present, the firm is producing 150 kinds of toys. Each toy has its own assembly plant.

He said that last week the firm’s chief executive

officer, who is British and married to a Dabawenya, came to scout an area, adding that the whole manufacturing plant will need three hectares.

The company’s top officials will meet with local landowners for ocular site inspection today.

Cortez said that the company decided to look for other locations because the cost of doing business in China is higher, adding that the minimum wage in Davao City is lower com-

FCHINA, 10

Free text-message warning alert bill backed in Senate

A

CROWDED. While the City Mayor’s Office’s Demolition Unit led by Yusop Jimlani is busy clearing the sidewalks of illegal vendors, some establishments at the outskirts of Davao City like this junk shop, store mountains of used cardboard boxes, containers and other scrap items that occupy the entire walkway. Lean Daval Jr.

pared to manufacturing centers in Asia.

He said that other manufacturing companies in China will come over once the operation of the toy company is successful.

China has stopped giving incentives to toy manufacturing companies because the country is more focused on companies manufacturing heavy equipment.

The DCIPC head said that firms engaged in pro-

BILL that will legally compel telephone companies to disseminate early warnings of disasters for free is expected to hurdle the Senate with no trouble after the proposal drew support from the chamber leadership.

Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday said the Senate is supporting the passage of House Bill No. 353 which mandates telecommunication companies (Telcos) to send free mobile alerts in the event of natural and manmade disasters and calamities. ”It would help achieve the main objectives of disaster preparedness which are to lessen the impact of the typhoon and ultimately save lives,” Drilon said.

HBN 353 on Monday was favorably endorsed by the Senate committee on public services chaired by Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., with some amendments introduced by Drilon.

In his amendments, Drilon sought to penalize any telephone company which will fail or refuse to send out warning alerts, with a fine of P1 million to P10 million, or a revocation of its legislative franchise.

“Having been ranked as the third most disaster-prone country in the world, it is imperative for the Philippines to put up a mechanism to efficiently disseminate early warnings of typhoons,” explained Drilon.

In 2013, the 2012 World

FFREE, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

DAVAO DEL NORTE

DavNor folks protect riverbanks

R

ESIDENTS of floodprone barangays have already planted thousands of seedlings of deep-rooted vegetation along the banks of major rivers, as part of the community-based disaster management program of the province.

Barangay officials, farmers, mothers, teachers and school children teamed up in planting vetiver, malobago, bamboo, narra and other trees along the banks of the rivers of Libuganon, Saug and Panaga, as part of the activities of the provincial government’s Oplan A.N.D.A.M. program.

Over 5,000 seedlings have already been planted in eight barangays visited by the Oplan A.N.D.A.M. (Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) caravan.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario launched the program last December to reduce the vulnerability and build the resilience of communities that are at risk.

Aside from the river bank protection activi-

ty, participants of Oplan A.N.D.A.M. were also given breakaway lectures on basic life-saving techniques, water sanitation and hygiene, bio-gas technology and botanical concoction, and earthquake/fire drill.

OIC-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Brigida Cudal said the use of live vegetation is a cheap alternative to costly structural engineering measures for riverbank protection.

Although they require time to establish, she said the grasses, shrubs and trees are self maintaining and re-generating once their roots are secured, providing the communities and farmlands protection against flash floods.

The DOLE Stanfilco-affiliated Kasilak Foundation and Dana Foundation assisted in providing counterpart seedlings, as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Eleven-year old Nandine Agbon said she found fulfillment in joining the planting activity along the bank of the headwaters of

CATEEL, DAVAO ORIENTAL

TREE PLANTING. Nandine Agbon, 2nd right, helps her classmate plant a vetiver grass to protect the bank of the Libuganon River during Oplan ANDAM’s visit in Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. [Noel Baguio/DavNor PIO] Libuganon River, during ANDAM’s 7th stop in Gupitan, Kapalong town earlier this month.

“Nalipay ako nga miapil

sa pagtanum aron panalipdan ang daplin sa suba (I am happy to join in the planting activity to protect the river bank,” beamed

the Grade 4 pupil after placing a vetiver seedling on the ground.

She said it was indeed an opportunity to be able

to help protect their community, while at the same time saving the watershed areas of the province. [By Noel Baguio]

COTABATO CITY

Resilience, unity of all sectors : Key to recovery Freed MILF commander thanks military custodians S C

URVIVORS of Tropical Storm Pablo here confirmed anew that spirit of oneness and resistance to adversity helped them overcome the aftermath of the dreadful typhoon that shattered their family and community in 2012.

Jaime Delos Reyes, a farmer, said, “We are thankful for all the help of the government. Working together, we have risen up from the damage we experienced.”

Rice Processing Center beneficiary Chona Cabañog of Barangay Taytayan is now able to live normally and expressed her gratitude for the project that enabled them easily process their palay. She has seven children and five are professional.

Cateel mayor Camilo T. Nuñez acknowledged the substantial support of the national government through DSWD. “You have witnessed our situation now. We are united with the leadership of the governor. Our priority now is the rehabilitation of our community facilities.”

Pantawid Pamilya and Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) recipient Narcilita Lazo

admitted that bayanihan system is at work in their new Better Living Village in Poblacion Cateel. “We are also very conscious of the cleanliness in our community.”

Lazo has six children with the two now in college.

Farmer Melvin Nacis shared, “We are united.

That’s the reason why we have easily recovered.” Nacis also cited the support they received from the government and conveyed his gratefulness.

DPWH District Engineer Lito Caballero recognized the effort of each one. “They unite in order to recover, all levels of government –national, local really helped each other.”

Narcing Tumo and Pacito Dacuycuy said they recovered because they cooperated with the others.

“We helped one another so that Cateel recovered. Walang tamad (We discourage indolence),” Marian Bete strongly pushed.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon emphasized, “Through the collaboration of the provincial government, the LGUs, national agencies like the

DTI, DA, DOST, DSWD, DOLE and the ICRC, starter kits, seeds and technology assistance were provided to typhoon-affected farmers on chili production, processing, packaging and marketing of hot chili products.”

Paquito Ochoa, President of EDSA People Power Commission said, “Walang pagsubok na magpapayuko sa mga Pilipino with the support of all sectors.”

All these community settlers and officials were part of the crowd of parents, farmers, students, teachers and government workers who participated in the Pulong-Bayan sa Cateel Monday morning where President Benigno C. Aquino III joined thousands Typhoon Pablo survivors commemorate the 28th EDSA Revolution Anniversary.

In her message, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon emphasized, “We still have to continue with our rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the Pablo-hit areas of Davao Oriental…Having a solid support from the national government and other development collaborators, and having put in

place operational mechanisms, we are positive that we can harness more resources and partners…”

“We unite with the whole nation in celebrating EDSA. We have proven that we can rise up again and move on. We have shown our strength and unity as Flipinos,” affirmed Director Priscilla N. Razon, DSWD. The spirit of unity was aptly capped by master of ceremonies John Joson of EDSA People Power Commission, “Buhay na buhy ang tunay na diwa ng EDSA na pagkakaisa dito sa Davao Oriental.

Walang imposible pag walang iwanan... Pag gustong magmalasakit, magbibigay ng walang kapalit.”

Underscoring unity and resilience, Pres. Aquino topped, Kapit-bisig tayong kumikilos. Gaya ng ipinamalas natin noong 1986, muli nating pinapatunayan sa mundo ang pambihirang pagmamalasakit ng Pilipino sa kapwa Pilipino. …Malalagpasan natin ang mga darating pang pagsubok… Habang nagkakaisa, mararating natin ang gustong paroroonan.” [DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

OTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 26 February) – The commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s 118th Base Command who was arrested late Sunday afternoon and released early Tuesday evening thanked the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for the “mainit na pagtanggap” (warm reception) given him while he was in their custody.

Ustadz Wahid Tundok was arrested in a checkpoint in Cotabato City late Sunday afternoon by a joint team of police operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Marines. Reports said he was served a warrant for multiple murder and arson.

Fearing possible retaliation from Tundok’s followers, the CIDG turned him over to the 6th Infantry Division for safekeeping on Sunday night.

Tundok stayed there until a local court granted his motion for reinvestigation of the issuance of the warrant.

In Maguindanaon, Tundok also thanked the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessa-

tion of Hostilities (CCCH) as well as Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Sam Dimaukom, Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Upam Ampatuan, peace advocates and the leadership of the MILF. He said his release is proof of the commitment of both the GPH and MILF in the final stages of the peace process.

The two panels on January 25 signed the Annex on Normalization, the last of four Annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and are preparing to sign the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) next month.

Dimaukom, a relative of Tundok, said they did everything to prevent any untoward incident that may lead to the collapse of the peace process.

Dimaukom was among those who fetched Tundok from the 6th ID camp in Datu Odin Sinsuat town before they proceeded to the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, also in Maguindanao, early Tuesday evening. [Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

IN DAVAO CITY

High survival rate of business noted

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

he city of Davao is providing a conducive business environment for local entrepreneurs as reflected by the high survival rate of businesses.

Reports in the 2013 Economic Situationer and Outlook for Davao City in 2014 bared that the survival rate in the metro was 84.68 percent last year.

Davao City Investment and Promotion Center officer-in-charge Ivan C. Cortez said during the Davao Business Forum at DermPath, SM City Annex in cooperation with the San Miguel Corporation said that the survival rate of business in the city is higher compared to the 65 to 75 percent of other metropolitan businesses in the country.

In 2012, the center recorded an 85.09 percent business survival rate, higher compared to the 84. 22 percent rate in 2011.

It is said that financial bottom lines usually dictate if business will renew and continue operating or not. Bottom lines are the company’s total revenue less its operating expenses, interest paid, depreciation and taxes.

Cortez said that this is evident in the total number

RE-INVIGORATING THE COCO INDUSTRY. Dr. Carlos Mariano Oropeza Salin (center), Head of Biotechnology of the Centro de Investigacion de Yucatan (CICY) in Merida, Mexico was in UP Mindanao on February 19-20 to discuss re-invigorating the coconut industry through in-vitro culture and using advanced methods in agricultural biotechnology laboratories . Joining the talks were scientists and researchers (L-R) Aileen Grace Delima, Joan Acaso, Mitchiko Lopez, Ramon Rivera, Annabelle Novero, Liberty Canja, Cristeta Cueto, UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion, Edna Anit, Ponciano Batugal, and Reynaldo Ebora. of renewed and new business applications recorded by the Business Bureau.

In 2013, the number of applications renewed reached 30,339 and this is higher than the 29,415 in 2012.

Based on the statement released, last year was a

“banner year for renewals of business permits, being the first year ever that renewal breached the 30,000 mark.”

It is said that the breaching, however, was expected, noting the trend of renewals in the last five years.

This implies that the business climate in the city

is providing an environment where entrepreneurs gain profit because of the strong market in the metro. Cortez added that the city being a convergence point in Mindanao contributed in strengthening its market.

Cortez also said that the low cost of doing business

in the city contributed to the high survival rate of business in the city, adding that production inputs, like electricity, cost of raw materials, and cost of labor is relatively low.

In addition, the stable and low inflation for the last five years added to the reason why businesses were capable

of sustaining their operations despite the competitive market.

“If you have stability, it gives you a level of confidence that everything else, your financials will not go haywire kasi kung bagsak-taas nagbabago ang financial projection mo.”

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

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

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

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

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

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

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

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

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

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

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

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 2006=100

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate

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 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

IN REGION 11

DOLE begins profiling of vulnerable workers R

ESOLVED to uphold its commitment to International Labor Organization (ILO), a government agency vows to give due attention to vulnerable workers.

To come up with the sound interventions, appropriate programs and probably policy and legislation to protect vulnerable workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Davao Region begins this week survey of vulnerable sectors in the region.

The profiling will cover the informal economy sector, child laborer and their parents and those in the sugarcane industry.

DOLE Davao regional Director Joffrey M Suyao said that the DOLE wants a more informed decision as it crafts intervention and programs for the vulnerable sectors.

“We wanted to be more realistic and grounded in our planning and budgeting as we create intervention for the vulnerable workers,” he said.

The ILO said vulnerable workers are those who are less likely to have formal work arrangements and lack elements associated with decent employment such as social security, health

S

CHEAPER AND FRESH. Regular shoppers go directly to the bagsakan area of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City for cheaper but fresh vegetables which are produced from the city’s hinterlands. Lean Daval Jr. benefits and recourse to social dialogue or effective collective bargaining mechanisms.

ILO also considers working poor people under the vulnerable employment sector. It defines the working poor as those employed persons living in a household whose members are estimated to be below the national poverty threshold.

The working poor

people are those who earn less than $2 a day (2009 data), not enough to lift themselves out of poverty.

Vulnerable employment has been used by the ILO as a proxy name to the informal economy sector to emphasize the very poor quality of jobs and no representation to social platforms for engagements, a news report on vulnerable situation in

the Philippines said.

Suyao said all of the 16 regions in the country will conduct the profiling and in Davao region a total of 70 enumerators and seven supervisors were hired to cover the areas of Compostela Valley province, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Davao City.

“Davao City profiling will be focused on those household with child la-

borer; Davao del Sur will be targeted more on sugarcane workers; and the other regions to focus on informal sectors,” Suyao said.

“In the region we expect to cover some 16,000 families with child laborers and sugar cane workers and about 12,000 families in the informal sector,” he added. [Sherwin B. Manual/ DOLE 11]

particular segment to maximize the increasing demand of the rising mass affluent market.

“Our medium term objective is for the retail business to be one of the three legs of the universal bank and contribute one-third on bottomline for the bank moving forward,” he said.

To date, retail banking account to only 10 percent of the bank’s loan

portfolio and the bank targets to double it this year.

Villarosa clarified that although they are pushing for the growth of the retail segment, they will focus this in the urban areas primarily Metro Manila and those in the big cities in the provinces like Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and the northern and southern part of Luzon.

The bank currently has 244 branches, including those of their thrift banking arm – Security Bank Savings.

Villarosa said they will open additional 24 branches this year and 10 per year in the coming years.

He said they are at the tail end of completing the opening of the 50 branches based on the licenses the bank got

from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) two years ago.

“Once we hit the 50, we’ll hit the pause button and re-assess.

We need to synchronize our distribution network with that of the thrift bank,” he sai.d Villarosa also pointed out that even as the bank continues to post gains in its loan portfolio, quality is not sacrificed. [PNA]

Security Bank eyes surge of retail banking business in next 5 years

ECURITY Bank is investing on its retail banking segment as it bids to increase the share of this business to about 40 percent of the universal bank’s loan portfolio in the next five years.

Security Bank president and chief executive officer (CEO) Alberto Villarosa, in a briefing Tuesday, said they are focusing on this

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. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE245 245••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,FEBRUARY FEBRUARY27, 27,2014 2014

Controlling forest fires this summer

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

A

Contributor

COUPLE of years ago, the Philippine Congress released a study that said about 123,000 hectares of the country’s forest cover are lost every year. Unless reforestation is started, the study further stated, there would be no forest left in the country by 2036 – that’s exactly 22 years from now.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his state of the nation address (SONA) in 2011, stated that most politicians use one possible solution – that of tree planting – as a photo opportunity.

“They plant trees, but they do not ensure that the trees would remain standing after they leave,” he said.

When he was still the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Michael Defensor admitted that “only 30% of reforestation projects succeeded.” In a Subic meeting of local executives, he told them: “People hardly recognize the economic benefits from protecting the environment. Most sabotaged the program.”

The bluntness seemed to echo an earlier study of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, entitled “Sustainable Forest Management,” which stated, “Most of the (Philippines’) once rich forest are gone.

Forest recovery, through natural and artificial means, never coped with the destruction rate.”

When Ferdinand Magellan “rediscovered” the Philippines in 1521, forests blanketed 95% of the

country. When the Ormoc City, Leyte tragedy happened – which left 8,000 people dead – timber cover was only 18%.

“Where have all our forests gone?” asked Roy C. Alimoane, the director of Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center.

American President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless.”

When people talk of deforestation, they always think of loggers, both legal and illegal. “Who had the privilege of cutting trees?” asked veteran journalist Marites Dañguilan-Vitug in an article she wrote for “World Paper,” a Boston-based magazine. “The wealthy and well-connected. They lived in the big cities. Some even sold their rights to the forest concessions and lived off the green of the land.”

In the past, forest resources helped fuel the country’s economy. In the 1970s, Philippines was touted the prima donna among world timber exporters. Today, it is considered “a wood-pauper,” to quote the words of multi-awarded journalist Juan Mercado.

Loggers are not the only ones to be blamed for the disappearance of the country’s forest cover. Even farmers, particularly kaingineros who practice slash-and-burn agriculture. They cut trees to give way to the crops (corn, upland rice, and vegetables) to be planted.

The Forest Manage-

ment Bureau reported that forest cover in the country declined from 21 million hectares, or 70% of the its land area, in 1900 to about 6.5 million hectares by 2007, mostly due to intensive logging and subsequent conversion to agriculture.

But what most people don’t know that forest fires also contribute to the denudation of the country’s forest cover. In 1991, for instance, at least 21,908 hectares of forests were razed by fire, 13,129 hectares of grasslands, 2,205 hectares of secondary-growth forest and 6,547 hectares of reforestation projects.

In a paper presented in a regional conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, E.V. Soliman said that from 1978 to 1996, forest fires in the Philippines destroyed approximately 304,345 hectares. That an average of 16,000 hectares per year. From 1992 to 1996 alone, fire damage was estimated at P465 million.

More than monetary values, forest fires also destroy other things. “Forest fires damage the soil and biodiversity in affected areas,” said the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). “These also derail the country’s reforestation efforts.”

PCAARRD, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology, decided to develop scienceand technology-based tools to help forest managers and other stakeholders

in predicting the probability of fire occurrence.

“The fire behaviour model simulates and predicts fire movements,” said the newly-released PCAARRD Information Bulletin No. 25.

This is a good news as summer – touted to be the fire season – is fast approaching. The tools which PCAARRD is promoting are integrated with geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing, global positioning system (GPS), and Web innovations.

“These interactive disaster and hazard management models were programed for easy information dissemination and will allow a location-specific application,” explained PCAARRD. “Using this web-enabled hazard decision support system, various maps – which can be resized onscreen and point-clicked with their corresponding attributes and statistics – can be accessed and generated,” it added.

Negative impacts and destruction brought by uncontrolled forest fires are unlimited. As such, preventing forest fires is better than any fire control measure. “Fire prediction is an important prevention measure,” said PCAARRD, adding that its researchers were able to develop a forest fire hazard and behavior forecasting and a risk reduction system using GIS. “Through the project, fire hazard maps were developed for Itogon, Benguet, and Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. The maps used the prediction equation,

which combines a number of critical factors that significantly influence forest fires. These are: vegetation or land cover; proximity to farms; distance to roads; slope; and aspect,” the information bulletin said.

Vegetation refers to the vegetative cover or current land use pattern which determines the kind, quantity, and quality of fuels present on site. Fuels present, as an element of the fire triangle, determine fire risks.

“An element of fire triangle is a model that shows the relationship between the essential elements of fire,” the information bulletin explained.

Proximity to farms and road is a factor in the prediction equation due to previous fire incidents in farms and careless passers-by and pranksters throwing lighting materials like lighted cigarettes.

The area’s slope, meanwhile, enhances burning since “the steeper slope promotes rapid spread of fire upslope.”

The aspect refers to the horizontal direction where the mountain slope faces.

“The aspect is also considered because drying of fuels is more prevalent along east-west slopes than north-south facing slopes,” the PCAARRD publication informed.

According to PCAARDD, highly-vulnerable, vulnerable, and less-vulnerable sites are identified on the calibrated maps. “Through these fire hazard maps, forest managers and other stakeholders will be properly guided on fire risks, especially

during fire season,” it said.

Forest managers include the forest protection unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units. Stakeholders refer to people living in and near the forests and farmers who are directly involved in reforestation projects.

The PCAARDD publication suggests that practices causing fire ignition (like slash and re-growth of grass for grazing purposes) should not be allowed during the fire season in places adjacent to high risk areas. Proper local ordinances and their strict implementation can help lessen the chances of fire.

“If coupled with appropriate information, education and communication strategies and replicated in other areas, these hazard maps will hopefully make every barangay (village) ready and responsive to forest fires,” the PCARRD publication concluded.

However, fire behavior can be evaluated by using the BehavePlus (version 5). It is a free and downloadable fire behavior software that can be used to assess fire behaviour and risks in specific sites.

BehavePlus provides a more site-specific fire behavior assessment (like rate of fire spread, fire intensity, and direction of spread, to name a few) than the fire hazard maps that only give broad predictions.

“Moreover, users can even input environmental parameters like fuel characteristics,” PCAARRD said.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

EDITORIAL Can of worms

T

HE bloody swoop last week on a clandestine illegal drugs facility in Barangay Ilang in Davao City that resulted in the killing of seven persons, including a 14-year old boy, and bagged some 30 other drug suspects may have opened a can of worms, so to speak.

It looks like the drug den had been operating for sometime under the very noses of the authorities without as much as a hint about its existence. In all that time, drug money must have passed through the some two dozen dwellings that made up the crime enclave.

The so-called shabu “tiangge” (marketplace where illegal drugs and money exchanged hands) must have existed for sometime before the authorities finally got wind of the flourishing trade and did something about it.

Now, where else in this largest city of the country are other “tiangges”, big or small, still to be un-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

covered and, presumably, replicating last Friday’s shootout. Let’s face it. The lucrative illegal drugs trade is not about to die a natural death (pardon the pun). It will continue to rear its ugly head because there is money, lots of money, in it. There will always be victims and their victimizers. It is a never-ending story that will keep authorities on their toes, prompting Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte to spend longer waking hours as he tangles with drug syndicates and the dregs of the underworld who prey on the innocents and the unwary in his city.

At this juncture, though, it is only proper to congratulate the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-11), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-11, and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for a job well done.

With the diligence shown by the law enforcers there are more cans of worms out there waiting to be opened. You can bet on that.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

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

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

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

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

JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

AQUILES Z. ZONIO Correspondent

KRISTINE D. BORJA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Marketing Specialist Circulation

Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Cagayan de Oro City c/o PZ Villarin Marketing Cagayan de Oro City Tel: (088) 852-4894

Tel: (088) 852-4894

Salvani St., Oringo Brgy. City Heights Tel: (083) 303-2215

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 942-1503

EDGEDAVAO

O

Climate change: Do engineers know what this means ?

NE MUST always expect the worst to happen in Davao, with or without this thing called “climate change”. That’s why, whether you like it or not, it gives you the creeps to see the increasing number of high-rise residential buildings they call “condominiums” in the city’s horizon.

Along JP Laurel Avenue at both Bajada and Lanang districts, you can see the high-rise condos and hotels of the Ayalas, Camella, Robinsons, Tune, Landco, Pryce, etc. As every engineer and architect knows, this city sits on the base of the country’s highest mountain, Mount Apo, which incidentally, is also a volcano.

It’s not safe to assume at this point that contractors, engineers and architects are all aware of the devastating effect of a sudden big earthquake, a powerful super typhoon , a sudden tsunami, or a falling meteor hitting this part of the country. Many of them, I’m sure, are still stubborn and stupid to ignore all these possible risks and dangers to the things they build in the Davao region.

Standards of engineering designs for buildings, roads and bridges are

A

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

PHRASE PEOPLE CAN’T FULLY UNDERSTAND – One of the priority agenda during the time of President Benigno Aquino III’s predecessors is infrastructure. Top leaders then have a common scheme saying the country should boast a showcase infrastructure if it wanted to host many international conventions and sports events, including the construction of modern airports especially in economically stable metropolis across the Philippines.

Before their terms ends, they further brag that the country should be welldeveloped with world-class structures such as airports of international standards. Some mega-projects have been completed during the Arroyo administration after its predecessor’s tenure has been cut short due to socioeconomic and political upheaval.

Among the completed airport project is the Davao International Airport (DIA) or known locally as Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Other projects undertaken by the Estrada administration have been facing delays – and even scrapping totally.

At that time foreign lending institutions are becoming wary as the government fights off speculative attacks on its currency and contemplate postponing big-ticket items like infrastructures.

Even so, many economist and financial specialists wonder about the condition of the country’s different airports. Seeing the need to boost showcase infrastructures the Aquino administration poured in huge capital outlay for the major rehabilitation, in particular the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA I), yet up to this stage is still rated Category 2 due to its deficient facilities and

being revised and updated to conform to the demands of higher and much bigger risks.

Simply put, the ratio for using cement to mix with sand will s u r e l y be much higher while the number of steel reinforcements that are embedded with concrete is much more than what was required by government standards.

For benchmarking to avoid making the same mistakes, design and structural engineers are looking at some of the world’s disasters caused by earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, floods, fires, etc., things that no longer surprise us anymore because you keep seeing them on TV news from time to time.

All these changes to what’s happening in global climate should

also be taking place in the minds of university professors handling classes in engineering and architecture. This is just a presumption, of course, but we’re hoping that all this publicity about global climate change has began to sink into the minds of engineering professors--- or has it ?

Roads and bridges in far-flung hinterlands like Compostela, Cateel, or Bagangga, are the most vulnerable to big flash floods caused by typhoons and days of heavy rains. They’re vulnerable because a lot of “short-cuts” and down-grading of design standards were done to cut costs so that contractors and local politicians can get bigger “rebates” and commissions from the project budget. As a result, these bridges are only good for sunny days ---and easily crumble and carried away by even the smallest flood.

Climate change ? Those are such big words for engineers, contractors, architects and local officials with big infrastructure projects. Whether or not these big words have sank into their minds---remains to be seen.

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

amenities.

There was even a time when the government is squabbling with the f o r e i g n financiers and contractors of NAIA 3 that causes a major delay on its scheduled opening. Despite being newly built government inspectors found some portions of the edifice are constructed using sub-standard materials resulting to the immediate repair works and the operational date has been moved two years later.

Moreover, the facilities and services of NAIA 3 still pale in comparison with NAIA 2 or the Centennial Airport.

To businessmen and frequent travelers, the past and present administrations achieved so much less than it promised, which is to provide the traveling public with rated Category 1 airports. Many visitors likewise noticed that the country’s different airports especially the premier aerodromes lack the state-of-the-art conveniences, modern communication network and services that would provide safety and comfort to travelers. To make a place better and beautiful, government therefore should define its efforts in pursuing a commitment to establish an airport of world-class stature.

Superb infrastructure like an airport is one of the best travel bargains on any leisure or business destination. So how could we entice tourists and frequent travelers – foreign or domestic alike if our airports’ restrooms have no water,

disinfectant and hand-wash at all? It is a shame on the part of our tourism officials to present new ideas and promotional package how to inspire prospective visitors to include the country in their itineraries when the surroundings of our airports have poor sanitary condition specifically the comfort rooms, arrival and departure premises.

Administration officials say that no leadership has made big strides by being too cautious especially in dealing with government undertakings that are considered income-generating.

And there has been this obsession with the magical word “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path), which people can’t fully understand. In fairness, though, the Aquino administration has made an initiative to restore the beauty and grandeur of our airports notably NAIA 1, which in the yesteryears has been the country’s showcase infrastructure.

Yes, it has a vision and the desire to do something big – but not quite remarkable.

We surmised that high-profile Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Department of Tourism (DOT) officials are wondering to see tourists and frequent travelers flocked in hordes to other destinations that are conducive to both business and leisure. They must see to it that our airports from now on should adapt new technologies, maintain cleanliness and safety measures in order to be competitive with most major airports and tourist destinations in the BIMP-EAGA region and Asia. The idea is to treat the setback as a temporary breather to map strategies for the next step forward. In other words, continue moving forward, restore the image and condition of our airports – but do it with deliberate speed.

Best travel bargain

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The case against a Chinese financial crisis COMMENTARY

BY ANATOLE KALETSKY

A

(Conclusion)

FTER all, the U.S. government allowed the failure of a medium-sized investment bank to degenerate into the greatest financial meltdown in modern history. Why, then, should we expect China do any better?

Partly because Washington did not really try to avoid a financial crisis. On the contrary, the Treasury deliberately pushed Lehman Brothers into bankruptcy, to demonstrate that there were limits to government bank bailouts. Some Chinese officials, particularly central bankers, have recently made similar statements, suggesting reckless lending must be disciplined and “moral hazard” curbed.

Does this suggest that China could “do a Lehman” and reverse the order of policy priorities — putting a financial clean-up ahead of economic growth?

This is where the debate about Chinese policy gets really interesting — and confusing.

Like other central banks, the People’s Bank of China, if left to itself, would probably favor curbing excess lending and moral hazard — even if this jeopardized economic growth and industrial restructuring.

Though China is seen as a monolithic authoritarian state where only one view prevails on any important issue, economic policy is in fact subject to intense debate — sometimes as open as the clashes between U.S. Keynesians and monetarists or between southern European governments and the Bundesbank.

As a result, mixed messages flow constantly from China. These are particularly confusing for financiers whose instinct is to treat central bankers as more authoritative than politicians. In China, this is completely wrong, since the People’s Bank of China is not independent and can take no major decisions without the political leadership’s consent.

Occasionally Western-educated PBOC officials who crave independence may overstep the mark and make controversial decisions without government approval. Whenever such freelancing leads to a risk of crisis — as it did last month when the central bank almost allowed a panic in shadow banking — the Chinese Communist Party reasserts itself and a government bailout is arranged.

Which leads us back to the question of whether China, with its primitive financial system, has the tools to maintain financial stability if it really wants to.

The answer is almost certainly yes.

A relatively primitive financial system, dominated by state-owned banks that are really just arms of the central government, is actually easier to stabilize than a complex market-driven network of private financial institutions.

State-controlled banks may be inefficient at allocating capital — but they cannot be forced into insolvency unless the government itself is insolvent. And the Chinese government is perhaps the most solvent financial entity in the world.

The central government has a castiron budgetary position that is more than adequate to underwrite the bailouts of insolvent banks and local governments. Even more important, China has the world’s largest trade surplus, total control over cross-border capital flows and $3.5 trillion in foreign exchange reserves.

Anyone betting on a Lehman-style meltdown in the Chinese financial system will need $3.5 trillion to call Beijing’s bluff.

10

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Drugs... FFROM 1

existence of illegal drugs in the city that is why he provides more funds to sustain law and order.

“Gumagastos talaga ako pag drugs, pati against human trafficking,” he said.

The operation in barangay Ilang was a result of about three months surveillance in the area because they could not conduct checkpoints to search out drug suspects who went to the area because the Supreme Court is very strict on the rules on checkpoints.

In the early morning of Feb. 21, the Criminal Investigation and Detec-

tion Group (CIDG), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) mounted the simultaneous anti-drug operation on 26 shanties in the area.

During the raid, an encounter happened which resulted in the death of seven persons, including a 14-year-old boy who was hit in the crossfire.

After the encounter, the operatives seized an undetermined worth of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, 11 firearms loaded with live ammunition, and three hand grenades.

“Binasa ko lahat ng report tapos tinanong ko.

I’m satisfied with the explanation, tinamaan yung bata – we cannot determine kaninong baril. But it was done in connection with the performance of duty to arrest suspected criminals,” he said.

Duterte added that he told the Tausug deputy mayor that he would like to meet and talk with the community in the area, to ask why the place became a drug den.

In the early morning of Feb. 21, the Criminal

Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) mounted a simultaneous anti-drug operation on 26 shanties in barangay Ilang, Tibungco, Bunawan district that resulted to the death of seven and the arrest of 36 other people.

The operatives seized an undetermined amount of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, 11 firearms loaded with live ammunition and three hand grenades.

farmers. The action taken by the Supreme Court should serve as a strong signal to judges that injunctions issued by the lower courts pertaining to rice importations without permits are at the very least questionable or suspect. The Magistrates of the High Tribunal are closely watching this issue, judging by their prompt action on our application for a TRO. We are committed to challenging court orders that favor illegal rice importations that no doubt have a devastating effect on our farmers,” said Customs Commissioner John Sevilla.

Ngo purchased 15 shipments containing 91,800 bags of white rice either from Thailand or Singapore from Starcraft International Trading Corporation. Ngo was informed that the shipments could not be released without proper import permits from the National Food Authority (NFA). Ngo filed a complaint with the Davao RTC and sought an injunction, citing that the expiration of the Special Treatment for Rice Importation under the World Trade Organization meant that quantitative restrictions such as requiring import permit on the importation of rice may no longer be imposed.

Last month, the BOC was compelled to release 167 container vans with 3,348 tons of rice from Vietnam from the Port of Davao in compliance with the Preliminary Injunction issued by Judge Carpio.

With the TRO issued by the Supreme Court in ef-

fect, the BOC can continue to hold the remaining 85 containers of rice imported

by Starcraft that are being held at the Port of Davao.

To date, the BoC has put on hold a total of 1,822 container vans of rice that were imported without the required import permits from the NFA through the ports of Manila, the Manila International Container Port. Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Batangas and Davao, accounting for an estimated 50,000 metric tons.

“The TRO issued by the Supreme Court clearly establishes the legal right of the Bureau to hold these rice shipments. We earnestly hope that the OSG can help us secure similar rulings in the Manila and Batangas RTCs whose injunctions have helped rice smugglers,” Sevilla added.

Last January 30, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 54 Judge Maria Paz R. Reyes-Yson issued a Preliminary Injunction that prevents the Bureau of Customs from implementing any alerts, seizures, or hold orders, whether current or future, against rice shipments of Starcraft International Trading Corporation. On the other hand another Writ of Preliminary Injunction issued by Executive Judge Eutiquio L. Quitain of the Region IV, Branch 5 Regional Trial Court in Lemery, Batangas prevents the Bureau of Customs from implementing any alerts, seizures, or hold orders in the future against rice shipments of Bold Bidder Marketing and General Merchandise.

Shabu... FFROM 2

IGNORING AN ANNIVERSARY. Citizen who are too busy earning a living seem to ignore the Edsa People Power anniversary which was celebrated yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Coming...FFROM 2

Initially, the proposed project planned to hire 1,000 scholars who will be sent out of the country to become certified and trained caregivers. The firm

has tied-up with insurance companies whose clients are the market of the medical facility.

One report said that the company’s executive officer

has been in the city since February 16 to finalize the plan. It also stated that the firm is negotiating with banks.

The firm could avail of

the three-year local business tax holiday and twoyear real property tax holiday as prescribed by the Davao City Investment Incentive Code.

brel and Common Tern to name a few.

Last year, a total number of 13,404 migratory birds were counted on the same areas and these were composed of species like Little Egret, Common Tern

and Whiskered Tern among others.

AWC is an annual event which takes place during the second and third weeks of January. The census was initiated in 1987 in the Indian subcontinent and

has grown rapidly to cover over 32 countries.

According to the National Wetlands Program, many species of waterbirds fly in droves during winter to go to warmer and more hospitable tropics.

After winter following weeks of hoping from one country to another, waterbirds go back the same way feeding on marine species of animals and plants found along the shores.

[DENR 11]

ducing gadgets are now considering to move out of China to Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.

The business environ-

ment in Davao City is conducive to serving investors and entrepreneurs because the cost of inputs, likes electricity and raw materials

are relatively low.

Based on the Davao City Investment Incentive Code, Cortez said that the firm could enjoy a three year lo-

cal business tax holiday and two real property tax holidays because its proposals fit the city’s priority investment areas.

58,939 in 2012.

“The city veterinarian’s target is to immunize 80% of the animal reservoir. The approximate number of dogs in the city is 140,000,”she said.

She said that only half

of the approximate population of dogs was immunized only last year, which means that they did not hit the target.

Villafuerte said that in 2013 there was a decrease in the number of people

exposed to animal bites (6,959) compared to 2012 (7,543).

She also appealed to other government agencies, like Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of

Health and Department of Education for a more concerted awareness drive down to the barangay level.

“We hope our local leaders will organize their own anti-rabies task forces,” she said.

due to unavoidable circumstances.

Davao Light’s Supervi-

sory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) remotely controls switches in

substations and along the distribution lines. Hence, maintenance works and

restoration of power supply are implemented at the barest minimum.

Disaster Report placed the Philippines third among all countries which recorded the highest exposure to natural calamities.

The Senate leader said the government should be able to employ the most efficient and fastest way in sending out alerts in the event of an impending calamity such as a tropical storm, tsunami or earthquake.

Under the bill, the alerts shall consist of updated

information from the relevant agencies, and shall be sent directly to the mobile phone subscribers located near and within the affected areas.

He said sending out alerts through mobile phones could be the most efficient tool given the fact that the Philippines recorded the highest number of cellular phone users in the world.

According to Business Monitor International

(BMI) study, the Philippines is expected to reach 117 million mobile subscribers by 2016, noted Drilon.

“As the texting capital of the world, we can greatly use the instantaneous, flexible and reliable short message service (SMS) technology as a potent tool during disaster situations - one that is intimately understood and easily accessed by millions of Filipinos who have cellphones,” emphasized Drilon.

Lastly, Drilon lauded the telcos for being cooperative towards the passage of the bill. He said Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba of the National Telecommunications Commission relayed during the committee hearing that the proposed measure sits well with the telephone companies, as sending out text message disaster alerts does not require additional costs on their operations. [PNA]

DENR... FFROM 2

China...FFROM 3 City... FFROM 3

15-mintune...FFROM 3 Free...FFROM 3

Customs...FFROM 2

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

Rekindling EDSA spirit in Davao Oriental

R

EKINDLING the spirit of the1986 EDSA Revolution etched in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people, President Benigno S. Aquino III paid homage to the historic event on Monday, February 24, in different disaster-struck provinces in the country, including the Province of Davao Oriental, now marked with evident recovery and development.

Starting off in Cateel, Davao Oriental, President Aquino, along with some members of the Cabinet broke away from the traditional conduct of the event at the nation’s capital to pay tribute to the people’s resilience and will-power that greatly contributed to the fast recovery of the provinces, thus igniting the spirit of People Power.

With the theme ‘Kapit bisig tungo sa Pagbangon’, the 28th EDSA Anniversary Celebration feted the gains that have been achieved in devastated areas through the bayanihan spirit, thus showing the true meaning of People Power.

During his visit, President Aquino hailed the undertakings of the different national agencies through the Task Force Pablo in all its rehabilitation efforts.

He also divulged that the national government is allocating 10.5 Billion pesos for the recovery of the devastated communities.

On the housing program, the president reported that through funds from the DSWD and counterparts from the National Housing Authority and the Provincial Government, continuous construction is being implemented while ensuring that residents are properly relocated on safe zones to prevent future disasters.

President Aquino hopes to complete relocation of some 1,179 families

in Cateel town alone by August of this year. In Cateel alone, 110 houses were already completed and turned over to its respective beneficiaries.

To date, the national government targets about 17,480 families to receive permanent shelters in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Aside from housing units, the national government has also allocated 573.56 million pesos for cash-for-work program that benefited about 57,890 beneficiaries while about 508,234 food packs were distributed to affected families in Davao Oriental.

In terms of agriculture and livelihood, President Aquino cited the innovative Hot Pablo Chili Production that opened livelihood opportunities to farmers, who were previously dependent on their coconut farms before typhoon Pablo struck.

With its short-term gestation period of only three months, local chili products were already exported to different countries, including Brunei, Singapore, and recently in Guam. Impressed with the new emerging trade with its high export demand, the president hopes to expand and boost its production.

President Aquino assured that the government is giving more focus on producing high quality crops, efficient irrigation and livestock production in support to the agriculture and livelihood sector.

Meanwhile, in terms of power restoration, the president ordered the concerned agencies, including the National Electrification Authority (NEA) to restore power in the twenty-four barangays in the three hard-hit towns, which to his surprise were still left

Davao Oriental Gov. Cora Malanyaon and President Benigno S. Aquino III in Cateel without power.

The EDSA Spirit President Aquino said that celebrating the EDSA Anniversary outside Manila was indeed a right choice to be with his fellow countrymen who are still reeling from vast challenges brought about by the brunt of different disasters that recently struck the nation.

During his stay in Cateel, he recalled the massive devastation the province endured from typhoon Pablo in 2012 and said he was surprised over the dramatic transformation of the typhoon-hit areas in Davao Oriental.

Aquino voiced his admiration to the people of Davao Oriental on their resilience amidst the crisis they have been facing while keeping the bayanihan spirit alive coupled with the desire to bounce back. He said he is confident that Davao Oriental would fully recover.

He noted the spirit of people power had come alive in the province, where people surpassed the seemingly insurmountable odds through unity

and resiliency, similar to what Filipinos had manifested years ago that freed the country from fourteen years of dictatorship.

“Naniniwala po tayo na sa bawat pagkadapa at sa bawat pagbangon, sa bawat initiatibang nagsisgurong walang maiiwan sa ating paglalakbay sa matuwid na landas, naisasabuhay natin ang tunay na diwa ng People Power. (We believe that each time we fall and rise back, in every initiative that ensures no one is

left behind on our journey towards the straight path, we are bringing the spirit of the People Power alive),” President Aquino said.

After his first stop in Cateel, President Aquino then proceeded to the four other disaster-stricken provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, and Eastern Samar.

Cabinet Secretaries who accompanied the President during his visit include Secretaries Paquito Ochoa Jr., Executive Secretary; Proceso Alca-

la, Agriculture; Rogelio Singson, Public Works and Highways; Voltaire Gazmin, National Defense; Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman, Social Welfare and Development; Manuel Roxas, Interior and Local Government; Herminio Coloma, jr., Presidential Communications Operations Office; Jose Rene Almendras, Cabinet Secretary, and Luwalhati R. Antonino, MinDA, Chairperson. [By Karen Lou Deloso, Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan]

12 CLASSIFIED EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

HEALTH

Best for kids ages 1 to 12 years old High in CGF, Taurine, L-Lysine Contains Fortified with DHA Available at all Drugstore near you

Multivitamins for Teens & young adults ages 13 to22 years old Available at all Drugstore near you

Take 2mg Ener-plus Capsule one hour before your intimate encounter • Improve Blood Circulation • Provide Extra Strength & Sexual Stamina • Increase Libido & Sexdrive

Available at all Drugstore near you

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

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

INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Much ado about Aboy’s ANY TRIP to Bacolod is not complete without having a bite of Bacolod’s famous grilled fare and the tour group I was with that was organised by Cebu Pacific and the Department of Tourism office of Region Six was more than eager to sit down and loosen our belts when we arrived at Aboy’s for dinner.

Located near Bacolod’s Goldenfield Commercial Complex, Aboy’s is a home-style eatery that serves regular household favourites as well as grilled seafood. What started as a small eatery during the 90’s grew into a 250-seater restaurant of today that draws fans from all over and beyond the province of Negros Occidental.

The meal started with a piping hot bowl of Bu-

lalo, followed by a neverending parade of freshly

Bacolod’s iconic Chicken Inasal. grilled scallops which the restaurant is famous for.

It was literally a feast from the grill as orders of fatty grilled pork belly were served followed by a deliciously flaky grilled blue marlin steak.

And what is a visit to Bacolod City if one does not have a taste the city’s iconic dish, Chicken Inasal? The meat of Aboy’s Chicken Inasal was tender and juicy with the skin of the chicken grilled perfectly, not too charred but crispy to the bite. A dip into a saucer full of chilies, calamansi, soy sauce

Hot and spicy Bicol Express.

Grilled Pork Belly.

Grilled Scallops.

and vinegar complete the Chicken Inasal experi-

Grilled Blue Marlin.

Banana leaf wrapped mushrooms.

ence.

But not everything is about meat though as we were served banana leaf steamed mushrooms. The banana leaves impart a fragrant smell that compliments well with the earthiness of the mushrooms which made it really hard not to eat extra helpings of rice.

It looks like I have to hit the gym again when I get back to Durianburg, this is many thanks to Bacolod City’s many affordable foodie delights such as Aboy’s Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel and foodie finds as well as happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg.

Going giddy over Sago’t Gulaman.

A2 INdulge!

TOURISM

DOT offers up to US$ 100,000 grant for Davao tourism workers Workers in the Davao Region’s tourism industry, including new hires, can now avail of the up to US$ 100,000 grant offered by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to improve their skills.

The grant is part of the $ 7.1-million assistance of Boncato the Government of Canada to DOT which is administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Philippines Improving Competitiveness in Tourism program.

“The grant aims to increase employment and increase the competitiveness of the tourism workforce not only in the region but also in other areas where the program will be piloted,” Arturo P. Boncato, Jr., DOT Assistant Secretary said.

He said the program will be rolled out in a 38-month period in Davao, Cebu, Bohol and Palawan.

Rolando Canizal, DOT Assistant Secretary for Tourism Development and Planning, was in the city last week to formally invite tourism industry stakeholders to take advantage of the grant.

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

Canizal said the program will also create career paths for tourism workers through the development of quality education and training curriculum.

Kelly Bird, ADB Project Manager, said the program aims to address the lingering problem of skills-industry mismatch that has been contributing to the rising unemployment among Filipinos.

As a major tourism hub, he said, Davao has a great opportunity to take advantage of this window and develop a new breed of tourism industry workforce who are on par with their ASEAN counterparts.

Meanwhile, Boncato said the program is designed to assist the government’s tourism roadmap of reaching the 10 million tourism arrivals by 2016.

He expressed optimism on the aggressive response of the tourism stakeholders to the program.

DOT-accredited accommodation enterprises are urged to coordinate with the DOT regional office to avail of the grant, he said.

Boncato said the Davao Region has a vibrant tourism industry which has recently launched pioneering tourism campaigns in the country such as the four-week Big Davao Fun Sale on March 14 to April 17, 2014 which is patterned after the shopping frenzy environments of Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore.

Davao City alone, he said has up to 165 DOT-accredited accommodations that offer 6,000 rooms for visitors.

Domestic and foreign visitors to the city in 2013 reached 1.429 million, 97 percent of which are tourists and mostly corporate travelers,he said.

The city’s tourist arrival is a 24.77 percent increase compared to the 1.075 million visitors in 2012, he added. [PNA]

PAL to terminate Manila-Kuala Lumpur flights starting March Starting March 1, Philippine Airlines (PAL) will no longer have Manila-Kuala Lumpur-Manila flights, the airline said on Wednesday.

According to its ticketing office, PAL’s last flight to Kuala Lumpur will be on Thursday (Feb. 27). PAL resumed flights to the Malaysian capital on May 2013 after a seven-year absence due to “commercial reasons.”

No clear reason was given by its ticketing office as to the real cause of the flight termination.

Philippine Airlines Express (PALex), PAL’s sister airline, also used to have flights to Kuala Lumpur but also ended the trips last January 12.

PAL flies to Kuala Lumpur four times a week including Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The airline uses an Airbus A319 aircraft for the said flights.

PAL said it is looking at a code-share agreement with Malaysian Airlines on the services between Manila and Kuala Lumpur and back.

On May 2 last year, PAL re-introduced its flights to Kuala Lumpur after suspending the flights for seven years. The increase in tourist traffic and passengers’ requests paved the way for the resumption of the flights.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Globe Telecom, Caligdong kick off Football Para Sa Bayan 2014 for youth from underprivileged communities LEADING telecommunications company Globe Telecom together with its sports ambassador Azkals Team Captain Chieffy Caligdong kick off Football Para Sa Bayan 2014, a grassroots program for youth from underprivileged communities which also features key movers in the football scene who are committed to nationbuilding.

The event will be launched through football tournaments in Metro Manila and Iloilo on February 22 and March 8-9, respectively. The Metro Manila event will be held in partnership with the Philippine Navy at the Fleet-Marine football grounds in Taguig City while the one in Iloilo will

be conducted in Sta. Barbara, about 16 kilometers from the city proper.

“The festivals will serve as a platform where in kids, regardless of their socio-economic background can enjoy the sport of football. At the same time, these events can serve as an inclusive platform for socially advantaged and less advantaged teams to interact and work together. We also want to capitalize on the sport to achieve our desired impact: for children to stay in school, aspire for higher marks, and be in a position to vie for scholarships both athletic and academic,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility.

For the Metro Manila Festival, Globe will bring together 35 community football teams composed of underprivileged youth to compete, interact, and share best practice with 35 other teams from varsities of private schools and private football clubs. The one day football tournament will be participated by about 900 kids and young adults age 7 to 17.

Compared to other football tournaments where organizers charge anywhere from P3,000P5,000 per team, all 35 community football teams will be supported by Globe via free inclusion into the tournament.

Through this, underprivileged players are given access to high-level competition

and opportunities to network and to get scouted by private schools and teams for possible scholarships.

On the other hand, about 1000 kids from football communities in Iloilo are expected to join the 2nd Football Para Sa Bayan festival in Iloilo which aside from a tournament, will also include a football clinic.

Globe Football Para Sa Bayan is a year-round football campaign of the company to bring the program around the country to impact nation-building in a big way.

Football is just the first step in Globe sports advocacy as the company continues to develop various sports programs for its CSR communities.

Graduate to a new set of heroes this summer on Hero TV HERO TV introduces new friends to play with as school ends and the fun in the sun begins this March.

Enjoy your summer break with “Cuticle Detective Inaba,” “Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning,” “The Devil is a Part Timer,” “Koroko Connect” and “Domo.”

In “Cuticle Detective Inaba,” half-human, half-wolf Hiroshi Inaba investigates the Valentino family headed by crime boss Don Valentino, a goat who counterfeits money so he can eat the real bills. The wolf hunts the goat once again but not for a meal, this time it’s for justice.

It’s a battle you shouldn’t miss weekdays beginning March 4 at 6:30 PM with replays at 12:30 AM, 6:30 AM, and 12:30 PM. While a half-animal detective and a crime family of animals create chaos in “Cuticle Detective Inaba,” real humans with animal nicknames provide the action in “Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning.” The movie retells the first two episodes

of the series when the two heroes were first partnered together in one of their first missions. How did the hotheaded Wild Tiger and the calm Bunny learn to get along? Find out when the movie premieres Sunday, March 9 at 12 AM with replays at 12 PM and 9PM. From heroes trained to save the world to a Devil King who only knows destruction, “The Devil is a Part Timer” brings fearsome Devil King Sadao to modern day Tokyo. He arrives to conquer the world but his experience as a part time worker

in MgRonald caused him to have a change of heart.

Watch Sadao struggle with his primal instincts as a Devil King Monday to Friday beginning March 12 at 8:30 PM with replays at 2:30 AM, 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Meanwhile, five high school students are caught in a body-switching phenomenon in “Kokoro Connect.” Their relationships with each other are changed and tested as a mysterious being swap them with each other. Watch whether their revelations as someone else strengthen or divide their

group every Monday to Friday beginning March 27 at 9:00 PM with replays at 3 AM, 9 AM, and 3 PM. In the midst of all these, Hero TV introduces “Domo” whose cute and destructive side make you laugh out daily during a two-minute cuteness overload.

Joining the new heroes for February are “Digimon Adventures 02,” “Hetalia World,” “Major Season 1,” “Power Rangers Jungle Fury,” “Power Rangers RPM,” “Ultraman Mebius,” “Gintama Season 4,” “Reborn! Season 4,” “Working,” “Ran the Samurai Girl,” and “Dubber’s Cut: The Devil is a Part Timer.”

Catch all your favorite anime shows on Hero TV (SkyCable Channel 44 and Destiny Digital Cable Channel 44), the number one anime channel in the Philippines.

For more schedules and updates, visit and like Hero TV on Facebook (www.facebook.com/myheronation) and follow the channel’s official twitter account (@myHEROnation).

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Got to Believe’ and ‘Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’ successfully launched in Asia ABS-CBN’s action-suspense-drama “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala” (with international title “Against All Odds”) will be aired in three Asian countries, while the hit romantic-comedy “Got to Believe” drew huge interest and inquiries from regional content buyers who attended the annual content market conference Asian Television Forum (ATF) held recently in Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“We are very glad to end 2013 with strong international sales of our drama content. ‘Got to Believe’ and ‘Against All Odds’ are two of our best produced dramas of 2013 and they are attracting a lot of markets together with ‘Be Careful with my Heart.’ These three dramas represent the continuous evolution of our storytelling and improved production values that are being appreciated abroad particularly in Asia and Africa,” explained ABS-CBN Head of Integrated Acquisition and International Sales and Distribution Leng Raymundo.

vated foreign buyers with its brave and compelling storyline about the journey of Anessa (Santos) as well as its unique brand as the first “advocacy-series” on PH TV that advocated women’s rights.

“Got to Believe,” meanwhile, also received numerous inquiries and has strong probability of being picked up by other Asian countries. The onscreen magic of soughtafter teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Pa-

dilla and the light romantic story of the series appealed to buyers since it’s different from the usual heavy drama offerings of ABS-CBN to the market.

“Got to Believe” is set to end its run soon but still continues to dominate the ratings game brought about by the KathNiels cult following amongst young Filipino fans.

“Against All Odds” and “Got To Believe” are among the many Filipino dramas made available to international viewers

by ABS-CBN International Distribution.

ABS-CBN International Distribution has been recognized in the global arena as a reliable foreign content provider. It has been a premier source of high quality Filipino programming in over 50 territories all over the world and has sold over 30,000 hours of content worldwide. Living up to this recognition, ABSCBN International Distribution commits to add to its line-up of high-caliber programs and movies with cast and storylines that appeal to various cultures.

Through its International Distribution Division, ABS-CBN proudly showcased to international content buyers the two top-rating dramas that will surely bring avid viewers of Filipino soap operas worldwide a whole new viewing experience this year.

As of January 2014, “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” topbilled by the ‘Queen of Pinoy Soap Operas’ Judy Ann Santos, was already sold to Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The series capti-

Marian Rivera turns over 100 bangka to Yolanda victims via GMA Network’s Kapuso-Adopt-A-Bangka Project EXACTLY a month after its launch, GMA Regional TV’s media campaign Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project was able to fulfill its commitment to give out, for its first wave, 100 bangka to the fisherfolk communities of the Bantayan Island in Northern Cebu through a turn-over ceremony held on Tuesday, February 18.

Present during the formal turn-over of bangka were: Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project Ambassadress, Marian Rivera; Kapuso AdoptA-Bangka Project Key Point Person and AVP/Head, Integrated Marketing Services Division of GMA Regional TV, Oliver Victor Amoroso; Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project Co-key Point Person and Station Manager of GMA Central and Eastern Visayas, Ann Marie Tan; and Bantayan Island Association of Hotels, Resorts, Bars and Restaurants, Inc. President, Allan Monreal.

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

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

POMPEII 2D Kit Harington, Emily Browning PG 13

Said campaign, which was launched by GMA Regional TV on January 18, in partnership with the Bantayan Island Association of Hotels, Resorts, Bars, and Restaurants Inc., intends to help provide

long term livelihood opportunities to those affected by super typhoon Yolanda in Northern Cebu by rehabilitating and rebuilding their bangka through the help of various sponsors.

For updates and developments on the Kapuso Adopt-A-Bangka Project, the campaign website www.kapusoadoptabangkaproject. blogspot.com may be visited.

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

THE BOOK THIEF 2D Sophie Nélisse, Nico Liersch PG 13

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

R-16 ROBOCOP 2D Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

FOOD

My veggie love

Pesto Pasta Heat 2 tbsps extra olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of fresh basil and

AFTER the romantic festivities, one certainly needs to go back to basics and embrace the many facets of vegetables.

Often snubbed and ignored on the dining table, it is high time that we look back and pay homage to its many healing powers and unending flavor that our body is craving for.

Coming from a sickness, I was happily stuck with nothing but soup and vegetables. A weekend entirely devoted to eating them, I found my renewed strength and my cravings for them were heightened all at once. No, I am not a convert – yet- but I am now in love – with vegetables.

mix it in oil. Stir and do so as the pesto warms and avoid it from sticking.

When warmed, slowly add a stream of ¼ cup heavy cream or all purpose cream (be sure to whisk first before adding; you can also add more if you want). Add some grated cheddar cheese and stir. At this point, add a pound r 200 grams of cooked pasta and 3 tbsps of pasta water. Turn off heat and toss.

Serve immediately. Season with salt and pepper.

Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured.

Email me at leebay457@ yahoo.com (subject: Royal Chef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics!

Pesto.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Pumpkin Curry Soup.

Deep Fried Vegetables.

Pumpkin Curry Soup In a saucepan, melt a knob of unsalted butter over low heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 cloves of garlic; sauté for 3 minutes. After such, add 1 tablespoon of good curry powder and cook.

Stir to marry the flavors.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, pour 3 cups of broth (1 powdered bouillon cube) and 2 cups chopped pumpkin.

You can add more or less of the pumpkin. Stir occasionally until pumpkin Pesto Pasta.

of fresh basil leaves with ¼ cups pine nuts or any nuts of your choice, pulse a few times until smooth but a bit chunky. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese or queso de bola (you can also use cheddar cheese).

Slowly add ½ cup olive oil in a constant stream while blending. Stop to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want to be experimental, add some leafy greens – kangkong, spinach and even ampalaya. Keep in airtight container and store inside the fridge.

chunks become tender but not mashed. Season generously with salt, garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes; turn off heat and add evaporated milk.

You can serve it as it is or blend in a blender to have a thicker consistency.

Deep Fried Vegetable Cut up some greens, flowers and eggplants in half an inch thick. In a bowl, keep pieces submerged in cold water. In a clean bowl, pour frying mix (store bought or combine all pur-

pose flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder) and coat all sides. Repeat until done. In a deep saucepan, heat oil for frying. Once hot, fry each pieces until golden brown. Dry in paper towels and serve hot. Make a mango-mayo sauce: combine ¼ cup mashed mango, ¼ cup mayonnaise, salt, freshly ground black pepper, pinch of garlic powder, brown sugar and powdered saffron.

Fresh Basil Pesto In a food processor or a blender, combine 2 cups

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE SSS distributes free luggage tags to OFWs EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 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.

O

VERSEAS Filipino Worker-members of the Social Security System (SSS) who

are transacting at the SSS POEA Branch prior to their departure can now get a customized luggage tag for

free as part of the pension fund’s campaign to cover more OFWs under the SSS program. A total of 45 OFW luggage tags were initially distributed to OFW-members during the launching ceremonies of the “SSS

Number Tag Project” last January 27 at the SSS POEA Branch.

The OFW tag is made of PVC material and enclosed in a leather case. It contains information about the OFW-member such as

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No(s) under LOYOLA PLAN issued to the following planholders, to wit; PH NAME CFP NO. CONTRACT NO. 1.Emma B. De Leon 1004829 32451-2 2.Presertida D. Magalona 040437 1065317-8 3.Rito M. Magalona 090436 1085158-2 4.Fernando T. Fe 82255 297737-9 were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

2/27/3/6/13

name, SS number and coverage status. At the back of the card are SSS contact details such as telephone numbers, e-mail address, website and the destination country of the OFW. The card also aims to remind ev-

ery OFWs to continue being active members of the SSS to qualify for the benefits and privileges that the SSS offers.

The SSS made it clear, though, that the tags are different from the SSS-issued UMID cards and cannot be used as identification in any SSS transactions.

Accompanying above shows OFW-member Melinda Sarrosa holding her free luggage tag from the SSS.

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014 VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Roach Pacquiao whisper

Roach joins Manny in Gensan R

ENOWNED trainer Freddie Roach is already in General Santos City and training Manny Pacquiao, who will face Tim Bradley in a rematch scheduled April 12 in Las Vegas.

Roach arrived there Monday morning after working the corner of Chinese Olympic star Zou Shiming in Macau and the Hall of Fame trainer remains unsure when exactly they are

bringing their act to the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

Roach is not actually not rushing things, saying he can afford to remain in the country until the third week of March.

During his first day of training with the Filipino icon, Roach did 13 rounds with the mitts and has told the fighting congressman to get ready for sparring against Lydell

Rhodes, an undefeated American puncher who moves like Bradley.

Before Roach arrived, Pacquiao had already been going to the gym the past two weeks for conditioning.

Pacquiao is coming off a rousing win over Brandon Rios in Macau and needs no less than a scintillating win over Bradley to show everyone that he is still a marketable commodity on pay-per-view.

fourth straight game with a strained left groin, and Dorell Wright helped make up for Aldridge’s team-high 23.9 points and 11.4 rebounds by giving Denver another long-range shooter to defend.

As Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said before tip-off when talking about Aldridge’s absence, ‘’There’s a big sigh of relief that you don’t have to deal with that, but at the same time it just creates a different type of problem: They’re one of the best - if not the best 3-point shooting teams in the league. They’re the best free-throw shooting team in the league. They’re the highest-scoring team in the league.’’

Six Blazers scored in double figures, including Nicolas Batum’s 16 points.

Aldridge averaged 34.5 points in the Blazers’ two earlier games against Den-

ver this season and the Trail Blazers missed him in the fourth quarter when it was tougher to close this one out than they had expected when they surged to a 79-61 lead in the third.

Randy Foye led Denver with 17 points.

Denver again was without Ty Lawson, who leads the Nuggets with averages of 18 points and 8.8 assists.

He’s missed seven straight games with a broken rib.

Shaw also made a big change with his big man, starting 7-foot-1 Timofey Mozgov at center in place of Hickson, who had started 52 games in the middle this season despite being undersized.

Hickson is a natural power forward but was pressed into duty at center after JaVale McGee fractured his left tibia five games into the season. He filled in admirably, aver-

Manny Pacquiao

Lillard leads Portland past Denver 100-95 D

ENVER (AP) -- Damian Lillard made up for the absence of fellow All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge by scoring 31 points in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 100-95 win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.

Lillard scored 12 in the third quarter when it looked as if the Blazers were headed for a blowout win, but he saved his biggest shots for late in the fourth after the Nuggets had trimmed an 18-point deficit to two.

Lillard helped Portland overcome a terrific performance by Denver’s J.J. Hickson, who pulled down a career-high 25 rebounds, including 15 off the offensive glass. Hickson helped the Nuggets to a 64-41 advantage on the glass.

The Blazers again went with a smaller lineup with Aldridge missing his

SLIPPERY. Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

(Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

aging 11.4 points and 9.2 boards, but he shot just 52 percent from the freethrow line, and Shaw said that ‘’affected his confidence rolling to the basket aggressively and running the floor because maybe he doesn’t want to get fouled.’’

Hickson scored 16 points and Mozgov, who was averaging 8.6 points

and 5.8 rebounds, finished with 14 points and six boards.

The Nuggets never led after the opening minutes but they did make it interesting in the final period.

Evan Fournier’s pair of free throws with just over four minutes remaining capped a 15-2 run that pulled Denver to 86-84.

Lillard ended the drought with a pair of free throws and then Wesley Matthews hit a pair to make it 90-84 with 3:39 left.

After back-to-back buckets by Denver’s Kenneth Faried, Lillard hit a finger-roll layup for a 9288 lead, and the Nuggets never got any closer.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

VOL. 6 ISSUE 245 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

New foe for Villanueva in PP24 A

FTER Juan Hernandez was forced to pull out of his clash with undefeated “King Arthur” Villanueva following a motorcycle accident, replacement Danny Flores also pulled out after his handlers expressed concern he wouldn’t be able to make the super flyweight limit.

Up stepped another Mexican Fernando “Enano” Aguilar to accept the challenge even though Aguilar will arrive in Manila some hours after the official press conference at the plush Solaire Resort Hotel & Casino on Thursday.

The 24 year Aguilar has a record 9-6 with 1 knockout and is coming off an eight round unanimous decision loss to Ramiro Robles last November 30 following winning a ten round unanimous decision over Jose Roberto Gonzalez on May 25, 2013.

Villanueva is the reigning WBO International super flyweight champion and has a record of 24-0 with 14 knockouts.

With the sudden switch in Villanueva’s opponents, all eyes will be focused on unbeaten WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Genesis “Azukal” Servania who headlines the

Genesis Servania (left) and Arthur Viilanueva (right) top-rating “Pinoy Pride” series of ALA Promotions and the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN with the fights to be telecast at 10:15

on Sunday morning over Channel 2.

The 22 year old Servania who is undefeated in 23 fights with 9 knockouts bat-

tles former WBA champion Alexander “El Explosivo” Munoz of Venezuela who won the title from Japan’s Katsushige Kawashima on

offense is becoming just as potent.

Paul George had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists, newcomer Evan

Turner and five other Pacers reached double figures, and the top team in the East blew out the worst team in the West, 118-98.

‘’We’re probably one of the deepest teams in the NBA, where one through 15 can actually really play,’’ Pacers guard George Hill said after scoring 14 points. ‘’It shows that if we continue to move the ball and share the ball like that, it can be anybody’s night.’’

This is precisely what Indiana (43-13) envisioned when it pulled the trigger on the biggest deal before last Thursday’s deadline.

Team president Larry Bird spent most of the offseason reconstructing a bench that didn’t quite get the job done against Miami in last year’s Eastern Conference finals. So he’s continued tweaking it throughout the season, signing former All-Star center Andrew Bynum 3 1/2 weeks ago and then sending former All-Star Danny Granger to Philadelphia for Turner and Lavoy Allen.

The Pacers looked like a more explosive team in the second half of Turner’s first game. He finished with 13 points and six rebounds and was 6 of 12 from the field, leading the Pacers bench to a season-best 50 points. ‘’He’s on this team and I’m on the same page as him,’’ George said. ‘’He’s a player who can make shots and make things happen.

He’s a huge talent for us and it’s great to have him here.’’

George helps Pacers pull away from Lakers 118-98

I

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Indiana already had the league’s No. 1 defense.

The Lakers discovered Tuesday that the Pacers’

BATTLE OF BIGS. Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, of Spain, right, shoots in front of Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

January 14, 2008.

Munoz is an experienced fighter with a record of 36-5 with 28 knockouts.

Servania is coming off

an impressive 2nd round TKO over former WBA bantamweight interim champion Rafael Concepcion of Panama last October 26.

New faces called for Azkals duty T

HE Philippine national men’s football team on Tuesday revealed its lineup for its upcoming friendlies in March.

Apart from the mainstays, new Azkals coach Thomas Dooley injected some new and comebacking faces into the lineup as they play Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and Azerbaijan in Dubai on March 5.

Veteran defender Rob Gier, who is expected to wear the captain’s armband to replace the injured Chieffy Caligdong, will lead the squad in both matches. Joining him among the holdovers are Phil and James Younghusband of the Loyola Meralco Sparks, Marwin Angeles, Amani Aguinaldo, Misagh Bahadoran, Jeffrey Christiaens, Jason De Jong and Mark Hartmann of Global FC, Chris Greatwich and OJ Porteria of Kaya FC, Patrick Reichelt of Ceres-La Salle FC, Ed Sacapaño of Philippine Army-General Trias International FC and Juani Guirado.

Dooley also called up several comebacking players such as Anton Del Rosario of Kaya, Simon Greatwich of Loyola, Ruben Doctora of Stallion Gilligan’s and Nate Burkey of Pachanga PLDT Home Fibr.

Players who will make their Azkals debut are Kenshiro Daniels, Andrew Liauw and Nick O’Donnel of Kaya FC and Filipino-Swiss Martin Steuble.

The Azkals will get a boost against Azerbaijan on March 5, a FIFA international date, when their top foreign-based players will become available. Joining them are Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Roland Mueller, Paul Mulders and Javier Patiño.

The friendly matches are part of the Azkals’ preparations for the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Maldives, where the tournament champion earns a ticket to the prestigious Asian Cup in 2015.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE245 245••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,FEBRUARY FEBRUARY27, 27,2014 2014

APO IN BIG START Apo swingers in second, RPV, DCGC at no. 5

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO with POOLED REPORT FROM PAL

B

ACOLOD – Apo Golf and Country Club leaned on Chikoy Saavedra’s 29 and Vincent Gumapac’s 28 to get off to a huge start in the 67th Philippine Airlines Interclub Men’s championship.

Apo finished the first round with a 110 total to stay four points adrift early frontrunner Valley Golf with 114 in the Founders Division, next toughest division only to the premier Championship class. Also scoring for Apo are Denden De Castro with a 27 and Leo Fusilero with a 26 in the Molave system of scoring. Thomas Francis Tionko’s 22 did not count in the fiveto-play four-to-count tournament.

Another Davao squad Rancho Palos Verdes finished at no. 5 for the day with an aggregate 103 with Joel Yamyamin, as expected, leading the charge with a 33. Roderick Lo had 26, Christopher Tan 24 and Lary Miculob 20. Noe Taojo’s 19 did not count.

Davao City Golf Club also did well for the day finishing at no. 5 in the Sportswriters Division with 97 points behind leader Lumbia with 109.Ludwig Van Ledesma led the charge for the Matina parbusters with a 27 followed by Andrew Bautista with a 26. Larry Pasquil and Bong Basilla each had 22 while Gani Gascal’s 17 did not count.

Orchard, labeled by defending champion Cebu Country Club as the darkhorse in the Championship Division, immediately made its presence felt yesterday to instantly transform into a tournament favorite.

John Kier Abdon fired a one-over-par 71 worth 35 points at the tree-lined Binitin layout in Murcia town to lead a well-balanced attack as Orchard – out

of the title picture for the longest time in the centerpiece division – took a four-point lead over Del Monte and 14 over the Cebuanos.

Former pro Raymund Sangil tallied 33 like businessman Rodel Mangulabnan and the Dasmarinas, Cavite-based squad counted the 28 of Nicolas Santiago for an opening 129 in the tournament serving as the unofficial team championship in the land.

Orchard, which won the Founder’s Division title in runaway style last year in Cebu, threw away the 24 of Antonio Payumo.

Jelbert Gamolo matched Abdon’s 35 to pace Del Monte, but the 2011 champion got 33 from Magno Arancon and just a combined 57 from its next two players, Julius Bautista with 30 and 27 from Francis Morilla for its 125.

Cebu Country Club, which is seeking the first ‘three-peat’ in club history, got off on the wrong foot with a 115 with Gen Nagai shooting 34 points and the others faring badly on a rather calm day.

Harvey Sytiongsa, whose first Interclub stint came four years ago, did well with a 29, but former pro Carl Almario and rookie Kiyofumi Takahashi struggled with 26s with the Cebuanos discarding the 25 of lawyer Jovi Neri to trail big early.

Alabang, meanwhile, fell 16 points off the pace with Christopher Popp, a 13-yearold, spearheading the squad with 30 points as spearhead Andres Saldana struggled off the tees to shoot 29.

Ramon Garcia III and Miguel Shah returned 25s with Alabang throwing away the 24 of Paul Salvador for its 109.

This year’s Interclub is being co-spon-

sored 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, Petron and Manila Bulletin.

“We wanted to form a strong team at Binitin so we can score big,” non-playing Orchard skipper Francis Montallana said. “Because it is in Binitin where we can score big.”

Action shifts to the much-tougher Marapara layout here today and Orchard, though tentatively, has tapped the five of King and Ace Stehmeier, TJ Benitez, JP De Claro and Ian Arcilla to try and pad the lead or at least hold it going back to Binitin tomorrow.

Sangil, who is in his second year back as an amateur, had four bogeys against just one birdie as he, too, was baffled by the different speeds of the greens even as Abdon had two bogeys and one birdie in an impressive performance.

In the Founder’s division, Valley Golf got 31 points from Eddie Boy Lopez and pooled 114 for a four-point lead over Apo Golf, which was led by the 29 of Chicoy Saavedra.

Victorias Golf held the early Friendship Division lead, pacing UP Tee Jots by 12 after shooting a 94 led bvy the 30 of Raymond Gomez. Ogie Caja fired 24 points to pace UP, which is just two points ahead of South Cotabato.

Lumbia fired 109 points led by the 31 of David Infante and Dupert Locsin’s 29 for an eight-point bubble iover Eagle Ridge, which got 29 points from Kim Dong-hee.

Ludwig Van Ledesma of Davao City Golf Club pumps his fist after making a birdie putt on the 9th hole during the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament’s Sportswriters division held at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Rancho Palos Verdes’ Roderick Lo reads his line during the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament’s Founders division at Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Denden de Castro of Apo Golf and Country Club reacts after missing a shot on the 12th hole during the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament at Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.