Edge Davao 6 Issue 246

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

Serving a seamless society

NIGHT MARKET. Long before the establishment of the ” Tiangge sa Katawhan”, a night market along Roxas Avenue in Davao City, vegetable vendors in Bankerohan’s “bagsakan” area have already created their own to cater to the needs of those who don’t have time to go to the market during day time. Lean Daval Jr.

CLUELESS ON BLACKOUT Fault in Bukidnon transmission line initially blamed

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

T

HE government and electric power players led by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) remained clueless about the cause of the series of long brownouts suffered

by Mindanao consumers yesterday.

Milfrance Capulong of NGCP told Edge Davao that

the cause of the ‘extended disturbance’ is still under investigation.

Capulong denied reports that the outage was the fault of the transmission line in Bukidnon province.

“No such info for our dissemination,” stated Capulong in a text message.

FCLUELESS, 10

Waterless for long hours

T

HE Mindanao wide power outage yesterday also disrupted the water supply distribution to households in Davao City.

Davao City Water District (DCWD) spokesperson Imelda Magsusi told EDGE Davao that pumping of from the source supply is done by electricity.

“Dependent man tayo

sa power - kung may power may water,” Magsusi said, adding that water distribution yesterday was interrupted when power outage started at 3:52 a.m. and was restored at around 7:00 a.m. but only for 20 minutes before being lost again.

Although water distribution resumed at about

FWATER, 10

SPEED LIMIT. A Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcer arrests a motorist for violation of the Davao City mayor’s executive order limit vehicle speed along J.P. Laurel Avenue yesterday. Months after implementing Executive Order No. 39, many motorists still claim that they were not informed about it.

Lean Daval Jr.

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

TUITION FEES

32 private schools apply for increase

A

TOTAL of 32 out of 91 colleges and universities in the region bared their intention to increase the tuition and other school fees (TOSF) for the school year 2014-2015, an official said.

There was a slight decrease in the submission of intension, noting that last year 35 such schools

A young boy presses the collected garbage and other refuse into the trash bin using his own weight at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Madapo Hills, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

A

crc@edgedavao.net

BOUT 16,000 Dabawenyos are expected to signup today at the country’s

first ever sign-up event for organ donation at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym).

This is another attempt of Davao City to make it to the Guinness Book of Records as having the most number of signups for a single simultaneous event.

Genevieve Joves, transplant coordinator of Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (PhilNOS)Department of Health (DOH) said during a media conference at Kapehan sa Abreeza yesterday that the current title holder is India.

Joves said that records to break are the 2,755 registrants in one hour and 10, 750 in 8 hours in India.

Targets here in Davao City are 3,000 registrants in 1 hour and 13,000 in 8 hours.

She added that the country is setting a new record in 1 hour and 8h multiple sites.

“Kasi it will be a simultaneous event with other six sites nationwide,” she said, adding that other sites where the same event will be initiated today are in Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), National Capital Region (NCR), Naga City, San Fernando, La Union, and Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

The event is a program of the (PhilNOS)- (DOH) in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency aimed at promoting Lifeline Philippines, a community effort to promote organ donation even after death.

It aims to increase the number of organ donors in the country and to increase awareness in organ donation, adding that there are more than 11,000 dialysis patients

F16,000, 10

FTUITION, 10

2 moderate quakes jolt Mindanao towns

16,000 organ donors wanted T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

applied for higher fees, but only 29 were approved.

The submission of application ended last February 14.

Institutions that applied for increase in Davao City and Davao del Sur were Ateneo de Davao University (ADdU), Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF),

WO moderate earthquakes shook various parts of Mindanao on Thursday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the first quake with a magnitude of 3.5 occurred at 12:29 a.m. and its epicenter was traced 12 kilometers northwest of Parang town in Maguindanao.

The agency said the quake had a shallow depth of 17 kilometer.

The second tremor with a magnitude of 3.9 happened at 6:50 a.m. and its epicenter was located nine kilometers northeast of Barira town in Maguindanao.

Phivolcs said it has a shallow depth of 22 kilometers.

Phivolcs said there was no report of damage or casualty from these tremors, which were all tectonic in origin and they also do not expect aftershocks from it.

[PNA]

Policy body calls for youth talks N

ATIONAL Youth Commision, a think tank centered on making policies for the development of the youth sector, holds a conference for the discussion of youth involvement in the government’s budgetary processes.

Part of the NYC’s reform agenda is to engage the youth on where the funds of the youth commission are being allocated and prioritized since it is not only the budget of the NYC itself but also that of the youth and of the whole

VEGETABLE PORTER. A vegetable porter pushes a cart full of vegetables along Magallanes Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

FPOLICY, 10

NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

3

Aradanas relieves 4 Customs officials

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE four customs officials in the sub-port of Dadiangas were relieved from their posts for allegedly facilitating the release of four suspected smuggled cars in General Santos City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) district 12 identified lawyer Aniceto Sanchez Jr., deputy collector, acting principal appraisers Quinciano Pavadora Jr., Jamalodin Macadindang, COOIII Moctar Amer, customs ex-

aminer, and Ansari Saransaman Pundug for allegedly releasing the four units brand new Toyota Prado consigned to Ayumi Rose Marketing, that arrived in the port of General Santos City from the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement sent to Edge Davao, district collector Ernesto R. Aradanas directed to releived the four officials as they released the cars without the necessary clearances and/or lifting

of alert orders as required, and immediately loaded them into a container van for Manila, a clear violation of customs laws, rules and regulations.

“The initial result of the investigation showed that many violations and or deviations from customs rules and regulations relative to the processing of importations, especially involving motor vehicles and motor

of the currently designated evacuation centers are located in disaster-prone areas and were not structurally designed as typhoon-proof,” Ilagan stressed.

Ilagan cited an article from the NDRRMC that out of the 3,424,593 families affected by Typhoon Yolanda, 890,895 families or 4,095,280 persons were displaced and served both inside and outside of evacuation centers.

Ilagan said an evacuation plan has always been a problem during disasters or calamities with schools, covered courts and even churches used as evacuation centers.

“Congestion in most evacuation centers puts at risk the evacuees, especially the pregnant women, the disabled, senior citizens and the children who are the most vulnerable in times of disasters,” Ilagan said.

Aside from crises in the congestion and availability of evacuation centers, Ilagan also noted that mobilizing

the people to evacuate becomes a problem as well.

De Jesus emphasized that emergency preparedness is vital, for it establishes a state of readiness to respond to extreme events that could affect a community.

“During disasters or natural calamities, evacuation is one of the pre-disaster responses that ensure people’s safety and security,” De Jesus said.

This is true especially for the Philippines, which is hit by an average of 20 typhoons annually. “At least 5,000 families and 30,000 individuals, on average, are also affected yearly by these typhoons,” De Jesus said.

“It should be imperative for the government to provide a long-term response to the problem, hence, permanent evacuation centers located at the safest areas in the country must be established and constructed within internationally acceptable standards,” De Jesus said.

[PNA]

FARADANAS, 10

Establishment of permanent evacuation centers sought

TSOKOLATE. A man prepares the popular Filipino hot chocolate using “batirol” to mix and crush chocolate tablets in an eatery inside the Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ATM‘card-skimming’syndicates siphon P220 M in 2013 -- BSP S

EN. Grace Poe on Wednesday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify efforts to pin down syndicates which withdrew some P220 million through “card-skimming” of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported to

the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs that 1,272 ATM fraud cases, involving some P220 million, have been reported in 2013 alone.

The number is higher compared to 1,600 cases, involving P175 million, reported in 2012, according to BSP supervisory data center

Bangayan shows up at DOJ

A

FTER being hospitalized and failing to appear at the Senate hearing last Monday, businessman Davidson Bangayan appeared at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday.

Accompanied by his legal counsel, Atty.

Alejandro Ovenas, Bangayan submitted his counter-affidavit on the complaint for perjury filed against him by the Senate.

Bangayan personally subscribed to his counter-affidavit before DOJ Prosecuting Attorney Loverhette Villordon.

The complaint for perjury against Bangayan stemmed from his refusal to admit before

the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing that he is also David Tan, the suspected big-time rice smuggler.

According to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, what Bangayan did was a violation of Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for providing false testimony and perjury.

The Senate gave weight to the document submitted by the DOJ in connection with the libel case filed by Bangayan in 2005 wherein he admitted that he is also known in the alias “David Tan.” The preliminary investigation into the perjury case against Bangayan will be held at the DOJ on Thursday. [PNA]

director Vicente De Villa III. ”All of us were worried every time we cannot withdraw money from ATM. It is important to assure security of our countrymen using ATM,” Poe said during a joint hearing on the alarming increase in ATM fraud.

The PNP presented the

FATM, 10

L

AWMAKERS want permanent evacuation centers constructed at the safest areas in the country to accommodate displaced people during calamities.

Gabriela Women’s Party-list Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Luzviminda Ilagan filed House Resolution 696 urging the House Committee on National Defense and Security to direct the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and other concerned agencies to establish internationally acceptable standards for the construction and management of permanent evacuation centers.

“The aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda manifests the continuing failure of the national government to prepare for approaching disasters or to at least come up with an organized and efficient evacuation response,” Ilagan said.

“The evacuation centers that were supposed to protect the people ended up being hazards as well as most

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

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

DSWD 11 completes 2,303 permanent shelters in DavOr, ComVal provinces I

TYPHOON PABLO PROTESTERS. Protesters who are mostly survivors of Typhoon Pablo demand rice outside the DSWD regional office in Davao City last Wednesday. They received bottled water instead. They accused government officials of pocketing funds intended for victims of natural calamities. [MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano]

DAVAO DEL NORTE

N its continuing rehabilitation efforts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the provincial governments of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, has to date completed a total of 2303 permanent homes for survivors of Tropical Storm Pablo.

“These completed units are part of the First and Second Tranche target of 3966.

Construction of the remaining 1663 is still ongoing. Of those completed, 1265 are in Compostela Valley while 1038 were built in Davao Oriental,” said Director Priscilla N. Razon, DSWD. The initial housing units were constructed in the municipalities of Compostela-247, Laak-202, Monkayo-573, Montevista-97, New Bataan-146, Boston-27, Cateel-526 and Baganga-485, Director Razon said. “For these two tranches, the national government through DSWD has spent Php 301,020,000.00 while the provincial government takes charge of site development, land preparation and engineering expertise.”

The 3rd and final

tranche is expected to yield some 28,677 units -11383 for Compostela Valley and 17,294 for Davao Oriental. The overall cost of the DSWD Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) is Php 2.3 billion, Director Razon explained.

Provided to families left homeless by calamities, the core units are resistant to disasters and built with concrete and good lumber.

Each unit covers a lot area of 70 square meters, installed with a two-room division, painted inside and out, with bathroom and septic tank, separate kitchen, and window-level concrete wall.

Families whose original homes were situated in ‘no build’ zones [per assessment of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau] were relocated in resettlement areas [off site] where basic facilities like water, electricity and road network have also been accessed.

Apart from DSWD, the National Housing Authority (NHA) has also been building permanent homes in the hard-hit areas, 1000 units in every town.

[DSWD/Carmela Cadigal-Duron]

SOUTH COTABATO

solar power plant Responders train BJMP personnel 5MW to rise in South Cotabato

P

ERSONNEL from the Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division trained the staff of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on basic life support, rescue techniques and water search and rescue operation.

The five-day training held at PDRRMC Operation Center aims to develop the

skills of the jail guards on disaster response, as well as enhance their capabilities in rendering public service and securing lives and property in times of calamities.

The participants were given orientation on first aid technique to preserve life or minimize the threat of death, prevent further damage and promote recovery from injury before

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

professional medical care is available.

Jail Senior Inspector Ian Glenn Ocmen thanked the provincial government for giving them the opportunity to learn the necessary skills on basic life saving technique.

“We want our BJMP personnel to be competent rescuers or responders and become force multipliers in conducting search and res-

HE Department of Agrarian (DAR) has linked up with Mindanao State University (MSU) in General Santos City to enhance the implementation of the flagship Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD) project in South Cotabato province.

Felix Frias, South Cotabato provincial agrarian reform office head, said Wednesday they signed a memorandum

Frias signed the MOA on behalf of DAR while chancellor Abdurrhaman Canacan represented the university.

Under the agreement, he said the university will lead the conduct of organizational and enterprise needs assessment among agrarian reform beneficiary organizations and other community stakeholders within the South Cotabato resettlement area.

MSU was also tasked

cue when disasters strike,” he said.

The training was organized and conducted by the PDRRMC led by PDRRMCCA Executive Director Romulo Tagalo, in pursuit of the expanded P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda of Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, which mainstreams disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in the province.

[Nice Tolibas/DavNor PIO]

DAR taps MSU for flagship project for farmers T of agreement (MOA) with the MSU campus here for the conduct of organizational and enterprise needs assessment for the project’s prospective beneficiaries.

He said the move was mainly aimed to ensure the proper implementation of the MinSAAD project in the area.

“We tapped MSU, through its experts, as our main consultant for this project,” the official said.

to design and conduct an assessment on proposed sub-projects under the MinSAAD, he said.

Frias sad the university was initially assigned to conduct interviews and focus group discussions among prospective project beneficiaries in the area.

He said MSU has designated Dr. Wilfred Bidad, director of the university’s extension unit, as coordinator for the project. [MindaNews]

T

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has formally endorsed the planned development starting this year of a US$12-million solar power plant project in Surallah town by a foreign-backed renewable energy company.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Wednesday they issued the endorsement to allow NV Vogt Philippines Inc. to begin with the preparations for the development phase of the five-megawatt (MW) solar power plant venture.

She said the project mainly involves the construction and development of an eight-hectare solar farm and power plant facilities in Barangay Centrala in Surallah.

At 5MW, NV Vogt’s planned solar power plant would be the biggest photovoltaic power project in the country once completed, surpassing the 1MW solar facility in Cagayan de Oro City.

Fuentes said the project’s endorsement was

based on an earlier recommendation from the Provincial Development Council (PDC), which is the province’s highest development policy-making body.

The PDC, which is chaired by the governor, is composed of the mayors of the province’s 10 towns and lone city, provincial government officials and department heads as well as representatives from accredited non-government organizations in the area.

“We endorsed the project mainly because of the benefits that it will bring, specifically in filling the energy vacuum in the province using the best alternative power from sustainable clean energy,” the governor said in a statement.

Fuentes said they also saw huge potentials with the venture in terms of job generation, increase in local tax revenues, expansion of eco-tourism opportunities and enhancement of local and foreign investors’ confidence to the area. [MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

Strong market lifts Holcim to best ever performance L

EADING cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. achieved its best ever financial performance last year as sales remained strong with the steady construction activity nationwide amid the positive economic climate.

Revenues grew yearon-year by 6% to a record Php28.9 billion from 2012’s Php27.2 billion, helped by good price management and steady volumes on the continued growth of cement demand.

The market was made robust by the government’s heavy investments on infrastructure and the private sector’s commercial, residential and industrial projects.

As the construction industry posted another double-digit growth in a healthy economy, the company again resorted to importing clinker, which costs more than its own production, to keep the market

amply supplied.

As a result, net income rose by 26% to a new high of Php4.55 billion compared to 2012’s Php3.62 billion. The profit growth was also helped by the company’s successful initiatives to manage costs.

“Our company benefited from the good business environment, which has allowed the construction boom to persist and cement demand to thrive.

Credit should also go to our people, who did their part in attaining this record performance by focusing on areas within our control such as efficiency and costs,” said Holcim Philippines CEO Eduardo A. Sahagun.

In anticipation of the continued demand growth this year, Sahagun shared that the company finished major projects in 2013 such as capacity upgrades for its La Union and Misamis Oriental plants and the reactivation of its

A flatbed truck loaded with Holcim cement leaves the company’s plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan idle grinding facility in Batangas.

For 2014, Sahagun said Holcim Philippines plans to build on its 2013

achievements by strengthening its focus on customers and employees.

“We expect 2014 to be again filled with opportu-

nities for our business. We believe that the best way to capture those is by continuing our thrust to develop our people so they can

deliver the services that will further raise our customer’s satisfaction and firm up our relationship with them,” he said.

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 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

Robinsons slated to launch Delta Residences in March

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

L

EADING real property developer Robinsons Land Corporation will be offering Dabawenyos a two-way experience, leisure and convenience, with its Delta Residences which is set to be launched next month.

Delta Residences is a mixed-use land development which has two residential towers adjacent and connected to a shopping mall. It is located along J.P Laurel St. at the former Coca-Cola plant.

“We chose J.P. Laurel because it is the heart of the city and is a very accessible long road,” Sunshine Roxas, sales manager of Robinsons Land Corp., said, adding that they are being threatened by the growing competition among residential developers in the city.

“We have confidence in our product, and it is the first mixed-use in Mindanao,” she said.

Roxas bared during the media forum at Club 888 at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday that the first condominium will be 27 stories high and the second 29. The Robinsons shopping mall is a two storey complex with a deck

FRESH. Market goers pick bell pepper, which is sold at P40 per kilo, in Bankerohan market which is a known ‘bagsakan’ of vegetables mostly coming from Kapatagan, a mountainous barangay in Digos City. [MindaNews Photo by Keith Bacongco] which has a 40 square meter garden hallway connecting the two towers Roxas said that the first tower will have 395 residential units while the shopping mall will have 24 spacious retail units for investors and entrepreneurs.

The complex will be using an online concierge, the first of its

kind in the country.

Delta Residences has an expected area of 1.2 hectare, and whose amenities are a business center, gym, function room, game room, kid’s play area, private theater, karaoke room, swimming pool, children’s playground, and a jogging path.

The first tower offers 32 to 36 square

meter (sqm) one bedroom unit as low as P18,000 monthly; 52 to 64 sqm two bedrooms unit as low as P30,000 monthly, and 84 to 90 sqm 3 bedrooms unit as low as P48,000 monthly.

Robinsons projects nationwide include 57 residential buildings, 32 shopping malls, 8 office buildings, 31 hous-

ing developments, and 9 hotels.

For more information,visit Delta Residence office is located at the second floor of Robinsons Cybergate, J.P. Laurel, Bajada, Davao City or call Sunshine Roxas, sales manager at 0917-993-6690 and 0933-314-7788 or email her at Shine. ebiz@yahoo.com.

port figures rose by only 1.3 percent, imports however almost doubled from 613 million US dollars in 2012 to 1.1 billion US dollars in 2013. This resulted to a balance of trade value of 2 million.

Banana remains as the number one export dollar earner for both the city and the region outsmarting other

traded commodities like coconut oil, rubber, desiccated coconut and pineapple both fresh and canned. Top import commodities on the other hand, include mineral fuels/mineral oils, fertilizers, cereals, miscellaneous chemical products and plastics.

DCIPC chief Ivan Chin Cortez said figures of the city’s trading in-

dustry are sourced from Bureau of Customs.

Japan remains the number one destination of Davao products for two decades registering the highest on export value of 425,476,820 US dollars in 2013. China follows for Davao biggest buyers with export value at 208,761,352 US dollars. Netherland came

3rd and Korea 4th. The United States which used to be the 2nd biggest buyer in the last two decades came in 5th last year, Cortez said.

The other top ten biggest buyers of Davao’s products are: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Iran, and Switzerland. [PNA]

Local trade industry posts US$462 M T

HE trading industry of Davao City is headed to a bright direction registering US$462 million in both exports and imports in 2013.

Based on the 2013 economic situationer and outlook for Davao in 2014 furnished by the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC), although ex-

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 ISSUE246 246••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,FEB. FEB.28 28--MAR. MAR.1,1,2014 2014

New eagle hatched in the wild

By GERRY T. ESTRERA Contributor

J

UST when there was successive bad news about the recent development in eagle conservation in the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported of an eaglet hatched in the forest of Baliguian in Zamboanga del Norte.

“We are very happy on hearing the news that a new Philippine eagle was hatched in the wild. This only shows that the province still has a very good forest cover, and I thank the people of Zamboanga del Norte for having taken good care of their natural resources,” Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said in a statement.

The Regional Eagle Watch Team of DENR-Region 9 reported to Paje that “the young eagle was hatched on its parents’ nest atop a tree in Barangay Linay on the eve of December 17 last year.”

The eaglet was given the name “Atbalin,” an acronym for “attraction for barangay Linay.”

“Atbalin’s arrival,” Paje pointed out, “is certainly a welcome addition to the dwindling Philippine eagle population in the country.”

Early this year, on January 19, rain-sogged vines wrapped around a tree branch at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Malagos of Calinan district in Davao City broke and fell on a roost perch killing a male eagle named Arakan.

Exactly eight days later, a female eagle named Marikit died due to a re-

spiratory disease known as “aspergillosis.” According to Medline Plus, aspergillosis is caused by a fungus, which is commonly found growing on dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles, or in other decaying vegetation.

The deaths of Arakan and Marikit were a big blow to the eagle center’s breeding program. “The loss of this pair means one less genetic source for the eagle center’s captive gene pool,” declares Anna Mae T. Sumaya, the center’s curator.

“However, efforts to restore their destroyed enclosure will give way to another natural pair and a new opportunity for another pairing attempt that would contribute to the said gene pool,” Sumaya adds. “Their loss would not be in vain as measures to correct past failures are underway and continuous efforts to improve breeding are in the works.”

The PEC, inaugurated in the late 1970s, is the transient home of the endangered Philippine eagle (known scientifically as Pithecopahaga jefferyi). Its work is divided broadly into two roles: in situ and ex situ conservation of the country’s bird icon. In situ is the raising of birds in its original habitat while ex situ is the method of propagating the species in captivity.

“We have more than three decades of experience in the development of technologies for the captive propagation of Philippine eagle,” says Dennis Joseph I. Salvador,

the executive director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc., which oversees the center. These include infrastructure design, breeding techniques, incubation and hatching procedures, and the assessment of health and nutritional requirements.

Today, the center has about three dozens of Philippine eagles, includ-

ing Pagasa, the first Philippine eagle hatched in captivity.

Unlike most animals and human beings, Philippine eagles are monogamous. Once an eagle reaches sexual maturity, it is bound for life with its mate. They can be seen soaring in pairs in the skies.

The breeding season

of the Philippine eagles ranges as early as July to as late as February.

During the breeding season, the eagles do aerial courtship and mate in the next or neat it. Female eagles lay only one egg every two years. Both parents alternately incubate the egg for about 60 days, although the female spends more time

incubating while the male hunts for food.

Upon hatching, the eaglet remains in the nest for about five and a half months. Once it fledges, the eagle parents will continue to look after its young for as long as 17 to 18 months teaching the young eagle how to fly, hunt, and to survive on its own.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

EDITORIAL

D

The war against drugs

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is widely reported by media to have ordered for the intensification of the campaign against the illegal drugs menace.

His latest order is no laughing matter but a virtual declaration of war against those who are involved in the proliferation of this devilish concoction that destroys lives and breaks up families. Dabawenyos and even outsiders who have observed his style of governance in the past two decades as leader of the city know this.

Historically, right-thinking Dabawenyos who have supported Duterte’s campaign realize that even some of his actions have elicited controversy.

The support is understandable. Dabawenyos, especially those who have relatives, including children, who have succumbed to the lure of the vice, had been looking for someone who could provide effective leadership against the drug menace.

Until Duterte burst upon the scene with his pragmatic and no-nonsense leadership.

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Since then the campaign against illegal drugs gained momentum despite alleged involvement in the trade of so-called “untouchables”. That did not prove a deterrent to the war against drug trafficking.

Rody Duterte, who has masterfully marshaled the forces of both law-enforcement agencies and civilian informants in the drive, is not about to rest on his laurels for the “war” is far from over.

The reported entry of foreign-made drugs that resemble locally-made “shabu” brings another dimension into the campaign.

But as long as Rody Duterte is at the helm of the forces against this evil, every Dabawenyo who believes that he is there for them, can feel secure that in the end right will triumph over wrong.

It would be ideal if citizens of drug-infested communities will volunteer information about drug pushers and users especially the presence of drug dens and factories in their midst.

For a citizenry obsessed with achieving a drug-free society, this is not impossible.

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

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

An Open Letter to Super Mall Manager Dear Sir:

W

E have been of service to the Mall for a year now. We are a partner in sustaining the well-being of your employees in our own small way and as such, we always hoped that you would support us. Giving you the needed service is costly.

We have invested hundreds of thousands of hard-earned pesos and have 15 employees just attending to the requirements of the Mall. We have been working hard to systematize and streamline our operations to give you good service despite not having good returns.

We persevere because the employees depend on the business to sustain their lives and families. In the instances that we want to do improvements and ask for your support, you remain silent and do not give us feedback. The new store concessionaires manager, upon assumption of office, has repeatedly mentioned that the concessionaire may be changed if improvements are not made, as if already conditioning a mindset. At the very least, we give you satisfactory service and meet the demands of the majority, as the surveys have shown. Unfortunate instances have been corrected because we always

C

want to do good.

The former canteen operations supervisor was fired for stealing from the business and not meeting the demands of the job.

Losses are considerable.

Know that we treat this business with professionalism and integrity. We are aware that you have experienced worse with the previous concessionaire and we are undeniably a huge improvement. When we took over as canteen concessionaire in September 2012, we had to scrub walls and floors, and thoroughly clean the premises as literally thousands of cockroaches overran the place. We had to contend with poor kitchen sink drainage that we repeatedly requested to be repaired, non-functioning food warmers, and lack of pest control. Crucial information about contract terms was with-

held until we were already heavily invested. Nevertheless, our people provide you with decent service commensurate to what is demanded of them.

We hope you appreciate the reality that we are a partner in giving sustenance to your people. We are supposed to work together and help each other achieve a common good.

Instead, you just leave us with considerable losses and do not even give the minimum courtesy of properly and professionally communicating with us.

The culture of underhandedness or lack of transparency in your dealings with us points to a sheer lack of ethics and excellence necessary for business and society to truly flourish. We may be a small entity in the larger scheme of your business but we deserve to be treated with integrity and intelligence; integrity and intelligence which are pervasively lacking in the culture you promote.

Thank you for the learning and the opportunity. We have become better human beings and wiser business persons. How about you?

Yours truly, Maxxed Out

in, a political element has been injected into the brewing issue, and the debate has seemingly turned into a clash of the probable presidential aspirants.

It is clear that the ruling party’s expected bet, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas who is likewise the Liberal Party’s (LP) top honcho is being hounded continuously by controversy, popularity declining and is now losing steam. Political analysts predict Roxas has a very slim chance in grabbing the presidential post in 2016. The situation prompted the opposition and critics to believe that the refusal of President Aquino to support charter chance is merely a political ploy. Various groups opposing Cha-cha alleged the truth of the matter is that the President is actually behind the scheme knowing full well that some changes include the lifting of term limits allowing the president to run for re-election.

The prevailing problem is that Filipinos are increasingly dissatisfied with our democratic and political system. No less than former President Fidel Ramos noted during a brief media interview that the Aquino administration is too preoccupied tending to non-ending investigations surrounding the pork barrel scam in “aid of legislation.” He then posed this

query: “But where’s the legislation?”

The administration’s hand is full with the investigating works instead of undertaking fundamental reforms, along with the reform of our political party and electoral system.

Mr. Ramos remains supportive of changes in the economic provisions despite making a poke at the leadership. He also firmly believes that we will not be able to move forward and solve the country’s basic problems and achieve our national goals and aspiration if our present leaders lack the political will to improve governance and hasten development. Confusion and contradiction marred the present business of government, but despite war of words there’s still a call for constitutional change.

For example, like the business community, Ramos backs a revision of the economic provisions and view charter change as a matter of necessity in the attainment of our national goals. On the other hand, some renowned legal luminaries have diverse views and opinions on charter change. Others emphasized that reshaping the economic restrictions of the constitution is not a guarantee to solve the country’s prevailing socio-economic drawbacks.

However, what is more important at the height of improbabilities is to set aside self-righteous pride, support a common agenda for political reforms to make democracy works, structural reforms to get the economy grows faster, law and order to make civil society possible, and national security to preserve and protect the Filipino homeland.

Confusion and contradiction

ENTER OF THE CONTROVERSY – The issue on Charter Change has been on the boil for some time.

Though President Benigno Aquino III has consistently stated that amending some provisions of the Constitution are not necessary at this stage, his critics have accused him of “secretly” pushing the agenda in order to stay in power.

Currently, the president is limited to a single term of six years and amending a crucial provision of the charter would effectively allow the sitting president to serve a second term. This is the precipitating factor behind the outburst of the political opposition, sectoral representatives and so-called progressive groups despite President PNoy’s insistence that he personally does not want a second term.

Of course, at the center of controversy is the move of the leadership of the House of Representatives to include in its agenda the issue on constitutional amendments. What the opposition and critics feared most is that the amendments have a good chance of a passage given the big number of political allies in both houses of Congress. Given the right combination and maneuvers, their numbers could be enough to push the amendments either through a constitutional commission or constituent assembly.

But critics are pessimistic still, saying that leaders of the Lower House would not act on their own without the “blessings” from the Palace occupant.

This just as the 2016 presidential race is not far away. With political analysts and thoughtful observers weighing

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Davao night life over an ice cold beer

D

AVAO’S night life have its own peculiar quality, attracting loyal night owls, even if it can’t live up to the wild nights of Cebu City where one can find the best jazz bands and piano bars during its heydays in the 80’s and 90’s.

“Life is here” slogan definitely fits Davao for everything else but its night life---which is rather good for this city because we don’t want that kind of Cebu nite life that attracts the lowest forms of night creatures seeking only the shadiest form of pleasure and entertainment. If you’re a frequent visitor to Cebu, I think you know what I’m talking about.

That’s why to guys here who’ve gotten used to the night bars, cafes and KTV hangouts along Rizal street, Florentino Torres, Matina Town Square, the cozy bars and cafes inside those big hotels--- it isn’t such a big deal for SMX Convention Center at Lanang to perk up this city once in a while with those fake Beatles, those old, once-upon-atime American or British singing celebrities who come over to sing their “last hurrahs” before they fade away forever.

To be sure, fans of these celebrity singers are now mostly senior citizens in their retirement years, sitting quietly in old rocking chairs with buli fans, listening once in a while to the Cascades, Air Supply, Paul Anka, Stylistics, etc whose songs we guys now in their 60’s still love to hear.

But, sorry to tell you guys, I’m not one of those screaming fans of the 60’s who’ll pull out P5,000 for a ticket, just to watch and hear these retired-but-now-revived celebrity singers at SMX Lanang. Sorry guys, it’s not worth it.

Let them come to Davao to squeeze out every cent of their singing voices which can no longer hit the high notes. I’ve also listened to a sample of the hit song “Hard Day’s Night” sang by the fake Beatles group who came to Davao and was terribly disappointed because a Pinoy group can sing it much better.

Nite spots here shouldn’t feel “concerned” that SMX is bringing “world class entertainment” in Davao, brought in by event organizers and promoters who think there’ s a “good market” out here for this type of entertainment.

Locals and visitors who like to spend the night over a bottle of ice cold San Miguel beer, I’m pretty sure, won’t think the world will end if they miss a performance of any once-upon-a-time singing celebrity here in Davao.

(Comments ? Email > tradingpost_davao@yahoo.com )

10

NEWS

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

In a press conference, DOE Secretary Jericho L. Petilla said that there is still no conclusion at this point on the cause of the outage.

“I cannot make any conclusion right now until DOE and TransCo na nandun ngyon will report back to me. We cannot say at this point. We cannot really identify at this point until we can see the reports of the various plants and NGCP,” said Petilla.

Petilla added that there are no reports yet from the Pulangi IV, Bukidnon area.

“It does not indicate anything other than it started there. If the problem is with the plants, the indication is that probably it was the breaker of the plant; and if it’s the line, then it’s the line along that area.”

Petilla added that definitely “there was something that triggered the blackout, but that is what are trying to find out.”

The Philippine News Agency reported that a major fault along a transmission line maintained by NGCP in Bukidnon reportedly triggered the power outage in Mindanao.

The report states that Santiago Tudio, general manager of South Cotabato Electric Cooperative I (Socoteco), said that NGCP informed them that the cause of the outage was initially traced to the transmission lines connecting the National Corporation’s hydroelectric plants in Bukidnon to the Mindanao grid.

The manager said the NGCP advisory did not indicate any problem with the power plants but only with the transmission lines.

Capulong added that the Department of Energy

(DOE) said that only about 70 percent of the Mindanao grid was restored as of 12:30 p.m. yesterday.

The NGCP restored power transmission service to the cities of Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian and Zamboanga as well as parts of Misamis Oriental at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.

The Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) said in a statement that during the outage they immediately implemented its contingency measures by utilizing their embedded power sources such as the standby Power Plant in Bajada and Hedcor’s Sibulan Hydro power plant.

The statement said that the first attempt of gradual restoration started at 5:52 a.m. after Davao Light received power supply from NGCP. However, at 6:38 a.m. power in the entire franchise was cut again.

“The next attempt of power restoration was done at 7:00 a.m. serving power in areas from Puan to Tibungco in Davao City.

Unfortunately, at 8:00 a.m. power disturbance was again experienced causing another total power interruption in the electric utility’s entire franchise area,” said the statement.

The statement added that at 9:30 a.m. gradual restoration started in most parts of the Davao Light franchise until full restoration at 12:26 a.m.

The power interruption which started at 3:54 a.m. resulted after a power disturbance was experienced at the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) power transmission line.

9:43 a.m. only to stop yet again at 10:20 a.m. when well operators called to report that pumping stations in Dumoy and Talomo could not be operate because the power in the area had gone off again.

Seventy percent of the city’ water supply comes from the Dumoy and Talomo stations.

Magsusi said that when they called up the Davao Light and Power Company, they were told that DLPC was clueless as to the reason for the power outage.

However, by 12:20 p.m. pumping stations in the area resumed operations and gradually restored supply in the Bangkal and Matina Aplaya areas.

At about 1:30 p.m. water supply in the downtown area was also restored but with a brownish color.

Magsusi said that their customer service line received a lot of complaints on the unexpected water interruption which inconvenienced a lot of households. [ABF]

nationwide who need organ transplant.

Earlier, PhilNOS-DOH project manager Dr. Antonio Paraiso said that today’s event will hopefully eliminate the negative cultural belief on organ donation, adding that it will also lessen the incidence in illegal human organ trade in the country.

The city, according to him, is one of the cities with high number of dialysis patients. It is next to Metro Manila and Cebu.

He added that Davao City is noted for its advance in dialysis treatments.

Paraiso said that last year mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte signed up to be an organ donor.

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EDGEDAVAO

Holy Cross College of Calinan (HCCC), Holy Cross College of Davao (HCDC), John Paul II College, Mindanao Medical Foundation College, Philippine College of Technology (PCT), Philippine Women’s College (PWC), Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur, Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC), St. Peter’s College of Toril, Samson Polytechnic College of Davao, San Pedro College, Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary, Tecarro College Foundation, University of Immaculate Conception (UIC), University of Mindanao (main), UM Bansalan College, UM Digos College, UM Guianga College.

In Davao del Norte: Arriesgado College Foundation, Tagum Doctors College, Tagum City College

of Science and Technology Foundation, St. Mary’s College of Tagum, UM Panabo College, UM Peñaplata, UM Tagum College, ACLC College of Tagum City.

In Compostella ValleyL: Assumption College of Nabunturan, Kolehiyo ng Pantukan, and Monkayo College of Arts and Technology.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 11’s Raul Alvarez told Davao reporters at the Kapehan sa Abreeza yesterday that tuition fee increase is the only mechanism fpr private schools to improve faculty salaries and benefits based on the CHED Memorandum Order No. 08 series of 2012.

It states that “For intended increase in tuition, 70 percent of the incremental proceeds of the tuition fee increase shall be used

for the benefit of teaching and non-teaching personnel and other staff.”

Alvarez said that 20 percent will be attributed to the improvement of facilities while the remaining 10 percent will proceed as school’s return on investment (ROI) “In a way, ito lang ang paraan para makaincrease rin ng salaries yung mga teachers natin. So while sometime, you could say na mahirap, but you know, there is also a need to give due benefits and salaries to our teachers para dili sila muhawa, otherwise iiwanan nila ang eskwelahan for greener pasture. Madedrain ang faculties natin dito sa region 11 at ang mangyayari our quality and delivery of instruction will likewise go down,” Alvarez

said.

He said that as CHED’s policy before approval, each institution will conduct public consultation among stakeholders which include students, parents, and faculties among others.

Today will be the last day for consultation and on April 1, each institution will submit evidence, proof of compliance with all the requirements of the commission for final evaluation.

CHED 11, meanwhile, eyes to maintain an average of 10 percent increase among higher education institutions in the region who applied submit their intention to increase the tuition and other school fees (TOSF).

Result of the Evaluation will be released by next month. [CRC]

Filipino citizens as well.

On its last leg of consultation which took place Thursday at Sulo Hotel, Quezon City, several youth organizations, leaders and members of the media were invited to participate in the series of discussions about transparency and accountability, grassroots budgeting process and the budget cycle, the NYC’s vision, mission and flagship programs.

These dialogues with the youth are aimed at getting substantial insights from the youth and informing them regarding the existence of the youth commission which provides an avenue for them to voice out their concerns and be involved in government processes like the budgeting.

Apart from the discussions in Quezon City, NYC also held consultations in Legaspi City, Dumaguete and General Santos City.

The main agenda for the youth consultation is to introduce the concept of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP), more commonly known as Bottom-up Budgeting, which NYC has started using in for-

mulating the agency’s budget for 2014. It requires government agencies to know the needs of the people and ensure that they are included in the budget proposal.

Inspired by the recent nation’s pride in Sochi Winter Olympics, Michael Martinez, NYC Commissioner ASEC Gio Tingson is looking forward to our nation being capable of producing more youths like him who could bring honor for our country if only they have the means to participate in the government’s budget cycle.

“Nagbibigay kapangyarihan ang GPBP sa mga kabataan na isulong ang sa tingin nila’y nararapat na serbisyo mula sa pamahalaan. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng mamamayan at pamahalaan, posibleng dumami pa ang tulad ni Michael Martinez na nagpakilala sa mundo ng husay at talento ng mga Pilipino”, shares Tingson.

On its first discussion led by Tanya Hamada, Executive Director for The International Center for Innovation, Transformation, and Excellence in Governance, she explained that as the “spending priorities of the

government came from the social contract”, constructive engagements like bottom-up budgeting are needed to get a firsthand information regarding the needs of the citizens. It hones participative governance and localization instead of having a centralized government from which the budget allocations are only decided by technical groups.

Hamada added that today’s youth has its roles to play in the budgetary process signified by four “AYs” such as being the “bantay” or gatekeepers of the youth’s budget; “gabay” or guides of government agencies in knowing the demands of the youth sector; “tulay” or the bridge of communication between the youth and the government; and “kaagapay” or a helping hand to aid the agencies in their programs like feeding, relief operations and others.

This year’s government budget is P2.26 trillion, with P78 million given to NYC which, according to USEC Leon Flores, Chairperson and CEO of National Youth Commission, is a small amount considering the number of

youth population totaling to 27 million. With this, NYC encourages the youth sector to become more involved in pushing the government to increase their budget for the coming years by being active in public mobilization through social media.

According to Flores, this would engage the youth constructively in crafting the budget by building interest among each of them to become part of the budgetary process.

On their future plans, NYC will be proposing P82 million as their budget for 2015, of which P41.6 million of the aforementioned sum will go to personal services while P41.2 million will be allotted to maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

Part of their extension of networks is the addition of a satellite office in Region 6.

NYC also hopes to establish another one in Tuguegarao.

Through these efforts, NYC hopes to trail their vision as an authority that actively promotes youth participation and a chief leader that pushes for inclusive youth development. [PNA]

parts had been committed in the sub-port of Dadiangas in the past which indicates a brazen disregard for authority and existing customs laws and procedure,” said the statement.

It stated that the main objective of the on-going investigation is to rid the sub-port of unscrupulous employees and to highlight the fact that these acts vio-

lating the customs laws will not be tolerated.

“It bears emphasis that the higher intention of the District Collector, this Port, is to implement due and immediate reforms in the organizational manning, systems and processes in the Sub Port of Dadiangas.”

The four cars were seized and held at the North Harbor, Manila on 24 Feb-

ruary 2014 through hot pursuit and operation after Aradanas issued a warrant of seizure and detention dated 21 February 2014.

“To protect the interest of the government, District Collector Ernesto Ruiz Aradanas has also issued four Alert Orders covering the remaining seven various luxury motor vehicles to determine whether or not

the proper duties and taxes have been paid, while the other motor vehicles were declared abandoned for failure of the consignee to file an import entry,” the statement states.

The car shipment was initially placed under alert on 11 February 2014 on the suspicion that the same were imported and violated Customs laws.

various modes of ATM fraud, which include a skimming plate placed on top of keypads to copy PIN codes of depositors to illegally withdraw money from bank accounts.

Poe also asked the PNP to submit a proposal to strengthen its capability to combat ATM fraud to ensure the welfare of depositors and the integrity of the banking

system.

To decrease amount being withdrawn by syndicates, BancNet vice president for operations Rene Natividad proposed to reduce the withdrawable amount per day.

Poe opposed the proposal, saying it would adversely affect economic activity.

Villanueva said the BSP has issued a directive requir-

ing bans to shift from magnetic stripe to chip in their ATM cards to strengthen the system. ”There are some banks which have already started using chips in their ATM cards magnetic stripe is easy to be cloned. The banks have until 2017 to adopt the new system,” Villlanueva said.

The PNP reported that

banks have a bigger loss in ATM card fraud than bank robbery because any person can posses skimming device.

To stop the modus operandi, the PNP recommended that law enforcement agencies should have a close coordination with the banks and train law enforcers about the ATM and credit card fraud. [PNA]

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FAO URGES

AGRITRENDS

11

Rapid increase in vegetable production in Asia-Pacific P

ER capita vegetable production in Asia and the Pacific has increased some 25 percent over the last decade. Yet, while Asian countries produce more than three-quarters of the world’s vegetables, they and other producers worldwide will need to dramatically increase their vegetable production by 47 percent to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population which would exceed nine billion by 2050, FAO warned today.

According to a UN report, with 2009 as the baseline, the population of ‘middle income’ earners in Asia and the Pacific is expected to triple by 2020, with a sixfold increase by 2030.

“These changes would push consumer demand for safe and healthy products,” said Hiroyuki Konuma, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “Therefore there is a need for rapid development in this sector as it has a high potential to grow further. This is one of the areas where serious attention is warranted.”

Konuma made the remarks at the opening of a regional symposium on sustaining small-scale vegetable production and

marketing systems for food production and nutrition security, held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Despite the present and predicted future increase in demand, many people are not eating enough vegetables. Roughly one third of the world’s population suffers from micronutrient deficiency. The majority of them are in developing countries and nearly two thirds of them live in Asia.

Micronutrients include vitamins and dietary minerals such as zinc and iodine, and they are necessary for the healthy functioning of all body systems, from bone growth to brain function. If micronutrient deficiencies occur during childhood it affects a child’s physical and mental growth. Stunted children can be found in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India,Indonesia, DPR Korea, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Timor-Leste. The rate of stunting in these countries ranges from 30 – 50 percent of children.

“Vegetables are the key supply source of micronutrients to our body, and hence they play such an important role in our daily diet as well as the bone and brain growth of children, with whom we have to de-

pend on our future growth, prosperity and the survival of our planet,” Konuma said.

FAO is one of the key organizations convening the Regional Symposium on Sustaining Small Scale Vegetable Production and Marketing Systems for Food and Nutrition Security, alongside Thailand’s Department of Agriculture (DOA), and with AVRDC – The World Vegetable Cen-

ter, Kasetsart University (KU), the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand (HSST), the Vegetable Science International Network (VEGINET) and ASEAN-AVRDC Regional Network on Vegetable Research and Development (AARNET).

The Symposium, hosted by the Royal Thai Government, commenced today, attracting over 200 hundred scientists and

experts from 28 countries across the region.

It aims to review smallscale vegetable farming, processing and marketing, to encourage improvement in the sustainability of vegetable production and promotion of vegetable consumption for better nutrition and health. It will also examine policy and development aspects to attract industry profitability and competitiveness and

to enhance the performance of the vegetable industry in the region.

Following his opening speech in the inaugural session, Mr Hiroyuki Konuma, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative, was presented with the VEGINET International Award for his outstanding leadership in developing and supporting agriculture, particularly vegetables, worldwide.

G R I C U LT U R E Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has recently inaugurated the P34-million communal irrigation system in Barangay Talisay, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato which aims to provide constant water supply to more than 100 farmers living in the upland village of the town.

The project, which was already turned over to its beneficiaries, is comprised of two stream check diversion structures with 120 canals stretching to 5.6 kilometers.

“This will serve 100 hectares (has) of existing farm areas and 100 has of new areas more,” the agri chief said.

Alcala, in his message, urged the farmer-beneficiaries who are also members of the Talisay Irrigators’

Association to strictly implement and follow house rules related to the management of the irrigation project.

“Pangalagaan po ninyo ito,” he said.

While inspecting the project, he encouraged the farmers to plant fruit-bearing trees and raise livestock animals along the watershed to maximize area and double their income.

He added that the fruits of these trees will be sold to give additional income to the farmers.

“Ang itatanim po natin dito ay sampalok na maasim dahil malaki ang requirements para dito, lalo na sa Amerika at Europa,” Alcala announced.

He added that with over 10 million Filipinos abroad, the produce already have a

market to serve.

Aside from sour tamarinds, Alcala added that the Department will be dispersing coffee seedlings to be planted in the watershed area.

“This effort will be a partnership of DA and the local government, pagtutulungan po namin ito,” he said.

In line with the national government’s mission to uplift the agri sector in the countryside, the DA Office in Region XII, headed by Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, will conduct farmers’ field schools in the community to train farmers and provide them technical skills on improved technology to enable them to attain high quality and sustainable supply of produce. [DA Information Division]

Water flows in Lake Sebu irrigation project Bright Leaf Awards 2014: Harvesting the best of the best A

T

HE 8th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, the annual showcase of the best published agriculture stories and photos as well as broadcast reports, is now open for entries.

The Bright Leaf Awards are given to the most outstanding and relevant agriculture stories in print, radio, and television. It will also honor the most compelling photos that capture the essence of obacco farming and the agriculture industry.

Didet Danguilan, project head of the Bright Leaf Awards, is encouraging all professional Filipino journalists residing in the Philippines to join the competition as their way of sharing the successes of farmers through their stories—in whatever medium—to the public.

“Their stories need to be seen, heard and appreciated.

The Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards is the best way to achieve that,” she said.

The categories for the Bright Leaf Awards are: Agriculture Story of the Year, Agriculture Photo of the Year, Tobacco Story of the Year, Tobacco Photo of the Year, Best Television Program or Segment, Best Radio Program or Segment, Best National News Story, Best Regional News Story, Best National Feature Story, Best Regional Feature Story and The Oriental Leaf Award.

This special award is given to those who have won a Bright Leaf Award in any category for five consecutive years. The Oriental Leaf Awardees become part of an elite group of individuals that comprise the Bright Leaf Hall of Fame.

“We want to highlight the stories that enlighten and inspire our country-

men. This is even more important now because of the recent typhoons and earthquakes that have greatly impacted the agriculture industry.” Ms. Danguilan added, “This is one way to provide some light in what was a very dark time for the Filipino farmer.”

The competition aims to collect a larger crop of entries than any other year by actively reaching out to tri-media practitioners from more agricultural provinces to invite them to submit their articles and photos.

Participation in The Bright Leaf Awards is free of charge. Entries should be published, aired or broadcast locally between Sept. 1 2013 and August 31, 2014.

Contestants can submit as many stories in any of the categories but no story can be entered into more than one category. [PNA]

12 CLASSIFIED EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Flying on the Big Juan Cebu Pacific introduces its A330 service to Davao

Traveling from Durianburg to Manila just became more comfortable as Cebu Pacific Air rolled out their twice-a-day Airbus A330 service on top of their regular Airbus A320 flights.

After a short program where the first passenger was given a free round-trip ticket for another Davao to Manila flight, me and other invited media friends were able to go on a test flight so to speak of the newly delivered plane which is the 3rd Airbus 330 aircraft out of six that were ordered by Cebu Pacific. Two were delivered in 2013, two more will be delivered in 2014, and one will be delivered in 2015.

The A330 boasts of 436 seats, with just one class of seating in a 3-33 seat configuration and is the same aircraft type is being used to fly to Dubai, Seoul, Singapore and now Cebu and Davao.

Compared to the A320, the seats of the A330 leave much more space for the legs mak-

ing travel much more comfortable. I especially liked the silent hum of the A330s’s Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines which made the short one hour thirty minute trip a pleasant one.

I would have wanted to try out Cebu Pacific’s Air Wifi but unfortunately it was not functional yet during our flight.

CEB flies from Davao to Manila 8 times daily.

We fly from Davao to

Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Dipolog, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro. Follow me on Instagram and on Twitter at @kennethkingong for more travel tips, foodie finds and happenings in, around and beyond Durianburg.

A free ticket was given to the first passenger who checked in.

The Rolls Royce Trent engine.

Posing with the A330 sign.

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

Get up to 30% off best available rates at Park Inn by Radisson Davao TOO TIRED that you just can’t wait for the next holiday? Get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a restful stay at Park Inn by Radisson Davao. Book the special room package for local residents which include complimentary welcome drinks and breakfast for two, plus a Php200.00 dining voucher. Park Inn is your perfect hideaway where you can enjoy a good sleep and relax at the pool deck which also offers a great view of Davao’s islands and highlands. There’s definitely no room for boredom as great shopping options and entertainment await you next door! You don’t to have to go too far for retail therapy or other basic needs because SM Lanang Premier mall is just a mere skip, hop, and jump away from the hotel! Everything is just

within reach --- even the beach!

To book, call +63 82 272 7600 or email reservations. davao@parkinn.com.

Terms and conditions apply.

TGI Fridays offers delicious TexMex treats HAVE a taste of Texas paired with the passion of Mexico at TGI Fridays Abreeza. Take a bite from any five of Friday’s TexMex treats such as the Chili Ball Park Nachos or BBQ Pork Tacos all month long and get avail of the buy-onetake-one deal on ice-cold Corona beer.

It is a ture TexMex feast at that is just in time for the Big Davao Fun Sale at TGI Fridays.

GREAT DISCOUNTS ON DIGOS SAY. Enjoy 10% DISCOUNT on a minimum P1,000 single-receipt purchase of regular priced items.

Present your Digos City proof of residency together with your SM Advantage, SM Prestige or BDO Rewards Card at The SM Store Davao. Promo runs Feb 28 until March 2.

ENTERTAINMENT

Anne Curtis rides the waves for Metro Mag’s fashion issue METRO MAGAZINE welcomes Spr i ng /Su m mer with a woman whose role in Philippine entertainment has become more and more vast over the years. As primetime television’s newest “Dyesebel,” Anne Curtis takes on the role of Metro Magazine’s cover icon.

Headlining this exciting issue, Anne is shown basking the beauty of Mother Nature alongside her leading men, Gerald Anderson and Sam Milby, in the stunning island of Coron, Palawan. She details how she is preparing for her latest role in a series that’s set to be primetime’s newest gem, sharing what it’s like to be part of such a grand production. With Anne on the cover, Metro ushers in a fresh array of Sping/Summer looks, giving readers the lowdown on the hottest looks this season—taking runway inspirations to daily life.

The March issue gives readers ways to take the freshest fashion hits and to make the latest trends their own, also presenting the magazine’s most comprehensive trend report to date and detailing 25 of the Biggest Fashion and Beauty Trends from all

over the world.

This month, Metro also celebrates the thriving Manila art scene with a story on women who are strong influencers in the art industry, as well as a feature on the country’s visionaries and their creative processes.

Get set for this scorching hot season with a primer that will surely amp up your style quotient.

Metro’s March issue, which is part of the magazine’s year-long celebration of its 25th anniversary, is available in bookstores and newsstands for only

P150. The magazine’s digital edition is also available on on the App Store and Google Play. For the latest updates, like Metro on Facebook (www.facebook. com/Metro.Magazine) and follow Metro on Twitter and Instagram (@MetroMagPH).

EDGEDAVAO

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Coco and Kim thrilled with their TV reunion on ‘Ikaw Lamang’ TELESERYE KING Coco Martin and Teleserye Princess Kim Chiu are both excited about their highly anticipated return to primetime TV through ABS-CBN’s upcoming drama series “Ikaw Lamang.”

“It’s been a while since Kim and I worked together in ‘Tayong Dalawa’ and ‘Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo.’

That’s why I’m happy and blessed to be given the chance to reunite with her in a new teleserye,” said Coco about his newest leading lady in the Kapamilya network’s ‘once in a lifetime TV event.’

Kim, meanwhile, admitted that she is having mixed emotions about her new project and her new teamup with Coco. Kim’s last primetime TV show was the hit family series “Ina Kapatid Anak,” while Coco starred in the superhero-serye “Juan dela Cruz.”

“Aside from the excitement, I feel nervous and pressured especially because the cast of ‘Ikaw Lamang’ is really full of brilliant actors and actresses. I

can say that this is the most challenging role and project that I’ve ever had,” she shared.

“Ikaw Lamang” will unravel the love story of childhood friends Samuel (Coco) and Isabelle (Kim), whose fate will be tested by time and their clashing families.

Joining Coco and Kim in their newest TV drama are two of the most talented actors of their generation, Jake Cuenca and Julia Montes.

Completing the awardwinning powerhouse cast of “Ikaw Lamang” are Ronaldo Valdez, Tirso Cruz III, Cherry Pie Picache, Cherie Gil, John

Estrada, Daria Ramirez, Meryl Soriano, Spanky Manikan, and Lester Llansang; with the special participation of Kapamilya child stars Zaijian Jaranilla, Louise Abuel, Alyanna Angeles, and Xyriel Manabat.

Under the direction of Malu Sevilla and Avel Sunpongco, “Ikaw Lamang” is the newest TV masterpiece of Dreamscape Entertainment Television, the group that created “Juan dela Cruz,” “Ina Kapatid Anak,” the phenomenal drama series topbilled by Coco and Julia “Walang Hanggan,” and the first project of Coco, Jake, and Kim, “Tayong Dalawa.”

Don’t miss the beginning of the timeless love story of Samuel and Isabelle in “Ikaw Lamang” on March 10 (Monday) on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For more information about “Ikaw Lamang” visit the show’s official social media accounts Facebook. com/IkawLamang.Online, Twitter.com/IkawLamang_ TV and Instagram.com/ IkawLamang_TV.

Comedienne Pokwang will make viewers cry in the upcoming family drama episode of ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” this Saturday (March 1). She will play the role of Mely, a martyr wife to her philandering husband and a dedicated mother to her beloved children. Since Mely does not want her kids to grow up in a broken family, she keeps her husband’s infidelity to herself. How will Mely manage to hide the truth from her children for 15 years? Also part of the upcoming “MMK” episode are Emilio Garcia, Marco Guma-

bao, Lance Lucido, Beauty Gonzalez, Althea Guanzon, Brian Poe Llamanzares, Celine Lim, Aaron Junatas, Abby Bautista, Jun Urbano, Jef Gaitan, Yda Yaneza, and Carla Guevarra. The Garry Fernando-directed episode is written by Mary Rose Colindres and Arah Jell Badayos, and researched by Michelle Joy Guerrero. “MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos, production manager Roda Dela Cerna, and executive producer Lindsay Anne Dizon. Don’t miss Asia’s longest-running drama anthology, “MMK”

this Saturday after “Wansapanataym” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to

MMK.abs-cbn.com, follow @ MMKOfficial on Twitter, like Facebook.com/MMKOfficial.

Hot or Not?

Arrow star Celina Jade shows off her bikini bod in Maxim.

Pokwang plays martyr wife and mother in ‘MMK’

Cine Totoo announces its 11 documentary film finalists After a rigorous selection process, the Cine Totoo Philippine International Documentary Film Festival would like to announce the 11 finalists for the Philippine Section of its inaugural edition. The finalists are: Ferdinand Balanag’s “Agbalbalitok”; Ivy Rose Universe Baldoza’s “Marciano”; Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez’s “Ang Gitaristang Hindi Marunong Magskala”; Rafael Froilan’s “Mananayaw”; Charliebebs Gohetia’s “Kung Giunsa Pagbuhat ang Bisayang Chopsuey” (How to Make a Visayan Chopsuey); Richard Legaspi’s “Ang Walang Kapagurang Paglalakbay ng Pulang Maleta”; Nef Luczon’s “Migkahi e si Amey te, Uli ki pad” (Father said, ‘Let’s Return Home’); Carla Samantha Ocampo’s “Walang Rape sa Bontok”;

Nawruz Paguidopon’s “Trip to Haifa”; Jan Tristan Pandy’s “Gusto na Umuwi ni Joy” and Keith Sicat’s “Chronicles of the Komikero” .

“We are very happy with the initial turnout and the eventual finalists. The stories are fresh and compelling.

I’m looking forward to how the filmmakers will execute the creative vision and treatment for their respective documentaries” says Festival Director Joseph Israel Laban.

Cine Totoo will be awarding grants worth P150,000 each to the 11 documentarists to produce their respective dream projects.

These documentaries will be screened in competition in local theaters this August.

Cine Totoo is a special project of GMA News TV Channel 11.

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

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

NON-STOP 2D Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore R 13

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

R-16 THE THIRD EYE 2D Carla Abellana, Ejay Falcon PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

Agoda.com’s top hotel choices for the Big Davao Fun Sale

CALLING OUT all shopaholics in the country! The first ever city-wide sale in the Philippines will launch next month in the biggest city from March 14 to April 16.

The Big Davao Fun Sale will take place for 4 long weeks where the city will be offering up to 80 percent discount on fantastic deals. Participating establishments include Robinsons Cybergate Davao, Abreeza-Ayala Mall, Gaisano Grand Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, NCCC Mall, SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier.

Throughout the month, there will be specific themes per week for the shopping frenzy community: From March 14 to 16 will be general sale; March 16 to 23 will be Health & Beauty; March 24 to 30 will be electronics and gadgets; March 31 to April 6 will be Home & Travel; April 7 to 16 will be Active Lifestyle/Fashion; and March 14 to April 16 will be Dining, Fruits & Flowers Agoda.com has prepared a list of recommended hotels for you to make sure that you get enough rest as you shop till you drop!

Home Crest Residences.

tagum-ph.html For those who want to experience a different side of Davao, Banana Beach Resort is the place for you.

Just an hour and a half from Davao City, the establishment is situated in Tagum and is accessible to Tagum City Freedom Park and NCC Mall of Tagum, who is also participating in the Big Davao Sale.

They are known as the

Seda Hotel The Apo View Hotel.

Seda Abreeza Davao http://www.agoda.com/ seda-abreeza-davao/hotel/ davao-ph.html This hotel can make any guest feel right at home because of their quality accommodation and great service. Advantage of this location is that it’s close to the Abreeza Mall to accommodate your shopping needs right away.

Home Crest Residences http://www.agoda.com/ home-crest-residences/ho-

Banana Beach Resort.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

tel/davao-ph.html Home Crest Residences has always been a very common choice for travelers. The establishment is known for their excellent service, superior facilities and the ambiance of their guestrooms. The hotel is also just a stone’s throw away from SM City Davao.

The Apo View Hotel http://www.agoda.com/ the-apo-view-hotel/hotel/ davao-ph.html The Apo View Hotel is

Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

world’s only beach inside a banana plantation. They offer impeccable service, casitas that is perfect for relaxation and top-class facilities..

Check out more hotels all over the Philippines and learn about special deals & promotions by connecting to www.agoda.com. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Google+, Instagram, or Pinterest. PR

one of the most popular establishments in Davao because of the following; their central location, 24 hour casino and the second oldest hotel after Manila Hotel . They take pride in their spacious clean rooms and their well-appointed facilities like the pool, gym and restaurants.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao http://www.agoda.com/ park-inn-by-radissondavao/hotel/davao-ph. html Park Inn by Radisson Davao is situated in the Davao City Center which is close malls like SM Lanang Premier and also the Davao Medical Center. The hotel lives up to the expectations of their guests because of their beautiful appointed guest rooms, complete list of recreational activities and their over the top service.

Banana Beach Resort http://www.agoda.com/banana-beach-resort/hotel/

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. - MAR.246 1, 2014 VOL.28 6 ISSUE • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 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.

UM produces reg’l champ in CHED annual quiz bowl T

HE University of Mindanao moves forward to the national finals after emerging as champion in the Commission on Higher Education Regional Quiz Bee held last Friday, February 21 at the University of Im-

maculate Conception.

UM swept the competition by winning the top two spots with the category of General Information and International Affairs.

Winning as regional grand champion is Angel

Mae Gerna, and Victor Glen Pretila as finalist.

Both participants are currently in their third year of taking up Accounting Education, and bested participants from 24 other schools coming from all over Davao region.

Gerna is representing Region XI in the National Grand Finals slated in March in Tagaytay City while Pretila will proceed to an all-expense paid Quiz Bee summit that includes tours, fellowships, an environment seminar,

and sports recreation.

The national quiz bee is the longest running and most respected academic competition aiming to strengthen education by promoting excellence in various subjects and core values.

conveniently located inside the airport and available for check-in on all domestic AirAsia Zest and Philippines AirAsia flights.

Self check-in service allows guests to print their own boarding pass using touchscreen computer – a process that essentially reduces time spent queuing at the counters.

AirAsia Zest Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joy Caneba said, “We are pleased to offer this free,

simple and quick checkin service exclusive for our guests. As summer vacation draws near, many people will be travelling, our red kiosks will sure relieve them from long waiting times.”

As part of AirAisia Zest’s continues effort to introduce innovative products and services, the airline has also recently started its Boracay Island transfer ferry service for passengers to seamlessly connect from Kalibo

airport and directly to their hotel in Boracay via exclusive and comfortable land and ferry rides for only P520, one way.

“We are constantly investing in technology and innovation to make flying easier, more enjoyable and comfortable for our guests. We have more exciting services and products for mobile devices and online enhancements coming your way.” Caneba said.

Guests are able to

perform self-checking in up to 1 hour before their scheduled departure.

Baggage drop counters are open 3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights, and 2 hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights.

Find out more about our self check-in service by following us on Facebook (facebook/ airasiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/ airasiaph).

AirAsia Zest continues to innovate with new self check-in service kiosks at local airports A

IRASIA Zest, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for five consecutive years, launched a new self check-in service kiosks at NAIA Terminal 4 and provincial airports of Kalibo (Boracay), Cebu, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Puerto Princesa (Palawan) yesterday, as part of the airline’s latest innovation to enhance guest experience.

The red kiosks are

14 SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

CHAMPIONS. San Mig Coffee Mixers whoop it up after clinching the PBA Philippine Cup title over Rain Or Shine in Game 6 at the SMART Araneta Center on Wednesday night. Nuki Sabio

PINOY PRIDE XXIV: EXPECT AN EXPLOSIVE MUÑOZ

F

ORMER WBA super flyweight world champion Alexander Muñoz of Venezuela displayed the calm and self-belief of a veteran during the press conference held today at the Solaire Resort and Casino.

The 35 year old Muñoz (36-5, 28 KO's) will be pitted against undefeated 22 year old Genesis Servania (23-0, 9 KO's) of the ALA gym in the main event of the 24th offering of

'PINOY PRIDE'. The Venezuelan stated that despite losing his last fight in May 2013, he had a three month preparation for this bout.

"I was already thinking about retirement after losing to Leo Santa Cruz. I was working on my business in Venezuela," Muñoz said, "But when I got the offer to fight and being a warrior, I accepted." "This will be a good fight on Saturday. My advantage is that I have a lot of

Genesis Servania.

experience in championship fights. I feel good, I feel strong.

I have the experience and I am more than ready to fight."

Muñoz had abbreviated wins in all of his first 23 fights, earning his moniker 'El Explosivo". He dethroned Celes Kobayashi of Japan in 2002 by 8th round TKO for his title. This is the same Kobayashi who figured in a split draw against Malcolm Tuñacao for the Filipino's WBC world flyweight title

in 1999.

Muñoz cited Kobayashi, Martin Castillo and Koki Kameda as the best champions that he faced. Santa Cruz also won the WBC super bantamweight belt after beating Muñoz. These names underscore Muñoz' ring knowledge.

He also predicted a knockout win against Servania. He also feels that age will not be a factor. "Manny Pacquiao is 35, Marquez is 40,Mayweather is

37, Hopkins is 48. They are my inspiration."

Muñoz is also used to fighting on the road having won several times in Japan.

Servania for his part is confident that his two month training session in California and Mexico will be a big difference in this fight. "I sparred with quality boxers, I trained hard. I will not predict a knockout but we will see what happens on top of the ring."

Last October 26, Servania knocked out cold Rafael Concepcion of Panama in two rounds in his last fight in Cebu City. Servania will be putting his WBO Intercontinental super bantamweight belt and number three WBO world ranking on the line.

Top photo: Genesis Servania (L) and Alexander Munoz (R) face off during Thursday's presscon at the Solaire Casino in Paranaque City.

Alexander Munoz.

L-R: Albert Pagara, WBO Vice-President Leon Panoncillo, Genesis Servania, ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer (partly hidden), ABS-CBN Integrated Sports Dino Laurena, Alexander Munoz, Munoz’s manager Jorge Ignacio ZerpaRoa and Solaire president for brand and marketing Jasper Evangelista pose during Thursday presscon at Solaire Casino in Paranaque City. Photos by Dong Secuya.

Sakya, Faith Academy beat rivals S AKYA Football Club and Faith Academy posted separate wins in the 3rd Davao Football Association (DFA) Under 17 Girls Football League last Feb. 25 at the Faith Academy field.

Sakya showed too much firepower in demolishing HinexKhanj United, 10-0 while

Faith blanked Barangay Lasang, 5-0 in the main game.

Joyce Semacio exploded with five goals for Sakya in 4th, 7th, 25th and 43rd while Agot Danton made four markers in the 9th, 12th, 22nd and 26th.

Michelle Danton scored the final goal in the 45th minute.

Faith, on the other hand,

relied on Dream Kim and Debra San. Kim found the net in the 15th, 21st, 32nd and 50th while San scored in the 37th.

The league is sponsored

by Taku Football Foundation, Magic Jelly Powder Gulaman, Hinex Janitorial and Allied Services and Khanj. - LDR

ORCHARD PADS LEAD OVER DEL MONTE. Jan Phillipe de Claro of Orchard stays in sight with the ball as he putts on the first hole of the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club (Marapara course) during the second round in the championship division of the 67th PAL Interclub Men’s Tournament in Bacolod. He shot the second best score of 29 to help Orchard extend its edge off Del Monte by six points.

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SPORTS 15

Apo trails Valley by 10 B

ACOLOD – Apo Golf and Country Club stayed within striking distance of two-day leader Valley Golf yesterday going through the halfway mark of the 67th playing of the Philippine Airlines Interclub Men’s championship.

Valley Golf remained in the lead in the Founders Division after shooting 96 points at Marapara as Adrian Mauricio scored 29 and Raymund Puyat 24. Valley now has a 10-point lead over Apo Golf with its 210 aggregate.

Apo got 27 points from Juan Karloz Alba and 25 from Enrico Gavino.

In the premier championship class, Orchard bucked a bum front nine by its second day lineup at Marapara yesterday to shoot 109 points and bloat its lead over Del Monte to six halfway through the tournament.

The seasoned King Stehmeier stood at the forefront of the Dasmarinas, Cavite-based squad, firing a four-over-par 74 worth 32 points as his teammates also recovered for a twoday aggregate of 238 in the event considered as the unofficial team championship in the country.

Orchard – seeing action for the first time in the Championship Divisions after dominating the Founders bracket for several years – had nine pick-ups in the front nine with Stehmeier having his on the par-4 5th before everything fell into place once again.

JP De Claro fired 29 points, TJ Benitez had 25 and either 23s of Ace Stehmeier and reigning club champion Ian Salvador counted for Orchard, which kept its third five close to its chest.

Del Monte got 30 points from Mel Cubillo, 28 from Noel Langamin and 27 from Magno Arancon Jr., but the 2011 champions were pulled down by the 21 of Jovy Lusterio for their 106 and 232.

Senior player Amido Callo, who took the place of the sick BJ Minoza at the

11th hour, failed to count with 20 for Del Monte.

Alabang showed marked improvement compared to its opening round output, as Justin Quiban fired a 69 for 37 points and Andres Saldana contributed 34 that put last year’s second placers in third at 227 and well within striking distance.

Cebu Country Club, seeking its first-ever ‘threepeat,’ gained just a stroke on Orchard and fell to fourth spot as playing captain Ramontito Garcia and burly Bayani Garcia shooting 29s to pace their second round 110 and 225 overall.

The Cebuanos, who are missing two aces that were key components in their repeat in home soil last year, got 26 points each from Eric Deen and Marko Sarmiento with the 22 of Andre Borromeo discarded.

“We will reserve two reliable scorers for the last two days,” Orchard captain Francis Montallana said. “All of our players have played already so we will basically try to match (the opponents’) lineups.”

There was a slight discrepancy in the tallying of scores in the first day with the Del Monte total actually being 126 points instead of 125.

“We will tinker with our lineup in the final two days,” non-playing Del Monte skipper Kristin Leonen told scribes here. “We originally had pencilled a lineup for the whole four days, but being down like we are, we will do some adjustments.”

This year’s Interclub is being co-sponsored by CrossOver with Boeing, Philippines Graphic, Stargate Media (People Asia) and Rogue as corporate backers. Also lending support are Airbus, Business Mirror, One Mega Group (Travel Now), Philippine Broadcasting Corporation, Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Petron and Manila Bulletin.

The Sportswriters Division has a new leader in Club Filipino, which amassed 98 points at Binitin for 197, four-up on

Lanang Golf and Country Club’s Peter Cabreros reads his line on the 8th hole during the second round of the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament Sporswriters division at Bacolod Gold and Country Club yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Dennis Salvador of Lanang Golf and Country Club celebrates after making putt on the 12th hole during the second round of the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament Sporswriters division at Bacolod Gold and Country Club yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Jonathan Cabreros of Davao City Golf Club chips in a shot on the 3rd hole in the second round of the Sporswriters division during the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament at Bacolod Gold and Country Club yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. Lumbia. Hospicio Razon and Baltaire Balangguan each scored 26 for Club Filipino with Lumbia shooting just 84 points Lumbia was led by the 23 points of David Infante.

The bulk of Bacolod Golf’s 97 points came from Richard Holt, who shot 27

and Joaquin Tan, who assembled 25 even as South Cotabato pulled away from Cotabato Golf in the Friendship Division with a 91 built around the 28 of Sonny Lao. South Cotabato now has 171, leading Cotabato Golf by 18 from two at the start of the day.

and Davao City Golf Club.

Entry fee is P5,000 per player inclusive of one free tablet. Players can participate in the team, partner, or individual categories.

Phoenix Open players are entitled to one practice round on any day between March 4 to 7, 2014 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Coun-

try Club upon presentation of the tournament receipt at the club’s front office.

Online registration is also available. Complete the entry form online at http://phoenixopen.site50.net/. Pay the registration fee to BDO under Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc., account number – 244-011-5688. E-mail the

Davao City Golf Club’s Rodolfo Luna plays a shot from the bunker in the second round of the Sporswriters division during the 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament at Bacolod Gold and Country Club yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Free Special Edition Phoenix Tablet at 6th Phoenix Open A

SPECIAL edition Phoenix tablet will be given to each registered player and one million pesos in cash await the winners of the hole-in-one of the 6th Phoenix Open on March 8, 2014 at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, Davao City.

Lucky winners shall re-

ceive Royal Selangor Pewter Plates and Phoenix Petroleum Fuel cards. Champions will receive limited edition Phoenix signature golf bags.

Registration is still ongoing until March 2, 2014, Tuesday, up to 5 pm. Participants can register at the following outlets: Rancho Palos Verdes, Apo Golf and Country Club,

copy of the deposit slip to phoenix.opengolf@phoenixfuels.ph or sent it through fax at (082) 305-1088.

For confirmation of the receipt of payment, players can coordinate with the Head of Secretariat Ms. Lani Diaz at 0917-720-4893.

The 6th Phoenix Open is presented by Phoenix Petro-

leum Philippines and Pioneer Insurance. Proceeds from the 6th Phoenix Open will go to the advocacies of the Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc. For more information, please call tournament organizer Ms. Liloh Evangelista at 0917-362-0880 or e-mail phoenix.opengolf@phoenixfuels.ph.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 6 ISSUE 246 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 28 - MAR. 1, 2014

Davao City Golf Club’s Ludwig Van Ledesma gets his ball out of the bunker on the 3rd hole during yesterday’s 67th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament at Bacolod Gold and Country Club. Lean Daval Jr.

‘Bossing’Vic Sotto looks up to Marc Pingris, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and L.A.Tenorio F

OR someone who has seen it all, at least in his various endeavors, “Bossing” Vic Sotto hasn’t stopped expressing admiration to achievements big and small.

In his second San Miguel Pale Pilsen commercial, Vic works with four guys whom he looks up to, not because they’re a tall bunch. Rather, Vic’s four co-stars helped bring Philippine basketball back into the promised land.

“What these guys did in August [2013] was something we Filipinos can be truly proud of,” Vic says of the four guys sharing the stage with him in the reboot of “Boss,” one of San Miguel Beer’s well-remembered television commercials.

“Nakakabilib ang kanilang discipline at dedication sa goal nila na makapasok sa FIBA World Cup,” he adds.

Vic returns as the top endorser of the country’s iconic beer brand, and he is joined by versatile forward-center Marc Pingris, spitfire playmaker LA Tenorio, streak shooter Japeth Aguilar and powerhouse June Mar Fajardo.

The four are undoubtedly crucial cogs of the national basketball team, whose stellar performance in last year’s FIBA Asian Basketball Championships put the country back into the map of world basketball.

In a recent interview, he shared how glad he was doing one of SMB’s well-remembered advertisements, especially that he is alongside familiar faces.

“This one is much more fun than my previous shoot because I’m with people who are close to me,” Vic

says as he waits for his scenes to be shot.

“Boss” shows how a gang of four friends hurdle all odds to accommodate an unexpected guest.

Being gracious hosts, the group tries to fulfill a simple request of their Boss---“isang malamig na San Miguel Pale Pilsen.”

During the two-day shoot, the close relationship among the endorsers was very evident. Vic is the father in law of Marc, who is married to actress Danica Sotto. Just like any doting father---and a basketball nut in a basketball nation--Vic spent 11 days in August keeping vigil at the sports arena where the national team slugged it out with the best basketball teams in Asia.

Admiring the guys does not stop at their achievements on court, Vic continues. He says he sees to his son in law Marc, whom he describes as “the best son in law any father can have.”

“He loves his wife very much and he attends to the needs of his family. As a father, what more can you ask from a person like Marc,” he explains.

Vic is also glad about the progress of June Mar’s blossoming basketball career. His stint with the national team helped him gain enough experience which he could bring to his PBA career. June Mar, who plays for the Petron Blaze Boosters was recently awarded as the Best Player of the Conference at the PBA Philippine Cup. “This guy has a long career ahead of him,” Vic says of June Mar, who

BILIB NA BILIB. Bossing Vic Sotto clinks his ice-cold San Miguel Pale Pilsen with Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo and LA Tenorio as they celebrate their achievements, like their performance in last year’s Fiba Asian Basketball Championships. Vic said he admired the heart the boys displayed which resulted to the Philippines’ return to the Fiba World Championships. Bossing Vic’s Bilib moment is made extra special by San Miguel Pale Pilsen, the iconic beer of the Philippines. would be suiting up as a Beerman as the San Miguel Beermen returns to the PBA in March. “I’m certain that he will succeed because of his dedication and his willingness to learn.”

“I like the way he talks as well. He means what he says, so it’s fun to be with that kind of guy,” Vic adds.

“He’s very humble, and he loves his mother dearly and doesn’t try to hide it.”

No wonder they are among the most sought-after endorsers in the country today.

The achievements of both Vic and the national athletes fit into San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s “Bilib” campaign for 2014, according to an official of the San Miguel Pale Pilsen marketing group.

“Our ‘Bilib’ campaign seeks to recognize distinction in an otherwise distracting

field,” says group product manager Elaine Minoza.

“Pale Pilsen as a brand is an incomparable one given its iconic stature in the Philippines and in the world.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen is a cut above the rest.”

Such qualities are also manifested by patrons of San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Elaine continues. This is why the campaign wants to acknowledge the traits

being shown by drinkers of San Miguel Pale Pilsen.

“Loyal patrons of San Miguel Pale Pilsen are distinct among drinkers because he chooses to go for a higher standard,” she explains.

“When one sees a benchmark, he tries to exceed it.

“In attaining a new achievement, he becomes an inspiration to others, just like Vic and our homegrown national athletes.”