Edge Davao 6 Issue 251

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

PARK MASSAGE SERVICE. A man indulges in a back massage at Osmeña Park along Magallanes Street in Davao City yesterday morning. Park massage therapists recently sought Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s help after some members of the Davao City Council wanted them out of City parks. Lean Daval Jr.

BIGInformalFUNDING NEEDED settlers in riverbanks need relocation

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

THE Davao City Council will ask for more funds to implement the new zoning ordinance that would relocate shanties near riverbanks.

Councilor Bernard Al-ag, chairman of the sub-committee on housing and subdivision for medium-end projects, said that the implementation of the new zoning ordinance will need funding in the mil-

lions of pesos for relocation of settlers near the riverbanks.

Al-ag said that they they are looking at high-risk and protected areas, such as riverbanks, in the zoning ordi-

FBIG, 10

Hot summer coming up

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

WITTY. Mutya ng Dabaw 2014 finalist Mary Joyce Villanueva wittily answers queries from members of local media during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

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crc@edgedavao.net

ummer will be hotter for Mindanawons as restoration of the 210 megawatts (MW) Steag State Power Inc. (SPI) Mindanao coalfired power plants will take about three months.

Initial evaluation by SPI bared that it will take 8 to 12 weeks before

Steag 1 and 2 can be fully restored to the grid.

The two units have a generating capacity of 105 MW each.

Investigation showed that both units went off the grid after sustaining damage to their turbine-

FHOT, 10

2

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

SYMBOLS. A young boy checks out the Waling-waling flower and the Durian fruit, Davao City’s two famous symbols, which are the centerpiece of a fountain at Quezon Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEW LOOK

Fewer contingents in ‘Araw’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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ASEAN INTEGRATION

Bangsamoro approval gives Mindanao an edge

BY ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

crc@edgedavao.net

UST over 200 contingents are expected to join the Parada Dabawenyo on March 16 as part of the celebration of the 77th Araw ng Dabaw.

Last year there were 335, and organizers want this year’s event to be more manageable and not too overly long.

Participants joining the half-day parade include entities from private companies, schools, officials of local government units, national agencies, non-gov-

FNEW, 10

abf@edgedavao.net

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HE Mindanao region will gain an advantage in next year’s Association of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean) integration if the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro state is finally approved.

Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo, executive director of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said during the media launching of the Bangsamoro Develop-

ment Plan (BDP) at Waterfront Insular Hotel last Wednesday that investments will pour into parts of the country which share the Muslim culture with Malaysia and Indonesia.

“This can be a springboard for Asean integration, particularly with those two big countries that are dominated by Muslims,” said Montalbo.

He added that if the Bangsamoro state is implemented, threats to

peace will be immediately eradicated and more investments will come in.

Montalbo said the agreement will be signed within this month and that implementation of the development plan would immediately follow.

“We are encouraging the private sector to invest in the Bangsamoro because there’s a greater promise for peace and development and we would

ALACANANG on Thursday urged the stakeholders to help the national government in improving the power supply in Mindanao, which is currently experiencing rotational brownouts.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said in a Palace press briefing that the rotational brownouts are caused by the shortfall of power supply on the island.

At present, three new coal-fired plants are being

completed in the area. Of these, two are expected to be on-stream in 2015 and the other one in 2016.

While the three power plants are still under construction, the government is also using other means to prevent the rotational blackouts, including improving the 210-megawatt Steag coal-fired power facility in Misamis Oriental.

“I think what is apparent here is that kailangan talaga iyong tulung-tulong (we need to help each other),” Coloma said, referring to combined efforts

of the government, power users, distributors and generators.

Coloma said that stakeholders can also volunteer to use their own generators to augment the total supply, for which they will be given compensation.

“This is a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution to be provided by all of the stakeholders,” he added.

He also said that the government remains, on a daily basis, focused on providing enough supply for Mindanao’s power demands. [PNA]

FASEAN, 10

Warmer Stakeholders urged to cooperate days are in boosting Minda’s power supply here again M E

XPECT warmer days ahead as the northeast monsoon starts to weaken, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday.

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that cold weather can still be experienced but only in northern Luzon due to the weakening northeast monsoon.

FWARMERL, 10

NEWS 3

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014 ROAD MISHAP. A road mishap involving three vehicles due to reckless driving and lack of respect to fellow drivers causes a heavy traffic build up in Km. 9 Sasa, Davao City Wednesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

World Bank to continue supporting Bangsamoro

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

T

HE World Bank (WB) vows to continue supporting the Bangsamoro Development Plan and the development of Mindanao.

WB acting country director Chiyo Kanda said in her speech during the Bangsamoro Development Plan media launching last Wednesday that as administrator of the Mindanao trust fund they will provide financial and technical assistance to the planning process.

Kanda said that the planning process demonstrates how the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are working together to deliver a tangible dividend to communities

from the peace process with the help of development partners, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

“The plan will outline strategies to build legitimate institutions to help foster a sense of security among communities, get more children back to school, provide justice and create jobs,” said Kanda, adding that it is in line with global lessons how to successfully address the roots of violent conflict.

She said that transforming institutions is difficult in situations in such areas with a track record of violence and mistrust, and expectations are too low, “Such that nobody thinks

FWORLD, 10

Malaysian firm PTII launches hi-tech v.5

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

Sun Life gross sales in Davao up 300 %; new promo starts SLAMCI VISMIN gross sales up by 121%

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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ajero_antonio@yahoo.com

UN LIFE Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI) registered a 300-percent increase in gross sales last year due to various positive factors.

This was bared by SLAMCI President Reina Pama to Davao media practitioners

and bloggers during the launch of “Invest and Travel,” its newest investor promo in Davao City yesterday.

Ms Pama pointed to the booming economy of the Davao region as one of the positive reasons behind the firm’s impressive perfor-

mance, aside from the growing number of firm’s financial advisors who have been aggressive in reaching out to potential investors.

She also credited the growing number of financially-literate Dabawenyos who now understand and appre-

ciate better the advantages of investing their disposable income.

During the promo launch, Michael Oliver G. Manuel, managing director of Asia Investment, Sun Life Assurance Company of Can-

T

Davao City Rep. Mylene Garcia-Albano, chairman of the committee, said in a text message that members of her panel have already signed Committee Report No. 119, or the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH).

“We filed the report last Wednesday at the Bills and

Index, now they will submit it to the Committee on Rules, hopefully by next week, for them to calendar it for 2nd reading, then schedule it for sponsorship and debate,” she said.

The resolution amends economic provisions of the Constitution, particularly on

Articles XII, XIV and XVI. Albano, however, said that sponsorship speech and debates may start at the plenary once Congress resumes session on May 5 after the Lenten break. Congress will go on recess on March 15.

In particular, the reso-

FSUN, 10

House committee releases Cha-cha report HE House Committee on Constitutional Amendments conducted only four hearings to release its report on Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.’s Resolution of Both Houses aiming to amend certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

FCHA-CHA REPORT, 10

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Malaysian firm Push Technologies International Inc., sole distributor of IFCA software, yesterday launched its latest, and high-tech version, 5 (v.5).

IFCA software v.5 provides a solution to the growing demand of hotels, resorts, and clubs for advancement in delivering fast, reliable and up to date services.

The mushrooming of three star hotels encouraged the firm to venture in the metro, adding that it has concentrated its operations in Luzon for the past 10 years.

Rudy C. Aguilar, senior manager of Push, said in a press briefing yesterday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel that they incorporated new features, like localization in which users can make their yearend report which is needed in agencies like Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of

Tourism (DOT).

The latest version is also capable of delivering multiple tasks, thus ensuring that all services on hospitality will be efficient to satisfy their clients.

“In this new version, we incorporated billing and reservation,” he said, adding that jobs done by three people can be maximized by a single person.

“All they need is to secure that they have a reliable network server,” Aguilar said.

The software will be installed in the main server which can be extended to other work stations.

It can also provide solutions for hotel management, point of sale, event management, facility management, club membership, and financial management.

Aside from hotels and resorts, the globally-known

ARAW NG DAVAO ACTIVITIES. James A. Zimmerman gives the details of this year’s Parada Dabawenyo and City Hall Employees’ Day which are part of the

FMALAYSIAN, 10 77th Araw ng Davao celebration during yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

COMPOSTELA VALLEY

Rice processing center soon to rise A

G RO U N D B R E A KING ceremony for the construction of a Rice Processing Center was held in Brgy. Maparat, Compostela on March 6, 2014 with national and local officials leading the ceremony.

The P12.4M project comprises a multi-pass rice mill with a minimum output capacity of 1.2tons/ hr, 2 sets batch re-circulating dryers with individual capacity of 18 tons/batch Palay output and equipped with biomass fed-furnace, a weighing scale (Bascula),1 unit portable moisture meter, and 1 unit warehouse with a total area of 550 sq.m.

Department of Agriculture (DA) USEC Dante Delima and DA RED Remelyn R. Recoter challenged the rice farmers, once the project will become operational, to maximize the project saying they have to organize production as the rice mill has a minimum output of

SOUTH COTABATO

1.2 tons per hour. Delima also said the timetable of the project would be in time for the wet season for the next cropping season.

Comval Gov. Arturo Uy and Compostela Mayor Lema Bolo expressed their deep gratitude saying this will greatly help a lot especially that the town is considered the rice granary in the province.

Also gracing the ceremony are NFA Reg. Dir. Edgar Bentulan, Carlito Carrasco of IMO Manager-NIA Comval, Reg. Manager John Celeste of NIA XI, Chief Reg’l Agricultural Engineering Section Danilo Alesna, Reg’l Rice Focal Person Edel Dondonilla, other provincial and municipal officials.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala visited Comval to lead the Regional Consultative Dialogue with the Banana Industry held at the Social Hall, Capitol. [Me Maestre/IDS ComVal]

HOMEWARD BOUND. Moro women farmers carry sacks of rice, which they gathered from the newly-harvested farm in Barangay Panicupan, Pikit, North Cotabato on Wednesday, March 5. [MindaNews Photo by Keith Bacongco]

SARANGANI

bounty up for arrest of 35 illegal structures in Lake Sebu demolished P.5-M suspects in mayor’s ambush E S

NVIRONMENT workers in South Cotabato province have demolished an initial 35 illegal structures in parts of Lake Sebu as part of the continuing massive cleanup of the critical lake.

Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan said among those demolished were resort cottages, fish cages and other structures situated in the initial 20 meters from the lakeshore and those located near the outlets of the lake.

He said the demolition team, which comprised personnel from the municipal government and the Provincial Environment Management Office, also destroyed several shanties that were illegally put up along the lake.

The structures were demolished for violation of

TAGUM CITY

the provisions of the municipal revenue code, which sets the proper use of the lake waters and resources, he said.

“The demolition activities are presently ongoing and we will not stop until we finally clean up the lake of these illegal structures,” the mayor said in a radio interview.

The demolition team launched the cleanup of the illegal lake structures two weeks ago based on an order issued by the municipal government and the provincial government of South Cotabato.

Fungan said they initially scheduled the start of the demolition last January 20 but was eventually deferred until February 11 based on a request from the affected sectors.

He said they approved

HIS year’s Barangay Musikahan showcased an array of amazing performances during the two-night grand finals, which showcased grassroots talents coming to Tagum City ‘s rural and urban barangays, bringing in a festive atmosphere at Tagum City Trade and Cultural Center.

Barangay Musikahan

is a variety show highlighting on the musical creativity of Tagumeños with its theme “Tagumeño Bisag Asa: Babalik Ka Rin.” Performers are ordinary folks in the barangays who conquered the stage with an hour-long performance per entry.

Prior to the grand finals, an elimination round for

the temporary suspension of the demolition or cleanup after local fish cage and resort operators promised to demolish their illegally-built structures themselves.

The mayor said that prior to the start of the demolition activities, the affected fish cage and resort operators asked for another stay until June supposedly to give them enough time to self-demolish.

“We did not give in to their request as we felt we’ve given them enough time already and it’s now time to properly implement the regulations governing the lake,” he said.

Meantime, Zaldy Artacho, Lake Sebu municipal agriculturist and among those supervising the demolition activities, said in a statement that they have

so far cleared the first 20 meters from the lakeshore and re-established the passage way to the lake’s outlets.

He said most of the lake’s designated passage ways had been covered with illegal structures, which now occupy two to three kilometers from the lake’s shores.

Artacho said the demolished structures comprised of two concrete resort cottages, six semi-concrete cottages and 27 fish cages and other light structures.

The provincial government of South Cotabato and the municipal government issued the go-signal for the demolition of illegal structures along Lake Sebu to help address its deteriorating condition. [MindaNews]

Local talents exhibited in Barangay Musikahan T both the rural and urban barangay categories was held in their respective areas.

Barangay Pandapan was declared as champion in the rural category, followed by New Balamban as first runner up and Nueva Fuerza as second runner up.

In the rural category, Magugpo East grabbed

the championship spot followed by Visayan Village and San Miguel as first and second runners up, respectively.

Champion barangay was awarded with a cash prize of 80,000 pesos, while the first and second runners up receive 70,000 pesos and 60,000 pesos, respectively. [Gleiza Delgado/CIO Tagum]

ARANGANI officials have put up an initial P500,000 in reward money for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects and possible masterminds in the ambush on Friday last week that led to the fatal cardiac arrest of the mayor of Maitum town.

Glan Mayor Victor James Yap, president of the province’s League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) chapter, said Thursday they raised the reward money to help speed up the resolution of the ambush on Maitum Mayor George McPherson Perrett, who died in a private hospital here several hours after the attack.

“This could encourage the possible witnesses to come forward and help resolve the case,” Yap told reporters.

The mayor said they were able to raise some P300,000 out of the LMP chapter’s funds and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao contributed an additional P200,000 from his own resources for the reward money.

Perrett is a close ally and party mate of Pacquiao in the People’s Champ Movement (PCM), a local political party founded by the boxing icon.

Yap said they are

ready to give the reward money any time to any tipster or witness who could positively identify all those involved and behind the ambush.

“They can approach me or any of our police officials. We can provide them proper security and they can remain anonymous in the course of the proceedings,” he said.

Perrett, his wife Elsie and five aides were on their way home to Barangay Kalaneg in Maitum at around 10:30 p.m. last Friday when they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

The mayor and his companions attended an arts and culture event in the town proper of Maitum and were on their way home when the incident happened.

The mayor, who was then driving their Toyota Fortuner sports utility vehicle, and another aide were hit on the leg but Elsie, who is a former three-term mayor of Maitum, and their four other companions were unharmed.

Perrett was rushed to the St. Elizabeth Hospital here for treatment but died of cardiac arrest due to severe loss of blood at around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. [MindaNews]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

DOE continues to provide solutions to power woes I

FRESH. A fish retailer browses through the buckets of newly-delivered milk fish at the fish section of bagsakan area in Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

N view of the Mindanao power situation, the Department of Energy (DOE) has provided immediate and long-term solutions to address the power shortage in the region.

In 2010, the Aquino government, through the DOE, has laid down ground works for Mindanao, given that the region has been experiencing power shortage of about 200-400 megawatts (an average of 4-hour rotating brownouts) affecting businesses and the Mindanaoans. The outages were due to the increasing supply-demand gap brought about by the lack of entry of new power projects, and the derating and non-operation of power plants in the region in the prior years.

In the short-term, the DOE in partnership with the energy stakeholders has added 128 MW in capacities through the introduction of new power capacities which includes the 15 MW EEI

Diesel Peaking Power Plant, (2013) and 15 MW Mapalad Diesel Power Plant (2013), and re-commissioning of the 98 MW Iligan Diesel Power Plant (2013).

The DOE also pushed for the rehabilitation and uprating of the Agus 6 Power Plant Units 1 & 2 from 50MW to 69MW as well as the infrastructure development along Balo-I plains in coordination with Department of Public Works and Highways to maximize the capacities of Agus 1 and 2.

Alongside these measures, the DOE also initiated several programs and measures to provide the power of choice and draw in all available resources for the benefit of the region: the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM), Interruptible Load Program (ILP) and the Modular Gensets Program. These programs are on a voluntary basis and serve as options for electric power providers and

consumers to manage their power requirements with the corresponding costs.

For the long-term, the DOE has facilitated the entry of new power investments such as the 300 MW CoalFired Therma South Energy Project located in Davao del Sur and the 200 MW Southern Mindanao Coal-Fired in Sarangani that will add another 500 MW by 2015.

Meanwhile, the 405 MW Coal-Fired Power Plant of FDC Utilities Inc. in Misamis Oriental will come online by September 2016.

“It takes 2-4 years to build a new power plant. We in the energy sector realize that the problems that we face now require long-term solutions,” Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla earlier stated, adding that “facilitating investors’ interest to bring in new capacities to meet the increasing demand is a priority not only in Mindanao but across the country.”

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 Sep 2013 Apr 2013

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate

2.5

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 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

SSS salary loans release thru prepaid cards now possible M

EMBERS of the Social Security System (SSS) now have the option to receive their salary loans through Citi Visa Prepaid cards that provide borrowers a quicker, safer and more convenient means of receiving their loan proceeds.

SSS Vice President and Officer-in-Charge of Lending and Asset Management Division May Catherine Ciriaco said the agency will pilot the SSS Citi Visa Prepaid Card on March 6, 2014 for members applying for salary loans at SSS branches in Diliman, Quezon City and in Buendia, Makati City, which both account for a high volume of salary loan applications.

“Members with the SSS Citi Visa Prepaid Card can get their salary loan funds electronically within days, instead of waiting for two weeks for their loan check to arrive through the mail.

They no longer need to encash the check at the bank since they can already conveniently access their funds through ATM withdrawal, or by swiping their card for purchases at Visa-accredited merchants in the Philippines and overseas,” Ciriaco added.

SSS’ partnership with Citi Philippines and Visa is in line with the pension fund’s thrust to improve service delivery, enhance loan processing, and eliminate fraud.

It also addresses problems with misdelivered, stolen or lost checks, which take time to replace, further delaying the loan release to the member.

“Citi is proud to partner with SSS in this innovation, which will offer advantages not only to SSS members across the country, but also to SSS the institution,” remarked Batara Sianturi, CEO for Citi Philippines. “Elec-

SEASON. Summer is just around the corner as most ready-to-wear outlets in Davao City now display summer wear such as bathing suits. Lean Daval Jr. tronic payment is the wave of the future, providing convenience as well as speed and enhanced security to every user. This partnership gives testament to Citi’s commitment to serve as payment solutions provider not only to the private companies, but to the public sector as well.”

The SSS Citi Visa Prepaid Card is accepted at more than 15,000 automated teller machines (ATMs) and over 200,000 Visa partner merchants in the Philippines, as well as for online purchases. Members can use their cards globally wherever Visa is accepted, at tens of millions of retailers and to withdraw local currency at 2 million ATMs in more than 200 territories and countries

worldwide.

“Visa has helped governments worldwide to operate more efficiently through the use of electronic payments.

Our collaboration with SSS and Citi Philippines is a great example of how a Visa Prepaid card can be used to provide a more convenient, secure and efficient system to disburse salary loans to the tens of millions of SSS members in the country.” said Peter Maher, Visa Group Country Manager for Southeast Asia. “‘Point-of-sale’ purchases made using the card carry no additional charges or fees, while withdrawal charges will apply for all ATM transactions, depending on the bank owning the ATM,” Ciriaco noted. “The

prepaid card requires no maintaining balance and can be used for various promos offered by Visa partner merchants.”

To avail themselves of this service, interested borrowers must first file their salary loan application at SSS Diliman or SSS Makati-Buendia. After securing SSS’ approval of the loan, members must submit their SSS Citi Visa Prepaid Card Application Form and a photocopy of one government-issued ID to the designated Citibank lane at the same branch.

Ciriaco said the SSS will release the card directly to the member on the same day, with the loan proceeds credited within three to four days. The SSS Citi Visa Prepaid Card will be issued

free to members, while P150 will be charged as replacement fee for lost or damaged cards.

“The card will be valid for three years from the date of issuance. It is also reloadable, so members renewing their salary loans can get their new loan proceeds using the same prepaid card, as long as it is within the card’s validity period,” she said.

“Members will be notified thru text message if their loan has been already loaded into their account.”

Only SSS can deposit funds into the prepaid card accounts. For secure access, a Personal Identification Number or “PIN” is required before any card transaction can be made, Ciriaco explained.

pinas (BSP) Governor Hon. Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. gave the keynote message while other guest speakers were: William Pesek, Jr., Asia-Pacific Columnist for Bloomberg, who presented the global economic issues and its impact to the Philippines and Asia as a whole; Rodrigo E. Rivera, Sr., President & CEO of RD Corporation, one of the biggest fishing companies in the southern Philip-

pines, who shared his insights about business opportunities and prospects for various industries; and Daniel Corpuz, Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism, who spoke about the government’s national tourism plan and opportunities in the tourism sector. David Celdran, TV Anchor of ANC News Channel, served as the host and moderator at the open forum after the pre-

sentations.

Security Bank organizes this regular event in line with its continuing program to provide relevant business analysis and economic forecasts to its valued clients from the corporate, treasury, investment, commercial and retail banking segments.

Recently, Security Bank launched its rebranding campaign that

highlights its focus on the growth of its retail banking segment. Security Bank believes that “The bank who understands you best, puts you first”.

Its new brand promise, “BETTER BANKING” and “YOU DESERVE BETTER”, underscores its commitment to differentiate itself from the rest of the market by being one of the few banks that truly listens to its clients.

Security Bank holds economic, business forum S

ECURITY Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) held its annual economic and business forum today at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel entitled “What Lies Ahead: Economic and Business Forecast 2014”.

The much-awaited ‘by invitation only’ event gathered some of the industry’s top decision-makers and business leaders from across different industries.

Bangko Sentral ng Pili-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

Far-reaching impact of $19 B illicit trade of flora and fauna highlighted T

HE United Nations’ inaugural World Wildlife Day kicked off last March 3 with events around the world, as global attention turns to a US $19 billion illicit trade - the fourth largest in the world - that includes elephant poaching, great ape theft and the illegal transport of timber.

The third of March was also the day of adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.

“The United Nations’ first World Wildlife Day coincides with renewed attention being paid to the escalating crisis of wildlife poaching. While providing us with an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic diversity of life on earth it also reminds us of the urgency and responsibility to care for and protect it,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner.

“While governments have a key role to play, we as citizens of countries across the globe have a vital role to play in shutting down the markets that sustain this illegal trade which threatens the survival of iconic species such as elephants and rhinos, but also of other threatened animal and plant species.

For the past four decades UNEP has worked to support nations to establish legislation at both the national and the global level to combat poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife. This has helped countries to more effectively protect our wildlife heritage.

Environmental crime continues to undermine these efforts. World Wildlife Day is an opportunity for all of us to reconnect to this vital and urgent cause,” he added.

In its resolution designating World Wildlife Day, the General Assembly requested the CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant organizations of the United Nations system, to facilitate the implementation of the Day. Among other things, the resolution recognized the intrinsic value of wildlife and its many contributions to human well-being and sustainable development, including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational and cultural.

Estimated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) at US $19 billion, the illicit trade in wildlife denies humanity of these essential services, and contributes to the rapid decrease in the numbers of thousands of species worldwide.

It is estimated that current trends of species extinctions are between 100 and 1,000 times higher than the naturally expected levels.

“Wildlife is cherished in its own right and for the contribution it makes to our personal well-being - from food to medicine - from culture to recreation,” said CITES Secretary-General John Scanlon.

“Our wildlife is suffering from illegal trade. Let’s do all we can, as citizens and consumers, to bring illegal wildlife trade to an end. In doing so we will secure the future for wild plants and animals, as well as for ourselves,” he said.

In addition to the illegal trade, climate change - which is linked with the burning of fossil fuels - is also impacting many animals and plants and in myriads of ways.

Polar bears in the Arctic are threatened by thinning ice, baleen whales must make longer journeys between their feeding grounds, and many

migratory birds that rely on wetlands and lakes for food are increasingly facing water shortages.

These changes could spell decline and even extinction for some species without an urgent transition of our economies and our lifestyles towards a low carbon economy.

Meanwhile, wildlife crime continues to threaten the lives of rangers in their fight to stem the illegal tide. It is also often linked with the exploitation of disadvantaged communities, human rights abuses and other challenges to inclusive, sustainable development - including by jeopardizing livelihoods around the world.

Such theft of natural resources is rapidly emerging as a new challenge to poverty

eradication, sustainable development and a transition towards an inclusive Green Economy.

The illegal trade in wildlife - considered the fourth largest in the world after narcotics, counterfeiting and human trafficking - also has major implications for international peace and security.

Wildlife is now trafficked internationally much like drugs or weapons, with criminals operating largely with impunity and little fear of prosecution.

A recent INTERPOL report reveals that large-scale ivory seizures - which reached an all-time global high in 2013, with 18 seizures accounting for some 41.6 tonnes of ivory - typically indicate the partic-

Jamie Foxx joins Spider co-stars in Earth Hour ‘blue revolution’ J

AMIE Foxx, who plays the villain, Electro, in the highly anticipated motion picture The Amazing Spider-Man 2, will be joining his co-stars, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, in calling on a global community to take simple action online to protect the planet.

As part of Earth Hour Blue, the revolutionary program launched by WWF’s Earth Hour, Foxx will support ‘Light Up A Village’, a clean energy project from WWF-Uganda. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 actor is urging participants to go online and contribute funds to the ‘Light Up a Village’ crowdfunding project, which will provide solar lights and energy ef-

Jamie Foxx ficient mud stoves to families living around an area in Uganda that has come to be known as the “Earth Hour Forest.” Through the simple steps of supporting these vulnerable communities, the project aims to empower the locals to become the future protectors of the soon to be rehabilitated forest area.

Foxx was inspired by a passionate video from a small community of Su-

per Heroes in Uganda who came together to show how the project could protect the newly planted trees by meeting the basic energy needs of the locals. The video explains how just one energy efficient mud stove can save up to 33 trees from being cut down annually and also save money by reducing a family’s expenses on firewood and charcoal.

“Earth Hour isn’t just about lights off – it’s about people across the world coming together throughout the year to join forces to improve the planet. If you haven’t yet, you need to get involved. Never underestimate your power. Never underestimate what you can do,” said Foxx.

In conjunction with the Earth Hour 2014 celebrations in Uganda, one million trees will be planted across the country by youths over the next year, with the majority earmarked to help fill the 2700 hectares of land marked out for the Earth Hour Forest initiative.

Another global solution-driven crowdfunding project on Earth Hour Blue for people to back is a Colombian conservation project for The Amazon that aims to protect endangered species like the jaguar, Andean bear, and the pink river dolphin, and work with indigenous communities to use and restore natural resources in a responsible way.

ipation of organized crime, with trafficking syndicates operating in multiple countries simultaneously.

In recent years, international action to combat the illegal trafficking in wildlife has accelerated rapidly.

In December 2013, a French-government-hosted Summit for Peace and Security in Africa highlighted that the establishment of terrorist and criminal networks - including poachers and traffickers in endangered species- were a direct threat to peace and security in Africa and worldwide.

Most recently, the UN Security Council has, in two separate and unanimously adopted resolutions, recognized the direct link between the illegal exploitation of wildlife

and ongoing conflicts in central Africa.

It noted specifically that the illegal exploitation of natural resources - including poaching and the trafficking of wildlife - was linked to the proliferation of weapons and was one of the “major factors fueling and exacerbating conflicts” in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

In 2010, the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Bank and the World Customs Organization joined forces to create the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), which works to ensure that perpetrators of serious wildlife crimes face a formidable and coordinated response.

New UN-led global partnership to help green 30 national economies by 2020

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OUNTRIES such as Burkina Faso, Peru, Mauritius, Mongolia, and Senegal are set to boost their economies through a shift of investment and policies towards a new generation of assets that include clean technologies and resource efficient infrastructure, green skilled labour, well-functioning ecosystems, and good governance. Such a transformation, supported by the UN-led Partnership for Action on a Green Economy (PAGE), will pay significant dividends in social, environmental and economic terms. PAGE aims to extend its support to a total of 30 countries by 2020.

Well over US $11 million were announced in support of PAGE activities by donors including Finland, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and Switzerland. The announcement was made at the first Global PAGE Conference,

hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The event attracted more than 30 ministers of finance, environment, labour and trade from around the world in addition to high-level UN officials, international experts, representatives from the business community and civil society.

In his welcome address, the UAE Minister of Environment and Water, Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, speaking on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, referred to the UAE’s Vision 2021 and Green Growth Strategy, which was launched in 2012.

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

Top 10

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ORBES, a prestigious international business magazine, once again has come out with the world’s wealthiest men. All billionaires in US dollars, 10 of them are Pinoys, led by mall tycoon Henry Sy of the SM chain and other business interests. He ranks 97th in the list of 1,645 billionaires from 69 countries. The other nine in the elite circle of Pinoys are John Gokongwei of Cebu Pacific, Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Foods, Andrew Gotianun, Andrew Tan, David Consunji, Enrique Razon, George Ty, Lucio Tan, and Roberto Coyuito Jr. If one scrutinizes the list, the gentlemen billionaires are not really Pinoys in

EDGEDAVAO

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the national association of newspapers

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the strictest sense of the word. Rather, they are Chinoys, as borne by their Chinese family names, their chinky eyes, fair complexion and other physical attributes usually associated with people who trace their ancestry to China. Yes, except for Razon, who must have Spanish roots.

We are not trying to split hair and create ethnic division. Our point here is that the Filipino billionaires are known hard workers, mostly with humble beginnings.

Their lives are worthy of emulation.

They should be role models of all Filipinos, whatever their racial origin, indigenous or foreign.

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./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

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

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

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014 EDGEDAVAO What church leaders failed to see?

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HAT’S THE STATUS OF THE CONTROVERSIAL RH BILL? – People are wondering what happened to the equally important measure which was overshadowed by the pork barrel scam and other appalling financial scandals that rocked the Aquino administration. We are referring to the controversial Reproductive Health Bill. Here’s a summary of what transpired previously when the Aquino administration recognized the problem on population as one of its primary concern.

At the onset, the leadership was confronted with this critical question: “What to do in a country growing ever more populous, comfortable on what it have presently in life and trapped in the embrace of backward beliefs and behind the dictations of the church?” As a result, the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III has come up with a very realistic plan – the passage and approval of a Reproductive Health Bill.

However, stiff opposition to the measure also comes into play what with the leaders of the Catholic Church and over-pretentious prolife advocates raised up in arms to block the approval of the bill. After months of intense deliberations in Congress and the wary public patiently waiting of the outcome of the debates, the Senate finally approved the measure. To the Church hierarchy and many self-proclaimed pro-life groups, it’s all part of the government’s strategy by shifting away from the country’s real prevailing problem – joblessness and grinding poverty.

These groups argued that population is not really the main problem rather it’s the government’s dismal failure to provide for the people’s basic needs – jobs, food, shelter, education and medical care. And the long and tedious debate continued with no resolution in sight. Pro-life advocates filed a petition before the Supreme Court to reexamine the RH Bill. On the one side are Church leaders and so-called pro-life movements. They assert during the oral arguments that the RH bill is totally a defective ruling. On the other side are rational-minded pro-RH Bill

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groups joined by big business c o r p o ra t i o n s who demonstrate all-out support to the government’s population control and family planning policies. They say it’s about time to implement a very significant measure.

Well, time and again even legal experts always say that there is no such thing as a perfect law. It may be have some defects referring to the RH Bill, but not as flawed as claimed by harsh critics of the controversial measure. The pro-RH Bill firmly believe that the proposal is the ultimate answer to the country’s burgeoning population because the Philippines is now home to an estimated 96 million people. The predecessors of President Aquino were ineffective in implementing their population control and family planning program due to some aggravating factors.

For instance, they avoided a clash with the influential and assertive leaders of the Catholic Church who strongly condemned contraceptives and artificial methods of birth control. Being a predominantly Catholic country, previous administrations adhered to the dictations of the Church that is against any method controlling senseless birth. It only promotes the rhythm method, which is rather unfortunate because it has been persistently violated by both married and unmarried couples. Certainly, the Catholic Church which counts 85 percent of the population as members will not tolerate any government scheme that promotes contraception.

The projection of the Church is even more terrifying. Its top leaders continue to inculcate in the minds of the faithful that the RH Bill is

promoting abortion. And they further stressed that it’s an organized efforts of the government that they perceived as transplanting anti-life and anti-family laws into our social order. In reality, though, what the Church leaders failed to see is that several thousand of women yearly are estimated to have an abortion to deal with the financial and emotional strain of unwanted pregnancy despite the fact that abortion is strictly prohibited and against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

A government population control and family planning program will only be effective and successful if our present leaders consistently emphasize artificial birth control over natural family planning without fear of getting the wrath of the Church leaders. Moreover, the RH Bill respects the views and the stand of the Church especially on its position of families and the preservation of life of the unborn. Even with the RH Bill in effect, still nobody could prevent abortion, not even the leaders of the Catholic Church and presumptuous pro-life advocates.

How much more if there’s no alternatives where couples have the freedom to choose and avail of a family planning method of their choice?

We always have to bear mind that overpopulation more than anything else is straining the country’s resources at accelerating pace. So what has to be done? We should take a closer look at our present predicament and raised this query: “What isn’t going right here in our country?” Take note that high population growth outruns the country’s ability to build its economy and investment infrastructure, which is why there is crushing poverty.

With an honest-to-goodness and well-meaning government population control and human development program, Filipinos could be properly organized and motivated to become important resources in addressing their own economic and social conditions. They have to realize that the most important change will come not only from the government or any outside entity, but from them.

The ongoing ethics struggle of banks

HE Swiss Bank Employees Association has told an uncomfortable truth: it was “generally known” that for many years some of their employers profited from customers’ “tax evasion.” That is incontestable, as many of the banks’ managers concede. But the practice, supposedly now ended, raises an important question about ethics and business. Why were neither the managers of the Swiss banks nor their employees worried by this business model?

The hardly hidden truth was included in an Association press release which called on Brady Dougan, the chief executive of Credit Suisse, to apologize for insulting the Swiss bank’s employees.

Dougan, who was trying to explain to U.S. legislators how Credit Suisse had stopped helping Americans escape taxes, said that “some Swiss-based private bankers went to great lengths to disguise their bad conduct from Credit Suisse executive management.” The claim, said the employees’ group, slighted the professionalism of the workforce. Besides, it was “hardly credible.”

That last statement is a little unfair. It makes excellent sense that some eager employees, anxious to bring in new business, and well aware that there was an official policy against aiding tax evasion, hid certain salient facts from their bosses. They knew that full disclosure would just get them into trouble, while bringing in new business would be rewarded, with few questions asked.

But if Dougan is right that the managers were totally ignorant, they hardly look good. After all, the commitment to change the old Swiss banking culture – which asked so few questions that accounts bore numbers rather than names – had started well before 2001, when Credit Suisse seriously began its efforts to clean up its relatively small U.S. private banking operations.

ANALYSIS

BY EDWARD HADAS Surely, bosses who were deadly serious about rooting out entrenched habits would have prodded, pried and even prosecuted to show that their institutions would henceforth compete on service, not on secrecy. Instead, for many years they seem to have avoided looking too closely.

If Credit Suisse management was too relaxed about abandoning a flawed corporate culture, it had a lot of company. In almost every financial scandal of the last few years – from rogue traders to organized money laundering, from false disclosures to the manipulation of key interest and exchange rates – insiders who were truly interested could easily have found evidence that something was being done improperly. But in fact, attention was missing and action was scarce.

The explanation is simple. Employees knew they had little to gain from complaining about dubious behavior because bosses were almost always less interested in morality than in earning high returns, retaining key employees and gaining ground against rivals.

In other words, ethical inertia was built into the corporate cultures. The Swiss bankers were generously rewarded for gaining new American customers through practices which they probably knew were incorrect. Their bosses, all the way to the top of the organizations, were even better rewarded for deciding not to ask questions which would probably have elicited uncomfortable answers.

Neither the Swiss bankers who broke American laws nor the bosses who did not notice were especially evil or foolish. Like most businessmen who go wrong, they were surely

intelligent people quite capable of moral analysis. However, they chose to smother the voice of their consciences.

It is always a challenge to stay virtuous while pursuing legitimate personal and business objectives. Even in the noblest organizations, the desire to be fair to customers, suppliers and colleagues often pushes in the opposite direction from the pressure to succeed. The pressure to cut ethical corners is much greater in enterprises which have a well-established tradition or practice which is no longer considered acceptable.

It is all too easy for bosses and workers who silence their consciences to find plausible excuses. They can cite loyalty, obedience, industry standards and the need to support their families. The senior executives can also use the tools of bureaucracy, hiding behind shared responsibility and stated commitments to good policies.

Bad corporate behavior is particularly hard to change. When bosses have condemned malpractice in words but rewarded it in deed, employees can be excused for not taking the latest pronouncements too seriously. Even if a few people are fired, consciences remain unheard while the remaining employees wait for a return to normal.

Equally, bosses who would not have risen up the hierarchy without finding ways to get around their stated ethical commitments – generally without admitting that this is what they are doing – will struggle to learn new ways.

Knowledge is the first step to virtue. Despite the workers’ complaint, the Swiss bank employees and their employers seem finally to have admitted that something was deeply wrong with the way they used to work. If this effort at truth and moral reconciliation were repeated throughout the financial and business worlds, and backed up with firm judicial punishments, more consciences might start to be heard.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The claims for Russian imperialism COMMENTARY

BY JOHN LLOYD

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Part 1 of 2

HE more or less liberal, democratic, capitalist countries that make up seven of the Group of Eight (G8) have condemned Russia and are discussing boycotting the June G8 meeting in Sochi. There is even talk of expelling Russia from the group.

This western government consensus against Russia’s actions is based on evidence that prompted the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power to say that it is “hard to avoid concluding that Russia does not want peace and does not want a diplomatic solution.”

It is time, since this is what news media in democracies do, to question that consensus. Let’s consider the case for what’s being called Russian neo-imperialism.

Claim — President Victor Yanukovich was democratically elected by the people of Ukraine in 2010.

He was, by a reasonable margin.

Though his main rival, Yulia Tymoshenko, alleged fraud, she later withdrew her claim.

But after growing corruption, tightened authoritarian rule and the murder by apparently state-sponsored thugs of more than 80 people protesting against Yanukovich’s rule, the parliament in Kiev voted by a substantial majority to strip him of office. Later, with a similar majority, it voted to accept the new government that is now in place.

Claim — The protesters were led by, or at least had among their number, a large contingent of far rightists who are violently anti-Russian and anti-Semitic.

There are such forces in Ukraine. They were part of the protests and they at times received praise from the demonstrators for their courage. But, according to the historian Timothy Snyder, the far-right party Svoboda (“Freedom”) is a small electoral force.

The more militant Right Sector has so far stressed “that their goal is political and not ethnic or racial,” Snyder writes. The latter is, he admitted, “the group to watch,” since its rhetoric has been strongly hostile to all foreign, and especially Russian and Jewish, influence. But it does not lead the movement, and the ousting of Yanukovich cannot be represented truthfully as a “fascist coup.”

Claim — Russians in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine have cause for alarm and need protection.

There have been fiery speeches against Russian “imperialism.” The day after the deputies fired Yanukovich, they passed a law banning the teaching of Russian. This was condemned by, among others, the Foreign Minister of Poland, Radek Sikorski and was quickly scrapped. A likely contender for the next president of Ukraine, the former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko who is a Russian-speaker, has stressed unity and balance in the parliament.

There have been no recorded attacks on Russians anywhere, including where they are a minority — as in the west of Ukraine. As Power said at the U.N., “the Russian military action is not a human rights protection mission.”

Claim — The European Union was the real imperialist actor, and in wooing Ukraine it damaged Russian interests.

It’s probably true that the EU was at least naïve in offering an “association agreement” to Ukraine and failing to anticipate the Russian response. But the draft agreement was initialed by President Yanukovich in 2012. Russia didn’t like this and in 2013 it temporarily banned some Ukrainian products from its market, yet it was reasonable to suppose President Vladimir Putin would reluctantly acquiesce in time. Instead, Russia became more upset.

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NEWS

Big...FFROM 1 “We should craft a plan as to when the project should start and end,” Al-ag said, adding that they are waiting for the ordinance to be published after which the budget allocation for the project will immediately follow.

The entire project could be done in 10 years as there are many settlers living near the city’s riverbanks.

generator at the height of the reported Mindanao-wide grid system disturbance last February 27, Thursday.

Initial reports said that the power outage was caused by a tripping of state-owned Agus 1 hydro electric power plant in Marawi City leading to the system failure of other power plants on the island.

All in all, a total of 677 MW, or an estimated 70 percent, was cut off the grid and causing a halfday total power outage.

SPI has already tapped the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Power Corporation (NPC), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to address issues.

“Our priority now is to restore the units back on line and ease up the critical power supply condition of Mindanao,” STEAG State Power Inc.

(SPI) plant manager Dr. Carsten Evers said, adding, ”employees are working round-the-clock to restore the power plant back to the grid.”.

Evers said that the company is intensifying its effort to restore the units back on the line, noting the “precarious and volatile power supply condition on the island.”

SPI earlier announced that the “loss of the plant’s output would lead to two- or three-hour rotating brownouts during peak hours, or between 6-9 p.m., depending on how distribution utilities or electric cooperatives manage demand.”

Located at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, the plant is currently Mindanao’s biggest in terms of unit capacity, accounting for nearly a fifth of the island’s total power supply.

ernment organizations (NGOs), and other groups from the metro.

This year’s parade will start from Magsaysay Park to Magsaysay Avenue, turn left to C. M. Recto Avenue,

turn right to Bonifacio Street, turn left to Legaspi St., and on to San Pedro St and exit to Quimpo Boulevard.

Last year, the number of contingents reached 335.

want to ride on the impetus towards greater development,” Montalbo added.

Meanwhile, the development plan that has been drafted is another historic milestone in the peace process between both parties which is related to socio-economic requirements.

“There is the need to capture the sentiments of the beneficiary communities on the plan, making sure that the process and the final output are transparent and, more importantly, as inclusive as possible,” Montalbo said.

Undersecretary Yasmin Busran-Lao, government peace panel member, said that as the country braces for the ASEAN integration, the development plan will play a vi-

tal role in developing the region to become a key player in regional trade as it serves as a front door to the two largest Muslim countries in the world, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The BDP is an initiative of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with the support of the government and other development partners to define a short and medium-term strategy for the recovery of the Bangsamoro. It is anchored in, and guided by, the framework agreement and its annexes need to sustain the momentum on the peace process by providing strategic directions for the delivery and upgrade of basic services in Bangsamoro communities during and beyond the transition period.

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nance where there should be no settlers.

“We will be proposing to increase the budget for the relocation program to gradually remove the settlers and not wait for another tragedy to happen,” said Al-ag.

He added that they would also seek help from the national government to back up available local funds.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

He said most parts of the country will experience fair weather for the next three days with the easterlies affecting Luzon and Visayas.

He also said that with the presence of the easterlies, localized thunderstorms are easily formed.

He further noted that no tropical cyclone is expected to affect the country until weekend.

Aurelio said that the tropical storm with international name Faxai is not expected to enter the country’s area of responsibility.

For Thursday forecast, Aurelio said Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas will have fair weather aside from isolated light rains due to the north-

east monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.

He added that Mindanao will experience fair weather aside from isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Senior weather forecaster Jori Loiz said PAGASA has yet to declare summer in the country since the criteria have yet to be met.

He said dry season begins when the northeast monsoon stops blowing into the country; when a high-pressure area (HPA) is present; and the easterlies or warm air from the Pacific Ocean prevails.

Loiz said it will be the HPA and easterly wind that will bring warm and humid weather in the country

during summer.

The northeast monsoon is the mass of cold air from Siberia that blows into the country starting mid-October and usually lasts until March.

Loiz said they expect the northeast monsoon to likely cease during the second or third week of this month, signaling the start of the summer season.

But even if it’s still not summer, Loiz advised the public to prepare for hotter days ahead as the northeast monsoon starts to weaken.

Loiz said temperature in Metro Manila already began to rise during late afternoon in the past few days.

From March 1 up to March 5, he said minimum

temperature in the metropolis already ranged from 19.5 degrees Celsius to 22.2 degrees.

He noted that maximum temperature in Metro Manila for the past five days were ranging from 30.5 to 32.3 degrees Celsius.

During summer months of April and May, Loiz said the average afternoon temperature in Metro Manila is 33.5 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees, respectively.

Last year, PAGASA officially declared the start of summer on March 18.

Meanwhile, Loiz said good weather is expected to prevail in most parts of the country for the next two to three days. [PNA]

firm also provides software solutions for real estates.

Aguilar said that one of their clients in the NCR uses their software that connects systems of the whole village.

It provides ease not just to the operator but also to the people residing in the high-

end community.

With all of this development, the firm is targeting to increase their income by 20 percent.

Last year, it earned a total revenue of P80 million.

Majority of this comes from their clients in the national

capital region.

They also have clients in Boracay, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Baguio.

Their clients include Baguio Country Club, Pico de Loro, PhilAm Group of Companies, Filinvest, DMCI Homes, Camella Communi-

ties, Aboitiz Land, Century Properties Group Inc., Punta Fuego Resorts, San Miguel Properties, University of St. La sale, Rockwell Land, Insular, Goshen Land, Astoria Plaza, Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao among others.

anything will change – or too high so that transitional moments produce expectations that cannot be met by existing institutions,” she said.

Kanda said that creating institutions that can deliver security, justice and jobs is slow as it takes generations before it would be discussed.

“Even the fastest transforming countries have taken between 15 and 30 years. So we should temper our expectations,” she said.

She said that the development plan process is a crucial step in the right direction. ‘It will identify quick wins ‘in the immediate transition period to meet the priority needs of

communities and build confidence in the process.”

Kanda added that the planning process is also reaching out to a range of different community visioning process that is on-going in the tribal communities in Upi, Maguindanao.

“This inclusivity is crucial to generate buy-in and to convince all stakehold-

ers that development in the Bangsamoro will benefit all, not just a select group,” she said.

Kanda stressed that global experience says that the first step towards institutional change is restoring confidence in collective action as different parties need to work together to make change.

lution is eyeing to amend economic provisions on the 60-40 rule that limits foreign ownership of certain activities in the Philippines, she said.

The resolution will include the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” in the foreign-ownership provision of the Constitution, particularly land ownership, public utilities, natural resources, media and advertising industries, Albano said.

Under Article XII of the Constitution, foreign

investors are prohibited to own more than 40 percent of real properties and businesses, while they are totally restricted to exploit natural resources and own any company in the media industry.

The amendments to the Charter will be approved through separate voting by the both Chambers, with a three-fourths vote required from them.

Malacanang had repeatedly said that the President is not changing his position that Cha-cha is not

a priority in his administration as they decide not to intervene with the works of the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares expressed alarm at the apparent rush by the heads of the House of Representatives to change the Constitution.

“This is a new record for the Cha-cha train, in a matter of two weeks the Constitutional Amendments committee held marathon hearings and finished the

committee report,” he said.

Earlier, Belmonte expressed confidence that his proposal will get the vote of majority in the lower chamber despite President Benigno Aquino III’s opposition.

“We hope Speaker Feliciano Belmonte would stand by his promise that Cha-cha would not be tackled at the plenary next week but in May when session resumes.

There are more important bills like FOI, the genuine agrarian reform bill and the repeal of EPIRA,” added Colmenares. [PNA]

ada, also discussed the economic performance of the Philippines and its various regions compared to the economic developments in the USA, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world during the last few years.

SLAMCI is optimistic about further improving its performance in Visayas and Mindanao this 2014, after marking a stellar growth in the said regions last year.

In 2013, SLAMCI’s gross sales in Vismin grew by 121% from the previous year, from P488 million to P1 billion. Its assets under management also grew by 28%, contributing P2.35 billion AUM to the company’s total AUM of P41.13 billion as of December 2013.

“The numbers prove that

more and more Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao are warming up to the idea of investing and we’re happy that they’re putting their trust in SLAMCI as they take major steps in their finances,” said SLAMCI President Riena Rama. “This also sets a good momentum for 2014. We trust that it will get even better in the coming months.”

There was also an increase in the company’s manpower in VisMin, which grew by 38% in 2013 and is now 456-agents strong. Pama is confident that this will also contribute to further improving SLAMCI’s presence in VisMin. “A growing agency force gives us the latitude to reach more people and introduce them to the different ways that they can grow their

money,” she explained.

SLAMCI manages a total of seven funds collectively called the Sun Life Prosperity funds, which include the bond fund, balanced fund, equity fund, money market fund and GS (government securities), dollar advantage, and dollar abundance. Its balanced fund remains to be the largest in the country, with P16.2 billion assets under management as of December 2013.

To further encourage investors to grow their money with SLAMCI, the company has brought back its highly-successful investor promo. This year, SLAMCI offers “Invest and Travel” promo, wherein qualified investors are rewarded with staycation treats and travel packages to

destinations such as Sydney, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. All the packages are good for two persons, so the investor can share the experience with a loved one.

The “Invest and Travel” promo will run until December 29, 2014.

For more information about the “Invest and Travel” promo and the Sun Life Prosperity Funds, visit www. sunlifefunds.com.

Sun Life Financial is represented in the Philippines by its life insurance arm, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (SLOCPO); its mutual fund manager, Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI); and its pre-need company, Sun Life Financial Plans Inc. (SLFPI).

Malaysian...FFROM 3

World...FFROM 3

Cha-cha report... FFROM 3

Sun...FFROM 3

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BIGGER PICTURE

11

Batting for pro-family

farming policies U

NITED Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva yesterday appealed to governments to boost support to the world’s small-scale family farmers in order to win the fight against hunger.

Ban said the International Year of Family Farming being celebrated in 2014 called “for commitments” in a message relayed by Graziano da Silva to the Global Forum and Expo on Family Farming in Budapest.

“Governments can empower family farmers, especially women and youth, by creating policies conducive to equitable and sustainable rural development,” Ban said. “This includes better infrastructure to reduce the amount of food lost after harvest when smallscale producers are unable to store, process and transport their goods.”

The UN Secretary-General also encouraged public and private lenders to provide vital financial services such as credit and insurance.

Ban warned that

small-scale family farmers are particularly vulnerable to climate change events such as extreme weather, droughts and floods Pro-family farmingpolicies In his address to the forum, Graziano da Silva echoed the UN Secretary-General in urging governments to adopt explicitly pro-family farming policies.

He underlined that family farmers, fisher folk, forest-dependent people, pastoralists and traditional and indigenous communities are key for food security in most countries but at the same time are among the world’s most vulnerable populations.

A recent study of 93 countries shows that family farms account for over 90 percent of all farm holdings, he told the forum.

Family farmers also manage most of the world’s farm land, including 63 percent in Europe, he said.

“Apart from producing a high proportion of the food we eat, family farmers are by far the biggest source of employment in the world,” the Director-General stressed, adding that

they are also the guardians of the world’s agro-biodiversity and natural resources.

Land grab threats Graziano da Silva underlined the importance of protecting family farmers from rising threats to their traditional access to land posed by insecurity and land grabbing.

The Committee on World Food Security’s approved Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure as well as its Principles on Responsible Agricultural Investments currently being negotiated are of great importance to keep these threats in check, he said.

“Large private sector investments in agriculture exist and will continue, whether we like it or not,” he explained.

“So it is paramount that there is a common understanding on how to invest in ways that are sustainable and protect the rights of family farmers and poor communities.”

Special ambassadors Secretary General of the Asian Farmers Association Esther Penunia, President of the southern area of

the artisanal section of the National Federation of Fisheries of Mauritania Mohammed Ould Saleck, and President of the European Farmers Association Gerd Sonnleitner were for-

mally appointed as FAO Special Ambassadors on Family Farming at today’s forum.

They join the other special ambassadors already nominated for the Year: Ibrahima

Coulibaly, President of the National Coordination of Peasant Organizations of Mali, and Mirna Cunningham, former Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

12 CLASSIFIED EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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

INdulge!

STYLE

KADA wears it forward

EVERYONE is trying to master the art of the gimmick. The things that retailers try to sell the public are so laden with layers upon layers of marketing trickery that it gets to be just too much sometimes. A lot of customers like to connect nowadays with the brands they patronize. If they identify with the spirit or sentiment of the brand’s entire lifestyle platform can dictate whether they will spend their money or not.

One local brand that seems to nail both standout simplicity and clear mission statement is KADA Clothing. Creating a striking presence online with its website, this clothing brand has always been about putting out better basics since its inception in 2011. Much of the

marketing has occurred organically, just how they like it. KADA puts much importance in reaching their customers in the right way and this happens partly because of how they choose to reach out. Their idea is simple yet powerful: for every shirt they

FKADA, A4

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UP AND ABOUT

Dance your way to a fabulous body at The White House CLEANSE the body of the guilt of your indulgences while dancing, laughing and having fun, and meeting new friends outside of the usual gym environment.

Come join us at the White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge for a daily dose of dance party designed for you to achieve the kind of fitness that you desire.

Every day starting this summer, the White House will host a dance party both for adults and children with one of Davao City’s famous dance and fitness authorities, Nash Villa.

From Zumba to authentic belly dancing to freestyle jazz, lose calories and become fit while embracing life the way you always should with your friends and with strangers who will later become your new friends.

“What we offer is the chance for you to enjoy fitness with a bunch of fun-loving, life-adoring souls,” says The White House owner Cathy Binag. “Through the dance party, we hope to inspire each other and become fit and healthy and at the same time, happy.”

Dance classes will be held morning and afternoon from Mondays to Saturdays. Zumba classes will be MWF (8 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 6:30 pm), Bellydance sessions will be TTh (4 pm to 5:30 pm), Freestyle Street Jazz for kids and adults will be TTh and S (9 am to 10 am), Freestyle Hip Hop for kids will be TTh and S (4 pm to 5 pm), and Freestyle Street Jazz Bellydance Burlesque-inspired will be TTH and S (5 pm to 6:30 pm).

For more details, please call The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge at (082) 2824540 and +639154483601. It is located at the Camella Northpoint compound along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City.

Wine and Cheese appreciation at Polo Bistro

CELEBRATE the good things in life in an evening of wine appreciation on Monday, March 10, 2014 at Marco Polo Davao’s Polo Bistro.

The featured wines for the event are from Master Chef Republic and featured cheeses by Malagos Farmhouse.

Special limited offer available for only Php300.00 net.

Polo Bistro is located at the 4th level, The Deck, Marco Polo Davao. For reservations and inquiries, please call (082) 2210888 local 7955 or 7608.

Everything is at SM Davao and women love it!

IT’S A MONTH dedicated to the girls who run the world at SM City Davao. Packed with great treats and events, SM Davao celebrates Women this March.

Enjoy great deals on cosmetics, fashion apparel and other women essentials on March 5, 12, 19, 26 of the month at SM City Davao’s Wednesday Women’s Sale. Avail of up to 70% off on great selections.

Dance mean and be lean. Heat up the dance floor in your purple work-out gear and lose those pounds with SM City Davao’s PURPLE ZUMBA on March 19 on 6PM. Get fit with Holiday Gym at the Annex Event Center. Admission is free.

Because its fun being a girl, SM City Davao mounts this season’s most exciting health and beauty fair from March 21 to 23. Beauty and Beyond showcases the best beauty products in the market with free tutorials on grooming, make-up and style. Catch Otoi Mercado’s make-up session with Watsons on March 21. Admission is free.

Update your wardrobe and get the latest trends from the Style Hub with The SM Store and the hip Fashion Design students from Philippine Women’s College at 5 PM of March 22, be inspired with ensembles fresh from the runway.

It’s a throwback Sunday! Party to the music from the 80s to 2000s at Women Rocks as you listen to all-female hits live

by Davao’s premier band on March 23 at the Annex Event Center.

Every woman deserves a royal treatment. Enjoy a month of pampering spree from head-to-toe at SM Davao’s salons, spas and beauty lounges. Avail of discounts and freebies because a woman is worth it.

This Women’s month, everything is at SM City Davao. For inquiries, call 297.6998 local 126. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter and @smdavao on Instagram.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

EVENT

Elements party sets new lifestyle trend

SM Lanang Premier event draws more than 4,100 partygoers THE METRO’S premier shopping, lifestyle and entertainment hub continues to offer breakthrough events that celebrate the good life and the love for music and festivity in Davao City.

In early February 2014, an epic evening was in store for over 4,100 people as SM Lanang Premier presented ‘Elements: The Sonic Escalation Experience,’ the hottest party wave to hit the city to date. Held at The Fountain Court (TFC) grounds, the party was copresented by the creator of the 3D electric musical event, Carte Blanche, as a treat for all Davaoeños and tourists during SM Lanang Premier’s Great 3-Day Sale weekend.

‘Elements’ brought to Davao City the Philippines’ most sought-after and considered number one DJ – DJ Ace Ramos, who was voted 2010 Club DJ of the Year by Wave 89.1 in the Urban Music Awards.

Davao-based front acts DJ Torch and Wacky Masbad, meanwhile, spinned pulsating mixes that got the audience all pumped up for DJ Ace. Confetti rained down on the crowd as DJ Ace, a reg-

DJ Ace Ramos wows the audience with his smash musical catalogs and mixes. ular fixture at parties and The mixed crowd, es- so far since Manic Nightcelebrated festivals all over pecially the young ones, nings Production’s Carte the country, took his turn stayed up until midnight Blanche last year. on stage, treating partygo- on the dance floor, pausThis March 29, at 8 pm, ers to an impressive set of ing only for short breaks SM Lanang Premier will musical catalogs consisting to hydrate themselves from stage another party at The of mash-ups and fusion of too much revelry. Oth- Fountain Court called hip hop, RnB, electro rock, ers enjoyed a few drinks ‘Spectra: The Black Light and chart-topping hits. and chilled out with their Party’ set in time for the While all this was happen- friends at Bistro Selera bar, city-wide tourism promoing, Tribu K’Mindanawan which was set up at the tion of the Big Davao Fun gave the crowd a dose of eye sidelines.

Sale. candy, performing specThe event was co-orgaDon’t miss epic partacular fire dance routines nized by Manic Nightnings ties and musical events at against the stunning back- Production and supported SM Lanang Premier! For drop of the Waterworks by Park Inn by Radisson event updates, visit SM LaShow at The Fountain Davao. It garnered the big- nang Premier on Facebook, Court. gest turnout of partygoers Twitter and Instagram.

DJs Wacky Masbad, Ace Ramos and Torch.

The crowd was on its feet at the Elements Party at The Fountain Court.

A group of friends paints the town red at SM Lanang Premier.

A Tribu K’Mindanawan dancer performs a fire dance sequence infront of the country’s longest Young people join the Elements party at the Fountain musical fountain at SM Fashionable partygoers enjoy the night at the Court.

Lanang Premier.

Elements event.

EDGEDAVAO

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Jessica Alba back in sexy stripper mode for ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’

AS IF we needed further proof that Jessica Alba is smoking hot.

The 32-year-old bombshell is reprising her breakout role as stripper Nancy Callahan in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, a follow-up to the 2005 hit Sin City based on Frank Miller’s famous comics.

And despite the fact that nine years have passed since the brunette bombshell has been in stripper mode, she looks like she hasn’t aged a day in the super-hot promo shot.

Oh, and did we also mention she gave birth to two kids during that time? Yeah, and she still looks that good (not fair).

Sitting on her knees atop a stage with her legs spread open in a seductive pose, Alba tosses her hair and bares her bangin’ bod as she steams up the entire room, which has endless bottles of booze on display in the background.

The Fantastic Four star

to be semi-sheer garter-inspired tights. Her typically brunette locks are dyed a platinum blonde hue, and she also wears a single fingerless leather glove in the black-and-white pic.

So how does Cash Warren’s missus maintain her famous figure?!

“More organic produce in your life is better than packaged, I think water is essential, and if you can be active in any way shape or form, it’s always good to keep the blood flowing,” she told E! News when asked to share three diet and fitness tips.

“If you can just do it two or three times a week, a little

flaunts her super-toned tummy while rocking a

sexy black bra, leaving little to the imagination as she

bit of exercise whether it’s yoga or going for a walk or cycling class or something... go for it” (she’s also a big fan of the popular Flywheel workout).

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For also stars original castmembers Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson and Mickey Rourke.

Additionally, the forthcoming film will feature appearances by Joseph GordonLevitt, Josh Brolin, Alba’s BFF Jaime King and even Lady Gaga.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is set for release on Aug. 22, 2014.

sports itty-bitty briefs in addition to what appear

‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ celebrates first anniversary in Batanes CELEBRATE the joys of travel and wonders of nature as the ultimate travel show Biyahe ni Drew marks its first anniversary this Friday in one of the country’s best travel destinations – Batanes.

While its remote geographic location obscures it from the tourists’ eyes, Batanes, located in the northernmost tip of the Philippines, is a breathtaking place that is worth exploring.

Upong arriving in the provincial capital, Basco, ultimate biyahero Drew Arellano notices the serene life of the Ivatans. The imposed 20-kilometer per hour speed limit in the entire province gives credence to their lingering way of life.

Its unpolluted panoramic landscape seems to invite the tourists to explore its wonders by mere walking or riding a bicycle.

Drew knocks on the traditional stone houses that Batanes is known for. Constructed through the longestablished building system that has been passed down from one generation to the next, the architectural gems of the province can withstand the onslaught of any strong storms.

Ivatan cuisine has a distinct signature taste. Because Batanes is surrounded

For Drew, his Batanes trip is a memorable one: “It’s amazing to think that Biyahe ni Drew has turned one. We even celebrate the first anniversary in Batanes, which is in everyone’s bucket list.

Most people have this notion that it is hard to go to Batanes. I’d say schedule in advance, at least one year in advance. When you ask me what are the best places

by waters, it is not surprising that its cuisine centers on seafood. Drew tries the local dishes such as abong, the local version of mussels, yellow fin tuna, seaweed, lobster, and coconut crab. Drew also gets to personally experience how the Ivatans value honesty. In the Honesty Coffee Shop, no one keeps an eye on the goods. Anyone can just get what they need, pay for it and even get their own change.

And the show’s Batanes adventure will not be complete without Drew trying the vacul, the traditional Ivatan headwear that the locals use during hot days and rainy season.

in the Philippines, before I would automatically answer Boracay, Palawan or Sagad.

But after experiencing this majestic place, Batanes will immediately come to my mind.”

Explore the beautiful province of Batanes as Biyahe ni Drew celebrates its first anniversary this Friday, 8 p.m., right after Mars on GMA News TV.

HOLLYWOOD ACTING COACH IVANA CHUBBUCK REVEALS ART OF ACTING IN “BOTTOMLINE.” World-renowned acting coach Ivana Chubbuck takes the spotlight in “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda” this Saturday (March 8) to share her success story, as well as her secrets to molding Hollywood’s most popular actors into unforgettable characters. For 34 years, Ivana has taught and worked with award-winning actors such as Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, and Brad Pitt, among others. This Saturday, discover Ivana’s tips on how aspiring actors can stand out and become successful in the business. Is acting born with a person, or is it acquired? What keeps her passionate about her difficult job as an acting coach? Among all the stars she’s worked with, who does she think is the best? Don’t miss the 10th USTv Students’ Choice Awards 2014 Students’ Choice of Public Affairs Program “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda” this Saturday, after “Banana Split: Extra Scoop.” For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

STARTING OVER AGAIN 2D / * 12 YEARS A SLAVE 2D Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga / * Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender PG 13 / * R 13

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 LFS / * 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 THIRD EYE 2D Carla Abellana, Ejay Falcon PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

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STYLE

Kada...FFROM A1

KADA’s pieces are handmade by tailors and seamstresses, all from the Philippines.

This is an endeavor that is proudly local – made local and benefiting their fellow Filipinos who are most in need.

sell, they will give 20% of their profits back through NGO partners.

Brothers Raymund and Anton Villanueva helm the brand, with a team of like-minded individuals that works partly in San Francisco and in Manila.

According to Raymund, “That’s it. There’s no catch.

Every shirt you buy is one step that will improve the life of a person in need.”

The selection is kept small on purpose. Styles for both men and women are broken down into buttondown shirts, t-shirts (camisa) and tank tops. There is something very artisanal in how they choose to put out their line of better basics. An almost obsessive disposition directs their thought and design process. They meticulously choose the fabric, buttons, threads, lining, fusing and all the components that go into making KADA shirts, creating character in all the right places. They typify their customers as those who are growing up yet never lose their sense of fun when they dress.

These are individuals who know how to appreciate the crispness of a classic button down shirt yet play up their urban warrior get-ups with quirky accessories like colorful socks.

KADA’s pieces are handmade by tailors and seamstresses, all from the Philippines. This is an endeavor that is proudly local – made local and benefiting their

fellow Filipinos who are most in need. It may just be a coincidence but in local dialect, KADA means ‘every.’ What they have introduced is a concrete way to help one shirt at a time. It is almost too good how to be true how gratifying KADA makes the buying process

and “wearing it forward” as they like to say. Not only do you end up with a beautifully made shirt that looks like it was tailored for you,

someone out there actually gains clothing on his back.

Visit www.kadaclothing. com to view their full collection.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

EDGEDAVAO

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CLASSIFIED 13

Invites Suitable and Qualified Candidates to apply for the following positions: SALES MANAGER  Male or female, 30-40 years old  College degree holder of a business course; a post degree an advantage  Five (5) years work experience in the sales/ marketing job in a supervisory or managerial capacity  Excellent communication skills (oral & written) in the English language and human relations skills as well  Effective in forecasting, credit and collection and in building quality relationships with business partners.  Decisive, performance driven and results oriented  A persuasive leader, good coach and motivator ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE  Male or female, 25-35 years old preferably single  College degree in business, marketing or its equivalent  A two (2) year work experience an advantage  With excellent communication, customer relations, leadership, analytical and negotiation skills  Ability to work in high- paced and challenging business environment  Pleasing Personality, results oriented  Computer literate  Willing to be assigned anywhere in Mindanao or Visayas PROMOTERS  Male or female,21 to 30 years old, preferably single  College graduate preferably in marketing or its equivalent  At least two (2) years experience as a promoter or merchandiser an advantage  Communicates well in English and Pilipino language  Possesses a pleasing personality  Computer literate  Willing to be assigned anywhere in Mindanao or Visayas MANAGEMENT TRAINEES  Male or female, 28-35 years old, preferably single  Bachelor degree in business or marketing or its allied courses  With previous work experience in sales or marketing, a plus factor  Hardworking, task oriented and results oriented  Excellent communication skills both oral and written in the English language  Willing to learn and develop his/her skills and abilities  May be assigned anywhere in Mindanao and Visayas ACCOUNTING MANAGER  Male or female, 29-40 years old  College degree in accountancy or its allied courses  Five (5) years work experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity  Extensive exposure in General Accounting, Budgeting and Financial Analysis  Excellent communication skills in (both oral & written) the English language  With good interpersonal relationship skills, leadership and managerial skills  Computer literate ACCOUNTING CLERKS  Male or female, 25-30 years ols  College degree in Accountancy or its allied courses  Two years work exposure to general accounting jobs  Hardworking and reliable  Excellent communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills  Computer literate Interested and qualified applicants may send application letter, resume with details of previous work responsibilities, and 2X2 photo Thru: telfax #: Email:

(808)282-8136 helpdesk@stratlink.net

14

SPORTS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

Tiger ready to tame Doral D

ORAL, Florida (Reuters) - Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and a nasty Blue Monster will share the spotlight at this week’s WGC-Cadillac Championship in Doral, where a new world number one may be crowned.

The world’s top 50 ranked players have arrived in Miami to take on a famed Blue Monster Course that has been made even more frightening after a $250 million renovation.

Celebrity business magnate and resort owner Donald Trump described the new layout as big, bold and fair on Wednesday and players echoed that assessment heralding the rebirth of what is regarded as one of the PGA Tour’s toughest courses.

The Blue Monster will provide a worthy stage for a mouth-watering showdown between the world’s top two-ranked players in defending champion Woods and world number two Scott.

If Scott wins the tournament and Woods finishes seventh or worse, the Australian will bump him from top of the rankings.

“I don’t know how Tiger feels about it but it’s obviously a position (number one) he’s pretty comfortable with for a long time throughout his career and I can assure you from knowing him just a little bit, it’s a position he probably wouldn’t want to give up,” said Scott. “It would be a dream come true to make it to that point.”

After withdrawing from Sunday’s final round of the Honda Classic with back spasms, Woods declared

himself fit on Wednesday to defend his title and ranking.

In 13 career starts at the WGC-Cadillac Championship, Woods has seven wins, the last four coming at the Doral resort.

While the Blue Monster has been a happy hunting ground for Woods, the 14time major winner will find himself in strangely unfamiliar surroundings this year having yet to get a look at the changes.

“I have to go out to a golf course I don’t know yet; so I don’t know the feel of how this course is going to be playing,” said Woods.

“We’re going to do a lot of homework out there today and try to get a good feel of how we’re going to attack this place.”

Woods will be partnered with Masters champion Scott and FedExCup winner Henrik Stenson of Sweden, bringing the world’s top three ranked players together in a blockbuster group for the opening two rounds.

Another marquee group will feature Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, who will be bidding to rebound from a heartbreaking loss at the Honda Classic, fan favorite and 2009 Doral winner Phil Mickelson and in-form Australian Jason Day, winner of WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

McIlroy has produced some superb golf of late but has been unable to close the deal.

The double major winner had led by three strokes after six holes at the Honda Classic only to wobble badly over the back nine en route to losing in a

TIGER WOOD four-way playoff.

“I was just disappointed with how I played coming down the stretch.

It obviously wasn’t what I would have liked,” said McIlroy. “But plenty of positives, getting myself in

position to win, it was my third stroke play event of the year, and third chance to win.

“I feel like my game is there to get into contention again this week and that’s what I’ll try and do.”

RLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Dwight Howard received the worst reception of his career last season when he made his initial return to the city that was his NBA home for eight seasons.

This time, for his second trip, he was wearing yet another jersey and met by a similarly hostile crowd. But once again, there was no pity taken on his former team.

James Harden scored 31 points, including 25 in the second half, and the Houston Rockets dug out of a double-digit, first-half hole to beat the Orlando Magic 101-89 on Wednesday night.

Howard added 19 points and 14 rebounds as the Rockets dominated inside, outscoring the Magic 58-26 in the paint. ‘’I think last year was a little more emotional, coming back here and seeing a lot of old faces,’’ said How-

ard, who is now 3-1 against the Magic as a member of the Lakers and Rockets. ‘’But this year, I just wanted to come in and get a good win.’’

Houston trailed in the second quarter by as many as 14 points, but battled back to win for the 13th time in 15 outings. Howard scored 11 points in the third quarter, connecting on five of his six field-goal attempts, to help the Rockets take 10-point lead into the fourth.

Houston won at Miami on Tuesday, and will have a chance to beat the Eastern Conference’s top team when they host Indiana on Friday. ‘’We started off slow, and then from that point on we were pretty solid,’’ Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. ‘’Our defense was really good in the second and third (quarters), and then we got the game back under control.’’

Arron Afflalo led the Magic with 18 points. The Magic

dropped to 0-2 this season against the Rockets.

Orlando played without Jameer Nelson and Victor Oladipo. Nelson was out sick and Oladipo missed his first game of the season with soreness in his left ankle.

The Magic’s second unit surged at the start of the final period, and cut the deficit to three and prompted the Rockets to quickly re-insert their starters. Harden immediately scored five straight points, and Terrence Jones added a layup to push Houston’s lead back up to 86-76 with 5:37 to play.

Orlando never got closer than eight points the rest of the way. ‘’It’s real disappointing because we started off so well,’’ Magic forward Tobias Harris said. ‘’The third quarter, we just didn’t get it going.

I take a lot of this on myself. I didn’t come and play for my team, so a game like this is disappointing even more because I let my team down.’’

STUNNING UPSET O

C

Bobcats rout Pacers 109-87

HARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Al Jefferson had a pretty good inkling it was Charlotte’s night when he banked in a 31-footer from well beyond the top of the key to beat the shot clock midway through the fourth quarter. ‘’I didn’t call the bank, but I trusted my right hand,’’ Jefferson said with a laugh.

Jefferson scored 34 points and the Bobcats stunned NBA-leading Indiana 109-87 Wednesday night, handing the Pacers just their second two-game skid of the season. Jefferson was 16 of 25 from the field and had eight rebounds for the Bobcats (28-33), who won their fifth straight at home to equal their combined win total from the

previous two seasons. ‘’I’m not accepting that we’re a team that guys look at on the schedule anymore and say, ‘OK, we have the Bobcats (so) we can take the night off.’’’ Jefferson said.

Jefferson, whose 38-point, 19-rebound effort Monday night was overshadowed by LeBron James’ career-high 61-point outing, has scored at least 20 points in 21 of his last 24 games. ‘’I think everybody needs to question the Eastern Conference voting on why Al Jefferson wasn’t on the All-Star team because clearly he is one of the best in the game,’’ Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. ‘’He showed it tonight. Give him credit.’’

Charlotte was finishing a brutal four-game stretch, becoming the first team since the 2009-10 Knicks to play the NBA’s top four teams in consecutive games. They previously lost to San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Miami on the road, but left no doubt about this this one.

Charlotte jumped out to a 28-8 lead after the first quarter and never trailed.

Kemba Walker added 19 points and nine assists for the Bobcats, who have the seventh-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said he thought his team played well in the road losses to the Spurs, Thunder and Heat and that it carried over some confidence to Wednesday night.

Harden leads Rockets past Magic

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014 VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

SPORTS 15 CELEBRATION. Ateneo Lady Spikers whoop it up after their Game 1 win over rival De La Salle.

Ateneo belles draw first blood

T

HE Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles bucked a first set shellacking to take the next three sets and with it snare Game 1 of the UAAP women’s volleyball finals, effectively eradicating the thrice-to-beat advantage held by erstwhile undefeated defending titlists De La Salle University (DLSU) 17-25, 25-23, 25-13, 2520 before almost twenty thousand rabid fans at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Freshman Michelle Morente exploded for seventeen markers while New Zealand’s Amy Ahomiro added sixteen points as Ateneo kept their postseason winning streak alive while dealing the Lady Spikers their first loss of the tournament and first in 41 matches dating back to opening day of Season 75 where UST became the last team before today to trounce DLSU until today.

League scoring champion Alyssa Valdez also contributed sixteen points while senior Ella de Jesus chipped-in twelve in the Lady Eagles’ first triumph over DLSU since the 2012 Finals when Ateneo, then led by its fabled “Fab Five”,

stole Game 1. The Lady Spikers went on to win the next two matches to snare their then second straight title.

DLSU was paced by senior outside hitter Cyd Demecillo’s sixteen points, while Season 75 co-MVPs Ara Galang and skipper Abigail Maraño added thirteen and ten points, respectively.

The Ateneo victory figuratively makes this a Best-Of-Three series, with both teams now needing two wins to capture—or retain—the championship.

Game 2 is set for Saturday (March 8th), at 4:00PM still at the Big Dome. The match will be preceded by the season’s awarding ceremonies.

Earlier, the National University (NU) Bulldogs successfully defended their men’s volleyball crown with 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25 escape against firsttime finalists the AdMU Blue Spikers to sweep their titular series. Jan Berlin Paglinawan led four players in double-figures with fifteen points while Ateneo rookie sensation Marck Espejo registered a gamehigh twenty markers.

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN’S RETURN:

SMB Inc.’s Huang believes they CAN T

HE Philippine Basketball Associations’s (PBA) oldest and winningest franchise is carrying the iconic brand once more as they step into the hard court during the start of the Commissioner’s Cup this week.

In a courtesy call to San Miguel Brewery Inc. President Roberto N. Huang recently, the Biboy Ravanes-mentored beermen were challenged to work and play hard. Huang echoed Mr. Ang’s mandate for them to stay true to the San Miguel brand that is synonymous to brewing excellence.

Huang, gave each of the players and coaching staff San Miguel Pale Pilsen Bilib Cans, citing his confidence that each of them will work hard for the team that would carry the “Samahang Walang Katulad” equity, win or lose. San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s Bilib campaign is a unique project to celebrate everyday successes, admiration and to uplift the sense of pride of anyone giving or receiving the special beer in can

with a writeable space. Huang specifically cited the Beermen’s top center and the recent conference’s Best Player June Mar Fajardo.

Huang wished Fajardo goodluck as he will soon start training with the National Team for the country’s comeback to the world basketball map via the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Barcelona, Spain later this year. “Give it your all—for the country,” Huang said.

Shooting Guard/ Small Forward Marcio Lasssiter was likewise added to the Gilas lineup recently.

Each of the players and coaching staff received from Huang Messages in a Can citing how he and the fans look up to them—from calling Fajardo “Kraken” (referring to pop culture’s legendary sea monster), Marata’s and Lassiter’s “pamatay sunog na mga tres,” Hubalde’s “nakakabulag na bilis,” Mercado’s “killer crossovers,” to Kramer’s strength in carrying his popular Team Kramer with his own

biceps.

Carrying the Petron Blaze brand since the 2011 Governor’s Cup, the return of San Miguel Beermen was announced personally by San Miguel Corporation president Ramon S. Ang. The return, Ang said comes in time for the 25th anniversary of the team’s Grand Slam feat in 1989 where it swept all three conferences.

The San Miguel franchise has won 19 championships to date.

Ang added the “management expects for more championships with the new generation of hardworking and talented players and coaching staff.”

For the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup and the team’s fresh mandate as San Miguel Beermen, the franchise will be powered by Junemar “Abai” Fajardo (15); Ronald Tubid (71); Solomon “Sol” Mercado; Douglas “Doug” Kraemer (18); Chico Lanete (26); Marcio Lassiter (13); Chris Ross (6); Christopher “Chris” Lutz

(28); Yousef Taha (28); Arwind Santos (29); Paul Rico “Rico” Maierhofer (1); Paolo “Pau” Hubalde (12); Joselito “Jojo” Duncil (11); Samuel Joseph “Tata” Marata (16); and import Oscar Joshua “Josh” Boone.

The team will still be managed by Gee Abanilla, with 1st Assistant Coach and Consultant John Todd Purves and Assistant Coaches David “Boysie” Zamar, Riel Banaria, Peter Martin, and Alfonso “Dayong” Mendoza. The beermen will be slugging it off with the Meralco Bolts in the start of their campaign on Friday.

San Miguel Brewery Inc. is the maker of San Miguel Pale Pilsen, the company’s flagship brand from which the San Miguel Beermen has reference to. SMB Inc. also brews other global award-winning brands such as San Mig Light, Red Horse Beer, San Miguel Premium All-Malt Beer, Gold Eagle Beer, San Miguel Super Dry, Cerveza Negra, San Mig Zero, San Miguel Flavored Beer (Apple and Lemon).

NLEX applies for PBA T

HE Philippine Basketball Association on Thursday confirmed that NLEX, one of the companies controlled by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, has submitted its letter of intent to join the pro league in 2015.

Willie Marcial, special assistant to the commissioner and media bureau chief, disclosed it to InterAksyon.com.

NLEX has won five of the six conferences in the D-League.

On Thursday, the PBA Board convened to decide

on the application of two potential expansion teams — Kia Motors and Blackwater Sports.

Both have already submitted documents and were evaluated by PBA commissioner Chito Salud for recommendation to the board.

Under league rules, eight out of 10 votes are needed for new teams to be accepted.

Two other teams under the MVP Group of Companies – Talk ‘N Text and Meralco – are already regular participants in the PBA.

San Miguel Beermen CAN. San Miguel Brewery Inc. President Roberto N. Huang with the players and coaching staff of the San Miguel Beermen in a recent courtesy call at the headquarters of San Miguel Corporation in Mandaluyong. Mr. Huang gave each of them his Messsage in a Can to give them a boost in their return as Beermen at the start of the Commissioner’s Cup.

16

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL. 6 ISSUE 251 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 2014

Give your children the best home environment at Northpoint

F

OR kids, the world is their oyster, and parents have to provide them the appropriate environment that allows them to live a healthy and happy life. The choice of home is therefore crucial as it becomes the nest where parents nurture their children and let them fulfill their potentials.

Northpoint is a British colonial themed condo community with features and amenities that provide the most suitable home environment for kids, making it the ideal home of choice for families with growing children.

Clean and green. What child does not want to enjoy the outdoors? With a clean and green environment, Northpoint is the best outdoor experience parents can give their children. The

condo grounds are planted with imported Caribbean pine trees that augment the existing lush plant life, giving off a subtle pine scent and providing fresh oxygen at all times.

Such a verdant and healthful environment is good for the little tykes as they play outdoor games, stroll and chat at the pocket gardens, or hang out under the shade of a big tree with their siblings, friends, or neighbors. It’s an ideal setting where childhood memories are created.

Safe and secure environment. When parents leave their kids at home, concern for their safety is always a nagging thought.

Concern can become anxiety when they know the young ones will want to go out of the home to explore and have some

fun. But they don›t have to worry about all these when they live at Northpoint.

Here, parents do not have to fret about their children’s safety with the condo community’s round-theclock security system, bolstered with CCTV, perimeter fence, gadgets, and roving personnel. Knowing their children are within the condo premises gives parents the peace of mind they look for when their little ones are not with them.

It gives parents satisfaction to know their children can frolic in the playground, stroll around the tree-filled grounds, and run with abandon on the green carpet of grass and open spaces. Here they can simply be kids, their imagination and child-like wonder at work as their discover nature within the pocket gardens, walking trails, pine trees, and huge, olden Acacia

trees.

Amenities for fun and leisure. Northpoint has a set of amenities that children will find fun and convenient. The cabanas and grill pits at the pool area and multi-purpose hall at the clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, are perfect for a children’s party. The swimming pool and kiddie pool are favorite spots for an enjoyable swim or simply to splash around, and the playground can be a place to play and make new friends.

Proximity to schools and recreation. Northpoint is located at the junction of Buhangin Road and JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, two of Davao City’s major thoroughfares, giving it a central location where schools are only a short ride or drive away. This makes the children’s travel to school every weekday morning short

and fast.

Northpoint is proximate to the most thriving parts of the city where business, commercial areas, and recreational areas abound. Parents can easily bring the young ones to the movies, restaurant, supermarket, or entertainment center in any of the malls within a few kilometers away.

Exciting community living. Condo living at Northpoint gives families an exciting social environment that comes with being part of a unique close-knit community, allowing them to meet diverse and exciting people and enabling them to enjoy community life. This is important for growing kids as they learn to socialize and understand the sense of community.

More time for bonding. Living at Northpoint is convenient and hassle-free

especially for parents who do not have to contend with maintenance issues, repairs, and security. All these are taken off their hands by the property management team that oversees the condo property’s overall upkeep.

That means more time for the whole family to bond, enabling fathers to takes their sons to that game, or mothers to take their daughters shopping, or simply for the whole family to take that much-deserved outing or vacation.

For children, a condo unit in Northpoint is more than just a home; it is the freedom to live their young life to the fullest. Bring your children home to Northpoint by getting in touch with Camella at Delgar Bldg., JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, telephone 295-3973.