Edge Davao 7 Issue 11

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PROMOTING INTERCONNECTIVITY Study for fiber optic project in Davao City underway

2 ON THE COVER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

PROMOTING INTERCONNECTIVITY Study for fiber optic project in Davao City underway

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HE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is conducting a feasibility study for a fiber optic project in Davao City that will allow interoperability among national government agencies and eventually the local government unit (LGU).

The project is part of the e-Government Master Plan program.

In an interview, Engr.

Ernie Vargas, a member of the DOST- Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO), said the project aims to provide every national government office a bandwidth of one gigabyte by September 2014.

The city government would eventually be part of this network, with field studies already being conducted in the downtown area where the national government line agencies are mostly located.

Engr. Albert Gabriel, also a member of DOST-ICTO team, said the project would allow the city’s existing infrastructure to benefit from a faster and lower-costing internet connection, which would improve government transactions, including existing and future online payment systems.

Gabriel said the project would eventually benefit the city government, including the barangay levels.

According to the DOST website, the project would “connect government agencies to a data center, which acts as the medium of communications, traffic controller, server and applications host, and keeper

and manager of data.”

“The use of fiber optic cable (FOC) will help people in government communicate faster, coordinate activities better, facilitate collaborative work and increase productivity, resulting in speedier and more efficient delivery of goods and services to citizens,” the agency said.

So far, the Integrated Government Philippines Project has already developed fiber optic backbones in Metro Manila and Cebu, with a data center already set up in Manila.

The data center is equipped with necessary network machines, data storage facilities and systems for cooling, security,

power, monitoring and fire protection.

The interconnection of the fiber-to-the-office facility was allotted a P64 million budget in 160 of Manila’s national government agencies, schools, LGUs and hospitals.

Around P5 million has been already allocated for Cebu’s connections.

The DOST said the network “will benefit participating government agencies through lower Internet cost and faster data transfers for government-to-government communications and transactions.”

Expansion plans are also being considered with the help of other govern-

ment agencies like the Philippine National Railways (PNR), the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Department of Public Works and Highways, the DOST said.

In Luzon, around P400 million worth of fiber optic infrastructure will be rolled out in Pampanga, Cagayan, Albay using the PNR’s right of way.

For Mindanao, an FOC backbone will be set up in the cities of Davao, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga using the existing infrastructures used by telecommunications offices of national government agencies, the DOST said.

[MindaNews]

FIBER OPTIC 101

A

N optical fiber (or optical fibre) is a flexible, transparent fiber made of high quality extruded glass (silica) or plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair. It can function as a waveguide, or “light pipe”,[1] to transmit light between the two ends of the fiber.[2] Power over Fiber (PoF) optic cables can also work to deliver an electric current for low power electric devices.[3] The field of applied science and engineering concerned with the design and application of optical fibers is known as fiber optics.

Optical fibers are widely used in fiber-optic communications, where they permit transmission over longer distances and at higher bandwidths (data rates) than wire cables. Fibers are used instead of metal wires because signals travel along them with less loss and are also immune to electromagnetic interference. Fibers are also used for illumination, and are wrapped in bundles so that they may be used to carry images, thus allowing viewing in confined spaces. Specially designed fibers are used for a variety of other applications, including sensors and fiber lasers.

Optical fibers typically include a transpar-

ent core surrounded by a transparent cladding material with a lower index of refraction. Light is kept in the core by total internal reflection.

This causes the fiber to act as a waveguide. Fibers that support many propagation paths or transverse modes are called multi-mode fibers (MMF), while those that only support a single mode are called single-mode fibers (SMF).

Multi-mode fibers generally have a wider core diameter, and are used for short-distance communication links and for applications where high power must be transmitted. Single-mode fibers are used for most communication links longer than 1,000 meters (3,300 ft).

Joining lengths of optical fiber is more complex than joining electrical wire or cable. The ends of the fibers must be carefully cleaved, and then carefully spliced together with the cores perfectly aligned. A mechanical splice holds the ends of the fibers together mechanically, while fusion splicing uses heat to fuse the ends of the fibers together. Special optical fiber connectors for temporary or semi-permanent connections are also available. [Wikipedia]

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

DOST 11 bats for ‘E-Health’ technology in remote areas

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HE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – 11 asked the private sectors to advocate for the use of ‘E-Health’ technologies in providing health care to farflung places where there are limited, if not total absence, access to health services.

DOST Regional director Dr. Anthony Sales told Edge Davao in an interview during the regional ‘E-Health’ forum last Friday at The Marco Polo Davao that they are now identifying areas in the region where access to public health is not available.

“Yung what we called geographically isolated and

depressed areas (GIDAs) kasi ito yung mga nangangailang nang serbisyo ng health services ng gobyerno and sila yung wala masyadong access,” said Sales Sales added that they already had an initial negotiation with the Davao Medical School Foundation for the deployment of RX Box unit in Barangay Marilog which he described as “very far” do not have good access to health services.

“We want to be able to transfer some of these technologies to prospective users. Like for example the RX Box, it allows for the measurement of vital signs

FTER the arrest of a US senator who was charged with arms trafficking who claims he has links to separatist groups in the Philippines, a neophyte solon on Saturday urged his colleagues to support his measure, the ‘Anti-Firearms Smuggling Act of 2013’.

California State Senator Leland Yee was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents for arms smuggling. He is the author of the gun control legislation filed before the US Senate.

Cavite Rep. Roy Loyola said his bill imposes stiffer penalties ranging from twelve (12)years to twenty (20) years, and even up to

life imprisonment, with fines of P1-million to P5-million if found guilty of firearms smuggling.

“Smuggling of firearms is a dangerous but profitable criminal enterprise. It not only threatens public safety and national security but also endangers and oftentimes, results in loss of lives of innocent persons,” said Loyola, author of House Bill 2696.

He said the possession of smuggled firearms, more often than not, emboldens the person in possession of the firearm to commit more serious offenses such as, but not limited to, murder, homi-

FDOST, 10

Stiffer penalties sought for firearms smuggling A

FSTIFFER, 10

ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOOD. A vendor cleans one of the puppies, which he is selling from P1,500 to P3,000 each, he is selling outside a mall in Ilustre, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

3 ‘shabu’ dealers sued

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

L

abf@edgedavao.net

AW enforcers of Davao City sued three suspected drug dealers who were nabbed last Thursday night for allegedly selling a P1.4-million worth of “shabu” to undercover operatives.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) formally filed a case against Aladin M. Guiabel , 38, Bai Rayhannah C. Guiabel, 28 and Monette A. Patadon who are all residents of Cotabato City for violating sections 5 and 11 or selling

and possessing of illegal drugs of Republic Act 9165 (“Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”).

The suspects were submitted for inquest procedure before the City Prosecution Office last Friday.

Under the law, a penalty of life imprisonment to death will be imposed in both sections if found guilty by the court. There is also a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10 million for those who violate section 5 and P400, 000 to

P500, 000 for section 11.

In a report, operatives of Intelligence Branch of DCPO, San Pedro Police Precinct and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) netted the suspects in a buy-bust operation in J.P Laurel Avenue near Landco Building.

Report says that before they were arrested one of the suspects made a transaction to a police agent and they agreed to sell the drugs to the agent in exchange of P1.4 million.

Davao City allocates P35 million for relocation sites of flood-prone areas

A

BIDING TIME. These senior citizens spend their Thursday morning sharing stories under the shade of the trees amid the cool breeze inside Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Operatives immediately prepared the two P500 bills which were used as buy-bust money with bundle of paper moneys.

Operatives seized from their possession the four big sachets of ‘shabu’ with an estimated value of P350, 000 each and the two P500 bills.

The suspects denied the allegations against them but the police said that they were monitoring the suspects for a long time.

ROUND P35 million has been earmarked from the city’s disaster risk reduction fund to identify and acquire relocation sites for residents of flood-prone areas, City Planning and Development Official Mario Luis Jacinto said.

He added that the city is still consolidating several factors in its plan to relocate informal settlers currently living in flood-prone areas.

Speaking at Thursday’s I-Speak forum at the City Hall, Jacinto said that the relocation process includes not only the identification of settlers and available resources but also other factors such as cultural preferences and financial aspects.

“For example, you can’t ask a Badjao family to simply move from the coastal areas to higher ground because their source of livelihood is in the coastal areas,” he said.

During times of rain,

they would simply move away from the sea and come back when the rains are done, he added.

Jacinto said it was also a misconception that relocation is immediate and that all settlers would be qualified to move from a hazard area to a relocation site.

He said that informal settlers living near the Davao River and other coastal areas in the city are the most hard-hit whenever there is heavy rain in the city.

The resettlement program is a “continuing process,” Jacinto said.

“This entails social preparation, a huge investment, and a compatibility with current livelihood and employment situation,” he said.

The city government could not simply ask people to move from one place to another out of fears of displacing the residents from

FDAVAO, 10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

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Pili oil now most sought raw material by top cosmetic firms

By DANNY O. CALLEJA Talk about beauty secrets and Bernadette RomuloPuyat, the gorgeous Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Special Concerns, has one to reveal — pili oil lipstick.

DA Regional Executive Director for Bicol Abelardo Bragas based in Pili, Camarines sid during trade and jobs fair for women entrepreneurs in Naga City which Puyat graced, the

Agriculture undersecretary said that in the past two years, she has been using pili oil- based lipstick that protects her lips from dryness and cracks.

In that affair, Bragas said, Puyat told members of the “Lakas ng Kababihan,” a women empowerment movement in Camarines Sur, of his finding that pili oil is now “a much- sought after raw material by larg-

est cosmetic companies like Channel and Christian Dior because it contains high levels of carotenoids and Vitamin E.” “Topically, pili oil has great effects in promoting younger skin and fighting ageing,” Bragas quoted Puyat as saying, as she then urged Camarines Sur 3rd congressional district Rep. Leni Robredo to shift to pili oil-based lipstick.

Robredo, who joined Puyat in gracing the affair held last week at Jesse M. Robredo Memorial Coliseum in Naga City in time for the celebration of the 2014 International Women’s Month, is the leader of the women’s organization which during the fair showcased various products and crafts of enterprises run by women in the province.

Puyat, who was per-

sonally invited by Robredo, lauded the creativity, resourcefulness and skills of the Bicolano women in developing various products and crafts using locally available resources, Bragas said.

As the chairperson of the DA’s Gender and Development Focal System, Puyat said the national government recognizes the vital role of women in development and change and the Philippines is the only country which mandates all government agencies and institutions to allocate five percent of their annual budget for GAD programs.

Puyat and Robredo are both widows with children, distinguished careers and reputable names and legacy which they are gracefully and honorably nurturing and carrying on.

Bragas said “these two women are true epitomes of strength, resilience and grace as they move on with their life, career and mission despite the personal tragedies (the untimely demise of their husbands) they have been through.”

Both are their own persons who have carved their own niches in their career and in the field of public service and these two Juanas truly inspire and empower other Filipino women, thus, they are worth emulating as “Ang Tatag nyo ay Tatag ng Bayan sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong,” Bragas said.

In the same occasion, Bragas said, the two famous, influential and beautiful women posed gamely for the cameras and made a public endorsement of pili oil–based lipstick, saying: “Bicol-made pili lipstick is organic, aesthetic, and domestically produced.

So kiss your old lipsticks goodbye. Use pili oil-based lipstick.”

Locally made pili pulp oil is now becoming a popular and an inexpensive alternative to olive oil which was first developed after a few years of research

by Bicolana entrepreneur Minda Yee of Sorsogon City who perfected the proper way of extracting pili pulp oil for culinary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses.

With the help of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources (PCARRD), the research and development arm of the Department of Science & Technology (DoST), Yee is now exporting her product for use by foreign cosmetic companies.

To boost Yee’s production capability, the DOST has also initiated the development of the technology as an alternative to the process introduced by the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at University of the Philippines in Los Baños, which uses enzymes in extraction and chemicals in refining pili pulp oil. [PNA]

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EDGEDAVAO

BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014 BOYS IN THE CAMP. Two young boys walk past Moro Islamic Liberation Front mujahideens in formation at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao on 27 March 2014 as the MILF celebrates the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. [MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano]

A MOTHER’S WISH GRANTED:

‘Mujahid will not grow up to be a sniper’ T

HE mood was festive as thousands of Moro men and women gathered at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat to celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Thursday afternoon.

Green pandala (pennants) lined up the road leading to the camp with mujahideens in tiger camouflage uniform directing the flow of vehicles at the checkpoints. At the designated parking area, vehicles – from SUVs, jeeps, to motorized tricycles, scooters and “habal-habals” – were guided to their parking slots. Vehicles of members of the media were given access to the parade grounds so that they could set up their equipment.

Inside the camp, makeshift tents were set up to sell “ukay-ukay” (second hand clothes), portable solar panels, medicines and refreshments. Some shops also sold fast-dry trek pants, tactical uniforms, MILF patches, flags and banners. A shop also accepted T-shirt printing and rented out rifles for the tactical formation.

At three o’clock in the afternoon, mujahideens in tiger print camouflage uniforms lined up at the parade grounds.

Behind the line separated by twine, parabolic tents provided civilians shelter from the scorching heat.

Twenty-seven year old Sarah Ibod, a former overseas worker in the Middle East came to Camp Darapanan with her three-year

old son Mujahid. They traveled for hours from Datu Anggal town, Maguindanao not only to celebrate and be one with the Bangsamoro people but also to witness her husband in tactical formation.

“My husband has been a mujaheedin since he was still single,” says Sarah.

Her son Mujahid, brandished a toy gun trained at the mujahideens in tactical formation, drawing laughter among soldiers who saw it.

“His father wants him to become a sniper for the MILF,” added Sarah while instructing Mujahid not to train his toy gun at people.

Ibod told MindaNews that she almost cried when she learned that the CAB will be signed.

“Sa wakas, inabutan pa namin ang pinakamimithi namin, Inshallah, si Mujahid hindi na magiging sniper” (At last, our greatest wish has come true, that Inshallah, Mujahid will not grow up to be a sniper), she said.

In one of the tents, members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) took their late lunch of “pastil” and rendang.

Naot Mamalangkay, 52, heads the Health and Dental Department of BIWAB told MindaNews that she felt lucky to witness this historic event compared to her siblings who died at the height of the war.

Mamalangkay joined BIWAB at an early age to take care of the sickly women and children.

“Babe at mga bata ang unang apektado pag nagkaka-gyera” (Women and children are the first victims of war), Mamalangkay said.

QUENCHER. A Moro Islamic Liberation Front mujahideen quenches his thirst at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao 27 March 2014 as the MILF celebrates the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. [MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo] Asked what kind of Bangsamoro leader she would like to see, Mamalangkay was quick to reply, “kahit sino, mapa Moro, kristyano o lumad, basta dadalhin ang boses ng kababaihan at kabataan at yung igagalang ang karapatang pantao (Whoever, whether Moro, Christian or Lumads, for as long as they will bring the voices of the youth and respect human rights).

Senior Inspector Esmael Madin, chief of police of Sultan Kudarat town, was among the visitors to the camp.

He told MindaNews that while he is happy to finally see that the government and the MILF sign the peace pact, he also fears that spoilers are out to sab-

otage the situation.

“We will be facing a bigger challenge after the signing (of CAB). Even among our Moro brothers at the PNP (Philippine National Police), some of them do not have the full understanding of the agreements. It is important that there will be a regular information and education campaign for everybody,” he said.

Meanwhile, some of the MILF veterans could not hide their tears and hugged each other as chants of “Allah hu Akbar” filled the air as both parties signed the agreement.

“Almost every Bangsamoro family lost a brother, a sister or a parent. It is time to end this war,” MILF spokesperson Rabby Angkal said.

Angkal said many of the fighters are pinning their hopes for the success of the peace deal on the sincerity of the Aquino administration.

“The MIILF has invested so much in this agreement that we even agreed to the gradual decommissioning of our firearms,” he said.

Some 500 armed fighters gathered in Camp Darapanan early Thursday to eagerly wait for the outcome of the signing.

Journalists who are used to covering MILF gatherings, however, noticed that only a few guerrillas carried firearms.

There were no .50 caliber machineguns, only a handful of the B40 rocket-propelled grenades that

they prominently displayed during public events.

But for 56-year old Samira Sunggod, peace will open a new era for troubled Mindanao.

“The war is a bitter experience for me and my family. Many of my relatives died in the fighting. I cannot count how many times my family had to flee,” she said.

Sunggod said she was not able to get a proper education because she and her family had to flee many times.

“This peace agreement is not only for the Bangsamoro people. It is also for the Christians and Lumads.

We can have finally have peace,” she enthused. [Toto Lozano with a report from Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews]

7 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

Amendment of cabotage law eyed to bring down domestic shipping cost H

IGH local shipping costs may be attributed largely to the absence of competition in the local shipping industry, thus the need for a comprehensive review and amendment of the Philippine cabotage law. This was according to a recent study published by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Authored by Drs. Gilberto Llanto, PIDS president, and Adoracion Navarro, senior research fellow, the study argued for a wellplanned review and lifting of cabotage restrictions to bring down the high cost of domestic shipping rates in the country.

Under the present cabotage law, only domestic shipping lines can serve domestic routes. The absence of competition has resulted in “high cost of transporting raw materials to manufacturing sites, finished products and agricultural goods to various destinations, and imported products to distribution areas, thereby increasing operational costs that are passed on to consumers as high prices,” the study noted.

The study recommended a serious review of lifting cabotage restrictions, especially in the light of the planned Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Single Shipping Market.

It cited a study of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines (JFCCP), which showed the high cost of domestic shipping compared with the cost of shipping via foreign transshipment.

“It is cheaper to send a container from Manila to Cagayan de Oro via Hong Kong or Kaohsiung (in Taiwan) than to simply transport the cargo directly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro.” A 40-footer container domestic shipping, from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, costs USD 1,860, which is a lot expensive than foreign transshipment via Hong Kong (USD 1,144) and via Kaohsiung (USD 1,044).

A local trader could save approximately 43 percent in shipping costs via transshipment to Kaohsiung than by directly availing of domestic shipping services.

The ageing domestic fleet of the maritime transport industry is also

HARVEST TIME. Farmers harvest rice and feed the stalks to the thresher at a paddy in Kabacan, North Cotabato. [MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano] a cause for concern. “Domestic vessels for cargo in 2007 were generally 20 years old. Moreover, average age of passenger vessels in 2012 is higher com-

pared to the average age of 5 to 10 years old in the late 1990s.”

“Even though the Philippines is the world’s fifth largest ship building coun-

try, domestic shipping lines continue to use smaller and even older vessels in transporting cargo, which are uncompetitive compared to those used by their for-

eign counterparts…the small capacity of cargo vessels implies longer transit and more turnaround times in ports, resulting in higher shipping costs.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

Dividends of peace

ONCERNED Filipinos, mostly especially long-suffering Mindanaoans, ooze with optimism and hope over the signing last Thursday, March 27, of the long-awaited Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

This optimism, though at some instances guarded, is mirrored in the statements of those who believe in the plausibility of the peace pact, reached after years of war that killed 150,000 Filipinos. This body count of fatalities include Christians, Muslims, Lumads and some foreigners caught in the crossfire.

“A new dawn has come, the dawn for books, not bullets; for paintbrushes, not knives; for whole communities, not evacuation centers; and for rewarding toils, not endless strifes,” said Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles.

MILF chair Murad Ebrahim described the peace pact as “the crowning glory of our struggle,” adding that it was “for all the Muslims, all ethnic tribes, the Christian settlers and the indigenous peoples in the prospective Bangsamoro government.”

Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia, facilitator of the peace negotiation, has this to say: “After so many years of conflict and so many lives lost, it is a momentous act of courage,” adding the accord “will change the nation’s history forever.”

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NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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President Aquino proudly declared that the agreement “stands as a testament to how far trust and earnestness can move humanity forward,” showing “how righteousness, reason and goodwill are the mightiest of instruments in ending conflicts.”

Across the nation, there’s so much celebration and hope that all Mindanaoans can now go back to their normal lives. The investors are bullish about the bright prospects of business in the land.

It would be refreshing to count the other advantages of the unfolding peace. The multi-billion peso agricultural companies already in place and the foreign investors have already revealed their plans to locate in the fertile lands of the Bangsamoro areas.

One of the sure-fire dividends of peace is a boom in tourism, according to Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. The much reduced hostilities last year already brought 5 million visitors to Mindanao, registering a 5-percent increase from 2012. Jimenez reported that the largest chunk of visitors “goes to Davao City, where Christians and Muslims have long been living side by side in peace.”

For this and many other compelling reasons, we must give peace a chance.

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

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

Strikingly different views

NLF’S POIGNANT MOOD IS SOMETHING TO WATCH – Constitutional experts, legislators, statesmen, scholars and other thoughtful observers have pondered about the earlier formulation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and lately the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels.

They are now cautiously assessing what it means and soothsaying what lies ahead.

There are actually two strikingly different views of the signing of the peace pact that took place on March 27, 2014.

The view of the MILF hierarchy and the legion of supporters throughout the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is that a bright and peaceful era is beginning for the Bangsamoro people.

But the conventional view of the other rebel factions notably the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) - Misuari bloc and its allied stakeholders of the peace process, is that the latest peace agreement has no bearing, not well-represented because the government only deals with one group which is the MILF. At the onset, to ensure that all manners of exchanges between the GRP and the MILF will continue, both parties assure a high degree of autonomy for the proposed Bangsamoro homeland. Members of the two panels confidently say that the CAB is much better and wide-ranging than the past agreements between the government and the MNLF. However, some leaders of various MNLF groups consistently argue that there is no use talking about lasting peace while other concerned parties were left behind during the series of peace talks and for-

W

mulation of the much-vaunted FAB. They unequivocally say that the new comprehensive peace agreement has no merit and substance because it does not comply with the 1996 Tripoli Agreement.

This is possibly a signal that there is still a problem confronting the new peace accord entered into by the government and the MILF. This dejected mood is something to watch. For the time being, the MILF leadership and multitude of its loyal followers and supporters expressed confidence and enthusiasm that the CAB will be seen as a fitting capstone to their decade-long struggle to achieve well-meaning and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland.

Meanwhile, there are reasons to believe that the different MNLF rebel factions most likely will not honor the new peace deal and will give the Moro people a low degree of autonomy. These groups firmly believe that the government and the MILF cannot just talk about peace, progress and development in the Muslim-dominated areas without thinking of the other stakeholders. Their non-inclusion in the peace process will not increase the significance of the accord socially, economically and politically.

The acerbic relationship between the MILF and other rebel factions will greatly affect the peace accord – going through enormous changes and many difficulties

lie ahead. At this stage, the MNLF-Misuari faction has already showed signs that it will not swallow hook, line and sinker the assurance of the MILF that all stakeholders notably the MNLF are part of the peace agreement.

Political analysts and legal experts who know exactly such a crucial situation say that even with the signing of the CAB, it is not safe to assume anything yet. Nothing is definite; everything is open to interpretation. Confusion and contradiction can still be heard while the final phase of the peace deal will be submitted to Congress for thorough deliberation before finally presenting to the people for ratification.

“Nothing is sure what it seems,” say some experts and statisticians. There are still several steps along the road toward the sort of achieving full autonomy in Muslim Mindanao. Nonetheless, there is great excitement on the part of the MILF leadership and its followers. As part of the peace accord diaspora they feel a gut of jubilation over the signing of the CAB. In their view it is a momentum event marking the respect for full autonomy and ethnic pride. It is their common belief that that the autonomous region may never be the same again, but it will define its destiny on its terms for its own people. It is a promise like no other before: an autonomous, self-governing enclave within a democratic administration.

But persistent political critics aren’t as kind. They say the Aquino administration’s dealing with the MILF is all for show considering that a crucial presidential elections is fast approaching and it couldn’t afford his administration to loss the support of the Bangsamoro people – a substantial vote capable enough to catapult its candidates to victory.

Romeo R. Capalla, A Living Water for the Poor: A Reflection on the Liturgy of the Third Sunday of Lent

ATER is a basic, daily human need.

Without water we thirst. When we are thirsty for too long, our body gets dehydrated, and the moment extreme dehydration sets in we die.

The First Reading from the book of Genesis pictures the Jews complaining against God through Moses for they were dying of thirst in the desert with aridity aggravating dehydration. Through God’s power Moses struck a rock with his rod, and water flowed in abundance.

Centuries later even in the Promised Land water was still scarce. Water wells were the common sources of water. Today’s Gospel of John pictures a Samaritan woman fetching water from a well to quench her own thirst and Jesus offering her living water.

Here God in human form, Jesus Christ, the new Moses, offers Himself as the Living Water that could quench all kinds of human thirst. And as the four gospels tell us His Living Waters were His words of wisdom, His healings of the sick in mind, body and spirit, His raising of the dead to life, and, most precious of all, His gracious love hidden in suffering and bloody death on the cross.

Because we are followers of Christ and must be Christ-like, we can and we have to be living waters for the poorest of the poor who thirst for justice, that is, social, economic, political and cultural justice which are different forms of loving our materially and morally poor neighbor.

Otherwise, injustice will continue to keep them dehydrated in social relations, economics, politics and culture in the arid desert of modern day Philippines. In other words, food, money, gover-

HOMILY

BY DAVAO ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS FERNANDO R. CAPALLA

[Editor’s Note: This homily was delivered by the author in Leon, Iloilo during the funeral service for his younger brother Romeo R. Capalla who was slain last March 15.]

Part 1 of 2

nance and education, which can be compared to the seventy percent water in a healthy human body, would remain miserably lacking and disastrously fatal to life.

My brother Romy and I, way back in the early days of the Martial Law government, would often talk about the three most important questions then and today: Who are the poor? Where are the poor? Why are they poor? Smart guy that he was, Romy was able to find his own answers to these questions and their possible solutions.

When he retired from political activism and became a successful business entrepreneur and head of a trade coop, the Panay Fair Trade Center, which exports banana chips to Germany and muscovado sugar to Balzano, Ital,y and other parts of Asia and Europe, he has found Where and How to help the materially poor and touch the conscience of the rich and the powerful who are morally poor. And he did all these in a quiet, simple, humble, unpretentious, and unobtrusive ways which has deeply created a big impact on people. Hence, the expression, “silent waters run deep”. On this point, I would like to ask the friends and admirers of Romy and all the Capallas as well, here and abroad, to continue his humble approach without public

fanfare and showy demonstration. Let this be his most important and enduring legacy to us all.

As to why the people are poor, Romy believed, as many of us already do, that injustice in all its forms is basically caused by the interlocking of social-economic-political-cultural systems which must be changed, not just the leaders in them. This systemic situation is reportedly influenced by foreigners. And here Romy encountered disagreements and oppositions, as many of us also do. These have developed into rivalries and enmities and created mutual and mortal enemies. It is ironic that we who are laudably united in loving the poor are extremely divided and disunited in helping them.

In the present wide spectrum of political organizations open and subtle violence has been, and still is, employed by groups to achieve goals and objectives, and even to eliminate each other. On this point I beg to disagree with those who use violence but I respect ideological or religious reason for it. On the part of Romy, while seemingly aware that malicious suspicions and fabricated rumors made his life unsafe, he never had a security guard as he moved around easily and peacefully, often alone, for his business concerns. This was something strange to me. Did he already give up any means to protect himself? What, and Who was his security, his source of confidence?

Was he an enigma? A Paradox? A mystery? I am not sure and I don’t know. I use all these words in a positive sense. We will know the truth in the next life, I am sure. As of now we can only guess. And I have a guess.

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Finally, a Bangsa Moro homeland

E

VEN BEF O R E the final peace agreement for the new Bangsa Moro homeland in Mindanao was signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government, I was already told by Japanese industrial consultants of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to prepare for a series of seminars and workshops I would be covering for our JICA-funded publication National Cluster Bulletin which covers the various activities, events and projects of 24 industry clusters all over the country.

Several months ago, I attended a number of seminars and meetings of industry groups based in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao or ARMM here in Davao, composed of the rubber industry, livestock industry, seaweed industry, coconut industry, corn industry, etc.

It was an introduction to the “industry cluster concept” pushed by both JICA and the Department of Trade and Industry to promote the growth of these industries in every region of the country.

Since I was seated together with ARMM officials and industry stakeholders on one table, I could sensed the enthusiasm and excitement of the whole group to implement the same concept in the region--- which by next year, will be known as the “Bangsa Moro” region that will cover a much bigger area after both Congress and a plebescite will turn this into a reality.

Foreign countries waiting in the wings and most eager for this final peace agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government and the setting up of a Bangsa Moro homeland, include the Japan, European Union, Germany, United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Australia and Canada.

One country whose assistance and funding have a large impact on the development of Bangsa Moro areas is Japan, whose project called Japan Bangsa Moro Initiatives for Rural Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD had been quietly helping thousands of poor Muslims in many villages all over Mindanao for almost two decades now.

The final signing of the peace agreement is as meaningful to the Japanese government thru JICA, as it is to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front both of which had been working together to improve the lives of poor Muslims in Mindanao. In fact, it was the Japanese government which arranged a personal meeting early last year with the Philippine President Noynoy Aquino in Tokyo with the top leaders of the MILF to hammer out some of the final details of the peace agreement.

Of course, in every peace agreement, there will always be “spoilers” who are cynic and skeptical of what lies ahead for MILF and its hard-fought Bangsa Moro homeland--- and they’ll make trouble, for sure. But the leaders are all aware of this and won’t stop the train from moving forward simply because some guys don’t like the people on the driver’s seat.

One Filipino trait we haven’t gotten over with, is the “crab mentality” where you imagine a group of crabs climbing over the basin, with some crabs pulling the legs of other crabs who succeeded in reaching the top….

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

10 NEWS

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DOST... FFROM 4 of patients and transmit it to a doctor outside a geographically isolated and depressed area which has no doctors,” said Sales.

Sales said that the result of RX Box will just be sent electronically to a doctor who can make diagnosis and recommend treatment to patients.

“It’s good to have a unit of RX Box in the area,” said Sales.

He said that ideally every far-flung area which has no access to health services should be provided with a unit of RX Box so that every people must be given medical attention.

[ABF]

cide, rebellion, piracy, kidnapping and armed robbery.

Initial investigation shows that Senator Yee claims helping the agent get weapons worth 0,000 to .5 million, including shoulder-fired missiles, and explained the entire process of acquiring them from a Philippine military captain and separatist groups to bringing them to the US, according to an affidavit by FBI agent Emmanuel Pascua.

The admission can be found in the FBI criminal complaint that names 25 other defendants, including Raymond Chow, a one-time gang leader with ties to San Francisco’s Chinatown known as “Shrimp Boy,” and Keith Jackson, Yee’s campaign aide. The affidavit accuses Yee of conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and to illegally import firearms.

The Philippines, Loyola lamented, is rated second in terms of the number of firearms that are smuggled into Japan. The country, he added, is a producer and trans-shipper of smuggled firearms and is also a final destination of smuggled firearms.

“The growing illicit trade can be attributed to the lack of anti-firearms laws in the country, our long coastline and the great demand for them by criminal syndicates, Muslim secessionists and other militant groups. The firearms and ammunitions used by the Abu Sayaff are believed to have been smuggled into the Philippines via the southern backdoor,” he pointed out.

HB 2696 defines firearms smuggling as the act of any person who, through the use of fraudulent machinations, shall import or bring into, or export from the Philippines, or assist in so doing, any firearm or parts thereof, explosive or ammunition or machine, implements, equipment or tools for the manufacture of firearms.

“It shall also likewise refer to the act of any person who, contrary to law, shall receive, conceal, buy, sell or in any manner facilitate the transportation, concealment or sale of said firearms or parts thereof, explosive or ammunition or machine, implements or explosives after importation, knowing the same to have been imported contrary to law,” Loyola said in his explanatory notes.

The measure clearly provides for the definition of acts constituting the crime of firearms smuggling and the corresponding penalties.

The measure, likewise

clearly provides for the grounds wherein the penalty of reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment) when, among other circumstances, the offender is a government official or employee, a pilot, master, agent, owner, consignee, or any person in charge of a vessel or aircraft who knowingly and intentionally carries smuggled firearms, ammunitions or explosives, and any person who belongs to a syndicate, or to the illegal dealers or manufacturers, among other provisions.

In addition to the penalties provided, any government official or employee shall, upon conviction, be dismissed from office and perpetually disqualified to hold public office.

Any criminal action arising from any violation of the proposed statute shall be filed with the Regional Trial Court of the place where the offense was committed and the court first taking cognizance of the case shall exercise jurisdiction to the exclusion of other courts.

“Possession, importation or exportation of any firearm or parts thereof, explosive, ammunition or machines, implements, equipment or tools for the manufacture of firearms, ammunition or explosive without the necessary license to possess, manufacture or to import or export them shall be prima facie evidence of firearms smuggling.

Furthermore, the measure promptly provides that government establish and implement measures for the prevention of firearms smuggling.

The agencies mandated to implement programs are the Department of Foreign Affairs for the proper monitoring of manufactured firearms in their respective foreign posts and explore means to further enhance its assistance in eliminating smuggled firearms through closer networking with government agencies, among others.

Also primarily involved are the Philippine National Police which shall adopt a system of monitoring the approximate number of firearms circulating in the country and adopt, among other responsibilities under the Act in the investigation and information gathering and evaluation of smuggling incidence.

And last, but not least, the Department of Justice which shall initiate the filing of complaints involving smuggled firearms and ensure the effective prosecution of guilty parties. [PNA]

Stiffer...FFROM 4

INSPIRING. Senator Cynthia Villar delivers inspiring message to members of the Mindanao Microfinance Council during the Mindanao Microfinance Management Conference 2014 at Grand Men Seng Hotel Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

TESDA now offers language courses I

N line with the Aquino administration’s thrust to create more jobs and widen the opportunities for the Filipino work force, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has opened foreign language courses in its regional centers especially for overseas Filipino workers leaving for abroad for high-paying jobs, the Palace said on Saturday.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview that TESDA is now offering language courses such as Mandarin, Spanish, Korean,

Nihongo and Arabic.

TESDA is also encouraging new graduates to study foreign language to enhance their chance of landing a job abroad, Valte told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Sa mga bagong graduates natin, kung nag-iisip pa kayo kung kaya ba ng ating mga magulang na makapagtuloy tayo ng kolehiyo, puwedeng tingnan ang mga vocational courses sa TESDA dahil maraming mga bagong offerings katulad ng mga foreign language courses,” she said.

According to Valte there is an increasing demand

for Filipinos who can speak different languages because they could also be employed as tour guides in the country as more tourists arrive in the Philippines.

There is a high demand for tour guides who can speak Korean and Mandarin, according to Valte. Tour guides can also work as tutors and translators, she added.

Multinational companies are also hiring translators who can speak different languages, she said.

Valte encouraged OFWs to visit TESDA’s website if they are interested in the

new offerings.

“Para din ito sa mga OFW natin na mangingibang-bansa na gustong matuto nung language sa lugar na pupuntahan nila to find jobs much easier, check natin ang mga bagong courses na ino-offer sa TESDA,” she said.

Aside from TESDA’s new offerings, the vocational learning institution maintains its usual mechanical and technical courses such as hotel housekeeping courses, barista, hairdressing, salon professionals and other courses, Valte said.

[PNA]

their sources of livelihood.

The city has at least 540,000 informal settlers, according to Jacinto.

Those living in the low-lying areas such as the Davao River, Bunawan River, Talomo River, and Matina River systems are the most prone to floods.

Only those who are qualified for relocation are the priority, Jacinto said.

According to the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Davao has a total of 11 resettlement sites, with 9 of these acquired through purchases and donations received from 1997 to 2009.

The city also encourag-

es private developers to distribute social housing units in their properties.

The relocation site in Los Amigos in Tugbok comprises 22 hectares of land.

Through the National Housing Authority, 16 houses have been turned over to qualified residents from among 50 houses that have been built.

Tibungko and Los Amigos have been identified as relocation areas in the issue of moving residents living under the Gov. Generoso Bridge recently.

The residents have been asked to vacate the area so that the Davao City Water District could begin con-

struction of a replacement pipeline to supply water to the city’s second district.

However, only one from at least 21 families was qualified for relocation at either relocations sites, according to City Demolition Chief Yusof Jimlani.

Davao also relies on partnerships with non-profit organizations such as Gawad Kalinga.

Jacinto said GK has already assisted at least 1,000 families in a 4-hectare site in Tibungco.

He said that the GK Riverdrive property in the boundary of Matina Pangi and Catalunan Grande had accommodated 230 fami-

lies.

The city has helped at least 12,000 families relocate under the programs on relocation and urban land reform.

Meanwhile, the city is also strengthening its drainage networks, with Jacinto reporting that the Department of Public Works and Highways was able to receive P30 million for the rehabilitation of the Quimpo Boulevard area’s drainage system, among others.

More canals will be built near the area, he said.

Jacinto added that the city’s drainage plan is constantly being monitored. [MindaNews]

Davao...FFROM 4

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BIGGER PICTURE

11

A rosy picture in Davao del Norte’s tourism front

By NOEL BAGUIO

T

HE number of tourism arrivals in Davao del Norte province rose to 11.7 percent in 2013, according to the latest data released by the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO).

The province registered 604,644 foreign and domestic visitors last year, compared to 541,086 influx of tourists in 2012.

The PTO also bared the visitors contributed over P5 billion to the local economy.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario attributed the significant increase to the flourishing festivals and budding sports tourism activities in the province.

The banner festivals in the province include the weeklong Kadagayaan Festival held in celebration of the founding anniversary of the province; the Musikahan Festival of Tagum City; the Visit Samal Island Festi-

The famous Musikahan Festival of Tagum City. val of the Island Garden City of Samal; and, the monthlong Kahayag Festival of the Municipality of Carmen, among others.

The province was long known as the Agriculture, Culture and Ecology (ACE) tourism destination in the Davao region.

However, it latterly gained prominence as the sports tourism capital of the region with the completion of its world-class Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in 2012.

The spanking facility has become an icon in sports in Region XI, making Davao del Norte the favorite sports tourism destination.

The province hosted last year the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet, Batang Pinoy Mindanao-leg and the Philippine Football Federation-SMART Re-

gional Qualifiers, which gathered over 10,000 athletes, coaches, parents, and other sports enthusiasts at the sports complex.

Del Rosario sees unprecedented growth for the tourism industry in the province now that Capitol has passed the Provincial Tourism Code.

Provincial Tourism Officer Noel Daquioag is confident the tourism sector in the province will sustain its growth this year, courtesy of the exciting festivals, as well as, the hosting of the DAVRAA meet last February, the regional Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Meet earlier this month, including the hosting of the National PRISAA Games next month.

“We are also expecting the growth of repeat visits from our satisfied patrons,” he said.

The cascading Panas Waterfalls in New Corella, Davao del Norte.

The imposing grandstand of the modern Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

The Island Garden City of Samal remains the top tourist drawer of Davao del Norte with its world-class beaches.

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EDGEDAVAO

Simple but meaningful

GH Office Depot marked its 50th year anniversary last March 15 with a simple Christian fellowship attended by its officials and employees.

GH Office Depot president Paul C. Go said that they opted to have a simple yet meaningful celebration, giving thanks to God for the blessings bestowed to the company.

Paul thanked his loyal customers and employees who worked with the company for the past 50 years and expressed hope they fulfill their dream to build their home depot.

GH OFFICE DEPOT EMPLOYEES

GO FAMILY

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Ciudades exhibits Life Through Lenses at the Abreeza Mall

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

AS the sun roared its mighty radiance, the place illuminated with serenity and all of Mother Nature’s vast wonder came to life.

Yes, it was a hot morning -- the perfection of capturing the greatness of life has to offer.

It was in January when Ciudades held its Outdoor Photography Contest with the best of Davao photographers – amateurs and professionals alike. As seconds turned into minutes, and eventually into hours, the mighty clicks of contestants echoed all throughout the field. Everyone aimed for that single best shot that somehow sums up life in general.

In time for the 77th Araw ng Dabaw and the Great Fun Sale activity at Abreeza, winning images

were on display and showcased for everyone to see.

The 3-day photo exhibit, March 14, 15 and 16, at the Abreeza Mall in Bajada is part of the trial and awareness campaign of Ciudades. More so, Ciudades wants all to experience life in a different angle. More than just bragging rights, the exhibit sought to persuade us to embrace the great outdoors.

On display were the winning images of the Top 15 who went beyond the

FCIUDADES, A4

First placer.

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Ride for the Eagle attracts 456 bikers

IN an effort to raise funds and provide further awareness for the cause, the Philippine Eagle Foundation, in partnership with Marco Polo Davao, held a Fun Ride last March 23, 2014.

This attracted an impressive crowd of 456 participants composed of families, friends and ride clubs.

The 23-kilometer bike trail started and ended at Marco Polo Davao. The Philippine Eagle mascot which was part of the convoy was a scene-stealer amongst bystanders.

Among the bike clubs who participated were DORBA Digos, SCUBA, ABAR Group, Kutas Bikers, BRODIA Bikers, Knights Rider, DAPBA, Matina Mountain Biker, Tagum Buddies, Cycle for Life, Ajinomoto Bikers, Cyclesport of Bansalan, Davao Extreme, JPH Global Trading, Guru Bikers, Sto. Tomas Bikers Club, NFA, South Davao Mountain Riders, SFX Big Daddy’s Fun Bikers, COMFOODs and Eco Ateneo Knight Riders.

Davao Companies such as DCWD, ALSONS, PLDT, EASTMINCOM, Team SPARS, DPWH Bikers and the Philippine Navy were also wellrepresented.

All participants got a tasty and

filling breakfast and a chance to win in the lucky draw. Minor prizes such as Bicycle parts – helmet, water bottles, water cage, handlebar, gloves, chain protector, cable lock and more, were given away. Major prizes included Gift Certificates of Lunch and Dinner buffet for Two at Café Marco, Overnight Stay with Breakfast for two in a Superior room, and the much-coveted Standard Mountain Bike.

The event would not have been a success without the support of Marco Polo Davao, Abreeza Ayala Malls, Dole Stanfilco, Jigstar Bicycle and Lantaw Bukid.

ABOVE: A sea of bikers filled Davao City’s streets in support of Marco Polo Davao’s Ride for the Eagle.

LEFT: Marco Polo Davao’s General Manager Anthony Tan hands over the Mountain bike raffle prize to the lucky winner

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Kapuso Network brings the big screen to Filipino homes via GMA Sinebabad

STARTING Monday (March 31), the Filipinos’ weekday afternoon viewing habits will never be the same as GMA Network airs the best local movies that marked in the history of Philippine Cinema via GMA Sinebabad on the Afternoon Prime block.

In its continuous effort to bring happier weekdays to every Filipino home, GMA Network constantly provides superior entertainment through its various programs – one of which is GMA Sinebabad that features local movies that truly touched the lives and hearts of the Filipinos. GMA Sinebabad serves as the gateway for avid moviegoers to once again witness their favorite films on the small screen.

This Monday, get ready for an intense afternoon with the comedy/action/horror film Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles that stars Kapuso Primetime King

Dingdong Dantes and Kapuso Premier Drama Actress Lovi Poe. Watch as Makoy (Dingdong) travels to the remote hometown of his girlfriend Sonia (Lovi Poe) where he gets into

trouble with a group of townsfolk who eventually transform into tiktik.

These are horrific, maneating creatures with a taste for fetuses that are still in the womb.

Will Makoy be able to

protect Sonia and their baby from the scary monsters?

On Tuesday (April 1), start the month with fun and laughter as TV host/comedian Vic Sotto gives life to the Filipino comics superhero Lastikman created by Mars Ravelo. Witness how Lastikman uses his superpowers of stretching and reshaping his body in any way he desires to protect the people around him from evil creatures.

On Wednesday (April 2), the romantic/drama film Seduction starring Richard Gutierrez, Solenn Heussaff, and Sarah Lahbati will turn the viewers’ hot Summer afternoon even hotter with its passionate scenes and engaging story.

Comical afternoons await the Kapuso viewers on Thursday (April 3) and Friday (April 4) as GMA Network airs the 1980s hit comedy movie Barbi: Maid in

the Philippines of Joey de Leon and the 1990s film D’ Sisters: Nuns of the Above of Vic Sotto and Michael V., respectively.

In the film Barbi: Maid in the Philippines, Joey de Leon will surely draw laughter from the viewers as he plays

Barbi who wears heavy make-up and a dress.

Meanwhile, D’ Sisters: Nuns of the Above is a humorous story of ordinary brothers who find themselves in trouble with the authorities and goons. So they will seek shelter by disguising as nuns.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

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Ciudades...FFROM A1

Second Placer. usual point and shoot concept of photography. Many were mesmerized and moved; it is not every day that one sees the outdoors in all of its glory. More so, it is not every day that one

sees nature while inside a mall.

Indeed, the excitement of capturing an image goes beyond a single click – it is a journey into the many facet of life.

Surely, this is not the only outdoor photography contest you will witness from Ciudades. Watch out for their other sweaty and fun filled outdoor activities and happening in the

metro. Partake and do not let your excuses hinder you to embrace and experience the great outdoors.

For other exciting details, visit their website at www.ciudades.com.ph.

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What’s in the new San Miguel Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder Pale Pilsen beer can?

(Emerging Asia) is back!

S A

BLANK space that can make anyone receiving it smile, with pride.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen celebrates everyday successes, admiration, recognition and everything that would uplift one’s sense of pride via its BilibCan campaign.

From passing a mind-boggling exam, getting a sweet “yes” from someone so elusive, to surviving nature’s wrath, San Miguel Pale Pilsen’s Bilib campaign is an effective tool to show someone that somebody out there is with him in all of his nakakabilib moments. It also hopes to get the consumers involved in identifying the people around

them that they can look up to.

“It is a celebration of excellence and nakakabilib in each one of us— just like San Miguel Pale Pilsen, a product that is well-loved and looked up to not only here but also abroad,” says Elaine Minoza, San Miguel Brewery Inc.’s Group Product Manager. “This will likewise help them feel more engaged with the brand and feel stronger affinity towards the campaign. It aims to make San Miguel Pale Pilsen the brand that marks the relationship between the consumer and the person he looks up to,” she added.

The San Miguel Pale Pilsen Bilib cans are lim-

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1002816 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 30745-5 issued to ALBITE, DANILO T. was lost.

Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

3/24/31/4/07

ited and exclusively-packaged with a dedicated space for writing nakakabilib messages for anyone.

In a recent courtesy call of the returning San Miguel Beeermen to SMB Inc. President Roberto N. Huang, each of the players and coaching staff were given bilib cans with customized messages of commendation and acknowledgment in their efforts to bring PBA’s oldest franchise back into the track.

The Beermen recently had a back to back win at the start of the Commissioner’s Cup. SMB Inc.’s chief lauded the Beermen’s top center June Mar Fajardo who will soon be training along with the other Gilas members in the country’s comeback bid to the world basketball map via the FIBA World Cup in Barcelona, Spain later this year.

The San Miguel Pale Pilsen Bilib cans are available nationwide.

For interactive promos and inquiries, you may visit www.sanmiguelpalepilsen.com.ph.

UN Life Grepa is once again giving clients and potential investors the opportunity to enjoy potential dollar earnings via a mix of high-growth funds from the bright spots of Asian economies.

Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder (Emerging Asia) is a limited-offer life insurance product with an investment component. The product is designed to provide capital protection and give clients the opportunity to enjoy high potential earnings by participating in equities of eight (8) high-growth Emerging Asian economies which, according to Bloomberg, is the world’s largest and fastest growing sector. Emerging Asia is comprised of China, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

“The forecasted growth of Emerging Asian economies is higher than that of the United States, Europe, and the World,” explains Naresh Krishnan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Grepa Financial. “This is the best opportunity for our clients to enjoy high-

er earnings for their US Dollars without the fear of losing their capital, as Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder is designed to protect 100% of the principal, subject to certain conditions.”

Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder (Emerging Asia) is a single-pay, US Dollar-denominated investment-linked life insurance product that matures in seven years. Its underlying Index is composed of a dynamically managed portfolio of cash and eight (8) equally-weighted Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) which track equity indices from each of the eight countries in Emerging Asia.

“Our first offering of Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder (Emerging Asia) sold more than USD 20 million worth of premiums,” shares Krishnan.

“This figure attests that our clients truly see the value of this product, as it allows them to diversify their US Dollars, and gives them great potential to earn from various assets that they normally may not be able to access, for a minimum capital of only USD 8,000.”

Sun Grepa Global As-

set Builder (Emerging Asia) utilizes a “Best Performance, Look-Back” investment strategy that allows the policy owners to participate in the highest annual cumulative performance at the end of the seven-year period. It also has a Volatility Control Mechanism that cushions the downside effects of market fluctuations.

“With the product’s ‘Best Performance, LookBack’ feature, clients basically need just one good year out of the seven years, in order to maximize their returns. More importantly, Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder (Emerging Asia) provides life insurance protection, thus serving our clients in both their protection and wealth management needs,” added Krishnan.

“We encourage them to seize the opportunity now as Sun Grepa Global Asset Builder (Emerging Asia) is available for a limited period only. Sun Life Grepa also offers hassle-free application for this product without the need to undergo medical examinations, through the Guaranteed Issue Offer, subject to certain conditions.”

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EDGEDavao Davao Partners

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EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014

Bradley won’t KO Pacquiao - Roach

B

oxing coach Freddie Roach believes that that there’s no way in the world for Timothy Bradley to score a knockout victory against Manny Pacquiao.

Roach said in an interview with “On The Ropes Boxing Radio” that Bradley doesn’t have a one-punch knockout power to topple Pacquiao.

“Well you know, I’m not even thinking about that. Manny’s doing really well but this guy’s not a big puncher. I don’t see a knockout by him coming at all,” he said.

Although the Palm Springs native remains unbeaten in 31 fights, Bradley only has 12 career stoppages.

Even making it nearly impossible for Bradley to stop Pacquiao is the latter’s conditioning going to the April 12 bout.

“Manny’s in great shape.

I’m being very positive, he’s not gonna lose to Tim Bradley for sure,” said Roach.

Pacquiao, on the other

hand, has a higher knockout percentage compared to the American boxer.

The pride of General Santos has 38-of-55 wins coming by way of knockout for a KO percentage of 61.29. He, however, suffered 5 defeats, with 3 of them knockout losses.

Pacquiao’s most recent stoppage loss came from Juan Manuel Marquez.

If the Filipino successfully reclaims the WBO welterweight belt from Bradley, he might get the chance to avenge his defeat by facing Marquez for the fifth time.

But Roach said they aren’t thinking of Marquez at this stage of their preparations against Bradley.

“Well to be honest with you I’m not even thinking about that [Marquez] fight, I’m thinking about Bradley at this point. There is no future fight right now, we don’t have a two fight contract, we have one fight and that’s what’s in front of us and that’s what we have to take care of,” said Roach.

Manny Pacquiao throws a jab at the double-end bag. (Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem/Getty Images)

Raptors clinch first playoff berth since ‘08 Heat pound Pistons T

ORONTO (AP) -- Amir Johnson was finishing up a phone call as a crowd of reporters gathered around his locker. ‘’My grandmother called and she said she’s proud,’’ a

smiling Johnson said as he put the phone down.

She should be. Thanks to a timely bucket by her grandson, the Toronto Raptors are headed back to the NBA playoffs.

Johnson scored the win-

ning basket with seven seconds left, and the Raptors clinched their first playoff berth in six seasons by beating the Boston Celtics 105103 on Friday night. ‘’It’s a satisfying, kind of overwhelming feeling,’’

Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross is fouled by Boston Celtics guard Chris Johnson on his way to the hoop. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Frank Gunn)

Johnson said. ‘’But at the same time, you know you’ve still got a lot more to accomplish.’’

DeMar DeRozan scored 30 points as the Raptors won for the 18th time in 24 home games. Terrence Ross had 17 points, Greivis Vasquez scored 15 and Jonas Valanciunas finished with 13.

It’s the first trip to the playoffs for DeRozan after four seasons of frustration. ‘’It makes it feel all worth it, honestly,’’ he said. ‘’The hard work, the struggles, the nights going home where you’re just frustrated and don’t want to turn on sports.

It really shows you that if you stick at it and don’t give up, not to sound cliched, but it definitely pays off.’’

The Atlantic Division-leading Raptors last reached the playoffs in 2007-08, losing to Orlando in five games in the first round. This is their sixth playoff berth in 19 seasons. ‘’This team has worked so hard,’’ Johnson said. ‘’It was a good game tonight and we deserved it.’’

Jerryd Bayless scored 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough for Boston, which has dropped three straight and eight of nine. Jeff Green scored 16 points, while Jared Sullinger, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley each had 11.

The Celtics dropped to 8-27 on the road. ‘’The difference in the game was (DeRozan) making the tough shots,’’ Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.

Toronto led 95-86 on back-to-back jump shots

by DeRozan with 8:04 remaining, but Chris Johnson

A

UBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- LeBron James took a look at the stat sheet after three quarters and liked what he saw.

There was a lot to like.

James had 17 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Miami Heat build a big lead, and then rested in the fourth quarter of a 110-78 victory against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

It was James’ first triple-double of the season and No. 37 for his career. ‘’That thing has been pretty elusive, hasn’t it?’’

James asked. ‘’I’m just glad it came in a win. That is the important thing about getting those. It is only special if you win the game.’’

James had a triple-double without needing a point, assist or rebound in the final quarter for the fourth time in his career. His last triple-double through three quarters was Jan. 27, 2009, for Cleveland against Sacramento, according to STATS. ‘’Nothing LeBron

James does should surprise us,’’ Pistons coach John Loyer said. ‘’He’s the best player in the game, or pretty close to it. He orchestrates for everybody.’’

The banged-up Heat had little trouble with the Pistons even though they were without Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen and Greg Oden. ‘’At this point, there’s somebody out every night,’’ James lamented.

The Heat had plenty of players make up for the losses.

Udonis Haslem scored 12 of his 17 points in the first quarter, when James already had seven assists.

Chris Bosh scored 15, Chris Andersen had 13 points, Norris Cole scored 12 and James Jones added 10 for Miami. ‘’This was one of those games where we had to have different guys step up,’’ Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘’You can’t make excuses about lineups and injuries in this league. We’ve got to win games with the guys you can put on the floor every night.’’

LeBron James notched his first triple-double of the season to lead the short-handed Miami Heat to a 110-78 rout of the Detroit Pistons (AFP Photo/Mike Ehrmann)

16 EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 11 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31, 2014