Edge Davao 7 Issue 177

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

WORKING HIGH. Davao City’s General Services Office (GSO) employees prepare the LED lights that will be installed as Christmas decorations around the premises of City Hall two weeks before the launching of this year’s “Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw” celebration.

Lean Daval Jr.

P5.8B FOR 2015 With 13 % increase, Council passes budget ordinance

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

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he Davao City Council yesterday approved on third and final reading the P5.813-billlion budget of the city for 2015.

In yesteday’s regualr session, the Council approved the ordinance titled “An Ordinance Granting Legislative Authority to the Proposed General Fund Annual Budget and Plantilla of the City Government of Davao for Calendar Year 2015, Comprising the Budget by Fund Accounct

Under the General Fund Proper, The economic enterprises for the Operation of Markets Slaughterhouse, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), Sta. Ana Port, Cemeteries, Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC), Magsaysay Park, Pasalubong Center and the Annual Development Fund (ADF) in the total amount of P5,813,841,960.”

Compared to this year’s P5.165 billion budget, next

year’s budget has a 13 percent or P662.24 million increase.

“This is attributed to the increase in the estimates made by the City Treasurer as well as the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) due to the increased collection of internal revenue,” the committee report states.

The bigger chunk of the total budget goes to the General Fund Proper with a total of P4.5 billion or 79 percent

of the total budget.

General Fund will cover the expenditures for the current operations of various departments and offices of the city government comprising of personal services (PS), maintenance and other operation expenses (MOOe) and Capital Outlays, Statutory and Contractual Obligations, aids to the national government agencies, boards, councils, committees

FP5.8B, 10

INSIDE EDGE US FENCER WITH DAVAO ROOTS WINS WORLD CUP SILVER SPORTS page 16

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NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

DATE 2014 opens today

CHRISTMAS FIGURINES. An exhibitor of Abreeza Mall’s Christmas Village fixes her display of Christmas figurines at the Abreeza Corporate Center in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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LL is set for the opening today of the four-day 16th Davao Trade expo back-to-back with the two-day International Banana Symposium at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Dutetere will grace the opening ceremony at 4 p.m. today together with Bioversity International regional coordinator Dr. Agustin Molina, Pilipino Banana Growers and exporters Association (PGeA) president Alexander Valoria, Mindanao Banana Farmers and exporters Association (MBFeA) president eusebia delos Reyes, and Bioversity International programme leader Dr. Dietmar Stoianl.

DATe chair Luciano Frederick Puyod III said this year’s trade expo will highlight again the multi-billion-peso banana industry which is also Davao region prime export commodity. This year’s DATe theme is “Davao: From Local Agriculture to Global Agribusiness.”

DATe will also feature almost 200 exhibitors from Mindanao essentially coming from agri-trade and agri-industrial sectors together with its complementary industries, food (fresh, processed and

packaging), machineries and equipment, post-harvest facilities, agricultural chemicals, animal husbandry, fertilizers and pest management, financing, ICT and logistics, among others. In addition, exhibitors from all other industries are also invited to showcase their products and businesses in the said event.

The trade expo is expected to draw 8,000 walkin visitors and generate about P80 million to P100 million in booked or actual sales. Last year, the trade expo generated P83 million when it highlighted cacao, coffee, cassava, coconut, and corn.

Puyod said the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) partnered with Bioversity International and Banana Asia Pacific Network (BAPNET) to bring international and speakers to share their ideas on the strategies on how to strengthen further the banana industry.

The topics include pests and disease management and the latest technologies for the banana industry. Puyod said there would be speakers from countries like Belgium, Cuba, Iran, South Korea and China.

More than 300 foreign

Dayanghirang says officials discuss no quarrel with VM DPWH city’s P6-B bypass road

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang yesterday said he does not have any quarrel with Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte regarding the issue of luxury cars.

In an interview yesterday before the regular City Council session, Dayanghirang said he had met with Paolo on Monday afternoon and the two of them had no conflict.

“Naa lay miscommunication didto. But generally, wala koy nakita na could destroy our relationship (There was just a miscommunication.

But generally, I did not see anything that could destroy our relationship),” he said.

“I will continue serving him (Paolo) including the City hall,” he added.

Dayanghirang said the bottom line of the issue is

Business leader says

public interest. he said after their meeting, the vice mayor did not give him any instruction.

The vice mayor was not in the regular session yesterday since he is now sitting as the acting mayor in line with the leave of absence of his father, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Last Monday, Dayanghirang said he was misquoted in a news story which quoted

him as telling other councilors that the City Council will not buy luxury vehicles. he said he had directed his statements not at the councilors but at city building officials who were asking for 4x4 vehicles to be used to go to far-flung areas in the city.

“It started when building officials requested a budget of P1.8 million during a

FDAYANGHIRANG, 10

No property bubble in Davao City

By ChENEEN R. CApON

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crc@edgedavao.net

he massive increase in private construction and real estate development in urban areas like Davao City will not create a property bubble, architect Daniel Lim said.

Speaking at a press conference at the newly-renovated Davao City Chamber of Commerce

and Industry Inc., (DCCCII), Lim, who is a past president of the chamber, said the changing landscape of the city due to real estate development – varying from socialized mass housing to high-rise condominium to multi-story commercial buildings – is “not enough to inflate the bubble.”

he said there are still no signs that there is a slowdown in activity that could mean a faltering demand in the property sector.

A property bubble or housing bubble is a form of an economic bubble that is characterized by a quick increase in property values of real property

such as housing until they reach unsustainable level and then declines, followed by decreases that results in many owners holding negative equity.

Lim said among the reasons that contribute to the activity in the property sector, as in the case of Davao City, are peace and

FNO PROPERTY, 10

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EGIONAL DIRECTOR Mariano R. Alquiza of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) in Region 11 will fly to Manila today to join other DPWh officials in a meeting aimed at discussing the proposed bypass road which maybe constructed in Davao City sometime in 2018.

Alquiza told edge Davao that the big ticket infrastructure project which may cost between P6 billion and P7 billion all in all is designed to solve the worsening vehicular traffic problem in the city and adjacent communities.

An outstanding feature of the project is a 12-kilometer tunnel, Alquiza said, although he failed to provide details. earlier, Jose Froilan Rigor, chief of the plans and program division of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), said the 44-kilometer bypass highway, at least the Davao City part of it, will initially cost P162 million.

Speaking during the Updated Davao Regional Development Plan, 2014-2016 Roadshow at Grand Men Seng hotel last October, Rigor said the bypass road will start near the Davao International Con-

FDATE, 10

tainer Terminal (DICT) in San Vicente, Panabo City, passing through barangays Lasang, San Isidro, Mahayag, Mudiang, and Waan in the second congressional district, Tacunan, Mintal, Bangkas heights, and Marapangi and exits in Toril in the third congressional district. he said the proposed 12-kilometer tunnel will be constructed in the Magtuod ridge, located between Waan and Tacunan. he said the bypass road is mainly proposed by the city government under the administration of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, but the DPWh will play a major role in its funding and implementation being an infrastructure project.

Rigor said the bypass highway is aimed at relieving worsening truck traffic from the production centers in Davao del Norte. Once the project is completed, cargo trucks and similar big vehicles coming from Davao del Norte bound for Cotabato, Bukidnon or further to Cagayan de Oro and vice versa will use the bypass road instead of the traditional highway which is becoming more congested each passing day. CRC

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

Al-ag urges tricycle operators to apply for new routes

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Council majority floor leader Bernard Al-ag asked open tricycle (known as payong-payong) operators in the areas of Binugao and Sirawan, Toril district to apply for the new route franchise opened by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11.

In his privilege during yesterday’s regular session, Al-ag said that the LTFRB already approved 15 franchises that the Council had asked for in the area of Crossing Baracatan to Toril Poblacion and vice versa.

“It is my desire that those will be issued with the franchise for the area are tricycle operators in the area. I suggest they sell their tricycles, buy multicabs, and apply for the franchise in the area,” he said.

Al-ag said the highways in Sirawan and Binugao are the industrialized area of Toril and there is a need for more legal public transport vehicles. he said a few years from now many employees will be

in the area because Therma South Inc., the company operating the coal-fired power plant of AboitizPower, and bottling companies will be operating there.

“There is really a demand for legal, reliable, and safe public transport in the area,” Al-ag said.

Al-ag said he hopes the move of the City Council and the LTFRB will solve the transportation problem in the area.

In a regular session last month, Al-ag blamed the lack of public transport in the area for the spate of vehicular accidents involving hapless tricycles, including the one that killed two people on October 10.

Al-ag came up with a strong plea to the LTFRB to open a new jeepney route franchise from crossing Baracatan to Toril Poblacion.

Al-ag also asked the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and PNP Highway Patrol Group to strictly implement the law prohibiting motorized tricycles from plying the national highways.

SOUVENIR. A Traffic Management Center (TMC) enforcer distributes smiley bookmarks to public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and passengers during the reopening ceremony of the Governor Generoso Bridge 2 on Monday. Lean Daval Jr.

Guingona vows to work on shift to federalism

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNy pEARl A. GAJUNERA

S DCOTT commercial area needs renovation: GM

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AVAO City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) supervising transportation officer Alejandro Alilin said the commercial area of the public terminal should be renovated to boost its revenue-generating capacity.

Alilin told reporters in last Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that stalls and units for vendors and peddlers are already old.

“Gamay lang sa karon

ang nagarenta maski mura lang ang among singil (Only a few vendors rent from us even though the rent is low)he said, adding that renters only pay P2,000 to P2,500 per month depending on the space.

Alinin said the transport terminal office, one of the revenue-generating offices under the City Economic enterprise, charged renters P6 per square meter daily.

FDCOTT, 10

ENATOR TEOfIsTO “TG” Guingona III yesterday said he will start working on Charter change to shift the country’s system of government to a federal form by 2016.

“Panahon na karon na atong sugdan ang paghisgot, sugdan ang movement para sa pag-establish sa Federal Sate of the Commonwealth of Mindanao (It is about time we start the discussion and start the movement to establish the Federal Sate of the Commonwealth of Mindanao),” Guingona told reporters in a press conference. he said the federalist movement is the “unintended consequence” of the proposed creation of the Bangsamoro state, which became

“a wake-up call to the Mindanaoans” while the negotiations about the Bangsamoro Basic Laws (BBL) continues.

Guingona said if the government can give to the Bangsamoro government an automatic 75 percent of the revenue from its natural resources, there is no reason the same cannot be done for other places in Mindanao outside the Bangsamoro state.

“I see there is a great concession of the national government on the Bangsamoro, and I think this is a paradigm shift. It could really change the political power of the local government because it looks like it’s federal but it’s not called federal. They (Bangsamoro)

are being given a lot of favor,” he said.

“If they, the former rebels who did not follow the law, are given a 75 percent share, why not everyone else who is part of Mindanao?” he added.

Guingona, however, clarified that he still supports the BBL. “Let’s hope that the BBL and federalism are passed together. I still support the BBL and federalism at the same time,” he said.

Guingona said under a federal government, the people of Mindanao can mold their own future themselves instead of having a central government do it for them.

“We all know this is not

new because this had been discussed in the Senate. I remember former Senator (Aquilino) Nene Pimentel (Jr.) led this movement.

Now it is not Nene, it’s (his son) Koko (Senator Aquilino Pimentel III), ” he said.

“Ang kadaghanan sa produkto sa Mindanao kinsay nagbenepisyo… kita dinhi sa Mindanao o sila? Kinsa ba sila, gawas sa Mindanao (Who benefits most from our products here in Mindanao… Is it the people of Mindanao or they? Who are they? The people outside Mindanao),” he added.

Giungona said he is hoping this will materialize by 2016 but added it could go beyond that year since 2016 is an election year.

Traffic enforcer caught mulcting suspended

By ChENEEN R. CApON

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FEDERALIST. Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III strongly believes that creating a federal state of the Commonwealth of Mindanao is “just and fair” for the people of Mindanao. Guingona gave his take on current issues to members of

Davao City media during a press briefing held at the Grand Men Seng Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

traffic enforcer from the Traffic Management Center (TMC) was temporarily relieved after being seen mulcting a motorist in a four-minute and fifty-two second video posted by a certain Jack Doctor last Monday in the Facebook page of the Public Safety and Safety Command Center (PSSCC) mulcting a motorist.

PSSCC chief Frank Villaroman told edge Davao in a phone interview yesterday that Allan Fanlo, who has been a traffic enforcer for 18 years under a job order, has no authority to apprehend traffic violators.

“Only personnel from Land Transportation Office

(LTO) can issue traffic violation ticket and Fanlo is just a traffic enforcer,” Villaroman said.

In the video, Fanlo is seen talking to man wearing a helmet riding a black motorcycle. On the first part, Fanlo is shown holding a black notebook and the driver’s license of the traffic violator.

The negotiation between Fanlo and the violator lasts for more than four minutes before the traffic violator secretly hands over an amount of money to Fanlo.

The alleged violator is then allowed to leave.

Villaroman said upon seeing the video, he asked Traffic Management Group

FTRAFFIC, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

Symbolic holiday tree A offers hope in Tagum

BOC Mindanao ports hold confab in Cagayan de Oro

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OR many Tagumenyos, November is a much-awaited month as it offers two distinct events that are both crowd-drawer and symbolic, each one celebrating Christ the King, the city’s official patron.

As a prelude to the city’s parochial fiesta this coming November 23, the city formally lit up its holiday Tree last November 13 at the Freedom Park. The annual event has become a highly anticipated program where thousands of Tagumenyos join in the countdown to signal the formal lighting of the city’s Christmas icon which is present in every holiday season since the start of the new

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millennium.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon and Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario, along with the rest of the city officials, led locals in lighting this year’s 61-feet holiday tree adorned with 373 meters of rope lights, 645 sets of rice bulbs, and 319 assorted sets of decorative designs consisting of snow flakes, leaves, birds, stars, raindrops and sequential lights.

“It was a bit smaller compared to the previous holiday trees of the city yet it’s the most beautiful in recent years,” said Novea Anne Villegas, a non-uniform personnel of the Philippine National Police.

Adding flare to this year’s icon is the humungous lifesized eagle—with a wingspan of 5 meters and a height of 1.5 meters—sitting atop the holiday tree and just below a multi-colored star representing the Almighty Creator, lighting the path of the eagle representing the tenpoint development agenda of the Rellon administration.

Mayor Rellon said the city allocated P600,000 for the annual structure and some of the materials used were recycled from last year’s holiday tree. The private sector also donated a substantial amount for the provision of Christmas lights, he said.

Thursday’s ceremony

was marked with grand musical performances from the chorale groups in the city, brass bands, the symphonic orchestra, and the dancing traffic officers.

Anwar Maadel, a government employee and a proud Muslim, said the city’s Christmas icon never fails to muster hope and unity among the tri-people of Tagum every year.

“The holiday tree proved that despite of diversity, we Muslims, Christians, and Lumads share the same sentiments, happiness and hope that we can be resilient in all the challenges that come to our way,” he said. louie lapat of CIO Tagum

legislative deliberation as of press time.

The 2015 budgets of the two provinces are in the same level as Tagum City’s annual budget of P1,000,346,670, which is still under finance committee hearings.

This will be the first time for Tagum City and Comval

to hit the billion-peso mark, while it was only last year that Davao del Norte became a billionaire province.

Davao del Norte’s budget grew by 11.20 percent or P123.9 million compared with last year’s P1,108,200,000 budget.

On the other hand, Comval’s budget grew by 13.69

percent or P121.96 million from last year’s budget of P890,840,238.

Tagum City’s budget grew by 9.8 percent or P89 million compared with last year’s scaled-down budget of P911 million from originally proposed budget of P926 million. Cha Monforte, Correspondent

DavNor OKs P1.2-B annual budget; Comval’s P1.01B up for deliberation

avao del Norte’s annual budget for 2015 of P1,241 billion was approved by the provincial Sanggunian in last Monday’s session.

For its part, Compostela Valley Province has a proposed annual budget of P1,012,797,768 for next year, which is still up for

S part of efforts to reform the Bureau of Customs (BOC), top-level officials of the agency will participate in the second Customs Mindanao Cluster Collectors’ Conference and lead the first Customs’ Stakeholders Dialogue in Cagayan De Oro on Wednesday, November 19.

Both events will be hosted by the BOC-Collection District 10, based in Cagayan De Oro. The theme for the 2nd Customs Mindanao Cluster Collectors’ Conference is “Working together in fighting illicit trade and promoting efficiency in Mindanao.”

The Conference will be attended by Customs Deputy Commissioners Jessie Dellosa (Intelligence Group), Ariel Nepomuceno (Enforcement Group), and Agaton Uvero (Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group), as well as BOC Administration Office Director Jesusa Dimpna Lejos.

The Customs Mindanao Cluster Collector’s Conference was an off-shoot of organizational changes implemented

by Commissioner John P. Sevilla at the start of the year to engage and align BOC ports and districts within geographical proximity to the directions and objectives of the Bureau.

The cluster conference is also designed as a means to update key officials on the regional trade and security; share information, issues and concerns that may lead to collective solutions; and simplify the priority agenda for BOC offices in Mindanao to be discussed with the BOC leadership.

On top of operational and revenue-performance issues affecting BOC ports in Mindanao, other concerns include

the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East AsEAN Growth Area (BIMP-eAGA) and the prevailing security situation in Mindanao.

Aside from the conference for BOC officials and employees, the Bureau’s top officials will also hold a Dialogue with Stakeholders where they lay down the plans for the BOC in the medium to long term.

Concerned business organizations, entrepreneurs and traders can also take-up their issues and concerns regarding the Bureau.

The BOC Mindanao Cluster is composed of all ports and sub-ports, all under four of the Bureau’s 17 Collection Districts. These are: Port of Cagayan de Oro, headed by Ruby Alameda; the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, headed by Datu Samson Pacasum; Sub-Port of Iligan, headed

by John Simon; Sub-Port of Ozamiz, headed by Laureana Gaite; Port of Davao, headed

by Ricardo Butalid, Jr.; SubPort of Dadiangas (General Santos), headed by Pendatun Alim; Sub-Port of Parang in Maguindanao, headed by Desiderio Cabatania; Sub-Port of Mati in Davao Oriental, headed by ebert Montero; Port of Surigao, headed by Lilibeth Mangsal; Sub-Port of Bislig, in Surigao del Sur, headed by Rosita Arabaca; Sub-Port of Nasipit, in Agusan Del Norte, headed by Josefa Villaseñor; Port of Zamboanga, headed

by Migelfio Saquisame; SubPort of Basilan, headed by hadji Mohammad Ali; SubPort of Jolo, in Sulu, headed

by Zahreeb Jaljis; and the SubPort of Tawi-Tawi, headed by Pirza Bulante.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

2,000 MW of coal supply still untapped – former DOE exec C

OAL resources located in various areas around the country are projected to supply about 2,000 Megawatts (MWs) worth of fuel to minemouth power plants, a former Undersecretary of the Department of energy (DOe) said.

“I estimate that the combined measured and indicated coal resources are sufficient to supply at least another 2,000 megawatts of mine-mouth power generating capacity,” Rufino Bomasang said in a speech at the Coal Business and Policy forum at the New World hotel Monday.

Bomasang, who is also the chair of the Philippine Chamber of Coal Mines Inc., said the challenge lies in the still unextracted 2,000 MWs worth of low rank coal deposits in the areas of Cagayan, Isabela, Surigao, Davao Oriental, and South Cotabato.

Mine-mouth plants are located near the coal mines, which directly deliver the coal through a conveyor belt, after it has been dug out of the ground.

Bomasang said the potential 2,000 MWs extraction is important in stabilizing electricity prices, adding that coalfired power generation may continue to be commissioned in the country.

“Coal is still the least cost fuel for base load power generation and this is in turn due to coal’s worldwide abundance and relatively more even distribution, thus ensuring supply security and greater price stability,” Bomasang said. he also thanked DOe Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla for his efforts in promoting talks with government agencies and other stakeholders that have always blocked the development and utilization of coal.

Bomasang gave assurance that the companies are just as worried when it comes to the disastrous effect of coal emissions to the environment, adding that there are Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to mitigate it, as well as the recent emergence of Carbon Capture Technology (CCT). (PNA)

SHINING. A itinerant shoeshine man works on a pair of shoes right on City Hall Drive. He earns only a few pesos from each customer, but it’s honest work – one that he can be proud of. Lean Daval Jr.

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THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

ADB tackles declining productivity in Asia P

ZARZUELA. Tiny Kitchen owner Vincent Rodriguez introduces his Spanish lyric-dramatic genre-inspired dish Zarzuela at his famous restaurant along F. Torres Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

RODUCTIVITY in Asia has been declining and this has to be addressed properly and limit its impact on the regional economy.

Arjun Goswami, Director of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Office of Regional economic Integration (OReI), on Monday said drop in productivity plays a big factor on people’s per capita income. he said there are some countries where the decline is notable and this issue needs to be tackled. he said this is the topic of the two-day conference that ADB is hosting starting Monday.

“We’re exploring here, at this conference, the sort of reasons behind why that can be happening and the role that regional cooperation and integration can play to address that,” he said.

Goswami said the declining productivity in the region can be attributed to cyclical issues, which can be partly blamed on the economic slowdown as well as natural disasters. he stressed the need to make the countries resilient to these developments.

Another factor is structural in nature, which

Goswami said is also causing the underlying trend.

The ADB executive said this can be traced partly to the fast transition of some economies from having more productive sectors to a less productive sectors.

An example of this is the Philippines, which previously banked on the industrial manufacturing sector to the services sector.

Goswami explained that it is not a bad thing to prefer the services sector over manufacturing but stressed that “it depends on what kind of services you are doing.” ”If you’re not doing higher productivity service then you cannot get high productivity gains,” he said, adding “you have to have enough manufacturing base.”

Goswami said it is worth noting, on the other hand, that governments are seriously pushing for further enhancement of the small and medium enterprises (SMes) to help the manufacturing sector, among others. he added that regional efforts is really needed to address this concern, thus, the review of the Manila-based lender’s Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) efforts. (PNA)

ORPORATe Governance Asia, considered as the authoritative voice in corporate governance practices in the region, recognized Security Bank Corporation with two key awards during The Best of Asia 2014 awards night held on October 24, 2014 at the Renaissance harbour View hotel, Wanchai, hong Kong.

During the 10th Corporate Governance Asia Recognition Award 2014, Security Bank was awarded as Icon on Corporate Governance. This distinction – the highest accolade given by the award-giving body – is bestowed to companies who have consistently made it to the honor roll of the annual awards for excellence in Corporate Governance. For the past four years, Security Bank has consecutively won the much-coveted distinction, which belongs to “the best of the best in corporate governance in Asia as they uphold the highest standards in business practices”.

In the same awards night, Security Bank Chairman Frederick Y. Dy was recognized as Asian Cor-

porate Director of the Year.

The award honors outstanding corporate directors from boards of public and private companies in Asia who have guided their boards and executive management in growing their businesses, maintaining ethics and steering their companies to periods of extraordinary growth.

Security Bank recently reported its 2014 third quarter financial results, showing P6.428 billion in net income in the first nine months of the year, representing 54 percent year-on-year growth and 20 percent return on shareholders’ equity (ROe). The bank posted solid growth in core business, with loan portfolio increasing by 25 percent year-on-year to P181 billion and deposits growing by 26 percent to P232 billion.

For the past 11 years, Corporate Governance Asia has recognized companies in the region who continue to lead the way in initiating best practices. It provides news and analyses on corporate governance issues, boardroom practices and shareholder activism.

Customs intelligence officer dismissed for unexplained wealth Corporate Governance Asia gives highest distinction to Security Bank T C he acting chief of the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service was dismissed from her duties by the Office of the Ombudsman last October 28 after being found to have violated Republic Act. No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and ethical Standards for Public Officials and employees.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Intelligence Officer II Marissa Rae Rollo Galang was indicted on seven counts of perjury and found guilty of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct.

The BOC said Galang “was proven to have falsified her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (sALN) to conceal ill-gotten wealth. her assets, including real estate and personal

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properties, travels and expenses, were all disproportionate to the legitimate income she was earning in the government service.”

“Claiming to have legitimate businesses to have other sources of income supplementing her government salary, Galang’s incongruent defense did not add up to the figures representing the expenses she incurred,” the BOC said in a statement.

“In one of the more notable arguments for her defense, Galang claimed to having earned income as a franchisee of Mitsukoshi products. As Mitsukoshi is a major Japanese international department store and would have issued corresponding documents to franchisees, Galang’s failure to provide any of the kind to the Office of the Ombudsman makes her alibi completely fictitious,” it added.

The BOC said declaring fictitious businesses in her sALN constitutes perjury and willful intent to conceal the truth of her wealth and high-expense lifestyle.

“Further, she was found to be guilty of simple dishonesty, as she was discovered to have falsified her Daily Time Record (DTR) to reflect time in the office when she was clearly on vacation in the Republic of Palau, as proved by a flight manifest presented to the Office of the Ombudsman,” the BOC added.

Galang was meted the penalty of dismissal from the service, with accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service. A petition for forfeiture will also be filed to recover Galang’s

ill-gotten wealth of around P2,374,520.07.

The BOC said Galang’s dismissal “represents yet another mark of success the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) program of the Department of Finance has enjoyed since 2010.”

The RIPS program investigates and recommends for prosecution and eventual dismissal corrupt and or erring public officials.

The BOC said as of September 30, 2014, RIPS has filed cases against 226 respondents since its inception in 2003. Of these, 80 personalities were charged before the Office of the Ombudsman during the current administration, while 28 personalities were charged before the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and five personalities were referred to the concerned agency for filing of formal charge.

reduced their gas prices by 80 centavos per liter.

Aside from the decrease in gasoline prices, the six companies also applied a cut in their diesel prices by 50 centavos per liter.

Moreover, Petron, Shell, Seaoil and CPI, which manages the Caltex brand, lowered their kerosene

products by 35 centavos per liter.

With the exception of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines reducing its prices by 6 a.m., the five oil companies applied the price movements by 12:01 a.m.

Tuesday (November 18).

Meanwhile, independent player eastern Petroleum said there will be no

changes in their prices.

The Dubai Crude Oil serves as most of Asia’s benchmark, which offers the lowest prices in the global market due to its abundant reserves.

The Philippines obtains its fuel supply mostly from Middle-east Asia, but the Asian trading takes place in singapore. (PNA)

6 oil companies roll back prices

S global oil prices continue to fall, six local oil companies rolled back their petroleum products effective Tuesday.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines Corporation, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), Seaoil, Petron Corporation and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC)

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

Raising crocodiles is good business Text and photos By hENRylITO D. TACIO

T

he Philippines is home to two species of crocodiles. Both remain “critically endangered” and need to be protected, according to Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), a line agency of the Department of environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a news feature published in “Business Mirror,” Lim said that only the saltwater crocodile (known in the science world as “Crocodylus porosus”) is allowed for commercial production.

As for the freshwater crocodile (“Crocodylus mindorensis”), trading it is strictly prohibited by law. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species listed it as “critically endangered,” which means it is in very high risk of extinction.

“While the government is promoting crocodile farming, these giant reptiles continue to face the threat of extinction,” wrote Jonathan L. Mayuga, author of the news feature, who quoted Lim. While saltwater crocodile can be raised commercially, it is still listed under Convention on International Trade in endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITeS) Appendix I. As such, trade in specimens of the species is still subject to particularly strict regulation in order not to endanger further their survival.

Mayuga quoted Lim as saying that crocodile farming is good business. “She said the Philippines has the potential of becoming a major supplier of crocodile skins. In fact, some farms have started to export crocodile skins as early as 2010 even at a small volume,” Mayuga reported.

Unfortunately, farmers who raised crocodiles are still having hard time when

Enclosed crocodiles

it comes to producing quality crocodile skins.

“Our farmers in Kapulong, Davao City, Tarlac, and Rizal have been successfully breeding crocodiles in captivity. The species has been historically recorded to occur in most parts of the country, thus, crocodile farming may work anywhere else in the country. however, establishment of crocodile farms in areas that experience flooding during rainy season is not advised,” Lim was quoted as saying.

The mere thought of a crocodile makes some people shudder with fear and revulsion. A rumor about the presence of a crocodile in a river is enough to make people shun the area. After all, they are dangerous creatures, especially during the mating period.

According to the BMB, crocodiles actually have no any wilful inclination and intention to attack humans. In fact, there are many wildlife sanctuaries in the country wherein crocodiles live peacefully together with human beings.

It is only when human beings try to disturb the habitat of the crocodiles that they attack people. With the current population of 100 million and the land area being constant, there is no way people won’t claim those areas currently being inhabited by crocodiles.

“Crocodiles are being hunted down and killed,” one environmentalist said. “Unless we do something to save them from vanishing in our waters, they will soon be extinct. We may only see them in national parks or museums and not in their natural habitat.”

“Roughly a quarter of the world’s 23 crocodilian species is either threatened or virtually extinct in the wild,” the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Crocodile specialist Group reported. “Before new

populations of Philippine crocodiles were discovered on the island of Luzon in 1999, none had been spotted in the wild for years.”

While most Filipinos fear crocodiles in the past, such is not the case today. Some businessmen found out a few years ago that there’s money in crocodiles. “Growing global demand for croc-patterned luxuries has turned commercial crocodile farming into a profitable industry – with more than $200 million in annual international sales of skins alone,” reports the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group.

“The high-end leather goods produced from crocodiles earn ten times that amount in retail sales.”

Aside from the skin, other parts of the reptile have monetary value. The oil, derived from its flesh, has a big market also. It is widely used as stabilizer for perfumes and cosmetics.

Crocodile meat, which tastes like chicken meat if properly cooked, can be canned for export to some european countries. In the United States, people are eating dishes like crocojambalaya, ‘gator steak, and croco-spiced Cajun.

The meat also commands a good price in some Asian countries, especially those having large populations of ethnic Chinese people. They consider crocodile meat a delicacy. In Thailand, dry crocodile meat costs about US$120 per kilogram.

Due to uncontrolled hunting of crocodiles for their valuable hides and other parts and the continued destruction of their natural habitat by human beings, the population of crocodiles in the Philippines dwindled. In 1982, the population of crocodiles was about 500 to 1,000 heads. No current data are available.

The best way to save crocodiles in the Philippines from

Pangil of Crocodile Park

extinction is to raise them just like other animals. As an enterprise, crocodile farming doesn’t break any laws. Farms are legally allowed to operate, as well as to sell skins and meat from their stocks.

“Crocodile farming was introduced to prevent the further decline of the crocodile

Lolong up close

population in the wild,” said Lim. “With importers of crocodile skin buying from crocodile farms that offer them good-quality skin, hunting in the wild will eventually stop.”

“Going into crocodile farming is not about making profit alone. It is about wildlife conservation,” said Vicen-

te P. Mercado, president of J.K. Mercado & Sons Agricultural enterprise, which runs the Pag-asa Farms in Pag-asa, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Pag-asa Farms is one of the six cooperators licensed by the government to operate crocodile farms in the Philippines.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

EDITORIAL Tale of two bridges

N

OW that the Governor Generoso Bridge 2 in Bankerohan, Davao City is once again open to the public, it is time to discuss that other project that is of equal importance but is also facing serious – and far longer – delays. We are referring to the pipe bridge of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) that collapsed in 2012 but has not yet been rebuilt almost two years after the fact.

The incident was nothing short of a disaster for Davao City as thousands of homes and establishments lost water for several days due to the loss of a main pipe that served DCWD’s clients. It was more than a week later that the water utility was able to remedy the situation by installing two smaller temporary pipes, bringing water to the areas but to a much lesser degree. For almost two years now, water pressure in many areas in the city served by DCWD has been low, and many residents have been complaining that water does not reach them during certain hours of the day.

This is no trivial matter as water is an absolute need, and access to clean water is recognized as a basic human right. It is now November 2013 and no work has yet been seen on the part of DCWD

EDGEDAVAO

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to rebuild the bridge that carried the main pipe. The last word we have heard is that the contractor that won the project has done a study and has submitted a design to DCWD. The utility’s board of directors, however, has yet to meet to discuss the design – much less approve it, and it could be weeks, or even months, before work can actually start. The worst part is that, according to DCWD, the actual work could take an entire year – which means the suffering of the waterless will continue for a very long time.

DCWD has said it is still within its time frame even if it starts work in December, but this is really an unacceptable explanation.

A few months is a delay, but two years can be already be called questionable. Why is it taking so long to start a project that is vital to the lives of the people of the city? Whatever the reasons are, the DCWD is not winning any points by being mum about it. If the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) can complete the Bankerohan bridge in a few months, there is no reason the DCWD cannot do so since the two bridges stand on the same river.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Correspondents ARLENE D. PASAJE Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:

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GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYNRICHARD S. PANES C. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager of Sales SpecialistFinance General Manager DirectorAdvertising FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLOREnCE ManagerS. ViLLARin

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

C

onsidered as the first integrated resort development in the country and the first blue-chip eAGA project to come out of davao region was the samal Casino, a proposed Us$50-million resort investment on a 250-hectare property at Kaputian town, in samal island. The idea was hatched in early 1993 during President ramos’ state visit to Malaysia. Malaysia prime minister Mahathir Mohamad approved the plan and tapped sarawak-based Tan sri datuk Ting Pek Khiing, chair of the Malaysian investment firm ekran Berhad, to invest in tourism in Mindanao. ekran Berhad, a publicly-listed Malaysian investment holding company with interests in housing, construction, and tourism, was regarded a legendary contractor, finishing the five-star, 267-room sheraton Langkawi Hotel in 100 days and the 300room delima resort Hotel, both in Malaysia, in 53 days. in response, Khiing and a contingent of businessmen visited the Philippines in April 1993 and were shown the government’s blueprint for tourism development in the next twenty years. in particular, the master plan proposed samal as an ideal site

“T

heRe is everything in a name,” pointed out George Ade. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but would not cost half as much during the winter months.” Mark Twain contradicts. said he: “Names are not always what they seem. The common Welsh name Bzjxxllwcp is pronounced Jackson.”

On permitting Samuel Goldfish to change his name to Samuel Goldwyn, Judge Learned hand penned: “A self-made man may prefer a self-made name.” William hazlitt forwarded: “A nickname is the hardest stone that the devil can throw at a man.”

In all languages, certain names are traditionally used to designate men and others are used for women; a number of english names, such as evelyn or Leslie, can be used for either sex. Names in themselves have no psychological significance, unless one associates a memorable experience with someone of a particular name.

Given names, known among english-speaking people variously as first names, forenames, or Christian or baptismal names, existed before surnames.

Christian influence on first names has been especially strong. In some countries, Brazil, for example, a child must be given an appropriate Christian name before he or she can be issued a birth certificate.

Modern names often are derived from sources such as the names of the months (April, May, June), precious stones (Ruby), popular contemporary personalities (Jose, Bonifacio), flowers (Sampaguita), places (Luzviminda for Luzon, Visayas, and

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

9

BIMP-EAGA investment

FAST BACKWARD by the ArchiviSt for resort development that would cater to emerging markets in Asia. Highlight of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between Khiing’s firm and the Philippines. on november 18, 1994, President ramos, in the presence of Khiing’s entourage, unveiled a scale model of the resort.

The project was ambitious. Khiing said the first phase would be the development of a 19-hectare beachfront with 300 units of hotel and accommodations,

3,500-square-meter ball room and functions rooms, a casino, and ‘a whole range of shopping, dining, and recreation facilities.’ Upon completion, the entire undertaking would have featured “1,720 units of hotel [and] resort accommodations, vacation homes, a championship 18-hole golf course, club house, restaurants and a shopping [and] entertainment complex.” Briefly, the casino-resort had a soft opening but the lack of continental players and guests, in part due to the lack of direct flights from outside the country and the reports of insurgency and secessionist threat, forced it to close shop.

The euphoria resulting from BiMP-eAGA led to the establishment of the davao integrated development Program (didP) took place on July 15, 1994 further enhanced the eAGA concept. its formal creation, though, did not happen until January 26, 1995 when a Manifesto for Unity and development was signed by the local chief executives (LCes) representing davao City and the provinces of davao (del norte), davao del sur and davao oriental in Manila.

The didP manifesto has three major

thrusts: (1) the promotion and expansion of “an effective and mutually beneficial undertaking” that will help develop LGUs according to “their financial, material and human resource capabilities”; (2) support the government’s agenda on “peace and development, political stability and achieving the goal of becoming a newly-industrialized country at the turn of the twenty-first century”; and (3) the realization of the agenda “through a combined effort and teamwork, mutual support and cooperation [and] unity and solidarity” of the government and the LGUs. But the manifesto also carried political red flags, namely: “unqualified support” for the ramos administration in all its social, political, and economic development objectives; carry the “entire senatorial slate” of the administration in the May 10, 1995 elections; unite all partisan groups “within [didP’s] area and collectively work for the success of the programs” of the ramos government; and work closely with the President’s office so the program’s goals and objectives are achieved in “consistency with existing development priority thrusts and strategies” being pursued by the government.

What’s in a name?

Mindanao), or figures in clas- THINK ON THESE! sical legend (Diana, Jason).

New names are frequently coined from the names of the father and mother (Danele from Daniel and elena).

Henrylito D. Tacio Some peo- henrytacio@gmail.com ple change their names or surnames. For instance, you probably wouldn’t recognize Charlton Carter, would you? But as Charlton heston, you will remember him as one of hollywood’s best-known actors, noted for his portrayals of epic heroes in large-scale historical dramas as Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur (for which he won an Oscar for Best Actor).

Actually, he took the name “heston” as his screen surname after his mother’s maiden name.

Well, Charlton is just one of them.

There are several other famous persons now known by their mothers’ maiden name. Most of them, however, are actors like Buster Keaton (his original surname is Cutler), Paul Newman (fetzer), Orson Welles (Ives), Arnold Schwarzenegger (Jedrny), Sylvester Stallone (Labofish), Anthony Quinn (Oaxaca), and Rip Torn (Spacek).

It happens that the real surname of Oscar winner Diane Keaton is hall. As

such, she adopted her mother’s maiden name to avoid being mistaken for another actress named Diane hall.

Shirley MacLaine and her handsome brother, Warren Beatty, started life as the Beaty siblings. he added an extra “t” when he started acting and she improvised on her mother’s maiden name, Maclean.

The following singers also use their mothers’ surname: Frank Sinatra (Garaventi), Michael Jackson (Scruse), Mick Jagger (Scutts), Perry Como (Travaglini), and Bruce Springsteen (Zirilli). Johnny Carson is actually Johnny hook in real life while Mike Tyson is legally Mike Smith.

Most Filipinos are known by our first names (for instance, my friends call me henry and not Lito). however, there are some instances that people are more popular using their middle names. Our former president Cory Aquino is known as Corazon instead of her first name, Maria. here are more people who are better known by their middle names: (Daniel) Louis Armstrong, jazz musician; (ernst) Ingmar Bergman, director; (Janet) Taylor Caldwell, novelist; (Charles) Robert Cummings, actor; (Ruth) Bette Davis, actress; (Dorothy) Faye Dunaway, actress; (Samuel) Dashiell hammett, novelist; (Mary) Lauren hutton, fashion model; (James) Paul McCartney, singer/songwriter; (James) Dan Quayle, U.S. vice-president; (Samuel) Billy Wilder, film writer; (howard) Andy Williams, singer; and (James) harold Wilson, British politician.

Some people are better known by

their initials than by their given names.

Consider: W.C. (William Claude) Fields, US actor; B.F. (Benjamin Franklin) Goodrich, US tire manufacturer; D.h. (David herbert) Lawrence, english writer; h.L. (henry Louis) Mencken, US editor and journalist; O.J. (Orenthal James) Simpson, US football player; and h.G. (herbert George) Wells, english novelist.

What’s in a name? Plenty, especially if you are a star. In fact, most of them have to adopt a screen name in order for them to be remembered. For instance, no one will ever notice Julia Wells but as Julie Andrews, well, she’s the star of The Sound of Music and other musical films.

More original names of celebrated people: Albert Brooks (believe it or not, he was born Albert einstein), ellen Burstyn (Edna Rae Gillooly), Nicholas Cage (Nicholas Coppola), John Denver (Henry John Deutchendorf ), Bo Derek (Cathleen Collins), and Michael Keaton (he was born Michael Douglas but since there is another actor named such, he changed his screen surname).

Still others never changed their names at all. After all, their names sound like stage names. here are a few of those who never changed their real names: Ursula Andress, humprey Bogart, Marlon Brando, Olivia de havilland, Clint eastwood, errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Dustin hoffman, Kris Kristofferson, Mercedes McCambridge, Dolly Parton, elvis Presley, Cesar Romero, Franchot Tone, Rudy Vallee, Gore Vidal, and King Vidor.

10

NEWS

Dayanghirang... FFROM 2

committee hearing and I told them to just ask their office heads to use the unused vehicles parked outside City hall instead of buying new units,” he had said.

Dayanghirang said the City Council and city councilors were never mentioned in the discussion.

“I want to emphasize that I did not say, ‘Councilors, you borrow (from) the other side,’” he said.

In a report that appeared in the Mindanao Daily Mirror, Dayanghirang was quoted as saying, “there’s no luxury vehicles anymore for councilors.”

“The Council’s policy should be in consonance with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s policy on proper standing” and that “the purchase of luxury vehicles should be avoided at all cost based on the Mayor’s policy,” he was quoted as saying.

The story alleged that Dayanghirang said 4x4 wheel vehicles “are considered luxury cars because they are expensive” and “the city has always practiced motorpooling and even the councilors should follow this practice in case they need

vehicles in performance of their functions.” he was also quoted as saying that the councilors “have been issued Avanza vehicles and if they need 4x4 vehicles they only need to look at the 4 x4 vehicles parked at the City engineer’s Office.”

Paolo, in a Facebook post, challenged Dayanghirang “and the Dept. head, who approved the budget for those avanzas, to use those toyota vehicles for a month and use it to visit far flung barangays of davao city, kung makasugakod ang sakyanan wa tay problema” Dayanghirang, however, said he was “a little bit misquoted” by the newspaper.

In a text message to edge Davao yesterday, Councilor Dayanghirang said “my apologies if I caused a different interpretation of what I’ve said. Criticism is part of public service, so it’s okay with me (to be criticized).”

“Vice Mayor Pulong is right that a 4x4 vehicle is not a luxury vehicle, as defined in the rules and regulations of DBM,” he said. With reports from CHENEEN R. CAPON

At present, there are more or less 70 renters in the commercial area of the DCOTT’s 1.7-hectare property. These are mostly vendors selling food and snacks to DCOTT passengers.

There are also food establishments and restaurants renting in the area.

“It would be better if the commercial building will have a second floor so that it can accommodate more renters,” Alilin said, adding that the Davao City Planning and Development Office already has a development and rehabilitation plan for the terminal.

Based on the collection report of DCOTT for the month of October, collection from stall and stand rental reached P310,395.12 or a total of P3,431,182.94 for the first ten months of 2014.

This year’ s October collection from stalls and stands renter is lower than the P323,085.66 during on the same period of this year.

Alilin said DCOTT serves an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 passengers on an average day, reaching up to 60,000 passengers during peak seasons like holy Week, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas.

The terminal also serves around 6oo to 650 trips average daily, reaching up to 1,200 during peak seasons.

DCOTT serves as the fetch and drop point of around 20 bus companies, with bus trips heading north and south of Mindanao. Among the most passengers are buses bound for Cagayan de Oro, Marbel, and General Santos City. CRC

DCOTT...

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

P5.8 billion... FFROM 1 as well as some programs and projects.

The development fund will have a P1.09-billion allocation, or 19 percent of the total budget. This will cover infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects including debt servicing for the ensuing year.

The city also allocated P129.862 million for the expenses of the eight economic enterprises of the city.

Around P1.1 billion is allocated for PS for the salaries and other personnel benefits of all officials and employees of the city government.

There is a decrease of P2.9 million compared to the current year’s budget due to the non-inclusion of the budget for the Productivity Incentive Benefits under the PS account. The performance-based incentives will be charged against the miscellaneous personnel benefits accounts as advised by Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Date... FFROM 2

The PS total appropriation will only account for 24.5 percent which is within the bounds of Section 325 of Local Government Code that allocation for PS shall not exceed 45 percent of the total annual income from regular sources.

The MOOe and Capital Outlay for 2015 are pegged with the current year’s budget, except for the wages of Job Orders and Contract of Service employees. These employees are pegged at minimum rate of P312 a day and cost of living allowance of P5 or a total of P317 a day.

Of the total allocation under the General Fund, the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) has the highest allocation of P1.691 billion or 36.9 percent, since its budget includes the funds for Peace and Order Program, Central 911, Traffic Management Center (TMC) and the eight office such as Business Bureau, Davao City Investment and Promotion Center

delegates, who are the sectors of academe, research and development, government and private business, will participate in the two-day symposium that will start on Thursday, November 20 at 8:30a.m. experts on banana will provide recent advances on research and development, marketing strategies, logistics, pests and disease management, and other emerging trends at present.

Davao Trade expo and International Banana Symposium’s other event partners this year are ANFLOCOR, Davao City Mayor’s Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Mindanao Banana Farm-

ers and exporters Association, Pilipino Banana Growers and exporters Association, Goodfarmer, Philippine Fresh Fruits Corporation, Zetryl Chem Philippines, Yida Import and export Corp, Mindanao Corrugated Fibreboard Incorporated, Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, La Filipina Uy Gongco Corporation, Sagrex, Land Bank, Unilox Far east Resources, Unifrutti Philippines, Microtel, Crown Regency, Manila Bulletin, edge Davao, Business World, Prime Billboards, STI, Wild 92.3, San Miguel Brewery, 95.5 hit Radio,GMA, and M-Magazine, Bayantel, Mindanao Daily Mirror, ABs-CBN, and Z-Tech. CRC

order pushed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. he said this will continue to entice investors, locators, and migrants from nearby regions.

“I’ve talked to real estate brokers and they said that people from different places continue to relocate here because of the peace and order as well as the cheaper cost of living,”

No Property... FFROM 2

(DCIPC), City Tourism Operation Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD).

The CMO also funds the Lingap Program, Crisis Intervention, Barangay Development, Traffic Signalization Project, and Intensified Canal Clean-up, drainage projects and sidewalk vendors demolition team.

The City environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has 9.9 percent or a total of P455.48 million budget.

The City engineers Office (CeO) has an allocation of P362.21 million or 7.9 percent of the General Fund budget.

All offices such as the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Administrator’s Office, City health Office, City Social Services and Development Office, City Agriculturist Office, City Veterinarian Office, and other offices will

receive an allocation ranging from P383.5 million down to P14.1 million for their current operating expenditures, capital outlays, and projects under general fund.

During the deliberation last November 11, the proposed ordinance was amended by incorporating the request of Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta of her budget allocation under ADF (Non-Infrastructure).

Acosta amended the allocation of the development fund for every councilor. For the Comprehensive health Program, the allocation was changed from P5.4 million to P5.2 million, or a decrease of P200,000.

For the Sports Development Program, the amount was changed from P28.828 milllion to P29.128 milllion, an increase of P300,000.

For the Social Alleviation Program, the amount was changed from P12.95 million to P12.85 million, a decrease of P100,000.

(TMG) head Superintendent Rhodelio Poliquit to conduct an investigation.

Villaroman said Poliquit picked up Fanlo in his own residence yesterday morning.

“Fanlo will be reporting to the Traffic Management Center while the investigation is ongoing. I told him (Poliquit) to come up with the investigation in a week or two,” Villaroman said.

According to Villaroman, Fanlo was first assigned along Ilustre Street near Limso hospital but due to reports of mulcting and extortion, he was transferred to C.M. Recto Street.

Villaroman said Fanlo could be suspended once proven that he is mulcting

motorists.

“The video can be used against him because we have a video that can be evidence but it will be hard to file a criminal case against Fanlo because as of now we don’t have complainants who filed against him,” Villaroman said. however, he cited a Facebook user from Mati who commented in the post that he was also victimized by Fanlo when he was traveling in Davao City.

“This is just a reminder not just for traffic enforcers but also to police officers and government employees that ‘kotong’ is not allowed in the city and the mayor is also strict about that,” Villaroman said. CRC

he said.

Lim added that foreign investors from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan are eyeing Mindanao, and even Davao City, for their vast agricultural projects.

The growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector and its demand for more infrastructure also indicates that the current increase in real estate development will not create a bubble as forecasted by foreign economists, he said.

Lim said the construction and real estate development boom in Davao City will continue up to three years from now.

“This could be because of the low interest rates and the increasing remittances of our OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers),” he said. he also said young professionals nowadays have higher purchasing power that will not soft-

en the demand for real estate properties. he said that many young Dabawenyos are still renting and will soon be buying houses because of competitive price and interest rates.

“If peace and order will continue here, there’s no doubt that it will be easier to dispose of properties as supply of new houses and units continues to rise,” he said.

Lim also said he believes the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is doing some tweaking as far as policy is concerned in order to secure the rapid economic growth of the country, which is considered one of the fastest in Asian region. earlier, Diwa S. Guinigundo, BSP governor for monetary sector, said the BSP will not hesitate to impose new regulations when it sees that the property sector is overheating. CRC

Traffic... FFROM 3

11 ICT HUB

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

Three Smart innovations Affordable technology with ASUS Zenfone 5 shortlisted for int’l awards T T

hRee innovations launched by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and its subsidiary Smart e-Money, Inc. (SMI) were recently ranked among the world’s best by Telecoms. com, a leading provider of news, analysis, and opinion on the telecommunications industry.

Shortlisted at the Telecoms.com Awards are music service Spinnr, mobile remittance service Smart Money Padala, and the multi-awarded Green Merchandising program.

Spinnr – an application that gives Smart subscribers access to more than 3 million songs from the world’s biggest music superstars – was named finalist under the OTT (Over-the-Top) Service Launch category. Spinnr of-

L

fers unlimited music streaming at affordable rates, playlist access and customization, and the best download discounts. It also enables Smart subscribers to pay for music streaming and downloads using their prepaid load or postpaid credits.

Last year, Smart subsidiary Voyager Innovations won the OTT Service Launch award for smartNet, a platform that offers the use of popular mobile apps such as Twitter, Facebook, and Facebook Chat for free. The “Freemium” model gives people a taste of what mobile Internet has to offer – without fear of unexpected data charges – and promotes the growth of mobile Internet usage among Smart subscribers.

Nominated this year as

Best Mobile Payment Solution is Smart Money Padala, which serves the domestic and international money remittance requirements of Filipinos. With this service, Pinoys can transfer funds to tens of millions of Smart subscribers at the speed of a text message.

Smart Money Padala boasts of a large remittance network, with 95,000 international and 27,000 local remittance partners.

In the running for its fourth international award, under the Green Technology category, is the Green Merch project, Smart’s sustained effort to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.

Smart is the first Philippine company to use the environment-friendly

stone paper in the production of its advertising and merchandising materials.

Unlike plastic, stone paper degrades under the sun and eventually becomes stone again. It is also water- and tear-resistant.

Smart has also been using recyclable banners and recycled paper for its posters, flyers, and other materials.

Green Merch previously won at the Asian CSR Awards 2013 in Indonesia, World Communication Awards 2012 in the United Kingdom, and Asia Communication Awards 2012 in Singapore.

Winners of the Telecoms.com Awards will be announced in a ceremony to be held in London on December 4.

he new ASUS Zenfone 5 (lite version) is now available for just P5,595, allowing users to experience the Pixelmaster Technology at a more affordable price. equipped with Intel Atom Z2520 1.2Ghz processor with hyper-threading Technology and 1GB of RAM, the best bang-for-the-buck smartphone comes with the new ZenUI enhanced with Android 4.4 KitKat and a 2500 mAh battery.

Aside for having a powerful Intel chipset, it also comes with Pixelmaster camera technology with 18 unique camera modes, allowing the user to take great low-light shots thanks to its pixel-merging technology.

The Zenfone Series features high-performance and

ta-core™ processing power.

“Becoming a PC Plus leader with a focus on smartphone is the most crucial challenge for Lenovo. We are well positioned to succeed as we have the innovation and in-house manufacturing capability to bring new and exciting products to the market quickly and efficiently,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines.

Lenovo is the first to ship

a smartphone with the latest MediaTek MT6595 True Octa-core™ processor with 4G LTe. MediaTek applied its CorePilot technology to the VIBe X2 to unlock the full power of all eight cores. This allows the MT6595M to deliver superior multi-tasking performance and excellent, sustained performance-per-watt, allowing users to enjoy great multimedia features, fast 4G data transmission rates and long battery life on the VIBe X2.

With the Lenovo VIBe X2 running on Android 4.4 KitKat, system performance is also taken to an all-time high through memory optimization and improvement of touchscreen responsiveness and accuracy.

The Lenovo VIBe X2 packs two advanced cameras equipped with multiple shooting modes and editing features. Users can capture crisp, vivid photos and video whenever the moment strikes.

Selfies are effortless with the VIBe X2’s 5MP wide-angle front camera with auto-shutter that is activated by the blink of an eye or a smile. The13MP auto-focus, rear-facing camera comes with a back-illuminated sensor and LeD flash to produce sharp, brilliant shots. And with 32GB of internal storage, users will have ample room to store their digital content.

Lenovo also introduced two new innovative click-on accessories, known as VIBe Xtensions: VIBe X2 Battery and VIBe X2 speaker. The VIBe Xtension™ cases add a fourth layer to the VIBe X2’s multi-layer design, immediately extending battery life and cranking up high-fi sound.

The ultra-thin (5.1mm) X2 Battery does double duty by protecting the phone while also extending its battery life by nearly 75 percent, lasting from day to night without having to recharge. The X2 JBL Speaker amplifies music

and movie audio. A stand allows for hands-free use and a built-in mic for group conference calls.

“Uniquely crafted with three layers of distinctive colors, the VIBe X2 is the ideal smartphone for design trendsetters and style followers. Combined with the all-new VIBe Xtensions™ which gives the VIBe X2 its fourth layer, these innovations will drive Lenovo’s leadership in the PC Plus era,” said Dino Romano, Country head, Lenovo Smartphones. “Our partnership with MediaTek delivers powerful performance in the stylish VIBe X2 and this will appeal to our discerning customers who value best-in-class features in their smartphones.”

“Lenovo is one of our most important partners, and we have been enjoying a full relationship over

power-efficient Intel Atom processors to deliver outstanding mobile experiences at a competitive price that will be a compelling proposition for consumers.

the course of the smartphone evolution from our single-core chip, through our latest True Octa-core™ LTe-enabled MT6595M SoC. MT6595M delivers high-end, powerful performance and is embedded with some of our leading technologies such as CorePilot™ and other premium multimedia features, making VIBe X2 one of the best devices to enable consumers to reach their potential and be, what we like to call, an everyday Genius,” said Ching-Jiang hsieh, President of MediaTek. The Lenovo Vibe X2 will be available in white, gold, red and dark grey and will be available on the market by mid-November with sRP of P18,999 at all Lenovo Mobile exclusive Stores and authorized resellers of Open Communications, Lenovo’s exclusive smartphone distributor.

Lenovo VIBE X2: World’s first layered smartphone

ENOVO has announced the trend-setting VIBe X2 – the world’s first layered smartphone. The VIBe X2 turns heads with its signature design which frees users to express their multi-faceted lifestyles.

The layered motif is a quantum leap in terms of smartphone design. The thin and light VIBe X2 uses MediaTek’s latest 4G LTe mobile processor, promising consumers True Oc-

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Erika Soriano Mata Erika Soriano Mata is the face of calm and peace. Her mere presence is like a breath of fresh air, with her jovial personality, well complemented by her charm and effortless grace, and her big heart and modest smile which ceaselessly inspires any jaded soul. Her youthful glow gives you no hint that she’s actually 35 years of age, nor does it reveal that she now has a kid reaching adolescence stage. A full time mom to 3 beautiful children namely Patricia, Amanda and Richardo, Erika or “Ek” (as she is fondly called), maintains an idyllic life by staying positive and living an attitude of gratitude wherever she goes.

Stay at home mom “Being a full time mom is a decision my husband, Richard, and I made. It’s not for all families, but we felt that it’s better if I stay home and take care of the kids’ needs and affairs,” says Ek. “We’re blessed because with my husband’s job as a pediatrician, we’re able to live comfortably with only one parent earning. Being a housewife is no easy task, unlike what others think. Day in and

day out, we have to manage a household with different personalities, attend to each of their needs and

tion of values at a child’s early developmental stage somehow helps in instilling proper behavior and attitude as he or she grows up.”

“There are some parents who tend to substitute their lack of time for kids

keep up with the demands of the day. You become a last priority, but I see to it that I also take care of myself. On the side, this is what I do --- imparting tips and useful insights to fellow mothers on how to stay classy and chic at any stage of our life. You see, amidst all the stress, we need to feel good about ourselves. Not that my family is too much for me to handle, but even with the ease and comfort of having good children, I try to look and feel my best not just for me but also for my loved ones.”

Parental Guidance Being a woman of today, Ek stays attuned with advances in technology.

“Raising kids nowadays is totally different as compared to how our generation was brought up. With the availability and convenience of any kind of information on cable TV and Internet, my husband and I believe that parents have more responsibility now in guiding the kids through learning and discovery. While they do us good in so many ways, TV and Internet are also factors which form and shape behavior. A good founda-

by giving them gifts and toys. They tend to forego the pressing matters such as discipline because they feel they are guilty of not giving enough attention to their kids. I believe that parents need to confront the problem whenever children misbehave. It all starts with your relationship with them, how you deal with their concerns and issues. You cannot take this for granted. In one of Zig Ziglar’s parenting lectures, we learned that rules without relationship equal to rebellion. If you’re not able to develop a stable and open relationship with your kids when they’re young, you’re bound to have difficulty implementing rules by the time they hit their teens.”

“We don’t resort to spanking as a disciplinary action. We deal with the problem by sticking to the source of the problem.

We deal with the source rather than the outcome.

For example, if our child misbehaves, we check on the possibility of lack of sleep as the cause for her crankiness. In turn, we try to make him or her get ample sleep. Of course, there are far more causes of misbehavior other than just the sleep issue. We also try to interpret situa-

tions based on our child’s personality which she or he naturally inherited from us or acquired from the environment.”

Share and learn There is no perfect formula on becoming a good parent. As parenting is a life-long process, Ek believes experience makes a perfect teacher. “We learn how to better manage our homes by two ways --either through our own experience or the experience of others. When we say others, it means from reading books, listening to audio lectures or attending seminars. Our parenting style revolves around two objectives: keeping the communication lines open and practice being role models. This is mainly the reason why we advocate faith and receptive parenting within the community. This is our contribution society and, in turn, it makes our life more meaningful. From time to time, we fly in inspirational speakers here from Manila, the likes of Anthony Pangilinan, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Chinkee Tan, to give talks on successful parenting.”

Ek and her husband have consistently and generously shared their

blessings with the less fortunate ones by enrolling a selected few in school.

With Ek’s penchant for style and passion in reaching out to the community, she thought of other means of charity work within the area of fashion and lifestyle. “We want to help more students by getting extra funds to support them in school,” she shares. “I started designing bags together with my daughters. After series of brainstorming sessions, Humabi was born. We were able to strike a deal with female bag weavers in the correctional facilities who are mostly mothers with dependent children. We actually haven’t launched our products yet, but soon they will be available to all. These are high quality but bags at very affordable prices.

Each Humabi bag sold will help two people namely a bag weaver in correctional facility and one of our scholars in the Philippine Science High School. As of this time, I’m in communication with celebrity mothers and some momprenuers who are open to promoting this bag for free --- all for a good cause. Our main goal is to send a message of hope to everyone in the community.”

EDGEDAVAO

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UP AND ABOUT

The best gifts come in small packages this christmas CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and the annual search for the perfect gift for friends and family starts again. Some may think that the bigger the gift, the better. But sometimes the best gifts come in small packages. SanDisk memory devices pack a lot of performance into a small form factor, and are sure to get you big hugs from your loved ones during this special season.

SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.0 Flash Drive for the Multitasker For business people who dash between meetings, lunch plans and rushed deadlines, this thumb-sized flash drive is exactly what they need to support their fast-paced lifestyle.

The SanDisk Ultra Fit USB 3.0 features incredible transfer speeds, up to ten times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (32GB and 64GB capacities). It’s so fast it can transfer a fulllength HD movie in just 40 seconds**. With the exceptional performance of this speedy little flash drive, users can save time when transferring big files.

This reliable offering comes in 16GB,32GB, and 64GB capacities at an SRP of Php 699.00, Php 1,299.00 and Php 2,639.00, respectively.

SanDisk Ultra MicroSDXC 128GB Memory Card for the Multimedia Savvy In a size that’s smaller than a fingernail yet built with a storage space of 128GB, this epic device, dubbed the world’s largest capacity microSD memory card, is the perfect gift for today’s smartphone and tablet geeks. This memory card allows users to cap-

ture up to 7,500 songs, 3,200 photos, 16 hours of full HD video and install more than 125 apps without having to worry about running out of storage space.

The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC runs with a transfer speed of 48 MB/ second and can be used with the SanDisk Memory Zone app to make viewing and storing files simpler than ever. It comes in 8GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities, fit for all kinds of tech junkies.

The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC 128GB is available across SanDisk authorized distributors and resellers at an SRP of Php 7,600.

SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive for the Mingling Peeps For college students and yuppies who like to share the latest tunes, photos and movies with their peers, the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive is a great choice. This portable flash drive helps users quickly and easily share files across PCs, laptops, Android smartphones and tablets with on-the-go (OTG) connection features.

This plug and play device features a retractable cover, so no caps get lost while still keeping the connectors safe.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive is available in suggested retail prices of Php 980 (16GB), Php 1,600 (32GB) and Php 2,980 (64GB).

With the remarkable performance of these SanDisk gadgets, you can never go wrong in giving the perfect small gifts for the big people in your life this Christmas.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

EVENT

Be seen at Club Echelon

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto Photos from Club Echelon Facebook Fan Page

IMAGINE partying at Club Hakkasan or Light at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas with the best house and edm beats and a Dj on deck minus the travel expenses. Now, distressing from a week of work is easy at Davao’s newest place to be and party seen, Club Echelon.

Located at the heart of down town Davao, Club Echelon caters to your body’s need to a night of music, dancing and laughter with a view to beat. Once inside, you’ll be transported to a worldclass clubbing experience with state of the art lights, sounds and beats that will have you wanting for

more; step outside and see the Davao night skyline in all of its glory.

More than just music and dancing, Club Echelon also features the best DJs in the country. Last October 31, celebrating its opening and Halloween in one night, Club Echelon had DJ Liv from C

Superclub Cebu and two of BigFish Manila world renown Djs, Ian Sndrz and Chris Raeuber, stir the crowd with their beats all night long.

Celebrate love, laughter and music at the newest party place in Davao.

Visit Club Echelon at the 6th floor, The Peak,

Gaisano Mall of Davao (roof top area), JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City. For table and couch reservations, call them up at 0917.7134063. For the latest party news, browse and like their official Facebook Fan page at https://www.facebook. com/clubechelon.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Hindi Nahahati ang Langit’ joins roster of more than 60 films digitally restored to HD WHEN film restoration in the country is being talked about, the first thing that will come into mind is the restoration of classic Filipino films the likes of “Himala” and “Oro Plata Mata.” But for ABS-CBN Film Archives, the country’s pioneer in locally restoring and remastering films, the preservation of Filipino films is not limited to old titles but also covers recent ones.

“Even more recent films have some defects that were not important enough to fix during its initial commercial run in theaters or were unnoticeable in a standard definition television broadcast. However, today’s more sophisticated technologies require crisper images and more picture clarity so we need to address these defects as we convert the old SD films in to High-Definition,” said ABS-CBN head of Film Archives Leo Katigbak.

Since ABS-CBN Film Archives started restoring films in late 2011 in partnership with Central Digital Lab, it has already restored a total of 63 films that were produced from 1976 to 2011.

Among the recent titles restored were Star Cinema’s hit movies “Miss You Like Crazy,” “One More Chance,” “Milan,” “Tanging Yaman,” “Anak,”

“Feng Shui,” and “My Amnesia Girl.”

Some of these restored films are available to the public via theatrical releases, DVDs, free-to-air television via ABS-CBN, cable television via Cinema One, and global television via TFC. Some are also available on iTunes, which is another first made possible by ABSCBN Film Archives.

ABS-CBN is the first Philippine-based Content Company that has regularly and consistently

made Filipino films available on iTunes locally and internationally.

“Our performance in iTunes isn’t big business yet but its better than we thought. And it’s also filled with surprises. Who could imagine that a movie like Cinema One’s ‘Mater Dolorosa’ would be performing as well as Star Cinema’s ‘The Mistress.’ There are certainly new opportunities at play now and on a global field.”

When it comes to clas-

sic films, ABS-CBN Film Archives already restored five titles namely “Himala,” “Oro Plata Mata,” “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon,” “Virgin People,” and its newest addition set to be screened in cinemas before the year ends, Mike De Leon’s 1985 masterpiece “Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit” starring Christopher De Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Edu Manzano and Dina Bonnevie.

“Hindi Nahahati ang Langit” tells the story of Noel Delgado (De Leon) and Melody (Tolentino), step-siblings who grew up belligerent to each other. Melody appears to be trying hard to get attention while Noel remains indifferent. When their parents died, Noel becomes the legal guardian of Melody who is annoyed with Noel’s strict and old fashioned ways.

The two should have parted ways when each got married but still their lives intertwine when Melody gets into the construction business as Noel’s business partner, stirring jealousy and suspicion in their respective spouses.

The digitally restored and remastered version of “Hindi Nahahati ang Langit” will be screened in select cinemas later this month.

Jake Vargas feels the pressure of working with Bossing Vic and Michael V. ARMED with a smile that lights “Ibang-iba kasi si Kuya Bitoy. up the entire room, Jake Vargas Ma-joke siya ‘pag ganyan sa mga has proven that he’s not just a eksena kahit hindi pa-take. Off-cam Kapuso tween star, but a serious and talented actor.

After the successful run of his teen oriented weekend show Tween Hearts, the young star did not rest on his laurels and worked on improving his skills.

Currently, he is a regular in the comedy program Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento as Chito and in the primetime series Strawberry Lane opposite Kapuso actress and real-life girlfriend Bea Binene.

He also plays Dimitri in another sitcom starring Bossing Vic Sotto, Vampire Ang Daddy Ko. In an interview with GMANetwork.com, Jake revealed that he still feels the pressure of working with the country’s comedy heavyweights: Vic and Michael V. He added that the two are both hilarious on TV, but are completely opposites off-camera.

maloko siya lagi siyang nagbibiro, nagjo-joke siya tatawa kami.”

“Si Bossing naman parang medyo serious, pero ‘pag umarte nakakatawa. Ganun ‘yung pinagkaiba nila kaya nakakatuwa silang dalawa. Nakaka-pressure din minsan,” Jake said.

It has been a fruitful year for the protégé of German Moreno. After doing several TV projects and commercial endorsements, we asked the Kapuso actor what he wants to achieve next year after accomplishing so many things in 2014.

Jake said, “Actually, nagawa ko ‘yung dream ko, ‘yung dream ko na parang medyo horror siya, pero may fight scene. ‘Yun ‘yung dream ko na parang may fight scene na ginagawa lumilipad-lipad.”

“Actually, nagawa ko na naman ‘yun. So siguro etong mga susunod na years pa, siguro blessings na rin.

‘Tsaka health na huwag pabayaan ni Lord ‘yung resistansya ko, ‘yung katawan ko” said the young actor.

INTERSTELLAR Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway PG 13

12:00 | 3:20 | 6:40 | 10:00 LFS

RELAKS, IT'S JUST PAG-IBIG Inigo Pascual, Sofia Andres PG 13

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

WHITE BIRD in a BLIZZARD/ * HORNS Shailene Woodley / *Daniel Radcliffe

R-16

R 16 / * R16

12:00 | 1:50 | 3:40 LFS / * 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

BIG HERO 6 T. J. Miller, Jamie Chung PG 13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

TRAVEL

What I learned while in Bogor Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

“A romantic little village” -- that was how Sir Stamford Raffles described Bogor when he made it his country home during the British interregnum.

The Lonely Planet seems to agree. It writes: “As an oasis of unpredictable weather – it is credited with 322 thunderstorms a year – cool, quiet Bogor was the chosen retreat of colonials escaping the stifling, crowded capital.

“Today, the long arm of Jakarta reaches almost the whole way to Bogor, and while a ribbon of green still just about survives between the two, the city is already choked with the overspill of the capital’s perennial traffic problems.”

Yes, rapid economic development has turned the central part of Bogor into a congested mess, but there are still rivers, canals, red-roofed houses, mosques, churches, trees, flowers and views of nearby Mount Salak, an eroded volcanic range in West Java.

Why I know all these?

It’s because I had the opportunity of visiting Bogor recently. It is about 60 kilometers to the south of Jakarta. Although its transformation into a distant Jakartan suburb continues apace, the real oasis remains untouched.

Bogor is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited in recent years.

A local told me that Bogor earned the sobriquet, “Kota Hujan,” for a reason. It simply means “City of Rain.” In my research, I found that Bogor receives 4000 millimeters of rain a year with over 200 millimeters falling in any one month. So, I didn’t wonder why there was never a day without rain. But it did stop -- when we left the city on our way back to Manila.

There were so many things I learned on the said trip. For one, I didn’t know that Bogor was once Indonesia’s capital -- this was during the brief British occupation. It was called Buitenzorg, named

after the summer capital of the Dutch in the hot dry season.

As Bogor is located 290 meters above sea level, it is amazingly cooler than those areas in torrid lowlands. This is the reason why most of the Indonesian elite have their villas in the city. I have observed this during our travel as we approached the hotel where we were billeted.

Where I went, I find people in Bogor to be extremely friendly; in fact, some of them will go out of their way to help you.

So if you are polite and smile often, you will go very far. Although English is not prevalent, basic English is spoken by many in restaurants and in the local warung foodstalls.

If you think the traffic is Jakarta is worst, then you better be prepared when you are in Bogor; the traffic is chaotic. There is a daily traffic jam in Bogor from early in the morning to late in the afternoon.

On weekend and holiday, people from Jakarta often go to Bogor with their

cars.

It was good that the hotel provided us a ride in going to the heart of the city. The hotel is about 10 minutes away from the city and getting a taxi is always a hassle. Generally, we went to go “where the action” not to shop (although some of us did!)

but to eat. Although it was exhausting, we still liked it so we could try other foods other than those we ate at the hotel.

On our last night, all of us tried something new. I went for rice noodles with various vegetables and meat (you have to pay for all that you will pick and

it will be cooked by the chef). The only person who ordered unusual was Zacarias Sarian, an editor of a national magazine and recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award. When I asked him if it tasted good, he replied: “Not bad.”

Bogor is known around the world for its Botanical Gardens, which stretch out over 87 hectares.

One part look like palace gardens as they are carefully manicured and another part look like a wild jungle at first glance (if not for the tags detailing where every tree and plant comes from). It has lakes, two rivers, and hilly trails.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see the Botanical Gardens firsthand. I only

got the information from my friends and those I interviewed. Never had a chance to go out from the place where we were having our workshop.

But on second thought, we were billeted in a hotel that is set amongst breathtaking gardens. It features an 18-hole golf course. But the most important: food. You can choose from delicious Sundanese-Indonesian or Western cuisine at its Verandah Restaurant or indulge in Italian dishes at Capriccio.

I really wondered why the media workshop on biotechnology was held in Bogor. I only knew it after reading A Handbook for Newcomers to Bogor, which Jose Levelink ed-

ited. It said: “Bogor is a university town. Students from all over Indonesia attend IPB (Bogor Agricultural University) to study agriculture, veterinary science, animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry and engineering, or attend other universities.

“Bogor is also an important scientific research center with numerous institutes conducting studies in the fields of soils, crops, forestry, fisheries, animal science, agricultural economics, biology and others. These institutes have also attracted foreign aid projects, often in the form of technical experts working within the various institutes of the universities.”

You can get to Bogor through Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport. I hated when we arrived since it rained and there was a total black-out. I stood inside the airport for almost 30 minutes and with no air-con, it was totally hot.

But my bad feeling about the airport changed when we were flying out.

It was very clean; the stores are scattered all over the place. In fact, beautiful orchids are everywhere. I really had fun taking photos.

Well, I never get to know all these had I not visited Bogor.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

Pacquiao arrives in Macau M

ACAU – Manny Pacquiao returned to the site where he successfully relaunched his career a year ago.

The 35-year-old boxing superstar from the Philippines arrived in this former Portuguese colony early Monday evening accompanied by an entourage of close to 400 aboard two commercial AirAsia chartered flights which flew directly from General Santos City, which served as training camp of the reigning world welterweight champion for the past seven weeks.

Pacquiao sparred for four rounds for the last time Monday afternoon before flying over in this gambling haven, where he found a new lease of life in his boxing ca-

reer exactly 12 months ago following a 12-round unanimous decision over American Brandon Rios.

The Rios victory came at the time Pacquiao was reeling from back-to-back losses against Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley.

The Pacman has since bounced back big time as he avenged his loss against Bradley by dominating the California native inside 12 rounds last April to regain back the World Boxing Organization (WBO) 147-lbs title belt. Pacquiao checked in at the palatial Venetian hotel here along with wife Jinkee and new-born son Israel.

The champion (56-5-2, 38 KOs) is expected to go to work right away on Tues-

day with trainer Freddie Roach, who considers the seven-week training camp he had with Pacquiao as `perfect’ for the fight against Americna challenger Chris Algieri.

The 30-year-old native of New York has been here as early as Saturday. As the limelight swirled on the arrival of the champion, Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs) silently worked out at the Venetian Macao gym in keeping with his low-profile personality.

But the challenger, who owns a Bachelor of Science degree in health Care Management, a Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition, and a Ph.D in Upsets Inside The Ring, vows to shock the world come Nov. 23 at the Cotai Arena.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart ) has partnered with video-on-demand service Blink to provide an affordable, convenient, and enjoyable Pacquiao experience exclusively to smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscribers.

No need to sit through endless advertisements on television, no need to shell out cash for costly pay-perview subscriptions or cinema tickets, or jostle for a nice

viewing spot at the crowded barangay center.

Will Algieri score an upset and retire boxing’s only 8-division champion? Will Pacquiao overwhelm his opponent and further raise the world’s hopes for a Floyd Mayweather match?

Watch how it goes down by texting BLINKsPORTs 199 to 3161 for Smart and Talk ‘N Text, or 2354 for sun. The system will send you an SMS containing an e-PIN code.

ning streak with a 106-97 victory Monday night.

James led the Cavaliers with 22 points, but Denver took the lead for good early in the third quarter and was up by as many as 14 midway through the fourth.

“They were the more desperate team and that’s why they walked out with a

win,” James said. “I felt OK, good enough to go out and help the team win, and as a group we didn’t have it.”

The Nuggets limped into the game having lost seven of eight and were coming off sunday’s defeat at New York in which they made one field goal in the second quarter.

Smart, Blink bring Pacquiao vs Algieri fight to mobile devices

O

POWER MOVE. Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50), guard Mike Conley (11) and guard Courtney Lee (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday (Tuesday PH Time), Nov. 17, 2014, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

N November 23, Pinoys will again drop everything to watch the country’s pride Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao battle it out with the young and hungry Chris Algieri of the US. If you are a smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun Cellular subscriber, you are in for a treat. For the first time, you can watch Pacquiao’s fight live and with no commercial breaks, on your mobile device, for only P199.

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Nuggets sink Cavaliers 106-97

Grizzlies silence Rockets L F

OR a night, the houston Rockets’ new defensive mindset was blown up completely, leading to a blowout by the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies dominated a showdown between the teams with the NBA’s best records, running away from the Rockets in a 119-93 victory on Monday night.

“They just beat the hell out of us,” Rockets coach Kevin Mchale said.

While the Rockets struggled, Memphis put together its best all-around performance of the season.

“This team could easily come in and beat us by 30, and we came in and stayed focused,” said point guard Mike Conley, who led the Grizzlies with 19 points and six assists. “I thought it was a good statement to the rest of the league that we’re one of the teams to be reckoned with.”

Whatever showdown was expected from the two

9-1 teams and among the best defensive squads in the league never materialized as Memphis took a 16-point lead in the first quarter and extended it in each of the remaining periods, until it reached 36 points in the fourth.

Memphis coach Dave Joerger said it was nice “to come out and throw the first punch.”

“We played with force and quick attacks in the paint,” he said.

Seven players finished in double figures for Memphis, which won its fourth straight overall. Courtney Lee finished with 15 points, while Zach Randolph added 14. Quincy Pondexter, Beno Udrih and Jon Leuer had 13 points each.

Trevor Ariza led the Rockets with 16 points, while Dwight howard had 15 points and nine rebounds. Patrick Beverly managed 10 points. James harden had six points, go-

ing 1 of 8 from the field.

The Rockets, who entered the game allowing a league-low 89 points a game, had given up that many by the end of the third quarter.

EBRON James began the day by missing the morning shootaround because of a cold. A loss to the struggling Denver Nuggets didn’t make him feel any better.

Ty Lawson scored 24 points, Arron Afflalo added 23 and the Nuggets ended Cleveland’s four-game win-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Startrek, Gavino win in 3 Fore Tree

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

I

njb@edgedavao.net

NTEREsTINGLY, a team with two lady members, Startrek, took the overall team championship in a close finish to cap the 3 Fore Tree golf tournament at the Rancho Palos Verdes over the weekend.

Led by Richard Bad-ang, Startrek relied on lady parbusters evelyn Quimsay and Virgie hermiston to score an aggregate 61.16 on Modified Stableford scoring format to win the team title over the team of Jorge Martinez, Ryan Co and Leo Yap who scored 62.66 and the troika of celebrity golfer epi Quizon, Jeff Bernaldes and Alrey Ceniza with 63.83.

Individual champion Jing Gavino’s team composed also of single-handicappers Karlos Alba and Vince Gumapac finished 3rd runner on a 64 while perennial champion Joel Yamyamin, Rainer Cruz and Randy Cadiogan finished fourth runner up with 64.33.

Gavino won the green jacket signifying the overall gross winner with 40 points while hermiston made it a double victory after she also won the net overall title with a 44. Cristine Powell won the ladies gross overall plum with 28.

Martinez took the Class A gross title with a 37 while Ryan Co took the net title with a 43 via countback.

Bobby Wee also won Class B gross title on countback with a 37 while Ian Dagatan took the net trophy with a 44.

Bad-ang likewise became a double winner with the Class C net title with a 46 while Jake Obligado took the gross trophy with a 28.

In Class D, Bill Donohoe took the gross title with a 20 while Jockson Liu won the net honors with a 41.

Demy Monedero took runer-up honors in Class A net with eJ Casintahan for Class A gross. Chiboy Apostol was runner up in Class B gross while Randall Gotan was runner-up in Class B net.

Making the tournament more interesting were celebrity golfers Tonton Gutierrez and partner Glydel Mercado, Daisy Reyes, epi Quizon and

Eyes... FFROM 16 gold medalist and continues to win medals around the world,” Coleman added.

The half-Pinay who last visited her mother’s hometown in Davao when she was 12, won over 2013 Senior World medalist Inna Deriglazova (RUS) in a come-from-behind fashion as she trailed the Russian 13-10 lead after the second break. In the third period, Kiefer picked off a quick touch just two seconds in and went on to tie the bout

CELEBRITY GOLFERS. (Clockwise) Tonton Gutierrez, Glydel Mercado and Daisy Reyes took part in the 3 Fore Tree golf tournament recently at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Boy Lim

PRO 11 stays alive in AFP-PNP hoops

P Cesar Montano.

The two-day golfest shares in part to the Davao

City watershed project through its organizer Green Tee.Org.

at 13 and again at 14 before scoring the final touch for a 15-14 win.

Kiefer won her first two direct elimination bouts over Polish opponents and advanced to the table of 64, Kiefer defeated Natalia Golebiowska, 15-9.

Fencing against Magdalena Knop in the table of 32, a top-eight finisher at the 2014 Senior Worlds, Kiefer found herself tied at nine in a fast-paced first period. Kiefer scored six of the

next eight touches to close the bout out at 15-11 before the break.

Kiefer won her table of 16 bout against three-time Senior World team medalist Yulia Biryukova (RUS), 1512, in their first match-up since Kiefer’s first appearance on the World Cup circuit as a 15-year-old in 2009.

Kiefer advanced to her third straight international quarter-final after earning top eight finishes at the Senior Worlds in July and

OLICe Regional Office-XI hammered Philippine Coast Guard, 114 – 72, to keep its Final Four hopes alive in their Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 12th AfP-PNP Basketball Tournament encounter yesterday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Versatile-forward William Furuganan stepped up with game-high 24 points for the Policemen who came out strong and finished stalwartly to pull away with the much-needed win.

The victory and the loss of 10th Infantry Agila Division at the hands of Davao City Police

the Cancun World Cup last month.

In the team competition, Kiefer led a United States Team also composed of Nicole Ross, Margaret Lu and Madison Zeiss to a sixth place finish. The US fencers opened with a 45-19 win over hong Kong to advance to the quarter-finals.

Although Team USA defeated Korea in the quarters at the Cancun World Cup, the Americans missed the medal rounds after a 28-25 loss.

Office in the second game of the triple-bill boosted up the PRO’s chance for the No. 4 spot in the next round.

At 3 – 3, PRO is tied at fifth place with the 10th ID and Philippine Navy and one game behind Regional Public Safety Battalion which at fourth spot with 4 – 3.

Glenfort Gaffud chipped in 23 for the summer league champion PRO that bounced back mightily following an 84 – 63 rout of league-leader City Mayor’s Office the other day.

Wilson Alpay scored 12 baskets for the Coast Guards who along with Task Force Fencing for a chance at fifth place, Team USA defeated Poland, 45-31, but finished sixth after a 39-32 loss to Germany.

Top eight and U.S. results are as follows: St. Maur Individual Foil World Cup 1. Arianna errigo (ITA) 2. Lee Kiefer (Lexington, Ky.) 3. Inna Deriglazova (RUS) 3. Chiara Cini (ITA) 5. elisa Di Francisca

Davao remained winless.

The 91 – 83 win of DCPO over 10th ID enabled the Camp Domingo Leonor dribblers to take the solo second with 5 – 1 card.

Marlon Cabanog and Archie Zozobrado delivered the big blows with 16 points apiece for the DCPO. eduardo Mahilum led the 10th ID with 22 points. Alvino had 14.

Defending champion Bureau of Fire Protection clobbered Task Force Davao to clinch its sixth win in seven games and tie with CMO at the top of the standing. (Rico Biliran) (ITA) 6. Valentina Vezzali (ITA) 7. Larisa Korobeynikova (RUS) 8. Alice Volpi (ITA) St. Maur Team Foil World Cup 1. Russia 2. Italy 3. France 4. Korea 5. Germany 6. USA 7. hungary 8. Poland

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 177 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEmbEr 19, 2014

OUT OF THE TRAP. Jong Gavino blasts out of the bunker en route to winning the individual title in the 3 Fore Tree golf tournament recently at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Boy Lim

DABAWENYA AT HEART. Lee Kiefer, daughter of a Dabawenya doctor, won the silver medal in the 2014 World Cup of fencing.

She defeated reigning Olympic champion Elisa Di Francesca (right) in the quarterfinals. USFA photo

EYES ON RIO US fencer with Davao roots wins World Cup silver

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

L

njb@edgedavao.net

OOKS like the elusive Olympic gold medal the Philippines is hotly pursuing could be in the works for a half-Pinay fencer. Unfortunately, this 18-year old prospect who traced her roots t o Davao, will be representing the United States.

London Olympian Lee Kiefer

is slowly but surely inching closer to her Olympic dream. The daughter of a doctor from Tagum, Davao del Norte who reached the quarterfinals in the London Olympics in 2012 reached the podium for the first time at a Senior World Cup with her silver medal finish in St. Maur, France on Saturday.

The United States Fencing Association said in its website that Kiefer, a 2011 Senior World medalist, defeated no less than reigning Olympic champion elisa Di Francesca of Italy in the quarterfinals. In a field stacked with six Senior World or Olympic medalists, Kiefer drew Di Francisca, the reigning Olympic Champion and one of five Italians in the quarters.

Instead of being intimated by her highly-favored and experienced rival, Kiefer registered the biggest upset of the tournament when she defeated Di Francisca, 15-6, to earn her first World Cup podium finish.

“Not too many fencers get to fence with and defeat the reigning Olympics foil fencing champ. So exceedingly proud and excited, my heart beats fast whenever I think about it, and whenever I remember watching her fence at the Olympics,” Kiefer’s aunt Martz Angeles Coleman told edge Davao in a Facebook message.

Di Francesca won the gold medal in London by beating compatriot Arianna errigo.

It was the same errigo who ended the campaign of Kiefer in London in the quarterfinals.

As fate would have it, Kiefer and errigo met again in the finals. While Kiefer tied errigo at three early in the bout, the top-ranked fencer in the world never gave up her lead and won her fourth straight individual World Cup gold medal, 15-8.

“Lee had fenced well and we are very proud of her.

She is now in her sophomore year and Notre Dame and has been NCAA women’s foil fencing

FEYES, 15