Edge Davao 7 Issue 179

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

LIGHTING IT UP. The hallway of The Royal Mandaya Hotel ballroom is adorned with Christmas decors. With just 34 days away from Christmas, most establishments in Davao City have lit up their interiors with Christmas-themed arrangements. NJB

‘VIRGIN HUNTER’ Prosecutor to resolve child abuse, trafficking raps vs engineer

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. AND FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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OR his bizarre obsession, an engineer is facing possible trial on charges of child abuse and human trafficking. His modus: Hunting minors who are still virgins.

The Davao City Prosecution Office (CPO) is set to release its resolution this week against Engineer Danilo Ilag-

an Gelua.

Assistant prosecutor Jay Karel Sanchez, CPO spokesperson, said that the child abuse and anti- trafficking cases were filed against Gelua by Talomo Police Station.

Sanchez said that the prosecutor who handled the case is still finalizing the resolution as the latter

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mony in Pulanglupa Uno, Las Pinas City on December 12.

This was learned last Thusday night from a source in the staff of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, whose family is behind SIPAG meaning Social Institute on Poverty Alleviation and Governance.

FLASH! Tagum coop gets Villar SIPAG plum

OR ITS growing and consistent contribution to the efforts to alleviate poverty in the country, multi-awarded Tagum Cooperative has been picked one of the Top 10 Promising Enterprises in the so-called Villar SIPAG awards to be honored in appropriate cere-

FTAGUM, 10

still evaluating the evidences submitted to their office.

Last November 6, Gelua was arrested by the operatives Talomo Police Station in an entrapment operation inside a motel in Ecoland.

The police report said that Gelua’s modus is to hire minors who are still virgins and is willing to

pay P10,000 as a referral fee.

“The resolution has not been issued because of the complexity of the issues involved, we have yet to determine the exact criminal liabilities of the respondent (Gelua) in this case,” Sanchez said.

“We should bear in

MOU FOR UP. ANFLOCOR executives represented by senior vice president and chief of operations Ricardo R. Floirendo (fifth from left, front row), vice president Vincent R. Floirendo (second from right, front row) and Damosa Land vice president Cary Lagdameo (fourth from right, front row) and the University of the Philippines (UP) represented by president Alfredo E. Pascual

mind there are many complainants in this case… 10 minors, separate incidents. So, if you just imagine how our office will look into each incidents,” Sanchez added.

Sanchez said that the prosecutor thoroughly evaluated the case as they want to be assured that

they come up with the accurate case that should be filed to the respondent.

“Essentially, the complaint filed is for violation for RA (Republic Act) 9208 which is Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act as amended by RA 10364.

But, we are not preclud-

FVIRGIN, 10

(fourth from left, front row) sign a Memorandum of Understanding forming a partnership to build a satellite UP campus in Panabo City, Davao del Norte which focuses on agricultural education. The MOU signing ceremony was held at SMX Convention Center Davao during the second day of the Davao Trade Expo yesterday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

WALK THROUGH. RCG group vice president Eddie Galor walks members of local media through the history of the company during a press briefing and presentation at the Uratex Plant and showroom in Bo. Pampanga, Lanang, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City on alert over BIFF bomb plot

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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AVAO City is on heightened alert amidst reports that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) will attempt to bomb key cities in Mindanao.

10th Infantry Division commander Major General Eduardo Año said all security forces in the entire city are on heightened alert because of the reported threat.

“Last Monday I visited Task Force Davao and we discussed measures to counter any terrorist threat,” Año said.

He did not specify what threat the BIFF is posing, but the region has seen a number of bomb attacks in recent weeks, the latest of which occurred on Wednesday night when an explosion hit

Seguel Bridge, Sitio Seguel, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani Province.

Authorities recovered pieces of plastic and damaged textile with powder residue. No traces of splinter was found.

No one was reported hurt in the incident.

Last Tuesday, operatives of the Nabunturan Municipal Police Station intercepted an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a passenger bus before it could explode.

On November 6, a bomb off inside a Rural Transit of Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) bus in Maramag, Bukidnon, injuring four passengers.

Año said the military will intensify the checkpoint operations throughout the city.

“We ask the public to

report any suspicious people or packages in their surroundings,” he said.

Año also said the military has already intensified its intelligence monitoring for any kind of threat that will enter the city.

He gave assurance, however, that the terrorist group has a difficulty entering the city because of the tight security measures.

Task Force Davao commander Colonel Macairog Alberto said his unit is continuously maintaining the high security in the city especially in crowded places and during big events.

Alberto also asked the public for understanding if there will be delays in some activities because of the tight security.

“Yung mga checkpoint natinhinigpitan natin kaya pag pasensyahan ng mga tao kung naabala sila. Lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para masigurong ligtas at makapamuhay ng maayos (We are tightening our checkpoints so we ask for patience on the part of the people. We are doing everything we can to keep the people safe),” he said.

For his part, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he has “never really denied that we are in danger.”

He said there is nothing government can do but prepare for any circumstance by conducting trainings.

He said his standing order with regards to the security of the city remains the same.

Team asks for P20M to fight Ebola virus

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

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HE Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Ebola preparedness and prevention team in Davao City has requested funding of around P20 million from the office of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to finance the expenses in case the virus enters the city.

City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte told reporters in an interview yesterday after the I-Speak Media Forum at City Hall that the fund they are asking for is for the purchase of some equipment such as tents that will be used as

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night.

Duterte said TMC chief Rhodelio Poliquit should automatically fire 52-year-old Allan Fanlo and not wait for his order.

Fanlo, who has been in a traffic enforcer for 13 years, 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) 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.

In a television interview, Fanlo said he flagged down the motorist for beating a red light and reckless

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FTEAM, 10

Father, son nabbed in drug buy-bust

City Mayor wants traffic enforcer fired A

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wants the immediate removal of the traffic enforcer of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) who was caught on camera mulcting a motorist.

“Wala nang seremonya (Do it without further ado). He is out. Extortion is robbery,” Duterte told reporters Wednesday

pre-emergency isolation at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Villafuerte said the tents they are planning to install in the airport will serve as the temporary observation room in case someone from abroad is found to have symptoms of the virus.

She said the fund is part of the action plan of the four task forces that the TWG formed: the Education Team, Rapid Action Team, Security and Transport Team, and Surveillance Team.

Villafuerte said the ac-

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

man and his son were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Purok 6-B, Barangay 31-D, Davao City on Wednesday afternoon.

Police also arrested five persons who were having a shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) session in the area at the time of the operation.

San Pedro police identified the suspected pushers as Oscar Esperanza Bartolo, a

60-year-old electirician, and his son Jay-ar Esperanza Bartolo, a 30-year-old laborer.

Both are residents of Purok 6-B. Police said a “reliable informant” went to the San Pedro Police Precinct at around 3 p.m. on Wednesday to report the drug activities of the younger Bartolo.

Police coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Peace and order vital for banana industry D AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday reiterated that peace and order is essential for the further development of the banana industry not just in Davao City but the rest of Mindanao.

“I’ve been telling the (national) government to accelerate peace talks with rebel groups like the New People’s Army (NPA) who’s imposing overtaxation in the uplands,” the mayor said during the opening of the International Banana Symposium at SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City last Wednesday.

He said the insurgency problem has been burden-

ing business owners who are in the banana industry and scaring away possible investors.

He said that the revolutionary tax collection system of the NPA will kill the business as well as the interest of investors.

Duterte said he wants the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to resume the stalled peace talks.

“If we can only make Mindanao very peaceful it will be the answer to all of these by way of finances,” he said, adding that the insurgency problem in the island

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Export price of bananas drops in China market

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HE export price of Cavendish banana to China has dropped to less than P100 per box in the past two months due to competition from Ecuador and from Chinese plantations themselves.

Speaking during the first day of the two-day International Banana Symposium at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City, Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig said the price fell from US$16 per box just two months ago.

He said among the reasons for the drastic price drop were the importation

by China of Cavendish bananas from Ecuador and the rehabilitation of the banana plantations in China.

“China is already producing its own Cavendish banana, that’s why the importation is lower,” he said.

Ecuador is the top producer and exporter of Cavendish banana in the global

arena, while the Philippines ranks second.

Antig, however, said the Japan market is continuing to give a positive performance in the past few months.

“The price is quite steady and volume in Japan has not gone down,” he said.

Meanwhile, Antig said the banana production of Region 11 is still short by seven to 10 percent even with the ongoing recovery process from typhoon Pablo.

He said the region is producing an average of six to seven million boxes of Cavendish banana quarterly.

“We expect that the full recovery of the banana industry in the region will be completed by the first quarter of next year and by then we will be able to address the gap in the supply,” he said.

Antig said when the re-

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PASKO FIESTA OPENING. James A. Zimmerman (left) and Renan Librado of the Pasko Fiesta 2014 executive committee give updates on Davao City’s annual Christmas festivity which will be opened on

EDGEDAVAO

READY FOR EBOLA. City Health Office (CHO) chief and Ebola Task Force head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte says Davao City’s Ebola virus preparedness is not

NEWS 3

perfect but the city’s health sector is ready for cases that may arise. Villafuerte graced the I-Speak media forum at City Hall yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Is massacre witness in Davao? Rody asks

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte told the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to confirm if the surviving witness of the Ampatuan massacre has really been admitted in one of the hospitals in the city.

Duterte gave the order after being asked by reporters what security measures he will provide to Butch Saudagal, former bagman of

former Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who was ambushed in Maguindanao on Tuesday and reportedly brought to a hospital in Davao City.

“The police should take cognizance of that incident,” Duterte said in a chance interview after the opening of Davao Trade and Expo at SMX Convention Center.

He said he would provide security to the witness

if Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu asks him.

“If they want to deploy security force in the hospital, it will be OK with me.

The better to protect the witness, to protect his life,” he said.

Duterte said he only wants police and Task Force Davao personnel to be deployed in the hospital and

no one else.

As of this writing, the DCPO still has not confirmed the presence of Saudagal in Davao City. Edge Davao tried to contact Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. to no avail.

A report from the Philippines News Agency (PNA) said Mangudadatu

tiative as it will add up to the little literature that we have on the richness of the biodiversity of our watersheds.

This will provide the WMC an overview of the natural resources present in Davao as well as help in our efforts to help protect and sustainably manage the watersheds,” WMC member and Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Mary Ann Fuertes said.

Fuertes said the initiative complements the strategic direction of the WMC in protecting and managing the watersheds.

She said IDIS donated some equipment and materials to the project as part of its commitment to support and collaborate with the city government on environment protection and management.

Previous biodiversity researches conducted in the watersheds have been primarily made by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF).

The most recent was in 2013, when IDIS, with grant

money from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), commissioned the PEF to conduct a resource profile of the Talomo-Lipadas (TL) and Panigan-Tamugan (PT) watersheds. The TL-PT watersheds are the current and future sources of drinking water.

The IDIS-PEF research revealed that the TL-PT watersheds are centers of endemism with the research team able to document 171 vertebrate species, mostly endemic, which are living in the dipterocarp forests found in the lowland areas. Twenty-eight of these species are categorized as threatened and near threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

At least two critically endangered tree species as classified by the IUCN were also noted by the research team.

These are the White miranti and the Tanguile species. CRC

FIS MASSACRE, 10

CENRO to survey city’s conservation area

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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HE Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is planning to survey around 10 percent of the city’s total land conservation area as part of its Biodiversi-

December 8 instead of December 5. Zimmerman and Librado were guests in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

ty Inventory and Assessment Project.

The inventory and assessment project will establish a databank and biodiversity index for the flora and fauna present in Davao’s watersheds.

Sampling sites from the mangrove, urban, greenbelt, and quarry sites will be included in survey, along with areas in Marilog, Paquibato, and Eden in Toril .

Based on the project design, the foresters will be using a Reef-to-Ridge Approach in the conduct of the biodiversity survey.

According to the document submitted by CENRO to the Watershed Management Council (WMC), the watershed biodiversity survey is being conducted in preparation for the formulation of a long-range plan for its Natural Resources Conservation and Preservation programs.

The survey will run for ten months.

“We look forward towards the results of this ini-

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Banana growers still struggling two years after typhoon Pablo

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Local Water Utilities Authority Administrator Andres F. Ibarra poses with Davao City Water District officials (from left) Engr. Ronald Munoz and Engr.

James Gonida of Planning and Design Division, Asst. Gen. Manager Mildred Aviles, Administrator Ibarra, DCWD Board Member Serafin Ledesma Jr., Gen-

WO years after typhoon Pablo devastated vast plantations, the banana industry is still struggling to recover, the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) revealed.

PBGEA president Anthony Alexander Valoria said Wednesday that almost 14,000 hectares of banana plantations were destroyed due to strong winds and heavy flooding brought by the super typhoon on December 4, 2012.

Of the total devastated area, he said about 4,000 hectares, most of them in Compostela Valley Province, eral Manager Edwin Regalado, Engr. Oscar dela Cruz of Engineering and Con- have not yet recovered.

“The banana industry is struction Department, LWUA Senior Deputy Administrator Edgardo Demayo and Atty. Bernardo Delima of DCWD Legal Division. still struggling. It takes over a million pesos to develop a banana plantation,” Valoria told reporters before the opening of the Davao Trade Expo (DATE) 2014 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang.

Valoria, also the president and chief executive officer of Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (Anflocor), said loan assistance from the government to the small growers was not DCWD Tamugan Surface point, treat this in its water enough for them to be able to Water Development Project treatment plant and deliver recover.

(TSWDP) compares with it as bulk water to DCWD’s “There hasn’t been other similar projects in off-take points in various lo- enough support. There the country. Based on the cations in the city. should have been more, givplan the intake structure of The agreement was en the huge contribution of TSWDP will be constructed inked with the consortium the banana industry in the in Maligatong, a sitio of Ba- early this year. LWUA admin- socio-economic developrangay Tawantawan where istrator Ibarra was excited ment in Mindanao. For us, Panigan and Tamugan rivers by the manner with which let’s say Tagum Agricultural merged. The site is about DCWD Board of Directors Development Company, Inc. 400 meters above sea level headed by Ed Bangayan was (Tadeco), obviously we can allowing gravitational able to ink an agreement take care of ourselves. But flow of water from the water whereby AAII is tasked to it’s really the small growers treatment plant in the vicin- deliver treated water to vari- who were hit really hard,” he ity of the intake structure to ous DCWD water storage. said. the reservoirs and primary In other water districts, Tadeco is one of the comdistribution lines. Ibarra was Ibarra revealed, there is only panies under Anflocor. impressed by the scheme one off-take storage which and projections that DCWD is usually near the uptake did to undertake the mega point and that it is the waproject. ter utility that treats the raw DCWD which has rights water. DCWD for its part will over water from Tamugan construct all water storage and Panigan allows AAII to facilities or off-take points draw water from the intake FLWUA, 10 RATEX, flagship of the highly-diversified RGC Group of Companies, and a Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Platinum 2014 awardee, will put up a P250-million plant in a one-hectare area in Dumoy, Davao City next year.

RGC Group executive vice president Eddie A. Gallor made the announcement Based on a Globe share and broadband customer at a press conference yesterprice of P1,685 as of Octo- bases, the strong demand day at the Uratex Showroom ber 31, 2014, year-to-date for data connectivity, and in Lanang, Davao City. share price appreciation is the successful execution of Gallor said the construcabout 2.7 percent. Coupled various innovative and rele- tion of the plant will start in with the 4.4 percent divi- vant promotions during the January next year and will be dend yield, the total share- period. completed by July and will Core net income jumped start commercial production holder return is 7.1 percent.

Globe led industry 22 percent in the Janu- by August next year. growth in the first nine ary to September period “It will be our first time months of the year, posting to P11.6 billion while net in Davao and it will be our record-breaking revenues profit surged 198 percent 18th plant in the country,” of P72.7 billion, 8 percent to P10.5 billion as a result Gallor said. higher than the P67.3 billion of improvement in EBITDA, He said Davao City is reported in the same period coupled with lower depreci- consistently recognized as last year, driven by robust ation expenses and non-op- one of the most important expansion of both mobile erating charges. areas in the country in terms

LWUA top brass shown Tamugan water project V

ISITING top officials of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) appeared to have been impressed by the multi-billion project of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) to tap the Tamugan River as source of potable water .

LWUA Administrator Andres F. Ibarra and Senior Deputy Administrator Edgardo Demayo flew to Davao City over the weekend to peruse over the proposed surface water development project slated to start construction by a private consortium next year.

The DCWD management headed by Edwin Regalado, general manager, detailed where the surface water will be taken and where the intake structures, storage facil-

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ities and the primary distribution lines, will be located.

The LWUA brass were also shown the areas of expansion of the water district to address the city’s fast growing population which now stands at 1.6 million.

The project’s basis was an unsolicited proposal from Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII), a partnership between Aboitiz Equity Ventures and Jose V. Angeles Construction Corporation, submitted after the DCWD made a series of roadshow presentation about its growth and development a year ago.

The proposal passed the so-called Swiss challenge without any company presenting a better proposal.

Administrator Ibarra had wanted to know how

Globe board approves cash dividend for shareholders

LOBE Telecom said its board approved last November 11 a cash dividend of P18.75 per share for holders of the company’s common shares in line with its commitment to continue delivering value to its shareholders.

The dividend is payable to shareholders on record as of November 25, while payment date has been set on December 11. The cash dividend represents an annualized dividend yield of approximately 4.4 per-

cent based on the company’s closing share price of P1,685 as of October 31, 2014.

According to Globe Chief Finance Officer Albert de Larrazabal, the company’s yield of 4.4 percent continues to be competitive as the average dividend yield of firms included in the PSE index is only about 2 percent.

On the other hand, government five and seven-year benchmark rates are both approximately at 4 percent, respectively.

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has offered a rehabilitation loan package of P430,000 to the affected growers early last year.

In January 2013, Stephen Antig, PBGEA executive director, pegged the rehabilitation cost—excluding infrastructures such as packing houses, irrigation system and cable way—at about P600,000 per hectare.

After Pablo hit the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte, the PBGEA estimated that the industry lost P7.7 billion as of December 10, 2012.

PBGEA estimates the total rehabilitation cost at P6.9 billion.

“The problem now with Compostela Valley is that they’ve been given a wake up call that there could be typhoons that pass the area. So it is difficult to justify huge investments there,” Valoria explained, adding that businessmen now have hesitance to reinvest in the province.

Thus, some investors are looking at other areas where they could invest on banana plantations, he added.

Valoria emphasized that with the devastation wrought by the typhoon, coupled with flooding, banana diseases are bound to spread in the plantations, too.

He added that investors are now considering the impacts of climate change to the banana industry.

Valoria noted the importance of holding the Davao Trade Expo this year, which aims to, among others, strengthen the banana industry. He said the event encourages interaction among players in the market.

Uratex plans P250-M plant in Dumoy U

of economic success due to its thriving tourism and commercial industries.

“Having a Uratex showroom here is part of our earlier commitment of expanding our business here and other regions and cities in the country outside metro Manila,” he said.

Gallor said Uratex has already invested P150 million for the showroom which opened last year. The showroom currently employs 30 people.

Frederick Y. Sow, general manager for Visayas and Mindanao area, said Uratex will be employing an additional 200 people next year.

He aside from Davao, Uratex had already constructed its 17th plant located in Cagayan de Oro and it will be producing Uratex products two weeks from now.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

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THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

A sidewalk vendor pushes a cart, which serves as his mobile store, full of cellphone accessories along City Hall drive in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Solaire opens Sky Tower

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LOOMBERRY Resorts Corporation’s (BRC) Solaire Resort and Casino is set to open this weekend its Sky Tower, a spacious and opulent leisure complex encompassing new facilities for living in, gaming, dining, and entertainment.

Contiguous to the existing Solaire Resort and Casino, the Sky Tower of Solaire Resort and Casino consists of a 312 all-suite hotel, additional VIP gaming areas, an exclusive Chinese restaurant and whisky and cigar bar for VIP gamers, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and a lyric theater.

“The thrill at Solaire continues with the opening of Sky Tower. Yet again, we are on track and on spec with

this opening – all in all only 617 days since Solaire’s inaugural in March,” BRC chair Enrique K. Razon Jr. said in a statement.

Thomas Arasi, BRC president and chief operating officer, said the Sky Tower “elevates Solaire yet another step higher into the very top tier of world-class integrated resorts, and is a tremendous game-changer in providing best-in-class guest experience.”

Malacañang to focus more on infra, reforms P

The Sky Tower reception area. At the background is Oasis Garden Café.

RESIDENT Benigno Aquino said his administration will devote its remaining days in office to the completion of infrastructure projects, reforms in the bureaucracy, and improvement of the country’s justice system.

“We’re targeting five percent of our GDP (gross domestic product) in terms of measures for infrastructure by 2016. We’re almost at four — 3.5 to 4 (percent) this year,” President Aquino said in an interview following his keynote address Tuesday at

the “The World in 2015” Gala Dinner in Singapore.

“Reforming the bureaucracy is also a major (thrust).

The judiciary is also another issue of mine from time to time,” he said.

“The World in 2015” forum was the latest in a series of business conferences held annually by the business magazine, The Economist, to share its predictions for the year ahead.

The President noted that the government has been reinvigorated and is now in a position to empower the citi-

zenry. He added that government is also putting heavy emphasis on education and health care, increasing their budget through the years.

“Again, we believe that our greatest resources are the people and the people now are exercising all of their freedoms and have belief in themselves, and belief in the ability of the country by the time we leave,” he said.

Asked what he will do after stepping down from office, President Aquino said he would help strengthen his

party since he is barred from joining any industry upon leaving office.

“My mother worked in microfinance, post her presidency, which was always the direct means of empowerment. There was always the challenge of the big group that is defused, or a very small focused group that you have very tangible results in.

I guess, to a large degree, I was really helping the party to become that party of ideology that has a platform that is constant and we will continue,” he said.

cialized vineyard project, operated by Bodega Las Copas S.L. (a 50/50 percent joint venture company between Emperador and González Byass), is the first of its kind in Spain to grow the finest grapes dedicated exclusively for brandy distillation and production.

The vineyard uses sustainable, state-of the-art technology, an innovation that improves the company’s efficiency in producing top quality brandy.

N its bid to develop a more responsive budget plan for the next fiscal year, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is pushing for a P23-billion supplemental budget to ensure sufficient funding support for crucial development initiatives, including various infrastructure projects for post-Yolanda rehabilitation and government preparations for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said the National Treasury has already certified the availability of funds to support these

projects “but these appropriations must likewise be supported by proper legislation.”

“With the proposed 2015 National Budget already subject to Senate deliberations, we need the support of the House of Representatives to pass a supplemental appropriations bill to fund these projects, Abad said.

A total of P16.4 billion— comprising the bulk of allocations under the supplemental budget—has been earmarked for new priority initiatives. Of this amount, the Administration’s Yolanda reconstruction and rehabilitation program will get P9.5 billion. Another P1.44 billion

will support key projects in preparation for the APEC Summit, which the Philippines will be hosting next year.

Abad also said the supplemental budget will cover liabilities arising from obligated infrastructure projects worth P1.85 billion under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Lastly, a total of P5.08 billion will be coursed to a number of priority projects under various government agencies.

The funds will account for the budgetary requirements of priority projects that were partially implemented or previously approved for im-

plementation this year.

“Most of these projects have already been completed, are on-going, or are urgently needed to sustain our socio-economic development. The passage of the proposed supplemental budget will allow us to allocate funds accordingly so we can complete these projects right away,” Abad said.

If approved by Congress, the 2014 Supplemental Appropriations will fund a number of priority projects, ranging from the rehabilitation of the LRT lines 1 and 2 to the construction of permanent housing for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

P23-B budget for Yolanda aid, APEC preps Emperador’s vineyard in Toledo, Spain hailed I T HE President of Castilla-La Mancha, Maria Dolores de Cospedal, has commended the vineyard of Grupo Emperador Spain S.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emperador, Inc., in Toledo, Spain because of its pioneering efforts to achieve major modernization in vineyard operation and management that can boost grape production and generate employment in the region.

The 500-hectare spe-

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Mindanao soon to lead in tilapia production Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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UT out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch,” Jesus told Simon Peter. Not knowing who Jesus was, the fisherman objected, “We’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When Peter and his brother Andrew had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

The rest is now history.

But have you ever wondered what kind of fish they caught in the Sea of Galilee centuries ago? If your answer is tilapia, then you got it right!

The “food fish of the 21st century” was how Dr. Kevin Fitzsimmons, president of the World Aquaculture Society, called tilapia. After carps and salmonids, tilapia is now the third most important fish around the world and is considered the single most important aquaculture product.

The Philippines is one of the world’s leading producers of tilapia. However, the future growth of the tilapia industry will be in Mindanao, reports Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, a fishery expert who popularized tilapia in the country.

Dr. Guerrero based his observation on a paper presented during the recent First National Aquaculture Congress held in General Santos City. Daniel Cabrera, author of “Opportunities for Tilapia in Mindanao,” said the country’s second largest island has the advantages of having abundant freshwater resources, fewer typhoons, and greater fish supply deficits compared to Luzon, the biggest producer of farmed tilapia in the country today.

Of the 23 major lakes in the county, 18 can be found in Mindanao, according to Cabrera.

In Luzon, the cage culture of the Nile tilapia is extensively done in Laguna de Bay, Taal Lake, and Lake Buhi. In Mindanao, the major lakes with tilapia culture are those found in cages in Lake Sebu (South Cotabato) and pens in Lake Buluan (Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat).

The Philippines produced more than 260,000 metric tons of farmed tilapia in 2013.

Interestingly, 93 percent of those farmed fish came from Luzon while Mindanao contributed a measly 6 percent.

Dr. Guerrero reported that the leading tilapia farming

provinces in Mindanao are located in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur, and South Cotabato.

“In a supply and demand survey conducted in 2008, it was shown that all the regions in Mindanao, except for the ARMM, had tilapia production deficits,” Guerrero said in his report. ARMM refers to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “With Mindanao’s population of 23 million, the average tilapia consumption per capita is 2.6 kilos,” he added.

In his presentation, Cabrera said the production of farmed tilapia in the country has leveled off in the last five years. This is because expansion of the industry in Luzon in freshwater ponds and cages has been limited by the lack of freshwater resources.

Other reasons include “fish kills” in lakes (which have occurred due to fish cage congestion), floods and water pollution.

Indeed, the glimmer of hope when it comes to tilapia production is in Mindanao.

“With the abundant freshwater resources in the island and the high demand for tilapia, further growth of the industry is seen in the untapped lakes and irrigated areas in the country’s second largest island which has a growing population,” Dr. Guerrero noted.

The popularity of tilapia as a food fish has spread around the world. Aside from the Philippines, the other biggest producers in Asia are China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. In South America, the top producers are Brazil, Costa Rica Ecuador and Peru. The United States is the biggest importer of tilapia while China leads as the biggest exporter.

Fishery experts have dubbed tilapia as “aquatic chicken” because it possesses many positive attributes that suit the fish for a varied range of aquaculture systems. For one, tilapia tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions and is highly resistant to diseases and parasitic infections.

Other good traits of tilapia include excellent growth rates on a low-protein diet, ready breeding in captivity and ease of handling; and, more importantly, wide acceptance as food fish.

“Historically, the introduction of the first tilapia species, the Mozambique tilapia, in the Philippines in 1950 was initially not well-accepted by the industry because of the lack of appropriate culture tech-

niques,” recalled Dr. Guerrero, who holds a doctorate degree in fisheries management from Auburn University in the United States. “Growth of the fish in ponds was stunted with too much breeding and overpopulation. The small size and dark color of the fish did not also appeal to local consumers.”

The coming of the Nile tilapia in the 1970s improved the acceptance of tilapia in the Philippines because of its lighter color and faster growth compared to the earlier-introduced tilapia. “The development of technologies for the improved breeding and culture of the fish and its affordable price are the main reasons why the tilapia is now the ‘fish of the masses,’” Dr. Guerrero said.

It was just a matter of time that the tilapia sex reversal came into being. It revolutionized the method of growing tilapia around the world. “The technology which is regarded as a milestone in global aqua-

culture is widely applied in the Philippines and other countries like Israel, Thailand, and the United States,” Dr. Guerrero said.

Dr. Guerrero was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society for his pioneering work on tilapia sex reversal technology that contributed significantly to world aquaculture. In the Philippines, more than 50 percent of the Nile tilapia produced in ponds and cages have been sex-reversed.

The technology is based on the theory that the development of the sex organ (testis for male and ovary for female) in the fish can be artificially influenced by feeding of a synthetic sex hormone (methyltestosterone for male and estrone for female) during the “sexless period” of the young. Hormonal or induced sex reversal was first demonstrated in the 1950s

by T. K-O. Yamamoto of Japan in the “medaka,” an aquarium fish.

Artificial sex reversal is considered the most effective,

efficient, and economical method for solving the major drawback of growing tilapias to market-size caused by unwanted reproduction.

“With mix-sex (male and female) stocks, the fish matures early and breeds frequently, resulting in stunted growth due to overpopulation in ponds,” Dr. Guerrero explained. “By growing all-male tilapia produced through hand-sexing (manual separation of sexes), hybridization (crossbreeding of two appropriate species) or sex reversal, the yield of large-sized tilapias is significantly increased by 30 percent to 50 percent because of the faster-growing males compared to females and the control of reproduction.”

Since its development as a “breakthrough,” the application of tilapia sex reversal has undergone a number of innovations. While at first it was believed that the treatment of fry could only be done under a shade, it is now being done in outdoor tanks and ponds. Although anyone with the proper know-how and equipment can prepare the hormone-feed and apply it, there is a tilapia sex reversal feed now available in the market for those who find it more convenient and practical.

“Applying the sex reversal feed method with a success rate of at least 95 percent requires the production of the right age of the fry for treatment, preparation of the hormone feed or its procurement, and the proper application of the treatment,” Dr. Guerrero said.

It is also important that the fry be treated be not more than three days from the time they are released by the mouth brooding females in breeding ponds when the fry are about 10 days old from hatching of the eggs and 9 millimeters to 11 millimeters in total length.

“The fry to be treated also need to be stocked in tanks or ponds at the proper densities and fed at recommended feeding rates for good growth and survival, and effective sex reversal,” Dr. Guerrero said.

Whether we like it or not, tilapia will be a mainstay in Filipino tables. “Tilapia in the Philippines is the fish of yesterday, the fish of today and the fish of tomorrow,” points out Dr. Tereso Abella, a technical consultant from Kuala Lumpur-based WorldFish. “It is the people’s fish because it’s readily available, accessible and affordable to every ordinary Filipino.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

EDITORIAL Don’t jeopardize peace

O

NCE again Davao City – and many parts of Mindanao – are on heightened military alert, this time based on reports that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is threatening to bomb major cities in the island region. The military has not hesitated to place its men on a tight watch over the urban centers purportedly because the BIFF will be launching terrorist attacks, although it must also be said that the military statement on the matter is rather vague on details. All that 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Eduardo Año would say is that he has already talked with Task Force Davao commander Colonel Macairog Alberto regarding the measures they need to take to counter the terrorist threat – unspecified as that may be.

Unfortunately for Mindanao, several bomb blasts have disrupted the peace and order of the island in recent weeks.

The latest occurred on Wednesday night when an explosion hit Seguel Bridge, Sitio Seguel, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani Province. No one was reported hurt, but the blast was just one in a series of such attacks that have been giv-

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ing Mindanaoans a scare. Last Tuesday, operatives of the Nabunturan Municipal Police Station intercepted an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a passenger bus before it could explode, and earlier this month, on November 6, a bomb off inside a Rural Transit of Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) bus in Maramag, Bukidnon, injuring four passengers.

The blasts have actually been rather small, and by the assessment of police investigators they were intended more to scare people than to harm them. If that is the case, then it is possible that these blasts were not perpetrated by terrorists but by bandits who may be targeting bus companies for extortion. It has happened many times before, and it is possible that the same modus is being mounted now. Unfortunately, these pocket attacks could become a pretext for some enterprising officials – those who stand to gain from a conflict-ridden Mindanao – to picture the island as being under siege. The military should exercise caution in its heightened security so as not to jeopardize the peace that is now almost within reach.

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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EDGEDAVAO

I

T looks odd that despite the string of accusations of graft hurled against Vice President Jejomar Binay he has remained in the Cabinet as housing chief.

Recently, President Benigno S. Aquino III even gave him a prominent role in the rehabilitation work for areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda. “Daang matuwid” has never been this straight.

And here’s more: During the Asia Pacific Economic Conference meeting in Beijing this month Aquino told reporters he would prefer that the Senate stop its investigation of the charges against Binay so it could focus more on its legislative work.

Of course, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and company ignored Aquino’s message. The principle of separation of powers has nothing to do with it. They (Cayetano and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and their sponsors) want the charges

“I

think sometimes could I only have music on my own terms, could I live in a great city, and know where I could go whenever I wished the ablution and inundation of musical waves, that were a bath and a medicine.” -- Ralph Waldo Emerson *** “WITHOUT music,” Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “life would be a mistake.” H.A. Overstreet has the same view in mind when he commented, “I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; and you have yours. But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality.”

The above observations are still true – even in these days of crass materialism and computers. In recent years, however, medical experts and scientists are singing a new tune that’s probably unheard of by most people: Music heals.

When her husband died of a car accident a couple of years ago, Linda turned to music to help ease her grief. She found some solace in one particular song, “Someone to Watch over Me.” It made the sudden loss a little easier to take for her and her family. It also made it feel as if her late husband were still close by. “We’ve always said ever since that time that he’s looking out for all of us,” was how she described it. “We’ve said, ‘We have someone to watch over us.’”

Dr. Oliver Sacks, an American neuroscientist and author of Awakenings, reports that patients with neurological disorders who cannot talk or move are often able to sing, and sometimes even dance, to music.

“I regard music therapy as a tool of great power in many neurological disorders,” Dr. Sacks says, citing Parkinson’s and

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Is Binay PNoy’s wild card against Binay tackled before the blue ribbon sub-committee over an indefinite period for them to remain in the glare of public attention in the runup to the 2016 elections.

Yet, even if Cayetano and company have insisted on continuing the probe into Binay’s alleged penchant for overpricing government projects they could not play down the implications of Aquino’s statement. Like the wintry winds from the north in this time of the year, the President’s words from Beijing must have sent a chill to Cayetano and other

Malacañang hopefuls.

They have reason to be wary of Aquino’s game plan. At this stage where the outcomes of the Senate probe on Binay are yet to unfold the President apparently sees it fit to keep his cards close to his chest. Secretary Mar Roxas’ drumbeaters are eagerly propping him up as the Liberal Party’s contender in 2016, but Aquino chooses to sit back and wait how things will play out. Strangely enough, he remains non-committal to Roxas but seemingly soft on Binay if his message from Beijing were an indication.

I have misgivings too about how the Senate probe has become a circus and would rather see the vice president hailed to court to resolve the issues with finality. But I doubt if Aquino has the same intent – to see Binay face the Sandiganbayan. It sounds more like he wants

Binay to think that the Palace is not privy to the campaign against him just in case the next survey still shows the vice president ahead of the race.

And now Roxas’ camp is floating the name of Senator Grace Poe as the secretary’s running mate in 2016. Poe told media no formal offer has been made for a Mar-Poe team-up. It means Roxas’ allies simply want to know if the proposed tandem could improve his chances at the polls. In 2010, Aquino’s popularity failed to work wonders for Roxas, who lost to Binay. But maybe a Mar-Poe formula would work to his advantage this time?

Let’s see.

Meanwhile, Aquino is yet to lay down his cards.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at hmcmordeno@gmail.com.)

Alzheimer’s THINK ON THESE! as examples “because of its unique capacity to organize or reorganize cerebral function when it has been damaged.”

Dr. Joselyn Henrylito D. Tacio Eusebio, a dehenrytacio@gmail.com velopmental pediatrician, says anyone can benefit from music therapy. “This is good for people with physical, emotional, social or cognitive deficits and also good for healthy people as it will help them relax,” she was quoted as saying by Health and Lifestyle.

Advocates of music therapy say music also can help ease the trauma of grieving, lessen depression, and provide an outlet for people who are otherwise withdrawn.

Dr. Clive Robbins, of the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Clinic who uses music therapy to help 100 handicapped children learn and to relate and communicate with others, points out: “Almost all children respond to music. Music is an ‘open-sesame,’ and if you can use it appropriately, you can reach into that child’s potential for development.”

Dr. Barbara Crowe, past president of the U.S. National Association for Music Therapy, agrees. She says, “(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort – between demoralization and dignity.”

Mathew Lee of the Rusk Institute in New York contends, “Music therapy has been an invaluable tool with many of our

rehabilitation patients. There is no question that the relationship of music and medicine will blossom because of the advent of previously unavailable techniques that can now show the effects of music.”

“The healing power of music can be a powerful instrument to use during surgery, procedures or treatment,” according to an Ohio State University Medical Center publication on the program. The publication goes on to say that music can relax the mind and body; decrease stress and feelings of anxiety; reduce distress from treatment side effects; reduce boredom and isolation; decrease pain, nausea, and vomiting; develop a more positive attitude; and increase emotional energy to deal with stressful situations.

Aside from children, others who can benefit much from music therapy are adolescents, adults, and the elderly with mental health needs, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease and other aging related conditions, substance abuse problems, brain injuries, physical disabilities, and acute and chronic pain, including mothers in labor.

Ninety-year-old Ida Goldman can attest to this. “Before I had surgery, they told me I could never walk again. But when I sat and listened to music, I forgot all about the pain,” she was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The use of music in healing is not a recent phenomenon. “It is believed that Greek physician, Hippocrates, played music for his mental patients during 400 B.C.,” Dr. Eusebio says. In fact, most healthcare practitioners in the recent past have used music in conjunction with anesthesia and analgesia.

Actually, the idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings

of Plato, who once wrote: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

The 20th century discipline, however, started after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types in the United States, both amateur and professional, went to veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.

The patients’ notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request the hiring of musicians by the hospitals. It was soon evident that the hospital musicians need some prior training before entering the facility and so the demand grew for a college curriculum. In 1944, the first music therapy degree program in the world was offered by the Michigan State University.

In a Health and Lifestyle feature, author Ma. Cristina C. Arayata says music therapy can be done in a group setting or in individual one on one session. Her sources listed four steps that music therapists must prepare: (1) define the patient’s problem, (2) set a therapeutic goal for the patient, (3) device musical activities, and (4) evaluate it was effective.

The recommendations are as follows: 60-80 beats per minute; ideally non-lyrical; maximum volume level of 60 decibels; suitable equipment used; and the patient’s preference.

Richard Baker was right all along when he said: “The discovery of song and the creation of musical instruments both owed their origin to a human impulse which lies much deeper than conscious intention: the need for rhythm in life… the need is a deep one, transcending thought, and disregarded at our peril.”

Music has healing powers

10

NEWS

EDGEDAVAOVOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

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ed from filing additional cases outside the said Republic Act,” Sanchez said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 director Priscilla Razon said the five minors reported the engineer’s modus to Talomo Police Station on November 1.

She said on November 5, the minors confessed that the suspect still had five more victims, prompting the authorities to immediately conduct an entrapment operation the following day.

Razon said the 10 rescued minors are housed in one of the facilities of DSWD. “Ten minors were rescued at the entrapment operation of Talomo PNP together with DSWD, with this we are

intensifying our campaign against human trafficking especially since most of the victims are children,” she said.

Assistant regional prosecutor Robert Michael Razon said while minors are not allowed to enter motels, this is easily subverted because persons such establishments do not show their faces to the security personnel.

Razon, however, said under the law, “these inns may be held liable for trafficking because a person expressly knows that his establishment is being used in trafficking they may be liable under the law under section 5 of 9208 as amended by RA 10364.” With reports from Funny Pearl A. Gajunera.

tion plan is already on the table of the mayor and the TWG is now waiting for his response.

Villafuerte said each task force already placed its respective plans for Ebola Preparedness and Prevention.

She said they are going to schedule a drill to prac-

tice what they have planned, especially the wearing and removing of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Villafuerte said the airport already has a thermal scanner maintained by the Bureau of Quarantine. An ambulance intended for Ebola patient transportation

has already been approved by the City Council, she added.

Villafuerte said one of the ambulances will be under the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) while the other one will be under Department of Health (DOH) 11.

She said Central 911 head Emmanuel Jaldon assured the TWG it will lend an ambulance while the arrival the ambulances is still pending.

She said the PPEs have already been delivered to CHO and Central 911.

driving. He said the driver was almost hit by some vehicles because of it.

He said when he brought the driver to the sideline and took the license, the latter asked for

consideration since his father was in the hospital and he also had a friend at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Fanlo said he handed the driver his license and

asked for money for snacks.

He said the driver handed him two P50 bills and he received them.

Fanlo said he did not expect that the money would result in his dismissal. He

said that in his entire service, he never extorted from drivers in the city.

Poliquit said that he urging the driver in the video to file a formal complaint against the enforcer. (ABF)

conducted a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of the father and son as well as five persons who were having a shabu session.

The five suspects were identified as Nordin Abdul Pata, 29, of Times Beach, Ecoland, Davao City; Samuel John Aves Salaguste, 24, of Sea Side, Barangay Lapu-lapu, Agdao, Davao City; Janiel San Juan Bintayao, 26, of Arroyo Compound, Matina, Davao City;

Janrial Manon-og Sarellana, 26, of Rovical, Toril, Davao City; and Arial Taoy Malquisto, 29,of Purok 4, Bucana, Barangay 76-A, Davao City.

Police confiscated from the suspects four improvised aluminum foil tooters, two folded aluminum foil strips containing suspected shabu residue, four lighters with two attached improvised foil needles, two small plastic sachets containing shabu, and P500 in

region rooted in economic issues.

He said that once the peace and order problem is solved, many areas of the region can be planted with cash crops like pineapple and banana because these areas are not suitable to rice planting.

He said if the peace problem in Mindanao is not solved by the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, the island region will be further fractured.

“The BBL is focused on the problem of the western and central Muslim community of Mindanao,” he said,

adding that he’d been reminding the government to make the peace talk inclusive.

Duterte reiterated his stand that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) be included in the talks and not just the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The government is entering into different and overlapping peace agreements,” he said, adding that the peace agreement between Nur Misuari and GPH in 1996 should be also honored so that peace will be sustainable and inclusive in the Mindanao area. CRC

covery is over, the region will be able to supply bananas to new markets like Russia and Ukraine.

However, he said the combined demand of these countries cannot compete with the huge demand of China.

“As of now, it is hard to establish as to how much is the demand of these markets, that’s why we have requested the government, notably Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA), to arrange an

outbound trade mission to these countries to be able to meet possible importers,” he said.

Once the demand is identified, it will be easier for small and big banana companies to plan for their expansion. CRC

Aside from these two cities in Mindanao, the company is also targeting to put up more plants next year in General Santos City and Butuan City.

“We have already acquired properties in these cities and we are also planning to put another one in Iligan City,” Sow said.

As of now, Uratex and other companies under RGC Group employ a total of some 2,500 people, Gallor earlier told Edge Davao.

Dherry Wong-Tan, mar-

keting director of Uratex, said aside from foam for residential, industrial, and institutional uses, the new plant will be producing mono blocks and other plastic products.

“We are planning to put up two machineries for mono block production our newest plant,” he said.

The plant will have the capacity to produce 4,400 mono blocks and 1,440 finished foams daily to supply the demand of Davao and the rest of Mindanao. CRC

Civic leader Norma R. Pereyras, chairperson of the Tagum Cooperative, and other coop officers have been invited to receive the award and cash component of P150,000 during the program scheduled at 9 a.m. on December 12 at Villar SIPAG, C5 Extension Road in Las Pinas City, the source said.

Tagum Cooperative was one of the 250 entries con-

sidered for the awards on poverty reduction. “ We trimmed down the number to 30 entries which were validated for the final consideration,” the lady staff member said.

After thorough deliberation, study and evaluation, the Villar SIPAG team chose the Top 10 Most Outstanding Enterprises, each to receive cash incentive of P250,000

and 10 Most Promising Enterprises to get P150,000 each, she said.

Tagum Cooperative was picked one of the 10 Most Promising Enterprises, the source told Edge Davao.

In a telephone interview, Tagum Coop chairman Pereyras confirmed that she received a notice about the SIPAG award, but did not have the details about it yet.

Earlier, Tagum Cooperative was installed in the Hall of Fame of the Cooperative Development Administration (CDA) after being chosen the country’s most outstanding cooperative for the third straight year this year. It is the first time that a “hall of fame” awardee has been chosen in the country’s cooperative history. AMA

told a local radio station in Cotabato City that Sadagal and witness Dennix Sakal, former driver of ex-Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., were ambushed in Barangay Bagong, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao at about 2 p.m on November 18.

Sakal died on the spot while Saudagal was hit in his arm and is recuperating in an unidentified hospital.

“They were our additional vital witnesses to the massacre but unluckily they were executed,” Mangudadatu told

Church-run Radio dxMS. Mangudadatu said the two were on board a motorcycle from Barangay Bagong on their way to Buluan, Maguindanao to meet his lawyers to formalize their testimonies to the massacre.

He said Saudagal has already initially signed his sworn statement while Sakal was to execute his formal statement.

“I see no other reason why they were killed but because of their desire to become state witnesses,” Mangudadatu said.

where supplies of treated bulk water are metered and then delivered by gravity to all the water supply systems of DCWD. Administrator Ibarra initially was surprised to note that with the magnitude of the project and considering the distance of the source of the surface water DCWD only applied for a P2-billion loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines. Regalado explained that the Board, during the negotiation process, had the consortium agree to deliver bulk water to DCWD’s offtake storages. Furthermore he said, both AAII and DCWD had the unique advantage of distributing water by gravity to the existing eight independent water systems and

three additional systems at Indangan, Mandug and Talandang.

Earlier, it was reported that the consortium will build its system to take and deliver the surface water, while the DCWD will construct structures needed to receive the surface water devliered by the consortium.

Both systems will reportedly cost billions of pesos to build.

DCWD is acknowledged

by LWUA Administrator to have the best quality of water in the entire country and considered second best in the world next only to Switzerland. Ibarra also said that the water district rates is also among the lowest in the country despite the superior quality of the water. Except

for a small surface water system in Malagos, all the rest draw ground water from the city’s aquifers in Dumoy, Tugbok, Lubogan, Riverside, Calinan, Toril, Panacan and Cabantian. On an annual basis the eight ground water systems with a total of 55 production wells pump out about 97 million cubic meters. The DCWD Board estimated that at the rate Davao City is growing the water forecast will run to as high as 115 MCM by 2017. Chairman Bangayan said that City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has forewarned him that at the rate investors are locating in the city this also have precipitated migration resulting in the perceptible increase in population. This, according to Duterte will translate to

several hundreds of housing units and commercial establishments all needing water.

DCWD forecasts that demand by 2025 will increase to 152 MCM and 208 MCM in 2035. The management explained to LWUA, that once bulk water delivery starts sometime in 2017, some of the number of production wells will be reduced to only about 15 giving time to the vital aquifers to heal. The number of operating wells will be increased as the need increases based on the future demand. This early moreover, the DCWD BOD has already directed management to secure additional volume of water rights and look for other surface water resource to sustain the need of Davao City water consumers.

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marked money.

Police also found suspected dried marijuana leaves wrapped in newspaper and 15 small aluminum rolls on top of Bartolo’s bed inside their house.

Police estimated the value of the seized drugs at P10,000.

The suspects are facing charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

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COMMUNITY SENSE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Al-ag invited speaker in Manila, Singapore

U

PON invitation by the United States of America Embassy in the Philippines, a young lady entrepreneur from Davao City spoke in the “Empowering Women Micro-Entrepreneurs: Start, Run, Grow” forum in the Ramon Magsaysay Hall, Ramon Magsaysay Building along Roxas Boulevard, Manila last Wednesday, November 19, on the occasion of Women Entrepreneurs’ Day. The young entrepreneur is Cherry Faye B. Alag, an independent management consultant and owner of CFBA Travel Station, Elysia Massage and Wellness Spa and F8 Events N. Style, Inc. Ms Al-ag said the forum highlighted the “best practices and challenges in the microfinance industry and celebrates the significant role that Filipino women micro-entrepreneurs have played in enhancing the development of their respective communities.”

Aside from Ms Al-ag, the other speakers were Dan Songco, president and chief executive officer of PinoyMe Foundation; lawyer Nancy V. Teplan, business permits and licensing bureau chief of Marikina City and Ms Stephanie Cuevas, operations manager of Rags2Riches. Ms Filipinas Villasis , another young micro entrepreneur, also shared her experience with the group.

Harvey Keh, executive director of Acts of Hope for the Nation (AHON) and vice president of McBride PET Corporation, acted as moderator.

Ms Al-ag, who is the wife of Bernie Al-ag, majority leader of the Davao City Council, has also been invited to be one of the speakers and mentors in the YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) “power of human capital” generation workshop in Singapore, December 3 to 7. Behind the workshop are the Count Me In and its partner Making Cents International, working with the US Embassy in Singapore.

Recognizing that over 65 percent of the population in Southeast Asia is under the age of 35, the United States government launched in December last year the YSEALI “to augment leadership development and networking in the 10 ASEAN countries, deeper engagement with young leaders across critical sectors; and strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and young leaders across the region.” AMA

Sarangani jamboree on

T

HE Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP)-Sarangani Associate Council formally commenced its 3rd Council Jamboree and Kawan Holiday 2014 on November 19 at the Capitol Grandstand with the theme “Peace and Development Through Scouting.”

The event’s opening program, participated in by almost 1,500 boy scouts, was graced by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, provincial board members, Sarangani Assistant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS) and Camp Director Diosdado Ablanido, and teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd).

In his message, the governor lauded the council for its continuing development in terms of the increasing number of members annually.

He also energized the crowd by asking trivial facts and by giving away a total cash prize of P20,000 in exchange for the correct answers. The amount will be utilized to facilitate more enjoyment for the scouts throughout the duration of the camping.

Ablanido who represent-

ed Schools Division Superintendent Isagani Dela Cruz, recognized the support of Solon, Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, and the board members not only to scouting but also to the programs and activities of DepEd. The Sarangani BSP Council aims to be a full-fledged council from being an associate one with the increasing number of boy scouts every year. The council, having started in 2012 with 3,000 scouts, increased to 5,000 members in 2013. This year, the number of registered boy scouts has already reached 7,309.

The jamboree will continue until Sunday (November 23). It will highlight activities such as Alabel Trail, Arnis, Challenge Valley, Firemanship, Larong Lahi, Talentadong Scout Competition, and Fancy Drill Competition in the succeeding days.

In addition, a Grand Campfire will be carried out on the last night of the jamboree, while a Dawn Peace Walk will conclude this fiveday event.(Melody J. Cosep/ PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

INVITATION TO AUSTRALIA. Ian D’Arcy, director of the Rotary Club of Adelaide, Inc. in South Australia, annotates a video presentation on the outstanding features of Adelaide, one of the world’s 10 most livable cities, before officers and members of the Rotary Club of East Davao (RCED) during the club’s luncheon meeting last Tuesday at the Marco Polo Hotel. D’Arcy, who resided in Davao City from 2002 and 2009, came to deliver the formal invitation of

Adelaide Rotarians to members of RCED and RC Waling-Waling Davao (RCWWD) to visit 178-year-old Adelaide in March 2015. Others in photo (with some partly hidden) are past president Tony Ajero, President Anton Banzali and Secretary Alvin Pinpin, past president Vir Sojor, Fred Yelinek, past district governors Bading Angala, Totoy Cabaroguis and Hermie Villano, past president Oscar Paras, and Gerald Vincent Woodham. (SHEILA D. ESTANTE)

Davao Rotarians invited to visit Australia in 2015 M

EMBERS of two Rotary clubs in Davao City have been invited to visit early next year their fellow Rotarians in Adelaide, government and commercial capital of South Australia and adjudged one of the 10 most livable cities in the world for several years by the Economist, a reputable international magazine.

The invitation was formally extended by Ian D’Arcy Walsh, a multi-awarded Australian educator who stayed in Davao for years when he was assigned Australian director of the AusAID-funded Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM), a highly-acclaimed project.

During that time, D’Arcy was also a member of the Rotary Club of East Davao (RCED), in whose meeting he guested last Tuesday to discuss the

outstanding features of Adelaide and possible itinerary when the Dabawenyos arrive there in March.

Aside from RCED members, officers and members of the Rotary Club of Waling-waling Davao were also invited to join the visit in March because of the ideal weather at the time in Adelaide.

Adelaide, a compact city with a population of 1.2 million, is famous for its many festivals and sporting events.

In fact, D’Arcy said the cricket championship will happen in Adelaide during that month, together with a couple of festivals which attract thousands of tourists from various parts of the world.

Late last August, a delegation of officers of the Rotary Club of Adelaide, Inc. (RCA) and Rotary Club

of Prospect (RCP) came to Davao City to sign twinning agreements with the RCED led by lawyer Anton Banzali and RCWWD headed by Jannette M. Valderosa.

The Australian delegation, which was led by District Governor-elect Doug Layng, included D’Arcy, Peter RJ Neal with spouse Kim, RC North Adelaide immediate past president Frank O’Neil and RC Adelaide immediate past president Simon O’Neil.

In general, a sisterhood agreement is designed “to encourage and foster the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.”

Dabawenyo Remegio “Boy” Salanatin, incumbent district governor of Rotary

International District 3860 has been encouraging leaders of more than 90 Rotary clubs under his district in the Visayas and Mindanao to link up with other clubs in other parts of the country and the world through sisterhood agreements.

According to District Governor Salanatin, who is currently making district-wide club visitations, networking is an excellent strategy in a club’s efforts to achieve results in Rotary’s six areas of focus.

District Governor Salanatin was referring to concerns on water and sanitation, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, basic education and literacy, peace and conflict resolution, and economic and community development. AMA

RTISTS of the Davao Water Colour Society (DWCS) handed over to the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA)-Davao a

check for more than P24,000 as YMCA-Davao’s share in the proceeds from watercolour paintings sold during the DWCS’ successful painting ex-

hibit at the Abreeza Mall last October.

The handover was done by a delegation of watercolour society artists composed of

Welehito “Lito” Pepito, president; Dr. Rebecca Horfilla, treasurer; Vicente Aviles, secretary; and Gilbert Miraflor, ways and means committee chair, to the officers of the YMCA-Davao led by lawyer Loencio “Nonoy” P. Villa-Abrille.

The actual turnover of the check was done by Dr. Horfilla to YMCA-Davao treasurer Paciencio “Jun” Rosalem Jr. during the YMCA-Davao joint meeting of old and newly-elected members of the association’s board of directors on November 5.

The donation was done pursuant to a recent signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) establishing a partnership of DWCS and YMCA-Davao for a series of joint projects for the youths of the city.

Watercolour artists give exhibit share to YMCA A SHARING. A delegation of artists belonging to the Davao Water Colour Society led by painter Welehito “Lito” Pepito, president (rightmost), turns over to the Young Men’s Christian Association of Davao (YMCA-Davao), led by lawyer Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa-Abrille (second from left), a check for more than P24,000 as share of the association of the proceeds of paintings sold during the DWCS painting exhibit at Abreeza Mall last October. In photo are (from left) Gilbert Miraflor, DWCS ways and means committee chair, Villa-Abrille, Dr. Rebecca Horfilla, DWCS treasurer, Paciencio “Jun” Rosalem, YMCA-Davao treasurer, Vicente Aviles, DWCS secretary, and Pepito.

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EVENT

Santos Land honors top sellers

SANTOS LAND Development Corporation lauded its top sellers for the third quarter during its Sales and Marketing Recognition Night last October 23.

The SLDC management recognized the hard work of the 10 outstanding sellers for the third quarter at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Named top sales director was Alma Apolonio who made a total sale of P17.95 million. The top sales manager was Roger Geonzon, who made P8.85 million sales. The top sales executive was Maria Solidad Millomeda who made total sales of P8.85 million.

The company has set a quota sale for each position. Sales directors must get P7 million for the quarter, while sales managers must have P5 million every quarter. Sales executives must have P4 million in sales.

Aside from the three awardees, the company also recognized other sales

directors, managers, and executives who reached their sales beyond their quota.

For sales directors, Dinah Laruga was on top with P10.12 million total sales for the quarter, followed by Anne Layague with P9.34 million in sales, Miguel Manimbo with P7.01 million, and Aimee Maturan with P7.01 million in sales.

For sales managers, Norma Uy and Fernan Maturan both had P7.01 million in sales.

Arianne Rona M. Sales was also recognized as the second top sales executives with P7.01 million in sales.

In his speech, Santos Land Development Corporation president Antonio Domingo said he is confident that by next year they can increase their sales.

Alma C. Apolonio (third from left) beams as she poses with her award as Top Sales Director for 3rd Quarter of Santos land Development Another awardee is Maria Solidad Millomeda, Top Sales Executive.

Corporation. In photo with Alma are (L-R)Estela B. Aguilos, Sales & Marketing Manager, Nora Morada, Chairperson of the Board and Antonio (Tony Boy” S. Domingo, President.

Another awardee is Roger Geonzon,Top Sales Manager Domingo said as of Oc- million by the end of the tober the total sales had year. But when I was lookreached P215 million, ing the reservations up to exceeding their target of the end of the year, we are P206 million. expecting P142,542,691 “We are just short by P84 more,” he said.

Sales Director, Sales Manager and Sales Executive quota achievers were also awarded.

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UP AND ABOUT

PAL sets introductory fares to New York PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) is offering an introductory fare for as low as $610.00 to New York to celebrate the flag carrier’s return to the Big Apple.

The roundtrip, budget economy fare, exclusive of taxes and surcharges, may be bought starting November 15, 2014, for travel from March 15, 2015 onwards.

PAL will begin its four-times-a-week New York service on March 15, 2015, which also marks the airline’s 74th founding anniversary.

Introductory Business (Mabuhay) Class round-trip fares go as low as $3,560.00, exclusive of taxes and surcharges.

Tickets to New York may be bought through the PAL website, any PAL ticket office or accredited travel agent.

“We are prioritizing our US network expansion, after the lifting of the Category 2 rating, in answer to the clamor of the huge Filipino community in the US East Coast,” said PAL President Jaime J. Bautista.

“We are confident we will be able to meet the expectations of our passengers in New York with PAL’s brand of quality service that is distinctively Filipino,” added Mr. Bautista.

PAL will field its modern, long-range workhorse, the Airbus A340-300, which seats 36 passengers in business class and 218 in economy, on the Manila-Vancouver-New York route. At 14,501 kilometers, this will be the longest route in PAL’s network.

The new service will operate four times weekly between Manila and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

New York brings to five the US network of PAL, following Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Guam.

PAL’s return has been keenly anticipated by the huge Filipino-American communities along the US eastern seaboard ever. About half a million ethnic Filipinos reside on the East Coast, with over 253,000 in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, 90,000 in Virginia, 75,000 in Washington, D.C. and environs, and 31,000 in the Philadelphia metro area.

Overall, Filipinos on the East Coast account for 15% of the estimated 3.4-million-strong Filipino population in the U.S., comprising a natural base market for PAL. The robust business sector in New York, the world’s financial capital, as well as the sizeable government and diplomatic community attached to the United Nations, which is based in the city, provide other key traffic streams.

The choice of JFK International, the busiest in the US, as PAL’s gateway to New York is a major advantage for the new service. Located in the borough of Queens, the airport is a mere 15 miles from midtown Manhattan, nerve center of New York. PAL will operate out of Terminal 1.

Indulge yourself in a savory al fresco merienda buffet at the Pizzaiolo of the Waterfront Insular Hotel. Have a bite of delicious pasta, savoury sandwiches, and our famous Pizzaiolo pizza together with a round of iced tea and all the dessert you can eat daily from 3 to 6 in the in the afternoon. For inquiries and reservations, call the Pizzaiolo at the Waterfront Insular Hotel at (082) 233-2881 local 8704.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Christmas at Our Home

OUR HOME, the lifestyle store where one can get great designs at great prices, celebrates Christmas with three distinct looks that bring a sophisticated sparkle and holiday cheer to your home: Timeless Traditions, A Passion for Vintage, and Crystal Frost.

Timeless Tradition brings us back to the Christmas of our childhood: classic reds and lush greens with a mix of gold, hollies, pinecones, wreaths, poinsettia, pines and palm leaves. Gold apples and musical instrument ornaments adding to its old world charm.

A Passion for Vintage is formal, sophisticated and elegant. Gold and copper balls and berries, gold ribbons and gold leaves nestled in copper bird cages dazzle in the season of shine. There are also vases and black Christmas trees that compliment Our Home’s black furniture and home accessories collection.

Crystal Frost is a splendid collection of glass, silver, white and everything that brings to mind a winter wonderland. It’s fun to be frozen with snowflakes and snowballs, silver Christmas tree table tops, as well as glass tree and reindeer ornaments.

Bring Christmas to your home with Our Home’s Timeless Tradition, A Passion for Vintage and Crystal Frost holiday collections. Available at Our Home located at the 3rd Level of SM Lanang Premier and at select SM Supermalls. Designs may vary per branch.

A Passion for Vintage captures the season’s sophisticated side. Gold and copper Christmas balls and berries, gold ribbons and leaves nested in a copper birdcage or black tree, accentuate Our Home’s black furniture pieces.

Entertain in style in Timeless Tradition with classic reds, lush greens and gold. A Christmas tree, poinsettias and pinecones, hollies and wreaths, berries and apples as well as gold musical instruments bring back the old world charm of Christmas.

It’s a winter wonderland in this Crystal Frost themed living room! Glass and silver Christmas ornaments that blend well with Our Home’s gray and white finish furniture.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Película Spanish Film Festival goes to Davao Cinematheque FROM November 19 to 23, a selection of movies from PELÍCULA-PELIKULA 2014, this year’s Spanish Film Festival presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will be shown at the FDCP Cinemathèque in Davao.

Since its conception

by Instituto Cervantes in 2002, the Spanish Film Festival has been an annual attraction for Manila filmgoers, bringing

the best of Spanish and Latin American cinema to the local audience of the Philippine capital. A selection of these films featured just travelled to other Philippine cities and the Cinematheques in Zamboanga, Baguio and Ilo-ilo, now, to close in Davao.

The film line-up for this leg of PELICULA at the Davao Cinematheque is composed of the following films: El secreto de sus ojos, Un cuento chino, Soldados de Salamina,

Mapa, and Las aventuras de Tadeo Jones.

A classic of PELÍCULA is the “Audience Choice

Award”. During the Festival, the audience had the chance to choose their favourite film. This year’s

winning entry was the comedy La gran familia española.

Movie enthusiasts in Davao will also have the chance to enjoy two gems that have been chosen as winners of the “Audience Choice Award” in previous editions –El secreto de sus ojos and Un cuento chino.

Presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), PELÍCULA at the FDCP

Cinematheques is made possible by Emperador Distillers, San Miguel Corporation, Vibal Foundation and Qatar Airways, in collaboration with New World Hotel, Alba’s Restaurante Español and Espa-Fil. For the schedule and further information on these screenings please visit the official website of Instituto Cervantes (www. manila.cervantes.es) or log on to its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila

Nash and Alexa’s ‘Bagito’ debuts strongly in National TV ratings KAPAMILYA teen stars Nash Aguas and Alexa Ilacad have proven the magic of their love team as the pilot episode of their first primetime drama series in ABS-CBN “Bagito” debuted strong in national TV ratings.

Based on data from Kantar Media on Monday (November 17), the pilot episode of Nash and Alexa’s drama series scored a national TV rating of 27.2%, or more than double of its rival program in GMA “Coffee Prince” (11.3%).

“Bagito” also conquered social networking sites such as Twitter where the show’s official hashtag #Bagito1st-

Crush became a worldwide trending topic. One of its lead stars Ella Cruz, meanwhile, became a nationwide trending topic.

According to Nash, he be-

lieves that “Bagito” will play a significant role in helping the youth to make better choices and decisions.

“Bagito was created to teach and help kids and

their parents become aware of what is really happening among the youth nowadays,” said Nash who plays the character of Drew in the series.

“Viewers should watch Drew’s journey because families, especially teenagers like us, will learn and realize the consequences that we have to face when we make serious mistakes,” said Alexa.

“Bagito” is under the production of Dreamscape Entertainment Television, the group that created top-rating TV masterpieces such as “Walang Hanggan,” “Ina Kapatid Anak,” “Juan dela Cruz,” and “Ikaw Lamang.”

Julie Anne San Jose holds first hologram concert in the country

ASIA’S Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose conquers the SM Mall of Asia Arena on December 13, 2014 as she stages the first ever hologram concert in the Philippines.

In her concert dubbed as Hologram, the multi-platinum recording artist is set to bring the house down with her powerful vocals, electrifying dance moves and undeniable talent in playing various musical instruments simultaneously using the hologram technology.

The concert will be highlighted by an extravagant display of visual effects that will surely elevate the Philippine concert experience.

“Very proud po ako sa upcoming concert na ‘to. Aside from the technological advancements, inaasikaso rin namin ang iba pang mga detalye ng show na talaga namang dapat nilang abangan sa December,” shares Julie

Anne.

Aside from getting involved in conceptualizing production numbers of her show, the Kapuso star is also preparing herself for her biggest concert yet.

“Marami pa akong gustong ipakita

sa fans ko na kaya kong gawin, at the same time, very passionate talaga ako sa ginagawa ko,” she adds.

Joining her are some of the country’s best male performers: Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, Youtube sensation Abra, Kapamilya star Sam Concepcion, and other surprise guests that will make the night even more memorable.

Julie Anne has come a long way since her career was launched in Popstar Kids, the singing competition which aired on the former GMA QTV in 2008. Since then, Julie Anne has appeared in numerous TV series, variety shows, and films. She also lent her voice to several theme songs for the programs and specials of the Network.

Hologram is produced by GMA Network, Inc. and Tarroza Entertainment Productions.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

1:45 | 4:15 | 6:45 | 9:15 LFS

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

R-16

1:00 | 3:30 | 6:00 | 08:30 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 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

EVENT

Smart Infinity launches iPhone 6 LIFE is indeed better at the top as invited Smart Infinity subscribers attended an exclusive event held at Davao City’s newest party address, Club Echelon, last November 13. The guests were treated to an evening of fun games, premium prizes, good food and cool beats.

The highlight of the party though was when the clock stuck midnight and Smart Infinity finally announces the release of the world’s most highly anticipated premium phones, the Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus to Smart Infinity subscribers. Infinity members in Manila and Cebu were also treated to a similar event simultaneously.

“The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, the year’s most awaited smartphones, truly deserve the VIP welcome from Smart Infinity. Now, our members can enjoy a big-

ger and better iPhone experience only from the country’s biggest mobile network,” said Julie Carceller, Head of the Smart Infinity Business Group at Smart.

“We are thrilled to finally release our offers to

our members today. Coupled with Smart Infinity’s renowned aftersales service and premium perks and privileges, the iPhone experience of our members is elevated to an entirely new level. It has been a priceless Infinity tradition to reward our members with the first batch of Smart-released iPhones in the country,” added James Chi, Marketing Manager at Smart Infinity.

Non-Smart Infinity subscribers need not fret though as the release signals the start of availability of the Apple iPhone 6 and Apple iPhone 6 Plus in the entire Smart network as well.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Kobe leads Lakers past Rockets K

BACK ON TRACK. Kobe Bryant (24 ) of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a play during their game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on November 19, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

OBE Bryant has been insisting the Los Angeles Lakers are a much better team than their terrible start indicated.

For the past two nights, the Lakers have shown he might be right.

Bryant had 29 points, Wesley Johnson made key free throws down the stretch and the Lakers took advantage of Dwight Howard’s absence Wednesday in a 98-92 victory over the Houston Rockets.

It was the second consecutive win for the Lakers following a 1-9 start. ‘’Look, we had a bad start,’’ Bryant said. ‘’Are we a 3-9 team? No. We’re a much better team than that. We got off to a really bad start, but we’ll (get better).’’

Los Angeles used a 7-1 run, highlighted by Bryant’s three-point play and capped by four free throws from Johnson, to take a 94-92 lead with less than a minute left. Nick Young and Bryant added two free throws apiece to secure the victory.

Young scored 16 points in his second game back from a right thumb injury.

He had 17 in his season debut Tuesday night, causing him to jokingly wonder if he was what the Lakers had

been missing this season.

Bryant didn’t argue with that theory. ‘’Listen, if that’s what’s rolling, that’s what’s rolling,’’ Bryant said, flashing a huge smile. ‘’I’ll take it.’’

Tarik Black, a rookie who was filling in for the injured Howard (knee), missed a free throw and a jump shot down the stretch.

Houston coach Kevin McHale appreciated Black’s effort. ‘’He was fighting out there hard,’’ McHale said. ‘’He hadn’t been in those positions.’’

James Harden had 24 points for the Rockets, who dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Los Angeles took its first lead since the second quarter when Young capped an 8-0 run with a nifty reverse layup to make it 82-81 midway through the fourth. Houston missed three 3-pointers and had a turnover during that stretch.

The Rockets outscored Los Angeles 8-2 after that to regain an 89-84 lead.

The Lakers used a 9-0 run at the end of the third quarter and early in the fourth to cut Houston’s lead to 75-74. Ed Davis led the way with four points.

The Rockets broke a scoring drought of 4 minutes with a 3-pointer by Patrick Beverley, and another 3 - this one by Jason Terry - that extended the lead to 81-74 with 8 1/2 minutes remaining.

Kostas Papanikolaou had a season-high 19 points for Houston. Beverley added 15.

Howard sat out with a strained right knee, announced just minutes before the game, and his absence eliminated the drama that accompanied Houston’s opening-night win over the Lakers.

In that game, Howard had 13 points and 11 rebounds and got into a shouting match with Bryant, his ex-teammate. They received matching technical fouls when Howard elbowed Bryant in the face after grabbing a rebound in the fourth quarter.

McHale didn’t have any more details on Howard’s injury after the game.

Howard spurned the Lakers in 2013 after one season with them to take about $30 million less as a free agent in Houston.

Harden’s scoring spree pushed Houston’s lead to 75-65 in the third, but then the Lakers scored the last five points of the quarter.

COACHING STANDARDS

Full-time commitment needed for next coach E

XPECT the next Gilas Pilipinas coach to have a “full-time commitment” to national duty.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios stressed on Wednesday night anybody who will be appointed to take over the coaching reins left by Chot Reyes should focus mainly and solely on the national team.

After the search and screening committee, led

by SBP chairman Ricky Vargas, conducted its second meeting, Barrios bared they have trimmed down their choice from six to just two, who they believe met their criteria and will already be interviewed next week.

Among those who are in the running for the Gilas job are Purefoods Star’s Tim Cone, Jong Uichico of Talk ‘N Text, Meralco’s Norman Black, Yeng Guiao of Rain or Shine, former Bolts mentor Ryan Gregorio and current TNT consultant Tab Baldwin.

Barrios refused to divulge the name of the two

coaches, but was adamant on one thing. “Any fulltime head coach of PBA team or any other team will have to divest yourself of that head coaching job if you’re appointed as Gilas Pilipinas head coach,” he said.

Barrios also bared the criteria set by the search and screening committee.

“We have categorized the criteria into two categories–must and preferable.

‘Yung must, number one is must have international experience and exposure.

There was also a refinement to that main criteria.

The more extensive, the better. The more recent, the better,” he said.

“The second is he must possess leadership with maturity. The refinement is able to motivate players even during adverse stressful conditions. At the same time, he should also handle the ego of veteran players. These are professional players,” he added.

Familiarization with the existing Gilas program should also be taken for

consideration, according to Barrios, saying: “The search and select committee recognized the Gilas program that has been in place. It is obviously a new coach simply because the current coach has begged off.”

“He should be able to actively interact with his different publics, meaning to say, have positive relations with the media, the basketball community both local and international, the basketball fans and the general public even though they are not basketball fans,” stressed Barrios, adding they intend to make the final recommendation during the SBP board meeting late next month where the decision makers, among them telecommunications mogul and chief Gilas Pilipinas patron Manny V. Pangilinan, will make the final choice.

“The committee is to wrap up its work before the SBP Board meeting before the Christmas holidays,” Barrios said.

AGAINST THE GIANT. June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel (left) tries to shake off Mike Burstcher of KIA (right) during the PBA Philippine Cup match between the Sorentos and the Beermen. Nuki Sabio

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SPORTS 15

SLIPPERY. LA Revilla of KIA (right) moves past Sol Mercado of San Miguel (partly hidden) during the PBA Philippine Cup match between the Sorentos and the Beermen. Nuki Sabio

BFP outlasts CMO, grabs lead D

EFENDING champion Bureau of Fire Protection assumed solo leadership with a 88 – 84 scrappy overtime win over City Mayor’s Office yesterday in the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 12th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. The Firemen posted their seventh win in 8 games behind the imposing performance of reigning MVP Jan Lumogda.

The athletic forward Lumogda racked up 24 points, including dagger baskets in the final seconds of the extension to assure the Fire-

men of a twice-to-beat privilege in the Final Four.

Aldrin Manguhig added 13 and Robert Namuag had 10 for the Firemen who overcame a dwindling performance marked with unforced errors and deficient shot selection.

It was indeed a poor showing for the BFP and CMO with the latter also plagued with turnovers and miscues. Both teams had a hard time to get their respective style of game going.

CMO turned the ball over one after the other in the dying seconds of regulations and overtime to absorb its second loss in nine outings.

The City Hall dribblers

fell to third place that put its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round in peril.

Christopher “Bong” Go, who never saw action in the final seconds of regulation and overtime, scored 21 points for CMO. Taking the place of the injured Roy Bankas, Go made two free throws that put the CMO on top 83 – 81 with 2:18 mark of the extension and immediately went back to the bench.

Namuag tied the count at 83 all and Lumogda delivered the big blows for the Firemen the rest of the way to pull away with the win.

(Rico Biliran)

seconds remaining. It was the first meeting between San Antonio and James since last June, when the Spurs overpowered the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. ‘’I went behind my back and just lost it,’’ James said of his last turnover. ‘’That’s how the ball rolls sometimes.’’

Anderson Varejao scored 23 points, Kyrie Irving added 20 and James had 15 for the Cavs, who fell to 5-5 and aren’t rolling the way most predicted.

James was just 6 of 17 from the field, Kevin Love went 4 of 12 and Cleveland’s bench contributed 17 points.

After Ginobili missed his

free throw, James charged forward with both Duncan and Ginobili blocking his way. As the crowd roared, James appeared to be headed toward a game-tying or winning basket, but it didn’t go the way he planned.

Not much has so far in his homecoming season.

Still, the four-time MVP felt the Cavs, who are suffering growing pains under first-year coach David Blatt, improved. ‘’This is a game I’m happy about,’’ James said. ‘’I hate to lose, but I’m happy about the progress we made tonight.’’

Ginobili felt fortunate that James didn’t drive past him.

Spurs top Lebron again O

UT of timeouts, LeBron James had no choice but to hurry up the floor. With the clock ticking down, James tried to dribble behind his back and had the ball - and game - bounce away.

The San Antonio Spurs stopped him again.

Tim Duncan and Boris Diaw scored 19 points apiece and the defending NBA champions beat Cleveland for the 10th straight time with a 92-90 win over James and the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Manu Ginobili scored on a layup with 18 seconds left, made a free throw with 9.1 to go and harassed James into his costly turnover with 1.9

SLAM. Tim Duncan (21) of the San Antonio Spurs dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 19, 2014 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NBAE via Getty Images)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

DURIAN TEE. Apo Golf and Country Club president Mario Luis Jactino drives the ceremonial ball during the opening of the 25th Durian Tee as junior golf standouts Zeus Sara, Alessandra Nagayo, Yvonne BIsera, Mafy Singson, Christian

Asiad bronze medalist at Fast Fridays

D

AVAO’S very own taekwondo star Mary Anjelay Ramirez Pelaez will make her first appearance after she won a bronze medal in the recent 2014 Asian Games when she guests at the Fast Fridays media forum today at Archipelago 7107 Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier.

Pelaez contributed a bronze medal to the Philippine campaign in the Asian Games when she reached the semifinals of the women’s -46kg event where she was stopped by eventual gold medalist Kim Sohui of Korea.

Pelaez won

ASIAD STAR. Mary Anjelay Pelaez will be the lone guest in today’s Fast Fridays at SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107 Restaurant.

over Nway Nway of Myanmar, 3-0, in the quarterfinals but bowed to Kim, 2-14, at the Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium.

Pelaez was the third Filipino jin to bag bronze after Samuel Morrison in the men’s -74kg and and Ronna Ilao in the women’s -49kg.

Pelaez is a standout of San Beda College after she finished high school in Davao City.

T h e weekly Fast Fridays will be starting at 10:00 a.m.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 179 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21-22, 2014

Remata, and Jasper Tabalin pose with Ambassador Bahnarin Guinomla, AGCC board of directors Mimi Siason, Jun Serado, Karloz Alba, Edwin Cayamanda, Jerry Salas and Ed Bangayan. Boy Lim