Edge Davao 7 Issue 18

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

www.edgedavao.net

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

A QUEEN’S HOMECOMING. An overwhelming reception from her provincemates welcomes newly-crowned Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa yesterday at the provincial gym in AMAS, Kidapawan City. Lean Daval Jr.

P45M FOR FIRE VICTIMS Council approves assistance fund for 3 fire-hit barangays

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

THE Davao City council yesterday approved P45-million assistance to fire victims in the areas of Isla Verde, Barangay 23-C and Barangay 22-C. In yesterday’s regular session, the city council approved under suspended rules an ordinance providing financial assistance to the fire victims in the two barangays which were earlier declared under state of calamity.

The budget will be taken from the quick response fund of the city.

Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, chairman of the committee of finance, ways and means, and appropriation, said that the Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has certified the urgency of the ordinance yesterday.

City administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain told media after the session yesterday that the original proposal

of City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO) was P44 million. However, Quitain said the city council increased the appropriation to P45 million to cover some additional expenses which were not included on the proposal.

The ordinance underwent a series of scrutiny by other members of the city council yesterday although Dayanghirang asserted that the measure has been certified as urgent by the mayor.

The CSSDO has recorded a P155.4 million estimated damage from the fire last April 4. Based on their moni-

FP45M, 10

Duterte signs TF Isla Verde EO

D

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday signed the Executive Order No. 18 creating the Task Force Isla Verde aimed at providing security and maintaining peace and order in the affected areas.

City Administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain told reporters

yesterday after the morning session of the city council that the task force aims to bring order in the area to avoid any encroachments in the area that will result for any commotion from the victims of the huge fire that razed the large number of houses in Isla Verde, Barangay 23-C, Barangay 22-C and Barangay 21-C

in Quezon Boulevard last Friday night.

“Ang problema kasi diyan baka may papasok at papasok and people will start building their houses anywhere they want, wala ng order,” said Quitain adding that they are concerned with the road network

FDUTERTE, 10

WINSOME SMILE. Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa answers questions from the media. Lean Daval Jr.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

TIME TO REBUILD. A resident tries to salvage scraps of galvanized iron sheets that could still be used to rebuild his family’s house four days after a fire razed three barangays in Davao City leaving thousands of families homeless. Lean Daval Jr.

SC: RH Law constitutional

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday declared Republic Act No. 10354, or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 as constitutional except for certain provisions.

After a scrutiny of the various arguments and contentions of the parties in the consolidated cases consisting of 14 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the RH Law and two interventions to uphold its constitutionality, the SC unanimously held that “R.A. No. 10354 is constitutional based on the grounds raised, except for certain provisions.”

Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, Sr. Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita De Castro, Arturo Brion, Diosdado

Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano Del Castillo, Roberto Abad, Martin Villarama Jr., and Jose Portugal Perez, voted as unconstitutional Section 7, and the corresponding provision in the RH-Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) insofar as they require private health facilities and non-maternity specialty hospitals and hospitals owned and operated by religious groups to refer patients, not in an emergency or life-threatening case, as defined under R.A. No. 8344.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno and Associate Justices Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Marvic Leonen voted constitutional on the same provision.

Associate Justices

WEATHER FORECAST

FSC, 10

DavSur town wants 50-50 share from coal power plant

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

S

crc@edgedavao.net

TA. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez is pushing for the equal sharing on the remaining 70 percent business tax that will be generated from the commercial operation of Aboitiz-owned coal fired power plant.

This developed despite the refusal of the Davao City government to the proposal of Aboitiz Power in 2013.

Therma South Inc., is constructing a 300 -megawatt plant located in Barangay Binugao in Toril, Davao City and Sta Cruz in Davao del Sur.

“There should be an 50-50 sharing on the income tax since some of the components essential to the operation of the plant are in Sta. Cruz,” Lopez said yesterday, adding that the coal dome and the port which serve as access to the plant via the sea are located in his municipality.

“We disagree on that,” councilor Danilo Dayanghirang told Edge Davao.

“We want more.

There’s a proposal that it should be 70 - 30 tax sharing but that may exceed. It depends on the endorsement of the ex-

ecutive body,” Dayanghirang said.

Lopez attested on the proposal of Aboitiz Power to resolve the tax sharing dispute of the two LGU, adding if it will not be solve it will complicate the operation of the TSI. Last year, officials of Aboitiz Power sent a proposal letter to Davao City Council to solve the issues on tax sharing.

The proposal signed

by TSI President and Chief Operating Officer Benjamin A. Cariaso Jr. and Manuel M. Orig, Aboitiz Power first vice

president for Mindanao affairs, bared that the remaining 70 percent of the business tax should be equally shared by both LGU. Both firms cited Section 50 of the Local Government Code (LGC) which provides an allocation of 30 percent of the total business tax to the LGU where the principal office is located.

With this provision, Davao City will automatically get 30 percent noting that when TSI was registered last January 3, 2013 to Securities and

the appropriation of around P8 million to facilitate the project’s implementation.

Such funding, which was part of the approved provincial supplemental budget, would be drawn from a grant under the Mindanao Rural Development Program–Adaptable Loan Program 2 (MRDP2) of around P6 million and an additional P2 million from the national government.

The governor said the P2 million appropriation was earlier issued a certificate of availability of funds by the Department of Finance.

She said the local government earlier set

aside some P2 million or 15 percent of the project’s total cost as equity or counterpart as part of a scheme set by the MRDP2.

“We’re targeting to start the project’s implementation before the end of the month,” Fuentes said.

Under the project, the governor said the main beneficiaries would be farmers’ cooperatives situated or based in upland areas within the province.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), which implements the MRDP2, earlier identified various upland areas in the province as viable sites for the development of

oil palm plantations.

According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) of South Cotabato, about 5,000 hectares of land in Koronadal City and at least 10,000 hectares in Lake Sebu are considered ready for the massive planting of oil palm.

The towns of Norala and Tantangan were also found suitable for oil palm as shown by the thriving farms or plantations in these areas.

OPAG earlier said around 1,200 hectares of land in the province are planted with oil palm, with Norala town hosting the biggest plantation area.[PNA]

FDAVSUR, 10

SoCot allots P10M for oil palm expansion

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of South Cotabato has allocated around P10 million for the expansion and development this year of oil palm plantations in various parts of the province.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday they are currently evaluating the potential sites for the project, which will mainly be implemented in selected upland villages in the province’s 10 towns and lone city.

She said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the provincial board approved during its regular session on Monday

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Malaysian firm to build housing project in Sta. Cruz

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

M

crc@edgedavao.net

ALAYSIAN firm Acasys Group is eyeing to construct a high-end subdivision in the central district of Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur. Sta. Cruz mayor Joel Ray Lopez bared in yesterday’s Davao Business Forum that the Malaysian company is targetting to construct 400 units of houses. The said forum was held at Dermpath in cooperation with SM City and San Miguel Corporation.

“Each unit will cost P1 million,” Lopez said.

The negotiation between the local government unit of Sta. Cruz and Acasys just started last February. The firm started the ocular inspection last March.

“We are still finalizing the contract since the subdivision will be set up in a 5 hectare municipality-owned property,” the Sta. Cruz mayor said.

“The construction will be fast- track once the agreement is done.” In con-

structing housing units, the firm said it will be using pre-fabricated materials.

Identified as the business hub of Davao del Sur, Sta. Cruz is one of the priority investment areas in the province. It has attained first-class municipality status since its annual revenue reached over P55 million.

Two years ago, Mayor Lopez started to push for the conversion of Sta. Cruz into a city.

“We are still completing some of the requirements,” he said, adding that they have attained the required income to be a city in 2013.

From 2001, the local revenue continually increased every year. From P173 million in 2012, it went up to P196 million last year.

In terms of minimum population requirement, the municipality is still lacking 10,000 residents to become a city.

“Based on our 2010 census, Sta. Cruz has a

total population of P90 thousand,” he said. “But this increased because of the people migrating here because of the job opportunities brought by various investments.”

“If we will become our present internal revenue allotment (IRA) will increase three times ,” Lopez added. “Despite of our big contribution on the national government, we only have P120 million IRA.” Among the major investments operating in Sta Cruz are San Miguel Brewery, Coca-Cola Company, Franklin Baker, Hedcor, Inc., Aboitiz-owned Therma South Inc., WL Foods, and Pryce Gases, Inc. The proximity of the municipality to Davao City and the presence of workable mechanism make the municipality suitable for industrial-related investments.

“We are targetting the municipality of Sta. Cruz to be a city two or three years from now,”Lopez said.

MILF denies some fighters joined MNLF

T

HE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) strongly denied a report that some of its fighters have joined the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

A report in the Manila Times quoted a certain Ustadz Pendie Colano, who claims to be the overall chairman of the Selatan State Revolutionary Committee of the MNLF, who said that around 4,000 MILF fighters joined the MNLF because they do not want to surrender their

firearms.

Von Alhaq, spokesman of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, belied the report.

He said MILF fighters have no reason to join the MNLF now that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) has been signed.

“Yang report na yan ay walang katotohanan sapagkat intact ang ating mga brothers sa ground. From time to time, meron tayong check-up doon sa ground,” Alhaq said.

He also said he is not familiar with Ustadz Colano.

“Ngayon ko lang narinig ang pangalan na yan, hindi masyado familiar sa akin,” he said.

Alhaq warned the public about bogus personalities.

“With due respect sa kanila, maraming mga tao na gustong gumawa ng ibang direksyon salungat sa ating magandang layunin. Kahit mga naka-unipormeng MILF, mag-ingat kasi baka bogus MILF yan,” he said.

NO SEGREGATION. Garbage collectors contend with the undsegregated garbage which continues to be a big problem for the City Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro) despite the all-out campaign for strict compliance. Lean Daval Jr.

Rosy future for halal food business

T

HE Halal food industry of Mindanao looms as a potential investment area in the upcoming 2015 Asean integration.

“Mindanao will play a big role in being able to supply food secured products that will be acceptable to our Muslim brothers

RESILIENCE. The pleasure of spending time with friends seems to enliven the spirit of these boys from the traumatic experience they went through in Friday night’s fire which rendered them homeless. Lean Daval Jr.

outside [the Philippines],” Senen M. Perlada, Department of Trade and Industry director for Bureau of Trade Promotion said.

“The Asean is a 68 billion population market where most are Muslims,” Perlada said.

Of the 10 Asean members, countries with Moslem ethnicities are Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, BruneiDarrusalam, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

He also said that there is a bigger global market like the Middle East.

According to Perlada, the global market for Halal food only is a huge as $580 billion while if goods for personal care will be included it will range from $630 billion, and for halal financing it will be trillions of dollars.

“It is not only food [that can be exported], remember it is a way of life,” Perlada said.

He added that it is not only goods that the Mindanao can export to the Muslim market but also services on logistics, distribution, slaughtering, and packaging.

Perlada said that Mindanao can market itself as

long as entrepreneurs do their part in the capability building.

“We encourage them to be Halal certified to avail the bigger market,” he said, adding that there will be a more liberal flow of goods among the Asean countries. “The single economy of Asean will transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and freer flow of capital.”

The Asean is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

“Businessmen should integrate their products and think the opportunities in the intertional market not only domestic instead of looking at the threat of being wipedaway,” he added.

The existing free trade agreements between Philippines and Asean nations and other countries such as Japan, China, Korea, United States, New Zealand, and Australia will help local businessmen to expand their business to global market. [CRC]

4

EDGEDAVAO

PROPERTY

VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE18 18••WEDNESDAY, WEDNESDAY,APRIL APRIL9,9,2014 2014 VOL.

Northtown: Family Fun Weekend BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

A

BIT of trivia: What does ALDEVINCO mean? For the locals, it may mean barter or trade or a group of stalls that sells the best of Davao has to offer. Well, to an extent yes, but did you know that ALDEVINCO verily means Alsons Development and Investment Corporation?

Yes, ALDEVINCO is the premier project of Alsons Properties that has surely etched a mark in the heart of Davaoeños and everyone who has visited the place.

Years after, Alsons Properties continues to build homes and turn dreams into realities. Nonetheless, it did not stop there – they too helped communities in the city function and operate towards the attainment of peace and orderly that certainly made Davao one of the livable city in the world.

Basking under the heat of the sun marks the beginning of countless of sweat, fun and adventure with family and friends. Despite the traffic, Northtown, the newest suburban haven, opened its doors for the delight of its patrons, guests

and visitors.

March 29 and 30, 2014 marked two days of absolute fun as Alsons Properties opened its gates to a Family Fun Weekend that highlighted the Northtown Gate and Guardhouse Inauguration and Open House.

Also in the list was the blessing of gates and guardhouse that was duly anticipated in by officers, agents, clients and friends who braved the heat of the sun.

After the blessing, a most awaited Sunset Fun Run and Sunset BBQ Grill took place in Northtown’s deck that allowed everyone to see the beauty and magnificence of the place.

Truly, everyone in attendance felt the welcoming embrace of nature under the shade of age-old trees.

The following day, members and staff welcomed guests to another fun filled Open House and sweat-filled day on the grounds of the most coveted suburban haven in town. A Landscape Art Workshop and Pinoy Games were celebrated to the delight of the guests that surely made their stay

a most memorable one.

Indeed, it was a weekend to remember. Not only was it a fruitful one but a weekend deserving of cognition. Thanks to Northtown, thanks to Alsons Properties.

If you want to expe-

rience the best of both worlds while in the most livable city in the country, visit Alsons Properties at their main office at 392 Bonifacio Street, Davao City or visit their website at www.alsonsporperties. com.ph.

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Gov’t moves for earlier completion of Cotabato airport expansion project

C

OTABATO CITY, Philippines – Government officials have assured business leaders here that flight operations at Cotabato (Awang) Airport willl resume normal operations in August this year, with the expected completion of runway and taxiway expansion project earlier than the original target.

In a recent dialogue-meeting at the Executive Office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), officials from key government agencies and local business leaders have reached a consensus for flight adjustments and fastracking of airport expansion work.

The meeting, which sought to address issues arising from the airport’s flight service limitations, was attended by officials from the ARMM, City Government of Cotabato, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), as well as leaders from the business community.

Currently, flights to and from Cotabato City are re-

duced to four days-a-week schedule with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays dedicated for project construction work. Prior to this, the airport has four daily flights to and from Manila.

“We are looking into every possible way to ease the inconvenience resulting from the airport expansion work, even as we recognize the impact of this to the business sector,” said MinDA Executive Director Janet Lopoz, adding that, “efforts are geared at hastening project implementation, while ensuring that quality is not compromised.”

According to DOTC’s Lino Dhabi, Assistant Secretary for Project Monitoring and Evaluation, the rehabilitation of Cotabato Airport accords safe and enhanced facility for flights by providing adequate dimension of runway and taxiway, in compliance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Meanwhile, Lopoz said the DOTC Project Management Unit has committed to submit monthly reports to the concerned agencies

to ensure that the new project timeline and the quality standards are strictly followed.

An agreement was also met by the inter-agency group to facilitate a window time of flight schedule from 12:00 PM to 4 PM every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Express expressing interest to pro-

vide flight services to the proposed window schedule.

The P55-million airport improvement project, which commenced in January this year has drawn negative reactions from the Cotabato flying passengers reporteldy due to lack of public consultation and delays in work. The reduced flights also resulted to dou-

ble handling and attendant costs.

The original project timeline has set the project completion, including construction of perimeter fence, to December this year.

Acting on the call of the Cotabato business sector and other flying passengers, the Regional Board of Investments of ARMM passed

a resolution to convene all the concerned entities to resolve the issues on airport improvement project.

“It was a good thing that MinDA acted immediately on our request to convene all the concerned agencies in this project, even elevating our discussion to the DOTC Central Office,” said RBOI Director Atty. Ishak Mastura.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12.

Composite

Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep 2013 Apr 2013

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

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

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14.

Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15.

Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100 16.

Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate

2.5

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18.

18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

DOLE-12 releases P8M livelihood assistance to informal workers G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/8 April) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 has released a total of P8 million worth of livelihood packages in the last three months to informal workers in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas.

Ofelia Domingo, DOLE Region 12 director, said Tuesday the livelihood packages, which comprised business starter kits, were part of the agency’s initial allocation for the area this year under its flagship DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.

She said they released last week around P3.44 million worth of starter kits to 528 beneficiaries coming from various parts of South Cotabato.

The agency also released some P800,000 worth of livelihood packages to displaced workers of a tuna processing firm here, she said.

Domingo said the other packages were distributed to selected members of the informal sector in various parts of Region 12, which comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

DOLE-12 earlier identified 8,644 informal workers as beneficiaries of the DILP and 2,240 others for their emergency employment assistance program for this year.

“We’re currently processing the release late next month or early June of around 300 more starter kits,” the official said in a ra-

SSS EYES GAWAD KALINGA PARTNERSHIP FOR COVERAGE OF AGRI WORKERS. Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. (main photo, right) listen to Gawad Kalinga (GK) Chairman and Founder Antonio “Tony” Meloto (main photo, 2nd from left) explain the operations of the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan during a visit by the SSS contingent on March 25. The SSS is reaching out to promote the social protection and welfare of farmers in the GK Enchanted Farm. Apart from local farmers, GK-affiliated entrepreneurs and workers engaged in agriculture and home-based businesses are also coverable by SSS. The agency, through the SSS Sta. Maria Branch in Bulacan, is scheduled to provide information seminars, on-site registration and ID data capture services, and assistance in filing for benefits and joining the AlkanSSSya microsavings program. Joining the farm visit from SSS were (main photo, from right) Member Relations Department (MRD) Head Eugenia dela Cruz, Sta. Maria Branch Head Marites Dalope, MRD Assistant Communications Analyst Jhomer Gonzales and Sta. Maria Branch Junior Analyst Ronald de Guzman. Inset shows de Quiros (center), along with SSS Officer-in-Charge of Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department Honorato Carranza, Jr. (right) and SSS Special Assistant to the PCEO Ma. Lourdes Mendoza (2nd from right), listen to a discussion on soil fertility. dio interview.

DILP, which is one of the DOLE’s program enrolled under the government’s community-based employment program (CBEP), mainly aims to generate sustainable local enterprises as well as improve the productivity and livelihood of informal workers in local communities.

Under the program, prospective beneficiaries may avail of livelihood starter kits or packages from DOLE for various micro business ventures.

The packages comprise raw materials, equipment and initial capital that would allow beneficiaries to start a business venture.

Domingo said residents in the informal sec-

tor may avail of the livelihood packages by submitting a proposal to the agency.

She said they would then evaluate the proposals and eventually subject the qualified beneficiaries to trainings on various skills, business planning, decision making, project development and management.

“We don’t just give out the packages but we make sure that they are fit or appropriate for the concerned beneficiary,” she said.

The official said such move would ensure that the chosen ventures of the beneficiaries would later grow or expand and sustained on a long-term basis. [MindaNews]

month, said it will be its 73rd in Mindanao.

So far, Metrobank has only one branch in the province, in Valencia City.

He said the bank will open its branch in Polomolok, South Cotabato ahead of its opening of the Malaybalay branch.

The bank is also set to open a branch in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, a fifth branch in Gener-

al Santos City, and five more branches in cities they are yet to disclose.

Salmasan said they opened a branch in Gaisano-Surigao City and Tandag, Surigao del Sur both in December 2013; in Bongao, Tawi-tawi; and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, both in February 2014.

Mindanao is one of the seven bank regions of Metrobank.

On its website, Metrobank reported consolidated net income of P22.5 billion in 2013, or 46 percent higher than the P15.4 billion earned in 2012. Total resources peaked at P1.38 trillion, a 32-percent increase from the previous year’s P1.05 trillion.

Citing “strong domestic economy”, Metrobank booked P611.1 billion in net loans and receiv-

ables, up 16 percent from the previous year, and faster than the 15 percent growth reported in 2012. Demand for credit accelerated consistently across all segments.

Its website said the Metrobank Group is an industry leader with a domestic network spanning 856 branches and close to 2,000 ATMs nationwide. [Walter I. Balane/MindaNews]

Metrobank to open 10 more branches in Mindanao M

A L AY B A L AY CITY (MindaNews/8 April) -- The Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) will open 10 more branches in Mindanao this year, two of them in Bukidnon particularly Malaybalay City and Maramag town.

Linjey Salmasan, Ozamiz branch manager, who will open the branch here later this

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

THE ECONOMY 7

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

PHL stocks tumble anew M ANILA (PNA) –Local share prices tumbled along with other Asian bourses on Tuesday, tracking the declines in the United States stocks.

The barometer Philippine stock exchange index (PSEi) lost 26.91 points to 6,587.49 from previous day’s 6,614.40 close. ”We are still dependent on the international market. My projection was 6,500, (the market) already surpassed that. I will be happy with 6,700 to 6,800 for the rest of the year. If you make a five-percent growth, you are the fastest growing (market) from a macro perspective,” said Banco de Oro Capital president Eduardo Francisco.

The U.S. market fell overnight on concern that technology and consumer-oriented stocks were overvalued.

Brokerage firm 2tradeasia.com said there was also second-wind reaction to property de-

veloper DoubleDragon Properties Corp.’s debut, including follow-through response from second and third-liner shares.

DoubleDragon, a joint venture of Jollibee Foods Corp. owner Tony Tan Caktiong and Mang Inasal founder Edgar “Injap” Sia II, continue to lead the day’s most actively traded stocks and top gainers with share prices rising by 28.67 percent.

It raised in its initial public offering on Monday P1.16 billion after selling 579.73 million primary shares at P2 apiece.

Almost all counters were in the negative territory.

The sub-indices of mining and oil and financials sectors rose slightly.

Volume of transactions reached 1.28 billion shares valued at P7.57 billion.

Market breadth was positive with advancers dominating decliners, 81 to 79, while 53 issues were unchanged. [PNA]

Hundreds of tablets sold via Wechat-Lazada

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AZADA, the country’s online shopping mall, is teaming up with leading social mobile app WeChat, to bring users an exclusive surprise in line with Lazada’s 2nd anniversary sale.

The strong partnership of Lazada and WeChat has previously drawn great success, with hundreds of tablets sold in a couple of hours through WeChat. Lazada’s creative promotional ideas, paired with WeChat’s large number of young users, have received positive feedback

particularly for its easy to use interface and quick to navigate features.

Lazada wants to show their gratitude and appreciation to their loyal customers by rewarding them with substantial discounts on best-selling items. The new promotion will give customers the opportunity to purchase their favourite Lazada items through WeChat.

Download WeChat for free and have the opportunity to purchase exciting ‘Best Deals’ from Lazada.

CATS Motors, Inc. ties up with SB Rental Corporation to provide customers alternative car financing program

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ATS Motors, Inc., Philippine General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge, in partnership with SB Rental Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of SB Capital Investment Corporation(a member of the Security Bank Group), now offers a more convenient way of acquiring a luxury car with the Star Lease Program, which will be available for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

With the shifting trend of car ownership to car usage, car leasing best suits clients who frequently change their cars every two to three years. Filipinos can now enjoy the

freedom from ownership worries. The burden of high monthly payments, maintenance costs and low resale value from your vehicle’s depreciation will now be a thing of the past.

The customer has three options: 1.) Extend the vehicle lease 2.) Return the car and lease a different unit, or 3.) Return the car and end the contract at the end of the lease term Leasing a car also equates to monthly payments 50% cheaper than having your vehicle financed. Furthermore, a detailed and comprehensive Wear and Tear Guide will be given to clients to

ensure clarity and fair understanding between the lessee and lease company.

With this new finance platform, operational leasing terms can be customized for corporate or individual requirements.

“Now partnered with SB Rental, our vision is to fulfill customer aspirations by opening a range of mobility solutions customized to fit your dreams within your financial plan,” says Felix R. Ang; President, CATS Motors Inc. “As a member of one of the country’s leading financial groups, SB Rental focuses on delivering relevant, differentiated leasing solutions.” SB Rental

Chairman and Security Bank President and CEO Alberto S. Villarosa said during the MOA signing.

The Star Lease Program provides a compelling alternative option for clients to experience the premium Mercedes-Benz brand without a down payment or processing fee. “Our lease program puts you in control. This customizable lease provides options to set the residual value based on our customers’ requirements.” Villarosa added.

Benefits from the 36-month operational leasing product include the following: • No vehicle depreciation risks • No high downpayment, just a 10% guarantee deposit • No payment for chattel mortgage • Fixed affordable monthly payments protected from re-pricing • Monthly payments include LTO registration, car insurance and taxes • Monthly payments also include full maintenance, replacement and servicing from batteries, tires and more • With this partnership, clients are assured of security, transparency, and the highest quality of service in every transaction To know more about the easiest way to drive a new premium car, visit or call any CATS Motors dealership now, or call SB (From L-R): Gina S. Go (Director of SB Rental), Felix R. Ang (President of CATS Motors), Alberto S. Villarosa (Chairman Rental at 463-3000. of SB Rental/President and CEO of Security Bank), and Anthony G. Lao (AVP – Dealer Operations of CATS Motors)

DPJ Engineers & Consultants has signed a loan agreement with UCPB under the risk-sharing facility of LGU Guarantee Corporation (LGUGC). The proceeds of the loan will be used to finance the construction of the 1 Megawatt Bulanao Mini-Hydropower Plant (MHP) in Tabuk City, Kalinga. Once the project is completed the Bulanao MHP will provide cheaper and accessible electricity to the province of Kalinga through a-15 year Energy Supply agreement by DPJ Engineers & Consultants with Kalinga Electric Cooperative. Shown in photo (Front Row, L-R) – Silahis O. Peckley and Daniel Peckley, Jr., Proprietors of DPJ Engineers & Consultants; Lydia N. Orial, LGUGC President and CEO; Higinio O. Macadaeg, Jr., UCPB EVP & Corporate and Consumer Banking Group Head; Alexander M. Borja, UCPB Corporate and Consumer Banking Team Head; (Back Row, L-R): Kathy C. Abot, UCPB Relationship Manager;Irmina V. Iya, LGUGC Account Officer;Thelma C. Sansales, LGUGC VP & Head of Operations; Allan D. Belgica, LGUGC Head of Relationship Management;Hades G. Escuadra, LGUGC Account Supervision Associate, Operations Department; Alfred Joseph P. Biscayda, DPJ Engineers and Consultants; Ramon L. Fenandez, Jr. UCPB Corporate and Consumer Banking Team Head; Atty. Josiebeth P. Basa, UCPB Legal Services Group.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Moving on

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ITH the decision laid down by the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the Reproductive Health Law, there is no more stopping the government from implementing the controversial measure also known as Responsible Parenthood Law. As the government gets set to move on with the RH Law, the church, on the other hand, is likewise ready to move on. In its reaction shortly after the SC decision, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) can only say “let us move on.” That statement means it has accepted the fate of the controversial law as far as its constitutionality is concerned. However, the CBCP said it will continue to uphold its teachings on the sacredness of human life, the dignity of the human person and to safeguard the life of every human person from conception to natural death.

Instead of threatening to revolt, the church has peacefully vowed to continue to preach what is right

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and moral and to proclaim the beauty and holiness of every person and at the same time respect the decision of the court.

The SC decision was not totally a victory of sorts for the pro-RH advocates as the court also watered down the final version by striking down two provisions which will provide for the parameters for access to modern family planning methods as well as the provision providing for penalties thereof.

In the final reckoning, it is now incumbent upon the government to move on with its secular role in the implementation of the law in accord with its spirit and intent and for the church to remain steadfast on its spiritual role of preserving the Filipinos regard for the sanctity of human life regardless of religion and education.

The welfare and development of every Filipino family is not solely left upon the government or the church alone. It takes the two—albeit separate entities—to essay each of their own roles.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Diversionary approach

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LATTERING NEWS COME AS A DEODORIZER FOR FAILURES – Some noted political analysts, opposition die-hards and persistent critics say something unusual is happening in the country today that is not eliciting much the people’s interest. All this is expected.

During the previous weeks the national media came up with news headlines trumpeting the success of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Keen observers and political pundits noticed that with the signing of the peace deal between the government (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels, lasting peace in the Muslim-dominated areas in Mindanao is already within reach.

More good news and flattering statements are up on the air. The Aquino administration as such is intensifying its tax collection efforts, the economy remained robust and vibrant and the country is now the hub for trade and commerce. Moreover, the government is pouring more investment for infrastructure development.

Clearly, with an alleged Aquino-controlled media, perennial critics and opposition groups say the media blitzkrieg and gratifying reports come as a deodorizer for the present dispensation’s problems in widespread corruption, rampant smuggling and unabated crime.

While at this, one cannot think of a more appropriate thing to describe the prevailing situation than the moralistic kind of talk assumed by several experts. Now here’s the thing: more than half-way through the present administration, experts say that President Benigno Aquino III finds himself

F

unable to keep his campaign promise of totally eradicating if not minimize corruption especially in the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and other income-generating government agencies.

More than that, the President is oblivious to the fact that his own trusted officials and favorite “political pets” are the very source of the prevailing problems confronting the leadership. With the progressions of news reports stating that the Aquino administration has achieved much in relation to the Bangsamoro problem, peace and economic stability, Palace drumbeaters have started cleansing the leadership’s recently tarnished image and reputation.

There is no easy answer to all the allegations, but one thing sure is that the wary public is demanding to know why the administration was unable to keep its pledge to stamp out corruption and other venalities in government. The Aquino administration has come under fire for allegedly acting like an “uncontrolled adolescent” in the face of interlocking problems.

It would be ironic, and a great pity, if the uncompromising situation continues. At the very least, the problem is how effective the media barrage allegedly nurtured by the favored press outlets will be. We do not know whether the stage-managed news

dissemination effort on the part of the administration is counterproductive. That is the nitty-gritty and the President and his throng of over-assuming advisers need to determine it for themselves.

But opposition die-hards and harsh critics have plenty of reason to believe that the Aquino administration’s drumbeaters and image-builders have created a diversion technique to keep the leadership’s dismal failures away from prying public scrutiny.

No amount of excuses, empty promises and false comforting words can appease a desperate and disgruntled people. A litany of explanations and news dissemination, though powerful, are never enough; our leaders need to actualize them. Unfortunately, as the drawback continues to pester the leadership, the words of false comfort remained.

A NEVER-ENDING BUSINESS SCHEME – Power, water and transport utilities in well-developed countries are operated and managed by their governments. And we are not surprise there is progress and development. Here in the country, we’re not heading in that direction. Poor consumers are always at the mercy of utility firms notably power suppliers and distributors.

Whenever there is a power rate increase, power suppliers and distributors, without exception, have the same line of argument – rate hikes are a result of generation and distribution costs charged by power generating facilities. A clever idea and never-ending business scheme while utility firms are being run by profit-oriented private entities.

Bangsamoro: Deals to Be Done

OURTH: Of crucial significance, “… the 2016 presidential election is truly material to the future of the Bangsamoro. We can only hope that those who run for president will adopt a policy of fully supporting the Bangsamoro and not to undermine it in any manner or form.”

This Luwaran editorial is the MILF statement referred to in the Inquirer Mindanao report of March 30, 2014, “MILF: 2016 polls crucial to success of Mindanao peace process”, datelined Iligan City. The report emphasized the significance of the statement as the MILF call “on the eve of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)”.

Options There are options to avert what the MILF fears. These are premised on the expectations that the BBL is signed into law in December 2014 and is ratified in the first quarter of 2015; and, the BTA can immediately set up the Bangsamoro in transition.

Should these fail to materialize due to possible oppositions against the BBL in the Congress and the Supreme Court, the options are different. [NOTE: We will discuss these possibilities in another article.]

May we point it out here that the MILF fears are quite misplaced. All laws, unless repealed by the Congress or voided by the Supreme Court, are binding to all governments, present and future. So will the BBL be. The policies and government assistance for Bangsamoro development that the BBL will provide all presidents after June 30, 2016 are bound to implement. They are not expected to adopt contrary policies and programs. But MILF has to be assertive.

Even so, MILF may have to make some compromises to have some deals done.

Political Gamble

COMMENTARY

BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

Part 2 of 3

As emphasized in the Luwaran editorial and reiterated in the Inquirer Mindanao report, the 2016 presidential election is “truly material to the future of the Bangsamoro” and “crucial to success of Mindanao peace process”. What is the “big deal” for MILF? It will start Bangsamoro political autonomy on a big gamble. Like an untrained, inexperienced swimmer, it will plunge into the pool to compete with well-trained veterans.

It will compromise its envisioned political system founded on an electoral code suited to the ministerial form of government.

It will re-embrace the status quo it has so vehemently rejected.

Note 1: Granting the BTA can start the Bangsamoro transition by March 2015, it is very much in doubt if it can enact the Bangsamoro Local Government Code, the Bangsamoro Administrative Code and Bangsamoro Election Code and establish an electoral system suitable to a ministerial form of government – considered most vital, together with setting up the necessary institutions and providing leadership envisioned by Salamat Hashim to transition the Bangsamoro.

Most probably, the members of the BLA (Bangsamoro Legislative Assembly) will be elected as provided in the BBL and under the Omnibus Election Code. And so will the Bangsamoro local government officials. The Bangsamoro regional and local governments will operate under the local government and administrative codes of the Philippines –

re-embracing the status quo.

Note 2: To lead the Bangsamoro and reap for the Moros the fruits of the peace process MILF has to do two “big deals”: first, continue its partnership with the national government after June, 30, 2016; second, win the majority in the BLA and of the elective local government officials. This is how crucial the May 2016 presidential election is to MILF and the Bangsamoro.

To achieve the “first”, MILF must steer clear of the “dirty” and “ugly” national politics of patronage and play coy and smart for the national leaders to woo at a price. But it utterly lacks the standing to be so. All it can do, it appears, is to support the Liberal Party or the dominant political coalition that President Aquino III will anoint hoping for the win to remain a “weak partner”. Yet, in a “hardly-win-win” situation, it can lose the partnership.

To achieve the “second”, MILF has to organize its regional party and field a complete slate of regional and local government slate.

By January 2016, will it have the capacity and means to do so? Will there be an electoral system under an election code suitable to a ministerial form of government? The answers don’t look encouraging. MILF will be compelled to prematurely enter politics under the status quo – leaning heavily on the Liberal Party and pro-Aquino coalition and in alliance with traditional politicians. If the slate wins, who will be in real control?

Note 3: Leaning heavily on the Liberal Party and the pro-Aquino coalition and allying with traditional politicians is not only status quo politics but also unpromising.

With little to offer and give, will MILF get much in return? Will traditional politicians readily give up their leadership and political agenda?

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Christian Bigots, Muslim Fundamentalists WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA

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AGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/7 April) -- Someone said something attention-getting: "Pray less and work more!"

He said this was the way to dig our society out of its problems and move the country forward.

It wasn’t really an exhortation to forsake prayer, but a reminder that prayer should not be a matter of mere incantations or even long hours of ritual devotion.

After all, he said, work done in the proper spirit can also be a form of prayer—a concrete expression of Godly thoughts. Thus, well-motivated work is prayer and the more we work, the more our prayers are answered.

He was right, of course. Prayer and action are not mutually exclusive. Prayer can either be words or deeds, and deeds are the better kind.

Prayer Rewards Physical exertion to earn the rewards of honest work is beneficial—working for a salary, striving to raise one’s standard of living, to provide for family, to volunteer in times of disaster, or to promote peace, harmony, cooperation.

These are earnest prayer; not just a plea or a begging but an investing of one's energy and talent. It is the best kind of prayer. It produces tangible results.

This kind of prayer acknowledges God's will, enriches man's faith, and enhances his condition. And it affirms the moral of the Parable of the Talents.

In our society there's so much of the wordy and devotional kinds of prayer. Too little of the deeds variety that give substance to prayer. So much is devoted to rituals and devotionals; too little work or affirmative action.

Balancing Life, After-life God helps those who help themselves, we're told. But we don’t always pay attention. To devote so much time pleading for God's succor is not as good as doing God's work and doing it well.

In an emergency, do we fall on our knees and merely ask the Lord or Allah for deliverance? Or do we swing into action—put out the fire, rescue the victim, stop the bleeding, escape the flood, or extend a helping hand?

They say we must render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's. But too often we confuse the two, rendering more time and effort on things that are God's, devoting little to things that are Caesar's.

Those who think they impress God more in this way—and thus be treated to the miracle of the loaves and fishes without having to work— have got it all wrong.

The things that are Caesar's concern the workings of earthly life and relationships, the Social Order. God's things concern the Divine Order.

To belittle Caesar's concerns and concentrate on God's concerns is to neglect the Social Order and thus to create a dysfunctional world.

Extremists Some overdo themselves and become exhibitionists, making grand gestures of piety, making a big deal out of religiosity. They punctuate their speech with praises for the Lord, send out pious text messages, or deliver long invocations even in frivolous gatherings.

Others mount the pulpit on Sundays and preach that all should love their neighbor. But talk to them on Monday about some neighbors and they will spare no expletives to denounce them as cheats and traitors and unfit human beings.

On the other hand, there are those who pray and invoke “the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful” but will not hesitate to kidnap or decapitate someone they dislike, or avenge a perceived wrong on their person or family through violent means.

Others underpay their workers and still others exact usurious rates from desperate people in need of a loan. Whether Christian or Muslim, both distort the values of society.

Those who perpetuate this blurring of the things that are Caesar's and the things that are God's are feeding into the cataclysmic clashes that are increasingly occurring in today’s society.

Why should Muslim fundamentalists be any more menacing than Christian bigots?

Both violate human solidarity, inflame passions, undermine Filipino brotherhood, and upset the Social Order.

[Manny among others is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at development academy of Philippines, member of Philippine Mission to the UN, vice chair of Local Government Academy, member of the Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@gmail.com]

10 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Gunman in tabloid reporter’s slay arrested

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HE Cavite police have arrested the alleged gunman in the murder of tabloid reporter Rubylita Garcia.

The suspect was identified as Aaron Cruz. He was arrested by the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Cavite Provincial Police Office in a buy-bust operation in Cavite City on Tuesday.

Garcia, 52, a reporter and columnist of tabloid Remate, was killed

at her home in Bacoor, Cavite on Sunday afternoon. She sustained five gunshot wounds to her body.

She was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

According to Cavite Provincial Director Senior Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr., the suspect’s features fit the description of the gunman.

He said they are just waiting for the victim’s relatives to identify the suspect.

P45M...FFROM 1 toring report as of last Monday, the CSSDO already listed 3,547 affected families in seven shelter areas.

Of the total, 2,279 were classified as owners, 883 are renters, 228 are boarders, 145 are sharers while 12 are caretakers. The report further disclosed that there were 2,235 totally damaged houses while 44 were partially destroyed.

The CSSDO has already extended assistance to the victims such as food packs, hot meals partial beddings

and kitchen utensils.

The revalidation process of CSSDO is still ongoing to determine more the number of victims of the incident.

Earlier, the CSSDO admitted that they had a hard time finding data due to some duplication in the 3,116 fire victims interviewed. They also lamented the difficulty in determining the houses of the victims because there are stilt structures in the coastal portion of the affected barangays.

in the areas that would be accessible for fire trucks or any emergency units in case of other calamity will occur in the area.

The combined forces Central 911 Urban Search and Rescue, and Central 911 Fire Fighters, Bangoy Fire Station, Talomo Fire Station, Buhangin Fire Station and Lanang Fire Station encountered difficulties in the fire scene as the road leading to the area is very narrow.

The EO stipulates that the task force will likewise conduct survey and delineate spaces for road drainage, identify suitable areas for housing, establishment of buffer zones and revalidation of the findings on the identities of the fire victims and actual occupants in the area. The task force is created to provide and facilitate the delivery of assistance to the fire victims.

The EO will address the access of fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment to ‘ingress and egress’ in fire-ravaged areas.

The task force will be composed of the city mayor as the chairperson and the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head as the vice-chairperson. The members will be the City Social Service and Development Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Housing Office, City Health Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Barangay Cultural and Cultural Affairs, City Legal Office, Office of the City Building Official, Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, General Services Offices, Drainage Maintenance Unit, Task Force Davao, Maritime Police, Olama Group, and Davao City Police Office.

[ABF]

Duterte...FFROM 1

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21056049 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 10042733-0 issued to CESAR D. PALACIOS was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

4/9/16/23

ATTRACTIVE NUISSANCE. Young children make the center island along Quimpo Blvd. in Davao City their playground unmindful of the danger of moving vehicles on both sides of the street. Lean Daval Jr.

DavSur... FFROM 2 Exchange Commission (SEC), it declared Barangay Binugao, Toril, Davao City as its principal office.

Of the 75-hectare total area of TSI, 75 percent houses the power block

(generators, turbines, plants) belonging to Davao City while remaining 25 percent belongs to Sta. Cruz LGU. Mayor Lopez, however said that they have no com-

plaints on the real property tax collection as they recognized that a greater portion belongs to Davao City.

Despite the issue on tax sharing Aboitiz is willing to pay both LGUs.

It is up to the two councils to agree how the pie of tax will be divided.

If the two LGUs do not come up with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a legal battle could ensue.

Mendoza, Carpio, Velasco, De Castro, Brion, Peralta, Bersamin, Del Castillo, Abad, Villarama and Perez voted unconstitutional on Section 7, insofar as they allow minor-patients or minors who have suffered a miscarriage as a result of access to modern methods of family planning without written consent from their parents or guardians.

Chief Justice Sereno and Associate Justices Reyes, Perlas-Bernabe and Leonen voted constitutional on the same provision.

The RH law, which took 13 years and four months to pass in both houses of Congress, was temporarily halted by the SC on March 19, 2013, following the filing of 14 petitions questioning its constitutionality.

The petitioners have 15 days to appeal the decision, SC Spokesman Theodore Te said.

Meanwhile, eight provisions of the RH Law and its Implementing Rules

and Regulation (IRR) were declared unconstitutional.

These are: -- Part of Section 7 (Access to Family Planning) which states that hospitals run by religious groups are not obliged to provide modern family planning method; however, they should refer the patient to another health facility.

-- Part of Section 7 which states that women of minor age are allowed to rear a child or be impregnated but suffered a miscarriage, to have access in modern methods of family planning without written consent from their parents or guardians.

Likewise, some provisions of Section 23 concerning the prohibited acts under the RH Law. -- Section 23-A-1 which punishes any health care provider who fails or refuses to disseminate information regarding programs and services on reproductive

health regardless of his or her religious belief.

-- Section 23-A-2-i which allows a married individual, not in an emergency or life-threatening case, to undergo reproductive health procedures without the consent of the spouse.

-- Section 23(a)(3) insofar as it punishes any health care provider who fails and/or refuses to refer a patient not in an emergency case or life-threatening case to another health care service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible regardless of his or her religious belief.

-- Section 23(b) insofar as they punish any public officer who refuses to support reproductive health programs or shall do any act that hinders the full implementation of a reproductive health program, regardless of his or her religious beliefs.

-- Section 17 regarding the rendering of pro-bono reproductive health ser-

vice, insofar as it affects the conscientious objector in securing PhilHealth accreditation.

-- Section 3.01 (a) and (j) of IRR of RH Law, as it uses the qualifier “primarily” for contravening Section 4-a of the RH Law and violating Section 12, Article II of the Constitution.

Section 23-a-2-ii insofar as it penalizes a health service provider who will require parental consent from the minor in not emergency or serious situations.

The opinion of the SC was written by Associate Justice Jose Catral Mendoza, with the following submitting separate concurring and dissenting opinions, namely: Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Teresita De Castro, Arturo Brion, Mariano del Castillo, Roberto Abad, Bienvenido Reyes, Estela Perlas Bernabe and Marvic Leonen. [PNA]

SC...FFROM 2

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

11

GMA NEWS PHOTO

Mindanao film making comes of age

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

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ILMMAKING in Mindanao has a long, long way. Starting from guerrilla filmmaking (independent filmmakers making movies with low budget, minimal equipment, skeleton crews and mostly unadulterated ambient environment) to well-crafted outputs, it has now blossomed into one of the country’s sources of excellent movies. Some films even went on to receive national recognition.

“These are exciting times indeed for the regional filmmaking movement here in Mindanao,” says Rudolph Ian Alama, the curator of Mindanao film program. “Natural calamities such as (typhoons) Sendong and Pablo and civil disturbances such as the Zamboanga siege has failed to dampen the growth of Mindanao regional cinema.”

In the recent Cinema Rehiyon 6, at least 36 films from Mindanao were shown, including three full-length movies: Arnel Mardoquio’s “Riddles of My Homecoming,” March de Ramos’s “Sugat,” and Albert Egot’s “Wig ni Happiness.”

All three films were also exhibited during the Mindanao Film Festival, one of the country’s longest-running film festivals.

Last year, a record-breaking 57 films were shown, up from2012’s 36 film entries.

Also last year, two regional film festivals came into fruition. In November, the Salamindanaw International Film Festival was held in General Santos City.

The following month saw the birth of the Nabunturan Indie Film Exhibitions.

Other film festivals in Mindanao include Cinemagis in Cagayan de Oro City, CineMo in Iligan City, University of Mindanao Film Festival in Davao City, and Ispeak Short Film Competitions in Zamboanga City.

“The dynamism of the Mindanao filmmaking landscape will continue to prosper,” Alama points out. “In October this year, Davao City will be hosting the BIMP-EAGA Film Festival as part of the BIMP-EAGA Consumer Fair 2014.”

The East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) is a sub-regional economic cooperation initiative in Southeast Asia. Founded in Davao City, the center of trade and commerce in the Southern Philippines, it has four members: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines (BIMP).

Alama considers the October event as a landmark “as the filmmaking movements from

BIMP-EAGA will be linking up with Mindanao.” This will usher in the “forging of new collaborations from new partners and entities.”

This recent development, he says, “was unheard of less than a decade ago.”

To think of, only very few attended the Mindanao Film Congress convened by the then fledging Mindanao Film and Television Development Foundation in 2005. Among the guests invited were the late film critic Alexis Tioseco, film professor Ed Lejano, and film director Maryo J. delos Reyes.

“The speakers spoke before a near-empty venue except for a small token delegation of mass communication students,” Alama recalls. “During that time, the film congress was a dud.”

But such is not the case anymore. “Today is a different story,” Alama says. “Government support, which was a dream during the film congress, has been largely achieved through the backing up of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.”

Just recently, local government units and government agencies like Mindanao Development Authority

and Department of Tourism, and even schools and private corporations are supporting regional indie cinema.

More and more local governments are supporting regional filmmaking.

In Sarangani, the provincial government through Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon threw its support to the inclusion of a short film competition in their Munato Festival.

In Davao City, first district councilor Leonardo Avila has sponsored a city council resolution calling for the creation of a Davao City Film Development Council. A member of Davao media, Avila once appeared in the 2012 Sineng Pambansa film, “Malan.”

“Having a government official appearing as an actor in indie films here is nothing new,” Alama says.

In the Butuan short-film “Pigadagit,” the current Butuan City mayor, Ferdinand Amante, portrayed a doctor in the movie.

Private schools are also helping to make regional cinema in Mindanao alive.

In 2013, several films submitted to the Mindanao Film Festival were made by students themselves or were entered under school-based film festivals.

Alama cites the case

of the full-length “Sugat.” “(This) is an interesting work of collaboration which combined students and faculty of Ateneo de Davao High School,” he explains. “The film director is a school teacher while the cast and production staff is composed of teacher and students.”

Not to be outdone are films made in Zamboanga, which “featured the spirit of cinematic bayanihan

between young Chavacano filmmakers.” Oftentimes, they take turns in cinematography, production design and editing duties “for their friends’ films.”

Alama believes that the recent growth of filmmaking in Mindanao “is a result of new linkages, partnerships and collaborations.”

“I hope that these would be institutionalized in the coming years,” he concludes.

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

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INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

WOMEN

Back to basics

RIGHT SIZING my wardrobe to only functional pieces has always been a challenge for me, despite the fact that I live and breathe each waking weekday in my office uniform.

Like Kate Spade, I started playing dress up at the age of five and have not stopped since then.

Through the years, I’ve learned that a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t need to be expensive. I am not a big shopper and most of what I have were just accumulated through the years. However, I’ve reached that point wherein I’d have to rummage through my closet just to get a pair of jeans yet I still sometimes feel like I don’t have enough clothes to wear. “That’s because you don’t classify your clothes according to use. You have to make space for key pieces which you can mix and match, use and reuse many times,” snapped my friend.

Getting reacquainted with the basics couldn’t have come at a better time. I got my copy of Liz Uy’s StyLIZed just when I began with my spring cleaning.

StyLIZed, by far, is the hottest fashion book to hit the stores this year. In this book, fashion editor and stylist Liz Uy introduces to readers how to build a fashionable and

highly functional wardrobe with only 10 versatile pieces. She details not only the basics every woman should have, but also the different ways of wearing them.

During the book signing event held at SM Lanang Premier, Liz Uy shared how this style guide came about. “I’ve seen trends come and go during my years as fashion editor. In this style guide, I outlined 10 wardrobe staples, which are the most basic and ubiquitous pieces we probably all have in our closets. These are ones that can be worn for different occasions, styled in multiple ways, and are

immune to trends regardless of the season.”

Liz doesn’t impose her own style and personality on her readers. She talks more about what goes into the process of putting together an ensemble and stresses on sensibility when it comes to choosing clothes and accessories that complement your body and character.

The book inspires readers to think out of the box and explore styling possibilities from combining edgy and classic pieces to giving old clothes a second life with easy DIY tricks. It opens ideas on how a woman can better appreciate and express her style and flaunt her assets. These useful tips and fresh ideas are more than enough to help women achieve and maintain a chic wardrobe that is also practical at the same time.

“No matter how basic the item is, it can truly go from day to night with just a simple tweak in how you fold it or what you wear it with. You can never go wrong with the basics. I would advise every girl to arm yourself with these pieces which you can definitely wear to many occasions at any time of the day. A little creativity goes a long way.”

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Easter-rific Holiday at Park Inn by Radisson Davao THE extra holiday time is the perfect opportunity to take a break from the usual busy life and spend time with family.

Plan your family getaway and head off to Park Inn by Radisson Davao --- the perfect hideaway where you can enjoy a good sleep and relax at the pool deck. Friendly, fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated, the hotel offers guests an ideal location from which to explore the city, as well as easy access to leisure amenities and shopping options in the nearby SM Lanang Premier Mall.

Book the Easterrific Holiday room package which includes an overnight stay in a Standard Room, complimentary breakfast for two, a bowl of ice cream and one whole Pizza Supreme, plus a souvenir Easter bunny doll for your tot. This special deal is offered from April 1 to 20, 2014.

For those who are looking for a lunch get-together, RBG will also be open to accommodate guests from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday.

Book through reservations.davao@parkinn.com or call 272 7600.

Egg-stravagant Easter Egg Hunt at Marco Polo Davao HAVE a fun-filled Easter Sunday on April 20, 2014 at Marco Polo Davao. The party includes games, magic shows, special raffle and the muchawaited Easter Egg hunt.

Ticket Price is at Php500.00 net each inclusive of one light snack of mini Pizzas, Mozzarella cheese sticks, French Fries and drink. Event venue is at the Ground level, BorMinSul Function room. Party starts at 2:30pm.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 221 0888 local 7223.

IMAX to hold midnight screening of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 on April 30 MARVEL FANS and movie buffs are in for an exclusive treat from SM Cinema! Grab your tickets now for an exclusive Midnight Screening of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ on April 30, Wednesday, at 12:05 am, at the IMAX Theatre in SM Lanang Premier.

Directed by Marc Webb, ‘The Amazing Spider- Man 2’ shows the iconic Marvel character come face-toface with his formidable enemies as he attends to his many responsibilities as a hero. Spider-Man confronts a powerful foe, Electro, and other villains that threaten to destroy New York City.

The film stars Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man and Emma Stone as Gwen. The rest of the cast includes Jamie Foxx as Electro, Dane DeHaan as Harry Osborn, and Campbell Scott as Richard Parker, among many others.

For inquiries, block screenings and seat reservations, contact SM Cinema Lanang at 285-2356. You may also visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for SM Cinema and IMAX event updates.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Celebrating Spain’s legacy at the Davao Museum

By Kenneth Irving Ong

THE Davao Museum Foundation in cooperation with the Consulado Honorario De España, Davao opened an exhibit titled “Recuerdos: Celebrating Spanish Legacy in Davao” last April 3, 2014 at the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography.

The exhibit features artefacts as well as photo reproductions of various photos, lithographs and print materials dating back to 1848, the year when the Davao Gulf was formally settled under the Spanish crown through Jose Oyanguren.

Although the Spanish occupation of Davao was brief, lasting only 50 years, the exhibit highlights the extensive influence Spanish culture and way of living has in the region.

The exhibit also gave a glimpse of how life was in Davao during the Spanish period, with ranchers, the Catholic church, as well as traders coming into the region to colonise what was once a wild land The highlight of the event was a short talk conducted by honorary consul Francisco Lon of the Consulate of Spain in Davao as well as by professor Heidi K. Gloria of the Ateneo de Davao University.

The Recuerdos: Celebrating Spanish Legacy in Davao exhibit is still ongoing. Interested individuals can visit the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography at the Zonta Building, Insular Village, Lanang, Davao City.

Hon. consul Francisco Lon.

Sculpture of the Blessed Mother and A caroza greets guests visiting the Davao Museum of History and Child done in Philippine wood and Ethnography. ivory.

A crucifix done in gold, wood Mrs. Patria G. Montemayor, Ms. Maritel Marfori-Celi and Honorary and ivory.

Spanish Consul Francisco Lon.

Don Isidro Marfori and his wife The Gutierrez Brothers (Domingo and Restituto) with their two bulls, Pilar.

Firpo and Johnson.

Wood and ivory bas relief featuring The Annunciation to Mary.

Professor Heidi K. Gloria.

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

The Lifestyle Network enters a new adventure with ‘The Boston: The Kitchen Musical’

AFTER the ground-breaking series “The Kitchen Musical,” which brought food, drama, and music together on television screens across seventeen Asian countries, the Lifestyle Network is bringing something even spicier.

In June 2014 Lifestyle Network dishes out its latest mouth-watering dramamusical series “The Boston: The Kitchen Musical.” Set in one of America’s historic cities, the new series looks into the lives of three young chefs as they re-launch their restaurant business while overcoming obstacles to follow their own creative visions.

“The Boston” features a multi-talented cast, led by Chicago-based stage and film actress Jennifer Blair Bianco, London-based German actor Michael Koltes, Australian actress and singer Natalia Moon, and hunky

Fil-Am actorSteven Silva.

Directing the show is award-winning Director and Cinematographer Matthew Rosen, who has won over fifty national and international awards including Best Commercial in the Philippine Araw Awards, Best Cinematographer in the Asian Ad Congress, Best Music Video Director in the NU Rock Awards, Bronze at

the London Film Festival, and the Golden Quill award at the New York Film Festival.

Catch “The Boston: The Kitchen Musical,” which premieres on June 18, 2014 at 10:00pm on the Lifestyle Network. The Lifestyle Network is available on SkyCable channel 52 and on Destiny Digital Cable. For updates on “The Boston: The Kitchen

Musical,” visit its official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thekitchenmusical) and follow @KitchenMusical on Twitter. Don’t forget the show’s official hashtag, #TheBostonTKM. Stay tuned to the Lifestyle Network and visit its official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lifestylenetwork) and follow @lifestyle52 on Twitter.

Pic of the day

Kate Middleton show us how to step off a 24-hour flight in style.

With Prince George in hand, Kate is perfection in a red Catherine Walker coat and Gina Foster pillbox hat styled with a silver fern diamond broach loaned by Queen Elizabeth.

Mayor Bistek and Vice Isko on Tonight with Arnold Clavio this Wednesday CONSIDERED two of the youngest public servants in the country, Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista and Manila Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso both began their career in the entertainment industry before venturing out into the political arena.

Their constituents from their various cities call them “Mayor” and “Vice.” But on Tonight With Arnold Clavio,

they will momentarily forget about politics and become simply “Bistek” and “Isko.”

Is it true that Bistek and Isko have a professional rivalry between them? Who is the better actor? Who sings well? Will Bistek break his silence regarding his love life?

Catch this hilarious noholds barred interview with Arnold “Igan” Clavio this Wednesday, April 9, on GMA News TV.

Katy Perry debuts her new ‘slime green’ hair When someone refers to their new hair color as “slime green,” you don’t exactly expect it to be attractive, but Katy Perry manages to pull it off.

The singer showed off the new hue on Instagram, writing, “SLIME GREEN FOR SPRING by my bb’s @neeenaboo & @brantmayfield at the @mcmillansalon.” Perry opted to keep her bangs black, but dyed the rest of her tresses a shade of green similar to Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch (but in a good way...you know what we mean).

Perry, who is no stranger to rocking some interesting colors on her locks, told E! News recently that she was planning the hair change.

“I’ve wanted to go slime green for a long time,” she said at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles’ 35th Anniversary Gala pre-

sented by Louis Vuitton. “It’s spring time and I think it’s time to freshen up my look.”

“I’m really excited about slime green, but I hope my

hair doesn’t fall out,” she said. As for a new style, Perry added, “I kind of cut my bangs in haste and now I want them gone.”

Switching up hair color can be a bit pricey, but Katy will be diving into an even more expensive hobby with the help of Beverly Hills gallerist Marc Selwyn.

“I’m going to slowly become an art collector,” Perry told E! News at MOCA’s 35th Anniversary Gala Presented

by Louis Vuitton. “Today, we had an all-day art crawl. We got to see some private collections from some people’s homes and then we went to a couple of galleries.”

Perhaps she can start her own art gallery called “Katy’s Cuts and Colors”?

RIO 2 2D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP

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

RIO 2 3D Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway GP

12:00 | 2:15 | 4:30 | 6:45 | 9:00 LFS

DIARY NG PANGET 2D / *SON OF GOD 2D

R-16

PG 13 / *PG13

James Reid, Nadine Lustre / *Diogo Morgado, Roma Downey 12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 LFS / * 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER 2D Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson PG 13

11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

HOUSE & HOME

Environmentally friendly interior design GREEN is in! In a world where global warming is in its severity, it is only constructive for the world to be more inclined towards eco-friendly and renewable resources. Opting for interior design choices that are environmentally friendly is a solution that you will want to consider. Eco-chic is now positively used among designers because it is ecologically safe, practical and simply elegant.

Re-use and Recycle Before embarking on a radical new design for your chosen room, look at what does work already. Choose elements or pieces that still work or may still be applicable in your design. Try to refurbish and rehabilitate some pieces like refreshing them with a coat or two of paint that compliments your new color scheme and reinstall them. Sometimes, all we need is a little imagination and try making things unique and substantial. That way, we can save a lot of money and make our room more personalized.

Eco-Chic Flooring Choosing a floor covering that is made from a sustainable material is becoming increasingly popular. Some top eco-chic flooring choices are bamboo, linolium,

This bedroom uses recycled and re-used materials.

VOC-free paints are a much healthier alternative.

cork and reclaimed hardwoods. They are environmentally friendly because they have a longer life span and considered as a hard wearing option. Bamboo floorings are exceptionally strong because they have high fiber rating and sustainable material.

Recycled Glass There is an abundance of suppliers that have popped up in recent years with ideas

Bed using reclaimed wood.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Bamboo flooring.

for using recycled glass in your home. When planning on retiling your bathrooms or replacing your kitchen counter tops, try considering using recycled glass instead of expensive tiles or granite countertops for a smart and environmentally friendly alternative. With a very wide variety of glasses available, there are countless collections to choose from.

Timber Avoid furniture that has a high density hardwood used in its construction. By using affordable and eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, furniture made of particle boards and floorings made of bamboos, you may help save our tropical rainforests and at the same time achieve an highly modern and chic place.

Paint Some paint product can contain harmful chemicals, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), so choose paints that are VOC-free or have “low” VOC. VOCs are linked to a range of health problems, including some very serious diseases. Benzene, for example, is one of several VOCs that’s known to cause cancer ... not suspected -- known, beyond any doubt. Other health effects besides cancer in-

clude kidney damage, liver damage, damage to the

central nervous system (including the brain), as well as more minor complaints like headaches and eye, throat and nose ir-

ritation. So the next time you buy paint, think about your family and your clients welfare to a healthier indoor environment.

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Edge Davao hiring 3 reporters EDGE DAVAO is a need of three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program.

The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats.

Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course.

Experience is not needed although preferable.

Interested parties may send their application letter to Mr. Antonio M. Ajero, Edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_ antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call Mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 221-3601.

WE’RE HIRING!

INTERIOR DESIGNER / ARCHITECT STORE MANAGER / ADMIN OFFICER SALES / MARKETING Send your CV / Resume to furnone.abreeza@gmail.com and become part of our team.

3rd Floor Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City

Smart Bro now offers the pocket-friendly Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite at Plan 499

E

NJOYING your favorite mobile apps and multimedia need not be a heavy ordeal, both on your hands and on your pocket.

Now you can get your hands on a feature-packed tablet at an affordable price as Smart Bro brings the ultimate portability of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite at just P499 a month.

Available through Gadget Plus Plan 499, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite boasts of a compact form factor with its slim 7-inch profile that is only 9.7-millimeters thick and weighs a little over 300 grams.

This makes Samsung’s latest 7-incher one of the lightest yet most feature-packed tablets around.

The portability offered by its stunning 7-inch screen is perfect for playing games, watching movies, and connecting with your friends on Facebook and Twitter while on the go with the help of the accompanying Smart Bro Pocket WiFi that comes with 30 hours of Internet surfing every month.

“Over the past few months, Smart Bro has launched the most extensive lineup of tablets and laptops through Gadget Plus Plans, which allows Filipinos to own the latest mobile devices even without a credit card,” said Michele Curran,

Data and International Services Marketing Head at mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). Smart Broadband, Inc. (Smart Bro) is a subsidiary of Smart.

“With the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite as Smart Bro’s latest offering at Plan 499, users can now easily own this portable yet powerful device and experience highspeed Internet fueled by the country’s largest broadband

network,” Curran added.

Though compact, the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite features a powerful 1.2 GHz dual-core processor supported by 1GB of RAM and runs the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. It also has 8GB of internal storage expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card so you can take all your photos, movies and files with you anywhere.

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Pacquiao wraps up excellent training

FINAL WORKOUT. Superstar Manny Pacquiao works out at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood during the final day of training camp Monday before heading to Las Vegas for his eagerly-anticipated rematch against undefeated WBO World Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley.

By EDDIE ALINEA

L

9th Pomelo Tee set May 1-4

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HE 9th Pomelo Tee Invitational Golf Tournament gets going on May 1-4 at the challenging Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Cabantian.

The tournament is set over 36 holes of stroke play under the modified stableford scoring system. The official handicap of all participants shall be based as of April 30,

2014 with maximum allowable handicap of 27 for men and 32 for ladies.

At stake are championship titles in the team and individual competition. A team shall be composed of two players, a bona fide RPV member and his/her invited guest.

A member may invite a maximum of two guests which will be considered as two separate

teams although the member plays only 36-holes. His score will count for both tandems.

The Team gross champion as well as the net champion down to third runners-up shall receive prizes while Individual winners will also get awards and prizes in all classes (A,B,C and D, and Ladies).

Raffle prizes will also be drawn during the awarding

ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. on May 4 at the RPV Club House.

Participants will also be treated to awesome hole-inone prizes—P750,000 cash on holes 2 and 11, a motorcycle on all par 3s, brands new car courtesy of Kar Asia in all par 3s, RPVGCC Class A golf share in all par 3s, and a Royal Caribbean cruise in all par 3s.

order this season as they surged to a second title in four years.

Senior Shabazz Napier, one of three players who were also a part of the 2011 championship team, scored 22 points and paced Connecticut with poise that helped overcome the young and hungry Kentucky team.

James Young scored 20 to lead Kentucky, a program that boasts five freshmen in

their starting lineup that took the college basketball tournament by storm in reaching the final.

They fell behind by 15 points in the first half at the home stadium of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, but clawed their way back to trail just 35-31 at halftime.

Kentucky were never able to take the lead but hung tough down the stretch where they trailed by just

four in the final minute.

Connecticut second-year coach Kevin Ollie, a former NBA player, led his program to the title in just his first NCAA tournament.

Seventh seed Connecticut and the eighth seeded Wildcats had the highest combined seeding for any two teams to ever play for a national championship.

The Pacers missed their first seven shots and scored a franchise-low 23 points in the first half when they went 7 of 35 from the field. The league’s No. 1 defense gave up 55 points and seven 3-pointers in two quarters.

This has been a problem since the All-Star break, with the Pacers allowing a mediocre 95.8 points per game and putting up the lowest scoring average of any team in the league last month. The Pacers are 20-17 since Jan. 24 and 7-12 on the road. Even their once invincible home-court edge doesn’t look so imposing after losing to San Antonio by 26 points and Atlanta by 19.

Are the Pacers in a free fall? They look listless at times, sure, but San Antonio

coach Gregg Popovich noted that all teams go through these sorts of struggles during the season. Spurs guard Tony Parker said he still expects Indiana and Miami to meet in the Eastern Conference finals.

But there’s no doubt this is not the same team that started 17-2, was 33-8 at the midway point and made two February moves - signing free agent Andrew Bynum and sending injury-prone Danny Granger to Philadelphia in a trade deadline deal for Evan Turner - that made it clear the Pacers thought they could dethrone two-time defending NBA champion Miami.

After losing for the fifth time in six games, the Pacers are now one game behind

Miami in the Eastern Conference standings.

Vogel benched Hibbert for the final 2 1/2 quarters Sunday because he thought Hibbert looked fatigued. Vogel noted afterward that his entire starting lineup looked tired, though he played George and David West deep into the fourth quarter. Hibbert did not take questions after the game.

There has been speculation about a growing rift between the Pacers’ young coach and their star center, who has publicly complained about ‘’selfish dudes’’ and suggested the Pacers needed ‘’group therapy.’’

Teammates deny there are any problems between the two.

UConn wins NCAA title over Kentucky C

ONNECTICUT’S experience trumped Kentucky’s youth as the Huskies prevailed with a 6054 NCAA national championship victory on Monday that completed a turnaround for the recently penalized program.

Connecticut missed last year’s NCAA tournament, banned from the post-season after failing to meet academic standards, but they restored

Struggling Pacers still looking for way to rebound

I

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Lance Stephenson shook his head in disbelief. AllStar starter Paul George repeatedly urged his Indiana teammates to get going, and All-Star center Roy Hibbert sat speechless on the bench during the final 30 minutes on the game.

This wasn’t just another bad loss for the Pacers. It was another chapter in their shocking collapse as the regular season comes to a close. ‘’I don’t think it’s acceptable for any of us in our organization to play the way we played tonight and we’re just going to get back to work to fix it, to get back on track,’’ coach Frank Vogel said following Atlanta’s 107-88 rout Sunday night in Indy.

OS ANGELES, CAL. -Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao officially brings down the curtains on his three-week Los Angeles training camp Monday (Tuesday in Manila), the day his team drives to Las Vegas in Nevada where he will be challenging Timothy Bradley for the undefeated American’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown this coming Saturday at the MGM Grand Arena.

A four-round sparring against Speedy Gonzales, ends the grueling pace of the build-up program prefacing another full week of light workouts in Nevada’s famous gambling city prior to his 12-round appointment with the champion whose only credential in holding on to the plum was a highly disputable split decision win courtesy of what promoter Bob Arum described as the “three blind mice” nearly two years ago in the same venue.

Team Pacquiao motors to Las Vegas shortly after lunch with the usual convoy of cars and a tourist bus that will include those of Roach, business consultant Mike Koncz, training team, staff and media men.

“It’s the best week we had,” chief trainer Freddie Roach told this writer in reference to the last seven days of the L.A. camp at his own Wild Card Gym in Hollywood that made up rounds and rounds of sparring with four partners and doing the mitts with him as well as enduring the strength and conditioning regimen of Justin Fortune.

“The toughest part of the camp is over,” Roach sighed. “Manny has completely recovered from the sinus infection he suffered a week ago and now we can all relax and look forward to maintaining what we’ve gained from the 10week job (including six to seven weeks) at Pacquiao’s hometown General Santos City.”

Pacquiao himself sounded satisfied with how the camp went.

“The camp was excellent. Mahirap, but as the Filipino saying goes, pag may hirap, may ginhawa. Everything went perfect. Settled down na ako at masaya. I cannnot ask for more,” he asserted. “I’m in tip-top shape. Kondisyong-kondisyon na and rarin to go.”

“As we promised at the start of the camp here, we’ll be leaving L.A. ready to

rumble, which I am now, he said. “Eyewitness ka naman what went on sa GenSan pa lang. Lalo na dito. Kahit nga may sipon ako at ubo, sige lang ang ensayo kasi gusto nating manalo at maibalik ang korona sa Pilipinas.”

So perfect was the atmosphere in the camp, Pacquiao was allowed the luxury of accepting relatives, visitors coming from as far as Manila after each training sessions at his favorite Thai restaurant at the ground floor of the Wild Card Gym and even at his mansion on Plymouth St. inside the Larchmont Village.

Basketball legend Robert Jaworski and associate Reli de Leon were Pacquiao’s guests last Friday at his mansion, while Marlou Aquino, who played for Barangay Ginebra during the former’s stint as playing coach, along with Kenneth Duremdes were in the vicinity of the Wild Card Gym a day before.

Pacuiao’s mother, the equally popular Aleng Dionisia, is also in town along with estrange husband Rosalio.

The job though isn’t finished yet, if Roach will have his way. A little bit of the stamina-building segments will have to be completed besides the game plan and strategy have to be finalized.

“Definitely, sparring sessions end Monday,” he disclosed. “No more of that starting Tuesday. “He’ll be doing a lot more of mitts to establish the distance he ought to be with his opponent at any given moment of the fight. Manny still has to do a little bit of roadwork to further prove his condition and stamina.”

Roach and his assistants -- Buboy Fernandez, Marvin Somodio, Nonoy Neri and Roger “Haplas” Fernandez -- expect Bradley to indulge in the fighting style he is known for, running, and Pacquiao needs to be at his best shape to counter that.

Game plan has been set in place, according to Buboy.

“Two weeks ago pa, meron na kaming panagot sa running style ni Bradley. If he decides na makipagsabayan, mas maganda sa amin yan. Me sagot na rin kami doon,” Pacquiao’s boyhood friend assured.

“Nakalatag na lahat ang plano. It’s only a matter of polishing them in our last week of preparation.”

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

Ateneo bags Gaisano South Cup title F

OR the third time this season, he Ateneo de Davao University came back from the grave to win a championship—this time for the Gaisano South Cup cadets division crown at the Gaisano Sky Gym over the weekend.

Facing the spectre of losing to archrival Holy Child, the Blue Knights surged back from a 9-point deficit in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime on a Hailmary shot by Vande Alagao before letting it all out together in an amazing show of teamwork to win 103-93 in the extra period.

It was the third major title for the Blue Knights this season after winning the Milo

Regionals and the Royal Mandaya Hotel Cup titles earlier at the expense of the Reds who won Game 1 68-60 before succumbing to the Blue Knights in Games 2 and 3.

The Blue Knights took leads of as much as 14 through the first three quarters but the Reds methodically chopped the lead before taking the driver’s seat early in the fourth. The Reds took a 9-point margin halfway through the final period but the Blue Knights refused to wilt under pressure.

Dariel Manliguez, the eventual Most Valuable Player of the tournament, drained crucial baskets towards the homestretch to keep Ateneo

in the fight. With 36 seconds left, coach Miggy Solitaria played Manliguez as decoy and Vande Alagao responded with a booming triple that shoved the Blue Knights within three, 85-82, 31 ticks left.

The Reds turned the ball over in the ensuing play and with no timeout left, Ateneo reprised their last play only this time with a twist—Alagao missed the triple attempt but Manliguez collared the rebound and heaved a buzzer-beating three that sent the game into overtime to the delight of the Ateneo crowd.

“It was a shot made in heaven,” said Solitaria who steered Ateneo to a third title this year.

In overtime, Ateneo broke the backs of the Reds as the Knights pierced through the defensive wall made extra tough by the towering presence of 6-3 slotman Allan Beltran. Manliguez conspired with JJ Beldua, Rap-Rap Francisco, Josh Barrientos, Francis Gabriel Escandor and Alagao to throw the game wide open.

The Reds were obviously winded and could not match the intensity of the Blue Knights. The Reds played minus the hulking Leonard Salvame who was serving suspension in Game 3.

Escandor, returning from a five-month injury hiatus contributed 9 for Ateneo.

[NJB]

MVP. Dariel Manliguez (4) of Ateneo shows off his MVP trophy.

BOWLING. Jerson Tamayo Daciba President and Emie Orteza of FEDBOP discusses the forthcoming 37th FEDBOP National Championship Bowing Tournament on May 5-10 at Dover Mega Lanes during the SCOOP Davao forum at the Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Jimmy Javier

Parks Jr. eyes NBA Draft T

WO-TIME UAAP MVP and former National University Bulldogs star Bobby Ray Parks Jr. has his eyes set on playing in the NBA. His late father Bobby Parks Sr. was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the third round of the 1984 NBA Draft but was cut just before the regular season.

Ray Ray is looking to apply in the next NBA Draft and is hoping to see action in the sport’s biggest stage.

Parks is expected to suit up with the NLEX Road Warriors against the Café France Bakers later today in their PBA D-League match-up.

“I’m going to the US in the end of April to try out in the NBA. I’m going to join the NBA Draft,” said the 6’4” guard from Memphis, Tennessee.

He joined the Road Warriors’ practice on April 4 and looked sharp during a tune-up game

with San Beda’s Team B. Parks’ inclusion in NLEX’s roster came at the right time as the Road Warriors will be missing five players in their next three games, namely Baser Amer, Arthur Dela Cruz, Kyle Pascual, Ryusei Koga and Ola Adeogun, who are all members of the San Beda Red Lions squad that recently flew to Lithuania for a two-week training camp. NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez and assistant coaches Adonis Tierra and Ford Arao likewise joined the Red Lions’ trip.

Parks adds more firepower to the already talent-laden NLEX roster as he joins crack guards Kevin Alas, Kirk Long, Borgie Hermida and Ronald Pascual in the backcourt.

“Right now I just want to fit into the system of NLEX, just be myself, and gain the trust of my teammates. I’m definitely

looking forward to winning games with NLEX. I’m comfortable here especially that I’ve played with some of these guys before,” adds Parks. Ray Ray will fit in perfectly with the Road Warriors’ offensive system that mostly runs the Dribble-Drive Motion, the same philosophy adopted by the NU Bulldogs under head coach Eric Altamirano.

But ultimately, Parks’ dream is to someday play in the NBA. “After my stint here in the D-League, I’m going to the States to train hard for the NBA Draft. I’m going to train with Coach Joe Abunassar’s camp in LA to better prepare myself.

I’m also hoping to get invited to some NBA teams’ training camps,” said Parks, who revealed that he already had initial talks with some NBA teams.

“But right now, my focus is to graduate from school and be in good shape to play well in the D-League.” Parks is a candidate for graduation at the National University on April 13.

Before playing for the Bulldogs, Parks was a top high school prospect from Melrose High School in Memphis. He was being recruited by several US NCAA D-1 schools after landing in the Top 150 prospects for the Class of 2011. In fact, Rivals.com ranked him at No. 117.

Parks was reported to have committed to play for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets before deciding to suit up for the Bulldogs. His sudden “disappearance” from the US college basketball scene was described by some American scribes as “strange” and a “mystery.”

Adidas Davao 3-on-3 Challenge April 14-16 S TREET basketball is once again coming here in Davao City with the staging of the Adidas Davao 3-on3 Challenge slated on April 14-16 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao.

“We’re truly very excited to bring back the 3-on-3 basketball here,” said organizer Felix Abracia at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Tuesday.

Also present at the weekly public service sports program sponsored by TRMH, Genesis 88, Mulatto Outdoor Apparel, Beefit Gym and Edge Outdoor was tournament director Billy Cruzada, former coach of the Holy Cross of Davao College.

The categories are the Elementary for 13 years old and below (born January 1, 2001 and up), High School for 14-17 (born Jan. 1, 1997 to December 31, 2000), College for 18 yrs. Old and above (born Dec. 31, 1996 and below) and Open

division (no age limit but must not be a commercial player).

Registration fee is P1,500 with free jersey and playing card. Cash prizes up to P20,000 plus gift certificates are up for grabs.

An exciting slamdunk and 3-point shootout will also be added to spice up the championships with the winners to each receive P1,000 cash plus a trophy.

“The slamdunk and 3 pt. shootout is open to all divisions but with a maximum of only six contestants,” Cruzada said.

A special side-event will also be added featuring four media teams – ABS-CBN Davao, GMA Davao, The Fotogs and The Scribes – playing in their own separate division.

Registration center is at the Adidas, 2nd floor of Gaisano Mall of Davao. For more inquiries, contact 09177924061.

Contador wins 1st stage of Tour of Basque Country

O

RDIZIA, Spain (AP) -Former Tour de France winner Alberto Contador unleashed a late attack to win the opening stage of the Tour of Basque Country on Monday.

Contador, who won the six-day race in 2008 and 2009, was in a two-way fight with Alejandro Valverde with less than eight kilometers to go

before the Spaniard surged ahead, parting the spectators lining the narrow road as he went. ‘’I knew today could be important because I usually don’t do well on the first stage,’’ Contador said. ‘’It was incredible to see all the people on the final climb. It made my hair stand on end. It even scared me a little.’’

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014

BEAUTIES. A beach volleyball player (left) and a long jumper (right) were among the head-turning athletes in the ongoing 2014 PRISAA National Games in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. (DavNor PIO)

WV bets lead PRISAA Games W

ESTERN Visayas made big strides onDay 2 of the ongoing Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games with 82 medals to take over the overnight lead in the medal tally at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

Region VI surprised their 15 adversaries by cornering 53 medals in the secondary level and 29 medals in the tertiary level most coming from athletics and swim-

ming events.

In sum, Western Visayas bagged 26 golds, 20 silvers and seven bronzes in the high school division while harvesting six golds, 10 silvers and 13 bronzes in the collegiate level.

The three-time defending champion Central Visayas which topped the PRISAA games in Lingayen, Cebu and Zamboanga was still trailing behind with just 26 medals and at a risk of losing the overall crown.

The reigning champs only mowed three golds, two silvers and four bronzes in the secondary level and 11 golds, five silvers and one bronze mainly extracted in the swimming events in the collegiate level.

Meanwhile, the host Davao Region started slow clawing two golds, five silvers and one bronze in the high school department and piercing four silvers and seven bronzes in the collegial warfare.

er Pinoys will face a club representative from Mongolia at 2 p.m. following the 12 noon opening ceremonies prepared by the Organizing Committee headed by former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Philip Ella Juico in partnership with Sports Core and the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF).

Asian powerhouse squads, Duc Long Gia Lai of Vietnam

and Zahraa Al Minaa of Lebanon, will close the day’s action starting at 4 p.m. at the newly-built Pasay venue.

At the nearby Cuneta Astrodome, Turkmekistan battles Al Rayyan of Qatar at 2 p.m., Kondensat-Zhaikmunay of Kazakhstan tangles with Green Dragon of Hong Kong at 4 p.m. and Amoa NCD of Papua New Guinea clashes with Chinese Taipei clash at 6 p.m.

PH spikers debut vs. Mongolia F

or the first time in more than a decade, the Philippines makes its return to the Asian volleyball when the Home Tvolution competes in the Asian Men’s Volleyball Club Championship presented

by PLDT Home Fibr simultaneously starting on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena and Cuneta Astrodome.

Bannered by actor-sportsman Richard Gomez, the Pow-