Edge Davao 7 Issue 190

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

WHEN

LIFE

STINKS Davao’s biggest community has only two public toilets

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014 Residents of Dapsa would rather go to the beach and defecate openly than use the dirty public toilet. Diana Tomale

When life stinks

By JEFRY M. TUPAS

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HE WHOLE stretch of a Davao City village called Bucana, an area that sits by the Davao Gulf, is home to over 200,000 people, most of them informal settlers.

But for the whole village — which also accommodates small shops and commercial buildings — there are only two public toilets, one of which makes even the least squeamish think twice about using it.

Both facilities are located in Bucana’s Dapsa area, inhabited both by Christians and Badjao residents. With over 100 households, Bucana’s Dapsa area is the most ‘depressing’ in the village.

Apparently, the residents cannot afford the cost of building their own toilets.

This is actually not a wonder since Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje has himself said over 20 million Filipinos “still have no access to proper sanitation, and less than 10 percent of the population is actually connected to piped sewerage.”

And in 2008, the World Health Organization and UNICEF said that while around 1.2 billion people worldwide gained access to improved sanitation between 1990 and 2004, an estimated 2.6 billion people – including 980 million children – still had no toilets at home.

“If current trends continue, there will still be 2.4 billion people without basic sanitation in 2015, and the children among them will continue to pay the price in lost lives, missed schooling, in disease,

malnutrition and poverty,” a 2008 WHO report said.

The former executive director of Unicef, Ann M. Veneman, said nearly 40 percent of the world’s population lacks access to toilets “and the dignity and safety that they provide.”

“The absence of adequate sanitation has a serious impact on health and social development, especially for children. Investments in improving sanitation will accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and save lives,” she said.

WHO chief Dr. Margaret Chan has saidimproved sanitation “contributes enormously to human health and well-being, especially for girls and women. We know that simple, achievable interventions can reduce the risk of contracting diarrhoeal disease by a third.”

Filipinos call toilets “comfort rooms,” but one of the two toilets Dapsa – an old two-room communal facility — offers no comfort at all.

There is no steady running water and it reeks of urine and human excreta that clog the heavily-stained porcelain toilet seats.

The other communal toilet is a new four-room building but it is yet to service the community, stalled primarily by lack of water supply. It was donated by a group of students.

One of the residents, Welma Mainit, said it is almost impossible to use the communal toilet because of its deplorable condition.

“Bara ang duha kay isa ra man sila og bangag sa ilalom

(The bowls are clogged up because both of them drain on the same chamber under anyway),” Mainit said in an interview aired over 105.9 Balita FM’s Tingog Davao program recently.

And the facility, she said, has been leaking for some time now, expelling a very offensive stench.

“Mura og tubig siya na moawas, mao to gipasarad-an nila kay baho. Mura og mawala naman pud siya. Magbalik-balik lang siya. Gahapon gisirad-an kay moawas naman tong tubig na yellow na (The authorities padlocked the toilets for a while because of the leak and the stink. But they opened it again. Yesterday, there we saw a yellow liquid coming out so it’s closed once again).”

Because of this, the Mainit

family would use an arinola or chamber pot as the most “comfortable” alternative. If not, they discreetly head to the beach – under the cover of darkness – to defecate openly.

The Badjaos, for their part, paddle farther out to the sea. They don’t consider the toilet facility theirs.

“Wala mi mag-CR diha kay lisod man (We do not use that facility because it is hard for us),” a Badjao mother said.

“Dili man na amoang CR, sa bisaya man na. Ug kung mapuno na kami man pasanginlan (That CR is not for us. That is for the Christians. They would blame us if it gets clogged up).”

The Badjaos have also complained of the stench emanating from the broken facility.

“Baho kaayo. Dira mi

magkaon, magsakit tiyan, magsakit ulo sa kabaho (It smells and it causes headache and discomfort),” the Badjao mother said.

In 2010, the Davao City Council passed the Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance, a legislation that orders barangay local governments to establish communal toilets in villages inhabited by informal settlers.

In 2012, the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) was approved. It was designed to “improve water quality and public health in the Philippines by 2020 by improving the ability of local implementors to build and operate effective wastewater treatment systems.”

The Davao City Health Office (CHO), through san-

itation division head Curtis Larrazaga, admitted that the lack of clean communal toilet is a sanitary and public health concern.

“Without clean toilets, we can only expect infections and diseases,” Larrazaga said.

Secretary Paje said local governments must “take the initiative of putting up their own sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities and ensure that their constituents are prevented from dumping garbage into our waterways and to avoid toxic sludge excavated from septic tanks reach the rivers.”

The Asian Development Bank, in a 2009 study, said 58 percent of the country’s groundwater was contaminated by infectious waste coming

FWHEN LIFE, 10

LIVING IN BUCANA

200,000 RESIDENTS 100 HOUSEHOLDS

2

PUBLIC TOILETS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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4 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

MOBILE FAMILY. A couple and their sleeping child traverse Roxas Avenue in Davao City aboard their customized mobile food kiosk yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Kidnapped European bird watcher rescued T

Sta. Cruz wants its fair share of power plant tax

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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NE of the two European bird watchers seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Tawi-Tawi almost two years ago was rescued by government forces early Saturday, a military official disclosed.

Rescued was Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 49, a Swiss national.

Western Mindanao Command information officer Captain Ma. Rowena Muyuela said Vinciguerra was rescued around 5:20 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Timpok, Patikul, Sulu.

Muyuela said Vinciguerra escaped from his captors while

the latter were trying to evade artillery fire from the military.

Vinciguerra reportedly hacked an Abu Sayyaf bandit but other members of the armed group shot and wounded him as he tried to flee. Soldiers later arrived and rescued him.

Muyuela said troops immediately brought Vinciguerra to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta in Jolo, the provincial capital, for treatment.

Vinciguerra along with Dutchman Ewold Horn, 52 and a Filipino bird watcher, Ivan Serenas, were returning to Bon-

gao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, after bird watching activities in Panglima Sugala town when the bandits seized them in February 2012.

Serenas managed to escape while their two local guides were allowed to go home.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits transferred the two hostages sometime in March 2012 to Sulu.

It was not immediately known whether Vinciguerra and Horn were held captive together by one group.

Also on Saturday in Sulu, five Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while seven others were

wounded in a clash in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao town.

Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, Joint Task Force Zambasulta information officer, said the firefight broke out around 7 a.m.

Saturday.

Ramos said government troops chanced upon the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan while conducting law enforcement operations in Bagsak.

He said the military suffered no casualties.

He added the number of bandits killed and wounded was based on the testimony of the villagers. (MindaNews)

NFA ay punung-puno ng bigas ngayon, ... iyan ang mga pangangailangan,” he added.

Typhoon affected communities will appreciate tarpaulin, dry clothes, jackets, plastic, or other useful materials from the public, he said.

Roxas is in Eastern Samar to oversee government preparations ahead of Typhoon Ruby’s landfall on Sunday morning.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), according to Roxas, made a projection that Typhoon Ruby

will bring intensive rains so people must be evacuated to safe areas.

Roxas also said that his office will coordinate with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman and PAGASA. Soliman is in DSWD’s Cebu headquarters to immediately respond to whatever need on the ground, he said.

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Start donating to areas to be affected by Ruby

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HE public can start donating food, medicines, and clothes to people to be affected by Typhoon Ruby in Eastern Visayas, Interior and Local government Secretary Mar Roxas said on Saturday.

“Sa ating mga kababayan na gustong tumulong, ang DSWD ay may central packing warehouse ... nandiyan ito sa Manila,” he told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan on Saturday.

“Alam naman natin kung ano ‘yung mga pangangailangan: noodles, de lata, kandila, baterya, blanket, banig, of course, bigas—although ang

Typhoon Ruby, with a sustained wind of 240 kph, is expected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas around 2 a.m. Sunday. (PNA)

abf@edgedavao.net

HE municipal government of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur wants a fair share with Davao City of the local business tax (LBT) of the Therma South Inc. (TSI) coal-fired power plant.

In an interview during the turnover of a classroom building by TSI and Aboitiz Foundation to the Inawayan National High School last Friday, Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray L. Lopez told reporters that the Sta. Cruz municipal government has not yet received the proposal from Davao City.

“If ever naa nay ingon ana na proposal we will study that (If ever there is a proposal like that, we will study it),” Lopez

said.

TSI will automatically pay 30 percent of its LBT to Davao City because its principal office is located here. Under Davao City’s proposal, it will get 70 percent of the balance while Sta. Cruz will get 30 percent.

Lopez said the matter is still being discussed by the municipal council, which will submits its counter-proposal to Davao City.

“We are actually working on that with the Aboitiz Power who facilitates it and hopefully we will come to a fair arrangement within next year,” he said.

“We just want a fair arrangement and Davao City

The P3-billion steel bar mill, located in Kilometer 23, Bunawan District, Davao City, was inaugurated Thursday with Yao’s business partners and associates and their family members, foreign suppliers, businessmen, and top government officials led by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo attending.

Yao told reporters that Mindanao’s economy has been robust and upbeat in recent years, giving SteelAsia the reason to pour in billions

of pesos to put up the steel mill producing rebar (reinforcing steel bar) to supply Mindanao’s needs.

FSTA. CRUZ, 10

SteelAsia president upbeat on Mindanao economy

NDUSTRIALIST Yao upbeat on Mindanao’s economy as Steel Asia’s P3-billion steel bar mill was inaugurated in Davao City On the day of the inauguration of the largest and most modern steel bar mill in the country in Davao City Thursday, SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation president Benjamin Yao expressed no doubt that Mindanao’s economy is “going fast” just as the country now “is catching up” after going into economic stagnation for two decades.

Yao and SteelAsia executives are optimistic of the growth of Mindanao following the Bangsamoro peace agreement, and its Davao plant’s completion “is in time for government’s initiatives to build Mindanao’s infrastructures and generate business activities.”

They noted that since

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NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

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DCWD honors partners in watershed rehabilitation

Adopters of DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site project gather for simple thanksgiving prepared

by DCWD. Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. CEO Rev. Ruben L. Dela Cruz who spoke on behalf of all adopters thanks DCWD for initiating a multi-sectoral approach in taking care of the environment.

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avao City Water District honoured in a simple ceremony the 91 adopters of its Adopt-a-Site Project last November 28 at the Davao Association of Catholic Schools Funtion Hall, Juna Subdivision in Matina. DCWD directors Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. and Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and general manager Edwin V. Regalado headed the thanksgiving ceremony along with the Environment and Watershed Protection Division. Former directors and adopters Patria G. Montemayor and Purita J. Calizo also graced the occasion.

Fifty-four adopters received plaques of appreciation for completing their pledge to help rehabilitate 96 hectares of land inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed while 37 adopters who are yet to complete their 65 hectares commitment to help rehabilitate the same watershed received certificates of appreciation.

Ledesma who spoke on behalf of DCWD Board of Directors lauded the adopters for sharing the challenge and responsibility of taking care of Davao City’s water sources.

He appealed to them to continue their support to DCWD’s campaign for watershed rehabilitation and environmental protection.

Speaking on behalf of all the adopters, Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. CEO Rev. Ruben L. Dela Cruz said that DCWD’s initiative opened opportunities for different organizations, agencies and individuals to become actively involved in securing the future of Davao’s water sources.

Barangay Daliaon Plantation captain Generoso Bacalso and Lipadas Watershed Tungkalan Association (LIPWATA) president Leticia Cabahug who both represented DCWD’s partner people’s organizations

(POs) likewise benefitted from the community extension projects in the watershed areas expressed their heartfelt gratitude to DCWD and all adopters. LIPWATA is one of DCWD POs in Barangay Tungkalan.

DCWD launched the Adopt-a-Site Project in 2001 to encourage multi-sectoral participation in caring for the water sources of Davao City. In said project, adopters commit to donate P6,000 every year for five years to help subsidize the rehabilitation cost of one hectare of land covering the planting of seedlings, maintenance, replanting, fertilization and administrative cost.

With the help of adopters and the intensified watershed rehabilitation efforts of DCWD, the water utility was able to fully rehabilitate 530 hectares of land inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed in 2010. With this success, DCWD added another 470 hectares to rehabilitate in the same watershed to complete its 1,000 hectares goal by entering into another memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2011.

Todate, with the combined watershed rehabilitation strategies employed by DCWD, the water utility was able to completely rehabilitate 822.5 of the 1,000 hectares. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)

6 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

TOPNOTCHERS. Incumbent DCCCII chairman John Gaisano Jr. (right) casts his vote during the election of board of trustee members on Saturday. Luciano Frederick “Dicky” P. Puyod III (left) and newcomer Alvin M. Pinpin (center) topped the elections with 47 votes apiece. AMA

Puyod, Pinpin top Chamber elections M

EMBERS of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) elected Saturday five new mostly young members of its board of trustees to serve during the next three years starting next January.

Luciano Frederick “Dicky” P. Puyod III, incumbent vice president for agribusiness, and newcomer Alvin M. Pinpin, regional head of the Sycip Gorres Velayo accounting firm, topped the elections with 47 votes apiece, followed by Wilfred “Evoy” T. Teves, with 44; Sof-

ronio “BJ” M. Jucutan, 38; and Belinda Laya Torres, 31.

Three of the five new trustees – Puyod, Teves and Jucutan – were past chairmen of the Davao Agribusines Trade Exhibits (TRADE), flagship of the Chamber for two decades now.

Jucutan was once president of the DCCCII. Torres is the president of Jobs Academy, a school made famous by its promise to employ 100 percent of its students.

The eight other candidates who did not make it were Dr.

Roberto Puentespina Jr., John Carlo Tria, Jennifer V. Sazon, Corazon M. Baylon, Jonathan Suy, and Nelia E. Tumarao.

The five will join 10 others whose terms are still to expire in 2015 or 2016. They are John Gaisano Jr., incumbent chairman, Antonio dela Cruz, president; Daniel T. Lim, executive vice president; Ronald Go, vice president for professional services; Enrique Diola Jr., corporate secretary; Yvonne Cabada, corporate treasurer; Bonifacio Tan, vice president for industry; Arturo Milan, Antonio M.

Ajero, and Annie Veloso, trustees.

The election was conducted by a Commission on Elections headed by Jose Sevilla, with Robert Quinto and Delia Mercado-Ladao as members.

All three are past presidents of the chamber.

A total of 66 members of good standing participated in the election, 10 of whom are former presidents – Sebastian “Anggie” Angliongto, who is also a life honorary chairman,

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the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said the clash broke out around 7:00 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Bagsak, Talipao, Sulu.

Ramos said the slain and wounded Abu Sayyaf members were followers of ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, whose group is

based in Talipao town.

Ramos said no one was killed or wounded among the government troops who figured in the firefight against Sawadjaan’s group.

He said the clash ensued as the government forces chanced upon the group of Sawadjaan while conducting

law enforcement operations.

He said the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled to different directions.

The military launched law enforcement operations after the Abu Sayyaf brigands released a German couple in October this year.

(PNA)

FPUYOD, 10

5 Abu Sayyaf men killed, 7 wounded in Sulu clash IVE members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while seven others were wounded in a clash as government forces continue law enforcement operations in Sulu, a military official announced Saturday.

Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, information officer of

HOPEFUL. An employee of The Marco Polo, Davao fixes the Christmas decorations at the hotel’s lobby yesterday. With Christmas fast approaching, hotels in Davao City are aglow with the hope that the season brings. Lean Daval Jr.

Dead ‘Treevolution’seedlings in Maguindanao village replaced

V

OLUNTEERS replaced on Saturday the seedlings that were planted in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao as part of the “Treevolution” campaign but did not survive.

At least a hundred students and Army soldiers belonging to the Balik Kalikasan Advocacy Group (BKAG) from Cotabato City and Maguindanao undertook the replanting activity in Barangay Pigcalagan in Sultan Kudarat town, Capt.

Gregorio Jose, focal person of BKAG, said.

Jose said some 30 percent of 500 Antipolo and Lanipao seedlings planted in a five-hectare reforestation area died.

“This (replanting) was our commitment together with my brigade commander Col. Arnel Dela Vega before to the regional governor Mujiv Hataman that we will ensure the trees we planted are not only for show or

compliance but to sincerely implement reforestation to mitigate climate change,” he said.

Hataman led the “Treevolution” in Pigcalagan, and he said he wanted to visit the place to see how the seedlings have fared.

He said the place should be reforested to address frequent floods.

STI College, a member of BKAG, meanwhile pledged to adopt more communities for reforestation aside from Pigcalagan.

BKAG played a big part in mobilizing participants to the “Treevolution” campaign last May led by the Mindanao Development Authority and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

BKAG is an environment advocacy group comprised of the 6th Division, DENR, academe, civil society groups, Minirco Lumber Inc., and Cotabato media. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

Phl pushes to protect rights of Pinoy domestic workers

A

S the Philippines has placed itself at the forefront of the global efforts to protect the rights and welfare of domestic workers locally and overseas, various problems still exist for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those working in countries which have not upheld or ratified the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

In an interview, Remedios “Remy” Borlongan, former president of Asian Domestic Workers Union-Hong Kong, said some migrant domestic workers remain exploited

particularly in the Middle East.

“Most of them are being locked at home by their employers and given no right to form associations,” she said.

However, in place like Hong Kong, they are free to organize groups, voice out their rights, and receive the same benefits like that of other kinds of workers, Borlongan said.

In the Philippines, through the government’s ratification of ILO Convention 189, domestic workers here and abroad are part of the workforce or have the same rights as other workers.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

CHRISTMAS CHEER FROM SEDA. The staff of Seda Abreeza Hotel led by Director of Sales Andy Hipolito (third from right) bring Christmas cheer in the form of Christmas carols and snacks to the management and staff of Edge Davao

7 ECONOMY

and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. led by general manager Olive Velasco (fourth from right). Lean Daval Jr.

Holcim sweeps awards for safety, environment P

End-November 2014 GIR level reaches US$79-B

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OR the seventh straight year, cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines was recognized for best practices for environmental management, health and safety, and community and social development, in the Annual National Mine Safety Environment Conference (ANSMEC) Awards Night.

Holcim Philippines’s La Union plant received the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA), the third time it brought home the highest honor for outstanding practices. It also received awards for Safest Mining Operations-Non Metallic Category

and SafestCement Plant.

Holcim Philippines’s Davao facility bagged the Platinum Award, the second highest award, while the plant in Lugait,Misamis Oriental received the Best Mining Forest Award, with the company’s Norzagaray, Bulacan plant as runner-up.

The awards were given during the 61th ANSMEC Awards on Nov. 14 in Baguio City. Last year, Holcim Philippines’s Misamis Oriental plant received the PMIEAwhile its three other cement plants were Platinum awardees.

Holcim Philippines President and CEO Eduardo Saha-

gun thanked the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) for the awards and reiterated the company’s commitment to the environment and its communities.

“Aside from helping the country build physical foundations with our cement, our founding fathers had the foresight to establish foundations for our people and our planet.

As such, we always took to heart the value of taking care of the environment and the communities with which we work.

Holcim has always remained passionate in its Corporate Social Responsibility advocacy,

putting it into practice even before it became a byword in the industry,” he said.

The PMIEA was established in 1997 through Executive Order No. 399 in compliance with the policy that mining activities should be pro-environment and pro-people. Its selection committee is composed of the secretaries of the Departments of Environment, Trade, Interior and Local Government, Health, and Science and Technology. The other members are the presidents of the PMSEA, Philippine Mineral Exploration Association and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

RELIMINARY data showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at US$79 billion as of end-November 2014, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced Friday.

This level was lower by US$0.4 billion than the end-October 2014 GIR of US$79.4 billion.

Nonetheless, the GIR level remains ample as it can cover 10.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 8.3 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 6.0 times based on residual maturity.

The decrease in reserves

Barclays eyes 4.1% average inflation in 2014, 3.6% in ‘15

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HIGHEST HONOR. Holcim Philippines President and CEO Eduardo A. Sahagun (middle) receives the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award, the highest honor given during the Annual National Mine Safety Environment Conference Awards Night, on November 21 for the company’s La Union plant. With him are (From left): Mines and Geosciences Bureau

Director Leo Jasareno, Philex Mining Corp. Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chamber of Mines Executive Vice President NeliaHalcon, Holcim La Union Plant Manager Andy White and Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association President Louie Sarmiento. HolcimPhilippines received five more awards for safe and ecological operations that night.

was due mainly to the net foreign exchange operations of the BSP, payments for maturing foreign exchange obligations of the National Government (NG), and revaluation adjustments in the BSP’s gold holdings and foreign currency-denominated reserves.

These outflows were partially offset by the net foreign currency deposits by the Treasurer of the Philippines (TOP) and income from the BSP’s investments abroad.

Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also decreased to US$79 billion as of end-November 2014, compared to the end-October 2014 NIR of US$79.4 billion.

(PNA)

ARCLAYS continues to see further drop in the Philippines’ inflation rate as it forecasts 2014 fullyear average at 4.1 percent.

For 2015, inflation is seen to decline some more and average at 3.6 percent.

In a research note, the investment bank said these forecasts were made after noting the big decrease in last November’s rate to 3.7 percent from month-ago’s 4.3 percent.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), on Friday, attributed the lower inflation for November 2014 to slower increases in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels among others.

The inflation rate last November, is on the other hand higher than year-ago’s 3.3 percent.

Average inflation rate for the 11-month period this year stood at 4.3 percent, within the central bank’s three to five per-

cent target for the year. “ We continue to forecast CPI (consumer price index) inflation of 4.1 percent in 2014 and 3.6 percent in 2015. Given the recent decline in oil prices, we see modest downside risks to our inflation projection for 2015,” the research note added.

After the release of the latest inflation report, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the domestic economy is “likely to see continued manageable inflation.”

He, however, stressed that Philippine monetary officials remain on the lookout for risks both from domestic and external front such as the growth prospects and normalization path in advance economies and the impact of these on the Philippine economy.

Another consideration is the impact of natural calamities to the domestic economy, he said. (PNA)

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VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

EDITORIAL Learning from the past

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ITH typhoon Ruby barreling down on the country at such a slow pace, it is hoped that we have learned enough from past experience – most notably from typhoons Yolanda just a little over a year ago and Pablo two years ago – not just to withstand the strong winds and heavy rains but to be able to address the needs of the victims in its aftermath.

Pablo had caught thousands in Mindanao by surprise because the people in the areas it hit had no previous experience with typhoons. Weather disturbances of that sort do not normally occur this far south of the country, and virtually no one in the communities Pablo hit were quite prepared for what it wrought. Yolanda, for its part, brought not just wind and rain but also powerfully destructive storm surges – waves that had never been seen in the areas the typhoon hit. While PAGASA had given warnings against storm surges, the people simply had no concept of what they were and were thus unable to brace themselves.

Today – and in the next few days – the country again faces a tough challenge as Ruby moves slowly from west to south at an

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average speed of a mere 15 kilometers per hour. No one as yet knows how that would translate in terms of destruction, but we can be sure that it will be at a scale we have never seen before. It is good, however, that most people seem to be remembering what happened in the past two years and have taken action by preparing supplies and, in many cases, actually leaving their homes and communities for the safety of high ground. Government, it seems, is also stricter in evacuating people in vulnerable areas so as to get them out of harm’s way.

In many ways, of course, there is no preparing for a storm of this scale, but the lessons of the recent past will hopefully save our people from disaster this time around. There is also a need to set these lessons in a rational and permanent format so that future generations will know how we coped with calamities like this present one. It is often said that we are a people with a short memory, and we need to rise above ourselves so that our children and their children will be spared from the death and destruction that typhoons and other natural disasters bring.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

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

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

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

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ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager Blk. 1, Lot 10, La Mar Townhomes, Apitong St., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

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HE ratification of the 1935 Constitution on May 14, 1935 formalized the establishment of the Commonwealth government on November 15 of the same year. In between, the first national elections were held on September 17, where Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña won as president and vice-president, respectively.

Not too long ago, during the 1934 Constitutional Convention, Atty. Pantaleon Pelayo Sr., dubbed by then acting Davao Consul Toyoji Kaneko of Japan as “arrogant and eccentric,” lambasted the Japanese for using dummies in controlling 90 percent of the lands in Davao. On interpellation, Pelayo, a former Zamboanga lawyer, told the assembly in crisp terms that Japanese interests in Mindanao were influencing the people, especially those in the bureaucracy, and the political leaders of Davao, saying: “To the lawyers the Japanese are the best clients; to the doctors, they are the best patients; to the public officials, they are the best friends, especially when Christmas time comes.”

The Japanese overtures that come out before the ratification were sharp and pointed. During a round-table discussion

F

EMINISTS and health and social workers call it violence against women or VAW. The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993) defines VAW as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

In the Philippines, Republic Act 9262, more popularly known as the Violence Against Women and their Children Law, was passed in 2004. It broadened the definition of abuse to include physical, emotional, and economic harm. It also made violence by an intimate partner (anyone with whom a woman has a sexual relationship) a public crime, and made it possible for anyone – not just the victim – to file a case against a perpetrator.

Intimate partner violence refers to “behavior in an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors.”

Sexual violence is “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting.” It includes “rape, defined as the physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration of the vulva or anus with a penis, other body part or object.”

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Tightening the noose

in Davao with Agriculture Secretary Eulogio Rodriguez, Kaneko, repeating published articles based on official reports, alleged that 2,000 Japanese were killed by outlaws in Davao presumably as a consequence of agrarian dispute. But the Philippine Constabulary records, as of April 1935, showed only 54 Japanese by natives, not by outlaws, 27 of these in the past 13 years.

Japanese efforts to get a favorable support for the land problem did not soften even after the new charter was ratified.

On September 14, three days before the nationwide polls, it was reported that the Japanese in Davao, despite resentment towards the government action for cancelling the 98 leases on the illegal Japanese landholdings covering 9,000 hectares, continued to hold meetings with top-rank officials. They even managed to convince Rodriguez “to suspend ejections until the matter if made the subject of consideration at the request of Consul-General K. Uchiyama.” On Nov. 15, 1935, the Commonwealth government was established and ten days later the National Assembly, the country’s new legislature, officially met.

Despite the setback, the Japanese were still persistent in getting the government support to their side. On April 10, 1936, President Quezon flew to Davao and met with the stakeholders. He was able to get the Japanese to “pledge amity and cooperation,” assuring them that their landholdings would be respected until the leases had expired. But the Japanese proposed that their

leases be extended for another 25 years based on the so called Philippine Japanese “partnership.” Three days later, the President reserved several thousands of hectares of land in Davao for homesteaders and announced that Davao Penal Colony would become “the nucleus of development in the region.” Calling the presidential visit as a ‘happy inspiration,” Uchiyama issued a statement in Manila on April 15, saying: “It seems to me the Davao question is mostly a psychological one. I say this because once those annoying factors of distrust and suspicion are removed there will be no problem to speak of, since there is no fundamental economic conflict involved that cannot be smoothed out. Past experience shows that the cooperation of the Filipinos ad the Japanese has contributed to the economic development of Davao. I cannot see any reason why they should ot be able to continue this cooperation provided it is based on mutual confidence and goodwill.”

Two days later, the leaders of the National Assembly urged that the Council of State, with the presence of the Cabinet, be convened to discuss the Davao issue.

“ N o t THINK ON THESE! many people are aware that they are guilty of even minor degree of VAW. Why? Because it’s part of Henrylito D. Tacio our culture henrytacio@gmail.com that there is gender inequality, so many stereotypes about women,” Dr. Angela Regala, president of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), was quoted as saying by Rappler. “We haven’t been very vocal about it. So those that are not well-informed think that VAW is the normal practice.”

One out of 5 Filipino women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to PAP’s recent resolution on gender-based violence. “Sixty-four percent of those who experience sexual abuse suffer physical injuries — burns, bruises, broken bones, broken teeth — and 57 percent of violence against women survivors report mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and isolation,” Rappler reported.

Yet, despite the effects of violence, less than one out of 10 women seeks help from a professional.

In 2011, the regional division office of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) had singled out Davao City

as having “the most number of victims of violence against women in all age brackets” in Davao region.

Quoting data from the Philippine National Police Region Regional Command 11, NSCB said VAW cases such as rape, physical assault, acts of lasciviousness in the city, increased from 2009 to 2010.

In 2010 the reported cases of VAW increased by 46.5% mostly in terms of RA 9262. When combined with rape cases, the reported cases of 48.6% increased by 84.5%.

“These increases may be attributed to: either more women are being raped; physically, sexually, psychologically harmed or economically abused in Davao City or more Davaoeñas are willing to come out and report on the gender based abuses committed against them,” the NSCB surmised.

Also in 2011, the Davao City government -- in support of the full implementation of laws protecting women and children against violence -- had enjoined all the 182 barangay units to create their respective violence against women and children desks.

While violence against women is increasing in almost all parts of the country, there are still cases that are unreported.

The reason: these people believe violence against women is accepted. “There is too much tolerance of violence in our culture,” explains Tet Balay-on, the knowledge management officer of Women’s Crisis Center. “Men think it is part of being a man, women think it is part of being in a relationship.”

In order to eliminate gender-based violence, especially violence against women, the PAP resolves to support efforts to: • “Oppose all public and private forms of gender-based violence, especially physical, sexual, and psychological violence directed toward women and girls; • “Support legislation at the local and national levels that protect the rights and promote the welfare of women and girls, especially against gender-based violence; • “Eliminate all forms of sexism and gender inequality, including content and practices that may legitimize or trivialize gender-based violence, in teaching, research, psychological interventions, assessment and other psychological programs; • “Encourage psychological research that addresses the experiences and concerns of Filipina women and girls in the context of safety, gender-based violence, and sexual dehumanization; • “Disseminate and apply accurate and evidence-based information about gender-based violence and its harms to mental health and well-being; • “Design and provide psychological services that foster mental health and wellbeing of women and girls, address the harms of gender-based violence, and contribute to a culture of gender equality.”

“It’s our responsibility to make people realize that VAW is not okay. Let’s also educate the youth about this,” Dr. Regala was quoted as saying. “It’s not that there has been no improvement. But we need to more vigilant. So that the Philippines will be totally non-discriminatory and pro-gender.”

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST

Sleeping with the enemy

10 NEWS

When Life... FFROM 2

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from unsanitary septic tanks, wastewater discharge from industries, and runoffs from agricultural fields and dumpsites.

Asked about whether there are public toilets in Davao City, Larrazaga could only think about the facility in Bankerohan Public Market, one of the two busiest public markets in the city.

A check in the market revealed a “moderately clean and maintained” government-run two-room facility – thanks to the P3 per person user fee.

There are seven toilets open for public use in Bankerohan – but not without a price. The toilets are run by a businessman who imposes a P13 per person user fee.

These privately-owned toilets are located in Pag-asa, Rasai, Farmers’ Market, MLM, Mallengke, Micro, and North

Junction. The private owner even installed CCCTV cameras in these facilities as a security feature. The problem with putting up common toilets in villages, said Larrazaga, is the maintenance.

“We have communal or public toilets, but we only have a few because we have very sad experiences with communal toilets. No one really takes care of these facilities,” he said.

Michelle De Leon, a barangay official, admitted that one of Bucana’s problems is the lack of public toilets. And because this, the residents use the sea practically as their toilet.

The Davao City Council said the problem brought by the lack of working sanitary toilets is aggravated by the increasing number of residents in an area like Bucana.

“That is one of the prob-

lems – the increasing population of informal settlers,” said Luis Moral, head of policy registration and research team of the office of Councilor Leo Avila, chair of the committee on environment.

Moral also said that it is difficult to identify who will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the communal toilets.

“Communal toilet means CR ng bayan (public toilets).

If it is CR ng bayan, who is responsible for cleaning? Who is responsible for maintaining?” he said.

He said the government really wants to address this problem. “One way we are going to solve this is through partnership with private companies,” he said.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has recognized the importance of putting up pub-

lic toilets.

CENRO chief Eliza Madrazo believes the absence of public toilets will compel people, especially those living in the informal settlers’ areas, to throw their wastes to the sea, posing harm to marine life and the community.

“This is really an environmental and health concern,” she said. “We are very much concerned about the problem’s impact on the environment and the health of the people. We hope that the ordinance is fully implemented.”

That a densely populated area like Bucana does not have enough public toilets is a cause of alarm, Madrazo said.

“We are concerned of the environmental and health impacts of this problem,” she said. [With reports from Rommel Aquino, Diana Tomale, Robert Gumba, and Kristelle Ann Salvana]

2012 up to 2015, the public works budget allocation for Mindanao exceeded all major region groups, including the National Capital Region, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon. and Visayas.

Yao also said the company chose Davao City “due to its big area and market.”

Former Davao City Mayor Atty. Sara Duterte, on behalf of her father Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, congratulated company officials and partners, saying, “We are proud to be the first to have the best for the benefit of the economy of the region and most importantly the people who need it most- the consumers.”

Domingo, for his part, said the mill would definitely benefit Mindanao in terms of reduction of cost and delivery

time.

SteelAsia’s Davao straight line rolling mill of Italian design and technology stands on a sprawling 11-hectare land.

It can produce 500,000 metric tons of rebars per annum.

It is described as “the largest and most modern steel bar mill at par with the world’s best” and “ a benchmark for steel industry for modern environmental protection.”

Steel Asia vice president for corporate development Rafael Hidalgo said the mill collects 100 percent of its water through a rainwater collection system and fully recycles water with zero effluent from operations.

“Its innovative closed lubrication system ensures no seepages of used oil into the environment,” he said

Last February, SteelAsia’s plant at the Phividec industrial estate in Cagayan de Oro City started full operations.

The Davao City plant has some 300 workers employed at present, with company officials estimating it could create at least 2,000 jobs directly and indirectly in the short run.

SteelAsia’s Davao Works’ launching brings the company’s total production capacity to two million metric tons from its six plants, which is more than half of the country’s demand of the product of 3.3 million metric tons this year.

SteelAsia has three plants in Luzon, one in Visayas, and two in Mindanao, including the new Davao plant.

The company procures

raw materials from China, “which has currently a glut, oversupply situation of it” Yao said.

Around 75 percent of Steel Asia’s operation is no longer in Manila but dispersed regionally. “We are proud that we are part of the solution in the decongestion of Manila ports,” Yao said.

The Davao plant is expected to reduce the cost of construction in Mindanao as the Manila and Davao rebar prices would be similarly the same with the elimination of the sea freight.

“Before, rebars were shipped from Manila at the volume of some 400 trucks of buyers daily at a freight cost of P35,000 per truck,” Hidalso said. [Cha Monforte, Correspondent]

Jucutan, Lim, Gaisano, Tan, Jose Custodio, Quinto, Ladao, and Sevilla.

The old and new trustees will hold their joint meeting on Dec. 10 at the chamber board room to elect next year’s officers, from chairman and president to members of the board

of trustees.

Before last Saturday’s elections, DCCCII president dela Cruz told the members that the leadership of the chamber will continue its efforts to win awards in national and international arena next year.

[AMA]

Uruguay was the first to ratify the treaty last June 2012 while the Philippines followed suit in the same year.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, “this puts the Philippines in a unique position with regards the entry into force of ILO Convention 189.”

Recognizing the rights of 53 million domestic workers worldwide, the Convention has set out standards for the benefit of domestic workers.

It is stated in the Convention that domestic workers must enjoy the same basic rights as being experienced by other workers such as reasonable hours of work; weekly rest of at least 24 consecutive hours; a limit on in-kind payment; clear information on terms and conditions of employment, as well as respect for fundamental principles and rights at work including freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.

In the Philippines, there

are around 1.9 million Filipino migrant domestic workers.

Senator Pia Cayetano said that “close to 30 percent (of the said estimate) are excluded from national labor legislation, 45 percent have no entitlement to weekly rest periods or paid annual leave and more than third of women domestic workers have no maternity protection.”

Adding to the sad plight of domestic workers, Borlongan said that Filipinos applying as domestic workers abroad are being required by recruitment agencies to pay a high sum of around P100,000 inclusive of recruitment fee, medical fee, travelling fee, air ticket, contract fee, among others. An additional P28,000 is also needed for the payment of TESDA training, Borlongan added.

Such transactions are unrecorded as recruitment agencies do not give them receipts for these exorbitant payments, Borlongan noted.

She said in 1986, she did not undergo such process and that according to Migrant

SteelAsia... FFROM 4

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NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given that St. Peter Life Plan, Matina Branch, Davao City, official receipt bearing No. 313697 have been reported lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 1005321 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 32948-0 issued to NANNETTE B. MALALUAN was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

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Sta. Cruz... FFROM 4 should also do a reasonable arrangement. Hopefully, we can settle this with Aboitiz Power,” he added.

Lopez said during the initial talk, Sta. Cruz side proposed a 50-50 share of the remaining 70 percent of the LBT. Last October, the Davao City Council deferred the passage for second reading the “Letter Request of Benjamin Cariaso, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer of TSI and Manuel M. Orig. First Vice President for Mindanao Affairs, AboitizPower Corporation Requesting for the Passage of an Ordinance (1) Specifying the Sharing of Local Business Taxes of Industries and Entities Situated at TSI, and (2) Granting Local Legislative Authority for the City Mayor to Sign the Memorandum of Agreement, for Appropriate Action of the Body. “ Councilor Victorio Advincula said there is a need for another committee hearing on the matter to accommodate the Sta. Cruz government.

Based on the committee report read by councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, TSI proposed that the remaining 70 percent of the LBT be shared by the two local government units (LGUs).

The proposition was based on a similar case of the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) in Pangasinan in which the sharing of LBT was decided by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) under the Department of Finance (DOF).

The TSI said the BLGF “held that in the instance where the facilities located in another municipality are integral and indispensable part of the hydroelectric plant and no electric power will be produced without the other, the 70 percent sharing shall be

shared between the two municipalities. Under these circumstances, SRPC’s integrated hydroelectric plant is a single unified plant that is physically located in two municipalities within the contemplation of the LGC (Local Government Code).”

Davao City administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain said in the report that the city should have the biggest share and therefore he was not in favor of equally sharing the remaining 70 percent.

TSI legal counsel Raul Nadela Jr. informed the Sta. Cruz LGU about Davao City’s proposal but said TSI did not agree and instead pushed for a 50-50 share.

The report said based on the inquiries made with TSI personnel, the part of the project being constructed in the area of Sta. Cruz is the Coal Dome which will be used as coal storage since it is close to the port.

Quitain said if that is the case, then the part where the Coal Dome located is not integral and indispensable because this can be relocated in Davao City.

City treasurer Rodrigo Riola said the city should have a bigger share of the LBT since the city got the higher percentage of equipment of the coal plant compared with Sta. Cruz.

Riola also said the Coal Dome located in Sta. Cruz is “dispensable” and can be relocated in Davao City.

In an interview after the discussion, Orig told reporters that TSI will abide by what the two LGUs will agree on regarding the tax sharing.

Orig said 80 percent of the land area of the power plant is on Davao City while 20 percent lies in Sta. Cruz.

As for the equipment of TSI, 60 percent are in Davao City while 40 percent are in Sta. Cruz.

Workers Act, a worker must only pay P5,000 to a recruitment agency as recruitment fee and P8,000 for TESDA training.

On the other hand, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has been reiterating that recruitment agencies must not require domestic workers payment of any placement fee and other fees such as training fees, medical examination fees, video or photo fees, processing fees, boarding fee, and other services. The POEA has ordered preventive suspension and even shut down some recruitment agencies violating this policy.

“Payment for such fees through salary deduction by the employer abroad is a violation of “no placement” policy, POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said.

Once these domestic workers started working abroad, women OFWs even suffer a “double burden” as they are always the ones who experience exploitation, hu-

man trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, and other forms of violence against women especially in countries which do not recognize the rights of domestic workers.

Borlongan said providing more protection on women is needed as they are “more vulnerable” to abuses.

Some 117 countries around the world are employing domestic workers, around 83 percent of them women.

“I hope that the national legislation would give more attention to the plight of domestic workers particularly women as they are sometimes being neglected or somewhat ‘invisible’. It makes them vulnerable to exploitation because there are not enough laws protecting them,” Borlongan said.

To date, the Philippine legislation is currently crafting a national law that will uphold the ILO’s Domestic Workers Convention No. 189 to further safeguard the rights and welfare of the country’s domestic workers. (PNA)

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What is Christmas without these symbols?

Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

HE origin of Christmas differs as the precise date of the birth and historicity of Jesus are much debated. Christmas, literally meaning the Mass of Christ, is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar.

It was during the 4th AD century that the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25 was gradually adopted by most Eastern churches. In Jerusalem, opposition to Christmas lasted longer as according to them the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ is unknown. It is said that December 17-24th was the period of Saturnalia, a well-known festival in pagan, Rome. December 25th was the birthday of Mithra, the Iranian god of light. This day was adopted by the church as Christmas to counteract the effects of these festivals.

Today, Christmas has turned out to be one of the most popularfestivals that fills everyone with joy, happiness, and love. The festival of Christmas has absorbed various customs and traditions of world, and the 25th of December has emerged as the most important day for Christians, irrespective of the holiday’s roots.

It is taken as a day that reflects the power, glory, and salvation of Jesus Christ and his message of hope to the world.

In the Philippines, Christmas is not complete without the symbols and decorations

associated with the Yuletide season. Some of them were copied from other countries, although there are some that are truly Filipino.

Almost every Christmas season, Filipino homes and buildings are adorned with beautiful lanterns, called parol (from the Spanish word farol, which means lantern or lamp).

Parol reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men (or Tatlong Hari as they are called) on their way in search of Baby Jesus (Sto. Niño).

The earliest parols were traditionally made from simple materials like bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper (known as papel de Hapon) or crepe paper, and a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination. The present day parol, though, can take many different shapes and forms.

As early as November, parols are hung on windows or door of every Filipino home, office, school, shopping mall, and even street. You will even find mini parols hanging on buses, jeepneys, and cars.

The most spectacular exhibition and parade of parol is held every year in San Fernando Pampanga, famous for the most unique star lanterns in shapes, colors, and sizes made from all kinds of material. The town becomes the center of Christmas activities. Every

year spectators get to marvel at the amazing lights of the giant lanterns.

Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belen (also called a crib or manger in the United Kingdom and creche in France). Known as the manger scene, it is a special exhibition of art objects representing the scene of the birth of Jesus.

“While the term ‘nativity scene’ may be used of any

representation of the very common subject of the Nativity of Jesus in art, it has a more specialized sense referring to seasonal displays, either using model figures in a setting or enactments called ‘living nativity scenes’ in which real humans and animals participate,” Wikipedia notes.

Nativity scenes exhibit figures representing the infant Jesus, his mother Mary, and Joseph. Other characters from the nativity story such as shepherds and sheep and angels may be displayed near the manger in a barn (or cave) intended to accommodate farm animals, as described in the gospel of Luke. A donkey and an ox are typically depicted in the scene, as well as the Three Kings and camels. Several cultures add other characters and objects that may be Biblical or not.

Actually, this traditional Christmas decoration combines two different events in the Gospels. The first one was when the shepherds are informed by angels that “for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Matthew 2:10-11).

The second was “when [the Wise Men] saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him” (Luke 2:11).

Tarlac, known as the “Belen Capital of the Philippines,” holds the annual “Belenismo sa Tarlac.” Actually, it is a belen making contest that is participated in by establishments and residents in Tarlac. Giant belens with different themes are displayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the rest of the Christmas season.

The story of the origin of the Christmas belen rests with the very holy man, St. Francis of Assisi. R. William Saunders, in an article that appeared in catholiceducation.org, wrote: “In the year 1223, St. Francis, a deacon, was visiting the town of Grecio to celebrate Christmas. Grecio was a small town built on a mountainside overlooking a beautiful valley.

The people had cultivated the fertile area with vineyards. St. Francis realized that the chapel of the Franciscan hermitage would be too small to hold the congregation for Midnight Mass. So he found a niche in the rock near the town square and set up the altar. However, this Midnight Mass would be very special, unlike any other Midnight Mass.”

The rest of the story was penned by St. Bonaventure, author of Life of St. Francis of Assisi: “It happened in the third year before his death, that in order to excite the inhabitants of Grecio to commemorate the nativity of the Infant Jesus with great devotion, [St. Francis] determined to keep it with all possible solemnity; and lest he should be accused of lightness or novelty, he asked and obtained the permission of the sovereign Pontiff.

“Then he prepared a manger, and brought hay, and an ox and an ass to the place appointed. The brethren were summoned, the people ran together, the forest resounded with their voices, and that venerable night was made glorious by many and brilliant lights and sonorous psalms of praise. The man of God [St. Francis] stood before the manger, full of devotion and piety, bathed in tears and radiant

with joy; the Holy Gospel was chanted by Francis, the Levite of Christ.

“Then he preached to the people around the nativity of the poor King; and being unable to utter His name for the tenderness of His love, He called Him the Babe of Bethlehem. A certain valiant and veracious soldier, Master John of Grecio, who, for the love of Christ, had left the warfare of this world, and become a dear friend of this holy man, affirmed that he beheld an Infant marvelously beautiful, sleeping in the manger, Whom the blessed Father Francis embraced with both his arms, as if he would awake Him from sleep.

“This vision of the devout soldier is credible, not only by reason of the sanctity of him that saw it, but by reason of the miracles which afterwards confirmed its truth. For example of Francis, if it be considered by the world, is doubtless sufficient to excite all hearts which are negligent in the faith of Christ; and the hay of that manger, being preserved by the people, miraculously cured all diseases of cattle, and many other pestilences; God thus in all things glorifying his servant, and witnessing to the great efficacy of his holy prayers by manifest prodigies and miracles.”

12 CLASSIFIED

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Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

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Phone Nos.

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Marco Polo Davao’s Christmas of hope The Marco Polo choir.

CHRISTMAS is the time when we reflect on love and joy which are symbolised by the coming of God’s son Jesus. In keeping with that theme, The Marco Polo Davao unveiled last December 1, its Christmas centrepiece together with the hotel’s annual lighting ceremony.

Marco Polo’s Christmas lights are an a Davao City landmark.

Marco Polo’s Christmas shop sells various goodies for the season.

The centrepiece is a welcome sight as soon as one steps into the hotel’s lobby with a grand Christmas tree bedecked in golden trimmings paired with natural materials for a richer, homey feel. A detail I love on the tree is the addition of sayings about hope and joy, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the season. There is also a nook where one can sit down and take photos, perfect for people who love selfies.

Entertainment during the unveiling was courtesy of the Marco Polo Choir, which is composed of staff from the hotel’s different departments, singing out Christmas carols much to the delight of the crowd gathered at the lobby. I

URBANISSIMO A4

Marco Polo Davao’s Christmas centerpiece.

The lighting ceremony was lead by Marco Polo Davao’s general manager Anthony Tan.

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Tokyo Tokyo opens its doors at SM City Davao

FIRST established in 1985, the Philippine’s number one Japanese fast food restaurant Tokyo Tokyo is now serving Japanese goodness at SM City Davao.

For the past years, Tokyo Tokyo has become synonymous with quality and affordable meals. It has also become a household name with over 60 branches in Metro Manila and highly urbanized cities outside Luzon.

Sink your teeth in their bestsellers – Pork Tonkatsu, Shrimp tempura, Beef Misono, and enjoy their signature Red Iced Tea. Tokyo Tokyo’s Sumo Meals and Sumo Remix Meals are big enough for sharing at very reasonable prices. Experience a Japanese gastronomic treat with their yakisoba, Japanese style potato balls, miso soup and kani corn soup. The restaurant also offers different types of sushi. Other favorites include beef teriyaki, squid ika fry and prawn tempura.

Visit Tokyo Tokyo at the Ground Floor of SM City Davao Main Mall. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @SMCityDavao on Twitter and @SMDavao on Instagram for event and promo updates.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao receives Gold Circle award from Agoda.Com A LITTLE over a year in operation, Park Inn by Radisson Davao bags this year’s Gold Circle Award from Agoda.com, one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites. The award is given to accommodations around the world that embody the best qualities of the online hospitality industry. Now in its sixth year, the Gold Circle Awards are presented to properties based on aggregate customer reviews, competitiveness of pricing, utilization of Agoda.com’s custom-built Yield Control System (YCS), and a deep understanding of the complexities of the online booking industry.

In a statement released by said Errol Cooke, Vice President Global Hotels at Agoda.com., he says, “In an ex tremely competitive industry, these properties have shown an outstanding level of commitment to the intersection of cutting-edge technology and world-class service. As an established indicator of industry excellence, guests can rest assured knowing that when they see the award displayed in the lobby, they are staying at a highly-rated property at the forefront of the online hospitality industry. We very much look forward to expanding our relationship with these properties in the future.”

Park Inn by Radisson Davao, the colorful hotel located right next to SM Lanang Premier and SMX Convention Center, is the only property in Davao City given this recognition. With its convenient location, trendy facilities and vibrant décor in all 204 rooms, the property is the most ideal choice for business and leisure travelers who are looking for convenient, trendy, and affordable accommodation. Its services and values take after the Adding Color to Life brand philosophy of a fun, friendly and hassle-free guest experience. Since its opening, the hotel has maintained its placement within the top 3 of their primary competitors set.

General Manager, Mr. Pavan Kakar, expresses his delight over the good news. “The entire management and team are overjoyed with this recognition. It just goes to show that we are following the right track in meeting guest expectations. Customer focus is our main objective, together with value for money.”

Visit www.parkinn.com/hotel-davao for more information on the hotel’s facilities and special offers.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

STYLE

Fashion for the feet at SM

By Kenneth Irving Ong

MILANOS

SM Shoes & Bags recently held an exclusive evening at SMX Convention Center with Davao’s business and lifestyle writers together with some of Davao City’s fashion influencers.

A short presentation introducing the house shoe brands of The SM Store, namely Parisian, Milanos, Salvatore Mann, Sugar Kids and Tough Kids kicked off the fashion forward evening.

“We are excited to introduce the latest collection of SM Shoes and Bags,” says SM Shoes’ assistant vice president for marketing Rina Bugayong “this is the first time we are bringing an event like this outside of Metro Manila and we are happy that we are here in Davao just in time for the holiday season.”

Going back to the beginnings of SM, shoes are always a part of The SM Store’s most important departments and the house brands play an important role in spreading the love for shoes.

Shoes for the ladies This holiday, opportunities for dressing up abound; From the much awaited dinner with girlfriends, to the fab office party or to the glamorous launch event with

SALVATORE MANN

SUGAR KIDS

TOUGH KIDS

the hubby.

SM’s iconic Parisian brand is every woman’s best shoe companion. From trendy boots, to chic stilettos, to the glitzy and classic pumps, Parisian’s new collection helps the contemporary woman find her perfect shoe match.

Aside from shoes, Parisian also has bags that exude a stylish flair in pulling off the most sleek and basic styles that speak functionality and class with a variety of choices and sizes, from chic handbags to metallic clutches, to detailed totes, Parisian bags are the perfect fashion acces-

sories for the modern female.

For the stylish men Comfy and fashion forward, Milanos shoes is the absolute shoe companion.

From wear anywhere boots to boat shoes and loafers, life with Milanos is an adventure waiting to happen.

For the more dapper holiday look, Salvatore Mann’s elegant holiday collection of shoes fit the modern man with updated and classic brogues and oxfords, slipons and lace-ups, Salvatore Mann compliments and completes every gentleman’s

ensemble, ensuring that he is dapper all the time.

Fun for the kids Boys and girls can step out of style this holiday season with Sugar Kids and Tough Kids’ trendy, cute, colourful, cool & charming holiday collection.

Girls can choose from high-cut lace-up boots, pretty pumps, studded peep-toes, & metallic slip-on sandals while boys can choose from lace-up and suede mid-cut boots, canvas kicks, colourful rubber shoes, and leather loafers.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

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INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Regional TV holds appreciation event for partners in Davao GMA’s thrust to bring to the Filipinos nothing but the best form of entertainment and programs of quality is backed up with a strong partnership it has created and established with its trusted sponsors and advertisers. As a token of gratitude, the Network’s regional arm, GMA Regional TV (GMA RTV) held its annual trade event in Davao City last November 6 at the Marco Polo Hotel.

The appreciation night followed the theme “Jazz Age: Swinging After Six,” which featured entertaining performances brought by some of the Network’s brightest stars.

Laudable song numbers from Jonalyn Viray and Aicelle Santos welcomed guests followed by several dance numbers in between by teen stars Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali and Sunday All Stars’ Winwyn Marquez and Mark Herras.

Betong Sumaya served as the night’s host in his Bubble Gang character Antonietta, together with Rhian Ramos.

Network officers present in the lavish event were GMA RTV First Vice President Rikki Escudero;

sonally thank our valued regional partners and loyal advertisers across the country. Regional TV has focused on further

AVP and Head of Regional Strategy and Business Development Division of GMA RTV Oliver Amoroso; GMA RTV AVP and Head for News and Public Affairs Celerina

Amores; GMA Southern Mindanao Station Manager Mariles Puentevella; and RTV Senior Program Manager for Entertainment Jocelyn Bautista Pacleb.

strengthening our existing local programs, as well as developing new on-air and on-ground products and rest assured that we will remain steadfast in helping drive more customers to your business as we strive to continually improve and innovate to meet your changing needs.’’

The GMA Partners’ Appreciation Night in Davao counts as the first among the series of trade events slated this year in Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bicol, Ilocos, Cebu, and Dagupan.

Amoroso extended his gratitude to their valuable partners and said, “Our FVP Rikki Escudero and our teams are dedicating the last two months of 2014 to per-

Patrick Rosas unveils his ‘Rituals’ WITH a stroke of a brush, Patrick Rosas can transform any woman to whatever look she desires. In celebration of his genius and artistry, the makeup artist to the stars Patrick Rosas launched a coffee table book called ‘Rituals’ in partnership with ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. Patrick is one of the best in his field: ABS-CBN Publishing has been working with him for a long time and he always delivers compelling, unparalleled work. It’s our pleasure to be part of this project and we are excited to share with everyone the masterpiece that is ‘Rituals’,” says ABS-CBN Publishing Inc’s Managing Director, Mark Yambot.

‘Rituals’ showcases the sheer brilliance of Rosas featuring the crème dela crème of the Philippine entertainment and fashion industries and the who’s who of Philippine society shot by top photographers Mark Nicdao, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Patrick Uy, Filbert Kung, and Glenn Gordon, with photography legend Neal Oshima

pitching in when it comes to creative direction.

For his third book, Patrick collaborated with influential and powerful people from the world of entertainment and media: Gretchen Barretto, Iza Calzado, Korina Sanchez, John Lloyd Cruz, and Richard Gomez; fashion: Michael Cinco, Lulu Tan-Gan, Rissa Manan-

quil-Trillo, Vanessa Matsunaga, Rajo Laurel, and Jo Ann Bitagcol; and society, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Dr. Z and Dra. Aivee Teo, Bea Valdes, Imelda Cojuangco, and Margarita Fores.

During the exclusive launch of ‘Rituals’ at White Space, Makati, guests were enthralled by the eye-catching photographs from ‘Rituals’ that hung from the ceiling. It was truly a sumptuous visual feast as guests moved around the venue admiring each photograph.

The event was hosted by Tim Yap and among those who were spotted at the event were Gretchen Barretto, Marjorie Barretto, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Iza Calzado, and Atty. Karen Jimeno.

“Rituals is a celebration of beauty and art. It’s part of my personal journey,” Rosas expressed during the formal contract signing with ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. The “Rituals” collector’s edition will be available at National Bookstore and Fully Booked branches starting December 10.

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

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

PAST TENSE Kim Chiu, Aiai Delas Alas, Xian Lim GP

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

DUMB AND DUMBER TO Jim Carey, Jeff Daniels, Carly Craig R 13 12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

R-16

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton John Turturro, Aaron Paul

PG13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EVENT

Marco Polo’s pastry chef and his gingerbread house masterpiece.

The always jolly Chef Ed and his Cafe Marco staff.

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URBANISSIMO A1 look forward to listening to the choir every year during the hotel lighting ceremony as every year the choir gets better and better and this year was no exception.

Dinner followed after the lighting and unveiling at the Cafe Marco where everyone was treated to a preview of Marco Polo Davao’s special Christmas offerings for this year. The hotel’s premier buffet restaurant was bedecked in holiday trimmings with a giant gingerbread house selling various Marco Polo goodies such as gingerbread houses, log cakes, and christmas cookies right beside the main entrance of the restaurant.

On the menu that night at the Cafe Marco was Roast Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Yin Yang Garupa, and a whole Lechon. These will be available on Marco Polo Davao’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffets, New Year’s Eve Buffet, and New Year’s Day Buffet.

Aside from special holiday promotions for lunch and dinner, the Marco Polo Davao also unveiled their month-long took promotion which offers rooms on discount for the Christmas Room promotion as well as packaged together with the hotel’s annual New Year’s

Not only for Thanksgiving, whole roasted turkey is served on the Christmas spread.

Party, the party of which will have a Fabulous 50’s as the theme and entertainment courtesy of the Music Authority and the Rock n’ Roll All Stars.

For more information on Marco Polo Davao’s offering or reservations, you can call the Marco Polo Davao at 082-221 0888 local 7222 or 7223.

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

Lechon and various other roasts ready to be served.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Or PAG-IBIG FUND, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 14,959-14

ARNULFO S. LUMANLAN,married to VIRGINIA S. LUMANLAN, Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND against ARNULFO S. LUMANLAN, married to VIRGINIA S. LUMANLAN with postal address at LOT 319-B, BLK.00 55 ROLLS ROYCE ST., DAVAO EXECUTIVE HOMES, MATINA, DAVAO CITY to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ( P 731,495.84 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, as of April 28, 2014 plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 16 , 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 235211 “A parcel of land (LOT 379-B-2-C-1-D-1-0, PSD -11-020047, XXX) situated in the Barrio of Matina , City of Davao, Island of Mindanao…xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on FEBRUARY 13, 2015, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, DECEMBER 02, 2014

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (12/8,15,22)

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EDGEDAVAO REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF DAVAO CITY

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Or PAG-IBIG FUND, Mortgagee -versus-

EJF-REM CASE NO. 14,934-14

CHARLITA A. BALUIS, married to IRENEO D. BALUIS, Mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND against CHARLITA A. BALUIS, married to IRENEO D. BALUIS with postal address at LOT 16, BLK. 59 NHA ROSALINA VILLAGE III, DUMOY, TORIL, DAVAO CITY to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ( P 514,101.84 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, as of July 24, 2014 plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 09 , 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements thereon, to wit:

Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 235211 “A parcel of land xxx (LOT 16 , Blk. 59, xxx Pcs- 112402001850,xxx) situated in the City of Davao, Island of Mindanao…xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on FEBRUARY 06, 2015, without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, NOVEMBER 18, 2014

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROV’L SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) ROBERT M. MEDIALDEA Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (12/8,15,22)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 16 Davao City

IN THE MATTER OF CANCELLATION SP. PROC. CASE NO. 13,310-14 AND SUBSTITUTION OF THE BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE OLBES CHUA AND MARIA ANGELICA ARABELLA OLBES CHUA, REP. BY HER SISTER, MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE OLBES CHUA MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE O. CHUA Petitioner, Versus

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY & LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF LAAK, COMPOSTELA VALLEY, ORDER

Petitioner in their verified petition prays of this Honorable Court that:

1. The first Birth Certificates of the petitioners registered in the Local Civil Registry of Davao which are defective be cancelled; AND 2. The Birth Certificates of the petitioners registered in Laak, Compostela Valley be SUBSTITUTED as true and correct Birth Certificates of the petitioners.

Finding the said petition to be sufficient in form and in substance. It is hereby ordered that the said petition be set for hearing on February 09, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning on which date, time and place, all persons who are interested may appear and show cause if anu, why said petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least once a week for three(3) consecutive issued at the expense of the petitioner.

The Local Civil Registrar, Davao city, and the Assistant City prosecutor are cited to appear on said date of hearing, in order to show cause, if any, said petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippine, October 27,2014.

SGD. EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Presiding Judge 12/8/15/22

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 190 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 - 8, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Sports

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150 riders in Padyak charity ride T

HE 4th Gene Boyd R. Lumawag Cycling Fundraising event (Padyak Para Kay Boyd Para sa Burn Unit 4) hits the road on December 14 with some 150 riders estimated to take part.

Joselle Badilla, event organizer, said during the Fast Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier that the charity fun ride will start at Ma-a Central Elementary School (Ma-a Gym) at 730 a.m. This will coincide with the young slain journalist’s 37th birthday.

“We are looking forward to your support. This is not for the Lumawag family, this is for our beneficiaries at the Burn Center,” said veteran photojournalist Rene Lumawag, father of the late Gene Boyd.

Eleven indigent patients admitted at the Dr. Rizal D. Aportadera SPMC Burn Unit benefitted from last year’s cycling event. The fundraising event was able to gather P15,138.25 from cyclists and sponsors.

This year’s event will consist of a total of 14 kilometers ride in major roads of Davao

starting from Ma-a Gym with category short track races inside the Ma-a Central Elementary School’ oval.

Categories for this event are Beginners A, Beginners B, Juniors, Seniors, Veterans, Masters, Fat Boys, Ladies, Golden Boys and a special category race for bike marshals.

Registration fee is pegged at P350 inclusive of souvenir cycling jersey, lunch, certificate and raffle. The event is presented by MindaNews and supported by the Federation of Off-Road Cycling Enthusiasts (FORCE) headed by former Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Dominic Carpio, RaceLink Davao head Rafael Cruzada, Davao Pobre Bikers Association (Dapoba) and Cycle For Life.

“Padyak Para Kay Boyd 4” is sponsored by Globe Telecom, Camera Club of Davao (CCD), The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Columbia Computer Center, Anflocor, Holcim, Ideal Vision, Nature’s Spring, Matina Town Square, DermPath, Miko’s Brew, Lapanday Foods, Davao Light, Sweet Advocate, Anflocor, H2Zero Walton & Company, JLP Design Digital

Media practitioners Joselle Badilla and Rene Lumawag promote the 4th Padyak Para Kay Boyd, a cycling fundraising event for the benefit of patients at the Dr. Rizal D. Aportadera Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Burn Unit, set on December 14. Badilla and Lumawag were guests Fast Fridays media forum at Archipelago 7109 of Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr. Advertising, San Iker Garments, 3MJ Trading Cycle, Bikerboy, Angkol Bikers, GT Bicycles, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Mindanao Times and 95.5 Hit Radio.

For more inquiries you

can contact 0908.6132238, 0918.5205832, 0933.4648855 or email at padyakparakayboyd@gmail.com.

Proceeds from the cycling event will be used to buy medicines, burn ointments, anti-

biotics, food packs, fruits and toiletries. This will be the 7th year of the media’s gift giving activity at the Mindanao Burn Center.

Designated registration areas are 3MJ Cycle Buhangin,

Bikerboy and Philippine Daily Inquirer. Last day of registration is on December 10, 2014, Wednesday. On-site registration will start at 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. only. Ride will start at exactly 7:30 a.m.

Tennis League in Singapore late on Thursday.

“He seems like he just can hit cruise control and be a level above, and that’s a huge luxury.

“He doesn’t have to play lights-out to beat the top guys, he just has to play contained which is a big statement to how well he’s playing.”

Djokovic had a winning record against all of his “Big Four” rivals -- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray -- in 2014 and he finished ranked top for the third time in four years.

With Federer now 33, Nadal returning from his latest lay-off and Murray struggling for form, the seven-time Slam winner, who recently became

a father, could now stay on top, Agassi said.

“A lot of things can happen, as we know. One minor injury at the wrong time and that tournament’s gone and maybe that part of the season’s gone,” Agassi said.

“I don’t underestimate how much has to go right, but if everything goes right for everybody I’ve got to say he’s the one I’ll point to,” he added.

When Djokovic seeks his fifth Australian Open title in January, one of his chief rivals could be Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who broke through by reaching this year’s US Open final against Marin Cilic.

But Agassi said it was imperative for Nishikori to move smoothly through the

early rounds in Melbourne if he is to become Asia’s first male Grand Slam singles winner.

“If he can get through the first four matches without tapping too far into his tank, it’ll be a big difference for him,” said Agassi, who played an exhibition with Nishikori last month.

“He works really hard and that was ultimately what stopped him from winning in New York. Marin was playing some serious tennis but the truth is, Kei went into that match with a lot of energy spent.

“Any time you have to negotiate a body clock it makes you play a little bit risky... that was his downfall that tournament.”

Mid-Amateur Division while the first 30 Seniors golfers aged 55 years and above as of December 9 will be accepted.

The free practice round for paid participants is on Dec. 8 while the first and second qualifying rounds are on Dec. 9 and 10, respectively.

Only the top 16 for the men’s and mid-amatuer, top 8 for women’s and Seniors will advance to the Match Play competition.Ties for the 16th place for men and mid-amateur, 8th place for women and seniors will be determined via sudden death playoff.

The first round match is in the morning of Dec. 11 followed by the second round match in the afternoon. The semi-finals for men’s and

Mid-amatuer is in the morning of Dec. 12 while the finals of all divisions will be played in the afternoon.

The awarding ceremony will immediately follow at the AGCC clubhouse.

Registration fee is P2,500 while the deadline of registration is today (Dec. 7) at 5 p.m. at the AGCC wiith telephone no.

(082) 9260048 Fax: (082) 2972090, Email: apogolfcc@ yahoo.com or contact NGAP office at Rm. 307, Bldg. B, Philsports Complex (Ultra), Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, MM, Philippines 1603, Email: ngap2009handicap@ yahoo.com.tel. (02) 7065926 / 3428719 / 9250022 or Fax. (02) 7065926.

Triple double for Duncan Djokovic is man to beat in 2015: Agassi as Spurs trip Memphis

T

IM Duncan notched his first triple-double since 2010 on Friday as NBA champions San Antonio beat Memphis 107-101 to end the Grizzlies’ 22-game regular-season home winning streak.

Duncan scored 14 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out 10 assists for the Spurs, who have now beaten the Grizzlies nine straight times including in post-season clashes.

Duncan, 38, now owns eight career triple-doubles -- four in the regular season and four in the playoffs. He became the second-oldest player, behind 40-year-old Karl Malone in 2003, to post

a triple-double.

His feat, and San Antonio’s 14 three-pointers, helped the Spurs overcome the third-quarter departure of Tony Parker with what the team called a mild hamstring strain.

The Spurs jumped out to a 13-2 lead and never trailed.

Manu Ginobili contributed 17 points and seven assists and Danny Green added 16 points for San Antonio, who have won nine of their last 10 games.

Spanish center Marc Gasol, who was a game-time decision with a right knee bruise, posted 28 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks for Memphis.

A

MERICAN legend Andre Agassi said Novak Djokovic could be poised for a period of dominance in men’s tennis after showing he can rise “a level above” his peers without even trying too hard.

Eight-time Grand Slam-winner Agassi said barring mishap, the world number one looked set for a long stay on top of the rankings after moving out in front this year.

The 27-year-old Serb won seven titles this season, including Wimbledon, and finished with a flourish at the World Tour Finals in London.

“I have to (tip) Djokovic heading into the next year or two,” Agassi told reporters at the International Premier

PLDT Mindanao Golf Tour at Apo Dec. 8-12

T Ruth Palo Dumandan announces the staging of AFP-PNP Corp media Christmas bowling tournament slated on December 20 at SM Lanang Premier’s Bowling Center. Dumandan graced Fast Fridays media forum at Archipelago 7109 of Barrio Fiesta. Lean Daval Jr.

HE 2014 Mindanao Regional Golf Tournament of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour is set in Davao City on December 8-12 at the Apo Golf and Country Club.

It is presented by the PLDT Group and MVP Sports Foundation and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils. (NGAP).

“We are honored to be the host club of this prestigious tournament,” said AGCC president Louie Jacinto.

Only the first 35 male and 20 female golfers will be accepted in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. The first 50 amateurs aging 30 years old and above will also be accepted in the

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