Edge Davao 7 Issue 191

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CHRISTMAS GLOW. The Royal Mandaya Hotel’s lobby is all aglow as its giant Christmas tree and other decorations are lit to add to the spirit of the holiday season. Lean Daval Jr.

CHRISTMAS BONUS FOR CITY WORKERS

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

MERRY ANG CHRISTMAS!

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HE Davao City Government will release the Christmas bonus for its employees before the last working day before Christmas.

In yesterday’s flag raising ceremony at the City Hall, city administrator J. Meclchor V. Quitain announced that the city has already found the source of funds for the employes’ Productivity Incentive Allowance.

But Quitain said City Hall will formulate a mechanism on how to release the bonus because he is worried about

employees who have debts from loan sharks.

“Give us time to think it over because I am concerned with people still have unpaid loans. That money, if I understand that if it will be placed in the ATM, there is somebody who will get it ahead of you,”Quitain told the employees.

“That money is reserved for the family. Sanayungmganagpapautang, ay may paki-usap din akosainyo, huwagniyonamangalawinyung bonus ng mgaempleyado at least for this Christmas. Hindi

namanyankasamasausapan.

Ibigayniyonayansakanila (To the money lenders, I am asking that you don’t take the bonus of the employees at least for this Christmas. That is not included in your agreement. Just give to them),” he added.

Quitain also told the employees not to borrow money from lenders in anticipation of their bonus.

“Kayo naman, huwagnakayongumutang. Hindi pa nganarelease, inutangnani-

FCHRISTMAS, 10

2,827 REGULAR

REGULAR EMPLOYEES

P10,000

JOB ORDER PERSONNEL & CONTRACT OF SERVICE

P5,000

4,242 JOB ORDER

5,365

CONTRACT OF SERVICE EDGE DAVAO INFOGRAPHICS

DAVAO CITY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

HANG ON. A young student clings on to a public utility jeepney (PUJ) while passing by one of the demonstrators staging a protest rally against the National Housing Authority (NHA) 11 along Magallanes Street in Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

11,000 caroling IPs overflow shelters

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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HE City Government of Davao was caught unprepared for the influx of thousands of Lumads from the city’s hinterlands as well as neighboring cities and provinces during this Christmas season.

City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) assistant head Liwayway Caligdong said the number of Lumads who entered the city as of Sunday reached a total of 11,126 families.

With an average of four to five families, the number of individuals could reach about 56,000 individuals.

The number of families far exceeds last year’s 8000, Caligdong told reporters at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

“It’s a living tradition that every year many Lumad brothers and sisters come down from the hinterlands to celebrate Christmas in the city. The Lumads are here mostly to collect ‘pin-

sakuhay’ and food packs,” she added.

Caligdong said there are a total of eight designated shelter areas for this year.

The bulk of the Lumads are staying in a designated shelter area in Calinan with a total 2,226 families.

About 1,000 families are in a gymnasium in Baranggay 5-A; another 1,000 in Shanghai, Matina; 1,000 in Buhangin Gym; 1,850 in Bunawan Gymnasium; 1,390 in Toril Gym; 1,300 in Tugbok

Gym. “Medyo nag-overflow ang numbers ng family (There’s a slight overflow in the number of Lumad families) living in our designated shelter areas. Ideally, each shelter must only have 500 families, but some have doubled, tripled, or more,” Caligdong said.

She said most of the Lumads come from Marilog and Paquibato district while others came from nearby

any distress call the entire Saturday night. I would like to say we were spared,” Mazo said.

She said an updated report at 8 am Dec. 7 indicated that more than 20,983 families or 94,880 persons were evacuated in Butuan City, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island.

Assessment teams were deployed Sunday to look into the damages on houses, government infrastructure, and agriculture.

“We received a report

that fish pens were destroyed in Dinagat Islands.

We have no idea of the extent of the damage yet,” she said.

The OCD also received reports from Surigao City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council that Mayor Ernesto Matugas has allowed the evacuees to return home.

But Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas has recommended the suspension of classes in all levels on Monday, December 8, to conduct clean-up activities

in the schools used as evacuation areas.

A total of four helicopters, three gunboats and a small task group composed of firemen, police and Army soldiers were deployed here Friday to conduct search and rescue operations if necessary.

As officials heaved a sigh here, a task group composed of doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers has been organized for deployment

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Zero casualty in Dinagat, Siargao

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HE provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte have been spared by typhoon Ruby as it moved slowly to Visayas and Luzon Sunday, with no casualty reported.

Liza Mazo, Caraga director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said their office has not received reports of casualties from the province of Dinagat Islands and Siargao island in Surigao del Norte, which were earlier placed under Signals 2 and 1.

“We have not received

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City Hall to monitor flag rite attendance

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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HE Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) of the Davao City Government will strictly monitor all the departments to make sure all employees comply with the compulsory attendance for the flag ceremonies.

In an interview, HRMO

head Erwin Alparaque told Edge Davao that personnel have been sent to every office to monitor the attendance of employees.

He said every department head of the city is also required to submit the attendance to HRMO to ensure

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Online drug sales not allowed: FDA

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday warned the public that the online selling of medicines, drugs, and cosmetics is not allowed.

FDA 11 regulation officer Arnold Alindada said Republic Act 5921 or the Pharmacy Law of the Philippines, a pharmacist must be present wherever and whenever drugs are sold.

He said online sellers of drugs and cosmetics are thus not authorized by the agency.

Alindada said the FDA has already established the Health Scams Unit to monitor online sellers who are not authorized by the FDA. “What we do is we copy-paste the website and then we send it as a report of viola-

tion to our Health Scam Unit in Alabang. We have also been advised that if we find out the source of the medicines then we can file a case against them,” he said.

Alindada said the FDA already has a Regulatory Enforcement Unit (REU) that is tasked to padlock establishment even without a court order.

“Through the REU we can padlock the establishment, we can collect the products even without a court order. We already have police powers. By 2015 we will be issued guns already. These are agents who are the equivalent of the PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” he said.

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

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City Hall halts inspections during Christmas holiday

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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AVAO City administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain has suspended the inspection of business establishments during the holiday season to keep unscrupulous city government employees from taking advantage of business owners and soliciting gifts or money.

In an interview after the flag raising activity yesterday at City Hall, Quitain told reporters that he issued a memorandum to halt some inspections of business establishments because asking for money is “an embarrass-

ment.”

Quitain said what he suspended temporarily are the regular inspection of the Business Bureau, City Treasurer’s Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and other agencies.

In his memorandum dated November 15, Quitain ordered all department heads to temporarily suspend the conduct of inspections from December 1, 2014 to January 5, 2015.

Quitain said agencies like the Office of the City Building

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15,000 food packs sent to the Visayas T HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 has dispatched an initial 15,000 family food packs to areas affected by typhoon “Ruby” in Eastern Visayas and the neighboring areas.

Bonifacio Selma, DSDWD Region 12 acting operations division chief, said Monday the relief goods are now in transit and are expected to arrive in the typhoon-hit areas within the next two to three days. “(The food packs) will be delivered to our units in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) to augment the ongoing relief operations there,” he said in an interview over local television show Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao.

Selma said the food packs were part of the assistance prepared by the DSWD-12 in anticipation of the onslaught of typhoon “Ruby,” which made its first landfall on Saturday night in Dolores, Eastern Samar.

As of 2 p.m. Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the eye of typhoon “Ruby” was spotted at 30km northwest of Torrijos, Marinduque.

Selma said DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman earlier ordered all regional offices in the country to prepare relief packs for immediate dispatch to the typhoon-ravaged areas.

Each standard family food pack contains six kilograms of ice, eight sachets of

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CHECK YOUR LIGHTS. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao City chief Engr. Edwin Banquerigo (right) reminds consumers to look for the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers and refrain from buying substandard Christmas lights which can cause fires during the holidays. Banquerigo,

together with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 11 regulation officer Arnold Alindada (left), graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

FDA warns vs toxic toys

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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EWARE: the toys your child receives on Christmas could be

toxic.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, Arnold Alindada, chief of the inspection unit of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) 11, said some toys in the market are potential sources of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic which are deadly and highly poisonous.

“The agency has intensified its monitoring especially this gift-giving season,” Alindada said.

He said it is high time the people become conscious

of the toys they purchase in stores and other establishments because children are the most susceptible.

He said long term exposure to heavy metals can cause health problems and even death among children According to the World Health Organization (WHO), young children absorb four to five times as much lead as adults. Infants and young children, especially those less than 5 years of age, are most susceptible to the adverse effects of lead.

The WHO said exposure to high level of lead can cause gastrointestinal disturbances (anorexia, nausea,

vomiting, abdominal pain), hepatic and renal damage, hypertension and neurological effects (malaise, drowsiness, encephalopathy) that may lead to convulsions and death.

According to FDA Advisory No. 2013-042, lead gains entrance in the body when children put painted toys in their mouth, nibble or bite on them, or chew or salivate on them until the paint with lead or lead in paint is ingested.

Alindada said the FDA 11 has collected samples from some stores here.

“They have already been sent to our central office for

11 salon branches padlocked by BIR A

PADLOCKED. Personnel of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 11 implement a temporary closure order on a branch of the Leo Revita Salon along Ponciano Reyes Street in Davao City yesterday after its owner failed to pay its tax obligations. BIR 11 closed down 11 branches of the said establishment. Lean Daval Jr.

testing,” he added.

He clarified that FDA has not flagged any toy store in Davao City or Region 11 as of now.

Alindada said most toy products that have high exposure to heavy metals are “smuggled from China and other countries that were not inspected and registered in our database.”

He said the best option is to buy from registered business establishments.

He also said consumers have to check if toy products have the FDA sticker to verify their registration. Aside from stickers, consumers must also check the labels.

TOTAL of 11 branches of Leo Revita Salon were padlocked by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 112-Tagum yesterday under its Oplan Kandado program.

Revenue district officer (RDO) Nelia Demalata said the owner of the salon’s violations include failure to register as a Value Added Tax (VAT) payer, failure to pay as taxpayer, and non-issuance of official receipts and under-declaration of receipts by more than 30 percent.

Demalata did not divulge by how much the owner under-declared the receipts,

saying it is confidential. She also did not say how much the penalty the owner has to pay because it is dependent on how much the under-declaration was.

“He needs to pay all the penalties in order to have the violation lifted,” she said.

Demalata said Leo Revita Salon has 11 branches: four in Tagum City, two in Panabo City, and five in Davao City. Some of its branches in Davao City are located in Tibungco, Ponciano Street, and in Matina in front of Ateneo de Davao University Matina Campus.

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

Tourism businesses doubled this year establishments was caused by the random and routine inspections carried out by CTOO licensing division, development of new commercial areas, annual One Stop Shop service for business registrants for easy processing of license, and various tourism programs that establishments can be involved in to advance their business.

Marques said the CTOO was able to record a total of 1,614 establishments composed of restaurants, cafes, bars, travel agencies and tour operators, spa and wellness centers, resorts, tourist

transport operators, tour guides, and professional congress organizers.

She said registration fee collected from tourism-related establishments reached P2,121,196.88.

Registered tourism establishments was also recorded to generate a 17,385 tourism jobs for the first nine months of the year.

The bulk of the tourism jobs recorded were from restaurants with a total of 9,461, tourism related establishments like bars and cafés with 2,401, and hotels with 3,269.

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EPARTMENT of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said on Monday that typhoon “Ruby” would have minimal effect to the agriculture sector, especially on crops and poultry products, thus ensuring that there will be ample food supply and stable prices this Christmas season.

In a press briefing held at the DA main office in Quezon City, Alcala said that reports of losses on palay – initially estimated at around Php312.86 million

in Regions 5 and 8 – would have minimal effect on the overall rice production for 2014 as the last harvest season for the year was already finished.

“Most of the affected farms are by and large newly-planted and in our experience, newly-planted palay have a high chance of recovery,” he said.

“Furthermore, pre-positioning of seeds has been done in all regions so that they can be immediately distributed to affected farm-

ers when needed,” Alcala said.

The DA has reported that 78,479 bags of certified palay seeds have been pre-positioned nationwide, with 58,952 bags positioned in the affected regions.

Meanwhile, Alcala noted that typhoon “Ruby” also had minimal effect on the poultry sector as most of the poultry-producing areas have not been affected by the typhoon’s wrath.

“Region 4-A, the main supplier of poultry products

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tablishments licensed last year.

“Consequently, the registration fees for January to October 2014 is 16.15 percent higher than that of the same period in 2013, translating it to an estimated P295,000.00 increase in collection,” Marques said.

Marques said the CTOO recorded a total of 1,429,827 tourist arrivals in 2013, reflecting a 33 percent increase from the previous year of 1.075 million.

She said aside from the hike in the number of tourists, the increase in tourism

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S Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 is raised over National Capital Region (NCR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured that there are adequate supplies of goods and prices are stable in Metro Manila.

“All our price monitoring team are out to check supplies and prices of goods in groceries and supermarkets over the weekend. The price monitoring report showed that there are enough supplies and stable prices of goods,” DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba told Philippines News Agency Monday.

Dimagiba also revealed that manufacturers and distributors of sardines, noodles, candles and match, which were identified by DTI as commodities with limited

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

HE number of tourism-oriented and tourism-related establishments operating in Davao City rose by more than 100 percent this year compared with the entire year of 2013.

Speaking during the Department of Tourism (DOT)’s year-end report and Christmas party at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City tourism officer Lisette Marques said the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) registered 1,614 establishments this year, 113.34 percent higher than the recorded number ofes-

Supplies, prices of goods stable: DTI supplies in Samar, started to deliver and replenish supplies of these goods.

“Everything is normal for supplies and prices. Rolling cargo vessels where there are no storm signals can now sail. So supply will be delivered to the Samar provinces and others,” he said.

He also noted that DTI is extending operations of its hotline numbers to assist consumers in time of typhoon.

DTI can be reach through its Contact Center ng Bayan hotline 1-6565 and via text at 0908-881-6565. For DTI Direct Call Centers, consumers may call (02) 751-3330 and 0917-834-3330.

The government stressed that the public should avoid panic buying as supplies of commodities are adequate and prices are stable. (PNA)

for Metro Manila, have seen minimal effect from the typhoon. There will be enough supply of poultry products this holiday season,” he said.

He made the same assurance on upland vegetables as Baguio and Nueva Vizcaya and other Northern Luzon provinces would not be affected at all by “Ruby.”

“We see no increases in the prices of rice, vegetables and poultry products.

There is enough supply despite typhoon Ruby,” Alcala stressed. (PNA)

Economists discuss Alcala expects minimal damage from ‘Ruby’ SMEs in global trade D

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HILIPPINE economic managers on Monday stressed the need to focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses in relation to their situation in the regional and global trade.

In his speech during the first day of the two-day Informal Senior Officials Meeting (ISOM) at Makati Shangri La, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said that while governments in the region are tackling issues on free trade agreements among others, the Philippines will bring to fore issues on how to help the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small business among others.

“We will put special emphasis on the SME agenda… from our perspective SME is very critical not only on APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) but to the forward movement of global trade,” he said.

The Philippines will host APEC 2015 Meetings.

Last week, President Benigno Aquino III spearheaded the official launch of the country’s hosting of the event where he emphasized the focus on SME-related issues and inclusive growth among others.

Domingo said SME and small business players are finding it hard to be part of the regional economic cooperation because of cumbersome rules and lack of

access for most part of the economic environment.

Also, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, in his speech during the same event, said there is a need to focus on SME especially since Southeast Asia is seen to remain to be a bright spot in the world economy in the coming years.

He noted that Asia as a whole is projected to post an average growth o 3.8 percent in the next two years.

He noted that since risks to global growth remain there is a need to discuss how emerging economies like those in Asia and the Pacific can surpass these.

He said SME-related issues should be given attention to because of the sector’s rising importance on regional and global trade.

He stressed the need to identify measures that would provide open and transparent business environment for SMEs “to increase their profits and supply capacities.”

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, in his speech during the ISOM opening ceremonies, said he is optimistic that the Philippines’ recent economic achievements will be among the topics that would enrich discussions during the symposium.

“We believe that these priorities will increase inclusiveness in Asia,” he added. (PNA)

SWISS WATCH VS SWISS KNIFE. Tempus brand manager Rainier Jacinto (right) allows Edge Davao associate editor Jon Joaquin to try to scrape a scratch-proof Swiss wrist watch with a Swiss knife during a media visit to the Tempus outlet at SM Lanang Premier on Friday afternoon. Tempus is the country’s leading distributor of affordable luxury wrist watch brands. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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6 THE ECONOMY Honda sees at least 10% growth in 2015 T HE local arm of Honda in the Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI), is more optimistic for 2015 as it sees at least 10 percent growth in its sales next year.

HCPI President and General Manager Toshio Kuwahara told reporters that the Tokyo-based automaker can grow its sales in the Philippine market by double digit next year after launching several new models this year.

Kuwahara, however, said that for end-2014, the company expects that its sales will match the 2013 sales or will only have slight increment.

HCPI ended 2013 with 13,365 units, in which Kuwahara stressed that the company may end in the same level this year or up to 13,500 units.

He said that in the first 11 months of the year, its total sales reached around 12,000 units.

He attributed the slow growth in sales for this year to decrement in production of its old models during the first quarter of the year, preparing for the introduction of new models.

Among its new car models this year include Accord, City, Civic, Jazz, CRV, Brio and Brio Amaze.

“We expect sales to normalize next year and all

these new models will contribute to the growth next year,” the HCPI chief added.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program of the government, Kuwaha said that he preferred that the government will give direct incentives to buyers than giving perks to the auto firms if the country targets to stimulate the local auto industry.

He mentioned that the direct incentives to buyers -- may be through eliminating or reducing value-added tax (VAT) in purchasing locally-made cars -- can boost purchasing activities in the auto industry.

He also cited that this kind of incentive is successful in markets such as Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand.

“That is one way of stimulating the local industry. The government can provide incentives to customers for buying locally-made cars. This will lead to higher purchasing and will stimulate the industry for higher production,” Kuwahara said.

“If we have big market in the country, we will have larger production, and the more competitive cost, then we can start to export cars,” he added.

(PNA)

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

WOOD TALK. MATIMCO, Inc. retail channel manager Edwin Cleofe walks members of Davao City media through the wood products that the company sells at its recently-opened showroom at SM Lanang Premier over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI chief sees manufacturers locating in Mindanao by 2015

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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RADE and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo believes the positive power situation in Mindanao next year and the promise of peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will entice investors in manufacturing to locate here.

In a recent interview with reporters, Domingo said sufficient power supply is an important factor that investors consider in starting up a big business in any area.

“It’s very hard to attract business if you don’t have sufficient power, but with the commissioning of the coal-fired power plants, Mindanao will have enough power supply,” he said.

The Mindanao power grid is projected to have an excess of 580 MW next year.

The big bulk of the new power supply will be coming from the AboitizPower/Therma South 300MW coal-fired energy project located in Toril, Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur which be commissioned by the first quarter of 2015.

Other sources will be Sarangani Energy Corporation’s 200MW Southern Mindanao coal-fired power station in Maasim, Sarangani; First Gen Mindanao Hydropower Corporation’s 30MW Puyo hydroelectric power project in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte; and San Miguel Consolidated Pow-

er Corporation’s 300MW SMC Davao power plant project of in Malita, Davao del Sur. All these are expected to be online by next year.

“You should start to see very strong interest in manufacturing plants coming in Mindanao,” Domingo said.

Manufacturing plants in the Philippines are mostly concentrated in the Calabarzon area at present, but Domingo said the biggest steel manufacturing plant in the country is now in Davao City – SteelAsia’s plan in Bunawan which was inaugurated last Thursday.

Domingo also said the lasting peace that can be

2015 APEC meeting to focus on inclusive, sustained growth

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GAME OF CHANCE. In full view of commuters, these residents spend the noon on December 8 gambling with cards beside the highway in Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

brought by the creation the Bangsamoro will increase investor’s confidence to locate here.

“If we can achieve that peace it will have a big effect not only on investment on manufacturing but also in the tourism sector,” he said.

Domingo said a number of investors, mostly in the agriculture sector, are interested in locating in Mindanao but added that he is positive that manufacturers will start to pour in.

He noted that nationwide, there was a 10.3 percent increase in the manufacturing sector, making it the fastest growing sector – faster than agriculture and services.

HE Philippines has identified four priorities to host next year’s meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which is expected to ensure that a sustained regional economic growth will result in tangible benefits on people’s lives, senior officials said on Monday.

Under the theme “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World,” the priorities include enhancing regional integration, mainstreaming small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in global and regional markets, investing in human capital development, and building sustainable and resilient economies, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said at an APEC Informal Senior Officials Meeting.

The meeting, held in the Philippine capital of Manila on Monday and Tuesday, is the first one among the various APEC meetings leading to the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in November 2015.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the priorities are designed to ensure continuity of past and ongoing work, and promote balance and relevance to each economy’s domestic and regional needs.

“We believe that these priorities will help lead towards a sustained, inclusive, and resilient growth in the Asia Pacific region, and we hope to obtain your support in advancing these strategic priorities,” he said.

Ochoa praised China for what the country had done in hosting the APEC meetings in 2014. [PNA/Xinhua]

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7 AGRI TRENDS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

Seaweed: Moneymaker from the sea Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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EAWEEDS – those marine plants that grow abundantly in shallow reef flats and in lagoons with a water depth of less than two meters at high tide – are recognized as having some “anti-oxidant” elements.

Because of this, scientists from the Southern Philippines Agri-Business Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) are developing value-added products that use seaweed-based carrageenan powder on foods such as cakes, pastries, and cured meat products like sausages, hotdogs, and chorizos.

“We’re trying to make these products more nutritious by adding more vitamins – while blending them with carrageenan,” Jesebel Besas, a food scientist at SPAMAST, was quoted as saying by the staterun Philippine News Agency.

One reason they are focusing on seaweeds is its medicinal properties. “It’s a real possibility that we’ll try to verify and validate at our laboratories – that blending seaweed powder in processed foods can fight cancer. (But) we still need to validate this,” Besas pointed out.

Davao del Sur is part of the Davao Gulf, which has an area of 308,000 hectares. Its water is regarded as one of most favorable habitats for marine creatures. In fact, it is home to at least 10 species of toothed whales and dolphins. Most parts of the gulf are conducive to growing seaweeds.

“Over the years, the economic contribution of seaweed resources to the country’s economy has been recognized and interest in their development has been growing particularly with the increasing demand in the foreign trade for these resources as raw materials for many industries,” said the primer on the status of seaweed industry in the Philippines.

Seaweeds are economically important as raw material for the source of carrageenan, an algal colloid that has various food and industrial applications. Kappaphycus and Eucheuma are the most common

Seaweed

commercially cultured species and comprise the seaweed industry in the Philippines.

In 2010, total seaweed production in the country was 84,500 metric tons and semi-refined carrageenan production was 2,592 metric tons.

“Seaweeds rank as the country’s second major fishery export in 2010 with a collective volume of 34,504 metric tons valued at US$155.6 million,” reports the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the commercial production of seaweeds through farming is presently limited to a few countries in East Asia, making it a high value crop with a high demand in the world market. The Philippines is noted for the culture of seaweeds along with Japan, China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Major industrial commodity “Seaweed is a major industrial commodity and Southern Mindanao has vast coastal resources that can support its production,” an official of the Department of Trade and Industry was quoted as saying

by Sunstar Davao in 2010.

But despite its extensive water resources, Davao region lags behind all other regions in terms of volume produced and areas developed for this purpose. Seaweed has a considerable potential in both local and international markets, with demand rising at a rate of 5 to 10 percent every year with China as the biggest importer.

Domingo Ang, chair of the Davao chapter of PhilExport, told Davao media in 2010: “Our China buyer told us we produce one of the world’s highest quality seaweeds here… and wants us to produce more so he can buy more volume.”

Unfortunately, three years later, Davao still cannot meet the volume required by Chinese buyers as the output is still minimal. “China is still buying seaweeds. But we can’t supply their big volume de-

Lato mand for dried seaweeds at this time,” Ang, who is also the seaweed industry cluster chair, was quoted as saying.

The Philippines, with a total coastline of 36,289 kilometers, has marine resources that provide food to millions of Filipinos and livelihood to a great number of rural families.

Seaweeds grow abundantly in shallow reef flats and in lagoons with a water depth of less than two meters at high tide.

The Philippines is home to various kinds of seaweeds, of which 390 species have been identified as having economic value as food, animal feeds, fertilizers, diet supplement, medicines, and raw materials for industrial products.

Seaweed draws an extraordinary wealth of mineral elements from the sea that can account for up to 36 percent of its dry mass, according to Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine at Portland, Oregon.

What’s in seaweeds?

Nutrition experts classify seaweed as one of the richest

plant sources of calcium. Its calcium content is typically about 4-7 percent of dry matter. At 7 percent calcium, one gram of dried seaweed provides 70 milligrams of calcium, compared to a daily dietary requirement of about 1,000 milligrams. Still, this is higher than a serving of most nonmilk based foods.

Protein content in seaweed varies somewhat. It is low in brown algae at 5-11 percent of dry matter, but comparable in quantitative terms to legumes at 30-40 percent of dry matter in some species of red algae. Green algae also have significant protein content, that is, up to 20 percent of dry matter. Spirulina, a micro-alga, is well known for its very high content: 70 percent of dry matter.

Seaweed contains several vitamins. Red and brown algae are rich in carotenes and are used, in fact, as a source of natural mixed carotenes for dietary supplements. The content ranges from 20-170 parts per million. The vitamin C in red and brown algae is also notable, with contents ranging from 500-3000 parts per million. Other vitamins are also present, including B12, which is not found in most land plants.

Dr. Dharmananda claims seaweed has very little fat, ranging from 1-5 percent of dry matter, “although seaweed lipids have a higher proportion of essential fatty acids than land plants.” Green algae, whose fatty acid make-up is the closest to higher plants, have a much higher oleic and alpha-linoleic acid content.

Seaweed has high fiber content, making up 32 percent to 50 percent of dry matter.

The soluble fiber fraction accounts for 51-56 percent of total fibers in green and red algae and for 67-87 percent in

Seaweed for eating

Goso brown algae. Soluble fibers are generally associated with having cholesterol-lowering and hypoglycemic effects.

Other uses In Asia, seaweed is a popular ingredient of some recipes. China’s zicai, Korea’s gim, and Japan’s nori are actually sheets of dried Porphyra species used in soups or to wrap sushi. Chondrus crispus (commonly known as Irish moss or carrageenan moss) is a red alga used in producing various food additives. Affectionately called dulce in northern Belize, seaweeds are mixed with milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla to make a common beverage.

In Tiwi, Albay, some residents have discovered a pansit (noodles) made from seaweed, which has health benefits. The seaweed noodle is rich in calcium and magnesium and can be cooked into pansit canton,

pansit luglug, spaghetti, and carbonara.

So far, four species – Halimada, Hypnea, Sargassum, and Asparagopsis – have been used as feed or fodder for livestock.

Species of Cladophora, Enteromorpha, Chaetomorpha, and Gracilaria are used to supplement or substitute for fishfood for cultured herbivorous fish.

The high potassium content of brown seaweeds like Sargassum, Turbinaria, Hormophysa, and Hydroclathrus make them ideal substitutes for costly fertilizer. In Kidapawan City, Jose Riga has developed an all-purpose seaweed-based organic fertilizer and soil conditioner in stabilized pellets. The fertilizer is made from brown seaweed, cattle manure, stabilizing compounds and an organic binder fortified with soluble compounds of a number of nutrients.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

EDITORIAL Hospitality blues

P

EOPLE living in rural communities tend to gravitate to the urban centers thinking, rightly or wrongly, that there are more opportunities to improve the life of individuals and families in the metropolitan areas than in the boondocks.

For instance, the livability that precedes Davao City’s reputation is a leading factor why thousands of people, Filipinos and foreigners alike, desire to settle here permanently. Of course, livability of the city has to do with a plethora of condiciones sine quibus non such as quality living standards, crime rates, health statistics, sanitation standards and expenditures of government and the private sector on such vital public services as housing, electricity, potable water, hospital facilities measured in number of beds and state-of-the- art diagnostic contraptions and gadgets, educational institutions and facilities for leisure and diversion, entertainment, employment, income growth, cost of living and even artistic and cultural opportunities.

A microcosm of the above conditions that arguably have been a source of the Dabawenyos’ bragging rights is the city’s attractiveness to visitors when it’s Christmastime. Balikbayans come home to partake of the city’s brand of Yuletide revelry, greatly enhanced in recent years by the Pasko Fiesta organized by the city government as part of its annual tourism program, something that they cannot have in their host countries.

However, the balikbayans’ exodus back home is nothing compared to the yearly phenomenon of the lumads, or members of the Indigenous Peoples, coming down from their abodes in the boondocks to join us, their brethren, in the lowlands in the Christmas celebration.

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Decidedly, there is nothing like this in other parts of the country, another phenomenon that Dabawenyos can take pride in.

Except that it has given the city some king-size challenges that are growing as the years go by. As of yesterday, more than 11,000 lumad families have descended from the highlands and are now temporary housed in eight public gyms. These visitors, half of whom are children, have to be rationed with food from December 1 to December 26 , provided with sanitary amenities, water and regular medical checkup to avoid the outbreak of epidemic. Garbage collection alone is done in three shifts by the City ENRO (Environment and Natural Resources Office) during the lumads’ Christmas furlough. During the period, work of the city engineer’s office road maintenance team virtually comes to a halt as its only 28 dump trucks are fully engaged in moving the IP visitors from one place to another and in running errands for the committee that manages the whole shebang.

The kids, some of whom are still in toddlerhood, swoop down on the roads early morning to beg from motorists and passengers, oblivious to the risks that could kill them.

There is no doubt, Dabawenyos are happy and proud of their hospitality are demonstrated in their warm welcome to the lumads. However, we’re sure they’ll be happier and prouder if someone could come up with creative ways of removing the worsening challenges that come with hosting the lumads.

Take note that many of the lumads are from other places outside the city, like Surigao, Bukidnon and Arakan Valley.

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

RICHARD C. EBONA AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation Marketing Supervisor

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Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

T

HE Davao visit of the President immediately drew great interest in Manila in the months to come. The July 1936 editorial of the Philippine Magazine pointed out that Quezon’s remark before the legislature that “there is nothing in the so-called Davao problem that should cause a serious concern,” helped calm down the hysteria in some quarters in Japan that were stunned by the cancellation of the leases on Japanese landholdings.

Observers theorized the President’s statement on the land issue was anchored on the expectation that the problem could “be solved satisfactorily, yet it is not to be assumed that the Japanese will give up their preset dominant position in Davao without a struggle.” In his statement before the National Assembly, he said: “A vast and rich territory with untapped natural resources is a temptation to enterprising nations that are looking for an outlet for their excess populations.

While no nation has the right to violate the territorial integrity of another nation, people that lack the energy, ability, or desire to make use of the resources which Divine Providence has placed in their hands, afford a excuse for a more energetic ad will-

T

HE inconvenient truth about water is out.

The Nobel-prize winning United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in a report some years ago estimated that by 2080 nearly half the world’s population will be without clean water.

However, the water crisis may come sooner than the UN body has predicted.

“Population growth, increased economic activity, and improved standard of living are placing tremendous pressure both on the reserve supply and service delivery systems,” declared Dr. Sevillo D. David, Jr., executive director of National Water Resources Board, during the recent trade fair and business leaders’ conference of BIMP-EAGA Summit held in Davao City.

In his presentation, Dr. David said the Philippines has 12 water resources region, 421 principal river basins, 18 major river basins, and 72 lakes. The country’s annual average rainfall is 2,400 millimeters.

The dependable surface water supply of the country is estimated at 125,790 million cubic meters per year. The groundwater potential is around 20,200 million cubic meters per year.

But due to surging population, the current water supply may not be enough.

Currently, 100 million Filipinos live in the country’s 300,000 square kilometers.

Experts claim that with an annual population rate of 2 percent to 2.3 percent, the Philippines would be facing a water shortage by 2025. That’s 11 years from now.

In Davao City, however, water crisis may even come earlier. As of 2011, the city is home to 1,530,365 people, making

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

The Davao problem

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST ful people to deprive them of their lawful heritage. If, therefore, were resolved to conserve Mindanao for ourselves and our posterity, we must bend our efforts to occupy and develop it ad guard it against avarice I greed.”

Pundits in Manila also remarked that the customs figures on imports and exports at the time showed evidently that there was “a definite attempt on the part of

9

the Japanese to restrict the economic benefits of their efforts in the [Davao] region to themselves ad to Japan, and a to build a Japanese community with its own schools and churches, its own bank its own lad ad sea transportation systems, and even its own officials, separate and apart from the general life of the country, secretive yet aggressive, and… expanding constantly.”

The tightening of the noose in terms of Japanese investment in Davao got a big blow when on Sept. 10, 1936, the Supreme Court, by invoking the provisions of the 16-month-old Constitution, upheld the decision of the Public Service Commission denying the petition of a Japanese entrepreneur in Davao to increase his equipment by the addition of another Ford car.

Although he was granted a certificate of public convenience in 1929 to operate a Ford automotive to transport passengers, the high tribunal, in a ruling ,said “the petitioner is not a citizen of the Philippines and not a corporation or other entity organized under the laws of the Philippines sixty per cent of the capital of which is owned by the citizens of the Philip-pines.”

On October 16, the president signed into law Commonwealth Act No. 51 el-

evating Davao to a chartered city. Sponsored by Assemblyman Romualdo C. Quimpo, the law was filed chiefly as an offshoot of the apprehension the agrarian problems evolving from the expanding Japanese acquisition of large tracts of lands in Davao would eventually result in foreign control of the local economy. The enactment took place two weeks after the government received reports on September 30 of the entry of Japanese in Davao claiming to be American citizens from Hawaii.

The restrictions imposed by the 1935 Constitution on Japanese-cultivated abaca farms compelled the foreigners to look for other options abroad. Mitsui Bushan Kaisha, Ltd. was reported in 1938 to have opened plantations at Tawan North Borneo using Davao seedlings and experienced Japanese workers. The farms were leased for 99 years. Eight years earlier, Yoshizo Furukawa had started scouting lands for hemp plantations in South American. A 1953 U.S. study shows that he brought planting materials, mostly the Tangongon variety, to Panama before these were exported to Ecuador, where he is the “father of the abaca indus-try.”

in the world.” Its water is tested internationally to be the best quality of clean and safe water in the world. Actually, it is said to be “absolutely perfect.”

But for how long this water will be available, no one knows. Journalist Jefry Tupas, in an article some years back, wrote this information: “Right now, over 99 percent of the water consumed by the city comes from groundwater extracted from the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed.

With a daily extraction of 212,000 cubic meters from 50 production wells, sustainability is in danger.”

This daily extraction of groundwater has a corresponding consequence. Dr. Kelvin S. Rodolfo, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago, interviewed by GMA News Online, singled out Davao City, five other cities, and Metro Manila as those that will experience land subsidence – or the sinking of land.

Although there are natural causes of subsidence, Dr. Rodolfo explained that over-pumping of groundwater can “speed up” the process. “(The) ultimate problem is population. As population increases, groundwater use increases… and overuse of groundwater can greatly speed up the process (of land subsidence),” he was quoted as saying.

Again, too much population is also contributing factor. So, other than reducing groundwater usage, Rodolfo stressed: “If you can’t control population… You need to bring water from the outside… that’s the solution — surface water from the outside.”

“Today, we withdraw water far faster than it can be recharged – unsustainably mining what was once a renewable resource,” writes Janet Abramovitz,

a researcher/writer of the Washington-based Worldwatch Institute.

“Water, not oil, is the most precious fluid in our lives, the substance from which all life on earth has sprung and continues to depend,” writes Maryann Bird in an article which appeared in Time. “If we run short of foil and other fossil fuels, we can use alternative sources. If we have no clean, drinkable water, we are doomed.”

“World demand for water doubles every 21 years, but the volume available is the same as it was in the Roman times,” observes Sir Crispin Tickell, former British ambassador to the United Nations and one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

“Something has got to give.”

Next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival. A household of five needs at least 120 liters per day to meet basic needs – for drinking, food preparation, cooking and cleaning up, washing and personal hygiene, laundry, house cleaning, according to Worldwatch.

A person needs at least 24 liters of water daily or one liter per hour. Even when he breathes, he still needs water.

“Our lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide,” writes Leroy Perry in a Reader’s Digest article.

“It is possible to lose half a liter of liquid each day just by exhaling.”

As water becomes more scarce, conflict over water rights are inevitable.

“Wars will be fought over water,” World Bank’s Ismael Serageldin once pointed out.

Will that happen in Davao City? Your answer is as good as mine!

Dried out

it the counTHINK ON THESE! try’s largest city outside Metro Manila.

The City Mayors Foundation ranks Davao City as the 87th fastest growing city in the Henrylito D. Tacio world, and henrytacio@gmail.com it has been listed by the UK-based Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Magazine as the 10th “Asian City of the Future” together with two other Philippine cities – Quezon City (ranked 7th) and Cebu City (8th place).

Davao City serves as the regional center for the Davao Region. In fact, the spike in the city’s population was mainly due to the influx of people from other parts of the country. As the National Statistics Office explains, “The increase in population was the result of migration, among others, of people from other regions because Davao City offers many opportunities as a hub of government, business, and industries.”

Davao City, one of biggest cities in the country, is blessed with abundant fresh drinking water, both ground and surface.

According to its website, “Mount Apo serves as the recharge point and the areas at the foot of the mountain contain these large reservoirs, the biggest of which is the Calinan, Toril and Talomo Triangle.”

As everyone now knows, the city’s tap water is considered to be the “best water

VANTAGE POINTS

10 NEWS Christmas... FFROM 1 yo,” Quitain said.

In an interview with Edge Davao, City Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) head Erwin Alaparaque said the local finance committee (LFC) of the executive department will hasten the proceedings so that it will be endorsed to the City Council.

Alparaque said the LFC already endorsed its resolution to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and it is now waiting for his signature.

“Then the request from the city mayor to appropriate funds for the grant and payment of Productivity Incentive Allowancewould be endorsed to the City Council,” he said.

Alparaque said the bonus for employees will be included for the Supplemental Budget No. 2 this year.

He said as soon as the City Council approves within next week, the bo-

nus will immediately be released to the employees.

Alparaque said the LFC recommended to draw the fund from the savings on Personal Services (PS) and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

He said all regular, contract of service, and job order government workers will get their bonus as soon as the City Council approves it.

He said he did not know if there would be an increase from last year’s P72 million allocation for the bonus, but regular employees will get P10,000 bonus each while the job order and contract of service will get P5,000 each.

Alparaque said the city government has a total 12, 827 employees: 2,827 are plantilla or regular employees, 4,242 are job order employees, and 5,365 contract of service employees.

to any area that will be devastated by the typhoon in Leyte and Samar.

Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division said the task group will include Army medics and engineers in two light trucks and an ambulance.

“Task Force Caraga as we call this rescue group will cross Lipata ferry and will be

in any affected area in Leyte and Samar in less than six hours,” Lactao said.

He said the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council is mobilizing army reservists, student ROTCs, and police trainees to help repack relief bags for Samar and Leyte.

(Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

provinces like Davao del Norte.

Despite the huge number, the city has enough food packs that will be distributed to each family.

“Despite their huge population, we have enough food supply for them,” she said, adding that the City Mayor’s Office prepared for the event.

Assistant city health officer Dr. Samuel Cruz said the number of Lumads going in the city varies every year. “It is really hard to predict,” he said, adding that it would be better if the city will have another

“We had the main branch in Tagum City (Davao del Norte) closed first before we proceeded here in Davao City,” she said.

Leo Revita Salon was under surveillance for 15 days, from October 13 to October 27, Demalata said.

“The owner received the closure order himself this morning in Tagum City,” she said, adding that she presumes the owner will settle his penalty so that he can return back to commercial operation.

Zero... FFROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

Oil prices retreat on Saudi price cut

O

IL prices dropped further as Saudi Arabia lowered its official selling price to Asia.

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. extended a discount of 2 U.S. dollars a barrel below the original benchmark to Asian clients, the largest Saudi oil company said Thursday.

The Saudi price cut continued to weigh on crude prices. U.S. and Brent crudes closed at the lowest level in

more than five years.

Analysts believe that Saudi Arabia does not intend to cut production but decides to let the market determine the crude prices.

As Saudi Arabia has almost 800 billion dollars in foreign exchange reserves, it can wait the bottom of the oil prices out, it added.

Saudi Arabia won’t give up its market share “at this time for anybody,” said

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the kingdom’s former intelligence chief at a conference in London on Tuesday.

Ample supply, moderate demand, a stronger U.S. dollar and uncertainties about global economic growth have been key factors in this recent price trend.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped 30.56 million barrels crude a

day in November, exceeding its official target for a sixth straight month, according to a survey from Bloomberg.

Light, sweet crude for January delivery fell 97 cents to settle at 65.84 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for January delivery lost 57 cents to close at 69.07 dollars a barrel. (PNA/Xinhua)

that all their employees are present at the flag ceremony.

“The flag ceremony is only about 15 to 20 minutes, tapos dili sila ka attend (and yet they cannot attend). One of the reasons they could not attend the flag ceremony was that it starts at 7:30 a.m.

Now, because of the clamor from the employees who said they cannot arrive that early due to heavy traffic on Mondays, the flag ceremony was moved to 8 a.m., which is the start of the official hour of a government employee,” Alparaque said.

He said if an employee is not around during the flag raising ceremony, he or she will be automatically marked late.

One who is habitually late for the ceremony will be be sanctioned based on an executive order issued by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Alparaque said non-compliance with the rules and regulations and violating the executive order is already insubordination.

Earlier, city administrator J. Melchor V. Quitain reminded all heads of offices and employees of City Hall that they are required to attend the flag raising and flag retreat ceremonies.

This after Quitain last month reprimanded some administrative officers after observing that there were only a few of them who were joining the flag ceremony.

He asked some of them to submit an explanation letter on why they were not able to attend the ceremony.

In a memorandum issued on November 27, Quitain said all employees, including contract of service or job orders, should strictly observe the flag ceremony, retreat ceremony, and other commemorations of legal and special holidays.

“Failure to observe and comply with the policy shall be a ground for the filing of appropriate administrative for violation of reasonable office rules,” he said.

For first offense, the employee will be reprimanded.

For second offense, the employee will be suspended up

to one month, and for third offense the employee will be dismissed from service.

Quitain, however, said employees who are performing utility and sanitation work, civil security and security guards, ticket checkers on duty are exempted from attending the activities.

Pregnant women and employees whose condition or illnesses are directly attributed to sunlight exposure and prolonged standing were advised to seek exemption from the Human Resource Management Office.

The City Hall flag ceremony starts at exactly 8 a.m. every Monday, while the flag retreat is at 5 p.m. every Friday.

shelter area.

Cruz said the city does not have a listing system that will record the total number of Lumads visiting the city every December.

However, there is a plan to implement a biometric system that will be used during the food ration distribution next year.

Cruz said the huge number of Lumads packed in a single place cause health problems. He said communicable diseases are more likely to spread in congested and highly-populated areas.

Among these diseases

are pneumonia and gastrointestinal problems like low bowel movement (LBM).

He said some of the women even give birth in the shelters.

“Women just deliver their child in the area and will be referred to SPMC (Southern Philippines Medical Center). We have midwives in each area,” he said.

Cruz said CHO is still supervising the area because he is not completely sure if all Lumads got their individual anti-measles vaccine shots in their re-

spective health centers.

He said CHO deployed 24 personnel, with four in each area, in every shift.

He said CHO is implementing three shifts every day.

On the sanitation side, he said it is important that attached offices like the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) do their duty in securing the cleanliness of the shelter areas.

“No matter how we teach our brothers and sisters, it will be useless if the area is unclean due to uncollected garbage,” he said.

Official (OCBO), City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO), and City Health Office (CHO) will continue with their inspection but only on a caseto-case basis and with the explicit order and approval from his office or from Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Quitain said in the case of the OCBO, it should be allowed to conduct inspections because it is only given 72 hour to release the building permits of the applicants.

“How can they release

the permit if they will not conduct inspections? They have to inspect. I will not sign the permit if there is no inspection report,” he said.

For his part, Human Resource Management Office head Erwin Alparaque said the City Veterinarian’s Office will continue its inspection of the markets to prevent the entry of double dead and hot meat especially during the holiday season when there is a big demand for meat.

“We haven’t talked yet but I expect that he will coordinate with our office immediately after the operation. It will be a huge loss in terms of revenue considering that his salon has many branches in different cities,” she said.

Demalata said there are Leo Revita Salon branches in malls that were not padlocked because they are registered under different owners.

“We heard during our surveillance that the owner had just decided to franchise

his salon so that it will be not included in our list,” she said.

Demalata said BIRRDO 112-Tagum planned to temporarily close a total of 12 branches of the salon, but one branch closed before its surveillance started last October.

She said failure to pay as taxpayer, non-issuance of official receipts, and under-declaration of receipts is common among salons and beauty parlors.

“To business establishments owners, please issue

official receipts and invoices for every sale or every service you render to taxpayers to avoid the same closure order with Leo Revita,” she said.

Demalata said Leo Revita is the first establishment closed by her district office this year.

“Our target is only four for Tagum City and we have exceeded that for this year,” she said, adding that RDO112 will start its surveillance and monitoring early next year. [CRC]

coffee, eight packs of instant noodles and six canned goods comprising three sardines and three corned beef.

The relief packs are meant address the immediate food needs of a family of five for two to three days.

Selma said their offices and units within the region are currently accepting relief donations from residents, local government units and private entities.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South

Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

He said concerned residents and entities may coordinate with the DSWD-12’s standards office for the delivery of the donations.

Aside from the DSWD12, several private organizations in the area have started gathering donations to assist the relief operations in areas affected by the typhoon. (MindaNews)

11,000... FFROM 2

11 Salon... FFROM 3

City Hall... FFROM 2

City Hall halts... FFROM 3

15,000... FFROM 3

COMMUNITY SENSE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 191 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014

TYPHOON RUBY RESPONSE

PLDT, Smart, Sun help gov’t get ready I

N line with final preparations for Typhoon Ruby, PLDT, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and Sun Cellular (Sun) have been assisting various local government offices and agencies for their emergency communications requirements.

For the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), Smart and Sun provided wireless broadband devices as well as additional mobile phones and load to be used for hotline coordination for their National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Operation Center located in Quezon City.

PLDT is also installing five additional landlines and DSL data link for the OCD and TD-LTE wireless broadband links for the three command centers of Cebu City.

Various units reporting to the OCD have also been posting updates and reports via Batingaw, a mobile application co-developed by the agency and supported by Smart where users can post geo-located status with photos, among other emergency response functionalities such

as sending safety status via text to designated numbers.

Batingaw is available for free download at Google Play and Apple Store.

Smart’s Infoboard system is being used by the Cebu Province to provide timely bulletins and prayers to local disaster responders via text messages. Smart Satellite phones have also been provided to the Cebu Provincial Office, Cebu Provincial Police Command, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Region 6, the Bohol Provincial Office and Borongan City in Samar through Rep. Ben Evardone.

To help in coordination, additional airtime load has also been provided to the various Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices of Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Catarman in Northern Samar and the province of Iloilo.

In Bicol, Smart provided the Naga City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council with Smart Bro wifi units and additional PLDT landline as backup emergency communications.

Meanwhile, the prov-

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service Case No.2012-XI-00250 ROCKY ROY V. CABILES, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - -- - - -----x

NOTICE OF HEARING

TEST. Cebu province officials led by provincial administrator Mark Tolentino test Smart satellite phone equipment that will be used for emergency communications for Typhoon Ruby. ince of Albay is also using Smart Infoboard and Pindot, a mobile app that runs on the same platform as OCD’s Batingaw. Smart Infoboard is also currently being used by other local governments and agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu City, Danao City, OCD-Cordillera Autonomous Region, as well as by the

Archdiocese of Cebu.

PLDT, Smart, and Sun are continuously monitoring the updates on the typhoon as network and operation teams have been stepping up preparations to ensure that vital communications services will remain on-air. The companies are also prepared to deploy Libreng Tawag stations for post-disaster response in coordination with

the local governments. On top of making their networks more resilient, PLDT, Smart and Sun have been expanding efforts to provide communications solutions for government offices and agencies to assist in crisis management.

Recently, the telcos provided voice, SMS and Internet services for the UN Peacekeepers quarantined in Caballo, Island.

We’re hoping to undertake actual field work by tomorrow (Monday),” Crisanto said.

The telecommunications provider said initial assessment indicates there are no major outages caused by Typhoon Ruby, which made landfall in Eastern Samar Saturday night. Service disruptions were due mostly to power outages and misalignment of antennas following

strong winds brought by the typhoon, she said.

As part of its preparation to cushion the impact of Typhoon Ruby, the mobile operator has prepositioned critical tools, spares and equipment to expedite recovery process. To minimize significant damage to network infrastructure, Globe also implemented a preemptive measures that include a tem-

porary service interruption of mobile coverage in Eastern Samar. Full restoration may be completed within a 48hour period after recovery efforts are initiated.

As of 12 pm of December 7, service interruptions have been monitored in some areas in the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Western Samar.

Globe initiates service restoration process G

LOBE Telecom said Sunday its network operations team has initiated service restoration process in areas affected by Typhoon Ruby. As of 2 pm, December 7, the process mainly involves assessment of the typhoon’s impact on network infrastructure as weather remains unfavorable for field personnel to do actual field work.

Still, the company’s operations team in Visayas is ready to address network concerns brought by Typhoon Ruby, weather permitting, Senior Vice-President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said. “The safety of our employees is our main priority at any given time. Needless to say, the company is ready to execute service restoration as soon as weather permits.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao city

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route. WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in region XI with the use of FIVE (5) units, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2014.. In the petition filed on November 24, 2014, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 2015 at 9:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V,, Regional Director, this 24th day of November 2014 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

12 CLASSIFIED

EDGEDAVAO

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

Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

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Day trip Zamboanga

TRAVEL

Getting to know more about Asia’s Latin City

IMAGES of Zamboanga such as the colourful vinta sails are familiar to everyone but the best way to understand and experience Zambanga is by going around Asia’s Latin City and here are my recommendations for a quick day romp around one of the Philippine’s most colourful and storied city with a history that is almost as old as the Philippines itself.

Start the way every Zamboangeño does with breakfast consisting of the City’s all famous satti. Made of grilled beef or chicken served on top of puso (rice cooked in small palm baskets) and drowned in a rich spicy-sweet curryesque gravy. Don’t be surprised when you see neighbouring tables order extra servings of the sauce as they lap it up similar to what one does a rich creamy soup.

After breakfast try to visit the Yakan weaving village located at the Upper Calarian and just along the PanPhilippine Highway. This is where you can find exquisite handwoven textiles featuring traditional patterns turned into products such as table runners, wallets, pouches, pillow cases, and other home accessories. One can also see

how the weavers do their craft using the back-strap loom and appreciate their art.

Morocco may be famous for its exotic souks, but Zamboanga has its own version called the Barter Trade.

A long-established icon of Zamboanga’s strong trading connection to Malaysia and Indonesia, the Barter Trade is where one can buy various

Malaysian and Indonesian goods for a bargain.

One can get lost in its many colourful stalls that sell anything and everything from food items like instant noodles, coffee, cereals, to batik, detergents, and even small appliances. Better purchase some extra luggage weight for the trip home after shopping here.

A hint of history should also be in one’s agenda to complete your Zamboanga City romp and no place is filled with more history to appreciate than Fort Pilar.

Located in the old seaside quarter of the city, Fort Pilar was once a Spanish garrison that had a colourful history as well as stories of wonder thanks to a shrine dedicated to the Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar), the patron saint of Zambo-

Inside Fort Pilar. anga, who was credited to numerous miracles in throughout Zamboanga’s history.

Now a branch of the National Museum of the Philippines, Fort Pilar features collections of Ethnographic materials of Yakan, Subanun, and Sama tribes col-

orful blankets and clothes, hats, back-strap weaving loom; musical instruments; houseboats, fishing tools and household items as well as artefacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Sulu Sea. Asia’s Latin City certainly has a lot to offer and should be

party of any traveller’s bucket list when exploring the many colourful places Philippines.

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

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UP AND ABOUT

Tempus opens at SM Lanang Premier YOU ARE what you wear. That is definitely true in one’s choice of timepiece. It is not only an accessory but a status symbol. A timepiece is often considered an investment and as such special choices in style, quality and craftsmanship will all come to play in finding the right timepiece that will represent value for money and pride in ownership. Let TEMPUS’ able and capable staff help you make the best timepiece investment that will suit your style and inclinations.

Boasting of accessible Swiss luxury brands such as Rado, Tissot and Frederique Constant, TEMPUS offers an array of basic and highly collectible timepieces. Each brand provides an interesting story of its own rich heritage and continued legacy. Like an individual who possesses a distinct identity, each brand within the store showcases a unique quality that a watch enthusiast will invariably connect with.

Durability is a quality best associated with RADO of Switzerland. With its use of high tech ceramics, and scratch resistant materials, a RADO watch endures through your lifetime to the next generation. Always at the forefront of watch innovation, RADO has brilliantly come out with the Esenza Ceramic Touch introducing the thinnest high-tech ceramic watch to the world. It adheres once again to the company’s tried and tested vision: “If we can imagine it, we can make it, and if we can make it, we will.”

Truly, this encapsulates the essence of RADO timepieces, never too old for the times and never too futuristic but always spot-on.

Versatility, on the other hand, is a quality befitting of Tissot. Featuring a line of watches that range from the classic to the sporty, this brand is definitely a go-to brand for both newbie and avid collectors. What has placed this brand on the map and on the radar of watch aficionados was the launch of its T-touch collection, a line of magnificent timepieces that deliver advance functionality through touch-screen technology. Through the years, Tissot has stayed true to its commitment of providing accessible excellence that stays relevant to the current market.

Dignified is the quality closely associated with the brand Frederique Constant.

Paying homage to classical and traditional timepieces that are sensibly priced is truly the mark of excellence given to this brand. Frederique Constant puts a premium on detail and design that is hand-crafted to perfection in their Geneva factory. The Manufacture collection is a harmonious masterpiece of design, movement and parts all created, manufactured and assembled in-house. With attention to detail such as this, you are always guaranteed that your Frederique Constant timepiece is an extension of the watchmaker − precise and polished.

Each timepiece is a story. It is indeed an individual. Today, we finally get to share that story with Davao through the opening of TEMPUS at the 2nd floor of SM Lanang Premier.

Time to share your story, we’ll tell you ours. Come pay us a visit.

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EVENT

Sports for the

daily Grind GRIND is named after a trick performed in various action sports, particularly, skateboarding.

It involves sliding the board’s trucks along a corner or a thin surface. True to its name, the store lives on the very edge of adventure as it aims to raise the adrenaline of its patrons.

A dynamic action sports store, Grind is uncompromising when it comes to high-quality products, innovative technology, and distinct style through providing only premium and soughtafter brands.

And on Nov. 28, they opened their very first store in Mindanao, at Veranza! Amongst their other provincial stores are located in Nuvali (La-

which started at 12nn of Nov. 29, 2014. Grind Veranza’s brand line up, feature Quicksilver, Roxy, O’Neil, FOX, Hurley, Herschel, Fludsurf, Stance (Socks), Spy (eyewear), Baker, Deathwish, Fitflop Superjelly.

More brands are to be added within the first guna) and Ayala Cebu.

Grind’s opening also featured an action sports activity, a BMX open and Skate competition

quarter of next year, now thats another thing to look forward to this coming new year.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

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ENTERTAINMENT

GMA captures the season of giving with new set of GMA Christmas Short Films GMA Network continues to touch hearts this Christmas season as it unveils its latest collection of GMA Christmas Short Films.

Now on its 9th year, the annual film festival carries on its tradition of bringing the Filipino audience heartwarming and uplifting stories that embody the essence of the Christmas season, with each film focusing on how Christmas is made more meaningful because of the people we share it with.

The iconic Jeepney and the wealth of relationships attached to it figure in this year’s Christmas short films, lending a distinctly Filipino element to each story. Kapuso artists such as Benjamin Alves, Bettina Carlos, Kevin Santos, Joshen Bernardo and Miguel Tanfelix play central roles in tales of inspiration and hope.

Featuring rising teen star Miguel Tanfelix, the film Regalo, produced in tandem with Yakult, shows us that every good deed -- no matter how small, can create an impact in the hearts of those around us. Wit-

Fostering family ties and friendships, GMA also encourages its viewers to share the love this season with a unique feature that allows social media users to add a personal touch to their favorite Christmas short films. Users are now able to write and attach a special message at the end of each film and share it with their loved ones on their social media accounts.

Watch and be inspired as GMA unveils more of these heartwarming stories this December.

Over the years, the

ness a community give back and share what they have with their beloved Nay Lorna, a Yakult vendor who has touched their lives in one way or another.

In Happiest Pinoy, GMA, in partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier, shares the true to life stories of Rommel Arellano and Winston Maxino. These two amazing men are living examples; that despite illness or physical defects, one can overcome their own obsta-

cles and choose to live extraordinarily happy lives.

For the film Santa, GMA teams up with Lady’s Choice in a film featuring Kapuso artists Bettina Carlos and Kevin Santos. The film recounts a funny, heartwarming story about a little boy who sets out to discover whether Santa is real or not. What he uncovers in the end is far more important than what he initially starts to investigate.

In Sorpresa, GMA

GMA Christmas Short Films have garnered numerous accolades from international award giving bodies such as AD STARS and Spark Awards and local award giving bodies such as Araw Values Awards, Catholic Mass Media Awards, UA&P Tambuli Awards, and Panata.

Viewers may share in the Christmas joy by viewing the films through the website, www.gmanetwork.com/ GMAShortFilms. For updates, LIKE the Facebook page, www.facebook. com/GMAShortFilms.

partners with KFC in telling the story of a young doctor who leaves his comfort zone in order to serve in a provincial hospital and attend to underprivileged patients. Separated from his family, Doc Louie finds a home away from home through a patient and his family who give him a heartfelt surprise on Christmas Eve. Catch Kapuso hunk Benjamin Alves in his portrayal of Doc Louie in this feelgood film.

Erich says she controls her emotions in slapping scenes with Kaye Abad ACTRESSES Erich Gonzales and Kaye Abad have maintained their good working relationship despite their intense catfight scenes in the controversial teleserye “Two Wives” that tackles marital infidelity.

“You should’t be carried away with your real emotions. If you don’t know how to control them, the slapping scenes could turn into a real-life fight with your co-star,” says Erich in her interview in Tapatan Ni Tunying airing last Thursday.

Erich, who lived a difficult life in Davao City, says being exposed to challenges at a young age has helped immerse in the lives of the characters she plays.

She also reveals that portraying young mother roles in past proj-

ects such as TV series “Katorse,” and movies “Corazon” and “I Do” has prepared her for her character as a single mother in “Two Wives” although she admits she could not quite relate to it at the beginning.

For her part, Kaye says she has few similarities with her character as Yvonne, who was cheated on by husband.

“I am also devoted to my family. But I am not as brave as Yvonne,” says Kaye.

Kaye says she works doubly hard to channel the strong personality of Yvonne.

“I’m just taking my character to heart. I often think that I’m really Yvonne, a tough woman. Sometimes, I unintentionally act like my character in our house because I internalize a lot,” she quips.

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

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EVENT

Lights up at Waterfront Insular Hotel IT IS finally the season to be jolly and merry, and Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao officially marked the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year.

Last November 28, the hotel held their traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, wherein the Christmas Spirit was formally acknowledged and celebrated in and around the property. Guests were treated to a musical prelude at the start of the program, performed by the award-winning Voices of the South, the University of Mindanao Choir and the Insulares Choir, with the Sining Tala Dancers in the foreground. As this was the perfect opportunity to introduce Waterfront Insular Hotel’s new OIC for Hotel Operations, Mr. Byan Yves S. Lasala who gave the welcome address.

“It is the time when gatherings like this one are perfect opportunities to reminisce days and years gone by with nostalgic delight,’ says Mr. Lasala “It is the time for gift-giving and merry-

making, remembering and creating lasting memories as we look back and cherish blessings of the year that was and look forward to the year ahead… As you may have noticed, our theme for our Christmas decoration is geared towards inspiring you to remember events filled with happiness and glee amongst family and friends.”

Indeed, the aura generated by the rustic and vintage decorations beings about a feeling of nostalgia and inspires one to reminisce about the past and relish the present. The hotel spared no expense to bring about this effect, a mist twigs, logs, driftwood and other vintage pieces.

Guests were then ushered to partake in cocktail food and drinks, prepared especially just for the occasion. The night then ended with the Chrtistmas

Spirit ever present in everyone’s hearts and minds.

Drop by the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and get a feel of a rustic and vintage holiday season. For more details and reservations, call +63 82 233 2881 or 300 8881. Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/waterfront.davao.

Waterfront Insular Hotel’s centerpiece.

Mr. Lasala and Kids of Hope’s Dr. Mae Dolendo.

OIC Lasala with Voices of the South.

Waterfront Insular Hotel’s new OIC for Hotel Operations, Mr. Byan Yves S. Lasala.

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Viloria wants another title shot B

RIAN Viloria wants another shot at a world title. The former two time light flyweight and former unified flyweight champion of the world, scored a fourth round knockout victory over Armando Vazquez, Sunday [Manila time] at the Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California.

Viloria landed a picture perfect left hook to the body of Vazquez. The Mexican tried to get up but he crumpled on again as he was counted out by the referee. The official time was 1:37 of the fourth round.

With the victory, Viloria moved up to 35 wins with 21 knockouts against only four losses.

Vazquez drops down to 21 wins against 12 losses.

This was the Hawaiian Punch’s second straight victory after losing his unified WBO and WBA flyweight titles against Juan Francisco Estrada in Macau last year.

Viloria is no spring chicken but he wants to another title run before he closes the book on his storied boxing career.

There is a plan to have Viloria fight again in Macau this March. This fight card will be headlined by the first title shot of China’s Zou Shiming and it could also feature Ana Julaton’s return to boxing along with a title defense for WBO light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes.

Bornea twins score wins

By MANNY PINOL

BRYAN IS BACK Viloria scores rousing TKO win over Vazquez THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH. Brian Viloria poses after scoring a fourth-round TKO over Armando Vasquez.

F

ORMER two division world champion Brian Viloria took a step closer to a world title fight after he lost his WBO and WBA titles to Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico, with a rousing 4th round TKO victory, as expected, over Armando “Chiquito” Vazquez at the Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California.

However, a planned fight on the Zou Shiming title showdown against IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in Macau on March 8 may be jeopardized by a nasty gash suffered

by Viloria due to an accidental

head-butt in the second round which required seven stitches.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum had earlier told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports that should Viloria remain unbeaten in his planned three comeback fights and Zou Shiming wins the title from Ruenroeng, then Viloria and the popular two-time Olympic gold medalist who hasn’t lost a fight since turning pro and signing up with Arum, are likely to figure in a big money fight later in 2015.

It was Viloria’s second win on the comeback trail after he

won a comfortable ten round unanimous decision over Juan Herrera last March 29.

Vazquez forced the action in the early going. Viloria connected with solid left hooks to the body and head before the three-time world champion ripped a devastating left hook to the liver of Vazquez who dropped on one knee and stayed there, with referee Jack Reiss counting out the Mexican at 1:47 of the fourth round.

With the win Viloria improved to 35-4 with 21 knockouts while Vazquez fell to 2014-2 with 65 knockouts.

Estrada himself had a

DESERVING ACHIEVERS. On a night of supposed recognition of sports achievers of the highest kind, these young kids from the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao stood out for winning medals in overseas and national meets. For one too, like Ai Rina Kawano (left), a hearing-impaired karateka who won a gold medal in a national event,

rough time against previously undefeated Filipino Joebert Alvarez who is a protégé of Nonito “Dodong” Donaire Sr, father of five division world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire.

In a ten round non-title bout that was marred by several head-butts, Estrada prevailed over a game Alvarez who wasn’t afraid to engage the bigger world champion who had won the WBO/WBA tiles from Viloria by a split decision and then retained his belts with wins over Milan Melindo and Richie Mepranum.

T

HE upcoming stars of Philippine boxing, twins Jake and Jade Bornea, both flyweights, scored big in their respective bouts in the boxing event staged Saturday in M’lang, North Cotabato.

Jade, the older of the twins but who turned pro later than his brother Jake, stopping a game but outclassed Armando Yee after the end of the second round for a 3rd round TKO victory.

It was Jade’s second victory in as many professional outings and his second consecutive stoppage victory.

Younger twin brother, Jake, who turned pro ahead of Jade, punished Rowiel Garcia causing a huge welt in the latter’s left eye before stopping him at 2:45 of the second round.

It was Jake’s 8th win in 9 professional outings.

The twins, both former members of the amateur boxing team, are under a promotional contract with Sonshine Sports Management and are being lined up for bigger fights in 2015.

In a card staged by Sonshine Sports Management in cooperation with Amoy Boxing of Gen. Santos City which

manages the twins and the municipal government of M’lang under Mayor Lito Pinol, six other Sonshine Sports boxers scored victories over their opponents.

Here are the results: - Former amateur standout Jaime Quitoriano won over Vergil Degoma by majority decision in 6 rounds of a junior bantamweight bout; - Manobo fighter Michael Bravo stopped Jessie Suacasa in the 3rd of a scheduled 6 round junior flyweight bout; - Roskie Cristobal stopped Rey dela Cruz at 45 seconds of the first round of a scheduled lightweight 6 rounder; - Jilbert Gomera stopped Dingdong Quinones at 2:36 of the first round of the 6-round bantamweight bout; - Rolando Magbanua stopped JP Macadumpis at 39 seconds of the 3rd round of scheduled 8-round featherweight bout; - Lorenzo Villanueva knocked down veteran Jaime Barcelona in the 6th en route to a majority decision victory after 8 rounds.

The fights will be shown on SMNI Channel 39 every Saturday at 9 a.m.

the award is well deserved. Some of the awardees, however, were observed to be not of the same level of achievement if the standards earlier set forth by the City Sports Office are strictly followed. AAK Davao head coach Rommel Tan (right photo, standing second from right) led his wards in receiving their awards from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

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CMO caps elims with big win

C

ITY Mayor’s Office wrapped up its elimination stint in the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 12th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament with a 124 – 61 drubbing of Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Christopher “Bong” Go and Glen Escandor put up big numbers as CMO capped its classification phase stint with style, going to the playoffs on a winning note.

Go scattered 31 points and Escandor poured in 27 to assure the City Hall dribblers with a spot in the Final Four with a 9 – 2 record.

CMO won its last two games in the classification round after losing to defending champion Bureau of Fire Protection that shut its door for a twice to beat advantage in the Final Four.

Entering the semifinals as the No. 3 seed, the City

Hall dribblers will be facing second-seed Davao City Police Office and need to conquer the Policemen’s twice to beat advantage.

Guaranteed with a twice to beat incentive for topping the elimination, the BFP still awaits its foes in the Final Four as the race for the last ticket remains unclear.

John Buen paced with 15 points for the Coast Guard who once again had a dreadful season marked with tough losses.

Manuel Montalban and Warren Cloribel chipped in 14 and 12 respectively for the City Hall driblets who lost to DCPO in the elimination round.

It was a heartbreaking loss for CMO as it messed up its bid for a twice to beat incentive in the Final Four.

The other CMO setback was at the hands of the Firemen in overtime. (Rico Biliran)

DRIVING THROUGH. Glenn Escandor of City Mayor’s Office makes his move against a defender in one of the [revious games of the CMO squad in the AFPPNP basketball tournament. Escandor fired 27 against Philippine Coast Guard on Monday for the Execs’ ninth win. Lean Daval Jr.

King James to play before Prince William LEBRON JAMES

P

R I N C E William and his pregnant wife Kate will attend their first NBA game Monday during a three-

day US visit when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Brooklyn Nets.

The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player nicknamed “King James” said it would be a “huge honor” to play before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when he leads the Cavaliers in search of their seventh win in a row at the Barclays Center.

“You read about peo-

ple like them only in books growing up,” James said. “To hear that they’re coming to town to see me play and they want to see me do what I do best, it’s a huge honor.”

The NBA said Sunday the royal couple will attend the game as part of a new partnership between the league and the Royal Foundation, a project linking the league’s NBA Cares program with the foundation’s United for

Wildlife and Coach Core programs.

The projects will unite NBA players and England’s royalty to stress global wildlife conservation, develop a new generation of conservation leaders and boost the sport of basketball.

“I think it’s great different people from different parts of the world want to come see great stars like LeBron and want to see the great game of

basketball here in the United States,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt said.

“That’s a blessing for all of us.”

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony will take part in a Coach Core graduation event to develop new basketball coaches when his team visits London to play the Milwaukee Bucks on January 14 in a regular-season matchup.

“Dapat malaki yung import na makuha namin, kung puwede seven-footer,” he

added.

The Sorento finished the Philippine Cup with a 1-10 record and bowed out of contention. But despite b e i n g

According to Capacio, t h e y ’ r e four players a w a y from b e -

After bowing out, Kia now wants Iranian star Haddadi as import N

Kia,

OW that the conference is over for expansion team the Sorento c a n

now set their sights on the next conference, the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup where there will be no height limit for imports.

Kia assistant coach Glenn Capacio disclosed that the team’s preference would be 7-foot-2 Iranian center Hamed Haddadi, a familiar face and veteran of the NBA, the Olympics and FIBA World Championships.

“Ang gusto namin si Haddadi. Na-email na namin yung agent niya pero hindi namin sure kung makuku-

ha kasi sa salary. Syempre NBA-caliber ito,” Capacio told sportswriters during the postgame interview.

Haddadi was part of the gold medal winning Iran men’s basketball champion team in the 2007, 2009 and 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, where he faced the Philippine national men’s basketball team.

He also played for the Iran team coached by Rajko Toroman in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has had previous stints in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns.

But Capacio said the team will study all options

while trying to maximize their advantage on tapping a big import.

eliminated, Capacio admitted that he was pleased with the team’s performance.

“Standing-wise, record-wise, talagang pangit kung titingnan. Pero for a coach, happy ako sa ipinakita ng mga players ko,” added Capacio.

“Kasi we’re not that talented, bunch of unknowns, but they’re competing.”

coming a formidable team.

“Kailangan makakuha kami ng quality players, three or four players for us to compete. Isang point guard, na parang katulad ni Alex Cabagnot, na kayang mag-execute ng play, at the same time, he can score, he can defend.

Isang big man, scorer talaga na big. Pero mahirap yata kaming makakakuha ng ganun,” said Capacio.

ON WIDE WINGS. Kia Sorento has sent an email to Iranian seven-foot star Hamed Haddadi to play for the expansion squad as import for the next conference in the PBA.

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