Edge Davao 7 Issue 201

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NO BLACKOUTS Davao Light assures enough power during holidays

INSIDE INSIDEEDGE EDGE

FAVORITES MARCH INREVELERS DIE 4 LUMAD PACQUIAO IN CITY ROAD ACCIDENTS 10-BALL OPEN SPORTS page 14 BUS FIRMS AGREE TO INSTALL CCTV CAMS

NEWS page 3 INSIDE

EDGE

FAVORITES MARCH IN CAVS TAME PACQUIAO GRIZZLIES 105-91 10-BALL OPEN SPORTS page 14 SPORTS page 15

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

XPECT a blackout-free holiday season, an official from Davao Light Power Company (DLPC) said yesterday.

“Don’t anticipate power interruptions or scheduled rotating blackouts until New Year’s Eve because we will have stable supply,” DLPC vice president Arturo Milan told reporters in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.

Milan said the power situation has normalized in DLPC’s franchise areas com-

posed of Davao City, Panabo City, and some parts of Davao del Norte.

“The power supply for DLPC’s franchise areas has improved since December 18 because of the increased water level in Pulangi Hydropower Plant” which is now producing 255 megawatts (MW), Milan said.

Last week, Milan told reporters in an emergency press conference that there was a tight power situation because the Agus-Pulangi plant was only producing

60MW The power utility has contracted power supply of 285 from NPC, but it can only supply 242 MW, falling short by 43 MW. Milan had said DLPC did not receive any official notification from the National Power Corporation (NPC) that there would be a supply curtailment, leaving the power company with no choice but to implement 30-minute scheduled rotating blackout and run the DLPC’s standby Bajada Die-

sel Plant.

Yesterday, however, Milan said the schedule was not implemented because of the improvement in power supply.

He also said the demand for power usually goes down during holidays because manufacturing companies do not operate during the season.

He said the average power demand during the holidays is 320 MW, down from the 343 MW on regular days.

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

PEACE TALK. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte talks to members of Guerilla Front 33 of the New People’s Army Southern Mindanao Regional Command and those who witnessed the release of Cpl. Benjamin Samano (left) and PFC Alvin Ricarte (right) who were abducted during a morning raid last December 2 in New Corella, Davao del Norte. Duterte said during the release that he is hoping government would resume the stalled peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. (City Mayor’s Office)

Bus drivers face arrest

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte asked all law enforcement agencies to arrest bus drivers who pick up passengers outside Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

Duterte said he will have Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Francisco Villaroman implement the arrest of bus drivers. He also said the bus companies’ operations will be halted if their drivers are caught doing so.

“Madali lang yan, hulihiin mo lahat tapos huwag mong pabiyahiin (It is easy, just arrest them and do not let them drive anymore),” he said.

Duterte said the bus operators should remember

their duties to protect and ensure the safety of their passengers.

In a meeting last Thursday, Villaroman warned bus companies that they will face charges if a bomb explodes inside one of their units within Davao City.

Villaroman made the statement even as he said passengers will no longer be allowed to board buses outside of the DCOTT to ensure that no bombs are smuggled in.

He said this is for the safety of passengers in the aftermath of several bus bombings in Mindanao, including one that killed 10 people in Maramag, Bukidnon last December 9.

“Kaya may DCOTT tayo kasi diyan dadaan lahat ng pasahero. For security rea-

FBUS, 10

Don’t abduct soldiers during holidays, Duterte tells NPA

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte asked the New People’s Army (NPA) not to abduct off-duty soldiers and police officers especially this season when many of them will go home to celebrate Christmas with their families.

“I would like address myself to everybody and to the soldiers, lalo na yung mga umuuwi sa kanilang probinsya, magsakay ng bus tapos ma-checkpoint (especially, those will go home to their provinces, and they will be caught in the checkpoint while riding the bus). It’s Christmas time, do not do it,”

Duterte told reporters last Sunday afternoon at Camp Felix Apolinario Naval Station in Panacan after the release of two soldiers abducted by the NPA. Duterte said most of the soldiers and police who are off duty are unarmed since they need to deposit their firearms in their camps or station as part of their protocol.

“Maski na may away tayo (even if we have conflict), we have to proceed with a certain amount of respect to the warriors,” he said, addressing the NPA. The mayor recalled an incident in Paquibato where

an unarmed soldier who was supposed to go to home his wife was killed by a rebel.

“Hindi maganda tingnan yan, you kill the person who is walking unarmed,” he said.

“Wala akong problema kung encounter sa bukid, patayin mo kung gusto mo – ubusin mo. Pero yung ganon na mag-uwi, furlough unya daginoton pa, tapos patayin pa. Hindi maganda yan (I do not have any problems if it is an encounter, kill them all if you want. But if they are going home to their families, they are on furlough and you kill them, that is not good),” he said.

Duterte also NPA should also spend time to celebrate Christmas with their families.

“You have to be with your children and your family. It is not time to go to war,” he said.

AGUINDANAO Governor Esmael Mangudadatu is asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct unscheduled visits at the Bicutan jail where the accused masterminds behind the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan Massacre are detained, as he expressed fears that what is happening in the New Bilibid Prison – where convicted druglords and the wealthy

are given access to perks and luxuries – is likely happening in Bicutan as well.

Mangudadatu, whose wife, sisters and relatives were among 58 persons massacred on November 23, 2009 by armed men allegedly led by his former political allies, the Ampatuans, said he received reports that the Ampatuans in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan are still in

Private First Class Mark Alvin Recarte, 23, and Corporal Benajamin Enot Samano, 37, both under the 60th Infantry Battalion, were released by the NPA last Sunday after 19 days in captivity.

The two were captured by the NPA during a raid conducted by Front 33 at the Sumifru Compound in New Corella, Davao del Norte on December 2.

City councilors approve training Mangudadatu to DOJ: Check Bicutan jail, too of hazardous materials handlers M T RAINING for the city’s first responders in the handling of hazardous materials will start next year, an official said.

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Emmanuel Jaldon said the proposal has been approved by the City Council.

The tasks of the first responders range from handling accidents involving chemicals to the containment of biological agents such as Ebola, Jaldon said.

“We need to equip our responders with the proper capabilities in handling hazardous waste, especially in the case of a growing city like Davao,” he said.

He added the plan would also involve the acquisition of more equipment and suits for the job.

The city had another incident Saturday night involving a pipe burst at the Solana ice plant in Puan, which threatened to leak ammonia nearby.

Central 911 and the Bureau of Fire Protection

(BFP) immediately sent teams that can handle hazardous materials to the area, and policemen cordoned the vicinity.

According to Jaldon, the ammonia leak was contained by the plant management 30 minutes after the reported incident.

However, Jaldon

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

3

Bus firms agree to install CCTV cams

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

P FOUR DOWN. City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) assistant head Liway Caligdong says a total of four Lumad carolers – three of them children – have been killed in vehicular accidents since the start of the month. Caligdong was a guest at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 Lumad revelers die in city road accidents

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

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OUR Lumads – three of them minors – have been killed in separate vehicular accidents over the three weeks that Lumads from different places in Mindanao have been in Davao City to go caroling during the Christmas holiday.

Speaking to reporters in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex, City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) assistant head Liwayway Caligdong said the number is higher than last year when her office recorded only a single death caused by vehicular accident.

Caligdong said the CSS-

DO has recorded a total of eight accidents as of December 21, higher than last year’s number of three.

Caligdong did not identify the four fatalities, however. She also did not give any details on the accidents that caused their deaths.

She said this year’s accidents resulted in five hospital admissions due to broken legs. Three have already been released.

“Most of the victims were minors, ” she said, adding that most did not know how to read the traffic lights.

Caligdong said there have been 10 deaths recorded in eight shelter areas

Surigao residents warned of landslides, flash floods

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ESIDENTS living in high-risk areas were warned Monday by the city government to watch out for flood after the water level at Surigao River started to rise due to incessant downpour since Sunday night.

In an advisory Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – Surigao said the water level at Surigao River continued to rise.

“In the last two hours before noon time today, the rainfall amount recorded at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reached 22.2 mm from 15 mm as verified by Engr. Fran-

ces Semorlan of PAGASA Surigao,” said Annette Villaces, city information officer She said the water level recorded from 5-10 a.m. had risen to as high as 1.5 meters.

“Thus, Pagasa Surigao now advised for an alert level 1. All are alerted to take precautionary measures against flashfloods and landslides,” she said.

Villaces said villages in low-lying areas such as Sabang, San Juan, Luna, Rizal, Washington and Togbongon were already alerted.

She said the villages that are prone to landslides like Canlanipa, Rizal, Ipil, Washington were also warned.

(Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

because of cardiac arrest, amoebiasis, stroke, acute pancreatitis, and gastroenteritis.

“The youngest is a oneyear-old baby who suffered from gastroenteritis,” she said.

Caligdong said most of these deaths were caused by diseases the Lumads had acquired before they came down from hinterlands for the holiday season.

“The City Health Office is preventing infectious diseases in our shelter areas because it will defeat the original purpose of why they are here,” she said.

The CSSDO also recorded a total of 23 birth deliver-

ies in the eight shelter areas, which have a combined population of 11,854 families coming from the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Surigao, and Bukidnon.

“Most deliveries were recorded in Buhangin Gym with 12 deliveries, followed

by Calinan Gym with four, Bunawan Gym with three births, and Matina Shanghai and Barangay 5-A Gym with two each,” Caligdong said.

The babies were delivered in the shelter and recommended to Central 911 afterward. Every shelter has one midwife to assist women who are about to deliver their child.

UBLIC Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) Chief Francisco Villaroman yesterday said the 12 bus companies that attended a meeting with him last Thursday agreed to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their units.

Villaroman said the companies will install two CCTV cameras in each bus in order to be able to monitor the commuters closely. The cameras will be placed at the doors.

The monitoring box can only be opened by the bus operator, the police or military, or any security agency of the government that initially recognizes an incident.

“Kung sakaling may sumabog diyan, yung huling bumaba automatic yun ang suspect kaya hindi na natin kailangan ng cartographer para mag drawing ng mukha, kasi bago ka sumakay ng bus tangalin mo yung sombrero

mo o shades mo (If an explosion happens, the last person to disembark will automatically be the suspect. We won’t need to have a cartographer draw the face because before a passenger boards he or she has to take off his or her hat or shades),” Villaroman said.

He said hopes the CCTV cameras will discourage criminals from planting bombs inside buses.

Villaroman said the agreement of the bus operators and the local government will come out early next year, while the compliance will start by early February.

“By early February we expect all bus companies to comply with the agreement.

Anyway it is part of their safety procedures for their passengers,” he said.

He also advised the bus operators to put a “CCTV Safe” sign on the front of their buses to discourage bombers.

NPAs urged to spend holiday with families

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0TH Infantry Division commander Major General Eduardo Año encouraged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to return to their respective families during the Christmas season since there is an ongoing ceasefire and especially since two abducted soldiers were released last Sunday.

“Now that our two soldiers are back to their families, I also encourage them (NPA members) to also celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. We know how hard their life is in the mountains. It’s time actually to open up the peace talks and help each other to help the city of Davao progress,”

Año said.

He also expressed gratitude to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for initiating the talk with the NPA in order to secure the release of the two soldiers.

Private First Class Mark Alvin Recarte, 23, and Corporal Benajamin Enot Samano, 37, both are under the 60th Infantry Battalion, were released by the NPA last Sunday after 19 days in captivity.

The two were captured by the NPA during a raid conducted by Front 33 at the Sumifru Compound in New Corella, Davao del Norte on December 2.

During his release, Re-

FNPAs, 10

CHRISTMAS TREAT. Children from different barangays of Davao City form a long queue at the registration area outside the Davao Recreation Center during yesterday’s “Pahalipay sa Kabataan” which is part of Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw 2014. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

DavOr best performing LGU in implementing MRDP proj

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ATI CITY. - The provincial government of Davao Oriental bagged awards from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) during its culmination program held in Davao City on December 3 as it was recognized for its exemplary performance in the implementation of projects under the MRDP2.

Davao Oriental was hailed Best Performing Provincial Local Government Unit in the entire region in terms of rural infrastructure implementation, especially remarkable accomplishment in the completion of the big-ticket P289 million Cateel Irrigation System, which is by far one of MRDP’s biggest projects.

The MRDP also hailed Davao Oriental as a model LGU that would serve as a benchmark in the whole country in terms of national and local government partnership.

“Concretely, we see here in this project the dynamic beauty of complementation of efforts –the commitment and support of LGUs and other stakeholders, how government funds and assistance from an international financial institution are gradually helping us gain a more secure footing in the wake

of Super Typhoon Pablo and Tropical Depression Agaton, towards the socio-economic development of the Province, as a whole,” said Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon in a message conveyed by the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Freddie C. Bendulo.

An MRDP-World Bank-funded project with counterparts from the Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Government, this massive irrigation dam, considered to be one of Mindanao’s biggest, is touted to boost rice production and make the province 100 percent rice sufficient.

The massive irrigation project stemmed from the dream of achieving self-sufficiency in food production by 2016.

In line with the province’s Rice Sufficiency Program, the Provincial Government recognizes not just the wealth of agricultural resources of the province but also the necessity of tapping these very resources for the people’s benefit to address the primordial concerns such as food security and agricultural productivity, among others.

Surviving two major calamities – the Supertyphoon Pablo in 2012 and Tropical

ADLAW SA PAGPASIDUNGOG. Davao Oriental PPDC Freddie Bendulo (third from left) receives On behalf of Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon the Plaque of Special Citation for the Cateel Irrigation Project and Best Performing PLGU Award in Rural Implementation for Region 11. Oth-

ers in the photo are Miguela E. Edquilla, RCPO Deputy Coordinator of DA 11; Armando Ansico, RAFC, and Assistant Regional Director for Research and Regulatory Dr. Rafael Mercado.

Depression Agaton in 2014 – the construction of the mammoth project was completed in a span of only seven months as the provincial government remained true to its commitment to pursue the project no matter what.

Malanyaon, who was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement Award, conveyed her thanks to the MRDP for helping the province realize this novel project.

production sufficiency in the entire Province. It is the veritable shot in the arm that is now infusing enthusiasm among farmers, who used to dream only of having their rain-dependent rice lands irrigated, to be able to utilize water resources year-round,” she said.

The MRDP culmination program was held as a way of celebrating the milestones the program had achieved

in improving and touching lives of many rural farmers.

As it now transitions to Philippine Rural Development Program, which expands its services in the entire country, the program vows to pursue its vision of implementing projects that will make massive impact towards poverty reduction and developing agriculture in the countryside.

By KLD/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

AVAO del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said minor refurbishment and upgrading of facilities will start in earnest in the New Year to make Davao del Norte fit and trim to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa set May 3 to 9.

Del Rosario said although the province could host the annual multi-sport event among student athletes anytime, Davao del Norte would make sure the smallest kinks would be ironed out for the province to set a benchmark for future hosts of the competitions supervised by the Department of Education.

Davao del Norte got 16 out of 18 votes from the selection committee for 2015, beating Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and South Cotabato.

The main hub of the 2015 Palaro will be the Davao del Norte Sports Complex located in the capital Tagum City.

Del Rosario said priority will be the upgrading of water pipes in the sports complex and satellite competition venues as well as in the billeting centers for the event that is expected to gather 10,000 athletes, officials and fans and supporters from the coun-

try’s 17 regions for an expected attendance of around 15,000.

The complex has an eighttrack athletics oval, an Olympic-size swimming pool with an adjacent warm up pool that has a 500-person capacity grandstand, a multi-purpose gymnasium, two tennis courts and a club house.

Security will also be on top of the list with the Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office deploying close to a thousand personnel from the Police, Army and other force multipliers two weeks before and three days after the Palaro. They will be stationed in billeting areas, venues, crowded places and entry points to the city.

There will also be a VIP express lane from the Davao airport to Tagum City to ease Palaro participants of the relatively heavy traffic along the route.

Davao del Norte is not new to hosting major local competitions, among them the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao leg, the 2014 Private Schools Athletic Association, Davao Region Athletic Association, and the Philippine Football Federation Regional Qualifiers.

“Indeed, apart from the World Bank and the MRDPPSO, we are very much indebted to the MRDP-RPCO for their unwavering trust and confidence in our institutional capacity to implement, even when it seemed like all hope was lost during those trying times and for having answered the long-felt need of a new functional irrigation system in Cateel, to match the pressing demand for rice

to upgrade Gensan circumferential road, DavNor facilities for Palaro bridge about to be finished D T HE northern section of General Santos City’s circumferential road is nearing completion after the resumption of the construction of Silway Bridge that connects Barangay Mabuhay to Barangay

Apopong.

Construction of the bridge, as well as the entire northern section, was hampered several times by road right-of-way problems and the failure of the project contractor to provide ade-

quate manpower.

According to Arturo Valero, regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), despite the delays, the Circumferential Road is currently at 94 percent in

its overall completion.

The bridge should have been completed last March, 2014 but its construction was deferred due to concerns with at least 40 families who had settled in the

FGENSAN, 10

MIDNIGHT MASS. The St. Augustine Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City is well-lighted for the Christmas midnight masses as taken on Dec. 19, 2014. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

P147 million in smuggled rice to be auctioned off

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is set to auction over 4,600 metric tons of smuggled rice, the bulk of which were seized shipments of trading firms linked to David Tan. Two separate auctions were set at the Port of Cebu and the Manila International Container Port (MICP), with both expected to generate over P149 million for the Bureau.

The Port of Cebu is slated to auction off 67,340 sacks of smuggled rice, equivalent to 3.367 million kilograms on December 29, 2014 (Monday). The shipments were imported

by Starcraft International Trading and Silent Royalty Marketing and arrived in Cebu in October 2013.

These were seized by the Bureau due to the failure of the importer to obtain the required import permits from the National Food Authority (NFA).

The sale is divided into 11 lots and consists of 83 container vans of white rice, 45 container vans of glutinous rice, and 2 container vans of what was classified as ‘poor quality’ rice from Vietnam.

The white rice is priced at P25.87 per kilogram, while glutinous rice was pegged at P48.67 per kilo. It is ex-

pected to generate a minimum of P112.75 million in revenues.

The public auction through sealed bidding will be conducted at the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD) at the Cebu Customshouse, Port of Cebu. The seized goods shall be available for viewing and pre-bid conference on Tuesday, December 23, 2014.

On the other hand, the BOC-Manila International Container Port is set to auction 1.3 million kilograms of white and glutinous rice on December 23, 2014 (Tuesday). Total minimum floor price is set at P36.88 million, or P25.84 per kilo of white rice and P34.61 per kilo of glutinous rice.

The auction is divided into ten lots—nine of which are seized rice shipments of Intercontinental Grains International Trading, consisting of 8,780 sacks of white rice and 6,240 sacks of glutinous rice. One lot, consisting of 11,441 bags of white rice, was seized from Evergreen Cereal.

The Bureau filed separate smuggling-related cases against Intercontinental Grains International Trading, Starcraft International Trading and Silent Royalty Marketing for the unlaw-

FP 147, 10

DCWD gives trainings to women and youth D

AVAO City Water District organized trainings involving the youth and women in November to support the country’s efforts in strengthening these sectors in accordance to Executive Order 273 or the Approving and Adopting the Philippine Plan for Gender – Responsive Development from 1995 to 2025 DCWD first held the Values Laden Leadership for the Youth on November 11 at Lispher Inn. This was attended by 15 boy scouts and rovers of Danie R. Aguinaldo National High School, Doña Carmen Denia NHS, Catalunan Pequeño NHS, Don. E. Bustamante NHS, Philippine Womens College, Bernardo D. Carpio NHS and Boy Scout of the Philippines – Davao City Chapter and their respective moderators. Said youth seminar was in line with Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation Building Act. Invited speaker Atty.

Adoracion Cruz-Avisado helped the participants identify the issues affecting the present day Davao youth.

She facilitated the workshop analysis on values laden leadership which is gender fair and promotes environmental protection and conservation. Atty. Avisado also

Women and Economics Project for Women and Environment in the Barangay (WEB) members. Participants apply what they learned in the handicraft making lecture during the two-day livelihood training sponsored by Davao City Water District. reminded them how leaders should properly use their powers. In response to the workshop and lecture, the students presented their respective action plan. Also present was Sr. M. Jospehine B. Bacaltos who inspired the participants to become better leaders. Both Atty. Avisado and Sr. M. Bacaltos are recipients of Datu Bago award.

DCWD also provided a two-day training dubbed Women and Economics (Women-Conomics) Project for 21 Women and Environ-

ment in the Barangay (WEB) members last November 22 and 23 at Bago Beach Resort in Gulf View. This was in line with the RA 7192 of the Women in Development and aimed to capacitate the participants to become self-reliant in augmenting their income.

The Women-Conomics was designed to teach the participants different techniques on how to make rugs and handicrafts such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, wallets, key chains, coin purs-

es, pouches and lampshades.

They were also taught how to use recyclable materials in creating these handicrafts and rags. Housewife – entrepreneurs Tessie N. Seduco and Susan Pareja were invited as resource speakers.

Both the trainings were among the month-long activities conducted by DCWD during the Davao-Citywide Water Consciousness Month celebration in November with the theme #conservewaterdavao. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Businesswoman, niece charged for selling firecrackers in Zambo

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BUSINESSWOMAN and her niece were charged by the police for allegedly selling firecrackers in this city which recently passed an ordinance banning the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage and manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

The police filed a complaint against Elsa Bangayan, 54, and her niece, Karen, 28, both residents of Alvarez St., Barangay Zone IV, for allegedly violating R.A. 7183, the law regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Supt. Ariel Huesca, Zamboanga City Public Safety Company director, said Bangayan and her niece were arrested by policemen in an entrapment operation at around 10:40 a.m.

Thursday along Gen. Vicente Alvarez, their residence and business place.

Huesca said the entrap-

ment was carried out after his office received information that the respondents were selling firecrackers and pyrotechnic products despite City Ordinance No. 431 banning the use, sale, possession, distribution, storage and manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

The City Council passed the Ordinance last September 30 and Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar signed it into law on October 8.

Huesca said due to the approval of the ordinance, no businessman in this city has a license to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic products.

He added that a mayor’s permit is required before anyone can acquire a license to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnic products from the Philippine National Police through the Firearms and Explosives Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section. (MindaNews)

MORE POWER. Davao Light and Power Company (DPLC) vice president Arturo Milan (right) tells reporters the company is planning to increase its contracted power supply because of the increasing demand in Davao City next year. With him in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex is DLPC vice president for engineering Engr. Rodger Velasco. Lean Daval Jr.

Demand prompts DLPC Customs collection sees double-digit growth to hike contracted supply

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EVENUE collections by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) continued to grow at double-digit levels even as the price of imported petroleum products tempered in November.

In a statement, the BOC said it collected PP331.171 billion from January to November 2014, up 17.8 percent year-onyear.

For November 2014 alone, total revenues reached P31.224 billion, up 10.5 percent over the same month last year, on the back of improvements in valuation and assessment. uring the month, the volume of imported goods grew 26.3 percent, as consumer demand peaked for the yuletide season.

However, the price of im-

ported petroleum products, which accounts for about onefourth of the Bureau’s revenues, dropped.

The value of motor vehicles imports, which comprises about 16 percent of total revenues, likewise declined as consumers shifted preference to compact, fuel-efficient sedans.

The ports of Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Subic, and Aparri have exceeded their collection target for the period.

For December 2014, the BOC is programmed to collect P31.984 billion by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.

For the full year, the Bureau has a collection goal of P408.1 billion.

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO Light Power Company (DLPC), a subsidiary of AboitizPower, is planning to increase its contracted power supply because of the increasing demand in Davao City next year.

DLPC executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan said in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex that an initial of 170 megawatts (MW) is expected to be added to its 318 MW current contracted power.

DLPC has a total contracted power supply of 318 MW, the bulk of which

is coming from the National Power Corporation (NPC) at 242 MW, followed by Hedcor Sibulan (45 MW), Therma Marine, Inc. (28.7), and Hedcor Talomo (28.7 MW).

Milan said a big bulk of the incoming 170 MW will be coming from the initial 100 MW of the Therma South Inc. (TSI)’s 300 MW coal-fired energy project in Barangay Binugao, Toril, Davao City and Barangay Inawayan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur that that is expected to be operational

by March of 2015.

The remaining 70 MW is still under negotiation, of which 50 MW will come

from the 300 MW SMC Davao Power Plant Project of the San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation in Malita, Davao del Sur by the end of 2015.

The remaining 20 MW will come from the Filinvest Development Corporation’s Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant.

Milan said the operation of big businesses here next year will require an additional 55 MW. Among the businesses that will operate next year are the Mighty Steel Plant in Panacan with a contracted load of 20 MW; Matina IT Park with 2 to 3 MW; Ateneo

Gov’t focused on achieving inclusive growth: Palace

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TOURISM OR MINING? A passenger boat travelling from Siargao Island to Surigao City passes by an open-pit mining area in the island of Hinatuan in the town of Taganaan, in Surigao del Norte. (MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas)

de Davao new building with 5 MW; and the Felcris project with 7 MW. However, DLPC vice president for engineering Rodger Velasco told reporters that the total new contracted load will not have a big effect on the power situation for their franchise area.

“Not all of them will be using power at the same time. Based on our diversity factor, only 40 to 50 percent of the total contracted load will be used at a given time,” he said.

Velasco said of the 55 MW contacted load, only 25 to 28 MW will be used.

HE Aquino administration remains focused in attaining inclusive growth in line with its development priorities, a Malacañang official said on Monday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. noted this in response to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey indicating top candidates whom the respondents believed are qualified to succeed President Benigno Aquino in 2016.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II topped the SWS public opinion poll taken from Nov. 27 to

Dec. 1.

“Ang mga public opinion surveys ay bahagi ng citizens’ feedback, hindi lamang tungkol sa mga voter preferences on possible candidates for the 2016 elections, kundi sa mga mahahalagang usaping pambayan,” Coloma said in a Palace press briefing.

Coloma said the government is focused on ensuring that the country will attain the goals of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

The PDP is the government’s national blueprint in achieving inclusive growth, generating mass employment and reducing poverty in the country. (PNA)

CULTURE AND ARTS 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Celebrating Christmas in Mindanao

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

T is acknowledged that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world. Until 1970, Filipinos celebrated Christmas from December 16 until January 6, the Feast of Epiphany. Since then, the Pope has decreed that Christmas season ends on Three Kings which now falls on the first Sunday in January after the New Year.

In Mindanao, like in other parts of the country, Christmas is celebrated lavishly – with lots of food and parties. But recently, due to the successive disasters that hit the country’s second largest island, Christmas celebrations have completely changed.

“Yes, I am celebrating Christmas,” says Dr. Bernard Chiew, a physician affiliated with Davao Doctors Hospital.

“Just a modest celebration but we will celebrate. Even during Biblical times, disasters have always been with us: floods, earthquakes, and wars, among others. Through the centuries, Christians never missed out on celebrating the birth of Christ.

And I think we should. There is more to the celebration of Christmas than food, gifts, and games. It is the camaraderie, the strengthening of bonds within family and friends, etc.

But most importantly, it is a religious celebration that we should never miss out on.”

Davao City is known for its Pasko Fiesta, a government-initiated event that does not only celebrate the Yuletide spirit of gift giving but also the city’s every increasing dynamism and booming micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Pasko Fiesta is actually a series of celebrations that vary from big events (singing, cheer dance, and band competition)

at the most busy places in the city to community celebrations in barangays.

The Christmas celebration in Davao City is solemn because it has banned the sale and use of fireworks. “We’re very much blessed to spend Christmas peacefully and safely,” says Charisse Christine Dagohoy, a former television reporter and now of Sweet Advocate. “The local government has been very successful in ensuring the security of its people in busy times like this, without missing the fun.

With this, we get to celebrate a worry-free and safe Christmas with family and loved ones.”

That was what also came to the mind of McRobert “Coicoi” Nacario, an award-winning cinematographer who lives in Davao City. “At least families will be able to focus on why we celebrate Christmas, not on lighting up fireworks or worse, taking their loved ones to the hospital because he/she has lost a finger.”

If fireworks display is your thing, you can go to the nearby city of Tagum in Davao del Norte. About an hour’s drive from Davao City, Tagum is known for its giant Christmas tree. It stands 78.56 feet and displays about 200,000 light bulbs.

“Christmas celebration here in Tagum is so amazing,” says Ramil G. Gregorio, a photographer from Lupon, Davao Oriental who now works in the city. “It’s my first time to celebrate and see the tallest Christmas tree being lighted.

Christmas lights are hanging all over the streets. It’s also my first time to watch fireworks display.”

The Pearl Farm Beach Resort, in Island Garden City of Samal, starts it celebration

with the parola lighting. “This is our annual tradition to welcome the Christmas season by lighting up the parola,” explained the resort’s general manager.

General Santos City, the “tuna capital of the country,” commemorates the Nativity with “Paskuhan sa Gensan.”

According to Jane Rivera, city tourism council chairperson, the festivity will feature various activities slated until December 31, during which a public New Year countdown will be held at the Oval Plaza.

A month-long trade fair which features the city’s popular product as well as those coming from the neighboring parts of the region has just been launched. In a press conference, City Councilor Dominador Lagare III said, “There are a lot of new products that will be featured and we have collaborated with various groups to make the activity unique and attractive, not only for local residents but our visitors as well.”

People in Cotabato City, the ancient capital town of Mindanao whose name was taken from the words “kuta” (fort) and “wato” (stone), also celebrates Christmas. Two years ago, Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. delivered this Yuletide thought: “The celebration of the Yuletide Season has been one of the most colorful events that Cotabato City witnesses every year. The streets are filled with colorful, dancing lights and the homes of our Christian brothers and sisters are filled with gifts and merrymaking.

“In the middle of our joyous activities during this vibrant occasion, may we not forget the real essence of Christmas. This is the time of

selflessness, forgiveness, and prayer. Let us pray for strength and openness that we may be able to leave all our burdens behind and become better persons in the years to come.”

In Zamboanga City, Christmas is also celebrated with much fanfare. Every Decem-

ber, the city hall is transformed into an enchanted kingdom of lights, where colorful Christmas light decors shine.

This year, let’s celebrate Christmas with sensitivity. As Francis C. Farley says, “Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is per-

haps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.”

Merry Christmas!

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

EDITORIAL

T

On the MRT/LRT fare hike

HE announcement that the fare for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) will be increased next month is already being met with opposition by those in Metro Manila who see only a small fraction of the situation. In their view, the trains are there to serve their commuting needs, and in a limited sense they are correct. Built over a span of three decades, the rail transit system was intended to decongest traffic in Metro Manila and give the average person a decent, fast, and affordable means of moving from one place to another within the metropolis. What most train riders do not realize is that government has been heavily subsidizing their fare, such that they currently pay only about 40 percent of the actual cost. This means government has been paying the 60 percent balance – and where does it get the amount but from the taxpayers, even those who have not even seen a train?

An adjustment in the MRT and LRT fare must therefore be seen not so much as a fare increase but as a subsidy reduction. DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said it best: “If what each rider pays is closer to the actual cost of his or her own trip, the P2 billion savings can be

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used for development projects and relief operations to benefit those who never even get to use the LRT or MRT. I’m referring to the vast majority of Filipinos outside of Metro Manila – those in other parts of Luzon, in the Visayas, and in Mindanao, most especially those whose lives have been severely affected by typhoons and calamities. They will be the real beneficiaries of a more equitable distribution of these savings.”

To put it in more concrete terms, Abaya said the projected P2 billion savings is equivalent to 8,240 classrooms, 82 kilometers worth of farm-to-market roads, or 11,440 hectares’ worth of irrigated farmlands. These are real, solid benefits for those outside Metro Manila – and these are the same benefits the protesters of the fare hike are opposing. To them, the only thing that matters is that they can take the train at a huge discount. Such is the myopic view of the denizens of the metro, many of whom apparently believe the Philippines is Metro Manila. Those of us in the regions deserve to get a fair share of the taxes we pay, and we urge government to look at our plight instead of listening to the isolated but loud voices of those in the capital.

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

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

Tel: (088) 852-4894

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 200 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 - 22, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Just what is Christmas?

A

MONG Christians, Christmas is the most celebrated — and anticipated — event of the year. As the day of Christ’s natal day is fast approaching, it is but fitting to thoroughly think about what Christmas really means. To some, it may mean feast, food, and lots and lots of eating. To others, it is the time when they have to travel back home to have a grand reunion. To most, Christmas is the time to receive those gifts and bonus. But Christmas is more than these.

In fact, if Christmas is to be defined, it should follow its acronym, “CHRISTMAS”: “C” is for the courage of the wise men who defied the order of King Herod. They were instructed to tell him when they had located the Baby. “Go and make a careful inquiry for the Child. When you have found him, report to me...” But instead of reporting back to Herod, the wise men returned home on another way. (Read Matthew 2:7-12) “H” is for the hymns sung by the angels when Jesus was born. Luke 2:13-14 recorded: “All at once there was with the angel a great company of the heavenly host, singing the praises of God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on

earth to those THINK ON THESE! with whom He is pleased.’”

“R” is for the response of Joseph.

Upon learning the pregnancy of Mary, Joseph, “being a just man, and Henrylito D. Tacio not willing to henrytacio@gmail.com disgrace Mary publicly,” he made plans to break the engagement privately. But before he can do so, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him: “Joseph, don’t be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived.”

“I” is for the information brought by angels. “Don’t be afraid!” the angel told the shepherds on the day Jesus was born.

“I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born - Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“S” is for the shepherds, the first peo-

ple to have seen the child Jesus. According to the gospel of Luke an angel of the Lord appeared to them and told them that the Messiah was born. After hearing the good news, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw him, they told the couple what the angel had said about the Child. “The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them” (Luke 2:20).

“T” is for the thanks we need to offer.

To me, Jesus is the greatest gift to mankind. He came into this world and died for our sins. By believing on Him as our personal Lord and Savior, we could be with Him in heaven forever (John 3:16). For that, we need to be thankful.

“M” is for Mary, the physical mother of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel told her that she would be the instrument in bringing Jesus into the world, she simply submitted to God’s will: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

When her cousin, Elizabeth, knew about it, she said these famous words: “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Mary, who was virgin when she became pregnant, responded by

exalting: “My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46, 47). Mary was the fulfillment of the prophecy in the Old Testament: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son...”

“A” is for the address, where Jesus was born. It was prophesized: “Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means the least of the leading cities of Judah; for from you will come a leader, who will guide my people Israel.” Bethlehem was the home of Ruth, and 15 miles to the south was Hebron, the home of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

“S” is for the significance of the birth of Jesus. Isaiah 9:6-7 provided this information: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.”

This is what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Social irresponsibility, political immaturity

O

NE wonders whether as a people we’re really fit for freedom or independence. In a family, a measure of a person’s readiness to earn his freedom and independence is sense of responsibility or maturity—which are usually indicated by behavior that bespeaks wisdom and prudence to carry on as a responsible individual.

Social responsibility and political maturity could apply as well to a society that yearns for freedom and independence.

In our case, we already have freedom and independence as a nation, but our sense of responsibility and political maturity are debatable. There’s plenty to question about our behavior as a society.

During elections, for instance, when we have the opportunity to establish a government that we can trust, local or national, we choose candidates with dubious motives, attitudes, even loyalties. ***** We act like we don’t know that voting such people to positions of trust is inimical to the interests of society and a letdown for our republic’s need for good governance.

And so, we get dysfunctional governance and a corrupt public service—a contrarian phenomenon that typifies political

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA immaturity.

Take what’s happening in the run up to the 2016 elections. Vice President Jejomar Binay, who lusts after the presidency, has made it known that his No. 1 pick for senator is Manny Pacquiao, an under-educated boxer with no background, aptitude, or demonstrated competence for public service.

For Jojo Binay to pick Pacman for a position requiring erudition and statesmanship is to inflict harm on our society. The guy can barely utter complete sentences, let alone expound coherent ideas! Nominating him is the height of social irresponsibility and political immaturity. ***** The Senate has an essential role in policy-making and legislation for our republic.

A professional boxer’s popularity and billions in earnings cannot compensate for his ineligibility for the position.

If social responsibility is the mark of a politically-mature leader, especially for one seeking recognition as a statesman, then we

have in the vice president an unfit and irresponsible choice for president.

It is enough—in fact, too much!—that the poor guy can’t even show up in the Lower House to warm the seat he doesn’t deserve. And it’s unacceptable political behavior that Pacman’s town mates reward him an honored seat in Congress for his pugilistic success.

It takes a stretch of imagination to accept that Jojo Binay actually thinks a “Senator Manny Pacquiao” is capable of tackling the treaty-making and United Nations-related issues required of the Upper Chamber. ***** Of course it’s VP Binay’s prerogative to make decisions according to his best judgment. But if his desire to enthrone a boxer—an exemplary one, to be sure—in the Upper House represents his best judgment, then God help us all!

As for the good people of Makati, if it’s their will to indulge the Binay patriarch by supporting his ill-fitting ambition, God have mercy on the Philippines with its generations of Filipinos who fall victim to social irresponsibility and political immaturity!

Other marks of political maturity are

consistency and principled responses to issues. But we have this habit of clamoring for good governance even as we tolerate grafters and plunderers, thereby keeping our civilization from advancing.

As Christmas and New Year approach, we are warned against using firecrackers and other pyrotechnics. But firecrackers and pyrotechnic factories are allowed to operate anyway. Why allow these to be manufactured at all?

They bedevil our plazas, churchyards, parks, sidewalks, market places, and holiday crowds—and cause horrible injuries and casualties that fill up hospitals and medical clinics at a time when glad tidings and joy are being celebrated! It’s a monumentally immature and irresponsible behavior.

(Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of the Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Govt’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. He is president/national convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. you may reach him at valdehuesa@gmail. com)

10

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

LANTERN DANCE. A group in colorful costumes wows the crowd while performing during the “Lamdag Parada” costume competition along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Bus... FFROM 2

sons, doon i-check yung mga baggage nila, or kung may mga baril sila, or may contraband (That is why we have DCOTT in the first place because passengers should pass through there.

For security reasons, their bags will be checked to see if they are carrying firearms

or contraband),” he said.

Villaroman said the MOA stipulates that buses can pick up passengers outside the DCOTT provided they will conduct a baggage check-up. He said, however, that he doubts if the conductors can do the check on passengers. [ABF]

lamented that the city’s first responders still had a lot to learn about their job.

He said the city already had equipment, but the first responders still lack awareness, specialties and advanced knowledge.

“We’re eyeing the creation of a multi-agency group that has the technical capability to address hazmat (hazardous materials) incidences,” he said.

But before the council could do this, Jaldon said a thorough review of the policies needed to be done.

Jaldon cited that when formic acid spilled in front of a school along Ponciano in September this year, the BFP poured sand over the chemical, whose odor was already spreading at the vicinity, and scooped the sand for transport elsewhere.

He said the response was “acceptable” and necessary to avoid spilling the chemical into the city’s sewage system.

But Leonardo Avila III, environment committee chair of the city council said the move showed an

absence of coordination among the first responders.

Avila added the city council would be drafting by next year an ordinance penalizing establishments improperly handling hazardous materials.

The proposed ordinance could include banning the entry into the city of any hazardous waste, he said.

Aside from the ban, the ordinance would also cancel the business permits of the offenders, granting the national laws on waste management do not impose enough penalties.

However, in a telephone interview, City Health Office sanitation chief Robert Oconer said the city could not prohibit the entry of vehicles, citing the opinion of the City Legal Office.

The CHO had already recommended for the strict implementation of the truck ban during “risk hours” or during those hours when there would be many people in the streets. (MindaNews)

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Mangudadatu... FFROM 2 touch with their supporters in the province through mobile phones and the internet.

Before Mangudadatu made his appeal, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) had issued a statement on December 18 reiterating its call for authorities to “allow unscheduled inspections of the detention facility and to strictly implement the rules for detainees.”

The NUJP said Mangudadatu’s revelation that the Ampatuans, the principal suspects in the massacre of 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, “is of particular concern since it was made following the attempted assassination of prosecution witness Akmad Ampatuan, former mayor of Datu Salibo town, and the murder of another witness, Dennis Sakal.”

The NUJP said implication is that the accused “remain free to issue orders to their underlings.”

Mangudadatu said he received reports that suspects Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his son Andal “Unsay” Jr. are still using cellphones and internet freely inside jail.

He cited the recent am-

bush-attack on former Datu Salibo town Mayor Akmad Ampatuan and earlier on Dennis Sakal earlier this month as part of the counter-attacks, where the prime suspects have access to make a command via mobile phone or the internet.

Sakal, a former close aide of Andal Jr. died in the ambush. Akmad Ampatuan, a nephew who turned state witness, survived the ambush.

“That is what I’m saying, that even before, they had command and power to initiate attacks despite their being inside jail. This is a serious concern. There must be unscheduled visits too,” Mangudadatu said.

The NUJP called on de Lima to “apply the same zeal she displayed in uncovering the (Bilibid) Muntinlupa scandal to ensuring that the detention of those accused of the Ampatuan Massacre are not, in any way, allowed access to perks and luxuries that less privileged detainees are deprived of and, more importantly, that may thwart the interests of justice.” (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

ful importation of over 65 million kilograms of rice with an estimated market value of over P2.7 billion.

Meanwhile, the BOCPort of Manila raised P61.9 million from its public auction of 47,840 sacks of smuggled rice seized from Bold Bidder Marketing and San Carlos Multi-Purpose Cooperative, marginally higher than the minimum

floor price of P61.87 million on Friday (December 19). A total of 12 bidders participated in the auction, with Sta. Rosa Farm Products Corp and Victor del Rosario placing the winning bids. There were no takers for two other lots, one consisting of 5,200 bags of glutinous rice and the other seven LCD television sets.

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carte thanked the rebels for what he called his second life and for treating them well.

“Wala mi nila gipasikitan, gitratar mi nila pag-ayo, mas ma-una pa mi maplastar kaysa nila, salamat kay gitagaan mi nila og ika-duhang kinagubuhi (They did not hurt us, they treated us well. They placed our comfort before

theirs. We thank them for giving us a second life),” Recarte said.

For his part, Duterte said the release of the two soldiers was an opportunity for the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to go back to the negotiating table. (With reports from 105.9 Balita FM’s reporter Big Jay Lagang) [FPG]

area between the bridge and the road.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was tasked with finalizing the settlement of the families’ claims. But disagreements between the two parties forced City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to intervene and serve as mediator.

Mayor Rivera held several dialogues with these families.

“I have to intervene so that this project can go on but, at the same time, I should not set aside the welfare of my constituents.

These negotiations are a proof that we can have a win-win solution as long we meet halfway,” the mayor said.

Construction on the bridge resumed on December 11; it is estimated to be completed in 10 months.

The DPWH has already allotted P60 million for project contractor Grace Construction to build the bridge.

Aside from the Silway Bridge, construction is also

ongoing at the Lower Apopong Bridge II in the northern Circumferential Road.

The northern Circumferential Road is a key route to decongest traffic along the streets of Gensan. It can also provide a better connection between the city and its neighboring provinces.

In a report by the DPWH Region 12, the Circumferential Road will serve as a more convenient route to Sarangani, Davao Del Sur, and Davao City.

Goods can be also easily transported from the seaport, fishport, and the Gensan Airport through this major road, according to the DPWH report.

This road begins from the diversion road along the General Santos-Davao highway in Barangay Katangawan and extends up to the Sinawal road along the General Santos-Isulan highway in Barangay Apopong.

The entire project has a total cost of P1.135 billion.

(IJMLagare-Gensan CPIO/ DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Globe bolsters public sector ICT infra G

LOBE Business, through its IT-Enabled Services Group (IG), recently announced that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) project, will co-locate the government files and resources in the telco’s advanced and highly-secure data center.

The data center to be housed at the Globe facility is the second National Government Data Center, the government’s main information hub for all government agencies, being built by the iGovPhil.

The project is in line with the eGovernment Master Plan, which adopts a whole-of-government approach to information and communications technology infrastructure and shared government applications for better and more efficient public service delivery.

“By co-locating in a commercial site, the government will be able to leverage the private service provider’s advanced facilities and long experience in the ICT business,” iGovPhil project director Denis Villorente explained. The government, he said, adopted the strategy of establishing

several data centers to ensure availability and redundancy for additional security and protection of government files and resources. “Two data centers are now up-and-running, with another one being built at a facility owned by the government,” he added.

After the completion and formal acceptance of the Globe data center facility by iGovPhil, government agencies starting this year are required to co-locate to the National Government Data Center. Agencies with existing and new data center requirements are instructed to use this facility moving forward.

Said facilities will serve as launching point for DOST-ICTO’s other services through iGovPhil, including government email, web hosting and document management, among others.

According to Globe Telecom Vice President for IG Reynaldo Lugtu, “Globe is more than ready to power data and infrastructure requirements of the Philippine government.

We are in the best position to provide mission-critical services for it, similar to what large, private corporations are also benefiting from our

best-in-class cloud and data center platforms.”

The Globe data centers carry important global certifications which enhance the business continuity program

of customers, whether in the private business setting or in the public sector. The facilities’ industry accreditations also strengthen the assurance of Globe to its

estimated at US$1.723 billion and has maintained steady growth despite a competitive market.

“We are honored to be recognized as the top brand in the Best Taiwan Global Brand Awards for the second year in a row,” said ASUS Corporate Vice President S.Y. Hsu. “2014 has been an especially remarkable year

for ASUS with the launch of ZenFone. ZenFone brings empowering luxury to everyone, and consumers have responded by making it the number-one phone in Taiwan by market share in the third quarter of this year. We will continue with our In Search of Incredible brand promise as we strive to create an effortless and joyful digital life for everyone,” he added.

During 2014, ASUS has continued its tradition of innovation with the launch of several flagship products, including ZenFone, ZenWatch, and EeeBook X205. The ZenFone smartphone series incorporates beautiful design, high-quality materials, and the seamless functionality of ASUS ZenUI to provide an unparalleled mobile experience to users.

The new ZenWatch, the first wearable device from ASUS, is an exquisitely crafted watch that pairs seamlessly with ZenFone or other Android smartphones to provide relevant and useful information when it is needed most, and serve as a personal wellness manager.

Continuing the concept of the iconic EeePC, EeeBook X205 is an affordable 11.6inch Windows 8.1 notebook with a full-size keyboard that integrates the latest technology in a compact, lightweight design perfect for consumers who are always on the go.

The Best Taiwan Global Brands Awards is held by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C and global branding consultancy Interbrand. The awards are seen as a key indicator of the position held by Taiwanese brands in the global market.

The awards are given out based on brand value, which include the financial performance of the company, the role the brand plays in the consumer purchase decision, and the competitive strength of the brand.

CO-LOCATION. Globe Telecom Chief Operating Officer for Business and International Markets Chief Strategy Officer Gil Genio shakes hands with iGovPhil project director Denis Villorente. At left is Globe Telecom Vice President for IG Reynaldo Lugtu.

ASUS tops 2014 Taiwan Global Brands Awards

A

SUS has been recognized as the number one Taiwanese brand in the Best Taiwan Global Brands Awards 2014.

This year marks the second consecutive year ASUS has won the award as well as the 12th straight year the company has been in the top-three list of international brands from Taiwan.

The brand value is now

GLOBAL BRANDS. ASUS Corporate Vice President S.Y. Hsu receives the Best Taiwan Global Brand Award on the company’s behalf.

customers that their service requirements will be fulfilled. All business practices of Globe for its data centers are also aligned with international standards as

the telco ensures customer satisfaction, continuous improvement as well as implementing effective and globally-accepted processes, policies and procedures.

Smart showcases innovative mobile money solutions

S

MART e-Money, Inc. (SMI), the digital financial solutions provider of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), showcased its innovative mobile money solutions at the 2014 MEF Global Forum held recently in San Francisco, California.

SMI vice president and head of payments innovation, digital ecosystem, and alliances Lito M. Villanueva represented Southeast Asia and spoke on the prospects and challenges of mobile commerce.

MEF is the global association representing the total mobile ecosystem providing an impartial and powerful voice for pioneering companies from across the mobile content and commerce value chain.

Villanueva focused on the emergence of mobile commerce as the next frontier with digital ecosystem build-up

around it, including securing all payment forms through SMI’s innovation, LockByMobile, the world’s first mobile-based anti-fraud security solution.

This year’s attendees include Barclays, Mastercard, Twitter, Amazon, Facebook and Mozilla, among others.

The MEF also recognized SMI’s mobile cash transfer in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda as best mobile money service in the world at the 11th Meffys Award in San Francisco.

The Meffys is one of the mobile industry’s most coveted awards, honoring achievements across mobile content and commerce, and recognizing innovations from around the globe.

The initiative beat mobile money projects of the likes of banking and financial services giant Barclays, and Bango, which is listed at the London Stock Exchange.

MOBILE COMMERCE. SMI vice president and head of payments innovation, digital ecosystem, and alliances Lito M. Villanueva speaks on the prospects and challenges of mobile commerce.

12

CLASSIFIED

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

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND Or Pag-ibig Fund,

EDGEDAVAO

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

Mortgagee

EJF-REM CASE NO. 14,962-14

-versus-

HENRY R. NAJERA married to Ma. Alicia B. Najera, Mortgagor/s.

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above- mentioned morgagee against HENRY R. NAJERA married to Ma. Alicia B. Najera with postal address at LOT 2 , Block 9, Phase 2 Villa De Mercedes, Toril, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of ( Php 722,520.56 ) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges as of July 14, 2014, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TEN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on January 16, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 146-2010004412 “A parcel of land xxx (Lot 2, Blk. 9, xxx) situated in Barangay of Cogon, Sirawan, Toril, City of Davao Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) SQUARE METERS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on February 12, 2015. without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the condition of the unit property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, December 2, 2014

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) REYNALDO O. GIRADO Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. EDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge 12/15,23,29)

Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

It all CAME down to this

By NEILWIN BRAVO

I

t was an inauguration that’s beyond ordinary.

First, its unique name. Second, its most sought-after guest.

Third, the “thing” itself. Fourth, the men behind it. Fifth, the name behind it.

It’s lie a box came from heaven and all of a sudden it opened up to everyone’s surprise. Yes, Clubhouse at the Matina Enclaves also known as CAME, opened up to everyone’s surprise and delight, of course, last Thursday (December 18) inside the sprawling mixed use project.

The CAME is a 900-square meter twolevel clubhouse conceptu-

alized to serve the fancy and lifestyle of its future residents at The Matina Enclaves—the signature project of home-grown developer Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco).

No less than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte came down literally for The CAME’s inauguration. The Mayor came in style, coming down the complex in a

chopper on days like these where traffic in the metro is suffocating. He was met by Esdevco president Glenn Y. Escandor.

Mayor Duterte cut the ceremonial ribbon along with Escandor who was joined by mother Violeta, wife Michelle and brother Gerome, and project manager Gerald Garces.

Bishop George Rimando blessed the entire building.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

EVENTS

The thrill of the trail

WITH the company’s commitment to support health-related happenings like sports events, MX3 inspired trail runners by sponsoring this year’s Samal Trail Ultra. The event was a sequel of the previous year’s 100km marathon run. The success was overwhelming which led to the subsequent event this year and was hugely attended by health enthusiasts.

This year’s Samal Trail Ultra was a gruelling 50-kilo-

metre trail run that is dotted with challenges to keep the stamina and power going. Some challenges include difficult terrain and single track trails going uphill-downhill motion in an elevation of 1700 MASL as well as running across dirt roads with intermittent-broken paved roads.

The race started and ended in Penaplata, Samal.

The 59 finishers looked more energized than exhausted as they finished their run with big smiles and pride on their faces with one participant, Don Wark Noval, finishing the race in just 5 hours 49 minutes and 45 seconds.

The last finisher completed the race in 12 hours and 48 seconds.

MX3 supported the runners with 50 bags of MX3 products; as well as free-flowing coffee served beginning midnight as the event started through to sundown of the next day when the race ended.

Global Pinoy Center treats OFWs and their families LAST DECEMBER 15, the Global Pinoy Center mounted the Pamaskong Handog for the Overseas Filipino Workers at SM Supermalls nationwide.

The event is Global Pinoy Center’s way of honoring the OFWs who have been loyal partners of SM Supermalls. In SM City Davao and SM City General Santos, hundreds of OFWs along with their families attended the afternoon of entertainment and surprises. SM gave away gift packs from BDO, the SM Store, Barrio Fiesta and other event partners.

In SM City General SanSam Milby hands a token to one of the lucky OFWs at SM City General tos, no less than Sam Milby joined the celebration Santos.

Lucky winners at SM City Davao’s Global Pinoy Center event at the Annex.

Perfomers at SM City Davao. while Davao’s homegrown the Global Pinoys. Mem- responsibility program for talents graced SM City bership is being offered the OFWs and their famiDavao. to past, present, and fu- lies.

The Global Pinoy Cen- ture OFWs, Immigrants, Global Pinoy Centers ter is a specialized all- Balikbayans, and their are located at the Level 2 in-one convenience stop immediate Beneficiaries of SM City Davao, Lower within SM Supermalls of- such as parents, spouse, Ground Floor of SM Lafering various exclusives siblings, and children, and nang Premier and the Secservices, perks, and privi- guests. The GPC is part of ond Floor at SM City Genleges to welcome and uplift SM Cares corporate social eral Santos.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Fall in love with Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali in ‘Once Upon A Kiss’ GMA Network rings in the New Year with the launch of its newest primetime series that will captivate the hearts of Filipinos via Once Upon A Kiss. It is a fresh retelling of a classic fairytale with a modern twist. The program premieres on January 5 after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

Once Upon A Kiss revolves around the story of a boy in coma who is awakened after being kissed by his childhood friend and how they fought for their love amidst the squabble between their families.

Watching the program also awakens the dreamer in every viewer from their heart’s deep slumber, making them believe that real life can also be beautiful like a fairytale.

Set to portray the lead roles in the romantic drama series is the youngest loveteam of the Kapuso Network: Miguel Tanfelix as Prince Pelaez and Bianca Umali as Ella Rodrigo.

Armed with their excellent onscreen chemistry and natural acting skills, Miguel and Bianca will make us believe once more how love can bridge gap between

Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali. people, rich and poor, the powerful and the needy.

GMA Network is proud to present a stellar cast of the country’s most respected artists in film and television who are part of the Pelaez Family (Miguel’s family): Michael De Mesa as Enrique ‘’King’’ Pelaez, Giselle’s father; Cris Villanueva as Eric Almario, Aurora’s boyfriend and Prince’s father; Mariel Pamintuan as Athena Pelaez, stepsister of Prince, and Tessie Tomas as Merida Almario, Eric’s ambitious mom who will encourage Eric to court Giselle.

This series also marks the comeback to the Kapuso Network of Mylene Dizon who will portray the character of Giselle Pelaez Almario, Prince’s mother who is the main antagonist in the series.

Playing equally vital roles are the members of the Rodrigo Family (Bianca’s family): Manilyn Reynes as Aurora Rodrigo, Ella’s kindhearted mother; Kempee de Leon as Jimmy Rodrigo, Eric’s friend who will become Aurora’s husband and Miss Nova Villa as Adela Rodrigo, Ella’s compassion-

Madasalin, the guidance counselor in Prince’s school who will teach and impart good values on Prince.

Under the helm of acclaimed TV director Bb. Joyce Bernal, the same director who megged the hit primetime series My Destiny, Once Upon A Kiss will encourage the viewers to proactively take part in the pursuit of their aspirations, and cap each day with a happy ending.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Enter-

tainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Program Manager Helen Rose Sese, and Executive Producer Rebya Upalda.

The creative team is composed of Creative Director, Roy Iglesias; Creative Head for Primetime, RJ Nuevas; Creative Unit Head, Kit Villanueva-Langit; Concept Creator, RJ Nuevas; Headwriters, Kit Villanueva-Langit and RJ Nuevas.

Once Upon A Kiss premieres January 5 right after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

ate grandmother.

Adding star power to the program are Al Tantay as Pedring Servando, Ella’s grandfather; Maricar de Mesa as Ursula Salazar, Wendy’s mother; Frank Magalona as Hans Peligro, Eric’s assistant; Betong Sumaya as Sebastian Poblador, Ella’s uncle; Sabrina Man as Wendy Salazar, Prince’s childhood friend; Eunice Lagusad as Melody, Ella’s bestfriend; Miggy Jimenez as Mickey Abueva, Prince’s friend; Cai Cortez as Fiona Alegre, and Gabby Eigenmann as Father Philip

ABS-CBN Celebrities shine in ABS-CBN Regional’s ‘Galing Lokal’ trade event ABS-CBN’s biggest and brightest stars rocked the house at ABS-CBN Regional’s recently held trade event called “Galing Lokal,” where advertisers were treated to superb performances and got to experience the excitement and fun in its regional programs aired nationwide.

“Through our Kapamilya programs, we look forward to your continuing support to provide our Kapamilya from regional areas entertainment and enjoyment,” said Atty. Abigail QuerubinAquino, head of ABS-CBN Regional.

The spectacular show featured ABS-CBN’s brightest stars, including Enchong Dee, who serenaded the ladies with his songs from his latest album “Chinito Problems,” and Kapamilya heartthrobs Matteo Guidicelli, Carlo Aquino, Arron Villaflor, and Joem Bascon who performed romantic songs.

Leading ladies Bea Alonzo, Julia Barretto, and

Shaina Magdayao and Bea Alonzo.

Matteo Guidicelli.

Shaina Magdayao also delivered dazzling song numbers, while KZ Tandingan sang her interpretation of “Mahal ko O Mahal Ako,” which was hailed as this year’s Best Song in the Himig Handog P-pop Long Songs.

Actor Ejay Falcon, together with former “Pinoy

Julia Barretto.

Big Brother” housemates Jane Oineza, Myrtle Sarrosa, Karen Reyes, Fourth Pagotan, Joshua Garcia, and Vicky Rushton also entertained the crowd with...

The event was led by ABS-CBN Regional’s hosts representing Baguio, Davao, Naga, and Dagupan, namely Kiko Villalba, Claudette Centeno, DJ Ham Milby, Cris Zuniga, Dominique Lagrimas, and Phoebe Kaye Fernandez.

Advertisers also got to play in a segment derived from regional program “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka,” the longest-running interactive game show aired in different parts of Mindanao

every Saturday morning.

Produced by ABS-CBN Regional, the show provides opportunities for locals to have fun, be entertained, and be informed by making them showcase their skills and win prizes.

Aside from “Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka,” ABS-CBN Regional also airs “Mag TV Na” via its provincial stations to cater to local Filipino audiences and promote must-see places, people, lifestyle, and culture, as well as the local versions of ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast “TV Patrol” to deliver up-to-date news and information relevant to viewers in different regions.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage PG 13

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

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3D Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage PG 13

12:30 | 3:30 | 6:30 | 09:30 LFS

THE PYRAMID Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare R 13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

R-16 EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton PG13

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

EDGEDAVAO

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From A1...

Some 300 guests witnessed the inauguration, which came a month after The Matina Enclaves also inaugurated one of its model houses along The Courtyard.

Shortly after the blessing and inauguration of CAME, the time capsule of The Residences project was also laid down along with the groundbreaking of the new phase of The Matina Enclaves.

Mayor Duterte congratulated the Escandors for the project, which will also have condominium units and commercial buildings.

Mr. Escandor thanked the Mayor, who obliged to photo ops and ‘wefies’ from guests, for personally presiding over the ceremonies despite the hectic schedule.

“A lot of things are happening and it’s happening ahead of the schedule. Mr. Escandor is way ahead of things in planning and execution and we are glad to tell our clients that they are getting more than

what they expected,” said Garces.

The CAME boasts of a mini fitness gym, kids playroom, billiards, function room for 150200 guests, lapping pool, kiddie pool and gazebos.

The second level has a huge balcony with um-

brella tables and provides a panoramic view of the Davao City Golf Club and the Davao gulf.

For inquiries on The Matina Enclaves, please visit the Main Office and Showroom at Genesis 88 Building, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

More residents employed in Region 12 in 2014 T

HE number of employed residents in Region 12 has slightly increased this year as local industries continued with their expansions amid the area’s improving socio-economic condition.

Ofelia Domingo, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 12 director, said Monday the region’s employment rate increased to 96.8 percent as of the end of November, increasing by 0.7 percent or from 95.9 percent in 2013.

Citing results of the agency’s assessment, she said the increase in the employment rate is equivalent to around 42,000 additional workers.

The agency listed the region’s employed individuals at a total of 2,742,000 as of November, up from the 2,700,000 in 2013.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

With the increase in the area’s employment rate, Domingo said unemployment in the area further shrunk to 3.4 percent from 4.1 last year.

“We expect this positive trend to continue next year along with our improving regional economy,” she said.

A report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO) in Region 12, showed that the region’s employable population or residents who are considered as already in the working age of 15 years old was estimated at 2,734,000 as of January this year.

Such figure increased by 53,000 based on the 2,681,000 total employable population as of January 2013.

But the PSA-NSO report noted that the area’s labor force participation rate dropped to 65.39 percent when compared to the previous 65.98 percent.

Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population aged 15 and older that is economically active or “all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.”

The number of those who were “not in the labor force” increased to 34.61 percent from the previous 34.02 percent.

Domingo said the increase

SHOES FOR POOR KIDS. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, on behalf of the city government of Davao, accepts 350 school shoes from the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Community Engagement and Advocacy Council. The shoes will be distributed to indigent children in the city.

Ateneo is represented by (from left) Maria Theresa S. Eliab, Atty. Faye Risonar-Bello, Jeremy S. Eliab, and Atty. Arnold C. Abejaron. The shoes are manufactured in Davao by ToughShod, owned and managed by Alfie Teodoro (second from right).

in the region’s employment rate could also be attributed to their aggressive employment facilitation activities this year.

The agency registered some 193,115 job applicants and referred 167,493 of them for various job placements locally and abroad, she said.

She said they assisted a total of nearly 200,000 jobseekers as of last November 25 through 66 job fairs that they conducted.

The official added that a total of 8,767 job applicants were hired-on-the-spot during the local job fairs.

(MindaNews)

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Sarangani Mayors back Pacquiao

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO

T CHAMPS AGAIN. Thailand’s War Elephants defeated Malaysia in their own turf to take the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup championship.

Thais win Suzuki Cup title L

ATE strikes from Swiss-born Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip “Messi Jay” Songkrasin broke Malaysian hearts as Thailand won their fourth Southeast Asian title in a dramatic AFF Suzuki Cup final on Saturday.

Hosts Malaysia fought back from a 2-0 first-leg deficit to lead 3-0 on the night, but the goals from Chappuis and Chanathip gave Thailand a 4-3 aggregate win and ended their 12-year drought in the competition.

It was a stunning finish from Thailand, who seemed to have run out of ideas after Safiq Rahim’s

double and Indra Putra’s header put Malaysia in control.

Chappuis scored a rebound from a free-kick on 82 minutes before Chanathip, dubbed “Messi Jay” because of his stature and dribbling skill, smashed home Thailand’s second five minutes later.

Malaysia had got the start they wanted when striker Norshahrul Talaha went down too easily in the box and the referee pointed to the spot for a soft penalty.

Safiq coolly sent goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan the wrong way to reduce the arrears to 2-1 on aggregate after

Cabagnot sizzles as SMB takes 2-0 lead J

UNE Mar Fajardo struggled from the field all game long but when the San Miguel Beermen needed their main man, he responded with six clutch free throws in the final three minutes of the contest to for an 87-81 victory over the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Fajardo scored six of San Miguel Beer’s last seven points as he finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. However, he struggled from the field, making only two of 12 attempts.

Luckily for the Beermen, Fajardo nailed clutch free throws in the end game to give them a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Alex Cabagnot was named the Best Player of the Game with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting from the field including three triples.

The Tropang Texters got to within a single point of the Beermen, 82-81, at the 1:52 mark of the fourth quarter after a long two from Larry Fonacier. However, Fonacier was called for a foul on the other end leading to two Fajardo free throws.

Talk ‘N Text got three great looks at the basket in their next possession but they came up empty. Fajardo grabbed the rebound and he was fouled anew to score the game-sealing free throws.

Jayson Castro bounced back from his horrible performance in Game 1 as he led all scorers with 26 points. Jay Washington added 17 points while Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Ranidel De Ocampo also finished in double-digits with a combined 21 points. Talk ‘N Text did not get a lot of points from their bench as their starters did the heavy lifting.

Thailand’s 2-0 win in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Thailand’s Perapat Notechaiya hit the woodwork in an open first half before Indra Putra grabbed Malaysia’s second with a downwards, far-post header on the stroke of half-time.

The momentum was firmly with the hosts at a packed Bukit Jalil stadium and Safiq put them ahead 3-2 on aggregate with a sumptuous, dipping free-kick on 58 minutes.

But Chappuis got the crucial away goal for Thailand when Malaysian ‘keeper Farizal Marlias palmed a free-kick

into his path and he buried the rebound.

And “Messi Jay” lived up to his nickname with an thumping left-footed strike from outside the area to make sure of Thailand’s win.

Defeat was cruel for Malaysia, who appeared to have pulled off another great escape after they overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit in the semi-final against Vietnam by winning 4-2 in Hanoi.

It also brings a sour end to the tournament for the 2010 winners after the semi-final first leg was marred by violence towards Vietnamese fans at Shah Alam stadium.

HE Municipal Mayors’ League of Sarangani pooh-poohed the proposition of former senator Rene Saguisag asking the House of Representatives to suspend Sarangani lone district Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Mayor Victor James Yap of Glan town, Sarangani, said “Who is he to ask for the suspension of our own representative? He is not a voter of Sarangani!”

Yap, the current municipal mayors’ league president here, claimed that Pacquiao has never been remiss of his duty as representative of their district.

“Other congressmen can no longer be seen in their respective district after election.

Maybe because they are avoiding solicitations or requests for help from their constituents.

Cong. Manny Pacquiao is different. He’s always there every time we need him. He’s not hiding from us,” Yap said.

Yap bared that aside from being visible to his people, Pacquiao is spending his own money to help people and to finance government projects in his district.

Pacquiao spent around P6 million out of his own pocket to help the victims of Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

In November last year, Pacquiao spent more than P10 million out of his hard-earned money for relief operations to ease the sufferings of people in Leyte and Eastern Samar battered by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In his district, Pacquiao purchased lands using his own funds to provide housing for the homeless.

Pacquiao is spending his own personal resources to support the education of around 2,500 poor yet deserv-

ing students in his district.

Just last October, Pacquiao shouldered the entire P12-million budget for the centennial anniversary celebration of Glan town.

Not only Glan but all the municipal governments in his district run to him for financial succor during important events or celebrations especially after the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was jettisoned and declared illegal by the Supreme Court.

“By doing this, I believe, Cong. Manny Pacquiao deserves commendation rather than suspension. He has performed beyond our expectation as compared to other lawmakers who spend most of their time in Manila than in their districts,” Yap said.

According to Yap, Pacquiao’s integrity as public official is beyond reproach and his generosity is beyond compare.

“We consider Cong. Manny Pacquiao as a gift from above.

We, in Sarangani, is very lucky to have him as our representative. Now, Mr. Saguisag wants to take him away from us? No way!” Yap said.

Yap advised Saguisag to vent his anger on the corrupt and non-performing lawmakers especially those involved in PDAF scam, “Not on Cong.

Manny Pacquiao who has been making sacrifices and invaluable contributions not just in sports but also in the roughand-tumble world of politics.”

Pacquiao, himself, told this writer that he’s spending around P20 million a year out of his own pocket for medical assistance of his constituents.

“I’m spending roughly P20 million annually for medical assistance of my people. I don’t even earn a tax credit for that,” Pacquiao said.

DRIVING ALEX. Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beermen drives against the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

15

Cavs tame GrizzliesL 105-91 EBRON James and Kyrie Irving stepped aside and let one of their teammates polish off an opponent.

On Sunday, Dion Waiters finished Memphis.

Waiters scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the Cleveland Cavaliers handled one of the Western Conference’s best teams, beating the short-handed Grizzlies 105-91.

The Cavs have been waiting for the enigmatic and inconsistent Waiters to become more reliable. It’s still a work in progress but Waiters, who has frequently been mentioned in trade rumors over the past two seasons, is showing signs of developing into a steady scorer off the bench.

“He’s learning every day,” said James, who had 25 points and 11 assists. “He’s a young guy. He hasn’t experienced much in this league, so for him to have a game like he had, we needed it.”

James scored 16 in the second half and the Cavs shot a season-best 61 percent from the field to improve to just 3-6 against West teams. Anderson Varejao scored 18 and Irving had 17 points and 12 assists for the Cavs, who are 11-3 since their sluggish 5-7 start.

Marc Gasol scored 23 and added 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who played without forward Zach Randolph. He’s nursing a sore and swollen right knee he injured in Friday’s loss at Chicago.

Jon Leuer added 16 points for Memphis, which dropped to 21-6.

TAKING OVER. Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies’ Tayshaun Prince in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Casimero steps aside for Zhou F

ORMER IBF light flyweight champion Johnreil Cssimero will step aside to allow China’s undefeated Zou Shiming to fight Thailand’s Amnat Ruenroeng for the world title in Macau on March 7.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports that they saw no problem in allowing Ruenroeng to fight Zou Shim-

ing even though Casimero scored a spectacular 2nd round stoppage of Armando “Cobra” Santos in a title eliminator in Hidalgo, Mexico two weeks ago.

Gello-ani reasoned that when Casimero was light flyweight champion he also obtained IBF approval to fight one voluntary title defense before facing a mandatory challenger and said he is

prepared to extend the same privilege to Ruenroeng so he could make the big money fight against Zou Shiming happen.

Top Ranbk promoter Bob Arum told the Manila Standard/Viva Sports some two months ago that the two-time Olympic gold medalist who is very popular in China, would fight the Thai champion for the title and even suggested

EAL Madrid defeated San Lorenzo of Argentina 2-0 on Saturday to win the Club World Cup and secure their fourth trophy of 2014.

The Spanish giants dominated the final with Sergio Ramos, who had been an injury doubt because of a hamstring strain, and Gareth Bale getting on the scoresheet.

Real added the year-ending trophy to the Champions League, Copa del Rey and European Super Cup titles they had already secured in 2014. They will also end the year on top of La Liga.

Saturday’s triumph was

also their 22nd consecutive win in all competitions, and they now have in their sights the mark of 26 straight wins achieved by Johan Cruyff’s Ajax side in 1971-72.

“We deserved to win the title — we can say that Real Madrid are the best team in the world,” said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“We have done really well this year, it’s been unforgettable. We are a team and a family.”

Real are also guaranteed to finish the year as La Liga leaders and Ancelotti was already setting his sights on similar achievements in 2015.

“We’d be happy with a re-

peat. We’ll continue forward like this in all competitions and will face the new year with excitement and enthusiasm.”

Meanwhile, Bale tweeted: “Couldn’t think of a better Christmas present, FIFA World Club Champions 2014!! #HalaMadrid.”

Ramos opened the scoring after 37 minutes when he rose above the San Lorenzo defence to send a thumping header past goalkeeper Sebastian Torrico from a Toni Kroos corner.

Bale made it 2-0 six minutes into the second half when he collected a pass from Isco and fired the ball straight at Torrico.

Real Madrid wins Club World Cup R

that if Zou Shiming wins he may defend the title against former WBA/WBO champion Brian Viloria who is also scheduled to fight on the March 7 undercard at the Cotai Aena in Macau.

However, Gello-ani made it clear that Casimero would exercise his rights as mandatory challenger against the winner of the Zou Shiming-Ruenroeng title fight.

Gasol refused to use Randolph’s absence as an excuse.

“We play who we have,” he said. “Whoever’s not here is not here. Trust me, we have enough talent in this locker room not just to win tonight but to win the same amount of games we’ve won so far.”

Despite not having Randolph, their leading rebounder, Grizzlies were still within 7974 when the Cavs went on an 8-0 run to take control. Irving triggered the spurt with a basket before Waiters, who was benched in the second half of a win over Brooklyn on Friday, fed James for an alley-oop dunk. Waiters then drained a 3-pointer to cap an 11-3 run, and the backup guard scored eight consecutive points to push Cleveland’s lead to 10083.

Waiters scored 11 points in a span of 2:10, assuming the closer role usually played by James and Irving.

“When it’s not one of those guys nights, somebody’s got to step up and my approach every game is to be locked in as far as being consistent and being aggressive at all times, that’s just who I am,” Waiters said. “I just try to let the game come to me now. I just take what they give me.”

Cavs coach David Blatt said his team would need to “bring it” to match the Grizzlies’ physicality. Cleveland brought it, building a 20-6 lead in the first quarter, helped by Gasol going to the bench after picking up his second personal. The Grizzlies, though, battled back and were only down 11 at halftime.

Clippers avert upset from Bucks, 106-102

C

HRIS Paul carried the Los Angeles Clippers on his back on Saturday night and helped his team avert a mild upset by scoring a 106102 triumph over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks.

With the game hanging in the balance, Paul sank a 3 and swished six free throws in the final 4:04 of action at Staples Center to hold off the stubborn Bucks, who erected a 74-65 edge at the 5:24 mark of the third period.

“We’ve been struggling a bit lately, so after a tough loss last night and then going on a tough road trip to San Antonio and Atlanta after this game, we

really needed to get this one,” said Paul, whose Clips improved to 19-8, a modest sixth place in the very competitive Western Conference.

Paul’s total came to 27 points and nine assists while his running mate, fellow AllStar Blake Griffin, chipped in 24 points and six boards. J.J. Redick drilled five 3s for 23 points while Jamal Crawford fueld the bench with 17.

The Clippers showcased their outside shooting through a 12 of 26 conversion above the 3-point arc and they showed their quickness on the open court with 19 fast break points.

Real Madrid celebrates after winning the Club World Cup final soccer match against San Lorenzo at Marrakesh stadium on Sunday.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

SALVAGING THIRD Mighty CMO wind up 3rd in AFP-PNP hoops C

HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go was on fire as the City Mayor’s Office trounced Police Regional Office-XI, 99 – 85, in their battle for third encounter in the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 12th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. Go erupted for 36 points on top of seven assists to lead the charge for the City Hall dribblers who finished third for two straight season.

The sweet-shooting trusted aid of

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte left PRO defense dazed and confused most of the time with his variety of plays that turned out to be the game’s deciding factor.

CMO was dictating the tempo of the match right from the opening tip en route to third place clinching victory.

Weng Farochillen played the major supporting role for CMO as the bulky big man stamped his might at the paint to finish the game with 21 points.

PRO tried to slow down the hot-shooting Go and the streaking late in the second

period by employing a man-to-man defense but went unsuccessful that kept the Policemen at bay most of the final half.

Lester Normandia and Edwin Awitin paced with 21 points apiece for the PRO. Roy Bangkas and John Bonleon chipped in 13 points each for the CMO which lost to Davao City Police Office in the semifinal round. PRO bowed down to defending champion Bureau of Fire Protection.

BFP and DCPO will begin their best of three final series on December 27. (Rico Biliran)

Christopher “Bong” Go drives to the basket against a Task Force Davao defender in this file photo. Go fired 36 points to lead the City Mayor’s Office over the Police Regional Office-XI on Saturday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 201 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014