Edge Davao 7 Issue 207

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BALANCING ACT. Two young girls try to perform some gymnastic routines on a sidewalk rail outside People’s Park in Davao City yesterday. Photo taken on Sunday, one day before schools nationwide reopened after the long holiday break. Lean Daval Jr.

STILL MISSING Search on for Dabawenyo, 15 others in sunken ship

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DABAWENYO seaman is still missing along with 15 other Filipinos three days after the cargo vessel Bulk Jupiter sank off Vietnam last January 2.

At the same time, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) identified the two seamen whose bodies had been recovered.

DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the two fatalities were ship captain Ronel Ac-

ueza Andrin, 45, of Quezon province, and third officer Jerome Maquilang Dinoy, 23, of Cebu.

Repatriation of their remains to Manila were being arranged, Jose said.

The two were among the 19 Filipino sailors of the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier that sank off Vietnam last Friday.

Jose said that while Chief cook Angelito Roxas

survived the incident, the search for the 16 other missing sailors continued.

Vietnamese news agency Tuoi Tres News identified the missing Filipinos as Alexis Thomas Piala Bacalla of Davao City, Renner Carl Resos Abugadie, Gibbson Ladica Ranara, Joseph Bantolino Damasen, Lot Olavides Correos, Reydante Santos Mendoza, Ricky Arangorin Gapasin, Jonniefer De-

rapite Aleta, Renator Flores Toribio, Wynfred Penaranda Balazo, Edgar Tabanao Melecio, George Barbaso Espliguera Jr., Edwin Deriada Acebo, Rosilo Navarro Sansolis, Gilbert Feliciano Flora, and Mark Timothy Denosta Causarin.

Bacalla had posted on his Facebook account at 10:44 a.m. on January 1 that he was feeling nauseous.

FSTILL, 10

INSIDE EDGE MORE SEEDS FALL IN BRISBANE SPORTS page 15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

AFP to intensify drive vs rebels

ON QUEUE. Dabawenyos from all walks of life form a long queue outside the Sangguniang Panlungsod building to get their residence certificates, mostly for employment purposes. Lean Daval Jr.

Get your new plates, LTO tells motorists

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 urged motorists to get their new plate numbers ahead of the implementation of the “no plate, no travel” policy.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex, LTO 11 regional director Gomer Dy said he has noticed the slow distribution of new plate numbers because there are still a lot in their stockroom.

“Nakita namo na hinay kaayo ang pagkuha sa mga plaka sa among stockroom.

Gusto namo na mahurot na

plaka diha (We see that the releasing of the new plates is very slow. We want to distribute all of it) so that we can declare to DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communication) that we are now ready to implement the ‘no plate, no travel’ policy,” he said.

Dy said the new plates had arrived in June of last year but only a few vehicle owners have claimed them.

He said he is hoping the new plates vehicles registered between February and October 2014 will be re-

FGET, 10

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has vowed to intensify its campaign against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in 2015.

10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año said the AFP will focus its military operation on the remaining groups of the NPA that refuse to heed

2 top lawmakers among 16 lawyers who died in ‘14

calls for peace.

“Magkakaron kami ng focus military operation sa mga nalalabing grupo ng NPA na ayaw makisama at ayaw ng peace,” he said.

Año said the AFP is willing to cooperate with rebels who would like to surrender.

“Nakabukas ang aming pinto sa NPA na gustong mag surender. May mga programa na kaming nakalaan para sa

kanila, itong) Our doors are open to NPA members who want to surrender. We have programs prepared for them, including the) Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP),” he said.

At the same time, Año said the Army will also continue its Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOF) especially in barangays that have not been reached yet.

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

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WO top politicians who both represented Davao City in the martial law Batasang Pambansa were among 16 Davao lawyers who died of various causes in 2014.

The two were former congressman Manuel “Nonoy” Monteverde Garcia and former Immigration commissioner Zafiro Lucas Respicio.

Both were elected members of Parliament in the 1982 Batasang Pambansa elec-

tions.

The rest of the 14 lawyers who died, two of them ladies, were Victorio S. Advincula Sr., who like Garcia and Respicio, served as member of the pre- and post martial law Davao City Council; Pacifico Abraham, Emmanuel Acuña, Charlemagne Aldevera, Joel Babista, Paquito Balasabas, Jane Baltazar, Estrella Cajilog, Warlito Cartagena, Gregorio Duremdes, Joseph Jocson, Prospero Mojica,

Reynaldo Nolasco, and Ray Velasco.

Most of the deceased lawyers served either local government units or national agencies at various times.

Respicio, who died at the age of 66 in Kidapawan, was OIC mayor of Davao City and also collector of the Bureau of Customs at the Ninoy Aquino Internal Airport supervising close to 100 BOC warehouses at the time before being

F2 TOP, 10 Respicio

Garcia

“We will intensify our efforts so that we can go to areas where the indigenous people live because that is where our government is focusing its development efforts,” he said.

Año said construction of roads to different mountainous areas of the region will begin this year in order to help the economic structure of the Region develop.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Young Dabawenya, Sec. Purisima to attend World Economic Forum

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ANNUAL ROUTINE. Business owners crowd the Davao City Business Bureau Office at the Sangguniang Panlungsod building to process the renewal of their business permits yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Military operation launched vs BIFF in Maguindanao, SK

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OVERNMENT forces on Monday launched a massive military operation against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the marshy area between the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Lieutenant Colonel Markton Abu, commanding officer of 33rd Infantry Battalion described the offensive as “clearing operation” saying they received information the BIFF threatened to attack civilians.

Abu said the group was poised to attack farmers now

that harvest time is coming like it allegedly di in the past.

Last January 3, BIFF rebels simultaneously attacked a detachment in Barangay Kulasi in General Salipada K. Pendatun town in Maguindanao and Sumilalao detachment in Barangay Katiku, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat province.

One soldier was killed and three others were wounded in the attack.

BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama said the military fired dozens of howitzers, but added they did not engage the

MinDA notes higher GRDP

soldiers and remained in defensive positions.

He admitted however that they launched attacks and liquidation of military personnel in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato.

Maj. General Edmundo Pangilinan, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division has called on the civilian communities to give information on the location and activities of the BIFF in order to preempt the “atrocities” of the group.

He called the BIFF “spoil-

ers of peace in Mindanao”.

The BIFF, which had declared an alliance with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, has been accused by police and military authorities as having staged some bombings in Mindanao.

In 2014, nine improvised bombs exploded in various parts of Mindanao killing 15 persons and injuring at least 120 others.

The BIFF however denied any involvement in those incidents. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/ MindaNews)

25-YEAR-OLD social entrepreneur from Davao City will be one of only four Filipinos who are committed to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland on January 19 to 21.

Selected to attend are youth laders Liezel Salera, co-founder and president of Davao City-based Invest Mindanow, and Harvy Joy Liwanag, a health researcher who holds a dual degree of Doctor of Medicine and Master in Business Administration.

The other Filipino participants are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Estrella Penunam, secretary-general of the Asian Farmers Association for Sustainable Development (AFA).

A management accounting graduate of Ateneo de Davao University, Salera is described as an entrepreneur, change maker, youth leader, and financial analyst. She worked as forecast process expert of Procter & Gamble international operations for four years.

Liwanag is a young researcher focusing on the prevention and control of

“diseases of poverty.”

“I will be going there as a global shaper,” Salera said, adding that the Globar Shapers Community is one of the five groups under the World Economic Forum’s New Champions Communities.

The WEF will tackle four current world issues. They are: Crisis and cooperation - Emerging economies are growing more powerful and assertive regionally and globally. Rather than a repeat of uni- or bipolar hegemony a concert of interdependent and stronger regions seems to be the most likely global scenario for the decades ahead. How can a world of ³decentred globalism´deliver the necessary levels of cooperation in areas such as climate governance, cyber security and international trade and investment?

Growth and stability Economic growth after the financial crisis has mainly been the result of expansionary monetary policy.

Whilst this prevented economies from falling apart the

FYOUNG, 10

Salera

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) noted an increase in Mindanao’s Growth Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) last year.

MinDA Director for Investment Promotion, International Relations and Public Affairs Romeo Montenegro told reporters in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex that MinDA had forecasted between seven and eight percent GRDP growth in the island region in 2014.

“It is higher than the national forecast of around 6.5 percent GDP (Growth Do-

mestic Product),” he said.

The factors of growth came from the servicing sector with 44 percent, agriculture sector with 21 percent, and manufacturing sector with 25 percent.

Montenegro said the servicing sector also continued to surge as many malls and tourism facilities were established.

Agriculture products such as banana, cacao, and oil palm also contributed to the growth.

Montenegro said MinDA is looking to the fisheries and manufacturing sectors

FMINDA, 10

GET YOUR PLATES. Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11 director lawyer Gomer Dy (right) urges motor vehicle owners to get their new plate numbers so the agency can now implement the “no plate, no travel policy.” With him in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao is assistant regional director Macario “Bong” Gonzaga. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

HIDDEN NO MORE. A throng of adventure seekers crowd Tinago Falls on Friday, January 2. Situated between Iligan City and Linamon, Lanao del Norte, it is so named because it is hidden amidst lush greenery in a valley. MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera

ComVal entrepreneurs get livelihood carts

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TOTAL of 50 entrepreneurs in the five municipalities hardest hit by typhoon Pablo in 2012 will be given Kabuhayan Carts, amounting to almost a million pesos, in a bid to help them get a reliable source of income.

The municipalities are Compostela, New Bataan, Laak, Montevista, and Monkayo.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officer-in-charge in ComVal Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque and Mayor Lorenzo Balbin turned over an initial 10 livelihood carts to the beneficiaries in Barangay Andap, New Bataan. This initiative is part of Task Force Pablo Rehabilitation Projects.

The carts are start-up mobile push carts appropriate for entrepreneurs engaged in street food business. These are made of steel frame and marine plywood with stain-

less casing and equipped with a glass food display. Each unit costs P20,000.

“The push carts, conceptualized after a series of livelihood trainings on food processing, is DTI-Comval’s tangible intervention to develop entrepreneurship among victims of Typhoon Pablo and hasten their recovery,” Balleque said.

This two-pronged approach of providing the know-how and capital equipment has been DTI Comval’s strategy for its TF Pablo Rehabilitation “Bayanihan para sa Kabuhayan” Project.

“Before the year ends, DTI Comval is hopeful that the series of livelihood trainings, including provision of business starter kits, have reached most of the communities in need for rehabilitation and recovery from Typhoon Pablo disaster,” Balleque said. DTICV/PKE/jmm

Cycling event benefits 13 burn unit patients T

HIRTEEN patients admitted at the Dr. Rizal D. Aportadera SPMC Burn Unit benefitted from the proceeds of the 4th Gene Boyd R. Lumawag cycling fundraising event.

The fundraising was able to raise P33,087.80 in cash, of which P28,587.80 was from the cycling event on December 14 and P4,500 cash donation from media, friends, and other entities.

“This is our 8th year of gift-giving. Friends from the media and other indi-

viduals gave joy to all the admitted burn patients,” over-all coordinator Joselle Badilla said.

Like the previous years, all proceeds from the cycling event were used to buy medicines such as jars of Flammacerium Cream and Duoderm dressing as well as gift and food packs.

The items were given to the patients on December 24.

“Six jars of Flammacerium cream was donated to the center. The cream alone costs P3,700,” Badilla said.

Established in July 2000, the 25-bed Mindanao Burn Center is the largest facility of its kind on the island. Poor patients cannot afford expensive medicines such as antibiotics and creams.

“Our burn unit is considered the best benefit for Mindanao but we really need support,” said Dr. Rizal Aportadera, a volunteer surgeon and director of the Mindanao Burn Center since 1990.

The center also badly needs infusion pumps, burn dressing materials,

New PNP deployment looming in Region 12

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WATERFALL SELFIE. A vacationer takes a selfie near the foot of Dodiongan Falls in Iligan City, also known as The City of Waterfalls, early morning Sunday (4 January 2015). MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera

milk, eggs and food supplements, toys and reading materials.

“Padyak Para Kay Boyd Para sa Burn Center 4” was sponsored by Globe Telecom, Camera Club of Davao (CCD), MindaNews, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ANFLOCOR, Columbia Computer Center, Matina Town Square, Davao Light, Sweet Advocate, H2Zero Walton & Company, JLP Design Digital Advertising, San Iker Garments, GT Bicycles and 95.5 Classic Hit Radio.

HE Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 is set to assign additional police personnel to various police units in the region in a bid to further build up their manpower strength and operational capabilities.

Chief Superintendent Lester Camba, Region 12 police director, said Monday the move is part of their continuing efforts to improve the performance of local police offices and stations, especially in the maintenance of peace and order as well as addressing security-related concerns.

He said they will mainly deploy personnel who were hired last year under its regular recruitment program and attri-

tion system.

The newly-hired non-commissioned officers, who hold the rank of Police Officer 1, recently completed their basic training and were temporarily assigned to the PRO-12’s Regional Public Safety Battalion.

He did not disclose the number of police personnel who will be covered by the fresh deployment, noting that it is still being finalized by the regional police’s R-1 or personnel unit.

“We’re targeting to start moving them to their new assignments

by Jan. 15,” Camba said in a radio interview.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces

FNEW, 10

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

SC asked to halt LRT, MRT fare increases F ORMER Iloilo Rep. Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco on Monday filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to stop the fare hikes now being implemented by the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).

In a 12-page petition, Syjuco asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Department Order No. 2014-14 declaring fare increases at the LRT Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT Line 2 (LRT-2) and MRT Line 3 (MRT-3).

LRT-1 traverses from Baclaran, Paranaque City to Roosevelt, Quezon City; LRT-2 traverses from Recto, Manila to Santolan, Pasig City; and MRT-3 traverses from North Avenue, Quezon City to EDSA-Taft

Avenue, Pasay City.

Syjuco also urged the SC to declare the assailed department order as “illegal and unconstitutional.”

He argued that the DOTC has committed “grave abuse of authority” in the approval of the fare increase because it was implemented without “due process.”

The former lawmaker further argued that the fare increase is also violative of the “Public Service Act” as well as the existing “Rules of Court” because of the failure of the DOTC to first conduct a public hearing on the matter as the basis of the fare hike and how the computation was made will be presented.

Syjuco expressed the belief that if the fare increase will not be stopped, it will bring about “irreparable damage” to the public. (PNA)

PASSING THROUGH. An MRT train passes through the Katipunan station in Metro Manila. A petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) has been filed on the fare increases imposed by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

7 firms roll back oil prices anew S

President Aquino

Aquino signature awaits tax exemption bonuses

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NLY the signature of President Benigno Aquino III is needed to make the proposed law that will provide for a higher P82,000 tax exemption ceiling for bonuses of state and private workers currently set at P30,000.

Isabela Rep. Rodolfo T. Albano III, member for the Minority Bloc of the House committee on Ways and Means, said the President’s support to the proposed measure that was recently ratified by both Chambers of Congress would show not only his pro-workers stance but also his recognition to hard work of millions of Filipino workers.

“We hope that the President will finally affix his signature to the proposed law raising tax exemption cap on 13th

month pay of Filipino workers from both the public and the private sectors,” Albano said in a statement.

“The tax exemption will provide more disposable income Filipino workers that will allow them to put more food on the table, provide better for the educational and medical needs of their families, and add on to the expenses for various essential services like electricity and water,” he added.

Albano said overall, the costs of the tax exemptions will still redound to the national economy as these tax exemptions will result in consumer spending that will benefit the national economy.

Albano expressed confidence that implementing government agencies led by the Department of Finance

Palace backs bills to boost economy, social services

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ALACAÑANG will continue to cooperate with Congress for the passage of proposed laws aimed at further stabilizing the economy and improving the social services of the government, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on Sunday.

“This year, the Executive department will continue to cooperate with Congress to finally enact programs and projects which aim to stabilize the economy, improve social protection and services like housing, security and peace and order,” Coloma said in a statement over Radyo ng Bayan.

He said government is hoping that 18 of the 29 priority legislative agenda of President Benigno Aquino that were filed last year will be passed in the Senate and the

House of Representatives in 2015.

“One of these bills is the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law that will give way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Transitional Assembly before the election of officials of the Bangsamoro Political Entity in 2015,” Coloma said.

The regular session of both the Senate and the House will resume on January 19.

Coloma said according to Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Manuel Mamba, the important proposed economic measures are the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Road Right-of-Way for infrastructure projects and the Cabotage Law for shipping industry.

Coloma said according to Mamba, the government also eyes the passage of the Ratio-

(DOF) will be able to strike a balance between the interest of the workers and of the government in the implementing rules and regulations of the proposed legislation that is expected to be signed by the President anytime soon.

“We are optimistic that the DOF and other agencies of government concerned will be able to include in the IRR concerns and fears raised by some sectors, particularly finance officials, that the increase in the ceiling of tax-exempt bonuses should not be viewed as a revenue loss for the government,” Albano said.

Earlier, finance officials warned that raising the tax exemption cap would result in revenue loss to the government of about P30 billion per year. But other experts said

that any revenue loss would be just P3 billion.

The House and the Senate ratified the 13th month pay tax exemption bill before Congress went on a holiday break last December 19.

The measure, which raised the tax exemption ceiling of the 13th month pay and other bonuses from P30,000 to P82,000, covers the tax exemption for the 13th month pay, Christmas bonus, and other bonuses received by employees every year.

The measure seeks to exclude the 13th month pay and other bonuses from the computation of the gross income taxation.

It also allows employees in public and private sector to take home a larger share of their bonuses by 2015. (PNA)

EVEN oil companies yesterday reduced gasoline prices by 95 centavos per liter and diesel prices by 80 centavos per liter.

Petron Corporation, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, PTT Philippines Corporation Plc., Seaoil Philippines Inc., Eastern Petroleum, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC), and Chevron Philippines Inc. said the price reduction reflected movements in the international oil market.

Petron, Seaoil, PSPC, and Chevron also reduced kerosene prices by P1.25 per liter.

Department of Energy Undersecretary Zenaida Monsada told PNA that it is hard to predict whether international oil prices will drop further, but pointed out the international oil industry analysts note the market is well supplied.

The decreasing trend was triggered when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided not

to cut production in November that resulted in the oversupply of oil.

Monsada said no oil rigs or exploration projects in the country have stopped due to the plunge of international oil prices.

The Asian benchmark, Oman Crude, was reported to have been trading US$4.23 per barrel at the Dubai Mercantile Exchange lower than Brent, which was noted as the biggest discount since June 19, 2014.

This was caused by the low demand from China, Japan, India, and Indonesia.

Eastern Petroleum Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fernando Martinez said this brought petroleum products at an all-time low since 2008.

Further, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects noted that the demand in the Asia Pacific region will remain consistent at 31.2 million barrels a day in 2015. (PNA)

ESCUDERO, POE TO DOTC CHIEF:

Explain MRT/LRT fare hike

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ENATOR Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Sunday said the Senate will summon Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya in its ongoing inquiry into the maintenance of Metro Rail Transit to explain the fare increase in the MRT 3 and Light Rail Transit Line 1 and 2. ”We will tackle that (fare increase) and if there is a chance, we will stop it and ask their commitment because there is no reason, financially and practically, for fare hike,” Escudero said in radio dzBB interview.

Escudero questioned the timing particularly of the MRT fare hike, saying the MRT management has yet to improve its services.

“The increase was unwarranted. Untimely because the services have not improved.

They should improve first their services and if they can do that, perhaps Juan dela Cruz can accept the fare hike,” he said.

Escudero also questioned the lack of public consultation before the DOTC implemented the new fare adjustment.

The administration senator said the DOTC did not even mention when the Senate tackled its proposed budget for 2015. ”They did not mention that and that’s why I’m opposing the fare hike. When they presented the budget, it was based on the old fare and the subsidy was also based on the

FESCUDERO, 10

GROWTH. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Director for Investment Promotion, International Relations and Public Affairs Romeo Montenegro looks

FPALACE, 10 forward to a better year in the island as the agency noted an increase in Mindanao’s Growth Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) last year.

EDGEDAVAO

7 HEALTH

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

After the holiday season, here comes hypertension

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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FTER the holiday season, what comes next?

Hypertension and its complications, that’s what!

In an article, author Kenny Andersen explains: “The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a stressful time of year for most. Overindulgence at holiday parties, long shopping lists, and added financial burden are enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure and put them at risk for a cardiovascular event.”

Filipinos suffering from hypertension are increasing in number and most of them are walking time bombs that can explode anytime with serious complications. “Two in every 10 Filipino adults, 20 years and over, are hypertensive,” reports the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

About half of 12.6 million Filipinos with hypertension are not aware of their condition until they begin to suffer illnesses that have associated complication with hypertension. “Hypertension per se does not kill, but the complications are the ones that disable and kill a hypertensive,” says Dr. Rafael Castillo, a cardiologist at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital.

“Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart attack, or myocardial infarction,” says Dr. Julian Whitaker, author of “Reversing Hypertension: A Vital New Program to Prevent, Treat, and Reduce High Blood Pressure.” “A heart attack occurs when part of the heart’s blood supply is suddenly reduced or cut off, usually do to a blockage in one of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart. The portions of the heart muscle that cannot get adequate oxygen and nutrients die. The more extensive the damage, the more serious the heart attack.”

In the Philippines, stroke affects about 500 out of 100,000 people annually, reports Dr. Jose Navarro, author of “Prevalence of Stroke: Community Survey,” which appeared in “The Philippine Journal of Neurology.”

“Don’t confuse a stroke with a heart attack,” reminds Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, bestselling author of “The Best Treatment.” “A stroke is what

happens when the blood supply to a portion of the brain is interrupted; a heart attack is what you suffer when the blockage is in an artery within the heart.”

Hypertension is the primary factor underlying strokes and stroke-related deaths. “Too much pressure can cause the bursting of a vessel – especially if that vessel has been weakened by age and the excess pressure of hypertension,” explains Dr. Whitaker.

“Hypertension also contributes to atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of the arteries that increases the likelihood of blood clots cutting off blood supply,” Dr. Whitaker continues. “When either of these scenarios occurs in an artery in the brain, the result is a stroke. There is a reduction in oxygen supply to that area of the brain, followed by cell degeneration and death.”

A lesser-known outcome of hypertension is memory loss and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “It is believed that hypertension’s adverse effects on the brain are caused by the relentless pounding on the small vessels in the brain,” Dr. Whitaker writes. The brains of patients with hypertension actually shrink – by as much as 20 percent, according to some studies.

Hypertension also accelerates the aging of the kidneys.

High blood pressure damages the arteries and arterioles that supply blood and nutrients to the kidneys. As these arteries become stiff and less elastic, blood supply to the kidneys is reduced or, in some cases, cut off, causing damage to the kidneys themselves.

“Severe high blood pressure causes kidney malfunction over a relatively short period of time; however, even milder forms of uncontrolled hypertension can damage kidneys over several years, with no evident symptoms until severe damage has already occurred,” Dr. Whitaker claims. “Poorly controlled high blood pressure is responsible for approximately 25 percent of all cases of chronic kidney failure.”

Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood against artery walls as it circulates through our body. Normally, people have certain standards of BP, with a reading of 140/90 considered the median or average. The upper number, called the systolic, refers to the pumping capability of the heart, while the lower number, termed the diastolic, refers to the pressure exerted by the blood vessels all over the body.

A person is said to be hypertensive if he or she has persistent elevations of BP: a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg (millimeters mercury) or a diastolic blood pressure of more than 90 mm Hg. An individual has a mild hypertension if the systolic BP is between 140 to 159 mm Hg or the diastolic BP is between 90 to 99 mm Hg. When the systolic BP is higher than 160 mm Hg or a diastolic BP is greater than 100 mm Hg, a person is said to have a moderate to severe hypertension.

Majority of Filipinos with hypertension have no symptoms and many don’t even realize they have high blood pressure. “Practically nine out of 10 hypertensive patients have uncontrolled blood pressure which make them good candidates to develop heart attacks and strokes, or literally drop dead before they could realize what was wrong with them,” says Dr. Esperanza Cabral, who used to head the Philippine Society of Hypertension.

Studies have shown that only 14 percent of Filipinos with hypertension are aware of their condition. Of those who know they’re hypertensive, only half are taking medications; and of those who are taking medications, less than half have their blood pressure controlled to optimal levels.

According to Dr. Castillo, detection comes late in many cases so that in 59 percent of patients detected by physicians for the first time. “Which might be too late already,” he lamented, as the harm has already started even before these people get treatment.

What is alarming is that hypertension will soon become one of the country’s big-

gest health burdens. Dr. Anthony Rodgers of the University of Auckland in New Zealand writes in a report for the World Health Organization: “We are seeing that conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are much more prominent in developing countries than previously thought and contribute significantly to their overall disease burden.”

Perhaps the best thing you can do for yourself once you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension is to invest in a home blood pressure monitor. A daily measurement of your blood pressure can indicate whether your medication and home remedies are actually working to lower your blood pressure.

But even if you notice an improvement, don’t stop taking a doctor-prescribed medication unless you have your physician’s approval.

“Hypertension is truly a serious problem that requires more serious attention,” points out Dr. Cabral. “It’s no longer acceptable that just any doctor can treat any patient with hypertension. Many cases of hypertension are more complicated than they seem.”

Many Filipinos with high blood pressure can do something to lower their blood pressure. If you’re among them, your doctor has probably mentioned the importance of regular exercise, avoiding smoking, managing stress and changing your diet, and putting limits on alcohol, salt, and fat.

But there are foods that can take your blood pressure down a notch or two. Frank Mangano, author of “Blood Pressure Miracle,” has identified at least five foods that can do the trick. However, only

three are common in the Philippines: banana, cocoa, and garlic. (The other two are the artichokes and beets.)

In “The Healthy Food Directory,” author Michael Van Straten ranks banana near the top because the fruit helps alleviate 14 medical conditions.

“The banana is nature’s wonder fruit and the perfect fast food,” hailed Dr. Willie T. Ong in his book, “How to Live Longer.”

A 1997 study at Johns Hopkins University recommended eating at least five bananas daily to achieve the desired effect, and that is to lower elevated blood pressure levels. However, a study conducted by Indian researchers at the Kasturba medical college revealed that people who eat two bananas a day, for one whole week, can lower their blood pressure levels by 10 percent.

“Bananas are rich in potassium, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the heart. It works with sodium to maintain balance of the body’s fluids, which is an important factor in the regulation of blood pressure,” Mangano writes.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

What about cacao? A study conducted by researchers from Germany’s University Hospital of Cologne revealed that cocoa – which comes from cacao – can significantly lower high blood pressure levels. Study results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

“The beneficial heart effects of cocoa are attributed to its

flavonoid content, specifically procyanids,” Mangano informs.

Because cocoa is most commonly found in chocolate, people falsely assume that eating a lot of chocolate could be good for the health. “Keep in mind that cocoa in chocolates have undergone a lot of processing, and it has been mixed with loads of sugar, so this is not totally healthy,” Mangano writes. “The best way to take advantage of the health benefits offered by cocoa is to choose raw cacao – it is good for the heart, the brain, and the liver.”

From the earliest times, garlic has been used as a food.

It formed part of the diet of the Israelites in Egypt (Numbers 11:5). It was consumed by the ancient Greek and Roman soldiers, sailors and rural classes.

Recently, researchers from South Australia’s University of Adelaide have conducted studies, which provide solid proof that the consumption of garlic can indeed help lower elevated blood pressure levels.

Garlic supplements in powder form were given and results revealed that it produced a reduction in systolic blood pressure. “Garlic has been known all over the world as a very important herb, especially with its heart-protecting capabilities,” Mangano writes.

The “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” journal has published the results of a laboratory test showing how garlic juice can lead to a decrease in blood pressure levels. “Although not as potent as prescription drugs, two or three cloves of garlic can help reduce cholesterol levels and can make the blood less sticky,” writes Dr. Ong.

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

Bigtime future

DABAWENYO who had been listening to public discussions by harbingers of development both in government and the private sector will be elated by the prospects of Davao City and its neighboring areas to be hosting big-ticket projects that would usher in an unprecedented economic boom.

Being talked about in earnest nowadays are the building of a bypass highway from Bunawan to Toril, the establishment of a light railway transit system, the improvement if not the construction of a new international airport, the improvement of the Sasa international wharf, if not the establisment of an international containerized cargo facility. Still in the waterfront, there is now a consortium ready to embark on the reclamation of some 250 hectares in that the area where the Magsaysay Park is up to the site near the delta of the Davao River in Bucana, while a fisherman’s wharf is planned on the spot where the heavily-silted old Sta. Ana Wharf is.

In the north, in the south and in the southwest in the boundaries of the city with Bukidnon townships and other property development projects will rise.

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Granting some of the plans will miscarry, it will still be reasonable to expect that within five to 10 years there will be an explosion of job openings, business opportunities, foreign and domestic capital inflows, progress and development in the magnitude that Dabawenyos have never seen before. If these happen, there will be no need for our children to look for jobs out of town and check the brain drain.

However, it will be a phenomenon that we have to be ready for with a mindset and practices geared for the bigtime. Our city fathers now have to abandon their small-time thinking, or for that matter, the socalled “crab mentality.”

It will no longer be healthy for the electorate to vote for politicians who are clueless about the requirements of a developing metropolis. The explosion of progress will come with the concomitant high costs and demands for vital public services needed to address public health, sanitation, law and order, housing, traffic flow, flooding, climate change issues and other social problems. Indeed, our problems will also bigtime, and more daunting, which will explode in our faces and lead us to perdition, if we are not ready.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

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

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Coco sugar for export

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DAY after celebrating the coming of New Year, I was alone in my room.

Since it was a holiday and there was nothing to do, I opted to read the Philippine Daily Inquirer. One of the articles that caught my attention was one highlighting coco sap sugar.

“Coco sap sugar is now a P100-million industry in the global market,” wrote TJ Burgunio in his report, “Rising Coco Sugar Exports Sweet News to Philippines.”

“This is good news,” the report quoted Senator Cynthia Villar, who is the chair of the agriculture and food committee, as saying.

According to the article, the country started exporting coco sap sugar to the United States and Japan in 2007. In subsequent years, it made shipments to the Middle East, South Korea, Hong Kong, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, France, and New Zealand.

Coco sap sugar comes from coconut, which has been touted as a “lazy man’s crop.” There is a legend as to why it is called so.

It is said that coconut was God’s gift to the lazy man. “He sleeps in the shade of the tree, is awakened when a nut falls, drinks the milk, and eat some of the meat. He then feeds the rest of the meat to the chickens and cattle, which produce eggs and milk and meat, respectively. The leaves provide thatch for the roof and walls of his coconut hut, and are also woven into hats, baskets and mats.”

Coconut, whose name comes from the Spanish word “coco” (which means “mon-

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

key face” as the THINK ON THESE! three eyes on the hairy nut resemble the head of a monkey), is planted in 3.563 million hectares all over the country.

While most Henrylito D. Tacio Filipinos know henrytacio@gmail.com of coconut’s economic importance, not too many -- including those from Davao -- are aware of the health benefits coconut gives. Take the case of coconut sugar, which is derived from coconut sap or toddy. Coco sap sugar contains 12-18 percent sugar in its natural form with important vitamins and amino acids.

Coconut sugar consists primarily of sucrose (containing glucose and fructose).

“The major component of coconut sugar is sucrose (70–79 percent) followed by glucose and fructose (3–9 percent) each. Minor variations will occur, due to differences in primary processing, raw material source, tree age and variety of coconut,” notes an article which appeared in Real Raw Food.

Coco sap sugar is reportedly good for those with diabetes. “A natural sweetener and functional food, coconut sugar is a much welcome development for diabetics and hypoglycemics,” says the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), a line agency of the De-

partment of Science and Technology.

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops too low. Because keeping their blood sugar at normal levels requires quite a balancing act, diabetics are particularly prone to hypoglycemia.

Compared with refined cane sugar, coconut sugar has a glycemic index (GI) of 35.

This is much lower than the 54 GI, the level which nutritionists consider as safe for people who have to watch out their glucose level.

GI is a measure of the rate at which carbohydrates as glucose enter the bloodstream. “The GI also indicates the rate at which carbohydrates break down during digestion in the small intestine into the simple sugars glucose, fructose and, sometimes, galactose,” explains Dr. Virgilio M. Ofiana in his weekly column for a national daily.

“The glucose is the sugar that is rapidly absorbed and has a reference GI of 100 or greater,” Dr. Ofiana writes. “Both fructose and galactose enter the circulation at a slower rate and need to go to the liver for conversion into glucose: both, therefore, have lower GIs.” Sudden release of glucose into the bloodstream causes spikes of insulin that, if sustained for some time, is hazardous to health.

“Having a low GI means that people who consume coco sugar will not experience sudden spikes in their blood glucose or blood sugar levels,” PCAARRD explains.

There are million other uses of coconuts.

For instance, they can be made into musical instruments. In the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, half coconut shells are used to make sound effects of a horse’s hoof beats

when banged together. The coconut shells are also used to make the base of musical instruments such as the Chinese ban-hu and yea-hu.

The coconut shell can also be carved out to make fashion accessories like necklaces, bangles, pendants, earrings and so on.

In fact, the Hawaiians use coconut shell to make the buttons for their Hawaiian shirts.

Coconut oil is used as a basic ingredient in some of the cosmetic soap products. Coconut oil is also used as a basic ingredient to make toothpaste for sensitive teeth. In addition, coconut oil can also be applied to skin to treat minor irritations like insect bites and sunburn.

Most coconut grows on beaches of tropical islands. Here’s another legend, this time from eastern Papua, about the origin of coconut. Each day a man came home in the evening with a basket filled with large fish.

Naturally, the villagers went to spy on him to find out how he was so successful. At dawn, the man removed his head, placed it under a shrub, and then waded out into the ocean, where the fish would be attracted to him and be swallowed through his neck.

According to the legend, the man spewed out the many fish on shore, placed his head on again, then sorted the fish to return the small ones to the water. Then next morning the jealous onlookers stole the man’s head and hid it in the sand. When he could not find his head, the man changed into a fish and swam away, but his head subsequently grew into a coconut tree.

Well, they don’t write stories like that anymore!

Alternative universe 2: Basket of goods and beyond

HE “basket of goods” is an economic term that is always rightly tied to whether economic growth is truly inclusive, and if citizens truly are able to partake of a development read merely in numbers and investment grades. The Philippine Statistics Authority officially defines it as a major component of the Consumer Price Index, an “indicator of the change in the average prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by households relative to a base year.” The higher the index, the higher the inflation, and the more expensive things are, and the less we are able to save and live in a manner we consider proper and comfortable. The goal of every economic growth program is to keep these low so that there is more locally available money for other economic activities or longer term needs which provide a multiplier that grows the economy.

While the recent announcement by the Bangko Sentral that low fuel prices will keep inflation in check, they are merely responding to external factors beyond government control. We do not produce

oil, and as such prices MY TWO CENTS’ can rise quickly if OPEC or other oil producing countries choose to unilaterally cut production to deliberately raise prices.

John Tria Factors upon which we can ecisouth@gmail.com exercise greater control, like food and energy we produce locally, are sadly not provided with the right support and investment to ensure the proper (and cheaper) supply over time.

Of course, more production means lower prices. Thus we are a net importer of rice, beef, and other commodities. We are also often barely producing enough electricity.

This creates scarcity that raises the cost of such items, comprising almost 50% of the basket of goods purchased by the average Filipino family. (FIES 2003 and 2006). I encourage you all to read the latest Family

Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

In an alternative universe, inflation is kept low in the long term a sustainable manner using tools that we can use to exercise greater control over consumer prices.

External factors like lower oil prices and good weather for our crops are a blessing, but blessings cannot be controlled or wished for. Like a massive stroke, they come unexpectedly. Furthermore, monetary policy or new taxes alone cannot do it for the long term. Only hard, long-term investments in strategic goods sectors such as energy and food will. For example, ramping up agricultural production of food and lowering the cost of energy. These two sectors alone account for half of our basket of goods, and influence the prices of other goods in the same basket. Lower food and energy costs lower the cost of transport, and lower the cost of other services such as healthcare, education and can significantly lower operational costs of other businesses we patronize, like the movies and recreational places. Moreover, lower food and electricity spur the entry of other job gener-

ating activities such as manufacturing and agricultural processing.

Moreover, in an alternative universe, the average cost of these goods are published and communicated so that price fluctuations and price gouging by product suppliers are kept in check by consumers.

Perhaps in this alternative universe, the National Government (NG) need not busy itself with things that matter for the people, maybe local governments (or at least some) can do a better job anyway. The NG often fails to deliver at important services we need. They cannot even release vehicle license plates on time, and have difficulty accounting for relief goods. For if such vital day to day services are slow or unavailable, then maybe tasking local governments to deliver them under the right safeguards can ensure proper delivery within a more reasonable time, not the long wait we have to endure.

Because in an alternative universe, real government cares whether or not its citizens can enjoy a fulfilled, abundant life as humans, not just survive on what’s left in the basket.

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NEWS

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“Seasick,” he noted as a result of “Nakakahilo na dagat (dizzying rolling waves) + hangover + kulang ng tulog (inadequate sleep).”

At 10:58 on December 31, Bacalla posted a photo

of the ship going through apparently bad weather, with the caption “#Happtnewyear #thisiswhatweGot #Godblessus #SAILINGTIME.” PNA and Newsdesk Asia

leased by this month.

He also said by the time vehicle owners renew their registration this year, they can get the new plates within 45 days.

The DOTC is targeting to implement the “no plate, no travel” policy 45 days after January 31 of this year.

Dy said the LTO national office had already formulated guidelines in placing the new plate number in the vehicles. One of the guidelines is the prohibition from covering the plates so that it is easy for LTO personnel scan the barcodes that are a new

feature in the new plates.

For his part, LTO 11 assistant regional director Macario Gonzaga said the “no plate, no travel” was supposed to be implemented last November but due to some problems – including the late arrival of the new plates – they asked the central office to defer it until the the distribution of the new plates stabilizes.

“We are appealing to all owners to get your plate now. Do not wait for the LTO to conduct law enforcement on the said policy,” Gonzaga said.

appointed by then President Cory Aquino commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation.

Abraham was once connected with the Office of Media Affairs, forerunner of the present-day Philippines Information Agency.

Acuña who was a young lawyer of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) died violently. He was shot dead in what is suspected to be a case of love triangle wherein the suspect is now under trial in a local court.

Balasabas, Cajilog and Cartagena served as legal officers of the regional offices of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) respectively.

Duremdes was a career officer of the Philippine National Police, while Aldevera, a close confidant of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, served at member of the board of directors of the Davao City

Water District (DCWD).

Babista, who ran a rehabilitation center for drug dependents together with his wife, was one –time chairman for the Second District of the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB).

Babista and Respicio were “brothers” of Mayor Duterte in the Lex Taliones Fraternitas, a fraternity of law students in San Beda University and the Ateneo de Davao University.

“Nonoy” Garcia and “Totoy” Mojica served as president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao City chapter. Mojica was once a personnel officer of then Mayor Luis T. Santos.

Jocson was a court judge, while Baltazar, Nolasco and Velasco were engaged in private law practice.

According to lawyer Ramon Edison Batacan, who was once IBP Davao City president and Eastern Mindanao IBP governor, there are now close to 2,000 lawyers registered as members of IBP-Davao City.

to contribute to the growth of Mindanao.

“These three subsectors (servicing, agriculture, and manufacturing), as we have seen in Mindanao last year, have been really doing well, therefore, that is where we would be drawing our conclusion of being able to achieve 7 to 8 percent growth for 2014,” he said.

Montenegro said with this indication, the island will be in good shape in terms of development and investments.

He said MinDA is focusing on addressing the power situation in Mindanao because last year the whole island suffered from rotational blackouts “even to the point of affecting Davao City

which traditionally is not affected with rotating (blackouts).”

Montenegro said more investments are about to come into Mindanao because of the entry of big power plants with high capacities set to operate this year.

“We are expecting a better shape in terms of power supply. In fact, the entire 2015, possibly on the last quarter, we are expecting that the Mindanao power supply would be in the surplus regime already,” he said.

Montenegro said aside from power, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated a bigger budget for Mindanao for more road and bridge projects.

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PAINT JOB. A worker applies paint on a metal structure which will be used as side framing of a high-rise condominium project being constructed along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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chances of addiction and misapplication are high, including excessive risk-taking, the buildup of asset bubbles, as well as capital outflows which inflate assets and potentially destabilize economies abroad. How can post-crisis economies become more dynamic, inclusive and resilient?

Innovation and industry - Technological, demographic and economic forces are profoundly transforming industries and markets in areas such as healthcare, financial services, energy, manufacturing and retail.

At the same time, concerns over low productivity growth are increasing, and large companies face criticism for maximizing short term gain at the expense of long-term wealth-creation and social benefit. From the sharing economy to the internet of things, how can businesses disrupt rather than be the disrupted?

Society and security - Social instability occurs when political systems fail to adjust to change. Growing economic inequalities and deepening polarization indi-

cate this is a major risk. Advanced and emerging economies alike need new ways of responding to shifting demands without risking social cohesion. Faced with uncertainty, how can societies avoid the vicious cycle of distrust, polarization and unrest?

The program co-chairs are Hari S. Bhartia, co-chairman and founder of Jubilant Bhartia Group of India; Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, United Kingdom; Katherine Garrett-Cox, chief executive officer of Alliance Trust, United Kingdom ( Young Global Leader Alumnus of Global Agenda Council on Values); Jim Yong Kim, President of The World Bank, Washington DC; Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google, USA; Roberto Egydio Setubal, chief executive officer and vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of Itaú Unibanco, Brazil.

Salera sai while in the Switzerland forum, she will be sending out live updates, pictures, insights, and other information through social media. [AMA]

nalization of Fiscal Incentives, Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime, Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act, Antitrust Act, National Land Use Act, and the Strategic Trade Management Act. “Also included in the priority bills are the Customs Modernization Act to continue the programs under the fiscal reform package and the PLLO said some issues are already being scrutinized at the inter-agency level,” Coloma said.

To further improve the national security and maritime zone, Coloma said the government is also pushing for the passage of the designation of the Philippine maritime zone, designation of archipelagic sea lanes, and delineation of specific forest limits of public domain.

“The government also

wants to strengthen the justice system through the passage of the Whistleblowers Protection Act and the Witness Protection Program,” Coloma said.

Also included in the priority list, he said, are the Act Protecting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Freedom of Information Act, and a proposed proclamation to make alienable and disposable some parts of the Bantayan Island in Cebu province.

“It will be used as resettlement site for housing projects for the victims of the super typhoon Yolanda,” Coloma said.

Yolanda, with international name “Haiyan” and the strongest typhoon to make landfall in the Visayas on November 8, 2013, had left over a million of families homeless and over 6,000 people dead.

(PNA)

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

The official said the deployment quota or allocation will depend on an area’s status and needs, especially in terms of security.

He said it will also be based on the number personnel who were hired from a particular area or locality.

“Areas or localities that produced minimal recruits will get minimal or lesser quotas,” he said.

Citing initial results of their assessment, Camba said North Cotabato, specifically its Provincial Public Safety Company, will get the

biggest quota followed

by South Cotabato province.

Last year, PRO-12 hired an additional 566 policemen based on a quota approved by the Philippine National Police (PNP) central office.

A total of 333 police non-commissioned officers were hired under the PNP’s regular recruitment program while the 233 were under its attrition system.

PRO-12 also hired 263 non-uniformed personnel for various police units as part of the PNP’s efforts to replace uniformed officers who are doing administrative jobs in different police stations and offices with civilian employees. (MindaNews)

old fare,” Escudero, chairman of the Senate finance committee, explained.

Under the DOTC budget for MRT for 2015, the Senate approved P2-billion subsidy for the improvement of rail and signaling system and P7 billion from unprogrammed funds for rehabilitation of MRT. Senator Grace Poe supported the proposal of Escudero to ask the presence of Abaya in the next Senate hearing on the MRT. “Of course we have to call the DOTC secretary.

He is the best person who can answer,” Poe, chair of the Senate subcommittee on public service, said in a separate radio interview.

Poe, however, said the Senate hearing should be done after the Papal visit so as not to

disrupt the preparation of the government in the much-awaited visit of Pope St. Francis from January 15 to 16.

“In deference of the Papal visit, even the DOTC will have to focus on the safety of our countrymen and our beloved Pope himself. So after his visit, we will call a public hearing,” she said.

Poe clarified that the Senate hearing is not intended to stop the implementation of the fare hike that started on Sunday.

“That’s the job of our concerned citizen groups which can seek the help of the court,” she said.

Poe agreed with Escudero that the MRT services should be improved first before any fare increase is implemented. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

Ex-NEDA chief briefs Holcim customers on 2015 prospects A

S part of its efforts to help customers prepare for the year ahead, cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines. Inc. recently gathered nearly 600 of its clients nationwide at the Manila Hotel to share insights on the business prospects for 2015.

Cayetano Paderanga Jr., the former socio-economic planning secretary of the Aquino administration and a member of the Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis, shared a positive assessment of the construction industry for the upcoming year.

Paderanga said the Philippines’ steady economic expansion, stable banking system, robust remittance inflows and strong outsourcing sector will help sustain the construction industry’s rise.

He added that the government’s plan to step up infrastructure spending as well as the bullishness of the private sector will drive growth.

“The economy has what it takes to maintain at least 5 percent growth on the back

of traditional growth drivers,” said the former director general of the National Economic Development Authority.

“Increased economic activity suggests continued growth in the construction sector.”

Over the medium term, Paderanga expects the construction industry to grow by 6 percent to 8 percent citing the government’s commitment to upgrade the country’s infrastructure and the private sector’s continued roll-out of projects.

Aside from Paderanga, Holcim Philippines also invited motivational speakers Randell Tiongson and Chinkee Tan to talk about financial planning and the benefits of a positive mindset, respectively.

Holcim Philippines’s officials, meanwhile shared the 2014 accomplishments and the upcoming initiatives to deliver better services to customers, and the other ways the company would support their businesses particularly on the supply chain and commercial sides.

BRIGHT FUTURE. Former NEDA Director General Cayetano Paderanga, Jr. briefs Holcim Philippines’s customers on the prospects for the construction industry in 2015.

Davao Light hails 2014 Elektrisyan ng Bayan “

ELECTRICIANS play a very important role in our business as they are part in giving our customers access to electricity service.”

This was what Arnold Arsolon, AVP and Head of the Retail Services Group (RSG), said in his welcome speech during the annual Elektrisyan ng Bayan Awarding Ceremony held last December 19, 2014 at Tropika Hotel, Lanang, Davao City.

The Search for the Elektrisyan ng Bayan is an annual event in collaboration with the Aboitiz Foundation aiming to promote the highest sense of professionalism among electricians and

electric engineers who serve Davao Light customers.

The program is also intended to upgrade the skills of electricians and keep them abreast of the Electrical Code provisions and Electric Distribution Utility’s standards and policies.

The program is also meant to improve the overall efficiency in Davao Light’s service to its customers since safety is of paramount importance to the company. Embedding safety in its standards cannot be overemphasized so that the Filipino homes will be protected.

Thirty electricians were nominated in 2014 but only

four of them received cash prize from the electric utility.

2013 nominee Nicasio Oblianda of DAPREA is 2014’s Elektrisyan ng Bayan Awardee outscoring other highly competent nominees. Fellow winners are 1st runner-up Andy Paloma of UEMD, 2nd runner-up Jeffrey Solatorio also from UEMD and 3rd runner-up Isabelo Acedo of PUSEA. All of them received cash prizes and a set of electrical tools.

“I am very happy that my hardwork paid off with the award that I received. Apart from the cash prize, the pride that I am recognized for the dedication we put into our

work is just priceless. I will assure the company that I will continue to serve customers in the best quality of service,” Oblianda said.

Davao Light’s EVP and COO Arturo Milan congratulated the winners and expressed how proud he was of all hardworking and dedicated electricians who he said truly deserve to be recognized The electric utility is hopeful that by 2015 the number of nominees for the Elektrisyan ng Bayan Award will increase and that the winners will set a good example to other electricians to provide the best service experience to customers.

ELETRISYAN NG BAYAN. Nicasio Oblianda (third from left) of DAPREA is all smiles after being proclaimed as the 2014 Elektrisyan ng Bayan.

With him are (from left) AVP for RSG Arnold Arsolon, Customer Retail Services Dept. Head Engr. Mervin Dalian, AVP and Head of Panabo Branch Engr. Reynold Felix, and EVP-COO Arturo Milan.

MOBILE PAYMENTS. SSS and G-Xchange officials represented by (seated from left) SSS Vice President for Member Services Division Mario R. Sibucao, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros Jr. and G-Xchange Inc. President Paolo Eugenio J. Baltao sign the memorandum of agreement on November 21, at the SSS Corporate Headquarters in Quezon City. Witnessing the ceremony are (standing from left) SSS Senior Vice President for Information and Technology Management Group Joel A. Layson, SSS Assistant Vice President and Officer in Charge for Services Deliver Department Rene N. Malto, G-Xhange Inc. Chief Operations Officer Renato Rex Xavier Marzan, and G-Xchange Inc. and G-Xchange Inc. Director for Merchant Acquiring Remo M. Garovillo.

SSS payments via mobile phones to open to members

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OBILE payments to Social Security System (SSS) will be available soon with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the state agency and G-XChange Inc. The agreement allows SSS members to settle their SSS contributions and loan amortizations through the use of G-XChange’s mobile remittance facility called G-Cash, which is offered exclusively to Globe and TM Network subscribers.

G-Cash is a free mobile application that serves as a virtual wallet offering users a secure, fast, and convenient money transfers using mobile phones.

For SSS transactions, a one-time registration is required and payments are free of charge.

SSS Vice-President for Member Services Division Mario R. Sibucao said the facility will be opened to household employers, voluntary members, and self-employed individuals including farmers, fishermen, and non-working spouses.

“We are encouraging our members to register in this new payment facility once rolled out. It promises prompt remittance of their contributions and loan amortizations at their convenience,” Sibucao said.

To make payments using G-Cash, SSS members will need to load their G-Cash accounts to cover their payments for contributions and loans. The member will receive a confirmation text message for every successful transaction.

12

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

7

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

things to do in Phuket

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new year means new adventures and Thailand’s largest island is just literally filled with that. From the vibrant nightlife and night market scene at Patong to the massive Big Buddah sculpture located on the hills of the island, Phuket is an island of adventures waiting to be experienced and here are some of my recommended things to do while on a visit to Phuket, Thailand.

Visit the big Buddah Take time off the beaten path and head towards the hills of Phuket to visit one of Thailand’s biggest Buddah sculptures. Made of white marble and by privately donated funds, the Big Buddah dominates the skyline of the area and offers visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Patong City.

One can rent a shuttle to get to the Big Buddah, the more adventurous may want to rent their own scooters for the day.

The Big Buddah.

unlike any other local coconut we have. The water of the coconut at Phuket is mildly aromatic with a nice sweet caramel-like flavour. Have it fresh or tried the “barbecued” variety which offers a more intense cola-like flavour.

Try the local coconut We may grow our own coconuts here in the Philippines but Phuket Island’s coconuts take

Patong’s night market is a shoppaholic’s dream.

Get close and personal with tigers Now here is an adrenaline rush that does not involve fast rides. Take a detour to Phuket Tiger Kingdom and get up close and personal with the beautiful creatures. The park trained and acclimatised their tigers to humans which allow guests to interact with the huge cats.

Rules are strict, and rightfully so, but to get a photo together besides one of nature’s largest predators is totally priceless.

Go gaga at the night market If there is one thing Thailand is known for is its affordable shopping scene

Phuket’s aromatic coconut tastes like no other. Seafood is the king of Puket’s cuisine.

Patong’s night life is vibrant and fun. and Patong’s night market to be part of every dinis just one of the many ing table. Foodies who places you should go to love spicy food will surely when visiting Phuket. love it here. For those with From naughty shirts, to less tolerance for heat, handicrafts, bags, trin- you may either try to ask kets, and souvenirs, the for the restaurant to tone night market is a destina- down the chillies or eat tion all of its own. more rice to counter the heat.

Sample authentic Thai cuisine Party the night away When in Thailand, do as at Patong the Thais do and that in- What is a visit to Thailand cludes having a taste of without going for a night authentic Thai cuisine, out? On this end, Phuket chillies and all. Since comes up in aces as PaPhuket is located on the tong’s pub strip turns up south of the country, ex- the livery the moment pect seafood dishes such the sun sets. From dive as Thai-style crabs, stir bars, to dance clubs, to fried squid, and tom yum the more infamous girlie

At a local spa to have a Thai massage.

shows, Patong’s night life is definitely one to remember.

Have an authentic Thai massage After all the adventuring and partying, it is nice to wind down with an authentic Thai massage. Different from the conventional massages which use fragrant mineral oils, Thai massage uses stretching and kneading methods to open up chakra points leaving one refreshed and energetic.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel stories.

Hanging out with the Tigers at Phuket Tiger Kingdom.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Make giving your greatest reward this Christmas with Smart and Caritas Manila

Smart, Sun Cellular, Talk ‘N Text and Infinity subscribers can now share their blessings this Christmas using their rewards points to beneficiaries of Caritas Manila, the lead Catholic non-profit organization in the Philippines.

In a partnership agreement, Smart Communications, Inc. and Smart Broadband, Inc. (Smart, Talk ‘N Text and Infinity) and Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (Sun Cellular), are offering a digital donation channel to Caritas Manila for subscribers enrolled with the Smart Rewards, Sun Choice Rewards, Talk ‘N Text Panalo Rewards and Infinity Privileges programs.

Through these customer loyalty programs, subscribers can easily convert their points that they have been earning from using their mobile services into a donation to Caritas by just sending an SMS. The donations will go to the foundation’s recovery and rehabilitation programs for areas that were affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

“Especially now that the spirit of Christmas is here, we are very happy to provide our customers a convenient and safe channel for their gift-giving to a charitable cause.

With Caritas Manila as our partner, we enable our subscribers with this option of sharing their rewards from their continuous patronage of our services to other people who are more in need.” said Jan von Gramatzki, senior advisor for customer loyalty programs, Wireless Consumer Division at Smart.

“We encourage our subscribers to participate in our rewards programs and enjoy the associated benefits. But more importantly, we also provide them now a channel to donate to charity, and be assured that the equivalent cash value reaches its beneficiaries. This is where our partnership with Caritas as a most trusted organization plays an important role. I would like to thank Caritas for giving us this opportunity to help us make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate Filipinos.”, he added.

“We are grateful to Smart and Sun for this partnership. This makes sharing of one’s blessings

easy and accessible. With Smart and Sun’s network of millions of subscribers, the rewards points earned and donated to Caritas Manila will enable us to help more poor communities especially in this Year of the Poor.” said Caritas Manila executive director Rev. Fr. Anton CT Pascual.

To convert Smart Rewards, Sun Choice Rewards, Panalo Rewards and Infinity Privileges points, subscribers just have to send REDEEM CARITAS to 9800 (for example, REDEEM CARITAS100 to 9800).

Valid amounts for donation include P5, P10, P20, P50, P100 and P500.

To check available rewards points, subscribers just need to text POINTS to 9800. 100 points can be converted to a P1 donation. Every top-up for prepaid customers, and every peso spent above the monthly service fee for postpaid customers will earn rewards points. In addition to donations, these points can also be used for exciting redemption

options from Smart, Sun Cellular, Talk ‘N Text, Infinity and other partners.

Any subscriber of Smart, Talk ‘N Text, Sun Cellular and Infinity can enroll in their respective rewards program. To register, just text REWARDS to 9800.

Subscribers using multiple services can also consolidate and aggregate their points for convenience. To find out more about the various rewards options and redemption options, please visit smart.com.ph/rewards, suncellular.com. ph/rewards, rewards. talkntext.com.ph or rewards.smart.com.ph/infinity.

Caritas Manila is the lead non-profit organization operating in the Philippines with social services and integrated family development programs for the poor and the vulnerable. Its key intervention programs for poverty alleviation are in education and economics to benefit its youth and family partners.

GT Cosmetics backs Miss Cebu 2015

GT Cosmetics, a Cebubased beauty products manufacturer, is partnering for the second year in a row with the Miss Cebu 2015 beauty pageant that will be staged as one of the highlights of the Sinulog Festival this January.

“As a company that had its roots in Cebu, GT Cosmetics is happy to support Miss Cebu 2015 in promoting talented and intelligent local beauties,” said Engr.

Leonora Salvane, GT Cosmetics founder and chief executive.

GT Cosmetics is handing over a P100,000 check to the Miss Cebu 2015 organizers as Gold Sponsor of the prestigious beauty pageant which is presently in its 31st year of crowning Cebuana beauties.

“We see our support to Miss Cebu 2015 as one way of giving back to the community that has made us what we are today,” said Salvane who explained that her firm has previously sponsored beauty pageants in campuses and barangays.

GT Cosmetics has come a long way since its modest beginnings in 1994 when

Salvane started producing papaya and carrot soaps in her home kitchen with little more than P500 as capital.

The firm now offers a full line of skin care products from beauty soaps to moisturizing and bleaching creams, sun blocks, lotions, fragrances, among many others.

Initially gaining popularity through the simple word-of-mouth of its satisfied soap users, GT products are now sold in over 400 retail outlets and leading drugstores nationwide.

This includes Watsons Personal Care stores, Robinsons supermarkets, SM malls, Savemore supermarkets, Gaisano Metro, among other leading stores across the country.

The beauty company’s products are also available in other countries like Canada, China, Finland, Japan, Korea, and the United States.

GT Cosmetics has manufacturing plants in Lilo-an, Cebu and, from 2012 onwards, in Marilao, Bulacan, while its third factory is currently under construction in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Is MJ Lastimosa the next Miss Universe?

DABAW EN YA BEAUTY, Mary Jean Lastimosa, left the for Florida yesterday to represent the country in the upcoming search for Miss Universe scheduled on January 25.

According to an interview on GMA Network’s 24 Oras, she admits that it was destiny that got her to win the crown even after two tries. The changing of the age cap of Binibining Pilipinas

from 25 to 26 years old also gave her an opportunity to compete again.

According to MJ, “When I decided to join Binibining Pilipinas, of course it’s every girls dream to win the Miss Universe title. It’s really [the] Miss Universe pageant that I have been dreaming [of].”

With that in mind though, MJ does have big shoes to fill as the Philippines has been on a hot streak lately when it came to the Miss Uni-

verse pageant with the country’s bets consistently placing on the top five: Venus Raj, 2010 (4th runner-up); Shamcey Supsup, 2011 (3rd runner-up); Janine Tugonon, 2012 (1st runner-up) and Ariella Ardia, 2013 (3rd runner-up).

The Philippines first won the Miss Universe crown in 1969 thanks to Gloria Diaz and was followed by Margie Moran on 1973. Will MJ be the country’s next Miss Universe?

Liza gets bullied by Enrique’s mother in “Forevermore” VIEWERS and netizens were moved by the recent turn of events in ABS-CBN’s top-rating romantic drama series, “Forevermore” where Liza Soberano’s character gets bullied by Xander’s (Enrique Gil) mother, Bettina (Lilet), who happens to be her boss in Grande Hotel.

“XaGnes” (Xander-Agnes) fans got so affected by the episode last Monday (December 29) that they quickly made “Agnes” and the show’s official hashtag “#ForevermoreTheChallenge” top trending topics on Twitter. Numerous netizens sympathize and tweet about the humiliation that Agnes suffered in the hands of Bettina and the hotel’s VIP guest, Steph (Marina Benipayo).

Viewers got so affected when Agnes accidentally poured hot chocolate on Steph’s expensive outfit.

Agnes was teary-eyed with

the embarrassing incident that happened in front of Xander’s grandmother, Doña Soledad (Marissa Del-

gado), and cousin Julius (Kit Thompson).

Will the humiliation end Agnes’ dream to finish her

studies or will it motivate her to strive harder as a chambermaid of Grande Hotel? How will Xander make up to Agnes, especially since he was not around during the time he was needed most by his girlfriend?

Continue to feel the thrill of falling in love for the first time in “Forevermore” weeknights after “Dream Dad” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For more updates about “Forevermore,” visit Forevermore.abs-cbn.com and follow the show’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/StarCreativesTV, Twitter.com/StarCreativesTV and Instagram. com/ StarCreativesTV. Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Wansapanataym” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile.com.

January 1-7, 2015

ENGLISH ONLY PLEASE Derek Ramsay, Jennylyn Mercado PG 13

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FENG SHUI 2 Kris Aquino, Coco Martin PG 13

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

KUBOT: THE ASWANG CHRONICLES 2 Dingdong Dante, Isabelle Daza PG 13

R-16

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

THE AMAZING PRAYBEYT BENJAMIN Vice Ganda, Richard Yap PG 13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

STYLE

Forward gear Briggs & Riley premium luggage now in Ph for discerning travelers

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lifetime perform a n c e guarantee - this is how Briggs & Riley likes to describe its brand philosophy. Emobodying such energy and philosophy, the brand applies it to the different aspects of its core business.

With an understanding that different travelers have different needs, the brand explores various ways to make its products better suited for its clients.

In the business of developing and manufacturing “intelligent bags”, Briggs & Riley is proud of the various technologies that it continues to apply to its functional and suave array of travel bags and accessories.

For stronger bags, the brand has responded to this need through frame configuration and being more selective with the materials that they use.

Aside from these features, Briggs & Riley also gives customers the capability of maximizing their bag’s packing capacity without foregoing the airline’s carryon requirements.

Through its Baseline CX luggage, the brand has

Light and handy TORQ Carry On.

been able to offer smart travelers with its expansion-compression luggage.

Meanwhile, the SpeedThruTM technology helps keep one’s valuables more secure as it is an easilyaccessible pocket which keep personal items safe.

Its strong commitment to its customers and reBriggs & Riley Baseline Large Weekender Olive.

tailers prompts Briggs & Riley to continue putting its focus on enhancing its core products, which are also luxurious and refined at the same time. Thus, the brand has grown to become the brand of choice of elite travelers worldwide.

This is why Briggs & Riley is a perfect fit for the Philippine market, thanks to the growing number of travelers looking for sleek, sophisticated, and smart travel luggage, bags and accessories.

Briggs & Riley is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by the Primer Group of Companies and is available at The Travel Club Abreeza Mall.

13 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

Rody reviving bounty on firecracker violators

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AYOR Rodrigo R. Duterte said he will be reviving the distribution of cash rewards of up to P5,000 for those who give tips on violators of the city’s firecracker ban ordinance by next year.

Speaking at Sunday’s episode of Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa, Duterte said this would also include those who are reported to have fired their guns indiscriminately.

Duterte said there were

still those who went against the law despite an executive order signed in 2001 and an ordinance in 2002.

Duterte also warned would-be violators that they are “treading dangerous ground” if they gambled with the law.

“If I find out that there was a death because of the firecracker and you sold the product, I will look for you and charge you not only for the ordinance but also for the life that

was lost,” Duterte stressed.

The mayor said those who choose to break the law not only face the penalties but also the effect of a criminal record on their names, especially when they apply for a clearance at the National Bureau of Investigation and other agencies.

Among those arrested at this year’s festivities was a barangay kagawad from Mintal.

Eduardo Santander was arrested shortly after midnight

of January 1 after lighting up pyrotechnics for the New Year.

Santander told Super Radyo in an interview Saturday that he “was not aware” that pyrotechnics were included in the ordinance.

“I did not even try to evade the policemen when they approached me,” Santander said.

Asked about the effect of his arrest, Santander said he has become the primary advocate against firecrackers and fireworks after the incident.

Communities ‘clueless’ on ASEAN integration

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OMMUNITIES need to be enlightened on the impact of the impending participation of the Philippines in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community on people’s livelihood, an educator said over the weekend.

Dr. Lourdes dela Torre, dean of the Don Carlos Polytechnic College in Bukidnon, noted that in schools, for example, discussions on AEC have been limited to administrators and some other key officials.

Dela Torre, chair for community education of Piniyalan 2013-2016 Reporting Governance Project said AEC would affect not only trading in goods, which was the focus of discussions, but also the service sector.

Speaking over Piniyalan’s radio program last Saturday, dela Torre cited the need to widen and deepen public understanding on the AEC. “The Philippine government is obviously cramming its preparations for ASEAN 2015, measures which other countries in the regional grouping have long taken. There is more need to guide the public,” she added.

Junar Merla, senior trade and industry specialist at the Department of Trade and Industry-Bukidnon said they have been holding public forums on AEC.

But dela Torre said that aside from DTI, government agencies like the Department of Education, Commission on High Education, Technical Skills Development Administration and Department of Labor and Employment should do the explaining to communities.

She said it is the duty of government to make the public understand and help them prepare for the impact of economic integration at the community level. She said this is aside from talking to experts in the industries like what the government is doing with universities.

“They will be directly affected by this change but lack of public understanding seems to create an impression they are not affected,” she said, adding there should be roundtable discussions. Dela Torre, however, admitted there is no turning back for the Philippines as it had signed the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 1997, which is supposed to take effect in 2020 yet, but fast-tracked to December 2015. In a privilege speech on Oct. 14 last year, Senator Loren Legarda cited a survey done by the Asian Development Bank in 2013 that 55% of businesses in ASEAN are not aware of AEC. “The conclusion suggests that ‘there is a general lack of awareness of ASEAN Economic Community 2015’,” Legarda said.

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

Sweet repeat for BFP in AFP-PNP hoops

B

UREAU of Fire Protection completed a sweep over Davao City Police Office in their best of three final series with a 98 – 89 Game 2 win to clinch the Mayor Rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 12th AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament title at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras before New year’s eve.

Athletic-forward Jan Lumogda once again led the way for the Firemen who successfully retained the title despite an unpleasant start compared to the previous season.

BFP was the only second team to defend a title next to the City Mayor’s Office (with the Vice Mayor’s Office team), which won unprecedented 3-peat, in the last eight years of the league.

Lumogda, who won the 2013 MVP plum on his rookie year, came through with 29 points, 14 of those came in the first half that helped the Firemen dictated the tempo of the game.

BFP jumped to early 14 points lead, 27 – 13, at the end of the opening canto and the Firemen never trailed all the

way to title clinching victory.

DCPO staged a big fight back in the fourth period, cutting the double digit lead to 6, 90 – 84, under three minutes of the match.

But a Robert Namuag undergoal stab that halted the run and a couple of errors shut the lights out for the Policemen.

Robinson Palomares took charge for DCPO in the final stretch with 10 of his total 21 came in the fourth period. Estong Ugnap scored 17.

Namuag and Bayon-on made 17 and 14 respectively

for the Firemen who drubbed the Policemen, 105 – 84, in Game 1.

DCPO was also swept by then VMO team in their last finals appearance 2012 season best of three final series that capped the rare 3-peat.

After placing third on that season, BFP struck for two straight championships with a retooled line up highlighted with the entry of Lumogda who came from the AMA Computer College senior’s varsity. (Rico Biliran)

“So it is best for the company to stop working with Caroline Wozniacki.”

In a strange twist, JBS also revealed that Ronaldo was partly inspired to enter the underwear business because of the Dane.

“Caroline Wozniacki is one of the reasons that we have got hold of Cristiano Ronaldo,” Alstrup added.

“He had seen how Caroline dared to be pictured in only her underwear that we had made for her, and he liked it.”

Wozniacki, who has amassed 67 weeks as world number one, is targeting a first Grand Slam crown in 2015.

Ronaldo is a hot favourite to retain the Ballon d’Or award,

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015 MODEL NO MORE. Caroline Wozniacki, who has amassed 67 weeks as world number one, is targeting a first Grand Slam crown in 2015. She has been ditched recently as an endorser for a female underwear label.

Underwear brand drops model Wozniacki F ORMER tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki has been dropped from an underwear deal… after her male counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo’s brand became too successful.

Scandinavian company JBS launched a Caroline Wozniacki range of women’s underwear in 2012, before signing Real Madrid star Ron-

aldo for his CR7 range in 2013.

The Ronaldo deal has proved a huge success for JBS - so much so, that it prompted a rethink over Wozniacki’s role.

“We had hoped to grab a market, but the impact of CR7 has been far, far greater than we dared dream of,” JBS director Morten Alstrup told Ekstra Bladet.

RESTING. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, passes the ball to forward Ed Davis during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday (Monday PHL Time), Jan. 4, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

give n t o the

world’s b e s t footballer each January.

Bryant rallies Lakers past Pacers, 88-87 K OBE Bryant has gradually accepted that it’s a good idea to miss a few games this season to keep his 36-year-old body in top shape for the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers’ schedule.

With a day off coming up, he put everything into another vintage late-game performance against the Indiana Pacers.

Bryant scored 20 points and hit the go-ahead short jumper with 12.4 seconds to play, leading the Lakers to an 88-87 comeback victory Sunday night.

Bryant is learning to accept his 36-year-old body’s limitations, and he agreed with coach Byron Scott’s decision to leave him home from Monday’s game at Portland.

While playing just 32 minutes against Indiana, Bryant scored nine points in the final 2:32 after the Lakers rallied from a 13-point deficit in the second half. ‘’I have many faults, but one of my strengths is that I can be realistic and that I can build around that,’’ Bryant said. ‘’I have to understand my weaknesses, what I can’t do, accept it and then try to dominate.’’

It wasn’t utter domination, but resilience: Bryant hit a contested 3-pointer from the corner to put the Lakers up 84-82 with 2 minutes to play,

but Solomon Hill answered with a 3-pointer for the Pacers, who repeatedly grabbed key offensive rebounds. Bryant then missed a 3-footer with 50 seconds left, but buried the winning 4-footer.

He has missed several potential go-ahead shots in the final seconds this season, but Kobe still isn’t flinching in the clutch. ‘’I’ve hit plenty of them in my day,’’ Bryant said with a laugh. ‘’I think the city of L.A. is a little spoiled by it.’’

Nick Young also scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers.

Roy Hibbert missed a difficult jumper off a broken play as time expired to end the Lakers’ third win in 10 games. ‘’Not too good,’’ Hibbert said about the Pacers’ final play. ‘’I don’t think the shot that I took was the shot we drew up.’’

C.J. Miles had 19 points to lead six Pacers scoring in double figures. Despite outrebounding the Lakers 50-37, Indiana failed to secure its first three-game winning streak of the season.

With point guards George Hill and C.J. Watson sidelined by injuries, Donald Sloan had 16 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the third-stringer’s second straight start after not playing in the previous three games.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

Can Serena be perfect in Perth?

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ORLD No.1 is a position were Serena Williams undeniably feels comfortable, the 18-time Grand Slam champion having maintained that spot for all of 2014 and more than 220 weeks in total.

But as she entered her first event for season 2015, Serena also understood that being best in the world is an honour that can’t be taken for granted.

“There are so many people coming at me every day, all the time,” she commented ahead of the United States’ opening session against Italy at Perth Arena today.

Noting, “you never know what’s going to happen in a year” Serena pointed out that she’s grateful to have ruled the tennis world for so long, adding that “it all starts over this year.”

That fine-tuned awareness of the threats to Serena’s coveted top spot not only points to the depth in the women’s game, but also a fierce competitive streak that demands attention every time she steps on to the court.

Having helped her country claimed victory on both occasions she has represented the US at the Hopman cup, Serena is clearly aware of what’s required to maintain a perfect Perth record.

“The women’s field is excellent here,” said Serena, who will meet Lucie Safarova, Eugenie Bouchard and Pennetta in the Hopman Cup’s round robin stages. “I’m looking forward to my matches … it’s a great time to get match play.”

The Australian Open is naturally on Serena’s radar, given that at age 33, she claimed her 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open last September.

“It would be great to get the 19th at the Australian Open,” Serena commented, while also acknowledging that the competition is likely to be intense. “I haven’t won in Australia for several years but there are a lot of people that want it also so I’ll just have to do my best.”

The same applies here at the Hopman Cup, where Serena will be determined to maintain winning records against all three round robin opponents.

The American has claimed all three matches she’s contested against Pennetta, along with two wins over Bouchard and eight against Lucie Safarova.

Her American teammate in Perth, John Isner, can also take confidence into his first assignment for the season.

The world No.19 helped the US claim one of its six Hopman Cup victories with Bethanie Mattek Sands in 2011.

EDGEDAVAO

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15

A CUP IN TIME Coffee break saves day for Serena COME FROM BEHIND. Serena Williams recovered from a slow start to defeat Flavia Pennetta 0-6 6-3 6- 0.

W STRUGGLING WITH THE HEAT. Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil are struggling with the Australian heat in the 2015 Hopman Cup. They lost their opening match to Czech Republic and will face the United States today.

SPORTS

ORLD No.1 Serena Williams called for a coffee to perk her up during a 0-6 6-3 6-0 win over Italian Flavia Pennetta at the Hopman Cup on Monday.

Williams, who only arrived in Perth on Saturday, was flat early in her match and, at 5-0 down in the first set, called on a ball girl to fetch her an espresso.

The 33-year-old had her caffeine fix after losing the first set in just 19 minutes, and she finally started to find her groove in the second set.

And once Pennetta’s serv-

ing game capitulated, Williams dominated to win the match in 89 minutes.

“It’s miracle coffee,” Williams joked after the match.

“I am a coffee drinker. I didn’t have mine this morning and I was just feeling it, so I just had to get some coffee into me.

“I just asked them to get me a shot of espresso. I asked them if it was legal, because I’ve never done it before.

“But I needed to wake up - it’s just the jetlag. It gets you all the time.”

Williams said the

round-robin nature of the Hopman Cup meant she didn’t need to stress as much, and her goal this year is to enjoy herself more on court.

“I’ve never smiled so much in a match before,” Williams said.

“This year my whole goal is to have fun.

“My dad says, ‘Serena, you’ve done everything, enjoy yourself, I promise you’ll play better’.

“So I’m like, ‘Ok’. I’m trying to relax a bit more and play how I know I can play.”

Big-serving world No.18

John Isner can secure the tie for the US with victory over Fabio Fognini in the men’s singles rubber.

The mercury was already above 34 degrees when Williams’ match started at 10am local time.

But with the Perth Arena roof closed, the cool conditions should have ensured a high-octane match.

Instead, Williams’ lethargy paved the way for a firstset romp, before the 18-time grand slam singles champion finally found her energy and fighting spirit.

More seeds fall in Brisbane

HE seeds continue to crash out at the Brisbane International.

Fourth-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova is the latest big name to fall after succumbing 7-5 6-2 to American teenager Madison Keys in the first round at Pat Rafter Arena on Monday.

The 2014 Australian Open runner-up became the third women’s seed to fall following upset losses for German Andrea Pet-

kovic (fifth) and former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic (sixth) on Sunday’s opening day.

World No.11 Cibulkova, 25, had no answer for the 19-year-old Keys, who wrapped up the first round clash in 90 minutes.

The only respite for the Slovak came in the second set when play was momentarily suspended at 2-2 due to slippery conditions caused by rain blown into the largely covered arena.

UPSET. Fourth-seeded Slovak Dominika Cibulkova is the latest big name to fall after succumbing 7-5 6-2 to American teenager Madison Keys in the first round at Pat Rafter Arena on Monday.

K e y s booked a second-round clash on her Brisbane debut with compatriot Varvaro Lepchenko, who

came back from 5-1 down in the third set to upset world No.22 Sam Stosur on Sunday.

World No.30 Keys is coached by five-time

grand slam champion Lindsay Davenport and her husband Jon Leach.

Keys extended her record against Cibulkova to 3-0.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 207 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015

EXPLOSIVE START Go sparkles as CMO opens year with a big win

C

ITY Mayor’s Office showed no signs of rust from the long holiday break as it demolished Everball Columbia Computer Center, 113 – 72, to open their 2015 season basketball friendly series with bang on Friday night at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. CMO came out big right from the opening buzzer behind the hot-hands of Christopher “Bong” Go en route

to compelling season opening victory.

Go, the sweet-shooting trusted-aid of Mayor Rody Duterte, fired 11 three pointers to wrap the game up with 51 points on top of valuable assists that sets up his teammates with open shots.

JR Rosal and Michael Peloton contributed 14 apiece for the City Hall dribblers who beat the Everball Columbia Computer Center,

9 – 2, in the last season.

Everball Columbia struggled to get its game going that kept them at bay most of the game.

Rico Kwan Tiu paced with 12 points for Everball Columbia which drew 11 from Chuim.

Earl Angsinco, Macarandam and Suarez had 10 apiece for the Everball Clolumbia. (Rico Biliran) Box scores: CMO – 113 – Go 51, Ro-

sal 14, Peloton 14, Labor 12, Aberilla 6, Flores 4, Reyes 4, Sumagang 2, Cloribel 2, Apostol 2, Poliquit 2 Everball – 72 – Kwan Tiu 12, Chuim 11, Angsinco 10, Macarandam 10, Suarez 10, Macatabog 6, Martinez 4, Maligro 4, Avinante 3, Mending 2, Caballeo J 2, Caballero I 0, Deveza 0

TOP GUN. CMO guard Bong Go started the year with another sizzling game. Lean Daval Jr.

ONE VERSUS FOUR. Raymond Almazan of Rain Or Shine is all alone under the basket against four Alaska Aces in Game 6 of their PBA Philippine Cup semis. Nuki Sabio

MILK VS. BEER

Alaska faces SMB in Finals

T

HE Alaska Aces arranged a duel with the San Miguel Beermen in the 2014 PBA Philippine Cup Finals as they defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 79-76 in Game 6, Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Down 76-73 with less than two minutes in the contest, the Aces banked on an old reliable. Dondon Hontiveros turned back the hands of time as he sank back-to-back triples to tie the game and give them the lead.

Needing a three to tie, Rain or Shine got a lot of good looks from Paul Lee and Jeff Chan but their shots failed to hit the mark. With seven seconds left in the game, Rain or Shine had one more shot at extending the series but Chan muffed

another three-point shot, which sealed their fate.

Hontiveros was named the Best Player of the Game with 17 points and 6 rebounds. The Cebuano Hotshot made 5 of 9 attempts from deep, all of these came in the final quarter for Alaska’s finishing kick.

Calvin Abueva added 15 points and nine rebounds while Sonny Thoss chipped in 11 points and six rebounds, including the last one to officially book their seat in the Philippine Cup Finals.

Chan led Rain or Shine with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals but he went 3 of 12 from the field.

Down 36-28 at the half, the Painters got a tongue-lashing from head coach Yeng Guiao. They re-

sponded with six points off the fast break to cut Alaska’s lead.

Rain or Shine finally got the lead, 50-48, at the 3:29 mark after a Chan triple.

Calvin Abueva quickly knotted the scored with an inside basket but Beau Belga added another triple for the Painters in the next play.

The Painters held on to a 60-56 lead heading into the final quarter. After scoring only 28 points at the half, Rain or Shine dropped 32 in the third period.

Raymond Almazan carried the offense for Rain or Shine in the early part of the fourth but Dondon Hontiveros heated up from deep to give Alaska a 67-66 lead with 8:59 left in the game.

Down by three points, Jonathan Uyloan and Chan scored back to back triples

to give Rain or Shine a 7471 lead.

With a Game 7 seeming like a legitimate possibility, Hontiveros came to Alaska’s rescue.

Alaska’s Game 6 win completed their long path to the finals where they also had to take down Barako Bull and Meralco in the quarterfinals. On the contrary, the San Miguel Beermen are well-rested as they made it straight to the semifinals where they swept Talk ‘N Text.

The Main Man: Hontiveros stepped up when Alaska needed him most.

With nothing going on offense for the Aces, the veteran shooter found his range as he made all of his five triples in the final quarter.

Honorable Mentions: Abueva and Thoss manned

the paint f o r the Aces as they combined for 26 points and 15 rebounds.

Game Turning Point: Twin triples from Hontiveros turned the tide for the Aces but the game was not over until Alaska got one last stop, forcing Chan to miss a potentially game-tying triple.

Stat of the Game: Alaska shot 8 of 19 from the threepoint area for an above-average 42.1%. Rain or Shine on the other hand made only seven of their 34 attempts for a paltry 20.6%.

Next Game: 2014 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Game 1 on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

They Said It: Alaska head coach Alex Compton: Tuwang-tuwa

ako sa kanila. Kita niyo naman kung gaano ka-intense yung effort nila. We won the game with a stop.

Yun talaga yung identity namin. I’m really proud of these guys.

Dondon Hontiveros: I’m excited for the finals. From being a play away from making it to the finals last conference, ngayon pasok na kami.

The scores: ALASKA 79 - Hontiveros 17, Abueva 15, Thoss 11, Baguio 6, Manuel 6, Menk 6, Jazul 5, Exciminiano 4, Dela Cruz 4, Casio 3, Banchero 2, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0, Espinas 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 76 Chan 14, Almazan 11, Uyloan 9, Arana 9, Belga 9, Lee 7, Ibanes 6, Norwood 4, Tang 4, Quinahan 3, Teng 0, Tiu 0, Cruz 0.