Edge Davao 7 Issue 215

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BLESSING. Catholic devotees bring their Sto. Niño statues to be blessed by holy water during the mid-afternoon mass at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City in time for the feast of Shrine of Holy Infant Jesus of Prague yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CIDG TO SUE INDIAN Illegal detention, grave coercion charges eyed

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 11 has recommended the filing of slight illegal detention and grave coercion cases against Davao Medical Education Management Services (DMEMS) Chief Operating Officer Ashin Mohan based on complaints aired by a number of Indian medical students at the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF).

CIDG 11 deputy director Superintendent Edilberto Leonardo, however, said his

unit will continue gathering statements before filing the case before the City Prosecution Office.

Leonardo said the gathering of the students’ statements had been postponed because it is their examination week.

“Once we complete the subscription of their sworn statements, we will file the case,” he said, adding that it could be done next week.

The CIDG conducted the investigation upon the directive of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Leonardo said more than

100 students have already submitted affidavit of complaints against Mohan.

In its initial report submitted to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, the CIDG said it appears that Mohan violated the rights of Indian students by not allowing them to hold and secure their own passports and alien certificate of registration (ACR).

“Reportedly, some of the students did not even know the status of their visa. This matter should be discussed and should be brought to the

attention of the Alien Control Officer of Bureau of Immigration,” the report said.

The report also said Transworld Education Academy Pvt. Ltd, led by its Chief Operating Officer Dr. David Pillai whose company partners with DMSF to bring Indian students here, and Mohan were “capitalizing on their familiarity with the area, knowledge of the operation of the government agencies, and influence with the DMSF for the advancement of their business

FINDIAN, 14

INSIDE EDGE FAJARDO NAMED BEST PLAYER OF THE CONFERENCE SPORTS page 15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

PROBLEM SOLVING. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte tells Transworld International Academy president Dr. David Pillai (fourth from right) and Davao Medical Education Management Services (DMEMS) chief operating officer Dr. Ashin Mohan (second from right) to settle their problems with Indian medical students or get a lawyer so they can

City won’t shut down DMEMS dormitories

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Business Bureau will not shut down the operations of the Davao Medical Education Management Services (DMEMS) despite operating without a business permit.

In an interview, Business Bureau head lawyer Lawrence Bantiding told reporters that the closure of three dormitories of DMEMS might displace the more than 1,000 Indian students studying medicine at the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF).

“If we shut down the dormitories, what will happen to our Indian students? That is their dwelling house,” Bantiding said.

He said as of last Wednesday, the management of

DMEMS is in the process of applying for a business permit.

“Based on our talks with DMEMS, they are willing to comply with the penalties for the violation that they have committed,” Bantiding said.

He said the Business Bureau will set a timeline for DMEMS to secure a business permit.

Bantiding said his office found that the dormitories have no business permits during its initial inspection last December.

He said the dormitory in the DMSF drive near the circumferential road began operating in 2013.

Batinding said aside from operating without a permit,

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

defend themselves in court. Duterte invited Dr. Pillai and Dr. Mohan, together with the Indian medical students, to a meeting at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

DMSF advised to limit number of foreigners

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

HE Commission of Higher Education (CHED) 11 and Bureau of Immigration 11 advised Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) to “stop admitting foreign students next year” after the school exceeded the prescribed number of enrolled foreign students this school year.

In an interview yesterday, CHED11 regional director Raul C. Alvarez, Jr. confirmed DMSF’s violation, saying the law only allows one-third or 33 percent of the total school population to be allotted for foreign students.

However, Alvarez said CHED 11 will not impose any sanction or penalty on DMSF despite the violation.

He also said CHED 11 and BI 11 will not start the implementation of the recommendation until next year “because we cannot oblige excess foreign students enrolled in the Medical school to stop this school year.”

In a press statement released January 15, CHED 11 said DMSF “admitted that it has about 41 percent or an excess of about 8 percent.”

The statement also said DMSF maintained that the

number of students it has is “very manageable” and the students have openly appreciated the quality of education it constantly provides.

Meanwhile, DMSF denied other allegations, including the complaint that school clearances of the Indian students are signed by an Indian national.

“DMSF does not include any private individual other than its designated officials as signatory of its school clearance,” a DMSF press statement dated December 15 said.

Some students, who had requested anonymity, had

earlier said DMEMS chief operating officer (COO) Dr. Ashin Mohan’s signature in the school clearance is needed before a student can take examinations.

Alvarez said DMSF submitted a copy of the school clearance respectively signed by officials of the medical school.

“There is no Indian national or any private individual,” he added.

On other issues on the three dormitories located in Jacinto, Bankerohan, and Bajada managed by DMEMS, DMSF

FSTOP, 14

Priest decries elaborate security for Pope Francis

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

Pope Francis

F

ORMER Promotion of Church’s Peoples Response (PCPR) chair Father Benjamin Alforque yesterday lamented the elaborate security set for Pope Francis here, saying the number of security personnel deployed to protect the pontiff will make it difficult for the people themselves to see him.

“Give the pope what he wants,” he said, adding the

Pope wants “only the simplest things” even in his security.

He said the Holy Father does not want extravagant security because he wants to be with the people.

“Yung kagustuhan ni Pope Francis simple lang. Hindi niya kailangan ng maraming gwardiya, kasi sabi niya kung may papatay sa akin e di mamatay ako. Matanda naman

FPRIEST, 14

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

J FAIL. City Health Office (CHO) Environmental and Sanitation division chief Robert L. Oconer says some dormitories where Indian medical students reside did not pass the city’s sanitation standards. Oconer showed pictures taken by his office in one of the dormitories during I-Speak media forum at City Hall yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Church coordinating with police, military on threats against Pope C

HURCH officials here are in regular contact with local police and military officials to see if there is a security threat from Mindanao-based terror groups against Pope Francis who will arrive in Manila Thursday afternoon.

Monsignor Elmer Abacahin said the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese has formed a group of priests who will be in regular contact with police and military officials to monitor any threat.

Abacahin said the entire Catholic clergy in the Philippines are wary especially after Italian media reported that ji-

hadist groups are targeting Pope Francis after he denounced the shootings that killed 17 people in France last week.

The Italian media said Israel’s Mossad and the Central Intelligence Agency provided the “specific” warning regarding the safety of the pope to the Vatican officials.

“We cannot afford to be complacent. We are a Third World country and with these terror groups, it may be easier to breach the security here,” Abacahin said.

Abacahin noted that there were two previous attempts on the Holy Father in their past visits in

OPE Francis called for respect of “religious freedom as a fundamental right” in Sri Lanka as he declared missionary priest Joseph Vaz the country’s first saint.

Speaking slowly in English, the pope said each individual “must be free, alone or in association with others, to seek the truth, and to openly express his or her religious convictions, free from intimidation and external compulsion”.

“Saint Joseph shows us the importance of transcending religious divisions in the service of peace,” the pontiff told hundreds of thousands of people who gathered for a seafront Mass in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, on Wednesday.

He said Catholics, who make up about seven percent of the population of Sri Lanka, should follow the example of Vaz in building peace, justice and reconciliation in the country, which has retained deep divisions following the bloody

2009 conclusion of an almost three decades long civil war.

“As the life of Saint Joseph Vaz teaches us, genuine worship of God bears fruit not in discrimination, hatred and violence, but in respect for the sacredness of life, respect for the dignity and freedom of others, and loving commitment to the welfare of all,” said Pope Francis.

Vaz, who was born in the seaside town of Benaulim in southern Goa in 1651 when it was under Portuguese rule, came to Sri Lanka as a missionary priest in 1686.

He spent five years preaching in secret in the lowlands before going up into the Kingdom of Kandy in the highlands where he was arrested and accused of espionage for Portugal.

After spending a year in detention, Vaz came under the protection of Buddhist King Vimaladharmasuriya II who was convinced that the priest had

Pope Francis calls for religious freedom P

FPOPE, 14

the country.

On November 27, 1970, Bolivian artist Benjamin Mendoza, wearing a priest’s robe, slashed Pope Paul VI with a dagger after he managed to slip through airport security in Manila.

In 1995, during the second Manila visit of Pope John Paul II, Al Qaeda mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center attack Ramzi Yousef tried to plant a bomb but the explosive detonated prematurely.

Abacahin said they are worried of the threats against Pope Francis especially after the pledge of allegiance by groups in

Marawi City and southern Philippines to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or ISIL. The top police official in northern Mindanao, Chief Supt. Agrimeo Cruz, however, allayed fears, saying no security threat from Mindanao-based terror groups was monitored by their security services.

Cruz said the groups who pledged allegiance to ISIL are doing it for “propaganda” and does not pose serious threat against Pope Francis.

He said police security units in the entire region are on standby during the duration of the papal visit.

3

CDO journalists back broadcaster

OURNALISTS in this city have banded together after a Bombo Radio broadcaster received threatening text messages for his commentaries on extra-judicial killings involving police officers of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office.

Cagayan de Oro Press Club President Jerry Orcullo said he is holding the entire Cagayan de Oro Police Office accountable if any attempt will be made on the staff of DXIF Bombo radio station.

“We are not taking the threats lightly. The police were suspects in the series of ‘salvagings’ [summary executions] so it left me with no other option but to suspect that the threats came from them,” Orcullo said.

Orcullo and the COPC will hold a Media Safety Dialogue at the Archbishop’s residence on Jan. 20 Tuesday morning with the officers of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office.

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The meeting will be attended by concerned government agencies and to be presided by Monsignors Elmer Abacahin, Ray Manuel Monsanto and Text Legitimas of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese.

“A threat against any member of the press is a major concern for the Archdiocese,” said Abacahin, who heads the Archdiocese communications department.

He said aside from Bombo Radio, another radio station, Radio Ultra, received similar threatening text messages after commenting against illegal drugs-related killings in the city.

Mark Martirez of DXIF Bombo Radyo said their news director, Junel Ucat, received two text messages after his program, warning him against commenting further on the killings of three individuals last December 10 and 11.

FCDO, 14

P11.7-M overpass planned in Gensan

HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated around P11.7 million for the construction of a pedestrian overpass along a busy section of the national highway here.

Engr. Pio Lumongsod, head of the DPWH’s city engineering district, said the project is one of the structures approved for implementation in the city this year to help ease the worsening traffic congestion in major streets and highways.

He said the construction of the 28-meter structure has already started and is due for completion in 150 days or five months.

Lumongsod said the other overpass will soon be con-

structed near the junction of the national highway and Aparente St. here.

DPWH and city officials, led by Mayor Ronnel Rivera and South Cotabato (1st Dist.)

Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr., recently led the simple ground breaking of the project at the junction of the Makar-Siguel highway and Rizal Street in Barangay Calumpang.

Acharon, who pushed for the project’s funding and implementation, said the completion of the structure will help ease vehicular traffic in the area that is usually worst during the rush hours due to crossing pedestrians.

“This is to endure the

FDPWH, 14

ON THE STREET. A pedestrian is forced to walk on the street despite the danger of being hit by vehicles as a giant food chain company occupied the entire sidewalk which is supposed to be for the exclusive use of pedestrians. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

EXECUTIVE MEET. Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario (second from right) presides over an executive meeting in preparation for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa to be held on May 9-15 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex. Raymund Dino Faciol/davnor pio

RDR wants Panabo highways cleared for Palarong Pambansa ANABO City Mayor Jose Silvosa Sr. directed officials of the City Engineer’s Office to demolish illegal structures such as squatting vendors’ shanties, dilapidated structures, and inappropriate billboards to pave the way for smooth traffic and clear the highway section of

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the city of sight obstructions.

This was in response to Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario’s request during a recent conference for the city to demolish illegal structures and other obstructions that cause traffic along the highway in Panabo City this month in preparation for

the Palarong Pambansa on May 3 to 9.

Del Rosario said Education Secretary Armin Luistro had specifically asked for a solution to the traffic gridlock in Panabo City’s central area during the final judgment of the Palaro national panel during which Davao del Norte

was chosen as this year’s host.

Del Rosario also urged Panabo City officials to fasttrack the preparation for the city’s mariculture park along the seashore to make it one of the eco-tourism sites that Palaro athletes, officials, and visitors can visit.

At present, the maricul-

HE University of Mindanao will be sending a representative from the UM Legal Aide Network to attend the US Perspective on Legal Education seminar in Washington DC. Mymannah Lou Dimacaling of the College of Legal

Education will be travelling under the Voluntary Visitor Program, which assists Filipino professionals by arranging meetings with American counterparts for discussion on issues of mutual interest and concern.

The seminar will impart

knowledge on American best practices of clinical legal education and conflict resolution that Dimacaling hopes she can apply to the legal aide program of the University.

“I will prepare a community action plan based on the insights that I will gain,” she said.

The seminar will run from February 2 to 10 in Washington DC and other sites.

Also expected to participate are select students and professionals from Palawan, Zamboanga City, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Marawi City.

ture park already boasts of eco-tourism facilities and features such as a 210-meter boardwalk inside a mangrove plantation, viewing deck, watchtower, and cottages.

Del Rosario said provincial officials have already identified 12 school sites to accommodate the 17 Palaro delega-

tions. He said he would fasttrack the improvement and construction of more shower and comfort rooms in some of the sites.

The governor has been visiting eco-tourism areas in the province to prepare them for the Palarong Pambansa.

Cha Monforte, Correspondent

HE Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao has a new commanding officer in the person of Commodore Joselito de la Cruz replacing Commodore George Ursabia, who will be assigned to PCG Palawan after his tour of duty ended.

De la Cruz, a former chief of staff of the PCG-General Headquarters, pledged to support all efforts in the fight against terrorism and illegal drugs, and to impart knowhow on disaster preparedness, rescue and response in line with climate change.

“We will be supporting the police and military units in the fight against terrorism using our K-9s and aluminum boats in our sub-stations,” he said during the turn over ceremony on Wednesday officiated by Deputy Commander Rear Admiral William Melad.

The ceremony was also attended by other officials headed by Retired Chief Superintendent Francisco Villaroman, chief of the City Public

Safety Command Center and regional directors of line-government agencies headed by Commodore Efren Elbanbuena, district commander of the PCG-Auxiliary and director of the Philippine Information Agency 11 and representatives from local government units, fishing and shipping industries and resort operators.

De la Cruz said that the PCG will continue its mandate on search and rescue, marine and environmental protection, functions initiated by his predecessor Commodore Ursabia.

He said he will provide water search and rescue to local government units in preparation to floods that regularly occur during monsoon rains.

De la Cruz said the training called WASAR will run during summer for LGUs in their area of responsibility particularly in the cities of Davao, General Santos, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Bislig, Surigao del Sur and Sarangani. (PNA)

UM legal aide stude to attend US training PCG SoMin has new commander T T

DECLOGGING. After several days of rains in Surigao City, workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways have been declogging canals along Rizal Street since last week. This picture was taken Tuesday, January 13, but work has been continuing. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

Tax collection hiked

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) recorded a 12 percent increase in tax collection during the first 12 days of the renewal period for 2015.

In yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall, City Treasurer Rodrigo Riola said the city had already collected a total of P91, 466, 812 in tax revenue as of January 14.

Riola said the figure is

higher than last year’s total collection of P78, 281, 081 for the same period.

He attributed the early influx of taxpayers during the first week of the renewal period to the their information campaign which started in November of 2014.

“We saw during the first week, there were many business owners who renewed their business permits, and

our assessment on the business taxes also increased,” Riola said. “These are the factors that attribute to the increase of collection.

The CTO chief said the collection came from the 9,069 taxpayers who already paid their taxes. Of the total paid businesses, 4,821 have already their permits with logo.

Businessmen should re-

new their permits and pay their taxes before January 20 to avoid penalties, according to Riola.

Based on the record from the Business Bureau, they already received a total of 23, 950 renewal applications and 195 new applications.

Of the total applications, a total of 4,760 renewal permits and 61 new permits were already issued by the office.

TAX TALK. City Treasurer Rodrigo R. Riola (left) reminds businessmen in yesterday’s I-Speak forum at City Hall to renew their permits and pay taxes before January 20 to avoid penalties. Also appearing in the regular media conference is Business Bureau head Lawrence Bantiding. (Lean Daval)

CEB holds first seat sale without fuel surcharges

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EBU Pacific Air (PSE:CEB) offered its first systemwide seat sale, after the airline removed fuel surcharges on all flights last January 9, 2015, in line with decreasing fuel prices worldwide.

The seat sale is available on all 34 domestic and 28 international destinations, from January 14 to 16, 2015 or until seats last. It is for travel from July 1 to November 30, 2015.

Passengers can take advantage of P399 seats on all its domestic routes, which includes popular island destinations such as Boracay (Caticlan), Palawan (Puerto Princesa), Cebu, Davao, and the like. It also operates inter-island routes from its hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo and Davao.

International seat sale fares are also up for grabs, with no fuel surcharges.

Guests can book P1,499 seats from Manila to Guangzhou, Kota Kinabalu, Taipei or Xiamen, and from Clark to Hong Kong or Macau.

P2,499 seats are also available from Manila to Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Nagoya, Osaka, Phuket, Shanghai, Siem Reap or Singapore.

The same P2,499 seats are also available for those traveling from Cebu and Iloilo to Hong Kong, or from Cebu, Clark and Iloilo to Singapore. P2,999 seats may also be booked for flights from Manila to Bali, Busan, Seoul (Incheon) orTokyo (Narita), or from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita).

Guests traveling longhaul with CEB can also take advantage of P4,999 seats from Manila to Dammam and Dubai, and P5,999 seats from Manila to Kuwait and Riyadh.

All-inclusive P4,999 seats are also available from Manila to Sydney.

“We remain committed to offering the traveling public low fares so more people can afford to fly, an extensive network for faster flights, and the newest aircraft fleet with the latest technology,” CEB VP for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said.

She encouraged guests to check CEB’s new fares, without fuel surcharges, through www.cebupacificair. com or reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. They may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store.

While initially available for iOS devices, CEB is scheduled to roll out a version for Android devices soon.

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DA 11 provides projects in conflict-affected areas

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HE Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 vowed to continue its support to conflict-affected areas through its PAMANA (Payapa at MasaganangPamayanan at Pangkaunlaran) program.

In 2014, a total of seven farm-to-market roads(FMRs) under PAMANA project are on its pre-implementation phase.

The beneficiaries are from the municipality of Cateel in Davao Oriental, Monkayo and Compostela in Compostela Valley Province, Talaingod and Panabo City in Davao del Norte, Magsaysay in Davao del Sur and Malita in Davao Occidental.

Currently, three FMRs under PAMANA is being prepared for implementation in the region, one in Davao del Sur and two in Compostela Valley Province.

Agriculture regional director Remelyn R. Recoter said there are still a lot of PAMANA projects like livelihood and FMRs to be implemented to various parts of Davao region.

“To the Dabawenyos who are lucky to receive assistance like these, we hope that you will take good care and sustain the project. It is like saying that many are called but few are chosen, so you are very fortunate,” Recoter added.

On the other hand, one of the successful PAMANA livelihood projects is found in Barangay AliwagwagCateel, Davao Oriental and its beneficiary is the Aliwagwag Farmers Multipurpose Association (AFMA).

Since the residents of the said barangay depends on upland rice as their source of

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First APEC meeting slated in Clark, Subic

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DA 11 PAMANA focal person EnyaCeloso (3rd from R) and Provincial Agriculturist RotchieRavelo (6th from L) together with AFMA officials and AFP personnel visits the PAMANA project in Brgy. Aliwagwag in Cateel, Davao Oriental. (Photo by RonellTangonan DA11)

Amendment sought to PPP ordinance

HE Philippines will host the First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM1) from 26 January to 07 February 2015 at Clark and Subic Freeport Zones.

As the first comprehensive Senior Officials’ Meeting for the year, SOM1 begins with a series of more than thirty working groups and committee-level meetings covering various topics such as Trade and Investment, Economic and Technical Cooperation, Anti-Corruption, Counter Terrorism, Competition Policy, Ocean and Fisheries, Customs, E-Commerce, Services, Life Sciences, Health, Illegal Logging, and Services.

Following from the outcomes of the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) held last 8-9 December 2014 in Manila, the various meetings will also discuss how each APEC working

group can advance the APEC 2015 priorities and the overall theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”.

The series of working groups and committee-level meetings (from 26 January to 05 February) will culminate in the Senior Officials’ Meeting to be held on 06-07 February 2015 in Fontana Leisure Park, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

As host, the Philippines will also hold a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), Creative Industries, and Research and Development Services on 03 February 2015. The PPD on Services is the first in a “Dialogue Series”, which aims to guide the APEC Senior Officials and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in promoting trade in services in the Asia-Pacific region. (PNA)

N official of the Davao City Investments and Promotion Center (DCIPC) is seeking for the amendment of the two-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) ordinance in order to lure more investments to the city .

Speaking in Monday’s Kapehansa Dabaw at SM City Annex, DCIPC officer-in-charge Ivan C. Cortez said members of the PPP Board, to which DCIPC is a member, already recommended to the City Council for the amendment of the ordinance passed in August 2012.

“We are recommending for the amendment of ordinance because we want to get

more joint venture projects in Davao, specifically on infrastructure, utilities and power for Davao City,” Cortez said.

He said the recommendations was purposely done for Davao City to keep abreast with nearby provinces in getting more investments like Davao del Sur, which has multiple PPP projects on power.

Cortez added that the DCIPC and even Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte have already receive a lot of project proposals, but that the city government cannot accept most because of the limitations set by the PPP ordinance.

“The mayor has been getting a lot of proposals for joint venture agreements and

HE Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will begin this month the preparatory works for the Php959 million city international airport expansion project.

Noel Quiratman, secretary of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region 12, said such development was relayed to the council by the DOTC, which had adopted the project as among its priorities this year.

The RDC-12 and other local stakeholders made a strong push last year for the implementation of the project that was funded by the national government under the 2015 budget.

“We expect the initial

works to start within this month,” said Quiratman, who is also the assistant director of the National Economic and Development Authority in Region 12.

The official said the project covers the rehabilitation and expansion of the airport’s terminal building and other component facilities.

He said the arrival and departure area of the terminal building, which has not undergone any major repair since it opened in 1996, will be expanded to cope with the airport’s growing passenger traffic.

Quiratman said the building’s basic facilities will be upgraded to provide more comfort to airline passengers and other users.

“The expansion is also aimed at attracting more tourists to our area,” he said.

The city airport, which is classified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) as an alternate international airport, mainly serves the air transport requirements of the greater part of Region 12.

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

The city is considered as the region’s airline hub and has seen a surge in traffic following the entry of budget airfares here several years

ago.

CAAP officials here said the airport serves seven regular flights and an average of 1,000 passengers on a daily basis.

Tiger Airways, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific serve five to six daily flights for the Manila-General Santos route.

PAL uses the wide-bodied Airbus 330-300 aircraft while Cebu Pacific, which serves three additional weekly flights each for the Iloilo-General Santos and Cebu–General Santos routes utilizes Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.

Low-cost carrier Air Asia had signified to open daily flights soon for the Manila-General Santos route.

(PNA)

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

somehow the ordinance on PPP for Davao City has been limiting to joint venture because of the conditions set by the ordinance,” he said.

In an earlier interview, Cortez said that the proposal to amend the ordinance was already endorsed to a city councilor whom he did not identify.

Davao’s PPP ordinance, noted to be first of its kind in the country, is an adoption of the national government’s centerpiece program intended to allow more private investors to wholly or partly finance government’s undertakings like public projects and public services as mutual partners.

Under the city’s PPP ordi-

nance, PPP projects “include but may not be limited to the following: power plants, highways, ports, airports, canals, dams, hydropower projects, water supply, irrigation, telecommunications, railroads and railways, transport systems, land reclamation projects, industrial estates or townships, housing, government buildings, tourism projects, markets, slaughterhouses, bulk grains handling facility or logistic support system, warehouses, solid waste management, information technology networks and database infrastructure, education and health facilities, sewerage, drainage, dredging, among others.”

ONG KONG topped Asia in terms of construction costs in 2014, according to a report published Thursday.

The annual International Construction Costs Report, released by the Dutch design and engineering consulting firm ARCADIS, said that price inflation continued to affect the Hong Kong market in 2014, resulting in its elevated position in the rankings.

The city ranked third worldwide in construction costs, just behind Switzerland and Denmark.

Elsewhere in Asia, construction markets had another strong year in 2014, particularly in Japan where the stimulus associated with one of the three “arrows” of Abenomics

has had a significant impact, the report said.

Singapore also saw strong growth throughout 2014, driven by a combination of robust housing markets and high levels of infrastructure spending.

The report also showed that India was the cheapest country in the world for construction.

The report forecast construction costs in Hong Kong would rise 6-8 percent in 2015, slower than the 7-10 percent growth seen last year.

However, the report said, in Chinese mainland, the gradual shift to a consumption-based economy means that the huge growth in construction that has been witnessed over the last 10 years is unlikely to continue in the long term. (PNA/Xinhua)

Expansion of GenSan airport to start this month Hong Kong tops Asia in construction costs T H

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

EDITORIAL There’s hope in Pope

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ERCY and compassion. That’s the theme of Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines.

Several months back, Pope Francis made it very clear for us Filipinos that he wanted to be with the poor and the suffering and to see the real face of poverty. So there was one casualty after an overeager mayor down in Visayas ‘cleaned up’ her backyard to prepare for the Pope’s coming.

Clearly, the sign on the board said “mercy and compassion,” and for the Pope, you do not mask the face of poverty.

No candy-coating, no photo-shopping. To put it straight – get real. That’s not quite the kind of mentality most politicians in the Philippines have.

The Papal visit in the country is a welcome respite from all the politics, corruption, crime, and calamities. It affords

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us some fresh air to breathe.

Everyone must understand that other than being a Pope for the poor, Francis is everyone’s hope amidst despair and desolation. He wants us to see Jesus in him and not Francis the Pope.

We are happy for the victims of typhoon Yolanda as they receive the Pope’s warm embrace. While we endeavour to keep them living each day of their lives with our works of charity in the aftermath of the disaster, the spiritual bliss that only the Pope can bring should give them the rails of hope to cling on.

The message is quite simple and clear – in this time of hunger for mercy and compassion, we must turn to our faith. If need be, return to our faith.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. KENNETH IRVING K. ONG 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 ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents 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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I

N 2010, Edge Davao carried a news item urging small banana growers in Davao City and neighboring provinces to shift to oil palm. This was due to the export ban of bananas and other fruits by Iran.

“Banana growing is capital intensive. You have to spend P1,000 a day per hectare and small farmers will not be able to sustain their farm if they cannot sell in the next two months,” Ireneo D. Dalayon was quoted as saying.

Some farmers heeded the call.

“Farmers need to see the big potential of this industry,” Peter Laviña, a former Davao City council, said during a recent forum. A member of the Philippine Oil Palm Industry Development Council, he said oil palm has a huge demand not only locally but abroad as well.

In his talk, Laviña said the Philippines imported a total of P35 billion worth of palm oil -- a product of oil palm which is used for cooking, baking, and in food preparation -- from neighboring countries, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia.

According to the former city councilor, the Philippines could save such huge amount if only farmers in the country “start producing their own palm oil instead of importing from other countries.”

Currently, about 70,000 hectares are planted to oil palm in the country.

This can supply only 20 percent of the total local demand. “It will be also benefit our farmers because it has a higher yield than coconut or soya,” Laviña

I

FELL in love with Davao City by way of Samal Island. I was on a ship with a team of campus missionaries in April of 1992 (plane fare was still very expensive back then), and when the vessel entered Davao Gulf my breath was taken away by the awesome beauty of Samal. A few days later our team was brought to a resort there, and I remember feeling so blessed that I could visit such a wonderful place. The beach was pristine, the air fresh, the water clear and blue.

I literally had never known such beauty, having grown up in Manila where seawater was black and smelled of rotten eggs. In contrast, here was Samal, a true paradise for the people to treasure.

I’ve always loved Samal, but there’s one thing about it that I don’t like.

The owners of the resorts that dot its shoreline have literally taken over the beaches, fencing off their respective areas as if they were their own property. Many people accept this as a mat-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

All about oil palm said.

THINK ON THESE! Laviña gave this comparison between coconut and oil palm, as reported by Edge Davao’s Cheneen R. Capon: A sin- Henrylito D. Tacio gle hectare henrytacio@gmail.com planted with 140 good variety of oil palm and good farm management can produce as much as 20 tons per year. On the other hand, coconut needs to have 3-4 hectares before it can produce the same amount.

Human use of oil palms may date as far back as 5,000 years. In the late 1800s, archaeologists discovered a substance that they concluded was originally palm oil in a tomb at Abydos dating back to 3,000 BCE. It is believed that Arab traders brought the oil palm to Egypt.

Palm oil has long been recognized in West and Central African countries, and is widely used as cooking oil. European merchants trading with West Africa occasionally purchased palm oil for use as cooking oil in Europe.

Some historians reported that palm oil became a highly sought-after commodity by British traders, for use as an industrial lubricant for machinery during Britain’s Industrial Revolution.

A noted Canadian agricultural scientist considers oil palm as the greatest

crop in Southeast Asia. “The vegetable oil yield of oil palm is five times that of coconut and more than ten times that of soybeans, sunflower, and rapeseeds,” wrote Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona in an article which appeared in Agriculture.

Growing oil palm is investment-friendly and easy, as proven by farmers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand who grow it. “A typical oil palm cultivating two hectares or more is economically transformed and liberated from poverty in four to five years after planting,” Dr. Pamplona wrote.

At 25 percent, poverty incidence in the Philippines is among the highest among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In comparison, the poverty incidence in Indonesia is only 13.3 percent, 7.2 percent for Thailand, and 3.8 percent for Malaysia.

“Among these four countries, it is only the Philippines which will not be able to meet the UN Medium Term Development Goal of reducing poverty by half by 2015,” wrote Dr. Pamplona.

In 2012, a World Bank report cited the significant role of oil palm in helping overcoming poverty in Indonesia.

The government of Thailand likewise credited oil palm to as having significantly helped the country overcome rural poverty, and the same was true for Malaysia.

“Large-scale oil palm plantations in these three neighboring countries have helped them become net food exporters, with vegetable oil in the form of palm oil being among their major

export food products,” Dr. Pamplona wrote.

Should Mindanao farmers consider planting oil palm extensively? But before that happen, there should be planting materials which farmers could plant. Unfortunately, lack of planting materials has been cited as one of the main reasons why the industry is on a stand still.

“A single seedling can cost a farmer from P200 to P300 and that’s huge because a single hectare needs 140 pieces,” Laviña said.

It means that a farmer needs an initial investment of P28,000 to 42,000 per hectare for one hectare alone.

What if he plants five hectares? The initial investment is from P140,000 to P210,000.

Aside from using palm oil in cooking and food preparation, it can also be used to produce biodiesel, which is also known as palm oil methyl ester.

Palm oil biodiesel is often blended with other fuels to create palm oil biodiesel blends.

Meanwhile, the organic waste matter that is produced when processing oil palm, including oil palm shells and oil palm fruit bunches, can also be used to produce energy. This waste material can be converted into pellets that can be used as a biofuel.

Additionally, palm oil that has been used to fry foods can be converted into methyl esters for biodiesel. The used cooking oil is chemically treated to create a biodiesel similar to petroleum diesel.

Paradise lost ter of fact, THIRD WORLD and none of us even question the practice of most resorts to charge entrance fee for use of “their” beach. We’ve grown so acJon Joaquin customed to the fences and jetties that surround the resorts that we think they’re the norm and that they’re legal. We’ve lost paradise and we don’t even know it.

The handbook “Managing the Philippine Foreshore: A Guide for Local Governments” (a PDF file of which can be downloaded here: http://pdf. usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADB807.pdf) produced by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in July 2004 says while everyone has the right to have access to the

shore, in many areas “such access is often denied the public because of permanent structures (either private, such as walls or fences constructed by owners of adjacent lands, or public, such as wharves, seawall, causeways).”

The handbook also cites Article 51 of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1067, otherwise known as The Water Code of the Philippines, which states that the banks or rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes “are subject to the easement of public use. No person shall be allowed to stay in this zone longer than what is necessary for recreation, navigation, frottage, fishing or salvage or to build structures of any kind.”

In other words, while the resorts own the property behind the beach, they don’t actually own the beach itself and may not prevent anyone from entering and using it. People can swim there, fish, dive, and even park their boats in the waters. The beach and the water are for everyone to enjoy and

utilize reasonably, and as long as no one abuses these resources, then we’re all fine. The seawater is not anyone’s property.

The problem is abuse, and to address this the Foreshore Lease Contract (FLC) – which resort owners must apply for – imposes the following requirements on the tenure holder: pay rent; construct improvements appropriate only to the FLC’s purpose; use the land only in accordance with the purpose specified in the FLC; shall not sublet the area covered by the FLC; guarantee the general public free access to the beach and nearby coastal water (italics mine).

And that’s the bottom line: free access. I would love to see the day when we can stroll on the beach in Samal and not be hindered by fences and jetties and other structures from crossing over to the next resort or property.

That’s how Boracay, Bohol, Dahican, and many other beaches are. That’s how it should be in Samal.

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

SELFIE STICKS:

Tourist convenience or narcissi-stick?

S

ELFIES at tourist attractions are nothing new.

But until recently, if you wanted a perfectly composed picture of yourself with Times Square or the Colosseum in the background, you might have asked a passer-by to take the photo.

Now, though, relatively new gadgets called selfie sticks make it easy to take your own wide-angled self-portraits or group shots.

Fans say the expandable rods, which allow users to hold their cellphones a few feet away, are the ultimate convenience: no more bothering passers-by to take pictures, no more fretting about strangers taking lousy shots or running off with a pricey iPhone.

But some travelers bemoan the loss of that small interaction that came with politely asking a local to help preserve a memory. And critics express outright hatred of selfie sticks as obnoxious symbols of self-absorption.

They even have a derisive name for them, playing on the narcissistic behavior they think the sticks encourage: narcissi-stick.

Sarah Kinling of Baltimore said she was approached “17 times” by vendors selling selfie sticks at the Colosseum in Rome. “They’re the new fanny

E

pack — the quickest way to spot a tourist,” she said. “The more I saw them in use, the more I saw how much focus people were putting on selfies, and not turning around to see what they were there to see.”

When Kinling wanted a photo of herself with her sister and sister-in-law, she asked strangers to take the shot. “Even when the other person didn’t speak English, you hold your camera up and make the motion and they understand,” she said.

But some travelers say it’s better to stage your own vacation photos. Andrea Garcia asked a passer-by to take her photo in Egypt and later realized he’d zoomed in on her face, cutting out the pyramids behind her. “I couldn’t really be mad at him — he wasn’t my photographer, I didn’t pay him,” she said. The experience made her appreciate the selfie sticks she sees tourists using at 1 World Trade near her office in Lower Manhattan.

“Take control of your image!” she says.

Selfie sticks are just starting to show up at attractions in the U.S., but they’re ubiquitous in many destinations overseas, from Dubai’s skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. A

soccer stadium in London, White Hart Lane, has even banned them because they obstruct other fans’ views.

The Four Seasons Hotel in Houston started making them available to guests last week, “similar to the way many hotels provide umbrellas,” said hotel spokeswoman Laura Pettitt.

The sticks range in price from $5 to $50 (P220 to P2,200). Simpler models merely grip the phone, so us-

ers must trigger the shot with a self-timer on the camera.

More sophisticated versions either use Bluetooth technology or connect the phone to the stick with a cord, with a button on the grip triggering the shot.

Jasmine Brett Stringer of Minneapolis writes a lifestyles blog called “Carpe Diem with Jasmine” and uses selfie sticks to record her videos. “A friend brought one back from Dubai and I said, ‘I’ve got to get one,’” she said. Now she doesn’t have

for the Eastern District of Texas, Ericsson said every Apple smartphone and tablet with cellular capability uses technology from Ericsson for which Apple should pay a licensing fee.

The suit is a response to one Apple filed on January 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California after the companies failed to reach a new deal.

Apple had asked the court to rule that it does not infringe on LTE patents that Ericsson deems essential to that standard.

It also alleged that Ericsson’s patents are not essential to the standard and that

if the court does find that any of them are, the Swedish company is demanding an unreasonable royalty rate.

Apple said Ericsson’s royalty demands should be proportionate to the value of the technology to which it applies, notably the Qualcomm baseband processors in Apple products that use industry-standard communication protocols, and not to the entire device.

In its countersuit, Ericsson maintains that its patents are essential to the standard and asks the court to rule its licensing demands for its entire standards-essential patent portfolio are fair.

“We’ve always been willing to pay a fair price to secure the rights to standards-essential patents covering technology in our products. Unfortunately, we have not been able to agree with Ericsson on a fair rate for their patents so, as a last resort, we are asking the courts for help,” an Apple spokesperson said.

Ericsson said it filed the suit to in order to get an independent assessment of whether its global licensing offer complies with its FRAND commitment, and said its goal is to reach a mutually beneficial resolution with Apple.

Apple, Ericsson sue each other over patent royalty

RICSSON and Apple filed patent lawsuits against each other in the U.S. in a dispute over royalty payments demanded by the Swedish telecommunications equipment manufacturer.

The companies have been locked in negotiations for about two years over renewal of an expired licensing deal on patents that Ericsson deems essential to industry standards.

They filed lawsuits against each other since they can’t agree on a new license fee.

In its suit filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court

to rely on others to help shoot her work. The sticks are also an improvement over hand-held selfies because they let you shoot “at better angles, avoid the awkward arm reach and the dreadful half-face shot.”

Megan Marrs of Boston, who writes a travel blog called Vanishing Balloons, thought the sticks were ridiculous when she saw them on a trip to South Korea last fall. “It seemed so vain and silly,” said Marrs. But she bought one to

bring home as a gift, ended up trying it herself and became a fan.

“I don’t love intruding on other people’s experience, asking them to take my picture — they’re there to enjoy their time, too,” she said. “Sometimes I feel silly — one more tourist taking a selfie in front of the Colosseum — but I’m more comfortable doing it myself than asking someone else.”

BETH J. HARPAZ, AP Travel Editor

Globe Labs throws challenge for fun and simple Google Cardboard apps

G

LOBE Labs, in partnership with Google Development Group (GDG) Philippines, takes advantage of the growing popularity of Google Cardboard, the latest trend in virtual reality, as it challenges the local developer community to create fun and simple apps for an immersive user experience.

With the 24-hour Google Cardboard hackathon slated on January 31-February 1, Globe Labs expects interesting apps to come out in the areas of education, travel/ culture, gaming, and retail.

“This is a great way to start the year and we’re excited about holding the first Google Cardboard hackathon in the Philippines. We look forward to the apps that our developer community will create for Google Cardboard which may eventually be adopted by Globe Telecom for its millions of customers who want a new virtual reality experience with a lifestyle that has gone more digital,” said Anne Michelle Santos, Globe Labs developer relations manager.

Using ordinary items such as a fold-out cardboard, lenses, magnets, Velcro, and a rubber band or a readymade Cardboard viewer kit,

developers are on their way towards a 3D journey which will make the tech-hungry population demand for more.

For the Google Cardboard to work, the viewer kits are fitted with a smartphone with stereoscopic display that allows users to view the images in 3D mode. Existing apps already bring the viewers inside the Shire, let them dive from a skyscraper, watch musical legend Paul McCartney perform “Live and Let Die” in 360 degrees, or even ride a deserted roller-coaster amidst a tropical island.

Meanwhile, individuals or groups of four members who could create marketing, games, or educational app for the Ayala Museum have a chance to win P35,000 under a special category. Apps will be judged based on innovation, design, level of fun, completeness, and presentation.

The Globe Labs Google Cardboard Hackathon will be held at the Globe Corporate Showroom in Valero St., Makati City. There will also be a Google Cardboard 101 pre-hackathon on January 21 in the same venue to give the developers a chance to try out the Google Cardboard. Interest participants may register via bit.ly/globelabshack.

11 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

Don’t ignore that gut feeling

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

C

OLON cancer is the fourth most common cancer among Filipinos -- after breast, lung, and liver cancers. But unlike the first three cancers, colon cancer is not commonly discussed in the open.

“Among cancers, colon cancer stands out as a disease that can be largely prevented, but few people believe it will happen to them,” says Dr. Atenodoro Ruiz, Jr., a gastroenterology consultant at St. Luke’s Medical Center and a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and of the Philippine College of Physicians in Internal Medicine.

If discovered early, colon cancer is preventable and treatable. “If it is in the early stage and localized within the colon, the cure is 100 percent,” says Dr. Ruiz. “If it had spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, the 5-year survival rate is much lower.”

Dr. Aaron I. Velasco, an internist and gastroentorologist who works in various hospitals in Davao City, says the 5-year survival rate of those diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer is 92 percent. It goes down to 63-80 percent for those with stage 2 and 50 percent with stage 3. The chance of survival of those diagnosed with stage 4 is very minimal: 11 percent.

One cannot talk about colon without mentioning the rectum, too. Thus, colorectal cancer (CRC) came into existence. “Almost all colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the lining of the large intestine and rectum,” notes The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Both colon and rectal cancers begin in the digestive system, which processes food for energy, and the last part of it absorbs fluid to form solid waste (stool) that then passes from the body.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) shares this information on how the digestive system works: “After food is chewed and swallowed, it travels to the stomach. There it is partly broken down and sent to the small intestine.”

The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system – about 20 feet.

“The small intestine a l s o

Colon cancer (from Wikipedia)

breaks down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients.

It leads to the large intestine (also called the large bowel or colon),” the ACS explains.

“The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the food and also serves as a storage place for waste matter. The waste matter moves from the colon into the rectum, the last 6 inches of the digestive system.

From there, the waste passes out of the body.”

How cancer develops Cancer that starts in these different areas may cause different symptoms. But colorectal cancers have many things in common. “In most people, colorectal cancer develops slowly over a period of several years,” explains Dr. Gerry Cornelio, former head of the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO).

“Colon cancer usually begins as an area of abnormal cells (lesion),” informs the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. “Most of these abnormal lesions begin as tiny polyps — raised clumps of non-cancerous (benign) cells growing on the inner lining of the large intestine. Another type of precancerous lesion (non-polypoid lesion) forms as a flat or recessed area on the wall of the colon. Non-polypoid lesions are less common than polyps.”

According to Dr. Cornelio, if cancer forms within a polyp, “it can eventually begin to grow into the wall of the colon or rectum. When cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels. Once cancer cells spread into blood or lymph vessels, they can travel to distant parts of the body, such as the liver.”

Just bear this in mind though: Not all polyps become cancerous, but nearly all colorectal cancers start out as polyps.

Until now, no one knows what causes CRC. “Epidemiologic, human case-control, and animal studies support a strong association between colon cancer and a diet that has high-fat (usually saturated fat), low fiber, and high red meat consumption,” Dr. Ruiz says.

Risk factors that predispose a person to develop colon and rectal

Dr. Aaron I. Velasco, internist and gastroenterologist (Photo by Henrylito Tacio) cancer include age, personal history of adenoma or carcinoma, family history of CRC, and pre-existing diseases, like inflammatory bowel disease.

“Age 50 is the most common risk factor for CRC as 90 percent of cancers occur after the age of 50,” Dr. Ruiz says.

No symptoms Like most cancers, many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms.

The following symptoms, however, may indicate colon cancer: diarrhea, constipation, or other change in bowel habits; blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool; unexplained anemia; abdominal pain and tenderness in the lower ab-

domen; intestinal obstruction; weight loss with no known reason; feeling very tired; and vomiting.

“The most common first symptom of rectal cancer is bleeding during a bowel movement,” says the Merck manual. “Whenever the rectum bleeds, even if the person is known to have hemorrhoids or diverticular disease, doctors must consider cancer as part of their differential diagnosis.

“Painful bowel movement and a feeling that the rectum has not been completely emptied are other symptoms of rectal cancer,” the Merck manual continues. “Sitting may be painful, but otherwise the person usually feels no pain from the cancer itself unless it spreads to tissue outside the rectum.”

As CRC doesn’t have early warning signs, it’s very import-

ant to get screened, recommends Dr. Velasco. Once the aforementioned symptoms appear, “tumors tend to be much bigger and even harder to treat.”

Understanding colonoscopy Dr. Velasco suggests that once a person reaches the age of 50, he should undergo a colon screening. One of the highly recommended is colonoscopy, which should be done every 10 years after the first screening. “In colonoscopy,” he explains, “we use a tube with a tiny camera to look at the whole colon and rectum.

We don’t only find tumors early, but the test can also prevent colorectal cancer by removing polyps.”

The test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, Dr. Velasco says.

But in some instances, it may take longer, depending upon what is found and what is done during the test.

WebMd.com gives this information as to what will happen after the test: “You may have bloating or crampy gas pains and may need to pass some gas. If a biopsy was done or a polyp taken out, you may have traces of blood in your stool (feces) for a few days. If polyps were taken out, your doctor may instruct you to not take aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 to 14 days.”

Dr. Velasco cautions that there is a slight chance for problems from a colonoscopy.

Staging colon cancer (from Merck manual) The scope or a small tool may tear the lining of the colon or cause bleeding. This must be the reason why WebMd.com suggests that those who undergo colonoscopy should call their doctor immediately if, after the test, they: have heavy rectal bleeding, have severe belly pain, develop a fever, are very dizzy, are vomiting, and have a swollen and firm belly.

Aside from colonoscopy, other screening tests for colon cancer include barium enema X-rays, sigmoidoscopy, stool tests, and computed tomographic colonography. Which screening test you choose depends on your risk, your preference, and your doctor.

“Be sure to talk to your doctor about what puts you at risk and what test is best for you,” Dr. Velasco reminds us.

As stated earlier, colon cancer is treatable when discovered early. But if the cancer has already invaded other tissues, it may be too late.

On January 20, 1993, Oscar winning actress Audrey Hepburn died of colon cancer in Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland at the age of 63. Emmy-winning American comedian and actor Milton Berle was told he had a cancerous colon tumor in 2001 but he refused surgery; he died in Los Angeles, California the following year.

Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino gave colon cancer a valiant fight before succumbing to the disease in 2009.

12

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EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Munchtown’s epic burrito.

Sheikh Shack’s signature shawarma.

It’s a

WRAP EVERYBODY needs to eat, but with today’s ever hectic lifestyle, people are now finding alternative quick eats to save time while grabbing a bite or two. And wrapping everything up in a thin flour skin for eating on-the-go is one surefire solution that is a life saver for busy bees.

From light Middle-Eastern inspired fare to the more heavy rice-filled burritos, places that serve meals in a flour wrap are now popping up all over Durianburg and here are some of the ones I was able to sink my teeth into.

Sheikh Shack What started out as a one time pop-up store at a local bazaar is now an actual store that serves beef and chicken

shawarma and shawarma rice. Go for their beef shawarma which is filled with beef brisket, cabbage, and tomato, smothered in their slightly sweet house sauce for just Php99. I preferred to have my shawarma with their spicy house sauce instead for a little added kick.

Sheikh shack has two branches, with the main shack located at Palma Gil Street and a branch located at the Lower Ground Floor of

The original Majid’s Kebab.

Crazy Craving’s Burrito.

Gaisano Mall of Davao.

Pastanni Bringing Italian street food to Davao was the main concept behind Pastanni and one of Pastanni’s best sellers is their Piada Roll. Basically a grilled flour warp filled with risotto, fresh lettuce, cheese, and a choice of meat, the Piada roll is a handy belly buster.

Although there are many other fillings to choose from, my personal favourite is the one with Roast Pork Belly with Balsamic Vinegar. The flavours of the grilled pork pop with every bite, and for only Php130, it is a bargain.

Pastanni is located at the second level of the Abreeza Mall.

Army Navy Everyone knows Army Navy serves burgers, but what I truly love having at Army Navy is its AmericanMexican fare. From tacos to the fajitas and quesedillas, Army Navy is a fresh concept in the local fast food scene.

Filled with meat, Spanish

rice, beans, onions, lettuce and cilantro, Army Navy’s burrito is served with a side of fresh salsa and a wedge of lime. For the fillings, one can choose between Pulled Pork or Carnita, Steak, and Chicken. There is also a Vegetarian version for those who want to cut the meat habit, but for those who are unafraid of grease, I would suggest going for the All Day Breakfast Burrito instead which substitutes hash browns and scrambled eggs instead of the usual Spanish rice filling.

Prices range from Php165 to Php180.

Army Navy outlets can be found at the Abreeza mall as well as at the SkyGarden of SM Lanang Premier.

Crazy Cravings Talking about Mexicaninspired food, Crazy Cravings Bistro is a new addition to Davao’s fast-growing quick-eats scene. Specialising in tacos, nachos, quesedillas, and other chilli and salsa-infused dishes, Crazy Cravings is an affordable alternative whenever one starts craving for a burrito.

Filled with Spanish rice, beans, lettuce, and onions, Crazy Craving’s burritos comes with your choice of either beef or chicken and is served with their house hot sauce, salsa on the side may be asked from the server. For only Php110, it is definitely a more afordable alternative.

Crazy Cravings is located

along Jacinto Street Extension.

Majid’s Kebab One of the earliest places that started serving meat in a wrap is Majid’s Kebab. Although just a simple dish of grilled beef or chicken and served with grilled tomato and wrapped in a thin unleavened bread, the kebab’s flavour was complex mainly thanks to the accompanying garlic cream and chilli sauces.

Majid’s kebab not only scores high on taste but it also scores high on affordability as well as each order costs only Php40, which is as easy on the wallet of the busy working-class urbanite.

Majid’s Kebab is located along Rizal Street.

Munchtown Taking American comfort food to another level us-

ing quality fresh ingredients is Munchtown Diner. The brainchild of celebrity chef Robby Goco, Munchtown Diner is famous for its Angus beef burgers, sliders, homemade smokees, pizzas, and milkshakes. But aside from all the above mentioned dishes served at Munchtown, it is restaurant’s burrito that I love.

Filled generously with Spanish rice, Carnita, cheese, beans, corn, sour cream, and served with salsa on the side, Munchtown’s burrito is a foodie work of art that is filling and a true joy to bit into. Non-pork eaters can also try the chicken and vegetarian options instead. Although pricey at Php240 a pop, it is really worth every peso and every calorie.

Munchtown Diner is located at the Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier.

Pastanni’s Piada Roll.

Army Navy’s Burrito.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

GMA Network all s comprehensive Pa TWO DECADES since then Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Philippines, GMA Network’s monumental coverage continues to resonate among generations of Filipinos.

This January, the Kapuso Network is again all set to make history by giving viewers “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas,” the most comprehensive coverage of the much-awaited five-day apostolic and state visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.

Bannered by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino and Jessica Soho, together with the full roster of GMA News and Public Affairs, “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” airs on GMA-7 and on GMA News TV from January 15 to 19.

“Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” special coverage starts with the arrival of Pope Francis on Thursday afternoon, followed by the Pope’s state visit to Malacanan Palace on Friday morning, a Eucharistic celebration at the Manila Cathedral by noon, and a special meeting with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in the afternoon.

On Saturday, the special coverage intensifies as Pope Francis goes to Leyte to meet the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda and the Bohol earthquake, bless the newly built Pope Francis Complex Center for the Poor, and visit to the Palo Cathedral before he flies back to Manila.

On Sunday, “Ang People’s

Pope sa Pilipinas” continues its blow-by-blow account of the historic visit as Pope Francis heads a youth gathering at the University of Santo Tomas, and leads the most awaited Mass celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, which in 1995 housed the largest papal crowd in history as then Pope John Paul II celebrated the World Youth Day. On Monday, January 19, “Ang People’s Pope sa Pilipinas” joins the country as it bids farewell to the Pope.

Using state-of-the-art newsgathering equipment and nationwide transmission facilities, GMA-7 delivers the highlights of the Papal visit via the flagship primetime newscast 24 Oras, late-night news source “Saksi,” morning public affairs program Unang Hirit, and special editions of Flash Report.

GMA News TV, at the same time, provides the latest updates on the Papal visit on news programs News to Go, Balitanghali, Balita Pilipinas Ngayon, Quick Response Team, State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, and News TV Live.

GMA News Online, meanwhile, launched recently its official papal visit microsite (gmanews.tv/popefrancis) to provide netizens with all the lat-

est news and information on the Papal visit. The website features a liveblog and livestreams, dubbed Pope TV, so users can stay on top of what’s happening. Those who want to attend the Papal events may also check out the Pope’s itinerary through the site’s ultimate guide on the Papal visit. It also encourages netizens to participate in the microsite’s #BlessedByThePope sec-

tion, which features a prayer wall, messages to the Pope and stories about the Pope.

Using the hashtags #BlessedByThePope, #PapalVisitPH and #PopeFrancisPH, netizens are also invited to post their messages, reactions, comments and photos on Twitter (twitter.com/ gmanews), Facebook (facebook. com/gmanews), and Instagram (instagram.com/gmanews). The

public can also follow GMA News on Viber’s Public Chat (chats.viber.com/gmanews).

Netizens may also send their letters, photos or video messages to Pope Francis through YouScoop.

Live radio broadcast of the event is also available on the Network’s flagship AM radio station dzBB 594 kHz Super Radyo through its “Si Pope Francis sa

GMA Network airs Dingdong and Marian’s we BEAR WITNESS to the much awaited union of the Filipinos’ well-loved and favorite couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera and be part of the momentous wedding celebration of 2014 as GMA Network gives Kapuso viewers an exclusive pass via a two-part special on January 17 and 24 at 8:15PM after Magpakailanman.

These specials show the beautiful union between two people who love each other unconditionally. Dingdong and Marian’s love story is a testament that true, genuine love exists. Their marriage was finally sealed and sanctified by the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony as they pledged their love before God and be united forever in love.

On January 17, get a

glimpse of the church ceremony, from the bride and groom’s wedding attire, the bride’s magical entrance, up to their first kiss as a married couple. The special dubbed as “Dingdong and Marian Wedding Special THE CEREMONY” is the first of the two part special.

The first part will feature the preparations and fun moments of Dingdong and Marian hours before they walk down the aisle as their close friends and families share their thoughts and wishes.

It will likewise give the viewers an exclusive access to the people behind Dingdong’s success in fulfilling Marian’s dream wedding including his live TV proposal to Marian, their prenuptial shoot and Marian’s meeting with her wedding gown designer in Dubai, and the gathering with their principal

sponsors.

Viewers should watch out for the dramatic entrance of Dingdong inside the Immaculate Conception Cathedral but most importantly, the most anticipated highlight of the ceremony, the stunning bride as she finally walks down the aisle in her fairytale wedding dress. Get also an exclusive look at the couple’s exchange of vows as they profess their absolute love for each other and the longawaited magical kiss.

Meanwhile on January 24, it couldn’t get any more magical as the network airs the second part of the special dubbed as “Dingdong and Marian Wedding Special THE CELEBRATION.” Viewers will witness this time the celebration of love, joy, family and friendship with the Spanish-themed wedding reception held at

the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The special will feature a never-before released prewedding interview of the couple, their friends, celebrity guests as well as details from the creative team behind the reception.

Viewers will hear the couple’s fairytale love story from their dearest friends and loved ones - Marian’s Maids of Honors Roxanne Barcelo, Ana Feleo and Joy Santos; and Dingdong’s Groomsmen Marvin Lanuza, Harvey Camposano and Angelo Dantes while Marian’s father, Francisco Javier Alonso Gracia, gives a touching message to his loving daughter.

Also, watch as the couple present their 3D-mapped wedding cake featuring the different pre-nuptial videos shot in Pampanga and Dubai, as well as the special short films made by one of the cou-

ple’s ninangs and their good friend, Bb. Joyce Bernal.

The part two will similarly show Marian’s surprise for her groom while Dingdong surprises Marian with a special gift - an original song and a special performance by Marian’s favorite band – the Aegis.

The program was hosted by the couples closest friends; Gabby Eigenmann, Bettina Carlos, KC Montero, Tim Yap, Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid with inspiring performances

by Jaya, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Julie Anne San Jose, Gloc-9, Marc Abaya, Jay Durias and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Don’t miss this rare TV event and be part of the memorable milestone in the lives of Dingdong and Marian with the two-part wedding special on January 17 and 24 after Magpakailanman on GMA.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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set for most apal visit coverage KC and Paulo give viewers the best ‘gift’ ever in “Give Love” finale this Friday

Pilipinas” special coverage. Netizens can also follow dzBB on social media via twitter.com/dzbb.

The Kapuso Network has consistently been at the forefront of significant events of the Catholic Church including the election of Pope Francis in 2013 and the joint canonization of St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII in 2014.

AWARD-WINNING actors KC Concepcion and Paulo Avelino will teach kids and families the importance of family and selflessness in the finale episode of ABS-CBN’s Christmas series “Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift” this Friday (January 16).

Despite the efforts of their son Jacob (Miguel Vergara) to keep their family together, Christian and Anna’s arguments just keep on getting worse as they carry on with their annulment.

What can Jacob do to stop their family from falling apart? Will Anna and Christian continue their plan to separate or can they still find their way back to love? In the end, can Anna and Christian set all their differences aside for the sake of their only child?

“Give Love on Christmas” is composed of three stories that revolve around family, relation-

before “It’s Showtime” in ABS-CBN Prime-Tanghali. For more information about “Give Love on Christmas,” visit the show’s official social networking sites Twittter .com/DreamscapePH and Instagram.com/

ships, and love. These include Paulo and KC’s “Exchange Gift,” Eddie Garcia, Aiko Melendez, Dimples Romana, Carlo Aquino, and Louise Abuel’s “The Gift Giver,” and Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador’s “The Gift of Life.” t is a Christmas special produced by Dream-

DreamscapePH. Viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Give Love On Christmas” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www. abscbnmobile.com.

scape Entertainment Television, the group that created top-rating TV masterpieces such as “Walang Hanggan,” “Ina Kapatid Anak,” “Juan dela Cruz,” and “Ikaw Lamang.”

Don’t miss the last episode of “Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift” this Friday,

edding on January 17 and 24

January 16, 2015

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB / * BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP PG 13 / *R 16

Ben Stiller, Robin Williams/ * Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth 12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

TAKEN 3 Liam Neeson PG 13

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

SEVENTH SON / * TAKEN 3 Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges / * Liam Neeson

R-16

PG 13 / * PG 13

12:00 | 2:10 LFS / * 4:20 | 6:35 | 8:50 LFS

EDSA WOOLWORTH / *AMAZING PRAYBEYT BENJAMIN Pokwang / * Vice Ganda, Richard Yap PG 13 / *PG 13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Sinulog 2015 mobile app guides tourists to country’s grandest festival TOURISTS and devotees heading to Cebu for the Sinulog now have a portable guide to one of the country’s grandest festivals. The Sinulog Guide app, which can be downloaded to Android devices, iPhones and Windows Phones for free, is published as part of a collaboration among Cebubased new media startup InnoPub Media, wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), Sinulog Foundation, and Cebu mass communications students undergoing internship with InnoPub. The guide is the most comprehensive resource on the festival, containing information about the Sinulog and its history, Kaplag or the discovery of the Sto. Nino image 450 years ago, and the different Sinulog contingents. It contains handy tips for tourists on things to do in Cebu. The app also provides

a directory of important phone numbers such as of hospitals, police stations. A full listing of tour guides and tour operators accredited by the Department of Tourism is also included in the guide. The directory is active and tourists merely need to tap on numbers to place a call.

Tourism spots featured in the app also contain GPS data and have “check location” links that, when tapped, use GPS to guide a tourist to a particular site.

The app also contains a news section that will contain the latest updates on the festival as it draws near and until after the grand parade. The app team will be providing updates on performances, parties and other Sinulog news through the app.

“With the Sinulog Guide, revelers can plan their itinerary ahead and maximize their experience celebrating this grand festival,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.

“Sinulog Guide is a useful resource to tourists because it

is on a device that people take with them wherever they go: the phone,” said InnoPub Media co-founder Marlen Limpag.

To promote the use of the guide, Smart and InnoPub are holding social network promotions that offer those who download the app premium giveaway items.

Smart and InnoPub are also holding, for the second year, an online Sinulog photo contest using #SmartSinulog2015. Details of the contest will be made available within the Sinulog Guide app.

The Sinulog Guide is part of the Digital Tourism program of Smart and InnoPub, which uses mobile technology to deliver tourism, cultural, and historical information. The initiative was given an Anvil Award of Merit in February 2013 and commended by the Cebu City Council, in a resolution passed on mass motion in January 2012, as an “ingenious” way to deliver tourism information.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

EDGE

13

EDGEDAVAO

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

ZION

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

MACHINE OPERATOR (Printing Press)

Qualifications:

Account Executives (2) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field.

- Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

14

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

Despite... FFROM 2 the dormitories also committed violations found by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and City Health Office (CHO).

He said the BFP found that the fire exits do not follow the standards.

CHO environmental sanitation head Robert L. Oconer said that they found unsanitary condition of the commissaries and unhygienic practices by the employees.

Based on the report, att the Happy Home Dormitory of DMEMS in Margarita Village, Bajada, the trash bins have no covers and plastic liners.

Some of the toilet doors had no door knobs and some were damaged. Also, there

were no proper fire exit in the building. The employees have no health cards.

In the University Park Suites and Residences in Jacinto Street, there is a business permit but there is no sanitary permit to operate.

The garbage bins have no covers and plastic liners.

In the commissary in DMSF road, it the dormitory has no business and sanitary permit to operate.

Oconer said that they were supposed to issue a closure order but they want to give DMEMS consideration and ordered total renovation and clean up for the dormitories.

ako at saka alam niya kung bakit siya pinatay, dahil may paninindigan (Pope Francis wants simple things. He does not need many guards.

He said if someone wants to kill him then he cannot prevent it. He said he is old and he knows why he would be killed, because he is firm in his stand),” Alforque said.

Thousands of security groups and individuals were deployed all over Tacloban City up to Palo, Leyte where the Pope will have his lunch and his second mass.

Thousands of police officers were also deployed by different nearby regions to secure the Pope in his arrival.

Policemen were also augmented on the streets with a distance of five meters between officers.

Residences were also asked to list the entire names of their family members and

visitors for security purposes.

Homeowners who have second floors were also asked to stay on the ground fall upon the arrival of the Pope.

Barricades were also put all over the place.

Alforque said the reason Pope Francis decided to visit Tacloban is to let the people know that he is with them.

However, the priest said that it would be hard for the people to see the Pope with all the barricades and police officers all over the place.

“Makikita niya yung katotohanan gustong-gusto niya na makapiling ang mga tao, pero sa dami ng barikada baka mapalayo ang mga tao tapos sinesecure na sana walang mangyaring masama sa kanya, maraming pulis, miltar. Sila na ang makakita sa kanya (Pope Francis) hindi na yung pangkaraniwang tao,” he added.

safety of pupils, students and residents who are regularly crossing or passing by this intersection,” he said.

The area where the pedestrian overpass is being constructed is within the city’s commercial and industrial zone.

The junction of the Makar-Siguel highway and Rizal Streets is close to food chain outlets and several other establishments.

The RD Group of Companies, which is owned by Mayor Rivera’s family, is building a

shopping mall near the area.

Rizal Street is the main road leading to the General Santos City National High School – the city’s biggest public school – Romana C. Acharon Elementary School, H.N. Cahilsot Elementary School and the Antonio C. Acharon Sr. Sports Complex.

The Makar-Siguel national highway serves as the entry point of vehicles going to the city fishport complex, city international airport and four coastal towns in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

income, the PAMANA project under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with DA and provincial government of Davao Oriental granted the association with upland rice production and post-harvest facilities (single pass rice mill) worth P750,000 in 2013.

According to Marlyn Borja, AFMA president, the project has helped a lot in terms of increasing their income and it somehow alleviate the poverty rate of their community.

“We thanked the national government for giving us the chance to improve our income. Rest assured that we

will take good care of the project,” Borja said.

In July last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded DA’s implementation of various agricultural projects in the 10th Infantry Agila Division’s area of responsibility making the agency its active ally in forging peace and development.

These include conduct of trainings and seminars, employing practical and efficient farming techniques and methods thereby increasing farm productions and enhancing the living condition of the beneficiaries particularly the rebel returnees and their families.

(ChePalicte - DA11)

Priest... FFROM 2 STRONG SUPPORT. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte gestures while discussing important matters with former Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol, an avid supporter of the Duterte for President 2016, at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

Indian... FFROM 1

and to make these students cower from opposing them.”

The CIDG report said the Indian students are not allowed to transfer dormitories of their own choice at any given time and are threatened with deportation and failing grades if they go against Mohan.

The CIDG noted that while the house rules being imposed to maintain cleanliness and orderliness “somehow help the students to conduct themselves properly and prevent them from roaming around doing other things which might affect their studies,” it is “not a valid reason… to violate the rights of the foreign students.”

For his part, Mayor Duterte told Mohan not to deprive the students their freedom.

In a meeting with Mohan and the students on Wednesday night at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Duterte said it “does not really sound good for an Indian to oppress your comrade citizens also of your country.”

He said everyone is treated equally in the Philippines since the law protects both Filipino citizens and foreigners.

He said no one can be deprived of freedom of choice and compelled to live in a certain place.

He then told the Indian students to look for other dormitories of their choice, to which the students applauded loudly.

Duterte told Mohan to maintain their contracts but to remove the imposition of the excessive fees that they are demanding from the students.

But Pillai, whose company partners with DMSF to bring Indian students here, said what they want is to secure the students after an incident in 2011 in which an Indian student died.

“What we have been only done, it is only in terms of safety and security,” Pillai said.

Based on the police blotter report at the Sta. Ana Police Station, incoming medical student Vijay Baskar Paneer Sel-

vam died of drowning at Isla Reta Resort in Talikud Island at around 5:45 a.m. on May 30, 2011.

The police report said Vijay was last seen partying with three Indian friends and one Filipina on the night of May 29, 2011.

He was next seen already dead, his body floating on the danger zone of the beach resort around 5:45 a.m. the next day.

“After that one, the Indian government told them (students) that they should be staying in a place where there are a rules and regulations,” Pillai said.

He said that although the students’ parents can sign a waiver stating their children can stay anywhere they want, this could affect the reputation of DMSF and the city if something happens to them.

“At the end of the day, it would really affect the city because I remembered when that boy died here, I and everybody in the DMSF were called by the Indian embassy and we were punished for that. Even now, we are having a case in India because of the death of that boy though it was not our fault,” Pillai said.

He said the reason they are here is the quality of education at DMSF and the reputation of Davao City as one of the safest cities in the world because of the strict leadership of Duterte.

“I am not saying that you cannot have your freedom, but excess of freedom cannot be good for your medical studies,” Pillai said.

In the middle of Pillai’s talk, the students began howling in an apparent opposition.

Duterte, however, said the laws in India cannot be used in the Philippines where no one can be deprived of freedom as provided by the Constitution.

“Whatever you signed in India particularly limiting their movement or you where you want them to reside, it is not acceptable here,” he said.

Stop... FFROM 2 also stated that it “agreed to review the house rule of its own dormitories and likewise make representation in interest of student welfare with the dormitories operated by a private entity which is outside of the DMSF’s jurisdiction.”

Alvarez, meanwhile, refrained from commenting on the dormitory issue because the matter belongs to a private entity and is already out of his jurisdiction as the regional head of CHED 11.

He said CHED 11 and BI 11 had done the inspection on the dormitories located inside DMSF. “Based on the result of inspection that was conducted November last year, these dormitories inside DMSF passed all requirements,” he added.

DMSF also denied that it purposely flunked an Indian student who claims to be a deans’ lister but had failing grades in two subjects.

“DMSF does not give ‘dean’s list’ recognition to any

student of good academic standing but awards graduating students with Latin Honors if they meet the criteria inscribed in DMSF’s student handbook,” it said.

DMSF, in the statement, also agreed to release the Good Moral Certificated of the student for “humanitarian reasons and denied that its issuance is influenced by persons not connected with DMSF.” The medical schools also answered issue of crediting subjects gained from India.

“DMSF has obtained clearance from CHED to grant equivalency and/or transfer credits for its students which in line with academic freedom,” it said.

Finally, on the issue that there are students enrolled at DMSF without passing the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT), “DMSF assured that all their students have passed NMAT prior to admission.”

no ill intentions against the kingdom.

The future saint remained in Kandy until his death in 1711 at the age of 60. He is credited with converting 30,000 people and reviving the Catholic Church on the island.

Pope Francis said Vaz is also an example of missionary zeal.

“Though he came to Ceylon to minister to the Catholic community, in his evangelical

charity he reached out to everyone,” the pope said.

He said the saint “knew how to offer the truth and the beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious context”.

“I pray that, following the example of Saint Joseph Vaz, the Christians of this country may be confirmed in faith and make an ever greater contribution to peace, justice and reconciliation in Sri Lankan society,” Pope Francis said.

Four police officers were arrested and tagged as suspects for killing brothers Harold and Roland Jamaca, and Maria Erica Yabut, in Barangay F.S. Catanico here last December 11.

Summary execution survivor Jim Jamaca, 24, identified PO1 Arnel Gighe, PO1 Jun Reil Barrientos, PO1 Manuel Quipanes, and Senior Insp. Ludwig Charles Espira as responsible.

JB Deveza, of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Mindanao Safe-

ty Office, said Ucat told him that he had asked protection from the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) because he was being tailed by unidentified men.

Major. Christian Uy, 4ID public information officer, said an Army team sent to protect Ucat spotted two men with hidden guns tailing the journalist before the New Year.

Uy said the soldiers, seeing the situation as critical, decided to get Ucat to their vehicle for his protection.

Pope... FFROM 3

CDO... FFROM 3

DPWH... FFROM 3

DA 11... FFROM 6

VOL. 7 ISSUE 215 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 -17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

15

Rody to open DBL cage tourney

N

O less than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will open the much-awaited 2015 Duterte Basketball League (DBL) Inter-Political District Basketball Tournament this afternoon at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym.

Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO) deputy Ma. Tisha Goldie Delvo, who is in charge of the event, said this will be the first time that barangay captains and their respective kagawads will compose each of the 12 political districts com-

Ronaldo says his son is a Messi fan

C

RISTIANO Ronaldo’s son Cris junior is a Lionel Messi fan the boy’s father said after they met up with the Argentina captain at the Ballon D’Or ceremony in Zurich on Monday.

After Ronaldo was named 2014 Ballon D’Or winner, beating fourtime winner Messi into second place, the two players had a friendly exchange in the lobby of Zurich’s Kongresshaus when Cris pointed at Messi and then stood up to greet him.

Real Madrid’s Por-

peting in the event.

The DBL Inter-Political District tournament is one of the major sports activities being held regularly under the administration of Mayor Duterte.

Seeing action in the tournament organized by the SDD-CMO are Bu-

hangin, Agdao, Paquibato, Poblacion A, Poblacion B., Talomo, Toril, Calinan, Tugbok, Marilog, Baguio and Bunawan.

Today’s program, which will start at 4 p.m., will also have the Davao delegates who competed in the 8th BIMP-Eaga Friend-

ship Games in Labuan, Malaysia last December.

Delvo said she hopes to finish the tournament in five weeks, with the games scheduled from Monday to Friday staring at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every week.

The champion team will pocket P15,000, sec-

ond P10,000, third P7,500 and fourth P5,000. All the top four placers will also receive trophies.

Meanwhile, Delvo expressed her gratitude to Davies Paints for sponsoring the jerseys of the 12 competing teams. (SDDCMO)

tugal captain Ronaldo told his arch-rival Messi: “He watches a video on the internet of all of us and he talks about you,” prompting a coy reaction from his son.

Barcelona forward Messi chuckled and asked the young Cristiano how he was doing.

“You are embarrassed now!” Ronaldo then laughed to his son.

Ronaldo received his third Ballon D’Or on Monday with the Portuguese or Messi having won the award every year since 2008.

June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beermen wins his second Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference award. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, stands with his son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, after winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 during the soccer awards ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

I

T’S amazing how Davao del Norte held itself up in an almost killing waiting game for the Palarong Pambansa waiting game.

The decision from the all-mighty Palarong Pambansa Board came only last December 2014 for a national event that will be held in five months.

Yes, buddies. Five months.

It’s crazy even for one to get married today and prepare for just five months. This one is for the Palaro—the country’s biggest sporting conclave for school-based athletes. I have covered a number of Palarong Pambansa and I have seen the preparations build up in a span of at least a year with not even perfect results.

In 1994, Cebu City--the country’s next biggest urban center outside Metro Manila—hosted the Palarong

Fajardo named Best Player of the Conference J UNE Mar Fajardo is the best player of the PBA Philippine Cup anew. The San Miguel Beer center was crowned the MyPhone Best Player of the Conference for before the tipoff of Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Fajardo bested Alaska’a Calvin Abueva, San Miguel Beer’s Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos, and Ginebra’s

Greg Slaughter. He’s only the second player in history who has won back-to-back BPCs in the Philippine Cup. The only other player to do this was the legendary Nelson Asaytono also with the Beermen.

The Kraken topped the statistical race as he averaged 18.33 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.72 assists, and 2 blocks per game.

“Hindi ko naman iniisip yung award,” Fajardo said before the start of Game 4.

“Ngayon ko nga lang nalaman na awarding na kasi sa game talaga ako naka-concentrate.

Down kami kaya kailangan yun muna yung isipin ko.”

Fajardo swept the media votes, getting the first place in all 38 entries. He narrowly edged Abueva in the player

votes while he finished second to The Beast in the PBA’s vote.

Fajardo garnered a total of 1,141 points, way ahead of Abueva who got 889 points.

Santos finished third with 523, Slaughter was at fourth with 392, and Cabagnot, who got most of his statistics playing for GlobalPort Batang Pier, rounded out the five with 390 points.

promotions—this is where business and tourism kick in.

The Palarong Pambansa is a multi-million event in terms of capital and revenues.

Good thing for Davao del Norte is that the province has been ready—with the father-son leadership of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and Rep. Anthony del Rosario— since the day it decided to bid for the Palaro. In fact, one of the reason they built their 11-hectare sports facility is they wanted to bring in the Palaro—an event denied of them in 1992.

Now, Davao del Norte owns perhaps the staunchest sports supporters in the Del Rosarios with Anthony holding an influential position as chairman of the sports committee of the House of Representatives.

The challenge now for Davao del Norte is to make

those bidding promises and powerpoint presentations into tangible matters. Among the concerns are security, supply of potable water, and hotel facilities.

According to sports coordinator Giovani Gulanes all that have been taken cared of.

Awesome.

Now, back to the bidding system of the Palarong Pambansa. It cannot go on like this. I mean giving a host five months to put everything up is insane. Consider these things—an LGU prepares its annual budget for the next year and passes it as early as October for it to be financially equipped by the start of the new fiscal year. Without having programmed your expenses for the next year and expect to spend millions for an item that wasn’t there is almost like suicidal unless you anticipated everything like a financial

mogul.

On the part of the travelling contingents from as far as Luzon and the sea-ferrying delegations from Visayas, it will also give them the leverage to anticipate the cost of travel.

The Palarong Pambansa Board should give ample time not only for hosts but also for the rest of the competing regions. Given the hosting cycle of Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao (or is it still that way?), it is best to make the bidding for every cycle and identify the hosts for the next three years.

That should be fair for everyone.

For now, let us be thankful that Davao del Norte is mighty ready for this and there’s the catchment city like Davao ready to absorb the influx of visitors.

Just this time please. Not another time.

Reforms needed for Palaro bidding system Pambansa and they ran a good show that started from months back to build up for the anticipation of the event, even using the Sinulog Festival to drum it up. Come the big day or week that is, the organizing committee committed a blunder in its media center in failing to bring in fast results and outbound communications for the covering media organizations.

Good thing, the glitch was solved in time albeit there was some ‘screening’ of news that happened out there whenever we fax (yes, there was no email yet) our type-written (yes, there were no computers either at that time) stories.

And then there were the usual problems of food poisoning escalating into heatstroke problems in Koronadal City in 2007 that led to death of one high school principal from Marinduque. Two ath-

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo letes also died in a bus mishap that year.

We are not doomsayers nor doom seekers but we would like to point it out here that preparations are important in hosting big events not only in terms of dealing with all the necessary facilities and utilities for the event, but also precious time for the hosts to maximize the opportunity in terms of publicity and

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.77ISSUE ISSUE215 215••FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FRIDAY-SATURDAY,JANUARY JANUARY16 16-17, -17,2015 2015

GUNNING FOR MORE GLORY Sharapova aims to win second Australian Open title

Maria Sharapova hits a return during a match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament.

Bradley trainer favors Floyd over Pacquiao

W

ITH a showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. seemingly coming closer to fruition, boxing personalities are again being asked who they favor between the two pound-forpound kings.

Respected boxing trainer, Joel Diaz, who is best known for his work with former world champion Timothy Bradley Jr., told HustleBoss recently that he would pick Mayweather over Pacquiao.

“His defense… and he’s very accurate,” said Diaz.

Mayweather has long been acknowledged as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his generation, although some believe that Pacquiao’s punch output and awkward angles can give him a run for his money.

But Diaz believes that Pacquiao’s tendency to go somewhat wild inside the ring will leave him open to Mayweather’s blistering counter-punches.

“Pacquiao has speed and power,” Diaz conceded, “But he’s a little reckless when he goes in for the hunt.”

“He exposes himself a lot, and he’s reckless,” he added.

Diaz was in Bradley’s corner when the American fought Pacquiao in 2012 and again in 2014. Bradley famously upset Pacquiao in their first encounter, winning a controversial decision, but the Filipino got his vengeance last year.

V

ETERAN Maria Sharapova head into the opening Grand Slam of 2015 next week as a form player, but there is a heady mix of youth and experience snapping at her heels.

Sharapova, who has been a fixture on the tennis circuit since 2002, continues to shine with victory over Ana Ivanovic in Brisbane handing her a 34th career title.

She won her only Australian Open in 2008, beating Ivanovic in the final.

The Russian’s closest rival, world number one Serena Williams, is gunning for a sixth Australian Open title but was unimpressive at the mixed-teams Hopman Cup

in Perth this month.

The American, aiming for a 19th Grand Slam crown, spluttered her way through with moments of brilliance interspersed with extended periods of erratic play.

“I do feel like I am getting back into the groove, I am not moving as well as I was last year,” said the American, who is the defending US Open champion but has not won the Australian Open since 2010.

“I am going to try and improve that and I know I can so but I am getting there.”

Along with a revitalised Ivanovic, world number three Simona Halep of Romania is shaping as a threat after winning the warm-up Shenzhen Open on Saturday, although she pulled out of this week’s Sydney Interna-

tional with gastroenteritis.

The dangerous Agnieszka Radwanska is another to watch, having beat Williams in Perth.

China’s Li Na won the women’s crown last year, battling past surprise package Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia, but has since retired.

There is plenty of incentive to win with the prize money bumped up to a record Aus$40 million (US$32 million), with the singles winners taking home Aus$3.1 million each.

Held in the height of the southern hemisphere summer, weather is always a wildcard in Melbourne with temperatures known to fluctuate up to 20 Celsius from one day to the next.

Last year, extreme heat

forced organisers to suspend play for several hours following days of complaints about “inhumane” conditions which left some players fainting and vomiting.

At the time Murray warned organisers were risking a tragedy as temperatures hit 42 Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit), while Canada’s Frank Dancevic said he hallucinated a vision of cartoon dog Snoopy before blacking out.

Temperatures for the opening day on Monday are forecast to be a mild 21 Celsius.

The impact of the weather will be minimised this year with the installation of a third retractable roof at Melbourne Park. The Rod Laver and Hisense Arenas already had this facility and Margaret Court Arena has now joined them.