Edge Davao 7 Issue 219

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PRAYING FOR WISDOM. Members of the council of elders of the Kagan tribe offer a prayer before the start of the selection process for the new Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Davao City Council at the Davao City Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

FINALLY, AN IP REP

Sudagar is new IP representative to City Council

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

ORMER Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) federation president Halila Sudagar was chosen by the Kagan Tribe as the new Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Davao City Council.

Based on the votes cast yesterday, Sudagar got 147 votes, followed by Macabayo Apadan with 97 votes, Lito Lapitan with 50 votes, Larry Cabaguio with 49 votes, Joel Bustamante with 28 votes, and Janor Balo with two votes.

The National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) counted a total of 373 Baragwas (council of elders) that participated in the selection process.

Based on the validated attendance, there were 127 from first district, 191 from the second district, and 63 from third district for a total of 381.

The NCIP said some people approached to abstain from the voting while others had gone home by the time the votes were cast.

The counting was witnessed by the candidates along with NCIP Davao del Sur director Cristito Ingay City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) representative Roy Ryan Rigor.

NCIP also asked the candidates to provide watchers.

Ingay said Sudagar will not immediately assume office because there are documentary requirements that need to be complied with, including genealogy as well as attendance and minutes of the chosen IPMR on the

previous consultation attended.

Prior to the selection, Sudagar said she would file a protest if she was not chosen as IPMR as she noticed that some of her co-aspirants are not pure Kagan.

She said based on their customary law, the leader of their tribe should be a pure Kagan and member of the royal family.

“Klaro sa national guidelines sa NCIP na kung mo pili og IP Mandatory

FFINALLY, 14

INSIDE EDGE PACMAN: I CAN EASILY BEAT FLOYD SPORTS page 15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

VOTING TIME. A member of the Kagan council of elders casts his vote during yesterday’s selection of the new Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Davao City Council held at the Davao City Recreation Center. Lean Daval Jr.

3 Davao graduates top Dentist Licensure Exam I

Mayor Duterte goes on Phl-wide ‘listening tour’

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

GRADUATE of the Mindanao Medical Foundation College (MMFC) in Davao City topped the January 2015 Dentist Licensure Examination, along with two graduates of the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) who garnered the second and sixth place.

The official list of passers released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) showed that 23-yearold Ben Jay A. Maxino of MMFC topped the board examination with 85.43 percent.

Jan Michael S. Antes

of DMSF got 83.77 percent for second place while Shahzaadee B. Imlan of the same school got 83.07 percent for sixth place.

Maxino told Edge Davao in a Facebook message that he still could not believe he had topped the exam.

“Hindi pa rin po makapaniwala. I never expected it because of my struggles during the theoretical and practical exams,” he said.

For her part, Imlan said she was “euphoric” and still catching her breath.

“Thank you, Ya Allah! Indeed, You continue to bless

Abu Sayyaf man killed, 4 hurt in fresh clashes

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OVERNMENT forces have captured two camps of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as fresh clashes ensued that resulted in the death of an ASG member and injured four others in Basilan province, military officials said Wednesday.

Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, Task Force Zambasulta commander, said the clash broke out around 11 a.m.

Tuesday while the troops were on law enforcement operations at Sitio Penas, Ba-

rangay Pamatsaken, Sumisip, Basilan province.

Yoma said the Abu Sayyaf men fled north following a 15-minute firefight that injured one of the bandits, Yusof Sandatan.

Yoma said the bandits numbering around 25 people were led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alas Abu Kik, a Basilan-based sub-leader of the ASG. Yoma said that around 12:55 p.m., the troops conducted counter-sniper oper-

FABU, 14

me with something greater than what I think I deserve.

To my batchmates and fellow takers, congratulations!” Imlan wrote on her Facebook timeline.

Other topnotchers were Faye Jennifer S. Cabrera from Southwestern University with 83.67 percent; Elgimaine Louise M. Barroso from University of the Philippine Manila with 83.30 percent; Denica Jena E. Espares also from UP-Manila with 83.10 percent; Cristy Allysa T. Almonte form Cebu Doctors University (CDU) with 83.06 percent; Leah Christine P. Bu-

cad from Centro Escolar University (CEU)-Makati with 82.77 percent; Donah Laine Y. Baldosano from CEU Makati with 82.43 percent; and Mario Antonio R. Carpio from UP-Manila and Rose Elaine S. Li from CDU with both 82.40 percent.

The PRC announced that 268 out of 725 passed the December 2014 Dentist Licensure Examination (Written Phase) and 257 out of 271 passed the Dentist Licensure Examination (Practical Phase) given by the Board of Dentistry in Manila this January 2015.

NSTEAD of discussing the pros and cons of a clamor for him to run for President in 2016, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will go on a nationwide “listening tour” starting in Butuan City today.

Expected to take center stage in his consultation with Butuanons is the Philippines’ shift to a federal form of government, a movement Mayor Duterte has openly supported.

This was learned from former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol, who has been going around the country with the popular Davao City chief executive conducting initial consultations on federalism.

Piñol said the listening tour will initially take place in cities and capital towns in Mindanao, to be followed by those in the Visayas and Luzon alternating.

The former North Cotabato governor enumerated a number of consultation venues, but he said the schedule will be announced as soon as itinerary is finalized.

ford og mag taxi adlaw-adlaw kay mahurot na illang sweldo ana sa taxi pa lang (These residents cannot afford to take the taxi everyday because they will use up their salaries),” he said.

Al-ag said there is an existing ordinance that defines the routes of jeepneys and shuttle buses that will be opened.

He cited as an example the new highway that

connects Calinan, Talanag, and Magtuod, Maa which he described as an accessible road going downtown but does not have public transportation.

“Habal-habal lang ang naga-agi og mga private transportation,” he said.

Al-ag said he will also include air conditioned buses in his proposal so that the commuters will have option on their means of transport.

Today’s Butuan forum will take place at the Doña Ynez Events Center starting at 9 a.m. with Duterte conducting it together with a powerhouse Federalism Advocacy team.

To join Duterte are longtime staunch Federalism proponents led by former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Reuben Canoy, former Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez, and the core leadership of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).

Duterte, who is being

FMAYOR, 14

Al-ag to propose new transport routes

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Council majority floor leader Bernard Al-ag is set to propose the opening of new public transport routes in the city.

Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong ni Pulong last Tuesday, Al-ag said he plans to bring the proposal in the plenary next session as he noticed that there are some places in which people have no access to public transport.

He said his office received several complaints from residents of new subdivisions regarding the absence of public transportation.

Al-ag said the City Council has approved many applications for the development of subdivisions but the problem is these places do not have efficient public transport systems.

“Kini sila dili maka af-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

3 Helper indicted for boy’s kidnap NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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SKY HIGH. Construction workers are seen working atop a high rise building that is starting to tower over the area along Sta. Ana Avenue in Davao City. Economists have forecasted that Davao City’s construction boom will continue in the next 15 years. Lean Daval Jr.

HE City Prosecution Office (CPO) has found sufficient grounds to file kidnapping charges in court against a house helper who abducted the four-yearold child of her employer last January 9.

Charged before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) was Julita Quijoy, 39, a native of San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur. In a resolution approved

by CPO officer-in-charge Victor Sepulveda, Prosecutor II Faisal Padate indicted Quijoy to kidnapping charges based on the complaint of the child’s mother, a resident of Barangay Catalunan Grande.

With the filing of the case, Talomo Police Station commander Chief Inspector Alfredo Santillana said the case is now closed.

“The case is closed because the case has been filed.

Anytime soon she will be transferred to the Davao City Jail once the order comes out,” he said.

Santillana said police investigated a certain “Ryan” whom Quijoy had pointed to

as her co-conspirator but he was immediately released.

“We investigated Ryan and we found that he was only a textmate of Quijoy. He had nothing to do with the kidnapping,” Santillana said.

Court records showed that on January 9, 2015, the mother received a text message informing her that her child was kidnapped.

Another helper, identified as Juditha Camad, narrated to the police that she saw Quijoy bringing with her the child and told her they would only to go to a nearby store.

But the mother later received a text message from Quijoy telling her she would bring the child to Manila, prompting the complainant to seek police assistance at the Talomo Police Station.

Talomo police operatives traced the suspect and the child in Cotabato City on the way to Zamboanga.

In coordination with other law enforcement agencies in Central Mindanao, Talomo police operatives cornered

Military ombudsman ‘has no jurisdiction over Felonia case’ Magnitude 5.4 quake

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE legal counsel of former Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) head Chief Superintendent Leonardo Felonia said the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO) should not have assumed jurisdiction over the murder case since Felonia already has an administrative case before the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Lawyer Caesar Europa said there is a conflict of jurisdiction between the two

agencies.

This after the alleged brain of the killing of Cebu-based hotelier Richard Lim King was slapped with a six-month suspension by the MOLEO despite the restrictive custody already imposed to him.

“Di na dapat nag assume ng jurisdiction ang ombudsman kay may admin case naman sa PNP kaya nga naka restrictive custody na siya diba? Mukhang na issue ang order ng ombudsman not

CDO broadcaster gets death threats

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XIF-BOMBO Radyo anchorman Junel Ucat revealed in a dialogue Tuesday between journalists and the city police office that he received last January 12 a text message that threatened to kill him or any of his colleagues.

“Di jud ka mu undang Junel Ukat sa paghisgut sa kahanginan bahin sa salvaging? Kami jud imong ingkwentruhon? Gikapoy na ka sa imong kinabuhi? Pahulayon ka na namo (You won’t stop Junel Ukat your commentaries on the salvaging? You really want to go against us.

Are you tired of your life? We will let you take a rest),” said the text message from an anonymous sender who used

the number 09363527361.

The sender continued: “Magkuha mi usa sa inyo pamasin na makahunahuna ang imong ulo na daku (We will kill one of you so that maybe your big head can think it over).”

Ucat said the threats might have been triggered by the stinging commentaries he and his fellow Bombo Radyo anchors aired against the policemen who were tagged by a survivor of an extra-judicial killing that left three dead.

The intimidating text sent to Ucat prompted the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) and the National Union of Journalists of the

knowing na may admin case sa PNP (The ombudsman should not have assumed jurisdiction since there is already an administrative case before the PNP. That’s the reason he’s in restrictive custody.

It looks like the ombudsman issued the order not knowing that there is already an administrative case before the PNP),” Europa said.

He also said there was already a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the National Police Commis-

sion (NAPOLCOM) and the MOLEO that only one of them should assume jurisdiction over the case.

Europa also expressed his disappointment that the City Prosecutor’s Office denied their Motion for Reconsideration to reverse their resolution dated September 16 last year.

“I am disappointed that the City Prosecutor’s Office chose not to take the forensic and other evidence into

FMILITARY, 14

FHELPER, 14

jolts Davao Occidental

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MAGNITUDE 5.4 earthquake jolted the province of Davao Occidental on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the tremor occurred at 1:20 p.m. with its epicenter traced 25 kilometers northeast of Sarangani in Davao

Occidental.

Phivolcs added that tremor was felt at Intensity 4 in General Santos City.

The agency noted that the quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 50 kilometers.

Philvocs said there was no casualty or damage reported from the temblor but warned of aftershocks.

(PNA)

HE SHOULD BE IN SCHOOL. A young boy spends his morning collecting used plastic bottles and other scrap items along Bolton Street in Davao City to earn

FCDO, 14 some cash. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Malanyaon to PNP, AFP: Strengthen peacekeeping

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HALAD. Students and devotees perform during a street dancing at the annual Halad festival, which is also the feast Sto. Niño, in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Saturday, January 17. Mindanews Photo Courtesy of Bobcat Gregorio

O further strengthen the enforcement of peace and order in the province, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon raised her concerns of beefing up efforts in fighting criminality and securing peace.

Malanyaon made the call during the traditional New Year’s Courtesy Call paid by top officials of the police forces and the military.

“We must remain vigilant and determined to make sure that our hard-won gains in peace and stability of the province are sustained,” Malanyaon told peacekeeping officers and law enforcers.

The governor told the officers of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to unite and continue harmonizing all their development directions to the provincial agenda.

“I want all agencies, particularly from the national, to interface their programs with the government directions,

especially those set by the provincial government,” she said, adding that development will not prosper if involved parties will go in different directions.

Malanyaon told the police and military that they play a big role in the province’s law and order, especially now that the provincial government is gearing up to kick-start the province’s tourism industry as it now aggressively promotes the province as a premier tourist destination.

She said peace and order are very important keys to tourism promotion. She said issues involving security have always been crucial for travel and tourism and that compromise in this security will have a negative impact on the local tourism industry.

She told police officers, led

by Police Senior Superintendent Jose C. Carmuba, Provincial Director of the Philippine National Police, to take more measures in fighting the escalating crimes. (PIO DO)

DavNor Red Cross to send delegates to IHL training Panabo mayor passes away T

HE Philippine Red Cross Davao del Norte Chapter will send two delegates to a national training on disseminating the principles of the Red Cross and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

In an interview, PRC Davao del Norte Chapter Administrator Luzviminda C. Neri said her office will be sending Alice Ortoyo, Red Cross Youth coordinator of Laureta Elementary School in Tagum City, and Mary Lou Ulangcaya of Tagum City Information Office as participants to the

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will be transferred to the Panabo New City Hall on Friday morning.

“On Sunday, a mass will be held at the City Hall before the mayor will be moved to their house,” he said.

Sawan said the mayor’s remains would be buried on January 28 at the Panabo City Eternal Garden, which was one of the late mayor’s pet projects.

Vice Mayor James Gamao automatically assumed as the City Mayor; while Councilor Janrey Gavina, the first councilor, is the new vice mayor. (PNA)

fundamental principles of war, protection and proper uses of the Red Cross emblem and PRC activities.

The training participants are expected to echo what they learn from the training with their fellow members of the Red Cross Action Team and to conduct lectures in communities and in schools, Neri said.

Meanwhile, Neri revealed that four other trainings are set to be conducted by the ICRC for Red Cross Action Team during the first quarter of 2015, aside from the IHL trainors’ training.

cate counterpart funds for the project, as well as to provide manpower support component to manage and monitor the project.

The SALINTUBIG Program aims to contribute to the attainment of the goal of achieving universal access to potable water supply and the targets defined in the Philippine Development Plan 2O11-2016, Millennium Development Goals (MDG), and the Philippine Water Supply Sector Roadmap and the Philippine.

It also aspires to reduce by 50 percent the world’s population without access to safe and potable water as reflected in the MDG number 7. (CDIO-Sta. Cruz/Julius R. Paner)

DAREDEVIL. Adventurer Arniel Balignot scales Lumbatin Falls in Barangay Pugaan, Iligan City without the aid of a rope on Sunday (18 Jan 2015). Lumbatin is the first, and the only one documented so far by the City Tourism Office, of a series of 20 or so waterfalls in this river system. MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera

Sta. Cruz gets additional funds for SALINTUBIG HE Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur has been granted an additional fund of P2 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the town’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) project.

Sta. Cruz initially accessed P7.8 million for its Level 3 Water System project in Barangay Inawayan, and after its effective project implementation, the DILG added a supplementary budget of another P2 million for further expansion of the water system to more sitios in the project area and neighbor barangay of Darong.

Part of the implementing mechanisms is for the recipient local government to allo-

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ANABO City Mayor Jose L. Silvosa Sr. passed away on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest. He was 74 years old.

Silvosa died about 3:30 p.m. at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

According to city administrator Ramon Sawan, Silvosa was rushed to SPMC Tuesday morning after experiencing difficulty in breathing.

Sawan said the mayor’s remains now lie at St. Peter Chapel in Panacan, Davao City until January 23.

He said Silvosa’s body

“Training of Disseminators for Red Cross Action Team” from January 26 to 31 at the Tagaytay Training Center.

Sponsored by the International Committee on Red Cross and the national office of the Philippine Red Cross, the training will equip the participants with knowledge on disseminating information about the Red Cross movement including the basics of IHL. Neri said the training is helpful in strengthening delivery of Red Cross services especially in insurgency affected areas as discussion on IHL will focus on the

The other trainings are on disaster management, safety services, community services, and social services on family links.

Of the 35 Red Cross Action Team (RCAT) members of Davao del Norte Philippine Red Cross Chapter, 10, including the two on IHL, will be sent to undergo such trainings.

“All training gadgets, t-shirts and uniforms will be given by the International Committee of the Red Cross to equip them as responders,” she said. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Sutherland to hire 700 more workers

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

UTHERLAND Global, one of the biggest BPO companies in Davao City, will be hiring additional 700 employees to add to its workforce for the first quarter of the year.

Sutherland senior manager for recruitment Grace Garay, speaking in yesterday’s Club 888 forum at The Marco Polo Hotel, said the company is looking for additional call center agents for a United States-based telecommunication company, IT support for Antivirus and customer sales agents for one voice and chat.

“We need to increase the number of our employees because we will be having new clients. Our clients required the company to hire people first before we can have the account,” Garay said.

She said Sutherland has an existing number of more than 2,000 employees, both working for voice and non voice accounts that are working for 24 hours.

“For this year, we are targeting to expand our number to 3,000,” Garay said, adding that the demand for laborers in the ICT-BPO industry is increasing because of the growing number of foreign-based clients.

Sutherland senior manager for talent management

MarsyI ñigo said the company has 15 to 20 clients that are based in North America, Europe and some parts in Asia.

Iñigo said applicants may send their application to their recruitment centers located in their main office at Jacinto Extention, General Santos and Tagum City.

“We are encouraging even non Davao-based to be part of our teams. Starting salary ranges from P12,000 to P15,000 depending on the work experience of the applicant,” she said.

She added that walk-in applicants are encouraged because the process is faster.

“There’s a chance that you’ll be hired once you get out of our recruitment centers,” she said.

Iñigo said 90 percent of their employees are from Davao City, while the rest came from General Santos and Tagum City.

However, most of the key positions are being held by employees mostly coming from Manila.

Iñigo, the only Dabawenyo who holds a senior managerial position, said that the company is training few Dabawenyo employees to become the next holders of key positions.

“That what the path

Sutherland Global senior managers Marsy Iñigo (left) and Grace Garay announce during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao that the company will be hiring additional 700 employees to add to its workforce for the first quarter of the year. Lean Daval Jr. leads,” she said.

Iñigo clarified that Dabawenyos are still needed to be trained for key positions and Sutherland is willing to assist their employees for

their career tracks.

Garay, on the other hand, said that there is still skills gap between the talents produce by schools and universities here and the demand of the

ICT-BPO industry.

According to her, the education system in schools are not producing graduates that are industry-ready.

However, Garay said

what’s important is that applicants should be flexible, adaptive, confident, have a minimum of two years in college and has good communication skills in English.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Dureza: City must seek autonomy on approval of infra, dev’t projects

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

DAVAO City Councilor said the City Government of Davao should seek is autonomy from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 on the approval of joint-venture agreement (JVA) for infrastructure and development projects exceeding more than P200 million.

Dav ao City Councilor Jimmy Dureza, chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on trade and industry, said the provision on joint venture agreement which requires a review

from NEDA 11 if the project exceeds P200 million is very limiting.

“The city might go into a JVA with the private sector and there is a requirement in the Build- Operate Transfer (BOT) law that if the amount (of the project) will exceed 200 million, we will have to refer that to NEDA for review and approval,” Dureza said.

Before the autonomy in the approval of big development projects is achieved, Dureza said a provision in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) ordinance will have to

DA-12 to expand research efforts to increase output

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HE Department of Agriculture in the SOCCSKSARGEN region said today it will strengthen its research and development programs to further increase rice production and other agricultural crops.

Amalia Jayag Datukan, DA12 regional executive director, said the move was in line with the directive of Agriculture Sec. Proseso Alcala.

Datukan quoted the agriculture secretary as saying that this year, the agriculture department will also intensify the commercialization of diversified and integrated ricebased farming systems such as ‘Palayamanan’ to enable farmers increase productivity and incomes.

Under the ‘Palayamanan project,’ farmers are taught to combine rice growing with the cultivation of vegetables and other high value crops, as well as fish and livestock raising.

Through this project, rice farmers will also become producers of vegetables and other high value crops while waiting for the harvest season.

Datukan said DA is promoting the technology through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and National Rice Program.

Rice production in the Philippines has been on the uptrend for the past three years with Region 12 contributing a huge chunk of the country’s rice production.

The PhilRice reported that between 2010 and 2013, milled rice production grew by an average of 4.04 percent.

In 2014, palay harvest was projected to reach 18.88 million metric tons (MT), 2.4 percent bigger than the 2013 record output of 18.44 million MT. In a statement released by DA-12, Alcala said the entire country owes this to the farmers who tirelessly worked to lead the country towards

greater rice sufficiency and increased food security.

“We could not have reached these milestones without the farmers and without prompt and proper intervention from the government.

Never before has the Philippines had this increment in rice,” Alcala said.

DA is also banking on its current partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in support of the government’s food security blueprint called the Food Staples Sufficiency Program.

Under the agreement, DA and IRRI work together to produce and distribute high-quality and improved rice seeds that are adaptable to climate change. In addition, best agricultural practices and other support tools will be disseminated, including skills-training for extension and field workers.

“The Department also intends to engage in profiling, finger printing and purification of traditional varieties with export potentials,” Alcala said.

He added, regional or provincial location specific technology development and adaptive studies for irrigated, rain-fed and upland ecosystem, is also included in the DA’s agenda.

Participatory varietal selection for favorable and adverse environment is included in the DA’s expanded R&D agenda for rice.

The DA will also enhance rice research capability and capacity, which includes improving and increasing facilities, equipment and manpower.

Region 12 composed of the rice producing provinces of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos, is considered the rice granary of Mindanao. (PNA)

be amended first.

The PPP ordinance is based on the BOT Law, which encourages more private investors to finance big development projects of the government.

Once autonomy is secured, Dureza said the city easily enter into a contract with private firms and be exempted from being referred to NEDA for big development projects.

“We feel that if we want to fast-track the approval of big projects, we need to amend the ordinance as long as it

won’t go against the BOT law which was the basis of the ordinance,” Dureza said.

He also said that amending the local PPP ordinance will allow the city to partner with different private sectors for the development of a road along the coastal area of Davao City. He did not give specifics on the proposed development.

Dureza, who is also the author of the PPP ordinance, said that the review and approval process in NEDA takes a very long time that private investors lose their interest

in developing and financing a certain project.

Dureza , however, said there’s still no formal endorsement submitted to his committee on the matter.

However, he said that he already consulted the City Legal Office for the review of specific provisions of the local PPP ordinance that are needed to be changed.

“Gusto kong masiguradon aplantsado na lahat bago ma-endorsed sa City Council for first reading,” he said.

He also said that he called for a meeting yesterday at

the Marco Polo Davao for the proposal to amend the ordinance.

The meeting was attended by Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) past president Malou Monteverde, City Engineer Office officer-in-charge Engr. Roland Reyes, City Planning and Development Officer chief Mariano Escalada Jr. and two lawyers from the City Legal Office.

Dureza said that he is planning to have the first committee hearing two weeks from now.

AID TO PWRDS. Antonio Capillanes, Fernando Saraum, Rogel Tampus and Aimie Tao, persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs), listen intently to a trainor during their meat processing training at the Pangkabuhayan Center in Davao City.

ECC extends assistance to Davao PWRDs P

ERSONS with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) in Region 11 find alternative livelihood and rehabilitation assistance through the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

Under the ECC’s KAGABAY (Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan) Program, a total of five PWRDs were given livelihood assistance and another five underwent rehabilitation and training.

ECC is a government agency mandated to provide meaningful and appropriate

compensation to workers in the event of work-related contingencies. It is a government corporation attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“We are very grateful that ECC gives us this opportunity to have our own micro-business. ECC helped us beyond our expectation,” Capillanes, a former repairman of Globe Telecom, remarked during the training. He received a starker-kit for meat processing.

He added that KAGABAY program is of great help for PWRDs like them who have

no chance of reemployment as KaGabay will enable them “to restart our lives for the better despite our disabilities.”

Prior to the training, the said workers were granted free sessions in physical therapy where all expenses including transportations and meals were shouldered by the Employees Compensation Commission.

“In my entire employment, never have I heard of any Government agencies whose function does not end on giving monetary aid to victims of work-connected contingencies

but also rehabilitate the disabled worker both physically and occupationally,” Fernando Saraum, a former seaman, said.

He expressed joy over the thought that, after his accident in the ship, he now has the means to support his family’s needs through the homebased micro-business that ECC provided.

“We hope that the ECC would be able to extend help to more beneficaiires who like us experienced work-related disabilities in the region,” Rogel Tampus added. (Albert Bantan/ECC REU 11)

their target for 2014 but also topped other provinces in its access to finance program.

According to the DTI report, 159 MSMEs in the province accessed a total of around P 18.33-million loan through their partner agencies.

The identified partners were Small Business Corporation (SBC), Bank of Makati (BoM), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), Saint Mary’s College – Business Resource

Center, Babak Market Vendors Association and Panabo Business Center Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The report also stated that 97% of the MSMEs or 154 enterprises availed loans from the micro-finance companies; however, the amount of loans from this sector only covered 21% or about P3.93-million.

The report added that only a small number of MSMEs have bigger assets and

income, which had qualified to avail loans from financial intermediaries like the LBP, SBC and BoM; while majority of them have smaller assets availed in the micro-financing companies as these organizations have less stringent requirements.

Dir. Castañaga also disclosed that another foundation has expressed its willingness to assist MSMEs in giving finances and trainings for this year. (PIA 11/Michael Uy)

DTI DavNor has highest number of MSMEs for financing

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry in Davao del Norte acquired the highest number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) facilitated for financing, among other provinces in the region.

Romeo Castañaga, provincial director of the DTI Davao del Norte, revealed in an interview that through their efforts in reaching out with the business sector, they have not only surpassed

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Sea level rising Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

The Philippines, whose coastlines stretch 18,000 kilometers, is very vulnerable to sea level rise. “Once sea levels rise,” notes Dr. Rosa T. Perez, a research fellow of the Manila Observatory, “low-lying areas would be inundated, erosion would worsen, seawater would intrude into estuaries and aquifers damage due flooding, and storms would be greater.”

According to the country’s weather bureau -- the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) -- an increasing trend in the sea level in the Philippines was observed way back in 1965.

A research conducted by the Philippine Country Study to Address Climate Change showed that Manila Bay is already subjected to several hazards, including flooding and storms. “Shoreline changes due to reclamation for housing, ports, coastal roads, buildings and other urbanized development are high, adding to an increased threat of inundation,” the study said.

Davao City, the biggest city in the country, is not spared from sea level rise. The recent Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts, published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said that sea-level rise may create problems for the city’s seaports.

“Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment said.

But it’s not only in Davao City. Fragments of the reclaimed areas in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, some districts of Manila and Manila Bay shoreline areas, and most port cities of the country will likely be submerged by the end of the century, according to some studies.

If that’s not bad news enough, a news report said that the sea level is rising fast.

According to a new study published in Nature, the world’s oceans are now rising far faster than they did in the past.

The current sea-level rise rate -- which started in 1990 -- is 2.5 times faster than it was from 1900 to 1990.

The study found that for much of the 20th century, sea level rise was about 30 percent less than earlier research had figured. “But that’s not good news because about 25 years ago the seas started rising faster and the acceleration in 1990 turns out to be more dramatic than previously calculated,” wrote Seth Borenstein in a dispatch for Associated Press.

“We’re seeing a significant acceleration in the past few decades,” study lead author Carling Hay, a geophysical researcher at Harvard University, was quoted as saying.

According to the report written by Borenstein, previous research showed that between 1900 and 1990, the seas rose about two-thirds of an inch a decade. The new study recalculates the 1900-1990 rate to less than half an inch a

decade. Old and new research both say that since 1990s seas are rising at about 30 millimeters a decade.

“The implications are troubling -- accelerated ocean warming, ice sheet collapse and sea level rise -- all point to more and more sea level rise in the future, perhaps at a faster rate than previously thought,” noted Jonathan Overpeck, co-director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona. “This will make adaptation to climate change more difficult and costly.”

As a consequence of climate change, project sea-level rise is a highly difficult, complex, and controversial scientific problem, according to a report released by the Washington, D.C.-based World Bank.

Using the analysis of “semi-empirical” approach -projecting global sea-level rise by taking into account the observed relationship between past sea-level rise and global mean temperature over the past millennium -- a 50 centimeter sea-level rise by the 2050s “may be locked in whatever action is taken now.”

The World Bank report -entitled Turn Down the Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts and the Case for Resilience -- maintained: “Limiting warming to 2⁰C may limit sea-level rise to about 70 centimeters by 2100, but in a 4⁰C world over 100 centimeters can be expected, with sea-level rise in the tropics 10-15% higher than the global aver-

age.”

Let’s take a closer look at our region, Southeast Asia.

“Due to location of the region close to the equator, sea-level rise along the South East Asian coastlines projected by the end of the 21st century relative to 1986-2005 is generally 10-15% higher than the global mean,” the World Bank report said.

While the sea-level rise near Yangoon (Burma) and Krung Thep (Bangkok) is a bit lower, for all locations in the region, the projected sea-level rise will “be considerably higher than the global mean,” with Manila at the high end.

“For these locations, regional sea-level rise is likely (more than 66% chance) to exceed 50 centimeters above 1986-2005 levels by about 2060 and 100 centimeters by 2090, both about 10 years before the global mean exceeds these levels,” the World Bank report said.

Inundation is not the only problem that areas near the shores will face. In fact, sea level rise is also expected to make groundwater becomes salty in taste. “Salinity intrusion into groundwater resources occur naturally to some extent in most coastal regions via the hydraulic connection between groundwater and seawater including through canals and drainage channels,” the World Bank report said.

A United States Agency for International Development study in 2013 projects chang-

es in salinity intrusion under a 30-centimeter sea-level during the 2045-2069 period, “which are expected to be moderate during the wet season but significantly more severe during the dry season.”

Salty water is bad for your health. “The most common consequence of excessive salt ingestion is hypertension,” the World Bank report said.

“Along with hypertension, there is a broad range of health problems potentially link with increased salinity exposure through bathing, drinking, and cooking; these include miscarriage, skin disease, acute respiratory infection, and diarrheal disease.”

Salt intrusion is indeed bad news. In Davao City, for instance, the sources of water are in danger of becoming salty. “Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source,” the WWF/BPI report said. “It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water. However, salt intrusion has already been reported in city districts to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea level rise may aggravate this situation.”

Scientists claim that for every meter the sea level rises, some three kilometers of inland would be inundated.

The sea will literally rise to flood the plains. “Are the people ready for such scenario?” someone asked.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDITORIAL A listening leader

O

NE of the perennial problems of the country is the failure of its leaders to listen to the people, especially the millions who reside in places far away from the seat of government in Manila. This is the reason past administrations and those who serve under them in the various national agencies, including their followers in both houses of Congress, draft laws, plan projects and allocate funds and resources of the nation according to what they perceived, rightly or wrongly, to be the needs of the country.

Well, we now know that running the country this way only results in an inequitable distribution of resources, to the disadvantage of regions which are not amply represented in the executive and legislative branches of government. Popular discontentment was the logical result of this unhealthy arrangement prompting many people to clamor for more autonomy. In the worse scenario, the aggressive ones, will even demand for self-rule, if not secession, at whatever cost.

The decision of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to go on a “listening tour” around the nation is an interesting development in

EDGEDAVAO

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local and national governance. In this tour, the Davao mayor will not only talk about his advocacy for a shift of our country to a federal form of government, he will also know the pulse of the people on many burning issues of the day. It may be viewed as an interesting twist in the long-running saga of the snowballing move to draft Mr. Duterte to run for President in 2016. That one of their own is being eyed as a possible President is an exciting prospect never before experienced by Dabawenyos in their lifetime.

As to the “listening tour,” Duterte watchers consider it as no more than a national application of his leadership style as Davao City mayor for two decades now. This is one of the reasons Duterte’s popularity with his constituents, especially the masses, has intensified instead of abated. His frequent sallies to the barangays, especially those in the hinterlands, listening to their woes in life and acting on them pronto has endeared Mr. Duterte to his people some more.

What we might actually be witnessing today is the making of a listening President.

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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EDGEDAVAO

“

SMOKING is as dangerous to human life as addiction to drugs. Drugs at least have a curative function, smoking has none.”

-- Anonymous *** From a distance, when you see a friend poking a gun to his head, you probably conclude immediately that he’s committing suicide. The first thing you will do is to stop him from doing so. But it’s another story if you see him putting a cigarette into his mouth.

Both acts are suicide; the first is fast, the second is in slow motion. “A cigarette is the only consumer product which, when used as desired, kills its consumer,” Dr. Gro Harlem, former director-general of the World Health Organization, said.

Nearly 80 percent of the world’s one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries. And yes, that includes the Philippines!

Tobacco kills up to half of its users, according to the United Nations health agency.

“Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year,” it says. “More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600,000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.”

Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.

“Based on current smoking trends, tobacco will soon become the leading cause of death worldwide, causing more deaths than HIV, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, automobile accidents, homicide and suicide combined,” notes the WHO regional office in Manila.

T

HERE are thoughts to suppress, feelings to remain unexpressed, and words to keep unsaid, if you value something, like life or a relationship, more than the truth.

The truth may set you free from the burden, anxiety and pain of keeping it but never from the consequences of its disclosure. The consequences of expressing what is true could be more costly and damaging than burying it in the graveyard of silence and indifference.

While soldiers commit themselves to kill and be killed for such mythical symbolisms as patriotism, love of country and liberty, there are individuals who choose to put their lives in danger to enlighten the world with what they perceive as truth. Journalists belong to this class. They have increasingly become an endangered species in the pursuit of their calling.

They who suffered and died for truth are called by society either as martyrs, heroes or idiots. Journalists can hardly be considered as martyrs or heroes. Getting them in precarious situations is part of their job and is a personal choice. Journalists are closer to being called idiots. But this does not stop some from living and dying for what they love and what they believe.

—————They had been warned. There had been attempts on their lives. Their headquarters had been fire-bombed two or three years

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Slow-motion suicide

In countries where THINK ON THESE! smoking is a long-established habit, about 90 percent of lung cancer, 30 percent of all cancer deaths, 20-25 percent of coronary Henrylito D. Tacio heart diseases and strokes and henrytacio@gmail.com over 80 percent of chronic bronchitis and emphysema are attributed to tobacco.

“When you start smoking at a young age, say at 15, you develop cancer of the lungs in 25 years,” said Dr. Juan M. Flavier when he was the country’s health secretary. “By the time you’re 40 and at the peak of your productivity, at a time when you’re supposed to be enjoying your life and your family, you’re dead.”

Tobacco (known in the science world as Nicotiana tabacum) originated in South America. It was originally used in rituals and ceremonies. When Christopher Columbus and his men returned to Spain after discovering America in 1492, one of the things they brought back with them was tobacco.

“Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun,” the WHO says.

Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. “If current trends continue, it

BY WILLIAM R. ADAN back. They had it coming. But they were undeterred. They continued what they love to do – exposing and making fun of the shady sides of religion, ideology, politics and other beliefs and social conventions through their satirical works at the Charlie Hebdo magazine.

On Wednesday, 08 January, two hooded, heavily armed men barged into the Paris offices of the satirical magazine and executed its editor-in-chief and four other journalists. Twelve more victims, including Jews and Muslim police officers, perished in a three-day rampage and bloodshed in Paris wrought by three jihadists. The killers at the Charlie Hebdo headquarters claimed they did what they had done to avenge the Prophet Mohammed who has been depicted and ridiculed by the magazine for some time.

The barbaric execution of the journalists was calculated to strike fear in the hearts and minds of their enemies. Terrorists believe that fear paralyzes people to obedience and silence, or drive them to irrational behaviors that would lead to their eventual downfall.

The despicable strategy boomeranged.

Instead of being skewered and paralyzed

9

may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century,” warns the WHO. “Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air,” the WHO points out. “Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.”

Currently, over 1 billion people, or 16 percent of the world’s population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.

Davao is one of the cities in the Philippines which has a comprehensive anti-smoking law.

Yes, no one is allowed to smoke cigarettes in public places in Davao City. You won’t see people puffing cigarettes while striding along the sidewalks. You won’t see children selling cigarettes in heavily traffic streets. Even inside the public utilities, cinemas, malls, restaurants, and bars.

No one is above the law in Davao City, especially when it comes to the anti-smoking ordinance. Even President Benigno Aquino III knows this well. At one time, local journalist Edith Regalado saw the President puffing a stick of cigarette under a tree marked as a designated smoking area. “Look, I’m a law-abiding citizen,” the President was quoted as saying.

In cities and provinces where smoking is not prohibited, non-smokers are not spared from health hassles caused by tobacco. They can stills smell second-hand smoke, or those smokes that fill restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn cigarettes.

There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful. The most noted is nicotine, which is considered one of the most

toxic substances known. Even a small dose ingested by smoking causes blood vessel constriction, raised blood pressure, nausea, headache, and impaired indigestion.

“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke,” the WHO says.

“In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.”

Children and teenagers are not spared from smoking -- or smelling tobacco smoke.

Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places, according to the WHO. In 2004, children accounted for 28 percent of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.

“Smoking is a chronic disease,” says Dr. Michael C. Fiore, director of the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention in Madison, Wisconsin. “Once you quit, you’re always at risk of smoking again. But each time you try, you develop better stop-smoking skills.”

When it comes to smoking, it is usually those who quit that emerge winners. Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of several health books and active consultant in cardiology at the Manila Doctors Hospital and Makati Medical Center, said a person who quits smoking will immediately get his rewards instantly.

Citing a study done by the American Lung Association, Dr. Ong said the health benefits of quitting will “begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease, and the oxygen content of your body will increase.”

by fear, the chilling massacre united the people. Not only journalists but 3.7 million people in all walks of life marched bravely through France on Sunday condemning terrorism and expressing support to Charlie Hebdo and free speech.

Moreover, in a huge display of global defiance against extremism, some 40 world leaders to include that of Israel and the Palestinian Authority also joined the assembly of the million marchers in Paris to honor the victims of the tragedy and express their solidarity with the French.

Extremism is ugly and should have no place in democracy. Using guns, violence and mayhem to deliver a message and gain visibility for a cause is a mad and pointless strategy. It denies understanding and sympathy to what could be a worthy cause and proves nothing at the end. The visibility that the prophet avengers gained from their violent rampage in Paris could not compensate for the outrage and the tsunami of condemnation they received from the whole world.

But come to think of it, was not Charlie Hebdo, its journalists or cartoonists, equally guilty of the fatal extremism last week?

Didn’t its untrammeled exercise of free speech contribute to the senseless killing not only of the targeted journalists but also of innocent and defenseless civilians?

The satirical magazine is known for its offensive and profane take on religion, derision of celebrities, politics, social conven-

tions and whatever comes its way. Its journalists or cartoonists mock, ridicule, shame and even taunt people for their beliefs and practices under the cover of free speech.

Satire exposes truth in funny and sunny manner. But what could be fun for the writers and their avid followers might be unnecessarily offensive to some sensibilities, and could provoke a backlash of anger and hatred.

Freedom cannot be absolute. It has limits and must have limits in order to flourish and for everyone to enjoy. There are legal restrictions and moral and social considerations to the exercise of free speech that communication practitioners ought to observe to maintain order and sanity in society. Without observing the limits, extremism takes over and may destroy the very freedom we all cherish.

Thus extremism of all kinds should be shunned by all civilized people.

(William R. Adan, Ph.D., was a research and extension worker, professor and the first chancellor of the Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental. He was a British Council fellow and trained in 1994 at Sheffield University, United Kingdom, on Participatory Planning and Environmentally Responsible Development.

Upon retirement, he served as national consultant to the ADB-DENR project on integrated coastal resource management. He is the immediate past president of the MSU Alumni Association.)

Of Truth, Freedom and Extremism TURNING POINT

VANTAGE POINTS

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg (left) and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos at an event at the presidential palace in Bogota, Colombia on January

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

14, 2015. A report commissioned by Facebook showed that it created 4.5 million jobs and $225 billion in economic activity in 2014. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Facebook created 4.5M jobs, $225B in economic activity

By JON JOAQUIN

F

ACEBOOK is not just about selfies, throwback Thursdays, outfits of the day, and other such mundane posts.

Believe it or not, Facebook can also be a force for good, creating more than 4.5 million jobs and more than $225 billion in economic activity in 2014.

In a post in his Facebook timeline yesterday, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited a new economic report released by researchers at Deloitte looking at the social networking site’s im-

pact on the global economy.

Deloitte is a UK-based company that provides audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax, and related services to select clients through the collaboration of “tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world.”

Deloitte said Facebook commissioned it to estimate the economic impact the social network enabled in 2014 around the world.

“We analysed the contribution Facebook supports as

a catalyst for economic activity in ecosystems composed of marketers, app developers, and providers of connectivity,” Deloitte said.

“We estimate that through the channels of marketers, app developers, and providers of connectivity, Facebook enabled $227 billion of economic impact and 4.5 million jobs globally in 2014. These effects accrue to third parties that operate in Facebook’s ecosystem, and exclude the operations of the company itself,” the company added.

The key findings of Deloitte’s report include the following: • The United States is estimated to capture the largest share of economic impact enabled at $100 billion; • High rates of engagement enabled $21 billion of economic impact in Central and South America; • The thriving app economy in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) has helped to generate $13 billion of economic impact for the region through the platform effects; and

• In APAC (Asia Pacific) internet uptake and purchases of devices motivated

by Facebook have contributed to $13 billion of economic impact.

Zuckerberg said Facebook’s mission of connecting the world is often thought about only in terms of connecting users with friends and family.

“But this also means helping people connect with businesses, governments and other organizations in their lives as well. By helping businesses connect with

new and existing customers, and by helping developers share their apps with the world, the Facebook community is creating a lot of jobs and economic opportunity around the world,” he said.

Zuckerberg thanked Facebook users “for all of the businesses you’re all building and all the new jobs and opportunities you’re creating.”

“You’re making the world more open and connected, and we’re proud to support you,” he said.

Chinese smartphone brands including Lenovo Group and Huawei Technologies Ltd. also have released models they say offer features similar to the iPhone but at lower prices.

Xiaomi “is a respected brand that already has an Apple-like following” in China, said analyst Brian Blair, who tracks mobile device makers at Rosenblatt Securities. Apple is still a relatively small player in China, selling about 45 million iPhones there last year, Blair estimates, but will continue to grow.

“Apple is very much a premium brand,” said Blair. “The company that’s more at risk is Samsung, which has been losing share in that market.”

Wearing jeans and a blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, Lei showed a side-by-side comparison of Xiaomi’s newest model, the Mi Note, and the iPhone 6, which went on sale in China in October. He said the processor power, performance and memory size were comparable and the Mi Note includes an improved camera.

While less expensive than an iPhone, the Mi Note’s price

is a departure for Xiaomi, whose other models cost as little as 699 yuan ($114). Lei said the company will offer a professional version of the Mi Note with a more powerful processor and other features for 3,299 yuan ($540).

Privately held Xiaomi said last year’s sales tripled to 61.1 million handsets and revenue more than doubled to 74.3 billion yuan ($12.2 billion).

The company, based in Beijing, recently completed a round of fundraising from

investors that it said valued Xiaomi at $45 billion, making it one of the world’s most valuable technology brands.

Xiaomi ran into legal trouble in India in December after a court blocked sales while it hears a complaint by Swe-

den’s LM Ericcson that the Chinese company violated its patents.

In a blog post earlier this month, Lei called the case a “rite of passage” for a young company. JOE McDONALD, AP Business Writer

China’s Xiaomi takes aim at Apple with new phone

R

ISING smartphone star Xiaomi is moving upmarket and taking aim at Apple’s iPhone.

The Chinese manufacturer known for ultra-low-priced handsets recently unveiled a new model that Chairman Jun Lei said is comparable to Apple’s iPhone 6 but thinner, lighter, and much cheaper.

The phone starts at 2,299 yuan ($375), less than half the 5,288 yuan ($865) price of an iPhone 6 in China.

“We paid attention to every detail to make it as perfect as possible,” said Lei, standing on stage before reporters at a convention center in Beijing.

Xiaomi, founded in 2010, passed South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. in the second quarter of last year as the best-selling smartphone brand in China by number of handsets sold. The company is expanding into India and other developing markets but has yet to announce plans to enter the United States or Europe.

The new Xiaomi could add to competition for Apple Inc. in China, a market CEO Tim Cook has said is expected to become its biggest. Other

SELFIE TIME. Lei Jun, chairman of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, takes a selfie on the latest Xiaomi Note smartphone at a press event in Beijing on January 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

350 join DACS Peace Camp A

ROUND 350 elementary and high school students of Davao Region gathered on January 16 and 17, 2015 at the Holy Cross College of Sasa for the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Peace Camp 2015.

The camp, which was centered on the theme “We Pray for Long Lasting Peace in Midanao; Give, Share, Live and Proclaim Peace,” was organized by DACS in partnership with the Al Qalam Institute on Islamic Identities and Dialogue, ForumZFD, and the Mindanaoan Youth Development Center, Inc. The delegates came from 13 member schools of DACS, namely Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College Bajada Campus, Holy Cross of Davao College Babak Campus, Holy Cross of Bunawan, Holy Cross College of Calinan, Holy Cross of Malalag, Assumption College of Davao, Our Lady of Fatima Academy, Stella MAris Academy of

Davao, University of Immaculate Conception, Holy Cross College of Sasa, PWC of Davao, and San Pedro College.

The camp commenced with a Holy Mass followed by the Opening Program with DACS director Jimmie-loe Dela Vega welcoming the delegates to the event.

The plenary session on Mindanao: The Past and Present followed with Fr. Roberto Layson, OMI sharing facts on the history of Mindanao.

The delegates gathered at the HCCS Grounds for the Bonfire Ceremony and the burning of their outputs in their reflections during the Group Discussions.

Each camper reflected on the question: As a youth/ student, when do you say you experience peace and war?

Varied responses on those questions were shared by the pupils, which they collated to create a slogan they presented to the other delegates during the Socials Night.

AWYER Charmalou Aldevera is the newest director of the Davao City Water District (DCWD), replacing lawyer Eliseo Braganza Jr. who finished his term in December last year.

Aldevera took her oath of office before Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on December 29, 2014 at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Compound in Buhangin and submitted her oath of office to DCWD chair Eduardo A. Bangayan during DCWD’s Board meeting last January 8 at the Board Room of DCWD Matina office.

Aldevera, daughter of the

late Charlemagne Aldevera who was a DCWD director until his death on May 4, 2014, will serve from January 2015 until December 2020.

She currently chairs the DCWD committees on Bids and Awards and Engineering and Technology and is the vice-chair of the committees on Special Projects and Legal.

Aldevera attended the first monthly convocation on January 5 and told the employees that coming to DCWD “feels like coming home.”

She said she had similarities and differences with her father and asked for the pa-

CAMP HIGHLIGHT. Young participants perform during the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Peace Camp 2015.

As the highlight of the event, the campers conducted break-out sessions on promoting peace through music (song writing), dance, theatre arts, visual arts, and creative writing.

Marichelle de Ramos, the Coordinator for Student Activities of the AdDU-HS, introduced non-verbal theatre skills to the campers and emphasized the importance of learning the art of characteri-

zation.

EC G. Paler of the Groove Unlimited Dance Company (GUDC) shared how the students can integrate proclaiming the message of inter-relationship through bodily movements.

Victor Dumaging, a Mindanao visual artist, discussed basic skills in arts and exposed the participants to Synergy Art. Angel “Angel 01” Josol,

tience of the DCWD staff and time to learn the ropes.

“This is a totally new environment. This is a totally new job for me. Tagai ko ug gamay na pasensiya. I will be asking a lot of questions, makulitan man mo nako, pasensiyahi lang. Sooner or later I will learn. Pero dili nato kahinanglan dali dalion,” she said.

Aldevera took up her undergraduate degree in BS Accountancy at the Ateneo de Davao University and finished her law degree from the Ateneo de Davao Law School, taking her oath as lawyer on May 3, 2004.

A lawyer by profession, she is currently a partner of the Aldevera Law Office.

Aside from DCWD, she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Maa Slaughterhouse Management Board and, until December last year, was a member of the People’s Law Enforcement Board.

Her affiliation also extends to being a member of the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc., Bankerohan Livestock Dealers Cooperative, and Sigma Tau Mu sorority. She is also a proprietary member of the Apo Golf and Country Club in the city. Jovana T. Duhaylungsod

a female rapper and known Mindanao musician, shared her experiences on how she maximized her musical talents in spreading her advocacies and taught the delegates how to compose a song for peace.

Lastly, Matias Regis Jr., a member of the Board of the Mindanaoan Youth Development Center, motivated the participants to maximize their writing skills in awakening and influencing other people

to take part in actions for the promotion of Peace.

The camp concluded with the presentations of the delegates’ outputs in their breakouts session and the testimonials of selected participants on what they learned from their sessions.

Rosendo Meriwan, Chair of DACS Committee on History and Culture, acknowledged the organizers, facilitators, and participants of the camp.

Charmalou Aldevera is new DCWD director Hedcor, Sta. Cruz LGU provide new classrooms L

WARM WELCOME. New Davao City Water District (DCWD) director lawyer Charmalou D. Aldevera (second from right) turns over her oath of office as DCWD’s director to DCWD chair Eduardo A. Bangayan (center). With them are (from left) directors Serafin C. Ledesma Jr., Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, and Abdul M. Dataya.

T

HE start of 2015 was a good one for teachers and students in Almendras Elementary School in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur as two newly built classrooms were turned over to them ready to be used by 77 grade six pupils.

The students will now enjoy a favorable learning environment in this one-story two-classroom building donated by Hedcor Inc., Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., and the local government of Sta. Cruz in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).

The classrooms were part of the joint project of Hedcor, Aboitiz Foundation and Sta. Cruz LGU worth P2.8 million as a continuing support to public education in the town, especially in Hedcor’s host communities for its hydropower plants operations.

The total funding also covered another one-story two-classroom building which was turned over to Tudaya Elementary School in far-flung Barangay Tudaya, also in Sta. Cruz, where Hedcor is operating hydropower plants that serve electricity to some parts of Digos City and Davao City.

Rolando Pacquiao, Hedcor’s vice-president for Mindanao operations, said the project is part of the actualization of the hydro-

power firm’s promise of inclusive growth with its host communities through its Corporate Social Responsibility.

He said the two-classroom buildings were lined up in its 2014 projects, but were only turned over this year.

Out of the total funding, Sta. Cruz LGU allocated P1 million in this project.

Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said Hedcor has contributed a lot to the economic and social progress of the municipality, being the biggest investor and biggest taxpayer for operating hydropower plants in the town.

Lopez said the company has so much concern for its host communities as it continues to pour in several projects for the welfare of the residents and improvement of the areas.

Aside from education, Hedcor’s CSR is also focused on the livelihood, health and environment concerns in its host communities, especially the indigenous cultural communities of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe.

Hedcor, a wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower, operates the 42.5-megawatt run-of-river Sibulan Hydropower plant in Barangay Sibulan and 13.6-megawatt Tudaya Hydropower plants in Barangay Tudaya, both of Sta. Cruz town. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

12

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EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Going GANGNAM Gangnam Cafe and Resturant’s cool interior.

Deluxe Braised Pork Ribs.

WHEN I received an invitation to the opening of Gangnam Cafe and Restaurant, I knew at the back of my mind that it was a Korean restaurant. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment I arrived at the restaurant.

The interiors of the place was different from any Korean restaurant I have ever set foot on. In fact, the interiors look more like an exterior or street scene in the famous Korean district the restaurant is named after. The walls of the restaurant were lined with masonry work with some greens and book shelves punctuating the corners and nooks. The wood and leather furniture, on the other hand, added a layer of modern sophistication and homey comfort.

At first glance, the menu seemed familiar but unfamiliar at the same time. Maybe because I was expecting traditional Korean dishes such as Kimbap, Kimchi Jigae, and Jap Chae, but instead of these, I saw dishes such as Pork and Fish Cutlet, Grilled Rib Patty, Omelet Rice, and various kinds of pasta dishes. It was then that I realised that Gangnam was not a traditional Korean restaurant but more of a Korean-Western dining place.

Much like Filipino-owned food concepts that have Filipino chefs cooking up their version

of Western dishes such as roast beef, salpicao, burgers and steaks, Gangnam is a Korean food concept with a Korean chef cooking up a fusion of Korean and Western dishes.

For starters I had their Smoked Salmon Salad. The greens were lightly dressed with a nice tangy lemon finish that complimented the richness of the smoked salmon.

For the entree, I had a taste of their Deluxe Braised Pork Ribs which were served family style in a big serving plate. The dish was made of pork that has been braised tender and cooked in a mix of squash, potato, onions, and leeks which made a nutty and savoury sauce that is sure to make one order more rice.

All entrees are, of course, served with the requisite kimchi and appetisers.

I want to mention that the lemonade that Gangnam serves is one of the best I have ever tasted. Filled with slices of kalamansi and topped off with soda water, the lemonade had a rich lemony taste which is enhanced

by the effervescence of the soda.

For the after-meal or merienda, Gangnam Cafe and Restaurant also serves Korean-style coffee and berry smoothies which are light and easy on the palate. Too bad the cakes were still not in stock yet as everyone was busy for opening night.

The Gangnam Cafe and Restaurant is located along McArthur Highway, right in front of S&R and is open 24-hours a day with the breakfast menu available from 5 in the morning all the way to 10 am.

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

The Smoked Salmon Salad comes with toasted garlic bread.

Gangnam’s blueberry smoothie is light and does not taste like a heavy blueberry cheesecake.

Service with a smile at Gangnam Cafe and Restaurant.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

FOOD

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Kapuso art

GMA International marked another banner yea events held in key regions around the globe.

A must-try Aussie food experience at

Driven by its goal of strengthening the Kapuso equity among its viewers in ways beyond television, GMA’s international business unit gave Filipinos abroad a taste of home through various on-ground events featuring the Network’s top artists.

As GMA Vice President for International Operations Joseph T. Francia notes, “More than providing quality programs and services through our international channels, these events are an opportunity for our artists to interact with the viewers, which is integral to extending the Kapuso experience to our audience overseas.”

In the first half of the year, GMA participated in several well-attended events held in various cities worldwide for the annual celebration of Philippine Independence Day. Last year’s festivities saw Kapuso prime artists Tom Rodriguez and Heart Evangelista gracing the Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York City while Kapuso leading man Geoff Eigenmann joined fans in Carson City, California.

Over in Kuwait, Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose

and singer-comedienne Guevarra were featured ka at Tawanan 4, which more than 3000 oversea in the region.

And finally, the Inde Day celebrations culmin Kapuso Primetime Kin dong Dantes joining his an in Bolingbrook, Chica Philippine Fest Piyesta P and Kapuso Premier Ac Poe delighting over 7000 Canadians who came to Fiesta and Trade Show sa Apart from these, G celebrated the vibrancy o culture as it brought Kap Benjamin Alves and Stev the Flores de Mayo Festiv waii, which highlighted i pino traditions, while Ka Diva Jaya headlined the t couver OPM Festival in commemorating decade Filipino music.

Moreover, the country running noontime show its trademark “isang lib tuwa” to the Filipino co in Canada with the muc Eat Bulaga Live in Toron led by the renowned com of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto an

The Hog’s Breath Cafe Save the Childre

DID YOU KNOW that Davao is home to an authentic, world-famous Australian restaurant? Yes, you got it right. Hog’s Breath Cafe, an international chain of steakhouse restaurants from ‘the land down under,’ has one branch in the Philippines, and it can only be found at The Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

Founded by Don Algie at Airlie Beach, North Queensland in July 1989, Hog’s Breath Cafe has since then opened several stores in different parts of Australia, and in other parts of the globe such as New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Vietnam, and in Davao City, Philippines on December 13, 2012.

Hog’s Breath Cafe’s lone branch in the country also happens to be its biggest branch in the world. Unlike any other restaurant, it provides a unique dining experience in its diverse Australian food options, the appearance and the atmosphere of the restaurant, the style and type of service.

Having developed and specialized in creating the best-tasting prime rib steaks in Australia, Hog’s Breath Cafe’s tender, mouthwatering steak dishes are a real gastronomic experience for guests. Its Premium Black Angus Prime Rib Steak is slow cooked for 18 hours to ensure maximum ten-

derness. Other must-have specialties include: Hickory Smoked Pork Barbecue Ribs, Spaghetti al Ragu’ alla Bolognese, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings, Hog’s Tail Fries, and Chili Coconut Prawns.

To complement its signature dishes, Hog’s Breath Cafe has created an enjoyable casual dining environment for families and friends. Decked with Australian paraphernalia and memorabilia and a saloon bar, it lets guests have fun with its friendly, festive atmosphere.

Hog’s Breath Cafe at SM Lanang Premier is also a great venue for closed door parties and meetings.

With a floor area measuring 447 sqm and three cozy function rooms, it is large enough to accommodate a maximum of 200 guests at one time.

Grab a taste of genuine Australian food at Hog’s Breath Café-SM Lanang Premier. For more information, contact (082) 2852393. You may also check out Hog’s Breath Cafe Davao on Facebook, @

Mikael Daez and give back on the

PROMOTING a healthy childhood and an opportunity to have a fresh start, GMA Artist Center stars and Save the Children Ambassadors Mikael Daez and Kylie Padilla chose to open their year and celebrate their birthdays by educating the children of Pag-asa Elementary School in Caloocan City.

HBCafeDavao on Twitter, and #HogsbreathPH on Instagram.

Stay up to date with unique dining and shopping options at the metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination. Fol-

low SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and watch out for the Great 3-Day Sale on January 30, 31 and February 1, 2015 for great discounts on selected items mallwide.

Last January 11, Mikael and Kylie gave a bit of a show as they lively participated in the storytelling portion of the program prepared by Save the Children organization.

Almost 70 kids, whose age ranges from seven to nine, cheered and participated as the Kapuso stars gave life to the books that turned the wheels of their imagination.

“It’s nice seeing them smile because of what you do for them. It’s a simple thing for us, yung mag-act ng konti or magbasa sa kanila, pero it’s a big deal dahil nakikita mo yung ef-

fect ng ginagawa mo sa ibang tao,” says Mikael.

Not only did they share their creativity through storytelling, but they also showed their being childat-heart. They joined in the fun as the children took part

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

tists conquer the global stage

ar in 2014 with a series of successful

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ependence nated with ng Dings kababayago for the Pinoy 2014 ctress Lovi 0 Filipinothe Pinoy a Toronto.

GMA also of Filipino puso stars ven Silva to ival in Haiconic Filiapuso Soul third Vann Canada, es of great

y’s longest w brought bo’t isang ommunity ch-awaited nto concert medic trio nd Joey de

Leon, who were joined by the rest of the Dabarkads Pauleen Luna, Ruby Rodriguez, Jimmy Santos, Allan K., Julia Clarete, Keempee de Leon, the “Sugod Bahay Gang” of Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, and Paolo Ballesteros, as well as the show’s well-loved Aleng Maliit, Ryzza Mae Dizon.

“Through our continued presence abroad, GMA hopes to remain instrumental in cultivating the Filipino spirit outside our home country,” Francia explains.

Capping off the year’s successful endeavors, GMA International brought some of its brightest stars to Los Angeles, Dubai and Singapore for the much-anticipated Kapusong Pinoy concert series.

As one of the hottest love teams on television, Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez thrilled the crowd in the sold-out concert titled Kapusong Pinoy sa LA with their undeniable chemistry. They were joined

by Julie Anne San Jose, Kapuso teen star Miguel Tanfelix and actor-comedian Betong Sumaya who portrayed his popular character Antonietta from the country’s longest running comedy show Bubble Gang.

This was followed by the equal-

ly successful Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai which brought the Kapuso Network’s now-married Royal Couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera and Julie Anne San Jose to Dubai’s Global Village.

Over 7000 spectators witnessed GMA’s Primetime King and Queen’s romantic duet and each artist’s individual performances.

GMA completed the concert series and concluded 2014 with a tribute to its loyal Kapuso fans abroad. Drama King Dennis Trillo along with the Fearless Diva Jonalyn Viray and Betong as Antonietta topbilled Kapusong Pinoy sa Singapore, giving their audience an entertainment-filled night to

en Ambassadors d Kylie Padilla eir birthdays

in different games, which showcased the beauty of Filipino childhood. The event also had a feeding program that warmed not only the tummies, but most especially the hearts of the children.

“This is the way I want to extend the blessings I receive, kasi these children are so pure. And I know that helping them experience a happy childhood can be an inspiration to them,” shares Kylie.

remember.

As another year commences, GMA International remains committed in the service of its overseas audiences, effectively bridging Filipinos all over the world to their home country.

For updates on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the website www.gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www. facebook.com/GMAPinoyTV, www.facebook.com/gmalifetv, and www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, Twitter pages @ gmapinoytv, @gma_lifetv, and @ gmanewstvintl and Instagram account @gmapinoytv.

Senator Santiago’s “Stupid Is Forever” tops best sellers list SEN. MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO’S “Stupid is Forever,” a collection of her memorable punch lines, jokes, and one-liners sold over 110,000 copies since its launch in December, making it the fastest and best-selling book of 2014.

Due to popular demand, Senator Santiago will have another book signing on Thursday (January 22), 2-4PM at National Book Store Glorietta 5 after the success of her book launch and book signing over a month ago.

“Stupid is Forever” published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., has become a phenomenal hit, scoring rave reviews and strings of positive posts all over social media from readers.

“I came up with this collection of jokes because sometimes we are being too serious about the issues facing our country today. I think if we laughed more, and took ourselves less seriously, the public debate would be much better,” said Sen. Santiago during the book launch last December 3.

Senator Santiago also tries to curb ignorance by providing socially relevant commentaries about Philippine society – Proof that Senator Santiago’s “Stupid is Forever” is more than just about jokes.

Written and curated by the celebrated Iron Lady of Asia, “Stupid is Forever” also features illustrations of the country’s top young illustrators Cj de Silva-Ong, Manix Abrera, Elbert Or, Rob Cham and many more.

“Stupid is Forever” is exclusively available at National Book Store.

January 22-27, 2015

AMERICAN SNIPER Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller R 13

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TAKEN 3 Liam Neeson PG 13

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ANNIE Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz PG 13

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BLACKHAT Chris Hemsworth, Tang Wei R 16

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EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

FOOD EVERY DAY is a reason to pack your bags and leave. Sometimes, the best travel experience happens unexpectedly. Nonetheless, for the organized in us, we even want to make the spur of the moment travel a more satisfying one – especially in terms of food!

Yes, food is a staple.

That is a given. Especially during long road trips, aside from the music, the food needs to be prepared.

From the assortment of candies to snacks of sizes and flavors, it is important to know what you can bring along without the hustle of a kitchen nightmare. Oh and yes, disposable containers reign supreme!

Muffins Bake them a day or two ahead and pack in an airtight container. The best thing about muffins is its versatility and less crumbs when eating. Here’s an easy to make Snickerdoodle for you to enjoy: Cinnamon crumble: Mix 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup sifted all purpose flour and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Mix and mash ½ stick softened butter. Batter: Mix 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon each cinnamon and salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking soda.

In a bowl, whisk 3 eggs, ¾ cup sugar, 1 stick melted butter, 1 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and fold into the flour mixture. Combine: Stir ½ cup of the cinnamon crumble into the batter; divide among 12 muffin cups and top with remaining crumble. Bake 25 to 28 minutes.

Homemade Trail Mix Instead of packs and sachets of sweets, why not

A Tuna Sandwich is a delicious way to kill time when on the road. Photo from the Internet make a sweet trail mix of your own! Grab some M&Ms, caramel popcorn, mallows, nuts, chocolate peanut butter cups, chocolate chip cookies and the likes. Combine and divide in zipped bags for everyone to enjoy. You can also add pretzels, beans and chips of your choice.

Individual packets of jam or peanut butter and fresh fruits It’s no secret that we want to munch on fresh fruits when we travel.

From bananas to apples to grapes, we love bringing these sweet, healthy goodness with us anywhere.

However, adding a touch of jam or peanut butter could make all the difference! Buy some sachet or packets and save them for a road trip.

Chocolates This is a no-brainer. The bitter and sweet combination of chocolates in our mouth is a happy booster whenever, wherever. Instead of having a big full on bar, bring bite size pieces. For a more exciting travel experience, have

Create your own trail mix and add anything you want. Make sure to pack them individually to lessen crumbs on the car floor.

Snickerdoodle muffins are delicious road trip snacks.

Road trip food

101

your chocolate varieties in a big bag where everyone can blindly pick one from the loot.

Sandwich Prepare the spread ahead of time and make the sandwiches minutes before you go. Here’s a recipe for Egg Salad Sandwich Spread: In a bowl, add boiled eggs, grated cheese, grated carrots, grated red onion, mayonnaise, cream cheese, salt and pepper. Mix well and adjust according to taste.

You can also make a variation of spreads – tuna, grilled chicken and even vegetables.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Follow and tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics and food finds

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDGE

13

EDGEDAVAO

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

ZION

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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 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

FEARLESS. A teenager fearlessly crosses Gov. Generoso Bridge 1 from Bankerohan to S.I.R. in Matina using the bridge’s concrete railing, ignoring the very real possibility of falling into Davao River below. Lean Daval Jr.

Finally... FFROM 1

Mayor...

Representative ginatagaan og pagtagad ang customary laws and primacy,” she said.

Sudagar said she could verify that the other aspirants are not pure Kagan because she knows there are only a few in the city.

The selection process started at around 1:30 p.m. with a Duwaa or the traditional prayer with an Imam.

The presentation of the seven IPMR aspirants followed: Datu Larry Cabaguio, Datu Macabayao Apadan, Lito lapitan, Janor Balo, Joel Bustamante, Japar Pandadagan and Hali-

la Sudagar.

There were eight original aspirants but Kagan tribal deputy mayor Bobby Mohammad withdraw his candidacy in respect to some members of the council of elders who told him to back out since he already has a position in the city government.

In the middle of presentation, Pandadagan also conceded as one of the aspirants. In an interview, he said he withdrew when he heard that Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte had asked him to.

ation when they came under enemy sniper fire as they “inched their way in clearing the enemy position” in Baiwas-Pamatsaken area.

He said another firefight ensued around 1:38 p.m. in at Sitio Crossing, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip, as the troops continued to clear the area.

Yoma said the number of the Abu Sayyaf members swelled to 50 as the group of Abu Kik was reinforced by the group of another ASG sub-leader identified as Radzmil Janatul alias Abu Khubayb.

He said the firefight lasted for about two hours “with the troops effectively conducting fire and maneuver and the employment of close-air support” that forced the Abu Sayyaf brigands to flee towards west direction.

He said the bandits suffered one death and three others wounded. The troops suffered zero casualties in the separate clashes.

He said the two ASG camps the troops captured in

Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip can accommodate more or less 100 people.

Colonel Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Basilan-based Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade, said the troops also recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) at the old school building in Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip.

Bautista said the Abu Sayyaf members who figured in the series of firefights with the troops Tuesday were responsible for the death of six soldiers, including a junior officer, on November 2, 2014 in Barangay Libug, Sumisip.

The troops who belong to the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion were providing security to the concreting of the Basilan circumferential road when the bandits ambushed them.

Yoma said the law enforcement operations aimed to defeat the lawless elements particularly the ASG will continue in coordination with the police and local government officials in Basilan province. (PNA)

pushed by several sectors to consider the Presidency in the 2016 elections, has lately been very vocal and active in his advocacy for greater autonomy for the different regions of the country through the adoption of a Parliamentary Federal form of government.

As an advocate of Federalism, Duterte scored the neglect of the different regions of the country by a central government controlling the distribution of national budget and resources.

“Here we are in the countryside trying to make ends meet, confronting the problems of insurgency and secession, and we hear how our national officials misuse their pork barrel,” he said.

“A congressman who supported the (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Renato) Corona impeachment gets P300

million while a senator is given P900 million. Kung ganito man lang maghiwa-hiwalay na lang tayo,” he said.

He said the other option is the establishment of a Parliamentary Federal system of government where the local government units get to retain a larger portion of their earnings.

Also in the listening tour is lawyer Israelito Torreon, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines governor for Eastern Mindanao and law school dean who will discuss the legal and constitutional requirements for the establishment of a Parliamentary Federal government.

Pinol said the “Listening Tour” could also be an opportunity for Mayor Duterte to feel the real pulse of the people on the snowballing clamor for him to run for President. AMA

Quijoy in Cotabato City at around 12:15 p.m. on January 10, 2015.

During the police investigation, Quijoy admitted taking the child to be brought to Zamboanga, intending to demand for P100,000 from the parents.

During an interview with

media, the suspect also said she had planned to sell the child for P100,000 in Zamboanga City.

Following her arrest, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte warned Davao residents to be careful in hiring house helpers. FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA with PNA

serious consideration and instead passed the responsibility to rule on the issues to the court,” he said.

Prosecutor Panfilo Lovitos stated in his resolution that the contentions of Felonia in his motion are evidentiary in nature and it is up to the court to decide on his defense.

On Tuesday afternoon,

Felonia’s camp filed a manifestation with motion to resolve the motion to deny issuance of warrant of arrest due to lack of probable cause before the Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Europa added that the manifestation is an alternative prayer on his earlier motion.

Abu... FFROM 2

FFROM 2

Helper... FFROM 3

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CDO... FFROM 3 Philippines (NUJP) to call for a Media Safety Dialogue at the Archbishop’s Residence here Tuesday morning.

Over one hundred journalists attended the dialogue presided by Monsignors Elmer Abacahin and Perseus Cabunoc, vicar general of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese.

COPC President Jerry Orcullo said he suspects that the threats came from the police officers and fellow policemen angered by the commentaries.

Orcullo said they are holding the city police office responsible for any harm that may befall on Ucat and other DXIF Bombo Radyo staff members.

“Our families are already alarmed. They are afraid that threat will extend to our families,” Bombo anchorman and Ucat’s colleague Mark Martirez said.

Martirez asked the city police office if they could still count on the police force for protection since most of those implicated are their colleagues.

“Are we assured you are there for us?” Martinez asked City Police Director Faro Olaguera who attended the meeting.

For his part, Olaguera said they would extend assistance adding the threats have put the entire police force “in a bad image,” adding he will order an investigation into the alleged threats against Ucat and his radio station.

The threats came after a survivor implicated four police officers in the killing of brothers Arnold and Harold

Jamaca and another companion, Ma. Erica Yabut, whose bodies were found last Dec. 11.

Senior Supt. Alexander Camilon Tagum, chief of the PNP Criminal Detection Group 10 said their fourth companion, Jim Jamaca, a cousin who played dead and survived, tagged four police officers as responsible.

Tagum identified the police officers as Senior Insp.

Ludwig Charles Espera, chief of the Cagayan de Oro tourist police unit; Insp. Arnel Gighe, Espera’s deputy; PO1 Manuel Quipanes; and PO1 Jun Reil Barrientos.

A certain Atty. Marlon Yap and four others were also implicated.

The group was believed to have carried out over 60 extra-judicial killings recorded in Cagayan de Oro in 2014.

Tagum said the police officers belong to a drug syndicate that murders their couriers if a drug deal fails.

Regional State Prosecutor Jaime Umpa said he is now handling the case after Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ordered its transfer from the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Ed Montalvan, publisher of the weekly Mindanao Current said there should be a mechanism where journalists who come under threat may seek protection.

JB Deveza, NUJP Mindanao Safety Officer said such mechanism can be implemented under the supervision of the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

15

RECORD-SETTING WIN City Mayor’s Office demolishes Everball in Game 7

C

ITY Mayor’s Office stretched its winning streak to seven games against Everball Columbia Computer Center with an 82-72 decision in Game 7 on Tuesday night to establish new team record for most number of wins in a row in their Basketball Friendly Series at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym. The City Hall dribblers

surpassed their longest recorded winning streak of six games against Everball Columbia squad last season.

Like the preceding series, the CMO surged to pile up double digit wins – one after the other - in as many games to stamp its might over Everball Columbia.

Christopher “Bong” Go fired 35 points, including five triples, for CMO which over-

Pacman: I can easily beat Floyd M

ANNY Pacquiao believes he can “easily beat” American rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. and challenged the American to sign the contract for a mega-fight to show that he cares about boxing fans.

On Twitter, Pacquiao again fired shots at Mayweather, saying: “I can easily beat Floyd Mayweather, I believe that.”

“If you really care about the fans, you will fight. If you care about yourself, you won’t fight,” he added.

Pacquiao and Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum have confirmed that they have agreed to all the terms and conditions set by Mayweather’s camp for a May 2 fight in Las Vegas.

Even though the fight has yet to be confirmed, oddsmakers in Las Vegas have already installed the “Pacman” as an underdog, something the Filipino icon shrugs off.

“Everyone had me as a big underdog to Oscar De La Hoya, too,” he pointed out on Twitter.

“If Floyd Mayweather fights me, boxing will get an even bigger upset victory,” he said.

In an interview with ESPN, Pacquiao said he will

S

O here we go again. The megafight the world is dying to see could well be just that—dead.

Unless.

There’s a lot of things that hitch up after that “unless” thing right there.

Alright, Manny Pacquiao has given a deadline by the end of the month for Floyd Mayweather to sign up or he will shop for another opponent.

Haven’t we heard of this before?

I’d say a lot of times.

Manny’s camp giving the Mayweather camp a dead-

work even harder knowing that he is a 3-to-1 underdog.

“It’s good,” he said. “When I fought De La Hoya, it was 8-1.

If I’m favored, I’m very confident and not focused. If I’m underdog, it’s like 200 percent focus in training.”

Pacquiao confirmed to ESPN that he has agreed to “whatever (Mayweather) wants,” including the date of the fight, a 60/40 split of the purse – of which the American gets the bigger share – as well as the randomized drug testing.

Asked if he ever wonders why Mayweather won’t fight him, Pacquiao answered: “You know, first, before, his reason was drug testing. But he knows that’s not a problem before.”

“I already agreed to whatever terms and conditions.

He’s just making that alibi, to make a reason to avoid the fight,” he said.

Pacquiao agreed that Mayweather may be ducking him out of fear of tarnishing his undefeated record.

“Maybe he’s scared to lose,” said the “Pacman.”

Pacquiao confirmed to ESPN that Mayweather has until the end of January to sign the contract, otherwise they will move on to Plan B.

line to agree on terms is nothing new. Oftentimes, it ended with Bob Arum shopping for another lemon to throw on Manny’s side.

Wrap the lemon like orange and call it a tough assignment for Manny.

Yeah. That old boxing habit. This is pure bidnes, bruh. Take it or leave it.

Let’s swing over to Floyd’s side. This is where words are not minced. Yeah.

Floyd is flamboyant, rude, crap-talking even. But he speaks straightforward.

Says he after Manny said he agrees on all terms and

came a slow start to notch a come from behind victory.

After trailing, 26 – 12, at the end of the first period, CMO erupted for a 16-0 run in the second frame flared up by a two treys from the sweet-shooting Go. The scoring outburst drove the City Hall dribblers to play a much fluid execution in the final half that kept Everball Columbia at bay.

Reyes paced with 21 points for Everball Columbia which remained winless in 10 games dating back the preceding series. Earl Angsinco had 19.

Michael Peloton dished out a valuable contribution so did Joel Aberilla as they chipped in 10 points apiece for CMO. CMO won Game 6, 87 – 81, on a run of the mill per-

formance, noting the City Hall dribblers prevailing on a tight contest despite the absence of Everball scoring leader Rico Kwan Tiu and new recruit Winston Ho, who had game best 19 points, on his debut showing in Game 5.

The City Hall dribllers took the first six games in the preceding series before Everball tasted its first victory.

(Rico Biliran)

Box scores: CMO – 82 GO 35, PELOTON 10, ABERILLA 10, FLORES 8, CLORIBEL 7, ESCANDOR 6, APOSTOL 4, REYES 2, POLIQUIT 0, ROSAL 0, SUMAGANG 0 EVERBALL COLUMBIA – 72 REYES 21, ANGSINCO 19, FRANCISCO 14, CABALLERO 8, MALIGRO 4, MENDING 2, SUAREZ 2, BALISALISA 2, AVINANTE 0

Pimnipa Panthong (center) of Thailand holds her trophy as she poses with Simeon Tiu (right), president of Peerless Products Manufacturing Corp., makers of Champion Detergent Bar and Powder, and Women’s Golf Association president Marissa Romano after winning the 2015 Champion Infinity Philippine Ladies Open Golf Championship at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club recently.

Serena, Djokovic advance at Australian Open S ERENA Williams started her quest for a record sixth Australian Open title with a commanding firstround win on Tuesday.

Facing 20-year-old Alison Van Uytvanck, Williams needed just 21 minutes to take the first set. It was her first time facing Van Uytvanck – Williams admitted before the match that she didn’t even know how to pronounce the Belgian’s name.

Williams stumbled slightly in the second set before prevailing, 6-0, 6-4.

Fellow American Madison Brengle pulled off the biggest

upset of Day 2, as the unseeded youngster knocked out No. 13 Andrea Petkovic. Venus Williams, seeded 18th, defeated Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor, 6-2, 6-2.

Jelena Jankovic, seeded 15th, fell 6-1, 6-4 to unranked Timea Bacsinszky. It’s the earliest Jankovic has ever been ousted from this tournament.

In the final women’s upset of the day, Camila Giorgi defeated fellow Italian Flavia Penetta, who was the 12th seed, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

No. 4 Petra Kvitova, No. 8 Carolina Wozniacki, No. 6

Agnieszka Radwanska, No. 11 Dominika Cibulkova, No. 20 Sam Stosur, and Victoria Azarenka also advanced. Wozniacki and Azarenka will face off in the second round.

On the men’s side, fourtime Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faced off against Grand Slam newcomer Aliaz Bedene. It’s Djokovic’s first tournament back since becoming a father in October.

Bedene put up more of a fight than Djokovic seemed to expect, but the world No. 1 put the match away 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

Stan Wawrinka is off to a

our champ.

Really, who’s the boss?

Manny or old man Bob? Many times, in postmatch interviews, Manny would tell Larry Merchant it depends on his manager. He is only a fighter.

Simply put, Manny just feeds on what Bob pops in on the table. He’s just a fighter, y’know.

That’s the deal. That’s how the Manny-Bob Show works and that is probably why there’s that statement on Manny’s shirt—Manny Knows.

Floyd has a point here.

It’s a chess game and Manny, he thinks, is just a pawn.

Bob’s the boss and only Bob can make the agreements.

Bob will not be in the boxing business for decades if he was a moron. He’s a genius in making deals and even if Manny agrees to everything, Bob needs to protect Top Rank more than he needs to protect Manny.

In time, Manny is going to be one of those who “came and gone” in Bob’s business.

Somebody will come and take his place and then Bob will have to make him his top dog. We are looking at

Be the Boss, Manny LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo sets a deadline: “Are you the boss?”

Boom.

That exploded right there smack on the face of

quick start as he looks to defend his 2014 Australian Open title, advancing in straight sets in a dominating win over Marsel Ilhan. Kei Nishikori, who made a surprising run to the U.S. Open final in August, is also moving on after defeating Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 7-6, 6-2.

No. 8 Milos Raonic, No, 18 Gilles Simon and No. 19 John Isner also advanced in straight sets. American Denis Kudla nearly upset No. 12 Feliciano Lopez, forcing three match points, but failed to convert.

Lopez is moving on with the 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 10-8 victory

Amir Khan and Zhu Shiming, probably the next stars in TR’s stable.

Now, let’s put it straight.

The only way the fight moves forward is for Manny to be the boss and tell Bob straight up to let him push forward with the megafight.

We don’t know if that works under the Manny-Bob contract.

Simply put, Manny has to cease to be just the fighter that he is under the management deal and be the dictator.

And that, buddies, is easily said than done.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

THE KARATE KID Another Atsuko cometh

VOL. 7 ISSUE 219 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

I

T’S not everyday that you see a four-year old girl hang around a gym instead of playing with her dolls at home with mom.

When you do, get that kid in a gi and teach her the sport.

Rommel Tan, head master at the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao Gym, did just that. His eye for talent at work again.

This time, sensei Rommel had no problem looking further into the corners of the gym hoping to find a kid tagging along somebody inside.

The kid is right there by his side. Her name is Atsuko.

If you are a karatedo purist, you must have met Atsuko Wakai elsewhere in those internet websites or one way or another, Google has led you to that name.

Atsuko Wakai is a Japanese women’s world karatedo champion. When Rommel and wife Mikay had a baby girl for their first child, they named her Atsuko which means “warm hearted” in Japanese.

“From the time she was born, I knew she would be a warrior someday,” said Rom-

mel in an interview with Edge Davao.

Atsuko Kaiyel Tan, four years old and only in her kindergarten year in school, tagged along her father since she was two at the gym almost everyday. While her father was busy teaching young karatekas, Atsuko indirectly breathed the sport into her lungs and from Day 1 onwards at the gym, she was breathing karatedo air.

Now add that to her karatedo DNA and a karatedo champion’s name and what you get is a star in the making.

Last Sunday, Atsuko made the headlines when she finished with a silver medal in kata in the under 5 years old girls kata category of the 3rd Adidas Cup International Tournament at the SM Megamall.

“It was a different experience when it’s your own daughter out there competing. I was too nervous,” Rommel narrated. “But luckily, Kaiyel was too calm and focused.”

The silver medal finish was big enough for the diminutive Atsuko who was in her first ever international stint.

After going up the podium to receive her medal, she raised her arms like a proud warrior announcing her arrival.

“She’s now certified AAK warrior,” said her father after the yellow-belter Atsuko came down to bring the silver ware to her parents who were waiting at the sidelines.

COMPLETE RESULTS OF THE 3RD ADIDAS INTERNATIONAL KARATE CUP, JAN 17, 2015 AT SM MALL OF ASIA: 1.Gabriel T. Quinones (Brokenshire) juniors kata (16-17) and juniors kumite (2 golds) 2. Seth Michael Navarro (UIC-GS) 6-7 boys kata and 6-7 boys kumite ( 2 golds) 3. Sofia Agullo (UIC-HS) 12-13 girls kata (gold) and 12-13 girls kumite (bronze) 4.

Julian Ambrose Ramirez (Precious) – 14-15 cadets boys gold kata and 14-15 cadets boys kumite bronze 5. Darlene Ross Maramara (DCNHS)- 14-15 cadets girls gold kata and 14-15 cadets girls kumite silver 6. John Paul Ponce (Precious) - 10-11 boys kumite gold open

7. Kyzzhia Pauline Navarro (UIC-GS) – 8-9 girls kata bronze and kumite bronze 8. Marcus Arellano( St. Ignatius) - Boys 6-7 kata silver medal 9. Mitsuki kawano (Holy Child) – boys 12-13 kata bronze and kumite silver 10. Atsuko kaiyel D. Tan (Davao Christian) – 6-7 girls kata silver medal 11. Emmanuel Bayugo – cadets 14-15 boys kata bronze and kumite bronze

NEXT GEN CHAMP. Atsuko Kaiyel Tan proudly shows off her silver medal during the SCOOP Session at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. (T. Inigo) PROUD PANDA. AAK Davao head coach Rommel “The Kungfu Panda” Tan and wife Kikay with daughter Atsuko Kaiyel. (T. Inigo)