Edge Davao 7 Issue 232

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

TEST. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. leads his own men in undergoing a surprise drug test yesterday at Camp Domingo Leonor. One police officer tested positive for illegal drug use. Lean Daval Jr.

COP TESTS POSITIVE FOR DRUGS

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

MEMBER of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) tested positive for drugs in a surprise drug test yesterday initiated by DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. In a text message, DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said one policeman tested positive but withheld the identity and his unit since a

confirmatory result is still to follow.

“Wait lang usa ta sa confirmatory result sa drug test (Let us just wait confirmatory result of the drug test),” Driz told Edge Davao.

A total of 473 police officers and officials from the 20 units and departments of DCPO underwent the random drug testing.

Driz had earlier said random drug tests are done to

confirm reports that some police officers in the city are using drugs.

She said some police stations and units will be prioritized by Danao based on reports received from the police hotline (09258233276) and the Facebook page Isumbongkay Cddcpo.

Driz said one police station will not be subjected to the test.

Last February 3, Danao

conducted a random test on members of the Toril Police Station. All officers tested negative.

Danao said he conducted the test in Toril after receiving reports from the hotline that some police officers there are involved in drugs.

On January 27, members of the Calinan Police Station also underwent the test and all of them tested negative.

INSIDE EDGE

WHAT TO DO DURING THE KALILANGAN FESTIVAL Indulge A1

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

ALL LINED UP. Police officers form a queue outside the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) during yesterday’s random drug test initiated by DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr. Lean Daval Jr.

Manny claims MILF, BIFF selling Fallen 44’s firearms

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

F

crc@edgedavao.net

ORMER North Cotobato Governor Emmanuel Piñol yesterday claimed that members of rebel groups involved in the Mamasapano carnage are peddling the high caliber guns and arms of the fallen members of the Special Action Force (SAF) to local politicians, warlords, and drug lords in Mindanao.

Guesting in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw, Piñol, who is also known to be against the Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF), said his police informant told him Sunday morning about the MILF’s and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)’s peddling activity.

“Marami nang nabenta (They have sold a large number) but we still don’t have the specifics,” he said.

Piñol said the firearms include at least two 90RRs, M-60 machineguns, Minimi 5.56 machineguns, sniper rifles, M4 rifles fitted with gre-

nade launchers, Bushmaster rifles also fitted with grenade launchers, night vision scopes, and sophisticated Harris radios.

The slain SAF members were also believed to be carrying personal effects, including mobile phones that were allegedly used to harass slain SAFs wives.

Piñol recalled a meeting over the weekend with a politician from Central Mindanao who was offered a high-pow-

ered gun.

He said according to the politician, he was approached and offered a 90RR “but it was too expensive” at P1.2 million.

Piñol said his informant, a police officer, said as early as Monday last week, a day after the massacre in Mamasapano, a barangay official in Midsayap, North Cotabato who is a suspected drug lord was offered some of the SAF armaments.

“I could not confirm whether or not he bought the

guns but the report that the guns are being offered to almost every known politician, warlord, and drug lord in the area is confirmed,” Piñol quoted his informant as saying.

Piñol said night vision googles from slain SAF members are now being used by BIFF and MILF members.

He challenged members of MILF to return the firearms to show their commitment to the on-going peace talks between the rebel group and the

government of the Philippines (GPH).

“The best thing that MILF can do right now is start returning those firearms. That would be masakit (painful) somehow, that would be an act of goodwill on the part of MILF and that will be an indication that they are in control of the area,” he said.

Piñol said if the MILF cannot return the firearms, “nobody will believe they can control the area.”

not consider the presence of MILF in the province as a security threat on the part of local police since the peace process is still on-going.

He also said the DOPPO is coordinating with the MILF commanders and vowed to help them monitor security threats in Davao Oriental.

“Sabi nila pag may magsampa na hindi taga-rito irereport namin sa police at Army

(They said if there are other MILF members who are not from the province they will report it to the police and army),” he said.

Carumba said what he is concerned about is the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) since it very active in the province.

He said the NPA has three front committees in the Davao Oriental.

SAF killed 250 MILF, DavOriental police monitoring MILF BIFF men: Napeñas R T

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

ELIEVED Philippine National ActionSpecial Action Force (PNP-SAF) chief Police Director Getulio Pascual Napeñas yesterday said the combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamo Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) suffered at least 250 casualties during the encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.

”And yes, madams and sirs, you heard it right. Not less than 250 casualties on the side of the combined forces of the MILF, BIFF and other private armed groups,” Napeñas told the Senate inquiry into the bloody Mamasapano incident attended by at least 13 senators led by Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Napeñas said he based his

FSAF, 14

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) is monitoring the activities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the province following the deadly January 25 incident in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that killed 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) as well as at least 18 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

In an interview, DOPPO provincial director Senior Superintendent Jose Carumba admitted to reporters the presence of MILF in the province particularly in the town of Tarragona.

“There are reports about their presence but the MILF members in the province are not like those in Maguindanao,” Carumba said.

He said the DOPPO does

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Comelec waiting for Aquino to sign SK poll postponement

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

T

NEW HIRES. Traffic Management Center (TMC) chief Rhodelio Poliquit talks to reporters of his plan to hire 100 new traffic enforcers for the proposed two satellite offices in Toril and Panacan. Poliquit graced yesterday’s KapehansaDabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

BBL hard to revive: Speaker T

HE House leadership on Monday admitted that they are having difficulty in reviving the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is now seemingly placed in the “intensive care unit” (ICU) after congressional hearings were suspended indefinitely following the growing outrage over the Mamasapano incident.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said with the huge erosion of support from majority of lawmakers, he could no longer guarantee the passage of the BBL. “We are still trying (to pass), but it looks difficult. We hope (we can still approve it).

Right now, all we can do is to wait. They suspended the

hearings because they are awaiting certain reports,” Belmonte said in an interview.

On Sunday, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the chairman of the 75-man ad hoc committee on the BBL, claimed there is no assurance if his panel will still convene to discuss the measure.

Rodriguez said his committee is eyeing an “amended BBL” by addressing certain issues whose constitutionality could be questioned before the Supreme Court (SC).

“We are still very optimistic that an amended bill that will assure and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders will be in place so that (Mamasapano) will not happen again

and that it can’t be abused by future Bangsamoro government. I am confident that we will have a law in the coming months,” Rodriguez told House reporters.

He said the indefinite suspension is needed to correct some flaws in the peace process, but he stressed that the BBL passage must be realized.

“I think everyone is still for lasting peace through law that will give their autonomy and fiscal autonomy through the Bangsamoro. We can’t go back to war because it is even worse than if you don’t have the BBL. So that is why we are going through this (indefinite suspension of BBL hearings),” said Rodriguez. (PNA)

gion’s tourism campaigns for this year.

The agency also adopted the “SOX” moniker for Region 12 or Soccsksargen to make it more catchy and easy to remember.

Dillera said the new tourism identity was inspired by the agency’s “12th Paradise” campaign strategy and brand name that was launched in 2013.

“We’re not trashing the

12th Paradise brand name but we’re giving it a new face through #Hello Paradise,” she said.

The official said they adopted the new brand name to give more “personality” to the region’s world-class and “paradise-like” tourist attractions and destinations.

She said it best describes what Region 12 can offer to tourists with its rich natural

Region 12: #HelloParadise T

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) in Region 12 has adopted a new brand name for the region in a bid to enhance its continuing tourism promotion and marketing initiatives.

Nelly Nita Dillera, DOT Region 12 director, formally launched over the weekend the tagline “#HelloParadise” as the official brand name and centerpiece of the re-

FREGION 12, 14

HE Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election will be held on April 25 if President Benigno Aquino does not sign House Bill 5006 which moves it to October 2016 simultaneous with the barangay polls.

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City Annex, Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 assistant regional director Marlon Cosquejo said the poll body still has not received an update from Malacañang on whether or not the President will sign the bill.

“However, both the Senate and the House of Representatives are positive that the President will sign it,” he added.

The SK election was supposed to be held on February 21.

Cosquejo said if the President does not sign the bill, the SK Election will push through and the gun ban will be enforced on March 26 or 30 days before the election and end on

May 10 or 10 days after.

Based on the new and revised Calendar of Activities of Comelec, the Filing of Certificates of Candidacy will be on April 11, 13, and 14.

The campaign period will be from April 15 to April 23.

On election day on April 25, casting of votes will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while counting and canvassing of winning candidates will start right after the casting of votes.

The fling of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) will be on April 26.

Meanwhile, Cosquejo said the postponement of the election will be equivalent to added work to the regional office because it has to trim down its lists of SK registered voters.

“Voters who will turn 18 on and after February 21 will be not allowed to vote anymore,” he said.

To date, there are a total of 19,772 SK voters in Davao City and 86,468 in the whole

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NEWS

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

POSTPONEMENT. Commission of Election (Comelec) 11 assistant regional director Marlon Cosquejo tells reporters that the Sangguniang Kabataan election will be held on April 25 if President Aquino does not sign the bill

moving it to October 2016. Cosquejo was a guest of yesterday’s KapehansaDabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

TMC: 100 new enforcers needed for Toril, Panacan

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

T

RAFFIC Management Center (TMC) wants to hire 100 new traffic enforcers for the proposed two satellite offices in Toril and Panacan.

TMC Chief Rhodelio Poliquit said he has already requested a budget from the city government for the employment of the 100 new TMC personnel.

“Nag propose nako og P70 million nga budget para sa additional nga 100 ka mga personnel sa Toril ug Panacan. Kung ma-approve na maka hire na ta og bag-ong enforcers, pero kung dili wala pud (I proposed a budget of P70 million for the additional 100 personnel in Toril and Panacan. If it is approved then I can hire new enforcers, but if

not then I can’t),” he said.

“Dili na nato malimod nga ang Toril murag siyudad na pud mao kinahanglan na ipursue tong plano nga mag butang og satellite didto (We cannot deny the fact that Toril is like a city by itself, which is why we are pursuing the plan to put up a satellite officer there),” he added.

As of the moment, there are 374 traffic enforcers deployed all over Davao City under the TMC. Poliquit said this number cannot accommodate the entire city because the number of cares and the population are increasing.

Poliquit said the additional 100 enforcers will be under the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO).

JI, Marwan ‘planned to bomb Papal convoy’

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HE Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), in coordination with Malaysian bomb expert Zulkifli bin Hir alias “Marwan,” had planned to bomb the papal convoy during Pope Francis’ January visit in the country, according to relieved Special Action Force (SAF) chief Police Director Getulio Napeñas.

During Monday’s Senate inquiry into Mamasapano incident, Napeñas revealed that based on their information, Marwan had planned to construct a bomb to be detonated as the Papal convoy drove down T.M. Kalaw Street in Manila on January 18, 2015. ”We have information

that the Jemaah Islamiyah, in coordination with Marwan, had planned to construct a bomb to be detonated as the Papal convoy drove down TM Kalaw street,” Napeñas told the Senate panel.

Napeñas, however, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) did not confirm or deny the report. ”The fact, however, remains that there exists this information,” Napeñas said.

Marwan was killed in an operation dubbed “Oplan Exodus” also aimed at capturing his cohort, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) commander Basit Usman, who managed

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CHO recommends closure of DMEMS commissary

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Health Office (CHO) has recommended the closure of the commissary of one of the dormitories of the Davao Medical Education Management Services (DMEMS) for not complying with the structural improvement it had set.

CHO environment and sanitation division head Robert L. Oconer told Edge Davao that his team found no improvements in the kitchen of the dormitory at the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Drive during its third inspection conducted last week.

DMEMS is the company that operates three dormitories for Indian medical students of DMSF. “Walang compliance ni isa (There was not even one compliance)” from the recommendations made on January 28,” he said.

Oconer said he is just waiting for CHO head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte to sign the report before it is submitted to the office of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In its report, the CHO team found in its third inspection that the drainage of the kitchen was defective and wastewa-

ter was overflowing from the drainage pipe.

The team found an abundance of flies inside the kitchen and dining area and noticed that there was no vermin abatement plan. The inspectors had recommended that DMEMS institute pest control measures especially against flies to ensure the safety of the food served to the students.

Earlier, Oconer said the DMEMS dormitory in Margarita Village, named Happy Home Dormitory, also had a structural violation, while the one along Jacinto Street had no violations.

PNP official questions Purisima’s resignation

A

FIRE OUT. Firefighters extinguish a fire which razed a commercial building along Guzman Street in Davao City yesterday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

Based on the CHO report dated January 14, the garbage bins at Happy Home Dormitory had no covers and plastic liners.

Some of the toilet doors had no door knobs and some are damaged. Also, the building did not have proper fire exits.

The employees also had no health cards, the report said.

The University Park Suites and Residences in Jacinto Street, for its part, had a business permit but not a sanitary permit to operate. The garbage bins had no covers and plastic liners, the report said.

POLICE official from the Regional Police Office (PRO) 11 raised the question of whether or not Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Alan Purisima was allowed to tender his resignation since he was under suspension when he did so.

“He should not have resigned because he was still in the service. Only after a suspension is lifted can one resign. I don’t know what happened, but we are reading in the newspaper that he tendered his resignation and the President accepted it,” PRO 11 deputy director for operation Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino said.

President Benigno Aquino confirmed on Friday night

that Purisima had submitted his resignation and that he had accepted it following the January 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) dead.

Still, Senior Superintendent Aquino said Purisima’s resignation was “good” because it leaves the President free to choose the new Philippine National Police (PNP) director general.

“Sa tingin ko magandang disisyon yun para makapag move on na din ang PNP at makapili na rin ng bagong PNP Chief si President,” he said.

He also said Purisima was “a big loss” to the PNP because he had done a lot of good for the agency like the

FPNP, 14

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Piñol: USeP study shows Malabog not suitable for oil palm plantation

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

F

INSIGHTS. Former North Cotabato Governor Manny Piñol shares his insights on Mayor Rodrigo R. Dutere’s listening tour on federalism, the state of oil palm farming in Davao City, and the Mamasapano incident during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

crc@edgedavao.net

ORMER North Cotabato governor and agriculture advocate Manny Piñol said Barangay Malabog in Paquibato District, Davao City is not anymore suitable for oil palm plantation.

Piñol made the declaration based on the result of the study and analysis conducted by a group of soil investigation experts from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP).

“The result of the soil analysis revealed that the soil in Barangay Malabog is acidic and it would be costly if it will be converted to oil palm plantation because it will need more fertilizer intervention to make it suitable for planting,” Piñol said during the during the weekly edition of KapehansaDabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

He said the soil in Malabog is “very poor” and pushing the proposed oil palm plantation will require a lot of infrastructures.

Piñol added that the result of the investigation is a welcome development for environmental groups in Davao City, who are against the cultivation of lands for oil palm plantation.

These4USeP experts, he said, have started a study on soil types in Davao City to identify areas that are still suitable for agriculture.

Piñol said group aims to identify soil types in different barangays in the city that can be planted with different crops like oil palm, cacao and bamboo for identified areas with poor soil, among others.

The soil analysis has started last month, according to him.

“The group will be using drones to identify the topography and elevation of different areas in the city,” Piñol said.

The former governor said he will be working with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical

FPIÑOL, 14

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Neda 11 sees hike in cacao yield

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 is projecting a 20 percent increase in cacao production in the Davao Region this year.

NEDA 11 regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said that the increase will be due to expansion of cacao plantations in the region.

For this year, different agencies like Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Agriculture (DA) 11, Department of Envi-

be attributed to the recovery of these crops from pest infestation in some areas, as well as increased number of fruit-bearing hills, and expansion of area harvested from all provinces of the Region,” she said in a statement.

Production of cacao in the region, Lim said, has reached almost 50 percent of 2014 target, based on the midyear performance of cacao.

Cacao production needs to achieve 15,052 metric tons more to achieve its 2014 tar-

passengers instead of the usual chartered flights, said Solis while adding “we can only achieve this if we have a ready market.”

Reviving air links between Philippines and its EAGA counterparts is currently one of the priorities of MinDA in order to maximize the travel tax exemption approved by the Philippine government for travellers from Mindanao and Palawan heading to any of the BIMP-EAGA destinations.

MinDA serves as the Philippine National Secretariat for BIMP-EAGA and coordinates with DOT and the Manado Transport and Tourism Ministry in developing the market for the Davao-Manado linkages.

“This is a new and more promising approach to establishing the connectivity between Mindanao and North Sulawesi. In the past, we have launched several flights for the same route and have always been challenged in sustaining the passenger traffic,” explained Jonathan Miral, chief of MinDA’s International

NEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS. Councilors Leo Avila (second from left), Mabel Sunga-Acosta (second from right), and Joanne Bonguyan-Quilos (rightmost) try out the different products of Dermax Laser Center during the establishment’s inauguration at the third level of Abreeza Corporate Center on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao-Manado air link eyed for reopening

A

MULTI-STAKEHOLDER group from Mindanao and Indonesia is poised to revive the air connectivity between Mindanao and North Sulawesi starting off with a market development strategy for the Davao-Manado route.

In a meeting recently convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), key players from tourism, trade, academe, and government line agencies agreed to take more proactive and aggressive steps in re-establishing the connectivity between the two BIMP-EAGA cities.

“We must package Mindanao based on the needs of our target market from North Sulawesi, while capitalizing on our high-value offerings such as our medical, education, and tourism sectors, said Captain Ben Solis, senior advisor of the Asia Foundation.

Solis added that this initial step will also help determine the most ideal trip schedules, which should be based on market demands from the tourism and business sectors.

“It is best to start offering regular and reliable flights to

FDAVAO, 14

get, according to Lim. Meanwhile, Cacao Industry Development Association in Mindanao (Cidami) executive director Valente Turtur urged farmers in Davao region to plant more cacao to meet global demand of cacao beans.

He said the region has only about 20,000 hectares planted with cacao. The region contributes the largest chunk or 77 percent of the total cacao production in the country, followed by Northern Mindanao with 12 percent, Caraga Re-

gion with five percent, Zamboanga Peninsula and Eastern Visayas with 3 percent each..

Turtur said the cacao production in West Africa is expected to fall as an effect of the Ebola outbreak.

By 2020, the private sector and government are targeting to produce 100,000 metric tons (MT) of cacao beans to be a able to contribute significantly in the global chain.

However, the country’s contribution to the global market is only

ronment and Natural Resources (DENR) and stakeholders from the private sector will collaborate to expand cacao plantations in the region with the implementation of their respective programs.

Lim said there is a massive effort for expansion of cacao plantations here because of the “rising domestic and international demand for cacao”.

In 2014, Lim reported that cacao production in the region has increased by 11 percent.

“These increments could

less than one percent.

With the prevailing global shortage for cacao beans, Turtur said Mindanao has a huge potential to increase its cacao production and become a major cacao producer six years from now if both stakeholders will exert effort for the development of the cacao industry.

According to studies, at least two hundred million cacao trees should have been grown by 2020 to reach the target volume of 100,000 tons of cacao beans.

Megaworld expands township portfolio

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ROPERTY giant Megaworld is aggressively expanding its township portfolio this year.

The company, along with its subsidiaries Suntrust Properties, Inc., Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. and Global-Estate Resorts, Inc., is set to launch five new townships: two in Luzon, two in the Visayas and one in Mindanao, with a total land area of around 400 hectares. This will bring Megaworld’s total township land area to 3,100 hectares by year-end.

“With our adequate land bank and landholdings, the Megaworld Group is growing its townships to even more cities all over the Philippines.

This means, more exciting destinations, more homes to

be built, more office buildings to be offered and more jobs for Filipinos. Our vision is to build more world-class townships in every major city in the Philippines year after year,” said Dr. Andrew L. Tan, chairman and CEO, Megaworld.

These new developments will bring the company’s township portfolio from 15 to 20 by the end of this year.

Last year, the company also introduced five townships in its portfolio covering almost 1,000 hectares of land. These include Woodside City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Pinas City (62 hectares)

and SuntrustEcotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares).

Other townships include Eastwood City in Quezon City, (18.5 hectares), which holds the distinction of being the country’s first cyberpark; Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares), which is the home of Resorts World Manila; McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town Center (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio; The Mactan Newtown in Cebu (28.8 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); BoracayNewcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares) and Twin Lakes in Tagaytay (1,300 hectares) of Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), a

subsidiary of Megaworld.

“We still have more lands to develop in our portfolio.

Our various groups are working hard to come up with unique concepts and ideas on how we will create more sustainable communities across the country,” Tan said.

The Megaworld Group has around 4,000 hectares of land in its portfolio. Around 80 percent have been dedicated for LIVE-WORK-PLAY townships or mixed-use communities, the concept of property development that Megaworld pioneered in the Philippines way back in the 1990s.

The townships combine the residential, office, commercial and retail components to form mixed-use communities.

dividends for the preferred shares was on a fixed rate of 8.25 percent per year.

Phoenix’s Board of Directors had approved the declaration of dividends on February 6.

The disclosure said the record date for the dividend declaration will be on Feb 24 and will be payable on March 20.

Phoenix noted the source

for the dividend payment comes from previous earnings of the company.

Phoenix noted in the disclosure that it has already issued a total of 10 million preferred shares.

Last November, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines announced that it will focus on its retail segment expansion its other non-fuel related business.

Phoenix Petroleum is engaged in BUSINESS TRADING of refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping – including logistics – and allied services.

It supplies more than 50 percent of Cebu Pacific’s jet fuel requirements, and handles the logistics needs of Mindanao and some areas in the Visayas. (PNA)

Phoenix Petroleum OKs dividend at P2.06 per share

P

HOENIX Petroleum Philippines has approved its preferred shareholder dividend at a rate of P 2.06 per share.

In a disclosure with the PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE (PSE) Monday, Phoenix revealed the amount of cash dividend per share was at Php 2.06 for preferred shares.

According to Phoenix, the

EDGEDAVAO

7 HEALTH

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Anorexia Nervosa: Dying to be thin

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

S

HE was one of the most beautiful faces to come out from the Philippine cinema. At the height of her career, however, she faded from the limelight because of her continuous bouts with anorexia.

Actually, she was only 14 when she started having the problem. Although she was making movies left and right, she was depressed most of the time. She didn’t like the movies she was making and she detested her mother’s intrusion with her life.

In an interview with a health magazine, she bared this fact: “That time, I think I secretly hated my mom, even as I had always lived with her – for practically dominating my life, for dictating every decision I had to make, and when I was battling anorexia and depression, I realized I was my own worst enemy.”

Anorexia is a psychiatric disorder known as the “Golden Girl Syndrome” because it primarily hits rich, well-educated Western women.

The phenomenon was first documented in Japan in the 1960s. Today, anorexia has spread to women of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds in Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Cases also have been reported – though at much lower rates – in Taipei, Beijing and Shanghai. Anorexia has even surfaced among the affluent elite in countries where hunger remains a problem, including India, the Philippines, and Pakistan.

“Ten years ago, we saw only one or two anorexics each year,” says Dr. Sing Lee, a psychiatrist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

“Now, we see one new patient a month. Many are hos-

pitalized.”

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associate Disorders (ANAD) in the United States, anorexia nervosa literally means “loss of appetite.”

However, the literal meaning is a misnomer. “A person with anorexia nervosa is hungry, but he or she denies the hunger because of an irrational fear of becoming fat,” it explains.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-starvation, food preoccupation and rituals, compulsive exercising, and often an absence of a menstrual cycle. “If this goes uncontrolled and untreated, major damage can occur to various organs of the body, such as the kidney, intestinal tract, liver and even the heart,” says Dr. Asuncion Reloza, who practices pediatric cardiology at the Makati Medical Center.

The death of American pop singer Karen Carpenter at age 32 was attributed to heart failure following her eight-year battle with anorexia. Other famous victims who managed to beat the self-starvation problem include the late Princess Diana and Jane Fonda.

Anorexia nervosa usually begins in adolescence, occasionally earlier, and becomes less common in adults. The disorder runs from mild and transient or severe and long lasting. “Anorexia nervosa is the third most common medical disorder in adolescents, and is more common in the young female teenager,” reports Dr. Reloza.

Because mild cases are not easily diagnosed, no one knows exactly how many people have anorexia nervosa or what percentage die of

Karen Carpenter died at the age of 33 due to anorexia nervosa (From Wikipedia)

it.

“Anorexia nervosa may be mild and transient or severe and persistent,” notes The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Because many people who develop anorexia nervosa are meticulous, compulsive, and intelligent, with very high standards for achievement and success, an eating disorder may easily go undetected.”

But there are signs.

First, the person becomes concerned with diet and body weight.

“Such concerns seem out of place, because most people who have anorexia nervosa are already thin,” the Merck manual says. “Preoccupation and anxiety about weight intensify as the person becomes thinner. Even when emaciated, the person claims to feel gat, denies that anything is wrong, does not complain about weight loss, and usually resists treatment.”

If you notice this with someone special -- a family member, a friend, or office mate -- be sure to urge the person to see a doctor.

Unless someone will do so, the person won’t ever dare to go to the hospital.

How a person with anorexia nervosa looks like (from Wikipedia) Although anorexia means “lack of appetite,” people with anorexia malnourished, every major Patients in the early stages nervosa are actually hungry organ system in the body is of anorexia (less than six and preoccupied with food. likely to be affected. Prob- months or with just a small “They study diets and count lems with the heart and with amount of weight loss) may calories; they hoard, conceal, fluids and electrolytes (sodi- be successfully treated withand deliberately waste food; um, potassium, chloride) are out having to be admitted to the hospital. But for successthey collect recipes; and they the most dangerous.

According to the Merck ful treatment, patients must prepare elaborate meals for others,” the Merck manual manual, anorexia nervosa is want to change and must usually diagnosed on the ba- have family and friends to says.

Some people with an- sis of severe weight loss and help them.

“Treatment for anorexia orexia nervosa binge and the characteristic psycholognervosa requires a concertthen purge by vomiting or ic symptoms.

“Treatment can save ed commitment toward virtaking laxatives. Others simply restrict the amount of the life of someone with an- tual reprogramming of eatfood they eat. “They also fre- orexia,” points out ANAD. ing and living habits,” says quently lie about how much “Friends, relatives, teachers, Dr. Reloza. “Initial follow-ups they have eaten and conceal and physicians all play an require regular visits over a their vomiting and their pe- important role in helping an- prolonged period of time. As culiar dietary habits,” the orexics stay with a treatment much as 30 percent of the Merck manual says. “Many program. Encouragement, patients can relapse and analso take diuretics to treat caring, and persistence, as other 30 may eventually bewell as information about come chronic or long-standperceived bloating.”

Women who suffer from anorexia and its dangers, ing problems. Only a third is anorexia nervosa stop having may be needed to convince often completely cured.”

Treatment usually conmenstrual periods and lose the ill person to get help, sists of two steps. The first interest in sex. Typically, they stick with treatment, or try is restoring normal body have a low heart rate, low again.” weight.

The second is psyHowever, doctors admit blood pressure, low body chotherapy, often suppletemperature, and swelling that treatment of anorexia of tissues caused by fluid is difficult, because people mented with drugs.

When weight loss has accumulation (edema). If a with anorexia believe there been rapid or severe, restorperson becomes seriously is nothing wrong with them.

ing body weight is crucial; such weight losses can be life threatening. Experienced staff members in the hospital firmly but gently encourage the patient to eat. Rarely, the patient is fed intravenously or through a tube inserted in the nose and passed into the stomach.

“Treatment involves more than changing the person’s eating habits,” says Dr. Ken Ung Eng Khaen, a psychiatrist at Singapore’s National University Hospital. “Anorexic patients often need counseling for a year or more so they can work on changing the feelings that are causing their eating problems. These feelings may be about their weight, their family problems or their problems with self-esteem.”

Some anorexic patients are helped by taking medicines that make them feel less depressed. These medicines, however, are prescribed by a doctor and are used along with counseling.

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

EDITORIAL Unreasonable price

I

t’s hard to fathom what sacked Special Action Force (SAF) chief Police Director Getulio Pascual Napeñas had in mind when he asserted yesterday before the Senate inquiry into the bloody Mamasapano incident that the operation itself was successful because the SAF forces not only killed the terrorist Julkifli bin Hir alias Marwan but also 250 fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). “Yes, madams and sirs, you heard it right. Not less than 250 casualties on the side of the combined forces of the MILF, BIFF and other private armed groups,” Napeñas proudly told the Senate inquiry attended by at least 13 senators led by Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Pardon us, Mr. Napeñas, but all the while we thought the operation was intended to arrest Marwan and not kill every MILF and BIFF member in sight. Had we known it was a video game in which the important thing was to have the most num-

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ber of hits, then we would not have mourned the deaths of 44 of your men. After all, the ratio stands at 44:250, and by any standard that is an impressive score.

We had thought all along that the reason the SAF men entered MILF territory secretly, in the cover of darkness, was to make sure they were not detected and so that they can exit with no one being the wiser. Casualties were obviously not in the plan, and certainly they did not want to engage anyone in a firefight. But here was Mr. Napeñas, so proudly proclaiming that the operation was successful because the SAF members had killed more men than the other side took from their ranks.

Let Mr. Napeñas tell this to the families of the Fallen 44 and he will realize just how hollow that boast is. He may claim “mission accomplished,” but the kin of the heroes will always know that it came at an unreasonable price: The lives of 44 brave young men.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

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

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I

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Love the second time around

N 1961, while working on the movie Cleopatra, co-stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton met and fell in love. On March 15, 1964 in Montreal, Canada by a Unitarian minister at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the two tied the nuptial knot.

On June 26, 1974 in Saarinen, Switzerland, the two decided to call it quits. But more than a year later, on October 10, 1975, the two got married again in the Chobe National Park in Kasane, Botswana, Africa. But that marriage ended in another divorce on July 29, 1976.

The love story of Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner is a unique and moving one. Ten-yearold Natalie fell in love at first sight with the handsome, enthusiastic young actor when she saw him walking down the hall at 20th Century Fox. She turned to her mother and declared “I’m going to marry him,” and she did just that, twice.

They married the first time in 1957 when Natalie was only 19 years old. They divorced in 1962, and Natalie married British producer Richard Gregson in 1969. After she was divorced from Gregson in 1971, she dated Robert again. They rediscovered how much they loved and meant to each other. The two remarried in 1972 aboard their yacht.

“When R.J. and I met ten years later, after our divorce, we were different people,” the threetime Oscar nominee recalled. “It wasn’t like going back to what we had before because we had both changed. We were still attracted to one another – there’s always something about that first love.

It was like getting to know a whole new person although somewhere in the back of your mind – you already knew them.”

Recently, the Asian edition of Reader’s Digest came up with an exclusive poll: “Would you marry the same person twice?” Conducted in 15 countries, the poll showed 68 percent of the respondents would remarry their spouse all over again.

“In the United States, Brazil, and Great Britain, respondents over 45 are more likely than younger people to feel satisfied with their choices,” the survey found out. In the Philippines and such countries as Canada, France, India, Malaysia,

H

and Spain, “it’s the 45-and-un- THINK ON THESE! ders who feel more happily matched.”

“In the Philippines, where couples marry younger than in most nations, only 20 percent of those over age 45 say they’d stay with the Henrylito D. Tacio same spouse,” henrytacio@gmail.com the study has discovered.

However, the Philippines ranks second with couples who are happy being married together, with 76 percent. Topping the list is China, with 83 percent. Below the Philippines are Germany and the Netherlands, which tied with 73 percent each.

Both Australia and Spain garnered a score of 72 percent each.

Malaysia scored the lowest (59 percent) among the 15 countries surveyed. “Malaysia is tops with men (48 percent) who would untie the knot if given the chance,” the study showed.

Upper by just three points are India and France.

The United States, Italy, and Canada got 63 percent each.

Marriage, they say, is the world’s most expensive way of discovering your faults. W.A. Clarke himself said, “Before marriage, a man yearns for a woman. Afterwards, the ‘y’ is silent.”

Overheard: My wife is two hours late. She’s either had an accident, been kidnapped, or she’s shopping. Man, I hope she isn’t shopping! “Marriage is neither heaven nor hell,” American president Abraham Lincoln stated. “It is simply purgatory.”

Rodney Dangerfield shared this thought: “My wife is always trying to get rid of me. The other day, she told me to put the garbage out. I said to her I already put out the garbage. She told me to go and keep an eye on it.”

“Mommy, can I swim in the ocean?” five-yearold Tommy asked. “No, the water’s too rough,” the mother replied. “But Daddy’s swimming,” Tommy insisted. Without looking her son, the mother said, “Your daddy is insured.”

The other side of the coin. A police car stopped a motorist on the highway and informed the driver that his wife fell out of the vehicle a kilometer back. “Good!” exclaimed the man, “I thought I’d gone deaf.”

Marriage is a school of experience where husband and wife are clashmates. It isn’t a battle that somebody is supposed to win. After all, it is a union that defies management.

Ogden Nash advised, “To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the loving cup; whenever you’re wrong, admit it! Whenever you’re right, shut up.”

“Society creates the myth that marriage is the proper haven for all our longings and a cure for all our shortcomings,” Gerald Griffin reminds. “People are programmed to believe that marriage will automatically give them individuality, identity, security, and happiness, when as a matter of fact, marriage gives them none of these things unless they possess them in the first place.”

“For months,” a woman told her friend, “I couldn’t discover where my husband spent his evenings.” Listening to her, the friend asked, “And then what happened?” The woman replied, “Well, one evening, I went home and there he was.”

“Where did you meet your wife,” a friend asked. “At a travel bureau,” he replied. “I was looking for a vacation spot and she was the last resort.”

“Marriage is not for a moment; it is for a lifetime,” Gina Cerminara points out. “It requires long and serious preparation. It is not be leaped into, but entered with solemn steps of deliberation. For one of the most intimate and difficult of human relationship is that of marriage.”

Socrates declared: “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you will become very happy; if you get a bad one, you will become a philosopher – and that is good for any man.”

Federalism grassroots up

AD the spirit of autonomy been promoted since the Local Government Code (R.A. 7160) was enacted in 1991, we would all have developed proficiency in autonomy or self-governance by now, easing the way for the advocates of federalism to have it adopted.

All that was needed was for people, including the masses but especially the truant elites, to know their role in the immediate community (barangay) and its governing process.

Their participation in local public administration would have given them the knowledge and confidence necessary to provide the dynamism of People Power that a federal system must generate from below.

Fostering a sense of community and responsibility in citizens is also important.

People need to be engaged, actively and creatively, in the governing process, not just be recipients of government goods and services. ***** A hands-on experience in governing familiarizes citizens with the dynamics of communitarian collaboration and formal interaction with public officials (who can seem aloof and intimidating even in the context of a barangay).

The experience and self-confidence derived from actual participation predispose citizens towards active involvement—contributing to policy making, taking part in decision-making, exemplifying what is meant by a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

This participative mode of governing teaches people best about political science and good governance. It gives impetus for them to assert their sovereign authority in matters affecting the community and the common good.

It really is democracy in action, with power rising from below, deriving its force from an assertive brand of citizen sovereignty.

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA ***** The nice thing about having the Republic anchored upon People Power at its base is that, instead of await directives from the top, or for power to be devolved from the halls of an Imperial Manila, people would generate reforms or other initiatives from the base themselves, spiraling upwards.

It is the PINATUBO, not PINATULO, way to install good governance and the pillars of development—grown from below, not trickleddown from above.

But this is possible only if the people are truly empowered and motivated—to induce order and harmony, to enforce the Rule of Law, and to create their own prosperity.

In other words, the urge to build the nation and the enthusiasm for carrying it forward will originate from the grassroots—lifting society from the doldrums, animating the economy, and liberating the people from the depths of apathy. ***** Thus, for federalism to work, it should be rooted in the hearts and minds of the people at the grassroots. They must awake to the consciousness of their being the grassroots, that upon their energy and enterprise hinge the progress of the nation.

We are all part of the grassroots and we must be conscious of being so. We mustn’t allow this to be obfuscated by wrong concepts or pretentious attitudes that turn a lot of Filipinos into pedants and hypocrites.

There are far too many Filipinos, by reason of social standing, economic status, or whatever, who carry on as if they’re above the grassroots,

superior to the masses, elite and a breed apart.

Typically, the pedant will say, “The masses are out there in the barrio, while I’m here in the city, in an office, in a campus, or in our church.”

They forget that these places are in some barangay or other, meaning, a barrio. ***** It helps to be aware that everyone is in fact a barrio boy or barrio girl, for it is where everyone lives, works, grows up, and is ultimately buried.

The barangay, urban or rural, is everyone’s address!

To deny one’s origin or existence as rooted in the barangay, of being a citizen in it, betrays a hangover of the “colonial mentality.” It is redolent of the days of the Guardia Civil when Filipinos were pejoratively called “indio”— country bumpkins who looked up to the central government with awe and in the spirit of vassals and lowly followers.

Too much have we had to endure patronizing treatment during our colonial days, at the expense of our self-respect or self-image.

It’s time to rise to our full stature.

We have also had to suffer well-meaning leaders who sought to boost the national ego by resorting to pompous rhetoric, only to reveal a basic insecurity. One famously proclaimed: “I would rather have a country run like hell by Filipinos than like heaven by Americans!” Such is the risk we take when we fall for demagoguery.

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

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Engine of growth

FAST BACKWARD

F

BY THE ARCHIVIST

OUNDED in 1937, Davao City, in large measure, owes a big part of its progress to Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) whose existence has been beneficial in its rise towards urban progress. In fact, this industrial icon has been the primary factor that has steadily pump-primed the city’s economy, and the principal feature that has drawn waves of migrants to Davao. Through the maelstrom of the World War II, the adversities of military rule in the 1970’s, and the threats of insurgency in pre-EDSA years, DLPC has witnessed first-hand without fail the growth of the old township from an obscure agriculture hub to a boom region in the South.

Originally founded as Patrick Henry Frank, Relatives & Associates on September 24, 1929, DLPC was registered only on October 1, 1929 with the primary objective of serving the central section of Davao. It had six American incorporators, three each from Manila and Davao. Each share cost P1.00 or a total of 831, which was worth P83,100 in subscription, or the equivalent of P20,000 in paidup capital. P.H. Frank and wife Anne of Manila got 410 shares, while W.H. Gohn, a plantation owner in Davao, and wife Mary also got the same number of stocks. H.S. Peabody got 10 shares, while J.M. Murphy got a token of one share.

That same year the power firm was registered simultaneously with Mindanao Sales and Services, one of two flagship projects of Frank. A former New Orleans army private, Frank was originally scheduled to fight in Cuba in the Spanish-American War but at the last minute was ordered shipped to the Philippines. He arrived in the country in 1898 and, like the other military men sent to the archipelago before him he had the opportunity to appreciate the countryside through his many assignments.

The idea to establish an electric company was not entirely Frank’s alone. With the help of relatives and confreres, he broached the plan to energize Davao, already home to numerous successful foreign entrepreneurs. The presence of Japanese investments also posed as an attractive prospect for the power business.

The outbreak of war in Europe and China in the 1930’s had a jarring effect on Frank’s decision to continue operating the power plant. As a former American soldier, his access to latest intelligence advisories afforded him a clearer than usual picture on how the country would be affected in case Japan, a major player in the China-Korea war theater, attacked the Philippines. So he wanted his firm sold and moved out before the trouble could spill over in the islands.

Another factor that hastened his decision to sell the electric outfit was his family’s intention to repatriate all personal assets to the U.S. With the Philippines under the Commonwealth, he was “worried about the Philippine government issuing emergency decrees, freezing bank deposits, and the possibility of war [with Japan].”

The breakout of World War II, in effect, rendered all of DLPC’s power plants damaged beyond repair.

Heavy bombardment by Japanese and American bombers destroyed the machinery. As a result, the city was plunged into darkness, and the future of the company recovering from the devastation was bleak.

Moreover, Frank was apprehensive that under an independent Philippines DLPC would be subject to government regulation and its ownership, being under the Americans, becoming a focus of naturalization under the amendments of TydingsMcDuffie Act. In consultation with his sons, P.H., with the urging of Don Francisco “Paco” Suche, a Spanish engineer who personally knew Don Ramon Aboitiz, the Spanish ilustrado, decided to sell Jolo Light and Power Company, and later Cotabato Light and Power Company (CLPC) was earlier sold. On August 23, 1941, Aboitiz and Suche met with Frank to discuss the sale of the Davao power firm. But the founder was hesitant to seal a deal given the optimism he still harbored about Davao’s future: “[Frank] believed there was a tremendous business opportunity in Davao—a large growing city, and the possibility of business several times its present volume. He had developed a company that had a foothold in one of the most important economic regions of the Philippines. Still he saw uncertainty in the political situation and the possibility of war to the degree that he was transferring assets to the United States, as were his sons.”

Aboitiz and Frank concluded the sale of DLPC in November 1941 and agreed to sign the deal on January 1, 1942. But this did not happen because World War II intervened when it broke out on December 8, 1941 and sucked the Philippines into the conflict.

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Globe sparks revolution in education with new cloud-based software

G

LOBE Telecom will soon be working closely with Philippine learning institutions as it will help advance the use of cloud-based software in every school in the country, initiating a major shift towards integrating technology into the local education system.

This development unfolded with the telco’s recent partnership with Globals, a developer of school management system software Educube. Officials of both companies said that their combined strengths will help teachers, school staff members and the entire educational institution manage their administrative work which will help them better focus on the welfare of students.

“As a telecom company, Globe is expanding its reach to more members of our society, particularly our country’s educators, by harnessing the latest technologies to better serve and impact the lives of many.

Through online technology created specifically for the educational ecosystem powered by our partner Globals, we can be a catalyst in shaping the future of the nation through progressive and world-class education,” Globe Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for International and Business Markets Gil Genio said.

Genio explained that Educube, as part of the Globe Education Solutions suite, will provide relational databases, including school compliance and inventory systems with the goal of improving efficiencies of school operations and transparency to governing bodies like

the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

On a larger perspective, the Globe EVP & COO said that Educube will spur the increasing use of ICT by the local education system through the adoption of technologies in the learning process, school operations and regulatory governance. This will be driven Globe Telecom executives led by (from left) EVP & COO Gil Genio and President and CEO Ernest Cu, together with Globals CEO Suhas Gopinath and Vice President for Strategy and by increasing Marketing Amruta Desai, seal their partnership to introduce a school management system for Philippine learning institutions. availability of infrastructure and affordability administrators can maximize dent information, admissions, Being cloud-based, Educube is fastest-growing technologies of solutions, heightened aware- their time instead of focusing enrollment, fees management, easy to implement for schools for empowering educators in ness and training on benefits of on their records, while teachers payroll, attendance and grading and does away with additional East Asia. Founded by Gopinath ICT in education as well as reg- can concentrate on the academ- system. at age 14, the Educube CEO was infrastructure investments. ulatory support for the DepEd’s ic aspects of their core activities Once incorporated in the Starting operations in 2000, also cited three years after as five-year information and com- with their students.” operations of a school, Educube Educube has presence in more the world’s youngest CEO by top munications technology for edAs a school management will power financial and aca- than 11 countries worldwide. media organizations such as the ucation or ICT4E Strategic Plan. system, the Globals executive demic management processes It has over 150 implementa- British Broadcasting Company, Globals CEO Suhas Gopi- explained that Educube will leading to improved efficien- tions, the largest by far is City The Washington Times and The nath shares, “The goal of our be beneficial to administrators cies, elimination of redundant Montessori School in India with Age, among many others. technologies centered on the and educators of the country’s data entries and reducing risks approximately 52,000 students.

For more information on Educube school management more than 61,000 schools and of pilferage. Reliable reports Being an ISO 9001:2005 and Globe Education Solutions and system is to make schools higher education institutions. will be readily available and ISO 27001: 2008-certified or- Educube, visit http://www. more efficient and proactive. By It has the capacity to automate accessible in real time, while ganization, Educube has earned globe.com.ph/education or making the administrative pro- and integrate all administrative school data and systems are recognitions, particularly from email educationsolutions@ cess of schools more efficient, services such as staff and stu- protected from obsolescence. The Economist, as one of India’s globe.com.ph.

ASUS announces availability of newly designed Fonepad 7

A

SUS Philippines recently announced the new ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG), a 7-inch phablet with full 3G and dual SIM phone functionality. It features an all-new design that is thinner and lighter than the previous Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), and fits comfortably in one hand for increased ease of use and maximum mobility.

Fonepad 7 has an 5MP rear-facing autofocus camera with a large f/2.4 aperture lens and a blue glass optical filter that delivers incredible camera performance. As the company’s first phablet to feature ASUS PixelMaster Low Light mode, the new Fonepad 7 makes it effortless to capture sharp, vivid photos in low light situations.

With a beautiful IPS display that has a wide 178-degree viewing angle, accurate color reproduction, and improved color clarity and brightness, the new Fonepad 7 provides a fantastic picture for immersive entertainment experiences and general daily use.

Thin and lightweight design The new ASUS Fonepad 7 has a completely-revised design that is thinner and lighter than the previous FE170CG model. With a depth of only

7.9mm and a weight of just 280g, the new Fonepad 7 is 2.8mm thinner and 10g lighter than its predecessor. It has a narrow, 9.24 mm bezel that reduces Fonepad 7’s overall width and, together with its thin and lightweight design, makes it easy to hold in one hand. The narrow bezel also enables a maximized screen to body ratio, so Fonepad 7 can deliver a big screen entertainment experience in a compact, mobile package.

Fonepad 7 is available in a choice of Black, White, Gold, and Red colors, each with a unique texture that enhances Fonepad 7’s style and makes it easier to grip. The display is framed by a beautiful metallic band finished with non-conductive vacuum metallization (NCVM) technology for an additional stylish accent.

5MP PixelMaster camera The new ASUS Fonepad 7 comes equipped with an 5MP rear-facing auto-focus camera for incredibly rich, detailed photos of life’s memorable events. It has a large f/2.4 aperture lens for increased camera performance in a variety of lighting conditions and is the first ASUS phablet to incorporate a blue-glass optical filter to reduce light scattering and flare for capturing

brilliant photos with accurate color.

Fonepad 7 is also the first ASUS phablet to feature Low Light mode, an ASUS-exclusive PixelMaster camera technology that significantly increases camera performance in poorly lit scenes. By merging adjacent pixels, the camera increases light sensitivity by up to 400%, resulting in clear and bright photos and videos without the need for flash.

In addition to the 5MP rear-facing camera, Fonepad 7 also has a 2MP front-facing camera that’s perfect for making video calls with family and friends.

Beautiful IPS display with ASUS TruVivid technology The ASUS Fonepad 7 experience centers on its 7-inch IPS display that provides accurate color reproduction and enhanced saturation for unparalleled picture quality, as well as a wide 178-degree viewing angle that

makes it easy for users to share onscreen content with other people nearby. ASUS TruVivid, a full lamination display technology that reduces thickness and weight, and provides higher optical transparency than traditional touchscreen displays, delivers brighter, more vivid colors to make movies, photos, and apps look their best.

Dual SIM convenience As a full-featured 7-inch phablet, ASUS Fonepad 7 has a built-in dual-SIM, dual-standby 3G phone. The two SIM card slots make Fonepad 7 the perfect travel or business companion, allowing users to have two phone lines on Fonepad 7 so they can keep in touch from anywhere.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) will be available SPECIFICATIONS ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE171CG) Processor Operating system Display Cameras

for only P6,995 in all ASUS authorized re-sellers nationwide.

Intel® Atom™ Z2520 dual-core (1.2 GHz)

Android™ 4.4 (KitKat)

7-inch, WSVGA (1024 x 600) IPS panel

2MP front camera 5MP rear camera

2GB LPDDR2 RAM

16GB eMMC Memory & storage 64GB microSD Networks Wireless

Connectivity Sensors Battery Colors Size Weight

5GB ASUS WebStorage free for life with an additional 11 GB for the first year

DC-HSPA+: UL:5.76 Mbit/s /DL:42 Mbit/s 3G : WCDMA: 1900/2100/850/900 2G : EDGE/GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi Bluetooth 4.0 1 x High-quality speakers 1 x Micro USB

1 x Micro SD card reader, up to 64GB SDHC A-GPS with GLONASS, G-Sensor 15Wh, 4000mAh for up to 11.5 hours use Black, White, Gold and Red 110.6 x 196 x 7.9mm 280g

EDGEDAVAO

11 PROPERTY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Northpoint’s Caribbean Pines more than just trees

A peek of one of Northpoint’s condominium buildings from a pine tree-lined pathway.

N

ORTHPOINT, the landmark condominium development of Vista Residences in Davao, has many features that set it apart from the rest. One such distinction is being a virtual pine estate, with hundreds of imported Caribbean pines growing on its grounds and bringing unparalleled value that goes beyond the obvious.

Greener, fresher surroundings. As a condominium community at the heart of north Davao’s urban growth area, Northpoint is unlike other condominiums surrounded with a hard environment of concrete buildings and cemented grounds. While Northpoint’s condominiums are concrete structures, they were

built to blend with its natural surroundings and sloping terrain dotted with trees.

This British colonial themed condo community has its own vista of greenery -- verdant shrubs, preserved olden Acacias, and the towering pines that give off a fragrant whiff of freshness. After the city’s hustle and bustle, it’s

always a joy to come home to the fresh and relaxing environment of Northpoint.

Clean, fresh air every day. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants and cleanse the air, ensuring fresh air for Northpoint homeowners whether they are indoors or out enjoying the amenities and green outdoors. Nothing beats inhaling fresh oxygen the moment you wake up and the time you come home to Northpoint.

Environment-friendly.

When pine trees shed its needles they contribute organic matter to the soil, naturally

Northpoint has a fresh, cool environment owing to its verdant plant life and hundreds of imported Caribbean pine trees.

fertilizing it. This can improve overall soil quality of Northpoint’s grounds, helping to grow healthy trees and other plant life. As the roots of these evergreen trees bind and hold the soil, it can reduce soil erosion and slow down water movement during a heavy downpour.

This protects Northpoint’s grounds from gullies and soil slips that can be created by surface run-off.

Buffer to city noise. Urbanites want the convenience, proximity, and modern comforts of living at the heart of the city, but at the end of the day, they want some peace

and quiet as they wind down at home with family and look forward to a good night’s sleep. They can do exactly that in Northpoint as city noise and the din of traffic are buffered by the towering pines that can grow to a hundred feet tall.

Shade and shelter. These coniferous trees offer a natural shade from the hot rays of the sun. Even when the sun shines at its strongest, these evergreens still give off a fresh ambiance. Its girth and height also provide shelter against strong winds and hard rain, protecting not only the homeowners but also Northpoint’s condo buildings. They are also home to nature’s wildlife such as birds, creating a thriving ecosystem within the pine estate.

Feel-good ambiance.

With pine trees and its cones associated with the holiday season, the good feeling is never far away. It’s that sense of happiness and good cheer one gets when the holiday spirit is felt. At Northpoing this feelgood ambiance is present all year round.

These imported Caribbean pine trees are more than just a pretty sight; they bring unparalleled value to Northpoint that goes beyond aesthetics. To find out how to make this pine estate your home, visit the Camella offices at Delgar Bldg. (fronting Northpoint), JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City, telephone (082) 226-3100.

12

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

What to do during the

KALILANGAN FESTIVAL

By Henrylito D. Tacio

FEBRUARY is a busy month for the generals – that’s how the people of General Santos City call themselves – not because it is the month for lovers but because of the city celebrates the city’s founding anniversary. To outsiders, it means Kalilangan Festival.

Kalilangan is derived from the Maguindanaoan word “kalilang,” which means “festival” or “celebration.” And what Kalilangan Festival celebrates is the tradition of sharing, hospitality, and altruism that is part of the cultural heritage of Mindanao.

“Kalilangan projects a positive and dynamic meaning for it engulfs the artistic, humane and altruistic aspects of social interaction that takes place in any occasion,” Prof. Bai Janena J.A. once explained. “(It is) a social gathering marked by exchanging amenities

among traditional leaders, elders, allies and subordinates. It is also a pageantry of unique and colorful ethnic rituals, and traditions.”

During the celebration, expect a grand merrymaking of sorts. Each year is themed differently. This year’s theme is “Kultura Ko, Identity Ko.” Literally, it means “My Culture, My Identity.” The festival organizer is the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges.

The week-long celebration will start on February 23 and end on February 27. Here are some things

you can do when you are in Gensan: Watch street dancing: Don’t miss this pageantry of culture, colors,

and texture in the streets as teenagers and students -- and even adults -- do their thing. Bring your own camera to capture the event. Share the photos on Facebook so those who are not able to come can also see the festivity. Of course, don’t forget your own selfie!

Eat what you want: Gensan is also known for its mouth-watering food.

Not to be missed is of course tuna. As the city’s new campaign puts it: “Succulent slices of fresh, sashimi tuna, an array of other tuna cuisine and Filipino dishes, relished with the freshest fruits and vegetables straight from the gardens and farmsteads -- all these will whet the appetite of any palate and

surely satiate your gastronomic craving.”

Catch those tuna-carrying workers: Gensan is the tuna capital of the country. And you probably have seen those people carrying tuna at their back. If you want to see them doing so, go to the General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC) in barangay Tambler. It is 32 kilometers south of the city proper, along the shores of Sarangani Bay. Be sure to go early in the morning. Or else, you won’t see anything like that anymore.

Take a walk at the General Plaza: I suggest you do it at night when the beautiful lights are on. It’s

a sight to behold. You can also do jogging in the early morning. But walking during afternoon is a big no; it’s too hot and you get to feel like walking in the Sahara Desert.

Bring something from Gensan: If you’re looking to bring home souvenirs, don’t look far. Like the rest of the country, there are large malls such as Veranza, Robinsons Place, SM Mall of GenSan, and Gaisano that can give you some ideas as to what pasalubong you can buy.

The author would like to thank the following photographers: Michael H. Chan for the street dancing photo and James Michael Montano for the Gensan Plaza.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Madon with he

Sharing smiles of hope

THE Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc. together with Fujifilm, and Davao-based photographers Rhonson Ng and Jojie Alcantara opened a photo exhibit last February 4 titled Portraits of Hope: Catching Moments of Inspiration and Courage from Kids of Hope at the ground floor area of Robinsons Supermarket Abreeza.

Featuring portraits of the children being treated at the Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc.’s House of Hope, the exhibit was held as part of the celebration of World Cancer Day 2015 and also as part of International Childhood Day. The exhibit also aims to raise awareness among Dabawenyos on cancer and childhood cancer and the impact

to the lives of the patients and survivors.

“The idea of putting together this exhibit started while I was celebrating my birthday spending time with the children of House of Hope,” says Jojie .“The photos are a way to bring the children closer to the people who visit the mall and to make them aware of the beauty and strength of the children who

YEP, she’s still got it.

Dr. Mae Dolendo, Jojie Alcantara, Riquelene Dela Cruz, Mr. Eric Rubinos, Mikee Matulac, Deccie Flores, Rhonson Ng, Mohaimen Kasan, Mr. Noel Galupar, President - Ambassadors of Hope. were suffering the disease.”

A donation box for the benefit of the House of Hope was also set up at the exhibit for people to share their blessings with the patients in need.

The Portraits of Hope: Catching Moments of Inspiration and Courage from Kids of Hope is ongoing and will last until the 15th of February.

Floreces Logronio (Ambassadors of Hope), Riquelene Dela Cruz, Mikee Matulac, Deccie Flores, Mohaimen Kasan, Shiena Procullos (Child Life Coordinator, Kythe Foundation).

Marilyn Roque, Jojie Alcantara, Joel Bagas of Fuji Films, Rhonson Ng, Eric Rubinos, President - Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc.

With seven Grammys under her belt, the 56-year-old singer proved she can put any newcomer to shame when she took the stage at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards tonight, wowing us all with a performance of her hit “Living for Love.”

Bringing her sexy (and semi-shirtless!) minotaurs along for the show (anyone else have an American Horror Story: Coven flashback?!), the Queen of Pop killed it as she channeled her inner matador in a tiny red leotard that showed off her ripped and seriously insane bod.

And is it just us, or did you totally want to get up and dance when Madge hit the chorus of the song and started breaking it down with her dancers?!

Of course, the entire audience was on their feet, clapping to the catchy tune when a choir joined the singer on stage for what may just been one of the best moments of the show.

From back flips to being lifted by a harness in the air, it was clearly Madonna’s moment to shine—and she was loving every minute.

The iconic hitmaker appeared at the Grammys last year, bringing along son David as her date before later performing her hit “Open Your Heart” alongside Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who sang their hit “Same Love” while Queen Latifah offici-

ate co

er tw

Music, M Art for a cause: Unang Badlis City Da A fund raising event for the

Dr. Cheryl Lyn Diez (Pedia Oncologist), Dr. Mae Dolendo, Dr. Bai Johanna Zainal (Resident), Dr. Sha Muhammad (Resident), Dr. Faye Maruya (Resident), Mr. Noel Galupar.

Deccie Flores in front of her portrait.

Badjao community in Davao City

GUHIT Pinas Davao initially and specifically centers on visual arts, encouraging young visual artists from all over the country to play their significant roles in the development of communities through art.

Believing that art is life with a purpose, the Guild for Upholding and Harnessing Indispensable Talents

(GUHIT) Pinas Davao is staging its first major exhibition at Got Heart Gallery at The Peak in Gaisano Mall on February 13-15, 2015.

Titled Unang Badlis, the exhibit is a fund raising event for the Badjao Community in Davao City and aims to showcase the many talents of local artists that speaks of reality with every stroke, line, and color show-

casing GUHIT Pinas Davao’s aims to promote the discovery, enhancement, and use of artistic talents as an act of involvement in common campaigns toward economic, political, social, environmental, moral, and spiritual development.

For updates and upcoming events, visit us at https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ guhitpinasdavaoofficial/.

Riquelene Dela Cruz and her portrait.

CELEBRATE the season of lov with music, movies and trea at SM City Davao from Febru ary 13 to 15. The Annex Even Center turns into a Love Caf with everything you need fo the Heart’s Day.

“If music be the food of lov play on!” the words of Shakespea captures the essential connectio between love and music. Get in the romantic mood with the Dava String Ensemble and The Rizal Bra Band on Friday. On Saturday, two Davao’s priced voices Thor Dula and Juliet Bahala will serenade th mall goers while the Manila Strin

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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nna slays the Grammy Awards er performance of ‘Living for Love’

ed the marriages of 34 ouples on stage.

The “Like a Virgin” sing’s performance comes just wo days after the record-

ing artist released the music video for the first single from her upcoming thirteenth studio album Rebel Heart, which is due to hit

airwaves on March 6.

Any doubts age ain’t nothing but a number?

Just take another peek at Madge’s biceps.

FILIPINOS FIRST IN ASIA TO GET ACCESS TO EXTENSIVE HOLLYWOOD AND LOCAL CONTENT WITH GLOBE TELECOM AND HOOQ: Asia’s first video-on-demand service HOOQ has arrived in the Philippines, making Filipinos the first in the region to gain access to a library of over 10,000 international and local movies and TV shows with its partnership with leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom. A start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, HOOQ is set to change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment by allowing customers to enjoy online streaming access and an offline viewing option of movies and TV shows across smartphones, computers, and tablets. Launching the partnership are [L-R] HOOQ CEO Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu, Globe Telecom Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Group Dan Horan, VIVA Entertainment Executive Vice President Vincent Del Rosario, VIVA Entertainment CEO Vic Del Rosario, GMA New Media, Inc. President and COO Judd Gallares, Regal Entertainment Inc. Vice President Roselle Monteverde-Teo, ABS-CBN

Head of Integrated Acquisition & International Sales & Distribution Evelyn Raymundo, Sony Pictures Executive Vice President for Networks George

Chung-Chi Chien, and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution Vice President for Business Strategy Anuraj Shavantha Goonetilleke.

Movies, and Treats at SM avao Love Café, Feb 13-15

ve ats unt fé or

ve, are on nto ao ass of ay he ng

Machine takes the stage on Sunday.

Re-live the best onscreen love

stories of all time. Catch classic to modern romantic films at the

Love Café on Saturday and Sunday. Movie streaming is made possible by Cignal. Surprise your loved ones with special treats from Red Ribbon, Annipie, Bearhugs, Coco Dolce, I Love You Flowers, Kablon Farms Chocolates and many more.

Plus, score amazing deals mall wide and enjoy delectable meals with the whole family at your favorite SM Davao restaurants.

Experience the outdoor charm of a Love Café indoors at SM City Davao. For inquiries, call 297.6998.

Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow @smcitydavao on Twitter and @SMDavao on Instagram.

February 5-10, 2015

JUPITER ASCENDING Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum PG 13

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

PROJECT ALMANAC Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D'Elia PG 13

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

WILD Reese Witherspoon R16

R-16

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

THAT THING CALLED TADHANA Angelica Panganiban, JM De Guzman PG13

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

Stoked and ready to travel THE Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) recently concluded the 6th iteration of the Davao Mega Travel Sale which gave Dabawenyo travellers the best travel deals for their wanderlust needs.

Travel agencies as well as airlines, hotels, resorts, and cruise operators from all over Southeast Asia gave great discounts, affordable packages, as well as new services and destinations.

The event also featured the search for Mr. and Ms. Travel Ambassadors 2015, which brought participation from students from schools offering tourism and hospitality courses.

A big congratulations to the officers and the working committee of the DTAA for a job well done. For those who missed the show, remember that there is always next year.

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

ZION

EDGEDAVAO

ACCUPRINT PUBLISHING, INC.

MACHINE OPERATOR (Printing Press)

Qualifications: - 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

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

SAF... FFROM 2 estimate from the statement of Police Superintendent Raymond Train and PO2 Christopher Lalan, two of the survivors in the whole day firefight between the combined troopers of the 84th and 55th companies of the SAF and the MILF and BIFF elements.

Napeñas said Train, the overall commander of the 84th company assault force, told him he was able to shoot down 25 to 30 of the attackers. ”According to him, it is also safe to say that the entire Assault Force, the 84th Company, was able to shoot down at least 150 of the enemies,” Napeñas told the Senate inquiry. Napeñas said Lalan, the lone survivor of the 55th Company, also told him that at least 100 members of the combined MILF and BIFF forces were taken down

by SAF troopers from his company.

“The 84th and 55th companies which took part in Oplan Exodus also has two and six snipers, respectively, under their helm. For sure, these highly-trained snipers could have shot down on the average at least 20 each from the attackers,” Napeñas said.

He said his estimate did not include those taken down by other SAF troopers from the 45th, 42nd and 41st companies who were likewise engaged in the firefight.

“In other words, had the artillery support we requested arrived on time, the situation would have been entirely different, though I admit, it may not have guaranteed zero-casualty on our part,” Napeñas said.

The 392-member SAF contingent suffered 44 dead and 15 wounded in the firefight that took place when the SAF troopers executed ‘Oplan Exodus’ aimed at capturing two high-value targets, terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

Marwan, prime suspect in the Bali bombing that killed 202 people and other bombings in Mindanao, was killed in the operation while Usman, also a bomb-making expert like Marwan and a

BIFF commander, escaped.

With the killing of Marwan, Napeñas called the operation “mission accomplished.”

“Only that it happened with a high price: The lives of 44 brave young men,” he said.

Napeñas said he started working directly against Marwan and Usman as early as 2010.

He said he supervised the operations against Marwan in July 2012 in Butig, Lanao del Sur but the latter managed to escape just a few minutes before SAF troops arrived.

He said former Police Superintendent (retired) Noel delos Reyes, former deputy director for intelligence, knew how Marwan managed to escape.

Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero moved to invite delos Reyes in the next hearing.

Napeñas said he again supervised the operations called “Oplan Wolverine” on April 25, 2014 to get Marwan but it was unfortunately aborted after the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army withdrew its commitment to provide mechanized brigade units to support the operations.

On May 30, 2014, another operation in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was launched but also aborted due to heavy armed groups’ activity in the target area.

Barely 10 days later, the Philippine Army’s 6th ID mechanized brigade conducted its own operation without coordination from the SAF but they failed to neutralize Marwan and Usman.

“These are just few of the reasons why in the succeeding operations, the coordination with the AFP will be time-on-target of the arresting force, in order to avoid the possibility that our operation would be compromised,” Napeñas said.

Napeñas, however, clarified that he was not blaming the AFP for why the information and preparations of operations seemed to have been leaked whenever they went out against high-value targets. (PNA)

to escape.

Both Marwan and Usman were dubbed as high-value targets in the operation where 44 SAF men were killed after they encountered forces of the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Marwan, a Malaysian national, was the technical mastermind behind the 2002 Bali bombing that killed 202 civilians, including 88 Australians.

Napeñas was relieved as

SAF chief due to the death of the 44 SAF commandos for alleged non-coordination with other agencies including the MILF, with which the government has an ongoing ceasefire agreement.

Though SAF lost 44 highly-trained troopers, Napeñas described the operation as successful as they not only killed Marwan but also at least 250 fighters from both the MILF and BIFF. (PNA)

JI... FFROM 4

A vulcanizing shop worker takes a morning nap while waiting for customers along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Region 12... FFROM 3

Piñol... FFROM 5

attractions and resources.

Instead of towering buildings and other modern edifices, she said the region boasts of its mountains, free flowing waterfalls and springs, captivating lakes, pristine white sand beaches as well as well-preserved culture and traditions of local tribal communities.

“A utopia in its modest version where communities are a mixture of old and new, where tribal groups live harmoniously with urban folks and where traditions and cultures all celebrated allyear-round,” she said.

The official said they included the hashtag or number sign in the tagline to give it a modern touch and assist its promotion efforts in various social media sites.

She said using the hashtag in the tagline will facilitate its mainstreaming and trending as a topic in the social media.

“When you talk about communication plan, it’s not just about branding and promotion or marketing. It’s also about how and what you need to communicate to your audience. This project is just

a part of what we are trying to communicate,” she said.

DOT-12 launched the “12th Paradise” in late 2013 as the official brand and strategy of its revitalized tourism promotions and marketing campaign for the region.

It featured Sarangani province as an adventure haven through its river tubing, diving and paragliding attractions; this city for its famed tuna; South Cotabato for Lake Sebu; North Cotabato for Mt. Apo; Sultan Kudarat for its agri-tourism, natural springs and ziplines; and Cotabato City for its cultural treasures.

The initiative helped propel the region’s tourism industry last year in terms of local and foreign tourist arrivals that surged to a record 2.38 million.

The total tourist arrivals in the region last year was around 2.04 million more than the recorded figures in 2013, which only reached 345,328.

It exceeded the agency’s target of 1.9 million tourist arrivals for the period by about 22 percent or around 426,000. (Minda News)

Services Administration (Pagasa) to get data on rainfall pattern and temperature in each barangay.

“The data we will gather will be posted in www. philfarmguide.net , a website solely created for the benefit of the farmers in the region and will be used to produce a soil map,” Piñol said.

The website will be launched this year.

“Davao City is just the pilot area but we’re planning to do same in other areas in the region and in the whole country so that our farmers will be informed on appropriate farming skills they need in their respective barangays,” he said.

Piñol said the website will provide farmers information on suitable period of the year for planting and what kind of crops will be suitable on the soil.

He said that he’s targeting to partner with other non-government organizations who are into agricultural advocacy because he projected that this agriculture project will need

funding to be implemented soon.

The agriculture sectors needs to be developed especially in the city because of its vast agriculture areas, according to Piñol.

He added that one of the mistakes of the Aquino administration was that it gave less attention to the agriculture sector.

“It is one of the downfall of this administration. The growth in the agriculture is very minimal or no growth at all,” he said.

Davao City Investment and Promotions Center chief Ivan C. Cortez earlier said the city has been experiencing very minimal or even zero growth in agriculture.

“Simply because our agriculture lands are not increasing and the production approaches have not considerably undergone modernization,” Cortez said in a statement.

Piñol said farming is still a guessing game in the Philippines although it is one sector where the country is known for.

Davao Region.

Cosquejo expressed support for the postponement of the SK election and rescheduling it to October 2016 because the government can save up to P1.2 billion.

“The government uses billions just for procurement of election paraphernalia and

salary of teachers who will serve in the election,” he said.

Cosquejo said that bidding of the election paraphernalia will also proceed once the schedule of the SK election is final.

He said that the youth council election will be done manually.

continuation of the PNP’s transformation program.

Just the same, Senior Superintendent Aquino said in his opinion there was a clear bypass of the chain of command in the operation in Mamasapano.

He said officer-in-charge Deputy Director-General

Leonardo Espina and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas should have been informed of the operation.

“I think its an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) already that the leaders must know everything,” he said. Funny Pearl A. Gajunera

Relations Division.

Among the strategies to be pursued to promote the Davao-Manado route are the development of tour packages, business matching, trade sessions, and student exchange programs.

“All these are aimed to strengthen our socio-cultural and economic ties with Manado,” Miral said while adding “this is a timely move since BIMP-EAGA is also exploring socio-cultural and education as one of the strategic pillars of the ASEAN sub-region.”

The direct flight from Davao to Manado offers a shorter route for travellers and will allow the faster movement of goods and products.

Currently, passengers bound for Manado take the circuitous and costly Davao-Manila-Jakarta-Manado route.

Miral said that a BIMP-EAGA strategic planning meeting will be conducted from February 15 to 18, 2015 at the Royale Chulan Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in which initiatives to reopen the Davao-Manado route will be discussed.

The annual meeting among key BIMP-EAGA officials and stakeholders is aimed to review and assess the progress in the implementation of the priority programs and projects in the sub-region’s blueprint for 2012 to 2016.

Comelec... FFROM 3

PNP... FFROM 4

Davao... FFROM 6

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SPORTS

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Dimakiling wins 4 straight Kidapawan Open chess crown th

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

I

NTERNATIONAL Master Oliver Dimakiling captured his fourth straight Kidapawan Open crown after ruling the seventh edition of the chess championship Sunday in Kidapawan City.

Dimakiling, who hails from Davao City, finished with 8 points on seven wins and two draws after nine rounds to win the title and pocket the P15,000 champion’s purse.

The Davao woodpusher had to pull off a Houdini act against hometown bet Philip John Leyson in the final round to emerge of top of the tournament organized by the Kidapawan Chess Club Inc. under its president Dr. Ted Calica.

Harrison Maamo made it a 1-2 finish for Davao City after garnering solo second place with 7.5 points. He won P10,000 for his effort.

The top two finishers also won medals from the organizers of the event supported by the Kidapawan City Govern-

ment under the leadership of Mayor Joseph Evangelista and Batch 85-Notre Dame of Kidapwan Boys and Girls HS Alumni Association Inc. Elias Banguiran of General Santos City, Allen Mirano of Aklan, Melchor Arcenad Jr. of Cotabato City, Erwin Tubog Jr. Of Davao City and NM Roger Sarip of Midsayap ended up tied for third to seventh places with 7 points.

Banguiran and Mirano took third and fourth places,respectively, due to superior tiebreak.

Davao del Norte’s Carl Zirex Sato scored 6.5 points to emege Best Junior Player, while Panabo City’s Japheth Aaron Caresosa had 5.5 points to win the Best Kiddie Player award. Davao City’s Janes Hitfield Caingles was the Best Female Player.

Dimakiling first won the tournament in its fourth staging in 2012 and then ruled the event in 2013 and 2014.

Filipino boxers score sweep in Pinoy Pride 29

T

HE Filipino boxers went five-for-five against their foreign rivals in Pinoy Pride 29 Saturday at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Gym in Bo. Obrero.

Jason “El Niño” Pagara highlighted the Filipinos’ sensational night after scoring a second round knockout win over Cesar “El Dolar” Chavez in the main event.

The 22-year-old Pagara displayed ring savvy in dismantling Chavez, dropping the Mexican twice in the opening round before finishing him off with a left hook to the head in the second.

With the victory, Pagara retained his WBO international junior welterweight crown.

Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo was as awesome as Pagara, scoring a fifth round stoppage over Sukkasem Ki-

A

etyongyuth of Thailand.

The end came for the Thai when Magsayo landed an overhand right to the heads and sent his opponent out of the ropes. The referee halted the bout at the 2:10 minute mark if the round.

Genesis “Azukal” Servania also kept his WBO intercontinental junior featherweight title after outpointing Juan Luis “Perla Negra” Hernandez also of Mexico in 12 rounds.

Also winning were “King” Arthur Villanueva and Arjan “Spartan” Canillas.

Villanueva outpointed Julio Cesar Miranda while Canillas stopped Stevi Ongen Ferdinadus of Indonesia in the fourth round.

Pinoy Pride 29 was promoted by the ALA Promotions in cooperation with ABS-CBN. (Charles Raymond A. Maxey)

USTRALIA’S Prime Minister Tony Abbott is facing a leadership crisis that could oust him from his post next week. Aussies here, however, are busier with sports and are leaving politics with their representatives in the Parliament.

That’s the beauty of Australian politics.

They can change leaders simply through an act called a spill motion. A spill motion results to division of the house through secret balloting or show of hands.

If the spill motion on Abbott succeeds, the country is bound to see its sixth PM since 2007.

I can only wish our system of government works the same way. A spill motion could have easily been laid down on a lame leadership like ours.

If politics is hot around here, wait until you hit the sporting side of this country Down Under.

It’s summer down here and just when you think the sporting action is over with the

Ken Nacor performs his trick on his way to winning the Hangtime crown in the second leg of the ICTSI Kiteboarding Tour in Boracay.

Hutter, Amle soar in ICTSI kiteboarding

F

RENCHMAN Louis Hutter and Malin Amle of Norway put on a pair of scintillating performances to dominate their respective sides in the Freestyle singles of the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding Tour-Season 2 in Bulabog Beach here over the weekend.

Hutter, from St. Malo, Brittany, came through with solid powered tricks on a low kite, combining board grabs to dazzle the crowd and impress the judges and claim top honors in the men’s Freestyle of the event serving as the second leg of a four-stage circuit sponsored by International Container Terminal Services. Inc.

Christian Tio, a 13-yearold Boracay-based rising star, also dished out awe-inspiring tricks to finish second while Andrey Sagnyic of Ukraine and another Frenchman Pierre Vogel placed third and fourth, respectively, in the three-day event which drew 120 participants from Asia and Europe.

Not to be outdone, Amle put her talent and skills in full display, dishing out fast in-andout tricks with more stability on the kite to rule the women’s Freestyle. The Oslo native, who placed third in the European Championship in Italy last year, defeated Japanese champion Aya Oshima while Julia Tausch from Austria and Poland’s Zu-

zanna Czaplinska placed third and fourth, respectively, in the event backed by Cabrinha, LIP Sunglasses, District of Boracay, Diamond Watersports, The Lazy Dog Bed & Breakfast, Ultimate Apparel and Boracay Terraces Resort.

German ace Kathrin Bogwart and local bet and Philippine Kiteboarding Association vice president Ken Nacor topped the Cabrinha Hangtime Challenge with the former clinching the win – and a Cabrinha Board – with a 4.7-second hang time. Nacor put on a 5.3-second performance to bag the top plum in the men’s class, including a Cabrinha Kite worth $2,000.

Finland’s Viola Kaukonen placed second to Bogwart with 4.2 seconds while Romanian Ana Enciu, Amle and Liezl Tio took the next three spots in 3.9, 3.8 and 3.4 seconds, respectively.

Swede ace Atte Kappel, who topped the kickoff leg in Sta. Ana, Cagayan last month, settled for second with 5 seconds followed by Hutter, Warner Janoya of Boracay and Swiss Peter Blum with 4.9, 4.8 and 4.3 seconds, respectively.

PKA president Jay Ortiz, who took the TwinTip Race Masters crown in Sta. Ana, is locked in a three-way fight with Kappel and Carlo Leongson at presstime.

to finish the game with 31 points as the City Hall dribblers kept the Everball Columbia winless.

Out of guarded catchand-shoots and sliding off the screens, the sweet-shooting trusted-aid of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte practically knocked down trey from all angles that routinely bended out Everball Columbia defenders.

Joel Aberilla chipped in 15

points as Eric Flores had 11 for CMO which beaten Everball Columbia for 14thstraight time dating back last year.

Everball Columbia came out strong and looked good to end its losing skid.

Sparked by the remarkable showing of John Macatabog, Everball Columbia took the driver seat early, grabbing a double digit lead midway of the first half.

But they tailed off in the final stretch, failing to execute and defend, to loss another close game.

Macatabog paced Everball Columbia with 27 points. Filbon Maligro and Barriga made 14 and 13 respectively.

CMO won all the games in the series highlighted lately with several come from behind victories. (Rico Biliran)

Red-hot Go helps CMO for 11th straight victory

C

HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go waxed hot from behind arc to lift City Mayors Office roll past Everball Columbia Computer Center, 83 – 80, for 11th straight win in their 2015 Basketball Friendly Series on Friday night at the Genesis 88 Gym in Ecoland Go, who has been an elite three-pointer ever since, drained seven booming triples

Sporting down under

Australian LET’S GET IT ON Open having crowned Novak Djokovic as its king for 2015 and the home soccer squad Socceroos ascending to the top of the Asian Cup, there are a lot of bigger Neil Bravo things in store for sports fans.

On Saturday, the country rolls its red carpet for the 2015 Cricket World Cup where the home team hopes to retain its title.

Call it hubris for a player to say that the home team comes into the tournament expecting to win every game but that’s the way the Aussies approach their stint at the World Cup.

That’s nothing but reality. The team is oozing with self-belief and that is what makes them successful. But they back their talk up.

Australia is the world’s top cricket nation with India and South Africa ranking behind the green and gold. The World Cup stretches up to March 29 for the WC Finals.

Cricket is the country’s most popular sport along with rugby and you can see cricket fields in every suburb. Around here, you often see young boys play cricket on the beach.

Basketball is not as popular but they have a thriving league in the National Basketball League (NBL). Last Friday, the city of Perth was filled with people wearing the red jerseys of their home team—Perth Wildcats. The Cats played league-leader Cairns Taipans at home and almost 23,000 fans called the Red Army filled the Pert Arena to root for their home squad.

The Wildcats have enlisted import DeAndre Daniels, a 6-foot-9 small forward from the University of Connecticut. The 22-year old

Daniels was a second round draft pick of the Toronto Raptors in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was a member of the UConn Huskies squad that won the 2014-2014 NCAA title.

Another import for the Wildcats is 6-3 Jermaine Beal, an undrafted NBA aspirant in 2010 from Vanderbilt. 6-1 pointguard Damian Martin, a member of the National Team, leads the locals for the Cats.

With the Red Army barracking the opposition, the Cats purred to a 65-54 win over Cairns and are at no. 3 behind new leader New Zealand Breakers and the Taipans and are one up on Adelaide 36ers.

That’s just as exciting as it can get in sports here in Australia.

Now, back to the spill motion at the Parliament. The World Cup of Cricket is bound to see a new leader when the tournament wears on.

But that’s another ballgame.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 232 • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

REAL DEAL?

Mexican challenger Cesar “El Dolar” Chavez puts his head on the canvas in pain after he was hit by a left hook to the jaw by WBO International Junior Welterweight Champion Jason “El Niño Pagara. Lean Daval Jr.

WBO International Junior Welterweight champion Jason “El Niño” Pagara gamely poses for photographers after scoring the sensational second round knockout win.

Lean Daval Jr.

Jason Pagara out to prove true worth with US campaign starting in May

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

A

FTER a stunning knockout win, Jason Pagara made it to the headlines of the sports pages anew and became an instant celebrity in Davao City with his perfo r m a n c e in the main

event of Pinoy Pride 29.

Captivated by his charm and savvy boxing skills, Pagara was mobbed by Davao fans as soon as he stepped out of the ring following his sensational second round stoppage of Mexican challenger Cesar “El Dolar” Chavez deep into Saturday night, each of them wanting to hold him

and take souvenir photos with the Filipino champion with their gadgets.

But, amid the pandemonium and excitement over his latest victory, the young Pagara left so many questions than answers as to his true worth as a fighter today.

To ALA Promotions president and CEO Michael Aldeguer, the answers to those questions will not be revealed until Pagara fights the big names in his weight division.

“I think Jason’s one guy that is always in question. People ask him if he’s really the real deal because of his weight division,” Aldeguer told reporters. “Jason’s been knocking guys out, but until he comes to fight the big names, that’s when we pick up some answers.”

Is Jason Pagara for real?

Has he reached worldclass status with his latest victory?

Out to prove his boxer’s real worth, Aldeguer is now bringing the 22-year-old Pagara to the US for the first ALA Promotions card in America come May 23 in California.

Aldeguer said he will fly Pagara out of the coun-

try after the March 28 Pinoy Pride 30 in Manila and have him undergo rigid training in time for the May 23 card. After this, Pagara will fight a big name probably in September or October, according to the top ALA Promotions honcho.

Before the US campaign take place, Pagara made heads turn already in Davao City with that sterling performance at the USEP Gym. Pagara, quick with his feet and fast with his hands, dropped Chavez twice in the opening round with vicious body blows and head shots before stopping his opponent in the second with a jarring left hook.

The final punch dropped Chavez to his knees and New Zealander referee Bruce McTavish waived off the bout at the 1:56 mark, giving Pagara a TKO triumph amid the cheers of the highly-appreciative Davao crowd.

Just like that, Pagara, called El Niño, retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) international junior welterweight crown and improved his record to 35-2 with 22 knockouts.