Edge Davao 7 Issue 244

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

IS IT TECHNICAL MALVERSATION?

STAPLE. A worker carries a sack of rice into a trader’s store at the Agdao Public Market in Davao City. The price of rice has been rising despite a steady supply. Lean Daval Jr.

Councilor Lopez questions P600-M SB 1

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

OUNCILOR Rene Elias Lopez questioned the approval of the P600 million Supplemental Budget (SB) No. 1 by the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) of Davao City on Tuesday, saying that the local lawmaking body could be liable for technical malversation.

Lopez said he was opposed to the approval of SB

1 since P50 million of the total budget was initially allocated to the crematorium project the city government wants to establish.

“The proper method to this is to re-align first to this body and this body will re-allocate this for another purpose,” Lopez said.

“What actually transpired, the records, the com-

mittee report would show that this have not passed through a re-alignment of the budget,” Lopez added.

The SP, in its regular session last Tuesday, approved on third and final reading an ordinance containing the P600M SB 1 for the city’s solid waste management program.

The local lawmaking

body voted 16-1 in passing SB 1 with Lopez as the only councilor voting against it.

Three other SP members who were present last Tuesday went out during the nominal voting.

But, Lopez insisted that his colleagues may have violated certain rules and procedures of the Republic Act

FTECHNICAL, 14

INSIDE EDGE ROYALCHEF ATTENDS SINGAPORE CULINARY CLASS Indulge A4

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Cop faces dismissal for killing trike driver

BRIDGE OF BOATS. A boat operator moves from his vessel to the pier through a series of boats that act as a bridge since larger motorized boats cannot dock at the wharf during low tide. Lean Daval Jr.

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE police personnel who shot and killed a tricycle driver after accusing the latter of trying to steal his motorcycle is now facing dismissal from service for the crime.

Police Regional Office 11 – Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (PRO11 - RIDMD) head Senior Superintendent Joseph B. Sepulchre said that with the murder case filed against Police Officer (PO) 2 Jozel S. Jorolan, the policeman will automatically be charged with an administrative case.

The penalty for grave

misconduct, Sepulchre said, is dismissal.

“Considering the fact of the case, we assure you that he will be dismissed in the service,” Sepulchre said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday.

Unlike the criminal case that he needs to prove his innocence,Sepulchre said the administrative case only needs substantial evidence to pin him down.

“It does not mean to say if he settles his criminal case, he will also settle his administrative case,” he said.

PRO 11 signs accord with criminology schools

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with criminology schools requiring criminology graduates to obtain certification from their schools before applying for a position in the Philippine Na-

tional Police (PNP).

Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD) head Senior Superintendent Joseph Sepulchre said the criminology schools will be the ones to certify their students before rec-

FPRO, 14

Sepulchre said the moment he receives the documents on the case, he will resolved this case within 60 days.

DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said the administrative case against Jorolan is being processed after PRO11 Regional Director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario and DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D. Danao Jr., ordered the office to expedite the administrative case.

“Dapat madali ni masolusyonan kay naa man siya’y (We should hasten the

resolution on this since there is a) private complainant,” she said.

Driz said Jorolan confessed to her last Tuesday that he shot the driver, Mario I. Magno, after thinking that the victim was trying to steal his motorcycle.

The Tugbok Police Station charged Jorolan for murder and was submitted for inquest procedure before the City Prosecution Office (CPO) Tuesday afternoon.

The 33-year-old Jorolan is a membe r of the DCPO’s City Public Safety Company The police report cited

the testimony of Joseph S. Bajinting, a security guard of One Network Bank ,who was on duty at the time of the shooting.

Bajinting said Jorolan arrived at the area at around 7:45 p.m. on February 23 and parked his motorcycle in front of the terminal.

Bajinting said that when Jorolan had walked about five meters, his motorcycle fell to the ground.

Magno then picked it up and returned it to its standing position.

At this juncture, Bajinting said Jorolan shot Magno

several times for no apparent reason, killing him on the spot.

The police report said Jorolan tried unsuccessfully to evade arrest when police officers responded to the incident. Seized from his possession was a 9 mm pistol which was identified by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) as his service firearm based on the serial number.

The SOCO also recovered from the crime scene one empty magazine and one loaded magazine with seven bullets, 23 empty shells, and a deformed slug.

HE Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur last year seized a total of P3.169 million in illegally cut logs in various places within its area of jurisdiction.

In an interview over the weekend, CENR Talacogon OIC officer Luis Gonzaga said while none

has yet been seized this year, community environment officers remain aggressively implementing the government’s moratorium on the cutting of trees in the natural and residual forest.

The hot logs seized last year were composed of 3,498 pieces of logs and flitches with a total of 36,111.93 board feet.

The seized logs included narra, red lauan, kamagong, tindalo, lanipao, manggapajo, gubas, tugop, malapajo, bantangali, toog, and mixed dipterocarp and miscellaneous species.

Gonzaga said the seized logs that have already passed administrative proceedings and court decisions were donated to

schools for their projects on making school chairs, desk, and other school materials, and to local government units and other government agencies which would have the hot logs converted and used for productive and useful purposes such as low-cost housing and construction materials. Cha Monforte, Correspondent

P3.16-M illegal logs seized in Agusan Sur T

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Garma off the hook in detainee’s escape

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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DELIVERY. A man unties a cow fetched from Jose Abad Santos in Davao del Sur after it was loaded onto a vehicle, ready to be delivered to a slaughterhouse in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

TA. Ana Police Station commander Superintendent Royina Garma is off the hook in the case of the escape of a detainee from her station early this month.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division (RIDMD) Chief Senior Superintendent Joseph Sepulchre said the investigation found that Garma was not liable for the escape of detainee Reymart Padada.

“Garma is now off the hook. Nakita sa investigation namin na hindi naman nila ginagawang practice yung pag papalabas ng mga detainee nila para mag linis (Our investigation found that they did not make a practice out of having their detainees clean the station),” Sepulchre said.

However, Police Officer (PO)3 Roman Baslan, the jail

guard who tasked Padada to throw out the garbage, and the duty officer that day, identified as Senior Inspector Aquino Serenio, both face administrative case.

Sepulchre said Baslan faces grave misconduct while Serenio will face simple misconduct.

“Si PO3 Baslan may criminal case din siya na hinaharap, yung Infidelity in handling prisoners, pero yung duty officer admin case lang sa kanya,” he said.

Sepulchre added that the relief order against Baslan will be out soon.

Last February 9, Baslan brought out Padada to throw garbage outside the station.

T least 43 fishermen from this city who were arrested and detained in Indonesia last year due to illegal fishing have finally returned home following their repatriation by the Indonesian government.

The fishermen arrived at the city international airport aboard a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila on Tuesday, nearly six months after they were jailed in Ternate, Indonesia.

Fr. Rey Carvyn Ondap, executive director of the Passionist Center for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (PC-JPIC), said Wednesday the fishermen were crew members of fishing boat F/B Love Merben II that was apprehended for illegal fishing on Aug. 26 last year off the coast of eastern Indonesia.

He said Indonesian au-

thorities eventually detained the arrested fishermen, who also lacked travel documents, in Ternate City in North Maluku province.

“The operator reportedly failed to renew the boat’s fishing registration and permit to operate in Indonesia so its crew was arrested and jailed,” he said.

The Maritime Industry Authority listed the boat’s operator as Felisa Abe of Barangay Tambler here but the fishing expedition was financed by local tuna firm Citra Minda Group of Companies.

Ondap said they got wind of the jailed fishermen’s plight after one of their relatives sought the assistance of Citra Mina’s workers’ union.

He said the union referred

All-out offensive A ordered vs BIFF

Police said Padada pushed Baslan to the ground and ran off to Mini Forest, Quezon Boulevard.

43 GenSan fishermen jailed in Indonesia return home

A

RMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chiefof-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang has ordered the Western Mindanao Command to conduct an all out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) effective yesterday.

The order to strike out against the bandits took place a day after the Senate concluded the hearings on the Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident where 44 Special Action Force members were killed

on Jan. 25 after battling with Moro Islamic Liberation Front and BIFF for several hours.

The military offensive aims to protect the communities against the armed attacks by the BIFF. “I am saddened by the news that at least 20,000 people had been displaced by the violent attacks perpetrated by the BIFF in the hinterland villages. We will do our best to protect the people and allow them to go back to their homes,” the AFP chief said.

2 soldiers, 5 ASG killed, 14 hurt in Sulu clash

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WO members of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while 14 others were wounded during a heavy clash with government forces in Barangay Tanum, Patikul town, Sulu Wednesday morning, the military reported Wednesday.

Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the clash ensued at about 9:20 a.m. Wednesday when the joint forces from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and 16th Special Forces Company encountered about 300 ASG bandits, led

by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, which included those from

Basilan and headed by Furiji Indama, along with two suspected members of the Jemaah Islamiyah.

As of this posting, the fire fight continues, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

As of 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, two government troopers were killed and lightly injured 14 members of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, a component of the Joint Task Group Sulu, Cabunoc said.

Cabunoc said the government security troops were conducting law enforcement operations against the bandit group when the fighting began.

Catapang has also reminded all unit commanders to conduct the joint law enforcement operations with the Philippine National Police within the framework of the ceasefire mechanisms in order to avoid clashes with the MILF. He said government forces must remain strong and united against a common enemy.

“We must remain united in our common fight against lawlessness and terrorism. Let us show the enemies of the state that we are a formidable

force that will continuously pursue them anywhere they go,” Catapang said.

The AFP chief has likewise directed the subordinate commanders to support the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the local government units of Pagalungan and Pikit in providing humanitarian assistance to the innocent civilians who were displaced from their homes due to the sporadic attacks launched by the BIFF. (PNA)

F43 GENSAN, 14

F2 SOLDIERS, 14 DRIED UP. A passerby checks out an array of dried fish on display outside an establishment in Bangoy Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Damosa to start development of Seawind Phase 1 in 2nd quarter

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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MILESTONE. Housing Land and Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) regional director Miguel Palm Gil (third from left) and DLI vice president Ricardo Floirendo Lagdameo shake hands after DLI, developer of the prime Damosa Fairlanes, received a per-

mit from HLURB to start land preparation for its Seawind project. Others in photo are (from left), DLI assistant vice president Alex G. Gocotano, Atty. Norjay Doral of HLURB, Jose Manuel Floirendo Lagdameo, and DLI sales director Albert S. Alvaran.

Gokongwei hotel to rise in Davao

A

GOKONGKEI-OWNED Go Hotel will be established in Lanang area this year, Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) announced.

“The ground breaking is expected to happened by the third quarter of the year,” DCPI chief Ivan C. Cortez told Edge Davao in an interview at Seda Hotel.

Cortez said the Go Hotel will have a total of 180 rooms.

“They have expressed their interest to expand in Davao as early as 2011 but this is the only time that they will construct the hotel,“ Cortez said.

F

Cortez said the investors “are waiting the right time” to enter the city.

“They have been observing Davao City’s occupancy rate and for two years they saw that it’s profitable business to have hotel operation here,” Cortez said, adding that the city right now is undergoing unprecedented growth in the tourism industry.

“This is evidenced by the recent entry of new hotel brands, with about five more business hotels undergoing construction bringing current number of rooms in the city to more than 7,000,” he

said.

The present positioning of the city as an urban destination with eco-adventure andeco-tourism offerings make Dacao city a unique place of interest, according to Cortez.

Davao City Tourism Operations Office officer-in-charge Lissette Marques said the tourism industry of Davao City continues to grow because of new tourist destinations in the region and exhibits and conventions here.

Based on the record of the city has a total of more than 220 licensed accom-

project to be the culprit,” Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla told reporters Tuesday.

He said the instructions was initially given by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other agencies, which he complied with.

Petilla noted that the DFA stressed there may be some developments if the drilling is set on hold.

“Whether it’s really talks or something else, I don’t know. It also might be prepositioning, maybe (there is

a complaint) in the United Nation (UN) arbitration, then we have bad faith if we actually go into it,” he said.

Forum Energy Plc. Chairman Manuel Pangilinan also told reporters the company will abide by the instructions, adding exploration stage is presently not possible with the claim of the two parties. It has a huge stake in London-listed Philex Petroleum Corp.

Pangilinan said he does

FGOKONGWEI, 14

Forum Energy postpones oil survey in Recto Bank

ORUM Energy Plc. has postponed its oil and gas survey in the disputed Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea during summer upon the instructions of the Energy Department.

“The drilling will not continue because it takes some time to contract a drilling company and the possibility that there are talks between governments.

Possible, it’s not guaranteed, so we don’t want the Forum

FFORUM, 14

crc@edgedavao.net

O M E G R O W N developer Damosa Land Inc., (DLI) will start development of the first phase of its Seawind project by second quarter this year.

This, after DLI, developer of the prime Damosa Fairlanes, on Tuesday received a permit from Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) allowing Damosa to start the land preparation for the project, among others.

DLI vice president Cary Lagdameo said Seawind will be the first vertical development project of the company after the success of 7.7 hectareDamosa Fairlanes.

During an ocular visit at the site last Tuesday, Lagdameo said Seawind will have a total land area of 2.7 hectares. It will be a mix-used development composed of commercial and residential component and located along KM 11, Sasa, Davao City.

“Seawind will have a total of six middle-rise condominiums and a two story commercial area,”Lagdameo said.

He said the start of the construction of the first phase of the development will commence by the second quarter of the year after DLI completed and secured all requirements and permits needed to full-swing the construction.

“We are targeting to secure the building permit by March,”Lagdameo said.

First phase of the development include the construction of the road networks and land preparation for the building of the a seven story condominium in the area.

“The first building is a three-winged structure with a total of 168 units,” he said, adding that their condominiums were designed that way to allow sunlight and wind flow inside.

Lagdameo said DLI would like to construct the first condominium as well as amenities like swimming pool, club house, basketball court , and parking spaces before it will start pre-selling.

FDAMOSA, 14

5 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Camella Tagum puts its owner-investors ahead of the game

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OMEOWNERS of Camella Tagum, Camella’s landmark development in Tagum City, will be pleased to find their home’s lot value has significantly increased between 30% to 50% the past three years.

The property values’ upward trajectory can give those who will pay spot cash when purchasing a Camella Tagum home a remarkable return of investment of approximately 36% by 2016.

With its property values on a steady climb, Camella Tagum has earned the reputation as not only a desirable place to live, but also a viable property investment that both rookie and veteran investors will find rewarding.

Owner-investors know that the subdivision’s consistently high property appreciation

ensures substantial capital gain for them in the future. In the meantime, renting out their unit will bring them a steady rental income they can rely on.

Camella Tagum homes fetch good rental rates. A twostorey, two-bedroom home is rented out for P10,000 to P20,000 monthly, depending on furnishing. Fully furnished homes are being rented at a high rate of P20,000 a month.

This is a steady stream of rental income that can go up to 10% to 15% annually. But what makes this even more attractive to owner-investors is that rental affairs can be managed on their behalf.

Camella Tagum’s professional property management team handles not only the maintenance, security, and homeowner affairs of the subdivision, it also takes care of tenant

selection for owner-investors.

That way owner-investors are assured their investments are in good hands and enjoy hassle-free returns. Camella urges property investors to take full advantage of all these by visiting their offices at Unit 12 Gaisano Grand Arcade, Lapu Lapu Extension, Apokon Road, Tagum City, or calling 0999-8864150, 09175639617, and 084-2164309.

Located at the Barangay Visayan Village along the National Highway in Tagum City, Camella Tagum is a sprawling subdivision with over 300 houses already built. It continues to take shape as more development is undertaken, the latest of which is the clubhouse.

Currently being constructed, the clubhouse is expected to be completed in July this year. Along with the basketball court that

was opened last year, the clubhouse provides homeowners more venues and opportunities to bond as families and neighbors.

To bolster its security, the property’s perimeter has been fully fenced and beefed up with barbed wires.

With round-the-clock security, the community enjoys secure and worry-free living.

The subdivision has recently opened Block 14 and Block 22 for Lessandra homes which are within reach of average-income earners.

These townhouses are the answer to those who dream to have a house of their own and live in a masterplanned community such as Camella Tagum.

Meanwhile, there is

corollary growth within the immediate vicinity of Camella Tagum as more commercial developments are seen to take place adjacent to the subdivision. There is a newly-opened gasoline station across the street, making it fast and convenient for homeowners to gas up.

A top-brand car dealership has opened a few meters away, and one of the country’s largest and most successful chain of malls, Robinson’s, is expected to

rise literally a few steps away from Camella Tagum.

With these new and upcoming developments, Camella Tagum’s ownerinvestors know they will stand to benefit from their investment with a more progressive and bustling Tagum City in the future.

Camella Tagum is clearly a community homeowners will be proud to call home and owner-investors will be happy to call the wisest investment they have made.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Homegrown Torre Lorenzo partners with Dusit for P2-B residential project

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

OMEGROWN Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (Torre Lorenzo), formerly Lapanday Properties Philippines Inc., is planning to construct the Dusit Thani Residences and Hotel in partnership with the Asian hospitality brand Dusit International in Davao City.

Torre Lorenzo president Tomas P. Lorenzo said during the launching of the Torre Lorenzo brand at the Marco Polo Davao Tuesday that Dusit Thani Residences and

Dusit Thani Hotel will have a combined units of more than 300 luxury serviced suites with varying studio to three-bedroom dimensions.

“Dusit Thani Residences is a luxury residential hub set to become a spectacular new land mark at the heart of Davao City,” the company said in a statement.

“Each unit is thoroughly appointed and designed with attractive fittings and furnishing to offer residents and guests the ideal ambiance for sophisticated ur-

Abad says government spending on right track

T

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported the total National Government disbursements from January to November in 2014 rose 5.1 percent compared to the same period in 2013, from P1.677 trillion to P1.762 trillion.

This performance is consistent with the improvements in disbursements seen at the end of October, with spending up by 6.4 percent compared to the same 10-month period in 2013.

Spending performance for these two months was driven largely by subsidies to Government Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), transfers to Local Government Units (LGUs), and increases in maintenance and capital spending compared to the previous year.

Notably, capital outlay for

O

infrastructure saw a 6.3 percent or P14 billion improvement for the 11-month period compared to 2013 levels, from P223.3 billion in 2013 to P237.3 billion last year.

This reflected the Administration’s continued commitment to building and rehabilitating roads and bridges, as well as completing other infrastructure projects.

In terms of year-on-year performance, however, disbursements during the month of November were 7.7 percent lower than those made during the same month in 2013. This drop in spending contrasts with the performance in October of 2014, when NCA utilization by agencies contributed to a 6.4 percent surge in spending compared to the same month in 2013.

FABAD, 14

Oil prices stabilize after heavy selloff

IL prices steadied Tuesday after prior day’s sharp decline.

Oil prices plunged Monday amid worries about global supply glut. Global crude supplies increased as oil fields in eastern Libya resumed working after a pipeline was mended, according to Libya’s National Oil Corp.

The market focused on the Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s speech about monetary policy and the U.S. economy before the Senate Banking Committee in two minutes.

The Fed would not raise rates before it finds confidence in the economic recovery, overcoming worries about the wages and the below-objective inflation, Yellen said on the first of her two-day congressional testimonies Tuesday.

When the Fed hikes rates, it would be a signal of confidence in the economic funda-

mentals, she added.

On the economic front, U.S. consumer confidence, which had increased in January, declined in February, the New York-based research group Conference Board said Tuesday in a report. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index registered 96.4 in February, down from 103.8 in January.

U.S. home prices didn’t change much in last December. The National Home Price Index, which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, recorded a 4.6 percent annual gain in December 2014 versus 4.7 percent in November.

Light, sweet crude for April delivery lost 17 cents to settle at USD49.28 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for March delivery moved down 24 cents to close at USD58.66 a barrel. (PNA/Xinhua)

ban dwelling,” the statement added.

Lorenzo said: “The hotel will have 12 to 14 floors with a giant lagoon in the middle.”

Guests and homeowners of DusitThani Hotel and Residences will have a chance to enjoy “superior” lifestyle amenities such as spa and wellness center, swimming pool, specialty restaurants, business centers, meeting rooms, and conference facilities, among others.

“Residents have the choice to dully use their units

or have the hotel manage their units while they area away,” Lorenzo said.

He said the P2 billion Dusit Thani Hotel and Residence will have a total land area of 1.2 hectares (has) and will be completed by 2017.

“We are planning to add two more projects along side with DusitThani Residences after the completion,” Lorenzo said.

Dusit Thani Hotel and Residences is a master planned city community

that will rise at Siam 8000, a Torre Lorenzo’s master planned luxury residential community that will be located along Maryknoll located along Maryknoll Drive in Barangay Pampanga, Sasa District, in this city.

“Siam 8000 will set the tone of the future developments in Davao, elevating the city as a world-class travel destination where Dabawenyos and guests can enjoy deluxe accommodations that accentuate what the city has to offer,” Lorenzo said.

Siam 8000 will emerge to expand the development portfolio of Torre Lorenzo and mark the beginning of a new era for luxury living in the city, the statement added.

Lorenzo said Davao City is becoming increasingly popular to local and foreign tourists as well as to offers investors because of its tourist attractions that “impeccable vacation experience.”

Dusit Thani Residences is the flagship project of Torre Lorenzo-Dusit International partnership.

A LOT OF TUNA. Hotel staff members work together to push a heavy container where a large whole tuna is placed. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Davao City has said tuna spawns in Davao Gulf have increased in number after it was closed to commercial fishing last year. Lean Daval Jr.

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Neda emphasizes value of integrating environmental accounting in dev’t plans

HE integration of Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) or Environmental Accounting in national and regional development plans ensures not only the conservation and protection of ecosystems, but also enables the country to make progress along the path of sustainable development, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“The NCA, through the World Bank-funded Global Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) program, helps us understand and acknowledge the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems so that these considerations can be integrated into both

economic and political decision-making,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, during his opening speech at the First WAVES Knowledge Exchange on Ecosystem Accounting, which started in on February 23, 2014 in Laguna.

He underscored that the increasing environmental trade-offs present in the process of development may overwhelm the country’s natural resources in the coming decades, and this could have major debilitating effects on the national development agenda and economic growth.

“Through NCA, the worth of a service that we get from the natural envi-

ronment will become known to us and if this is taken into account directly in the estimation of national incomes, policymakers may now make better decisions about development priorities and investments, while promoting a more sustainable use of natural resources,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

“The results of the environmental accounting being done by the Philippines WAVES could help inform the next Philippine Development Plan, which we will start formulating by the third quarter of this year. In the new Plan, we intend to retain the valuation of ecosystem services as a key strategy in the sustainable management

of the environment and natural resources,” he said.

The Phil-WAVES Knowledge Exchange Workshop, aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills on the environmental accounting tools, was attended by other WAVES core partner countries: Botswana, Rwanda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Guatemala, Indonesia, and India. Participants are directly involved in the development of their country’s ecosystem accounts.

Speakers in the ongoing fiveday event include professors and researchers from the Australian National University, University of Wageningen, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, among others.

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Going bananas

with cardaba T HERE are many kinds of bananas but they all have one thing in common: they are rich in potassium and other nutrients.

“The heavenly fruit that tasted like nectar sweetened in honey” was how Alexander the Great described banana in the old days. These days, more and more people are eating banana because of the health benefits the fruit provides.

Health experts say banana is low in protein, free of fats, but high in energy. A fully ripe banana has 20-25 percent sugar. It has a significant amount of B-vitamins, especially B1 and B6.

B1 is a brain tonic whereas B6 relieves, in particular, uncomfortable symptoms of the pre-menstrual tension syndrome like irritability, headaches, tender breasts, and water retention.

According to a recent survey undertaken in the United States among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

“One medium-sized banana boasts of 100-125 kilo calories, 4-5 grams fiber, about 400 milligrams potassium, 17 milligrams calcium, 36 milligrams phosphorus and traces of other minerals like iron,” said Professor Kanwar, an eminent biophysicist who writes for the Health Tribune.

Some research conducted recently at the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine, substantiate earlier reports that high potassium diets (banana being one of these) lower blood cholesterol levels. Subjects getting extra dietary potassium are also less prone to hypertension, strokes and atherosclerosis and finally show significantly low mortality rates.

A major study reveals that diets loaded with potassium-rich bananas may be able to cut the risk of strokes by one third. Scientists feel that many people can be protected against strokes and

Carbada variety (From PCAARRD)

Soon to be harvested banana (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio) heart attacks by minimizing nana, Cardaba grows best sodium (common salt) in- in well-drained fertile soils take and by consuming plen- with full sun exposure. It ty of potassium-rich foods of inherits most of the characwhich banana is one. In the teristics of Musa balbisiana, United States, the Food and making it tolerant of dry Drug Administration has just soil and colder conditions allowed the banana industry of temperate climates. It reto make official claims for quires minimum rainfall and the fruit’s ability to reduce can survive long dry seasons the risk of blood pressure as long as adequate irrigaand stroke. tion is provided. However, If you are having trouble the fruits may not ripen unwith stress, potassium-rich der such conditions. It also banana can help you. Po- has good resistance against tassium is a vital mineral, Sigatoka leaf spot diseases. which helps normalize the The fruits of Cardaba are heartbeat, sends oxygen to ready for harvesting 150 to the brain and regulates the 180 days after flowering, body’s water balance. When which takes longer than othyou are stressed, our met- er banana varieties. Each abolic rate rises, thereby plant has a potential yield reducing our potassium lev- of 26 to 38 kilograms per els. These can be rebalanced bunch. There are typically 16 with the help of a high-po- hands per bunch, with each tassium banana snack. hand having 12 to 20 fingers.

Among the various variSo much have been writeties and species of bananas, ten about growing Cardaba the Cardaba stands out. The but the Philippine Council reason: it has the highest for Agriculture, Aquatic, and nutritional contents. It is Natural Resources Research because the said variety has and Development (PCAARthe deepest roots among all RD) has come up with a varieties; as such it can ab- publication that feature the sorb more nutrients from science and technology inthe soil. It’s no wonder why terventions of two Magsasathe trunks are long and the ka Siyentista (scientist farmfruits big. ers).

A hybrid, Cardaba (Musa “PCAARRD hopes to acuminata × balbisiana) is impart knowledge and inone of the most important crease people’s awareness banana cultivars in coun- about the full potential of try -- aside from Cavendish, field tested and applied sciwhich is grown mostly for ence-based technologies in export. As the fruit provides creating business enterprise the same nutritional value in the farm,” wrote PCAARas potato, Cardaba is almost RD Executive Director Patrialways present in the Philip- cio S. Faylon in his foreword. pine cuisine. It can be eaten Mauricio Zabanal plants raw or cooked into various Cardaba banana in his farm traditional desserts and in Aborlan, Palawan. Among dishes like maruya, pinay- the interventions he obpay, turon and ginanggang. It served in his banana plantais also used as an important tion are as follows: Early/Timely removal ingredient in delicious haof the male bud: As soon lo-halo.

Like most types of ba- as the last finger of the

bunch appears, the male bud (“puso”) is removed using a sickle attached to the bamboo poles. This is done early in the morning when weather condition is good to avoid the risk of infection. This intervention leads to an increase in the size and weight of the fruit. It also prevents the occurrence of the “Bugtok” disease, which is usually transmitted by insects through the male bud.

Control of population density and desuckering: The distance between the plants is 5 meters by 4 meters per mat while the number of plants per mat is three (the mother plant and two followers). The removal of suckers is done regularly -- after the fruiting of the mother plant to maintain the ideal three plants per mat.

An improvised bar is used to remove the suckers. Results: ensure adequate size and the number of fingers per bunch and prevent competition for nutrients of existing suckers.

Ring weeding: Weeds around the mats, particularly within one meter from the base, are removed manually using a shovel and bolo. Done before the application of organic fertilizer to ensure that the weeds do not compete with the water and fertilizers intended for the plants.

Deleafing and mat sanitation: Dried leaves and those that cover the fruits from direct sunlight are reg-

Fried banana (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Banana planted as intercrop (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio) ularly removed from the Desuckering: Young plants. A sickle and a sharp plants or maiden suckers are bolo maybe used for this. The removed every 6 weeks after trunks that are left after the fruiting of the mother plant harvesting must be cut off to ensure its adequate plant below the ground and then size and maintain plant popcovered with soil to protect ulation. them from pests and infecControl of plant density tion. The cut-off stems are per mat: Only 3-4 plants are piled in between rows of the maintained to ensure maxmat to serve as mulch and imum yield in terms of the increase the organic matter number of fingers per bunch content of the soil. and the size of the fruit.

Organic fertilizer appliBefore the interventions, cation: Before the interven- Zabanal harvested only tion was started, vermicom- 6,295.58 kilograms per hectpost fertilizer was applied are. But with the implemenat the rate of 4 kilograms tation of the science-based per mat and at a depth of techniques, the production 4-6 inches. The application went up to 15,325.10 kiloof fertilizer was done in a grams -- or an increase of trench around the mat and 9,029.52 kilograms or equivwas covered with soil to alent to a 143% increase in prevent erosion, especially yield. In terms of volume, the when there was rain. production per hectare inThe other person fea- creased to 66,573 fingers per tured in the publication was hectare per season from the Bayani Ritual, who hails from previous 36,475.

Dingalan, Aurora. Below are In terms of profitability, his interventions: the interventions employed Nutrient management: have increased the net profProper proportions of both it from the P20,856.75 to organic and inorganic fertil- P70,688.75. izers, plus micro-nutrients, The same thing hapare applied to his banana pened to the production of plants. To ensure that all of Ritual. these nutrients are absorbed “Significant improveonly by the plants, weeds ments in farm production within 0.75 meters away were observed by both Zafrom the plant were removed banal and Ritual when they before fertilizer application. implemented their respecTo enhance fertilization and tive technology interventhe organic matter content, tions, which translated to an chopped banana trunks and increase in the respective dried leaves were placed to farm’s incomes,” the PCAARdecompose near the mat.

RD publication concludes.

Cardaba transformed into mouth-watering turon (Photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

EDITORIAL The main issues remain

I

T appears that President Benigno Aquino and his supporters are going to great lengths to deflect accusations that the President, as commander-in-chief, has ultimate responsibility over the January 25 incident in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that resulted in the deaths of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) men, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members, and at least seven civilians. The latest is that Mr. Aquino has expressed dismay that he had been “lied to” by then-suspended (and now resigned) Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purusima during the operation itself, giving him incomplete and even misleading information that ultimately influenced the decisions that he had to make on that fateful day.

For example, the President told members of Congress, he had been made to believe that the SAF forces, after successfully neutralizing alleged Malaysian terrorist Marwan, had the support of the Army in battling with armed groups that had come to respond. This turned out to be false because the supposed mechanized brigade and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Philip-

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pines (AFP) could not be mobilized that easily, especially since they were being called upon late in the day, without prior coordination. Mr. Aquino said because he had been misinformed, he did not take necessary steps to expedite the backup’s movement, leaving the SAF men literally on their own in the gun battle.

That may all be true, and the President may feel a sense of betrayal from his most trusted general, but the main issues remain. In the first place, why was Purisima directing the operation when he was suspended at the time? This fact can no longer be denied, and even the President intimated this when he revealed that he was getting his information from Purisima, not from Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina who taken over his place. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, why was there no coordination with the MILF and even with the AFP? The President must still address these questions if the incident is to be resolved. Being lied to by Purisima does not relieve him of responsibility because there are more fundamental issues that need to be addressed, and only he can provide closure.

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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VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Beyond flaws

O

NE fine Sunday afternoon, I had an opportunity of reading an e-mail forwarded to me by a friend. Attached to it was a story that made me ponder some thoughts. Allow me to share the story: A lone figure set against the evening sky looked more like a painting than reality. His slow movement, however, confirmed he was real. The stark landscaped ached with desolation. The fissured land lay almost naked.

Cattle limped around with bones protruding, and an occasional spurt of cactus stood in solitude where shrubs and trees once jostled together. In the midst of this landscape was a sprawling house with a pretty garden.

The water bearer was the silhouetted figure, balancing a pole across his shoulders with two pots suspended from it. Daily, he walked the parched land to a well, drew water and traced his way back to his master’s house. He was responsible for its water supply, but on one such journey, he noticed that one of the earthen pots had a crack.

The water bearer, who was in the habit of talking to his surroundings, found he was suddenly interrupted by a loud sigh. “Who did that?” he asked.

Picking up its cue, the cracked pot let out another sigh. “What is it?” the water bearer inquired.

“I’m sorry,” the cracked pot replied.

“Why, what’s the matter?” the water bearer asked again.

“Oh, I’m useless,” the cracked pot bemoaned. “I keep leaking so much water.

Look at my friend on the other side. He always delivers a full pot. He has reason to be proud.”

“Don’t worry,” the water bearer said.

But the cracked pot could not suppress its feelings of failure.

Several days later, the water bearer stopped in his tracks and looked at the cracked pot. “Look down on your side of the pathway,” he said. “Do you see anything?”

“Yes,” the cracked pot sighed. “I see some grass and a few flowers.”

“You see,” the water bearer said, “I knew

you were leak- THINK ON THESE! ing, so I took advantage of it and planted seeds along your side of the path. And now, you’ve done me so proud.

You have given life to the dry earth. And look Henrylito D. Tacio at the grass, henrytacio@gmail.com the flowers and the butterflies.

Now, I can even cut some of these pretty flowers for my master’s vase. See, you may be a cracked pot but you have created beauty around you.”

Just like the cracked pot, we have also our flaws. No one is perfect. In fact, God is still working to make us what we ought to be. Many years ago, a boy was born in Russia whose mother died before his second birthday and his father dropped dead in the middle of the street when he was eight years old. After the death of his grandmother less than a year later, he and his four siblings were split up.

As if all these tragedies were not enough, the boy thought himself to be so ugly, he was certain there would be no happiness for him in life. He had a wide nose, thick lips, small gray eyes, and big hands and feet. He was so distraught about his ugliness, he asked God to work a miracle and turn him into a handsome man. He vowed that if God would do this, he would give Him all he possessed, as well as all he might possess in the future.

Do you know who that Russian boy was? He was no other than Count Leo Tolstoi, one of the world’s foremost authors in the twentieth century and the man behind the epic War and Peace.

In one of his books, he admitted that through the years he discovered that the beauty of physical appearance he had once sought was not the only beauty in life. In-

deed, it was not the best beauty. Instead, he came to regard the beauty of a strong character as having the greatest good in God’s sight.

“There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion,” wrote Francis Bacon. John Keats added: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases, it will never pass into nothingness.”

Obstacles are part of living. If Christopher Columbus had turned back, no one could have blamed him, but definitely no one would have remembered him. “When you cannot remove an object, plow around it. But keep plowing,” someone once said.

Beauty and poverty are no excuse for a person to be successful in life. Even being a handicap is no obstacle to fame. There was this man whose stutter was so severe that it deeply scarred his life. It was much worse when he was nervous, and only in the company of his closest friends did it disappear.

His childhood was full of humiliating moments, such as the time he stuttered in school and the whole class screamed with laughter until the teacher pounded the desk and called him a fool. But it did not stop William Somerset Maugham to become one of the world’s most loved novelists.

Our purpose in life should be to see one another through, not through one another.

Zig Ziglar, in his book, Something to Smile About, shares this story: In the last century, a rich boy and a poor boy lived in the same neighborhood. The rich boy wore nice clothes, lived in a nice house, and had plenty of good, nutritious food to eat. The poor boy lived in a cheap house, wore ragged clothes, and did not have much of anything to eat.

One day, the two boys got into a scuffle.

In the struggle, the rich boy won. The poor boy got up, dusted himself off, and told the rich kid that if he had the proper food to eat as the rich boy did, he would have emerged the winner.

Then, the poor boy tuned and walked away. The rich kid just stood there – speech-

less. He was numbed by what the poor boy said. His heart was broken because he knew that what the poor boy said was true.

The rich boy never forgot that incident.

From that day on, he revolted against any favored treatment because he was rich. He made it a point to wear inexpensive clothing; he intentionally endured the hardships faced by people who were poor. His family was often embarrassed by the way he dressed, but despite family pressure, the young boy never again took advantage of his wealth.

No one remembered now who the poor boy was. But the rich boy who developed such compassion for poor people made them his life’s work. His name is recorded in history. He dedicated his life to service and became a world-class physician, serving in Africa. His name was Albert Schweitzer.

This reminds me of the story of Oseola McCarty, a black American who grew up in Mississippi. She has spent most of her life helping people look nice – taking in bundles of dirty clothes, and washing and ironing them.

She quit school in the sixth grade to go to work, never married, never had children, and never learned to drive because there was no place in particular she wanted to go.

Her work was her life. It was her way of being a blessing to others. When she started working, many black people in rural Mississippi didn’t even have a job.

For most of her 87 years, Oseola spent almost no money. She lived in her old family home. She saved her money, most of it coming in dollar bills and change, until she had amassed a little more than US$150,000.

Then, she made what people in Hattiesburg are calling “The Gift.” She donated her entire savings to black college students in Mississippi.

“I know it won’t be too many years before I pass on… so I planned to do this. I planned it myself,” she was quoted as saying. She also said, “I wanted to share my wealth with the children.”

“Live simply,” someone once said, “so that others may simply live.”

The biggest obstacle to peace is anti-Moro sentiment (Closing statement of H. Marcos C. Mordeno, chair of MindaNews, at the Media Roundtable Discussion on the Bangsamoro Basic Law at the Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, 21 February 2015) We may have different views of and attitudes toward the peace process in general and the Bangsamoro Basic Law in particular. Let’s accept the fact that not all of us are in favor of the BBL. Some are opposing it simply because they have deep-seated biases against the Moro as a people. Some are opposing it because they believe it violates certain provisions in the Constitution.

Others have reservations if the law will indeed bring about lasting peace in Mindanao.

I don’t mind how you view the BBL. That is your right. I too have some questions about specific provisions of the

PEACETALK

BY H. MARCOS C. MORDENO proposed law. But I am convinced that we should give it a chance. For we might not have another chance for a peaceful resolution to this decades-old conflict that has claimed 120,000 lives, half of them civilians, although the BBL is just one of the requisites for peace.

Surely, if somebody asks you now if you want another war, your answer will be a big “No”. But the opposite appears to be the prevailing sentiment among many if you’re following the news and if you’re reading the posts on Facebook.

And many of those calling for blood have neither experienced war nor witnessed its brutality.

Media itself, especially Manila me-

dia, is contributing to the confusion and bigotry. Consider: reporters and news anchors in Manila hardly, if ever, mentioned the fact that aside from the 44 Special Action Force commandos, 18 MILF fighters and four or five civilians were also killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. This begs the question: Had the MILF sustained more casualties than the SAF, would the public reaction be the same? Judging by how media has treated the incident, which it insisted was a massacre even if both sides were armed to the teeth, we know what the answer is.

The point I’m trying to deliver is that the biggest obstacle is not the technical and legal issues surrounding the BBL. the biggest obstacle is the anti-Moro sentiment that many of us still harbor in our hearts and minds. From the cyberspace to the halls of Congress, at no

time has this sentiment been more pronounced. Read the news reports, read the posts on Facebook. Listen to my favorite Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who likes to flaunt his ignorance of history as the truth we should adhere to.

Now the question: Should we allow the peace process to be held hostage by the outrage over the Mamasapano encounter? Do we judge the sincerity of the MLF based on an incident that produced tragic results mainly because if inept planning and inept execution?

Or do we judge their sincerity on the 17 years of negotiation?

I have more questions in mind. But let this suffice for now. In closing, allow me to share a word of wisdom from Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese sage of war: No country has benefited from prolonged warfare.

Thank you very much.

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

A

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Google, 3 wireless carriers team up against Apple Pay

IMING to undercut Apple’s latest hit service, Google is teaming up with three major U.S. wireless carriers to prod more people into using its mobile wallet.

The counterattack announced Monday is just the latest example of how the competition between Google Inc. and Apple Inc. is extending beyond the technology industry’s traditional boundaries. Besides payments, Silicon Valley’s two richest companies are expanding into fields such as home appliances and cars to increase their power and profits.

Google’s latest volley calls for its payment service to be built into Android smartphones sold by AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA later this year.

Smartphone owners currently have to download the service, called Google Wallet, and install the app on their phone if they want to use it to buy something instead of pulling out cash or a credit card.

Apple’s rival service, Apple Pay, already comes embedded in the latest versions of the company’s mobile software.

Besides trying to make it more convenient to use Wallet, Google also is hoping to improve the nearly 4-yearold service. Toward that end, Google Inc. is buying some mobile payment technology and patents from Softcard, a

5-year-old venture owned by the wireless carriers. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

Although Google and the wireless carriers got a head start with their digital wallets, the concept hadn’t gained much traction until Apple Pay debuted last fall.

The service has become more popular than Apple expected, according to a recent presentation by CEO Tim Cook.

Just three months after Apple Pay’s November debut, Cook said the service accounted for two out of every three dollars spent across the three major U.S. card networks, when no card was used. About 2,000 banks and credit unions have agreed to offer Apple Pay to its customers. Apple hasn’t said how many merchants are set up to handle its mobile payment services.

If Apple builds on that early momentum, the Cupertino, California, company could become the leader in what is expected to be a booming market. Nearly 16 million U.S. consumers spent about $3.5 billion on tap-and-pay services last year, according to the research firm eMarketer.

By 2018, eMarketer predicts those figures will rise to 57 million U.S. consumers spending about $118 billion.

Companies that provide mobile wallets make money

DIGITAL WALLET. In this file photo, a person tries a smartphone loaded with Google Wallet at the National Retail Federation in New York. Google is teaming up with three major US wireless carriers in an effort to prod more people into using its mobile wallet and undercut the rapid success of Apple’s rival payment service. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) by collecting processing fees from merchants and banks.

Samsung Electronics, another major smartphone maker, may be ready to join the fray after buying a mobile payment startup called LoopPay. That deal, announced last week, fueled speculation that Samsung will include a digital

wallet on its next phone.

Apple Pay’s popularity probably helped forge the unlikely alliance between Google and the wireless carriers.

Google traditionally has had a prickly relationship with the carriers, largely because it doesn’t believe enough has been done to upgrade wire-

less networks and make them cheaper so more people can spend more time online. Media reports say Google is considering selling its own wireless plans to consumers.

The pre-installation of the Wallet app is similar to what Google already does with its search engine, Gmail

and YouTube on millions of other phones running on Android — an operating system that Google has been giving away for years to ensure people keep using its products on mobile devices. Google profits from the traffic by showing ads. MICHAEL LIEDTKE, AP Technology Writer

Jimmy Page revels in new Led Zeppelin re-masters J IMMY Page started the project because he couldn’t believe how bad Led Zeppelin sounded.

The legacy of the band he’d devoted much of his life to was being muddied by the way its classic studio albums sounded when reproduced on the ubiquitous MP3 players that are popular today.

RE-MASTERED. British musician Jimmy Page of rock group Led Zeppelin, speaks during an interview with Associated Press in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Instead of accepting that future generations would have to hear a cramped, compressed version of Led Zep’s sonic booms, Page has devoted several years to completely re-mastering the band’s extensive catalog in a labor of love — “Physical Graffiti,” which was released on Tuesday.

“This whole re-mastering process is a result of listening to Led Zeppelin on MP3. It almost sounds as if someone has got into the master tapes and done a really horrendous mix of it,” Page said of the MP3 versions in a recent interview. “It just wasn’t representative of what we’d done in the first place. So many textures were missing. The whole beauty of Led Zeppelin, the air of it, these instruments coming in here and here and over here, was just totally destroyed.”

The re-mas-

tering has taken several years, and the new editions include previously unreleased companion disks of outtakes, live performances and alternate versions of many songs.

Page listened to hundreds of hours of tapes looking for gems. The 71-year-old guitar master, who wears his long silvery hair in a ponytail, is confident that the new versions will last and be easily adapted for the next round of technological innovation.

“At this point, we’re prepared for whatever may come, as far as high-resolution digital,” he said. “And we have the new versions on high quality vinyl, the CDs and digital.

The object of the exercise has been achieved.”

Page is part of a select group of British guitarists — Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards and a few others — who emerged in the mid-’60s to put a new take on American rock ‘n’

roll. They were for the most part self-taught, Page said, and the technology they relied on was primitive indeed: They would buy singles of American songs designed to be played at 45 rpm and played them instead at 33 rpm, the speed designated for long playing records, not singles.

Page listened to Elvis Presley’s singles this way — to decode the guitar work — and Ricky Nelson, whose session guitarist was the revered James Burton.

“The way we all learned was from records,” he said. “You’d put on the 45, slow it down to 33, and try to work out these solos, note for note. That’s it. Everyone learned that way, as far as I can tell.

“I’d save up my pocket money and get every Ricky Nelson single, because you knew James Burton wasn’t go to let you down, ever,” Page added. GREGORY KATZ, Associated Press

11 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Phl Eagle conservation project wins int’l award

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

PROJECT initiated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has been declared one of the two winners of the first ever Innovation Prize for outstanding ideas and concepts in

File photo by Henrylito D. Tacio

financial tropical forest conservation given by the International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF).

ISTF, based at the Yale University, has chosen PEF as the winner of the US$500 Prize for “its holistic forest biodiversity conservation in the Arakan Valley through ‘corridors’ and stepping stones.’”

Arakan Valley is located in North Cotabato. Originally a lowland tropical forest, it has already lost 94 percent of its forest cover. “What remains are confined in three forest islands, two of which are global KBAs,” the ISTF said in a statement posted in its website (www.istf.yale. edu).

KBAs, which stands for Key Biodiversity Areas, are globally significant sites for biodiversity conservation identified using universal standards. They include Important Bird Areas (IBAs), Important Plant Areas (IPAs), Important Sites for Freshwater Biodiversity, Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in the High Seas and Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites.

“Using a landscape restoration framework crafted by various stakeholders, a revitalized Arakan Forest Corridor Development Program (AFCDP) began in 2010,” the ISTF statement said.

The AFCDP is a multi-year initiative that combines forest management, poverty alleviation, resource

mobilization, local capacity building, advocacy and education to restore the social-ecological resiliency of the Arakan landscape and its predominantly poor, rural inhabitants.

Currently, 6,000 hectares of the KBAs are legally protected with clear management regimes that also conserve Philippine Eagle, which has been identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a “threatened species.”

“Native trees were also re-planted in 370 hectares of non-forest areas around ‘core zones’ through small-holder ‘rainforestation’ approaches, with census showing a 60 percent average survival rate in successful reforestation plots,” the ISTF statement said.

Using a “sustainable livelihoods framework” approach, the well-being of 200 indigenous households performing clear environmental services is also being secured.

“During the previous year, household annual income has tripled from rainforestation fees,” the statement further said. “Basic education, health and livelihood support were also facilitated as ‘conservation incentives.’

“Sustainable conservation financing and ‘in-kind’ incentives are brokered through ‘conservation agreements’ between communities and their government, private and corporate benefactors,” it added.

So far, the project has mobilized US $ 316,000 of funding through the innovative ‘private-public-community’ partnerships.

Some 36 hectares of small, natural forests patches within production landscapes that are wildlife ‘stepping stones’ in between core zones “will be rehabilitated and expanded through a private-landholder restoration initiative.”

Less than 400 pairs of Philippine eagles can be found in the country and about half of them are living in the forests of Mindanao. The Phil-

ippine Eagle Center in Davao City houses more than a dozen pairs.

“The Philippine eagle is the largest predator we have,” Dennis Salvador, PEF executive director, points out. “By using the Philippine eagle as the focal point of conservation, we are, in the process, saving wildlife and their habitat.”

The Philippine eagle is second only to the Madagascar sea eagle in rarity. In size, it beats the American bald eagle; it is the world’s second largest -- after the Harpy eagle of Central and South America.

This bird of prey was first discovered in 1896 by English naturalist John Whitehead in Samar.

The other winner was the MACO Initiative which was awarded US$2,500. It has been cited as “an example of rural-urban ‘idea innovation flow’ for water and land conservation.”

This project is located in Northern Honduras, in the municipality of Olanchito. The place is described as “a highly biodiverse region that harbors several unique and threatened species and faces numerous pressures tied to deforestation, including drought and forest fires, cattle ranching, and slash-and-burn agriculture.”

The two projects were chosen for addressing the following: conserving biodiversity across multiple-use landscapes, creating long-term conservation benefits, achieving conservation results that are measurable and sustainable, working with different stakeholders across sectors, and using innovative tools for biodiversity conservation or landscape design.

The other criteria for selection include : implemented or in the process of implementation; environmental impact, social inclusiveness, economic soundness and originality; lead by a local organization in a developing tropical country; and has multidisciplinary research and teams.

Zambo Sur town receives Gawad Kalusugan Award

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) has awarded the town of Dumingag the Gawad Kalusugan Award for effectively implementing the smoking ban in offices and public places.

Dumingag Municipal Administrator Richard Butch Cabilan said Saturday they received a plaque and a check worth P500,000 during the DOH Red Orchid Awards 2014 ceremony held Friday at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Cabilan said that Dumingag Mayor Nacianceno Pacalioga and five of his department heads attended the awarding ceremony.

Cabilan said the town

of Dumingag received the award after achieving 100 percent smoke-free municipality.

He said Dumingag municipality has also been inducted into the Hall of Fame 2014 Awardees since it was the third time the town received the Gawad Kalusugan Award.

He said the P500,000 prize will be used to purchased equipment for the hospital of Dumingag town in compliance to the DOH guidelines.

Dumingag, which comprises of 44 barangays, is a second class municipality of this province. The town has a population of 46,500 as of the 2010 census. (PNA)

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

Mobile: (Sun) 0925-357-3460 (Smart) 0907-202-3844

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

INdulge!

FOOD LOVE it or not, Durianburg loves meat.

From thick slab pork chops to fall-off the bone ribs, Dabawenyos just cannot get enough it and TGIFridays understood that by bringing back their much-beloved Jack Daniel’s Triple Barrel Combo.

Grilled to perfection and slathered in TGIFridays’ trademark Jack Daniel’s sauce, it is hard to resist not to order a platter.

“The Jack Daniel’s sauce has always been a Fridays signature, we want our Jack Daniel’s favourites in one platter for everyone to share and enjoy,” said Guia Abuel VP Operations. “The combos come in huge portions and are meant for sharing. Aside from this, all Tripple Barrel Combos also come with refillable rice. This means groups can enjoy an order that gives more value for money - a characteristic that has made TGIFridays one of the most popular restaurants in the country.”

There are three Jack Daniel’s Triple Barrel combo sets to choose from, Salmon, Chicken & Chop featuring Norwegian salmon fillet, roasted chicken and grilled tender pork chop glazed with Jack Daniel’s sauce; Chicken, Chop and Shrimp consisting of roasted chicken, grilled tender pork chop and deep fried battered shrimp with a Jack Daniel’s dipping sauce; and Ribs, Chop & Shrimp that includes a half rack of Cajun-spiced pork ribs, grilled tender pork chop and deep-fried battered shrimps.

I loved the fall-off the bone tender ribs which were flavourful with a nice smoky and sweet

Ribs, Chops and Shrimp.

taste thanks to the Jack Daniel’s Sauce. The thickcut pork chop also tender and juicy and also pairs well with the sauce.

Aside from all the rice you can eat, all Jack Daniel’s Triple Barrel combos also come with corn on the cob, seasonal vegetables, and TGIFriday’s signature Jack Daniel’s sauce which is perfect to spoon over the piping hot rice.

TGIFridays is located at the ground floor restaurant row entrance of the Abreeza Mall. For updates on TGIFridays latest offers, like them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/TGIFridaysPhilippines and follow them on Twitter at @TGIFridays and Instagram at @tgifridaysph. For reservations call (82) 321-9567.

TGIFridays is part of the Bistro Group who also introduced Italianni’s and Bulgogi Brothers in Davao.

Share your travel and food stories in, around, and beyond Durianburg on my Twitter or Instagram account @kennethkingong. I would be happy to hear from you.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

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JACK COMES BACK

Chicken, chop and shrimp.

Roxane serving up a Jack Daniel’s Triple Barrel platter.

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UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

FOOD

A rare and extra filling catch at McDonald’s: The Double Filet-O-Fish TWO PIECES are better than one, as proven by Filipinos’ love for the 2-piece Chicken McDo and Double Cheeseburger. This time, the Filet-O-Fish also doubles the delight it offers to customers with the new Double Filet-O-Fish.

Starting February 17, McDonald’s Philippines brings good news for those fishing for a delicious and filling treat. Customers can now enjoy a hearty serving of the Double Filet-O-Fish, made of two light and flaky fish fillets, a slice of melted cheese with tangy tartar sauce, sandwiched between soft steamed buns.

Ever wonder why the Filet-O-Fish buns are extra soft? It’s the only McDonald’s favorite hand-held product that uses steamed buns and you can also enjoy the same soft, warm and savory bite in a Double Filet-O-Fish.

The Double Filet-O-Fish and even the classic Filet-O-Fish are available all day at any McDonald’s nationwide.

Catch this for a limited time only!

Enjoy it best with McDonald’s World Famous Fries and a refreshing cold drink via DineIn, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery (86-2-36, www.mcdelivery.com.ph, or the McDo PH app).

Share your love for McDonald’s Double FiletO-Fish by joining the conversation at McDonald’s official Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/ McDo.ph or official Twitter and Instagram handle: @ McDo_PH.

Afternoon tea and biscuits with

MARKS & SPENCER TEA comes in different flavors and profiles—cooling and astringent flavor, slightly bitter, or gives the hints of sweet, floral, grassy or nutty notes.

bush are hand picked for this blend, when they’re just at the right stage of maturity. The gentle handling and careful selection means that the leaves aren’t bruised or damaged before the tea making proForm its origins as me- cess begins. dicinal drink in China, tea To ensure high qualfound its way to the West. ity, all the M&S teas use a Drinking tea became range of carefully chosen fashionable among Brit- teas from some the world’s ons in the 17th century best known tea-growing and its consumption was countries, all checked and elevated to a social event. tasted by our expert tea Today, majority of the blenders. population of the United Kingdom enjoys tea, mak- 80 EVERYDAY TEAing it as one of the coun- BAGS. M&S Everyday Tea try’s cultural beverages. has a smooth, refreshing In tea parties and after- flavor, perfect for drinking noon teas, the beverage is at any time of the day. served with scones, clotted creams and jams.

BREAKFAST BLEND While different cultures TEABAGS. M&S Breakprepare this aromatic bev- fast tea has a lively, brisk erage differently, from flavor that’s a great pickthe simple pouring of hot me-up and naturally rewater over cured leaves freshing. to a ceremonial affair, it’s the teabag phenomenon LUXURY GOLD TEAthat gave “easy access” to BAGS. Teas destined for enjoying the most widely M&S Luxury Gold are consumed beverage in the always specially preserved world, after water. at origin to retain their From the UK to Davao, exceptional flavors. M&S IT’S BABY SALE AT BABY COMPANY! Looking for good deals for your Marks & Spencer brings a Luxury Gold Tea is unlike little ones? Shop at Baby Company’s Baby Sale and enjoy up to 50% collection of flavorful teas any other tea, with a ‘true’ discount on select items. And if you’re a Mom Card member, you in teabags. tea flavor- full, yet natuget a Free Animal LED Lamp for a minimum single-receipt purchase The Marks & Spencer rally smooth and sweet. worth P3,000 of any Baby Company items. Promo runs on March 1 to 31, 2015 only. Baby Sale is sponsored by Nivea Baby, Mamy Poko, teabags contain only the Cetaphil and Giant Carrier. soft, young leaves of the EXTRA STRONG TEA-

BAGS. M&S Extra Strong tea has a rich flavor that’s deliciously full-bodied without tasting stewed.

GREEN TEA TEABAGS. M&S Green Tea is light, delicate and refreshingly crisp.

DECAFFEINATED TEABAGS M&S decaffeinated tea has a smooth, refreshing flavour, perfect for drinking at any time of the day.

Pair any of the M&S tea flavors with one or more of the rich-tasting M&S tea biscuits, you are ready to host your own tea party.

DARK CHOCOLATE JAFFA CAKE. Golden

sponge topped with tangy orang and half coated in dark chocolate.

REDCURRANT PUFFS. Light and golden puff pastry biscuits, with a fruity filling made with redcurrant juice.

BLUEBERRY PUFFS. Light and golden puff pastry biscuits, with a fruity filling made with blueberry juice.

SHORTBREAD FINGERS, LUXURY SHORTBREAD ROUNDS, SHORTBREAD SELECTIONS. Rich, Buttery shortbread biscuits baked in Scotland to our exclusive recipe.

DUTCH SHORTCAKE CHOC. Melt in the mouth shortcake, dipped in Belgian Milk Chocolate.

OAT CRUNCH BISCUITS. Packed full of rolled oats.

DIGESTIVE BISCUITS. Made with demerara sugar for crispier, crunchier texture.

RICH TEA FINGER BISCUIT. Made with melted barley, perfect to dunk.

CUSTARD CREAMS BISCUIT. Sandwiched with smooth vanilla flavor cream.

MILK CHOCOLOATE DIGESTIVES. Digestive biscuit half coated in smooth milk chocolate.

DARK CHOCOLATE DIGESTIVES. Digestive biscuit half coated in smooth dark chocolate.

Enjoy your favorite M&S teas and M&S tea biscuits at a discount.

From February 22 to March 21, Marks & Spencer is offering a 30% discount on traditional teas and 15% discount on tea biscuits.

Marks & Spencer stores are located at Abreeza Mall, Level I (082) 3217231 to 32; and at SM Lanang Premier, Ground Floor, (082)-2850-654.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Shaina and JC team up for the first time in “MMK”

SHAINA MAGDAYAO and JC De Vera will play college friends who have secret feelings for each other in the upcoming episode of ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” this Saturday (February 28).

What will Andrew (to be played by JC) and Bea (to be played by Shaina) do when romance sparks between them years after college and now that the latter is already married to another man?

Also part of the “MMK” episode are Lito Pimentel, Daisy Reyes, Louise Abuel, Mariann Flores, Joseph Bitangcol, Ahron Villena, Paco Evangelista, and Jose Sarasola. It is directed by Raz De La Torre and written by Benson Logronio.”MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos and creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

Capturing the hearts

DINGDONG DANTES FOR PARI ‘KOY. Last Wednesday, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes has started taping for GMA-7’s upcoming drama series, Pari ‘Koy. His first taping day was held at Boso Boso, Antipolo together with director Maryo J. Delos Reyes.

The award-winning actor is very excited for the program as this is the first time that he will be portraying a role of a priest. Pari ‘Koy is set to air this March on GMA Telebabad.

of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 23 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has legions of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the real-life narratives of the show’s letter-senders.

Don’t miss the longest-

running drama anthology in Asia, “MMK,” every Saturday at 7:15PM after “Home Sweetie Home” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to MMK. abs-cbn.com, follow @ MMKOfficial on Twitter, and like Facebook.com/ MMKOfficial.

Tweet your thoughts

about this Saturday’s episode by using the hashtag #MMKOneChance.

Meanwhile, viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “MMK” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www. abscbnmobile.com.

Miggs Cuaderno receives Ani ng Dangal KAPUSO NETWORK congratulates award-winning child actor Miggs Cuaderno for being one of this year’s Ani ng Dangal awardees.

Ani ng Dangal is a state recognition given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. It aims to recognize Filipino talents who have been awarded and honoured internationally.

Miggs was recognized for his outstanding por-

trayal in Quick Change wherein he played as the nephew of Mimi Jureza’s character Dorina. He was

hailed as Best Actor at the 20th Chéries-Chéris Paris Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in France

last year ‘Quick Change’ is a film written and directed by Eduardo W. Roy Jr. It is about a life of Dorina, a middle-aged transsexual looking for his niche amidst the complexities of the world he is in. The story revolves on suffering, acceptance and hope.

Meanwhile, Miggs is currently part of Kapuso Network’s primetime series Second Chances which airs Monday to Friday after Once Upon a Kiss.

Vicky Morales is 2015 Adamson Media Awardee GMA News pillar Vicky Morales was hailed as the Adamson Media Awardee for 2015 in a ceremony held at the Adamson Theater last February 18.

Morales, who co-anchors GMA’s flagship primetime newscast 24 Oras and hosts public affairs programs Wish Ko Lang (GMA) and Good News (GMA News TV), is the fourth Kapuso news personality to receive the accolade following Howie Severino (2011), Jessica Soho (2012), and Kara David (2013).

Besting 118 candidates from broadcast, print, and new media, Morales won through a survey conducted in select partner communities of Adamson University (AdU)

February 25 - March 3, 2015

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson R16

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

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL YOU Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla PG

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

FOCUS Will Smith, Margot Robbie

and via a vote-casting among the various departments of AdU. Now on its fifth year, The Adamson Media Award recognizes media practitioners whose works

“advocate poverty alleviation, education, and public information” and create “awareness among the public of the different critical and social issues” in the country.

R13

R-16

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

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY / * PREDESTINATION Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan / * Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook R18 / * R16

12:40 | 3:15 LFS / * 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

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FOOD

RoyalChef attends

SINGAPORE CULINARY CLASS

ANYTIME I want to explore a new place, I indulge. In other words, I eat. I try to sample and savor as many local dishes as I can and replicate their taste using local ingredients. However, as a foodie, I also believe that learning how they cook and prepare their dishes is another way of understanding their culture.

I have been fortunate enough to enroll and participate in a culinary class whenever I’m soul searching. It’s part of who I am. . . I love to eat and I also love to cook. Personally, I just love to challenge myself by mingling with the locals and be enthralled by the power of their tongues as they cook and prepare the meal.

Last year, it was in Singapore that I found myself spending a considerable amount of time in trying to find myself. Just because I want to learn, I took hold of my curiosity and heeded the call. Enrolling myself in a pastry class was most definitely out of my reach. I have never been one to have the patience to bake. This time, I told myself I have to do this before I end up regretting the opportunity to do so.

The chef was nice. My classmates were homemakers and I was the only foreigner in the group.

Also, the only single one in the group. It was fine by me. Of the many classes I took, I most especially like this one because the cookies were easy to make and just needed a handful of ingredients. In short, it was a no fuss class that I can breeze through. Boy, I

was wrong.

Don’t get me wrong.

The class was fun. You were given the opportunity to ask questions and see how the cookies were made from scratch. No, it

was not a hands on class.

Nevertheless, the class was full of surprises as the chef-instructor would talk in their native tongue while the class was going on. I would always find my hand rising for queries and feel their eyes piercing right through me with a spark of curiosity. It was awkward on my end but my seatmate, who was a mother of 2 boys (28 and 21), was so nice that she’d translate for me. Thank you Mrs. Chen, who happened to be my neighbor.

The recipes were for Sesame Cookies and German Cookies that literally melts in your mouth. The

former was so fragrant that you’d want to take one and pop in your mouth in an instant while the latter only needed 5 ingredients to make. At the end of the class, we were each given a box of freshly baked cookies to take home.

This year, I intend to take another set of classes and enjoy mingling with the locals. Of where I would be, that’s a tough question even I could not answer!

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

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Barangay executive arrested in SoCot buy-bust operation

NTI-DRUG operatives arrested late Tuesday night an elected barangay official in Banga town in South Cotabato in a drug buy-bust operation in the area.

Agent Vince Lachica, public information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12, identified the suspect as Emmanuel Recto Malala, 36, an incumbent councilor of

Barangay Improgo in Banga.

He said the suspect was nabbed at his residence around 10:20 p.m. after allegedly selling a sachet of metamphetamine hydrocholoride or shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as a buyer.

Recovered from the suspect were four small plastic packs containing a gram of suspected shabu with a Dangerous Drugs Board value of P7,500 and P500 marked

money, he said.

“We subjected the suspect to casing and surveillance after receiving a tip from a local informant about his illegal activities,” he told MindaNews.

Prior to the operation, Lachica said they conducted several test-buys on the suspect that all yielded positive.

“We tagged him as a priority target since he is actively involved in the selling

of shabu and he’s an elected official at the same time,” he said.

Lachica said the suspect, who is currently detained at the lockup of the PDEA regional office here, will be charged for selling and possession of illegal drugs as provided for in Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Malala, who is currently

on his second term as barangay councilor of Improgo in Banga, is the first elected official to have been arrested in Region 12 this year in connection with the illegal drug trade.

In the previous years, police and PDEA agents arrested several barangay officials in the region in various anti-drug raids.

South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes earlier

13

confirmed that several elected officials in the province were being monitored by local authorities due to their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade and other related activities.

She said the concerned officials were placed in the area’s drug watch list based on intelligence information gathered by local police units and the PDEA. (MindaNews)

KALILANGAN FESTIVAL. General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera with Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Councilor Shandee Lledo, Councilor Franklin Gacal, Councilor Elizabeth Bagonoc, Chancellor Atty. Abdurrahman Canacan, Chairman Kristoffer Millado, Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo of Malungon finally open the 2015 Kalilangan Festival.

14 NEWS

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7160 or the “Local Government Code of 1991.”

He said the allocation for the project sourced from loan from Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) is actually intended for the building of crematorium of the city.

The crematorium was supposed to be built during the administration of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio but was not pursued after the new administration took over.

“What actually transpired, the records, the committee report would show that this have not passed through a re-alignment of the budget,” Lopez said.

The SP could be guilty for some sort of technical malversation of public funds in approving SB 1, according to Lopez.

“For me I would not be a party of this because I strongly believe that ordinance that this body has passed must be respected,” he said.

Aside from the technicality, Lopez said that he

was not satisfied with the presentation of ordinance proponent Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang.

He said Dayanghirang’s presentation did not include reports on why LBP should be given the loan facility.

Aside from this, Lopez said he is not also in favor of the procurement of additional garbage bins, saying the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) did not learn from past mistakes.

“It is just we just buy these garbage bins but not in any way learn from the lessons of why the garbage bins that we have purchased before,” Lopez said.

“There was no program presented on how we can protect the money of the people and in making sure that the storage bins that they are purchasing will extend it life,” he added.

Despite Lopez’s opposition, the SP still approved the ordinance through nominal voting.

ommending them to apply with the PNP. Sepulchre said the MOU will be a big help to the police in recruiting the “best of best applicants” in the service.

For his part, PRO 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera said the recruitment procedure of the PNP is very strict.

“Out of the 700-plus na nag apply na mahimong

police sa Davao Region, mga 200 lang ang nakapasa, so makita jud nimo nga strikto kaayo ang recruitment sa mga pulis,” Rivera said.

He said all applicants need to pass a neuro test first before they are hired by the PNP. Rivera said the neuro test is the single biggest reason recruits fail to enter the PNP.

modation establishments in 2014 with more than 5,000 accommodation units.

Among the big accommodation facilities here are Apo View Hotel with 156 accomodations; Casa Leticia Boutique Hotel with 42; Gran Men Seng Hotel with 70; Microtel by Wyndham-Davao with 51; Grand Regal Hotel with 217; Linmarr Apartelle with 48; Marco Polo Davao with 245; Park Inn by Radis-

son Davao with 204; and The Pinnacle with 214.

To further support the growth in the tourism industry, Cortez said that investors are encouraged to construct theme parks, leisure resorts, retirement villages, cultural heritage projects and tourist service providers.

Cortez also said that five other hotels also expressed interest in investing in the city. CHENEEN R. CAPON

He said that the Basilan-based ASG were forced to consolidate with Sulu compatriots due to pressure exerted by local government units and their security forces.

Cabunoc said that the ASG sustained several casualties in the encounter as government forces were able to locate their locations and ambush them.

He added that five ASG bandits were definitely confirmed killed by pursuing soldiers but their compatriots were able to drag clear the bodies along with those wounded.

Cabunoc said field artillery units and Philippine Air Force MD MG-520 attack helicopters pounded bandit positions, further pressuring the ASG. Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said they pounded with artillery fire and air strikes

to softened the positions of the ASG bandits as the fighting rages.

Arrojado said they immediately coordinated with the police as well as ordered the different detachments to set up blocking positions and checkpoints to prevent the escape of the ASG bandits.

He said the move was also aimed to prevent the ASG bandits from extricating their wounded companions.

Muyuela, meanwhile said the ongoing operation aimed to capture or neutralize ASG bandits headed by Hatib Sawadjaan.

“Operation is a joint effort of the AFP , Philippine National Police and LGU in Sulu to seize lawless elements responsible in the series of kidnappings and other atrocities in the province of Sulu and adjacent areas,” she said. (PNA)

The commercial area of Seawind is also expected to be constructed by the last quarter of this year.

“The two-story commercial building can accommodate up to 20 locators,” Lagdameo said. “We are planning to talk with food chains like Chowking, Jollibee, or McDonalds perhaps to be our locators.”

The two-story commercial building will replace the existing commercial strip in the area.

Lagdameo said homeowners will have access on the commercial area even inside the community.

“We envision Seawind as a complete community where homeowners have easy access to establishments that can provide their daily requirements,” Lagdameo said. “We are also thinking of inviting a daycare center owner.”

Only 27 percent of the total 2.7 area will be developed for residential area.

“This development will be spacious. We intend to put a lot of parking spaces as well as two ponds where homeowners can spend their

leisure period,” Lagdameo said, adding that the homeowners will be able to have a glimpse of the Samal Island on their windows and balconies once the development is done.

“We projected that the development will be finished six years from now.

We allot a year in constructing each condominiums,” he said.

The six condominiums will have a total of 1,064 units with the first three buildings having 163 units, while the last three will have 192 units each.

Units will have a minimum size of 37 square meters (sqm.) but homeowners can own up to 74 sqm.

“We want to give our homeowners a decent home living,” Lagdameo said.

Seawind is DLI’s first vertical development project that is intended for the middle class market where most of housing backlogs are recorded.

“We will build Seawind not because everyone’s into it but because we see that there’s a demand that should be addressed,” Lagdameo said.

The selling price of each unit will start at P1.6-million.

CRC

“While the November report showed lower disbursements compared to the previous month’s performance, this can be attributed largely to better management of government’s lending, our debt, and subsidies to GOCCs. This reflects the National Government’s progress in keeping down costs that don’t involve crucial projects and programs,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

While some of the drop in performance was attributed to the slower utilization of Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) by agencies -- driven by contractions in spending by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) -- a large part of this decrease was derived from spending less on non-NCA items including net lending, tax subsidies, and interest payments.

Non-NCA disbursements in November of 2014 amounted to P10.3 billion, 27.5 percent lower than in the previous year.

November net lending topped at P3.8 billion in 2014, which was comprised of a loan to the National Development Company (NDC). This is compared to the P12.0 billion in

advances made to the Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC) in 2013.

Abad said, “Though agencies were slower to use their NCAs in November, we’re confident that spending in December 2014 would have ended on a strong note. What’s more, we feel government expenditure is on the right track for 2015. We can attribute this to the release of employee YearEnd Bonuses, the passage of the 2014 Supplemental Budget, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).”

In terms of allotments made by DBM to agencies, the report said 95 percent of the P2.265-trillion 2014 National Budget had already been released by the end of November—higher by 12.6 percent than in November of 2013.

Abad said, “Thanks to the General Appropriations Act as-Release Document (GAARD) regime, the DBM ensured the 2014 National Budget was made available to the agencies in a timely manner.

This quick release, together with the increase in disbursements as of November’s end, helped us get some momentum to push government spending for projects and programs.” (PNA)

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the matter to PC-JPIC, which immediately elevated it to labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) and the Geneva-based International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF).

Sentro and IUF later sought the intervention of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through its consulate in Manado, for the repatriation of the jailed fishermen, he said.

Joshua Mata, Sentro secretary general, said they practically “rescued” the 43 fishermen from the “inhuman situation” at the Indonesian jail.

He said some of the fishermen complained that they were physically abused by their jailers and were not fed properly.

The labor group sent one of its staff members based in this city to Ternate, Indonesia last Feb. 20 to facilitate the return travel of the fishermen, he said.

Mata said the move was aimed to ensure that all 43 fishermen were issued their tickets and proper travel documents.

Herbert Demos, Sentro staff member, said he was shocked upon seeing the condition of the jailed fishermen.

“I am poor, and was raised in poverty, but I cannot eat what our compatriots were eating in Ternate. The rice they ate had more rice weevils (lice) than rice grains, but they had

no choice. I learned that sometimes they quarrel over food because of extreme hunger,” he said in a statement.

Mata blamed Citra Mina, the financier of the failed fishing expedition, for the sad plight of the jailed fishermen.

He said the fishermen and their families did not receive any help from the company during their ordeal.

Sentro and IUF shouldered the airfare of the repatriated fishermen and other travel and accommodation expenses.

The labor group gave a half sack of rice and a pack of grocery items to each of them upon their arrival here.

“Citra Mina should compensate all the fishermen for the whole time they were stuck in Ternate,” Mata said.

He said the company should also be investigated for its alleged involvement in illegal fishing activities But Fred Lumba, Citra Mina spokesperson, claimed that the company had provided assistance to the fishermen.

He explained that the 43 fishermen were not company workers but under the employ of the fishing boat operator. “(The company) gave them financial assistance for their fuel and food. They will just settle it upon their return with their harvest,” he said in an interview over TV Patrol Socsksargen.

“Even if they were not employees of Citra Mina, we still helped facilitate their repatriation,” Lumba added.

not see China giving up its claim on sovereignty, citing reports that China is currently building a base near Service Contract 72. ”In fact, if you read James Defence weekly, they’ve had several issues in the recent months in aviation week.

They have several photos, there are big rocks. They’re really developing. There’s an airstrip, there’s a naval facility, a small generating plant. It’s a foreword base,” he said.

The business tycoon maintained that Philex will not give up the service contract, hoping for the best in the future.

“Of course not (I won’t give up the contract). I believe it’s ours,” he said.

Petilla said Philex had to file another application

for the extension on Service Contract 72 and that the DOE only has to respond.

He said if nothing happens in the talks, he will allow the lifting of moratorium with the condition that Forum Energy is willing to do so.

Last year, Pangilinan said Forum targets to conduct a seismic survey in April or May 2015, with the appraisal of drilling in 2016.

Philex Petroleum Corporation owns 60.49 percent of Forum Energy, a UKbased upstream oil and gas company.

Meanwhile, Forum Energy holds a 70-percent stake in SC 72, with the remaining share held by Monte Oro Resources and Energy Inc. (PNA)

Forum...

FFROM 4

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21029453 under Loyola Contract No(s).

186447-9/NNN 400483674 issued to JOCELYN S. CASTILLO under Loyola Contract No(s). 519675-3 issued to GLOBASA, JOAQUIN were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

2/19/26/3/5

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Barcelona sinks Man City L

UIS Suarez showed the Premier League just what it’s been missing with a devastating double that gave Barcelona a 2-1 lead over 10-man Manchester City in the first-leg of their last-16 tie at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Liverpool star moved to the Nou Camp in the summer and gave a timely reminder of his talents with a pair of clinical finishes that leave Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s hopes of making the last eight hanging by a thread.

The Uruguayan’s first was a sizzling reaction shot after his flick-on deflected back

to him off Vincent Kompany while his second was a poacher’s finish inside the six-yard box following lovely build-up play between Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.

Dani Alves then clipped the bar with an audacious effort and Joe Hart brilliantly thwarted both Suarez and Messi as the visitors completely bossed the first half.

City desperately needed a response and improved after the break with Edin Dzeko heading a gilt-edged opportunity straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Sergio Aguero drilled inches wide.

The hosts’ Argentine hitman wasn’t to be denied though and lifted a wonderful effort into the net from David Silva’s delightful flick to give the Citizens hope.

But it all-but evaporated soon after when Gael Clichy received a second yellow for a foul on Alves leaving Barca to see out what was looking like a nervy finale with a man advantage.

Messi could have added icing to the Catalans’ cake but saw a late penalty saved by Hart as City kept their slim chances of pulling off a shock turnaround alive.

turn will be determined after the operation.

It’s unclear when Rose re-injured the knee. He appeared to be rounding into form last month, averaging 22.6 points over his final 14 games before the All-Star break, but he had struggled since returning to the court after the time off.

Rose had eight points on 1-for-13 shooting while playing almost 33 minutes in Monday night’s 87-71 victory over Milwaukee. He averaged 10.7 points on 23.5 percent shooting in Chicago’s first three games after the break.

It’s quite a blow for the surging Bulls, who have won six of seven and appeared to be picking up steam after a tough stretch.

Rose has been dogged by injuries since he won the MVP award. He was limited to 39 games during the 2011-12 season, and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Game 1 of the 2012 playoffs against Philadelphia. He missed the next season altogether, and then last season was cut short by the right knee surgery.

Rose, 26, is averaging 18.4 points and 5.0 assists in 46 games this season.

Rose out indefinitely with knee injury

B Barcelona’s Luis Suarez, right, controls the ball as Manchester City’s Gael Clichy looks on during the Champions League Round of 16 soccer match between Manchester City and Barcelona at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Roach believes Pacman could knock out slower Mayweather

F

REDDIE Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s trainer during his ascent to the top of the boxing world, thinks that his ward has enough not just to beat Floyd Mayweather but knock him out.

“I think Manny beats Floyd, breaks him down, and knocks him out before it’s over,” Roach said in an interview with Michael Woods of Ring Magazine.

“In watching Floyd’s career, he’s definitely slowed

W

down somewhat,” the trainer said. “Manny has also, everyone ages. But I think Manny’s legs are fresher than Floyd’s.

Against [Chris] Algieri, Manny boxed really good, good rounds the whole time.”

Roach, who is already studying tape of Mayweather while waiting for Pacquiao to fly to Los Angeles, noted that the undefeated American fighter takes rests during the fight. He added that this could be a point of attack.

“When Floyd sits down

E all have our first times.

First step. First word. First love.

First kiss. Whatever, the first, as they say, never dies.

Let me add to that. The first is very hard to get. The first is never given up that easy nor served on a silver platter. Oftentimes, you got to bleed.

It was William Edward Hickson who was credited with the saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.”

That in mind, I recall some years back, I was on the same flight with my kumpadres Nimrod Quinonez when he was still sports editor of The Freeman, one of Cebu’s major dailies, and Al Mendoza of Business Mirror the first time we played Alta Vista for the PAL Interclub media golf tournament years back.

Pareng Nim was struggling with his swing

ULLS star Derrick Rose will have surgery on his right knee for the second straight season, casting doubt on whether the once dynamic point guard will ever be the same after a series of injuries.

The team announced Tuesday night that Rose was feeling pain in his knee, and an exam and MRI confirmed a medial meniscus tear.

The 2011 NBA MVP played in only 10 games last season before he had surgery for the same injury in November 2013, shelving him for the year, but the Bulls said a timetable for his re-

and rests, Manny will catch him. Floyd is a defensive master. But he takes rests.

And the only place to do it is on the ropes,” Roach said.

“If Manny catches him on the ropes, Floyd can look at Manny, think he has pretty fast hands, punches pretty hard. But you don’t really feel it until you’re in there with him. He has devastating power, and he jumps in so suddenly. He still has the power and speed to get a KO.”

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is defended

by Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe during a game between Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns at the United Center. (Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports)

Nimrod’s time to shine

as he was LET’S GET IT ON obviously bothered by a slipped disc and a bad knee.

Sharing our misfortunes at the fairways, we both laughed our way to Neil Bravo another bad day at the golf course.

Two years ago, we were back at Alta Vista for another PAL Interclub media golf tournament and this time Pareng Nim is at the helm of the course as manager. This time, he played

the course with his familiarity advantage at the hilt. He was in contention after the Alta Vista round until he collapsed going into the Cebu Country Club round.

This year, my kumpadre finally tasted his first. How sweet it must be for my kumpadre.

And it happened right in his own turf at Alta Vista. Brandishing a comfortable 28 handicap and a fully recovered back, Pareng Nim nailed down his first ever PAL Interclub media title besting Vancouver-based Rey Fortaleza and Davao pride Imee Garcia, the lone lady in the field.

I messaged him right away and congratulated him. “Sayang pre, wala ka ngari (It’s regrettable that you are not here),” he messaged back.

Yeah, pardon the pun but I missed your defloration, if that’s an appropriate term. You

are no longer a golf ‘virgin’ as far as the PAL Interclub is concerned.

I am happy for Pareng Nim. He must have put a lot of work ethic in a year’s preparation to the Interclub. Congrats, too, to Pareng Al for a great ‘defensive’ work in the final day of the tournament. Perhaps, only the three of us, and another kumpadre, Jake Ayson, would understand this.

My first tournament win in any golf tournament has not come. Who knows it will come soon. Or maybe it will not come at all.

But I am a happy golf virgin for now.

We all have our firsts. Some are sweet.

Some bittersweet.

Just like Floyd Mayweather on May 2.

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

Grandeza leads Davao golfers

Manuel Edward Grandeza of the Davao City Golf Club chips onto the sixth hole during the 68th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament Men’s Regular at Cebu Golf and Country Club yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

M

ANUEL “Jun-Jun” Grandeza Jr. made his presence felt in his comeback at the opening of the 68th Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Men’s Regular Golf tournament at the Cebu Country Club.

Grandeza shot five birdies at hole nos. 1, 9, 10, 17 and 18 to score 32 points for the Davao City Golf Club. He also made five pars and seven bogeys but had one pick-up at the par 3 13th hole.

“I’m really very happy to be back playing in the PAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 244 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015

Interclub,” said Grandeza, who has recovered from an injured right hand due to a motorcycle accident a few years ago.

Grandeza got support from teammates Ludwig Van Ledesma (28), Andrew Bautista (26) and skipper Larry Pasquil (24).

However, their veteran teammate Benhur Villarosa forgot to sign his scorecard with 24 points and was disqualified.

“OK lang, Benhur’s score will also not count since only

Quiñones rules PAL Media golf tourney

the best four scores will be counted,” Pasquil said as Davao City tallied 110 points in the Founder’s Division of the 4-day event.

Ledesma birdied par 4 no.

10 and had 10 pars but got two pick-ups. Bautista, a rookie, had a birdie and six pars but also got two pick-ups.

Davao enjoys a two-point lead over Apo Golf and Country Club (108). Apo debuted with Joe Saavedra Jr. (29), Albernito de Castro (27), Leo Fusilero (27) and Toffee Tionko (25). Benjie Leparto

also scored 25 points but did not count.

Also seeing action for Davao are Juan Carlos Angeles, Elmer Basilla, Pittjun Bato, Rodolfo Luna and Elizer Villarosa while Apo also has Juan Karloz Alba, Patrick Ryan Co, Jorge Martinez, Glenn Yap and Enrico “Jing” Gavino.

The score of Rancho Palos Verdes was still not available as of press time. RPV is composed of Noe Taojo, Marc Lopez, Roderick Lo, Christopher Tan, Ronald Galicia, Ernest James Casintajan, Jose Vin-

Ludwig Van Ledesma of Davao City Golf Club watches his shot on the sixth hole during the first day of the 68th PAL Interclub Golf Tournament Men’s Regular at Cebu Golf and Country Club yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. cent Lopez, Randolf Cadiogan Jr. and Leo Francis Yap. Meanwhile, Lanang made 75 points in the Sportswriters division courtesy of Bobby Plana (24), Dennis Salvador (20), Ned Sanchez (17) and

Ruben Erickson (14).

Ed Gumban’s 11 did not count. Lanang is also represented by Paul Dakudao, Danny Gotera, Danny Nagayo, Raymond Salvador and Dennis Te. – (LDR/CSDD-CMO)

By LITO DELOS REYES

F

ORMER sports editor-turned golf club manager Nimrod Quiñones used his home course advantage to rule this year’s Philippine Airlines (PAL) Media Golf tournament held at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club last Feb. 23-24 in Cebu City.

Quiñones, who now has his own sports magazine TV cable show, carded a total of 139 to bag a trophy and a round-trip ticket to the US courtesy of the country’s flag barrier.

Newspaper and magazine publisher Rey Fortaleza of Vancouver, Canada had a 155 (79-76) to place first runner-up while SunStar Davao golf columnist Imee Garcia settled for 2nd runner-up with a 158.

Davao-based photographer Tommy Iñigo, who represented Mindanao Daily Mirror settled for 3rd runner-up with a 163.

Iñigo was again one of the early favourites as he shot a 7-over par net 79 in the first 18 holes. But the 56-year old

failed to sustain his momentum during the championship round as he played with a high blood pressure of a 150-90 together with Quiñones, Fortaleza and Garcia.

“Napagod na ako dahil sa sobrang init,” said Iñigo, also sports and games coordinator of the Davao City Sports Development Division.

Iñigo made four pars but collapsed in the 9th and 10th with a disastrous 12 and 14 strokes, respectively.

Garcia, who made the best front nine at 38 on Day 1 for a 77, also faltered in the par 5 10th with 10 strokes for an 81.

“Ang hirap habulin na ni Nimrod,” said the 16-handicapper Garcia, a former No. 1 lady golfer in Davao City.

The 24-handicapper Fortaleza, who also had a slow start with a 10 at the par 4 hole no. 1 on first day but improved on the final round with three pars.

Quiñones, a 28-handicapper shot a 3-under par net 69 on the first day with a birdie on par 3 no. 8. He had

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. Regional Operations manager for Mindanao Edgardo Bayani (left) and SM Lanang Premier Mall manager Engr. Mary Therese Lapeña-Manalo (right) present the P2 million cheque to Tessa Di-

anne Galendez, the grand champion of the 1st nationwide SM Bowling Millionaires Cup, at SM Bowling Center Lanang on February 17. They are joined

by Pin-pin, the official mascot.

a birdie-less 2-under net par 70 in Day 2 to become the first non-Manila based media golf champion in the longest-running golf tournament in the country.

It was also the first time that nobody from the Manila

behind former champion Ding Marcelo (89+74=163) and veteran Jake Ayson (84+82=166), who placed 4thand 5th runners-up, respectively.

Completing the top 10 finishers are 2014 runner-up Al Mendoza (80+87=167),

sports media made it to the top three finishers according to PAL Media Committee chairman Jonathan Gesmundo.

Last year’s champion Teddyvic Melendrez of the Philippine Inquirer finished 6th runner-up with a 166 (81-85)

2012 runner-up Adrian Flores (84+84=168), Rey Bancod (80+91=171), Dodo Catacutan (84+88=172), Jon Develos (82+95=177), Lito delos Reyes (91+87=178), Lito Tacujan (95+99=194), Raymond Garcia (78) and Musong Castillo.