Edge Davao 7 Issue 257

VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

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WINNING SMILE. Newly crowned Mutya ng Davao 2015 Kris Abegail Guanzon smiles to the crowd during the 78th Araw ng Davao Parada Davaoeño at San Pedro Square in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

P1M FOR KIDS OF ‘44’ Mayor Rody turns over donation for fallen SAF

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA and CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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AKING good his promise, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) P1 million for the children of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Duterte turned over a check worth P1 million to Po-

lice Regional Office (PRO) 11 deputy regional director for administration Police Chief Supt. Federico Dulay Jr. during the Parada Dabawenyo of the 78th Araw ng Davao at Rizal Park Duterte said the assistance was to give honor to the fallen 44 SAF members, who died fighting for the country in that tragic encounter with

INSIDE EDGE

Sports P14 the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) last January 25.

The P1 million will be used for the education of the slain cops’ children.

The local chief executive said he was able to raise the amount through the benevolent of five of his businessmen friends.

Duterte refused to name these businessmen, except to say they are the same persons who have been giving assistance to cancer patients in the city.

“Atong tagaan ug honor ang atong mga sundalo, mga pulis (Let’s give honor to our soldiers, our policemen),” Duterte told reporters.

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MAYOR RODY AWARDS PULONG’S LATEST TRIUMPH

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

ISKO’S EDGE. The management and staff of Edge Davao led by editor-in-chief Antonio M. Ajero (3rd from right) and general manager Olivia D. Velasco (6th from right) pose with Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno during the 78th Araw ng Davao Parada Davaoeño at San Pedro Square in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Ungab to seek budget for dialysis machines T

Global support to peace process disproves terrorist tag on MILF

By ALEX D. LOPEZ

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EP. ISIDRO T. UNGAB, the first lawmaker from Davao City to serve as chairman of the powerful House of Representatives appropriation committee, is willing to look for money with which to procure dialysis machines to serve poor patients of Davao City for free. That is, if he receives a request from City Mayor Rody Duterte specifying how many dialysis machines are needed.

Ungab made the statement when told by Edge Davao about the growing number of Dabawenyos needing to undergo dialysis service due to

kidney failure and related diseases.

Edge Davao earlier quoted Dr. Maria Theresa Bad-ang, a nephrologist, that the number of patients seeking dialysis intervention in the Davao Region increases an average of 10 percent every year.

Saying the situation was very alarming, Bad-ang bared that a total of 1,299 new patients seeking dialysis was recorded in Region 11 last year, with Davao City (through the Southern Philippines Medical Center or SPMC) having 428 patients.

Ungab’s committee earli-

er allotted billions of pesos for various forms of health services and equipment for the Davao Region through the Department of Health’s annual budget.

This is aside from the P14 billion the Ungab committee had set aside for the 2015 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways for Region 11, including the unprecedented P2.2 billion for various infrastructure projects like roads, bridges and vertical structures leading to identified tourism destination areas.

It may recalled that earlier, Ungab, as chairman of the powerful House committee on ways

and means, also spearheaded the crafting and approval of the Sin Tax Law designed to raise funds for the country’s various health projects.

The Sin Tax was signed into law by President Noynoy Aquino on December 20, 2012.

“The target revenue for 2013 was P33 billion but the government collected P51 billion,” Ungab said in an earlier text message to Edge Davao.

“For 2014, the target was P45 billion but actual government collection as of October 2014 was already P69 billion,” The lawmaker from Calinan bared. AMA

2 ARMM drug dealers nabbed in Davao

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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WO alleged notorious dealers of illegal drugs based in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were arrested in Davao City Sunday morning.

Nabbed in a joint operation by operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11, PDEAARMM, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and Crmininal Investigation and Detection Group 11 were Zanaida Buaco and Marco Bua of the Bua

Group.

Both Buaco and Bua were collared at around 5:30 a.m. in his residence at #95 Kingfisher St. along St. Michael, Ma-a after the lawmen served a warrant of arrest.

They didn’t resist arrest.

Buaco is the leader of the Bua Group while Bua is an alleged member of the 14K drug syndicate. Bua is also a top target in PDEA-ARMM’s most wanted personality list.

Police also seized during

the raid one sachet of white crystalline commonly known as shabu weighing 50 grams with an estimated street value of P425,000.

Bua is a former municipal councilor of Mother Kabuntalan, Cotabato City and a priority target in the PDEAARMMS’s most wanted personality list Police Regional office (PRO) 11 Spokesperson Supt. Antonio Rivera said Bua was a member of 14K

Drug Group.

He said the operation also resulted to the apprehension of Buaco.

DCPO Director Sr. Supt.

Vicente Danao Jr. said they have been monitoring the BuaGroups, which operates in Central and Southern Mindanao.

“Kasama yan sila sa meeting natin nung nakaraan.

They might take advantage of the festivity kasi masaya. Oth-

F2 ARMM, 10

HE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) recently said that the on-going peace talks belies the tagging of the Moro islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a terrorist group.

“By forging the peace agreement with the government, the MILF has committed to renounce violence and terrorism as an ideology and way of life,” GPH peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said.

She pointed out that the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)

will ensure that the leaders and followers of the MILF will desist from going the way of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).‎ Ferrer also commented on the views aired by some senators labeling the MILF of having terrorist links by saying that: “If the MILF were considered a terrorist organization, why does the international community, including the United Nations and the ASEAN, support the peace process on the Bangsamoro?”

Various countries and multilateral bodies in the world had made official state-

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Tambako arrest a major blow to JIM --AFP chief

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MAJOR blow has been dealt to the Justice for Islam Movement (JIM) with the arrest of its founder Mohammad Ali Tambako in General Santos City Sunday night.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Monday as he said that the arrest of Tambako also means the fledgling JIM "is now history as it is impossible to recover from such a loss."

The JIM is known to consist of Tambako and 30 plus

fighters.

Tambako and five of his cohorts were flown to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 2:29 p.m. Monday aboard a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Fokker F-27 "Friendship" transport plane.

They were arrested by joint military and police operatives while on board a tricycle on their way to the General Santos City seaport in Barangay Calumpang at around 9 p.m. Sunday.

Seized from them were three grenades and two short

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Randy heads Datu Bago awardees

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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ORE than a hundred individuals have been given the Datu Bago Awards since its inception in 1969, pointed out Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, Jr, the chairman of Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. during the conferment of 8 more recipients last Saturday.

The eight awardees were cited for their outstanding service that has contributed to the growth and development of the city. They have served as a model of excellence and an inspiration to the Dabawenyos and for demonstrating exemplary competence and dedication and for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage.

The conferment of Datu Bago award, touted to be the highest recognition given by the city government to its residents, was among the highlights of the 78th celebration of Araw ng Dabaw.

Randy Hamili Halasan, the only Filipino to be recognized the prestigious Ramon

Magsaysay Award last year, headed the list of awardees this year. He is cited for “his dedication as a teacher assigned in the hinterland of Marilog District to teach at Pegalongan Elementary School in barangay Malampas -- a place devoid of electricity, transport service and other basic amenities.”

According to the press statement, Halasan has to travel seven hours -- two hours by bus, one hour over extremely rough roads by motorcycle, and four hours walking and crossing two treacherous rivers -- to reach Pegalongan.

“I never expected that my humble work to teach the children of our faraway place would be recognized by the government,” said Halasan in an exclusive interview. “I love teaching and I am happy that these children will also learn what children in the city learn.”

US-born Darrell Dean Blatchley is the only foreigner

for security reasons.

The DCPO and Task Force Davao (TFD) implemented a tight security throughout the celebration of the city’s founding anniversary.

Thousands of Dabawenyos went out to witness the Parada Dabawenyo yesterday.

No less than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Z.

Duterte joined the celebration at the Rizal Park.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano was among the notable guests seen at the Rizal Park.

Several members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Davao and department heads led by City Administrator Atty. Jesus Melchor V. Quitain were also present during the event.

MODERN DAY HERO. Public school teacher Randy Halasan, one of the chosen awardees for this year’s Datu Bago Awards, receives a plaque from Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. chairman Guillermo “Willy” Torres during the organization’s 45th Conferment

of Awards 2015 and book launching at The Royal Mandayan Hotel on Saturday evening. Halasan earlier won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award last year for serving the indigenous tribe living in one of the remotest villages in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Ex-BIFF leader, 5 others nabbed in General Santos

30 SWAT snipers help secure `Araw’

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FORMER leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and five other suspected rebels believed to have coddled alleged bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman were arrested Sunday night in General Santos City.

Mohammad Ali Tambako, who is wanted for murder and double frustrated murder, and his companions were arrested by joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Officials identified the five other suspected BIFF members as Mesharie Edio Gayak, Datukan Sato Sabiwang, Ali Valley Ludisima, Ibrahim Manap Kapina, and Abusahma

Badrudin Guiamil.

The six suspects were riding a tricycle in Barangay Calumpang heading toward the sea port in General Santos City at 9 p.m. on Sunday when intercepted by the government forces.

The arresting team allegedly seized three fragmentation grenades and two short firearms from the suspects.

Tambako stands accused of murder and multiple murder before the sala of Judge Jorge Jabido of Regional Trial Court branch 15 in Cotabato City.

Interrogation was still being conducted to know wheth-

FRANDY, 10

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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TOTAL of 30 snipers from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) helped secure the public as well as the officials during the culminating activity of the 78th Araw ng Davao yesterday.

DCOPO director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao Jr. said these SWAT snipers were stationed atop the buildings during the Parada

Dabawenyo, the civic parade that lasted almost five hours.

Three of the SWAT men also helped secure Pope Francis during his visit in the country last January.

One of the three, Danao said, even ended up the top gun during the one-month training prior to the arrival of the Pope.

The DCPO, however, refused to name this sniper

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Davao River has high coliform level

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

OURISTS might want to think twice before experiencing water rafting in Davao River because of its high coliform level.

“The quality of water running in Davao River continues to depreciate as the coliform level maintain at above the standard level,” Davao City councilor Leo Avila III said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday.

Based on the test conducted by Environment Management Bureau last year which has 17 stations along the Davao River, results bared

that the total coliform for both downstream and upstream of the Davao River reached 1.8 million most probable number per 100 milliliters (MPN/100ml) way above the 1,000 MPN/100ml standard level of total coliform.

“These came from domestic and wastewater discharges, septic tanks, animal and wildlife,” said Avila, chairman for environment and natural resources committee.

Another alarming facts from the 2014 EMB’s Water Quality Assessment for Davao

TIGHT SECURITY. One of the 30 Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) snipers is stationed atop a building in front of Rizal Park to help secure the 78th Araw ng

FDAVAO, 10 Davao Parada Davaoeño at San Pedro Square in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Dutch firm, Next BPO Solutions set to launch new online game

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

UTCH company Maata Games and Davao City-based Next BPO Solutions, Inc., will launch the ERECTUS, a massively multiplayer online real time strategy game (MMORSG) on March 31 at the University of Mindanao (UM).

Speaking in yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, Paul Ludwig, managing partner and head of marketing and sales of Maata Games, said the development of the online 3-dimensional game is almost complete and ready for

launching this month.

Called ERECTUS, the online 3-Dl game is about the clash of civilizations of homo sapiens and homo erectus 130,000 years ago.

“Compared with other online games, ERECTUS has a story. Its goal is to bridge historical gaps and eventually provide players with a clearer picture of ancient civilization and history,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig, who said he is also an avid online gamer, said ERECTUS was benchmarked from Travian Game, a Ger-

HILHEALTH members now have the convenience to access their membership and contribution records through an online member inquiry facility made readily available in the agency’s website.

With the build-up of global network linkages where millions now have access to the internet, many private and public agencies, including Philhealth found the apparent need to provide its clients an electronic gateway to its services.

Using their unique Philhealth Identification Number (PIN), members will have to register and come up with a password which will serve as reference once they log in to their individual records.

The facility allows members to view pertinent information found in one’s Member Data Record (MDR) such as their address, date of birth, dependents information and even history of contributions.

According to PCEO Alex-

ander Padilla, this encourages members to update their MDRs when necessary in order to facilitate a hassle-free availment of benefits.

Aside from the member inquiry facility, members can also search and view the amount of their Philhealth benefits based on the Case Rate payment scheme or fixed package rate per medical condition or procedure.

With the Search Case Rates toolbar, members will only have to type the description or code of the illness or procedure to view the amount of the benefit and the distribution of the hospital and professional fees.

According to Philhealth, this e-innovation is part of another milestone as it celebrates its 20th year in the health care industry.

Both the member inquiry facility and case rates toolbar can be found in the homepage of their website, www.philhealth.gov.ph. (Kleah Dublin/ PHIC)

Philhealth records accessible online P

US firms urged to invest in Phl

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ANILA’S top diplomat to Washington has called on American and foreign investors to bid for major infrastructure projects in the country, saying “tremendous opportunities” exist in the Philippines.Among the projects presented were the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike, the Batangas-Manila Natural Gas Pipeline, and the Mass Transit System Loop Project.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has reignited investor interest in the Philippines for taking on pervasive corruption, launching a public-private partnership program to improve long-inadequate infrastructure and promoting good governance.

Investments have begun to pick up. A boom in the con-

struction of hotels, office and residential high-rises, shopping malls and resorts, along with reforms-driven credit upgrades, have helped eased unemployment and fuel new hope in a country that has long been regarded as the sick man of Asia.

At the recently concluded 8th Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum in New York City, Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia said the meeting was a great networking opportunity for the Philippines and foreign engineering and construction companies.

“Tremendous opportunities exist in the Philippines for infrastructure development,” said Cuisia at the two-day forum that was participated in

FUS FIRMS, 10

man-developed MMOG that has 125 million gamers from all over the globe and is available in over 50 languages.

Maata Games managing partner Alet Ludwig said Erectus will be played for free online by players ages 15 and above. It will be launched in different languages including Filipino, English, Dutch, and Japanese.

Alet said Erectus will be also launched in other cities in Hongkong, Bangkok, Cape Town, Dubai, Amsterdam, Germany, Brussels, San Francisco,

California, Los Angeles, Canada and Australia.

During the launching, Paul Ludwig said that there will be series of event which will be themed “Bridging the world” aside from the launching “There will be a signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) between UM and Han University from The Netherlands,” Ludwig said.

He said that there will be first an exchange of students, then faculties between the two universities.

Ludwig also said that the

MOA signing will be a starting point for the two schools to work together on research studies in the future.

There will be also an event during the launching that will create strong linkage between the Dabawenyo gamers and Dutch gamers.

“We will have skype calls between the two,” he said.

Ludwig also said that Maata Games will also enter into an agreement with UM for crafting of a curriculum for the university that will offer course on game development.

Maata Games and Next BPO Solutions is planning to develop the second version of to be launched ERECTUS that will still be developed by local talents and software developers.

Aside from Next BPO Solutions, Maata Games has also partnered with Tinotech, a Dutch company that provides sales, consultancy, and engineering services for Erectus.

While developing their ERECTUS version 2.0, he said that he is also planning to put an office here in Davao City.

NEW ONLINE GAME. Maata Games marketing and sales head Paul Ludwig and managing partner Alet Ludwig announce the launching of ERECTUS, the online 3-dimensional game is about the clash of civilizations of homo sapiens and homo erectus, on March 31 at the University of Mindanao (UM). Cheneen R. Capon

Globe broadband business nets 22% growth in revenues

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LOBE Telecom sustained its stronghold in the consumer broadband business after the consistently-growing and profitable segment of Globe posted broadband revenues of P12.7 billion ending 2014, a 22% increase from previous year’s P10.4 billion amid the rising demand for internet connectivity and the burgeoning shift to a digital lifestyle.

The telco’s broadband customer base also registered double-digit growth after customers reached nearly 2.8 million at the end of 2014, an increase of 37% from 2 million a year earlier. Fixed broadband and wireless broadband business booked customer uptake growth of 16% and 42%, respectively.

“Broadband is one of the fastest growing business segments in the company and

remains a key growth driver for Globe. We are confident that the brand will sustain its growth trajectory moving forward as we continue to develop innovative and relevant products and services in line with our commitment of enriching our customers’ digital lifestyle whether they are mobile or at home,” said Gilbert Simpao, Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Broadband Business.

The impressive revenue performance resulted from the continued aggressive acquisitions campaigns and new competitive bundled plans launched throughout the year, he said. Also, the introduction of more affordable products and competitive tablet bundles throughout the year and the expanded pervasiveness of the fixed and wireless broadband network stimulated the robust

performance of our broadband business in 2014, Simpao added.

Globe continued to introduce innovative content offers and various device plays to remain relevant to customers. In the fourth quarter of last year, Tattoo Postpaid launched gadget bundle offers with no upfront cash out and low monthly fees at P749/month; Lenovo A3300 at P799/month; Samsung Tab3 7” at P849/month and Lenovo Yoga at P1,099/ month. All gadget bundles come with free three months Spotify Premium subscription of 1GB data per month, Bluetooth speaker, mobile WiFi device and 1GB Globe Cloud.

Also, Tattoo Prepaid sustained its best table bundle offers with free mobile WiFi and savings as much as P1,995.

Taking the next step from 3G to LTE, Tattoo Prepaid SIM port-

folio was relaunched with new LTE Combi-SIM (regular and micro SIM) and LTE tri-SIM (regular, micro and nano SIM) with speeds of up to 42 Mbps plus freebies. LTE Combi-SIM is available for only P40 with free 50 MB worth of data plus Basic Spotify access of 200 MB, valid for one day, while LTE Tri-SIM is available for only P75 with free 250 MB worth of data plus Basic Spotify access of 400 MB, valid for three days.

Amid continuing shift of its customers to digital lifestyle, Globe is currently upgrading its network capacity and expanding its LTE TDD and LTE-FDD footprint to further strengthen the company’s mobile data infrastructure and deliver faster and more reliable wireless internet connectivity. This involves activation of more than 4,300 cell sites with

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 5

HAPPY ARAW NG DAVAO. Megaworld’s One Lakeshore Drive takes part in the 78th Arag ng Davao celebration by having a contingent in yesterday’s Parada Dabawenyo, the culminating activity of the festivity. Lean Daval Jr.

Dabawenyos to benefit from low oil prices: Cortez

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ALLING prices of fossil oil will benefit Dabawenyos. In fact, they will benefit other Filipinos.

This was the statement of Ivan C. Cortez. Head of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center.

Dubai Crude price used to hover from 90 to as high as 110 dollars a barrel last year but in the last six months, the average is between 45 to 55 dollars a barrel, according to Cortez.

“While those in the gas and energy sectors will incur losses as they have to polish their balancing act insofar as disposing high-priced inventories, overall, Davao consumers will gain from the effects of lower oil prices,” the DCIPC chief said.

One beneficial effect of low prices in oil products is the lowering of the flag-down rate of taxicabs from P40 to P30.

This was supposed to be implemented nationwide by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) this week.

Cortez said that even coal players will have to adjust and lower their prices in order to maintain their edge over diesel

in the energy sector.

“Our oil-dependent economy will gain because lower oil prices will mean lower inflation,” he said.

In layman’s term, lower inflation will mean cheaper basic commodities, Cortez said, adding that “your usual grocery items like canned goods should have lower prices by now.”

Cortez said the savings from transportation and electricity can also translate to higher savings and higher consumption. “Lower inflation could result to monetary policies that will encourage more players to engage in business, ” he said.

“We expect interest rates to slide down from 4%. This would mean more money circulating rather than being kept at banks’ vaults,” Cortez said.

The economists at Oxford have singled out the Philippines as the biggest gainer in the world if oil prices remain at their current levels (40-50 dollars a barrel) for the next 8 months and should also translate to an additional 2% growth in the country’s GDP, he said. Cheneen R. Capon

Share prices extend slump

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OCAL share prices extended their slump to a second straight day on Monday, as investors await interest rate decision at the United States Federal Reserve’s meeting this week.

The barometer Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined 78.59 points to 7,730.95 from Friday’s 7,809.54 close. ”As attention swiveled in the direction of the US Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting beginning tomorrow (Tuesday), markets scaled back exposures to equities anticipating a more definitive hint on timing an interest rate hike,” said Jun Calaycay, analyst at Accord Capital Equities Inc. Calaycay said the PSE in-

dex also declined amid technical factors.

Brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said most investors also paid attention to the greenback’s movement, after hitting a 12-year high against the euro.

All counters were in negative territory, declining 0.47 percent to 1.76 percent.

Volume of transactions reached 1.46 billion shares valued at Php5.55 billion.

Decliners dominated advancers, 134 to 50, while 33 issues unchanged.

The day’s top losers were led by 2Go Group Inc., Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., Euro-Med Laboratories Philippines Inc., Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp. and the Philodrill Corp. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

6 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Benefits

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AST Saturday, some taxicab drivers in Davao City started collecting flag-down rate of P30, P10 lower than the usual. The decrease is implemented nationwide by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) due to the falling of prices of fossil oil in the market for quite sometime now. This phenomenon will benefit not only Dabawenyos but other Filipinos as well.

Ivan C. Cortez, who heads the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, explained that Dubai crude price used to hover from 90 to as high as 110 dollars a barrel last year but in the last six months, the average has been between 45 to 55 dollars a barrel.

“While those in the gas and energy sectors will incur losses as they have to polish their balancing act insofar as disposing highpriced inventories, overall, Davao consumers will gain from the effects of lower oil prices,” the DCIPC chief said.

Cortez said that even coal players will have to adjust and lower their prices in order to maintain their edge over diesel in the energy sector.

“Our oil-dependent economy will gain because lower oil prices

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will mean lower inflation,” he said.

In layman’s term, lower inflation will mean cheaper basic commodities, and Cortez said “your usual grocery items like canned goods should have lower prices by now.”

Cortez said the savings from transportation and electricity can also translate to higher savings and higher consumption. “Lower inflation could result to monetary policies that will encourage more players to engage in business, ” he said.

“We expect interest rates to slide down from 4%. This would mean more money circulating rather than being kept at banks’ vaults,” Cortez said.

The economists at Oxford have singled out the Philippines as the biggest gainer in the world if oil prices remain at their current levels (40-50 dollars a barrel) for the next 8 months and should also translate to an additional 2% growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Just how long will this situation last, nobody can tell for sure.

Filipinos can only hope, obviously because there is no way we can influence the perpetuation of such a phenomenon.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

7

Forearmed against looming disaster

ITH a total land area of 2,444 square kilometers, Davao City is the largest in the country in terms of land area. It is 7.8 times the size of Cebu and three times that of the entire Metro Manila. It’s no wonder why the city serves as the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao and the regional center of Davao Region.

“Presently, built-up areas used for residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial purposes represent about 10% of the total land area,” notes www.islandproperties.com.

“Under the approved land use plan built-up and settlement area will cover 15% of the total area while agricultural will be maximized with 67.19%. The remaining 17.68 will be devoted to forestry and conservation.”

Davao City is located within the Davao Gulf, which faces the Pacific Ocean. There are both good and bad things about it. The good thing is that it has some of the country’s beach fronts and the gulf’s water is regarded as one of the most diverse cetacean habits in the country.

The bad thing about it is that in the face of natural disasters like storm surge and tsunami, a lot of people are at risk.

To think of, Davao City -- with a population of 1.5 million -- is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country (after Metro Manila’s 11.86 million and Metro Cebu’s 2.55 million).

Forearmed is forewarned, so goes a saying. In recent years, Davao City is spared from huge calamities that beset other cities in the country. Should

T

VANTAGE POINTS

REASON during World War II, in many instances, involved ordinary folks who squealed on and betrayed their neighbors. A tragic case that reached the Supreme Court was that of Teodoro Cantos, alias Teodoro Tatishi, a Filipino member of the Japanese Civilian Army who “willfully, unlawfully, feloniously and treasonably” facilitated the multiple deaths by firing squad of members of prominent families in Barangay Tibungco, Davao City.

On Dec. 24, 1941, days after the Japanese captured Davao City, Vicente Tatishi showed up in the house of Segundo Basalo at Ilang, where the spouses Sixto Babao and Justina Larracoechea were residing. Failing to find Basalo, he sent word that Sixto must surrender his firearms to the Japanese, warning that if he failed a soldier would be sent to kill him, including Francisco Cabling, Dalmacio Babao, and Martin Marquez, who were living with the couple.

Grudgingly, he obeyed the dubious order. In the early morning of December 28, 1941, he brought his shot gun and revolver to the Japanese army, even displaying a white flag as an act of sur-

storm surge THINK ON THESE! and tsunami hit the city, are the people prepared for them?

A storm surge is the abnormal rise of seawater due to the low pressure, high Henrylito D. Tacio winds, and henrytacio@gmail.com high waves associated with a tropical cyclone. In the past, most Filipinos thought storm surge only causes severe flooding. But this set of thinking changed when Tacloban City was almost flattened by Super Typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013. The images we saw and the testimonials we heard became a grim realization that we must not only know but try to understand what a storm surge is.

Recently, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) came up with a brochure detailing on what to do before and during the storm surge. For individuals, it issued these tips: · Monitor the public weather forecasts, bulletins and warnings issued by PAGASA. · Make plans for evacuation to higher grounds or evacuation centers before the storm surge happens. · Secure your home. Move essential items to the upper floor. If you have time, bring your outdoor furniture in-

side the house. · Turn off utilities, main switches, and valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. · If you are to evacuate, bring essential items like food, water, flashlight, clothes, transistor radio, cellphone, medicines, and vital documents. Make sure that these are wrapped in plastic or water-resistant containers.

For the communities, here the things that must be done: · Leaders should prepare evacuation plans and procedures, and review all aspects of disaster preparedness plan. · Conduct periodic drills and exercises to familiarize every community member with actual storm surge situations. · Evacuate people as soon as possible to higher grounds when a storm or typhoon approaches your coastal community. · Ensure systematic safekeeping of valuables, efficient transport system, rescue operation procedures, and relief and rehabilitation activities.

Some storm surge survivors in Tacloban City claimed that if the warnings were that of a tsunami, they would have known what to expect and do. But a tsunami is different from storm surge.

“A tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, sometimes reaching heights of over 100 feet (30.5 meters), onto land,” informs the National Geographic. “These walls of water can cause widespread destruction when they crash ashore.”

Tsunamis race across the sea at up

to 500 miles (805 kilometers) an hour -that’s about as fast as a jet airplane. As tsunami is usually composed of a series of waves, called a wave train, its destructive force may be compounded as successive waves reach shore.

“People experiencing a tsunami should remember that the danger may not have passed with the first wave and should await official word that it is safe to return to vulnerable locations,” the National Geographic reminds.

According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs), there are three signs of an incoming local tsunami. First, when earthquake is strong enough to be felt; second, when there is sudden drop or rise of sea water; and last, when there is a roaring sound of incoming waves.

When a tsunami warning is issued, it means that a destructive tsunami is expected with life threatening wave heights of greater than one meter above the expected ocean tides. Immediate evacuation of coastal communities that may be affected is strong advised.

Boats must be kept away from the dock, shore, and shallow parts of the sea. Fishermen whose boats are already out in the seas should stay in deep water as tsunamis in those parts are not very high.

Philvolcs does not issue an “all clear” advisory. “It is the local authorities who should do this especially when there is a tsunami which affects the coastal area,” it said. “Philvolcs will lower or cancel alert if there is no more tsunami threat.”

Again, forewarned is forearmed.

the firing. The court narrative vividly recounts the grisly murders: “Three shots were fired, killing Dalmacio Babao, Martin Marquez and Francisco Cabling. As Sixto Babao continued still standing, three other shots were fired by Teodoro, Vicente and Masahiro Tatishi, felling him down. Okabe, another Japanese, chopped off Sixto’s head and, thereafter, the corpses of the four victims were thrown into the sea. The news of the killing itself were confirmed by appellant on January 7, 1942, when he personally told about it to the widow of Sixto, adding that the reason for Sixto’s killing was because he was a parashooter of the volunteer guards, while the three others were shot so they could not reveal the death of Sixto.”

Cantos was charged with the complex crime of treason with multiple murder and was sentenced to death by the lower court. At the trial, six witnesses testified for the prosecution, namely: Justina L. Babao, Andrea B. Cabling, Antonio Rasay, Igleceria Bacalso, Napoleon Zapanta, Zoilo de las Verlas, and as a rebuttal witness for the defense Vicenta Hizon Panlilio testified for the accused

and his wife, Lucila Adrales. The lower court’s decision, though, was modified by the high tribunal in its April 28, 1949 verdict because the evidence failed to satisfy the two-witness rule provided by Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code.

Nevertheless, he was sentenced to reclusion perpetua for each of the four murders and ordered to indemnify the heirs of each one of the four victims in the sum of P6,000.

In the same SC decision, Cantos was also found guilty for an adjunct crime of collaboration in Ilang on Jan. 7, 1942, for giving aid and comfort to the enemy, conspiring and confabulating with other Japanese in committing violence and threats against persons “with intent to gain, loot, take and carry away personal properties belonging to Justina L. Babao.” The SC sustained the lower court’s decision ordering him “to pay a fine of P15,000, to pay an indemnity of P2,000 and of P500 to the heirs of Sixto Babao, the latter amount as payment for the articles robbed and not recovered” to indemnify the heirs of Babao, Cabling, Marquez, at P2,000 each family, excluding litigation costs.

Beheading of Sixto Babao

FAST BACKWARD

BY THE ARCHIVIST render, along with Francisco, Dalmacio, and Martin who similarly went to the Japanese garrison at the premises of Tibungco Lumber Company in Ilang where they were herded. Later in the afternoon, with their hands tied at the back, they were brought to the lumber wharf where they were made to stand facing the sea with their faces covered, and at their back the firing squad composed of Fuji, a Japanese; Masahiro Tatishi and his children, Vicente and Teodoro. Ichida Matsuda, another Japanese, ordered

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Early this year, Duterte promised to the family of the fallen policemen that he will donate money for the education of their children.

“Nisaad man ta nga muhatag ta og kwarta sa ilaha.

Wa man nisugot ang COA nga mukuha ta sa atong pundo mao nihangyo ko sa akong mga higalang datu (I promised them that I will donate money. But, the COA (Commission on Audit) said he cannot get the money from government funds, that’s why I asked help from my well-off

friends),” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Duterte called on the national government to immediately revive the peace talks with the MILF and prevent the escalation of war in Mindanao.

“We cannot afford it (wat) because we do not want trouble,” Duterte said. “In civil war nobody wins, but everybody loses.”

He also does not want Christians, Muslims and the lumads oppressing each other.

“The Mindanao island is for all,” Duterte said.

ers take advantage and do illegal peddling of drugs. Balak siguro nila na mag benta dito kaya nandito sila sa Davao (They were on the agenda of our meeting the last time.

They might take advantage of the festivity. They were plan-

ning to sell drugs here, that’s why they are here,” Danao said.

Danao said the Bua group is considered as a drug pipeline which distributes drugs in different parts of Mindanao.

ments when the government and the MILF signed the CAB in March 27 last year, Ferrer added.

These countries and bodies include Singapore, Cambodia, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Brunei, Norway, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ferrer said.

“The UN Country Team commends the GPH for providing a global model for best practice on supporting a peace process,” Coronel-Ferrer emphasized, adding that the UN stands ready to support the implementation of the peace agreement through robust engagement.

The GPH peace panel chair added that several countries also reiterated their continued support to the peace process after the Mamasapano incident.

Two days after that incident, the Embassy of Canada wrote that it continues to engage efforts to achieve peace and we remain committed to supporting the Bangsamoro peace process and back the diligent efforts of both sides to bring about an era of opportunities for the people of Mindanao, Ferrer said.

“The United States reiterates its support for the Philippine government’s efforts to combat international terrorism while promoting a just and lasting peaceful resolution to the conflict in Mindanao,” she added, while the Australian Ambassador to the country, last March 5 highlighted the importance of the peace process at a high-level forum attended by members of the diplomatic community, by saying that the “peace process provides the opportunity for development, for investment and for

prosperity, in Mindanao and the Philippines as a whole.”

Aside from international organizations, local groups have also expressed their continuing support to the peace talks.

Among these groups include the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, the Professors for Peace, and various business groups like the Makati Business Club, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Mindanao Business Council.

“You would not get this kind of national and international support for the peace process if we were dealing with a terrorist organization,” said Coronel-Ferrer.

Meanwhile, government panel members Senen Bacani and Yasmin Busran Lao called on the senators who have withdrawn their support to Senate Bill 2408 why they sponsored the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law if they did not deem it important.

The two panel members also asked if the basis for the alleged terrorist tag on the MILF have been validated or cross-checked with credible domestic and international sources who have been following up the rise of groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah, ISIS and Al Qaeda.

“All throughout the negotiations and now the implementation of the CAB, we have always worked hand in hand with the security cluster of the Philippine government that is charged with collecting and processing all intelligence information relating to national security,” they said, adding that the peace agreement was based on a solid grounding on the social, political and security conditions obtained in Mindanao.

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Tambako... FROM 2 firearms.

Wearing orange jumpsuits, the JIM founder and his companions were quickly whisked from Villamor Air Base aboard a police vehicle toward the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He and his companions will be detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) building.

The JIM is a splinter group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a rebel group which has been on the receiving end of the threeweek-old military offensive in Maguindanao.

At least 125 BIFF men have been reported killed and 63 others wounded in the continuing law enforcement operations against the terror group.

(PNA)

to be recognized this year’s batch of awardees. Married to a Filipina and has been a Davao resident for 20 years, he is cited “for his work as bone collector through his D’Bone Collector Museum located at Bucana, the only museum of its kind in the entire Mindanao and the country.”

The museum has been compared to that of the Smithsonian Museums in the United States. It has collections of bones of animals (land, sea, and air), which “are preserved as a way to appreciate Mother Earth and its creatures.”

Only it has existed only in the last three years, the museum has now become a tourist and educational hub of Davao City. “(It) is recognized as a treasure hub for natural sciences,” the citation said. “He himself does the tour/lecture in the museum.”

“It’s a very high honor,” Blatchley says of Datu Bago Award. “Even if I was not given the award, I will still be doing what I do. But it helps when people and organization recognize the value of what you have done and that it was and is for the greater good. All the heartaches are worth it.”

Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo, who actually hailed from Iloilo but now lives in the city with her Dabawenyo husband, is cited for “her outstanding work in pediatric oncology.” The citation added that she has placed Davao City in the world map of pediatric oncology “due to her international linkages.”

“I am deeply honored and truly humbled,” she says of the recognition. “It means I have contributed something significant to Davao City, my home. It means a bigger voice, hope and inspiration for the children I advocate for and the people who tirelessly work for these children.”

Dr. Dolendo is the driving force behind the House of Hope, which is located inside the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). She heads the Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Unit.

On why she founded House of Hope, she says, “Treatment for child cancer is long term and requires repeated visits to the hospital.

The children and their families need a place to stay which is clean, wholesome and conveniently near the hospital.

House of Hope served as a transient home for these pa-

tients for the duration of their outpatient treatment.”

Dr. Virginia S. Montenegro is cited for having initiated the Cancer Detection Clinic (CADET), which gives free pap smear and breast cancer examination to indigent women.

Actually, CADET is a project of Soroptimist International Davao in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society and the Department of Health.

“Many times, going out of her comfort zone, she braved the heat and the rain to deliver free medical services to the poor people in the barangays of Davao City,” the citation added.

The last male recipient of the 8 awardees is John Ryan Largo. He is cited for his work and advocacy in saving the mountains of the world.

“Through his initiative in 2002, he organized the Call to Save the Mountains, a historic call that has become a global movement as it gained the support of the United Nations and the world leaders.”

The two remaining awardees were Amelia B. Bonifacio and Lydia J. Canson. Bonifacio is cited “for her work in education and development” while Canson is recognized for her “work in uplifting the status of women.”

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte bestowed the honor to the 8 laureates at the Lantawan Hall in The Royal Mandaya Hotel. In his inspirational message, he thanked them for helping the city through their respective endeavors.

The Datu Bago Awards -- named after Datu Bago, who held his settlement at the banks of Davao River, and considered the most powerful datu in the area during that time -- is the highest award that the city government of Davao bestows to its constituents.

The recent awarding ceremony was the 45th. The first recipients of Datu Bago awards were Antonio O. Floirendo, Father Maurice Michaud, Tomas D. Monteverde, Guillermo E. Torres, Antonio T. Uy, and Francisco Villa-Abrille.

Other famous personalities who clinched the recognition include former Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, 1972 Miss Universe Margarita Moran-Floirendo, National Artist Victorio C. Edades, businessman-industrialist Jesus V. Ayala, and theater-artist and author Aida Rivera-Ford.

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Ex-BIFF... FROM 3 er Tambako’s group was planning to escape using the backdoor gateway going to Indonesia via the sea port in General Santos City or was planning to plot another terror attack.

Authorities are hoping Tamabako’s arrest would lead to the capture of Usman and BIFF founder Ameril Umra Kato soon.

Tambako, also a former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, bolted the BIFF in November 2013 and formed the Islamic Justice Movement.

Kato established the BIFF

over differences in the handling of the peace process with the Philippines government.

Like the MILF, the BIFF engaged the PNP Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 who entered the town’s marshland to get Usman and another bombing suspect, Malaysian Julkipli bin Hir alias. Marwan was reported killed in the raid but Usman’s whereabouts has remained unknown.

Forty-four SAF troopers, 18 MILF rebels and five civilians died in the clash. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

River is the high level of fecal coliform in Davao River which reached 293,000 MPN/100 ml (standard is 200 MPN/ 100ml) downstream and 8,700 MPN/ 100 ml (standard 100 MPN/100 ml) “EMB follows a stricter standard for fecal coliform because it is more dangerous and the risk to the health of people is very high because it can cause water borne diseases,” Avila said, adding that it came from human and animal waste from poultry and hog farms and houses near the river.

Report of EMB bared that Davao River, despite of its danger, is still used for bathing washing, occasional fishing and water rafting.

The total coliform level in Talono River, meanwhile, reached 456,000 MPN/100 ml while fecal coliform at 163,000 MPN / 100 ml.

EMB has 13 sampling stations for Talomo River which some part is used for bathing, washing and traverses through agricultural, agro-industrial, hydropower plant and residential areas Avila said the result of the level reflects the means and ways of the city in taking care

of the two major river systems in the city.

He also said Davao City’s beaches are still unsafe and unhealthy because of the high coliform level in water running from the upstream and downstream of Davao and Talomo River.

The water from these two rivers directly flushes out to the Davao Gulf which also a danger to swimmers and fishermen.

“If there’s high level of coliform, then, it is unsafe,” Avila said.

He said that the city government should look on the effectivity and efficiency of City Health Office-Environmental Sanitary Section(ESS) which is tasked to make sure that the proper implementation of Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance of Davao City.

“Members of ESS said they cannot function according to their task because of lack of personnel and equipment.

Maybe, it’s time for them to ask help from the city government, ”he added.

Avila said the high coliform level in the two rivers of the city will endanger the lives of Dabawenyos. CRC

the LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD ultra broadband access technologies for a more pervasive LTE coverage. The LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD technologies offer higher bandwidth, which enhances speed of data transfer, provides lower latency and increases overall network capacity.

In 2014, Tattoo ventured into a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to allow customers to enjoy special edition plans and promos with access to

NBA League Pass by bundling its services with exclusive and premium content. Tattoo Home Broadband introduced its special edition Plan 1299 at 5 Mbps that comes with access to NBA League Pass and data allowance of 30 GB per month.

With NBA League Pass, fans can watch NBA games live and on-demand at home through multiple devices. It comes with 7 days of NBA League Pass access via promo codes that customers may choose to use anytime within 30 days.

by 300 attendees from all over the world.

Philippine Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, the country delegation leader, cited the 250 percent growth in the infrastructure budget of the Philippines in 2015 from its 2010 level.

“Good governance and anti-corruption reforms produced marked improvements in the infrastructure sector,

which has strong convergence with agriculture, tourism, flood mitigation and an integrated transport system,” Singson said.

Peter Thieman, of Dentons, LLP, one of the sponsors of the forum, said the Philippines was received “very favorably” by the forum attendees who also noted that the extent of infrastructure building that the Philippines is embarking on is “very impressive.” (PNA)

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11 ENVIRONMENT

EL NIÑO STRIKES AGAIN! Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

W

HILE most parents in Davao City are busy preparing for the graduation of their children, farmers in some parts of Mindanao are maneuvering on methods to confront the onslaught of the dry spell that mild El Niño brings.

A news report which came out in Edge Davao said that in Sarangani Province, around 24,000 hectares of farmlands have already been devastated by drought. “The intense dry weather since January has caused irrigation supplies to drop and farmlands in parts of the province to dry up, damaging various crops,” it said.

The waiting is finally over.

As early as May last year, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of the potential development of El Niño in the country.

The state weather bureau initially predicted that El Niño would develop in June 2014.

Six months later, PAGASA adjusted this estimate and predicted that “there is a 65% to 70% chance that El Niño will develop in December.”

In February this year, the state weather bureau announced that “a mild El Niño is expected to come along when summer enters in March.” True enough, on March 11, PAGASA officially declared in a press conference that “the onset of El Niño in the Philippines.”

Armando Angsingco, the chairman of the Southern Mindanao Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council, belied the claim of PAGASA’s mild El Niño

forecast. “There’s no such thing as mild or weak El Niño to the agriculture and fishery sectors of Davao Region in the next few months,” Ansingco was quoted as saying by Edge Davao‘s roving reporter, Cheneen R. Capon.

Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur have been identified by the regional RAFC head as the provinces that are more likely to experience the worst effect of the drought season. “Areas like portion of Mati City and San Isidro in Davao Oriental that have high level of humidity will be the most affected in the region,” Ansingco added.

Davao City will not be spared but it may take some time before it experiences the drought season. “Based on our observation, the weather here is quite better compared to other areas in the region but this will still worsen in the next few weeks,” Ansingco pointed out.

But agriculture is not the only sector that will suffer from the onslaught of El Niño. As Capon wrote in another report: “Mindanao is in danger of being plunged into darkness once again as the looming El Niño threatens to affect the supply of power coming from the Agus Hydro Power Plant Complexes in Lanao del Norte.”

“We cannot avoid the effect of El Niño because Mindanao’s power generation mix is 51

percent from hydro,” Rolando J. Fara-on, the senior science research specialist for renewable energy management section of the Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office, was quoted as saying.

El Niño is unpredictable as it is is mind-boggling. “This weather disturbance is considered an enemy that could cause damage to the environment, agriculture, and marine life. As such, it has destructive consequences to human life,” points out the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

Fishers of the far west shores of South America were the first to notice a dramatic climate change and name it. Usually, the currents in the waters where they fished were cold and flowed from east to west.

But, in certain years, the currents flowed in the opposite direction and became very warm.

The air became more humid, and large thunderstorms developed. These years were bad for fishing, and it was difficult for the fishers to survive and feed their families. They noticed that this odd weather usually occurred in December, so they called it “El Niño” meaning “the child.”

Around the same time, other areas of the world had unusual floods, hurricanes, or drought. Scientists who studied the weather started to see a pattern in these changes. They found that every three to seven years, the Earth experienced

a change in the weather. This change always began in the tropical Pacific Ocean, near the equator.

Scientists also believe that this event, now widely known as El Niño, has been happening for hundreds of years. Historians are dating the phenomenon at least as far back as early 1500s, when the Spanish conquistadores entered South America amid raging storms.

The El Niño cycle may be simple, yet, the energy reserves it carries is vast, almost unimaginable. Most reports say “it contain more energy than has been procured from all the fossil fuels burned in the United States since the beginning of the century – that’s all the gasoline in all the cars, the coal in all the power plants, the natural gas in all the furnaces. It would take more than a million large power plants, at 1,000 megawatts each, running full tilt for a year, to heat the ocean that much.”

During the El Niño phenomenon, people are more likely to experience a hotter and longer summer. Normally, temperatures during the dry season range from 30 to 37 degrees Celsius.

“But during El Niño, the temperature is three degrees higher than the normal, with temperatures reaching as high as 38 degrees Celsius,” says Filipino meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz.

Scientists rank El Niño as the number one force disturbing world climate patterns.

It has caused damage worth

billions of dollars around the world in droughts, floods, and other livelihood revenues.

Take the case of the 198283 El Niño events. It left more than 1,100 dead. In the United States, it caused an estimated US$8.1 billion in damage from flooding, drought and unusual hurricane activity, according to government estimates. California alone reported some US$1.3 billion in damage from a series of heavy storms and flooding.

In the Philippines, the 1982-83 El Niño had a lasting effect on the country’s weather condition. For instance, the Manila area did not have sufficient rainfall until 1985 hence no considerable flooding occurred during the southwest monsoon season.

When the normal southwest monsoon rains occurred in 1986, there was a great havoc caused by the floods in the Manila area and the Laguna Lake was also full, leading to the flooding of Taguig for some time n the 1986 until the early summer of 1987.

The absence of rain and consequent flooding in Metro Manila in 1982 and onwards led to complacently in the belief that floods would not occur.

Hence, the canals and waterways were clogged with dirt and debris of four years of low rain in the metropolis.

“El Niño events occur on average every four or five years, but irregularly – they can be two years apart, or as many as 10 years,” reminds an official of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Forewarned is forearmed, so goes a familiar saying. This must be the reason why the Laguna-based PCARRD has come up with a compendium of materials on the abnormal weather entitled, The Fiery Fury of El Niño.

Since drought is equated with drought in the Philippines, PCARRD advised farmers to plant drought-tolerant crops in time of El Niño. Examples of such crops are sorghum, sweet peppers, asparagus, ube, tugue, alugbati, winged beans, cowpea, cucumber, kadios, camote, cassava, peanut, ginger, mung beans, and black peppers. The following fruit trees are also drought-tolerant: cashew, mango, citrus, tamarind, avocado, jackfruit, guava, and grapes.

Watering, if necessary, must be done only during the cool part of the day – not on windy days. To keep the crops moist, cover them with mulch. Mulch is a layer of organic materials – usually – that is spread on the surface of the soil.

Where feasible, construct small water impounding reservoirs and other soil and water conservation measures (trench and contour canals, for instance) to catch and store water from rain or divert water from source.

Since water is a precious commodity during the El Niño, people are urged to help mitigate the water crunch. Fix leaking faucets and pipes. Avoid running tap water while taking a bath; use a pail. Store water in the pail when shampooing hair, which can be used to flush toilet.

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SWIMS: Hip functional

STYLE

everyday footwear

ONE of the latest up-and-coming brands from popular concept store Res-Toe-Run, SWIMS is already making a “splash” in the fashion scene with its unique take on popular footwear styles with premium on comfort and function.

Norwegian lifestyle brand, SWIMS is best known for its achievement in reinventing the galosh (overshoe). Having added functionality, lots of colors, and a more contemporary shape to its lineup of footwear styles, SWIMS has reinvented the humble galosh into a modern, hip, style that is now gaining popularity in major metropolitan cities around the world – including the Philippines.

Davao’s famous and revered Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, had tried on a pair of SWIMS and found the George Lace Loafer collection to fit his style.

Its semi-formal sleek design appealed to the good mayor and all he could say when he tried it on was “Perfect!”

With SWIMS’ vision to enhance the lifestyle of people at work and leisure, we decided to give Mayor

Rody Duterte a pair to give him a feel of SWIMS comfort and functionality while going about with his hectic schedule.

In line with the brand’s philosophy of “Reinventing Classics”, SWIMS aims to create functional and smart products with the highest quality. After the success of the galosh, SWIMS has another exciting product that is sure to delight local footwear fans.

Reinventing the classic loafer, SWIMS has been able to turn it into something that is more functional through the integration of high-tech materials and state-of-the-art technology. And how functional is it? Well, for water babies, they’d be happy to learn that they can now start wearing loafers even in the ocean, by the pool, on the deck of a boat – basically a comfy loafer that you can “loaf” around in

the beach instead of the usual flip flops.

But for city folks or those that are looking for SWIMS’ more practical advantage like Mayor Rody, they’d be happy to know that SWIMS, most especially its galoshes, are perfect for rainy days when you don’t want to get your shoes ruined and of course, keep your feet dry.

SWIMS is truly a fine example how the merging of practical innovations and style can result to something that is truly exciting.

Check out SWIMS’ latest collection at Res-ToeRun branch in Abreeza and nationwide.

Res|Toe|Run is owned and operated by The Primer Group of Companies, Asia’s next retail giant.

SWIMS would like to thank Mayor Rody Duterte for wearing SWIMS shoes; to Mr. Bong Go, his Executive Assistant for allowing SWIMS a few minutes to honor the good Mayor. Our warmest thanks also goes out to Ms. Jojie Alcantara, writer-blogger-photojournalist

for the coordination, fun company and the very nice photos. Thank you also to Joel of Fujifilm for lending us your nice cameras and taking the photos.

Like us on Facebook: w w w.fa c ebook .com / SwimsPhilippines

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UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

World’s Best Island partners with the World’s Best Carrier and major tourism players

Year-round low fares to Palawan from Manila are now available at www.airasia.com

THE province of Palawan, represented by the Provincial Government and Palawan Tourism Council, is partnering with AirAsia Philippines, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier that flies hand in hand with AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Airline for six consecutive years

by Skytrax, to draw more and more tourist both foreign and domestic to Palawan’s over 1, 700 islands.

During the formal launch held at the Provincial Capitol last March 4, Palawan Governor Jose “Pepito” Alvarezsaid, “This is Public-Private Partnership in action, where all the stakeholders share a common goal in increasing tourist arrivals in Palawan.”

Alvarez also lauded the partnership as a “good example of unity and strong collaboration among all the major players in tourism” and that every province should adopt as part of Visit Philippines 2015 campaign program.

Aside from providing year-round low fares, AirAsia is also partnering

AirAsia Zest CEO Joy Caneba, Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, Palawan Tourism Council President Deborah Tan with AirAsia cabin crew in their iconic red uniform during the MOA signing in Palawan last March 4. with local hotels and tour ing other renowned is- for all of us to bring tour- route from 3x to 5x daily operators to bring them land destinations such ism into Palawan. Pala- starting 29th March 2015 to Manila and around as Hawaii, Mozambique, wan is known for deliver- with promo fares from the country for a series of Australia, and Greece. ing world- class service as as low as P1,099 base fare travel expos and promo- Palawan’s tourism jew- a world-class tourist des- only for guests traveling tional activities for Pala- els, El Nido and Honda tination and as a regional now until 10th June 2015.

Bay, were also named the airline with massive conWorld’s Best Island wan.

Home to natural won- “Most Beautiful Island nectivity across all Asean program is supported by ders acclaimed globally, Beach” and “Best Island countries including Chi- the Department of TourPalawan was hailed the Beach for Swimming and na, Australia and India, ism and the United States world’s best island in the Snorkeling,” respectively it’s just fitting that this Agency for International partnership come to life.” Development under its Conde Nast Traveler’s in February 2015.

For her part, AirAsia Philippine AirAsia has increased Advancing Readers’ Choice Awards in 2014. The province Zest CEO Joy Cañeba frequencies for Manila- Competitiveness project topped the survey, best- said, “It’s a shared vision Puerto Princesa City (USAID-COMPETE).

Matteo newers KAPAMILYA TV host-actress Alex Gonzaga will open the magical summer season of TV viewers as ABS-CBN’s newest fantasy-drama series “Inday Bote” premieres on Monday (March 16).

In the series, Alex will be paired with Matteo Guidicelli and Kean Cipriano.

“The story of ‘Inday Bote’ is perfect for the whole family this summer season. In the teleserye version, viewers will get to know Inday as a person, daughter, sister, and a young woman who learns to fall in love. The youth, especially teenagers, will surely learn a lot from Inday’s determination and her belief that there is nothing you cannot do, if you will follow your dreams,” said Alex about ABS-CBN’s TV adaptation of the masterpiece of veteran komiks novelist Pablo Gomez.

In “Inday Bote,” Alex will portray the character of Inday, a joyful young woman who has many dreams for

h d w b w

h a A N g J R

Women’s Treats, Maxene Magalona ABS-CBN and Flawless at SM Lanang Premier 52nd Bb IN celebration of International Women’s Month, SM Lanang Premier is giving all ladies well deserved shopping rewards on all Wednesdays and treats on selected dates in March.

On March 18 and 25, women can enjoy up to 30% off at The SM Store and participating tenants mall-wide. SM Advantage Card holders can get 10% off on a minimum P1,500 singlereceipt purchase of regular-priced items. BDO Shopmore Mastercard holders can also avail of

extra 10% rebate on a minimum purchase of P5,000 and extra 20% rebate on a minimum buy of P20,000.

The metro’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination also has a special event for all women on Saturday, March 21, as celebrity Maxene Magalona graces SM Lanang Premier Atrium for the Beauty by Flawless event. Program starts at 5pm.

Shoppers are invited to see Maxene as she shares her beauty and skin care tips and wellness regimens with

Davaoeños. The event is co-presented by Flawless, which is located at the Lower Ground Level of SM Lanang Premier.

Can’t get enough of make-up products? Get ready as the Mad for Make-up Fair happens at the Atrium on March 2729. Choose from a wide range of make-up options and enhance your looks by whipping up a few cosmetic tricks.

For inquiries, contact 285-0943 or visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event updates and sale alerts.

THE most beautiful night in th country is about to happen.

With 34 stunning Filipinas soa ing in the limelight, the questio as to who will shine and impre the crowd and judges the most w be answered as Binibining Pilipin names its brand new winners o Sunday (March 15). The coronatio night will air live on ABS-CBN an a replay will be aired on Lifesty Network on Monday (March 16).

Expected to be another gran coronation night, the 52nd B Pilipinas coronation night show cases a wonderful mix of cand dates composed of previous loc pageant winners, working profe sionals, graduates from reputab schools, and celebrities.

Back in the competition this ye are Pia Wurztbach and Hanna

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o, Kean, and Alex star in ABS-CBN’s st fantasy-drama series “Inday Bote” Mel Tiangco: At home at Kapuso Network

herself and her family. Inday’s life begins to change when she is given a magic bottle inhabited by dwarves who have superpowers.

Completing the powerhouse cast of “Inday Bote” are Aiko Melendez, Alicia Alonzo, Smokey Manaloto, Nikki Valdez, Malou Crisologo, Jeffrey Santos, Nanding Josef, Alora Sasam, Biboy Ramirez, Izzy Canillo, and in-

troducing Alonzo Muhlach.

It is directed by Malu Sevilla and Jon Villarin.

“Inday Bote” is part of the magical summer campaign of Dreamscape Entertainment Television, the group that created top-rating TV masterpieces such as “Walang Hanggan,” “Ina Kapatid Anak,” “Juan dela Cruz,” “Ikaw Lamang,” and “Bagito,” which will air its finale on Friday (March 13).

Don’t miss the beginning of the inspiring and magical story of “Inday Bote” soon on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

For more information about the program, visit the official social networking site of Dreamscape Entertainment Television at Facebook.com/ DreamscapePH, Twitter. com/DreamscapePH, and Instagram.com/DreamscapePH.

GMA News pillar and multi-awarded news anchor Mel C. Tiangco renewed ties with GMA Network at a contract signing held on March 9.

Present during the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, and SVP for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores.

Tiangco, who has been with the Network since 1996, expressed her continued loyalty to GMA Network. “The day I entered GMA, I knew it was going to be my home forever,” says the veteran broadcaster.

Apart from co-anchoring GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras with Mike Enriquez and Vicky Morales, and hosting the awardwinning drama anthology Magpakailanman, Tiangco is also the EVP and COO of GMA’s socio-civic arm, GMA Kapuso Foundation.

In these various roles, she is highly regarded

by GMA’s top management with Gozon saying, “Napakaganda ng aming experience, not only with each other but also with the Network, so that it has come to the point na mahirap nang isipin na may

GMA without Tita Mel.” Moreover, Duavit extols Tiangco’s credibility and commitment to service as seen in her work with the Kapuso Foundation and GMA News and Public Affairs. “Madalang makatagpo ng isang tao na lahat halos nasa kanya na,” he says. “Sa madaling salita, isang tao kung saan napapaloob ang lahat ng ibig nating sabihin sa serbisyong totoo. Mapalad tayo na si Mel ay bahagi ng Kapuso and we are proud to be Kapuso dahil sa mga katulad ni Mel,” he shares.

Of her contributions to the Network, Flores shares, “Tita Mel has been instrumental in cementing GMA News and Public Affairs’ reputation as the most credible news organization in the country.

We look forward to more years of working with her.”

Indeed, Mel Tiangco has consistently shown the heart of a Kapuso

throughout her years of service. ““To say that I love this company is an understatement. I have served

it with all my heart and with all my soul and I will continue to do so,” she expresses.

N, Lifestyle Network to air b. Pilipinas Coronation Night

he

akon ess will nas on on nd yle

nd Bb. wdical esble

ear ah

Ruth Sison, who both managed to be part of the top three in past ‘Binibini’ coronation nights. Wurztbach who bagged first-runner up in 2013 failed to enter the top five last year while Sison hopes to take home one of the five crowns after her strong second runner-up finish last year.

Meanwhile, rookies Ann Lorraine Colis, Alaiza Flor Malinao, Kylie Verzosa, and Teresita Ssen “Wynwyn” Marquez are all set to charm the judges to emerge triumphant at the coronation night.

Marquez, the daughter of Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, who is also starting a career in showbiz

just like her parents. The pressure is on Marquez as well since her aunt, Miss International Melanie Marquez, is assisting in her training.

Who are the ladies who will shine and represent the country in prestigious international beauty tilts? Find out at the Binibining Pilipinas 2015 coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a live telecast on ABS-CBN on Sunday at 9:30PM. Catch the replay on Lifestyle Network on Monday at 6:30 PM. For more information, visit www. bbpilipinas.com, www.facebook. com/realbbpilipinas, the Lifestyle Network’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork), and www.lifestylenetwork. com.ph.

March 12-17, 2015

THE COBBLER / * WILD CARD Adam Sandler / * Jason Statham PG / *R16

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

CINDERELLA Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden G

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

RUN ALL NIGHT Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman R16

R-16

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL YOU /

*CHAPPIE PG/ *R13

Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla / *Sharlto Copley, Hugh Jackman 12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 LFS / * 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

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EVENT Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio “COULD you send me your curriculum vitae?” wrote Christine T. Dompor, the provincial tourism officer of Compostela Valley, in her text to me.

I asked why and she answered, “Because we have chosen you as one of the members of the board of judges in our forthcoming contest during the Bulawan Festival.”

True enough, a few days later, I got a letter of invitation from Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, the festival’s action officer. “This year’s celebration is… showcasing the province’s bounties --culture, golden-hearted people, talents and skills, and great harvest,” he wrote.

I was asked to judge its Talentadong Comvalenyo. Since it was to be held at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, we had to travel all the way from Davao City. The driver of the van picked me up at the hotel where I was staying at around 4 pm.

We also passed by Museo Dabawenyo, where Oscar Casaysay, another judge, was waiting.

It was a long trip -- al-

most three hours. It was there I met the other judge in the person of Edson “Etchok” Cachuela.

We were having our dinner when someone gave us the details of the contest. “It’s a reality show with no limits,” she said. The contest is open to individuals, pairs or groups (a maximum number of 10 members).

The criteria we used for judging the three winners were: technique and execution, 40 points; degree of difficulty, 30 points; and overall performance, 30 points.

There were only 12 contestants. DMX Comvalenyos emerged the grand winner bringing home the P30,000 cash prize. Wild Hip Clovers was adjudged second prize winner and took the P25,000 cash prize. The P15,000 cash prize went to JC Beat for winning the third prize.

The following received P3,500 cash prize each as

TALENTS ABOUND

consolation: The Cordz, Chester Lara, Leonides Laude, Beyond Soi, Rodney Christ Mainit, Hipmix Crew, Richelle Joy Lora, Mars Hiphop Community, and Elizalde Movers.

In his reaction, Casaysay said, observing only one woman contestant, that women should join more in such contest like this. Cachuela, in his facebook account, wrote: “But I would love to make special mention of contestant No. 8 -- that kid who did ‘BALAK’ completes my experience. It was thrilling to hear deep poetic verse with rhymes come to life competing against dance, music and other acts. BALAK is a vanishing oral tradition and seeing it on stage rendered by a kid is even more touching. I learned that it is the mother who wrote the piece and taught it to the child then I see tradition handed to the new generation unfolding before our very eyes.”

The contest started

with a performance by Neil Rey Garcia Llanes, yes the grand winner of the 2014 Talentadong Pinoy of TV 5. He took the stage by storm by showcasing his beatbox talent. It was the first time I saw him performed but I agreed that he is the best among the top contenders in the reality TV show.

If Llanes stole the show at the start, Jeffrey Tam ended it with a big bang.

There was too much fun, laughter and bonding with the audience. In 2012, he was given the Merlin Award by the American Society of Magicians. This prestigious award saw him join the ranks of previous Merlin Award winners including David Copperfield and Criss Angel.

COMMUNITY SENSE 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015

Smart empowers CDO community W

I R E L E S S leader Smart Communications, Inc., recently organized a team-building workshop for the Xavier Ecoville Sewing Enterprise, in partnership with Xavier Ecoville Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Xavier University.

The workshop was designed to beef up the capacity of the community venture, comprised mainly of women, and strengthen the core of the sewing enterprise: its people. Having been through numerous challenges in life, these women know how to survive, but teamwork and collaboration may not come easy for them.

“At Smart, our engagements with communities go beyond dole-outs. We make sure that we help empower our partner-communities so they are able to improve their lot in life,”

said Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

The workshop, held last February 16-17 at the Xavier Ecoville Multi-Purpose Hall, was facilitated by Happy Ballesteros-Raagas, a consultant and believer in women empowerment.

“The tools from the workshop will improve how they face the future together. With a better understanding of what makes effective teams, I think they are on their way to performing better as a social enterprise,” Raagas said.

More than developing their skills, an enterprise needs to identify with the community, to realize how each individual matters to the team. “The team building workshop was meant to help the women understand the basics of what a team is, and show them what

they can do to address the challenges that they face,” added Raagas.

Inspired by the women, Raagas has shared that she will come back for more workshops to continue to strengthen the team, as part of her personal advocacy.

Another advocate for empowering women, Kyna Chan has also been helping the community for some time, from bag design to production, and she has seen the struggles and successes.

“The Sewing Enterprise is a very promising community. I was inspired by how they bounced-back from the rough experiences they’ve had. I am honored to be part of this community because it teaches me to be a woman for others,” said Chan.

Martha Rodriguez, an international bag designer from Cagayan de Oro, also wants to help the women.

14

EDGEDAVAO Sports

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Suntrust exec wins, Pulong 2nd

Mayor Rody Golf attracts huge field of 191 golfers

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

L

FATHER AND SON. Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte (right) receives his overall net runner-up trophy from his father Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the Mayor Rody Invitational golf tournament awarding ceremonies at The Summit bar of The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

Koreans rule 7th Phoenix Open Golf · Galicia, Yao bag over-all individual titles

D

AVAO Korean Golf Association (DKGA) shot 157 points rule the 7th Phoenix-Pioneer Open Golf tournament on Saturday at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Lee Bong Hee, Kim Min Suk and Lee Jae Un all scored 40 points for DKGA while president Kim Il Gyu contributed 37 points.

Jung In Kyu’s 32 points did not count in the team format.

The Koreans won by a single point against first runner-up Steel Asia Team (156) composed of playing team manager Adrian Yao (46), Patrick Tan (39), Monchit Mackay (36), Vince Arcenas (35) and Jiggs Calixto (32).

Second runner-up was the Eagle Master 1 with 154 points played by Lito Bario (46), Philip Idulsa (37), Jimboy Panisales (35), Ralph Garcia (35) and Sam Strong (33).

Yao, a 17-handicapper also pocketed the individual overall net title with 46 points. He birdied holes no. 5 and 12 and won by a countback.

Ninot Galicia shared the top honor by bagging the overall gross crown with 34 points capped with birdies at no. 10 and 12.

The tandem of Louie Brodeth (42) and Archie Moralizon (41) combined for 83 points to rule the Partner division.

They won by just one point

over the duo of Randy Cadiogan (45) and Paul Dakudao (37). Second runner-up was the all-Korean duo of Kim Gui Nam (45) and Yoo Jung Ku (34) with 79 points.

Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Chairman Domingo Uy, CEO Dennis Uy, COO Romy de Guzman and AVP for Sales Visayas Richard Tiansay awarded the trophies and fabulous prizes to the winners.

Proceeds of the event will go to the Phoenix Petroleum Foundation.

The other results: Class A – gross champion – Roderick Lo (34), runner-up – Jing Gavino (34), net champion – Andrew Bautista (39), runner-up – Jorge Martinez (36).

Class B – gross champion – Kang Ho Bong (27), runner-up – Abe Dizon (26), net champion – Noel Sadava (42), runner-up – Czar Sulaik (40).

Class C – gross champion – William Larrouse (21), runner-up –Mon Santos (20), net champion – Jun Ramos (37), runner-up – Jeffrey Abejay (36).

Class D – gross champion – Wilfredo Caballes (22), runner-up – Marty Velasco (10), net champion – Joel Martin (41), runner-up – Ben Venus (41).

Longest drive hole – Ryan Co (283 yards); accurate drive – Willy Maldia (4 inches); Nearest to the pin – Jorge Segovia (42 inches).

WINNERS. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. president Dennis Uy (left) with the winners from Davao Korean Golfers Association which won the overall team title in the 7th Phoenix Open last Saturday at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Contributed by Tommy Iñigo

AWYER Harry Paltongan, president of Megaworld marketing arm Suntrust, topped the Mayor Rody Invitational Golf Tournament over the weekend at the Apo Golf and Country Club in a star-studded event that also saw Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte celebrate his comeback to the sport with a runner-up finish.

Paltongan fired 31 points in the Modified Stableford format of scoring to beat another lawyer Juan Carlos Angeles for the overall gross title. Angeles settled for second with a 29.

Col. Lope Dagoy shared the top honors in the 18hole tournament organized

by CMO executive assistant Bong Go in coordination with Apo Golf and Country Club president Mario Luis Jacinto after winning the overall net title with a 44.

Vice Mayor Duterte, a former jungolf standout, scored a 43 to barely miss the title and settled for first runner-up in his first tour-

nament after a long hiatus.

He received his trophy from his father Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the awarding rites at the Summit bar of The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The Class A net title went to Chief Prosecutor Danny Yang with a 32 Danny Nagayo won first runner-up via countback over Robert Siason and Denden De Castro with identical 31s.

Lawyer Fred Lim scored 40 points to win the Class B net title besting Vice Mayor Louie Bustamante, Police Director Alex Paul Monteagudo and Lt. Col. Oliver Artuz. In Class C, Supt. Jay dela Ala won the net title over Atty. Art Tugade, Manny Bendigo, and Maj. Jearie Boy Familial.

“The tournament was intended to be a fun golf event for friends of the Mayor but it turned out into a big event with 191 players,” said organizer Bong Go. “We thank everyone who took part in the tournament.”

FROM THE APRON. 10th ID chief Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año hits from the fringe on no. 9 during the Mayor Rody Invitational golf tournament at the Apo Golf and Country Club on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

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CMO edges Acer in PBA Davao preliminary C

ITY Mayor’s Office turned back Acer Everball, 104 – 102, in the preliminary game of the 2015 PBA Commissioners Cup On Tour Davao City that pit Purefoods Star Hot Shots and Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters on Saturday at the USEP Gym in Bo. Orbrero.

CMO came out big but needed to weather Acer’s late game surge to pull away with the win before a packed of PBA fans.

Christopher “Bong” Go came through with 43 points to lead the charge for the City Hall dribblers who got a big lift from businessman-sportsman Glenn Escandor.

Escandor made five triples to finish the game with

15. JR De Guzman had 23.

CMO was leading by 15, 83 – 68, entering the final canto but the Acer side mounted a big fight back to set up a down the wire finish.

Acer used an 18 – 5 run to cut the gap to 2, 101 – 99, with seconds more to play behind Earl Angsinco, Dela Cerna and Francisco.

But Acer fell short to deliver when it needed most as they failed to convert potential game changing shots in the finals seconds of the game.

Francisco paced the Acer with 24 points. Dela Cerna had 20.

Go’s five straight points in the final two minutes enabled the struggling CMO to keep

pace with the surging Acer.

Go and Escandor spearheaded an early CMO run that gave them 25 – 9 lead midway of the opening period with a flurry of baskets behind the arc.

The City Hall dribblers continued the splash in the second frame as they took a 60 – 47 lead at the half. (Rico Biliran) Box scores: CMO – 104 GO 43, DE GUZMAN 23, ESCANDOR 15, CLORIBEL 8, LABOR 7, APOSTOL 5, FLORES 3 ACER - 102 FRANCISCO 24, DELA CERNA 20, ANGSINCO 12, MALIGRO 10, BARRIGA 10, SUAREZ 8, CABRERA 7, MENDING 4, CHUIM 4, LUCERO 3

later. Hassan Whiteside, Michael Beasley, Tyler Johnson and Henry Walker were all added in-season to hold down spots alongside Dwyane Wade, as was Goran Dragic in a trade with Phoenix.

Somehow, Miami still has a pulse.

“All the changes, the trades, the injuries, the adversity, I think it’s strengthened us,” Spoelstra said. “It hasn’t really produced the type of results that we want it to, but every player in that locker room right now feels the significance of these games.”

Some things to watch this week around the NBA: BEST VERSUS BEST: Atlanta at Golden State, Wednesday night. The top seeds in the East and West, not to mention the league’s only 50-win teams to date, going at it in a nationally televised matchup.

Atlanta won the first meeting, 124-116 on Feb. 6.

PACERS CLIMBING: Indiana started 17-32, with losing streaks of six, seven and eight games. Look at the Pacers now. Frank Vogel won’t win coach of the year, but has done another marvelous job. This week, Indiana faces Toronto, Chicago, Cleveland and Brooklyn.

MILESTONE WATCH: Only 33 players have appeared in 1,200 NBA regular-season games. That club could grow

to 35 this week, with Jason Terry and Vince Carter on pace to reach that plateau in the coming days.

BLAZERS-GRIZZLIES: Portland visits Memphis on Saturday, a matchup that may help eventually decide the West’s No. 2 seed. Memphis is 3-0 against the Blazers this season, 8-1 against in the last nine between the clubs.

SPURS-HAWKS: Sunday’s slate is highlighted by this, when Atlanta (and former San Antonio assistant Mike Budenholzer, who has made a Spurs-esque style work for the Hawks) host the NBA champions. Potential Finals preview?

Maybe.

SMOOTH JAZZ: Here’s your 2016 Western Conference sleeper. Utah has won five straight and 12 of 15, holding teams to 85.5 points per game. Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors lead the way, but watch Rudy Gobert — averaging 10.5 points and 14.5 rebounds since returning to the starting lineup.

STAT LINE OF THE WEEK Kyrie Irving, Cleveland: Maybe the stat line of the year, maybe the game of the year. Irving had 57 points on 20-for32 shooting, including 7 for 7 from 3-point range and 10 for 10 from the free-throw line in Cleveland’s 128-125 overtime win at San Antonio. He also had five assists and four steals.

Heat still has a shot

H

ERE are some key members of the current Miami Heat rotation: A center who resuscitated his career in Lebanon, a forward who was playing for a bad team in China a few weeks ago, and a couple of graduates of the NBA Development League.

What a difference a year makes.

Forget a fifth straight run to the NBA Finals. These Heat will have to scrap to make the Eastern Conference playoffs, and now begin a daunting stretch starting Monday against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We’re fighting, absolutely fighting, for our playoff lives,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Entering this week, Indiana (30-35) holds the No. 7 seed, with Charlotte (29-35) a half-game back in eighth.

Miami (29-36) is another halfgame back in ninth, a tiebreaker ahead of Boston (29-36).

Four teams, two playoff spots, one game separating them.

“I love it,” Spoelstra said.

“We all do. We’re in a profession that we want to be in.

We’re playing for something.”

When James left this summer, the Heat were reeling and a massive roster-rebuild was needed fast. Josh McRoberts’ season-ending injury and Chris Bosh’s season-ending illness both rocked the team months

H

E’S a hardworking fellow who works best from the backstage.

But when he’s on centerstage, he lights up the court.

That’s Bong Go. BG for short. Wears jersey no. 18 and averages around 30 points per game. If you need 5 three point shot a game, that’s easily done for him. 10 is possible. 15, 18, he has done that before.

If there’s a local counterpart of “The Triggerman” Alan Caidic, that’s BG. You can throw in the Splash Brothers too. Steph Curry and Klay

Thompson would find him a worthy match.

I am not exaggerating. BG is for real.

Last Saturday, BG proved to all and sundry that he is the numero uno pistolero this side of the Wild Wild West.

How is that possible?

BG just fired 35 points in an exhibition match against archnemesis Acer-Everball in the PBA On Tour aperitif when he was asked to join the threepoint shooting contest against a bunch of collegiate standouts. No. 18 is not one who

READY TO FIRE. Glenn Escandor of CMO-Matina Enclaves sets himself up for one of his game-high five triples in the PBA On Tour aperitif on Saturday at the USEP Gym. Escandor scored 15 points to back up Bong Go who topscored for CMO with 35 points in a close 104-102 win over Everball-Acer. Lean Daval Jr.

Manny undergoes random drug testing

M

ANNY Pacquiao was given a random drug test Saturday, only two days after the US Anti-Doping Agency revealed the Filipino boxing icon and future foe Floyd Mayweather agreed to Olympic-style testing.

A report on GMA News in Pacquiao’s homeland detailed that he had given blood and urine samples to a medical technician that made an unannounced visit to Pacquiao’s

training area in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao agreed to the extra doping protocol as part of the contract signed to fight unbeaten US rival Floyd Mayweather on May 2 in Las Vegas in a long-awaited bout that figures to shatter boxing revenue records.

Both Mayweather and Pacquiao must make themselves available for random blood and urine tests and provide US anti-doping officials with travel itineraries. They

match where he played the entire 40 minutes.

BG shot 13 in the eliminations, not bad for one who was in only his first threepoint contest in two years.

He started like a house on fire burrying four of the first five balls. The field was no pushover. It had Bryan Cabanilla of Jose Maria College and Paulo Dailisan of Ateneo de Davao University and his shooting partner at CMO squad Glenn Escandor.

In the finals, he needed only three racks and a half

to win the crown as he surpassed Cabanilla’s final output after draining the third ball of the fourth rack. There was still 22 seconds when the crowd started to give the new three point king the deserving ovation for his remarkable feat.

He put the icing on the cake with f three straight shots in the last rack including the “money ball.”

On the same day, BG threw a big golf event, the Mayor Rody Invitational, at the Apo Golf and Country Club that had 191 players--a veritable who’s

BG is blockbuster

LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo

backs down from a contest, especially if this is a shooting contest. So off he went jumping off his seat, still huffing and puffing from the gruelling

will also be tested after the fight.

Samples will be examined for human growth hormone (HGH), erythropoietin (EPO) and other substances.

Drug testing was an issue in 2010 when talks for a Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown failed. Mayweather accused Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs. Pacquiao denied the claim and sued Mayweather, a dispute the two settled out of court.

who in the business, military and government sectors.

BG had to do some remote control management over the events for the day--including his usual chores as Mayor Rody’s “toolbox.”

For one to be so focused at winning despite the unenvious job, BG is a blockbuster guy.

Notes: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” at 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8 am to 10 am. You may write the author at bravoneil@rocketmail. com.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 257 • TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015