Edge Davao 7 Issue 259

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NEW REGISTRANT. Lobesa Pinayag, a 19-year old Matigsalog mother from Gumitan, Marilog District, latches her child onto her back while filling up the voter’s application form at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional office inside the R. Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BIGTIME PUSHER FALLS PDEA police agents nab notorious drug trafficker in Toril

By ARMANDO FENEQUITO and FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA

O

PERATIVES of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 and Toril Police Station arrested bigtime drug pusher, Tuesday night at Villa Josefina Village, Dumoy, Davao City.

Suspect was identified as Rodrigo Dacar Jr., 30, single, and resident of Agton Street, Purok 4, Toril, Davao City.

According to the PDEA 11

report, a concerned citizen from Toril District informed the agency through their text hotline about Dacar’s illegal activity.

Authorities immediately verified the report and proceeded to conduct a buy-bust operation at the said area.

Dacar was arrested after selling two medium packs of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride com-

monly known as shabu more or less five grams each worth P30,000 to a PDEA agent who acted as poseur buyer.

Police also recovered another eight packs of shabu weighing more or less 45 grams with a street value of P405,000.00 and the marked money.

Suspect is currently detained at Davao City Police Office (DCPO) detention fa-

cility while the seized suspected illegal drugs were submitted to Regional Laboratory of PDEA Regional Office XI for qualitative and quantitative examination.

Cases for violation of Section 5 and Section 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were filed against the suspect.

INSIDE EDGE

THE PISTOLERO OUTGUNS ‘FIRECRACKER’

Sports P16

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

TRABAHO ADVOCACY. Secretary Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shares a light moment with Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario of Davao del Norte before the start of a basketball game between Team Trabaho composed of PBA legends and the agency’s employees’ TESDA Specialista for the TESDA-Trabaho advocacy at the Panabo City gymon Tuesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

City Hall employees to get P20-T signing bonus each

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

C

crc@edgedavao.net

HRISTMAS will be coming early for regular employees of the city government.

This developed after Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) chair of the committee on finance, ways and means Danilo Dayanghirang announced that the P160 million signing bonus for regular employees will be included in the proposed Supplemental Budget SB) No.2.

“Malipay napud atong mga emplyedo ani (Our regular employees will be happy for this ),” Dayanghirang

said during the Kapehansa Dabaw at SM City Annex Monday.

The SB 2 measure will be discussed after 78thAraw ng Davao celebration and Holy Week in April.

Dayanghirang said that under the collective negotiation agreement (CNA) between the City Government and 2,676-member of Davao City Hall Employees Association (DACHEA), each employee will receive P20,000.

Collective Negotiation Agreement or CNA is a “con-

FCITY, 14

10th ID chief wants peace talks with NPA

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

1

0TH Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año called for a permanent ceasefire against the New People’s Army (NPA) as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hopes to resume peace talks with the rebel group.

Año said that the AFP is open to the idea of a permanent ceasefire in the entire country. However, the military commander stressed

that the peace talks should resume during the next administration since the term of President Benigno Aquino III is about to end.

“Masyado na kasing maiksi ang term ni President Aquino, so kung iresume ang peace talk it should be on the next administration,” Año said.

Año also said that the peace talks was stopped because the NPA presents too many conditions as part of

their agreement with the Philippine government.

According to Año, one reason that the rebel group presented was the release of their 17 high ranking officials who were currently detained in camp crame.

Another point that the general elaborated was the continues armed struggle on the different parts of the country while the peace talks was on going.

Mendoza to expand agri, anti-poverty programs F

By JEFRY M. TUPAS

ARMERS in North Cotabato are assured of continued support with the provincial government’s announcement of the expansion of its ongoing agricultural development and anti-poverty programs.

Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said the provincial government is set to start food security projects amounting to P62.9 million in the towns of Makilala, Arakan, and Aleosan.

Last year, North Cotabato was declared the Number

1 producer of rice in Central Mindanao with the annual production of 518,000 metric tons and Number 2 in corn with the production of 592,171 metric tons.

The projects, which are designed to boost the agriculture sector of the province, include farm-to-market roads, construction of multi-purpose drying facilities, and construction of village-type feedmill buildings.

“The province heavily relies on agriculture and it is

only correct that we give allout support to the agriculture sector,” said Mendoza on the sidelines of her State of the Province Address here Tuesday. “Our farmers are assured of our 100 percent support.

We have funds allotted for technology and infrastructures and we will make sure that the farmers and their families will benefit from these projects.”

Mendoza said her administration is doing everything it can to improve the lives of the people, especially those who

are in the countryside.

At least 20 road projects are currently ongoing in different towns of the province.

Under the Philippine Rural Development Projects, the road projects cost P119 million.

Within the year, five more road projects amounting P410 million will also be implemented.

In her Sopa, Mendoza also announced the province’s shift from production of raw coconuts or copra to production virgin coconut oil and coconut

FMENDOZA, 14

Gov. Emmylou Mendoza

“Napaka ironic naman kasi habang may peace talks ay patuloy yung mga armed struggles sa ibat-ibang area ng Pilipinas,” he said.

Año likewise clarified that the main reason of the derailment of the peace talks is because of the conditions that the NPA presented.

As of the moment, the rebel group continues to call for the resumption of the peace talks.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DCPO: No SITG for Chua’s death

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

D

BRIGHTLEAF AWARDS. The 2015 Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards,one of the country’s biggest journalism competition, was formally launched on Tuesday evening at Chippens Davao. EDGE Davao’s Henrylito D.

Tacio, one of last year’s winners, urged Davao media personalities who attended the launching, to join the competition. Bright Leaf is named after the tobacco which turns into a vivid yellow when it is cured with intense heat.

AVAO City Police Office (DCPO) clarified that it did not create a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to conduct a probe on the death of the slain son of a businesswoman linked to the death of hotel magnate Richard King.

This came after reports that SITG was created to intensify the investigation on the death of Wilbur Reagan Jo Chua, son of King’s business partner Helen Chua.

DCPO Spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz said that the authorities created an investigation team on the city level who will investigate on Chua’s death thoroughly.

“As of now, we already have an investigation team, but if there is a need to formulate an SITG then we will create

one,” Driz said.

The officer also said that based on their initial investigation the killing of Chua is leading them to a case that is drug-related.

However, Driz stressed that they are also investigating on other angles like personal conflicts.

“Sa imbestigasyon namin, parang papunta sa drug related na kaso pero we are still digging deeper on our investigation,” she said.

On March 13, the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) conducted a Bullet trajectory examination and engine stencil on Chua’s car.

SOCO recovered another two deformed slug inside his vehicle.

Last March 17, Sta. Ana Police Station Commander Police

OME cab drivers of Maligaya Taxi went on strike Tuesday and Wednesday to call for the reduction of cab rent since there is a P10 reduction order from Land Transportation and Franchising Regulation Board (LTFRB).

This was confirmed by a Taxi Dispatcher in Gaisano Mall who refused to be named yesterday.

The Maligaya Taxi drivers’ silent protest began on Tuesday as they demanded for a reduction of P200 to P250 from their rental rates. This came amidst the imposition of the flagdown rate reduction of P10 as directed by the Land Trans-

portation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) 11 which took effect last Monday.

He said that there are only minimal number of drivers who did not travel but he cannot tell the exact number of the drivers who went on strike. Maligaya has a yellow-colored fleet of over 300.

It was also observed in the taxi lane of the said mall that there were only minimal Maligaya taxis lining up for passengers.

The alleged protest was denied by the operations office of Maligaya Taxi. A company personnel who refused to be identified said that there was no

IMEM still uncertain S

FDCPO, 14

Cabbies go on‘mild’strike

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

W

abf@edgedavao.net

ITH some provisions unfixed, the resumption of Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) is still hanging on the air.

Department of Energy (DOE) Electric Power Industry Management Bureau assistant director Irma Exconde told Edge Davao that the IMEM has still to settle some provisions especially on the contracts for supplies.

Exconde said that there are some electric cooperatives who contracted with IMEM but later on they questioned

the pricing of the private plants participated.

She said the problem prompted the agency to suspend the electricity spot market since the power plants cannot give justify the cost to some utilities and cooperatives.

Last year, the House Committee on Energy recommended the suspension of the electricity spot trading in Mindanao following objections from power distributors and consumers.

The committee also directed all power producers including owners of small generat-

ROPICAL storm “Betty” which entered the country on Tuesday afternoon has weakened into a tropical depression on Wednesday, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Meno Mendoza said that as of 4 a.m. tropical depression Betty was estimated based on all available data at 1,190 Km East of Casiguran, Aurora (15.8°N, 133.2°E) packed with maximum winds of 55 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 17 kph.

Maintaining its movement and speed, Mendoza said that tropical depression Betty is

expected to make landfall in Isabela-Cagayan by Saturday.

Mendoza said tropical depression Betty is expected to weaken into a low pressure area (LPA) due to the presence of ridge of high pressure area and because of strong vertical wind shear or winds from different directions that blow into the country has been interacting with the circulation of the tropical cyclone.

He said the agency has not raised any public storm warning signal but tropical depression Betty will bring cloudy skies with rains over Northern and Central Luzon by Friday.

So far, the tropical depression is not affecting the country until Thursday as most

TS‘Betty’, now a tropical depression T

FTS, 14

ing facilities to connect to the Mindanao grid to help stave off a looming power crisis in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Exconde said that there some places that will experience rotational power outage due to the onset of the summer season.

She said that during the hot season, there is a possibility of insufficiency of water supply in the hydropower plants in Mindanao.

Exconde said that the places who will be affected on the rotational outage are those under electric utilities and

cooperatives who have not contracted an augmentation supply from the private plants.

She said that among the places affected are the provinces from Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) since they are very much dependent on the government-owned hydro plants in Mindanao.

Exconde however, said that with the upcoming operation of Therma South Inc., coalfired power plants of Aboitiz Power, it will somehow ease the low power supply in Mindanao.

FCABBIES, 14

PROMOS. Samsung mobile sales executive Flordeliza Cortez announces the upcoming promotions of the company during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. She was joined by LG Electronics product trainer Junrey Credo. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

DISMANTLE. Workers from Davao City’s General Services Office (GSO) dismantle the structures which were used during the 78th Araw ng Davao celebration at San Pedro Square a day after the festivity. Lean Daval Jr.

Military in red alert in Northern Mindanao T

HE military and police on Wednesday placed on heightened alert Northern Mindanao in anticipation of possible terror attacks by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as the rebel group observed its 46th anniversary on March 29 this year.

Pol. Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., regional head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Mindanao, said that the PNP is working closely with the military in securing the borders of Northern Mindanao.

He said that the military and police have received intelligence reports that the armed NPA rebels would launch an offensive in various areas, including the major cities, in Northern Mindanao as part of the NPA’s anniversary celebration.

Cruz said that he has instructed all PNP sub command stations in the region to institute appropriate security measures in their areas of responsibility.

“I have instructed the police to be on guard, particularly in converging areas where

people normally gather such as the market place, malls and shopping center, and churches,” Cruz said.

In Cagayan De Oro City, the local police command has also stepped up the police security measure by establishing checkpoints in various strategic areas.

Pol. Sr. Supt. Faro Antonio Olaguera, head of the city’s police command, said that the mobile checkpoints are now operational in the city’s borders.

The NPA, the military arm of the Communist Party

of the Philippines (CPP), has launched a series of harassment and attacks against the military and police in Northern Mindanao for the past months.

The military said that the NPA has carried out 350 atrocities in 2014. In 2015, the NPA launched 59 punitive actions in the regions of Northeastern Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Saranggani and Davao region.

The NPA was organized on March 29, 1969. It has an estimated 4,000 members nationwide. (PNA)

ously rented by Tambako.

The team found at the house several detonating cords, improvised circuit boxes, blasting caps, blasting powder, switches and batteries.

Another raid was launched at a house in the same village that was supposedly rented earlier by Tambako but it yielded negative.

“We returned their arrest warrants to the court and filed another case because of the evidences recovered at their safehouse,” Cornel said.

He was referring to the arrest warrant earlier issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Cotabato City against Tambako for murder and multiple frustrated murder.

Tambako, who is the for-

mer vice chair of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and his four companions were nabbed aboard a tricycle along the national highway in Barangay Calumpang at past 9 p.m. Sunday.

The four other suspects were identified as Mesharie Gayak, Datukan Sabiwang, Ali Ludisma and Abusama Guiamel.

Tambako and his companions, who yielded three handguns and three hand grenades, were immediately flown to Manila before noon on Monday and later charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Insp. Celso Murillo, acting head of the city police’s explo-

sives ordnance disposal team, said the recovered bomb-making materials were enough to make two to three powerful explosives.

He said the only lacking component from the seized materials is the main charge of an explosive.

“But they only need to piece them together to come up with the bombs,” he said.

Supt. Michael Odejerte, spokesperson of the city police office, said the recovered bomb-making materials showed that Tambako’s group had planned to launch terror attacks in the city.

“It’s important for everyone to be alert and vigilant so we can avert these plots,” he said.(PNA)

CIDG files more charges vs Tambako, 4 others

P

OLICE authorities here have filed additional illegal possession of explosives charges against arrested Justice for Islam Movement (JIM) founder Ustadz Mohammad Ali Tambako and four of his men.

Senior Supt. Manuel Cornel, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 12 director, said Wednesday they filed the charges in connection with the raid at the group’s alleged safehouse here on Monday that resulted to the recovery of various suspected bomb-making components.

CIDG-12 operatives staged the raid at a house in Lot 20, Block 14, Phase 2-A of Doña Soledad Subdivision in Barangay Labangal that was previ-

SoCot to acquire patrol boats

T

HE provincial government of South Cotabato is set to acquire two fiberglass motorboats in a bid to strengthen its patrol operations at the three critical lakes of Lake Sebu town.

Loida Villa, forest and inland water division head of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), said Wednesday the motorboats will mainly be used for the monitoring and enforcement of fishery and environmental laws at the lakes.

She said the local government has allotted some PHP1.2 million for the pur-

chase of the two motorboats, which cost PHP600,000 each.

“The motorboats will help us properly enforce fishery and environmental laws as well as monitor the cleanliness of the three lakes,” she said.

Lake Sebu town’s three lakes are Sebu (354 hectares), Seloton (48 hectares) and Lahit (24 hectares).

Villa said they need the motorboats for the monitoring of illegal activities and determine whether fishery regulations are followed by the lakes’ users.

FSOCOT, 14

DOH declares South Cotabato ‘disease-free zone’for filariasis

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) has declared South Cotabato province as a “disease-free zone” for the parasitic filariasis.

Jose Barroquillo, focal person of the Integrated Provincial Health Office’s filariasis program, said Wednesday the DOH central office made the declaration with the conferment to the province last week of the “Disease-Free Zone Award” for filariasis.

He said the award mainly recognizes the local government’s efforts in maintaining the area as filariasis-free since last year.

It also cites the province’s “good performance” in terms of the pursuit of universal health care, he said.

“The award was given to South Cotabato for the efforts of local health workers and the support of its local government units in achieving a disease-free status for filariasis,” Barroquillo said.

He said the province achieved last year the criteria set by the DOH for the total elimination of filariasis.

The DOH declared the province as filariasis-free in November 2013 after the area recorded a nearly zero prevalence rate of the disease since 2012.

Based on the agency’s regulations, a province may be declared as filariasis-free if its micro-filaria rate goes down to less than one percent.

FDOH, 14

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Samal posts 22% increase in arrivals

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

T

VISIT SAMAL 2015. Samal Island tourism president Gene Rose Tecson (right) and Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos) tourism officer Jennifer Cariaga give updates of the forthcoming Visit Samal Islands, a joint project with the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11, during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

Fitch Ratings affirms ‘BBB’ratings on Phl F

ITCH Ratings on Wednesday affirmed its investment grade ratings on the Philippines on the back of sustained improvement in the country’s economic fundamentals.

To date, the debt watcher gives the country a ‘BBB-‘ rating for long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (IDR) and ‘BBB’ for the local currency IDR. The outlook for both ratings are ‘Stable’.

In a statement, the credit watcher said its ratings for the country reflected “strong macroeconomic performance.”

It noted that inflows from Filipinos overseas as well as the business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors continued to boost domestic growth.

For one, remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) account for about 10 percent of domestic output.

Thus, Fitch forecasts a 6.3 percent output, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), for the domestic economy this year and 6.2 percent for 2016.

The government’s growth target for this and next year ranges between seven and eight percent.

Last year, the domestic economy churned in a 6.1 percent growth, lower than the 6.5-7.5 percent target due to the slowdown in the first three quarters of the year.

In the last quarter of 2014, the domestic economy rebounded after posting a 6.9 percent growth, buoyed by the construction activities and the agriculture sector. This growth is better than quarter-ago’s 5.3 percent and the 6.3 percent in the third quarter of 2013. ”The Philippines’ five-year real GDP (gross domestic product) growth was estimated to be 6.3 percent at the end of 2014, which is far above the ‘BBB’ median of 3.0 percent,’ it said.

The debt watcher also

said that the country’s external finances was “a key credit strength.”

This as the country continues to enjoy a current account surplus since 2003, which in turn “have supported the buildup in FX (foreign exchange) reserves and turned the country into a net external creditor.”

With this development, it sees the country to be a net external creditor at 15.4 percent of GDP at the end of last year, way better than the net external debtor position of 4.7 percent of GDP of those in the ‘BBB’ median.

Another plus factor for the Philippines is the robust growth of domestic lending boosted by high liquidity situation and “generally buoyant economic conditions.”

It placed average private sector lending growth from 2010-14 to be about 16 percent although it noted that “aggregate size of the banking system remains moderate.”

With this, it projects the end-2014 growth of lending to the private sector to have reached 39.2 percent of GDP, below the 66 percent of ‘BBB’ median.

Fitch have noted regulators’ move to check on the current lending situation in the country, through a bigger focus on the real estate sector and the risks it entails.

Also, the debt watcher said the “abundance in liquidity has not led to evidence of overheating but it is a risk that bears monitoring over the medium-term.”

The pressure that is being created by the high liquidity situation is, on the other hand, seen to ease on the back of the looming increase in US’ interest rates.

Similarly, Fitch does not expect the looming interest rate normalization in the US to result to the end of capital flows to emerging economies like the Philippines. (PNA)

OURIST arrivals in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) reached 680,064 in 2014 for an increase of 154,297 or 22.69 percent up from the previous year’s record of 525,767.

Of the 2014 record, 650,614 are domestic tourists while 29,450 are foreign visitors.

But, Igacos tourism officer Jennifer Cariaga noted an increase in the total number of foreign visitors last year compared to the 2013 record.

For overnight tourists, Samal recorded 17,208 foreign visitors in 204, or a huge increase of 186 percent as against the 2013 record of only 6,014.

Domestic visitor arrivals

posted only 31.56 percent from 181,959 in 2013 to 239,397 in 2014.

For this year, Cariaga said they are targeting a 10 percent increase in tourist arrival when they stage the fifth year of their Visit Samal Islands2015 tourism campaign.

The Visit Samal Islands 2015 is a joint project of the Igacos LGU, Samal Island Tourism Council and the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 and will run from April 10 to May 31, 2015.

The campaign features big discounts, special promos and packages of beach resorts and inland attractions all over Samal.

The project also involves staging of major events and eco-activities is Samal.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Joint venture agreement on P10-B bulk water inked

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) signed Tuesday night a contract with Davao City Water District (DCWD) for the establishment of a P10-billion bulk water facility that will ensure enough water supply in Davao City.

DCWD spokesperson Bernardo Delima said the signing took place Tuesday night at The Marco Polo Davao and

which was presided by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The agreement will pave the way for the setting up of a facility for bulk water supply from Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (APO Agua), a joint venture company between AEV and J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC).

A statement from AEV said the agreement involves

the construction of the country’s largest private bulk water supply facility to date together with a fully renewable energy powered water treatment plant.

“APO Agua will supply up to 300 million liters per day (MLD) of potable bulk water from the Tamugan River to DCWD, which will benefit the more than 1 million people of Davao City,” AEV said in the

statement.

The landmark project is part of AEV’s thrust to expand into infrastructure development in addition to its core businesses of power, banking, land and food.

“We have long been partners in Davao’s economy through Davao Light and our other businesses; and through our investment in APO Agua, we will ensure that

Davao city has the necessary bulk water infrastructure for it to continue with its impressive economic growth story,” said Erramon Aboitiz, AEV president and CEO. APO-Agua has a 70-30 ownership structure, with AEV owning 70 percent of the company and the remaining 30 percent JVACC. AEV said JVACC will be the engineering, procurement,

and construction (EPC) contractor for the entire project.

JVACC brings with it over 48 years of experience in the construction and development of water-related infrastructure in the Philippines.

“We are excited to be able to provide Davao City with this innovative bulk water supply solution,” said Jose V. Angeles, JVACC chairman and president.

PHL stocks plunge anew P

HILIPPINE share prices retreated anew on Wednesday following the downtrend on Wall Street, as investors wait for the United States Federal Reserve’s policy announcements.

The Philippine Stock Exchange’s main performance barometer declined 32.52 points to 7,756.58 from previous day’s 7,789.10 close.

“Stock markets were a bit listless throughout the day with decisions held back ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s meeting,” said Jun Calaycay, analyst at Accord Capital Equities Inc. Calaycay said that while no one is expecting the Fed will take any action at the meetings which begins Wednesday night, share prices are dropping which the market considers as a strong signal of an imminent rate hike.

Analysts expect the U.S. Fed’s policy meeting can provide more firm indication on whether the interest rate hike will be implemented mid-year or later in the year.

Counters were mixed, with the holding firms, mining and oil and financials in positive territory.

The sub-indices of other sectors declined, led by services that plunged 2.05 percent.

Volume of transactions reached 1.33 billion shares valued at PHP10.76 billion.

Decliners dominated advancers, 119 to 52, while 48 issues unchanged.

Top gainers were led by Pryce Corp., 2Go Group Inc., Bogo Medellin Milling Company Inc., Centro Escolar University and Island Information and Technology Inc. (PNA)

Marco Polo lady GM vows excellent service T Mindanao to boost country’s rice sufficiency bid M RICE FORUM. Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Edilberto De Luna (fourth from left)), Davao del Sur Governor Claude Bautista (third from right) and Assistant Director Febe Orbe (second from right) lead the ribbon

INDANAO can make significant contributions for the country to achieve its rice sufficiency goal.

Department of Agriculture (DA) assistant secretary Edilberto De Luna said during the opening of the three-day rice forum held yesterday in Digos City.

“In the next ten years we cannot fully expect the other rice producing areas such as Nueva Ecija and Tarlac to produce more rice as these areas are now being utilized for other infrastructure such as express way to give way to development,” he said.

De Luna said area planted to rice in the country remains within 4.5 to 4.7 million hectares only. This makes rice production more challenging as the population

of 100 million Filipinos continuously is increasing.

While Mindanao is seldom visited by typhoon, De Luna also noted Mindanao farmer’s adoption of rice technologies as one factor that will make them at par with rice farmers in Luzon.

“Farmers (here) are already adopting technologies such as utilization of high-yielding inbred and hybrid seeds,” he said adding that the government and private sector are collaborating to provide technical and policy requirements that will not only increase yield but improve farmers’ income.

DA assistant regional director Febe Orbe said three local government units (LGUs) in Region 11 made it to this year’s national rice achievers’ awards. These are

cutting ceremony to mark the opening of exhibits during the Rice Technology Forum held in Digos City. ( Lucille Bucado/ DA 11).

the provincial LGUs of Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley. DA Secretary Proceso Alcala will be handing over the awards on March 26 in Metro Manila.

Orbe said one of the growth drivers in rice production in the region is the efficient irrigation and water management and the use of high-yielding varieties.

Davao del Sur governor Claude Bautista in the same forum said the provincial government has allocated P300 million to support rice farm mechanization, use of high-yielding seeds including pesticide and fertilizer support.

As the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental embark on industrialization, Bautista said it is expected to employ 100-200 thou-

sand workers coming from various parts of Mindanao, which means additional rice consumers.

“We need to unite and set parameters to identify actual demand and the volume requirement for rice production so that we can eliminate surplus and stabilize prices of rice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Jimmy Quilang of the Philippine Rice Research Institute urges rice farmers to diversify their production such as intercropping rice production with vegetables, fish, and livestock to increase their income.

He said farmers must get themselves organize to mechanize their production and process their palay into quality rice products. (Noel T. Provido/D 11I)

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY HE Marco Polo Davao has introduced not only its first lady general manager but also the first Filipino named to the position in Dottie Wurgler Cronin.

Cronin was introduced during the regular Club 888 forum yesterday at the Marco Polo Davao’s Eagles Bar, where she discussed heir thrust for the hotel under her administration.

“You know we are in the hospitality industry. We will really ensure that the excellent service will be delivered to the

Dottie Wurgler Cronin

guests as promised,” said Cronin, who is only in her 13thday day yesterday as general manager.

Cronin used to be the general manager of Alegre Beach Resort and Spa in Cebu City before her transfer here in Davao.

She wants to maintain Marco Polo Davao’s tag as the premier hotel in this part of the land aside from ensuring to keep their excellent service to patrons.

“The guests will feel the value of what they are paying for,” Cronin said.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

7 SCITECH

What’s your water footprint?

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

IT’S simply a question of survival.

Thirst for water is an ignition to violence.”

-- Meir ben Meir, former Israeli water commissioner

So far, how much water have you used since you were born?

If you can’t guess, you’re not alone. But a new book, Your Water Footprint by Stephen Leahy, gives some ideas. For instance, to produce one smartphone requires 910 liters -- or 240 gallons -- of water.

“Cellphones and smartphones use water throughout their production process, from creating the microchips to mining the metals used in the batteries to polishing the silica glass used in their touch screens,” the book informs. “In total, each phone requires 910 liters of water to manufacture.”

It has been predicted that the number of activated cellphones is soon expected to exceed the world’s population. “To manufacture these phones will require 6.7 trillion liters (1.8 trillion gallons) of water, much of it blue and grey,” Leahy said.

Let’s talk about soft drinks. One 500-milliliter (17-ounce) bottle of soft drink requires 175 liters (46 gallons) of water. Soft drink is almost entirely water so a half-liter bottle effectively contains a half-liter of water.

“That’s the direct water input,” pointed out Leahy, an independent journalist for over 20 years who has reported on environmental issues from dozens of countries. “But soft drink is not just water in a bottle. When you include the production of all the flavoring ingredients (the highest consumptive factor), the manufacturing and supply chain, each bottle requires about 175 liters.”

But it’s in food production that water is most critical. “The link between water and food is strong,” says Lester R. Brown, president of Washington, D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute. “We drink, in one form or another, nearly 4 liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires at least 2,000 liters to produce, 500 times as much.”

For instance, to raise a ton of rice, you need a thousand gallons of water, according to the International Rice Research Institute.

“We’re surrounded by a hidden world of water,” pointed out Leahy. “Liters and liters of it are consumed by everything we eat, and everything we use and buy.

Cars, furniture, books, dishes, TVs, highways, buildings, jewellery, toys and even electricity would not exist

without water. It’s no exaggeration to say that water is far more valuable and useful than oil.”

A water footprint, as Leahy defined it, is the amount of water ‘consumed’ to make, grow or produce something. “I use the word consumed to make it clear this is water that can no longer be used for anything else,” he said.

Leahy explained it further in these words: “The water footprint of 500 ml of bottled water is 5.5 liters: 0.5 for the water in the bottle and another five contaminated in the process of making the plastic bottle from oil. The five liters consumed in making the bottle are as real water as the 500 ml you might drink but hardly anyone in business or government accounts for it.”

Leahy has been published in many leading publications around the world including National Geographic, New Scientist, The London Sunday Times, The Guardian, Vice Magazine, Al Jazeera, Maclean’s Magazine, Earth Island Journal, The Toronto Star, Wired News, and China Dialogue.

“One of the biggest surprises (while writing the book) was learning how small direct use of water for drinking, cooking and showering is by comparison,” he said. “Each day the average North American uses 300 to 400 liters.”

Surprising, flushing toilets is the biggest water daily use -- not showers!

“Four hundred liters is not a trivial amount; however, the virtual water that’s in the things we eat, wear and use each day averages 7,500 liters in North America, resulting in a daily water footprint of almost 8,000 liters,” Leahy said. “That’s more than twice the size of the global average.”

While low-flow shower heads and toilets are great water savers, the water footprint concept can lead to even bigger reductions in water consumption. “For example, green fuels may not be so green from a water consumption perspective,” Leahy said. “Biodiesel made from soybeans has an enormous water footprint, averaging more than 11,000 liters per liter of biodiesel.

And this doesn’t include the large amounts of water needed for processing.

Why so much water? Green plants aren’t ‘energy-dense,’ so it takes a lot of soy to make the fuel.”

Beef also has a big footprint, over 11,000 liters for a kilo, according to Leahy.

“If a family of four served chicken instead of beef they’d reduce their water use by an astonishing 900,000 liters a year. That’s enough to fill an Olympic

size pool to a depth of two feet.”

“Of all the social and natural crises we humans face, the water crisis is the one that lies at the heart of our survival and that of our planet Earth,” surmised Koichiro Matsuura, former director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“Unlike copper, oil, and most other commodities, fresh water is not a resource that acquires value only when it is extracted and put to human use,” noted Sandra Postel and Amy Vickers, authors of Handbook of Water Use and Conservation: Homes, Landscapes, Businesses, Industries, Farms.

“Most fundamentally, fresh water is a life support.

When we pump or divert water to meet human demands, we tap into a living system that myriad other species depend on for their survival and that performs valuable services for the human economy,” they added.

Postel, who is the director of the Massachusetts-based Global Water Policy Project, believes water problems will trail climate change as a threat to the human future. “Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” she explains. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.

But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Water covers over 70 percent of the earth’s surface and is a major force in controlling the climate by storing vast quantities of heat. About 97.5 percent of all water is found in the ocean and only the remaining 2.5 percent is considered fresh water. Unfortunately, 99.7 percent of that fresh water is unavailable, trapped in glaciers, ice sheets, and mountainous areas.

Water is drawn in two fundamental ways: from wells, tapping underground sources of water called aquifers; or from surface flows - that is, from lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs.

Water is drawn in two fundamental ways: from wells, tapping underground sources of water called aquifers; or from surface flows - that is, from lakes, rivers, and man-made reservoirs.

“World demand for water doubles every 21 years, but the volume available is the same as it was in the Roman times,” observes Sir Crispin Tickell, former British ambassador to the United Nations and one of the organizers of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. “Something has got to give.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Improper attire

HE highly outspoken and sometimes controversial Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has spoken once again. This time, its predictable beef is the improper attire of the faithful while hearing the Holy Mass in Catholic churches.

The regulation (ban, if you please) was announced by Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP public affairs committee executive secretary, who said that the unbearable heat this summer is not an excuse to be in a state of undress while inside a house of worship.

“If the heat is unbearable, the faithful may settle for light-colored clothes, or those that are made of thin materials,” Secillano was quoted as saying.

A resourceful newspaper which carried the announcement even included pictures of the banned attires –spagheti strips, tank tops, bare back, sleeveless, plunging necklines, tube, skirts, skimpy shorts, low waist pants,

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jersey shorts, short shorts, caps and slippers. Obviously, the ban covers both ladies, and not ladies.

Mercifully, the announcement did not mention what sanctions await those who’ll defy the ban- whether excommunication, or just being shooed away from Catholic churches.

In all fairness though, Fr. Secillano also took cognizance of a centuries-old problem that hound most Catholic churches – the usual unbearable heat inside. The good priest asked church administrators to make attending masses more comfortable by installing more electric fans.

The issue brings to mind a question asked by some people – why is it that churches of some non-Catholic sects, like Iglesia ni Cristo, are air-conditioned? Considering that there are a lot more Catholics who can contribute to the church coffers, compared to other sects, why indeed?

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EDGEDAVAO

“

TREMENDOUS.” That was how Mary Divene Hilario said of the increase of rabies cases in Davao region. She knows what she’s talking about. After all, she’s the rabies program coordinator of the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 11.

Davao region is composed of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and the newly-created Davao Occidental. It has 6 cities: Davao, Digos, Tagum, Panabo, Samal, and Mati.

In a recent press conference, Hilario told reporters that in 2013 there were 20,684 rabies cases. The figure of cases went up to 33,199 last year. During the same period, deaths caused by rabies rose from 16 to 22.

“Davao City has the most recorded cases of animal bites. Almost half of the cases in the region came from Davao City,” Hilario was quoted as saying, adding that the city had 15,000 cases of animal bites in 2014.

The figure was alarming since one case of rabies can infect many people.

And it’s deadly. “Usually, rabies is eventually fatal once the rabies virus reaches the spinal cord and brain,” notes The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

The virus, however, takes at least 10 days -- usually 30-50 days -- to reach the brain (depending on where the bite is).

“During that interval, measures can be taken to eradicate the virus and help prevent death,” the Merck manual claims.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) ranks the Philippines as one of the top 10 countries with rabies problems. Although it is a preventable viral disease, it kills about 300 to 400 Filipinos every year, figures from the

T

HRICE I visited Malaysia and though the visit was not enough to study the country, it was enough for me to learn something beautiful for my country - Pilipinas.

In 2008, I was in Kutchingm the capital city of the state of Sarawak, for a sports meeting. I was sent there by the Philippine Sports Commission - and our country (yes, that was the wording of the communication to me ) for a sports meeting.

The meeting should have been attended by the chairperson of the PSC( at that time it was Chairman Butch Ramirez ). But he was so busy, so he requested me to attend the meeting since I was PSC;s regional coordinator for Mindanao.

The BIMP EAGA countries were finalizing the BIMP-EAGA friendship games which would be held in Mindanao. So we had to prepare Mindanao for it.

When I was there I was assigned with a government vehicle, and so I had the chance to visit places in Kutching. The city was a discovery. And I was

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Rabid!

DOH showed. THINK ON THESE! Globally, the annual loss of human lives due to rabies is estimated to be 55,000.

In the Philippines, approximately one-third of deaths due Henrylito D. Tacio to rabies are henrytacio@gmail.com among children less than 15 years old. School children are among the most vulnerable or most at risk for rabies infection, with almost half of rabies exposures registered for school children, the WHO said.

Despite the enactment of Republic Act 9482, otherwise known as the Rabies Act of 2007 which seeks to eradicate rabies in the Philippines by 2020, rabies remains a public health problem in the country.

According to medical science, the virus that causes rabies belongs to the group of viruses with a distinct “bullet” shape. It is usually introduced into humans through the bites of infected animals but other means of transmission are possible.

Aside from dogs, other animals which can transmit rabies are cats, bats, and foxes. Domesticated animals like cattle, carabao, pigs, goats, and horses also have rabies. Rabies rarely affects rodents (such as mice and rats), rabbits, or hares. Birds and reptiles do not develop rabies.

“The domestic dog is the most important reservoir of the virus,” says Dr.

Mary Elizabeth Miranda, leader of the rabies research program of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. In fact, 98 percent of rabies cases are attributed to dog bites.

But how can you tell if an animal is rabid? “A common clue is a sudden change of behavior, like drooling, unprovoked aggression, biting, aimless running and difficulty breathing,” informs Dr. Silvius Alon, a veterinarian who once worked with the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. However, some infected animals may become paralyzed or die suddenly without showing signs of illness.

If possible, any dog that bites a person should be confined and observed.

“If the dog remains healthy for ten to 14 days, it’s safe to assume it’s rabies-free,” says Dr. Miranda. If the animal does show symptoms, the owner should contact the local health department or a veterinarian immediately and the dog should be humanely put down.

Contrary to common belief, puppies – upon birth – are not infected by rabies.

Dr. Lester L. Quiano, a veterinarian who used to write a column for a national daily, explained: “Puppies could only acquire the disease as young as three months because at this stage, they start to lose their maternal immunity.

(At birth, the puppy sucks the first flow of milk containing colostrum, which gives protection to the puppy until three months of age. After this, the protection will start to dwindle).”

A dog can be infected with rabies if bitten by a rabid animal. “When a rabid animal bites a dog, it will take 10 to 80 days for the virus to multiply in the

dog’s body, after which, it will show clinical signs of rabies infection,” Dr. Quijano wrote. “During this stage, the dog shows excitement and unusual restlessness, and will bite into any moving object.

“The bite of any rabid animal is not the cause of the spread and infection of rabies,” corrects Dr. Alon. “It is the saliva of the affected animal. The bite is just an instrument so that the saliva with rabies virus can be transferred to any victim.”

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain and even death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.

“As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms,” CDC explained.

Dr. Raffy Deray, program manager for rabies at the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control of DOH, suggests doing the following should you be bitten by stray animals that may have rabies.

First, immediately wash the bite with soap and clean water. Antiseptics may be applied. Then, consult a physician or go to your nearest animal bite center for immunization. Lastly, consult a veterinarian for the management of the biting dog.

By 2020, the DOH is targeting a rabies-free Philippines mainly through the vaccination of all dogs in the country.

talking to peo- PLAIN AND SIMPLE ple ( in English ) I learned so much.

I learned t h a t Christmas is celebrated there as a festival.

BY ED R. FERNANDEZ Then L a s t year I was in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and Melacca, a very important city of Malaysia.

This time for the launching of the country;s tourism drive - the mega fam tourism year. Malaysia is so aggressive in promoting itself as a tourists destination. Through its tourism arm, the tourism malaysia, it invited 26 countries to witness and feel the grand tourism launch and to feel Ma-

laysia.

I was one of the lucky delegates from the Philippines. We were 15 and were the delegates from other countries. They invested in media and travel agents because they know the ROI ) return of investments).I was there probably because I am with media, tourism, and academe.

We had a week’s time learning about Malaysia and learning from the foreign guests and tourists. As we travelled to Melacca, we enjoyed Malaysia’s countryside, so similar to ours, but so differently arranged. ( take note “arranged”) I will write about this Melacca experience of mine later. Being a Catholic country, we are in a way connected to this state. St Francis Xavier was here and legend has it that he was buried here.

And this year, I was invited again to be present during the national celebration of the Chinese New Year open house. Again guests and tourists and media from other countries were there including us from the Philippines.

In fact I represented country in the Chinese ritual of food mixing where we had to mix their food in merriment. I tasted the food because it meant prosperity for the Chinese. We had fun.

Malaysia targets some 30 million tourists arrival this year. Last year , it went beyond its target of 28 million.

They surpassed it by a million, and this year they want to surpass their target of 30 million by another million.

Whoa! That’s a lot of money for Malaysia of only 28 million people. ( What’s our tourists arrival last year, may I know).

Malaysia wants to target RM billion with 36 million tourists in 2020. That to them is very clearn. And they are so focused on that as IMalaysia.

I have always believed that if we work and focus on tourism, we have a lot of money for socio-economic projects like housing. Our political leaders should value tourism as a business enterprise.

Tourism is business plain and simple.

Tourism is business

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

SELFIE. Talk ‘N Text endorser Robin Padilla takes a selfie with Smart Co-Founder and Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea; PLDT & Smart Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan; Facebook Director for Global Operator Partnerships Markku Makelainen; Facebook Head of International Growth & Partnerships Lior Tal; PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno; and Smart EVP and Wireless

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

Consumer Business Head Charles A. Lim during the launch of Facebook’s Internet.Org App in the Philippines with Smart as partner, through its budget brand Talk ‘N Text. The launch marks the debut of Internet.Org App in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

National artist Severino Montano commemorative stamps launched T

HE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) recently launched the commemorative stamps featuring the Birth Centenary (19152015) of Dr. Severino Montano, National Artist for Theater, held at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros, Manila.

Assistant Postmaster General Luis Carlos along with Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., NCCA Chairman presented the commemorative stamps frame to Pedro Montano Ruenduen, Jr., nephew of Dr. Montano, who represented the family of the late National Artist.

“The Philippine Postal Corporation pays tribute to National Artist Dr. Severino Montano and his contribution to the preservation

and promotion of the arts as he joined other National Artist in the country who have been immortalized in stamps”, Postmaster General Josie Dela Cruz said.

Montano, a Yale University, Master of Fine Arts graduate, is credited for professionalizing the theater industry in the Philippines with Arena Theater, which he funded with his own money and established while dean at Philippine Normal College.

Before he died in 1980, he played mentor to theater luminaries like Rolando S. Tinio, Emmanuel Borlaza, Joonee Gamboa, and Behn Cervantes. He was a playwright, director and actor.

Among his awards and recognitions are the Patnubay ng Kalinangan

Award from the City of Manila (1968), Presidential Award for Merit in Drama and Theater (1961), and the Rockefeller Foundation Grant to travel to 98 cities abroad (1950, 1952, 1962, and 1963).

The Montano Stamps is classified as a “Commemorative” kind of issue with a denomination of P10.00 and about 65,000 pieces were printed by Amstar Company, Inc. The stamp measures 40mm x 30mm and was laid out by PHLPost in-house artist, Victorino Serevo and Ryann Arengo of NCCA. The stamps are now available at the Post Shop, Philately and Museum Division, Main Central Post Office, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio Manila. For inquiries, please call 527-01-08.

Vivaldi Residences Davao holds 1st Annual Sales Awards Night E

URO Towers International Incorporated will be having its 1st Annual Sales Awards for Vivaldi Residences Davao this com-

ing March 20, 2015 at the grand ballroom of Apo View Hotel. The awards night dubbed as ETII’s “Circle of Excellence” aims to give recognition

to its top sellers for the year 2014.

The 37 - floor residential condominium, Vivaldi Residences Davao is ETII’s first project in the

far south of the Philippines. It will be the tallest in the city of Davao when completed. Strategically located at CM Recto and Magsaysay streets

in Davao City it will be right across the Ateneo De Davao University and walking distance to malls, banks, parks and other places of interest.

For more information, please visit the Vivaldi Residences Davao showroom at C.M. Recto corner R. Jacinto streets or call (082) 285 1111.

COMMUNITY SENSE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

CARMUDI SUPPORTS WORLD VISION. In its effort to help and transform the lives of children, Carmudi, the country’s number one dedicated online vehicle platform, recently partnered with World Vision in sponsoring two children from Malabon community in making their dreams turn into reality. (From left to right) Kris Lim, PR Head of Carmudi Philippines; Subir Lohani, Country

Director of Carmudi Philippines; Pamela Millora, Public Awareness and Experience Manager of World Vision; and Cherry Valencia, Sponsorship Manager of World Vision. Carmudi was founded in 2013 by Berlin-based startup company Rocket Internet. The vehicle marketplace offers buyers, sellers and car dealers the ideal platform to find cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.

Earth Hour to distribute solar lamps in Palawan “

THIS lamp contains crude oil,” says fisherman Joys Dominguez while raising a grimy, soot-caked gin bottle.

We are inside a hut in Beton, an island community in Northern Palawan. Night has settled and our world is pitch-black, save for what the flickering flames illuminate. Outside is the sea and above it, a sea of stars.

Around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity. Beton and its 300 fisherfolk families are no different, relying on dangerous and expensive kerosene lamps to light up their homes. A few own diesel generators, used sparingly. “These lamps are expensive,” adds Dominguez.

“I must earn an additional PHP150 (USD3.5) each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene. They are also dangerous.

If a child knocks down a lamp, our house might burn down.”

Joys is a full-time fisherman, hunting skulking red groupers called Suno which fetch up to PHP6000 (USD135) per kilo in posh Asian restau-

Gift of Light by Gregg Yan & WWF

rants. Beside him is his eldest, 11-year old Kyla Joy Dominguez, struggling to study by candlelight. I pause for a while and ask her how our solar lamps can help her. “I’ll be able to do my homework well every night to perform better in school. It will be a step closer to reaching my dreams.”

Crowdfunding for Light To help families in Palawan safely and economically light up their homes, Earth Hour, a global movement led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), shall give the Dominguez family and hundreds like them portable solar lamps.

Held every last Saturday of March and originally envisioned as an hour-long switchoff to show unity against climate change, Earth Hour became one of the world’s largest crowdfunding and crowdsourcing movements in 2014.

It funded dozens of projects, including the construction of fibreglass bancas in the Philippines.

This year, Earth Hour shall fund the Gift of Light. “Solar lamps rely on the

power of the sun, eliminating the need to buy fuel. We’re teaching communities to veer away from fossil-fuels, the burning of which contributes to climate change,” explains Climate Change Unit and Earth Hour Philippines head, Atty.

Gia Ibay.

Climate change has caused Arctic sea ice to shrink to its lowest winter extent since 1880. Philippine effects have ranged from more powerful typhoons to massive floods.

The Philippines has been championing the switch-off since 2008. A growing list of allies has pledged to support this year’s efforts, led by government partners such as the Local Government of Quezon City, Climate Change Commission, the Departments of Energy, Environment, Education, Transportation and Communications, Public Works and Highways, Labor and Employment, the League of Provinces, Municipalities and Cities, plus the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Corporate champions are led by Philips, ArthaLand, Alveo Land, Banco De Oro, First Gen Corporation, Smart Com-

Dominguez Family by Gregg Yan & WWF

munications and McDonald’s.

Media champions include ABS-CBN, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, ClickTheCity.Com, Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, FleishmanHillard, FocusMedia, Far Eastern Broadcasting Corporation, Globaltronics, Jack TV, Knowledge Channel, Leo Burnett, Net-25, Orangemagazine, Pelicola.TV, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, QCreativs, Radyo Pilipinas, Radyo Agila, Radyo Veritas, TV5 and Wheninmanila.Com. WWF is seeking more corporate and media support.

After Beton, the project will provide lamps for the Mangyan people and forest rangers protecting the Iglit-Baco Mountain Range in Occidental Mindoro, the last holdout of the critically-endangered Tamaraw, an endemic dwarf forest buffalo.

“The Gift of Light will run for at least a year. We hope that the money Joys and other beneficiaries will save can buy basic needs like food, books and clothes,” adds Ibay. “More importantly, we hope it can give children like Kyla Joy the future they deserve.”

SSS to issue certifications for Taiwan-bound OFWs T

HE Social Security System (SSS) will issue certifications of application for the Unified Multipurpose (UMID) card of members seeking employment in Taiwan.

The certifications will be issued to help job seekers comply with the requirements for a Taiwanese working visa, pending the release of their UMID cards.

SSS Manager for ID Card Production Jose Antonio Salazar said the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office or TECO in Manila has agreed to accept SSS certifications in consideration of the status of SSS UMID card production.

The SSS is currently experiencing delay in UMID card production as card printing is temporarily suspended due to the ongoing acquisition for UMID card printing services.

“To address the urgency of their applications for an ID, we will issue the certification after two working days from receipt of request,” Salazar said.

He clarified that only Taiwan-bound members who

applied from December 10, 2014 or those with earlier applications that had passed fingerprint investigation will be issued with certifications.

“As additional consideration, we also allow the authorized representative or liaison officer of their recruitment agency to request the certifications on their behalf so they can spend the time they have to proceed with other several errands,” Salazar said.

Taiwan-bound members with pending UMID card applications can file their request at any SSS branch until May 15, 2015. SSS certifications will be released at the SSS branch located in the Philippine Overseas and Employment Agency.

“We are also reminding our members that the lack of SSS ID does not affect their entitlement to loans and benefits,” Salazar said.

SSS regulations allow members to present any two valid government-issued ID cards to support their applications for SSS loans and benefits.

Davao del Norte —The sign on the gate is clear and simple:“Ready For Occupancy.”

T

HE billeting assignments for athletes and officials for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa were drawn Friday last week and what the facilities only need are the athletes and officials—10,000 or so of them—who will vie in the annual multi-sport competition to be hosted by Davao del Norte this summer fromMay 3 to 9.

“We are proud to say that every billeting center is “Ready For Occupancy!” Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said. “Similar with our playing venues, we are ready to host the Palaro anytime, even tomorrow.”

Making Davao del Norte unique from previous Palarong Pambansa hosts is the strategic location of its billeting facilities from the Davao del Norte Sports Complex, according to Del Rosario.

“Travel time from the billeting areas to the competition

venues and back will be convenient to everyone,” Del Rosario explained.

Putting premium on road safety at a maximum 35 kph within the confines of the capital to 60 kph in the outskirts, ferrying the student athletes and officials to the sports complex would border from a quick one minute drive at the minimum to 39 minutes at the maximum.

Of the 22 billeting facilities, only three are outside a 5-km radius from the sports complex.

“The athletes could just even walk to the competition if they would desire to,” Del Rosario said.

Competitions will be in the traditional 18 sports in the Davao del Norte Palaro. All 17 regions will be represented in the annual competition for student athletes in the primary and secondary level.

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

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INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Tinapa Pasta.

When gourmet met Manang’s FAST, filling and affordable, that is what fast food is all about. Usually serving easy sandwiches and anything that can be fried up, one can say that fast food is usually a summed down version of food that any Juan on the street can understand and like.

Going for a more sophisticated route, Manang’s Chicken recently introduced a set of three chicken pasta platters that are inspired by flavours that any gourmet would find familiar but from pricier dining establishments and I was about to taste them all.

Up first was Manang’s Malunggay Pesto Pasta, nutty and savoury with a punch of garlic, the Malunggay Pesto Pasta offers a nice take on the more expensive pasta with traditional pesto sauce.

The fried chicken poppers and crispy chicken skin

Salted Egg Pasta.

added a delightful texture to the dish.

Next up was the Salted Egg Pasta. Taking inspiration from Singapore’s Fried Prawns with saltedegg sauce, Manang’s take was savoury, salty and

lightly sweet at the same time. The creamy texture of the sauce reminded me of a rich carbonara but with the added punch of salted egg yolk. Of course the added fried chicken poppers and the chicken skin added more oomph to the dish.

Smoky, flavourful and sinful, these three words popped into my head when I finally got to taste the last of the three gourmet pasta dishes, the Tinapa Pasta. What is normally served in more expensive Filipino restaurants has been transformed into a delightful pasta dish by Manang’s that packs a mouthful of flavour with every bite.

True that these dishes are simplified versions of more complex gourmet dishes, but for the price of Php99 per order inclusive of a drink and flavours that are spot on, one can never go wrong when ordering one of the three in a pinch.

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

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Tom an

Kapuso

JCI Duwaling welcomes board of directors for 2015 JCI Duwaling, one of Mindanao’s bestperforming Junior Chamber International (JCI) female chapters, put to seat 10 Members of their Board of Directors last March 9, 2015, at Regency Inn Hotel, Davao City.

Attended by over a hundred JCI Senators, Regional and Area Officers, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the lovely spring-themed ceremony recognized outstanding members and recalled successful projects put to table by the prestigious chapter. Fellowship followed at Cork and Barrel Gastropub, Obrero, Davao City.

Last October 2014, JCI Duwaling bested over 150 chapters in winning several national awards at the JCI 2014 National Convention Limketkai Atrium, Cagayan de Oro city.

INdulge! was able to talk to two before they got onstage asked them regarding their plan the summer as well as their cur and future projects.

So what projects are keeping busy?

Dennis: I am working on a new m ie titled “Sugo” under Viva films director Joey Lamangan. It is a torical bio-pic telling the story on life and struggles of Iglesia ni K founder Felix Manalo. I will be p ing the lead role.

I am also currently working another indie film with the wor title “One Pedal at a Time” whic about mountain biking. Kasam naman this time si Solenn Heuss Kaya wala muna akong TV n on kase I am shooting both at same time although I was able t a short story on the life story of of the Fallen 44 for Magpakailan as well as some guestings. Mah kase ang schedule eh, medyo m gat kase ang load ng shootings.

Tom: Right now I am doing a together with Bea Alonzo, Dawn lueta titled Crossroads. For TV, manager is planning something me in the coming months aro May, it will be another teleserye.

The chapter bagged the following awards and citations: Training Excellence for Achieving 100% in the Training Scorecard, Gold Awards in the JCI Philippines Efficiency Awards, Best Youth ActiviJCI Duwaling welcomes their Baby Jaycees, new prospective members for 2015. ties Program (Milestone: Youth Summit for Peace, One Stop Shop Learning, Youth Leadership Summit, Best Local Training Director LTD Kezia Media, Finalist for the National Public Speaking Competition Karla Singson, and 1st Runner up for Ms. JCI Philippines Karla Singson.

“Our thrust has always been about trainings, to hone the leaders in making more efficient community projects. This year,

Regional Vice President Emmanuel Nartatez II and his fiancee JCI Mem. Deana Fe Briz, currently the VP - Internationalism of JCI Duwaling.

THE Araw ng Dabaw celeb tions usually mark the s of the hot summer sea where everyone plans th escapes to the beach. Join the festivities were GMA N work’s Drama King, Den Trillo and sought-after le ing man Tom Rodriguez w were reunited on stage their fans in Davao in a f packed show at the Atri of Gaisano Mall.

Current President (right) JCI Mem. Suzette Balucanag, accepts a Certificate of Appreciation from Immediate Past President JCI Mem. Rosa Maria Cristina Manuel.

we plan to improve on our scope and efficiency. More than the awards, it’s the impact we’re truly after,” shares JCI Mem. Suzette Balucanag, current president for JCI Duwaling 2015 Board of Directors.

The chapter, only revived last 2012 spearheaded by Past President JCI Mem. Anna Marie Candari, has done more than 184 trainings and more than 20 community projects all over the country.

JCI is a worldwide nonprofit organization of young active citizens aged 18 – 40 years old, who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

nd Dennis visit city for Araw ng Davao

o hunks share their plans for summer travel and fitness

brastart ason heir ning Netnnis eadwho for fullium

o the and ns for rrent

IS RON AND MICHELLE’S LOVE STORY FATED TO END? Ron and Michelle face their biggest challenge yet as Ron’s illness starts to manifest in the hit afternoon Asianovela “Fated to Love You.” Just like his father, Ron also has Huntington’s disease. One of its symptoms is having amnesia that is why Ron has no memory of what he and Michelle have shared or went through as a couple. Is their love story already fated to end? Find out in “Fated to Love You” weekday afternoons, 4 PM, after “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita” on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold.

you

movwith a hisn the Kristo play-

g on rking ch is ma ko saf. ngayt the to do f one nman hirap mabi-

film n ZuV, my g for ound .

I like it better that way when my work is cyclical, like last year there are months that are really busy and then you have these months naman that where I get to de-stress naman and relax and get to enjoy.

How do you stay fit?

D: I am currently trying to be less bulky and more lean right now. I visit the gym at least two times a week. Part of my workout regimen is more cardio exercise as well as more reps with lighter weights. I also bike a lot, I try to clock in 30 to 40 kilometres on a good day.

I also keep a set of kettle balls in my car to squeeze in some reps while waiting for my scenes during a shoot.

T: I admit that I have not dieted nor workout too much after my Bench event but since palapit na

nga ang summer eh I have to get back to getting fit. My summer regiment usually starts with a healthy diet, daily running, some core exercise, moderate weights, and supersets in the gym.

I am the type na once I start working out, my body reacts right away. Like what I did for Bench, it took me just a month plus two weeks to really condition my body. The last two weeks is where I really dieted, I cut down on sugar and salt and eat steamed tuna and camote.

When I am in the zone, I visit the gym every other day but I run every day for 30 minutes to an hour.

T: Right now, every day is my cheat day. I eat ice cream, cakes, chocolate, name it! No counting of calories, but when I get serious with my diet like when I was doing My Destiny and Don’t Lose the Money, I cut some food and also do some workout in-between shoots or even on dinner break.

Do you have cheat days?

D: Cheat days, I eat a sweets! Although I have a fast metabolism so I tend to burn the calories right away.

To know more about the latest updates on the Network’s regional events, follow GMA Regional TV on Twitter and Instagram via @GMARegionalTV.

Any travel plans for summer?

D: I love the outdoors and I plan to visit Baler this summer to surf.

T: Ngayon, wala pang plano. But

by April my parents will be here from the States and will be staying with me muna.

Mikoy Morales: From a showbiz personality to a musical director GMA Artist Center star Mikoy Morales will conquer the concert scene not as a performer but as a musical director via LIPAD, an inspirational concert by MINT Riffs, the official glee club of MINT College on March 26, 7PM, at the Music Museum.

According to Mikoy, the concert’s theme is about the fulfilment of someone’s dreams. “We’re going to take you through the ups and downs of one’s life experiences in achieving your dreams.

Our show aims to make it a relatable experience for

our audience by showcasing a variety of musical numbers that would focus on our theme,” he adds.

His passion for musical direction formally started two years ago when he became one of the assistant musical directors of his teacher in La Salle Greenhills who has been his mentor since his Kundirana days.

When asked about what satisfaction he gets from being the musical director, “As a songwriter and student of music production, I treat my musical creations (arrangements and compositions) as babies and the concert gives

life to my music. I am more than happy and honoured to be able to share my creations with people.”

Mikoy shares that there is a difference between being an actor and a musical director. “As an actor, the role that you play is based on the character that is assigned to you.

But as a musical director, you get to share your own thoughts and feelings through the musical performances. Both require a certain amount of creativity channelled through the medium or art form with only one objective in mind that it is to entertain your audience.”

March 19-24, 2015

INSURGENT Shailene Woodley, Theo James PG

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

CINDERELLA Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Richard Madden G

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

DRAGON NEST: WARRIOR'S DAWN Jiao Xu, Guanlin Ji, Ying Huang G

R-16

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

RUN ALL NIGHT/ * THE GUNMAN R16/ *R16

Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman/ * Sean Penn, Idris Elba 12:10 | 2:40 | 5:10 LFS / * 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

FOOD

The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge CLAD in the heart of the city is a central park-ish escapade that serves delectable Asian, French and Japanese fusion dishes like no other. The White House is a haven for people who likes to relax and eat. In other words, The White House is the perfect ending to a productive day.

Coined as the newest fine dining restaurant in the heart of Davao City, their menu is quite extensive but not intimidating.

It holds forth of a treasure that every foodie would love. The best thing about their menu? You know what you’ll have! Now, that is something we all want, right?

The place is perfect— especially at night. The lights and the ambiance transports you to a place of solitude that relaxes your mind, body and soul without the hassle of airport chaos. The moment you step in, you are greeted by smiles and a warm

welcome. The place is an all in one package that just makes you smile – from inside out.

The gastronomic adventure begun with plates of appetizers -- Japanese Style Pizza, Trio of Oysters (I love their Wasabi

U.S. Hanging Tender Steak served with pumpkin risoni (smooth and very tasty), konbu marinated buttered seasonal vegetables with red wine sauce.

Oyster Tempura with Balsamic Mayonnaise), Sautéed Seafood Medley with Wasabi Coconut Sauce (steamed Japanese steamed rice rolled in au nori + jumbo scallops = PERFECTION!) and a plate of refreshing Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad.

Main course consisted of Char grilled Tiger Prawns with Kabocha and White Truffle Mashed Potatoes and U.S. Hanging Tender Steak served with pumpkin risoni (smooth and very tasty), konbu marinated buttered seasonal vegetables with red wine sauce. Also, a plate of sweet apple chips on the side. Now, that is perfect!

There will always be room for dessert – or tonight, for four dessert choices. The filling Brioche French Toast (filled with cinnamon cream cheese served with caramelized apples, homemade pecan praline ice cream and cinnamon streusel), the smooth Yamamomo cheesecake (vanilla cheesecake topped with yamamomo and mixed berries compote set on green tea dacquiose and mango caviar), the classic Brazo de Mercedes (filled with traditional custard served with orange caviar and cinnamon crumbs) and the sweet Banoffee Tart (baked chocolate custard in pecan pie crust served with caramelized bananas, dulce de leche and Chantilly cream).

Visit The White House at at Camella Northpoint, Bajada Central, Davao City. Email them at info@ whitehousecuisine.com or call them at (082) 2824540 and 0915 4483601. Op-

Trio of Oysters.

Japanese Style Pizza. erating hours (Mondays to Sundays) 11am – 2pm (lunch), 2:30pm – 5:30pm (merienda buffet) and 6:00pm – 11pm (dinner).

For the latest news and food updates, browse their website http://www. whitehousecuisine.com/ and facebook fan page at https://www.facebook. com/thewhitehousefusioncuisine.

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

jobs SC defers ruling on whether Manufacturing drive inclusive growth to stop K-12 program or not A

T

HE Supreme Court (SC) has deferred its ruling on whether or not it will stop the implementation of the K-12 program, a national 12-year basic education program.

During Tuesday’s en banc session, the SC justices decided not to rule yet on the petition against the K-12 education program.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno is now in Singapore for an official mission and the Acting Chief Justice, Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio.

The justices decided to wait on the next en banc session to rule on the case.

The SC en banc will deliberate on the petition against K-12 program on March 24, 2015.

The petition was filed by the “Coalition for the Suspension of K to 12”, “Suspend K to 12 Alliance” and the Council of Teachers and Staff of Universities and Colleges in the Philippines (COTESCUP).

It asked the SC to nullify Republic Act No. 10533, or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013”, as well as its Implementing Rules and

Guidelines and Joint Guidelines.

The petitioners also asked the SC to declare void the Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 2, Series of 2015, which was issued for the imple THE Supreme Court (SC) has deferred its ruling on whether or not it will stop the implementation of the K-12 program, a national 12-year basic education program.

During Tuesday's en banc session, the SC justices decided not to rule yet on the petition against the K-12 education program.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno is now in Singapore for an official mission and the Acting Chief Justice, Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio.

The justices decided to wait on the next en banc session to rule on the case.

The SC en banc will deliberate on the petition against K-12 program on March 24, 2015.

The petition was filed by the "Coalition for the Suspension of K to 12", "Suspend K to 12 Alliance" and the Council of Teachers and Staff of

Universities and Colleges in the Philippines (COTESCUP).

It asked the SC to nullify Republic Act No. 10533, or the "Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013", as well as its Implementing Rules and Guidelines and Joint Guidelines.

The petitioners also asked the SC to declare void the Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 2, Series of 2015, which was issued for the implementation of RA No. 10533.

The K-12 program mandates one year of kindergarten, six years of elementary school, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school.

It will be fully implemented in 2016.

The SC was also asked to immediately issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction to stop the implementation of the K-12 program.

The petitioners argued that the said law is illegal and unconstitutional as it will be an additional expenditure for a Filipino family despite shortages of fund.

"Considering that more

than 20 million Filipinos are poor, adding two more years in the basic education will just be an added burden for many families. Based on the statement of the [DepEd], 40% of senior high school students will be admitted to private schools because of the incapacity of the public schools to serve them, further making education as a business rather than as a right and is bound to serve only those who are capacitated," the petition said.

It added that the country is not ready for the implementation of the 12-year basic education cycle as mandated by the K to 12 program because of the lack of sufficient number of classrooms, text books and other facilities.

The petitioners further argued that the K-12 program will cause displacement and loss of work to 80,000 teachers and non-teaching personnel in various colleges and universities nationwide.

"RA No. 10533 fails to provide for 'full protection to labor and promotion of full employment and equality of

FSC, 14

TOTAL of 37.45 million Filipinos were employed in January 2015, or 1.04 million more than the 36.4 million employed in the same month last year, latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows.

PSA statistics show that majority of jobs during the first month of this year came from the services sector.

According to PSA, 54.6 percent of the over 37.45 million employed are working in services sector; 29.5 percent in agriculture; and 15.9 percent are in industries.

Among sectors, the agriculture sector had the highest poverty incidence, according to previous data of PSA. Economists, including from the World Bank as well as Philippine Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, noted that jobs in manufacturing sector will promote inclusive growth -among the topmost agenda of the Aquino administration.

Though providing large number of employment in the country, jobs in services sector require higher level of skills.

The January 2015 LFS noted that 45 percent of about 2.64 jobless population only had secondary level as their

highest educational attainment; 34 percent are high school graduates while 11 percent are undergraduates.

But secondary-level skills, mostly, are not enough to get jobs in the services sector, particularly the booming sector of business process outsourcing (BPO).

On the other hand, manufacturing sector can absorb jobless individuals with high school as their highest level of education attained.

Manufacturing is also a labor-intensive sector.

Manufacturing Jobs Increasing Meanwhile, total approved investments for the full-year of 2014 rose to Php 756 billion from Php 754 billion in 2013, PSA’s National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data showed.

Manufacturing sector secured second largest investment or a quarter of total approved investments last year amounting to Php 186 billion.

These investments increased job creation in the sector by 35 percent.

PSA-NSCB noted that projected jobs in the manufacturing sector brought by investments in 2014 reached 86,941 while job creation from approved investments in 2013

FMANUFACTURING, 14

14 NEWS City... FROM 2

DCPO... FROM 3

tract negotiated between an accredited employee’s organization as the negotiating unit and the employee/management on the terms and conditions of employment and its improvements that are not fixed by law.”

“The city government has already granted these employees an initial of P5,000,” he said.

All rank-and-file employees of the city government occupying position listed under the approved Plantilla of Personnel of Agency, including co-terminus position in the city council, will receive the signing bonus that is considered as a financial assistance by the government to City Hall employees.

“We’re expecting to have

SB2 of which 20K will be given to all city government employees who are part of the agreement,” Dayanghirang said.

He recalled that the agreement was made by the City Government and DACHEA, a union registered under the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Aside from signing bonus, the councilor said the City Council has already approved the P5.8-billion 2015 budget and the P600 million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) for the environment management program of the city.

The loan will be used for the acquisition of new garbage bins for the whole city.

CRC

sugar. The focus will also jump from the mere production of rubber cup lumps to dry rubber sheets.

“Let us find ways to make our high value crops truly of value,” she said.

The provincial government also intends to expand palm oil plantation to another 500 hectares from the current 12,000 hectares, additional 400 hectares of coconut plantation from the current 38,000 hectares, and additional 307 hectares of rubber plantation from the current 54,000.

Mendoza also cited her administration’s assistance to survivors of calamity – to ensure that there is enough food for them.

“On food security and production of cereal crops and other basic food products, we supported farmers who were victims of calamities by giving them open pollinated variety of white corn and certified rice seeds,” she said. “Because of this, they

were able to jumpstart agricultural production without having to worry about capital. This has helped turn our farmers from victims to survivors of calamity.”

To compliment the production of high-value crops, the provincial government has also been actively promoting the production of high-quality cassava and sweet potato. At least 656 farmers are currently leading this campaign.

“The objective is for us to have alternative staple food,” Mendoza said, adding that the potential of root crops as alternative sources of income is very high.

The governor also stressed the importance of backyard vegetable gardening in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

“We will revive the concept of Bahay Kubo ( nipa hut) – but this time with the integration of the correct agricultural technology,” she said.

Gov... FROM 2

Cabbies... FROM 3 strike among the drivers.

She said that there were no information received from the drivers.

LTFRB 11 administrative officer Edgar Violan told Edge Davao that they

did not also receive any reports outside.

“Walay reported na naay nag-strike (It is not reported that there is a strike),” Violan said. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

parts of the country will continue to experience generally fair weather due to Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon, Mendoza noted.

For Wednesday forecast, PAGASA said the whole country will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

The temperature in Metro Manila for Wednesday will

range from 19-32 degrees Celsius.

It added moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over the eastern section of Luzon.

The coastal waters along these area will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the northeast with slight to moderate seas. (PNA)

TS... FROM 3

EDGEDAVAO Senior Inspector Ronald Lao conducted an investigation on another witness who allegedly saw the gunman.

The witness is a taxi driver, who were at the crime scene during the killing. He described the perpetrators who were riding in tandem to be “small, thin and between 3545 years old.”

Chua 33, was shot dead

inside his parked car at Mabini Street, Thursday evening. Police recovered a .45 calibre pistol, .22 barrett pistol, a sachet of shabu and huge amount of cash.

Driz said that the .22 barrett pistol of Chua do not have a license and the victim was already been confined on a rehabilitation center due to his drug addiction.

According to the World Health Organization, filariasis is an infection caused by parasitic worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi or B. timori.

These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and develop into adult worms in the lymphatic vessels, causing severe damage and swelling (lymphoedema).

Elephantiasis, which is exhibited by painful, disfiguring swelling of the legs and genital organs, is a classic sign of late-stage disease.

Meantime, Barroquillo said Koronadal City and the municipality of Tupi also received special awards from the DOH for the successful implementation of their health programs.

He said Tupi was conferred with the Red Orchid Hall of Fame Award for the

annual search for 100 percent Tobacco-free towns.

Koronadal City received the Good Practice Award (GPA) after landing second place in terms of the implementation of health-related projects.

GPA is a biennial award given by the national project implementation officers, which is chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority, to Official Development Assistance and foreign-assisted projects.

A DOH briefer said “a good practice is one that resolves a recurring implementation issue or one that achieves a desired sector outcome.”

“The award is the DOH‘s appreciation of our local health initiatives and our adoption of the local health system approach,” Barroquillo added.(PNA)

DOH... FROM 4

SC... FROM 13

employment opportunities for all,' which is mandated in Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution. The Constitution promotes work creation or protection and not work displacement or loss.

In the implementation of this law, education workers face the risk of early separation, forced retirement, constructive dismissal, diminution of salaries and benefits, labor

contractualization, and a general threat to self-organization," the petitioners said.

In assailing the Implementing Rules and Regulations, Joint Guidelines and the DepEd memorandum, they argued that these "have no basis under the K-12 Law, particularly in terms of the provisions on lower compensation and retrenchment."

(PNA)

were pegged at 64,416. Firms registered only in seven investment promotion agencies (IPAs) in the country attracted these jobs.

But job creation in services sector remains fast. PSA-NSCB data also show that in real estate activities alone, around 100,179 jobs are projected to be created by investments in IPAs. Administrative and support service activities are expected to create 56,354 jobs.

Attracting Investments For Job Generation With only 15 months left for the current administration to push its agenda, Balisacan, who is also the director general of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), pushed for reforms critical for attracting investments, employment generation, and inclusive growth.

Balisacan cited that cutting down cost of doing business,

pushing for competition law, and strengthening social protection will improve the business climate in the country.

“We must reduce further the cost of doing business.

While both domestic and foreign businesses remain optimistic, business prospects in 2015 are conservative. To address this and ensure a stable business environment, there is a pressing need to address infrastructure bottlenecks, port congestion, and power woes,” he said during the Socioeconomic Report 2014 held last week.

“We should strengthen support for the passage of anti-trust or competition law to improve the country’s business climate and competitiveness. This will encourage firms to innovate and improve the quality of goods and services that they provide,” he further said. (PNA)

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

SoCot... FROM 4 “It will also be used in the conduct of continuous information, education and communication activities to heighten the awareness of fisherfolks on lake environmental protection and conservation,” she said.

The official said the motorboats will be acquired by the local government through the Lake Sebu Rehabilitation, Conservation and Development Program, an institutionalized initiative under Ordinance No. 6, series of 2001.

The ordinance aims to restore the lakes and river systems of Lake Sebu into its pristine state through rehabilitation, conservation and development of their natural Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular Service

Case No.2000-XI-00728 MELANIE R. VIDAL, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 8 with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on June 22, 2015. In the petition filed on March 9, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 31, 2015 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 9th day of March 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

resources.

The program is implemented by the PEMO in coordination with the municipal government of Lake Sebu and other stakeholders.

“The procurement of the motorboats will significantly help in the management and protection of Lake Sebu,” Villa said.

She said a regular employee will act as lake supervisor and will manage three job order employees who will act as lake wardens and will man the operations of the motorboats.

Villa added that they expect the delivery and commissioning of the motorboats within the second quarter of the year.(PNA) Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service Case No.2009-XI-00413 (10-0004)

EMMANUEL A. VITORILLO, Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY-BUTUAN CITY AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate has expired last February 3, 2015. In the petition filed on March 9, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 31, 2015 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 9th day of March 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

Young sparring partners to push Pacquiao to the limit

SPORTS 15

By AQUILES Z. ZONIO

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ALL of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has hired younger sparring mates to train Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao balls-tothe-wall in preparation for his May 2 mega fight against undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. “I decided to get young fighters as sparring mates to push him (Pacquiao) to the limit. Young fighters have better stamina and more aggressive,” Roach told a handful of reporters during an interview Monday afternoon.

Two of the six sparring mates lined up by Roach against Pacquiao will strut their wares during the scheduled first sparring session today.

Pacquiao’s sparring session is done thrice a week – every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday are devoted to Pacquiao’s physical conditioning particularly in further enhancing his strength, stamina and speed.

Roach claimed that everyday he is studying video tapes of Mayweather’s previous fights.

“Everyday, I am reviewing the video tapes of Mayweather’s previous fights. We want to win this fight and we want it via knock-out,” Roach said.

Roach declared that he had already studied even Mayweather’s dirty tactics using both his elbows and shoulders.

Sparring mates scheduled to trade leather gloves with

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ally done a good job. He (Pacquiao) was already in good shape when I took over,” Roach bared.

Roach noticed that since they made a successful tandem more than a decade ago, “Manny has never been so motivated as a fighter. He has never been in superb physical condition than this time.”

Roach claimed he can feel it the way Pacquiao works with him in the punch mitts.

“I can see it in his eyes. I can read based on his body language and attitude in training that he really wants to win and win decisively,” Roach revealed.

The seven-time trainer of the year further disclosed that Pacquiao is very attentive and responding well on the fight strategy that they wanted to execute.

“I have never seen in him this kind of attitude and efforts during our previous training camps. He’s the type of guy who will never say anything bad against his opponent. But I could feel that Manny dislikes this guy Mayweather,” Roach stated.

Roach believes that Pacquiao’s antipathy was born out of Mayweather’s bigheadedness – dictating the terms and conditions, purse split and everything prior to signing the fight contract.

Pacquiao vowed to put an end to Mayweather’s bravado.

“I want to teach him (Mayweather) a lesson. We are nothing without God,” Pacquiao said.

Young was no better at finding the target saving just two of eight break points as a fist-pumping Nadal walked off Stadium court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden with the victory.

While the opening set was a comedy of unforced errors the second saw Nadal flash some of his top form as he raced to a 5-1 lead closing out the match in a tidy 80 minutes.

Ninth seeded Czech Tomas Berdych had earlier kicked off another sunny day

of action with a straight-forward 6-4 6-2 win over American Steve Johnson.

Jack Sock, however, will carry the American flag into the round of 16 after rallying past 15th seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 6-2.

Thirteenth seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon scored a comfortable 6-2 7-5 victory over German qualifier Michael Berrer while Czech Lukas Rosol was a 6-4 6-7 (4) 7-6 (3) winner over Dutchman Robin Haase.

Misifiring Nadal reaches last 16

MISFIRING Rafa Nadal had trouble hitting the mark but the third seeded Spaniard still had enough to beat American Donald Young 6-4 6-2 on Tuesday and advance to the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Nadal, a three-time champion at Indian Wells, looked out of sorts in a sloppy opening set slamming an easy overhead into the net to give Young an early break and then later double-faulting to hand over another.

But the 47th ranked

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Pacquiao today were identified as “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (13-0, 10 KOs) and Kenneth Simms, Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs).

“Both fighters are tall and young at 21. They are gifted with power and blazing hand speed and can simulate Floyd’s fighting style,” Roach added.

The 5’9 Ellis, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts, had impressive boxing records which include a 2012 National Police athletic League Championship crown, three-time New England Golden Gloves Championship plum, Rocky Marciano Amateur Boxing Tournament title and a silver medal at the Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic.

The 5’10 Sims, Jr. from Chicago, Illinois, was an eighttime national amateur boxing champion.

The names of four other sparring partners are being kept under wraps in the light of the reported bribe attempts

by Mayweather’s camp to dissuade them from helping Pacquiao’s camp.

Today’s sparring would just be four to five rounds against the two young promising boxers.

Roach described that his prized pupil is in good physical condition after taking over his training more than a week ago.

Roach credited conditioning coach Justine Fortune, assistant trainer Retituto “Buboy” Fernandez and training aide Roger “Haplas” Fernandez for doing a “great job” while he was away in Macau, China.

“The training team has re-

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte and son Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte’s Araw ng Davao treat to Davao basketball fans is back. Twice a year, Davao City’s hoopdom is alive with a competition that is short but very competitive.

In March, there’s the Araw ng Davao basketball tournament. In August, there’s the Kadayawan cagefest. These two are the major basketball events in the city, the rest would be the usual collegiate and junior tournaments among school-based ballers and the “B” tournaments involving offices and commercial teams.

This year on the 78th Araw ng Davao celebration,

four teams collide anew for the championship--defending champion The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO, reigning Kadayawan champion Goldstar Hardware, multi-titled Montaña Pawnshop and visiting RM Zamboanga (a team bankrolled by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao).

The roster of teams have always been very competitive although it’s just a four-team tournament. That has been the case with these two basketball events here that’s designed to entertain the basketball-crazy Dabawenyos.

The tournament may not be as prestigious as the PBA but it has time and again proven to be a blockbuster with

UP AND UNDER. Francis Abarcar of TRMH-CMO goes under the outstretched arms of Leo Najorda of Goldstar during the two teams match in the 78th Araw ng Davao Basketball Tournament at the Almendras Gym. Lean Daval Jr.

Palaro billeting schools ready for occupancy

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HE sign on the gate is clear and simple: “Ready For Occupancy.”

The billeting assignments for athletes and officials for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa were drawn Friday last week and what the facilities only need are the athletes and officials—10,000 or so of them—who will vie in the annual multi-sport competition to be hosted by Davao del Norte this summer fromMay 3 to 9.

“We are proud to say that every billeting center is “Ready For Occupancy!”

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said. “Sim-

ilar with our playing venues, we are ready to host the Palaro anytime, even tomorrow.”

Making Davao del Norte unique from previous Palarong Pambansa hosts is the strategic location of its billeting facilities from the Davao del Norte Sports Complex, according to Del Rosario.

“Travel time from the billeting areas to the competition venues and back will be convenient to everyone,” Del Rosario explained.

Putting premium on road safety at a maximum 35 kph within the confines of the capital to 60 kph in the outskirts, ferrying the student athletes

galang and Greg Slaughter played in the tournament.

Even Manny Pacquiao played in two games last year--one in Araw for TRMH-CMO and another in Kadayawan for his team MP Hotel. A little later, Manny declared he is playing and coaching in the PBA for Kia. Even the former PBA stars played here. The likes of Jojo Tangkay, Mark Andaya, Cris Calaguio and Celino Cruz came here to play. Likewise, the tournament was also made by some like Mark Yee and John Ferriols as an opportunity to return to the PBA. Even the imports who came here are no lemons.

Teams paraded some of the

most prolific imports like former PBA Best Import Jamelle Cornley, Victor Wade, UE star Charles Mammie, and burly Mike Harry.

In the many years this cagefest has been running, Dabawenyos have learned to fall in love with it and have embraced the tournament as their very own league--a legitimate basketball league of the masses.

Like the PBA, it has its own episodes of drama and conflict, bitter rivalry and controversies. Behind the action, being part of this league is no joke. Take it from team owners like Glenn Escandor of TRMH-CMO, Winston Ho of Goldstar and Armando Qu-

Hoops for the masses LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo the Dabawenyo hoop fans.

The tournament is free to the public and that’s reason alone why the fans fill the cramped Almendras Gym to the rafters each game day.

In recent editions of the tournament, future PBA stars like Calvin Abueva, Ian San-

and officials to the sports complex would border from a quick one minute drive at the minimum to 39 minutes at the maximum.

Of the 22 billeting facilities, only three are outside a 5-km radius from the sports complex.

“The athletes could just even walk to the competition if they would desire to,” Del Rosario said.

Competitions will be in the traditional 18 sports in the Davao del Norte Palaro.

All 17 regions will be represented in the annual competition for student athletes in the primary and secondary level. ibod of Montaña.

This year, these three Davao teams kept their lineups close to their chest like they’re playing poker. No one wants to drop first.

Until gametime, the lineups remained secret. But once they have seen each other in one arena, it’s where the real battlle begins--strategy adjustments and a lot of scouting.

Bottomline, you can’t afford to lose--even for just one game.

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.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 259 • THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015

WIN WITH BIGS Goldstar powers way to 86-69 win over TRMH-CMO

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

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OLDSTAR Hardware banked on its tremendous advantage in size and experience to deal the San Beda-powered The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO an 86-69 loss in the 78th Araw ng Davao Basketball Tournament at the Almendras Gym on Tuesday night.

Ex-PBA standouts Pong Escobal and Leo Najorda combined with burly import Charles Mammie to hand the Hoteliers their first loss in two outings. Both teams now tote a 1-1 win-loss record although the points difference earned from Goldstar’s 17-point win could play crucial weight in case of any ensuing complications in this short four-team tournament sponsored by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

The two teams battled on equal footing in the first quarter which ended 23-27. In the second quarter, the bigger and heftier Hardwaremen, leaning on their vast experience in commercial league play, began to impose their will on the youth-laden TRMH-CMO side.

Charles Mammie, the University of the East Warrior who surprised local fans with his hulking size that is almost doubled to the first time he was here two years ago, banged his way inside for 7 of his 11 markers in the second period.

The half ended 47-26 in favor of team owner Winston Ho’s gold-jerseyed men.

TRMH-CMO tried to stay in the fight with its swarming

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defense but the slippery troika of Leomer Losentes, Alvin Pasaol and Cañete broke loose in transition. It was clear the size disparity coupled with experience was just too much for the Red Lions of TRMH-CMO to overcome.

Escobal and Losentes fired 13 points apiece while

three others scored in double figures with Cañete adding 12, Mammie 11 and Najorda 10.

Van Adam Abatayo paced TRMH-CMO with 14 while Antonio Bonsubre Jr. had 13.

In the first game, Montaña Pawnshop scored its second win over RM Zamboanga for a perfect 2-0 record.

‘Pistolero’Go outguns‘Firecracker’

BA legends Jerry Codiñera and Kenneth Duremdes can only shake their head each time Bong Go lets loose a cord-ripping three-pointer.

Heading a squad composed of former PBA stars, Codiñera and Duremdes tried to impose their will inside but each time they score, Go comes back with a booming trey that hit them like a

dagger.

After defeating collegiate stars in a PBA out-of-town game three-point contest three days ago, Go defeated a legitimate PBA shooting star this time in Bobby Jose, known as the PBA’s “Firecracker.”

Jose tried to engage Go in a shootout and in several sequence came up with an answer from beyond the arc on his way to a 33-point effort. But Go could not be denied that this was his night.

F i n a l score for Go and Jose from the rainbow mark: 12-11.

With Go firing a dozen triples all game long, the City Mayors Office defeated the TESDA Team Trabaho, 113 – 107, in the preliminary game of the 78th Araw ng Davao Commercial Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Davao City RecreTHE PISTOLERO. Bong Go of CMO in action during the ation Center A l m e n d ra s PBA On Tour exhibition match. Lean Daval Jr.

Gym on Monday.

Go, who recently won the 2015 PBA On Tour Davao City Three Points Shootout contest, drained seven in the final half to carry the chores for the City Hall dribblers.

The ultimate triple came in the final 32 seconds of the game that gave the CMO a 110 – 107 lead and practically shut the lights out for the PBA legends.

Jose, who was part of the San Miguel grand slam team, put up 33 points to pace the PBA legends who joined TESDA Chief Secretary Joel Villanueva in advancing the cause of Tech-voc in countrywide basketball exhibition games as part of TESDA’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

Dindo Pastor and JR De Guzman chipped in 15 points apiece for the City Hall dribblers.

CMO crawled back in the pay off period behind Go, the trusted aid of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who shot well in the field in variety of ways, including the dagging three pointer that finished the legends off.

Marlou Aquino scored 27 points as Duremdes and Codiñera had 25 and 14 respectively.

Go bested Davao City’s collegiate finest shooters in the 2015 PBA Commissioners Cup On Tour Three Points Shootout contest with a remarkable 17 points in the final round. The event was a side event of the Purefoods Star Hot Shot – Talk N’ Text Tropang FEAR THE MAMMIE. Charles Mammie (50) of Goldstar slams it on three different occasions during the two teams Texters encounter. (NJB with match in the 78th Araw ng Davao Basketball Tournament at the Almendras Gym. Extreme left, Van Adam Abatayo of Rico Biliran) TRMH-CMO scores on a daring drive against ex-pro Marlon Basco of Goldstar. Lean Daval Jr.