Edge Davao 8 Issue 11

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RODY MOVES TO 3RD IN SWS SURVEY Binay lead drops slightly; Duterte, Poe are biggest gainers

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte has shot up the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey and now ranks third in the list of possible presidential candidates.

In the March 2015 SWS survey on the three best leaders to succeed PNoy in 2016, Duterte got 15 percent of the total 1,200 respondents nationwide. This was a 10 percent increase from the

December 2014 survey in which he only got five percent.

Duterte is now tied with Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, who could be the standard bearer of Liberal Party in the 2016 presidential election.

Interestingly, Duterte had assured Roxas in a telephone conversation last Tuesday night in Camp Quintin Merecido

that he (Duterte) will not run for president next year.

“Huwag kang magalala kasi sinabi ko sayo hindi naman ako mag presidente kaya lang ayusin natin tong bayan (Don’t worry because I assure you I am not interested in becoming President. But let us fix this nation),” Duterte told Roxas in the middle of his speech during the turn-

FRODY, 10

FIRST QUARTER 2015 SOCIAL WEATHER REPORT (SWS) BEST LEADERS TO SUCCEED PRES. AQUINO (TOTAL PHILIPPINES, DEC. 2014 AND MARCH 2015) DEC 2014 MARCH 2015 36% 37% 31 21 15 19 15 5 11 10 11 9 8 9 7 3 4 3 3 2 3 5 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 12 8 3 15 *Without any given list, responses below 0.5% are not shown JEJOMAR BINAY GRACE POE MAR ROXAS RODRIGO DUTERTE MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO JOSEPH ESTRADA CHIZ ESCUDERO BONGBONG MARCOS ALLAN PETER CAYETANO MANNY VILLAR ANTONIO TRILLANES PANFILO LACSON LOREN LEGARDA MANNY PACQUIAO BONG REVILLA FRANKLIN DRILON NONE DON’T KNOW/REFUSED Photo by Lean Daval Jr.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

FIRE DAMAGE.Barangay 23-C Kagawad Jehan J. Nakilan shows the extent of the April 1 fire that gutted 44 houses in Soliman, Quezon Boulevard, Davao City. Some of the fire victims failed to secure entry passes to the area due to questionable documents which were required by the City Planning and Development Office. Lean Daval Jr.

Tagum cop charged for hiding drug evidence

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HARGES were filed before the Tagum City Prosecutor’s Office against the police officer who allegedly hid evidence from a drug raid on Tuesday morning Barangay Magdaum, Tagum City.

Cases of Obstruction of Justice and Violation of Section 27 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were filed against Police Officer (PO)2 Domijun Valleser of the Tagum City Police Station.

Section 27 of RA 9165 is the criminal liability of a public officer or employee for misappropriation, misapplication, or

failure to account for the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs.

Eastern Mindanao Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (EMCIDU) director Senior Superintendent Joel Pernito said the charges were filed against Valleser at around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday before prosecutor Noel Palma.

Different forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had implemented a simultaneous enforcement of 12 search warrants in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City on Tuesday morning.

Eight suspects were ap-

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BIFF strafe Army HQ in Maguindanao

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ROOPERS of the 6th Infantry Division are now pursuing an undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who strafed the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in Barangay Kabingi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao Wednesday night.

The incident took place at 10 p.m., 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Pe-

tinglay said Thursday.

The shooting lasted for 10 minutes. No one was reported hurt nor killed among the government troopers.

She added that the armored vehicles parked near the headquarters did not incur any damage.

Return fire from members of the 1st Mechanized Brigade may have wounded an undetermined number of the BIFF, Petinglay stressed. (PNA)

Still no relocation site for UPMin settlers

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HERE is still no relocation site for the settlers who will affected by the proposed City Sports Complex inside the University of the Philippine Mindanao (UPMin) in Bago Oshiro, Mintal once the project is pursued.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak Forum at City Hall, City Planning and Development Office’s (CPDO) city housing and homesite division chief Roy Ryan A. Rigor II told reporters that while the proposed project is urgent, the relocation site for the settlers is yet to be determined.

“As to where, that’s what we are discussing now. Even if the city will relocate them to Los Amigos, the settlers are insisting that based on the Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and UPMin in 1996, they should be relocated in the UP compound,” Rigor said.

Rigor was referring to MOA with the Board of Liquidators and UPMin which states that UPMin will look for the relocation area for the settlers once there is development that will affect the settlers.

“Based on my observation, some settlers are not amenable to be relocated in Los Amigos because they only want to be in UPMin,” he said.

Rigor said according to the settlers, the 1996 MOA is binding.

Rigor said as of the moment, the city government has no responsibility for the relocation of settlers in UPMin. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte had earlier said if UPMin has no relocation for the settlers, he will offer the Los Amigos area to the settlers so that the

Bukidnon all-out for Rody T

project can be implemented.

Duterte said the proposed City Sports Complex should remain in the vicinity of UPMin and the settlers inside should vacate the area.

He said he does not recognize the claimants’ issue in the UPMin campus in Bago Oshiro, Mintal since the area is known as government reservation land.

Duterte said if the claimants do not have land titles to the land they are occupying, they must vacate the area because it is already a matter of public interest.

AT A GLANCE: Gov. Zubiri, 4 congressmen, 18 mayors, 400 barangay chair pledge support HE Province of Bukidnon yesterday showed an unfolding political phenomenon in Mindanao as different political groups gathered to welcome a man widely believed to be the country’s next President, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Led by the political kingpin of the province, Gover-

nor Jose Zubiri, the province’s four congressmen, 18 of the 22 mayors and over 400 barangay chairmen gathered in Valencia City for Duterte’s “Listening Tour,” a nation-wide consultative forum focusing on Federalism.

Setting aside their local political differences and agenda, the leaders of the

province joined Zubiri in signifying support for Duterte who is being pushed by Mindanao leaders to vie for the Presidency, a move which could make him the first President from the troubled Southern Philippines.

“What is happening in Bukidnon will happen in the rest of Mindanao

and the Southern Islands should Rody declare that he will run for President,” said Zubiri.

Zubiri’s statement reflected what happened in the previous sorties of Duterte in other parts of Mindanao where opposing political groups who were fighting tooth and nail

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

3

Kato deputy now heads BIFF A

MIDDLE East-educated sheik (Islamic scholar) now leads the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) after its founding chair Amiril Umra Kato died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday dawn.

BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama said the new leader, Sheik Ismael Abubakar, was among the best leaders next to Kato.

Abubakar was the BIFF vice chair for political affairs at the time of Kato’s death.

Mama said Abubakar served as a brigade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILFs)’s 105th Base Command before he bolted the MILF with Kato.

Mama said BIFF leaders, in a special meeting after Kato was laid to rest, agreed to install the 40-year old sheik, also known as ‘Commander Bungos,” as its new chair.

The spokesperson said the BIFF’s struggle for independence will continue despite the loss of Kato.

The also group denied they are weakened now with the death of their founder.

Mama refused to reveal Kato’s final resting place.

Kato formed the BIFF in March 2010. He left the MILF over disagreements on the handling of peace talks with government.

(Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)

STEP opens application for college, tech scholarship

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Scholarship on Tertiary Education Program (STEP) is now calling for applications from high school graduates who want to pursue college degrees or technical and vocational course diplomas.

In yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum at City Hall, STEP technical assistant Emilio Domingo Jr. told reporters that the city could cater to new applicants for the coming school year.

Domingo said the applicants should go to the STEP office at City Hall with their report card and National Career Assessment Exam (NCAE) result for assessment.

He said the applicant can choose either a college or technical and vocational course once they pass the screening.

Domingo said the incoming freshmen should have a final grade of 93 and NCAE average of 95. The qualified scholar should maintain a

grade not below 85.

Domingo said the college level scholars should have a general average of 95 and no grade below 87 in each subject taken. The scholar should maintain an average of 85 and grades not below 85 in each subject.

Domingo said for the Indigenous Peoples (IP) midwifery course, the report card must have a general average of 85 and NCAE average of 85.

The scholar should maintain a general average of 80 and grades of 80 in each subjects.

Domingo said every qualified scholar for college and IP midwifery will receive P50,000 a year for the school fees and P1,000 monthly allowance.

He said qualified recipient of educational assistance for IPs will receive P7,500 each semester. The applicant should have a general average of 80 and NCAE average of 75.

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GOTCHA. A Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcer apprehends a motorist for violating the “No Plate, No Travel” policy along Quimpo Boulevard in Davao City yesterday. Several sectors led by the Metropolitan Manila

Development Authority (MMDA) slammed the policy, saying it is unfair to motorists who are being blamed for the inefficiency of car dealers and the LTO itself. Lean Daval Jr.

Philips: Shift to LED bulbs to save energy P

HILIPS Lighting has launched a campaign to save energy by switching to LED bulbs which save up to 85 percent of energy compared with conventional bulbs.

In a roundtable discussion in Davao City yesterday, Philips Lighting country marketing manager Christine Villanueva said this is particularly important today as the country faces a shortfall in electricity by about 700 megawatts with the month-long maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya power plant.

“This is the capacity of a large power generating unit. It could mean one hour of rotating brownouts in two weeks of summer,” she said.

The Malampaya power plant in Palawan was shut

down from March 15 to April 14. Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Patilla said while the country survived the monthlong shutdown, power demand is still on the rise and consumers should still continue to converve energy.

Villanueva said one of the simplest and most effective ways consumers can conserve energy is by switching from conventional bulbs to LED bulbs.

“LED bulbs save up to 85 percent of energy versus conventional bulbs and can last up to 15,000 hours with a maintained brightness of 70 percent,” she said.

Villanueva also said technology advancements in the past few years have made LED bulbs more affordable, with

the cheapest Philips bulb now costing only P149 from P999 two years ago.

For factories, tubular LEDs (TLEDs) give 60 percent savings on energy cost with payback period of less than two years, she said.

“One factory can generate annual savings of P570,000.

One PEZA (Philippines Export Processing Zone Authority) zone can get annual savings of P19 million, and the 63 total PEZA zones in the Philippines can save up to P1.2 billion,” she added.

To promote the use of LED, Philips launched the #MayMagagawaKa campaign to encourage Filipinos to start saving energy now to manage the impending power shortage this summer and the years that

follow.

The campaign was launched in Manila on March 18 and in Davao City yesterday.

“A power outage can be catastrophic for the economy,” said Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno, Country Manager of Philips Philippines, during the campaign launch in Manila. “We lose the comfort of our homes and the stability of livelihood and business.”

“It will impact all sectors – consequently, it will take the unified efforts of all these sectors to prevent it from happening in the future,” she added.

Jointly organized by Philips, Deutsche Investitionsund Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (DEG) Bank, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Phil-

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Duterte: Nothing wrong with Iqbal using an alias

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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UPSIDE DOWN. A member of Karadyawan mistakenly holds a placard upside down while holding a picket rally in front of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) office in S.I.R. Matina, Davao City yesterday to call

for the dismantling of Alamara paramilitary group in Kapalong, Davao del Norte and to condemn the continuing militarization of Lumad communities.

Lean Daval Jr.

AYOR Rodrigo Duterte does not find anything wrong with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal using an alias.

“That is not fictitious in a sense that he is unknown. The identity is very clear but the name may be different,” the mayor said.

Duterte said since Iqbal is a revolutionary, it is normal for him to use an alias.

“Syempre you are always wanted by the law gamit gamitin mo talaga ang ibat-ibang

pangalan (Of course if you are wanted by the law then you will really go by different names),” he said.

Meanwhile, Duterte said he cannot blame the MILF if it does not want to renegotiate the provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with government.

Duterte’s statement came a day after Central Committee MILF Vice Chair Ghazali Jaafar said his group will not renegotiate the eight provisions of the BBL that Cagayan de Oro

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EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA DSWD celebrates Pantawid HS grads in the region

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

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O highlight the milestone in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a Recognition Ceremony – dubbed Pagtatapos Nyo, Tagumpay ng Pilipino will be held at the DSWD Regional Office on April 17, Friday.

Some 13,756 Pantawid Pamilya students in the region graduated from high school this year. At least 100 of them will join the regional recognition day come Friday afternoon.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that having Pantawid Pamilya high school graduates is one positive offshoot of the government’s investment to the health and education of poor children and their families.

She added that allowing the children to finish high school will give them the chance of employability — in return they (the graduates who got employed) can help their family break the repeated cycle of poverty.

“The half-day activity aims to recognize the grad-

uating beneficiaries for their efforts in successfully fulfilling another stage in their academic life. In this event, exemplary graduates from all four provinces will be sharing their experiences to inspire their fellow beneficiaries to value education,” said DSWD XI Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that provides cash assistance to families with children 0-18 years old that religiously comply with specific conditions of sending children to school, keeping them healthy, and parents attending the monthly Family Development Session (FDS).

A total 333,673 Pantawid Pamilya high school students nationwide graduated this year. About 106,021 of these students are from Mindanao.

Meanwhile, DSWD will launch the Listahanan 2nd Round Household Assessment on Friday morning at Grand Menseng Hotel. Listahanan advocacy stickers and grievance hotlines tarpaulins will also be launched. DSWD/ Sheryll Jane S. Fernandez

DENR-12 allots P7M for reforestation of 3 Maguindanao, SoCot upland villages

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HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 12 has allotted around P7 million for the reforestation of three upland villages in Maguindanao and South Cotabato.

Datu Tungko Saikol, DENR Region 12 executive director, said the initiative is part of the expansion this year of its continuing reforestation project under the national government’s Sajahatra Bangsamoro program.

He said they have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with implementers of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro for the launching of the greening activities within this month in barangays Buliok in Pagalungan town and Sambulawan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao, as well as in Sitio B’lungan, Barangay Upper Sepaka in Surallah, South Cotabato.

The official said the three villages had been identified as priority expansion areas of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

Under the MOA, he said the agency will specifically include the three villages in its coverage area for the National Greening Program (NGP).

“We will be planting coffee, fruit and forest trees in around 300 hectares of forest lands in these areas,” Saikol said in a statement.

He said the P7-million allotment will cover for the seedling production, plantation establishment and the monitoring, maintenance and protection of the reforestation sites.

Saikol said the agency will partner with people’s organizations based in the three villages for the implementation of the greening projects, which are due for completion by December 2017.

Dr. Taugan Kikay, Sajahatra Bangsamoro project management team leader, lauded the expansion of the greening program in the three villages.

He said they’re hoping that the program will usher in more opportunities in terms of the development of idle upland areas within Bangsamoro communities.

“This project complements with our efforts to bring sustainable livelihood opportunities to our marginalized communities and eventually improve the lives of residents,” he said.

Sajahatra Bangsamoro is a joint undertaking of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that aims to uplift and develop Bangsamoro communities.

It covers initiatives on education, health and livelihood through scholarship grants, assistance to madaris, issuance of Philhealth cards, basic health care services, livelihood projects and cash for work.

Launched in February 2013, the program is a product of talks between President Benigno S. Aquino III and MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim immediately after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. (MindaNews)

SALVAGE WORK. A young resident of Soliman, Quezon Boulevard in Davao City tries to salvage concrete bars from the ruins of a neighbor’s house which was razed by fire on April 1. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao power woes worsen as Pulangi, Lake Lanao water levels drop I

T’S the same story every summer.

The water levels in Pulangi River in Bukidnon and Lake Lanao, major sources of hydropower in Mindanao, continued to drop worsening the power situation in some cities in the island already reeling from daily rotational blackouts.

Starting Tuesday, the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (Cepalco) whose franchise area covers the city and Jasaan and Villanueva towns in Misamis Oriental, has imposed an eight-hour rotational blackout.

Pagadian City and neighboring Zamboanga Sibugay province were also under severe power curtailment, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said Wednesday.

To make matters worse for Cagayan de Oro and Pagadian, the newly built 150-megawatt boiler unit 2 of Therma South, a power plant owned by the Aboitiz Power in Davao City, failed to go on line due to damages it sustained during the Mindanao-wide blackout on Easter Sunday.

Prior to that, Cepalco se-

cured a 20-MW supply from Therma South supposedly to alleviate the critical power situation in Cagayan de Oro. Mindanao Development Authority Director Romeo Montenegro said water level in the Pulangi River went down to 280.85 meters above sea level way below the baseline limit of 286 meters as of Tuesday.

As a result, Montenegro said the hydropower plant in Pulangi is now capable of producing only 30 MW out of its 250-MW rated capacity.

“It (Pulangi hydropower plant) is not out but it is producing only 30 megawatts because there is no more water except silt,” he said in a text message.

The same thing happened to Lake Lanao where, he said, the prolonged dry spell or mild “El Nino” has reduced the electricity output of the six cascading hydropower plants along the Agus River.

“All Agus plants are running but some units are derated or having reduced output,” he said.

Montenegro said water level in Lake Lanao had plunged to 699.82 meters above sea level.

He said the maximum water level for Agus hydropower plants to operate safely without damaging its machineries is 702 meters above sea level.

“Cepalco’s current load portfolio cannot cover high demand because of the summer heat,” he explained.

Pulangi and Agus River in Lanao provinces supply at least 52 percent of the electricity in Mindanao.

Cepalco Vice President Ralph Paguio said that even with their standby power plants and the independent load producers they did not have enough electricity to cover their entire franchise area.

“This forced us to resort to power curtailment to equitably share whatever supply there is,” Paguio said.

He said they offset the shortfall with power from Cepalco’s coal-fired power plant, Minergy, which produces 42 MW and participating independent load producers in Cagayan de Oro. But he said still there was still a shortfall of electricity they could not meet.

Cepalco spokesperson Marilyn Chavez said they are

only receiving 65 to 70 MW from the NGCP. Chavez said the city has a daily shortfall of 30 MW. She said CEPALCO needed a total of 150 MW a day to energize its entire franchise area.

Aboitiz Power communications officer Wilfredo Alfredo III said the electricity supply from Therma South could have eased the situation in Cagayan de Oro. “The brownouts could have been cut to only two hours not eight hours,” Wilfredo said.

In a statement, Aboitiz Power said the sudden Mindanao-wide blackout on Easter Sunday caused the damage at the Therma South boiler unit 2 which was scheduled to go on line this month.

Therma South President Benjie Cariaso said repairs to the boiler unit 2’s air-preheater as well as the electrostatic precipitator can run up to 10 months delaying its commissioning.

But he added that their unit 1 coal plant is still scheduled to operate y June 2015.

(Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

WO mild earthquakes struck the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the first quake with magnitude

of 2.7 occurred at 3:29 a.m. with the epicenter traced at 40 kilometers northwest of Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 31 kilometers.

The second tremor with a magnitude of 3.6 happened at 5:37 a.m. with epicenter locat-

ed at 41 kilometers northwest of Liloy in Zamboanga Del Norte.

Phivolcs said the temblor, which was tectonic in origin, had a shallow depth of 14 kilometers.

Phivolcs has not recorded any felt intensity from the two tectonic quakes and there was

no casualty or damage reported from the tremors.

It added that no aftershocks are expected from these quakes.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 20 to 25 earthquakes per day -- mostly imperceptible -- are common, Phivolcs said. (PNA)

Mild earthquake jolts the provinces Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Norte T

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

Firms eye fresh graduates

JobStreet.com survey shows IT highest paying job in Mindanao

By CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY

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OMPANIES in Mindanao are looking for fresh graduates specifically those specializing in sales and customer service,

a survey of the JobStreet. com Philippine showed, In the same poll conducted among companies last February, the informa-

GAME CHANGER. JobStreet.com Philippines country manager Philip A. Gioca says Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is the game changer industry right now as it has the largest employment requirement. Gioca and the com-

tion technology/computer hardware is the highest paying specialization for fresh graduates with an average monthly salary of P22,429.

The survey was categorized under fresh graduates, junior executives, supervisors and managers.

“Right now, the BPO in-

pany’s other executives presented the 2015 JobStreet.com Jobs and Salary Report in Mindanao in a press briefing yesterday at Metropolitan Suites in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

dustry is the game changer in our environment,” JobStreet.com country manager Philip A. Gioca said during a press briefing at the Metropolitan Suites Thursday.

Of the more than 1,000 company-respondents in Mindanao asked by the job site, 85 percent of these said they are looking to hire fresh graduates.

JobStreet.com marketing manager Leng Ombao said these firms, although they are now really particular with experience based on the result of the survey, would prefer those with internship when they were still in college.

The survey also showed that companies want graduates with communication skills and initiatives.

JobStreet.com, in its 2015 Mindanao Jobs and Salary Report for Mindanao, listed sales and customer service as the most in-demand specialization.

It also noted that “while IT specialists get the highest average salary across most position levels, the list of specializations providing

the best pay in Mindanao is more diverse compared to the results generated for Metro Manila and Cebu.”

“While IT-related specializations dominated both the national and Cebu salary reports, they figured only twice in the Mindanao version,” JobStreet.com said.

After IT, the second highest paying specialization for fresh graduates is hotel management/tourism services with an average monthly pay of P18,600, followed by healthcare/pharmacy, marketing/business development and customer service.

Gioca clarified that result of the survey is intended only for today and may change in the next years.

“Today, the highest paying job is the IT. It may change next year,” he said.

Ombao also clarified that their company is only being used as a finding tool by jobseekers and does not charge them a single centavo.

JobStreet.com has around 420, candidates for Mindanao alone with 1,400 companies as its clients.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

Solar power teach gains ground E

NERGY experts from member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have reported that the Photovoltaic (PV) solar power technology has made inroads in their respective renewable energy (RE) programs.

The Philippines amended its installation target of solar energy generation from 50 megawatts (MW) to 500 MW last year, after seeing solar

power generation as one of the most promising source of renewable energy.

Director Mario Marasigan of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Energy Deparment said on Wednesday that although it amended the installation target, the government remains careful so as not to hurt power consumers who do not get power subsidies from the government.

“For the Philippines, we

Native food products in culinary art event

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O take advantage of the largest culinary event coming to the Philippines, native food products will be sold market-style to support their producers and encourage sustainable production.

These were the words spoken by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat when asked what the department was doing to participate in the upcoming Madrid Fusion Manila 2015.

Madrid Fusion is Spain’s famed culinary event which will make a debut in the Philippines for the first time. lt will feature a trade exhibit, among other activities, where the DA will promote native products The event is also part of the events lined up for the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015.

During the trade exhibit DA will be promoting native products listed under the Slow Food Foundation’s Ark of Taste, a collection of rare productions that belong to the cultures, history, and traditions of the world.

Romulo-Puyat said that these food products were included in the list precisely because they are “produced in the Philippines.”

“The manner by which these products are prepared reflects the traditional knowledge of Filipinos, passed down through generations,” Romulo-Puyat said.

Among these products include heirloom rice, cacao, vinegars, and wines are only a few among the distinctly Filipino and Spanish products.

Artisanal products such as cheese, calamansi, dalandan liquor, muscovado sugar, vinegar, and artisanal salts will also be available.

In addition, the event’s regional lunches will feature the native Filipino produce as well.

Other products to watch out for include adlai, barako coffee, batuan, kamias, siling labuyo, and muscovado sugar.

Best known Spanish brands will also showcase their products including fresh, cured, and processed pork products, brandy and sparkling wines like Freixenet, Vallformosa, Masachs, and Codorniu among others.

The first two days of the Trade Exhibit are exclusive to trade visitors (e.g. bakers, chefs, cooks, restaurant owners, food industry professionals, students of Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management) who can enter the venue for free. While the third day is open to the public for a registration fee of Php 500.

Aside from the trade exhibit, Madrid Fusion will also hold an International Gastronomy Congress, and Flavors of the Philippines.

During the Congress, a notable roster of Michelin-starred Spanish chefs and distinguished Asian and Filipino chefs will demonstrate modern and avant-garde techniques.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. for his part expressed excitement on the event being an opportunity to “brag” about the country’s best local food brands.

Madrid Fusión Manila is set to take place on April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. (PNA)

have implemented the net metering for PV solar installations in academic institutions. This has encouraged the academe to build their own RE systems, such as the solar PV on their rooftops,” he said.

The sharing of experiences was part of the ongoing 44th Meeting of the APEC-Expert Group on New Renewable Energy (APEC-EGNRET44) being held at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel in Laoag City, Ilocos

Norte.

Meanwhile, Gavin Yu of Korea noted a growing number of new renewable energy manufacturers as the RE sector develops.

He said that from 2007 to 2013, the number of manufacturers more than doubled, the employment figure more than tripled, while the revenue size increased sixfold.

Korea, he said, has a distinct microgrid system in small

SHELTER CONCERNS. Governor Arturo T. Uy of Compostela Valley Province discusses on Thursday with DSWD officials [L-R] Assistant Director Ma. Vilia L. Vigil, Regional Director Priscilla N. Razon and Budget Officer Teresita V.

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island areas instead of independent systems, which rely on fuel-fed generators.

The country piloted connection projects that generated energy from wind, PV solar and geothermal integrating with Energy Storage System (ESS), all in Ulleung Island, he said.

With its sound Renewable Portfolio Standard, the rooftop and parking lot of Renault Samsung Motors in Busan was

converted into a Solar PV Power Plant, now the largest solar PV plant for the single factory and provides electricity to 7,300 households.

Korea’s PV Rental Program is also promising as it allows household owners to reduce their electricity bill to 80 percent, he added.

“PV rental companies earn rental fee and benefit from the Renewable Energy Point set by

FSOLAR, 10

Mercado, the continuing implementation of Modified Shelter Assistance Program in the province. Over 12,000 permanent shelters have been earmarked for ComVal. DSWD

DTI 11 to re-launch e-library

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- 11 is re-launching its electronic library (elibrary) to guide potential investors about business opportunities of the region.

Grace Aduca, DTI regional industry development division head, said the relaunching of the elibrary, which would feature 12 investment briefs from the region, is scheduled to be held on April 27.

Aduca said the DTI elibrary aims to provide business

information needs of the private and government sectors and the academe in a convenient, affordable, and efficient way of delivery.

She said resources from the union catalogue of DTI elibrary include trade, industry and investments information; Philippine National Standards (PNS); full text reports, photo albums, directories from local and foreign trade fairs or exhibits; design and technical information related to product development; and intellectual

property (IP).

Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, said the elibrary will be of big help for potential investors in the region, and the country in general, as data needed by them can be easily searched over the Internet.

Jain said businessmen and potential investors can browse www.elibrary.dti.gov. ph, where the region’s own elibrary will be incorporated.

“The information needed by our potential investors will

literally be at their fingertips.

Investors need only check at our website and they will be presented with various DTI programs and necessary information of every region that they can use for future investments,” Jain said.

Jain said the relaunching of the elibrary is a collaboration of the various information units of the DTI funded through the government’s Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) Fund. (MindaNews)

HE strong business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines has buoyed sales of desktops and laptops despite the rapidly growing smartphone market.

Dell Philippines Country Manager Christopher Papa said on the sidelines of Dell Solutions Tour 2015 in Taguig City that large volume of desktops and laptops were sold to corporations particularly the BPO market.

Papa told reporters that the expansions of firms in various sectors -- brought by the strong Philippine economy -- have driven the growth of technology companies like Dell which has strong presence in markets of BPO, banks, telecommunications, manufactur-

ing, utilities, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“We’re actually positioning towards SMEs. It’s cost effective and you can do enterprise-level control in the networking component but at the ease of managing it as a simple device,” he mentioned.

Aside from selling desktops, laptops, and tablets, Dell also caters business solutions including server, storage, and network.

According to the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Asia-Pacific Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker released March 2015, a total of 26.8 million mobile phones were shipped to the Philippines in 2014.

About 47 percent or 12.6 million of the total shipped mobile phones were smartphones.

The share of smartphones widened from 24-percent share in 2013.

“The narrowing price gap between smartphones and feature phones made smartphones more palatable to budget-conscious Filipino consumers, leading to the faster adoption of smartphones in 2014 compared to previous years,” IDC explained the growth of smartphones in the country.

Papa, however, noted that Dell currently has no plans to re-enter the smartphone space despite its strong market.

In the previous years, Dell has launched smartphones but the company made and exit in the said business.

“It [smartphone] is not our core strength. We may not have the smartphone. What we

want to do, since a lot of these data will be produced like the IoT (Internet of Things), moving forward, you need the infrastructure. We have very strong network infrastructure and data center that is secured and capable. That’s where playing a lot,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Dell introduced in the Philippine market its XPS 13 which is the world’s first virtually borderless infinity display as well as the newest networking solutions for SMEs in its X-Series and N-Series.

Papa mentioned that for the fiscal year (FY) 2016, from February 2015-2016, Dell Philippines eyes 25 to 30 percent sales growth.

In FY 2015, sales increased by 25 percent from FY 2014.

(PNA)

Strong BPO buoys desktop, laptop sales T

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EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

First zipline ride launched in

Cateel, Davao Oriental

THE Provincial Government of Davao Oriental opened on Sunday, April 5, the newly completed zipline ride in the soon-to-launch Aliwagwag Nature Park in Cateel town, Davao Oriental.

Considered as one of the park’s major highlights, the 680-meter zipline hovering 55 meters from the ground provides the user an overlooking view of the rainforest canopy and the pristine Cateel River, with the majestic Aliwagwag Falls serving as the backdrop.

Vacationers and locals who flocked at the Aliwagwag Falls over the weekend to relax and enjoy in time for the Lenten Season say the newly installed zipline is probably one of the most exhilarating experiences they had during their stay here.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who initiated the Aliwagwag Development Site Project, says this zipline ride is yet another reason for tourists to visit Cateel as well as the rest of the province.

Touted to become a ‘mustexperience’ outdoor adventure activity here, the zipline ride is only one of the many astounding features the eco-park boasts.

Also built with the park is a monkey bridge that crosses over the falls, giving tourists overlooking view of the cascading torrents below. A restaurant, which will soon be regularly opened to serve meals to guests, will highlight the Cateel’s famous ‘lechon de leche’ on its menu. A concessionaire’s area is also established that would display souvenir items for sale. In addition, a viewing deck, a vast parking area and clean comfort rooms are also placed within the area.

Showcasing conservation and biodiversity, an aviary will be established here to showcase the area’s wildlife, particularly the sixty-four bird species that made the surrounding forests its haven.

Boasting with natural beauty, the grand Aliwagwag Falls remains to be the main attraction of the park. Although not yet officially opened to the public, tourists and locals have started to visit the area to take a dip in the cool and refreshing

waters of the Aliwagwag Falls.

Children and adults have their each designated swimming areas. With teeming potentials, several activities are set for everyone to enjoy here, including canopy walks, trail-hiking, picnics, and river cruising, among many others.

Boosting Eco-tourism Set to launch Davao Oriental’s eco-tourism industry this year, Governor Malanyaon is determined on her ambitious plan to make Davao Oriental a premier destination in the country.

Gov. Malanyaon said ‘it’s about time to push the potentials of Davao Oriental’ as it possesses a bounty of tourism come-ons that are at par with many world-class destinations.

Having earmarked a budget for tourism development sourced out from the Provincial Government coffers and some support from the national government, the province since last year had simultaneously implemented tourism site development in every town, including the City of Mati, as a way of laying the foundation for tourism development.

In fact, several sites in the province have already been

At P300.00 per ride, users are swerved down through a 680-meter suspension cable hovering 55 meters from the ground which provides the user an overlooking view of the rainforest canopy and the pristine Cateel River, with the majestic Aliwagwag Falls serving as the backdrop.

Photo by Joel Owano Other features of the park include a restaurant, viewing deck, swimming areas, and concessionaire’ stand, among many others. Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan completed and launched, such as the Sunrise Boulevard in Baganga, Cateel Riverview Park in Cateel, Pintatagan Welcome Park in Banaybanay, and Subangan Museum in the City of Mati. Meanwhile, nearing

completion are the Mt. Hamiguitan Eco-Park in San Isidro, Pusan Point in Caraga, and Tourism Site in Boston.

Moreover, more projects are underway as the Provincial Government is fast tracking

the completion of the implementation of its tourism development plan for the whole province. Still in the pipeline are the developments in the towns of Governor Generoso, Lupon, and Manay.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

Rocky’s: The pionee men’s hair care in th

ROCKY’S BARBERSHOP is the first barbershop to open in a mall in Southern Philippines. This fact may only be known to only a handful. Taking the recognition for this honorific will be the Rocky’s maiden branch at the Victoria Plaza Mall, the first mall to open in Davao in 1996.

Rocky’s Barbershop is the brainchild of a young entrepreneur, Tom Gempesaw, who was 26 when he dared to venture into the men’s grooming business, a field entirely new to him growing up in a family who was into the real estate trade. “I saw the need for it,” was his simple reason for doing so.

“I have always been inclined toward business even as a child selling old clothes and toys to our helpers,” Tom said. Opening Rocky’s Barbershop was the perfect opportunity to tread a new ground, “and I wanted to have a business of my own,” he added.

When the Davao’s first mall opened in 1996, he jumped at an opportunity to fulfill a dream and formed his own company, the TSG Haircutters.

He put himself in the shoes of his male clientele and personally saw the convenience of bringing a grooming service closer to the men.

“There were hair salons, but not a single barbershop. Surely the male population would want the same convenience the grooming service in a mall, which the women enjoys, can offer—air-conditioned environ-

ment, spacious parking, kill time, run errands, and perhaps dine or shop— and besides there are men who still prefer the barber than a salon stylist,” Tom pointed out.

Tom oversaw the operations of Rocky’s barbershop with meticulous eye. He chose the best staff— all Davaoeños, who underwent training despite experience, pinpointed the necessary grooming services beyond the traditional haircut, made sure the working space was kept spotless and made courtesy and professionalism the creeds.

Tom’s business insight and practice served him well. With a very positive response to the Victoria Plaza Mall market, which listed the city’s top rank businessmen, he did not hesitate to open another Rocky’s barbershop when Gaisano Mall of Davao opened in 1998, and expanded his venture to include another branch at SM City when it opened in 2001. The latter serviced the former and new clients on the Southern sector of the city.

In 2004, Tom decided to open another brand— Big Tom’s barbershop, at the new NCCC Mall in Matina.

“I wanted to broaden my market. I

Marco Polo Davao visits Kamp Pag-asa MARCO POLO DAVAO supported the Kamp Pagasa last April 10, 2015 at the Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, Ponce Street, Davao City. Group of volunteer associates from different department visited the campers with special needs and spent some time before distributing the dinner donated by the hotel for the summer camp. This is part of the hotel’s advocacy to support kids and families with disabilities through their Corporate Social Responsibility Program.

Now on its 16th year, Kamp Pag-asa 2015 is a seven-day summer camp being organized by a group of volunteers through the assistance of local government agencies and various private corporations including Marco Polo Davao. The summer camps is being participated by 100 children with disabilities and special needs coming from different parts of Davao and are closely being taken care of by a volunteer individually assigned to assist

noticed that t same quality offers, this tim graphic,” sha Big Tom’s of services th at lower pric instant hit bo visitors and r tina area. Th on his next br In 2008, To service of his Tom opened KCC Mall in want to posi developing c region,” said t In 2011, th ing of the Ay Included in t first Ayala M position itself lon brands in fourth branch outlet to cater Abreeza Mall With the s lent business was invited t concessionair mier, one of of SM across Abreeza Mal SM aims to c the market.

It was an the existing

MX3 conferred t Globe Annual Aw FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS , MX3 bagged the highest recognition as “Best Dietary Supplement of the Year” thus conferred the HALL OF FAME in the recent Golden Globe Annual Awards in Business Excellence in Manila Hotel last April 11.

The award was based on rigid criteria set by Golden Globe Awards Council & the National Data Research Examiner & Marketing Services focusing on the innovative business practices of a company that deliver quality products and services, epitomizing customer consenSome of the participants at Kamp Pag-asa pose with the volunteers from Marco Polo Davao sus and engagement with reputable & ethical business them during the camp. ness and positive attitude of image, displaying excellent Series of activities like pa- the general populace towards value proposition and pricrade, arts and crafts-making, children with disabilities. ing and adherence to truthevening shows, field trip, sciAssociates from Marco Polo fulness in business manageence film viewing and exercises Davao visited during their secment. are being prepared through- ond day affair dubbed as “MaIt’s another push for DMI out the week in order to pro- dayaw na Pag-abot” where Medical Supply Co. Inc. to vide opportunities for youth the volunteers where given a be the dominant leader in with disabilities not only to en- chance to be with children and joy and develop their capabili- spend a little of their time with MPD General Manager Dottie Würgler- the market for nutraceutical ties but also to promote aware- the community.

Cronin warmly welcomed by the children. products, promoting health

a p A w le ti p u th

D ry b te a p th to w

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

er in he mall

there was a need for the y of service that Rocky’s me to a different demoared Tom. offers the same line up hat Rocky’s offers, only ce points. It became an oth to the frequent mall residents within the MaThe same concept he used ranch.

Tom extended the quality barbershops southward. another Big Tom’s at the n General Santos City. “I ition myself in the fast city in the neighboring the young businessman. he first major undertakyala Land rose in Davao. the project plan was the Mall. Rocky’s was able to f alongside the major san the country. It was the h for Rocky’s the first to r to the elite clientele the l was targeting. steady growth and excels background, Rocky’s to be one of the service res in SM Lanang Prethe few premier malls s the country. Like the ll, the premier brand of cater to the upper level of opportunity to service clients in the northern

part of the city with the hopes of expanding the barbershop’s client list.

Tom nodded to the offer, and in 2012, he opened the fifth branch of Rocky’s.

Tom believes that the strengths of Rocky’s and Big Tom’s lie in the quality of service it extends. The homegrown barbers are very reliable and experienced in the craft. To hone and expand the staff’s skills further, it is in the company’s program to enroll them in various trainings available.

“New styling techniques come up and the barbers should be updated with these,” said Tom. “The client’s comfort and satisfaction is valued. Every visit to Rocky’s and Big Tom’s should be experiential, a one-stop shop. This is why we go beyond what the traditional barbershop will offer,” said Tom, referring to a menu that lists hair, facial, hand and foot care.

As for the future plans for the business, “Expansion is imminent, I intend to have Rocky’s presence felt more and be in every man’s top of mind, around Davao and Mindanao,” Tom said.

“As long as the barbershops continue to provide the excellent personalized service to its clients and adapt to the new male grooming innovations, I believe Rocky’s and Big Tom’s will continue to be the premier male grooming destination in Davao and soon, to more areas of Mindanao,” said the pioneering mind.

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Carlo Gonzales on his challenging role in Pari ‘Koy KAPUSO viewers were able to witness again the wonders of Father Kokoy (Dingdong Dantes) on GMA’s Primetime series Pari ‘Koy with a special marathon entitled Pari ‘Koy: Ang Pagdating ng Blessing last Saturday as part of the Network’s special Holy Week programming schedule.

As the story progresses, Father Kokoy will encounter more interesting characters along the way—one of them is Simon played by Kapuso actor Carlo Gonzalez.

For Carlo, it takes a whole lot of effort to be in Simon’s persona.

“It’s a really challenging role dahil ito ang unang beses na gumanap ako ng role ng isang ama.

Hindi ko pa naranasan na magkaroon ng anak sa tunay na buhay kaya mahirap din humugot ng “fatherly figure” lalo na sa mga mabibigat na eksena,” adds the Kapuso actor.

Simon is the abusive husband of Noemi, the character played by Sunshine Dizon. It is Carlo’s first time to work with Sunshine, and de-

spite having to play scenes where he would hurt her, he admits that Sunshine is very professional and is easy to work with.

He shares, “Napakagaan katrabaho ni Ms. Shine [Sunshine Dizon].

Ito ang unang beses na makatrabaho ko siya at all praises ako sa kanya.

She’ so giving sa mga eksena at maalagain siya sa set. Ang sarap niyang katrabaho.”

“Of course mahirap ‘yung mga eksenang sinasaktan ko siya dahil pinalaki ako na mataas ang respeto sa mga kababaihan at hindi ko nakaugaliang manakit

ng mga babae,” further claims the Kapuso actor.

Carlo feels that he has a strong sense of support from the production team, and is entirely grateful for the efforts done by their director, Maryo J. Delos Reyes. He expresses, “Direk Maryo is easily becoming one of my favorite directors. Magaan katrabaho at nakukuha ko kaagad ang gusto niyang mangyari. Lagi siyang nagpapayo kahit mga maliliit na bagay tungkol sa karakter ni Simon kaya mas nagiging effective ang bawat eksena sa kanya.”

Meanwhile on Pari ‘Koy, Martha (Chanda Romero) finally agrees to set Simon free from jail and forgives him, but the people of Brgy.

Pinagpala are starting to get disappointed with Father Kokoy after he tried to defend Simon.

Unexpectedly, Martha reaches out to the townspeople to explain why Father Kokoy had to do it. Pinggoy (David Remo) on the other hand, encounters another problem that will really test his faith.

Pari ‘Koy airs Mondays to Fridays after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

the hall of fame in Golden wards in Business Excellence Eat treats galore in Taste

and wellness to the Filipino people. So timely that ASEAN integration is here that we can no longer settle for ess. We have to be competiive as our Asian counterparts bringing quality products and excellent services in he world.

Being a Hall Famer in Best Dietary Supplement categoy is a challenge to MX3 to be the Flag bearer in the Inernational market. It served as a validation to inspire and produce more product lines hat would promote health o the Filipinos and the world.

Buddies this Saturday

ENJOY buffet dining experience the Taste Buddies way! This Saturday, Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania-Arellano share tips on how to get the money’s worth when dining in eat-all-you-can restaurants together with guests Kapuso artists Jeric Gonzales, Jak Roberto, and Abel Estanislao.

Senator Cynthia Villar graced the event as the Keynote Speaker inspiring all the awardees to give their best in their chosen field and help fill in the gap of unemployment problem in the country.

Golden Globe Annual Awards covers all the achievers nationwide in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Aside from manufacturers and producers, the event also gives recognition to individual & groups who excel in Entrepreneurship, Arts, Entertainment, Medical & Diagnostic Industry as well as Public Service.

See the boys turn their competitive mode on at Dad’s World Buffet as they try to outdo each other in the halo-halo-making challenge while the girls learn how to carve meat and tell which sauce is best to pair it with. Another must-see is Sambokojin’s Japanese chef’s expertise on the art of sushimaking and the group trying to come up with their own version of sushi.

Savor life’s fresh, fun, and fab adventures with Taste Buddies this Saturday, April 18, at 8:45PM on GMA News TV!

April 16-21, 2015

YOU'RE MY BOSS Toni Gonzaga, Coco Martin PG

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

FURIOUS 7 Vin Diesel, Paul Walker PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE LONGEST RIDE Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood R13

R-16

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

KID KULAFU Jake Macapagal, Cesar Montano PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

TRAVEL

My dreamy staycation at

NOBU HOTEL

ONE of South-East Asia’s most exciting developments, the City of Dreams Manila is a new integrated casio resort that combines electrifying entertainment, exciting regional and international dining, designer brand shopping, a spacious contemporary casino, as well as an amazing array of accommodations, and on a recent trip to Manila, I was given the chance to have a staycation at Nobu Hotel, one of City of Dream’s three five-star hotels.

The first and only Nobu Hotel in Asia, the 321-room hotel is inspired by the world-renowned Japanese culinary genius Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and championed

by Academy award-winning actor Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper.

After checking in, I was quickly ushered to my modern, Japanese-inspired Corner room. As soon as I set my eyes onto the beautifully designed room, I knew I was in for a memorable staycation. Nobu’s rooms have a definite boutique feel which the group called the “Nobu style” which fuses the unique beauty, fashion and culture of each destination. Every small detail in the spacious 42-square meter room, from the live orchid on the corner sill, to the Japanese-thong inspired slippers and the cus-

tom-made calligraphy art, lend a cozy yet luxurious feel.

Staycation heaven

For me, staycations provide much needed me time, a break from all the hustle and bustle of the daily grind and my room at the Nobu Hotel was the perfect man-cave for me. From the huge flatscreen smart TV, to the complimentary high-speed internet access, everything was within easy reach from the massive king-sized bed that was liter-

ally a dream to sleep in.

The coffee and tea-making facilities in the room feature Ikaati Tea, premium handcrafted teas sourced from fabled gardens of the world.

Paired with Nobu’s 24-hour room service created by the Nobu restaurant chefs using unique style of fusion cuisine, staying in at the Nobu Hotel is definitely an experience worth every peso.

Go with the flow

I admit that I cannot stay put for too long and a short elevator ride to the hotels amenity floor was what the doctor ordered. Located on the first level of the property, the hotel’s 23 meter-long infinity pool is nestled in a formal garden that is dotted with pools that reflect the colours of the area’s golden towers as well as Manila fiery sunset. The nearby Nobu Fit-

ness gym offered a sweeping view of the gardens and pool while I worked out.

The Nobu Spa which is exclusively available for hotel guests features signature treatments such as; Nobu Rakuen, a peaceful, tranquil spa ritual that begins with a footpath, followed by fused massages with relaxing essential oils; the Renewal Massage, a massage treatment that blends yoga stretched, Swedish massage techniques and acupressure movements; Juan’s Hilot Pride, a therapeutic body massage that is native to the Philippines; all aimed at elevating one’s experience at Nobu Hotel.

From the foodie, to the artsy, to the active, all my needs were satisfied during my staycation at the Nobu Hotel Manila. Each moment, space and scent etched in my mind and my dreams.

For more information you can visit their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/ cityofdreamsma-

At Nobu features culinary creations by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Nobu’s lounge offers afternoon tea in an intimate environment. nila.

Nobu Hotel is located at the City of Dreams along Aseana Ave., corner Roxas Blvd., Entertainment City, Parañaque.

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

Chilling out at Nobu’s outdoor deck area.

Evening turn down service treats.

Nobu Hotel’s fabulous pool area.

7 AGRITRENDS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

So you want to raise pigs?

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

P

ORK, the culinary name for meat from the domestic pig, is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide.

It is eaten both freshly cooked and preserved. Curing extends the shelf life of the pork products.

Hams, smoked pork, gammon, bacon and sausage are examples of preserved pork.

By-products of pork have varied uses. Pigskin, for instance, is used for the manufacture of shoes, razor strops, belts and other leather goods. The inedible fat (excluding lard) is utilized in the manufacture of soaps, animal feeds, lubricants, leather dressing, candles, fertilizer, shaving cream, and chemicals.

Hair from hogs also has uses: toothbrushes; mattresses and upholstery for furniture, cars, and passenger airplanes; air filters; baseball mitts; and parachute seat pads.

A number of pharmaceutical products are made from swine glands. Physicians are known to use insulin, liver extract, and other medicines, made in whole or in part from hogs’ glands. They use these preparations to treat people afflicted with diabetes, anemia, and arthritis.

The collagen of connective tissues like sinew, lips, head, knuckles, feet and bones is made into glue and gelatin. Gelatin is used in canning hams and other large cuts and in baking, ice cream making, capsules for medicine, coating for pills and photography.

There are several strengths of the country’s swine industry, according to The Philippines Recommends for Pork Production.

These are: relatively large, stable and continuously increasing pig population that is well distributed throughout the country, large and continuously increasing domestic market for pork, high utilization of pork relative to other animal products, and well-organized private industry players.

Other strengths of swine industry include easy access to good genetics and state-of-theart technologies on swine production, feed milling, and other related activities from both local and foreign sources. Likewise, entrepreneurs, farm managers, and practitioners are technically equipped.

Advantages The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARD) of the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Agriculture, and some non-governmental organizations are batting for raising pigs as it is a profitable

venture. Among the reasons cited are the following: · From the standpoint of the efficient production of meat, pigs are superior to cattle, goats, or sheep when the feed they are eating is of a high quality. However, when the feed is of lower quality, swine is not as efficient as ruminant livestock. · Pigs are voracious eater of crop by-products, offal of livestock and poultry, kitchen leftovers, restaurant refuse, and grain damaged by rain or fire.

Pigs convert these efficiently into pork. · Pigs of all classes, except young piglets, can tolerate all kinds of feeds, even (to some extent) low quality, highly fibrous foods. Pregnant sows can be fed with freshly cut forage or corn soilage mixed with a small amount of protein food concentrate to reduce cost while improving the sow’s reproductive efficiency. · Pigs can produce two litters per year or as many as five litters in two years. · Pigs can contribute a considerable amount of fertilizing manure to the soil. A mature pig can produce 600 to 700 kilograms of manure annually. The nitrogen content of fresh pig manure ranges from 0.55-0.6%; the phosphate content, 0.5%; and the potassium content, 0.4%.

The Philippines ranks third to China and Vietnam in terms of pig production in Asia, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Other top producers of pigs are Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.

As of July 1, 2014, the country’s total swine inventory reached 11.98 million head, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) reported. This was 0.68% higher than in 2013 inventory of 11.96 million head. Stocks in backyard farms went up by 0.94 percent. Likewise, stocks in commercial farms grew by 0.22% against the 2013 level.

About 65% of the total stocks were raised in backyard farms and 35% were in commercial farms. “During the first half of 2014, total hog production was 966.00 thousand metric tons liveweight,” BAS reported. “It was 1.02% higher than in 2013’s level of 956.25 thousand metric tons liveweight.”

Prospects and downside Zoilo M. Lapus in a feature which appeared in a website, pig333.com, cites several prospects and shortcomings of pork industry in the Philippines.

Among those that were men-

tioned: Animal health: The Philippines was declared free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination in 2011. “It signaled the hope that we could start the export of pig meat and breeder animals to other countries. However, we are still held back by a complete clearance on Ebola virus, even if the latter was proven non-pathogenic and not similar to the African epidemic,” Lapuz wrote.

As in the previous years, the country has to address other health problems that include PRRS, hog cholera, PCV2 and associated diseases, porcine epidemic diarrhea, porcine respiratory disease complex and other viral, bacteria, and parasitic problems.

“About 20% of the value of swine production is due to diseases, estimated at P107.6 billion, of which about 19% is lost due to

gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases,” wrote Dr. Aleli A. Collado in an article.

Breeders: “The breeder market will continue to be lucrative as the commercial sector is projected to increase while the backyard raisers slowly diminish,” Lapuz wrote. “Filipino backyard raisers, however, will continue to thrive for cultural reasons.

There will be greater demand for pig semen due to higher landed costs of live breeders.”

Meat imports/exports: The data from the Bureau of Animal Industry showed pork as the biggest meat import commodity.

“The global trend of increasing free trade has sent fears that imported frozen pork poses a big threat to the local pig industry.

This also becomes a sensitive issue to local producers due to the problem of pork smuggling,” Lapuz wrote.

However, globalization should be seen as opportunities to local pig producers. “The large number of overseas Filipino workers is a big potential for common Philippine dishes as canned pork products,” Lapuz said. “Importation of pork bellies, however, could remain strong due to the strong urbanized demand for bacon and pork barbeque.”

However, the PCAARRD suggests that to enhance its global competitiveness, “the government should work with the private sector in providing the livestock sector with policy reforms on importation, trade, pricing of inputs and support in terms of technology and infrastructure.”

Aside from those mentioned above, there are other issues that need to be addressed. Take feeds, for instance. Feeds constitute almost 80 percent of the production expenses of swine production.

“For this reason, it is highly im-

portant that economical as well as nutritionally balanced diets are provided during all phase of the life cycle,” wrote W.G. Pond and J.H. Maner, authors of Swine Production in Temperate and Tropical Environments.

The pigs should be given rations appropriate for their ages and their physiological conditions.

If these are considered, good animal performance is ensured and unnecessary expenses are avoided. In addition, punctuality and regularity of feeding will have to be observed strictly.

Free-range production Although backyard raising of pigs is still practiced in most parts of the country, there is a method that is gaining acceptance: that of free range. This is a method of allowing pig to grow with their own instinct and natural behavior with the approach of science into management that are applicable between the farms and farmers.

Although not yet widely practiced in the country, free-range pig production is not new. It was thought to be originally done by our ancestors by raising them in their backyards. Curiously enough, other countries are already developing free-range pig production by adapting the systems from United Kingdom, Australia, France, Denmark, Japan, and United States.

Given the country’s limitations in terms of area and financial assistance, Aris Santos in Pangasinan believes that he can raised free-range pigs using other approaches and methods which can help protect the natural resources, improve profits, help rural communities as well as produce quality meat thereby giving quality healthy life to producers and growers.

In a technology guide, Lorry

B. De Jesus reported that a freerange pig production with “the Japanese concept of a happy pigs approach” is being developed at AO Santos Farms in San Quintin, Pangasinan. Pigs are simply released on the ground at about their growing stage. Feeds are based on the usual formulation used in his breeder farm but without the use of antibiotics.

“I got the idea from my previous trainings that we can do outdoor production to specify freerange pigs that allows animals to grow with their own instinct and natural ways,” Dr. Elmer Vitug, the farm’s on-call veterinarian was quoted as saying. “I readily applied that concept in the farm and with good results, we know that it has a potential.”

A study done by Dr. Oliver D. Abanto, it was found that the free-range condition provided the animals a diverse environment which allows them to have more body activities or exercise, thus utilizing energy for work and muscle deposition rather than fat development. More so, the exercise may result in excellent meat color due to higher muscle pigmentation and the resulting resistance of the animal to stress during transportation and animal handling prior to the slaughter.

However, the exercise may also result in development of larger muscle fibers and more connective tissues causing toughness in meat.

“In general, the meat of the animal tested is leaner, has bright reddish color, good flavor but moderately tough. However, these observations are just indications and not yet conclusive since data were only taken from one animal, and the animal used was still relatively small (76 kilograms). The result may vary in animals weighing 100 kilograms or more,” Abanto reported.

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EDITORIAL Federalism deserves a serious look

A

S hope dims on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) ever being passed by Congress, Mindanao begins to see how much sense there is in Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign for a shift to a federalist form of government. It had perhaps been initially viewed with skepticism by a people who had long been exposed to political “advocacies” that were no more than gimmicks and stepping stones for politicians to gain attention from voters.

Duterte’s push for federalism has always been seen as a platform for his predicted run for the presidency, and in many ways this is a self-fulfilling prophecy because the people who attend his “listening tour” invariably and inevitably push for his candidacy in the 2-16 polls.

In fact, what many do not know is that a proposal to shift to federalism was put forward in 2008 under then Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. Joint Resolution No. 10, which had the support of 13 senators, would have created 11 autonomous regions and 11

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centers of finance and development in the Philippines. Under the proposal, there would be 11 states plus one federal administrative region – Metro Manila – as the seat of the federal government.

The other states would be Northern Luzon (with Tuguegarao as capital), Central Luzon (Tarlac City), Southern Tagalog (Tagaytay), Mimaropa (Mamburao), Bicol (Legazpi), Eastern Visayas (Catbalogan), Central Visayas (Toledo), Western Visayas (Iloilo City), Northern Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro), Southern Mindanao (Davao City), and Bangsamoro (Marawi). Each would be autonomous, and each would enjoy its own taxes before giving a portion of it to the federal government. In other words, development would be from within, not from an overly centralized government that tends to favor the national capital region.

Whether or not Duterte is using federalism as a mere vehicle for his presidential ambition, this form of government deserves a serious look. And now is the best time do it.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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9

Prescription for a superb marriage

“

ALL marriages are happy,” notes Nancy L. Van Pelt, author of Highly Effective Marriage. “It’s the living together afterward that causes all the trouble.”

Why are some marriages successful while others fail? While is there a marriage made in heaven and a marriage bound to end even before it begins?

It maybe because some people understand how complicated a person is and others have no idea on how to deal with the individual he or she is supposed to stay with forever – “in riches and in poorer and in health and in sickness”?

“People are different,” explains Gordon O. Martinborough, the man behind the book, I Love You. “And because this is so, we often perceive the same things differently. There are three primary modes of perception. Some people are visual and they are influenced most by what they see. Others are auditory and they are influenced most by what they hear. Still others are kinaesthetic and they are impressed most by what they feel.

“While it is true that usually people operate on all three levels,” Martinborough continues, “in the experience of most persons, one mode is dominant. Now, how does this apply to love? Different people express their love in different ways, and different persons desire to be loved in different ways.”

But generally, there is a formula on why couples stay together. Forever may be farfetched but it is attainable. “You will always be my endless love,” so goes a line of a very popular song.

If you ask Dr. Ed Wheat what is his formula for a superb marriage, he would

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tell you: “Do it THINK ON THESE! BEST.” By doing best, you will have not just a successful marriage but a superb one.

Best actually is an acronym which stands for Blessing, E d i f y i n g , Henrylito D. Tacio Sharing, and henrytacio@gmail.com Touching.

Dr. Wheat is an American physician and certified sex therapist. He has helped thousands of troubled couples improve their love-lives and build happier marriages with his unique counselling methods.

Some years ago, he published a book aptly titled Love-Life for Every Married Couple.

In this book, he explores marital conflict in a straightforward manner, focusing on the reasons why couples experience frustration and unhappiness in their love-life.

“I read everything I can get my hand on regarding marriages, the home, and family relationships,” said Rev. Charles Swindoll, another noted Christian author. “But in all my reading, I know of nothing better than Dr. Ed Wheat’s book when it comes to the subject of intimacy between husbands and their wives. It is biblical, practical, specific, easily understood, and filled with hope.”

Now, that you have an idea of what the book is all about, allow me to share you some insights from the book, particularly his BEST prescription. Let’s start with the

letter B, which stands for “blessing.”

“The principle of blessing is a biblical one, and the Christian is commanded to practice it,” he writes. The word “blessing” in the New Testament context (eulogia) is based on two Greek words: eu, meaning “well,” and logos, meaning “word.” Thus, the first way of blessing your marriage partner is to speak well of him or her, and to respond with good words even when your partner’s speech becomes harsh, critical, or insulting.

You also bless your partner and your marriage in these three other ways: (1) through your practical behavior, which shows loving kindness toward him or her in actions large and small; (2) through conveying your attitude of thankfulness and appreciation for him/her, and (3) through your prayer to God on his/her behalf.

“Edifying,” another biblical term, refers to the building up of individuals. Elizabeth Barrett Browning expressed the principle of edifying in a few succinct words when she wrote to the man she would marry, “Make thy love larger to enlarge my worth.”

Dr. Wheat refers edifying to “an extended love expressed in positive ways that enlarges the self-worth of the beloved.” He points out, “You see, this is a great gift that you can give to your partner.”

But how do you edify your mate? A careful study of New Testament principles and the example of the Song of Solomon indicates that husbands and wives each have their own ways of building up one another.

The husband edifies his wife by praising her.

The wife edifies her husband by her loving response to him.

“Remember, edification builds up, never

tears down,” Dr. Wheat reminds. “So love gives your partner freedom to grow and develop as a person without fear of failure and fear of hurtful criticism.”

What about “sharing”? Says Dr. Wheat: “Sharing should touch all areas of life – your time, activities, interests and concerns, ideas and innermost thoughts, spiritual walk, family objectives and goals, etc.”

Sharing, he adds, demands giving of yourself, listening to your partner, and, as you live life together, developing a sensitive awareness of moments that offer possibilities for deepening the love between you.

Finally, there’s “touching.” When we were still kids, a tender touch tells us that we were cared for. It calms our fears, soothes pain, brings us comfort, or gives us the blessed satisfaction of emotional security. As adults, touching continues to be a primary means of communicating with those you love, whether you are conscious or it or not.

The Holy Bible indicates that touching a woman kindles a flame that should be natural within marriage. If you would like to kindle a flame in your own marriage, then begin to show your love through physical touching.

“Blessing…

Edifying…

Sharing…

Touching… A four-point prescription for a superb marriage,” Dr. Wheat says. “But prescription are useful only when taken as directed. As a family doctor, I find that some of my patients do not take their prescriptions or do not follow the directions on them. At their next visit, when there has been no improvement, the truth comes out.”

Among revolutionaries and rebels, the use of nom de guerre is a standard practice, notwithstanding laws regulating the use of aliases. Even if that antiquated national law specifically criminalizes Iqbal’s use of an alias, it is inutile to expect Iqbal or any other revolutionaries and rebels to simply comply with such. The last thing any rebel or revolutionary will do is to kowtow to the laws and edicts of the Establishment that he desires to topple. Revolutionaries, in particular, are not deterred by penal laws.

They wage their revolution precisely to overhaul the socio-political order, the same

order that created those laws they deem repulsive. This explains why in many cases where acts committed are political in nature, criminal liabilities for illegal possession of weapons and murder, among others, are absorbed in certain crimes, like treason and subversion. All the more reason then for illegal use of aliases.

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law offers to solve the age-old peace problem in Mindanao.

The Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao is a failed sociopolitical experiment---no debate on that.

The reasons are deeply permeated in the grassroots level garnished by the practice of political patronage from imperial Manila. The seemingly incessant graft and corrupt practices in the region are mere offshoots of the more basic problem. I am a Christian myself. My Ilongo forebears came to Mindanao in search of land and resources that earlier belonged to Muslims and lumad communities. The struggle for genuine autonomy in Muslim Mindanao is sovereignty-based, not a mere armed clamor for administrative reforms. Thanks to the Mamasapano Incident or Massacre--however one calls it---there was an outpouring of grief and anger that eventually resulted to popular calls for the scrapping of the proposed BBL.

Iqbal is a Filipino. He was born of Filipino parents in Maguindanao. He is not a Malaysian. He is probably more Filipino than many UP graduates who chose to work, live and die abroad, instead of sharing their intelligence and skills among the Filipino taxpayers who earlier sent them to college.

He is probably more Filipino than the cohorts of Chinese smugglers and syndicates who flood the country with counterfeit items and poison-laden food products in the name of profit alone. He is probably more Filipino than many of us who chose to be mere individuals, instead of being citizens of this country. He, who waged war in the mountains away from the comfort of his family home, is probably more Filipino than these corrupt politicians and government functionaries dwelling in palatial homes paid for by stolen public funds.

Lest I be misconstrued, this is not in defense of Iqbal or any other revolutionaries who committed so many atrocities. This is a passionate commentary against our shortsighted approach towards the proposed BBL that holds the promise of helping us find that elusive peace in Mindanao. The Framework Agreement could have been signed by Aristotle, if he were to rise from the dead, or by the Devil himself. That does not matter anymore. Form, not substance.

Iqbal’s real name: Much ado about nothing

E are probably one of the most litigious countries in the world.

Thousands, if not millions, of pesos are spent on legal cases over technical matters that would have been ironed out at the onset had the opposing parties chose to see eye to eye. Many of these cases went all to the way up to the Supreme Court where Einstein’s relativity theory vis-à-vis time is exemplified most vividly. Especially in rural and depressed places in the countryside, filing a case against one’s neighbor may be a source of pride and power. It sounds weird but that is probably one of the remaining potent weapons of the weak and the poor. After all, Lady Justice is blind and the Equal Protection Clause is enshrined in the Constitution.

We have insatiable penchant for technicalities and substantial components of the conflict get buried in the process.

The excessively misplaced emphasis on Mohagher Iqbal’s real name is reflective of our litigious culture. Yes, some may argue over the possibility that the chief negotiator is not a Filipino but a Malaysian and that the government peace panel is presumably negotiating with a phantom. Senator Alan Cayetano is no better. If Iqbal is a Malaysian, he said, then the peace negotiation was technically an invasion. There is so much ado about nothing here actually.

10 NEWS Rody... FROM 1 over of computer equipment to the Community Security Group-Firearms and Explosive Office at Police Regional Office (PRO( 11.

Vice President Jejomar Binay is still on the top of the survey with 36 percent, followed by Senator Grace Poe with 31 percent.

The SWS survey showed that Binay’s rating had decreased one percent from the December 2014 survey in which he garnered 37 percent. Poe, on the other hand, increased her rating by 10 percent from 21 percent in the December 2104 survey.

Former President Joseph Estrada and Senator Miriam Santiago tied in the fourth spot with 11 percent. Senator Francis Chiz Escudero ranked fifth with eight percent, while Senator Ferdinand “Bong Bong”

Marcos ranked sixth with seven percent.

Senator Allan Peter Cayetano ranked seventh with four percent, whiel former Senator Manny Villar and Senator Antonio Trillanes tied in eighth spot with three percent.

Former Senator Panfilo Lacson, boxing champion Manny Pacquaio, and Senators Bong Revilla, Loren Legarda, and Franklin Drillon tied in the ninth place garnering one percent each.

The survey was conducted from March 20-23, 2015 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide.

In its website, the SWS said the survey was “not commissioned.”

“This is done on SWS’s own initiative and released as a public service,” the group said.

prehended during the raid with one casualty from the suspects who police said tried to escape during the operation.

Authorities confiscated 150 grams of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with a street value of P1.35 million from the suspects.

Also confiscated were 11 high powered firearms, three low powered firearms, and 15 undocumented motorcycles.

According to Pernito, his team was conducting an inventory for the documentation needed by the court when they noticed that a green pouch taken during the raid was missing.

When they checked the photos taken during the raid,

they discovered that Valleser was the one holding the green pouch.

“Pag kita namin dun sa picture pinatawag kaagad namin siya and he denied it until pinakita namin yung ebidensya (When we saw the picture we summoned him immediately. He denied it at first, but when we showed him the photos) he was forced to admit it,” Pernito said.

Pernito said the green pouch contained drug paraphernalia and at least one sachet of shabu.

Police are still investigating the background of Valleser to see if he had been involved in other drug-related cases.

schedules and longer travel time to the port.

The authors noted that a comprehensive policy framework is necessary to solve the congestion in the Port of Manila and the underutilization of the Ports of Batangas and Subic. The truck ban revealed that volume restriction alone will not yield a catch-all solution. Considerations have to be factored in to make policies more effective.

Alongside possible incentives, like a price discount mechanism, capacity expansion has to be undertaken and nonprice service attributes such as warehouse proximity have to be counterbalanced. Volume restriction must be complemented by capacitating the other ports, “commensurate to the volume of cargo and transaction that are targeted to be diverted from the Port of Manila”.

Moreover, reviving the freight train network from Bicol to La Union as an alternative cargo transport seems more problematic than promising. Not only are the train tracks deteriorating, but the researchers also conclude that the “current level of freight traffic through Batangas is too small to con-

sider it a major source of potential base traffic for freight railway.” Even if the freight railway was restarted, it would only be able to carry a certain amount, thus having a “negligible effect” on the congestion and traffic caused and experienced by the ports.

The researchers recommend a combination of shortterm, medium-term and long-term solutions.

In the short term, policymakers can introduce caps, revive the PNR freight operation, and establish 24-hour web-based booking system to facilitate the logistics chain.

But these have to be carried out together with a more strategic action—the government must invest heavily in capacity building at the ports and the train tracks, as well as rationalize future port development and investment programs in port infrastructure.

Overall, if the Philippines hopes to take full advantage of its economic growth, enhance its position as a transport hub in the region, and position Philippine ports in the global supply chain, the country must implement a strong and comprehensive national multimodal transport and logistics development plan.

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agreed to rally behind the Davao City Mayor.

In Zamboanga del Norte in March, the feuding groups of the former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos and incumbent Governor Berto Uy both welcomed Duterte in separate events.

In other areas, opposing political groups are now arranging a modus vivendi to be able to throw their full support to the Davao City Mayor.

Political analysts believe that Mindanao and the Southern Islands will go full force for a Duterte Presidency because of his politically correct and practical solutions to the problems confronting the South.

Duterte’s advocacy on Federalism which proposes the creation of Federal States offers a viable and practical option to the beleaguered Bangsamoro Basic Law which calls for the establishment of a powerful autonomous Muslim region with no defined territories.

Under the Federalism advocacy of Duterte, he is proposing that the Bangsamoro People be given their own Federal State in a Federal Parliamentary system of government in the Philippines.

This is an option which is both acceptable to the majority Christians of the island who are wary of the intentions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is behind the BBL move and also to the minority Muslims who have long desired for self-governance.

On the issue of Sabah which strikes an emotional chord among the Tausugs, Duterte has declared that

the Philippine government should not abandon the proprietary claim of the Sultanate of Sulu over the territory even if it is now part of the Federal States of Malaysia.

In the case of the 42-year-old Communist insurgency which has largely affected the development of Mindanao and also the rest of the country, Duterte has declared that he is willing to work with the Communists in his government provided they lay down their arms and pursue reforms legally.

Finally, for the people of Mindanao who are the country’s top producers of food and agricultural products, Duterte has emphasised the need for radical reforms in agriculture focusing on an all-out government support for the sector under the battle cry “Available and Affordable Food for the Filipinos.”

With a voting population of almost 15 million, Mindanao’s full support for a Duterte Presidency could give other Presidential contenders a very big headache.

“This is a political phenomenon unseen in Mindanao ever since. The people are excited to see a Mindanaoan become President and any local politician who will go against the tide of that popular sentiment risks losing the support of the voters,” said a Mindanao political analyst.

“Wala kang magagawa kung pulitiko ka, kailangan sumunod ka na lang sa gusto ng mga tao. Gusto nila si Duterte,” said retired police colonel Patricio Piñol who belongs to a big political clan in North Cotabato.

ippines, and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the #MayMagagawaKa campaign seeks to raise awareness and build urgency on energy conservation in the country.

“When it comes to power interruptions, it affects the quality of power and disrupts business,” said Henry Schumacher, Executive Vice President of ECCP. “It is hoped that the measures undertaken by the private sector in joining the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), implementing energy savings, and energy efficiency investments will avoid power outages this summer,” he added.

As part of the #MayMa-

gagawaKa campaign, Philips launched an online video series on Facebook and YouTube last month featuring real-life testimonials from Filipinos, whose lives were or would be afflicted by power outages— including small-business owners, tricycle operators, employees, and homeowners.

“Each and everyone of us has a stake and responsibility in building a more energy-conscious nation,” Tetteroo-Bueno said. “Now, more than ever, we need to save energy. This starts with smarter energy choices.”

When it comes to electrical consumption, she advised, it is the little things that matter – like switching from conventional lighting to LED.

Once qualified for the program, the recipient should maintain an average of 80 and have grades not below 75 in every subjects.

For technical and vocational, a scholar will receive a maximum of P15,000 per program. The applicant should have an average grade of 80 and NCAE average of 75. Once qualified, the scholar should maintain a passing grade.

Domingo said STEP has an available budget of P18 million from the trust fund that can cater to more than 1,000 scholars.

He said STEP currently has 981 scholars. Of this, 633 scholars are for college degrees, 275 for technical and vocational courses, 58 for IP, 13 for Persons with Disabilities, and one for college of law and medicine.

the government,” Yu said.

Chinese Taipei on the other hand has devised a solar PV mechanism that ensures fair participation of applicants and reveals the actual market value and costs of PV installation.

The country also convinced its banking institutions to provide financing support.

At least 26 banks have embraced green financing, with the green energy investment fund growing from US$1.6 million in 2011 to $222 million in 2013.

Japan is geared towards installing PV solar and wind power technologies because of its good wind resource.

Takao Ikeda of Japan said the government allocated more than 27 billion yen in 2014 for the research and de-

velopment of a utility scale battery system.

By 2020, it targets to reduce the cost of Lithium batteries, Redox Flow battery, NAS battery and other existing batteries, he said.

The United States, for its part, conducted the 2014 SunShot Grand Challenge Summit and Peer Review in support of the ten-year SunShot initiative that began in 2010.

The SunShot initiative targets the production of grid connected PV power at 5 cents to 6 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The result of the Ilocos Norte meeting will be presented to APEC energy officials in October during the Energy Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Cebu. (PIA 01/PCOO News Release)

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez had said were “unconstitutional.”

Duterte said that he cannot blame the MILF if it has already lost trust in the government.

“They already lost trust in the government, that’s clear.

They (MILF) think government cannot deliver,” the mayor said.

On Sunday, Jaafar said that the negotiations of the MILF and the Government of the Philippines has already been made through the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro.

He also said Malacañang has already approved the agreement.

In a press conference, Sunday afternoon at Waterfront Insular Hotel, Jaafar said the negotiations of the MILF and the Government of the Philippines had already been made through the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro.

He also said Malacañang has also approved the agreement.

“We have already signed an agreement, and the negotiation is already finished. We do not intend to renegotiate what we have negotiated for many many years,” Jaafar said.

Rodriguez, who chairs the 75-member ad hoc committee scrutinizing the draft BBL, said in a television interview last Saturday that eight provisions in the BBL are “unconstitu-

tional.”

“Eight of these provisions are against the Constitution, while the ninth is not acceptable to most members from Mindanao,” Rodriguez said.

He said among the provisions that Congress finds unconstitutional is the creation of a separate Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Civil Service Commission, Commission on Human Rights, and Office of the Ombudsman for the Bangsamoro.

Rodriguez said that the provisions are unconstitutional because Congress cannot pass a law that will interfere with the functions and operations of independent constitutional commissions like the COA, Comelec, and the Ombudsman.

Jaafar, however, said the function of the House of Representative is to pass laws and not to identify whether a law is unconstitutional or not.

He said Congress should let the Supreme Court decide whether the BBL is constitutional or not.

He said the MILF’s opinion is that Congress should legislate or enact the BBL into law “and let the Supreme Court decide whether there is unconstitutionality there.”

Jaafar also said if the nation’s leaders do not want the BBL to pass, they should find an alternative solution to stop the war in Mindanao.

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ICT HUB 11

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PLDT and Smart’s Nazareno nominated as CEO of the Year by two int’l bodies P

LDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) president and chief executive officer Napoleon L. Nazareno has been nominated as CEO of the Year in two international awards programs for his contributions to the telecommunications industry.

Nazareno was shortlisted both in the Telecom Asia Awards organized by the Hong Kong-based industry magazine, and Asia Communication Awards (ACA) organized by London-based publication Total Telecom. He already won Telecom Asia Awards’ CEO of the Year distinction in 2012.

Other contenders for the awards include David Thodey of Telstra, Hiroo Unoura of NTT Holdings, Sung Min Ha of SK Telecom, and Saleh Abdooli of Etisalat.

The Telecom Asia Awards

The Chronicles of Hellsing

CEO of the Year will be selected by an independent panel of industry experts, “who will cast votes on the basis of innovation, financial performance, technology, market leadership, and corporate governance.” Awarding will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 20.

The ACA winner will be determined by an industry vote and assessment by a panel of judges, and will be announced on June 3 in Singapore.

Under Nazareno’s leadership, Smart continues to be the number one mobile service provider in the Philippines, in terms of both subscriber base and revenues. As of end-2014, Smart had over 56.4 million subscribers in its cellular and broadband services.

Together with Sun Cellular, the two wireless units of PLDT remain the undisputed leaders

PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer Napoleon L. Nazareno

of the industry with 72.8 million cellular and broadband subscribers. The two companies also posted combined revenues of P115 billion as of end-2014, about 47 percent higher than the competition’s.

Revenue growth is being led by mobile data usage, which jumped by 63 percent in 2014. Data adoption is being stimulated among Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text prepaid subscribers through Free Internet bundles, the Safezone platform which allows free access to selected applications, and Facebook’s Internet.org which gives free access to 24 websites.

The PLDT group is encouraging mobile data usage through a wide and growing array of music, video, and other multimedia services.

A Spy vs Spy Story K

ASPERSKY Lab has recorded a rare and unusual example of one cybercriminal attacking another.

In 2014, Hellsing, a small and technically unremarkable cyberespionage group targeting mostly government and diplomatic organizations in Asia, was subjected to a spear-phishing attack by another threat actor and decided to strike back.

Kaspersky Lab believes that this could mark the emergence of a new trend in criminal cyberactivity: the APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) wars.

The discovery was made

by Kaspersky Lab experts during research into the activity of Naikon, a cyberespionage group also targeting organizations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The experts noticed that one of Naikon’s targets had spotted the attempt to infect its systems with a spear-phishing email carrying a malicious attachment.

The target questioned the authenticity of the email with the sender and, apparently dissatisfied with the reply, did not open the attachment. Shortly thereafter the target forwarded to the sender an email containing the target’s own malware. This moved triggered Kaspersky Lab’s investigation and led to the discovery

of the Hellsing APT group.

The method of counter-attack indicates that Hellsing wanted to identify the Naikon group and gather intelligence on it.

Deeper analysis of the Hellsing threat actor by Kaspersky Lab reveals a trail of spear-phishing emails with malicious attachments designed to propagate espionage malware among different organizations.

If a victim opens the malicious attachment, their system becomes infected with a custom backdoor capable of downloading and uploading files, updating and uninstalling itself.

According Kaspersky Lab’s observations, the number of organizations targeted by Hellsing is close to 20.

Hellsing Targets The company has detected and blocked Hellsing malware in Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Indonesia and the US, with most of the victims located in Malaysia and the Philippines.

The attackers are also very selective in terms of the type of organizations targeted, attempting to infect mostly government and diplomatic entities.

“The targeting of the Naikon group by Hellsing, in some sort of a vengeful vampire-hunting-“Empire Strikes Back” style, is fascinating. In the past, we’ve

seen APT groups accidentally hitting each other while stealing address books from victims and then mass-mailing every-

one on each of these lists.

However, considering the targeting and origin of the attack, it seems more likely that this is an example of

a deliberate APT-on-APT attack,” said Costin Raiu, Director of Global Research and Analyst Team at Kaspersky Lab.

According to Kaspersky Lab analysis the Hellsing threat actor has been active since at least 2012 and remains active.

Protection To protect against Hellsing attacks, Kaspersky Lab recommends the following basic security best practices:

• Don’t open suspicious attachments from people you don’t know • Beware of password protected archives which contain SCR or other executable files inside • If you are unsure about the attachment, try to open it in a sandbox • Make sure you have a modern operating system with all patches installed • Update all third party applications such as Microsoft Office, Java, Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader.

• Kaspersky Lab products successfully detect and block the malware used by both the Hellsing and Naikon actors.

• To learn more about the Hellsing threat actor and the Empire Strikes Back espionage campaign go to Securelist.com.

12 CLASSIFIED

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DAVAO CITY MAIN OFFICE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY MARKETING OFFICE

Director of Sales

Marketing Specialist

JOCELYN S. PANES

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

EDMUND P. RENDON

General Santos City

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

13

EDGEDAVAO

VM Security Technologies Inc., Wholesaler and Retailer of Security Equipments (e.g.cctv, biometrics, fire and burglar alarm, access control) and System Integrator (Structured Cabling/Auxiliary System), is currently hiring for the ff. positions:

1. Marketing Manager (2) 2. Sales/Area Manager (5)

Qualifications are as follows:

*College Graduate (Any Course) *Male/Female at least 21 years old *With very good Public Relations (P.R.) Skills *Good looks and pleasing personality is a big plus *Applicants with experience in Retail/Corporate Sales will be an advantage *Willing to travel Visayas/Mindanao Area *Female Models with experience in Exhibits/Trade Shows are also encouraged to apply

*Applicants who will be hired as regular staff will receive the ff. benefits: **SSS, Philhealth and Pagibig **Transportation and Communication Allowance **Monthly food allowance **Annual Sales Commission of around P800,000 to P1,000,000 for those who will meet Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Sales Target.

**Interested applicants may email their resume at sales@vmtech.com.ph or call our office at (0917)3293471(CEBU) or (0917)7952469 (DAVAO) for interview schedule

**NOW HIRING FOR CEBU AND DAVAO!!!!!!!

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 17 - 18, 2015

The ADOC turnover ceremony

ASUS, ADOC open e-learning center

M

ORE than a year after the devastation brought about by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the APEC Digital Opportunity Center through the ASUS Foundation opened an e-learning center at the Liceo del Verbo Divino last March 31.

The e-learning center is a joint project of the APEC Digital Opportunity Center, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office, Manila Economic and Cultural Office, Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office, and the ASUS Foundation to help pave the way for job opportunities for Tacloban residents through computer learning programs.

In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda,

one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, made landfall in the Philippines and affected an estimated 5.9 million workers, especially those living in Tacloban, the provincial capital of Leyte.

Many international and local organizations have extended aid to help restore employment and livelihood in the devastated area. The ASUS Foundation donated 20 computer units for the center with 2 instructors, which will help thousands of people and students who were displaced by the typhoon increase their computer literacy so they can have more work and educational opportunities .

“Our Search of Incredible means using innovations

in technology to make lives better. We are very happy with this opportunity given

by ADOC to be able to equip the people of Tacloban the computer know-how so they can rebuild their lives,” said George Su, ASUS Technology Philippines, Inc. Country Manager.

Since 2010, ADOC has been working with private and public sectors in the Philippines to set up e-learning centers in urban and rural areas to reduce the digital divide by enabling people to overcome limitations due social or education status, and to enjoy the benefits of digitalization. The Tacloban e-learning facility is currently the sixth from ASUS Foundation in the country.

provement solutions provider in Southeast Asia, and its learning solutions arm APEX Global.

Just last November, Smart received the Meralco Top Employer Award at the Asia CEO Awards. In June 2014, it was named Best Place to Work at the Asia Communication Awards in Singapore.

At the ACSSA, Smart was recognized by esteemed judges from different Asian coun-

tries for being an “organization who considers employees as an important asset to the organization with the proper programs and policies in place.”

Children get instruction at the E-Learning Center

Smart named top employer anew

Lessons from truck ban give clues to improved port infra policies

OR the third time in less than a year, wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) was recognized by a prestigious award-giving body for its outstanding employera practices.

Smart won in the Employee Engagement and Development category of the ASEAN Corporate Sustainability Summit & Awards 2015 (ACSSA), an awards program organized

by ECCI, a leading process im-

HE seven month-long truck ban last year in Metro Manila cost the national economy around P43.85 billion. But while the country’s leaders insist that the operation has normalized in the ports since February 2015, there are complex problems with port congestion and underutilization that need urgent attention.

A recent policy note released by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Port Congestion and Underutilization in the Greater Capital Region: Unpacking the Issues, discusses the nature and the root of the port congestion problem and explores various policy options and alternative measures, including the revival of the Philippine National Railway (PNR), to improve current port operations. The policy note was based on a comprehensive study of the logistics chain in the Greater Capital Region.

Of the three major ports in the Greater Capital Region (Manila, Batangas, and Subic), the Port of Manila is widely used and most preferred by shippers, freight forwarders, logistics services providers, and truckers. PIDS President Gilberto Llanto

F

Smart AVP for talent and organization performance solutions Cheryll Agsaoay (third from left) accepts the award from Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development executive director Tiur Ramundong. Flanking them are Smart senior manager for employee welfare Aldous Brigino and Smart senior manager for learning and development Tony Emboltura.

Employees ‘living more’ Smart has a “Live Well, Live More” program which aims to inspire employees to live by the company’s “Live More” mantra. Since 2011, the program has evolved through activities where employees can live out their passions, devote time for their families, and prioritize a healthy lifestyle.

Among the components of this program are over 20 employee clubs focusing on various interests like photography, religion, and sports; a rewards and recognition program; family events; and community service activities.

Smart also holds financial wellness fairs where experts share their knowledge on savings and investments.

To promote work-life balance, Smart holds sports tournaments and wellness classes for its employees.

In a Towers Watson 2014 survey, Smart’s employee engagement score proved to be higher than global norms for

high-performing companies.

Workforce development Amid the challenges of evolving customer needs, Smart remains an innovation powerhouse with the people at the core of its leadership.

Smart’s commitment in building a strong talent base is evident with 70% of managers promoted within. Majority of its supervisors, managers, and heads have spent at least 11 years in the company. Sixty percent of its senior managers started out as staff members or as supervisors.

Smart also has the Smart University program which caters to employees of all positions and departments – from orienting new hires, to enabling on-the-job coaching, grooming new supervisors, and training leaders to rise above their roles. It partnered with various renowned training firms to customize its programs, as well as its e-learning courses.

In last year’s ACSSA, Smart won first runner-up in the Resource Efficiency category for its Green Merchandising program, a sustained effort to reduce the impact of Smart’s operations on the environment.

T

and PIDS research associates Christine Ruth Salazar, Cherry Ann Madriaga, and Ma. Diyina Gem Arbo, together with PIDS consultants Epictetus E. Patalinghug, Alexis M. Fillone, and Noriel C. Tiglao, conducted a series of surveys and focus group discussions to uncover the factors that influence the sectors’ choice of port.

Convenience, for example, weighs heavily. Shippers, consignees, and importers cite the proximity of the Port of Manila to their areas of operation as a deciding factor.

The rates are also much more affordable, and the immediate availability of concerned government officials make transactions and release of goods much easier to carry out.

The biggest weakness with the Port of Manila, respondents complain, are “red tape” and the Bureau of Customs procedures.

In comparison, issues with the Port of Batangas pertain to the status of several services, including shipping schedules, availability of allied services providers, and cargo handling facilities.

Meanwhile, the Port of Subic is cited for its poor shipping

FLESSONS, 10

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SPORTS 15

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PALARO SPONSORS. Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, center, signs the marketing contract with key officials of the sponsor companies for the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. noel baguio/davnor-pio

TAB’S LIST

26 named to SMART Gilas 3 training pool

N

ATIONAL coach Tab Baldwin has picked 26 PBA players for the new Gilas Pilipinas pool, setting into motion the country’s ambitious bid to land a spot in the basketball competitions in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Baldwin declined to give out the names of the invited players who will undergo tryouts either in late July or early August, saying the task of announcing the pool’s composition has been given to the PBA. “It’s in the PBA’s hands now, we’re just going through a few process, but the names are all done. I’ve submitted them to all of my superiors, it’s really in their hands now when they are going to release it,” Baldwin told Spin.ph.

Baldwin bared that his bosses at Smart Communications, the main backer of the Gilas program, have already approved the names on the wish list and he is now in the process of talking to officials of the other ballclubs in meetings arranged by Commissioner Chito Salud.

“I’m waiting on them, I

F

still have to meet with a few of the clubs (Commissioner) Chito (Salud) is setting that up,” he added. “I’ve done my part of it (naming of players to the pool), they’ve approved all the names I’ve submitted, so now I’m just waiting for the right moment for them to release it.

“I could add more before it is released, but I could subtract somebody if I felt like it,” added the American-New Zealander.

Baldwin is confident all of the names on his list will be given the green light by the PBA teams as he sets out to form a defense-oriented team for the 2015 Fiba Asia Championships set in Changsha, China from September 23 to October 3.

“I can’t comment on that (of all of the players will be approved). The ball is now in the PBA board, and that’s how it is always designed to be. But I am very optimistic,” he said.

“I’ve been around long enough to know that life serves you curve balls every now and then. So let’s just wait and see what happens,”

Baldwin added.

June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Paul Lee and Jayson Castro are among the players considered as shooins to the squad, which will take over from the Gilas team that finished runner-up to Iran in the Fiba-Asia championships in Manila and won a game in the Fiba World Cup in Spain.

Baldwin said the Gilas style of play will be largely dictated by the materials at his disposal, but hinted that he wants a team that can play good defense.

“It’s (style of play of Gilas 3.0) gonna be some of my philosophy and some of what the talent that is in the Philippines delivers to me,” he said.

Baldwin bared that as soon as the list of the new Gilas pool is made public, he will immediately schedule the tryouts, which will be set right after the Governors’ Cup. “Definitely there will be a trial at the end of the third conference, when we start the Gilas campaign. I am calling all the 26 in the camp,” said the veteran coach who

led New Zealand to a historic fourth-place finish in the 2002 world basketball championships.

“We’ll give the guys a little amount of time off after the third conference. It depends on how quickly the third conference ends. If the finals series is short, we can start earlier. If it goes the distance, July 26 I think is the last possible date, then we will be looking at something around August first.”

Asked if he plans to hold practices between the announcement of new Gilas pool members and the end of the season-ending Governors Cup, Baldwin sais he is weighing all options.

“Certainly we can’t do anything formal, because it is still a trial. But if there’ll be time, I’d be happy to open the gym somewhere and work with the guys who are no longer active in the third conference,” he said.

“But again nothing formal (in those practices), you can’t run it as a trial. You have to wait until everybody is available.” added the former New Zealand national coach.

which gathered the leading teams from Indonesia, Qatar, New Zealand, Japan, and Taiwan.

The Philippines’ Manila West Team made it to quarter-finals of the FIBA 3X3 World Tour in Japan, which was eventually dominated by Serbia’s Team Novi Sad. “Our strong performance last year definitely proves that Filipinos are at par with the best basketball teams in the world. This year, we hope to inspire more Filipino youth and

show them that with enough discipline, hard work and training, they can compete with the world’s best players in the biggest basketball game of their life,” said Sonny Barrios, SBP executive director.

“As the country’s undisputed leader in the mass market segment, Talk ‘N Text’s wide reach and network will be instrumental in supporting SBP’s thrust to promote basketball in all corners of the country,” said Cherish Tupaz, TNT Marketing Head. “Moreover, the TNT Tatluhan is one of the many direct ways we can bring and share ‘panalo’ moments with our subscribers.”

To join the 2nd TNT Tatluhan, all team members must be TNT subscribers before registering. Local announcements will be made by SBP regional heads for specific registration details.

SBP, Talk ‘N Text launch 2nd Tatluhan

OLLOWING a successful run last year, the SamahangBasketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Talk ‘N Text (TNT), the value brand of the undisputed mobile services leader Smart Communications (Smart), are once again teaming up for the second TNT Tatluhan, a nationwide three-onthree basketball tournament for the youth that will give the winning team a chance to represent the country at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) tournament.

Aimed at promoting basketball at the grassroots level, the FIBA-endorsed TNT Tatluhan is open to any team of three players (plus an alternate player) under 18 years old. The tournament will run from April to May in 18 legs around the country that will culminate in a national championship in Metro Manila.

The TNT Tatluhan champion will win a cash prize worth Php100,000 and will automatically represent the Philippines in the Manila World Tour Qualifier scheduled on August 1 to 2.

Last year, members of Team Naga City composed of Joshua Irvin Ayo, Raphael Jude De Vera, Karl Kenneth Estrada and Adoniz Christian Nismal bagged the TNT Tatluhan championship, and became one of the four teams that represented the Philippines in the Manila World Tour Qualifier,

THE CHAMP. Rey “The Hitman” Loreto at the SCOOP Forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. SCOOP Photo

Loreto still waiting for unpaid purse

I

NTERNATIONAL Boxing Organization (IBO) world junior flyweight champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto returned to his home in Davao City but still wondering when he is going to get his champion’s purse of around P2 million for successfully defending his title in South Africa last March 24.

Loreto, who fought despite having been operated for acute appendicitis more than a month only in Baguio City, is currently renting a room which he shares with his 15year old brother and a cousin.

“Hindi pa kasi tapos yun pinapagawa kong bahay sa Calinan,” said the 24-year old Loreto at the SCOOP Session of The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

“Yung premyo ko po sana ang gagamitin ko para matapos na ang bahay namin,” said Loreto, who plans to stay here for more than three months for his full recovery.

Loreto, who is this year’s Co-Boxer of the Year in the annual Gabriel Elorde Awards, still decided to fight despite having a fresh wound from his operation because he really needed the money to finish the construction of his house.

“Pinaubaya ko na lang sa Panginoon sa itaas. Hindi ko nga agad nalaman na nanalo na pala ako,” said Loreto, who improved his record to 20 wins, 12 KOs and 13 defeats.

Loreto said that he was first hit on the body before he countered it with a left-right combination that sent down the challenger in 1:46 of the 1st round.

Loreto, who stays in La Trinidad, Benguet when training, plans to keep himself fit by working out at the Empire Boxing Gym in Matina or at the Sonshine Boxing gym in Buhangin.

“I also want to train my younger brother and his cousin,” said Loreto, who retained his title by a sensational first round knockout on South African challenger Nkosinathi Joyi in East London, South Africa.

Handi, also the manager of Joyi, failed to remit the

amount of $45,000 representing Loreto’s purse and that of another Filipino boxer, Jetly Purisima, who fought in the undercard of the championship bout but lost a 10-round bout by decision.

Loreto said that he was not also given a brand new championship belt by the South African boxing promoter Siphato Handi.

Through the assistance of former North Cotabato Gov. Manny Piñol, Loreto has already filed a formal complaint with the Philippines Games and Amusements Board (GAB) against Handi.

Loreto filed the complaint exactly 17 days after he knocked out again Joyi, who was also pummeled to submission in the third round during their first championship bout held February last year in Monaco.

After the last fight, Loreto and his trainer were immediately sent safely back to their hotel for security reasons.

“Marami kasing galit na mga tao doon pagkatapos ma knockout yung kababayan nila. Sinabi ni Gov. na baka daw may babaril sa amin,” said Loreto, a native of Tamayong, Calinan.

Handi, shortly before the weigh-in on March 23, informed Piñol, as chief executive officer of Sonshine Sports Management which is Loreto’s contractual promoter, that the financial support of the Eastern Cape Government for his boxing promotion was delayed but promised that the money would be ready by March 25.

When informed by Handi of the development, Piñol immediately asked Loreto and his trainer, Joven Jorda, and boxer Purisima to be present during a meeting called by the South African promoter.

Present during the meeting were Handi, IBO supervisor Len Hunt, Boxing South Africa supervisor Phakamile Jacobs, the representative of the Eastern Cape Government, Loreto, Jorda, Purisima and Piñol.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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PALARO PARTNERSHIP

DavNor inks partnership with Palaro sponsors

by NOEL BAGUIO

T

he Provincial Government of Davao del Norte and two of the top corporations in the Davao region sealed their partnership to ensure the success of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa on May 3-9, 2015.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario led the contract signing ceremony for the marketing partnership, which has generated a total of P7.9 million.

He was joined by Antonio “TonyBoy” Floirendo, Jr., Chair of ANFLOCOR Group of Companies and Alexander N. Valoria, President of Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO), which is the main partner for this year’s national games.

Key officials of major sponsors and donors also signed their respective marketing contract offering financial backing for the Palaro.

The major sponsors include Davao Light and Power Corporation and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines.

The donors are TYR Mindanao, Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, Provincial Government of Compostela Valley, Smart Communications, Calian Agri-Ventures, Inc., Holiday Garden Island Development Corporation, Mindanao Agri-Banana Ven-

tures Corporation, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Tagum Cooperative, Rely Construction and Supply and the City Government of Mati.

Del Rosario stressed that since the staging of the Palaro is a very complex undertaking and sponsor support is vital to the success of the national games.

“Your support fuels the success of the national games,” del Rosario said, as he acknowledged the sponsors after the signing ceremony.

PARTNERSHIP. Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario, center, signs the marketing contract with Antonio “TonyBoy” Floirendo, Jr., right, Chair of ANFLOCOR Group of Companies and Alexander

He said that with their generosity, the province is on track to stage the best Palaro ever.

The governor also cited the benefits that the sponsors will earn through their investment in the Palaro dream, saying that the event provides the companies the opportunity to maximize their association with the country’s largest sports conclave, which has captured the imagination and stirred the emotions of Filipinos for decades.

N. Valoria, President of Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO), which is the main partner of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. noel baguio/davnor-pio