Edge Davao 8 Issue 164

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RECYCLE THIS. A worker of an establishment commissioned to collect recyclable materials weighs used cardboard boxes sold by one of SM Lanang Premier’s tenants at the mall’s trash-tocash receiving area. Trash-to-cash is a recycling program of SM Supermalls which aims to help lessen the effects of climate change in the country. Lean Daval Jr.

EXECUTED? Teenaged former NPA rebel shot dead in Paquibato EDGEDAVAO Sports

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

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N 18-year-old former rebel was killed by alleged members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Paquibato District, Davao City on Thursday afternoon.

The Paquibato Police Station identified the victim as Genden G. Gutial Jr., a farmer and resident of Purok 3, Barangay Fatima, Paquibato District.

Police said they re-

ceived a call from barangay captain Rommel Cozo of Barangay Fatima to report an incident outside the victim’s house.

Based on the initial investigation, the victim’s father Genden Sr. told police that an unidentified man came to their house while they were preparing dinner at around 5:45 p.m. of November 12 and called his son to go with

him for a walk.

The father said his son immediately went outside to join the man.

A few minutes later, he said he heard two gunshots followed by continuous gunbursts, and shouts of “Mga NPA mi, mga NPA mi (We’re members of the NPA).”

The father said he rushed out of his house and ran towards where

the sounds came from and found the lifeless body of his son.

Police said the victim sustained two gunshot wounds – one in the chest and one in the abdomen.

One of the bullets exited at the back of the body.

Police are investigating the motive of the killing and to determine if the killers are really NPA members.

Dabawenyos take on Maxxis 4x4 Cup Extreme Offroad Challenge

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Q&A. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte talks to 2005 Valentine’s Day bombing suspect Abdul Manap Mentang before the latter’s presentation to the media on Thursday evening at the conference room of SMX Convention Center. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

IBM gives computer training to visually-challenged studes

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ISUALLY challenged public school students from Southern Mindanao will join this year’s 13th National Computer Camp for Blind Student, a program of global tech company IBM that aims to enable them with computer skills.

IBM Philippines and Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) launched “Computer Eyes” in 2001 to train 20 visually-impaired high school students to undergo a computer education workshop on computer applications such as documentation processing, spreadsheet calculations, web page creation, and use of social networks.

In a press statement, IBM

Philippines said the program “enables the students to gain employment or pursue higher education.”

IBM said Computer Eyes has already enabled 124 of its alumni to go and find job in various industries, with 94 eventually completing college degrees.

“The training provided by IBM and RBI allow them to be better students by giving them tools to do online research, complete assignments and projects using computer,” IBM said.

The program leverages on software called Jobs Access with Speech (JAWS) which converts text display into

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PNP suspends gun permits during APEC

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HE Philippine National Police on Friday announced the suspension of all "Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence" (PTCFOR) in Metro Manila from November 16-20, 2015 in connection with the holding of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit 2015 Leaders Meeting.

PNP Chief Director General Ricardo C. Marquez said this is part of the security preparations to ensure safety of the delegates and their families who will attend the said event.

“Only the members of

the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other Law Enforcement Agencies who are performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms will be allowed to carry firearms," he added.

The PNP also warned those who would be caught carrying guns on the said dates will face criminal charges, penalty of prision correctional (6 months and 1 day to 6 years), and a fine of Php10,000 as well as suspension or revocation of privilege to carry firearms as stated on

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DCOTT blast suspect now detained in Davao City

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE suspect in the 2005 Valentine’s Day bombing of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is now detained in Davao City after being arrested in the town of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Wednesday afternoon.

The suspect was identified as Abdul Manap Mentang, alias Terso, Manap Maugkalilen, and Abdullah Pandito Hamsa, 43, a resident of Dunguan in the town of Datu Montawal in Maquindanao.

Police said Mentang was arrested in Barangay Panatan at 1:55 p.m. on November 11 by joint operatives of the Military Intelligence Group 12 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM), and Police Regional Office (PRO) 12.

Mentang was presented

by CIDG 11 and ARMM, and PRO 12 to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in a short me-

dia briefing at the SMX Convention Center on Thursday night.

CIDG-ARMM regional chief Police Superintendent Jimmy Daza said the arrest was made by virtue of two warrants of arrest.

One warrant was issued

by Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 33 Judge Lope Callo for murder and multiple frustrated murder in relation to the DCOTT bombing which killed one minor and injured four others.

The other warrant was issued in by Cotabato City RTC Branch 14 Judge Bansawan Ibrahim for murder. The report did not give specifics on the case.

Daza said a caliber .45 pistol, a magazine loaded with six bullets, assorted identification cards, and P 94,500 cash were found in the possession of Mentang.

Dasa said complainants and witnesses had executed affidavits pointing to Men-

he will give the perpetrators a chance to confess to the modus. If they continue to deny it, he will give the video to the Senate committee investigating the matter.

Duterte said his greatest worry is that the bullets inserted in the bags of the victims would not be detected at the NAIA and instead be discovered in other countries.

He said in such a case, the victims would be automatically sent to jail.

Duterte had earlier asked President Benigno Aquino to relieve all officials of the

Manila International Airport Administration because of the “tanim-bala” incidents at NAIA. Duterte said he believes there is a conspiracy among the police officers inside the NAIA, the porters, airline employees, and taxi drivers.

Last Thursday, the Davao City Prosecution Office (CPO) dismissed the illegal possession of ammunition charges against engineer Augusto D. Dagan for lack of probable cause.

City Prosecutor Nestor Ledesma said in a seven-page resolution that the prosecution

panel consisting of Prosecutors Jay Karel Sanchez and Maria Cynthia Adao-Prat decided to dismiss the case slapped against Dagan.

He said the police failed to prove that the two bullets found in the pocket of the bag of Dagan are really ammunition.

Ledesma said that under section 3 of the law, it is stated that before it will be constituted as ammunition there are four components to be considered.

“Number one bullet, num-

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Duterte threatens to release video of ‘tanim-bala’ modus

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AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is in possession of a video recording of the “tanim-bala” modus at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and may have to release it to the Senate if the perpetrators do not stop their activities.

In press briefing on Thursday night, Duterte said someone gave him the video in which some NAIA employees were caught inserting bullets in the side pockets of bags passing through the airport x-ray machines.

The mayor, however, said

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

DepEd, IP groups strengthen commitment to IP education

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HE Department of Education (DepEd) and indigenous peoples (IP) groups nationwide gathered in Baguio City on Thursday to strengthen partnership for IP education (IPEd) through the symbolic signing of affirmation of commitment.

In a late statement sent by the Communications office, Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “Ang ating ipinagdiriwang ngayon ay isang lakbayin na hindi pa tapos.

"Hindi ito madali dahil kailangan nating umakyat, at sa ating pag-akyat, walang maiiwan. Kailangan sabay-sabay, tulung-tulong at walang bibitiw para masigurado natin

na ang ating inumpisahan ay matatapos.”

“Kailangan nating siguraduhin na buhay ang katutubong kaalaman sa loob ng sistema ng edukasyon,” he added.

Part of the affirmation of commitment to IPEd is the inauguration of a pakedlan, an indigenous space for coming together among the Kankanaey peoples of Benguet, at the Baguio Teachers Camp, where a ritual was conducted together with the IP community representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to culminate the gains of IPEd. The inauguration of a pakedlan symbolizes the recog-

CDO Mayor Moreno refuses to step down

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USTED City Mayor Oscar Moreno refused to step down from his office until the Court of Appeals (CA) ruled on his application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).

In a press conference Friday morning, Moreno said that his case remains an “unfinished business” and insist that he still remains the mayor of Cagayan De Oro City.

Moreno emphasized that his lawyers are still pursuing to obtain a TRO with the CA here after three justices inhibited themselves from hearing

NEWS 3

KEYNOTE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte delivers his speech to the participants of the I.T. Interaction Philippines 12th Annual Conference at the SMX

F DEPED, 10 Convention Center on Thursday night. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

the case Thursday afternoon.

Moreno hoped that he could get a TRO Friday and that justice be rendered in his favor.

“I hope that the CA would decide on our case because there is a bigger issue here, and that is justice, which was denied to me,” the dismissed mayor said.

Moreno, who holed up inside his office at the old City Hall building Thursday night, admitted that he has a “long sleepless night” following his ouster.

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Advocates gather to better management of river basins

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VER 200 members of the River Basin Organizations (RBO) gathered here to strengthen management of Mindanao's river basins in the next three years.

The RBO aims to address the different problems among the eight identified river basins in Mindanao that includes Agusan, Tagoloan, Ranao-Agus, Tagum-Libuganon, Buayan, Malongon, Mindanao and Davao River basin.

Each organization is composed of multi sectoral groups, including the local government units, religious and academe, among others.

According to Yvette Valderia, Development Manager Officer IV of the Policy Planning and Project Development Office, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) each organization identified the problem of their assigned river basin.

The organizations were also the one that creates a master plan for the protection of the river.

“The conference conducted is the RBOs kickstart to strengthen the organization, because they can’t really implement projects if they are not strong enough. In terms of institutionalizing them, it is the phase of our engagement with the RBOs,” Valderia said.

Valeria added that the

next phase that the RBOs will undergo is the implementation of the project based on their master plan that they have created.

The Mindanao River Basin has a total PHP2.21 billion worth of projects implemented in October such the flood control system and reforestation.

MinDA chair, Luwalhati Antonino said they are “expect-

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4 ECONOMY

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

SSS gets int’l citation T HE Social Security System (SSS) has earned an international citation from the world’s leading association of social security institutions for the various SSS programs launched in recent years to promote inclusive growth by targeting informal sector (IS) workers and hardto-reach rural areas of the country.

SSS Senior Vice President for Administration Group May Catherine Ciriaco said the International Social Security Association (ISSA), which has over 330 member organizations from more than 160 countries, honored the SSS for the several programs under its “Moving towards Inclusive Growth” project.

“The SSS is part of the

MORE JOBS. World Bank Philippines Mindanao Jobs Report (MJR) team leader and senior country economist Karl Kendrick Chua presents the MJR, which aims to create more and better jobs in Mindanao, before Davao City’s business leaders at Seda Abreeza Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao needs P350B to be at par with Luzon

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

M

crc@edgedavao.net

INDANAO will need approximately P350 billion catch-up funds in the next six years to be at par with the development of Luzon and the rest of the country, the World Bank (WB)-Philippines said.

“The P350 billion catchup fund shall be invested on Mindanao’s infrastructure, public health, and public education,” WB senior country economist Karl Kendrick Chua said in a press conference at Seda Hotel yesterday.

Chua said there’s a need to improve the access to public education and public health services in Mindanao since it is where most poor provinces are located as well as majority of indigenous people are residing in the island-region.

“Their (IPs) basic problem is really access to these services for them to be part of

development,” Chua said Public works on agriculture like more irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads should be invested to in Mindanao since its economy is largely dependent to the agriculture sector and projected to remain as an “agriculture hub” in the next years despite the surge in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in cities like Davao and Cagayan de Oro, he said.

Chua said the P350 billion catch-up funds is just the WB’s preliminary estimate that should be added on top of the current increasing government budget for Mindanao.

The catch-up fund would allow Mindanao to be an “upper-class region the same as where Thailand, Indonesia and China is headed to.”

At present, Chua said Mindanao’s economic growth is “slow” that it cannot catch up

with the growth of Luzon and Visayas.

In fact, Mindanao is home to six poorest provinces in which its households are living below the poverty threshold are Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Saranggani Province, and North Cotabato Preliminary findings of the revealed the stunted growth of Mindanao was due to many factors like armed conflict, complex regulations, lack of investments and insecure property rights.

“Investors are just waiting outside the door. They would like to invest here,” Chua said.

However, factors affecting Mindanao as an enticing investment destination should be addressed first.

Chua said it is important for Mindanao to ramp up itself because its contributed a P1.7 trillion or 15 percent of coun-

try’s gross domestic product.

Mindanao has a huge potential as an agricultural hub because of its good agro-climatic conditions and natural resources, generally below typhoon belt and fertile soil, large mineral deposit and vast marine wealth, according to him.

Chua said it would take a sustained economic growth of 7 to 8 percent until 2040 for Mindanao to be able to catchup with the growth of two other Philippine islands.

The national government, local government and the private sector can cooperate altogether in investing in Mindanao to be able to improve the infrastructure on agriculture as well as access to public education and health.

“Everyone should work together to contribute to the growth of Mindanao,” Chua said.

select group of seven organizations, as well as the lone Philippine institution, that received a Certificate of Merit with Special Mention for 2015,” said Ciriaco, who represented the SSS during the ISSA Good Practice Awards for Asia and the Pacific held in Oman on November 2.

The ISSA international jury lauded the SSS for its “innovative and progressive approach to extending coverage in this difficult sector, involving good coordination with local government structures and the communities involved,” adding that the SSS’ strategy “provides a basis for future development.”

SSS initiatives that garnered the ISSA recognition

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Megaworld’s income in 9 months up 12.52%

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ROPERTY giant Megaworld, the Philippines’ biggest developer of integrated urban townships and the largest lessor of office spaces, achieved a net income of P8.35-billion during the first nine months of 2015, 12.52% higher than P7.42-billion (net of P11.62-billion non-recurring gain) during the same period last year.

The firm’s bullish performance during the three quarters of the year was driven by its aggressive expansion of its integrated urban townships across the country, the company’s pioneering real estate concept in the country that synergizes residential, office, commercial and institutional

components of a community.

Megaworld’s consolidated revenues grew 10.85% during the first nine months of 2015 on a year-on-year basis. The growth is an increase from last year’s P30.24-billion to P33.53-billion this year.

The company’s rental armwasthe fastest growing business segmentduring the first nine months of 2015soaring to a recordyear-on-year record growth of 24%. The company’s rental income as of the first nine months of the year jumped to P6.44-billion from P5.20-billion of the same period last year. This 24% growth broke Megaworld’s previous best rental income growth of

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Coloma leads opening of APEC Expo Philippines

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OMMUNICATIONS Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on Thursday graced the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Expo Philippines 2015 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, which is part of the country’s hosting of this year’s APEC summit.

In his welcome remarks, Secretary Coloma also noted that the International Media Center at the World Trade Center, where the expo is located, will be the home of journalists covering next week’s APEC Economic Lead-

ers’ Meeting.

“It will be the place from which the media professionals and journalists will be doing their important work of conveying the important events and information emanating from the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting,” he said.

Filipinos are extending the best of the warmth of their hospitality to all the friends and visitors arriving in the country for the APEC summit, he said.

He thanked government

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P1.1-B high impact projects ongoing in Davao City: Alquiza

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HE national government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is pursuing 11 high impact infrastructure projects costing a total of P1.18 billion in Davao City. This was bared by DPWH Region 11 Director Mariano R. Alquiza in a press briefing.

Alquiza said that the projects are implemented in the three congressional districts of the city with the Third District under Rep. Isidro T. Ungab getting the biggest chunk of six of the 11 projects costing P660.70 million.

The projects are in various levels of accomplishment, with two of them more than 90 percent accomplished, the DPWH official said.

The high impact projects and their percentages of accomplishment are: Construction/improvement of Bacaca circumferential road including Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) road leading to Davao City International Airport worth P65 million, 99.80-percent completed; Improvement of Matina Shrine road leading to Shrine Hills and Jack’s Ridge Resort in Barangay Matina Crossing, P60.30 million, 97.14 percent; Construction of Davao City Diversion Road extension to Toril, Bangkal-Talomo-Puan Section including the construction of Talomo Bridge III and approaches, P264 million, 10.21 percent;

Improvement/ completion of main drain in Quezon Blvd., Barangay 22 and 23), P20 million, 59.30 percent; Road upgrading of Fatima-Malabog Road, P110.39 million, 83 percent; Reconstruction/ upgrading/ widening of access road leading to Malagos Garden Resort and Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, P60 million, 73.74 percent; Widening of Davao-Bukidnon Road, P139.96 million, 67.25 percent; Reconstructing/upgrading Salaysay-Arakan Road, including the construction of the Malapangi Bridge leading to Lomondao, Marilog, P100 million, 75,23 percent; Construction of Lampianao

Bridge and approaches in Barangay Lampianao, Calinan District, P75 million, 30.16 percent; Widening of Bukidnon-Davao road in Barangay Salumay to Barangay Suawan, P139,50 million, 45.10 percent; Improvement /widening of Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, P146.24 million, 45.41 percent.

Alquiza said a number of the projects fall under the socalled covergence program of the DPWH and the Department of Tourism (DOT) which are infrastructure projects leading to tourism destination.

However, all in all, these projects will impact on the economic development and growth of Davao City, he said. AMA

Alquiza

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

THE ECONOMY 5

WB-Phl crafting dev’t blueprint

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T

crc@edgedavao.net

HE World Bank - Philippines is pursuing the creation of the Mindanao Jobs Report (MJR) in a bid to create a development blueprint for the next administration specifically for Mindanao.

“We will focus on the perspective of jobs because it is where people feel that they are included in the growth. Not growth because many people say they can’t feel it nor development because it can be complex and too broad,” MJR team leader and WB senior country economist Karl Kendrick Chua

said during the presentation of the concepts and emerging stories of MJR at the Joint-Enabling Secretariat for Inclusive Business in Mindanao (JESIBM) consultative meeting the Seda hotel yesterday.

Chua said jobs or employment can transform a society like of Mindanao where most of the poorest provinces are located such as Saranggani ansd North Cotabato, among others.

The MJR is expected to be completed by July next year and will be formally launched January next year.

The WB tapped Australia for funding support that will be also used to fund researchers from areas like davao City, General Santos City, Surigao, Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Iligan City, Zambonga City, Marawi City, Cotobato City, and Polomolok.

Under the MJR, the World Bank will be slicing down to three segments the issues in Mindanao, namely: the agrarian Mindanao, urbanizing Mindanao, and conflict Mindanao.

Each topic will identify is-

sues and challenges as well as recommend possible solutions that the stakeholders can undertake.

Just like when the World Bank presented the Philippine Development Report (PDR) to the Aquino Administration in 2013, the MJR is also expected to assist the next administration on its policy and development track for the next six years.

Chua said the Mindanao faces a huge challenge in job generation that are affected by many factors which prohibit

GOING ORGANIC. Elderly women buy organic fruit AT THE Davao City’s organic market at Rizal Park which is held every Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Camella Davao breaks ground for model homes

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AMELLA is breaking ground this Saturday for its model homes in its newest subdivision, Camella Davao, eager to showcase its line of exquisite home designs for homebuyers to choose from.

“We will soon be building our model homes so our homebuyers can see their dream house and have a feel of what it is like living in a Camella community,” said Anna Mae dela Pena, Marketing Head of Camella Davao.

The model homes will be set within a landscape of lush surroundings and manicured lawns, typical of a Camella community that is known for its green environs of healthy trees and verdant plant life.

But what sets these model

homes apart are its color and design inspired from a distinct mix of European and Western influences. Homebuyers will not only be happy to live in a Camella community, they will be proud to call these exquisite homes their own.

“As these model units start to take shape, homebuyers will do well to come and see what their future homes will look like,” said Dela Pena, adding that their offices are open to accommodate all inquiries at Delgar Bldg. (fronting Camella Northpoint), JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City or at telephone number 226-3100.

Spread across 34 hectares of prime land in Communal Buhangin, Camella Davao has the makings of another land-

mark development. As a masterplanned subdivision, it will have its own line of amenities that will give its residents a charming and convenient lifestyle.

Deluxe facilities include a clubhouse with swimming pool, parks, recreational areas, jogging trail, ball courts, kiddie playground, pocket gardens, and tree-lined avenues. It will have round-theclock security and a professional property management team that will take care of subdivision security, maintenance, and other affairs.

Another feature that makes Camella Davao a premiere address is the development of its own village center that makes living here easy and hassle-free. This commer-

cial development will feature a supermarket, retail shops, stores, coffee shops, restaurants, among others. It will ultimately make Camella Davao a self-sustaining township.

“So while it is located within north Davao’s growth area making it near everything, it gives homeowners the option of getting what they need and doing what they want in the village center, making it ultra convenient for them to live an enjoyable and laid-back lifestyle,” said Dela Pena.

Its prime location, distinguished-looking homes, world-class amenities, and an exciting village center give Camella Davao high points on livability. Its affordability,

(NCDA) in partnership with DOT. The seminar, which was held at the Century Hotel, Balibago, Angeles City on Thursday, aimed at promoting the government’s National Tourism Development Plan and other equally important laws and mandates on disability.

DOT earlier stressed the importance of having “accessible tourism for all” especially

in making sure that hotel and resort accommodations comply with the department’s requirements.

Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin in an earlier interview admitted that making accommodations more PWD-friendly was still a challenge.

Since PWD-friendly accommodations were a requirement for the depart-

ment’s Star Rating system standard, there were still a number of establishments that have to adjust to this requirement. ”The most difficult area to correct is the PWD facilities.

They (accommodations) need time because it’s structural,” Jasmin said.

Jasmin, however, said that although it was a herculean task, it was achievable. (PNA)

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DOT wants more accessible tourism for PWDs

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HE Department of Tourism (DOT) is working on achieving a more accessible tourism industry for all and that means not leaving persons with disabilities (PWDs) behind.

Such initiatives were tackled during a seminar on How to Handle Persons with Disabilities in the Tourism Industry conducted by the National Council on Disability Affairs

investors from coming in and creating more and better jobs for Mindanawons.

Among the preliminary factors identified by the WB that cuts Mindanao’s growth potential were armed conflicts, unsecure property rights, lack of investment, complex regulations and lack of competition, among others.

Chua said other deficits that have create the weak investment climate in Mindanao aside from conflict were unreliable and high cost of power as well as the costly and inef-

ficient logistics that results to high food price and corruption in the government.

These not only result to producing “bad jobs,” but high poverty incidence, general lower education and health incomes and sizable outmigration. These bad jobs, according to him, are those working in the informal sector, as parttime, temporary or casual.

Chua also noted that although the unemployment in Mindanao is low, but the underemployment is high.

TOTAL of 700 fisherfolk from across Davao Oriental received free fishing boats for the year 2015, the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRI) said.

A joint project of the Provincial Government and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Task Force Pablo Rehabilitation Program, the turnover of fishing boats is part of the long-term interventions of the government for the victims of typhoon Pablo which severely devastated the province in 2012.

PAGRI said that out of the 700 boats provided, 300 were motorized while 400 were non-motorized.

Felipe Montera, chief of the fisheries section of the PAGRI, during the latest turnover ceremony to 111 fisherfolks in the coastal town of Baganga, said that around 192 additional boats funded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will soon be distributed across the typhoon-hit coastal towns of Boston, Cateel, Baganga, and

Caraga.

The fisherfolk beneficiaries expressed their gratitude towards the efforts of the government, particularly the Provincial Government, for giving them an opportunity to improve their means livelihood.

They said that with these new boats they could certainly make a real catch.

Aside from the fishing boats, other interventions for the fishery sector in the typhoon-hit areas include mangrove planting, distribution of fishing implements, and support to high-value aquaculture, among many other livelihood interventions.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who led the turnover ceremony, told the fisherfolk to take care of these boats as these are their primary means of livelihood.

She also reminded them, particularly the Bantay-Dagat to take care and guard the province’s marine resources against illegal fishers.

She further urged the beneficiaries to continue their

HE Philippines and Canada has set another round of consultations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries on November 26, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said.

This consultation follows the first round of exploratory discussion between the Philippines and Canada in August.

In an earlier interview, Canadian Ambassador Neil Reider said the two countries remain interested to pursue a potential FTA to boost bilateral trade and investments.

“We need to conclude exploratory (discussion) first and decide if both parties wish to concede. We don’t have a timeline yet, but in the coming months, we’ll try to conclude it and try to move to negotiation after that,” Reider told the Phil-

ippines News Agency.

It was noted that if the bilateral FTA will pursue, the Philippines will be the first country in Southeast Asia to have a bilateral free trade pact with Canada.

Canada has FTA with nine countries and with the European Free Trade Association bloc composed of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The Philippines, on the other hand, only has one bilateral FTA which is with Japan.

President Benigno S. Aquino III and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the launch of exploratory discussions of the two countries toward FTA negotiations when the former had a state visit in Canada in May. President Aquino will

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DavOr fisherfolk receive free boats A

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Phl, Canada talks for potential FTA T

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6 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

EDITORIAL NAIA extortion ring

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T’S becoming clear as day that an extortion syndicate is behind the “bullet-planting” schemes in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) exposed recently.

The bullet-planting victims are coming out to testify in the investigations conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation to determine criminal liability, on the one hand, and the Senate in aid of legislation, on the other.

The victims have already identified the suspected perpetrators and hopefully this will lead to prosecution and conviction.

The lack of coordination of the various agencies operating in the international airport also surfaced during the Senate probe. Aside from the filing of appropriate charges against the suspects, it is hoped

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that some heads will roll in the aftermath of the investigations. We refer to the involved personnel of the Office of Transportation Security (OTS), Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group and, of course, the clowns in the Department of the Transportation and Communications (DOTC) who are becoming notorious in bungling many big government projects including the Metro Rail Transit.

Above all, it is hoped that this time, President Aquino will be very decisive and act fast enough in ridding his administration of the incompetent and the corrupt. For what a disastrous legacy it would be if procrastination becomes the unwanted twin of “Daang Matuwid (Straight Path).”

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VANTAGE POINTS

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In exchange for freedom “You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don’t ever count on having both at once.” ― Robert A. Heinlein

D

***

URING the 45th birthday of Senator and vice-presidential aspirant Alan Peter Cayetano, one of the guests who attended the party held in Taguig City was Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

It was reported that Duterte was “serenaded with a song blatantly convincing him to run for president.” Later, he stood up and told the Cayetano family and other guests, “You are asking me to gamble for my freedom.”

Duterte’s statement brought me back to the words of Stephen King. In Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: A Story from Different Seasons, the award-winning fiction author said: “Some birds are not meant to be caged, that’s all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.”

Here’s another thought from David Foster Wallace, author of This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life: “The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and

I

being able truly THINK ON THESE! to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day.”

Freedom, according to Henrylito D. Tacio Egypt’s Moshe henrytacio@gmail.com Dayan, “is the oxygen of the soul.” Rabindranath Tagore, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature, shares this illustration: “I have on my table a violin string. It is free. I twist one end of it and it responds. It is free. But it is not free to do what a violin string is supposed to do – to produce music. So I take it, fix it in my violin, and tighten it until it is taut.

Only then is it free to be a violin string.”

Joseph R. Sizoo, author of Across the Line 1945, further explains, “Freedom is like a coin.

It has the word privilege on one side and responsibility on the other. It does not have privilege on both sides. There are too many today who want everything involved in privilege but refuse to accept anything that approaches the sense of responsibility.”

In philosophy, freedom often ties in with the question of free will. Libertarian philosophers have argued that all human beings are always free. Jean-Paul Sartre, for instance, famously claimed that humans are “condemned

to be free.”

The philosopher Isaiah Berlin drew an important distinction between “freedom from” (negative freedom) and “freedom to” (positive freedom). For example, freedom from oppression and freedom to develop one’s potential.

Both these types of freedom are in fact reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Freedom as the absence of restraint means unwilling to subjugate, lacking submission, or without forceful inequality. Natural laws restrict this form of freedom; for instance, no one is free to fly (though you may or may not be free to attempt to do so). “There are two freedoms - the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought,” said Charles Kingsley.

Freedom has often been used a rallying cry for revolution or rebellion. For instance, the Bible records the story of Moses leading his people out of Egypt and its oppression (slavery), and into freedom to worship God. In the Philippines, Filipinos rallied for Corazon C. Aquino forming the so-called “People Power” to free them from the dictatorship of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved,” said American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in a speech delivered on September 22, 1936.

Abraham Lincoln stated rightly: “Freedom is the last, best hope of earth,” Gerard K. O’Neill recommends, “Here is my advice as we begin the century that will lead to 2081. First, guard the freedom of ideas at

all costs. Be alert that dictators have always played on the natural human tendency to blame others and to oversimplify. And don’t regard yourself as a guardian of freedom unless you respect and preserve the rights of people you disagree with to free, public, unhampered expression.”

“Let freedom never perish in your hands,” warns Joseph Addison. “Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err,” declares Mahatma Gandhi.

Allow me to end this piece with a quote from famous Hollywood actor, Charlie Chaplin.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible; Jew, Gentile, black man, white. We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness, not by each other’s misery.

We don’t want to hate and despise one another.

“In this world there is room for everyone, and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone,” Chaplin continued. “The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way… We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little.”

And what did Patrick Henry said again?

“Give me liberty or give me death,” reiterated the American attorney who became known as an orator during the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s.

and let the docTHIRD WORLD tor do all the work.

After the procedure, which takes only about 15 minutes, you stand up, zip up your pants, and walk away.

Yes, you walk Jon Joaquin away. There is no pain, only a slight discomfort which you feel for only about two days.

The only instruction the doctor will give is for you not to get your genitals wet for the next two or three days. And of course you’ll be given antibiotics to help heal the small wound. You’ll be given painkillers but honestly, I never even took mine. I was literally back at work the same day because there was no pain. Let me repeat that: THERE WAS NO PAIN. MYTH 2) It will affect my “manhood.” Let’s get it straight: a vasectomy is not the same as castration. It is just the cutting and sealing of the tube (called the vas) that leads to the testicles in order to stop sperm from leav-

ing. Since the procedure simply interrupts the delivery of sperm, it does not change hormonal function – leaving sexual drive and potency unaffected. Believe me (and I may make my blush with this), nothing changes. If anything, making love to your wife gets better because there is no more need to take precautions to prevent pregnancies. As someone describes it, it’s like subscribing to “unli-sex” – permanently.

MYTH 3) It will make me a laughing stock. This may be only partially true. Men who don’t understand what a vasectomy is may deride you, but those who know what you did will only respect you more. My wife’s OBGyne told us a few days ago that her respect for a man grows exponentially when she finds out he has undergone a vasectomy. And I can tell you that this is how most people feel and react when they learn I’ve had it. Why? Because it tells them that I love my wife so much that I can’t bear to have her undergo a tubal ligation, which is actually a major surgical operation from which recovery takes weeks. It was actually a small sacrifice on my part: a 15-minute visit to the health center and a few days of discomfort, nothing more.

MYTH 4) It’s the woman’s responsibility to prevent pregnancies. This belief is prob-

ably based on the fact that most birth control methods are for the women: the pill, IUD, injections, patches, and what have you. For the men there are really only two: condoms and vasectomy, and I know that many men don’t even like using prophylactics. In reality, it is for both partners to decide how they want to plan their family. And if you compare vasectomy with tubal ligation, as mentioned in #3, there is really no conclusion but that vasectomy is the best, easiest, and most pain-free solution.

Oh, and did I mention that the City Health Office offers NSV for free every last Friday of the month? There is absolutely no cost for an NSV; even the antibiotics and the pain relievers are free. Unfortunately few men still undergo the procedure even if it’s free: this year, only 55 men have so far undergone vasectomy in Davao City. That’s such a small number that needs to be pushed up especially as we see more and more families struggling to make ends meet because of the large number of children.

I hear excuses like vasectomies being a sign of being henpecked (what we call under d’ saya), but it’s really all about being man enough to take full responsibility for stopping pregnancies. If I may say so, I feel more manly now that I’ve had a vasectomy.

The shocking truth about vasectomy

’M writing this article on November 13, 2015, World Vasectomy Day. On this day, perhaps more than any other, men all over the world will cringe at the thought of having something sharp get close to their genitals. I want to expose the shocking truth about this medical procedure and confirm that vasectomy is perhaps the single best thing you can do for your family – especially your wife – if you are planning to stop having children.

I had this procedure done early this year through the help of some great people like Dr. Sam Cruz (assistant health officer of the City Health Office) who convinced me to do it, Justice Rasgo of the CHO who helped me prepare for the procedure, and Dr. Laredo Rabang who did the actual vasectomy. We did what is called a no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) which, as its name explicitly says, involves no scalpel and therefore no incision, no cutting (more on this later). Since I have experiential knowledge of what it is and what it entails, I want to demolish the many myths surrounding vasectomies: Myth 1) It hurts. Let’s get this off the table right now: VASECTOMY DOESN’T HURT. The NSV involves making a small puncture on the scrotum which you won’t even feel because the doctor will put anesthetic on it. You just lie there

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tang as the one who bombed DCOTT on February 14, 2005.

He said Mentang is also implicated in the Davao International Airport bombing in March 2003 and the Sasa Wharf bombing in April of the same year, but this is still to be verified.

“Of course, the investigation is still in the process,” he said.

Mayor Duterte, for his part, said he remembers that Mentang had already been arrested in 2005 by the military but was released due to some legal matters.

Earlier reports said Men-

tang arrested by the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) in March 2005 but there was no warrant yet issued by the court.

Daza said the CIDG 11 filed a case against Mentang in April 2005 after witnesses came out pointed to him and other three suspects as the ones who detonated a bomb at the entrance gate of DCOTT. He said when Mentang was presented at RTC Branch 33 on Thursday and when Judge Callo asked him if he is the person named in the warrant, the suspect replied in the affirmative.

speech and allows users to navigate through the computer through audio prompts.

A synthetic human voice assists the user in typing by keeping track of letters being encoded. Letters are translated to Braille if printing is required and a special machine embosses the letters in paper.

“In our aims to create an inclusive youth enablement

program, IBM continues to support RBI in this endeavor,” IBM Philippines president and country general manager Luis Pineda said during a roundtable discussion last Thursday.

Pineda said Computer Eyes allow IBM to reach out to members of the uniquely-abled community and provide useful skills to give them a better future.

nition of indigenous learning systems within the education system.

Luistro also said that the gains of IPEd are not DepEd’s milestones alone, adding, “Ang tatlong DepEd Orders ukol sa IP education ay galing sa inyo [IP]. Ang sumulat niyan ay kayo.

"Ang IP education guidelines at curriculum framework ay galing sa sama-samang mungkahi at karanasan [ninyo] sa mga nakalipas na taon ng pagsusulong ng IP education.”

Andres Ngao-i, chairperson of IPEd council of elders in the Cordillera Administration Region, said that DepEd’s commitment to IPEd is evident in the agency’s efforts to make education culture-sensitive, culture-responsive, and learner-centered.

“We are all happy that we are true to our IP curriculum; but we did not do it alone. We did this in partnership with DepEd and the local government units, too,” Ngao-i said.

He also said, “Our job is not yet done. Let us continue the implementation of this historic Indigenous Peoples education.

This is historical in our regions and our country.”

Luistro said that it is vital for the country to strengthen its IP education, especially with the 2015 ASEAN integration, adding, “Mahalaga na naka-angkla ang ating kurikulum sa ating kulturang Pilipino dahil may papasok na ibang kultura.

"Kapag wala ang katutubong kaalaman na nakapasok sa ating kurikulum, mawawalan tayo ng kaluluwa.”

(PNA)

ing the full implementation of the projects recommended under the Mindanao River Basin (MRB) Master Plan of which detailed engineering design is ongoing by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office”.

Among the identified issues of the eight river basin, flooding is the most common one, she said.

Joan Barrera, Project Development Division Chief, said most of the rivers have heavy siltation, reason for the floods in Mindanao.

Barrera also mentioned the weakening of the river banks due to its overuse and lack of vegetation.

She said that based on the master plan submitted by the RBOs, two approaches are expected to solve the problem.

“Based on the master plan there were two approach to solve the problem, one is non-structural and structural,” she said.

“The non-structural is the vegetative covers in a way of rehabilitating the river thru planting trees while the structural is in a form of putting dykes and the flood control projects,” Barrera explained.

While there are no rivers considered dead, Valeria said there are still things that should be done to save the rivers.

Meanwhile, Development Manager Officer III, Rolando Pinsoy said that big companies surrounding the river basins already committed to support the project.

“We’ve already talked with the big companies and we got positive response. Through their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) they will cooperate with the project they just need to align their projects,” he said.

“By next year, maybe we will conduct a matching of the private companies and river basins,” Pinsoy added. (PNA)

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Duterte... FROM 2 ber two gunpowder, number three cartridge case, and number four primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm,” he said.

He said a bullet will not be automatically considered as ammunition because it is one part of the whole.

Ledesma said based on the complaint of the police, while they referred the items that had been confiscated from engineer Dagan to the Police Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination, no documents were submitted with regards to the result or findings of the evidence.

He said the panel also found Dagan to have no criminal intent to do the prohibited act by possessing bullets in the airport based on the circumstances found.

Ledesma said based on the certification from the Firearms and Explosives Department of

the Philippine National Police, Dagan has no registered firearms in their office.

He said Dagan is already 60 years old and he may have the interest to possess guns.

Ledesma said that the engineer came to Davao City upon the invitation of the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

Dagan was invited for the purpose of determining the potability of the water in Tamugan River where the Bulk Water Facility will be built.

It is impossible also for a person who has a criminal intent to just keep the bullets in the pocket of the bag where it is easy to be discovered, Ledesma said.

He said a person who wants to perpetrate crime need to keep it some will really cover it inside the bag where people will not see or observe it.

Section 30 of R.A.10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition).

As part of the security preparations for the APEC summit in Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) raised to a full alert status all its units in Metro Manila .

Chief Inspector Kimberly Molitas, PIO Chief of NCRPO, said the highest police alert status took effect at 6 a.m. Friday, adding that all police commanders in Metro Manila have already been informed of it.

Full alert status means

all police personnel must be present, and that all leaves and days off should be cancelled.

The five districts covered by the NCRPO are Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).

She added that all the 16 hotels for the delegates and the APEC venues such as MOA Arena, CCP and World Trade Center have been secured.

(PNA)

include the AlkanSSSya Program; collecting and servicing partner agent arrangements with cooperatives and microfinance institutions (MFI); Social Security Subsidy Program; coverage program for job order and contractual workers in government; and the MuniSSSipyo Collect Program for areas with scarce banking facilities.

In its paper sent to ISSA, the SSS cited the need for “creative approaches” to reach out to IS workers “that recognize the irregularity of their incomes and differences in the nature of their businesses,” “require partnerships with organized IS groups so that there are identified and shared responsibilities,” and “allow for ‘wholesale’ social security coverage instead of SSS going after individual IS workers on a piecemeal basis.”

Ciriaco said IS workers and residents of far-flung areas face barriers to an active SSS membership such as the lack of accessible banks and collection facilities. This led to the creation of the MuniSSSipyo Collect Program where members can pay contributions right at their local municipal office, and the accreditation of SSS partner agents to tap the organized and extensive networks of cooperatives and MFIs. “Another creative approach undertaken by the SSS is the AlkanSSSya Program designed to fit the work habits and financial limitations of IS workers such as tricycle drivers and market vendors.

AlkanSSSya units are also

placed in strategic locations to remind IS workers to add to their daily SSS savings,” she said.

The AlkanSSSya made SSS membership within reach for IS workers, who can meet the required minimum SSS contribution of P330 under the program with little as P11 per day. Since the SSS has engaged the involvement of the IS groups in the AlkanSSSya Program, this helped facilitate the wider SSS coverage of IS workers and the regular remittance of their contributions to the SSS. “Apart from ISSA, the SSS was also awarded by the Asean Social Security Association or ‘ASSA’ for the AlkanSSSya Program last September. The SSS was one of this year’s two awardees under the Innovation Excellence category, along with Cambodia’s National Social Security Fund,” Ciriaco said.

ASSA Chairman Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan presented the 2015 ASSA Recognition Award to SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. during the 32nd ASSA Board Meeting hosted by the Central Provident Fund in Singapore from September 10 to 11.

“We are heartened by the support and recognition earned both locally and overseas of SSS campaigns for the informal sector. This further encourages us to find better and more creative ways to reach out to IS workers so that more of them can enjoy the benefits of social protection,” Ciriaco said.

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Moreno, however, said that he would be willing to step down peacefully, if the "rule of law" says that he should step down.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served the order dismissing Moreno and installing Vice Mayor Ian Acenas as the new City Mayor of Cagayan De Oro City Thursday night.

Moreno, without giving details, questioned the way the DILG served the “dismissal order” saying that the DILG failed to observe some legal processes when the order was served Thursday evening.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has approved the dismissal of Moreno on Oct. 6, 2015 with Grave Misconduct for entering into a settlement agreement with Ajinomoto Philippines without prior authorization from the Sangguniang Panlungsod in violation of R.A. No. 7160 (The Local Government Code).

The order of dismissal also penalized Moreno and City Treasurer Glenn Banez with perpetual disqualification to hold public office and forfeiture of all retirement benefits. (PNA)

partners from Cebu and Mandaue City for their assistance and support in organizing the APEC Expo Philippines 2015, which features the products of the best Filipino craftsmen.

Coloma said he hopes the expo opens up opportunities for excellently crafted, high-quality, Philippine-made products in the world market.

“It is said that the way to make an event most memorable is to give the people who experience it a tangible memento of that event,” he said.

“And so therefore, the souvenirs that are being exhibited—the souvenir items, the handicrafts, the excellent work of Filipino artisans that are here will serve as a memento of the unique experi-

ence that is APEC 2015 in the Philippines.”

The expo highlights the country’s push for the inclusion of small and medium businesses in the global value chain that is seen to spur regional trade.

The products featured in the expo are works of small and medium enterprises that are aiming for world-class products and global competition, he said.

In the process, he added, the country is laying the foundations for sustainable growth, upon which the Philippines’ APEC hosting is anchored through the theme, “Building Inclusive Economies and Building a Better World”. (PCOO News Release)

22% last accounting period.

“While we have been successful in our aggressive expansion of our townships across the country, it is time to further build on our recurring income portfolio. We are currently building more office towers and more malls and commercial spaces in all of our townships. We are certain in reaching our rental income target of P9 billion this year,“ Megaworld chief finance officer Francis Canuto said.

Megaworld’s residential sales likewise continued its growth trajectory during the first nine months of the year.

Real estate sales grew 11.50% year-on-year from P18.38-billionto P20.49-billion.

Completing its target of five townships to be launched this year, Megaworld recently launched Westside City as its 20th township. The 31-hectare Westside City,which islocated atthe Entertainment City in Parañaque City near Manila Bay,is envisioned to be the “Broadway of Asia” as it becomes home to the first-ever Grand Opera House in the country. It willalso be the second leisure and entertainment township of Megaworld following Newport City with Resorts World having its second casino project here.

The company also launched four other new townships during the first nine months of the year namely, Northill Gateway (53 hectares) and The Upper East (34 hectares) in Negros Occidental; Sta. Barbara Heights (170 hectares) in Iloilo; and a 35.6-hectare vast property beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando.

“Our 20 townships become a testament of our company’s

continuing commitment to help build the country. We will continue to build communities that make living, working and playing more convenient and exciting to Filipinos,” adds Canuto.

The company built the 18-hectare Eastwood City in 1999, the first integrated urban township in the Philippines, which saw the birth and growth of the country’s IT-BPO industry. Some of the country’s first IT-BPO companies such as IBM and Citibank set up their operations in Eastwood City even before the IT-BPO industry flourished in the late 90s.

The success of Eastwood City was then replicated in other townships that Megaworld built and is continuously building: McKinley Hill (50 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares), the home of Resorts World Manila); McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town Center (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio; The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park (72 hectares) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City; ArcoVia City along C5, Pasig City (12.4 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Cavite and Laguna (561 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); BoracayNewcoastin Boracay Island (150 hectares) and Twin Lakes near Tagaytay (1,200 hectares) of Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), a subsidiary of Megaworld; and SuntrustEcotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares) of Suntrust Properties, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Megaworld.

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EDGEDAVAO FOOD

The comfort of

FOOD

BY JON JOAQUIN PHOTOS BY RUDOLPH IAN ALAMA

AS A TAGALOG, one of the things I miss in Davao City is the food I grew up with in my native Malabon. Don’t get me wrong: I love the food here in Davao. When people ask me what “Davao food” is, I always tell them it’s the unpretentious kind.

Food here is so fresh that the best way to serve it simply to grill it or soak it in vinegar. No need to labor over a hot stove for hours.

But much as I love Davao food, my soul also yearns for the fare that I used to enjoy when I was still living in Manila. Stuff like pansit Malabon, sinigang sa bayabas, dinuguan, tokwa’t baboy, bopis, menudo, kakanin, and much more. These are the kinds of food that require a lot of preparation in the kitchen, but the result is a wonderful melody of tastes and textures that bring back memories of a happy childhood.

It used to be that I could only get a taste of my comfort food when I go home to Malabon, but

Sinigang na ulo ng salmon.

Inside FCF.

now there’s a new restaurant that serves the kind of food I am familiar with. I had known about the place for several months because our good friend Cathy Binag, a fellow Tagalog who also owns The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge, kept teasing my wife and me about opening a restaurant serving “comfort food.” But the opening kept getting pushed back for one reason or another, until finally two weeks ago Filipino Comfort Food (FCF) opened its doors at the Damosa Complex in Lanang. And it was well worth the

wait.

We had a taste of FCF’s initial offerings along with other reporters, and what a feast it was.

There was sinigang na ulo ng salmon, crispy chicken skin, kalderetang baka, pochero, Cathy’s famous adobo, and a whole lot more. The favorite in our end of the table was the kilawing hipon, a twist on the popular kinilaw, this one using fresh shrimp instead of tuna or malasugue.

We also loved the sizzling tenga at balut, which is Cathy’s take on the popular sisig.

But what I really dying to try was the sinigang sa bayabas, a dish that is often spurned by most Dabawenyos who seem to find it strange to make sinigang out of guava. Back in Malabon this is the all-time favorite ulam, and each time I go home I make sure my mother cooks it. Most Tagalogs like their sinigang sa bayabas with pork or bangus, but Cathy again puts a twist by using beef. The result is a heavenly dish that I literally couldn’t get enough of (I think I finished a whole serving).

For dessert, we had durian and guava sorbet, but these were not your usual icy sherbet. Cathy says she blast freezes the fresh durian and guava and then processes it to make the sorbet. The result is a creamy dessert with none of the ice crystals that characterize most other sorbets.

But the dessert highlight for me was the minatamis na saging (banana in syrup), again a Tagalog favorite that doesn’t see much light of day here in Davao. It’s just what its name says, banana cooked in syrup, and Cathy adds some langka to

Cathy Binag’s famous adobo.

Owner Cathy Binag shows off a dish.

Minatamis na saging. complement the flavor. To complete its Tagalog-ness, we poured some evaporated milk into the mix.

In summer back home we would add crushed ice to this wonderful dessert.

Cathy promises to add more comfort food to the menu,and I’m waiting for the time I can sink my teeth into proper kakanin again. Coming

back again ad again to FCF to try the new additions won’t mess up your budget because its menu is for sharing. So while the price hovers around the P200-P300 range, the portions are huge and can be shared with family or friends. Thank you, Cathy, for bringing the flavors of home to Davao. My soul is indeed comforted.

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FOOD

FOODIEHAVEN Pepper’sIbericaResto FOR SOMEONE who craves for movement and variety in life, it’s no wonder that even the minutest jerk excites me. Don’t take that literally though as I just want to make a point. That in life, go ahead and explore. Make any day a reason to celebrate. Make every day a reason to indulge.

Pepper’s Iberica Resto is one such delicious movement that should excite you to celebrate and indulge under one roof. It’s a Davao gastonomic hub that will have you hungry even when you are not. At Pepper’s Iberica, you’d love that it’s not intimidating and of course, guaranteed to make you smile from ear to ear.

The resto is very welcoming as too their crew and owners. You’d surely feel right at home.

Their menu is another story.

Not only do they have delicious dishes to keep you warm any time of any day but more so, their dishes are rich in history.

Hand me down recipes perfected through time and cooked just for you is what Pepper’s Iberica is all about. It’s not just food – it’s a food affair.

Let me take you on a gastronomic tour with Pepper’s Iberica Resto’s best dishes. Well, some of them. Enjoy and you can thank me later. To my fellow media royalties, foodies and bloggers, see you again.

Cheers and again thank you to the owners, Allen and Chiqui Aportadera and Aj Dumlao.

Their Relyenong Bangus is a definite must try! It’s packed and meaty that you’ll forget you are eating fish. With or without rice,

you’ll enjoy this. Super thumbs up!

Crispy Bangus with Tomato and Salted Egg is a fresh take on our usual fried bangus dish. Yes, it’s crispy fried but with the addition of sliced tomato and salted egg, it creates a new level of taste that will have you craving for more.

Their Beef and Mushroom is something you’d want to start your meal with. It’s rustic, tender and very flavorful. Make sure to fork everything in one go – you’ll seriously love the play of flavours on your palate.

Not only is their Seafood Paella packed but it too is rich in history.

As foretold by one of the owners, Chiqui, the recipe was handed down to her and is now considered a delicious heirloom that everyone loves.

Their version of this dining star staple is delectably delicious.

Their Pinakbet is crunchy, savory and textured to the last bite.

Perfect for those who love fish, their Cream Dory with Cucumber Salad dish is something you’d love on any given day. The fish is rich and well-seasoned. The addition of cucumber and tomato on the side is just perfect.

Iberian Chicken,for the curious soul, is marinated whole chicken with herbs, spices and

oven baked in oilive oil with potatoes on the side. At Pepper’s Iberica Resto, you’d find yourself eating with your bare hands because of this. This is their ultimate best seller! And I concur.

Pepper’s Iberica Resto is located at Door 9 Asaje IV Bldg., Mabini Street, Davao City For orders and reservations, you may call them at 0922 391 2364 Operating Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit. Tag me on instagram @theroyalchefleebai for your delicious food finds!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Bring

ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas

to your home

Twinkle, twinkle Tree-topper star.

Ring- Around these fancy doughnut ornaments.

BRING the all joy, love and beauty of Christmas to your home with delightful ornaments and décor from SM Home.

Everything is sweetness and light this Christmas with these scrumptious cupcake ornaments.

There are stars, balls, reindeer, and snowmen that recall nostalgic Christmases at home; as well as creative touches that bring a modern spin to holiday decorating. There are confectionery- inspired ornaments that look good enough to eat – cupcakes, ice cream, donuts that seem fresh from the bakeshop; as well as peppermint and candy ornaments that show us the sweet side of Christmas.

Translucent ornaments are sculptural and artistic; while fancy frosted pieces will give your home a wintry look.

Perfect to hang on your trees or garlands, or a create a fancy tabletop, the collection is available at the SM Home Section of all SM Stores.

November 6 – 10, 2015

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood R13

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

SPECTRE Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes PG

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

EVERYDAY I LOVE YOU Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Gerald Anderson G

12:20 | 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

GOOSEBUMPS Halston Sage, Jack Black, Amy Ryan

Put in a Peppermint twist for a festive holiday.

Silver balls and cut out ornaments.

PG

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

A4 INdulge!

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EDGEDAVAO

11 HEALTH

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Much ado about salt Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

T is one of the ingredients in oral rehydration therapy which can save a child from diarrhea. It tastes like your tears. In search for it, man discovered kissing. And it is found in most Filipino food including the celebrated bagoong. Yes, you’re right, it’s salt.

Although salt is needed in our body, taking too much of it is bad for our health. “There is convincing data showing that people who eat salty food excessively have a shorter lifespan than those who eat salty food less,” wrote Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, the health columnist of Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Dr. Castillo cited the study done in Japan. “In the 1950s, the incidence of strokes in Japan reached alarming levels, prompting the government to take urgent action. The salt intake of the Japanese was very high then, and through a concerted multisectoral program which included a lot of public education, the Japanese reduced their salt intake by half. This reduced the average blood pressure of the population, and the rate of stroke was cut down by 80 percent. The average life span in Japan also increased significantly.”

Dr. Castillo believed that what the Japanese did could also be done in the Philippines, more than 50,000 lives can be saved annually.

Sodium and chloride ions, the two major components of salt, are necessary for the survival of all living creatures, including human beings. It is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body. Scientist Claude Bernard made that discovery in the mid-1800s, and he realized the fluid must contain the right amounts of sodium, chloride, and potassium to allow our cells to grow, work, and survive.

One hundred years later,

researcher Homer Smith theorized that the cell-bathing fluid contains similar to the salty seas that bathed and nourished the earliest one-celled organisms.

Salt is so important that it has been mentioned in the Holy Bible several times. In the English translation of the King James Bible, there are forty-one verses which reference salt, the earliest being the story of Lot’s wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobediently looked back at the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:26). When King Abimelech destroyed the city of Shechem (Judges 9:45), he is said to have “sowed salt on it” – a phrase expressing the completeness of its ruin. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus referred to his followers as the “salt of the earth.”

Ancient Greeks found out that eating salty food affected basic body functions such as digestion and excretion. This led to salt being used medically. The healing methods of Hippocrates (460 BC) especially made frequent use of salt. Hippocrates mentions inhalation of steam from salt-water.

Today, people are taking salt more than they should have. The Geneva-based World Health Organization recommends that adults should only consume less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium or 5 grams of salt per day. “The average Filipino diet is nowhere near this level,” deplores Dr. Castillo. “It is around 12-15 grams per day.”

“Limiting salt may be a good idea,” the editors of Super Life, Super Health point out. “It could affect your blood pressure someday, and it may affect other parts of your body, like your bones. But don’t make a huge effort to cut back to less than the recommend-

ed limit unless you have high blood pressure.”

A study conducted in the United States of more than 2,000 people showed that older adults with salty diets may have an increased risk of suffering a stroke. The findings, which were published in the journal “Stroke,” said that those who got well above the recommended sodium intake were nearly three times as likely to suffer a stroke over 10 years as people who met guidelines recommended by the American Heart Association.

“High sodium intake was prevalent and associated with an increased risk of stroke independent of vascular risk factors,” wrote Hannah Gardener, a researcher at the University of Miami School of Medicine, who led the study.

Sure, you like your French fries covered with salt, but if have hemorrhoids, salt can make it worse. Excess salt retain fluids in the circulatory system that can cause bulging of the veins in the anus and elsewhere.

High salt intake can also trigger migraine in some people. Migraine is a throbbing headache, usually occurring on only one side of the head.

(A woman who had suffered with migraines for 16 years finally experienced relief when researchers from Denmark’s Odense University gave her 500 to 600 milligrams of powdered ginger whenever she felt a headache coming on.

Within 30 minutes, her migraine would be gone.)

In a study conducted at the Department of Community Medicine of St. Thomas Hospital in London, researchers discovered that salt could have a life-threatening effect on people with asthma. “A strong correlation was found between table salt purchases

and asthma mortality in both men and children,” reported the researchers. Buying the salt wasn’t killing people; eating it was.

Anyone who has passed a kidney stone can verify that this is an experience he never wants to repeat. Most stones are calcium-based, so it’s essential that you avoid excessive intake of table salt and condiments high in sodium. Salt restriction will help decrease the concentration of calcium in the urine. According to US National Kidney Foundation, you should reduce your sodium intake to two to three grams per day.

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) should avoid salt at all cost. “People don’t realize that food with high salt content can contribute to water retention,” says Dr. Susan Clark, medical director of PMS and Menopause Self-Help Center in Los Altos, California.

Most snack foods and other processed foods are high in salt – and some fast-food meals can be extremely high.

So, women with PMS should stay away from these foods.

Before buying packaged and processed foods, be sure to read the labels and whenever

possible, choose fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We usually recommend cutting down on salt used in cooking and to remove the salt shaker on the table,” Dr. Castillo noted. “But these sources only constitute 20 percent of the salt one usually takes in.

The bulk -- around 80 percent -- of the salt being consumed come from processed food and food we order in restaurants.”

For instance, some soups (and this includes instant noodle soups) contain more than 1,000 milligrams (mg) of sodium per cup. Pizza pies can have 400 mg to 1,200 mg per slice. So if one eats two slices, he or she has already exceeded the recommended daily sodium intake.

“We hope that the Philippine Food and Drug Administration,” Dr. Castillo urged, “will push through with its move to require all food manufacturers, restaurants and food outlets to put prominently on the label or on the menu the amount of sodium and other substances in the food products they manufacture or serve. This will enable the consumer to make an intelligent choice whether or not to buy their products.”

Health experts, however, warn that you should try to cut out salt from your diet completely. That would be dangerous! In fact, there are also good things about salt, health-wise.

For instance, if you are suffering from stuffy nose, why not try saline solution? Here’s how to do it: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a pint of water, and then use a nose dropper to drop it in your nose. Gently blow your nose on a tissue.

Having a gum pain? Try a warm saltwater rinse. “Take a few swigs of warm salt water and swish it between your teeth and gums,” advises Dr. Leslie Salkin, director of post-graduate periodontics at the Temple University of School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. “It has a general soothing effect. If you have an abscess, the salts will help draw it out and drain it.” He recommends one teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.

Salt can also be used as a first line of defense against sore throat. While gargling won’t kill off the germs causing sore throat, it will moisturize and temporarily soothe the upper throat. While there are many possible gargles on the market, salt water is as good as any, and it’s cheap.

EDGEDAVAO

12 ICT HUB

VOL. 8 ISSUE 164 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015

Globe pushes distribution of unused 700 Mhz band G LOBE Telecom believes the equitable distribution of the unused 700-megahertz frequency band currently held by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will help improve Internet speed in the country, and is one of the answers to the explosion of mobile data use.

“Part of the solution to the clamor for faster Inter-

net is the harmonization of the 700 Mhz frequency,” Globe General Legal Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said in a statement.

“Giving active and operating telecommunications companies access to this band will allow the industry to provide broadband and data services at faster speeds and in a more cost-efficient

manner,” he added.

Castelo said that as early as 2005, Globe already wrote the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) requesting for an allocation and assignment of frequencies within the 700 Mhz and 800 Mhz for its broadband wireless network, but NTC did not act favorably on its request.

Earlier, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) also pressed the NTC to auction off part of the 700 Mhz frequency band to industry players who actually have more subscribers than SMC. PLDT’s Regulatory Affairs head Atty. Ray Espinosa said the frequency is very important in terms of providing local networks

with the ability to attain much needed capacity and speed.

SMC holds 90 Mhz out of the total 100 Mhz on the 700 Mhz band. The company’s Wi-Tribe and High Frequency Telecommunications control 80 Mhz and 10 Mhz respectively, while New Century Telecommunications holds the other 10 Mhz.

Calypso partners with China Bank

C

OFWs can start own business with TackThis!, Smart Padala

O

VERSEAS Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong were treated to a weekend of business and entrepreneurial opportunities during the Smart Pinoy-Go Negoyso Caravan and Media Day, an event jointly organized and presented by GoNegosyo, SmartPinoy, PLDT Global, Smart eMoney, Inc., and Voyager Innovations.

The goal of the event was to inspire OFWs to think beyond just saving as they can put their money to smarter use as against simply keeping it passively in a bank account.

Among the opportunities and solutions showcased at the iconic Kennedy Center were online store creator TackThis! and remittance service Smart Padala.

TackThis! presents an attractive option for OFWs. Fueled by Voyager Innovations, the digital arm of Smart Com-

N

munications, Inc. (Smart) and PLDT, TackThis! is an online store creator that allows Filipino entrepreneurs to set up a fully functional online shop in just a matter of minutes.

TackThis! allows sellers to showcase products, manage store inventory and accept payments through a variety of providers. Advanced features include analytics, so sellers can have actionable data by which to generate more sales; marketing and promotions to entice customers to buy and buy more; and customer support to make it easier to facilitate interaction and address consumer concerns.

The TackThis! team shared best practices and tagumpay stories in the world of ecommerce. Such advice was especially well received when coming from Ginger Aganon, the co-owner of Xplo Adventure Shop and a former

OFW herself. While many people assume you need a physical store before opening an online one, Aganon did the opposite: She started selling viaTackThis! and then established several brick-and-mortar locations in Metro Manila as she became more and more successful with her online venture.

“What I wanted to convey to the OFWs is that I am no exception. Everyone in the room could achieve what I have achieved, if only they equip themselves with the right tools.

On this front, the highest recommendation I can possibly give is to TackThis!, which was not just a storefront creator, but an entire ecosystem that enabled me to be a successful technopreneur,” said Aganon.

Smart eMoney also presented the opportunity to start your own Smart Padala business to the OFWs. The ad-

vantage of setting up a Smart Padala upon their return to the Philippines, as opposed to another type of business, is the low barrier to entry. All you need to set up a Smart Padala is the requisite government license, an electronic wallet, a small brick-and-mortar location, and only a minimum of 5,000 pesos.

“We want our OFWs to move beyond thinking of themselves as OFWs. When they re-establish themselves back home, we want them committed to becoming entrepreneurs. While it would be nice if they chose to set up a Smart Padala, our goal is really to just get them to see themselves for what they are: leaders with the vision to see a sacrifice through,” said Joshua Jerald Deomano, manager for domestic business at Smart eMoney who spoke at the event.

day alone.

Discounted and exclusive cellphone models from top brands such as Alcatel, Lenovo, ASUS and Cherry Mobile were the day’s bestsellers. Lazada also sold over 4,500 packs of disposable diapers, a clear indication that Filipino parents are embracing the convenience of online shopping. Hundreds of early Christmas shoppers were able to snap up this season’s hottest toy, the hoverboard or 2-wheeled scooter for as low as P7,999.

As projected, Lazada exceeded its online sales records

with a 6x increase in sales over its October average – the best uptake among all the countries in Southeast Asia where Lazada operates. The site registered 2.4 million visits and orders came from all over the country. 70% of total orders came from areas outside of the National Capital Region.

This year’s Online Revolution Sale broke new ground for Lazada as 60% of its orders came from shoppers using mobile devices. The Lazada mobile app was downloaded over 3x more on November 11 compared its

average downloads during October. The app was ranked as the overall #1 app on the Apple App Store, ahead of Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. It continues to be the number one shopping app on both App Store and Google Play Store.

The big sale on Lazada continues and will culminate in a Grand Christmas Sale on Dec. 10 – 12. On top of deals and discounts, Lazada is also raffling off Cebu Pacific airline tickets to international destinations weekly and a brand new Hyundai Eon in the grand draw.

Nov 11 online sale draws biggest crowd

OVEMBER 11 has become the largest online shopping day in the world. For Lazada Philippines, the country’s leading one-stop shopping and selling destination, 11/11 marked the start of its highly anticipated Online Revolution Sale and the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

Lazada sent online shoppers into a frenzy starting midnight of November 11 with customers purchasing 120,000 items across different product categories. Over 5,000 units of smartphones were sold on that

Liberty Telecoms Holding Inc., SMC’s holding firm for Wi-Tribe, was actually placed under corporate rehabilitation and debt restructuring in 2005. This was after it suspended its operations due to financial difficulties and lack of capital required to operate. Liberty reported a net loss of P432.95 million in the first semester of 2015.

ALYPSO Technology, Inc., the standard for treasury and capital markets software, has signed its first client agreement in the Philippines, furthering its rapid 2015 expansion in Asia Pacific.

The onboarding of China Banking Corporation (China Bank), one of the top banks in the country, follows similar successes in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea during the last several months.

By upgrading its treasury system with the Calypso frontto-back trade processing solution, China Bank has reduced its dependence on custom development and the operational risks associated with manual operations.

“At the core of our decision was Calypso’s dedication to understanding our unique business needs,” said Antonio Espedido Jr., Executive Vice President & Head of the Financial Capital Markets & Investment Segment at China Bank. “Calypso’s modern technology is highly scalable and will support our business direction and allow us to achieve our aggressive growth targets in the future. Together with its local partner Kris FinSoftware, I am confident that Calypso can bring industry best practices to China Bank

while retaining our local feel and expertise.”

“Collaborating with one of the leading banks in the Philippines in addressing their current issues is such an honor. We look forward to partnering with more banks locally as Calypso and Kris FinSoft continue the efforts to help banks’ treasury businesses,” said Sherrizah Lubigan, Business Development Manager at Kris FinSoftware, Inc. “It’s always exciting for us to solve the local challenges of banks in a new country, and the core of this project is a software solution that can help the entire region,” said Mark Bell, Regional Manager at Calypso. “We are excited about more banks in the Philippines joining us, and bolstering our commitment to expand our services for the region.”

Calypso Technology continues to make significant investments in the Calypso software product with over 50% of its staff dedicated to research and development.

Calypso is a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Trading Platforms, and the #1 selling Treasury and Capital Markets Solution for the sixth year running in the 2015 IBS Sales League Table.

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 24983 under LOYOLA PLAN Contract No.(s) 837457-1 issued to ROBERTO T. LIM was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

11/14/21/28

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Christmas delight at SM Lanang Premier Tippy Dos Santos, Hello Kitty make your holidays special

S

AY hello to the merriest time of the year as Mindanao’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination – SM Lanang Premier – presents a Christmas musical and other fun treats for kids and the whole family.

On Sunday, November 15, 6 pm, be captivated by the Sounds of Joy, a Christmas musical featuring singer, actress and Myx Vj Tippy Dos Santos as she belts out tunes we all love to listen to this season.

NEWS 13

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Monica Balibay and the Davao Girls Choir will also be performing renditions of timeless Christmas carols at the said event. Completing the ensemble is the Davao Jazz Symphony, which will serenade shoppers with their own brand of beautiful holiday music.

Feel the Yuletide spirit when you take a photo with the whole family at the mall’s elegant 58-ft. Christmas tree, adorned with lilac-hued ornaments and thousands of lights, or at the lovely Hello Kitty Street at the Atrium.

From November 12-15, shop for yourself an early Christmas gift. Enjoy the Pay-

day Weekend Specials at SM Lanang Premier. Get up to 50% off on select items from fashion apparel to services at participating tenants mallwide.

Meet and greet with the world’s well-loved Sanrio chacters – Hello Kitty, Kerokerokeroppi, My Melody, Badtz-Maru, and Purin – on November 14 and 15, and December 19, at 2pm and 4pm at the Atrium. Cuddle up with them for free when you spend a minimum purchase of P500 worth of Hello Kitty merchandise.

For event updates, visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“Compared to Luzon, Mindanao has slower economic growth with wide regional variation and slower structural transformation,” he said, adding that Mindanao’s gross domestic product is only half of Luzon.

Chua said preliminary result of the study revealed that uneven development has given rise to three distinct but interconnected faces in Mindanao, namely: the large agrarian society, small but fast growing urbanizing society and sizable conflict-affected area cause by Muslim insurgent groups, New People’s Army, other armed

groups like Abu Sayyaf and loca and community-level conflict like the Rido.

He said the report that will be undertaken by WB in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) will conduct more consultative meeting and focus group discussion in Mindanao in the next few weeks.

The conduct of the study commenced last January ans will be presented to the new government by July 2016 and will be dessiminated through dialogues from August to December next year.

WB-Phl... FROM 5

Camella... FROM 5

however, puts it on a higher scale.

As a large-scale development, Camella Davao has the most diverse package, from bigger high-end homes to the affordable stylish and functional homes. Known for helping Filipinos acquire their dream homes, Camella has made its home prices within easy reach to a wider market.

“With the Yuletide season just around the corner, now is the best time to get the home you have been dreaming of in Camella Davao. As early as this month, we are giving

away huge discounts and special packages for our buyers,” said Dela Pena.

Discounts offered this November range from P50,000 to P75,000. On top of that, Camella is also giving away gift certificates from P1,000 up to P5,000 for each reservation, including special gift packages for homebuyers.

Camella is a subsidiary of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, which has built over 350,000 homes for Filipinos in almost four decades of creating masterplanned communities across the nation.

support to the various development programs of the Provincial Government bent at boosting the socio-economic development of the province, particularly on the emerging eco-tourism development in their areas that holds the promise of further local economic improvement.

Gracing the turnover ceremony are Board Member Niño Uy and First District Representative Nelson L. Dayanghirang.

For his part, Rep. Dayanghirang lauded the efforts of the

Provincial Government under the leadership of Gov. Malanyaon. Complementing the governor’s eco-tourism projects, Dayanghirang reported the nearing completion of the road networks linking Davao Oriental towns to the boundary of the neighboring Compostela Valley Province. He also vowed that he will continue to back the thrusts of the present administration and will continue to pour support to the typhoon Pablo-affected towns. (By KLD/PIO DavOr)

also meet in Manila the new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting next week.

The Government of Canada noted that the Philippines is an important trade partner for Canada with the country’s large market and fast economic growth. (PNA)

DavOr... FROM 5

Phl... FROM 5

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Davao takes on Maxxis 4x4 Cup

EDGEDAVAO Sports

15

EXTREME OFFROAD N

OW on its 2nd year, the Maxxis 4x4 Cup Extreme Off Road Challenge continues to gather some of the best off road enthusiasts in Davao, and all over the country.

The highly anticipated series of legs which started in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte in February, held its 8th leg at the MAA Off-Road Track, Diversion Road, Davao City and 9th leg at Power, Brgy. Tres de Mayo, Digos City. A total of 37 drivers participated in the two legs with each driver going through humps, mud and rock, and sharp turns while battling the grueling heat and even darkness as the race extended to early evening. Maxxis 4x4 Cup Extreme Off Road Challenge rounds up with back to back legs in Tarlac on November 7 to 8 and 14 to 15; Dumaguete in November 29 to 30, then culminates in Cebu on December 12 to 13.

Maxxis 4x4 Cup: Extreme Off Road Challenge 8th Leg winners were Kapampangan Racing Team’s Edison Dungca in third place and Waig Adventure Team’s Reynan Jayme in second place. Claiming the title of Maxxis 4x4 Cup: Extreme Off Road Challenge Davao Champion was 4Wheelers Davao’s Michael Cerin. The 9th leg saw 4Wheelers Davao’s Jiggy Rodriguez as Champion while 4Wheelers Davao’s Michael Cerin bags second place and Waig Adventure Team’s Reynan Jayme in third place.

The winners received a set of Maxxis Creepy Crawler Tires, trophies, RaceTech Suspension coils and Toptul Professional tools.

North Trend Marketing Corpo-

ration President Ronald Ang shares, “Maxxis 4x4 Cup: Extreme Off Road Challenge is a showcase of the durability and reliability of Maxxis Tires. Our other objective is to be at the forefront of 4x4 competitions by making it accessible to drivers and enthusiasts. This series gets better every year with track design changes and new locations, upping the ante for everyone.” Maxxis has been a stout sponsor of 4x4 competitions worldwide including Maxxis Ultra 4 Europe, Maxxis Tyres King of Portugal and Maxxis Tyres King of Wales.

Aside from 4x4 tires, Maxxis offers products for all types of vehicles from SUVs and motorcycles, to industrial vehicles and trailers. With its commitment to offer the best tires, Maxxis products are tested at the Maxxis Proving Ground – a state of the art tire testing facility which tests tire performance at high speeds, braking, dry and wet handling, among others. It has distribution in approximately 170 countries and operations in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

In the Philippines, North Trend Marketing Corporation a Cebu-based company with satellites, and warehouses in Davao, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Tacloban, Iloilo and regional office in Manila is the exclusive importer and distributor of Maxxis.

Maxxis 4x4 Cup : Extreme Off Road Challenge is presented by Maxxis Tires, organized by NasFor and powered by Mobil, 199 Off Road House, Race Tech Suspension and Toptul Professional Tools. Learn more at www.northtrend.com and fb.com/maxxistiresph.

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