Edge Davao 8 Issue 169

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

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STRICT SEARCH. A member of Sta. Ana Police Station inspects the bags and other belongings of public utility van (PUV) passengers at a van terminal along J.P. Laurel Avenue yesterday.

Davao City has been placed on heightened alert after an improvised explosive device exploded inside a PUV the other day. Lean Daval Jr.

TF UV EXPRESS

Sports No suspect yet in van blast, DCPO EDGE DAVAO Crucial forms Task Force to probe explosion volley tiffs

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has formed a task force to probe the explosion inside a public utility van on Wednesday morning.

DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente D Danao Jr. issued the order on the afternoon of November

18 creating Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “UV Express” to investigate the bombing incident and find out the motive behind it.

Composed of eight person, the SITG is composed of eight persons headed by Danao as the commander and DCPO Investigation and Detective

Management Branch (IDMB) head Superintendent Francis Donal Brillantes as assistant commander.

The members of the team are Police Regional Office 11-Regional Crime Laboratory Office (PRO 11-RCLO) chief Senior Superintendent Noemi Austero, Criminal Investi-

gation and Detection Group (CIDG) 11-Anti-Cybercrime chief Superintendent Crisle T. Cainong, CIDG-Davao City representative Chief Inspector Johanna May Lagundi, DCPO-Intelligence Unit chief Superintendent Jed Clamor, Talomo Police Station commander

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in PSL Grand Prix P14

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

Davao airport security tightened after van explosion

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ANTI-APEC. A progressive group member dramatizes the call against the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) during the regional anti-APEC mobilization rally at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ECURITY measures at the F. Bangoy International Airport have been tightened after an explosion inside a commercial van occurred along Ecowest Drive fronting Ecoland 4000 Residences around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

In a text message to MindaNews, Chief Insp. Eugene Balugo, chief of the F. Bangoy International Airport’s Police Station and PNP Aviation Security Unit 11, said that airport security has already been stepped up even before the incident took place due to the week-long APEC Leaders’ Summit in Manila.

“We are monitoring more often areas within our perimeter,” he said.

He said more than 40 security personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 11, Task Force Davao, Civil Aviation Authority of the

Philippines (CAAP), and Sasa Police Station are ensuring security at the airport and the safety of the passengers.

The explosion along the Ecowest Drive involved a commercial Toyota Hi-Ace van from Pikit, North Cotabato driven by German Daag.

His aide, Tatat Besañez, was injured when they left the SM van terminal as they headed towards the Times Beach area to eat breakfast.

The aide was immediately brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) where he received medical treatment after sustaining minor injuries.

A staff of the van terminal, who refused to be named for lack of authority to speak on the incident, told reporters that there were two passengers who disembarked just

HE Davao City Business Bureau is monitoring illegal van terminals in the city that are still operating despite a warning from Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum, Business Bureau head lawyer Lawrence Bantiding said his office is coordinating with City Traffic and Management Office (CTTMO) to inspect all van terminals.

“Our monitoring is ongoing an in fact we coordinate with CTTMO for the inspections,” he said.

Bantiding said the Business Bureau and the CTTMO will look into the alleged van terminals in Mini Forest, Quezon Boulevard.

“Amoa pud na silang tanawon kay sa nakita namo murag ga-park lang man tong mga vans sa gilid sa kalsada (We will look on that because as what I have seen, the vans are just parked by the road),”

he said.

He said the Business Bureau has closed down three illegal van terminals just outside the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

In his television program “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” last Sunday, Duterte gave a warning to operators of illegal van terminals after learning that the CTTMO was still receiving reports of “colorum” vehicles still plying the streets and that some bus terminals operate without a franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The mayor said some of the illegal terminals can be found along F. Torres Street, Rizal Street, the area along Quezon Boulevard, Sta. Ana Avenue, the Panacan area, and the area fronting Victoria Plaza. (Armando B. Fenequito Jr. with reports from MindaNews)

CTO notes decrease T in RPT delinquency

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) has reported a decrease in the real property tax (RPT) delinquency after a series of data cleansing this year.

Speaking in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum, CTO head Rodrigo Riola said his office has now recorded P1.1 billion in RPT collectibles, down from P1.7 billion last year.

“As what I have said during the last session, those are captured data from the system which are still subject for cleaning,” he said.

Riola said the cleansing of

the data errors is not an overnight process and takes a long time to complete.

He said as of August this year when his office asked the City Assessor’s Office for the list, the RPT delinquency collectibles was P1.5 billion.

“Nagababa siya kay tungod nalimpyohan na namo siya (It decreased because we have cleansed it already),” he said.

Riola also said the P1.7 billion in collectible was not the exact amount because there were some double entry accounts.

“So, mao na among gina-

30-minute power interruption on Nov. 22

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O facilitate the re-energization of Ponciano Substation, Davao Light and Power Co. will conduct a 30-minute power interruption on November 22, Sunday, anytime between 12:01 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.. This will affect customers connected to selected feeders in Ponciano, Ecoland, Sta. Ana and Bajada Substations.

The load of the said substation was temporarily transferred to nearby lines last Nov. 10 to facilitate upgrading works.

Now that the necessary works were completed, the loads will now be transferred back to its original set-up.

Customers affected by these power interruptions are those in some parts of downtown area particularly in Ponciano, Rizal, C.M. Recto, Boulevard, Quirino, Marfori and Bankerohan. This also includes

SIR Sandawa and Ecoland Subdivision.

Also affected are those along J.P. Laurel Avenue that is from El Bajada Hotel up to Redemptorist Church. This includes areas of Dona Vicenta, Bacaca and El Rio. Customers along diversion road from Buhangin Underpass up to Maa proper including Yniguez Subdivision, Woodridge, Monteritz, Jade Valley, Crocodile Park, Langub and Magtuod will also experience this service disruption.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of this scheduled power interruption. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

limpyuhan (That what we cleansed),” he said.

Riola said aside from the double entries, the CTO also tagged some property owners in the city as “hard accounts” or owners who will not pay the property taxes because the property is not in their possession anymore.

He said as of the moment, the collectible amount from hard accounts total to P267milllion.

He cited an example in the Bucana area which is owned by a prominent family. He said the family will not pay the tax since the property is overrun

by informal settlers.

Riola said his office is asking Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and the City Council to help collect the tax delinquencies.

Riola said he has already asked the City Legal Office to study the matter for appropriate legal actions.

In February 2014, Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte hit the CTO for the big amount of RPT delinquencies in the city.

Paolo said if the CTO will not work seriously on tax collection, the Council will act according to law for the imposition of applicable penalties for dereliction of duty.

RECYCLE. City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) head Engr. Elisa Madrazo (rightmost), assistant city administrator lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo (second from right), Consul Tomoko Dodo (third from right)

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Business Bureau monitoring illegal van terminal operations

of Japan and myclimate Japan analyst Shigeto Mizumoto give updates on a project to use used cooking oil as bio-diesel fuel. The four were guests in yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

P100K reward offered for NorCot blast suspects

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OVERNOR Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza bared on Tuesday that a P100,000 reward has been raised for the arrest of the mastermind behind the grenade blasts in this municipality over the weekend.

“We have revived the Task Force Kabacan to strengthen choke points in the area. We offer incentives to those who can give information to the identity of the perpetrators or mastermind,” the governor said.

Mendoza said Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman pledged half of the reward money, saying the local government is leading the

investigation to determine the mastermind behind the blasts that left five persons injured evening of November 15.

The following night, still unidentified men lobbed a grenade at the parking area of a gasoline station, wherein one person was injured.

Mendoza said that the provincial government is presently conducting refresher training course for Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members in different towns to better equip them in their job of securing and maintaining peace and order.

As this developed, Senior Supt. Alex Tagum,

Cotabato Provincial Police Office (CPPO) chief, said they already strengthened security in this bustling town, which also hosts the University of Southern Mindanao.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, CPPO spokesperson, said the reactivation of Task Force Kabacan will help ensure safety of the local folks.

Apart from the local police, the task force is composed of augmentation personnel from the CPPO and from different police stations in the province.

Following the blasts, Tayong believes that the

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YAAAWWWN. A young participant yawns while listening to the program during the city-wide teen congress at the Davao Recreation Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NEWS 3

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

Bill bans renaming of roads

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DOUBLE CHECK. San Pedro Police Station operatives check motorcycle drivers’ licenses and certificates of registration along Quimpo Boulevard as part of the heightened security measures due to the bombing of a public utility van (PUV) on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

LAWMAKER has filed a bill seeking to prohibit the renaming of roads named after Filipinos who made a huge impact on Philippine history.

Buhay Partylist Rep. Jose L. Atienza Jr. said House Bill 5999 aims to protect the importance of history of Filipinos on society, and to keep them remembered for future generations.

In pushing for the passage of the bill, Atienza noted the “perceived practice of the members of the House of Representatives to rename roads to thank benefactors and recognize family members.”

“There have been roads named after Filipinos who have contributed much to Philippine history and culture that

PHL, Aussie inks TVET partnership

Tuburan Institute holds first ‘Into the Forest Nature Camps’ T

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

BOUT 60 children and adults are expected to join the first “Into the Forest Nature Camps” by the Tuburan Institute Inc. on November 22 and 28 in Tugbok District, Davao City.

“The monthly camps are inclusive and non-competitive,” Tuburan Institute, Inc.

administrator Maya Flaminda Javellana Vandenbroeck said during the I-Speak Media Forum at City Hall yesterday.

Tuburan Institute Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit, Steiner-inspired school in Davao City.

Vandenbroeck said the camp will allow participant

aged 5 years old and above to “expand their creativity, cultivate curiosity, independence, and cooperation.”

“The camp uses storytelling to introduce and scene from one activity to the next,” she said. “Participants get to practice their speed, strength, creativity, problem solving,

balance, flexibility, and memory.”

Vandenbroeck said participants of the camp will also get to work their senses in new ways to build trust and cooperation.

“The Bush Craft activities draw out their patience and

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have been changed without a second thought,” he said.

This will no longer be allowed once his bill is passed into law, he said.

The bill mandates the State to recognize Filipinos who have contributed to the country’s culture and development and to keep their memory enshrined for future generations.

To ensure this, the bill provides that no road already named after a Filipino who has contributed to Philippine culture and history can be renamed.

Any person, whether natural or juridical, who initiates, causes or approves the renaming of a road shall be held liable under the proposed act, the bill provides. (PNA)

HE Philippines, through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Australia sealed a partnership agreement to strengthen and broaden cooperation and mutual assistance in technical vocational education and training (TVET) in their respective countries.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting

which Manila is hosting from Nov. 18 to 19.

At the end of the bilateral meeting, President Aquino said, “We likewise welcome the finalization of the Philippines-Australia Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This will allow us to share knowledge, information, and best practices with each other, particularly in areas of mutual interest, and collabo-

ural-born Filipino citizen.

“Whether or not the cliffhanger 5-4 decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal that Senator Grace Poe is a natural-born Filipino citizen is appealed to the Supreme Court and regardless of the SC’s decision on this issue, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)

has no other recourse but to dismiss all disqualification cases against Poe that involve her citizenship,” said Atty. Romulo Macalintal in a statement.

He noted that the ruling only showed that the independent presidential aspirant in next year’s polls did not “de-

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Comelec should dismiss all DQ cases vs. Poe: Lawyer A N election lawyer has said that the disqualification cases filed against Senator Grace Poe involving her citizenship should be dismissed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in light of the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) declaring the lawmaker as a nat-

DATA CLEANSING. City treasurer Rodrigo Riola gestures as he says real property tax (RPT) delinquencies this year decreased after a series of data cleansing made by

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the City Trouser’s Office (CTO). Riola graced yesterday’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

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6 ECONOMY CULTURE & ARTS 7 Phl, Taiwan ink fisheries HISTORY OF DAVAO Davao City as model law enforcement accord VOL. 8 ISSUE 166 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2015

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

Maglana in defenseIof Sabah

for new Japanese tech

By ANTONIO FIGUEROA

N a bid to effectively reduce fisheries disputes between the Philippines and Taiwan within their overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the West Philippine Sea, the ritory. The Davao congressman regards any act orhas statement extwo countries recently continued: pressing or implying, directly or concluded the Agreement “All this talk about general indirectly, anytherecognition Concerning Facilitationof ofa ‘elections’ in Malaysia… is all a foreign state’son sovereignty over Cooperation Law Enforcemock and simulated suffrage to- Sabah, a Philippine territory. ment in Fisheries. fool the entire world that MalayIn part, the circular provides pact was signed in sia is not a colonial aggrupation that The “No department, agency, or especially that it is surrounded Taipei by Antonio I. Basilio of led by the former country of Ma- instrumentality of the Philippine the Manila Economic withorbigger bodies of water laya Federation of Malaya as Government shall makeand anyCulact tural Office (MECO) in Taiwan that arehead not nation. just source of live- or puppet ” statement expressing or imand Gary Song-huann Linany of lihood but also sanctuary of plying, directly or indirectly, the Taipei Economic andstate’s Culdifferent marine animals.

Unchanged recognition of a foreign tural Office over in theNorth Philippines Forty Borneo Dodo years said later, just the likeissue in sovereignty last November 5. about remained un- (Sabah) or non-recognition of Davao, Sabah the dumping of used Following thehistorical signing, and the changed.

On August 20, 2008, title or cooking oil into canals and Philippine two rights sides to convened during theused Arroyo the same.”the first drainages to beadministrathe same legal tion, Malacañang issued Mem- Technical In 2013,Working after the bloody Group FCircular DAVAO162 CITY, 11 confrontation orandum entitled between meeting the same day. the Ma“Guidelines on Matters Pertain- laysian and heirs to Sabah Theforcesagreement was ing to North Borneo (SABAH)” sultanate ended, the reached mainly to government protect the to government departments as considered the of territorights andbringing interests Taiwanese fishermen operating legally. and 16 and 17.

It resulted from negotiaClients will be catered until 10 p.m. on the last day of re- tions in the aftermath of the tragic incident involving the newal on January 20.

Bantiding said the busi- Philippine Coast Guard patrol ness owners can still renew boat Maritime Control Surveiltheir permits even beyond lance 3001 and Taiwan fishing January 20, but they will pay boat Guang Da Xing No. 28 in 25 percent penalty from their May 2013 -- which led to the death of Taiwanese fisherman gross sales tax.

Hung Shih-cheng -- and is Among the basic requiremeant to prevent any further ments of business permit re- such incidents. newal are previous business The incident occurred in permit, notarized list of all em- the high seas, within the overployees, barangay clearance, lapping EEZs of the neighborFire Safety Inspection Certif- ing countries. icate (FISC), and available fiPart of the agreement calls nancial statement. CHENEEN R. for the implementation of two Rep. Constancio B. Maglana and the Sultan Kiram II of Sulu (from CAPON mechanisms -- awww.mb.com.ph) one-hour ad-

Study on conversion of used cooking oil into biodiesel nearing completion O N September 19, 2015, Sultan Esmail Kiram II, the reigning sovereign of the Sultanate of Sulu and North

By CHENEEN R.26, CAPON Borneo since October 2013, crc@edgedavao.net at age 76, died due to kidney failure in Zamboanga City. He sucgovernment ceededHE hisJapanese elder brother, the late set to make SultanisJamalul KiramDavao III, to the the city later for the biothrone,model and was replaced diesel fuel (BDF) produced by the crown prince, Rajamuda from used cooking oil.75, as the Datu Phugdal Kiram, nextOnce sultanimplemented, in “strict adherence Davao to law and of succeswillthe become theorder first one to use sion. the ”technology in the PhilipNorth originalpines and Borneo the firstwas in Asia outly known as Sabah, a territory side of Japan. ceded by the sultan of Borneo to the sultanate of Sulu for helping the former’s kingdom against European threat, specifically the Dutch aggression, in 1704.

Under thethan 1960 UN GenerORE 30,000 busial Assembly Resolution 1541 ness establishments (XV), Principle 9 of the Annex, are the expected to renew which set referendum in their business permit in next North Borneo and Sarawak as year’sand One-Stop-Shop renewal “free without coercion, ” the of Mayor’sthat Permit starting from territory rightfully belongs January 3 to January 20 inright two to the Philippines, by legal and title, was ‘given’ to Malaysia. different venues.

Three years later, from on Junea “We intended to start 7-13, 1963, in order to we resolve Sunday to ensure that will the issuesto affecting Sabah be able give ourthe business claim, Manila was ownersthe ample timeAccord to renew signed on July 31, 1963 by Matheir Mayor’s Permits, ”Business laysia, Indonesia and the PhilipBureau chief Lawrence pines, and this includedBantida joint ing said inby yesterday’s statement all three I-Speak parties. media forum. the negotiation, Throughout Bantiding said between the two ventension was high the successor (Malaysia) ues where state business owners and can the claimant country for (Philiprenew their permits next

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pines).

‘Sabah is Philippines’ Least known among the Filipino figures that staunchly defended the Sabah case was Davao Oriental congressman “The technology has who not Constancio B. Maglana yet replicated in any places in stood in the House of Representhe world.

If implemented, it tatives on March 27, 1968 to would be the firstspeech outside Jadeliver a privilege titled pan,” Japanese consul “Sabah is Philippines. ” and diRep. speechDodo was rector forMaglana’s Davao Tomoko made both the Senate and said while in Thursday’s regular the House of Representatives I-Speak forum. wereTheconducting project is aa full-scale partnerinquiry into thethe “Corregidor inship between city governcident” (the debunked Jabidah massacre), the wick Malaysia used in accusing the Philippines before the United Nations for “committing inimical acts to their interests”. result, Filipiyear are locatedAsinaSangguniang nos were persecuted, prompting Panlunsod (SP) building and in the Davao lawmaker to lambaste the Kadayawan Hall of NCCC Malaysia: Mall“[O]ur of Davao in Matina. nationals in Sabah The Business Bureautowill are now being subjected inbe implementing different dignities.

They are arrested for weekly schedule alleged violationsfor of each theirvenimmigration laws by considering ue. themForasthose transient clientsnewcomers in both the when they and themselves admit SP building NCCC Mall, the that these compatriots of bureau will be catering itsours clihave been8:00 long-time ents from a.m. to residents 5:00 p.m of Sabah. Reports had been reonly during ceived in thisweekends.

Chamber that our However, bureau will nationals, whenthe arrested by [the be operating are fromquarantined 8:00 a.m.

Malaysians], in the untilallowed 7:30 p.m. in darkmorning places and to on the on firstvery weeklittle which willand be thrive food treated like ordinary criminals. from January 4 to 8 in SP and That is the way our are will be extended upnationals to 9:00 p.m.

treated. While in our country, when their nationals violate our laws, yes, we apprehend them, but we treat them decently. We feed them, clothe them, and house them in proper places as much as we could.”

ment of Davao, Japanese gov-

ernmentthe through Upping ante Japanese International AgenThe rowCooperative between the Philipcy (JICA) and private partners escapines and Malaysia further like Biodiesel year Japan and lated the the following following an allegation MyClimate Japan.in the editorial of Sabah theCity country DodoTimes said that Davao has wasstart channeling funds for cookindeto converting used pendent candidates in of Sabah. ing oil into BDF instead disMaglanaitdidtonot allow this vitriol posing bodies of water, pass without retort by hurling his blunt commentary, saying: “Malaysia is again resorting to psychological warfare. This time it has become presumptuous use the Philippines as a the tofollowing week starting tool in making the world believe from January 11 to 15. that there is some form of deOn January 18 and 19,colothe mocracy in that oppressed personnel the business bunial state byof putting words in our reau willconveying be catering to 9:00 mouths theupmeaning p.m. and midnight on that thereupistoan12opposition in the last The day which is on January Sabah. accusation is most welcomed because it gives us the 20. opportunity to announce the Meanwhile, clients towho world there is notheir such busithing resort that of renewing as an permits opposition Sabah, neither ness at Ithe NCCC Mall in or Sarawak, the of Brunei Davao should be inhence the area administration, even if it is the fromthing 8:00ita.m. to 7:30 p.m.will on last will do on earth, the first week. not waste one centavo for an opThe that following position does notweek, exist.” the business will be extendThis bureau statement came just ing itdays operation p.m. few beforeuntil the 7:30 UN-sponsored electoral was from January 4 toexercise 8; and until conducted in the contested 9:00 p.m from January 11 toter15

30K biz establishments set to renew permits

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vance notification to the other party and the release of detained vessels and crew within three days.

Under the agreement, before law enforcement action is rial claim of the aSultanate Sulu taken against fishing of vessel over Sabah before an internafrom the other party believed tional forillegally resolution. to be tribunal operating in the Despite claiming territorioverlapping EEZs, a one-hour al rights over Sabah, Malaysia, advance notification will be as a result of the lease of Sabah given toonthe fisheries coast signed January 22, and 1878, beguard agencies, as well as tween the sultan of Sulu and the the representative officeCompany of the British North Borneo other party. represented by Baron Gustavos vessel isand found to von IfdetheOverbeck Alfred have Malaysia violatedcontinues the lawto and Dent, pay subsequently detained, will to this day a token annualit rent be5,300 released within threetodays of ringgit (P77,000) the after posting reasonable sultanate of Sulu as “cessionbond fee.” or other payment As a security, footnote, or Rep. Maglana, it mustwith be the remembered, consistent law of the authored Republic Act 5747, arresting party. signed on June President 21, 1969, which Taiwan Ma created theproclaimed town of Banaybanay, Ying-jeou that the Davao Oriental. agreement upholds the spirit and principles of the South China Sea Peace Initiative, which calls for shelving disputes, pursuing peace and reciprocity, and promoting joint exploration and development of resources.

The accord and exchange of notes will be announced after both sides have completed their respective domestic administrative procedures.

In the meantime, the two countries have agreed to continue to hold consultations between their respective Foreign Affairs offices, Fisheries agencies and Coast Guards through the cooperation mechanism established under the said accord. (PNA)

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE EXTENSION OF THE TENDER OFFER FOR SHARES OF

DAVAO DOCTORS HOSPITAL (CLINICA HILARIO), INC. Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI”) (formerly Neptune Stroika Holdings, Inc.), hereby announces that its offer to acquire the remaining 587,154 common shares of Davao Doctors Hospital (Clinica Hilario), Inc. (“DDH”) which comprise approximately 65.18% of the total outstanding shares of DDH, is extended from its original deadline of 5:00 p.m. of November 19, 2015 to 5:00 pm of December 19, 2015. The Securities and Exchange Commission approved MPHHI’s request for extension of the Tender Offer Period in its letter dated November 6, 2015, and received by MPHHI on November 13, 2015

Except for the extension of the deadline of the Tender Offer and the corresponding adjustment of the start of the Settlement Date as indicated above, all the other terms and conditions of the Tender Offer as published remain unchanged.

The offer period is extended to give DDH shareholders more time to consider the offer and clarify some terms, and prepare the necessary documentary requirements.

Each stockholder of DDH is advised to read the full terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and SEC Form 19-1. Inquiries and requests for assistance and copies of SEC Form 19-1 may be directed to the Tender Offer Agent, whose address and telephone numbers are indicated above.

For more information and for inquiries regarding the tender you may contact the Tender Offer Agent as follows:

Atty. Dominador Maphilindo O. Carrillo SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices The Penthouse, 17/F, Landco Corporate Centre J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City 8000 Telephone No. : (6382) 221-3917 Correspondingly, the start of the Settlement Date Email Address : dmocarrillo@syciplaw.com will also be moved to December 21, 2015.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

7 ENVIRONMENT Philippine eagle in a cage

Dr. Roberto Puentespina

Philippine birds

facing extinction

It’s TIME to CHANGE THE GAME. Your ads come to life with vivid, clear, crisp colors.

Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an aweful copy on a badly printed space.

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO (Last of Three Parts)

“W

E are a high-biodiversity country, that some of our unique bird species have been part of our natural heritage. If they disappear, part of us will actually disappear along with them,” Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, the director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau, a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, told Manila Bulletin last year.

But don’t worry; there are people who are trying to save the Philippine birds from vanishing in this part of the world.

You need to meet Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puentespina Jr., one of those who dedicated his life in saving the birds.

On November 10, 1995, he was busy working at his veterinary clinic in Davao City when he received a phone call from a government official in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, that a wild caught Philippine eagle was delivered to the municipality by a farmer who claimed he saw the bird on the forest floor.

It had a broken leg from snare trapping.

Upon hearing the news, Dr. Bo immediately decided to go. Three people accompanied him: Edison Dayos and Lito Cereno, the animal tech-

nician and education officer, respectively of the Philippine Eagle Foundation; and Rene Lumawag, a photojournalist who documented the trip.

Tandag is about 400 kilometers east of Mindanao.

Going to the place by vehicle would entail long time travel – more than a day. Fortunately, the Philippine Air Force had air assets based in Davao airport. “When the plane or helicopters are not being used, we can request them for our rescue missions. I think I went on 3 rescue flights and those birds we rescued have all survived,” Dr. Bo recalls.

When the group arrived, Dr. Bo immediately went to the covered gym court located at the town proper where the female juvenile eagle was confined. He saw the eagle tied on one leg, with wings drooping (a sign of stress), soiled feathers, some flies around, but still alert and responsive. Generally, birds don’t show themselves as weak unless they’re about to die.

After explaining the observations of the physical exam and prognosis with some government officials and community elders, he wrapped the eagle with a clean blanket, covered the eyes with a hood, and cradled the bird in his arms.

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Dennis Salvador

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8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

APEC-ted

HIS week must go down our modern history as the craziest week ever.

This happened all because of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) where heads of states are in the country for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from November 18 to 19 in Manila. This is the biggest gathering among heads of state since the country first hosted the APEC Summit in 1996.

To make this happen, the government had to make some drastic measures to ensure the guests enjoy their stay in Manila.

School holidays were declared on November 17 to 20, and special non-working holidays in Metro Manila on November 18 and 19. The government has also enforced a ban in most activities in and around Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay, such as fishing, sailing, swimming, and walking. Rerouting schemes were implemented freeing up major streets from traffic. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)

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Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

were placed on red alert status during the five-day event. The Philippine Army, Air Force, and Navy deployed their land, air, and sea assets at several undisclosed positions within Metro Manila.

Wifi connectivity, notoriously the slowest in Southeast Asia, has also been boosted to ‘impress’ the delegates, and even the homeless and the street urchins were ‘detained temporarily’ to get rid of what may seem like eyesores.

In short, we threw our best foot forward for our short-staying VIP guests. That’s typical Filipino hospitality. It is, by far, the best there could ever be.

While our guests enjoyed the hassle-free Manila for a week, the ordinary Filipino citizen will perhaps not get even close to that. Not even for a single day. As soon as our APEC guests have left, we will be back to normal—congested traffic, homeless children and old people lying on cold pavement, and snailpaced wifi connection.

Which one is the real Philippines then?

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

9

Unforgiven no more “Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.” ― Gerald G. Jampolsky, author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear

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***

HIS happened during the American Revolution. General George Washington, who would later become the first US president, had a good friend who was a minister (let’s just call him Patrick). Unknown to the general, Patrick had an enemy named Robert (that’s not his real though) who did everything he could to abuse and oppose him.

After some years, Robert was arrested for treason and sentenced to death. When Patrick heard of it, he walked almost 50 kilometers to the capital to plead for the man’s life. But Washington said, “No, I cannot grant you the life of your friend.”

“Who said that man is my friend?” Robert asked. “He is the bitterest enemy I have.”

Washington was completely surprised.

“You mean you have to walk almost 50 kilometers to save the life of an enemy?” he said.

“That puts the matter in a different light. I hereby grant his pardon.”

“Always forgive, but never forget, else you will be a prisoner of your own hatred, and doomed to repeat your mistakes forever,” wrote Wil Zeus in Sun Beyond the Clouds.

Bree Despain, in The Dark Divine, penned: “We don’t forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it -- because we need it.”

Corrie Ten Boom once said: “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resent-

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you to know that many of them are not true.

Now, what can I do for you?”

“Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something,” wrote Criss Jami in Salomé: In Every Inch In Every Mile, “forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.”

“People have to forgive,” points out C. JoyBell C, a noted author. “We don’t have to like them, we don’t have to be friends with them, we don’t have to send them hearts in text messages, but we have to forgive them, to overlook, to forget. Because if we don’t we are tying rocks to our feet, too much for our wings to carry!”

During the Civil War in the United States, Abraham Lincoln had occasion at an official reception to refer to the Southerners rather as erring human beings than as foes to be exterminated.

An elderly lady, a fiery patriot, rebuked him for speaking kindly of his enemies when he ought to be thinking of destroy them.

“Why, madam,” Lincoln told her, “do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

Lance Morrow, author of The Chief: A Memoir of Fathers and Sons, reminded: ““Not to forgive is to be imprisoned by the past, by old grievances that do not permit life to proceed with new business. Not to forgive is to yield oneself to another’s control... to be locked into a sequence of act and response, of outrage and revenge, tit for tat, escalating always. The present is endlessly overwhelmed and devoured by the past. Forgiveness frees the forgiver. It extracts the forgiver from someone else’s nightmare.”

Here’s what Wm. Paul Young, in The Shack, wrote: “Forgiveness is not about for-

getting. It is about letting go of another person’s throat. Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established.

“Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive,” Young further wrote. “But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.

“Forgiveness does not excuse anything.

You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely.”

Jesus Christ is “the ultimate symbol of forgiveness,” to quote the words of bestselling author Laurie Beth Jones. In Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership, she wrote: “Forgiveness is like oil in an engine. It keeps the wheels moving. Forgiveness is like gravity… invisible in its power yet profound in its effects.”

According to Ms. Jones, Jesus “kept on believing in his staff. He kept on giving them chances. He had a true sense of ‘try, try again.’

He always gave people another chance.”

Remember Peter, who pledged eternal faithfulness to Jesus and yet he denied Him three times? “It must have been difficult for Jesus to forgive, yet he appeared to Peter and forgave him, asking him to show his love now by ‘feeding his sheep.’”

Miriam, Wonder Woman in the flesh

IME flies so quickly that without our knowing it, the 2016 presidential election is just less than 180 days

away.

By this time, many voters must have somehow made up their minds as to who their presidential bet is.

As for me, the name Miriam Santiago will be on my ballot. She’s my gal. She’s Wonder Woman in the flesh.

Here’s why. Our country needs strongwilled, firm, fearless, no-nonsense President.

Miriam is that kind of leader. She’s brainy. She has more brains than all her rivals combined. She’s transparent and forthright. She has the vision for moving our country forward. She can give the right direction to achieve the much-needed social and economic reforms that will improve the standard of living of our people.

We need a leader; - With guts, not grace,

ment and the THINK ON THESE! handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”

This statement, which came from Clippings Henrylito D. Tacio from My Note- henrytacio@gmail.com book, reminded me of one of the anecdotes contained in 1000 Stories You Can Use by Frank Mihalic. It goes this way: During the Vatican Council, the Time magazine reporter, Bob Piser, had been very hard in his criticism of Cardinal Ottaviani, whom he regarded as the arch-enemy of progressive Catholicism. He became Bob’s scapegoat for anything archaic and old-fashioned in the Church.

Just before the second session of the Council, Bob got to Rome a week early and wanted to have an interview with Ottaviani.

So he announced himself and stated his wish, and the American Monsignor who was Ottaviani’s secretary told him, “The nerve of you asking for an interview after all the nasty things you have written about the Cardinal.

But, okay, I’ll go through the motions and ask, but you know what you can expect…”

He asked, and the Cardinal said in Italian, “Call him in.”

So Bob Piser was ushered into the tapestry-hung waiting room. In came Ottaviani, shook hands with Bob, and the Monsignor translated his words, “Mr. Piser you have written many things about me. I just wanted

- W h o doesn’t vacillate - Who is visible when crises erupt, - W h o g o e s where the action is, - Who doesn’t disappear for several days at the height of a crisis, - Who is not afraid to own mistakes and apologize for wrong decisions or lapses in propriety, - Who is quick to respond to crisis, - Who doesn’t blame others for his shortcomings.

Miriam Santiago is all of the above.

-oooOooo-

Our country has had 16 presidents since attaining independent status in 1898 – 14 male, two female: Emilio Aguinaldo, Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Jose Laurel, Manuel Roxas; Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand Marcos; Corazon Aquino, Fedil Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III.

All of the above Presidents failed to: - Improve the lot of the common man, - Improve the economy of the country, - Contain rising prices of prime commodities, - Raise wages of ordinary workers, - Provide decent housing for the poor, - Provide effective long-term solu-

tions to contain corruption, unemployment, illegal gambling, illegal logging, kidnapping, carnapping, illegal drug-pushing, illegal recruitment of workers.

Under the combined tenures of the above Presidents, the Philippines still lags behind countries that have been ravaged by wars – Vietnam and Korea – that not only bounced bank from total devastation but have attained remarkable economic prosperity, surpassing the Philippines.

We have to admit that six years are too short a time for a president, no matter how capable, to solve the decades-old problems. But a leader must know how to use the limited time on his hand blaze a clear trail towards the future.

It may help us to bear in mind that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step” Miriam Santiago made the first step when she filed her COC.

EDGEDAVAO

10 ICT HUB

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

Startup Weekend Davao set Nov 20-22

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TARTUP Weekend Davao (SWD) 2015 returns this November 20 to 22 at the PLDT-Smart Business Center in Davao City to bring together and empower the local startup scene.

“Startup Weekend is a 54hour event that aims to bring together local technopreneurs, developers, designers and business professionals to come together to share their ideas, form teams, build products and launch startup companies,” said Dulce Rose Lada, Global Facilitator at Startup Weekend Davao and COO at TechTalks.ph.

Now in its fourth year, SW Davao will gather around 100 participants to host an environment that will bring together skilled and creative people together to tackle local problems through the use of technology.

“Startups can help solve problems such as social inequality, financial literacy and healthcare provisions,” said Angel Abella, Vice President of Startup Davao.

SWD 2015 will also highlight the role of startups in boosting the Philippine economy.

“The Philippine startup

ecosystem is still in its infancy, however, by 2020 the aim is to achieve at least 500 Philippine startups with a cumulative valuation of $2 Billion,” Abella said while citing the Philippine Roadmap for Digital Startups.

According to industry estimates, as of 2015, there are around 100 startups with $40 M in funding, 250 founders and 1,700 highly-skilled jobs created.

According to Lada, past Startup Weekends have taught past participants about the local and global startup industry and gave insights on

what Filipino businesses need to compete internationally.

“Most especially, the event encouraged participants to build their own startups and, from there, build a synergetic community of startup movers and shakers,” she added.

The winning ideas from local SW events will then be joining the Global Startup Battle (GSB). The top three teams in each city will compete in two regional rounds. Two regional winners from six regions will then face off against other teams to become the GSB Champ.

Winning teams move into

an online video pitch competition for a chance to win prizes designed to help their startup idea succeed.

The panel of judges are Joey Limjap, Vice President & Head of ICT Research and Development of PLDT; Ernie Tomas Jr.,Chief of the Investment Promotions Division of the Mindanao Development Authority; Eric Clark Su, CEO and Co-founder at Lifebit; John Naranjo, CEO & Founder at Ingenuity; Rica Villanueva-Gadi, Managing Director at New Options Worldwide Outsourcing Services.

Mentors for the event

are: Timmy de Jesus, Country Manager for the Philippines at JFDI.Asia - Joyful Frog Digital Incubator; Eddie Ybañez, CEO and Co-Founder at MiCab; Gilmar Padua, CEO at Infinityhub.com; Eliza Kirsten, President, Creative Director & Owner of Illumedia; Glorypearl Dy, CEO & Founder at SwitoTwins, Inc.; Marvin Te, Creative Director at Plainly Simple Studios; Franch Maverick Arellano Lorilla, COO and Co-Founder, Heat Stress Analyzer by CloudFarm; and Jan Rey Altivo, CEO and Co-Founder, Heat Stress Analyzer by CloudFarm.

AirAsia launches all-new mobile app

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IRASIA, the world’s best low cost airline for seven consecutive years, launched its all-new mobile application offering innovative new features, smoother functionality and an improved interface to provide guests with an enhanced and seamless flying experience with AirAsia.

AirAsia’s mobile app is nominated as the ‘World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline App’ at the upcoming World Travel Awards. This en-

hanced version is now available in 11 languages and it can be downloaded from the respective app stores of both iOS and Android devices.

Siegtraund Teh, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia said, “We are constantly investing in technology and innovation to make flying easier and more enjoyable for our guests. Our all-new mobile app offers our guests everything they need right at their fingertips. There has been over

9 million downloads of the AirAsia mobile app on both iOS and Android platforms, and we hope that more people will discover the convenience of our new and improved mobile app.”

Among the new features of the AirAsia mobile app are the ‘Add to Calendar’ feature, which automatically links upcoming flights to the calendar; faster and simpler flight booking process, as well as improved mobile check-in and Manage My Booking experience where

guests can include various add-ons to their flight bookings easily.

Apart from that, guests can also now check flight status, obtain e-boarding pass (available for selected airports and flights), as well as view ongoing hotel deals conveniently through the new mobile app.

The 11 languages available for the mobile app are English, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Traditional Chinese (Taiwan & Hong Kong), Simplified Chi-

nese (China), Thai, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Arabic.

AirAsia first introduced the mobile app back in 2010 and was among the first airline in the region to develop its own app. AirAsia has always been at the forefront of many other successfully implemented technological advances in the region such as internet booking, self-check-in via web, kiosks and mobile, self-tagging service as well as self-bag drop.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Mr. Neil Rumbaoa, VP-Marketing of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp, lights up the Christmas Tree of Park Inn by Radisson Davao. With him Mr. Pavan Kakar, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao delivers during the lighting ceremony are the children from House of Hope, Mr. Ludwig Federigan, VP for Business Operations of WWF and Mr. Pavan his opening message.

Kakar, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

Park Inn welcomes the holiday season

YOU KNOW the holiday season is here when the malls in Durianburg turn bright and cheery with massive Christmas tree displays.

Not wanting to be left out in the season of sharing, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, whose holiday tree and guest areas are decked in green, gold and red accents, welcomed the Christmas season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony where the children of House of Hope cancer ward for children were the guests of honour to share the blessings of hope and good tidings.

General Manager Pavan Kakar, thanked everybody for the support they extended to the hotel throughout the year.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to meet everyone who has contributed to our business and success, to share with you our heartfelt gratitude for your support and blessings. This is also

a chance for us to get together and welcome the brightest and most celebrated time of the year. We’re delighted to have you all with us tonight.”

Aside from dedicating the Christmas Tree lighting to the children of House of Hope, Park Inn by Radisson Davao partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness on the environment and how to protect it.

“This day is also special for us as we use the opportunity to launch our partnership with “World Wildlife Fund (WWF)”, said Mr. Kakar. Earlier in the day a photo exhibition was inaugurated which will be in the hotel lobby for the next two weeks. The senior officials from WWF were there in per-

The very talented Himig Singers sang Christmas Carols for everyone.

Corporate clients, media, in-house guests VIPs and affiliates within the SM group of companies posed with the little VIPs from House of Hope. son to celebrate this occasion. of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, and Mr. Roberto Alabado, ReThe inauguration was done in Mr. Antonio Dela Cruz, Presi- gional Director of Department the presence of Hon. Abdul- dent of Davao City Chamber of of Tourism, Region XI. lah Zawawi Tahir of Ministry Commerce and Industry, Inc

Davao City Tourism Officer Ms. Lisette Marques, Chief Tourism Operations Officer Eden David and Regional Director for Department of Tourism XI Mr. Ruben Bangayan, Japanese consul for Davao Tomoko Dodo, Mr. Art Millan, Mr. Roberto Alabado.

Ronnie Go and company .

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

TNT subscribers in Davao welcome Internet.org COM MU NICATION is important to Filipino families. This is underscored by technologies and innovations that become increasingly accessible to households like those in Barangay San Miguel, Agdao in Davao City who mainly use Facebook to keep in touch with their loved ones.

In a recent barangay event held

by Talk ‘N Text, residents were taught how to utilize free Internet access. Pelagio “Nonoy” Basilonia, 60, a government worker, shared that he uses Facebook to constantly communicate with his relatives who live abroad.

“They live in Australia and the US,” he said when asked about where the other members of his family—like his four children who already have families—are located. “No matter how far we are from each other, we still have to keep in touch.”

Basilonia also likes how he’s able to find job opportunities in the TESDA website, and to read news in Interaksyon, Rappler and Inquirer using his phone.

All these websites and more can be accessed for free! Thanks to a global partnership by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) through its value-brand Talk ‘N Text (TNT), with Facebook-led initiative Internet.org.

Internet.org envisions a connected world by bringing basic Internet access and services to communities who have yet to experience the potential of online tools that can improve daily life.

Through Internet.org, mil-

lions of TNT subscribers in the country can gain access information on current events, sports, entertainment, finance, health, education, weather, and job opportunities.

Eva Lucena, 48, another resident of Barangay San Miguel, also shared that browsing Facebook feeds after her daily housework has become her daily routine. She likes the convenience of being able to see updates from her siblings and friends from Cotabato, General Santos, Manila, and Koronadal, which is her hometown. When she moved to Davao in 1989, Lucena said that she always keeps in touch with her friends even when they’re away. “My phone makes it easy for me to feel that I’m still close to them,” she said.

When she was introduced

to Internet.org that day, she expressed her glee because she will be able use Facebook and Facebook Messenger for free! But more importantly, she’s happy because her four children can use Internet.org for their education.

“The Internet is very useful for them especially when they

have homework and researches to do,” she said. To her, Internet access in smartphones is made simpler and user-friendly. “I don’t have to go to the Internet cafe to browse the web.”

Lucena, who is a manicurist, said that she also enjoys showbiz and entertainment news, which she can read via PEP.ph

and news websites that can be accessed for free via Internet.org.

Health and home tips and remedies like Baby Center & MAMA and UNICEF Facts for Life are also available via Internet.org.

Emely Georpe, 34, is another mother who values communication as much as information access using her mobile phone.

Since she moved to Davao from Butuan in 2004, Georpe said that she always sends Facebook messages to her relatives in Manila and in Dubai. “I am always happy to hear from them when I send them messages,” she said.

WikiHow and Wikipedia are also very useful for her three children when it comes to helping them study for school. The potential of basic Internet access to empower communities is highlighted by the growing number of websites that are currently housed under Internet. org.

With TNT and Internet.org, more and more people are now able to make informed decisions to “win in life”. Currently, over 4.5 million Filipinos use Internet.org.

TNT’s Panalo Ang May Alam parties, which takes form in road shows that will tour the country, will be bringing the good news of free Internet access to cities, one barangay after the next.

Additional information how to use Internet.org can be found at www.talkntext.com.ph/internetorg or by texting INTERNET to 9999. Smart and Sun Cellular subscribers all over the country can also access the Internet.org app and mobile site for free.

GMA Network and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. strengthen brand alliance GMA Network and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI) renewed their longstanding brand alliance through a contract signing held last November 16 at the GMA Network Center.

The expanded partnership opens new doors for the two companies as it provides GMA access to properties under SMLEI, including its various lifestyle and entertainment venues. As in previous years, SMLEI will also continue to utilize GMA’s cinematic rendition of the Philippine National Anthem in all its cinemas nationwide.

Present at the contract signing

were GMA First Vice President for Program Support Regie C. Bautista, GMA EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA President and

COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., SMLEI President Edgar C. Tejerero, and SMLEI AVP for Corporate Marketing Marianne D. Canteras.

Want to be an Astronaut or a Fairy Tale Princess? Get a FREE blanket and pillowcase set for a minimum 3,000 single receipt purchase on regular priced items from the Children’s and Infants’ Wear Departments of The SM Store on November 16-30, 2015. Hurry, collect all designs now!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Derrick Monasterio, other Kapuso stars support #NowPH campaign sustain life in the near future. This is something Derrick does not want to happen, noting, “There’s no other place we should live in. It’s only the Philippines.”

He also invited, “Ipadinig natin ang boses natin sa buong mundo.”

Derrick is among the

KAPUSO hunk Derrick Monasterio seems to have the perfect remedy to the worsening traffic condition in the metro. More so, the Kapuso actor has a concrete plan in his attempt to minimize the effects of climate change as part of his contribution for the #NowPH campaign.

many celebrities who put their influence into good use as they join the #NowPH movement against climate change.

Alden Richards, Julie Anne San Jose and Janine Gutierrez have previously expressed their commitment via the same campaign.

Derrick has chosen to walk, bike or carpool to help lessen air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

He is aware that with the present rate and condition of climate change, the Earth may not be able to support and

Tommy and Miho brings kilig to ‘It’s Showtime’

BAD WEATHER did not stop Tommy Esguerra, “PBB 737’s” Adult 2nd Big Placer, in serenading and showing his love for Miho Nishida, the Adult Big Winner of “PBB 737,” last Saturday (Nov 14) in “It’s Showtime.”

Tommy sang the OPM hit “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok” that brought smiles both from Miho and from their avid fans who rushed to the “PBB” house despite the heavy rains.

Aside from the tandem of “ToMiho,” the teen stars and also past housemates of “PBB 737” Bailey May and

Ylona Garcia joined the kilig fest in their musical skit with Vice Ganda and Jay-R. The celebration continued as three families battled it out in “It’s Showtime’s” Christmas caroling showdown “Karoling Galing,” where Garcia family from Laguna was hailed as winner and won P50,000.

Talented gays also showed what they got in the weekly finals of “Todo BiGAY.” The groups EMU Cheerdancers, who wowed the madlang people with their death-defying stunts, and Alab Poi Dancers, who

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impressed the studio audience with their use of laser lights in their performance, were declared winners and won P50,000 each.

Meanwhile, the “It’s Showtime” hosts offered a prayer for the victims of Paris terrorist attacks and for Japan’s safety after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the nation. At least 150 bodies were confirmed dead in the tragedy in Paris while no major damage happened in Japan after being hit by the earthquake, according to reports from w w w. a bs- cb nn ew s . com.

Don’t miss the fun and good vibes in “It’s Showtime,” Mondays to Saturdays in ABS-CBN. For more information, follow “It’s Showtime” on Facebook and Twitter (@ItsShowtimena).

November 18 – 24, 2015

WANG FAM Pokwang, Benjie Paras PG

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY 2 3D Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG

1:00 | 3:45 | 6:30 | 9:15 LFS

SPECTRE/ *THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY 2 PG/*PG

Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz/ *Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson 11:45 | 2:30 LFS / *5:20 | 8:00 LFS

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY 2 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG

11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - 21, 2015

STYLE

The Voyage Collection from The Body Shop THE BODY SHOP invites you to let your sense travel the globe with its Voyage Collection. Infused with fine natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe, these are inspired by nature and created by experts who pour in their memories and inspiration into drop.

Take a scent-sational journey with fragrances that transport you on a scented journey: Japanese Cherry Blossoms, Indian Night Jasmine Atlas Mountain roses, and Italian Summer Fig. These are all crafted with the finest Community Fair Trade alcohol.

All fragrances contain 100% organic essences and globally sourced natural extracts. The fragrances contain 100% Community Fair Trade alcohol made from sugar cane obtained from the CADO co-operative in the Cotopaxi province of Ecuador.

The fragrances can be worn alone or combined to create a truly individual scent.

The Voyage Collection is available at all The Body Shop stores.

The Body Shop now accepts SM Advantage Card for points earning and redemption, SM and Sodexo premium pass in all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

INDIAN NIGHT JASMINE Jasmine originates from India, where it has been used for centuries to produce some of the most valuable oils around the world. At night, they exhale their headiest scent and we capture this aroma in our pure extract by hand-picking blossoms before the first rays of daylight.

ATLAS MOUNTAIN ROSE For generations, Moroccan Berbers have steam-distilled roses in their traditional perfumery to obtain world-renowned rose oil. Just like them, The Body Shop handharvest half-bloomed roses at dawn to capture their fresh, dewy scent.

JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM. Cherry blossoms are adored in Japan for their faint scent and fleeting beauty. The Body Shop hand-picks thousands of them during hanami season, cold pressing the cherry blossoms to extract their pure essence and create LEFT: Take a scent-sational journey around the world with The Body our sweet, delicate Shop’s Voyage Collection. The Body Shop’s figs are emblematic of fragrance. the Italian coast. Hand-selected them there, where the sun-baked soils produce them in abundance and with a juicy scent that fills the warm air in summer.

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Philippine... FROM 7

They again boarded the Philippine Air Force Islander aircraft and went back to Davao City.

Once he got back to the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center at Malagos, Calinan, Dr. Bo performed the necessary tests like X-ray, blood and microbiology samples collection.

He put a splint on the broken leg and gave the bird some admission drugs and food. For the next five days, he monitored the health status of the bird.

After three weeks, the eagle was on its way to full recovery.

These days, Dr. Bo is very much displeased with the current status of the birds in the country. This was the reason why he turned 3-hectare of the 40-hectare resort in Malagos which his family owns into a bird sanctuary.

Because of his passion for birds, people bring to him their injured pets or wild birds. He then decides what’s best for them once they are in better health. “We release birds that can be released after rehabilitation, especially raptors like owls, serpent eagles, kites, and crows,” he says.

“Rescue and rehab activities are a team effort, and we have released at least 50 individuals of different species.”

If there are birds that cannot be released due to broken wings or leg or blindness, he pairs them for conservation breeding program. “The Palawan peacock pheasants, nicobar pigeons, Mount Apo lorikeets, Mindanao tarictic hornbills, Eclectus parrots, umbrella cockatoos, sea eagles, and Scops owls are some examples of successful breeding from rehabilitated birds we have kept for conservation breeding,” Dr. Bo says.

His last option for other birds is to use them in the bird show he conducts at the resort as part of his education efforts. “The number of birds I have adopted after rehabilitation has grown – from raptors to parrots to jungle fowls,” he says.

These days, what gives him instant happiness are seeing those birds he has rescued through the years alive and flying. But he will feel even happier seeing those birds thriving in the wild. “Maybe not now, but perhaps in the near future, or my children’s future” he says.

A sanctuary for Philippine eagles The Philippine Eagle Conservation Center is perhaps one of the most sophisticated sanctuaries for the Philippine birdicon. But not too many Filipinos know that the eagle camp – as it was then known – was first built at barangay Baracatan in Toril.

Dennis Salvador, who is now the center’s executive director, was then in-charge with the eagles’ foods. “Every week, I had to go down to the town and purchased native chickens and goats,” he says. “I loaded them up to the roof of the public jeepney then riding along with them all the way

to Baracatan. But the jeepney terminal was about two kilometers away from the camp so I had to carry the chickens on my back while pulling the goats.”

Since insurgency was at its peak then, they were often isolated and left alone as neighbors would go to evacuation centers. “At night, we would dread hearing the dogs barking because that meant that rebels were just around the corner,” he says.

Another pressure they had to face at that time was from a government agency.

“They were hot on our heels trying to their best to take the eagles from us and relocating the entire operation to a state university in Luzon,” Salvador shares. “In the end, they simply stopped funding the project.”

Media attention and support from the local government unit of Davao City kept the agency from taking the eagles “so they just left us on our own.” It was until a couple of howitzer shells that fell some 50 meters from its facility that they finally decided to leave Baracatan and move to Malagos.

In those days, there were only six of them in the technical team, including three from the government agency. When the said agency stopped funding the program in 1987, the three personnel also left.

Without any financial assistance, the group persisted.

“We were basically operating on nothing,” Salvador says.

“We had to sell some of our personal belongings just to feed the eagles. We waived our salaries for over a year. We solicited from local businesses to make ends meet. In addition, we had to work under adverse conditions as we were often caught in the middle of the crossfire between the military and the rebels operating in the Mt. Apo area.”

Despite all these setbacks, Salvador and his team continued. “Many of the technical problems we encountered from the beginning were resolved from constant experimentation, from trial and error, but always using the rigor of sound scientific research,” he says.

In 1992, Salvador became the executive director of the foundation. It was on this year that foundation was able to breed an eagle in captivity.

“The success of the birth of Pag-asa attracted biologists and other young graduates into the program. They were amazed to find out that what we were doing was not the way they were featured in the movies or television channels,” he says. “Working with eagles was hard, dangerous work.”

Salvador says with pride of what he and his team have accomplished through the years. “The success of captive breeding of the eagle Pag-asa brought the country’s attention to the plight of the species and was probably instrumental in turning the species into our national bird,” he points out.

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Chief Inspector Alfredo Santillana, and DCPO spokesperson Milgrace C. Driz.

In a text message, Driz said the team is looking into the extortion and personal grudge over illegal van terminalsas possible angles.

She earlier said the van driver, identified as Herman Daag, and the son of the van owner told her that some groups from Pikit, North Cotabato were extorting money from the owner.

Driz also said it is possible that the bomb was planted by people disgruntled by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s earlier order to dismantle all illegal terminals in the city.

The DCPO has not identified any suspects yet on the bombing as the investigating

team is still digging deeper into the incident.

The improvised explosive device went off inside a moving passenger van on Wednesday morning along Eco West Drive, Ecoland.

The white PUV bearing a plate number MVW 553 had unloaded passengers at the SM City Davao van terminal and was traversing the area when the bomb exploded from its rear section at around 9:45 a.m.

No one was killed in the blast but the van’s helper, identified as Tata Basañes, sustained minor injuries when he was hit by shrapnel in the nape.

Some cars parked in the area were also hit by the fragments of the IED.

grenade throwing incidents were not totally intended to harm civilians.

“If you look at the locations where [the blasts] happened, these were not crowded places. Unfortunately it happened that in the first incident, grenade shrapnel hit some civilians,” Tayong told MindaNews.

Like the second blast, which was on Sunday evening, Tayong said the suspects lobbed the grenade at the

parking area of a gasoline station.

As the police are still investigating the motive of these incidents, Tayong hinted that reports have been circulating in Kabacan that politics could be the motive behind the blasts.

Guzman, who will seek reelection in next year’s elections, is challenged by two other bets. Keith Bacongco/ MindaNews

perseverance as they make a raft, a gnome home, a mud fairy, a piece of jewelry from a branch, craft of bamboo into a knife, fork and sppon, build a shelter, purify water or make fire by fiction,” she added.

She said the Into the Forest Camps event is designed for all ages.

“Everyone is welcome – families, friends, and even companies that want a different team building experience and are open to make new friends,” she said.

Vandenbroeck said the event will be facilitated by 15 trained volunteers led by Isti Baker, a graduate of the

Michael Hall Steiner School, the oldest Steiner/ Waldorf school in England.

Vandenbroeck said the registration fee for participants aged 5 to 12 years old is P500, while those 13 years and above pay P650.

“Companies can also join at P750 to P1,000 per person,” she said. The costs are inclusive of a healthful organic lunch, snacks, and materials.

She said all proceeds and donations from the camps will be used to improve Tuburan’s learning environment and help spread its advocacy of holistic education.

liberately attempt to mislead the voters” regarding her citizenship.

“Now that the sole constitutional body, i.e., the SET, had declared her to be a natural-born Filipino citizen and considering the various opinions of known constitutionalists and legal experts that she is a natural-born Filipino, it could not be said that she made a ‘deliberate attempt to mislead the voters’ of her being a natural-born Filipino citizen,” Macalintal explained.

On the other hand, he said he is convinced that the issue on her residency should still be decided by the poll body.

He added that the years Poe resided in the country from May 2005, when she was still an American citizen, until she took her Oath of Allegiance in July 2006 to reacquire Phil-

ippine citizenship, “should be added to her “period of residency” in the Philippines.

“This is so because the SC ruled that “residency is not dependent on citizenship” in that “the loss of one does not necessarily result in the loss of the other.” Thus, counting her residence in the Philippines in 2005 when she was still an American citizen and the period of her residency since she took her Oath of Allegiance in July 2006 till the May 2016 elections, she has fully complied with the 10-year residency requirement to qualify as candidate for President of the Philippines as provided under the Constitution,” he added.

On Tuesday, the SET, voting 5-4, junked the petition questioning her citizenship when she ran for senator in the 2013-midterm polls. (PNA)

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NEWS 11 Davao City... FROM 6 problem for Japan.

But, with the conversion of used cooking oil, this helped the Japanese preserve their water systems.

Dodo said the disposal of 500 milliliter (ml) of used cooking oil would need 2.5 million ml of water to be completely washed up.

Aside from this, the conversion of used cooking oil into BDF is not only cheaper but also a more effective mechanism to conserve the deteriorating environment status here brought by the development.

The Japanese official said it would not only help the city conserve its environment and the health of its constituents, but also produces saving for the city government.

MyClimate Japan analyst Shigeto Mizumoto, contracted partner to conduct the feasibility study for the proposed project, said BDF is 50 percent cheaper compared to diesel at only P15 per liter “if it is given to the government for free just like in Japan”.

Mizumoto said used cooking oil can be donated and collected from households, major food establishments, restaurants and hotels.

Preliminary data from the initial study conducted by the MyClimate Japan in the city revealed that ambulant vendors of “kwek-kwek” uses an estimated of two liters per day that automatically went to drainages afterwards.

“Some throw it either to the canal or toilet,” Mizumoto said, adding this would build up and clog the city’s sewerages and drainages causing flooding.

The group intends to finish the feasibility study by March next year.

City assistant administrator lawyer Dwight Tristan Domingo, meanwhile, said that he’s been receiving reports that some major establishments here are selling their used cooking oil to vendors.

“This is already dangerous to the health of consumers because used cooking oil is considered toxic at a certain level,” Domingo said.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), he added, had initially

disseminated information and conduction education campaign to associations of hotels and restaurants here as well as in 13 barangays where the project will be piloted.

The project will be launched today in Matina Crossing after the barangay was able to present a proposal on how it can properly collect used oil from its household constituents.

“We’re targeting to collect at least 1,000 liters of used cooking oil daily to make the project feasible and sustainable,” Domingo said.

CENRO chief Elisa P. Madrazo said other pilot barangays here are Vicente Hizon, Sr. in Buhangin District, Catalunan Grande in Talomo, 3-A in Poblacion District, Mintal in Tugbok, Centro San Juan in Agdao, 19-B in Poblacion District, Sasa, Buhangin Proper, 76-A Bucana, Matina Aplaya 75-A, Talomo Proper, and Toril Proper.

If all things go well, the plant that would be utilized for the conversion of used cooking into a biodiesel fuel by April next year.

The city government is targeting to get the P4million worth BDF machine, a technology owned by the Biodiesel Japan. The produced BDF will be used to fuel garbage collector trucks.

Ninety percent of the used oil that enter the converting machine turns into BDF, only 10 percent are disposed in a form of water that is ready and safe to be disposed to canal unlike to other non-Japanese technology that converts used oil into fuel.

The Japanese government will be supporting the construction and operation of the BDF plant that will be located in the motor pool of the city government in Maa in two years.

“After that, it has to be sustainable,” Dodo said.

Dodo and Biodiesel Japan general manager Takeshi Kitahama believed that the project’s success would need more than just strong leadership but also cooperation from households.

“Let’s start thinking of the future,” Kitahama said.

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Anti-VAW campaign starts November 25

T

HE 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) kicks off on November 25 and will push until December 12 under the theme “End VAW Now! It’s Our Duty: Gains and Ways Forward.”

Director Priscilla N. Razon of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 said the special event is spearheaded by the Philippine Commission of Women (PCW) in collaboration with member agencies of the Inter-Agency Council on

Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACVAWC).

The event focuses on how far government agencies and other stakeholders have gone in terms of programs and projects that address VAWC, Razon said.

In advocating the national observance, all government agencies are enjoined to participate or conduct activities such as Orange Your Icon For 18 Days, hanging of streamer, Online Campaign Thread using official hashtag #endVAWph, inclusion of event and other

VAW IEC materials in agency publications, dissemination of VAW information materials, mobilization of MOVE (Men Oppose to Violence Everywhere) to lead in ending VAW, and active collaboration with local VAWC councils in mounting other advocacy activities to end VAWC. For more information on the campaign, Rica B. Alvis, PCW Information Resource Management Division can be reached at [02]735-8509 or 0917-845-4814 or through email: irmd@pcw.gov.ph and

website: www.pcw.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week is celebrated from November 15-21 with the theme “Let’s Develop Our Lives, Our Communities, Our Identities Without Drugs.”

This event aims to raise public awareness on the alarming issue of drug abuse as mandated under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and supports as well the National Anti-Drug Program of Action for 2015-2020. (DSWD)

outside the SM van terminal and two more got off in the terminal.

According to her, one of the passengers left a blue bag that reportedly contained the bomb. The aide tried to surrender the bag to the management for safekeeping but this was not allowed as a company policy, so the two brought the bag as they left the termi-

nal premises, she said.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Vicente T. Danao told reporters that they are not discounting the possibility of any terror attack since the APEC Leaders’ Summit is being held in Manila.

“The threat is always there,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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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

NEWS 13 PHL... FROM 4

rate on significant projects that will enable both the Australian and the Filipino peoples to take hold of their own destinies.”

Under the deal, both countries pledged to exchange information in areas of mutual interest, including: TVET systems; competency standards development; assessment and certification, particularly skills assessment for migration and occupational purposes; industry participation in TVET policy development; financing; labor market information; standards development; training delivery; assessment and certification; formal workbased training such as apprenticeship; research and development in TVET; and TVET systems reforms.

Both countries vowed to work together in the joint implementation of projects, including in the areas of strengthening and promoting apprenticeships as a pathway into employment and benchmarking occupational standards and qualifications in priority industry sectors such as agriculture, logistics, construction and mining.

TESDA will also work with its counterpart from Australia in technical assistance for TVET system development including establishment of qualification and quality assurance frameworks to underpin regu-

lation of training delivery and assessment; building industry skills linkages through partnership arrangements; and, capability building of TVET trainers and assessors.

The memorandum of understanding will also pave the way for the facilitation of links between the two governments and their industry organizations. It also envisions to have an exchange of staff through short-term placements in relevant government agencies or industry organizations.

“The agreement will provide a broader exchange across full spectrum of education and training expertise that both the Philippines and Australia have to offer,” Irene Isaac, TESDA Director General, said.

“It is a testament to the two countries’ commitment and regard for the human resource as the most valuable element in national development and growth,” Isaac added.

The deal mandates both countries to establish a joint working group to implement the collaborative activities and to prepare a yearly report on the projects involved in the agreement.

The agreement was signed

by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell. (PNA)

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12 bouts lined up in boxing show revival

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WELVE bouts will be featured in the inaugural promotion of the Blow by Blow Reloaded slated on November 28 at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City.

The promoters led by former Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol have reconstructed the pairings due to the non-availability of some fighters after the date was moved to give way to the schedule of TV host and producer Manny Pacquiao.

“They also want to put up a good show in their first promotion,” said Games and Amusements Board Southern Mindanao sports and games field officer John Kenneth Improso.

Pitted now in the main event is an 8-rounder between bantamweights Ryan Rey “Mr. Pogi” Ponteras (13-11-1, 6 KOs) and Bryan Capangpangan (8-21, 6KOs).

The 25-year old Ponteras, a native of Panabo City, is a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific flyweight champion.

Ponteras, formerly from the Brave Heart Stable, previously lost by a controversial split decision against Jelbirt Gomera last September 6 at the Labangal Gym in General Santos City.

“Pero comeback fight pa lang niya yun. Kaya medyo rusty pa siya pero matibay pa rin siya,” said Ponteras’ former trainer Bruce Lerio.

The 20-year old Capangpangan recently won by a unanimous decision against Jeffrey Jimenez last August 12 at Guban gym in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

He also earlier defeated former Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight champion Marjhun Tabamo by a unanimous decision last February 15 in Sibugay.

The undefeated Gomera (10-0-0, 6KOs), on the other hand, will face former WBO Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight champion Mark Anthony Geraldo (31-6-3, 14KOs) in the main supporting bout for 8 rounds and 118 lbs.

“This fight could end in the early round since both are sluggers,” said matchmaker Romy Fordeliza.

Geraldo, a native of Bukidnon, is a veteran of various championship fights. In his last outing, the 24-year old southpaw lost by a 12-round unanimous decision to Japanese Takuma Inoue for the vacant Orient Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight

title last July 6 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

He previously won by a UD against Efrain Perez of Mexico last July 19, 2014 at the Cotai Arena in Macao. He dethroned then-undefeated Jerwin Ancajas by a majority decision on March 17, 2012 to capture the WBO Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight title at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.

There will also be three other 8-rounders featuring Elvic Bicoy against Cebu’s Jhaleel

Payao (11-1-0, 6KOs) in 122 lbs., Ian Ligutan (6-1-2, 3KOs) versus Cebu’s Salatiel Amit (6-1-0, 4KOs) in the 112 lbs. and Manila’s Ebon Loperez (9-4-1) against Cebu’s Jimboy Haya (71-2, 4KOs) in the 106 lbs.

The other bouts: 6 rds.-119 lbs. – Renan Fortez (4-3-0) vs.Cebu’s Filjun

Ta n e o (3-1-0); 6 rds.-122 lbs. - Joey Antonio (20-0) vs. Manila’s Reynard Taday (2-1-0); 6 rds.-122 lbs. –

Joe Tejones (2-0-0) vs. Cebu’s Jay-Ar Aliasot (2-1-0); 4 rds.-106 lbs. - Erniel Campano (debut) vs. Cebu’s Alex Caoktoy (0-1-0); 4 rds.105 lbs. – Joel Lino (debut) vs. Romeo Garde (0-1-0); 4 rds.-122 lbs. – Argie Lanuza (debut) vs. Jimboy Vijano (debut); 4 rds.-112 lbs. – Annie Minor (debut) vs. Martin Padrerogao (0-0-1).

CRUCIAL MATCH. After breezing through the double-round eliminations, heavyweights Philips Gold and Petron seek to move closer to the title in the sudden-death semifinals of the 2015 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament late yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

Aby Maraño is expected to carry the brunt of the Blaze Spikers offense and defense in the semis. Volleyball PH photo

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Reyes, Bustamante lead Team Asia in Kings Cup

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OOL legends Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante team up to lead Asia in its showdown against Europe/ USA in the Kings Cup set to start on Friday at Resorts World Manila.

Reyes, team captain of Team Asia, and Bustamante will be playing in the doubles competition opposite Team Europe/USA’s Darren Appleton of Great Britain and Albin Ouschan of Austria in one of the matches in Day One of the event patterned after Davis Cup of tennis and golf’s Ryder Cup. The competition starts at 6 p.m. and will run until Sunday where the team with the most number of victories will take

the Kings Cup title.

Reyes and Bustamante will be joined by world No. 1 Ko Pin-Yi and Ko Ping Chung of Chinese Taipei in the 4-on-4 play, where all the members of the team will see action against Europe’s Ouschan, Appleton, and Mika Immonen of Finland, along with American Shane Van Boening.

Bustamante will also be seeing action in the singles play on opening day as he faces Van Boening, while Appleton and Ko Pin-Yi will compete in the other singles match.

Ko and Ko will take on Van Boening and Immonen in the other doubles play, while teaming up with Reyes in the triples event against Ouschan, Immonen, and Van Boening.

Rockets players express guilt after firing of coach McHale

S RACHEL SCORES. Rachel Anne Daquis (3) scores one from the corner over the outstretched arms of the Philips Gold’s defensive line during the two teams’ match in the 2015 Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan. Volleyball PH photo

Free seminar for contact sports on brain functions

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FREE seminar for contact sports athletes on how to heal and improve brain functions will be conducted by Filipino doctor from the United States tomorrowat the office of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

The seminar is dubbed as “A New Approach to Healing and Improving Brain Functions for Contact Sports Athletes”.

Resource speaker is 69-

year old Dr. Pat Reyes, MD, FAAN, who is based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a Director of the Traumatic Brain Injury, Alzheimer’s Disease & Cognitive Dis. Of the Phoenix VA Healthcare System and the Chief Medical Officer of the retired NFL Players Association.

Reyes is also a Board Member of the Association of Ringside Physician, a Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Yuma Therapeutics Inc., Boston, MA USA.

GAB sports and games field officer John Kenneth Improso said Reyes will proceed to General Santos City in the afternoon to also conduct a seminar at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas College at 4 p.m.

“These seminars are both free for all coaches, trainers and contact sports athletes like boxers,” said Improso.

Reyes will be welcomed by GAB Davao Officer-in-Charge Arlene Olondriz.

Expected to join are the

tant. That’s his goal.”

It seems like an audacious one given the state of the 14time major champion. Woods has played only 20 tournaments in the last two years because of a pair of back surgeries and a recent follow-up procedure on his back. He has said it would be a long, tedious recovery and did not know when he could return to competition.

Woods has only one top 10 in the last two years.

Furyk and Stricker were vice captains in the Presidents Cup last month in South Korea.

Stricker has been playing a reduced schedule the last few

years and has slipped outside the top 200 in the world ranking. Furyk is No. 9 in the world and is coming off a solid season with his 17th career win and $3.7 million.

The five vice captains would allow one of them to be with each match during the team sessions, with another that Love described as a “floater.” Last year at Gleneagles, European captain Paul McGinley had one of his assistants with the players who sat out some of the team sessions.

Love already announced former Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman as one of his assistants.

Tiger Woods named US Ryder Cup vice captain

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IGER Woods will be at the Ryder Cup next year.

Still to be determined is whether he plays.

US captain Davis Love III said on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) that Woods, Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker will be vice captains for the 2016 matches at Hazeltine in Minnesota. It was part of an agreement with Europe to expand to a maximum of five vice captains.

Woods, however, wants to do both.

“Tiger has said, ‘I want to make the team and also be a (vice) captain,’” Love said. “Tiger wants to be a playing assis-

trainers and boxers from the MP Davao Boxing Gym, Sanman Promotions, Sonshine Sports Management, Association of Boxing Alliance in the Phils. (ABAP) Region12, General Santos Boxing Academy and the newly-formed Davao City Amateur Boxing Club (Dacaboc).

The GAB office in Davao City is located at Door 2, second floor of Gloria Building 2, no. 63 along Aurora-Quezon Street.

VICE CAPTAIN. Former world No. 1 Tiger Woods is hoping to be a playing vice captain for the US team. AP

IX months ago, Kevin McHale coached the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 18 years.

There are high expectations for the team again this season behind James Harden and Dwight Howard, but McHale won’t be around to see where the Rockets end up: Houston fired McHale on Wednesday with the team off to a puzzling 4-7 start.

“The team was not responding to Kevin McHale and we had to make the tough call,” general manager Daryl Morey said, “And we had to make it soon. There is not time in the tough Western Conference to wait for a turnaround.”

Several players mentioned guilt and said they felt partially to blame.

“I didn’t see it coming, I’m not going to lie,” forward Corey Brewer said. “We are responsible. The coach can’t make us play hard. That’s up to us. This has got to be a wake-up call.

We’ve got to get better. Now, it’s up to us to start winning.”

Three of Houston’s losses were by 20 points and two others were by more 12 or more points. Morey was asked what indications he saw that the team wasn’t responding to McHale.

“I think you just watch our team play and it’s not that difficult (to see),” Morey said.

“You’re a team coming off a Western Conference final run and you’re a team with mostly the same group and it was not working. We will change un-

til it’s working. We win at the Rockets. (Owner Leslie Alexander) does not accept losing.

I do not accept losing. No one accepts losing.”

Assistant J. B. Bickerstaff took over as interim head coach.

“It’s tough because the only reason I’m here is because of (McHale),” said Bickerstaff, who said he was told about the decision shortly after 9 a.m. when preparing for shootaround. “I’m so thankful to him. I’m hurt that he’s not here, and I’m hurt that I won’t get to see him every day.”

McHale was in his fifth season with Houston and is coming off a 56-26 season where the Rockets fell to eventual champion Golden State in the conference championship. The 57-year-old Hall of Fame player went 193-130 with the Rockets.

“Bottom line is we believe in this team,” Morey said. “We believe in the players we have.

We know this team can win. We know but we aren’t in a good place and ... we’re going to make changes until we win.”

The Rockets opened the season with three straight losses, then won four in a row before losing again. The same roster as a year ago added dynamic point guard Ty Lawson, but the team has not really gelled and McHale complained about the effort of the team and its sloppy play.

“At times, I wouldn’t say full effort all the time, no,” McHale said after a blowout loss to Boston in which Houston blew an early 15-point lead. “Things aren’t going our way and we hang our head. We haven’t put together really good basketball all year long.”

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