Edge Davao 8 Issue 171

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

WHEEE! A sales attendant rides a scooter to entice children and their parents to buy toys at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Tight supply forces another round of rotational power interruptions EDGEDAVAO Sports

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

RACE yourselves for more than five hours of rotating blackouts daily until Sunday, November 29.

Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) yesterday announced a 94-megawatt (MW) power deficit following the implementation of preventive maintenance shutdown (PMS) of the 105-(MW) Unit 1 of Steag coal-fired power plant and the emergency shutdown of one of the 150-MW plants of Therma South, Inc. (TSI) because of damage to its boiler.

In a press conference yes-

terday, DLPC president Arturo Milan also said the contracted supply of Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) of 30MW has been reduced to 19MW due to a PMS on one of its 45MW units.

Milan said the Sibulan hydropower plant has also issued an advisory reducing its capability to facilitate an emergency repair on one its units He said DLPC will continue to run its standby 30MW Bajada Diesel Plant and implement the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in which participating large customers will

use their own generating sets instead of drawing power from the distribution line.

“With this situation, Davao Light is left with only 246MW to supply the forecasted demand of its customers of 340MW,” Milan said.

“This will result in rotating power interruptions with a maximum duration of three to four hours during peak hours, which is from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and a maximum of 1.5 hours during off-peak, which is from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.,” he said.

DLPC started the rotational

power interruption yesterday, November 23, in its franchise areas which include the whole Davao City, Panabo City, and portions of Davao del Norte like Sto. Tomas.

“The implementation of the rotating power interruptions will continue until the said generating plants will be back online,” Milan said.

It is not only Davao City that is facing tight power supply but the whole Mindanao.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

F5-HOUR, 11

Genesis 88-Esdevco, DASIA take semifinal opener P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

TIME CAPSULE. United Davao Specialists Hospital and Medical Center (UDSHMC) chairman Dr. Ningthoukhongjam Singh (5th from right) and president Dr. Justin Elfred Lan Paber (4th from right) lead the lowering of the time capsule for the soon-to-rise medical facility along McArthur Highway in Matina on Sunday. Joining the ceremonial spadework were guest of honor city administrator Melchor Quitain Jr. and some of the 60 UDSHMC founders. Lean Daval Jr.

8-level tertiary hospital rising in Matina, Davao

By ANTONIO M. AJERO

A

TOTAL of 60 investors, 45 of whom are homegrown medical professionals and entrepreneurs, have combined their resources to put up an eight-level tertiary hospital along McArthur Highway in Matina fronting the Davao City Water District main office in a 5,000-square meter lot between the Matina IT Park and the old Loring’s Lechon House.

Called the United Davao Specialists Hospital and Medical Center, Inc. ( UDSHMCI), the facility will initially have a capacity of 100 beds, according to its chairman, Dr. Ningthoukhongjam Singh, during the center’s groundbreaking ceremony at the site.

Butch Zozobrado, one of the founders and long-time business partner of Dr. Singh, said that the UDSHMCI will have multi-specialty clinics offering quality healthcare within the common man’s reach.

The Davao City hospital is just one of the six hospitals the group is building in cities of the Visayas and Mindanao area – Cebu, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Iloilo and Dumaguete.

All of these facilities will follow the core values of competence, compassion and commitment, according to Zozobrado.

Construction in Davao City is expected to commence

in three to four months, as soon as the Department of Health (DOH) issues the permit, Dr. Singh.

Speaking on capital expense, Dr. Singh said the group is spending more that P500 million initially.

Speaking in behalf of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte during the groundbreaking rite, City Administrator J. Melchor Quitain said the group’s principle of not refusing any patient due to economic status as enunciated by chairman Singh is impressive.

He said investments like the group’s is always welcome to the city, despite the fact that there is now a big number of private hospitals in the area. Quitain said health and wellness facilities like hospital is vital in maintaining the quality of manpower in Davao. He said the Duterte administration considers people as the number one asset of the city.

It was learned that Zozobrado, Dr. Singh and their collaborators have since built some 40 hospitals mostly in Luzon since they started together 26 years ago in putting up the Medical Center of Muntinglupa City.

“We had problems during the first seven years until we learned from our mistakes and there was no looking back since then,” Dr. Singh said.

Quitain urges Sara to substitute for pa

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain urged former Mayor Sara Duterte to substitute for her father, incumbent Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, as candidate for mayor in next year’s election.

This after Duterte finally said over the weekend that he will run for president in the May 2016 election.

“We’ll just hope that Sara finally will decide to answer the call of the people and her father to run for mayor,” he said.

Quitain said Duterte has already told the local political party, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, that he wants Sara to run for mayor again because he is confident she can run the city well.

Sara was mayor of Davao City from 2010 to 2013 but gave way to her father in 2013.

Duterte, after confirming his presidential run last Saturday, also told reporters he will try to convince Sara to run for mayor.

Quitain said he is happy with Duterte’s declaration. “I

am taking it with pride. I am taking it with hope that he will win,” he said.

Quitain said he hopes the mayor will win and “bring drastic changes” for the country.

He said as soon as the mayor files certificate of candidacy (COC) for president as substitute for former Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) standard bearer Martin Diño, the party will immediately come up with his platform.

Duterte had earlier said

running for president was now “on the table” because he was disgusted by the ruling of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) declaring Senator Grace Poe a natural born Filipino citizen.

“I must insist that the President of the country be Filipino citizen like me,” he said.

The mayor said he believes the decision of the Senators Pia Cayetano, Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, and Vicente Sotto III was “political” and not based

organizations in 65 countries.

The IFEX pointed out that the “glacial pace of the (legal) proceedings” to bring to justice the perpetrators contributes to the “ingrained culture of impunity” in the Philippines.

Such culture of impunity, it added, “not only denies justice to the victims of this (massacre) case” but also sows fear to society, in general, hence “muzzles the media and promotes

self-censorship.”

Throughout the IFEX network, Nov. 23 is commemorated as International Day to End Impunity.

In the Philippines, IFEX counts as member the media development group Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).

The killing of 32 journalists and media workers was the worst single attack on the

press. And its scale and horror shocked the world.

Since Nov. 2, the Philippines shares with Mexico, Ukraine and Yemen the impunity spotlight throughout the world in a three-week campaign by international groups to call attention to the grave problems faced by journalists in these countries.

No one has yet been con-

FQUITAIN, 11

Int’l groups dismayed at ‘glacial’pace of trial of Ampatuan massacre cases

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IX years after the massacre of 58 persons, 32 of them from the media, the world is dismayed at the slow pace of justice for victims of the November 23, 2009 massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“Justice remains elusive,” noted a statement of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), a Montreal-based network of 104 free expression campaign

FINT’L, 11

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

Rescue operations ongoing for Samal kidnap victims

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HE rescue operation for the Filipina and three foreigners abducted in a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) two months ago is still ongoing, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In an interview on Saturday at the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), AFP chief-of-staff General Hernando Irreberi gave assurance that the operation to save the four victims is continuing but cannot give the details for the safety of the victims.

The victims – Norweigian national Kjartan Sekkinstad who is the operations manager of Holiday Oceanview Resort, Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, and Filipina Marithes Flor, who is the live-in partner of Hall – were taken on September 21 and apparently brought to Sulu.

“We cannot give you the details what we are doing be-

cause it might jeopardize our operation and even jeopardize the safety of the victims,” he said.

Irreberi said the AFP is doing its best to rescue the victims but the soldiers are being careful because the primary concern is the victims’ safety.

At the same time, he said the government will still implement the no-ransom policy.

The abductors, said to be members of the Abu Sayyaf, had released two videos showing the victims in their custody.

In the second video, the kidnappers demanded P1 billion in ransom for each victim.

Earlier, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte urged the governments of Canada and Norway to pay the P1-billion ransom for each of their citizens but added that the Philippine government itself will impose its no-ransom policy on the part of Flor. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Quitain to delinquent owners: Pay taxes or lose your property

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HE Davao City government is urging delinquent property owners in the city to pay their real property taxes (RPT) or risk losing their property.

This was the stern warning of city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain in an interview yesterday after he learned that there are “hard accounts” collectible on RPT. Hard accounts refer to owners who are not willing to pay property taxes because the property is not in their possession anymore.

“If they are ready to lose their lands it will be OK for us.

If they will not pay, we will take it off (their hands),” he said.

Quitain said all RPT delinquents will be given time to pay their taxes before the city gets their property.

“If they will not pay despite the time given to them, then the only way left for us is to sell these properties,” he said.

Quitain said there is a property along Claro M. Recto

Avenue owned by a certain Dalisay which is now in danger of being sequestered because the city has won the case in the Supreme Court (SC).

“We’re just waiting for the resolution of the motion for reconsideration, and if the SC will deny the motion for reconsideration that property will be the property of the city,” he said.

Earlier, City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) head Rodrigo Riola said as of the moment, the collectible amount from “hard accounts” total to P267milllion.

Riola 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.

He 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.

FPAY TAXES, 11

TURN-OVER. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff General Hernando Irreberi presides the turn-over of command ceremony of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) last Saturday. Major General

Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero is the new EastMinCom commander replacing Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad, who reached the mandatory retirement age. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

No ISIS presence in Mindanao: AFP

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has no presence in Mindanao.

This was confirmed AFP chief-of-staff General Hernando Irreberi in an interview last Saturday after the turn-over of command ceremony of the

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom).

“We have no reports confirming that members of ISIS are already in Mindanao,” he said.

Irreberi said the AFP has also not received reports of suspected sympathizers of ISIS in the island.

He said while the Abu

Sayyaf Group (ASG) uses the ISIS flag every time it appears on social media, no connection has yet been established between the two groups.

Irreberi said the ASG just wants to give the impression that it is allied with ISIS. In a report from GMA news online, security analyst Professor Rommel Banlaoi said he

has received information from his Malaysian intelligence contacts that five Malaysian terrorists are hiding in Mindanao after fighting in Syria and Iraq.

Banlaoi said the five arrived in the country in 2014.

The report said the AFP confirmed the presence of the five Malaysian terrorists in Basilan.

In a post on his Facebook Timeline, Paolo said Escudero, as a lawyer, “knows all too well that Grace Poe cannot be considered a natural-born Filipino citizen and does not satisfy the residency requirement.”

“Yet he persistently push-

es her to the presidential race.

Who’s now using who?” the vice mayor said.

Mayor Duterte had confirmed over the weekend that he is running for president, saying the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET)’s decision to

declare Poe a natural-born citizen pushed him to make the decision.

Escudero had issued a statement saying while he respects Duterte’s opinion, he disagrees with it.

Pulong scores Chiz for ‘using’Grace V

ICE Mayor Paolo Duterte scored vice presidential candidate Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero for telling Mayor Rodrigo Duterte not to use the case of presidential candidate Grace Poe’s case as an excuse to run for president.

Nograles welcomes Duterte’s decision to run for president

D WORKSHOP. UPHold Communications managing director Jemimah Keziah Morales (left), together with communications and PR director Sancia Novie Palma (center) and account manager Marie Gabrille Ba-ang, announces during Kapehan

sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday the upcoming regional wide workshop and competition on Integrated Marketing Communication set on December 5 to 6 at the Davao medical Foundation School. Lean Daval Jr.

FPULONG, 11

AVAO City firs district Rep. Karlo B. Nograles has declared his support to the announced presidential candidacy of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“I am one with the people of Davao and the entire nation in supporting Mayor Rody Duterte for President,” Nograles said in a statement following Duterte’s reported declaration in a Cavite gathering that he has decided to seek the country’s highest post after much hesitation.

Nograles said Duterte will be the right president at the right time.

“In times like these, where peace and order is sorely lacking in the country and we are facing terrorism within and

outside our shores, where injustice prevails and the rule of law is set aside at the whims and caprices of the powerful, we need a leader who is decisive not teka-teka, who wields an iron-fist against transgressors of the law, but cares for the downtrodden and the victims, who is swift to act and results-oriented, one who comes from the Filipino masses and whose heart belongs to them,” Nograles said.

“We need Rody Duterte to lead us to a better Philippines and a more peaceful future for all Filipinos to share,” Nograles added.

The congressman’s father, former House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, had also ex-

FNOGRALES, 11

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

CIMB partners with PLDT

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IMB Group Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (CIMB), has entered into a strategic collaboration agreement Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company’s (PLDT) wireless services provider, Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) and its wholly owned digital unit, Voyager Innovations, Inc. (Voyager) to offer digital financial offerings and solutions for customers in the Philippines and across ASEAN. Commenting on the signing of the partnership agreement, Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Aziz, Group Chief Executive, CIMB Group said, “This partnership comes at an opportune time when the roles of telecommunications providers and banks are increasingly converging. It is especially exciting that the partnership may, among others, be able to leverage on PLDT’s experience and insights in serving its sizeable customer base. Further, through this partnership, we are then able to offer innovative and differentiated digital banking and financial technology solutions in the Philippines and across ASEAN.”

For his part, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT, Smart, and Voyager, said, “CIMB is among the largest and most diversified ASEAN banks and its regional banking knowledge and presence across ASEAN will provide depth to this digital partnership.”

The collaboration is premised on the unique capabilities and positions of the partners. CIMB, which has been at the forefront of banking innovation, has deep regional banking know-how and an extensive understanding of the needs of customers in the region, whilst the market-leading and innovative fintech solutions and strong digital payments ecosystem of Smart and Voyager strengthens the value proposition of PLDT, which is the market leader in the telecommunications industry in the Philippines in terms of customer base.

CIMB Group is Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider and one of ASEAN’s leading universal banking groups. It offers consumer banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, asset management and insurance products and services.

Cu among world’s most powerful telecom execs

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OR the third straight year, Globe Telecom President & CEO Ernest Cu is on the elite list of Global Telecoms Business Power 100 for 2015.

Cu is the only Filipino executive to make it to the Power 100 and among the top 10 in Asia. The GT Business Power 100 annually releases its list of the most powerful people in telecoms worldwide.

This year’s list of Power 100 is different from previous year’s versions as inclusion was divided into a number of different categories such as operators in various parts of the world, over-the-top and content providers, hardware companies, among others. Cu was listed in the Top Ten Operators from Asia.

“Under Cu’s leadership, Globe Telecom has held its own against stiffening competition in the telecoms market in the Philippines. Setting itself apart from its rivals, the operator has focused on growing its revenue from the market’s postpaid subscriptions while providing consumers with value-added services such as music streaming service Spotify and video streaming service Hooq in a bid to boost its revenues,” Global Telecoms Business said.

Global Telecoms Business is the only magazine and website dedicated for senior executives of telecommunication companies worldwide.

“Our business success catapulting Globe as the leading mobile operator in the Philippines is a result of our strategy of providing differentiated customer service. Globe shall continue to deliver innovative and game-changing products and

services most relevant to our customers’ digital lifestyle,” said Cu. Taking the helm in 2008, Cu has since driven sweeping transformation initiatives including modernizing its network and IT infrastructure, creating a strong collaborative and service-oriented culture, and product innovations in its mobile business. In 2014, Globe registered record high service revenues, reaching an all-time high of P99 billion, a robust 9% improvement from the previous high of P90.5 billion in the previous year.

The company clearly outperformed industry growth with the company breaking records across all key product groups, brands and market segments.

Most significantly, the company increased its customer and revenue market share against its main competition in both the mobile and broadband business.

Aside from Cu, other telecom executives included in the Power 100 list of Ten Operators in Asia include Reliance Jio Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, SK Telecom CTO Alex Jinsung Choi, SingTel CEO Chua Sock Koong, Hutchison Whampoa Chairman Li Ka-shing, Biharti Airtel Sunil Bharti Mittal; Telstra CEO Andy Penn, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son; NTT CEO Hiroo Unoura and China Mobile Chairman Xi Guonhua.

They join Facebook Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, Google CEO Sundhar Pichai, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who were also included in the list of Power 100 as Top Content and Over-The-Top Providers.

COLLABORATION. (From left) Orlando B. Vea, President and CEO at Voyager Innovations; Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, CIMB Group CEO; Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of PLDT, Smart and Voyager

Innovations; Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CIMB Group Chief Strategy Officer; and, Lito Villanueva, vice president and head of Fintech, Digital Inclusion, and Alliances at Voyager Innovations.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

BIR padlocks 8 establishments

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

A

crc@edgedavao.net

TOTAL of eight establishments owned by one company in two cities in Region 11 were locked down by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) 11 yesterday for under-declaration of sales and issuance of non-official receipts for transactions.

“All eight establishments were registered under Jeying General Merchandise owned by taxpayer Arnold S. Fontanilla,” Simplicio V. Cabantac Jr., newly-assigned revenue

district officer (RDO) for East Davao, told reporters yesterday after padlocking one of the establishments in Davao City as part of the BIR’s Oplan Kandado operation.

Cabantac padlocked 8 PO General Merchandise, one of the eight establishments owned by Fontanilla, located in DCLA Plaza along Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City.

“We also padlocked his other businesses that are also operating in Davao City and

HE long-stalled operation of the proposed Mindanao-North Indonesia sea route leading to Indonesia is expected to commence “anytime soon,” an official said.

Romeo Montenegro, director for Investment Promotions and Public Affairs Division of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said the agency is still verifying with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and with Indonesian Maritime Authority whether the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, PhilippinesEast Asean Growth Area ) special permit acquired by the Cagayan de Oro-based Platinum Shipping can be used to allow the ship to service the Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung (DGTB) sea route.

“We’re checking now on Marina and Indonesia Maritime Authority whether the special permit that was previously issued to Platinum Shipping in Zamboanga can be

also used for the Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung (DGTB) sea route because it’s still within BIMP-EAGA,” Monetenegro told reporters yesterday.

He said “if they will be able to determine if it is valid then the company can immediately start” servicing not only few passengers but mostly cargoes loaded and unloaded in different ports of Davao City, General Santos City, and Tahuna and Bitung in Indonesia.

The sea route is expected to provide easier access of commodities from the Philippines to Indonesia and vice versa, providing shorter, faster, cheaper and direct route.

“There is no need for goods to go to Manila before Davao,” Montenegro said earlier.

The route provides strategic market for some products from Mindanao to Indonesian market. It is part of the holistic initiatives to enhance the connectivity between BIMP-EAGA in terms of trade, investment,

Stalled DGTB route to commence soon T

the other one in located in the city of Mati in Davao Oriental,” Cabantac said.

He said yesterday’s operation was his first in the row since he replaced former RDO for East Davao Ricardo Espiritu, who is now reassigned in Mandaue City in Cebu, a month ago.

Cabantac said months of surveillance revealed that the establishments listed under Fontanilla violated the Tax Code of the Philippines for

hits Mindanao anew

T

HE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has advised another tight power supply situation in Mindanao due to the shutdown of the 105 MW oneunit of STEAG coal-fired power plant.

This has resulted to a very low average power supply allocation to Davao Light and Power Co.. As of Monday, Nov. 23, the NGCP has only allocated 167 MW to Davao Light. This is much lower than its power supply contract of 273 MW. Davao Light’s power supply contracts with other generating plants could have compensated the deficit given the current power situation.

Unfortunately, last Nov. 22, the Therma South Inc. coal-fired power plant’s 150 MW unit, which Davao Light has a 50 MW contract, had to undergo an emergency shutdown due to a problem in the said unit.

Moreover, Davao Light’s contract with the Therma Ma-

rine Inc. has also decreased from 30 MW to 19 MW due to the emergency shutdown of one of its four units with a capacity of 45 MW. Sibulan hydropower plant as well has advised a reduced capability to facilitate an emergency repair on one of its plants.

Meanwhile, Davao Light will continue to run its Bajada Power Plant and activate its Interruptible Load Program wherein participating large customers will use their own generating sets instead of drawing power from the distribution line.

With this situation, Davao Light is left with only 246 MW to supply the forecasted demand of its customers of 340 MW. This will result to rotating power interruptions with a maximum duration of three to four hours during peak, which is from 8AM to 10PM, and a maximum of 1.5 hours during off-peak, which is from 10PM to 8AM.

because the owner failed to “comply with the requirements specified in the five-day Value Added Tax (VAT) Compliance Notice” issued last September.

“Mr. Fontanilla’s establishments will remain temporarily close until he is able to settle his more than P1-million tax due,” he added.

Cabantac said his office is already conducting surveillance of other erring business establishments here.

“We have already issued 48-hour notice to the owners of these establishments,” he added.

Cabantac also said the BIR will be intensifying its monitoring of the compliance of businesses with the order of BIR to only issue BIR-registered receipts.

“I believe majority of businesses here area compliant with the order. There are just few like the 8 PO General Merchandise,” he said.

TIGHT SUPPLY. Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan says the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has announced another tight power supply situation in Mindanao during a press briefing at DLPC office yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CEO approves P1.65-B projects

T Tight power supply FSTALLED, 11

under-declaration of sales and an order made by the bureau in 2013 requiring all business establishments to secure BIR-registered official receipts (OR).

“The taxpayer failed to declare 90 percent of its sales during the current year,” he said. Estimated under-declared sales of all businesses of Fontanilla was around P5 million, he added.

Cabantac said the BIR padlocked the establishments

HE growth of the construction industry in Davao City continues to increase after the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) approved the building of 15 big ticket projects with total combined estimated cost of P1.65 billion this year.

“Most of this year’s approved big ticket projects are commercial and institutional structures,” said Engr. Grace Catubig, CEO acting division chief

of the evaluation and planning division.

Catubig she said they also received applications for the approval of building permits for high rise residential structures like condominiums.

The latest application for high rise construction in the city that the CEO approved was the construction of the P536.15-million government office of the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

Records from the CEO bared that the seven-storey facility will have a floor area of 12,420 square meters and will be located at along the Mc. Arthur Highway in Barangay Matina.

Another big ticket project approved for this year was the P576.11 million hotel of the Robinson’s Land Corporation and Go Hotel Inc. in an area in Lanang. The facility will have eight floors and with a total

floor area of 7,325.83 square meters.

The CEO also issued building permit the construction of 5-storey condominium located at the Building G for the One Oasis Davao Ecowest Drive in Ecoland. The Filinvest Land Incorporated invested an estimated cost of P116.78 million for the construction of the residential condominium which will have a total floor area of

things that entrepreneurs should understand and plan is to decide which segment of the population they should target.

“It is wrong to think that the product is for everyone or assume that people in the local market will want it,” he pointed out. “This training aims to help business owners understand about the target market and see the relationship between knowing the target market and designing a marketing strategy.”

He added that topics that provide the framework for analyzing the product, custom-

ers, competitors, marketing tools will be discussed.

“DTI’s trainings are conducted through the Department’s Small and Medium Enterprise Roving Academy (SMERA) Program, which a continuous learning program to equip MSMEs with knowledge, skills and capabilities to become competitive in the domestic and global markets,” he further narrated.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and students are targeted as beneficiaries/participants SMERA to encourage more citizens to embrace entrepreneurship and help in na-

tion-building.

“This is DTI’s contribution in addressing the call of the administration for inclusive growth and poverty by providing opportunities for learning to various sectors like women, farmers, youth, indigenous people, Muslims, PWDs, among others,” he said.

As of November this year, DTI-DCFO has conducted 56 trainings which benefitted 1,483 participants from Davao City.

Interested participants may call up Ivy M. Uy at (082) 224-0511 local 205. DTIDCFO/IMU/jmm

FCEO, 11

DTI holds free marketing seminar

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NTREPRENEURS who are new in the business can take advantage of the free seminar that the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao City Field Office (DTI-DCFO) will conduct on November 27, from 8:30AM until 4:00PM. The one-day seminar, which will be held at DTI Conference Room, 2/F Mintrade Building, Monteverde-Sales Streets, Davao City, will focus on “Determining Your Market” DTI-DCFO Director Engr.

Edwin O. Banquerigo said that in business, one of the first

EDGEDAVAO

AGRITRENDS 7

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

Tuna:

The “ferrari of the sea”

The ship being used in General Santos City to catch tuna

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO “Unless we closely manage and protect remaining populations, our tuna industry might collapse.” -- Joel Palma, conservation programs vice president for the WWF-Philippines

“I

F fish were cars, tuna would be the Ferraris of the sea,” the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) says. “Ranging in size from 1.5foot bullet tuna to the gigantic 15-foot Atlantic Bluefin, these tasty torpedo-shaped fish are among Earth’s most valuable marine commodities. Connoisseurs pay top price for juicy slices of sashimi and luscious, mouthwatering tuna steaks.”

The Philippines is the world’s third-largest tuna producer. Almost half of its seafood exports are tuna products (fresh tuna, frozen tuna, poached tuna and canned tuna). Next to Indonesia, it is Asia’s largest tuna exporter.

“Tuna as a food commodity is highly in demand in the world’s markets, especially in the United States where most of our tuna products are shipped,” Doming O. Ang,

***

who established the first tuna cannery in Davao City and the man behind Marituna Restaurant, was quoted as saying by a local daily.

Oceanic predator Tunas -- which eat smaller fish, like mackerel, sardines and anchovies -- are migratory oceanic fishes, which are capable of attaining large sizes.

It also includes tuna-like species such as billfish, swordfish, and marlin. In the Philippines, twenty-one species have been recorded. “But only six species are commercially important,” says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

Among the shallow-water/small tunas, the most commercially important are the frigate tuna or “tulingan” (Aux-

Newly-caught tuna fish

Man carrying tuna fish is thazard), the eastern little tuna or “kawa-kawa” (Euthynnus affinis), and the bullet tuna (Auxis rochei). Most of these tunas are consumed locally.

The important species among the deep-water/big tuna are the yellowfin tuna

or “albacora” (Thunnus albacores), the big-eye tuna or “tambakol” (Thunnus obesus), and the skipjack or “gulyasan” (Katsuwonus petamis). These are caught using commercial fishing boats with purse seines and ring nets. Small fishermen

catch these species using hand lines (hook and line).

“In 2013, 354,222 metric tons of the major tunas (skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye) were landed in fishing ports of the country,” reports Dr. Guerrero. “About 73.8% were from commercial fishing, including tuna caught in foreign waters, and 26.2% from the municipal fishing.

“Tuna products (fresh, chilled, frozen, smoked and canned) are the country’s top fisheries export, with canned accounting for the bulk of it.

In 2012, 56,728 metric tons of tuna products with a value of over US$414 million were exported to the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.”

FAGRITRENDS, 11

DCWD SM Lanang collection center opens today

T

HE new collection center of Davao City Water District will be blessed and inaugurated today, November 24, 2015 at SM Lanang Premier.

Located at the lower ground floor, this payment center is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Water bill payments are also accepted from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PMat DCWD’s Victoria Plaza and FelcrisCentrale collection centers; from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PMat

Bajada and Matina offices; from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Toril office; and in the oncea-month remote collection operations in Talomo, Mintal and Calinan district halls.

Bank payments can also be made over-the-counter at Development Bank of the Philippines CM Recto branch and atLand Bank of the Philippines via its iAccessandweAccess internet retail banking facilitiesfor customers with existing LBP accounts. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

W

Are we ready?

ITH Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte finally deciding to make a run for the Presidency, it is necessary for us, the people, to look back at how he made it to this point in the first place. A Duterte presidency, if he makes it, necessarily stands on the one thing he has been doing for more than a year, and it requires something from all of us far beyond just going to the voting precincts to cast our votes. A Duterte presidency will do something that is perhaps unprecedented, one that previous Presidents had only paid lip service to: make the people themselves actually participate in governance. Previous administrations had treated the people as mere followers, virtually pandering to them by giving them palliatives instead of tapping the vast human resource of the country to solve our problems. Duterte, if he makes it to Malacañang, will be called upon to shake up the bureaucracy and ensure that governance is more participatory, more democratic.

This is no empty platform but is something that Duterte has been talking about for months now. Unfortunately, his advocacy was often buried underneath the more popular topic of his possible presidential run. All this while, however, the mayor had always insisted that his cross-country trips were meant to promote a shift of system from the current presidential system to federalism. One part of this system is the handing over of power to federal states

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which would then make sure the needs of their people are met.

There is another part, however, one that is at once exciting and scary: federalism actually requires more from the people by way of actually working hard to become better versions of ourselves and in engaging our leaders so that the proper services are given and that mistakes — especially those that involve graft and corruption — are dealt with immediately.

In a very real sense, then, we need to ask ourselves if we are actually ready for a Duterte presidency. Are we ready to be more involved in how our respective federal regions — and the entire country, for that matter — are being run? Duterte himself has said he is not the answer to all our problems, and while many people do pin their hope on him, the other side of the coin is that much will also be required of us. These can come in small things like being disciplined in our day-to-day activities that affect our communities to bigger things like engaging officials in how they are running government.

We, too, must rise to the occasion and push ourselves to contribute more to the affairs of the country. We can no longer sit around and expect government to do the work for us; in the first place it rarely does so, and in the second place it is a wrong mindset to begin with.

Those who say they support Duterte for president must be ready to back it up with a radical change in attitude and behavior.

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EDGEDAVAO “But second chances aren’t forever Even miracles have an expiration date.” ― Robyn Schneider

S

***

ORRY, this is not about the sequel of One More Chance, a blockbuster movie that was released eight years ago. I won’t be talking about John Lloyd Cruz (one of cinema’s finest actors) and Bea Alonzo (not only a beauty but a good thespian as well).

It’s about Hollywood, the film capital of the world. There are movie stars whose love stories are even more interesting than the roles they are playing in the films. There is always that boy meets girl and they get married. Then, they get divorce, go separate ways, meet again and then marry again. But happy ending is nowhere to be found.

Let’s start with Melanie Griffith (the Oscar-nominated star of Working Girl). She was only 14 when she fell in love with Don Johnson (who once came to the Philippines and made a film, Lollipops and Roses, with Nora Aunor).

Johnson was older than her; in fact, he was the co-star of her mother in the film Harrad Experiment.

Some people thought it was just a puppy love but it turned out to be serious. The two tied the nuptial knot in 1976. But it was only shortlived; they got divorced six months after they said “I do.”

But old flames couldn’t stay away from one

F

ILIPINOS always reflect on national identity in November because on the 30th of this month we commemorate the birthday of the quintessential nationalist, Andres Bonifacio.

For Filipinos residing outside of the Philippines, this annual introspection is especially relevant because many of us constantly struggle with our sense of identity and feelings of unresolved patriotism.

Indeed, we often find ourselves asking – is being Filipino simply about citizenship? Or should our conception of national identity be rooted on qualities much deeper than, as many Filipino-Australians would tell me, a mere piece of paper?

Personally, I would be very wary with our national identity being defined by law for two reasons. First, doing this would automatically create an “others” category within the polity. I reckon a Malaysian of Chinese descent would readily testify that such a scenario makes it doubly difficult to establish cohesion and harmony within the nation-state.

Indeed, the role of the state is only to regulate citizenship. In our case, the details of this mandate is provided for in Article IV of the Constitution. Pertinently, this section in our country’s supreme law says absolutely nothing about what the character of a Filipino should be.

Second, the determination of national identity is ultimately the responsibility of the citizens of the state. Hence, cementing this notion in legislation is both unrealistic and self-defeating.

A few years ago, the Fiji national rugby union team criticized the composition of the Philippine Volcanoes playing in a highly prestigious competition, Twitting—“The only thing

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

VANTAGE POINTS

9

A second chance another. In June THINK ON THESE! 1989, Griffith and Johnson got married again.

Four months later, Dakota was born. They separated again in March 1994, reconciled later that year, but separated again Henrylito D. Tacio in May 1995. henrytacio@gmail.com Griffith was doing Two Much with Spanish actor Antonio Banderas (of Mark of Zorro distinction); the two stars fell in love while filming. In May 1996, the two got married.

In June 2014, the marriage ended when Griffith filed for divorce. On the other hand, Johnson married socialite Kelley Phleger in April 1999.

Natalie Wood admitted that she had a crush on Robert Wagner since she was a child. So, when was 18, she went on a studio-arranged date with the actor who was then 26 years old.

On December 28, 1957, they got married, but not without a great protest from Wood’s mother.

In an article in February 2009, Wagner recalled their early romance: “I saw Natalie around town but she never seemed interested. She was making Rebel Without a Cause and hanging out with James Dean; I was with an older crowd. The first time I remember really

talking to her was at a fashion show in 1956.

She was beautiful, but still gave no hint about the mad crush she had on me. I later found out she had signed with my agent simply because he was my agent.

“A month later, I invited Natalie to a premiere on what turned out to be her 18th birthday. At dinner, we both sensed things were different. I sent her flowers and the dates continued. I remember the instant I fell in love with her. One night on board a small boat I owned, she looked at me with love, her dark brown eyes lit by a table lantern. That moment changed my life.”

Four years later, the two separated but it was not in 1962 that they divorced.

In early 1972, the two met again. The flame was rekindled. They remarried on July 16, 1972, just five months after they encountered each other. Here’s what Wood’s sister, Lana Wood, said of this period: “Her marriage was considered to be one of the best in Hollywood, and there is no question that she was a devoted, loving—even adoring— mother and stepmother. She and R.J. had begun with love and built from there. They had overcome each other’s problems and had reached an accommodation with time, and the changes time brings. As with anybody else who has settled into making a long marriage work, they were far more determined than most people to make it work…”

The marriage ended on November 28, 1981 when Wood died of drowning.

Finally, there was the royalty couple named

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Just like in the movies, the two met on the set of the 1963 film Cleopatra. Although they were both married, they started to have an affair together. It was a scandal that caused both actors to be condemned for “erotic vagrancy” by the Vatican.

There were also calls in the U.S. Congress to bar them from re-entering the country.

In March 1964, the divorced their previous spouses and married each other. Their first marriage ended 10 years later when Burton was dating a young co-star. On separate ways, Burton married another one and so did Taylor.

But still the two could not forget each other.

So “they met up in the summer of 1975 to discuss their financial affairs but ended up weeping in each other’s arms.” In October, the couple remarried. Again, it was the same story all over again.

The two started sleeping in separate bedrooms, and Burton soon found seeing another woman. Taylor and Burton divorced for the second and final time in July 1976.

So the question is: Is there really forever?

In It’s Just Love, Jessica E. Larsen has this answer: “Loving for the second time isn’t sweet; it’s bitter, and hurt more than the first.”

And J.M. Barrie wrote in Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens: “Ah, Peter, we who have made the great mistake, how differently we should all act at the second chance. But Solomon was right; there is no second chance, not for most of us.

When we reach the window it is lock-out time.

The iron bars are up for life.”

in light of his nationalist anthem, Tayo’y Mga Pinoy, wherein he sings, “Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano, ‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango.”

Nonetheless, we know in our hearts that being Filipino is not just about citizenship. As Mr. Letts so poignantly explained, Filipino identity fundamentally involves a choice. Necessarily therefore, it also entails reflection and discernment.

We thus conceive of our civic character with due consideration of the past as well as the future. We adhere to traditional values but we also aim to thrive in the modern world. Bamboo was absolutely spot on in their song, Noypi, about what is at the core of the Filipino’s heart— “Ang dami mong problema. Nakuha mo pang ngumiti.

Noypi ka nga, astig!”

Indeed, our heritage has always been about unparalleled courage, battle-tested resiliency, and unbridled optimism on what life has to offer. More importantly, Filipino culture is never about putting down others. We do not claim any superiority for our beliefs and traditions. We only demand respect because we give respect.

I am Filipino because I believe in the bayanihan spirit, that indigenous belief system that puts a premium on family and community. I am a Filipino because I live by the principle espoused by both Christianity and Islam, that I shall love God above all else and my neighbor as myself. I am a Filipino because I want to work hard and support my family. I am a Filipino because I find fulfillment in helping people in need.

I am Filipino because I see humor in all aspects of life, including death.

This list can go on and on. Quite literally a hundred million testaments of who the Filipino

is. All of which will be true and unimpeachable.

Indeed, it is important to note that centuries of colonization, globalization and the internet all have failed to homogenize Filipino identity.

Amidst the diversity though, we do have one thing in common. We all choose to be Filipinos.

What exactly that means, well, Andres Bonifacio is just one voice. Others have to be heard as well.

Therefore, in determining Filipino identity, I would be more concerned in maintaining that socio-political space that allows a robust and collegial dialogue amongst citizens to carry on unhindered.

Specifically, I would like to see more effort from both the government and the community in reinforcing our secular tradition in governance. I would also like our country’s human rights regime strengthened even further.

The reality is only when these state institutions are firmly in place can a candid and respectful discussion on contentious and controversial issues take place. In fact, without them, the fragmentation of the polity, indeed even the disintegration of the state, becomes a distinct possibility.

Finally, I would urge our policy-makers to revitalize the incorporation of the bayanihan mindset in our classrooms. As we have seen from recent events, the marginalization of particular sectors in the polity can lead to cataclysmic results. Therefore, institutionalizing measures that counteract such an eventuality is imperative.

(Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco is a freelance legislative and policy consultant based in Melbourne, Australia. He conducts research on current issues in state-building, decentralization and constitutionalism.)

On Filipino Identity

COMMENTARY

BY MICHAEL HENRY LL. YUSINGCO Philippines about the Philippine team playing in the Hong Kong 7s is the name of the team.” Then team captain, Jake Letts, responded graciously by saying, “We have no control of it. In most cases we are half-Filipino, half-Australian; the only control we have is who we choose to play for. And we choose the Philippines.”

This sentiment is exactly those aired by basketball heroes such the famous Fil-Australian Mick Pennisi, Fil-Tongan Asi Taulava, Fil-Americans Eric Menk and the Siegle brothers, and a slew of other Fil-Foreigners now playing in the PBA. Some of our countrymen however will not consider these sports heroes Filipinos at all. Take Florante for instance. The popular pro-Marcos entertainer wrote in his pop hit, Ako’y Isang Pinoy – “Pinoy sa puso’t diwa, Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa. Hindi sanay sa wikang mga banyaga.” Now, I doubt if any of these sports figures know how to speak any Philippine dialect at all.

Another controversial Pinoy in sports is Andray Blatche, a true blue American naturalized to be a Filipino and most recently touted as the savior of Philippine basketball in international competition. For sports fans, particularly basketball aficionados, it is enough to treat this man, who has absolutely no connection to the Philippines, as a Filipino simply because he has been officially qualified to wear the Gilas team jersey.

But for revered folk singer, Heber Bartolome, such a paradigm is utterly unacceptable

10

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EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Asian winter escapes and why we love them

By Kenneth Irving Ong THE ‘ber’ months are finally here with cooler winds coming from the north giving Dabawenyo urbanites a much needed respite from the scorching heat which constantly hovers around 30 degrees Celsius thanks to Durianburg’s proximity to the Equator.

Luckily, together with the last quarter of the year come more holiday dates which would allow everyone the opportunity to travel and with a lot of Dabawenyos choosing to head north for some quick, cold weather fun.

Here are some of the more popular places Dabawenyos are flocking to for their winter escape from the heat.

Hong Kong WIth its much milder winter season and its close

proximity to the Philippines, Hong Kong is one of the most popular places to spend a winter holiday.

Aside from a great food scene and unrivalled shopping, hotels at the former British Crown colony often offer winter season deals such as more affordable rooms or complimentary room upgrades.

Macau Just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong, Macau is also accessible to Filipino travellers. Visitors in win-

ter will love going up and around Senado square to shop or to have a taste of the former Portuguese colony’s colourful cuisine.

If the indoors are more to one’s liking, then a visit to the Cotai strip with its myriad of casinos and hotels is sure to keep everyone entertained.

Taipei, Taiwan More and more Dabawen-

Luckily, together with the last quarter of the year, come more holiday dates which would allow everyone the opportunity to travel and with a lot of Dabawenyos choosing to head north for some quick, cold weather fun. yos are discovering Taiwan as a destination for the colder months with winter temperatures dropping to a chilling 13 degrees Celsius.

Things to do during wintertime include having tea while enjoying the views of Taipei, savouring the winter cold while having

a traditional hot pot, and strolling around expensive gardens of the Chang Kai Sheik Memorial.

Seoul, Korea While Koreans are flying south for some warmer locales, Pinoys have discovered Seoul and its winter charms. Winter in Korea can go below freezing, giving travellers the best chance to experience a white Christmas at the city’s many public skating rinks. There are also traditional Korean winter meals which are best enjoyed piping hot while

enjoying the cool winter surroundings.

Tokyo, Japan With Japan becoming less expensive to the Filipino traveller, more and more Pinoys are flying to the land of the rising sun where winters can get really chilly. Things to do include going around the city to see its many dazzling Christmas light displays or visit one of the many beautiful temples that dot the City. Foodies will love to sit down and enjoy Nabe, Japan’s own version of the hot pot.

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

UP AND ABOUT

An evening of denim and bling NOVEMBER 19 was an evening of denim and bling as the Marco Polo Davao held its annual Marco Polo Rewards appreciation party at the Marco Polo Grand Ballroom.

By Kenneth Irving Ong

“This is our simple way to thank our loyal customers and guests who have been supporting us through the years,” said Marco Polo Davao’s general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin. “It is also a time when the Marco Polo team gets to meet our clients to thank them personally.”

Aside from the flowing drinks and wonderful buffet spread prepared by the hotel’s newly invigorated food and beverage department, party guests

were treated to a wonderful performance by one of the country’s top crooners, Markki Stroem, who was game enough to have selfies taken with the guests.

Aside from the singing and dancing, prizes were given away for the hotel’s top accounts as well as the best dressed person of the evening. There was also a raffle where winners brought home two-night stays at the Marco Polo Davao, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, and the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila.

UP AND ABOUT

AirAsia’s red hot one-centavo seat sale is back All-in promo fares are up for grabs now until 29 November 2015

THE highly-anticipated one-centavo seat sale by AirAsia is back, with promotional seats made available to all domestic destinations to/from Manila, Kalibo (Boracay), Palawan, Tagbilaran(Bohol), Davao, Cebu and Tacloban including international destinations from Manila, Kalibo and Cebu to Incheon (Seoul), Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Busan, Hong Kong and Macau and vice versa now available for booking at www.airasia.com from tomorrow, 23 November, until 29 November 2015.

The travel period for red hot one-centavo seats* promotion will be from 1 May 2016 until 5 February 2017, with priority redemption 24 hours ahead from 0001hrs – 2359hrs (GMT+8) on 22 November for AirAsia BIG members, AirAsiaGo users, BIG Prepaid MasterCard and AirAsia Citibank card members.

Philippines AirAsia’s Com-

and interface on iPhone and Android devices, as well as the mobile site mobile.airasia.com.

“To enhance our guests’ flying experience, we are set to launch before Christmas, Philippines AirAsia’s latest in-flight menu which now includes new hot meals featuring Filipino favorites such as Bangus sisig, chick-

mercial Head, Gerard Peñaflor said, “Traveling with your friends and family to Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Davao or to Hong Kong, Korea and other AirAsia destinations make an ideal holiday gift and our onecentavo seat sale makes the deal even sweeter! From as low as P201.00 all-in fare, travellers will get to discover new places here in the Philippines and across AirAsia’s massive network in the whole of ASEAN region and extending as far as China, India, Japan and Korea.”

The AirAsia Group is also offering promo seats to over 100 destinations across 20 countries including Asia and Australia during the same period from 23 to 29 November 2015 for travels from 1 May 2016 until 5 February 2017, with over 3 million promo seats on sale for flights operated by AirAsia in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, China, Japan, India and several others.

All promotional seats can also be booked via AirAsia’s all-new mobile app with new features

en curry including ASEANinspired dishes. Now, everyone can enjoy great value services on top of the promo seats that we are offering.”

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotions and activities via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh) and Facebook (facebook. com/AirAsiaPhilippines).

The most wonderful time is almost here! Visit The SM Store and other SM Retail partners at the SMAC Thanksgiving Day Sale on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 and skip the holiday rush. Shop for the latest finds from 600 stores nationwide. To know more go to http://smadvantage.com.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 171 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015

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ENTERTAINMENT

New batch of local films heralds 11th Mindanao Film Festival ABOUT 29 new regional films will be shown during the 11th Mindanao Film Festival which will run from December 9-15 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Cinema 6.

The films for screening will include shorts coming from the students of the Guerrilla Filmmaking Workshop and the Guerrilla Film-AThon 24 hour filmmaking competition.

“We have received many entries this year, but we have decided to make the shortlisting

of films more rigid. This time we emphasize much on quality rather on quantity. We hope that our filmmakers will be inspired to improve their craft,” said Rudolph Alama, festival director of the 11th MFF. The festival carries the theme MFF Onse: Atong Salida (MFF 11: Our Cinema). “These regional films are a reflection of our culture, personalities and locales, we celebrate what is ours, we celebrate our regional cinema,” Alama said.

Opening the film will

be the Typhoon Pabloinspired full-length “Iisa” (As One) directed

by Chuck Guitierrez and written by distinguished Dabawenyo filmmaker Arnel Mardoquio.

Opening ceremonies will be held on the evening of December 9.

The much-anticipated awards night will be on December 14.

The MFF is organized

by the Mindanao Film and Television D e v e l o p m e n t Foundation and supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, with assistance from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the City Government of Davao, and Canon Philippines.

Glaiza de Castro shares her story on running and having a healthy lifestyle WHEN Glaiza de Castro introduced Runner’s Kitchen on Taste Buddies, the Kapuso actress also revealed how she started to have an active lifestyle.

“Honestly, noong nagsimula akong tumakbo hindi talaga ako consistent na runner. Kumbaga isang beses na nag-invite lang sila Xander (Angeles) na ‘Ay takbo tayo,’” she revealed.

However, she isn’t a regular runner so she was startled when she found out that the running stint of Run 365 starts at 6 in the morning.

She said her initial reaction to Xander was, “Bakit?

Bakit 6 am?”

The main reason Glaiza pursued running is to change her lifestyle.

“Gusto ko lang kasi ma-change ‘yung lifestyle ko dahil parang nung time na ‘yun siyempre lahat naman tayo gustong maging fit, gustong maging healthy.”

Eventually, Glaiza relished every bit of her new lifestyle. She said, “Nung sumasama ako sa kanila [Run 365] nai-enjoy ko na.

“Parang ang sarap pala ng pakiramdam na dinidisiplina mo ‘yung sarili mo na gumising ng umaga para tumakbo ng maaga. Tapos, masarap pa noon, marami kang kasama,” Glaiza concluded.

Sam Smith thanks Filipinos for his ‘magical’ trip in Manila November 18 – 24, 2015

ENGLISH singer-songwriter Sam Smith came to Manila for the Asian leg of his ‘In The Lonely Hour Tour’ held on November 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, and he leaves the Philippines with a grateful heart for his “magical” trip.

“Manila – that was unreal,” he expressed in one of his Instagram posts.

Smith was also awarded a

triple Platinum record plaque for his debut studio album ‘In The Lonely Hour.’

“Thank you so much to everyone who has purchased my album and made this first trip so magical,” he said.

Stars spotted in the event was the Philippine DubSmash Queen Maine Mendoza as well as Kapuso love tandem Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid who also took a selfie together with Maine.

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

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AGRITRENDS... FROM 7

In deep trouble But the tuna export industry is in deep trouble. Many of the tuna fisheries in the country are severely overfished, according to a report released by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The major fishing grounds for tuna in the country are the coastal waters of Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and South Cotabato. “Our commercial fishing fleets can catch the skipjack and yellowfin as far as the western Pacific Ocean and from the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia,” Dr. Guerrero says.

The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority reported that in 2013, 167,578 metric tons of tuna and tuna-like species were landed in the fish port of General Santos City in South Cotabato, which earned the moniker “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.”

“Tunas are widely but sparsely distributed throughout the oceans of the world, generally in tropical and temperate waters between about 45 degrees north and south of the equator,” says the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, which compiled a detailed scientific report on the state of global tuna stocks.

The western and central portions of the Pacific Oceans of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Statistical Area 71 contain the biggest tuna resources among the world’s oceans. The Philippines straddles FAO Area 71 in which half of the world’s yellowfin tuna is harvested.

“Tunas are caught throughout Philippine waters,” says Dr. Guerrero, “but the most productive fishing grounds are the Sulu Sea, Moro Gulf and waters extending to the North Celebes Sea. Viable tuna fisheries also exist in waters off Western Negros, as well as Northwestern and Southern Luzon.”

Deep-water or oceanic tunas are believed to be breeding in the Moro Gulf when 3-4 years of age. The juveniles (less than l year old) stay in shallow waters (inshore) until they swim out to the West Pacific or Indian Ocean depending on the current. This is the reason why the big tunas are called “fishes without a country.” They have also been referred to as migratory or straddling stocks.

“The Philippines is in a strategic position because of its proximity to offshore fishing grounds,” says Dr. Guerrero, referring to the West Pacific. “It also has an established tuna canning industry and skilled fishermen.”

The fish aggregating device (FAD) locally known as payao is “the most important factor that triggered the phenomenal of the tuna fishing industry,” says a position paper published by PCAMRD. “The tuna fisheries became the largest and most valuable fisheries in the Philippines during the mid-1970s when payao was introduced.”

On payao, Dr. Guerrero explains: “The device is a floating structure made of bamboo and coconut fronds that is anchored to the bottom. It attracts small fishes that tunas feed on. Fishing boats encircle the structures with their nets to catch them.”

As a result of payao, the annual tuna production has increased substantially from

less than 10,000 tons in 1970 to about 300,000 tons level in the 1990s. During 2003, tuna production was 483,314 tons or 24.8 percent of total Philippine capture fisheries production.

But payao, along with the unregulated use of giant nets, have been cited by WWF as the culprits on why tuna are being depleted rapidly.

Dr. Guerrero has given this explanation: “There is a declining trend in the catch of tuna worldwide because of overfishing. Uncontrolled purse seine fishing in the western and central Pacific Ocean has depleted bigeye stocks. The indiscriminate use of FAD has resulted in the excessive catch of large numbers of juvenile tuna that has reduced breeding populations of the species.”

Popularity of tuna Tuna is popular among humans because it does not have a strong fishy flavor, and consumers who do not like fish will often eat tuna. Another thing: tuna is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease, improve the immune system, cure varied inflammatory conditions, ease the pain caused by arthritis, and help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The popularity of tuna among industrialized countries has made tuna to be overfished in countries where it is usually caught. The big demand of Japanese sushi in the western world is putting pressure on tuna populations which turn them into endangered species.

In London, for instance, many sushi restaurants serve bluefin tuna, the world’s most popular fish after the cavier-producing sturgeon. The fatty underbelly of the fish, often on the menu as toro, has become Japan’s cavier and can command prices of up to US$100 a plate.

“I wouldn’t dream of eating tuna, especially bluefin tuna. It would be like eating a rhinoceros: it’s just as endangered,” commented Michael Gianni, oceans campaigner for Greenpeace International.

Climate change, caused by global warming, has compounded the problem. The Earth’s rising temperature is driving tuna species out of the reach of fishermen. Experts surmised the warming temperature of water has been driving tuna species deeper underwater making it difficult for fishermen to catch them.

“Tunas are very mobile fish,” General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon was quoted as saying by media. “They are also affected by the weather; if it becomes too hot on the surface they dive to depths that are difficult to reach, and if it is cool they normally surface, but that also means it is difficult to catch them because of storms and heavy rain.”

In a way, that’s true. “I do not know what global warming is, but what I know is that it suddenly rains and the weather changes quickly,” said a fisherman who has traveled as far as 300 kilometers from the shores of General Santos City. “When that happens, the tuna swim deep and migrate to other parts, making it difficult for us to chase after them.

NEWS 11

THANKSGIVING SALE. SM City Davao assistant mall manager engineer Nick D. Santos promotes the mall’s Thanksgiving Day Sale on November 25. Santos was joined by The SM Store marketing manager Alex dela Peña during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

5-HOUR... FROM 1 (NGCP) announced another tight power supply situation in the Mindanao grid due to the PMS and emergency shutdown of different state-owned and privately-owned and managed generation utilities (GUs).

Romeo Montenegro, chief of the technical working group for Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) and director for Investment Promotions and Public Affairs, said the Mindanao grid is deficient of a total of 235MW. However, Montenegro said the power situation in Mindan-

ao is expected to get better today (November 24) as the one unit of state-owned Steag coalfired power plant will become online.

“The PMS of one 105MW unit of Steag started last Wednesday and is expected to finish today,” Montenegro told reporters in a separate interview at the sidelines of the power congress at the Pinnacle.

Montenegro said the officials of TSI are assessing when the damaged unit will be repaired.

victed for involvement in the massacre. One of its principal suspects, Andal Sr., has died of liver failure while in detention.

Another key suspect, Andal’s son Sajid, is out on bail and is running for mayor of Shariff Aguak town under the United

Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Some 197 people were accused as having a role in the crime, 18 of whom carry the surname Ampatuan. Some 80 suspects are still at large. (Ryan D. Rosauro / MindaNews)

Meanwhile, CTO has reported a decrease in RPT delinquency after a series of data cleansing this year.

Riola said his office has now recorded P1.1 billion in RPT collectibles, down from P1.7 billion last year.

He said the cleansing of the

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

Riola 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. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

pressed support for Duterte’s presidential bid. He said all Dabawenyos should support a Dabawenyo for president.

On November 21, Duterte said he will make his presidential run official after meeting Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, president of PDP-Laban.

Duterte was earlier nominated by the party as “sub-

stitute candidate” for withdrawn presidential candidate Martin Diño.

Duterte also said he would ask his daughter, former Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, to substitute for him as mayoral candidate in 2016, a prospect that Nograles already said he would support.

development and tourism.

The Philippines will be trading with Indonesia various goods like food and beverage items (e.g., meat, high value crops, fruits), raw materials (e.g., abaca, coffee beans, fishing supplies), and construction materials (e.g., lumber, cement), among others.

Meanwhile, the commencing of the DGTB sea route has been postponed

since last year because the Indonesia MV Beverly, Pt Kanaka’s vessel failed to secure permits necessary for its operation.

The signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) between President Benigno Aquino III and Indonesian President Susila Bambang Yuhoyono was scheduled in May last year in Indonesia.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

Int’l... FROM 2

Pay taxes... FROM 4

Nograles... FROM 4

Stalled... FROM 6

Quitain... FROM 2 on law and the constitution.

Duterte said the senators made a mistake in adopting the treaty on foundling children, saying the treaty does not automatically make a foundling a citizen of a country and only “deems” him or her a citizen.

At the same time, Duterte lauded the decision of the justice-members of the SET – Senior Justice Antonio Carpio who is the SET chair, Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, and Associate Justice Arturo Brion – who he said upheld the constitution.

Escudero said he believes that SET rendered justice to Poe and all other foundlings by favoring Poe. Escudero also told Duterte in his statement that the mayor does not need to hit Poe and “use the decision of the SET in her favor as an excuse to run.”

But Paolo said Escudero’s insistence on Poe’s qualifications “springs from his personal ill-interest, while Mayor Duterte’s position on Poe’s qualification is culled from the Constitution, which to him is ‘the only document which holds this country together.’”

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

9,953.95 square meters.

Another condominium project is set to start with the issuance of the building permit to Esdevco Realty for the setting-up of a P106.31 million condominium project located in Matina Enclaves at Matina Golf Drive. The condominium will have eight floors with a total floor area of 9,800 square meters.

The CEO also approved the building permit application of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) for the construction of a 5-storey school building that will have an estimated cost of P71.09 million.

It will have a total floor area of 4,209 square meters.

Aside from the school building, the CEO also approved the building permit applied by Elizabeth Teves in January this year for the construction of a six-storey commercial building with a floor area of 3,800 square meters at Tulip Drive Ecoland. The project has an estimated cost of P56.59 million.

Another high-rise structure will be soon set-up in Jacinto Extention with the approval of the building permit applied by the Amaara Corporation for the construction of a six-storey commercial building with a total floor area of 1,800 square meters. The project will have an estimated construction cost of P44.64 million.

Other approved high rise

permits was also issued to Davao Chinese Baptist Church Inc. for the construction of the eight-storey church with a total floor area of 5,018 square meters located at Guzman Street here. The structure has an estimated cost of P39.64 million.

The Joji Ilagan Carrer Center Foundation Inc. also secured building permit for the construction of a seven-storey school building worth P25.08 million which will have a total floor area of 5,607 square meters as well as the construction of 6-storey hotel with a estimated cost P21.44 million.

The Cyber City Teleservice Philippines Inc. also applied for the renovation of the two Business Process Management (BPM) building with more than P23 million construction cost.

Other project approved by the CEO for this year was the application for the construction of P12 million commercial building in R. Castillo Street, Agdao. It will have five floors with a total floor area 1,600 square meters.

Investor of the construction six-storey commercial building with roofdeck and mezzanine with a total floor area of 1,875 square meters worth P8.55 million was able to secured permit as well as the investors of the five-storey commercial building applied

by Sagrex Corporation in Barangay Sasa worth P8.53 million. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Pulong... FROM 4

CEO... FROM 6

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13 COMPETITIVE EDGE Christmas is about to begin at the Waterfront EDGEDAVAO

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HE lighting of the Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol that signifies that the much awaited holiday has officially started. This time-honored tradition will once again be celebrated at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. On November 25, 2015, the hotel shall hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony together with its top clients and most loyal

patrons and partners. The establishment also upped the ante this year with its holiday decorations. Inspired by the wonders and beauty of the sea, Waterfront Insular Davao put up ornaments, wreaths and garlands adorned with the ocean’s beautiful representations. The gigantic Christmas Tree itself will be decked with remnants of the sea’s bounty to help bring in a coastal ambi-

ance and an awareness that the magnificence of the vast oceans can be lost to us if not taken care of. A photo exhibit by the Davao Camera Club will also be put into play as an added push to this endeavor.

For the past 8 years, it has been a tradition of Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao to partner with the Davao Cancer Fund, Inc. and bring joy and hope to the children at the House

of Hope. For every ornament bought and hung on the Christmas Tree, a portion of its sale shall be donated to the foundation in the hopes of aiding a child’s fight against cancer. The photos that will be on display will also be put up for sale and part of that sale will also be given to the foundation. The hotel is hoping that generosity will be strong driving force this holiday season.

Guests of the event will also be joined by the little beneficiaries themselves, as it is a part of the property’s Corporate Social Responsibility. The entertainment lined up for the evening will be one that both young and old will enjoy. Coupled with great food and jovial camaraderie, it will be a night filled with aquatic enchantment and merry-making as the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao formally

Sun Life Philippines named Asia’s life insurance company of the year

S

THUMBS UP. AboitizPower subsidiary and power barge operator Therma Marine, Inc. together with Aboitiz Foundation recently turned over an AGAPP (Aklat, Gabay, Argua Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa) Silid Pangarap

kindergarten classrooms to Concepcion Elementary School in Maco, Compostela Valley. This is one of the first buildings to be turned over among the 20 AGAPP buildings that the Aboitiz Group is donating nationwide.

welcomes the arrival of the Spirit of Christmas.

For inquiries, reservations and updates on our events, promos and culinary offerings, contact us at (082) 233 2881 to 87 or 300 8881 or visit our website at www.waterfronthotels.com.ph. Like us also on Facebook at www.facebook. com/waterfront.davao and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at WaterfrontDavao.

UN LIFE of Canada (Philippines), Inc. was recognized across the region in the 19th Asia Insurance Industry Awards (AIIA) 2015 held in Singapore, where it was named “Life Insurance Company of the Year.” This is the first time that a Filipino company was bestowed the prestigious award.

“We are very proud of the recognition afforded our Philippine operations,” said Kevin Strain, Sun Life Financial Asia President. “Its outstanding showing among so many accomplished peers stands as a testament to the strength of its operations and the outstanding teams driving it.”

The AIIA has become a sought-after mark of excellence and peer group endorsement for insurance players and professionals in the market. The backbone of the Awards is the 29 judges drawn from a cross-section of industry leaders, regulators, and experts. Major criteria in the Life Insurance category included setting leading professional standards for other

insurers to follow, improving life insurance protection and savings levels in the market, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and understanding of the region through strategies and operations, and responsiveness to the needs of customers and intermediaries.

In a statement following the recognition, Sun Life Philippines President and CEO Riza Mantaring expressed her gratitude and appreciation to all Sun Life employees and advisors in the Philippines, who, she cited, have contributed significantly to the company’s success all these years. “It is their tremendous work, passion, and excellence in everything they do that have fueled our rise. They are indeed a vital cog in achieving greater heights,” she said.

Strain added: “Our underlying goal in everything we do wherever we are, is to help our customers achieve lifetime financial security. That includes markets like the Philippines, where we have more than 120 years of history.”

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports Francis Gabriel Escandor of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) muscles his way to the basket against Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines (AIFCP) defenders. Lean Daval Jr.

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Genesis 88-Esdevco, DASIA take semifinal opener T OP favorite Genesis 88-Esdevco and DASIA opened their respective semifinal series with crushing victories to move a win away from the finals of the 2015 Escandor Group of Companies Basketball Tournament at the Genesis 88 Gym on Sunday.

Francis Gabriel Escandor once again carried the fight for the Realtors scoring a game-

high 30 points to lead Genesis 88-Esdevco to a 95-80 win over Premia Packing Corporation in Game 1 of their best-ofthree series.

The six-foot-one Escandor had six triples to typify his dominant presence inside and out of the shaded area. His father Glenn added 8 points in a supporting role spiked with two treys.

Gio Binoya added 14 points for the Realtors.

In the other semis match up, DASIA stopped powerhouse White House 82-76 to also take a 1-0 lead in the Final Four.

The winners advance to the finals of this tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas under Regino “Boy” Cua.

HE Golden State Warriors defeated the host Denver Nuggets 118105 on Sunday to equal the best start to a season in NBA history with their 15th win of 2015.

The reigning NBA champion Warriors matched the record 15-0 opening achieved

by Washington in 1948-49 and by the Houston Rockets in 1993-94.

They will try to break the record when they host the lackluster Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

“To get to 15-0 and tie a record that has been standing for a long time is a huge accomplishment,” said reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry.

“We want to take it to the next level Tuesday back at home,” Curry said. “But to come here and get this win,

with what it all meant, was a huge accomplishment for us.”

The Warriors’ wins have run the gamut -- from a 11969 blowout of the Memphis Grizzlies on November 2 to a rally from a 23-point first-half deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 124-117 on Thursday.

Sunday’s win was their 10th double-digit victory of the season, despite the fact that Curry, who came into the contest averaging 33.6 points per game, delivered fewer than 20 points for the first time this season.

Curry -- who took a season-low 16 shots -- finished with 19 points -- 10 of them in a decisive third quarter in which the Warriors stretched their lead to 91-79.

They led by as many as 21 in the fourth.

Klay Thompson led the

Warriors with 21 points. Harrison Barnes added 17, Draymond Green scored 13 and Andre Iguodala chipped in 12 off the bench.

“I told the guys it was a great team win tonight,” said Golden State’s interim head coach Luke Walton -- who has guided the team all season in place of ailing Steve Kerr.

“Everyone that played scored while they were in and we had 35 assists,” Walton said. “We still had too many turnovers, but just an allaround great team win.”

Curry was on the bench when the game ended, lifting both fists as the clock wound down.

But Walton said the early-season victory wouldn’t spark a celebration, but more “acknowledgement of how special what these guys are doing is”.

Warriors demolish Nuggets to match best NBA start of 15-0 T

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SPORTS 15

Rigo wins boring fight vs. Francisco

W SUCCESSFUL BID. Colonia clinches the bronze medal in the clean-and-jerk 56 kg division of the 2015 World Weightlifting Championships.

Pinoy lifter boosts Olympic bid

N

Yun-Chol of North Korea and Wu Jingbiao of China.

The 23-year-old Zamboanga native fell short of a second medal after finishing fourth in the total with 282 kg behind Thach Kim Tuan of Vietnam with 287 kg.

Om won the gold in the clean and jerk in world record fashion with 171 kg, before topping the total with 302 kg. for a second gold.

Wu also took the gold in

the snatch at 139 kg to break the current world record.

Hidilyn Diaz is the other Philippine entry in the event as she competes in the 53 kg division.

The World Weightlifting Championship is one of the qualifying tournaments for next year’s Summer Games where points are earned for the ranking system to determine the 108 athletes to make it to Rio De Janeiro.

An athlete can qualify in the Olympics via team qualification where a country can gain three to six berths based on team rankings in the 2014 and 2015 World Championship, and continental qualification events or via individual qualification by being one of eight in the top 15 in each weight category from countries which have not yet gained Olympic berths.

FTER beating Miguel Cotto by a hard-fought unanimous decision at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, new WBC middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez told the media he wants to fight Gennady Golovkin in a superfight next year.

“A lot of people were asking me about Golovkin before the fight but out of respect for Cotto I did not say anything,” said Alvarez. “Now I can talk about it. I’m ready for Golovkin. I know him very well and he’s a friend of mine.

I’m not afraid of anyone and I’m not afraid of him. If you

don’t believe me I’ll get in the ring now and go 12 rounds.”

Alvarez was too strong for Cotto tonight and he shook the Puerto Rican veteran several times during the contest. However, the scores of 118-110, 119-109 and 117-111 painted a picture of a one-sided fight and this was far from it. Cotto certainly had his moments, at times he boxed beautifully to keep Alvarez at bay, but he ultimately lacked the power, and volume, to dissuade the young Mexican from marching forward.

“It was an honour to be in

the ring with Miguel Cotto but I did what I had to do,” said Alvarez, sporting a bruised face.

“I keep getting better and better. From the opening round I felt that I was stronger than him, I was moving around, I was making him miss and I won the fight.”

Alvarez’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya confirmed that Canelo will fight next on May 2, and again on September 16 next year but was non-commital about ‘GGG’. He indicated that Alvarez might move back down to 154lbs, despite the fighter voicing his intention to stay at middleweight.

“Of course he’s going to fight Gennady Golovkin,” said De La Hoya. “But we’re going to let him rest and see what is for the best. We need to decide if we stay at middleweight, or drop back to light-middleweight.”

The promoter also said tonight’s exciting contest “was great for boxing” after the disappointment of Floyd Mayweather’s win over Manny Pacquiao failed to deliver.

“People were eager to see something special after Mayweather-Pacquiao,” he said. “Tonight delivered excitement.”

ORY McIlroy survived a late scare and finished his frustrating season on a high, winning both the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai crown on Sunday.

McIlroy got the better of overnight leader Andy Sullivan over the back nine to clinch the European Tour’s season-ending tournament.

The third-ranked Northern Irishman shot 6-under 66 with eight birdies to finish on 21-under 267, one stroke ahead of Sullivan (68).

England’s Danny Willett, who started the tournament 1,613 points behind McIlroy in the Race to Dubai and needed to beat him to become the European No. 1 for

the first time in his career, finished tied for fourth on 13-under 275 after shooting 70.

South Africa’s Branden Grace shot 5-under 67 in the final round to finish third on 273.

McIlroy had an anxious moment late in the day when his tee shot on the par-3 17th found the water and threatened to nullify his advantage at that stage.

But the 26-year-old McIlroy made a brilliant 40-feet putt to limit the damage to a bogey, which gave him a oneshot lead going to the 18th where he and Sullivan made par.

“In hindsight, I probably should have gone with a

different club and a different shot,” McIlroy said of his problems at the 17th. “It’s definitely probably the longest putt I’ve ever made for a bogey. I don’t think there’s been one that’s come at a better time. So, yeah, definitely the best bogey of my career.”

McIlroy also won the Race to Dubai title as the European Tour’s No. 1 player for the year, the third time he has secured the honor after winning in 2012 and 2014.

“To be European No. 1 for the third time in four years, that was a goal of mine at the start of the year. It was a goal of mine in the middle of the year and it was definitely a goal coming into these last few weeks,” he said.

McIlroy’s closest rival for the Race to Dubai was Willett, who made early birdies to climb to third place on the leaderboard, but both McIlroy and Sullivan had enough birdies of their own to stay comfortably clear. Willett needed to finish ahead of McIlroy in the tournament.

Sullivan had two birdies in the first two holes, and four in the first six. McIlroy bogeyed the fourth and trailed Sullivan by three shots at one stage, despite birdies on Nos. 5, 6 and 7.

But the birdies stopped for Sullivan as he started spraying his tee shots, and McIlroy edged ahead with two crucial birdies on the 14th and 15th holes.

ESTOR Colonia boosted his bid of gaining a slot in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics after bagging a bronze medal in the cleanand-jerk 56 kg. division of the 2015 World Weighlifting Championship in Houston, Texas.

Colonia lifted 158 kg in the clean and jerk, good enough to place third in the category behind London Olympics gold medalist Om

Canelo eager to fight GGG in 2016

A

BA super bantamweight champion and two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux easily defeated former Filipino title challenger Drian Francisco in a boring, ten round bout and was roundly booed by the fans when it ended at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Sunday, Manila Time.

Rigondeaux hadn’t fought for eleven months since no one wished to promote his fights because of his technically sound but lackluster style.

It was the same against Francisco who took the fight on short notice although he had been preparing for a fight last November 13 in an MP Promotions USA LLC fight card at the Philippine Navy Gymnasium in Fort Bonifacio and said he was ready to face the WBA bantamweight champion.

The unbeaten Rigondeaux who was recently stripped of his WBO belt because of inactivity resorted to jabbing, moving and holding en route to a victory where judges Steve Morrow and Richard Ocasio scored it by a 100-90 shutout while the third judge Don Trella was generous in giving Francisco three rounds for a 97-93 score.

Rigondeaux who has appealed against the WBO decision stripping him of his title and is waiting for the decision on his appeal which, if not granted will make Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s showdown with Cesar Juarez of Mexico on December 13 in

Puerto Rico a title fight.

CompuBox stats showed Rigondeaux landed 72 of 347 punches thrown while Francisco who tried to upset Rigondeaux by being aggressive and caught him with a couple of good body shots in round seven landed only 42 of 228 punches he threw.

With the win Rigondeaux improved to 16-0 with 10 knockouts while Francisco dropped to 28-4-1 with 22 knockouts.

The fight which was on the Miguel Cotto-Saul “Canelo” Alvarez world middleweight title fight was telecast in the Philippines by TV 5.

In a post fight interview Rigondeaux said “I feel terrific after the fight. He (Francisco) threw heavy shots but his style was nothing on mine. My style outmatched his.”

He said “I definitely wanted to give the fans a better fight so I need to get back into the gym, get more active to give a better performance. I promise with the tools I have now after signing with Roc Nation that next time I’ll be explosive.”

A disappointed Francisco criticized Rigondeaux referring to him as “a runner not a fighter. He is afraid of getting hurt and doesn’t want to fight.

I felt pressured into being the aggressor during this fight because he wasn’t fighting, he was running away. He is not a power puncher and won by points. I trained really hard for this fight and I feel like it was a waste of time because I didn’t encounter a fighter tonight.”

Rory survives scare, wins in Dubai R

Rory McIlroy watches his putt in the final round.

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