Edge Davao 9 Issue 218

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

Serving a seamless society

POWER BOOST. Davao Light and Power Company executive vice president and chief operating officer (EVP and COO) Arturo Milan (leftmost), incoming EVP and COO Engr. Rodger Velasco (second from right) and Substation and Electrical Equipment Department (SEED) manager Engr. Ledio Peñafiel (rightmost) assist Mayor Al David Uy of Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) as he turns on the

switch to energize and reconnect the Samal submarine cable at DLPC Pampanga substation in Bo. Pampanga, Davao City yesterday. Uy requested DLPC to provide stable electricity to Samal as the generator sets currently supplying electricity is not sufficient to energize the entire island. Lean Daval Jr.

White elephant no more:

P4-B BUDGET FOR SASA PORT LAUDED

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

OP officers of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry lauded the recent decision of the Philippine Ports Authority to review the implementation of the Sasa Port development project particularly the decision to revert back to the original budget of P4 billion.

“We are happy that PPA will pursue the project. The P4-billion budget is already workable to upgrade the Sasa Port,” DCCCI president Bonifacio Tan told reporters in a press conference at Habi

at Kape in Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday.

DCCCI is among the stakeholders in Davao City that opposed the increase of the project’s budget from P4 billion to P19 billion.

“We believed that there was a hidden agenda for that huge increase ... that was intended for election funds,” Tan added.

Last Monday, National Irrigation Administration administrator Peter Laviña also welcomed PPA’s decision to go back to the original budget of the Sasa Port project.

Laviña, prior to his appointment at NIA was among the movers of the opposition to the implementation of the project that was supported by various groups in the city including members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Members of the city council, together with the Samal City Resort Owners Association went to the Supreme Court for the issuance of a Writ of Kalikasan against the said project.

The project will involve the development of the existing Sasa Port in Davao City

into a modern and international-standard container terminal that will help improve trade to Mindanao and the entire country and support the growing agro-industrial sector in the island-region.

The project will be implemented jointly by the PPA and the Department of Transportation.

The project was also withdrawn by PPA from the list of PPP (public-private partnership) projects previously approved by the National Economic Development Authority.

Davao Light boosts Samal Island power

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE Davao Light & Power Company has extended power supply to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) anew through its submarine cable in re-

sponse to a request of Samal Mayor Al David Uy for a stable electricity to the island this Christmas season.

On Thursday, Davao Light

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

ANOTHER SHOT Loreto hard in training P15 for title eliminator

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

VIEWING THE TROOPS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the inspection of troops during the 81st anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday. REY BANIQUET/ Presidential Photo

DENR formally creates task force to protect IPs

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NVIRONMENT Secretary Gina Lopez has issued a special order formally creating an inter-agency task force led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help ensure economic, environmental and social justice among indigenous peoples in the country.

DENR Special Order No. 2016-761 establishes the Indigenous Peoples Inter-Agency Task Force composed of the DENR, its corporate arm, the Natural Resources Development Corp. (NRDC), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

The task force was created pursuant to the government’s mandate to protect the rights of IPs to their ancestral

domains and the agreement forged by the DENR, NRDC and NCIP last September.

The three agencies committed to providing the IPs “cohesive and quality of life, and environmental and social justice” and upholding their self-determination and development.

Under the special order, the DENR, NRDC and NCIP are expected to “build skills for all parties and for the IPs’ communities, as well as assist [IPs] in taking full advantage of their opportunities.”

The task force is also in charge of making sure the IPs are “not subjected to undue pressure and influence from unscrupulous businessmen

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Banks to open select branches during the holiday weekends

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EVERAL banks will open select branches during the holidays to continue to cater to their clients and the general public.

In an advisory, Sy-led Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. (BDO) said “mall and non-mall branches will do business on shortened banking hours on December 24,30, and 31; while on December 26 and January 2, only the branches in malls will be open until 4p.m. to accommodate clients’ banking transactions.”

“Regular banking hours, on the other hand, will be im-

plemented on December 27 to 29,” it said.

“BDO’s ATM (automated teller machine) network is ready to handle clients’ transactions during this period,” it said as it encourages clients to visit the bank’s website, www. bdo.com.ph, and and Facebook page, www.facebook. com/BDOUnibank, for other information.

Several branches of the Gutianun-led EastWest Bank will also open during the holiday weekend, specifically on December 24, 26, 30, and 31,

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Dabawenyos to celebrate 4th NY Torotot Festival

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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ABAWENYOS again will greet their 15th Christmas without firecracker explosions and are preparing to welcome 2017 by blowing their party horns and dancing in the 4th Torotot Festival on December 31.

The first time the firecracker ban was successfully implemented here was Christmas of 2001 and New Year 2002 and that the city ordinance banning fireworks was passed only in late 2002.

But former Davao City Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte banned the sale of fireworks and pyrotechnics during the holiday season in 2001 by not giving business permits to vendors and malls intending to sell these items.

To recall, he explained that “the money spent on fireworks would be better dedicated to food,” and that the city government is willing to give out a P5,000 bounty for anyone who could pinpoint anyone firing a gun during the merrymaking.

It was a quiet Christmas in 2001, and so was New Year in 2002. Indeed, a “silent night, holy night” for Davao City.

“Torotot Festival” Street vendors have been selling “torotots” (party horns or party blowers) here in Davao City since Christmas 2001 instead of selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Smart Communications and the City Government of Davao have also been hosting

the Torotot Festival since 2013.

The organizers have been doing their best to make it to the Guinness Book of Records for the largest gathering to beat Japan’s record at 6,900 attendees.

However, the record was not surpassed; hence the organizers this year aims to accommodate more than 10,000 participants for this year.

According to Arnold Dellosa of Smart Communications, the Torotot Festival on December 31 will start at 4 pm with a parade that will start from PLDT Ponciano and will end at Rizal Park.

Gene Rose Tecson, City Tourism Office head, urged residents to join the Festival as the organizers will give out

cash prizes to some participants.

“From adhering to Davao City’s ordinance prohibiting the use of firecrackers, to making a Guinness Book of World Record attempt, and to maintaining the Davaoeños unique way of celebrating the New Year, we must continue in redefining how the new year’s day is welcomed,” Tecson said.

She added that they are aiming to promote the uniqueness and local pride of the Davaoeños.

Prizes are available for the Most Creative Torotot with P50,000 as their grand prize.

Contingents with Most Creative Torotot-Inspired Costumes will also be awarded

opment, with six more provinces declared in 2016, namely: Agusan Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Agusan Del Sur, Compostela Valley, Quezon Province and Occidental Mindoro,” he said.

The AFP chief also said the impact of Internal Peace Security Program “Bayanihan” was felt across the Philippines islands, as the whole-of-nation approach to the challenge of

winning the peace has forged dynamic partnerships to enable far-flung and indigenous communities.

The latter aims to “provide the strategic guidance in the performance of (the AFP’s) mandated functions of protecting the state and the people. It shall help AFP units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security,” he said.

“Bayanihan” was first implemented on Dec. 22, 2010 and is scheduled to end this year.

“Momentum is our side and we are setting our sights on doing more in the days ahead. With the AFP’s track record over the last eight decades, the current and future goals can only mean good things for our country and our people,” Año said. (PNA)

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Año cites peace gains as AFP turns 81 A

S the Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrates its 81st founding anniversary Wednesday, AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said the military has made solid gains in winning the peace and preserving strong alliances.

“In the area of internal security, to-date, 71 provinces are now Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Devel-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

11 towns get P176M DOLE: Workers entitled from Kalahi-CIDSS to added pays on holidays T L HE second cycle implementation of Department of Social Welfare and Development Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) officially begins with the municipal orientation in 11 implementing municipalities in Region XI which will receive P 176,611,400.00 to fund prioritized community sub-projects.

These municipalities that started the program in 2015 are Baganga, Braulio E. Dujali, Lupon, Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Montevista, Sarangani, and San Isidro (Davao del Norte).

The orientation serves as a forum through which newly elected and appointed local officials, as well as representatives of other government and non-government organizations in the locality are provided overview and updates on Kalahi-CIDSS. Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects.

“We are very inspired by what we have achieved during the first cycle of Kalahi-CIDSS as implemented in these 11 LGUs. Truly, the ben-

efits of community-initiated programs empower localities more, and they gain a bigger stake in the future of these projects,” shared Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat.

Jerome Ruel Susuman, Human Resource Management Officer of Don Marcelino and former Sangguniang Bayan Councilor, expressed his utmost appreciation to the program.

“The Municipality of Don Marcelino is grateful to Kalahi-CIDSS for not only building infrastructures that will help our community, but also in empowering our communities here. In pledging our commitment in the Manifesto of Support for the second cycle of implementation, I put my heart in every stroke of my signature.

We will look forward to a more progressive Don Marcelino and for more communities to develop at a faster pace.”

In the first cycle of implementation in Don Marcelino, a total of 11 sub-projects such as flood control facility, road, multipurpose building, water system, solar home lighting, and hanging cable footbridge were implemented in 11 barangays with a total cash grant of Php 16,776,800.00.

For the second cycle, the municipality will have another grant allocation of Php 16,776,800.00 that will fund sub-projects that address the needs of the community.

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By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

ABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III has reminded the private employers to implement proper wage rules and occupational safety standards during the Christmas and New Year season.

“Pay them [employees] correctly during the holidays; observing standards and fundamental compensation guidelines, labor safety, and

health standards on [the] holidays is good for business,” said Bello, urging the employers to “share their blessings and joy of the season” and in the interest of our workers’ welfare and protection, He pointed out Proclamation Number 1105 Series of 2015 signed on August 20, 2015, and Proclamation Number 117 Series of 2016

signed on December 13, 2016, covering the regular holidays on December 25 and 30, 2016, and January 1, 2017, and other special non-working days for the holiday breaks.

“Employees who will work on December 25th [Christmas Day] and 30th [Rizal Day], and January 1st [New Year’s Day] or regular holidays will receive double pay,” Bello add-

ed.

Bello explained that employees who will work overtime on the mentioned dates would receive additional 30 percent of their hourly rate, and if the date falls on the employee’s rest day, he or she will receive an additional 30 percent on top of the 200 percent of his or her daily rate.

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ALL IN A DAY. A young street vendor counts his earnings from selling Christmas-designed piggy banks and slippers along the sidewalk in San Pedro Street, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

NO LETUP. A Task Force Davao personnel inspects a private vehicle during Wednesday night’s random checkpoint along Mc Arthur Highway in Bangkal, Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

sets Dec. 31 deadline Rody declares Christmas, New Year Piñol for SPS clearance renewal ceasefire with NPA, Moro rebels T T HE communist and Moro rebels can join their families during Christmas and New Year days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared on Wednesday ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“I would like to declare it officially on my part so that you can go home to your families. All of you, except the criminals,” President Duterte said in his speech during the 81st Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Camp Crame in Quezon City.

President Duterte made the declaration following a consultation with religious leaders, well-meaning individuals and peace process officials.

President Duterte also

said he talked with National Democratic Front (NDF) chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison early Tuesday morning and they agreed to pursue peace process.

“Now as agreed with some local and religious leaders, I will honestly and sincerely ask you for a ceasefire beginning Dec. 23 to 27 and then in New Year from Jan. 1 to 3 depending on the response of those who would like to embrace us as brothers,” the President said.

“To the NPA, although you do not declare any cessation of hostilities somewhere, I would like to invite everybody, leave your firearms where you are now, and you can come down in the cities where you leave, you visit your family,” he added.

The President assured the rebels that no arrest and

oppression will be imposed during Christmas and New Year’s Day ceasefire.

“I guarantee you that there will be no arrest, no oppression. If you meet a soldier, you shake hands and if you don’t like, just ignore them,” President Duterte said.

“You know those people in farms who’ll join the NPAs, I’m sure you have not seen, or if at all, in fleeting moments with your family, I would like you to come down and be with your family on Christmas day,” he added.

President Duterte has urged the soldiers to treat the rebels as brothers by allowing them to eat with them inside their military camps.

“It’s very tiring see each other fighting on Christmas.

For the military camps, especially the Army, kindly open

you gates and allow the people to break bread with you even on Christmas day,” the President said.

President Duterte said he will order to deliver branded canned goods and ‘odong’ in the military camps.

The President, however, clarified that the ceasefire does not cover criminals and terrorists.

“The Maute? I’m sorry.

You just burned so many buses the other day. You have to pay for that. It will be no quarters given, no quarters asked. You know that,” the President said.

President Duterte assured that he is not conceding “anything in this Republic”.

“Not of it will be surrendered to the enemies of the state but I cannot for the life of me, be forever fighting,” he said. (PNA)

hurt, it was clearly meant for our troops,” Sobejana said.

He said post blast investigation was still going on at the blast site in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, about a kilometer away from the headquarters of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Poblacion Shariff Aguak.

No one has claimed responsibility but military and police officials are looking at possible involvement of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Before this morning’s roadside bombing, the Moro bandit group has threatened

to launch offensives against the Army in Maguindano’s second district.

The BIFF said it will not declare unilateral ceasefire this Christmas and New Year.

Sobejana said government forces have been placed on double red alert since Dec. 16 to ensure the safety of commuters passing

by Maguindanao and those having Church-related activities.

More checkpoints were put up along the highway from Shariff Aguak to Cotabato City as preventive measures.

Sobejana sought understanding from commuters on the delays the checkpoints may have cause them but he stressed it is for the safety of everybody.

Today’s road side bombing was preceded by at least four IED attacks last week by the BIFF in Army and police outposts in Datu Salibo and Datu Piang, both in Maguindanao.

In attacks last week, a soldier was wounded while a civilian was also hurt when an IED prematurely exploded as the victim was passing by on a motorbike. (PNA)

Army convoy hit by roadside bomb in Maguindanao

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USPECTED bandits set off at 7 a.m. on Thursday a powerful improvised explosive device along the national highway here while a military convoy of vehicles was passing by, the Army said.

Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade based in Tacurong City, said the military convoy was heading to the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao when a powerful blast rocked the town as soldiers passed by.

“Luckily, nobody was

HE Department of Agriculture is giving meat, agriculture and fisheries importers until the end of this year to have their sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) import clearances revalidated otherwise, the agency would consider them cancelled.

About 7,000 SPS clearances of the more than 19,000 issued by the DA in the past administration remain unvalidated, said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol.

In line with its efforts to weed out unscrupulous traders from legitimate importers, Pinol said the agency has already processed 12,000 SPS permits since the drive to minimize technical smuggling of agricultural products took effect Nov. 22.

“We now have a clearer picture of the situation,” he said.

“Because of this campaign, we were able to weed out the fake clearances used by unscrupulous importers,” he added.

The technical working group Pinol created to handle the review and validation of said permits was “blinded and overwhelmed by the volume of SPS previously issued,” the agriculture chief said.

“There are used and recycled SPS as well as fake clearances,” Piñol said.

There were also reports, Pinol said, that some importers were able to bring out shipment without validation.

Undersecretary for Operations Ariel T. Cayanan said the agency is now “databasing” blacklisted companies following the SPS validation.

“We have to do this to protect the interest of the general public,” he said. (PNA)

WHO warns of effects of marketing strategies in shaping children’s diets

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HE World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific on Wednesday warned of the effects of “marketing strategies” in shaping children’s diets, preferences and consumption patterns.

“Imbedded early on, these effects last a lifetime, so we must protect our children’s health from these harmful influences,” said Dr. Shin Youngsoo, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.

Shin made the warning as he emphasized how obvious it is that children are constantly bombarded with clever marketing campaigns that use advertising, promotion and sponsorship techniques pioneered by the tobacco and alcohol industries.

He noted that across the Western Pacific Region, marketers of unhealthy food and beverages target children.

Usually, these food and beverages are high in calories, saturated and trans fats, salt and sugar, the consumption of which are driving exploding rates of obesity and other health problems in many countries across the region, Shin explained.

The WHO thus launched a new tool to protect children from unhealthy food and drinks, he said.

The new tool, dubbed the regional Nutrient Profile Model, aims to help governments and policy-makers easily identify food and non-alcoholic beverages that should not be market-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

Gov’t to use drones in ensuring infrastructure projects graft-free

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HE Duterte administration is considering the implementation of five measures---including the use of drones, to place its infrastructure buildup strategy on track and keep such public works free from graft and corruption.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that although the Duterte administration is pursuing Public-Private Partnerships as part of its massive infra plan, the Department of Public Works and Highways itself will undertake certain big-ticket projects like road improvements that it can approve faster faster and build cheaper than private contractors.

He said the government also plans to break up certain major projects into smaller ones to fast-track their completion.

“For instance, rather than have one contractor for, let’s say 30 kilometers of road, we can break that up to five contracts of some kilometers each,” Dominguez said at a recent forum.

“We will avoid PPP where we can do it ourselves. A PPP typically takes 13 months to get it going, with the bidding and the negotiations for the contracts. So the projects that we can do ourselves, like, we have immediately, two road-widening projects in Bulacan and north of Manila, totaling about probably 40 kilometers, [that] will be done directly by the DPWH,” he said.

Besides the first two measures, Dominguez said the government might also require doing the construction work on a 24-hour basis whenever possible.

For better project monitoring, Dominguez said he has discussed with officials of the DPWH and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) the possibility of using drones to check on whether construction works are being implemented on schedule and whether specifications are being met for particular projects.

As another measure, the

government, in step with the Freedom of Information (FOI order of President Duterte, is also putting up websites for these projects so the public could be better informed about their details and find out for themselves the progress of these undertakings.

“So this will be open to the public and available to anyone who’s interested, both, as I said, drone pictures, drone images, as well as financial contract information. So this is going to be done in that fashion,” Dominguez said.

According to the finance chief, the Duterte administration needs at least P8 trillion to close the infrastructure gap over the next six years.

Dominguez said an initial list of 18 big-ticket items worth a total of P427.5 billion has already been approved by the NEDA for this unprecedented infrastructure buildup, which “is much more than what the previous administration undertook during its entire tenure in office.”

He said the swift action of the government underscores the firm resolve of President Duterte to realize his administration’s goal of accelerating infrastructure spending to help pull down the poverty rate to below 15 percent by the time he steps aside in 2022.

As a key factor of inclusive growth, Dominguez said infrastructure has the highest multiplier effect on the economy and is also indispensable to transforming the nature of growth from consumption- to investment-seivem, which, in turn, will create a lot more jobs.

“Budget Secretary Ben Diokno estimates that we need to invest about P8 trillion over the next six years ininfra to be at par with our neighbors. To put this amount in perspective, the total resources of the Philippine financial system is P16.2 trillion,” Dominguez said.

“That is a huge price tag, to be sure, and it is my happy duty to find the revenues to support that,” he added.

HE National Electrification Administration received the energy efficient government building award from the government energy management program last Dec. 12, for saving energy amounting to P6.9 million.

According to a statement from NEA Wednesday, the amount is equivalent to 699 megawatt hours and a carbon dioxide avoidance of 358 tons, which also scored 95 percent in its energy audit spot check.

Deputy administrator for corporate resources and financial services, Sonia San Diego, and General Services acting manager and EnerCon program manager, Enrique Morales, accepted the award for NEA. “As we carry on the current Corporate Governance

Program of NEA, I am glad that NEA’s strong workforce is one with the management in its bid towards excellent service through adoption and employment of unique and best practices that will consequently redound to the benefit of its clients, customers and stakeholders,” NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong said.

NEA was also given the award among government-owned and -controlled corporations in 2006, while it got the 5-star rating after saving 95 percent for energy conservation in 2008.

NEA, an attached agency of the Energy Department, is mandated to strengthen electric cooperatives by ensuring efficiency, reliability and global competitiveness. (PNA)

LIVE SALE. Pigs sold outside Sta. Ana Port in Davao city are ‘freshened up’ by a swine trader as temperature went up yesterday afternoon. Hogs and other livestock animals from the Island Garden City of Samal are being

brought to Davao City as the demand in the city increased because of the yuletide season. Lean Daval Jr.

Good prospects for car rentals in Davao in 2017

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

he large influx of foreign and local tourists in Davao City and the rest of the region have already made positive impact in car rental businesses, an official of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed even as he also saw good prospects for the business next year.

Ronald Go, the incoming president of DCCCI said increase in the entry of more tourists in the city and the region started when President Duterte won the election last May. “People are curious what Davao City has to offer,” Go, who is also into car rental business, told reporters in a press conference.

The car rental has six to seven big players currently in-

Infrastructure improvements Go also expressed expectations the government will prioritize the development of infrastructures in the city and

the region starting 2017.

He is particularly concerned with the road networks especially in Davao City as traffic congestions are now usually experienced by motorists and travellers in the city.

His group, he added is also mulling on expanding their rental business into alternative transportation system if traffic problems continue to affect the major thoroughfares in Davao City.

“We are also looking into Grab Heli (helicopter) concept,” Go stressed.

Go is also a helicopter pilot by profession and have been servicing the top executives of big business companies in the region.

“Those who can afford can rent available helicopters,” he said.

“Colorum” vehicles Go also called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to go after the “colorum” vehicles who also engage in car rentals in the city and the rest of Davao region.

“These vehicles have no proper documentations,” Go said.

He emphasized that legal car rental businesses comply with all regulations and payments of fees to concerned agencies.

“We are paying all the necessary fees and secure pertinent documents for our business. These ‘colorum’ operators do not,” he added.

Go also warned that hiring of “colorum” vehicles is detrimental to the public.

son Gamboa.

The petitioner argued that SEC abused its discretion in issuing MC No. 8 wherein it omitted the uniform and separate application of the 60:40 rule in favor of Filipinos to each and every class of shares of a corporation.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, the Court en banc upheld the validity of SEC Memorandum Circular No. 8, Series of 2013 or Guidelines on Compliance with the Filipino-Foreign Ownership Requirements Prescribed in the Constitution and/or Existing Laws by Corporations Engaged in Nationalized and Partly Nationalized Activities).

The five Justices who dissented with the decision are Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Associate Justices

Teresita Leonardo De Castro, Arturo Brion, Jose Mendoza and Marvic Leonen.

In the Gamboa decision, the Court held that the “capital” requirement in Article XII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution refers only to shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors.

The Court directed SEC to apply this definition of the term “capital” in determining the extent of allowable foreign ownership in the case of PLDT and if there is a violation of Section 11, Article XII of the Constitution, to impose the appropriate sanctions under the law.

Roy questioned the constitutionality of the memorandum for not conforming to the spirit and letter of the Court’s decision in the case of Gamboa v. Teves promulgated on June 28, 2011 and its Resolution

on the motions for reconsideration issued on October 9, 2012 on the limit to foreign ownership under Section 11, Article XII of the Constitution.

The high court, in a ruling, said there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the SEC when it issued MC No. 8.

Under MC No. 8, specifically Section provides that “all covered corporations shall, at all times, observe the constitutional or statutory ownership requirement. For purposes of determining compliance therewith, the required percentage of Filipino ownership shall be applied to both the total number of outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors and the total number of outstanding shares of stock, whether or not entitled to vote in the election of directors. (PNA)

volved in the business in Davao City and the region, he added.

Go said they have been currently serving their business clients in banana and the energy industries in the area.

But with the election of President Duterte, sudden shift in the sectors they served took place as local and foreign tourists flocked Davao City and the region.

“Next year we wanted to increase our participation in the tourism industry as we are anticipating the entry of more local and foreign tourists by 2017,” Go pointed out.

NEA gets energy efficiency award SC junks petitions questioning foreign ownership of PLDT

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HE Supreme Court denied the petition of intervention filed by lawyers questioning the implementation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the high court’s ruling in June 2011 imposing the 40-percent limit to foreign ownership of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT).

In its en banc resolution dated Nov. 22 but released to media on Wednesday, the SC justices voting 8-5, denied the petition filed by Atty. Jose Judd Roy III against SEC Chair Teresita Herbosa who, the High Court said, did not commit grave abuse of discretion when she issued Memorandum Circular No. 8 Series of 2013 for “lack of merit both on procedural and substantive grounds.” and the petition in intervention filed by Atty. Wil-

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Caltex continues expansion with more service stations in Davao

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VARIETY. A teenager chooses from a wide collection of ready-to-wear clothes on display at the “ukay-ukay” section of Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

ARMM aggie office says programs aligned with DA A

GRICULTURE and Fishery Regional Secretary Alex Alonto Jr. of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Wednesday his office has started implementing programs aligned with the priority programs laid down

by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

Speaking during the “Tapatan sa ARMM Program” of the ARMM Bureau of Public Information, Sec. Alonto said that under his stewardship, the DA-ARMM has undertaken agri-fishery programs aligned with that of the DA-national office, according to the priority programs initiated by Piñol.

He cited the launching of “Pagkain sa Masa” during President Duterte’s visit last October of this year; BROWNRICE4Good Campaign; Food and

Nutrition Security programs; and technical assistance/intervention to farmers.

He also announced the launching and implementation of livelihood programs funded by the ARMM Government through the initiative of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman such as the PAyapa At MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA), ARMMHealth, Education, Livelihood, Peace & Governance, Synergy (ARMM-HELPS), Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (HDAP) or nationally funded/regular programs of the Rice, Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP); partnership with donor agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations-Food and Agriculture

Organization and convergence with other line agencies were some of the accomplishments since Alonto took office.

Alonto confidently answered reporters’ inquiry on issues ranging from ranging from irrigation system, poverty alleviation, agricultural production, pest infestation, interventions to El Nino and conflict-stricken areas in the region, distribution of farm equipment and machineries, disbursement of funds and long-term plans.

Alonto admitted that a huge part of the 2016 Funds is yet to be released by the national government after the recent memorandum of agreement signing between the DA-National and DA-ARMM. Thus the payment of incentives of the agricultural ex-

tension workers (AEWs) and other payables and transactions such as agri-intervention to farmers were delayed. He vowed it will be released once funds are available.

He also explained that when leadership changes at the national level, fund releases are delayed due to scrutiny and accounting procedures to align the ARMM programs with the national priority programs.

Asked what he can boast among DA-ARMM’s programs as his achievements, Alonto said he is happy that the office is functioning well (operational), existence of open-communication line between the stakeholders including the media and there’s office transparency which is essential for every government entity.

HEVRON Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, recently opened a new Caltex service station along McArthur Highway, Dumoy, Toril, Davao City.

Situated near commercial, residential, financial and agro-industrial hubs, the new Caltex service station makes clean, high-quality fuels accessible to motorists at a time of the city’s unprecedented economic boom.

Davao City is the Philippines’ third most populous metropolitan and the largest economy outside Metro Manila, with investments totaling Php6.35 billion this year. According to Business Bureau, Davao City’s total number of registered businesses in 2013 stood at 35,788—and this number only continues to grow with each passing year.

Davao City’s robust economic growth has likewise created an urban sprawl, resulting to “spillover” growth in nearby cities, and the need to open another Caltex service station in Bgy Apokon, Tagum City will address the motorists’ growing needs in the region.

“Davao City’s continuous economic growth for the past eight years has widened opportunities for tourism, investment, and agriculture across the region. The newly-opened Davao Caltex service station serves as another milestone in Chevron’s roadmap towards strengthening its foothold across key growth areas in the country, as part of its vision in building a sustainable, eco-friendly Philippines,” said Peter Morris, Country Chairman, CPI. Tagum Caltex service station is located near Tagum Grand Terminal, Central Public Market, the upcoming City Mall, and Robinsons Tagum, while the new Caltex service station in Davao City is near Gaisano Mall of Davao and Felcris Supermarket.

Both Caltex service stations offer Caltex fuels, including Caltex Silver with Techron, Caltex Platinum with Techron, and Caltex Diesel with Techron, and provide motorists convenient access to clean, quality and Euro 4 compliant fuels which all deliver lower emissions, higher performance, and cleaner engines.

Dev’t in Mindanao seen after CRDA consultation: TESDA

T

HE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Regions 9, 10 and 12 can now expect development following the successful consultation for the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) in the region, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said on Wednesday.

TESDA Director General, Secretary Guiling Mamondiong said the program would help uplift the lives of the residents in the region and other conflict-affected areas in Mindan-

ao.

Last October 29, President Rodrigo Duterte launched the CRDA program in Mindanao.

Areas that would benefit from CRDA are the towns of Jolo (Sulu), Bongao (Tawi-Tawi), and Marawi City (Lanao del Sur), as well as the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

Aside from ARMM areas, other beneficiaries of the initiative are: Region 9 - Zamboanga City, Ipil (Zamboanga Sibugay), and Pagadian (Zamboanga del Sur); Region 10 – Tubod (Lanao del Norte) and Lanao del Norte province; and, Region 12 – Isu-

lan (Sultan Kudarat) and the cities Kidapawan (North Cotabato), Koronadal (South Cotabato) and General Santos City.

The second phase of CRDA would involve infrastructure development while the third phase would focus on economic development.

Mamondiong said that various government agencies are helping the poor residents of Mindanao.

Through the CRDA, the national government could easily identify the projects needed to be funded for the region under the General Appropriation Act

from 2016 to 2022.

Among the government agencies coordinating with the CRDA are the local government units heads/representatives; provincial/municipal/city planning officers; provincial/municipal engineers; civil society organizations/people’s organizations; ARMM region heads and counterpart; concerned national government agencies/ inter-agency; industry groups; TVET association/academe; regional provincial TESD committees; TVET partners and stakeholders, media partners, among others. (PNA)

Piñol noted domestic rice production will drop and the country will be increasingly dependent on rice imports, as many Filipino farmers who are unable to compete with cheaper imported rice are shifting to other jobs.

“We expect this to quickly exert pressure on rice demand in the thinly traded international markets and steadily increasing international prices. We may actually end up with higher rice prices of which we have no con-

trol or influence,” he said in a statement.

Piñol thus reiterated his department’s stand for the extension of the quantitative restriction on rice imports for at least another two years to allow the Duterte administration’s support programs to “firmly take root and set the sector on the proper path of sustained self-sufficiency at competitive levels.”

“Exposing the sector, particularly the small rice farmers, to

unbridled international competition from heavily subsidized exporters will cost the country huge social and economic consequences,” he said.

But whether the rice QR is extended or allowed to expire, the DA is implementing various initiatives to support the rice sector, including the President’s Masaganang Ani 6000 and the completion of the rural infrastructure program, particularly the farm-to-market roads network. (PNA)

DA sees higher rice prices amid removal of import quota

ICON PLANNING. A special group of Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) officers spearheaded by Trustee Arturo M. Milan of Davao Light and Power Company (left) meet for the first time Wednesday afternoon to discuss plans for the holding of the 4th Davao Investment Conference in July, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier. Milan accepted the challenge of heading the Davao Icon committee which will have no less than President Rodrigo R. Duterte as main keynote speaker. Aside from fixing the date, the Milan committee also discussed the possible theme, specific goals and target participants, speakers and sponsors of the convention. With Milan were newly-elected DCCCII president Ronald C. Go, executive vice president Sofronio “BJ” Jucutan, trustees Jocelyn Romero and Antonio Ajero, Christian Cambaya, head of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center investor assistance unit, and Ms Maan Doromal, DCCCII executive director and her staff.

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) expects prices of rice to increase resulting from the lifting of restrictions on rice imports by July 2017.

But the DA is bent on supporting the rice sector, which is considered as the cornerstone of the country’s food security policy.

DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said the supposed benefits of full liberalization such as cheaper rice for all consumers could be temporary.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

7 SUBURBIA

11 Davao towns get P176M from Kalahi-CIDSS 2nd cycle T

Surigao Sur farmers receive P15M aggie projects from DA

T

HE second cycle implementation of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) officially begins with the municipal orientation in 11 implementing municipalities in Region XI which will receive P176,611,400.00 to fund prioritized community sub-projects.

These municipalities that started the program in 2015 are Baganga, Braulio E. Dujali, Lupon, Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Montevista, Sarangani, and San Isidro (Davao del Norte).

The orientation serves as a forum through which newly elected and appointed local officials, as well as representatives of other government and non-government organi-

zations in the locality are provided overview and updates on Kalahi-CIDSS. Kalahi-CIDSS is a community-driven development program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects.

“We are very inspired by what we have achieved during the first cycle of Kalahi-CIDSS as implemented in these 11 LGUs. Truly, the benefits of community-initiated programs empower localities more, and they gain a bigger stake in the future of these projects,” shared Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat.

Jerome Ruel Susuman, Human Resource Management Officer of Don Marcelino and former Sangguniang Bayan Councilor, expressed his ut-

NUTRITION AWARD. Local government officials and department heads of Malungon, Sarangani led by Mayor Tessa Constantino (3rd from right) pose with honor and pride prior to their receiving of the prestigious 1st year CROWN maintenance award from the National Nutrition Council at the

most appreciation to the program.

“The Municipality of Don Marcelino is grateful to Kalahi-CIDSS for not only building infrastructures that will help our community, but also in empowering our communities here. In pledging our commitment in the Manifesto of Support for the second cycle of implementation, I put my heart in every stroke of my signature.

We will look forward to a more progressive Don Marcelino and for more communities to develop at a faster pace.”

In the first cycle of implementation in Don Marcelino, a total of 11 sub-projects such as flood control facility, road, multipurpose building, water system, solar home lighting, and hanging cable footbridge were implemented in 11 barangays with a total cash grant of P16,776,800.00.

For the second cycle,

the municipality will have another grant allocation of P16,776,800.00 that will fund sub-projects that address the needs of the community.

Following the orientation, these 11 municipalities will proceed with Community Planning, Proposal Preparation, and Project Approval. The community will be assisted by Kalahi-CIDSS Area Coordinating Team (ACT) in planning and proposal making, based on their identified community needs.

During the first cycle, these towns completed 110 Kalahi-CIDSS community sub-projects worth P173,980,750.00 in 110 barangays.

“More projects are well underway and more communities will continue to benefit from Kalahi-CIDSS. We are very optimistic about what 2017 will bring,” said Director Jabagat. (DSWD)

Philippine International Convention Center On December 13. From right are Councilor Joseph Calanao, MNAO Roselyn Dadivas-Constantino, Councilor Bing Brillantes-Alegario, Admin IV Bennie Llego and GSO Noel Ramos.

(Isagani Palma/MIO)

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to provide pump priming economic activities for the farmers. This is to offer the much-needed support in improving their lives.

Recently, DA-Caraga turned-over P15 million worth of various interventions for the farmers of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. DA Caraga OIC regional executive director Renato P. Manantan handed the certificates of turnover to Municipal Mayor Libertad O. Alameda together with the key of responsibility of the projects.

The purpose of the ceremonial activity is to formally transfer the projects to the 11 Barangays of the municipality of San Agustin namely: Brgy.

Gata, Salvacion, Buatong, Buhisan, Kauswagan, Oteiza, Hornasan, Sto. Nino, Pongtod, Pon-on, Janipaan. A total of 26 farmer associations received the interventions from the department.

“We are very grateful for the Department of Agriculture for giving us these interventions. I encourage all the recipients and peoples’ organizations to be good stewards from all they have received.

The local government of San Agustin will continuously support our farmers through technology transfer and will continuously monitor all the interventions we have received,” said Mayor Alameda.

DA together with LGU San Agustin pursues to strengthen its partnership for the farmers in the municipality.

The essence of partnership put in place the needed and suitable interventions in agriculture as DA continues to strengthen farmer organizations through consultations and dialogues.

“A united farmer organization and united LGU is our

‘Hot meat’seized

ARMM agri office aligns programs with DA-National A

A

GRICULTURE and Fishery Regional Secretary Alex Alonto Jr. of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) said Wednesday his office has started implementing programs aligned with the priority programs laid down by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

Speaking during the “Tapatan sa ARMM Program” of the ARMM Bureau of Public Information, Sec. Alonto confidently told the press that under his stewardship, the DA-ARMM has undertaken agri-fishery programs aligned with that of the DA-national office, according to the priority programs laid by National Secretary Piñol.

He cited the launching of “Pagkain sa Masa” during President Duterte’s visit last October of this year; BROWNRICE-

4Good Campaign; Food and Nutrition Security programs; and technical assistance/intervention to farmers.

He also announced the launching and implementation of livelihood programs funded by the ARMM Government through the initiative of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman such as the PAyapa At MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA), ARMM- Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace & Governance, Synergy (ARMMHELPS), Humanitarian and Development Action Plan (HDAP) or nationally funded/regular programs of the Rice, Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP); partnership with donor agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations-Food

and Agriculture Organization and convergence with other line agencies were some of the accomplishments since Alonto took office.

Alonto confidently answered reporters’ inquiry on issues ranging from ranging from irrigation system, poverty alleviation, agricultural production, pest infestation, interventions to El Nino and conflict-stricken areas in the region, distribution of farm equipment and machineries, disbursement of funds and long-term plans.

Alonto admitted that a huge part of the 2016 Funds is yet to be released by the national government after the recent memorandum of agreement signing between the DA-National and DA-ARMM. Thus the payment of in-

centives of the agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and other payables and transactions such as agri-intervention to farmers were delayed. He vowed it will be released once funds are available.

He also explained that when leadership changes at the national level, fund releases are delayed due to scrutiny and accounting procedures to align the ARMM programs with the national priority programs.

Asked what he can boast among DA-ARMM’s programs as his achievements, Alonto said he is happy that the office is functioning well (operational), existence of open-communication line between the stakeholders including the media and there’s office transparency which is essential for every government entity. (PNA)

key to progress. The resources you have received are the fruit of the unified effort of all key players who actively supports the development of the agriculture sector in the locality. I am appealing to all the recipients to take good care of these interventions.

We are looking forward that you will be able to testify the successes of the projects you have received,” said Director Manantan.

Janipaan Abaca Farmers Association (JAPO) was one of the recipients of the provision of rubber and abaca planting materials and one unit of water pump. It is an association with 45 members dependent on agriculture as a means of livelihood. In an interview with Isidro Avenido-JAPO President, he was grateful for the projects they received.

“The water pump we received helps us makes us more productive. Today, we are now also earning from the abaca that we planted. We are now selling abaca fiber for P80 per kilo, and this gave an additional income to our respective families. We are very thankful for the Department of Agriculture for giving us interventions that can help us and improve our lives,” said Isidro Avenido.

The turned-over projects include: Rubber and Abaca planting materials; Ginger Production; Banana Production; Organic Rice Production; Organic Fertilizer Production; Agro-forestry Plantation; Root crops Production; Carabao Dispersal; Goat Raising; Production of Improve Native Chicken; Fish-Pen Production; Pre and Post Harvest Facilities and Farm to Market Road.

These projects were funded by the DA- Bottom-up-Budgeting and DA-Mindanao Rural Development Project additional funds. (PIA-Caraga)

LERT personnel of the Cotabato City Veterinary Office, backed by local police authorities, seized more than 1,800 kilos of “hot meat” traders tried but failed to sneak into the city Wednesday, officials said today.

“Hot meat,” refers to meat products that did not undergo inspection by veterinary doctor from the place of origin and along the way leading to public markets.

Dr. Robert Malcontento, DVM, Cotabato City veterinarian, said his office received information about possible entry of hot meat from nearby North Cotabato province to this city.

He immediately coordinated with the local police authorities for the establishment of police and veterinary checkpoints on major roads leading to the city mega mar-

ket.

Malcontento said the hog and carabao meat did not pass any legitimate slaughterhouse, making the products vulnerable to contamination that may endanger the lives of people.

“Fresh meat products unchecked by competent veterinarian are unfit for human consumption and pose dangers to meat customers,” Malcontento said.

Malcontento said transporting of “hot meat” is a violation of Republic Act 10536 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.

Confiscated hot meat and other meat products that did not pass through legitimate slaughterhouse will be buried to avoid spread of any contamination the meat might have developed during transport from North Cotabato to the city public market. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

EDITORIAL More dilemmas

S

ENATOR Leila De Lima should know one thing by

With the cases against her at the Justice Department,

heart—her rantings at her enemies and colleagues De Lima could not just walk around and cloak herself with are not doing her any good.

statements of general denials and name callings. She has

Back in the country after supposedly receiving an award, called practically everyone who is against her lunatics and

the embattled lawmaker should start thinking why nobody hit her colleagues for “swallowing” President Duterte’s glorified her award at home. It seemed like the award she fantasy “hook, line and sinker.” got was given by a body who shut their eyes and ears on

With that, De Lima only added up to her woes and is

what is really happening in the Philippines particularly the bound to lose even her allies. heaps of cases filed against her and the damning allega-

In this roller coaster ride of her maiden voyage into pol-

tions on her involvement in the narcotics trade.

itics, Senator De Lima must understand that this country

they give to honorable men and women.

an iota of doubt.

Too bad these things were never relayed to the award cannot be fooled by one’s glib or flair for words or use of

organizers. They stand to lose the prestige in the plaque the gender issue. She has to prove her innocence without

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VANTAGE POINTS

9

Who says Jesus was born on December 25?

HO says Jesus Christ was born on December 25?

The truth is, the Messiah was not born on what the world celebrates as the natal day of our Lord. There is no historical record that showed Jesus came into this world on the said day. Yes, He was with us but no one knows when.

Saint Luke, the “Beloved Physician” and an authority on Christ’s birth, recounts the first Christmas in these words: “At the time Emperor Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Roman Empire. When this first census took place, Quirinius was the governor of Syria.

Everyone, then, went to register himself, each to his own hometown. Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger – there was no room for them to stay in the inn.

“There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord! And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

“Suddenly, a great army of heaven’s angel appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

HAT would Christmas be like without those infectious, melodious and lifting tunes called carols?

Most likely, there will be less joy in our hearts, less merriment in our homes and less fun in the streets. To some extent, the spirit of the season will be dampened.

Carols, as we all know, add extra exciting dimension to the biggest feast in the entire Christendom – the Nativity.

In the Philippines, Christmas is the most awaited and longest holiday season of the year. Christmas carols are heard as early as September – the first of the four “ber” months of the year – and last till January of the following year.

The word carol comes from the French “carole” which means “a dance with musical instrument”. It generally refers to Christmas songs.

Carols date back to the 14th century,

peace on earth THINK ON THESE! to those with whom He is pleased!’

St. Luke expressly mentioned that there were shepherds tending their flocks in the Henrylito D. Tacio fields on the henrytacio@gmail.com night of Jesus’s birth. In those days, and even today, shepherds always drove their flocks from the fields and mountainsides and corralled them not later than the middle of October to protect them from the oncoming cold and rainy season.

“It was an ancient custom among Jews of those days to send out their sheep to the fields and deserts about the Passover, and bring them home at commencement of the first rain (the harbinger of the cold, rainy season),” commented Adam Clarke in an article.

In the Holy Land, the first rain reportedly starts sometime in October or November. Clarke pointed this out: “As these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that, consequently, our Lord was not born on the 25th of December when no flocks were out in the fields; nor could He have been born later than September, as the flocks were still in the fields by night.”

From the gleanings, one can conclude that Jesus was not born on December 25.

If the month and date is obscure, the year is also vague. It is common belief that Jesus was born in the year 1 A.D.

Let’s see what the Bible said. According to the Gospel of Matthew (2:1), Jesus was born when Herod was the king of Judea.

The book of Luke states: He was born when Cyrenius (in Roman history, Quirinius) was the governor of Syria (read Luke 2:2), but King Herod is said to have died in 4 B.C. and Cyrenius did not become governor of Syria until ten years later. The administrations of Herod and Quirinius were separated by the whole reign of Archelaus, the son of Herod.

Apparently, from the statements of Matthew and Luke, there is a difference of ten years in the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. So, which is which?

Were there three kings actually? The wise men, as St. Matthew called them, would aptly apply to men of high learning such as those skilled in the medical arts and the law. But a safer assumption, based on their ability to interpret the movement of objects in the firmament, is that they were astrologers, which is how “The Living Bible” version described them.

The names Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar are not mentioned in the Bible. If ancient writings had attempted to identify them with the number of gifts given to the Holy Child, these would still not substantiate the account of St. Matthew.

It must be recalled that in those days, long and perilous journeys could not be taken by only a few men, say, about three. Caravans formed to travel the rough routes, so that the travelers would be protected from bandits and wild animals. St. Matthew, by using wise men, suggested a much bigger number than three.

As to their exact arrival in Bethlehem, the point of time is again defined by St. Matthew: “When Herod realized that the wise men from the East had tricked him, he

was furious. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its neighborhood who were two years and younger – this was done in accordance with what he had learned from the wise men about the time when the star had appeared.”

The wise men started their journey as soon as they saw the star (from which our parol or lanterns originated). Now, assuming the star appeared in the east on the day Jesus was born, then it would take them months or even years before they would see Jesus.

Taking two years or slightly shorter to reach Bethlehem, the wise men would naturally find Jesus in a house (Matthew 2:11) and not in a manger. Yes, only the shepherds were around when Jesus was born in the manger.

So, why the Bible authors did not specifically mention the exact birth of Jesus? The reason: He does NOT want us to celebrate His birthday – otherwise the Bible wouldn’t have left us guessing on the exact date. Even the early Catholic priest Origen said: “… in the Scriptures, no one is recorded to have kept a feast or held a great banquet on His birthday. It is only sinners who make great rejoicings over the day in which they were born into this world.”

One of the great sinners in the Bible who celebrated his date of birth with “extreme rejoicing” was King Herod. Check out Matthew 14:6-10 for that.

Also, the 1944 edition of the Encyclopedia Americana has this note: “Christmas was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of a remarkable person rather than his birth…”

But anyway, Merry Christmas!

and most w e r e written and composed by men of the church – clerics.

The songs h a v e n a r ra t ive and lyrical texts in English and Latin.

The first known collection of carols came out in 1521, the year Magellan discovered the Philippines. But most carols were passed orally from generation to generation. Among the earliest were “The Seven Joys of Mary” , “Cherry Tree”, and “I Saw Three Ships”.

The most popular carols were those

of the 18th and 19th centuries – “Adeste Fideles”, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Joy to the World”, these songs were written as Christmas hymns and were more formal than the ordinary carols. All these were English carols coming out of England.

American carols came out in the middle of the 19th century. Two of the more popular are “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”.

Many Christmas carols that gained great popularity were actually of French and German origin. “Silent Night”, the most popular of all carols, was originally written and composed by a German lyricist.

But quite unbelievably, Christmas carols were once banned in England and in the United States in 1647 by the English Puritans who disapproved the celebration of religious feast with too

much merriment.

We Filipinos are luckier today because we can ring almost all of the world’s best carols, all time favorites “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” are sung by Filipinos of all ages, although not an inch of snow can be found anywhere in the country.

During the Yuletide season, professionals, civic and religious groups go a-caroling from house to house not just to bring joy, but to raise funds for various causes. Pro-caroling people call this “Yule-dap” meaning, yuletide holdup simply because some are quick to take advantage of the generous mood of people at Christmas time.

It’s a pity that a beautiful custom is being tainted with monetary motive.

Christmas should be free of any money-making adventure. People must be allowed pure enjoyment of it.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Carols

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

Davao Light brightens homes PAL’s prospects for 2017 G through house-wiring activity

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AST December 9, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., in partnership with its accredited electricians, installed electrical wiring to 15 houses in Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village at Upper Kibalang, Marilog District, Davao City.

“It was indeed a day of co-

operation and fulfillment of a dream for the residents in the community.” said Engr. Mervin Dalian, Davao Light Customer Retail Services Department Manager.

73 electricians volunteered in the house-wiring project from four different

associations namely Davao Private Electricians Association (DAPREA), United Electricians of Metro Davao (UEMD), Integrated Electricians Association of Davao (IEAD) and Davao United Registered Practitioners in Electrical Engineering Services

(DURPEES).

In addition, Davao Light employees also provided assistance in the activity.

The 15 household beneficiaries of Upper Kibalang will now have a brighter Christmas season with the success of the event.

DOE on top of Malampaya maintenance activities

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N light of the Malampaya maintenance activities next year, the Department of Energy (DOE) through the strong directive of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has started preparatory activities jointly with industry stakeholders to safeguard energy consumers from possible impact on supply and prices of electricity during the scheduled maintenance activities from 28 January 2017 to 16 February 2017.

“My directive was clear - the

Malampaya maintenance activities should pose no substantial impact to supply of electricity by using all available resources and remedies, because power is a basic necessity for our countrymen,” Sec. Cusi said. He added that plans and alternative modes should be in place and ready before the actual shutdown.

Sec. Cusi said, “We have to ensure that the program works for Malampaya is within the prescribed schedule given to the DOE. Historically, SPEX complet-

ed its maintenance period on time. It is expected that it will do the same this time.”

In a meeting with industry participants last 15 December, the DOE was apprised by the Shell Philippines Exploration Corporation (SPEx) of the preparatory works for the Malampaya services maintenance shutdown (Malampaya SMS).

According to SPEX, the maintenance activities will cover the repair of the sub-sea facilities, upgrades on the plat-

to the public. It’s part and parcel of building the ‘Gigabit Society’ – where high-bandwidth, low-latency digital services in homes, businesses, healthcare services, utilities and schools become an integral part of daily life,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan,.

“Our initial plan calls for deploying Giga Wire and G.fast solutions in over 500 buildings in different parts of the country next year. This number will be split between residential and office buildings. But this is just the start,” said PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Ernesto R. Alberto.

An additional 1,600 buildings are being lined up for 2018 and 2019. Total investment in this 3-year deployment will amount to about P2 billion.

For PLDT, these hybrid technologies offer a way to take full advantage of the company’s extensive telephone network in order to deliver fiber-powered broadband services.

The vast majority of office and residential buildings are currently wired internally with copper. And it is difficult and costly to re-wire these struc-

tures with fiber.

Also, the majority of homes are still connected by regular phone lines. In the case of PLDT, -- the number of “homes passed” – i.e., the number of homes that can be reached by PLDT’s regular phone lines – is 6 million.

“Hybrid fiber technologies break down barriers to fiber deployment. These enable us to extend more quickly super-fast broadband services to areas where fiber deployment is difficult. We side step the challenge of having to re-wire buildings,” said PLDT Chief Technology and Information Adviser Joachim W. Horn.

The deployment of hybrid fiber solutions complements very well the ongoing roll-out of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections. Currently, the number of “homes passed” by PLDT’s FTTH network is 2.5 million.

“With these two parallel and complementary roll-outs, PLDT is well-positioned to bring high-speed broadband to more areas of the country more quickly and efficiently than anyone else,” Horn said.

PLDT to roll-out fiber-fast broadband on regular phone lines

P

HILIPPINE telecoms and digital services leader PLDT is bringing fiber-based broadband services to the next level by deploying the latest advanced hybrid fiber technologies that can deliver super-fast broadband service through regular phone lines in buildings and residences.

The deployment comes after the successful trials of two advanced hybrid fiber technologies, one by KT Corporation (formerly known as Korea Telecom) called “GiGa Wire” and the other is by Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. called “G.fast.” Both are capable of providing data speeds per user of up to 600700 Mbps per user, depending on the length of the local copper loop.

Both GiGa Wire and G.fast work by connecting buildings and dwellings with fiber optic cables and using special equipment to enable the internal copper wiring of these structures to deliver fiber-like data speeds.

“This new initiative is part of our broad effort to make fiber-powered, high-speed connectivity more widely available

form, and maintenance on the onshore plant.

On the power situation outlook, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) was tasked to simulate the possible power supply scenarios, while the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) will conduct a simulation on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) prices during the Malampaya SMS. Sec. Cusi said, “The simu-

F DOE, 11

AUGING from last year’s number of new routes opened, new airplanes acquired and new service innovations, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is raising the level of excitement for 2017.

The flag carrier will gradually unwrap detail of these expansion plans - under the over-all thrust of becoming a five-star airline - so as to generate suspense among its loyal passengers.

Those who keep tab on PAL expect the opening of new European and US destinations, as announced in the past by PAL President Jaime J. Bautista.

PAL is riding the crest of favorable industry forces such as stable fuel prices and the strong travel demand within the region.

PAL succeeded at tapping the region’s growth when it registered a nearly 600% increase in net income in 2015 over the previous year.

Barring any global interference to this travel boom in the region, the airline company expects only minor fine-tuning to its strategy of route and fleet expansion as well as exciting service enhancements.

In 2016, PAL flew to four new destinations (Kuwait, Jeddah, Doha, Saipan) while opening the same number of new routes (Cebu-Los Angeles, Taipei-Osaka, Abu Dhabi-Doha, Cebu-Singapore) and three new domestic links (Cebu-Caticlan, Caticlan-Clark, Cebu-Kalibo).

PAL started the year with the launch of another new route – Cebu-Incheon.

The airline further increased frequencies to Los Angeles (twice daily), Toronto (from three to four times weekly), Beijing (four to six times weekly) and Vancouver (seven to 10 times weekly).

For 2017, initial plans include expansion of China operations with direct flights to Boracay and Cebu. Chengdu

will be added again to the China network. The Clark hub was operationalized initially with domestic flights - Clark-Cebu, Clark-Davao and Clark-Puerto Princesa. Likewise, the Cebu hub will see an increase in domestic routes.

PAL added seven new aircraft to the fleet in 2016 (Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A321-231), bringing to 81 the total number of airplanes.

The Airbus A330s are being retrofitted with lie-flat Business Class seats, while reducing the number of seats to create space for more legroom. These aircraft will have full service Premium Economy and more spacious Regular Economy seats. These refurbished A330s will be deployed on routes to Australia, Hawaii, Japan and other premium Asian cities.

New generation Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2017. The new 86-seater Q400s (10 seats more than those already in the fleet) are fitted with Premium Economy section. PAL bought five Q400s, with option for seven more. The fleet of Q400 and Q300 turboprops are utilized on short inter-island routes especially to airports with short runways.

Inflight entertainment system was upgraded while providing wireless connectivity (myPAL eSuite, myPAL Mobile, myPAL Player and myPAL Wifi) so passengers stay connected up while flying.

There is much anticipation where PAL will fly next, although the company is not yet done with regional expansion due to the onset of Open Skies in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

The excitement will also build up for the delivery of the first Airbus A350-900, an ultra-modern jet that will redefine the standards in passenger comfort on long-haul flights. (PR)

GRATEFUL PARTNER. Pantawid Pamilya parent leader Lolita Tano of Matina Pangi, Davao City expresses gratefulness to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for the remarkable improvement in her family’s social and economic life. In 2016, over 350,000 disadvantaged and vulnerable families and individuals in Davao Region have benefitted from various DSWD programs and projects including its services in four rehabilitation centers and institutions. Also in photo are Tano’s fellow members of SLP Associations. (DSWD)

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Of bars and cafes:

Damosa at Night

TRUE, it’s impossible to walk for more than 10 feet at the Damosa compound without stumbling across a restaurant, a bar or a café. Yes, bars and cafes -- but it’s not just about the booze. At the Damosa compound, it’s like watching the world go by, from sunrise to sundown, with an abundance of choices at your fingertips.

Whether you’re after soaking up the atmosphere of a traditional bar or cafe, lounging at the Damosa’s luxuriously lighted compound at night and enjoying a bottle of ice cold beer or cup of hot coffee is but a perfect way to end any day. Be it with your family or friends, you’ll always have options here.

As we celebrate the merriest season of them all, we’d take you on a fun-filled night tour of Damosa’s bars and cafes.

Go ahead, head out and welcome the holidays with a cup of something hot or something cold under the night sky.

Darcy’s (at the Damosa Gateway) From the outside, you’d be intrigued of the many panda stuffed toys on their shelves. No, Darcy’s is not a toy shop; it’s a cafe that serves a plentiful of dishes and drink choices for everyone to enjoy. And yes, at Darcy’s, you’d love that their menu has dishes and flavours that your palate can easily identify with.

Darcy’s menu is very simple. Simple yet satisfying. Their repertoire includes pasta, chicken, fish and meat dishes prepared and cooked to suit your cravings. Aside from that, they also serve an array of blended drinks great for day or night indulgence. Care to dine with the rest of the crowd under the night sky? You can. Darcy’s also offer al fresco dining.

Brewery (at the Damosa Gateway) Known as the best place to be on a weekend, Brewery has since been making Davaoeῆos and visitors pumped up with electrifying music mixed by some of the city’s best Dj’s. At Brewery, there’s

always a reason to celebrate.

Many flock Brewery because of its chill ambiance. Make your way inside and you’ll end up standing all night long as you move your hips to the beats. Grab a chair and stay outside for a more relaxed feel with your peers. Typically, you’d see an assortment of bottles on tables, some plates of pica-pica and boisterous voices of people hanging out and taking a break from the regular stress of the week.

Next time you want to enjoy the night, go ahead and make your way to Brewery. Don’t forget to bring your A-game with you.

Caffe Firenzo (at the Damosa Business Center) One of the most celebrated coffee shops in the city, Caffe Firenzo has been a favourite of many because of their relaxing atmosphere and of course, delicious cups of coffee or tea goodness.

Also, plates of delectably cooked coffee or tea pairings to satisfy your every craving. From simple appetisers to plates of al dente pasta to thin crusted pizza, Caffe Firenzo has everything covered.

Caffe Firenzo is known for their smooth blended coffee and blends that mix and match flavours for an instant palate adventure. Can be considered typical of a coffee

“

At the Damosa compound, it’s like watching the world go by, from sunrise to sundown, with an abundance of choices at your fingertips.

shop, what sets Caffe Firenzo apart from the rest is the distinctive flare they have for their coffees. More so, the pastries they serve verily complements any drink you may choose.

Sikomo Sports Resto Bar (at the Damosa Gateway) Sikomo Sports Resto Bar is another of the many bars you can visit when in Damosa. Described as a relaxing place, Sikomo allows you to relax and chill as you unload the burdens of deadlines from the week that was.

Like the rest of bars, cafes and dining establishments at the Damosa Gateway, you’d find that Sikomo provides for al fresco dining. Providing tables and chairs outside, you’d love that you are able to enjoy the night and the rest of Damosa. Why? Most often, goers at Sikomo and nearby bars prefer to sit outside and enjoy

the loud company of others. It almost feels like a reunion of sort -- with everyone exchanging pleasantries and smiles despite the diversity.

tively mellow than the other bars and cafes in the compound, Assembly invites local artists to serenade their crowd and lulled them to

Assembly (at the Damosa Gateway) Unwinding at Damosa is best when shared with family and friends. Ambiance wise, Damosa is laden with choices that you’d surely love in an instant. From gastro places to chill out bars and coffee shops, you will always have a reason to stay and come back. Assembly Bar and Cafe is one of those you’d surely love to come back to.

Elegantly designed, you’d outright feel welcomed. Not only will you be in awe of their interiors but more so, enjoy their selection of dishes and drinks perfect for late night nibbles. Most often than not, people who flock Assembly are in groups and just want to have some fun. Rela-

Chicco di Cafe (at the Damosa Gateway) A favourite amongst many, Chicco di Cafe at the Damosa compound caters to a wide range of individuals with the same need: a cup of something hot or cold on any given night.

Chicco di Cafe, aside from being a favourite, has also been frequented all throughout the year.

Because it has been in the business for years, it’s no wonder that they already have a following from all parts of the city. Mostly flocked by students, the cafe serves a variety of dishes, drink choices and sweet pastries every single day. More so, they are very affordable thus allowing just about anyone to relax without breaking the bank.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

Marquela lights up for Christmas, opens ‘shopping buffet’ NOW SHOWING

December 21 – 23, 2016

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THE LIGHTING of giant Christmas gift installations in Marquela is a signal for big things for December.

Exciting shopping experiences await everyone in the 5.7 hectare commercial development in Tigatto-Mandug Road.

Apart from the glimmering lights and decorations setup up by the establishment, which is part of Marquela’s participation in the city government-run Kahayag sa Dabaw contest, big shopping treats await Davaoenos who visit.

“Celebrations in Marquela have always been about enjoying big blessings that families give and receive this holiday season,” said Chelo Lahora, Marquela assistant marketing manager.

The giant Christmas gift installations, Lahora said, remind us to give big and to receive big this season. And where else can shoppers experience this but in Marquela.

From December 17 until to January 17 next year, shoppers can experience Marquela’s MEGA Bodega Sale. This “shopping buffet” is a first of its kind in Davao.

It allows customers to shop until they drop for as low as P3oo!

All they need to do is to pay for a shopping container (P500 for a large size bag and P300 for a medium size bag), fill it to the brim, and go!

Over 70,000 items are up for grabs. These include houseware,

Giant Christmas gift installations in Marquela.

Marquela is now home to bars and restaurants that serve sumptuous signature dishes

clothes, bags, toys, accessories, books and more! The MEGA Bodega Sale is open weekdays from 3 - 10 PM and on weekends from 10 AM to 10 PM Marquela is now home to bars and restaurants like Half Cats, Square Root, and 819 Bar and Grill. The establishment is a part of the township of Ciudades--it is envisioned to be the transport hub and market for the area. For leasing inquiries, call 226-4748/ 0942-7637- 701 and look for Chelo Lahora.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

DAVAO... FROM 1

has switched on the unused capacity of its Pampanga substation which will supply 3 megawatts of power to Samal.

It will be recalled that on March 17, 2016, the 13.8-kilovolt submarine cable line connecting Samal to the mainland grid was severely damaged after being dragged by the anchor of M/V Ecuador of Seaview Cargo Shipping Corp.

The submarine cable, with a capacity of 4 megawatts (MW) to 5 MW, transmitted power from the Davao Light and Power Co. sub-station in Davao City to IGaCoS, which is under the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (DANECO) franchise.

A study was then conducted by University of the Philippines National Engineering Center on overhead transmission lines that would replace the submarine cables which are now totally destroyed.

According to Engr. Roger Velasco, incoming Davao Light Executive Vice President and Chairman of Operations, before Davao Light has extends power support to DANECO, the island had been solely relying

on the island city’s generator sets which was unable to suffice the city’s power demand.

Velasco said, the district of Babak is the first recipient of the three megawatt power supply while the rest of the power requirement will be supplied by DANECO. Velasco added that Davao Light could only supply 3 megawatts because the submarine cable being used could only handle such capacity.

Velasco further explained that months earlier, DANECO made the same request to Davao Light however, at that time, it was not accommodated as the Pampanga substation was already at maximum load due to the rapid growth in the serviced area.

The EVP assured that the support will not affect the company’s Davao City consumers.

“As the area (Samal) progresses and the load will increase, the accommodation will be cut because our costumers (in Davao City) will be affected,” said Velasco who added that as long as Davao Light could extend its support, it will continue to do so.

P50,000 for the first prize.

The Hip-hop Dance Contest also has prizes worth P50,000 for the winner.

Zumba fanatics who will participate in the Zumba torotot-inspired competition will receive P15,000 for the first placer.

“The participants must register at PLDT Ponciano on December 31,” Dellosa said.

Beyond Christmas and New Year It can be recalled that City Ordinance 060-02, enacted by the City Council on October 15, 2002, and approved by former City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on November 6 that year that prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices or such other similar devices within Davao City.

First offenders, under the said ordinance, will be penalized with a fine of P1,000 and

may be imprisoned for 20 to 30 days.

Second offenders will also be punished with a fine of P3,000 and may be imprisoned from one to three months.

Third offenders will be fined P5,000 and may be imprisoned of from three to six months.

Managers and owners of business establishments caught violating the ordinance will also liable and their business permits canceled on the third offense.

The ban is year-long; firecrackers and pyrotechnics are also not allowed during the celebration of the Chinese New Year and the Muslims’ Eid’l Fitr, commonly known as the end of Ramadhan.

The Department of Health (DOH), since the firecracker ban has been implemented, has recorded zero injuries and death from firecracker blasts and stray bullets in Davao City.

or other industries intending to extract natural resources” from their ancestral lands.

The special order provides a new mechanism to protect the rights of IPs as they exercise their Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC).

FPIC is the principle that an IP community has the right to give or withhold its consent to proposed projects that may affect the lands they customarily own, occupy or otherwise use. “...the [FPIC] process shall include a determination or the alternatives and options to the business to be introduced that will produce comparable benefits but reduced adverse consequences on their resources and culture and ensure the continuous benefits to future generations of the non-renewable resources therein,” the

special order stated.

The directive also enumerated the roles and responsibilities of the DENR in the task force, foremost of which was to “ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity within ancestral domains.”

The DENR shall employ strict policy of verifying the genuineness of the FPIC by validating with NCIP the authenticity of the Certification Precondition, and closely coordinate with the commission on matters pertaining to titles with ancestral domains.

It shall also support the process of recognizing Indigenous Community Conserved Areas within ancestral domains, and develop incentives for the protection and sustainable management of these areas.

Dabawenyos... FROM 2

DENR... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 11

MAKING DO. A young Badjao boy tries to catch small fishes using an improvised bow and arrow at the seafront in Matina Aplaya, Davao City yesterday.

Lean Daval Jr.

Banks... FROM 2

2016 and on January 2, 2017.

These braches are: December 24 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM: 168 Mall • Baclaran • Bicutan-East Service Rd. • Cebu Park Mall • Festival Mall-Level 2 • Greenhills Shopping Center • Angeles-Balibago • Antipolo-Marcos Hi-way • Antipolo-ML Quezon • Bataan-Balanga • Baguio City-Session Rd. • Batangas City • Bulacan-Plaridel • Calamba-National Road • Davao-Bajada • Fairview • Grace Park-7th Ave. • Lagro • Las Pinas-Pamplona • North EDSA • Nueva Ecija-San Jose • Pasay-Libertad

December 26 (Monday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM: 168 Mall • Baclaran • Bicutan-East Service Rd. • Cebu Park Mall • Festival Mall-Level 2 • Greenhills Shopping Center December 30 (Friday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM: 168 Mall • Baclaran • Bicutan-East Service Rd. • Cebu Park Mall • Festival Mall-Level 2 • Greenhills Shopping Center • Sto. Cristo December 31 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM: 168 Mall • Baclaran • Bicutan-East Service Rd. • Cebu Park Mall • Festival Mall-Lev-

el 2 • Greenhills Shopping Center • Angeles-Balibago • Antipolo-Marcos Hi-way • Antipolo-ML Quezon • Bataan-Balanga • Baguio City-Session Rd. • Batangas City • Bulacan-Plaridel • Calamba-National Road • Davao-Bajada • Fairview • Grace Park-7th Ave. • Lagro • Las Pinas-Pamplona • North EDSA • Nueva Ecija-San Jose • Pasay-Libertad January 02 (Monday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM: 168 Mall • Baclaran • Bicutan-East Service Rd. • Cebu Park Mall • Festival Mall-Level 2 • Greenhills Shopping Cen-

ter

Hence, the “No work, no pay” policy will be issued on the 24th and 31st of December 2016, dates declared by the government as non-working days.

However, the employee did not work on the holidays, he or she should be paid 100 percent of his or her salary.

Proper observance of the pay rules on regular holidays and special-non-working days will lead to more productive

and competent employees, said Bello.

Bello pointed out non-payment of holiday pay is one of the most common concerns brought by workers to the Department.

“If employers will follow the guidelines and observe fair labor practices, then workers will have no reason to complain because their rights at work are respected,” Bello said.

Following the orientation, these 11 municipalities will proceed with Community Planning, Proposal Preparation, and Project Approval. The community will be assisted by Kalahi-CIDSS Area Coordinating Team (ACT) in planning and proposal making, based on their identified community needs.

During the first cycle,

these towns completed 110 Kalahi-CIDSS community sub-projects worth Php 173,980,750.00 in 110 barangays.

“More projects are well underway and more communities will continue to benefit from Kalahi-CIDSS. We are very optimistic about what 2017 will bring,” said Director Jabagat. (DSWD)

lations will be submitted to the DOE for review and evaluation, so that we will be able to accurately respond to any unwarranted power market behavior.”

Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) submitted that their price simulation will factored in the following: a) Possible WESM prices due to plant outages during the Malampaya SMS; b) Generation cost of natural gas plants due to change in liquid fuel (diesel and condensate) which is more expensive than Malampaya’s natural gas.

In effect, the MERALCO simulation projects an increase of around 1 PhP/KWh on the generation cost rate that will be billed for the period which will be felt by their captive customers by March 2017 billing period.

“There will be an increase, but what we will do is to minimize the increase to soften the burden to our consuming public,” Sec. Cusi said.

To ensure power reserves during summer period, the 600MW block of Ilijan Natural

Gas Power Plant in Batangas will coincide its maintenance shutdown to cost-efficiently use the Malampaya down time period.

The meeting held by the DOE last 15 December was attended by the concerned DOE Bureaus, SPEX, NGCP, PEMC and MERALCO. In monitoring the progress of program for each concerned agency, the DOE called for another round of consultations and coordination before the holiday break which is scheduled today (22 December 2016). In addition to the participants in the first round of consultations, the concerned generation companies, large Interruptible Load Program participants, and Representatives from the secretariat of the Senate and House Committee on Energy were invited.

“We assure the public that we will continue coordinate all the activities of those affected by the Malampaya SMS to avert any situation leading to the worst case scenario and to maximize the protection for the energy consuming public,” Sec. Cusi concluded. (PR)

ed to children.

Nutrient profiles, which rank food by their nutritional composition, help policy-makers in member countries of WHO-Western Pacific impose restrictions on the marketing of food and beverages to children.

He added that evidence shows a link between exposure to marketing and unhealthy dietary behaviors. Unhealthy diets are a key risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in children, including obesity and tooth decay.

Shin pointed out that despite this evidence, children remain inadequately protected from harmful marketing practices, including television, print and billboard advertising, Internet, promotion and sponsorship of school and sports events.

Childhood obesity and diet-related NCDs, he said, are a complex public health problem among children and adolescents across the Western Pacific Region.

In several countries, overweight problems affect up to

15 percent of children under age five and almost 60 percent of adolescents in some Pacific island countries.

Shin further noted that dental caries also affect between 60 percent and 95 percent of children under five years in some countries. Growing overweight and obesity rates are also linked to a rise in non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Despite the region’s growing NCD crisis, he said, governments struggle to implement policies to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic beverages.

Restrictions on marketing are part of a comprehensive set of policy options to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and address diet-related NCDs. They are also part of the time-bound commitments that member states made to combat NCDs. Other policy options include front and back of packed food labeling and restrictions on unhealthy food and beverages sold in schools. (PNA)

DOLE... FROM 3

DOE... FROM 10

“EastWest’s regular banking operations nationwide will resume on Tuesday, January 03, 2017,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Security Bank Corporation (Security Bank) said all its branches nationwide “will be closed on December 26, Monday.”

“The banking public is advised to do their banking transactions by December 23, Friday, to avoid inconvenience. Regular operations of all branches will resume on December 27, Tuesday,” it said. (PNA)

11 towns... FROM 3

WHO... FROM 4

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

Matina Enclaves celebrate

Sellers Scarlet Christmas

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

T

njb@edgedavao.net

O cap a productive year where it sold out two condominium buildings in the Matina Enclaves township, fledgling homegrown real estate development firm Escandor Development Corporation treated its sales team with a unique Christmas party.

Dubbed as “Sellers Scarlet Christmas”, some 250 of Esdevco’s sales representatives from various realty agencies in the city graced the event last December 14 at the Lantawan Hall of The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Esdevco President and CEO Glenn Y. Escandor personally led the thanksgiving event along with Esdevco officers led by project head Gerald Kent Garces.

Escandor thanked the sellers for their aggressive efforts towards selling the Matina Enclaves prime property.

Adding excitement to the party is the staging of the “Sellers Got Talent” contest participated in by the various realties.

Best Friends of Esdevco emerged as grand champion with the Furog Sisters

of the Furog Realty as first runner-up and Mega Pacific Realty as second runner-up.

The highlight of the celebration is the awarding of the Top Realties and Sellers for the month of November.

The Top Realties for November are Leuterio Realty, Property Depot, Polinar Realty, Furog Realty, Ablas Realty, and Davao Dragon Realty.

Meantime, the Top Sellers are Ryan Sayson, Reynold Barber, Gilbert Monecillo, Jocelyn Bernal, Icel/ William Hero, and Roldan Uytico.

Ryan Sayson won the Early Bird award for the second consecutive year while Eric Villasor and Marie Joren Namocot were adjudged Best Dressed Male and Female of the Night.

Grand prize winner

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Star-studded night for Metro Manila film fest entry Kabisera

L

AST December 20, 2016, one of the Metro Manila Film Fest Entry KABISERA, held their premiere night at SM Megamall, Cinema 7. The star-studded red carpet premiere was a success as people from the industry showed their support with the return of Ms. Nora Aunor in the renowned film festival where she garnered several nominations and awards in the past years. Most of the celebrities present admitted that apart from want-

ing to see veteran actors and actresses together in a project, they were also intrigued about the plot of the film as it mirrors very relevant issues in the society today. It is always exciting to see a story that shows more than just a fight between David and Goliath, but also a showcase of the love and the strength that we can give when the most important people in our lives are threatened. The film also stands as a statement for a family’s quest for justice and

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTONIO T. CATITIG who died on November 08, 2004 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No. 356; Page No. 73; Book No. LXIX; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC JOSEPH ANDREW L. CALUBAQUIB. 12/09,16,23, 2016

their journey to regain dignity by sticking and standing up for one another. The whole cast and crew whose passion and heart in letting the public know and understand the importance of family were all present to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The energy in the full packed cinema got higher as the audiences and fans won prizes from different partners and sponsors. Another highlight of the celebration is the acknowledgement and

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late BERNARDO N. FERNANDEZ

SR. has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among his heirs, per Doc. No. 25; Page No. 5; Book No. LX; Series of

2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC IRA R.

CALATRAVA-VALENZUELA 12/9/16/23

NEWS 13

signing of Ms. Nora Aunor of a winning fan art that was made by the Benedict Villamor Bautista from Ilocos Sur. Although he wasn’t able to personally meet his idol during the premiere, his talent was given recognition and was truly appreciated by his idol and the rest of the movie makers as well.

Kabisera is inspired by a true story showcasing the life of a family whose faith and strength was tested as they face grave trials involving crime, punishment and a fight with the justice system.

What the rest of the community thought was a perfect unit turns out to be one that have secrets, posing a threat to every member of the family, testing their trust to teach other. As the story unfolds, the KABISERA, which to the

Filipinos mean more than a chair but also a symbol of power in most households, becomes vacant as it waits for the person who would rightfully seat on it.

This year let’s be present and celebrate loyalty, strength and love of the family by sitting inside the cinemas. Check out the fanpage Kabisera Film for for the detailed screening schedules.Let us show our support as local movies evolve to provide relevant content and entertaiment for everyone to enjoy.

This 2016 let’s stand up for Pinoy films and our families. Join us in the cinemas and enjoy together with your loved ones the must-watch family drama film of 2016 Kabisera, starting December 25, 2016 in Cinemas Nationwide.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 218 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 - 24, 2016

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ANOTHER SHOT Loreto hard in training for title eliminator

F

ORMER world champion Rey “Hitman” Loreto of Davao City vowed to train hard for his title-eliminator fight with World Boxing Council (WBC) International light flyweight champion Jonathan “Lighting” Taconing of Zamboanga del Norte slated next year.

However, the fight which was ordered already by the World Boxing Council during the 54th Annual Convention in Miami, Florida, still has no final date and venue yet.

“Wala pa may date pero kung madayon na, ako dyud na ensayohun ug tarong,” (There still no date yet but if it will push through I will really train hard) said Loreto in a text message.

His co-manager Brico Santig said a purse bid will still be made to determine the date

TRAINING HARD. Rey “The Hitman” Loreto (left) faces Jonathan Taconing at a still unknwn date and venue.

Sonshine Sports photo

and venue of the fight.

Loreto, a former IBO world light flyweight champion, is also still in Okinawa, Japan visiting his Japanese girlfriend and their son. He is scheduled to arrive in Davao City on December 24 to spend Christmas with his family.

“Dili lang mag kumpiyansa kay kusog ug fighter pud si Taconing (I will not be complacent because Taconing is strong and also a fighter),” said Loreto.

Loreto and Taconing are rated no. 2 and 3, respectively by the WBC for the month of December.

The winner will become the mandatory challenger of undisputed WBC world light flyweight champion Ganigan Lopez of Mexico.

Lopez, however, has already beaten Taconing (23W-3L-1D19KOs) by a unanimous decision in their championship fight last July 2 in Mexico City.

Loreto (23W-13L-0D15KOs) has won all his three fights this year all against non-Filipino rivals by knockouts. Loreto stopped in the first round Thailand’s Fapikat Twins Gym at the Ambassador Hotel in

Bangkok on January 22.

He later pummelled to submission Japanese Koji Itagaki by a 4th round TKO on April 24 at the Marina Hop in Hiroshima, Japan.

In his last fight, Loreto TKO’d Rungrit Sor Visetkit in the 4th round last August 19 at the Bangkok University in Bangkok.

The 26-year-old Loreto had captured the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) World light flyweight crown by a 3rd round knockout win against South African Nkosinathi Joyi on February 1, 2014 at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

In their rematch, Loreto again stopped Joyi by a first round TKO infront of his challenger’s hometown crowd on March 22 at the Mdantsane Indoor Centre in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

But Loreto was stripped of his IBO world title for only failing to defend it because he was already scheduled to fight in Japan. Loreto’s manager is Naris Singwancha of Thailand while Taconing is managed by Johnny Elorde of Manila. (PNA)

players on the scoreboard.

But GlobalPort’s star pair ran into some trouble in the third as their production dropped drastically. Furthermore, Pringle committed two flagrant fouls that lead to his ejection with over two minutes to go in period, denying the Batang Pier one of their top options.

It was no surprise then that Blackwater began to pull away, taking a lead of as high as 12 points, 73-61, after Belo knocked down three free throws following Pringle’s second flagrant.

The Elite had a 77-67 advantage heading into the fourth quarter with Romeo and Pringle giving the Batang Pier only four points in that period.

The fourth quarter saw an interesting duel as Gab Banal scored the first basket for GlobalPort but was answered by his younger brother, Blackwater rookie Ael Banal, with five consecutive points, 82-69.

GlobalPort attempted to shoot

its way back into the game as KG Canaleta and Von Pessumal drilled in back-to-back three-pointers to come back to within seven points, 86-79.

Belo responded with a triple for the Blackwater side as well but Pessumal hit his second three-pointer, 89-82, to keep his team within striking distance.

The rookie out of Ateneo hit four more free throws – though an early long range attempt from him was turned into an and-one in transition by Blackwater. Canaleta, though, knocked down another big triple as GlobalPort sliced their deficit down to five, 94-89.

But Blackwater got a dagger three from Roi Sumang as they made it an eight-point game, 97-89, in the final minute.

After a defensive stop, Belo put the finishing touches with two more from the charity stripe, 99-89.

Romeo finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. He only shot a 28-percent shooting percentage, though, finishing 6-for-21 from the field.

Ex-Laker coach Scott Blackwater dumps GlobalPort watches PBA game T P

BA fans got a pleasant surprise as former Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott dropped by the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan to watch the Phoenix Fuelmasters beat the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday.

Scott was seen seated beside his Filipina girlfriend and Meralco executive and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio.

The 55-year-old Scott, a former NBA player who also coached the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, is in the Philippines for vacation.

Scott last handled the Lakers in the 2015-2016 NBA season, guiding the team to a miserable 17-65 record and having the chance to coach the legendary Kobe Bryant in his last playing year.

Westbrook drops 42 vs Pelicans R

USSELL Westbrook had 42 points and 10 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 121-110 on Wednesday night.

Alex Abrines scored nine of his 18 points during a pivotal 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter. The surge gave the Thunder a 100-87 lead with 9:18 left and New Orleans never got within eight points after that.

E n e s Kanter, who hit a hook shot during that

RUSSEL WESTBROOK. Another. explosive night.

spurt, finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Anthony Davis had 34 points and 15 rebounds for New Orleans. Jrue Holiday added 23 points and 10 assists, and Terrence Jones scored 21 points for the Pelicans, who’ve lost nine of 12.

Coming off a lopsided victory in Philadelphia a night earlier, New Orleans kept the game competitive through three quarters and was as close as 89-87 after Tyreke Evans’ 3-pointer with 11:10 left in regulation.

That’s when the Thunder suddenly pulled away by scoring 11 straight points over the span of just four possessions.

Abrines hit a 3, then came Kanter’s hook, followed

by Abrines’ three-point play on a driving layup as he was fouled

by Langston Galloway. After New Orleans missed its third straight shot, Abrines added another 3.

Abrines finished 5 of 11 from 3-point range and was the leading scorer among Thunder reserves, who combined for 52 points.

Westbrook, meanwhile, scored 16 of his points on 18 free-throw attempts.

HE Blackwater Elite hit a new milestone for the franchise after they stumped the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 99-91, in an Oppo PBA Philippine Cup clash on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan.

With the victory, Blackwater improved to 4-2, marking the first time in franchise history that the team has reached four wins in a single conference.

The previous franchise record was three wins and this current Elite team topped it with five games left to play in the elimination round.

Rookie Mac Belo, a big part of Blackwater’s turnaround this season, led the way with team-highs of 20 points and six rebounds. He also grabbed two steals and went a perfect 11for-11 from the free throw line.

Nard Pinto added 15 points and six assists while Art Dela Cruz added 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Blackwater, which started the season with two straight wins, have now won b a c k- t o - b a c k games again

TIGHT DEFENSE. Davao boy John Pinto of Blackwater (left) had the unenviable task of guarding shifty Terrence Romeo (right) of GlobalPort during the two teams encounter in the 2017 Oppo PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night.

PBAMedia

since snapping a two-game losing skid. GlobalPort, which had won three of its first four games, dropped to 3-2.

GlobalPort’s explosive backcourt duo, Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle, dominated in the first half, where they combined to score 28 of the Batang Pier’s 47 points.

Romeo starred early, scoring 10 points in the first quarter, while the pair finished the half by combining to score GlobalPort’s last 12 points of the second period, eight of those coming from Pringle.

By the halftime break, Romeo had already tallied 16 points while Pringle scored 12 markers. The two also recorded five assists combined.

Them more balanced Blackwater team, though, held a slim advantage, 48-47, at the half. Pinto notched 10 points while Belo had eight to lead the Elite, which had eleven different

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