Edge Davao 9 Issue 01

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 ETHNIC DANCE. Two Matigsalug children perform a traditional dance in front of their elders during a gathering in Salumay, Marilog District recently. The culture and tradition of the IPs of the city will once again be one of the highlights of the annual Araw ng Davao which will be celebrated on the third week of March. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

‘KIDNAP ME’ INdulge!

Taking art to the street A1

EDGEDAVAO Sports

Palos Verdes stays at 4th in Aviators p16

Woman, son arrested for extortion, frustrated murder

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

WOMAN and her 23-year-old son were arrested and charged with extortion and frustrated murder after two men who had earlier been arrested for kidnapping the young man pointed to them as the masterminds of a “kidnap-me” scam.

Operatives of San Pedro Police Station and the Anti-Kidnapping Group 11 had initially arrested Juanito B. dela Cruz, 26, resident of Kinablangan, Davao Oriental, and Rexie Y. Paguyan, 32, a barangay kagawad in Alegria, Cateel, Davao Oriental, for al-

legedly abducting the son of an employee of Davao City Water District (DCWD).

The two were arrested in entrapment operation on March 3 at Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT).

The police report said Manuel C. Pellano, 56, an employee of DCWD residing in Purok 13, Barangay 76A, went to San Pedro Police Station at around 10 a.m. on March 2 to report that he had received a call and text message from an unidentified person that his son Wenward,

23, was abducted on March 1 at around 5 p.m. while doing an errand in San Pedro Street.

Pellano said the caller demanded P100,000 in ransom for the release of his son.

The San Pedro Police Station and the Anti-Kidnapping Group 11 immediately conducted a follow-up investigation.

But at around 8 a.m. on Thursday, the complainant came back to the police station and told police that his son had arrived home at around 5 o’clock that morning.

Pellano said his son told

him he was abducted and brought somewhere in Tagum City. He said he was freed with the agreement that he would get P30,000 and deliver the money to the suspects.

Police then mounted an entrapment operation inside DCOTT where the transaction took place. The suspects were arrested at around 12 noon Thursday.

Upon the arrest of the suspects, the complainant identified Paguyan as the one who had stabbed him on February 26 inside his house.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

NOW OPEN. Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir of Malaysia (leftmost), SM Supermalls assistant vice president for Marketing (Mindanao) Russel Alaba (second from left), Museo Dabawenyo director Orly L. Escarilla (third from left), Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Roberto Alabado (center), Metrobank Mindanao Area 1 vice president Milagros Gumban (third from right), exhibit curator and MADE-Network of Winners (NOW) president Noel El Farrol

Tighter power supply over the weekend

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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be necessary to ensure optimum availability of its capacity during the critical period, which is summer.”

DLPC said with this, its power supply allocation from the NPC-PSALM will be further reduced.

“This will now translate to one to two hours duration of the rotating power interruptions within the franchise.

However, this may change without further notice de-

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Kurdistan PM vows justice for 13 OFW hotel fire victims

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UTHORITIES in Iraq’s Kurdistan region have assured justice for the 13 Filipino workers who perished at a hotel fire in Erbil on February 5, saying a thorough investigation is under way to hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable.

“We are deeply sorry about what happened,” Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government told Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato during a meeting at the regional capital where he also conveyed his condolences and solidarity with the Philippine Government and the Filipino people.

Duterte camp: Pulse Asia survey results give us encouragement

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) yesterday said there will be tighter power supply within its franchise after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that one of the 100 MW-units of the STEAG Coal-fired power plant will undergo a two-day Preventive Maintenance Shutdown (PMS) on March 5 and 6.

In a statement, DLPC said the PMS,which is the first for the year for STEAG, “will

(second from right), and SM Lanang Premier acting mall manager Maria Lynette Lopez (rightmost) cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Art MADE (Metrobank Art and Design Excellence) public exhibit at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier on Thursday night. The exhibit will run from March 3 to 7. Lean Daval Jr.

All the victims worked as massage therapists in a spa located at the basement of Capitol Hotel in Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

“Our hearts go to the victims of this tragedy and their families back in the Philippines,” Barzani said, adding that the embassy could count on the full support and cooperation of the regional government.

The Prime Minister said Kurdistan authorities were “ready to cooperate” in the probe that would be conducted and that appropriate action would be taken against those

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE camp of Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday said the latest Pulse Asia survey result gives it “more encouragement to work harder on the ground” as it showed the mayor tied in third place with Mar Roxas. “(We are) motivated by the trust of the people on Duterte’s political agenda of genuine change for the Filipino people and the country,” the mayor’s spokesperson

Peter Laviña said in a statement.

The survey showed Senator Grade Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay sharing first place with 26 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

Duterte and Roxas were tied at 21 percent — not far behind the frontrunners.

Poe’s rating actually suffered a 4 percent drop in her rating while Binay’s increased by 2 percent. Both Duterte and Roxas’ ratings

increased by 1 percent from the last survey in January.

“On the ground, we are heartened and inspired by the positive and overwhelming responses from the people since we hit the campaign trail,” Laviña said.

But he insisted that the survey results “do not reflect what we believe are the real sentiments of the Filipinos.”

“We have seen our numbers steadily advancing overall. But we have also

seen where we are weak and need to catch up, as well as recognize where we are making great headways. The elections are still a good two months away and we have plenty of time to move up,” Laviña said.

“We will remain vigilant and be on the lookout and will continue to work very hard for the victory of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the May 2016 presidential elections,” he added.

Matina Crossing.

A report from Calinan Police Station said the five were arrested at the checkpoint at around 3:50 p.m. on March 3.

Seized from the possession of the suspects were four big transparent sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P190,000, a pouch where the illegal drugs were place, an improvised glass used as tooter, three scissors, a digital weighing scale, and two cell phones.

Task Force Davao personnel immediately called for assistance from the Calinan Police Station for the immediate arrest of the suspects.

In an interview yesterday, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said before the arrest of the suspects, Task Force Davao and Calinan Police Station had already received information of the involvement of Herminia and her group in illegal drugs.

“Naay mga impormasyon na nagapayuhot ni silag droga (There were information that they are selling drugs),” she said.

“It just happened that the multicab they hired from Marilog going to Matina passed the checkpoint and since Task Force Davao already had infor-

mation, the operatives asked them to open the pouch,”she added.

Driz said the police also found four sachets of shabu and a text message in Herminia’s phone which said. “Naa ko’y isa ka sako na itagak sa Calinan,” which meant the group was supposed to sell a big sachet of shabu in the area.

Driz said the arrested people were already being monitored by the police for many months as this group operated in Calinan, Marilog, and Toril areas.

Driz said Lee, who was the driver hired by the group,

5 people caught ferrying shabu

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IVE persons were intercepted on Wednesday afternoon at the checkpoint of Task Force Davao in Barangay Lacson, Calinan, Davao City for allegedly carrying shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth P190,000.

The suspects were identified as Maricar T. Herminia, 55, a resident of Sitio Pagan Grande, Marilog District; Genamorales Aniban, 48, of Balusong, Matina Aplaya; Matronillo C. Lee, 46, of Emerald Street Matina; Bobby G. Caigon Jr., 22, of Sunrise Village, Matina; and Darwin Clyde B. Alcover, 18, of Sesame Street, Sunrise Village,

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

DA intensifies rabies campaign

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S Rabies Awareness Month kicks off, the Department of Agriculture intensified its campaign on Responsible Pet Ownership through the conduct of a Walk for a Cause in Butuan City on March 1.

“Rabies is fatal but it is also preventable,” said Dr. Esther Cardeño, DA-13 Rabies Coordinator. “We need to be responsible pet owners to avoid contamination of the disease,” she added.

Rabies is a contagious and fatal viral disease of dogs and other mammals that causes madness and convulsions, transmissible through

the saliva to humans. In more than 99% of human cases, the rabies virus is transmitted by domestic dogs. It occurs mainly in remote rural communities where children between the age of 5–14 years are the most frequent victims.

Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 stipulated that pet owners are required to vaccinate their dogs, maintain control over them and not allow it to roam the street or any public place without a leash. Such is the advocacy of the DA on its Responsible Pet Ownership campaign.

The Philippines, goal is

to make the Philippines Rabies-free by year 2020. With four more years from its goal, Caraga has already covered 62% of the dog population in the region for vaccination.

“The DA is providing free rabies vaccination to dogs throughout the region in coordination with the Local Government Units, not only on March as Rabies Awareness Month but throughout the year”, Integrated Laboratory Chief John Gamboa said.

Aside from advocating responsible pet ownership, DA also urged LGUs to enact additional local ordinances that

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

Mindanao’s vote-richest areas: Davao City, Bukidnon, SouthCot

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AVAO City, home to the lone Mindanawon Presidential candidate, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, is the vote-richest among Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities, with nearly a million voters, followed by Bukidnon and South Cotabato, records from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) show.

Mindanao has 12.63 million registered voters out of the country’s 54.36 million, according to the Comelec’s “Philippine 2016 Voters Profile” as of November 2015.

The vote-richest are Davao City which has 873,670 voters or over a hundred thousand more than Bukidnon’s 765,898 and South Cotabato’s 724,325.

It is also more than Bohol’s 798,768, Albay’s 742,204 and Tarlac’s 739,526.

The vote-poorest in Mindanao – all under a hundred thousand voters — are Camiguin island which has 57,570 voters, Isabela City in Basilan

which is classified by Comelec as a “special province,” has 68,450 and Dinagat Islands province has 69,051.

Of Mindanao’s 33 cities, four – Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan — are lumped into the provincial vote count even as they are not component cities of Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte, respectively.

In fact, these four cities have their respective representatives in Congress – three for Davao City, two each for Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro, and one for Iligan.

Comelec records show Davao del Sur has a total of 1,247,362 voters but out of this number, 873,670 are Davao City voters, more than twice Davao del Sur’s 373,692.

Digos is the component city of Davao del Sur. Davao City’s voting population is also more than twice

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Now safe for Butig villagers to go home, says military

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HE military said on Thursday they have cleared the municipality of Butig in Lanao del Sur where armed men fought with Army soldiers resulting to the death of three soldiers and 21 suspects last week.

Colonel Nilo Samarita, chief operations officer of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said they have told a provincial peace and order committee on Wednesday that it is now safe for Butig residents who were displaced by the fighting to return home to their villages.

Samarita said they have cleared Barangays Puktan and Ragayan where members of the armed group led by the Maute brothers fought against government troops in the past two weeks.

He said three soldiers and 21 armed men were killed in

the two weeks of fighting.

The military gave the clearance for the residents to return home on the same day soldiers stopped a relief convoy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that was carrying food supplies to Butig.

DSWD Lanao del Sur officer Corrine Tabua said soldiers stopped their convoy when they reached the town of Butig Wednesday afternoon.

She said the soldiers asked for their orders and identities before they were allowed to enter Butig town by 5 p.m.

Wednesday.

“We were delayed for several hours while the soldiers checked on our identities and where we were delivering our supplies,” Tabua said.

Samarita said their soldiers were just checking to

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SUDDEN RAIN. Students of Sta. Ana Elementary School hurriedly cross R. Magsaysay Avenue to avoid getting drenched in the morning downpour yesterday in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Priest, artist named Datu Bago awardees A

JESUIT priest and a visual artist were named the Datu Bago Awardees for 2016.

The Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc., chaired by Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr., announced that Rev. Fr. William Joseph Malley, S.J. and Teody Boylie Roxas Perez, PhD. had been chosen as this year’s awardees.

Peace and development in the grassroots A naturalized Filipino citizen since October 1, 1979, Fr. Malley founded the Ignatius Institute of Religious Education Foundation (IIREF) in Davao City in 1992. Through his institute’s scholarship program, he contributed to the education and value forma-

tion of countless marginalized youth in the urban and rural communities in Davao City.

He has written several books on Filipino family values and humanistic philosophy.

His humanitarian mission focused on those incarcerated in the Davao Penal Farm and in the Correctional Institute for Women has earned for him a recognition from the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) which bestowed upon him the “Gawad Paglilingkod” Award on October 26, 2014.

Fr. Malley is nominated for the Datu Bago Award 2016 for his contribution to peace and development in the grassroots communities of Davao City through his ecumenical spir-

COLOR FESTIVAL. Holi Color Festival 2016 organizers Juvy Sta. Maria Palo (left), Pankaj Kumar (center), and Raja Selva Kumad, director of Indian Students in Davao City, promote this year’s edition of the festival slated at SM Lanang Premier on March 24 during the FAST Fridays media forum yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

itual training programs that promote interfaith dialogue among Muslims and Christians. His noteworthy program among the prisoners has also contributed not just to the decongestion of the prisons,but also to the prisoners’ rehabilitation to become productive citizens of the city upon their release.

Promoting Dabawenyo culture and arts Born and raised in Davao City, Perez has taught art for many years at Philippine Science High School in Mindanao, Philippine Women’s College of Davao, and the University of the Philippines in Mindanao.

He earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Fine Arts in Japan through three scholarship

grants. A recipient of many top awards in painting locally and nationally, he also holds the distinction of being the sole foreigner to receive the Excellent Award in the 36th West Japan Art Competition in 2003. His art work has been featured in various international publications.

Perez is nominated for the Datu Bago Award 2016 for catapulting Davao City to prominence because of the numerous local, national, and international recognition he has received for his excellence in visual arts. He has also promoted Filipino and Dabawenyo culture and arts through his exhibited works internationally.

The Datu Bago awardees

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Drilon urges OFWs to vote in May polls S ENATE President Franklin M. Drilon, author of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act, urged overseas Filipinos to take part in the upcoming May 2016 elections.

Drilon, who is running for a re-election in the Senate under the Liberal Party, said that their fate, as well as the future of their families in the Philippines, are at stake in the elections.

“We should not take for granted the May 2016 elections. We should exercise our right to vote and take an active role in choosing the country’s next set of leaders,” Drilon said.

Drilon said the main reason he pushed for the absentee voting law is “to empower the overseas Filipino workers

to participate in shaping our country’s future by electing qualified leaders.”

“The outcome of this election will have an impact on our country’s policies on the welfare of around seven million Filipinos living abroad including the 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers,” he said.

The four-time Senate President then lauded the Commission on Elections and the Department of Foreign Affairs for stepping up their efforts in implementing the Overseas Absentee Voting Act. He said that it is the first time since the law’s enactment in 2003 that registered overseas voters has reached over one million.

Citing Comelec’s data,

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5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

ICTSI safety guide wins Anvil

I ICTSI’s safety and public relations officers and staff during the awarding ceremonies at the Shangri La Makati (from left): Henry Dy, safety inspector; Marie Annalie Marfil, assistant public relations manager; John Paolo Siat, public relations officer; Anthony Villanueva, creative consultant; Jocelyn Badoy,

publication consultant; Joyce Racoma, public relations officer; Serge Hingzon, safety superintendent; and Dexter Landicho, public relations officer.

Organized annually by the PRSP, the Anvil Awards recognizes outstanding PR programs and tools.

NTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) recently won a Silver Anvil from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) for its publication, MICT Terminal Safety Guide.

The guide is given to visitors, contractors, and truck operators transacting at ICTSI’s flagship, the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).

PRSP cited the safety guide for “providing comprehensive user-friendly terminal safety

Mexico eyes FTA with Phl

‘Give green tax incentives only A to low-cost housing developers’ HE Davao City government should only make tax incentives for adopting green spaces available to low-cost housing and socialized housing developers, not to high-end developers, a Davao City-based environment group said.

“As much as we are open to the proposal of incentivizing developers who will implement the 10 percent additional allocation for green space, the government should make it limited to low-cost housing developers who will be the most affected,” Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Mary Ann Fuertes said in a press conference at the Bahay ni Tuding hotel and restaurant last Thursday.

Fuertes said the incentive scheme would allow socialized housing developers to create more livable space for their homeowners.

As for the possibility of

subsidizing housing projects, Fuertes said the developers should not add burden to city government.

“We are open for any discussion of the proposals related to the 10 percent green space on top of the 30 percent open space mandated by law,” she said, adding that the group will send at least one representative every regular session of the City Council to ensure it will be included in all environment-related discussions.

Earlier, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) past president and now DCCCII housing and construction chair Architect Daniel Lim proposed subsidizing and giving incentives to developers who will adopt the vetoed amendment in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the city to cover the cost of allocating a portion of of their total area to spaces for parks and vegetation.

Lim said he supports Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s veto of the amendment, saying he believes it was done for the greater good of the majority and not just for specific developers operating here.

Should there be any future amendment to the city’ CLUP, Lim said this should be studied carefully and decided not only by a few but by all stakeholders, including developers and buyers But Philippine Integrated Real Estate Service interim president Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde expressed disappointment over the City Council’s decision to accept the mayor’s veto.

“Sayang talaga, in a sense that hopefully, there are ways to soften the blow, like giving tax incentives or perks to green developers. We think that would work best for both the developers and the buyers.

If there are tax incentives we will still be competitive and

even better,” Monteverde told reporters at the sidelines of last Monday’s joint meeting session of the Ambassador Club Davao and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.–Mindanao at The Marco Polo Hotel Davao.

Monteverde said the absence of these mechanisms for developers would result in passed-on cost to buyers and consumers.

“Giving tax incentives will soften the blow, so we believe the implementation of this must be looked at,” she said.

Davao City councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta earlier said she proposed for a ordinance that will give incentives to subdivision developers who will incorporate green spaces to their developments.

Acosta said the proposal already passed first reading two weeks ago at the height of the heated discussion on the removal of the 10 percent green space.

NCHORING on a strong inter-country relationship which started in the Acapulco Galleon Trade centuries ago and reinforced during the World War II, Mexico is eyeing to ink a possible free-trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines to strengthen “durable links.”

“A working group composed of both Mexican and Filipino team is now in the process of studying elements of the eventual trade agreement,” Mexican Ambassador Julio Camarena Villaseñor said at the sidelines of Monday’s joint meeting session of the Ambassador Club Davao and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc.–Mindanao at The Marco Polo Davao.

The two governments are also currently working on the crafting of an agreement that promotes and protects reciprocal investments between the two nations.

“This agreement intends to promote reciprocal investment and increase business transactions between the two,” Villaseñor said, adding the signing of the agreement serves as a prerequisite before moving to the FTA. Villaseñor said Mexican investments in the Philippines have already reached a total

USTAINABLE agriculture company Monsanto shone in the 51st Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines by reaping a Silver Anvil for its publication titled “Lina’s Town Rises Again.”

The children’s book is the first and only children’s book in the country that promotes agricultural biotechnology and its benefits to our community.

Touching on sustainability, collaboration, and safety, the book narrates a true and inspiring story of how planting Bt corn seeds helped positively transform a lady farmer’s life.

Charina Garrido-Ocampo, author of the book and corporate engagement lead of Monsanto Philippines, said, “it is with great pride and honor for us at Monsanto to be the only agriculture company to be recognized by the jury of the 51st Anvil Awards – a solid testament of our commitment

of empowering farmers and their families through various means in the Philippines and all over the world.”

Garrido-Ocampo grew up

in Davao City and finished high school at Davao City National High School in 1989. She was the editor-in-chief of “Daluyong, ” the school’s newspaper

written in Filipino. Garrido-Ocampo would later take up Journalism at the University of Philippines in Diliman and graduate cum laude. The said

book is her third children’s book.

Since its launch in late 2013, the children’s book has reached over 10,000 students

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

guidelines ensuring awareness of and compliance with regulations and standards by internal and external users.”

The MICT Terminal Safety Guide features an infographic on the 12 basic life-saving rules, emergency hotlines, emergency and safety guidelines, and an evacuation map for disasters.

The guide is part of ICTSI’s commitment to uphold international safety standards as a global organization, and adherence to local safety regulations as a Philippine company.

of US$6 billion in the last few years, focusing on the area of bottling with FEMSA, cement manufacturing with Cemex, and business process outsourcing.

He said the Mexican government is targeting to increase private investment to a total of US$8 billion. The bulk of the additional US$2 billion will be coming from the investment of a telecommunications company.

Philippine investments to Mexico has already reached half a billion dollars at present, focusing on port operations, he added.

Villaseñor said other agreements were already signed during last year’s state visit of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit last year in Manila.

He said these included agreements for tourism cooperation through provision of air services, avoidance of double taxation, and tax evasion.

An earlier report said the two nations made an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and prevention of fiscal evasion signed by the Philippines’s Finance Secretary Cesar Puri-

nationwide, with over 4,400 copies distributed to government officials, media, and school libraries. Story-telling

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Monsanto Philippines harvests recognition at 51st Anvil Awards S

FMONSANTO, 10

Monsanto Philippines bags its first Public Relations Society of the Philippines recognition at the 51st Anvil Awards held recently at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Author of the book “Lina’s Town Rises Again,” Chat Garrido-Ocampo who is a Davaoeña, poses with Monsanto’s Silver Anvil Award, the first Anvil award for Monsanto Philippines

6 THE ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO eases rules on foreign South Cotabao strengthening BSP loans documentation checkpoints vs Newcastle disease T

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

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OUTH Cotabato is beefing up inter-boundary quarantine checkpoints against Newcastle disease, an official here said.

Dr. Flora Bigot, provincial veterinarian, said putting up checkpoints is a precautionary measure to prevent the entry of the avian disease to SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

“In a recent meeting of veterinary quarantine officers, it was reported that there are already reported Newcastle disease cases in Region 11, somewhere in

Digos City, Davao del Sur,” Dr. Bigot said. “These cases, however, have not yet been confirmed through laboratory tests.”

“Because of this, we have agreed to strengthen inter-boundary quarantine checkpoints to restrict movement of chickens.” she added.

Alongside this initiative, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian is also sustaining its monitoring efforts and examination of poultry animals in the province against the viral disease.

Bigot said the OPVet is giving out free vaccines to poultry growers and backyard growers.

She gave assurance that the OPVet has enough supply of vaccines for this initiative, only that backyard growers may have to request for a vaccination as a group.

“Each vial of the vaccine is sufficient for 1,000 chickens,” she said.

Interested poultry growers and farmers may coordinate with their local government unit, she said.

The OPVet is also coor-

dinating with local government officials for a mass vaccination iof poultry animals in barangays and villages.

Newcastle disease is a serious viral disease among domestic birds. Initial symptoms consist of respiratory distress and rasping, which is followed by paralysis of legs and wings after a day or two. Twisting of the neck as well as greenish watery diarrhea may also be observed.

Bigot warns against consumption of meat of chicken that died of Newcastle disease. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) now allows the notarization of documents pertaining to private companies’ foreign loans, deferred payments, and other foreign currency-denominated obligations.

This after the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) approved on Thursday his decision provided that the loans submitted to the BSP for approval do not require government guarantees.

“The move is part of continuing efforts to have an appropriate regulatory framework for foreign exchange (FX) transactions,” the central bank said in a statement.

The statement explained that the MB decision will give private companies the flexibility “with respect to the documentation of their financing agreements to meet specific requirements of creditors and/or foreign laws that may govern such transactions.”

“The Governor stated that the continuing review and fine tuning of BSP regulations is consistent with its commitment to maintain a safe and sound financial system, a stable FX market, and an appropriate monetary policy supportive of sustained and inclusive economic growth,” it added.

Last February, the central bank put in place its ninth foreign exchange liberalization measure targeted to further increase domestic financial inclusion and encourage foreign investments in the country.

The measure exempts some private companies’ foreign borrowings or loans from banks’ foreign currency deposit units (FCDUs) from getting a prior central bank approval and allows the conversion into Philippine peso of any foreign exchange that was disapproved from being placed into companies listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). (PNA)

JICA community infra projects seen to spur economic growth

A DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT. An employee fights boredom by watching videos on her mobile phone after work was halted due to the ongoing rotational blackouts being implemented by Davao Light and Power Company in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t to spend P64-M for Phl hosting of Routes Asia 2016

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HE government has allotted some P64-million for the Philippine hosting of Routes Asia 2016, the largest gathering of aviation-based companies in the world.

Routes Asia, slated March 6 to 8, will provide a platform for aviation professionals, airlines, airports and other tourism stakeholders to meet, negotiate and present market opportunities.

There will be a total of 96 airlines, 169 airports, 12 tourism authorities, 17 aviation data suppliers from Europe, North America and South Africa attending the three-day event which will be held at the SMX Convention Center.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Route Development Team Head Erwin Balane said that the budget would be provided by the DOT, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

Half of the budget (PhP32 million)would be provided by the DOT while the remainder will be provided by the DOTC (PhP16,000) and MIAA

(PhP16,000), Balane told reporters in an interview.

He stressed the importance of the event being a key in helping regional airports acquire new routes to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“We are increasing the capacity and showcasing our regional airports particularly Clark International Airport and Kalibo International Airport,” Balane said.

Balane pointed out that around 75 percent of air traffic was in Metro Manila while 25 percent divided by other regional airports.

“If we can increase utilization of regional airports by mounting new routes to these destinations we would be able to get a lot of investments into these area especially airports up for bidding under the public-private partnership (PPP),” Balane said.

DOT Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato Jr. also highlighted the importance of the Routes Asia in enhancing air connectivity.

“Our objective is to make the Philippines as a multi-gateway destination and that our

top source markets are well connected as we open up other gateways aside from the other gateways we are already providing,” Boncato said.

“Decision makers will be here instead of us going there and finding time to meet them so DOT, DOTC, local government units (LGUs) will have to take advantage of their presence,” Boncato said.

He also said that air seats in the country in 2015 jumped by 7.9 percent to 13-million seats from 9-million seats, an indicator that the country was moving forward as a prime destination.

New components For the first time, Routes Asia will feature a Hosted Airline Program (HAP) and Charter Operations Program (COP) for select group of senior executives from the Philippines’ key target airlines and charter operators.

It will also feature Route Exchange Airline Briefings to be delivered by senior network planners exclusively to attending airport officials and tourism authorities Moreover, busi-

ness-to-business meeting with airlines, airports and tourism authorities from across the world and an exhibition for various aviation companies will also be held.

One of the highlights of the event is the Routes Asia Strategy Summit, which will provide a valuable insight into aviation across the region as panels of leading industry experts take part in a number of moderator-led discussions addressing key air service development issues affecting commercial aviation across the entire region.

Routes Asia Market Development Group Officer-in-Charge Director Verna Buensuceso said that there would be eight VIPs representing charted operators.

Representatives will be from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air Asia, British Airways, Air New Zealand, Asia Landmark and three from Shenzhen South China Holiday.

The 14th edition of Routes Asia this year is organized by London-based United Business Media (UBM) and hosted

by DOT in cooperation with DOTC, MIAA. (PNA)

FARM -TO -M ARK ET road linking Barangay Mapurok and Barangay Pacao both in the municipality of Alamada province of North Cotabato will be constructed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The groundbreaking ceremony was spearheaded by JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka with JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Noriaki Niwa, officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bangsamoro Development Authority (BDA) Exec.

Dir. Mohammad Yacob and Bangsamoro Transition Com-

mission (BTC) Head of Secretariat Atty. Haroun Meling.

The P442 million, 8.6 km. road infrastructure is part of the JICA’s grant aid assistance project for Community Development of Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao.

The project aims promote agricultural development of target communities through improved transportation of farm produce to market and trading centers thereby generating employment and livelihood opportunities of farmers.

JICA President Kitaoka said, JICA remains steadfast in supporting the peace process and development of the Bang-

FJICA, 10

Tagum women to improve bamboo stick production

R

ECOGNIZED by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines as a Small and Medium Enterprise Excellence Awardee, the Tagum City Council of Women Inc (TCCWI) extended its arms to help another micro enterprise in the city.

TCCWI president Alma Uy said during a press conference that the council saw the need to assist women who are producing bamboo sticks using their bare hands.

“Their manual labor may cause them injuries in their hands and they said that as they aged, they will have a hard time folding their fingers,” Uy said.

She said to help these women, there is a need to mechanize the production of bamboo sticks for their health and for their families.

“These women can only produce five bundles of 100 bamboo sticks a day, which is sold at P6 per bundle or an income of P30 a day, which is not

enough to feed their families in a day,” Uy said.

Through the TCCWI, the bamboo stick producers will receive a P1.3 million worth of Shared Service Facility from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The SSF, which will be launched on March 29, will include bamboo pole cutter, splitter, width and thickness cutter, stick slicer, length cutter, polisher and sharpening machine.

“The machine will arrive on the weekend; that’s the time that we will have to conduct a dry run to determine its production capacity and the needed manpower.”

Uy added that among the assistance that they will extend were institutional development by forming the producers into a cooperative and market linkage.

“In fact, we have a market that will get unlimited supply to be distributed nationwide.”

(PIA 11, Michael Uy)

7 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

In search of excellent legal education Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

I

N 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Gregory Peck offered his legendary dignity to the role of Atticus Finch, Harper Lee’s iconic small-town attorney. In 1993’s Philadelphia, Tom Hanks was an Ivy-educated gay attorney who claims his big-time law firm fired him after discovering he contracted the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Both Peck and Hanks won Oscars for their respective performances.

Paul Newman received an Oscar nomination as a washedup, alcoholic lawyer who gets handed a medical-malpractice case and sees it as one last chance to get his career right in 1982’s The Verdict. Harrison Ford was a top-notch prosecutor who finds himself accused of murdering a colleague with whom he’s had an affair in 1990’s Presumed Innocent.

Indeed, lawyers have their own league of Hollywood movies. After all, the current president of the United States, Barack Obama, is a lawyer. He is the 44th American president but only the 25th lawyer to become as such.

Other lawyers who made it were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, James Folk, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Rutherford Hayes, Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and William “Bill” Clinton, Although Abraham Lincoln (whose life has been made into several movies) had no formal education but he was described as “a self-taught lawyer.”

In Hollywood, one of the most famous storytellers is John Grisham. His first novel, A Time to Kill, was made into a movie. But it was The Firm, which made him a blockbuster author and since then he is one of the most-sought writers.

Unknowingly, he started his career as a lawyer. In fact, he was a member of Mississippi’s House of Representatives for over six years.

Grisham is not alone.

There are other novelists who began their careers as lawyers.

To name a few more: Robert Buettner (the man behind the

Dean Atty. Israelito P. Torreon discussing with Atty. Emerson B. Aquende, chairman of the Legal Education Board, during the visit of the latter at the JMC College of Law.

The author inside in one of the facilities of the JMC College of Law. fictional hero Jason Wander), Marjorie M. Liu (noted for her urban fantasies and paranormal romances), Scott Turrow (author of Presumed Innocent and Personal Injuries), and Henry Fielding (whose The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling became an “inspiration” for several television, film and opera adaptations).

There are other lawyers who also became famous in other professions. Hoagy Carmichael was a songwriter whose works included “Stardust” and “Georgia on My Mind.” Mohandas Gandhi was a political and spiritual leader.

James Pike was an Episcopal bishop. Geraldo Rivera is a broadcast journalist and entertainer.

There are lawyers and there are lawyers. In Davao City, one of the top-caliber lawyers is Israelito P. Torreon.

When he was 36, he became the president of the Davao del Sur chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. He was considered the youngest lawyer to hold such office in the province.

“I felt elated when I was elected,” he told this author some years back. “I was elated in the sense that my distinguished compañeros and compañeras chose me. I must say, however, that the road before victory was not easy…”

Actually, Atty. Torreon was born in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, where he spent his elementary years at Bansalan Central Elementary School and his high school at the Nazareth High School.

“Bansalan is my beloved town,” he admitted. “It’s a town where almost everyone knows each other and family ties are quite close. The friends that I

gained there are my closest friends even until now. It’s where I learned how to jump a cliff and swim in a river, gather firewood and sell popsicles during summers.

It was in this town where I first envisioned my future – crafted my goals in life, so to speak.

Bansalan has taught me to appreciate the gift of life through family and friends.”

Atty. Torreon is also the managing partner at The Law Firm of Torreon and Partners.

If being a respected lawyer is not enough, he also teaches.

First, he taught at the College of Law of the Ateneo de Davao University, where he finished his Bachelor of Laws after taking his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of the Philippines in Cebu.

“I started teaching when I became a lawyer in 1998,” he recalled. “What I like about teaching is the chance to touch the lives of your students by sharing your legal knowledge and experiences as a lawyer.

I also cherish the times when students would meet you in some places and thank you for being their mentor. Such is priceless.”

Later on, he found himself the Dean of the Cor Jesu College of Law in Digos City for five years. Now, he has taken a new role as the Dean of the newly-established College of Law of Jose Maria College (JMC).

“Since its establishment, JMC has had the development of a college of law in its strategic plan,” explained Atty. Torre-

two law schools, aspiring law students are forced to look outside the city for legal education,” he said.

In comparison, Tagum City — which takes only an hourdrive from Davao and only has a population of almost half a million — has already two law schools. “Some of the students of these two law schools in Tagum even hail from Davao City,” Atty. Torreon said.

ing dean reiterated.

The JMC College of Law offers two types of curricula.

One is five years while the other is only four years. “The fiveyear law program is the first in Davao and in Mindanao as (the new college of law) is designed to cater to the needs of working students,” Atty. Torreon explained.

Actually, the new law college is the brainchild of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, the president and executive pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. He said he wanted to become a lawyer but God has other plan for his life. To fulfill his dream, he launched the JMC College of Law because “he believes in the power of Atty. Israelito P. Torreon, the dean of education as an the JMC College of Law. ennobling force that leads to the Mayor Rodrigo Duterte enlightenment delivered his message during the launch. and transformation of individuals in a society,” said on, who has been elected as the a press statement.

Vice President for Mindanao of “With its the Philippine Association of highly qualified Law Schools (PALS). law professors, Over the last 13 years, who are judges, JMC has developed leadership prosecutors and and excellence of students in attorneys from a the field of education, commuvariety of private nication and information, as practice areas, well as in business and social Pastor Apollo bescience. “The establishment of lieves that legal a law school is the next natural practitioners, who step of JMC in the advancement are excellent, efof its vision and mission,” he fective, ethical and pointed out. socially responsiDuring the launching of the EDGE Davao editor-in-chief as moderator during ble, and who will JMC College of Law, Atty. Torrethe press conference of the launch. become advocates on said that despite the growof peace and equal ing population of Davao City Thus, the JMC College of opportunities for all, will soon — more than 1.5 million, making it the fourth most populous Law was born. “The (new) Col- emerge,” another press statecity in the country and the most lege of Law will prepare the stu- ment said.

Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, populous in Mindanao — it has dents for a career in law, train only two law schools: the Uni- them for service, responsibility a longtime friend of the pastor, versity of Mindanao College of and leadership in the govern- attended the launching of the Law (which starting offering it ment and the private sector as JMC College of Law at the Park in 1948) and Ateneo de Davao well as to produce competent, Inn by Raddison Davao. Also College of Law (established in honest and dedicated lawyers present was Atty. Emerson B. motivated by the ideals of truth Aquende, the chairman of the 1961).

“Since Davao City has only and justice,” the youthful-look- Legal Education Board.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

EDITORIAL How rampant is this?

H

ERE’S an interesting incident that happened a few days ago. Personnel of the Davao City Jail-Annex caught three inmates carrying illegal drugs inside the supposed to be well-guarded detention facility. The suspects were identified as Mark Anthony Salazar, Paul Ryan Tantamco, and Ednor Pablo, who are detained while awaiting trial and conviction of some crimes, probably illegal drug-related violations of law.

An initial report indicated that a jail guard received an intelligence report that some inmates in Cell 4.5 were having a shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) session.

Upon verification, the guards caught the detainees inside the comfort room possessing a small sachet of shabu with three lighters and improvised needle, a straw a

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small piece of foil, and improvised bamboo stick sealer.

The jail guards immediately called the Talomo Police Precinct and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 for assistance. As a result the suspects were brought to PDEA 11 for drug testing while the seized pieces of evidence were also submitted.

We congratulate the guards for a job well done. Of course, without the whistleblower who squealed on the drug users, the drug-bust, humble as it may seem, could not have been possible.

Now, the authorities ought to dig deeper into the matter as the cell incident could just be the tip of the iceberg. This is not farfetched considering that in the New Bilibid Prison, the jailed drug lords continue their bigtime crime –manufacturing shabu – and living it up as if they are free men, not inmates or convicts.

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

9

That’s destiny

S

OME years ago, then-Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno went to Palawan for a private visit. According to a news account, he was asked if he would consider himself to become the next president of the Philippines.

Puno, with a smile, responded meaningfully: “That’s destiny. To be president is destiny.”

The words of William Jennings Bryan came to mind: “Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

“I believe that you control your destiny, that you can be what you want to be. You can also stop and say, No, I won’t do it, I won’t behave his way anymore. I’m lonely and I need people around me, maybe I have to change my methods of behaving and then you do it,” Leo F. Buscaglia says.

To become a president, if we have to believe the thought of Puno, is destined. And if you are the president, everything you do and say is bound to be news. Damn if you and damn if you don’t. You have people to rally for you because of what is in stake for them (like businesses, fame, and power). There are also those who are against you and they are called critics.

Of course, a president is not only honored but he or she is also ridiculed. Funny caricatures of President George W. Bush are widespread. Who hasn’t heard of former president Bill Clinton and the oral office? Ex-president Joseph Estrada is often the subject of Erap jokes.

If that is what the presidency is all about, better opt to become famous and successful

P

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

in your own way.

But the road to THINK ON THESE! success is not offered on a silver platter. You have to do something to achieve it.

There are people who become a star overnight.

But not everyone can have that kind Henrylito D. Tacio of luck. More often henrytacio@gmail.com than not, fame is swift and fleeting. The following another star may come into the picture. But success that is based on hard work is not too easy to take away from you.

Thomas Alva Edison knew this fact. “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration,” he said. “Accordingly a genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework.”

Do your own homework. Don’t rest on your laurels. Never settle for anything less. But whatever you do, do your very best. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded: “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the host of heavens and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’”

Successful people are people who learned what failure is all about. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Failures or rejections ran into the hundreds before a person achieve success.

Conrad Hilton once said, “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”

Ever heard of one of America’s most outstanding failures? In 18931, he failed in business. In 1832, he was defeated for legislature.

In 1833, he again failed in business. In 1834, he was elected to the Legislature but was defeated for Speaker in 1838. In 1843, he was defeated for Congress but was elected to Congress in 1846. He was defeated for Senate in 1855, for Vice-President in 1856, and for Senate again in 1858. But in 1860, he was elected to President of the United States. His name: Abraham Lincoln.

Donald Phillips commented, “Everything – failures as well as successes – became stepping stones to the presidency. In this sense, Lincoln’s entire life prepared him for his future executive leadership role.”

Being handicapped is not hindrance to become successful in life. Winston Churchill, famous for his eloquence, had a speech impediment as a boy. Theodore Roosevelt spoke with difficulty. Mahatma Gandhi was so fearful of public speaking that in his first attempt to represent a client as her lawyer he became tonguetied when it was time for him to speak in court.

Clarence Chamberlain, the aviator who flew the Atlantic, could never pass the standard test for depth perception, but they closed an

eye and gave him a license anyway, and he became one of the safest of fliers. Glenn Cunningham, who hung up new records for the mile in running, had both legs so badly burned that he was expected never to be able to walk again.

Now, you’re rich and famous. You can have everything you want in life. But hope the story of a genie in the bottle will remind you of something. A little boy found a corked bottle at the foot of a tree. There was a curious buzzing sound inside and so he pulled out the cork to see what it was. Out came a cloud which formed into genie and then expanded as big as a house.

The genie then threatened to kill the boy.

With great presence of mind, the boy wondered out loud how such a big object could fit to such a small bottle. So he asked the big genie to show. Foolishly, it did. Then he capped down the cork again.

The genie kept cursing and threatening and shouting. But the corked stayed on. Then the captive took a new tack and promised not to hurt the boy if he left him out again. The boy thought about this for a long time and was skeptical and did not want to get tricked. Finally, he agreed that he would let the genie out only if he became his servant. He agreed.

Success is like a genie. It will become bigger and bigger and before you know it, it will rule over your life – and even destroy you. But like the little boy, you have to make your success your servant instead of your master.

Charles Reade reminds: “Sow a thought, and you reap an act; sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”

no one can even remember that being elected or even appointed, for that matter, to a position in the government is a privilege. A service to the people who put them there.

How has being a government official been the goal of so many who wish to become “successful”? It is a sad situation where, in our desperation and mistaken notion of a hopeful change in circumstance, we accept the pithy hand outs election season seems to magnanimously be charitable with all of a sudden.

Where, after the kilo of rice and can of sardines and instant noodles are consumed, is, again, left on the side like an invisible, and largely ignored problematic old sore.

Election season is upon us. Here in America, as in the Philippines, more money is spent on advertisements than even a marketing firm has a budget for a new product launch. Courting supporters in order to have the deepest pocket to last the season has become, here in America, a daily dose of a loud candidate taking on even the Pope. His personality and pocket thicker than the rest because his wealth somehow absolves him from bestowing some iota of basic human respect for people other than himself.

Makes one think of all the hoopla as one big show. Entertainment. Election entertainment.

The biggest competition that puts to shame all the most popular ones put together. The sad prize is a country waiting for some change.

Some small incremental change at least, for a better, more hopeful future, even for just the

children. So they do not have to leave, and live as domestic slaves or work under the table, casting their lot on crumbs thrown their way by foreigners whose ignorance sometimes decry the very “greatness” they think they have.

Our hearts, hopefully are not purely capitalist hearts. That, with the capital we do invest, an equal proportion of concern for the greater good of the country is also in the mix.

That candidates (and their families) whose narcissist ambitions, well hidden under the guise of righteous rhetoric, fall way down the deep well of their own dark aspirations. So that, maybe, sometime in the future, the hope may come to some kind of fruition. That the bottom line is not just about the money after all.

Let me add here, as an addendum to my dour thoughts, though, that, the years since PNoy has been in office, has given the country a good reputation from out here. He has made a difference in the way people perceive the Filipino. That we are looked upon as a promising economy, for example, has bolstered even the self-esteem of us who live out here.

Let’s pray he passes the torch to one who lives to serve the people more than himself, even for just the six years he’ll be in office.

(Mindanawon Abroad is MindaNews’ effort to link up with Mindanawons overseas who would like to share their experiences in their adopted countries.Margot Marfori is an author and visual artist from Davao City. She is currently based in Henderson, Nevada.)

Lola got’s lutong bahay in America: Election capital

RESIDENT’S day in America is a holiday.

And just like most (or all) holidays here, stores have the SALE sign on. Your mailbox is stuffed with more than the usual weekly coupon books, and emails on the same clutter up about 80 per cent of your inbox. The fact that it comes on the Monday after Valentines Day, and makes it a four-day weekend, is kind of precious, really. Like we are expected to rush over to the stores as soon as we finish the slow build-up to a romantic interlude, and buy the dream “thing” we’ve always wanted at last.

Because that’s what it really is, a thing. Things that occupy precious space that could be better used for what it is – space.

And, as surely as the ides of our sometimes mindless capitalist mindsets dictate, we sometimes do find ourselves tempted to get this or that, and feel that it must be the opportunity we were waiting for. Except, you quickly find that the SALE situation is like a wheel that grinds on a course that can be predictable. That a sale is always on somewhere for whatever reason they can find. That, a lot of the time, we actually believe we buy only sale items. And so we think we are getting bargains.

Maybe, that’s what it’s all about. To make us think we are getting bargains, when in fact, it is all a well planned scheme for adding to the bottom line. It is a capitalist nation after all, with a capitalist heart.

Don’t get this wrong. America is a strong example of how a nation can be built upon the principles of capitalism. That it is on top of the

MINDANAWON ABROAD

BY MARGOT MARFORI heap, in terms of global influence, is a testament to a success no other nation can equal.

The communist bullies, with their arsenal of propaganda and hidden agendas, notwithstanding, have only made it clearer that capitalism does have more good running for it than they do. People are still looking to America to “have a better life”, than wherever they come from.

Having said this, I’d like to think that success is also the result of a balance between profit and social responsibility. It is heartening to see, for example, how the upper one per cent, as they are sometimes referred to here, have pledged the very wealth they acquired from profiting in the various businesses they enriched themselves in, to social programs that they believe must be addressed. Not waiting for the government to take care of things, but taking it upon themselves to move a problem on.

There is no black or white here. Especially in our country. There are more than fifty shades of grey even. This is something our own “upper one per cent” can do too. Especially those who have billionaire bank accounts from being in government for so long. The idea of service has been eroded to a stubby end that

10 NEWS KIDNAP... FROM 1

After further investigation, however, the suspects implicated the complainant’s wife Marissa and son Wenward as the ones who hired them to “abduct” the young man. They also said the two were plotting to kill the complainant.

A confrontation then ensued between the complainant and his wife and son inside the police station.

In a telephone interview yesterday with EDGE Davao,

San Pedro Police Station commander Chief Inspector Ronald Lao said Pellano’s wife and son were also detained along with the suspects.

“Paghuman nila’g angkon nag surrender sila (After their submission, they surrendered),” he said.

Lao said the police have already filed charges against the suspects for extortion and frustrated murder against the suspects.

was also detained because he could be considered an accomplice of the suspects.

“Mahulog ni siya na accomplice, kay nagpa-hire siya sa mga ingon aning tao na naay

illegal na kalihukan (He will be considered as an accomplice, because he let himself get hired by these people with illegal activities),” she said. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Five... FROM 2

Tighter... FROM 2 pending on the available power supply in an hourly basis,” it said.

“Davao Light reiterates that due to the unstable power supply in Mindanao caused by the decreasing water elevation of major NPC-PSALM hydro power plants caused by the El Niño Phenomenon and the bombings of the NGCP transmission lines, any additional power plant that will be offline will have a significant effect in the power situation within its

franchise,” it added.

DLPC said the Bajada Power Plant will continue to run and the Interruptible Load Program will also be activated to mitigate the power supply situation.

Rotating power interruptions are projected to continue until summer. New generating plants in Mindanao, which Davao Light has contracted additional power supply, are said to be available in May and August 2016.

found responsible for the fire that had initially been blamed on faulty wiring.

Also present during the meeting were Interior and Peshmerga Affairs Minister Karim Sinjari, Foreign Minister Fallah Mustafa Bakr, Erbil Governor Nawzad Hadi, and government Spokesperson Safeen Dizayee.

Cato, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the support and cooperation that Kurdish authorities have extended to the Embassy to ensure the immediate repatriation of the remains of the 13 Filipinas who were among the 19 people killed in the fire.

“We would not have been able to reunite our departed kababayans with their loved ones in the Philippines in such a short timeframe without

the support of Prime Minister Barzani and the Kurdistan Regional Government,” said Cato, noting that it took the embassy only seven days to send the victims home.

He noted that Governor Hadi and Minister Dizayee went out of their way to accompany the remains to the airport prior to their departure for the Philippines on Feb. 12.

Cato also expressed its gratitude to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for making it possible for the embassy to reach the incident site within hours after the fire by allowing the use of one of their aircraft.

Cato said this allowed the embassy to immediately inspect the scene of the fire, coordinate with investigators and identify the remains of the victims. (PNA)

sessions were also held at the Department of Education Hub in Davao City.

Monsanto is committed to bringing a wide range of agricultural products and solutions to help sustain our

growing world. The company helps farmers improve farming practices, conserve natural resources, and provide crop protection products to minimize damage from pests and diseases.

sima and Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salina as well as the memorandum of understanding concerning on combating illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues, precursor chemicals and essential chemical products, as well as products or preparations containing

them.

Mexican and Filipino officials also signed a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Tourism of the Philippines and the Secretariat of Tourism of the United Mexican States on tourism cooperation, the report added. CHENEEN R. CAPON

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Monsanto... FROM 5

Mexico... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

TOO MANY BATS. Norma Monfort of Monfort Bat Cave says she is planning to build a chiropterium or an artificial bat sanctuary as the space on her property is getting too small for the bats, now estimated to reach 2.5 million. Monfort was among the guests of yesterday’s FAST Fridays at SM Lanang Premier. Lean Daval Jr.

DA... FROM 3

will strengthen the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program. In 2014, there were already 53 out of 73 MLGUs/ CLGUs who crafted a municipal ordinance in support to rabies control.

Last September 2015, the Province of Dinagat island (PDI) has been declared as Rabies-Free in addition to the Island of Socorro, Surigao del

Norte which was declared rabies-free in 2014.

According to Cardeño, the Regional Rabies Prevention and Control Program is now working on the possible declaration of additional areas particularly the city of Cabadbaran who has had zero rabies incidence for the last two years. (Emmylou T. Presilda, DA-13)

are recognized for their outstanding, exemplary and selfless contribution to the growth and development of Davao City through its greatest resources, its people, and for their invaluable contribution to the preservation of the Dabawenyo culture heritage.

The Datu Bago Award is the highest award that the

Davao City government bestows on its constituents.

The 46th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2016 will be one of the major events during the celebration of the 79th Araw ng Dabaw. It is set on 12 March 2016 (Saturday) at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City. Patmei Bello-Ruivivar/Tisay R. Torres

Drilon said that there are 1.37 million registered overseas voters who are expected to participate in the 2016 national elections, 826,880 of which are new registrants.

However, Drilon said that the real challenge for these two agencies is “how to increase the overseas voting turnout,” as he noted the low overseas voting turnout in the past elections.

During the 2010 elections, Drilon said that the actual number of voters that participated totaled 153,323, which represented only 26 percent of the 589,830 registered absentee voters in 2010.

Drilon said that he hopes that overseas Filipinos will avail of the one month overseas voting period which is slated from April 9 to May 9.

(PNA)

make sure that the supplies were intended for the displaced residents and not for the armed men. “Our soldiers were just taking extra precaution in checking if the shipment is really intended for the affected residents,” he said.

He said Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., chair of the provincial peace and order council, issued an order on Wednesday allowing the displaced residents to return home.

“There are residents who are not returning home yet be-

cause they are still concerned with their safety. That is understandable,” Samarita told MindaNews.

Buhary Macapanton, head of the DSWD’s relief assistance group, said more than 1,668 families are sill in the houses of their relatives and some schools in the other towns as of Thursday.

Macapanton said most of the displaced residents are still scared to return to their homes in Butig for fear that the fighting may flare up anew. Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews

Priest... FROM 4

Drilon... FROM 4

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Mindanao’s... FROM 4

that of Makati City’s (397, 587) home to Presidential candidate and incumbent Vice President Jejomar Binay, and nine times more than Roxas City’s (95,061), hometown of the administration’s Presidential bet, Mar Roxas. Capiz, the province where Roxas City belongs, has 475,382 voters.

Comelec records also show Zamboanga del Sur has 975,950 voters but Zamboanga City, which is not a component city, accounts for 412,795, leaving only 563,155 for the province which has Pagadian as component city.

Misamis Oriental is listed as having 863,160 voters but Cagayan de Oro which is not a component city, accounts for 305,321. Misamis Oriental has two component cities: Gingoog and El Salvador.

Lanao del Norte, on the other hands, is listed as having 489,436 voters with Iligan, which is not a component city, accounting for 165,330.

Isabela City and Cotabato City have been classified by the Comelec as “special provinces” because their votes are listed separately from the provinces they are identified with – provinces that are part of the

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Isabela and Cotabato City did not vote for inclusion in the ARMM plebiscites in 1989 and 2001.

Isabela (68,450 voters) is geographically within Basilan, ARMM but is part of Region 9 (Zamboanga region) while Cotabato City (103,530 voters) is geographically within Maguindanao, ARMM but is part of Region 12 or Southwestern Mindanao.

Below is the table of Mindanao’s voting population – 27 provinces, the non-component cities of Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the cities of Cotabato and Isabela which are classified by Comelec as “special provinces.”

The votes of the component cities are included in the provincial count.

Out of the country’s 54.36 million voters, 55.95% are in Luzon while Visayas and Mindanao account for the remaining 44.05%.

Luzon has 30,417,790 or 55.95% of the voters, Mindanao has 12,629,265 or 23.23% and Visayas has 11,316,789 or 20.82%. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

samoro area.

“Amid triumphs and challenges, JICA’s cooperation activities will continue to support the peace building process, inclusive growth and better quality of life for the people of Mindanao,” Kitaoka said.

He points out, supporting peace and development in Mindanao has always been on the JICA’s top priorities – having implemented capacity building technical assistance and infrastructure or facility development projects which all aim to reduce poverty and promote peace.

Aside from Alamada, similar road infrastructure projects are identified to benefit residents seen to spur economic activity in Datu Paglas, Ma-

guindanao and Bumbaran, Lanao del Sur both under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Through the construction of the FMRs, transport of farm produce will be more faster and efficient.

Since 2002, JICA has provided official development assistance to Mindanao under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) implementing over 30 projects in the region.

For 10 years, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and JICA have extended 15.1 billion yen of aid assistance in Mindanao from 2003 to 2013.

(IBEroy/PBChangco-PIA Cotabato City)

JICA... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

CHANGE IS COMING. Media golfers punch their fists before the start of the tournament.

PAL’s golfing vacay for media

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

S

njb@edgedavao.net

IXTY nine years and counting.

By any standards of longevity, that numbers should go down as a hallmark for durability. Not to mention, excellent organzation.

For yet another year, national flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) exteded its hospitality felt all throughout the aviation industry to the golfing media—editors, columnists, writers and photogs alike—to another golfing respite slash competition.

The PAL Media golf tournament has been the side event of the annual golfing classic featuring close to 200 golf teams around the world.

In between the Seniors and Men’s tournaments, the media tournament takes place for two days of competition called the “other Interclub.”

It’s no ordinary competition. It features writers based in the provinces and the Metro as well as visiting journalists from the Middle East, Canada and the United States.

But if course, it’s not just the competition that media golfers come to the Interclub, it’s the reunion of brotherhood in the sportswriting business. And PAL makes this

It’s no ordinary competition.

It features writers based in the provinces and the Metro as well as visiting journalists from the Middle East, Canada and the United States. happen by laying out its red carpet and unmatched service.

Shirley Ho-Vicario, head of PAL’s Corporate Communications, graciously headed the PAL Corp Comm team that included Pinky Mag-Iba Balagtas, Jonathan Gesmundo and fresh additions Marla Manundo and Paeng Evangelista, in making sure that the coverage team get’s VIP treatment.

The media tournament

has always been one that the PAL Interclub media regulars are looking forward to, counting the years back since PAL fly in the sportswriters to cover the event.

For the tournment proper, the records have finally fallen. It started when Nimrod Quinones broke the stronghold of the Manila golfing sportscribes by winning at his hometurf in Alta Vista in Cebu. This year was the year of Mindanao with top three

cornered by Mindanaoans. Not one golfing Mindanao editor and photographer has ever won the PAL Interclub title in history.

Not this year though.

Mark one for history as three Mindanaoans finished 1-2-3 in this year’s annual Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Media Golf tournament held last Feb. 29 and March 1 in two golf courses around Luzon.

Photographer Noel Alipoyo, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, who represented the Arab News carded a total net score of 171 to emerge as the champion. Finishing second and third were Davao bets Tommy Iniggo of Mindanao Daily Mirror and Imee

DAVAO EDITORS. Davao editors Leo Palo of Mindanao Mirror, Jon Develos of Mindanao Times and Neil Bravo of Edge Davao.

REUNION. Kumpadres Neil Bravo and columnist Al Mendoza.

PAL TREAT. Members of Davao media with PAL reps over lunch at Clark.

WINNERS. Third placer Imee Garcia of Sunstar with champion Noel Alipoyo and second placer Tommy Inigo of Mindanao Mirror.

Garcia of Sunstar Davao.

A total of 22 players from different international, national and local news outlets joined this year’s PAL Interclub Media golf tournament.

Defending champion Quinones of Cebu failed to defend his title while last year’s second placer Rey Fortaleza of Vancouver, Canada finished 17th with a net 173.

It is also worth mentioning that Mindanao Times sports editor Jon Develos and photographer Bing Gonzales completed a sweep for Davao as they each won the two raffled PAL tickets for any regional destination.

This year’s participants are Noel Alipoyo, Tommy Inigo, Imee Garcia, Jun Engra-

cia, Al Mendoza, Musong Castillo, Ding Marcelo, Rey Bancod, Rene Baena, Dodo Catacutan, Ted Melendres, Dante Navarro, Adrian Flores, Jake Ayson, Lito delos Reyes, Lito Tacujan, Rey Fortaleza, Jon Develos, Roland Jumawan, and Chito Manuel. Regular participant Neil Bravo of Edge Davao did not play due to injury. █

12 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

FALL FOR THE NEW FORTUNER 2016 Toyota Fortuner 2.4 V and 2.4 G 4x2 T HERE are people who’re blindly loyal to the Toyota Fortuner and there are those who’ll end up buying one anyway.

Such is the power of Toyota’s Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle or PPV since its market introduction in 2005. It has revolutionized the industry, offering an American-style 7-seater mid-sized SUV for the price of a compact crossover. And though some of its competitors offered a good fight, the Fortuner remained the top choice whether or not it was considered matagtag (stiff riding) or not. Now that a second generation model is upon is, is the 2016 Fortuner all that you wanted? More importantly, is it still matagtag?

Getting straight to the point and answering the second question first, yes, it’s still matagtag, but not on the same messy level as the first-generation model. There’s only so much you can do with the same suspension set-up (Double Wishbones at the front, 4-Link with Coil Springs at the back), but thankfully, the low speed discomfort has been largely quelled. It still has

a propensity to hop up and down on small, undulating bumps, but at least the passengers themselves don’t bob up and down in unison. Undoubtedly, more damping and cabin insulation helped here.

While the low speed ride seems to have remained the same, the mid- and highspeed ride does see a substantial improvement. The stiffer structure not only contributes to better stability, but it also manages to keep the cabin largely level even during cornering. This minimizes the boat-like sensation keeping the passengers comfortable even on long drives. Toyota has reiterated that the Fortuner’s frame rails are as thick as the Land Cruiser Prado’s and it’s pretty evident when riding over the rough stuff. With a drive route that’s 50 percent on-road and 50-percent offroad, it glides over almost any obstacle. Even an abrupt road cut won’t unsettle it.

From behind the wheel, it feels surprisingly the same as the outgoing model, especially at low speeds. It still feels slow though corners because of the hydraulic power steer-

ing, though it’s quieter and smoother now. With sharp cuts filtered through the cabin much better, you do get the sensation of a better drive.

On higher speeds, the chassis and suspension reveal a much more confidence experience.

It’s still not sporty, but it’s now more adept at handling corners with controlled body roll and surprisingly, better modulation from the brakes.

After answering the question about the Fortuner’s ride, let’s now tackle the first question: is it all you wanted? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you think, but it’s one hell of an improvement from before.

W i t h two variants priced at P 1,476,000 and P 1,736,000, the 4x2 will likely make the bulk of Fortuner sales (the 4x4 V is probably prohibitive for most).

For that, you get the services of the 2GD-FTV engine. With a displacement of 2.4-liters, it has 147 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque—figures which are pretty close to the outgoing 2.5-liter. Though paper specs don’t sound encouraging, there’s considerable pep from the get-go. It’s also remarkably quiet at low revs, quieter than most German diesels.

the knee bolsters. This gives the Fortuner a notch-above look and feel. This impression extends to the nicely textured and soft (slightly) plastics and the matte wood trim.

The driving position is still somewhat truck-like though the tilt/telescopic steering

on the styling remains split.

Some people prefer the angular look of the old model to the swoopy look of the new one. Still, there’s some crossover-vibe going on here and for that, it looks much more modern than ever before. It’s also a head-turner thanks to the trademark “floating” roofline

and

However, as the revs climb, so does the diesel clatter. Thankfully, the 6-speed is well-mated to the engine, keeping the revs down and comfort levels up.

The improved refinement is pretty much synonymous with the rest of the car. Even when driving the 4x2 G (the exterior photos are the 4x4 V), the cabin is a nicer place to be in with consistent fit and finish throughout. The twotone hue—black and dark beige—is tastefully done, though the “zebra pattern” on the partial fabric seats takes some getting used to.

The best touch though is the patches of leather dotting the cabin from the dashboard to

wheel does ensure a better reach. The instrument cluster is familiar to those who’ve seen the latest Toyotas of late, though in the Fortuner, there are two blue vertical stripes that separate the large tach and speedo. The front seats are much improved with better support, especially in the bolsters and cushion. Meanwhile, the second row still folds and tumbles in a 60/40 split. The one-touch tumble mechanism allows easier access to the third row seating.

Like the previous model, it still folds to the side, but the spring loaded mechanism and rear mounted latch point makes it easier to store.

Stepping out, the verdict

slimmed down lighting elements front and back.

By all accounts, the 2016 Toyota Fortuner isn’t as perfect as you think, but a longer drive is necessary to find out whether or not you’ll warm up to what’s looking to be its weaknesses.

That said, there’s no denying the improvements it has made on all fronts. Regardless of what you think, it will remain the top choices of the every man out there. Though the Innova remains the more practical choice for those with families, some have actually come to embrace the all-conquering motto of the Fortuner. “The World is Mine” aptly applies not only for Toyota, but for better or worse, Fortuner owners as well. █

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

Taking art to the street

Different techniques were taught and applied in the painting of the mural.

Dirty hands and happy faces.

IN THEIR DEDICATION TO INSPIRE EVERY INDIVIDUAL to become the best version of themselves, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s community for creative self-expression and personal development, Brew Your Best Year, kicked off 2016 with the launch of a three-part series of events, the latest of which is was in Davao City.

Themed Create: Brew Your Best Masterpiece, community members got to unleash their inner creativity and exercise their imagination by learning about Street Art - a booming platform for individuality and self-expressionand then applying what they’ve learned by being a part of the team who will create The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s very first public mural in Davao.

“We believe that life is one big canvas and through this activity, we are encouraging our community members to make their lives their best mas-

terpiece by using their gifts in the best ways they can,” shares Nella Lomotan, Engagement Marketing of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines. “This event will just be one of the many avenues we are providing that will, hope-

The mural allowed participants to express themselves through art.

The participants pose together with the artists in front of their masterpiece. fully, help them brew their best 2016.”

The event was held at the Matina Town Square where some of Davao City’s most talented, wellknown street artists showcased their talents and shared personal stories behind the pursuit of their passion for street art.

Participants who were chosen through their own artistic posts while tagging CBTL participated in the half-day long event and got to meet Davao street artists Troy Bascon – one of the pioneering graffiti artists in Davao with his iconic style of using cans and intricate graffiti letters, Kim Vale – a fine arts graduate with a background of painting that eventually led him to his love of using stencils in his creations, Ghamar Kanda – knowledgeable in spray cans and industrial

The street artists.Troy Bascon, Franco, Ghamar Kanda, and Kim Vale.

After the short street art paints for his street art and is popular for his works seminar, the participants using imagery such as fish eventually made their way with a lobster claw, and fi- to the designated wall and nally, Franco – one of the in no time, the wall was local street artists whose a colourful mural filled work you can find in ev- with positive and inspirery corner of the city and ing images and quotes, an expert in using wheat changing the landscape paste as his main medium. along McArthur Highway

instantly and drawing a crowd of curious onlookers.

I could say that the Brew Your Best Masterpiece experience I got was not just fun but it allowed me to stretch my creative muscles and appreciate how street art is created.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

EVENT

BAGUIO WAS IN FULL BLOOM as it celebrated the annual Panagbenga Festival. The Kankanaey term “Panagbenga” literally means a season of “full bloom.” Undoubtedly the city’s biggest festival, it is a blend of cultural influences from other South East Asian countries. Baguio City holds the Panagbenga to celebrate the abundance of the flowers in the city.

Historically the Panagbenga Festival holds a significant role for those who were affected by the earthquake in the 1990’s.

One of the reasons for the conception of this festival is to ease the distress of the people in the city as a result of the calamity. Its celebration in February allows for good weather and provides another reason for the people to go to Baguio after the Christmas season and before the summer.

What makes Panagbenga unique is its distinct use of spectacular floats decked with flowers of various kinds. The bursts of colors come alive during the main parade as the streets become covered with a multitude of flowers. Indeed, we are blessed to enjoy such natural wonders.

The core events included, the Parade of Floats, Street Dancing, Band Competition, Session Road in Bloom and Market Ecounter. Some tourists were even able to join significant dances by in the opening ceremonies. Every year those who go to Baguio are rewarded with the display of the strength of community spirit and cultural heritage.

DMI – MX3 hiked all the way up to the City of Pines to join the activities and to witness the spectacular display of the Panagbenga.

The first salvo of the team was at SM City Baguio last February 26 where MX3 teamed up with Kapuso stars Bianca Umali, Miguel San Felix. The outdoor area was brimming with people who were to see the stars

MX3 BLOOMS IN THE

PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL

who enthusiastically danced and sang for them. Fun games were also sponsored by MX3.

Fifteen contestants were chosen to play MX3 Hooray. This game has gained popularity in the events that the team has been joining in the past and is actively participated in as in allows participants to showcase their quickness and agility. Winners were given gift packs from MX3 to continuously aid them to the path of health in a natural way.

After which MX3 then headed to Burnham Park on February 27 to be with the cast of “Ang Probinsyano”. Coco Martin led the artists together

with Maja Salvador. The main protagonists of “Passion de Amor” Jake Cuenca, EJ Falcon and Joseph Marco added heat that melted the hearts of the audiences despite the cold temperature in Baguio. As expected they were a huge crowd drawer.

The area was packed to smallest corners; all were eager and excited to see what their favorite artists have in store for them.

The energy can be heard, felt and palpated at the venue. Just like in other festivities, there were also games played. This time “Sakit Mo I-Arte Ko” took the stage as contestants showed their best efforts to portray vari-

ous health conditions. The winners were determined by the loudest cheers from the crowd.

Wide smiles were seen as the contestants received their prizes on stage. It was truly a wonderful time for DMI – MX3 to connect with the crowd.

Events like Panagbenga are channels in which MX3 can establish meaningful connections to its users. It is always a joy to share the goodness of nature and how it can help us in our

daily lives. Afterall, MX3 is all about harnessing natural components like Xanthone which can be found in the pericarp of the Mangosteen fruit. This contains powerful anti-oxidants that can help boost the immune system as well as anti inflammatory components.

DMI- MX3 always brings forward the significance of nourishing our bodies and allow us to be equipped to perform our daily activities.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Millions of fans show love for cast of ‘Ang Probinsyano’ in Panagbenga Festival THE CAST OF THE COUNTRY’S NUMBER ONE PR I M E T I M E SERIES “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” joined the festivities in this year’s Panagbenga Festival and expressed their gratitude to over two million spectators for the success of the hit show .

Bringing fun to the event were Coco Martin, Maja Salvador, Xymon Pineda, and Pepe Herrera, who joined the festival’s grand float parade. Around 30,000 supporters also flocked to the Burnham Lake Drive to watch

the series’ cast who entertained them with

special performances.

Coco Martin,

meanwhile, visited and bonded with the residents of Brgy. Irisan in Baguio.

As the scenes get more thrilling in the Coco-starred series, Cardo (Coco) successfully saved Trina (Anne Curtis) from the hands of the rebels led by Roberto (Nonie Buencamino). However, to protect Trina, Cardo let Trina stay in their house until they find out why Roberto is plotting revenge against Trina’s step-father Michael (Christopher De Leon).

Now that they are living under one roof, will Cardo and Trina get even closer to each other?

What other dangers should Cardo

prepare for?

Don’t miss the actionpacked scenes in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” weeknights in ABS-CBN. For more information about the program, visit the official

social networking site of Dreamscape Entertainment Television at Facebook.com/ DreamscapePH, Twitter. com/DreamscapePH, and Instagram.com/ DreamscapePH.

Skyopensfirstmall-basedbusinesscenterinManila Sky Cable Corporation recently launched “SKY Zone,” its the first mallbased business center in Manila to bring its services closer to Filipino families in the metro.

Located in the topmost floor of SM Southmall’s Cyberzone in Las Pinas, “SKY Zone” allows SKY subscribers and the public easy access to the wide array of services offered by SKY including payments, applications, and tryouts of their latest services.

“SKY Zone” also lets the public enjoy for free its fast speed and seamless 200mbps broadband connection and watch SKYcable’s roster of more than 200 SD and HD channels in crystal clear picture and crisp sound. Apart from Manila, SKY currently

SHOP AT THE SM STORE VISMIN BRANCHES for a chance to win PAL tickets to Los Angeles, USA and other destinations! Your 2,000 purchase entitles you to join. What’s more, shop with your BDO Credit / Debit Card to double your chances of winning! Visit The SM Store in Cebu, Seaside Cebu, Consolacion, Bacolod, Iloilo, Delgado, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos and Lanang Premier.

operates four other “SKY Zone” branches located in Cebu and Davao as part of their effort to boost their brand presence in

key convergence areas in Visayas and Mindanao. SKY will also open a new branch in Pasig and Iloilo soon.

JuandiscoversMayumi’sbigsecretthisSunday THIS SUNDAY ON JUAN TAMAD, Juan finds himself falling in love with the new girl, Mayumi.

Fascinated by her many guises—as mascot, cosplayer and girl next door—Juan tries to discover who the real Mayumi is. Little by little, he realizes there truly is much more to her than meets the eye.

Juan catches Mayumi crying in a Chinese funeral procession, encounters her one evening at a traditional Filipino wake and finally sees her poster as the model of Di Makatulog Funeral Homes.

It turns out that Mayumi is helping her family with their struggling funeral business but is too embarrassed to explain this to her schoolmates.

Her specialty is putting makeup on the dead.

With Juan and Mayumi sharing secrets and becoming extra close, Marie gets bitten by the jealousy bug.

Juan Tamad is played by Sef Cadayona and Mayumi

by Valeen Montenegro, with Max Collins in the role of Marie.

Watch how their love triangle starts getting extra complicated this Sunday, 4:45 p.m., on GMA.

March 3 – 8, 2016

ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE Gerald Anderson, Arci Muňoz

PG

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

LONDON HAS FALLEN Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman R13

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

THE FINEST HOURS Chris Pine, Casey Affleck PG

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

GODS OF EGYPT Gerard Butler, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton PG

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

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

ART AND CULTURE

Twisted!

The caricature world of Gil Maningo

By Kenneth Irving Ong COLORFUL, FUNNY, REAL YET SURREALY DISTORTED. These words are how one describes the works of visual artist Gil Maningo who opened his first solo exhibit in Davao City titled “Caricatura” at the Art Portal Gallery of Contemporary Arts last February 25.

The exhibit features funny and intriguing portraits of famous people drawn with exaggerated features as typical of caricature.

“Every time I see an interesting face, I get to see the different fea-

tures of it that makes a person an individual and that is what I express in my works,” said Gil, who used to work as a graphic artist of the Chicago Sun Times Magazine before returning to the Philippines in the 90s.

Influenced by the Dada movement as well as the Pop art phenomenon, Gil’s works break borders on how a portrait is accepted. “Some of the clients who ask me to do their portraits often crack a joke and ask me ‘Do I really look like that?’” chuckled Maningo who admits exaggerated portraits take a niche and more progressive viewer to ap-

preciate and enjoy.

I personally enjoyed his renditions on Pacquiao with an entire wall of the gallery dedicated to the champion boxer with the exception of one portrait which features celebrity host Boy Abunda.

Other personalities who were featured were Pope Francis, the late Pinoy King of Comedy Dolphy, as well as Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

The Caricatura exhibit is on now until the 17th of March. Art Portal is located at the second floor of BGP Complex II, McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City.

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE WeatherPhilippines deploys 777 weather stations EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

P

RIVATE weather information provider WeatherPhilippines has deployed a total of 777 automated weather stations (AWS) nationwide as of the end of 2015.

To date, WPF has 574 partners – 6 platinum and 22 gold donors, 12 service partners, and 534 site partners. These site partners,

mostly meteorological sites that are vulnerable to frequent weather disturbances, receive AWS units for free.

An AWS measures its location’s rainfall, temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed and wind direction, and global solar radiation. These data are then processed through weather specialist MeteoGroup’s

systems and uploaded as accurate five-day weather forecasts on WPF’s website www.weather.com.ph and WeatherPhilippines mobile app for both Apple and Android devices.

WPF initially set to rollout 1,000 AWS nationwide to provide free, accurate, and localized weather information as a complement to

the government’s effort to build a more resilient Philippines amidst a barrage of typhoons whole year round, by increasing community awareness and building capacity to prepare and respond to disaster.

“We are on a mission to build a #WeatherWiser nation; we want to encourage every Filipino to use

One of WeatherPhilippines’ automated weather stations

weather information for decision-making, pro-active risk management, and disaster preparedness,” said WPF General Manager Dave Valeriano.

He noted that WPF is constantly seeking public-private partners to expand its AWS network and widen the scope of its educational initiatives.

In 2015, WPF signed partnership agreements with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and Ayala Corporation, and started operationalizing its agreement with the Department of Education with Weather 101 seminars to its disaster risk reduction and management council members.

14 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT Serving a seamless society

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

SPORTS 13

EDGEDAVAO

PAL INTERCLUB. Three Davao golfers from different squads see action in the 69th pAL Men’s Interclub in Clark, Pampanga’s Mimosa Golf and Country Club course. (Left to right) Chikoy Saavedra of Apo, Karloz Alba of Apo and Dennis Te of Lanang. Boy Lim

Southwoods seizes one-point lead in PAL Interclub

C

LARK Field, Pampanga – Manila Southwoods got another solid performance from what is seen by many as its second unit yesterday and seized a one-point lead over Canluabang going into the final round of the 69th PAL Interclub Men’s championship.

Jets Sajulga, a recruit from Bukidnon, fired a one-underpar 71 worth 37 points, and young Ira Alido matched par for 36 to boost the defending champions to a third day 136 for 411 to break free from a tie contest with the Sugar Barons at the start of the day at Mimosa’s Acacia and Lake View

nines here.

Ryan Monsalve fired 32 and the veteran Vince Lauron settled for a 31 after dropping five strokes in his last four holes as the Carmona-based squad threw away the 29 of Brixton Aw to stay firmly in place for a first-ever repeat in what is regarded as the country’s unofficial team golf championship.

Cangolf, like Southwoods, fielded the same fives they had in the second round and the Sugar Barons totaled 135 with many-time national champion Rupert Zaragosa contributing 38, Luigi Castro and Carlo Villaroman shooting 33s and

Marco Olives chipping in with 31.

“Canlubang will always be a tough team to contend with,” said Thirdy Escano, now the non-playing captain of Southwoods who was in two previous squads that was denied to repeating as champions in the past.

“My team tomorrow is a stronger team, so we are relatively confident going into tomorrow (in the final round),” he said. “But of course, a lot of it will have to do with the experience of Canlubang. That’s the advantage they have.”

Canlubang is also chasing a special achievement with

a win, as it will mark a triumphant return to the event while also completing a sweet double after ruling Senior Division action last Sunday against bitter rival Luisita.

Luisita kept its wafer-thin chances of pulling an upset after creeping to within 17 of the pace, tallying a day-best 139 after getting a tournament-best 40 points from jungolfer Dan Cruzand 34s from Luis Guerrero and Tom Kim and either 31s of Jingy Tuason and Basti Lorenzo for 394 overall.

“I am just happy that we were able to catch up,” Canlubang owner Luigi Yulo told

reporters, referring to a huge deficit that they were able to chop down in the final holes because of Lauron’s misfortunes. “It will be a very interesting final round.”

Southwoods will field its rock-solid opening round team led by national pool member Justin Quiban and long-hitting Japanese Yuto Katsuragawa, while the Sugar Barons will have a five led by pro-bound Jobim Carlos with support to come from four junior standouts and the veteran Abe Rosal.

Liam Cully and Jay Matthew Reyes fired 34s to lead Orchard’s third round 132

Why Steve Kerr could be the record spoiler?

T

HE Golden State Warriors’ biggest opponent in their quest to break the NBA’s regular-season record for wins could very well be their own coach.

The Warriors entered Thursday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 54-5 record, putting them on pace to beat the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ NBA record of 72-10. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he is more worried about getting his players’ rest before the playoffs arrive in late April than trying to break the Bulls’ mark.

Steve Kerr doesn’t want to chase the Bulls’ record at the expense of wearing out his players.

(Getty Images)”Resting, that will take precedence,” Kerr said. “We will rest guys if they need it before we will go for any kind of streak or record, that’s for sure.”

Stephen Curry isn’t surprised

by Kerr’s plan.

“That is how I assumed he would handle it,” Curry told Yahoo Sports. “Obviously, the big picture is always the most important trying to win a championship. Case in point, like tonight [against Oklahoma City], they put Andre [Iguodala] on a minutes restriction knowing he is probably the best matchup for KD

Steve Kerr [Kevin Durant]. Not worrying about that per say but making sure he is going to be healthy long-term.

“Little decisions along the way like that are about keeping us healthy, keeping us fresh as opposed to … what might be best for that particular night to get a win.

We will see how that manifests.

Hopefully, there won’t be too many decisions that he will have to make along the way.”

While keeping his key players in rhythm is important, Kerr trimmed their minutes down the stretch last season. Curry played a season-low 30.3 minutes per game in April last season after averaging at least two

more minutes in the other months of the season. The Warriors went on to win the 2015 NBA championship after winning a franchise-record 67 regular-season games last season.

“In the end, it’s still the title that matters the most,” Kerr said. “Having said that, this team, one of the reasons they are special is they take so much joy in the process of each game. They don’t talk much about records. But our guys have a lot of fun from one night to the next.

“I think that’s part of our success. It comes from enjoying everything every day.”

Curry isn’t opposed to the Warriors pursuing the record.

“As long as we do it the right way, as long as we keep the focus,” Curry said. “It would be a huge accomplishment because they are still talking about that Bulls team.

For someone to come along and chase our potential record would be something special.

“Honestly, if we are a 70-win team and champions versus a 73win team and depleted energy and banged up going into the playoffs, we’re trying to avoid that. But at the same token, it’s a tough balance.

How many times are you going to have this opportunity?”

room for Lawson, league sources said.

Lawson is expected to fill a backup role to guard George Hill.

After a trade to the Houston Rockets last summer led to a failed experiment, the Rockets and Lawson agreed to a contract buyout

Tuesday and the guard cleared waivers Thursday.

Lawson averaged 5.8 points and 3.4 assists in 22.2 minutes a game for Houston. In his seven-year career, including six years in Denver, Lawson has averaged 13.3 points and 6.2 assists.

Lawson agrees with Pacers

S’WOODS OVERTAKES CANLUBANG BY 1. Jose Emmanuel Sajulga contributes 37 points to give Manila Southwoods a one point lead over Canlubang (411-410) in the penultimate round of the 69th PAL Men’s Interclub at the Acacia Lakeview course of Mimosa Golf & Country Club in Clark, Pampanga.

and the 2014 champions are now 13 points out of the thirdplaced Luisitans.

The Interclub is sponsored by People Asia, Travelife, Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Airbus, Business Mirror and Philippine National Bank.

Other supporters are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer. net, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tanduay Distillers, Asia Brewery, Splash Corporation, RFM Corporation, Goldilocks, Eastgate Publishing Corporation, Robinsons Land, TMC, Mastercard, Hytera and RollsRoyce.

F

REE-AGENT guard Ty Lawson has agreed to a deal with the Indiana Pacers, league sources told The Vertical.

Lawson, 28, is expected to report to Indiana on Sunday.

Forward Chase Budinger will be waived on Saturday to make

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

Palos Verdes stays at 4th in Aviators

VOL. 9 ISSUE 1 • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

C

LARK Field, Pampanga –Rancho Palos Verdes was the brightest spot among the four teams from Davao after it kept itself within reach of the leaders at 4th spot in the Aviators category after Day 2 of the 69th Philippine Airlines Interclub Men’s Regular Division which had to finish late Thursday afternoon at Mimosa’s Mountain View course.

The Cabantian-based parbusters amassed a two-day aggregate of 212 points from rounds of 109 and 103, trailing 18 points behind overnight leader Valley Golf and Country Club (108-122-230) and its closest pursuers Manila Golf (115-113-228) and Negros Occidental (121-106227) in the newly-installed division of the 72-hole competition presented by People Asia, Travelife, Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Airbus, Business Mirror and Philippine National

DAVAO BETS. Ludwin Van Ledesma (right photo) of Apo Golf and Counry Club pitches from the fringe of the Mimosa Golf and Country Club’s Lakeside View course while Ronald Galicia of Rancho Palos Verdes blasts from the bunker of the same layout during the 69th PAL Men’s Interclub in Clark, Pampanga. (Boy Lim) Bank.

The young guns led by EJ Casintahan led the scoring for Rancho Palos Verdes. The multi-titled Casintahan fired 30 points spiked by 2 birdies and nine pars. Jose Briones and Marc Lopez also had an otherwise impressive round with identical 25 points while Roderick Lo had 23. Joseph

Ng’s 12 point output did not count.

Playing in the same division, Apo Golf and Country Club was four notches down at 8th spot with 196 points after firing a low 88 output from a Day One aggregate of 108. Veteran Den-Den de Castro had 27 points to lead Apo’s charge with Toffee Tionko

(20), Jorge Martinez (22) and Leo Fusillero (19). Ludwig Van Ledesma also had 19 points but did not count.

Davao City Golf Club, the third Davao entry in the Aviators, found itself at 11th place out of a field of 22 with 188 points submitting a total of 96 points anvhored on Pittjun Batu’s team-leading 26

points. Randy Arevalo and Reinz Yamyamin had 25 each and Jerson Lebosada had 20 for the boys of Apo. As of presstime, all three teams are playing at the Mimosa’s Acacia Lakeview course yesterday before moving to the Mountain View layout in the penultimate day of action on Friday. The final

round will be held Saturday.

Other supporters of the four-day golfing spectacle are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer.net, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tanduay Distillers, Asia Brewery, Splash Corporation, RFM Corporation, Goldilocks, Eastgate Publishing Corporation, Robinsons Land and Rolls-Royce.