Edge Davao 5 Issue 216 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

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Late filers face penalty Business permits renewal

by EJ Dominic C. Fernandez

he Davao City Business Bureau will penalize officer business owners who fail to renew their permits for 2013 by January 21. Lawyer Tristan Dwight P. Domingo, business bureau chief, told reporters Yesterday that late filers will be slapped with fines and surcharges if they are not

Sports

Pagsayo mo!

Total capitalization of city business firms reaches P196B New law requires registration of names, positions of workers able to meet the January 21 deadline. Actually, the renewal period is January 2 to 20 every year, but this year the last day would

be January 21, since January 20 falls on a Sunday, according to Domingo during a press c o n fe r FBUSINESS, 11

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ONE-STOP SHOP. Business owners submit their documents for verification, evaluation and issuance of Tax Order Payment, the first step in renewing the business license, at a one-stop shop for business permit renewal established by the Davao City’s Business Bureau at the NCCC Mall along McArthur Highway in

Davao City yesterday. The one-stop shop is intended for business permit renewal only and slated on January 2 to 21, 2012. LEAN DAVAL JR.

49 firecrackers ban violators sued

he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) formally sued yesterday 49 adults for violating City Ordinance No. 060-02 banning the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in any occasion including the recent New Year revelry. Sr. Supt. Ronald de la Rosa, DCPO di-

rector, said the police have to show its resolve to fully implement the ordinance which has spared plenty of lives and limbs for the past 10 years since its implementation in 2002. The city ordinance imposes first offenders with a fine of P1,000 or impris-

onment of 20 to 30 days, or both; second offenders with a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of from one to three months or both; and third offenders, a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of from three to six months, or both.

FCOPS, 11

2 THE BIG NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

Judge Joe Lopez passes away, 69

ORmeR Regional Trial Court judge Jose B. Lopez, passed away on December 29, Saturday, at the age of 69. his remains now lie in state at the Cosmopolitan Funeral homes in Davao City. The body will be transferred today January 3, to Baguio in Calinan District. Interment is scheduled on January 5 at the family mausoleum, according to his daughter, Zuleika Lopez, acting city administrator under mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, gave the information. Sen. Franklin Drilon extended his deepest sympathies upon learning on his former law school classmate’s passing. ”Joe was a dear friend,

a brod with whom I shared many happy memories,” the senator said. “We are sad to hear the news,” said Justice hakim Abdulwahid. “he was a very nice brod, we will sorely miss him,” he added. Former housing czar Dionisio de la Serna condoled too with the family by reminiscing: “he was such a good friend way back in our UP days.” A younger brother of the late former Davao City mayor and 3rd District representative elias B. Lopez, Joe was born on march 21, 1943 at Baguio, Davao City to Lopez Diansig and Leagan Baguio, both pure-blooded Dabawenyos belonging to the Bagobo

FJUDGE, 11

Billboard ad sign falls on power line

billboard advertisement fell on Davao Light & Power Co.’s 69kV line on New Year’s day at 5:28 Pm, which caused a power interruption in a wide area in Davao City for almost two hours. Affected by the power outage were those from Apung Kula Bajada to Caltex Gasoline Station corner Lanang-R. Castillo which extends up to Ilang and malagamot areas. Also affected were customers from Gh Depot to corner Sta. Ana Wharf going to R. Castillo Street including those from mercury Drug Store in R. Castillo going to Cal-

tex Gasoline Station corner R. Castillo-Lanang. Customers along mamay Road up to Cabantian, some portions of Cabantian-Indangan boundary and Communal, and areas from San Isidro Buhangin up to DPWh Panacan also experienced the outage. Davao Light maintenance crew immediately cleared the power line with the advertising material prior to restoring electricity supply. Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience that the service interruption has caused but explains that the reason was beyond its control.

Edge Davao yearender

HEAVY RAINS. A couple is seen sharing an umbrella to protect themselves from getting wet by heavy rains along McArthur Highway in Davao City yesterday. A very wet and gloomy day due to shallow low pressure area (SLPA) welcome Dabawenyo workers to their first working day of the year. LEAN DAVAL JR.

Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro

Peace advocates suggest distribution of primer, inclusion of IPs in FAB drive By Antonio M. Ajero and Che Palicte

Dabawenyo peace advocate has proposed the massive distribution of a primer on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in order that all possible questions and issues on the peace process between the Philippine Government and the moro Islamic Liberation

City Health Office gets 4 nat’l awards in 2012 by EJ Dominic C. Fernandez

012 was a great year for the Davao City health Office as evidenced by the four national awards and several other citations it received for new infrastructures established and the good practices of the office. Dr. Josephine J. Villafuerte, city health officer, said the City health Office (ChO) received the awards from the Department of health (DOh) National Level. Then ChO got the Award for the most Outstanding healthy Lifestyle Advocate, and Government Office Category. According to Dr. Villafuerte, this is due to the “excercise activities for elderly in malls and offices, and also because of the diabetic and cardio vascular

programs implemented by the ChO.” ChO also received the Red Orchid Award (hall of Fame) for the Anti-Smoking campaign of the city. It also received the Orally Fit Community Award and the Orally Fit Daycare Center Award for being the first city which implemented the ordinance for integrating proper tooth-brushing in daycare centers which are now adopted by different schools. Being the only city in the Philippines that has breastfeeding rooms in overland transport terminals, ChO also received the Plaque of Recognition for Breastfeeding. The good practices of the ChO for 2012 are the Salt Iodization Program of Davao City which is pre-

sented to UNICeF Regional Area, the public partnership of the office for healthy lifestyle, and the non-scalpel vasectomy program. The construction of new health centers also contributed to the recorded achievements of ChO. Some of the new infrastructures built are the Bunawan health Center, Agdao health Center, Puan Birthing Facility Center, Paquibato District hospital, and Tomas Claudio hospital. Villafuerte thanked the different establishments, private corporations, and NGOs based in the city as they helped the ChO achieve these awards. She said the media also played a key role in helping extend public awareness needed to keep the people of the city healthy.

Fr. Alejo proposes training of speakers on FAB Ednar Dayanghirang says NCIP should represent indigenous peoples in Transition Commission Front may be understood. The FAB which outlines the general features of the political

settlement between the Philippine government (GPh) and the moro Islamic Liberation Front (mILF) defines

113 still ongoing, 158 to be started

the structures and powers of the Bangsamoro entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in muslim mindanao (ARRm). It also sets the principles, processes and mechanisms for the transition until the regular election in 2016 for the new Bangsamoro autonomous political entity.

FFRAMEWORK, 11

DPWH 11 completes 388 projects By Anthony S. Allada

TOTAL OF 388 major infrastructure projects composed of national and secondary roads, bridges and tourism road networks were completed in 2012.

DPWh 11 director mariano Alquiza said that the agency was actually undertaking 679 projects with the funding of P5 billion where 388 were completed, 113 still ongoing

and 158 yet to be started. “We are pleased to tell the people of Region 11 that the DPWh has been meeting its targets in terms of its infrastructure

of the permit applied for. Renewal of business permits started yesterday (January 2 ) and ends on January 21. As provided by the business revenue code, all employers should issue certification regarding the list of total employees whether temporary or permanent with details such as names and positions if they will be renewing their business license, Domingo said. The fee ranges from

P50 to P100 depending on the occupation of the employee and there will a penalty for the late payments, he said. he said implementation of the occupational permit could generate additional revenues for the city and will enable the Business Bureau to have a data bank or records of all employees which could possibly be helpful to the government agencies that identifies the employment rates of the city. CP

F113, 11

New business requirement: Registration of employees

ORKeRS in business establishments applying for renewal of their mayor’s permit are required for the first time to register their names and positions in the company as a new requirement iof the city government. This was bared by lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo , chief of the Davao City Business Bureau who non-registration of workers can be a reason to deny renewal

SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAOVOL.5 ISSUE 216 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

Coco levy fund eyed for farm rehabilitation in Comval, DavOr

he coco levy can be a substantial source of fund to rehabilitate the typhoon-devastated coconut farms in Compostela Valley and in Davao Oriental, Philippine Coconut Administrator euclides Forbes said. In an interview with the media, Undersecretary Forbes revealed that using the coconut levy fund no longer bears any legal impediment that would hinder President Benigno S. Aquino III to order its utilization to bring back the productivity of Davao Oriental which used to lead the country’s production of coconuts. “There is no more judicial obstacle for the President to use the coco levy fund. It is already a released decision,” he said. Forbes was referring to the Supreme Court decision reported released on January 24, affirming the 2004 Sandigangbayan decision to award the 24-percent block of shares in San miguel Corp (SmC) to the government which holds it in trust for the coconut farmers. The coco levy funds were raised through a forced tax imposed from 1973 to 1980s during President Ferdinand mar-

cos regime on the coconut farmers, and that the funds were allegedly used to acquire assets and SmC shares of stocks registered under the name of Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF). A national broadsheet reported that the 24-percent block of SmC shares now runs more than 750 million shares valued at a range of P50 billion to P100 billion. Citing reports of CIIF, Forbes said the dividends alone of such SmC block of shares placed at a value of P13 billion can be substantial source of fund to rehabilitate the devastated coconut farms in Davao Oriental and in Compostela Valley. “The President need not use the principal. he can use only 20 percent of the P13-billion and the whole Davao (provinces) and Compostela valley can already be rehabilitated,” he told the media in a visit with Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. Forbes assured to pass a formal request asking the President to release portion of the coco levy fund. he, however, said that the President had already been informed of the intention of DA “to use

LEARNING NATURE. Members of an NGO teach children the life cycle of turtles before releasing the hatchlings to the sea in Linamon town in Lanao del Norte. Once at

sea, the turtles will start a new life cycle. The female adults eventually return to shore to lay eggs, generally in the area where they were born. [MindaNews photo]

portion of the coconut levy fund to rehabilitate the coconut industry and to promote the welfare of coconut farmers.” December 17 PCA XI data revealed that the cost of Typhoon Pablo damages to coconut farms in Compostela Valley and in Davao Oriental ran a total of P5,138,801,220.00

ganga, Cateel and Boston which were badly hit by Typhoon Pablo. The provincial government of Davao Oriental, however, reported a much higher cost of damages to coconut farms placed at a total of P5,751,900. Damage to coconuts contributed the biggest bulk of damage to

agriculture in Davao Oriental calculated at a total of P8,610,474,959. meanwhile, PCA XI pegged coconut damage in Compostela Valley at a value of P855,830,910 involving 16879.7 hectares planted with 1,687,971 total number of coconut trees. [PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

OLICe authorities tagged on Tuesday a notorious extortion group reportedly operating in parts of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region as behind the bomb attack on a passenger bus in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat last Saturday night that injured six people. Chief Supt. Alex Paul monteagudo, Region 12 police director, said the results of their initial investigation showed that the bomb explosion at a husky bus unit appeared to be the handiwork of alleged members of the Al-Khobar (nee Alcobar) extortion gang. he said they are currently gathering additional intelligence information to establish the identities of the suspects and their possible whereabouts. “Our investigation is still ongoing but the circumstances and initial evidences we gathered point to the group as behind this attack,” monteagudo said. The husky bus unit, which is operated by local firm Biocoop husky Transport Services, was passing by Isulan town’s rotunda when an improvised bomb

planted on its baggage compartment exploded at around 6 p.m. Saturday. The explosion, which injured six passengers and bystanders, burned the rear portion of the husky bus and damaged a tailing passenger unit of Yellow Bus Line Inc. A report from the Sultan Kudarat police’s explosives ordnance disposal team noted that the explosive was made of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and cut nails. Supt. Roel Surmese, Isulan police chief, said the bus company had received numerous extortion demands prior to the Saturday attack. The group, which he did not identify, allegedly threatened to launch bomb attacks on the firm’s bus units should it refuse to heed their demands, he said. meantime, aside from the husky bus attack, monteagudo said they were looking at the involvement of the Al-Khobar in the recent bomb explosions in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and other areas in Region 12. [Allen V. estabillo/mindaNews]

involving a total of 101,356.5 hectares planted with 10,135,646 total number of coconut trees. Davao Oriental posted the biggest bulk of damage valued at P4,282,970,310 involving 84,476.8 hectares of 8,447,675 number of coconut trees in the six coastal towns of Tarragona, manay, Caraga, Ba-

gang behind bus Baganga, Cateel, Boston not Extort blast in Sultan Kudarat accessible (again) by land trip P

he three towns hardest hit by super typhoon Pablo – Baganga, Cateel and Boston – were already accessible by land travel via mati, Davao Oriental with the river diverted to allow for passage of vehicles as of December 30, Governor Corazon malanyaon said monday night. But the travel advisory for the governor may not have been updated because motorists said heavy rains rendered it impassable again as of 11 a.m. monday. Access to these three towns via mati, seat of the provincial government, was cut off when seven spans of the Gov. Teodoro Palma Gil Bridge, also referred to as manurigao Bridge in Caraga town, collapsed from the onslaught of logs and other debris a few hours after Typhoon Pablo made landfall in Baganga town at 4:45 a.m. on December 4. malanyaon told mindaNews monday night

that “may ginawa sila under the bridge na pwede daanan ng sasakyan” (they did something under the bridge to allow vehicles to pass) and that commuters, including a government TV crew and Lt. Col. Krishnamurti mortela, commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion, had taken the route on December 30. mariano Alquiza, regional director of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) had earlier announced the construction of a bailey bridge to connect Caraga with Baganga, Cateel and Boston towns. No bailey bridge has been constructed, according to mortela who passed “via sa ilog. Na divert water sa other side (via the river. The water was diverted to the other side). Apparently unaware that the area is not passable again, malanyaon said education Secretary Armin Luistro was going to take the route when he visits the schools in the

three devastated towns on January 3, the first day of classes. Students in schools destroyed by the typhoon will be holding classes in “tent classrooms” which malanyaon said, have all been installed. The shortest route going to Baganga from Davao City is via mati, a 290-kilometer, five-hour ride. malanyaon wasn’t able to proceed to the disaster sites on the first day because getting across the river was a problem. Communication lines were also cut off. Commuters were able to pass through the day after the storm by riding a pumpboat across the river and commuter vans to get them to Baganga, Cateel and Boston. But relief goods initially had to be sent by sea through Navy boats from mati. Trucks bearing relief goods and service providers for health, psychosocial processing, etc..take

the longer land trip from Davao City through Cuevas, Trento in Agusan del Sur, passing through the hinterlands of Bislig City, Lingig town in Surigao del Sur and the towns of Boston and Cateel in Davao Oriental. Travel to Baganga from Davao City via this route takes seven hours across 320 kilometers. A longer route, although on a better road network, is via San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, passing through hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Bislig City and on to Lingig in Surigao del Sur. From Davao City, there is a shorter route than the Cuevas or San Francisco road, which is via the Compostela-Cateel highway, a five-hour ride spanning 220 kilometers. Although the road has been declared passable, travel on this road, especially if it rains, is rather risky as there are several landslide-prone areas along the way. [Carolyn O. Arguillas/mindaNews]

4 SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENT

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

‘Mountains’ of e-waste threaten developing world U

RGeNT action is needed to tackle the “mountains” of e-waste building up in developing nations, says a UN report. huge amounts of old computers and discarded electronic goods are piling up in countries such as China, India and some Africa nations, it said. India could see a 500% rise in the number of old computers dumped by 2020, found the survey of 11 nations. Unless dealt with properly the waste could cause environmental damage and threaten public health, it said. Precious hazard The report gathered information about current levels of e-waste in 11 nations and also looked at how those totals might grow in the next decade. Globally, e-waste is growing at a rate of about 40 million tonnes per year as consumers, in both developed and developing nations, buy new gadgets and discard their old ones. many of the older items end up in developing nations. By 2020, China and South Africa could see e-waste generated by old computers rise by

400% by 2007 levels. In a decade, estimated the report, e-waste from mobile phones will be seven times higher in China and 18 times higher in India. Some nations are happy to take in e-waste to use in order to extract some of the precious materials and metals that go into making modern consumer electronics. For instance, said the report, in an average year global production of mobile phones and computers uses 3% of the silver and gold mined, 13% of the palladium and 15% of the cobalt. Inefficient however, it found, in some places efforts to extract these metals are inefficient and do not do enough to handle the hazardous materials recovery produces. For instance, it said, e-waste treatment in China typically involved back yard incinerators which were a wasteful and polluting way to recover precious materials. “China is not alone in facing a serious challenge,” said Achim Steiner, executive director of the UN environmental Programme

the Sulu Sea, particularly in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and nearby island municipality of Cagayancillo. Acquired in 2008 and refurbished through a partnership with Grieg Star, Grieg Foundation and WWF-Norway, the 18 me-

(UNeP) which issued the report. “India, Brazil, mexico and others may also face rising environmental damage and health problems if e-waste recycling is left to the vagaries of the informal sector.”

The report said Bangalore in India was a good example of how local initiatives could reform the gathering and treatment of e-waste. It urged nations such as Brazil, Colombia, mex-

ico, morocco and South Africa to set up state-ofthe-art e-waste treatment centres now, while the amounts they produced were relatively small. “One person’s waste can be another’s raw ma-

terial,” said Konrad Osterwalder, rector of the UN University. “The challenge of dealing with e-waste represents an important step in the transition to a green economy.” [BBC Nature]

ter long vessel now serves as the permanent home of WWF-Philippines’ ‘Oceans Seven’ team. modifications include improved propulsion systems to optimize fuel consumption and increase range, a brand-new fiberglass coating for the ves-

sel’s hull and upgrades for navigational, communications and safety equipment. “These upgrades are vital in ramping-up our research and enforcement efforts for the Sulu Sea,” explains WWF-Philippines Tubbataha Reefs Project

manager marivel Dygico. “At the center of the Sulu Sea lie the Tubbataha Reefs, where fish biomass breaches 200-tonnes per square kilometer. This is five times greater than the productivity of a typical healthy reef and seeds the Sulu Sea with fish and invertebrate spawn. It is imperative to protect and conserve Tubbataha through regular research and patrol efforts.” The Tubbataha Reefs is slated to celebrate its 25th year as a marine Protected Area in 2013. Before it was declared a National marine Park in 1988, the reef’s residents have long suffered from exploitation, with generations of fishermen gathering not just fish, but turtles and bird eggs as well. On 21 December 2006, 30 Chinese poachers on board the F/V hoi Wan were apprehended 1.5 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park’s South Atoll, a national marine protected area where entry without authorized clearance is strictly prohibited. Found aboard were over 2300 high-value fish, including live Grouper, Red Snapper and 359 legally-protected

Napoleon Wrasse. WWF and the Tubbataha management Office stand ever alert to counter future incursions. Adds Grieg Star Senior Vice-president Ole Steinar mjell, “Realizing the importance and urgency of conserving Tubbataha, we are impressed by the results of WWF-Philippines’ efforts. We are proud to be able to present a small contribution to their success.” Research and enforcement Vessel From march to September in 2012, m/Y Navorca was involved in no less than ten trips – including research for seabirds, corals and fish, capped off by a monthlong expedition to the proposed Tun mustapha marine Protected Area in malaysia, a million-hectare wonderland of contiguous coasts, islands and deep seas at the southern border of the Philippines. Using m/Y Navorca as a mother ship, the expedition was led by scientists, staff and volunteers from University malaysia Sabah, WWF-malaysia and the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. [WWF Philippines]

Sea panda prowls Palawan waters

INCe 2008, a Panda has been prowling the high seas of Palawan. Painted panda blackand-white, m/Y Navorca provides a wide range of services for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation initiatives in

SEA PANDA. Acquired in 2008 and refurbished through the support of the Grieg Shipping Group, Grieg Foundation and WWF-Norway, the 18 meter long M/Y Navorca serves as WWF-Philippines’ prime research vessel. Dubbed the ‘Oceans Seven’, her crew keeps her afloat and ready to take on any conservation task. [WWF-Philippines]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 216 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

THE ECONOMY 5

Davao City eyes BPOs, real estate investments in 2013

number of business process outsourcing (BPO) investments and possibly some residential projects are expected investments this year, Davao City investment promotion head Jason magnaye said Wednesday. he added that the Davao City Investment Promotion Center will pursue investment promotion activities based on the updated set of priority areas as provided for in the newly promulgated Investment Incentive Code (IIC). The Davao City Investment Incentives Code of 1994, which was amended last year, has additional two investment priority areas in the city, magnaye said earlier. These are public-private partnership projects, and production and generation of new sources of energy, which according to him are preferably renewable energy. The amended IIC’s implementing rules and regulations, which was already approved by the board of directors, is yet to be signed by the mayor, magnaye said in a text message.

Other preferred areas of new investment or expansion/diversification are agri-business sector, tourism and recreational facilities, light manufacturing and assembly, property development, health and wellness, educational and sports facilities, environmental protection or green projects, and information and communications technology. he said in an interview last September the new investment incentive code is more detailed such as in the preferred areas of investments, the type of projects are more particularly specified, meaning those not included in the list cannot avail of the incentives. For instance, for property development projects, only low cost and socialized housing, and business parks and industrial estates classified as special economic zones and IT parks, buildings and centers are listed. Aside from peace and order, magnaye said the stability of local laws and their consistency, meaning without gray areas,

BRIEFING. Davao City Business Bureau chief Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo urges business owners to renew their business permit early and need not wait for the

deadline to avoid inconvenience in a press briefing at NCCC Mall’s Dennis the Grillboy restaurant along McArthur Highway yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

the leadership, and a faster service in business permits processing and licensing are what matter most for investors. Busier Davao City will be bus-

exhibitions convention (mICeCON) that will be held at the SmX Convention Center here come march. he also said new hotels will open this year, in-

ier in 2013 in terms of tourism, according to regional director Art Boncato Jr. of the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11. he cited the meetings, incentive, conference and

cluding three- to four-star rated hotels such as the Park Inn by Radisson near Sm Lanang Premier and Kukun hotel near Abreeza mall. [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro / mindaNews]`

6 THE ECONOMY

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

Phoenix Petroleum wins global award P

hOeNIX Petroleum Philippines was recently named the Best Independent Oil Company in Asia by World Finance magazine in its 2012 Oil & Gas Awards. The annual Awards is given “in recognition of those companies that have successfully weathered the tough economic conditions while ensuring the continuing success of the industry.” “The carefully chosen recipients of these awards have been

selected for their forward thinking, business acumen, and services to the oil and gas industry,” said the London-based World Finance magazine. “The aim of these awards is to showcase the successes of those chosen in order to set a benchmark for others in the industry. Despite tough economic conditions, these companies have persevered against tough environmental as well as business competition whilst weathering external factors.”

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines is the leading independent oil company today with an expanding network of operations nationwide. It is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, shipping/logistics and allied services. It was earlier named one of the best managed small-cap companies in the Philippines by hongkong-based FinanceAsia magazine.

EDGEDAVAO

RARE. These children are seen locked into a spinning tops battle instead of playing computer and video games which is a very rare sight in this cyber technology generation in Bucana, Davao City yesterday. LEAN DAVAL JR.

DA 11 provides new packing houses to small banana farmers

he Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 regional office helps small banana farmers meet international standards through the establishment of new packing houses. DA 11 under its project “establishment of Standard Clustered Packing houses” has granted P50 million to fund 12 new packing houses to identified small banana farmers in the region. The first to be granted of the new packing house is the Casig-ang San miguel multipurpose Cooperative (CASmI-mPC) located at barangay Casig-ang, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte. CASmI-mPC is a member of the Federations of Cooperatives in mindanao (FeDCO). It has 39 members. CASmI-mPC together with some representatives from DA 11 held a groundbreaking of its new packing house on December 20, 2012. Construction of the facility that started on December 22, 2012 will run for about 90 days. The groundbreaking

marked the start of DA’s project with the groundbreaking of the new packing house, FeDCO chief executive officer, Rene Dalayon said. he said the project is aimed at helping small banana farmers meet international standards in relation to packing of exportable bananas. Aside from CASmI, DA 11 also granted a new packing house for manuel Guianga Banana Cluster Cooperative (mGBCC) located at Brgy. manuel Guianga, Davao City. Groundbreaking of the facility was held last December 27, 2012. Present during the CASmI-mPC groundbreaking were: DA 11 regional director Constancio C. maghanoy Jr. and other DA 11 officials namely: Asst. Technical Director Norlito Agdoyeng, Reynante Picardo, Jayson N. Lupiba, elmer Guinzo, Angelito edquilata, and CASmI-mPC representatives,engr. Salvador “Jojo” Dizon and Larry L. Jueza.

P5M allotted to beef up business registration

he Davao City government is allocating another P5 million to beef up its computerization on business registration and to eliminate multiple face-to-face interaction among representatives of business establishments. Business Bureau head Atty. Dwight Domingo said once the additional features of their computerization program are finalized, clients will only transact with one staff thus reducing their movement from one office to another. “This in the process will also eliminate corruption,” he said. Domingo said they are also working on registration by district so that

those businesses located in the different barangays of Davao City will renew their businesses within the district they are covered. he, however, said the bulk of businesses is concentrated in three areas here in the Poblacion, Buhangin and Talomo Districts. he said they need to develop the structures in the different areas and make these conducive to transacting businesses. But this will be realized still in 2014, he added. Also, the Business Bureau has opened a OneStop-Shop for business registration at the NCCC mall in matina, this city to decongest traffic in their office at the City hall. [PNA]

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 216 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

COMMUNITY SENSE 7

Cooperatives in Luzon, Visayas donate for typhoon Pablo victims C

OOPeRATIVeS in Luzon and in Visayas have coursed their donations through Tagum Cooperative to reach out to Typhoon Pablo victims in Compostela Valley province. Tagum Cooperative Chairperson of the Board of Directors Norma Pereyras over the weekend revealed that a total of P370,000 in donations was entrusted to Tagum Cooperative from the Cebu CFI (Court of First Instance) Community Cooperative which pitched in P300,000; San Jose Del monte Cooperative in Bulacan, P10,000; Novaliches Development Corp, P20,000; and CLImBS Life Insurance, P40,000. “They’re giving it without us asking them,” Pereyras said referring to the donation in cash that Tagum Cooperative is using to purchase food items and to contribute to rehabilitation of damaged residences of typhoon victims. As its counterpart, Tagum Cooperative matched the amount of donation coursed through it by allied cooperatives on top of the money that was supposed to be spent for its annual Christmas gathering of officials and employees. “The Board passed a

resolution to cancel our Christmas Party. Instead, we‘ve kept he money for typhoon victims,” she said. estimating the total amount of donation to run more than P700,000, including the Tagum Coop counterpart, Pereyras said portion of it will be spent for rehabilitation of typhoon-damaged house particularly in Laak, Compostela Valley where about 30 households have been eyed to benefit from the donation of cooperatives. Days before Christmas and New year, Tagum Cooperative made rounds to deliver food packs to residents of Barangay Andap in New Bataan; shared cereal snacks and juice drinks with children in the tent city established in Poblacion New Bataan; and handed over early media noche packs to Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (Small Christian Community) or GKK members of Purok 2 in Poblacion Compostela town. Before reaching out to typhoon victims in the nearby province of Compostela Valley, Tagum Cooperative already made its relief drive spending P100,000 for flood victims in Tagum City barangays San miguel and Pagsabangan, Pereyras said.

On the other hand, Pereyras said Tagum Cooperative is also working on the guidelines of granting a loan payments moratorium which could either be on interests or on principal, depending on the assessment of managers of Tagum Coop branches where requesting members belong.

“We will have to assess the extent of the damage,” she said. meanwhile, Pereyras called for observance of honesty whether in declaring for extent of damages or in lining up to claim for food relief so others won’t be deprived of due and equal benefits and assistance.

an insulator to regulate the temperature inside. It features an all-weather tent (4m. x 5m.) which could accommodate and is comfortable enough for a family of six. It is a hard-wearing tent, giving

assurance that it couldn’t just be easily blown away even by a 100 km./hour magnitude wind. Governor Arturo T. Uy allocates the shelter boxes to the municipalities of Compostela- 50; monkayo-

50; Laak- 50 and; New Bataan- 73. These shelters will be installed in the area near to their totally damaged houses. Provincial General Services Officer Arceli A. Timogtimog also shared that packaged with the shelter boxes are cooking wares, cooking sets, learning kits for kids, and a water purifier which could purify 28,000 liters of water and has the capability of killing 99% bacteria after the purification process. The first tent distribution was on December 24 at Brgy. Banlag in monkayo where four (4) family-beneficiaries spent their Christmas in their respective new shelters. Sixteen (16) shelter boxes were given to Brgy. Banlag and the installation was continued on December 26 simultaneous with the installation of 50 shelter tents in Compostela. Those families with many children, having a Senior Citizen member, and those with lactating mothers are the priority beneficiaries. [GRACe ALmeDILLA/ GILBeRT CABAhUG, IDS-COmVAL]

SHOWER OF LOVE PROGRAM. Children at the evacuation center in New Bataan enjoyed the moments of love showered by the provincial government, youth volunteers and other partners through a bath shower, feeding, games, and other activities

on December 28, 2012. A Mascot added to the fun of the delighted children. [ALBERT DAYAO/ IDS- COMVAL]

“Dili hikawan ang uban, luoy pud kaayo ang uban, dapat angay-angay. (We should not deprive others; a pity on them. There should be equal sharing.),” she said. She pointed out honesty as a virtue that Tagum Cooperative adheres to, in exercising good governance, showing its worth

of the trust and confidence of other cooperatives. “Other coops are giving us their money (for donation). We really would like to adhere to good governance. We would make a report on the receipts and the purchases; then we will give them our report,” she said. [PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan]

Shelter Box Foundation USA gives all-weather tents to ComVal Davao City’s women inmates, jail

hROUGh the Rotary Club International, the province received 223 shelter boxes from Shelter Box Foundation USA intended for the typhoon victims. each shelter box has

PSYCHOLOGICAL PROCESSING. A psychologist from the Center for Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) of the Ateneo de Davao University interacts with one of the young survivors of Typhoon Pablo in New Bataan, Compostela

Valley Province on Thursday, 27 December 2012 during a psychosocial processing with children of Purok 4. COPERS’ affiliates from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro were part of the team. [MindaNews/Ruby Thursday More]

officers help typhoon-hit residents

OmeN inmates at the Davao City Jail are showing that prison bars are no obstacle in helping survivors of Typhoon Pablo. Gina Talingting, coordinator of the Therapeutic Community of the Ray of hope, Davao City Female Dormitory, said her fellow women inmates shared what little they have to help by donating used clothes and some cash earned from livelihood projects, and sharing part of the Christmas gifts they received from non-government organizations and the local government. “We contributed in our own little way,” said mommy Divine (not her real name), 58. She said she had a relative in Davao Oriental who, fortunately, was not affected by the typhoon. There are 166 women in mates in the City Jail. “Nagpasalamat mi nga bisan napriso mi, maayo among lawas kaysa sa mga nabagyuhan (We are thankful that despite our being imprisoned, our situation is better than those who were hit by the ty-

phoon), she told mindaNews. Talingting said that aside from used clothing and toiletries, the women inmates’ cash donation was used to purchase at least 300 packs of instant noodles for the survivors. They also helped in repacking the relief goods that were donated by jail officers and cadets from the Philippine National Police Academy and other government agencies, she added. She said the women inmates also helped flood victims in the city. “Somehow, we are still blessed being here,” she said. The Bureau of Jail management and Penology (BJmP) 11, also sent relief goods to typhoon survivors. Supt. Amelia Talento, BJmP regional director, led three relief missions on Dec. 9, 22 and 29 in Cateel and Boston in Davao Oriental, and New Bataan and montevista in Compostela Valley, JO1 harvey Bryan malnegro of the community relations service, said. [Lorie Ann A. Cascaro/ mindaNews]

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EDGEDAVAO

Maintaining political stability in Egypt ANAlYSIS By Shaimaa Behery, Tian DongDong

EDITORIAL

Cost of diaspora

VeRSeAS Filipino workers (OFWs) remain to be our economic heroes. Statistical data show that more and more Filipinos are going out of the country to seek employment in foreign lands, where they are preferred and popular among employers. The data indicate a continuing growth in the number of OFWs hired by foreign countries each year, despite the economic slump in most host countries such as those in europe and the political instability in the middle east. According to statistics of the Philippine Overseas employment Administration (POeA), easily a total of 1.5 million OFWs were hired last year, close to 80 percent of them land-based, with the remaining 20 percent seafarers. Saudi Arabia is the top destination of OFWs, followed by United Arab emirates with Singapore coming in third. Contrary to popular notion, a big chunk of the OFWs are professionals, not just domestic helpers. In Singapore, for instance, domestic helpers only number around 80,000, while Filipino professionals working in various business firms and corporate houses are about 120,000. As expected the remittance of the OFWs runs in the billions of dollars,

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which undoubtedly prop up our country’s economy. Despite the huge inflow of remittance, our country continues to fail to fully serve the needs of the OFWs in their host countries. many of them are not receiving the amount of compensation stated in their contracts. Aside from this exploitative situation, a considerably big number of our OFWs are being maltreated if not sexually molested by their sadistic employers. Some are unjustly accused of crimes and some even murdered in their places of work. Sadly though, our government has not satisfactorily protected the welfare of our OFWs. much is also to be desired in government assistance to families left behind by OFWs. The biggest problem in this area is government inability to prevent the breakup of OFW families as a result of the absence of either parent. Government ought to launch a comprehensive and effective family welfare program designed to check the disintegration of OFW homes. Otherwise, the money that our OFWs remit to the country is not worth the high cost of broken homes that in turn spawn multifarious social problems. At the end of the day, no amount of money can replace a happy family. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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FTeR witnessing in 2012 a series of political measures deemed to be cornerstones for its new political establishments after the 2011 turmoil, egypt is expected to tackle the missions of maintaining political stability and reviving economy in the coming year. Observers said 2012 could be considered as a “year of hard political mission,” in reference to the political measures taken to build a new regime after the fall of former President hosni mubarak. “To get ride of the traces of a regime that lasted for 30 years and build a new one is a very hard mission, of which a great part has been achieved in the year of 2012,” Saed Lawendy, a political expert with al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, told Xinhua. In June 2012, mohamed morsi, former head of the muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, was elected to be egypt’s first civilian president in decades. In December, a new constitution that triggered a division in egyptian society was approved by 63.8 percent of voters in a referendum. “Choosing the president and writing the constitution means a push forward for the political stability,” said Lawendy. echoing Lawndy’s view, Noha Bakr, a political studies professor with the American University in Cairo, said the most important steps to political stability have been achieved in the year of 2012, so it is time to start fundamental steps leading to economic stability in 2013. Political Stability on the way According to Bakr, egypt’s current regime has been “reinforced” and “stabilized” by the new constitution. “Now, morsi is in his post on a constitutional basis identifying his powers, and any political measures can be taken as long as they are according to the constitution regardless any controversy,” said Bakr, predicting that the country will see political stability and less demonstrations. “I believe now the opposition will review their approach in protests and demonstrations, because they practically have realized the last word is left for the polling boxes,” Bakr said, pointing to the recent referendum which ended in the approval of the draft constitution despite the opposition’s long demonstrations urging refusal. mohamed Adel, spokesman of April 6 movement, one of the most prominent opposition groups, agreed with Bakr’s view, saying that the opposition was led to search for a new way to awake the people and to continue the reformation. “I confess that the opposition committed a fatal mistake in the last year by focusing on demonstrations more than speaking to the ordinary people and approaching them like what the Islamists do,” said Adel. “The opposition should unite and target the change through the seats of parliament, and through the negotiations and dialogues,” he added. moreover, the parliamentary elections to be run in 2013 on the basis of the new constitution are expected to share in the political stability. Political expert Saed Lawendy predicted the liberal and Islamic forces to make balance in the parliamentary seats, tracing it back to the “awareness” of the egyptian citizens that has increased lately. “The previous parliamentary elections were the first real democratic experience the egyptians live, so they mainly chose the Islamists touched by the religious consideration. Now, after they live with Islamists for several months, their choice will be based on rationality,” Lawendy said. [PNA/Xinhua]

EDGEDAVAO

Going through great changes

ISCeRNING WhAT LIeS AheAD IN 2013 – The year 2012 sums up a year that for most Filipinos has been one of the gloomiest in living memory. It was a year that the country has been devastated by natural calamities and man-mad disasters, stock markets imploded and people used to nothing but ever increasing prosperity facing hard times. Furthermore, it was a year of continuing political rigmarole, armed conflict, and criminal elements running wild. however, there was some respite. The peso performed pretty well against the US dollar and other foreign currencies, the Gross National Product (GDP) showed an unprecedented growth, foreign investors continue to be highly confident about the country’s economic situation. The favorable economic atmosphere provided the country with new investment space. Construction infrastructure and basic industries, human resources and products in high technology speeded up. It was also an opportunity to get a look at the nearest thing the Aquino government did towards reaching a peaceful settlement in muslim-dominated areas in mindanao by signing together with the muslim Islamic Liberation Front (mILF) leadership the much-awaited Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. Political leaders of different persuasions, economic experts and thoughtful observers pondered about the country’s future, assessing what it means and presuming what lies ahead in the Year of the Water Snake. Like many others, we have long been optimistic about the country’s future despite the predicament it suffered the previous year. The desire of the Filipino people, except perhaps for

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the detractors and the stubborn political opposition and their wards, to constantly improve themselves will never dwindle. This attitude will be supported by a realistic and practical approach towards achieving progress and prosperity. even our neighboring economies share the perception that the Philippines will remain a top performer in finance, trade and investment this year. We cannot talk about progress and prosperity without thinking about the country’s vast resources. This will increase its importance economically and politically. Analysts predict that the Aquino administration will go through great changes and the relationship between the Philippines and other countries, especially in the field of foreign policy, diplomatic relation, commerce and trade will continue to strengthen. Although many skeptics predict many difficulties still lie ahead, the PNoy leadership’s reform concept and opendoor policy cannot be reversed. There will be an interesting story, though, in 2013. expected will be the pressure exerted by concern groups: professionals, academe and the well-educated for more involvement in the country’s economic and political processes. All that is necessary right now is for the pres-

ent dispensation to be adequately reliable at doing things that are essential for business: stable economic policies, tax incentives, increased investment in education, agriculture, infrastructure, personnel training and retraining, and of course, political endeavors. For the time being, as the country started to rise from the aftermath of super Typhoon Pablo and Quinta that left billions worth of damaged properties, thousands of displaced victims and loss of hundreds of lives specifically in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte, the most important factor in the minds of our political leaders should be the desire to maintain socio-economic stability. The economic issue must be clarified certainly because anything that enhance national strength, develops productive forces or elevates the people’s livelihood and well-being is encouraging and venerable. In a similar way, the real interest of the people is for our national leaders, PNoy above all, to show that his administration can maintain social discipline and political order with high economic growth, but without becoming a shadow of an autocrat. Nobody should underestimate the capability of the Filipino people. There had been many arguments – constructive or otherwise among them and they have gone through countless political turbulence and economic upheavals yet they remained firmly on their feet. And they felt quite strongly buoyant about that 2013 will again be one of the finest and blissful years despite the previous socio-economic setback and political dilemma.

Prepare and avoid the choke points

S we work for peace in mindanao and hope that all will be well, it might be good to explore also the possible choke points in the future. From my point of view, some of the choke points in the continuing peace process between the Philippine Government and the moro Islamic Liberation Front would be the following: No final agreement. While this choke point is highly unlikely because the parties are highly invested already and the whole world is watching, there is a still a possibility that they will fail to agree on the annexes and the comprehensive compact. If this happens, the peace process is stalled. This choke point derails the process even before it could takeoff. Deadlock in the Transition Commission. No agreement on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. In this choke point, the members of the Transition Commission fail to agree on a common draft to be submitted to the Office of the President. While the mILF contingent in the Transition Commission will be expected to have more unity and cohesion in their positions (they will take their cue from the mILF) the same cannot be expected from members of the Government contingent who most probably will be independent-minded and responsible to some other constituencies other than the National Government. members of the Government contingent might take on different views from that of the National Government. If this happens, the negotiations and debates will shift from Kuala Lumpur to the Transition Commission. Office of the President has serious po-

THE THIRD SIDER By Bong monTeSSa litical and legal reservations on the draft Basic Law as submitted by the Transition Commission. Once the draft Basic law is approved by the Transition Commission, it will be transmitted to the Office of the President who, in turn, will submit the same to Congress as a priority measure. my layperson’s understanding is that the transmittal to Congress by the Office of the President will be largely ministerial. In reality, this might not happen. The Office the executive Secretary and the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel for example, to protect the Chief executive, will do its own due diligence and seek broader political and legal advise on the submitted draft law. A choke point would be if the Office of the President will have “reservations” on some portions of the submitted draft and will not submit the same to Congress until such reservations are addressed. Under this choke point, we will have a deadlock between the Office of the President, the Transition Commission and the mILF. Congress passes a law substantially different from that crafted by the Transition Commission. The success of the peace process hinges substantially on the power of the Chief executive to persuade Congress to pass the Basic Law in the form and substance designed by the Transition Commission. It is reasonable for the mILF and the Transition Commission to expect that what goes in must come out the same. It is also reasonable for them to feel betrayed if

the law that is passed is not what they envisioned it to be. Thus, a choke point would be if Congress passes a law that is substantially different from that submitted by the President and the Transition Commission. Political maneuvering skills are needed to enact the Basic Law as it essentially requires Congress to “limit” the exercise of its broad plenary powers and prerogatives to what is contained in the agreement between the executive and the mILF. The Supreme Court issues a TRO or declares the FAB as unconstitutional. In our system of Government, the Supreme Court ultimately has the power to say whether a peace agreement is in accord with the Constitution or not. Thus, a choke point would be any TRO or declaration of unconstitutionality by the Supreme Court on the FAB or other matters arising from the negotiations. Armed hostilities and violence erupt on the ground. The ultimate choke point is the situation on the ground. If armed hostilities, violence or terroristic acts erupt in mindanao, irrespective of who or what started it, the peace process will be threatened. It does not matter at what stage the negotiations or implementation are. Once the situation becomes violent or internal security is threatened, all the relevant actors – the President, Congress, the AFP, the PNP, the LGUs, the mILF, the BIAF, the socalled lost commands, the mNLF, etc. – will be pushed to take a pause and rethink the trajectory of the process. [mindaViews is the opinion section of mindaNews. Bong montesa is President of The Art of Peace Group, Inc. and executive Director of the De Bono Thinking School.]

Calendars: Not mere records of years SPECIAl FEATURE By Severino C. SamonTe

S each Gregorian year ends in December, among the most sought-after Christmas gifts or items by most Filipinos is the calendar for the next 12 months, 52 weeks and 365 days, or 366 in a leap year like 2012. The dictionary defines “calendar” -from the Medieval Latin “kalendārium” which means account book -- as a systematic arrangement of the subdivision of time as years, months, weeks, days, etc. Calendars come in different forms and sizes. There are the commercial calendars, pocket calendars, executive desk planners, organizer/diary calendars, and table calendars, among others. Of course, there was also the recently-ended mayan calendar that incited a panic-stricken overreaction to its dire prediction: “It’s the end of the world” on Dec. 21, 2012. Among the various types of calendars available in the Philippines today, the commercial calendar -– in either six or 12 pages – is preferred by most business people and offices. This has ample space for writing daily memoranda, and has useful reminders on the monthly remittances of business taxes, the list of the 10 legal holidays in the country, the quarterly phases of the moon – new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter -and the periods of daily high and low tides which are very useful for fishermen and other sea navigators. In my case, I prefer the eight-leaf or 16-page calendar given every Christmas by the mercury Drug Corp. to its customers. This calendar has educational and informative data for the general public. For instance, the 2012 mDC calendar features the 12 Philippine wonders of nature, topped by the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park in Palawan, declared last year as one of the world’s newest seven wonders of nature. The other Philippine wonders of nature featured in the calendar are: mt. Pulag in Benguet; Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Note; Callao Caves in Penablanca, Cagayan; mt. Pinatubo on the borders of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga; Banaue Rices Terraces, Ifugao; mayon Volcano, Albay; Boracay Island, malay, Aklan; Chocolate hills, Carmen, Bohol; Apo Island, Negros Oriental; mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the country with an altitude of 2,954 meters; and Lake Sebu within the Allah Valley region in South Cotabato. The new mDC calendar also features a map showing the latest geographical information on the Philippines. At once, one gets the impression the country has 17 regions, 80 provinces, 140 chartered and component cities, 1,494 towns, and 42,027 barangays or barrios. It is lapped by the West Philippine Sea on the West, the Luzon Sea on the North, the Philippine Sea on the east, and the Sulu Sea on the South, among others. The Philippines has a total land area of 342,351.2 square kms in 7,107 islands with a total population of 92,337,852 as of 2010, based on figures from the government’s National Statistics Coordination Board. [PNA]

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EDGEDAVAO

January documentary fest @ Cinematheque Davao!!! T

he three finalists in the documentary category in the National Film Festival (NFF) Ikalawang Yugto, held in November 2012 in Davao City, and one finalist from the NFF in June 2012, also held in Davao City, will share the spotlight with the documentary Give Up Tomorrow in the first month of 2013 at Cinematheque Davao. The November finalists are Lauren Sevilla Faustino’s Ang Babae sa Likod ng mambabatok, Sheron Dayoc’s Chasing Fireflies, Sherbien Dacalanio’s and Sheryl manalastas’ Ang Pagbabalik ng Bituin. Selected from the NFF June finalists is Cierlito espejo Tabay’s Walay Tumoy na Punterya (No end in Sight). michael Collins and marty Syjuco’s Give Up Tomorrow is a documentary on the 1997 murder of the Chiong sisters and the consequent trial and imprisonment of Paco Larrañaga. Ang Babae sa Likod ng mambabatok is about Fang Od, a 92-year-old woman who is “the last [traditional] tattoo artist of Kalinga.” The documentary features Fang Od as a tattoo artist, whose eyes at ninety-two continue to enable her to etch with precision, and as a woman who has reached the age when she can look back and recall her youth, her many suitors, the dancing and the feasts. Chasing Fireflies is about young female children victimized by human trafficking and their eventual captivity in child

prostitution. Ang Pagbabalik ng Bituin is about estrellita “Star” Saco, a young Filipina employed in manila for almost ten years as a domestic helper. her visits to her hometown of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte are marked by great anticipation and excitement as if she were a star—not because she is a celebrity but because of her pasalubong to her townmates: DVDs. Walay Tumoy na Punterya is about a backyard gunsmith in a remote barangay in Danao, a city in Cebu famous for paltik, or homemade guns. The documentary traces his journey from farmer to gunsmith, and details how he acquires the necessary parts, learns to assemble these into guns, then sells the finished paltik for his family’s sustenance. The documentary also features interviews with individuals involved in the paltik trade. For more information, please call Cinematheque Davao at 2824579, or find us along Palma Gil St., near Pasalubong Center, or in Facebook at www.facebook.com/ cinematheque.davao

JOEY AYALA is Davao’s pride as he will perform his own composition of Liwanag Ngayon, during the opening ceremony of Liwanag World Festival on Sustainability and Creativity this coming January 29 until February 2, 2013 at the Philippine Womens College of Davao. This is the official theme song of the upcoming international Liwanag event spearheaded by the world-renowned movers in the different spheres of society led by MISSION (Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies through Initiatives, Organizing and Networking), the city government of Davao and members of the business sector.

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Business...

Cops...

FFROM 1

ence he held at the Dennis the Grillboy at NCCC mall, where the business bureau has set up a onestop shop for an off-site business renewal activity starting yesterday. According to Domingo, 90 percent of the business owners were able to renew their business permits during the renewal period from January 2 to 20 in 2012. “hopefully, it will reach 95 percent or even 100 percent this year if businessmen will transact the renewal of their permits early to avoid paying for additional penalties and interests,” Domingo said. he pointed out that “the 10 percent who were not able to renew their permits on time last year were usually due to the

Judge...

FFROM 1 ‘ultimo ora’ or ‘last-minute-attitude’ of some business owners. This is why with media’s help, Domingo said business owners might be convinced to abandon their deadline mentality and register early instead. he said that last year, a total of 28,344 business establishments were able to have their permits renewed on time in 2012. This year, Domingo said he’s hoping the number will reach 29,000 or even 30,000 this year. To make it faster, more convenient and more secure, it would be best for business owners with no violations to transact their renewal at the one stop shop application at the NCCC mall in matina, Davao City.

According to the yearend report of the City Business Bureau, there were 6,411 new permits that were filed and 29,315 permits renewed last year for a total of 35,726 business permits for 2012. These business permits involve P196.3 billion in total capital investments, indicating an increase of about 5.6 percent over the total capitalization in 2011 of P185 billion. At the same time, Domingo said that starting this year, business establishments seeking renewal of business permit or applying for a new one will be required to disclose the names and positions of all their workers. he said that this is a new requirement.

FFROM 2

Tribe of mindanao. Fondly called by his friends as JBL, Lopez was a holder of a Bachelor of Laws (1968), AB (1964) and a Bachelor of Science in Jurisprudence (1962) degrees from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. he was admitted to the Bar in 1970. As an RTC judge, he was presiding Judge of Branch 7 in Baganga, Davao Oriental, acting presiding Judge of Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley and assisting Judge of Branch 32 in Lupon, Davao Oriental. earlier in his career, JBL was senior associate commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation from 1994-1998. he was executive Director in 1984-1992 with a rank of Undersecretary for Southern Cultural Communities (formerly Panamin). As undersecretary, JBL joined President Cory Aquino’s entourage as adviser on the Indigenous Peoples in the 75th International Labor Organization Conference to Switzerland – where he delivered his talk on “The Indigenous People of the

113...

World’s Quest for True and Genuine Justice and their Right to Participate in the Decision-making Process of every Government of the World.” JBL was a law partner in the Santos Bacobo Verceles Lopez & Pilapil Law Firm in makati City when President Fidel Ramos appointed JBL a director of Oriental Petroleum & mineral Corp. and a director as well of Philippine National Oil Co. in 1992. earlier, in 1973 JBL was appointed Assistant City Fiscal of Davao. Two years later, he was appointed Deputized Tanod Bayan Prosecutor for Davao City and Region 11. eventually, he was named Second Assistant City Fiscal of Davao City in 19821984. As a neophyte lawyer, JBL started as a law instructor from 1971-1983 at the University of mindanao College of Law. he was a lecturer at the National Police Academy in mintal, Davao City, from 1973-1975. When still a law student, JBL worked as liaison assistant in the office of Congressman Artemio

Loyola in manila. Later, from 1968 to 1970 JBL was an executive assistant at the office of executive Secretary Rafael Salas in malacanang Palace. As a student leader in the UP campus, JBL was president of the UP Political Science Club; law school representative to the UP Student Council; Sigma Rho representative to the UP Diliman Inter-Fraternity Sorority Council; and acting Grand Archon of the Sigma Rho Fraternity. he was also a delegate to the National Union of Students of the Philippines and to the World University Conference. A socio-civic leader, JBL was a former national director of YmCA Philippines, past president of YmCA Davao, and most recently was national president of Abante Katutubo Inc., the political party-list of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines. JBL was active as well as a member of mindanao Sulu Palawan Organization, Davao City Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Davao City, among many others.

The collapse of manurigao Bridge (Teodoro Palma Gil Bridge) in Caraga town in Davao Oriental was seen to have incurred the biggest infrastructure damage and its replacement could take a year before it would connect the isolated towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston. Alquiza said that DPWh 11 has been con-

sistent to be the top performing region in terms of project completion that is a very good sign in its efforts to its application for International Standard Organization (ISO) accreditation. he said if they could pass in all requirements, they could get the ISO accreditation middle of this year along with DPWh National Capital Region.

FFROM 2

development program for the Davao region,” Alquiza said. he said even with super typhoon Pablo affecting major infrastructures like bridges and national roads, the agency still continued with its programmed construction activities along with repair and rehabilitation for the infrastructures damaged by the calamity.

he said a total of 106 persons most of them minors were caught violating the ban since the police tightened the noose against the use of firecrackers as early as 5:00 pm in December 31 with the deployment of 1,000 cops in civilian attire in violation-prone areas. “There were 49 adults and 57 minors apprehended as of 5:00 pm on January 1, 2013,” de la Rosa said. he said arrested adult violators are currently detained in various police precincts in the areas where the violations were made.

De la Rosa said juvenile violators were handed over to their respective parents after they were given counselling by the Women and Children’s Desk of the police while minors who had to guardians were turned over to the quick response team of the City Social Welfare and Development Office. he also bared a zero firecracker-related-injury based on the actual check on the records of all hospitals and health centers in the city. earlier, mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio warned that violators of the firecracker ban will be dealt

with accordingly. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao passed the proposed law on October 15, 2002 making illegal the manufacture, sale, distribution possession or use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices and such other devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial control of Davao City. mayor Rodrigo Duterte approved it into law on November 6, 2002 to ensure the safety of city residents. [PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines]

munication plan of action is important in gaining the confidence, attitude, participation and the trust of the people on the entire peace process. Another peace advocate said the participation of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), not just of civil society, should be assured in the Transition Commission, which is tasked to work on a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. The draft shall then be submitted to Congress for deliberation. Once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed and signed by the President, a plebiscite shall be conducted in the envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro. Pursuant to an executive order, the TC shall be composed of eight representative of the mILF, and the remaining seven to be selected by the government. Whoever will speak for the NCIP will have a clear representation in the Transition Commission which is that of the indigenous peoples and the government since the NCIP is a government agency, while civil society will be confused on who to represent in the Commission, according to ednar Dayanhirang, a member of the Philippine government panel negotiating peace with CPP/NPA/NDF and member of the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) and

that of the People Action Against Corruption (PAAC). “Another practical reason why NCIP should sit in the TC is that it has the resources to call for local and nationwide consultations with the lumads anytime such a necessity arises because it has a budget and the organization for the purpose, resources that is not readily available in a civil society, “ Dayanghirang said. The NCIP is well-organized, has budget and the people to be involved in massive consultations, he said. Alejo supported the position of Dayanghirang, saying that it would a mistake if a peace settlement with the mILF will exclude the indigenous peoples. he said the peace process should not be a debate between only two parties, but a dialogue among all stakeholders. Fr. Alejo and Dayanghirang were invited to speak during the orientation-workshop on the FAB organized by the NCIP in Davao City on December 26-28. Attended by NCIP officials, the orientation-workshop featured Prof. miriam Coronel-Ferrer, new chief negotiator of the 34th GPh-mILF Formal exploratory Talks (in lieu of Prof. Leonen who has been appointed Supreme Court associate justice), and NCIP Chairperson Zenaida Brigida h. Pawid.

Framework...

FFROM 2

GPh chief negotiator marvic Leonen, and the mILF peace panel chaired by mohagher Iqbal signed the FAB on October 15, 2012 in malacanang Palace in the presence of President Aquino, malaysian Prime minister Dato’ Sri mohd Najib Bin Tun haji Abdul Raza, mILF chair Al haj murad ebrahim and Presidential Adviser on thePeace Process Teresita Quintos Deles. “The draft is laudable but that that doesn’t mean that we should stop fulfilling the duty of connecting the people,” according to Fr. Albert “Pareng Bert” Alejo, founder of mindanawon, and leading light of transparency in governance movements in mindanao. Aside from immediately drafting a primer on the FAB “to explain what is clear and what is not clear,” Alejo proposed the training of a pool of speakers to face the various sectors and explain the FAB and the succeeding steps that would follow it before the signing of a comprehensive peace settlement. Alejo proposed a policy paper called “shared peace” outlining a rational form of good communication and some details of the steps including the distribution of a primer and the training of speakers to explain the FAB issues and answer questions from all stakeholders. he said a good com-

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VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

Realty

EDGEDAVAO

Coffee Shop

FOR SALE:

1) 1-hectare commercial lot at P10,000/sq m, along national highway, facing east, beside nCCC Panacan, Davao City. 2) 17,940sq m commercial lot at P2,500/sq m, along matina Diversion road. 3) 3,831 sq m lot along matina Diversion road. 4) 41,408 sq m commercial/ industrial lot at P800/sq m along the national highway, Bunawan. 5) 7,056 sq m at P1,200/sq m commercial/residential lot along indangan road, Buhangin District. 6) 27,411 sq m commercial/ industrial lot along the national highway in Bincungan, Tagum City. 7) 116.15 to 245.92 sq meters , at P5.5m to P12.3m commercial/ office condo units in Bajada, Davao City. 8) 699 to 1,117 sq m at P4,100/sq m commercial lots at Josefina Town Center, along the national highway, Dumoy, Toril. 9) ready-for-occupancy residential Properties: 4Br/3T&B in a 240 sq m lot with 177.31sqm floor area (2-storey) at P4.8m in an exclusive beachfront community in Dumoy, Toril.; 3Br 2-storey in a 71.25 sq m 2-storey in a 143sq m lot in an exclusive flower village in maa, Davao City; 180 sq m lots with 71.25sqm to 126.42 sq m floor areas, priced at P3.751m to P5.773m in an exclusive mountain resort community along matina, Diversion road. 10) 1Br/2Br residential condo units located in Bolton, maa, obrero, Davao City. 11) For aSSUme (rUSh): 1Br res’l condo unit in Palmetto, maa. P600K negotiable. note: items 1-9 can be paid in cash, in-house or bank financing. if interested, please call Jay (PrC reB Lic. 8237) at 0922-851-5337 (Sun), 0908-883-8832 (Smart) or send email to propertiesindavao@yahoo.com.

LOT FOR SALE 180 sq. meter, Farland Subd., Dumoy, Toril, P 350,000 only Contact: 0927-706-2510

PROPERTY FOR SALE IDEAL FOR INDUSTRIAL / MANUFACTURING PLANT, 3 hectares, Santa Cruz along the National Highway, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0927-706-2510

PRIME PROPERTY FOR SALE ROBINSONS HIGH LANDS, 173 sq. meters, 1.5 M, Direct Buyers only Contact: 0926-305-1555 0942-966-2444

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

Tel No. (083) 553-2211 / (083) 877-0019 / (083) 878-0308

We offer Pasta, Pizza and all Filipino foods and international cuisine

South Osmeña, General Santos City Cell No. 09999923588 Tel. No. (083) 552-3297

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Francisco Escarcha, Sr. has been EXTRA JUDICIALLY SETTLED , executed by his heirs per Doc. No. 4; Page No. 82; Book No. 41, Series of 2012 of the Notary Public Ronald S. Tolentino. (Edge 12/27,01/3,10) Edge Davao hiring editor, 3 reporters eDGe DAVAO is in need of an editor and three staffwriters/reporters for its expansion program. The reporters will be assigned to the business, science/environment and political beats. On the other hand, the editor will supervise the reporters and do gate-keeping tasks. Applicant must be a graduate of a four- year college course. For reporters, experience is not needed although preferable. The editor should have at least one-year experience in editing.

Interested parties may send their application letter to mr. Antonio m. Ajero, edge Davao editor, thru email address ajero_antonio@yahoo.com. For inquiries, please call mr. Ajero thru mobile phone 09052422686 or landline 221-3601.

EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 216 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

SPORTS 13

Blazers spoil Amare return N

eW YORK — Amare Stoudemire stood up from the bench and the fans rose with him, a booming ovation filling madison Square Garden as Stoudemire walked to the scorer’s table to enter a game for the first time this season. The cheers turned to boos just a few minutes later when the Knicks couldn’t stop the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers overcame Carmelo Anthony’s season high-tying 45 points and spoiled Stoudemire’s season debut, beating New York 105-100 on Tuesday night (Wednesday, manila time). Stoudemire finished with six points on 3-of8 shooting and one rebound in 17 minutes off the bench in his return from knee surgery. he said he nearly shed a tear with the loud appreciation the fans showed him when he checked in, but he couldn’t give them anything to keep the cheers going in the first half. “I felt good,” Stoudemire said. “The game felt like it was going 100 mph that first half. had

a couple of easy-looking shots, open shots, just a little bit rusty, wasn’t able to knock those down. But the second half was better than my first half. hopefully my second game will be better than my first game.” Nicolas Batum scored 26 points, rookie Damian Lillard had 21 points, six assists and five rebounds, and Lamarcus Aldridge had 19 points and 14 rebounds for Portland, which avenged a 121-79 loss here last march 14. “When we came last year, that was the biggest loss of my career. Down 42, that was real embarrassing,” Batum said. “The only thing on my mind when I came in was just put (down) the stat sheet from last year. That was my motivation for tonight.” Anthony shot 14 of 24 and nearly led the Knicks back from 19 points down after missing two games with a knee injury, but the Trail Blazers had too many options. J.J. hickson scored all of his 18 points in the first half as Portland won for the third time in four games. “This was big time for us. I think we’re gaining

RePUBLIC OF The PhILIPPINeS ReGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11Th JUDICIAL ReGION OFFICe OF The CLeRK OF COURT-SheRIFF DAVAO CITY

hOme DeVeLOPmeNT mUTUAL FUND, or Pag-ibig Fund, mortgagee -versus-

eJF-Rem CASe NO. 13, 838-12

mANUeL L. LOZADA, married to elizabeth T. Lozada mortgagor/s. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICe OF eXTRA-JUDICIAL SALe Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee home Development mutual Fund (hDmF) Pag-ibig against mANUeL L. LOZADA, married to elizabeth T. Lozada, mortgagors with postal address at Blk. 06 Lot 56 , Bahay Pagibig heights Subdivision, Catalunan Grande, Davao City to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 18, 2011 amounted to Php 243,913.65 Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest, penalty charges, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to TeN ( 10%) of the total indebtedness plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on February 7, 2013 at 10:00 A.m. or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of hall of Justice, ecoland,Davao City to the highest bidder for Cash or mANAGeR’S CheCK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 282216 “ A parcel of land (Lot 5, Blk. 6 of the subd. plan Pcs-11-000352, being a portion of lots xxx situated in the Barangay of Catalunan Grande, City of Davao, Island of mindanao.xxx Containing an area of ONe hUNDReDTWeNTY (120) SQUARe meTeRS, more or less” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date,it shall be held on march 07, 2013 without further notice.

This NOTICe will be posted in three(3) conspicuous public places in the City of Davao and in the place where the property is located and where the auction sale will take place for the information of the general public and the parties.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the titles herein described real property/ies and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, December 5, 2012

FOR The eX-OFFICIO SheRIFF:

Noted by:

(SGD.) SeRGIO LeONARDO J. TUPAS Sheriff IV

(SGD) ATTY. eDIPOLO P. SARABIA, JR. Clerk of Court VI & ex-Officio Provincial Sheriff (edge12/20,27,01/3)

Portland’s Damian Lillard gets a clear shot after getting past New York’s Tyson Chandler. AP

confidence every day,” Lillard said. “every day that we see ourselves on film, we see the improvements that we’ve been making and we’re getting better. We’re starting to trust each other more and we’re jelling a lot better than we were and it’s showing.” Anthony had missed the previous two games with a hyperextended left knee. The Knicks are still without point guard Raymond Felton because of a broken pinky finger and struggled to get their offense going until too late, losing for the third time in four games. J.R. Smith had 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks, but Jason Kidd was scoreless and missed all five shots in 33 minutes. Stoudemire had surgery on Oct. 31 to clean up tissue in his left knee and decided to play after going through a couple of practices this week, though adding he wasn’t yet 100 percent. The former AllStar who has battled injuries in recent years was clearly rusty but showed he can still finish at the rim when set up properly. Coach mike Woodson wouldn’t say how long Stoudemire would remain a reserve. Stoudemire and Anthony have struggled to play together and the Knicks have a losing record when both play, but Woodson has said the Knicks need both of them on the floor to have a shot at a championship. “We got him some easy shots tonight. A little rusty but that was expected, he expected that tonight,” Anthony said. “Then once he settled down, we got him in the right situations, got him in the right positions, he made some shots. That’s going to take some time for him just rebuilding that confidence being back out there on the basketball court, but for the most part the ball’s going to find him.” Stoudemire was already done for the night when the Knicks made a late run, cutting an 11-point deficit with 3:16 remaining to 100-97 on Anthony’s 3-pointer with 57 seconds left. Lillard answered with a 3-pointer, but the Knicks got it right back down to three again when Anthony converted a three-point play with 29 seconds to go. The Knicks forced a jump ball and Smith won it, but Anthony missed a 3-pointer. Wesley matthews, back after missing four straight games with an injured left hip, made two free throws with 13 seconds left to close the scoring.

14 SPORTS

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

PBA SEMIS GAME 6

EDGEDAVAO

Davao boy sees survival game D

AVAO’S basketball pride PJ Simon knows the meaning of coming back. From the days of his young basketball career in Davao’s collegiate leagues, to the days as a rising star with the Davao eagles in the mBA, Simon has been in tougher situations like this. As the B-meg Llamados in the Governors Cup finals last year, Simon and his team came back from a 1-3 series deficit to tie the series against Rain or Shine, only to falter in the decider. Now wearing the colors of San mig Coffee, the former University of mindanao standout and his teammates are in pretty much the same situation against the elasto Painters, although in the semifinals. And instead of thinking of the series clincher, the veteran guard said they are taking it one game at a time. “Survival game muna,” he said. “Game Six lang iisipin namin, wala na munang iba.” The mixers extended the series to a Game Six with a 79-67 win last week and they face off with the Painters again at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday at the mOA Arena. The Painters still lead the best-of-seven playoff, 3-2. The 32-year old playmaker still vividly remembers the Governors Cup finals and had a quick reply when asked about the possibility of losing steam once more. “hindi naman siguro,” said Simon. “Kasi naniniwala kami na every game is a different game. Basta ibibigay lang namin ang best namin.” “excited kami kasi meron pa kaming chance (for Finals). Pero one game at a time lang muna,” he added.

GBP open to Donaire-Mares fight PJ Simon (left) of San Mig Coffee is not looking beyond Game 6. He is expected to team up with Marc Pingris (right) in their survival game against Rain Or Shine.

eIGNING world super-bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr’s wish for a super-showdown with unbeaten mexican Abner mares may just be granted

this year. Golden Boy Promotions president Oscar De La hoya recently tweeted in his account @oscardelahoya that he is willing to work with rival Top Rank

Promotions in what he describes as going to be a huge year for boxing. “The door is wide open, all they have to do is knock,” said De La hoya in reply to a question on whether Golden Boy is open to a possible co-promotion with Top Rank of Bob Arum. “Boxing will be huge in (2013).” The existing competition between the two promotional boxing bodies is what hampers from making some of the biggest fights out there including the projected Donaire-mares duel. Donaire belongs to Top Rank while mares is with Golden Boy. Donaire, holder of the World Boxing Organization

version of the 122-lbs title belt, himself acknowledges this, even as he had mares on top of his list among the fighters he wants to face in 2013. “You know what that is, promotional problem is a major roadblock to that fight,” said Donaire in an examiner.com interview. The `Filipino Flash’ went busy last year and fought four times, winning all of them, including a third round demolition of mexican Jorge Arce. Donaire said he wants to continue fighting all-year round and has zeroed in on mares, the reigning World Boxing Council champion, for his next possible fight this march.

This developed as the 30-year-old Filipino bared that being named Boxer of the Year came as a big surprise for him. “I just went on my own thing... Keep doing what I needed to which, is winning. I never expected to be Fighter of the Year,” Donaire humbly said. “There are a lot of great fights out there--- a lot of great fighters.” “It was just incredible because being nominated is already an honor for me, so you could imagine how I feel winning it,” added Donaire who claimed his fight against technically hard-hittingToshiaki Nishioka was the hardest for him last year.

too long,” a Salgaocar FC official told The Times of India. Guirado, who signed with Salgaocar last August, scored two goals in five appearances with the club. The Filipino-Spanish striker was initially doubtful for the Suzuki Cup, but he later secured clearance to play for the tournament, where they fell to eventual

champion Singapore in the semifinals. Before bringing his talents to India, Guirado helped United Football League side Global capture the League title last season. Guirado, through his Twitter account, said that he is now looking for a new squad where he can play after his release from Salgaocar.

Guirado ends stint in India

Jimmy Alapag drives through the pick set up by teammate Kelly Williams against Alaska’s Dondon Hontiveros in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup semis between Talk N’ Text and Alaska. The series moves to Game 6 on Friday night with TNT needing just a win to take the series. (PBA photo)

UTIeS with the Philippine national men’s football team forced Azkals striker Angel Guirado out of his club in India, according to a report by The Times of India Friday. “Nobody really was happy with Angel’s performance. he had failed to deliver and he was being away from the team (on national duty) for far

INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Eating my way through 2012:

The monthly list

2013 is already here and looking back at 2012, I can say that it had been a wonderful year of discovering new tastes and flavors and this is my tribute to what was a delicious year. January Singapore is a foodie’s heaven with many different cuisines and delicious dishes. From the satay, to Hainan Chicken Rice, to even cold taho, and yam pudding. I choose to highlight Yum Cha’s delicious Three-egg vegetable dish. Not only were the vegetables a delicious break from all the rich food I had (since it was Chinese New Year), it had great savory flavors thanks to the century and salted eggs. February Hong Kong is another food lover’s dream city and my February visit gave me a taste of Delicious Kitchen’s Double Pork Rib Rice. Forget the dim sum, forget the fancy restaurants, Delicious Kitchen’s trademark dish offers crispy, sweet, and salty fried goodness that one definitely won’t mind standing in line in the cold for. March Ok, this is a bit of a cop out since it is not just one dish, but La Crema’s dessert buffet has got to be the most decadent buffet experience ever. On the menu are delicious dark chocolate oatmeal cookies, really moist chocolate cakes, plus other sinful treats. April My first trip to Siem Reap opened up my eyes to a food world that was both familiar and new. Familiar were the layers of flavor one gets from Vietnamese and Thai cui-

eating.

sine, it was new thanks to the more subtle flavors of Khmer cuisine married with French techniques (Case in point are the delicious breads). But I have to say the most memorable flavors I had during the trip was this Mango and Pork Salad at the Grand Soluxe Angkor Palace that was similar to a tangy Thai salad, but with the fattiness of the pork. May May is the month were people hit the beach and what could better to eat at the beach than a nice Kinilaw. Add in some nice grilled pork belly and you get Sinuglaw, the fatty charred pork adds a level of smokiness that compliments the clean flavors of the tuna, kalamansi, and vinegar. June I have to admit that I love truffle and cannot get enough of it. And when Carmina hosted a wine and cheese dinner and brought out her jar of truffle honey, I was immediately in heaven and sold my waistline to the devil. Seriously, wine plus cheese, plus truffle honey equals lots of good

July I love dim sum thanks to the sometimes unexpected kinds of dim sum that an eatery offers, and the Salted Egg Custard Bun of Hong Kong’s Little Sheep restaurant really made my Hong Kong Summer memorable. It was salty, sweet, and rich all packed in a delicate bun that oozes the custard as soon as one bites into it. August One often associates Red Mango as a yoghurt ice cream place, but poke a little deeper into their menu and you find the delicious Green Tea Belgian waffle. Red Mango’s waffle is crispy on the outside, yet warm and soft on the inside. The green tea adds a layer of earthiness and sweetness that is not overtly saccharine but still a delight on the palate. September I love it when cultures mix and match, and many thanks to Lifestyle Network’s Chef Sharwin Tee, the Canadian Embassy, and the Marco Polo Davao, I was able to taste my first Nanaimo. But it was not just an ordinary chocolateflavored nanaimo as it featured a hint of Durian that truly complimented the richness of the dessert. October I love steaks but so far, New Orleans’ Blackened Ribeye Steak as prepared by executive chef Peter Ay-

son is still one of the best steaks I had. It was nicely crusted with Cajun spices lending a delicious peppery and crispy bite and the meat was tender and flavorful. That cow did not die in vain. November When one thinks of inasal, one usually turns to the poultry variety. But Bistro Selera went the extra mile and perfected inasal for pork ribs. I found these fatty, flavorful, fall-ofthe-bone ribs irresistible yet the flavors were clean and highlighted the pork, unlike the usual roasted ribs that are drowning in sauce. December December has got to be the most decadent month of the year with lechon and other delicious fatty delicacies taking the limelight. This 2012 though I would have to give the fatty december food award to Bon Appetit’s Fois Gras. The fois gras is beautifully panseared and caramelized imparting a nutty flavor to the goose liver. Paired with the apple and greens, it was the perfect holiday dish, albeit not for the faint of heart and those watching weight. I can’t wait to taste what 2013 will bring. My stomach awaits! Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @kennethkingong for more foodie finds, travel tips, and random ramblings in and around Durianburg.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

The Christmas Black and Decker Challenge at Ace Hardware

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

FOOD

Avenue 2013!

DIY dads recently competed for the King of INDEED, happy bethe Drill title in the first-ever Christmas Black ginnings begin with the minutest detail and Decker Challenge at SM Southmall.

The event hosted by Raine Larrazabal was a fun filled day with a demonstration of Black and Decker power tools like the High Pressure Washer for easy cleaning, the Variable Speed Jigsaw for cutting wood, the Hammer Drill for drilling projects, and the Cordless Screwdriver for efficient home improvement projects. Dads also enjoyed having their family photos taken at the Christmas Special Black and Decker Photo Booth, as well as with games like the ToughRunner Up Jojo Agabin finished the challenge in 12.07 seconds and est Arm brought home P10,800 worth of Black and Decker items. He is shown in Challenge the photo with Black and Decker’s Sonny Bernardino Jr. for assistance. with Black and Decker and You Are on the Spot. But all eyes were on the participants in the Black and Decker Extreme Speed Challenge, who were asked to drill 5 screws in King of the Drill Greg Paculanang finished the Black and Decker w o o d e n Challenge in 11.49 seconds and brought home P15,500 worth of planks in prizes. the shortest possible time using the Black and Decker Cordless Screwdriver. The winner, This new ultra lightweight Black and Decker Cordless Screwdriver will Greg Pacu- help you in your DIY projects. It also has an ultra compact drill driver kit lanang, was which includes 2 batteries, a charger and a storage bag. named King of the Drill 2012, and brought home great DIY products from Black and Decker. Marketed in more than 100 countries, Black & Decker is known for its quality power tools and accessories, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems. It is also very famous for their innovation, quality, end user focus, design, and value. These latest and innovative Black and Decker products are not only perfect gifts for your DIY dad’s this Christmas but also powerful solutions for all your dad’s home improvement needs. You can find these items available at selected ACE Hardware, ACE Builders and ACE Express stores nationwide. You may also visit our website at www.acehardware.ph.

Kings of the Drill. Black and Decker grand winner greg Paculanang, second placer Jojo Agabin and third placer francis salcedo during the Christmas Black and Decker Challenge at sM southmall. they are shown in the photo with the event host and model raine larrazabal, Black and Decker’s national Key Accounts Manager Alfred Vasquez with Brand Marketing Manager rowena Asuncion and ACe

ever so prevalent in the naked eye. It paves the way for us to be in touch with the whole picture rather than in parts.

Just like the year that has been, we need to evaluate and assess the year that was and embark on a new journey one step at a time. Food, like life, comes in various shapes, sizes and colors. The plentiful of mistures in the plate, the better palate explosion there would be. Indeed, we eat with our eyes butat the end of the day, we still crav for the perfect balance of flavors in our mouth. The holidays always bring forth joy and happiness not only in our eyes (tons of gifts adorn our houses and rooms) but more so on the aspect of food! Yes, a basketfull would be an understatement to quantify the amount and number of food choices in our dining tables and refrigerators. Pantries tend to clutter from all the stock of cannedgood in preparation for ambush parties and unannounced guests. We, for one, are guilty of such. We overstock and end up with more than we usually need. Spending my holidays home (my hometown Cotabato City) has always been one of the many highlights of my year. True enough, I gobble on every possible food I can have and cook every single day --- if permitted. Looking back, 2012 made me realize more than the essential. I was able to acknowledge my strenghts but more so empower my inner self to erase my weaknesses. Like cooking, it takes more “flopped” recipes before you can master and perfect a single one. Speaking of which, let me begin the year with simple recipes. I say simple as this are the product of the left overs from the holidays. The fruits and other ingredients were from 2012 transported to 2013. I am not fond of throwing food and the likes, that is why I came up with recipes that are easy to make and with ingredients that are just lying in your cupboards. ing

The fruits and other ingredients were from 2012 transported to 2013. I am not fond of throwing food and the likes, that is why I came up with recipes that are easy to make and with ingredients that are just lying in your cupboards.

Frozen Fruit Salad with Yogurt, All Purpose Cream and Mayo Dress-

Ingredients : Assorted Fruit Slices (preferred fruits) Ice Cubes

Plain Creamy Yogurt All Purpose Cream Plain Mayonnaise Cinnamon Powder Maple Syrup Honey Method: In a bowl, combine assorted fruit slices. When using watery fruits, please make sure that such is drained well and kept dry. To lessen the blackening of the fruits, squeeze 1 kalamansi. Set aside. In a separate and chilled bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Use a whisk to incorporate everything. Pour the liquid mixture over fruits and chill for an hour or two before serving. Best served with a dollop of cream. Tofu Bites with Red Wine Reduction and Coconut Vinegar Sauce Ingredients: Firm Tofu

Native Onion Chives Red Wine Coconut Vinegar Raw Sugar Method: Deep Fry Tofu and cut in squares. Pat dry on paper towel. Set aside. In a pan over low heat, pour the red wine, coconut vinegar and raw sugar. Stir until sugar is well dissolved. Reduce until half. In a plate, arrange tofu bites, onion and chives. Drizzle with sauce and serve with any meat. The sauce could be made in advance and reheated. Store in airtight container and keep refrigerated. Happy 2013 everyone! Do you want to be Royalified? Email your food suggestions, dish requests, comments and questions to leebai@chefroyale.com and be a part of the Davao Thursday Habit. Visit www.chefroyale.com for all my recipes and features. Happy Cooking!

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

Hugh Hefner marries Crystal Harris at Playboy mansion

HUGH HEFNER is ringing in the new year as a married man.

The 86-year-old Playboy founder tied the knot with 26-year-old girlfriend Crystal Harris tonight at— where else—the Playboy Mansion in front of a select group of family and friends, Playboy confirms to E! News. The bride, who is now going by Crystal Hefner on Twitter, posted photos earlier in the evening of the wedding set-up, including a close-up of the flowers lining the altar inside. (Hef later tweeted a pic of the newlyweds.) “Today is the day I become Mrs. Hugh Hefner. Feeling very happy, lucky, and blessed,” the missus wrote. Hef’s New Year’s Eve nuptials come about a year and a half after they were first supposed to swap vows—and less than a month after Harris revealed that they were reengaged.

Though Harris spared no gory detail in explaining her decision to break up with Hef in June 2011, when asked more recently why she called the whole thing off just days before their wedding, she explained that it just wasn’t their time yet. “I moved into the Mansion really young. I was 21 or 22,” she told Us Weekly at her bridal shower, held Dec. 19 at Femme Fatale, the lingerie store and party venue she opened with a friend in Studio City, Calif. “I needed to explore out there and take the time away. The time away really helped make me realize that where I’m meant to be is here with Hef. Hef cares for me so much, and I care for him so much. We love each other. I felt like I needed to be home and this is home for me.” Her fiancé even got her a brand new sparkly engagement ring after she sold the 3.39-carat diamond he gave her the first time around.

This is Hefner’s third marriage. He has four children, two with each ex-wife. Celebrity guests in attendance included Gene Simmons and wife and Playmate Shannon Tweed, Jon Lovitz, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney and 2005’s Playmate of the Year Tiffany Fallon. A private reception, during which Hefner and Harris cut the wedding cake, followed the ceremony and guests later celebrated with the newlyweds at the Mansion’s annual New Year’s Eve party, which was an Art Deco styled nightclub with performances by jazz and blues singer Brenna Whitaker and her band. On Dec. 4, the publishing icon let it slip to a room full of college kids that he was off to get a marriage license after class, where he was a guest speaker that day. We’re going to bet those kids learned a lot.

haven’t slept lol #hello2013,” the “Diamonds” songstress wrote on her Instagram today, including a picture of her eyes peering out from underneath a black-and-white polka dot comforter. The same polka dot comforter that (cue dramatic music) appeared in Brown’s Instagram, simply titled “Mornings,” that showed a view of the pad (complete with a throne, typical) from his bed. It

doesn’t take a genius to connect one and two. The duo’s rekindled romance may be “Nobody’s Business,” but, as they say, an Instagram is worth a million words! Guess we can look forward to another year of these two basking in their own controversy. Which, BTW, Rihanna, we have a 2013 resolution suggestion for you. If you’re still looking for one.

Rihanna, Chris Brown spend New Year in bed together

RIHANNA and Chris Brown had a “thug life” Christmas and a sleepy New Year’s too.

The tumultuous twosome remained low-key for their actual NYE celebration (surprisingly enough) but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sorta-subtly inform everyone that they definitely woke up together the next day. “Good morning! Still

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

EVENTS

IN this season of merry-making, SM City General Santos made this Christmas holiday season more meaningful as they shared happiness and blessings to some less fortunate kids in the City thru Marcellin Home for Boys, Maria Goretti Home for Girls, and St. Agnes House for Girls.

On December 29 at 9 in the morning, 24 kids from the different residential institutions were welcomed by 30 personnel, both executives and staffs, of SM City General Santos at McDonalds. Every kid showed their excitement as the games started and they were all very happy as they received the prizes for either win or lose. Food was then served after the games and everybody got their freebies, balloons and slippers after eating. The said activity was initiated and supported by the management and staff

of SM City General Santos

even if it means spending

a part of their bonuses to make the children happy. Employees donated and heartily raised funds to purchase school supplies, toys, foods and other gift items for the kids. It’s also the team’s way of expressing their gratitude, recognition and appreciation for all the blessings they have received throughout the years. In behalf of the Executive Director of Marcellin Home for Boys, Bro. Crispin Betita, one Marist Lay Volunteer Parent, Ms. Agnes Reyes, expressed their love, happiness and joy to SM City General Santos Management and staff. Every child then went home with a smile on their face.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL.5 ISSUE 216 •THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

Clippers, Cats streaks end on New Year

First Day Funk D

eNVeR — The New Year brought different results for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Charlotte Bobcats. For the Clippers, it was the end of a 17-game winning run. For the Cats, the end of an 18-game losing skid. Danilo Gallinari led six Nuggets players in double figures with 17 points and Denver stopped the Los Angeles Clippers’ franchise- record winning streak at 17 games with a 92-78 victory Tuesday night (Wednesday, manila time). The Clippers’ streak was the longest in the NBA since the Boston Celtics won 19 in a row from Nov. 15-Dec. 23, 2008. Kenneth Faried added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, who won their eighth in a row at home. The Clippers, whose point total was two above their season-low, were

hurt by poor shooting from 3-point range (5 of 29, 17.2 percent) and the freethrow line (13 of 29, 44.8 percent). Blake Griffin and eric Bledsoe had 12 points apiece to lead Los Angeles. The loss also ended a franchise-record seven-game road winning streak for the Clippers, who hadn’t been beaten since a 105-98 setback against New Orleans on Nov. 26. Andre miller, starting in place of point guard Ty Lawson, had 12 points and 12 assists for the Nuggets. Lawson, the team said, has been bothered by tightness in his left Achilles’ tendon for the past week, forcing him to miss a game for the first time this season. Forward Andre Iguodala also helped out at point guard and chipped in with 12 points and eight assists for Denver, which lost to the Clippers in Los Angeles, 112-100 on Christmas Day.

Lakers start 2013 with a loss

OS ANGeLeS (AP) -- Jrue holiday had 26 points and 10 assists, evan Turner added 22 points and 13 rebounds, and the Philadelphia 76ers rang in the new year with a 103-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The Lakers (15-16) have matched their worst start after 31 games since the 2002-03 season, when they began defense of their third straight NBA title with a 12-19 record. Kobe Bryant, who shifted from shooting guard to small forward five games ago in coach mike D’Antoni’s redesigned rotation, led the

Lakers with 36 points. Steve Nash added 12 points and 10 assists. The Lakers, who tied a franchise record with 10 3-pointers in the first half of their 111-98 win at Philadelphia on Dec. 16, were 1 for 11 from 3-point range before intermission in the rematch and finished 3 for 22 from behind the arc. Pau Gasol had 11 points and nine rebounds, but shot only 2 for 12 while playing on a sore right foot. Dwight howard missed his first five shots and finished 1 for 7 with seven points and 14 boards. The sixtime All-Star’s only field goal came with 6:15 left in the third quarter, a

Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots past Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Chicago. (AP)

put-back dunk that reduced Philadelphia’s lead to 67-63. Down by nine with just under 3 minutes to play, the Lakers closed to 99-97 on Bryant’s 3-pointer with 1:28 left. But Spencer hawes responded with a 21-footer 16 seconds later and holiday helped close it out on a driving dunk with 22.4 seconds on the clock. Philadelphia extended a 54-50 halftime lead to eight points after three quarters. Los Angeles trailed 89-79 after holiday’s jumper with 6:54 left in the game. The Lakers cut it to 94-90 on metta World Peace’s jumper a few minutes later.

The Sixers responded by scoring the next five points, including Jason Richardson’s layup with 2:57 left that made it 9990. Los Angeles missed 10 of its first 12 shots while Philadelphia opened the game with a 16-5 run. Bryant scored 17 points in the half on 8 for 13 shooting - but his teammates were a combined 35 percent from the field before the break. Bryant, who turns 35 years old in August, is averaging 33.9 points over his last 15 games and a league-best 30.3 for the season as he goes for his third NBA scoring title and first since 0607.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, shoots past Philadelphia 76ers guard Jason Richardson.

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VOL.5 ISSUE 216 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 03, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

Trade could send Japeth to Ginebra A

BLOCKBUSTeR trade in the PBA may yet find NBA aspirant Japeth Aguilar in a Ginebra uniform. But first things first: Aguilar must come home. According to sources privy to the negotiations,

a deal had all but been sealed that would have seen big men Kerby Raymundo of Barangay Ginebra, Globalport’s Rabeh Al-hussaini, meralco’s Jay-R Reyes, and Aguilar switching places in a virtual game of musical chairs.

The deal, sources said, was already on its way to the PBA Commissioner’s Office for approval when one of the teams backed off, largely because of the uncertain status of Aguilar. Talk ‘N Text still holds the signing rights on Aguilar, whose contract with the Texters expired in August. But teams are having second thoughts acquiring the 6-9 center in a trade until it has become certain that he has decided to go back for good and sign a contract with a PBA team. “Sayang yun, nasabi na sa akin yun eh. Inaabangan ko nga sana na matuloy yun,” said one of the players involved in the deal who admits keeping his fingers crossed that the trade would push through. Under the terms of the multi-team agreement, Globalport would send the controversial Al-hussaini to Talk N Text for the rights to Aguilar, who in turn would be sent to Ginebra for Kerby Raymundo. Raymundo would then be sent to meralco, with Globalport ending up with Reyes. Sources said the deal,

which would have seen Al-hussaini reuniting with college coach Norman Black at Talk ‘N Text and Aguilar reinforcing Ginebra’s frontline, may still be revived once Aguilar decides to come home for good. At the moment, Aguilar is in Amsterdam for a european tour with the Warriors, and has not made any decision on his PBA future. his Philippine-based agent, marvin espiritu, said the former Ateneo slotman is still hoping against hope and waiting for offers from other D-League teams. Still, espiritu is hopeful Aguilar will stay true to his promise of returning to the PBA come the Commissioner’s Cup, which kicks off on February 8. “Siguro after nung european tour nila, first week of January malamang tapos na yun,” said espiritu of his player’s commitments. “Alanganin kasi na bumalik siya ng kalagitnaan ng Philippine Cup, pero mukhang pabalik na siya rito.” “Si Japeth naman babalik at babalik sa Pilipinas yan eh. mga one week from now yan, malalaman na natin,” he added.

Chua is best fit--Menk

Japeth Aguilar (top) could be headed to Ginebra Kings while Kerby Ginebra (middle) may find his way to Global Port and Rabeh Al-Hussaini (bottom) to be reunited with his Ateneo coach Norman Black at Talk N’ Text.

ORmeR Tanduay coach and now Ginebra mentor Alfancis Chua is what the doctor ordered for the Gin Kings. Former Ginebra center eric menk, who played in the amateurs and pros under Chua, said the pony-talied bench tactician is exactly what the doctor ordered for the league’s most popular team. he made one compelling argument: Chua is good at motivating players. “he’s a very good motivator, he gives his players confidence and freedom,” said the 6-5 slotman, the former PBL Rookie of the Year and mVP who led Chua-coached Tanduay teams to multiple titles in the amateur league. “I had the best years of my career under him.” menk, who also led the Tanduay teams when the Lucio Tan franchise took its act to the pro league, also believes that the veteran bench tactician has what it takes to bring a

championship to Ginebra. “Ginebra struggled last conference, and they’ve been inconsistent (from the games that I saw). So I think this is where the talent of coach Al comes in”, said the 2004 league mVP. menk, however, was the first to say that the job won’t be easy for his longtime mentor. “he’ll have his hands full there, I’m sure. It’s a high-pressure job. I wish him the best, I think he will do well,” said menk, who has moved to San miguel’s team in the ABL prior to the start of the season. Asked if he is looking forward to returning to the PBA and ending his career under Chua, the 38-year-old menk said: “I’ve spent months getting ready for San miguel and hopefully help bring a championship there. I’m focused on that this time.” But he was quick to add: “We’ll see. I love Ginebra!”