Edge Davao 6 Issue 129 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

www.edgedavao.net

Serving a seamless society

TUNA FESTIVAL. A mermaid-inspired float is just one of the many colorful entries in the recent Tuna Festival float competition in General Santos City over the weekend. Roland Jumawan

AFP: NO CEASEFIRE W

ITH the third day of the stand-off between the military and rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front, the Armed Forces (MNLF) of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced there is no ceasefire with the MNLF despite orders to its troops to stand down in order allow the civilian negotiating team to resolve the crisis peacefully. “AFP (is) standing down to allow crisis management committee to make necessary moves to resolve/negotiate peacefully,” AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said. He also belied reports that a formal ceasefire has been declared with the MNLF. “There is no formal ceasefire contrary to some reports,” Zagala said. As to the MNLF’s call for a military pullout from Zamboanga City, he said it is the latter that should leave first. “They were the ones who attacked,” he said. In Jolo, police and military forces have been placed on alert amid reports that Nur Misuari is in the province and to thwart any possible diversionary attacks by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels.

CHEERDANCE. Sta. Ana National High School students who won the cluded 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao Qualifying Leg perform their the local government of Davao to honor the athletes at Que-

cheerdance competition in the recently-conwinning routine in a program initiated by zon Park Monday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

FAFP,10

INSIDE: Karlo, Sid to abide by TRO on PDAF Davao Chamber gets exemption Floyd admits handpicking foes

2 4 15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

City Council approves three housing projects By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

greg@edgedavao.net

HREE property development projects got favorable endorsements from the City Council during its regular session last Tuesday. Passed on second reading were the committee reports by the sub-committee on housing and subdivision development under P.D. 957 or high end projects chaired by councilor Bonifacion E. Militar and sub-committee on housing and

subdivision development under B.P. 220 or medium-end projects chaired by councilor Bernard E. Al-ag. The sub-committee reports were concurred by the main committee on housing, rural and urban development chaired by councilor Leah A. Librado. Militar’s sub-committee recommended for approval the application for development permit by Uraya

ROM 8,000 to 10,000 sari-sari store owners are expected to join NCCC’s Kanegosyo Congeress today at the Kadayawan Hall, NCCC Mall Davao. NCCC assistant vice president for marketing Tjader Regis in yesterday’s Club 888 forum at The Marco Polo Davao, said the sari-sari store owners who join the event will get special packages, special rates, and discounts from NCCC and its partners. He said that, there would also be seminars that will teach them how to manage their cash flow better to boost their income. “A lot of sari-sari store owners sometimes use the overhead capital of their income, which is wrong, and that is exactly one of the things they

will learn from the event, how to handle their money better,” Regis said. Now on its 13th year, the congress is an annual exclusive event for business partners and holders of the NCCC Rewards Card. The event will have 45 booths set up for products from Unilever, Nestle, Procter & Gamble, and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Inc. Regis said shoppers only have to load their card with a minimum of P200 from the Kanegosyo Bank at the Activity Center. Shoppers should use the Kanegosyo Card within three days. There will also be celebrities graci+ng the event, including Fliptop artist Abra, John Lloyd Cruz, Sam Milby, and Coco Martin. EJF

FCITY,10

Expect thousands to join “Kanegosyo Congress” F

PORK PROTEST. Protest action against the Pork Barrel Fund went on in Davao City yesterday despite the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court on the release of the controversial fund. Lean Daval Jr.

Karlo, Sid to abide by TRO on PDAF By EJ DOMINIC FERNANDEZ

ejf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City congressmen Karlo Nograles and Isidro Ungab said they will abide by the temporary restraining order (TRO) of the Supreme Court (SC) on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) Tuesday. “Of course, Congress will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court, was the reply of Nograles yesterday to

Edge Davao when asked for a statement on the TRO. He said, congressmen will now concentrate on their congressional oversight functions over the departments, agencies, and regional offices to ensure that the programs intended for their constituents are really made available, especially for the poor. “In other words, we will monitor the budget

closely if it is being disbursed and spent, particularly for those who most need it,” he said. Ungab’s reply to Edge Davao was, “It’s a TRO and we congressmen are bound to obey the order of the highest court.” However, Ungab said, he hopes that “the people in Manila will understand what the reality is in the countryside.” When asked for the advantages and disad-

Trade Expo 2013 expected to attract 8,000 agri traders

BACKPACKING. When it’s a baby you’re backpacking like this mother, there’s no need for security checks at the Annex of SM City Davao. But seriously, tourists like this mother-child enjoy the comforts of Davao shopping

despite travel advisory issued by three embassies including the United States in the aftermath of the Zamboanga City siege. Lean Daval Jr.

vantages of the TRO to their job as congressmen, he said, “Well, as of now, as I was about to text you, I have three medical patients and three dialysis patients who are waiting for my reply. I hope the government will not deprive them of their much needed assistance.” Rep. Mylene Garcia was asked the same questions, but did not reply.

OME 8,000 traders from the agri-business sector from all over Mindanao are expected to join the 15th Davao Trade Expo (DATE) to be hosted by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce Inc. on /October 12-19 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier. DATE 2013 events and programs head John Carlo Tria said in the Club 888 forum yesterday at The Marco Polo Davao they expect a little more trade visitors from last year’s DATE which attracted 7,149.

DATE 2013 chairperson Agatha Slanatin-Valencia, said they expect an increase from last year’s DATE total sales of P233,439,967. They believe that the event will more successful than it was last time because of the collaboration of Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Agriculture (DA) in helping them in this endeavor. “There are plenty of idle lands in Mind-

FTRADE,10

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

4 THE BIG NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

De Lima mum on lawmakers to be charged with plunder

WHERE ARE WE GOING? A child seemed to ask her parents where they are going as they wheel their improvised delivery vehicle to collect scrap items along Roxas Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Chamber gets exemption from signage law restrictions By GREGORIO G. DELIGERO

greg@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), which is organizing the Davao Trade Expo 2013 (DATE 2013), will be exempted from restrictions set by Signage Ordinance of Davao City. The ordinance provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to install or display any advertising or propaganda materials across public thoroughfares and on any electrical post along streets and inlands. Exemption from the prohibition are propaganda materials of a govern-

Vs. Napoles

ment agency with prior sign permit fee. But the DCCCII asked for exemption to disseminate information on DATE 2013 activities through vertical and horizontal banners below the secondary line of electric posts of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC). DATE is an annual agricultural event which provides a venue to showcase products, services and opportunities of the agriculture industry. The event is expected to draw participants from various sectors

to address “underlying socio-political issues,” latest technological innovations and emerging markets for identified industries in Mindanao. DCCCII said DATE 2013 is expected to draw 200 exhibitors, some 7,000 trade visitors and buyers and over 1,000 congress delegates. The city council committee on trade, commerce and industry chaired by councilor Jimmy G. Dureza recommended for approval of DCCCII’s application for exemption. But the committee

said that all banners shall be installed only on Quimpo Boulevard, Quirino Avenue, C.M. Recto Avenue, J.P Laurel Avenue and on the highways in Matina, Lanang, Sasa and Buhangin. It added that the City Government of Davao shall also be recognized as event partner in all programs and banners. “In no case shall the organizers be exempted from compliance with other provisions of the Signage Ordinance and other laws and regulations,” the committee report said.

USTICE Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Wednesday neither confirmed nor denied a published report about senators and congressmen allegedly included in the first batch to be charged with plunder before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the pork barrel scam. In an ambush interview, De Lima said she does not know why the names of the lawmakers were published in a newspaper of general circulation. When she read the report, De Lima said, she immediately called up Atty. Levito Baligod, counsel of the whistleblowers, to inquire from him whether the information came from him. Although Baligod was interviewed by the me-

dia, De Lima said, he did not name names and he only cited at least five government officials will be charged with plunder with Napoles. De Lima added even Baligod himself was surprised in the surfacing of the said names of the lawmakers. It was earlier published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Senators Juan Ponce Enrile; Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada; Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.; and Gigi Reyes; who was the former chief of staff of Enrile, were among those to be charged with plunder before the Ombudsman. Also allegedly to be charged are former Congressmen Prospero Pichay, Rodolfo Tuason, Edgar Valdez and Rizalina Seachon-Lanete. (PNA)

SM Lanang Premier unveils biggest chinese art exhibit

N September 14, 2013, the metro’s premier shopping hub, SM Lanang Premier, will launch yet another world-class exhibition for Davao City – the Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students’ Exhibit of Chinese and Western Paintings – set to be the largest ever showcase of its kind. SM Lanang Premier will house a total of 264 Chinese artworks done on lanterns and fans by 34 artists from September 14 to 29. The grandest show in terms of the number of artworks and participating artists, the exhibit will include two giant fans, at 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, which will feature interaction paintings by the artists. The event is co-presented by Park Inn by Radisson,

Dynamic Youth and Davao Fil-Chi Cultural Foundation. Dabawenyos and tourists are invited to witness and appreciate this 16-day unique art exhibition. They will be provided the opportunity to experience what it is like to walk through a beautiful, serene Chinese garden as the Atrium becomes a setting for a Chinese bridge, pagoda and other visual attractions. Aside from the exhibit, a free Chinese Painting Workshop for 350 participants will be held on September 14. Come and witness this one-of-a-kind Chinese art show at SM Lanang Premier! Check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook and follow @SMLanangPremier on Twitter for news and event updates.

Plunder raps may be filed Monday J

USTICE Secretary Leila M. De Lima on Wednesday said the National Bureau of Investigation cannot yet file before the Office of the Ombudsman the plunder charges against Janet Lim Napoles on Friday. Napoles is the alleged “brains” behind the P10-billion pork barrel scam and the P900-million Malampaya fund scam. In an ambush interview, De Lima said it cannot be done and it is difficult to file the case against Napoles on Friday. “Friday, mahirap. The

latest is Monday. So best efforts,” De Lima said. De Lima added it is because the case is sensitive and it necessitates documentary evidence so that the case they will file before the court cannot just be dismissed. “I’m not gonna (sic) confirm anything today,” De Lima said. At present, De Lima said, the NBI is continuously gathering documentary evidence and its investigation is still ongoing. De Lima added they will try to file the case on Monday next week. (PNA)

BALANCING ACT. Sacks of charcoal from Jose Abad Santos in Davao del Sur are unloaded by workers from a motorized boat unto a delivery truck at Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

THE ECONOMY 5

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

PNG seeks renewal of pact with PHL tuna firm T

HE government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is pushing for the renewal of an investment agreement it had signed with a tuna fishing and manufacturing company based in this city as it moves to draw more major investments into its

thriving tuna industry.

Job Pomat, chair of PNG’s National Fisheries Board, said they are now reviewing its standing “state agreement” with homegrown firm RD Corporation in a bid to extend their trade and investment arrangements

BIG GATHERING. Davao Trade Expo (DATE) 2013 chair Arch. Agatha Salanatin-Valencia (left) and events and program head Mr. John Tria say that this year’s gathering of industry players in agriculture will converge a total of

High economic growth key to attract more investments

ANILA-- The Philippines robust economic growth is expected to attract more foreign direct investments (FDI) in the next few years, according to the country’s chief economic planner. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Arsenio Balisacan said the confidence of local investors to the country can also increase FDI flows. “Now that our domestic investors are finally investing and you see them coming in big ways, we hope that would now signal to the foreign investors that they can do business in the Philippines,” he said. However, Balisacan expects FDIs to come “gradually” as foreign investors remain very cautious on the global economy. He pointed out that while investors expect higher rates of return on their investments in emerging countries like the Philippines, managing risk is still their foremost

consideration. “So we really need to establish credibility and the first one that you must be able to convince is our domestic investors. Our reserves are so large and our remittances, these can be turned into investments,” the NEDA chief added. Apart from building confidence of local investors, Balisacan said the Philippines needs to continue improving its business environment as well as sustain its gross domestic product (GDP) growth. GDP expanded 7.5 percent in the second quarter, making the Philippines still one of Asia’s best performers. “We (should) continue our momentum in building the infrastructure that can make our industries more competitive. If we can address that backlogs in our logistics and improve our regulatory (framework), the cost of doing business in this country will continue to decline,” he further said. (PNA)

beyond its scheduled expiration in two years. “I want to assure you that my government will review the agreement with a view to extend it after 2015,” he said at the 15th National Tuna Congress in General Santos City. Pomat, who repre-

sented PNG Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Mao Zeming in the gathering, said RD Corporation signed the deal with the PNG government in 1995 as a result of the signing of the Philippines-Papua New Guinea Fisheries Bilateral Cooperation.

200 exhibitors, 7,000 trade visitors, and 1,000 conference delegates coming all over the Philippines during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

CEO Corner

He commended the company, which is owned by local fishing magnate Rodrigo Rivera Sr., “for taking the bold step to invest in PNG” after signing the state agreement. After initially opening business in PNG’s Siar and Vidar districts, RD Corporation so far diversified its business in tuna fishing, tuna canning, fish meal processing, can making, shipyard and dry-dock, cold storage, value-added fresh seafoods, wharf and stevedoring, building and construction and real estate. Overall, the company has 38 diversified business units and operations in this city and other parts of the country, Indonesia and Australia. On the review of the state agreement, Pomat said there are some outstanding issues that both sides need to comply with to ensure that the deal and its obligations are fully implemented. “Both sides need to carefully assess these outstanding issues, and come up with a practical timetable and commitment to effectively address them,” he said without further elaborating. In the meantime, Pomat said the PNG govern-

ment will continue with its partnership with the company, which he described as “now a major player in the tuna industry in PNG.” He said they are closely working with RD Corporation and other private entities for the development of the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone, which is considered one of the major economic impact projects in PNG. The project is being spearheaded by the PNG’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is set to negotiate with China’s Export Import Bank to seek an additional loan of k700 million or roughly US$ 270.9 million, on top of the US$ 95 million soft loan that was earmarked for its initial phase. “We have re-scoped the project from just a marine landing and processing hub to a special economic zone to include processing and export of other products like agricultural commodities, timber and minerals,” he said. Pomat added that the revised project, which is within the operational area of RD Corporation, will be dubbed Madang Industrial Zone. [MindaNews]

Bermudez is new PVB president

PVB President & CEO JABermudez

HILIPPINE Veterans Bank (PVB) Chairman Roberto de Ocampo, OBE, and its Board of Directors recently elected Joey A. Bermudez as the new President of the bank as part of the plans to revitalize the medium-sized commercial financial institution, and turn it into a major play-

er in the banking industry led by a high-caliber and world-class management team. A veteran banker who has been in the banking industry for almost three decades, Bermudez was the former President and CEO of Chinatrust (Philippines) Inc., the local subsidiary of Taiwan’s

biggest privately-owned commercial bank, and held key positions at Philippine Savings Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Philippine Commercial International Bank (now BDO). “He (Bermudez) will have a crucial role in turning the bank into a major player in the industry. Innovations in consumer finance and commercial lending, as acknowledged by his peers, are some of the values that Joey brings to the organization. He is credited with having built from zero an industry-leading consumer finance business, and for having transformed another institution from a purely corporate and commercial lender into a major player in mortgage loans, auto loans, and small/medium-enterprise lending,” said PVB Chairman de Ocampo, OBE, in a statement. When asked about his appointment as the new President of PVB, Bermudez said, “I am honored and privileged to accept the appointment to say the least. Along with this, I recognize that the

toughest challenge now for me as leader of this institution is to establish a solid reputation for growth, and build the Bank into a truly lasting legacy to the nation and succeeding generations.” In 2009, he was President of the Management Association of the Philippines. “I will definitely capitalize on my experience to make PVB a game-changer,” he added. Bermudez holds a master’s degree in Business Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, major in Accountancy. A Certified Public Accountant, he is a recipient of an outstanding alumnus award from his collegiate alma mater. He attended the Pacific Rim Bankers Program of the University of Washington. Philippine Veterans Bank is a private medium-sized commercial bank owned by 385,000 Filipino World War II veterans and their families. The bank caters to both corporate and retail financial markets, and is also an authorized government depository.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch

1. Gross National Income Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

7.1 1st Qtr 2013

2. Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate (At Constant 2000 Prices)

7.8 1st Qtr 2013

3. Exports 1/ 4. Imports 1/ 5. Trade Balance 6. Balance of Payments 2/ 7. Broad Money Liabilities

USD 3,741 million Feb 2013 USD 4,708 million Feb 2013 USD -967 million Feb 2013 USD -640 million Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 million Feb 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

2.4 % Mar 2013 P113,609 million Mar 2013 P 5,281 billion Mar 2013

9. National Government Revenues 10. National government outstanding debt 11. Peso per US $ 5/

P 41.14 Apr 2013

12. Stocks Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 Mar 2013

13. Consumer Price Index 2006=100

132.8 Apr 2013

14. Headline Inflation Rate 2006=100

2.6 Apr 2013

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

3.1 Apr 2013

16. Visitor Arrivals

418,108 Feb 2013

17. Underemployment Rate 7/

20.9% Jan 2013

18. Unemployment Rate 7/

7.1% Jan 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2012-April 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

40.67 40.73

42.23 41.01 41.12 41.45 41.75 42.04 41.91 42.78 42.85 42.70 42.86 42.66 43.62

43.31 43.64 43.27 43.45 43.02 42.42 42.81 43.37 43.13 43.24 43.52 43.70 44.17

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

PHL exports rebound seen P

HILIPPINE exports are expected to recover in the remaining months of the year as major overseas markets are picking up, according to the country’s chief economic planner. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed optimism about the sector’s rebound after export sales grew for the second consecutive month in July on higher demand for electronics products. “With relatively good numbers coming from other countries –the United States is picking up, Europe apparently has bottomed out, I think the prospects are good,” he said. “(But) whether it (recovery) is going to be enough to offset the negative growth in the first half of the year is something else. We hope that it is big enough but that might still require us to take a second look at that (exports) forecast,” he added. Balisacan noted that even with the declining share of electronics revenues to total exports revenues, the Philippines has already diversified its exports products. “What we are coming out are more varied sources of ex-

ports like agriculture processed exports, furniture, gifts and chemicals. Those are the ones growing quite respectably,” he said. Balisacan, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General, also hopes that more competitive industries will come out as the country is working to improve its business environment. “This especially if we can continue our momentum in building the infrastructure that can make our industries more competitive. If we can address that backlogs in our logistics and improve our regulatory (processes), the cost of doing business in this country will continue to decline,” he further said. Balisacan believes that maintaining the momentum will result in surging business confidence in the country. “That will mean exports will become more diversified because more industries that can compete globally will sprout,” he added. Economists of First Metro Investments Corp. and University of Asia and the Pacific (FMIC-UA&P) also projected that the exports sector would

stage a comeback in second half of 2013 on the economic recovery of the US, Japan and the Eurozone. Government data indicated that total export earnings rose 2.3 percent to $ 4.84 billion in July 2013 from $ 4.73 billion during the same period last

year. The NEDA attributed the higher dollar earnings to the robust electronics demand from trading partners, coupled with expansion in exports of minerals, petroleum, total agro-based products and forest products. [PNA]

banks’ REE. BSP said internal simulations on credit impairment using March 2013 data indicated that the industry’s capital adequacy ratio will remain well above the 10 percent mini-

mum even with a simulated 50 percent write down in REEs. “Under the expanded RE reporting system for banks, REE covers loans to developers of socialized and low-cost housing, loans to individuals,

loans supported by non-risk collaterals or Home Guarantee Corporation guarantee, as well as investments in securities to finance RE activities and exposures by bank trust departments,” it said.

BY THE NUMBERS

The real estate of universal, co exposure and thrift bankmmercial s inched up to

P842.6 billion in March, up b y

2.5%

from Decembe r 2012. SOURCE: BSP

Real estate exposure of banks increase

HE real estate exposure (REE) of universal, commercial and thrift banks stood at Php 842.6 billion in March this year, 2.5 percent higher than the banks’ REE in December 2012, according to the statement released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). BSP said the slight increase in REE was mainly due to a 1.7 percent rise in the banks’ real estate loans (RELs), which grew from Php 703.2 billion at end-2012 to Php 715.5 billion at the end of the first quarter this year. RELs constitute 85 percent of the banks’ REE. “About 78 percent of RELs are residential in nature and are used to finance the acquisition, construction and improvement of housing units. The exposure of banks to such residential RELs (RRELs) remains manageable as the non-performing portion was only four percent of RRELs in March,” it said. Meanwhile, banks’ investments in real estate securities grew by seven percent from Php 118.5 billion in December 2012 to Php 127.1 billion in March 2013. Real estate investments represent the remaining 15 percent of the

KANEGOSYO CONGRESS. Tjader P. Regis, assistant vice president for Marketing of New City Commercial Center (NCCC), promotes the three-day NCCC Kanegosyo Congress which will start today at NCCC

Mall of Davao during yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

as of May 2013 Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

5J961 / 5J962 Z2390 / Z2390 5J593 / 5J348 PR809 / PR810 PR819 / PR820 5J394 / 5J393 5J599 / 5J594 5J347 / 5J596 5J963 / 5J964 PR811 / PR812 5J595 / 5J966 5J965 / 5J968

5:45 5:45 6:00 6:10 7:50 7:50 8:00 9:10 9:40 11:30 12:00 12:55

Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Iloilo Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Zamboanga-Davao-Zamboanga Cebu-Davao-Cebu Iloilo-Davao-Cebu Manila-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila Cebu-Davao-Manila Manila-Davao-Manila

6:15 6:25 6:30 7:00 8:50 8:10 8:30 9:40 10:10 12:20 12:30 13:25

Cebu Pacific Tue/Wed//Sat 5J965 / 5J968 13:35 Silk Air Mon/Sat MI588 / MI588 13:35 Silk Air Wed/Sun MI566 / MI566 15:20 Silk Air Thurs MI551 / MI551 12:05 Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 5J507 / 5J598 15:00 Philippine Airlines August 15:55 Mani2Mani 16:50 Zest Air Daily Z2524 / Z2525 16:05

Manila-Davao-Manila Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Davao-Singapore Cebu-Davao-Cebu

14:05 18:55 18:55 15:45 15:30

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

TAGUM CITY

‘Tagum biz talk at Big 8’ launched T

HE maiden episode of the media forum “Tagum Talk Biz at Big 8” was formally launched at the Grand Ballroom of Big 8 Corporate Hotel last September 10, 2013 at 10:30 AM. The first-ever tri- media forum of this kind in Tagum was graced by no less, Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum City and Dir. Art Boncato of DOT-XI as Guests of Honor. Director Efren Elbanbuena of PIAXI also joined the panelist table. Media practitioners from Davao City and Tagum City, heeded the invitation extended by the Philippine Information Agency While the city government actively implements it’s programs thru the promotion of various festivals and community events, other agency’s like the Philippine Information Agency also has played an important role in public information. This is when Big 8 Corporate Hotel’s initiative to further promote Tagum as a destination comes to contribute in this endeavor. Thus, the idea of

a triad initiative to create a viable public awareness forum was conceptualized. During the brief program prior to the press conference proper, the Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed by Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum City, Dir. Efren Elbanbuena of PIA-XI and Roxan Obregon-GM Big 8 Corporate Hotel. The three agencies forged their commitment for this noble undertaking to continue serving the public interest in bringing information on business, tourism and economy. Tagum Biz Talk @ Big 8 now will be conducted every second Tuesdays of the month with Big 8 Corporate Hotel as the host venue. Domini Sebastian del Rosario, Big 8 Corporate Hotel’s Marketing & Communications Officer hosted the preliminaries, as a warm gesture of welcoming all media guests, while Oliver Golosino-Sales & marketing Manager of Big 8 Corporate Hotel introduced the panelists. Then it was

MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL

Signing of Memorandun of Understanding. turned-over to the Moderator of the forum, Louie Lapat of PIA. Roxan Obregon, General Manager of Big 8 Corporate Hotel extended her appreciation to all who took part in the launching event of the forum that will continue to be hosted by the hotel, every second Tuesday of every month. This forum, she added, will become an avenue for change in the public information

sector, in which vital issues shall be discussed and addressed in the collective effort for a better-informed public. Appreciation was also merited to the PIA-XI and Tagum City’s Information Office for the partnership in creating this idea into life. Changing the skyline of the City Palms, this 8-storey hotel complex now lords as the tallest building to date. Located

along the national highway, Big 8 Corporate Hotel now welcomes travelers from around the world to experience the service and accommodation that is at par with the other luxury hotels in major cities in the Philippines. This becomes a big boost to the tourism industry of Davao del Norte. Clearly, this forum “Tagum Talk Biz at Big 8” manifests a considerably

noble endeavor bringing together the media, government and the private sector to work together for the greater good. Being ranked by a study from the Asian Institute of Management, as “one of the 20 most viable component cities in the Philippines to do business”, there is really a lot to talk about business & tourism in the succeeding forums of “Tagum Talk Biz at Big 8.”

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

DENR, LGUs, stakeholders sign covenant against illegal logging Two dismissed policemen

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR 11) through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Mati City recently signs a “Stakeholders’ Covenant” with the Local Government Unit of Brgy. Macambol, stakeholders and other partner agencies to curb illegal logging activities within the area. The signing was made during the DENR-initiated Stakeholders’ Forum

held at Brgy. Macambol attended by some members from the LGU, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Asiaticus Mining Corporation (AMCOR) and barangay residents. Mati CENR Officer Alberto N. Bandiola said that the signing of the Covenant signifies the commitment of the DENR and other partners to fight illegal logging activities in their area as well as to re-affirm the

Stakeholders Covenant. Members of the LGU Mati City Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, DENR-XI and other stakeholders sign the covenant to fight illegal logging activities in Brgy. Macambol, Mati City, Davao Oriental. Leading the signing are CENR Officer Alberto N. Bandiola, Police Inspector

dedication of the LGUs to support the Programs and Projects of the DENR. “We are the sole protectors of our natural resources and we at the DENR together with the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police are here to reinforce the law. We will give you guidance on how you, as active members of the community, can protect, preserve and manage our environment,” Bandiola further stressed. Among the undertak-

ings stated in the covenant is for the community to abide by the rules and regulations being enforced by the DENR as well as those prohibitions especially on the cutting, gathering and transporting of forest products; not to involve directly or indirectly on illicit activities pertaining to the degradation of the forests; and, to fully cooperate with and support the DENR in implementing laws, rules and regulations. [DENR 11]

John Leo P. Cuasay of PNP Mati, LGU Mati representative Retired PSupt. Jose Moring, LTC Francisco F. Lorenzo, Jr. of the 28th IP Philippine Army and a representative from the Philippine Coast Guard.

nabbed for selling shabu

HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 has filed multiple charges against two former policemen assigned in Sultan Kudarat province who were earlier arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in General Santos City, an official said Wednesday. Aileen Lovitos, PDEA Region 12 director, identified the suspects as dismissed police officers Kadil Omar Masahod Jr., 34, and Fernando Alim, 59, both previously assigned at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office in Isulan town. The two were nabbed by PDEA operatives inside the Peaceful Lodge along Salvani Street, Block 8, in Barangay City Heights at past 9 p.m. last Monday, she said. Lovitos said the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of selling metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to an agent who posed as a buyer. She said the two yielded two sachets of suspected shabu, a caliber .45 handgun, a P500 marked

money and several drug paraphernalia. “We have long been monitoring the activities of these suspects and we finally cornered them through the buy-bust operation,” she said. Lovitos said they filed complaints for violation of Sections 5, 11, 12 and 26 of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act before the City Prosecutor’s Office against the two suspects. She said Section 5 is for the selling or trading of illegal drugs, Section 11 for possession of dangerous drugs, Section 12 for possession of illegal drug paraphernalia and Section 26 for conspiracy to commit unlawful acts, specifically the selling of illegal drugs. Chief Supt. Charles Calima Jr., Region 12 police director, said the suspects were recently dismissed from service after failing the random drug tests conducted by his office. “These are actually lawless elements disguising as police officers. They have no place in the service,” he said. [PNA]

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDITORIAL

What will make Misuari happy?

HE government sat down with him, listened to him, and proposed to him a peaceful process aimed at a noble ending of bringing peace in Mindanao. It did not work. So what will make Nur Misuari happy? That is the question. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita “Ging” Deles asked the same question on the Moro National Liberation Front’s founding leader has led a group of MNLF warriors in a siege that began Monday in some coastal barangays of Zamboanga City. The government has discussed the peace process with Misuari for several years. Throughout the years, he was accorded special treatment as a negotiator and the government has exhausted all efforts to accommodate his demands. Why in all those efforts, Misuari would simply shrug his shoulder and say he could not sign the agreement, befuddles government negotiators. If only we could read through Misuari’s mind, but it appears now he is not completely talking with the end view of putting closure to the ages-old conflict in Mindanao. It is as good as saying Misuari does not

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seem to be interested in agreeing to a compromise and only makes a lot of excuses just to keep the talks in a standoff. Is Misuari taking us for a ride? We could not say for sure. But this attack of Zamboanga City where blood has been shed and innocent civilians are reportedly used as human shield (although his spokesperson Rev. Absalom Cerveza has denied such a report) betrays serious intent for negotiations. Thousands have trooped to the Zamboanga sports complex to seek refuge. Where is the government’s pronouncement at this point? Is President Aquino not calling a state of emergency in Zamboanga just yet? Isn’t he inclined to call a limited Martial Law in Zamboanga? A lot of questions (as of this writing) are coming out as hours ticked and fear and uncertainty continue to grip the city and the entire country as well. It puzzles us that nothing of urgency is heard from the Commander In Chief of the country’s armed forces. With close to 15,000 people displaced, 12 people killed and 21 injured (as of Wedesday), what does this apparent ‘inaction’ or lack of it means? Is somebody trying to make Misuari happy?

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Baseless quirks and caprices

NRECEPTIVE UNDERTOW– All it takes is to remain reserved and maintaining an upright image does not mean denying either with a smile or shrugging shoulders that there are no intermeshing problems confronting society. It means acknowledging them, then offering potential solutions. In the face of such test, police and military officials in Davao City and the region have yet to demonstrate their mettle. What to do? They should undertake continuing programs related to peace and security that would draw earnest support from the cross-sections in society – academe, students, professionals, workers’ groups and the religious sector. The specific agenda of these programs would indicated the need to inform the people about the continuous “psychological warfare” undertaken by the underground movement using wittingly its so-called legal fronts – left-leaning organizations, student activists, different militant and progressive organizations. At the center of another controversy is the mounting criticism over unsolved crimes, alleged police brutality, military abuses and human rights violations. The deep-rooted issues had been on the boil for quite some time, with the radical groups and leftist instigators – those red flag-waving and placard-bearing people making their grievances heard over and over again in the streets. Still and all, law authorities emphasize that government is exerting all the necessary efforts to address the foremost concern. Top military brass and police officials in the locality noted that the main goal of the government “destabilizers” right now is to stretch out further their improbable demands - short of saying that authorities must kowtow to their baseless quirks and caprices. But most of that seemed to be for their personal consumption, since it was clear that these boisterous groups have engaged in a never-ending smear drive and severely criticizing whoever is steering the levers of

VANTAGE POINTS

power. They also haughtily set lots of condition when demanding from government as if the latter owes them something. Not surprisingly, local police and military authorities took turns in castigating the handiworks of the communist insurgents, which is to lure the marginal sector into believing that they are pro-poor and pro-people. Such move of law authorities would normally spark alarm in the ranks of the underground movement and their associates who are masquerading as members of the oppressed sector. Radical groups, militants and progressive organizations, as a matter of fact, are habitual fault-finders. They are harsh on whoever are the country’s leaders - expecting them to build Camelots in just one click of a finger. One ranking police officer even commented angrily that the much-hyped progressive groups should no longer be called as such instead they should be named “problematic groups,” which is only appropriate with their status in society. We’ve been saying all along that through the years power-obsessed leaders and die-hard members of left-leaning organizations perfected the art of deception. One obvious example is their never-ending complaint over human right abuses committed by police and military personnel against poor and helpless settlers in the rural communities. Sad to lament, though, they are concealing their armed group’s own excesses such as forcible collection of revolutionary tax and human rights abuses against the poor farmers in the hinterland barangays.

Their stage managed move had been expected anyway. These deceptive figures have set the political temperature higher to suit their hidden agendas and vested interests. There are other antagonistic undercurrents, too. Law authorities saw the series of mass protest action and noise barrage organized by different militant groups and fanatical protesters as another maneuver to boost their pro-poor, pro-people stature by taking advantage of the people’s woes. In the eyes of the average Filipinos these suspicious personalities might as well have contributed much to the miseries of the masses. Their ruthless armed personnel persistently collect “revolutionary taxes” from poor farmers and ordinary businessmen, and failure to abide with their rules means stiffer penalty, or worse – even death. What these people are doing actually runs counter to the government’s socio-economic trust and infrastructure development. In simple terms, it’s anti-poor, anti-people and anti-progress and prosperity. A deep sense of disappointment has replaced the promise of a good life and better future and the activities of the underground movement had become very unpopular to the masses and are doomed to fail. The irony is that militant leaders some decades ago and even until now achieved so much less than what it promised to the marginal sector. The new generation of militant leaders and activists just inherited the same ideology and similar lines of arguments – wornout statements, hackneyed phrases and lofty promises. We could only imagine that their previous leaders grew old and had become lonely, almost tragic figures, deeply unpopular, politically spent and increasingly irrelevant. A decade from now, today’s rebel and militant leaders and left-leaning followers must fully understand that a similar fate likewise would happen to them as well.

Making frenemies with Putin

nyone who ever worried that Barack Obama might not be Made in the USA should take comfort from his quintessentially American response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to give temporary asylum to Edward Snowden: pouting. Democratic and Republican presidents alike tend to believe that if other countries don’t act like our “friends,” then they must be our enemies. This attitude creates unrealistic expectations that slow the healing of old injuries, and subverts the potential for a meeting of minds on critical issues — such as Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal. It’s a truism that nations have interests, not friends or enemies. This may sound cynical, but interests act as lighthouses on the rocky shores of foreign policy. In a storm, they help governments distinguish between what they must do to survive, and what they might wish to do if seas were calm. It is deeply in the interest of the United States to engage other countries in umpiring the peace of the world — and thereby make itself less of a target. Russia has an equal interest in helping Syria, its neighbor and ally, out of the messy corner into which President Bashar al-Assad has painted himself. Moscow also needs to contain the

COMMENTARY BY ELIZABETH COBBS HOFFMAN

(1st of two parts) regional damage that could otherwise spill into Putin’s backyard. We can and should work together, letting our interests rather than our passions guide us. History shows that Russia is neither America’s permanent ally nor our permanent enemy. In the 19th century, czarist Russia was the closest thing the United States had to a friend. In the Civil War, it alone of the great powers offered succor to the Union, and shortly afterward Moscow sold Alaska to the United States in preference to Great Britain, which controlled adjacent Canada. In contrast, parliamentary England was the closest thing we had to an enemy at the time. The United States came to blows with Britain in 1812, narrowly averted another fight in 1861 over the Trent Affair, and sued Her Majesty’s government in 1872 for aiding and abetting the Confederacy. How did we overcome the propensity for suspicion and irritation between

Washington and London that dated to the American Revolution of 1776? How might we overcome the same propensity towards conflict with Russia — which dates to the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 and now bedevils cooperation? Time really does mend most wounds. Especially if we don’t pick at them. So it would help if we give trade relations the chance to build an interdependence that is mutually beneficial — as it has been in the past. The United States was extremely protective of its independence from Great Britain for at least 100 years after the Revolution. Anything Britain did that reeked of bossing us around prompted demands for retaliation by both Congress and the White House. Americans were acutely sensitive to British high-handedness and, in the parlance of the times, loved to twist the British Lion’s tail or at least thumb their noses at him whenever possible. In this respect, the farsighted policies of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton are instructive. Despite clashes that led many in Congress to advocate a trade war with Britain in 1789 and a naval showdown in 1794, Hamilton advocated trade relations — and peace — that would allow America to prosper in the long run.

Loss of Pork, loss of rights? MIND DA NEWS BY PATRICIO P. DIAZ

(1st of two parts)

OUSE representatives are evidently considering the loss of their pork, the loss of rights – the right of their constituents so-called to financial assistance and their own right to give that assistance. And they seem bent on salvaging those rights. This was apparent after the House majority had decided to abolish the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) “under the condition that the controversial pork barrel would not be resurrected under a different item or name.” Antipolo Rep. Roberto Puno, head of the National Unity Party, sounded uncompromising: “If we say abolish, it should be abolished.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 6, 2013: Lawmakers grumbling over pork loss) Item 1: Deputy Speaker Sergio Apostol wants congressmen to have a share of the road users’ tax estimated at P12.7 billion annually to compensate the loss. But when told by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson during the House budget hearing that each congressional district is allotted from P10 million to P20 million, he considered it small. Item 2: Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, vice chair of the appropriations committee, said the House of Representatives’ appropriations committee is mulling over a proposal to allow lawmakers to take charge of identifying the limited infrastructure projects that would be provided for in the 2014 General Appropriations Act. Under the proposal, the infrastructure projects identified by the lawmakers would be included in the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways. (PDI, September 9, 2013: Lawmakers insist on right to pick projects) Item 3: Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento, Liberal Party secretary general, agreed that the PDAF would be taken out for good in the national budget. “It will now be up to the executive department to farm out the PDAF allocations to make sure it would get to their intended beneficiaries.” (PDI: Lawmakers grumbling …) Item 4: The lawmakers, Sarmiento said, are concerned that with the abolition of the PDAF they will have no source of funds for “the needs of our poor people, especially those from the provinces” like scholarship and other educational benefits, medical assistance and other health benefits. “We will now leave it to the executive branch, to the line agencies to handle … We’ll give it a try”. What rights are lost? The poor have the right to assistance from the government. On the part of lawmakers, their right to give assistance is defined by and limited to their duty to pass laws. They have the right – in fact the obligation – to legislate programs for the welfare of the people, especially the poor. But they have no right to the funds for the implementation of projects under those programs. The PDAF is anomalously misplaced. PDAF should have been CRF (Congressional Reelection Fund) – what it really is. The abolition of the pork barrel system – named variously in the past – is long overdue. Ruefully, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III for all his vaunted Matuwid na Daan had no plan to abolish the PDAF. He had it funded in the 2014 budget. That he ordered it abolished to co-opt popular outrage but recommended the realignment of the PDAF allocation for projects under line agencies, wittingly or unwittingly, allowing lawmakers to identify projects betrays insincerity – abolishing PDAF but not the pork barrel system.

10 NEWS

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

P137M for electrification in remote South Cotabato communities

ENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 11 Sept) – The national government has allocated an additional P137 million for the electrification of more remote communities in South Cotabato province within the next four months. Santiago Tudio, South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative (Socoteco I) general manager, said Wednesday the funds were specifically set aside for the installation of additional distribution lines and related structures that will facilitate the connection of 137 sitios to the province’s main power grid. He said the National Electrification Administration (NEA) recently

gave its go-signal to the cooperative to start with the implementation of the projects through the national government’s Sitio Electrification Program (SEP). The agency initially allotted P127 million for the SEP’s implementation in 127 sitios in the province but later approved another P10 million to cover 10 more areas, he said. “Each project has a budget of P1 million and the implementation phase was set from September to December,” he said in a media forum. Tudio said the identified projects areas are located within Koronadal City and in seven other municipalities of South

Cotabato, which comprise Socoteco I’s service or franchise area. But he said most of the projects will be implemented in the province’s upper valley area, specifically in the upland areas of T’boli and Lake Sebu towns. The national government had tapped local electric cooperatives as the main implementers of SEP, with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the NEA as supervising agencies. The DOE and NEA initially targeted the energization of 6,000 sitios this year but has increased it to 10,000 on instructions from President Benigno S. Aquino III. (MindaNews)

ATER service will be temporarily cut off for six hours on September 14, 2013 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM in some areas in Buhangin, Sasa and Panacan along C.P. Garcia National Highway specifically: San Nicolas, Sison Subd., St. Jude, Villa Park Subd., Holy Trinity Subd., Buhangin Memorial Park, Saint John Subd., San Isidro, Upper Buhangin, Dragon Compound, Diho Subd., COA Bldg., Ciudad Esperanza, Bahay Pag-ibig Subd., Camp Catitipan, F. Bangoy Int’l. Airport, Sun City, Empress Subd., Vista Verde I & II, Tierra Verde Vill., Bel-air Subd., Crystal Meadow, Landmark Village II, Emi Ville Homes, Doña Caridad Subd., De Guzman Village, Tierra

Niño Village, San Juan Village, Panacan Relocation and portion of Remedios Village. This is to give way for the DCWD’s Operation and Maintenance crew to install the 300mm diameter butterfly cut-in valve to the existing 300mm diameter Mortar Line Cement Coated Steel pipeline near COA Bldg. along C.P Garcia National Highway in Buhangin. Said water cut is a preventive maintenance as part of DCWD’s system upgrading to reduce its non-revenue water. DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado appeals for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the sched-

uled water interruptions as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may call the DCWD trunk line at 221-9400 and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to the latest daily water updates, or contact its call center through the 24-hour hotlines 221-9412, 0927798-8966, 0908-4410653 or 0925-511-3293 for updates, complaints, queries and other matters pertaining to DCWD services. This announcement is also posted on the DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook account ( w w w. fa c e b o o k . c o m / davaocitywaterdistrict).

This was disclosed Wednesday by Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin, who said over RMN-DXRZ-Zamboanga that there is a need to secure the town to avoid a repeat of the February 1974 incident where the MNLFs attacked and burned down Jolo. However, Amin said he doesn’t have any information on the exact location of Misuari in the province of Sulu, which is comprised of 19 municipalities. Amin also said there is a need to secure Jolo since it is the center of trade and commerce aside from being the capital of the province. This, despite information from MNLF commanders that there is no plan to attack the town of Jolo, according to Amin.

The mayor disclosed that he received information the MNLF’s movement is focused in Zamboanga City. He disclosed that there is massing up of MNLF forces in the municipalities of Indanan and Talipao. There are also a lot of MNLF members in Talipao town. Meantime, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Wednesday said that the Notice to Airmen (NoTAM) has been extended up to Thursday night which prohibits commercial airlines from flying in and out of Zamboanga City. According to its Operations Center, Director General William Hotchkiss III approved the extension for security reasons since the ongoing conflict between gov-

ernment security forces and rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members has yet to be resolved. CAAP suspended all flights to and from Zamboanga on Sept. 9 after MNLF forces raided at least five coastal barangays in Zamboanga City and took residents hostage to make them “human shields.” Although the airport is more than three kilometers away from the conflict site, CAAP officials decided to suspend airport operations after stray bullets reportedly reached the runway. At least 10 domestic flights continue to be affected by the suspension order. CAAP said the NoTAM will still depend on the prevailing situation in Zamboanga City. (PNA)

Water service interruption in north areas Sept. 14

AFP... FFROM 1

NEW OFFICE. Atty. Melchor Quitain reports to his new post as the new city administrator after he relinquished his City Councilor seat when Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte offered him the position. Lean Daval Jr.

GPH, MILF assure Zambo standoff won’t derail peace talks; condemn Misuari

ORONADAL CITY (MindaNews/11 September) – The peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have assured the standoff in Zamboanga City would not stall the Mindanao peace process. In a five-paragraph joint statement issued Tuesday night in Kuala Lumpur, both sides condemned the hostilities allegedly instigated by

the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under Nur Misuari, the group’s founding chairman. The government and the MILF resumed Monday peace negotiations, which would last for 10 days, to discuss the two remaining annexes on power sharing and normalization. “The perpetrators must be stopped and held accountable for their acts,” the joint statement said.

The standoff in Zamboanga City, which came after MNLF members loyal to Misuari arrived in some coastal villages of the city reportedly for a “peace rally,” entered its third day Wednesday. Clashes between the government and the MNLF members erupted early Monday, with the former reportedly holding several civilian hostages. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Land Development Inc. for its Elenita Heights Subdivision, Phase IV, located in Catalunan Grande. With the approval of development permit, the company is now authorized to commence land development at the project site. The sub-committee also recommended for approval Uraya’s application for prelim-

inary approval and locational clearance for its high-end Villa de Merceds Subdivision Phase 6 in barangay Marapangi, Toril. The project is a joint venture between Uraya, Kalayaan Broadcasting System, Inc (KBSI) and Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (Anflocor). KBSI and Anflocor own the land while Uraya will be the de-

veloper. Al-ag’s sub-committee also recommended for approval the application for development permit by Johndorf Ventures Corporation for its Portville Davao project located in barangay Sasa. The housing project is considered medium-end as the selling price of a house and lot package is pegged at up to P1.2 million.

anao, and people are just waiting for more concrete ways of doing business in agriculture, and this DATE is it,” she said, adding that they had just come from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore to promote the event in

which these countries have shown great interest in the Davao region’s great potential to be the main source of food for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration. One of the high-

lights of the event will be the plenary sessions on the first day where DA Secretary Proceso Alcala will talk about Golden Opportunities: Policies and Priority Programs in Cacao, Coconut, Coffee, Corn and Cassava.

City...FFROM 2

Trade...FFROM 2

11 ICT HUB

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Apple tailors two new iPhones for world market A

PPLE yesterday unveiled two new iPhones, fielding a slick new top-end model along with one aimed at budget-conscious smartphone shoppers around the world. “The business has become so large that this year we are going to replace the iPhone 5 and we are going to replace it with two new designs,” Apple chief Tim Cook announced at the company’s Silicon Valley headquarters. Apple will begin taking orders on Friday, and on September 20 the two devices will go on sale in the United States, Australia, Britain, China, France, Germany, Japan and Singapore. The iPhone 5C is part Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service DOLORES A. GONZAGA, Petitioner

Case No.2009-XI-00248

of Apple’s bid to counter the flood of low-cost smartphones from rivals, most of which use the Google Android operating system. Apple designer Jony Ive said that despite the lower cost, the polycarbonate iPhone 5C with a steel frame “is beautiful.” The iPhone 5C with 16 gigabytes of memory will start at $99 with a twoyear US carrier contract and $549 without a contract -- $100 less than previous iPhone base models. “The 5C is a no-compromise device,” Gartner analyst Van Baker told AFP after trying out Apple’s new phones. “It is just in a plastic case instead of a metal case, and they basically reduce the price by Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ AIRCONDITIONED Service NOEL B. ANTIOQUIA, Petitioner

Case No.2008-XI-00561

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x NOTICE OF HEARING

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: CABANTIAN ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on July 22, 2014. In the petition filed on August 28, 2013, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ AIRCONDITIONED service on the route: BAGUIO DISTRICT ROUTE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on November 25, 2013. In the petition filed on August 29, 2013, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional day of Director, this 28th August 2013 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

NOTICE OF HEARING

UNVEILED. Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Phil Schiller speaks about the new iPhone 5C during an Apple product announcement at the Apple campus on September 11, 2013 in Cupertino, California. [AFP] the cost of materials.” But Baker said it was an “open question” whether the price cut for the iPhone 5C would be enough to attract customers in emerging markets. “Anyone expecting Apple to come truly down-market with the iPhone 5C was fooling themselves,” said Ovum analyst Tony Cripps.

“The day that happens is the day the company signals that it has run out of headroom for expansion.” Apple would not name its China telecom launch partners, who might step in with subsidies to help push down iPhone prices there. Apple planned a separate press event in China on Wednesday.

The top-line iPhone 5S, which starts at $199 with a contract for US buyers and $649 without one, “is the most forward thinking phone we have ever created,” said Apple vice president Phil Schiller. “It is the gold standard in smartphones.” Schiller said the 5S model includes a speedier chip which puts comput-

ing performance on par with desktop machines. “It has over a billion transistors in it,” he said, adding that the device will be a mobile game lover’s delight with blazing smooth, rich graphics. The 5S will also have some 10 hours of talk time, or 40 hours of music listening, Schiller added. [AFP]

China: Tough punishment for online rumor spreading

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 29th day of August 2013 at Davao City. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

People use computers at an Internet cafe in Changzhi, north China’s Shanxi province . [Reuters]

HINA has unveiled tough measures to stop the spread of what the government calls irresponsible rumors, threatening three years in jail if untrue posts online are widely reposted, drawing an angry response from Chinese internet users. China is in the middle of yet another crackdown on what it terms “online rumors”, as the government tries to rein in social media, increasingly used by Chinese people to discuss pol-

itics, despite stringent censorship. According to a judicial interpretation issued by China’s top court and prosecutor, people will be charged with defamation if online rumors they create are visited by 5,000 internet users or reposted more than 500 times. That could lead to three years in jail, state media reported, citing the judicial document. That is the standard sentence for defamation.

“People have been hurt and reaction in society has been strong, demanding with one voice serious punishment by the law for criminal activities like using the internet to spread rumors and defame people,” said court spokesman Sun Jungong. “No country would consider the slander of other people as ‘freedom of speech’,” Sun said at a news conference, carried live by the People’s Daily website. The interpretation also

set out what is considered a “serious case” of spreading false information or rumors online, including those which cause mental anguish to the subjects of rumors. Other serious cases involve the spreading of false information that causes protests, ethnic or religious unrest or has a “bad international effect”. Users of China’s popular Twitter-like Sina Weibo microblogging site expressed anger about the new rules. [Reuters]

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

MATALAM, NORTH COTABATO

Farmers rise with ‘earth crawlers’ F

ARMERS in Matalam, North Cotabato had turned their trash to cash. Thanks to creepy night crawling earthworms that voraciously transformed their waste into nutrient rich fertilizer. The high-rising cost of commercial chemicalbased fertilizers such as urea and potash in 2004, compelled us to look for cheaper alternative. Good thing that a technician from the Bureau of Soils and Management (BSWM) introduced vermicomposting as a means to produce organic fertilizer,” said Rilzade Santos, PFLA’s vice-president. Ve r m i c o m p o s t i n g a simple yet appropriate technology that can transform volumes of bio-

degradable wastes into nutrient rich fertilizer through propagation of earthworms particularly African Night Crawlers (ANC), a voracious type earthworms which are also most suitable to Philippine climate. Started with only 15 kilos of ANC, the Prolife Farming and Livelihood Association (PFLA) is now producing as high as 5,000 bags of organic fertilizer. Each bag of organically produced fertilizer is sold at P350.00. “It was from BSWM that we learned how earthworms take the waste and turn into a useful product called compost which is considered to be at least five times better that good soil, ” he said

adding that organic fertilizer restores natural fertility of their farms, which are usually planted to corn, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables. Since the association has only 23 members then, they mobilized their community to start-up their organic production project. Farm and households wastes were collected and converted into organic fertilizer through vermicomposting method. Santos said one of the major wastes they have collected was the sugarcane mud press, a residue of the filtration of sugarcane juice from the local sugar mill. It is found to be worthy for maintaining health of plant and soil

DEPENDABLE ALLY. Rizalde Santos, Prolife Farmers Livelihood Association vice-president shows off the African Night Crawler earthworms, their dependable ally in organic fertilizer production. properties and protects the plant from various soil borne diseases. “The sugarcane mud press along with animal manure and other biodegradable waste can provide macro and micro elements that help improve the physical, biological properties of the soil,” Santos said. They have also observed their organically-produced fertilizer improves the water holding capacity of the soil and enables the plant roots to have better access to available nutrients. The above advantages led to increasing their farm output. Palay grown with Prolife organically produced fertilizer yielded as high as 100-105 sacks unlike before when it can only produce 60-70 sacks. It has also increased their sugarcane and vegetable production. As positive results of their organic fertilizer begun to spread and triggered the interest among other farmers, the demand for their product started to increase. “We decided to expand our production and market our product as Prolife Organic Fertilizer. However, lack of financing hampers our capacity to produce on a wider scale,” Santos said. The PFLA then turned to their local agriculture office, which in turn endorsed their proposal for livelihood upgrading to the provincial government. The provincial government then sought the assistance of the Department of Agriculture in Region 12 which enable them to access fund from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). MRDP is a special project of the DA and one of its major components is the Community Fund for Agriculture Development (CFAD), which provides livelihood assistance to small farmers’ associations. The PFLA was able to avail themselves of P500, 000 that was used to establish additional vermicomposting beds, liner and

shifter machines, installation of water and lighting facility and a multipurpose hauling cab. “The funds we have availed ourselves of from MRDP has realized our plan to upgrade our production of organically-produced fertilizers,” Santos said. He said additional beds enabled them to produce more vermicast and organic compost. The sifter machine has doubled their production from 30-50 sacks at least 100 sacks a day. The liner or sealer did not only hasten packing of their product but also enhanced the packaging making it as competitive as those produced in commercial companies. “Before we only tie the sacks with plastic twine which is not only tedious but also unappealing. With the liner, we can immediately packed each sacks and improved our packaging,” Santos said. Through fairs and exhibits, their organicallyproduced fertilizers is now slowly gaining prominence and expand its market not only within North Cotabato but also in Compostela Valley province, Davao Oriental and even as far as Bacolod City where they have linked with the sugarcane planters in Negros Occidental. Santos said as the demand for organically produced food products are gaining prominence, the demand for their fertilizer also increases. He said they are taking regular orders from banana and sugarcane plantations that are into organic farming. “We are glad that through the help of DAMRDP and our provincial government we were able to upgrade our facilities and keep up with the demand from organic farms,” Santos said. He said of all the livelihood projects they have availed themselves of, it is only the vermiculture and organic fertilizer production that has grown, sustained and continually expanded. [Noel T. Provido/DA-MRDP]

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 â&#x20AC;˘THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 13

EDGEDavao

Serving a seamless society

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Experienced Sales Agent, Advertisement Canvasser wanted for

COMPASS Advertising Magazine on freelance basis

Excellent daily Allowance plus exceptional Commission

Apply to: Jurgen 0920 661 7492 compassdavao@gmail.com

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- Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field. - Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

14 CLASSIFIEDS There’s a better way to get attention.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDavao Gensan Partners

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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.

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Wine and dine with class at Hola España

THIS here needs no introduction. The name alone exudes greatness; much like a diamond amidst the dark night sky. Locals and foreigners alike know that Hola España at the Damosa Gateway is simply better than the best! Step inside and feel the warm embrace of Spain even before you savour their delectable dishes that will surely make you believe in heaven on earth. One rule though, do not be intimidated—be hungry, instead. The restaurant houses a cellar of the finest red and white wines that welcomes you as you step in. Aside from that, it too stores bottles of Chardonnay and crispy Champagne bottled and produced by the owners themselves. All wines are imported from France thus; you can expect high-

class taste suitable for you. If wine is not your cup of tea, then have some imported beers that also pairs palatably with all of their classy dishes. Just have to ask for their menu

Tomato, zucchini and shrimp pasta.

Outside Hola Espana. and choose amongst the many available brands. Before you start ordering, a basketful of melba toasts is served to have you started in your gastronomical dining. The taste is pure and simply amazing – for a slice of bread, that is. Choosing from their extensive menu is indeed a task so hard, it could leave you craving and yearning for all that is there. However, you need not worry as I take you in a gastronomical journey with their best sellers. Do not say I did not warn you, though. Pasta is a plentiful at this side of the metro. Their Zucchini, Tomato and Shrimps Pasta is the lightest and healthiest pasta that will certainly leave you speechless. The mixture of fresh tomatoes and juicy zucchini gives this dish its ‘zing’ thus making you crave for more. Paired with wine, this is a full dining experience on its own. Ask for the Pizzeria Michaelangelo menu though, the pasta is from their loot. Hungry for chicken? If yes, then try their Chicken Al Horno -- whole roasted chicken cut into pieces

Hola Espana’s Paella de Mariscus. and served with scrumptious drippings with olives and parsley. The chicken pieces are crunchily delicious but with its drippings, another level of goodness makes it more interestingly appetizing. Share this with family and friends and you will never look at chicken the same way again. Their Paella de Mariscus is a plateful of the freshest seafood finds in town. The mixture of flavours encourages the palate to crave for more thus FWINE, A4 Ms. Rose and her elite team.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

CEB to fly 2nd A330 to Cebu, Hong Kong THE Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) took delivery of its 2nd brand-new Airbus A330 aircraft last September 5, 2013. The 436-seater aircraft will be utilized in select flights to Cebu and Hong Kong from September 16 to October 4, 2013. On these dates, CEB will mount an additional Manila-Cebu-Manila service (5J 8553/8580), departing Manila at 10am and departing Cebu at 12:30pm. Similarly, CEB’s ManilaHong Kong-Manila flights 5J 118/119 will be upgraded from a 180-seater Airbus A320 to an A330 aircraft. “Cebu Pacific is proud to continue offering flights on the lowest fares, utilizing the newest aircraft. Our 2nd brandnew Airbus A330 aircraft from Toulouse, France not only increases the number of seats available to Hong Kong and Cebu, but also features Airbus’ fuel-saving technology that allows us to keep our fares low,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog. Starting October 7, 2013, CEB will utilize its Airbus A330 aircraft on direct daily Manila-Dubai flights, its first long-haul service. Meanwhile, CEB further strengthens its domestic network with more flights from Manila to Dumaguete (additional Monday, Thursday frequency) and to Roxas (additional Friday, Sunday frequency). This is from September 16 to October 4, 2013, using a 156-seater Airbus A319 aircraft. From September 24, 2013, CEB adds an additional weekly frequency between Iloilo and Hong Kong, now offering a total of three weekly flights. CEB pioneered international flights out of Iloilo late last year, with direct services to both Hong Kong and Singapore. In October, CEB also adds three weekly flights between Cebu and Zamboanga, and upgrades its four weekly flights from Manila to Virac from a 72-seater ATR to an Airbus A319 aircraft. “Cebu Pacific’s expansion means more flight options and low fares available to our guests. It is always rewarding for us when these additional flights and seats contribute to the tourism and trade in the destinations we fly to,” Iyog added. For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.

Globe, PLDT activate landline interconnection in Davao del Norte GLOBE TELECOM said the local interconnection in Davao del Norte between its landline service, Globelines, and the Philippine Long Distance Co. has been commercially activated, allowing subscribers of both service providers to call each other without additional charges. The development will allow landline customers of both Globe and PLDT to realize substantial savings as they no longer have to pay for long distance charges when calling one another. Prior to the commercial activation of the interconnection, landline customers of both Globelines and PLDT were charged with long distance rate amounting to P5.00 per minute. With the commercial availability of the interconnection, Globe subscribers can simply dial the seven-digit telephone number to connect with PLDT and vice-versa. “We are delighted to announce that through collaboration and cooperation with competition, the company’s subscribers will have greater access to telecommunications and vice-versa. We are hoping that we will able to establish the same kind of collaboration in other areas of the country,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Head of Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group. Such cooperation between the two companies is in line with the compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers under Republic Act 7925 which aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers. Globe and PLDT are also working on similar arrangements in Pangasinan, Zambales and Davao del Sur, Misamis Occidental and Ilocos Norte.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

FOOD

Seafood overload at Seafood Delight

DAVAO CITY is located beside a warm and abundant gulf and it is this proximity to the sea that gives Davao and visiting guests some of the freshest seafood one can taste. Of course given the bountiful catch, many restaurants specialising on seafood have recently sprouted up in the metro. Given a heads-up by my friend Joel M., I made my way to The Seafood Delight Restaurant, a restaurant owned by his friend Xylon Zein “Pepot” Diaz along Maya Street at Ecoland (right besides John Paul II College) to taste some of the dishes. Fresh from his stint as a Demi Chef in Singapore and on cruise ships that travelled the world, Pepot opened The Seafood Delight Restaurant to share his love for great fish dishes as well as some local favourites and I was lucky enough to be able to sample a few of his best selling dishes. To get the ball rolling, I tasted The Seafood Delight’s version of Ceasar Salad. Gone is the chicken breast and instead Pepot’s version of the much-familiar salad used shrimp instead which added some crunch and pop-in the mouth flavour to a classic dish. A rich and creamy seafood linguini followed after the salad. The bounty of Davao’s seas are well highlighted by sauce which had a hint of white wine and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon and some salty parmesan. I could have finished the entire plate were it not for the arrival of the next dish, The Seafood Delight’s Sizzling Seafood Paella.

We all know what makes a good paella is the quality of the ingredients used, what makes a great paella is the “tutong” the toasted bits of rice that are toasted on the sides of the pan that add a layer of texture to the dish, and do I love tutong! Pepot explains that serving the paella on a hot plate ensures that there is a proper tutong crust on the plate that paella lovers look for. I can also see the generous amount of fresh seafood which he uses to cook as well as use for the dish’s beautiful presentation. Of course you cannot expect salmon ice cream for dessert (I cringe and at the same time wonder on the idea), but The Seafood Delight does have a rich Choco Lava Cake that is served ala Mode. The cake is not too sweet and is a real lava cake that actually oozes out dark chocolate once you dig into it which is the perfect end to a good meal. Follow me on Instagram and on Twitter for travel tips, foodie finds and happening in, around and beyond Durianburg.

Affordable and crispy Fried Fish Fingers.

Sizzling Seafood Paella.

Service with a smile at Seafood Delight Restaurant.

Delicious and fresh Seafood Ceasar Salad.

Rich Choco Lava Cake ala Mode. Rich and creamy Seafood Linguini.

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Andi charms afternoon TV viewers as halfsnake vixen ‘Galema’ “GALEMA’ is an exciting series that will keep afternoon viewers awake.” This was the promise made by ‘Master Storyteller’ and box-office director Wenn V. Deramas in the nearing premiere of his television masterpiece, “Galema: Anak ni Zuma” starring Kapamilya actress Andi Eigenmann. “Galema: Anak ni Zuma” is a special offering of ABS-CBN--the true home of hit Pinoy classics--to afternoon TV viewers as part of the grand celebration of 60 years of Philippine television and the continuing tradition of sharing well-loved komiks tales that widened the imagination and reflected the true Filipino culture. Based on the longestrunning Pinoy komiks series written by Jim Fernandez, “Galema: Anak ni Zuma” is an extraordinary tale about family and love. It will revolve around the life of a good-

hearted young lady named Galema (Andi) who was born with twin snakes attached to her neck, a curse that she inherited from her beastly father Zuma. How far will an extraordinary lady go to win the love of her family and earn the respect of the people around her? Joining Andi in “Galema: Anak ni Zuma” are Matteo Guidicelli, Meg Imperial, Sunshine Cruz, Sheryl Cruz, Carlos Mo-

rales, Divina Valencia, Lito Legaspi, and introducing Derick Hubalde as Zuma. Discover the captivating charm of “Galema: Anak ni Zuma,” to premiere on September 16 (Monday), after “It’s Showtime” in ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For more updates about “Galema: Anak ni Zuma,” visit the show’s official social networking sites: Facebook.com/ galemaofficial and Twitter.com/galemaofficial

Alden Richards on the cover of this year’s Cosmo Men! GMA Network and GMA Artist Center congratulate one of its prime leading men, Alden Richards, for being hailed as one of this year’s hottest 69 Cosmo Bachelors.

Known for his handsome looks and undeniable talent, Alden admits that it’s an honour to be part of Cosmo’s coveted list of bachelors. “I am happy and excited. It’s my first time to be on the cover of Cosmo Men and I’m blessed that Summit Media and Cosmopolitan Magazine gave me their trust to be one of the covers.” Last year, the sought after Kapuso star was one of the Cosmo Centerfolds and further captured the hearts of the Cosmo girls as he showed his winsome smile and toned form at the Cosmo Bachelors Bash 2012. This September 24, the young heartthrob will once again hit the Cosmo ramp along with

OTJ 2D Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson R 16

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

NO ONE LIVES 2D Luke Evans, Adelaide Clemens R 18

the country’s hottest bachelors in a ‘show-off’ of stunning form and physique. As preparation for the anticipated event, he currently undergoes a strict diet and workout schedule. When asked about how a lady could win his

heart, he says “Just be natural and she doesn’t need to fake anything just to get my attention”. Other men who made it to the magazine’s 69 bachelors’ list include Kapuso stars Aljur Abrenica, Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo.

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS CITY OF BONES 2D Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower PG 13

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

R-16 ELYSIUM 2D Matt Damon, Jodie Foster PG 13

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

A4 INdulge! FOOD

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Wine...FFROM A1

Savoury Chicken Al Horno. allowing you to a sensical pleasure of luscious flavours. In addition, the acidity of the lemon takes this all time favorite Spanish meal to a whole new level. Order this and you’ll be on your seconds before you know it. If fish is what you want, then order their Pesce al Cartoccio. Imagine opening a present on your birthday and seeing a mouthwatering fish fillet broiled to perfection and seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, oil and olives appear before you – amazing, isn’t it? This feel good dish lets you explore your palate all together. Believe me! If that is not enough, then head to Hola España at the Damosa Gateway and experience all the good things with your family and friends. It is about time to get yourself acquainted with food that is historically rich and aromatically transforming. Muchismias gracias to Ms. Rose and Ms. J for the accommodation and the kitchen demo. In addition, to their team of exemplary culinary geniuses for allowing us inside their kitchen and letting us witness how they turn ordinary raw ingredients into

The executive chef and his masterpiece. works of art! Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. If you are interested, then email me at bffsa457@gmail.com or visit www.chefroyale.com for more recipes. Happy Cooking!

Popping Luillier Champagne and Chardonnay to celebrate the good life.

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 6 ISSUE 129 •THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Floyd admits handpicking foes H

OLLYWOOD – Floyd Mayweather says his undefeated record has been partly built on the backs of handpicked opponents who didn’t always provide the toughest fights but did help him become the world’s best paid athlete. “Sometimes they say, ‘Well, Floyd Mayweather’s opponents was handpicked.’ That’s a good thing,” Mayweather said during a conference call

with reporters to hype Saturday’s world title fight against Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. “I commend my team … when I sit back and I think about my career, I say ‘you know what? I had a cool career. I didn’t take any punishment’. “If they say these guys were handpicked, they was handpicked to make $40 and $50 and $60 million, then you know what? Keep handpicking them. If they’re going to keep

FLOYD MAYWEATHER. I had a cool career, picking my opponents.

paying, keep handpicking them.” Mayweather, who Forbes magazine lists as the world’s highest paid athlete, has been criticized for dodging a potential mega fight with Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao. The two have tried several times over the past few years to get the deal done for what would likely be the most lucrative fight in boxing history. But each time

US GOES TO WORLD CUP Americans blank Mexico 2-0 to book WC stint

OLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- For more than two hours, the red-whiteand-blue-clad crowd stood and sang ‘’Dos a cero! Dos a cero!’’ over and over and over. And 2-0 it was. The United States clinched its seventh straight World Cup appearance, getting second-half goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan on Tuesday night for the now traditional 2-0 home qualifying win over Mexico. ‘’It’s become its own monster. People want to come to Columbus and see U.S.-Mexico. It’s almost like the mecca really for us,’’ goalkeeper Tim Howard said. ‘’You almost feel like it’s our destiny to win here.’’ Noisy American fans stood and sang in Columbus Crew Stadium starting 1 1/2 hours before kickoff, and about 1,000 stayed for an hour after the final whistle. The U.S. needed a win or a tie from Honduras against Panama to clinch with two games to spare, and the American supporters watched on the videoboard as the Catrachos held on for a 2-2 draw.

NUTMEG. Mexico’s Hector Moreno (right) shoots the ball past the United States’ Jermaine Jones during the first half of a World Cup qualifying soccer match Tuesday (Sept. 10) in Columbus, Ohio.

Messi scores brace as Argentina books WC

SUNCION – Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina booked their place at the World Cup with a 5-2 thrashing of Paraguay on Tuesday. Argentina captain Messi struck a penalty in each half as the South American giants made sure of their place at next year’s finals in Brazil in emphatic fashion. The Argentines — missing four of their first-choice XI through suspension — had only needed a point in the Paraguayan capital to be certain of qualification. But Alejandro Sabella’s side demonstrated why they are likely to be regarded as one of the

teams to beat in Brazil by tearing into the home team from the whistle. Messi fired them ahead from the penalty spot on 12 minutes only for Paraguay to equalise through Jose Nunez six minutes later. Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero restored Argentina’s lead on 32 minutes, shrugging off two markers before rifling past Roberto Fernandez to make it 2-1. Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria extended Argentina’s lead soon after half-time, sweeping forward on a lightning-fast counter attack and coolly steering a low shot beyond Fernandez on 50 minutes.

Argentina earned a second penalty moments later when Salustiano Candia was harshly adjudged to have fouled Messi in the area. Messi duly dusted himself down and blasted in his second goal of the night to make it 4-1. Paraguay veteran Roque Santa Cruz struck a late consolation goal for the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists but Maxi Rodriguez hit back for Argentina in the dying minutes to make it 5-2. Elsewhere Tuesday, second place Colombia missed their chance to clinch qualification after crashing 2-0 to Uruguay in Montevideo.

Malditas dump Indonesia 6-0 T

HE Philippine national women’s football team made a big splash to open its campaign, thrashing Indonesia, 6-0, in the 2013 ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship Tuesday at the Thuwunna Youth Training Center Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. Joana Houplin bagged a hat trick with three goals to lead the way for the Malditas. Camille Wilson, Heather Cooke and Marisa Park also scored one goal apiece for the Filipinos, who pulled away in the

second half. The Malditas got things going after Houplin scored an early goal at the seventh minute, which they maintained through the halftime break. All hell broke loose for the Filipinos to open the second half, with a second goal from Houplin at the 47th minute. They followed it with shots by Wilson at the 52nd minute, Houplin at the 74th minute and Cooke at the 80th minute before Park capped the rout with a goal at the 86th minute.

The Malditas will face a big test in their next game as they take on the Under-23 squad of football powerhouse Japan, one of the guest teams in the tournament, on Thursday. They will also face host Myanmar and Laos to complete their matches in Group B. The top two teams from the bracket will advance to the knockout stages to face the best two squads in Group A, which features the Australia’s U-19 squad, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia and defending champion Vietnam.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.66ISSUE ISSUE129 129• THURSDAY, • THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER12, 12,2013 2013

AAK Inter-Club Karatedo tourney set

INDANAO’S promising karatekas take baby steps towards bigger competitions by taking

part in the 2013 Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Inter-Club Karatedo AgeGroup and Seniors Cham-

pionships on Sept. 28 at the 5th floor of the Gaisano Grand Citimall here. Former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)

BREAKING MESSI. A defender slides through the ball stripping Leo Messi of Argentina during the Argentina-Paraguay qualifiers. Messi scored two goals as the Argentines won 2-0 and booked a World Cup stint. (Story on page 15)

commissioner Leon “Binggoy” Montemayor will be the guest of honor in the tournament opening along with sports pa-

tron Regino “Boy” Cua. AAK Davao chief Rommel Tan announced the staging of the tournament which will serve as

a prelude to bigger karatedo competitions lined up for the year including the Adidas International Cup in Manila, an international event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month and the World Cup in Manila in January which the AAK has been designated as host by the world karatedo body. The 21st KOI Karate World Cup will be held on January 13-19 possibly at the SM Mall of Asia. “We are expecting the best of various clubs in Manila to take part in this tournament and we invite everyone to personally witness how our tournament is being staged” said Tan, who has managed to conduct karatedo tournaments in the city with or without government support. Expected to see action are the Shorin Chi of Davao City; Comatcom of Davao del Norte; SSKC of Bukidnon; RDWCE Karatedo of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Cagayan de Or;, Magsaysay Polytechnic College of General Santos City; Notre Dame GenSan; Panabo Traditional of Oanabo City; Tagum City; and host AAK Davao.