VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 SOLID SUPPORTERS. Supporters of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wave flags while chanting his name during a Duterte for President campaign rally along Ponciano Reyes Street yesterday. The mayor himself was in Tondo, Manila for his proclamation rally. Lean Daval Jr.
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www.edgedavao.net
EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society
DUTERTE STARTS HISTORIC RUN D AVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte began his historic journey yesterday in one of the least likely places in the country: Tondo, Manila. A crowd of around 10,000 gathered to witness the proclamation of Duterte, who is running for President along with running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Duterte is the first serious candidate for President from Mindanao in 50 years. He brings with him his decades of experience in local government, having led Davao City from a violent past to one of the most peaceful and progressive cities in the country.
Tondo, in contrast, is where migrants from the Visayas and Mindanao start their dream for a better life in seeking green pastures in the capital upon arriving at the Port of Manila. “Tondo has become their symbol for a hopeful journey for change. Unfortunately, Tondo mirrors the squalor, the neglect by government, the disparity between rich and poor that characterize the state of our nation,” Duterte Media Group Head Peter Laviña said in a statement prior to the proclamation of Duterte and Cayetano. “This is where we aim to
start a new beginning for our country and our people. This campaign is not just to seek mandates or to win votes, but most importantly, to empower our citizenry and bring back to our people the power and the capacity for change; to hope for a better life, a better Philippines,” Laviña said. He said the campaign will be “very modest but creative consistent with our limited resources.” “Our main goal is to reach out to the greatest number of our voters in the country and abroad utilizing all forms of mass media, social media and traditional communications,”
he said. During the rally, Duterte and Cayetano presented their platform of government, incorporating local situations and addressing these issues at different levels, at different sectors, at different regions. These are anchored on ending crime and corruption, increasing social services, promoting economic growth through regional development, building peace, and re-engineering the government system to be responsive to the needs of the citizenry with equality before the law. In Davao City, a local proc-
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ALL QUIET. The session hall of the Sangguniang Panlungsod is covered with silence due to the early adjournment of the regular session as the city councilors are scheduled to fly to Manila yesterday morning to attend the proclamation rally of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte in Tondo. Lean Daval Jr.
Encounters erupt anew in Southern Mindanao
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NITS under the 10th Infantry Division engaged New People’s Army rebels in Compostela Valley and Davao Occidental provinces over the weekend. The weekend clashes followed a series of encounters between the military and the NPA in Compostela Valley last February 3 where three soldiers were killed and three others were wounded, an Army official said. In a text message to MindaNews, Capt. Rhyan B. Batchar, 10ID public affairs chief said the first encounter
happened at around 5 a.m. on Saturday and lasted 15 minutes. Batchar said Bravo Company of the 73rd Infantry Battalion clashed with the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 71 in the Far South Mindanao Region covering Jose Abad Santos town in Davao Occidental and Glan town in Sarangani Province. On same day, another 15-minute encounter took place at 2:30 p.m. in Sitio Binotaan, Brgy. Kingking, Pantukan in Compostela Valley when soldiers chanced upon members
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In Binondo, Duterte, Cayetano feast over pancit , pan de sal with residents
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RESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte and his vice presidential running mate Alan Peter Cayetano surprised some residents of Binondo Tuesday dawn when the tandem made a quick stopover to share some midnight snacks with them. Over plates pancit canton, salted eggs and pan de sal, Duterte and Cayetano promised to end the misery of Filipinos living in conditions of poverty. The stopover signaled the official start of the 90-day campaign. “Magandang umaga ho sa inyong lahat (Good morning to all),” Duterte greeted the residents as he walked through an alley, shaking the hands of everyone around. The tandem listened to
the complaints of the residents and discussed their political agenda with them. The lively exchange was followed by the hearty midnight snack. A fish vendor, 52-year-old Rosalia Manalang, said she was happy with Duterte and Cayetano’s visit. “Gusto talaga namin makita si mayor at marinig kung ano ang plano nya para sa aming mga mahihirap,” said Manalang, who is from Maasin, Leyte, Duterte’s hometown. “Sobrang hirap ng buhay dito. Kahit na anong uri ng pagsusumikap, kahit na anong uri ng trabaho na ang sinubukan namin, hirap na hirap pa rin kami.” Duterte’s proclamation rally was still hours away in an event scheduled at nearby
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Paolo defends Council on CLUP amendment By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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abf@edgedavao.net
AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte yesterday defended the decision of the City Council to amend a provision of Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) removing the additional 10 percent green space in housing subdivisions. In his Facebook page, Paolo said the amendment does not mean that subdivisions will no longer have green spaces. “The homeowners’ associations can devote 20 percent
of the existing 30 percent open space (to green space),” he said. He said open spaces in real estate developments are usually used by the homeowners’ associations not only for their clubhouses or open grounds but also for greening purposes. Besides, he said, the cost of implementing the additional 10 percent of the total area for green space will be absorbed by future homeowners. Paolo said he can assure environment groups that the
Council will not undermine environmental considerations “as we all know that the City is replete with ordinances which protect the environment.” Paolo said the city needs to balance sustainable development and environment protection for the people of the city. Earlier, Ecoteneo director Mylai Santos said environment groups want Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to veto the amended ordinance due to procedural lapses since the Council did not follow the provision that
before any changes the Local Zoning Review Committee (LZRC) should be convened first. She said environment groups in the city had already sent a letter to Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte requesting the mayor to veto the amendment. Santos said the groups also want to explain to Duterte that the 10 percent green space is different from the 30 percent open space intended for road access, drainage outlets, and services.
tion in the island. Duazo said based on the report of the Department of Energy (DOE), around 18 transmission towers have been bombed since last month. “Very timely na mo abutay na ang election (It’s very timely because the election is coming). It seems like they are creating a scenario for a failure of elections here in Mindanao,” she said. Duazo said it appears that the current administration “is
maneuvering it just to stay in its power.” “Dapat ma alarma ta ani (We should be alarmed about this),” she said. Duazo said the people should pressure the government to fix the power crisis in Mindanao as soon as possible. Earlier, NGCP spokesperson lawyer Cynthia Alabanza said President Benigno Aquino gave a deadline to all concerned agencies especially in the power sector to solve the
problem on or before the election in May. Alabanza said the NGCP is faced with a variety of problems, including the bombings of towers since December, vegetation within the area, and the right of way (ROW) of the transmission lines. During last week’s Principals’ Meeting of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) held in Davao City, Energy Secretary Zenaida Y.
Poll watchdog wants power problem solved before election
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LECTION watchdog Kontra Daya-Southern Mindanao urged the national government to resolve the power problem in Mindanao before election day on May 9. Speaking in last Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex, Kontra Daya-Southern Mindanao and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan spokesperson Sheena Duazo said the power situation in Mindanao is alarming because it could lead to failure of elec-
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EDGEDAVAO
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Rody saddened by Seneres’death By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO
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njb@edgedavao.net
RESIDENTIAL candidate Rodrigo Duterte is saddened by the untimely demise of Rep. Roy Señeres who only last week backed out from the presidential race. Duterte offered his condolences to the family of Señeres, who died of cardiac arrest Monday morning. According to an official statement from his camp, Duterte said he is deeply saddened by the passing of a man “whose primary agenda was to protect the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers and their families and to provide better working conditions for local
HAPPY NEW YEAR. Students perform the lion and dragon dance, a traditional Chinese dance which believed to drive away bad spirits, during the Chinese New Year celebration of The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Monday night. Lean Daval Jr.
DSWD warns candidates vs using 4Ps for own ends By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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abf@edgedavao.net
HE Department of Social Welfare District (DSWD) 11 yesterday said no candidates are allowed to use the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for their political advancement in this year’s national and local election. In an interview with EDGE Davao, DSWD 11 4Ps information officer Sheryll Fernandez said the beneficiaries were told that no politi-
cians can remove their names from the list if they do not vote for a certain politician. Fernandez also said no politicians can add names as beneficiaries if they win the election. “Kung naa may mga politicians, mga kandidato for public office na manghulga or manggamit sa programa... Kung mapamatud-an man naay mga ana na kaso magbuhat kita og incident re-
Monkeys beg for food on Maguindanao road
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AS the long dry spell or El Niño phenomenon affected even monkeys? On Monday afternoon, some 20 monkeys that looked hungry were seen begging for food from motorists and locals on the highway of this town. Among the motorists was a certain Mr. Aranias, a government employee who was passing by aboard a motorcycle with his son and daughter. They stopped for a while, pulled out some pandesal (bread), and gave it to the monkeys. Other monkeys were seen on top of coconut trees harvesting young fruits to eat. “They come closer to people now, so we give them food and take photos of them,” Aranias said. “Clearly, they are asking for food... they don’t attack humans but we are careful, my children were glad to see them,
so rare at this time,” he said. Residents noted that the sighting of the monkeys coincided with the Lunar New Year, the start of the Year of the Fire Monkey, according to Chinese belief. But Aranias said he shared food not because he was expecting something in return as New Year blessing but because “they are endangered species, it is rare to see them here. It’s up to the Almighty to bless us on what we do on earth.” He said he hopes the government would protect these animals. “Lately they are seen on the highway. Before they stayed up there (mountains) and never came close to humans,” Kagi Ali, a resident nearby said. The animals, including their offspring, were seen crisscrossing the highways unmindful of speeding vehicles.
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ports para atong i-submit sa Comelec (Commission on Elections) and also sa DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) (If there are politicians or candidates for public office who threaten or use the program... If we find that there is a case we will make an incident report and we will submit to Comelec and DILG),” she said. She said the DSWD has assigned social workers in the
barangays and to the municipalities who will monitor the program implementation. “If the politician will use the program and its beneficiaries for his or her political advancement, sanctions will be slapped on them if found guilty,” she said. She also assured the public that the program will not be used to manipulate voters even if the candidate is an in-
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workers.” “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Rep. Señeres as they mourn over his untimely death,” Duterte said. “We are with you in this time of grief and difficult time.” Duterte and Señeres shared a common position against contractualization in the workplace, giving importance on security in the labor sector. Like Duterte, Señeres also went to San Beda College for his Bachelor of Laws. They also belong to the same fraternity, Lex Talionis Fraternitas.
Volunteers in calamity areas to get incentives
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OLUNTEERS may soon receive financial, medical and other non-pecuniary benefits during typhoon, earthquake, fire, and other disasters or calamity. “Volunteer responders deserve to be rewarded by financial, medical and or other non-pecuniary benefits as a way to retain them for such emergency, disaster or calamity services, natural or man-made,” Rep. Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City) said. Castelo cited the cases of volunteers who died and wounded while rescuing people during typhoons and fire. He said the country is prone to disasters, calamities or emergencies that threaten limbs and lives of the people.
“When such phenomenon, man-made or natural, strikes, not few individuals or families are affected, become victims, get injured and suffer socio-economic dislocation which may be temporary or even permanent,” he said. Castelo authored House Bill 5658 which grants incentives to the volunteers in recognition of their unique role of providing timing and actual services of saving people from harm or possible death from disasters, calamities and other emergencies. He said the proposed Volunteer Responders Incentives Protection Act hopes to retain the services of the volunteers and encourage others to render selfless services to the country and the people in times of emergencies.
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OVERSIZED. A young boy tries to fit a pair of used running shoes while his mother takes a nap at a sidewalk along R. Magsaysay Avenue yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO
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Davao City bags Gawad Listahanan T
MONKEY BRIDGE. Tourists cross the monkey bridge for fun and adventure at the Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental. The trees surrounding the falls have recovered from the devastation wrought by super typhoon Pablo in December 2012. The area has been developed and is now a favorite tourist destination. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO
DOLE 12: Emergency jobs offered victims of El Niño
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HE Department of Labor and Employment in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOLE 12) is offering emergency employment for farmers affected by El Niño. DOLE 12 regional director Ofelia Domingo said the department is collaborating with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for the identification of farmers who are badly hit by the ongoing dry spell. These farmers will be given temporary jobs under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), “NIA has already provided a preliminary list of farmers who are most affected by the
El Nino. I have also ordered the DOLE provincial heads to coordinate with local government units that are hard-hit by the El Nino phenomenon for a possible partnership for implementation of emergency employment,” Domingo said. Initially, 1,000 jobs are being opened for El Niño victims in North Cotabato, including the municipalities of Mlang, Tulunan, and Kabacan, she said. Domingo also announced that for the El Niño emergency employment, DOLE 12 will shoulder 100 percent of the wages of the beneficiaries. In regular DILEEP partnerships, DOLE only pays 40 percent of
the salary. “We have already requested the DOLE Central officer to exempt the LGUs from the sharing scheme considering the situations of these LGUs because of the El Nino,” she said. Under the DILEEP collaboration, LGUs are supposed to pay 60 percent of the wages of the workers. The LGU also determines the job. In previous emergency employment activities, jobs included road repairs, cleanup of water canals, anti-dengue drives, and construction of day care centers. Workers could work for at least 10 days and will be paid
Environmentalists web to save city’s green spaces
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NVIRONMENTALISTS and concerned citizens have taken to the internet in a bid to save green spaces in Davao City which will be affected by the amendment to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Last January 26, the City Council passed on third and final reading an amendment to the CLUP which takes out the provision of a mandatory 10 percent green space imposed on housing developers. These spaces are earmarked specifically for parks and gardens. The amendment incorporates the 10 percent green spaces to the 30 percent allocation for open spaces, which is set for roads, drainage and common facilities. The Green Davao Coalition, a group of different en-
vironment groups and concerned citizens, launched a signature drive which aims to gather 10,000 signatories to move for the veto of the amendment. The coalition has taken to the internet, particularly social media, to reach more signatories. The petition is posted in Change.org and has reached 220 signatures so far. A petition authored by Dabawenya science journalist and digital activist Julia Jasmine Sta. Romana and posted at the Dakila website has about 394 signatures. Hard copy signatures have more than 1,000 signatories. Sta. Romana cited tangible benefits the city would derive from these green spaces. “Trees planted in these spaces
would contribute to cleaner air which means healthier people… These spaces also act as catch basins for rains and natural windbreakers. Parks also provide avenues of socialization for people and also green spaces help raise property values,” she said. “Just this week it was announced that UNESCO has chosen Davao City to be the pilot site for sustainability science projects. And for the past few years Davao City has been experiencing the worst flooding and heat wave in decades. So it baffles my mind as to why the council decided to vote on cutting back on the creation of green spaces.” Sta. Romana wrote in her petition. Meanwhile, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said in a statement that the open
P275 per day based on Wage Order XII-18 of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. Apart from the emergency employment, DOLE 12, through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 12 has identified 46 El Niño victims who will undergo skills training as scholars. They will be provided training allowance and kits to start their own livelihood. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the dry spell could last until June. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
HE city government of Davao was named 2015 Regional Gawad Listahanan winner by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here. As the department’s data sharing partner and advocate of targeting social protection beneficiaries, Davao City was recognized for its program of increasing access to reproductive health services through the Listahanan database. DSWD said through its City Health Office (CHO) and City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), Davao City has aggressively embarked on No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) and Bi-Tubal Ligation (BTL) as permanent options in reproductive health and population control. “We constantly advocate these programs during Family Development Sessions (FDS) of the parent beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to popularize the programs and further enhance parents’ knowledge and skills in parenting,” City Population Division Officer Jeffrey Fuentes said. Fuentes said Davao is the lone city that provides these programs regularly to Listahanan-identified poor families, giving importance to Family Planning. “With this, we were able to appreciate the potential of Listahanan data as reference in prioritizing individuals in the provision of health services specifically on reproductive health,” he said. CHO covers the 382 barangays in Davao City and reaches out to other provinces and cit-
Diwalwal mining site being eyed for tourism
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HE Mt. Diwata Mining Reservation Area is being eyed as a tourism
spaces used in real estate developments are not only for clubhouses or open grounds but also for greening purposes. “If we rub the enforcement of the additional 10 percent, its cost will be absorbed by the future homeowners themselves,” he said. “The amendment to remove the additional 10 percent does not mean that the development no longer has green spaces. The association can devote the 20 percent of the existing 30 percent open space. I can assure all of you that this measure, as decided by the Council as a body, does not undermine environmental considerations as we all know that the City is replete with ordinances which protect the environment,” he added. (PIA/ RG Alama)
ies as part of its interprovincial and intercity partnership project. For her part, CSSDO chief Ma. Luisa Bermudo said the provision of family planning services through tubal ligation and vasectomy “was envisioned in 2009 using the Listahanan data by providing the users free services and financial assistance of P3,000 as a form of economic cost while they are recuperating for a number of days out of their work and household chores.” “Listahanan data really helped us identify the right beneficiaries since the aim of these services is to help the poor and vulnerable families,” Bermudo added. The award will be conferred during the DSWD 65th anniversary commemoration in Davao Region on February 16 under the PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards which recognizes notable works of partners from civil society organizations, Local Government Units, People’s Organizations, volunteers, and donor institutions. To date, DSWD Region 11 has 36 data users from LGUs, four from the national agencies (NGA), and one from the private sector. Spearheaded by DSWD, Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are nationwide through family assessments. This system makes available to NGAs, LGUs and other social protection stakeholders a database of poor families as a basis for identifying potential beneficiaries of their social protection programs and services. (DSWD/Florame B. Espada)
spot. The National Task Force Diwata (NTFD) has identified several potential tourist sites in the 8,100 hectare mineral reservation area popularly known as Diwalwal. Alex Palero, focal person of the Program Monitoring Coordination Center (PMCCNTFD), said developing the tourism aspect of the area is part of the masterplan by the Regional Development Council (RDC). He said the area should not rely on mining alone as gold deposits are now found deeper in the mountains, escalating the costs of extracting the gold for miners, many of whom are engaged in small-scale mining. With decreasing gold production in Diwalwal, agriculture and tourism are being eyed as alternative livelihood. At 1,200 meters above sea level, the mountain area boasts of a cooler climate just like Ba-
guio. The presence of scenic waterfalls and small lakes in the area makes it a promising destination for tourists. Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett, who shot a film in Diwalwal in 2007, described the place as “gorgeous.” He was enamored of the waterfalls he found in the area. Palero said the waterfalls which Hartnett saw is planned as a future tourism site. However, the dumping of mine tailings into the waters must be stopped. The falls is located below the mining sites. As a start, NTFD is developing a four-hectare site as a biodiversity area where various species of trees will be planted, including the giant bamboo. The plan to develop Mt. Diwata as a tourism site is not new. Six years ago the provincial government of Compostela Valley considered developing and promoting the mining industry of Mt. Diwata to visitors similar to Australia’s mine site tourism. (PIA/RG Alama)
5 ECONOMY Cheaper flights to ASEAN cities coming this year EDGEDAVAO
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ILIPINOS will soon enjoy better access and broader flight options in travelling to other Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) cities as President Benigno Aquino signed Protocols 5 and 6 of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement in Air Services (MAAS) last February 3. Under Protocols 5 and 6, Philippine air carriers will be allowed to fly unlimited frequencies to and beyond the capital cities of other ASEAN nations, which will lead to better and more efficient connectivity and translate to more competitive fares and services. “This will enhance regional trade and investment opportunities for Philippine businesses that are looking to expand their markets. It will also provide better access to Filipino individuals, such as professionals and students, who wish to explore job and educational opportunities in the ASEAN region,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya. “We expect it to benefit our local tourism and service industries, as the agreement allows foreign airlines to increase their flights to Manila and other cities as well. Just as it will encourage more visitors to come to the country, Filipinos will also enjoy a wid-
er array of flight options and ticket prices to the rest of the ASEAN,” he added. The DOTC and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) will now assist Philippine air carriers in securing additional flight schedules with each of the nine other member States of the ASEAN. Government targets to have new flights operational within the next six months. The MAAS is part of the ASEAN’s Roadmap for Integration of Air Transportation Services, essentially laying down the foundation for the envisioned ASEAN Single Aviation Market, which would in turn foster seamless connectivity within the region. The ratification of Protocols 5 and 6 provides unlimited access to any point within the ASEAN area, more competitive and better airline services, as well as lower fares and broader options for passengers. It highlights the Philippines’ commitment to
the realization of the Single Aviation Market, and in creating a unified ASEAN Economic Community with an efficient and fully-integrated transport network. Moreover, this development presents an opportunity for growth of our aviation sector, which will compete directly with other ASEAN carriers. It will encourage service upgrades among our airlines, which have thus far proved to be competitive players in the ASEAN and other regional markets. To meet the expected impact of greater tourist and economic air activity, the DOTC continues to modernize the country’s airport infrastructure. It already rehabilitated Terminal 1 and is fully operating Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and has begun constructing world-class airport facilities in key business and tourist centers such as Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa. (DOTC)
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Chamber leaves fate of Sasa port to city LGU By CHENEEN R. CAPON
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crc@edgedavao.net
HE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) will no longer pursue the fight against the controversial P19-billion Davao Sasa port modernization project but will leave the matter to the city government. “It will be up to the city government if it will give the winning contractor the permit necessary to pursue the expansion and modernization of the port,” DCCCII newly-elected Bonifacio T. Tan told reporters in yesterday’s edition of Davao Business Forum at DermPath SM City Davao. This after DCCCII and other business groups failed
to convince the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to stop and review the allegedly overpriced modernization project of Sasa port. Tan said not even the backing of Senator Sergio Osmeña, who delivered a privilege speech against the project in the Senate, could convince the DOTC to stop the bidding. “What’s important is that we voiced out our disapproval to the project,” he said. Tan said the DCCCII opposed the project because it will cause the cost of port services to skyrocket by up to 80 percent in the coming years. It will also worsen the
traffic congestion in the area, he said. He also said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) itself does not support the project because of the inconvenience it will cause in the area. Tan said the high rate that will be imposed by the winning concessionaire will push other port operators in Mindanao to increase their stevedoring and port service rate. When asked whether the DCCCII will bring the matter before the Supreme Court, Tan said doing so would entail a lot of cost. He said since the DC-
CCII has no funds to file a case, it would leave the rest to the hands of the city government, which has also expressed opposition to the project. “The winning bidder might be able to operate the existing port but it will need to secure a permit from the local government to start the modernization,” he said. Tan said the winning concessionaire is given only five years to finish all construction while the remaining 25 years will be for its operation to get back its return of investment (ROI). The project comes as the first Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) venture for
Mindanao and is projected for completion from 2017 to 2020. It will be implemented in three phases. The modernization project involves the expansion and modernization of the existing seaport, including the construction of a new quay and installation of cranes to address port traffic congestion that will greatly boost efficiency of the port, said DOTC in a release. According to DOTC, the project will boost the port’s capacity to 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) upon the completion of the infrastructure component in 2020 and will complement both existing
Davao’s outlook positive despite election, El Niño
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AT YOUR SERVICE. A vendor kneels to allow a customer choose from a batch of boiled bananas he sells along San Pedro Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
and future demands, alongside other major ports in the region, namely the Hijo Port and the Davao International Container Terminal. At present, the bidding process for the port has been put on hold after Singaporean firm Portek International Pte. Ltd withdrew its intent last month with no official reason released to the public. Earlier reports said the remaining bidders are Italy’s Obrascon Huarte Lain S.A., France’s Bollore S.A., and San Miguel Corporation (SMC). Tan said the bidding will not be affected by the ban imposed during election. The result of the bidding is expected to come out this year.
HE outlook of Davao City’s economy remains positive despite the expected effect of the upcoming election on the attitude of both local and foreign investors as well as the persisting El Niño phenomenon affecting the agriculture sector. “It’s quite good,” newly elected Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., (DCCCII) president Bonifacio T. Tan said during yesterday’s Davao Business Forum at the Dermpath in SM City Davao. Tan said the improving power situation in Mindanao will surely bring investors to the city’s manufacturing sector. He said the city’s fast growing ICT sector, specifically in the business process management (BPM), will fuel the city’s growth this year.
However, Tan said there is still a wide gap between the talent supply and the growing requirement for skilled talents from firms expanding their operations here. “Only 10 to 15 percent of applicants are hired. Some these do not even pass the training program,” he said. This was earlier confirmed by ICT-Davao president lawyer Samuel Matunog, who said numerous business inquiries have been made but there are not enough talents here. One of the efforts of the industry and the academe to address the lack of supply of industry-ready talents is the revision of the existing curriculum in schools. Matunog said ICT-Davao has been extending technical assistance to universities and
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ARMM investments AEV allots P58.4B in capex in 2016 soar in 2015: RBOI By CHENEEN R. CAPON and ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
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BOITIZ Equity Ventures (AEV) will allocate P58.4 billion in capital expenditure (capex) in 2016 with high hopes of promising growth prospects. In a statement, AEV said the bulk of the allocation will be used for power expansion projects. “Each of our businesses has the potential for higher financial return and growth, as well as sufficient scale and capability to deliver long-term value for all our stakeholders,” AEV president and chief operating officer Erramon Aboitiz said in the statement.
AEV said AboitizPower capex, which comprises about 75 percent of the group’s business, is pegged at P52 billion for the year. It said it remains committed, along with its partners, to increase total capacity to 4,000 MW by 2020. AboitizPower aims to launch its first solar power project in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental within the first quarter of 2016. Last January, AboitizPower inaugurated the 300-MW Therma South, Inc. baseload plant in Davao, providing much-needed capacity to the
Mindanao Grid. Unit 1 started operations in September last year while Unit 2 started full commercial operations last Tuesday. Other ongoing construction projects include the 68-MW Manolo Fortich hydropower plant in Bukidnon, 8.5-MW hydropower plant in Isabela, 300-MW Therma Visayas baseload plant in Cebu, and the 400-MW Pagbilao III expansion in Quezon Province. AboitizPower also identified roughly 200 MW of potential run of river power projects located across the archipelago for the next five years.
Meanwhile, AEV’s banking and financial services companies will have a combined capex of P968 million – P871 million allocation for UnionBank’s initiatives geared to push growth in customer businesses supported by loan expansion, P97 million for its newest remittance business PETNET for its branch network expansion, and fullblown execution of the loan origination program on behalf of CitySavings Bank. The Group’s food unit Pilmico is expanding its customer reach in ASEAN while
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I
NVESTMENTS soared to P6.5 billion in 2015 for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the best year for private business investments since its 26-year existence, the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) said. From January 2015 until January 2016, total investments recorded a historic high of P7.8 billion after the RBOI registered Singaporean-owned Gintong Agri Corporation’s P1.3 billion investment in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao last 15 January 2016. Of the recorded investments, Maguindanao had the
largest share of 77 percent or P5.05 billion, followed by Tawi-Tawi with 20 percent or P1.3 billion and Lanao del Sur with 3 percent or P194 million. According to RBOI, the top three investors for ARMM are located in Maguindanao, namely Al-Sahar Agri Ventures, Inc., Lamsan Power Corp. and Maguindanao Energy Farms, Inc. It is projected that Maguindanao will still get the biggest share of investments in 2016 as there are investments such as an oil depot, bulk water supply and an industrial waste treatment plants that are in the works. (DTI)
7 AGRITRENDS
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
Cacao: From bust to boom Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO
Cacao plant
(First of Three Parts)
M
ENTION Davao Region -- composed of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Davao Occidental -- and what comes to mind? In terms of agricultural crops, the region is noted for banana, pomelo, durian, and mangosteen. In recent years, Davao Region is also known for cacao. It contributes about 80 percent of the total cacao production from Mindanao. Data from the High Value Commercial Crops Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed 90 percent of cacao produced in the country comes from Mindanao. “Aside from banana and durian, we are prioritizing support to cacao industry so that we can position the region as the country’s cacao capital,” said Remelyn R. Recoter, DA regional director in Southern Mindanao.
Cacao pods and beans Unlike abaca and pili nut, which are endemic in the Philippines, cacao is not a native crop of the country. It was first cultivated by the Mayas around the 7th century A.D. They carried the seed north from the tropical Amazon forests to what is now Mexico. In the 16th century, the Spanish planted cacao across South America, into Central America, and onto the Caribbean Islands. In the 17th century, the Dutch transported the cacao to other places around the globe like Java, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, New Guinea, and the Philippines. “In 1670, Spanish mariner Pedro Bravo de Lagunas planted the first cacao in San Jose, Batangas,” reports The Philippines Recommends for Cacao. After that, cacao
growing flourished in various parts of the country – until pod rot wiped out plantations of it. In the 1950’s, the imposition of Import Control Law resulted in efforts to revive the industry by inter-governmental agencies and by private sector for self-sufficiency and export. By the time the industry was blooming, pod borer infestation surfaced. Control of the disease was quite expensive. As a result, established plantations were again wiped out; others were abandoned. This particularly happened in Mindanao, where most of the cacao crops were grown. In 1990, about 18,388 hectares were planted to cacao, according to the agriculture department. By 2006, the area declined to less than 10,000 hectares. During this period, production fell from 9,900 tons to about
5,400 tons, with two-thirds of the production coming from Davao region alone. As cacao production in the country went down, demand for cacao continued to increase in the world market. “One thing is for sure, There is a shortage of cacao all over the world,” Dante Muyco, vice president of the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (CIDAMI), was quoted as saying by Davao media. Recent studies have shown the world market needs 3.6 million tons of cocoa every year. The demand is growing annually by 90,000 tons. Most of the productions come from Africa (which supplies 68 percent of the global production). South America provides 14 percent of the total production. “Though the majority of cacao is consumed in North America and Europe, demand is growing more rapidly in Asia where strong economic growth, particularly in India and China, is resulting in more people being able to afford luxury foodstuffs such as chocolate,” according to a position paper written by Adam Keatts and Christopher Root.
The Philippines contributes a measly 0.16 percent to the global market. It is exporting cacao to the United States, Singapore, New Zealand, and some parts of Europe. Currently, the country manages to produce from 10,000 to 12,000 metric tons of dried cacao beans. And that’s not even enough to satisfy the local demand of 30,000 metric tons. “The problem of the (cacao) market is there’s not enough beans,” said Dr. Nicolas K. Richards, who helped revitalized the cacao industry in Mindanao as the chief of party of Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), an economic development organization that specializes in food security, agribusiness, community development, financial services, and enterprise development. “This is really a fantastic situation,” said Richards. “It’s getting worse and worse. The world needs more and more (cocoa) beans. Productions (in the Philippines) can’t keep up with (increasing) demand.” The country’s contribution to the world market was lamentable since the Philippines is ideal for cacao growing. Mindanao, for instance, is best f o r cacao production
Tablea Dr. Nicholas Richards
– except those areas 1,400 meters above sea level like the higher places in Bukidnon. Mindanao does not have typhoons and has good rainfall and good soil, Richards explained on why he singled out the country’s second largest island. Although “cacao would grow anywhere in the Philippines,” he added. Actually, it was as early as 2004 that the country was trying to revive the cacao industry through the Success Alliance program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The problem was projects were implemented in Luzon, according to Valente Turtur, CIDAMI executive director. In 2007, Davao Region became part of the program. Two years later, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced the so-called CoCoPal (coconut, cocoa, and palayamanan) program. “Cacao is highly suitable to intercropping and mixed farming systems, and can add more than US$1,500 per hectare of income from 500 mature trees per year,” Richards pointed out. However, if the country wants to significantly contribute to the current global market of cacao, it has to plant 150,000 hectares more to cacao. That’s according to the government projection. Davao Region is helping to achieve that. “In just a matter of five years, we were able to double our cacao production,” Turtur said. “From 5,000 metric tons in 2011, it increased to 12,000 metric tons by 2015.” As such, CIDAMI is urging more farmers to plant cacao in their farms. “Today, when the world is confronted with cacao supply shortage, is the best time for those who are already engaged into it to increase their areas,” Muyco was quoted as saying. (To be continued)
EDGEDAVAO
8 VANTAGE
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
EDITORIAL Happiness an indicator
F
EBRUARY is a good month to talk about the happiness or the lack of it, being traditionally the month for love and people in love. About five years ago, in July 2011 to be exact, the United Nations General Assembly approved resolution inviting its close to 200 member countries to measure the happiness of their people and use this to help guide their policies. On April 2, 2011, the resolution was followed by the first UN High Level Meeting on “Happiness and Well-being: Defining a New Economic Paradigm.” It was led by Prime Minister Jigme Thinley of Bhutan, the first country to have officially adopted gross national happiness instead of gross domestic product (GDP) as the main development indicator. As it happened, the first World Happiness Report came out a day before the historic meeting. The second report which came out in 2013 was based on the Gallup Report which used available data from 2005 to 2012 from more than 150 countries. The 2013 ranking based on the 2010-12 surveys indicated that Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Finland, Austria, Iceland, and Australia are the top 10 happiest countries. There was little change in the latest happiness report in 2015. What is unfortunate is that nowhere in the list of 85 countries was the Philippines included. That is the bad news. The good news is that the list is only partial, meaning that the Philippines could be somewhere in the remainder of the more than 150 countries included in the ranking.
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Definitely, Filipinos have their way of measuring the level of their happiness. And occasionally we do hold surveys to gauge how people feel about their lives. In Davao City, two institutions are doing that - the University Research Council (URC) of the Ateneo de Davao University and the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao. In its latest quarterly survey , the URC found that more than 95 percent of the Dabawenyos surveyed are happy, divided into 68.3 “moderately happy” and 27.3 percent “extremely happy.” Only 3.7 are “not totally happy” and .8 percent “not happy at all.” Probing some more, the URC interviewers found that Dabawenyos’ reasons for being happy are relationship, 75.95 percent; health and wellness, 24.42 percent; financial stability, 11.11 percent and religion, 6.4 percent. Those who are not happy, also were asked why and they gave the following reasons for their sadness: financial problem, 60.7 percent; health and wellness problem, 21.4 percent, and relationship problem 7.1 percent. As can be gleaned from the findings, Dabawenyos are definitely normal, happy people. This is something we can be all happy about. As we can see our country does not need to be ranked high in the level of happiness in the international scene. We can measure it ourselves. We encourage our research institutions to continue gauging the level of happiness of our people as regularly as possible. This is a healthy exercise worthy of pursuing.
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EDGEDAVAO
VANTAGE POINTS
9
Never wait for tomorrow
“I
F I had only known it was our last walk in the rain, I’d keep you out for hours in the storm. I would hold your hand, like a lifeline to my heart and underneath the thunder we’d be warm. If I had only known it was our last walk in the rain.” Those famous lines were taken from “If I Had Only Known,” sung by Reba McEntire and featured in the movie, “8 Seconds.” Actually, the lyrics were from the pen of Jana Stanfield. “Since I didn’t know much about writing melodies yet, I took the unfinished lyrics to the most talented songwriter I knew, Craig Morris, and asked if he could craft something beautiful from my simple words,” Stanfield disclosed. Oftentimes, there is always a story behind the song. So, why did Stanfield write the lyrics in the first place? Actually, the song was in remembrance of her great-aunt Dorothy whom she considered her angel when she was 14. In the United States, 15-year-old kids can get their own driver’s license if they have successfully completed Driver’s Education. Most of Stanfield’s 15-year-old friends got their driver’s license and she was looking forward for a summer riding with her friends. But Mr. Stanfield would not let daughter go with them unless their mothers drove them. Jana did not defy her father so she stayed home during the summer until her great-aunt Dorothy came into her rescue. Dorothy was a bookkeeper out at Doc Stewart Chevrolet in Texas and she asked Jana if she was interested to work with her. Jana accepted the offer and she worked with her and the three secretaries of the company. “Those women treated me so big,” she recalled. “Most mornings, they complimented me on my outfits, playfully saying they hated me because I could eat three chocolate donuts for breakfast and stay skinny. They talked with me
F
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
and asked what THINK ON THESE! I thought about deep stuff like destiny, religion and politics. I learned all the important grown-up stuff, like how to curve your fingers when you reach down into a file, so you Henrylito D. Tacio won’t drive a sta- henrytacio@gmail.com ple under your fingernail. “The best part of my job was that after I finished my work, I could play on the typewriter, teaching myself how to type. Since I wanted to be a writer someday, my dad said typing would be important.” By the end of the summer, Jana saved enough money to buy all her own clothes for school. “I started high school feeling different in a real good way – older and stronger and more confident,” she said. “The most amazing thing happened. For the first time in my life, I became popular at my school. I barely got my driver’s license before I got Homecoming Court, Student Council, and then the honor that meant so much to me after those lonely days, Class Favorite.” Stanfield was already living in Nashville when she came to know that her aunt was dying of cancer. Before she died, she talked with her over the phone. “I told her how much I loved her. I thanked her for reaching out to me when I needed somebody I thanked her for always reaching out to me when I needed somebody. I thanked her for always seeing the best in everyone she cared about. I didn’t want to hang up. I wanted to hang on. I wanted that moment to last. I wanted to stop the clock and go back to
spend more time with her.” Here’s another memorable lines from the song: “If I had only known it was my last night by your side, I’d pray a miracle would stop the dawn. And when you smiled at me, I would look into your eyes and make sure you know my love for you goes on and on. If I had only known, if I had only known.” The song came humming into my mind as I read the farewell letter of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He wrote the letter as his goodbye to his friends after he was diagnosed with a terminal cancer. A few of the people who read the letter cried. Read it and contemplate: “If God, for a second, forgot what I have become and granted me a little bit more of life, I would use it to the best of my ability. I wouldn’t, possibly, say everything that is in my mind, but I would be more thoughtful of all I say. I would give merit to things not for what they are worth, but for what they mean to express. I would sleep little, I would dream more, because I know that for every minute that we close our eyes, we waste 60 seconds of light. I would walk while others stop; I would awake while others sleep. “If God would give me a little bit more of life, I would dress in a simple manner. I would place myself in front of the sun, leaving not only my body, but my soul naked at its mercy. “To all men, I would say how mistaken they are when they think that they stop falling in love when they grow old, without knowing that they grow old when they stop falling in love. I would give wings to children, but I would leave it to them to learn how to fly by themselves. To old people I would say that death doesn’t arrive when they grow old, but with forgetfulness. “I have learned so much with you all, I have learned that everybody wants to live on top of the mountain, without knowing that true hap-
piness is obtained in the journey taken and the form used to reach the top of the hill. “I have learned that when a newborn baby holds, with its little hand, his father’s finger, it has trapped him for the rest of his life. I have learned that a man has the right and obligation to look down at another man, only when that man needs help to get up from the ground. “Say always what you feel, not what you think. If I knew that today is the last time that I am going to see you asleep, I would hug you with all my strength and I would pray to the Lord to let me be the guardian angel of your soul. If I knew that these are the last moments to see you, I would say, ‘I love you.’ “There is always tomorrow, and life gives us another opportunity to do things right, but in case I am wrong, and today is all that is left to me, I would love to tell you how much I love you and that I will never forget you. “Tomorrow is never guaranteed to anyone, young or old. Today could be the last time to see your loved ones, which is why you mustn’t wait; do it today, in case tomorrow never arrives. I am sure you will be sorry you wasted the opportunity today to give a smile, a hug, a kiss, and that you were too busy to grant them their last wish. “Keep your loved ones near you; tell them in their ears and to their faces how much you need them and love them. Love them and treat them well; take your time to tell them ‘I am sorry,’ ‘forgive me,’ ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ and all those loving words you know. “Nobody will know you for your secret thought. Ask the Lord for wisdom and strength to express them. Show your friends and loved ones how important they are to you. Send this letter to those you love. If you don’t do it today, tomorrow will be like yesterday, and if you never do it, it doesn’t matter either, the moment to do it is now.”
itself differently MY TWO CENTS’ after the initial hopes of 1965, both for Mindanao and the Philippines. Nonetheless, those events 50 years ago only stress that since then John Tria no candidate ecisouth@gmail.com from Mindanao has ever risen to the national stage as a strong presidential contender. Mindanao has provided the country with only seven nationally elected senators in the post-EDSA period: Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and III, Miguel Zubiri, Mamintal Tamano, Teofisto and TG Guingona, and Santanina Rasul. None of them ever aspired for the presidency, not even Vice President Guingona. More actors and their immediate relatives took Senate seats than Mindanaoans. While it may sound innocuous or trite
to say that Mindanao deserves to provide its share of national leaders, a closer look at the island forces us to pause and consider the following facts: Mindanao is a food commodity supplier with the potential to easily feed the nation, but has the deepest and most persistent conflicts. It churns out the cheapest power notwithstanding the rise in coal-fired plants as an upcoming source. It is a region of the country still generally untouched by the frequent storms and weather related calamities that hosts the most number of poor Filipinos, and is the most culturally diverse region of the Philippines. If we can only imagine that these conflicts would resolve themselves, the vast lands and resources could be utilized to provide income for the poor, food for all, and raw materials to drive industry and job-filled economic growth. Would our national GDP number be higher and more inclusive with a strong Mindanao? All other parts of the country do not have the same potential and the same constraints as the rest of the Philippines. By this alone, Mindanao still continues to hold the promise for the
Philippines as a whole. Harness Mindanao’s full potential by addressing its shackles and you solve many problems of the Philippines. Yet all governments after 1965 have only turned Mindanao into what it is today, whether we like it or not. Its sons and daughters taught to fight among themselves, whittling its talent and resources away in favor of the shortsighted, selfish interests of those who benefit from the status quo. Thus, its leaders learn to make do (and some make good) with less connectivity, support, and resources than their Luzon counterparts. Had the Mindanaoan Pelaez taken Malacañang, 50 years ago, would history have been different? As the first hour of February 9, 2016 marks the start of a new campaign period for the Philippine national elections, the Mindanaoan Rodrigo Duterte will kick off his campaign walking through the streets of Manila’s Tondo, ready to banter with folk only getting to know this storied man, who, after half a century, will be the first Mindanaoan to seek the Philippine presidency.
After 50 years, a Mindanaoan bids for Malacañang
LASHBACK to the Nacionalista Party (NP) Convention of 1965. As the Diosdado Macapagal presidency geared up for reelection, the Vice President Emmanuel Neri Pelaez of Misamis Oriental also sought to be Filipino Number 1. Pelaez, the political star of Mindanao, entered the Manila Hotel to prepare for what would be a fortuitous gathering that would see him fail to obtain the precious nomination to run against his President. In his stead, then Senate President Ferdinand Marcos would go on to win the NP nomination, and eventually, the Philippine Presidency. History will chronicle all other subsequent events or lend perspective to how Marcos took the nomination out of what would have been a sure clinch by Mindanao’s Pelaez, an affable lawyer known for his easy banter with rural folk, with a policy bias for the countryside development through grassroots efforts, and a vision for Philippine foreign policy that stressed Southeast Asian solidarity, having been Foreign Affairs Secretary in the age that launched Maphilindo, precursor of today’s ASEAN. As most know and some lament, history wrote
10 NEWS
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
DUTERTE... FROM 1 lamation was held led by former Mayor Sara Duterte, the mayor’s daughter. “Nais po naming iparating ang mensahe ng pagbabago ng tambalan nila Mayor Duterte at Senador Cayetano. Makakaasa ang mga kapwa ko Dabawenyo na sa ilalim ng kanilang tandem, may matapang na solusyon at mabilis na aksyon,” Sara
told the crowd. She relayed the tandem’s proposals aimed at achieving a more inclusive growth through regional development and promoting equality under the law. Aside from Tondo and Davao, a local launch was also held in Bacolod. Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Alan’s sister, led the event. EDGE Davao
Monsada said the bombings and ROW issues delay and hinder progress for the people of Mindanao. Monsada said President Aquino created the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Security of Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) to be spearheaded by the DOE. The IATFSEF is composed of sub-task groups with strategic heads that will focus on critical issues. The National
Transmission Corporation (TransCo) will handle the ROW problem, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will handle security matters, the Department of Justice (DOJ) the legal aspect, the NGCP community relations, and DOE the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
of NPA Guerrilla Front 2 led by a certain Raden. The third clash occurred in Sitio Logpaton, Brgy Kingking when rebels opened fire at soldiers manning a checkpoint at 3 p.m. on Sunday resulting to a six-minute gun battle. Batchar said no soldier was hurt. He claimed the rebels suffered casualties. He said the NPA has large formations in the two provinces based on their assessment but added the 1001st Brigade can address rebel presence in these areas. “Soldiers of 46IB and 73IB are still conducting pursuit operations against the NPAs,” a press release from the 10ID dated Feb. 8 said. Last Feb. 3, Army 1Lt. Ralph Pantonial, Pfc Eulezys Bantulo, and Pfc. William Moreno were killed, while Pfc Jestoni Sabido, Cpl. Merlven Velunta, and a certain Herbert Aquino were injured in separate military operations. In a press release Sunday, the National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao
claimed the Feb. 3 clashes resulted in 30 military casualties. It said the NPA’s Comval Davao Gulf Subregional Command ambushed the 46th IB in three separate incidents on Feb. 3 – at 12:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The first ambush occurred in Sapang Tin-aw, Brgy. Tibagon, Pantukan killing nine soldiers including 2Lt. Garcia. Ten were wounded and one was rendered missing, the NDF press release said. “At 7:30 pm, the Red fighters ambushed the Army, damaging the military’s truck in Brgy. Cabahian where two soldiers were killed, including Army officer Capt. Pantonial, and seven others were wounded. A Red fighter took a sniper shot and killed Sgt. William Morenio of the 46th IB in Barangay Biasong, Pantukan at 7:00pm,” the rebel group said. It added the attacks were “meant to punish” the 46th IB for allegedly defending the interests of large-scale mining companies in Pantukan. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
cumbent. Fernandez, however, said politicians are welcome to show support for the program. “Our goal is to institutionalize the program. If the politician will support the program it will be good,” she said. Earlier, Kontra Daya-Southern Mindanao
and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan spokesperson Sheena Duazo said her group has received reports from communities that some politicians are using the 4Ps for their political ends. Duazo said the group wants to look into this because it is a form of manipulation of the people.
Last year, two young monkeys were seen lying dead just beside the highway after being hit by vehicles. A monkey who survived was seen gently touching its dead companions as if in mourning. Sports enthusiast and nature lover Vice Mayor Datu King Jhazzer Mangudadatu expressed concern that the wild animals might become extinct. He said will put a signage
with the warning “wild monkey crossing area” to inform motorists that they must slow down along the curve of the highway in this town. “We have to respect other creatures too, and I’m glad Maguindanaons had never hunted or eaten these creatures unlike other places in the country where some people or natives tend to eat these mammals,” Mangudadatu said. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)
Poll... FROM 2
Encounters... FROM 2
DSWD... FROM 3
Monkeys... FROM 3
SO IT BEGINS. A motorcade of a senatorial candidate rolls around the Davao City’s main thoroughfare during the first day of election campaign for the national positions yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
Palace reminds public to scrutinize candidates running for gov’t positions
A
PALACE official advised the public to watch debates, read newspapers and other information materials to know the personalities of those running for public office as the official campaign season starts today. “Ang botante ang mamimili dahil pagdating sa panahon ng kampanya ‘yan ang panahon ng pagsusuri, pag-aaral, pagdedebate at pagtatalakay ng mga isyu na hinaharap
ng ating bayan at ng ating lipunan,” Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III said when asked to comment on the start of the campaign period. President will lead the campaign kick-off of the Liberal Party today in the Visayas region. He vowed to campaign vigorously for Liberal Party bets whom he said will continue his “Daang Matuwid” agenda. Asked to comment on the
Tondo, but he was on campaign mode early on with a visit to Barangay 286 in Binondo. There, he vowed to end the misery of the people if elected. Duterte and Cayetano said they will sustain the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the government’s poverty alleviation program. But Duterte has also been consistent about his plan of giving sustainable forms of livelihood and assistance to poor Filipinos so they need not depend on dole-outs from the government all their lives. He said if he wins the presidency, he might even increase the cash grants to the program’s beneficiaries, the poorest of the poor in the country. Under the current 4Ps, also called the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), each beneficiary with at least three children can avail themselves of P1,400 per month or P15,000 a year. For his part, Cayetano said the condition of the people in the area is exacerbated by a lack of national government support. The 4Ps program of the government is selective and does not really cover everyone who deserves help, he
said. Because of this, the residents are forced to borrow money from loan sharks through the scheme popularly called 5-6. Loan sharks, he said, take advantage of the people in slum areas across the country. “Many residents here want to start up their own business, but because of lack of capital, they borrow from these loan sharks and are forced to do so despite extremely higher interest rates,” Cayetano said. Cayetano recalled that he gave a P200,000 cash assistance to the members of Pritil Market Vendors Association and after two years, the seed money grew to as much as P800 ,000. “Ang mga miyembro, nagbayad sila, kaya lumaki ang pera nila,” he said. Duterte warned those who engage in the 5-6 business to stop abusing the poor people. Loan sharks charge borrowers to as high as 20 percent interest rates, and typically do business under illegal conditions as they are unlicensed lenders. “Stop it. Ako na nagsasabi sa inyo. Stop it,” Duterte said.
In Binondo... FROM 2
use of government money during the campaign, Quezon said: “I think we should be very aware of one thing na hindi naman ito parang chaleco or hat na pwede mong tanggalin tapos suotin, tapos tanggalin-suotin. The President is the president wherever he goes and whatever he does.” The President is cautious on spending government money and will not waste
resources on things that are not of public interest, Quezon said. “In other words, you can be sure that public funds are not going to be used for partisan or political purposes of the party,” he noted. “May sariling pondo ang partido, ang koalisyon ay mayroon sariling logistics, and the President will only use what is required for his position.” (president.gov.ph/AVS-PIA)
“The reality is that volunteers who undertake the challenge to save and bring the lives of people to safety and away from harm become victims themselves of disasters, calamites or emergencies,” he said. “Either they become injured in the process or at times they also become casualties leaving behind their
families unable to carry on with their daily lives,” he added. Castelo said the government cannot turn deaf and blind to the now commonplace fact that this area of volunteer emergency services must be aggressively tapped given that the growing challenge that is facing it today is recruitment and retention.
diversifying operations in the country. To this end, it has allocated P2.3 billion for the year in support of various initiatives for its flour, feeds, and farms divisions, as well as pursuing opportunities in the region.
On the other hand, AboitizLand is spending P 2.7 billion to acquire more industrial and residential land, as it continues to expand its business outside of Cebu, and onto the national arena.
colleges offering ICT-related courses like computer science, information technology, and information management. These include the University of Mindanao, Holy Cross of Davao, and University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP). Meanwhile, Tan said the
city’s agriculture sector will be pulled down by the long drought season which is expected to end by June. The Department of Agriculture here already reported damage in the rice and corn sector due to the drought which has been ongoing since last year. CHENEEN R. CAPON
Volunteers... FROM 3
AEV... FROM 6
Davao’s... FROM 6
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11 ICT HUB
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
Globe boosts tourism with new TPB tie-up
G
LOBE Telecom, through its International Business Group, has renewed its partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Department of Tourism to promote the Philippines as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations via its Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 campaign. With the partnership, Globe will once again offer its Globe Traveler SIM to millions of tourists and returning OFWs for free for affordable and worry-free connectivity during their stay in the country. Globe is TPB’s first Philippine telco partner to offer affordable communication services to millions of foreign tourists and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to the country with the Globe Traveler SIM, a local prepaid SIM that offers affordable local rates for mobile data, calls, and SMS services. “Staying connected is a priority for the millions of travelers around the world and we are very happy to of-
fer our services to those who are visiting the Philippines through the Globe Traveler SIM, still available for free this 2016,” said Nikko Acosta, Senior Vice President for International Business Group at Globe. “We are privileged to once again partner with the TPB this year to help boost the travel experience with affordable call, text and data services, enabling them to stay in touch as well as share the beauty of the Philippines to the rest of the world through social media. With Globe, we ensure that even travelers get to live and embrace their digital lifestyle as their connectivity partner while in the country.” Aside from supporting the Visit the Philippines Again 2016 campaign through the Traveler SIM, Globe is launching Relive Wonderful Philippines in parallel to the tourism campaign. Relive Wonderful Philippines is a video contest where international visitors (Non-Philippine residents and OFWs)
Google to launch new VR headset this year?
G
OOGLE will launch a new virtual reality headset for Android smartphones later this year, according to reports. The headset will be sturdier and more sophisticated than Google Cardboard, the $15 virtual reality headset that has shipped five million units since launching in 2014. Unlike its flat-pack predecessor, Google’s new headset is set to have plastic casing as well as improved sensors and lenses, according to The Financial Times. Google refused to comment on the reports. The rumors provide further evidence that Google is taking the burgeoning virtual reality market seriously. Magic Leap, an augmented reality firm that Google has heavily invested in, recently closed a round of funding that valued it at close to $3.7 billion. Having set up a virtual re-
ality division in January 2016, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that beyond “early efforts” there would be “a lot more from us and our partners in 2016.” And, if reports are true, Google’s new headset could be similar to Samsung’s Gear VR. While Google has continued to focus on its budget Cardboard headset, others in the industry have developed more high-spec virtual and augmented reality technology. Facebook-owned Oculus Rift has announced its headset will cost $720, not including the high-end PC it depends on to run. The VR market is becoming increasingly crowded, with Oculus, Samsung, and Google set to be joined by HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR and Microsoft HoloLens. Apple has also ramped up its VR division, having acquired PrimeSense in 2013 and Metaio in 2015.
The headset will be sturdier and more sophisticated than Google Cardboard (pictured)
can submit a video showcasing why they love the Philippines and what they want to do in the country again. The winner of the best video will win a ticket to fly back to the Philippines with a companion to their destination of choice complete with hotel accommodation and allowance from Globe. More details can be found at www.globe. com.ph/traveler-sim. With the steady growth of international visitors and the increasing number of OFWs returning home, Globe partnered with the TPB in 2015 to offer the Globe Traveler SIM for free, giving tourists and balikbayans access to seamless connectivity at low-cost rates. Data on Globe Traveler SIM usage from August to November 2015 revealed that 90% of the Traveler SIM users came to the Philippines for vacation, and the top 3 countries with the most number of visitors were from Korea, China, and Singapore. The same data also showcased that 97% of Trav-
eler SIM customer base used data and 85% for local calls. To get a free Globe Traveler SIM, tourists and OFWs simply need to present their passport of OFW E-Card at the Globe booths in NAIA, Cebu, Davao, Kalibo, Iloilo, and Clark International Airports. They can also reserve via www.globe.com.ph/traveler-sim/reserve-now. “This year will be another competitive year for Philippine tourism, as TPB intends to remain aggressive in securing its rightful share of the tourist market. Because of our competitive fire, we are confident that more foreign travelers will choose to visit the Philippines over any other destination and more will be delighted to return to the country this year,” shares Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board. He adds, “With our renewed partnership with Globe, we at TPB are excited for tourists and balikbayans to enjoy fast, affordable and
reliable mobile connectivity through the Traveler SIM. It is one›s perfect companion to stay connected and updated in the Philippines are we are very happy that Globe is part of our commitment to make one›s stay in the country more fun and wonderful.» According to a recent report by the Department of Tourism, the Philippines registered a total of 2.6 million international visitors from January to June 2015 with total earnings amounting to P111.05 billion generated from various tourism activities. VPA2016 is a retail-based campaign to drive urgency and excitement among foreign travelers to visit the Philippines and return for more fun, friendship, feel-good adventures, and fabulous memories to cherish in 2016. Foreign travelers will be treated to many new and exciting attractions and spectacular travel destinations that showcase the beauty of the Philippine islands and the warmth
of its people. Offering more fun that keeps foreign travelers coming back for more, returning visitors will also be given exclusive travel deals and special incentives. They can avail of special discounts on flights, hotel accommodations and tour packages after simply presenting proof of previous visits. With the Globe Traveler SIM, users can receive calls and texts from abroad for free and cut costs on mobile data by subscribing to TravelSurf, which allows them to surf the Internet on mobile for an affordable rate of US$11 for seven (7) days or US$23 for 30 days, giving them access to e-mails, social networking sites, apps, and travel blogs and reviews for a worry-free stay in the Philippines. Users can also call abroad for as low as US$0.40 per minute. Getting a local SIM will afford the user a more cost-efficient way to connect than using an international number which charges international call, text and browsing rates.
Law firms consider lawsuits against Apple over‘Error 53’
S
EVERAL law firms are considering lawsuits against Apple following news that the company disables iPhone 6 models that have third-party repairs that affect Touch ID, UK-based publication The Guardian has reported. The “Error 53” controversy started last week when news circulated about customers who have had their iPhones disabled and rendered unusable by a mysterious “error 53” message. It has turned out Apple disables the iPhones of customers who have had unauthorized repairs on their devices. As explained in a thorough post from iFixit, a repair made by a third-party service using non-original components cannot pass a Touch ID validation check because mismatched parts don’t sync up properly. According to an Apple spokesperson, when the iPhone’s parts can’t be properly validated because of a repair done to a component affecting the Touch ID sensor, the error message is triggered in an intentional effort to keep Touch ID and the secure enclave that stores fingerprint information safe. Damaged phones also have the potential to give the error.
“We protect fingerprint data using a secure enclave, which is uniquely paired to the touch ID sensor. When iPhone is serviced by an authorized Apple service provider or Apple retail store for changes that affect the touch ID sensor, the pairing is re-validated. This check ensures the device and the iOS features related to touch ID remain secure. Without this unique pairing, a malicious touch ID sensor could be substituted, thereby gaining access to the secure enclave. When iOS detects that the pairing fails, touch ID, including Apple Pay, is disabled so the device remains secure.” In the UK, a barrister told
The Guardian that disabling iPhones “could potentially be viewed as an offense” under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, which covers the destruction of property, and a Seattle-based law firm, PVCA said it wants to bring a class action lawsuit against Apple, calling on affected customers to get in contact. PVCA is planning to represent customers for free and has outlined the issue on its website, suggesting Apple is violating consumer laws by forcing customers to use Apple-sanctioned repair services. Apple may be planning to proactively head off lawsuits and assuage customer out-
rage. MacRumors has heard from a retail source that certain Apple Stores have received the go ahead from Apple to replace third-party screens and other third-party components to resolve the error 53 issue. The standard out-of-warranty fee is charged for the repairs and the replacement of non-genuine parts with Apple parts is limited to those affected by the error. It is not yet clear if all Apple Stores have been authorized to repair error 53 iPhones as Apple’s only official statement is that it’s a security measure required to prevent fraudulent Touch ID sensors from being installed.
12 CLASSIFIEDS
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
EDGEDAVAO WOMEN
Sips and snips
IT HAS BEEN LONG since Manila-based entrepreneur Marian Kate Santos-Sison, better known as Mia, left her life in Davao City to pursue college. While marriage and family life has made life in the urban jungle meaningful and purposeful, Mia is not one to forget beautiful memories of Davao --- the simplicity of life, its country charm, and natural wonders. “I grew up immersed in nature as there were no malls yet in Davao when I was a child,” Mia enthused. “On Saturdays, our family would head off to Paradise Island and on Sundays we heard mass at my grandmother’s church, the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague. I do not remember most of my toys, except for my fa-
vorite BMX bike, but I do remember playing patintero, ‘cops and robbers’ as well as hide and seek with my cousins. We did not have access to most toys back then, so our parents had our toys created by a carpenter or we made do with what we had and immersed ourselves in the world of make believe.” By degree, Mia graduated BS Civil Engineering in UP Diliman. Prior to being an entrepreneur, she practiced structural engineering for more than a year, and later on pursued a career in IT. She was sent by her Japanese employer to Japan to train for a year in Chiba, Tokyo where she learned how to speak and write in Nihongo and develop bridge design software using the C++ language. She also learned how to program in Java and became a business analyst in various IT companies. After her return to Manila, Mia settled into married life. “I married into
METRO MOM A4
EDGEDAVAO
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
STYLE
Wilson Limon, Denise Guirgen, Kethley Uy, Frances Tendencia, Joey Hambala, Andi Amora.
Mandy Velasco, Jun Artajo, Jozel Ignes, Ian Manglicmot, and Bianca Sabellano.
Here come the
NOMADS
Unique pop-up store to feature Davao designed fashion pieces By Kenneth Irving Ong DAVAO’S FASHION SCENE was given a fresh jolt of life last February 7 as a group of young designers formally opened Nomads Davao at the second level of SM Lanang Premier. A first-of-its-kinds lifestyle retail store, Nomads offers a wide range of clothes from menswear, women’s wear and accessories, as well as both formal and casual segments, all designed by local Davao designers. HABERDASHERY by Frances Tendencia Haberdashery is a creative clothing and accessories line, specializing in toddler, tween and mothers. Founded in 2016, it is recognized for its charm-
NIñOFRANCO by Wilson Limon.
ing array of clothing and whimsical aesthetic. “We felt that a combination of worthwhile and dainty apparel would resonate with people. We hold a strong commitment to quality, exciting fabrics and prints and attention to detail. Our products reflect fun, fresh and refinement for our clients.” MÛRE by Andi Amora MÛRE is dedicated to understanding designs that accentuate femininity and can be worn for
AMANDA by Mandy Velasco. and boxy silhouettes, and neutral colors.
HABERDASHERY by Frances Tendencia. different occasions. Andi outs and interesting conAmora was inspired by trasts of colors that brings Coco Chanel who said, a modern sportswear “Dress shabbily and they vibe. remember the dress; dress impeccably and they re- NIÑOFRANCO by member the woman.” Wilson Limon Designing fashion that NIñOFRANCO Pretcaptures the essence of a-porter features Conbeauty that is demure and temporary Ethnic pieces quietly elegant. which reflect the rich culInspired by the rise of ture of the different eththe Davao career woman, nic tribes in Mindanao MURE designs for the ul- carefully contemporartimate woman on the go. ized through the use of Uncomplicated and easy technology, presenting a to put together basic piec- dying art form executed es, she aims for an effort- with a fresh pair of eyes. less, yet put-together look. NIñOFRANCO also features contemporary ZEL by Jozel Ignes modern designs as well as ZEL creates street wear parody designs. for both edgy and fashionable men and women. AMANDA by Mandy Its pieces are emblazoned Velasco with an interesting silAMANDA is a local houette such as Tetris designer brand by Mandy bricks, insects, and some Velasco. The current colexotic creatures. They lection aims for the minialso feature playful cut- malist; it consists of loose
be.young.ca by Bianca Sabellano be.young.ca is a clothing brand for the free spirit personalities who just want to be young and be themselves. Its products are adaptable to dress up for work, play, travel or special occasions. Products have clean lines, nice quality, and versatility. Artickles by Denise Guirgen & Kethley Uy From the name itself, art that tickles is a brand for the young and carefree souls of the present time. Established in 2013, Artickles continually develops fresh and new designs to cater to clients who love custom-made products to satisfy their guilty pleasure. artajó by Jun Artajo Artajó is a retail side of Jun Artajo’s experimental grunge and an opposite of his fit-formed aesthetic. Apart from his custommade bridal, artajó is now born to cater to retail
buyers and visualize the experimental teens and professionals through a taste of European style of fashion with a taste of being a Filipino. The wardrobe style of artajó is mostly free fit, not conformed with the body but aesthetically unique and purely stylish with minimal detail. INPART by Joey Hambala INPART is a clothing line for fun, young women of the tropics, care-free and playful. The Skip by Ian Manglicmot The Skip is a retail brand that offers raw, urban clothing for both men and women. Materials range from 100% cotton, stone-washed/acidwashed/torned denim, to cow hide leather. Nomads Davao promises to deliver fashion through a curated and unique, fresh, edgy perspective and is positioned as the aspirational fashion destination for Dabawenyo fashionistas.
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
EDGEDAVAO
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ENTERTAINMENT
Eugene Domingo stars in ‘Dear Uge’ GMA Network never fails to bring happier weekends to every Kapuso as it launches the first comedy anthology in the country with Dear Uge. It premieres on February 14 after Sunday Pinasaya. Dear Uge is hosted by no less than awardwinning comedienne/ actress and TV host Eugene Domingo, who is very thrilled about her latest show in the Kapuso Network. She is very happy and proud of the show’s concept. It’s one-of-a kind, amusing and will also bring “kilig” to Sunday afternoon TV viewers. “I believe it’s pioneering, this type of TV show. This time mas light ang topic and most definitely, funny side ng love ang ipapakita, so I think eto talaga yung pinakamasarap panoorin lalo na pag weekends kasi nagpapahinga ang mga tao. Perfect after Sunday Pinasaya, tuloy tuloy yung katatawanan
sa GMA.” In Dear Uge, the stories, characters and plot twists will be entertaining. Even Eugene’s hosting and narration will be comical and have an identity of its own. In the show, she is Urbana Genoveva Esperanza, a ‘variety store’ owner who hosts a web show called Dear Uge. She will also have a charming sidekick played by Divine Grace Aucina, a theatre actress from PETA. Making this show unique and exciting are Eugene’s cameo roles in each episode. Aside from the talented cast in lead roles, she will play various interesting characters that will have home viewers laughing out loud with
her comedic antics and hilarious performances. “Habang may binabasa akong sulat, lumalabas din ako sa kwento, taking up different roles every week. Ito rin yung unang unang nagustuhan ko sa concept, meron din akong iba’t ibang characters every episode, and I’ll be able to act with different actors na gustonggusto ko, and also different directors in very light, nakakaaliw na episodes. Kaya I’m
very, very excited,” adds Eugene. Prepare to laugh and fall in love with the heart-warming and funny stories in Dear Uge beginning February 14 after Sunday Pinasaya on GMA 7. Get the latest updates about Dear Uge from the GMA Network website www. GMANetwork.com, from its official facebook page www.facebook. com/GMADearUge , and twitter account @ GMADearUge
Lucky Aces named first-ever ‘Dance Kids’ grand champion HIPHOP DUO Lucky Aces was declared the firstever grand champion of talent-reality competition “Dance Kids” Sunday night after garnering the highest percentage of public votes in the show’s Final Showdown at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The Filipino-Canadian duo received 42.69% of the votes, beating dubstep dancer Dhao Mac (29.62%) and dance sport duo Step Kids (27.69%). Lucky Aces, composed of 12-year-olds Lucky Ancheta and AC Bonifacio, won P2 million, a house and lot, a family trip to Hong Kong, a shopping spree worth P300,000, and a Star Magic
contract. AC, who teared up after they were announced the winner, said, “It feels amazing because we’ve always been dreaming to be recognized here in the Philippines. And now we have some of our best friends in ‘Dance Kids.’ It’s an amazing feeling.” “We’re just so happy after all these performances for ‘Dance
Kids,’ this was the last one, all this hard work. We’re just super happy,” shared Lucky. For their final performance, Lucky Aces took the stage with one of the show’s Dance Masters, Georcelle Dapat-Sy, and Enrique Gil on the first night of the Final Showdown last Saturday (Feb 6), and with hiphop group A-Team on Sunday. Second placer Dhao Mac, meanwhile, teamed up with Vhong Navarro and Rayver Cruz. Step Kids, on the other hand, performed with Andy Alviz and Maja Salvador. Dhao Mac and Step Kids both received P100,000 each. The two-night “Dance Kids” Final Showdown was hosted by Robi Domingo and Alex Gonzaga.
Rex Navarette live in Boracay at Hoy, Panga!
PREMIERE FILIPINOAMERICAN comedian Rex Navarette performs live in Boracay Island for a three-night show entitled “HEARTBURN – A Night of Food & Comedy” on February 23, 24 & 25 at Hoy, Panga!
The San Francisco Bay Area comedian has become the most celebrated stand-up comic to
perform to multiple sold-out shows in Manila, Hong Kong and Singapore since 2002. Hoy Panga! Boracay brings him to the island for the first time alongside front act GB Labrador of Comedy Manila. Tickets are priced at Php 500 including dinner. Email hoypangaboracay@gmail.com for ticket reservations. Visit www. rexnavaratte.com to know more.
February 10, 2016
PRIDE & PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES Lily James, Sam Riley R13
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
DEADPOOL Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin R16
12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS
GIRLFRIEND FOR HIRE/ *ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME Andre Paras, Yassi Pressman / *Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Day PG/*R13
11:50 | 2:00 | 4:10 LFS / * 6:20 | 8:10 | 10:00 LFS
LOVE IS BLIND Solenn Heussaff, Derek Ramsey, Kiray Celis G
12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS
EDGEDAVAO
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VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
WOMEN METRO MOM A1
my 30’s and my husband and I wanted a big family, so we quickly plunged into having kids right away.” Now a mom of three, Mia made a shift in career focus and sprung from a 10-year stint in the corporate world to investing in her own business and passions. “My family is my priority, all my decisions revolve around them. At the same time, I find ways to make myself happy. I feel I am able to take care of them best when I take care of myself first. I want to also live a full life, nurturing my own passions while I care for my children and husband.” JUICE HUT Aside from managing her own convenience store in Taguig, Mia keeps herself occupied creating tropical sips, nut milks and cold-pressed veggie-fruit blends under the brand Juice Hut, a business she started out of the intention of promoting a healthy lifestyle. “I am not a vegan, nor am I into Paleo. I am just an ordinary girl who strives to eat healthy and be active everyday. I love homecooked meals and I’ve always loved to exercise – I love going to the gym, boxing, running and swimming! As I am a mother of three closely-spaced young kids, I am challenged to continuously nourish my body with the right nutrients so I can fulfill my duties as a wife, mother, daughter,
do this by sourcing our ingredients and packaging materials well without sacrificing quality.”
entrepreneur and more. After breastfeeding my second child for about six months, I began to notice that my milk supply was dwindling. Having committed to exclusively breastfeed all of my children for at least one year, I immediately started looking for ways to be healthier. Breastfeeding was increasingly challenging compared to my first child because I have to keep up with an active toddler while nursing my newborn. My supply dwindled because of lack of sleep, poor diet and plain exhaustion. I felt that my reserves depleted and I was always dehydrated. Seeing my friends’ juicing and smoothie posts prompted me to first try making my own smoothies, then, eventually, my own juices!
Fast forward to this day when I do not only juice for myself, but for my clients, too. Juice Hut stands in the belief that juicing is beneficial to everyone – stay at home moms, career moms, students, office workers, health fanatics, athletes, retirees, and yes, even kids. Juices can be taken to detoxify our bodies or simply to add more nutrients to our daily meals. Being Filipinos, I admit we all love to eat out, celebrate with food and even have an occasional drink or two. Hence, we offer the concept of juice cleanse to reset our system to healthy eating and balance out our occasional binges. Anything beneficial should also be accessible so, we, at Juice Hut, make sure we price our drinks affordably. We
CRAFT PARTY PH Keeping attuned to her other passion, arts and crafts, Mia got together with fellow craft enthusiast, Nica Cosio and started Craft Party PH. Mia first collaborated with Nica for graphic design services for Juice Hut. The two found a common ground in arts and crafts and naturally became friends in the long run. “Craft Party PH started last May 2015 when Nica and I were discussing our plans for summer, and she told me that she had some craft workshops lined up for kids. I loved the idea of gathering kids together for a morning of afternoon of crafts, so I thought, why not gather some moms or ladies, too? Our first Craft Party was born as a marketing event for Juice Hut. Nica suggest a 3-in-1 activity: Rubber Stamping, Clay Plate Painting and Stationary Making. Nica created a poster and shared this to our social media right away. We immediately got several sign-ups and inquiries
within a few hours and we filled our minimum slots in less than a week. It was a huge success the ladies loved the fun, relaxed learning environment and Nica’s passion for craft was infectious. From then on we’ve had monthly or bi-monthly Craft Parties, we’ve done brass jewelry making, rubber stamping with kids, memory-keeping workshops, and more. We do private Craft Parties for special events like birthdays, graduation, etc. We’ve also had our first Craft Festival last November where we had live art demonstrations, selling booths and a workshop at UP Town Center, Quezon City. This year we are partnering with Isobelle of @mabbymakes as we venture into events and children party packages.” Clearly, Mia has well-defined work life balance. Her talents and skills have attracted a number of opportunities for her, and she is able to do work around a schedule that benefits both herself and her family. “I love being a mother and wife. I dedicate time for each and everyone in our home. I also want to stay to true to myself. I feel I am at my best as mom and partner when I am able to fulfill all my goals as an individual.” Learn more about Juice Hut by logging on to www.juicehutmanila.com or @juicehut_manila on Instagram. Check out more Craft Party PH photos and their complete list of upcoming workshops via http://www.facebook. com/CraftPartyPH or @craftpartyph on Instagram.
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
NEWS 13 Law requiring landowners to plant trees in riverbanks needed
EDGEDAVAO
FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING A leading distributor of Irrigation System, Agricultural Machinery, Generator and Heavy Equipment immediately needs sales personnel to complement its staff, with the following qualifications: 1. Licensed Agricultural Engineers or Licensed Mechanical Engineers; 2. Male or female, 24-35 years old; 3. Background knowledge or sales experience in agricultural machinery, irrigation system, generators or heavy equipment is an advantage; 4. Must be willing to travel within the island of Mindanao. Interested applicants should submit application letter, bio-data and transcript of records to:
INTERNATIONAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
Km. 7 McArthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City Tel. Nos.: 285-0685; 297-5851 Fax No.: 2975849 Email add: info@ihecdavao.com, info@ihec.com.ph
A
CITY councilor mulled of crafting a law that will require land owners to plant El Nino resilient trees in the long run. Councilor Marissa Abella, chair of the committee on environment said some of the headwater areas are privately owned and the only guarantee to sustain the flow of water from
these areas is planting of trees. She said the proposed ordinance will compel landowners to plant and grow trees that can help in the absorption of water down to the aquifer. “Trees are needed to ensure that the aquifer will be deposited with water,” Abella said. Momentarily, she said
that the city government must assist the Department of Agriculture in pointing areas that have been hardest hit by the long dry-spell. She said the city government needs to identify these areas and then relay the information to the DA which has the funds to handle cloud seeding operations. Abella said that one of the possibilities that the city government can do to cope with the El Nino phenomenon is the provision of water pumps from the rivers for distribution of water to the farmers. She also suggested the need to study more heat-resilient crops like the jackfruit-like crop called culo, which can withstand the warm weather condition. Abella said the crop tastes like banana when cooked. “It can serve as alternative for corn,” she said. Abella also encouraged farmers to plant Abaca, the only commercial crop that can withstand the drought. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
Review:
2016 Nissan Juke
A
MONG all the cars the revitalized Nissan has brought to market so far, this is the one that’s nailed it dead on. It’s certainly not the perfect vehicle, but it’s young, hip, and different—the very adjectives that Nissan needs if they were to stand a chance against the Toyotas and Hondas of the world. Clearly, this has none of the staidness leftover from the beige leather and fake wood; this is styled to stand out. At first glance, it’s hard what to make of the styling. Some people have referred
to the ROBIOTIC styling as outlandish or weird. I myself found the design to be a crossbreed between a Pokémon and a frog, only to be endeared to it after some time. Nissan says the radical front end is supposed to echo rally cars. Whatever, but I do admire them for this one-of-a-kind treatment. The rounded headlights are mounted low in the nose supplemented by high-mounted slash park lights and signal indicators higher on the hood edge. The rear-end is equally interesting with the boomerang-shaped taillights mount-
ed on the trailing edge. Less talked about, but no less interesting, the slopping rear roofline and bulging fenders give an unabashedly caricature appearance capped off with exaggerated-looking 17-inch wheels. When Nissan says they’re going bold with the Juke, they mean it. The Juke is labeled as the “sports car of the B-segment crossover”, and the cabin relays that message well. Like most crossovers, you sit relatively higher, but the way the dashboard contours around the driver is unique to it. The
expansive front windshield and large side mirrors give excellent front visibility while the front seats offer good back and side support. The meaty three-spoke leather steering wheel adjusts only for tilt, but still falls nicely into hand while the pedals are positioned well. Though it sounds more like function over form, there are still some hints of wackiness like the gas tank-like center console and the floating instrument panel visor. Still, the look is somewhat subdued with the all black treatment broken up by the glossy dark gray metallic trimmings. Personally, I love the unique Integrated Control System or I-CON in the Juke. I-CON is a versatile, multi-colored system that allows the driver to change the drive and climate modes with a single touch. The control panel, made up of two rotary dials and six buttons, are shared but thanks to a special filter and two-color LED lamps, the selection switches between climate control and drive modes. It sounds gimmicky, but I find it very intuitive and allows for the placement of larger controls that don’t sacrifice any legibility. The Juke’s standout exterior and sporty interior does serve as the precursor to its biggest flaw: practicality or more specifically, the lack of it. When viewed from the eyes of a college kid or a regular at The Palace Pool Club, there’s nothing wrong with it. The space is good upfront and interestingly enough, despite the small footprint, there’s a copious amount of cubby holes including a lit glove box. Unfortunately, as these kids turn to parents, the Juke loses its edge. Ingress and egress is particularly hard for those in the back not only because of the “hidden” door
handles and but because of the oddly cut rear doors and the roofline. The rear seat space itself is extremely tight, offering cozy accommodations even for two adults. Plus, the luggage space isn’t too big—a gym bag and a laptop bag already occupying half of its quoted 251 liters of cargo space. Again, considering its sports car labeling, I guess the rear seats and split-folding rear seats should be considered as bonuses? So while it’s clear the Juke doesn’t score high on the practicality scale, it does manage to score well in terms of driving fun. The key here is the structure that underpins that sporty-looking body. Built to optimize rigidity and minimize weight, the Juke is the first one in its class to use a cradle-type sub-frame that dampens vibration and harshness while spreading chassis load over a wider area. Together with its nicely tuned suspension, it makes for one corner-loving crossover. Having the power served up solely on the front wheels doesn’t seem to hold the Juke back when it comes to dancing as it can negotiate through any piece of tarmac with little argument. What’s more, it’s quiet and comfortable in doing so. The tall ride height and non-independent rear suspension does serve a bit of under steer and jitteriness over some ruts, but not enough to dampen the fun. The electric power steering is nicely tuned with a good, weighty response as are the brakes with good bite. The Juke’s chassis is so well balanced that the moment the throttle is opened, I immediately felt it could use a lot more pep. Powering the Juke is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 116 horsepower and 154 Nm of torque. Relying on
Saavedra and former Alaska Tri-Aspire members Banjo Norte, Kristiane Lim and Paul Jumamil. The first event that the team would be facing is the Tri United Series, a three-leg race set in Feb. 28, July 3 and Oct. 23 in Subic Bay, wherein they would be fielding a 15-man lineup. Aside from participating in numerous events, the team is set to hold a grassroots clinic for triathlon starting summer this year. The training camp would be for the less fortunate children which
possess high potentials in the sport. For his part, IPC Executive Vice President Takashi Tomita expressed firm belief that such skills being shown by these athletes are worldclass, saying competition has become very stiff in triathlon. He also vowed that IPC will support Rider Omega Pro Tri Team for the 2016 Triathlon Season as part of their commitment to support Filipinos. Such focus on sports is not new with Isuzu as the Japanese car company has
Isuzu PH supports triathlon group A
S part of their commitment in being the “reliable partner,” Isuzu Philippines Corporation—the official local distributor of Japanese car maker for the country—has formally forged a new partnership with some of the top tier athletes in the country, this time, triathletes from the Visayan region. IPC Executive Vice President Takashi Tomita has formally announced the latest sponsorship deal between the Japanese carmaker and the Rider Omega Pro Tri Team at Robinsons Galleria Cebu con-
inciding with its the team’s grand launching vent and press conference. Cebu-based Rider Omega Pro Tri Team is composed of both professional and budding triathletes in training that is set to compete on both local and international races. The Rider Omega Pro Tri Team is currently on its fourth year as a triathlon group but only started their campaign as a commercial unit. The team has a core of 28 outstanding members, Headed by Actor/ Triathlete Paul Jake Castillo as the Team Manager, Tonyson
Luther Lee as Marketing Manager and Frederick Castañeda as Team Captain; other Age Grouper members composed of Mendel Lopez, Jeffrey Codino, Lorhiz Echavez-Lopez, Christopher Capistrano, Reinier Englis, Allistair Patino, Joseph Larida, Alton, Enzo and Lorna Amor, Steve Cortez, En Torres, Rashell Cabrera, Sean Yu, Ryan Capuno, Jezryl Villarete, Rachel Rae Ngo and Jude Baguio, among others. Beefing the group’s roster are Filipino Elite’s Cianyl Jamae Gonzalez, Johnny Ferniz, Franz Baguio Welmar
atmospheric pressure (no turbo here), the Juke will almost always lose during stoplight duels. Most small cars rely on an initially strong pickup only to lose steam as the speeds goes up; the Juke is the opposite. Mash the throttle and it’ll barely chug along. Even with the drive mode set to ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’, you’ll see just about any other motorized object overtake you. And let’s not even talk about ‘Eco’ which is simply dreadful. It’s only when the engine hits 3,300 rpm does the pace become decent enough. Surprisingly, after overcoming that initial sluggishness (thanks to its 1,332-kilogram curb weight), it’ll hit triple digit speeds easily. There’s also a missed opportunity to put in any form of manual override be it a gate on the shifter or flappy paddles since the Juke really, really needs them, especially on uphill overtakes. Still, treated purely as an urban crawler, it returns 9.34 km/L (average speed 15 km/h). In the end, what I love about the Nissan Juke is that it’s not trying to be the crossover for everyone. Instead, Nissan grew balls and designed it to be a styling standout that’s individualistic and downright fun. It wears uniqueness on its sleeve and is totally unashamed of it. Sure, it doesn’t score high in practicality or straight-line pace, but it manages to be reasonably priced and well-loaded enough. In fact, I would say it’s the best choice so far in the B-segment crossover category. More than anything though, if it’s the Juke’s mission to get people to talk about Nissan, then it’s already comprised that. This is the sort of vehicle Nissan needs to get back on track. (carguide.ph)
previously launched its own Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team. Launched in 2010, the Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team —made up of 11 avid riders who take part in various competitions around the country. “The Rider Omega Pro Tri Team— like the Isuzu D-MAX Cycling Team—would surely embody the qualities that the brand displays. The vehicles and the athletes perfectly exude toughness, excellence and competitiveness. We wish all the best for these top-caliber athletes as they go for the gold this year,” Tomita said.
VOL. 8 ISSUE 228 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
SPORTS15
EDGEDAVAO
HAIL TO THE KING
LeBron triple-double leads Cavs over Kings
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EBRON James came close to his 40th career triple-double several times this season. The four-time MVP got there in three quarters Monday night. James scored 21 points to go along with 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 120-100 win over the Sacramento Kings. James pulled down his final rebound late in the third quarter, resulting in a loud cheer from the sellout crowd. He didn’t play the final period thanks to the big lead. ‘’I didn’t know until I sat down on the bench and I looked up at the scoreboard,’’ he said. ‘’Get over the hump, finally. To do it in three quarters was even more impressive. It allowed me to get some rest.’’ Kyrie Irving matched his season high with 32 points and tied his career high with 12 as-
sists. Irving was 13 of 21 from the field and J.R. Smith hit six 3-pointers, finishing with 22 points. Cleveland went ahead early in the game and steadily built its lead against the listless Kings, who have dropped eight of nine. Rudy Gay and Omri Casspi led Sacramento with 16 points each. Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, who passed the 9,000 career point mark in the second quarter, returned after missing a game because of a bruised left thigh and scored 11 points. Irving converted a fourpoint play in the fourth quarter by hitting a 3-pointer in front of the Kings bench and being fouled by Rajon Rondo. ‘’I think health-wise, he’s great,’’ Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said of Irving, who missed the first 24 games after surgery for a fractured left kneecap. ‘’I still think he’s trying to get his legs back a little bit. He did a
great job tonight.’’ Cleveland led 61-45 at halftime. Three baskets by James, including a 3-pointer, and five points by Irving early in the third helped stretch the lead to 78-57. The biggest margin was 24 points in the fourth quarter. Speculation about coach George Karl’s job status began after Friday’s loss in Brooklyn. The Kings followed that Sunday in Boston by allowing 74 points in the first half, including 46 in the first quarter. Sacramento gave up 128 points in each game. DeMarcus Cousins scored 14 points while Rondo had 16 assists. Rondo expressed the frustration that’s hanging over the Kings. ‘’We can’t just keep laying down, we’ve got to fight,’’ he said. ‘’We’re all men. We’re all grown. You can’t want it more than the other person next to you does. We’ve got to stop making excuses.’’
of regulation. Memphis held a 102-100 lead after Tony Allen split a pair of free throws for the Grizzlies with 7.6 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Lillard launched a 3-pointer that missed, McCollum tapped up the rebound, but that that was off the mark before another tip went through the net as the horn was sounding. Allen Crabbe was given credit for the basket, but replays showed Memphis’ Jeff Green actually was the one with his hand on the tip that went through. And after that, officials reviewed the play to make sure of two things - that the shot was off in time, and there was no basket interference. Eventually, they ruled the basket good, sending the game
to the extra period. ‘’We got the rebound, we got a tip-in, and I just saw all black jerseys down there,’’ Lillard said of the final play in regulation. ‘’There was a little bit over a second (left), and I thought: ‘We’ve got a chance to tip something.’’’ As for Crabbe, he said: ‘’I tried to make a play on the ball, and it went in. They gave me the two points, so I’m going to take credit for the tip-in.’’ Conley led Memphis with 27 points, while Zach Randolph added 26 points as Memphis lost its second straight overtime game. Marc Gasol scored 11 points before leaving late in the first quarter with a right foot injury. He did not return. Mario Chalmers and Green had 12 apiece for Memphis.
TABLEMATES John Vincent “Mulawin” Moralde and Romero “Ruthless” Duno of Sanman Boxing Stable are out to keep their unblemished records as they face separate opponents in the Brawl at The Mall: Glory slated this Saturday, February 13 at 2 p.m. at the Gaisano Mall Atrium in General Santos City. Moralde has an immaculate record of 14-0 highlighted with seven knockouts. He will face dangerous Anthony “Zorro” Sabalde (10W-4L-0D,5KO) of Cebu for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) International featherweight title for 10 rounds in the main event. Duno, on the other hand, has 8 wins spiked by seven knockouts. He will face Jason “Siaton Boy” Egera (21W-6L-0D-10KOs) of Negros Oriental for the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) super featherweight crown in the main supporting bout. Moralde and Duno are both going for a knockout win. Sanman Promotions Chief Executive Officer Jim Claude “JC” Manangquil said that Moralde and Duno are now in their best shape and are 100 percent ready to fight. They both did their final
two rounds of sparring and four rounds of mitts last Monday afternoon at the Sanman Gym in Lagao. A light training this week will taper down their preparations. The official weigh-in is set on Friday at 11 a.m. also at the Gaisano Mall Atrium. The 21-year old Moralde is just three pounds over the 126 lbs. limit while Duno is four pounds over the 130 lbs. division when they tipped the scales last Monday. “That should not be a problem for them. They still have four days to make the limit. OK lang,” said Manangquil. Meanwhile, current PBF minimumweight champion Ronnie “Ultimate Warrior” Tanallon of General Santos City will make his first title-defense against veteran Rodel “Hardworker” Tejares of Manila in the undercard. The other exciting bouts are: Reymart Gaballo of Sanman against Bryan Samson of Cebu (8 rds.-118 lbs.), Jayson Daming of Sanman vs. Sadam Barambangan (6 rds.-108 lbs.); Robert Paradero vs. Jan-jan Santos (6 rds.-105 lbs.); Jayson Mama of Sanman vs. Martin Paderogao (4 rds.- 108 lbs.); Lucas Bendiema vs. Ken Jordan (4 rds.-108 lbs.). PR
Lillard lifts Blazers over Grizzlies in OT
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LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against Marco Belinelli of the Sacramento Kings on Monday at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
.J. McCollum struggled with his shooting until overtime when a trio of field goals provided Portland with a winning boost. McCollum had six of his 21 points in overtime, Damian Lillard scored 33 points and the Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 112-106 on Monday night. ‘’I wasn’t very good,’’ said McCollum, who was 7 of 19 from the field at the end of regulation. ‘’I fouled. I gave up some points to Mike Conley. Didn’t make shots. But I just had to stick with it. They need me to score. They need me to execute down the stretch and have the confidence to take and make good shots.’’ The game would not have reached overtime if not for a strange sequence at the close
Moralde, Duno stake unbeaten records in‘Brawl at the Mall’
More Dabawenyos turn to‘Laro’t Saya’ S M ORE Dabawenyos are making the Laro’t Saya sa Parke fitness program a regular habit. A total of 1,347 physical fitness enthusiasts took part in last weekend’s Laro’t Saya sa Parke program at the People’s Park in Davao City. A summary of the par-
ticipants for the February 6 session saw 48 senior citizens joining the multi-event program sponsored by the City Government of Davao and the Philippine Sports Cmmission (PSC). Zumba topped the most number of participants with 1,000, followed by badminton with 58, volleyball with
51, sepak takraw 46, tae- The breakdown: Senior Citizen 48 kwondo 40, futsal 37, arnis Zumba 1000 36, and rugby football 31. Arnis 36 The weekly health and Badminton 58 wellness program is being Futsal 37 held for free every SaturRugby Football 31 days beginning at 6:00 a.m. Sepak Takraw 46 Interested participants may Taekwando 40 only register at the venue for Volleyball 51 every session and choose an TOTAL 1,347 activity to be part of.
SEA Games gold medalists, Asean Para Games winners to be cited in PSA rites F
ILIPINO gold medal winners in the 28th Singapore Southeast Asian Games and their Asean Para Games counterparts will be honored with citations for their exploits during the Annual Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night presented by MILO and San Miguel Corp. Trackster Eric Cray stood at the forefront of the country’s campaign last year by winning a double gold in athletics, including the 100-m century dash of which he became the first Filipino to win the
sport’s centerpiece event. In all, the Philippines won a total of 29 gold medals. Meanwhile, veterans Ernie Gawilan (swimming) and Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta (powerlifting) spearheaded the 11-gold medal performance the Filipinos bagged in the eighth edition of the Para Games also held in The Lion City. Together, the gold winners make up the bulk of the long list of individuals and entities to be cited by the country’s oldest media organization in the February 13 affair at
the Esplanade, with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) serving as major sponsor. Twenty eight others will also receive citations during the gala night starting at 7 p.m. and supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Basketball Association, Globalport, Rain or Shine, One Esplanade, National University, Maynilad, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation, SM Prime Holdings, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Included on the list of citations are Olympian Michael Christian Martinez, the archery team of Amaya Paz-Cojuangco, Jennifer Chan, Andrea Robles, and Jose Ferdinand Adriano, marathoners Mary Joy Tabal and Rafael Poliquit, teenage cage sensation Kobe Paras, Batang Gilas, Perlas Pilipinas Dragon Boat team, karateka Kristina Charisse Santiago, riders Kenneth San Andres and Milo Rivera, Ernesto ‘Judes’ Echaus of sailing, shooter Hagen Alexander Topacio, and the Petron volleyball team
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
Earlier doubtful for the international stints, Tony Parker says he is now set to see action for the French squad. AP
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH Tougher task for Gilas in Olympic qualifying as Parker makes self available for France
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AN Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker says he has reached an understanding with his pregnant wife that will allow him to take part in France’s Olympic qualifying tournament this summer. Parker had raised the possibility of missing the
tournament from July 4-10 and the Olympics — if France qualified — because of the expected birth of his second son in July. But Parker told L’Equipe newspaper Monday that he will be available for both events, saying: “I will be at the Olympics if we qualify.”
Parker says his wife is making a “big sacrifice” by letting him go and has warned him he “should better bring a medal back home.” The Olympic basketball tournament in Rio de Janeiro will be held from Aug. 6-21.
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