Edge Davao 6 Issue 243

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FOREIGN RELATIONS. Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte greets foreign guests of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy during the launch of the College of Law of Jose Maria College held at Park Inn

by Radisson Davao on Monday afternoon.

Duterte was the guest of honor and speaker of the event. Lean Daval Jr.

CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTS VETO

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

T

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council has accepted the veto of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on the amendment of the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) removing the additional 10 percent area for green spaces in subdivision development projects.

During suspended rules in yesterdays regular session, the Council approved the resolution “accepting the veto of the city mayor over ordinance no.0487-2016 series of 2016, entitled an ordinance amending section 13, article 9 of ordinance no.0546-2013.”

Councilor Bernard Al-ag, proponent of the resolution,

said after careful study of Duterte’s veto message, the City Council “acceded to the wisdom of the local chief executive and to points raised.”

“It is imperative that the acceptance of the veto be made on record so that there will finally be closure on this matter,” Al-ag said in the resolution.

In the resolution, Al-ag stated the points Duterte had made in his three-page veto message dated February 19, 2016.

The mayor had said the veto on the amendment was made because it is “vague and ambiguous, prejudicial to pub-

lic interest, and an exercise of legislative power in ultra vires (beyond its powers).”

Duterte said it is “not clear whether, in the development of the green spaces, this shall be done within the allotted open space of the proponent, set back areas of home lots sidewalk strips… or whether these set back areas of home lots or sidewalk strips… are all located within the proponent’s allotted open space.”

The mayor said the amendment is prejudicial to public interest and is an exercise of legislative power in ultra vires (beyond the Council’s power) because of the implied

mandatory requirement for homeowners to turn over their green spaces to the homeowners’ association for proper maintenance.

He said there is an unwarranted burden of maintaining the green space passed on to the homeowners’ association which exceeds the requirement of Presidential Decree No. 1216 defining “open space” in residential subdivisions and amending section 31 of Presidential Decree no. 957 requiring subdivision owners to provide roads, alleys, sidewalks, and reserve open space for parks or recreational use.

F CITY, 10

INdulge!

A celebration of art for all A1

EDGEDAVAO Sports OFF TO THE CAPITAL P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

TIME STARTS NOW. Majority floor leader Councilor Bernard Al-ag introduces a new timing system to his fellow councilors where to be used during the privilege hour of the regular City Council session. Lean Daval Jr.

Duterte wants to concentrate City Council imposes campaign on some Luzon areas 10-minute speech rule

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

P

abf@edgedavao.net

RESIDENTIAL aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to the concentrate his campaign on Central and Norther Luzon areas because these areas are his weak spots.

Speaking in a press conference during the launch of the Jose Maria College (JMC) College of Law at Park Inn by Radisson Davao on Monday afternoon, Duterte said he does not know his standing as of the moment but he

knows he is weak in some parts of Luzon.

He said he had gone to Laoag City and Tuguegarao City and had a good reception from the people but he noticed that the Ilocanos are very reserved with their attitude, unlike the Tagalogs and Bisaya who are very enthusiastic.

“I could sense that some of them believe me but they would always go for the roots,” he said.

Duterte, however, said his rating in Metro Manila is strong because many people from Visayas and Mindanao have migrated there.

“I am strong in Metro Manila because it is no longer a place that you can call your own, it’s already mix.

You cannot say that in Manila it’s Tagalog or Bisaya because its a mix like Davao,” he said He said in previous surveys, he ranked first in Metro

Manila. “Malakas talaga ako sa (I am strong in) Metro Manila because of my advocacy against illegal drugs and criminality. That is their issue there,” he said.

Duterte also believes he is still the strongest candidate in Mindanao among the other four aspirants.

He said he is also optimistic that the Central Visayas will vote him because it is dominated by Bisayas like him.

HE damages to agricultural crops brought about by the long dry spell and rat infestation in Maguindanao rose to P110 million, officials said Tuesday.

With this, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will increase its support to affected farmers, according to Secretary Alexander Alonto of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM).

He said to date, the dry spell and rat infestation in the province destroyed more than P110 million worth of agricultural crops.

Alonto cited a report from his office which showed that 18,831 hectares of rice and corn farms in 18 of 36 municipalities in Maguindanao, with

roughly 22,000 farmers, have been affected by the adverse weather condition now felt not only in ARMM but also in many parts of the country.

Last January 28, the Maguindanao provincial board placed the entire province under a state of calamity due to rising drought damage figures.

Alonto said his office is expecting higher loss figures in the near term as municipal officers further validate updated reports on the extent of crop damage.

As immediate response, Alonto said DA-ARMM has already provided 4,400 bags of open-pollinated corn seeds and 3,000 bags of palay to affected farmers.

“It is part of the region’s intervention to farmers affected

by the drought,” Alonto said, adding that DAF-ARMM is still waiting for updates from municipalities hit hard by the dry spell.

Alonto identified the towns hardest hit by dry spell and rat infestation as Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Montawal, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Kabuntalan, North Upi, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Talayan, Ampatuan, and Datu Piang.

Emma Ali, provincial social welfare officer, said the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM) has distributed relief packs to affected residents noting her office is still validating latest reports.

“We will immediately re-

spond to their humanitarian needs as long as we get the complete data assessed by the municipal officers,” Ali said.

Based on a report from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the dry spell, referred to as ‘El Niño’, is expected to be felt until the second quarter of this year.

El Niño is an abnormal warming of surface water in the eastern tropical sections of the Pacific Ocean generally observed once in three to five years.

The phenomenon, the weather agency said, usually occurs during the last quarter of the year and lasts until the first half of the following year.

(PNA)

El Nino destroys more than P110M in agricultural crops in Maguindanao T

T

HE Davao City Council yesterday started to impose a strict time limit on every councilor’s privilege speech.

In yesterday’s City Council’s regular session, majority floor leader councilor Bernard Al-ag introduced the 10-minute rule to the councilors to avoid delays in the discussion of important items.

“Beginning today, we will strictly impose our 10-minute rule during privilege hour,” he said.

During the privilege hour, a timer will be shown in the wide screen to remind the councilors of their time limit.

Al-ag said the Council secretariat will ring a bell once if the councilor has only two minutes left. The bell will

be rung twice if the time is up.

“With this new system, we will make sure that the 10-minute rule will not abused and will not be violated,” he said.

The strict time limit rule during the privilege speech of every councilor came after last week’s heated discussion during the privilege hour.

Tempers flared when three councilors engaged in a heated altercation which ended the session with no items discussed.

Al-ag and councilors Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta and Diosdado Mahipus were at loggerheads over the amendment of the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and the tension-filled session blew out of proportion. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

P300M SB No 1 passes first reading

T

HE Davao City Council yesterday passed on first reading the first supplemental budget for this year which amounts to about P300 million.

In yesterday’s regular session, committee on finance, ways and means, appropriation chair councilor Danilo C. Dayanhirang presented during the privilege hour a letter signed by city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain on the proposed Supplemental Budget No 1.

Dayanghirang asked the majority to consider his speech as approved on first reading due to its urgency

since the election ban for local posts is approaching.

“We are in the election season and there are some projects which are prohibited, even actions… and we have to fast-track the approval of the budget,” he said.

The councilors agreed with Dayanghirang to consider his privilege speech approved on first reading so that the committee hearing can start immediately.

In an interview, Dayanghirang said he conducted a committee hearing yesterday afternoon because he wants to approve the budget as soon

F P300M, 10

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Sultan Kudarat cops arrest 2 in foiled bombing attempt

P

OLICE authorities here are investigating two men who left a powerful improvised explosive device left at a roadside while police, Army, fire, and civil officials were to start a parade launching Fire Prevention Month Tuesday.

Superintendent Joefel Siason, Isulan town police chief, refused to identify the two suspects, who were arrested by police after they left a black bag containing power IED fashioned from 81 mm mor-

LEGAL EAGLES. Presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte graces the launch of the College of Law of Jose Maria College (JMC) on Monday afternoon at Park Inn by Radisson Davao. With him are JMC College

of Law Dean Israelito P. Torreon, Legal Education Board chair Emerson B. Aquende, and EDGE Davao editor-in-chief Antonio M. Ajero. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

ICRC: Fighting causes new displacements in Mindanao T

HE International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed concern of the displacement and casualties that have resulted from clashes between government security forces and armed groups in Maguindanao that have continued into their fourth week.

“We are worried about the fate of civilians caught in the fighting. We call on all parties to the conflict to strictly abide by international humanitarian law (IHL),” Dominic Earnshaw, head of the ICRC office in Cotabato, said in a statement.

“In particular, we remind them that they should take all measures to avoid indiscriminate attacks that may harm civilians. We are deeply alarmed by incidents involving roadside explosive devices that have resulted in injuries and deaths,” Earnshaw said.

To help treat all weapon-wounded – without any distinction – the ICRC donated emergency kits and medicines to health facilities in Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and Sultan Kudarat.

A field assessment conducted by an ICRC team on

February 24 showed that the displaced population in Maguindanao and North Cotabato have already benefited from initial assistance provided by the local authorities.

“The ICRC will continue to monitor the situation of the affected population in order to identify any gaps in humanitarian assistance, in coordination with the authorities and the Philippine Red Cross,” Earnshaw said.

In addition, armed clashes erupted in Butig, Lanao del Sur, last week. Some residents had to leave their homes to avoid

being caught in the fighting.

The ICRC said it is closely following the situation, including the humanitarian consequences of these incidents. It said it stands ready to provide assistance to the affected population if needs are identified.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. It has been present in the Philippines for over 60 years, and in Mindanao since 1982.

tian R. Lacson said Mindanao continues to face a precarious power supply with the continued effects of the El Niño to the island’s hydro power supply.

“We hope the return of

Therma South’s second unit will alleviate the power supply shortage felt by our customers,” Lacson said in the statement. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Blackouts to continue, AboitizPower exec says

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

A

abf@edgedavao.net

N AboitizPower official yesterday clarified that even if its Therma South, Inc. (TSI) 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant is now in normal operation after a 10-day preventive maintenance shutdown on one of its plants, blackouts will still occur because of other critical factors.

In an interview yesterday after the City Council’s regular morning session, AboitizPower first vice president for Mindanao Manuel M. Orig said as long as El Niño still exists and the toppled towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) are not fixed, the rotating power outages will remain.

“Until dili masulbar ang El Niño og katong toppling sa tower naa pa gihapo’y brownouts (Until the dry spell and the toppling of towers are not resolved, there will still be brownouts),” he said.

Mindanao is dependent on hydroelectric power for more than half of its electricity needs. With El Niño, the water level in dams that supply water

to the hydro plants have been at extremely low levels.

Mindanao also suffered power setbacks after a number of NGCP towers were bombed late last year and early this year. The problem has been compounded by private land owners who have refused to let NGCP enter their property to perform repairs.

Orig said as far as TSI is concerned, the power plant is already in normal operation.

In a statement, AboitizPower said the 150-MW unit of TSI has already been synchronized with the grid since Monday morning after a preventive maintenance shutdown starting February 17 for some critical repairs.

The company also said the second 150-MW unit had remained operational during the time.

The two 150-MW power plants are now running and supplying power to more than 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao.

TSI President and Chief-Operating-Officer Sebas-

tar, circuit diagram, blasting caps, cut nails with two mobile phone as trigger mechanism.

“We are looking at two possible motives,” Siason told reporters. He said the target of the bomb attack could be Isulan Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue, who was participating in the parade or Sultan Kudarat Vice Governor Ernesto Matias.

Pallasigue is running for governor of Sultan Kudarat while Matias is seeking the mayorship of Isulan.

F SULTAN, 10

PDEA-12 agents nab three drug pushers in S. Cotabato

A

NTI-DRUG operatives arrested three more alleged notorious drug pushers in separate buy-bust operations in Tampakan town in South Cotabato and in this city.

Kath Abad, public information officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12, identified the suspects as Rommel Galolo of Poblacion in Tampakan South Cotabato, and live-in partners Dominador Nabasa and Chessa Nunez of Barangay Dadian-

gas West.

Abad said Galolo was nabbed by PDEA-12 agents under the direct supervision of regional director Lyndon Aspacio at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday at the vicinity of Purok Masagana, Barangay Poblacion in Tampakan.

She said prior to his arrest, the suspect sold some P1,000 worth of dried marijuana to a PDEA agent who posed as a buyer.

Recovered from Galolo’s possession and control was

F PDEA-12, 10

USeP ranks third in Geologist board exam, grads notch 7th, 9th

T

HE University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Obrero Campus ranked third in the Institutional Performance of the February 2016 Geologist Licensure Examination with an overall performance rating of 52.94 percent. The University of the Philippines – Diliman topped the list, followed by Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila in second place).

Two of USeP’s graduates placed seventh and ninth in the same examination. Maruel Cerna Silverio ranked seventh with a rating of 81 percent while Tristan Español dela

Cruz ranked ninth with a rating of 80.50 percent.

In a statement, USeP said its accomplishment in this field is the result of its continuous effort and commitment in pursuing greater excellence and higher quality of education.

“In line with its vision of becoming a Premier University in the ASEAN Region, USeP is also pursuing excellence in other fields including Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Education, Governance and Business, Technology and Computing, Economics, and Agriculture,” the statement said.

INTERRUPTION. The regular session of the city council is halted yesterday as the lights in the session hall were turned off due to a fluctuation in the electrical power supply. Lean Daval Jr.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

2nd Banana Congress to discuss challenges and opportunities

G

MORE TOURS. Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 director Roberto P. Alabado III (seated second from left), Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) Execom secretary May Aranda (leftmost) VDFS Tours consortium’s Edmund Mayormita (second from right) and Cynthia Ruano sign the Memorandum

of Agreement (MOA) to finalize the expansion of tour packages from three last year to 15 this year. The signing of MOA was held on Monday during Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

EARING up for the challenges and opportunities in the global market, stakeholders of the banana industry will convene in Davao City for the second National Banana Congress on April 1 to 2 at the SMX Lanang Convention Center.

“This year’s congress becomes crucial because of the problems and challenges of the banana industry faces, such as the widespread damage brought about by the Panama disease on Cavendish and Lakatan varieties, pests and diseases of other varieties, local and international market dynamics, and logistics,” Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport)-Davao president Ferdinand Y. Marañon told reporters on Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.

Marañon said aside from challenges of the multi-billion dollar banana industry, the congress will also provide a venue for the discussion on the creation of the National Banana Industry Development Council.

The council, he said, “will

advance the interest of small to medium banana growers through effective leadership and representation to ensure a strong industry future, provide appropriate research and development and more effective industry strategies.”

He also said participants of the congress will discuss supporting political candidates who will support the development of the banana industry.

Activities in the two-day event include plenary sessions, panel discussions, agency and commodity exhibits, and educational seminars.

Dr. Agustin Molina of Bioversity International will also attend the event as one of the resource speakers. Marañon said Molina will discuss updates on the development of Panama-resilient banana varieties.

The National Banana Congress will be hosted by PhilExport and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Mindanao Development Authority. CHENEEN R. CAPON

Academe pushes dev’t of halal college course More discounted tour

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

U

crc@edgedavao.net

NDERSCORING the scarcity of necessary human resource for the development of the local halal industry, members of the academe are pushing for the development of curricula that include offering a four-year course for halal development.

“It is an acknowledged fact that the local halal industry is not as developed as the 25-year halal industry of Malaysia. In our case, we should have an approach that will put emphasis on halal like development of curricular offering that is in coordination with more advanced countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Turkey,” University of Southern Mindanao (USM) director Dr. Francisco Gil Garcia said in yesterday’s press conference for the opening of the threeday BIMP-EAGA International Halal Congress: An Academe Perspective at The Apo View Hotel.

“It would be useless to develop local standards for the industry which are not parallel

to the standards set by international Islamic organizations and countries,” Garcia added.

He said the USM will be proposing the offering of a four-year course on Bachelor of Science in halal science.

At present, the USM is the only higher education institution (HEI) that is offering a four-year course on halal development. It started offering a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies major in halal management and food management last year with only 27 enrollees.

Garcia said the local industry cannot take off because of the lack of technical experts despite the the huge potential of Mindanao to become a major player in the US$2 trillion global halal industry.

Addressing the scarcity of human resource is the first step in developing the local halal industry, he said.

Garcia said included as one of the target outputs at the end of the three-day congress is a draft of a curriculum that

will be submitted to the Commission on Higher Education for institutionalization.

He said a policy should be put in place to ensure the growth of the local industry which does not only focus on food products but also nonfood products like pharmaceutical and cosmetics as well as systems and services.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11 regional director Dr. Anthony C. Sales referred to the halal industry as an “ecosystem” which is not limited to production but also includes certification and marketing.

He said much as the religion aspect of the industry is already met because of the presence of the 10 percent Muslim population in Mindanao but the industry needs to meet the international standards by complying with the technical aspect of the industry.

Sales said part of the effort of the department is the establishment of more ha-

lal-testing laboratories in Mindanao which halal producers can have access to. At present, there are already two operational testing laboratories located in Cotabato City. One of the two is being managed by the DOST in the ARMM region.

“The DOST 11 is targeting to put up a testing laboratory in Davao City. This is very important because the city is one of the major producers of halal products in Mindanao,” Sales said.

He said the facility is expected to be operational before the end of the year.

Sales said DOST 11 will shell out P47 million for the procurement of necessary machinery and equipment for the testing laboratory.

Meanwhile, engineer Yasin Zülfikaroğlu, a specialist from the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in Turkey, said Mindanao can still take part as a major player because the industry remains “unsaturated.”

MinDA inks dev’t initiatives with ADB, USAID

T

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed agreements that will spur development in Mindanao, particularly in the South Central Mindanao Corridor (SCMC), capitalizing on the island-region’s geographic and socioeconomic advantages.

During formal ceremony held here recently at the Greenleaf Hotel, MinDA chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and USAID-Philippines Chief of the Office of Economic Development and Gover-

nance Daniel Miller led the signing of an agreement aimed to push the SCMC as a primary food basket, agribusiness and logistics hub, as well as a biodiversity and ecotourism focus area.

Another agreement was signed by Antonino and ADB Country Director Richard Bolt on the implementation of programs that will address specific issues in public and private investments in the SCMC, particularly in the Bangsamoro areas.

“These projects will cement South Central Mindanao’s position as the country’s foremost agribusi-

ness and logistics hub,” Antonino said.

She added that the partnerships highlight the shared commitment to develop Mindanao and to improve the quality of life of all Mindanawons.

The SCMC is composed of the Davao Region, the South Cotabato, Cotabato City Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani (SOCCKSARGEN) Region and the mainland Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It is one of the three development corridors in the Mindanao Development Corridors

FMINDA, 10

packages offered in VDFS

T

OUR operators have added more discounted tour packages for this year’s Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) which starts on March 31 and will run up to May 25.

“For the second year, the VDFS campaign will feature fun tours in and around Davao, from islands to highlands, as operated by the Tours and Travels consortium of nine tour operators,” Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 regional director Roberto P. Alabado III said in Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.

Alabado said tour packages offered during the 10-week event increased from three last year to 15 this year. The event features discounted shopping, adventure, leisure, and relaxation packages.

“Last year’s tour packages are only focused on Davao City with the city tour, countryside tour, and island tour featuring Samal Island,” Alabado said, adding about 1,300 tourists availed themselves of the three

discounted packages.

VDFS travel and tours consortium president Edmund Mayormita said the number of tourists who will avail themselves of the packages is expected to increase because of the wider array of choices.

“The addition of more tour packages which feature up to 50 percent discount from the regular rate is our response to the clamor of tourists who wanted to see more of the region,” Mayormita said in the same press conference.

The 15 discounted tour packages consist of the countryside tour which includes a trip to Philippine Eagle Center and Eden Nature Park; a city tour which include a trip to Museo Dabawenyo, Jack’s Ridge, Shrine of the Infant Jesus, and Crocodile Park; Marilog Highland Agri-tour; Mt. Apo Trekking; Samal Inland tour; Samal Talikud Island tour; Samal Agri-kultural tour which include a rice planting experience, a visit in Mangon-

FMORE, 10

MINDANAO DEVELOPMENT. Secretary Luwalhati Antonino (center), chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Daniel Miller, chief of the Office of Economic Development of the US Agency for International Development-Philippines, sign an agreement aimed to push the South Central Mindanao Corridor (SCMC) as a primary food basket, agribusiness and logistics hub during a ceremony recently held at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City. Also in photo are MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz (left) with Anita Hernaez and Niña Yago (standing), technical staff of MinDA.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

5

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Citizen’s guide to the 2016 People’s Budget now online T T

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched today the 2016 edition of the People’s Budget (PB), an annual publication aimed at making each year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) accessible to the public.

This latest edition of the PB marks six years of providing the Filipino people with a Citizens Budget, a key budget document and a measure of commitment to fiscal transparency under the Open Government Partnership, according to Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad.

“The National Budget is the most important policy document of a government. As a budget transparency practice, there must full disclosure of all relevant fiscal information to the public in accessible language and in a timely and systematic manner,” Abad said.

“Citizens Budgets have become a new global fiscal transparency standard. This is proven by the fact that more countries are now publishing Citizens Budgets—from 26 countries in 2012 to 54 in 2015,” he added.

Abad said the Philippines’ Citizens Budget, called the People’s Budget, was launched in 2011 and has since become a model around the world for how to visualize the budget and translate fiscal information to language that citizens understand. It has been expanded from a booklet summarizing the annual GAA in 2011 to other forms and me-

dia like audio-visual presentations, social media content, and newspaper advertisements.

“The annual publication of the People’s Budget is one of the reasons the Philippines is recognized as a global leader in fiscal transparency by the latest Open Budget Survey,” Abad said.

The Philippines scored 64 out of a possible 100 points for transparency in the 2015 Open Budget Survey (OBS), a biennial survey and the world’s only independent and comparative measure of budget transparency. That score indicates that the government provides the public with substantial budget information.

“The People’s Budget is one of eight essential budget documents that must be made available to the public, according to the OBS. The OBS uses indicators to assess whether governments make these documents available to the public in a timely manner, and wheth-

HE Department of Agriculture, through its Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program, turned over a farm-to-market road (FMR) with a 200-meter hanging footbridge worth P11 million to Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Tagoyango, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. The FMR and the footbridge project serves a total of 1,560 farmers from Brgy. Poblacion, Brgy. Tagoyango, and Brgy. Kioya. The project helps the farmers and the people of

the three villages transport farm products easier, and also provides access to more opportunities as well as basic social services.

The newly constructed hanging footbridge from Brgy.

Poblacion and Brgy. Tagoyango is now an artery that links farmlands in the poblacion to the national highway.

“The farmers, including the residents in our barangay, are very grateful for the newly constructed hanging foot-bridge. This project will

er the data are comprehensive and useful,” said Francis Capistrano, head of the Strategic Communication Unit of DBM, the production team of the annual People’s Budget.

The People’s Budget features plain language and graphics-driven summaries of budget policies and reforms, macroeconomic assumptions and the fiscal program, dimensions of the national expenditure program, and priority programs and projects of the 2016 GAA, as well as citizens’ guides to the budget process.

This year’s People’s Budget will be printed in Cebuano, English, and Tagalog, while flyers summarizing the 2016 GAA will be published Ilocano, Bicolano, and Hiligaynon as well. The DBM has also published the People’s Proposed Budget since 2013, which summarizes the National Expenditure Plan.

“What started in 2011 as a simple document summarizing the year’s GAA through

DOLE notes dip in OFW job orders in ME due to drop in oil prices

plain language and graphics has evolved into a multimedia initiative that promotes inclusiveness in budgeting. As a result, we have managed to greatly improve our ranking in the Open Budget Index and we also scored higher than the average for countries from Southeast Asia,” added Capistrano.

“For the last three years, we’ve used feedback from consultations with different sectors to improve the way we present the Budget. We’ve also been working hard to institutionalize the People’s Budget beyond this Administration, so that the National Budget will always be accessible to Filipinos,” Capistrano said.

The 2016 People’s Budget is now available at the DBM website. DBM also announced that physical copies of the People’s Budget will be available within the next month. Citizens interested in receiving a copy can request one through publicinfo@dbm.gov.ph.

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported a decrease in job orders for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in some countries in the Middle East due to the decline in oil prices.

Based on the report of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) from host countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, many Filipino workers were affected by the weakening of oil prices.

In the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, the POLO reported a decrease in job orders from 181 last week to 93 this week, with corresponding decrease in the number of contracts processed, from 665 last week to 516 this week.

There has been no report of termination, however.

In Dubai, UAE, the POLO reported that land-based job orders processed during the first two weeks of February reached 986 compared to 1,067 during the same period last year, a 7.59 percent decrease.

The decrease was noted in manufacturing and retail, while an increase was recorded in hospitality and health and wellness. There is also an

increase of 100 percent in job orders for seafarers, recorded at 123.

The POLO in Abu Dhabi revealed a decrease in the number of job orders verified and processed, from 223 last week to 65 this week; an increase in contracts processed, from 188 last week to 211 this week; and a decrease in Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) issued, from 593 last week to 561 this week.

Almost all of the job orders verified and approved were in services—49 percent were in sales; 22 percent in beauty care; and 18 percent in cleaning services.No job orders for the oil and gas sector was processed this week, compared to 23 job orders last week.

There were 14 terminations this week, all in the oil and gas sector, but not on account of the oil price decline.

Of the total, 13 resigned due to personal reasons and family problems, while the remaining one was terminated within the probationary period due to poor performance.

In Oman, the POLO reported that there was no termination this week, and that no single OFW was yet affected by government’s austerity

FDOLE, 10

DTI meets with transportation, logistics sector to address concerns

Farm-to-market road in Agusan completed T help us farmers [reduce] the transportation cost of our agricultural products at [by] least at one peso per kilo. The residents in Brgy. Poblacion and Brgy. Kioya were also relieved as the bridge will give us easier access in times of calamities and emergencies,” said Fe M. Sarabia, chair of the Taguyango Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

“As one of the beneficiaries of this project, we are now planning to make a local ordinance in our barangay to

regulate the usage and protect the hanging footbridge from abusive locals. This will be our action to ensure sustainability of government projects and show value to the intervention we have received,” said Julieta A. Sotto, barangay captain of Tagoyango.

The project was made possible through the partnership between the local government unit (LGUs) and civic organizations. LGU-Sibagat gave P2 million as counterpart funds in establishing the project.

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) met with the members of the United Port Users Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. (UPC) and the Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association (PISFA) to discuss critical issues and identify the course of action for the transportation and logistics sector.

“A more efficient transport and logistics system can better serve the international market, raise the country’s competitiveness, and enable local industries to take full advantage of a healthy economy,” Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said during a recent meeting with the major players of the transport and logistics [1] sector.

In the Philippines, logistical costs account for 24% to 53% of wholesale prices; shipping and port handling costs account for 8% to 30%, depending on the goods and routes, and 5% of retail price of goods.

“Port congestion, high shipping and trucking surcharges notwithstanding, the Philippines remains a gateway and central entry point of international shipping and air cargo. We are working with various stakeholders towards a strong and comprehensive national multimodal transport and logistics development plan that will encourage investments for development and expansion of logistics infrastructure, in the long run,” Cristobal added.

In the same meeting, the

status of the Logistics Industry Roadmap was also discussed.

The Logistics Industry Roadmap establishes strategies and programs designed to further develop the country’s transport infrastructure, particularly roads and ports outside Manila such as Batangas and Subic. The roadmap proposes the creation of a government body on Supply Chain and Logistics to coordinate all initiatives related to the supply chain and to follow through on implementation and compliance of policies. The roadmap is in its final stages and will serve as a guide to improving the National Logistics Plan being drafted by the DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Management (SCLM) Division in partnership with USAID’s Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project.

Cristobal said that harmonizing supply chain and logistics initiatives and programs will help in the efficient allocation of limited resources earmarked to address logistics inefficiencies; and, eventually establish a mechanism that will sustain and improve the country’s logistics performance.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines is ranked 57th out of 160 countries in the Logistics Performance Index which measures the weighted average across six key logistics dimensions (customs, infrastructure, international shipment, logistics quality, tracking and timeliness) obtained through structured online survey of logistics professionals.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016 Mount Apo

7 CULTURE & ARTS EDGEDAVAO

“If we are to build a world without hunger, we have to conserve and sustain biodiversity and use it equitably.”

-- Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a former Ramon Magsaysay Awardee

Davao Region:

Home to two biodiversity sites Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

WO national parks in Davao Region are included in the seven biodiversity sites located in the Philippines: Mount Apo National Park in Davao del Sur and Mount Hamiguitan National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental.

Both are protected areas which are part of the ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). ASEAN refers to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. So far, 35 AHPs have been designated since the last inscription in 2014.

“AHPs are protected areas of high-conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region,” explains the Los Baños, Laguna-based ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), which serves as secretariat.

“These are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN’s rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative-protected areas, and to create greater collaboration among the ASEAN member-states in preserving their shared natural heritage,” ACB adds.

During the recent observation of World Tourism Day, the ACB urges Filipinos to visit the seven biodiversity sites.

Instead of going to famous tourist spots like Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Batanes and Palawan, it suggests going to designated AHPs where visitors can “enjoy history, culture and biodiversity richness all at the same time.”

Mount Apo Take the case of Mount Apo. “Looking for some mountain-climbing adventure?” asked Pamela Quinto-Reblora, who wrote a piece on country’s seven biodiversity sites.

“Mount Apo, regarded as the last stronghold of the remaining population of the rare and endangered Philippine Eagle, is named after the majestic Mount Apo, a volcanic mountain rising to 3,143.6 meters and the highest mountain in the country.”

Apo, which means “ancestor,” “master,” or “grandfather,” is a flat-topped mountain with three peaks. It is capped by a 500-metre-wide (1,600 feet) volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is classified as a dormant but active Philippine volcano, whose most recent eruption is unknown and none are verified in historical times.

When Republic Act no.

9237 was approved on February 3, 2004, Mount Apo became a protected area under the category of Natural Park with an area of 54,974.87 hectares (135,845.9 acres). Two peripheral areas of 2,571.73 hectares (6,354.9 acres) and 6,506.40 hectares (16,077.7 acres) as buffer zones were provided for its management and for other purposes.

The Mount Apo National Park is considered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the center of endemism in Mindanao. It has one of the richest botanical mountains in the region hosting hundreds of rare, endemic and threatened species of flora. Identified floral species includes 629 species, 42 of which are endemic and 18 species are considered at risk, including the “waling-waling,” the country’s second flower icon (after sampaguita).

Waling-waling (scientific name: Vanda sanderiana) “is one of the finest orchid species endemic to the Philippines, desired by orchid growers and breeders alike for its showy and attractive flowers and ability to impart its vigor and floral characteristics to its progeny,” wrote Dr. Helen Valmayor in her book, Orchidiana Philippiniana.

A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants described the exotic waling-waling in these words: “The flowers are flat, to eight centimeters across; the sepals and petals are obviate, bluish pink, with buff-yellow stain, and dull-crimson reticulations on the lateral sepals; the lip is small and concave, purple-red at base, strongly recurved and brownish purple at apex; with three prominent keels.”

The waling-waling, named in “allusion to a moth in flight,” was discovered on Mindanao in 1882. It used to grow on tree trunks in the rainforests

of Davao, Sultan Kudarat and other parts of the island. It is worshipped as “diwata” (fairy) by the native Bagobos.

The Mount Apo National Park is also home to one of the world’s largest eagles, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird. It was in 1896 when the bird of prey was first discovered by English naturalist John Whitehead in Samar.

At first, it was called “monkey-eating eagle” because he thought it fed primarily on monkeys. So he gave it the scientific name,Pithecophaga jefferyi. The scientific name came from two Greek words:pitekos (monkey) and phagien (to eat). Jefferyi was the discoverer’s tribute to his father, Jeffrey, who funded his expedition.

In 1978, the old name was dropped and given its present name through Presidential Decree No. 1732 after it was learned that monkeys comprise an insignificant portion of the bird’s diet, which consists mostly of flying lemurs, civet cats, bats, rodents, and snakes.

A majestic bird, Philippine eagle stands a meter high, weighs anywhere from four to seven kilograms and has a grip three times the strength of the strongest man on earth, according to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. With a wingspan of nearly seven feet and a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the Philippine eagle can gracefully swoop down on an unsuspecting prey and carry it off without breaking flight.

Mount Hamiguitan The ACB also urges Filipinos to visit Mount Hamiguitan. “Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will definitely enjoy Mount Hamiguitan, which has one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the Philippines,” the ACB said. “This 1,620-meter-high mountain is in San Isidro, Davao Oriental.”

Aside from Philippine eagles, there are several species of Nepenthes that inhabit the area, including the endemic Nepenthes peltata.

The mountain has a protected forest area of approximately 2,000 hectares. This woodland is noted for its unique pygmy forest of century old trees in ultramafic soil, with many endangered, endemic

Mount Hamiguitan

Philippine eagle and rare species of flora and fauna.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List has identified at least 11 endangered vertebrate species. The Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development reported that the mountain is inhabited by five endangered species, 27 rare species, 44 endemic species and 59 economically important species.

In June 2014, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) list of World Heritage Sites.

UNESCO, in its website, said: “The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and includes threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mount Hamiguitan.”

Other biodiversity sites There are two more national parks located in Mindanao that were included: Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Bukidnon and Mount Malindang Range Natural Park, which spans the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. In Luzon, two sites were listed: Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (home to an abundance of plant and animal species) in Los Baños, Laguna; and Mount-Iglit-Baco National Park, where the endemic tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) can be found.

The only natural park not located in the mountain and included in the list is the Tubbataha Reef Natural Park, which was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1993. “Be mes-

Waling-waling merized by the crystal-clear waters and the amazing sight of underwater species of the natural park in the middle of the Sulu Sea,” ACB said.

UN Decade on Biodiversity The United Nations designated 2011–2020 as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. By the way, the term biological diversity was used first by wildlife scientist and conservationist Raymond F. Dasmann in his 1968 book entitled, A Different Kind of Country advocating conservation.

The term’s contracted form biodiversity first appeared in a publication in 1988 when sociobiologist E. O. Wilson used it as the title of the proceedings of the 1986 National Forum on Biological Diversity convened by the US National Research Council.

Fifteen years ago, Time magazine named the Philippines as one of “the world’s top 25 biodiversity hot spots,” areas disturbed by human activity but which remain exceptionally rich in animal and plant species found nowhere else.

According to Russell Mittermeier, one of the authors of Megadiversity: Earth’s Biologically Wealthiest Nations, the Philippine biodiversity was “truly amazing in global

terms and this is certainly true of overall diversity but especially so as regards endemism.”

Mount Makiling in Laguna alone has been found to have higher species diversity than the whole of North America.

In 1997, the late award-winning zoologist Dioscoro Rabor reported at least 50 species of mammals, 120 bird species, six species of amphibians, 19 types of reptiles and several varieties of fish inhabiting the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve.

But one thing is sure: the Philippines is fast losing its biological resources. “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” commented Dr. Lee Talbot, who used to head the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation for Nature and Natural Resources.

Once a species is extinct, it cannot be brought back again.

“When the last individual of a race of living beings breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again,” naturalist William Beebe reminded.

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

EDITORIAL

J

In pursuit of legal education

OSE Maria College of Law is the newest law school in Davao City joining two other institutions--Ateneo de Davao College of Law and the University of Mindanao College of Law—in the pursuit of providing quality legal education.

Newly-installed JMC College of Law Dean Atty. Israelito P. Torreon said during the official launch of the institution emphasized the need to open a new law school in Davao City.

He explained the mission of JMC which is to provide students with highest standards of legal education that will imbue them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for competent and ethical service in the legal profession.

Indeed, the opening of this new law school in addition

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO CHENEEN R. CAPON MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. CHA MONFORTE ARLENE D. PASAJE Photography Correspondents Cartoons Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

to Ateneo and UM now provide students more avenues to pursue a career in legal profession. JMC, founded by evangelist Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, provides an accessible and affordable legal education with world-class facilities.

Decades ago, one has to go to Manila to study law which of course require huge financial resources. In recent years with the emergence of quality legal education from Davao’s law schools, more Dabawenyos became lawyers, some even topping the tough Bar Exams.

With three law schools in Davao City, it is expected that the increase in students pursuing legal profession can only result to more legal eagles in the future and assure us of a dynamic pool of lawyers.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0909-424-7990 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

L

AST December, during the holiday season, I received several gifts — from friends, acquaintances, and family members. Just five days after the New Year’s celebration, I accepted numerous gifts again; the reason, it was my birthday.

I think people who have given gifts expected those who received them to be acknowledged. A text message may be the best way and fastest way. Or, a post in the person’s facebook account may likewise do the trick.

But how soon should you do that acknowledgement? “As soon as possible,” wrote Alyson Ward of McClatchy Newspapers. “Writing within a few days is ideal. A few weeks is acceptable. After that, it gets sticky. But how late is too late? Never, etiquette experts tell us. Just because it’s been six months, you’re not off the hook. No matter how long it’s been, you still received a kind gift — and you’re probably still grateful.

What a load off your guilty mind to simple write the note.”

Jarod Kintz, author of This Book is Not FOR SALE, wrote: “I guess I should be thankful. Full of thank. But what is thank? I can’t eat thank, so I know my stomach isn’t full of thank. I can’t smell or breathe thank, so I know my lungs aren’t full of thank. I’m not even sure how much thank I could fit in the trunk of my car. But I do know one thing. It’s much easier to give thanks than something that actually costs money to give.”

Some years ago, I had the opportunity of visiting my sister in Livingston, Montana (they now live in Grand Rapids, Minnesota).

I stayed for almost a month and when it was time to return back to the Philippines, she

W

HEN thousands of lives were killed, when generations of families were impoverished, and when we’re still bearing the brunt of billions in debt, what an immense insult it is for the Filipino people to be just told to “move on.” But vice-presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos expects and demands us to do just that.

As a millennial, I and my generation do not have any personal accounts of the dictatorship. We are dependent on the stories of our elders, teachers, and history books.

And for that reason, it is harder for us to tell truth from lies. We have to constantly check our sources, make sure we hear from credible people, and not settle for simplified versions of the truth. Right now, there are facts that are recognized by everyone but they are bloated to fit a narrative.

One of the most glorified contributions of the Marcos regime are infrastructural projects, including the culture and arts center.

Even when this is true, we have to question the value of this contribution to the multiple socioeconomic problems of Marcos’ time. To

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Thank you! had to drive me THINK ON THESE! for more than an hour to bring me to the airport in Bozeman.

After checking in, we had a sumptuous lunch together. We talked for a few minutes before she Henrylito D. Tacio bade goodbye. I henrytacio@gmail.com was alone at the airport. Now, I was ready to enter the departure area but before that, I had to undergo the routine check.

I was busy trying to find my papers when I noticed that the person before me was Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid (yes, the lead star of The Day After Tomorrow andThe Parent Trap, to name a few). Next to him was an old lady carrying some heavy bags. “Can I carry some of them?” Dennis inquired.

The lady looked at him for a few minutes.

“Sure,” she replied, and gave him her other bag. When we were inside the waiting area, the lady came to Dennis and said, “Thank you very much for helping me.”

“In normal life we hardly realize how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. It is so easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements compared with what we owe to the help of others,” wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer inLetters and Papers from Prison.

“Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality,” said Alfred Painter. William Shakespeare, the touted Fa-

ther of English literature, reminded, “I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.”

“Thank you” may be simply said but to a person receiving the complementary, it means a lot. “Every morning of the world I give thanks for all the wonderful things in my life,” a young man declared enthusiastically.

“And do you know something? It’s strange indeed, but the more I give thanks, the more I have reason to be thankful. For, you see, blessings just pile up on me one after another like nobody’s business.”

“None of us ever too busy to pay his way,” said David Dunn. “It takes only a few seconds to say a heart-warming ‘Thank you.’”

Look at former American President Theodore Roosevelt, who lived a more hurried and hectic life. Even on political campaign trips, when he was so busy and could hardly take a deep breath, he would excused him to go to small people and talked with them for few seconds. It was his custom before leaving his private train to thank the engineer and fireman for a safe and comfortable trip.

“It took but a fraction of a minute of his time, but h e had two more friends for the rest of his life,” Dunn said.

“Good politics,” most people say. “But good living too,” added Dunn. “For, after all, isn’t having friends the basis of happy living, as well as of successful politics?”

Dunn continued, “Nor I have found any situation in which thanks cannot be given.

You can thank even total strangers with a nod of the head, a gesture of the hand, a grateful glance – in jostling street crowds, in swaying subway trains, at the theatre, in the quiet of a church service, anywhere at all, if you heart is

saying, ‘Thank you.’”

Yes, we seldom pause to give thanks for the simple blessings of life. “One reason is that we are used to having so much,” Richard B. Douglas contends. “We simply assure that we will have all the good things of life.

“Another reason is that it hurts our pride to be grateful,” Douglas continues. “We do not want to admit that God is the Provider of all good things. We are simply His stewards.

Being thankful requires humility and faith in God. When we have these, we can be grateful.”

If you have to thank someone, do it now – before it’s too late. Do not wait for tomorrow for that day may not come anymore. A widow, who had spent long days and hours in the factory and at home raising her four children, lay exhausted and emaciated on her deathbed.

Around her stood the four of them, now grown-up men and women. The eldest son, in tears, said to her, “Mother, you have always been so good and kind to us. We want to thank you. We’re so proud of you.”

The mother opened her eyes and asked, “Why have you waited so long to tell me that?

You never ever said so before.”

She turned her head away and died.

“Being in the habit of saying ‘Thank you,’ of making sure that people receive attention so they know you value them, of not presuming that people will always be there–this is a good habit, regardless…make sure to give virtual and actual high-fives to those who rock and rock hard.”

That’s what Sarah Wendell wrote in Everything I Know About Love I Learned from Romance Novels.

what extent MY MILLENNIAL MIND did those infrastructural projects help the nation?

The poor?

It is important to note that the PhilipVanessa Kate Madrazo pines had its biggest debt during his regime. We’re still paying for it until today. And that debt did not even translate equally to its maximum potential in terms of projects. Instead, it was corrupted and pocketed.

The Marcos era was oppressive. It represented the lowest point of democracy in our nation’s history. Journalists were killed for criticizing the administration. Media agencies were censored and manipulated to cover for the atrocities of Marcos and his cronies. And economically, the country saw one of its highest peaks of unemployment

and poverty.

Even if we assume that Marcos had positive contributions, they do not offset and compensate for the atrocities that he committed.

I do not endorse the hero-villain narrative that envelopes the names of Aquino and Marcos. The heroes of the People Power Revolution were not the Aquinos because they were just convenient symbols (and there are many things to criticize in their actions as well — e.g. Hacienda Luisita). The heroes were the Filipinos who mobilized themselves to oust an oppressive administration. But that does not make Marcos any less accountable for his crimes.

Nor do I believe that the children of those figures be judged in light of their parents because that is unjust. But for those children to bloat their parent’s narrative to cover for their grave crimes — that is unacceptable.

But we need to recognize objectively the figures of the past and make moral judgments based on that.

Crimes against democracy are not some-

thing that we should ever take lightly. They are not something we can just “move on” from, especially because our system is still rigged with plunder today, where our journalists are still targeted for their scrutiny of politicians, where we put corrupt politicians in luxurious rooms instead of prisons.

To tell Filipinos to move on from that and to dismiss the charges is to undermine the suffering of the victims of that era. Moreover, we cannot just dismiss the crimes themselves as something forgivable because they are not.

They need to be punished, to be changed. But we can’t make reforms for problems that we don’t recognize. We commemorate even the darkest parts of our own history so that we may never forget the impact of electing the wrong leader in place, in the impact of a dictatorship on the lives of the Filipino people.

To move on puts us in danger of repeating the same mistakes, of becoming oblivious to how atrocities are constantly committed.

For that reason, we have to continuously fight against collective amnesia. Commemorating history protects our democracy.

On moving on

10 NEWS CITY... FROM 1

Under PD 1216, only parks and playgrounds of the entire open space may be donated to the homeowners’ associations.

Questions may arise on who should shoulder the damages, if there are any, which may result from the negligence in the maintenance of green spaces.

The mayor said the amended measure unnecessarily makes the city government liable for the damages that may arise from the negligence of homeowners associations or their representatives.

The Green Coalition of Davao City lauded the acceptance of the City Council.

In an interview yesterday, Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) advocacy

coordinator Chinkie Pelino said the group thanked the councilors for respecting the decision of Duterte retaining the 10 percent green space in the subdivision developments.

The groups were present yesterday during the regular session waiting for the approval of the resolution to be approved.

The groups also gave flowers with green ribbons to the councilors as their peace offering.

“Dili man gud namo gusto na awayon ang mga councilors kay pareho lang man ta Dabawenyos (We do not want to fight the councilors because we are all Dabawenyos),” Pelino said.

around 300 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves with an estimated market value of P10,500, she said.

“He is a noted major supplier of marijuana in Tampakan and the neighboring areas,” Abad said.

She said the suspect will be charged for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs), Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meantime, Abad said Nabasa and Nunez were arrested after they allegedly sold a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) to a PDEA-12 agent at around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in Purok Silway San Roque, Talipapa

in Barangay Dadiangas West here.

Also recovered from the suspects were a medium plastic sachet of suspected shabu weighing about a gram and with an estimated value of P7,500, a bamboo sealer, a piece of foil strip with suspected shabu residue, a piece of improvised all-weather tooter, a pair of scissors and a pack of transparent plastic sachets.

“These are active drug pushers and long been the subject of our surveillance operations,” Abad said.

She added that the two suspects, who are detained at the PDEA-12 lockup, will also be charged for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165.

(PNA)

measures.

It added that there was a drop in job orders processed, from 1,048 last week to 148 this week; an increase in employment contracts processed from 196 last week to 225 this week; and an increase in the number of OECs issued, from 88 to 105.

The POLO said that Oman expected a fiscal deficit of 17 percent this year as the low oil price ate up export earnings.

On the other hand, the report also revealed that in countries namely: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait the decline in oil prices has no drastic effect in the employment of OFWs. In Bahrain, the POLO reported no termination in this week; an increase in job orders processed, from 20 in the previous to 38 this week; an increase in employment

contracts processed, from 102 last week to 147 this week; and a decrease in the number of OECs issued, from 185 in the previous week to 146 this week.

The POLO in Qatar, stated an increase in the number of job orders to 103 this week from 63 in the previous week; increase in employment contracts from 639 in the past week, to 783 this week; and an increase in OECs issued, from 314 the previous week to 428 this week.

In Kuwait, the POLO reported no termination due to the oil price decline, especially in the state-owned Kuwait Oil Company whose chairman even revealed an expansion plan in the next five years; that despite the decline in the price of oil, Kuwait continuously expands its oil refineries and explore new oil fields. (PNA)

PDEA-12... FROM 3

DOLE... FROM 6

Phl... FROM 11

is here to stay as a place for growth.”

The PBIF is being organized by InvivaLink, a company specializing in the production of business and investment conferences.

InvivaLink Executive Director Nadine Padron meanwhile said, “The comeback story of the Philippines poses an example for countries around the world of how strong lead-

ership and good governance can substantially change the direction and overall competitiveness of a country.

“After having had the opportunity to work closely with the country’s public and private sector leadership, we have perceived a clear ‘before and after’ in the mindset of the Filipinos and a determination to continue to work in this direction, and ultimately remain

EDGEDAVAO

P300M... FROM 2

as possible.

“We do not want to be caught by the election ban because the local election campaign will start on March 25,” he said.

Dayanghirang said one of the allocations of the appropriation on SB 1 is the P25,000 collective negotiating agreement (CNA) for the regular employees of the city government.

He said the amount is for the 2,484 city employees, 173 Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) employees, 37 Davao City Slaughter House employees,

and other regular employees working under the city economic enterprise.

“We need to approve this so that we can release this to the employees,” he said.

Dayanhirang said he has not yet seen the appropriation from the Local Finance Committee but based on the information relayed to him, there are realignment of projects which were not implemented last year.

He also said the approval of SB 1 will not be used by some local candidates for their advancement of their candidacy. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Program, aimed to position the island-region as a single, integrated economy that is able to leverage and actively participate in the ASEAN and the rest of the world.

USAID’s agreement with MinDA will specifically facilitate for the development of a framework and conceptual plan for the establishment of an Aerotropolis in General Santos City, a multimillion Peso project that will integrate the different points of entry in the SCMC. The Aerotropolis plans to develop some 200 hectares of property surrounding the General Santos airport to an integrated complex that will include business parks, amusement parks, hotels, integrated food terminal, food processing and manufacturing activities, and shopping malls.

Other projects identified in the USAID agreement are the creation of strategies for the network of ports, including the identification of functional roads that will support the SCMC. The agreement also seeks to draft the strategy for the development of the Ecotourism and Biodiversity Cluster that will extend from Surigao del Norte (including Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin) to Davao Oriental in Mindanao’s Eastern seaboard.

“Our commitment to help strengthen the Mindanao Development Corridors is built upon partnerships forged many years ago to promote economic growth in Mindanao,” said Miller.

He added that this current cooperation will directly support the spatial strategy of the Mindanao peace and development framework and will significantly contribute to achieving the Mindanao 2020 vision.”

The Mindanao 202O is a 20-year peace and develop-

ment roadmap for Mindanao, which envisions to addresses the various challenges and opportunities of the island-region not only within the context of securing peace amid a history of conflict but also in terms of harnessing its inherently rich socioeconomic potentials primarily for the benefit of Mindanawons.

The agreement with ADB on the other hand will facilitate for the conduct of a study that will prepare the Bangsamoro areas in their anticipated participation in the SCMC. Active involvement of the private sector during the conduct of the study will be encouraged while key interventions that will allow for the utilization of the corridor’s inherent potentials will be identified.

Priority pipeline projects that will include Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in South Central Mindanao and the Bangsamoro areas will also be identified in the study, including capacity-building initiatives among key staff to enhance capabilities in project preparation.

“ADB is Mindanao’s longterm partner and we also consider the island-region as our home,” said Bolt while adding, “among the first projects of ADB in the Philippines were implemented in Mindanao which included road, hydropower, and ports development projects as well as initiatives in strengthening agri-based industries through irrigation construction.”

The ADB assistance is also expected to enhance planning and the establishment of program monitoring and evaluation system for the Mindanao Development Corridors, while strengthening the links between MinDA and the Bangsamoro Development Authority.

MinDA... FROM 4

one of Asia’s strongest contenders,” she added.

In the course of the last few years, the Philippines enhanced its market position and consumer-protection mechanisms through the implementation of important legislation. Not only do these laws increase the Philippines’ attractiveness for investment by prompting a level playing field for domestic and inter-

national business, but they also institutionalize the foundations of good governance, fair competition and business transparency engendered by the Aquino administration.

“We are honored to produce the PBIF and attending this event will make it clear to our audience that the Philippines boasts opportunities too large to ignore,” Padron added.

(DFA)

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Sultan... FROM 3

Pallasigue, who is running under the Liberal Party, believes he was the target. “Who else but me and the parade participants,” he said, adding the IED was left about 15 meters from where the lead team was situated.

Siason said police investigators are also looking at an angle where the IED was intended for Matias because the area is regularly frequented by the governor.

The two male suspects, aged about 30 and 25 years old, were from Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. They left the bag as the parade participants were approaching and hurriedly left. But police became suspicious of their acts so they chased the suspects.

Responding villagers pounced on the two whose motorbike crashed at the road side before the police arrived and handcuffed them. (PNA)

gawog falls, snorkeling and meeting the Samal tribe; Vanishing Island Sunset cruise; Talikud Inland Tour; Davao Pub Crawl; Davao Food Trip; Buenavista Island Day Tour; Davao Golf Package; a three-day and two-night (3D/2N) stay in one of the big hotels in the city and a night stay in Pearl Farm; and a 3D/2N in a small hotel here and a night in Cavanico Resort.

Mayormita said the group

is targeting to increase by 10 percent the number of tourists and travelers who will avail themselves of the packages.

“We’re targeting to reach 1,500 or more for this year,” he said.

Mayormita said inquire and reservation can be made by logging on to http://www. visitdavaofunsale.com or calling tour consortium operators.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

More... FROM 4

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service

Case No. 2001-XI-02550 MAUREEN ELLA M. MACASINDIL, Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on January 21, 2017. In the petition filed on February 22, 2016, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 21, 2016 at 09:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 22nd day of February 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service

Case No. 2001-XI-01558 FELIXBERTO P. BELTRAN, Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: PANACAN VIA BUHANGIN ILUSTRE and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on January 14, 2017. In the petition filed on February 23, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 15, 2016 at 9:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 24th day of February 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

DTI: Raise product quality for a more competitive Phl S

Smart unlocks opportunities for Filipinos with LinkedIn

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged Philippine firms to improve the quality of local products to strategically position them in the global market.

“With the decrease in tariffs of most traded products, competition is no longer limited to who can offer the lowest price but who can conform or surpass the standards of international markets as well,” said Agnes Legaspi, Assistant Director of DTI-Export Marketing Bureau (EMB).

Legaspi emphasized (during the recent session of the Doing Business in Free Trade Areas) the need for local firms to improve their products and at the very least be at par with globally competitive products present in the international market, particularly in markets where PH has existing free trade agreements (FTAs).

Program participants from various industries were also introduced to different export opportunities in countries where the Philippines has FTAs and in countries which give Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs).

At present, the Philippines, as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has existing FTAs with China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand. The country has also an existing bilateral trade agreement with Japan known as the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

Fil photo: Exquisitely Filipino in Cebu during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Third Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) Free trade agreements While FTAs open opportunities for local goods in FTA partner markets, FTAs also give foreign-made goods the chance to compete in the domestic market. Even goods that were previously intended for the domestic market should now be ready to compete with foreign-made goods.

In the end, consumers benefit from these good-quality products.

Apart from the FTAs, the Philippines is also a recipient of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSPs), giving the country access to large markets such as the European Union (EU), United States, and Canada.

Local producers can now export over 6,000 products to any of the 28 member countries of the EU at zero tariff using the GSP+. Products that can be exported to EU without tariff include coconut and marine products, processed fruit,

CBFM-CARP AND NGP MOA SIGNING. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Atty. Felix S. Alicer (fourth from right) and MAPALA Chairman Benjamin Soliano shake hands as a sign of DENR and POs partnership for an agroforestry project. With them are (from left): PENRO CBFM

prepared food, animal and vegetable fats and oils, textiles, garments, footwear, furniture, and chemicals, among others.

“As tariffs go down, we need to work more closely with Philippine businesses to help them navigate the rules of origin requirements and to hurdle other barriers, for instance: product standards,” said DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo in a separate briefing of the exporters held in Davao city recently.

DTI emphasized the need for the country to adopt a mindset that gives priority in building a Philippine brand name known for its excellent quality that surpasses even the most stringent standards of foreign markets.

To fully integrate the efforts of the Department to achieve this year’s 8-9% export goal, EMB is continuously working to upgrade the quality of export goods and services so as to deepen pen-

etration in existing markets and diversify into new ones. It aggressively promotes quality consciousness among local producers and actively supports the establishment of a strong national quality infrastructure (NQI).

To further promote product quality, the government is keen on: • institutionalizing a supply chain group that would focus on key and emerging export sectors to accelerate export development • strengthening government training centers to ensure matching of available skills and industry requirements • encouraging the private sector to establish industry-led testing centers and skills development/training centers that will cater to the operational requirements of export-oriented firms • broadening access of domestic producers to technologies and innovations

Coordinator Ma. Fe M. Samonte; CENRO Davao City NGP/CBFM Coordinator Ma. Nelly T. Dominguez; CENRO Davao City Bernardino Juson; PENRO Davao del Sur Ma. Mercedez V. Dumagan; CBFM Regional Coordinator Marylou Zarasate; and ARD for Management Services Marcia G. Isip.

DENR 11 turns over 24.7M to POs for agroforestry project

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 11 recently turned over a total of P24.7 million to 16 People’s Organizations (POs) in Davao City in support of the implementation of the Community-based Forest Management-Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CBFM-CARP) and

the National Greening Program (NGP).

The financial assistance was turned over through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by DENR regional director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada and the different PO Presidents.

Both the CBFM-CARP and the NGP aim to attain poverty reduction of the up-

land communities in Region 11 as well as to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

NGP is one of the priority programs of the government which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees within 1.5 million hectares nationwide from 2011 to 2016. This is spelled out under Executive Order No. 26 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

DENR-11’s Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Atty. Felix S. Alicer, who represented Director Fragada during the event, emphasized in his message that the programs also aim to empower the community in terms of sustaining their livelihood and re-greening the region at the same time.

FDENR 11, 13

MART Communications (Smart) yesterday announced a unique collaboration with LinkedIn, the world’s largest online professional network, which will allow subscribers to connect to career opportunities at their fingertips.

With LinkedIn’s mobile app, available on Google Play Store and iTunes, professionals can connect to other professionals like them, and to career and business opportunities from around the world.

LinkedIn also offers its members access to relevant professional content, such as industry news and business insights from industry peers and prominent leaders such as Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group; Arianna Huffington, President of The Huffington Post Media Group;

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Air Asia; Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank in Singapore, and many more.

As part of this relationship with LinkedIn, all Smart subscribers who are first-time users of the LinkedIn mobile app can enjoy free access to LinkedIn’s Job Seeker Premium Service for three months.

With a Job Seeker Premium account, Smart subscribers can level up their LinkedIn experience by using valuable features that help them to stand out and improve their chances of landing their dream job.

Those that take advantage of this premium experience will enjoy InMail credits to directly reach out to any hiring manager on LinkedIn’s messaging platform, in addi-

FSMART, 13

UNLOCKED. Tommaso del Re, Head of International Business Development, LinkedIn, and Katrina Luna-Abelarde, Wireless Consumer Operations Head, Smart Communications, formalize the partnership between Smart and LinkedIn at the sidelines of the GSMA Mobile World Congress this week in Barcelona, Spain.

Phl economic transformation headlines at New York business, investment forum

T

HE Philippines’ economic transformation due largely to good governance reforms will be the central theme of the Philippine Business and Investment Forum (PBIF) to be held on March 3, 2016 in New York City.

With growth rates of 7 to 10 percent possible in the next decade and an HSBC Global Research Report predicting the country to be the 16th largest economy in the world by 2050, the Philippine economic story consists of record-level macroeconomic and stock-market performances, credit ratings upgrades, improvements in competitiveness rankings, high levels of FDI, increased tax revenues and growing demand for world-class Filipino talent, all of which resulting in unprecedented economic growth, greater international business confidence and renewed optimism in the potential of the country.

“This Forum is a great opportunity for us to take stock of the incredible performance of the Philippine economy over the past number of years and to bring attention to the successful reforms that have driven the country’s economic transformation since 2010 when President Aquino as-

sumed the presidency,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr., who initiated the PBIF. The PBIF brings together influential leaders from the Philippine Government and private sector, along with their U.S. and international counterparts, for an in-depth analysis of the Philippine economic and political situation and the opportunities it holds for investors, both in capital markets and in industry.

The discussions will also focus on the outlook for continued growth in the Philippines, the sustainability of reforms because of their institutionalization through legislation, and U.S. investor sentiment.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, who will lead the Philippine Delegation, said that, “The Philippines has a great economic story to tell. Our turnaround from ‘the sick man of Asia’ to the region’s resilient, bright spot is something that the Filipino people can be proud of. It is a product of painstaking discipline and good governance. We want to go out there and share the fact that despite strong external headwinds, the Philippines

FPHL, 10

12 CLASSIFIEDS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

art for all

A celebration of

ART SHOULD BE FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY, and it is with this philosophy that SM Lanang Premier, together with Davao artists -- Guhit Pinas Davao, Tabula Rasa, Romeo Dumuk, Banjo Satorre, Jeff Bangot, Anoy Catague, Julius Lu, Reneboy Chona, Arnel Navarro, Michael Bauzon, Dave Ibao, Bryan Cabrera, Eloisa Sanson, Lauren Velez, Ava Pajaron, Mishael Pueblas, and Kevin Becira -- held a three-day exhibit at the mall’s atrium titled “Art For Eeveryone.” The exhibit is in line with SM Supermall’s nationwide celebration of National Arts Month which is now on its 25th year.

The exhibit featured various works of art usFiles Saved: Saving the Family Portraits by Reneboy ing various mediums as Chona. well as techniques and styles, from the mixed media murals of Reneboy Chona, to the graceful yet powerful horse sculptures by Brando Cendeño, the colourful carved and painted wood pieces of Banjo Satorre, to the haunting portraits by surrealist Brian Cabrera.

Proper credit should The exhibit was indeed a also be given to Philipfeast for the senses. pine Arts Awardee RodButterfly Clipped!!! by Brian Cabrera. ney Yap who curated the exhibit which showcased the rich and developing art scene of Davao City.

“This exhibit is a wonderful opportunity given to the Davao artists to gather together to celebrate this visual feast and shared ideas through creation,” said Rodney.

He also inspired budding artists to work hard for their art and for them to become an inspiration for all. “Always remember, art is for everyone.”

In the Hammok of War by Jeff Bangot.

S arimanok sa Ranaw by Banjo Satorre.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

FOOD

EXPLORING #DEQ AT

SAGINGREPABLIK

AL-FRESCO DINING ELEVATED INTO GREATER HEIGHTS. You are literally on top of everyone else. As far as #Deq at SagingRepablik is concerned, that is. It’s a loft -- or a deck -- converted into a place best for creating memories. It’s open yet confided thus allowing you to talk without shouting.

What’s more, they serve some really good food that will have you craving in an instant.

That’s a proper night cap right there.

The place is rustic – I love it. I love the vintage feel you get when you step inside this lofty dining area. I love that it’s open – allowing you to inhale fresh air and enough of circulated air for today.

The design is just so invigorating that it seems that time does not exist.

Not to mention the live band that serenades the guests. Now, that’s something to always look forward to.

Food wise, I love everything on their menu. I love that #Deq is a Filipino restaurant and serves their bananas in many different and appetising ways. From the typical fritters to bananas infused in dishes, they have since transformed and reintroduced the banana to our palates in ways we can imagine. And yes, I’m a self-confessed banana lover.

They have an extensive menu. When I say extensive, it means a couple of pages of menu. It’s a good thing, yes, to have choices and after the third page, you’d end up with more orders than planned.

Indeed a hunt -- but a hunt that will have you

craving with every page turned.

Of their many selections, we ended with a table full of delectable and aromatic dishes that seems to lure us in altogether. From beef to chicken to fish, we had a piece of something on our table. We started with some crispy banana chips with garlic-mayo dip (love the flavour combo!) and their very spicy but indulging cheese dynamite (I ended up giving this appetizer a standing ovation – was too hot for my palate that it made me stand in a snap #realtalk).

First up was their Beef Tenderloin Salpicao. I must say, this dish is very delicious. I love that the smell alone excites you – all the more when you take a bite. Each piece

was juicy and was literally bursting with flavors. Dip the beef into the sauce then take a bite – you’ll thank me later.

Since I cannot eat anything with pork, we opted for a chicken dish – Chicken Overload Baked in Olive Oil – which literally proved to be another hit that night. Fork tender, the quartered chick-

en thigh was very light and juicy. Have a forkful of everything and you’d greatly appreciate the food combo.

Pasta that night was Seafood Arabiatta. I adored that it had a kick of chili. The tomato based pasta was well balanced – every bite allows you to savor the flavors of the ingredients without over-

powering one another.

This is a revelation... their Relyenong Bangus is served minced style. One thing is for sure, you’d not have to trouble yourself from removing the bones. What I love about this is that the whole dish does not have a fishy aftertaste and every bite allows you to savor the ingredients they used. With

or without rice, this is a dish that I’d recommend.

Not only do they have dishes on their menu; they also have a number of drinks on their repertoire for you to choose from. Go and splurge on a night out and order some of their mixed drinks with catchy names. Or settle on their selection of fresh juices. Whatever your cup of tea may be, you’d surely have a fulfilling time. #Deq @sagingrepablik is located at Tionko Ave. Corner V. Mapa Street, 8105 Davao City, Philippines They are open everyday 5:00pm to 2:00am.

You may also call them at (082) 285 9648.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Follow my messy royal food affair at theroyalchefeats. wordpress.com and on Instagram @theroyalchefleebai.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Alden,BetongandAicellebringthefuntoUAE IN KEEPING WITH ITS THRUST of bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home, GMA Network’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV stages Kapusong Pinoy Dubai featuring Alden Richards, Betong Sumaya and Aicelle Santos on March 10.

On the heels of a yearlong Sampuso anniversary celebration in 2015, GMA Pinoy TV amps up the fun and entertainment through a concert to be held at Al Nasr Leisureland, a family oriented leisure center for sports and entertainment situated at the heart of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Following the huge success and immense popularity of Kapusong Pinoy events held in the country over the years, GMA Pinoy TV continues to reach out to its viewers in the Middle East by bringing the Network’s most coveted stars and programs closer to them

and creating a sense of home away from home for overseas Filipinos in the area.

This March, Pambansang Bae Alden Richards joins the Kapusong Pinoy Dubai cast in paying tribute to GMA’s subscribers and loyal fans in the country.

“Excited na akong makilala ang ating mga kababayan na walang sawang sumusuporta sa amin. I’m really grateful for all their support and I’m thankful that GMA Pinoy TV gave us another opportunity to give back to them,” says the sought-after actor, who is currently seen on the comedy-musical variety program Sunday PinaSaya and the Philippines’ longest-running noontime show Eat Bulaga.

Meanwhile, actorcomedian Betong Sumaya, who has triggered countless laughs on the Philippines’ longestrunning gag show Bubble Gang, is ready to share more than just his highly amusing comedic talents to give the audience a

spectacular show. “Mga Kapuso, we’re going to have an amazing time!

Sama-sama tayong kumanta, sumayaw, tumawa at magsaya ngayong March 10. Kitakita tayo sa Dubai!” says the artist, whose wacky antics and amusing performances have been a much-awaited highlight in Kapusong Pinoy concerts and events both local and international over the years.

Completing the talented cast of Kapusong Pinoy Dubai is Aicelle Santos, who has received numerous accolades for her performance in the hit musical Rak of Aegis.

Audiences can expect a number of showstopping performances from the Rock ‘N Soul Diva, whose new album is slated for release this February. “Performing for a Filipino crowd abroad is always heartwarming because you see how excited the audience is for something that reminds them of home.

That’s why we, as artists, put a lot of heart in our performances, because we want them to have a great time. And that’s exactly what the Kapusong Pinoy Dubai crowd can expect so we hope to see you there, Kapuso!” says Aicelle.

Gates will open at 6:00 PM on March 10.

Meanwhile, lucky Kapuso fans who purchase VVIP tickets will also be able to see the Kapuso stars up close during a meet and greet on March 9.

For updates on GMA Network’s artists, programs, international channels and events, visit the website w w w.g m a p i n oy t v. com, Facebook pages w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / GMAPinoyTV, www. facebook.com/gmalifetv, and www.facebook.com/ gmanewsinternational, Twitter pages @ gmapinoytv, @ gma_lifetv, and @ gmanewstvintl and Instagram account @ gmapinoytv.

‘On the Wings of Love’ finale achieves all-time high rating

IT’S ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT for James Reid and Nadine Lustre.

The Kapamilya show “On the Wings of Love” proved to be a hit until the very end as it scored an all-time high national TV rating of 27.8%, according to Kantar Media. Its finale also sent Twitter abuzz, generating almost 4 million tweets.

But it’s not only “On the Wings of Love” that enjoyed stellar finale ratings, as “Pasion de Amor” garnered a lead over its rival program.

In the last episode, eternal love

and forgiveness prevailed as the Elizondo sisters finally achieved peace in their lives when they reconciled with their mother.

Despite their devastating loss, the characters of “Pasion de Amor” showcased the value of looking forward to the future without any regrets and starting anew.

The back-to-back finale ratings success of the two Kapamilya programs prove how ABS-CBN consistently rules the country’s primetime TV landscape.

Kapamilya viewers should also look forward to how “The Story of Us” and “I Will Survive,” the two newest Kapamilya primetime shows that will make waves in the country and abroad among Filipinos.

Janine Gutierrez stars in new horror film, ‘Lila’ The “Lila” sneak peek shows a side of Janine we’ve never seen before.

The Kapuso actress shed her gorgeous and fashionista persona momentarily to breathe life into the film “Lila” opposite Enchong Dee. An official entry to the Sinag Maynila Film Festival, the movie is directed by Gino M. Santos, one of the “youngest commercial, TV, and film directors” in the country according to the official festival website. He is also the director of GMA’s The Tim Yap Show.

“Lila” also has the honor of being the “first horror film produced by Brillante Mendoza and Solar Entertainment Inc.” Janine plays the role of Jess who is described as a “young woman running from her past.”

She then moves into another house and finds an old diary that belonged to an old tenant. There she finds herself experiencing the chilling words written in the diary.

Other stars in the film include Sherry Lara and Kapuso child star, Miggs Cuaderno.

March 2, 2016

ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE Gerald Anderson, Arci Muňoz

PG

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

ZOOLANDER 2 / *THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell/ *Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto PG /*R13

11:25 | 1:35 | 3:45 LFS / *6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE FINEST HOURS Chris Pine, Casey Affleck PG

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

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

Italian dishes and local flavors at Seda Abreeza ITALY’S DIVERSE LANDSCAPE gives rise to a wide range of regional dishes, all deserving to be sampled, according to Salvatore de Vincentis, a multi-awarded chef who will serve as an informal ambassador of the country’s cuisine during a twomonth promotional series at Seda hotels throughout the country.

“Italian-Filipino Culinary Fusion” begins on March 4 running up to March 13, 2016 at Seda Abreeza, offering an extraordinary range of specially-designed buffet selection for dinner with a prime selection of Italian wines available at the hotel’s Misto bar and restaurant.

Chef Salvatore will be drawing from the aromas and flavors of his childhood in Sorrento where he would assist his grandmother and later, restaurateur-uncle, in the kitchen. At Seda, he promises to remain true to the traditional ways of preparing well-loved regional

dishes whipped up from the freshest of ingredients, including famous cheeses and lemons from his country, to ensure distinct and authentic Italian flavors.

Chef Salvatore says he is excited by his stint at Seda Abreeza’s Misto which is sure to draw both patrons and other guests as he gives a unique touch to the hotel’s regular dinner buffet spread. The twist is that these traditional Italian regional dishes will be presented in modern, creative ways that are as pleasing to the sight as they are to the taste buds. His version of caprese in a glass, for instance, consists of a delightful cream with the flavor of fresh mozzarella over a tomato-flavored foam and touched with basil in liquid form. Layered to represent the colors of the Italian flag, the dish teases the palate in just the right amount.

His time of visit hitting the season of Araw ng Davao, Chef Salvatore and his team made a menu specially intended to match the season – bringing in local favorites and dishes aside

from his delectable Italian menu. At Misto, the offer is irresistible: take part of the dinner buffet this March 4,9,10, and 11, 6PM to 8PM for only PHP 980 nett for adults and PHP 480 nett for kids. A promising Sunday brunch is offered on March 6, 2016 from 10AM to 2PM at PHP 980 nett per person.

The chef promises, “I always cook with all my heart because diners can sense a chef’s passion in the way the food is presented. I wish for everyone to have a fabulous dining experience. My message is simple: sit, eat, and enjoy!” he charmingly concludes.

Chef Salvatore presents “La Buona Cucina Italiana” at the Straight Up bar of Seda BGC from January 29 to February 6; at Seda Centrio, Cagayan de Oro City on February 10-20; Seda Nuvali, Laguna on February 23-29; Seda Abreeza, Davao on March 4-13; and Seda Atria, Iloilo on March 14-19.

For details and reservations of the Italian promotion at Seda Abreeza, please call (088) 322 8888 or email dvo@sedahotels.com.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

DENR 11... FROM 11

“Through this partnership between the DENR and the different POs, we are positive that we will be able to continue our reforestation efforts within the region.

After this MOA signing, we hope that we will have a very significant accomplishment in terms of re-greening our areas and teach the communities to become self-reliant at the same time,” he said.

CBFM Regional Coordinator and Chief for the Conservation and Development Division Marylou Zarasate said MOA signing activities in Compostela Valley Province, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur are also scheduled.

As stipulated in the CBFM-CARP MOA, DENR will provide the necessary technical services and capacity-building or enhancement to the POs to facilitate the effective implementation of the project. Further trainings on post-harvest technology, product marketing, project management and organizational strengthening will also be provided to the POs. On part of the POs, they will have the responsibility to construct and develop their nursery and procurement of needed nursery tools as well as the propagation or procurement of their planting materials from the supplier of their choice.

They will also have to conduct re-planting, ring

weeding, fertilizer application and regular maintenance and protection of their area until such time it is deemed productive and sustainable.

For NGP, the MOA stipulated that the DENR shall conduct survey, mapping and planning and prepare GIS-generated maps of the area and provide technical and financial assistance subject to the approved Work and Financial Plans (WFP).

The POs, responsibilities include: establishing of plantations in the surveyed area and to maintain and protect said plantations; ensuring at least 85% survival rate of the established plantations; prioritize the employment of indigenous peoples (IPs) and members of organized upland communities within the area, whenever possible and; provide equal opportunities for both men and women to participate in the development process among others.

Other signatories were Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Atty. Ma. Mercedez Villarosa-Dumagan of PENRO Davao del Sur and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Bernardino S. Juson of CENRO Davao City.

Signing as witnesses were: Atty. Alicer; ARD for Management Services Marcia G. Isip and the NGP and CBFM Coordinators of Davao City areas.

NEWS 13

ARMM research unit uses modern tech to determine drought damage T

HE Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARRM), through its Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (IRRI), is using modern technology in assessing drought damages to crops in Maguindanao, officials said Tuesday.

Under the Philippine Rice Information System Management (PRISM) program, researchers could gather exact information as to crop damages using satellite imaging, global positioning system (GPS) and actual field imaging using smartphones, said Saudi Mangindra, senior ARC researcher.

“The main objective of this

project using a tool for precision agriculture is to gather accurate data on the effect of the dry spell to crops and the extent of pest infestation,” Mangindra said.

He explained that using GPS, actual damages are recorded. Data gathered are then processed by PRISM personnel.

“Accurate data on the extent of damages will help our policy makers and leaders determine what assistance the government can extend to affected farmers,” Mangindra said.

Bryan Arap, PRISM-ARMM focal person, said agriculture technical experts go to the fields, assess the situation and using smartphones, could determine what kind of insects and pests have destroyed agricultural

crops.

“Soon we will come out with identified rice areas using maps so we can identify the country’s rice producing areas,” he added.

Johny Maloom, PhilRice researcher, said the system is using satellite images to come up with a drought map. “What we are doing now is to pinpoint affected areas and come up with data that will help determine the extent of damages,” Maloom said.

PRISM will also monitor the damages brought by calamities like floods and infestation using the technology.

For most farmers, this year’s drought can be the worst, which destroyed a huge part of agriculture areas in the region.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Among the rice producing towns of Maguindanao is Ampatuan municipality, where the extent of damage caused by the dry spell can be readily seen by the naked eye.

Mandag Sumagayan, 58, of Barangay Malatiman in Ampatuan, could not imagine how to recover his losses.

“Look around and you can see the extent of damages. Newly planted palay now looks like ordinary carabao grass,” the father of eight said to illustrate how his green farm turned into brown and super dry field. Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews

tion to viewing a complete list of members who view their profile, such as recruiters and colleagues. They will also have access to unique data insights to see how they stack up against other job seekers through detailed jobs analytics only available to premium members.

their dream profession, on the go. With our unique collaboration, we are adding another dimension to the ‘Smart Life’ experience, this time by giving Filipinos access to tools and a wealth of information that can help them boost their careers and ultimately their lives,” said Ariel Fermin, executive vice president and head of consumer business of Smart and its parent company PLDT. Tommaso Del Re, Head of International Business Development at LinkedIn said, “We are excited about partnering up with Smart, the leading mobile service provider in the Philippines. We believe the collaboration will empower

Filipino professionals, in particular job seekers, to be more successful by connecting them to new jobs and business opportunities. This is core to what we stand for at LinkedIn.” Smart subscribers can start enjoying this offer starting in March. Details on how to access this promo will be made available soon.

mobile innovations within reach by every Filipino.

These exclusive partnerships include the biggest names in entertainment, such as iflix, FOX, MCA Music, Sony Music and Warner Bros, as well as unicorn digital companies like Uber, the world’s most popular ride-sharing service, and Airbnb, the world’s the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company.

As the Philippines leading mobile carrier, Smart’s expansive mobile broadband network and most innovative data packages allow subscribers to access the LinkedIn app and enjoy its wide array of features anytime, anywhere.

Smart... FROM 11

A new dimension to the ‘Smart Life’ “We are very delighted to team up with LinkedIn, the leader in the world of online professional networking that taps the power of relationships and technology to offer convenient ways for users to search, select and succeed in

String of partnerships with digital innovators Smart’s partnership with LinkedIn follows the telco’s string of exclusive partnerships with the world’s leading digital services to bolster its push for the Smart Life, which involves making meaningful

14 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Enjoy Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge with Globe MyLifestyle Plan

S

Acecard Trojan:

Users of over 30 banking, payment Android apps at risk K

aspersky Lab’s Anti-malware Research Team said it has detected one of the most dangerous Android banking Trojans ever seen. The Acecard malware is capable of attacking users of nearly 50 different online financial applications and services and is able to bypass the Google Play store’s security measures, the company said in a statement.

During the third quarter of 2015, Kaspersky Lab experts detected an unusual increase in the number of mobile banking attacks in Australia. It looked suspicious and very soon it was discovered that the main reason for this increase was a single banking Trojan: Acecard.

The Acecard Trojan family uses almost all the malware functionality currently available – from stealing a bank’s text and voice messages to

overlaying official app windows with false messages that simulate the official login page in an attempt to steal personal information and account details.

The most recent versions of the Acecard family can attack the client applications of some 30 banks and payment systems. Considering that these Trojans are capable of overlaying any application upon command, the overall number of attacked financial applications may be much higher.

The malware was first detected in February 2014, but for a long period it showed almost no signs of malicious activity. Kaspersky Lab said everything changed in 2015 when its researchers detected a spike in attacks: in the period May to December 2015, more than 6,000 users were attacked with this Tro-

jan. Most of them were living in Russia, Australia, Germany, Austria, and France.

During the two years of observation, Kaspersky Lab researchers witnessed the active development of the Trojan. They registered more than 10 new versions of the malware, each with a far longer list of malicious functions than the previous one.

Google Play is under attack Mobile devices were usually infected after downloading a malicious application masquerading as a legitimate one. Acecard versions are typically distributed as Flash Player or PornoVideo, although other names are sometimes used in a bid to imitate useful and popular software.

But this is not the only way this malware is distributed. On 28 December 2015,

Kaspersky Lab experts were able to spot a version of the Acecard downloader Trojan – Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Acecard.b – in the official Google Play store. The Trojan propagates under the guise of a game. When the malware is installed from Google Play, the user will only see an Adobe Flash Player icon on the desktop screen and no actual sign of the installed application.

Who is behind it?

Looking closely at the malware code, Kaspersky lab experts are inclined to think that Acecard was created by the same group of cybercriminals that was responsible for the first TOR Trojan for Android Backdoor.AndroidOS. Torec.a and the first mobile encryptor/ransomware Trojan-Ransom.AndroidOS.Pletor.a.

The evidence for this

OON, Globe customers can take their digital lifestyle to the next level with the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge As the leader in the digital lifestyle, Globe Telecom is gearing up to welcome the newest Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge to the Philippines. With this, the mobile savvy will now be able to take their digital lifestyle to the next level as they complement these latest devices with the topnotch Globe myLifestyle plans.

Designed to cater to the evolving digital lifestyles of Filipinos, myLifestyle plans allow customers to personalize their plans to fit their interests and bring them closer to what they love.

With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Globe customers will be able to fully enjoy the best content from Globe such as movies from online entertainment service HOOQ or the latest game updates from your favorite teams in the NBA. “Over the next few days, our customers will find out why it is best to get the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge as we introduce our unbeaten myLifestyle Plan offers soon. True to our commitment to provide nothing but the best content and service, and as the leader in postpaid and preferred telco carrier of the latest smartphones, our loyal customers can be assured that the Globe myLifestyle plans will let them maximize what the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge can offer,” said Erli Magtubo-Valdez, Vice President for Postpaid Business at Globe.

At the recent Samsung unpacking event in Barcelona, Spain led by its CEO D.J. Kho, Samsung showcased the innovative new features of Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

Both models are IP68 water and dust resistant in up to 1.5 meters of water and for up to 30 minutes protection against dust ingress. It carries a DSLR like Real Pixel Camera that is the world’s 1st dual photodiode sensor (2PD) in mobile that provides superfast autofocus. The new models promise brighter and clearer images with f/1.7 lens and faster shutter speed that minimizes motion blur.

Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge has an expandable memory up to 200GB and faster processor, smoother graphics, 4GB RAM, and a larger battery and faster charging. The S7 Edge also enhanced its Dual Edge display with the all new task edge that provides shortcuts to the most used functions.

Finally, both phones allow users to experience an expanded Galaxy Ecosystem with Gear VR compatibility for a virtual reality experience and Gear S2 compatibility for on-the-go convenience. █

is based on similar code lines (names of methods and classes) and the use of the same C&C (Command and Controls) servers.

This proves that Acecard was made by a powerful and experienced group of criminals, most likely Russian-speaking.

“This cybercriminal group uses virtually every available method to propagate the banking Trojan Acecard. It can be distributed under the guise of another program, via

official app stores, or via other Trojans. A distinctive feature of this malware is that it’s capable of overlaying more than 30 banking and payment systems as well as social media, instant messaging and other apps. The combination of Acecard’s capabilities and methods of propagation make this mobile banker one of the most dangerous threats to users today,” warns Roman Unuchek Senior Malware Analyst at Kaspersky Lab USA. █

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

OFF TO THE CAPITAL 11 young ballers off to Manila for Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 national training camp Y

A young athlete shows off his dribbling skills in one of the many drill stations that participants underwent in the 2-day Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA camp.

New rules on pro boxers fighting at Olympics set for vote

B

OXING’S global governing body will vote within three months on proposals that would allow all professional fighters to compete in the Olympic Games, including in Rio, AIBA’s president told AFP on Monday.

The measures, which would effectively eliminate the sport’s historic distinction between professionals and amateurs, will be put to a vote at an extraordinary congress of AIBA confederations.

AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu has consistently made it clear, including at an AIBA meeting last week, that he believes boxing is best served by having its top fighters compete at the Olympics.

Proposed changes to AIBA statutes “that would leave (Olympic) eligibility in the hands of the national federations” will be voted on at congress to be held “most likely on the 30th or 31st of May”, Wu told AFP. Qualifying for the 2016 summer games in Rio de Janeiro is already under way, but

Wu noted that there were still opportunities for professionals to qualify.

He voiced confidence that boxing confederations, which have been widely consulted on the proposed statute changes, would approve the measures.

“It is absolutely the right thing to do, to increase the opportunity for pro-boxers” who meet national qualification guidelines to compete at the Olympics, said Wu. Global boxing has been governed by a so-called ‘alphabet soup’ of various sanctioning bodies, a trend that some believe has hampered the sport by creating confusion and rivalry, including with respect to professional titles.

AIBA holds added influence as it is the only body recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and therefore sets guidelines on who can compete at the Games.

If the new measures are approved, countries could now put forward big name fighters for Rio, including global stars like American Floyd Mayweather.

OUNG cagers gathered and showcased their skills on the hardcourt as Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 presented by Alaska went to Ateneo de Davao University, Matina campus on February 27-28 for the fourth staging of the Regional Selection Camp in Mindanao. Seven boys and four girls were selected from 543 kids who participated in this year’s program.

Alfonso Luis Candari, 13, of Ateneo de Davao; Lance Centeno, 13, of Ateneo de Davao; Joven Neil Deligero, 13, of Daniel R. Aguinaldo National Highschool; Louis Andre Joring, 13, of St. Mary’s School; Tryon LimarLangala, 14, of St. Mary’s School; AnscarMamac, 14, of Holy Child College of Davao; and RysanVillasenta, 13, of Holy Child College of Davao topped the boys division. RozieAmatong, 11, of Modern International Learning Center; Aloha Marie Betanio, 12, of Malaybalay City Central School; Kate Buenaventura, 13, of Ateneo de Davao; and Marcila Grace Del-

losa, 14, of F. Bangoy National Highschool topped the girls division.

The young athletes excelled in the skills stations and scrimmages and exemplified the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA core S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect throughout the camp.The kids will also represent Mindanao in the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA Philippines National Training Camp this April and will try out with top players from the four Regional Selection Camps for the chance to be named as Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines All-Star and participate in an overseas NBA experience.

The next stop of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines Regional Selection Camp will be in Cebu (March 5-6) followed by Manila (April 9-10). Boys and girls ages 10-14 can still register to the free youth basketball program at www.jrnba.asia/ philippines, where the program terms and conditions can be found. █

Pacman begins high-altitude training B

OXING champ Manny Pacquiao started training early Monday morning, not at the local sports complex but at the highway in Maasim, Sarangani province where he began his high-altitude training.

“Iba kasi ‘yung tumatakbo ka sa flat,” explained assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez. “Sa

high altitude training kasi, unti-unting sumisikip ‘yung hangin.”

Pacquiao ran by himself for almost an hour, up and down the Maasim Highway which is estimated to be 10 kilometers long. He went straight to a private beach in Barangay Tinoto.

According to members

of Team Pacquiao, the boxer’s conditioning is reaching a high level with just a little over a month to go before his final fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. on April 9.

“Ibig sabihin wala ng problema ‘yung kundisyon niya, ‘yung stamina niya,” said Fernandez.

Pacquiao stretched, shad-

ow-boxed, and did other routines at the beach while showing no signs of slowing down.

“Inaasahan natin na mas magiging matindi na ang training natin,” he said.

Pacquiao is set to leave for the United States on March 15 for the second phase of his training camp.

ecutive director Gordon Smith said Monday that a meteorological crew on site should be able to accurately predict rain within about 20-30 minutes.

What he doesn’t want to see is an overly cautious approach where the roof closes fre-

quently when rain isn’t likely.

Smith says: ‘’We want this to be an outdoor tournament; we want to keep the roof open if at all possible. We will run a little risk of getting some rain on the court in order to keep this an outdoor event, to keep

the competition fair for everybody.’’

USTA officials gave an update on construction Monday, with the roof over Ashe and a new Grandstand set to be ready for this year’s tournament, which starts Aug. 29.

Organizers hope US Open roof stays open

U

.S. Open organizers plan to try to avoid closing the new roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium as much as possible, even if that means wet courts making for a longer delay.

U.S. Tennis Association ex-

Fajardo returns to Gilas training

J

UNE Mar Fajardo hit the ground running as he returned to Gilas Pilipinas practice on Monday night.

After being a mere spectator the past two weeks, the recovering San Miguel Beer superstar finally joined the drills and play simulations, and found out practice turned a notch up compared to when he last took part more than two months ago.

“Same lang dati (ang ginagawa), pero mas intense lang yung practice…kasi malalaki yung kalaban namin tapos mabibilis din,” Fajardo said.

The national team is preparing for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July here

in Manila where it is bracketed with cage powers France and New Zealand, and grouped with Canada, Senegal, and Turkey.

Fajardo, still recovering fromthe knee injury he suffered during the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup, admitted he expected he would slowly work his way back into the system, only to find himself having to keep in step with his in-form national teammates.

“Medyo (nabigla ako), pero okay lang kasi nagpa-practice rin naman ako sa San Miguel,” the reigning PBA MVP said.

“May takbuhan rin dun.”

“Maganda naman tinakbo ng practice namin sa Gilas,” he added.

PAL MEN’S INTERCLUB TEES OFF. Philippine Airlines President & COO Jaime J. Bautista leads the ceremonial tee-off to open the Men’s tournament of the 69th PAL Interclub from March 2 to 5, 2016 at the Mimosa Golf & Country Club in Clark, Pampanga. (Photo by Ruel Bonghanoy)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 8 ISSUE 243 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016

Lanang: A horse with no course

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

C

njb@edgedavao.net

LARK, PAMPANGA -HERE is one interesting trivia. Not all teams playing in the 69th Philippine Airlines Interclub golf tournament are clubs of existing courses.

Take the case of Lanang Golf and Country Club, one of the four Davao teams playing in the annual team golf competitions currently held at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club.

Lanang was closed down in 2007 when the sprawling property owned by the Dakudao family was sold in part to the Henry Sy-owned mall giant SM. The old Acacia-lined layout has since become the SM Lanang Premier, Davao City’s biggest mall.

However, Lanang remains among the teams entered in the Seniors and Regular Men’s events of the Interclub as it has continued to play in the prestigious event that attracted 187 participating teams this year.

“The lure of the Interclub extends even to golfers with clubs of non-existing courses,” explained Jonathan Gesmundo, editorial consultant at PAL Corporate Communications Office and head of the Interclub secretariat.

Another club representing a non-existing course is UP Tee Jots, according to rulesman

and Interclub regular Jake Ayson.

While these teams are technically “homeless ghosts”, playing in the Interclub kind of keeps its presence in the golfing community. For its players, it’s simply a funny fact they can happily live with.

“We are the SM Lanang Premier golf club,” team member Danny Nagayo joked while loading his bags on the check in counter of PAL at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Kidding aside, while Lanang has been erased in the golf landscape, memories of the fabled course remain with the consistent appearance of its team in the Interclub.

This year, the team is composed of team captain Paul Dakudao, Nagayo, Bobby Plana, Dennis Salvador, Dennis Te, Ned Sanchez, Ben Erickson, Danny Gotera, Ed Gumban and Bobbet Te. The team plays in the Sportswriters Division and is aiming for a respectable finish.

“We want to make our presence felt by everyone here.

We are targeting at least a Top 5 finish,” Nagayo told Edge Davao in an interview a day before the team plunges into action.

Lanang’s swingers will take their golf bags to the

Mountain View Course of Mimosa Golf and Country Club today as the Men’s event tee off for the first time in Luzon since 1983 when it was held in

Batulao.

Lanang will field Nagayo, Erickson, Plana, Salvador and Sanchez for Day One. Dakudao, Dennis and Bobbet Te and

Gotera will make up its Day Two squad.

“We are having fun here and if we get a little lucky, we could just be the surprise

bunch, who knows?” Nagayo said.

That’s quite a positive vibe for a team without a course to call home.

RARIN’ TO GO. Five of Lanang’s mainstays take a pose before practice round at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club in Clark, Pampanga.