Edge Davao 7 Issue 09 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

LUMAD CRAFTS SHOWCASE. A mall-goer browses over a collection of native bracelets sold by Joel, a young “lumad” living along the border of Davao City and Bukidnon, in the ongoing Ata Manobo and Matigsalog crafts showcase at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

INCOMPLETE TAX RECORD 16,000 record deficiencies need to be verified By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

The investigating team formed last month by Davao City local government to look into the P1.1-billion tax delinquencies has found incomplete assessment record on real property tax.

FOI. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Jose Mari Oquinena says during Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill’s purpose is not only for transparency but its more of a defining factor to encourage honesty among the people working in the government. Lean Daval Jr.

A report from the special action team headed by lawyer Marlisa A. Gallo states that there are information deficiencies on tax declarations, with some records having multiple entries which resulted to multiple assessments instead of only one. It states that this situation may arise if the previous entry was not canceled. The taxes of other entries being assessed under the new one may be paid but still included in the delinquent list. Also, there are some cases that the taxes for the lot has been charged to the building erected

“therefore only the owner of the building would pay the real property taxes instead of including the lot owner.” The report also states that there are properties which were already acquired by the city government that are included in the delinquent list. At present, there are five accounts of cityowned properties were identified as delinquents. “These are title in city’s name while some are still registered in the name of previous owner,” the report stipulates. It further states that there are 16,000 record deficiencies

FINCOMPLETE, 10

EDGEDAVAO

THE BIG NEWS

LUNHAW AWARDEES 2014: Balik Bukid Farm and Kitchen; ECOTENEO of the Ateneo de Davao High School; Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC); Sibulan Organic Banana Growers Multi-purpose Cooperative (SOBAGROMCO) and Daniel Albi’s Diversified Farm. Awardees were joined by Lunhaw Awards Judges Mr. Jose “Joey” Ayala, Dr. Betty Balmocena and Mr. Roberto Alabado III. Awarding of winners were also witnessed by Lunhaw Organizers:

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Mr. Jimmie Loe Dela Vega, Executive Director of Davao Association of Catholic Schools Inc. and Ms. Mary Ann Fuertes, Executive Director of Interface Development Interventions, Inc. These top 5 awardees were recognized on March 13, 2014 at the Taboan, Matina Town Square twined with Joey Ayala’s Musikalikasan Concert on the occasion of the 77th Araw ng Davao celebration.

IGaCOS bullish on Japanese firm to donate tourism campaign 2 solar panels for parks By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

HE local government unit of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCOS) is projecting a 20 percent increase in tourist arrivals in the city after it launched its Visit Samal 2014 campaign. Jennifer D. Cariaga, City Investment and Tourism Officer of IGaCOS, said that the local tourism office was able to record at least 177,000 overnight tourists and 399,000 day visitors who arrived on the island last summer as recorded by resorts and accommodation establishments in the city. “We expect an increase

in both categories [day tour and overnight] in the next few days,” Cariaga said, adding that this year there will be more events starting on April 25 with a motorcade and ends on May 3 with the celebration of the of Festival of all Festivals. Cariaga, guesting in yesterday’s Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao, said that the three festivities in Samal specifically, Kabasan Festival, White Nights Festival and Madyaw Hugyaw sa Samal will be celebrated on the culmination day. The nine days merriment will feature most

FIGACOS, 10

WEATHER FORECAST

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

JAPANESE firm will donate solar panels to Davao City which will be used to light a park. City administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain said during the last Tuesday’s regular session of the 17th city council that the firm Gotoh Kogyo Company will

donate two panels which will be used as source of light on lampposts inside the park. Quitain said that the city government plans to use the panels either in Osmeña or Rizal Park because these parks are really need illumination at night.

“This is one way of lighting the area without spending a single centavo,” Quitain said. Quitain asked the city council to study the proposal. He said that even if the proposal is for the city it still needs to follow the process. The city administrator

to very close scrutiny. Ayaw ng congressman yan and other public officials,” he said. President Benigno Aquino III has earlier refused to certify the bill as “urgent”. However, an official of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) denied that the Congress is intentionally delaying the passage of FOI bill. “Kung dinedelay bakit pa sya [FOI bill] nabanggit ng government,” Jose Mari M. Oquiñena, director general of PIA said yesterday in Club 888 media forum at The Marco Polo Davao, adding that there was no deliberate effort in the past administration to institutionalize transparency through a law. He said that the administration under the “daang matuwid ” campaign is ex-

NEOPHYTE lawmaker has proposed the grant of “hazard pay” to Regional Trial Court Judges nationwide. “The nature of work of RTC judges exposes them to risks and perils to life considering that they handle heinous crimes, syndicated crimes and drug cases,” Rep. Edcel “Grex” B. Lagman said. Lagman is author of HB 4024 granting hazard pay, equivalent to 25 percent of monthly basic salary, to RTC judges and the necessary appropriations to implement the same. Congress, he said, has defined “Hazard Pay” as a “premium given only to government personnel exposed to hazardous situations such as, but not limited to, assignment in strife-torn or embattled areas, distressed or isolated stated stations, prison camps, mental hospitals,

has turned over the specification for the panels to the council to study what would be the appropriate action. The city council in turn referred it to the committee on energy and power headed by councilor Louie John Bonguyan.

PPI chief pessimistic ‘Harzard pay’for on FOI final passage RTC judges pushed “N

EVER expect that it [Freedom of Information (FOI) bill] will be passed”. This is according to lawyer Jesus G. Dureza, Philippine Press Institute (PPI) chairman and president. “I’ve been a congressman for a long time, and I know that the Congress will not pass a law that is detrimental to its interest,” said Dureza, who a congressman from the late 1980s to early 1990s. According to him, if the bill will be passed, the FOI law will “allow people to get all the information they need, especially from public officials.” “So don’t expect that it will be passed. Kaya kita mo hangaang ngayon delay kung anu-anong rason at istoya and even the president ayaw, kasi it will let them open up themselves

FPPI, 10

leprosaria, radiation-exposed clinics, laboratories, and workshops, disease-infested areas and areas declared under state of calamity or emergency which pose occupational risks or perils to life.” The author noted that the Amnesty International has placed Philippines judges among the most at risk of assassination. Data shows that from 1991 to 2012, 22 judges have been murdered or assassinated, or an average of two judges killed each year, Lagman pointed out. “These judges also run the risk of being at the receiving end of disgruntled litigants’ ire and, instead of exhausting their legal remedies, opt to put the law in their hands,” the author said. Lagman recalled that RTC judges, through their organization, the Philip-

FHARZARD, 10

NEWS 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

2 robbery cases in only 2 hours I

N just two hours last Tuesday afternoon, a total of P489, 000 worth of cash and valuables were looted in two robbery incidents in Davao City. At 1:00 p.m. the house of Florence H. Guerra, 51 and college professor, was robbed by unidentified culprits in Saint Anthony Village, Barangay Aliongto. Report of Sasa Police Precinct disclosed that the suspects gained entry inside the house by smashing the door knob of the front door with a hard object. The suspects went to master’s bedroom and forcibly destroyed the metal vault inside.

Suspects took away the total gold necklace worth P45, 000; Spanish gold bracelet P50,000; bracelet decorated with expensive stones P40,000; 13 sets of rings and earrings with different birth stones P300,000; set of pearl earrings P35,000 and P5,000 cash with a total of P475,000. After which, they exited at the kitchen door in the right portion of victim’s house. The Scene of the Crime Operatives found some fingerprints in the crime scene. Around 4:00 p.m. a government employee of Mabi-

This particular corner of SM City Davao is now the favorite hangout of internet-obsessed shoppers where the mall’s free internet wifi signal is on its strongest level. Lean Daval Jr.

Employees watched 2 more hydro plants coming up May 13 for corruption acts F2 ROBBERY, 10

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

crc@edgedavao.net

BOITIZ Power subsidiary Hedcor Sibulan Inc., is inaugurating its two new run-of-river hydropower plants on May 13. Located in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, the two units of the Tudaya hydropower plant have a combined capacity of 14 megawatts which is expected to ease the on-going Mindanao power crisis. Hedcor, which specializes in producing renewable energy from run-of-rivers invested a total of P1.8 billion for the Tudaya project constructed in Barangays Astorga and Rizal in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur harnessing the Sibulan River.

Construction began in August 2012. The 7 MW capacity first unit of Tudaya hydro power plant is contracted by the Davao Light and Power Co. the exclusive power distributor in Davao City and some portions of Davao del Norte. The 7 MW of the second unit of the power plant is contracted by the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (Dasureco). It will start its commercial operation in May after its inauguration, but as of now it supplies power to some parts of Sta. Cruz. In an earlier report, the operation of the new power plants is expected to em-

F2 MORE, 10

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City government is still monitoring employees who may be involved in corruption in their respective offices. City administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain told reporters in an interview

last Tuesday that he is monitoring employees of the city engineer’s office (CEO), city treasurer’s office (CTO) and office of the building official (OCBO). Quitain said that he was informed that most of the people involved in cor-

ruption are the job-order employees. He said that there is already one case from CEO but he did not elaborate. Meanwhile, Quitain said that the investigating panel is still in the process of resolving the case of the

other three erring CTO employees. He panel was given two weeks ago 60 days to come up with a resolution. Last January, five CTO employees of were dismissed for their role in the

efforts in the Philippines in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda. The new law, called the Charitable Giving Assistance Act, would allow taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philip-

pines after the President’s signature on March 25 and before April 15 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns. Taxpayers who donate in this time frame but have already filed their taxes can amend their tax returns to receive these benefits this year. Without this law, taxpayers can claim a tax de-

duction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year. The law eliminates this delay. Philippine officials welcomed the enactment of the law. “The immediate signing by President Obama of the Philippine Charitable Giv-

FCITY, 10

Obama signs Yolanda-related US law U

.S. President Barack Obama has signed into law a legislative measure that would allow American taxpayers to claim deductions for donations they made to support relief and rehabilitation

FOBAMA, 10

Probe on the influx of foreign workers in the country pushed

Dried salted fish, a Filipino basic food, are being sorted out by a vendor according to their variety inside the Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

LAWMAKER has called for a congressional inquiry into the illegal entry of foreign workers to the country that has caused the displacement of Filipino workers in various fields. Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza (Partylist, TUCP), author of House Resolution 874, also urged the House Committee on Labor and Employment to review the labor and immigration laws to protect the interest of the Filipino

workers and their families. Mendoza cited reports that some 3,000 Chinese nationals were employed by a multinational company to work in the construction sites in Bataan and Batangas without the required government working permits. He said under the Omnibus Guidelines for the Issuance of Employment Permits of the Department of Labor (DOLE), a foreign

FPROBE, 10

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

TAGUM CITY

Dogs get free rabies vaccination; responsible pet ownership pushed C

LOSE to 200 dogs received free rabies vaccination as part of the local government’s goal of minimizing, if not eradicating, rabies infection in Tagum City as well as promoting responsible pet ownership among per lovers. City Veterinarian Jesus G. Edullantes said the activity, which was held at the gymnasium of Barangay Magugpo South last March 26, 2014, is in consonance with the celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month. Also conducted during the event are free neutering and spaying, which he said is an ideal approach in depopulating dogs and cats, which are the main cause of rabies infections. A pet blessing was also held during the activity. “We wanted to contribute in the national goal of eradicating rabies in the Philippines by 2015,” he added. The City Veterinary Office will expand their massive free rabies vaccination until May where they aimed to vaccinate 70-80% dog

COTABATO CITY

population in the city. Vice Mayor Geterito Gementiza hailed the City Veterinarian Office for spearheading the activity, saying this is a major step towards a rabies-free city. Extending their professional services during the Pet Care Day are the veterinarians of LGU Tagum and some private practitioners from Mati and Panabo Cities, respectively. The said activity was also made possible with the support of the Provincial Veterinary Office. Pet owners were also briefed on responsible pet ownership by the members of the Dog Owners of Tagum Association (DOTA), where inputs on pet care, dog training and feeding were discussed. A separate forum on rabies awareness was also conducted in the University of Mindanao Tagum Campus, which was attended by 1,000 students. The massive vaccination of dogs is mandated under Republic Act or “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007”. [Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum]

VACCINATION. Close to 200 dogs receive free rabies vaccination in Tagum City as part of the National Rabies Awareness Month last March 26, 2014. [Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum]

ARMM honors Cardinal Quevedo T

HE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) paid tribute to Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, acknowledging him as a key personality to the sustenance of peace and spiritual stability in the island-region. The cardinal, who was ordained as priest under the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation in 1964, has been active in helping

address the plight for peace of both Christian and Muslim settlers in the island, particularly the ARMM, drawn into the decades-old Moro rebellion in the troubled south. “We have a found a man of peace in Mindanao,” lawyer Laisa Alamia, ARMM executive secretary, said in her welcome speech during the program honoring the cardinal inside the Shariff

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Kabunsuan Cultural Center situated at the heart of the 22-hectare provisional seat of the ARMM here. Pope Francis elevated Quevedo, then archbishop of Cotabato, to the College of Cardinals last Feb. 22 along with 16 other new cardinals from various parts of the world. Moved by the tribute rendered him, the cardinal called on ARMM constitu-

ents, to work in unity for the once elusive peace in Mindanao brought about by “injustices” entrenched in the wars experienced in distressed parts of the island. “Just and doable peace should be anchored in three principles, those of self-determination, national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the cardinal stressed. [PNA]

P5.4-M smuggled ‘chop-chop’cars seized in GenSan port

USTOMS personnel seized around P5.4 million worth of disassembled or “chop-chop” second-hand motor vehicles from Japan that were smuggled through the Makar port here. Pendatun Alim, Bureau of Customs port collector here, said Wednesday they found the smuggled vehicles inside two 40-footer container vans that were separately unloaded here

in January and February by cargo vessels from Japan. He said the container vans, which were opened by Customs inspectors on Tuesday, yielded nine units of “completely knocked-down” used or second-hand sedans and vans. Based on the shipping records or documents of the two container vans, Alim said their contents

supposedly comprised 45 pieces of used replacement truck parts, specifically vehicle differential and components. He said the shipments, which were unloaded at the Makar port on January 23 and February 7, originated from the Brother Motor Corp. in Japan. They were consigned to the Algaba Trading, which has a listed address at Coko Bldg., 2550 Roxas

Blvd. in Pasay City, he said. Alim said the entry of the shipments were mainly illegal and in violation of provisions of Republic Act 1937 or the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. He said it is also a “clear violation” of the provisions of Executive Order 156, which banned the importation of used or second-hand vehicles. [PNA]

MAGUINDANAO

Festive mode ahead of GPH-MILF signing of final peace agreement

HE day before the historic signing of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace agreement, Maguindanao is filled with red flags and welcome streamers as Bangsamoro people celebrates “victory.” Green is the color of the day. Green rice fields, green environment and green streamers and flaglets line along major highways in the province ahead of the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB). On the day before the signing of the CAB between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) green flags have lined the roads leading to the MILF main Camp Darapanan. The words “Long Live Bangsamoro Government” are printed on streamers hung along the highway. “Green is the color of the MILF, and green symbolizes peace, this is our way of expressing our desire for peace,” said Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political

affairs. “We have been longing for this for decades, now it is at hand and we are very proud of this victory, victory of our people, the Bangsamoro people, I never thought it can be achieved in my life time,” Jaafar said. “It is very difficult to describe it in words that rightly describe our feelings right now,” Jaafar added. “People are very excited, people are anticipating success and victory,” Jaafar said of the “very festive mode.” He said this is the penultimate celebration of Moro people who offered blood in their struggle to attain genuine and meaningful peace. “This is very meaningful to me and my family,” Muhaliden Angas, a resident of Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, told reporters. In the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Sultan sa Barongis and Mamasapano, green “pandala” lined up the streets as if a wedding is happening. [PNA]

5 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Increased private sector investments in agri dev’t needed for regional integration A

S ASEAN countries gear up for economic integration by 2015, the Philippine government needs to enhance collaboration with the private sector to promote agricultural competitiveness, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. “As Southeast Asian economies collectively gear up for regional integration, it is important to understand how public-private partnership schemes could facilitate the modernization of the agriculture sector and the revitalization of rural economies,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan in his speech during the 2014 Asia Pacific Agricultural Policy Roundtable held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on March 17. Citing the lessons learned from the 2013 APAP forum, the NEDA Director-General explained that “one of the critical constraints to agricultural growth is the absence or the lack of efficient infrastructure system, particularly transport, power supply, and communication infrastructure.” Balisacan added that

this effectively increases the cost of doing business, which prevents small farmers from taking advantage of the opportunities in the rapidly growing areas, urbanized centers and foreign markets. He emphasized the crucial need of increasing productivity and production, expanding markets, improving participation and value-adding activities, and building disaster resilience in enhancing agricultural competitiveness. “However, the government cannot do this alone,” the Cabinet official added. Balisacan also underscored that the Updated Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 incorporates enhancing public-private partnership for agricultural development, especially for infrastructure and value chain development and management. “The interventions include irrigation infrastructure, food supply chain and post-harvest services, production centers for various farm inputs, fish-farming infrastructure, and market and trading centers, among others,” said Balisacan. He added that private

PROMOTING TOURISM. Igacos City Investment and Tourism officer Jennifer D. Cariaga, accompanied by Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato, promotes during Club 888 media forum at the Marco Polo Davao yesterday this year’s “Visit Samal” activities which will kick-off in April 25 at Peñaplata Freedom Park. The campaign aims to position the island as the tourism destination of choice in the country. Lean Daval Jr. sector investment, particularly in research, has been devoted to seed acquisition, exchange, distribution, and improvement

of genetic stocks of crops, forest species, livestock, and fish using conventional and biotechnology applications.

“Investments may also be made in the production and distribution of improved seed and livestock, production of fertilizers

and pesticides, and the development of more efficient management practices to optimize crop production,” said Balisacan.

6 THE ECONOMY Stat Watch Indicator

Latest

1. Gross National Income 1. GrossRate National Income Growth Growth Rate2000 Prices) (At Constant

7.1 1st Qtr 2013 6.8

2.2.Gross GrossDomestic DomesticProduct Growth Rate Product (AtGrowth Constant 2000 Prices) Rate

7.8 1st Qtr 2013 7.5

(At Constant 2000 Prices)

3. Exports 1/ 3. Exports

4. Imports 1/ 4. Imports

5. Trade Balance Trade Balance 6.5.Balance of Payments 2/

7.6.Broad Money Liabilities Balance of Payments

2nd Qtr 2013

USD 3,741 million 5,045 FebUSD 2013 million USD 4,708 Sep 2013 million FebUSD 2013 5,711 USD -967 million million Sep 2013 Feb 2013 USD -665 USD -640 million million Sep 2013 Dec 2012 P 4,964,560 USD 692 million million Feb Jun2013 2013 P2.45,980,938 % million Mar 2013 Aug 2013

8. Interest Rates 4/

7. Broad Money Liabilities

P113,609 2.0 % million Sep2013 2013 Mar P P5,281 127,336 billion million Mar Sep2013 2013

9. National Government 8. Revenues Interest Rate 9. National Government

10.Revenues National government outstanding debt outstanding debt

P 5,609 P 41.14 Aprbillion 2013

11.Stocks Peso per US $ 12. Composite Index 6/

6,847.5 P 43.83 Mar Sep2013 2013

12. Stocks Composite

6,191.8 132.8 Sep2013 2013 Apr

13. Consumer Price Index

135.2 Oct2.62013

10.Peso National government 11. per US $ 5/

Sep 2013

13. Consumer Index Price Index 2006=100

2006=100 14. Headline Inflation Rate 14. 2006=100 Headline Inflation

Apr 2013

2.9 Oct3.12013

Rate 15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100

Apr 2013

2006=100

15. Core Inflation Rate 2006=100 16. Visitor Arrivals

2.5

418,108 Oct 2013 Feb 2013

382,022 Aug 2013 20.9%

16. Visitor Arrivals

17. Underemployment 7/ 17. Rate Underemploymen

Jan 2013 19.2%

18. 18.Unemployment UnemploymentRate Rate7/

7.1% Jan 2013 7.3%

Rate

Jul 2013 Jul 2013

MONTHLY AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE (January 2011-September 2013) Month Average December November October September August July June May April March February January

2013

2012

2011

43.83 43.86 43.35 42.91 41.30 41.14 40.71 40.67 40.73

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

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

Cebu Pacific Daily Zest Air Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun Philippine Airlines Daily Cebu Pacific Daily Cebu Pacific Thu

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

DOLE – Davao Region now ISO certified S

TA N DA R D quality delivery of services now marks the Department of Labor and Employment in Davao Region. DOLE-Davao is recently conferred the ISO 9001:2008 certification after satisfying the requirement of the certifying body - Certification International Philippines (CIP). DOLE Davao regional director Joffrey M. Suyao said that with the Department’s steadfast resolve to provide better service, it has pursued the ISO certification of a standard system, processes and delivery of quality service to achieve ultimate satisfaction of clienteles. “As a government agency, it is our primary mandate to deliver quality public service and our clienteles in Davao region deserve no less than premium quality service at par with international standards,” Suyao said. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz during the press briefing in Waterfront Insular Hotel here said that among the priorities of her administration is to institute quality management

ISO CERTIFIED. Labor and Employment Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz (5th from left) witnesses as DOLE Davao region director Joffrey M. Suyao (4th L) receives the ISO 9001:2008 Certification conferred recently in Davao City by ICP managing director Renato V. Navarette. They are flanked by Congressman Karlo B. Nograles (3rd L) and other DOLE – Davao officials. [Photo by Sherwin B. Manual] systems to make work and its delivery more efficient. “Aside from the providing quality service the ISO certification (of standards) will help us eliminate corruption in the system,” Baldoz said. She added this is the DOLE’s contribution to the Aquino administration’s vow to institute irreversible reforms in the fight against corruption in the government. “The move for ISO certification was

also a proactive response to the challenge of secretary Baldoz to establish a quality management systems in the whole DOLE set-up,” Suyao said. The DOLE Davao region’s Quality Management System covers provision of employment facilitation and manpower development, employment relations, standards enforcement and protection, and employment enhancement, empowerment, and welfare

services. Moreover, assistant regional director Venerando C. Cebrano said the conferment of certification was an effort of all DOLE stakeholders from the regional office down to the field offices. “We had a thorough review of our systems and procedures and found out that we need to improve on a number of aspects should we aim for quality service,” said Cebrano who is also

the Quality Management representative (QMR). As QMR, Cebrano has to ensure that the standards established are implemented and maintained. He also has to report to top management for areas of improvement. DOLE – Davao certification is valid from three years valid until March 2017. Within the period, the office has to maintain its status and standards compliance which is checked periodically

by the CIP through a surveillance audit. “With the certification, we now take the path to a more systematized and efficient delivery of our work and continually find rooms for improvement,” Cebrano added. CIP Managing director Renato V. Navarette conferred the certification during the DOLE Davao’s 6th Social Partnership Activity held recently in Waterfront Insular Hotel. [Sherwin B. Manual/ DOLE 11]

PHL among 10 ‘new emerging countries’

HE Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Ethiopia are among 10 countries set to take over as emerging economies from the powerful BRICS nations, a French credit body said. “After 10 years of frenetic growth” the big 5 emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – the BRICS – “are slowing down sharply,” the French trade credit and insurance group Coface said. In a report entitled “Coface identifies 10 emerging countries hot on the heels of the

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

BRICS,” the organization said that average economic growth by the BRICS this year would be 3.2 percentage points less than the average in the last 10 years. But “at the same time, other emerging countries are accelerating their development,” it said. The growth of emerging economies and the effect this has on world trade flows is closely analyzed by economists because of the huge impact on every aspect of the global economy and power balances. Coface broke the 10

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

as of May 2013

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

new emerging economies it has identified into two groups. The first comprises Peru, the Philippines, Indonesia, Colombia and Sri Lanka, which it named the PPICS. They had “strong potential confirmed by a sound business environment,” Coface said. The second group comprises Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. But these countries are marked by “very difficult or extremely difficult business environments which could hamper

their growth prospects,” Coface said. However, the head of country risk at Coface, Julien Marcilly, said that in 2001 “the quality of governance in Brazil, China, India and Russia was comparable to that of Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh and Ethiopia today.” But the 10 “new emerging countries” currently accounted for only 11% of the world population whereas the BRICS had accounted for 43% of the population in 2001. The total gross do-

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

mestic product of the new 10 was only 70 percent of the output of the BRICS in 2001, and they had a current account deficit of about 6.0 percent of GDP whereas the BRICS had run a surplus on average. Estimating growth and risk On a positive note, the new 10 had inflation which was about 2.8 percentage points lower than BRIC inflation in 2001, and their public debt was about 40% of output compared with 54% for the BRICS at that time. [AFP]

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

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

Cebu-Davao-Cebu

16:45

7 ENVIRONMENT

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Will Philippines

run out of fish soon?

By GERRY T. ESTRERA

NLIKE rice, which is considered a political commodity, fish are neglected in the media – except only where there is a fish kill. After all, fish are touted as “the last wild meal in the human diet.” As fish are “poor man’s source of protein,” they are not given much thought by researchers. But the truth is, the Philippines may soon doesn’t have enough fish to feed its growing population. For the past years, the country’s municipal and commercial catch of fish have dramatically declined. “We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” deplored Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. Fish provides more than half of the protein requirement of most Filipinos. “Unless we look for other sources of protein, the food intake of Filipinos will be greatly affected,” said Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, a national scientist and fisher expert. To solve the fish shortage, the government has to allow imported fish into the local market. “The Philippines will have to import fish sooner or later due to the declining fish catch in the country,” Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture told a national daily. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a line agency of the agriculture department, reported that the population and size of small pelagic fish species such as sardines, “galunggong” (scad) and “matambaka” (ox-eye scad) “are already dwindling.” Roy C. Alimoane, the director of Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center, mourned “the

almost unabated plunder” of the commons – unoccupied land and waters that are shared resources for people to use – that has caused fish depletion in the country. “Like the other vital resources such as forests, Philippine fisheries are about to collapse,” he said. The country’s marine resources is vast – 200 million hectares of coastal and oceanic territorial water area. Dr. Edgardo Gomez, director of the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, at one time reported that “nearly all waters within 15 kilometers of shore are considered overfished.” “Our fishery resources are beset with problems,” confirmed a BFAR official. Fishery resources refer to inland (lakes, rivers, freshwater swamps, and fisponds), coastal, and offshore waters. Overexploitation has been cited as one of the culprits why fish catch has been declining. Oceans, which are global common property resources, are open with few limitations to all takers. Vessels from wealthier countries dominate the ocean catch. Although fish stocks are a renewable resource, many of them are strained to the limit. “Over the years, they have suffered from a widespread notion that the seas are inexhaustible and economic pressures that have encouraged overexploitation.” Marine experts claim that all fishing activities depend on a fragile resource base which, if mismanaged and overexploited, can easily collapse. “Overfishing is the primary cause of dwindling fish population,” notes Peter Weber in his book, Net Loss: Fish, Jobs and the Marine Environment. The fishing industry reportedly employs about

five percent of the country’s total labor force. Some of those involved in fishing employ illegal methods like using cyanide, dynamite and trawls. It’s not because of poverty that some of these fishermen resort to destructive fishing methods. “Easy money – that’s why they go into illegal fishing,” said a source, who added that if one fisherman is making big money from his illegal activities, others follow suit. About 70% of all communities in the country are found along the seaside. Population pressures have been cited as another reason why fishermen harvest marine products exhaustively without even thinking for future. “If other fishermen will catch these fishes, I might as well catch them first,” said a fisherman from Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. Unfortunately, the illegal fishing methods don’t only lessen the fish population but destroy the habitats of these marine creatures. Take the case of coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea. While the country sits on the world’s second largest coral reef, only 1 to 2.5% of the reefs are still intact while 60% are heavily damaged. “Its destruction can greatly reduce fish production, thus endangering the fish supply in the country,” said Letecia Ramos-Shahani when she was still with the senate. An estimated 10-15 per cent of the total fisheries come from coral reefs. About 80-90 per cent of the income of small island communities comes from fisheries. “Coral reef fish yields range from 20 to 25 metric tons per square kilometer per year for healthy reefs,” says Dr. Angel C. Alcala, former environment secretary. About 40 percent of the country’s coral reefs have

b e e n obliterated by cyanide fishing. The Haribon Foundation estimated more than 4,000 cyanide-using aquarium fish gatherers in the country; another 2,000 are into live food fish collection. “These fishermen spray some 400,000 kilograms of sodium cyanide on coral reefs every year,” the International Maritime Alliance-Philippines said in a statement. Coral reefs have also been destroyed by dynamite fishing. Estimates vary but the minimum figure indicates that at least 10% of the more than 700,000 municipal fishermen in the country are hardcore explosive fishermen. Mangroves, which thrive in sheltered tidal flats, coves, bays, and river estuaries, are not spared from denudation. The current rate of mangrove deforestation ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 hectares per year, according to Dr. Guerrero. Mangroves are very important to marine life, Dr. Guerrero says. They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fallen and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living

trees. Aquaculture seems to be the answer to the fish shortage in the country. But on second thought, further pressure is placed on marine ecosystem by aquaculture’s reliance on wild stocks to supply seed. “Aquaculture in the Philippines will continue to improve as needs for food and livelihood opportunities are enhanced by the growing population,” points out Ramon M. Macaraig, Alson’s vice president for research and development. “The base of any aquaculture is the ability of the country to complete the production cycle in culture. Any seafood production system that relies on wild stocks cannot be sustainable.” Another ecological impact: the need for land and water. In the Philippines, lands usually converted into ponds are waterlogged areas and wetlands (marshes), cultivated ricelands or drylands. Water supply usually comes from irrigation canals or rainfed. “The conversion of ricelands to ponds is dictated by economic use of the land,” the BFAR said. “Lands converted into tilapia ponds are more profitable than

ricelands as reported. But massive conversion of irrigated ricelands into tilapia ponds may affect rice production in the future.” In some lakes, the number of cages and other aquaculture venture exceeded the desires number. As these minimize waves and water current, eutrophication results. “When water movement is very low, supply of dissolved oxygen is affected,” the BFAR expert explained. “The bottom layers of the water can be devoid of dissolved oxygen while surface layer can be saturated.” The outcome: fish kill. Escapes of domesticated farmed fish into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas have become a growing risk to already decimated stock of wild fish. Yet, such escapes are not uncommon. In an article which appeared in “Worldwatch” in 1995, author Anne Platt McGinn noted: “In tropical freshwater systems, two-thirds of escaped fish species have become established.” Now, if aquaculture is to serve its purpose in helping avert fish shortage, these ecological issues must be fully addressed.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

EDITORIAL

X-ray machine blues

HE Bureau of Customs in the port of Davao should use all the available x-ray machines in its jurisdiction in order to be able to detect cocaine and other dangerous cargo entering the port. This was the suggestion of businessman Rodolfo “Popong” Reta, owner of the container yard, whose Designated Examination Area (DEA) was illegally ordered closed by a former BOC district collector, after Reta reported the presence of smuggled rice in the port. The DEA inside Reta’s container yard has a giant x-ray machine worth P250 million which has been useless for four years now after the DEA’s closure upon the order of former district collectorAnju Castigador. Reta sued Castigador for his questionable action before the Ombudsman, along together with three other BOC employees. As a result Castigador and another employee were dismissed by the Ombudsman who also penalized Castigador’s companions. The four have gone to court to appeal the Ombudsman’s conviction. The remaining unsettled issue in court now is whether the BOC should re-open the DEA in Reta’s container yard. Interviewed over a local television station, Reta said that if the BOC would obey the court’s order and re-open the DEA in

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his container yard, the expensive x-ray machine owned by the government could be put to good use and not remain a white elephant. He said the x-ray machine will be very useful in the current concerted effort to prevent the entry of drugs and other contraband cargo like smuggled rice and other products, including materials which may be used by terrorists to make bombs and firearms, into the port of Davao in Sasa. However, he said, BOC should not acquiesce to wishes of influential shipping companies, shippers, consignees and brokers to limit inspection of their cargoes as such process entails additional expense on their part. Reta’s suggestion makes sense. There are only three x-ray machines in the port. Without the x-ray machine in the disabled DEA inside Reta’s container yard, the remaining two can’t even be put to maximum use. This is because congestion in the Sasa wharf makes the movement of container vans in the area dismally slow. The authorities should seriously consider Reta’s suggestion. This and the other urgent actions being made by the multi-agency task force created for the purpose will be very effective in checking various forms of criminal activities in the port.

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG Creative Solutions

ARLENE D. PASAJE Cartoons

RAMON M. MAXEY Consultant

GREGORIO G. DELIGERO Associate Editor

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Photography Contributing Photographer

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR./ CHENEEN R. CAPON Reporters

Columnists: CARLOS MUNDA • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO AGUSTIN • VIDA A. MIA VALVERDE • Economic ENRICO“ADDIE” “GICO” G. Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER ANGELO C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA Analysts: • BERNADETTE B. DAYANGIRANG M.QUISIDO PEREZ • Lifestyle Columnists: BAISR., FAUZIAH SINSUAT •AMBOLODTO • MEGHANN STA. INES BORBON • MARY• JONALLIER ANN “ADI” C. • LEANDRO B. DAVAL • NIKKIFATIMA GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY •ZEN NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

GENERAL OFFICE SANTOS CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OLIVIA D. VELASCO OLIVIA D. VELASCO RICHARDRICHARD C. EBONAC. EBONA SOLANI D. MARATAS SOLANI D. MARATAS MARKETING OFFICE | Marketing Manager General Manager General ManagerMarketingAdvertising Supervisor SpecialistFinance FinanceLEIZEL A. DELOSOLEIZEL A. DELOSO | MarketingFLORENCE ManagerS. VILLARIN

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Aggravating factor

ONTINUING THE FORMULATION OF WELL-MEANING POLICIES – The mood isn’t helped by more bad news about the fluctuation of the prices of gasoline, diesel fuel and other refined petroleum products. Disillusioned by alleged government neglect, yet unable to change it, and discouraged by their fate, yet unable to escape it, assertive leaders of different transport groups threaten to raise fare by the end of the month with or without the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Transport leaders and group officials have been idle and embittered over the non-approval of their pending petition before the LTFRB asking for a provisional P0.05 centavo increase while prices of oil products remained unstable. The proposed temporary public utility jeep (PUJ) fare rate adjustment would certainly make the minimum fare P8.50 from the current P8.00. As long as the public transport sector is kept at bay, brash leaders say, the country’s long-standing social and political stalemate between the ordinary breadwinners and wage earners and their rulers may never be settled. Their frustration has often erupted into rage. That is why transport groups continue to stage protests action, and the government likewise has to crack down on them, breaking their ranks if it has to do. Such situations are not new in the country. But this time the anger of the transport industry was inflamed by the alleged sheer neglect, and the LTFRB and Department of Energy (DoE) officials’ seeming incompetence and clumsiness in the face of a floundering crisis haunting the energy sector. The reason for their dissatisfaction is

simple. Since the beginning of the Aquino administration, the fare rate issue has become the subject of endless debate with the government finding no potential solutions. Leaders of transport groups, some are known to be hard-nosed and stubborn feel that government action which only allowed indicating certain level of fare rate adjustment depending on its computation has done them disservice. They demand that a fare rate hike must be fair and not a mismatch between the prevailing low fare rate and rising costs of gasoline and diesel fuel. The most recent demonstrations were ostensibly to demand the approval of their petition for a P10.00 minimum fare not to mention the provisionary P0.50 centavo hike. What aggravates the situation, transport leaders insist, is that the government and concerned agencies failed to cushion the impact of the soaring prices of oil products, which sometimes rose to undetermined levels. They alleged this gravely affects the income of PUJ drivers and their standard way if living has gone nowhere in the years of the previous and present dispensations - so hope for an improved life rests irrevocably on change in the structure and system in governance. For their part, LTFRB and energy officials are only too willing to address the concern in accordance with government rules and procedures.

Undeniably, the problems besetting the transport sector put pressure on the government to proceed quickly with its proposed plan for the industry, part of which is to provide fuel subsidy and discount to deserving PUJ drivers. Meanwhile, LTFRB officials have also announced some quick moves. They include looking for immediate remedies to address the problems, but never to kowtow to the whims of transport leaders who threaten to implement a P0.50 centavo temporary fare rate hike even without the imprimatur of the agency. Unfazed by the threats of transport groups to push through with their plan on March 31, LTFRB officials say they are oblige to follow the rule of law and would not hesitate to arrest would-be violators. Of course, there are certain things to consider. Any fare rate increase would also affect the daily wage earners who like the drivers are facing their own predicament: low minimum wage. Even so, doubts remain high over whether solutions to the problems of the labor sector are really on the way. Persistent government critics say that the assurances are no guarantee under the Aquino administration especially if agencies like the LTFRB and DoE were to be staffed by incompetent and dreary officials. Whether senior government officials will admit it or not, some promised government measures actually have been stalled. However, there is still ample time to continue the formulation of well-meaning policies in view of the urgency of tackling the prevailing crisis. The government and concerned agencies may have taken body blows that are “below the belt,” but there are still workable reforms in it yet.

Apparently inspired no end his phenomenal success, Fernando began to dream big. He envisioned a global healing center wherein the main attraction is a statue of the Blessed Mother towering higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York. In pursuit of his grandiose dream, Fernando set up the Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation. The foundation quickly went into a fund raising frenzy, and faster than you can shout alleluia, millions of donation money poured into its treasure chest like a tsunami. Fr. Fernando Suarez is now a certified celebrity and a front page item in national dailies. His rise to fame and fortune is tarnished by his fall from

the graces of some bishops who have banned him from pursuing his healing ministry in their dioceses. Poor Fernando, he is not honored even by his own kind. Retired archbishop Oscar Cruz frowns at Fernando’s healing power. When informed that Fernando once brought back to life a dead Canadian woman after praying over her, Cruz howled in protest saying that only Jesus can raise the dead. Has success gone to Fernando’s head? Or is he just an odd man with odd dreams? It’s none of my business, really, to meddle in his affairs, but I think controversy will not hound him if he just reach out to the sick, heal them and praise God for the miracles just like Jesus who sought out the sinners. Fernando should abandon that dream of building a global healing center, and a monstrous statue of Mother Mary. CHOICE QUOTE: For the love of money is the root of all evil. – New Testament.

The rise and fall of Fernando

ROM obscurity and humble beginnings to national prominence, celebrity lifestyle and controversy. That, in a nutshell, is the mystifying saga of Fr. Fernando Suarez, the healing priest who takes away the illnesses of the sick and uplift the spirit of the hopeless and the downtrodden Ordained by the Companions of the Cross priesthood community in Ottawa, Canada, Fernando devoted some five years to healing ministry, but gained only minor success. Disappointed, he returned to the Philippines in 2008. And as the cliché goes, the rest is history. In just a few years, Fernando enjoyed tremendous success in his healing ministry. People flocked to his healing masses by the hundreds, all hungry for relief from their pain, discomfort and sufferings. He got invitations from key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao. He became the talk of the town. People hungered for his healing touch.

VANTAGE POINTS

Peace and responsible development TURNING POINT BY WILLIAM ADAN

EACE is not just the absence of conflict or war. It is not just the disappearance of opposing groups or people hating, hurting, maiming and killing each other. Peace is beyond and more than that. Because even if the guns of war have already been silenced, even if violence has been stopped, there is no guarantee that conflicts will not recur or canons will not bark again. We all go back to square one if the roots of conflict are not unearthed and stamped out, and if the psychological and socio-political structures that allow injustice, inequality and oppression in society are not demolished. To attain and sustain peace, we need to free our people from ignorance - from biases and prejudices that resulted from the play of historical forces. Ignorance closes the minds of people. It breeds indifference and distrust and stokes hatred and animosity. We need a liberating education to erase the footprints of ignorance from our consciousness, and to empower people to break barriers and reach out to others. If we are free from negative attitudes and feelings, peace will dwell in us. To have peace and dignity, people must have reliable livelihoods and decent sources of income. A farmer ought to have a farm to till and make productive. A fisher must have access to a bountiful sea to earn and sustain a living. Professionals and businessmen must be able to conduct their professions, trade and commerce, without fear of harassment and unwarranted interruptions. All this requires governance where the structures, mechanisms and decisions of authorities are transparent and arrived in participatory manner; and where accountability and responsibility in the implementing system are established, making therefore the business of governance predictable and reliable. Predictability encourages trust and confidence in government which is an important dynamo in economic and political development. Peace will continue to elude us if the environment that provides nourishment and sustenance to our people is degraded by the greed of a few and the ignorance of the many. If nothing serious is done to restore the integrity of the environment, people will be fighting again, this time over resources that we have taken for granted and now are fast dwindling and disappearing. It is said that if ever World War III will happen, it would be fought over access to scarce potable water. The advent of global warming resulting from human abuse in the use of resources has altered climates and weather patterns. This accumulated sin against the environment has spawned droughts, floods, famines, tsunamis, earthquakes and other disturbances that have claimed heavy damage and loss to lives and properties. The time to act and institute change is now. People are not resistant to change. People may become responsible stewards of creation – of the resources and the environment if they are made to understand the working and dynamics of the ecosystem. It is not difficult for them to understand that the bad things we do to the environment will, sooner or later, return to haunt and harm us. On the other hand, the good things that we do to it will multiply and benefit us all. This, likewise, requires educating, informing and liberating the people from ignorance. By and large, the accident of geography has, from the beginning, divided us into nation of tribes with different languages, beliefs, traditions and practices. The intrusion of colonial powers into our history exacerbated these differences, notwithstanding efforts for one political unity. These differences, however, should not be considered a curse but as a blessing because they have enriched our nation’s cultural heritage. Now, as we await the signing on Thursday, 27 March, of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), a crucial document which will usher the eventual establishment of the Bangsamoro as the new autonomous political entity in Mindanao, we should never lose sight and forget that in building that governance structure maintaining unity in diversity should be enshrined as one of its overriding goals. [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., was a research and extension worker, professor and the first chancellor of the Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental. He was a British Council fellow and trained in 1994 at Sheffield University, United Kingdom, on Participatory Planning and Environmentally Responsible Development. Upon retirement, he served as national consultant to the ADB-DENR project on integrated coastal resource management. He is the immediate past president of the MSU Alumni Association]

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Incomplete...FFROM 1 that need to be verified. The team recommends that the Real Property Task Force and City Assessor’s Office should coordinate with respect to city’s property. They also want to hasten the issuance of Notice of Delinquency to compel the owner to pay or to correct the deficient data. “In fact, some of the account owners notified the City Treasurer’s Office the status of the delinquent

property,” says the report. It also recommends for the review of the deficient records and inspection of the properties to determine its actual use. “Then, inclusion of the corresponding property identification and the title number of the property listed in the delinquency list,” it said. The city has recorded 97,671 accounts from 11 administrative districts where the tax delinquencies came from.

sought activities that fit summertime strategically arranged in different locations on the island. Among the activities in the nineday event celebration are island cruise and hopping which will start at Villarica, Babak Wharf- Sanipaan Shoal, Adecor(Taklobo tours)-Talikod Island-then back to Peñaplata Wharf. Other activities include an open invitational sand sculpture on Kaputian Beach Park, bike festival, wall climbing, Liga Futsal in Samal, Natural Art Contest, and Date with Nature: climb to Samal adventure. Visit Samal 2014 is a marketing strategy of the Department of Tourism, private sector and LGU of Samal that started in 2011 whose “main pur-

pose is to entice visitors to go to Samal during summer period and to increase tourist arrivals. Based on a statement released, the strategy was institutionalized in 2012. The LGU Samal via an Executive Order has set apart April, May, June, July of 2012 as Visit Samal Island months. Its mission is to “position the island as the tourism destination of choice in the Philippines and eventually in Asia and the world.” At present there are 34 registered resorts and accommodation establishments on the island which has a combined capacity of 1,000 rooms. Cariaga said that this may increase because there are still unregistered resorts and other tourism establishments.

erting effort in surfacing anomalies in the government for the past few days. “Makikita naman ang effort ng gobyerno in promoting transparency,” he said, adding that the Aquino administration was able to expose corrupt practices of government officials. “The government has no objection of the FOI bill” Oquiñena said. “Ang concern lang is lahat ba talaga kailangan ba ilabas just for the sake of transparency,” he said, adding that the proposed bill may threaten the national security when it becomes a law. “Kaya minsan nababanggit ng ibang tao na bakit hindi sya priority, kasi si presidente second nature na yang transparen-

cy at katapatan. So medyo nag struggle sya siguro na bakit kelangan nating maging batas ang katapatan. Diba, sad yon na I have to force you to be tapat.” He added that the FOI bill, if thoroughly studied, does not only require transparency but also honesty. According to him, there will be conflict of interest as any individual’s life may subject to scrutiny if it will be implemented. “In my own opinion, I find it very sad na kelangan natin law for people to be matapat hindi ba dapat maging second nature natin ang matapat,” he said. At present, the FOI bill is passed in the Senate level but the House of Representative has yet to pass its own. [CRC]

pine Judges Association, have initially negotiated for accident and life insurance from insurance providers but the latter imposed prohibitive premiums because their actuaries have classified judges as “high risk” due to the nature of their work. “Even insurance providers acknowledge the perils to life and limb of their profession,” the author said, adding that judges, being the front-liners of the judi-

ciary who conduct hearings of cases on a daily basis, are accessible and exposed to litigants who may have violent tendencies and criminal intents. Lagman said that for a more effective and efficient administration of justice, it is imperative for Congress to provide hazard pay to RTC judges through the passage of his bill, now referred to the House Committee on Justice for appropriate action. [PNA]

IGaCOS...FFROM 2

UNDECIDED. A fastfood chain crew patiently waits while these undecided customers discuss what to order for lunch. Lean Daval Jr.

2 robbery...FFROM 3 ni, Compostela Valley Province was robbed in Leon Garcia Street. The Sta. Ana Police Precinct says in a report that

Ricardo C. Romero was just waiting for a bus in the area around 3:30 p.m. when two male persons approached him and grabbed him while

the other suspect pointed a knife on his neck. The suspects took his cellphone worth P12, 000 and wallet with P2, 000 cash and per-

tinent documents and identification cards. The suspects immediately fled to the interior portion in the area. [ABF]

ploy 400 people in the locality. Jocip Ebarle, grid manager for Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. Said during the I-talk media forum at Seda Hotel yesterday that the Hedcor Sibulan Hydroelectric com-

plex has a current total capacity of 56.1 MW which was commissioned from the operating Sibulan hydroelectric power plant A and B and the incoming Tudaya 1 and 2. Ebarle also announced

that Hedcor intends to build two cascading plants that will optimize power from the Amusig, Guihean and Tanaon rivers. The Manolo Fortich Hydro 1 will have a capacity of 35.2 MW and the Manolo Fortich Hydro 2

is expected to generate 16.4 MW. Construction will start in June and is expected to start commercial operations by 2016, 18 months after the start of its construction.

national who is seeking a job in the country must apply for an Alien Employment Permit. Mendoza said foreign workers will only be allowed to work in the country if there is no Fili-

pino national who is competent, able and willing to do the job for which the services of the applicant is desired. The solon said the entry of foreign workers to the country has serious

adverse implications not only in the construction, fishing and other industries but also in the overall unemployment and underemployment situation in the country. Citing a report from

the Social Weather Station (SWS), Mendoza said the unemployment rate is 27.5 percent or about 12.1 million unemployed Filipinos covering the period September to December 2013. [PNA]

ing Assistance Act underscores the importance the U.S. government places on the immediate recovery of typhoon-devastated areas in the Philippines,” Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. said in a statement from Washington. Cuisia thanked Obama for his prompt action on the measure and lawmakers led by Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono and California Rep. Eric Swalwell and their cosponsors for introducing the bill and ensuring its passage in Congress. Obama signed it into law on Tuesday, Wednes-

day in Manila. “I wish to reiterate the profound gratitude of the Philippine government and the Filipino people for the generous outpouring of support and solidarity by the U.S. government and the American people to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan,” Cuisia said. The new law was introduced in the House of Representatives by Swalwell and was co-sponsored by 35 congressmen -- 26 Democrats and nine Republicans. It was unanimously passed as House Resolution 3771 on Monday.

At the U.S. Senate, Resolution 1821, sponsored by Hirono, and supported by Majority Leader Harry Reid and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez, among others, was passed on March 6. Yolanda, known by its international codename Haiyan, was one of the strongest recorded storm to hit land with tsunami-like storm surges that washed and damaged more than a million houses and left more than 6,200 people dead and 1,800 missing. At least 14 million people have been affected

across the Central Philippines and the U.N. said it will take several years before the devastated areas could fully recover. The U.S., a Philippine military ally, was among the first countries to respond to the disaster by deploying troops, navy ships, aircraft and monetary aid after the storm wrought massive devastation across the Visayas region on Nov. 8. To date, the U.S. government has provided a total of P3.9 billion or about $ 87.7 million in immediate humanitarian assistance for survivors. [PNA]

misappropriation of tax collections amounting to P14 million last year. The five were found guilty of serious dishonesty, grave misconduct,

falsification of public documents, serious neglect of duty, inefficiency, incompetence in the performance of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the

best interest of public service. Aside from dismissal, the city government will also impose accessory penalties such cancella-

tion of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and disqualification from holding public office and a ban from taking civil service examination.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

BIGGER PICTURE

UP students reach world

finals of Kaspersky Lab tilt B

AGGING one of the top prizes in the recent regional round, three students of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) are advancing to the final phase of an international conference hosted by secure content and threat management solutionsdeveloper, Kaspersky Lab. The research paper of Computer Science students Adelen Victoria Festin, Camille Salazar and Flor Marie Carmeli Sison finished third place in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa Cup of the annual conference dubbed as CyberSecurity for the Next Generation (CSNG). The Filipino students took home a prize of US$750 for their study “Communect: Secure Community Connection Using OpenBTS as an Alternative Base Station,” which was presented at the regional event held at the Korea University in Seoul, South Korea last March 11 to 13. Aside from the cash prize, Kaspersky Lab also sponsored the travel, accommodation and city tour of the group representative in South Korea. Through their research paper, the UPD students introduced Communect, a low-cost, easy-to-deploy, alternative and secure open source-based (OpenBTS) communication system where mobile phone users can connect to make calls and send messages, particularly in areas that do not have access to conventional mobile networks or areas with damaged telecommunication systems. According to the group, Communect is packed with features specifically designed for community development since it has applications for the centralization of information dissemination, such as community alerts and inter-agency communication. Communect can also be used as an emergency response tool of the government with its applica-

In photo are the authors of the research paper which bagged the 3rd place spot in the 2014 Kaspersky Lab CyberSecurity for the Next Generation Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa round (L-R): Flor Marie Carmeli Sison, Camille Salazar, Adelen Victoria Festin with their thesis adviser Dr. Susan Pancho-Festin. tions for the organization of disaster risk management activities, such as emergency message monitoring and survivor recording. Team representative Festin said they may have won because their research paper is “very applicable and timely” and has a huge impact to communities, particularly those in a country like the Philippines that is frequented by devastating natural disasters. “Originally, the idea of Communect is about its broadcasting features and focused on security. However, when the Bohol earthquake and the typhoon Yolanda happened, [the group] gradually shifted to the idea of a secure communication base station that can also be used in emergency situations and in rural communities without compromising security,” the UPD students said in their explanation about Communect. The group is under the advisory of Dr. Susan Pancho-Festin, founder of UP Diliman’s Computer Security Group, one of the research groups of the Department of Computer Science that focuses on the enhancement of the security of enterprise and mobile applications through research in cryptographic algorithms, message protocols and the latest developments in cryptographic attacks. The UPD students were among the 15 competing groups in the regional round. The participants showcased their research papers to a program committee of Kaspersky Lab security analysts, industry experts, scientists and professors. Claiming the top prize of US$1,500 was Weizhi Meng from the City University of Hong Kong for the presentation “Evaluating the Effect of Multi-Touch Behaviors on Android Unlock Patterns.” Jaeho Lee from the Center for Information Se-

Camille Salazar (right) accepting a special prize for the best presentation skills for her research paper “SecuriThief: An Online Security Education Tool for the Youth Using True-to-Life Simulations in a Game” from Natalya Obelets (left), Kaspersky Lab’s Deputy Head of Education Initiatives. curity Technologies (CIST), South Korea, clinched the second prize of US$1,000 for the paper “A Study on Unknown Malware Detection using Digital Forensic Techniques.” The same UPD team that ranked third also presented another paper, which was about SecuriThief, an alternative tool to teach children online security in the form of a computer game using trueto-life simulations. Salazar, the team representative for this other study, was also awarded with a special prize for Best Presentation during the regional contest. The Philippines had two other qualified papers that were also submitted by UPD students. Teammates Dan Antonio Reyes, John Smith Paraggua and Ray Torres introduced the Binary Login using Android Device or what they call BLADE System, an easy-to-deploy solution

using a two-factor authentication system. Rose Ann Sale-Zuniga solely authored the last paper which proposed a usable, secure and dynamic design for a task-rolebased access control for Personal Health Record systems. The Philippines and Malaysia were the only Southeast Asian nations that made it to this year’s regional round. Malaysia had two qualified submissions. Elated by the outcome of the regional event, Kaspersky Lab Southeast Asia Channel Sales Director Jimmy Fong noted that the students’ active participation is part of the efforts of Kaspersky Lab in involving the youth in fighting cybercrime. “A testament to the brilliance of Asian students in the field of cybersecurity is the quality of these research papers that surely offer significant use,” Fong

said. “Kaspersky Lab will continue to equip these young minds with the right knowledge to help them develop more and even greater ideas for cybersecurity. I hope that the Asian winners will excel in the world finals,” he added. In the coming final round, the UPD students and the other winners of the Asia-Pacific and MEA Cup will compete against the winners of the three other regional rounds of the Kaspersky student conference: the European Cup, the Russia and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Cup and the Americas Cup. All the global finalists will have a chance to win cash prizes ranging from 750 Euro up to 1,500 Euro during the last round to be held in Stockholm, Sweden this June. Kaspersky Lab will again shoulder the travel, accommodation and

city tour of the presenter or group leader of the research teams that have qualified for the world finals. Aside from the main competition, the CSNG program includes activities such as panel discussions, expert presentations and workshops. Financed and organized by Kaspersky Lab, the annual international student conference brings together students, young scientists and researchers, leading IT security experts and university professors from across the world in a collaborative environment to present and discuss topical cybersecurity issues. Among the topics suggested to participants this year were emerging threats for emerging platforms, cloud security, virtual and “big-data” infrastructure, future protection technologies, corporate infrastructure security and security education.

12 CLASSIFIED EDGEDavao Davao Partners

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Imagination is the key!

Meet Waterfront Davao’s Executive Chef Gene Guevarra

TO SAY that imagination is your greatest ally is but an understatement of your ability to see beyond the limitation of the unlimited. In life, either we go forth or stay within our confides is what defines how we partake in our quest for the life that we have always wanted. To say the least, life IS.

“A fusion of flavors” is how he describes his masterpieces. From simple dishes, he whips and concocts something with the marriage of flavors, herbs and ingredients that are all locally produced.

Chef Eugene Guevarra, Chef Gene to us, never thought of a life behind the doors of an industrial kitchen. For him, his love for food begun and ended in his plate and utensils -never with pots and pans. Nonetheless, he ended up ‘playing’ inside the kitchen. A true artist, he is passionate about how he presents his food to his clients. His career begun

not in the hot kitchen; he is an ice, chocolate and food carver. Yes, he loves creating and turning everything to something delicious both to the eyes and palate. Have I mentioned he too is an awardwinning carver? From a 14-foot ice creation to a Harley Davidson chocolate figure, he can verily do anything his imagination permits him

FIMAGINATION, A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Manang’s Summer Treats BEAT the summer heat with Manang’s Chicken’s cool summer drinks and tasty snacks. Try their refreshing Summer Floats which come in two new flavors. Choose from Mug Rootbeer or Mountain Dew, both topped with vanilla soft serve ice cream. It’s the perfect drink on a hot summer day. Available for only P30 or you can add P10 to upgrade your meal to a float. Manang’s Chicken will also launch new variants of their bestselling potato chips. Your favorite all-natural, fried potatoes are now seasoned with flavors guaranteed to excite your taste buds. The three new flavors are Cheese Pimiento, Beef Steak, and Chili Vinegar. Enjoy it for only P64 for the large size, P170 for small bucket and P305 for large bucket. It is also available as a combo with Rootbeer or Mountain Dew Float for P85. Manang’s Summer Treats will be available in all Manang’s Chicken branches nationwide starting April 1. Visit www.manangschicken.com for the complete list of branches.

Miss Teen Philippines at SM City Davao, March 30 THE COUNTRY’S biggest and most premier search for the outstanding Filipina role model among teenagers, Miss Teen Philippines, makes a pit stop at SM City Davao this Sunday, March 30, 5:00PM at the Annex Event Center. Miss Teen Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Education, spearheads the revival of the Miss Teen Philippines competition that originally began in 2004. Grand coronation night is set on May 31, and will be aired over TV5. Beyond elegance and beauty, the teen quest aims to develop confident and articulate young ladies passionate about championing education for global readiness. Catch Davao candidates Fatima Bisan, Sesha Aratilia, Carmae Jane Nicor, Caryl Ligan, Justin Lo, Ivory Dequila, Jan Nicole Mapili, Jovilyn Gavan, Princess Acapulco, Nina Grace Sartagoda, Jan Lura, Dara Joy Morales, Reina Kobayashi, Jahzeiah Samantha Dubria, Samantha Villarmea, Trixie Marie Cabiles, Kimberly Nietes, Carolyn Martinez, Tracey Cascabel, and Ada Beniga Berdos at the Regional Finals on Sunday. The winning Miss Teen Philippines 2014 will serve as the Department of Education’s youth ambassador, aside from taking home cash and an attractive benefit and scholarship package.

Globe extends Free Facebook until April 24 On the back of strong customer take-up, Globe Telecom is extending its Free Facebook offer available to over 38 million subscribers until April 24, 2014, allowing access to the top social networking site with no data charges. “Due to the overwhelming response from our subscribers, we are happy to extend Globe Free Facebook until April 24, just in time for the summer season, to allow more users to enjoy an innovative, seamless, and worry-free Free Facebook experience. As the country’s leading digital brand and preferred partner of technology leaders around the world, we hope to get more Filipinos online on their mobile devices and be part of a wonderful, connected world,” shared Jenny Granada-Echevarria, Vice President for Mobile Data Services at Globe Telecom. The said promo was recently showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain by Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg in his keynote. Zuckerberg cited the partnership with Globe in connecting more Filipinos to the Internet, as he shared his vision of a connected world through his pioneering project Internet.org launched last year. The collaboration between Globe and Facebook paved the way for all Globe prepaid, postpaid, and TM customers to enjoy free access to the social networking site alongside customer experience innovations that address the fear of mobile browsing. Among these customer experience innovations include accessibility on feature phones and smartphones across all Facebook mobile platforms whether via the Facebook app or Facebook’s mobile site m.facebook.com. Customers are also guaranteed of no billshock or “nakaw load” as they will be notified if they will incur data charges once a link that leads out of Facebook is clicked. Subscribers can dial *143# and select FREE FB or text FREEFB to 8888 to get more. Subscribers may also go to m.facebook.com/ free on the phone’s web browser or open the Facebook mobile app while on the Globe network to access Free Facebook.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

EVENT

A Spanish red wine affair

IT pays to have an open mind especially when it comes to wine tasting events and such was my case during a wine tasting event held by Angelo’s Market Links at the Swiss Deli Lanang last March 25. Up for tasting that evening were five Spanish red wines. I do admit that I was not a big fan of Spanish wines as oftentimes these wines tend to be simple and most of the time people drink these wines just for the alcohol content. All this changed as I started tasting the different wines. Far from being

simple, these Spanish reds were beautiful and robust in flavour with two, namely the Marques De Arviza Rioja Crianza 2008 and the Zifar Crianza Ribera Del Duero 2003, standing out the most based on my palate. The Marques De Arviza Rioja Crianza 2008 is a delicious wine from the

Rioja region of Spain. The wine is ruby red in colour with an aroma that hints of cherries, currants, vanilla and plum while the palate is smooth and well rounded. I love the smooth fruity finish that makes it a solid wine for casual drinking on its own but it would also pair well with cheeses and red meat. The Zifar Crianza Ribera Del Duero 2003 onthe-other-hand is a cherry coloured wine with a complex bouquet of red fruit, tobacco, liquorice and chocolate. The wine is smooth and silky in the mouth with well-integrated oak and a lingering finish that makes it fabulous when paired with soft cheeses, lamb and poultry. Huge thanks to Angelo’s Market Link’s Ronnie Sogueco and the Swiss Deli’s Romano Venutti for bringing the flavours of new Spanish wines into my palate.

Follow me on Instagram or on Twitter at @ kennethkingong for more travel tales, foodie finds, and events in, about, and beyond Durianburg.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Gwyneth Paltrow and Pic of the day Chris Martin separating after 10 years of Marriage GWYNETH PALTROW and Chris Martin are separating. The two made the announcement on the Oscar winner’s website, Goop, with a post titled “Conscious Uncoupling.” Their statement read, “It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate. We have been working hard for well over a year, some of it together, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible between us, and we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate.” The famous duo added, “We are, however, and always will be a family, and in many ways we are closer than we have ever been. We are parents first and foremost, to two incredibly wonderful children and we ask for their and our space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time. We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and coparent, we will be able to continue in the same manner.” Just last year, the actress gushed about the Coldplay frontman in Good Housekeeping magazine.

ANGELINA Jolie definitely brightened things up in Sin City! While attending CinemaCon’s annual State of the Industry event at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Tuesday, the Oscar winner was a vision in white as she hit the stage to introduce footage from her second directorial effort, Unbroken. “I wanted to make this film because in the end its message is one that we all need now more than ever,” Jolie told the audience, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s the journey of man finding his way through the darkness and into the light.” Unbroken tells the true story of former Olympian and reallife World War II hero Louis Zamperini who, as an Air Force pilot, crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1943 and was subsequently taken captive by Japanese soldiers, who held him in a prison camp for the rest of the war.

When asked what’s the “best decision” she’s made in her life to this point, she responded with, “to marry my husband.” And last Spring, she told Glamour U.K. that she’s been through some tough times in her relationship. “It’s hard being married. You go through great times, you go through terrible times. We’re the same as any couple.” She also recalled seeking advice from her late father.

“I asked my dad once, ‘How did you and Mum stay married for 33 years?’ And he said, ‘Well, we never wanted to get divorced at the same time.’ And I think that’s what happens. When two people throw in the towel at the same time, you break up, but if one person’s saying: ‘Come on, we can do this,’ you carry on. I’ve learned more about myself being married than anything else. I hate to say, ‘We’ve got it worked out,’ because you never know what’s going to happen,

but we laugh, we’re good friends, we like to do the same stuff.” The two, who tied the knot in a secret ceremony at the Santa Barbara courthouse on Dec. 5, 2003, just recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary. No family members or friends were present for the whirlwind nuptials. Just two days prior, Paltrow announced that she was expecting her first child with the musician. The couple has two kids together, Apple, 9, and Moses, 7.

‘Mirabella’ pilot wins TV ratings, trends on Twitter ABS-CBN’s official summer teleserye “Mirabella” has left TV viewers mesmerized as the pilot episode of Julia Barretto and Enrique Gil’s fantasy series won in the TV ratings game and dominated Twitter’s list of worldwide trending topics last Monday (March 24). Based on data from Kantar Media, “Mirabella” scored a national TV rating of 22% or more than double of its rival program on GMA, “Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw” that only got 10%. Julia and Enrique’s series also conquered popular social networking sites such as Twitter where the hashtag #TheStoryOfMirabella became the number one worldwide trending

topic. Meanwhile, TV viewers will surely be more capti-

vated by the story of “Mirabella” with the birth of Daisy (Dimples Romana)

and Alfred’s (James Blanco) daughter Mira. What will Osang (Pokwang) and Paeng (John Lapus) do when they find out that Mira inherited the curse that Olive (Mylene Dizon) gave Daisy? Will they be able to raise Mira as a loving and kind person despite her having a broken family? Don’t miss the drama series that will change the true meaning of beauty, “Mirabella,” weeknights, after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For more information about “Mirabella,” visit the show’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/MirabellaOnline and Twitter.com/ MirabellaOnline.

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EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

Imagination...FFROM A1 to create. Driven with passion and the determination to further his craft, he tells that with focus and determination, the impossible becomes possible. The kitchen of Cafe Uno at the renowned Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is where this master carver ‘plays’. Yes, for Chef Gene, do so and play with what makes you happy and you will never feel like working. As an Executive Chef, he pleasures in making everything sensical and tasty -- something that his patrons love and appreciate greatly about him. With experience and years to back him up, he was never formally taught regarding the vast world of culinary arts. For him, his meddling inside the kitchen as a child paved

the way for who he is now. However, he never really gave cooking much thought -- he never even knew he wants to be a chef. “A fusion of flavors” is how he describes his masterpieces. From simple dishes, he whips and concocts something with the marriage of flavors, herbs and ingredients that are all locally produced. For him, he wants to present the palate with new flavors without overpowering each ingredients used. This way, he says, one is able to appreciate the many reactions and explosions in our mouth without having to wait in line at the immigration booth. When asked what is favorite dish is? He says that there are too many to mention but one of his

favourites is Kare-Kare. He likes ‘saucy’ dishes because of the intensity of flavors that one is able to taste. More so, he likes to play with herbs and spices but says one must not get too excited when using some. Use in moderation and let it do its justice to the dish. Never put too much; it might destroy the dish and ingredients used. For him, the key to good and palatable cooking is balance. This way, all are given the time to shine without turning the dish in some kind of a battle -battle of flavors, that is. Experiment your way inside the kitchen and let your innate culinary power/ prowess shine through – something that Chef Gene emphasized especially to those who want to pursue a career behind the doors

of an industrial kitchen. Taste the many dishes and masterpieces of world renowned Executive Chef Gene Guevarra and experience the vast wonders of the universe exploding in your palate. Make your

way to Café Uno at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and partake in a gastronomical journey like no other. Try their Buffet specials during Wednesday and Sunday at 50% off the regular price!

Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject:RoyalChef) or follow me on instagram (herroyalheiress)!

13 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Bosch’s rebuilding program in Yolanda-hit cities expected to be complete in 2014

OSCH yesterday announced its ongoing efforts with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild community facilities in Visayan cities that were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Dubbed Tindog Pilipinas, the reconstruction project is part of Bosch’s commitment to education and community development, and will focus on construction of schools and barangay centers that were destroyed by the typhoon. Serving as the conduit organization for the Tindog Pilipinas project, Primavera - the foundation established by Bosch to support youth development initiatives worldwide - has

raised a total of €174,000 largely from Robert Bosch GmbH in Stuttgart, Germany and contributions from Bosch employees across the globe. In tandem with long-term building partner Habitat for Humanity, Bosch will use the funds to construct six multi-purpose centers, three school buildings, and three libraries in Central and Eastern Visayas by the end of the year. Areas that will benefit from this effort are Daanbantayan and Medellin in Cebu, as well as Tacloban, Palo, Alang-alang and Tanauan in Leyte. In February, President of Robert Bosch Southeast Asia Martin Hayes and Robert Bosch Inc. (Philip-

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pines) Managing Director Andrew Powell inspected and selected the rebuilding project’s target reconstruction locations in the Visayas region. They were joined by former Bosch Philippines Managing Director and current Robert Bosch Limited (Thailand) Managing Director Joseph Hong. “The damage brought on by Typhoon Yolanda has spurred global action to reestablish communities and bring hope to the Filipino nation,” said Andrew Powell, Managing Director, Robert Bosch Philippines. “We are overwhelmed by the response of our company, having received donations from virtually every Bosch organization in the world. Bosch will work alongside the Filipino community to further rehabilitate the severely affected areas and provide sustainable support, specifically for schools.” Tindog Pilipinas will also engage Bosch’s local pool of associates to aid in the yearlong initiative. This coming May, employ-

ees of Bosch will take part in site clearing to pave the way for the the construction of target structures in Cebu and Leyte. Bosch will work with Habitat for Humanity to complete as many structures as possible, equipping workers with Bosch power tools to help fast-track the construction and aim for turnover of key facilities in time for the upcoming school year in June. “Our collaboration with Bosch is a great leap towards a better Filipino community. By providing long-term, sustainable solutions to the devastated learning environments in Visayas, we are able to make an impact to the youth and extend opportunities for a brighter future,” said Habitat for Humanity Philippines CEO Charlie Ayco. Typhoon Yolanda, a category five storm that struck the country in November 2013, caused catastrophic damage to hundreds of buildings, power supplies, roads, and several thousands who were left homeless.

DSWD, DepEd partners meet to respond to Pantawid issues

ROUND 500 Department of Education (DepEd) partners of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are convening in a series of consultations from March until April 2014. Provincial meetings have been slated March 20 for Davao del Sur, March 25 for Davao City, March 31 for Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, and April 3 for Davao del Norte. The activity aims to provide updates on the implementation status and development of the program in the respective provinces, as well as identify gaps and issues and propose strategic actions to appropriately address these gaps. “The DSWD is now embracing the challenge of the new normal. We, as stakeholders of the program, have equal take on responding to these new challenges. By working together, no poor family will be left behind,” said Araceli M.

Layog, Regional Program Coordinator for Pantawid Pamilya. Pantawid Pamilya has three operational systems - the Beneficiary Data Management System (BDMD), Compliance Verification System (CVS) and the Grievance Redress System (GRS). The BDMD corrects and updates household information and status. The CVS, on the other hand, monitors the beneficiaries’ compliance to conditions, while, the GRS responds to complaints, issues and concerns relative to program implementation. These three systems work hand-in-hand to ensure the smooth implementation of Pantawid Pamilya in the region. Pantawid Pamilya has been keeping children in school and families healthy since its onset in 2008. At present, Davao Region has 194,789 household beneficiaries in all 4 provinces, 6 cities, 43 municipalities covering 2,217 barangays. [DSWD/Sheryll Jane B. Sanico]

14 SPORTS

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Serena wins as Sony Open locked down by bomb scare M

IAMI (Reuters) Defending champion Serena Williams closed in on a seventh Sony Open title with a 6-2 6-2 quarter-final demolition of German Angelique Kerber on Tuesday, a win that came as the Crandon Park tennis facility was locked down due to a bomb scare. Williams’ win sets up a semi-final rematch of last year’s final against Maria Sharapova, a five-time runner-up on the Miami hardcourts, who advanced with an equally impressive 7-5 6-1 win over eighth-seeded Czech Petra Kvitova. While Williams was shutting down fifth seed Kerber, Miami Dade police were locking down the sprawling tennis complex after a suspicious package was found at the main entrance. Four lane traffic was halted in both directions in front of the complex while spectators were prevented from entering or leaving the facility. “Yeah, there was a bomb threat and a lockdown but that’s all I know

about it. Scary,” said Williams. Sharapova and Williams, who have both achieved a career grand slam and held the number one ranking, were expected to develop into one of the great rivalries in women’s tennis. But it has not quite worked out that way with Williams dominating the series, winning 15-of-17 career meetings including the last 14. The pair have clashed three times in Miami, Wil-

liams winning all three. “It’s no secret that she’s been a big challenge of mine, an opponent that obviously I would love to beat,” said Sharapova, who has not beaten Williams in almost a decade. “There are certainly ways that I need to step up in certain situations that I haven’t been able to do in the past against her. “But it’s great that I have come to that stage and have the opportunity to play her again.” Certainly Sharapova

will have to be at her best as Williams’ title defense has picked up steam with each match. The world number one needed just 62 minutes to dispose of Kerber and has dropped one set on route to the final four. “When you’re playing champions, you have to play your best,” said Williams, looking ahead to her meeting with Sharapova. “She always plays her best and her heart out against me. “We just have to bring

IAMI (Reuters) - Defending champion Andy Murray swept past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Sony Open on Tuesday to set up a tantalizing quar-

ter-final showdown with three-time Miami winner Novak Djokovic. Murray, playing his first event since splitting with coach Ivan Lendl last week,

has looked increasingly comfortable and confident on his own, disposing of the 11th-seeded Frenchman 6-4 6-1 in a tidy 73 minutes. Djokovic, riding the momentum from his Masters series win in Indian Wells nine days ago, also continued to display superb form in taming Spaniard Tommy Robredo 6-3 7-5. Joining Murray and Djokovic in the last eight are Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov after each registered a pair of fourth-round upsets. Dolgopolov gave Ukrainians a little something to discuss beside political turmoil by battling to a 6-4 3-6 6-1 win over third seed and Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka while Nishikori shocked fourth seeded Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (9-7) 2-6 7-6 (11-9). “I need to continue to play well and bring those positives to the country,” said Dolgopolov, who was born and raised in Kiev. “Politically there is nothing I can do, I’m not there I just live with it and hope for the best.” While the day got off to a gloomy start with early morning showers delaying the start of play by 30

minutes, tennis fans were treated to a lineup of sparkling action with nine of the world’s top 10 men battling for spots in the quarters. Djokovic had only two break points the entire match and that was all the second seeded Serb needed converting both chances. It was just the second match of the tournament for Djokovic, who received an opening-round bye and advanced to the last 16 on a walkover when Florian Mayer withdrew with a groin injury, “Very solid win,” said Djokovic. “I just was telling myself to stay mentally tough out there and composed and not get carried away by few points. “I have done well. I have served well. I made him play an extra shot in important moments and that’s why I’m satisfied with the overall match today.” Murray was no less efficient never facing a break point. The Scotsman registered the only break of a tight first set but then, after allowing the Frenchman to hold serve to open the second, swept the next six games to complete a clinical victory.

Serena Williams hits a forehand against Angelique Kerber on day nine of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports the best because we both are really good players. We just both do the best we can when we try to play each other. “I love playing her. I really do.” Sharapova, who has come up short in the Miami final each of the last three years, dropped her opening serve to Kvitova but that would be the only time in the entire match. The fourth-seeded Russian took control with a break to get back on level terms at 4-4 and

then again to close out the first set. Sharapova then dominated the second set, storming through the first five games before a reeling Kvitova held her serve. “I didn’t have a good first few games, so I was happy that I was steady, that I kept trying to do the right thing, kept trying to be aggressive,” said Sharapova. “I think that paid off as the match went on because I made a few too many unforced errors in the beginning.”

Djokovic, Murray set for quarter-final showdown MH370 tragedy casts pall over Malaysian GP M

Novak Djokovic serves against Tommy Robredo (not pictured) on day nine of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

UALA LUMPUR -Malaysia will host the most sombre race in its 15-year Formula One history this weekend as the mystifying MH370 plane tragedy overshadows an incident-packed start to the season. With aggrieved champions Red Bull this week issuing a veiled threat to quit, and new rules prompting an immediate shift in the pecking order, Formula One has rarely been so eventful. But the initial focus will be off the track as Malaysia mourns the 239 people aboard ill-fated Flight MH370, with planes and ships scouring the treacherous Indian Ocean for wreckage. The Sepang racetrack is geographically close to Kuala Lumpur’s international airport, where the Malaysia Airlines flight took off on March 8 and vanished from radar screens shortly afterwards. And its proximity to

the unfolding drama was illustrated when more than 30 relatives of missing passengers had to shift to other hotels to make way for F1-related bookings made in advance. A major F1-related concert featuring Christina Aguilera at Kuala Lumpur’s Twin Towers has been cancelled as a mark of respect, and organisers may also call off an air show at the track. Sepang CEO Razlan Razali told AFP that despite the tragedy, attendance numbers looked set to be on track, with about 30 percent of raceday tickets already sold. But Ram Sithambaram, owner of an F1 outlet at the airport, said sales of tickets and merchandise had been poor for the race, first staged in 1999. “In the past one week we sold only about 50 tickets. In comparison last year around the same period we sold about 1,000 tickets,” he said.

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SPORTS 15 SPORTS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Nowitzki lifts Mavs over Thunder

ALLAS (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki was frustrated by his poor shooting performance in Dallas’ previous game. That disappointment, plus a little help from an old friend, turned into another big performance by the veteran forward. Nowitzki scored seven of his 32 points in overtime, leading the Mavericks to a 128-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. Nowitzki also had 10 rebounds and six assists. In Dallas’ loss to Brooklyn on Sunday, he was 2 for 12 from the field in his worst shooting performance of the season. ‘’The last game was disappointing for me,’’ Nowitzki said. ‘’I was just hesitating too much, so I had to go back to having fun out there and just being me. ‘’That was a heck of a game, and it was fun to be a part of.’’ The 7-foot Nowitzki was 11 for 23 from the field and 8 for 8 at the line. ‘’His emotion and his attitude carried the team,’’ Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. ‘’He’s a prideful guy. I think great players are great for a reason. They never let anything keep them down for long. He’s bounced back from every adversity he’s ever had in his career, so this is no surprise.’’

Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 43 points. He has scored at least 25 in 36 consecutive games in the longest such streak since Michael Jordan’s 40game run during the 198687 season. Dallas had seven players score in double figures. Jose Calderon went 6 for 8 from 3-point range and finished with 22 points. Nowitzki said he spent time on Tuesday with Holger Geschwinder, his longtime basketball mentor from his home country of Germany. He said they got in a little shooting work. ‘’I guess he was tired of watching my shooting percentage,’’ Nowitzki said. ‘’It’s always good when he’s there.’’ Russell Westbrook scored 23 for Oklahoma City. All of his points came in regulation, when he played 31:50. He added another minute in overtime. Westbrook is limited to 30 to 32 minutes per game because of his oft-injured right knee. Oklahoma City was coming off a 117-96 victory over Denver on Monday night. The Thunder had won four in a row. ‘’I’m proud of our guys’ effort and energy, coming back from back-to-back games,’’ coach Scott Brooks said. ‘’I can’t complain about anything we did tonight.’’ ‘’We didn’t make the big

play,’’ said Durant, who has scored 40 points or more 13 times this season. ‘’They made shots in overtime. You have to give them credit.’’ The Mavericks scored the first five points of the extra period on two free throws by Nowitzki and a 3-pointer by Calderon. They never trailed again. The victory pushed Dallas into eighth place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of idle Phoenix. The Mavericks improved to 3-2 on a franchise-long, eightgame homestand, with three of the games going to overtime. They began the homestand in seventh place, 1 1/2 ahead of the ninth-place Suns. Calderon returned to the starting lineup after being knocked out of Sunday night’s game in the first minute. He was whacked in the face by Brooklyn’s Mason Plumlee, chipping a facial bone between his nose and mouth. Calderon said the injury only hurts when he talks or laughs. ‘’And I don’t have to laugh during games,’’ he said. Another of Calderon’s 3s came with 26.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter and sent the game into overtime. ‘’It felt good from the beginning,’’ he said, ‘’but you don’t know until that ball goes through the rim.’’

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki turns against a defending Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Tuesday in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Cavaliers hold off Raptors L

LEVELAND (AP) -- The Raptors aren’t officially in the NBA playoffs. They don’t look ready for them, either. Dion Waiters scored 24 points, Luol Deng added 19 and the Cleveland Cavaliers prevented Toronto from getting closer to a postseason spot with a 102-100 win over the sloppy Raptors on Tuesday night. Toronto fell behind by 21 points in the third quarter, and then battled back to take a 95-94 lead. But the Raptors fell apart in the final minutes. With their fourth loss in six games, the Raptors dropped one-half game behind Chicago for the No. 3 playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. ‘’We gotta get back to who we are,’’ Raptors coach Dwane Casey said in disgust. ‘’It’s easy to get up for OKC, Miami and Indiana, but the other teams are playing for something too, which is pride. That can be even more dangerous.’’ Despite playing without All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who missed his fifth straight game with a strained biceps tendon, the

Cavs were able to hold on and snap a five-game losing streak at home. ‘’It was a good win by our guys,’’ coach Mike Brown said. ‘’That’s a playoff team. They were playing good basketball. In a game like that, maybe earlier in the season we might have lost, especially coming down the stretch when a team makes a run against us. Our guys found a way to win.’’ Kyle Lowry scored 22 and Terrence Ross had 16 for the Raptors, who had a chance to tie it in the final seconds but guard Greivis Vasquez lost his footing and committed a turnover with 1.9 seconds left. ‘’I was trying to spin and I lost my balance,’’ Vasquez said. ‘’It was just a bad play for me. It was me going to my weak hand and I lost my balance, stepped kind of weird. I turned the ball over. I’ll take responsibility. I’m not going to run away. I’m a man. I wish I could be in that position again so we have another opportunity tomorrow (at Boston).’’ Toronto took a 95-94 lead on Vasquez’s 3-pointer with 6:45 remaining, but

the Raptors went just 1 of 9 from the floor and scored five points the rest of the way. Tristan Thompson added 15 points and 13

Lakers rout Knicks 127-96

rebounds and Jarret Jack had 13 points for Cleveland, which kept its faint playoff hopes alive. The Cavs trail idle Atlanta by 4 1/2 games for the No. 8 playoff slot.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Matthew Dellavedov, left, jumps to the basket as Toronto Raptors’ Kyle Lowry defends during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Tuesday in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

OS ANGELES (AP) -Xavier Henry scored 22 points, Nick Young hit five 3-pointers while scoring 20 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers dropped a franchise-record 51 points in the third quarter of their 127-96 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. Kent Bazemore scored 18 points as the Lakers won consecutive games for the first time in more than three weeks with a phenomenal offensive effort against the Knicks, who have lost two straight after an eight-game winning streak. Knicks President Phil Jackson watched his new team and his former club from a luxury suite high above the court. Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points for the Knicks, who couldn’t stop the Lakers’ patchwork roster from hitting 18 3-pointers in the opener of New York’s five-game West Coast road trip. Young hit five 3-pointers, and Jodie Meeks added four as Los Angeles finished one 3-pointer shy of the single-game club record. With their postseason hopes hanging by a thread that gets thinner each day, the Knicks played the

worst defensive quarter in the history of a franchise that once allowed Wilt Chamberlain to score 100 points. New York dropped three games behind Atlanta for the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Jackson’s fiancee, Lakers executive Jeanie Buss, watched from the second row. The 11-time NBA champion coach arrived late at the building where he won five titles with the Lakers, who declined to re-hire him early last season, infuriating much of their fan base. But the Lakers never had an offensive quarter under Jackson to match their 51-point effort for Mike D’Antoni, the former Knicks coach who got the Lakers’ job over Jackson. The Lakers stretched their eight-point halftime lead to 30 by making 19 of their 26 shots in the third, including six 3-pointers. Nine players contributed a field goal to the spree, including nine points from Chris Kaman in his first game action in March. With Pau Gasol sidelined by vertigo, Kaman had 13 points and nine rebounds. Steve Nash also sat out for the 17th time in the Lakers’ last 18 games.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 9 • THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Bong Go dazzles with 53, send CMO to the Finals C

CHRISTOPHER “Bong” Go

How losing to Rigondeaux helped Donaire

ONITO Donaire’s embarrassing loss to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux in April 2013 wound up helping “The Filipino Flash” in more ways than one as it helped him recover the fire that he had lost after a 12-year winning streak. Rigondeaux, a twotime Olympic gold medalist, dominated Donaire when they fought in April 2013, ending the Filipino’s 29-fight winning streak.

The loss was made more painful by the fact that Donaire had been named the 2012 Fighter of the Year just days before fighting the Cuban. “I think every defeat will cost you, but every defeat is also worth 10 years of experience,” said Donaire on Monday. “For 12 years, I was undefeated.” “But in that defeat, I’ve learned so much more than in the 12 years that I was undefeated,” he revealed.

EDGEDavao Davao Partners

Donaire admitted that his long winning streak put his mentality on “standby mode,” and that he was going through the motions even in training. But losing to Rigondeaux was a wake-up call. “It reminds you of why you never want to be defeated,” he said. “That was the one thing that reminded me that you should never look around you and just focus on what’s in front of you. It doesn’t matter who it is or what it is. If you want to win and you want to be where you’re at, you gotta keep at it,” said Donaire. Donaire acknowledged that he was not fully focused going into the bout against Rigondeaux, as his wife, Rachel, was then pregnant with their first child, now eight-month old Jarel. “A lot of things were going on,” he admitted. “But it was (also) the lack of things, the lack of desire. Because I’ve been winning so much, that in that 12 rounds, it diminished, and the focus and level of determination when you’re training, it’s not the same.” Donaire managed to recover with a ninth round stoppage of Armenian rival Vic Darchinyan in their rematch last November, but it was a fight that he was losing before pulling out the dramatic victory. He will return to the ring in May against South African champion Simpiwe Vetyeka, and “The Filipino Flash” vowed to be in top form for that championship fight. “I think I’m gonna come back a lot stronger, a lot more focused, and a lot more determined (to show) that they haven’t seen the best from me yet,” Donaire said.

HRISTOPHER “Bong” Go put a dazzling display of outside shooting as the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) pulled off a come from behind victory over City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), 90 – 80, in the crossover semifinal round of the 77th Araw ng Davao – DACHEA Category A Basketball Tournament at the DCRC Almendras Gym yesterday. CMO rode to barrage of three pointers courtesy of hotshot Christopher “Bong” Go, who dropped seven treys in the final period, to lead the Mayor’s men clinched the first ticket to the finals. Go, the sweet-shooting executive assistant of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, sank a total of 16 triples, mostly off

the screens and transition plays, to finish the game with 53 points. Boy Flores and Eugene Labor contributed 13 and 11 points respectively for CMO which battles the winner of the other semis encounter between City Civil Registar’s Office (CCRO) and General Services Office (GSO) in the best of three finals. Touted as the favorite going to the semifinal match, CENRO lived up to expectation in the first three periods, poising to take a realistic shot at the title. But things went shaky for them in the final canto as they struggled to exectute and committed several defensive lapses that were capitalized by CMO down the stretch.

Mohalidin Distancia scored 22 points for CENRO which swept Group B with undefeated record and went into the semifinal round as top-seed. Ryan Lomotos had 20. CMO, the Group A second-seed, was trailing all the time before Go capped his one of the amazing performances with fourth period outburst. The Mayor’s men began to distance themselves after Go made 12 straight points under two minutes to go. CENRO came out strong early, taking a 25 – 18 lead after the first period and manged to sustain by taking 43 – 35 at the halftime break. CMO fought back in the third canto, slicing the gap to 1, 63 – 64, entering the fourth period. [Rico Biliran]

Pacquiao more motivated

Manny Pacquiao (L) and Tim Bradley pose at a news conference to promote their upcoming WBO welterweight championship boxing rematch. (AFP Photo/Joe Klamar)

AS Vegas (AFP) - Manny Pacquiao is taking extra motivation from taunts by unbeaten Tim Bradley that the Filipino boxing icon has lost the hunger and killer instinct he once displayed with great passion. “The more he says that, the more he inspires me to show the hunger and killer instinct he’s talking about,” Pacquiao said Tuesday. “It’s good for me but not for him I think.” Pacquiao, 55-5 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, will fight Bradley, 31-0 with 12 knockouts, for the American’s World Boxing Organization welterweight title in Las Vegas on April 12. The fight will be a rematch of a controversial Bradley victory by split decision in June of 2012 in which all three judges scored the fight 115-113, two of them for Bradley in what was seen as a robbery

from Pacquaio. “You don’t get mad. It’s part of life,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquaio’s trainer. “Revenge is great. That’s what we have a chance to do here. If everything goes right we will knock this guy out.” Bradley has noted how Pacquiao has not stopped a foe since Miguel Cotto in 2009 and has not won a fight inside 12 rounds since dropping Ricky Hatton nearly five years ago, helping rekindle the fires inside the 35-year-old Asian southpaw. “I’m not angry or disappointed at what he told me. I’m happy he told me that,” Pacquiao said. “It inspired me to train harder and focus on the fight. It will benefit me. “I have not lost the hunger. Sometimes we knock the guy out and sometimes not.” Pacquiao said he sees

no more need for a knockout than usual even after the controversial loss to Bradley in their first meeting. “We’re not focusing on the knockout,” Pacquiao said. “The focus is on being more aggressive, throwing more punches. If that outcome comes, it’s fine. I just want to prove that I can have the killer instinct.” - ‘we’ll be able to stop him’ Roach says Pacquiao relaxed late in the prior fight after dominating early rounds, he thought, on the judges’ scorecards. This time, there will be no coasting as the 12-round fight goes on. “It was so easy for him in the early rounds,” Roach said. “In the later rounds he wasn’t throwing combinations. He was throwing single punches because he had done so well in the earlier rounds.