Edge Davao 7 Issue 180

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DEATH OF A WITNESS

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

Death of a witness

By PHELIM KINE Deputy Director, Asia Division, Human Rights Watch Photos by MindaNews

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ennix Sakal will never get his day in court to testify against the alleged perpetrators of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

On Tuesday, unidentified gunmen killed Sakal, a key witness to the massacre, and wounded his companion and fellow witness Butch Saudagal in Maguindanao province’s capital of Shariff Aguak, as they were traveling to meet with prosecutors.

Both men had been employees of the powerful Ampatuan family, whose patriarchs are chief suspects in the november 23, 2009 killings allegedly by the family’s “private army” that left 58 people dead.

Five years after the victims’ bodies were found in mass graves off a highway near the town of Ampatuan, the massacre – and the still-rising death toll connected to it – remains a shameful exemplar of impunity in the Philippines. Those killed included the wife of opposition politician esmael Mangudadatu, supporters and family members, and more than 30 media workers.

Maguindanao Governor esmael Mangudadatu attributed the attack on the two

witnesses to unnamed Maguindanao massacre suspects “desperate enough to find ways to strike against those who will put them down.” But Sakal’s death also speaks volumes for the Philippine government’s inability or unwillingness to protect witnesses who are key to securing convictions of suspects – including local police and soldiers – implicated in the murders.

The case is in effective judicial limbo. A total of 87 suspects remain at large. Bail petitions and testimony challenges by the defense lawyers of the 110 suspects in custody have overwhelmed the court.

Dennix Sakal’s killing is a reminder to activists, journalists, and politicians of the vicious status quo in the Philippines in which gunmen with powerful backers routinely get away with murder. Despite the human rights rhetoric of the government of President Benigno Aquino iii, individuals who challenge that status quo do so at their peril. As Aquino embarks on the final two years of his presidency, he should recognize that his failure to address the mounting death toll of the Maguindanao massacre could be the ultimate measure of his six years in office.

Phelim Kine is a deputy director in Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division. Kine worked as a journalist for more than a decade in China, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Taiwan prior to joining Human Rights Watch in April 2007. He has written extensively on human rights issues including military impunity, corruption, child sex tourism, religious intolerance and illegal land confiscation. Mr. Kine’s opinion pieces on human rights challenges in Asia have appeared in media including the New York Times, Asian Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, The Guardian, CNN. com and Foreign Policy. Mr. Kine has spoken publicly on Asia’s human rights challenges at venues ranging from the European Parliament and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong to the Council on Foreign Relations and a hearing of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC).

Phelim Kine

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

Ashes of Senator Paterno to be brought to Davao City T

He urn of ashes of Vicente “Ting” T. Paterno, the former senator who died last Friday morning at the age of 89, will be brought to Davao City Monday morning in order for the old allies in Mindanao to have a chance to pay their last respects to the revered lawmaker.

According to lawyer Jesus G. Dureza, president-chairman of the Philippine Press institute (PPi), the city government of Davao, through Mayor rodrigo r. Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte, had approved the bringing of the ashes to the Davao City Council session hall for a brief necrological service.

Paterno is known to have advocated for a bigger share of government resources when he held various po-

sitions in government like the Board of investments, Department of Public Works and Highway, and the Philippine Senate.

Together with Mindanao leaders in the government and the private sector led by then Presidential Adviser Paul G. Dominguez, Paterno sought recognition of Mindanao’s vast potentials in the BiMP eAGA (Brunei indonesia Malaysia Philippines east ASeAn Growth Area).

Dureza, who was once

chair of the Mindanao economic and Development Council (MeDCO), said the family of the late senator will bring his remains to Davao as it was one of Mr. Paterno’s dying wished to be brought to Mindanao to allow his colleagues, especially those he had worked closely in the formation of the BiMP eAGA. “He was the founding father of BiMP eAGA, the founder and ‘godfather’ of the BiMP eAGA Business Council (BeBC),” Dureza recalled, adding that the late lawmaker was “respected internationally and advocated for the causes of Mindanao up to his land moments.”

He said that Paterno’s cremated remains will arrive in the morning flight from Manila, and after services by members of the business sector at the SP, his ashes

will be flown back to Manila in the afternoon.

Many will honor him, “Mindanaoan worker in heart and in deed,” Dureza said.

Sebastian “Anggie” L. Angliongto, another former MeDCO chair, who had worked with Paterno in the early days of BiMP eAGA, said the senator’s passion to advance the cause of Mindanao is beyond compare. He said Paterno was behind a resolution that pushed for the BiMP eAGA to be accorded observer status in the ASeAn (Association of Southeast nations) senior officials meetings.

“Senator Paterno was a true son of Mindanao,” according to Mindanao Business Council chairman Vicente T. Lao, Philippine Coun-

FASHES, 10

NEWS 3 Davao takes second crack at ‘torotot’world record

F

Or the second time, Davao City will attempt to be in the Guinness World record for the highest number of party horn (locally known as torotot) blowers for this year’s “Davao Torotot Festival.”

Smart Communications Southern Mindanao sales manager Arnold P. Dellosa told edge Davao that for this year more games and prizes await those who will participate in the event.

Dellosa said one of the additions is the costume contest which is divided into two categories: group and individual costumes. He said the first prize winner will receive P30,000.

Aside from the prizes, Smart will also offer free international calls to people who will join the festival, which will happen on new Year’s eve at roxas Avenue.

“This is to greet their loved ones who is working abroad,” Delloso said.

Delloso said that they will also bring celebrities coming from Manila to add more attraction to the event.

He said the additions could attract their 10,000 party horn blowers target participant which is enough to set the World record.

Delloso said they will allot a bigger budget for this

Uratex wants to supply seats to Davao buses

File photo of the late Senator Vicente Paterno (with mic) in a meeting in Davao City with then Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Paul Dominguez (right) and former DTI regional director Syvelyn Tan (fourth from right).

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

Duterte orders further training for new SWAT F

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor rodrigo r. Duterte wants the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team of Davao City to have another training in order to be more effective operatives. in his speech during the SWAT graduation on Thursday night, Duterte mandated the 51 newly graduates to undergo lectures on performance of duty and self defense, saying he was reminded of the mauling of Police Officer (PO)2 ritchie Paul Lozano last month. “i hope this will not happen again,” the mayor said.

He told the SWAT graduates that if their life is at risk because of mauling by many people, they can always fight back.

“When your life is in danger and you are performing your duty, then you are assaulted (by)

two or more persons, or even one, then if your head will be hit by a hard object then you will die,” Duterte said. “i am not saying that you will be abusive because i am very strict about oppression against civilians,” the mayor said.

He said the police officers should not be afraid if they are performing their duties and not mind what lawyers will say.

Duterte said in the case of Lozano who was mauled by four civilians, it was already justifiable to use force against the suspects. in an interview, Duterte said the city government spent around P1.5 million for the 45-day training.

But he said the expense was worth it because he was impressed with the presentation shown before the graduation rites.

Duterte said that the newly graduated SWAT showed their proficiency in

year’s event just to assure that the city will really get the record.

Last year, the city was not able to break the record of Japan that holds the record for having the largest assembly of party blowers with 6,900 people.

He said that they come up with this new strategy because they noticed during the last year’s festival that most of the participants went home perhaps due to hunger.

“We now see the advantage in the area because the food vendors are already there that could provide the necessary food that will make the participants not to go home because they are not hungry,” Dellosa said.

He said they are going to install the stage near the night market.

Delloso said the Smart-sponsored event is their way of expressing thanks to the people of Davao.

Delloso said that they also support the zero-firecracker advocacy of Mayor rodrigo r. Duterte and the city government.

He said that the festival is their way to make the people of the city enjoy their new Year even though there is a total firecracker ban in the city. ABF

gun handling and shooting as well as urban warfare operations.

He said based on the presentation, the SWAT of the city is prepared to take

on any crime that happens in the city.

Of the 51 graduates, 44 are from Davao City Police Office (DCPO)and the seven are from Task Force Davao.

crc@edgedavao.net

OLLOWinG the plan of expanding its manufacturing plant in Davao City, Uratex Automotive Division is targeting to supply quality bus seat assembly to bus liners, motorcycle distributors, and automotive customization shops here. edwin C. Gallor, Uratex automotive division sale and marketing director, told reporters in

a recent interview that among these bus companies are Yellow Bus Line, Holiday Bus Line, Weena Bus Line, and Davao Metro Shuttle.

Gallor said the company currently supplyies complete bus seat assembly to bus liners in Luzon like Jacliner inc., DnS Shuttle, Five Star Liner, and Ceres.

“We are targeting

FURATEX, 10

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE… An employee of The Royal Mandaya Hotel installs Christmas decorations at the hotel’s entrance yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

MOBILE STORE. A vendor peddles his Christmas lanterns using a payong-payong around the different subdivisions in Sasa, Davao City. Beats having to rent a stall. Lean Daval Jr.

ANFLOCOR, UP to establish extension campus in Panabo

Snail-paced trial for Ampatuan massacre very frustrating: IFJ A

By FROILAN GALLARDO

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He international Federation of Journalists (iFJ) has urged President Benigno Aquino iii to act swiftly in resolving the Ampatuan Massacre case before his term ends in 2016.

“We have come back and found the snail-pace court proceedings very disheartening,” Mike Dobbie, who led the iFJ mission in 2009, said. iFJ is among the growing community of international media groups that expressed concern on the slow phase of court proceeding of the Ampatuan Massacre criminal case.

On november 23, the 5th anniversary of the gruesome

massacre, the South east Asia Press Alliance will also join national media groups in Manila in commemorating the carnage. november 23 has been declared as the international Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

Dobbie and a team from the iFJ travelled on Friday to accompany the families of the massacre victims to Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao, where 58 persons including 32 journalists, were slaughtered.

The massacre was the single deadliest attack against working journalists anywhere

else in the world, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Dobbie said they hope President Aquino will step in to hasten and bring closure to the massacre case.

“Many of the families are yearning for some closure.

They have suffered a lot already,” Dobbie said.

Aquino, who said he too was frustrated in the slow pace of the Ampatuan Massacre case, has ordered Justice Secretary Leila Delima to take over the supervision of the prosecution. nonoy espina, of the national Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said, however,

that President Aquino should do more to fulfill his campaign promise to bring justice to the massacre victims.

“President Aquino won partly on his promise to bring the perpetrators to justice.

His administration is coming to an end and yet we do not see any improvement,” espina said.

Fr. rey Ondap, who led the concelebrated mass at the hilltop where the 58 victims were slaughtered, shared this view. in his homily, Ondap said he hoped the massacre will not be used politically in the coming 2016 presidential elections.

nFLO Management and investment Corporation (AnFLOCOr) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with University of the Philippines (UP) for the establishment of the UP- Los Baños College of Agriculture extension campus in Panabo City two years from now.

The MOU was signed by AnFLOCOr senior vice president ricardo B. Floirendo, Damosa Land, inc., vice president ricardo F. Lagdameo, and UP president Alfredo e. Pascual during the 16th Davao Trade expo (DATe) back-to-back with the international Banana Symposium at SMx Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City last week.

The signing was witnessed by UPLB chancellor

Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez and AnFLOCOr president and chief executive officer Alexander Valoria, together with UP system, UPLB, and AnFLOCOr officials. “i strongly feel that, upon investing in a partnership with UP, we are not only investing in an institution, but more so on the young brilliant minds of future leaders,” Lagdameo said.

He said the campus will be soon located in a mixedused land development by Damosa Land, inc., project called “Anflo City” in Panabo City that will be launched next year.

“The extension campus in Panabo City will offer initially graduate courses plus training programs toward developing and improving

field demo testing of an alleged variety next year,” she said.

The plan, which still int he finalization stage, came up after DA 11 recorded success in some of its field-testing sites earlier this month.

Lapanday Food Corp research and development manager Dr. emily Fabregar said some of the produce of the GCTCV 219 in their banana plantation was already sent to Japan where it was accepted earlier this year.

The GCTCV 219 is being field tested in 40 sites scattered in Panama disease-stricken banana areas in Davao City, Compostela Valley, and Davao del norte at present for its performance in terms of quality and production capacity.

The department partnered with small banana farmers to plant 1,500 seedlings of GCTCV 219 variety to a quarter in every hectare.

The DA recorded 3,000

FANFLOCOR, 10

Duterte to study New variety can save banana industry: DA case of tipster cop T D

By CHENEEN R. CAPON crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Mayor rodrigo r. Duterte said he will first read the report of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on the police officer who allegedly tipped off a drug suspect on a buy-bust operation before making a comment.

Duterte made statement after the graduation rites of the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team of the DCPO last Thursday night where Police Officer (PO)1

Luis Gabrinao was present.

DCPO director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao Jr. made Gabrinao stand near the target balloons that were then fired at by the SWAT graduates.

Duterte said he had asked for the report of the DCPO on Gabrinao’s alleged offense because he did not know the details yet. earlier Toril Police Station commander Chief in-

FDUTERTE, 10

He Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that there is already a Fusarium Wilt (Panama disease)-resistant Cavendish banana that could salvage the multibillion-banana industry of Davao region.

Jennifer remoquillo, DA national director for high value crops division, said the Giant Cavendish Tissue Culture Variety (GCTCV) 219 is the future of the banana industry.

remoquillo told reporters during the international Banana Symposium at SMx Convention Center last Wednesday that the agriculture department has chosen GCTCV 219 to replace the Grand naine Cavendish variety which is being cultivated currently.

“About 2,000 small and medium farmers in Panama disease-struck areas mostly in Davao del norte and Compostela Valley are targeted to be partnered for the massive

FNEW, 10

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

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6 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

IT’S2015SPELLED HUGPONG budget based on‘HUGPONG’development plan

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

T

He P5.813 billion budget passed recently for the city government kitty for 2015 goes by a masterplan with the acronym HUGPOnG. it’s a moneybag that’s 13 percent bulkier than the previous year’s coffers and is designed to keep upwith the increasing demands of this bustling metropolis. interestingly, the development plan is also the name of the political party (HugpongsaTawongLungsod) headed

by Mayor rodrigo Duterte.

The mayor will enter the third year of his three-year term in 2015. in a presentation by City Planning and Development Office head Marcelinoescalada, the 2015 development thrusts and priority programs of Davao City shall be anchored on the basic principles of sustainable development encapsulated in the acronym HUGPOnG. escalada, however, was quick to explain that the program does not refer to the ruling local political coalition but a framework to serve as masterplan in implementing projects and priorities.

He said the framework is the short term goal of the city government for 2015 which they encapsulate it with the acronym HUGPOnG just to have better understanding and easy recall. escalada said although the HUGPOnG is the political party of the mayor but it does

not promote any political color. But, he said that it is the political agenda and direction of the mayor.

“Lahi man gud tong term na politka. The politika (it is different with the term politics. The politics) is different from political direction because our local chief executive is a political person since he is elected by the people,” escalada said. escalada said that all departments of the city government should align their programs and projects with the framework. “everyone should align its programs and projects,” escalada told edge Davao in a chance interview.

The HUGPOnG Development Plan stands for Housing, Urban Planning and Development, Good Governance, People Mission, Organizational Development, network and Linkages and Growth and equal Opportunity.

The 2015 budget amounting to P5.813 billion was formally passed by the City Council on Tuesday.

Following escalada’s acronym, H stands for housing, shelters and care facilities in which there would be a development of on and off site relocation areas and construction of permanent evacuation centers and temporary shelters.

The government plans tobuild half-way homes for women and children and sustain the residential care and facility for the elderly. Then,

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Antonio Dela Cruz (2nd from right) and Davao Trade Expo (DATE) 2014 chairman Luciano Frederick Puyod III (left) pose for a photograph with ANFLOCOR senior vice president and chief operating officer Ricardo R. Floirendo (right)

convert Magsaysay Park into a wellness center.

“U” stands for urban planning and development in which there would prioritization of infrastructure development including the improvement of drainage system and setting up of facilities related to solid waste management.

The government willopen new and improvement of existing road network, strengthen the potentials of growth centers and urban transport infrastructureand uptown development and to come up with design and thematic regulation for certain structures within the city proper.

“G” stands for Good Governance in which there would be people empowerment and participation. intensify public information campaign and enhance local government administration through institutional creations and capacity building as well as decentralization of the delivery of public services at the district level.

The city willintensify campaign against criminality to ensure peace and security in the city.They should alsodecentralizethe operations of Central 911 and implement measures related to disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation.

“P” stands for people mission in which the city government would pursue the proportion and ratio of construction of school buildings per year and develop an in-

structional material on traffic and integrate in the basic education program through the Local School Board.

The city government willstrengthen the comprehensive scholarship and educational assistance program and develop and enhance an integrated approach to learning and education for Muslim and indigenous People. it will alsoreview, standardize and expand the Lingap health program and introduce innovations and reinvent services for the marginalized sectors such as children, women, differently-abled and elderly.

The city shallcraft and implement an inclusive sports development program community alongside with the needed infrastructure and facilities.

“O” stands for organizational development in which the local government should develop a strategic executive development program for department head. establish a diversified training institute for all employees at all levels in the bureaucracy and capacitate human resources and organization and revisit organizational functions and priorities of departments.

The city government willpursue the accreditation and standardization of public service through iSO to achieve quality public service and strengthen to capacitate and empower district level management along with the decen-

and vice president Vincent R. Floirendo before the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ANFLOCOR and University of the Philippines forming a partnership to build satellite UP campus in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. Lean Daval Jr.

tralization of social services delivery. “n” stands for network and linkages in which they must pursue collaborative undertakings and partnerships.

Strengthen friendship and sister cities agreementsand explore and establish further collaboration with international agencies.

There should be an active support and collaborate with chambers, industry associations and academic institutions and aggressively pursue future partnerships, both local and foreign to initiate high impact development.

“G” stands for growth and equal opportunity in which they should encourage, private sector investments by cultivating stable, transparent and consistent business transactions to further spur economic growth.

The city government aims topromote industrial harmony to sustain productivity and allow trade expansions and develop and enhance historical sites, recreational parks and other tourism potentials to promote competitiveness.

Among the strategies are topursue skills enhancement and livelihood generations through cooperatives and other forms to help address unemployment and provide equal economic opportunity for Davao City residents to improve the quality of their lives, their families and communities. next year’s budget has a 13 percent or P662.24 million increase compared to this year’s P5.165 billion budget.

The bigger chunk of the total budget goes to the General Fund Proper with a total of P4.5 billion or 79 percent of the total budget.

General Fund will cover the expenditures for the current operations of various departments and offices of the city government comprising of personal services (PS), maintenance and other operation expenses (MOOe) and Capital Outlays, Statutory and Contractual Obligations, aids to the national government agencies, boards, councils, committees as well as some programs and projects.

Of the total allocation under the General Fund, the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) has the highest allocation of P1.691 billion or 36.9 percent, since its budget includes the funds for Peace and Order Program, Central 911, Traffic Management Center (TMC) and the eight office such as Business Bureau, Davao City investment and Promotion Center (DCiPC), City Tourism Op-

eration Office, Disaster risk reduction and Management Office (DrrMO), integrated Gender and Development Division (iGDD).

The CMO also funds the Lingap Program, Crisis intervention, Barangay Development, Traffic Signalization Project, and intensified Canal Clean-up, drainage projects and sidewalk vendors demolition team.

The City environment and natural resources Office (CenrO) has 9.9 percent or a total of P455.48 million budget.

The City engineers Office (CeO) has an allocation of P362.21 million or 7.9 percent of the General Fund budget.

All offices such as the SangguniangPanlungsod, City Administrator’s Office, City Health Office, City Social Services and Development Office, City Agriculturist Office, City Veterinarian Office, and other offices will receive an allocation ranging from P383.5 million down to P14.1 million for their current operating expenditures, capital outlays, and projects under general fund.

The development fund will have a P1.09-billion allocation, or 19 percent of the total budget. This will cover infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects including debt servicing for the ensuing year.

The city also allocated P129.862 million for the expenses of the eight economic enterprises of the city.

Around P1.1 billion is allocated for PS for the salaries and other personnel benefits of all officials and employees of the city government.

There is a decrease of P2.9 million compared to the current year’s budget due to the non-inclusion of the budget for the Productivity incentive Benefits under the PS account.

The performance-based incentives will be charged against the miscellaneous personnel benefits accounts as advised

by Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The Personnel Services total appropriation will only account for 24.5 percent which is within the bounds of Section 325 of Local Government Code that allocation for PS shall not exceed 45 percent of the total annual income from regular sources.

The MOOe and Capital Outlay for 2015 are pegged with the current year’s budget, except for the wages of Job Orders and Contract of Service employees. These employees are pegged at minimum rate of P312 a day and cost of living allowance of P5 or a total of P317 a day.

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

THE ECONOMY

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Phl Q4 business confidence is highest since Q1 2010 H

igh commodity demand during the Christmas season along with the main palay (rice) harvest season boosted business confidence in the last quarter of 2014 with the index at 48.3 percent, the highest since the first quarter (Q1) of 2010.

This development is in line with business sentiment in Canada, new Zealand, and Hong Kong, said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Cyd Tuano-Amador in a briefing Friday.

The BSP official said the latest index is way higher than the 34.4 percent in the previous quarter.

She identified the other plus factors to the index as the continued increase in orders and projects leading to higher volume of production, business expansion and introduction of new product lines, and introduction of new and enhanced business strategies.

She cited that businessmen also took note of the

government’s bid to roll-out more infrastructure projects as well as the continued positive turn-out for the domestic economy. ”The bounce in sentiment is driven by the progress of the government’s infrastructure program, the sustained discipline in macro-economic provisions and the very buoyant external payments position,” she said.

Amador, on the other hand, noted that index for the first quarter of 2015 went down to 43.1 percent. ”This is due to the typical downturn of demand after the holiday season,” she said.

Other factors to the drop in the index are the remnants of the congestion issue in Manila ports and the uncertainties in the global economy.

Amador, meanwhile, said that despite the problems overseas local businessmen remain optimistic on the economy and their operations due to several factors like easier access to financing. (PNA)

He Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) has postponed the implementation of the unified trading of government securities (GS) between tax-exempt and taxable entities to January 2015. in a memorandum to Government Securities eligible Dealers (GSeDs), national Treasurer rosalia de Leon said the unified trading was moved to January 5, 2015.

De Leon earlier said the system will be in place on november 24, 2014.

According to the memo,

De Leon said the change in the schedule of the unified trading of GS is “in recognition of the market community’s request to complete activities towards market education, systems preparedness, addressing operational concerns and other preparatory activities for a smooth transition to non-restricted trading and settlement environment.”

She said market players will have until December 15 this year to set up the “requisite accounts/investor codes” and all preparatory

activities.

Unified trading of peso-denominated GS between institutions with different tax categories was given a go signal by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima through Department Order (DO) 682014. it was issued in a bid to further enhance trading of these instruments, promote price discovery and to have a sound securities settlement for the GS market. it was provided that the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) ensure that it can trace all

the transactions for tax and other purposes. earlier, the BTr said lifting of the restriction that prohibits tax-exempt investors from joining secondary market trading was made “to allow transfer across the tax categories as a result of advancements in technology and electronic transfer tracking system.”

Tax-exempt GS investors include the government financial institutions Government Service insurance System (GSiS) and the Social Security System (SSS). (PNA)

an effective tool for securing his future,” said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor and MB Chairman Amando M. Tetangco Jr. “The BSP has always reminded the public about preparing for retirement and the PerA law is an excellent vehicle for achieving one’s personal goals,” Tetangco added.

The guidelines provide rigorous standards for banks and trust entities which may have an interest to function as a PerA market participant. This ensures that only those which meet the high standards will deal with the public.

Apart from setting standards for institutions, the same guidelines identify safe-

ty nets for PerA contributors.

This includes putting in place processes and procedures for assessing the level and type of risks that PerA investors may take, ensuring that financial risks are appropriately disclosed to investors, as well as having the necessary systems in place for reportorial purposes.

The MB also separately approved the execution of a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of the Treasury for handling basic securities deposits for the faithful performance of the duties of PerA administrators.

To further initiate the application of PerA accounts, the MB likewise approved an

initial list of PerA-eligible investment outlets. This includes bank deposits, long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits, unsecured subordinated debts, unit investment trust funds, government securities and related debt instruments.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the PerA law, an inter-agency board is also being created. This will include senior officers from the BSP, Bureau of internal revenue, insurance Commission and Securities and exchange Commission.

With the approval of the guidelines, the BSP notes that preparations are on schedule for a January 2015 launch date.

(PNA)

BARGAINING. A market shopper negotiates the price of crabs with a seafood dealer at the Agdao Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Unified GS trading moved to January 2015 As of Oct., DBP posts P3.95-B net income T PERA guidelines for banks and trust entities okayed

T

He Monetary Board (MB) approved the guidelines for the accreditation of Personal equity retirement Act (PerA) market participants.

Under the guidelines, market participants are defined as administrators, investment managers and custodians of either the cash balances of PerA clients or their investments in PerA-eligible securities.

The guidelines also provide specific details for handling PerA-related processes such as account opening, administration, withdrawal and termination.

“The MB’s approval of the guidelines brings us closer to providing each Filipino with

S

TATe-owned Development Bank of the Philippines posted a net income of P3.95 billion for the 10-month period ending October 31, 2013, down -12% from the P4.47 billion net income same period in 2013 as trading gains contracted by P2.08 billion from P2.70 billion last year.

This was partly offset by net interest income which grew +30% to P8.495 billion through October 2013, an increase of nearly P2 billion over the comparable period in 2013 coming from interest income on investment securities held by the bank and regular loans. Operating expenses increased by +435 million brought about by volume-related expenses including PDiC fees (+P180 million) and higher salaries and personnel expenses (+P229 million).

The P3.95 billion income exceeds the bank’s internal targets due to the increase in interest income and lower cost of funds. net loans and other receivables increased by +23% or +P33.879 billion to P183.173 billion from last year’s P149.294 billion contributed by an increase in regular loans (+P31.516

billion) and placements in unquoted debt securities classified as loans (P2.082 billion) .

Deposits climbed by 9% to P237.98 billion vs. last year’s P217.43 billion or a gain of P20.55 billion. in the last comparable period vs. peer banks, the third quarter ending September 30, 2014, DBP’s deposits growth (in total deposits, demand, savings and time deposits) were the highest among universal banks.

For the 9-month period that ended September 30, 2014, the bank’s net income stood at P3.41 billion vs. P4.04 billion at the same period in 2013, as a result of reduced trading income of P492 million vs.

P2.49 billion as at September, 2013. This was partly compensated by a gain in interest income which increased by +P337 million to P7.60 billion vs. P7.26 billion as of September 30, 2013 and lower cost of funds for the same period compared to previous year.

The bank’s developmental loan portfolio surged to P112.15 billion as of September 30, 2014, representing 83.6% of its total loan portfolio of P134.2 billion. (PNA)

8

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

EDITORIAL Gleaning lessons from a gory past

T

He Davao Media Freedom Day, held on or near november 23, was organized in 2010 with the main objective of forever remembering the Ampatuan Massacre, which marked its first anniversary on november 23, 2010. Davao media practitioners and allies pushed to declare november 23 as the Davao Media Freedom Day to gather media practitioners and communications arts students together for one activity that will constantly remember how impunity can get out of hand and those in power can snuff out lives in the most gruesome manner as manifested in the Ampatuan Massacre.

As it is, very little attention is being given the search for justice for the 58 killed, including at least 34 media workers, in barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Just five years later, even the site barely resembles the isolated cogonal tract of land that it was before. except for a marker, no one who does not know what happened there will ever realize that the site was the scene of a gory massacre just five years ago. The place continues to change as it is expected to. Greater concerns will always divert media attention, new developments will always take media’s focus to some other pressing matters as we try to swim through the complexities of impunity, corruption, and media repression. But we must always return to this one single event that shows to all and sundry what unrestricted power and abuse that has been allowed to

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go unchecked by the people simply because of lack of valuable information and bases to discern abuse and corruption.

A country whose media is gagged and threatened is a veritable staging ground for the most unthinkable crimes of those in power. Before the Ampatuan Massacre, the whole Philippines never realized such crime by government officials could ever be committed. it happened; they did.

By coming together every november 23 and bringing along the students with them, the Davao Media provide a venue for issues besetting the media industry some space to be discussed.

True, there have been opposing thoughts on holding such an activity, because of diverse views on why the media workers killed in the massacre were there in the first place, but it has been the prevailing belief that no one incident involving media workers underlines the totality of the problems faced by the media, malpractices included.

Once again, Ateneo de Davao University gave its full support by hosting the whole-day activity as it had since the Davao Media Freedom Day was declared.

The organizers continue to hope that more and more students and practitioners will come together and hopefully expand the one-day celebration to include various other activities for several days to continue gleaning lessons from present day situations and lessons from the past, for a more professional, responsible, well-respected, and unshackled media industry ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHENEEN R. CAPON BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES AQUILES Z. ZONIO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle Photography CHA MONFORTE JOSEPH LAWRENCE P. GARCIA Correspondents ARLENE D. PASAJE Contributing Photographer Cartoons MUNDA • HENRYLITO TACIO • MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO AURELIO A. PEñA • MARY Columnists: CARLOS MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEñA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. ANN “ADI”• C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • VIDA MIA VALVERDE • Economic Analysts:• ENRICO BORBON MARY ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN EMILY “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER PEREZENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA EconomicM. Analyst:

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Heroes or villains?

T

He Senate Blue ribbon Sub-Committee hearings are alleged to be in-aid-of-legislation; in reality they’re less of a hearing and more of accusing. They confuse and confound rather than enlighten, obviously bent on something much more than fuel legislation. it should be enough that the object of the hearings has proved evasive, obviously caught in bind he cannot disentangle. The rest should be up to the Ombudsman.

Between the prosecutorial conduct of the senators and the obvious dissembling by a vice president, people wonder who are the heroes and who are the villains: the presiders? the accusers? the accused?

Are the hearings a pretext for skewering a political or potential enemy? Or are they merely grandstanding? Who is and who is not clean? even the media are off-putting, sensationalizing, polluting airwaves with innuendo, gossip, speculation. How helpful are they? it helps to know who are the heroes and villains. People shouldn’t be confused, especially the young or immature, and others who simply need to know who to follow and who to avoid. ***** To clear the air, it’s important to know who is one and not the other; who is the other and not one. even in the province, there’s confusion: hard to distinguish one from the other. Too many gray areas; too many characters tax credulity. it used to be clear that heroes are admirable; villains repugnant.

Take that guy ruben ecleo, cult leader on Dinagat island in Surigao, former mayor, suspended congressman, now on the lam evading

e

VerY year, about 20 tropical cyclones -locally known as “bagyo” -- enter the Philippine area of responsibility, according to the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA).

As such, there is no month in the country which is free from typhoons. Fortunately, only 6 to 9 of these tropical cyclones make landfall.

A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that develops in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. in eastern Pacific Ocean, identical phenomena are called hurricanes but when these tropical cyclones move into the western Pacific they are re-designated as typhoons.

Within the northwestern Pacific there are no official typhoon seasons as tropical cyclones form throughout the year. “On average, the northwestern Pacific features the most numerous and intense tropical cyclones globally,” reports Chris Landsea of the US national Hurricane Center. “nearly one-third of the world’s tropical cyclones form within the western Pacific,” writes James B. elsner and Kam-Biu Liu in a paper which appeared in “Climate research.” “This makes this basin the most active on earth.”

Scientific studies have shown that Pacific typhoons form year-round, with peak months from August to October. The peak months correspond to that of the Atlantic hurricane seasons.

Most people think typhoons bring only calamities: floods, loss of homes and lives, destruction of buildings and bridges. That’s one side of the coin. Without typhoons, there would be no water.

Studies show that at least 30 percent of the

prison for murdering his wife. Clearly a villain, as are the De los reyes brothers of Palawan who killed ecowarrior-broadcaster Jerry Ortega, also at large.

There’s Ameril Ombra Kato, ringleader of the so-called Bangsamoro islamic Freedom Fighters (BiFF), playing war-games with authorities all over the place, mocking civil, police, and military authorities. Hero to some, villain to most? How about the villainous Abu Sayyaf or the new People’s Army? is it because there are too many uneducated or misinformed people around, and too many demagogues and weird officials, that no one acts decisive about dealing with barbaric elements? is it a reflection of how poor our educational system is, how wild and woolly our media, how low the morals of our leaders, or how prolix is our society’s ethics?

Perverse attitudes are blending with insane loyalties; lousy values with weak, faulty institutions. no wonder people fill barangay halls with ignoramuses, city halls with greedy oligarchs, and Congress with unsavory characters that include coup plotters, B-Grade actors, dubious lawyers, hoopsters, and a pugilist. ***** We’re a mixed up society. On one hand, we crave decency and nobility in public life and leadership; on the other hand, we elect charlatans and thieves and scalawags. We also send

thousands to law school; when they pass the bar, we let them worsen lawlessness by exploiting loopholes, invoking technicalities to exonerate criminals.

Pity our society for its woes, for its lousy bureaucracy, overcrowded with shameless, unscrupulous trapos who turn public service into self-service and a family enterprise. even the police are confused; are they supposed to end criminality or join the crowd and be the criminals? Trust is becoming a scarce commodity.

Ask about the Communists and the socalled new People’s Army: are they heroes or villains? Both officials and citizens are uninformed, clueless, no opinion. Others won’t answer (too scared!). Others can’t decide (too compromised!) Still others run away and swell the ranks of banditry, ignorance prevailing over decency. ***** So the Communist Party, the national Democratic Front, and other fronts have the time of their lives—their party-list comrades feasting on congressional allowances, their rural partisans extorting “revolutionary” taxes, their urban units joining parades with outsize banners, or march across the countryside, marauding and pillaging with impunity.

They continue to multiply and build up strength, raiding factories, torching buses, terrorizing businesses. Are they heroes or villains?

Heroes build, villains destroy. Heroes inspire and uplift people’s hearts; villains strike fear in them. Heroes ennoble, villains sow violence and hate. Heroes respect and promote hu-

man rights, villains victimize people and trample their rights.

Heroes are leaders who listen, serve, and give of themselves; villains demand, exploit, and take for themselves—violently, corruptly, if need be. ***** To life, heroes conjure up dreams and aspirations; villains spread nightmares, douse hope and extinguish light. Heroes harmonize and democratize, villains manipulate, dominate, control.

Of the truth do heroes tell or die for; villains lie, deceive, and live off others. Heroes uphold rule of Law; villains impose Law of Force.

Johnny Flavier, a modern hero, just died, as if a whole era passed away with him. Do we have certified heroes? When do we learn to deal with villains?

Will we learn to sort out hypocrites, thieves, and exploiters—and shine a light on heroes?

How about big campaign spenders who buy their way to power? Profligate where it concerns power-seeking: billions for president, hundreds of thousands or millions for congressman or senator; beggarly where it concerns decency, honesty, dedication, or statesmanship.

(Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. He is president/national convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

annual rainfall in the northern THINK ON THESE! part of the Philippines could be traced to tropical cyclones.

The southern islands receive less than 10 percent of their annual rainfall from tropical cyclones.

Henrylito D. Tacio Dr. Sevillo D. henrytacio@gmail.com David, Jr., executive director of national Water resources Board, during the recent trade fair and business leaders’ conference of BiMP-eAGA Summit held in Davao City, said the country’s annual average rainfall is 2,400 millimeters.

Most of these rainfalls are wasted. Once they hit the ground, they saturate the area creating a mini-lake. if the rainfalls keep pouring, the aftermath is flooding. Some businesses stand still because people cannot move as they are afraid they might get wet. rainwater, before it hits the ground, can be used in some ways. Although the water may not be fit for drinking -- as it may be contaminated with some chemicals while on the air -- it can be used for watering plants and flushing the toilet.

A couple of weeks ago, the town where i am residing could not supply water since something broke in its facilities. For almost a week, we didn’t have tap water. But it was good that every

night, it rained. So, we had to save the rainwater and used it for washing our clothes and even taking a bath. it’s a good thing that in Davao City, whose potable water is said to be world’s second best (after Switzerland), the local government is doing something to save rainwater. A new law has been passed which requires all new business or residential buildings to include a rainwater catchment system design when applying for building permits.

The new ordinance, which Mayor rodrigo Duterte signed recently, imposes on “person or persons, owners or residential buildings, business entities or corporations a fine of one thousand pesos but not exceeding ten thousand pesos or imprisonment of six months but not exceeding one year for violations.” in an interview with Manila Bulletin, City Council Leonardo Avila iii said Davao City has about 350,000 households. The figure is not counting the businesses and other establishments. “if all of them flush their toilets 10 times a day, that is 3.5 million liters of the best potable water flushed in the toilet,” the councillor who crafted the ordinance was quoted as saying.

To save “the best potable water” was one of the reasons why he proposed the ordinance.

This was his explanation as quoted by the national daily: “We see collapse in certain areas of Davao aquifers if the rate of extraction of our water will continue. And if the rate of extraction against the rate of recharge will be uneven, may five years from now, the potential of saltwater intrusion to our aquifers will also happen.”

A recent report from the Un and the Stockholm environment institute says that by the year 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population would be affected by water shortages.

“One of the clearest sign of water scarcity is the increasing number of countries in which population has surpassed the level that can be sustained comfortably with the water available,” says Sandra Postel, a former staffer of the Washington-based Worldwatch institute and current director of the Global Water Policy Project in Amherst, Massachusetts.

As a rule of thumb, hydrologists designate water-stressed countries as those with annual supplies of 1,000 to 2,000 cubic meters per person. When the figure drops below 1,000 cubic meters (about 725 gallons per person a day), nations are considered water-scarce – that is, lack of water becomes a severe constraint on food production, economic development, and protection of natural systems.

“Water is everywhere,” says an official of the Un educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UneSCO). “in our bodies, in the air we breathe, in the food we eat and in the countryside around us. it’s part of our history and our religions.”

Most of us thing that water is free. The UneSCO official begs to disagree: “it may be free when it’s flowing in a river or splashing against rocks, but it isn’t as soon as people start using it. it costs money to make good quality water available from taps and then return it to the environment after being treated.”

Let’s save rainwater and conserve our best potable water.

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

By Manny ValdehueSa

Saving rainwater

10

NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

Ashes... FFROM 3 try Director to the BeBC. “ in all his positions when he was still working for government, he has always put the interest of Mindanao above all others,” said Lao, adding he has worked tirelessly to strengthen the private sector when he organized the BiMP eAGA Business Council Philippine chapter.”

“We have lost a true champion for our cause.

Goodbye Ting. We will truly miss you!” Lao said.

At this writing last Saturday night, officers of the Mindanao Development Autority (MinDA) were meeting on the details of the arrangements for the last rites

for the deceased senator.

Director romeo Motenegro of MinDA said the urn will arrive Monday at the tarmac at 8:00 a.m via private plane. There will be a motorcade from the Davao international Airport passing DAMOSA Gateway, the MinDA office and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and industry, inc (DCCCii) building then to the session hall of the City Council where eulogies will be said until 10:30 a.m. The urn will be brought to the Child Jesus of Praque Shrine at Matina Hills where necrological rites will be held until 12:30p.m.

their replacement seats.

Based on our interviews, most seat assembly of bus companies here are normally imported from China,” he said.

Gallor said most complete bus seat assemblies from China have a short life of less than two years.

“We want to offer our customers more quality and more durable bus seats with our foams so that they won’t replace them often,” he said.

He said Uratex-manufactured bus seat assemblies’ polyurethane foam products can last at least five years, while their textiles last two years.

Gallor also said the company is targeting motorcycle racers and regular riders.

“Same as in Luzon, motorcycle riders here want their seats compatible with their lifestyle,” he said.

Gallos said regular riders want their seats thick as much as possible, while racers want it thinner for it to be much more lighter.

Based on the data of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 11, there is a huge untapped market opportunity of 200,000 motorcycle users in Davao region and 700 bus units.

“Once we have penetrated these untapped markets, we will then

supply small automotive shops selling automotive parts,” Gallor said, adding that this is more economical than putting up their own shops. CrC

Uratex... FFROM 3

BALANCING ACT. A delivery man struggles to balance his bicycle as he transports tires from the store to customers along Lapu-Lapu Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Anflocor...

FFROM 4

agricultural and biotechnological productivity in the region,” Pascual said.

Among the possible graduate courses that will be initially offered in the extension campus is Masters on entomology because of the problem on insect and pest infestation on big plantations here.

“(Through this ) we will be able to train (not only) professionals but people who will undertake research works to find ways to counter insect infestation,” Pascual said in an interview.

He said the training programs and courses are still to be finalized by the two parties.

Pascual said the existing UP Mindanao campus will collaborate with UPLB for some of the courses and programs.

“The courses and progress are only fitting considering that Mindanao is the country’s food basket contributing substantially to our national agricultural

output despite natural disasters that have affected production in different sectors,” he added.

Pascual said UPLB can supply the technical and scientific knowledge to enable farmers to increase production and improve the variety of their products. CRC

spector Hamlet Lerios said Gabrinao sent a text message to a suspected drug lord when a team was heading to his place to conduct surveillance operation last november 18.

The team failed to arrest the suspect because the latter was no longer around when they arrived.

Lerios said a drug user

had pointed to the drug lord as the source of his drugs.

He said upon their return, they asked the drug user and saw in his cell phone that there was a certain ‘gabby’ in his phone book.

They asked the suspect and the later answered that it stood for Gabrinao. They confronted the erring police

officer and he admitted that the suspect was his friend.

Gabrinao admitted before reporters that he used drugs a few weeks ago although he tested negative in a drug test.

Gabrinao will be facing a case of violation of republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 and an administrative

case of grave misconduct before the regional internal Affairs Services (riAS) 11.

Police regional Office (PrO) 11 director Chief Superintendent Wendy rosario said he has already directed Danao to take necessary the action on the Toril Police Station. A (Armando B. Fenequito Jr. With reports from Funny Pearl A. Gajunera)

Duterte... FFROM 4

New... FFROM 4 hectares in Mindanao infected with Panama disease, tagging 700,000 hills or cases infected with Panama disease in the plantations of small and medium banana farmers in the region.

The cases were recorded as hills because it is a more accurate count than in hectares.

As to distribution of infected banana hills in the region, 68 percent of the total infected cases were recorded in Davao del norte; Compostela Valley at 18 percent; and Davao City at only 14 percent. CrC

republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD regional Office no. xi Davao city

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment with Dropping and Substitution of Unit to operate a PUB ORD NARY REGULAR Service.

NORA G. ALCULAR. Petitioner-Vendor

Case No.2014-XI-00946 (2003-XI-02093)

MICHAEL VINCENT T. LOO, Petitioner-Vendee

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by nOrA G. ALCULAr in favor of MiCHAeL VinCenT T. LOO of a Certificate of Public Convenience with equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUB OrDinArY reGULAr SerViCe on the route DAVAO CiTY-MOnKAYO (COMVAL PrOVinCe) AnD ViCe VerSA with the use of One (1) Unit which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to May 25, 2015. in the same petition filed on november 14, 2014, petitioners likewise request authority to exTenD the validity of said Certificate as well as to DrOP the authorized unit and to SUBSTiTUTe the same with another unit bearing Chassis no. LSYCLD7U89H061300 to operate along the same route previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on DECEMBER 9, 2014 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, Ten (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WiTneSS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, regional Director, this 14th day of november at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transport Development Officer

EDGE DAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

GAME CHANGER

MARY ANJELAY PELAEZ

An angel in disguise

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

L

OOKS, indeed, can be deceiving.

Mary Anjelay Pelaez is not your typical athlete from the outside. She’s downright pretty and does not look like she can hurt a fly.

But when she steps into the mat, don’t ever dare to be in front of her. Don’t tell us we didn’t warn you.

Anjelay is a taekwondo blackbelt and she is not just an ordinary blackbelt-donning jin. She is among the best in the world in her weight class today. Her credentials include a bronze medal in the recent Asian Games in incheon, Korea losing only to the reigning Olympic and world champion from Korea, World University Games silver medalist, Asian indoors medalist, SeA Games gold medalist and most valuable player of the Philippine Taekwondo League. it does not end there. in academic achievements, she won’t be left behind. She will march with a Marketing diploma next month from no less than San Beda College. not bad for someone who traced her roots from an obscure public high school in Buhangin, Davao City.

The 22-year old Pelaez learned taekwondo in high school from informal instruction. One afternoon, she walked past a group of high school senior boys working out on their taekwondo skills. There was no coach at Bernardo Carpio national High School and only these bunch of boys who learned taekwondo from elsewhere taught her the basics. “i was watching them and i said i like to try the sport,” she recalls.

After a year, she enrolled in a club in Buhangin and took the martial art seriously. She earned her blackbelt by third year high school and joined the Davao regional Athletic Association (Davraa) meet. She made her first Palarong Pambansa stint in 2007 but she failed to

win a medal. in 2009, she returnd to the Palarong Pambansa and won a silver. That was where scouts from San Beda took notice of her and offered her scholarship.

She enrolled in San Beda and became a standout in the nCAA. A year after, she made it to the national Team. “i was lucky. The national team just lost its finweight player to retirement and i came out on top to take her place. i have been a national athlete for five years now,” Pelaez said.

After her smashing win for the bronze medal in the Asian Games, Mary Anjelay Pelaez will soon embark on a series of qualifying tournaments next year as part of her quest for a place in the 2016 rio Olympics.

Pelaez won the bronze in the women’s finweight class (under 46-kilogram) losing to eventual gold medalist Kim Sohui of Korea. Pelaez won over nway nway of Myanmar, 3-0, in the quarterfinals but bowed to Kim, 2-14. “i really hope i can make it to the Olympics and with

your support, i will try my best to qualify,” Pelaez said.

But there is also another thing that preoccupies Pelaez aside from her goal to make the Olympics. She had just opened a taekwondo gym in Buhangin called Kaizen Gym where she teaches the sport to young kids for free. Yes, for free. “i wanted to give back to the sport what it has given me. i was able to finish college and won medals abroad. naisip ko ibalik naman sa iba yung blessings ko,” Pelaez said.

At the moment, there are over 100 taekwondo practitioners under her fold. “i am very proud of them.

Yung iba nga nag Davraa na at nanalo na sila. Masaya ako. it gives me a sense of fulfillment,” Pelaez said.

With these young kids as her inspiration, Pelaez now thinks she is more prepared for the bigger battles ahead. “i am confident i can make it. But still, we have to work hard.”

Pelaez said she never

misses to keep in her mind her humble beginnings as an athlete from a public school. “i won’t forget where i started. That is why i keep coming back to teach these kids who cannot afford to go to college and perhaps if they make good, this will also be their ticket to a good life.”

11

SHE’S A LOOKER. Mary Anjelay Pelaez shows off her bronze medal won in the Asian Games recently during the Fast Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier. Below, Pelaez takes the no. 1 spot at the pdium in an international meet last November 2013.

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EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

Three Cheers with FTLP

Part of the fun in wrapping gifts and selecting them is deciding how exactly to present your present. Putting thought into your presents means having specially crafted materials in your arsenal that shows just what kind of gift-giver you are. This year, we have tapped the expertise of FtLP (For The Love of Prints), Davao’s boutique printshop for anything personalized, to enliven and articulate three gifting identities of their selection that will surely spark your generosity in ways that your loved ones will find clever and fresh.

FtLP has certainly taken their paper craft a notch higher with printing technologies that sit well with their clients’ sensibilities for hunting down the unique. Heat-press, laser engraving and laminates figure prominently in the printing of their Holiday collection. Consider this your creative prompt to get into spirit of the fast-approaching yuletide season.

Sparkle It wouldn’t be a holiday without the glimmer of gold and silver metallics and the festive glint of tinsel to adorn your homes and gifts. In a merry turn of shimmer, FtLP offers a range of novel gift tags and gift wrappers featuring laminated foil that is sure to be the highlight of your pretty packages.

Rustic/Vintage Under this theme is a montage of textures and

A box of Rustic tokens.

finishes that all evoke the warmth of home, the earthy green of fresh pine trees and home-baked goods from the hearth.

Sarah Claudio, owner and managing director of FtLP, is quite taken with the theme and has interpreted this trend for homemade and artisanal onto Kraft brown boxes, gingham prints, chalkboard-inspired designs and wooden tags.

Modern/Contemporary Let your holiday paper party mean playful designs that are easy on the eye and in patterns that

Grab the reigns of your holiday and the coming year with personalized accessories.

Modern or Contemporary. convert everyday useful things like laundry bags, mugs and notebooks from being plain into special keepsakes. FtLP has a virtual trove of graphics available for the choosing and can render them onto photo Christmas cards, desk calendars personalized with personal or family photos and gift wrappers.

Visit FTLP Boutique Printshop at the 3rd Level Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Contact No. (082) 301-7815.

FTLP Print Room is located at Unit 2 Lenel Building, Robinsons Highlands, Diversion Road, Davao City. Contact No. (082) 241-0132. Store Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00AM – 5:00PM.

Touches of pine wood and an earthy color palette make for a warm holiday.

FTLP has certainly taken their paper craft a notch higher with printing technologies that sit well with their clients’ sensibilities for hunting down the unique.

FTLP bag full of Sparkle.

EDGEDAVAO

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UP aND abOUT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUnDAY - MOnDAY, nOveMber 23-24, 2014

STYLE

P20 Chicken Fingers Blowout for T.G.I. Friday’s 20th year on December 11 CELEbRaTE T.G.I. Friday’s 20 years in the country through an anniversary blowout happening on December 11 at all its branches nationwide. Come hungry on the said date and enjoy TGIFriday’s perennial best-seller, Chicken Fingers, for only P20! This one-day promo is the restaurant’s way of saying “thank you” to all its customers and their continued support through the years.

Handbattered chicken tenders, golden fried and served with crispy seasoned fries and a dip of honey mustard dressing, Friday’s Chicken Fingers is a certified guest favorite – a must-order dish from the restaurant’s menu of american-style comfort food served in generous portions.

It has been 20 years since the american casual dining restaurant opened its very first store in the country in Glorietta 3. Fifteen locations and numerous recognitions later – including a Grand Store of the Year award given out by ayala Malls this year – T.G.I. Friday’s continues to deliver on its promise of “In Here It’s always Friday!” by constantly improving its menu, raising the bar in customer service and creating a happy dining experience for its guests.

Its innovative and hip approach to casual dining has kept the fun spirit at T.G.I. Friday’s, known for staging one of the most spectacular bartending competitions in the world. In addition to its world-famous bartenders, T.G.I. Friday’s is also the best place to chow down superb american food, from its signature burgers, mouthwatering steaks, Jack Daniel Grill specialties to pastas, salads, and decadent desserts. aside from offering big, bold flavors, the restaurant is also a popular watering hole for people who want to unwind and enjoy a round or two of after-work drinks. The bar is always fully stocked with an amazing selection of premium beers, wines and spirits; it also serves cocktails, smoothies and refreshing fruit mixes with a kick.

To date, T.G.I. Friday’s has 16 stores in Metro Manila and in key cities across the country. The newest branch recently opened at the Fairview Terraces Mall with a 150-seating capacity and features the brand’s new and more modern vibe.

The P20 Chicken Fingers offer is available on December 11, 2014 from 11 am to 4 pm with a minimum purchase of Php 250 per person.

Visit the nearest T.G.I. Friday’s and celebrate the restaurant’s 20 years in the country with great food, good company and fun times.

COMe TO The SM ADVAnTAGe ThAnKSGIVInG DAY SALe On ThUR SDAY, nOVeMBeR 27!

Shop with your SM Advantage, SM Prestige, or BDO Rewards Card at The SM Store, nATIOnWIDe. See you on Thursday, november 27!

Tartan Tale- Update the classic schoolgirl look with this Check Mate- Knitted gray kimono jacket by 2% worn with a tartan dress by GTW oversized striped pull over by 2% paired with a black Fab. and white tartan skirt by GTW Fab.

Mad about plaid EvEryonE is mad about plaid! It’s clearly a key trend of the season and it’s everywhere: on the runways and on the streets.

Whether it’s a great gingham, herringbone, or the ever classic tartan, plaid has been around for ages, and it certainly looks like this is one print that’s here to stay. and while plaids of season’s past have followed more traditional and classic paths, the fall of 2014 brings cool new ways to wear it. a look that is no longer confined to a schoolgirl’s skirt or a Scotsman’s kilt, this season’s plaids and tartans melt into modern, half-abstract lines cast in red sequins as seen in Kenneth Cole; or take a more sophisticated route as victoria Beckham draws inspiration from the attitude of the modern woman. There are also unapologetically bright plaids, blurred plaids with a quiet elegance from Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as grungy plaids from vera Wang.

With style icons leading the way– rihanna and Emma Watson earlier in the same puffball alexander McQueen dress, Kate Bosworth’s tartan a-list update, Jessica alba’s cool and casual splash of tartan goodness –plaid rocks Manila’s stylish set. and GtWBySM offers an amazing mixture of on trend and hip plaid and tartan fashion. There are updates on the classic schoolgirl look, folk inspirations with blanket coats and cozy knits, and crisp minimal silhouettes with different size checks in complimentary shades.

Photographed at the Tagaytay Highlands. The collection is available exclusively at GTWBYSM of The SM Store.

Clash of the Tartans- Cool and cozy blue and red tartan pullover worn with a black button down sleeveless top, and a blue skater skirt, all from GTW Fab.

Vintage Youth- Back and white long sleeved tartan pullover paired with a red skater skirt, both from GTW Fab.

Off the Grid- Talking tartan from GTW Fab.

Put a Plaid on It- Get that cowgirl style with a long sleeved button down top by Crissa layered with a brown button down sleeveless top by Jag thug, and paired with black short by GTW Fab.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUnDAY - MOnDAY, nOveMber 23-24, 2014

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ENTERTaINMENT

Ryan Cayabyab Singers at SM City Davao, Nov29 THE Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), a brainchild of the world-renowned Filipino composer and musician Ryan Cayabyab, will sing Christmas carols at SM City Davao on November 29 at the annex Event Center.

In the past, Cayabyab was also responsible for other successful vocal groups including Smokey Mountain, 14-K, and the San Miguel Master Chorale (SMMC). The RCS is composed of Poppert bernadas, VJ Caber, Sheerleen dela Cruz, Celine Fabie, Erwin Lacsa, Vince Lim,

Kaich Tiuseco.

The RCS debuted in Davao last 2007, where they received six standing ovations. They also took part in the Filipinas Heritage Library’s bravo Filipino Concert Series which brought them to perform in Cebu, showcasing the world-class talents of Filipinos through the country’s own music. In June 2008, the group had their 1st international concert tour in Singapore. In October of the same year, they carried out a 12-city tour of the US to raise funds for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga. The group also per-

formed in Melbourne and Sydney, australia.

Together, the group’s edge lies in each members’ distinctive, individual talents and personalities, coupled with the youthful enthusiasm that endears them to their fans. Every member contributes to the impeccable vocal ensemble.

Catch the Ryan Cayabyab Singers live on November 29, 4PM at SM City Davao.

For inquiries, call 297.6998.

Like SM City Davao on facebook or follow @SMCityDavao on Twitter and @ SMDavao on Instagram for event and promo updates.

#ChALKLiveYoung party defines all things bright and young aFTER weeks of promotions, tours, radio and TV guestings, CHaLK Magazine ended its bright Young Manila campaign in a bright and fun way – by throwing the most radical and colorful party in the metro.

CHaLK Magazine’s bright Young Manila campaign allowed students to take a glimpse on how to #LookGood, #LiveYoung and #LoveHard. aiming to raise the bar, CHaLK Magazine brought its annual campaign to a bigger and brighter level with the #CHaLKLiveYoung party held on November 15 (Saturday) at Club Haze, bonifacio Global City.

Sporting their best and brightest #OOTD, party goers definitely had a blast as they maximized all the cool things in the #CHaLKLiveY-

College) who also strutted their style during the party as great beats were being played by DJ arthur Tan and DJ Jessica Milner.

Meanwhile, SM Youth ambassadors La aguinaldo and Tommy Esguerra thrilled everyone when they played fun games with hotties from the crowd.

The #CHaLKLiveYoung party also marked the beginning of change as CHaLK Magazine grabbed the opportunity to introduce their new Editor-in-Chief, Elaine Carag. Elaine was previously the Managing Editor of CHaLK Magazine before becoming Editor-in-Chief of the best-selling magazine for the young, bold, and bright.

For more details, check out CHALK Magazine’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/ chalkmagazine).

oung party: from the black light graffiti wall for self-expression to the neon light face painting booth.

Guests celebrated how to live young with the six winners of the bright Young Manila Campus Hotties: Richard Hwan (UP-Diliman), Lyka Garcia (DLSU), Stephan Krenn (UST), Eunice bakunawa (San beda College), Jorge Urquico (DLS-CSb), and Patricia Go (Miriam

Joyce Bernal directs a “filmeo” starring Darryl Shy VETERaN blockbuster movie director bb. Joyce bernal joins Darryl Shy’s musical ride as she directs the “filmeo,” an edgy filmlike music video of Star Music’s folk-pop maestro’s carrier single, “ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito.” The filmeo will star award-winning actor alex Medina, who plays a man whose heart was broken by his beloved. The filmeo was conceptualized by Star Music head Roxy Liquigan and Darryl’s wife, anne angalaShy. It was co-directed by Victor Villanueva. also starring in it are Darryl’s fellow contenders in “The Voice of the Philippines Season 1,” namely, Paolo Onesa, MJ Podolig, and RJ Pangilinan.

The filmeo, according to Darryl, is like a family affair as it is helmed by a director

who happens to be a friend and a secondary sponsor during his wedding.

“This music video was crafted by people close to our hearts, friends who are like family to us. We were the ones who brainstormed, created the concept, came up with the cast, and did the shooting,” said Darryl about his filmeo that will premiere on the MYX

channel on Wednesday (November 26).

“People can feel, hear, and see in the music video the song’s message, which is about a man’s capacity to love and how he is shattered by love,” he explained.

Star Music’s resident country singer, who is also known in the music industry for his patriotism, is positive that through his re-

cord label’s wide reach, he can share his music to the world.

“We want our music to reach everyone—radio listeners, TV viewers, people in the Internet—anyone and wherever they may be,” said Darryl who also recently launched his self-titled, five-track debut album under Star Music.

“My album and the music video is my way to thank all those who truly supported and believed in me since ‘The Voice’ last year and to all those who are still supporting me now,” Darryl said.

Darryl’s debut album is still available at record bars nationwide for only P199.

The digital tracks can be downloaded via iTunes, Mymusicstore.com.ph, and Starmusic.ph.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

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

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson PG 13

1:45 | 4:15 | 6:45 | 9:15 LFS

INTERSTELLAR Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway PG 13

R-16

12:00 | 3:20 | 6:40 | 10:00 LFS

BIG HERO 6 T. J. Miller, Jamie Chung PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUnDAY - MOnDAY, nOveMber 23-24, 2014

EVENT

GameX unveils first batch of GameX Girls

tHE SEarCH for the ultimate gaming girls in the country is over as GameX, the country’s leading online gaming portal developed by Smart Communications, Inc., unveiled the four new faces that best represent female gamers in a male-dominated territory.

Proving they can stand their ground against the most hardcore of gamers in the country through video games. are Jillian ongsip of Pasay City, tza Gomez of Que- Breaking the stereotype zon City, Koleen Mercado of nineteen-year-old MerPampanga, and alexandra cado said her reason for Keuls of Bacolod, who were joining the competition is awarded at the recently con- to break the misconception cluded Esports and Gaming that females can’t keep up Summit, the largest gather- with their male counterparts ing of eSports players and when playing video games. game developers in the coun- “I believe that there shouldn’t try, held at SMX Convention be discrimination because Center. gaming is for everyone, not The four girls stood out just for boys.” from a pool of close to 200 asMercado said she has been pirants and were handpicked playing video games since based on their GameX fan grade school, starting from votes, personality, gaming when her father first bought skills, and overall impression. her a Game Boy. She is curEach of the GameX Girls won rently in her third year in cola gaming laptop and a chance lege, and while playing games to be join celebrity cosplayer like League of Legends and alodia Gosiengfiao as Ga- other MMo-rPGs is a very meX social media ambassa- important part of her life, it dors. had to take the back seat at Through this group of fe- the moment. male gamers, GameX hopes “right now I’m trying to to encourage and empower balance my time because I’m more girls in experienc- also studying. I’m actually in ing a whole new level of fun third year now so I’m spend-

GameX, the country’s leading online gaming portal developed by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), unveiled the GameX Girls, four new faces that best represent female gamers in the country. each of the GameX Girls won a high-end gaming laptop and a chance to join celebrity cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao (middle) as GameX social media ambassadors. The GameX Girls are: (from left) Alexandra Keuls, Koleen Mercado, Jillian Ongsip, and Tza Gomez

ing more time with books and less time with gaming, but playing games is still part of my routine,” the accountancy student said.

It’s the same for Gomez, who said she joined because she wanted to prove to everyone that girls can be hardcore gamers too. “Especially right now, if you say ‘gamer girl in the Philippines’, there’s this usual stereotype that girls can’t stand their ground when playing against guys,” the 28-year-old said.

Gomez has been playing video games since high school, saying that she used to spend on average eight hours a day. “But it got beyond that from time to time, like that time when I spent one whole birthday playing Half Life with my friends in an Internet shop.” a web designer by day, Gomez spends her free time playing League of Legends and Steam games like Killing Floor, as well as Call of Duty and Diablo 3 on the PlayStation 4.

outlet for passion For ongsip, the main reason for joining the contest is to express her passion for playing video games. “Everyone knows I’m a gamer and I really play every day. So it’s a really good opportunity for me to express my love for my hobby.” ongsip has been playing video games since her elementary days, getting into first-person shooters and role-playing games like Counter Strike and ragn-

arok online when they first launched. She is currently playing the support role for her team in League of Legends. on the other hand, Keuls joined the contest to promote video games not just among girls, but to people of all ages.

“I think no matter how old you are, so long as you play games moderately and know how to strike a balance between leisure and the more important things, it’s fine.”

Keuls’ first encounter with video games was at the age of six, when her mother bought a nintendo64 for the whole family. She has been playing video games since then, and has learned to love games from a wide range of genres.

She is currently playing Final Fantasy XIv: a realm reborn, but she is also playing DayZ and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare from time to time.

“Just because you’re a girl, don’t think that you’ll never be as good as the guys. It’s always about enjoying yourself, that’s what games are for,” said Keuls.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

CLASSIFIED 13

republic of the Philippines reGiOnAL TriAL COUrT 11TH Judicial region Branch 16 Davao City

in THe MATTer OF CAnCeLLATiOn AnD SUBSTiTUTiOn OF THe BirTH CerTiFiCATeS OF MAriA ArneLOU CAMiLe OLBeS CHUA AnD MAriA AnGeLiCA ArABeLLA OLBeS CHUA, reP. BY Her SiSTer, MAriA ArneLOU CAMiLe OLBeS CHUA SP. PrOC. CASe nO. 13,310-14

MARIA ARNELOU CAMILE O. CHUA Petitioner, Versus

LOCAL CiViL reGiSTrAr OF DAVAO CiTY & LOCAL CiViL reGiSTrAr OF LAAK, COMPOSTeLA VALLeY, ORDER

Petitioner in their verified petition prays of this Honorable Court that: 1.

The first Birth Certificates of the petitioners registered in the Local Civil registry of Davao which are defective be cancelled; AnD 2.

The Birth Certificates of the petitioners registered in Laak, Compostela Valley be SUBSTiTUTeD as true and correct Birth Certificates of the petitioners.

Finding the said petition to be sufficient in form and in substance. it is hereby ordered that the said petition be set for hearing on February 09, 2015 at 8:30 in the morning on which date, time and place, all persons who are interested may appear and show cause if anu, why said petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least once a week for three(3) consecutive issued at the expense of the petitioner.

The Local Civil registrar, Davao city, and the Assistant City prosecutor are cited to appear on said date of hearing, in order to show cause, if any, said petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippine, October 27,2014.

SGD. eMMAnUeL C. CArPiO Presiding Judge 11/17,24/12/1

NOTICE OF LOSS

NOTICE OF LOSS

notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. That CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT no.(s) 1005321 under LOYOLA PLAn Contract no.(s) 32948-0 issued to NANNETTE B. MALALUAN was lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) 21010201 under Loyola Contract No(s). 144319-7/000400220581 issued to KING JOHN A. TUPAZ 21019866 under Loyola Contract No(s). 192856-0/UUU400425386 issued to JOYCELYN G. UNSOY 55370 under Loyola Contract No(s). 10040210 issued to VICENTE E. SIAREZ were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

11/24,12/1,8

11/10/17/24

14 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

MORE THAN JUST RUNNING Team Titans Davao lines up more races, projects

T

eAM Titans Davao is not just an organization of running enthusiasts. More than the races they run, are the real races in life that they are chasing.

TTD president richard Cagape, guesting in Fast Fridays media forum at the Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta at SM Lanang Premier, announced the successful staging of their signature race—the 70-Kilometer Ultramarathon held last november 16 and their upcoming community outreach activities in Marilog District.

“We had just successfully staged the 70-K Ultramarathon and we are happy that it turned out well. now, we can look ahead to our community projects which we have not done yet this year due to the busy activities and the races we took part in,” Cagape said.

Michael John echalico and Olive Firmeza won the inaugural Team Titans Davao national 70k Ultramarathon mounted on an in and out course from Phoenix Guadalupe Gas Station in La-

nang. echalico of Panabo runners Club (PrC) finished the race in five hours, 23 minutes and 50 seconds to rule the men’s event besting Bayugan runners’ elias Tabac and Team Titans Davao’s richard noval who settled for second and third places, respectively. Tabac timed 6:12:59 while noval finished in 6:31:33.

Philhealth standout Firmeza, meantime, crossed the finish first in the distaff side clocking 8:03:03, in an effort that outclocked Giegs Castillo (09:08:37) and Cecilia Larobis (10:18:14).

“The proceeds of the race went to the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC),” said Sheila Torres, TTD vice president.

TTD plans to return to Marilog District on november 30 to distribute food and conduct deworming to children. “it’s time to give back to the communities. We saw them and how difficult

their life is and when we came back to the city we realized how blessed we are. We welcome donations from kind souls to take part

in this outreach program,” Cagape said.

TTD is also set to join major races in the city including Sunday’s 38th Milo

Marathon Qualifying race in Davao. The team or club with the most runners will be feted in the race.

TTD is also set to join the

Davao Finishers Marathon while preparing for the next Ultramarathon race late next year and the anniversary run in April. (nJB)

FAST FRIDAYS. Team Titans Davao president Richard Cagape (right) and vice president Sheila Torres during the Fast Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107. Lean Daval Jr.

George making progress in recovery P

aul George has endured some demoralizing moments as he recovers from a broken right leg.

He’d prefer to dress in shorts and a tank top instead of street clothes. He’d rather travel with his indiana teammates than be left behind, watching the games on TV. And, in a perfect world, he’d be helping the short-handed Pacers win games rather than advising them how to win.

At some point, the two-time All-Star will be doing those things.

For now, he must be patient as the long journey back prepares to take another big step -- limited work on the basketball court, which could begin as early as next week. ‘’The toughest thing is just that i can’t do what i’m here to do and that’s play basketball,’’ he said Friday, his first comments in three months. ‘’it’s just hard, hard to watch.’’

George has been a busy guy since snapping his leg in two places after running into a basketball stanchion in Las Vegas on Aug. 1.

After undergoing surgery later that night, George returned to indianapolis to start rehab.

When he spoke to reporters in mid-August, he was getting around on crutches. At the team’s media day on Sept. 29, George had ditched his crutches and was walking with a noticeable limp.

Over the next few weeks, he was seen taking shots after practice.

With the season in full swing, he has been taking notes during games and consulting with teammates. But George has spent the bulk of his trying to get healthy.

The most recent indication of improvement came when doctors cleared George to start working on a treadmill in a pool. Though he’s not running yet, George did shoot 3-pointers after Friday’s practice and believes he can make a full recovery before April. ‘’it’s a goal, for sure, to have an opportunity to play this year,’’ he said, noting the pain has almost completely subsided. ‘’We have a good team and one of my goals is to come back and try and help this team out any way i can.’’ it’s more likely the 24-year-old star will miss the entire season. in addition to losing George, the two-time eastern Conference runner-ups have their first 12 games without guard George Hill and power forward David West, both starters. Coach Frank Vogel said a bruised left knee will keep Hill out until at least until early December. West, however, could return from his sprained right ankle after indiana visits defending champion San Antonio on nov. 26.

Vogel said point guard C.J. Watson could return a ‘’little later’’ than West, and that swingman C.J. Miles remains day-to-day with

a migraine headache.

All the injuries have provided some comic relief for the Pacers (5-7). ‘’We always joke that i’ll be back before George (Hill),’’ Paul George said, laughing.

But as Vogel waits for the other players to return, he’s not going to push his biggest star to do too much too fast. ‘’it’s up to the doctors to see where he’s at,’’ Vogel said. ‘’He really hasn’t done much activity other than walking around and shooting around. it’s still very unlikely he’ll play this season.’’

George insists when he does return, fans will see the same player who went from first-round draft pick to key contributor to starter to All-Star in just four seasons. They also may see a more passionate player. ‘’i took a lot of things for granted before, so when you lose smoothing like basketball, which is everything to me, it hurts,’’ George said. ‘’i have a lot of love for the game and i think that will show when i come back.’’

The immediate plan is to start building up the workout regimen and eventually, if the doctors approve, George will begin traveling with the Pacers before season’s end.

George says once he’s cleared to start running, the recovery will accelerate.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

SPORTS 15

Wide open race for AFP-PNP semis T

He race for the semifinals in the Mayor rody Duterte and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte – 12th AFP-PnP Basketball Tournament Final Four just got tightened up especially the last three berths as the Police regional Office squeaked past Davao City Police Office, 92 – 84, yesterday at the Davao City recreation Center Almendras Gym. Making it tighter was the victory of the 10th infantry Agila Division over Philippine Coast Guard, 111 – 52, earlier in the day to stay alive in the race for the semifinal round.

PrO and 10TH iD are now tied at fifth sixth spot with 4 – 3 record behind the fifth placer regional Public Safety Battalion (5 – 3). idle Bureau of Jail Management and Penology currently at fourth with 4 – 2 win-loss card.

The win of PrO left the league-leader Bureau of Fire Protection the only team assured of a semifinal ticket with 7 – 1 record as the last three spots turned into a wide open race. edwin Awitin scored 21 points on top of intangible plays in both ends as

the PrO continues to win a string of games that firmly kept the Catitipan-based dribblers in the hunt for the Final Four spot.

Angelito Moral contributed 18 for the PrO which handed DCPO its second loss in eight games.

DCPO slipped to third place behind BFP (7 – 1) and City Mayors Office (7 – 2). robinson Palomares had a breakout game for the DCPO with season-high 33 points coming from variety of shots.

But his remarkable performance botched to bring his team to victory that could have assured DCPO a virtual twice to beat advantage in the semifinal round as the second-seed.

Launching a final push for the semifinal stint, the 10th iD came out strong early to blow out the Coast Guard.

Dominic Dableo fired 21 points and Dexter Lorona had 15 as the Army held tight to its chance to make it to the Final Four.

Joenald richa paced with 15 baskets for the PCG which remained winless in seven games. (rico Biliran)

IN THE DARK

Not so good start for Cavs

L

eBrOn James lost the battle for an offensive rebound and stewed in frustration while everyone else ran downcourt, leaving his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates to defend 4-on5 at the other end while the game was still in the balance in the fourth quarter.

The Cavaliers went the final 9 minutes without scoring a field goal in Friday night’s 91-78 loss to the Washington Wizards, a third consecutive loss and one that puts James under .500 more than 10 games into a season for the first time in six years.

Looking for reasons?

Start with lack of hustle, lack of teamwork. James was slow to get back more than once in that fourth quarter, something he conceded is ‘’never a good example’’ for a team leader. Asked about his team’s body language, he said flatly: ‘’it’s not good.’’ ‘’it’s something we’ve got to work on. We understand that. it starts with me, for sure. it’s something i’ll always work on, too,’’ James said. ‘’it trickles down to everyone else.’’

Coach David Blatt was just as blunt. He cited ‘’irresponsible play’’ and ‘’bad decisions’’ for some of his team’s 19 turnovers. ‘’We’re a little bit in the dark,’’ Blatt said, ‘’and we’ve

got to find our way out.’’

John Wall took over in the third quarter and finished with 28 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the hustling Wizards, who have won four of five. resuming a rivalry that peaked last decade when Washington and James’ Cavaliers met three consecutive years in the playoffs - it was so intense that both Jay-Z and Soulja Boy got involved - the Wizards eagerly pounced on their old nemesis, grabbing a majority of the 50-50 balls and capitalizing on the defensive woes that have led to Cleveland’s surprisingly mediocre start. ‘’i feel like it’s a statement,’’ Wall said, ‘’because we lost at Toronto pretty badly, Dallas we feel like we let that game go away, and we haven’t beat a big-name team (as) everybody says, so this game is pretty big.’’

James scored 22 points on 8-for-21 shooting, but the Cavaliers shot 36 percent, scored a season-low in points and looked flat-footed as they fell to 5-6. ‘’There were a lot of balls on the floor,’’ Blatt said, ‘’especially when you’re struggling - i don’t want to say you’ve got to kill yourself, but you have to do whatever it takes to get balls like that to gain a little bit of ground, and we did not.’’

OLD SCHOOL. Asi Taulava of NLEX, wearing a pair of old school low top Chuck Taylor shoes, loses the ball against Jason Ballesteros and Sunday Salvacion of Blackwater during the PBA Philippine Cup match between the two teams. Taulava led the Road Warriors to a big win. Nuki Sabio

BLOODIED BUT UNBOWED Federer loses Davis Cup match in return from injury

F

Or a player who had just endured his worst ever Davis Cup defeat on Friday, roger Federer sounded surprisingly upbeat.

Clobbered 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 by fiery Frenchman Gael Monfils, the 33-year-old Swiss champion opted to dismiss the downsides and ponder the positives.

Sidelined by a bad back for the five days leading into his first rubber in a Davis Cup final, Federer said he was listening to his body as Monfils bombarded him from all angles.

“From my side, i mean, as the match went on, i just started to loosen up,” he said.

“i guess i needed to hit 30 big serves, i needed to slide, i needed to be in defense, i needed to play offensive tennis, get information quickly.

“He did well to get the lead, then he was able to stretch the lead early in the second set. “i think that’s when i finally -- because i wasn’t playing for the score so much, i was playing to get back into the match, i had the info i was looking for -- started to relax a little bit and started to feel better as the match went on.”

More than the physical, it was the psychological side of things that was the problem

for Federer, who has had a history of back pain throughout his career. it is something, he says he has learned to live and play with over the course of the years. “if you have a back issue, it’s just one of those feelings you feel uncomfortable,” he said.

“You don’t have to be in unbelievably excruciating pain, but it takes a while for it to leave your mind. it’s like a ghost, it’s there, Whoa, be careful.

“But that’s why it was good for me to play three sets today. Definitely gives us a lot of information.”

That information will

now be used by Federer and Swiss captain Severin Luthi to decide who will play in Saturday’s doubles and Sunday’s reverse singles with the final delicately poised at 1-1.

As it stands, the French pair of Julien Benneteau and richard Gasquet are scheduled to go up against Marco Chiudinelli and Michael Lammer on Saturday, with Federer and Wawrinka down for Sunday play.

Wawrinka’s impressive four sets defeat of French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga could see him back in action in doubles with Federer saying he will do whatever is asked of him.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 180 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMbEr 23-24, 2014

Pelaez lined up for Rio Olympics

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

SiAn Games bronze medalist Mary Anjelay Pelaez will embark on a series of qualifying tournaments next year as part of her quest for a place in the 2016 rio Olympics.

The good-looking 22year old

EYES ON THE OLYMPICS. Mary Anjelay Pelaez answers the questions during the Fast Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier. Right photo shows Pelaez battling Korean Kim Sohoi in the semifinals of the Asian Games where she lost to the reigning world champion. Lean Daval Jr.

Dabawenya jin blew into town last week and made her first appearance after her smashing Asiad stint during the Fast Fridays media forum at SM Lanang Premier’s Archipelago 7107. “i am very glad to come home to Davao and share with you my achievement,” Pelaez said.

Pelaez won the bronze in the women’s finweight class (under 46-kilogram) losing to eventua l

gold medalist Kim Sohui of Korea. Pelaez won over nway nway of Myanmar, 3-0, in the quarterfinals but bowed to Kim, 2-14.

“First time kop o na lumaban kay Kim at siya po ang reigning world and Olympic champion,” Pelaez narrated her stint. “Sa susunod baka may laban na ako dahil alam ko na paano siya (Kim) lumaban.”

Pelaez, who will be graduating on December from San Beda College with a Marketing degree, said she will be competing in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in June and the Olympic qualifiers in europe later in the year.

She has since piled up points after winning a silver in the SeA Games in Myanmar, bronze medal in the World University Games, Asian indoors and the Asian Games. “i really hope i can make it to the Olympics and with your support, i will try my best to qualify,” Pelaez said. (nJB)