Edge Davao 7 Issue 198 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

CHRISTMAS ‘LOOT.’ Excitement is written on the face of this young Lumad while she takes a peek into the “loot bag” she received during yesterday’s “Pinaskuhan sa Lumad” 2014 at Task Force Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf. Lean Daval Jr.

DEATHS IN THE CITY

Report: 3 lumads died of illnesses while in city for ‘pamasko’ By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

he City Health Office (CHO) has recorded a total of three deaths among Lumads from different parts of Mindanao who have been in Davao City for about three weeks now for the Christmas season. CHO officer-in-charge

Dr. Samuel Cruz told reporters in an interview that the first death of a Lumad was recorded in the Toril shelter area which houses a total of 1,057 Lumad families. Cruz said the Lumad, whose name he did not disclose, was from Sta, Cruz,

Davao del Sur and died of suspected acute pancreatitis. “Based on the report, the victim was seen well in the afternoon before the death. Some said that he was still sweeping in the afternoon, only to be discovered dead

while sleeping,” he said. The second and third death cases were those from the shelter area in Shanghai, Matina Aplaya. He said one died due to cerebrovascular accident or stroke while the other one

FDEATHS, 10

INSIDE EDGE DESPITE OUSTER, GINEBRA COACH STILL TRUSTS IN THE TRIANGLE

SPORTS page 15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

ON GUARD. San Pedro Police Station head Senior Inspector Ronald Lao (center) supervises the security measures being undertaken during the second day of the Misa de Gallo at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City to prevent untoward incidents such as riots between rival gangs that usually converge in the area. Lean Daval Jr.

Mayor gets Council nod to get bank loan for waste management By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council approved the request of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to negotiate a loan with any government banking institution to augment waste management program of the city. In last Tuesday’s regular session, the Council approved the resolution to enact an ordinance on the letter of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte “requesting for legislative authority to negotiate with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and any government banking insti-

tution that can offer a loan advantageous to the City Government of Davao and to sign the covering documents pertinent to the loan.” The resolution was approved under suspended rules since Duterte issued a certificate of urgency on the matter. Committee on finance, ways and means, and appropriation chair councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang said the loan will be used for the upgrading of the solid waste management and collection system.

During the discussion, councilor Rene Elias Lopez asked Dayanghirang why there was a need for a resolution to authorize the mayor to negotiate for the loan. Dayanghirang replied that the resolution would give personality to Duterte “taking consideration that the amount will be drawn from the P3 billion agreement” with LBP and other public and private financial institutions. “By practice and tradition of the City Council, the mayor should be given

authority to negotiate. In due respect also to the City Council as a matter of inter-department courtesy,” Dayanghirang said. He also said Duterte asked the City Council to authorize him for the P600 million loan that will augment the “very important project” on the upgrading of the city’s solid waste management. Last month, Duterte said the city did not allocate funds for trash bins so he will ask the Land Bank for a loan for this appropriation.

He said he was still thinking of the proposal of the Solid Waste Management Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) for the inclusion of P600 million for the additional bins. Duterte said he will buy 10 big garbage containers which are not easy for a man to carry and have them nailed to certain areas so they will not be easily removed. He is also planning to hire trisikad drivers as garbage collectors in the ba-

rangays and will pay every driver who will collect the garbage of households inside the barangays. He said he is also planning to buy huge garbage containers so that they cannot be easily removed from the collection area, adding that some of the small bins the city has today are already inside houses. Duterte said that he will no longer buy small bins because first, they are easily stolen, and every time there is a flood they easily float and go to other areas.

US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg said that Cabusao was selected for her “fine work in strengthening a free and responsible media in Mindanao through journalism training programs for budding journalists.” An award ceremony in

her honor, with members of the Aquino family attending, has been scheduled at the embassy’s Charles Parsons Ballroom February next year. Goldberg and a member of the Aquino family will co-present the journalism award.

Cabusao helms Mindanao Times in Davao City. She is also the training director of the Mindanao News and Information Cooperative Center (MNICC) who leads in organizing the annual Mindanao Media Summit with the

Northern Mindanao

ny-based development group Gesellschaftfur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) submitted a research proposal to her committee. The proposed research titled “Strengthening Established Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network within Davao City and Conservation of Biologically Important Species” was approved by city offices such as City Agriculture’s Office (CAO), City Environment

and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP)– Obrero Campus. Abella said GIZ will be allocating P1.268 million through the USEP extension office to facilitate the research and other activities

with coastal communities as beneficiaries from 2015 to 2016. She said the city will not spend for this project because the allocation of MPA ordinance of the city will serve as counterpart and the same is already available in the CAO. Abella said the objective also of the project is to reduce illegal fishing activities by 10

2015 Aquino journalism fellow is a Mindanawon 4.6 earthquake hits

OURNALIST and editor Amalia B. Cabusao has been chosen as the journalism fellow of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship for Professional Development, a program established by the United States Embassy.

F2015, 10

Int’l group to fund marine protected area network

N international group will fund the establishment and management of Marine Protected Area (MPA) network within Davao City for the conservation of biologically important species. In a privilege speech in last Tuesday’s regular session, City Council committee on agriculture and food chair Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella said Germa-

FINT’L, 10

N earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 on the Richter scale shook the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte Wednesday afternoon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) placed the epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred 2:36 p.m., in the town of Lugait in Misamis Oriental, which shares boundary with Iligan. Edmundo Pacamalan Jr., Misamis Oriental pro-

vincial disaster management chief, said no damage was reported so far in the province, especially in the municipality of Lugait. “The quake was felt strongly by residents of Lugait but no damages were reported,” Pacamalan said. PHIVOLCS said the earthquake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 18 kilometers. Pacamalan said that as far as he could recall, this is the first time the province of Misamis Oriental and Lugait became an earthquake epicenter.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

DOJ files graft charges vs Napolcom official

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) filed on Monday criminal charges against a ranking government official who was arrested in an entrapment operation in Zamboanga City. Charged for two counts of violation of Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and two counts of direct bribery is Atty. Macapado Guro, National Police Commission (Napolcom) regional director for Region 9. The DOJ filed the charges against Guro after the local police forwarded Monday three criminal complaints– violations of R.A. 3019, direct bribery and robbery with extortion–against him at the City Prosecutor’s Office. Supt. Diomarie Albarico, Police Station 7 chief, said Tuesday the city prosecutor “omitted” the robbery with extortion case against Guro. Guro was arrested in an

entrapment last Friday at a pension house in Barangay Sta. Maria, this city. The entrapment was carried out after Guro allegedly demanded P10,000 from each of two Isabela City policemen who have pending cases at Napolcom. In exchange, the two policemen were promised the administrative cases against them would be dropped. Albarico said the respondent-official was released Monday as he managed to obtain “provisional liberty pending trial” after posting a total of P100,000 bail. The bail covers P30,000 for each count of violation of R.A. 3019, and P20,000 for each count of direct bribery. Albarico said Regional Trial Court Branch 13 Judge Eric Elumba has granted Guro’s “Extremely Urgent Petition to Post Bail pending preliminary investigation.” (MindaNews)

GONE FISHING. Fishermen start to sail out from the coastal community near Sta. Ana wharf towards Davao Gulf for a long day of fishing yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

OFW from Sierra Leone cleared of Ebola Phl transmits custody request of US Marine

HE Philippine government has formally asked US authorities to turn over to Manila the custody of US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, who is facing charges for the alleged murder of a Filipino transgender woman in October. In a statement, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the request, contained in a diplomatic note, was sent to the US Embassy in Manila on Tuesday night. “We served the note verbale demanding custody last night, the same time we served the arrest warrant,” Jose said. The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Pemberton for

the alleged murder of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude on Oct. 11. Pemberton is detained in a Philippine military facility in Camp Aguinaldo, but the US said they retain custody over him. Witnesses saw Pemberton enter a motel in Olongapo City with Laude, who was later found dead, her head slumped on a toilet bowl. Investigators said Laude, who suffered severe bruises in her head and body, was drowned. Jose said the Philippine government expects an official response from the US although its embassy has already declared in a statement that Pemberton will remain under its supervision. “We’re still waiting for it,” he said. (PNA)

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO City is still free from Ebola, an official of Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) said. SPMC chief of clinic Dr. Ricardo Audan yesterday confirmed that the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Sierra Leone, West Africa who was quarantined at SPMC did not show any sign or symptom of the deadly disease. “The patient, who underwent 21 days of quarantine in our isolation unit, will be released by Friday,” he added. The OFW arrived in Davao City last November. He is a safety engineer in a mining firm in Sierra Leone, one of the areas most affected by the Ebola outbreak.

Audan said when the OFW was admitted in SPMC, he did not have fever and even had a copy of a clearance from the government of Sierra Leone that he was free from Ebola. But because of a verbal order coming from the Office of the President, the OFW was ordered quarantined. Instead of being confined in a separate quarantine area, the OFW was sent to the isolation unit of SPMC. “Our isolation unit is originally for the purpose of admitting OFWs coming from Ebola-infected areas that have fever but it was used for another purpose because the BOQ (Bureau of Quarantine) didn’t have one when the patient arrived

tal in Mindanao allowed to monitor and treat patients suspected of having Ebola. But different private hospitals in Davao City are also preparing their own isolation unit if an Ebola outbreak happens in the city. The DOH ordered that OFWs coming home from Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea be subjected to mandatory quarantine at the isolation unit of the SPMC. As of December 13, World Health Organization (WHO) recorded that there are already 6,856 probable, confirmed, and suspected deaths from Ebola, including those from US and Mali. Liberia has 3,290 deaths, Sierra Leone has 2, 033, Guinea has 1,518, and Nigeria has eight.

ings will be known after two weeks and made public. “Every day we are discussing it with the manager of the Placer Water District to find solutions to it,” he told reporters. He said the water is still safe to drink despite the change in quality. He added that he and Andro Michael C. Bugas, the manager of the local water district, drank it and found no problems except for the changed taste. The mayor dismissed claims many people suffered diarrhea from late November to early December saying there was no such report from

the Municipal Health office. Dr. Chuckie O. Trugillo, municipal health officer told MindaNews Tuesday a few people had suffered diarrhea but said he could not point to the town’s potable water supply as the cause. He said they have sent water samples to different laboratories. At the Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital in Bad-as, Placer, Dr. Cosnarie E. Seguis, chief of clinics said there were three patients from Placer town who suffered diarrhea. But she could not say what caused it.

Placer folk complain of ‘different taste’of water R

NAP TIME. The chapel inside Magsaysay Park in Davao City is fast becoming a haven for people looking for a quiet area to take a rest, with many people sleeping on its concrete benches – defeating its purpose as a place where one can solemnly pray. Lean Daval Jr.

last month, ” he said. The expected influx of balikbayans this holiday season prompted BOQ to have its own quarantine unit. Audan said the BOQ, Department of Health (DOH), and SPMC had an emergency meeting last week to discuss the influx of balikbayans in the next three weeks. “The quarantine area is already ready and it will be bigger compared to our isolation unit that has only a capacity of isolating three suspected patients probably suffering from Ebola,” he said. Audan said SPMC will only be used as ab isolation unit and not as quarantine unit anymore. SPMC is the only hospi-

ESIDENTS of Placer, Surigao del Norte have complained of a change in the quality of their potable water supply since late last month and some even claimed to have suffered diarrhea, but local officials dismissed the claim and maintained that water in this town has remained safe for human consumption. Nonetheless, Placer mayor Filemon Napuli Jr., said they were investigating the complaint and had sent water samples from different sources to a laboratory in Davao City for testing. Napuli said the find-

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4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

DavOr gov’t rolls out fire relief aid T

HE provincial government rolled out relief aid to the families that have been affected by a huge fire that broke out Monday afternoon in Quezon Street, Poblacion in the City of Mati. As early as Monday night, the provincial government immediately responded by bringing

HAPPY MEOWLIDAYS

the affected families cooked meals and food packs. Each food pack contained six kilos of rice and six cans of sardines. The Philippine Red Cross also distributed sleeping kits to the victims.The distribution was followed by another wave of distribution yesterday as truckloads of blankets and

cookingware such as pots, ladles, and other kitchen utensils were sent by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya also turned over sacks of used clothes to the Provincial Social Welfare Office. The provincial govern-

ment also distributed an initial cash assistance of P10, 000 to each affected family. Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, during her visit to the victims at the evacuation center in Barangay Central Monday night, assured them that the provincial government will continue to work with the

city government of Mati to ensure that their lives will be rebuilt and all necessary assistance will be provided. She said the provincial government is also working to help families settle on a permanent relocation site. According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Office, 149 families with more than 600 individuals lost their homes. No fatalities were reported and all those who were injured were given immediate medical care. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

84 Davao cats given healthcare By VIDA MIA VALVERDE

HE Department of Finance (DOF) sounded the alert on iron and steel importers that have dropped out of government’s radar and are potentially ripping off P1.991 billion in undervalued or misclassified taxes and duties. In its latest Tax Watch, the DOF said its Fiscal Intelligence Unit looked at the transactions of iron and steel importers under Chapters 72 and 73 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) from 2011 to 2013. The DOF said its audit coverage found 20 iron and steel importers in the country with 25 percent of total import value for iron and steel shipments from 2011 to 2013. It found that five of the 20 importers are no longer in their declared business addresses. In fact, one of the addresses does not even exist (see infographic). It also found that seven out of every 10 audited iron and steel import transactions “are possibly undervalued or mis-

classified.” “The potential tax/duty deficiencies from undervaluation or misclassification amount to P1.991 billion,” the DOF said.

It said that amount can fund almost 3 million children’s rotavirus vaccines, or 6,788 meters of concrete bridges, or 7,740 school teachers, or 2,035 classrooms.

The team behind Happy Meowlidays, headed by Doc Bayani (leftmost)

The DOF urged the public to report any information on the iron and steel importers to www.perangbayan.com or by email at customs_piad@yahoo. com.ph. Edge Davao

Edge Davao columnist Vida Valverde with her cats to be spayed and neutered.

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Esdevco inaugurates CAME today T

HE Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) will formally inaugurate the Clubhouse at The Matina Enclaves or CAME today. No less than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will be the guest of honor in the inauguration of CAME along with Esdevco president and CEO Glenn Y. Escandor who will personally tour the city’s chief executive around the 900-square meter facility. Escandor will be joined by the rest of the Escandor clan including brother Gerome, mother Violeta and wife Michelle. The Esdevco staff led by project manager Gerald Garces will usher in guests and clients to the

much awaited blessing and inauguration of CAME. Last month, The Matina Enclaves also inaugurated its model house unit at The Courtyard. Garces said CAME will be a multi-functional facility that will serve the needs of the residents of The Matina Enclaves. It boasts of such amenities as a mini gym. Kiddie playroom, function room, ballroom for 150 to 200 guests, lapping pool, kiddie pool and gazebos. The second floor, fitted with umbrella-tables, has a spacious balcony where people can hang out while enjoying the sea breeze coming from the nearby Davao Gulf. The mixed used devel-

opment is the first venture of Esdevco into real estate development. Despite its newbie status, it has more

than lived up to its promise of providing the finest living amenities within a community that is right in the heart of

Davao City. Esdevco is a sister company of known Escandor businesses The Royal Madaya

Hotel and Davao Security and Investigation Agency (Dasia)—known industry leaders in Davao City. (NJB)

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Phl eligible for 2nd compact grant from US gov’t agency

HE Board of Directors of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an independent agency of the US government, at its quarterly meeting in Washington, D.C., announced the country’s eligibility to develop a proposal for a new compact with MCC. In selecting the Philippines, the MCC Board of Directors highlighted the Philippine government’s efforts towards good governance and improved policy performance in promoting inclusive economic growth as reflected in the recent performance of the country in the MCC Scorecard FY2015. The Philippines passed the eligibility requirements of MCC, including the Control of Corruption indicator. The scorecard system is a mechanism developed by MCC to measure a country’s performance, as compared with countries of similar per capita income, in 20 third-party indicators divided into three broad categories: Economic Freedom, Investing in People and Ruling Justly and contributing as basis for eligibility of a country to access Compact grants from the US Government. In the MCC Scorecard FY2015, the Philippines earned improved scores in Rule of Law (a jump from 42 percent to 54 percent) and Control of Corruption (a jump from 46 percent to 61 percent) under the Ruling Justly Category. This, coupled with consistent passing scores in in-

dicators in Economic Freedom and Investing in People (e.g. Fiscal Policy, Inflation, Regulatory Quality, Natural Resource Protection, and Child Health), earned the Philippines eligibility for a new compact with MCC. In a statement, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said the Philippines’ eligibility “adds to the virtuous cycle we began with good governance in our bid to promote inclusive, sustainable growth.” “With Moody’s recent upgrade of the country’s credit rating to Baa2, we welcome how our development partners and the international community are positively responding to our hard work by empowering even more reforms to happen. Every recognition we earn from our partners is ammunition in the good fight we started last 2010.” Scheduled to be completed in May 2016, the Philippines is currently in the latter stage of implementation of the first compact with MCC amounting to US$433.91 million worth of grants to support rehabilitation of the Samar Road of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Kalahi-CIDSS community-driven development projects of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and revenue reform and anti-corruption efforts of the Department of Finance through the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Revenue Integrity Protection Service.

DOF Reviews 2014: Phl in ‘virtuous cycle’

“

THE Department of Finance (DOF) has finished 2014 strong,” DOF Chief Economist and Undersecretary Gil Beltran of the Policy Development and Management Services Group said at the conclusion of the DOF year-end performance review last December 15. Delivering remarks on Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima’s behalf, Beltran noted that achievements in the year 2014 is part of a “virtuous cycle” sprung by good governance reforms at the start of this administration. Citing the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, Beltran said the DOF has built a strong foundations enabling growth and reforms to further pick up in the near future. “Inflation slowed to 3.7 percent in November. Interest rates net of inflation remain one of the lowest in Asia despite QE tapering in the United States. The exchange rate is stable on account of strong BOP inflows and the fiscal position is at its strongest (almost in balance at -0.3 percent of GDP as of end-October) with the NG revenue effort up by 1/2 percentage point (as of October) and the

public sector debt ratio at its lowest in 30 years (66.3 percent for Consolidated Public Sector, 52 percent for non-financial public sector and 38.1 percent for consolidated general public sector),” Beltran reported to all DOF employees in attendance at the review. “We are still keeping a 6 percent average quarterly growth rate for the entire Aquino administration, and there is headroom to sustain an even higher growth rate in the next two years. The growth rate is also private sector-led, investment-led and broad-based, ensuring growth is sustainable,” Beltran added. Beltran welcomed the positive response the Philippines received with four credit upgrades, most recently by Moody’s on 11 December 2014 and S&P on 8 May 2014 to a notch above investment grade, the highest rating ever given by both ratings agencies to the country. The Philippines also received upgrades from Japanese R&I and NICE Investors Service of Korea. The World Economic Forum has also recognized the Philippines as the most improved country since 2010

FDOF, 10

CHRISTMAS IN TUNA CAPITAL. The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Paskuhan sa Gensan opens with a grand fireworks display Friday, December 12, at the Oval Plaza in General Santos City. Photo courtesy of Cocoy Sexcion for Gensan CPIO

P2B in iron, steel taxes missing: DOF T

importers under Chapters 72 and 73 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) from 2011 to 2013. The DOF said its audit coverage found 20 iron and steel importers in the country with 25 percent of total import value for iron and steel shipments from 2011 to 2013. It found that five of the 20 importers are no longer

NEW KREM-TOP CAMPAIGN

in their declared business addresses. In fact, one of the addresses does not even exist It also found that seven out of every 10 audited iron and steel import transactions “are possibly undervalued or misclassified.” “The potential tax/duty deficiencies from undervaluation or misclassification amount to P1.991 billion,” the DOF said.

It said that amount can fund almost 3 million children’s rotavirus vaccines, or 6,788 meters of concrete bridges, or 7,740 school teachers, or 2,035 classrooms. The DOF urged the public to report any information on the iron and steel importers to www.perangbayan.com or by email at customs_piad@ yahoo.com.ph. Edge Davao

their endorsers are Richard Yap, Maja Salvador, and Enchong Dee. According to sociologist Dr. Mina Ramirez, the five core values of Filipinos that Krem-Top wants to highlight in next year’s campaign are mapagpasalamat (grateful); matatag (resilient); masigasig

(perseverant); mapagmalasakit (compassionate); and magalang (respectful). Ramirez said despite hardships, Filipinos know how to enjoy life. This is evident in how Filipinos celebrate holidays, feast, occasions, and reunions.

Values can build a better nation By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

S the year draws to a close, Filipinos are being encouraged to look back on their innate core values and determine to become better next year. This is contained in KremTop coffee creamer’s newest campaign dubbed “Change for the Better.” “For our campaign next year, we would like to harness innate Filipino values that can be used as a mechanism to communicate to the public how they can be better Filipinos and a better nation,” KremTop assistant brand manager Nikki Tan said during the campaign’s Davao launch at The Marco Polo, Davao yesterday. Tan said the campaign started in 2012 with the call for everyone to commit and sustain personal values not just during the turn of the year but throughout the year and beyond. “Over time, the campaign has grown from being individualistic to being nationalistic

as the mission is not just on improving one’s self but the entire nation to rally towards becoming better Filipinos,” she said. Tan said the campaign will be incorporated in the brand’s advertisements on television, radio, and newspapers nationwide starting next year. Among

FVALUES, 10

CHANGE. Krem-Top assistant brand manager Nikki Tan talks to reporters during the launch of the “Change for the Better” campaign yesterday at The Marco Polo, Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

CULTURE&ARTS 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Exotic foods from the Philippines Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

FOOD is more than simple nutrition for Filipinos; they love to eat, whether it’s a sit-down meal with family or friends or a quick snack. Sharing food is one of the great social pleasures for all classes, and not having food for your guests is considered a source of ‘hiya,’ so mountains of it are served at parties and fiestas.” That is what Lindsay Bennett wrote in the Globetrotter Island Guide, “Philippines.” Bennett considered Filipino food as “a melting pot” as it has “many differing cultural antecedents, with dishes and methods from Malaysia and Indonesia mixing with later Spanish, Chinese and American touches.” Recently, Cable News Network (CNN) came up with a list of 50 Filipino foods that define the Philippines. “Filipino food may not be as famous as that of its Thai and Vietnamese neighbors. But with more than 7,000 islands and a colorful history, this archipelago has some delicious dishes of its own,” wrote authors Maida Pineda and Candice Lopez-Quimpo. The Philippines is renowned for its “adobo,” “sinigang,” “kare-kare,” “bulalo,” “sisig,” and “halo-halo.” But some of the foods that made it to the list are what others call exotic foods. Ingredients may be distasteful to some but are delicious to the people who eat them. In Pampanga, for instance, people cook mole crickets into a delicious appetizer called “kamaro.” The two CNN authors wrote: “If catching these bugs is tough, so is cooking them. Legs and wings must be removed, and then the body is boiled in vinegar and garlic. It’s then sautéed in oil, onion and chopped tomatoes until chocolate brown. These bitesize appetizers are crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.” Ever heard of “betute tugak”? The two authors shared this information: “The French may have turned frogs’ legs into a delicacy, but Filipinos take it to the next level. They get a frog, stuff it with minced pork and deep-fry it.” “Kapampangans are actually proud that their ‘betute’ is very unique to them,” wrote Alexander Villafania in an article which appeared in the website of Food and Beverage. “This can be attributed to the fact that the frogs they use as main ingredient for this delicacy are rice field frogs, which eat small

Tamilok (taken from the net)

insects. These are actually larger than the normal frogs that are sold for food in most wet markets. However, smaller sized frogs are still good enough to make ‘betute.’” To Westerners, “dinuguan at puto” may not look appetizing. But this black dish of pork and pig innards stewed in fresh pig blood seasoned with garlic, onion and oregano and eaten with a white “puto” (rice cake) or steamed rice is a comforting dish for many Filipinos. “Balut” has been the “shocking” topic of some television shows because of its taboo nature in some Western cultures. In two episodes of Survivor: Palau and two episodes of Survivor: China, separate challenges featured attempts to eat the boiled 17-day-old duck embryo. Similarly, Fear Factor frequently uses “balut” as a means of disgusting contestants. “Balut” is best eaten with rock salt or spicy vinegar; oftentimes, it is consumed with beer. Named after the Filipino term which means “wrapped,” balut (a fertilized egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell) has been touted as an aphrodisiac as it boosts libido. Studies have shown balut contains 12.6 grams of protein, 181 calories and good sources of Vitamin B1 and B2, minerals, niacin, beta carotene and other supplements. Balut is common in street drinking sessions and just chatting with friends late nights. Generally, balut is sold mostly when the street lights are on by vendors in basket covered with thick foams and cloths to keep them warm. You probably read “Dogeaters,” a novel written by Jessica Hagedorn and published in 1990. The title is a common derogatory term referring to Filipino natives who supposedly eat dogs instead of pork or chicken. Dog-eating is common in many homes in the Philippines. Here’s one experience from a foreigner: “In Batangas, I once ate a Philippine stew dish, caldereta, which is made of chevon (goat meat). It was delicious. However, one time I ate it, I was told this one was made from a dog. That was after I ate it. It tasted okay, like chevon really. I totally didn’t believe it was a dog; but I was convinced when driving through a back-street and saw a dead animal strung up by the neck, having the hide pulled off

Balut it, from head to tail. I thought of it as goat but the head was still with its hide and it was definitely a dog.” If dog is not your taste, then you may try “ginataang daga.” It is not prepared from rats living in homes or in the cities. These are rats “harvested” from rice fields in the provinces. “I actually had an experience catching these rats and I find in more enjoying than actually eating it,” one blogger wrote. “The best time to catch them is during rainy season because the rat holes are filled with water. Once they get out of their holes, we strike them with a bat or a stick. Cooking it is just like cooking a “ginataang manok.” However, it takes a longer time to cook it as you need to remove the skin, cut the heads and boil them several times to remove the smell. The taste is similar to chicken.” Then, there’s the “tamilok,” which has become one of the tourism identities of places like Agusan del Norte, Bohol and most especially Palawan. If you’re still at loss what a “tamilok” is, it’s actually a wood worm which tastes like your familiar oyster. Although it looks like a worm, bigger than a twelve-inch ruler, it is actually a mollusk found inside rotting mangroves. In her blog, Faith Salazar wrote: “Finding these wood worms among throngs of mangrove trees is not an easy feat. First, those scouting for

Croco steak

‘tamilok’ need to locate a dead mangrove. When they find one, they need to be careful when trudging muddy parts of the mangrove – it can get very sticky and slippery so their steps have to be calculated. Plus, they have to evade sharp shells and tree branches. When they get to the prized rotting mangrove, they hack it open. They are lucky if they find a ‘tamilok’ inside.” Jodelen O. Ortiz, who has eaten “tamilok” when he visited Palawan, reports: “They are served raw after their insides are removed and cleaned. You may choose between vinegar or calamansi juice for perfect dips. If I were you, however, I will ask for native coconut vinegar (the one from ‘tuba’) as ‘tamilok’ tastes better than the commercial vinegars.” Those who have eaten “tamilok” say that it tastes better than oyster (“talaba”) and any other pulutan while some even answer that it could taste like cheese when served fresh. But one this is sure: drinking becomes more engaging with tamilok as “pulutan.” If you happen to visit Davao City, try to go to Riverwalk Restaurant near the Crocodile Park and at Café el Gato at Palos Verdes. It serves any of the following crocodile dishes: braised crocodile paws, crunchy croc wings, crispy crocodile pata, braised crocodile shank, drunken lechon crocodile, crocodile gumbo, crocodile sausages, fresh croc-

odile pasta, and crocodile ice cream, among many others. “Personally, all these dishes are really good,” says Chef Dino Dizon, who develops such dishes. “It really depends on the person’s mood; whether something spicy for that day or something crunchy and meaty. For me, the fresh crocodile pasta always hits the spot. It goes well with any preferred pasta sauce. It is the creaminess of the pasta from the crocodile egg that pleases my palette. Finishing it off with a nice creamy crocodile ice cream completes it.” To those who want to lose weight, crocodile meat might be the answer to your food cravings. “Compared to most other meats, crocodile meat is low in fat, low in calories and high in protein,” Dizon says. “In particular, it is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated fat. In addition, crocodile meats are sources of niacin and vitamin B12.” Meanwhile, there are many types of foods sold in the street and here are cer-

Chicken entrails

tain favorites found in almost every place in the Philippines: “kwek-kwek” (made of quail eggs covered in orange dough and deep fried), “isaw” (chicken intestine put on a stick and grilled), fish balls (minced fish rolled into balls), betamax (a cubed, curdled blood of a chicken), adidas (the marinated grilled chicken’s feet), “atay” (marinated and barbequed liver of chicken), and helmet (the grilled head of a chicken). Let’s cap this food trip with a drink – the civet coffee, which actually comes from the droppings of the nocturnal, cat-like animal called the palm civet. These carnivorous mammals do eat the red coffee cherries that contain the beans. The consumed coffee cherries pass through the civet whole after fermenting in the stomach and that’s what gives the coffee its exquisite taste and aroma. The Philippines indeed serves up some of the world’s interesting and adventurous traditional cuisine – mouthwatering for some, stomach-churning for others.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

EDITORIAL

Big risk

HE arrival of various indigenous peoples (IPs) in Davao City during the holidays is always met with fear for their own safety. For one thing, the very reason they are here exposes them to danger from traffic, the elements, and even from other people. Already, according to the City Health Office, at least one young Lumad has been involved in a vehicular accident, and while the victim has survived, there is no assurance that a similar incident will not happen again – perhaps with worse consequences. The Lumads also face daily exposure to sun and rain, and with the weather these days being so erratic, it is not difficult to imagine them succumbing to various illnesses as their bodies deal with extremes in temperature. Indeed, the City Health Office (CHO) has already recorded three deaths among the IPs ever since they arrived in the city about three years ago. One died of cardiac arrest, another of stroke, and a third died of amoebiasis. The first two may not be due to their stay here since they may have had their conditions from way back, but the third – amoebisasis – was possibly contracted while moving around

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in the city. Davao City may boast of having the cleanest water in the world, but contaminated water may still abound, and hapless individuals may be exposed to them. The water was apparently not from the city-sponsored shelters, otherwise other people would have contracted amoebiasis, but the concern is still there that the Lumads could be exposed to a danger they know little about. Whether the city government likes it or not, these three deaths fall squarely on its shoulders since it has welcomed the IPs in the city’s midst. There is no point in blaming it, of course, because the visitors will come whether it likes it or not, but the city government must strengthen its monitoring of the IPs to make sure their health and safety are maintained as they stay here. This presents a serious problem especially since their numbers are increasing each year; pretty soon the city’s resources will not be able to absorb this yearly “visitation” unless a proper program is mounted to address their needs right where they live. Only by improving their situations will they be dissuaded from risking their lives in the big city. 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

HE ratification of the 1935 Constitution on May 14, 1935 formalized the establishment of the Commonwealth government on November 15 of the same year. In between, the first national elections were held on September 17, where Manuel L. Quezon and Sergio Osmeña won as president and vice-president, respectively. Not too long ago, during the 1934 Constitutional Convention, Atty. Pantaleon Pelayo Sr., dubbed by then acting Davao Consul Toyoji Kaneko of Japan as “arrogant and eccentric,” lam-basted the Japanese for using dummies in controlling 90 percent of the lands in Davao. On in-terpellation, Pelayo, a former Zamboanga lawyer, told the assembly in crisp terms that Japanese interests in Mindanao were influencing the people, especially those in the bureaucracy, and the political leaders of Davao, saying: “To the lawyers the Japanese are the best clients; to the doc-tors, they are the best patients; to the public officials, they are the best friends, especially when Christmas time comes.” The Japanese overtures that come out before the ratification were sharp and pointed. During a round-table discussion in

IVE man a fish, so goes a saying, and he will eat fish for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will fish for his lifetime. If we don’t watch out, this adage may soon become obsolete. Davao Gulf has been fished to the limit. Like the other vital resources such as forests, our fisheries are about to collapse -- a victim of the almost unabated plunder of the commons. As defined, the commons encompasses unoccupied land and all waters which are considered a God-given set of resources for man to consume as much as needed. As the Holy Bible puts it: “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground -- everything that has the breath of life in it -- I give every green plant for food” (Genesis 1:29-30). But these resources appear to have been abused to the point of exhaustion. Take the case of the Davao Gulf, whose area of 308,000 hectares cuts into the island of Mindanao from Philippine Sea. The World Wildlife Fund considers the gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Diverse coral reefs, different mangrove species, cetaceans and a host of invertebrates contribute to the natural diversity of the gulf. Davao Gulf is Southern Mindanao’s fishing ground. In fact, it is the 10th major fishing ground in the country. As such, “Davao Gulf is a critical resource supporting the economies of six coastal cities and 18 coastal municipalities,” says the Davao Gulf Management Council (DGMC), composed of all the local government units surrounding the gulf. “There is what we call a maximum sustainable yield or MSY,” Director Fatma Idris

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

VANTAGE POINTS

Tightening the noose

FAST BACKWARD BY THE ARCHIVIST Davao with Agriculture Secretary Eulogio Rodriguez, Kaneko, repeat-ing published articles based on official reports, alleged that 2,000 Japanese were killed by out-laws in Davao presumably as a consequence of agrarian dispute. But the Philippine Constabu-lary records, as of April 1935, showed only 54 Japanese by natives, not by outlaws, 27 of these in the past 13 years. Japanese efforts to get a favorable sup-

port for the land problem did not soften even after the new charter was ratified. On September 14, three days before the nationwide polls, it was re-ported that the Japanese in Davao, despite resentment towards the government action for can-celling the 98 leases on the illegal Japanese landholdings covering 9,000 hectares, continued to hold meetings with top-rank officials. They even managed to convince Rodriguez “to suspend ejections until the matter if made the subject of consideration at the request of Consul-General K. Uchiyama.” On Nov. 15, 1935, the Commonwealth government was established and ten days later the National Assembly, the country’s new legislature, officially met. Despite the setback, the Japanese were still persistent in getting the government support to their side. On April 10, 1936, President Quezon flew to Davao and met with the stakeholders. He was able to get the Japanese to “pledge amity and cooperation,” assuring them that their landhold-ings would be respected until the leases had expired. But the Japanese proposed that their leas-es be extended for another

Fished out

of the Bureau of Fisheries THINK ON THESE! and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), told the media who attended a press briefing at the Philippine Information Agency. “Based on our research, Davao Gulf has Henrylito D. Tacio already reached henrytacio@gmail.com and exceeded the MSY and there was a decline in the catch of small pelagic fishes.” Her statement confirmed a previous study undertaken by the World Fish Center. Since 2000, the volume and quality of the fish in the Davao Gulf have been in constant decline, according to the 10-year study entitled “Strengthening Governance and Sustainability of Small-scale Fisheries Management in the Philippines: An Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Approach in Davao Region.” A collaborative effort of the BFAR, local government units and the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology, the study looked at the volume and quality of the harvests of 10 commonly fished species in the gulf: matambaka, tamban, moro-moro, caraballas, bilong-bilong, lapu-lapu, danggit, molmol, talakitok, and maya-maya. Except for maya-maya, the harvest numbers for the species have been falling. At the current rate of decline, the caraballas, bilong-bilong, molmol, and danggit may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade, the study said.

The matambaka, tamban and moro-moro are more resilient, but even they may disappear within a generation, it added. Overexploitation has been cited as one of the culprits why fish catch has been declining. Oceans, which are global common property resources, are open with few limitations to all takers. Vessels from wealthier countries dominate the ocean catch. Although fish stocks are a renewable resource, many of them are strained to the limit. “Over the years, they have suffered from a widespread notion that the seas are inexhaustible and economic pressures that have encouraged overexploitation,” deplored Roy Alimoane, director of Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center. Marine experts claim that all fishing activities depend on a fragile resource base which, if mismanaged and overexploited, can easily collapse. “Overfishing is the primary cause of dwindling fish population,” notes Peter Weber in his book, Net Loss: Fish, Jobs and the Marine Environment. In order “to conserve marine resources and to secure the spawning period of pelagic fishes” in the Davao Gulf, the BFAR regional office declared a 3-month fishing ban (from June 27 to August 31) in the gulf. Some experts believe that fishing ban was one possible solution to the problem. “Given the decline of fishery resources, there has to be a closed season in Davao Gulf,” Councilor Leonardo Avila III pointed out. The fishing ban is a laudable endeavor. But there are other things that must also be considered if we want Davao Gulf to be teemed with fish again. For one, we must protect the remaining mangroves in the area. Mangroves are very important to marine life. They serve as sanctuaries and feeding grounds for fish that nibble on detritus (fall-

25 years based on the so called Philippine Japanese “partnership.” Three days later, the President reserved several thousands of hectares of land in Davao for homesteaders and announced that Davao Penal Colony would become “the nucleus of devel-opment in the region.” Calling the presidential visit as a ‘happy inspiration,” Uchiyama issued a statement in Manila on April 15, saying: “It seems to me the Davao question is mostly a psychological one. I say this because once those annoying factors of distrust and suspicion are removed there will be no problem to speak of, since there is no fundamental economic conflict involved that cannot be smoothed out. Past ex-perience shows that the cooperation of the Filipinos ad the Japanese has contributed to the eco-nomic development of Davao. I cannot see any reason why they should ot be able to continue this cooperation provided it is based on mutual confidence and goodwill.” Two days later, the leaders of the National Assembly urged that the Council of State, with the presence of the Cabinet, be convened to discuss the Davao issue.

en and decaying leaves) trapped in the vegetation, and on the bark and leaves of living trees. A study done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources found out that mangrove forests are home to 68 species of fish (bangus, mullet, kitan, to name a few), 54 species of crustaceans (shrimps, prawns, and crabs), and 56 species of gastropods. The coral reefs must also be restored to their former glory. Because of their structure, they serve as shelter to fishes and shell fishes. In fact, a single reef can support as many as 3,000 species of marine life. As fishing grounds, they are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea. Found along the coast and supporting the mangroves are seagrasses. With 16 species, the Philippines has the second highest number of seagrasses in the world. Only Western Australia, with 17, has more species. Various marine creatures live in seagrass beds because of the amount of nutrients available. Five times as many fish live in seagrass beds than over sea bottoms made up of mud, shells, or sand. Shrimps, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, scallops, mussels, and snails live in the seagrass beds. Again, if we have to make Davao Gulf teemed with fishery resources; we need to protect our coastal ecosystem from further destruction. We have to plant more mangroves in areas where they can be grown. We have to stop blast fishing and coral gathering in order for the marine creatures to have home. We have to pay attention to our neglected seagrasses. We have to act fast -- before Davao Gulf is completely fished out!

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Aquino... FFROM 2 Mindanao Media Forum. Her passion for Mindanao—the environment, women and children, and culture and the arts—is reflected in her newspaper’s fair and substantial media coverage. Cabusao is also actively engaged in promoting Mindanao through her work as an editorial consultant for a lifestyle magazine. The US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section established

the Ninoy Aquino Fellowship for Professional Development in 1988 to commemorate Senator Ninoy’s accomplishments in journalism and public service. In 2009, the fellowship was renamed the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Fellowship for Professional Development to honor President Cory’s contributions to strengthening Philippine democratic institutions.

percent through enforcement of local fisheries code of the city. It also seeks to increase the awareness level of the community by 10 percent in the management of established MPA network through social marketing approach, and to identify supplemental livelihood opportunities for community directly involved and appropriate mechanisms. “Our city is very fortunate to have been chosen as a recipient of the project,” Abella said. She said the city has three MPAs under the existing ordinance, namely the Bunawan-Lasang MPA with 415 hectares, Agdao Centro with 21 hectares, and Matina Aplaya with 37 hectares. Abella said there are other MPAs not covered by the ordinance such as Barangay Hizon with 2.5 hectares, Barangay Lapu-Lapu with 6.6 hectares, Barangay Dumoy with 3 hectares, Barangay

Bago Aplaya with 3 hectares and Barangay Lizada with 5 hectares. “I wish that the city will grab this opportunity for the proper management of MPAs. I believe more support from GIZ will be coming once the first project will be successful,” she said. The primary work of GIZ is to support foreign development countries focusing on the environement and infrastructure including activities such as waste, energy and water management, natural resource, transport and mobility, implementing international environmental policy. The group is also involved in climate change related capacity building, agriculture, fisheries that also includes coastal zone management, land management, market-oriented farming and food, policy advice on agriculture and rural development and securing livelihoods in marginal rural areas. [ABF]

She said most of the patients who suffered diarrhea came from the towns of Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag and Mainit. Jerry Raro, Municipal Health Sanitary Inspector said that early this month they conducted water sampling at their sources of potable water in Barangays Anislagan and Cagaasan. He said the source in Anislagan was found negative but the source in Caga-asan was found to have coliform, according to the bacteriology water result at Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City. But Raro stressed that water from these sources would undergo treatment before it reaches the consumers. Rotche S. Lucino, a resident of Barangay Poblacion said she would not drink water supplied by the local water utility saying the taste was undesirable. “Bahog patay nga ilaga ug lad-ang,” (It smells like there is rotten rat, the taste is bad) she said. Niel D. Duhaylungsod, also a resident of Barangay Amoslog said the water now tasted different, adding he didn’t want to drink it after news of people getting sick allegedly because of it reached him. Anxious residents are now getting their drinking water from purified water stations in the town. But others who couldn’t afford to buy purified water prefer to filtrate and boil the

water from their faucets. One of them was Jun Platil of Poblacion, who said he would sterilize his water “to make sure”. Residents could not tell why the quality of their potable water has changed, a fact admitted by the Placer Water District which services 2,600 households. In a statement dated Dec. 12, the water utility said the change was noted in the supply coming from the Cagaasan spring in Macalaya-Boyongan. “Until now the management has no information on the changes of water quality. The management since November 18 until today is currently taking samples almost every day to bring safe water to water consumers,” it said. It also said that based on the water analysis there was neither bacteria nor heavy metals on the water. “The Physical-Chemical Testing results showed that there is a change in total dissolved solids and chlorides which cause the chance in taste,” it said. Based on the Philippine National Standard Drinking Water, this result is safe for human consumption. “Dili kini sama sa toxic or poisonous, dili sama sa heavy metals sama sa mercury, lead, arsenic, cyanide, etc. nga makamatay,” the statement further said. “We asked everyone to remain calm and not be panic.” (Roel N. Catoto/ MindaNews)

Int’l... FFROM 2 CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GIVING. Indigenous people (IP) from the hinterlands of Davao City receive plastic bags full of rice and other food items from Task Force Davao personnel during the “Pinaskuhan sa Lumad,” an annual gift-giving activity, at the Task Force Davao headquarters in Sta. Ana wharf. Two thousand plastic bags of rice from different private companies were distributed to the Lumads yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Deaths... FFROM 1

died due to amoebiasis after three days of confinement in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). “Based on the test result, we found out that the patient did not acquire amoeba from the water supplied to the shelter area. We suspect that the patient was already suffering from amoebiasis before getting to the city,” he added. He also said it was impossible for the patient to have acquired amoeba from the shelter area because he was the only patient who suffered from amoebiasis based on the CHO’s monitoring.

“We are doing our best to prevent infectious diseases and other communicable diseases from spreading shelter areas because it will defeat the purpose why they are here and it will be bad to the name of the city government, ” Cruz said. The CHO received a report of a young Lumad being involved in a vehicular accident near the Buhangin shelter area which houses 1,000 families. Cruz said the patient sustained broken limbs but the injuries were not severe. Meanwhile, the CHO has also recorded four infant deliveries in the different

shelters in the city since the Lumads arrived about three weeks ago. “They’re all safe because we have round-the-clock midwives assigned in each shelter area,” he said. After delivery, the mothers and their children were immediately referred to SPMC. The CHO gives free check-ups, vaccination, and health lectures to the Lumads. The eight shelters are located in Buhangin with about 1,000 Lumads; Shanghai, Matina Aplaya (950); Toril (1,057); Calinan (2,226); Tugbok (1,363);

Mintal (1,200); Barangay 5-A (1,685); and Bunanwan (2,015). City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) head Malou Bermudo told reporters that the number of Lumad carolers went up to 12,031 families, higher than the 11,126 recorded just last week. However, Bermudo said the number may decrease because some of the Lumads are already going back to their homes. She said that about 30 Lumad families went home probably because of their conditions on their shelter areas. CRC

“Filipinos are cheerful and naturally sociable. We love to connect to people. We are a happy race. We wear smiles on our faces even in depressing situations. This is because we always look at the bright side of life, ” she said. The 78-year-old sociologist also said it is natural that Filipinos are resilient. “We continue to stand up, be firm, and fight because we have love ones and life’s aspirations to be strong for,” she

added. Aside from the first two, she also said that Filipinos are innately perseverant. She said that when Filipinos dream of something, they do everything possible to get it. “An example would be a Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who endure being away from home to give their families a good life-abundance and relief from hardships, ” she said. The love for family ex-

tended to friends, neighbors and other people makes Filipinos naturally compassionate or mapagmalasakit. “This enables us to help other people without asking anything in return. Our mapagmalasakit trait makes it easy for us to champion the Bayanihan spirit –to unite and help each other during calamities and celebrate together during special occasions,” she said. These core values, which

she derived from decades of practice as a phonological sociologist, makes Filipinos different and stand out from the rest of the world. “Filipinos may be hard pressed at times, but in general, we are rich. We are rich in natural resources; we are rich in our people. If we can just get to know more ourselves clearly and use our values to our advantage, we will become a better nation, ” Ramirez said. CRC

with a 7-slot gain in its 2014 international competitiveness rankings. “Our ever improving economic trajectory is a turnaround story for the books. History will remember the Philippines as having proven that good governance is indeed good economics. Our reforms have resulted in concrete gains that resonate with the Filipino people: increased fiscal space have enabled us to double our education and triple our health budgets. We stand ready to achieve even more in the next years as the Philippines is already in a virtuous cycle,’ Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said. The Philippines also received Finance Asia’s Region’s Best Borrower Award for its innovative execution of an accelerated 1-day switch ten-

der offer last January 2014, its first transaction as an investment grade sovereign. The country was likewise cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit for a financial inclusion policy framework that is among the best three in the world, the best in Asia, and as an acknowledged leader in microinsurance regulation. The GIZ also cited the Philippines as the Asian emerging country with the highest microinsurance outreach as the country recorded 27 million persons covered. The Philippine model is now being used by GIZ in its technical assistance program for neighboring Asian countries. The DOF also received acclaim for its excellent hosting of the World Economic Forum on East Asia which showcased the country’s emergence as an

economic tiger. On the home front, Beltran noted that the DOF also earned accreditation from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for its appointments which no longer need to undergo CSC approval before they take effect. With this accreditation, the CSC expressed its trust on the personnel screening capabilities of the DOF. Beltran called on DOF employees to look forward by saying, “With these improvements and citations, the challenge is there for us to outperform ourselves. In 2015, we will work harder to push the revenue effort further up by at least 1/2 percentage point of GDP, reduce the NG debt ratio by at least a percentage point and further expand fiscal space for infrastructure and social services.

We will also host the APEC finance ministers’ meeting to showcase our development experience, focusing on more inclusive growth.” “Seeing the fruits of our labor appear in a virtuous cycle only makes one thing clear: we will roll our sleeves up and hunker down to institutionalize reforms in the tail-end of this administration. Next year, we hope to pass a comprehensive and equitable tax reform package that improves tax administration and revises the tax structure to drive growth and equity for all Filipinos. As we approach the finish line, we will power through with our priorities to modernize the Bureau of Customs, and rationalize fiscal incentives, among other legislative initiatives,” Beltran added.

Values... FFROM 6

DOF... FFROM 6

Placer... FFROM 3

11 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

MOURNING. Students of Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon light candles for the victims of the bus bombing on December 9 that killed 10 people and wounded 42 others. The blast occurred near the campus main gate. MindaNews photo courtesy of Iyrene Dalipe

MARIELLE ACHACOSO:

A girl who died with her dreams on Bus 2640 “

HAPPINESS is a positive cash flow” and “nothing is impossible,” said two of the stickers placed by 17-year-old Marielle Achacoso, a first year accountancy student in her dream board – a project for one of their subjects in her first semester in Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon. Another sticker said “push yourself because no one else is going to do it for you,” and yet another said “if it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse.” She wanted to become a lawyer, she wanted to achieve a lot, and she was also the siblings’ achiever, Lechelle Achacoso, a sixth year veterinary medicine student of CMU said of her sister. “She wanted to do it because she wanted to pay back our parents’ sacrifices. Our parents came from poor families, she wanted us to be out of poverty,” she added. On December 9, Marielle took RTMI deluxe bus 2640 to go home in Malaybalay. She did not make it. Marielle was one of the five CMU students who died with five other persons when an improvised bomb went off inside the bus on Dec. 9, just outside the university’s main gate. Forty-two others were wounded in the incident, which happened a month after another RTMI bus was bombed about a kilometer away from CMU injuring four people. Lechelle said she remembers her sister, on her first year as an accountancy student at CMU, as a sweet and jolly person, who made a lot of friends. On that fateful afternoon,

they were not really able to talk much. Her sister’s last class on Tuesday was called off. Since Marielle was unable to go home over the weekend for some classes, she felt homesick and decided to go home. Lechelle said she heard about the explosion but thought that her sister must have already left earlier. When Marielle had not yet reached home around 8p.m, Lechelle started to worry. Her name was not in the list of patients brought to the CMU infirmary and eventually sent to a hospital in Valencia City. It was only around 10p.m. that the family confirmed that she was gone. On the sixth day of her wake, the family recalled Marielle’s achievements. Next to her white casket is a soil painting of her by Waway Saway, an artist and musician from the Talaandig tribe. Saway randomly picked her as a subject during a soil painting workshop when she was still a fourth year student of Bukidnon National High School. The school kept the painting in a display room but a teacher turned it over to the family when they heard about what happened. Almost everyone in BNHS remembers Marielle as a campus journalist. Earlier this year, she won first prize in the editorial writing contest in the Regional Schools Press Conference and represented Northern Mindanao in the national competition in Subic Bay, Zambales in April 2014. Lechelle remembered that her sister always wanted to be a broadcaster and dreamt of becoming a television anchor

person. “Maybe she wanted to become a journalist as a sideline to becoming a lawyer,” she added. Marielle attended “Intro to Broadcasting” workshop of the 2nd Malaybalay Summer Youth Journalism Training Workshops in 2013, which was a project of Bukidnon News.Net in cooperation with MindaNews and the BSU Ethno-cultural Museum. ‘Seeking justice’ The family is preparing for Marielle’s burial on December 20, including printing of t-shirts with the words “Justice for Marielle” on the back side. But the family doubts that the police got the right suspect. Ricardo Achacoso, Marielle’s father, said they are hoping that Macmod Manibpil, allegedly a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom

Fighters, “is for real.” “We are not 100-percent convinced that the suspect identified is really the culprit,” he added. He said there are doubts especially that police is pressed to identify a suspect to show they are doing something. Manibpil is an escapee who is also a suspect in the 2006 bombing in Kabacan, North Cotabato. Mr. Achacoso admitted, however, that “we cannot underestimate them because that’s their job.” “But they should have really taken the first bombing (Nov. 6) more seriously,” he said. The family also lamented the lapses in security measures by both the bus company and the authorities even after the Nov. 6 bombing incident in Barangay Dologon, Maramag. “It could have been the warning but they did not take action,” Mr. Achacoso said.

They can’t just inspect passengers in the terminal because the bus company picks up passengers (in between bus terminals), he added. He said the bus company should hire a third person for every bus – a bus marshal or security guard – to ensure the safety of the passengers. “Their income relies so much on how safe their passengers are. They are a big company, they should be able to afford security personnel.” “They should check all passengers embarking any of their buses, even if it takes longer. They (passengers) would not mind as long as it is safe,” said Mrs. Achacoso, who earlier begged off to be interviewed. She also expressed dismay over the insensitive posting of some Facebook netizens of videos that portray the helplessness and gory appearances of the victims before hospital

personnel attended to them. “The clips are so gross. It is unmindful of the feelings (of the families and the dignity of the victims themselves).” On December 15, Marielle’s sisters discovered a letter to Jesus in her room showing her reflective and prayerful side. In her undated letter she acknowledged “God loves me and he wants me to be stronger.” “I really was convinced that I could really do so much better next time. I have made plans. Super good plans that I really hope will come true,” she added. Her list goes: “start studying and reviewing, study harder, aim high, save money, and see the world.” Unfortunately, she bade goodbye to this world without seeing her dreams fulfilled. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)

CRIME SCENE. A crowd gathers around the bombed Rural Transit bus where 10 people died and 42 others were injured. MindaNews

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6 FOOD

I adore how these little snowed up meringue christmas trees light up a night of fun and laughter.

easy Christmas food ideas for the busy you

HONESTLY, nothing is more difficult than fret! Here are some of the easiest sweet treats to settling for that specific gastronomical treat whip without the hustle of kitchen nightmares. for everyone to enjoy on this festive day. Don’t More so, these treats double as party favors too! Design your own reindeers and eat them all night long with family and friends.

This delicious gourmet antipasta christmas tree is a conversation piece and gastronomical treat in one.

Cut them up brownies and decorate.

Let’s go gourmet and have an Antipasto Christmas Tree. Cut some sharp cheddar cheese, grapes, herbs and green stalks and you’re all set. You can also add some cold cuts as ornaments for your delectable tree. This delicious tree would look good in an old used up wooden chopping board. Reindeer cupcakes will always be a hit during the yuletide season. It’s as easy as graham cakes in batches. Prepare the crust, chill and wait for the filling. In a bowl, combine soften cream cheese and chocolate ganache. Pour over chilled crusts and decorate! All you need is your imagination and some sweet treats and you’re all set. Festive Salad with a Star is a healthy alternative to a season of food, fried and sweets. Combine greens, fruits and vegetables that are colorful. Make them appear like Christmas ornaments in a tree. Lastly, add a star – you can use

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A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

Grand Regal Hotel‘s holiday food specials GRAND REGAL HOTEL DAVAO decks the halls this December with seasonal specials on the menu. Holiday-themed creation of Chef Gare Abellar showcases the festive gustatory delights all-month long. The all-meat holiday treat, the Chicken Pork in Quadro Sauce- consists of grilled pork loin and chicken in four different sauces; gravy, lemon butter, tartar & sweet chilli. A must-try is the awesome Cuajo Shrimpsdeep fried s t u f f e d shrimps in red-hot sauce. Pizza lovers surely will find the Triple Jack Pizza oh-so deliciously mouth-watering with its thick-crust in a combination of caramelized jackfruit, salted egg & Spanish sardines in rich mozzarella melt. The Mushroom Trip Pasta comes in threekinds of mushroom mix; button, shitake & straw. For the not-so cold December air, the Meaty Regal Soup lets you enjoy the tasty meatballs in a hot bowl of soup. When food abound from parties everywhere, a wellness buff may have an option to stay fit with the December Green Salad, made of romaine lettuce leaf mixed with sweet chilled chicken breast, a combination that never goes wrong with your diet. And of course, the season brings the best of the holiday creations, so don’t miss the lipsmacking Ch r is t m a s Log Cake. The December Specials of Grand Regal Hotel dishes up the ultimate food-lovers holiday wish list. For inquiries, you may call 082-2350888 or browse over GrandRegalHotelDavao in Facebook. Visit www.grandregalhotels.com

Happy holidays, fashion fans! Get these stylish Christmas shopping bags designed by fashion maestros Francis Libiran, Randy Ortiz, and Cary Santiago when you donate just P5 for a good cause! This promo runs until December 31, 2014. Please visit the Main Concierge at the Ground Floor of the Abreeza Mall for more information.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

EVENT

Poolside chill at Park Inn Davao By Kenneth Irving Ong Photos by Manic Nightnings Productions

THE POOL DECK of the Park Inn by Radisson Davao was an island of relaxation and chill-out bliss last December 6 as Manic Nightnings Productions held its first Poolside Session.

Just fresh from their record-breaking EDM festival, Carte Blance, the Manic Nightnings’ Poolside Session, together with The Brewery, was a more sedate event that started at three in the afternoon to take advantage of Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s fabulous pool and even more fabulous sunset views.

Lounging by the pool and sipping on RBG Bar & Grill’s fabulous mojitos was made even more fabulous thanks to the groovy tracks spun by

Manic Nightnings’ inhouse DJs Wacky, Torch, and DJ Tien Batu who made sure everyone was having a good time. As the evening pro-

gressed, guests found it hard to resist taking a cooling dip in the pool, chit-chat, and just relax in Davao’s newfound oasis.

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INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

TV5 kicks off papal visit drive with #DearPopeFrancis

WITH millions of Filipinos from all walks of life eagerly anticipating what is undeniably the country’s most historic event in 2015, TV5 shares the joy and excitement of the entire nation in welcoming Pope Francis beginning with this week’s launch of www.DearPopeFrancis.ph – the Kapatid Network’s comprehensive and innovative website that allows even more Filipinos to take part in the upcoming Papal visit. First and foremost, through this website’s unique set-up, as early as now, TV5 presents Filipinos with the opportunity to send and proclaim their love for the Pope through personal greetings and welcome messages even before he sets foot in Manila next month. An equally remarkable feature is the ‘Prayer Wall’, where netizens’ personal intentions and petitions for the Pope will be displayed and generated via inspirational

his itinerary, among many others. The website will also provide free livestreaming features that will allow viewers to closely follow the Pope as he leads several activities all over the country. With the launch of www. DearPopeFrancis.ph, TV5 stands at the forefront of bringing Filipinos closer

postcards on the website. In addition, a section where users can also personally share stories of mercy and compassion will be incorporated to further highlight the Pope’s legacy. Internet-savvy individuals can also be part of this one-of-a-kind movement in preparation for the Pa-

pal visit by simply posting their messages and prayers on their respective social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) while using the campaign’s official hashtag, #DearPopeFrancis. The website will also include an aggregate function that automatically tracks, collates and displays

to Pope Francis by letting them openly express their love and warm welcome to the Holy Father. This and the network’s extensive coverage of the papal visit will definitely make this historic event more memorable and meaningful for all Kapatids here and around the world.

all social media posts and responses that mention #DearPopeFrancis. On top of all of these, users will have access to indepth news articles, insightful editorial content, and exclusive photos and footage on anything and everything about Pope Francis — from interesting factoids to

Let’s Fiesta wins Anak TV Seal Awards GMA Regional TV’s locally produced travel and culture program Let’s Fiesta was awarded the Anak TV Seal in a ceremony held on December 5 at the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Building in Quezon City. Hosted by comedian John Feir, the weekly program proved itself worthy of the jury’s nod with its child-friendly narrative that takes its viewers around the country with pit stops in several historical places, most scenic spots, and exciting destinations. Various Kapuso stars shared the adventure with Feir in the Sunday travelogue that also features the country’s colorful festivals, introduces its delicious native delicacies as well as the

preserved practices unique to each region. Reaching audience nationwide, Let’s Fiesta airs over nine GMA regional stations in Ilocos, Bicol, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, GenSan, and Cagayan de Oro. Let’s Fiesta completes this year’s roster of winners from the Network including Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Wish Ko Lang, AHA!, I Bilib, Kap’s Amazing Stories, Kusina Master, Pinoy MD, Tropang Potchi, Pepito Manaloto, Picture! Picture!, Sarap Diva, and Del Monte Kitchenomics. GMA News TV’s Ang Pinaka, Born to be Wild, Good News, I Juander, Idol sa Kusina, and Taste Buddies were also recognized as Anak TV Seal recipients.

Kapuso personalities Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, and Eat Bulaga host Vic Sotto, in turn, were listed in the Anak TV Roster of Makabata Stars. Undergoing levels of rig-

orous screening process, the Anak TV Seal is a national award bestowed by stakeholders representing multiple sectors on Philippine TV programs deemed to be child-sensitive.

Teen Queen Kathryn Bernardo’s self-titled album scores a gold record award after having more than 7,500 units sold on the first day of its commercial release. The gold record award was given in “ASAP 19” December 14, where Kathryn was joined by her love team partner and fellow Star Music recording star, Teen King Daniel Padilla in thanking their fans for the unwavering support. The album features easy-listening, feel-good tracks including the revival of Sharon Cuneta’s “Mr. DJ,” Cris Villongco’s “Crush ng Bayan,” and Heart Evangelista’s “Love Has Come My Way.” Among the original tracks are “Na Sa ‘Yo Din Pala,” “Ikaw Na Nga Yata, “K Tnx Bye,” “Temporary Deja Vu,” and album’s carrier single “You Don’t Know Me,” which was composed by singer-songwriter Marion Aunor. All eight tracks have minus one versions in the album. Part of the bonus tracklist are Teen Queen’s version of “Pagdating ng Panahon” and the popular KathNiel duet performances of “Got to Believe In Magic” and “PINASmile” (ABS-CBN 2014 Summer Station ID). Kathryn’s self-titled debut album is still available at record bars nationwide for only P199. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via online music stores such as iTunes and Mymusicstore.com.ph.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage PG 13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3D Ian Mckellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage PG 13

12:30 | 3:30 | 6:30 | 09:30 LFS

THE PYRAMID Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare R 13

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

R-16 EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton PG13

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

BEAUTY

Happy Skin marks a year of happier skin with new must-haves A

year ago, newcomer Happy Skin pier—all with happidared Filipinas to be happier. It was er skin. a bold move, unheard of even. But Since its launch in Ocwith their skin-caring makeup, Fili- tober of last year, Happy pinas today find themselves prettier and hap- Skin, the country’s breakPUCKER UP with a power product that gives you doubleduty beauty! Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse is a lightweight product that can be worn both as a blush AND as a lippie! Achieve soft matte perfection in three velvety hues: Warm and Toasty (nude), Swept Off My Feet (pink), and My Guilty Pleasure (red).

THE HAPPY SKIN EYE NEED A MIRACLE CORRECTOR is corrective make-up that provides ultimate covering power, neutralizes bluish undertones, and makes imperfections disappear! Its salmon hue corrects and covers all types of skin discolorations: fatigue under the eyes, scars, age spots, freckles, varicose & spider veins, bruises, tattoos and birthmarks.

through brand of makeup that cares for the skin, has since developed a loyal following of makeup fans, beauty aficionados, and even newbies. They’ve grown to love and trust the brand, keeping its bestsellers as staples and eagerly awaiting its new product launches and offerings. “We get so much love because it’s unbelievably easy to look beautiful and be happier with Happy Skin,” explains co-founder of the brand Rissa MananquilTrillo of Happy Skin’s rise to fame. Selling happiness is easy. After all, everyone wants to be happy. But, actually offering products that get

THE ROYAL CHEF A1

This healhty festive salad treat makes christmas all the more exciting and memorable.

Hotdog socks will look great and perfect in any dining table.

a toasted bread or cheese even. All you need is a star molder and you’re all set. Hotdog socks is a fun way to get the kids to help you inside the kitchen. Transform their favorite hotdogs into cute Christmas socks on a stick and have a fun time creating them. All you need is a pack of your favorite hotdogs (you can use cocktails), mayonnaise and some chopped chives and red bell peppers. Oh and don’t forget the lollipop sticks. Brownies are a yearround staple. What you might not know is that brownies can be made into a delicious Christmas tree too. Cut them up in triangles, decorate with some icing tubes and stick a peppermint underneath and boom! You can have them as desserts after a full hearty meal or as a Christmas give-away treat. Meringues are miniatures snowed Christmas trees in disguise. Sprinkle some edible glitters or sweetened desiccated coconuts all over and everyone will sure to have a sweet time munching them. Cut up a fruity star and your tree is complete. You can also have them party favors or Christmas gifts.

Make #TheRoyalChef your Thursday habit! Follow and tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics and food finds!

easily snapped up from the shelves, now that was the bigger challenge. But, Happy Skin must be doing something right. For such a baby beauty brand to doggedly and confidently hold a growing place in the beauty market, Happy Skin must be selling the right kind of happiness. At the core of their rising business and inside each tube, powder, or makeup pencil lies a clear passion that remains unperturbed: They want better skin-loving makeup products that deliver as promised. They want to create products so good that they make you appreciate, relish, and even create more happy moments in your life. “Each product is created to ensure that it satisfies all the wants you’ve been looking for in that particular makeup prod-

SPEAK WITHOUT BATTING AN EYELASH and seduce with eyes that smoulder! The Happy Skin All Eyes On Hue Eyeshadow Palette includes four musthave hues that give you the best make-up mileage.

uct,” says Jacqe YuengtianGutierrez, co-founder of Happy Skin. “For every product that we launch, we sit down and list the pros and cons of the existing competitive products in the market. Then, we come up with all of the things we wish they could have added to that product to make it spectacular (i.e. simple how-to’s, eyeliners that really doesn’t budge even

with oiliest skin, contour that’s barely noticeable, eyeshadow that doesn’t crumble and leave loose specks under your eye),” she adds. Rissa sums it up: “Filipinas like Happy Skin because we fulfill not just their beauty wishes but equally address all their frustrations with makeup. It’s women’s complaints that inspire our products.”

COMMUNITY SENSE 13

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

A better future for students T

WO hundred more high school students of Inawayan National High School will have a better learning environment with their new one-story, two-classroom classroom building. Together with Aboitiz Foundation and the Department of Education (DepEd), Therma South turned over the new school building to more than 900 excited students and faculty of Inawayan National High School last December 5. Therma South is currently on its final stages of constructing a 300MW thermal power plant in the boundary of Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. To be completed early next year, Therma South will be providing a longterm solution to the Mindanao power crisis. Once fully commissioned, it would become the largest baseload coalfed power plant in Mind-

anao. In fulfillment of the environmental conditions set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Therma South is building a fully-enclosed dome to secure and contain its coal supply. Bobby Orig, AboitizPower first vice president for Mindanao affairs, said that close to 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities across Mindanao will buy power from Therma South. Half of Mindanaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power supply comes from the hydropower power plants operated by the stateowned National Power Corp., which have become vulnerable to low water supply during summer months or long dry spells. Besides Therma South, the Alcantara-led Sarangani Energy Corp. is also constructing a 200-MW coal-fired power plant in Maasim, Sarangani.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

Davao City golfers form FORD D

AVAO City golfers who are pushing Mayor Rody Duterte to run for President have banded together to raise funds among themselves for a national awareness campaign on his accomplishments in governance, especially in the campaign against crime and corruption. Friends of Rody Duterte (FORD) interim chairman lawyer Eliseo Braganza and the interim board members Councilor Jimmy Dureza, Alberto Pogoy and businessman Lucrecio Arizola announced that the two-day fun golf tournament has already gained the support of retired Fiscal Antonio VA Tan, Col.

Sammy Afdal, Mike Ayala, lawyer Tonying Llamas and businessman and barangay chairman Loreto Nicolas. About 200 golfers are expected to join the 2-day tournament called “Torneo Para sa Pagbabago” to be held at the Davao City Golf Club in Matina, Davao City. This will be the first of a series of fund-raising sports activities which we will sponsor and the proceeds will be used in a nationwide awareness campaign for Mayor Duterte. “Our people will go all over the country in a massive information campaign about what Mayor Duterte has done in Davao City which could be replicated all over the country once

he becomes President,” Braganza said. Greater public awareness is expected to generate a stronger national clamor for Duterte to accept the call for him to run for President. Duterte has so far rejected endorsements and calls for him to consider the Presidency, a position which is expected to change when people from all over the country will call on him to lead the Philippines. Golfers who would like to join the Fun Golf are requested to coordinate with the Davao City Golf Club office through phone numbers 082-299-0711 and look for Jen, Edith or Junjun.

McIlroy named Euro Player of the Year

GOLFING COP. (Top) Davao City police director Vicente Danao in action during the Matina Golf Classic over the weekend. Below, EJ Casintahan (third from left) receives his trophy from Atty. Romeo Bata, Frank Buno, chairman Antonio Tan, Atty. Larry Pasquil, and councilor Jimmy Dureza. Boy Lim

ORY McIlroy has been chosen as the European Tour player of the year, capping a season in which he won two majors, the Ryder Cup, and topped the money lists in Europe and the United States. McIlroy, the world No. 1, won his maiden British Open title by two strokes over Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia at Royal Liverpool in July, and less than a month later earned a second U.S. PGA Championship at Valhalla, finishing a shot clear of Phil Mickelson.

Between McIlroy’s third and fourth major wins, the Northern Irishman won the World Golf Championship event at Firestone for the first time, again with a twoshot victory over Garcia. Overall, he took four big titles over three months, starting in May at the tour’s flagship event at Wentworth, where he edged Shane Lowry by a shot on a course where he missed the halfway cut the previous two years. That victory came days after cancelling a wedding and relationship with tennis

Zealand Basketball league last year. He won his fourth Coach of the Year title last year and he remains the most victorious coach in the league’s history. After former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes vacated the position, Baldwin was already one of the favorites alongside Talk ‘N Text Jong Uichico. However, Baldwin has no full time responsibilities as a head coach, which was considered a requirement for the job.

Talk 'N Text consultant Tab Baldwin talks to coach Jong Uichico during the Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on 16 December 2014. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images)

Report says Baldwin is set to be named new Gilas coach

New Zealand basketball website is reporting that former Gilas and current Talk ‘N Text consultant Tab Baldwin is set to take the head coaching job for Gilas Pilipinas. “With Basketball New Zealand undergoing an indepth search to find their next national team coach in the new year, NZhoops can reveal that Baldwin has committed to a full-time role with the Philippines national side, with the American-born

coach set to be unveiled as their head coach in the coming days,” said the report published in the website NZHoops. Like the Philippines, New Zealand is also looking for a new head coach for their national basketball team, which means that they had interest Baldwin, who coached their side from 2001 to 2006. “Formerly head coach of the Malaysia, Lebanon and Jordan national teams, Baldwin’s well-travelled creden-

tials are second-to-none, with it being previously reported that he had been recommend by a Filipino search panel as a favourite for the role,” the report continued. “Baldwin’s most recent consultancy gig with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters of the Philippine Basketball Association is said to have helped to boost his already impressive case.” The Gilas gig means that Baldwin would have to leave the Hawke’s Bay Hawks, a team he led to the New

player Caroline Wozniacki. At the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September, McIlroy won three points as Europe successfully defended the title. “If I had won any one of those four titles it would have been a good year, but to win all four, to win The Race to Dubai, and to be part of another fantastic European victory in the Ryder Cup, means it is a great one,” McIlroy said. “The European Tour has always been good to me, so it is always special to be recognized in this way.”

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

GOODBYE, GINEBRA Talk N’Text end Ginebra’s hopes of a finals berth

HE Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters set up a mouth-watering semifinals series against the San Miguel Beermen in the 2014 PBA Philippine Cup after defeating the Barangay Ginebra 83-67 Tuesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Jayson Castro had one of his finest games in the conference as he dropped 23 points while adding four assists and a rebound to lead the Texters to victory. Ranidel De Ocampo played brilliantly on offense with 17 points. With their conference on the line, Talk ‘N Text shackled Ginebra in the fourth quarter, allowing only nine points for the Kings. Ginebra was only down by five points at 71-66 with 5:40 remaining in the game but the Texters held them down to a single point the rest of the way. Japeth Aguilar scored the game’s final point for Ginebra at the 4:14 mark of the fourth. Baskets from Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Harvey Carey put the game away for good for the Tropang Texters. La Tenorio led Ginebra with 15 points while Joseph Yeo added 10. They were the only two Kings in double-digits. Ginebra Twin towers Greg Slaughter and Aguilar struggled from the field going 6 of 22. Head coach Jong Uichico moves on to the semifinals in his first conference with the Texters by beating a team he used to coach. He will another familiar foe in the semifinals as he also coached the Beermen before. The series between the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the San Miguel Beermen will start on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena. At the half, the score was deadlocked at 40. Talk ‘N Text tried to shake off the Kings in the first quarter but a late spurt by Ginebra sparked by Mark Caguioa’s six second quarter points even the count after the first 24 minutes. Castro led all scorers at

the half with 13 while De Ocampo and Ganuelas-Rosser added eight each. For Ginebra, Joseph Yeo had seven first half points while Billy Mamaril and Caguioa had six each. Talk ‘N Text tried to pull away again in the third quarter. From a 52-52 deadlock, the Texters unleashed a 12-2 run to erect their biggest lead at 64-54 with two minutes remaining in the penultimate quarter. The Kings were able to trim the lead back down to seven at 65-58 heading into the final period. Kevin Alas started the fourth with two floaters for Talk ‘N Text to stretch their lead to nine points at 69-60 but the Kings finally got their running game going as they switched to a three-guard lineup and got two straight baskets from Tenorio. Talk ‘N Text stretched their lead to 11 points after a big three-point play from Ganuelas-Rosser with 2:56 left in the game. Castro sliced up Ginebra’s defense en route to 23 points. Although he only had four assists, his drives to the basket put the Kings’ defense off balance leading to easy baskets for his teammates. Ganuelas-Rosser played a tremendous all-around game for the Texters with 13 points, four rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. De Ocampo added 17 points to their cause while Kevin Alas scored key baskets in the fourth quarter. After Aguilar cut the Texters’ lead down to eight points, Ganuelas-Rosser scored an and-one play on the other end to erect a double-digit advantage for TNT at 78-67. The Kings did not help themselves by committing crucial turnovers in the end-game. Stat of the Game: Ginebra dominated the boards 58-47 but this advantage could not overcome their 29% shooting from the field. TNT on the other hand shot a decent 42%.

DAREDEVIL. Jayson Castro of Talk N Text drives through tight Ginebra San Miguel defense in their PBA Philippine Cup do-or-die quarterfinals match.. Nuki Sabio STICK TO THE SYSTEM. Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso is sticking it out with the Traingle Offense despite early exit. Nuki Sabio

Trust the triangle: Cariaso B

ARANGAY Ginebra coach Jeff Cariaso is still only in his second conference on the job and he knows that when it comes to learning the triangle offense and all its complications, all he can expect from his team at this point is baby steps. The Kings have shown a tendency to go away from the system at times, and while Cariaso is understanding of his players’ hesitations, he still believes the triangle could still result in something special for the team. “That’s human nature,” Cariaso told a small group of sportswriters. “When you’re not fully understanding it,

it’s hard to trust it. We veer off from it. If you’re not comfortable with it, what happens is you veer off and do something else. I just got to impose and make them understand it that if we did run it, good things happen.” He added that his own expectations of the team remains very high despite the quarterfinal defeat to Talk ‘N Text on Tuesday, although there are things Ginebra will need to figure out. “The only expectations I’m worried about is thinking what is about ours. This team I think is catching on something special. We’re not just there yet. How do we do it? We just have to move on

and learn from it. What else can you do? As disappointing as it is, as heartbreaking as it is, you just have to continue working harder and understand the philosophy we’re trying to impose. Hopefully, the results will be different,” he added. He said that patience will be a key ingredient for this team, especially with a system as sophisticated as the triangle, which will take continuous work to master long after they began implementing it. “I was telling them, I played for Coach Tim (Cone) for about 10 years and even in my last year, I was making mistakes. I

was still forgetting things. It’s never gonna be perfect,” said Cariaso. But Cariaso doesn’t want to make the learning process as an excuse, but instead, he would find ways how to fast track the team’s understanding of the heavily-structured system. “At this point, not giving any excuses, but what I’ve envisioned and what I wanted them to play is not there yet. I have to look in what we’re doing and I need them to get there a little fast,” he added. Cariaso also named shot selection as something the team needs to work on after taking a good number of

shots uncharacteristic for their team on Tuesday. “Our quality of shots tonight wasn’t very

good. We shot a lot of treys tonight. That’s not normally us,” he said.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 198 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014