Edge Davao 7 Issue 202

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

HOLIDAY WORK. Seemingly oblivious to the colorful Christmas lanterns for sale beside her, an elderly woman peddles native products along Tionko Avenue in Davao City so she can support herself and her family through the holiday season. Lean Daval Jr.

NDF to release all ‘POWs’ in Mindanao C

OMMUNIST rebels have agreed to release nine captives including three police officers they seized last month in Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

In a statement, the National Democratic Front Mindanao said all “prisoners of war” in Mindanao will be released.

The New People’s Army said it was holding three police officers from Surigao del Norte, two members of the

Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit, two members of the 8th Infantry Battalion, and two other soldiers who were captured in Southern Mindanao.

The three captive police officers were identified as PO1 Democrito Bondoc Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo of Alegria Police Station, and PO1 Junrie Amper of Malimono Police Station.

The NPA snatched Am-

per on Nov. 12 and Polvorosa and Contemplo on Nov. 16.

“The POWs will be released by their respective custodial units of the NPA in the three regions. Their release papers were signed by the National Executive Council of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines,” said the statement in Cebuano issued by Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, NDF spokesperson for Mindanao.

Madlos said the captives

will not be subjected to trial by a “People’s Court” for humanitarian consideration and in the spirit of Christmas.

“We reiterate our sincerity in attaining genuine peace based on justice and seriousness in talking peace with the Government of the Philippines now represented by Benigno Aquino III by releasing the said captives without any condition,” the rebel leader said.

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INSIDE EDGE HISTORY WILL REMEMBER PACMAN BETTER THAN FLOYD-DE LA HOYA

SPORTS page 14

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

MUZZLED MUZZLE. A police officer shows off his service firearm’s muzzle which has been taped over and signed, an annual practice by the police force nationwide to prevent indiscriminate firing during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Lean Daval Jr.

Mayor won’t change mind on firecrackers

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

AYOR Rodrigo R. Duterte is not about to change his mind about the total ban on firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Davao City, which has been in effect for 12 years now.

“I will not revisit that because it is a good law. It protects our young people,” Duterte said.

He said he is also not considering amending the ordinance to exempt pyrotechnics during the celebration of

Christmas and New Year.

The mayor said pyrotechnics are “deleterious” to the people because so many are harmed by it.

Last Sunday, Duterte ordered the local police to arrest anybody possessing even a small firecracker and pyrotechnic.

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said it will not hesitate to arrest violators of the ordinance.

DCPO spokesperson

Early liquor ban to be enforced during holidays

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AYOR Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to enforce the early liquor ban in the city even during the celebration of Christmas and New Year.

“Whether Pasko or Araw ng Dabaw, pagdating ng 1:00 a.m. dapat sarado na talaga (Whether it is Christmas or Araw ng Davao, when the clock strikes 1:00 a.m. they [bars and other such establishments] should close). No drinking,” Duterte said.

He said he wants the city to have a quiet and peaceful celebration without the disturbance of drunk people in

the streets.

Duterte said if people want a loud celebration they can go to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACoS) and then come back to the city after the party.

DCPO spokesperson Senior Superintendent Millgrace C. Driz said police will implement the early liquor ban during the celebration because it will not good for many people to have a lot of time drinking.

Driz said there should be a limitation on the drinking hours of the people to avoid disturbances.

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Senior Inspector Milgrace C. Driz said in an interview that every person in the city should know the ordinance already since it has been implemented for many years.

“Ang tanan siguro nakabalo na sa Davao, maski moagi man lang anang paboto diri, bawal gyud na siya (Everyone in Davao City know this, even the mere transportation of it in the city is prohibited),” Driz said.

She said violators face a

longer time in detention if arrested because the City Prosecution Office may not hold office for the rest of the year.

The Ordinance 060-02, Series of 2002 prohibits “the Manufacture, Sale, Distribution, Possession or Use of Firecrackers or Pyrotechnic Devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of Firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao

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‘Climate Ride’initiator pray for Sendong victims

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R. Amado ‘Picx’ Picardal’s 1,800-kilometer 14day journey on a bicycle from Baclaran to Mindanao ended here noon Tuesday after saying a short prayer for victims of Typhoon Sendong, right at the bridge that collapsed when thousands of logs rampaging from the mountains pounded its foundations.

“Let us not blame God for what man has done to the environment,” Picardal said, referring to the climate change that unleashed strong winds and rains that caused the flood, exacerbated by illegal logging in the mountains of Iligan that sent thousands of logs downstream through the Mandulog River, thereby destroying the bridge in Barangay Hinaplanon and submerging villages nearby,

killing hundreds of people.

Picardal’s latest advocacy brought him to areas devastated by the strongest typhoons in the last few years – Samar and Leyte, which were severely damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in November last year; Compostela Valley, hit by Typhoon Pablo in December 2012; and Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, worst hit

by Typhoon Sendong in December 2011.

Picardal left Cagayan de Oro early this morning for the 88-kilometer final ride to Iligan. He was met at the municipality of Initao in Misamis Oriental, midway between Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, by 50 bikers from the Naawan Bikers (NAB) and the Unified Cycling Clubs of Iligan (UCCI), who joined him all

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NCCC book teaches 7 values to kids

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

ECEMBER is not just the season of discounts and crazy shopping but also of giving back to the community as NCCC launched its first ever coloring and storybook during its 36th anniversary.

NCCC Group of Companies associate vice president for marketing Tjader Regis said the book, titled “First Lesson at Flight School,” features seven geese that represent NCCC’s corporate values: integrity, hard work, fun, humility, caring, excellence, and self-discipline.

“We would like to share how NCCC, a local-based

company, succeed amid the influx of national players in retail and wholesale in Davao City,” Regis said.

He said the values of the owners and how they treat their people made NCCC successful in the past year.

“It’s not so much about big advertising thing or what. It’s living with their values. And we think that if that’s the secret, we have to share it through simple story that even young children can understand,” Regis added.

NCCC partnered with Switotwins Digital Storytelling for the creation of the book.

“The two decided to collaborate to create a project for children, specifically books that will lift the value, mission, vision and goals of NCCC which is reflected in the mascots,” Switotwins chief operating officer Glory Pearl Dy said.

Angely Chi, writer of the book, said the geese have values that are similar to NCCC’s.

“Geese are migratory birds that have special form of flying. There’s always cooperation and teamwork among these birds,” she said.

The proceeds of the book will be for the bene-

fit of day care children in the outskirts of Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.

The funds will be used for the creation of playgrounds in an adopted public school that is not accessible to services and development.

NCCC Care intends to sell the book by visiting schools and selling it to young children in private schools.

“We would like to teach kids about charity that if they buy a book they can help others,” NCCC marketing manager Althea Lucas said.

Lucas said that the book is worth P80 and will be also available in all NCCC Mall customer service area.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

‘Talentado’ grand winner is a student from Agdao D

AVAO and Mindanao’s only representative is the grand winner of TV 5’s reality talent show, Talentadong Pinoy.

In Saturday night’s Talentadong Pinoy 2014: The Mighty Revolution held at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater, Neil Rey Garcia Llanes, a hall of fame awardee in the reality show, pulled out all the stops to win the title “Ultimate Talentadong Pinoy.”

He took home the title along with one million pesos.

Neil went head on with two sexy women, Amaya (who danced in a pole and a hoop suspended in the air) and Mistiq (who did complex yet graceful aerial silk stunts); two dance groups Escapade Blazing Color Guards (who did a spectacle performance involving flags and a scaffolding) and Tazmania (mixed dance); a performer in a wheelchair (BMG Wheelchair Dance Sport); and firedancers Bonfire.

In his performance,

Neil transformed the stage into a club by making echoing sounds and imitating violin sounds; drum sounds followed when he walked to a physical drum set on the stage.

Dancers entered the stage and joined him as he proceeded to showcase his signature moves. “I have eight sounds,” he said, as he started voicing them out, with the dancers as eight corresponding dancers acted as visual cues.

When he belted all eight sounds together, he and the dancers moved and grooved on stage. “Let’s dance!” he called, dropping the bass.

Neil took pride in saying that beatbox, to him, is a medicine. “It can cure loneliness,” he said. The crowd went wild in approval.

In an interview last November, the 19-year-old junior business administration student from Holy Cross of Davao College said that he discovered his talent in the bathroom when he was young.

Tuesday Vargas was impressed at how the young

beatboxer upped the ante in his performance. When Neil auditioned, he impressed the judges by playing with five sounds. This increased to six in the season finale and then eight in the grand finals.

Charice said that she learned a lot after watching Neil perform. “Iba talaga ang galing ng Pinoy,” she said.

Charice encouraged Neil to continue honing his craft because it’s a blessing and a gift that he can share to others.

After Neil’s performance, Cherie Gil said that she wished her children were in the audience to watch him perform. Gil said that Neil’s talent is something that the Philippines can be proud of showing to the rest of the world. She described her experience watching the beatbox performance as “spectacular.” “I was blown away!” she said.

The rest of the Talent Scouts who determined the winner that night were Pilita Corrales, Jaya, Jasmine Curtis Smith, Richard Gutierrez, and Gelli de Belen. (Jesse Pizarro Boga /MindaNews)

Neil Rey Garcia Llanes

3

4 NEWS

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

Davao among cities with most rabies cases in 2014

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DOG POWER. A handler and his bomb-sniffing dog inspect the luggage and other belongings of province-bound passengers before allowing them to enter the premises of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) as part of the intensified security measures being implemented during the holiday season. Lean Daval Jr.

AVAO City is among the top 10 cities in the country with the highest number of rabies incidences this year, with 10 cases as of November, according to Rafael Mercado, Department of Agriculture assistant regional director.

Speaking at the recent Rabies Awareness Forum for barangay officials at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Mercado said Quezon City tops the list with 24 cases.

Pateros, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela and Navotas do not have reports of animal or human rabies cases.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded no rabies cases in 2012 and 2013.

In 2013, there were 27 animal rabies cases in region XI, with 16 human cases reported for the same year.

Mercado said that as of

November, 552 out of 1,954 samples sent to various animal control units nationwide turned out positive for rabies, with 97 percent of the cases coming from dogs. Others were from cats as well as pigs that were bitten by dogs.

Rabies caused by dog bites accounted for 35 percent of the cases in 2014, he sad. The number is almost twice the 2013 figure of 17 percent.

Department of Health regional director Abdullah Dumama Jr. said the Philippines wanted to eliminate rabies by 2016.

Dumama said a region is considered rabies-free if it has no cases recorded for two consecutive years.

Mercado the DOH had pledged a total of P69.5 million for the anti-rabies program in a Memorandum

NTI-CRIME and Terrorism through Community Involvement and Support (ACT-CIS) Party-list Rep. Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. on Monday said the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) and the other penitentiary systems in the country should be separated from the Department of Justice (DOJ) so these institutions can be supervised or run by more dedicated and competent people.

Pagdilao said the raid at the NBP that yielded illegal contraband and the discovery of fully furnished baths, music studio and living rooms that brought to fore the kind of lifestyle being enjoyed by the 20 high profile inmates, all convicted of robbery, drug trafficking and other major crimes, cannot be considered an isolated case.

“The recent incident in the NBP is not new. It has been existing before and during the time of Sec. Leila de Lima,” Pagdilao said in a statement.

Pagdilao, a former senior police officer, said he was saddened that the DOJ and NBP took only a decisive action four years into the present administration, under the leadership of present director Frank Bucayo, after the problem had worsened.

He said it took the participation of a multi-agency or force, NBP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), for last week’s raid to be successful because of the scarce manpower resource of the NBP. “Even with their participation, it seems that the operation was not 100% successful as it was not able to search all the places in one inclusive and decisive sweep to flush out and arrest the

drug lords and other crime heads among the inmates and recover all contraband items inside the penitentiary,” Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao said the persistence of irregularities inside the NBP, which may be reflective of the prevailing situations in other penal institutions in the country, should serve as an eye opener that the NBP and the whole penitentiary system had not been given the attentionand support that it deserved as a correctional or reformation institution under the DOJ. “The pillars of the Criminal Justice System show interdependence of 5 institutions - the Community, Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Judiciary and the Correctional Institution. Thus, the NBP must be made a separate agency where it can be supervised or run by more dedicated and competent people,” Pagdilao said.

The present setup, in which the NBP is placed under DOJ’s watch, was copied from the system being observed in the United States where the Federal Bureau of Prison (FBP), the bureau responsible for the administration of the federal prison system, is an agency operating under the US Justice Department. But the similarities seem to end here.

The neophyte lawmaker said that to ensure that these irregularities would not be repeated in the future, government should seriously push for the modernization and reorganization of the prison management system in the Philippines to provide more progressive and humane carefor inmates, to professionalize the prison service, and to ensure consistent administration of all prison facilities in the country. (PNA)

DLPC wants to replace Solon wants Bilibid of DOJ’s watch Samal submarine cable out A

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO Light Power Company (DLPC) is interested in replacing the almost one kilometer submarine cable that transmits power from the mainland to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).

DLPC executive vice president Arturo Milan said in Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex that the 25-year-old submarine cable is already damaged, causing the island to have almost two hours of rotating blackouts every day.

However, as much as DLPC wants to do the replacement, it cannot because IGACOS is under the fran-

chise area of Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (Daneco).

“DLPC has to receive an authorization from Daneco before we can takeover,” Milan said.

He said the internal conflict within Daneco keeps DLPC from meddling in the power problem in Samal.

The board of Daneco has been divided into two factions, one wanting to be under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the other wanting to be under the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The dispute is now being

resolved in the Court of Appeals.

“We need to know who’s the right faction that we need to talk to and negotiate with,” Milan explained.

Milan said the damaged submarine line it is not capable of supplying enough power to support the growing business and tourism sector of Samal.

“If we will be authorized, we are planning to replace the line with a bigger cable so that its capacity to transfer power is higher,” he said.

Currently, the line has a maximum capacity to transfer a total of 5 megawatts.

Once replaced by DLPC, it

will have a 15MW capacity.

Samal’s current demand is 5 MW, which is why there are fluctuations in voltage “because the supply is almost the same with the power demand,” Milan said.

Milan said it is more efficient to have the cable connected to DLPC in Davao City than in Davao del Norte because of proximity.

“Davao City is much closer to power generation sources,” he said.

If pushed through, the replacement of the submarine cable would cost P60 to P100 million. The construction period would reach up to a maximum of three years.

are avoiding solicitations or requests for help from their constituents. Congressman Manny Pacquiao is different.

He’s always there every time we need him. He’s not hiding from us,” Yap said.

Yap said aside from being visible to his people, Pacquiao is spending his own money to help people and to finance government projects in his district.

Pacquiao spent around P6 million out of his own pocket to help the victims of Typhoon Pablo in December 2012.

In November last year, Pacquiao spent more than P10 million of his own money for relief operations to ease the sufferings of people in Leyte and Eastern Samar

battered by super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In his district, Pacquiao purchased lands using his own funds to provide housing for the homeless.

Pacquiao is spending his own personal resources to support the education of around 2,500 poor yet deserving students in his district.

“By doing this, I believe, Congressman Manny Pacquiao deserves commendation rather than suspension.

He has performed beyond our expectation as compared to other lawmakers who spend most of their time in Manila than in their districts,” Yap said.

Yap advised Saguisag to vent his anger on the cor-

rupt and non-performing lawmakers especially those involved in PDAF scam, “not on Congressman Manny Pacquiao who has been making sacrifices and invaluable contributions not just in sports but also in the rough-andtumble world of politics.”

Pacquiao himself told this writer that he is spending around P20 million a year out of his own pocket for medical assistance of his constituents.

“I’m spending roughly P20 million annually for medical assistance of my people. I don’t even earn a tax credit for that,” Pacquiao said.

There were times, Pacquiao said, that he thought of retiring from politics.

Sarangani mayors reject call to suspend Pacquiao T

HE Municipal Mayors’ League of Sarangani rejected the proposition of former senator Rene Saguisag asking the House of Representatives to suspend Sarangani lone district Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Mayor Victor James Yap of Glan town, Sarangani, said, “Who is he to ask for the suspension of our own representative? He is not a voter of Sarangani.”

Yap, the current municipal mayors’ league president here, said Pacquiao has never been remiss of his duty as representative of their district.

“Other congressmen can no longer be seen in their respective district after election. Maybe because they

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EDGEDAVAO

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

Malacañang says MRT, LRT fare hike reasonable

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ALACANANG said the fare hike on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 and the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 is reasonable.

“Risonable lamang na ayusin natin ‘yung sistema ng pamasahe at ilapit ito sa pamasahe sa mga air-conditioned buses, para ang kasalukuyang ginugugol ng pamahalaan na subsidiya sa MRT at LRT ay mailaan naman po para sa mga mahahalagang social services,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr, in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma was quoting President Benigno Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2013, where the latter said there

is a need to cut the government’s subsidy to the MRT Line 3 and LRT Lines 1 and 2.

“Kinakailangan po na tapusin na itong subsidiya ng lahat ng Pilipino para sa mababang singil sa LRT/ MRT. Sapagkat, kung tutuusin naman po, kahit ‘yung ating mga kababayan na nakatira sa mga lalawigan sa Visayas o Mindanao na hindi man lamang tumutuntong sa mga tren ng LRT o MRT, kasama po silang pumapasan doon sa malaking subsidiya na tinutustos para diyan,” said Coloma.

During the President’s SONA in 2013, he elaborated that the government subsidies 40 pesos in every

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JAMMED. Motorists experience bumper-to-bumper traffic along a main street in Davao City caused by the holiday rush two days before Christmas. Lean Daval Jr.

BDO acquires One Network Bank

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

B

crc@edgedavao.net

DO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) has entered into an agreement to acquire One Network Bank, Inc. (ONB), a leading rural bank with 105 branches and micro-banking offices in the Mindanao and Panay areas.

In a statement, BDO said addition of ONB to the BDO Group is intended to expand its presence in the fast-developing markets of Southern Philippines.

It will also give it access to new market segments in Mindanao and Panay Island, which are among

the bank’s targeted growth areas.

ONB has total assets of P28.1 billion, net loans of P19.7 billion, and a deposit franchise amounting to P17.9 billion as of September 30, 2014.

“ONB has successfully built a profitable business franchise through the years, providing returns of over 20 percent to its shareholders. ONB’s spectacular growth has made it a dominant regional player and one of the leaders in the thrift and rural banking industry,” the statement

said.“The combination of ONB’s regional presence and BDO’s financial muscle is seen to create new opportunities for growth.

This partnership will enable ONB clients to access BDO’s strong balance sheet and expanded banking solutions, while providing BDO inroads to new market segments previously underserved by commercial banks,” the statement added.

BDO also said the move is also in support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s thrust to

promote inclusive banking through countryside branching and lending. It said it aims to expand its product offering to these underserved sectors of the Philippine economy.

BDO, however, said the transaction is still subject to closing conditions and the necessary regulatory approvals.

“The amount is still subject to closing adjustments, but will reflect the strategic value of ONB’s profitable and dominant business franchise,” BDO said.

Imports growth rebounds in Oct

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OUBLE-DIGIT increases in the importation of consumer goods and mineral fuels and lubricants drove imports growth back to positive territory in October 2014, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported yesterday that total Philippine imports grew by 7.5 percent to US$5.2 billion in October 2014 from US$4.8 billion in October 2013. This shows a significant rebound from a 1.2-percent contraction in September 2014 and an 8.2-percent decrease in October 2013.

Total imports reversed its trend as the three-month moving average growth rate for the month picked up to 2.4 percent from four consecutive months of contractions since June 2014.

“The seasonal uptick in consumer spending during the last quarter of the year, coupled with cheap oil prices

and lifting of the truck ban in Manila, starting in mid-September, supported imports growth for the period,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The Philippine imports of consumer goods amounted to US$959.2 million in October 2014, higher by 35.8 percent from US$706.1 million in the same period last year.

“Strong consumer goods imports may indicate that domestic consumer demand remains strong in the fourth quarter. The recovery in semi-processed raw materials and intermediate goods also bodes well for domestic economic activity and exports,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

“The Philippines also recorded the second highest annual increase in imports among selected economies in the East and Southeast Asian region for October 2014,” the Cabinet official said.

Vietnam led the region with 12.6 percent imports

growth and Malaysia at third with 6.1 percent. Other countries experienced a decline such as Hong Kong (-1.2 percent), Taiwan (-1.4 percent), Indonesia (-2.2 percent), Republic of Korea (-3.0 percent), Thailand (-4.9 percent), Japan (-6.7 percent), and Singapore (-7.5 percent).

However, the import value of capital goods fell again on an annual basis by 1.6 percent in October 2014 from US$1.50 billion last year to US$1.48 billion. Also, imported raw materials and intermediate goods reached US$1.87 billion in October 2014, slightly lower by 0.8 percent from US$1.89 billion in the same month last year.

“In the near-term, the acceleration of the manufacturing sector could support stronger imports of raw materials and intermediate goods in the coming months, in time for the surge in domestic demand during the peak of the holidays towards the yearend,”

On the other hand, the value of imported mineral fuels and lubricants posted a double-digit growth of 18.7 percent to reach US$852.8 million in October 2014 from US$718.3 million in October 2013, possibly boosted by the downward trend in the international prices of oil.

“The business sector and oil-dependent industries will likely continue to take advantage of the cheap oil prices as this significantly reduces cost of operations. The manufacturing, transportation and energy subsectors in particular are likely to benefit. The government should ensure that these benefits are appropriately passed on to consumers,” he said.

The People’s Republic of China continued to be the main supplier of the country’s import requirements in October 2014 with a 16.4-percent share, followed by Japan (8.6 percent), Taiwan (7.9 percent), and the United States of America (7.8 percent).

The bank said it intends to initially operate ONB as a rural bank and run it as a separate subsidiary of BDO. “However, ONB may be reconfigured to reflect the needs of the market it is servicing. We view that this combination of ONB’s regional presence and BDO’s financial muscle will allow for better growth prospects and provide clients with a wider array of products and services,” it added.

BDO said it still has to assess and look into the individual locations of ONB’s

branches. “Where applicable, some may be integrated or converted into BDO branches,” it said.

As for ONB’s employees, “ they shall continue to be employees of ONB as the entity continues to operate as a rural bank which is a subsidiary of BDO.” “ONB’s employee benefits will at a minimum, be maintained. There will be no diminution of overall benefits. Agreed contracts cannot be amended or changed unilaterally,” BDO said.

Fisheries industry gets add’l P76-M support for fish ports

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HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P76 million to the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) for the creation of four fish ports across the country in order to boost the livelihood and food security of fishing communities.

This latest release forms part of the P480-million fund—of which a total of P289 million has already been released as of November 24 of this year—allocated to DA-BFAR and sourced from the 2014 National Budget.

While BFAR received the funds, the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) has been tasked with the projects’ implementation.

These fish ports will be set up in the following locations: Hinobaan in Negros

Occidental; Bacolod City in Negros Occidental; Borongan in Eastern Samar; and Laoang in Northern Samar.

“While we emphasize the Administration’s commitment towards crucial social services like basic education and healthcare, we aren’t forgetting economic services. Infrastructure projects such as these ports provide fisherfolk and their families the chance to experience the country’s sustained, inclusive growth,” Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said in a statement.

“These fish ports help sustain the livelihood of our countrymen in the fisheries sector even as they create new economic opportunities for their provinces. Similar to the farm-to-market roads that benefit our farmers, these ports help facilitate the movement of goods to

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

A tale of 2 Christmas celebrations Text and Photos By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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N unknown author once penned: “Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display-so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn’t the holly, it isn’t the snow.

It isn’t the tree not the firelight’s glow. It’s the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.”

It is acknowledged that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world. As early as September 1, you can already hear Christmas carols being played not only on the air waves but also in department stores.

Until 1970, Filipinos celebrated Christmas officially from December 16 until January 6, the Feast of Epiphany. Since then, the Pope has decreed that Christmas season ends on the Three Kings which now falls on the first Sunday in January after the New Year.

It’s January 4 of 2015.

But whichever, almost all Filipinos celebrate Christmas. It’s an annual tradition; in fact, it’s the time of once-a-year family reunion.

Even enemies among relatives are supposed to forget their differences during this gathering.

December is the time of not just celebration but of parties. Yes, it’s eating and drinking all the way. It’s the time when people forget to diet -- they eat like there’s no tomorrow. It’s easier to gain extra kilograms than to lose weight.

Parties happen not just on Christmas Eve but throughout the month.

That’s why some companies have their parties a few days before the actual Nativity.

That way, staff members who are married can spend their time with their families on December 24.

On a weekend before Christmas, I attended not one but two parties -- one

after another. On the 20th, I spent my time with the family members of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Kinuskusan, the last barangay of Bansalan, Davao del Sur. As usual, I was the program’s master of the ceremony. But what made this year’s celebration was the presence of the on-thejob students from various schools. They didn’t just play spectators, but they were part of it, too. They sang and danced as well.

In fact, some joined some games.

Roy C. Alimoane, the center’s director, delivered a short message this year.

But he reminded everyone of the reason why the world is celebrating this season.

He said that without Jesus Christ coming into this world, all of us will still be under the bondage of sin.

But His coming and His death fulfilled what His Father told the world several centuries ago.

The highlight of the program was the proclamation of the winners of the lantern making contest. Using indigenous materials in their respective areas, each department made eye-catching lanterns. Each group also explained the meaning of its lantern and its relation to Jesus Christ.

In the end, the training and farm personnel took home the coveted prize.

Declared second and third prize winners were the seed production department and those involved in the livestock division, respectively.

Runner-ups were the administration and sales departments.

The following day, I went to Davao City to serve as one of the four judges of the variety show of the Christmas party of the Royal Mandaya Hotel. I didn’t expect that it was a very formal event; all those who attended were wearing gowns and tuxedos.

The winning team of Mandaya’s Variety Show.

But since I was already there, there was no turning back. But before the program started, I had the pleasure of talking with Glen Escandor, the hotel’s owner.

Thanks to general manager Benjie Banson, the event’s co-host, for the introduction.

We selected two stars of the night: one male (Francis Gevin Morales) and one female (Katrina Villa-Abrille).

The two were chosen for their overall ensemble (50%), star quality (30%), and flawless appearance (20%).

However, the most exciting part was the variety show presentation. We had to determine the winners through these criteria: content, which included dance movements, uniqueness and originality and interpretation of the music (30%), execution and style, including proper performance and choreography (40%), costume (20%), and audience impact (10%).

Adjudged winners were: Housekeeping department (first), Food and beverage

Team building. department (second), and Armored car DASIA (third).

The latter was last year’s grand prize winner.

The program ended at around 10:30 in the evening.

Glen Escandor welcoming the visitors and participants of the The hosts and the winners of Stars of the Night.

Christmas party.

Since it was already late (there was still a disco that followed), I decided to go to my room and sleep.

Tomorrow, after all, is another day. Yes, I am

Children looking for some coins.

echoing what Rhett Butler (played by Clark Gable) told Scarlett O’Hara (performed

by Vivien Leigh) in the 1939 motion picture, Gone With The Wind.

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

EDITORIAL Davao’s torchbearers

2

014 is regarded by Dabawenyos a very lucky year. So many of them won big in a variety of competitions, that’s why.

The latest count by Edge Davao indicated that at least a dozen individual persons and three institutions did fellow Dabawenyos proud with their unusual feats in various human endeavors.

The biggest personal triumph which also gave more honor and dignity to his fellow Dabawenyos is that of Randy Halasan, a school teacher of a god-forsaken place called Pegalongan in Marilog, Davao City. Halasan won this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award, an international award, said to be the Asia version of the Nobel Prize. It is named after the Philippines’ best loved President.

The other awardees include: Lloyd Edissone J. Montebon who was Junior Grand champion in the 18th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, California last July.

Ernie Gawilan, a legless athlete adopted by the Ferrazine family of the Merco fame, who grabbed three bronze medals in swimming in 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, Korea.

Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon of Davao Oriental who stunned friends and foes for finishing in record time the P281-million Cateel irrigation dam, designed to irrigate 2,200 hectares of ricefields and to benefit 1,000 farm households in 11 typhoon-ravaged barangays. Undaunted by major delays caused by natural calamities, Malanyaon, a lawyer-CPA, took over the project and did an engineering feat by finishing the dam in only seven months, instead of the scheduled two and a half years. The Cateel dam is now the country’s model or projects funded by the World Bank through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Rep. Isidro T. Ungab - Another government official who gave honor and pride to his fellow Dabawenyos is Rep. Ungab, who was chosen No. 1 of the country’s Top 15 performing congressmen by former Senator Ernesto Maceda in his column in the Philippine Star last week. Obviously, Ungab has impressed many people with his work on the annual budget and before this the Sin Tax Law. The rest of the top performers include Neri Colmenares, Tobias Tiangco, Roman Romulo, Rufus Ro-

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driguez and Sherwin Gatchalian.

Neil Rey Garcia Llanes, a student from Agdao, Davao City, won TV5 2014 “Ultimate Talentadong Pinoy.” With his unusual talent of being able to make the sounds of eight musical instruments and render an amazingly beautiful music. He won P1 million for the feat.

Business leader Ferdinand Maranon, president of Export Foundation of Davao and owner of Sagrex Corporation, was one of this year’s MVP Bossing Awardees for his entrepreneurial efforts and pioneering export ventures giving jobs to many people and increasing tax revenue of the government. Earlier, Maranon won other awards, one of which was a finalist slot in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, an international search.

Two other young Dabawenyos, both students of the Davao Medical School Foundation, were topnotchers in the recently held licenisure board examination of medical doctors. They are Dr. Francis Gerwin Jalipa, who came out 2nd placer, and Dr. Charlie Clarion, No. 6 topnotcher.

The other individual winners are both in the profession of public accountancy.

One of the country’s most outstanding member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountant (PICPA) is Cedric M. Caterio, regional head of the Reyes-Tacandong Accountancy Firm. Of course, Protacio S. Tacandong, former president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, is a hall of famer in PICPA. ,Aside from the individual achievers, three institutions also garnered national awards this year. They include the Davao City Chamber of Commerce headed

by Antonio dela Cruz, president; and John Gaisano, chairman which was adjudged anew the country’s most outstanding chamber of commerce. The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Davao City was also installed in the Hall of Fame for the National Best PESO in highly urbanized city category. Last but not least was the accolade earned by this paper. In May this year, Edge Davao was adjudged the Best Edited Community Newspaper of the country by the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and The Coca Cola Export Philippines.

We expect more awards to come Dabawenyos’ way as they look forward to 2015 as another fruitful year, 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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O

NE of my best friends was going to move to Canada two years ago where he and his family would settle for good. Before leaving, we saw each other in Manila; he picked me at the Manila airport and brought me to the hotel where I was staying.

I told him that I would be meeting some journalists and he offered to take me to the place. Unfortunately, I didn’t know the meeting place. I told him that I would meet them at Baywalk. So, we went there and tried to look for the place. We were walking for almost 30 minutes – and he didn’t even complain. He had been in living in Metro Manila for almost 15 years already and been driving wherever he went – and we couldn’t find the place.

I was already embarrassed and apologized. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I am all right.”

“Are you sure,” I inquired. He answered affirmatively.

To make the long story short, we found the place and after meeting them my friend bade goodbye. “I am sorry,” he said, “but I have a meeting 30 minutes from now.” That’s OK, I told him, and thank you.

When I arrived in Columbus, Ohio three days later, I sent him e-mail. I told him how his friendship meant to me. His reply was one of the best I ever read: “Our friendship will be forever no matter where you are and who you are.”

A friend can be your alter ego. Remember Clark Kent and Superman. Friends may be two different people but they are actually one. Robert Louis Stevenson once said: “A friend is a gift to give yourself.” And an hon-

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The friends connection

est friend is a bonus: “We are THINK ON THESE! all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend,” he added.

Famous men and wom- Henrylito D. Tacio en have written some thoughts henrytacio@gmail.com on friends and friendship. “What is a friend?” Aristotle wondered. “A single soul in two bodies.” Henry Adams said that “friends are born, not made.”

“If we would build on a sure foundation in friendship, we must love friends for their sake rather than for our own,” wrote Charlotte Bronte. Albert Camus said, “Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.”

“My friends are my estate,” Emily Dickinson quipped. “A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire,” remarked François Duc de La Rochefoucauld.

Ralph Waldo Emerson urged: “A friend might well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” Kahil Gibran said, “Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

Elbert Hubbard said, “Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes

you.” Father Jerome Cummings is even more direct: “A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.” Doug Larson commented, “A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success!”

When I was in high school, my family transferred to another area. Being the new kid in the block, I didn’t have any friend. But there was this one teenager who greeted me when I was walking while going to the public market. “So, you just moved here,” he asked.

That teenager became my friend and we attended the same high school. Although we were friends, we were competing against each other during written and oral examinations.

But we studied together and tried to ask questions and shared our notes.

When our English teacher asked me to join a literary contest, my friend was there to support me all the way. “You can do it,” he told me. As expected, I won the first prize and he was there cheering when my name was called.

How true were the words of Henry Ford: “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” In response, allow me to quote E.M. Forster: “If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country.”

Tim McGraw stated: “If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn’t jump with them, I’d be at the bottom to catch them.

Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don’t say. We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.”

VANTAGE POINTS

9

There are friends and there are true friends. Throughout the Bible, true friendship stories are found. First Samuel 20 focuses on the friendship of David and Jonathan. These two men truly cared for each other and had great trust and confidence in one another. David was running for his life from Jonathan’s father, Saul. Jonathan recognized that David was innocent. Because of the true friendship they shared, David survived Saul’s assassination attempts and went on to become one of Israel’s greatest kings.

Here are some advices for those who have friends. Saint Augustine, Roman religious figure and philosopher, said, “If two friends ask you to judge a dispute, don’t accept, because you will lose one friend; on the other hand, if two strangers come with the same request, accept because you will gain one friend.”

Here’s another from Saadi: “Reveal not every secret you have to a friend, for how can you tell but that friend may hereafter become an enemy. And bring not all mischief you are able to upon an enemy, for he may one day become your friend.”

Dale Carnegie shares: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

Allow me to end this piece with a statement from Ulysses S. Grant: “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”

What we want to hear from Binay, Roxas, et al

T is almost guaranteed that 2015 will be a colorful year. One year removed from the biggest spectacle in Philippine politics, we are bound to witness a lot of braggadocio from those aspiring for residency in Malacañang.

Certainly not beyond these folks to fictionalize their importance to the country. Some of them will even pontificate about God’s endorsement of their bid even as they tear each other down like ravenous dogs. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us, the electorate, to filter through the dirty noise. It would be good then, to remind ourselves of a passage from one of our national hero’s works, The Indolence of the Filipino— “The good curate,” he says with reference to the rosy picture a friar had given him of the Philippines, “had not told me about the governor, the foremost official of the district, who was too much taken up with the ideal of getting rich to have time to tyrannize over his docile subjects; the governor, charged with ruling the country and collecting the various taxes in the government’s name, devoted himself almost wholly to trade; in his hands the high and noble functions he performs are nothing more than instruments of gain. He monopolizes all the business and instead of developing on his part the love of work, instead of stimulating the too natural indolence of the natives, he with abuse of his powers thinks only of destroying all competition that may trouble him or attempt to participate in his profits.

It matters little to him that the country is impoverished, without cultivation, without commerce, without, industry, just so the governor is quickly enriched!”

COMMENTARY

BY ATTY. MICHAEL HENRY LL. YUSINGCO

The “governor” described above can be any one of those who have declared themselves fit for the Presidency. Precisely why Filipinos should be discerning in evaluating those aspiring for the country’s top job in 2016. We should reject the same old spiels on “uplifting the masses out of poverty” or “creating a strong republic” or “paving a straight road”.

We should rebuff the rehashed story of being poor once or of being one with the poor. We should definitely spurn “soapbox pronouncements” that are only inspired by the news of the day and filled with spin and stop-gap measures. These are all catchphrases that may rouse our politics but they project absolutely nothing about our nation’s future. Voters deserve to know from these presidential aspirants the specific public policies they intend to translate into decisive action once they assume office. We want to hear a narrative that actually addresses the paramount concerns of all Filipinos.

For instance, our population now stands at a 100 million. Given the pressing global environmental concerns, food scarcity is a very distinct and frightening possibility. Therefore, we must insist that presidential candidates present a comprehensive food security plan.

Food production and climate change is a curious mix. We expect our top leader to know what needs to be done to find the balance.

Another fundamental concern with such a

massive population is to decrease the number of the uneducated and the unhealthy. Hence, we want a firm commitment to establish a genuine comprehensive national public health management framework. But we want to hear the specifics beforehand. Again, we will no longer accept slogans or sound-bytes. And as far as improving our education system is concerned, promises of more classrooms and textbooks will not be enough. We want to hear a specific policy to uplift the quality of educators. We want to hear concrete ways to increase their pay and definite steps to enhance their training.

Interestingly, while still on the topic of our massive population, recent economic reports indicate that the country is now a huge consumer market. And if forecasts about our economy are to be believed, market growth will still be on the upward trend. Accordingly, we want entrepreneurship in the country to expand but we also want the conduct of business to be socially responsible. Hence, we want to hear rational proposals from Presidentiables on creating a genuine and modern consumer protection framework without any of those burdensome regulations. We expect industries to be established that will make us competitive in the global economy. But we will never stand for exploitation of any form.

Finally, it has also been reported that remittances from overseas workers is the key component of our growing economy. Past Presidents have hailed these fellow Filipinos as modern-day heroes. The most responsible act any government could do for this group

is to make sure they can stay easily connected with their families back home. And yet our government does not seem to be bothered at all that our country has one of the slowest internet speeds in the world. It is disappointing as well that our airports continue to be appalling given that our economy is reliant on people who rely on this infrastructure. Hence, we also want to know of actual plans on putting our internet connectivity and all our airports at a world-class level. Both of these demands are imperative as matter of recognition to the contributions of overseas workers. But they can also be a big boost to tourism and domestic trade.

Our politicians are truly an entertaining lot. But it is clear to us now that being good at speaking carabao English or being cute like Nora Aunor does not cut it anymore. And as we have recently learned, having a pedigree of honesty and nothing else, is simply not enough. We need to know that our next President has a viable action plan to implement for his term in office. Particularly regarding the socio-economic cornerstones mentioned above. Therefore, this caveat for all voters—a Presidentiable who fails to unveil one next year will most likely be another “governor” in Malacañang come 2016.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Atty. Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco is a practicing lawyer. He is the author of the book, Rethinking the Bangsamoro Perspective. He researches on current issues in state-building, decentralization and constitutionalism)

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NEWS

NDF... FFROM 1

“In addition, the eight captives will be released as part of our colorful celebration of the 46th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26, 2014 and the victories achieved under its correct leadership in over four decades of people’s war,” he said.

Madlos assured the families and the public that the captives were in good health and their basic needs were being attended to.

He further assured that the captives’ rights as “prisoners of war” under International Humanitarian Law were respected.

Madlos said the captives did not show behavior that would endanger their lives and were cooperative to the custodial units of the NPA. “We asked the government to be sincere in their declaration of suspension of military operations and the suspension of police operations from December 18, 2014 to January 19, 2015 to pave the way for the safe release of the captives in as soon as possible,” he added.

The families and relatives of the captive policemen, who gathered at the Provincial Capitol Conference room on Monday afternoon, thanked the NPA for not hurting their loved ones.

On Sunday, the NPA freed Private First Class Alvin Ricarte and Corporal Benjamin Enot Samano, both members of the 60th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The release took place in Montevista, Compostela Valley.

Samano and Ricarte were captured during a raid by the NPA Guerilla Front 33 at the compound of Sumifru in New Corella town, Davao del Norte province last December 2.

Last week, the Central Committee of the CPP responded to the month-long ceasefire declared by the government with its own declaration of a five-day truce for the holidays and another five-day truce for the Pope’s visit in January. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

of Agreement signed last month.

Mercado said it only costs owners to P35 to P50 to vaccinate their dogs, in contrast to the rising costs of the antidote for rabies.

The city already has an ordinance that promotes responsible pet ownership. City Ordinance 1457 prohibits stray dogs or cattle.

Stray dogs are defined as dogs found wandering in streets, plazas, markets, school premises and other public places.

The apprehended dogs will be impounded at the dog pound inMaa, while the owners will be fined P250 for the first day and an additional P50 for the succeeding days.

After three days, the dog will be euthanized by the City Veterinary Office.

Mercado said that ideally, 70 percent of the dogs in an area should be vaccinated to isolate the foci of incidence.

He noted that while there are already laws that penalize irresponsible dog owners, no one has filed a case so far.

Dumama said some local government units have been doing it proactively.

“Other LGUs even have a bracket of penalties for cases of dog bites,” he said. “The fines in some LGUs depend on whether the victim was

bitten while at work as well as rules for different situations and where the dog bit the victim.”

He said he was in favor adopting such a rule in Davao City.

Republic Act 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 penalizes pet owners P2,000 for failing to getting their dogs registered and immunized.

Owners who refuse to have their dogs placed under observation will be fined P10,000, while owners who refuse to shoulder the expenses of any person bitten by their dogs will be fined P25,000.

Owners who refuse to put their dogs on a leash will be fined P500.

The city, meanwhile, penalizes owners of dogs who do not pick up the feces of their pets up to P1,000, and encourages the adoption of stray dogs in separate ordinances.

A councilor, meanwhile, proposed building one animal shelter in each district in a bid to eliminate rabies cases in the city.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, chair of the committee on health said Wednesday the move does not require an ordinance.

(MindaNews)

13.7 percent from P75.3 billion of the same period of 2013. More than half of the amount or P46.5 billion was paid for retirement claims, and about one-third or P28.1 billion was disbursed to survivors of deceased members.

“The increase in benefit payments resulted from the five percent across-theboard increase for 1.8 million SSS pensioners that took effect this June 2014. Also part of the reason for the increase

was the pensions we advanced to 3,931 pensioners including those affected by Zamboanga siege, Bohol and Cebu earthquake, typhoons Labuyo and Santi and to 17,394 pensioners affected by supertyphoon Yolanda,” de Quiros said.

Meanwhile, SSS operating expenses remained below its allowed charter limit at only P6.1 billion or 47.6 percent of the limit.

The financial position of

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It stipulates that it is unlawful for any person or business establishment to manufacture, sell or offer for sale, distribute, possess or use any firecrackers or pyrotechnic device or such other similar devices within the territory of Davao City.

“It shall, likewise, be unlawful for any person to discharge or explode, or cause to discharge or to explode, any firecrackers, or any other explosive or to use any pyrotechnic device or any such other similar device, at anytime and anywhere within the territory of Davao City,” the ordinance says.

For those who found violating the ordinance, the penalty for the first offense is a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than

one month but not less than 20 days, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

For the second offense, punishment is a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of not more than three months but not less than one month, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

For the third offense, punishment is a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months but not less three months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

The ordinance also states that the permit of the business establishment shall be cancelled by the city mayor upon the commission of the third offense.

“Since the ordinance has been enacted, whatever celebration we have, we need to implement it,” she said.

Driz said police will also monitor the street parties organized by private entities to ensure that partygoers follow the ordinance.

In August of 2013, Duterte signed Ordinance No. 004-13 Series of 2013 which amended the ordinance regulating the operation of business establishments selling liquors, coconut wine and other nature wine and other alcoholic beverages in the City of Davao.

The amended ordinance mandates that the prohibi-

tion of drinking and consuming liquor is not only limited to all business establishments selling and serving liquors, alcoholic beverages, coconut wine (tuba) and other nature wines, but in all other public places in the city.

The first offense calls for an administrative fine of P3,000, while the second offense calls for a fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of three months or both upon the discretion of the court.

For the third offense, a fine of P5,000, or one year imprisonment will be slapped against the offender and his or her business permit will be revoked. [ABF]

“Politics is not a satisfying profession. To me, it’s a great sacrifice. That’s why I treat it as a vocation,” Pacquiao said.

The boxer-lawmaker, however, believes God has a purpose why He allowed him to become a politician.

“I’m spending millions to help my people. And I don’t steal. One thing I abhor most is stealing people’s money.

I feel, we need to regain the people’s trust and restore decency and integrity in public service,” Pacquiao said.

According to him, his legacy in boxing is already secured.

“I want to leave a legacy not just in boxing but also in public service. I want the people to remember me not only as the world’s eight-division boxing champion, but also as public servant who is not cor-

rupt,” Pacquiao said.

The Filipino ring icon believes that attending plenary proceedings is not even half of what a legislator is expected to deliver to his constituents.

“We have plenty of good and meaningful laws. The problem is in the implementation. When we go back to our district, the problem is the lack of funds and the limited access to government social services,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao decried that time and again this has been the perennial problem particularly in rural areas.

“I’m doing my best to meet the expectations of my people. I’m doing my best to let them feel government is taking care of them, even if it means spending my own money,” he said. Aquiles Z. Zonio

the agency also continued to show solid performance with total resources reaching P436.6 billion, which was 13.5 percent higher than 2013 yearend level of P384.6 billion.

“SSS assets achieved double-digit growth on the back of our investments that rose P57.9 billion to P409.6 billion due to robust growth in government securities of P23.3 billion driven by additional placements on higher

portfolio accounts and initial placement of ECC fund into government bonds,” de Quiros explained.

The SSS has about P414 billion at fair value in investible funds. More than 60 percent of the total are invested in government securities and equities, 20 percent in housing and member loans, four percent in real estate, and 11 percent in corporate bonds and bank deposits.

Early... FFROM 2

Sarangani... FFROM 4

Climate Ride... FFROM 2 the way to the Redemptorist Church here.

The biking enthusiasts printed small placards that said “Save trees, save lives” and “Climate Ride: More bike lanes, less superhighways,” which they taped to their bicycles.

The priest and his cycling buddies stopped at the Catholic church in Naawan, where he spoke to parishioners about his advocacy to reverse climate change and said a short prayer.

They lit candles and offered flowers for Sendong victims after the priest’s prayer at the Mandulog Bridge.

The 60-year-old priest, presently based in Manila and the executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, began his Climate Ride on December 10.

He has done similar advocacies several times in the past, either on a bicycle, or on foot, even barefoot.

In 2000, Picardal did a “bike for peace” advocacy with a total distance of 2,080 kilometers from Davao to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, after deposed president Joseph Estrada waged all-out-war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

In 2006, he did a bike around Mindanao for the

Life and Peace campaign, covering a total distance of 2,100 kilometers, to protest extra-judicial killings, human right violations, mining and logging.

He endured a 5,160-kilometer bike tour in 2008 from Davao to Aparri in Cagayan Valley and back to Davao.

Picardal also hiked from Davao to Appari via the Cordilleras.

During the Holy Week in 2010, he ran and hiked 390 kilometers in nine days from Davao City to Iligan for peace and the environment.

Calling himself an ultra-marathoner, the priest said that in Spain, he ran 800 kilometers barefoot.

“In all of these, it’s not about bike and run per se, but once I’m in the church I always ask if I could preach on my advocacy,” he said.

Aside from the church, he said he shares his advocacy everywhere, on the road, in a store or in a waiting shed while taking rest.

Unlike other bikers or runners joining road races, Picardal does not have support vehicles in his journeys.

He thus carries everything he needs for the entire duration of his trip on his back – including food, water and clothing. (Bobby Timonera / MindaNews)

Fisheries... FFROM 6 commercial centers, cut down transport costs, and develop local infrastructure,” he added.

At the beginning of the year, the DA-BFAR identified 21 priority locations for fish ports in different regions of the country. Criteria for se-

lecting these locations include the number of fisherfolk families in the area that stand to benefit from the infrastructure development and the importance of the particular nature of fisheries products produced in the area. (dbm.gov.ph)

15 pesos fare in the LRT and a subsidy of 60 pesos for every 15 pesos fare the public paid at the MRT. “Kaya ang ating pananaw hinggil sa pagtataas ng pamasahe sa LRT at MRT... uulitin ko po: Napapanahon na para maisagawa na po ang tama, at ito ay ang pagpapalapit ng pamasahe doon sa sinisingil sa mga air-conditioned buses, at panahon na rin po para itigil ‘yung subsidiyang malaki sa bawat pasahero para naman po ang halagang ito ay mailaan sa

mga mahahalagang paglilingkod na panlipunan na mapapakinabangan naman ng milyon-milyong mga Pilipino,” said Coloma.

The government will impose a uniform distance-based fare scheme for all 3 train lines, where the minimum fare will be 11 pesos for the initial kilometer, plus one peso for every succeeding kilometer.

The fare hike is expected to take effect on January 4, next year.

to mass customization, effectively ushering a new digital interactive media platform through tablets, handhelds and mobile phones,” said Globe Executive Vice President and COO for International and Business Markets Gil Genio.

“The deployment of e-books in partnership with Flipside as an authority in publishing digital content, coupled with our company’s countrywide presence, will definitely streamline the adoption of mEducation and eLearning throughout the archipelago,” the Globe exec-

utive added.

FPSI publishes local content and offers conversion services of print materials to digital formats, as well as both local and international distribution of e-books. It also provides e-book solutions to schools and corporations. In 2014, tech giant Apple Inc. listed Flipside as one of nine international ePub Conversion & Delivery Houses for its iBooks ebook platform. FPSI is also an investee company of Kickstart Ventures, Inc. (KVI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe Telecom, Inc.

Malacañang... FFROM 6

Globe... FFROM 11

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

ICTSI Honduran unit speeds up vessel operations in Puerto Cortés O

PERADORA Portuaria Centroamericana SA de CV (OPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), recently rolled out new systems and processes that reduces service times of container vessels berthing at the Specialized Container and General Cargo Terminal in Puerto Cortes, Honduras.

ICTSI is an international operator of common-user container terminals serving the global container shipping industry. ICTSI is the largest port operator in the Philippines and has a portfolio of 29 container terminal operations in 21 countries across six continents.

OPC’s move to fast track the loading and unloading of containers successfully eliminated vessel downtimes and improved the overall efficiency of dock operations.

Port users happily welcomed the improvement, which significantly reduced transport times as well as operational costs.

“We are glad with how port stakeholders in Honduras and the Caribbean received the new systems and processes we implemented in Puerto Cortes to improve customer service. We envision our ICTSI Puerto

Cortes terminal not only to become a major terminal in the Group, but a key port in the Caribbean serving Central American trade,” says Marcelo Suarez, Senior Vice President and Head of the Americas Region.

A new vessel segregation system based on destination, size and weight had been set in place together with a new “window docking” scheme that enables ships arriving at a predefined time to dock immediately upon arrival.

The mechanism greatly reduces the logistics costs for port users, unlike in the past when ships had to wait for hours at the bay, sometimes even up to days before docking.

The window docking system allows precise planning and better resource management of resources and personnel, as well as maintenance of machinery and spaces within the port. Vessels can unload their containers immediately within 24 hours provided that requirements and full documentation are accomplished in advance.

Port users now have access to OPC’s free web portal for the processing of export entries, eliminating the need for manual data retrieval.

This technology-based component was specifically de-

signed to help users adapt to the changes and streamline processes at the port.

OPC has managed to keep operations running normally despite of the guideline issued by the Honduran Executive Directorate of Revenue, which require Customs to empty containers for inspec-

tion. Recognizing the policy’s security implications to the port and businesses in general, OPC increased the number of its workers from 30 to 150 to offset the added processing time brought about by the new inspection routine.

Puerto Cortés is one of the El Salvadoran exporters’

EADING the country’s digital shift of its learning systems by advancing the use of its innovative education solutions, Globe Telecom recently formalized its partnership with Flipside Publishing Services, Inc. (FPSI), which aims to promote the use of electronic books (e-books) in educational and corporate institutions nationwide.

With this synergy, Globe and Flipside’s team-up will open vast opportunities for

conversion, aggregation, branding, retailing, publishing and distribution using international standards of e-books for Philippine educational system, including control, as well as the use of bestof-breed reading apps with built-in customer support system. This development unfolded as the telco company launched in November its groundbreaking Education Solutions suite, which comprises of e-books and e-bookstore platform.

The collaboration is also enhanced by the support Globe accorded to Flipside for the introduction of its Philippine Educational E-book Reader (PEER), an e-reader app which also serves as an e-book store and distribution platform. PEER provides a great user experience for stakeholders in the education sector. Already, learners can avail of educational e-books through the online PEER Store (www.peer.ph). The Android and iOS apps will

be available on Google Play and the Apple App Store in early 2015. PEER users, from school officials to students, will be able to source over 100,000 titles on iOS or Android gadgets in the PEER app or through personal computers and Apple devices via Adobe Digital Editions.

“Flipside’s services are based on world-standards, including our PEER app, created to be inclusive for all stakeholders in local education, enabling administrators, educators, information technology departments and bookstore operators as well as major Philippine publishers, among others. With our alliance with Globe Telecom, almost anyone in the local education ecosystem can be authors on their own and distribute content to a whole class or an entire school,” explained FPSI President & CEO Anthony de Luna.

“Working with a worldclass partner in Flipside, a trusted company by publishers and schools, Globe will be able to help solve concerns of schools and other learning entities with the power of technology – from the administrators all the way to the students – as we move from mass production of printed and static material

A container vessel docked at the Specialized Container and Cargo Terminal in Puerto Cortés, Honduras main gateways to the Carribbean. OPC won a 30-year concession to manage and operate the Specialized Container and General Cargo Terminal back in February 2013. The ICTSI subsidiary is expected to invest US$624 million for the first 10 years of concession in an attempt to

sustain the region’s development and growth.

OPC aims to re-position Puerto Cortés as a regional key player in Latin America, highlighting the port’s importance not only as a business gateway but also as key contributor to the Honduran economy.

Globe,Flipside to boost e-books adoption SSS profit up 14% in just 10 months L

Globe and Flipside’s respective presidents and CEOs led by Ernest Cu and Anthony de Luna (center) officially forge the two companies’ alliance to propagate the use of e-books for Philippine schools and learning institutions as part of the Globe Education Solutions portfolio. Joining them are (leftmost) Globe EVP and COO Gil Genio and Flipside General Manager James Pacaba.

FGLOBE, 10

T

HE Social Security System (SSS) posted a 14-percent increase in profit to P37.3 billion in the 10 months that ended in October as contributions of members continued to show growth.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros Jr said SSS net profit increased from January to October buoyed by contribution collections which rose 16.9 percent to P100 billion from the same period last year.

“Contributions, which constitute 77.5 percent of our total revenues, registered improved growth primarily due to the employed sector.

We also noticed immediate improvement in collections after we implemented the new contribution rate and increased the monthly salary credit this year,” de Quiros said.

For the period, employers remitted about P86.9 billion in employees’ contributions, followed by voluntary paying members at P8.6 billion, and self-employed at P4.5 billion.

The double-digit growth in collections was likewise achieved through the SSS

AlkanSSSya program, which has covered 106,824 members from 1,061 informal sector groups and associations; intensified marketing campaigns for OFWs; and partnerships with 18 microfinance institutions, cooperatives and organized groups, de Quiros said.

The agency’s total revenue stood at P129 billion, representing an increase of 13.2 percent or P15 billion compared to the same period in 2013. Investment and other income, which comprised 22.5 percent of total revenues had a modest increase of 1.9 percent to P29 billion despite lower interest rates in the market.

“Profits slightly moved up with revenues posting an increment of 13.2 percent vis-a-vis expenditures of 13 percent. Significantly, we were able to keep our operations costs down while outperforming our target by 46 percent,” de Quiros said.

Total expenditures, which cover benefit payments and operating expenses amounted to P91.7 billion, of which 93.3 percent was spent on benefits totalling P85.6 billion, up

FSSS, 10

12

CLASSIFIED

There’s a better way to get attention.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

Call: 224-0733 • Tionko St., Davao City

Advertise

with

EDGEDAVAO CLASSIFIEDS

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JOSE DEVELOS AND JULIETA CABANAL DEVELOS has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among their heirs per Doc. No.246; Page No. 50; Book No. I; Series of 2014, of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARTIN LUIGI G. SAMSON 12/12,19,26

Billiard Supplies

Phone Nos.

Cell Nos.

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

EVENTS

Edge Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc.

Christmas Party

E

DGE Davao and Zion Accuprint Publishing, Inc. capped the year with a joyous and meaningful Christmas party that showcased the talents of the members of the different departments.

The management and staff gathered at Bistro Rosario to feast on sumptuous food, enjoy great music, and deliver multimedia performances to vie for first place in the talent contest.

Taking first place was the Ac-

counting and Admin Department with its song-and-dance routine, followed by the Marketing and Circulation Department with a similar performance.

Third place was the Production Department which gave a stirring

CHRISTMAS A4

Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Randy Halasan (third from left) receives a check to support his advocacy from (from left) Managing Editor Neilwin Joseph L. Bravo, General Manager Olivia D. Velasco, and Editor-in-Chief Antonio M. Ajero.

Team Admin (first place)

Star of the night

Team Production (third place)

Team Marketing (second place)

Team Editorial (fourth place)

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

Hello 2015: Rave party slated at SM Lanang Premier on New Year’s Eve Ring in the New Year with an epic night of music and revelry! Head to SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court on December 31, 10 pm for the ‘Hello 2015: New Year Countdown Party.’

Whoop it up as six DJs from metro Manila and Davao come together to give a festive rave party experience in the prime city of Mindanao.

One of the Philippines’ recognized names in the club scene – DJ Travis Monsod of Beat Project Manila – will play the hottest mix sets to pump up the crowd in welcoming a lucky and prosperous new year. Also saying goodbye to 2014 with a bang are DJs Uno Tupas, Niel Recinto, Poe Dobles, Tien Batu, and Wacky Masbad, who will serve up irresistible hits and fresh mixes all night long.

‘Hello 2015’ is co-organized by GMA Davao, 8Telcom, Flawless, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, V-Back Events and Manic Nightnings Productions. It comes on the heels of three huge parties held at The Fountain Court grounds of SM Lanang Premier in 2014 – ‘DJ Fest Davao,’ ‘Spectra: The Earth Hour Black Light Party’ and the ‘Elements: Sonic Escalation Experience.’

Don’t miss this big bash on New Year’s Eve! For queries, call 285-0943 to 45. You may also check out SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep you stay updated on latest events at the metro’s premier shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination.

ASUS Ranks Number 1 in the Prestigious 2014 Taiwan Global Brands Value Survey ASUS has been recognized as the number-one Taiwanese brand in the Best Taiwan Global Brands Awards 2014. This year marks the second consecutive year ASUS has won the award as well as the twelfth straight year the company has been in the top-three list of international brands from Taiwan. The brand value is now estimated at US$1.723 billion and has maintained steady growth despite a competitive market.

“We are honored to be recognized as the top brand in the Best Taiwan Global Brand Awards for the second year in a row,” said ASUS Corporate Vice President S.Y. Hsu. “2014 has been an especially remarkable year for ASUS with the launch of ZenFone. ZenFone brings empowering luxury to everyone, and consumers have responded by making it the number-one phone in Taiwan by market share in the third quarter of this year. We will continue with our In Search of Incredible brand promise as we strive to create an effortless and joyful digital life for everyone.”

During 2014, ASUS has continued its tradition of innovation with the launch of several flagship products, including ZenFone, ZenWatch, and EeeBook X205. The ZenFone smartphone series incorporates beautiful design, highquality materials, and the seamless functionality of ASUS ZenUI to provide an unparalleled mobile experience to users. The new ZenWatch, the first wearable device from ASUS, is an exquisitely crafted watch that pairs seamlessly with ZenFone or other Android smartphones to provide relevant and useful information when it is needed most, and serve as a personal wellness manager. Continuing the concept of the iconic EeePC, EeeBook X205 is an affordable 11.6-inch Windows 8.1 notebook with a full-size keyboard that integrates the latest technology in a compact, lightweight design perfect for consumers who are always on the go.

The Best Taiwan Global Brands Awards is held by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C and global branding consultancy Interbrand.

The awards are seen as a key indicator of the position held

by Taiwanese brands in the global market. The awards are given out based on brand value, which include the financial performance of the company, the role the brand plays in the consumer purchase decision, and the competitive strength of the brand.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

FOOD

Filling and colourful holidays at Park Inn CHRISTMAS and the New Year’s Day is just around the corner, and with still so much to do it is often a better choice to simply gather the family and eat out rather than go through the trouble of heading to the market or mall and braving the crowds just to gather ingredients to cook for your Noche Buena or Buena Noche feast.

To do away with the hassles of the season, the Park Inn by Radisson Davao is offering special buffet sets for Christmas Eve as well as for New Year’s Eve and I was given an advance preview of the special dishes that will be served on those nights.

The holiday buffet on the evening of December 24 brings together this season’s finest flavors, from your all-time favourite Smoked Holiday Ham to hearty meat cooked in different flavours from the world over such as Beef Shank Asado (which I love), and Pork Loin Adobo. Dessert lovers can satisfy their sweet cravings with decadent cakes and assorted pastries which shares spotlight alongside the spread of savory dishes.

For park Inn’s New Year’s Eve offering, RBG will be dressed up as a Carnival with activity booths for kids and parents to enjoy. To ring in the new year, the gastronomic treat will feature intercontinental cuisine and RBG’s specialties such as the Crispy Boneless Lechon De Leche (who can go wrong with crispy roast pork), Drunken Seafood, Pulled Pork Ragout and Greek Chicken. The dessert buffet will also feature RBG’s special New Year’s Cake as well as other decadent desserts.

The Christmas Eve buffet is at Php750.00 net per person, inclusive of bottomless juice with an option to go premium for Php1,350 net per person which entitles the diner to unlimited beers and spirits from the open bar, all the way until midnight.

Beef Shank Asado.

The New Year’s Eve buffet rate is at Php950 net per person, inclusive of bottomless juice with the buffet premium at Php1,450.00 net per person to enjoy unlimited beers and spirits all the way until midnight.

Extend the holiday cheer and spend leisurely mornings with the family on December 25 and January 1 with filling choices for breakfast and brunch to go along with your caffeine fix or hot chocolate.

RBG’s Breakfast buffet is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and priced at Php550 net person.

Brunch is from 10:00AM to 2:00AM, priced at Php650.00 net per person.

For reservations you can call 272 7600 or email re s e r vat i o n s . d ava o @ parkinn.com. Follow @ parkinndavao on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details on upcoming promotions.

Follow me on Insagram or on Twitter @kennethkingong for more travel stories, foodie finds, and happenings in, around, and beyond Durianburg.

RBG Crispy Boneless Lechon de Leche and Smoked Holiday Ham. Strawberry and Oreo Cheesecakes.

Coctel de Camaron.

Greek Chicken.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ENTERTAINMENT

Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria recognized as Best Foreign Actor and Actress in Vietnam PHILIPPINE TV’s longestrunning daytime drama series “Be Careful With My Heart,” which ended last November, was awarded Best Foreign Drama Series at the Face of the Year Award 2014 of Today TV, one of the largest Vietnamese television networks that airs Filipino dramas. The winners were determined through public votes and results were announced on Monday (December 22).

ABS-CBN’s romantic comedy series is a certified phenomenon Vietnam that its lead stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap, popularly known among viewers as sweethearts Maya and Ser Chief, earned the most number of votes from Vietnamese viewers

among other international nominees. Jodi was hailed the Best Foreign Actress, while Richard was named Best Foreign Actor. Both

Jodi and Richard graced the event to receive their awards.

Prior to its recognition in Vietnam, “Be Careful With

My Heart” became a finalist in the Telenovelas category at the 2013 New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards.

Nash Aguas plays devoted son to Ara Mina in “MMK” “BAGITO” star Nash Aguas will inspire young viewers to value their parents and family through the upcoming drama episode of ABSCBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” this Saturday (December 27).

After his father left them, Christian (Nash) felt the need to do everything to bring back his mother’s (Ara Mina) smile. He strived hard to study and later on became part of an orchestra, which he thought would bring back the spark of joy in his mother’s eyes.

What kind of misery would drive a mother to end her own life? How would a child accept a tragedy that happened to his beloved mother?

The Nuel C. Naval-directed episode also stars Ara Mina, Deydey Amansec, Archie Alemanya, Eva Darren, Casey de Silva, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Elaine Quemuel,

and Jessette Prospero. The story was written by Arah Jell Badayos and Benson Logronio.

“MMK” is led by business unit head Malou Santos and creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario.

Capturing the hearts of Filipino viewers all over the world for the past 23 years, “Maalaala Mo Kaya” has legions of fans from different generations who cried, laughed, fell in love, and got inspired through the real-life narratives of the show’s letter-senders.

Kc and Paulo to “Give Love” to viewers this New Year ABS-CBN extends the celebration of the Christmas season until 2015 as it continues to share important family values and life lessons through the hit Kapamilya Christmas TV special “Give Love on Christmas.” Award-winning actors KC Concepcion and Paulo Avelino will star in the third and last featured story titled “Exchange Gift.”

In “Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift,” which will air on January 5 (Monday), KC and Paulo will give life to the characters of Anna and Christian, a married couple who drifted apart because of misunderstandings and unresolved issues.

But despite their problems, Christian and Anna will be forced to pretend that they have a happy family for the sake of their only child.

How will Christian and

Anna explain to their son that their once perfect family is now broken? Will the couple still be able to forgive each other, settle their differences, and fulfill the vows they made on their wedding day?

“Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift” also features Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Miguel Vergara, Cheska Iñigo, Lauren Burgos, and Jim Paredes. It is directed by Manny

Palo.

“Give Love on Christmas” is composed of three stories that revolve around family, relationships, and love. These include Paulo and KC’s “Exchange Gift,” Eddie Garcia, Aiko Melendez, Dimples Romana, Carlo Aquino, and Louise Abuel’s “The Gift Giver,” and Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador’s “The Gift of Life,” which premiered on Monday (December 22).

It is a Christmas special produced by Dreamscape Entertainment Television, the group that created top-rating TV masterpieces such as “Walang Hanggan,” “Ina Kapatid Anak,” “Juan dela Cruz,” and “Ikaw Lamang.”

Don’t miss the beginning of “Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift” on January 5, before “It’s Showtime” in ABS-CBN Prime-Tanghali. For more information about “Give Love on Christmas,” visit the show’s official social networking sites Twittter .com/DreamscapePH and Instagram.com/DreamscapePH. Viewers may also catch up on full episodes and past episodes of “Give Love On Christmas” through ABS-CBNmobile. For more information, please go to www.abscbnmobile.com.

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

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

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

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

PLAYING IT COOL / * LAGGIES Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan / * Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz R13/*R13

R-16

12:25 | 2:20 LFS / * 4:15 | 6:10 LFS

EXODUS: GODS & KINGS Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton PG 13

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

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

1st Raffle Prize winner

Staff members render a heartfelt Christmas carol.

2nd Raffle Prize winner

3rd Raffle Prize winner

CHRISTMAS A1

light-and-shadow presentation on the Christmas story, and landing in fourth place was the Editorial Department which rendered a short medley of Filipino Christmas songs.

More than just a party, the event was a chance to celebrate once again the achievement of Davao

City’s very own Randy Halasan, the Pegalongan Elementary School teacher who was chosen as one of the recipients of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awards.

Edge and Zion management headed by General Manager Olivia D. Velasco, Editor-in-Chief Antonio M. Ajero, and Managing Edi-

tor Neilwin Joseph L. Bravo handed over a check for P10,000 to Halasan, equivalent to 20 percent of the total revenues from a special supplement published in his honor.

The supplement was supported by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Matina Enclaves, Abrillo Fur-

nitures, 1st SMEC Forum, Suzuki, Bato Balani Foundation, and Aeon Towers.

The amount will support Halasan’s efforts to bring education to the farthest reaches of the city and to inspire other teachers to do the same.

All in all a fitting way to celebrate Christmas and end the year!

13 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

Power interruptions sked on Dec. 28 C

BIKING PRIEST IN CDO. Fr. Amado “Picx” Picardal (center) arrives in Cagayan de Oro City, accompanied by cyclists from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on December 22, 2014. From Cagayan de Oro, Picardal will pedal to Iligan City, the last leg of his “Climate Ride,” a campaign to

boost awareness on climate change and its impact. The priest’s 14day tour started in Baclaran, Manila and passed through Leyte island.

MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

USTOMERS in the southern part of Davao Light and Power Company’s franchise will experience 30-minute switching power interruptions on December 28, Sunday, affecting the Calinan Substation.

Communication Officer Rossano Luga said the scheduled outages are necessary to relocate the 69kV Tagum line poles along Angalan Bridge II and III to facilitate the road widening project of DPWH. To keep the power interruptions within the least possible time, loads connected to the said substation will be transferred to Puan feeder line from 12:00 a.m. to

12:30 a.m. Normalization or return of loads back to its normal set-up will be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Customers affected by these service disruptions are those from Mintal public market going to Tugbok and Calinan proper up to Buda including other nearby areas.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions.

It will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Water interruption in some south Davao City areas Dec. 28 A REAS served by Tugbok Water Supply System (WSS) and Calinan WSS will experience low water pressure to no water on December 28 from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Davao City Water District advised.

Specific areas that will be affected are Tugbok, Mintal, Bago Oshiro, Catalunan Grande, Catalunan Pequeño, Bago Gallera, Sto. Niño, Ta-

cunan, Purok 8 in Upper Calinan, Puroks 2, 4, 5 and 6 in Dacudao and Purok 2-3A in Malagos and portions of Riverside (Babad Compound, Upper Riverside and Purok 3), Calinan (San Roque Village, Francisca Village, Lanzona Village, Bagobo Village, Durian Village, Estrella Village, Pioneer Subd. Homeowners Association, Hilario Subd. Homeowners Associ-

ation I and II, Datu Abing, Villafuerte, Calinan Proper, Buhawi Village, Fortune Village and Palarca Compound).

DCWD’s facilities in Tugbok and Calinan will be affected by Davao Light and Power Company’s (DLPC) scheduled power interruption on said date needed to facilitate the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) request to relocate

DLPC’s 69 kV Tagum line along Angalan Road for DPWH’s road widening project.

DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado explained that DCWD needs additional time for pressure build up and line delivery aside from the re-switching on of the wells, thus the longer duration of water cut than the power outage. He advised would-be affected customers

to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. He likewise asked for their understanding and cooperation.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook account (www.facebook.com/dav-

aowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services.

(Jamae R. Garcia)

14

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

History will remember Pacman better than Floyd -- De La Hoya I

F the much-awaited showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather comes to fruition, retired six-division champion Oscar De La Hoya is tapping the brash American to beat the Filipino boxing icon.

Negotiations for what would be the most lucrative fight in boxing history is taking place at the moment. It remains to be seen though if the bout would materialize or fall apart amew.

“It’s one of those fights where anybody could win. Who would I give the edge to if it was today, I would have to go with Floyd. Three years ago, hands down it would have been Manny Pacquiao. But now I would go with Floyd. If he fights

Pacquiao, then Floyd will erase all doubts that anybody might have,” De La Hoya told Boxingscene.com.

De La Hoya thinks that Pacquiao has declined more than Mayweather.

But even if Mayweather defeats Pacquiao, De La Hoya believes that history will remember the Filipino more favorably.

“Yes [Pacquiao has aged more], absolutely. Why? Because he’s been in wars. But, who has more respect which is going to live on forever — that’s Manny Pacquiao. There is no doubt about that. With Manny Pacquiao, they are going to say ‘wow, he fought all these guys, fought tough battles and gave us [all these fights].’ Now it’s a matter of what matters most.”

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

15

Bulls rip Raptors 129-120 E

VEN surrounded by an array of offensive talent, Derrick Rose proved he is still the go-to guy in Chicago.

Rose scored 29 points, Jimmy Butler added 27 points and 11 rebounds, and the Bulls snapped the Toronto Raptors’ six-game winning streak with a 129-120 victory on Monday night.

Rose scored 15 of the Bulls’ franchise-record 49 points in the fourth quarter. ‘’We know we can always count on him, go to him.

That’s just the type of guy he is,’’ Butler said. ‘’He wants the pressure on him. He produces. He produced. I think we’re going to keep on going back to him and he’s going to do the same thing every night.’’

Chicago, which has won three straight, got Rose and Taj Gibson back after each missed two games. Rose was ill and Gibson was out with an ankle injury. ‘’I felt good. I was kind of surprised. I wasn’t as fatigued as I thought I would be missing a couple of days,’’ Rose said.

Rose’s jumper over Kyle Lowry put the Bulls up 106-100 with 4:12 left. He put away the game with a 3-pointer to make it 118-105 with 1:17 left.

The Eastern Conference-leading Raptors wanted to make a statement in Chicago after losing earlier this season to the Bulls at home. ‘’We’ve been hearing about it all week, the last couple of days. They wanted to play us, we beat them there and they wanted to come here and get revenge. Tonight I think was a big game for us,’’

Rose said.

Lowry scored 34 points and Jonas Valanciunas finished with 20 for Toronto, which led by 12 in the third quarter. Lowry scored 18 points in the fourth. ‘’We didn’t play defense and they executed extremely well,’’ Lowry said. ‘’Derrick Rose looked like his old self and he played extremely well.

They executed extremely well. Forty-nine points, give them credit. Whatever play they called they got good shots, and they got where they wanted to get on the floor. But we didn’t give them any pushback. That’s one thing we have to make sure we do from now on.’’

After Lowry’s runner gave the Raptors a one-point lead, Chicago scored six straight to make it 100-95. Rose and Joakim Noah had back-toback baskets and Nikola Mirotic capped it off with a pair of free throws before Raptors coach Dwane Casey burned a timeout with the Chicago crowd on its feet.

Mirotic finished with 12 points and Aaron Brooks had 17 points off the bench.

James Johnson put the Raptors up 80-68 with 6:35 left in the third quarter, but the Bulls scored eight unanswered to tie it in the final minute of the period. Pau Gasol found Gibson for an alley-oop dunk to tie the game at 80.

The Raptors began a sixgame road trip on Monday after playing a league-high 17 home games.

Lowry had a follow shot with 0.1 seconds left to give the Raptors a 66-60 lead at the half.

Jazz outlast Grizzlies T HE Memphis Grizzlies limped into the Christmas break on a threegame losing streak and tired legs.

After losing to Eastern Conference foes Chicago and Cleveland over the weekend, Memphis showed signs of fatigue in not being able to counter Utah’s youth, allowing the Jazz to beat the Grizzlies 97-91 on Monday night. ‘’We just didn’t have the effort we were supposed to have to win this game,’’ Memphis reserve guard Beno Udrih said.

Alec Burks scored 23 points and Gordon Hayward added 21 to lead the Jazz, who withstood a late push by hitting eight of 10 free throws down the stretch for their third win in the last four.

Derrick Favors finished with 15 points, while Enes Kanter added 13 points and nine rebounds. Rudy Gobert had a career-best 16 rebounds as the Jazz dominated the boards 49-34. ‘’I think our offensive

game started with our defense,’’ Hayward said. ‘’We have a goal of not letting teams score over 24 points per quarter, and we won on three of four quarters.’’

Memphis only surpassed 24 points in the third quarter - when it had 25.

Mike Conley led Memphis with 28 points and his two 3-pointers down the stretch kept the Grizzlies close. Marc Gasol finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Courtney Lee had 13 points and Vince Carter added 12 on 4 of 7 shooting.

Memphis continued to show the effects of a tough stretch of games that included multiple overtime contests, and some of the toughest teams in both conferences. That included a victory last week over Golden State, which has the best record in the NBA, and a triple-overtime win in San Antonio.

Memphis has not won since that victory over the Spurs last Wednesday.

Derek Rose of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a shot against the Toronto Raptors on Monday at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Parker leads Spurs past Clippers, 125-118 S AN Antonio point guard Tony Parker watched helplessly as the Spurs were drained emotionally and physically by four straight defeats, including a pair of crushing losses at home in triple overtime.

He saw the frustration and despair weigh on his teammates, especially longtime running mate Manu Ginobili, who was forced to play extended minutes as the team’s lone playmaker.

Parker wanted to give San Antonio a lift, and he did so in a big way.

He scored 26 points in his return from a five-game absence, igniting the Spurs to a season-high 37 assists

and a 125-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. ‘’It was a great relief for everybody (to have Parker back), and he made us play better and with more confidence,’’ said Ginobili, who had a season-high 10 assists.

San Antonio shot a season-high 64 percent from the field.

Tim Duncan had 21 points and 12 rebounds, Boris Diaw scored 23 points and Ginobili added 19 for the Spurs (18-11), who had lost three straight home games in overtime.

Those losses took a toll on the Spurs, even Parker, who sat out with a strained

left hamstring. ‘’It was hard to watch,’’ Parker said. ‘’A tough time, so I was just trying to bring energy and be aggressive.’’

Parker showed no lingering effects from the injury that kept him out of eight of the past nine games. He played 34 minutes, shooting 11 for 18 from the field and collecting four assists. ‘’He says he feels great,’’ San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. ‘’I’m scared to death about it, but I’m just going to trust him. He has been around for a long time, and he doesn’t want to reinjure himself. Hopefully, he’s OK.’’ Parker collected a steal on San Antonio’s opening

defensive possession and made his initial jumper and first two free throws.

Parker’s ability to penetrate reinvigorated the Spurs’ ball movement, providing the ‘’good-to-great’’ mantra that Popovich preached last season. San Antonio had a season-high 72 points in the first half, shooting 75 percent while handing out 20 assists on its 30 baskets. ‘’They shot the lights out (of) the ball tonight,’’ said Clippers point guard Chris Paul said. ‘’At the same time, you’ve got to try to impose your will on defense.

(At) some point, you can’t hope they miss, you have to make them miss.’’

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 7 ISSUE 202 • WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24-27, 2013

Davao del Norte to polish preparation for Palaro 2015

Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex

M

INOR refurbishment and upgrading of facilities will start in earnest in the New Year to make Davao del Norte fit and trim to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, according to Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario.

Although the province could host the annual multisport event among student athletes anytime, Del Rosario said Davao del Norte would make sure the smallest kinks would be ironed out for the province to set a benchmark for future hosts of the competitions supervised by the Department of Education.

Davao del Norte got 16 out of 18 votes from the selection committee for 2015. The province beat Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and South Cotabato.

The main hub of the 2015 Palaro, set May 3 to 9, will be the Davao del Norte Sports Complex located in the capital Tagum City.

Del Rosario said priority will be the upgrading of water pipes in the sports complex and satellite competition venues as well as in the billeting centers for the event that is expected to gather 10,000 athletes, officials and fans and

supporters from the country’s 17 regions for an expected attendance of around 15,000.

The complex has an eight-track athletics oval, an Olympic-size swimming pool with an adjacent warm up pool that has a 500-person capacity grandstand, a multi-purpose gymnasium, two tennis courts and a club house.

Security will also be tops on the list with the Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office deploying close to a thousand personnel from the Police, Army and other force multipliers two weeks before and three days after the Palaro. They will be stationed in billeting areas, venues, crowded places and entry points to the city.

There will also be a VIP express lane from the Davao airport to Tagum City to ease Palaro participants of the relatively heavy traffic along the route.

Davao del Norte is not new to hosting major local competitions, among them the 2013 Batang Pinoy Mindanao leg, the 2014 Private Schools Athletic Association, Davao Region Athletic Association, and the Philippine Football Federation Regional Qualifiers.

Baldwin is new Gilas coach

V

ETERAN international coach Tab Baldwin will take over the coaching reins for the Philippine national men’s basketball team for the next four years.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) vice chairman Ricky Vargas told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview that Baldwin’s appointment as new head coach will be formalized Monday night during the meeting with the other officers of the cage governing body in the country.

“It looks like he has already agreed and signed the contract,” Vargas said. “The deal is a four-year contract

and in the event that we will make it to the World Cup, there’s an option to be renewed for another year.”

Baldwin served as team consultant of Gilas Pilipinas the past two years under head coach Chot Reyes. He is also currently a consultant for Talk ‘N Text in the PBA. A multiple-time champion coach in the National Basketball League in New Zealand, Baldwin was best remembered for steering the Tall Blacks team of New Zealand to a semifinals stint in the 2002 World Championship and led Lebanon to a gold medal finish in the 2010 Stankovic Cup.