Edge Davao 7 Issue 206 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BUILDING FROM THE RUINS How Gov. Malanyaon transformed a disaster into opportunities

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

NOW OPEN. Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon leads the ceremonial opening of the intake gate of the P289 million Cateel Irrigation System.

BUILDING FROM THE RUINS

How Gov. Malanyaon transformed a disaster into opportunities I By ANTONIO M. AJERO

T IS said that necessity is the mother of invention, and that trials and tribulations in life bring out the best in people. In the case of Davao Oriental, a succession of natural disasters that killed hundreds of people, flattened coconut plantations, destroyed half a dozen bridges, and left thousands of survivors homeless and hungry produced a “Transformer” in Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon. The most talked-about of late is, of course, the amazing completion of the P281-million irrigation dam in Cateel which will irrigate 2,200 hectares of ricefields, directly benefitting around 1,000 farmers. Funded by the World Bank under its Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP), construction of the irrigation dam was started by a private construction company which soon gave up the contract when typhoons Pablo and Agaton in 2012 and 2013 wiped out its initial development works. This was exacerbated by the death of the private contractor. Per contract, the project had to be finished within 2014, otherwise the World Bank would withdraw its funding from the biggest

MRDP project and blacklist the local government unit. The only alternative left was for the provincial government under Malanyaon – a lawyer and certified public accountant – to take over the project. With faith and resolve, the governor decided to bite the bullet and take over the project –and she did wonders. Collaborating with the Department of Agriculture, the provincial government deployed some 700 workers, 70 percent of whom had earlier been rendered jobless and homeless by the catastrophes. They worked in three shifts 24/7. A daunting difficulty in some point of the project was how the 5,000 bags of cement needed daily could reach the construction site as the bridges leading to the area had collapsed. But despite the challenges, the province completed the project in seven months, instead of its original schedule of two and a half years. It was an engineering feat pulled by the governor. During its inauguration last October 28, the irrigation dam was hailed by MRDP officials as a model that ought to be followed by irrigation projects to be built in other

parts of the country when the MRDP concept is implemented nationwide under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). MRDP program director Lealyn Ramos said the Cateel feet “showed the dedication of the people of Davao Oriental and the strong partnership of the local government unit (LGU) and DA in pursuing the projects despite all odds.” Carol Figueroa-Geron, lead operations officer of the World Bank, said the project will be an example and inspiration for the PRDP as it will also implement projects for the typhoon Yolanda victims in the Visayas. “If they doubt that they can move forward and implement a project, we will tell them to learn from you,” Geron said, adding that many would be eager to visit the province, specifically Cateel, to study how the irrigation dam was constructed and eventually implemented. Among community leaders who are all praises for the Cateel project are lawyer Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa-Abrille, who is active in Rotary, Jaycee Senate, Ambassador Club and Young Men’s Christian Association; Ednar Dayanghirang,

until recently a member of the government panel negotiating peace with the communists; and Antonio dela Cruz, reelected president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Villa-Abrille said Malanyaon ought to be congratulated for her brilliant approach in completing the irrigation dam. “It is awesome for a lady, a lawyer, and certified public accountant, at that, to accomplish an engineering feat at a time when ‘slow men at work’ is a common sight among government projects in the country,” Villa-Abrille said. “We at YMCA Davao are doubly proud of this accomplishment of our first and only lady president,” he added. “For her job well-done, Governor Cora is a rare example for good governance,” said dela Cruz, adding the plan of the World Bank to make the Cateel project a model for the expanded PRDP is a brilliant move. In a text message, Dayanghirang, who hails from Davao Oriental, wrote that Governor Malanyaon “has always been an efficient and effective public servant since Day 1 of her stint as congresswoman of the first district of Davao Orien-

tal. She has very well demonstrated good governance especially when she became governor of the province in many public concerns, including government response to Pablo and other disasters like the low pressure area (LPA) Agaton. Once more, Governor Malanyaon, in cooperation with Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang, local officials of the province, their constituents, and the NIA (National Irrigation Administration) excelled in managing the Cateel irrigation project. Kudos to the Governor Malanyaon Team.” For her part, Malanyaon said the project was a shared dream of the people of Cateel and the province as a whole. “The project is a monument of our answered prayer, a symbol of resiliency and hardwork and an example of what we can do with a will to achieve,” she said. Before the irrigation dam was inaugurated, Malanyaon had notched exceptional achievements. She built “Subangan,” a state-of-the-art provincial museum which has no equal in Mindanao, and had Mt. Hamiguitan, straddling the city of Mati and the municipalities of Governor Generoso and San Isidro, with its fabled

bonsai forest, proclaimed as a world heritage site by the Unesco. Two days before Christmas Day, Davao Oriental received for the nth time the Gawad Saka Champion award after being adjudged as the Best PDRRRMC (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) of the Region 11. In her message read by Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Freddie C. Bendulo, Governor Malanyaon said the recognition was the result of the complementation of efforts of all stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness and management. The complementation helped the province gain a more secure footing in the wake of Super Typhoon Pablo and Tropical Depression Agaton, towards the socio-economic development of the province. “The good things that we gain out of the past challenges are paid by the lives and limbs of our people,” she said. “What we are, who we are, and where we are today are the result of their sacrifices; the discipline, the vigilance and level of preparedness that we achieved today are the fruits of their efforts.”

3 THE BIG NEWS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

TOROTOT FEST. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and his executive assistant Christopher “Bong” Go try out their hornpipes (torotot) during the second Davao Torotot Festival held along Roxas Avenue on New Year’s Eve. Duterte encouraged Dabawenyos to use hornpipes instead of firecrackers. Lean Daval Jr.

R11 still on red alert due to M’lang blast By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

LL police units in Region 11 remain on red alert due to the bombing happened in M’lang, North Cotabato the day before New Year’s Day. Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 information officer Superintendent Antonio Rivera told Edge Davao that the police will still implement more police visibility in places of convergence in the region.

“Ang presensya sa pulis sa kadalanan (The presence of our police officers in the main roads) is the best prevention,” Rivera said. He said the checkpoints on the entrance and exits of the region are still in effect to prevent groups that want to create terror. Rivera asked for the public’s cooperation with the security measures and to report suspicious people in

their areas. “The cooperation of the public is absolutely necessary in the form of reporting anything unusual,” he said. One person was killed while 25 others were injured when an improvised bomb exploded at the public market in the town of M’lang at around 3:45 p.m. on December 31. The explosion occurred between Cuerpo Store and

Sammy Mini Grocery, Major Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the 6thInfantry Division said, quoting reports from the municipal administrator. This was the second bombing in two months in M’lang. On November 23, two persons were killed and 25 others were injured when a bomb exploded in front of a restaurant at the plaza.

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LOWER THAN LAST YEAR

Only 32 firecracker violators arrested By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. and FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has already nabbed a total of 32 violators of the total firecracker ban since December last year. DCPO spokesperson Senior Inspector Milgrace C. Driz told Edge Davao that of the number, 13 are minors while 19 are the adults. Driz said the number of violators for this season had decreased compared to the 42 violators who were ar-

rested last year. She attributed the decrease to the DCPO’s intensified operation and information dissemination. One of the violators arrested on New Year’s Day was Eduardo Santander, who is a barangay kagawad in Mintal Proper. Santander was caught by operatives of Tugbok Police Station about to fire a “Judas belt” inside his com-

ment Framework (MSS/ DF). Under the plan, Davao del Norte’s capital Tagum City is being groomed as the next highly urbanized city and regional center of the region. “There will be five sub-regional centers that will include the cities of Digos in Davao del Sur, Mati City in Davao Oriental, Panabo in Davao del Norte, the municipality of Malita in Davao Occidental, and Nabunturan in the province

of Compostela Valley,” Lim said. She said identifying growth centers will bring development faster to the peripheries of urban and urbanizing areas of the region. The MSS/DF, meanwhile, “provides policy options for managing land and other physical resources of the Mindanao island according to the three National Spatial Strategy (NSS) priorities of concentration,

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10 persons collared RDC okays 30-year development blueprint in 5 drug buy-busts By CHENEEN R. CAPON

HE New Year holidays were a busy time for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) as its operatives arrested ten people in five drug buy-bust operations. A few hours before New Year, operatives of Talomo Police Station arrested a 27-year-old man in front of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Barangay Talomo for allegedly selling shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) to an undercover agent. The suspect was iden-

tified as Mark Joseph P. Echem of Talomo Salakot. Police said Echem was arrested at around 6:10 p.m. on December 31 after handing the agent a small sachet of suspected “shabu” worth P500. At around 9:30 p.m. of the same date, a 31-yearold man was arrested for selling shabu to operatives in Lanzona Subdivision, Matina. The suspect was identified as Jay Ar C. Romarate of Fatima Village, Matina.

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crc@edgedavao.net

MORE competitive Davao Region is seen in the next three decades as the Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 approved the Regional Physical Framework Plan (DRPFP) 2015- 2045 before the year 2014 ended. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said the 30-year or long-term development blueprint provides policy options for managing the region’s land and other

physical resources. “Indicated in the blueprint is the development of network of growth centers in the region that will spur growth to the rest of the region’s areas. However, Davao City will remain the metropolitan area not only of Davao region but of the entire Mindanao island,” Lim said in an interview. She said development blueprint is also consistent with the National Spatial Strategy and the Mindanao Spatial Strategy/Develop-

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

Davao Sur gets biggest share in R11’s investment program By CHENEEN R. CAPON

T CHANGING LINES. Linemen work across from each other to change electric lines from an old pole to a newer one along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

AFP to respect ceasefire with NPA despite attack By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

crc@edgedavao.net

HE province of Davao del Sur is expected to have the biggest share of public investments at P23.4 billion in the latest approved P76.1 billion Investment Program for 2016 for the Region 11. The Regional Development Council (RDC) 11 said it approved before 2014 ended the 2016 investment program that was based on the proposals submitted by regions’ state universities and colleges (SUCs) and government owned/controlled corporations (GOCCs) and are responsive to the ten priority areas or chapters of the Updated Davao Region Development Plan (UDRDP) 2014-2016. The projects that went into the Investment Program were also submitted by the regional line agencies, in consultation with different local government units. The 2016 Annual In-

vestment Program (AIP) translates the strategies and targets set in the 2014-2016 into actual investment projects for the year, the RDC said in a statement. “Among the provinces, Sector-wise, the Infrastructure Sector agencies proposed the biggest share with P37.04 billion worth of public investments,” it said. The Council also endorsed three major infrastructure projects, namely: the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Development, Operations and Maintenance Project and the Davao (Sasa) Port Modernization Project for Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and the Davao City Bypass Road Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways for national government and official development assistance financing. The Department of

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Boy, 4, hit by stray bullet in Cotabato

0TH Infantry Division Commander Major General Eduardo Año said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to respect the ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA) and the AFP. This even after two soldiers and one militiaman were killed on their way to their Christmas vacation last December 29 in Sitio Barigyan, Barangay Candinuyan, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province. The victims were identified as 1st Lieutenant

Ronald Bautista, Private First Class Albert Amor, and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member Ronel Baluca. Año condemned the killing of the soldiers especially since they were unarmed and in civilian clothes when the incident happened. Still, he said the AFP will continue to respect the ceasefire. The AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) had unilaterally declared a casefire with the NPA from December 18, 2014 to Jan-

uary 19, 2015 covering the holiday season and the visit of Pope Francis. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, however, only declared a ceasefire on December 24 and 25, December 26 (CPP anniversary), December 31 and January 1, and January 15 to 19 for the papal visit. “Kahit na gusto naming bigyan ng hustisya ang ating mga sundalong namatay, nirerespeto pa rin namin yung aming depenisyon ng ceasefire. Nag-aantay kaming matapos ang ceasefire bago kami guma-

The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has recorded zero cases both for stray bullet and firecracker-related incidents during the New Year celebration here. Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, ZCPO director, also reported a 100-percent compliance to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters’ directive dubbed as “Ligtas Kapaskuhan,” citing no one among his personnel has fired his gun during the New Year revelry. “The New Year celebration was generally peaceful and injury free,” Casimiro said. He attributed such achievement to the intensified enforcement of City Ordinance 431 that bans

the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products. City Ordinance 431 was enacted on September 30, 2014 as an urgent measure in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991. However, Casimiro said they have apprehended 10 people, including seven minors, who were caught violating the firecracker ban ordinance. He said the three arrested adults were subjected to inquest proceeding before the City Prosecutor’s Office while the minors were turned over to their respective parents. He said they have con-

NAP TIME. A man takes a nap during a quiet Saturday afternoon at Quezon Park in Davao City a few days after Christmas activities in the city concluded. Lean Daval Jr.

Zambo New Year generally peaceful

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wa nga kaukolang aksyon (Even though we want to exact justice for our soldiers who died, we still respect our definition of the ceasefire. We are waiting for the ceasefire to end before we take action),” Año said. The families of the fallen soldiers and militiaman will get benefits from the government amounting to P250,000 as well as P50,000 from the AFP. Bautista was brought to his hometown in Bohol on Friday night while the other two were brought to their respective families.

HE Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 has ordered a deeper investigation into the stray bullet incident in Cotabato City on New Year’s Eve that seriously injured a four-year-old boy. Chief Superintendent Lester Camba, Region 12 police director, said Friday he ordered Cotabato City police chief, Senior Superintendent Rolen Balquin, to give more attention to the case and ensure its

swift resolution. He said their main priority is the immediate identification of the suspect who fired the caliber .45 handgun that hit the victim on his left eye. “This is a very disturbing case. I ordered the Cotabato City Police Office to focus on it and investigate all possible angles,” he told reporters. Citing the latest medical bulletin from the Co-

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5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

Zambo businesses urged to process permits early M

AYOR Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has called on business operators and new business applicants to process their permits early to “avoid the rush and inconvenience.” Salazar made the call as business permits renewal will go on full blast starting Monday, January 5, the first working day for the year 2015. The renewal process for existing business establishments started as early as November last year. “To all the business operators, process your permits early and avoid the rush and inconvenience,” Salazar said. Benjie Barredo, chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), said the deadline for the renewal process is January 20. Barredo said late filers will be meted with 25 percent surcharge per quarter and two percent additional surcharge monthly. Barredo said they ex-

pect that 8,235 businessmen will renew their business permits this year. Salazar said the work hours for concerned departments and divisions will be extended starting Monday to accommodate applicants for business permits renewal. Barredo’s office is set to establish the business onestop-shop (BOSS) initiative to make registration and renewal of permits more convenient for end-users. Under the BOSS concept, all agencies and offices involved in the renewal of licenses of different kinds of businesses will be gathered in one area to make the business registration and renewal procedure. Salazar said the initiative signifies the local government’s dedication and commitment to provide improved and better services, all designed with the intention to create a more vibrant and competitive business climate in this city. (PNA)

UNCROWDED. A business owner takes advantage of the virtually empty Business Bureau to renew her business permit on the first day of renewal on Saturday. Crowds are expected to grow as the January 20 deadline nears. Lean Daval Jr.

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

PASSENGER SEASON. Passengers at the Kidapawan City Overland Terminal rush to board a bus on Friday, January 2. Buses and other forms of transportation are generally crowded right after the Christmas break. MindaNews photo by Geonarri Solmerano

Robust growth seen for furniture industry T

HE Philippines’ furniture industry is seen to expand strongly this 2015. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) trustee for furniture sector Myra Bituin said the industry is projected to grow by 25 percent this year with the robust demand in the local and global market. Bituin noted that the furniture industry growth is also anchored to the booming real estate projects in the country, particularly hotels and condominiums. “The local market is even better since we have hotels and condominiums. We have lot of hotels that will be coming in and also refurnishing. So I think the local market will be even bigger eventually than the export because of the rise of the hotels,” she said. She said the recovering market of the United States and the growth prospects in

the European market will also buoy the growth of the local furniture industry. “The US market is one of our most important partners and we are giving our effort to bring back the biggest market. I think it will be a better 2015 than 2014,” she said. “Although there is the EU (European Union) timber regulation, we have a lot of plantation species. So our certification is only the problem... When we look into the chain of custody, it is a matter of putting all the resources and working together and implementing it. I think that’s the most important thing,” Bituin said, adding that industry players are working closely with the government to address the issue. Latest data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that exports revenue of woodcrafts and furniture for the first ten months of 2014 amounted to US$2.77 billion. (PNA)

Country urged to boost manufacturing sector T

HE Philippines needs to undertake measures to make the manufacturing sector more competitive and increase the productivity in the agriculture sector in an effort to promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty. A study released by government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) indicated that the manufacturing sector provides employment opportunities for the poor and also offers relatively higher wages compared with agriculture, which is the major employer of chronic poor workers.

“However, expected high productivity employment opportunities from the manufacturing sector were not fully realized due to some bottlenecks in the sector. This partly explains the persistence of poverty in the Philippines,” it said. The PIDS study underscored the need to increase the demand for less educated workers to absorb the significant number of less-educated workers among the poor. “Regional economic integration that leads to regional production networks resulting in a more dynamic manufacturing sector can

ty,” Chan said. She said this is the way for the private sector to reach out to the government not only when there are issues or problems, but make the government a partner in all development projects that need private sector’s assistance or suggestions. “This movement will bring together the entire business community to strengthen the government-led Private-Public Partnership (PPP) program,” Chan said. Among the industry groups that will represent the unified private sector

collaboration with the LGUs include the Carbon Market Vendors Association, Cebu Bankers Club, Cebu-Gift Toys and Housewares, Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., Mactan Economic Zone Exporters and Manufacturers and Finex Cebu. The chamber will also work closely with various government agencies such as the Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, and the National Economic Development Authority in identifying industry concerns and plan of actions to accelerate the economic growth of Cebu. (PNA)

Trade group to formalize ties T

HE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) will lead the formalization of the partnership between the private sector and the local government units (LGUs) in the province starting 2015, an official said. CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan said this will allow the private sector, represented by different business organizations and industry associations, to make a strong presence and participation in all economy-driven projects initiated by the government. Chan said the chamber

has started enlisting 22 business group affiliates for this movement. It plans to tap or invite more private organizations after their first meeting this month. Chan said the team will partner with the Cebu Provincial Government and the LGUs in component cities and municipalities in the province. “Linking and working closely with the public sector, particularly with the LGUs as a unified team, will allow Cebu to maximize its potential in achieving economic growth and prosperi-

be a source of that increased demand,” it noted. Likewise, it said investments have to be made to increase the access of the poor to quality education “so that they can take advantage of employment opportunities that are not available to most of the poor right now.” Alongside an industrial policy that aims to develop local firms, an earlier study also suggested that the government must carry out some measures that would improve the investment climate in the country and increase the participation of local firms in higher segments of the industry value

chain. However, it recognized that the manufacturing sector employs only 8.3 percent of the total workforce, of which 23 percent are less educated. It is thus unlikely that the manufacturing sector can quickly absorb all the excess labor in the agriculture sector, where 74 percent of the chronic poor workers are currently employed. “If the government aims to reduce poverty more quickly, it is equally important to increase productivity also in the agriculture sector,” the study said. (PNA)

World oil prices drop amid ample supplies

IL prices lost Friday amid growing supplies from Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia. Iraqi Oil Ministry spokesman Asim Jihad said the country exported 2.94 million barrels a day in December, the highest number since the 1980s. OPEC decided to maintain its collective output quota at 30 million barrels a day at the Nov. 27 meeting in Vienna. There was no sign that producers would cut pro-

duction in response to the slump. OPEC’s production dropped 122,000 barrels a day from November to 30.24 million in December, a Bloomberg survey indicated. Russian oil output rose 0.3 percent in December to a record of 10.667 million barrels a day, according to the data from the Energy Ministry. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said last month that crude output from Russia, the world’s largest crude producer, will be close to the 2014 level of

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7 CULTURE&ARTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

Powekast

Mebuyan

Welcoming 2015 - Sans the Big Bang! Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

HEN God created the first human beings, He placed them in what Biblical scholars call the Garden of Eden. It was mentioned in the Genesis chapters 2 and 3 and also in Ezekiel. In Genesis 14, it was described as the “garden of God.” It was just but fitting to welcome 2015 at Eden Nature Park and Resort in barangay Eden in Toril, Davao City. “Let’s do the countdown the Eden way,” said Brenda A. Ocampo, the marketing manager of the resort. I did! It was my first time not to celebrate the coming of the New Year outside of my home. I usually welcome New Year with my parents, siblings, nephews and nieces. There were two occasions when I didn’t do it -- those were the times when I spent it with my sister and her family in the United States: the first in Hibbing, Minnesota and the second in Livingston, Montana. Since it would be lonely to celebrate the countdown alone, I invited three friends to go along with me: Armand Mortejo, Jommel Alimento, and Jan Pochollo III. All four of us indeed had grand time welcoming 2015! But that’s going ahead of the story. Brenda picked us at the hotel where we were staying at around lunch time. The breezy trip took about an hour. When we arrived at the place, we immediately went to the fishing area where our

Welcoming 2015

lunch was ready for feasting. The tilapia was so crispy that I ate with much gusto -as if I hadn’t eaten for a day. And the hito -- which I never tried in the past because it’s carnivorous -- was also mouthwatering that I finally tasted it. And yes, the organic vegetable salad was an alltime favorite! After the sumptuous lunch, we settled in our room. Since it was too late to take a nap and too early to prepare, we decided to tour Jan, who was first timer in the place. Jomjastene was too tired to go with us, so only the three of us went to roam around the resort. Jan is a nature lover so he had fun time touring the place. What caught his attention was the few minutes spent in every place where we made a stopover. “It’s as if we are part of Amazing Race reality show,” he said while taking some selfie photos. After the tour, we returned to our room. We rested for a while. At around 6:30 pm, Armand and Jommel were ready for the New Year’s Eve Mass. Jan and I decided to stay since we were so tired. The mass ended past 8 and it was raining hard. Jan and I decided to go where the mass was held to meet our two companions. It was just a walking distance and we saw them but Armand wanted to go back in our room. Jan and I went ahead to Vista Restaurant where the

dinner was served. “Where are you?” inquired Brenda in her text. But I didn’t notice it since we were already trying to find a table for us. But she saw us and told us we would be joining where some members of her family were sitting. Fine with us, I told her. Armand and Jommel joined us later. I had fun time watching GMA television host Tek Ocampo watching his son. “Your son is a dead ringer of you,” I told him. He smiled, agreeing with my observation. While we were eating our dinner, we were entertained by the music provided by Flight 99. Then, after everyone had eaten, Mebuyan took center stage. The group, I think, is named after the ancient goddess of the underworld of the Bagobo and Manobo mythology. The song about children was so engaging that it brought our childhood memories. Another song made us think was about women compared to a soap placed in a box. But the song that really brought the audience to laughter was its rendition of “Ako’y Pobreng Alindahaw.” Instead of “alindahaw” (dragon fly), the singers used what women are doing: from being a secretary and a teacher to that of an overseas contract worker. The lines of the songs may be funny but they were serious that they need to be given some thoughts. While the Mebuyan group was singing, some dance

groups entertained the audience with some dances: Kultura Edeng and Powekast. The drum and lyre of Don Elias Lopez Memorial National High School joined the fun. Of course, there was the usual games and raffle of prizes. When the clock struck 10 pm, Flight 99 again went to the center stage. The audience started to join the dancers. It was just a matter of minutes that the hall was fully packed with people and you cannot Kultura Edeng move further. But everyone had fun. Fifteen minutes before the countdown, the torotots were given to all people around. That’s was when the energy started to go the highest level. Flight 99 sang VST’S “Rock, Baby, Rock!” when made everyone to sing along. Then, it was followed by “Sumayaw, Sumunod” of Boyfriends. Then it was a countdown from 10 to 1. Everyone was shouting then followed it by blowing their torotots. The Tek Ocampo taking photo of himself and his wife, Brenda. balloons -- in various colors and sizes -- placed on top of the hall fell down. Some people were also busy doing selfie photos. I also tried to capture the moments with my camera. This year’s New Year’s countdown was directed by Oscar Casaysay and hosted by Don Gonzales. According to Brenda, some 450 people watched the countdown. “More and more people are joining us this year,” she said.

With friends

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

EDITORIAL Role models and firecrackers sold secretly

N a system of governance such as ours in which a small community is empowered, leaders are looked up to as role models. In such a small jurisdiction as barangays, you expect your leaders to set the right example and of being role models not only to the younger ones but to everyone in the community. It begins by being obedient to laws and ordinances. There is no better way to express one’s harmony with established norms and laws than by living with it every day in our lives without exception and without finding alibis in case of infraction. Such are the standards we normally set for our village leaders from the barangays. So when two barangay kagawads were caught last Christmas Day setting off firecrackers or having possession of them, it sent off wrong signals to everyone. The two kagawads of Mintal could only offer as their excuse 1) being overwhelmed by firecrackers and their colors as to being

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desirous to share that to others in the manner of Adam enticing Eve to eat of the fruit from the forbidden tree; and 2) simply forgetting that there is a law against firecrackers. The bottom line is these are no valid excuses for violating the firecracker ban. The two kagawads should pay for such violations with more severity, being officials of the barangay. Administrative penalties should be in order for the two firecracker-crazy leaders. The city government should deal with them accordingly while at the same time revisiting the law to make it stiffer for officials who violate it. Likewise, we could not help but ask, where in heaven did the two kagawads buy their firecrackers? Did they just fall from the skies? That makes us think firecrackers are being sold discretely here. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 206 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 4 - 5, 2015

Functional foods are coming

EARLY 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates espoused the tenet: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” These days, there has been an explosion of consumer interest in the health enhancing role of specific foods or physiologically-active food components. They are called functional foods. Actually, they are “foods or dietary components that claim to provide health benefits aside from basic nutrition,” notes the briefing paper published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). “These foods contain biologically active substances such as antioxidants that may lower the risks from certain diseases associated with aging.” Examples of functional foods include fruits (apple, banana, grapes, and citrus, to name a few), vegetables (broccoli, tomato, and garlic, among others), whole grains, soy, milk, enhanced foods and beverages, and some dietary supplements. “Of course, all foods are functional because they provide varying amounts of nutrients and energy to sustain growth or support vital processes,” notes Dr. Jennifer K. Nelson, of the Mayo Clinic. “However, functional foods are generally considered to offer additional benefits that may reduce the risk of disease or promote optimal health.” In 1992, a review of 200 epidemiological studies showed that cancer risk in people consuming diets high in fruits and vegetables was only one-half that in those consuming few of these foods. “It is now clear that there are components in a plant-based diet other than traditional nutrients that can reduce cancer risk,” pointed out Dr. Claire M. Hasler, executive director of the Functional Foods for Health Program, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. According to ISAAA, several functional foods are coming our way. These are food products that contain higher levels of phytosterols for reduced cholesterol, crops with higher levels of carotenoids for increased vitamin A, potato loaded with antioxidants, low-linolenic soybean, and high-lysine corn.

How are these possi- THINK ON THESE! ble? “Diet and health are closely related,” the briefing paper explains. “Thus, crops are now being enhanced through biotechnology to increase levels Henrylito D. Tacio of important henrytacio@gmail.com biologically active substances for improved nutrition, to increase body’s resistance to illnesses, and to remove undesirable food components.” Biotechnology is “a technique that makes use of organism (or parts of it) to make or modify products, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific purposes.” They are called genetically modified (GM) crops, which are made through a process called genetic engineering. Dr. Antonio Alfonso, a plant breeder at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Crops Biotechnology Center director, said genetic engineering is employed because of the following reasons: the trait is not present in the germplasm of the plant; the trait is very difficult to incorporate using conventional breeding methods; and it would take a very long time to introduce and/or improve such trait in the crop through conventional breeding. Linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are some of the essential fatty acids. These are considered essential because they cannot be synthesized by the human body. A large number of scientific research studies suggest that higher dietary essential fatty acid intakes are associated with reductions in cardiovascular disease risk. The main food sources of the long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids are fish. Plants lack

the enzymes to make long-chain fatty acids needed by human beings. Scientists at the University of Bristol modified Arabidopsis thaliana to produce long-chain PUFAs. “The transgenic plants were modified with three genes encoding different enzymes that convert linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids to the long-chain PUFAs,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “This experiment opened the possibility for the improvement of crops.” Antioxidants are important biological compounds that can protect the body by neutralizing the activity of the harmful free radicals, which are generated by pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides. Antioxidants come in different forms with phenolic compounds -- like flavonoids and tocopherols -- being in the most common. They are found in most fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, broccoli, aubergine, berries, and potatoes. They are plentiful in coffee, tea, and red wine. To enhance the flavonoid content of potatoes, some scientists conducted single and multiple-gene transformations for the enzymes in the biosynthesis of flavonoids. The result of the study: GM plants exhibited significantly increased levels of phenolics and improved antioxidant capacity. “Functional foods through biotechnology can provide developing countries food sources with increased nutritional value,” the ISAAA briefing paper noted. “Staple starchy crops such as cassava and yams have been modified to lower the amylopectin content of starch, which has been associated with diet-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes. “In areas of drought and poor soil quality, where high quality proteins are scarce, genetic modification has been undertaken on some legumes and in soybean to increase the levels of high proteins,” the briefing paper added. Here’s a thought from Dr. Nelson: “If you want to try functional foods, choose wisely. And keep in mind that while functional foods may help promote wellness, they can’t make up for poor eating habits. Your best bet is still to eat a balanced and varied diet.”

We should learn to handle man-made disasters

HANK God Typhoon Senyang exited the Philippine area after only three days; still, it left the usual devastation in its wake, this time along the northern and eastern seaboard of Mindanao. Various kinds of disaster befall our archipelago regularly, natural and man-made. Typhoons alone batter us an average of 22 times yearly, or almost twice every month. And there’s not much we can do about them except minimize casualties. Other times we have outbreaks of disease, old or new or exotic like SARS or MERS-CoV. There was even an outbreak of typhus in Cebu some years back. And red tide invades various seacoasts every so often. But we manage to carry on. It’s a sad fact of life in our archipelago that we get battered every so often by Mother Nature. But it’s sadder that man-made disasters go on all the time unabated. They cause devastation to moral, political, economic damage which are entirely within our power to control or prevent. ***** But we’re proving to be socially inept and politically incapable of dealing with such man-made disasters. We can’t be that morally deficient, corrupted, or immature; we just need to be serious about eradicating public corruption. Too often we take man-made damage lightly, falling back on our capacity for finding humor in difficult circumstances. Laughter is great for light moments, but we should turn off the laughter when confronted with public abuse, dishonesty, or cor-

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW BY MANNY VALDEHUESA ruption. Shrugging off the corrupt antics of our officials as if it’s just a bad joke is not funny. When the devastating discovery that our premier correctional facility, the New Bilibid Prison system, was turned into a criminal facility by wealthy inmates, it wasn’t a joking matter. But there was hardly any indignation. There should have been nationwide indignation. The officials who coddled the hard-core criminals, allowing them to live luxurious lives in prison, transforming their jail cells into a spa and a den of iniquity, should have been condemned in no uncertain terms and kicked out. ***** Our inability to show indignation is softening our national character. We’re supposed to be a hardy people, patient and forbearing, tough when necessary. But not anymore, it seems. We need to do something about our attitude and learn to distinguish between natural and man-made disasters so we can deal with the latter effectively. There’s little we can do about the tantrums of nature, but there’s a lot we can do about the abuses of man. We should get tough with our government and hold it to higher standards, applying sterner measures when they betray our trust. It’s bad enough that disaster makes

people dispirited, becoming defeatist in a despairing way, driving them to escapist pastimes—drinking, gambling, anything to overcome despair or hopelessness. Things wouldn’t be so bad if we learn to enforce the law uncompromisingly. We can’t control nature but we can control man. We can discipline him or prevent him from committing crimes that cause moral and physical disaster. ***** Man-made disasters demean our nation, weaken our republic, and consign the Filipino race to the fate of Sisyphus—ever trying to push reforms up the incline, only to be thwarted near the top by the greed and vanity of fellow Filipinos. It’s very bad that we allow man-made disaster to cause or worsen poverty, driving our countrymen to pack up and go abroad…far from the ravages of public dishonesty or bad governance…far from the monotony of recurrent bankruptcy and starting over again, making their lives less and less satisfying, and their mood more and more depressing. (Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific; secretary-general, Southeast Asia Publishers Association; director, Development Academy of Philippines; member, Philippine Mission to the UN; vice chair, Local Government Academy; member, Cory Government’s Peace Panel; awardee, PPI-UNICEF outstanding columnist. He is president/national convenor, Gising Barangay Movement Inc. valdehuesa@gmail.com)

VANTAGE POINTS

Airlines are a public service

E I N G MY TWO CENTS’ holders of public franchises, airlines necessarily bear the responsibility of public service apart from running a sustainable transport enterprise. John Tria This essentially means that ecisouth@gmail.com beyond profit, taxpayers (customers) welfare is one of its primary goals. Public franchises are vehicles that allow private sector entities to deliver services in areas owned by the state. For example, radio stations broadcast on the airwaves on the basis of a franchise issued by government, as legislated by Congress. The skies are state property, so anyone wishing to provide services or do business can only do so at the behest of the government, which is the instrument of the state. The legislative function of the government enables the franchisee to operate through legislation, allowing the entity to operate. The recent fiasco experienced by Cebu Pacific in the NAIA 3 sheds a lot of light into the operations of airlines. As regular passenger shipping to Manila and Cebu from Davao ended in 2011, the natural alternative is air travel. With lower fares and frequent flight schedules, air travel became the travel modality of choice for Dabawenyos wishing to go to Manila or Cebu, Zamboanga and Iloilo, even Cagayan de Oro. As such, almost 3 millon passengers used the Davao airport in 2013, more than twice the city’s population. Clearly, the airport is our city’s and region’s gateway in and main exit point. Those who travel frequently know that the trend in airline service is hewing closely to what budget airlines like AirAsia and Cebu Pacific offer. Inflight meals for a price, simpler accommodations, and less of the frills. Doubtless, this has driven down fares and enabled every Juan and Rita to fly. Those who remember what domestic air travel was like in the 70s and 80s remember airlines and their personnel going out of their way to assist passengers by finding the best available flight in case of flight cancellations for whatever reason. In the case of Cebu Pacific, they only allow you to rebook for free within a limited period – your effort, and your knowledge and skill to rebook at your own pace to get the first available flight. While those with tablets and smartphones can rebook quickly at the terminal, a good number don’t have the capacity nor capability to do so on their own, and may never be able to rebook. The ensuing Civil Aeronautics Board hearing stemming from complaints filed after the brouhaha said a lot about creating the necessary change in the way budget airlines operate. We just hope that such changes will happen, and eventually change the way Cebu Pacific conducts itself as an airline. One basic suggestion is to ensure that ALL passengers affected by cancellations or overbooking are assisted until they are properly rebooked, and that decisions to cancel are done early enough to prevent unnecessary crowds at the airport. Likewise the disclosure policy should be strengthened to properly communicate the reason for the delay or cancellation and inform passengers about actions being taken. Cebu Pacifc passengers are irate crowds when ground personnel can’t give them straight answers. GUESTS need proper assurance and assistance, not simply a free meal and the chance to rebook for free. Travelling is not everyone’s bliss. Doing this means the airline cares about them and their welfare, especially when the airline is at fault. Over all, being a budget airline means you need to operate as an airline first and worry about making enough money after. After all, flying our skies upon our approval, license or franchise is a means to serve us, the public.

NEWS

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In a six-paragraph press statement, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza assured the public the government will exhaust “all efforts in bringing these cowards into the folds of law and prevent similar occurrences in the future.” She asked officials of M’lang “to strengthen their resolve in protecting our people from further barbarism” and added that the provincial government has mobilized concerned government agencies “to fast track clearing operations

and ensure that appropriate charges are filed against the perpetrators.” The governor assured affected families that “all forms of assistance will be provided.” She warned the perpetrators that what they did “will not discourage the provincial leadership in its pursuit of a peaceful North Cotabato,” adding that the perpetrators’ “outright disrespect to every Cotabateño will end sooner than later.” (With reports from Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

pound in Mintal. In a report on TV Patrol Southern Mindanao, Santander said he just wanted to show his neighbors what a firecracker was and to add to the merrymaking. Driz said no firecracker injuries or casualties were recorded in the city during the holidays. She also said there were no incidents of indiscriminate firing recorded in the city. Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera told Edge Davao that the celebration of the New Year was peaceful in general because no major incidents happened. “Our campaign on illegal firecrackers and illegal discharge of firearms are

very effective. We confiscated a lot of piccolo which is the number one cause firecracker related injury,” he said. “PRO 11 regional director Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario is very thankful to the community and to the media for helping us in our desire to have a peaceful New Year celebration,” he added PRO 11 confiscated a total of 23,219 packs of firecrackers, including 2,135 piccolos, with a total value of P311,170 for the whole Christmas season. PRO 11 also recorded a total of 41 persons who were arrested for selling illegal firecrackers, with 10 cases already being filed. Police also recorded a total of 35 firecracker injuries in the region.

Talomo police said an informant reported that Romarate was the supplier of illegal drugs in Lanzona. Police immediately conducted a buy-bust operation which resulted in the arrest of the suspect. Recovered from the possession of Romarate were two small sachets of shabu, a marked P500 bill, disposable lighters, other drug paraphernalia, and a motorcycle. On January 2, San Pedro Police Station also conducted three buy-bust operations in its area of jusridiction. At around 4:45 p.m. police arrested Dexter D. Hollanes, 27, a former City Hall employee and a resident of Mabini Street after selling a sachet of suspected shabu in exchange for P500 to an agent inside his residence. Police said three other men were also caught in the act of having a shabu session in Hollanes’ house. They were identified as Peter Dennis D. Hollanes, 32, a former member of the 66th Infantry Battalion who has gone on absence without official leave (AWOL); Fransisco Tag-at Timkang, 34, and Zaldy P. Maiso, 34. Seized from their possession were assorted ille-

gal drug paraphernalia with one sachet of suspected shabu used for their session. At around 6:45 p.m. San Pedro police conducted another buy-bust operation in front of San Pedro Cathedral that resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old woman, a resident of Cotabato City. The woman (name withheld) was arrested after she handed over a plastic transparent heat sealed sachet containing suspected shabu worth P3,000 to an undercover police officer. At around 8:45 p.m. police arrested 20-yearold student Bani Sadre Batino Ali, alias Sadam and 19-year-old Abdul Rauf Batino Ali, both residing in Cotabato City after allegedly selling shabu worth P1,000 to an agent. Another suspect, identified as Kenneth Martonia Andog, was also arrested when he was caught in the process of repacking suspected shabu. Seized from their possession were 14 assorted sizes of heat sealed transparent sachets containing shabu with a total street value of around P274,000, two digital weighing scales, and assorted drug paraphernalia. [ABF]

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GROUPIE. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte gamely poses for a “groupie” during the second Davao Torotot Festival held along Roxas Avenue on New Year’s eve. Lean Daval Jr.

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connectivity and vulnerability reduction.” Based on a statement furnished by RDC 11, the MSS/DF is “consistent with the NSS spatial strategies that guide the public sector policy and decision makers in bringing about efficient settlement, production, and service delivery systems for sustainable land use and disaster risk reduction.” The MSS/DF formulation is an initiative of the NEDA Board’s National Land Use Committee and Regional Development Committee. “We have various strate-

gies to encourage our LGUs (local government units) on which CLUPs (comprehensive land use plan) will be based. They should be consistent with our long term spatial development for the region,” Lim said. The three-decade blueprint will also identify areas in the region that will be considered “no touch zones” for the protection of investors and other stakeholders of Davao region. “This is to ensure that development will be sustainable and that we will still benefit the future generation,” she said.

tabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC), the official said the victim is under close observation as the bullet is still embedded in his head. According to the child’s mother, Tarhata, they were about to sleep inside their home in Barangay Tukanes at past 10 p.m. on Wednesday when she heard something falling from their roof. Upon checking, she found the boy’s left eye bleeding and immediately rushed him to the CRMC. Camba said the victim’s house, which was made of light materials, was located near a river that separates Cotabato City and Maguindanao Province. Prior to the incident, he said Cotabato City police personnel were on maximum deployment in the entire city to prevent possible cases of indiscriminate firing. “There’s a big possibility that the suspect was from the Maguindanao side but we’re still looking into that,” he said. Once the bullet is re-

moved from the victim, he said they will immediately submit it to ballistic examination to determine whether it was fired from a licensed firearm. The incident was one of the two cases of stray bullet injuries that were recorded by PRO-12 as of Friday morning. Camba said the other case was reported in Pikit, North Cotabato. In terms of firecracker-related injuries, he said they recorded a total of 96 cases so far in the entire region. He said South Cotabato posted the most number of injuries with 40, followed by North Cotabato with 35, this city with 12, Sultan Kudarat with seven and Cotabato City with two. Camba said these cases were reported by police personnel that they assigned in various private and government hospitals in the region. “This is just partial as we’re still validating the reports from our other units,” he added. (MindaNews)

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Zambo... FFROM 4 fiscated firecrackers that include five star, rockets (kwitis, including the smaller version), piccolo, and sticks of seven colors. Casimiro said they have also confiscated canons made of bamboo and tin cans also known as “lantaka,” and PVC canon known as “Boga.” “There are still people who insist to violate the firecracker ban. Some of them were apprehended and spent their New Year’s Day inside the (Police) station jail except for the minors,” he added. He led on Friday the inspection and removal of tapes on gun muzzles of firearms belonging to policemen under the ZCPO,

which has jurisdiction over 11 police stations and a public safety company. Casimiro said not one among the 1,222 policemen under the ZCPO was found to have fired his service firearms during the New Year’s revelry. The PNP issued a directive to all personnel for an intensified campaign against illegal discharge of firearms and indiscriminate firing. The campaign includes the simultaneous taping of muzzles of guns issued to policemen nationwide last Dec. 22 to assure the public that they will not discharge their firearms during the Yuletide Season, except in cases of emergency.

Transportation and Communication (DOTC) had started inviting bidders for the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Development, Operations and Maintenance Project which has an estimated cost of P40.57 billion. NEDA 11 has also identified a relocation site for more than 200 families that will be affected by the expansion project as part of the Davao (Sasa) Port Modernization Project which has an estimated cost of P18.99 billion. The Council bolstered

the Davao Region initiatives related to the ASEAN Economic Cooperation (AEC) integration. RDC11 enjoined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 to establish a regional unified website containing information on the tax and duty rates per commodity; enjoined the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to prioritize Davao Region in the operationalization of the National Single Window (NSW); and approved the Regional AEC Integration Readiness Scorecard. [CRC]

10.6 million barrels a day in 2015. Stockpiles at Cushing, the delivery point for U.S. crude futures gained 2 million barrels to 30.8 million barrels in the week ending Dec. 26, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). U.S. crude production decreased 6,000 barrels a day to 9.121 million last week.

Traders believed that U.S. production and inventories are still at a pretty high level. Light, sweet crude for February delivery lost 0.58 U.S. dollar to settle at 52.69 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for February delivery shed 0.91 dollar to close at 56.42 dollars a barrel. (PNA/Xinhua)

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TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

SUBURBIA

Triathlete crosses Hinatuan Passage T

R I AT H L E T E - L AWYER Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine achieved another feat as the first man to swim across the Hinatuan Passage in Surigao del Norte. Macarine said he embarked on the swim to promote protection of the marine environment, tourism and healthy lifestyle. Macarine, 38, swam from Bucas Grande Island to Claver town on Friday. He said he became worried when he was carried three kilometers away from the shoreline in Cagdianao because of siltation. Siltation has been one of the major problems in Claver due to mining operations that have been blamed for the degradation of the town’s marine environment. “I was so anxious because I drank water with silt. I don’t know the negative effect,” Macarine said. He said he was saddened to see the extent of damage to the marine resources of Claver. “There’s no fish I’ve seen at the silted portion. It’s all yellow and dead corals,” he told MindaNews. The Surigao-born swimmer covered a total distance of 10.5 kilometers in five hours and eight minutes. He considered the swim as one of the toughest he has ever done as he was

swimming against strong currents. “Supposedly I could finish it at the maximum of four hours but due to strong current I almost gave up because of physical exhaustion,” he told reporters. People in Bucas Grande and Claver even doubted that Macarine could finish it, saying no one had ever attempted to swim across the passage because of the current and sharks. Bucas Grande Island has beautiful spots such as lagoons, caves, coves and the attractions that have made it a tourist destination. Claver, on the other hand, hosts several mining companies which extract mineral ores, mostly nickel, and ship them to China and Japan. Macarine started swimming from Barangay Dona Helen in Socorro at 6:30 a.m. and reached the reef of this barangay at 11:38 a.m. “No one ever did that. In my whole life no one really tried it,” said Claver Mayor Eddie Gokiangkee told MindaNews. Gokiangkee provided a speedboat for Macarine’s support staff and family including reporters who witnessed the record-setting swim. Congratulatory messages were either uttered by

SWIM FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Triathlete-lawyer Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman ” Macarine stops to drink water given by the support staff during his record-setting feat Friday. Macarine swam 10.5 kilometers in 5 hours and 8 minutes despite strong currents from Bucas Grande

Island to Claver town in Surigao del Norte to promote protection of the marine environment, tourism and healthy lifestyle. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto

people who waited at the shoreline and several others who called via mobile phones. Redeemer Gabunada, village chief of Cagdianao said he was awed and shocked by Macarine’s feat. “I’m so thankful that he landed on our shore, it’s my great pleasure to welcome everyone especially Atty. Ingemar Macarine for this historic swim,” he said. A varsity swimmer

during his college days at Siliman University in Dumaguete City, Macarine did several open-water swim since last year. He said this was supposed to be a yearend swim originally scheduled on December 30, but he postponed it to January 2 due to Typhoon Seniang. Macarine is the first man to swim Basul Island in Surigao to mainland Surigao City, a distance of 4.28

kilometers, on December 31, 2013. Earlier this year, Macarine swam 12.82 kilometers from Hikdop Island in Surigao Channel to Surigao City. Last April he also swam from the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary to Aquatic Park in San Francisco, a span of nearly three kilometers, in one hour and two minutes, the lone Filipino to have swam in that

perintendent Angelito Casimiro reported 100 percent compliance with the directive, saying no one among his personnel fired their guns during the New Year revelry. Casimiro led on Friday the inspection and removal of gun muzzle tape of policemen under the ZCPO, which has jurisdiction over 11 police stations

and a public safety company. There are 1,222 policemen assigned in this city’s 11 police stations, Zamboanga City Public Safety Company (ZCPSC) and ZCPO headquarters. Casimiro said the New Year’s celebration was generally peaceful and injury free in this city. (PNA)

Zambo cops unseal gun muzzle; no one fired guns

HE Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has reported 100 percent compliance by its personnel with the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters directive dubbed “Ligtas Kapaskuhan.” The PNP issued a directive to all personnel for an intensified campaign against illegal

discharge of firearms and indiscriminate firing. The campaign included the simultaneous gun muzzle taping of policemen nationwide last December 22 to assure the public that they would not discharge their firearms during the Yuletide Seasons. ZCPO director Senior Su-

INLINE SKATES. Poor boys in Iligan City use inline skates with a twist – like they were using a manual scooter. Spotted at the new circumferential road (C3) near Global Steel early morning Friday, January 2. MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera

area. Macarine, who is president of the Surigao Runners Club, tried to cross the treacherous Surigao Strait from San Ricardo, Southern Leyte to Surigao City but stopped after a few kilometers due to strong currents. He successfully swam Babuyan Channel in Cagayan and Balicasag Island to Panglao Island in Bohol. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

Firecracker injuries rise in Region 12

HE Department of Health (DOH) in Central Mindanao region on Saturday said the total number of firecracker related injuries rose to 114 as the regional office continues to receive reports from various hospitals. Jenny Ventura, DOH12 spokesperson and focal person of ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign, said that as of 7 a.m., the number of injured individuals due to firecrackers rose to 114, including three persons hit by stray bullets during the New Year’s revelry. She said these are recorded in the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and General Santos. North Cotabato have the most number of fire-

cracker related injuries with 34, followed by South Cotabato with 31, General Santos City (17), Sultan Kudarat (14) Cotabato City (11), and Sarangani (7). Ventura said the date was based on reports submitted by 31 hospitals in Region 12, also known as SOCCSKSARGEN region. She said 99 of the victims were males while 15 were females. Ventura said DOH monitoring on number of casualties, from December 21, will continue until January 5. “This is disturbing, we are sad many ignored our calls to avoid setting off firecrackers in welcoming the New Year,” she said. This year’s figure was some 50 percent higher compared to last year’s figure of 60. (PNA)

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Streetside shopping in downtown Kota Kinabalu I

F there is one thing we Dabawenyos love to do whenever we travel, it is to shop. It is no wonder places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok top our usual travel lists. But with more and more international brands hitting our shores, grift shopping is now shifting from buying well-known brands to buying more local and artisanal products especially when it comes to buying “pasalubong.” On a recent trip to Kota Kinabalu together with Cebu Pacific Air and Sabah Tourism, I was able to visit the famous Gaya Street Sunday Market. Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu and only open during Sundays, the Gaya Street Sunday Market is an assault to the senses which can make every shopaholic smile with glee. It has hundreds of booths selling anything from fruits to plants to food, electronics, clothing, charms, hand-made soap, souvenirs, and even pets (I think I also saw a booth selling kitchen

sinks). The energy level of the market was intoxicating as each corner and turn yielded even more shopping treasures to tempt every ringgit to jump from my wallet. There

Posing at the end of Gaya Street.

Shawls and various fasion accessories.

Sabah’s famous coffee.

Antique ceramic plates.

Tropical fruits.

Wooden trickets.

Many different collectible shells.

were drink vendors who sold soy milk, sugar cane juice, and lo han kuo tea. A few steps down and I found myself in front of someone who was selling fresh coffee beans with someone beside him selling locally made trinkets ans souvenirs. What was even more amazing was that everything being sold in the market reflected life and living in Kota Kinabalu as locals can also be seen in the area doing their shopping, stocking up on fruits and vegetables, or just there to hang out and have a good time with friends. I know I did. The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air, flies thrice weekly from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, for as low as P1,199. Guests can connect to Manila from across the network. For bookings, visit www.cebupacificair.com or call (02)7020-888 or (032)2308888. The latest seat sales may also be found on Cebu Pacific Air’s official Facebook and Twitter (@ CebuPacificAir) pages. When planning a trip

The hustle and bustle along Gaya Street. to Kota Kinabalu, check out Sabah Tourism’s comprehensive website (www. sabahtourism.com) for sample itineraries and featured attractions.

Queueing up for some local snacks.

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

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EVENTS

Tata Motors launches Davao showroom By Kenneth Irving Ong

PILIPINAS TAJ AUTOGROUP INC. (PTAJ), the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles in the Philippines, continues to grow nationwide through the opening of its Tata Davao dealership last December 18, 2014. Already operating since Tata’s launch in the Manila International Auto Show, the Davao dealership is now fully operational and is graced by the presence of Tata Motors Limited’s head of international business commercial vehicles, Mr. R.T. Wasan, and Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc., chairman and president, Mr. David Coyukiat. Owned and operated by Davao Bonifacio Motors, Inc., headed by its chairman, Dr. Dave Ross F. Bonifacio, the Tata Davao facility boasts of a state of the art spacious 5-car display at the showroom and an expansive 1,322 sqm service area with five work bays located along J.P. Laurel Ave. at Km. 9 Barrio Pampanga. Present for the dealership’s grand opening was

India’s ambassador to the Philippines Mr. L. Ralte as well as Davao City Mayor, Rodrigo R. Duterte who witnessed the turnover of an initial 18 units of the 180 ordered units of Tata Ace multi-purpose vehicles for the city’s barangay’s disaster preparedness programs.

Wintery White with the Waterfront Insular Hotel’s peers IT’S that time of the year when parties and celebrations are at an all time high. It was no different at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, who held its annual Christmas Party for its dedicated employees last December 16 at the Grand Agila Ballroom. Wining and dining was in abundance and every person in attendance reveled in the festivities. The venue was literally transformed into a wintery white wonderland and the Peers Services Department pulled all the stops and produced one awesome program. Employees got to sit back, relax and enjoy the party, with live entertainment from the Bird’s Eye band and dance production numbers courtesy of the Sining Tala Dance Company. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Employees of the Year for three different

categories: the Back of the House, the Front of the House and Supervisor of the Year. Each winner in each category exemplified the culture and vision and mission of the hotel, the Waterfront Way. For Back of the House, Mr. Gilbert Banday, Demi Chef, was awarded this distinction. For Front of the House, the winner was the hardworking and courteous Mr. Noel Gellama, Resto Server. And, the grand winner for the evening, Mr. Rogelio Batindaan took home the honor of being named the Supervisor of the Year. More cheers and applause were given after

the announcement that there will be an additional Christmas bonus for all

the employees of Waterfront for a significantly good performance this

year. The evening was ended with so much fun and nonstop laughter as every-

one was in high spirits and showing it the Waterfront Way.

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ENTERTAINMENT

GMA’s power couple finally get married in star-studded ceremony THE wedding of Primetime King and Queen, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera last December 30 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral was definitely a wedding to remember as the biggest personalities from from showbiz and politics came. A grand Spanishthemed reception followed at the SM Mall of Asia Arena which was attended by over 1,200 guests. A highlight of the evening was when Ding-

dong sang a song to Marian which was es-

pecially composed by Sunday All Star mainstay, Janno Gibbs. Marian was especially emotional when she danced with her father while being serenaded by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. It was a dream come true said the blushing bride, in her Carey Santiago gown, as her family was finally complete.

The bride was also gamely danced and partied with the Aegis band as they belted out their hit song ‘Basang Basa sa Ulan’. Now officially husband and wife, showbiz reporters are now asking if GMA Network’s Royal Couple is planning to have a baby. In an interview with GMA New’s Nelson Can-

las, Dongyan admitted that having a baby is part of their prayers during the wedding ceremony. “Kasama ‘yun sa aming mga dasal noong nagdasal kami kanina sa

simbahan,” said ni Dingdong. Marian ws even more candid with her answer stating that she does not mind having a baby right away.

Travel around the world in “Biyaheng KMJS10” Travel the world this Sunday as multiawarded news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho revisits its unforgettable out of the country trips in the past decade in the special episode Biyaheng KMJS10.

Relive the magical world of Harry Potter as KMJS tours the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka, Japan. Viewers also get to enjoy an

Asian food trip as KMJS explores Thailand, Singapore and Macau. KMJS also takes viewers to Italy particularly in the picturesque places in Rome, Napoli and Florence. The special episode also features Russia’s Matryosha dolls and the famous Russian chocolates as well as the rich culture and history of Mexico. Also, KMJS revisits host Jessica Soho’s

emotional trip as she traces back her Chinese roots in a community in Guangzhou, China.

Catch all these in Biyaheng KMJS10, this Sunday, January 4, 7:45PM on GMA-7.

KC and Paulo’s “Exchange Gift” to begin tonight “GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS” shares to TV viewers a new story about love on Monday (January 5) as it airs the first episode of its last story, “Exchange Gift,” starring awardwinning actors KC Concepcion and Paulo Avelino.

“Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift” will revolve around the story of Christian and Anna (Paulo and KC), a married couple brought together by love and fate, but separated by their differences and a series of unfortunate incidents.

“Give Love on Christmas” is composed of three stories that revolve around family, relationships, and love. These include Gerald and Maja’s “The Gift of Life,” Paulo

and KC’s “Exchange Gift,” and “The Gift Giver,” starring Eddie Garcia, Aiko Melendez, Dimples Romana, Carlo Aquino, and Louise Abuel. It is a Christmas spe-

cial 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 “Exchange Gift” on Monday in “Give Love on Christmas,” before “It’s Showtime” in ABSCBN 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.

January 1-7, 2015

ENGLISH ONLY PLEASE Derek Ramsay, Jennylyn Mercado PG 13

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

FENG SHUI 2 Kris Aquino, Coco Martin PG 13

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

KUBOT: THE ASWANG CHRONICLES 2 Dingdong Dante, Isabelle Daza PG 13

R-16

1:00 | 3:15 | 5:30 | 7:45 | 10:00 LFS

THE AMAZING PRAYBEYT BENJAMIN Vice Ganda, Richard Yap PG 13

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

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TRAVEL

Thrill of the cliffs

R.O.X. and Climb Philippines promote rock climbing in the country ROCK climbing in the Philippines has only been around the scene for two decades and though the sport took on a slow steady growth in the country at first, the community and the awareness on it are gaining momentum through the number of younger climbers coming into the scene and the arrival foreign climbers getting acquainted with the country’s prime spots for rock climbing. Through the efforts of climbers with so much passion for the sport, like Miel Pahati, one of the top Filipino climbers today, and Southeast Asia’s largest outdoor sports and recreation store, Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X.), that has supported many of the country’s extreme sports athletes through an array of premium sports brands under their network, rock climbing in the Philippines is getting much needed support. Coming back from his recent trip from Greece, participating in The 2014 The North Face Kalymnos Climbing Festival trying out routes and meeting the legends of climbing, Miel has a lot of stories and learnings to share to the climbing community. “I got mixed reactions when I told participants in the climbing festival that there is climbing in the Philippines. Many were surprised to hear it, there are others who said that we are the next hot destination for climbing. But in general, you could say that most of them are curious to see what we have to offer.” “Right now, we only have

500 routes here in the Philippines which is a far-cry from what they have in other countries,” Miel shares what climbing in other countries can offer. “They have at least a thousand routes in just one area in Kalymnos. You could only imagine our gap with other countries.” But through climberfriends from Climbers Without Borders (CWB), an organization that brings together climbers all over the world to aid and support other climbing communities in developing the sport in their own localities, they came up with the SPOT Project to create a support network between global climbing community and local climbers. This would help local areas to develop climbing by collecting and sending in equipment, helping in developing crags by bolting more routes, and through financial, logistical or technical support supported by private and public sponsors within the network. “It is very heart-warming to see a lot of the climbers at Kalymnos had expressed their support through donations and pledges,” Miel

cracking his voice a bit while sharing the overwhelming experience. “A lot of them bought our shirts, which will go a long way in helping us with the program, while a lot of them gave us enough equipment, like bolts, quick draws, anchors, drills, and shoes, to at least initiate our plans on developing more routes. There will be more coming in by 2015, and we don’t know how to thank everyone enough for the love and support we’re getting.” While there is already an influx of support from climbing communities in other countries, support from the local climbing community here in the Philippines is also on its way. “Right now we’re thinking of learning from our mentors, those who started climbing here in the Philippines, and passing it on to the younger climbers who can help in developing new routes,” Miel said. “Support from establishments, like R.O.X. has also been helpful in terms of spreading awareness and getting more support from their brands. With their thousands of followers online and hundreds of customers coming in to their stores every day, our stories will definitely get heard. And through that we hope that more support locally will started to rush in,” Miel added. Rock climbing in the Philippines has come a long and is still growing as more and more people are getting into the sport. “Our crags have a lot of potential. Years from

now, I see climbing here in Philippines will finally pick up the pace and more people here and from other coun-

tries enjoy rock climbing as much as they do in other countries,” Miel shared. “But for now, we’ve got a lot

of work to do and we need everyone’s support in this project.” Philippines has a number of rock climbing sites, one of the prominent destination is in Cantabaco, Cebu and is currently developing climbing sites in Cagayan De Oro. Visit www.climbphilippines. com to know more about rock climbing in the Philippines. Recreational Outdoor eXchange or R.O.X. continues to create waves in the outdoor industry through its unique programs concerning people and the environment. It is also the largest outdoor sports and recreation superstore in Southeast Asia. Its stores are located in Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Centrio, Bonifacio High Street, Camp John Hay, MarQuee Mall, The District North Point – Bacolod, and will soon be opening in Abreeza Mall Davao.

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

AirAsia airline suspends flights on route where Malaysian jet crashed T HE Indonesian government temporarily banned AirAsia Airline from making flights on the route where a Malaysian jet crashed on December 28, the domestic civil aviation authority said in a specific resolution made public on Saturday. “Before the end to the investigation the access to Surabaya-Singapore route is suspended for AirAsia Airline,” the document said. Indonesian aviation authorities have taken this step, because the airline had violated the flight schedule on this air route. AirAsia had a flight permit on Surabaya-Singapore route only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. But the jet crashed on Sunday. The air company did not make any requests for changing the flight schedule, Indo-

Members of an Indonesian Air Force crew carry what is believed to be an emergency slide from the AirAsia plane nesian civil aviation authority divers fail to conduct a fullnoted. Meanwhile, AirAsia fledged operation due to high NOTICE OF LOSS President Sunu Widyatmoko waves. Flights recorders from noted that if the air company the jet are not found yet, so, Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS had lacked specific permits, theories behind the air crash CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL particularly for international are not put forward without PAYMENT No.(s) flights, they would surely not their deciphering. 21050650 under Loyola Contract No(s). 137122be made. On December 28, 2014, 3/000130005179 issued to ANONAT, JESUS According to latest re- the AirAsia jet disappeared ports, rescuers working in from radar screens about 40 1002611 under Loyola Contract No(s). 39317the jet crash area have found minutes after departure from 3/000112355079 issued to ANONAT, REMY bodies of 30 passengers Indonesia to Singapore, flywere lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and crewmembers from the ing in the area of Kalimantan and void. crashed Malaysian AirAsia (Borneo) Island. The A320airliner. 200 jet was carrying 155 pas12/22,29,1/5 Meanwhile, nasty weath- sengers and seven crewmemer is hampering the search, bers. (PNA/ITAR-TASS)

SPORTS

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Nadal shrugs off loss

SHAKING IT OFF. Despite his first loss of the year, Rafael Nadal looks forward to a great year ahead.

FIRST LOSS. Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Scottish player Andy Murray during their semi-final tennis match in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on January 2, 2015.

AFAEL Nadal shrugged off his 6-2, 6-0 defeat to Andy Murray at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships on Friday, insisting he’ll be fighting fit when his 2015 season starts in Qatar next week. The 14-time Grand Slam title winner was making his first appearance since undergoing an appendectomy late last year having also missed most of the second half of the 2014 season

with a wrist problem. The Spaniard’s rustiness was obvious against Murray, who had played for more than two hours in seeing off Feliciano Lopez in his first match at the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament on Thursday. “This was not the best start possible against a tough rival in Andy Murray,” the 28-year-old Nadal told the Gulf News. “But there are only small things I need to adjust.”

“6-2, 6-0 is too much. I had a lot of chances to have a closer result. I have to improve, that’s obvious, and I’m going to improve. This match helps me and the defeat does not affect me too much. “I felt I was dominating the points a lot of times, but I am missing competitive spirit. I am going to keep working hard to get that.” Murray goes on to face world number one Novak

match. There were some periods in the match, a couple of games, where the level dropped a bit, but there were some good rallies. “Lopez is a different opponent to most of the players you play on the tour these days, so it was a good test for me, and I am happy I got two-anda-half hours of good, competitive tennis to start the year.” Murray said he was looking forward to facing Nadal as the world’s top players use the three-day exhibition tournament for crucial practice ahead of the new ATP season, which gets underway this weekend. “When you have not

played a match after a while, normally you can wake up a bit stiff the next day, a bit sore,” added Murray. “So I will see how I wake up on Friday, but it is good for me to be able to test myself against Rafa and I will keep trying to improve. “I am now guaranteed another two matches here, which is perfect and exactly what the players want.” In Thursday’s late match, Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka eased past Spain’s Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 6-2. Wawrinka will next face world number one Novak Djokovic in Friday’s semi-finals.

Then he’ll play the winner of a match between Australian wild-card entry John Millman and a yetto-be-determined qualifier. Australian veteran Lleyton Hewitt, who beat Federer in the final last year, will play compatriot Sam Groth in his first match after the draw was

conducted Saturday. Hewitt and Federer are on opposite sides of the draw and could not meet each other until the final. Top-seeded Maria Sharapova, also with a first-round bye, will play the winner of a match between Germany’s Sabine Lisicki and a qualifier.

Murray, Wawrinka in semis A

NDY Murray set up a Mubadala World Tennis Championship semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal when he battled to a hardearned 7-6 (7/1), 5-7, 6-4 win over Spain’s Feliciano Lopez on Thursday. Murray, 27, needed five match points before he secured victory and will next look to clinch a double over Nadal in the Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament having defeated the Spanish great in the final in 2009. “It was really good,” Murray told the www. national.ae. “We played two-anda-half hours, and it was a fairly high-quality

Djokovic in Saturday’s final after the Serb eased past Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka 6-1, 6-2. “I have been working very hard on my speed and movement around the court -- maybe that made the difference,” said Murray after his win over Nadal. Wimbledon champion Djokovic was playing his first match in a month having completed his 2014 campaign by

featuring in the International Premier Tennis League. “I haven’t played in over a month, so to play at such a high level against such a class player was nice,” said the 27-year-old Djokovic,

who won seven titles in 2014, including a seventh major at Wimbledon and the World Tour Finals in London. Djokovic and Nadal will open their competitive 2015 campaigns at the Qatar Open in Doha from Monday.

Federer looks to have easy 2015 start

OGER Federer will play the winner of a match between a wild-card entry and a qualifier when the 17time Grand Slam champion begins his new season at the Brisbane International next week. Federer, who arrived in Australia on Saturday, has a first-round bye.

TOP GUN. Derrick Rose (1) of the Chicago Bulls shoots against the Denver Nuggets at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

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LET’S MAKE FISTORY

Manny hurls challenge to Floyd anew

BO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) wants his first fight of 2015 to be against the undefeated WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs). Since beating Chris Algieri back in November, Pacquiao has constantly challenged Mayweather via interviews and his social media accounts. The flamboyant American boxer has said that he wants the mega fight to happen in the first weekend of May but there are still no formal negotiations between the two camps. As 2015 came, Pacquiao used his Twitter account once more to challenge Mayweather. A couple of weeks ago, Pacquiao tweeted “Don’t be a boxing humbug. Let’s give the fans the fight they want. They have waited long enough” to Mayweather but the American has stayed largely silent since his last interview. The fight date is problematic because HBO has already penciled the Cinco de Mayo weekend for a Saul Alvarez fight. Other than that, purse splits and drug testing are two

of the main issues that both camps have to agree on before they could finally sign the fight. Meantime, right when it looked like fight fan’s renewed hopes for a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather showdown were proving futile yet again, a recent article from The Ring makes it clear that negotiations for the proposed superfight are indeed ongoing. “We’re still in negotiations with Floyd’s group through Top Rank. I spoke to Manny this morning,” Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s consiglieri, says in the article. “I gave Manny what is perceived to be a counter offer from the Mayweather people.” “We discussed it and now I’ve given instruction to Bob (Arum) to counter their counter,” Koncz continues. “We’ve been going back and forth.” Which is what’s supposed to happen during negotiations. “I’m never overly optimistic until the contract is signed,” adds Koncz, “but the good thing is that we’re still going back and forth.” Pacquiao is clearly doing his part to draw Mayweather into the ring. In fact, the man rang in the New Year by taunt-

NEW YEAR’S DAY CHALLENGE. WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, right, of the Philippines, fights during his world welterweight title boxing match against WBO junior welterweight champi-

on Chris Algieri of the U.S. at the Venetian Macao in Macau. Pacquiao has once again hurled a challenge to American Floyd Mayweather for a fight. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

ing his would-be foe on Twitter. “The ball will drop at midnight to usher in 2015,” he tweeted on New Year’s Eve Day. “@FloydMayweather let’s

not drop the ball on fighting each other next year! #LetsMakeFistory” Pacquiao then took things further on New Year’s Day itself.

“My family and I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year,” he tweeted. “May it be full of blessings. No secret what one of my 2015 resolutions will be!”

ments and rest,” and the Cavs projected he will miss two weeks. If he’s out for just that span, James will be back for a Jan. 15 game in Los Angeles against the Lakers. The Cavs begin a five-game West Coast trip on Jan. 9. James, who turned 30 on Dec. 30, missed his second straight game on Wednesday. Before the Cavs lost 96-80 to Milwaukee, the four-time league MVP said all tests on his knee had come back negative. He acknowledged his knee has been hurting all year, which helped explain why James hasn’t shown the same explosiveness driving to the basket and his willingness to defer to teammates. He also acknowledged that 11 NBA seasons have taken a toll on his body. “I’ve got 41,000 minutes on me, including the playoffs,” he joked. “You drive that car in the winter time.” James has never missed more than five straight games in his professional career. If the two-week timetable holds up, his absence could reach 10 games or more. That could be a major problem for the Cavs, who’ve had issues with chemistry and recently lost starting center Anderson Varejao for the season with a torn Achilles. On top of that, forward Kevin Love missed Wednesday’s game with back spasms and reserve Shawn Marion

has sat out the past two games with a sprained ankle. If that wasn’t enough, first-year coach David Blatt has come under intense scrutiny for the team’s sluggish start. At 18-14, the Cavs have lost three straight and four of five heading into Friday night’s game in Charlotte. James briefly left Cleveland’s game at Miami on Christmas Day — his first in the regular season against his former team — after jumping into the stands to chase an errant pass, and was grabbing at his left knee in obvious discomfort not long afterward. That was not the cause of the injury, just a recurrence of an ongoing issue, James said before the Milwaukee game. “It was before that, but it reaggravated it,” James said. “It’s been hurting pretty much all year. I’ve been playing with it and it goes away, it comes back. The one in Miami kind of reaggravated it.” Including playoffs, James has logged 41,082 NBA minutes — ninth-most among all active players. James lost weight before this season, but insisted it wasn’t to compensate for a loss of speed, to help him jump higher or try to prolong his career. However, he seemed to understand that he needed to make changes to remain the game’s best all-around player.

Lebron out for 2 weeks

EBRON James’ homecoming season has hit a hurdle. The Cavaliers superstar is expected to miss at least the next two weeks with injuries to his left knee and back. The timing of the injuries are another blow to the Cavaliers, who have been jarred by a rash of medical issues and

failed to live up to the enormous expectations triggered by James re-signing as a free agent with Cleveland last summer. The team said Thursday that James has been diagnosed with knee and back strains. He’ll be treated with “anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation, training room treat-

SIDELINED. Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James looks up during an NBA basketball game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland. The Bucks earlier defeated the Cavaliers 96-80. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Since Floyd called out Manny on Showtime several weeks ago, there has been a lot of wild speculating taking place. As was inevitable, however, a backlash has ensued.

Rondo sparks Mavs’ win in Boston

AJON Rondo scored the Mavericks’ first 10 points in his return to Boston, finishing with a season-high 29 on Friday night to lead Dallas to a 119-101 victory over the Celtics. Rondo had a career-high five 3-pointers and also finished with six rebounds and five assists in his first game at TD Garden in an opponent’s uniform. The rebuilding Celtics traded the four-time All-Star to Dallas last month. Monta Ellis scored 22 points, Dirk Nowitzki had 17 and Tyson Chandler collected 16 rebounds to help the Mavericks to their fourth consecutive victory. Avery Bradley scored 22 points for the Celtics, and Tyler Zeller had 17 points and 10 rebounds. In Chicago, Derrick Rose made up for all those misses with a bunch of big shots down the stretch. There was a quite a struggle. Then there was quite a transformation. Rose scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Denver Nuggets 106-101 on Thursday night. Jimmy Butler scored 26 for Chicago, and Pau Gasol added 17 points, nine rebounds and a career-high nine blocks. The Bulls rejected a franchise-re-

cord 18 shots in all on the way to their 11th win in 13 games, but the difference in the end was their superstar point guard. Rose found his rhythm just in time after struggling the previous two games and for most of this one. ‘’My mentality is not going to change,’’ he said. ‘’I’m going to shoot the ball. I’m a scoring guard.’’ The 2011 MVP hit 7 of 25 shots after going 7 for 35 over the previous two games. But he came up with one big basket after another at the very end, hitting 5 of 11 in the fourth quarter. It was a strong finish after he missed his first eight shots overall - including all seven in a scoreless first half. Wilson Chandler led Denver with 22 points. Ty Lawson scored 20, while Arron Afflalo had 19 points. Kenneth Faried added 18 points and 19 rebounds, but the Nuggets fell to 4-12 on the road. ‘’I don’t think we’ve got that killer instinct yet as a team,’’ Faried said. ‘’We show glimpses of it, but then it fades away.’’ Chicago, which trailed by 13 early in the third, was clinging to a 100-97 lead after Denver’s Jusuf Nurkic scored on a put-back layup with 46 seconds left.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

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TOP ATHLETE. AAK Davao’s Gabriel Quinonez of Brokenshire College AAK DAVAO. Rommel Tan, AAK Davao head coach, with his wards during the 2014 Milo Malaysian Open. made it as this year’s Athlete of the Year.

AAK Davao looks ahead to a banner year By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

NE of Davao City’s winningest club in 2014 looks forward to another banner year in 2015. Rommel Tan, head coach of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo (AAK) Davao Chapter, is eyeing another winning year for his wards beginning with the 3rd Adidas Cup this January 15-18 in Manila. “We are looking forward to another good year in 2015,

we are so motivated now more than ever,” Tan told Edge Davao. AAK Davao won a total of 10 golds, 9 silvers and 7 bronze medals in international tournaments alone in 2014. Last year, AAK Davao kicked off their season with five golds in the Adidas Cup with Gabriel Quinonez of Brokenshire College launching his ascent as the city’s

Athlete of the Year with two golds in the tough international tournament. Quinonez won the 2014 So Kim Cheng Sports Awards Athlete of the Year award along with another citation from the Davao City Government last December. Also making ripples for AAK Davao in 2014 are Ela Estarija, who also won gold medals with Quinonez in the 2014 Milo Malaysia Open in Kuala Lum-

pur, Josh Worseley, John Paul Ponce, Ai Rina Kawano and Darlene Maramara, among others. “We will concentrate on competitions this year and possibly not think of hosting the AAK National Championships in Davao City,” Tan said. The plan to bring the Nationals has been hatched as early as last year with SM Lanang Premier as possible venue of what could be the big-

gest tournament yet in Davao. “We did not push through with it last December because it was too close and tight to find the budget and prepare everyone. This year, may be not. We want to focus on competing,” Tan added. Despite raking in medals in international tournaments, the AAK Davao karatekas were still left out in several tournaments representing the city owing to internal

conflicts among the karatedo associations and some absurd national policies on representation. “We are no longer thinking about that. We are a very independent organization and we exist with our own funding. We have a strong support group from families of our students and we are blessed to have won in tournaments here and abroad,” said Tan.