Edge Davao 7 Issue 223 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PRIDE OF DAVAO. Pharmacist Board Exam topnotcher 1 Jona Mari C. Alinas, RPH (left) from the University of Immaculate Conception (UIC), Dentist Board Exam topnotcher Ben Jay A. Maxino, DMD (right) from the Mindanao Medical Foundation College (MMFC), and 2nd placer Jan Michael S. Antes, DMD from the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) flash the number 1 sign after their courtesy appearance at the City Council yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

SAF CHIEF SACKED

Roxas forms body to probe Maguindanao clash

NTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Tuesday ordered the immediate relief of PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) commander in wake of the bloody clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 SAF men dead. Roxas said SAF Director Getulio Napenas Jr was relieved and will be replaced

by SAF Deputy Director Chief Superintendent Noli G. Talino. Roxas also said that a total of 392 SAF members were part of the operation. Of the number, 44 were killed, 12 were wounded, and 336 are accounted for and now staying at Camp Awa in Cotabato City. Roxas also formed a Board of Inquiry (BOI) that will investigate on a “tactical level” what happened in PNP

SAF Maguindanao operation and also to find out how PNP SAF prepared and what coordination was made. Roxas said the BOI will be led by PNP-Officer in Charge (OIC) Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Police Director Edgardo Ingking; Police Director Benjamin Magalong, CIDG chief; Police Director Catalino Rodriguez; and Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo. The government troops

were killed in a “dawn to dusk” gunbattle in the village of Tukanalipao between a team from SAF in Manila that apparently did not coordinate with local police and military authorities and the MILF and its breakaway, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Sources said the SAF Manila team reportedly intended to serve a warrant of arrest on Malaysian national

FSAF, 14

INSIDE EDGE

MOVING CLOSER

Maria Sharapova through to Australian Open semifinals

SPORTS page 15

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

Hataman calls for sobriety DETOUR. Traffic builds up along Lapu-Lapu Street in Davao City as a portion of the road is temporarily closed down due to the ongoing drainage and road repair. Lean Daval Jr.

By JEFRY M. TUPAS

OVERNOR Mujiv Hataman of the the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has appealed for sobriety in the midst of calls for accountability and justice following the bloody encounter between members of police commandos and elements of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao Sunday. At least 44 police Special Action Force (SAF) members were killed in an encounter with MILF rebels. The victims were out to serve a warrant

of arrest on Malaysian bomb expert Zulfikli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, who has a $5 million bounty on his head. There are apprehensions over the fate of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as government and MILF peace negotiators ask the public to remain calm pending investigation over what happened. “Let us reflect and move forward. There is no other option but peace,” said Hataman Tuesday as he described the incident as “unfortunate and heartbreaking.”

“With no doubt, it was a painful and difficult situation for all of who those who were involved, but we are calling for sobriety and calm,” he said. He echoed Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas who, in a press conference in Cotabato City, declared the incident as a “misencounter.” “No one wanted this to happen and we hope that nothing of this kind of incident will ever happen again,” said Hataman. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families

of the fallen, we pray that the incident will not spark another unfortunate outbreak of armed conflict in Mindanao. We are asking everyone to be calm as the government and the MILF look into the matter in the hope of finding answers and justice,” he said. North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza also extended condolences to the victims. “The entire province of Cotabato extends its deepest condolences to the families of our law enforce who died and getwell wishes for the wounded

in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident,” Mendoza said. She said the incident is highly condemnable. “Whether motivated by the bounty or breach of ceasefire, our elite special forces were going after notorious bomb makers,” Mendoza said. “The province has also lost lives and properties because of bombs. And we have yet to fully bring the perpetrators to justice.” She said the province fully supports peace initiatives but stressed that “our government and our troops who set

law and maintain order in this civilized society should be respected and not killed.” “My heart bleeds for all these unwanted and isolated events that have happened in Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Zamboanga,” she said. “Are we not all for justice and peace?” Hataman, meanwhile, said the time is right for the government and the MILF and all those who “painstakingly worked for peace in Mindanao through constant dialogues” to take a “stand and commit to peace and protect everything

Therefore,” the Mayor has no authority to select an IPMR. “Sa national law sa IP wala man puy mga rules didto to select ang naa lang didto is dapat naay IP representative ang local government unit (In the national law particularly Republic Act No 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA law) there are no provisions to select. What is there is that the local government unit should have an IP representative),” he said. He said it is also not stated in the ordinance that anyone have the power to hinder the choice of the tribe. “Even the City Council has no power to hinder the

assumption to the post of the member chosen by their tribe which is not favored by the Mayor,” he said. The vice mayor said the assumption of Sudagar as the new IPMR to the City Council does not need the blessing of the mayor. “Kay ilaha man nang tribo, pwera lang siguro kung ang Mayor apil sa Kagan na tribo (It is their tribe, unless the Mayor is also a member of Kagan tribe),” he said. Paolo said if Sudagar assumes the post as IPMR without the blessing of the Mayor, she will have the same budget as the other councilors and

BOITIZPOWER yesterday gave assurance that the steam blowing activity to be conducted on its coal-fired power plant in the south of Davao City this week will not emit harmful chemicals into the air. In an interview yesterday, AboitizPower corporation branding and communications manager Wilfredo Rodolfo III told Edge Davao that only dust and ashes will be coming out of the Therma South, Inc. (TSI) power plant’s chimney. But he said because diesel will be used in the steam blowing activity, the color of the smoke that will first be emitted will be black.

“Temporary lang na siya kay as we start the power plant, pero kung coal an ang atong ibutang mubalik na siya sa design halos wala kay makita na aso na mo gawas sa chimney (It is just temporary since the plant is about to start, but if we use coal, it will follow the design of the plant and you will not see smoke coming out of the chimney anymore),” he said. The steam blowing is part of the power plant’s preparation for its full commercial operations. Rodolfo said the company is not certain of the exact date and time of the activity because it will depend on the

FHATAMAN, 14

Paolo wants to amend IPMR selection law Aboitiz: No harmful chemicals from coal plant ‘steam blowing’ A D By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

AVAO City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte is planning to amend the ordinance on the selection of the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to avoid problems like the rejection of Mayor Rodrigo R.Duterte on the selection of Halila Sudagar of the Kagan Tribe as the new IPMR. Paolo said he already asked his colleagues on the matter and they want to amend the provision on the selection. He said the elders of the tribe who will be assigned to choose the IPMR will just submit five aspirants and let the Mayor select the next IP repre-

sentative. Paolo said the amendment will be handled by the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances headed by councilor Bernard Al-ag. “Depende kang Al-ag kung naa siya’y panahon to amend that. Ginapadali pud siya ni councilor (Bonifacio) Militar (It depends on Al-ag if he has time to amend it but councilor Bonifacio Militar also wants to hasten it),” he said Paolo said based on the existing Ordinance No. 044810 series of 2010 or “An Ordinance Providing Mandatory Representation of Indigenous Peoples in City Council of Davao and Providing Funds

FPAOLO, 14

FABOITIZ, 14

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

GRIM ROLL CALL. Sangguniang Panlungsod secretary Charito Santos reads the names of police officers killed in a deadly clash with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation

Front (MILF) as Davao City Council led by Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte offered a moment of silence to pay respect for the slain policemen. Lean Daval Jr.

ISLA VERDE DEVELOPMENT

Talk with Malaysian company to start in February: DCIPC By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

EGOTIATIONS between the city government of Davao and Malaysian firm Mercury Group for the development of the fire-razed coastal area of Isla Verde into a tourism, commercial, and residential area will start by February, an official from Davao City Investment Promotions Center said. In an interview with Edge Davao, DCIPC chief Ivan C. Cortez said that a representative of the Mercury Group visited the city last week to meet with Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to check on the status of the Malaysian firm’s proposal to put in an estimated of P3 billion to

develop the area. “The investor is just awaiting for the city government to act so that the proposal will be tackled by the city’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Board,” Cortez said. Cortez said the PPP Board, together with the City Mayor’s Office and the City Council, will discuss the merit of the unsolicited proposal as well as its details like project design and costing. The board will also discuss the granting of “original proponent status” to Mercury Group by the city government. Cortez said the city government, led by the City Plan-

Eastmincom tightens security due to blasts

ning and Development Office, was able to solve the problem of a Presidential Proclamation issued by then-President Joseph Estrada that had designated the 123,201-square meter area of Isla Verde as an area for human habitation. That proclamation had prevented the city government from accepting investors who are interested in developing Isla Verde. Duterte had earlier said the city government had sent a letter of request last year to Malacañang to reclassify the area. “Wala nang problema (There’s no problem anymore),” Cortez said, adding

that with the approval of the request by Malacañang, the city government can now accept the Malaysian investor. Duterte had earlier said the development will provide employment to residents of Isla Verde since they will be tapped by the investor to work on the project. Cortez said the project will be implemented by phase, with the Malaysian investor first developing a portion of the area into a tenement where affected settlers will be relocated. This requirement was made by the mayor himself before considering the proposal of the for-

FTALK, 14

Al-ag pushes fare rollback

AVAO City Council majority floor leader councilor Bernard E. Al-ag urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 11 to lower fare rates due to the decrease in fuel prices. In yesterday’s regular session, Al-ag said the price of diesel in country has been decreasing from October 20, 2014 up to January 26 this year. “The average value of diesel for the period of October 20, 2014 up to January 26 is P34.86 with a minimum of P31.4 on January 5, 2015 and a maximum of P40.25 on October 20,2014,” he said in his privilege speech. Al-ag said because of the reduction in global oil prices, a fare decrease must also be done. “It is not fair to demand the same fare rates from commuters when the prices for fuel

have gone down,” he said. Last month, LTFRB 11 spokesperson Edgar Violan said the reason the city and even the whole region is not included in the fare rollback is that there was no provisional increase in 2011. Violan said transport groups have said this is the only time they have been relieved from the high oil prices that prevailed in previous years. Violan recalled that in 2011, transport groups in the city filed a petition to LTFRB to increase the minimum fare to P10. He said aside from the additional P2 increase, they also filed a petition for a P0.50 centavos provisional increase pending their earlier petition. He said the LTFRB in the region did not approve the petition, while drivers in Manila got a P0.50 centavos increase in 2011. By Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

Body of ex-rebel found buried in shallow grave By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE body of a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was abducted from his home in Lupon, Davao Oriental in November last year was found in a shallow grave in Sitio Sigang, Barangay Maragatas in Lupon on Monday morning. The victim was identified as Celso B. Villarin alias Botyok or Dante, a former member of the NPA Front 18. Villarin had surrendered to the 28th Infantry Battalion in 2012 but was reportedly abducted from his home in Sito Calasagan, San Isidro,

Lupon on November 20, 2014. His mother, Elena Piogo, recognized the armed men as Sergio Catampao alias Baytola, Danilo Cila alias Pakat, Ryan Pitao alias Edoy, and two others identified only as alias Jemai and alias Tomas. The abductors were believed to be Villarin’s former colleagues in the NPA. More than two months after the reported incident, a former member of the NPA Underground Mass Organization gave to the 28th IB some information on where Villar-

FBODY, 14

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

HE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has increased its monitoring and checkpoints in the boundaries of its area of responsibility (AOR) due to the series of bombings in some parts of Mindanao. Eastmincom commander Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad told reporters yesterday that he doubled the efforts to intercept the alleged bombers to prevent bombings from being conducted in his AOR. “Kung sakali mang may maisakay sila sa mga bus or vehicle na bomba (If they

transport bombs in buses or other vehicles), we can detect it, we can prevent it,” he said. Baladad said he has implemented stronger monitoring and stricter checkpoints in Bukidnon following last week’s bombing in Zamboanga City that killed two persons and wounded scores of others. Baladad said based on intelligence reports, the source Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in some parts of Mindanao is Maguindanao. “Sometimes may

FEASTMINCOM, 14

SECURITY PLANS. Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad discusses the plans and strategies of his unit for the security of Davao City during his presentation at the City Council yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

Davao Norte readies Investment Code IRR T

HE Province of Davao del Norte is poised to sustain its lead as the top investment haven in the Davao region with the formulation of the rules and regulations (IRR) implementing its Local Investment and Incentives Code (LIIC). The landmark legislation, which was the first harmonized LIIC in Region 11 passed early last year, aims to attract more investors and spur business activities in the province. The Davao del Norte Investment Promotion Center (DNIPC) led the crafting of the IRR governing the LIIC, under the guidance of the Canadian government-funded Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED). Governor Rodolfo del Rosario had urged the Provincial Board to pass the code to strengthen the province’s preparation for the ASEAN regional economic integration this year.

The LIIC of the province features, among others, the integration of global themes, promotion of sustainable agriculture, and the expansion of coverage and non-fiscal incentives, in order to accelerate economic progress, provide employment opportunities, increase revenues, reduce poverty, and ultimately improve the quality of life of the people. Romeo Castañaga, Officer-In-Charge of the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao del Norte, said the promulgation of the rules implementing the code will help the province stay ahead in bringing in investments. According to Castañaga, Davao del Norte claimed the top spot in fetching investments in the region in 2014. This was brought about by the approval of four big ticket projects in the province with a combined worth of P11.194 billion, which were granted fiscal incentives by the DTI last year.

These include the P5.724-billion seaport and container yard project of the Hijo International Port Services, Inc. and the P2.7-billion mall project of the

turn over ceremony. The reservoir and vehicle were funded under the Provincial Government Aid to Barangays. Punong Barangay Sergio P. Marcos said the assistance will make a big difference in making the day-to-day lives of the residents easier, adding that the long-term water shortage problem in his village has now come to an end. He also said it has been the dream of the barangay

to have its own vehicle. “We are indeed very lucky to be recipients of this assistance through the provincial government aid,” he said. The Provincial Aid Assistance Office said the province had bankrolled a total of P800,000 for the total project cost. Malanyaon said the provincial government is continuing its efforts to serve the province’s constituents by implementing more meaningful projects that ca-

Robinsons Land Corporation both in Tagum City, the P2.653-billion international container terminal of the Anflocor-owned San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage

Services in Panabo City, as well as the P116.210-million Oakwood Residences undertaken by the HLC Construction and Development Corp. also in Panabo

City. The projects constituted 76 percent of the BOI-registered investments established in the province last year. Noel Baguio

REVIEW. Davao City DTI director Engr. Edwin Banquerigo (left), Davao del Norte provincial DILG Director Alex Roldan, and other members of the technical working group review the draft rules and regulations implementing the Local Investment and Incentives Code of Davao del Norte. Jay Apostol/Davnor-PIO

Provincial Aid provides water reservoir, new van Lupon MFARMC celebrates

HE provincial government turned over a newly completed water reservoir and a brand new L-300 van to the Barangay local government unit of Rang-ay in Banaybanay town on January 22, 2015. Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon personally opened the operation of the water reservoir and handed the key of the brand new vehicle to Banaybanay Mayor Adalia L. Tambuang with barangay officials during its

ter the poor. The Provincial Aid to Barangays is an initiative of Malanyaon in which the provincial government allocates and gives annual cash assistance of P200,000 to each of the 183 barangays of the province. This assistance intends to provide logistics and other support to the barangays in order to deliver urgently needed services for the people. Carlo Magonalig/PIO, Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

WATER CRISIS NO MORE. Governor Corazon Malanyaon cuts the ceremonial ribbon as she turns over the water reservoir to Barangay Rang-ay in Banaybanay, Compostela Valley Province.

national Gawad Saka win

THANKSGIVING celebration was held here on January 22, 2015 for the Lupon Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC) which won the recently concluded 2014 National Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Agri-Achiever in the category of Best FARMC on December 18, 2014. FARMC is a recommendatory body composed of small fisherfolk organizations, local government unit (LGU) officials, and representatives from private, non-government organization, women, and youth sectors by virtue of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 and Fisheries Administrative Order 196. Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said this is another milestone not only for the municipality but the entire province as a whole. She said the recognition is “clearly a manifestation of the council’s great efforts in pushing the local aquaculture and fisheries for the benefit of fishing communities here.” She said the victory would not have been possible without the efficient leadership and support of the members and stakeholders as well as the unwavering aid of the different local and national agencies. During the thanksgiving celebration, fishermen in four coastal barangays of Lupon town became recipients of a livelihood assistance given by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR) Regional Office 11. The assistance included

fishing boats (20 non-motorized and two motorized), 10 motorized engines, 40 tuna handlines, 10 life vests, two hooks and lines, five lantern, and five gill nets. The coastal villages that received these fishing paraphernalia and supplies were Barangays Poblacion, Bagumbayan, Ilangay, and Macangao. Fishermen in these villages said they were very thankful for the gifts and vowed to help protect the town’s coastal resources. Aside from these items, scores of logistics support to the MFARMC were also handed over comprising of five digital cameras intended for its counterpart in the barangays and for the Municipal Aquatic and Fisheries Council. Also given were a tablet, a laptop, 10 personal computers for database, five handheld radios for the local Bantay Dagat, and a megaphone. During the handover ceremony, the governor encouraged officials, stakeholders, and members of the community to maintain Davao Oriental’s trademark as a champion province through hard work and strengthened unity. Regional FARMC coordinator Raul Millana, who represented BFAR 11 regional director Fatma Idris, said the region is “on the right track, so we must continue what we have started.” He cited the Lupon MFARMC as a good example to the different sectors of the community, especially to the youth in the advocacy of conserving our coastal resources. ANALYN S. PADULLON

5 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

DA eyes P7.5 billion for flagship program T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) is targeting to implement around P7.5 billion worth of infrastructure and enterprise development projects this year under its flagship rural development initiative Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). Arnel de Mesa, PRDP deputy program director, said the funding comprises about 27 percent of the P27.5-billion loan grant approved by the World Bank for the program, which will be implemented in parts of the country in the next six years. “(But) that’s just our target as the funding utilization will mainly depend on the progress of the processing and implementation of the identified sub-projects on the ground,” he said at the sidelines of the World Bank’s review mission for the PRDP here on Monday. De Mesa was specifically referring to the proposed sub-projects under the PRDP’s I-BUILD component or the Intensified Building-Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development and the I-REAP or the Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity. The infrastructure com-

ponent mainly focuses on the improvement of farm-tomarket roads, irrigation systems, water supply systems and other projects that will help increase the productivity of local farmers. For enterprise development, PRDP will help increase the number of viable local enterprises, enhance productivity and increasing the resiliency to climate change of producers, smallholder and fisher groups. As of the end of December 2014, De Mesa said a total of 195 project proposals worth around P11 billion are already in the pipeline under the I-BUILD component, around P2.6 billion of which was allotted for Mindanao. He said around P5.3 billion worth of projects are now in the bidding and procurement stage while P216 million are already in the construction or implementation stage. The first sub-project that was implemented under the infrastructure component was the P213.9-million farmto-market road in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat, he said. The project, which comprises nine components, spans a total of 17.42 kilometers in three farming villages

of Isulan. PRDP, though the DA and the World Bank, shoulders 90 percent of the total project cost while the local government assumes the remaining 10 percent. Under the I-REAP component, De Mesa said they received and started the processing of 34 project proposals worth around P447.7 million, of which around 247.1 million will be implemented in Mindanao. He said they already issued a certificate of no objection to proceed to the procurement stage of the P39-million cassava granules production and marketing project of the Polo SamahangNayon Multipurpose Cooperative based in Polomolok town in South Cotabato. The project, which is expected to benefit around 1,600 farmers and farm laborers, is the first project that will be implemented under the PRDP’s enterprise development component, he said. De Mesa added that the PRDP will shoulder 60 percent of the total project cost while the provincial government of South Cotabato and the cooperative-beneficiary will share 20 percent each. (MindaNews)

6 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

Davao rice yield up 6.039% in ‘14 By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE Department of Agriculture(DA) 11 recorded a 6.039 percent increase in rice production in Davao Region last year. DA11 regional director RemelynRecoter said the department recoded a total of 4.32 metric tonsper hectare (MT/ha) of rice yieldlast year, higher than the 4.08

MT/ha in 2013. “Bisag 528 hectares ragitaassagitanuman, nitaasug 5.55% angatong yield from 4.08MT/ha (2013) to 4.32MT/ha satuig 2014, nga mas taas pa kaysa national average nga 3.98MT/ ha (Even if only 528 hectares were added, our rice yield recorded an increase of 5.5 percent from4.08

Congress urged: Overhaul EPIRA C

ONSUMER network People Opposed to unWarranted Electricity Rates (POWER) yesterday called on Congress to overhaul the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), saying the law has failed in providing cheap, adequate, and stable electricity to the public. In yesterday’s hearing of the House Committee on Energy, POWER Convenor and former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño called on Congress to “radically amend or, even better, totally repeal EPIRA in favor of a law that would strengthen regulation over the power industry and gives back to government the authority and capacity to build and run power plants and related facilities.” Proof of EPIRA’S failure, said POWER in its position paper presented to the Committee, was the “unprecedented and artificial” spike in power rates of December 2013 which they said “was foreseen but not prevented by an inutile Department of Energy (DOE), taken advan-

tage of by colluding industry players, and then given an imprimatur by an inept and beholden Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).” POWER said among EPIRA’s many flaws are: Sections 6 and 29 declaring power generation and supply as non public utilities and therefore not subject to regulation; Section 30 creating the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM); Sections 32 and 33 allowing the National Power Corporation (NPC) and distribution utilities to pass on stranded costs and stranded debts to consumers; Section 45 allowing for cross ownerships between power generators and distributors; Chapter V privatizing the National Power Corp.; Section 21 privatizing the national grid; and Section 71 limiting the government’s power to directly intervene in the power industry. “The end result of all these are high power rates, constant supply shortages, and a government that is helpless in the face of a crisis,” Casiño told the Committee.

P30,000 up for grabs at SM Lanang 3-day sale

N January 30-31 and February 1, fantastic deals and cash prizes are at stake for all shoppers as SM Lanang Premier kicks off the year with the metro’s biggest and most exciting sale event. Indulge in loads of shopping at The Great 3-Day Sale and grab up to 70 percent off on fabulous finds mallwide. You could also get a chance to be one of the five lucky winners of P30,000 worth of SM gift certificates in the raffle draw on February 1 at 9:50 pm. Every P1,000 single or accumulated purchases from The SM Store, SM Supermarket or from any participating mall establishment entitle a shopper to one raffle coupon. A customer likewise gets one raffle coupon with every single purchase of four SM Cinema tickets. For Saturday and Sunday purchases, customers automatically get double raffle coupons during the promo period.

Shoppers can also enjoy the hottest fashion and music only at SM Lanang Premier. On Friday, January 30, 6 pm, get the lowdown in fashion from ‘It’ girl Camille Co at the ‘Style Trends’ runway show to be held at the Atrium. Then, on Saturday, January 31, 9 pm, party with LA-based DJ Tom Taus, who will play his brand of music at the “Fresh Beats” party at The Fountain Court grounds. He will be joined by Davao-based DJs Pae Dobles and Tien Batu. Fresh Beats party is co-organized by Manic Nightnings Productions. For shopping convenience, enjoy extended mall hours during the Great 3-Day Sale. Shop ‘till 10 pm on January 30 and February 1, and until 12 midnight on January 31. Don’t miss out on the great deals at SM Lanang Premier’s Great 3-Day Sale. For inquiries, contact 285-0943. Visit SM Lanang Premier on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for sale alerts, promos and event updates.

MT/ha(2013) to 4.32 MT in 2014, which is higher than the national average of 3.98MT/ha)” she said. Recotersaid the region’s total rice production contributed 2.38 percent of the 18.88 million MT rice produced in the country. She said the region ranked third in yield performance and 16th in terms of

area harvested in the country. Based on the forecasted estimates of the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bureau of Agriculture Statistic (PSABAS), the volume of rice production for last year is estimated to be at 448,797 MT. DA-Davao assistant regional director Maria Febe T. Orbesaid in an earlier report

that a total of 403,520 MT will be coming from irrigated plantations, 42,372 MT from rainfed plantations, and 2,905 MT from upland areas. Orbe said the interventions of the agency in typhoon-stricken area and assistance to rice farmers helped in increasing rice production of the region.

Earlier, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 regional director Maria Lourdes Lim said palay was one of the region’s top commodities that performed well last year. However, Lim said palay production of the region increased by only 1 percent last year.

BRISK SALE. A sidewalk vendor outside Sangguniang Panlungsod in Davao City enjoys brisk sales of bananaque as his favorite Filipino food snack is much bigger than the competitors’. Lean Daval Jr.

Four oil companies hike gasoline prices C

HEVRON Philippines Inc. (CPI), Petron Corp., Seaoil Philippines Inc. and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) enforced a 30-centavo hike on gasoline prices and 10 centavos on diesel prices per liter yesterday. The four oil firms maintain their prices on kerosene products. PSPC’s price change will become effective at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 27) while the three other firms will enforce the price hike at 6 a.m., also on Tuesday. The four firms noted the price change reflect international market movements. Department of Energy’s (DOE) latest oil monitor in

Metro Manila shows diesel pump prices range from Php 24.10 to Php 27.70 per liter. It has a common price of Php 26.35 per liter. Gasoline price, on the other hand, plays between Php 33.10 and Php 39.10, with a common price of Php 37.30 per liter, DOE monitoring showed. The DOE said the cumulative price cuts on diesel this month amounted to Php 3.75 per liter, while gasoline cuts amounted Php 3.90 per liter. The local drop in prices started on Nov. 25, triggered by initial statements of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) members not to cut oil produc-

tion, before the OPEC meeting in which it decided the same. The decision not to cut oil production resulted in an oversupply of oil in the market, coming also from non-OPEC producers and the shale oil producers in North America. Since the Philippines is dependent on international fuel supply, the international price plunge also affected local oil players, whom often sourced their products from Saudi Arabia. The decrease continued until the last week of December when oil companies noted a hike of Php 0.30 centavos per liter for gas and a boost of Php0.10 centavos per liter for kerosene.

It fell yet again during the first week of January, citing product cuts for gas, diesel and kerosene, all amounting to more than Php 1.50 per liter. For Jan. 23, Crude oil closed at USD 45.59 per barrel at the trading floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) on Jan. 23, notably still far from the economic meltdown lows in 2008 at US$ 38.37 per barrel. Early last week, King Abdullah of oil giant Saudi Arabia passed away, triggering boost in Brent and NYMEX -- which then stabilized again near its rate -- from uncertainty on which policy his successor Crown Prince Salman will take. (PNA)

tion from USD 1.9 billion. “The negative performance of capital goods imports was largely due to the decrease in imports of aircraft, ships and boats, which partly reflects the trough period of the massive re-fleeting program of major airlines as well as to the reduction in the import value of telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery. Declining global oil prices also brought down the value of inward shipments of mineral fuels during the month,” said Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan. For the first eleven months of 2014, imports bill grew by 2.8 percent to USD

58.5 billion from USD 57.0 billion a year ago. With faster growth in exports (10.2%), trade-in-goods deficit for the January to November period narrowed significantly to USD 1.5 billion from USD 5.2 billion in the same period in 2013. The higher value of imported raw materials and intermediate goods and consumer goods partially mitigated the overall decline in imports during the month. Total payments for imported raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 49.4 percent to USD 2.5 billion in November 2014 from USD 1.7 billion in November 2013. “The prevailing low oil price environment, which is expected to persist until

2015, may further increase the country’s total oil importation for the remaining part of 2014 and for the whole of 2015 given the country’s high dependence on imported oil. Imports of consumer goods will likewise remain positive for the remaining month of the year, mainly supported by the uptick in domestic consumption primarily of food,” the Cabinet official said. He noted that the global economic environment remains fragile at present, with many developed economies confronted with various economic uncertainties; from deflation, precarious fiscal positions, slowing consumer demand, among others. (PNA) FPV/PR/EBP

NEDA: Imports decline in November 2014 M

ERCHANDISE imports declined by 10.8 percent in November 2014 as lower payments for capital goods and mineral fuels and lubricants largely negated the growth in the value of imported raw materials and intermediate goods and consumer goods, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that total import payments fell to USD 5.0 billion in November 2014 from USD 5.6 billion in November 2013. For the same period, the import value of capital goods slumped to USD 789.4 million, a sharp 59.0-percent reduc-

7 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

Narinder Gill and Roselyn E. Geonzon

Planning to study in Australia? Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“

Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” -- Paulo Freire in Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Ever dream of going to Brisbane, Australia one of these days? Well, that’s where the students of King’s Institute of Management and Technology (KIMT) once they are accepted. “They don’t only learn and grow but also succeed,” said Roselyn E. Geonzon, the institute’s office head in Davao City. “Those who are accepted don’t only study but can work at the same time,” said Narinder Gill, the institute’s director who came all the way from Australia to attend the opening of its office in the city which is located at the ground floor of El Bajada Hotel in J.P. Laurel Avenue. Gill is an engineer by profession. He was born in India but went to Australia to study. After graduation, he worked until he decided to help others who may want uplift their standard of living by studying in Australia. The program is open to all undergraduates, fresh graduates, and professionals. “You don’t need to finish a bachelor course to be accepted,” Gill explained. The minimum education an applicant needs is at least second year college. Another thing: he or she needs to speak English well. “That’s part of the requirement,” Geonzon said. “Upon application, we will provide them free review of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).” Once they have the visa, the students can go directly to Brisbane and study at KIMT. Among the courses offered are Diploma of Hospitality (which can be finished in 70 weeks), Diploma of Business (32 weeks), Advanced Diploma of Business (30 weeks), Diploma of Man-

agement (30 weeks), Advanced Diploma of Marketing (26 weeks), and Diploma of Marketing (30 weeks). KIMT also offers Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (47 weeks), Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (69 weeks), and Certificate IV in Business (30 weeks). Among the new courses are Certificate IV in Business, Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, and Diploma of Hospitality. Souvenir photo. Not only can the ance, transcript of records, students study and learn, the can also work. “Visa diploma, board certificate, restriction requires them to IELTS result, work-related study 20 hours per week and certificates, and three passare allowed to work 40 hours port size pictures. If married, the applicants every fortnight,” Gill said. From student visa, they must also bring marriage have the option to upgrade contract and the NSO birth into work visa and eventually certificate of wife and children (if applicable). If the residency. After graduating from family will accompany the the course he or she has tak- applicant, the applicant must en, a student is given at least also present the passports, eight weeks to stay in the NSO birth certificates, NBI place. “They are given time to clearances, and three passthink whether they want to port size pictures of the famistay and work or go back to ly members. For visa application, evthe Philippines.” KIMT started in 2008. idence of funds is needed. Thousands of students from He can show the following: India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Chi- money in the bank for threena, Colombia, and Poland month period and educationhave studied at the institute. al bank loan. For the former, “Every three months, the the needed requirements are government allotts us 545 bank statement (3 months students to be accepted in period) and bank certificate. Educational bank loan the various courses we offer,” Gill said. “That’s the maxi- has more requirements: mum; we cannot go beyond bank certificate, credit line certificate, deed of assignthat number.” Are you interested? You ment, promissory note, disneed to have the following: closure statement, and copy Philippine passport, birth of withdrawal and deposit certificate from the National slip evidencing the transfer Statistics Office, valid identi- of funds. Still another requirefication cards, National Bureau of Investigation clear- ment is the sponsor’s finan-

Director Narinder Gill interviewing an applicant.

Some students who are going to Brisbane.

Bound for Australia soon. cial capacity documents. If employed, the following are needed: certificate of employment (position held and period of employment and attesting to the total current annual salary, inclusive of all allowances and bonuses) and pay slip (for 3 months period). If business owner, the applicant must bring the following: letter from sponsor’s company or business

confirming employment, position held, period of employment and attesting to the total current annual salary, inclusive of all allowances and bonuses and profits received), business permit, financial statement, income tax (previous year), affidavit of support, and sponsor’s identification card. For further details, you can log on in its website: www.kimt.edu.au.

EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

EDITORIAL

Myopic

HE tragedy that was the misencounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday may prove to be only the beginning of an even bigger tragedy if the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also becomes a casualty. Already two senators – Alan Peter Cayetano and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito – have withdrawn their authorship of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which means the law is no longer guaranteed a majority vote in the Senate. In the Lower House, Davao City first district Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles has said the sentiment on the BBL might change once it receives the full report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Nograles said the ad hoc panel on the BBL, of which he is a member, has agreed that in the meantime, discussions will continue and the vote on the BBL will be done on February 17. It was agreed, however, that a joint fact-finding body must be created at once to

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look deeper into what really happed that led to the carnage. In other words, the fate of the BBL hangs in the balance, and it might get derailed once the full details of the misencounter surface. What we fear is that even if the investigations show that, as the MILF and Malacañang are insisting, the gunbattle was a result of miscommunication and not a deliberate act of war, the stand of both the Senate and the House of Representatives could reflect popular sentiments which are decidedly anti-MILF. This being a year before an election, politicians could grab the opportunity to grandstand and make the incident a platform to gain votes next year. In that case, their political career would be secured at the expense of Mindanao. We have all, in one way or another, worked hard for peace, and at no other times has it seemed closer and within our grasp than now. To have it wasted due to myopic and misguided opinions would be to throw away a chance at gaining lasting peace in the island. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

AGAPITO JOAQUIN JR. Associate Editor

CHARLES RAYMOND A. MAXEY Consultant

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. KENNETH IRVING K. ONG 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 ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents 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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AST week, the Philippines commemorated National Bible Week. The Philippine Bible Society (PBS) led the celebration. This year’s theme was: “Sharing the Word, Empowering the Poor, Transforming the Land,” which was based on Psalm 41:1 and Luke 6:20. The PBS, in a statement, recognized the Bible as “an excellent source of principles for moral and personal discipline and stress the need for national attention to be focused on the importance of reading and studying the Bible and its use in molding the spiritual, moral, and social fiber of our country.” The Bible, in its hundreds of different translations, is the most widely distributed book in human history. Moreover, in all its forms, the Bible has been enormously influential, and not only among the religious communities that hold it sacred. The literature, art, and music of Western culture in particular are deeply indebted to biblical themes, motifs, and images. Translations of the Bible, such as the Authorized Version (or King James Version, 1611) and Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into German (first completed in 1534), not only influenced literature but also shaped the development of languages. Such effects continue to be felt in emerging nations, where translations of the Bible into the vernacular help to shape language traditions. Statistics assure us that the Bible is still the world’s bestseller, but evidence of biblical literacy is not encouraging. The late Bruce Barton was too painfully near the truth when he entitled his book about the Bible, The Book Nobody Knows. The term Bible is derived through Latin from the Greek biblia, or “books,” the diminu-

E’RE often warned about the road to hell being paved with good intentions. Well-intentioned leaders promise deliverance from hellish conditions, offering their leadership to bring people to the Promised Land, the equivalent of political heaven. For example, in the wake of the euphoria of 1986 at EDSA, also known as the People Power Revolution, some leaders promised the enjoyment of freedom, empowerment, and prosperity that comes with self-governance. In a word, autonomy. So it was that when the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160) was enacted in September 1991, its sponsors proclaimed it in superlative terms as the dawn of autonomy for local governments and their constituents. Autonomy or the people’s empowerment— in fact their “enthronement” in the community as its sovereign citizens—was then the most idealistic of goals set by the leadership at the time. ***** The autonomy promised by the Local Government Code was to have changed the nature and operation of the unitary political landscape—from the monolithic, top-down, command structure of the presidential system to the dual, people-powered structure which replaced it. The Code provided for the duality of the structure by introducing the parliamentary form for the barangay, the primary level of government. But its mode of operation seemed to have eluded everyone. No one seemed to notice that the leader it installed was a “little prime minister” or chairman to preside over the barangay’s affairs; nor did anyone seem to note that an all-inclusive parliament or assembly of local constituents was created for the role of initiating local legislation or ordinances. As a result, everyone today still addresses the barangay chairman as KAPITAN as if he is a

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

The book of books

tive form of byblos, the word THINK ON THESE! for “papyrus” or “paper,” which was exported from the ancient Phoenician port city of Biblos. By the time of the Middle Ages the books of the Bible were considered a unified Henrylito D. Tacio entity. If you were henrytacio@gmail.com to open a Bible for the first time, the thing that might immediately attract your attention is that there are two major divisions in it: “Old Testament” and “New Testament.” The word testament means “covenant” or “agreement.” As Henrietta C. Mears explains in her book, What the Bible is All About: “The Old Testament is the covenant God made with man about his salvation before Christ came. The New Testament is the agreement God made with man about his salvation after Christ came.” The order as well as the number of books differs between the Jewish Bible and the Protestant and Roman Catholic versions of the Bible. The Bible of Judaism is in three distinct parts: the Torah, or Law, also called the books of Moses; the Nebiim, or Prophets, divided into the Earlier and Latter Prophets; and the Ketubim, or Writings, including Psalms, wisdom books, and other diverse literature. The Christian Old Testament organizes the books according to their type of literature: the

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA “little president” and no one bothers to activate the Barangay Assembly as a parliament of the people. The task of initiating local legislation has been surrendered to the Sanggunian, which is the board of directors of the barangay as a public corporation. ***** Moreover, no one seems aware that in the barangay’s setup there is no separation-of-powers among its three branches of government. More importantly, no one appreciates that the people have superior powers over their barangay officials. They can Recall or discipline their chairman or the kagawads simply for loss of confidence. An appreciation of this power of Recall alone could clean up much of the dirt and corrupt practices that bedevil our communities—whose billions in internal revenue allotments (IRA) have done more to corrupt the entire bureaucracy of our Republic than people even suspect. Had this new order for the barangay been functioning and institutionalized over the past three decades, the dual structure of our political system would have empowered Filipinos as never before—practicing its unique system of direct democracy with a parliamentary government at the primary level. But even now no one seems to know how to make the system perform, leaving the trapos free to manipulate and violate autonomy at will. ***** Had autonomy under this Code been properly implemented, the system would have given Filipinos their rightful share of power and resources—enabling them, at their own initiative, to energize the social, economic, and political development of their immediate jurisdictions.

Pentateuch, corresponding to the Torah; historical books; poetical or wisdom books; and prophetical books. The Protestant and Roman Catholic versions of the Old Testament place the books in the same sequence, but the Protestant version includes only those books found in the Bible of Judaism. The New Testament includes the four Gospels; the Acts of the Apostles, a history of early Christianity; Epistles, or letters, of Paul and other writers; and an apocalypse, or Book of Revelation. Some books identified as letters, particularly the Book of Hebrews, are theological treatises. “The Bible has given us the most marvelous record of family life of any civilization on earth,” points out historian Edith Deen. “The Bible never grows old. We grow old. Our houses grow old. Our businesses become outdated. Our wardrobes change quickly. But the Bible, a study of man’s relationships to God, never changes. That’s why the way of life of the family of Israel has survived the centuries. Faithful records of the family life of other civilizations contemporary with the Bible – the Babylonian, the Hittite, even the Greek – have perished, but the family record of Israel is alive and vital today.” Dwight Moody shares: “The Bible is a storehouse of whose contents no one can afford to be ignorant. It repays reading and study whether it be approached merely because of its literary value, or its ethical teachings, or its practical bearing on everyday life.” According to Billy Graham, the Bible is old, yet it is ever new. “It is the most modern book in the world today,” he declares. “It speaks to our immediate social, political, and spiritual needs right now. It is God’s message about Himself

and His redemptive love – written to each one of us.” Graham further states: “The message of the Bible is the message of Jesus Christ who said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ It is the story of salvation: the story of your redemption and mine through Christ: the story of life, of peace, of eternity.” Politicians, beware! “The Bible is a very dangerous book for dictators,” Christianity Today says. “Hitler knew it, and so did many other totalitarian rulers. If they are to remain in power, repressing liberties and keeping their subjects ignorant, they should use every means possible to keep the Bible out of the hands of their people.” Many say, “The Bible is so great. I don’t know where to commence and don’t know how to go on.” This is often said quite earnestly and sincerely. And it is true that, unless we have some method, we shall assuredly lose the very best results, even though we may spend much time upon the Book. Campbell Morgan once made the statement: “The Bible can be read from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 at pulpit rate in 78 hours.” A lawyer challenged him on that. Morgan told him to go on and try it before he challenged. The lawyer went home and read the Bible in less than 80 hours. William A. Ward reminded us: “It is not enough to read the Bible; we must let it speak to us. It is not enough to let it speak to us; we must believe it. It is not enough to believe it; we must live it.” E. Paul Hovey contends, “Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself but because it contradicts them.” Amen.

But now—already 23 years in effect—the promises that fueled the Code’s enactment are lost in the mist of legal limbo as officials exploit its loopholes and eviscerate its mechanisms for enabling the people to assert their power. Even the president of the Republic has caused the malfunction of the system’s dual structure by arbitrarily limiting the power of the people’s parliaments to convene, to deliberate on their own affairs, or to resolve their own problems. P-Noy has rendered autonomy or self-governance inutile. The law allows barangays to convene at least twice yearly, but the president tells them to meet at most twice only. And so autonomy is stultified; self-governance is an illusion; and People Power is a mere flash-in-the-pan produced by a momentary surge at EDSA in 1986. Ningas Cogon, or merely a fluke. ***** Thus the old monolithic, top-down, oligarchic system that so characterized our traditional form of government ((presidential) is back in full operation. Worse, no one seems to notice or to care how the traditional politicos, or trapos, are leading our democracy on the road to perdition by ignoring the dual structure. No one upholds the grassroots (barangay folks) as bulwarks of our Republic, its wellspring of sovereignty and authority. The fact that barangay people are integral to the composition of our primary government, the primal base of state governance seems lost on everyone. With their integration into the fabric of local governance, it has become inappropriate to lump local governments in an undifferentiated manner—because local governments today are already of two levels: Primary and Intermediate (municipal, provincial, regional). ***** To be precise in formulating a program, or in

targeting its beneficiaries, one should specify the level concerned (primary or intermediate) or the unit itself (barangay, municipality, city, or province). It is important to differentiate between the regulating and the implementing function. The regulatory and standard-setting functions essentially belong to the intermediate and national levels. Field work or local implementation essentially belong to the primary level, although it also behooves the upper levels to assist and support the lower, as is proper under the principle of subsidiarity. Too, using the term “local government unit” (LGU) in an undifferentiated way blurs the distinction been the intermediate and the primary—belittling the role of the primary in which sovereign citizens are the major actors, and makes light of the people’s role in resolving strictly local issues. No one worries that when local issues are left unresolved, they grow to unmanageable proportions; they accumulate and become serious problems, inviting external intervention or intrusion by the higher levels. The intrusions in turn create collateral problems—not least being the impression it projects that the upper levels are more important than the primary. It denigrates the role of the lower level in favor of the higher unit. ***** In fact, not only is every level important, it is essential to the functioning of the entire system. Unless every level is operational, the system malfunctions. Much needs to be done about the primary level of our Republic and fulfill its failed intentions. –30– Manny is former UNESCO regional director for Asia-Pacific, secretary-general of Southeast Asian Publishers Association, director at development academy of Philippines, vice chair of Local Government Academy, member of the Cory Government’s Peace Panel, and PPI-UNICEF awardee for outstanding columnist. valdehuesa@gmail.com

Failed intentions

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

VANTAGE POINTS

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

Drone crashes at White House A

TWO-FOOT-LONG (half meter) drone apparently flown by a hobbyist crashed on the White House grounds Monday in an extraordinary, if unintended, breach that raised fresh questions about the president’s security — and a growing threat from the sky. A man later came forward to say he was responsible for the mishap in the middle of the night and hadn’t meant to fly the drone over the complex, officials said. “Initial indications are that this incident occurred as a result of recreational use of the device,” said Secret Service spokesman Brian Leary. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, were overseas when the quadcopter struck the southeast side of the grounds at about 3 a.m. Daughters Sasha and Malia stayed behind in Washington; it was not known whether they were at the mansion. Officials believed the intrusion to be the first of its kind on the White House grounds, although not the first in the vicinity. Low-flying drones like the quadcopter — a device lifted by four propellers — have be-

come increasingly sophisticated and affordable instruments that authorities worry could also become tools for terrorists or others meaning to do harm. It was not immediately clear that the Secret Service could have done anything to prevent Monday’s incident. Yet the episode joins a string of recent security breaches at the White House that have fueled questions about the agency’s effectiveness and ability to protect the president. Four high-ranking executives were reassigned this month, and former Director Julia Pierson was forced to resign last year after a Texas man armed with a knife was able to get over a White House fence and run into the executive mansion before being subdued. An independent panel that investigated the agency’s leadership and practices after that September incident, and the disclosure of a previously unreported security breach, recommended hiring a new director from outside. That report was the second critical review of the agency responsible for protecting the president. In November,

the Homeland Security Department, which oversees the Secret Service, released an internal investigation about the fence-scaling incident that found poor training and staffing and a series of missteps led to the breach. Police, fire and other emergency vehicles swarmed the White House just after the crash, with several clustered near the southeast entrance to the grounds. The White House was dark and the entire perimeter was on lockdown until around 5 a.m. when those who work there were allowed inside. The breach was bound to reinvigorate a long-running public debate about the use of commercial drones in U.S. skies — as well concerns about White House security. At the urging of the drone industry, the Obama administration is on the verge of proposing rules for drone operations that would replace an existing ban on most commercial flights. Although remote-controlled airplanes and related toys have been available for decades, the recent proliferation of inexpensive drones has prompted growing fears about potential collisions with tradi-

IBM “flatly denies”report of mass layoffs

ALLING it “ridiculous” and “baseless,” IBM on Monday dismissed a report that said the technology giant plans to lay off 1 in 4 of its workers, or 100,000 people. The company “flatly denies” the Forbes report, IBM spokesman Ian Colley said in a phone interview. IBM previously has announced layoffs affecting “several thousand people,” only “a small fraction” of the number predicted last week by a blogger on Forbes.com, IBM said in a statement. Employees may be relieved, but investors appeared to have welcomed the idea of big changes at Big Blue. Between Thursday, when the report was posted online and Monday morning’s denial, IBM shares rose about 4 percent to peak at $159.46. The stock closed up just 49 cents at $156.36. Investors may be looking for IBM to make some significant changes, said Morningstar stock analyst Peter Wahlstrom, although 100,000 job cuts is more than he would expect. These

kinds of rumors come up periodically, Wahlstrom said, though they get “snuffed out pretty quickly” if there’s no weight to them. BlackBerry investors got excited earlier this month when Reuters, citing an unnamed source, reported that Samsung was in talks to buy the Canadian smartphone maker. Shares spiked 30 percent but the surge stalled after both companies denied the report. Some analysts said that rumor was plausible because a tie-up could be the boost both companies need. However, laying off a quarter of IBM’s workforce would be “off the charts,” said Daniel Morgan, senior portfolio manager at Synovus Trust Company, which holds about 300,000 IBM shares. “I can’t see that. But I wouldn’t be surprised if we did hear of some more layoffs.” IBM has had three big reorganizations in previous decades, he noted. “They do let people go. I think that’s why this is gaining some traction.” Such a huge layoff would

be disruptive and “inconsistent” with IBM’s recent statements, Bernstein Research analyst A.M. Sacconaghi said in a note to investors. But, “ironically, given the stock’s increase over the last couple trading days, we also see the potential for disappointment if a meaningful workforce action is not announced in the near-term.” IBM is confronting a sales slump as it struggles to adapt to big changes in the way businesses buy software and other commercial technology. It issued another disappointing earnings report last week, as both revenue and profit fell in the December quarter. CEO Virginia Rometty says she’s working to refocus the Armonk, New York, company on new tech markets, including data analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Its planned layoffs are aimed making cuts in some areas to then hire about 15,000 workers with new skills. As of the end of 2013, IBM had 431, 212 workers. BRANDON BAILEY, AP Technology Writer

This handout photo provided by the US Secret Service shows the drone that crashed onto the White House grounds in Washington on Monday. (AP Photo/US Secret Service) tional aircraft. Technological advances have also made it easier to equip drones with advanced capabilities such as cameras, raising privacy issues as well as concerns that such devices could be used by terrorists to carry weapons. The Federal Aviation Administration receives reports across the country nearly

every day of drones operating near manned aircraft and airports or over densely populated areas, including previous incidents near the White House. Many small quadcopters are used for commercial operations like aerial photography and inspections as well as by hobbyists. Often weighing only a few pounds (kilo-

grams), they sell for as little as a few hundred dollars or less, and were popular Christmas gifts last year. Whether a quadcopter can carry and fire a weapon depends upon how robust the drone is and how lightweight the weapon, industry experts say. JOSH LEDERMAN and JOAN LOWY, Associated Press

SKYcable and AMC Bring Extraordinary Stories

ANS of premium shows, masterpiece films, and timeless dramas now have a cable channel they can enjoy. AMC, home of modern greats such as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead, is now part of SKYcable’s channel line-up. Formerly the MGM Channel, AMC will also air films from the world’s best studios such as MGM, Paramount, and Sony – movies that even the most discerning fans will love. Filipino viewers now have a gateway to the cinematic original programs produced by AMC Studios. The newly launched channel aims to provide fans a convenient way to enjoy the heart-wrenching stories they crave. Among the studio’s latest work is Halt and Catch Fire and The Divide, two sure-fire hits that will air locally this year. From the producers of Breaking Bad comes Halt and Catch Fire, a ten-episode series that highlights the extreme competition surrounding the personal computing industry in the early 1980s. Starring Lee Pace, Joe McMillan, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé, and Toby Huss, the show follows

this ensamble cast as they race to build a computer that will change the world, and their lives, forever. The Divide is an eight-episode series about the interplay of morality, ambition, ethics, politics, and race in the US justice system. This drama stars Marin Ireland and Damon Gupton, actors that can passionately portray the conflict in this modern story. Created by Richard LaGravenese and Tony Goldwyn, The Divide promises to be a moving, tear-jerking show presented through impeccable cinematography. AMC is the only channel on air that can provide fans of premium content the finely-crafted films and shows they deserve. Available via Select, SKYcable subscribers can add AMC on top of their cable TV plan for only P50 a month. AMC can be viewed by MMLA, C A M A N AVA / R i z a l , Cavite, Laguna and Bulacan subscribers on CH 106, while subscribers in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo and Baguio can view it on CH 420. Select is SKY’s innovative service where subscribers can add more channels to their cable TV plans – the

most affordable way to customize and maximize everyone’s TV viewing experience. Only SKYcable provides quality home entertainment with the widest-range of standard and high definition channels with over 190 channels and other topof-the-line services such as flexible subscription options via SELECT; iRECORD that records, pauses, and rewinds live TV; as well as real-time coverage of live concerts and sporting events via FREE VIEW and PAYPER-VIEW. To subscribe and to know more about SKYcable, log on to www. mysky.com.ph, or call the 24-hour customer service hotlines at 02 381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, and Rizal; 046-484-4701 for Cavite; 049-534-2814 for Calamba and Binan, Laguna; 02-520-8560 for San Pedro, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite; 044693-5877 for Bulacan; 032-421-1818 for Cebu; 082-305-5456 for Davao; 074-442-4841 for Baguio; 034-432-0051 for Bacolod; 033-300-1210 for Iloilo; 035-225-1010 for Dumaguete; and 083 301-3134 for Gen. Santos City.

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

GETTING READY. Fishermen prepare their gears as the sunset signals another evening fishing sortie in barangay Mabua, Surigao City. MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas

Security Bank to offer dollar denominated 5-year bond

ECURITY Bank Corporation (Security Bank) plans to issue US$150 million five-year dollar-denominated fixed rate bond. In a disclosure with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Tuesday, the bank said the senior unsecured fixed rate bond has an initial rate of 4.20 percent and eyed to be settled on February 3, 2015. Proceeds of the bond sale will be used to extend maturing liabilities and increase the bank’s foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) funding base, it said.

Phl urged to expand in non-voice BPO

The bank has tapped ANZ, Deutsche Bank and UBS as joint bookrunners while Development Bank of the Philippines and SB Capital will serve as domestic lead arrangers. Relatively, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has assigned a ‘BB+” rating on the bank’s planned issuance, the same as its ratings on the financial institution. ”The notes will constitute direct, unsecured, and unsubordinated obligations of SBC and shall rank equally with all other unsecured obligations,” it added. (PNA)

USINESS process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the Philippines need to expand in non-voice services as rapid growth in this sector is seen in the next years. Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) president Benedict Hernandez said at the sidelines of International Contact Center Conference and Expo (ICCCE) in Pasay City Tuesday that there will be faster demand in non-voice BPO than voice services as the industry’s client markets are moving towards non-voice process.

Contrary to voice-based process wherein customers’ queries are handled over phone, non-voice services are via e-mail, chat, or social media. “There will be faster growth in non-voice while growth in voice services will be minimal,” Hernandez told reporters. “We need to make sure to position ourselves in nonvoice services,” he pointed out. With this trend, the country may lose its competitive advantage of speaking the English language more clearly

have to follow the digital lifestyle which their customers are now embracing. “All current customer experience through a mobile phone, or what one does over the internet, is facilitated because there is a cloud infrastructure behind it – for instance, when we do mobile banking. No doubt, without us probably realizing it, we as bank customers are placing information through various cloud infrastructures. However, we need to place necessary platforms in order to properly secure those bits of data. Genio also shed light on infrastructure spending in setting up various kinds of clouds for banks, citing a 2014 Deloitte study on the right balance and trade-offs between cost and growth: “Similar to a telecommunications company such as Globe, the cost of infrastructure goes up every year, thus we have to keep on investing. From a cost perspective, it is a matter of transitioning from trying to do everything by yourself and changing the cost

model, from a capital expenditure-driven one to something like ‘pay-as-you-go.’ As an example, he pointed out that smaller financial institutions such as rural banks are more open to use the cloud. In considering the cloud, a group of 10 rural banks can save on costs from 20 to 25% if they employ what is called a “community cloud,” a shared infrastructure among several organizations where some of the cost savings potential of cloud computing are realized. In terms of security levels, it requires a member organization to impose additional security measures as necessary. This is in contrast with a cheaper public cloud where there are more users but limited control over the cloud environment, or with a private cloud for individual organizations or group of companies where owners have complete jurisdiction, but can be more expensive to put up. Genio disclosed that banks can start adopting cloud computing with basic steps such as considering colocation in the

Globe data centers. Another alternative is to subscribe to Globe IT Enabled Services’ Infrastructure-as-a-Service, both of which are “evidently better options than buying new equipment.” According to him, forward-thinking banks can also maximize their cloud by harnessing the practice of harvesting information through big data and processing those through analytics, which can be used to study and understand customers. In summary, the Globe EVP and COO pointed out that the capability of a cloud provider such as Globe can help IT companies invest in necessary secure infrastructure. At the end of the day, he said, it is all about “pursuing opportunities while simultaneously trying to limit risks, and getting up to scale and rationalizing operations.” For more information on powering your company with Globe IG cloud solutions and other IT infrastructure products, email ig.marketing@ globe.com.ph.

than other markets as nonvoice services will be looking into e-mail, chat, and social media capabilities of talents. “That will be a new challenge for the industry; how we could be different in offering non-voice services,” he mentioned. Currently, 90 percent of the local market are voice services while the remaining are non-voice process. Meanwhile, global services consulting firm Everest Group Vice President Hanumantha Karthik said annual global spending on contact services

pegged at US$300-350 billion. Only 20 percent or around US$60-75 billion of the total global spending on contact center industry is outsource-based services. The 20-percent share of outsource-based services is expected to grow by 6.0 to 8.0 percent in the next three to five years while spending in this sector is seen to expand by 10 to 12 percent. This means the Philippines still have market to grow its contact center industry with this global trend according to the CCAP chief. (PNA)

Better customer experience for local banks with Globe Tigerair’s PISO Seat Sale

HE Philippine financial services industry, particularly its local banking sector, can seamlessly serve customers by adopting the latest capabilities in information and communications technologies or ICT, most particularly through cloud computing, according to a high-ranking Globe official. “It is an inevitable fact that we as customers, whether in the retail or corporate setting, are going digital, by the way we want to be engaged, from various social media platforms to the mobile applications to access content, which are resident in the cloud. This is also true with the way we now do banking transactions,” said Globe Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for International and Business Markets Gil Genio. Speaking at a recent banking convention where Globe Telecom was a thought-leadership sponsor, Genio expounded on the topic of “Building a Strong Technology Platform,” pointing out that businesses

IGERAIR Philippines with its network made wider with Cebu Pacific holds a PISO seat sale from January 27, 2015 to January 28, 2015 or until seats last. Grab your Tigerair Philippines PISO fares to all our domestic and international destinations. Fly from Manila to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Roxas, Puerto Princessa, Tacloban, and Tagbilaran; Cebu to Cagayan de Oro and Davao; and Clark to Hong Kong for travel from June 15, 2015 to December 10, 2015! Seats are limited so book now. For bookings and inquiries, please log

on to www.cebupacificair. com or call reservation hotlines (02) 702-0888 and (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages and on Tigerair Philippines’ official Twitter (@tigerairPH) and Facebook (tigerair philippines) pages. With the new routes, Tigerair Philippines now offers over 240 weekly flights. It flies to Hong Kong via Clark and 13 domestic destinations: Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Roxas, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban and Tagbilaran utilizing a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

Photo courtesy of Nookie Gordo-Reyes.

HANDMADE WEDDINGS FOLLOWING the year of wedding proposals are, of course, the series of “I do’s” we all get excited about. While planning a wedding is as overwhelming as it is exciting, girls cannot deny the fact that it brings out the OC-ness in them as we take to heart every single detail of our special day. We gush over themes and gowns with our gal pals, put together mood boards on Pinterest, follow posts on Bride and Breakfast and flip through wedding magazines like there’s no tomorrow. Nothing goes unnoticed. Having gone through wedding planning (and the roller coaster ride of emotions that goes with it) myself, I’ve come to understand just how personal this big day is for every bride. Together with your partner, you compose the scene from the biggest to the smallest element. You try, as much as possible, to imprint your personalities into the elements of the event and let your characters shine through painstakingly hand picked accents and decors, song, motif, etc. The whole whirlwind process is long and requires extra patience and dedication. In the end, it’s all worth it. If you’re aiming for a unique touch, any DIY project is one of those things that can elevate

an event’s style and visual impact. Some find it tedious, especially if you only have a short period of prep time ahead of you. However, there are still so many simple but useful things you can make from scratch and turn into decorative treasures. While going DIY could save you loads of moola,

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

Miss Co crowne

The crowd watches the impressive fireworks display from The Roof Deck.

Ph bet Mary

MISS COLOMBIA Paulina Vega is the new Miss Universe.

Thousands flock to

SM City GenSan’s year-end party MORE THAN 3,000 people ended 2014 with a blast as GenSan’s leading shopping and community destination brought Pinoy R&B band and LA-based DJ in the house on December 30, 2014.

The said crowd delighted in the soulful music of Freestyle band and raved to the mixes of DJ Tom Taus for SM City General Santos’ Year-End Party held at The Roof Deck. Partygoers were thrilled to dance to DJ Tom’s high-energy sets and remixes. A spectacular fireworks display highlighted the evening to the delight of all guests. DJ Tom, a former child actor who has a string of Filipino movie credits to his name, is now one of the most sought-after DJs in Los Angeles, USA. He has performed at some of the most exclusive venues and gained residencies in the most popular dance clubs in the city and beyond. After his successful gig at SM City General Santos, DJ Tom Taus will be invading Davao City next week as he headlines the “Fresh Beats” party at The Fountain Court of SM Lanang Premier on January 31, 2015 at 9 pm. The said

Wowing the judges with her beauty, talents and intelligence at last Monday’s annual beauty pageant besting 88 other candidates. Miss USA Nia Sanchez came in as the first runner-up. “I believe that my country has been an example to be followed for the rest of the countries,” Vega proclaimed to the audience during the pivotal question and answer portion. “We are persevering people…and we continue fighting. Today, we are world leaders in many different parts.” Vega also impressed the judges when she was asked about what women could learn from men. “I believe there are still men that do believe in equality,” she said through a translator. “I believe that’s what women should learn from men.” The Miss Universe competition began with 88 contestants that was immediately narrowed down to 15 beauties. From there, contestants had to show off their fit and fabulous figures in the must-see bikini portion. Somehow, someway, five

additional women had to be eliminated from the competition leaving only 10 ladies which included Philippine bet Mary Jean Lastimosa, to strut their stuff in the evening gown portion. Ultimately the judges narrowed down the contestants into five beauties who took on the classic Q&A round. While the finalists all impressed with their eloquent answers, it was Miss Colombia who came out on top.

Globe Business bri and the Beast’ to th Friends chill out at the party held at The Roof Deck of SM City General Santos.

COMMITTED to provide wonderful engagements to its Platinum partners, Globe Business, the corporate information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, treated its valued enterprise customers to the Manila premiere of one of the world’s best-loved musicals, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The hit Broadway classic which drew record audiences around the world with its spell-binding production made its debut in Manila last Friday, January 9 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

DJ Tom Taus does the ‘wave’ Freestyle band performs its brand of soulful music at the mall’s year- for his fans at SM City General end party. Santos. party is open to the public as part of the mall’s exciting line-up of events for the Great 3-Day Sale on January 30-31, and February 1. Admission is free. For event updates, check out SM City General SanGlobe Senior Vice President for tos (Official) on Facebook, Enterprise Group Nikko Acosta or call (083) 878-0667. Young people rave to DJ Tom’s dynamic remixes.

noted that this exclusiv for Globe Business enter tomers is a way of sho company’s appreciation partnership throughout “We want to delight our clientele with world-cla tainment such as this spe ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ same as ensuring our service with their ICT ments.” he said. Acosta cited a remark Broadway Entertainmen one of the collaborator show’s production, that t pines is currently the prem market in theater produc Manila as the first stop in leg of Disney’s Beauty Beast tour. “Our Globe customers were among the country to be enthr awed by this spectacle

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

olombia Paulina Vega ed Miss Universe 2014

y Jean Lastimosa places in top 10 Twitterverse weeps for Miss Jamaica and Miss Philippines IT should have been one of the happiest moments of her life, but Miss Colombia Paulina Vega experienced something quite different when she was crowned Miss Universe Sunday night.

Some members of the crowd—and much of the Twittersphere— booed the 22-year-old student, as many of them felt Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell was robbed of the title. There are several theories circulating regarding Fennell’s loss, which range from her short haircut to her Jamaican heritage. The pageant, which is owned by Donald Trump, has seen its fair share of controversy lately, but this seems to have brought viewers over the top. Just last week, another controversy rocked the Miss Universe pag-

eant. Miss Lebanon (Saly Greige) faced backlash when she appeared in a photo with Miss Israel (Doron Matalon). The two countries have been at war with each other since 1948. Although no actions were taken, the consequences could have been severe. In 1993, Miss Lebanon was stripped of her title when she appeared in a photo with Miss Israel. Philippine social media was also on fire with comments on why Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa was not able to make it to the final five with most blaming the gown worn by the beauty queen which was designed by a Colombian designer chosen by the Colombian-born head of the Binibin-

ing Pilipinas organization Stella MarquezAraneta. Most of the rage stemmed from Stella Marquez-Araneta’s ear-

lier statements defending this year’s national costume, which was also made by Colombian fashion designer Alfredo Barraza.

ings ‘Beauty the Philippines

ve staging rprise cusowing the n for their the years. corporate ass enterecial run of much the top-notch T require-

k from the nt Group, rs for the the Philipmier Asian ction, with n the Asian y and the e Business the first in ralled and e, which is

only on a limited run. They deserve nothing less from us, and they can expect more wonderful engagements such as this one.” Its support to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is one of many engagements Globe Business has lined up for 2015 to foster stronger relationships with its clients and partners. Last year, the company powered a number of exciting events such as exclusive gatherings for women empowerment, thought leadership forums bannered by the Enterprise Innovation Forum topbilled by innovation evangelist Guy Kawasaki, premium sporting activities such as the nationwide G-Tour golf tournament and sponsorship of major ICT events in the country, among many others. For more information on Globe Business, visit www.business.globe. com.ph.

January 23-27, 2015

AMERICAN SNIPER Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller R 13

11:40 | 2:15 | 4:50 | 7:25 | 10:00 LFS

TAKEN 3 Liam Neeson PG 13

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

ANNIE Quvenzhane Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz PG 13

R-16

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

MORTDECAI/ *BLACKHAT Johnny Depp / *Chris Hemsworth R 13/ *R 13

12:00 | 2:20 LFS / * 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

STYLE HANDMADE A1 it doesn’t necessarily spell out “cheap looking.” It even accentuates your set up. Yes, it’s less costly, so, in effect, you get to spend more on other things like the gown or catering. Take for example the wedding of 2014’s celebrity “bridechilla,” Bianca Gonzalez. She proudly displayed all her DIY projects right from day 1. Her #tipidtips even included recycling old boxes and newspapers! How cool is that? Check out her Instagram account and you’d see just how beautiful these projects turned out. There are, however, some factors you might want to consider before

DIY invitation and boutonnieres.

you get those paper, scissors and pen. You have to be realistic about how long each project will take to complete and you better start early. Check out your resources and choose what’s doable for you. Know what you’re good at and start with items you can easily handle. You see, there are projects which are tougher to make, you might end up losing time over trial and error. To avoid DIY overload, choose wisely. Some begin with stationery and invites, or simply writing down names on the envelopes and the escort guide. You can also personalize giveaways for

your entourage. Say, functional gifts like bow ties for the groomsmen. When channelling the Martha Stewart in you, the key is finding good balance between doing it yourself and getting help from others - whether hiring professionals or enlisting friends and family. A “crafternoon” with friends is one way of getting everyone to help you

with your projects. You can even make it a weekly bonding activity with family, which make it even more special. You’re throwing the biggest party of your life and while the preparations may be a little overwhelming and nerve wrecking, it is also incredibly exciting! Make the most out of the time you have and make it fun for you.

Photo courtesy of Nookie Gordo-Reyes.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

EDGE

EDGEDAVAO

Serving a seamless society

DAVAO

WANTS YOU!

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Account Executives (2) - Male / Female, not more than 30 years old - Candidate must posses a Bachelor/ College Degree in any Business field. - Willing to work under pressure, flexible, persuasive, can speak fluently and computer literate - A team player - With Basic Salary, Transportation, Communication, allowance + Commission For interested applicants, you may send your resume to: HR Department EDGEDavao

Doors 13 & 14 Alcrej B;dg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel. No. (082) 221-3601 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com

- At least high school graduate, not more than 30 years old - Physically and mentally fit - Can handle minor repairs of the machine - Has the ability to be cool under pressure of deadlines and complex projects - Experience of at least one year Door 14 Alcrej Building, Quirino Ave., 8000 Davao City, Philippines E-mail: marketing@edgedavao.net zion_publishing@yahoo.com Telefax: (082) 2213601 Website: www.edgedavao.net

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

SIESTA TIME. A “payong-payong” driver parks his trisikad and takes a morning nap in between the container vans at Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

SAF... FFROM 1

Zulkifli Bin Hir alias “Marwan,” allegedly a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah. Zulkifli carries a $5-million reward for anyone who could provide information leading to his arrest. The incident drew the condemnation of former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. “Let’s all condemn in the strongest way possible this recent carnage of Filipinos by fellow Filipinos. I fear that the hard-earned goodwill of the peace efforts is seriously eroded by this. How to win it back is difficult to do. How to pick up the pieces and shards of our shattered hopes is what we should all try to do now,” he said. “We must get those terrorists at all cost! They did not only cause the carnage of people. The whole peace process has now become a casualty. Everyone, including the MILF, must stand aside and not get in the way,” he

added. Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte and the City Council condemned the incident “in the strongest possible terms.” “We join the whole nation in sympathizing and condoling with the bereaved families of our fallen heroes,” the vice mayor said in a Facebook post. He urged the PNP, Commission on Human Rights, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other concerned agencies to conduct a deeper investigation “into what seems to be a massacre.” He said that they culprits should be imprisoned for the “extremely barbaric act” and justice should be served to the family of the victims. “May Allah (SWT) bless the souls of these fallen men and help their families obtain justice at the soonest possible time,” Paolo said. Cheneen R. Capon, Armando B. Fenequito Jr., and PNA

that the process has achieved.” The governor caution of peace spoilers who will “use the incident as a weapon against efforts to establish long-lasting peace in Mindanao.” “As stakeholders, we must guard the gains of the peace

process,” he said. The regional government has convened a board of inquiry to look into the incident. Hataman also said the regional government will be extending assistance to at least 563 families who were displaced because of the incident.

Hataman... FFROM 2

Aboitiz... FFROM 2

situation of the plant. “So, pag-ready na (if the plant is ready) then we will start it,” he said. He said the steam blowing will possibly last up to the first week of February. Rodolfo said the company has already distributed information and education materials to the communities surroungind the plant in Binugao in Toril, Davao City and Inawayan in Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur. “Ang among Commu-

nity Relations kay nag-distribute og materials sa mga schools, nag courtesy call sa mga community leaders to tell them na nay mahitabo kay visible man gud kayo (Our Community Relations Team already distributed information materials in the schools. They already conducted courtesy calls to the community leaders telling them that the steam blowing will be conducted since it will be very visible),” he said. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

in’s body was buried. The informant also confessed to have witnessed how the rebels killed Villarin. Members of the 28th IB and Lupon Police immediately verified the report and proceeded to the area. After a solemn prayer led by a local pastor, the remains

were exhumed. Family members immediately identified the body to be that of Villarin based on the clothes he was wearing when he was abducted. The authorities said documents are being prepared for the proper filing of a case against the killers.

eign investor, Cortez said. He also said the Malaysian firm will have an interface with Mega Harbour, a firm that is interested in the development of P39-billion reclamation project from Magsaysay Park to Bucana.

“The two firms are interested to work together so that there will be synchronization on their respective plans,” he added. Cortez said the Malaysian firm wants to start the development of the project as soon as possible.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

Paolo... FFROM 2 sectoral representatives. In yesterday’s regular session, councilor Karlo S. Bello expressed his intention to amend the ordinance to ensure harmony and fluid coordination and communication with the local government. “To avoid confusion to the conduct of the selection process as we have heard rumors or unconfirmed reports chaos transpiredduringtheselection process,” Bello said in his privilege speech. Bello asked that the discussion be forwarded to the committees on civil, political and human rights, rules, privileges, laws and ordinance and cultural communities and Muslim affairs. Last week, Mayor Duterte said Sudagar had already had a chance to be a public servant when she became Sangguniang Kabatan Federation President from 2007 to 2010. He said the power should bedistributedtoherfellowKagan who has not had any position in the city government. Duterteclarifiedtherewas

nothing wrong with Sudagar herself, only that other people should be given an opportunity to serve the Indigenous People (IP). The mayor also said the final say in choosing a sectoral representative still lies on his hands. But, the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Davao del Sur said the selection of Sudagar of the Kagan Tribe was “valid and official.” An official, who asked not to be named, said that the NCIP has a resolution that can prove that the selection of Sudagar was valid and official since it went through the process as mandated under section 16 of Republic Act No 8371 or the IndigenousPeople’sRightsAct of 1997 (IPRA law). The official said NCIP will submit all the documents pertaining to the selection of the new IPMR to the regional office. The NCIP 11regional director will evaluate and later issue a certificate of affirmation.

spillover effect dito sa area ng Eastmincom. Like for example meron na tayong dalawang bombing incident sa Bukidnon but ang mga ito ay galing sa Maguindanao (Sometimes

there is a spillover effect in the area of Eastmincom. For example, we have had two bombings incidents in Bukidnon but the source is Maguindanao),” he said.

Eastmincom... FFROM 3

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

MOVING CLOSER

Maria Sharapova through

to Australian Open semifinals

Maria Sharapova reaches for a forehand in her quarterfinal match against Eugenie Bouchard.

ARIA Sharapova moved closer to another Australian Open title, set to face a fellow Russian in the semifinals who has never beaten her. Sharapova made all the big points look easy Tuesday in defeating 20-year-old Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-2 - her fourth consecutive win over the Canadian - and advance to a semifinal against Ekaterina Makarova, who earlier beat third-seeded Simona Halep 6-4, 6-0. ‘’I had to produce a really good performance against Genie,’’ Sharapova said. ‘’She’s

been playing so confidently and aggressively.’’ The last time Sharapova and Bouchard met - in the semifinals at the French Open last year - Bouchard won the first set before Sharapova came back to take the next two. Sharapova then won the title at Roland Garros. This time, Bouchard, who made the finals of Wimbledon and two other Grand Slam semis last year, didn’t come close to taking a set, looking flat from the outset while being broken in her opening service game. The Genie Army, a group of young

Australian men who croon songs about the Canadian player, was left to sing another day. Sharapova, the 2008 Australian Open champion, has a 5-0 record against Makarova, including wins in the quarterfinals here in 2012 and 2013. In four of those losses, Makarova failed to win a set. ‘’She likes playing here,’’ Sharapova said of Makarova. ‘’She uses that left-handed serve really well. It’s always tricky playing a lefty and your compatriot, as well, but one of us will be in the final and that makes me happy.’’

Grand Slam quarterfinal in nearly five years, takes on 19-year-old American Madison Keys. If the Williams sisters play each other in the semifinals, it would be their first meeting in a Grand Slam tournament since the Wimbledon final in 2009 - won by Serena. Halep, last year’s French Open runner-up, was under pressure from Makarova’s array of strong forehands to all areas of the court. Serving at 5-3 in the first set, the Romanian saved two set points, but Makarova clinched the opener on the third when Halep

netted a backhand. Makarova broke Halep’s serve to open the second set, helped by a double-fault. The Russian player then saved three break points in the next game to lead 2-0 and then broke the Romanian player again before shutting out Halep the rest of the way. The 26-year-old Makarova has had her best Grand Slam results at Melbourne Park, advancing to fourth round twice as well as those quarterfinal losses to Sharapova. Last year, she lost to eventual champion Li Na in the fourth round.

With the defenders backing off he unleashed a powerful effort from 20 yards that Hachim was able to tip over the crossbar. A minute later he was beaten, though, as Kim Jin-su delivered an inviting free kick into the penalty area that Lee glanced past Hachim from close range. As half-time approached Iraq began to find their footing in the game while South Korea appeared to lose their way and Amjad Kalaf nearly punished them with a 20-yard drive.

ILIPINO boxing star Manny Pacquiao has a plan in place if yet another bid to fight Floyd Mayweather fails -- a May 30 bout, possibly against England’s Amir Khan. Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told ESPN that a backup plan if a hoped-for May 2 blockbuster against unbeaten US star Mayweather falls through is a fight four weeks later in Las Vegas, New York, London or Abu Dhabi. “A lot of places around the world want to host a Manny Pacquiao fight,” Arum said. “He’s an international icon, and I have been approached by a number of people look-

ing to host a Manny Pacquiao fight.” Arum also told ESPN that Khan, a former welterweight champion, is the leading candidate, although Khan would also be a top contender to fight Mayweather if Pacquiao is not his choice. Khan and Pacquiao have also been sparring partners before in training camps run by trainer Freddie Roach while working with both fighters. Arum also mentioned Russian former junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov and Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse as possible Pacquiao foes.

let their talking mask their inefficiency. It’s a big sacrifice to make. TRMH-CMO is not only Glenn’s team. It’s the people’s team. It carries the City Mayor’s Office name. It is but fitting that it also reflects the vision of the city’s numero uno sportsman—Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Glenn and his shooting twin on court and his co-manager in the team Bong Go have perfectly parlayed the Mayor’s vision and heart into something that’s tangible and concrete. The new TRMH-CMO team is now conducting tryouts with stalwarts from the

collegiate and high school ranks being part of the pool from which the players will be selected. This, I believe, is how you select a team that will represent the city in the future. Not just mere pick up teams. The pool, according to Glenn, will undergo intense training handled by local coaches. Chicago-based Ronel Leuterio is bound to plane in later to join the sessions and instill a system that he has personally developed. That makes it pretty exciting when we watch these young guys play against the veterans Of course, we don’t expect them to run away with

It will be Makarova’s second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal. She made her first major semi at last year’s U.S. Open, losing to Serena Williams after beating Bouchard in the fourth round. ‘’I’m so comfortable here, it’s all the atmosphere and maybe memories from New York that I bring here,’’ said Makarova. The other women’s semifinalists will be determined on Wednesday when No. 1-ranked Williams plays last year’s finalist, Dominika Cibulkova, and Venus Williams, playing in her first

South Korea strolls into Asian Cup final F G OALS from Lee Junghyub and Kim Younggwon secured South Korea’s first Asian Cup final appearance since 1988 with a 2-0 victory against Iraq. Uli Stielike’s side were comfortable in Sydney on Monday night, with a goal in each half wrapping up a deserved win. After a dominant opening Lee was on hand to break the deadlock in the 20th minute with his second goal of the tournament. Kim Young-gwon extended South Korea’s lead early in

XPECT a new-look The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO squad when it parades its line-up in the next local hoops tournament. The team with a history of three major championships and known for having in its fold some of the brightest names in Philippine basketball—Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, Jojo Tangkay, Chris Calaguio, Darwin Cordero, Jamael Cornley and even pound for pound king slash playing coach Manny Pacquiao—will have an entirely different personnel and principle. Credit that to team owner Glenn Y. Escandor, himself a deadshot cager to this day,

the second half as a deflected strike beat Jalal Hassan Hachim and Iraq needed their goalkeeper to keep them in the game with saves from Ki Sungyong and Son Heung-min. Iraq slowly began to force their way back into the game as South Korea’s nervous defending presented openings, but they were unable to convert, with Younis Mahmood guilty of missing the best of the chances. The victory exacts some revenge for South Korea having lost the 2007 semi-final to Iraq on penalties and they

who has made a supreme sacrifice of serving as the vehicle for developmental basketball instead of winning championships with established stars and ex-PBA players. Has Glenn gone tired of winning championships or did he just wake up one day and thought of basketball the way he masterfully steers the family’s business enterprise? He says it went through a lot of thinking and consultations from people who knew sports. Glenn is a sports consultant of the city government and that role has put him in a position to take the cudgels to develop younger players instead of spending money

will now wait to see whether it will be host nation Australia or United Arab Emirates who they face in Saturday’s final. South Korea made a positive start to the match in a rain-sodden Sydney and could have taken the lead inside five minutes as Han Gyo-won peeled away from Dhurgham Ismail, but failed to connect with Ki’s lofted pass. Iraq’s early openings were restricted to fruitless counter-attacks, but they nearly got caught out after 19 minutes as the dangerous Son broke forward.

Going developmental LET’S GET IT ON

Neil Bravo on players who are either in their peak or are on the slope down. That’s quite a noble move for one to initiate. Glenn is one guy who lets his actions speak. Unlike some fools who

Pacquiao plans if Floyd says no

the title, but we are expecting them to learn the system and grow with it. It’s a system that could well fire up local basketball’s transformation. SBP regional head Boy Cua must be happy with this development. This is what a basketball program should be. And this is what Boy Cua, with all his sacrifices in the amateur backyard, truly deserves as development initiatives along with a bunch of selfless sports partners. Thanks to Glenn and Bong for initiating this change. That’s the 18-81 connection at work anew.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 223 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015