Edge Davao 7 Issue 240

VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DANCING DRAGON. Performers parade along the streets in Davao City marks the beginning of the Chinese/Lunar New Year celebration on Wednesday afternoon. The dragon dance, like the lion dance, is a tradition in Chinese culture which is believed to bring good luck to the people and the community. Lean Daval Jr.

WILL HE RUN? Questions surround Duterte’s ‘run’for Presidency

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AS Mayor Rodrigo Duterte really said he will run for President in 2016?

According to former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, Duterte has confirmed a news article in which he was quoted as saying, “If only to save this Republic, I could run for President.”

In a message to Edge Davao, Dureza said he called Duterte on Wednesday to ask if the quote, taken from the Manila Times, was accurate.

“I called him to confirm.

He confirmed,” he said.

Edge Davao pressed Dureza to clarify exactly what it was that Duterte clarified since the mayor was quoted as saying he “could” run for President, not that he “will” run for President.

“He confirmed that the article was accurate, so please refer to it,” Dureza replied.

Duterte had been consistently saying he has no interest in running for President and that, even if he did, he did not have the money to mount

a campaign.

In a recent interview, Duterte again denied planning to run for President but added that he was also “a liar.”

The mayor, however, has clearly outlined what he would do if he were to become President, including abolishing Congress and forming a revolutionary government.

Duterte is currently on a nationwide “listening tour” to push for federalism, but observers have been saying he is also using the tour to get a

pulse of the people to see if he has a chance in the presidential race.

It was in one such listening tour that Duterte said he “could run for President.”

He was speaking to around 2,000 participants to the First Federalism Forum in Northern Luzon at the Lyceum-Northwestern University when he said, “If only to save this Republic, I could run for President.”

“I could make this sacrifice if only to save this country

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INSIDE EDGE WALKING WITH THE GIANTS OF PERTH Indulge A1

2 THE BIG NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

PRECARIOUS. A young boy walks on the edge of the second floor of San Pedro Cathedral, apparently unmindful of the danger of falling. He should have heeded the sign on the right, urging people to use the pedestrian lane – or in this case the road itself – when walking. Lean Daval Jr.

Council to tackle P250M sports complex next month

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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abf@edgedavao.net

HE Davao City Council will start the discussion next month the proposed P250 million City Sports Complex which will be built in the property of University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao.

In an interview, committee on rules, laws, privileges laws and ordinances chair councilor Bernard E. Al-ag told Edge Davao that the first hearing will be held on March

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The City Council had approved on first reading a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be entered into by the city government of Davao and UP Mindanao on the intention of both parties to establish a sports complex in the school’s campus in Mintal.

The MOU stipulates that the sports complex will be named the Davao City-UP Sports Complex.

Catapang: No rift between AFP, PNP

ESPITE differences in their account of the Mamasapano, Maguindanao incident which claimed the lives of 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) members last January 25, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang on Thursday said there is no rift with their counterparts at the Philippine National Police (PNP).

He made this statement after he and other ranking military officials handed the 16

SAF weapons, turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Wednesday, to a PNP contingent headed by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina Thursday.

“We just want to reiterate that we are (a) band of brothers, (and) we are just doing our job, and there’s nothing personal about this,” Catapang said in Filipino.

He added that the AFP is doing its best to recover other missing firearms and equip-

FCATAPANG, 14

Al-ag said the MOU states that a technical working group (TWG) composed of representatives from UP and the city will be formed for the preliminary plans and programs necessary to the establishment of the sports complex.

“The TWG will plan how to implement the project and mechanisms to sustain the project,” he said.

Al-ag said the purpose of

MOU is to identify the obligations of both parties on the implementation of the project.

He said based on his understanding, the UP will ask for a counterpart from the city for maintenance expenditures of the sports complex.

Al-ag said both parties are making sure the sports complex project will be maintained well in the future.

He said that the MOU is just the first step. After it is

signed, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) will follow to embody the contractual obligations and specific terms and responsibilities pursuant to the MOU. The city government and UP had discussed in 2006 the possibility of partnering together in the construction of a sports complex, but it was shelved because of the issue of informal settlers.

Al-ag said this issue has

since been resolved, paving the way for the two parties to renew talks.

He also said the national government will allocate the budget for the project from the appropriation of Davao City third district Rep. Isidro T. Ungab.

The MOU states that the UP Mindanao School of Management will prepare a comprehensive development plan

HE National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) might not issue a certificate of affirmation (COA) to Halila Sudagar, the selected Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Davao City Council, after a petition was filed against her.

In an interview, City Council committee on civil, political and human rights chair councilor Karlo S. Bello told Edge Davao that the United Royal House of Kagan filed a petition before the NCIP to hold the assumption

of Sudagar from sitting as IP councilor.

Bello said based on the letter of complaint forwarded to his office yesterday, there are five reasons the group is opposing Sudagar.

Bello, however, highlighted only two reasons: the legality of the selection process and gender issue.

He said the group questioned the selection process because it noticed that the customs of choosing the “Baragwas” or council of elders of every community was not followed.

The group said it doubts if the Datu of each community chose the member of the Baragwa.

Bello said the group thus doubts the qualifications of the members of Baragwas.

“Daghan kog nadungog na murag inato daw ang proseso, so, isa na sa ilang gi-raise (I have heard a lot of comments that the process was too informal, and that is why they raised the point),” Bello said.

Bello said the group also raised the gender issue, saying only if there is no quali-

fied male person to lead will a female Kagan take up a position.

Bello said according to the group, the six other aspirants were capable of holding the position.

Bello said that he will present in next week’s session the resolution to reinstate former IP representative Berino Mambo-o in a holdover capacity.

“We have no problem with Sudagar if she will sit as councilor, but the problem is that there is a petition filed

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Group files petition vs Sudagar before NCIP T

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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DSWD: Hampering peace talks will directly affect the children

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HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned that derailment of peace process negotiations in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will directly affect the children.

DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman said a derailment would impede the gains that the government has achieved in the ARMM. “In times of conflict, communities are displaced, schools and health services are discontinued, and food becomes inadequate because our programs and service through supplementary feeding will not be able to enter and will be disrupted therefore children will be the one that will directly suffer,” Soliman said.

She recalled that prior to peace agreement, the DSWD through its ARMM Region

had been providing service in the ARMM government as a poverty alleviation strategy through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

According to Soliman, the biggest number of beneficiaries of 4Ps was in the ARMM Region where a total of 416,637 families have benefited.

Of the said number, she said at least 1,158,021 children were given the chance to go to school and be healthy so that they can finish their high school as an investment of the government to encourage them to take part in the inclusive economic growth.

“In Mamasapano alone, there are almost 3,000 families benefiting under the 4Ps program since 2009,” Soliman said.

She also said that aside

Senate resumes Mamasapano incident probe on Monday

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HE Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs joined by the committees on peace and unification will resume its public hearings on the Mamasapano incident on Monday, February 23, according to committee chairperson Sen. Grace Poe. Poe has yet to come out with the list of the resource persons but expected to attend the third hearing on the bloody Mamasapano encounter are the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and officials Philippine National Police (PNP).

Last Tuesday, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has requested Poe to conduct two or three more hearings to get the complete picture of the Mamasapano encounter that left 44 PNP Special Action Force (SAF) commandos dead.

Poe has set another inquiry into the Mamasapano inci-

FOR GOOD LUCK. A Fil-Chinese teenager browses through a collection of Chinese New Year decoration charms on display at one of the stalls selling Chinese

FDSWD, 14 products during the Chinese New Year celebrations along Sta. Ana Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

dent after resigned PNP Chief Alan Purisima, relieved SAF chief Police Director Getulio Napenas and PNP Intelligence Operation head Fernando Mendez attended separately the executive sessions last Monday and Tuesday.

The Senate panel also held separate executive sessions for SAF survivors.

The 44 SAF troopers were killed when they encountered combined combatants of the MILF and Bangsamoro Isalmic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) while on a mission to capture two high profile terrorists Zulkifli Abdhil alias Marwan and Basit Usman on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Marwan, prime suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 209 civilians and had USD5-million bounty on his head, was killed while Usman escaped the operation carried out by 392 SAF troopers.

(PNA)

DSWD pushes legal adoption

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

EPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 regional director Priscilla N. Razon reminded interested adoptive parents to go through the legal process when adopting a child.

Razon said legal adoption will ensure that the child will receive all the rights and benefits of a biological child, including inheritances and others.

“There is no difference between adopted children and biological children,” Razon said. “They have the same rights.”

She said a legally adopted child has the right to have the name of the adopter and be treated as a biological child. The adopted child will

therefore have right to become legal and compulsory heirs of each other.

According to DSWD website, adoption is “a socio-legal process of providing a permanent family to a child whose parents have voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished parental authority over the child.”

Razon said once a child is legally adopted, he or she will have all the same rights as the biological child.

She said that have been cases in the region in which clinics partner unwanted children with adoptive parents without undergoing the legal process.

Razon said there is a need to increase public awareness on the impor-

tance of legal adoption.

She said currently, 40 of 66 children in the agency’s Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) are ready to be adopted.

The agency is celebrating this week the Adoption Consciousness Week with the theme “Legal na Ampon Ako, Anak na Totoo (A Child Finds Worth in Legal Adoption).”

Razon said to increase the awareness of the public on legal adoption, various activities were line up for this week’s celebration.

Among these events are the Adoption Forum, 2nd Convention of Adoptive Families, and Setting Up of Adoption Inquiry Desk at SM Lanang and SM City Davao

The PHL-China relations: ‘Nearby friends work better’

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SLEEPING QUARTERS. A truck driver sleeps on a hammock tied under his vehicle while waiting for his merchandise to be unloaded onto a cargo ship in Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

malls.

An Adoption Forum was participated in by around 150 Barangay Health Workers, Owners/Operators/ Administrators of Hospitals and Maternity Clinics, Court Social Workers, and Prospective Adoptive Parents last Wednesday.

In addition, this February 21, Saturday, around 200 families are expected to attend the 2nd Convention of Adoptive Families.

The annual observance is based on Proclamation No. 72 and through Administrative Order No. 22 issued by DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman which sets the directions for the observance of the celebration.

HERE is an old Chinese saying that a near friend is “better than a far relative.”

This is how Filipino-Chinese magnate Alfredo M. Yao described the relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines in an interview with the Philippines News Agency.

It is clear how the Philippine government embraces and takes good care of its relation with its Asian neighbor China. It even makes the Chinese New Year a special non-working holiday to acknowledge this Chinese celebration and for us, Filipinos, to take part in this Chinese

culture.

However, the long history of both countries’ claim to West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and a group of islands on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) was reinstated, forming tensions between the two Asian neighbors, and even with Vietnam – a Southeast Asian brother – which also stakes out a claim to the disputed territories.

China is quite aggressive with its action like setting up an oil rig in West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) while the Philippines is taking legal actions by bringing the

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4 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

Increase in Davao investments seen

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

NVESTMENTS for Davao Region are expected to increase this year after suffering a drop last year, an official said.

Bureau of Investments (BOI) Davao Extension Office chief Gil M. Dureza said

most of the big ticket projects entered the region in 2013.

Dureza said no more big projects entered the region last year. The region recorded a total of P20.4 billion in investments during the 3rd

quarter of 2014.

This is supported by a statement from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 director Maria Lourdes Lim, who earlier reported that “a contraction is noted in 2014,

due to unrealized investments, including in real estate, that were committed in 2013 which were no longer posted for 2014.”

“In addition, private investments in 2013 got its primary boost from San Miguel

HEAT BUSTER. A churchgoer purchases a fan from a vendor to fight away the afternoon heat inside San Pedro Cathedral. Lean Daval Jr.

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BDO allocates P3M to fund new Chinatown street posts

PRIVATE company is allocating P3 million for the replacement of all street posts in Davao City’s Chinatown area this year.

Davao City Chinatown Development Council (DCCDC) public information officer Jasper Huang said a partnership was forged with Banco de Oro (BDO) for the project.

“BDO will finance the project because the council, headed by Davao city Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has no funding for it yet,” Huang said during the recent Kapehan sa Dabaw forum at SM City Ecoland.

Huang said more than 60 street posts from Magsaysay Avenue to Sta. Ana Avenue will be replaced with street posts

that have the street names and corresponding Chinese translations.

“The project is part of the plan to develop the 46 hectare-Chinatown into a tourist and investment destination,” he said.

DCCDC started the replacement of posts last year.

“We’ve already changed the street post in Lizada Street,” Huang said.

Davao’s Chinatown area is known to be the largest in the world as declared by the city government of Davao, according to Huang.

“If you will go to Singapore or any other countries, it only have one hectare or a whole stretch of a street,” he said.

The Chinatown comprises the entire area bounded

by Ramon Magsaysay Avenue and some portion of Leon Garcia Street between Ramon Magsaysay and Sta. Ana Ave. on one end and that portion of J.P. Laurel Avenue between Ramon Magsaysay and Sta Ana Ave. and Soliman Street on the other.

The Chinatown will also include the Magsaysay Park and Sta. Ana Wharf, as well as the areas adjacent to the boundaries of the Davao City Chinatown, including barangays 13-B, 14-B, Tomas Monteverde, 26-C, 28-C, 29-C, and entirety of 27-C and 30-C. Aside from replacing

disease resistance, flood, drought, heat, or salinity tolerance.

Some of these varieties are for saline, rainfed, and irrigated lowland have potential yield ranging from 6 tons per hectare, even in adverse condition, to 12 tons per hectare. They have good eating quality and are resistant to pests and diseases such as stem borer, green leaf hopper, brown leaf hopper, bacterial leaf blight,

sheath blight, and blast.

NSIC Rc324 (Salinas 10), NSIC Rc346 (Sahod Ulan 11), NSIC Rc308 (Tubigan 26), NSIC Rc298 (Tubigan 23), and NSIC Rc318H (Mestiso 48) are also early-maturing that can be harvested from 104 to 114 days.

NSIC Rc342SR (Mabango 4) is an aromatic special purpose rice with a potential yield of 7 t/ha. Maturing in 114 days, it is resistant to

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DA engages farmers in testing elite rice varieties

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CIENTISTS stressed the need to accelerate adoption of next generation (next-gen) varieties of rice to boost the country›s self-sufficiency bid.

According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) these rice varieties are bred to help address the world’s most pressing food security challenges and are developed with desirable traits, such as high yielding ability,

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Consolidated Power Corp.’s P25 billion 300-megawatt (MW) coal fired power plant in Malita, Davao del Sur – the biggest single investment in 2013,” Lim added.

However, Dureza said that 2015 posts a brighter prospect as new players are expected to come in this year.

These new players, he said, include investors who are interested to build an oil depot, hotels and ship building business.

Earlier, Davao del Sur Gov. Claude Baustista told Edge Davao that two foreign shipbuilding companies expressed interest in expanding companies’ operations in municipalities of Sta Cruz and Malita this year.

Bautista said the two firms have an estimated combine investments of US$20 billion.

One of the firms is the Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation Philippines, a South Korean company which already has a shipyard in Redondo Peninsula on the northern edge of Subic Bay, Bautista said.

Bautista said the proposed shipyard will be the second of the same type of Hanjin and will hopefully employ more than 20,000.

The South Korean firm is planning to put the shipyard on 272 hectares of industrial park that is now being established in a property of a certain Almendras located in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, according to the governor.

Bautista did not give any further details on the expansion of the other firm but said the company, which is Japanese, is eyeing an area in an industrial area in Malita, Davao del Sur that will soon be the capital of the new Davao Occidental province.

Meanwhile, Dureza also said that two more power firms are expected to enter the region this year.

The two firms are into renewable energy which is planning to develop a hydropower plant and a geothermal power plant in the region.

He also said that expansion on agri-development in Mindanao is up for this year.

“We are expecting that with these projects, we will be able to pass the amount of total investments in 2013,” Dureza said.

Total investment for the region in 2013 reached P29 billion. These investments include energy and manufacturing projects.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

DavNorte tops investments facilitated by BOI in 2014 T

HE amount of investments poured in Davao del Norte topped all projects facilitated by the Board of Investments (BOI) in the region in 2014.

In a report processed by the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region (DTI-Davao), it was noted that 67.7 percent or P8.494 billion of the P12.544 billion total investments last year was in Davao del Norte.

The bulk of these investments were in transportation, logistics and storage projects.

In Davao City, BOIfacilitated investments amounted to P3.186 billion, while the remaining P864.12 million worth of investments was in Davao del Sur. There were no investments generated in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley during the said period.

Among the other areas in which investments were poured were real estate, electricity, gas, coal and air conditioning supply, manufacturing, agriculture, and administrative and support service facilities.

Meanwhile, an amount of P17.3 billion investment leads has also been reported.

These investment leads are in the production of virgin coconut oil (VCO), coco water and flour, poultry, banana, real estate, coconut, oil palm, wood, information and communications technology (ICT), transportation, oil and gas, cocoa, packaging plastics, and tourism site development.

DTI-Davao Officer-inCharge Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the agency is continuously advocating among local government units (LGUs) the adoption of the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) streamlining program in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The implementation of BPLS reforms is in consonance with Republic Act 9485 or “An Act to Improve Efficiency in Delivery of Government

Service to the Public by Reducing Bureaucratic Red Tape, Preventing Graft and Corruption and Providing Penalties Therefore.”

This is a partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This took effect in 2010.

“The LGUs’ responsiveness to adopt the program and active cooperation in BPLSrelated seminars and activities are definitely crucial for the success of this program. And we are glad that the LGUs have really been responsive,” Ambi said.

To date, 48 out of the 49 LGUs (municipalities and cities) in the region have already adopted BPLS. DTI11/JenMendoza

ROUND OFF. Dabawenyos buy round fruits at the fruit stalls along Monteverde Street during the Chinese New Year celebration yesterday. Many Filipinos believe that placing round fruits on the table during Chinese New Year will bring them good luck. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

Battling demons inside the mind

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

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N an emotional interview two years ago, Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones told UK’s Sunday Times of her battle with depression. “I try and stay positive, being negative isn’t good for my personality,” she was quoted as saying, “I don’t just bring myself down, I bring everyone around me down. It’s like a dark cloud, ‘Uh oh, here we go,’ and I have to snap out of it.”

Her manic depression was reportedly triggered by the stress of her husband’s battle with the illness. However, medical experts claim she may have been suffering from the illness for some time.

Mark Davies, from the charity Rethink Mental Illness, said: “She deserves great credit. There is still a lot of stigma around mental health which often means that people stay silent and try to fight the illness on their own. When people such as Catherine Zeta-Jones speak out it makes a big difference to the millions of others facing mental illness. It shows them they are not alone and that mental illness can affect anyone.”

“Mania and depression represent the two extremes, or poles, of mood disorders,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “Mood disorders are mental health disorders in which emotional disturbances consist of prolonged periods of excessive sadness (depression) or excessive joyousness or elation (mania).”

Sadness and joy are part of the normal experience of everyday life and differ from the depression and mania that characterizes mood disorders. Sadness is a natural response to loss, defeat, disappointment, trauma, or catastrophe.

Grief or bereavement is the most common of the normal reactions to a loss or separation, such as death or romantic disappointment.

Joyousness or elation, usually linked to success and achievement, can sometimes be a defense against depression or a denial of the pain or loss.

“Depression or mania is diagnosed when sadness or elation is overly intense

and continues beyond what would be expected for a particular event,” the Merck manual says. “Unlike normal emotional reactions, depression and mania greatly impair a person’s ability to function physically, socially, and at work.”

The world is replete with people having this mental health disorder. Diana, Princess of Wales, was the first wife of Charles,

Prince of Wales. In the late 1980s, the marriage of Diana and Charles fell apart, an event at first suppressed, then sensationalized, by the world media. Diana received a lump sum settlement along with a legal order preventing her from discussing the details. Many struggles with depression led Diana to eating disorder, which recurred throughout her adult life. However, she

died in a car crash.

When Britney Spears left the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, questions were being asked whether or not the singer has bipolar disorder, a serious mental disorder characterized by mood swings between extreme depression and mania. The rumor about her possible bipolar disorder diagnosis comes from friends close to

BATTLING P10

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE

VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

EDITORIAL Give peace through sports a chance

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ESPITE the NPA attack on its police station last Sunday, Mati City bounced back and declared itself ready to host the 2015 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet, the region’s biggest sports conclave which begins four days from now.

That’s a bold declaration coming from Mati City Mayor Carlo Rabat after the attack that came just nine days into the start of the games. The DAVRAA attracts around 6,000 student athletes and officials from Davao City, Davao del Sur, Digos City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and host Mati City who will converge for five days of athletic competition. Winners and selected athletes from this competition will represent Davao Region in the coming Palarong Pambansa which will also be staged in Region 11 on May 3-9 in Davao del Norte.

Just last Sunday, some 50 NPA members stormed the Mati City police station. A rebel was killed in the gun battle, while three

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Army soldiers were also slain while staging reinforcement. Another Army man in civilian clothes was shot dead by the rebels who installed a blockade near the police station.

The attack left the city, already flourishing with its tourism and investment potentials, like a proverbial ghost town within the next 24 hours.

But instead of retreating under gripping security threats, the local government of Mati, with the support of the provincial government, the regional police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said it would proceed with the staging of the event.

The DAVRAA is a competition involving elementary and high school kids. It is no easy responsibility for the host LGU and a nightmare for the police and military.

We can only ask everyone, not just the NPA, to spare the DAVRAA and spare the kids. These kids should be secured from any violence.

They just want to play and make sports their vehicle to win not just medals but friends and, ultimately, peace.

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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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

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Getting even

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VERY drunk man sits down with the ladies having some tête-à-tête. He was talking aloud, disturbing the ladies. One lady, who could not hold her temper, told the man blankly, “If you were my husband, I would poison you.”

The man, embarrassed by what he heard, stood up. He faced the lady and without much ado told her: “Ma’am, if you were my wife, I would drink the poison.”

Here’s another one. At a dinner party one evening, there was a heated exchange between British statesman Winston Churchill and a female member of the parliament. At the end of the argument, the lady said scornfully, “Mr. Churchill, you are drunk.” Replied Churchill, “And you, madam, are ugly. But I shall be sober tomorrow.”

Revenge is a deceiver – it looks sweet but is most often bitter. Now, let me share you a true story that happened to Hungarian artist Arpad Sebesy. Elmer Kelen, a millionaire, had asked Sebesy to paint a portrait of him, but when Kelen came to the studio and saw the portrait, he was very angry. Before leaving, Elmer told Arpad: “That’s a rotten portrait and I refuse to pay for it!”

The artist was crushed. He had spent weeks on this painting, and now the 500 pengos (Hungarian currency) that he was going to lose on the deal flashed through his mind. Bitterly, he recalled that the millionaire had only posed three times so that the painting had to be done virtually from

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memory. Still, THINK ON THESE! he didn’t think it was such a bad likeness.

Before the millionaire left his studio, the artist called out, “One minute. Will you sign this letter saying you re- Henrylito D. Tacio fused the porhenrytacio@gmail.com trait because it didn’t resemble you?”

Glad to get off the hook so easily, Kelen agreed.

A few months later, the Society of Hungarian Artists opened its exhibition at the Gallery of Fine Arts in Budapest. Soon afterwards, Kelen’s phone began to ring. Within half an hour, he appeared at the art gallery and headed for the wing where a Sebesy painting was on display. It was the one he had rejected.

He glanced at the title and his face turned purple. Storming into the office of the gallery manager, he demanded that the portrait be removed at once. The manager explained quietly that all of the paintings were under contract to remain in the gallery the full six weeks of the exhibit.

Kelen raged. “But it will make me the laughing stock of Budapest. It’s libelous! I’ll

sue!”

The manager turned to his desk, drew out the letter Kelen had written at Sebesy’s request, and said, “Just a moment. Since you yourself admit that the painting does not resemble you, you have no jurisdiction over its fate.”

In desperation, Kelen offered to buy the painting, only to find the price was now ten times that of the original figure. With this reputation at stake, Kelen immediately wrote out a check for 5,000 pengos.

Not only did the artist sell the rejected portrait to the man who had originally commissioned it, he also received ten times the first price and achieved his revenge by exhibiting it with the title: “Portrait of a Thief.”

Russell Lynes reminds us: “The only graceful way to accept an insult is to ignore it; if you can’t ignore it, top it; if you can’t top it, laugh at it; if you can’t laugh at it, it’s probably deserved.”

English author Samuel Johnson is one person who would get even with those people who would exploit him. When he was completing his dictionary, a London journal published two anonymous “previews” of the book. The articles were favorable but superficial. When he learned that the wealthy Earl of Chesterfield had written them, he was furious.

After all, he had applied to him repeatedly for patronage while writing the dictionary, but the earl had been cheap, giving the poverty-stricken writer no more than ten

pounds (about US$250). Now, Johnson felt, he was trying to take credit as a patron. In the dictionary, he defined patron as “commonly a wretch who supports with insolence, and is paid with flattery.”

Irish author George Bernard Shaw had also experienced embarrassing moments.

After the premiere of Arms and the Man (1898), he took the stage to make a curtain speech. When the applause subsided, there was a solitary boo from London critic Reginald Golding Bright. Shaw looked directly at Bright and said, “My dear fellow, I quite agree with you, but what are we two against so many?”

Finally, here’s another story that should end this piece. A cigar smoker bought several hundred expensive cigars and had them insured against fire. After he’d smoked them all, he filed a claim, pointing out that the cigars had, in fact, been destroyed by fire.

The insurance company refused to pay, and then the man sued. The judge ruled that because the insurance company had agreed to insure the cigars against fire, it was legally responsible.

The company had no choice but to pay the claim. Then, when the man accepted the money, the company had him arrested for arson.

Now, that’s even!

But the Bible tells us: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19).

as well as problems affecting the barangay” (Section 397 [b])..

He amended the phrase “at least twice a year” to read at most twice a year! Then he calls on the mayors to ensure compliance and maximum participation of all barangays. He doesn’t even mention the people—a dead give-away of the trapo mentality that the people can be treated like props or spectators for the acts of those in power! ***** The unfortunate result of this Proclamation has been its effect on the exercise of citizen sovereignty, the inherent right of the people to address communal matters and resolve them. It dampens initiative, discourages autonomous action, and exacerbates the bad habit of dependency.

No wonder so many simple problems in barangays that need attention or action are neglected and simply fester—unattended, awaiting action from above, keeping people in thrall to high officials who are supposed to be their public servants.

This situation into hands of trapos who are ever eager to broker the delivery of goods and services from the top to the primary level. It reinforces the sordid pork-barrel mentality which reduces community and constituents to passive recipients of government “favors.”

And of course this deadens resourcefulness in recipient communities and constituents. Spoon-feeding them emasculates their capability for self-governance and ne-

gates autonomy. Equally bad, it strengthens the trapos’ grip on the community and the loyalty of its naïve voters. As self-appointed brokers and gatekeepers of public goods and services, they command such voters’ “debt of gratitude”—which they collect in the form of votes on Election Day. ***** Thus are barangay communities reduced to a passive constituency, dependent on upper-level dictate and direction.

It makes them out to be zombies—manipulated people with a moribund sense of sovereignty, too weak to assert their will or authority. Not a strong foundation for a Strong Republic.

This dependency, this lack of initiative in the barangay—which is the small republic from which our Big Philippine Republic draws its strength—disables our grassroots and keeps them from developing solidarity and political will. All because of an ill-conceived Presidential Proclamation that no one challenges!

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

Why would P-Noy emasculate local autonomy?

F the first floor of an edifice is unstable, chances are that the upper floors become unstable as well. And if the basic unit of a republic is weak and unassertive, can it be a “Strong Republic”?

It raises the question because the first floor of our Republic, the barangay, its primary level, is meant to exemplify local autonomy or self-government. But it is controlled and manipulated by the central government and its extensions at the intermediate levels (municipal, provincial).

As a result, local autonomy is rendered illusory. Self-government is negated, emasculated by preemptive acts of the upper level. The local polity cannot act or move at their own pace or in accordance with their own wishes.

The autonomy that is meant to be exemplified in the direct participation of the people in their barangay’s governing process is weakened. They can’t even meet to discuss or decide how to go about governing their local affairs unless directed by higher authority or the central government. ***** The capacity of barangay folks for self-governance wouldn’t have such restraint had not President B.S. Aquino intervened by decreeing that the Barangay Assembly shall convene only twice yearly— once in March (last Saturday) and again in October (second Sunday).

One wonders what drove him to impose this limit, inhibiting supposedly sovereign

THE WORM’S EYEVIEW

BY MANNY VALDEHUESA citizens from doing the business of governing as circumstances warrant, at their own pace, and in accordance with their wishes.

Why curtail the freedom and inherent power of his “Bosses” to address problems or to resolve issues in their own neighborhood, violating their autonomy?

The essence of local autonomy is the Principle of Subsidiarity, which requires that tasks that can be performed at a lower level be reserved to that level, not delegated to nor preempted by a higher level.

The barangay has its own set of powers, facilities, and resources that enable it to govern its jurisdiction autonomously. That the President should find it necessary to intrude or interfere with its autonomy and constrict its operation is a festering issue. ***** It raises the question of whether he overstepped his authority when he issued Presidential Proclamation No. 260, dated September 30, 2011, which limits Barangay Assembly meetings to only twice yearly.

He unilaterally amended Republic Act 7160 which provides that it shall meet “at least twice a year to hear and discuss the semestral report of the sangguniang barangay concerning its activities and finances

10 HEALTH

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BATTLING P7 both Spears and her ex-husband, Kevin Federline.

Though some said she was on drugs, others said it was post-partum depression.

Dr. Diana Kirschner,

Ben Stiller (from Wikipedia)

Catherine Zeta-Jones (from Wikipedia)

or manic disorder.”

Another famous person who suffers from bipolar disorder is Richard Dreyfuss, an Academy Award-winning American actor. He starred in box office hits Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, both directed by Steven Spielberg.

Around 1978, Dreyfuss began to use cocaine frequently; his addiction came to a head four years later, when he was arrested for possession of the drug at the scene of a collision.

W h o doesn’t know Harrison Ford (from Wikipedia) Harrison Ford, who has not treated best known for his perforSpears but is an ex- mances in the Star Wars pert on the subject, film series and the advenexplained, “People turous archaeologist and who show patterns of action hero, Dr. Henry “Inbehavior like Britney diana” Jones Jr., in the InSpears are suffering diana Jones film series? He from a dual diagnosis. suffered from depression in They have both a sub- his youth, and would sleep stance abuse problem long hours, often miss class, and a bipolar disorder and have trouble to keep up

with his studies. He quickly got over it after signing up for drama class where he overcame all of his fears.

Drew Carey has tried to commit suicide twice by taking large doses of sleeping pills and has always been mad with the world.

At the early age of 8, his beloved father died and left the comedian completely alone; whenever he would not be with his friends he would rapidly become depressed and use food and alcohol to help him fight the disturbing feeling he had inside. He would not be able to appreciate anything from small to big and would frequently curse the world putting it to blame for all that had happened to him.

Today, Drew is constantly on the road to recovery by reading books and writing his comedy stand-up scripts.

Amy Tan is one of the most-read authors among Asians. This American writer is of Chinese descent whose works explore mother-daughter relationships as well as relationships between Chinese American women and their immigrant parents. In 1993, her adaptation of her most popular fiction work,

The Joy Luck Club, became a commercially successful film.

Tan believed that her grandmother and her mother suffered from depression. She suffered from this as a child because every time her mother became upset with her present life and surroundings they would move house. On the other hand, the constant moving and changing of schools gave her an “excellent training as a budding writer” as it sharpened her skills as a writer.

There’s something about Ben Stiller, too. In a 1999 interview with GQ and later in a 2001 interview with Hollywood.com, the American actor admitted that he had bipolar disorder, an illness he said that ran in his family. In two interviews in November and December 2006, Stiller claimed that this earlier interview’s comment about the disorder was false. In one interview he said: “I said jokingly in GQ that I was, like, crazy, and it came out as: Ben Stiller, bipolar manic-depressive!”

From the past, one of the famous persons who suffered from depression was Ludwig Van Beethoven.

He was, as the world knew him, a great source of confidence for himself and for others, being able to create music and play music even after being completely deaf is by itself quite a miracle.

Although it was clear to everyone that he was but a man, he conquered his disability and led himself to being one of the greatest musicians of all time.

If there was one thing that was affecting his struggle to succeed it was not only being deaf, but having to fight all the emotions that he felt inside when he had to turn around to look at the audience applause because he could not hear. Or more so the emotions that he felt inside when all that was good to his ears could no longer be heard, and would forever remain still in his mind, making all dynamic sense of touch from music removed from his daily life.

That may have led him to a certain depression, but the downfalls of his feelings were present and actively falling way before the screeching in his ears.

When he was younger his father had left him alone and responsible of his two younger brothers due to alcoholism and would be severe on penalties, loud in teachings when Beethoven wouldn’t understand. Great was this man who was deaf and depressed.

11 ICT HUB

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D

Did NSA plant spyware in computers around world?

ID the National Security Agency plant spyware deep in the hard drives of thousands of computers used by foreign governments, banks, and other surveillance targets around the world?

A new report from Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab said its researchers identified a new family of malicious programs or worms that infected computers in multiple countries, primarily overseas. Targets appeared to be specifically selected and included military, Islamic activists, energy companies and other businesses, as well as government personnel.

Without naming the United States as the source of the malware, the report said one of the programs has elements in common with the socalled Stuxnet worm, which the New York Times and Wa s h i n g to n Post have said was developed by the U.S. and Israeli governments to disrupt Iranian nuclear facilities. Based on their similarities, the creators of both programs “are either the same or working closely together,” Kaspersky’s report said.

The malware was not designed for financial gain but to collect information through “pure cyberespionage,” added Kaspersky researcher Vita-

C

ly Kamluk. In its report, the firm said the malware was extremely sophisticated and “expensive to develop.”

NSA spokeswoman Vanee Vines declined comment Tuesday, but cited a 2014 presidential directive that instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to respect Americans’ privacy while continuing to conduct overseas operations necessary to guard against terrorism or other threats.

Kaspersky researchers

said some of the spyware was designed to burrow into the essential software that comes pre-installed on a computer’s disk drive, known as firmware. Once there, it was difficult to detect and virtually impossible to remove, and it could gain access to vital codes, such as the keys to deciphering encrypted files. Kamluk said compro-

mising firmware is a difficult technical challenge that likely requires knowledge of the manufacturer’s source code — normally a closely guarded secret.

The report named several disk drive manufacturers whose products were compromised, including Seagate Technology, Western Digital Corp., Toshiba and IBM Corp.

While some did not immediately respond to requests for comment, three companies said the report came as news to them.

“We take such threats very seriously,” Western Digital spokesman Steve Shattuck said Tuesday, adding in a statement that the company is “in the process of reviewing the report from Kaspers k y Labs.”

computers in more than 30 countries, with the heaviest concentrations in Iran, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. There were relatively few targets in the U.S. and Britain, said Kamluk, who characterized them as individuals living or visiting in those countries rather than companies or institutions based there.

Though it’s less wellknown in the United States, Kaspersky is respected in the cybersecurity industry and its reports are generally viewed as reputable. While some critics have suggested the firm has close ties to Russian authorities, several experts said Tuesday that it’s plausible the United States is behind the malware identified in the report.

“A lot of nation-states are

Seag a t e Technology said it “has no specific knowledge of any allegations regarding third parties accessing our drives.” The company said in a statement it’s committed to security and takes steps to prevent tampering or “reverse engineering” of its products. Toshiba said it had no knowledge of the malware and declined further comment.

While some of the mal-

ware was transmitted over the Internet, Kaspersky said one worm spread through infected USB thumb drives, allowing it to collect information from computers that are “air-gapped” or disconnected from the Internet. Air-gapping is a security practice used at nuclear plants and other sensitive facilities.

Kaspersky also said it uncovered “classic spying methods” in which scientists who attended an international conference in Houston were later sent a CD of conference materials from the event’s sponsor. The sponsor apparently didn’t know that the disc also contained malware which spread into certain attendees’ computers, the researchers said.

Kaspersky said it found signs the malware infected

ly no publicity in state media and news of it spread by word of mouth. It doesn’t appear to have dramatically increased demand at state cyber-centers.

The Cuban government blames the island’s lack of connectivity on technical limits resulting from the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba. Independent experts point out that Cuba is connected to Venezuela by a high-speed fiber-optic cable and blame the lack of access on the government’s underfunding of telecommunications infrastructure and its fear of the Internet as a tool for social change. ANDREA RODRIGUEZ, Associated Press (Associated Press writer Michael Weissenstein contributed to this report)

PRICE CUT. In this file photo, the computer, modem, and intranet network cabling belonging to Rafael Antonio Broche Moreno sits on a desk at his home in Havana.

The government charges nearly a quarter of a month’s

involved in these activities.

Russia, China and the U.S. are in a great cyberarms race,” said David DeWalt, chief executive of the Silicon Valley cybersecurity firm FireEye. He noted that China has been implicated in attempts to steal source code and other information from U.S. companies, for example, while Russian authorities have been linked to some hacking efforts.

Some warned that U.S. efforts could have unintended consequences: Foreign customers could become more leery of U.S. tech products if they’re suspected of being used for spying. And other hackers may be able to exploit the same vulnerabilities, said cybersecurity expert and author Bruce Schneier. BRANDON BAILEY, AP Technology Writer

Cuba temporarily cuts price of Internet access

UBA has temporarily reduced the hourly charge for using state-run Internet cafes in the country’s first small but substantive public move to increase online access since the declaration of detente with the U.S. President Barack Obama said late last year that Cuba had promised to increase Internet access, although U.S. and Cuban officials have since provided few specifics.

Virtually all home connections remain illegal in Cuba and getting online at government centers remains prohibitively expensive. Post-discount, an hour costs roughly 10 percent of the average monthly salary of $20.

Users nonetheless hailed the decision to cut the rate by

50 percent until April 10. State centers previously charged $4.50 an hour. The promotion gives Cubans two hours and 16 minutes for $5.

“The cut is something that’s really positive,” said Dimas Bencomo, an artist who goes nearly every day to one of the 155 cyber-cafes opened in 2013. “They should be charging even less and it would be much better to have a connection in my house.”

Cuba announced last month that it plans to open an additional 136 Internet centers around the country this year.

The price doesn’t appear to have changed in hotels, which charge $8 an hour.

The price cut that began Feb. 10 has received virtual-

salary for an hour online in government-run hotels and Internet centers, but it recently temporarily reduced the charge in a move to increase online access. (AP Photo/ Ramon Espinosa)

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Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., Quirino Ave., Davao City Tel: (082) 224-1413 Telefax: (082) 221-3601

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EDGEDAVAO

ARTS AND CULTURE

Walking with the

Girl Giant on boat wearing a raincoat.

By Neilwin Joseph L. Bravo

Giants of Perth Mobbed, Diver Giant walks through the streets.

AS a young boy, I was always awed by stories of giants. Giant stories from the biblical Goliath to the folklore-ic Jack and the Beanstalk amused me no end.

Stories of giants kept me awake and at the same time put me to sleep depending on what time of day it was.

Giants were my kind of heroes, too.

When I was bullied (oh, believe me, I was) in kindergarten, I called my ‘giant’ neighbourhood buddy and classmate Apollo to defend me.

Aaah, those days.

Last February 13 to 15, I finally experienced walking with giants in the streets of Perth here in Australia.

The ‘giants’ were the main attraction of the Perth International Arts Festival and were created as part of the centenary celebration of the Anzac which is the term for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac).

The Anzac was a First World War army corps of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force that was formed in Egypt in 1915 and operated during the Battle of Gallipoli.

From the time I saw the ads on television, I had set my mind on meeting the giants—a Girl Giant and a Diver Giant. Actually, they are giant marionettes controlled by Lilliputians

hanging on cables. Never call them puppets, the company warned ahead of the visit by the Little Girl Giant and Diver Giant. It didn’t take long for people to see them as “alive,” too.

Girl Giant measured almost six meters, she has shoulder-length hair, changes clothes, showers, walks, dances, flies and yes, even snores in sleep. Diver Giant is as tall as a fourstorey building. He walks, takes off

Girl Giant mobbed on Perth CBD.

Walking A4

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UP AND ABOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

Grand Regal Hotel’s Eight GM ‘Awesome 2some’

VDay Celebration VALENTINE’S DAY was indeed awesome for the guests who came as early as 6 in the evening for the anticipated St Valentine’s Day, the annual celebration of romantic love, friendship and admiration. Every year on February 14th, people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends. Couples sweet exchanges includes sending emails, red roses , chocolates or jewelry and spend special time together to honour their love for each other in a special dinner, thus Grand Regal Hotel coined up the event “Awesome 2some” Valentine dinner.

Many couples who chose to spend the special dinner were ushered to tables for two prepped with a lighted candle and few petals of red roses.

But the event was also for the whole the family who brought along kids and grandparents, all in tow for a really special bonding.

While some groups didn’t focus attention to romance as they came with wellmeaning friends in their social circle to show appreciation of friendships kept through the years.

The ladies were handed long-stemmed roses and

given some heart-shaped chocolates.

The hearty buffet dinner consisted on a four-course meal; quajo shrimps, panfried beef tenderloin, roast porkloin in mustard sauce and lamb stew navarin.

The desserts were heavenly for the sweet palate; black forest, chocolate strawberry decadence and crème brule’.

The event’s special guest, world-singing champ Lloyd Edisonne Montebon, never disappointed the waiting crowd to hear him sing. The young lad who wowed the world dur-

ing the 2104 World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, started swooning everyone with “There You’ll Be” followed by “We Could Have It All” to the delight of the diners at the Brasserie in the second level. As the crowd at the ground floor awaits their turn, they can of course overhear Lloyd’s rendition of those

familiar love songs. Then Lloyd emerged from the aisle of the grand staircase to serenade everyone at the Champagne Bar. He belted “On The Wings of Love” and “Believe”, as the crowd cheered each time he hits the highest notes perfectly. The rest of the entertainment was provided by the Mainstream, an all-family member group

who did the classics to today’s well-loved romantic dieties, and Ever Caballero who totally nailed each romantic piece with his awesome flute performance.

Indeed Valentines Day at Grand Regal Hotel fulfilled everyone’s anticipation of an awesome celebration where love was king, for couples as well as families and friends.

SM City General Santos kicks off Kalilangan 2015 with grand rave party and great sale PREPARATIONS are underway for the Kalilangan 2015 in General Santos City. This year promises to be grander with Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges as the festival organizer.

Kalilangan 2015 was presented to the public during the Soft Opening and Press launching held last February 12 at SM City General Santos, Event Center.

Themed “Kultura Ko, Identity Ko,” the weeklong celebration of culture and heritage starts on February 23 until February 27, 2015.

Last year, Kalilangan won

the Best Festival “Hall of Famer” award for the Culture and Arts- City Level Category of Department of Tourism, successfully retaining its stature as the Country’s Best Festivalcity level in the last three consecutive years since 2011.

SM City General Santos – the city’s leading

mall – kicks off Kalilangan 2015 as one of the major sponsors. It will bring the crowd again to the famous and well attended Rave Party in the city with astounding fireworks display and Great Sale.

Generals will party to the mixes of DJ MOD, former DJ of Showtime and one of the sought-after

DJs in the country, as he performs his own beat. DJ MOD will lead the Generals to a night of festivity as they witness the splendid Fireworks Display on February 21, 2015, 7PM at The Roofdeck of SM City General Santos. Great Sale also awaits shoppers as they can avail up to 50% OFF on selected

items from February 1922, 2015.

Kalilangan 2015 is definitely another interesting festivity to look forward to this year.

For more information, inquiries and updates, check-out SM City General Santos (Official) on Facebook, or call (083) 878-0667.

CALLING ALL BIKE ENTHUSIASTS! Help save the Philippine Eagle by joining the second Ride for the Eagle on March 22, 2015. Race your way across the city together with Davao’s biking enthusiasts and get a chance to win fabulous prizes. Registration is ongoing at the Security Department of the Marco Polo Davao. Registration fee is at Php400 and includes packed food, a souvenir shirt, and a raffle entry. All proceeds will go to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

EIGHT entries from GMA Network were named as finalists- the most number of finalists among all local TV networks- in the highly esteemed 2015 New York Festivals World’s Best TV and Films competition.

Top-rating weekend news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho was shortlisted in the Human Interest category for its episode “From Saudi with Love.” A heartwarming story about gratitude that crosses borders, defies language barriers, religion and ethnicity, the episode featured Saudi journalist Rawan Radwan’s search for her former Pinay nanny.

Chosen as one of the finalists in the Community Portraits category was afternoon program Reporter’s Notebook for its

Gabby E with you

AFTER his outstanding portrayal of a gay father in the hit series Dading, Kapuso dramatic actor Gabby Eigenmann is all set to take the spotlight once more as he topbills the newest weekend family series of GMA 7 --- InstaDad. Gabby, who is one of the multitalented actors in the industry, will display his talent and range in his latest TV project as he portrays another father role, this time he will become an instant dad, to not just one, but three daughters.

Aside from InstaDad, Gabby is also part of the primetime series Once Upon A Kiss and will soon appear in the upcoming drama series Pari ‘Koy. “I’m still in cloud nine. 2014 was memorable also for me

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MA finalists in 2015 New York Festivals “Burak at Pangarap” episode. It centered on the story of twelveyear-old Junjun, one of the 78,000 children in Metro Manila facing severe deprivation of shelter, after his family was left homeless when a fire razed their home and more than a hundred other houses in Malabon City.

Late-night documentary program Front Row, in turn, made it as a finalist in the Best Public Affairs Program category for its feature on the neurodegenerative disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Titled “ALS,” the documentary took viewers beyond the viral Ice Bucket Challenge and showed the real story behind the disease in the eyes of the patients and their families.

Katipunan, GMA Network’s first historical mini-series, earned a finalist status for its

premiere episode “Teresa” under the Best Camerawork category. Produced by GMA News and Public Affairs, Katipunan

shed light on the real Andres Bonifacio and the men and women who started the revolution.

Meanwhile, nominated in the Biography/Profiles category was GMA News TV’s weekend documentary program Reel Time featuring “Dungkoy,” a ten-year-old boy from Calauan, Laguna, who was abandoned by his parents and was left alone to take care of his paralyzed grandmother.

Travel documentary program Motorcycle Diaries’ “Karapatan ng Bata” episode, also on GMA News TV, was named as a finalist in the Human Concerns category. The episode showed how poverty denies countless Filipino children their basic rights through the eyes of several less fortunate children in the country.

“Walang Rape sa Bontok,” one of the winning entries in the first Cine Totoo Philippine Documentary Festival produced by

GMA News TV, was listed as a finalist in the Film/Documentaries category. The documentary

by Carla Samantha Ocampo tells the story of two Filipinas, both victims of sexual abuse, who yearn for a utopia where women can live without being sexually violated.

Further, GMA News TV’s “May Pag-asa” station ID, a collection of stories of hope that aims to show the power of the human heart to see light in the midst of darkness, was chosen as one of the finalists in the Station/Image Promotion category.

All finalists will proceed to a second round of judging by award-winning industry experts from around the globe. Winners will be presented at the 2015 Television and Film Awards Ceremony scheduled on April 14 in Las Vegas.

Eigenmann excited to work ung actors in InstaDad after Dading. Naghintay lang ako ng blessing then eto pagpasok ng 2015, I was part of Once Upon A Kiss, then drafted to Pari ‘koy then Instadad.

Exciting, wala akong masabi.”

Gabby is very grateful that the network continues to provide good projects for him this year.

“I feel so very, very blessed.

Nagulat ako. Sabi ko nga ang hirap i-explain. Parang feeling ko I’m back to square one. I’m opening the year with a bang.

Siyempre, I cannot forget na nagstart ako sa Once Upon A Kiss. Ang sarap ng feeling na you’re being trusted. And likewise I trust the network naman. I never demanded, I just waited. Kaya I am given an opportunity to appear in two new shows.”

Joining Gabby in InstaDad

are GMA Artist Center’s new breed of teen stars including Ash Ortega, Gabbi Garcia, Juancho Trivino, Jazz Ocampo and versatile actress Matet de Leon.

He is very excited to work with these teens because he will learn new things from them and he can also mentor them during tapings.

“Mas enjoy ako to work with them kasi andun yung respecto nila towards senior actors and it’s also a privilege to mentor them. It’s nice at least natututo rin ako from their world, yung modern world nila. Kaya I don’t feel like I’m getting old.

I’m excited to start working with them.”

InstaDad is directed by Neal del Rosario and will premiere on March 22 after Sunday All Stars.

Iya try out international cuisine in the city THIS Saturday, hit the streets in style and join Taste Buddies’ Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania-Arellano as they go to the a wonderland of fresh food and fab finds—Fisher Mall!

In tow is Kapuso leading man Mark Herras who won’t miss out on the international cuisine offered at the mall.

Take part of this delicious experience and taste Riger Hotz’s Korean Bulgogi and other fast food items. A blast of spice awaits the group at Ganeza Curry’s Indian-

inspired dishes. Also a musttry is Truly Asia’s fusion of the continent’s exotic flavors courtesy of a seasoned Malaysian chef. A sweet treat to end the day is a cup of unique flavored ice from Cold Layers.

Meanwhile, Solenn shares some fashion tips on how men mix and match prints with Mark as her model. Iya, in turn, transforms a plain aquarium into a playful home for fish through some clever painting tricks.

It’s another Saturdate this February 21 in Taste Buddies, 8:45PM on GMA News TV.

February 18-24, 2015

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson R16

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

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan R18

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

THAT THING CALLED TADHANA /*JUPITER ASCENDING

R-16

PG13/ *PG13

Angelica Panganiban, JM De Guzman/ *Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum 11:30 | 1:20 | 3:10 LFS / * 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

DRAGON BLADE Jackie Chan, John Cusack, Adrien Brody R13

12:20 | 2:45 | 5:10 | 7:35 | 10:00 LFS

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A4 INdulge!

VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

ARTS AND CULTURE

Walking A1 his diving headgear, hugs Girl Giant and carries her to sleep. Yes, he snores too.

That snore reverberated around the city interrupted by didgeridoo as the show capped off with the two Giants bidding the city goodbye and ferried on a barge off Swan River.

While walking in Perth’s CBD, the Diver Giant even leaped over an overpass assisted by a crane. It was a massive

The writer and his family at Perth. spectacle I will never forget. It’s like a fulfilment of my ‘giants’ fantasy.

I describe the show as spellbinding. To experience the giants was just dreamlike.

If my month-old son Magnus could scream from his pram, I know he would. But a quaint smile on his face was enough for me to be reminded of one day telling him the whole story.

The Giants with the cadets.

The Diver Giant finds the Girl.

Collosal Diver Giant sleeps at Perth Train Station.

EDGEDAVAO

13 PROPERTY Make your dream home a reality with Lessandra townhouses H VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

Margarita

OME ownership for average income-earners is no longer a far-fetched reality with Lessandra townhouses, the affordable home option from Camella, subsidiary of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land.

Camella’s Lessandra homes are the answer for homebuyers from the middle-income range who may be daunted by the thought of dishing out a huge down payment and having to deal with large monthly amortizations for their home purchase.

These affordable homes from Camella are within their reach, allowing them to finally get their dream home and actually live in a Camella community. The Lessandra home offer ends the tiring and tedious task of house hunting and keeping an eye on the budget.

Lessandra homes are so affordable the monthly amortization can go as low as P7,168. Making it even easier for homebuyers are Camella’s easy-on-the-pocket home financing options. They can choose the best option for them by discussing it with Camella at 226-3100 or at the Camella offices at Delgar Bldg., JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City.

Camella’s Lessandra townhouses are ideal for middle-income earners not only because it allows them to own their dream home, it also gives them the opportunity to live in a well-appointed Camella community.

They will get to enjoy the facilities that are regular features in a Camella subdivision, such as the clubhouse, a swimming pool, multi-purpose hall, playground, pocket parks, and round-the-clock security.

Camella communities have verdant surroundings, with manicured lawns, robust trees, and nature parks. They have the best curb appeal, another reason why most homebuyers dream of living here.

A professional property management team oversees subdivision maintenance, overall security, and community affairs, giving homeowners more time on their hands to enjoy fully their charmed lifestyle.

Buying a Lessandra home is the best solution to the never-ending cycle of home rental payments that leave tenants with nothing to show for in the future. More often than not, they have tried looking for homes within their budget, but are discouraged when they find home prices too steep.

Abandoning their desire to own a home is unwise especially for those who live in rental homes, because they will find themselves continually enduring monthly rental

payments for years on end.

They also fail to realize they are throwing away good money that they could use instead to buy their own home.

With rental rates these days costing as much as a mortgage payment, it does not make sense for them to continue wasting their money on rent.

They can make the wise move of converting that rental payment into monthly installments towards a Lessandra

home. That way, their dream home will no longer be just a dream, but a reality.

For average income earners, Camella’s Lessandra townhouse are the good news they

have been looking for. These cost-efficient homes allow them to realize their life-long dream of home ownership— the only way to live a happier and more fulfilling family life.

Reana

14 NEWS

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from being fractured,” he was also quoted as saying.

Supporters have been rejoicing over this on social media, saying it was a “categorical” statement that he was running despite Duterte’s use of the word “could” – which denotes tentativeness – instead of “will.”

Dureza posted the news

article on his Facebook timeline and said, “Finally!! For a moment I was not sure whether indeed, he said so. So I personally called him to re-confirm.

It’s a yes!”

There was still no categorical announcement from Duterte as of press time. Edge Davao

AFP chief hopes that the truth will come out once the Board of Inquiry comes out with its findings. (PNA)

consisting of the auditorium (P100 million), indoor gym and multi-purpose building (P50 million), track oval, lightings and outdoor sports (P50 million) and road leading to the sports complex (P50 million).

Ungab said the auditorium, indoor gym, and multi-purpose building and road construction is now up for bidding. On process is the bidding for the track oval and outdoor sports.

Ungab said it was Mayor Duterte himself who first brought the idea of building a modern sports facility for the people of Davao several years back.

the members of Kagan tribe in the city to an assembly to find out if they really want Sudagar to sit as the IPMR in the City Council.

He said if the whole tribe in the assembly will say they want Sudagar to sit as IPMR, he will accept it.

The mayor said that said he also intends to talk to Sudagar to ask if the selection process was really fair.

He said he noticed in the selection that all the Baragwas or council of elders in the 37 Kagan communities were all members of Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, which is his political party Duterte said he does not want it to appear that the party will monopolize the positions in government. Armando B. Fenequito Jr.

ment of the fallen SAF men.

And despite their differences in their account of the Mamasapano incident, the

indicating, among others, specific strategies to ensure the sustainability of the sports complex.

Earlier, city administrator Jesus Melchor V. Quitain said the fund for the project is ready. “It is just a matter of implementing the plan and building the sports complex,” he said.

Ungab, for his part, said the budget allocation was already included in the General Appropriations Act 2015 and that construction works for the sports complex will commence either in May or June this year.

The first phase of the project will cost P250 million,

against her. There is a vacuum in the city council,” he said.

Earlier, Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte said the NCIP and tribal chieftains of the different IP tribes of the city made a resolution asking the Council to reinstate of Mambo-o on a holdover capacity.

Paolo said the Council will adopt the resolution because there should be no vacuum in any government position. The IPMR has been vacant for a month after Mambo-o’s term expired last January 10.

He said the NCIP also informed the Council that if no complaint is filed against Sudagar by today, it will issue a COA to her.

Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte had earlier said he will call

from 4Ps, the other services that are being provided are Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) which provides income opportunities and Social Pension Program for the indigent senior citizens.

The other programs and projects implemented were construction of day care centers, Modified Shelter Assistance Project, Emergency Shelter Assistance, Supplementary Feeding, and Cash-For-Work.

She added that such services were provided to the poor communities to ensure that prior to signing of peace

process the aid programs and services are in place.

“Continued armed conflict would [reverse] the investments on the education and health of 4Ps,” Secretary Soliman explained.

She further said that such should be given careful analysis because more children will die not only due to bullets but also of hunger and be deprived of proper health care and education that can prevent a brighter future for them as a possible consequence of the disruption of peace process.

(PNA)

dispute to international arbitration.

But for Yao, who was the Philippine Special Envoy to China for Tourism and Cooperation during the previous administration, the current situation of the Philippines and China is just a “lovers’ quarrel.”

“Right now, it’s a lovers’ quarrel; tomorrow it will be over. Hopefully it will happen in the near future,” said Yao. “I’m very positive it will be over. We don’t have any bad relations with China anyway. And we are neighbors. There’s a Chinese saying: Your near friend is better than a far relative,” he added.

The Filipino-Chinese tycoon pointed out that the close relations and the longtime economic ties of the Philippines and China are actually an advantage to work better together.

“We have trade relation with China since the Ming Dynasty. They are coming to the Philippines because of our close distance to them.

Since then, China is a good friend to the Philippines,” he said.

“The only thing happening now is our claim on the Spratly [Islands],” he added.

“We have claim, they have claim, too. Put that aside, that [dispute] will never happen.”

“Don’t get me wrong; the claims should be there, but set it aside,” he clarified.

In his view, countries with claims over the disputed territories can work together to explore the prospects of the area.

“Why we have dispute over that area? Because there’s something that we don’t know. They say there’s oil, then let’s explore it and

operate it economically,” he said.

During the World Economic Forum on East Asia which was hosted by the Philippines in 2014, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. Del Rosario urged countries which are involved in the dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) not to take unilateral actions as this will worsen the space for cooperation.

Meanwhile, with the celebration of Chinese New Year this year, Yao wishes the tensions between the Philippines and China to be over and also for the two countries to continue to improve their bilateral relations, particularly in terms of economic ties.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that China remains on the top three trade partners of the Philippines.

Though final imports data are yet to be released next week, Philippine exports to China for 2014 reached USD8 billion, growing by 14.4 percent from 2013’s USD7 billion worth of exports to China.

Also last year, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua told reporters at the sidelines of a meeting with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) that China wants to be the Philippines as its largest trading partner; eyeing more imports from the Philippines, particularly agricultural products.

Former Ambassador Yao is also the current president of PCCI, the country’s largest business organization. (PNA)

street posts, Huang said the council is planning to assign uniform colors in all buildings and establishments inside the Chinatown area.

“This will give uniformity,” he said, adding that the council is still finalizing the color.

The council is also crafting the draft of the development plan for Chinatown.

The Davao City Chinatown Development Council was created in 2013 after former May-

or Sara Duterte-Carpio signed Executive Order No. 12 to assist the City Government in the formulation and implementation of policies, programs, projects and activities in the development of Chinatown area as defined in the city ordinance.

The creation of the council “aims to empower and institutionalize the participation of the Filipino-Chinese community in the city’s development

process, starting with the development of their very own Chinatown.”

It is said that the development of the Davao Chinatown is envisioned to accelerate urban renewal, localized solutions to problems specific for a particular community, and transforming the historical area into a world-class tourist and investment destination befitting the city. CHENEEN R. CAPON

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blast, bacterial leaf blight, sheath blight, stem borer, and green leaf hopper.

These new lines of rice varieties had been released as early as 2011 but its adoption had been very low,» said Thelma Padolina, senior consultant of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Padolina said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is now conducting a National Cooperative Testing to evaluate to engage farmers in field testing and evaluation of elite rice lines through multi-environment trials (MET).

Traditionally, elite lines are evaluated in one location only and when assessed varieties in just one location, the performance of the variety could not be fairly generalized.

Some released varieties may be good at one location but perform poorly in other sites. MET will try to bridge this gap in testing rice lines,” Padolina said.

Rogelio Cabunagan, IRRI senior associate scientist said that in boosting the country’s rice production, it is important that farmers will adopt and plant recommended high-yielding nextgen varieties.

The process of acceleration must start in the eval-

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Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service Case No.2013-XI-00384 RICARDO A. ARANDA, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

uation site. In the participatory varietal selection [PVS] farmers are given right to choose their preferred varieties,» Cabunagan said.

PVS is an approach used in choosing new rice varieties that engages and offers rice farmers the chance to observe and choose varietal traits are appropriate in their location. Farmers partner with rice breeders in identifying desired traits.

Cabunagan said that through PVS a particular variety is being scrutinized from vegetative to ripening stage with farmers using their own indigenous knowledge and experience.

There are varieties that are high-performing in Luzon but may not be performing well in Visayas or in Mindanao. Ibang farmers gusto nila nakalitaw ang uhay ng palay pero and iba gusto nila nakatago sa flag leaf ang uhay dahil maraming ibang maya sa area,” Cabungan said, He said the through the PVS the performance of next-gen varieties will be evaluated based on a specific location for farmers to assess and choose which varieties he would like to plant.

“Aside from high yield, desirable traits are tolerance to specific pests and diseases common in a cer-

tain location, ability of the variety to grow and flourish in distinct conditions, and market demand for aroma, texture, or grain length,” Cabangan said.

DA Region XI Director Remelyn Recoter is optimistic that the intensified demonstration on next-gen rice varieties will enhance the performance of rice subsector in the region. Several next-gen demo farms are now being established in Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte.

Volume of production of rice in the region has increased 421,692 mt in 2013 to 452,267 mt in 2014 with a growth rate 7.25 percent.

With the use of certified and high-yielding seeds we hope that we can further improve the performance of rice production in the region,” Recoter said. (Noel T. Provido - DA XI ) Rice Scientists Thelma Padolina of DA-PhilRice (left) and Rogelio Cabunagan of IRRI take a closer look on the list of next generation rice varieties during a meeting held recently in Davao City. Several demonstration farms are being established across the country for farmers assess the potentials of the listed rice varieties. Photo by Che Palicte - DA XI

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which certificate will expire on March 12, 2015. In the petition filed on February 6, 2015, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MARCH 04, 2015 at 09:40 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

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

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 6th day of February 2015 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

VOL. 7 ISSUE 240 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - 21, 2015

O

CLASH OF THE TITANS Luisita-Canlubang rivalry heats up at PAL Interclub

NLY two teams have won the Philippine Airlines Interclub Seniors golf championships in the last 14 years.

The storyline will most likely be the same when Luisita begins its title defense against old rival Canlubang Thursday at the Mactan golf course in Lapu-Lapu City.

Luisita won five straight titles from 2001 before Canlubang took seven of the next nine editions.

Luisita, which is gunning for its 16th crown, is fielding an almost intact lineup. Two of its key players, however, are battling health issues.

Eddie Bagtas, who powered the team to victory in Bacolod last year, skipped practice Wednesday after his blood pressure shot up to 170 over 90.

Pepot Inigo, on the other hand, was still recovering from the flu and might be fielded only in the last two rounds.

After an absence of two years, Tommy Manotoc is returning to action for Canlubang, but he may have to

bring his A-game to foil Luisita’s bid for back-to-back crowns.

National seniors champion Abe Avena, one of Canlubang’s top gunners, failed to get the doctor’s clearance to play. He suffered a rib injury following a vehicular accident two weeks ago in Manila.

Aside from Bagtas and Inigo, Luisita is made up of Francis Gaston, Richie Garcia, Seve Roxas Chua, Lino Magpantay and Bong Sison.

Manotoc, who came here Sunday, will be backed up by Dave Hernandez, Rolly Viray, Mari Hechanova, Tony Olives, Luigi Yulo, Bing Bunye and Rene Unson.

With both teams nursing personnel problems, the fielding of players will play a vital role in the tournament.

Each team is allowed to field four players each round with the top three scores to count. However, each player is allowed to play only two rounds.

Last year, Luisita overcame a two-point overnight deficit to beat Canlubang by two at the Negros Occidental

Knicks’Melo to have season-ending surgery

C

ARMELO Anthony will have season-ending surgery on his left knee.

The New York Knicks announced the decision Wednesday.

President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson said a timetable for Anthony’s recovery couldn’t completely be determined until after the surgery, but early indications were that he could be back on the court in four to six months, which would have him ready for training camp.

Jackson said he anticipated the procedure, which will include a left knee patella tendon debridement and repair, would be performed this week. ‘’It’s obvious that he physically can’t do the things that he’s capable of doing, so this is a necessary step for him to take, I think, in order for him to get to the level that he’s capable of getting to,’’ coach Derek Fisher said.

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Anthony has had pain for most of the season but continued to play despite the Knicks’ league-worst 10-43 record. He was able to start in Sunday night in the All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden but appeared to be struggling, scoring 14 points on 6-of-20 shooting.

Jackson said he talked to Anthony last month, after he had missed six straight games, about scheduling the surgery - though said the Knicks were comfortable with Anthony taking part in the All-Star Game. ‘’I had a meeting with him when we were in London and we discussed this process of having the surgery sooner than later,’’ Jackson said, ‘’because we know that the process can take some time for rehab and getting back on the court and we wanted him to be able to make a full recovery and be ready for this coming season.’’

HE Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet is pushing on as scheduled in Mati City on February 24-28.

The Department of Education 11 made the confirmation after being assured by Mati City Mayor Carlo Rabat that the local government that security will be tightened following the attack by NPA rebels last February 15.

With that, the green light is on for the Davraa’s return to Mati City whose biggest acclaim to sports is its hosting of the 2003 Mindanao Friendship Games under the late Olympian Mayor Francisco Rabat, uncle of Mayor Carlo and Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat-Gayta.

The Rabats have time and again proven their love for sports.

Carlo is a tennis player from his age group days and also played intramurals basketball

PAL SENIORS INTERCLUB. The ceremonial tee-off to kick off this year’s Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Seniors tournament in Cebu City was lead

by PAL President Jaime J. Bautista (center), PAL Senior VP Ismael Augusto

Gozon (right), and Major Gen. Renato Sanchez, general manager of Mactan Island Golf Club. Play starts Feb. 19 till 22. The Regular Men’s Interclub gets underway Feb. 25 to 28.

Golf and Country Club.

Gaston and Sison starred for Luisita with 51 and 50 points, respectively.

Aside from Mactan, the event will be played at the Club Filipino in Danao. The second and fourth round will be played at Club Filipino.

While Mactan is relatively

flat and features narrow fairways, Club Filipino is an upand-down mountain course which puts premium on accuracy and placement.

Luisita team manager Joey Romasanta, who arrived Tuesday night, said his players are in high spirits and are excited to go into battle against

Canlubang.

“They’ve been here since Monday and are raring to go,” said Romasanta.

Eighty-nine teams, half of which comes from overseas, are divided into four divisions: Championship, Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship.

Hotel H20, Travelife,

Boeing International Corp., Business Mirror and GE Aviation are sponsoring the twin events. Other backers include Mareco Broadcasting Network (Crossover), People Asia Magazine, Whealth Inc., Aerospace, Uniglobe Travelware Co. Inc., Tanduay Distillers and Intercontinental Manila.

pine Tennis Association.

Marcen Gonzales, Emmanuel Fuellas, Julian Dayrit and Manuel Balce III along with Chrislyn Sioson, Frances Santiago, Nicole Amistad and Rafaella Villanueva headline the star-studded cast, all raring to strut their wares and fuel their respective title bids in the premier 18-and-under class of the event held in honor of Philta president and Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“With the level of their skills and talent, no one holds a distinct advantage over the other in all categories, guaranteeing fierce action and thrilling finish-

es,” said Olivarez, who also cited Palawan Pawnshop’s all-out support to tennis development.

Sioson, Santiago and Villanueva are also vying in a talent-laden 16-U section that also includes Bettina Bautista, Alexie Bangayan, Mikaela Vicencio and Miles Vitaliano while Cenon Gonzales Jr., Jerome Romualdez, Justin Suarez, Fuellas, Jacob Martin, Marraphael Teng and Manuel Balce III lead the cast in the boys’ 16-U category.

“This Group 2 tournament gives our junior players the exposure they need to earn ranking points and boost their respective games and Palawan Pawn-

shop will continue to support tennis development by providing top-notch tournaments all year-round,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

Alexandra Eala and Gaby Zoleta, two of a slew of rising stars, lead the girls’ 12-U field that also features the likes of Macie Carlos, Kryshana Brazal, Bettina Catoto and Justine Maneja while Miguel Vicencio, Marc Jarata, Edgardo Angara and Daniel Estanislao are expected to crowd it out for the boys’ 12-U diadem.

Meanwhile, Cainta will host next week’s led at the Brookside Hills Tennis Club set Feb. 27-March 2.

Top juniors clash as ELO Cup netfest unwraps

T

HE best of the best in junior play and a host of upcoming stars take center stage beginning yesterday as they slug it out for top honors and ranking points in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala E.L.O. Cup regional age group tennis presented

by Technifibre at the Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City.

More than 300 players are seeing action in the five-day Group 2 tournament serving as the sixth leg of the 38-stage circuit put up by the country’s leading pawnshop, remittance and claim center and sanctioned by the Philip-

The DAVRAA must go on

during his AteLET’S GET IT ON neo de Davao University days.

Mati’s hosting of the Davraa was in peril after the Sunday evening attack on Mati City Police Station by some Neil Bravo 50 NPA rebels.

Whatever the motive of the rebels is in staging the post-Valentine attack can only point to a destabilization plot.

Whatever, it won’t stop the city from stag-

ing the region’s biggest sports conclave.

With the green light on, Mati City should now focus on preparing itself for some 6,000 student athletes and officials from Davao City, Davao del Sur, Digos City, Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and host Mati City who will converge for five days of sporting battle.

Mati’s hosting of the Davraa should boost its flourishing tourism industry. Having hosted the Friendship Games in 2003, the Davraa should be nothing new for the sports-crazy city although ties have vastly changed since then.

Mati has emerged as a favourite weekend destination for urbanites from Davao City with its beaches that’s perfect for surfing and adventures like flying ultra-lite planes.

Delegates going to Davraa are actually gearing up to make it a family picnic adventure as families of athletes have made their weekend plans timed with the event.

Sports, the universe’s greatest equalizer, should not be made a vehicle for destabilization by groups advocating revolutionary reforms. Instead, we must support it for our children.

Everyone is invited to this sports spectacle.

Even cadres from the NPA can come and watch.

Just leave your weapons behind.

The only one you’ll need are your hands to clap and your happy faces to cheer.

Let the games be peaceful.

Postscripts: Listen to “Let’s Get It On with Neil Bravo” on 105.9 Balita FM every Saturday 8-10 a.m.

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